《21st century Goguryeo》


 Chapter 1: Prologue

    <h4>Chapter 1: Prologue</h4>


    August 15th, 2015 ¨C Kim Il Sung Square, Pyeongyang


    Red mes bursted out suddenly with a loud firing sound that could almost rip eardrums. The huge tform by the Kumsusan Pce of the Sun had turned into a mess, and 50 people on the tform fell off bleeding. The numerous people who watched this shocking scene stared in horror while press from all over the world shoved their cameras in, trying to get more out of this disastrous situation. The most shocking of all these people copsing into this burning mess were none other than President Ahn Hyung-jun of South Korea and Chairman Kim Jong-un of North Korea.


    While confronting the tense rtionship between them, in 2015 South Korea and North Korea were moving towards a better rtionship with each other by ceasing violent acts towards one another, by celebrating their 70th year of peace and independence of the Korean Penins, and by letting the world know about this peaceful performance. However, this performance ended as a horrible disaster by the unknown bombing attack, causing President Ahn Hyoung-Jun¡¯s death, Chairman Kim Jong-un¡¯s injuries, and the death or serious injuries of senior figures from both South Korea and North Korea.


    After the bombing attack at Pyeongyang, North Korea dered unteral diplomatic cessation and put all their efforts into finding the terrorist. However, the friction between politicians grew worse with the absence of the Chairman Kim Jong-un, who was in aa. His absence seemed to almost cause a copse of the whole system. Meanwhile, South Korea was no different ¨C the whole nation dered an emergency with the sudden death of President Ahn Hyoung-jun, while also initiating ¡°DEFCON 2¡± in case anything else were to happen.


    In this situation where the second Korean War could happen at any moment, what will happen to the Republic of Korea...?

 Chapter 2

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    September 15th, 2015 12:00 ¨C Seoul, Republic of Korea


    The whole world was in shock. The bombing attack in Pyeongyang back on August 15th was traumatic for both South Korea and North Korea. North Korea announced that the revealed terrorists, who turned out to be the survivors of the purge from when Chairman Kim Jong-un sat on his throne, were all shot dead. However, press from all over the world ¨C including South Korea ¨C did not believe the announcement. Since North Korea had been unreliable, press everywhere spread all kinds of conspiracy theories and trash news.


    Nheless, North Korea¡¯s unteral diplomatic cessation notification and their unreasonable rejection of South Korea¡¯s terrorism investigationmittee led to a tense rtionship with possibilities of war. The situation created a decrease in capital from the foreign investmentpanies. Combining that with KOSDAQ and KOSPI hitting rock bottom and 10 million yearly K-POP tourists no longer visiting the country, numerous markets fell apart, causing major and minorpanies to downsize or face bankruptcy.


    The working ss said that this national financial crisis was nothingpared to the IMF crisis in 1998. On the contrary, the upper ss tried to leave the country with their money as they did not believe that the crisis would end soon. The countries nearby northeastern Asia seemed obsessed to watch the Korean war outbreak, using the crisis to spread conspiracy theories and rumors for their own profit.


    Not only did South Korea seem to have enemies everywhere, but theirrgest plight was the absence of their president. Despite that Prime Minister Oh Yong-guk stepped in as the Interim President after President Ahn Hyoung-jun¡¯s death, it seemed to show South Korea¡¯s limit in this situation. Thus, the election for the 19th president was settled on October 19th, 2015, by the second use of Article 68 of the constitution. Both the Korean citizens and presspanies from around the world were curious about who would be the next president of the unstable country of South Korea.


    * * *


    October 2nd, 2015 16:00 ¨C Computer Engineering Lecture Hall of Daehan University at Seoul, Sungbook-gu, Anam-dong


    ¡°Ah, it was at thest stage...e on, Kim-puter! What happened to you? It¡¯s probably my military service that¡¯s tanking my skills, darn it.¡±


    The third-yearputer engineering major at Daehan University, Kim In-jik, could not focus on anything the professor was saying because of what happened the night before. When the Pyeongyang bombing attack happened on August 15th, Kim In-jik was the Sergeant of Artillery Brigade 4, which had only three days left before discharge. When the attack happened and the nation dered DEFCON 2 and the state of emergency, every soldier¡¯s service that was about to be discharged ¨C for all the armies ¨C was extended three more weeks. Because of this, Kim In-jik was forced to waste almost a year since he would not be able to apply for readmission to the university again.


    Thankfully, the universities were aware of the situation and extended the application deadline for anyone facing the service extension like Kim In-jik. He could apply, be epted, and be able to go to school again.


    Since high school, Kim In-jikpeted in the white-hackerpetition to win the championship not only in the nationals, but also worldwide, so he was known as ¡°Kim-puter¡± in the industry. Not only was he admitted to Daehan University, one of the top universities in the Republic of Korea, as aputer engineering major, but he was considered a top student. This programmer, who would be in the top ten in South Korea, was disappointed in himself for not being able to hack into the security system. He med the length of his military service as he looked out the window frowning.


    Later, the ss was over and all the other students were on their way out of the lecture hall.


    In-jik¡¯s bestfriend, Kang Kyoung-ho, called his name with a cheesy smile. ¡°Hey In-jik, I got a blind date today, reallyst-minute! Haha, this brother got this just for you, so you better dress up for it. You, me, and Jae-yun, its three on three, triple blind date.¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± In-jik repliedzily in a simple response, looking at the window.


    ¡°What? These girls are massmunication majors, and the prettiest in their major! What is wrong with you today?¡±


    Knowing that In-jik is usually obsessed with blind dates, Kang Kyoung-ho looked at Jae-yun pointing and circling his finger around his head, trying to say that he is crazy.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going home now.¡±


    Suddenly, Kim In-jik packed all of his stuff and quickly left the lecture hall.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s a blind date, with the best ones!! You can¡¯t just leave like this!!¡±


    As In-jik left the lecture hall without even giving him a chance to catch him, Kyoung-ho yelled at him, but he did not get any response back.


    ¡°Jae-yun, what¡¯s wrong with him? Did he eat something bad?¡±


    ¡°Who knows? That¡¯s not what¡¯s important right now. We gotta get a substitute for him.¡±


    ¡°Of course we should, we can¡¯t blow this opportunity just because of In-jik. Let¡¯s go look for a substitute.¡±


    The two friends left the lecture hall hoping they would not have to blow off this opportunity just because of Kim In-jik.


    * * *


    October 2nd 2015, 23:00 ¨C Kim In-jik¡¯s ce at Seoul Kangbook-gu, Sooyou-dong


    Right as he came back from school, Kim In-jik sat down on his desk and stared at his monitor for five hours straight, trying to grapple with the problem.


    ¡°Ah, what the hell is wrong?¡± Kim In-jik mumbled as he passionately typed into his keyboard. On the monitor, there were numerous signs and numbers going up and down, with some numbers infinitely repeating to appear and disappear again. ¡°Please, just a little bit more, more! I¡¯m going to break into this today!¡±


    As he typed into the keyboard unbelievably fast, the monitor stopped and showed the phrase that he had been waiting for: the word ¡®Sess.¡¯


    ¡°Yes! I AM the Kim-puter nheless! Hahaha!!¡±


    Screaming in joy, he jumped onto his bed with his arms wide open. In-jik tasted the joy of aplishment for a bit, then all of a sudden he got up and looked at his watch.


    ¡°I have 10 minutes before the security and investigation system runs.¡±


    Facing the time limit, Kim In-jik pressed enter and a familiar logo popped up on his monitor. It was NASA. He broke into the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration securitywork system. He¡¯d been preparing for this for a month after he was discharged from the army, and he just entered the system going through 29 countries. He was caught on thest securitywork yesterday, but he just made his dream came true today.


    ¡°Shall I start by shopping?¡±


    As Kim In-jik checked out the data from NASA Database, something caught his eye. Seeing this, he started to quickly type on his keyboard again, digging into his new challenge.


    ¡°Five minutes until the security system gets me! Is this possible, or should I at least try now?¡±


    As the words ¡°Go¡± and ¡°Stop¡± debated in his head, his hands were speeding up to type. In a short moment, he found an oasis following NASA¡¯s satellites and connectedworks.


    ¡°Area 51.¡±


    The famous Area 51 in the state of Nevada, the official name of the Nellis Air Force Base, the secretive ce where all the research on aliens is going on.


    ¡°Woah, oh my god!¡±


    Kim In-jik screamed shortly, his heart was beating fast and his hands were shaking on his keyboard. However, knowing that he is running out of time, Kim In-jik downloaded any data that he could get from the database.


    As much as he was excited to ess the NASAwork with information pertaining to Area 51 through 29 countries, he started to get scared of it too. Area 51 was so secure that they were known to shoot even their own citizens if someone came too close.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to get killed by a secret agent from the States for this... right?¡±


    Being paranoid in his thoughts, Kim In-jik stopped the downloading process and quickly got out of the Area 51 database. He picked China as the initiating point for the hack, then he went through 29 countries to get in ¨C he was confident that they wouldn¡¯t be able to chase him down. However, he was still anxious thinking he might have touched something way too big for him. He moved all of the downloaded data onto a USB, then put it into hisptop bag.


    ¡°It was fun in the beginning when I got the challenge to break in, but I¡¯m a bit scared once I got this. Maybe I should not have done it...? Ugh, I¡¯m tired, let¡¯s just go to sleep now and think about it tomorrow.¡±


    The five hours of looking into a monitor and typing into the keyboard having anxious thoughts tired him both physically and mentally. Kim In-jik passed out as heid down on his bed.


    * * *


    October 9th, 2015, 18:20 ¨C 2nd Floor Break Room in Daehan University at Seoul, Sungbook-gu, Anam-dong


    Every channel on TV was focusing on who would be elected as the 19th president. Knowing how serious the situation is and how important this election and elected president will be for the future of the Republic of Korea, everyone from young elementary school kids to centenarians were focused on the election more than anything.


    The program had an announcer and two panels were talking about election exit polls. Even the TV installed at 2nd floor break room in Daehan University broadcasted the election.


    ¡°Finally, the election for 19th president has ended. Ah! The result from exit poll has just came out. It seems like ording to this result, the situation is a bit different than how everyone expected it to be. Take a look at this exit poll results first.¡±


    Sitting in between two panels, the female announcer pointed at the graphs and exined the current situation with the exit poll.


    ¡°ording to the current exit poll, Oh Dong-gil, the candidate from the leading opposition, the Alliance party, is in the lead at 44 percent, and Seo Hyun-woo, the candidate from the One Revolution party, is running up as a close second at 42 percent. And unlike many people¡¯s expectations, Yeon Gil-soo, the candidate from the current ruling party of the Korean Welfare party, is at 13 percent. Now, how do you think this happened, professor Ahn Kang-hyun?¡±


    The female announcer asked the panel sitting on the left of her. He seemed to be a middle-aged, balding man.


    ¡°This is how I expected it to be. The reason being, the current ruling party is going through the consequential reactions of the citizens fromst year¡¯s Pyeongyang bombing attack. At the start of 2015, they were forming a peaceful state between the North and the South, even starting talk about unification. Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, the bombing ended up as the worst situation since this country was built on both economics and security, right? If you look into the society, the citizens are going through major issues right now because of this. In situations like this, there will be barely any citizens who are willing to vote for this party. Ehem!¡±


    ¡°I see. Then, Professor Ahn Kang-Hyun, are you saying that there is a very low possibility of Candidate Yeon Gil-soo being elected as president?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Currently the public sentiment has left the Korean Welfare Party. And tell me, who...¡±


    Kim In-jik watched this on the library television, looked at his watch once, then left the library break room and went downstairs. He was exhausted. Ever since he seeded at the hack, he couldn¡¯t sleep, tempted to look at the data he had on his USB. Yet, he predicted the worst would happen if he opens it, and the anxiety he was getting from this stopped him from opening it every day. It had turned him into a half-zombie; he had dark circles going down to his cheeks.


    As he was leaving the library building, someone called Kim In-jik.

 Chapter 3

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    October 9th, 2015, 18:10 ¨C Daehan University at Seoul, Sungbook-gu, Anam-dong


    ¡°In-jik! What are you going here? Isn¡¯t today a holiday? I¡¯m just here for the study group.¡±


    It was Kang Kyoung-ho, the friend who initiated the blind datest time.


    ¡°Kyoung-ho? I¡¯m on way out of the library; there was a book I needed.¡±


    ¡°Wow, look how mature you got, In-jik! You really came to school during a holiday for a book. By the way, that blind date was awesome. My partner, Seo Eun-hye, is awesome too. Jae-yun¡¯s partner was really pretty too. Hahaha, you missed out, man!¡±


    Everytime Kang Kyoung-ho would sees In-jik, he would brag about the blind date, taking revenge on In-jik for missing the opportunity. While Kang Kyoung-ho bragged as usual, he noticed Kim In-jik¡¯s face.


    ¡°Look at you! Why are you slowly turning into a zombie? Did something happen to you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Just tell me! I will take care of it, brother. You¡¯re regretting missing out on that blind date, right?¡±


    ¡°Nope, I don¡¯t care about it, but let¡¯s drink if you¡¯re free today.¡±


    Kim In-jik wanted to brag about him hacking into the security system to his friend Kang Kyoung-ho so badly. But he couldn¡¯t tell him that he hacked all the way into Area 51, no matter how close they may be as friends.


    ¡°I heard that even US citizens are killed without warning if they try to enter without permission, and taking data from them is the most serious offense...¡± he thought. ¡°If something bad happened to him just because I told him about it... I can¡¯t let that happen.¡±


    Kim In-jik asked Kang Kyoung-ho to drink together to get rid of this suffocating feeling.


    ¡°Drinks tonight? Sounds good! Lets go to the pub ¡®Tipplers.¡¯ There¡¯s a lot of cute workers there, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go there!¡±Visit website our Listnovel


    * * *


    October 9th, 2015, 23:00 ¨C Tippler Pub at Seoul, Sungbook-gu, Anam-dong


    ¡°Drink, drink! I don¡¯t know what happened, but let¡¯s drink until we die.¡±


    Kang Kyoung-ho, who was very drunk from drinking five pints of beer, yelled at Kim In-jik to drink more as he handed another ss of beer to him. However, Kim In-jik could not get his eyes off of TV, as the 19th president was just elected.


    ¡°It¡¯s been confirmed just now, that out of the 90 percent of the votes counted so far, 45 percent voted for Seo Hyun-woo from the One Revolution party, and he has been elected to be the 19th president of Korea. Oh Dong-gil from the Alliance party, who had been in first ce in the beginning, moved down to second at 34 percent voting rate, and Yeon Gil-soo from the current ruling Korean Welfare party was defeated at 10 percent. Despite that the voting count isn¡¯t done yet, it seems certain to say that Candidate Seo Hyun-woo is elected, and at the same time, it is surprising to see that the result came out so differently than the poll. Now, we will talk to reporter Lee Na-kyoung, who is at the office of the elected candidate Seo Hyun-woo. Reporter Lee Na-kyoung, how is the atmosphere over there?¡±


    ¡°Hi, I am currently at the office of the elected candidate, Seo Hyun-woo. Currently here, even from the outside of the building to the inside of the office, you can hear thousands of people that are screaming for joy, calling the name of the candidate Seo Hyun-woo. There are police on guard because of therge crowd. The press conference for elected Candidate Seo Hyun-woo has just started.¡±


    Elected Candidate Seo Hyun-woo stood on the tform, receiving cheers from his supporters.


    ¡°Hello, citizens of Korea, and thank you. Your warm attention and support has brought me to this ce. Currently, our country is going through a hard time economically, politically, and is in danger of another Korean war. However, I believe we can take this crisis as an opportunity for us to step into a better world for us, together. Didn¡¯t we fight through it in 1998 during the IMF crisis? Didn¡¯t we make world history fighting through IMF in the shortest time, with every one of us together? I dare to say. Because I have you, the people, I will run as the president confidently...¡±


    ¡°Yo, since when did you get into politics?¡± Kang Kyoung-ho asked. ¡°You¡¯re so focused on that TV! Did you even vote?¡± He waved his hands in front of Kim In-jik¡¯s face, annoyed by how In-jik was just staring at the television while they were in the middle of drinking.


    ¡°You think I didn¡¯t? It feels nice that someone I supported got elected. I feel good today, so the drinks are on you, right? Cheers!¡± Kim In-jik turned around from the television and looked at Kang Kyoung-ho, trying to toast with his beer ss.


    ¡°What the ¨C so I¡¯m buying the drinks because you¡¯re having a good day today? Well alright, cheers!¡±


    After a toast that could almost break a ss, they had a good gulp of beer. In-jik did not know if it was because of the good election result or the beer, but his anxiety seemed to diminish as he spent the whole night drinking with Kang Kyoung-ho.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2015, 10:00 ¨C The Oval Office in the Blue House, Seoul, Jongro-gu


    After President Seo Hyun-woo¡¯s voting rate was finalized at 51.3 percent, he started to serve as president right when he was elected. Despite that President Seo Hyun-woo¡¯s inauguration day was supposed to be 70 days from the day of the election, the absence of a president in the country caused his official inauguration along with the start of his term to be confirmed for October 31st. The new president specifically requested the transition team to prepare the inauguration celebration on a small scale.


    President Seo Hyun-woo had his first official task of his five-year term: receiving the report about the August 15th Pyeongyang bombing attack from the investigation team on the day after his inauguration day.


    ¡°Chairman Yoon Eun-gook, what have you confirmed about the August 15th Pyeongyang bombing attack on our side?¡±


    Chairman Yoon Eun-gook was from the investigation team for the Pyeongyang bombing attack. The team was formed while the Prime Minister was in office, serving as the interim for the president who died during the August 15th Pyeongyang bombing attack. He answered the new president¡¯s questions as he looked at the report.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. I will report to you about what has been investigated so far. Due to North Korea¡¯s refusal on visitation and unreliable attitude, we have been working with terrorist experts from in and out of the country and with the National Intelligence Service Team. The first thing we found is that there are strong suspicions concerning Vice Chairman Jang Sung-tak, who is Chairman Kim Jong-un¡¯s uncle. The ambassadors of Switzend and Russia serving in North Korea went missing when Vice Chairman Jang Sung-tak and 16 other people were shot and killed; they were taking care of more money from North Korea and international finance than anyone else. At the time of their disappearance, these finances disappeared at the same time, and by bringing in amand officer from the integrity headquarter with the money, they seem to be able to seed in the bombing attack.¡±


    ¡°Hm, seems to be simr to what North Korea has announced, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes! That is correct. As of right now, this seems to be the most trustworthy information.¡±


    As Chairman Yoon Eun-gook replied, the Head of Security Department, Oh Jang-soo probed the sensitive topic by asking, ¡°Is it possible to have some foreign countries¡¯ participation in this? In my opinion, it does not make sense that they were nning on doing such things, risking their lives, just because they were part of Vice Chairman Jang Sung-tak¡¯s scheme.¡±


    ¡°As officer Oh Jang-soo says, there are definitely some possibilities that some other countries around Korea were part of this attack. First, we suspect Japan¡¯s Prime minister. Abe¡¯s supporters think that Japan could benefit more from a divided Korea rather than Korea being united; however, there has not been enough evidence from them to validate that. Second, there¡¯s China. As a peaceful rtionship continues to grow between South and North Korea, it is hard for China to have as much of influence on North Korea as before. If the rtionship between South and North Korea gets better, China would definitely take a hit economically, politically, and their military would be affected. This is something the Chinese government would not be happy about. However, again, there are lots of doubts and other suspects like Japan, so there is not enough evidence to confirm this.¡±


    Then the President spoke. ¡°I see, Chairman Yoon Eun-gook. I want you to keep investigating deeper into possible rtions between this incident and countries like Russia in the western side, other than China and Japan. We need something to protect Korea and something to stop the possible dangerous actions from foreign countries in order to benefit from our situation right now. Our government promises active support for this, so please contact our Head of the Security Department Oh Jang-soo to let us know anything you need.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President. We will focus on getting more evidence through marginal countries and western countries.¡±


    The conference for the August 15th Pyeongyang bombing attack ended, marking the two-hour period. In the office, there was the President, Head of the Security Department Oh Jang-soo, Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae, and four more people ¨C including Chairman of the Transition Team, Jung Won-jin ¨C who have just arrived.


    ¡°Chairman Jung Won-jin! I appreciate all the work you¡¯ve done for me,¡± the President politely said.


    The warmly smiling middle-aged gentleman replied, ¡°Hahaha, all the hard work is worth it. The pleasure is all mine, Mr. President.¡±


    Chairman Jung Won-jin used to be a member of congress and head of the opposition party, at least he was until President Seo Hyun-woo was elected and asked him to be the Chairman of the Transition Team ¨C an offer that he dly took. He was also a person who warmly worked in politics for the working ss.


    The President asked, ¡°How is the n for administration going for the Transition Team?¡±


    ¡°We are in thest stage of initiating the administration of the different departments. We have divided health and welfare department as two different departments; segregated into the Health Department and the Citizens Welfare Department. We have included the old gender equality and family departments into the Citizens Welfare Department. And as you most importantly mentioned, we have made a new department called the National Institute of Corruption, and have been getting ready to promote a special investigation team that was made in 1948, under Prime Minister Oh Yong-guk.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I hope you can make it happen, as it is one of the promises I made.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, you don¡¯t have to worry about that!¡±


    Thinking about the first task he wanted to make happen, President Seo Hyun-woo prioritized his job as President of the Republic of Korea by investigating and giving punishment to the pro-Japanese people from Japanese colonial era and to terminate any and all corrupted officers, organizations, orpany. For the future of the Republic of Korea, the President knew it was necessary to purge the internal issues now, or else Korea would always stay the same.


    If he resembled any of the prior Korean Presidents, he would not be able to even try to do what he doing. The descendants of pro-Japanese people and bacsh from politics, press, and education would prevent his work. However, in this special situation that Korea is in the right and how much power the President has in all of this, he was able to initiate his political wishes.

 Chapter 4

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    December 1st, 2015 9:00, Cab Conference Room in the Blue House at Seoul, Jongro-gu


    President Seo Hyun-woo, who was elected in the 19th presidential election of the Republic of Korea, has set the 19th government as a ¡°renovating government.¡± It would be a revolutionary government that resolves internal problems and friction, a responsive government thatmunicates both ways, and a hopeful government that gives every citizen equal opportunity.


    The secretary of each department was selected only if they prioritized ethics and were aware of each region of the country¡¯s proficiency. This was announced through the national assembly¡¯s confirmation hearing without any huge problem, and a cab meeting held was moving towards the renovating government concept. Although there were few temporary cab meetings, this meeting counted as the first official cab meeting.


    There were about thirty people gathered in the conference room for the cab meeting, including the President, the Prime Minister, secretaries of departments (such as the Secretary of the National Intelligence Service and the Secretary of the National Institute of Corruption), other government officials, and the press. The meeting was led by Prime Minister Lee Young-ho.


    ¡°Before starting the meeting, Mr. President will greet us with a little speech regarding the governmental policies that we will have from this day.¡±


    ¡°Hello, and wee,¡± The President began. ¡°I appreciate how well everyone has done in the short, one-month transition period, and I thank everyone foring up with the running ns for the newly built government policies we are going to have. Hopefully no one thinks I¡¯m a stubborn boss giving too much work, hahaha.¡±


    The President¡¯s joke loosened up the nervous environment. The actual meeting has started, and the press made sure to capture it so the meeting could be aired in Korea and many other foreign countries.


    * * *


    December 1st, 2015 13:00, The Oval Office in the Blue House at Seoul, Jongro-gu


    ¡°Mr. President, here is the list of corruptions that happened in and out of the countries rted to both public and private businesses that you asked about before,¡± Secretary Ahn Chang-gil said as he showed the list to the President.


    ¡°That¡¯s more than what I expected. I heard you became a member of Congress for the first time. I apologize for giving you all these tasks and making you quit the other position, Secretary Ahn Chang-gil,¡± the President said as he looked at the long report.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t think of it that way. I am doing what I need to do. Not only that, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so. I consider this my most important task ¨C to punish and dispose of those who used what our citizens have done for their own benefit,¡± Secretary Ahn Chang-gil continued saying as he looked at the President. His eyes were full of passion as he thought of his responsibility.


    ¡°Now I¡¯ll exin to you what the National Institute of Corruption¡¯s job will be. The institute is divided into twelve groups, one which leads and five that direct. As of right now, only Group Four is fully formed and functioning. The people scouted for the institute are from various fields and industries, including past prosecutors, police officers, members of the National Intelligence Service, military investigators, university professors, and reporters. Group Four is currently investigating the top 10 from the list, trying to collect evidence. Until the next report, Group Four will be done with the first stage identifying corrupt individuals and start processing the investigation.¡±


    ¡°I can hear the confidence in this. We should end this corruption; the country will only move forward if we dispose of these corrupted people. I hope I can do this until the end of my term. Hahaha, I believe in you, Secretary Ahn Chang-gil.¡±


    Na Sung-tae, the Chief of the Presidential Staff, smiled as he looked at Secretary Ahn Chang-gil. He said, ¡°Secretary Ahn Chang-gil will do great. If any help is needed, the Presidential Staff will always be more than happy to help. If more people are needed, I¡¯ll even help out by being there.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Chief Na Sung-tae, what would I do without you? I can¡¯t do anything without you helping me. I can do anything, but not without you! Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I didn¡¯t think that far, Mr. President. Hahaha.¡±


    Although the conversation was heavy enough to handle the whole country, the meeting progressed with a happy and loose ambiance. The role of the National Institute of Corruption was very simr to that of the Board of Audits and Inspection; however, the difference was that the National Institute of Corruption now has independent judicial power. By having the judicial power guaranteed, investigating corruptions from the past 10 years became possible. As this meeting urred, numerous people involved in the corruptions were trying to run away to different countries or trying tounder their money.


    * * *


    December 17th, 2015 17:00, Kim In-jik¡¯s ce at Seoul, Kangbook-gu, Sooyou-dong.


    The small room stank with the smell of alcohol. Kim In-jik and Kang Kyoung-ho slept until the day ended after a wild night of drinking. They had returned to Kim In-jik¡¯s ce early the next morning. Kim In-jik, who felt like he could pass out for a good few days, slowly zombie-walked to the bathroom with his eyes barely open.


    Kim In-jik touched his head with his left hand, trying to fight the hangover while he tried to remember how they managed toe back to his ce the night before. After leaving the bathroom, he kicked Kang Kyoung-ho, whoid dead-limp in bed, trying to wake him up. He asked, ¡°Kyoung-ho, do you remember how we came backst night?¡±


    ¡°Bro, I don¡¯t know! I almost diedst night because of you. Ugh, you prick! I don¡¯t want to think aboutst night; don¡¯t wake me up!¡±


    Unlike what Kim In-jik expected, Kang Kyoung-ho turned around as he yelled at him.


    ¡°What are you saying? Ah, my head hurts.¡±


    ¡°It seems like Kyoung-ho went through a lotst night because of me...¡± Kim In-jik thought. ¡°Well, shouldn¡¯t matter that much...¡±


    Thinking it wasn¡¯t a big deal, he drank water out of the fridge, then he kicked Kyoung-ho¡¯s leg again. He said, ¡°Hey, wake up. Let¡¯s wash up and order some food.¡±


    Kang Kyoung-ho woke up ring at Kim In-jik. He seemed hungry, too.


    ¡°You¡¯re buying the food, right?¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright. Wake up and get ready. I¡¯m ordering from the Chinese ce; what do you want?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, jjamppong is definitely the way to go for a hangover.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m getting jjamppong as well!¡±


    Their food arrived about 30 minutester. They sat around a small table and started to eat. They started to sweat from the hangover.


    ¡°Mm, this ce¡¯s jjamppong is the best I¡¯ve ever had. The broth is amazing.¡±


    ¡°Of course. There¡¯s rice in the cooker too if you want some.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good!¡±


    As Kang Kyoung-ho ate his jjamppong with rice, he asked, ¡°Now that school is over, what¡¯s your n? Tutor, work?¡±


    Knowing that Kim In-jik had been tutoring high school students in town even before his military service, Kang Kyoung-ho asked if he would continue doing the same.


    ¡°Maybe?¡± Kim In-jik replied shortly, but he hadn¡¯t thought of it much.


    ¡°What should I do? I don¡¯t think I can tutor knowing my personality, so do you know anything interesting?¡±


    Suddenly, Kyoung-ho reminded Kim In-jik about the data he hacked from Area 51. ¡°Kyoung-ho, do you trust me?¡±


    Being confused by his question, Kang Kyoung-ho met Kim In-jik¡¯s eyes as he drank his soup. Then he responded, ¡°Well, who else would trust you if I don¡¯t? Haha. What, you got anything fun?¡±


    Being half-bored and half-confused, Kang Kyoung-ho finished drinking the soup and gestured to ask if he has a cigarette.


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell this to anyone, I could go to jail. Do you hear me?¡±


    ¡°What is it? Give me a cigarette first, then I will listen.¡±


    Kim In-jik grabbed the pack of cigarettes on his desk, grabbed one, then threw the whole pack at Kang Kyoung-ho.


    ¡°I seeded on hacking NASA.¡±


    Kang Kyoung-ho was grabbing a cigarette out of the pack and lit it. As he heard what Kim In-jik said, he dropped his cigarette. ¡°What? Ah, I burnt myself!¡± Registering what Kim In-jik aplished, Kang Kyoung-ho said, ¡°Don¡¯t lie! You know Lee Dong-hyun, who¡¯s two years older than us? He tried to hack into NASA for a whole year with some of his friends from the club, and he gave up. But YOU seeded? Don¡¯t you dare lie to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying. And more importantly, I not only went into NASA, but also into the security system for Area 51 and downloaded some data. It¡¯s been more than two months.¡±


    In that moment, Kang Kyoung-ho opened his eyes so wide they were almost popping out as his body froze.


    ¡°In, In-jik! Really? You really did it? Why are you telling me that now?! What about the data? Do you have that right now? Show me!!¡±


    Seeing Kang Kyoung-ho spit out the words while frozen with shock, In-jik felt his anxietying back; however, he courageously took out his USB drive from his backpack and showed it to Kang Kyoung-ho.


    ¡°This is it. There¡¯s data from Area 51. I haven¡¯t even looked at it...¡±


    As soon as he saw the USB drive, Kang Kyoung-ho took it from In-jik¡¯s hand, took out hisptop from his backpack, and tried to plug the USB drive into hisptop.


    Opening his eyes wide, Kim In-jik freaked out, asking, ¡°Wait, you¡¯re going to look at it?¡±


    ¡°Duh, why did you get it if you weren¡¯t going to look at it? How did you even exist for two months holding onto this and not look at it? I don¡¯t understand you ¨C anyways, you¡¯re a genius.¡±


    Excited, Kang Kyoung-ho turned hisptop on and plugged the USB drive in right away. The monitor turned on, and then he clicked to open the USB drive¡¯s data right away.


    ¡°Woah!¡±


    Hearing Kang Kyoung-ho¡¯s reaction, Kim In-jik got curious too. He came right next to Kyoung-ho and looked at the monitor. His mouth and eyes fell wide open.


    ¡°What are these? That¡¯s awesome!!¡±

 Chapter 5

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    December 17th, 2015 02:00, The Secretary Office in Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States.


    About 20 frightened men were gathered in a huge office listening to a big guy yell at them. They were sitting down, forced into not being able to say a single word. The big guy, who seemed like he would weigh about 120kg, was the chief of the basementboratory in Area 51, Secretary Howard Harley. He just received a report that confidential documents from hisb had been hacked, so he had gathered every department¡¯s agents to learn who was responsible for this.


    ¡°How are you doing your work?! Steven, did you figure out the hacking point? What documents were hacked?!¡± Secretary Howard Harley yelled while pointing at Steven, who was the Head of Security. Secretary Harley was so mad, Steven felt like he might have shot him if he had a gun.


    ??¡±I apologize,¡± Steven responded in a tiny voice. ¡°We haven¡¯t figured out an exact date; however, it seemed like it was about two months ago, and the hacked data includes 15 documents in SS ss and 1 document from the SSS ss.¡±


    Knowing how serious the situation was better than anyone, Steven tried to read Secretary Harley. As Secretary Harley listened to Steven¡¯s report, he tilted his head back with his eyes closed. He did not say anything and kept thinking for a while.


    Steven said, ¡°The most important thing right now is to track down the hacker and destroy the stolen confidential data... it won¡¯t be toote to take care of those people if we do that.¡±


    After taking a moment to organize his thoughts and calm down, Secretary Harley asked, ¡°How did they manage to hack us? We created our own security system that we manage ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Based on what we know so far, the hacker moved through more than 20 countries to get into thework of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ¨C and we¡¯re not sure if it was pure luck or the work of a genius ¨C but he got into our internalwork at the exact moment when we were connecting with NASA¡¯s satellite, H-sc01.¡±


    ¡°Do we have the hacker¡¯s group information?¡±


    ¡°We are figuring out the location of the hacker¡¯s group, and we have teamed up with NASA¡¯s security team to backtrack the route of the hacking. If you could give us one more day, we wille up with which group it is, along with an approximated location too, Secretary Harley.¡±


    Secretary Howard Harley thought for a bit, then raised his right index finger as he said, ¡°Sounds good, I will give you just one more day. Turn everything that you do into first ss security, and I expect you to have that report by tomorrow ¨C if not, all the agents here, including you, won¡¯t ever see the light of day again.¡±


    After Steven and the other agents left the office, Secretary Howard Harley texted someone from his smartphone as he looked at the virtual window, which was an LED monitor.


    ¨C code CH321 situation in ss K, calling Scorpion.


    ¨C code AX001 request received.


    After some simple texting going back and forth, Secretary Harley leaned on his chair and closed his eyes, thinking about the hacked documents.


    ¡°I¡¯m not worrying too much about the SS ss documents, but the problem is that one SSS ss document. It contains information about new technology that hasn¡¯t even been applied in our country... why is this happening when I¡¯m the Secretary...? I¡¯ve got to take care of this in a week. Just a week.¡±


    * * *


    December 18th, 2015 09:00, Kim In-jik¡¯s ce in Seoul, Gangbook-gu, Sooyou-dong.


    The two men, staring at each other with a sloppy expression, stayed up all night checking the contents of Pandora¡¯s box. They were in a state of mental confusion and could not escape. The most mysterious ce on earth, surrounded by all kinds of rumors, built in 1940 in Nevada, United States, Area 51 ¨C it had copious amounts of data concerning aliens and UFOs and research based on these; it exined how the United States was leading the 20th century¡¯s technology because it was all based off of this technology, and ¨C most surprisingly ¨C the new technology had not been introduced to the world yet. All of this was on a USB drive in a small room in Seoul.


    ¡°Bro, I don¡¯t know about anything, but, um, what is it called, the stealthy aircraft technology, we can be the richest people in Korea just by selling this to the government or to somepanies!! Hahaha!!¡± Kang Kyoung-houghed out loud as if he owned the world.


    Kim In-jik¡¯s face slowly turned darker. He regretted hacking for the first time since he started it as a hobby in high school. As Kang Kyoung-ho¡¯sugh got louder, Kim In-jik¡¯s anxiety grew more and more.


    ¡°Shut up and stopughing!!¡±


    Kang Kyoung-ho stoppedughing, then looked at Kim In-jik and seemed confused. ¡°What, why?¡±


    ¡°Do you not realize what this is? This isn¡¯t just a lead from apany. Just like you said, this is stuff that can turn the world upside-down! Having this top-secret information means that we could get assassinated without anyone knowing or spending our lifetime in jail. And you¡¯reughing at this?¡± Annoyed by his friend¡¯sugh, Kim In-jikid down on his bed.


    Realizing how serious the situation was, Kang Kyoung-ho alsoid down next to In-jik. ¡°Assassination? Jail? You¡¯re scaring me! Would they know that you did all this?¡± His dream about being rich turned into fear. He asked In-jik again. ¡°No way. Do you think they could find us? You¡¯ve always been good at this! There¡¯s no way they can find you. How are they going to find you? Don¡¯t worry too much about it!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that. But we do know how important and confidential those documents are... wouldn¡¯t they chase me until I die?¡±


    ¡°What, what do you do then? Turn yourself in?¡±


    ¡°I have no clue. I need to think about it. Oh, and you know you can¡¯t tell anyone, right?¡± Kim In-jik got up to get hisptop on top of the bed and turned it on. Not hearing anything back, he reiterated to Kyoung-ho again. ¡°Don¡¯t say anything.¡±


    Fearful, Kyoung-ho replied back, ¡°You think I¡¯m an elementary schooler? I understand what¡¯s going on. What are you doing with yourptop though? Deleting the data?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just checking if there are any trails I left that can possibly be tracked back to me in the future. I¡¯m just getting anxious.¡±


    ¡°Alright, but don¡¯t delete it, even if you¡¯re getting anxious.¡±


    * * *


    December 17th, 2015 11:00 (16th 21:00 in Nevada), The Secretary Office in Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States.


    Steven, the Head of the Security Department, seemed a little better than yesterday when he was showing his report to Secretary Harley.


    ¡°The final hacking point was found in South Korea. We¡¯re preparing the list of people in Korea who could have potentially done this, and we¡¯re also checking for any hacker groups that may be visiting Korea.¡±


    ¡°Korea? Not China, Russia, or ISIS?¡± Secretary Harley could not believe what Steven was telling him. He started to read the report in more detail. ¡°Why would Korea do that?¡± Considering the United States¡¯ alliance with Asian countries ¨C and how Korea is the most reliable out of those countries ¨C Secretary Harley was not able to find any reason why. After he finished reading the report, Secretary Harley said to Steven, ¡°Look for the evidence anywhere ¨C from government to private securitypanies, hackers, anyone rted that¡¯s been staying in Korea for more than three months. Anything is fine, but we have to finish this case in one week.¡±


    Secretary Harley took a Cuban cigar from the box and lit it. After smoking a few puffs, Secretary Harley continued talking, but quietly. ¡°Once we get all the information about the hacker, Scorpion will take care of the rest.¡±


    Since Secretary Harley mentioned Scorpion, Steven realized the situation was more serious than he thought.


    ¡°I apologize for this, Secretary Harley. As Head of the Security Department, I¡¯m aware that this is my fault. I will try my best to recover from this.¡±


    ¡°You better. We don¡¯t know what will happen to Korea once Scorpion starts moving.¡±


    Scorpion is an unofficial assassination organization with about 200 agents from various special forces and governments working internally. They are an S ss assassination organization that not only performs assassinations, but possibly can initiate terrorist attacks, if it¡¯s in the interest of the United States. There were only about 20 government officials in control of them, and Secretary Harley was one of them.


    With Scorpion bing part of recovering the Area 51 documents after the hack, it meant that Secretary Harley wanted to take care of this situation in any way possible ¨C quietly ¨C as opposed to getting the government involved or exploring a political resolution.


    ¡°I can get the report by tonight, correct?¡± Secretary Harley asked.


    ¡°Yes, and I will have the report be as detailed as possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay, you¡¯re dismissed.¡±


    As Steven left the office, Secretary Harley put out the cigar and pressed one on his office phone. ¡°Put me in contact with NASA, please.¡±


    ¡°Okay, just one moment.¡±


    Shortly after, Secretary Nathan Mibolt from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration picked up the phone.


    ¡°Hi Nathan, this is Harley.¡±


    ¡°Hi, it¡¯s been a while, Harley.¡±


    ¡°Has anything been leaked to the press?¡±


    ¡°Not a peep. We would face the worst of it if this came out. We¡¯re making sure that even our internal agents are keeping it quiet. Anyway, I heard that some information about the hacker was found?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve learned more about the hacker; I¡¯m trying to end this situation in one week.¡±


    ¡°I see. I hope this ends as soon as possible. It¡¯s awkward... and embarrassing to say that the hacker went through our system.¡±


    ¡°It should end soon. But just so you know, soon there will be no connection to the NASAwork for a bit. Please remind people about the confidentiality again, and I will call you soon.¡±


    ¡°Will do. I¡¯ll talk to youter, Harley.¡±

 Chapter 6

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    December 19th, 2015 15:20. Incheon International Airport. Yeongjong-do, Incheon City.


    A rugged looking man with an intimidating look wore a ck suit passed the customs inspection desk. Quickly walking out of the airport terminal, his intense piercing eyes scanned each person around him from behind dark sunsses as he took out his smartphone to check something.


    ¨C Code name FH225 confirming arrival.


    ¨C Code name AX001 target information uploadplete.


    ¨C Code name FH225 confirming receipt.


    Five minutester, a ck van stopped in front of the man. He had a brief conversation, then he exited Incheon International Airport and headed to Seoul. The man in the ck suit took out his smartphone again and clicked on a recently received email.


    Address: XX Suyu-dong, 2nd floor. Gangbuk-gu, Seoul.


    Name: Kim In-jik


    Age: 24


    upation: Junior at Daehan University Computer Science Department


    Task: Assassination and destruction of hacking files


    After confirming all the information, the man in the ck suit spoke sinctly to the driver.


    ¡°Grand Hyatt Hotel.¡±


    * * *


    December 19th, 2015 16:00. Busan Port International Passenger Terminal. Busan.


    An Asian man in a dark jumper jacket wearing his beanie low swiftly passed immigration. He introduced himself as a Japanese tourist and headed to the parking lot. Perhaps aware that his appearance didn¡¯t match that of a Japanese tourist, he quickly paced toward the part of the parking lot where a passenger car had been readied for him. He pressed on the car keys.


    Blip! Blip!


    A ck sedan sounded a short rm and shed brake lights to his 11 o¡¯clock. As he briskly entered the driver¡¯s seat of the ck sedan, the Asian man peeked at the rear seat. After confirming the presence of arge rectangr bag, the Asian man took out a smartphone from his pocket and sent a text.


    ¨C Code name SD887 confirming arrival.


    ¨C Code name AX001 target information uploadplete.


    ¨C Code name SD887 confirming receipt.


    Like his ck suited counterpart at the Incheon airport, the Asian man opened his smartphone and clicked on an email he just received.


    Address: Shinara Apartments, Building 105, Unit 701. Geoje1-dong, Yeonje-gu, Busan.


    Name: Kim Guk-jin, Lee Na-gyung, Kim Young-jik


    Age: 55, 51, 18


    upation: Director at Bukyung Construction Corp., Housewife, Senior at Geoje High School


    Task: Assassination


    After checking his email, the Asian man threw his phone down on the passenger seat, started the car, and made his way out of the parking lot.


    District 51 security agents, who finally seeded in tracking down the hackers, reported their information to Awold Harley. Harley had ryed the target information to the two Scorpion agents.


    * * *


    December 19th, 2015 18:00. Kim In-jik¡¯s apartment. Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul.


    Kim In-Jik asked Kang Kyoung-ho, ¡°Hey! Aren¡¯t you going home?¡±


    Kang Kyoung-ho looked like he had no intention of going home, as he had been hanging out and freeloading in Kim In-Jik¡¯s apartment ever since the semester had ended.


    Inexplicably giddy, Kyoung-ho mockingly replied to In-jik with a huge grin. ¡°Nope! I¡¯m going to live here until something fun happens. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you set up with Eun-hye? Aren¡¯t you meeting your girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? We broke up.¡±


    ¡°Already? Well, go find something to do today. I have to meet a parent to discuss a tutoring assignment.¡±


    He had recently made an appointment with the parent of a student he tutored before hispulsory military service. She had asked for tutoring service during the winter.


    ¡°Okay. Bring back some chicken and beer.¡±


    Although Kyung-ho seemed odious and bothersome, Kim In-Jik set out from the door with a cool reply, ¡°Sure!¡±


    As In-jik was getting on Subway 4 to go to Hyehwa-dong, he had an ufortable and ominous feeling. He dismissed it, thinking it was because he hadn¡¯t been on a subway for a long time.


    * * *


    December 19th, 2015 22:00. Rooftop of a building. Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul.


    A man in ck attire and a face mask was on the rooftop of a 10-story building, carefully observing a multi-family residential building 100 meters away. He had been watching for about 20 minutes.


    Shortly thereafter, the man checked his watch. He took out what looked like a telescope and slowly started scanning the building from the first floor to the rooftop on the third floor. The telescope showed transparent imagery, showing the inside of the units with 3D objects and persons in different colors.


    ¡°Four people on the first floor. One dog. Two people on the second floor. One person on the third floor. The target is the person on the second floor.¡±


    To be exact, the target was Kim In-jik. He took out his smartphone, called In-jik, and confirmed through a heat map that it was him on the phone. He swiftly took out a number of objects from his bag and started to put them together.


    What was assembled looked like an anti-tank gununcher, but half the size.


    * * *


    December 19th, 2015 22:00. Subway 4 tform. Hyehwa Station, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.


    In-jik, who was waiting for the train to arrive after his meeting with the parent for the tutoring job, received a phone call. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°When are youing? I¡¯m so hungry.¡±


    ¡°You glutton. I¡¯m at Hyehwa station. I¡¯ll be there in 30 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Okay, cool. Oh right. Everything go well?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Decided to do three days a week starting next week. More pay this time around.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my boy. Working hard to feed his bro. Haha. Anyways, don¡¯t forget what I asked...¡±


    Click! ¡°Hello? What? You hung up on me?¡±


    Bang!!


    The entire subway station slightly shook with the sound of an explosion.


    As In-jik was thinking that there must have been a gas explosion ident, a train arrived on the tform.


    * * *


    December 19th, 2015 22:27. Exit 5, Suyu Station. Gangbuk-gu, Seoul.


    In-jik was met with a big surpriseing out of exit five. The road was full of fire engines passing by with sirens ring. There was ck smoke in the direction they were headed soaring among the lights.


    That...that¡¯s the direction of my apartment.


    As the thought crossed his mind, he took out his smartphone and called Kyoung-ho. All he got was a message that the phone was turned off. As the foreboding feeling grew, he started to run towards his apartment.


    * * *


    December 19th, 2015 22:30. Near In-jik¡¯s apartment. Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul.


    Approaching his apartment past a line of fire engines, In-jik¡¯s eyes expanded in horror. Where there was supposed to be a three-story residence was a pile of building materials with the building destroyed and burnt without a trace. The surrounding buildings were also half-destroyed and falling apart. Firefighters were busy trying to contain the fire, telling nk-faced and lethargic In-jik to get out of the way.


    ¡°Young man! It¡¯s dangerous here! Move away!¡±


    In-jik couldn¡¯t hear a thing. All he heard was a hallucination of Kyoung-ho¡¯s voice crying out for help...the voice in his head grew louder. Soon enough, big tears rolled down his face and he eventually started to wail. ¡°Kyoung-ho! No! Kyoung-ho!¡±


    A policeman taken aback by In-jik¡¯s sudden wailing tried to sit him down and calm him down, probably thinking In-jik was a family member of one of the victims.


    In this madness a phone call came.


    ¡°Hel...Hello.¡±


    ¡°In-jik, it¡¯s your uncle.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°In-jik, listen carefully. Be calm.¡±


    ¡°Yes? What is it?¡±


    ¡°A short while ago, there was a gas explosion ident at your home. Your father, your mother, and your younger brother Young-jik were kill...¡±


    Thud! Plonk!


    In-jik dropped his smartphone and fainted.


    ¡°Huh? Hey young man, wake up! Officer Kim! Call an ambnce!¡±

 Chapter 7

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    December 21st, 2015 21:10. Safe house hospital room, National Intelligence Service. Seoul.


    ¡°Mom? What are you doing there?¡±


    On the shore of a wide and sullenke, Kim In-Jik¡¯s parents and younger brother were trying to get on a small boat. Seeing them at a distance, In-jik screamed. Seemingly unaware of his cry, his parents and younger brother Young-jik slowly rowed their way out to the center of theke. As the fog grew thicker and as the boat with his family began to disappear from his sight, he cried out as if his vocal cords were about to burst. He cried out even louder, but eventually the boat disappeared from his sight.


    ¡°Dad! Mom! Young-jik!¡±


    His friend Kyoung-ho approached him unnoticed, wrapped his arms around the slumped In-jik, and said to him in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t worry brother. I¡¯ll look after your parents and Young-jik.¡±


    In-jik turned his head as he heard Kyoung-ho spoke, and he screamed in horrible surprise. ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    He saw a bloody, ghastly-looking Kyoung-ho. His flesh had disintegrated, so his white bones were visible and his hair waspletely burned.


    ¡°No way!¡±


    His eyes opened. Lights on the ceiling slowly became visible. He thought he felt the presence of people, so he looked around. In-jik saw a middle-aged man and a woman next to his bed. The middle-aged man looked down at In-jik as he woke up, and he started to talk to him after he beckoned the woman next to him to call for a doctor. ¡°How are you feeling, Mr. Kim In-jik? You¡¯ve been sleeping for two days.¡±


    In-jik sat up, propping up his upper body. He asked the middle-aged man, ¡°Who, who are you? Am I in a hospital?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the manager of NIS Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1, An Yeon-wu.¡± The middle-aged man continued talking as he took out an identification card from his wallet and showed In-jik. ¡°Two days ago, we took you from a hospital and brought you here after we discovered evidence that proved the explosions in your apartment and your parent¡¯s home were not simple, gas-rted idents. This is a safe house hospital run by the NIS.¡±


    In-Jik wept, as he was reminded of the deaths of his parents, younger brother, and friend.


    Manager An could not find words offort for In-Jik during this awkward silence. As In-Jik wept, the door opened and Dr. Park Hyoung-wu entered wearing a white gown. ¡°Please try lying down again.¡±


    Dr. Parky In-jik down and examined his pupils, temperature, and other vitals. He turned to Manager An and said, ¡°Manager An, this young man is in a state of immense mental shock. He needs more rest. How about giving him another day to stabilize?¡±


    ¡°I understand, Dr. Park. I¡¯ll start the investigation tomorrow. Excuse me.¡±


    After a brief moment of thought, he left the room after greeting the doctor.


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was waiting outside, asked Manager An as she handed him a cup of coffee, ¡°Manager An, do you really think this case involves that kid?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probable considering the situation...the explosives used at his and his parents¡¯ apartments were high performance explosives rarely found domestically, and the explosions happened at the same time. I checked with the External Intelligence Division, and there¡¯s a good chance that two ss A subjects entered the country. Anything to report on my order?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I put two agents on Kim In-jik¡¯s uncle. Since In-jik¡¯s life is in danger, I asked him to say he doesn¡¯t know about In-jik¡¯s survival. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he cooperated. He also said he¡¯ll take care of the funeral for In-jik¡¯s parents after National Forensic Servicepletes the autopsy. I asked the mobile service provider topletely delete their call records from the day of the incident.¡±


    ¡°And the press?¡±


    ¡°I arranged for the press to call the incidents gas explosions. The interest will probably wane by tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯se back tomorrow. In-jik needs more rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Manager An and Assistant Manager Lee headed to the hospital parking lot after a brief conversation.


    Although In-jik was given a shot of stabilizer, he woke up at 5:00a.m. He opened the window to take in a breath of cold morning air. He couldn¡¯t believe the things that were happening to him; it felt like a movie. As he continued to remember his parents, brother, and friend, he resented the fact that all of this happened because of his hacking. In-Jik wept as he felt the weight of his life being flipped upside-down; he felt lost in his ways.


    * * *


    December 22nd, 2015 18:00. Safe house hospital room, National Intelligence Service, Seoul.


    In-jik and Manager An were sitting on his hospital bed. Manager An asked In-jik, ¡°In-jik, how are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling a little better.¡±


    ¡°Hmm... That¡¯s a relief. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin will be here at the hospital to help. Let her know if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Then let me get to the point. We have evidence that this case isn¡¯t two idental gas explosions. First, the explosives used at both buildings were high-performance explosives not normally found domestically. Next, the explosions were at you and your parents¡¯ apartments. It¡¯s too coincidental; you have to somehow be involved with this case. Anythinge to mind?¡±


    In-jik agonized over what the NIS Manager An told him. He didn¡¯t know whether or not to tell him about the hacking. After sitting for a long time in silence, he looked resolute as he opened up to Manager An and Assistant Manager Lee. ¡°Actually... I think it¡¯s because of me.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Two months ago, I infringed on NASA¡¯s datawork and downloaded a few Area 51 files. I think that¡¯s the cause of this.¡±


    ¡°What? You hacked NASA?¡±


    Manager An and Assistant Manager Lee couldn¡¯t hide their surprise. They looked at each other. The explosions originated from the U.S. government because of a hack? Sensing that the files In-jik hacked could have enormous implications, Manager An continued with his questioning. ¡°Do you have the hacked files?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I stored them on a USB.¡±


    ¡°Can you give me the USB?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s the red USB in my bag. You can take it.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee took out the red USB from In-jik¡¯s bag and gave it to Manager An. Manager An issued an order as he put the USB in his pocket. ¡°Assistant Manager Lee, I¡¯m going to see the Chief. Assign another agent here and keep him safe.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Even before Assistant Manager Lee finished talking, Manager An hastily got on a call as he headed out of the hospital room. ¡°Chief! It¡¯s a first-ss counter-terrorism situation.¡±


    * * *


    December 22nd, 2015 22:00. Presidential Office, Blue House. Jongro-gu, Seoul.


    ¡°NIS Secretary Na Bong-il, what brings you here at this hour?¡±


    The President, who had to return to the office after trying to go home for the night, greeted NIS Secretary Na Bong-il, Counter-terrorism Division Head Kim Sung-il, and Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 Manager An Yeon-wu. They had been waiting for him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. It¡¯ste, but there¡¯s an urgent matter to report.¡±


    ¡°Really, what is it? Please sit down.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. As you are already aware, it¡¯s regarding the explosions in a multi-family residence in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, and in an apartment building in Busan, which urred at the same time.¡±


    ¡°I was briefed on the incidences.¡±


    ¡°The report from Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 reveals that it wasn¡¯t an idental gas explosion, but an act of terrorism by a U.S. government agency.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Please be specific.¡±


    ¡°Manager An of the Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 will report the specific details.¡±


    Manager An took out a report and started to exin at the behest of the NIS Secretary. ¡°I am Manager An Yeon-wu of the Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1. I¡¯ll start the briefing. A U.S. government agency is implicated in this case. The explosions in Seoul and Busan are rted through a student named Kim In-jik. His parents were killed in the Busan apartment explosion, and the exploded home in Seaoul was Kim In-jik¡¯s residence.¡±


    ¡°Really? It does seem rted. How is the U.S. agency involved?¡±


    ¡°The Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 suspected that the explosions weren¡¯t just idents andunched an investigation right away. Based on our assumption that Kim In-jik was deeply involved with the case, we secured his safety, and then we were able to find out a critical fact.¡± Manager An took out a photo of In-jik and In-jik¡¯s USB. ¡°Two months ago, Kim In-jik hacked the NASAwork and downloaded a few files about Area 51.¡±


    ¡°He hacked NASA? He really hacked Area 51?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. The files Kim In-Jik downloaded are in the USB that you see.¡±


    ¡°Then are you saying that the U.S. agencymitted this horrible act to kill the hacker?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°An allied country would send their agents tomit acts of terror to find the hacker?¡±


    Counter-terrorism Division Head Kim Sung-il, who had been listening, broke his silence. ¡°Mr. President, it¡¯s normal protocol and process for intelligence agencies to ask for cooperative investigation in cases like this. If the leaked documents are of utmost importance, then these protocols are ignored. A much more serious independent operation could be employed by the U.S. agency. This type of incident could bring out serious diplomatic issues with United States.¡±


    ¡°What are the contents of the hacked documents?¡±


    Division Head Kim pulled documents from the back of the stack, presented it to the President, and started to exin, ¡°Let me exin. This document...¡±


    The emergency meeting went on for three hours, and the decision was made to respond at a national level considering the importance of the documents. The explosions in Seoul and Busan were reported as idents on TV, closing the case with Kim In-jik as having died on the scene instead of Kang Kyoung-ho. Kang Kyoung-ho¡¯s death was filed as a car ident unrted to the explosions.

 Chapter 8

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    December 23rd, 2015 15:30. NIS Safe House hospital room. Seoul.


    Manager An greeted Assistant Manager Lee and the two agents guarding the door as he handed them coffee. ¡°Working hard, huh? Did you get to go home, Hye-jin?¡±


    ¡°I stopped by early in the morning. Chief Oh and Chief Kim were here since yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thanks for your hard work.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±


    The two strapping agents in sunsses neatly dressed in ck suits answered in short, alert replies. They did not flinch as they guarded the door.


    ¡°How is In-jik?¡±


    ¡°He looks better... But he weeps from time to time.¡±


    ¡°As you¡¯re a woman, Hye-jin... try to console him.¡±


    ¡°Manager An! I¡¯m not just a woman, but a Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 agent.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry. Let me go in and see him.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee hated the embarrassment he felt of learning to treat a woman the same as a man. Manger An, who was letting it go, entered the room after he apologized.


    ¡°Hey In-jik. It¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Doing well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. I hope you can rest easy and get back on your feet.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Manager An pulled up a folding chair next to the bed and sat down. ¡°This case was reported up to the Blue House. It¡¯ll now be handled at a national level. We¡¯ll report that you were killed in the explosion, and that your friend died in a car ident unrted to this case.¡±


    ¡°What? Then Kyoung-ho¡¯s parents won¡¯t know the truth...?¡±


    ¡°Nothing we can do about that. If the U.S. intelligence agency found out that you¡¯re still alive, they¡¯ll try to track you down. We¡¯re after the two suspects responsible for the explosions. We think they¡¯re still in the country. We¡¯re getting you a new identity, and you¡¯ll have to live by that identity for awhile, so be prepared. Okay?¡±


    ¡°A new identity...¡±


    Knowing that he should have died instead of Kyoung-ho, In-jik felt miserable and diffident of forsaking the name he¡¯d used and the people he had known for 24 years.


    ¡°In-jik, I think the living have to live harder in the memory of the dead. After doing some research, it looks like you¡¯re quite renowned in the programming world. It seems like you¡¯re very talented and won many white hat hackerpetitions. What do you think about working in this field?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Seeing In-jik disconcerted at his suggestion, Manager An thought he was too hasty. He continued, ¡°I thought someone as talented as you working with us would be best for you and for the country. You¡¯ll be here for at least a month, so let me know after you give it some thought. Like I said before, let Hye-jin know if you need of anything, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you for your consideration. I¡¯ll give some serious thought to your suggestions.¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll be on my way. Be well.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    As he walked out of the room, Manager An sat down next to Assistant Manager Lee and spoke quietly. ¡°Hye-jin, talk to him as much as you can. Try to talk positively about working with us, understood?¡±


    ¡°Really? Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to recruit him to join us. He¡¯s a renowned expert in the hacking world.¡±


    ¡°Is it okay to do that to someone who¡¯s been through something so horrifying?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? It¡¯s a shame to waste someone with such a talent...¡±


    ¡°Manager An!¡±


    ¡°Sorry; I apologize. Take it easy, Hye-jin.¡±


    As he got up in a hurry to avoid Assistant Manager Lee¡¯s fist aimed at his face, he waved his hands as to say sorry, took out a credit card from his wallet, and said, ¡°Use this to buy anything In-jik needs, and treat yourselves to a nice meal. Keep up the good work.¡±


    ¡°Yes, okay.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going back to the office. Work hard.¡±


    * * *


    December 24th, 2015 13:30. National Security Council meeting. Blue House, Jongro-gu, Seoul.


    An NSC meeting was under way in a meeting room at the Blue House.


    The President and four men, including the Minister of National Defense, the National Security Director, the NIS Secretary, and the Chief Secretary, were looking at the 100¡å TV screen. The screen showed Kang Yi-sik, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the Secretary General of the Armed Forces, and twenty other men in uniform intently watching the chairman¡¯s report.


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs reported, ¡°The army is currently maintaining ¡®Def-Con 2¡¯ around the DMZ, and we are on 24-hour surveince of North Korean troop movements around DMZ and long-range missile silos, utilizing the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command Joint Stars (J-Stars) reconnaissance airnes and satellite. Additionally, the navy has deployed patrol aircrafts and frigates in the forward areas of the NLL in the East and West seas to monitor any deep water and surface incursions. Lastly, the air force has allocated maximum flight hours to early-warning aircrafts to observe movements of enemy airnes.¡±


    As the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs wrapped up his report on the overall security conditions of the armed forces, the National Security Director Oh Jang-soo spoke up. ¡°Mr. Chairman! We¡¯re nning to negotiate with the U.S. concerning the transition of the wartime operational control in a short time. When we do, we could lose the support of ROK-US Combined Forces Command. If this happens, we need to have a contingency n.¡±


    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll prepare a back-up n so there are nopses in our reconnaissance activities. I¡¯ll report the n as soon as it¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Chairman?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing about the soldiers whose mandatory service period has expired?¡±


    Hesitating after the President¡¯s sudden inquiry, Chairman of the Joint Staffs replied after listening to one of his aides. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. President. Due to the issuance of ¡®Def-Con 2,¡¯ all military service periods were extended for one month.¡±


    ¡°Then are they receiving the same monthly sry as they were receiving before?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we need to improve that. We can¡¯t put all the burden of our national emergency solely on the shoulders of the Korean youth in their 20s.¡±


    The President spoke as he looked at the Minister of National Defense. ¡°Minister Kang, please adjust the sry of the soldiers whose service was extended for one month to 1.5 times the national minimum wage, and issue payment as soon as the budget is realized.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    The President continued. ¡°How is Chairman Kim Jong-un doing?¡±


    NIS Secretary Na, who had been listening to the President¡¯s questioning, spoke up. ¡°There¡¯s no improvements to his health.¡±


    ¡°Hmm... Then are there any movements within the North Korean military leadership?¡±


    ¡°It fortunately looks stable, as Chairman Kim¡¯s key lieutenants have seized control of the power struggle. Chairman Kim¡¯s younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, has risen to the center of the power vacuum.¡±


    The power struggle within the armed forces leadership was serious for North Korea after Chairman Kim fell into aa, but it was currentlyrgely stabilized due to the prompt measures taken by those loyal to Chairman Kim and Kim Yo-jong. Kim Yo-jong was being hailed as the next authority figure with the endorsement of the loyalists. The North Korean TV broadcasts praised her every minute of every day.


    ¡°National Security Director?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°If North Korea regained stability in the regime, I think this is the right time to dete the tension between the North and the South. Quickly reach out to North Korea, please.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Ok then, let¡¯s move onto the next issue.¡±


    * * *


    December 24th, 2015 17:30. Presidential Office, Blue House. Jongro-gu, Seoul.


    Upon returning to the office from a three-hour national security meeting, the President, the National Security Director, and the NIS Secretary were drinking tea and having a conversation.


    The President asked, ¡°How is this student, In-jik, doing?¡±


    Secretary Na answered, ¡°Sir, he¡¯s recovering at a NIS safe house hospital currently. Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 is in charge of his security. He doesn¡¯t have health issues, but the sudden deaths of his parents, his sibling, and a friend are agonizing him.¡±


    ¡°It must be painful. Can a normal person imagine losing the family and friends you love in an instant? We must protect him as a national priority. Please take special care of him, Secretary Na.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best to protect him.¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, who was quietly listening while having tea, took out a stack of documents from his briefcase and put it in front of the President, then said, ¡°This is part of the report from the National Science and Technology Institute. It assesses the immediate application of the file the student hacked. These mind-blowing files contain information regarding stealth fighter painting material and structural blueprints, which are immensely valuable documents that can be used for the KF-X development project. Also, the next generation nuclear fusion reactor technology documents are truly amazing files. Especially this one. Look at this document.¡±


    As Secretary Na and the President read the documents Director Oh brought in utter amazement, their attention focused on the one document Director Oh was holding out.


    ¡°Mr. President, this technology is something you can apply to our current industrial economy. This could be more than enough to reinvigorate the stagnant Korean economy.¡±


    The document that Director Oh held out was on extreme battery storage technology. With this next generation in extreme battery storage technology, you can store up to thirty times the lifetime storage capacity in an extremely small unit.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame, but that technology may be a pie in the sky, Director Oh.¡±


    Director Oh asked with a puzzled look, ¡°What do you mean, Secretary Na?¡±


    Secretary Na started to exin, ¡°The current situation is that the U.S. government is sending agents to Korea to assassinate anyone rted to these files. To deceive them, the NIS dered Kim In-jik dead and the hacked files destroyed. If we put these technologies to use on a national level, the U.S. government will officially im that the hacking was done by the Korean government. Then our rtionship with the U.S. government will reach a boiling point, and we¡¯d be under constant pressure.¡±


    After listening to Secretary Na, the President briefly thought about the rtionship with the U.S. ¡®If we use the documents for national projects, we¡¯d be officially admitting that we hacked them. Korea will be more of a subordinate colony to the U.S. than it is now, or it would face economic and military sanctions.¡¯ With this thought, he firmly said, ¡°The Republic of Korea will have our opportunity one day. Let¡¯s keep it under wraps until that day.¡±

 Chapter 9

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    December 28th, 2015 15:30. NIS Safe House Hospital Room. Seoul.


    Knock! Knock!


    ¡°Yes,e in.¡±


    Maybe it was because of the kinship they had developed after practically living together for a week, but Hye-jin entered the room with a rambunctious greeting, offloading stic bags from both hands. ¡°Lots of good stuff today. I even got the banana milk you were craving yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Watching In-jik in agony may have awoken her maternal instincts, as her demeanor towards him changed from an administrative one to that of a sisterly neighbor. As she took out a banana milk and handed it to In-jik, she said, ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Hye-jin sat on the bed and put her hands in and out of her pocket. She watched him drink the banana milk, then curiously prompted In-jik, ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, no!¡±


    After a few awkward minutes passed, Hye-jin made up her mind. She pulled an SD card from her pocket as she started to open up by saying, ¡°Here, take it. It¡¯s a video of your parents¡¯ and your brother¡¯s funeral. There¡¯s a video for your friend¡¯s funeral, too.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t until then that In-jik understood why Hye-jin had hesitated.


    ¡°Thanks, Hye-jin. Really.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you be now. Watch it when you want to, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Hye-jin left. She wanted In-jik to be able to cry his heart out in solitude. If it was up to her, she would like to have stayed so she could console him, but she left the room because she thought her presence could make In-jik feel ufortable.Visit website our Listnovel


    When she came out of the room, she ordered the two special agents who infallibly guarded the room to take a quick break. She kept watch herself outside the room. Soon enough, as about ten minutes had passed, the wailing and crying sounds of a sorrowful voice spread from inside the room and filled the air far down the hallway.


    * * *


    December 28th, 2015 17:30. NIS Safe House Hospital Room. Seoul.


    ¡°Hello, is anyone outside?¡±


    Since In-jik hadn¡¯t called out once since his arrival here, Hye-jin, who was standing by, was surprised to hear his voicee out of the room. She responded, ¡°Yes! What is it? Do you need something?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s not that. I wanted to talk to Manager An, if possible.¡±


    ¡°Is that right? Hold on.¡±


    Hye-jin took out her smartphone, dialed, and handed In-jik the phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Manager An asked.


    ¡°This is Kim In-jik.¡±


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had time to think about the offer. I¡¯ll try the work.¡±


    ¡°Really? It¡¯s a good choice. When I visit on Friday, I¡¯ll bring a new identification card, so let¡¯s talk then. Rest up and hang tight.¡±


    ¡°Okay, got it.¡±


    After staring at In-jik¡¯s face as he hung up and handed the smartphone back to her, Hye-jin said, ¡°So, that makes me your senior? Be warned. I¡¯m known to be a fearful mentor.¡±


    ¡°Really? It doesn¡¯t seem like that to me.¡±


    ¡°Ask the employees outside what kind of a person I am. They¡¯ll probably say I¡¯m scary.¡±


    While Hye-jin went out of her way to make jokes to ease In-jik¡¯s devastated mind during his saddest moments, she had a feeling that couldn¡¯t be distinguished betweenpassion and love that began to settle in the deepest depths of her mind.


    * * *


    December 30th, 2015 13:10. NIS Safe House Hospital Room. Seoul.


    As the hospital room door opened, aputer and unfamiliar equipment entered the room one after another, followed by Manager An and Hye-jin.


    ¡°Hello Kim In-jik! No, from now on, you are Agent Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°What? Namgoong-won?


    After taking out an NIS identification card from a small bag and waving it in In-jik¡¯s face, Hye-jin said, ¡°That¡¯s right! Agent Namgoong-won. That¡¯s your new identity. This is your ID card, smartphone, and this... Wow, are desk agents issued a gun, too?¡± She found a K5-A1 handgun.


    As Manager An hurried to focus on his task, he replied as he sorted through various devices, ¡°With the situation being what it is right now, we have to be careful, so I made a special request to the director.¡±


    ¡°Is that right? Hey, Agent Namgoong, have you ever shot a handgun before?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t shot one before, but it doesn¡¯t look difficult.¡±


    ¡°Look at you! Where¡¯s all this confidenceing from?¡±


    ¡°Ipleted the ROK military service, and I served another month in the reserves.¡±


    ¡°Really? Let¡¯s go to the shooting range sometime. Fulfill a wish. You down?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do something you¡¯ll regret.¡±


    Manager An, who was engrossed in his task, blurted out, ¡°Namgoong-won, Hye-jin is the champion ofst year¡¯s NIS handgun shootout! She has been for three years in a row.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    Hye-jin taunted Namgoong-won as she spun the gun around in circles around him, treating him to a performance of taking the gun apart and putting it back together in less than a minute.


    * * *


    December 30th, 2015 15:00. NIS Safe House Hospital Room. Seoul.


    After he set up his devices, Manager An started to exin the various documents and files he was showing. ¡°As I told you before, you are Namgoong-won from now on. Your personal information is in this document. You absolutely have to learn it.¡±


    Hearing that it contained all the information from his birth to the present day, Namgoong-won read the document carefully.


    Name: Namgoong-won


    Resident Registration Number: 900507-1******


    Age: 25 years old


    Address: Hyosung Officetel Unit 910, XXX Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul


    Education: Shi University Political Diplomacy Major


    Blood Type: O-positive


    Height: 182 cm


    Weight: 73 kg


    Vision: 1.5(Left) / 1.5(Right)


    Personality: Mostly calm, but capable of losing his temper.


    Birthce: Born in Choongnam-do Seocheon. Lost parents at a young age due to a car ident. Spent his youth in Myungsung Orphanage in Daejun...


    Realizing that his new age was two years older than his actual age, Namgoong-won looked at Hye-jin after carefully reading the document and asked, ¡°How old are you, Assistant Manager Lee?¡±


    ¡°Look at you! A fledgling like you already asking your mentor her age? Do you want a proper hazing ritual?¡±


    Seeing Hye-jin awkwardly react in half-jest, Namgoong-won asked again in suspicion. ¡°Come on, tell me. Assistant Manager Lee, no, my mentor...how old are you?¡±


    ¡°Hey rookie! The age of an NIS agent is a ssified, first-ss secret. Especially a woman¡¯s age¡ªit¡¯s an S-ss secret.¡±


    Manager An interrupted, ¡°Says a 26-year-old turning 27 in a few days...¡±


    ¡°Manager An! How can you?¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s your age such a secret that you can¡¯t even tell your colleague?¡±


    Hye-jin rolled up her sleeves, shotsers of fury from her eyes to Manager An, and expressed violent intentions with her fist to Namgoong-won. She almost fell over foaming at the mouth when she heard Namgoong-won say, ¡°Well then, you¡¯re legally the same age as me. Can I call you Hye-jin when we¡¯re not in a professional setting?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Namgoong-won, do you have a death wish?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just joking. Sorry. Ha, ha.¡±


    They met him as Kim In-jik, and he had been gloomy until he changed his name to Namgoong-won. Manager An and Hye-jin looked at each other and smiled after seeing Namgoong-wonugh out loud for the first time.


    ¡°These files are NIS documents, so get familiar with them whenever you get a chance. These are devices you¡¯ll need to do your work. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be operational with basic instructions since you¡¯re a well-known master in the IT field. An agent will be byter for training, so enjoy. Rest up until the end of the year, and ask Hye-jin if you have any questions, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I got it. Manager An! I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    * * *


    December 30th, 2015 16:40. Busan International Passenger Terminal, Busan.


    After parking his car in the parking lot, the Asian man, who wore the same dark jumper jacket and low beanie as when he entered the country, was heading to the customs and immigration desk at the international passenger terminal.


    Another man wearing a ck suit spoke into his radio as he saw this. ¡°This is New Year, New Year. The fish is in the, over.¡±


    ¡°Is the fish edible? Over.¡±


    ¡°The fish is definitely edible, over.¡±


    ¡°Please stand by, over.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s not much time, over.¡±


    The man in the ck suit was tracking the Asian man, maintaining a close proximity to him so he could arrest him at any time.


    ¡°This is Nest, Nest. Let the fish go, over.¡±


    ¡°This is ck Bird. What¡¯s going on? Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Nest. Confirm that the fish has safely left the scene, over.¡±


    ¡°This is ck Bird. Please confirm again, over.¡±


    ¡°This is Nest. Confirm safe departure of the fish, over.¡±


    ¡°This is ck Bird. Is it orders from the top? Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Nest. Affirmative, over.¡±


    The Asian man arrived at the customs and immigrations desk, was asked a few questions, and disappeared behind the automatic doors. Frustrated and wondering why he had stayed awake tracking someone who he was going to let go, the man in the ck suit grabbed and threw his headset as he called someone.


    ¡°Hey, Ji Dong-chul. You bastard! What the heck is this?¡±


    Assistant Manager Ji Dong-chul from the Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 2 Team 2 answered the phone in a terrified voice. ¡°It¡¯s the Director¡¯s orders to just check to see if the terrorist suspect safely left the Busan harbor. Sorry, sir, but did the fish leave?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you punk! He¡¯s gone! I can¡¯t deal with this crap. I¡¯m hanging up!¡±


    NIS Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 2 Team 2 Leader Ma Dong-suk stared at the automatic door by the immigration desk, then headed out to the parking lot.


    * * *


    December 30th, 2015 19:15. Waiting room, Incheon International Airport, Incheon.


    A rugged looking foreigner in a ck suit was heading down the Incheon Airport highway in a taxi from the Grand Hyatt Hotel.


    Another man in a ck suit, who had crept up quietly behind him, was Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 2 Team 1 Leader Cha Tae-sik. Team Leader Cha Tae-sik followed him to Incheon Airport, meticulously watching him until he passed through the departure process. As he saw him leave the immigration desk, he reported through his headset, ¡°This is Yellow Bird. The fish in the river has reached the ocean, over.¡±


    ¡°This is Mother Nest. Confirm again that he¡¯s reached the ocean, over.¡±


    ¡°This is Yellow Bird. It¡¯s gone, over.¡±


    ¡°This is Mother Nest. Return to base, over.¡±


    The two Scorpion agents returned home under the misjudgment that the mission of destroying the hacked documents and assassinating the hacker was a sess.

 Chapter 10

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    January 22nd, 2016 15:30. Seoul Jung-ku Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation Unit 2 Interrogation Room.


    All media outlets from Korea were full of controversy. Its broadcasts were filled with the announcement regarding the corruption scandal of the Navy¡¯s Aegis system and defense industries by Director Ahn Chang-gil from the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation. After three months passed, the Bureau¡¯s discovery and the announcement of the corruption scandal lead to a judgment of all individuals rted to the various corruption charges that were rampant across the previous government. It became a starting point for uprooting it.


    A burly man in a ck suit and white shirt with short hair threw a stack of papers on the table and began speaking firmly to a man in his 60s, who was sitting arrogantly. ¡°Ex Minister of National Defense Jeon Oh-geun, take a look here.¡± The man pointing to the bank statements with an aggressive tone was Manager Kang Chul-joong from the Corruption Investigation Unit 2 Team 1. ¡°Ex Minister Jeon Oh-geun? Ah, it¡¯s too much of a mouthful to call you with your old title as well. I¡¯ll just call you Mr. Jeon Oh-geun. Do you understand, Mr. Jeon Oh-guen?¡±


    Ex Minister Jeon Oh-geun did not move an inch from Manager Kang Chul-joong¡¯s firm tone. He said while smiling slightly, ¡°Manager Kang, what¡¯re you doing? This isn¡¯t the time of the 5th Republic; it¡¯s not the 80s; do you think you can get away with acting like this, mimicking the NIS?¡±


    Manager Kang Chul-joong¡¯s was angered, untied his tie, and continued speaking. ¡°Easy for you to say! If that¡¯s the case Jeon Oh-geun, why did youmit such a crime using your authority, despite it not being the time of the 5th Republic anymore? Why the corruption? Why did you take the citizens¡¯ precious tax dors and shove it up your ass?¡±


    If this intelligence agency had been judged by the government¡¯s normal standards, its interrogation tactics would have crossed a line, and it could have been prosecuted for defamation. However, since Korea was in a state of national emergency, the bureau responsible for investigating corruption scandals was granted the ability to use intense interrogations tactics.


    Ex Minister of National Defense Jeon Oh-geun felt angered by Manager Kang Chul-joong¡¯s words. He kicked his chair, stood up, and began shouting while pointing his fingers as he was being handcuffed. ¡°What? How dare you, you bastard! Do you think you¡¯ll get away with this?¡±


    Manager Kang Chul-joong mmed both of his fists on the table and shouted, ¡°Sit down! You son of a bitch! Do you not understand what¡¯s going on? Do you still think you¡¯re in the past? You fucking asshole!¡±


    ¡°You...I will not...!¡±


    Smack!


    ¡°Gasp!¡±


    Ex Minister Jeon Oh-geun, who was talking back to Manager Kang Chul-joong angrily, fell back and tripped on the chair. He had been punched in the face. Manager Kang Chul-joong rolled up his sleeves, began walking towards the Ex Minister, and then started to kick him.


    Smack! Smack! Smack!


    ¡°Ple, please. Stop...please!¡±


    Manager Kang Chul-joong finally stopped kicking and sat down, but only when Ex Minister Jeon Oh-geun curled up and begged for him to stop. Kang Chul-joong told the Ex Minister, who was bleeding from his lip, to stand back up. A momentter, Manager Kang Chul-joong handed the Ex Minister a cigarette and spoke in a calm tone. ¡°Mr. Jeon Oh-geun, let¡¯s read the room. Do you understand? Let¡¯s take a break to smoke.¡±


    After they smoked their cigarettes, Manager Kang Chul-joong pulled out a couple of photographs from his back pocket and put them near the Ex Minister¡¯s face.


    ¡°These photos, they¡¯re great, aren¡¯t they? So detailed?¡±


    ¡°How...how did you?!¡±


    Ex Minister of National Defense Jeon Oh-geun fell silent from shock and bowed his head. The picture portrayed him and the lobbyist Lizzy Ahn from Lockheed Martin in a condo bedroom at Seorak Mountain.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my style to threaten people like this, but since you couldn¡¯t read the room, I had to resort to methods like this, you know? Mr. Jeon Oh-geun! All the evidence for the corruption scandal exists in these files. Just hand over the list of people that own the borrowed-name bank ounts. If you do, we¡¯ll never reveal these photographs. Wouldn¡¯t adding prostitution charges along with corruption be unwise? You must think about your family, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Ex Minister of Defense Jeon Oh-geun took awhile to think, then asked for another cigarette in a trembling tone. Manager Kang Chul-joong threw him the whole pack and stood up. ¡°Ex Minister Jeon Oh-geun, take some time to think while you smoke. All you need to do is write a list of names on that piece of paper over there. I¡¯ll return in an hour.¡±


    Manager Kang Chul-joong closed the interrogation room door and left.


    Jeon Oh-geun thought back to the time when he held the position of Minister. Back then he had the authority to move billions of dors, and he could enjoy his power. Reality hit, and he saw himself handcuffed in a dark, damp, underground interrogation room smoking. He felt pity and began to weep.


    Recently Congress had passed the bill for transient punishment for defense industry corruption charges, and the sentences now even included allowing the death penalty. He had nothing to lose from revealing all the people involved, but him being charged for prostitution was a different matter. epting bribes and other corruption charges would only be his own responsibility, but if word got out about the affair, then his wife and children would also be affected.


    Ex Minister of National Defense Jeon Oh-geun finished the pack of cigarettes in 30 minutes, and then he picked up the pen and began writing the list of names on the white sheet of paper.


    * * *


    January 23rd, 2016 09:30. Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House President¡¯s Office.


    The President asked the Director of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation, ¡°Is this true?¡±


    The President could not withold his shock from the first report rted to the Navy¡¯s defense industry corruption scandal. It had been more serious than he expected.


    The Director of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation replied, ¡°Yes, sir. This is the list of names that hold the borrowed-named bank ounts we obtained from Ex Minister Jeon Oh-geun.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo was shocked by the number of names in the list, but the fact he saw the names of people he knew¡ªpeople he considered to be his friends¡ªmade him that much more surprised. Secretary Na Sung-tae, who was also inspecting the list, seemed to be angry and spoke firmly. ¡°This is outrageous. A rebate that¡¯s equivalent to a third of the entire budget, how much did these men take? People like this are the reason why the lives of the young men we draft to protect the nation are at stake; they¡¯re why the equipment we provide them is faulty...it¡¯s an abuse of citizens¡¯ precious tax dors.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. We must show these people how severe the crime is for fooling around with the citizens¡¯ taxes.¡± The President, who was checking the list name by name, ced it on the table and continued speaking while he looked at Director Ahn Chang-gil. ¡°It¡¯s important that the individuals listed here and any rted are punished by thew, but it¡¯s also important that all the money that was embezzled be returned to the national treasury. Please keep this in mind while you work.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. I¡¯m currently investigating the assets of the individuals on the list with the Financial Supervisory Office, the National Tax Service, and many intelligence agencies jointly to have every single penny returned to the national treasury.¡±


    ¡°I see. You have no idea how relieved I am every time I hear you report, Director Ahn.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, sir.¡±


    ¡°Also, Chief Na, please set up a meeting with Minister Lee Jae-soo for tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo wanted to check with the Minister of Justice Lee Jae-soo whether or not the transience punishment bill from Congress would be applicable in the navy¡¯s defense industry corruption scandal, so he ordered the meeting.


    The opposing party and other powers were all criticizing and opposing the government for creating departments for audits and inspections concerning citizens¡¯ rights, but the President pushed through the opposition. The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation had made tremendous progress in three months.


    The meeting continued for another hour, and it ended in a bright mood.


    * * *


    January 25th, 2016 10:30. Seoul NIS Safehouse Hospital Infirmary.


    It was an infirmary and it had hospital beds, but this was no ordinary infirmary. There were numerousputers and machines installed in the room as well. The man who was busily working while looking at theputer monitor was Kim In-jik, no NIS agent Namgoong-won.


    ¡°Hi! Namgoong.¡±


    Namgoong-won was so busy with work and staring at the monitor that he didn¡¯t notice anyone enter the room. He was startled by Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s voice.


    ¡°When did you get here?¡±


    ¡°How could an agent of the NIS not notice people approaching you? If your senses are that dull, you¡¯re going to be taken out silently, you know?¡±


    ¡°Come on, am I a field agent?¡±


    ¡°Well, agents like you also hit the field every now and then! It¡¯ll all change once you get trained, I suppose?¡±


    ¡°What? Do I have to go through more training?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know? I guess Manager Ahn didn¡¯t tell you? I suppose considering your situation... New agents of the NIS go through training; field agents are trained for six months, while intelligence agents are trained for three months.¡±


    ¡°Oh my god. I want to quit.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s toote, Agent Namgoong, so stop spouting nonsense and get back to work.¡±


    Namgoong-won felt slightly worried by Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s half-joking words, but since he had been assigned his first mission since joining the NIS, he decided to concentrate and get back to work.


    Namgoong-won did not take his eyes off the screen for an hour. He worked hard. After he was finished, he stretched.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m done.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was reading a book in a chair, turned around. ¡°Really? That¡¯s amazing that you finished it so fast. Good! Put all the organized data on this USB drive for me.¡±


    ¡°That was nothing. Ha, ha, I already did that. Here.¡±


    ¡°Namgoong, next week we¡¯ll pack up from here and go to the agency. So, start packing soon. Well, I suppose you don¡¯t have much to take already?¡±


    Namgoong-won seemed to have been annoyed by Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s teasing; he got into the position of firing a pistol and spoke arrogantly. ¡°Let¡¯s make that bet at the firing range for pistols when we get to the agency, shall we? That¡¯ll be the day when I be the best marksman in the agency.¡±


    ¡°Ho, ho, ho, fine. Let¡¯s add five smacks to the head along with granting a wish to the bet!¡±


    ¡°I call. But it¡¯s kind of hard for me to hit a woman...¡±


    ¡°Stop acting out. I¡¯m going now to turn in the data. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yes, take care.¡±

 Chapter 11

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    January 28th, 2016 02:30 Incheon-si Incheon port, a remote dock.


    Amidst the cold front from the Siberian Northwestern wind, a cold winter wind blew like a whip into the night. Three shadows were carrying two or three bags, and they were busily on their way somewhere. They were the entourage of the ex-defense industry¡¯s Nam Tae-gyu, who was involved in the Navy¡¯s defense industry corruption scandal. After the corruption scandal was made public, Nam Tae-gyu was forbidden from leaving the country. He and his two associates were trying to stow away to China after the police¡¯s dra was closing in.


    Plop! Plop!


    In the darkness, a man who seemed to be the captain of a small fishing boat anchored at the dock sent out a signal with a shlight, turning it on and off repeatedly. The group hurriedly turned their footsteps towards that direction.


    As the shadowy figures arrived near the fishing boat, the captain stopped signaling and got off the boat. The figure walking at the front spoke to the captain.


    ¡°Are you the captain? Is the boat ready for departure?¡±


    The captain curtly answered the question and pointed behind him. ¡°My, can¡¯t you see for yourself?¡±


    The three shadowy figures all looked towards the fishing boat. It was smaller than expected.


    The man asked the question again. ¡°That¡¯s the ship? Isn¡¯t it too tiny?¡±


    The captain answered brusquely. ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s more than capable of crossing the west sea.¡±


    Since the man and his two associates were waiting anxiously and could not be choosy, they began to board the ship. However, the captain put out his left arm to block their path and spoke. ¡°So the thing is, shouldn¡¯t you hand over the money first?¡±


    The captain¡¯s abrupt actions took the three by surprise and made them stop in their tracks. Thenky man handed over the smallest bag to the captain. He spoke in an anxious tone to the captain as he counted out his payment. ¡°Just take it for now. We¡¯re in a hurry, so check the money after we board. It¡¯s $100,000, as promised.¡±


    The begging man¡¯s face clearly showed anxiety and restlessness; however, the captain did not seem to bother with his plea. He spoke brusquely after counting out the rest of the money. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say this, but...I want the other two bags.¡±


    The man stopped loading his bags and argued with the captain. ¡°What? You tripled the price? Didn¡¯t we agree on a price?¡±


    The captain, who was hiding a slight smile on his face, answered. ¡°So at first, I thought you were just normal stowaways. As it turns out, you guys were the star leads of that defense industry corruption scandal that turned the whole country upside-down. I¡¯m risking my life for this job too, so don¡¯t you think $100,000 is too little? Shouldn¡¯t the payment be at least $100,000 a person, so shouldn¡¯t the payment be at least $300,000?¡±


    ¡°Even if that¡¯s the case, how could you ask triple the agreed price?¡±


    The man was flustered by the sudden suggestion from the captain. All he could do was stifle his anger and re at the captain with his hands balled into a fist. A middle-aged man standing behind him and listening to the conversation called him over. It was the former Defense Industry Director Nam Tae-gyu.


    ¡°Manager Kim,e here for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Director.¡±


    Manager Kim whispered with the director, received something from him, went back to the captain, and spoke. ¡°We only have $100,000 in cash. Let us pay the rest with this.¡±


    There were twenty one-carat diamonds in the man¡¯s outstretched palm towards the captain. Each diamond was first ss, worth at least $10,000 each.


    ¡°Oh my, how much are each of these worth?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get at least $10,000 each on the ck market.¡±


    ¡°I guess I have no choice.¡±


    The captain put the diamonds in his pocket and moved his right hand towards his backside as he eyed the director. ¡°Let¡¯s close the curtains on this y.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    The captain pulled out a pistol and shouted at the man, who did not understand his words. ¡°Put your hands in the air! I am Chief Joo Jin-ill from the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation. Ex-Director Nam Tae-gyu and you three are under immediate arrest for bribery in the defense industry corruption case. Put your hands in the air and get on your knees!¡±


    The three panicked men each responded differently. The manager, who handed over the diamonds, seemed to have given up, raised his hands in the air, and knelt. The director sat down where he stood and began sobbing. Thenky man, who handed over the bag of cash, didn¡¯t look back and began to run.


    ¡°Chief Han! Get him!¡±


    Chief Han Myung-joo suddenly appeared next to the man who was running towards the shipping container. She grabbed the runner¡¯s clothes and threw him on the ground. The man did not have a chance to dodge the attack, so he hit his head after he was thrown to the cold cement floor. He passed out with his limbs spreadeagle.


    ¡°Secretary Jung Oh-kyung, you can run, but you can¡¯t hide.¡±


    Chief Joo Jin-ill of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation arrested the main suspects of the defense corruption scandal: Ex-Director Nam Tae-gyu, Ex-Secretary Jung Oh-kyung, and Ex-Purchasing Business Manager Kim Hyun-pil, who were trying to stowaway to China. He also seeded in recovering the hundreds of diamonds and the $2,000,000 they obtained by selling their property in the ck market.


    * * *


    January 29th, 2016 16:20 (Philippines Standard Time 15:20). Cebu Philippines.


    A man wearing blue sunsses and an orange flower-printed shirt got off a luxurious boat. The way he acted boastfully with a short Philippino woman at his side made it seem as if he was the emperor of Cebu; he began walking towards the parking lot with his chest puffed up.


    ¡°My cute darling Sherry! We¡¯re going to have another wild night, yeah?¡± He spoke with a perverted smile on his face as he grabbed the short woman¡¯s rear end.


    ¡°My god Lee, you¡¯re so bad.¡±


    The short Phillipino woman did not seem to dislike the man¡¯s behavior, as she put her arms around his side and began to charm him. Meanwhile, a man on the third-floor roof of an old building spoke through a small headset as he watched Charles Lee¡¯s every move. ¡°Manager, we¡¯ve located the target. Over.¡±


    ¡°Chief Lee, confirm his final destination. Over.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Over.¡±


    Charles Lee entered the parking lot. He and the woman got into a red convertible. After he made the car¡¯s engine roar a couple of times, they began to drive down a coastal road. Chief Lee also got on a ck can and began quietly following them to avoid detection.


    The red convertible arrived at the famous six-star Edison Blue hotel¡¯s underground parking lot after 10 minutes. The ck van also followed quietly.


    ¡°That bastard! He¡¯s living avish life off of the taxes paid by citizens.¡±


    The head of the department, Na Kyung-joon, curtly answered Chief Lee Young-kyu. ¡°Yeah, that seems to be the case. We can do something about it after we catch him.¡±


    Charles Lee was heading to the esctor to reach the lobby after he parked, then he continued speaking as he looked at Chief Youn Young-gil in the driver¡¯s seat of the ck van. ¡°Chief Lee and I will follow him; Chief Youn will stand by here since you might have to cut off his escape route via car.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, sir.¡±


    Na Kyung-joon swiftly began to follow Charles Lee after opening the car door.


    Charles Lee was the broker for this Defense industry¡¯s corruption scandal. His Korean name was Lee Tae-un. He disappeared overseas four years ago and his whereabouts were unknown until a few days ago. He had been located when NIS Agent Namgoong-won analyzed the banking withdrawal routes from overseas and hacked the foreign banks to determine that he was located at the Cebu Philippines. Thus, the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation¡¯s units one and two flew over to Cebu to arrest Charles Lee.


    Charles Lee received the key after entering the lobby. He answered a phone call as he headed towards the elevator. After a short while on the call, Charles Lee¡¯s face had a slight frown. He got back on the elevator with his usual boastful look. Chief Lee Young-kyu acted like a tourist hurriedly getting on the elevator, apologized, and pressed the button for the 17th floor, as he confirmed Charles Lee pressed the button for floor 16. There was tension in the elevator as it ascended to the 16th floor. When the doors opened, Charles Lee shoved the Philippino woman in his arms to Chief Lee Young-kyu and ran off the elevator.


    ¡°Sir! He¡¯s onto us. 16th floor.¡±


    ¡°Get him! I¡¯m heading up.¡±


    Chief Lee Young-kyu was caught off guard and tripped as he grabbed the Philippino woman shoved towards him. He alerted the head of the department, Na Kyung-joon, through his headset and ran across the hall to catch Charles Lee.


    As he was about to turn right from a T-shaped hallway, a shadowy figure holding a knife appeared from the left hallway and attacked Chief Lee. Chief Lee rolled his body sideways out of instinct, pulled out his pistol, and shot the shadowy figure on the thigh.


    Bang!


    Chief Lee chased Charles Lee without having a moment to check the shadowy figure that fell after being shot in the thigh. When he was able to see Charles Lee entering the emergency staircase, a door on the opposing side opened and two figures appeared. They blocked his path and began firing their pistols.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Chief Lee Young-kyu threw himself to the floor and fired a couple rounds, but he could notnd properly and rolled to the floor.


    There were two men copsed on the hallway after six shots were fired. One was leaning against the wall. The man leaning on the wall was Charles Lee¡¯s bodyguard. Unfortunately, one of the two injured men was Chief Lee Young-kyu, who was shot in the shoulder.


    Charles Lee¡¯s bodyguard stumbled towards Chief Lee Young-kyu as he held on to the wall and pointed his pistol at Chief Lee¡¯s head.


    Bang!


    Another gunshot rang in the hallway.


    Charles Lee¡¯s bodyguard, who was pointing his pistol at Chief Lee Kyung-kyu, grabbed his left chest and fell backward.


    Na Kyung-joon, who just had fired the shot from the other end of the hall, quickly ran over and checked Chief Lee Young-kyu¡¯s injuries.


    ¡°Chief Lee, are you all right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. The bastard Charles, he ran down the emergency stairs...¡±


    ¡°Chief Lee! Wait here a moment.¡±


    ¡°Chief Youn! We¡¯re in the 16th floor hallway. Chief Lee¡¯s down.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m on it!¡±


    Na Kyung-joon sent out orders through his headset, opened the doors, and examined the emergency stairway. There were loud, frantic footstepsing from the lower level. Na Kyung-joon immediately began running down the stairs. Without stopping, he ran down all the way to the 5th floor and radioed once again to Chief Youn Young-gil. ¡°Chief Youn! Pant, pant.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Should I head to the 16th floor?¡±


    ¡°No! The bastard is going...¡± He panted. ¡°...to the underground parking lot. Wait for him there, then ambush!¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood.¡±


    Chief Youn Young-gil was anxiously waiting in the ck van when he saw Charles Lee covered in sweat. When Chief Youn Young-gil was about to get out of the vehicle to apprehend Charles Lee, he nced at his pistol in his right hand, took a moment to think, put on his seatbelt, and then started the car.


    Charles Lee arrived at his red convertible sportscar, threw himself in the driver¡¯s seat, and started his car. He put pedal to the metal and began speeding towards the parking lot¡¯s exit.


    Crash!


    The sports car made loud exhaust noises as it headed towards the exit, then it crashed into a ck vaning from its right side. The crash caused the sports car to run into another vehicle parked to its left. As it emitted smoke, it came to a halt.


    Charles Lee was bounced to the passenger¡¯s seat. The impact made him go unconscious. Chief Youn Young-gil got off the ck van, readjusted his headset, and radioed to the head of the department, Na Kyung-joon. ¡°Charles Lee is under custody.¡±


    ¡°Okay, good job.¡±


    Na Kyung-joon showed up from the emergency stairway, breathing heavily he put his thumbs up towards Chief Youn Young-gil¡¯s direction.

 Chapter 12

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    Janurary 30th, 2016 13:30. Seoul, NIS safehouse hospital ward.


    Namgoong-won¡¯s hospital ward had been full of NIS agents since this morning. Today was moving day into the NIS office, and everyone was here to move all of Namgoong-won¡¯sputers and mechanical equipment. Despite it being a Saturday, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin also came into work early to help him pack.


    ¡°Namgoong! Manager An just told me, but did you know you¡¯re receiving an award soon?¡±


    ¡°I am?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you know that broker you found? Charles Lee? They arrested him yesterday, and they¡¯re going to bring him back into the country this morning.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that? All I did was work on what Manager An ordered...¡±


    ¡°Anyways, congrattions! The NIS Secretary and the Director of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation wanted to meet you. I¡¯m sure Manager An will feel proud because of that. Ho, ho, ho.¡±


    ¡°This is all thanks to you, Assistant Manager Lee. You were always on my side cheering me on and helping me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so? You¡¯re gonna treat me when you get the award then?¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha. Of course!¡± Namgoong-wonughed as he looked at Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who had a bright smile and was happy for him. He wasn¡¯t aware, but the way Namgoong-won¡¯s heart thought of Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s was changing from a workce superior to a loved one.


    * * *


    Janurary 30th, 2016 21:00. Jeon Nam Mokpo-si, a motel room.


    The motel outside of Mokpo was dingy and seemed to be at least 30 years old. An old TV in room 302 was broadcasting news everyday about the Navy¡¯s defense industry corruption scandal that shook Korea.


    The reporter onscreen said, ¡°The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation released a statement about the corruption scandal regarding the introduction of the Aegis system and ships ten days ago. They¡¯ve made quick work of the investigation and arrests of suspects. We¡¯ll now go to the reporter on the field for more details, Reporter Han Hee-won.¡±


    ¡°Yes! This is reporter Han Hee-won from the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation. Two days ago, Ex-Director Nam Tae-gyu, Ex-Secretary Jung Oh-kyung, and Ex-Purchasing Business Manager Kim Hyun-pil were arrested. Yesterday broker Charles Lee, a central character, was arrested in the Cebu Philippines. He was brought back into the country this morning. A joint investigation is being conducted with the Philippino government in the hotel room he was arrested in to search for hidden assets. Charles Lee acted as a bridge between the supplier and the Defense Industry Department; it¡¯s believed he¡¯s rted to other corruption scandals and will be investigated for further charges.¡±


    ¡°Reporter Han Hee-won, the immediate arrests of so many people in such a short time are shocking citizens. Are there any announcements regarding the identity of the additional suspects?¡±


    ¡°Yes. ording to the spokesperson for the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation, this corruption scandal has issued over 20 arrests warrants; however, the identity of those suspects hasn¡¯t been....¡±


    Click~


    Suddenly the TV turned off.


    A half-drunk man in his 50s with a dazed look was holding a remote as he sat leaning against the corner wall of a small musty room filled with soju bottles.


    It was three-time elected Congressman Lee Youn-bak, who was still in office. The congressman was stuck in this old, dingy motel room because he was one of the suspects mentioned on TV. In the 19th Congress, he had immunity from arrest and would not have gotten a warrant until an arrest agreement was made with Congress. However, the 20th Congress has had a trend for giving up immunity, and aw was passed to nullify it.


    Congressman Lee Youn-bak disappeared after the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation¡¯s announcementst week. He travelled all the way to this remote location in Mokpo to stowaway to China. After he heard about how the director was arrested, he had given up.


    Congressman Lee Youn-bak stared at the powered off TV and closed his eyes in thought.


    Why did I ept the bribe and bring my life down like this? I had enough money as it is, and I also had the honor of being a three-time elected congressman. I had a happy family with two lovely daughters, why... Damn money, greed for money is limitless.


    He began to sob as he remembered when he was elected as a third-time elected congressman for the 18th Congress...who took millions as a bribe when he was the Director of the National Defense Council.


    A couple of hours passed. It waste at night when the congressman stumbled towards the window and opened it. Besides the dimly-lit streetlights in the dark, the cold night air was the only thing that greeted Congressman Lee Youn-bak. The congressman closed his eyes for a bit, breathed in the cold night air, pulled out a pen, and began writing in a notebook. After he jotted down a couple of lines in the notebook, he left it on top of the old TV, entered the bathroom, and filled the tub with water.


    My dear wife, I am sorry. I wish I can take some of the pain with me, but I am so sorry I cannot do so. Hye-young and Hye-soo... I hope you can forgive your father.


    The next day, Congressman Lee Youn-bak¡¯s suicide was spread as breaking news within and outside the country. The citizens of Korea were in shock again, as they believed the honest, hard-working three-time elected congressman¡¯s motive for his suicide was his guilt for being involved in the defense industry¡¯s corruption scandal.


    * * *


    February 1st, 2016 09:00. Seoul NIS Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit One office.


    It was Namgoong-won¡¯s first day in the NIS. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was taking him around the office and introducing him to other employees.


    ¡°We¡¯re finished with Investigation Unit One, and the next office is Unit Two. There are a lot of dumb middle-aged men here. Ho, ho, ho.¡±


    As Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was teasing and frowning to frighten Namgoong-won, arge man approached.


    ¡°Huh? Assistant Manager Lee, you¡¯re smiling in the office. Have things have changed since I saw youst?¡± Ma Dong-suk, Department Head of Unit Two, spoke as he walked over towards them.


    ¡°What? When did I notugh? Sometimes...¡± Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin stopped speaking, as she also thought she didn¡¯tugh that much.


    ¡°This is the new guy? Hey, you¡¯re pretty good-looking. Ah-ha! Is it because of him? He, he, he.¡±


    ¡°Hello, sir. I am Namgoong-won, who just joined. Great to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yes, Hello. I am Ma Dong-suk, the department head for Investigation Unit Two.¡±


    ¡°Sir! Hey, Namgoong-won. You don¡¯t have to greet him! Let¡¯s go!¡± Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin hastily pulled on Namgoong-won¡¯s arm and tried to get away from Ma Dong-suk¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t I have to greet Unit Two as well?¡±


    ¡°Do it next time.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s face was already red by the time she was dragging Namgoong-won away from Ma Dong-suk, who wasughing heartily.


    * * *


    February 4th, 2016 09:30. Seoul Jung-ku Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation conference room.


    The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation¡¯s recent performance was outstanding. They were only founded three months ago, but they were able to uncover damning evidence for the defense industry¡¯s corruption scandal from five years ago, amounting to trillions of dors, and it truly was an amazing feat. Despite their achievements, the conference was being held in a dark mood.


    ¡°The 25 suspects for the Navy¡¯s new ships and systems corruption scandal have all been arrested, excluding the defense industry businessman CEO Ahn Hyo-jin, Executive Koo Jin-ook, Director Ahn Dong-gil, Lizzy Ahn, and the deceased Congressman Lee Youn-bak.¡±


    Director Ahn Chang-gil spoke after Director Ahn Kyung-hoon¡¯s report was finished. ¡°Lizzy Ahn... Do we know her whereabouts?¡±


    Manager Jang Soo-won from the second investigation unit answered Director Ahn Chang-gil¡¯s question. ¡°We have confirmation Lizzy Ahn is residing in her home in LA. Currently our unit is keeping watch on her. We can arrest her whenever the order is given.¡±


    Director Ahn Chang-gil nced at Director Ahn Kyung-hoon and asked again, ¡°Director Ahn, what do you think? Do you think we can immediately arrest Lizzy Ahn and bring her to Korea without the US government¡¯s cooperation?¡±


    Director Ahn Kyung-hoon took a moment to think before answering. ¡°I believe it would be difficult. Lizzy Ahn is a US citizen, and we have no jurisdiction to arrest her. Even if the arrest was made, it would be difficult to transport her back to Korea through normal means without alerting the US government. Why don¡¯t we officially send out a document to the US justice department asking to bring her back into the country?¡±


    Director Ahn Chang-gil leaned back and pondered for a moment.


    Lobbyist Lizzy Ahn was a US citizen and had deep rtions with the Aegis system¡¯s supplier, Lockheed Martin, and other American defense industry businesses. Also, her adoptive father was a senator of the US Senate, so he had arge influence over US politics.


    The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation concluded an official request for a rebate to the executives of Lockheed Martin. The repatriation of Lizzy Ahn would not agree with the US¡¯s national interests, and it would cause problems with US-Korea rtions, creating restrictions when buying American military equipment.


    Director Ahn Chang-gil, who had already received the report, rested his chin on both hands and began to speak. ¡°That¡¯s too difficult. The current status of our country doesn¡¯t seem to be enough to reach Lizzy Ahn.¡±


    ¡°So, does that mean the case for Lizzy Ahn and Lockheed Martin is on hold?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make a decision after meeting with the president. I¡¯d like everyone to cooperate with the prosecutor¡¯s office in processing all the evidence and suspects so they can set a date for trial as soon as possible.¡±


    * * *


    February 5th, 2016 05:30 (UST 4th 16:30). USA a building in the suburb of Washington, DC.


    There were 13 ck-clothed, masked people sitting at a semicircle table. On the other side a man was sitting down. It was the Director of Area 51, Howard Harley.


    The entire wall was ck. The lighting was dim, making the ck-clothed and masked people seem like grim reapers from hell. The table¡¯s center read: ¡°United States Supreme Security Council.¡±


    ¡°Director Harley, I read the report about the hacked 28 SS-level national secrets and 2 SSS-level secrets. Has the incident been taken care of?¡±


    Director Howard Harley showed anxiety and nervousness, which seemed contrary to hisrge stature. He answered without being able to meet the eyes of the ck-masked people. ¡°Yes, I took care of it. This hacking incident wasn¡¯t by a country¡¯s organization or a hacking group, but rather an individual who seeded merely by chance. We¡¯ve eliminated the hacker and his family; we¡¯ve also destroyed the leaked data through an explosion. We¡¯re keeping watch on the Korean government and businesses through our agents from the Korean branch of the CIA to check if any data have been leaked.¡±


    This time the ck-masked man sitting on the left side spoke. ¡°Director Harley, security for Area 51 must be tightened because of this incident. If Korea creates new technology from the leaked data, then Director Harley, you must take responsibility with your life.¡±


    Director Howard Harley answered with a shaking voice to the sharp-toned, ck-masked man. ¡°I apologize. Currently, we¡¯re operating a dual security system as a solution to the ess protocol. Also, this would never happen, but if Korea does create new technology, we¡¯ll ensure it will be shut down before release.¡±


    This time the ck-masked person seated in the center spoke with a feminine voice. ¡°Easier said than done. The secret we have kept for 70 years has been leaked. The situation is beyond serious. However, the obligation for this incident will be put on hold. Themittee will give you full support, so send in a report for the necessary supplies and human resources for surveince.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Chairman.¡±


    Despite the cool temperature of the building, Howard Harley was sweating profusely like a waterfall. All he could think about was running out of the building.

 Chapter 13

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    February 9th, 2016 14:00. Seoul Jong-ro ku Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister¡¯s office.


    ¡°Ambassador Jackie. Wee.¡±


    ¡°Yes, good to see you. Minister Kim, it¡¯s been a while since I met you during your appointment ceremony.¡±


    ¡°It seems so. We should meet more often, but I guess my excuse was being busy.¡±


    The tall, slightly thin, and well-groomed United States Ambassador to Korea, Jackie Robins, shook Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak¡¯s hand and sat down. They drank warm tea for 10 minutes and conversed with each other before Minister Kim Jae-hak brought out some documents to get to the main part of the conversation. ¡°Ambassador Jackie, please take a look at this.¡±


    The documents Minister Kim Jae-hak brought out contained the withdrawal and deposit statements from the former Minister of National Defense, Lockheed Martin, and Lizzy Ahn¡¯s rebate information. As Jackie Robins read the documents, he began to have a serious look on his face. Some time had passed before Jackie put down the documents and spoke shortly. ¡°Hmm...there¡¯s a tremendous amount of data.¡±


    ¡°The price for the Aegis system and ships we acquired from Lockheed Martin caused arge loss¡ª$1 billion¡ªfrom Lizzy Ahn¡¯s lobbying. Our president ordered to officially request a repatriation of Lizzy Ahn and the executives of Lockheed Martin.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kim, the American political sphere is also highly interested in the defense industry¡¯s corruption scandal that Korea is also investigating. It¡¯s due to Lockheed Martin that our nation has a significant influence over American politics. However, Lizzy Ahn¡¯s adoptive father is also a senator of the US Senate, and he¡¯s been pressuring his fellow senators. If this scandal hit the US, it wouldn¡¯t fare well for the Korean government either.¡±


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m just informing you of current American government affairs.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, that¡¯s a relief. The president¡¯s will to eradicate this corruption scandal is staunch.¡±


    The mood in the conference room started off light with greetings and casual conversation, but it was turning sour and awkward. Ambassador Jackie Robins was silent for a while sipping his tea, then spoke after setting the teacup down. ¡°Minister Kim, I¡¯d like to offer a suggestion.¡±


    ¡°A suggestion? Yes, I¡¯d like to hear it.¡±


    ¡°Currently, the American political sphere is concerned about the fact Lockheed Martin and Lizzy Ahn are involved in the defense industry¡¯s corruption scandal going public. On the contrary, President Suh Hyun-woo is determined to solve this issue. Since that¡¯s the case, if the Korean government would stay silent about this matter, we¡¯d be willing to offer weapons from Lockheed Martin that matches the financial loss, and we¡¯d lower the restrictions on purchases of new weapons in the future. How does this offer sound?¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak was in deep in thought after hearing Ambassador Jackie Robins¡¯s suggestion. He thought to himself.


    We¡¯ll receive weaponry for free? They¡¯d lower the restrictions regarding the purchase of new weapons from the senate that held us back? The most important thing is our rtionship with the US. If our alliance with the US had any issues during this national security emergency, that would be our most critical loss...


    After he gathered his thoughts, the Minister answered, ¡°We¡¯d like one more use in addition to this offer.¡±


    ¡°What would it be?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d like an amendment to the US-Korea missile guidelines. We want the range of the missiles to be doubled from the previous one.¡±


    ¡°What? That¡¯s a difficult request...¡±


    ¡°Ambassador! Korea¡¯s in an emergency state that could go to war at any moment. I believe the request to amend the missile guidelines in this situation is a valid one.¡±


    Ambassador Jackie Robins looked flustered from the firm tone of Minister Kim Jae-hak and his inability toe up with a response to his well-reasoned words. For a moment he sank into thought, drank a sip of tea, and he answered the Minister. ¡°Let¡¯s go with 1,200km, then.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. Can you make an official document?¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll have to.¡±


    The mood in the conference room shifted to light-hearted, like it had been at the beginning after the negotiations were concluded with Ambassador Jackie Robins.


    Ambassador Jackie Robins already had prepared a negotiation term from the US state department before meeting with Korea¡¯s Minister of Foreign Affairs, but it was not an amendment to extend the range of missiles. However, Ambassador Jackie Robins had no choice but to ept the terms because the state department had instructed that he resolve the issue smoothly. This was proof that Lockheed Martin and Lizzy Ahn¡¯s adoptive father had significant influence over US politics.


    Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak utilized the negotiating skills he built up from 20 years of experience working in foreign nations to negotiate with Ambassador Jackie Robins regarding the defense industry corruption scandal. He even managed to amend the missile guidelines at thest moment. He believed it to be a sessful one.


    * * *


    February 10th, 2016 10:30. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House conference room.


    In the president¡¯s conference room, a meeting was being held regarding thest stages of this corruption scandal case: requesting the repatriation of the executives from Lockheed Martin and Lizzy Ahn.


    ¡°Arrests of all suspects have been made¡ªexcept for the executives of Lockheed Martin and Lizzy Ahn, and we¡¯re working with the prosecutor¡¯s office to determine a trial date.¡±


    ¡°Good work. As both the President and a citizen of this nation, I¡¯m grateful for the amazing results the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation made in just a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ttered, Mr. President; however, we¡¯re ashamed of the fact that we still haven¡¯t resolved the matter about Lockheed Martin and Lizzy Ahn.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Lizzy Ahn and Lockheed Martin...these arerge obstacles. Minister Kim, could you brief us on the negotiations you made with the American ambassador yesterday?¡±


    Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak presented the negotiations document from Ambassador Jackie Robins and spoke. ¡°In conclusion, we¡¯ve agreed to drop the charges towards Lockheed Martin and Lizzy Ahn. Also, Lockheed Martin will reimburse the $1.6 trillion with weaponry, and they¡¯ll ease the regtions of the US Senate on purchasing new weapons. Lastly, we¡¯ve agreed to amend the US-Korea missile guide and extend the range from 800km to 1,200km.¡±


    ¡°We weren¡¯t able topletely unroot this corruption scandal, but considering the terms of the negotiations, it¡¯s not too bad. Great work.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. You even managed to renegotiate the terms on the missile guidelines. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Director An did a better job.¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo chimed in on the ry of praise, ¡°I think Director Oh and Minister Kim both are outstanding.¡±


    ¡°I do have a question, though.¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae asked a question amidst the happy atmosphere. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s suspicious the US is willing to offer this much, despite that their own military industry was involved.¡±


    ¡°I can exin,¡± Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak answered. ¡°ording to Ambassador Jackie, Lockheed Martin and Lizzy Ahn¡¯s adoptive father are both exercising their significant influence over American politics to cover up the incident, but there is a separate, real reason. Currently, America owns more than 200rge military industries, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Right now, thesepanies areting significant profit. Also, Japan and Taiwan are attempting to importrge quantities of weaponry under the guise of our national emergency. In this state of affairs, if the news that Lockheed Martin, who represents the US, was involved in a corruption scandal worth trillions of dors, they will lose confidence. Therefore, Japan, Taiwan, and other nations trying to purchase weaponry from Lockheed Martin might have a spread of protests against the purchases by their citizens or dismantle the business entirely. The US probably agreed to our terms based on this assessment.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo continued, ¡°You have a point. The NIS also reported information about Japan and Taiwan working to importrge amounts of weaponry from America. Taiwan might not do so, but Japan is not a country that would overlook this opportunity. Minister Kim should make progress supplying weaponry from America as soon as possible, and he should finish the missile guidelines amendments for the higher range missiles.¡±


    The steady tensions in the Korean penins rekindled the North-Eastern Asian military spendingpetition, and South Korea was facing more difficulties amidst an economic crisis.


    * * *


    March 7th, 2016 13:30. Seoul Suh cho-ku central district court.


    ¡°The 25 people involved in the defense industry corruption scandal, including the Ex-Minister of Defense, have just arrived at the central district court as the used stand trial. This corruption scandal is being called the worst one yet, for it involved many high-ranking government bureaucrats from thest presidency and the loss of over $1 trillion. During this trial, the ability to charge the crime of transfer regarding defense industry corruption cases is gaining traction, as Congress passed thatw two months ago. If the crime of transfer can be charged, then the sentences given might be thergest yet.¡±


    ¡°Reporter Park Dae-gil! I¡¯ve heard this trial will be broadcasted live. What could this mean?¡±


    ¡°This trial is nned to be on a live broadcast. It seems the government is making the trial avable to the general public to ensure a fair trial under the surveince from the people, and it¡¯s meant to raise awareness towards defense industry corruption.¡±


    ¡°I see. Reporter Park, good work. We¡¯ll begin broadcasting the trial on schedule in a moment from the CBS channel.¡±


    The defense industry corruption scandal¡¯s trial was broadcasted throughout the nation thirty minutester, and the crimes of those involved in the scandal were revealed. It angered even the younger generation that had no interest in politics.

 Chapter 14

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    March 14th, 2016 09:30. Seoul NIS shooting range.


    Namgoong-won had fired a K2 assault rifle before during his two-year military service, but it was his first time using a pistol. He spoke as he held the K5-A1 in his hand. ¡°This is heavy-duty.¡±


    ¡°What? You didn¡¯t shoot it when we issued it to you?¡±


    ¡°Well, who fiddles around with a pistol in a hospital? Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    ¡°The K5-A1 is thetest model. The recoil was reduced, and its uracy has been increased significantly. The standard firing stance...¡± Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin began exining the basics of the K5-A1 and demonstrated the standard firing stances. ¡°Take a stance with your feet as wide as your chest. Make an isosceles triangle with your legs and bend your knees slightly. If you don¡¯t, then the recoil will make you lose your form... Stretch out both hands naturally, hold the pistol with your left hand, and fold it over the pistol with your right. Focus on the pistol¡¯s sights, and make sure to aim the sight and crosshairs at the same height. Most importantly, make sure to use only the first segment of your index finger to pull the trigger smoothly, it¡¯ll increase your uracy.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin nced over at Namgoong-won, who was copying her stance.


    Shemented whileughing, ¡°You need to pull your rear end back! What are you going to do with your rear end pointed outwards like a duck? Pull your upper body up more. Yes, now you¡¯re good! Keep that posture and try again.¡±


    ¡°Man, enough with the nagging. Who gets it on their first try?¡±


    ¡°I did! Ho, ho, ho.¡±


    Lately, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin seemed to live for teasing Namgoong-won. Namgoong-won stood on the range¡¯sne. Perhaps it was a man¡¯s desire for victory? He nced over at Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t be surprised. My shooting skills...¡±


    ¡°Just shoot.¡±


    Namgoong-won breathed slowly, looked at the target, and pulled the trigger.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Namgoong-won, who fired a pistol for the first time in his life, got used to the recoil. It had less impact than expected, and he shot 12 rounds in a row before putting the pistol down on the table. Soon, the target moved towards thene automatically. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin saw the shot group on the target, then pped Namgoong-won on the back with a slightly impressed look on her face.


    p!


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Namgoong-won practiced on the range a few more times.


    ¡°Not bad for your first try. So, want to shoot for real?¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll go first.¡±


    ¡°As you wish; doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡±


    Namgoong-won reced the magazine, took the stance, and began to aim the center of the target while slowly maintaining the sights at a parallel position.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang~


    Namgoong-won had a smug look on his face after finishing with a more stable stance than he had before.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to regret that soon.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin walked into the nextne and began shooting the pistol without hesitation.


    A momentter.


    Smack!


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    Namgoong-won¡¯s scream filled the range along with the sound of his forehead being smacked.


    Namgoong-won clutched his reddened forehead with a frown and spoke as he looked at Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin. ¡°How did you hit the target with all 12 rounds?¡±


    ¡°A natural gift maybe? What should I wish for?¡±


    ¡°Fine! Say whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°All right! I got it. Let¡¯s go out for eel.¡±


    ¡°Would that be enough? I have some money from the reward I got.¡±


    ¡°Just use that for living expenses. You¡¯re gonna have to go through the three-month training exercise for the new recruits, so I¡¯m asking for eel so you can feel energized. The training isn¡¯t easy, you know?¡±


    ¡°The mandatory military service for two years was hard enough. Now I have to go through another hardship...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s training and education that will serve as the foundation for your job! When you return, you¡¯ll be a true man rather than a boy, you know?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a weak boy.¡±


    ¡°So we¡¯re going after work then?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    March 15th, 2016 09:30. North Korea Pyung yang-si Presidential Pce.


    The woman seated in the middle of the conference table nced to her left and asked, ¡°Traitor of the people! What happened to the rest of the conspirators and their families?¡±


    ¡°Yes,rade Vice Director of the Labor Party! We¡¯ve purged all those involved betraying our new Chairman Kim Jong-un¡¯s regime, including: Director Choi Tae-bok of the National People¡¯s Congress, Director Choi Boo-il of the North Korean Police, Director Oh Guk-ryul of the National Defense Committee, Director Lee Young-ho of the General Staff Department, and the rest of the traitorous groups. We¡¯ve also arrested their families, and we¡¯ve taken them to the 14th management center. They¡¯re being held at the internment camps there. We can execute them when you give us the order.¡±


    He may have been a higher rank, but the Minister of the People¡¯s Armed Forces Park Young-sik stood stiffly and answered, ¡°The terrorist bombing of Pyeong yang put Chairman Kim Jeong-un in aa, and the struggle for power spread to the higher-ups in politics. Since there have been various incidents within the party, the political situation was chaotic. Chairman Kim Jong-un¡¯s close associates got their power by putting Vice Director of the Labor Party Kim Yo-jong as their frontman and silencing the political turmoil. Kim Yo-jong had used this opportunity amidst the chaos to use the high-ranking, greedy North Korean politicians of treason; she then ordered a bloodbath to affirm her new position of power.¡±


    ¡°Do they really deserve such an easy death? Shouldn¡¯t we make them suffer more for their treasonous actions and for the greed they showed during Chairman Kim Jong-un¡¯s absence?¡±


    Prime Minister of National People¡¯s Congress Park Bong-ju, who was listening to the conversation from the Vice Director¡¯s side, pped the table lightly and spoke to Vice Director Kim Yo-jong. ¡°Prime Minister Park Bong-ju is right. For now, let¡¯s put them under weaponry manufacturingbor reformation and execute them immediately after our party¡¯s meeting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood,rade Kim Yo-jong Vice Director of the Labor Party.¡±


    Vice Director Kim Yo-jong stood up and charismatically lead the conversation despite dealing with 20 or so men who could be older than her grandfather. ¡°All therades here must work together with a sense of duty to protect the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea¡¯s safety and prosperity until Chairman Kim Jong-un wakes up. Every single action of South Korea¡¯s puppet government must not go unnoticed.¡±


    All of the political powers in North Korea answered loudly at once to Vice Director Kim Yo-jong. ¡°Yes,rade Vice Director Kim Yo-jong!¡±


    Vice Director Lee Byung-chul of the National Defense Committee, who was sitting on the left, spoke energetically as if to elevate the mood in the room. ¡°No need to worry, Kim Yo-jung. There are millions of people from the North Korean People¡¯s army, escorts, the Labor Party Red Army, and the 7.7 million Red Youth Guards who have sworn fielty to our great sun Chairman Kim Jong-un. They¡¯re all ready to give their lives to tear out the hearts of the puppet army in South Korea. ¡±


    As soon as Vice Director Lee Byung-chul finished speaking, everyone in the room gave a standing ovation. The rising political power of Vice Director of the Labor Party Kim Yo-jong to the party¡¯s Director of the 7th North Korean Labor Party election in April became a stepping stone for shaking up the Korean penins¡¯s circumstances.


    March 21st, 2016 09:00. Seoul NIS office lobby.


    There were tworge busses parked outside the NIS office lobby. About 50 men stood in front of the lobby; they conversed with others from their respective departments, giving encouragement. Namgoong-won was also there with arge backpack.


    ¡°It can feel short or long, depending on your mindset. Don¡¯t think of it as something to suffer through, but rather a time to further self-improvement. Come back safely.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I survived two years in the military. Won¡¯t three months be a cakewalk? Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was silent and hiding behind Manager An Yeon-wu, as if she could hide her tears. She could not seem to look at Namgoong-won as he smiled heartily.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Lee. What are you doing? You¡¯re not going to say goodbye?¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin finally showed her face and spoke to Namgoong-won. ¡°Don¡¯t get hurt, and you bettere back in good health.¡±


    ¡°Of course. How dare I get hurt under your orders? Don¡¯t worry. In three months, I¡¯lle back transformed as a true special agent of the NIS. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    Namgoong-won was smiling brighter than usual, but honestly felt differently. Manager An and Assistant Manager Lee were like family to him. After he lost his friends and family and was forced to cut ties with everyone he knew, after taking on his new identity¡ªthey felt like family. Namgoong-won felt sad, as he was going to be forced to be away from the only people who know about his past. He tried his best to show a bright smile. Namgoong-won was determined that his life would have no more tears. He wanted to at least show his friends and families in heaven that he could live his new life well...


    Chief Oh Gi-suk, who had kept watch on him 24 hours a day at the safehouse hospital, spoke. ¡°Namgoong-won, have a good time! It¡¯s not much. Think of it as doing ranger training for three months in the military. Also, Chief Kim was unable to see you off because of a mission. He promised to treat you to soju and pork belly. Alright, Trainee Namgoong-won?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief Oh. I¡¯ll return safely after training.¡±


    Namgoong-won and Oh Gi-suk touched hands for a fist bump.


    A momentter, one of the marshals made an announcement with a megaphone. ¡°All participants of the 122nd ss of the group training exercise must board the bus.¡±


    Namgoong-won felt sorrow because he did not want to leave Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, but he clenched his fists with a beaming face and shouted, ¡°The newbie of Investigation Unit 1 will return as an invincible agent!¡±

 Chapter 15

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    March 23rd, 2016 10:30. Japan Honshu Tokyo Prime Minister¡¯s Cab conference room.


    Inside the Prime Minister¡¯s Cab conference room, men were in discussion. Prime Minister Abe, who was seated in the center of the room, spoke as he looked at Minister of Defense Shibasaki. ¡°How is the US weaponry purchasing project progressing?¡±


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki bowed his head guiltily and answered, ¡°Currently we¡¯ve finished negotiating seven out of the eight purchasing deals. We¡¯re in thest phase of negotiating the additional imports of F-35A fighter jets. It seems it¡¯ll be difficult to purchase 220 jets, and the agreed number will be 120 jets. I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe spoke with an unsatisfied look on his face. ¡°120 jets... Isn¡¯t that smaller than expected?¡±


    Director of Research Nakamura from the Defense Research and Weaponry Strategy Department answered instead. ¡°Prime Minister, if we purchase those 120 jets along with the standard 42, it¡¯ll be 162 jets in total. Our nation¡¯s air superiority and influence will be stronger than not just Korea, but also any nation in Northeast Asia. Also, the X-2 stealth fighter jet we just finished developing? It¡¯s currently in testing, and it¡¯ll be more than able to assist with the other factors.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Is the X-2 project progressing smoothly then?¡±


    ¡°Yes, currently we¡¯re conducting a final test with two prototype jets. When the tests arepleted, we¡¯ll have no trouble going into production within a year.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good news. Our technological capabilities are world-ss, so no need to worry about that. Please make sure things go smoothly until we go into production.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister.¡±


    ¡°Japan has been joint-developing the next-generation stealth fighter jet ¡®X-2¡¯ with the American corporation Lockheed Martin since 2009. Currently, development is finished, and they¡¯ve seeded in the virgin flight and testing performance.¡±


    After the Director of Research Nakamura finished speaking, Minister of Defense Shibasaki continued, ¡°Prime Minister, as Director of Research Nakamura has just said, why don¡¯t we finish the negotiations with 120 jets and try to purchase F-22 jetster?¡±


    ¡°If a deal could be made, then purchasing about 120 F-22s wouldn¡¯t be bad, but I¡¯m not sure if the US Senate would release the regtions on F-22 jets.¡±


    ¡°When we were negotiating purchasing F-35 jets, we also asked about the F-22 jets. An unlikely financial problem in the US caused a halt in purchasing and manufacturing F-22 jets, but if we purchase them, then the US showed a positive response toward lowering the price per unit. Therefore, we¡¯re using all of our human resources to lobby the US Senate.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Minster of Defense Shibasaki, conclude the negotiation with 120 F-35 jets and use any means necessary to purchase the F-22 jets also. We mustplete the project; it will be the centerpiece of the Japanese Navy. No matter the cost.¡±


    ¡°Yes! We¡¯re trying to begin negotiations with the USSC, as we¡¯re getting in contact with them now. We¡¯ll try to deliver good news soon.¡±


    ¡°This is of utmost importance. China¡¯s causing steady conflict over the Sengaku archipgo. As an ordinary country, we must make sure there are no cracks in our defense over the territory. We must seed in the Japanese Naval project for this reason. Pleasee back with a sure answer as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister Abe. We¡¯ll do all we can to achieve the goal of the Large Naval forces of Japan.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe used the Pyeong Yang bombing terrorist attack and the threat of war in the Korean penins as a chance to show his militaristic ambitions. He also used this opportunity to stir public opinion and spread the fear that war could spread throughout Northeast Asia. His intention was to raise anxiety among the masses, then he used this national concern as an excuse to dere a state of emergency, change the nation¡¯s status as ordinary, and amend the peace constitution all in one fell swoop. Also, he elevated the self-defense forces to a self-defense military. He alerted the internationalmunity of Japan operating a formal military. There were protests from civilian groups and opposing parties, but the fearmongering during the threat of war made the changes be supported by most Japanese citizens.


    Japan elevated its yearly defense spending from 1% of its GDP to 3%, and it became the third nation in terms of defense spending with $15 trillion in total. Abe¡¯s government used 50% of the additional $10 trillion in its budget to spend in purchasing American weaponry businesses.


    America approved the export of the weapons in lieu of their economic recession and their lowered influence over Northeast Asia with heavy resistance from China. The weaponry sales would have a positive impact on their economy. It would lower their financial burden, allowing maintenance of its military forces overseas with Japan¡¯s increased involvement. To close the deal on one of thergest weaponry exports, the US decided to bury the corruption scandal from Lockheed Martin with Korea and agreed to amend the missile guidelines.


    ¡°Everyone, we must use the tensions in the Korean penins as much as possible. It¡¯s a chance for ourrge corporations to recover while Korea¡¯spanies are swaying under the economic crisis.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister!¡±


    The newly appointed Minister of Economics Okazaki Shinzi, a typical looking Japanese man with neatlybed hair, spoke. ¡°How are Korea¡¯s current economy and the status of our corporations?¡±


    Minister Okazaki Shinzi brought out some documents and answered, ¡°After the terrorist attack from August 15th in Pyeong Yang, Korea¡¯s 2015 fourth-quarter economic growth fell by 2% and their first-quarter growth rate for 2016 also fell by 2%. Their domestic market is in shambles, and Korea is steadily lowering their base rate. We believe it¡¯ll be difficult for Korea¡¯s domestic market to revive in a short period. Therge corporations are actively marketing towards foreign markets, but the threat of war within the penins is making it difficult to find sources for exports.¡±


    ¡°How are we responding to this?¡±


    ¡°We must see this as a chance to revive the industries that fell behind in Korea: electronics, vehicles, and semiconductors. It¡¯s very difficult to maintain market dominance once it¡¯s been taken. This is a prime chance, and each corporate CEO and government bureaucrat must agree to support each other to achieve market dominance. Our government must devalue our Yen currency to aid the corporations to increase exports.¡±


    When the topic of devaluing the Yen came up, Minister of Labor Promotion Uchida butted in. ¡°Minister Okizaki, if we further devalue the Yen, then it¡¯ll cause the prices of imported goods to increase and burden our citizens.¡±


    ¡°Minister Uchida, a chance like this won¡¯te again. We must seize this opportunity. Even if our citizens may suffer for it.¡±


    Minister of Labor Promotion Uchida red at Minister Okazaki and spoke loudly. ¡°What? How much more must our people suffer?¡±


    ¡°Enough! That¡¯s enough!¡± Prime Minister Abe banged on the table to halt the argument. Prime Minister Abe felt irked by Uchida¡¯s words. As a member of the opposing party, he was prone to go against any project he proposed. Prime Minister Abe spoke with a loud, determined tone. ¡°Minister Okazaki, continue devaluing the Yen currency and find a way to continue aid to our corporations. It¡¯s time to regain the 20 years our nation has lost.¡±


    Japan was a defeated nation from World War II. It had to pay $4 billion as reparations to America. When the Korean War began June 25th, 1950, they began acting as a strategic supply base for America. The country¡¯s profits elevated to the secondrgest economic nation; however, when the 21st century came, neighboring nations (including Korea) began developing economically. Japan, which once held market dominance and technological superiority, lost it to Korea and fell into an economic depression for 20 years over electronics and semiconductors. While Korea faced the threat of war, Abe could elevate the economy and market dominance of Japan while also developing a fully-fledged military to empower the nation.


    March 25th, 2016 13:30. Kangwon-do, a training center in the mountains.


    There were 20 men carrying heavy packs hiking up a steep mountain. The steep hill was normally hard to walk over, but the 122nd ss of the NIS group training was scaling it. Namgoong-won was one of the men breathing heavily and running up the trail.


    Namgoong-won finished the weing ceremony on Monday and received various supplies. From Tuesday to Friday, each morning and afternoon they ran up the mountain. During the first hike up the mountain on Tuesday, many trainees did not make it to the top and vomited as they experienced near-death. Other trainees were from special forces or had been training before entering the NIS, so they had no trouble. Namgoong-won was not able to handle the mountain hikes, as the only exercise he had done after getting out form his military service was using his fingers to type on a keyboard.


    Namgoong-won could only think while he was hiking. ¡®Had I known it was going to be like this, I should¡¯ve at least jogged in the mornings. Why did I join the NIS? To go through this trouble?¡¯


    Namgoong-won felt like giving up when it was only the first week of the 12-week training exercise, but he was consoled by the other agents running beside him. Since Namgoong-won was an internal agent he only had to endure 12 weeks, but the others were field agents, so they had to go through 24 weeks. Once they reach the mountaintop, they had time to take a break and talk with some of the other trainees.


    Lee Ja-sung joined the special forces right out of high school, and he had been in the force for six years before joining the NIS. He was very extroverted, and he was able to get closer to Namgoong-won by talking with him since the first day. Lee Ja-sung walked up to Namgoong-won during their break and asked him, ¡°Namgoong-won, you¡¯re from Investigation Unit 1, right?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Hey, you know agent Lee Hye-jin?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I heard she¡¯s good-looking... Is it true? Is her body nice too?¡±


    Namgoong-won suddenly felt anger without even realizing it. ¡°I don¡¯t know; why don¡¯t you see for yourselfter?¡±


    ¡°Why are you being pissy? Is she cute or not?¡±


    ¡°Man, I don¡¯t know...¡±


    Namgoong-won stood up from his seat.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°The restroom. Why? You wannae with?¡±


    Namgoong-won showed a bit of temper and walked towards the forest without looking back.


    Lee Ja-sung thought, ¡®It¡¯s not even a big deal, and he isn¡¯t answering me. That¡¯s suspicious...my NIS instincts are telling me that there must be something about him...¡±


    Lee Ja-sung began using his instincts as a NIS agent to sniff out info from Namgoong-won. Every time he was bored, he would ask Namgoong-won about Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin as a way to entertain himself during the strenuous training exercise.


    March 25th, 2016 19:00. Kangwon-do, NIS group training exercise building entrance.


    After dinner, there were 30 minutes before the nighttime training began. Namgoong-won was sitting on a small bench to get some fresh air.


    When he was tired, he missed his family. He missed his loving mother, father, younger brother, and even his friend Kang Kyung-ho. When he remembered that he would never see them again, he wanted to sob. He would lose motivation. When he felt like that, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin came to mind.


    ¡®It¡¯s only been five days since I¡¯ve seen her, but I miss her so much. I miss her especially today, despite how she teased me everyday,¡¯ he thought.


    When he remembered Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s face filled with tears on the day he left for training, he missed her even more. Namgoong-won stood and returned to the ssroom to continue his training.

 Chapter 16

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    2016 March 26th, 22:20 (09:20 In Washington DC),


    Dulles Airport, Washington D.C., United States.


    A petite well-dressed man with a briefcase just walked through customs. This man with yellow skin and ck hair looked exhausted, as anyone could see in his face. He just flew 13 hours from Narita Airport in Japan to Dulles Airport.


    The man quickly walked out of the waiting room at the airport, looked around, then proceeded to call someone. Soon, two ck-suited men with sunsses walked behind him, and the tall, ck one talked to him.


    ¡°Are you Mr. Genzo?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    ¡°Please follow me.¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo was the Defense Strategy negotiator from Japan that Prime minister Abe mentioned for the project with the navy. He came to Washington D.C. at thest minute through contact with USSCst night.


    Yagumachi Genzo continued to talk as he followed the two men.


    ¡°What time does the meeting start today?¡±


    As Yagumachi Genzo asked, the ck man who talked to him first turned around and answered.


    ¡°We will discuss the details once we get to the hotel.¡±


    The man shortly answered and continued to walk ahead. Feeling awkward, Yagumachi Genzo quietly followed the two men. Soon three of them reached the airport parking lot and got into the ck van parked in the corner to leave Dulles Airport.


    2016 March 26th, 23:00 (10:00 in Washington D.C.)


    A hotel room, somewhere in Washington D.C., United States.


    After an hour-long ride, they went into a room on the 10th floor of the hotel. Although it was not 5-star quality, the hotel was good enough for Yagumachi Genzo to rest for a while. He looked around the room and sat on the couch in the middle of the living room. The ck man talked to him again as he stretched out his body.


    ¡°Today¡¯s meeting will be held at 7 pm. I hope you rest well until then. If there is anything you need or any problem, you can let this guy next to me know. He will be your security guard for the meeting here.¡±


    ¡°Is the meeting held at a different ce?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. I wille to pick you up an hour before the meeting. I will see you then.¡±


    After he talked to Genzo, he gave a few orders to the other suited man before he left the room. The man who stayed with him soon stood by the door with his hands in front of him.


    Feeling awkward with just the two of them alone in the room, Yamaguchi Genzo opened the little patio and looked over at Washington D.C. The big city was full of environment-friendly nature parks. As he looked over the view, he figured that he must sessfully negotiate as Minister of Defense Shibasaki asked...


    Thinking about the negotiation while he was tired exhausted him. Yagumachi Genzo walked into the bedroom and fell asleep right after taking his top off.


    2016 March 27th 07:00 (26th 18:00 in Washington D.C.)


    A hotel room somewhere in Washington D.C., United States.


    Click.


    The door opened, and the ck man from earlier walked in. Yagumachi Genzo was drinking coffee after getting ready. As Yagumachi Genzo noticed the maning in, he put on his jacket.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    He sat in the back seat of the ck van, as the ck man briefly answered him. Soon the ck man sat next to him and spoke to him quietly.


    ¡°The ce we¡¯re heading right now is secured. I must ask you to wear this blindfold.¡±


    As soon as he said it, he put the blindfold on Yagumachi Genzo. Then the van started to head somewhere.


    After about an hour, the car stopped.


    2016 March 27th, 08:00 (26th 19:00 in Washington D.C.)


    Outskirts of the building at Washington D.C.


    As he took off his blindfold, Yamaguchi Genzo was scared to see a ck mask staring at him across the long table. The ck mask didn¡¯t seem to mind and spoke to him.


    ¡°Mr. Yamaguchi Genzo? Are you the Defense Strategy Negotiator from Japan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    The man in the ck mask¡¯s nce shifted between his papers and Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s face repeatedly before he continued to talk to him.


    ¡°I am Mars from the United States Supreme Security Council, or USSC for short. What is the emergency negotiation from the Japanese Defense Agency?¡±


    In the slightly dim office, the guy known as ¡°Mars¡± sat across from him with his voice disguised. Yagumachi Genzo felt as if he was watching a scary movie. As he wiped his sweat off his forehead, he began to think. He knew that this was just a form of psychological warfare to be in a higher position of negotiation. Impressed by USSC¡¯s negotiation tactics, Yagumachi Genzo answered Mars after he freshened up his voice.


    ¡°Currently, Northeast Asia is a loaded gun that will go off at any moment because of the rumors of war with the United States. On behalf of Japan, we think that it is our mission to eliminate this possibility. Therefore, Japan would like to take over the Nimitz aircraft carrier that is retiring soon so we may strengthen our military.¡±


    ¡°The aircraft carrier?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    It was surprising to see the Defense Agency from Japan find out and contact USSC, the negotiation was even more surprising. Mars was left in shock.


    ¡°Mr. Genzo, the aircraft carrier is a top tier weapon that is limited for export even within US legiture.¡±


    ¡°I am aware of that. That is why we¡¯re trying to negotiate with USSC directly.¡±


    The USSC was a top tier organization with anonymous members that could even control the US legiture or government.


    Yagumachi Genzo was very direct in saying what he wanted.


    ¡°We will pay 500 billion Yen, which would be equal to 4.8 billion US Dors. During the takeover, we will provide 1 billion dors for the education of 3000 naval soldiers. Additionally, we would like to buy 80 models of F-35B. We will pay what is asked per model.¡±


    It was a shocking offer. 4.8 billion dors for the aircraft carrier made in 1975 and soon to be retired was way more than a regr aircraft carrier. The fact that Japan was willing to pay what is offered for F-35B with all its money was even shocking to Mars, who¡¯s from one of the most powerful groups in the US. However, finance was not the only reason to hand over the most powerful aircraft carrier and F-35B.


    ¡°The price is enough, but if the aircraft carrier gets taken over to Japan, China or Russia might begin strengthening their military as well.¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo answered immediately as if he expected Mars¡¯ reaction.


    ¡°As mentioned before, northeastern Asia is currently in danger of war that could happen at any moment. Even if Japan does not take over the aircraft carrier, China or Russia has been prepared to strengthen their military internally. How could Japan stand by and watch this happen? Furthermore, Japan will provide 20 percent more on what has been supported to the US Army in Japan for defending our country. As a result of dividing the role in defense between the Japanese army and the American army, the internal cost directly from the US will decrease. Lastly, if this negotiation seeds, Japan will donate 1 billion dors to USSC via a bank ount in Switzend.¡±


    Mars hesitated over how Yagumachi Genzo spoke of a billion dors like it was a one-dor tip. Mars finally decided that it should be discussed within the group for thest 1 billion dors Genzo suggested, and he spoke to Genzo after pretending to think for a moment.


    ¡°I hear your offer. You will be notified after this negotiation goes through the group internally. You will hear back from us within 3 days.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I hope to hear good news soon.¡±


    After he was done talking, Mars disappeared behind the curtain. The two men appeared again and blindfolded Yagumachi Genzo.


    2016 March 28th 19:00,


    The group training center at National Intelligence Service, Gangwon-do.


    About 50 men dressed in white uniforms were partnered up and sweating to follow their instructor and his assistant


    Jujitsu, the martial art that the National Intelligence Service agents learned for when they were in a real scenario and for one¡¯s safety, was one thing Namgoong-won hated. It was interesting to watch on TV, but learning it was draining; his muscles and joints hurt, and he was running out of energy as If he just went for a hiking mission. He barely had any remaining power to hold onto his partner.


    ¡°Attention!¡±


    ¡°Attention!¡±


    All the trainees stopped what they were doing and looked at the instructor.


    ¡°This skill is called Naked Choke. For Naked Choke, you wrap the person¡¯s neck with one hand behind him, then wrap the side of his head with the other hand. Your arms should make a cross to choke the person¡¯s neck. From here, tighten the hand wrapped around his neck with and push his head with the other hand. If done correctly, the person should faint within 20 seconds.¡±


    The instructor continued as he got up from the demonstration with his assistant.


    ¡°This skill basically tightens the artery to stop the blood flow heading to the brain. Therefore, if this skillsts more than 1 minute, it could lead even to death. Now, we¡¯ll watch the demonstration from the assistant again and repeat after him.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung, who was partnered up with Namgoong-won performed Naked Choke to Namgoong-won after watching the demonstration from the assistant.


    ¡°Ahhhh!! Ah!¡±


    Thinking the skill worked sessfully, Namgoong-one desperately waved his hands back and forth without being able to say anything. Lee Ja-sungughed as he took his hands off of him. Namgoong-won, who just got out of the choke red at Lee Ja-sung as he touched his neck.


    ¡°Hey, I almost died! Calm down, it¡¯s just practice!¡±


    ¡°What if you were an enemy in real life? Practice like it¡¯s real, you know?¡±


    ¡°Practice like it¡¯s real, huh? Alright, let me do it to you now.¡±


    Switching their roles, Namgoong-won choked Lee Ja-sung this time. Although he was trying his best to follow what the assistant demonstrated, Lee Ja-sung didn¡¯t seem to even care. Noticing something was off, he looked at Lee Ja-sung and realized that he was lowering his chin to stop the right arm from choking his neck. Trying to put his arm deeper into Lee Ja-sung¡¯s neck, Lee Ja-sung¡¯s hands pushed into Namgoong-won¡¯s right arm to pull his arm away from himself.


    After a long time of fighting with his arms, Namgoong-won gave up and looked at Lee Ja-sung. He was once again impressed by Lee Ja-sung, who was in special force for 6 years and awarded twice for his excellence. Lee Ja-sung offered his hand to get up as Namgoong-wonughed.

 Chapter 17

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    April 4, 2016 15:20 (CST 14:20). Presidential Office in Beijing, China.


    In the face ofst year¡¯s 8/15 Pyongyang bomb terror and fear of a war between the North and the South, China remained calm and made no hasty judgment to exacerbate the tension. They had only dered a state of emergency in the Northern Theater Command, halting all military actions in regions near the Yalu River to prevent any misunderstanding. This decision influenced the United States Seventh Fleet headquartered in Yokosuka and the naval base in Guam to control their military movements and prevent a threat of war in the Korean Penins.


    Though the North and South found it a relief to avoid a sudden war that would have left the entire Korean Penins in a sea of mes, China¡¯s unexpected actions were posed with a wide variety of questions.


    Upon receiving the sudden news of the Pyongyang bomb terror, President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Central Military Commission were deeply concerned. They had to determine whether their involvement in a potential second Korean War would¡¯ve been harmful or beneficial in light of the Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty. They questioned if their military involvement and economic loss could¡¯ve been made up with benefits for them after the reunification of Korea. Strategists in the Chinese Central Military Commission have discovered that exercising development rights for revenue, such as underground resources, would¡¯ve more thanpensated for their loss from their involvement. Before these calctions, they still had to determine if their involvement would lead to a victory against the American and Korean army.


    China was a part of G-2, had an annual economic growth of over 10%, and was second in the world in military expenditure. Even so, the overall opinion of the strategists in the Chinese Central Military Commission was that they were still no match for the United States. To prevent a war they weren¡¯t prepared for, China made their unexpected decisionst year during the 8/15 Pyongyang bomb terror.


    A stack of reports sat on President Xi Jinping¡¯s conference table. The report was titled ¡®Fact-Finding Report on Northeast Asian Weapons Proliferation from Japan¡¯. As President Xi Jinping carefully scanned through the report, his expression changed. He talked to his National Security Director, Ju Yao, in an offended tone.


    Vice President Li Yuanchao, who was sitting next to President Xi Jinping and also looking through the report, joined the conversation.


    ¡°The Japanese got to F-22... Japan is determined to purchase stealth aircraft. Trying to buy F-22s through the export restrictions of the United States Congress isn¡¯t easy. We need to figure out a way to guarantee our national safety.¡±


    ¡°You are correct. Vice President Li Yuanchao, Japan is now being mandated as amon country and kindling the weapons proliferation in Northeast Asia. I will need to speak with General Fu this week, as well as get aprehensive update on the current development of the J-20 stealth aircraft and the next generation of stealth aircraft radars.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, I will bring him in.¡±


    After Vice President Li Yuanchao¡¯s answer, Director Ju Yao spoke cautiously.


    ¡°Sir... There is one more thing I need to tell you that is not in the report.¡±


    ¡°One more? Tell me, Director Ju Yao.¡±


    ¡°Though it has not been confirmed yet, I received information that Japan¡¯s Ministry of Defense is secretly purchasing weaponry through unconventional means.¡±


    President Xi Jinping¡¯s brows furrowed as he turned to Director Ju Yao.


    ¡°There¡¯s more to this? What are they purchasing?¡±


    ¡°My apologies, sir. It is still uncertain what they are purchasing exactly, but I am sure that it is a weapon dangerous enough to threaten the safety of China, as well as other Northeast Asian countries.¡±


    ¡®Not only are they trying to purchase F-22 that is restricted by the United States Congress, but they¡¯re also purchasing another weapon through unconventional means?¡¯


    President Xi Jinping was certain that he could best Japan in any problems rting to government, economics, and military. Upon entering the 21st century, the height of economic growth and military expansion bolstered this confidence. Furthermore, President Xi Jinping¡¯s militant personality helped to make China a country that doesn¡¯t back down in foreign rtions with neighboring countries or making self-righteous decisions.


    After pondering for a moment, President Xi Jinping pushed his chair aside and walked towards the window as he continued talking.


    ¡°Last year¡¯s Pyongyang bomb terror was our golden opportunity. If we intervened in light of the Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty, a war would have broken out. If North Korea reunited the Korean Penins, we could have also benefitted through its underground resources and other political influence. Sadly, we couldn¡¯t do that because we weren¡¯t ready.¡±


    ¡°That is correct. Our military was not developed enough to go against the United States army. Going forward, we need to expand our military budget andplete our current projects as soon as possible.¡±


    As soon as Vice President Li Yuanchao finished saying this with a stern face and a sense of determination, President Xi Jinping turned his gaze to the Chinese g inside the room and confidently spoke up.


    ¡°We must prepare for a war to break out in Korea any day. Vice President Li Yuanchao, summon the Chinese Central Militarymission. Director Ju Yao, use any means necessary to find out what weaponry the United States and Japan are secretly trading.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    April 7, 2016, 15:30. Seoul National Intelligence Service, Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 Office.


    Today was the day that the heavily debated Defense Industry corruption case, which had four subsequent trials after an initial trial, reached an unusually fast first judgment in only a month. The TV aired starting from the first trial, and the many Koreans who were following the case watched in both curiosity and anger.


    As the judge leaned towards the microphone to pass judgment, the broadcastingpany zoomed in onto him.


    ¡°I have reached a decision. Evidence shows that for the past six years, defendant Jeon Oh-Geun has embezzled 1 trillion won from the 10 trillion won allocated to the Defense Industry. The embezzlement was carried out by 25 people who acted out of self-interest, and the defendant¡¯s part in being in charge of everything at the highest position must be taken seriously. Furthermore, evidence of bribery close to 10 billion won of rebate to destroyer suppliers finds that the defendant hasmitted first-degree treason against the country and will be sentenced to 30 years in prison and fined 10 billion won. All personal assets under the defendant¡¯s name from the past six years will be thoroughly investigated and confiscated by the government.¡±


    Bang, bang, bang!


    Everyone in the courthouse immediately began whispering. There has never been such a harsh judgment on a corruption case before. Even though it was first-degree treason, they were sentenced to 30 years in prison, a 10 billion won fine, and needed to turn in all private assets from the past 6 years to the government. Though several people were shocked at the heavy decision, the majority of the viewers erupted with joy. However, two people weren¡¯t paying attention to the TV. They were Manager An Yeon-wu and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin of the National Intelligence Service, Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1.


    ¡°Manager An, please.¡±


    ¡°No! You can not ask for something that absurd.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Do you think this is some game? I don¡¯t have that kind of power or authority! Now leave.¡±


    ¡°You really think I¡¯m that dumb? I know that you and Manager Oh Jong-hyun from the Department of Education were colleagues who worked for the samepany.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re doing a background check on me now?¡±


    Manager An Yeon-wu rolled up the documents in his hands and angrily red at Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°Manager An, please! Have I ever asked for anything like this?¡±


    After acting unusually coy, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin took Manager An Yeon-wu¡¯s hand as she was on the verge of tears.


    ¡°What the heck? Go away.¡±


    Manager An Yeon-wu pushed her hand away and stood up while grabbing his documents. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin fell to the ground and dropped her head in silence. After seeing this, Manager An Yeon-wu put his left hand on his forehead, sighed, and talked to her before leaving the office.


    ¡°Fine. Fine! I¡¯ll try calling Manager Oh. I can¡¯t stand your terrible acting.¡±


    As soon as Manager An Yeon-wu left the office, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s face lit up as if she wasn¡¯t about to cry before. Sheughed and whispered to herself,


    ¡°Ah! It¡¯s so hard to act. Hahaha.¡±


    Even as Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s terrible acting came to an end, the TV continued to broadcast the judgment of the Defense Industry corruption case.


    April 8th, 2016 10:00. Prime Minister Conference Room in Tokyo, Japan.


    ¡°Prime Minister, Minister of Defense Shibasaki has arrived.¡±


    ¡°Tell him toe in.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Shortly after, the door opened and the Minister of Defense Shibasaki walked in. A haggard man in a brown suit followed from behind.


    ¡°Have a seat, Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Who is the man who came with you?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe asked as he sat down and looked over at the man in the brown suit.


    ¡°He is the National Defense Strategy Negotiator who went to the United States to negotiate for our marine army project. Introduce yourself.¡±


    ¡°Hello, I am the National Defense Strategy Negotiator, Yagumachi Genjo.¡±


    Standing next to the Minister of Defense Shibasaki, Yagumachi Genjo replied modestly but with a strong voice.


    ¡°Is that right? Pleased to meet you, Negotiator Yagumachi Genjo. Did the negotiations go well? Oh, I¡¯m getting ahead of myself. Please have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you, sir.¡±


    As soon as Yagumachi Genjo sat down, he opened his briefcase.


    One week ago, Yagumachi Genjo met with Mars from USSC to negotiate but was dyed for two more days discussing the details of the negotiations. He flew in early this morning to Haneda Airport and immediately came to see Prime Minister Abe after meeting with Minister of Defense Shibasaki.


    ¡°These are the finalized documents with the U.S. Government Agency, sir.¡±


    After opening a yellow envelope, Yagumachi Genjo showed Prime Minister Abe a few pages of documents. Prime Minister Abe read through the documents slowly, and his meaningful smile turned into augh.


    ¡°Hahahahaha!¡±

 Chapter 18

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    April 18, 2016 11:00, (CST 10:00). Politburo Standing Committee Conference Room, Beijing, China.


    Bang!


    Unable to control his anger, President Xi mmed his fist on the conference room table. Blood rushed to his face as he furiously spoke.


    ¡°Is this true, Director Ju?¡±


    President Xi shook his fist and red in disbelief and rage at the other bureaucrats in the room, including Director Ju sitting across from him. A cold silence filled the room, and Director Ju replied amidst the chilling atmosphere.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President, this is the information received from the agent in charge of overseas investigation about Japan¡¯s Ministry of Defense. They have already finished negotiating with the U.S.¡±


    National Security Director Ju¡¯s report was as follows:


    July 2016, U.S. Nimitz-ss aircraft carrier reception


    3000 Japanese marines on the aircraft carrier with 1 year of training


    Purchase of 80 F-35B


    Purchase of 8 electronic-warfare aircraft EA-18G


    Construction of 3 additional Atago-ss destroyers


    Construction of 2 new guided missiles


    Construction of 3 new 6,000-ton diesel submarines (presumed to be nuclear submarines)


    2020 Japanese Carrier Strike Group establishment


    Aircraft carrier Kaga (Nimitz) 80 F 35B / 8 electronic-warfare aircraft EA-18G 3 Atago-ss destroyers 2 new guided missiles 2 Asahi-ss destroyers 3 6,000ton diesel submarines (presumed to be a nuclear submarine)


    Details


    ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.


    Vice President Li, who was sitting on the left side of President Xi, read through the report and threw the report on the table with rage; he had snapped.


    ¡°These insolent fools... These Japanese bstards are now outright unting militarism and pssing everywhere. They must have calcted our naval strength and are trying to go over our heads in the Diaoyu Inds dispute, hoping to prove that they can beat us in naval warfare.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that in their nature? We should be more concerned about the U.S. helping them expand their weaponry.¡±


    Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli¡¯s reply summarized the heart of the matter.


    ¡°That is true. As Vice Premier Zhang said, the U.S. is trying to give its military influence in Northeast Asia to Japan. Aren¡¯t they just trying to kill two birds with one stone? From the U.S. perspective, weaponry exportation is an economic gain, and they can make up for theirck of influence in Northeast Asia from the disarmament with the Japanese army. Their interests probably just happened to line up.¡±


    Secretary-General of the State Council Ma Kai, who was sitting in silence, hit the nail on the head.


    ¡°Even so, aren¡¯t they looking down on the other Northeast Asian countries, especially China? I think we need to elerate our initial ns to expand our military.¡±


    All eight executives turned to President Xi at Vice President Li¡¯s statement. President Xi, who was pondering briefly after mming his desk in anger, realized that his executives were looking at him and quickly asked Vice President Li something.


    ¡± Vice President Li, when did you say that the meeting with the General will be?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow at two in the afternoon, sir.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s push the meeting to two in the afternoon today. Since we need to decide after listening to the general¡¯s mid-term report, I will also request that everyone here also attend the meeting.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, I will contact him right away.¡±


    April 18, 2016 13:00. South Korea


    Launched in December 2015, the government has proposed reformations both small andrge for five months, drawing heat from the people of Korea. First, the nation¡¯s corruption investigation unit, starting with the Defense Industry and eventually with national business, had fought against corruption. Second, themittee to investigate anti-national behavior began investigating those who cooperated with the prime minister to dissipate the power of the president. The 7,000 people investigated by Baekbeom or Kim Gu and the provisional government in 1948 were re-investigated, and the descendants of those who were found with treason were investigated thoroughly by meticulously looking through personal connections and assets.


    These actions by the government gave hope to the citizens that were of low economic background. Through the treasury recovery being spent on the welfare of the people, the government gained the people¡¯s support in attempting to negotiate with the U.S. for wartime operational control.


    April 18, 2016 15:00. (CST 14:00). Politburo Standing Committee Conference Room, Beijing, China.


    ¡°I will now present the mid-term report on the 2016 military expansion research.¡±


    China¡¯s People¡¯s Liberation Army General Armaments Department, the department that oversees the development of military weaponry, was currently in the development of Jen-20 (J-20) stealth aircraft and the next generation radar to detect stealth aircraft. It also yed a crucial role in the Chinese Central Military, being in charge of the development of ¡°carrier killer¡± anti-ship ballistic missile Dong-Feng 21 (DF-21D) and the second generation of intercontinental ballistic missile Dong-Feng 5-B (DF-5B).


    Lieutenant General Fu stood next to arge screen and presented to the nine most powerful executives of the nation, including President Xi.


    ¡°First, I will speak on the J-20 stealth aircraft. We are currently on the second prototype and havepleted the third stage of flight testing. However, there has been difficulty in developing a new generation high-performance engine needed for the J-20; this will require a change to the initial n.¡±


    ¡°What kind of change would need to be made?¡±


    Vice President Li impatiently interrupted the presentation.


    ¡°The initial n was to develop a new, high performance engine and produce 60 J-20 models for the first round. However, due to the dy in engine development, it may be better to purchase 40 prototype AL-117S turbofan engines from Russia and use that for the first round of 40 models. This would helpplete the engine development for the second round of production.¡±


    ¡°A dy due to technological advancement can¡¯t be helped. Lieutenant General Fu?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Increase the engine purchase from Russia to 80. Let¡¯s make the first round of production 80 models of J-20 stealth aircraft. Also, do whatever it takes to finish developing the new engine within the next two years. Make sure the second round of production of J-20s is purely made from Chinese technology.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will try my best.¡±


    ¡°No, no. You can¡¯t just try your best. You need to work on it as if your life depends on it. I will make this and all rted matters our number one priority, so you need to take full responsibility in making sure 200 J-20 aircrafts are built and ready to be used by 2020.¡±


    Lieutenant General Fu was initially taken aback by President Xi¡¯s stern demand, but he collected himself, bowed, and responded in a loud voice.


    ¡°Yes, Sir. I will exceed your expectations.¡±


    President Xi uncrossed his arms from holding up his chin and pointed his right index finger towards Lieutenant General Fu before continuing to speak.


    ¡°Yes. Take responsibility and finish it. This is a major opportunity for you, Lieutenant General Fu, so make the best of it. I will personally guarantee you a great career. Now, onto the next topic!¡±


    Upon hearing this from President Xi, Lieutenant General Fu lifted his head and turned on the console as he pointed at the screen.


    ¡°I would like you to now direct your attention to the screen. This is a radar system that uses a very high-frequency, or VHF: the YJ-26. The YJ-26A is a standing radar that detects standard stealth aircraft within a 3,000km radius, and the YJ-26B can be mounted to vehicles to detect stealth aircraft within a 500km radius while moving. The standing YJ-26A will be ced in each theater by 2020, and we will be able to produce 30 models of the portable YJ-26B by 2019.¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant General Fu?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Vice Premier Zhang.¡±


    ¡°What is the performance level of the radars?¡±


    ¡°I will give you a simplified exnation. The radar will detect any small object in its radius that is moving at subsonic speed; we may presume the detection to be a stealth aircraft.¡±


    ¡°Can we not differentiate between the stealth aircraft models captured by the radar?¡±


    ¡°You are correct, sir. Our current technology is limited to just detection, and we cannot tell the exact model or the shape of the aircraft yet.¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant General Fu, how have you only developed this much while using tens of thousands of dors in your research funding? This radar is disappointing, not to mention the stealth engine.¡±


    Exploding in anger, Vice President Li red at Lieutenant General Fu.


    ¡°I apologize, Vice President Li. The current research staff for stealth radars is working hard to be able to perfect and fully develop stealth radars within the next five years. I ask for your understanding on this matter.¡±


    ¡°Vice President Li, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    President Xi pacified the quick-tempered Vice President.


    ¡°Compared to other countries, China is leading in its stealth radar technology. This development is excellent. Let¡¯s move on to the next topic.¡±


    ¡°Next is the ¡°carrier killer¡± anti-ship ballistic missile Dong-Feng 21D, or DF-21D. Currently, we have finished the third stage of testing. When the missile is fired from a range of 1,450km, the sess rate is 80%.¡±


    In 2015, China announced thepletion of the development of the Dong-Feng 21D and even showcased it at the 70th anniversary of its victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War. However, they showed an unfinished missile shell. This was to decrease the radius of the U.S. naval activity around China during the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.


    ¡°Good. When will it be ready to be deployed?¡± General Zhang asked.


    ¡°One year from now, we will be able to set up two artillery batteries in the Southern Theater, with one in each Eastern and Northern Theater, ording to our current missile production.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s change our priorities. One year from now, I want one artillery battery in both the Southern and Eastern Theater.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±

 Chapter 19

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    April 22, 2016 14:00. Seoul Yongsan-gu Ministry of Defense Conference Room.


    Inside the Ministry of Defense Conference Room, all 30 seats were filled by Chiefs of Staff and Naval Operations, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Last year on February 10th, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak and the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Jackie Robins made a covert deal that included a gratuitous $1.6 billion worth of weaponry as well as a purchase of $10 billion in weaponry from Lockheed Martin. To discuss the prioritization of weaponry purchase and create a finalized list, Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, who was sitting in the center of the conference room, spoke up.


    ¡°As you all know, the countries in Northeast Asia are elerating in their armament development. The president has requested that we prioritize weaponry that is urgently needed for the nation¡¯s holistic strategic significance rather than for specific needs in each department of the army, navy, or air force. Please keep this in mind as we continue with our conference. Please start us off, Chairman of the Joint Staffs Kang Yi-sik.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin by discussing the army¡¯s opinions on what weaponry is most urgently needed for the nation¡¯s strategic significance.¡±


    The meetingmenced with the words of Chairman Kang, who was sitting to the left of Minister Kang. As soon as he spoke, Chief of Army Staff Shin Sung-Yong sat two seats from the left in the conference room, bowed his head and started speaking while looking at his prepared documents.


    ¡°I will start us off. Currently, the army is in urgent need of recing the worn attack helicopter Bell AH-1 Cobra (AH-1) and 500MD. We request that we obtain 36 American Apache Guardian (AH-64E) from Boeing.¡±


    ¡°Attack helicopters... What is your calcted estimate of this purchase?¡±


    ¡°ording to our army strategists, the calcted estimate for 36 Apache Guardian helicopters including all rted arms and repairse out to $1.8 billion.¡±


    ¡°Good. Do you have any other requests?¡±


    ¡°If we reinforce therger attack helicopters this time, we will have no issues until 2023, when we finalize the development of the smaller attack helicopters. Furthermore, Chairman Kang, we would like to give priority to the navy and the air force this time, as we have had arge share of the military budget so far.¡±


    ¡°Well noted, thank you. Now, let¡¯s hear from the Chief of Naval Operations, Na Hyung-hwan.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. First, I would like to express my gratitude towards Chief Shin.¡±


    Chief Na gave a brief nod to Chief Shin before continuing to speak to Chairman Kang.


    ¡°The navy first and foremost is in an urgent need for the additional construction of the Aegis Ship. The current number of three Aegis Ships is not nearly enough to stand naval warfare. We request that we construct three additional Aegis Ships. Furthermore, we would like to make the additional Aegis Ships a base for the SM-3 missile tform.¡±


    The Republic of Korea¡¯s 3 Sejong the Great-ss destroyer Aegis Ships areparable to Japan¡¯s or America¡¯s Aegis Ships in its attack and defense capabilities, being critiqued to outss Japan¡¯s new Atago Aegis Ships in its attack capabilities. However, there was onerge problem. Though it was capable of tracking and detecting North Korea¡¯s ballistic missiles, the current shipunched anti-aircraft missile SM-2 could not target these ballistic missiles. Thus, Chief Na requested that the additional Aegis ships contain the SM-3 missile tform.


    ¡°This issue has also been of great concern to the government. Please report the estimated cost, as this request will be our top priority on our report.¡±


    Currently, the Republic of Koreacked the technology to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes from North Korea, China, or Russia. The government was deeply concerned and was preparing a few preventative measures. This was the reason why Minister Kang actively supported the navy¡¯s request.


    ¡°Thank you, Minister Kang. I will continue. We estimate that the cost of three additional Aegis Ships and the SM-3 shipunched anti-aircraft missile base is $4.5 billion.¡±


    ¡°Are there any other requests you would like to add?¡± Chairman Kang asked.


    ¡°Though we wish to request for all the weaponry we may need, the navy will also yield the remaining budget to the air force.¡±


    ¡°My deepest gratitude to the army and the navy for yielding this budget.¡±


    Chief of Staff of the Air Force Choi Byung-hwan stood up and saluted Chief Shin and Chief Na sitting next to him. Though they were all of the same ranks despite Chief Choi having more experience in the military, he saluted them with gratitude. Chief Na also stood from his seat, pulled Chief Choi¡¯s right hand from his salute, and spoke with a bright smile.


    ¡°Chief Choi, there¡¯s no need to salute... Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Please have a seat, Chief Choi.¡±


    Surprised by Chief Choi¡¯s unexpected actions, Chief Shin chuckled and motioned him to sit as he spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m relieved. I head that these conferences were difficult in the past because each division asserted their own needs, but now all the newly appointed chiefs are different. Isn¡¯t that right, Chairman Kang? Hahaha.¡±


    After the government reformation, all military staff involved in the Defense Industry corruption case were investigated and fired, which called for a new personnel appointment. The primary virtue outlined in the personnel appointment was to appoint people with a sincere dedication to the nation and integrity as military staff. Minister Kangughed because he believed that appointing the chiefs who met these standards and put the needs of the nation before their own division facilitated such an amicable meeting.


    ¡°I believe that this military staff can earn back the respect lost by the people who were disappointed by the widespread corruption.¡±


    ¡°We need to be reborn as a military for both the nation and the people. Now, shall we hear what Chief Choi has to say?¡±


    Worried that his expression of gratitude that turned the conference room into a sea ofughter might have been excessive, Chief Choi cleared his throat before continuing to speak.


    ¡°Though we have acquired 40 F-35Asst year, we would like to request for 20 more. Secondly, if Korea is granted wartime operational control, we cannot rely on the U.S. reconnaissance of North Korea. Thus, we urgently need to find a solution to this. For this reason, we request for 4 airborne early warning and control E-737s. If possible, we would also like to revisit the currently halted FAX corporation to develop Korean-made stealth aircraft as soon as possible.¡±


    While China and Japan were developing and presenting their stealth aircraft, Korean stealth aircraft development corporation FAX was halted for seven years after an initial push. For this reason, the worn third-generation aircraft had safety issues and caused a wide variety of idents. This loss of air superiority made this an urgent need for the air force to propel development from the FAX corporation.


    ¡°What about the cost?¡±


    Chairman Kang asked.


    ¡°We estimate the cost of 20 F-35A and all of its weaponry to be $3 billion, and the cost outlined in 2011 by the EX corporation for 4 E-737s is $1.5 billion.¡±


    The conference went on for another two hours with the cooperation among the three divisions.


    ¡°Very well. I willpile the decisions of this meeting with the national strategy department and report the finalized decisions at the next National Security Council meeting. Furthermore, the president has stated that any additional request for improving our military can be made at any time, so please do not hesitate to do so.¡±


    April 29, 2016 17:00. National Intelligence Service military training facility shower room in Kang-Won Do.


    As always, Namgoong-won found the shower after a 10km loaded march in full gear during his favorite time of the day. He became used to the two hellish loaded marches in one day, and now even finding the nightly training that went until midnight fun, Namgoong-won whistled while finishing his shower.


    ¡°Namgoong, what¡¯s the night training today?¡±


    It was Lee Ja-sung from special forces, the first person he befriended upon entering the training facility.


    ¡°Hey, how many times have I told you that my name is Won? Either call me by my full name or just my first name. Didn¡¯t I tell you not to call me by myst name?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s easier for me to call you by this name. What are you going to do about it? Hehehe.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to waste my breath telling you this a thousand times.¡±


    ¡°Good point, Namgoong. Tell me what the night training is, Namgoong.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you read the training itinerary? It¡¯s the first evaluation for point shooting.¡±


    ¡°Oh, point shooting.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung put his hands together to make a finger gun and pretended to shoot at Namgoong-won.


    ¡°Move! I¡¯m going to go ahead. I¡¯ll see you in the cafeteria.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Let¡¯s go together. I finished showering too.¡±


    April 29, 2016 19:00. National Intelligence Service military training facility target practice site in Kang-Won Do.


    ¡°As you all know, today is the first evaluation for point shooting. Before the evaluation, I would like to introduce a special drill instructor. Agent Lee Hye-jin from Unit 1 has won first ce for thest three years in the National Intelligence Service point shootingpetition.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin walked towards the instructor as he finished talking. Facing the instructor and standing at attention, Namgoong-won could not believe his ears and eyes. Standing next to the instructor was Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, the person he missed every day sinceing to the training facility. As his heart loudly pounded in his chest, his vision became blurry, and he started spacing out.


    Upon seeing the striking beauty of Assistant Manager Lee, the other trainees erupted in cheer and apuse.


    Lee Ja-sung leaned over to Namgoong-won and asked in a whisper, ¡°Hey! That woman... She¡¯s the Unit 1 Agent Lee Hye-jin that you were talking about the other day, right?¡±


    Namgoong-won was in a state where he couldn¡¯t hear anything, let alone what Ja-sung was asking. Seeing Namgoong-won in this state, Lee Ja-sung smiled meaningfully and returned to standing at attention facing the front.


    ¡°Pleased to meet you. I am Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin from the National Intelligence Service Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1. I am delighted to be able to teach you all about point shooting. Though my time here will be short, I will try my best in my instruction.¡±


    ¡°I have a question, Instructor Lee Hye-jin.¡± Lee Ja-sung raised his hands and spoke in a loud voice.


    ¡°Yes, please state your question.¡±


    ¡°After today¡¯s evaluation, would you grant the trainee with the highest score one wish?¡±


    ¡°Only if it is in my power to do so.¡±


    ¡°In that case, then you will?¡±


    ¡°Please state the wish.¡±


    ¡°The wish is for a cup of coffee after night training. Is that possible?¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    Taken aback by Lee Ja-sung¡¯s bold question, Assistant Manager Lee looked towards the Instructor. Though it was a signal for him to help, the target practice instructor opened both of his hands and gestured her to do as she wanted.


    ¡°Are we asking for too much, instructor Lee Hye-jin?¡±


    ¡°Please grant us this wish!¡±


    ¡°We will work hard in our training!¡±


    The other trainees went along with Lee Ja-sung¡¯s request and started pleading.


    ¡°Alright, I will have a cup of coffee with them for five minutes, no more than that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Instructor Lee Hye-jin!¡±


    For whatever reason he made that request, Lee Ja-Sung once again smiled happily.


    ¡°Now, we will start training.¡±

 Chapter 20

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    April 29, 2016 21:00. National Intelligence Service military training facility target practice site in Kang-Won Do.


    The point shooting evaluation started after Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s posture and shooting demonstration.


    ¡°Come forward and enter the shooting range in groups of ten.¡±


    Following Drill Instructor Lee Hyun-suk¡¯smand, the first group of ten entered the shooting range and got in position.


    ¡°When you are ready, load andmence firing.¡±


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    ¡°Cease fire, unload, and exit the range.¡±


    A brief momentter after the target tes were reset, it was finally the second group¡¯s turn, which included Namgoong-won. After not even being able to make eye contact with Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin for the past two hours of training, he entered the range feeling slightly nervous.


    Afterpleting the evaluation, Namgoong-won scored the highest within his group at 112. Momentster, Lee Ja-sung entered the range as part of the third group. While passing Namgoong-won, Lee Ja-sung winked with a mysterious smile.


    After all four groups finished the evaluation, Instructor Lee cleaned up the target tes and began announcing the scores.


    ¡°Today¡¯s first evaluation has a winner. The winner received a perfect score of 120, from group three, Lee...¡±


    ¡°Sir! Since today¡¯s winner is being rewarded, I would like to propose that the first ce of each grouppete against each other.¡±


    Again, Lee Ja-sung raised his right hand high and spoke loudly.


    ¡°This kid... Alright, since it was you who wanted it and nobody else, don¡¯t regret asking for it. Then each group¡¯s first ce prepare for shooting: Yoon Dong-Gyu from group one, Namgoong-won from group two, Lee Ja-sung from group three, and An Gil-woo from group four.¡±


    Namgoong-won, who felt lucky enough to ce first within his group, was determined to win first ce and see Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin for even a short moment. However, he wasn¡¯t too hopeful because he knew Lee Ja-sung¡¯s shooting skills.


    The shooting for each group¡¯s first cemenced.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Though Namgoong-won tried his best to focus while shooting, his breath got caught in his throat during the seventh shot and only hit six points. He took a deep breath and finished shooting, but because of his mistake of hitting six points, he scored two points lower than in the first round at 110.


    While the instructors were checking the target tes, they began discussing with each other as they looked at Namgoong-won and Lee Ja-sun¡¯s target tes.


    ¡°I will present the winner in the first ce in each group. The winner is Namgoong-won, who scored a perfect score of 120.¡±


    Though the trainees around him cheered and apuded loudly, Namgoong-won was confused.


    ¡®I thought I scored 110. How did I end up in first with a perfect score of 120?¡¯


    ¡°That concludes today¡¯s target practice evaluation. Namgoong-won, go drink coffee or eat ramen or whatever you guys nned with Instructor Lee. Everyone else, head back to your quarters. Dismissed.¡±


    While exiting the shooting range, Lee Ja-sung passed by the confused Namgoong-won with a thumbs up and a wide grin. Then, someone called Namgoong-won from behind him.


    ¡°Namgoong-won! It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    After finally making eye contact with Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, Namgoong-won smiled awkwardly and replied, ¡°What a surprise! How did you get here?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out first!¡±


    April 29, 2016 21:40. National Intelligence Service military training facility resting area in Kang-Won Do.


    The two sat in silence while staring off into space, holding coffee from the vending machine, and feeling awkward from not seeing each other in a while.


    Shortly after, Assistant Manager Lee started speaking.


    ¡°So? Is the training doable?¡±


    ¡°It was difficult at first, but now it¡¯s not too bad.¡±


    ¡°At least it¡¯s only a three-month course for the reserves. Active duty has a six-month course, and elite agents have another month of hellish training.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ so d I¡¯m only in the reserves. Are Manager An and the others at Unit 1 doing well?¡±


    ¡°Of course they¡¯re doing well.¡±


    ¡°Everyone else is doing well while I¡¯m here struggling and going through hell... Hahaha, I¡¯m just kidding.¡±


    Namgoong-won rified himself in case his attempt at easing the awkwardness came off as a truthful statement.


    ¡°I know...¡±


    ¡°Anyway, how did you get here?¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee paused at Namgoong-won¡¯s question before looking at him and continuing to speak.


    ¡°Well it wasn¡¯t part of the n, and I¡¯m not a drill instructor either. Actually I... Begged Manager An and used instruction as an excuse toe here and see you...¡±


    Aftering to this facility, Namgoong-won missed Assistant Manager Lee and thought about her every day. When the person he missed so much told him that she came here to see him... His heart started pounding in his chest again.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I would lie about this in our situation?¡±


    Seeing the streetlight shining on Assistant Manager Lee¡¯s face, Namgoong-won unknowingly grabbed the back of her head with his left hand and leaned in for a kiss. Assistant Manager Lee didn¡¯t mind and closed her eyes.


    Meanwhile, in Instructor¡¯s Lee Hyun-suk¡¯s office...


    ¡°Hey! Lee Ja-sung! Do you think target practice is a joke?¡±


    Instructor Lee called in Lee Ja-sung, intending to berate him.


    ¡°Instructor, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t? Look at this kid! Haha, You! Why are you shooting at other people¡¯s target tes? There were 11 hits on your te and 13 on Namgoong-won¡¯s te... Did you shoot at Namgoong-won¡¯s te? Why would you do that?¡±


    Lee Ja-sung scratched his head and murmured, ¡°Really? I think I may have made a mistake, sir.¡±


    ¡°A mistake? I¡¯ll let this one go since it wasn¡¯t part of the evaluation, but if you do this at the next target practice, it won¡¯t be funny. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t make this mistake again. You can trust me on that!¡±


    ¡°Alright. You can go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Thank you!¡±


    During the second day in the training facility, Lee Ja-sung asked Namgoong-won about Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin at the top of the mountain for their loaded march but was suspicious of his response. After asking Namgoong-won about her a few more times afterward, he determined that Namgoong-won had feelings for her and purposely asked for first ce at the shooting evaluation to have a date with her. To ensure it did happen, he shot a bullet at Namgoong-won¡¯s target te.


    May 2, 2016, 21:40. Presidential Office in Pyongyang, North Korea.


    On April 29th, Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department Kim Yo-jong was nominated as the first vice-chairman of the Labor Party through the first North Korean Labor Party Convention. When it was unclear when Chairman Kim Jong-un would wake up, the clear candidate to step in was the charismatic Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong, who called for an emergency standingmittee.


    Sitting at the center of the conference room, Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong asked as if she were the chairman of this emergency meeting, ¡°Please do not hesitate to share your opinion about how to progress the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea.¡±


    ¡°I have something to say. Due to the South Korean puppet regime, the state affairs in Northeast Asia is dangerous. For the safety of the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea, shouldn¡¯t we elerate the currently halted nuclear weapon research, especially in a time like this?¡±


    One of the most aggressive leaders in North Korea, Deputy Director of the Workers¡¯ Party of Korea Lee Byung-Chul, spoke while emphasizing the need to runch the nuclear weapon research that was halted in 2015. In response to Director Lee¡¯s statement, an elderly man slightly furrowed his brows and spoke.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the current nation in a good state? As Director Lee stated, the current state of affairs in Northeast Asia is unstable. Wouldn¡¯t runching the nuclear weapon research now draw more aggression from America and other countries around us?¡±


    Party Secretary Oh Choon-hwan expressed the opposing argument.


    ¡°How can the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea carry on the great Chairman Kim Jong-un¡¯s cause by fearing America or the countries around us? Don¡¯t ever say something as stupid as that ever again.¡±


    The temperamental Director Lee stood up and pointed at Secretary Oh, berating him while foaming at the mouth.


    ¡°Stop and have a seat, Comrade Director Lee.¡±


    Sheepish at Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong¡¯smand, Director Lee sat down without speaking and red at Secretary Oh.


    ¡°Comrade Director Lee, wouldn¡¯trade Secretary Oh say this for the safety of North Korea? In my opinion, the nuclear weapon development card should be ast resort. For now, I think we need to take a multi-directional approach.¡±


    ¡°A multi-directional approach? Continue,rade Premier Park.¡± Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong took interest in Premier Park Pong-Ju¡¯s idea and urged him to continue.


    ¡°The current tension in the Korean Penins is at an all-time high. Even though our People¡¯s Republic is problematic, the South also took an economic hit and are in a state of trouble. In light of a meeting request fromst time, isn¡¯t this a chance for us to get some practical assistance from the South by improving our rtionship? Furthermore, if we mend rtions with China, we can runch many of our halted industries and have an economic gain.¡±


    ¡°I believerade Premier Park is correct.¡±


    Director Kim Ki-Nam, who was elected into the Supreme People¡¯s Assembly from the Labor Party Convention, agreed with Premier Park.


    ¡°Instead of a rigid foreign policy, I think it¡¯s most important to tend to internal rtions and appease tensions in the Korean Penins. However, this does not mean that we should not prepare our military. I believe we should test fire our submarine SLBM currently in development or conduct a testunch and elerate the development of our Taepodong missile.¡±


    ¡°Thank you all for sharing your opinions.¡±


    As soon as Director Kim finished speaking, Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jong ced both of her hands on the conference room table and leaned forward before speaking.


    ¡°I am well aware that the war threat in the Korean Penins is bad for North Korea. Regarding the meeting request with South Korea, we will have representatives from the North and South meet as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should improve our current rtions with China to restore military and economic cooperation rtions. However, what¡¯s most important is what Director Kim said about always being prepared for our nation¡¯s safety, is it not? Therefore, we should give a specialmand to weaponry development with historical, aggressive determination so that Chairman Kim Jong-un¡¯s cause cane to fruition.¡±

 Chapter 21

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    May 12th, 2016 (US EST: 11th, 18:00). Lockheed Martin Executive office Mand Bethesda, U.S.


    The young womanfortably sat cross-legged in a leather sofa inside the marble-floored, elegantly decorated executive¡¯s office. She gave a purposeful smile towards yton Kershaw, the CEO of Lockheed Martin.


    This young woman, who could show a rxed attitude towards the CEO of Lockheed Martin, was one of two things: either she was a secret lover¡ªor she was someone who had political or economic power that rivaled yton Kershaw. It seemed she was closer to thetter. Had she been a lover, she would have met him at a hotel or a private lodge rather than at the executive¡¯s office for the public.


    yton Kershaw¡¯s first words to her were, ¡°Our sales have reached $130 billion, triple from the previous year. All within the first half of this year.¡±


    The young woman savored the scent of the coffee. She took a sip from the fine Italian china cup. She spoke as she set down the cup. ¡°This business project had arge risk, but it worked out better than expected. That means the first phase will be terminated permanently this round.¡±


    ¡°Lizzy Ahn, already?¡±


    Lizzy Ahn was the Korean American who organized the naval defense industry corruption that shook Korea a couple of months ago. This woman was excluded from the immediate arrests by the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation due to American political influence from that time. She was meeting yton Kershaw, the CEO of Lockheed Martin.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t the results beyond your expectations?¡±


    Lizzy Ahn took out a CD case from her Louis Vuitton bag and handed it to Executive Kershaw. ¡°This is data for the finished research for the next-generation stealth radar system. This will be the main item for the second phase of the business project.¡±


    yton Kershaw received the CD case, then walked over to the wall where a painting hung along with a wall safe. As he ced the CD within it, he asked, ¡°What will the main point for the second phase of the project be?¡±


    As yton Kershaw put the CD case in the safe and asked his question, Lizzy Ahn stood up from the sofa and walked towards the window where the entire city of Bethesda could be seen. She answered, ¡°Within the next four years, Northeast Asia will be dominated by stealth fighters such as F-35s and many others from each nation. When that happens, the demand for radar systems capable of detecting stealth fighters will rise. Wouldn¡¯t it? When that happens, make an announcement that Lockheed Martin has developed a next-generation radar system capable of detecting these stealth fighters.¡± Lizzy Ahn continued speaking after she admired the open Bethesda cityscape. ¡°When we make the announcement, the demand will rise, and our American allies and many other nations will flood thepany with requests to buy Lockheed Martin¡¯s stealth fighter detecting radar system.¡±


    ¡°We sold them the spear, so now we sell them the shield capable of blocking it. Is that right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t this pose a problem since our previously developed American F-35s or F-22 fighter jets will be detectable? That could be an issue.¡±


    Lizzy Ahn gave a slight smile. She had expected the question. ¡°No need to worry about that. By that time, new stealth technology will be developed, and it¡¯ll be applied across all of our stealth military equipment that America owns.¡±


    Lizzy Ahn sat back down on the sofa, grabbed her bag, then spoke again. ¡°Executive Kershaw? The orders are to organize the profit-sharing data for the first phase of the project within May. By the end of next month, 30% of the profits should be wired to the previous Swiss bank. I¡¯ve said all I need to, so I¡¯ll get going.¡±


    Executive yton Kershaw started to walk towards the door to see Lizzy Ahn off. As he did so, he said, ¡°Ah! I¡¯ll make sure everything¡¯s on time with the help of my staff. Have a safe trip. I¡¯ll see you again. I¡¯m off to work.¡±


    Lizzy Ahn was escorted by a ck-suited bodyguard waiting in the hallway to the Executive¡¯s only elevator as she said farewell.


    June 20th, 2016 09:00. Seoul National Intelligence Service National Terror Investigation Bureau First Office.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going, everyone? The eternal rookie for the first investigative office, Namgoon-won, has safely finished collective training and returned.¡±


    Namgoong-won finished the three-month collective training on June 18th and came back to Seoul on Saturday afternoon.


    On Sunday, he went out for a movie and dinner date at a famous restaurant with Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin. They had be lovers after meeting at the training center in Kang-Won Do. He was able to relieve the stress of the three months¡¯ worth of grueling training. He finally returned to work at the NIS office after three months.


    Chief Oh-Gisuk, who was the first toe in the office, pleasantly greeted him. ¡°Hey, Namgoon-won, you got a tan and look more manly, eh?¡±


    ¡°Hello, Chief Oh. Is it true you were doing well while I was gone?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Who told you about us during your training?¡±


    ¡®Oops! Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin told me to keep it a secret that she came to the training center,¡¯ he thought. Namgoong-won, who almost forgot, quickly changed the subject to avoid the question. ¡°Ah, nothing. Did you know I saw everyone in my dreams every night? I saw how you were all happy without me.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Ha, ha, ha, yeah we were all doing well. What¡¯re you going to do about that, huh? Ha, ha, ha.¡± Chief Kim-Naun spoke as he jokingly made a strangling pose to Namgoong-won in the back.


    Namgoong-won responded out of instinct and used the self-defense techniques from training. With it, he slightly twisted Chief Kim-Naun¡¯s arm. ¡°What will I do? This is what I do, Chief Kim. He, he, he.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Hey! Namgoong-won was trained well? Sorry I wasn¡¯t able to see you out when you left.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You couldn¡¯t go because of work.¡±


    Namgoong-won released Chief Kim, put out his hand, and grasped Chief Kim¡¯s hand for a handshake. Manager An Yeon-wu opened the office door and entered. Namgoon-won bowed low, bending his back. ¡°Hello Manager An. I¡¯ve safely finished training and have returned, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes, good work. You must be exhausted. Did you sustain any injuries?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, sir. Would the man, Namgoon-won, get injured from mere training?¡±


    ¡°Hey Namgoong-won, were you actually trained, or did you just learn how to boast?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    The first investigation office became a sea ofughs, then Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin entered the office.


    Namgoong-won acted coyly and greeted the Assistant Manager as if he had seen her for the first time in three months. ¡°Oh! Our Assitant Manager Lee Hye-jin. Long time no see.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯ve returned? I missed you, Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°I missed you every day, Assistant Manager Lee.¡±


    ¡°Get a load of this guy! All we got from him was ¡®I was doing well,¡¯ but for Assistant Manager Lee, he missed her every day?¡± Chief Kim-Naun spoke in a joking tone, as if he was annoyed by what he said.


    Namgoon-won smiled and said, ¡°Chief Kim! You owe me pork belly and soju.¡±


    ¡°I do? Right, I said I owe you for not being able to see you off, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°I used the thought of pork belly and cold soju to keep me going during training.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we all go after work? It¡¯ll be my treat. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that on a different day Chief Kim; you decide on a day. For today, let¡¯s make it the entire first investigative office¡¯s dinner party. Is everyone okay with that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Assistant Manager.¡±


    July 24th, 2016 14:40. ChungBook Boeun-kun Huinam-myun Bupsoo-ri Daechung Lake


    Old man Lee-Kyungchun, who lived on the Daechungke his whole life, left behind the never-ending nagging of his old wife. The old man hopped on his bike with his fishing rods on his shoulder and started to head out to Daechung Lake.


    Grandma Kim-Okja, who was from Chungnam Boo Yer, nagged her husband in a deep, southern ent. ¡°The darn weather¡¯s so hot and muggy. Just stay at home instead of going out. You¡¯ll only catch a few fish anyways. What¡¯s all the fuss for some fish in this terrible weather?¡±


    The old man didn¡¯t answer and began slowly peddling on his bike. He wanted to shoot back with a ¡®I was able to put our son and daughter through college by fishing like this,¡¯ to the nagging, but he decided against it. He knew the only response would be even more nagging from his wife. He used to uses and a boat to catch fish, but since the area became a waterwork protection area, it couldn¡¯t be fished anymore. The old man biked to the westmost area of the bridge to start fishing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get a big catch for the day...¡± He said those words to himself every time he went fishing. After he hopped off his bike, he began to unpack his things. He said to himself, ¡°This is the ideal spot of the day,¡± and then he swung his fishing pole energetically at the ce he once caught a trout the size of his forearm.


    Daechung Lake¡¯s calm waters shone like a silver marble in the sunlight. The cool breeze amidst the silence made the scenery seem like andscape painting to the old man. Despite the 70 years he had spent here, he never got sick of the view. Due to the hot weather, this leisurely summer afternoon was passing without a person in sight besides the old man.


    As time passed, the midday sun was half-hidden behind the Gooksa mountain peak. The old man didn¡¯t catch much fish, but he was in a good mood from the two forearm-sized trout he caught.


    ¡°I should head back home,¡± he said to himself.


    As he got up from the fishing chair to stretch his back and nced at the sky, a ck object with a red me was falling fast from the southern sky.


    Pshoo shoo shoo shoong


    Boom! Ssh!


    The ck object happened to fall within 100 meters from where the old man had been fishing. It created arge pir of water. The pir turned the calm waters to arge wave that spread out inrge circles. The shockwave knocked the old man off his chair. After what seemed like a few seconds or minutes, he regained his consciousness and footing. The old man began to look at his surroundings. The water was calm as if nothing had happened and all was quiet.


    ¡°Oh my, what¡¯s this? What just fell?¡±


    Still in a bewildered state, he clutched his back. It seemed to have been injured during the fall. He looked towards the spot where the ck object fell. When the thought of calling the authorities came to mind, he took out his phone from his pocket and dialed 112 for the police.

 Chapter 22

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    July 24th, 2016 19:25. Seoul Jong ro-gu Blue House President¡¯s office.


    The response from North Korea after the hands-on staff representative council meeting fromst month came through. The President, Prime Minister Lee-Youngho, Minister of Unification Oh-Seungtae, Minister of National Defense Kang-Hyunsoo, National Security Director Oh-Jangsoo, NIS Secretary Na Bong-il, and Chief Secretary Na-Sungtae were discussing the meeting agenda for the uing council on August 10th.


    Beep.


    ¡°Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi Sik has arrived, sir.¡±


    Themittee was notified via inte from the secretary¡¯s office.


    ¡°Tell them toe in.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi Sik entered with a tensed expression on his face. He spoke immediately with a sense of urgency in his voice. ¡°Mr. President, sir, this is an emergency.¡±


    All the government officials participating in the council meeting felt an ominous feeling in their gut from hearing the Chairman of the Joint Staff¡¯s urgent tone. They began staring at Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi Sik.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Take a seat first please,¡± the President said in the calmest voice out of the room. He pointed at the chair.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s an emergency, I shall report to you immediately. Approximately an hour ago, an unidentified object crashed into ChungBook Daechung Lake.¡±


    ¡°Is there a possibility of it being a missile?¡± National Security Director Oh-Jangsoo asked. He swallowed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The exact information regarding the crashed object has not been confirmed. Currently, we¡¯re nning to begin an underwater search mission in the surrounding area of Daechung Lake after a Joint Investigation Party is formed between the Army, Navy, and Airforce.¡±


    The Minister of National Defense Kang-Hyunsoo asked, ¡°Was there any more information from the US Armed Forces in Korea?¡±


    ¡°Currently we haven¡¯t received any contact from the US Armed Forces in Korea. I believe they¡¯repletely unaware of the situation.¡±


    ¡°How could this be? They¡¯re unaware of an unidentified object crashing into South Korea in this state of affairs at the penins? The US Army¡¯s Patriot Artillery Unit or the various radars they possess would have been more than enough to detect such a matter.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why this is strange. Our antiaircraft unit¡¯s radars and the Navy¡¯s Aegis ships don¡¯t have a trace or record of detecting the unidentified object that crashed into Daechung Lake. It seems the US Armed Forces in Korea also didn¡¯t contact us because they didn¡¯t detect it either.¡±


    ¡°Then how were we able to obtain the information regarding the crashed object?¡± NIS Secretary Na Bong-il asked with a confused look on his face.


    ¡°There was an old local who witnessed the crash himself while fishing. He called the police, which is how we caught wind of the situation.¡±


    ¡°The object was indetectable to American and Korean radars? Maybe there¡¯s a possibility it could be a stealth reconnaissance jet from China or Russia?¡± NIS Secretary Na Bong-il asked with a tenser tone in his voice than before.


    ¡°Currently it¡¯s difficult to assess the situation so quickly. We¡¯ve dispatched the Navy¡¯s UDT/SEAL divers to Deachung Lake. We¡¯ll identify the object through the nighttime underwater search mission and report back.¡±


    Minister of Unification Oh-Seungtae said with a worried look on his face, ¡°I¡¯m worried that something so foreboding has urred when we have the hands-on staff meeting in a couple days between the North and the South.¡±


    ¡°Rightfully so, Minister Oh.¡±


    The President pondered for awhile, and then he called over the Minister of National Defense. ¡°Minister Kang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like all information to be kept secret. Cut off contact from the US Armed Forces in Korea until we can exactly identify the crashed object. We also need to rectify thorough security measures in the surrounding area of Daechung Lake to prevent any information from leaking to the public.¡±


    ¡°Yes, currently the Army¡¯s 21st Battalion is stationed in the area. We¡¯ve dispatched them under the guise of a night tactical training exercise. We¡¯ll be able to conduct the nighttime search mission without drawing any attention from the locals.¡±


    ¡°Well done. Let¡¯s keep the Chairman of the Joint Staff¡¯s report between the eight of us here. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, sir.¡±


    ¡°And NIS Secretary Na.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Please dispatch your agents to the old man who called in the incident so we can keep the information secret. I want this taken care of quickly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it at once.¡±


    ¡°Lastly, it doesn¡¯t matter howte it is. Please report what happened today without worrying about the time.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Understood.¡±


    July 24th, 2016 22:10. ChungBook Boeun-kun Huinam-myun Bupsoo-ri Daechung Lake.


    The area around Daechung Lake was brighter than during the daytime. Many res lit up theke¡¯s surface. The crash site had many ships afloat; they were equipped with bright lights resembling squid fishing ships and the UDT/SEAL team¡¯s rubber boats.


    Within an hour, 10 UDT/SEAL diving agents searched the 20 meters of water. A signal was sent, notifying the unidentified object as being found. The agents surfaced and began speaking to Lt. Colonel Woo-Won gill, who wasmanding the search.


    The 30-year veteran Navy UDT/SEAL Warrant Officer Han-Soowon reported as he gasped for breath, ¡°Commander Woo, sir, the visibility within the water is poor so there could be some error, but the object seems to resemble a disc. It has a radius of 25 meters and height of 7 meters.¡±


    ¡°Excellent work, Warrant Officer Han. It must berge with a 25-meter radius, wouldn¡¯t it? I must report to the superiors and then follow their orders. Please order all agents to the surface and to rest.¡±


    The report that the unidentified object was found within an hour of the start of the underwater search mission reached the Blue House through the Joint Chief¡¯s Headquarters. The Blue House was able to ease their concerns a bit, as the object was not a stealth aircraft from a neighboring nation nor a missile. However, their curiosity was amplified by the object¡¯s disc-like form.


    New orders were issued from the Joint Chief¡¯s Headquarters 30 minutester.


    Brigadier General Ahn-Hyungjoon was hurriedly dispatched to Daechung Lake as the Joint Investigation Party¡¯smander. He had gathered everyone in charge of each branch of the military in this search mission to issue ordersing from the Joint Staff¡¯s Headquarters.


    ¡°These are orders from up top. This search mission will be disguised as the 21st Battalion¡¯s tactical training exercise during the day, but it will be salvaging work by night. The salvaging will take ce for a week, and its contents will be shipped to the 17th Fighter Wing. The Army¡¯s 21st Battalion will remain here during the week, performing its tactical training exercise while erecting sentry posts in a one-kilometer radius to prevent civilians from entering the vicinity. Don¡¯t let your guard down in securing the perimeter.¡±


    ¡°Lt. Colonel Oh-Gisoo, understood, sir.¡±


    ¡°Lt. Colonel Woo-Won gill, when the Navy¡¯s salvaging team arrives in the morning, establish a n and method to salvage the object and report back to me.¡±


    ¡°Lt. Colonel Woo-Won gill, understood, sir.¡±


    ¡°Lastly, Major Park-Kyunghoon, I¡¯d also like you to report on the ns, methods, and route for transporting this object to the 17th Fighter Wing after it¡¯s been salvaged.¡±


    ¡°Major Park-Kyunghoon, understood, sir.¡±


    July 25th, 2016 09:10. ChungBook Boeun-kun Huinam-myun Bupsoo-ri Daechung Lake.


    A ck van moved through a narrow road. After awhile, the door opened. A middle-aged man and a young woman got off the van.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s the ce?¡±


    The young woman¡¯s voice was Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s from the NIS National Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1. She was pointing at an old house with a b roof.


    ¡°It seems like it.¡±


    Since the summer heat was unyielding, the sunlight was bright despite that it was only 9:00a.m. Manager Ahn-Younwoo covered his eyes from the rays and nced at the house 50 meters away from him. Soon after, the two arrived at the front door of the b-roofed house and checked for signs of life. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin called for someone. ¡°Elder Lee-Kyungchoon, sir.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Olddy Kim-Okja asked as she walked out of the kitchen.


    ¡°Hello ma¡¯am. We¡¯re from the Boeun County Office.¡±


    ¡°The county office?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Is elder Lee-Kyngchoo home?¡± This time Manager Ahn-Younwoo politely greeted her and asked whether or not her husband was home.


    ¡°Old man,e outside. There¡¯s people from the county office here to see you.¡±


    Finally, the main room¡¯s door opened and elder Lee-Kyungchoon showed himself.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Are you elder Lee-Kyungchoon?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me. Who are you toe looking for me all the way out here?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, we¡¯re from the county office. We came regarding the incident you called in yesterday.¡±


    ¡°The county office? Was it wrong for me to call in the police?¡±


    ¡°No, you did something good. We just came by to give you the reward for reporting it in.¡± Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin spoke in the kindest tone with a bright smile to put the elderly couple¡¯s mind at ease.


    ¡°A reward? Just for reporting something? Well so be it,e inside.¡±


    In a short while, Manager Ahn-Younwoo and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin entered the main room and began conversing with the old man.


    ¡°The thing you called in about was an unmanned drone the military was testing.¡±


    ¡°An unmanned drone?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you know about the Airforce base in Chung Joo, right? They were testing the drone from there, but it fell into Daechung Lake by mistake.¡±


    ¡°Well, then why do I deserve a reward for calling it in?¡±


    ¡°Well the tensions between the North and the South are high, aren¡¯t they? The county office deems your actions as exemry, so they¡¯re trying to reward you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s strange. How much is it?¡±


    ¡°Five million won, sir.¡±


    ¡°My goodness, I didn¡¯t just catch a trout that day, but arge reward, too! Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    Elder Lee-Kyungchoon was in a good mood after hearing about the five million won and called for his wife in the kitchen. ¡°Bring something to eat! There are guests here, and you¡¯re not going to bring out anything?¡±


    ¡°No. That¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing? Bring something already.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡±


    The small door connecting the kitchen opened and his wife brought a cut, cool watermelon on a tter. ¡°It¡¯s cool and delicious.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your generosity.¡± Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin grabbed a piece and took arge bite.


    ¡°My, my! This youngdy¡¯s appetite is as good as her looks; I wish I could introduce you to our son.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was taken aback from those words. All she could do was chew a mouthful of watermelon and smile.


    ¡°Have you gone senile, woman? Is there anything you can¡¯t say to strangers?¡±


    ¡°I like her; that¡¯s why.¡±


    Manager Ahn-Younwoo continued the conversation amidst jokes after finishing a slice of watermelon. ¡°Sir, you must not speak of the reward or what you reported with anyone.¡±


    ¡°Was it of great importance?¡±


    ¡°The unmanned drone testing is a part of confidential military ns. You cannot tell anyone about receiving the reward or about why you called the authorities.¡±


    ¡°Even to my children?¡±


    ¡°We must ask you to please keep it a secret, except with your wife.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Stay put old woman, I¡¯ll tell youter.¡±


    After 20 minutes passed, Manager Ahn-Younwoo and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin were able to return to the ck van. Manager Ahn-Younwoo made a phone call as soon as he got into the van. ¡°This is Ahn-Younwoo from Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1. We just finished contacting elder Lee-Kyungchoon. Since he¡¯s from the country, he was naive, and he didn¡¯t have any doubts. He should cause no problems regarding security.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±


    After he hung up the phone, Manager Ahn-Younwoo called Chief Oh-Gisuk in the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Chief Oh, let¡¯s go to the Boeun County Office.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Manager.¡±

 Chapter 23

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    July 25th, 2016 13:25. ChungBook Boeun-kun Huinam-myun Bupsoo-ri Daechung Lake Joint Investigation Party¡¯s Tent.


    The southernmost riverside at Hui-nam bridge was filled with soldiers from the 21st Battalion, who were still going through their tactical training. There was a small, gged buoy floating in the middle of Daechung Lake. Rubber boats floated around the buoy, and divers were busy with their underwater work.


    The fieldmander for this underwater search mission, UDT/SEAL Lt. Colonel Woo Won-gill, lead the briefing. ¡°Currently, the unidentified object is 25 meters, and it is sunken underwater at a 15-degree angle. The weight is estimated to be 10 tons, and there seems to be no damage to the outer structure. That¡¯s all we can confirm for now.¡±


    Brigadier General Ahn Hyung-joon, the armed forces Joint Investigation Party leader, asked, ¡°Has the methods for salvaging been established yet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, after meeting with the Navy¡¯s salvaging specialist team that arrived this morning, we¡¯ve decided to use steel chains that form a and a crane from the Daechung Lake Management Center because the object was lighter than we assumed. We estimate the extraction to take about three days.¡±


    Brigadier General Ahn Hyung-joon nodded, then said, ¡°That¡¯s good news. The problem is how to transport the object back to the 17th Fighter Wing after we salvage it...¡±


    ¡°During our meeting, our team responsible for transport has determined that using and route would be impossible at present. The object is circr and has a diameter of 25 meters, so it would be unable to pass from various obstacles on the route.¡±


    ¡°So, have you found another solution then?¡±


    Major Park Kyung-hoon from the 17th Fighter Wing exined as he presented example photos, ¡°Yes, Commander. The most realistic method for us would be to attach fourrge ad-balloons to each edge of the object for weight reduction, then attach lines to the other four edges for the Army¡¯s Chinook helicopter to transport it over.¡±


    Brigadier General Ahn Hyung-joon opened his mouth after taking a moment to think. ¡°Not bad, but since the transporting must be done at night, please make precautions towards safety. If an ident happens while it¡¯s in transport, then this secret mission could be exposed to the general public or the press.¡±Visit website our Listnovel


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll take all safety measures and give it our all during the transport mission.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you. Lt. Colonel Lee?¡±


    Brigadier General Ahn Hyung-joon looked towards Lt. Colonel Lee Ki-soo.


    ¡°Yes, Commander!¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s the parameter? Are the civilians being barred from entering?¡±


    ¡°Currently, we¡¯ve erected temporary sentry posts through a one-kilometer radius. We¡¯ve been strictly restricting civilians¡¯ entry; we¡¯ve also dispatched troops to patrol various mountain paths in the area 24 hours a day.¡±


    Lt. Colonel Lee Ki-soo, the Commander of the 21st Batallion, answered with a disciplined tone. ¡°Good, I¡¯ll head to Joint Chief¡¯s Headquarters to report the situation today. Eachmander is to stay vignt at their missions. That is all.¡±


    ¡°Attention! Salute!¡±


    ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    July 25th 2016, 14:30. ChungBook Boeun-kun Huinam-myun Bupsoo-ri Vige.


    There was emergency road work being done in Bupsoo-ri Vige from elder Lee Kyung-choon¡¯s house to the town hall. A man, who was directing the construction site wearing a safety helmet, nced at elder Lee Kyun-choon¡¯s house from time to time. It was Chief Oh Gi-suk from NIS Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1.


    Manager Lee Yeon-woo visited the Boeun County Office in the morning. Since he was concerned about the elder leaking secrets, he asked for cooperation from the county office for emergency roadwork to send Chief Oh Gi-suk in disguise to keep watch.


    July 25th, 2016 16:30. Seoul NIS Counter Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 Office.


    Namgoong-won, who finished his training a month ago, started to look like an official employee of the NIS. The atmosphere in the office seemed busy after the executives¡¯ meeting was called, and Namgoong-won was also working hard to fit the mood in the office. Namgoong-won had a separate reason why he was busy. As soon as he arrived in the office this morning, he was asked to see Director Huh Young-joon, who assigned him an important mission. He had his hands full collecting the required information regarding the mission, and he was busy typing away at the keyboard.


    ck!


    A momentter, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin entered the office. ¡°Great work! You must feel exhausted from all the heat.¡±


    Even though he was focused on his task and unable to have a second thought, Namgoong-won seemed to have a working 24-hour radar for Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin. He smiled at her and brought out the iced coffee he had prepared earlier from the fridge and handed it to her.


    ¡°Please, drink up.¡±


    ¡°Wow, thank you!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing...but what about Manager Ahn? Where is he?¡±


    ¡°He went straight to the director to meet with him and report back.¡±


    ¡°How was work outside the office?¡±


    ¡°Chief Oh opted to stay behind. This week, Chief Oh and Kim will take turns with the dispatch work. Is everything going smoothly here?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I was summoned by the director this morning, and I¡¯ve been hard at work since.¡±


    ¡°The director himself gave you a task? What is it?¡±


    ¡°This is first-ss, confidential information. My task is to hack all the radar sweep data from the US Armed Forces in Korea from 2:00 to 7:00 pm yesterday. I¡¯m preparing now.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The work I¡¯m doing is top-secret. So only people up to Manager Ahn know, apparently. I also have to go to the Cybersecurity Bureau in a bit. I¡¯ll probably stay up all night working.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin seemed to have noticed the stares from her surroundings and whispered in Namgoong-won¡¯s ear. ¡°Oh boy. I¡¯ll make you something delicious this weekend, so cheer up.¡±


    She sat down in her seat and drank the cool iced coffee.


    ¡®If that¡¯s the case, then I don¡¯t care if I have to pull all-nighters for a couple of days,¡¯ Namgoong-won thought to himself. He went back to his chair, smiling happily. For awhile, he focused on typing away at theputer keyboard.


    July 25th, 2016 22:30. Seoul NIS Cybersecurity Bureau Office.


    ¡°Today¡¯s mission is top-secret. Everyone got specified information about the mission, and we¡¯re out of time, so I¡¯ll keep it short. Today¡¯s first goal is to create a bypasswork that goes through 20 nations around the world, starting in China. Also, there¡¯s a hacking professional sent from the Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 to aid us. So, work with him. Discuss topics that are unfamiliar and proceed.¡±


    Director Youn Yeon-joon of the Cybersecurity Bureau briefly spoke about the tasks, then he introduced Namgoong-won to the 30 agents standing in front of him.


    Namgoong-won introduced himself. ¡°How¡¯s it going, everyone? I¡¯m Namgoong-won from the Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1. Nice to meet you all.¡±


    Despite the military and political conflict, the NIS Cybersecurity Bureau was about to begin its hacking project under the President¡¯s special orders to obtain radar sweep data from the US Armed Forces in Korea. They were nning to hack their ally.


    July 28th, 2016 13:50. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House President¡¯s Office.


    ¡°This is unbelievable. Truly, the US Armed Forces in Korea didn¡¯t detect anything with their radars?¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo had an expression that clearly showed disbelief even after hearing the words from NIS Secretary Na Bong-il. The President¡¯s curiosity grew regarding the unidentified object, as he was certain the US Armed Forces in Korea were withholding the information from Korea.


    ¡°Yes, the Cybersecurity Bureau reviewed the data twice, but there were no records of the radar detecting the unidentified object¡¯s crash from three hours before or after the incident.¡±


    ¡°What should I make of this...? Secretary Na, the fact we hacked the US Armed Forces won¡¯t be discovered, would it?¡±


    ¡°We set the initial hacking point in China. There¡¯s no need to worry about being discovered, sir.¡±


    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll trust you, Secretary Na. What about maintaining secrecy from the old man?¡±


    ¡°Our agents are keeping watch of his residence 24 hours a day. Today¡¯s report indicates that there were no incidents, nor did the old mane into contact with the other elders from town.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Since even the US Armed Forces in Korea are unaware of this, it wouldn¡¯t be favorable for us if word gets out to the press. Please make sure it doesn¡¯t happen.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    July 29th, 2016 22:30. ChungBook Boeun-kun Huinam-myun Bupsoo-ri Daechung Lake Crash Site.


    The engine¡¯s cry of the 100-ton crane barge ship became louder, and the ck object connected to the crane began to float to the water¡¯s surface. The salvaging was able to begin after the UDT/SEAL diving agents and the Navy¡¯s divers were able to connect the steel chains to the ck object, which took four nights toplete.


    After 20 minutes passed, the round ck object surfaced. The fourrge ad-balloons were attached to four spots, and the air was pumped into the balloons immediately. The four balloons began to expand after the air was pumped in, then the main chain connected to the crane was released. The ck object floated on the surface from its own buoyancy, and the balloons did not sink back into the water.


    ¡°Send the chopper.¡±


    Brigadier General Ahn Hyung-joon, who was had been overseeing the salvaging from the start, ordered Transportation Commander Major Park Kyung-hoon to carry out the next step. Major Park Kyung-hoon ordered the Army¡¯s Airforce CH-47 Chinook pilot via radio.


    Dudududududududu


    A momentter, a Chinook helicopter approached the Daechung Lake salvaging site with a thundering noise. When the Chinook helicopter soared above the ck object, it lowered a line to connect to the center ring, which connected the four lines along the object¡¯s edges. The maximum lift-off weight of the Chinook helicopter was 22 tons, but since it lowered its own bodyweight, in theory, it was in a state to lift the lightened ck object by the balloons.


    ¡°If the connecting ring has been attached and secured, then tell them to slowly raise altitude.¡±


    Finally, as the CH-47 Chinook helicopter raised altitude, the connecting rings and line became taut. The object slowly began to elevate into the air.


    July 29th, 2016 00:30. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House President¡¯s Conference Room.


    The President, ministers, and secretaries gathered in the President¡¯s conference room were all in an anxious state. Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik, who just got back from answering a phone call, spoke to the President with a bright look on his face. ¡°Mr. President, sir, we¡¯ve safely transported the object to the 17th Fighter Wing.¡±


    The anxiety filling the conference room lifted with Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik¡¯s words. Everyone sighed in relief, and Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae even pped his hands out of joy.


    The President stated, ¡°That¡¯s great news. Good thing we were able to finish this task without incident. It¡¯s just the beginning Minister Kang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo answered. ¡°Please go to the National Defense and Science Agency tomorrow to identify the object in question and give them full cooperation with the Joint investigation party.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo had already instructed Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo to select reliable researchers to be dispatched to study the unknown object after it was salvaged and transported to the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s base.

 Chapter 24

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    August 10th, 2016 13:00. Kyungi -do Paju-si Panmunjeom Joint Security Area Conference Center for North/South Hands-on Staff.


    One year after the theatrical North/South hands-on staff meeting, North Korea sent the Labor Party¡¯s Secretary and Head of the United Front Kim Young-chul as their representative, while South Korea sent Minister of Unification Oh Seung-tae as their representative to begin the meeting.


    The Labor Party¡¯s Secretary Kim Young-chul, who came with four aid staff, greeted the Minister first. ¡°Comrade Minister Oh Seung-tae, long time no see. I presume you¡¯re doing well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m doing well, thanks to you, Mr. Secretary.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do much, but since you say you did well because of me, I can¡¯t help but feel sorry.¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha, is that so? Secretary Kim Young-chul, you seem younger than before. Are you aging backwards?¡±


    ¡°Does it really seem that way? Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    The meeting started with awkward jokes, and after five long hours, many policies to ease the tension between the two nations were discussed. Another step was taken to improve rtions between the two countries.


    August 12th, 2016 19:25. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House National Emergency Situation Center Underground Bunker.


    Ten days have passed. In response to the precision diagnostic report of the unidentified object that came back from the dispatched researchers at the 17th Fighter Wing, a national security council was hurriedly called for in the underground bunker in the Blue House National Emergency Situation Center.


    ¡°Before we start the council today, I¡¯d like to make a request to everyone present. The contents of today¡¯s meeting will be considered confidential in SS-rank, which is higher than S-rank. Therefore, if anything discussed today were leaked to outside sources, this will be considered treason and vitors can be subject to a lifetime prison sentence or worse in times of national emergency.¡± The government bureaucrats all listened more intently than usual as they nced at the President, who spoke with a resolute tone. ¡°Let¡¯s begin then.¡±


    Acting Chairperson Prime Minister Lee Young-ho began to speak. ¡°On July 24th, 2016, approximately 5:40p.m., the unidentified object crashnded at Daechung Lake. A local witnessed the crash and notified the police, who contacted the military, then the Joint Chiefs dispatched an emergency Army, Navy, and Airforce joint investigation party. The Joint Chiefs worked on a six day-long salvaging mission, and they prevented civilian contact within a one-kilometer radius of the area by using a local army¡¯s training exercise as a cover to maintain secrecy. Transportation of the object waspleted to the 17th Fighter Wing on July 29th, 11:00 p.m.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho moved back from the microphone to cough. He was about to continue speaking, but Minister Ahn Sang-tae of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport asked a question. ¡°Why didn¡¯t we have a joint mission with the US Armed Forces in Korea? Minister?¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho nced at the President for awhile. The Prime Minister saw the President give a slight nod as a signal, then he answered Minister Ahn Sang-tae of The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport¡¯s question. ¡°There was no trace of the object¡¯s crash in our military¡¯s radar. We didn¡¯t receive any contact or information from the US Armed Forces in Korea. Thus, we determined it wouldn¡¯t be necessary for a joint operation to be carried out when we didn¡¯t know whether the US Armed Forces in Korea didn¡¯t notify us or if they simply didn¡¯t know because their radars couldn¡¯t detect anything.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho finished speaking. He gave the signal to Secretary-General Kim Hong-gyu, who was standing by next to him. Secretary-General Kim Hong-gyu began to hand out the paperwork to each bureaucrat.


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho exined, ¡°The paperwork that the secretary-general is handing out is the ten-day precision diagnostic report from the Agency for Defense Development. The document is concerning the unidentified crashed object from 18 days ago, dated July 24th at 6:00p.m. Please take a look.¡±


    The report¡¯s contents were as follows:


    Diameter: 26.5m


    Height: 7.5m


    Form: Shape of a round disc.


    External materialposition: unidentifiable: cannot find the chemical symbol for the element in the current periodic table.


    Strength test conducted for the metal material: Currently determined to have 20 times the strength of the strongest metals on earth.


    Traits of the metallic material: No reaction towards radiowaves, predicted to be unable to be detected by any current radar system owned by Korea.


    Internals check for the unidentified object: No entrance found in all 360-degree angles, and unable to check its contents via Photon resonance imaging machines.


    Specifics contents from category 4: Elemental symbol testing contents: 15 types of testing and experimentation taken.


    (omitted)


    Final conclusion: The unidentified object has been deemed be made by technology outside of Earth¡¯s science, and it has been unanimously agreed by 12 researchers that it is from an alien source.


    Amidst the surprised looks on each of the NSC agents¡¯ faces, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke. ¡°Could this... truly be? It sounds like something out of a Sci-Fi novel.¡±


    Minister of Science, ICT, and Future nning Yoo Seung-woo read the report thoroughly several times and spoke with an excited look on his face. ¡°Indeed, it does seem like it. The diagnostic results are from our researchers, who worked hard for ten days, so we must trust it. Regardless, if the object is a flying saucer from space, then its worth will be astronomical, considering all the applied technological advancements we could make.¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, who was a true pro-American, suggested, ¡°However, ording to the results of the experiment, we couldn¡¯t obtain information about its identity, let alone any sort of technological value. How about we conduct joint research with America?¡±


    Minister of Justice Lee Jae-soo frowned and retorted, ¡°Minister Ahn, are you aware of what you¡¯re suggesting? We should ensure that our researchers obtain the applicable technology for our nation¡¯s benefit and make it a foundation for the future. Why are you always on about America?¡±


    ¡°What? Minister Lee! Is that all you can say?¡±


    ¡°Gentlemen. Please stop. Are you both just here to argue in front of the President?¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae¡¯s face was bright red from Minister Ahn Prime Minister Lee Young-ho¡¯s criticisms, but he could not speak up and only red at Minister Lee Jae-soo.


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il said, ¡°I¡¯d like a chance to speak.¡±


    ¡°Please, you have the floor.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure some of you are aware there¡¯s a rumor that the US researches about aliens and alien aircrafts at an airforce base called Area 51. We at the NIS are unsure about it being true or not, but we have reason to believe it may not be a rumor after today¡¯s incident. In a way, I think this is a big chance for Korea. Shouldn¡¯t we use all of our power to obtain applicable technology from this object and use it as a stepping stone for an improved Korea in these economic and politically unstable times?¡±


    ¡°I also agree with Secretary Na.¡± President Suh Hyun-woo, who had been listening intently after his greeting, spoke up. ¡°I have high expectations for this unidentified object. I¡¯ve considered a joint research with the US like Minister Ahn suggested; however, I¡¯ve concluded that despite our inability to extract applicable technology from the object currently, we¡¯ll be able to do so through continuous support from the government and seed. What do you guys think?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Mr. President, we must achieve this with our own technology through any means necessary.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho spoke up in support. ¡°Therefore, I¡¯d like to proceed with the research under governmental intervention about this unidentified object, using all human resources if necessary. I¡¯d like thisboratory to be under presidential authority. Also, I¡¯d like to invite prominent scientists working overseas. I¡¯d like all of you here as Ministers and Secretaries of each governmental branch to make support of this research a top priority. I¡¯d like Minister Yoo Won-jin of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in particr to aid in finances for establishing theb a top priority.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. We¡¯ll take care of the budgeting for erecting theb.¡±


    The appearance of an alien aircraft, an object that seemed toe from a Sci-Fi novel like a UFO, was discussed whether or not it would create arge influence within Korea during the meeting. The ten people in attendance discussed the matter for two hours and established various policies before ending the meeting.


    August 13th, 2016 11:00. Chungbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Airforce Base.


    There was arge tent next to 20 igloo-like structures. There were numerous military police and ck-suited men standing guard. A momentter, many ck sedans approached the tent.


    After six ck sedans came to a halt, the ck-suited men established a path towards the tent. A middle-aged gentleman stepped off the ck sedan. It was President Suh Hyun-woo.


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who wanted to see the unidentified object himself, visited the 17th Fighter Wing Airforce Base after the national security council meeting with the Blue House staff.


    The 17th Fighter Wing Commander Brigadier General Oh Suk-myung and his advisors, who were standing still, saluted the President. ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    The President saluted back.


    ¡°Thank you foring all the way out here despite the long travel, Mr. President, sir!¡±


    ¡°It didn¡¯t take much effort. I only feel sorry for all the effort you and all the other soldiers had to go through just for my arrival.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing sir. I believe it¡¯s an honor, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you think of it that way, thank you. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    A woman in her 40s, who was standing behind Brigadier General Oh Suk-myung, greeted the president. ¡°How are you, sir? I¡¯m the National Defense and Science Agency¡¯s Lead Researcher Lee Su-jin.¡±


    ¡°I read your report thoroughly. Thank you for all your hard work, Dr. Lee.¡±


    ¡°My only regret is I couldn¡¯t obtain tangible results.¡±


    ¡°No, you did all you could. I¡¯m dying of curiosity.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes excuse me. Let¡¯s go here.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Six armed military police standing guard in front of the tent saluted the President loudly with their guns. ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    The President stopped in his tracks after he was guided into the tent with Dr. Lee Su-jin. Seeing the disc-like aircraft made out of ck, metallic material, he stopped in his tracks. The reports and pictures had not done the object justice.


    ¡°It¡¯s amazing to see it with my own eyes. It looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. We were in awe when we first saw it, too.¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae, who was looking at the aircraft while walking along its edge, seemed to have a question and asked Dr. Lee Su-jin. ¡°Would this aircraft be manned or unmanned? I¡¯m getting curious after looking at it in person.¡±


    The President also seemed interested, so he nced at Dr. Lee Su-jin after hearing the Chief Secretary¡¯s question.


    ¡°I apologize, but we were unable to determine whether this is a manned or an unmanned aircraft. There was no operating part during our 10 days of experimentation... It could be an unmanned aircraft, but if there is a living pilot, we predict it to be deceased.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo pleaded to Dr. Lee Su-jin in an earnest tone. ¡°We¡¯d like to see the internals soon. You must have gotten the report yesterday. There will be no holding back in terms of government funding or human resources, so, please do your best to seed in the research and contribute to our nation.¡±


    ¡°As a scientist, it¡¯s an honor for me and the other researchers to participate in the project. We¡¯ll try to obtain results that will satisfy you as quickly as possible, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°When you say so, I get even more curious about this thing. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    The Presidentughed loudly as he looked at the ck disc-like aircraft.

 Chapter 25

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    August 13th, 2016 13:30. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Airforce Base Operation Briefing Room.


    President Suh Hyun-woo finished dining with the soldiers from the Airforce and was seated in the operations briefing room with his entourage. They were there to hear ns about building aboratory intended to research the unidentified object.


    ¡°Loyalty! I am Major Kang Ki-joong from the 17th Fighter Wing. I¡¯ll be the one to brief you about the construction of theboratory within our base. Since the construction of this facility is top-secret, we¡¯ve named it as a weapons storage unit and office housing the next-generation weapons. Thebor and equipment for this project will be provided from three engineering battalions from the army and our facilities; we expect to finish construction within November. Please look at the screen.¡±


    The 200-inch screen disyed the blueprint of theboratory in 3D format.


    ¡°As you can see from the disy, thisboratory will be built underground. The first reason is to avoid reconnaissance from neighboring countries, and the second is to maintain secrecy from the soldiers in base.¡± Major Kang Ki-joong signaled to the soldier operating the console next to him and continued his exnation. ¡°The next slide will exin the different functions of each structure at each level. I¡¯ll begin with the first floor. The area of the first floor will be...¡±


    August 15th, 2016 09:30. Seoul NIS Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1.


    Despite it being the independence day holiday, the Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 was as busy as ever. It was not just Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1, but the entire NIS was as busy as if an emergency situation was urring.Visit website our Listnovel


    Namgoong-won, who thought something was off after seeing all the other department agents packing their things, was curious aftering into the office. He saw that even Chief Kim Na-un was packing. He asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on, Chief Kim?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re getting dispatched!¡±


    ¡°Being dispatched all of a sudden? To where?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not exactly sure yet, but we¡¯ve been tasked with guarding high-up government bureaucrats.¡±


    ¡°What? Why¡¯s our department taking on bodyguard tasks?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. The orders areing from up top... What are we going to do about it?¡±


    A momentter, Manager An Yeon-wu and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin came into the office after finishing the executive meeting.


    ¡°Chief Oh, did you finish packing up?¡±


    ¡°For luggage, this is all I have. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Please step into my office for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    Namgoong-won, who was looking at Chief Kim Na-un following Manager An Yeon-wu, walked up to Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and whispered to her a question. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Chief Kim told me this was because of the bodyguard work.¡±


    ¡°What? Why are you whispering when no one¡¯s around?¡±


    ¡°It seemed like confidential information; that¡¯s why.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when we get home. I have an urgent matter to attend to.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood.¡±


    August 15th, 2016 20:30. Seoul Kang Nam-ku Yuksam-dong. Namgoong-won¡¯s studio apartment.


    Namgoong-won left the office with Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and returned to his studio apartment after having dinner at a restaurant near Kang nam station.


    ¡°I miss in our college days where a holiday meant there¡¯s no work to be done.¡±


    Namgoong-wonid down on his couch and stretched as he nced at the ceiling. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was taken aback from how easily Namgoong-won spoke about his hurtful past, as if he had ovee it. She regained herposure and spoke as she sat down next to him. ¡°Right now, there are millions of young people who are unemployed. Do you realize how good you have it for even having a career? Stop talking high and mighty...¡±


    Smooch. She kissed Namgoon-won¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Is that so? Oh, right, didn¡¯t you promise to tell me when we got home?¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin hesitated for a moment. She spoke after seeing the very curious look on Namgoong-won¡¯s face. ¡°This is S-ss confidential information, so listen and then forget about it.... okay?¡±


    ¡°Oh boy, I¡¯m only SS-ss myself, you know?¡±


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll tell you. An unidentified object crashnded in Daechung Lake two weeks ago. It¡¯s been salvaged and transported to another location. There¡¯s talk of the unidentified aircraft being an alien spaceship.¡±


    ¡°What? Really?¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin smiled. She found Namgoong-won¡¯s widened, almost bulging eyes cute and continued speaking. ¡°So our agents at NIS are being dispatched to guard all the higher bureaucrats who know about it. I think they¡¯re calling in all the human resources the government agencies can muster, including the NIS and special forces. Chief Kim is being sent out from the Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1. They¡¯re saying we¡¯re bodyguards...but I think they¡¯re using that as an excuse to maintain secrecy.¡±


    Namgoong-won didn¡¯t move an inch. He was surprised. He remembered when he had hacked NASA, as well as the painful memories of his loving family being murdered, the data from Area 51 which started it all, and the contents about the alien, the alien spacecraft, and the applied technology from researching it...


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Lee Hye-jin shook his shoulder. She was in shock from seeing Namgoong-won sitting still in his own shock. Namgoong-won finally seemed to snap out of the memories from the past, then he straightened up to mumble something to Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin. ¡°The data I hacked before... There was a lot of information about aliens and alien space crafts.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the original copy might have been destroyed after I gave it to Manager Oh when I was in the hospital, but... there are copies on myptop.¡±


    This time, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was in shock. When she first met Namgoong-won in the safe house hospital as his real identity Kim In-jik, she knew he had hacked information about Area 51 from NASA, but she had not known the contents.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you delete all the data?¡±


    ¡°Yes... My mind was upied... Now I think about it, I forgot to delete everything.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be in big trouble if Manager An finds out. Wouldn¡¯t it be good to delete the data today?¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°Yes, make sure of it... I want to look at it out of curiosity, but I won¡¯t.¡±


    Two hourster, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin returned home. Namgoong-won took out aptop from a dusty box. After he connected the power supply and booted up theptop, the screen lit up. Theptop began to start up. Despite that he had wanted to destroy it after his family was killed in the ident, here he was eight monthster turning it on.


    Click! Click!


    Namgoong-won calmed the butterflies in his stomach, clicked on an encrypted folder in the D-drive, and entered the password. Many types of files showed up. Among them, he clicked on the file named ¡®1940 UFO-01.¡¯ The file was in English, but it was not too hard to trante.


    Despite that he had initially booted theptop in order to delete all the hacked data, something took hold of Namgoon-won. He read through all the files until it was 5am. After that day, Namgoon-won spent all of his time after work analyzing the hacked files and going on dates with Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin.


    October 18th, 2016 19:40. Seoul NIS Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1 Manager¡¯s Office.


    Knock. Knock.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°Manager, it¡¯s Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. Have a seat! Why are you still in the office after hours?¡±


    ¡°I have something to tell you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I heard an unidentified object crashnded in Daechung Lake around August. I know it was salvaged and transported elsewhere, also.¡±


    Manager An Yeon-wu was in shock. Concerned about a breach in security, he asked Namgoong-won, ¡°Namgoong-won, where did you hear about this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t reveal my sources.¡±


    ¡°An apology isn¡¯t what matters here. What you just said is national S-ss confidential information. Did you hear it from Assistant Manager Lee?¡±


    ¡°I apologize.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll discuss thatter, but the case at Daechung Lake is true.¡±


    ¡°So, what happened to the unidentified object?¡±


    Manager An Yeon-wu hesitated from the continued questioning, but he seemed to have reached a decision. He spoke to Namgoong-won as he looked into his eyes. ¡°As I have said before, what I am about to tell you is national S-ss confidential information. If this was to be leaked, then you¡¯d be arrested and sentenced to life or worse due to the state of emergency the nation is in. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir. I¡¯m also an agent working in the NIS.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll put my trust in you and tell you. Currently, the unidentified aircraft is in a temporaryboratory in Chungju 17th Fighter Wing base, and it¡¯s being researched by 30 scientists.¡±


    ¡°Were there any tangible results about the unidentified aircraft?¡±


    ¡°The rest of the information is even a higher-ss secret, so I don¡¯t even know. Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°I gave you the original hacked data about Area 51 before.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you did...¡±


    ¡°The truth is there are copies on myptop.¡±


    ¡°What? Didn¡¯t you im there were no copies when I asked for them?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t in the right state of mind at the time, so I forgot about having copies.¡±


    ¡°I should have taken more care when I was dealing with it... It¡¯s my fault. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°I remembered the hacked data when I heard about the unidentified object crashnding on Daechung Lake in August, so I started analyzing the data about aliens and their spacecraft.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Manager An Yeon-wu was taken aback from Namgoong-won¡¯s words. He closed the blinds on his ss office wall. He asked, ¡°Did you find anything substantial?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Based on my analysis of the data from Area 51, I learned about the alien¡¯smunication methods and operating system of the spacecraft. I¡¯ve created a protocol program that can sync up with myptop.¡±

 Chapter 26

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    October 19th, 2016 15:00. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House President¡¯s Conference Room.


    Chief Researcher Dr. Lee Su-jin of the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s unidentified object was busy reading over the files NIS Secretary Na Bong-il handed her.


    Three months have passed since the research about the unidentified object began, but Dr. Lee could not obtain any tangible results. She felt as if she had a safe without a key. She was in awe when she read over the files that she received from the NIS Secretary an hour ago.


    Dr. Lee Su-jin, who was astonished as she read the document, asked NIS Secretary Na Bong-il, ¡°How did documents like this...?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s something I have trouble disclosing.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I apologize. These materials are full of amazing content.¡±


    Dr. Lee was holding the documents in both her hands out of disbelief and happiness.


    Those files were from when Namgoong-won hacked Area 51st year. Strictly speaking, it was during the time when he was a college student, still using the name Kim In-jik.


    When the President heard the report that said no progress had been made in the research after three months had passed, he consulted the NIS Secretary and decided to disclose the materials to Dr. Lee Su-jin.


    The President asked, ¡°How is it? Would this help you make further progress in research?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t give you a definite answer just skimming it like this, but I think it¡¯ll be a big help if we had the time to check it thoroughly. These materials... Can I share them with my research staff?¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il answered, ¡°If it will help, then we were nning to let you. Also, there¡¯s someone I¡¯d like you to meet.¡± He pressed on the interphone. ¡°Please tell those in the reception room toe in.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A momentter, a knocking could be heard from the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    The conference room¡¯s doors opened. Manager An Yeon-woo and Namgoong-won, who wore a very nervous look, from Counter Terrorism Investigation Unit 1 walked in. Namgoong-won seemed to have never dreamt of himing all the way to the Blue House to meet the President, as he walked up unnaturally.


    ¡°Wee. We¡¯ve heard so much about you; it¡¯s nice we can finally meet face to face.¡±


    The President got up from his seat and greeted them like a middle-aged man from the neighborhood. He shook their hands. Namgoong-won shook the President¡¯s hand and began introducing himself before he knew it. ¡°Hello, sir. I¡¯m Namgoong-won from NIS Counter Terrorism Investigation Unit 1.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Ha, ha, ha, this guy¡¯s handsome and looks like a real manly man, eh?¡±


    Since Dr. Lee Su-jin was sitting down and seemed bewildered at how the President greeted the young man, Secretary Na Bong-il pointed at her and introduced Namgoong-won to her. ¡°Let me introduce you two. This is Chief Researcher Dr. Lee Su-jin from the National Defense and Science Agency.¡±


    ¡°Hello ma¡¯am. I¡¯m Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Lee Su-jin.¡±


    While they were greeting each other, Secretary Na Bong-il asked Manager An Yeon-woo, ¡°Did you bring it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Secretary.¡±


    Manager An Yeon-woo brought out aptop and put it on the conference room table. It was Namgoong-won¡¯sptop.


    ¡°Dr. Lee Su-jin?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Agent Namgoong-won is highly skilled inputers. He¡¯s one of the top few in Korea. In a few months¡¯ time, he made a program from analyzing the documents and data before you. Agent Namgoong-won, please exin to Dr. Lee Su-jin.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Namgoong-won booted up theptop as he answered and executed his interlocking protocol program. He began exining the rted contents to Dr. Lee Su-jin. After 30 minutes passed, Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯s face was flustered, as if she saw a new world. She had spent three months trying to find the methods to operate the object and seemed to have no solution, but it was solved when Namgoong-won showed his program¡¯s execution.


    ¡°This is amazing. How could this be...?¡±


    The President spoke to Dr. Lee Su-jin, who could not seem to find words, with a hopeful tone. ¡°Dr. Lee, would this help?¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin was speaking, but she could not take her eyes off the program running on theptop. ¡°Yes! If the program interlocks and syncs correctly, then our research might be solved easily.¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha, that¡¯s a relief. Agent Namgoong-won made a big breakthrough. Great work.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    Namgoong-won sighed in relief, releasing some of his anxiety and nervousness. It helped seeing how happy Dr. Lee Su-jin was with his program.


    Dr. Lee Su-jin said to the President, ¡°Mr. President, may I ask for a favor?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I guaranteed full support. Anything you need, we¡¯ll grant it.¡±


    ¡°If Agent Namgoong-won is willing, I¡¯d like to take him as one of our researchers.¡±


    It was an unexpected request, but it was obvious the program¡¯s creator would be very helpful if he worked directly with the researching staff, so the President looked to NIS Secretary Na Bong-il instead of answering.


    ¡°Hmm... If it¡¯s necessary, we must send him, but I believe we should ask Namgoong-won first.¡±


    Secretary Na Bong-il also could not give a sure answer and looked at Namgoong-won. Namgoong-won had many thoughts racing through his mind the moment all four people in the President¡¯s conference room looked at him.


    Namgoong-won thought to himself, ¡®It would be fun to go! I¡¯d be able to analyze and research the alien spacecraft in person. If I go to the research facility though, then I¡¯d be restricted from going outside or receiving contact, which means I wouldn¡¯t be able to see Assistant Manager...even if I did get to see her, then it¡¯d only be once a while...¡¯


    Namgoong-won came up with an idea. ¡°I¡¯ll go; however, I have one request.¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il asked, ¡°Okay. What is it?¡±


    ¡°I heard that currently, all the staff rted to the unidentified objects are assigned bodyguards.¡±


    ¡°Yes! We¡¯re doing that right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d also like a bodyguard assigned to me.¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il seemed bbergasted and said, ¡°What...? Why would one of our agents in the NIS need a bodyguard?¡±


    The Presidentughed and said, ¡°Ha, ha, ha, Secretary Na, of course he needs a bodyguard. He¡¯ll be assigned to the National Defense and Science Agency and no longer be an agent.¡±


    Secretary Na Bong-il could only allow the request, considering the President wasughing so hard and opting to support Namgoong-won. All he could do was send an unspoken signal to Manager An Yeon-woo about how ¡®well¡¯ he educated his subordinate. The reason Secretary Na Bong-il felt bitter was because a quarter of the NIS agents were dispatched as bodyguards, causing the NIS to be running low on human resources.


    ¡°Find a suitable person from Investigation Unit 1 and report back to me, Manager An.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Secretary.¡±


    ¡°Could I choose a person?¡±


    Manager An Yeon-woo put his hand on his forehead when Namgoong-won boldly requested to pick the bodyguard himself.


    October 19th, 2016 20:30. Seoul Kang nam-ku Teheran-ro.


    Manager An Yeon-woo, who was driving the car back from the dinner with the President at the Blue Hosue, began scolding Namgoong-won in a grudging tone. ¡°Did you really have to do that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Chief Kim is absent and now you¡¯re being sent out... Did you have to take Assistant Manager Lee also?¡±


    ¡°It would be boring if I went alone.¡±


    ¡°Boring? Are you going on vacation? Anyways, you should¡¯ve thought about the people left behind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll work ten times, a hundred times harder when Ie back.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just not talk about it...¡±


    Namgoong-won chose Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin as his bodyguard. The Assistant Manager, who willingly agreed, was to pack her things and settle in three dayster with Namgoong-won to begin working in the almostpleted 17th Fighter Wing research facility in Cheongju.


    October 22nd, 2016 18:30. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility X-2 Lab (Namgoong-won Lab).


    Namgoong-won and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin arrived in the morning. They were greeted by the researchers who were hard at work, despite it being a Saturday. They finished the afternoon by being educated on the rules for living and working in theboratory. Namgoong-won¡¯sb wasrge and had many amenities from Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯s special care. Namgoong-won seemed very satisfied.


    After Namgoong-won opened both his arms and spun around, he said with his arms crossed in an arrogant pose, ¡°This is ourb.¡±


    ¡°Must be ¡®nice,¡¯ Researcher Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°Researcher. That¡¯s a strange title for me. Right?¡±


    ¡°Agent Namgoong-won does suit you better.¡±


    ¡°Well, this ce is way more spaciouspared to my office with a small desk in Investigation Unit 1... so I¡¯ll just be a researcher.¡±


    ¡°My, it¡¯s like you¡¯re a child...¡±


    ¡°So, the spaceship. I really want to see it soon. When do you think we can?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be soon? We are here for it after all...¡±


    ¡°Ah, man! I hope we see it soon.¡±


    Namgoong-won opened both his arms and threw himself on the bed.

 Chapter 27

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    November 1st, 2016 15:30. Choon Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing X-1 Underground Lab (UFO Research Facility).


    A week ago, Namgoong-won saw the unidentified object on the third floor of the basement and felt a shock he would never forget in his lifetime. The spaceship looked magnificent, as if it would be out of a Sci-Fi movie. The exterior was constructed from a likable, ck metallic material.


    The new, shocking experience gave Namgoong-won, Dr. Lee Su-jin, and the rest of the researchers the energy to work six consecutive days and nights to edit the interlocking protocol program and create an environment for the first testing. Dozens of researchers were examining the testing, and some were swallowing hard, clenching their fists, and waiting with nervous eyes.


    Namgoong-won checked the four hypersonic emitting devices and the amplifying console lines for thest time, and then he connected theptop to the console¡¯s connecting dock. Namgoong-won took a deep breath and began typing away at his keyboard after booting up the program.


    After spending so much time in development, it was a historical moment where the interlocking protocol program was being used for the first time.


    ¡®Please work! I beg you,¡¯ Namgoong-won thought. He muttered to himself in his head as he typed away at the keyboard. Finally, he input thest executionmand and pressed enter.


    Click!


    Woosh.


    A momentter, the alien spaceship began to emit the sound of a booting upptop and lights of many colors; the alien spaceship, which had not made the slightest movement for many months, began to operate as if it was supplied with power.


    ¡°Hooray!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s moving. Something¡¯s working.¡±


    ¡°Look, look at those lights! Isn¡¯t it great?¡±


    ¡°Wow! Namgoong-won! It¡¯s a sess, sess! Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    The dozens of researchers and some bodyguards at the scene raised their hands in excitement, and the entire facility celebrated.


    November 2nd, 2016 09:00. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House President¡¯s Conference Room.


    ¡°It¡¯s a call from Dr. Lee Su-jin, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Yes, put her on the line.¡±


    The President was working on his tasks for the morning after breakfast when he first heard from Dr. Lee Su-jin. It was the first time in three months that he had heard from the 17th Fighter Wing underground facility about the results from the research.


    ¡°Have you been well, sir? This is Dr. Lee Su-jin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have been. Are you as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve called you because we obtained tangible results today.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Did our research reach some fruition? I¡¯m curious.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still in the beginning stages, but we¡¯ve started to figure out how the spacecraft operates. It reacted to researcher Namgoong-won¡¯s interlocking protocol program.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Ha, ha, ha. I knew you would seed, Dr. Lee. Great work. Also, please send my regards to Namgoong-won. We have only scratched the surface. I¡¯ll do my best to aid you, should you request for more funds or human resources.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°The scientific, technological power of Korea is in your hands, Dr. Lee. As a citizen of this nation before my title as President, I beg you to give all you have.¡±


    ¡°I will try to achieve more as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll put my faith in you, Dr. Lee.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you, Mr. President! I¡¯ll send in an official report of the first results as soon as we organize the data.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush it, and please take your time. Isn¡¯t there a proverb: ¡®slow and steady wins the race?¡¯ Again, great work. I hope to hear from you soon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, Mr. President.¡±


    After he finished the phone call, the President ordered his secretary to call the Minister of Defense, the NIS Secretary, and the National Security Director.


    November 2nd, 2016 10:30. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility.


    When Namgoong-won analyzed his hacked data from Area 51, he learned about the aliens, their spaceships, and that hypersonic waves functioned as the method for theirmunication and controlling the spacecraft. He finished making variousmand codes to control the hypersonic waves with his protocol program.


    Had Namgoong-won not been able to obtain the 60 years¡¯ worth of data on researching the aliens from Area 51, then this significant fact would not have been known, and no results about researching this alien spacecraft would have been made for 50 years based on Korea¡¯s current technological capabilities.


    The underground research facility in the 17th Fighter Wing prepared to move to the second stage of the experiment after activation of the spacecraft wasplete. They sealed off the third basement floor to prevent any air from the outside from seeping in, as they wanted to check the inside of the ship. Namgoong-won, other researchers from the 17th Fighter Wing, and some of themanding officers from the military police selected to guard the facility were wearing hazmat suits and preparing to open the ship¡¯s entrance.


    Woosh. Woosh.


    Many of the researchers were busily moving about; they were making the final diagnostics to the hypersonic equipment as the alien spacecraft was emitting mechanical sounds and lights.


    ¡°Researcher Namgoong-won. The hypersonic equipment, its amplifiers, and connecting cables are all clear.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Let¡¯s begin then.¡±


    Namgoong won typed away at his keyboard after executing his program on theptop. He selected and input a fewmand codes. A momentter, the four installed speakers began to emit hypersonic waves that were inaudible to humans, and finally the entrance to the spacecraft began to open.


    Woosh.


    The ship vibrated, then emitted mechanical sounds and white vapors. The hatch, which seemed to be the ship¡¯s entrance, began to open slowly and dropped down.


    The military police agents were heavily armed and were in a position to fire their weapons towards the entrance, prepared for the worst. Dr. Lee Su-jin slowly checked the internals of the ship with a scanner for unknown viruses. A few minutes passed, and when the conclusion came that there were no harmful viruses present, the military police agents slowly began to enter the ship.


    ¡°First floor entrance clear.¡±


    ¡°First floor 3¡¯o¡¯clock partition area, clear.¡±


    ¡°First floor 9¡¯o¡¯clock partition area, clear.¡±


    ¡°First floor 12¡¯o¡¯clock partition area, clear.¡±


    Namgoong-won and the other researchers could not take their eyes off the screen showing the footage from the military police agents¡¯ cameras installed on their helmets. The inside of the ship was so clean and well-made.


    Captain Oh Joo-hwan of the military police, who was at the lead, alerted everyone with his radio headset, ¡°Stairway found leading to the second floor.¡±


    The other military police agents all pointed their rifles towards the staircase leading to the second floor, anticipating surrounding the area. After Captain Oh Joo-hwan gave the order, two of the agents with cameras installed on their helmets began to slowly walk up the stairway with their guns ready. The two agents who made it upstairs began nervously checking their sides and radioed in with their headsets. ¡°Second floor entrance clear.¡±


    The rest of the agents climbed up.


    The second floor, being filmed by the camera, had moreplex internal structures than the first one. The most curious objects were the four capsule-like structures installed side by side. After a few minutes had passed, Captain Oh Joo-hwan spoke on the radio. ¡°We¡¯ve secured the second floor. You maye up, Dr. Lee.¡±


    Namgoong-won and Dr. Lee Su-jin, who were nervously looking at the monitor and listening to Captain Oh Joo-hwan, headed for the entrance and instructed Researcher Hwang Gook-jin. ¡°Senior Hwang, I want you to capture every single thing, starting from the entrance.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dr. Lee.¡±


    After passing a short hallway from the entrance where there was a partitioned area with three pathways, in the center there was a circr stairway connected to the second floor. Namgoong-won and Dr. Lee Su-jin arrived on the second floor and walked towards the capsule-like structures. The four capsules were 2.5 meters in length and 1 meter in width. Namgoong-won thought the capsules seemed as if aliens would reside there and tried to examine the structure despite it being opaque.


    ¡°What is this? Could there be an alien lifeform inside this?¡±


    Dr. Lee answered as if she had the same thought as Namgoong-won. ¡°There could be a chance...¡±


    ¡°Shall we open it, Dr. Lee?¡±


    Namgoong-won looked for a button to open the capsule as he asked the question, and he found a strangely marked object resembling a button on the side of the capsule.


    ¡°I think this would be the button to operate the capsule?¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin nced at the button Namgoong-won spoke of and shook her head. The military police agents began to aim their rifles at the capsule and got into formation to fire just in case. Chief Researcher Hwang Gook-jin also pointed his camera to capture footage.


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m going to press it,¡± Namgoong-won stuttered nervously as he pressed the button.


    Beep!


    Woosh.


    When they pressed the button, a white smoke plumed out along with a mechanical whirring, and the capsule¡¯s lid began to split open. Namgoong-won, Dr. Lee Su-jin, and the military police agents all could not speak out of shock from seeing an alien they had never seen before.


    Inside the capsule was a brown-skinned, slightly hideous alien. It appeared 2.2 meters tall.


    Sergeant First ss Ahn Gil-jun of the military police spoke with an open mouth out of shock, ¡°I¡¯m at a loss for words for actually seeing an alien we¡¯d only see in the movies...¡±


    Chief Researcher Hwang Gook-jin also chimed in, ¡°You¡¯re right. I feel like the director of a Sci-Fi movie. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin ced a brainwave detector on the alien to check whether it was asleep or dead and began testing; however, there were no responses. Thus, the alien was dead inside the capsule.


    ¡°There¡¯s no response. I think it¡¯s dead.¡±


    Namgoong-won looked at the other capsule and considered Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯s words. ¡°Should we open the other capsules then?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we must check all of them.¡±


    Namgoong-won opened the rest of the capsules, but all the aliens were dead. The question of why the aliens had died inside the capsule was a mystery to be solvedter.


    The underground research facility¡¯s staff, who checked the internals of the ship, were in high hopes; this spacecraft¡¯s innards could lead to new technology that couldpletely change the future of Korea, so the facility¡¯s atmosphere seemed lively like a party.

 Chapter 28

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    November 2nd, 2016 11:00. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility.


    The four dead alien bodies from the capsules were moved to the biologyb by Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯s orders. After the fourth body was moved to the gurney, a square case on top of the capsule popped out with a sound and a p opened. The researchers in charge of moving the bodies were surprised.


    Woosh~ Whirl


    ¡°Chief Researcher Lee! You must see this.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin and Namgoong-won were thoroughly checking the inside of the ship¡¯s second floor when they heard the other researcher¡¯s call and ran towards the capsule.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Here, take a look. Something started to operate, and a square box popped out.¡± The researcher was calming himself as he pointed towards the small case that popped out from the capsule with his finger.


    ¡°Did you touch anything?¡± Dr. Lee Su-jin asked as she moved towards the capsule to take a closer look.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t touch anything. I was just trying to move the alien body.¡±


    The case held four index size ss containers containing a multi-colored liquid. The liquid was at a low temperature.


    ¡°What is this? It could be a container for medicine? Perhaps, since these aliens were in a long period of sleep, could it be a nutritional supplement solution to recover their strength


    when they finally wake up from inside the capsule?¡±


    Senior Researcher Hwang Gook-jin, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, spoke and began filming with his camera. ¡°Hmm, it could be.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin answered Senior Researcher Hwang Gook-jin and ordered Researcher Kim Yoon-ho, who was standing by in a daze when he was moving the body. ¡°Researcher Kim, please ce the liquid containers in a low-temperature container and ask Researcher Kim Yoon-gi to run a thorough analysis of the multi-color liquid.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dr. Lee.¡±


    As Namgoong-won stood next to Dr. Lee Su-jin and watched Researcher Kim leave to get a low-temperature container, Dr. Lee Su-jin smiled brightly and spoke. ¡°I¡¯m truly having a great time working here, thanks to you. I had been considering sending in my resignation to my superiors since I couldn¡¯t obtain any tangible results for the past three months, but...since things are going so smoothly since yesterday, I really must treat you to something bigter.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. If you insist; however, I like eating meat. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Then I¡¯ll make sure I treat you to Korean beef.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I look forward to it.¡±


    Namgoong-won and Dr. Lee Su-jin took some time to converse with each other while they waited for Researcher Kim Yoon-ho to return. When he returned two minutester with the low-temperature case, he ced the four unknown solution containers inside.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m off to deliver this to Senior Researcher Kim Yoon-gi.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Please handle them carefully.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Dr. Lee spoke to Namgoong-won after she saw Researcher Kim Yoon-ho walk down to the first floor of the alien spacecraft. ¡°Shall we return to our searching then?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to where we were before.¡±


    The searching operation of the alien spacecraft took two more hours. The footage filmed that day was immediately sent to the Blue House.


    November 2nd, 2016 13:30. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House President¡¯s Conference Room.


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, NIS Secretary Na Bong-il, and Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, who were urgently called this morning, were seated in the room. A momentter, Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae stood up and spoke. ¡°The footage you will now see is from the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground research facility after they seeded in entering the spacecraft.¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Seung-tae gave a short exnation before ying the video. He pressed y on the remote control. Therge 200-inch screen lit up brightly and began ying the footage from when the military police agents were standing by after the spacecraft¡¯s entrance began opening. All the bureaucrats were looking at the screen intently, as if they were watching a movie. After some time passed, the footage showed the capsule opening and revealing the alien¡¯s figure. National Security Director Oh Jang-soo spoke up. ¡°Huh, that¡¯s what the alien looks like? It¡¯srger than expected, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Chairman Jeong Dong-il readjusted his sses and answered. ¡°It seems so. It looks to be at least three meters in height.¡±


    The footage finished ying after 30 minutes.


    The four high-ranking government bureaucrats, including the President, all seemed shocked at seeing the alien body for the first time. They did not speak. There was silence in the room as each person seemed to be immersed in thought.


    The President broke the silence. ¡°I¡¯m sure all of you are shocked, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯m also shaken by this. I gathered you all here to show you the footage obviously, but the important thing is that we must begin researching the aliens and their spaceships in full swing. We have a need to elevate the security to another level. Please give me your thoughts on the current situation.¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il answered, ¡°Currently, the NIS is working on the final stages of receiving personal information and evaluating the candidates from different professionals working both in and outside of Korea with the support from the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future nning after the national safety council. We¡¯ll send in an official report to you soon, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, but please hurry. What do you think we should do about elevating security?¡±


    The Minister of National Defense answered, ¡°Yes, Mr. President. Currently, the research facility is being guarded by the sentry force under themand of the 17th Fighter Wing. The watch inside the research facility is being conducted by military police members who are above the rank of N.C.O. The Ministry of Defense is pushing to dispatch additional special forces to erect a tripleyered security system.¡±


    ¡°Good. However, we must also work on ensuring the secrecy of researchers and their safety.¡±


    The Secretary of NIS answered, ¡°Right now, the agents dispatched from the NIS are keeping watch on a man-to-man basis to tighten security and ensure the safety of the researchers.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, aren¡¯t the NIS agents seriously running low on manpower? Secretary Na?¡±


    Secretary Na Bong-il answered as he nodded his head slightly. ¡°Ha, ha, ha, it¡¯s fine. You make do with what you have. Despite our low manpower, we still have no trouble performing our duty of collecting domestic and international information. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    The President slowly looked at the four high ranking governmental bureaucrats and spoke with a serious look on his face. ¡°I can¡¯t help but feel sorry, Secretary Na. However, as you all know about this project, this is something important that could change the history of Korea, so I ask that you take responsibility and do your best in your positions.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do all we can.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood.¡±


    November 3rd, 2016 01:00. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility X-2 Lab (Namgoong-won¡¯s Laboratory).


    It was 1:00 a.m., but Namgoong-won seemed to be hard at work staring at his monitor and typing away on his keyboard. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was looking at Namgoong-won, spoke to him. ¡°Won, it¡¯s past midnight. Aren¡¯t you going to bed?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. There¡¯s something I must finish by today.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m going to bed. Don¡¯t work too hard okay? I¡¯ll see you tomorrow!¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin kissed Namgoong-won on the cheek, who was concentrating on his work and did not even nce at her, and left theb.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± Namgoong-won said goodbye by raising his hand. He took a deep breath and began typing on hisptop again. His personal tendency of concentrating on something he became interested in made him keep working until the next morning, having lost track of time.


    November 3rd 2016, 09:00. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility X-0 Lab (Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯s Laboratory).


    Knock! Knock!


    ¡°Yes,e in.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Dr. Lee. Good morning. Did you sleep well?¡±


    ¡°Wee. Yes, I did. Did you as well, Researcher Namgoong-won?¡±


    ¡°I actually stayed up all night.¡±


    ¡°What, why?¡±


    ¡°Because of this.¡±


    Namgoong-won booted up theptop he brought, executed a program, and turned the screen to show Dr.Lee Su-jin.


    ¡°Hmm, what is this?¡±


    Namgoong-won stood up and began exining his work with slightly exaggerated hand gestures. ¡°It¡¯s notplete yet, but the current protocol program can only send out hypersonic waves. The program I just made can also receive them. It¡¯s a mutual protocol interlocking program.¡±


    ¡°Mutual interlocking... So it can receive hypersonic wavesing from the outside and analyze the reactions?¡±


    ¡°Bingo! When we were checking inside the alien spacecraft yesterday, I suddenly thought there could be hypersonic wavesing from the ship that we couldn¡¯t detect.¡±


    ¡°Fascinating. Is there any way I can assist?¡±


    ¡°I was hoping to work inside the spacecraft for awhile. Speaking of which, I¡¯d like to request my password level being elevated so I can freely enter and exit from Laboratory X-1. I also need equipment that can receive hypersonic waves.¡±


    ¡°Yes, alright. I can elevate your password level immediately. Also, I¡¯ll get the hypersonic reception equipment ready by this afternoon. Does that work?¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. Doctor, I¡¯ll go for now. I need to get some sleep, considering I stayed up all night.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Health is priority number one. We can¡¯t have the VIP of theb be sick.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll head off for now.¡±


    Namgoong-won was returning to the residence area, but decided to head to the bodyguard¡¯s break room to see Assisant Manager Lee Hye-jijn when he ran into her.


    ¡°You¡¯re up?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t wake up; I¡¯m just now going to bed since I stayed up all night. I just came to see you before I went to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then drink this and get some rest!¡± Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin held out something. ¡°It¡¯s ginseng extract. You seem very tired these days, so I ordered it to boost your strength. It arrived this morning. Here, take it.¡±


    ¡°Oh! You¡¯re the best, Assistant Manager Lee.¡±


    Namgoong-won was smiling brightly as he received the case of ginseng extract.


    ¡°Go and get some rest! I¡¯ll see you this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll go.¡±


    Namgoong-won whistled as he walked to the researcher¡¯s residence area on the second basement level floor and fell asleep spread-eagle on the bed.

 Chapter 29

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    November 7th 2016, 11:00. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility X-1 Lab (Alien Spacecraft Lab).


    Namgoong-won spent his days inside the ship¡¯s second floor, and he spent his nights at his ownb to develop the mutual interlocking hypersonic wave protocol program. He spent four days struggling with the data he hacked from Area 51. Today, as usual, he pulled another all-nighter and headed to the spaceshipb with hisptop and the portable hypersonic wave receptor that Dr. Lee Su-jin provided for him in a dazed state. A momentter, Namgoong-won used the password card on the entrance reader and entered theb.


    ¡®Please work today! I can¡¯t pull any more all-nighters. Please, I beg you,¡¯ he thought.


    Namgoong-won was agnostic, but the limit he felt in his health made him want to pray to every god he knew in existence: God, Jesus, Ah, Buddha, and others. He connected theptop to the hypersonic wave receptor, typed some lines on the keyboard, and stared at the monitor.


    Silence was the only reaction he got. After a few minutes, Namgoong-won muttered angrily, ¡°Another failure? My god, I¡¯m going to lose it.¡±


    Namgoong-won felt fatigue rush over him when he thought he had failed. He decided to just take a shower and go to sleep after shutting down the program, but at that instant, a hypersonic wave cycle showed up, lines began fluctuating wildly on the monitor, and data began pouring in.


    Be Beep, Beep, Beeeeeeeeeep


    The fatigue crushing down on him washed away when Namgoong-won saw the data crashing in, and he came back to his senses. He began typing on the keyboard again. How much time had passed? Namgoong-won began converting the wild data to Korean and slowly began reading the contents.


    -This is the crashnded Rose Ferry Expedition ship on the Sonia two billion lightyears away from the Splith, space coordinates are 10-501-22, coordinates X:39-15, Y:122-22, we are requesting rescue....


    -This is the crashnded Rose Ferry Expedition ship on the Sonia two billion lightyears away from the Splith...


    ¡®Could this be a rescue signal being sent from the alien spacecraft itself?¡¯ Namgoong-won thought.


    When Namgoong-won thought the signal was a repeating rescue signal, he brought out the hypersonic wave amplifier¡¯s connector line, connected it to theptop at the speed of light, and began typingmand codes. The message he sent out was a question: ¡®Who is sending out this signal?¡¯ A momentter, the hyperonic waves began fluctuating again and data appeared on theptop.


    -I am the main system of the Rose Ferry ship Hoc...I am currently operating at 32% capacity due to a system error...


    ¡®Hoc? That must be the name of the main system in the ship,¡¯ Namgoong-won thought.


    Namgoong-won began typing another question with this thought in mind. ¡°Hoc! What is your identity, and what is the Rose Ferry Expedition ship¡¯s mission? Also, tell me why you crashnded on Sonia (Earth)...¡±


    A momentter, data began pouring into theptop.


    -Wee from the Splith from the Splith star system two billion light-years away from here. While navigating to find the missing Achilunia Expedition craft that went missing seven space years ago (76 years ago in Earth time), the sr re emps caused errors in the main system when we entered the sr system. The Splith crew could not be awakened at the right time and now have crashnded in Sonia (Earth).


    ¡°Yahoo!¡±


    Namgoong-won¡¯s shout surprised some of the other researchers also working in the spacecraft. They ran towards him. ¡°Senior Namgoong-won, what¡¯s going on? Is everything alright?¡±


    Namgoong-won did not mind the stares he got from the other researchers and kept jumping up and down and shouting in delight. ¡°I finally, finally solved the mystery. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    * * *


    November 6th, 2016 11:00. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility X-0 Lab (Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯s Lab).


    Head Researcher for Biological Research Kim Yoon-gi rushed into Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯sb with excitement and two stacks of documents in hand.


    ¡°Senior Lee!¡± He stuttered from the excitement and put the documents on Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯s desk.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°The data from the alien medicine you sent me four days ago. The analysis just finished a moment ago, and while I was reading the results, I couldn¡¯t contain my excitement, so I had toe here.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin, who was slowly reading the documents as she listened to Senior Researcher Kim Yoon-gi, first had a nk face, which soon changed to a shock that paralyzed her entire body. She spoke to Senior Researcher Kim Yoon-gi with a hardened look on her face. ¡°Is...is this true? This is unbelievable. How could this be...?¡±


    Researcher Kim Yoon-gi answered excitedly, ¡°We must run further tests, but ording to the results from the analysis, we have a high chance to cure and create vines for many rare diseases, viral infections, and other illnesses that modern medicine has not been able to cure so far.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin felt as if she won the lottery and could not contain her excitement after seeing an expert in the field, Senior Researcher Kim Yoon-gi, being so worked up. She asked, ¡°Could it really be that effective?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to tell, but if this serum has even 1% of a chance, then it¡¯s worth spending our entire lives to research it, Dr. Lee.¡±


    An announcement began ying from the speakers installed on the ceiling. ¡°Director Lee, Researcher Namgoong-won is calling you urgently. He requests that youe to the X-1 Lab immediately.¡±


    ¡°Senior Kim! Please prepare a serum sample and organize the data so we can report it. I must take it to the Blue House this afternoon and report it myself. Thank you.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin got up from her desk and began to run toward the X-1 Lab with the spacecraft.


    * * *


    November 11th, 2016 13:00. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House National Emergency Situation Center Underground Bunker.


    Four days ago, the first reports of the alien spacecraft came from Dr. Lee Su-jin, causing many governmental agencies to be very busy. The NIS finished evaluating the additional 200 professionals from inside and outside the country, then started educating them on confidentiality so they could be sent into the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility. The other bureaucracies were busy preparing finances and materials to aid in this endeavor.


    An unofficial national security conference was being held to start a project that was never held in Korea¡¯s history.


    An hour has passed since Dr. Lee Su-jin finished her presentation. Since no progress had been made for three months, her report was obviously a great sess. Many of the bureaucrats pped their hands in response to her hard work.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said.


    When Dr. Lee Su-jin finished her presentation and returned to her seat, the Prime Minister took the microphone and began to speak. ¡°Dr. Lee Su-jin, thank you for all your hard work.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Yong-ho bowed his head to Dr. Lee Su-jin to show his gratitude, and then he started speaking to the conference room. ¡°Everyone, this is just the beginning. I believe the matter at hand is how many new technologies we can obtain from this alien spacecraft and how we make it our own. For example, the serum the aliens use that Dr. Lee found could contain answers to many diseases that modern medicine currently cannot cure. If new medicine could be developed, then Korea¡¯s economic growth would be unimaginable and raise our country¡¯s image as the nation that contributed to extending lifespans. Not to mention the new technology we could obtain...¡±


    The national security conferencested six hours. The first item on the docket was building arge-scale researchpound capable of developing and researching the alien civilization¡¯s new technology to produce prototype products. The second was erecting a new governmental bureaucracy called the Ministry of Next-Generation Technology that could monitor the products being produced with corporations within the nation. The third was finding an official Korean Ministry of Medicine, which would create new medicine based on the alien serum and use the profits to support the financial woes of Korea.


    2016 was the year for Korea to begin writing a new page in its history from the unexpected crashnding of the alien spacecraft, but inversely they unknowingly started an unseen war with western countries across the globe.

 Chapter 30

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    December 1st, 2016 15:05. Choongbook Chungju-si Outskirts Mountains.


    Two men wearing thick jumpers wereying down on the cold surface of arge rock. Their breath was visible. The men were on the mountain that had Chungju-si on its left and the 17th Fighter Wing on the right; the entire 17th Fighter Wing could be seen from the distance. One of the men held a camera with a telephoto lens and pressed the shutter of the camera repeatedly.


    The African American man, Louie, asked, ¡°Steven, did you see any special movements today at all?¡±


    Steven, who pressed the shutter a couple more times, answered grumpily as he put down the camera. ¡°Damn it! There¡¯s nothing new. There¡¯s nothing different from yesterday. I think it¡¯s going to be another day with no results. Louie, how¡¯s the wiretapping going for you?¡±


    Louie answered Steve angrily also. ¡°It¡¯s not working because of all the signal disturbances, considering it¡¯s a military base! I think my eardrums are going to explode from all the static I¡¯ve been hearing!¡±


    Louie and Steven were both upset and dissatisfied with their work; however, they had to follow the orders of their superiors, so all they could do was spend their time working at a mountain in the middle of the freezing cold winter.


    Steven, who started taking photos again,ined with a grumpier tone. ¡°I don¡¯t know what we¡¯re doing in this cold. What does Director Arnold want us to find, anyways?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you said it. If it wasn¡¯t a military base, at least we¡¯d be able to infiltrate the ce. This is just stifling, truly.¡±


    Louie put the wiretapping headphones on his ear, pointed the receiving antenna the size of a watermelon towards the direction of the 17th Fighter Wing, and typed away on his keyboard. Unfortunately, all that came from the headphones were the buzzing sounds of static. None of the wiretapping contents from the Fighter Wing came through.


    ¡°Steven, I¡¯m thinking of just retiring after this mission and opening a small bar in my hometown.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sick of dealing with this job. I can¡¯t even date because we¡¯re overseas every year.¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha. I understand.¡±


    Louie, who wasining the whole hour, took off his wiretapping headphones and spoke. ¡°Steven! It¡¯s getting colder. Why don¡¯t we head back?¡±


    Steven nodded immediately at Louie¡¯s words, quickly began disassembling the camera and lenses, and put them in the camera bag. He said, ¡°We¡¯re almost freezing to death already, so what¡¯re we going to do if it gets colder? You and I are both in for a rough time, a rough one! Let¡¯s go, Louie.¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    The sun was setting in the west into the crest of the mountain, and it was getting dark. Steve and Louie promptly put their equipment into their bags and walked down the mountain path they came from quickly and quietly. They boarded their ck sedan parked on the shoulder of the road, found the interstate, and headed to Seoul.


    * * *


    December 2nd, 2016 11:50. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility X-2 Lab (Namgoong-won¡¯s Lab).


    Namgoong-won began developing a more convenient interlocking protocol program since he was able to mutually interlock with and receive help from Hoc, the main system of the unidentified spacecraft. If development for this program could be finished, then it could mean Korea will have a high-spec supeputer that would be 20 times, no hundreds of times faster and better than the current supeputers in America, China, and other western countries.


    It would be a supeputer that would be able to mutually interlock and sync data rather than just simply have fast calction abilities. Right now, the Hoc system is only capable of operating at 32% capacity due to the system error. If the error could be fixed, then based on the technological advancements they could make, it would be able to disy new technological developments that humanity had never thought of before. It meant Korea would be the leader in new high technology development with their new research.


    Knock, knock, knock!


    ¡°Yes! Come in.¡±


    Theboratory¡¯s door opened, and Assitant Manager Lee Hye-jin entered. ¡°What¡¯re you doing? It¡¯s lunchtime. Let¡¯s get some food!¡±


    ¡°Is it lunchtime already? Time flies, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Namgoong-won nced at his wristwatch, looked at Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin with a surprised look on his face, and then he changed his expression to a smile. As Namgoong-won sat, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin felt worried and asked, ¡°Do you know you¡¯re too focused on work these days? You need to take care of yourself and your health when you work, okay?¡±


    ¡°Well you¡¯re here, Assistant Manager Lee. I¡¯m doing exciting work, so I¡¯m having fun, you know? I¡¯m not having a hard time, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Alright, fine. Let¡¯s go eat lunch.¡±


    ¡°Ooh, ooh! Wait.¡±


    Namgoong-won seemed to have remembered something as he got up from his chair and grabbed a stack of papers from a pile of documents on the left of hisputer.


    ¡°What kind of documents are those?¡±


    ¡°Remember the serum we found on the alien spacecraft? Dr. Lee suggested I ask Hoc about it, so this is the data.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! If I do a good job, I think it¡¯ll be a great piece of data we can use.¡±


    When the first Achilunia Expedition ship¡¯s three alien crew members arrived on Earth 76 years ago, they were collecting data, but they unexpectedly got infected by Earth¡¯s viruses and died. However, they sent data regarding the harmful elements, such as Earth viruses and Earth bacteria, back to Splith.


    The scientists on Splith developed a vine for the various Earth viruses and pathogens. They intended to administer the vine to the four Splith crew members on the Rose Ferry three days before their arrival to earth, but the capsule¡¯s malfunction caused them to die. The vine was left behind unused.


    Namgoong-won obtained this informationst night with the Hoc system¡¯s help and began organizing the analysis data about the alien virus vine¡¯s effects and data.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll stop by Dr. Lee Su-jin¡¯sb on my way to the cafeteria.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll go to the cafeteria first and get lunch ready for you.¡±


    ¡°Will you? Thanks a lot.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    * * *


    December 6th, 2016 16:00. South Korea.


    After the national security conference, the Ministry of Economy and Finance requested for an additional emergency budget to Congress under the guise of a need for a technological development hub for overseas work that could recover Korea from its economic crisis. Some of the opposing party members opposed the request, but most members of Congress agreed, and an additional budget was obtained quite easily.


    The next-generation technology development hub was to be built near Chungju, a strategic point for traffic, so inquiry for participating corporations began immediately. However, the true purpose of building a research facility for the alien spacecraft and application of the new technology wasbeled as an SS-ranked national secret dubbed ¡®Olympus.¡¯ It was to be built by engineering corps from the army, navy, and airforce, along with a few constructionpanies. The preparations for purchasingnd and starting construction were making progress in secret.


    A new governmental department, The Ministry of Next-Generation Technology, was announced to prevent leaks, guard secrets about the results, and promote cooperation between corporations and government. The founding of The Ministry of Korean Medicine that would one day fund the governmental budget became a top priority.


    The process of selecting small- to middle-sized enterprises to be bought out by the government to satisfy the need for manpower was being held jointly by the Ministry of Science, ICT, Future nning, the Ministry of Industrial Aid, and the Food and Drug Administration. They were to set the criteria for integrity and potential for improvement. They were also meant to fully aid the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground research facility by selecting professional biologists and chemists from within the country to develop new medicines based on the data from the alien vine. It was not long before many new medicines, which would surprise the global medicalmunity, would being from Korea.


    * * *


    December 7th, 2016 09:00. Seoul Mapo-gu Hapjeong-dong CIA Korean Branch Building.


    There were ten burly men seated in the conference room. After awhile, the man seated in the middle of the room threw photos on to the table as if to scatter them.


    Director Arnold questioned, ¡°Louie, Steven, are these all the photos that you could bring?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. We¡¯re spying on a military base, so it¡¯s not like we could just infiltrate the area.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I assigned you two to this mission just to hear excuses like that?¡±


    All that Louie, as a Strategic officer, could do to Director Arnold¡¯s scolding was look at the ceiling and sigh. Steven, who was also in the same position, carefully chose his words and spoke. ¡°Well how about we request for aid from higher up and survey the area with a spy drone?¡±


    A spy drone named SPY-X was currently being tested. A development from the CIA, it was the size of a human fingernail and was designed to survey buildings or terrain people could not infiltrate into.


    ¡°Spy drone? You want to use equipment still under development in the field?¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s no other way, I believe it¡¯d be a good opportunity to test the drone by sending it out into the field.¡±


    A Caucasian man, who was sitting on the left side of Director Arnold, took out a stack of documents from a briefcase and handed it to Director Arnold when he asked the question. ¡°If that¡¯s the only way, then we have to give it a shot. Alright, I¡¯ll send in a request to headquarters. How are things looking on Strategy Team 2?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a list of the high-ranking Korean bureaucrats who are deeply involved in the suspicious policies the Korean government has been making. I believe this man would be the best candidate to confer with from this list.¡±


    The document the Caucasian man pointed to had a photograph and profile of Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ahn Sang-tae.


    ¡°Minister Ahn Sang-tae from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport? I know this guy. He¡¯s one of the pro-American figures.¡±


    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s also a current member of the National Security Council, so there¡¯s a high chance we can obtain the information we want.¡±


    ¡°Good, let¡¯s go with him. Use any means necessary to make contact and get anything you can out of him. However, you must approach him with caution. If the Korean government finds out about our operation, then the US-Korean rtionship will be impacted heavily. You must keep this in mind.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Director Arnold, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good. I want Team 3 to aid Team 2, and I want Team 4 to aid Steve and Louie from Team 1 when the spy drone equipment arrives from the maind. The pressure from the brass is getting out of hand. We must find at least a shred of proof before the year is up and report it back, understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, Director.¡±


    Director Arnold received the mission directly from the Chief of the CIA himself, but could not get any results, so he resorted to a tactic of bribing and conferring with pro-American Korean government bureaucrats. In response, Team 2 selected the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ahn Sang-tae.


    When the meeting was over, Director Arnold was alone in the conference room. He took out his smartphone and dialed 1.


    ¡°Chief, this is Arnold, sir.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s work going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, but I don¡¯t have any definitive results.¡±


    ¡°Director Arnold! This is a prime chance for you to return to your home country.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m aware, sir.¡±


    ¡°Use any means necessary to take this chance.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re currently using multiple methods for the mission. Please give us more time.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯l wait for you to bring me some good news.¡±

 Chapter 31

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    December 13th, 2016 09:00. Choong-nam Cheonan-si Kyunboo Highway Entrance Rest Stop (Seoul Direction) 10 kilometers out.


    A ck sedan was headed to Seoul on the fourne Kyungboo Highway. It was Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ahn Sang-tae¡¯s assigned car that started off from Sejong-si.


    Ring ring ring


    Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho was sitting next to Minister Ahn Sang-tae when his phone started ringing.


    ¡°Hello. This is Kang Man-ho speaking. Yes, I spoke with him. Yes, no need to worry. Yes, yes, I understand.¡±


    Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho kept his phone call short and whispered to Minister Ahn Sang-tae, as he seemed to be aware of the man seated on the passenger seat. A few secondster, Minister Ahn Sang-tae nodded his head slightly and closed his eyes without reacting much.


    As the car got closer to the rest stop¡¯s entrance off the highway, Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho quietly spoke to Minister Ahn Sang-tae. ¡°Minister, why don¡¯t we take a break at the rest stop...?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I wanted to use the restroom anyway. Let¡¯s stop by.¡±


    Soon the sedan glided into the entrance rest stop.


    ¡°Hey, my man... Go get some of the iced coffee that the Minister likes!¡±


    Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho ordered the ck-suited man who got off the passenger seat to follow Minister Ahn Sang-tae.


    The man wearing the ck suit seemed irritated by the order and spoke to Kang Man-ho with an upset look on his face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m a bodyguard. That type of work isn¡¯t my responsibility, so you should ask another employee to do it.¡±


    ¡°My, my, this man. A young man like you should be a bit more flexible. Are you really going to speak to me in that tone just because I asked you to do an errand? The driver needs to put gas in the car, so couldn¡¯t you do this for me?¡±


    The man in the ck suit curtly answered Kang Man-ho, ¡°I apologize. I prefer not to.¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae, who was listening to the conversation, said, ¡°Your name¡¯s Lee Ja-sung, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Minister.¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re a bodyguard so I understand, but you¡¯re being so stiff about a simple favor! A young man like you shouldn¡¯t be like that! I beg you, please get me a cup of iced coffee.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung hesitated for a moment, but since the Minister was asking him for the favor, he decided he had no choice and answered, ¡°Yes, I will, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Lee Ja-sung, get the coffee and wait for us on the bench at the rest stop over there. I¡¯ll take the Minister to the restroom, and we¡¯ll go meet you there.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung headed to the coffee shop without paying attention to Kang Man-ho¡¯s words. Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho red at him and quietly whispered to the Minister, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Minister.¡±


    ¡°Yes...¡±


    The man in the ck suit, Lee Ja-sung, took the NIS group training with Namgoong-won. He became a bodyguard for the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport after the six-month group training and an additional month of training.


    A few minutester, the two men arrived at the restroom. Minister Ahn Sang-tae entered the restroom, and Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho waited at the entrance as if he was on the lookout for someone.


    A few minutes passed before Minister Ahn Sang-tae came out from the restroom. He looked at Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho with an expression signaling that nothing had happened, then he waved at him to move towards the bench where Lee Ja-sung was waiting.


    Lee Ja-sung, who was waiting at the bench, handed over the iced coffee when Minister Ahn Sang-tae walked over. Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho seemed bewildered and asked Lee Ja-sung, ¡°Did you not get one for me?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me to get coffee just for the Minister?¡±


    ¡°My...my...since he¡¯s from the military, he¡¯s not very flexible, is he...?¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae startedughing while he red at Lee Ja-sung and said, ¡°Ha, ha, ha! My, I see Secretary Kang has met his match, ha, ha, ha.¡±


    A momentter, the ck sedan that went to the gas station for fuel drove up near the bench. The three men each walked towards the sedan with different expressions on their faces.


    * * *


    December 13th, 2016 20:00. Seoul Mapo-ku Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ahn Sang-tae¡¯s Home Study.


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae stopped by the Blue House in the afternoon to take care of some business, then he stopped by his home to drink tea and take a break with Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho.


    When just the two of them were in the Minister¡¯s study, Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho quietly said to Minister Ahn Sang-tae, ¡°Minister, did the business at the rest stop this afternoon go well?¡±


    ¡°Hmm...I was short on time...I couldn¡¯t speak of important matters, but I was mostly able to confirm the contents they wanted me to know.¡±


    ¡°So, have you decided on what you¡¯ll do...?¡±


    ¡°This is no simple matter...I need some time to think it over.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which, they¡¯ll contact you again in a few days...find a sure way to keep Lee Ja-sung off of us when the timees.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Minister. I¡¯ll find a way to distract him.¡±


    Meanwhile, Lee Ja-sung, who was sitting in the living room of Ahn Sang-tae¡¯s home, thought about the suspicious activities of Chief of Secretary Kang Man-ho and Minister Ahn Sang-tae. Nothing stood out as suspicious, but perhaps it was the instinct of an intelligence agent? His gut was telling him something was wrong. He felt conflicted about whether or not to report this to the superiors immediately, or if he should wait until more clues were found to report. A hasty report to the superiors would only put him in an awkward situation, so he decided to just continue observing for now.


    * * *


    December 14th, 2016 13:00. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility X-12 Lab (Biology Lab).


    The X-12b¡¯s mood was high, as if they found an oasis in the middle of the desert. After they received the analysis data of the alien serum, Namgoong-won, Head of Research Dr. Ahn Young-gil, and his staff were highly motivated and hard at work experimenting with the serum sample and the analysis data.


    They had received data from Biologist Dr. Kim Yoon-gi, who was from the National Defense and Science Agency, but the new data he got was iparable, for it was able to be used to develop new medicine immediately.


    ¡°This is...I¡¯m at a loss for words.¡±


    Research Assistant Jo Tae-il, who also came to theb with Professor Ahn Young-gil from Korea University¡¯s biology department, asked with a curious tone. ¡°Is it that big, professor?¡±


    ¡°If we use this well, then we can make vines for diseases like AIDS or other terminal illnesses that we couldn¡¯t cure before...the only problem is, can we make the cure that won¡¯t cause any side effects to the human body?¡±


    ¡°If we seed as you say, wouldn¡¯t this cause a huge storm in the field of medicine?¡±


    Professor Ahn Young-gil observed the progress of the experiment and read the analysis data in his other hand while eximing. ¡°It¡¯s not the storm that¡¯s the problem...this is more like a nuclear storm...I can¡¯t believe I got to conduct research like this in my lifetime...oh my...¡± He looked at Research Assistant Jo Tae-il and said, ¡°Please tell all the doctorate staff rted to this department to attend the meeting at four, including all the research staff.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor! I¡¯ll make the announcement and pass it along.¡±


    * * *


    December 14th, 2016 12:00. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility X-2 Lab (Namgoong-won Lab).


    Namgoong-won conversed with Hoc to collect information, just like any other day.


    -Hoc! Your operating capacity is at 32%. Is there any way to increase it?


    -Currently, the main sma engine of the Rose Ferry is critically damaged. If this part is not fixed, then there is no way to increase the operating capacity.


    -If that¡¯s the case, can we just try fixing the sma engine?


    -Current human scientific technology is not enough. Approximately 300 years will be needed.


    -Hoc! With your help, it seems recovery would be possible with our technology. Don¡¯t you think so?


    -Namgoong-won! Hoc will not help the human race.


    -Why do you have to be cold like that?! Hoc, don¡¯t you need to take your four Splithian master¡¯s bodies back to their original? Are you going to abandon them here on Earth?


    -Hoc wants to bring the masters back to the Splith.


    -Right? If that¡¯s the case, don¡¯t you need to recover the main system? Self-recovery is impossible, correct? If you tell us about your scientific technology, then we can fix your main system. Then you can take your masters¡¯ bodies back to your home. So? Does that sound like a good n?


    -It¡¯s against my protocol to transfer technology from Splith, but my top priority is to bring back my masters¡¯ bodies, so I¡¯ll allow your request.


    -Great. Thanks, Hoc.


    -I¡¯m only allowing this because my priority is to bring the Splithian masters home.


    -Ha, ha, ha! Thanks, Hoc.


    -I¡¯m only allowing this because my priority is to bring the Splithian masters home.


    -Alright. Alright. Ha, ha, ha, Hoc. Call me Won from now on. You and I are friends now.


    -Won? Friends?


    -Yes. My name is Won, and you and I are friends. Okay?


    -Alright. Won! There¡¯s no concept of friendship on Splith. There¡¯s only a master-servant rtionship in Splith.


    -Hoc! Don¡¯t look at everything from the Splith¡¯s point of view. This is Earth...so why don¡¯t you try following Earth¡¯s point of view? We don¡¯t operate as master-servant rtionships; we are equals. We are friends, now friends!


    -Friends? Equals? I¡¯ll conduct my own research.


    -Ha, ha, ha. Alright, Hoc.


    ¡°Namgoong-won!!¡±


    ¡°Ahh! You startled me.¡±


    Namgoong-won was so immersed in the conversation with Hoc that he didn¡¯t notice Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jine in. She had been calling him, which eventually startled him. He held his pounding chest and looked at Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin. He asked, ¡°When, when did you get here?¡±


    ¡°You! Aren¡¯t you taking it a bit too far?¡±


    ¡°Wha, what?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t pay attention to me, and it seems like you¡¯re just obsessed with that Hocputer, you know?¡±


    ¡°What? Ha, ha, ha, are you jealous of aputer?¡±


    ¡°Hmm! Who said I was jealous?¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha, it seems that way to me!¡±


    ¡°You really want to try me?¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin rolled up her sleeves and yfully put Namgoong-won in a snake chokehold.


    ¡°Gasp! Gasp! I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Hmm! Words won¡¯t save you now!¡±


    ¡°What will then? Today¡¯s Saturday, so we should go out shopping.¡±


    ¡°Eh? Shopping?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to?¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin tightened her grip on Namgoong-won¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Ah, ahh! Alright. So, please let me go.¡±


    ¡°Ho, ho, ho, you promised, yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    When Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin heard the answer, she released her grip and smiled brightly as if nothing happened.

 Chapter 32

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    December 20th, 2016 10:00. Sejong-si Government Office Building. Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport¡¯s Office.


    Knock! Knock! Knock!


    ¡°Yes,e in, please.¡±


    ¡°Minister, we just received contact from the Blue House to attend an emergency meeting at 3:00p.m.¡±


    ¡°An emergency meeting?¡±


    ¡°Yes Minister, the meeting¡¯s about the Korean Medicine building and the site.¡±


    ¡°Hmm...three in the afternoon you say? If that¡¯s the case, we should head to Seoul, eat lunch there, and then attend the meeting at the Blue House. Secretary Kang, can you prepare to head to Seoul?


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll get the vehicle ready, sir.¡±


    A few minutester, the Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho gave short orders to the two secretaries and went to Lee Ja-sung, who was responsible for guarding the secretary¡¯s office.


    ¡°Bodyguard Lee.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief Secretary.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s an emergency meeting at the Blue House today. We¡¯re nning what topics to bring up in the meeting and their solutions in the car on the way. Secretary Lee, who¡¯s in charge, will alsoe along...so you should use a different vehicle to follow us.¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m sorry Chief Secretary Kang, but I must ride with the Minister since I¡¯m his bodyguard. To maintain a close proximity is my utmost priority.¡±


    ¡°My, my, this guy...aren¡¯t you just stiff as a board? This is an emergency meeting that¡¯s being held. The Minister must have some good ideas about what coulde up during the meeting today... It¡¯s because we¡¯re out of time, you know? It¡¯s not like we do this every time, but just for today. Can¡¯t you be a bit more flexible in times like this?¡±


    Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho drove Lee Ja-sung into a corner with an even more temperamental tone than usual. In response, Lee Ja-sung acted to hesitate, then spoke after putting his head down slightly. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll follow the Minister with a different vehicle. I¡¯ll go to the parking lot first to prepare.¡±


    ¡°Yes. d you see things my way. Lee, please, let¡¯s be a bit more flexible towards each other; we could get along like flowing water. If you bring up rules and guidelines every time, it¡¯s very difficult...¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m off!¡± Lee Ja-sung bowed his head before Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho could even finish his words, turned away, and began to walk off to the elevator that leads to the parking lot.


    ¡°Oh my! That, that.¡±


    Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho had a bewildered look on his face from the way Lee Ja-sung acted. He wanted to bring him back to scold him and swear at him for being insubordinate, but since he was an NIS agent, he could not do so.


    ¡°Ahhh! I don¡¯t know what to do with him. I swear if I keep this up, I¡¯ll go to my grave early!¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae and his entourage arrived at the parking lot ten minutester. Lee Ja-sung, who was waiting at the official vehicle, opened the back door.


    ¡°Oh, thank you, Lee.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, sir.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung slightly stuck his body close to Minister Ahn Sang-tae as he got in the back seat and put something in his right suit pocket. Afterward, he casually closed the door and said to Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho, ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll follow you in the other car.¡±


    ¡°Yes, drive safely... ¡±


    As Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho got in the backseat, Minister Ahn Sang-tae asked him, ¡°Is the n to give that Lee Ja-sung the slip ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes Minister, no need to worry. Our staff already took care to make sure the vehicle will break down when it enters the highway.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, is that so? Alright. Let¡¯s head out then!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Minister.¡±


    As the official vehicle moved, Lee Ja-sung, who was waiting behind them, got into his ck van and started it. The official vehicle and the ck van were approaching the Nonsan Cheon-an Highway 30 minutester.


    Pffft~ Pffft~


    A momentter, the car Lee Ja-sung was driving started spitting out a rough sound, and soon the engine stopped. Lee Ja-sung calmly changednes and parked the van on the highway shoulder. He pulled out his smartphone and made a phone call while looking at the official vehicle moving further away.


    ¡°It¡¯s Lee Ja-sung.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lee, why¡¯re you calling us while driving?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a problem with the vehicle, so I parked it on the shoulder.¡±


    ¡°My, how did that happen? Hmm, the Minister can¡¯t wait for you because of the Blue House meeting this afternoon, so I¡¯d like you to call the insurancepany, take care of that well, ande up to Seoul with a different car.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I¡¯ll take care of matters here and follow you immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s cold, so stay safe and vignt, Lee.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung finished the phone call, then made another one.


    ¡°This seems to be a situation: threat level 1.¡±


    ¡°Did you take measures?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Manager.¡±


    ¡°It might be a rash decision, so proceed with caution...also, two other staff wille in as a backup in Seoul.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll contact them again.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung, who kept the phone call short, pulled out another smartphone. On the screen, a GPS map showed up with a blinking red dot that was following the Nonsan Cheon-an Highway towards the direction of Seoul. When Lee Ja-sung confirmed the tracking device was working without any issues, he pulled out a cigarette and with a weighty smile lit it.


    Lee Ja-sung came down to the parking lot ten minutes before their departure to Seoul and inspected the car he was going to drive. He found traces of intentional tampering and reported this to his superiors before leaving. Also, he secretly nted a tracking device in Minister Ahn Sang-tae¡¯s pocket.


    Meanwhile, inside the official vehicle, Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho, who had just finished his phone call with Lee Ja-sung, turned around to see Lee Ja-sung¡¯s ck van parked on the shoulder leave his sight. He smiled, looked at Minister Ahn Sang-tae, and said, ¡°Minister, it seems we took care of Lee Ja-sung.¡±


    ¡°Chief Secretary Kang, you are trustworthy. I knew you would pull through.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re ttering me too much, sir. Well, we¡¯ll head straight to the promised location, sir.¡±


    ¡°Secretary Yoon, head to Chung Dam-dong...and speed up a bit...¡±


    Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho could not have dreamt that the highway he was speeding past¡ªwhat with all its clear scenery¡ªwould be the highway to hell not just for Minister Ahn Sang-tae, but for him as well. He believed he had given Lee Ja-sung the slip.


    * * *


    December 20th, 2016 12:30. Seoul Kangnam-ku Cheongdam-dong, High-end Korean Restaurant.


    ¡°Long time no see, Minister Ahn.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. It must have been almost two years since thest time I saw you in America. Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    Cheongdam-dong, the secret high-end Korean restaurant, was a ce any Korean politician would have been to at least once. This is where the CIA Branch Director Arnold greeted Minister Ahn Sang-tae heartily.


    ¡°Did you have any trouble getting here?¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha, don¡¯t mention it. I had to work hard to give the person who tails me everyday the slip; it was like pulling a cicada off a tree.¡±


    ¡°My, my, that sounds troublesome. Are there a lot of secret projects going on in Korea these days, Minister?¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae, who heard Director Arnold¡¯s sly questioning to get on the true topic of the meeting, answered coyly as well. ¡°That¡¯s a secret. Ha, ha, ha, we¡¯re in a state of national emergency. All things are hectic, you know?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, it must be. Since you must attend the meeting at the Blue House this afternoon, why don¡¯t we finish our meal and then have our fun conversations after, Minister?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that, Director Arnold.¡±


    In an alley across from the high-end restaurant, there was a ck, box-shaped vehicle. Lee Ja-sung had called in the insurancepany to give them the car and used a patrolling vehicle to arrive in Seoul to meet with NIS Operations Unit 1¡¯s Manager Lee Dong-gyu and Ahn Hyun-gil, then he followed the tracking signal to this location.


    ¡°How¡¯s the bugging status?¡±


    ¡°The rity isn¡¯t that great, sir.¡±


    The ck, box-shaped vehicle was equipped with a wiretapping equipment. The small object the size of a dime that Lee Ja-sung had secretly nted on Minister Ahn Sang-tae not only had location tracking capabilities, but also audio bugging.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be able to hear them clearly from this distance?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. There seems to be some wiretapping interference signalsing from nearby.¡±


    Agent Ahn Hyun-gil was trying his best to concentrate and listen to the conversation through the headphones, but the static and sounds made it impossible to do so. Lee Ja-sung in response also wore headphones and began to concentrate on the conversation. However, they could not hear because the static would interrupt them mid-conversation.


    ¡°Agent Ahn, this conversation is being recorded, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s leave figuring out the conversation to the audio department at the agency and check it out thereter. Lee Ja-sung, I want you to call Chief Secretary Minister Ahn Sang-tae right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Ring ring ring~


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°This is Lee Ja-sung.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, did things go smoothly after the car broke down?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I contacted the insurancepany and had the car towed. Also, I just arrived in Seoul. Where are you currently?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m at Cheong Dam-dong for lunch.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll head there immediately.¡±


    ¡°No. There is no need. We¡¯ll head to the Blue House in a moment, so you can just meet us there. Let¡¯s do that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief Secretary.¡±


    ¡°Well, see you soon.¡±


    Two cars appeared at the restaurant an hour after Lee Ja-sung¡¯s phone call. The first car to show up was Minister Ahn Sang-tae¡¯s official vehicle, and the one that followed was a ck sedan with American Embassy tes rather than a Korean one. Agent Ahn Hyun-gil pulled out the camera and began taking multiple pictures.


    ¡°Agent Ahn, that¡¯s enough for now. Take the wheel. Lee Ja-sung, you should head to the Blue House. We¡¯ll tail that American Embassy vehicle.¡±


    * * *


    December 20th, 2016 15:00. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House President¡¯s Conference Room.


    ¡°Hello. I am the nning and Coordination Officer from the Ministry of Trade and Industry Han Gil-ho.¡±


    A man in his 40s dressed in a neat brown suit was standing at the opposite end of the table. He greeted everyone to announce the ns regarding the Ministry of Korean Medicine¡¯s takeover of corporations.


    ¡°The selection of corporations the Ministry of Korean Medicine will buy out were chosen by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, putting economic stability and integrity of the management staff as top priority. Out of the 60 corporations considered, the one selected is Sin-Oh Pharmaceuticals, which makes medicine for high cholesterol and other ailments. Sin-Oh Pharmaceuticals makes 30 million dors in yearly profits and have shown a yearly growth rate of 15%. They are rare in the fact that 10% of their yearly profits go into developing new medicine. That¡¯s why they were selected for this project.¡±


    nning and Coordination Officer Han Gil-ho pointed towards thepany¡¯s analysis chart and continued his presentation to the government bureaucrats, which included the President. However, Minister Ahn Sang-tae could not pay attention to the nning and Coordination Officer¡¯s presentation for the conversation he had with Director Arnold from the CIA an hour ago was still ringing in his ears.

 Chapter 33

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    December 20th, 2016 18:00. Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House Office.


    The emergency meeting for the buy-out project by the Ministry of Korean Medicine was over by 6:00p.m. The meeting discussed moving the Shin-oh Pharmaceuticalspany¡¯s headquarters from Dae-Jeon to Seoul, purchasingnd for building three new factories, and other policies.


    After the conference was over, the Chief of Secretaries took a break to drink tea and converse with the others in the office before dinner.


    Beep.


    The inte rang. The voice of one of the secretaries came out of it. ¡°NIS Secretary Na Bong-il has arrived, sir.¡±


    ¡°At this hour? Tell him toe in.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, sir.¡±


    A momentter, the back door opened and Secretary Na Bong-il stepped inside.


    ¡°What made youe at this hour, Secretary Na?¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il had a concerned look on his face when he entered the room. When he saw the Chief of Secretaries was with the President, he hesitated. The Chief of Secretaries read Na Bong-il¡¯s face and the atmosphere of the room, stood up casually, and said, ¡°It seems you have an important matter to discuss. I think I¡¯ll head out for now, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha. I¡¯m sorry about this, Chief Na.¡±


    ¡°No, no. What do you mean, sorry? It¡¯s work, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯ll leave you two to business, so please speak freely.¡±


    The Chief of Secretaries said goodbye and left the room. NIS Secretary Na Bong-il sat on the sofa and reported, ¡°Mr. President! A C-OF situation has urred regarding the alien spacecraft.¡±


    ¡°What? A C-OF situation on the alien spacecraft? Are you certain? Who is it?¡±


    ¡°It is Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ahn Sang-tae.¡±


    ¡°Minister Ahn Sang-tae? Why would Minister Ahn do such a thing?¡±


    The President¡¯s face turned. The situation should not have happened, and Minister Ahn Sang-tae should not have been the culprit.


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il showed the documents he brought and continued his exnation. ¡°Minister Ahn was on his way from Sejong to Seoul today to attend the Blue House emergency meeting when he gave his personal bodyguard the slip. Agent Lee Ja-sung, his personal bodyguard, noticed something was amiss and ced a tracking device that allowed us to track his whereabouts. In response, he and two agents from Seoul tailed his movement. We confirmed at around 12:00p.m. today that he secretly got into contact with a group using an American Embassy vehicle at a high-end restaurant.¡±


    The President cut off the NIS Secretary to ask a question, but he stopped. ¡°An American Embassy vehicle...so with America? Ah! Sorry. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, our agents tried to wiretap the conversation, but we couldn¡¯t confirm what they said due to static from an unknown source. However, our agents are currently deciphering the recordings. Also, after tailing the American Embassy vehicle, we watched it enter a building at Hap-Jeong Station instead of the embassy, so we assigned two agents to stake out the area.¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il kept the exnation regarding the C-OF situation brief and simple, then took out the photo evidence and showed it to the President.


    ¡°When will the recorded file be deciphered?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll take at least two days, Mr. President.¡±


    The President looked at each photo thoroughly, set them down, and took some time to think. He said, ¡°I approve the confidentiality to be escted to C-OF S level. Please take care of it without any mistakes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood. I¡¯ll deploy the agents rted to the C-OF S-level conversion phase.¡±


    ¡°Yes. This is something that shouldn¡¯t have happened. I put my trust in you, Secretary Na.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    * * *


    December 20th, 2016 20:00. Seoul Mapo-gu Minister Ahn Sang-tae¡¯s Home Office.


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae sat in his office chair and recounted the words that Director Arnold had suggested again.


    The offer was to give his entire family American citizenships, homes, cash, and stocks from famous Americanpanies. It would be enough money to make them rich enough for three generations. There was even a guarantee for careers for his children. Director Arnold offered so much.


    He was at an age where he would have to retire from the government in 2-3 years. Considering the current unstable political circumstance of Korea, these terms were very exciting and enticing.


    The issue was Director Arnold¡¯s demands. Currently, the information regarding the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground building and other rted information were S-ss secrets. Director Arnold requested detailed information regarding the policies and projects the government ns to propel. If he were to hand over confidential information in times of national emergency to America¡¯s CIA and got discovered, then he would be convicted of treason and sentenced to death. It was a big concern.


    He thought, ¡®This is an opportunity of a lifetime, but...¡¯


    Minister Ahn Sang-tae left his office, returned to his bedroom, and went to sleep at 2:00a.m. His actions showed how much Minister Ahn Sang-tae was being tempted by this opportunity.


    Meanwhile, in the NIS Intelligence Collection Department Internal Collection Unit 1 Conference Room...


    ¡°We¡¯ve just received orders from the Secretary to elevate the security level to C-OF S-rank. All agents in Unit 1 will be deployed for this mission. Understood? Manager Yoon, let¡¯s begin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Manager Yoon Soo-gil from Internal Collection Unit 1 began briefing the mission the unit had to carry out and answered, ¡°All agents in the first unit will make the mission of carrying out raising the confidentiality rank to C-OF S-rank their top priority. Chief Lee Dong-gyu will contact Agent Lee Ja-sung. He¡¯ll be in charge of supporting him from behind the scenes. Team 4 will concentrate their efforts on deciphering the wiretapped recordings and identifying the foreigners. Any questions?¡±


    Chief Kang Gyun-ho from Team 2 raised his hand.


    ¡°Yes, ask away.¡±


    ¡°Since the security level has raised to C-OF S-rank, are we free to use our firearms, sir?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re free to use your assigned sidearms if you feel a threat to your life. Also, the identity of those foreigners is still a mystery. They may be highly skilled in our field, so take special care when dealing with them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    ¡°When will Team 3 head out?¡±


    ¡°Take your entire team and head out as soon as the meeting is over.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Well, any other questions? None? If that¡¯s the case, we¡¯ll begin the mission immediately. That¡¯s all.¡±


    * * *


    December 21st, 2016 09:00. Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Facility Basement First Floor Lobby.


    Many ck-suited men entered the underground research facility¡¯s lobby that morning. They were agents from the Internal Collection Units 1 and 3. The tallest man standing in the front of the group saw Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and greeted her brightly.


    ¡°Long time no see, Manager Kim.¡±


    ¡°Assistant Manager Lee? I didn¡¯t see you in the bureau for awhile. You were stationed here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been a couple months. What brought you here, Manager Kim?¡±


    At the NIS, Manager Kim Gyun-man and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin were on friendly terms. Since they met at an unexpected location, they greeted each other happily. Manager Kim Gyun-man quietly whispered in her ear, ¡°It¡¯s a C-OF S-level situation right now! Unit 3 is here to support maintaining confidentiality.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious? What could¡¯ve caused the security level to be escted to C-OF S-rank...?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know soon, Assistant Manager Lee. Also, I have a favor to ask.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m all ears, Manager Kim.¡±


    ¡°Please hold an emergency meeting for all the agents currently assigned as bodyguards.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll make an announcement. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°I have it easy thanks to you, Assistant Manager Lee. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. See you in a bit.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Thank you, Assistant Manager Lee!¡±


    Namgoong-won seemed to be jealous. He saw Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin greet a man heartily, then red at her with his hands on his hips. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was on her way to the public address booth to make an announcement, noticed Namgoong-won¡¯s peculiar expression and asked him, ¡°Namgoong-won, what¡¯re you doing there?¡±


    ¡°Hmm!¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Your answer, posture, expression¡ªwhat is that? What¡¯s that about?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like seeing you speaking on friendly terms with another man.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my! Didn¡¯t you just make fun of me for being jealous of aputer? You had iting, you know? Won! You must go through it as well! I¡¯m busy, so I¡¯m going now.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin enjoyed looking at Namgoong-won¡¯s face full jealousy and stuck out her tongue just to anger him further. She headed to the public address booth. A momentter, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s voice rang through all the speakers installed in the research facility. ¡°All agents currently assigned as bodyguards, pleasee to the first floor basement lobby.¡±


    * * *


    December 21st, 2016 10:00. Seoul Mapo-ku Hapjeong-dong CIA Korean Branch Building.


    ¡°Director, do you think Ahn Sang-tae will take the offer?¡±


    Director Arnold smiled at Steven¡¯s question, as he seemed to believe the meeting with Minister Ahn Sang-tae was quite satisfactory. He answered in a rxed tone, ¡°Fu, fu, it¡¯ll be hard for him to reject the terms we offered him yesterday. Even I think it¡¯s irresistible.¡±


    Louie, the manager of Team 1 asked, ¡°Hmm, then when do you think we can get an answer, sir?¡±


    ¡°He said he¡¯ll give us a sure answer by Friday, so don¡¯t you think we¡¯ll have something by then? Anyways, is Team 4 practicing maneuvering the spy drone they sent from HQ?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Director, we¡¯ve been practicing for three days.¡±


    ¡°Great! We need to deploy it as soon as we get information regarding the underground building in the 17th Fighter Wing, so make sure to keep practicing until then.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Director Arnold, who usually spoke in a rxed tone, changed to a concerned one and began speaking to his agents. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all aware, but our nation can¡¯t guarantee our safety nor identity in this matter. Since Korea is in a state of national emergency, espionage is even more dangerous than usual. Do your best on the mission, make no mistakes, and take care of your own life. Do you understand?¡±


    Louie showed a slight smile to Director Arnold¡¯s words and answered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Director. This isn¡¯t the first time we¡¯ve done something like this. Isn¡¯t that right, Steven?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Put your trust in us.¡±


    ¡°Louie! I hope you finish the job. Keep preparing for the mission without any loose ends until I contact you. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 34

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    December 23rd, 2016 17:00


    Sejong-si Government office building Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.


    At 6 in the afternoon, Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho rushed to the underground parking lot, got in his car, and drove off from the building as if he had an urgent appointment. A man in a parked car across from the road quietly reported it through his headset.


    ¡°This is pepper field. Kang Man-ho has just left the underground parking lot, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Stand by pepper field. Melon field, confirm Minister Ahn Sang-Tae¡¯s location, over.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung, who was in charge of bodyguarding, heard his codename in the secretary¡¯s office. He nced at the staff and whispered so no one would hear him speaking into hismunication device inside his ear.


    ¡°This is lettuce field. Minister Ahn Sang-Tae is currently in the Minister¡¯s office, over.


    ¡°This is farmer. Lettuce field, can you find out why Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho left the building, over?¡±


    ¡°This is lettuce field. He is leaving from work early for some urgent business in Seoul, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Pepper field will tail him covertly, cabbage field will wait in the underground parking lot, lettuce field will continue bodyguarding and keep watch on the Minister Ahn Sang-Tae.


    ¡°This is pepper field. Understood, over.¡±


    ¡°This is cabbage field. Understood, over.¡±


    ¡°This is lettuce field. Understood, over.¡±


    ¡°Chief Ahn, let¡¯s follow them quietly.¡±


    Under the codename ¡°pepper field¡±, Team 1¡¯s manager Lee Dong-Gyu of Information collection unit 1 tailed Kang Man-ho¡¯s white sedan while keeping distance.


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 17:10


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku NIS Intelligence Collection Department Situation and Control room.


    Director Woo Hyung-sung of the intelligence collection department was monitoring the operation with the Manager of unit 1 in the room and ordered Manager Youn Soo-Gil, ¡°Team 2, report on the situation.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Watermelon field, what is your status, over?¡±


    ¡°This is watermelon field. No movement, over¡±.


    ¡°This is farmer. Then keep watch and report back if you notice any suspicious activity, over.¡±


    ¡°This is watermelon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    2 hourster.


    ¡°This is watermelon field. A ck van with American embassy tes exited the parking lot, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Is it one vehicle? Watermelon field is to covertly tail it. Melon field, keep watch, over.¡±


    ¡°This is watermelon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    The ck van with American embassy tes entered Yang Hwa road, then crossed Yang Hwa bridge to enter the Jam-sil via Olympic Way.


    ¡°This is watermelon field. The ck van is approaching Olympic Way in the Jam-sil direction, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Keep tailing them without them catching on, over.¡±


    ¡°This is watermelon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    The ck van followed Olympic Way and entered the Seoul Suburb Highway by taking the Kang-il Interchange, then went straight to the Midway Highway.


    ¡°This is watermelon field. The van is currently on the Seoul Suburb Highway and now on Midway Highway on the move, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Do not let them out of your sight and tail them to their destination, over.¡±


    -This is watermelon field. Confirmed, over.


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 20:00


    Seoul Mapo-gu Hapjeong-dong CIA Korean branch building.


    Director Arnold was reading a newspaper. He nced at his watch and muttered, ¡°It¡¯s almost time, how about we head out? Robin, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Director. I will prepare the car.¡±


    A few minutester, a ck sedan slowly pulled out from the Hapjeong-dong CIA Korean branch parking lot.


    ¡°This is melon field. A ck sedan with American embassy tes pulled out from the parking lot, over.


    ¡°This is farmer. Follow it, over.¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    The ck sedan Arnold entered Yang Hwa road and then began heading towards the entrance to Hongik University 20 minutes before the next radio message arrived.


    ¡°This is melon field. The ck sedan entered the American embassy over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Stand by in your current location, over.¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Confirmed, over.


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 20:20


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku NIS Intelligence Collection Department Situation and Control room.


    ¡°This is farmer. Pepper field, what¡¯s your location? Over.¡±


    ¡°This is pepper field. I¡¯m currently entering Riverside North Way and approaching the Han River, over¡±.


    ¡°This is farmer. Traffic is currently hectic, so be vignt in tailing, over.¡±


    ¡°This is pepper field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    As he monitored the map tracking the car¡¯s location, Manager Youn Gil-soo muttered to himself, ¡°Is that car also headed to the American embassy?¡±


    ¡°Manager Youn, what are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Sorry, Director. Currently, the car pepper field is tailing seems to be also headed to the American embassy. If you look at the GPS, you will arrive at the American embassy in another few kilometers.¡±


    ¡°What? If the meeting point is the American embassy, then this could be a problem. It seems they intentionally selected the American embassy that is out of our jurisdiction. Damn it!¡±


    ¡°Director, should we apprehend Kang Man-ho now sir?¡±


    ¡°If we arrest him without any evidence, we may face bacsh. Let¡¯s keep an eye on them for now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    10 minutester, Kang Man-ho¡¯s vehicle entered the American embassy building without any restrictions as Manager Youn Gil-soo predicted.


    ¡°This is pepper field. Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho entered the American embassy, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. You are to stand by at the location, over.¡±


    ¡°Manager Youn, get an update on Watermelon field¡¯s location.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Watermelon field, where are you now?¡±


    ¡°This is wateremelon field. I¡¯m currently entering downtown Chung Joo, over.¡±


    ¡°Chung Joo?¡±


    ¡°What are those bastards up to?¡±


    Director Woo Hyung-sung seemed to have felt stuffy and undid his tie off his neck. Standing at his side, Manager Youn Soo-Gil quietly whispered in his ear. ¡°Sir, could this be rted to the 17th Fighter Wing?¡±


    ¡°What? Are you suggesting these bastards already know about the underground research facility in the 17th Fighter Wing?¡±


    ¡°That is the only ce that we can be suspicious about.¡±


    ¡°My, this problem is more serious than we first thought.¡±


    At that moment, Manager Oh Yeon-ho of unit 4 rushed into the Situation and Control room.


    ¡°Sir, we have just finished deciphering the wiretapping recordings.¡±


    Director Woo Hyung-sung almost swiped the deciphered recording file from Manager Oh Yeon-ho¡¯s hands and began quickly read through the contents. A moment after he finished reading the files, he handed them back to Manager Youn Soo-Gil, sighed in disbelief, and began speaking.


    ¡°We finally solved the mystery. Ahn Sang-Tae, that son of a bitch.¡±


    Manager Youn Soo-Gil received the document. When he finished reading it, he realized how serious the situation was; he got on the microphone and called in all the managers.


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 21:00


    Seoul Jong-ro Ku Sejong-ro U.S embassy conference room.


    ¡°Wee. Thank you foring.¡±


    Director Arnold, who was already waiting in the conference room, greeted Kang Man-ho happily.


    ¡°How do you do? I am Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho, serving Minister Ahn Sang-Tae.¡±


    ¡°I am already aware of that. Please, have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Did you bring the documents we requested?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but there is an additional request I would like to make.¡±


    ¡°What would that be?¡±


    ¡°I too am deeply involved in this matter. Speaking of which, I would also like the same terms you offered to Minister Ahn.¡±


    Director did not seem to have a problem with this, so he answered afterughing heartily.


    ¡°Of course we¡¯ll offer them to you. Wasn¡¯t it obvious? No need to worry.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, director. These are the files.¡±


    Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho pulled out a small USB drive with an encryption feature from his bag.


    ¡°This USB drive has the blueprints for the underground research facility within the 17th Fighter Wing.¡±


    ¡°Is that all? Wasn¡¯t one of the requested items I asked for was the various policies the Korean government was secretly enacting?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know that. Minister Ahn said the rest of the documents are still not organized fully, so I was instructed to give you this for now and hand over the rest when it ispletely organized.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, in that case, then I have no choice. I understand.¡±


    Director Arnold handed the USB drive from Kang Man-ho to one of his agents standing by him. The agent immediately left the room.


    ¡°You must have not even had a chance to grab a bite beforeing here. Please, let¡¯s have dinner together that we have prepared and share our thoughts on the future of our business. Let¡¯s head to the dining room.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Director.¡±


    The agent with the USB drive handed off from Director Arnold took it to theputer room next door and opened the files in it. After he typed on the keyboard a couple of times, he made a phone call.


    ¡°Louie! I just sent you the blueprints so take a look.¡±


    ¡°All right, Johnny Depp.¡±


    ¡°Keep up the good work then, Louie.¡±


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 21:30


    Choongbook Chungju-si Downtown, down an alleyway.


    Louie, Steven, and Walter Johnson from team 4 had been waiting in the alleyway in their parked car for 30 minutes. They were to operate the spy drone from there. As soon as the required files from Johnny Depp arrived, the three agents uploaded the data to the spy drone.


    ¡°Upload isplete. Manager Louie, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good work, Walter.¡±


    ¡°Steven? Let¡¯s get moving.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The ck van started up and began moving slowly. The vehicle code-named watermelon field, that was watching from afar, slowly began following them.


    After 20 minutes of driving, the ck van arrived at a road shoulder 200 meters away from the 17th Fighter Wing.


    ¡°Louie, how about it? Should we start here?¡±


    Looking out the window upon hearing Steven¡¯s question, Louie answered him after seeing how the area was darker than other spots and close to the underground research facility they needed to infiltrate.


    ¡°Not bad.¡±


    ¡°All right! It is currently 22:05, let¡¯s get moving, shall we? Walter, fire up the drone!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Walter Johnson curtly answered Louie and opened a small case. Inside it was a small spying drone the size of a child¡¯s fingernail in the form of an insect. The spy drone¡¯s official name was SPY-X, which had a 5km range and could fly silently. Additionally, it was equipped with a high definition camera that could both record video and audio. It was a high-tech spy drone that could instantly find the best possible route when the blueprints of the building to be infiltrated were uploaded.


    ¡°We are ready to deploy, sir!¡±


    ¡°Great! Send it in.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    When Walter Johnson turned on the spy drone and moved the lever on the control panel, the drone made a very quiet noise, flew through the open car window and rose 20 meters into the sky. Walter checked to see if the camera was working properly with a few tests, then sent the drone into the 17th Fighter Wing Airforce base.


    As the size of a bee, the spy drone infiltrated the 17th Fighter Wing based on the optimal route from the input. It avoided all the sentry towers and views from security cameras and arrived at the connected main hall of the building. After circling the building a couple of times it entered into the vents and headed into the main building¡¯s interior.

 Chapter 35

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    December 23rd, 2016 22:10


    Choongbook Chungju-si 200m away from the 17th Fighter Wing


    When the ck van came to a stop at the shoulder of a road near the 17th Fighter Wing, the leader of watermelon field unit¡¯s leader Hong Hyuck-gyun felt something was suspicious and immediately reported in.


    ¡°This is watermelon field. The ck van is on standby near the 17th Fighter Wing, over.


    ¡°This is farmer. Do you detect any suspicious activity? Over.¡±


    ¡°This is watermelon field. We have eyes on them with infrared binocrs and something seems suspicious, hoping to harvest, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Stand by, the head of Seoul is not in custody. Keep watching them, over.¡±


    ¡°This is watermelon field. Confirmed, over.


    ¡°Leader! What did they say?¡± Chief Kim Min-soo, who was observing the ck van with the binocrs in the driver¡¯s seat, asked.


    ¡°Since the head honcho is still not in custody, they have asked us to standby!¡±


    ¡°Really? Man, I want to jump on those bastards right now.¡±


    ¡°Be patient, the order wille soon!¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 22:10


    Seoul Jong-ro Ku Sejong-ro in front of the American Embassy.


    Kang Man-ho¡¯s white sedan appeared from the building after an hour since it entered.


    ¡°This is pepper field. Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho is leaving the American embassy.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer, we harvest when he is away from the embassy building.¡±


    ¡°This is pepper field. We¡¯ll make sure to harvest, over.¡±


    Kang Man-ho appeared pleased, thinking of him and his family living in America without financial worries. At the thought, he stopped at the intersection for the traffic light as he whistled. Suddenly with a loud crash, a strong force collided with his car from behind.


    Crash!


    Kang Man-ho opened the car door forcefully and started shouting, ¡°Argh! What the¨C?¡±


    ¡°Watch where you¡¯re driving!¡±


    Noticing the owner of the vehicle that crashed into him, Kang Man-ho grasped the back of his neck while moving it, exaggerating the amount of pain he felt. Just when he was about to begin yelling at the driver, he felt a cold metal object touch his forehead.


    ¡°What... what the?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean what, you son of a bitch? It¡¯s a gun. Don¡¯t believe me? How about I pull the trigger?¡±


    ¡°Why... why are you doing this?¡±


    Kang Man-ho, who was just grasping his neck and iling around, was consumed by fear. He defensively curled up his shaky body and raised his hands in the air.


    ¡°Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho, you are under immediate arrest for treason. Don¡¯t bother asking for awyer or anything like that, okay? In a state of national emergency,ws like that don¡¯t apply.¡±


    ¡°I... I¡¯m not a traitor. I didn¡¯t do it...¡±


    ¡°Be quiet and put your hands out in front of you.¡±


    ¡°Chief Ahn, you will follow us with this bastard¡¯s car.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Manager.¡±


    Kang Man-ho was immediately sent to the NIS in handcuffs. The man who imagined a happy future suddenly had it flipped to a life in hell.


    ¡°This is pepper field. Harvest for peppers is good this year, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Great work. Return to base, over.¡±


    ¡°This is pepper field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 22:20


    Seoul Jongro-Ku Sejong-ro in front of the American Embassy


    ¡°This is melon field. The target vehicle has left the American embassy, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Harvest quietly, over.¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Melon field and the strike team standing by in Hapjeong-dong will go into processing once they finish their harvest, over.¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    ¡°This is strike team. Confirmed, over.¡±


    Director Arnold and his entourage boarded the ck sedan, sent Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho off, and left the American embassy heading towards Kwanghwamoon intersection to return to Hapjeong-dong. The vehicle melon field team was following slowly tailed them. The ck sedan that took a right turn from Sejong intersection was waiting for the traffic signal in front of Seodaemoon station. Simr to how they arrested Kang Man-ho, the melon field car crashed into the ck sedan from the rear.


    ¡°Wha... what was that?¡±


    ¡°It seems like the car crashed into us from behind.¡±


    After hearing Walter¡¯s words, Arnold turned around to see the car that crashed into them and saw a man getting off the vehicle. His instincts told him something was wrong, and he shouted to Walter frantically, ¡°Turn this car around! Gun it towards the American embassy!¡±


    Taken aback by Arnold¡¯s shouting, Walter instinctively pressed down on the pedal with his right foot and steered to the left. The ck sedan made an illegal U-turn, apanied by the pungent smell of burnt tires. After rumbling a few times, the car stabilized and began rushing off towards the Sejong way intersection.


    Seo Tae-young and Kim In-ho were about to make the arrest but were briefly taken aback by the ck sedan¡¯s escape. The two men got back on the vehicle and elerated to give chase.


    ¡°This is melon field. Target vehicle is currently on the run to the American embassy, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Harvest before they can enter the embassy, over.¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Requesting permission to use our firearms, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. You have permission, over.¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    In the passenger seat, Agent Kin In-ho leaned out the window, aimed his pistol at the ck sedan¡¯s tires, and began firing.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    It was challenging to hit a moving target, let alone a car being chased. Kim In-ho fired 12 rounds then swiftly changed his magazine.


    ¡°In-ho, we can¡¯t hit the target now. Take the shot when they make the left turn in the Sejong intersection, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief Seo.¡±


    ¡°If we lose them there, then we won¡¯t have another chance! Just think of it as another day in the range and shoot.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry sir. I will make sure to harvest.¡±


    Swerving in and out of cars andnes as it drove away, the ck sedan tried to make a left turn despite the traffic signal indicating otherwise. Chief Seo Tae-young, who was driving as fast as possible to provide as much visual range for Kim In-ho to fire his gun, shouted, ¡°Now!¡±


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Screech!


    The moment the ck sedan drifted to enter Sejong road, Kim In-ho¡¯s third bullet hit the rear tire. The sedan lost bnce, crashed into exit four of the subway station, then bounced into the secondne of the road beforeing to a halt. The ck sedan that made an illegal left turn in the Sejong intersection caused other cars toe to a sudden stop and pile on each other. The car codenamed melon field could not make the left turn and stopped in its tracks.


    ¡°Great work! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Seo Tae-young and Kim In-ho swiftly left the vehicle and ran across the road towards the ck sedan. The driver¡¯s car door opened to reveal Robin covered in blood, who held out his pistol and began shooting at Kim In-ho.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Seo Tae-young hid behind one of the crashed vehicles, but Kim In-ho was hit in the stomach and fell.


    ¡°In-ho!¡±


    ¡°Chief Seo, the bullet only grazed me. I am fine. Go after him...¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Kim In-ho is down, requesting an ambnce, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Confirmed, over.¡±


    ¡°In-ho! Hold on, the ambnce in on its way. Okay?¡±


    Seo Tae-young, who took cover behind one of the vehicles, took in a deep breath. He threw himself to the side and fired his pistol.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    After the sound of gunshots rang out, Walter spat blood out of his mouth and fell. Upon seeing the Caucasian man fall, Seo Tae-young stood up and gradually moved forward. When he noticed that the back seat was vacant, he saw someone running towards the American embassy.


    ¡®He and I are about 30m apart, and the distance to the American embassy is 300m. It¡¯s too short of a distance to chase him on foot¡¯ he thought.


    Seo Tae-young tried to fire his gun, but the people around him obscured his view on the target. In response, he fired a round into the sky.


    Bang!


    The crowd all ducked in surprise from the sound of the gunshot, and Seo Tae-young saw the back of a caucasian man running. He rolled got on his knees and repeatedly pulled his trigger.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Click.


    Seo Tae-young fired his gun until he ran out of bullets. When he saw the caucasian man fall, he started running again. Director Arnold of the CIA¡¯s Korean branch could not help but fall 50m away from the American embassy after being shot twice in his leg.


    ¡°Hey, white guy. You are under immediate arrest for national security leaks.¡±


    Despite his fatigue, Seo Tae-young handcuffed Arnold and reported mission aplished through his headphone.


    ¡°This is melon field. Finished harvesting the big melon. Also requesting an ambnce, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Great work. Leave the clean up to the police and take him to HQ, over.¡±


    ¡°This is melon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 22:25


    Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House President¡¯s residence.


    On his break after finishing work for the day, he was reading in his study while drinking coffee when the phone rang. The screen showed the name of the NIS Secretary.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, Mr.President! I have some urgent news for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please report.¡±


    ¡°The operation to apprehend the American spies regarding the National S rank secret is underway. We have just apprehended the Director of America¡¯s CIA¡¯s Korean branch.¡±


    ¡°S-ranked secret? If it is S-ranked, isn¡¯t it rted to the underground research facility?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr.President. Minister Ahn Sang-Tae is also involved.¡±


    ¡°Minister Ahn Sang-Tae? Does this mean Minister Ahn was trying to hand over S-ranked secrets to America¡¯s CIA?¡±


    ¡°It seems we must arrest Minister Ahn Sang-Tae to see how much of the information has been handed over.¡±


    ¡°Do you have proof Minister Ahn is involved?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Minister!¡±


    ¡°All right then. Please arrest Minister Ahn immediately. Leaking S-ranked national secret is treason.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will arrest Minister Ahn Sang-Tae under your approval. I will report again on the situation as it changes sir.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m willing to wait all day, so please report back to me any changes.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 23rd, 2016 22:30


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing 200m vicinity.


    As the arrests were made in one fell swoop in Seoul, Director Woo Hyung-sung ordered the arrest of the individuals in the ck van near the 17th Fighter Wing via Manager Youn Soo-Gil.


    The car codenamed watermelon field was observing the van for 30 minutes when they received contact from farmer.


    ¡°This is farmer. We are going into apprehending the targets. The 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s Military Police will assist. Try to bring them in alive, over.¡±


    ¡°This is watermelon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    When he finished speaking, Manager Hong Hyuk-gyun ordered Chief Kim Min-soo and the rest of his team that was on standby for hours to begin the operation to apprehend the men in the ck van.


    ¡°The harvesting order finally arrived. Everyone just needs to do as we nned. No matter how much they resist, we were ordered to bring them in alive. When firing, do not target the vital regions.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s begin!¡±

 Chapter 36

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    December 23rd, 2016 22:30


    Choongbook Chungju-si 200m vicinity of the 17th Fighter Wing.


    The spy drone infiltrated up to the second level of the underground research facility¡¯s basement using the vent system and disyed the internals of the building to the monitor.


    ¡°Walter, does something not seem right to you?¡±


    No matter how they looked at it, the second level of the basement they saw on the monitor looked like ab. Louie scratched his head and whispered to Walter.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. Something is not right. It¡¯s officially registered as a storage facility for next-generation weapons, but this looks like a research building to me.


    When Walter also agreed with his hunch, Louie, who wasparing the blueprints to the screen, pointed a ce on the blueprint and ordered Walter.


    ¡°Walter, try going to the section near the third level in the main hall.¡±


    ¡°On it.¡±


    Walter moved the controller¡¯s levers as Louie directed and moved the spy drone to the third level of the basement through the vent. A momentter, the spy drone maneuvered out of the third level of the basement and sessfully entered the main hall area while avoiding security cameras or detection equipment.


    ¡°Yeah that, this ce is built wayrger than the other areas! Move to there.¡±


    Steven, who sat in the driver¡¯s seat keeping watch, saw the lights of an approaching car. He quickly ducked down and whispered, ¡°Louie, a car is approaching! What should we do?¡±


    ¡°Walter, cover the monitor¡¯s lights!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Walter covered the monitor with his coat to prevent any light from escaping out. Louie, Steven, and Walter all quietly waited for the car to pass.


    A van honked the horn once and passed by. They did not notice the car drop something on the road, so Louie and his group started working after seeing the van pass.


    ¡°Walter! Keep going!¡±


    When Walter was about to grab the controller for the drone and enter the vent connected to the main hall, arge explosion rang out and shook the ck van.


    Boom!


    The ck van swayed from the shock of the explosion as the windows broke. Louie and Walter lost their bnce and fell. Steven, who seemed to maintain his bnce from holding onto the steering wheel, pulled out his pistol and checked his surroundings.


    ¡°What... What the?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened! Something exploded. Is our cover blown?¡±


    ¡°God damn it! Abort the mission! Steven, gun it!¡±


    A ck van rushed towards the road and began elerating, but a tire seemed to have gone t from the explosion. The van tilted to one side and ran on its desired speed. Gunshots began going off behind them.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The van that passed them by moments ago had returned and was showering them with bullets. Louie and Walter responded by pulling out their M416 rifles and shooting back from the broken windows.


    Ba-ba-ba-bang! Ba-ba-ba-bang!


    Both vans were firing at one another and taking heavy damage from the spray of bullets when Louie shouted, ¡°Steven! Go faster!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t, the tire is t! Wha, What is that? Our path is blocked!¡±


    They were out of the frying pan and into the fire. 100 meters ahead of them, a bright searchlight was on and the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s military police were waiting for them with a barricade. In surprise, Steven quickly turned the steering wheel to the left to take the van towards a frozen field. Since the tire was t and damaged, the van lost speed in the field.


    ¡°Louie! I don¡¯t think we can go much further. The tires are all t.¡±


    ¡°Each of us is on our own from here on out. Walter, take the memory card from the spy drone and get out of here. Steven and I will cover you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Walter, who answered quickly from the urgent situation, pulled out the SD memory card from the spy drone and ced it in a case and then his pocket. The ck van stopped in the middle of the field.


    ¡°Steven, let¡¯s head out.¡±


    ¡°All right!¡±


    Steven opened the car door first, got out at Louie¡¯smand, and began firing founds at the van. Meanwhile, Louie got out through the back door, took cover, and threw a grenade at it.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Boom!


    A pir of dirt rose when the grenade exploded and the van giving chase halted, then hid behind the van to take cover from the bullets.


    ¡°Now! Run!¡±


    Walter ran to the other side of the ck van as fast as he could upon hearing Louie. A sound that resembled a watermelon breaking rang out from Steven¡¯s head while he fired back at the barrage of bullets. Reddish ck flesh sprayed in all directions as Steven¡¯s body limply. Louie, who witnessed the whole event, lowered his body to hide and shouted as he punched the ck van, ¡°God damn it! They have snipers too! We don¡¯t stand a chance!¡±


    Louie realized they were at a disadvantage. As he saw Walter running away, he pulled out a C4 bomb from his pocket and attached it to the ck van. Then he began running sideways in the direction as Walter. The agents watching from the van gave chase.


    Louie ran as fast as he could and pressed the ignition switch. When he did so, the van flew into the air from an explosion and burst into mes.


    Boom!


    Meanwhile, Walter had left the field and hid behind a shed with a sigh in relief. When the NIS Intelligence collection unit 1 found out their target was the underground research facility 2 hours ago, the agency had covertly ced units 1, 2 and 3 in the expected getaway routes.


    ¡®Where should I go to get out of here? Things are way too out of hand.¡¯ Walter thought.


    Walter tried to think of a way to escape as he caught his breath, but an idea did note to him easily.


    ¡®Let¡¯s head to the downtown area first.¡¯ Walter thought.


    When he was about to finishing up with his n and stand back up to run again, a strong force hit him in the face.


    Smack!


    Walter slowly lost consciousness.


    ¡°You bastard! It¡¯s a shame you put that much effort but didn¡¯t get away, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    It was manager Kang Gyun-ho of intelligence collection unit 1 team 2 who struck Walter¡¯s head with the butt of his pistol. He pulled his arms behind Walter¡¯s back, cuffed him, and began to search him.


    ¡°This is watermelon field. The first harvest isplete, over.¡±


    ¡°This is farmer. Take caution until the rest are harvested, over.


    ¡°This is watermelon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    Louie had to zig-zag across the field to avoid the snipers. He easily jumped over the fence of a factory and hid behind the materials stacked outside.


    ¡°I wonder if Walter made it out...¡± he panted.


    Louie, who was ducking down and checking his magazine, did not know. A reconnaissance drone from the 17th Fighter Wing was 100 meters in the air. The reconnaissance drone was transmitting Louie¡¯s location using an infrared camera, informing the agents of Louie¡¯s location in real-time.


    After a few minutes passed, Louie checked his surroundings and instinctively knew; his location was exposed and the search was getting tighter.


    ¡°The mission is aplete failure. This is far too difficult to handle.¡±


    Facing the reality of the situation, Louie began checking his equipment.


    ¡¯12 rounds in the equipped magazine and two full magazines with 30 rounds total, but I can¡¯t escape the search with my current weaponry. I have to buy as much time for Walter to get out and finish my mission,¡¯ he thought.


    When Louie made up his mind, he pointed his gun at the ck shadow approaching him between the materials and pulled the trigger.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Bang! Bang Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    In an instant, a barrage of bullets began flying towards Louie from all directions. When Louie ducked down and tried to reposition himself to pull the trigger again, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and thighs. He watched as his clothes turning red from the blood gushing out.


    ¡°Ah... Ah!¡±


    Louie lost all of his strength from the pain at his chest and thighs, dropped his gun and then went limp. He was spewing blood from his mouth and his vision began turning blurry. However, an unknown source of willpower came to him and his right hand used all his might to pull out something. A momentter a safety pin from a grenade was pulled out.


    ¡®Steven... I aming.¡¯


    Boom!


    After the situation was handled and 10 minutes passed, watermelon field reported in.


    ¡°This is watermelon field. 2 dead and 1 captured alive. Harvestplete, over.


    ¡°This is farmer. Great work watermelon field. Return after clean up, over.¡±


    ¡°This is watermelon field. Confirmed, over.¡±


    All the while, the main HQ building in Hapjeong-dong was also being apprehended by the strike team from the NIS, where one of the 5 was killed and the other four were arrested. The leak of the national secret was slowlying to its end.


    * * *


    December 24th, 2016 09:10


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku NIS intelligence collection department interrogation room.


    ¡°Minister Ahn?¡±


    Minister Ahn, who was sleeping slouched against the table, woke from his slumber from hearing the strange man¡¯s voice. He raised his upper body while being handcuffed, but he could not help but bow his head in shame upon seeing who had spoken. Standing in front of him was NIS Secretary Na Bong-il.


    Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho, who was arrestedst night, went through intense interrogation throughout the night and confessed to everything out of fear. In response, Intelligence collection unit 1 apanied agent Lee Ja-sung at 5:00 am and immediately arrested Minister Ahn Sang-Tae sleeping in his residence and brought him to the NIS.


    ¡°Would you like a smoke?¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-Tae nodded his head to Secretary Na Bong-il¡¯s question, lit the cigarette he received, and took in a deep breath. After he took a couple more, he looked at Secretary Na Bong-il and spoke.


    ¡°Secretary Na, I did not meet those people to leak ssified information. They contacted me, so all I did was meet with them once.¡±


    ¡°Chief Secretary Kang Man-ho confessed to everything, and we¡¯ve already obtained proof. Don¡¯t you understand your current situation? You are a high ranking government bureaucrat, but what is it that youcked to cross the line? I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-Tae put out his cigarette with trembling hands and asked with a troubled look on his face, ¡°What will be of me?¡±


    ¡°You are charged with leaking an S-ranked national secret. In other words, you will be tried and sentenced to treason. I don¡¯t think you will be able to avoid a life sentence.¡±


    ¡°By life sentence you mean I will have to spend the rest of my life in prison?¡±


    Secretary Na Bong-il answered Minister Ahn in a tone that considered him to be pathetic.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that sound better than an execution?¡±

 Chapter 37

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    December 24th, 2016 09:10


    Seoul Jong-ro Ku Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister¡¯s office.


    Minister Kim Jae-hak urgently called the United States Ambassador to Korea Jackie Robins regarding the CIA agents of the Korean branch¡¯s involvement in the leaks of the national secrets.


    ¡°Ambassador Robins, how could they conduct espionage activity in an allied country?¡±


    ¡°Minister Kim, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with me. The NIS has concrete proof that this was the work of the CIA¡¯s Korean branch.¡±


    Jackie Robins fell silent when he heard there was concrete proof. His expression showed he had no choice but to answer the question quietly.


    ¡°Minister Kim! A year ago someone from Korea hacked the U.S government¡¯s secret agency, but few confidential documents were leaked. It seems the CIA¡¯s activity was rted to identifying the hacker.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you suggesting that the Korean government hacked into a secret agency? Do you have any proof?¡±


    ¡°The hacking point started from Korea, and that type of hacking capability was not something an individual could do.¡±


    ¡°Ambassador Robins, let¡¯s say the incident did happen. What confuses me is how the U.S conducted espionage in an allied nation when they could have just conducted a cooperative investigation.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, the documents that were leaked by the hacks had such a high confidentiality rank to conduct a cooperative investigation... The document was vital to the U.S. I believe they acted because they had no choice in the matter as an intelligence agency.¡±


    ¡°An act they had no choice in? What you¡¯re suggesting is that Korea cannot be trusted as an ally. Wouldn¡¯t you say so, Ambassador Robins?¡±


    ¡°I apologize for that part, Minister Kim.¡±


    ¡°Our president adamantly ordered that we follow the principle in processing this case. The CIA agents rted to this confidential information leak will be imprisoned at the NIS indefinitely.¡±


    ¡°How long will they be held?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not certain, but it seems they will be imprisoned for at least 5 years.¡±


    ¡°5 years or more? That seems pretty harsh for your allies.¡±


    ¡°You think that¡¯s harsh? Is espionage activity towards an allied nation fine?¡±


    ¡°When you put it like that, I have nothing to say. However, I would like to make a request.¡±


    ¡°Please. I am all ears.¡±


    Ambassador Jackie Robins leaned his body closer to the table and spoke quietly.


    ¡°I request this incident be processed as the U.S government not being involved. When considering world politics, there is no point in exposing this scandalous incident between allied countries internationally. This would also harm the rtionship between the U.S and Korea.¡±


    ¡°I also believe this incident being exposed internationally is pointless, but the final decision will be made by the president. You will hear the decision from the press conference at the NIS this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°I will put my faith in you, Minister Kim.¡±


    ¡°I also have a request. Ambassador Robins, I would like to request cease all other espionage activities in Korea from this point. Could you give me your word?¡±


    ¡°This is not something that I can decide, but on my honor, I promise that your request will be fulfilled.¡±


    ¡°Good. I think we are done here.¡±


    The TV was flooded by reports from the various news outlets about the shoot-out near Sejong intersection and the 17th Fighter Wing fromst night. The Korean citizens, who never witnessed a shoot-out of this caliber before, were shocked yet intrigued by the incidents. In response, the NIS was to hold a press conference about the incidents at 1:00 pm.


    * * *


    December 24th, 2016 11:00


    Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House President¡¯s office.


    ¡°We will begin the briefing regarding the confidential information leak involving the CIA¡¯s Korean branch.¡±


    The NIS was able to obtain proof and confessions by conducting an intense interrogation. NIS Secretary Na Bong-il was reporting about the incident.


    ¡°Three years ago, Director Arnold of the CIA¡¯s Korean branch and two other agents were stationed in Korea until the Pyeong Yang terrorist attack urred on Augst 15th, 2015, and eight more agents were deployed to the Korean branch. Their main mission seemed to be political observation regarding improving rtions between the Korean government and North Korea. After NASA was hacked at the end ofst year, they changed their main mission to keeping tabs on Korean corporations. Afterward, they received intel about the underground research facility in the 17th Fighter Wing from CIA headquarters. They obtained blueprints for the research facility from Minister Ahn Sang-Tae and used a spy drone to infiltrate the underground research facility to conduct espionage. In this situation...¡±


    The president, who was listening to the exnation, stopped the briefing for a moment.


    ¡°Secretary Na?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°How did the CIA obtain information regarding the underground research facility in the 17th Fighter Wing?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t question Director Arnold in such a critical condition, but we were able to obtain basic information from one of the arrested agents. The U.S satellite seemed to have confirmed the construction of the facility in the 17th Fighter Wing during its regr military base reconnaissance activity of our nation.¡±


    ¡°The U.S¡¯s intelligence capabilities are amazing. All right, please continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! This case was solved by the quick thinking of agent Lee Ja-sung, who was charged with bodyguarding Minister Ahn Sang-Tae. He found out about the secret meeting between Director Arnold and Minister Ahn Sang-Tae, and the NIS responded with arge-scale surveince activity to close this confidential information leak case.¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, who was listening intently with his arms crossed, asked, ¡°How much information was leaked to the CIA?¡±


    ¡°We have confirmed that the blueprints for the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility were the only information that was leaked by Minister Ahn Sang-Tae and nothing else.¡±


    ¡°Is that true? If so, then that¡¯s a relief.¡±


    ¡°It appears so. An agent from the NIS Investigation unit 1 was able to confiscate the spy drone that infiltrated the underground research facility and the memory card that holds all the recorded footage, and the vehicle the suspects used was obliterated by the explosion.¡±


    Beep!


    ¡°Mr. President! We have an iing call from Minster of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak.¡±


    ¡°Yes, put him on the line.¡±


    The president held up on the receiver and hung up the phone after exchanging a few words with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. cing his chin on his hand, he said, ¡°It seems the Minister has just finished speaking with the American Ambassador. As expected, the American government seems to be reluctant in this incident being known internationally. He also received a promise to cease all espionage activities in Korea. Secretary Na?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°Refrain from mentioning the U.S involvement in the press conference and just announce the contents we prepared earlier. America probably won¡¯t keep their promise forever, but if they cease all espionage activities, then it gives us a chance to buy some time. Thus, it seems epting America¡¯s request would benefit us. Also, let¡¯s learn from our mistake and make sure to educate our agents regarding secrecy and keep a close watch on leaking confidential information. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will prepare as you have requested.¡±


    * * *


    December 24th, 2016 13:00


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku NIS press conference room


    The press conference room of the NIS was more packed than ever from the numerous reporters that swarmed in. A spokesperson for the NIS soon stepped up to the podium, put the microphone near his lips, and started the conference.


    ¡°We will begin the press conference to hold a short briefing regarding the shoot-out at Sejong road and answer questions.¡±


    The reporters began buzzing and pressed the camera shutters repeatedly as they focused on the conference.


    ¡°This incident was an espionage activity involving a foreign multi-national militarypany that tried to steal confidential military information of Korea. Their motive was to obtain information early rted to importing various weapons based on the unstable national security, and the NIS detected this activity beforehand. The incident urred during the arrest process.¡±


    When the spokesperson finished his briefing, many reporters raised their hands and bombarded him with questions. The spokesperson pointed to the front row and spoke.


    ¡°The man sitting in the second front row, please speak.¡±


    ¡°Reporter Oh Gil-dong of Shi Times.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ask away.¡±


    ¡°Is this incident also in lieu with the one in Chungju?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. The multi-national militarypany¡¯s target included confidential information in the 17th Fighter Wing as well, and we have apprehended the suspects.¡±


    ¡°This is Han Ma-um times. Were any of the documents leaked?¡±


    ¡°No. Luckily, we arrested all the criminals before they were leaked.¡±


    ¡°Then where are the criminals from the multi-nation militarypany from?¡±


    ¡°I apologize. Because that is a matter of national security, I cannot answer. I will take one more question before ending this conference. If there is any other information that we must inform our citizens, then we will open another press conference.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, reporter Kim Kyung-hee from CBS news.¡±


    A female reporter sitting in the front row shot up her hand to ask thest question.


    ¡°Yes, reporter. Please go ahead.¡±


    ¡°We have information that a high ranking government bureaucrat was involved in this case. I don¡¯t believe you spoke of that, did you? We would like an honest answer.¡±


    Minister Ahn Sang-Tae¡¯s arrest was still considered confidential information. While bewildered from the woman¡¯s questioning that seemed to indicate she knew that fact, the spokesperson regainedposure and answered.


    ¡°Yes, that is true. We will tell you of the person¡¯s identityter when we open another press conference.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell us who it is now?¡±


    The spokesperson sternly answered the female reporter¡¯s prodding question.


    ¡°We are still investigating the matter, so it is too early to release the information. We will announce it during the next press conference.¡±


    ¡°We will close the conference now.¡±


    ¡°Mr.Spokesperson, please take one more question. Reporter Yeon Moon-ho from We newspaper. There is talk of suspects using an American embassy vehicle. Does this mean the U.S is involved? Please answer us.¡±


    ¡°Everyone! The press conference is over. Please leave.¡±


    The NIS spokesperson swiftly left the press conference room, and the bodyguards were restraining the reporters who would not stop their barrage of questions.


    The numerous reporters from different news agencies broadcasted the announcement live and piqued the interest of the citizens as they hinted the NIS might be hiding something.

 Chapter 38

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    March 1st, 2017 14:30


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku Korean Pharmaceuticals Head Quarters.


    2 months have passed since Korean Pharmaceuticals HQ had merged with Sin Oh pharmaceuticals, during which it was organizing the dataing from the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility¡¯s X-17b. They were busy working as fast as possible organizing this data to have it approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the U.S FDA.


    The new medicine being developed in the X-17b were medicine would eliminate the spread of cancer cells, the disease that modern medicine could not conquer; it would also serve as a cure for AIDS and androgen baldness. Development was nearlyplete and had sessful results in nonclinical trials. If the approval for clinical trials was processed without any issues by the U.S FDA and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety with sessful results, then it would¡¯ve provided an opportunity to officially export the new medicine and revolutionize modern medicine worldwide. However, it required three years to conduct clinical trials for each new medicine. To remedy this, the government nned to shorten the time by publishing papers and hosting press conferences to catch the attention of the medical field worldwide and patients with cancer and AIDS.


    ¡°This is the headquarters of Korean Pharmaceuticals. Since publishing an article iming to have made sessful trials for cancer and AIDs yesterday, this building has been visited by several press agencies from within and outside the country, as well as families of patients affected by these health conditions. Our CBS reporters have also received word that more research is being conducted for other new drugs. We will now interview a family member of a cancer patient who visited the corporation.¡±


    The reporter from CBS began interviewing the family member of a cancer patient who was waiting next to him.


    ¡°Hello, sir, could you tell us what brings you here today?¡±


    ¡°My father has been suffering from stage three liver cancer for five years. I heard about the journal article about a cure for various types of cancer and came to learn more about it.¡±


    ¡°I see. Even if the cure isplete, it will take a few years to go through clinical trials. Could you give us your opinion about that, please?¡±


    ¡°As a family member of a suffering patient, I beg them. My father has been suffering from drugs and radiation treatment for five years. I do not know much about the process of a cure officially hitting the market. However, if the cure truly does have no side effects then I truly wish that it will be avable to the public as soon as possible so many patients and their family¡¯s suffering would be relieved. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you for speaking with us.¡±


    The reporter from CBS finished the interview and spoke her closing remarks while looking into the camera.


    ¡°I also wish this cure would hit the market as soon as possible to relieve the patients and their family members. This was Yeon Woo-jin from CBS news.¡±


    A journal article about the development of a cure with sessful results nonclinical trials would not be able to catch the public¡¯s attention. However, the journal article imed that it had a 90% sess rate; this gave it credibility which was only made possible by the use of all press agencies to report it to the word


    3 monthster, clinical trials were approved by the Ministry of Drug and Food Safety. The trials began with 100 patients with stage 3 cancer and 100 more with stage 4, along with 50 AIDS patients. Every stage 3 cancer patient was curedpletely, 98 of the 100 stage 4 participants were cured, and all 50 AIDS patients saw a 70% improvement in their immune system. The Ministry of Drug and Food Safety gave official approval to manufacture it as a product, but the U.S FDA still had not given its approval. Thus, it first began production in Korea dubbed as ¡°Godsend¡±.


    As the effectiveness was being confirmed within the nation, several other countries requested to import ¡°Godsend¡± despite still not being approved by the U.S FDA to be considered the world standard. In response, the Korean Pharmaceuticals ran all three of their factories day and night to manufacture their product and spread their wings of export to 100 different countries across the world.


    As the discontent from cancer patients and their families escted, the U.S FDA had no choice but to approve the ¡°Godsend¡± product in October 2017. Since the U.S had approved the product, other nations that initially hesitated to import the good also began to do so, and Korean Pharmaceutical¡¯s stock value skyrocketed along with their sales.


    * * *


    October 9th, 2017 14:30


    Seoul Jong-ro Ku Blue House President¡¯s office.


    The Korean government held 90% of the stocks from Korean Pharmaceuticals. Since the cure for cancer was released in July of 2017, a report on sales every quarter was secretly held in the President¡¯s office.


    C.E.O Lee Sang-pil, who currently represented Korean Pharmaceuticals, and was reporting to the president with a chart on the screen.


    ¡°This graph represents the current sales we made in the third quarter from July to September. After the cure for cancer, ¡°Godsend¡± was officially released, the sales for July began at 2.5 billion dors and hit 4.4 billion in August. It is finally at 7.8 billion in September and still on the rise. Therefore, the total sale was 14 billion dors for the third quarter with 8.4 billion in profits alone.¡±


    Many governmental bureaucrats, including the president, were surprised by the unexpectedly high sales profits, and some even began to p.


    ¡°This is truly amazing. Having profits this high in only a single quarter.¡±


    ¡°We believe sales are this way due to the current demand from cancer patients across the globe. As time passes, however, we expect demand from cancer patients to lower and sales to lower to 3 billion per quarter. Therefore, we are nning to release a cure for androgen based baldness within this month.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, yes I have been waiting for that.¡±


    Minister of Science, ICT and Future nning Yoo Seung-woo spoke as he stroked his bald head in aedic manner. Many of the other bureaucrats seemed to have found it amusing andughed as well.


    ¡°This must be the cure that you have been waiting for the most then, Minister Yoo?¡±


    Minister of Economy and Finance Yoo Won-jin looked at Minister Yoo Seung-woo next to him,ughed and spoke.


    ¡°I have been waiting to purchase it as soon as it came out, haha.¡±


    ¡°C.E.O Oh Sang-pil, please release it already. For Minister Yoo¡¯s sake, at least.¡±


    ¡°The official release date is expected to be October 20th. To see results that willpletely cure the issue, one must continue taking the medicine for at least 6 months. We have set the price for 30 capsules at 300 dors, so it will cost about 1800 dors to seeplete results.¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae appeared surprised at the price for the cure being higher than expected and said, ¡°1800 dors? Isn¡¯t that too expensive?¡±


    ¡°Secretary Na, is 1800 dors that expensive when you can no longer be bald? I am sure other people are willing to pay 18,000 dors. You just don¡¯t understand the struggle of being bald.¡±


    Being bald, Minister Yoo Seung-woo supported the argument that the set price of 1800 dors was reasonable.


    ¡°The current price has been set from an in-depth survey from andparisons from products both in and outside the country, so it appears reasonable.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case, then there¡¯s no problem in increasing in. How about 5000 dors?¡±


    ¡°My, that¡¯s too much. Don¡¯t you think so, Chief Secretary Oh Jang-soo?¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, Minister Yoo, I only jest.¡±


    The newly appointed Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport No Jin-sun, who reced the arrested Minister Ahn Sang-tae, asked, ¡°Speaking of which, has the price been set for the AIDS cure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the AIDs cure is now reaching its final stages in clinical trials. The 50 participants each have individual differences, but 38 have been curedpletely and the other 12 are at a stage where 90% of their illness has been cured. We will organize the research data and request for official approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the U.S FDA by next month.¡±


    The president, who was listening to the conversation silently, spoke.


    ¡°C.E.O Ahn Sang-pil.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°How about we give out the AIDs cure for free for humanitarian reasons?¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo also supported the President¡¯s idea to freely offer the cure for AIDS made from the organization nning increase profits for the national budget.


    ¡°Mr.President, I think that is a splendid idea. It¡¯s not some other cure, but offering a cure for AIDs for free will improve our national image drastically.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just about our national image; most nations with high infection rates are in developing nations, namely those in the continent of Africa. Those nations would not be able to afford the cure even if it came out. As the President has said, offering the cure for free with humanitarian reasons will also increase the pride our citizens have towards the nation.¡±


    All the government bureaucrats listening to Minister of National Welfare Kim Hee-sun¡¯s words all nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Yes. I also think Minister Kim¡¯s opinion is important. Currently, the phrase ¡®Hell Josun¡¯ is a trend. For those who don¡¯t already know, ¡®Hell Josun¡¯ is apound word made by adding hell with Josun, the old name for Korea to sarcastically point out the ws within the nation. This dubs the country as being like a living hell. I would like everyone here to think deeply about why such a term came to be, and let¡¯s all work hard so that our citizens no longer use that term to describe our nation.¡±


    ¡°Great words, Mr. President. Then we will push to have the cure for AIDS be offered for free.¡±


    ¡°Yes, push forward with that. Let¡¯s also make using 50% of the profits towards welfare for citizens.¡±


    * * *


    October 10th, 2017 10:20


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-2b (Namgoong-won¡¯sb).


    Namgoong-won finished the morning meeting with the other researchers and was virtually testing a new generator through Hoc to prepare for an actual test run this afternoon.


    A year had passed since the underground research facility was built. The facility had expanded to 8 levels since then, and they have hired up to 800 researchers now.


    During that time, Namgoong-won became a key member of theb. As the sole person collecting data about alien science technology, other researchers received new findings from him.


    ¡°This runs better than expected, doesn¡¯t it? Hoc, you haven¡¯t found any internal ws yet have you?¡±


    ¡°It is running normally for now.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s let it run for another hour and make the final decision then.¡±


    ¡°Affirmative.¡±


    Namgoong-won was now virtually testing a ¡®sma superprotonic generator¡¯.


    It was a next-generation generator being developed with the aid of alien technology. This high power generator could rece nuclear powernts that had the risk of radiation. With 30,000 units, it could satisfy all of Korea¡¯s power needs. The cost of manufacture was also a third of a nuclear powernt.


    With 24 nuclear nts running in Korea, one sma superprotonic generator could rece eight of them. The super protonic generator also had many application capabilities. For instance, if the generator could be reduced in size and turned to a form of an engine, then it could rece the current ones in cars, airnes, ships and rocket engines; this would bring about a second industrial revolution.

 Chapter 39

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    October 10th, 2017 14:10


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-20b (Superprotonic sma generator researchb)


    The 8th-floorb was built in July, with arge ss tube in the center. Inside was the small car-sized next-generation sma superprotonic generator. Beyond the thick ss protective screen were around 20 researchers busy making preparations to start the first experimental run, with Namgoong-won among them. Han Hyung-gook, the head of the research department for nuclear physics, inserted the equation module card into the generator¡¯s operation module.


    ¡°Module insertionplete, Chief Jung operate ON.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Operation ON.¡±


    Chief Jeon Ho-tae turned on the operating switch, just as head researcher Han Hyung-gook ordered. A minuteter, the sma generator emitted a strange noise and began running. Small sparks flew from the generator


    Zap zap! Whirrrrrrrl!


    In response, the ss tube in the middle of the sma superprotonic generator burst into massive mes. A redser instantly formed from within, spreading out and thickening with time. An irregr spark flew from the ss tube, which was something the researchers had never seen before.


    Head researcher Han Hyung-gook continued to guide his researchers through the tense situation. ¡°Researcher Ahn, check internal temperatures and external bnce. Look for any irregrities in the maic fields as well.¡±


    ¡°The internal temperature remains stable at 5 million degrees. The maic field and external bnce are both stable, as well,¡± said researcher Ahn.


    ¡°Researcher Kim, check for any irregr superprotonic levels,¡± said head researcher Han Hyung-gook.


    ¡°Superprotonic levels are also stable,¡± replied researcher Kim.


    ¡°All right, proceeding to stage 2. Pyroelectric rotators ON,¡± ordered head researcher Han Hyung-gook


    Once again, Chief Jeon Ho-tae pressed a red button ording to Han Hyung-gook¡¯s order.


    As the redser in the clear ss tube slowly turned thinner and whitened, the irregr flying sparks began to disappear. The thinser connected to the cores on each side making a tranquil noise, making the ss tube seem peaceful.


    Whirrrrrl!


    A new era of sma superprotonic generation surpassing the fusion core technology was here; it wasn¡¯t evenmercialized yet!


    ¡°We¡¯ve performed another check. The internal temperature remains steady at 5 million degrees, the maic field is stable, and no external cracks are present.¡±


    When the checks were all clear, the researchers finally embraced each other in excitement. The room was filled with a celebratory atmosphere.


    ¡°Everyone calm down! The test is still not over.¡±


    Head researcher Han Hyung-gook¡¯s scolding silenced the researchers. Theb returned to the final stage of checking the power output as he ordered, ¡°Check the current power output.¡±


    ¡°The current suppliable power output is 1GW to 1.2GW.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin finally spoke after silently watching the test the whole time. ¡°My word. I didn¡¯t expect such a small generator to output more power than a single nuclear nt. This single unit could be enough to power the airforce base and the entire city of Chungju. Don¡¯t you think so, too?¡±


    Nervously concentrating on the tests, head researcher Han Hyung-gook wiped the sweat off his brow. He replied, ¡°Ha! I didn¡¯t expect the output to be this much, either. I estimated it to be within a range of 700MW to 800MW. Regardless, today¡¯s test is a huge sess.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Great work, Dr. Han. It looks like our nation will no longer have to worry about power, right?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha! Yeah, you¡¯re right. Every summer, people are always talking about ckouts and high power bills. With this, I guess we can supply free power now.¡±


    ¡°Well, what about the Korean Electric Power Corporation? How will they make money?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Is that how they would be affected? Hahaha.¡±


    The results far surpassed the expectations of Dr. Lee Su-jin, Head researcher Han Gook-hyung, and the rest of the X-20b¡¯s researchers. They embraced each other in delight, believing that their hard work had finally paid off.


    * * *


    October 10th, 2017 16:20


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-2b (Namgoong-won¡¯sb)


    After watching only a part of the sma superprotonic generator test, Namgoong-won drank some coffee as he began preparing the next set of research data. There was various research from different topics going on right now. Since he had to convert each data into an organized document, he would have been busy even if he had assistance. At that moment, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin walked in.


    ¡°Won?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, my love.¡±


    ¡°Hmm! What do you mean ¡®my love¡¯? You don¡¯t even pay attention to me when you are busy.¡±


    She hugged Namgoong-won from behind and whispered in his ear.


    ¡°Head researcher Namgoong-won, it appears you have a guest.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is Lee Ja-sun from the NIS group training exercise cohort. He was that guy who was talking about the date and whatnot on the range, right?¡±


    ¡°Lee Ja-sung? That¡¯s him, alright. How did he know to visit me here?¡±


    ¡°He is in the main hall lobby, so why don¡¯t you head there and ask him yourself?¡±


    ¡°All right. Assistant Manager, feel free to talk with Hoc here if you get bored.¡±


    ¡°What?! Why would I amuse myself by talking to aputer? Nevermind.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    Namgoong-won swiftly opened the door and headed to the main lobby, where a man wearing ck clothes and sunsses sat.


    ¡°Excuse me, are you Lee Ja-sung?¡±


    Upon hearing Namgoong-won¡¯s voice, Lee Ja-sung turned around and embraced him with a heartyugh.


    ¡°Hey, Namgoong! How are you? Your big bro missed you so much!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. It really is you, Lee Ja-sung. It¡¯s so good to see you again. Hey, how did you know I was here?¡± Namgoong-won said, seemingly both bewildered and d to see him.


    Lee Ja-sung arrogantly pointed at himself with his thumb as he answered, ¡°Really, Namgoong? Do you think a special agent of the NIS such as myself would not know something so trivial as your whereabouts?¡±


    ¡°Well, with your jurisdiction level, you would never have known. Am I wrong?¡±


    ¡°Hey,e on! I am a Chief now, got it? I was promoted a while back,¡± Lee Ja-sung said as he pulled out his ID card from the NIS and showed his rank with a smile.


    ¡°Wow, that was fast. You¡¯re promoted to a Chief in only a year? Damn!¡±


    ¡°After your big bro did so well on one of the missions after training, the higher-ups promoted me to Chief. Hahaha, now you need to call me sir.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Don¡¯t make meugh! I¡¯m a head researcher here now! I am higher on the food chain herepared to you. You better not underestimate me, got it?¡±


    ¡°What kind of NIS agents works in research? You¡¯re making us look bad.¡±


    ¡°Haha, it just sort of happened.¡±


    Namgoong-won brought two sses of coffee from the lobby cafe. As he handed Lee Ja-sung one of the sses, he asked, ¡°So how did you get stationed here?¡±


    ¡°C¡¯mon, man! Didn¡¯t I just tell you I came here because I missed you?¡±


    ¡°Just tell me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? Fine, the truth is I was stationed to bodyguarding here. Your Manager told me about you being here after I was stationed.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Is that so? Then let¡¯s have a good time while you¡¯re here! Do you think you can handle being here? Life here is very dull, and you can¡¯t go outside either.¡±


    ¡°Why would it be dull when you¡¯re here? Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Why, you! Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°I also looked around. There are some hotties among the researchers, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Wow... when did you find the time to scan them all?¡±


    ¡°Hey! You¡¯re already dating your cute superior. Am I supposed to just stay here miserable and alone then?¡±


    ¡°All right, all right. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Let¡¯s get some iced coffee! It¡¯s way too hot!¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah! There is a cafe ran by the airforce base there. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Reunited after so long, Namgoong-won and Lee Ja-sung put their arms around each other¡¯s shoulders and headed out.


    * * *


    October 12th, 2017 17:30


    Choongbuk Chungju-si Seowon-gu Bongmu mountain southwest construction site.


    Construction was in progress since March from south of Bong-mu mountain. At first nce, it seemed to be a small project. In reality, it was a major project that involved digging the entire underground area of Bong-mu mountain. It would¡¯ve spanned the size of four football fields and reached a depth of over 100m; it would be like building arge 20 story building underground. Construction was only 30%plete, and it had a year left to reach itspletion date next fall. Many excavators and trucks carrying the dug up dirt formed a long line.


    The man who wore a safety helmet seemed to havee in for an inspection. Through themotion, he shouted to the man responsible for the construction site, ¡°General Oh, sir, do you think there will be no issues in finishing construction next fall?¡±


    ¡°The construction progress is very fast right now. We are working as hard as we can to meet the deadline, so no need to worry.¡±


    The man answering confidently was themander of the second engineer regiment brigadier general, Oh Young-il. For security reasons, only one constructionpany was working on the building¡¯s interior. The rest of the work was divided among the 4 other hardworking engineering corps from different regiments.


    ¡°We hope everything goes well without any problems. The president is very invested in the construction of this site.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. When we work, our top priority is our safety. With that in mind, please tell the president that he can rest easy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will ry the message.¡±


    Secretary Ahn Yeon-hong, who was from the Blue House, had inspected various areas of the construction site since morning. He shook brigadier general Oh Young-il¡¯s hand and left the site on the vehicle prepared for him.


    * * *


    October 20th, 2017 18:00


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku Korea Pharmaceuticals Headquarters.


    The androgen based balding cure, dubbed as New life-X for men and New life-Y for women, hit the shelves across pharmacies in Korea. Many citizens suffering from the unspeakable pain of baldness called the new medicine a dream cure, causing the product to be quickly sold out. The advertising thepany did with 100 men and women showing their progress each week was effective, but the fact most people suffering from baldness would buy any product that imed to help relieve the symptoms also influenced sales.


    No one realized there were so many bald people in Korea. Both types of baldness treatment sold out on day 1, and the sales department of Korean Pharmaceuticals had to be on the phone all day answering calls from pharmacies requesting additional purchases. To meet the demands, Korean Pharmaceuticals decided to run their factories for the baldness treatment on three shifts rather than two.


    Like before, the contracts for exports reached billions of dors. Korea Pharmaceuticals garnered the attention of various press agencies across the world just as they did from the cancer treatment.


    Korea Pharmaceuticals began buying out smaller to middle-sizedpanies that were struggling with operations. New factories were built from thesepanies to meet the demands from both inside and outside the nation.

 Chapter 40

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    October 24th, 2017 11:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-1b (Alien spacecraftb)


    Namgoong-won was working on connecting a powerline from the X-20b on the 8th floor to the X-1b with other researchers from another department. To increase Hoc¡¯s operating capacity, they were trying to supply the alien spacecraft with power from the sma superprotonic generator that was running smoothly for four days.


    ¡°Researcher Namgoong, everything is connected on this end.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief Huh. I¡¯m on it.¡±


    ¡°Researcher Ki? How are things on your end?¡±


    ¡°We have just finished and are in the final stages of connecting.¡±


    ¡°Then everyone, please step back from the power connector line.¡±


    Namgoong-won ran a final diagnostic with Hoc on the connection between the generator and spacecraft along with the current status of the spacecraft.


    ¡°Hoc, how is the connectivity with the power line?¡±


    ¡°Power line connection ideal.¡±


    ¡°All right, then I¡¯ll start supplying the power.¡±


    ¡°Chief Huh, please supply the power.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Chief researcher Huh Sang-won, who was standing by in the 8th floor X-20b, pressed the power supply button under Namgoong-won¡¯s request. In a sh, the superprotonic sma generator supplied power to the alien spacecraft via the connector line. The power output was at 100MWh.


    ¡°Hoc main system operating capacity at 35% and increasing.¡±


    ¡°Hoc main system operating capacity at 41% and increasing.¡±


    ¡°Hoc main system operating capacity at 51% and steady.¡±


    ¡°Hoc, can¡¯t you increase the capacity anymore?¡±


    ¡°51% is the limit at the current power supply.¡±


    ¡°Fine. If there¡¯s no other choice, I will look for a different method.¡±


    Namgoong-won¡¯sptop screen showed a 3D model of the alien spacecraft, each graph and chart was dancing around and showing stats. A momentter, a grey color representing the first floor of the spacecraft turned light yellow.


    ¡°Ship¡¯s first floor being reactivated. 70%... 80%... 90%... 100% reactivationplete. Namgoong-won, authorized to use all of the first floor¡¯s facilities.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good. What is on the first floor?¡±


    ¡°All information will be sent to you via data.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Namgoong-won heard something move from inside the ship. He put down hisptop and ran towards the ship¡¯s entrance. Namgoong-won followed the pathway connected to the main stairway and became wide-eyed upon entering the first room.


    ¡°Wow, this is amazing!¡±


    Racks popped out from the three walls in the first room, holding various rare equipment. One of the things that stood out were the fourrge pieces of weaponry hanging from the rack. Since the Splithians were so tall, the weapon was at least 1.5m in length. Namgoong-won could not help but cry out in amazement as he held up the weapon carefully to find that it was lighter than he expected, with the exterior resembling a K-11pound rifle. As he took various stances and checked the weapon, Namgoong-won pressed a button on the right upper side of the trigger. In response, a small whirring indicated activation as a small monitor screen lit up where the sights should have been, disying various unrecognizable images and stats.


    ¡®So this is the weaponry the Splithians use! Oh, wait... now is not the time,¡¯ he thought.


    Namgoong-won brought out the radio on his hip and called over Chief researcher Huh Sang-won.


    ¡°Chief Huh, please contact the public-address booth and announce Dr. Lee and all the other mechanical engineering researchers to gather in the X-1b.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Did you find something interesting?¡±


    ¡°After you make the announcement, you shoulde along too. When you¡¯re here, you won¡¯t help but be surprised. Hahaha.¡±


    A momentter, Dr. Lee Su-jin along with several other researchers arrived and could not hold their awe when they saw the Splithian equipment. As a mechanical engineer, Chief researcher Lee Dong-won seemed like a child discovering a new world. The 12 types of 52 different equipment collected that day were at least two centuries ahead of human technology; it was a historical moment where they became a foundation for the future Korean military equipment.


    * * *


    October 24th, 2017 18:50


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing main hall rest area.


    After a long time, Namgoong-won came out from the damp underground research facility and sat on the bench in the main hall. Holding Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, he watched the sunset and whispered in her ear, ¡°Assistant Manager Lee.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you know why I work so hard even in areas that I am not even familiar with?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it because you like it?¡±


    ¡°It is fun, but I was thinking maybe there could be a way to return to the past with the alien technology...¡±


    ¡°The past? Like a time machine?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    After asking, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin finally understood Namgoong-won¡¯s intentions.


    ¡°Ah, sorry.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Why should you be sorry?¡±


    ¡°You want to go back to how things were, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Nowadays, it feels more like I am focused on research not sleeping. Such thoughts never leave my mind.¡±


    ¡°You miss your parents?¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin stroked Namgoong-won¡¯s head when he answered sheepishly and hugged him. After a while, she wiped the tears from his eyes and whispered.


    ¡°No need to be sad. I will make you happy including your parent¡¯s worth!¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    * * *


    October 25th, 2017 09:30


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing outdoors firing range.


    Various researchers and themander of the 17th Fighter Wing were all gathered in the outdoor firing range to test out some of the Splithian equipment they had acquired yesterday. Namgoong-won had obtained various data about the equipment from Hoc and made an instruction manual which he distributed. The Military Police agents practiced operating the equipment; they got into position, preparing to test-fire the weapon one dubbed ser rifle¡¯.


    Length:1.48m


    Weight: 3.5kg


    Output modes: Low power, High power


    Firing modes: single, rapid-fire


    Magazine: sma battery pack reload method


    Output capacity: Low power 1000 rounds, 20 rounds in High power based on a single sma battery pack.


    The Military Police Agent set the rifle to low power and aimed at the 5 stacked 10mm steel tes and pulled the trigger.


    Whirl... Bang!


    With a faint sound, the red light left the muzzle and hit its target. The rifle went through the first two stacked 10mm tes. Its high firepower would have made its target not recognize that they¡¯ve been hit.


    A momentter, the Military Police agent set the rifle to level 2 ¡®high power mode¡¯ and pulled the trigger while aiming at the 20 stacked 10mm tes.


    Woosh... Bang!


    With a louder noisepared to the low power mode, a thicker red light hit the steel tes. Twelve of the 10mm tes were shot through. From this, it could destroy a light armored vehicle.


    p p p!


    The sound of apuse came from all directions. Commander Oh Suk-Myung of the 17th Fighter Wing, who was watching silently, smiled and praised the performance multiple times.


    ¡°This is the first time in my whole military career a personal rifle has shown a power like this. I look forward to the day our soldiers will be equipped with such weapons.¡±


    ¡°Commander, I would starve myself to save time for work if that means we can have this weapon be avable to all of our soldiers as soon as possible.¡±


    Head researcher Lee Dong-won from the Agency for Defense Development, who lead the testing today, responded to themander confidently. The equipment being put under 3 hours of testing was given to the ADD researchers, who made the goal of making researching and developing a weapon based on the equipment within the next two years.

 Chapter 41

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    December 1st, 2017 09:30


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku Korea Pharmaceuticals Headquarters press conference room.


    Attention from press agencies worldwide was aimed at Korea Pharmaceuticals. The press conference for the release of the new HIV cure called HIV-Killer was announced. It was the first time a pharmaceuticalpany garnered so much attention internationally. Having bought out Sin-oh pharmaceuticals 6 months ago, they released both the cancer cure ¡®Godsend¡¯ and the baldness treatment New life-X and New life-Y. Their rise in the top 3 pharmaceuticalpanies in sales also contributed to all the attention.


    The fact that they were announcing another product that could cure HIVpletely called HIV-Killer made all the press agencies from around the world gather; this seemed to have been the first time to happen since the Pyeong Yang terrorist attack. A momentter, C.E.O Lee Sang-pil of Korean Pharmaceuticals stepped into the room with the sound of 500 hundred shutters from reporters and he stepped on the podium.


    ¡°Hello everyone. I would like to thank all the reporters from both inside and outside of Korea for attending this conference. This new product HIV-Killer has managed to cure 100% of the 50 participants in 5 months, and it was approved by both the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the U.S FDA. I have called this press conference not to just announce the product being released, but to also offer the medicine free of charge under the request of the Korean government due to humanitarian reasons. In response, Korean Pharmaceuticals will cooperate with the Korean government to begin offering the treatment for free and survey needs; the first nations to receive it will be nations from Africa. Also...¡±


    After the announcements were made for 10 minutes, the press conference room became hectic from all the reporters trying to ask questions first.


    ¡°I will try to answer all your questions, so please settle down and raise your hands. Yes, the reporter there, please ask your question.¡±


    ¡°Hello, I am Sonia from New York Times.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Miss Sonia.¡±


    ¡°The global market for treating HIV in 2017 has been known to be 18 billion dors. Despite being a public enterprise, it must be a huge loss in profits when giving up profits thisrge to provide the treatment for free. How did your corporatione to this decision?¡±


    ¡°You are right. A corporation must seek profit, and 18 billion dors is arge sum that amounts to 20 trillion won in Korean currency. However, as everyone here knows, HIV is most prevalent within developing nations. Since most, people cannot afford the cure, they will likely die in pain without receiving any treatment. Even if we are a profit-driven organization, we have pondered whether we should operate our business by profiting from people who are suffering. Additionally, the president has requested us to offer the treatment for free as well. Would that be a sufficient answer for you, Miss Sonia?¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    As C.E.O Lee Sang-pil answered the first question, he noticed a reporter waving both of his arms. Pointing to him, he said, ¡°Next question will be from the man in the middle, please.¡±


    ¡°I am David from BBC news. Korean Pharmaceuticals has brought out treatments for diseases that seemed uncurable like HIV and cancer, making a wave in the pharmaceutical industry within just 6 months. Could you tell us about any other new medicines that will be released in the future?¡±


    ¡°We will continue to develop and research new treatments, but it seems we will be ready in May of next year to announce a product.¡±


    ¡°What kind of medicine will it be?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I believe it is too early to discuss the topic. I will take the next question.¡±


    ¡°Hello. I am Inokino from the Asahi newspaper. As reporter David from BBC has said, Korea Pharmaceuticals have been producing new medicine that can quickly cure symptoms. Sin-oh Pharmaceuticals, Korea Pharmaceuticals motherpany, was only a 3-million dorpany that produced medicine for hyperlipidemia and other small diseases. How did a corporation like this make such revolutionary new medicine?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, it looks like you did your research beforeing here.¡±


    Normally, C.E.O Lee Sang-pil disliked Japanese people so much that he would not even look at them. Seemingly a bit upset from the reporter¡¯s tone, he answered with an awkward look on his face, ¡°The Korean Pharmaceuticalspany already received aid from the government 5 years ago to research new medicine before buying out Sin-oh pharmaceuticals. I can¡¯t say much more because it is confidential information.¡±


    As the press conference came to an end, its contents spread to the world immediately. The news about the treatment for HIV being offered for free made many patients and their families cry tears of joy, and many leaders from across the globe sent a letter of thanks to President Suh Hyun-woo.


    * * *


    January 1st, 2018 09:30


    Korea


    Due to the Pyeong Yang terrorist bombing, the threat of war in the Korean penins and its effects on politics and the economy had put the nation on the brink of national bankruptcy. However, the 19th Korean government had pushed for reforms, reopened the corruption cases, and put those responsible under heavy punishment to rekindle the unity of its citizens.


    The new government also underwent auditing and reiming all the properties of the criminals to satisfy the national budget. With cooperation from small and middle-sized corporations, the newly founded Ministry of Next-generation Technology had been vigntly creating products with technology developed from the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility. Thus, the Korean economy was slowly recovering from the brink of copse.


    The economic growth rate of Korea was at 5% for the third quarter of 2017, which showed a significant difference from the 2% for the second quarter. The fourth quarter finished at 7%. At the head of the high economic growth rate was Korea Pharmaceuticals. After their first sale of the cancer treatment and their continued release of new medicine, they had released an androgen based balding treatment that became a big hit and made 25 billion dors in total profits and 17 billion in sales.


    The Korean government¡¯s budget in 2018 was at 391.7 billion dors, and they now had an extra 27 billion dors from the profits made by Korean Pharmaceuticals from the 3~4 quarters.


    Through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the government ced 12 billion dors towards the Ministry of National Welfare¡¯s budget and pushed for a policy dubbed elderly welfare fund that would give 500 dors to those over 65 years of age. Another 10 billion dors went to the Ministry of Defense to aid the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s budget. The rest of the 5 billion dors were used to aid the construction of the Olympus base that was expected toplete this fall.


    * * *


    January 2nd, 2018 13:30


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku The Ministry of Next-generation Technology conference room.


    The 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility¡¯s sma superprotonic generatorpleted the three-month test run and was alreadymercially being used by the 17th Fighter Wing to supply power.


    Given that, the Korean government nned to have 5 sma superprotonic generators be built by 2017 and gathered all the executives from the Korean electric power corporation to discuss ns and policies.


    ¡°We have called the executives here today to discuss the 5 sma superprotonic generators to be built across the nation. We have called you here to discuss the matter with the Korean electric power corporation.¡±


    Director Sung Dae-Hyun from the Ministry of Next-generation Technology corporation aid department spoke up.


    ¡°A sma superprotonic generator?¡± Never having heard the term before, executive director Yoo Gi-tae from the Korean electric power corporation asked with a curious look on his face. Director Sung Dae-Hyun signaled to Manager Lee Hyun-jin sitting next to him. Manager Lee Hyun-jin handed a couple of files to the executives from the Korean electric power corporation.


    ¡°These are the files that rted to the sma superprotonic generator so please take a look.¡±


    Director Sung Dae-Hyun gave the executives from the Korean electric power corporation some time to read over the files before continuing his exnation.


    ¡°The sma superprotonic generator is a next-generation generator developed from a research facility under the Ministry of Next-generation Technology. At the moment, a generator capable of producing 1.2GW of power is being usedmercially. Starting this year, we are nning to build 10 power nts with the capacity to generate 8GW.¡±


    Director Oh Jin-ho of the Seoul district headquarters, who was slowly reading the files, asked with wide eyes.


    ¡°Wait, if you say 10 powernts with the capacity to generate 8GW, wouldn¡¯t that equal 80GW? Doesn¡¯t that much power surpass the current demand for power in the entire nation? If so, then what are we going to do with our nuclear powernts and the standard nts?¡±


    ¡°That is why we called for this meeting director, Oh Jin-ho.¡±


    ¡°All right then. Does that mean that the sma generator will be run by our corporation?¡±


    ¡°No. What I am saying is government policy, so please pay attention. From this year forward, we will build sma superprotonic powernts one by one that will be run by a newly founded sma generation department. When all 10 nts arepleted, then the standard nuclear power nts and coal power nts will also shut down.¡±


    ¡°W-wait. Director Sung, are you suggesting for our Korean electric power corporation to just die out?¡±


    Executive director Yoo Gi-tae seemed to be upset, stuttering his words as he red at director Sung Dae-Hyun.


    ¡°Please listen to everything I have to say. How much foreign investment is in the Korean electric power corporation?¡±


    ¡°It is at about 33%.¡±


    ¡°¡®So that means 33% of the profits each year go to foreign investors, right?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t investors already have such an obvious right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is their right. That is why the government is trying to prevent money from leaking to foreign countries and nning to supply free power to all citizens starting in 2019. The Korean electricity power corporation will only be supplied with power from the sma generation department and using the current infrastructure to supply power to industries and homes just to maintain upkeep.¡±


    ¡°Then what will happen to our profit structure?¡±


    ¡°The cost for the infrastructure and maintenance will be handled and given by the government.¡±


    ¡°So you simply want us to just supply the power given to us and maintain it? I believe foreign investors would sue this kind of n in an international court.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am also aware of that. There is a solution for that part, so no need to worry.¡±


    ¡°What? This is nonsense.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the electricity power corporation a public enterprise run by the government that operates for the nation and people? Executive director Yoo, how are you only concerned about the shareholders and yourpany?¡±


    As Director Sung Dae-Hyun bellowed, executive director Yoo Gi-tae could note up with an appropriate response. He closed his mouth and stifled his boiling anger.

 Chapter 42

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    January 2nd, 2018 15:20


    Seoul Kangnam-Ku The Ministry of Next-generation Technology corporation aid department director¡¯s office.


    Director Sung Dae-Hyun finished the meeting with the executives from the Korean electricity power corporation and returned to his office, where he had a covert conversation with two men.


    ¡°The conference took longer than expected. Sorry to have kept you waiting.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. So how did the executives from the Korean electricity power corporation react?¡±


    Manager Ahn seemed to be more interested in how the executives from today¡¯s meeting reacted than exchanging greetings. He went back to the main topic of the conversation.


    ¡°As expected, they were all furious and dissatisfied. I hate how they were more concerned about foreign investors.¡±


    ¡°Great work. We n to gather information about the true shareholders of that 33% of the Korean electricity power corporation¡¯s stocks that foreign investors hold. Until then, we request you hold more meetings and shake them up. If you find any good intel, then please contact Chief Kang here.¡±


    A burly man giving with a powerful aura about him bowed his head when he was introduced, then handed Director Sung Dae-hyun a business card. Director Sung Dae-hyun also handed his business card so they could exchange them with each other.


    ¡°Are you Chief Kang Chul-joong from Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation Department 2 team 1?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Director Sung. Pleased to meet you.¡±


    ¡°He is one of the most capable agents in our department.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha! Now that I think about it, I have seen you on the TV a couple of times. It¡¯s an honor to meet you in person, Chief Kang.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, the pleasure¡¯s all mine, sir.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation¡¯s achievements, my wife tells me she is pleased and life is getting interesting again. She never knew of the many people fooling around with the taxes from the Korean people, yet she entertains herself from watching the news every day on the TV. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, you¡¯re ttering me. All I have done is stay devoted to my work as a government official.¡±


    Despite his burly build, Chief Kang started blushing and smiled awkwardly in what appeared to be a sense of pride. The meeting came to a close after an hour.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2018 12:20


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing X-21b (Rocket engine developmentb)


    Currently, the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility right was at the stage where a new technology would spawn another new technology. Since it formed a positive feedback loop, it allowed Korea¡¯s scientific technology level to rise at the speed of light.


    Among the X-21b, 20 additional researchers also joined the project from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute sincest December, thus forming a TF team with the original research staff. The 40 researchers coborated to expedite developing a next-generation sma super rocket engine based on the sma superprotonic generator and created a blueprint for the engine within a month. All of this was possible thanks to Namgoong-won gathering the information rted to sma technology obtained from Hoc.


    ¡°Everyone, you all have worked hard this month. Before we start our meeting and the briefing about the sma rocket engine, I will do a quick exnation about this project.¡±


    Dr.Kim Gwange, a cosmologist and the head researcher of the X-21b, put the microphone near his lips and spoke.


    ¡°The sma rocket engine is a super level one that will be a cornerstone of the first steps for Korea¡¯s space era, has an engine output of 500t that canunch three 100t satellites at the same time, and is expected to testunch in 6 months. When the final checks on the blueprints from the X-2b are finished, we will begin manufacturing immediately. Therefore, all the researchers here should work hard. That being said, let¡¯s make a fantastic piece of work together.¡±


    When head researcher Kim Gwange finished his short exnation of the project and returned to his seat, Chief Oh Dong-gi received the microphone and started the meeting.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s start the first docket fo the meeting and have the rocket navigation operation team begin the briefing.¡±


    * * *


    January 10th, 2018 15:00


    Chungbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-5b (nanotechnologyb)


    The X-5b was researching the suit that the Splithians were wearing obtained from the alien spacecraft¡¯s first floor. On the surface, the suit seemed to be made of simr material from that of the clothes humans wear. After 2 months of research, the suit turned out to be made of a nano hyper minute manufacturing technology protection suit that had the same bulletproof capability of a 10mm steel te. With head researcher Yeon Ho-jun in the center and aid from the X-6b that was responsible for metallurgy, research was being conducted day and night to obtain the hyper minute manufacturing technology. The analysis of theponents of the material was finished, but there were a few metallic elements that weren¡¯t found on earth. The research was finding a recement and abination of elements that could do so. With Hoc¡¯s key data for the hyper minute manufacturing technology analyzed, the project began to draw ns for a manufacturing facility.


    This technology became one of the valuable new technology in Korea. It became a key piece of work that would not only supply the Korean soldiers with protective suits but also save lives in the uing East Asian war.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2018 15:00


    Choongbook Chunju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-6 Lab (Metallurgyb).


    The X-5b¡¯s main responsibility was researching the metals the spacecraft consisted of. The metal material that the alien spacecraft consisted of was 7 times stronger than the earth¡¯s titanium alloy. It also boasted the highest strength to density ratio of 60~160kgf/mm2 and showed a strength of 420~1200kgf/mm2. The X-6b¡¯s researchers set a goal to develop an alloy that was 3 times stronger than the standard titanium alloy. Half the density and development progressed to 50%.


    The new material was dubbed ¡®Hydranium alloy¡¯. If the development of the new metal alloy Hydranium was sessful, then it could soon be applied to armored vehicles, ships, submarines and other military equipment that required a powerful protective power. It also could be used in other manufacturing facilities to create arge profit.


    The issue was the requirement of various elemental materials to mass-produce the Hydranium alloy. Luckily, most of them were useless underground resources that were buried underneath the African continent. Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade and Industry, the government was able to form export treaties with Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, and other nations that it had aided to import the materials needed cheaply.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2018 15:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-3 Lab (Informationmunicationb).


    The X-3b was currently developing a program Turkion-X wirelessmunication system that would not only be faster than the speed of light but also surpass the protocol program that Namgoong-won had developed to synchronize with Hoc. This Turkion-X program has several major strengths. First, it would not be affected by the EMP that was thergest fear of modern war. This advantage would allow maintaining the militarymunication system from being hindered in the event of war; this was a major determining factor of who would win and who would lose. Second, the Turkion-X wirelessmunication system was a unique Koreanmunicationwork that was impossible to hack or wiretap. Third, it had outstanding transmission capabilities underwater also. Fourth, it was three times faster than the speed of light.


    The next-generationmunication system that was not restricted by EMP, security, speed, and location would soon show its true worth.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2018 15:00


    Choongbook Chunju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-4b (Radar systemsb)


    The X-4b was developing a quantum multi-area radar system based on the ones from the Splithians. The current radar system being used in all existing nations had a low reflection rate for stealth fighter jets or ships that could not be detected by radio jamming. The quantum multi-area radar system would ovee these weaknesses.


    The quantum multi-area radar¡¯s quantum waves scanned the exact external shape of the desired object, then save the data in real-time. If a radar system was sessfully developed, the researchers would im that everything is detectible. This included the numerous stealth fighter jets and ships that were developed and ced in the field like mushrooms popping up after a rainstorm.


    Soon, the quantum multi-area radar would be applied to the Korean Aegis system and used in all military equipment that required a radar, such as fighter jets and various types of anti-aircraft weaponry.


    The reason 800 researchers from the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility had spent an entire year giving up their leaves, working day and night was probably one thing. It was their desire to restore Korea that could not get a word in being surrounded by other stronger nations coupled with their self-esteem, determination, and patriotism.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2018 15:00


    Choongbook Chunju-si 17th Fighter Wing X-12 Lab (Biology, Gicsb)


    In the center of attention from the world for owning the main technology for the new medicine, the X-12b was preparing what they called the Neoanthropinae project, which would alter the primal gic properties of mankind to strengthen the immune system and physical capabilities. It was still in its beginning stages, but should this research seed, then human beings could be born with powerful antibodies against most viruses and diseases.


    Through gic maniption, it was also expected that muscr strength would double, while brain utilization would double or triple from before where all of humanity would be geniuses rivaling Einstein.


    As stated before, it was still in the beginning stages, so there was no guarantee when the project would be a sess. If the research did seed, then it was expected to be historic within human history. With Dr.Ahn Young-gil leading them, the researchers in the X-12b worked day and night.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2018 15:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-2 Hocb (Namgoong-wonb)


    Namgoong-won had been so busy that 24 hours was not enough time to organize the information from Hoc that eachb required. He must have remembered the work he wanted to do after graduating from college, so he spent his spare time secretly making something. The project he was working on was named EVGS (EEG Virtual Game System), which would directly connect human brainwaves to a virtual space for videogames. Virtual Reality games were currently trending, but Namgoong-won wanted to develop a system that would emte an environment where the yer would feel immersed in it. He was continuing his development with Hoc¡¯s aid, and the project was soon 30%plete.


    ¡°When the game gets developed, I will test it first. Then, Assistant Manager Lee and I will y it together.¡±


    He did not know when it would be finished, but Namgoong-won continued working, motivated by the thought of ying the game with Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin.

 Chapter 43

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    July 12th, 2018 11:00


    Seoul Kangnam-ku Postech Headquarters.


    Postech, the fourthrgestpany for steel manufacturing in 2014, was deep into a financial crisis after the 2015 Pyeong Yang terrorist bombing put Korea under the threat of war and plummeted into 11th ce. However, they introduced new high-strength steel that was 1.5 times stronger from the standard in March of 2018. With this, their sales rose rapidly to reach second ce worldwide in the second quarter of that year.


    The world economic experts imed that at this rate in the fourth quarter, the corporation could reach first ce. The manufacturing quantity was 153.6 million tons, which was 4 times the production quantity Postech had from their prime in 2014 of 4.2million tons.


    5 months ago, the X-6b of the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility discovered a manufacturing form during its research that could create high-strength steel surpassing the power of the standard by 1.5 times. They notified the Ministry of Next-generation Technology of their discovery, which then chose to focus on the steel industry as their first step in economic recovery. The ministry had called in the 20rgest KOSPI corporations and 100 small to middle-sized corporation executives for a meeting for technological cooperation.


    The main goal of the cooperation meeting was to connect all those who worked in the steel industry. The lower branch of the industry was no exception; workers from junkyards torge businesses were called so the economy could be revived from the citizen level.


    . Ensure that 70% of the high-strength steel manufacturing form will be owned by the government.


    . Provide the form for free to corporationsplying with the following standards:


    -50% of the profits from manufacturing would go to the Korean government treasury.


    -Increase the contract costs by 20% with the lower-levelpanies and form a new contract, and have the process be audited by the Ministry of Next-generation Technology.


    -Fixing prices and other forms of abuse of power towards the lower-level corporation will be punished underw and removed from selection for this program if discovered.


    . Have lower-level corporations middle-sizedpanies raise the purchasing prices from personal businesses (junkyards) by 20% in current market value and maintain it during this time.


    . Junkyards to increase the purchasing price from individuals by 30% of the current market value and maintain it during this time.


    This first stage of their economic recovery policy resulted in Postech at the top. Hyunjin, Dong-young, and Korean workers reached the top 20 steel manufacturers worldwide, while other corporations reached the top 100 all in the second quarter.


    Domestic steel manufacturing corporations also responded by improving employment policies to rehire retirees and family members who lost their jobs from the economic crisis. Because this became the driving force to revitalize the bear market economy, the Korean economy appeared to be gradually recovering.


    * * *


    July 14th, 2018 14:00


    Seoul Jung-ku Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation Corruption Investigation department conference room.


    ¡°We will now begin the briefing regarding the Korean electricity power corporation¡¯s stockholdings of which foreign shareholders own 33%.¡±


    Manager Jang Soo-Hyun from the second corruption investigation department stood on the podium, pointed to the data on the screen, and began his exnation.


    ¡°Three foreignpanies currently hold 33% of the stocks from the electricity power corporation. 3% of it is owned by an investment firm in the U.S named Roadpany, 5% is held by an Australian investment firm Peritz Pacific, and the remaining 25% is owned by an investment firm named Roadycall. Out of these three, Rhodeycall owns the most significant amount appearing as a sort of paperpany investment firm based in the Cayman Inds. The second corruption investigation department has investigated this corporation for 5 months and identified its executive as Rhodey Lee, otherwise known by his Korean name Lee Chul-Joon. He is a Korean-American who immigrated to the U.S 15 years ago. The problem is that we confirmed there is a true owner of Rhodeycall corporations, so please take a look at the path the funds go through.¡±


    Manager Jang Soo-Hyun pointed to the various graphs and figures disying the pathway the money moved with aser pointer, then continued his exnation.


    ¡°We were tracking the dividends that were transferred to Rhodeycall¡¯s ount when we found information regarding an ount from Korea. The ount holder was Lee Myung-bon, a Korean and Rhodey Lee¡¯s cousin.¡±


    A momentter the screen showed Lee Myung-bon and his father Lee Bok-duk¡¯s photo, along with his many deeds as a Japanese Imperial loyalist.


    ¡°Please take a look at the screen. Lee Myung-bon¡¯s father Lee Bok-duk was...¡±


    The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation was investigating Lee Bok-duk because of a request they received from the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals under the Prime Minister¡¯s officest December.


    Lee Bok-duk inherited the status of Baron from his grandfather Lee Gyu-jun in March 1931 and received a grant of 150 won each month from the happiness creation organization until August of 1945.


    He entered Kyung-bok middle school in 1933 but quit in 1937, and graduated from Japan¡¯s Tokyo Hosei University majoring in the preliminary section from 1937 to1940, then studied economics from 1940 to 1942). In December 1942, he founded the people¡¯s cooperative organization and connected Japan¡¯s various corporations with Korean citizens under the guise of dispatch service to force manualbor; he made his fortune through exploiting people.


    Having registered Lee Jyun-gyu and Lee Bok-duk in the list of individuals for financial confiscation, The Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals was investigating their financial details. This urred when they noticed that Lee Myung-bon, Lee Bok-duk¡¯s eldest son, had his property moved to overseas and requested an official investigation. Therefore, the second Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation department took on the role and began searching for the source of Lee Myung-bon¡¯s wealth. The investigation found that three years ago, Lee Myung-bon had invested in his cousin, an American resident, Rhodey Lee¡¯spany. Thatpany, now known as Rhodeycall, owned a quarter of the Korean electricity power corporation.


    ¡°The investigation to confiscate the property of Lee Myung-bon is being conducted jointly under the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals, Ministry of Next-generation Technology, and our Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation.¡±


    ¡°Outstanding work, Manager Jang. Since the Director is very pleased with your work and interested in your investigation, may we confiscate all the property of that traitorous Japanese Imperialist bastard?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir. There is one more thing.¡±


    ¡°Please continue.¡±


    ¡°After the Pyeong Yang terrorist bombing, the stock value of Korean electricity power corporation was dropping rapidly. To mitigate their losses, thepany broke its regtion for the shares being able to be sold up to 10% by selling 25% of their stocks. This was when Rhodeycall bought out 25% of the shares sold.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so suspicious about that?¡±


    Director Ahn Kyung-hoon seemed to also have noticed something was off and showed his interest by leaning forward.


    ¡°The one who ordered the shares to be sold was the former government¡¯s Senior Secretary to the President¡¯s Affairs: Oh Man-han.¡±


    ¡°Ex Senior Secretary Oh Man-han?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Oh Man-han and Lee Myung-bon are inws.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all clear to me now. Whether it be a Japanese Imperial loyalist or corrupt traitor, I will give you my full support to screw over these bastards, so give it all you got. Those who betrayed the people to live avish life should receive a more severe punishment than any other individual.¡±


    ¡°I will make sure to bring him in.¡±


    * * *


    July 15th, 2018 16:00


    Jeonnam Naju-si Korea electricity power corporation Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s office.


    ¡°Executive director, do you think that the ¡®sma-whatever¡¯ generator technology really exists in our country?¡±


    Director Oh Jin-ho, who came by the Naju headquarters to attend the executives meeting, visited Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s executive¡¯s office to discuss the sma superprotonic generator that the Ministry of Next-generation Technology spoke of.


    ¡°How would I know?¡±


    ¡°Executive Director, wouldn¡¯t you agree that even the U.S was not able to build a nuclear fusion power nt, let alone the new sma superprotonic generator? It¡¯s not like we are in some sci-fi movie; I find it all hard to believe.


    ¡°I agree with you, but if it was a lie, then why would they tell us?¡±


    Director Ahn Kang-ho, who was quietly sipping tea, joined the conversation.


    ¡°I think they are trying to screw us over from selling the shares to foreign investors during the previous government¡¯s rule. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    Executive director Yoo Gi-tae, who was rxingfortably on the soft sofa with his head back, suddenly stood and yelled in anger, ¡°Director Ahn! Don¡¯t speak of such nonsense!¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, executive director, sir.¡±


    ¡°Did we want to sell the shares to foreign nations? We only did it as part of the higher-ups¡¯ orders.¡±


    ¡°Executive Director, Director Ahn could be right.¡±


    ¡°What? You think so too?¡±


    ¡°Please listen. After the Pyeong Yang terrorist bombing happened in 2015, the stock value plummeted. The higher-ups ordered us to sell 25% of the shares to foreign investors, correct? When you think about it, each share was only four dors, but now it is at sixty. It has risen in value by 15 times.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°That Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation or whatever it¡¯s called is causing a ruckus. They¡¯re devoted to investigating various corruption scandals, arresting suspects, and confiscating their properties without any exceptions.¡±


    Director Oh Jin-ho, who was rambling on like a machine gun continuously being fired, saw Executive director Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s intimidating face and closed his mouth. Oblivious to Director Oh Jin-ho¡¯s actions, Director Ahn Kang-ho subconsciously slurred a few words.


    ¡°That investment firm Rhodeycall that bought the shares are close with Executive director Yoo...¡±


    Director Ahn Kang-ho, who spoke without thinking, finally saw Executive director Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s face and stopped speaking.


    ¡°You guys shouldn¡¯t speak of such foolish things so easily, understand?¡±


    Executive director Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s face was red as he red at the two men and warned them, ¡°If you go bbering about things like that anywhere else, I¡¯ll eject you out of thepany. Have I made myself clear?¡±


    In response to Executive director Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s words, Director Ahn Kang-ho and Oh Jin-ho both began to bow their heads as if they hadmitted a heinous crime.


    ¡°Executive director, why would we speak of such things outside thepany? No need to worry, sir.¡±


    ¡°We are not children. No need to be concerned.¡±


    Despite Director Ahn Kang-ho and Oh Jin-ho¡¯s words, Executive director Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s expression remained stiff.


    After a while, Director Oh Jin-ho had stepped out of the office to head back to Seoul when he felt something was suspicious about the Executive director¡¯s Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s exaggerated reaction. Immersed in the thought, he headed to the underground parking lot.


    ¡®Something seems off... maybe I can get more information if I keep investigating Executive director Yoo. I should try to coax some more information out of Director Ahn,¡¯ he thought.

 Chapter 44

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    August 3rd, 2018 16:00


    Seoul Kangnam-ku COEX banquet hall.


    Korea executed the second stage of its economic recovery n after it had hold of the lead of steel manufacturing and turned its eyes towards Information Technology and Nano Technology.


    The first stages would target the IT and NT fields. In May, Samho electronics and TK Hynix announced they jointly developed a manufacturing method that reached a pico level and surpassed nano levels. A month after their announcement, they released items such as 100 pico level D-RAMs, various types of PC, Mobile and NAND sh memory products that could shake up the world semiconductor market and created an IT industrial revolution that far surpassed the industrial revolution of the 18th century.


    Also, to preventrge corporations from forming an oligopoly, the Ministry of Next-Generation Technology selected three middle-sizedpanies to provide the pico-level manufacturing technology so they could provide a stage that a Korean corporation could rapidly progress towards the global market.


    Intel, the corporation that was at the forefront of the world semiconductor market, had to helplessly give up their position and second ce to TK Hynix, and with a market share difference that was more than double to barely maintain third ce. Other world-famous corporations had dered emergency management in response to all the Korean corporations rising through the ranks. The interesting part about the release of the high-powered semiconductor memories was it created a revolution in many other rted industries and became a foundation for developing products that broke the mold. Samho electronics and HG electronics had released a line of domestic appliances and other products never seen before and had flipped their deficit of three years to a surplus in an instant and seemed to have reached a second prime.


    ¡°Congrattions, C.E.O Lee.¡±


    After their announcement for the release of 80 pico-level D RAM , C.E.O Lee Gyum-ho left the conference room and entered the banquet hall and responded to the Ministry of Next-Generation Technology Manager Oh Dae-sik¡¯s greeting.


    ¡°Thank you, Manager Oh. Let¡¯s have a ss of wine and chat.¡±


    C.E.O Lee Gyum-ho was so friendly, it was as if he was inviting a nobleman to drinks. He pointed to an open refreshment table and lead the way.


    ¡°It seems news agencies from half the world came to the press conference. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°This would not have been possible without you, Manager Oh, don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    C.E.O Oh Young-il slightly leaned forward and spoke half-jokingly and handed a ss of wine to Manager Oh Dae-sik.


    ¡°Now Let¡¯s have a drink.¡±


    C.E.O Lee Gyum-ho and Manager Oh Dae-sik clinked their wine sses, savored the scent, drank the wine to quench their thirst, and then began speaking about the topics rted to security.


    Three months ago, Manager Oh Dae-sik from the Ministry of Next-Generation Technology¡¯s technical support team 2 was stationed to be in charge of Samho electronics and provided the pico-level manufacturing technology three months after meeting him and was able to sessfully finish the project, but the true mission was only starting for Manager Oh Dae-sik.


    It was maintaining security regarding the pico-level manufacturing technology within Samho electronics. Recently, a different team had shared the technology to a corporation and a vice executive was caught trying to sell the technology to China and was sent to a level-1 security prison.


    ¡°C.E.O Lee, from now on you must pay more attention to having your employees keep the pico-level manufacturing technology confidential. Honestly, our department will keep watch also, but thepany¡¯s internal security is also necessary.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry. We received special orders from our boss and we are operating a security system that could rival the NIS. We also doubled security personnel so no need to be concerned.¡±


    ¡°Since you put it like that, I do feel a bit more relieved. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Our vice president ising. Why don¡¯t you say hello?¡±


    * * *


    August 10th, 2018 22:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si Seowon-ku Bongmu mountain Olympus Base.


    The 20-story underground building in Bongmu mountain was finallypleted after a year and a half of construction and was named Olympus Base. When construction was finished, a simplepletion ceremony was held. From the Blue House National Security, Director Oh Jang-soo, other security secretaries, and other governmental bureaucrats came down to attend thepletion ceremony and check on the security status.


    Also, a freight train filled with manufacturing equipment came into Olympus Base through the underground railway connected to the Kyungbu line, and the workers were sweating from the hard work installing the manufacturing equipment before construction wasplete.


    ¡°We will now begin the briefing for theplete construction of the Olympus Base.¡±


    Brigadier General Oh Young-il,mander of the second engineering regiment, had not left the site for a year and five months since the first shovel hit the dirt so he could direct the construction to prevent idents and began to address the 50 or so government officials and executives of the defense industry.


    ¡°I would first like to take this opportunity to thank all the governmental officials, corporation employees who worked day and night, and our proud troops who made it possible to finish the construction a month early; for, without them, it would not have been possible.¡±


    Brigadier General Oh Young-il finished his opening statement and stepped next to the podium to bow and then began reporting thepletion of the Olympus Base.


    ¡°Olympus Base is a 20-story underground building that has an area 330,000 meters squared that matches the side of Yeo-ii ind. Since it is an underground base, it was designed to withstand a magnitude eight earthquake, and the internal and external frames were made with the high power steel from Postech. I will now begin exining the facilities on each level. Please take a look at the screen next to you.¡±


    Brigadier General Oh Young-il¡¯s exnations disyed over arge screen in the middle of the room that showed the blueprint for the internals of the Olympus Base with brief descriptions.


    Floor 1: Security center and lodging for sentry regiment consisting of three battalions


    Floor 1.5: 2 meter-high powered ckout curtain system.


    Floor 2: Internal security regiment consisting of one battalion/supplies warehouse one/supplies freight train station


    Floor 3: Internal park and other amenities, cafeteria, defense industry workers lodgings.


    Floor 5: War supplies and materials warehouse.


    Floor 6~16: Defense Industry manufacturing line


    Floor 17: Centralmand center and surveince center/supplies warehouse 2


    Floor 18: Internal park and various amenities, cafeteria, lodgings.


    Floor 19: The National Defense and Science Agency manufacturing line 1


    Floor 20: The National Defense and Science Agency manufacturing line 2


    Floor 21: Olympus (Base electricity, water, and air filtration system)


    Brigadier General Oh Young-il finished his presentation on the facilities after 10 minutes and seemed to have a dry throat and took a sip of water after putting his lips to the microphone again.


    ¡°Olympus base will finish installing all the manufacturing equipment for military supplies by the end of this month, and all the people rted will finish moving in and it will officially begin manufacturing on September 1st. This concludes the presentation, and I will now take questions if you have any.¡±


    ¡°How many people will move into the facility?¡± Secretary Lee Gil-soo, who came with National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, asked.


    ¡°We will have a total of 12,900 individuals move in. Among them, 1,500 will be soldiers from the 1st security regiment for inside the facility, 8,000 defense industry workers, 400 National Defense and Science Agency personnel, and 3,000 for operating the Olympus Base.¡±


    ¡°There are not that many people moving inpared to the facility¡¯s size, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The reason being the manufacturing equipmenting into Olympus Base changed to automated ones, and the number of workers needed was reduced to a third of what we predictedst year.¡±


    ¡°I would like to ask one more question if I may. If that is the case, who will be responsible for workers¡¯ time off and maintaining their confidentiality?¡±


    ¡°I will answer questions regarding security.¡±


    A man sitting on the left side of the podium stood up and began to answer as he stepped forward.


    ¡°I am Kang Mu-jin the head of the Olympus central security department. Everyone who moves into Olympus, including me, has to have a high-powered GPS chip imnted in their bodies. Therefore, our central security department can monitor all personnel that leaves the facility for any reason and can track their location in real-time, and if a defense industry employee requires it one of our security agents can escort them.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case how do you maintain secrecy if personnel try to smuggle photo and information when they leave the facility?¡±


    ¡°I will answer that question with the presentation I have prepared.¡±


    ¡°When department head Kang Mu-jin gave a signal to the employee working the screen, the slides rted to security measures showed up.¡±


    ¡°There are three entrances to Olympus Base from the outside. The main entrance on the first floor, the freight train stop entrance on the second floor, and the emergency exit only to be used in an emergency. The process to enter the facility is the same excluding the emergency exit.¡±


    When department head Kang Mu-jin gave another signal to the employee, the screen changed.


    ¡°Every person who enters cannot bring items in or take items out of the facility. They can only enter or leave with their person, sses, watches, rings, and other items on their person will be precision scanned and then be able to brought in or taken out. This process applies to everyone, including the President. The PM-1 radio that security agents use tomunicate with each other will be the only exception for security agents. That is all.¡±


    ¡°All right. Thank you for your presentation.¡±


    When department head Kang Mu-jin stepped back Brigadier General Oh Young-il continued speaking.


    ¡°I will take the next question.¡±


    ¡°I would like to ask one.¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, who was sitting in the middle of the table, raised his hand and spoke.


    ¡°Yes, National Security Director Oh Jang-soo sir. Please ask away.¡±


    ¡°In case of an emergency, for example, a war broke out what will Olympus Base do in response?¡±


    ¡°In case of emergency, Olympus Base willply with emergency orders number 12 and will seal off all entrances and exits, and will utilize its systems consisting of air filtration, groundwater purifier, power generators, and emergency rations to operate and supply itself independently for two years.¡±


    ¡°The preparations are well made. I see.¡±


    ¡°Are there any more questions?¡± If not we will finish the briefing and then start showing the facilities on each floor. You can follow the security agents here. Thank you.¡±


    Brigadier general Oh Young-il finished the briefing with a short closing statement and nodded to the security agents standing by, the agents then raised their hands to lead the party of government officials and those who attended it all followed the security agents.


    In the future, Olympus Base, named for the home of the Greek gods, would be the home factory for amazing weaponry and became a Ma for Korea¡¯s armaments factories.

 Chapter 45

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    August 12th, 2018 10:00


    Seoul Kangnam-ku some cafe.


    ¡°A few days ago, I spoke and hinted to the topics you wanted me to say Manager Kang, and Executive Director Yoo¡¯s reaction was no joke.¡±


    Director Oh Jin-ho checked his surroundings as if he had be a spy and covered his mouth with his hand before whispering to Manager Kang.


    ¡°I found out about this from Director Ahn Kang-ho. At the time the orders came from up top, the executives inside the corporation were strongly against it, but despite the resistance, Executive Director Yoo took the lead and forcefully proceeded with selling the shares. Also, there are rumors Executive Director Yoo is personally and closely rted to that Rhodeycallpany. Here take this. Hahaha, these are official documents and information that came down from that time.¡±


    Director Oh Jin-ho brought out a few folded documents from his breast pocket, and Manager Kang immediately put them in a briefcase and spoke.


    ¡°Learn more about Executive Director Yoo and Rhodeycall¡¯s rtionship.¡±


    Director Oh Jin-ho took another look at his surroundings and whispered even more quietly.


    ¡°You will overlook the things we spoke aboutst time right?¡±


    ¡°That will all depend on how valuable the information you bring Director Oh.¡±


    ¡°I understand. I will do my best so please have that...¡±


    Manager Kang Chul-joong stood up from his seat, nodded, and left the cafe. Director Oh Jin-ho chugged his iced coffee and mumbled to himself.


    ¡°Damn, I am trapped like a rat.¡±


    Two months ago, Director Oh Jin-ho was interrogated by Manager Kang Chul-jong from the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation team 2 for epting bribes rted to hiring employees, and ever since then, he had been working as Manager Kang Chul-joong¡¯s informant.


    * * *


    August 12th, 2018 15:00


    Tokyo, Japan Prime Minister¡¯s Office


    Economy Secretary Okazaki Shinji could only sit in silence as he looked at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pacing around the room with his face red from anger and his sagging cheeks shaking left and right.


    ¡°What happened to those Josenjins (a derogatory term for Korean people by using the nation¡¯s previous name Joseon and Jin, a word in Japanese for people) that they coulde out with products like that and ruin the Japanese economy that was just beginning to recover? What¡¯s the status of our corporations?¡±


    The fact Shinzo Abe, a man who was in the top position of the Japanese cab as Prime Minister, used the term ¡®Josenjin¡¯ to describe Koreans in a conversation, not in a private setting but one where he spoke with other cab members proved how deeply engrained Prime Minister Abe was in the Japanese Imperial mindest.


    ¡°The, The thing is...¡±


    Japan tried to use Korea¡¯s economic crisis under the threat of war as an opportunity to recover its economy with governmental support. However, at the end of 2017, Korean Pharmaceuticals, a public corporation made new medicines and caused a storm in the world pharmaceutical market and encroached on it, and now their own Dakeda Pharmaceuticals was under threat. From 2018, the various Korean corporation facing the threat of bankruptcy began producing products that were unheard of and now caused many Japanese corporations to stagger and return to their previous state.


    ¡°What about it? Are you going to speak up?¡±


    Okazaki Shinji opened his briefcase and pulled out a few documents while ncing at them.


    ¡°I will report about the semiconductor field first.¡±


    Since it was better to say the bad news first, Secretary Okazaki Shinji decided to report about the industries that took thergest amount of damage.


    ¡°The corporation with thergest losses is Renesas. They spent 30 million yen to buy out Inturn seal, an Americanpany, to expand their business from vehicle semiconductors to PC and mobile...¡±


    ¡°Secretary Okazaki! Keep it simple!¡±


    As Prime Minister Abe shouted in anger, Secretary Okazaki Shinji winced and nced at Vice Secretary Yokimada. Vice Secretary Yokimada swiftly took the documents and continued the report.


    ¡°Prime Minister, sir, I will report instead.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who it is. It¡¯s just frustrating...¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister. The current tentative losses Renesas is facing is at around 1.5 trillion yen, and it seems to be rising. Also, Sony and Toshiba each are facing 1.1 trillion yen and 6 billion yen in losses. And other electronics-rted fields for Panasonic, Sharp, Nintendo, and other domestic appliances are facing lowered sales and losses in 1.3 trillion yen.¡±


    Renesas was at the head of vehicle semiconductors market and was growing in size, conducting merger after merger and was about to expand their influence to PC and mobile semiconductor markets by manufacturing 10 nano-level semiconductors when Samho electronics and TK Hynix released their pico-level semiconductors and expanded to the vehicle semiconductor market. Now Renesas was on the verge of bankruptcy. Toshiba and Sony also had invested trillions of yen to operate their 10 nano-level semiconductor manufacturing facilities when they were hit by Korean corporations.


    ¡°The second is Shin-il Steel manufacturer that lost 1.03 trillion yen.¡±


    Shin-il Stell manufacturer had made Il-shin steel their ownpany, and through their active investment, they put advanced technology in the forefront and considered their high-quality steel products as their weapon in the steel market and had reached second ce in the world market since 2016. However, their ranking plummeted to 9th ce in 2018.


    ¡°Third is Dakeda Pharmaceuticals that reported eight billion yen in losses.¡±


    Dakeda Pharmaceuticals was a multi-nationalpany that reported 2.5 billion yen in yearly sales in 2017 and ranked 12th ce in the global market but had dropped to 20th ce after a drop in sales in 2017.


    ¡°The vehicle industry....¡±


    ¡°Enough! Leave the reports on my desk and leave.¡±


    The losses seemedrger than expected, and Prime Minister Abe stopped the report from not wanting to hear more of it and kicked out the officials. Abe Shinzo, who dreamt of a second economic boom using Korea¡¯s economic crisis as a chance, could not handle his rage. His n of constitutional reform to change the nation to a normal one that could have an official military and use the economic power to strengthen the self-defense force was going awry.


    * * *


    August 15th, 2018 14:00


    Seoul Jonro-ku Blue House President¡¯s office.


    Korea had greeted the 73rd August 15th independence day, and it was very significant, but it also marked the sad day of the Pyeongyang terrorist bombing where 20 government officials, including ex-president Ahn Hyung-joon, passed away or were severely injured three years before. For this reason, from the 71st Independence day ceremony, a memorial for the victims of the August 15th terrorist attack was also held.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    The President, despite having attended the August 15th independence day ceremony and memorial for the victims of the terrorist attack, was getting reports from ministers on a national holiday.


    ¡°The economy recovery project is in the third stage, and we are preparing for the fourth stage. We have chosen 100 corporations from the country and are working with the underground research facility to hand off technological information rted to the item they manufacture. The list of mid-sizedpanies is in this document.¡±


    The Minister of Next-generation Technology Lim Tae-yeon handed the documents to the President. The President spoke after reading the documents thoroughly.


    ¡°Minister Lim?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°I believe stage 4 is the most important one of our economic recovery policy. Our economy currently is rampant in an oligopoly with a couplerge corporations that sway influence over various fields. This type of structural issue will only hinder our economic growth. Use this chance to aid the mid-sizedpanies to grow and work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to have therge corporations separate their branchpanies to independentpanies.¡±


    The President set down the documents and looked at Minister Lim with a serious look and spoke energetically.


    ¡°If anyrge corporation executives show a negative reaction, then threaten them with our capability to provide new technology. We need to remind them at times what it is like to be in a subordinate position after always being in a superior one. Also, increase the number of mid-sizedpanies from 100 to 200.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Mr.President, we will revise the policies for stage 4 of the economic recovery n and report back. We will keep you updated.¡±


    ¡°We will now report on the progress of the third stage of the economic recovery n. Following the semiconductor and electronics industries from stage 2, the third stage will focus on aiding the vehicles, shipbuilding, and next-generation energy industries.¡±


    Minister Lim Tae-yeon, who was the youngest of all the Ministers and following the trend, continued his report with his 4mm Tablet PC.


    ¡°The first category is the shipbuilding industry.¡±


    For a time, the industry included Hyunwoong heavy industries, which was the first ce in the world market and one of six other Korean corporations that would not others to follow in sales. However, after Japan¡¯s yen lowering policies and China¡¯s rapid progress since 2016, the impregnable six corporations turned into a sandcastle being swept away by the ocean and suffered from lowered performance and financial woes, which resulted in arge-scale restructuring and caused many to retire or be unemployed, making the Korean market economy unstable.


    ¡°To satisfy the shortage of contracts from overseas with domestic contracts, we have discussed with the Ministry of National Defense and the Navy and decided to build six additional Aegis ships from the previous three we have ordered and gave a contract to each of the sixpanies. Additionally, the six ships will be equipped with the Korean format of the Aegis system. And within the year, we are nning to give two contracts to each of thepanies to build a 230-level submarine (discement level of 6000t) when we decide on building the additional 12 submarines. Also, through an MOU with Postech steel manufacturer, and to provide materials at a price lower by 30% from the export prices to show dominance in pricing from other foreignpanies and is expected to increase in obtaining contracts.¡±


    ¡°Would that be enough for those retired or unemployed to return to their oldpanies?¡±


    Minister Lim Tae-hyun referred to is tablet a few times and answered the President¡¯s question.


    ¡°It will not be enough with just the domestic contracts for thepanies to rehire all the unemployed by the end of this year. Approximately 30% of those unemployed will be able to be hired again.¡±


    ¡°That is verycking. Then let¡¯s do this. What stage is the logistical industry set in the economic recovery n?¡±


    ¡°Logistics is included in stage 6.¡±


    ¡°Then at least bring marine logistics up to stage 3. If exports increase, then logistics will also be on the rise. That means we will also need that many container freight ships. Consult with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to aid all corporations in the marine logistics field and set a n to build the required container freight ships with domestic shipbuildingpanies. Also, confirm all the shipbuilding ns that the Ministry of National Defense and the Navy will proceed in the future and report it back to me by tomorrow. Is that possible?¡±


    ¡°I will have a meeting with the Ministry of National Defense and send in a report, sir.¡±

 Chapter 46

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    August 15th, 2018 15:00


    Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House President¡¯s office.


    ¡°Minister Lim! I will do all in my power to add more contracts without overstepping financial capabilities, so please work with the focus on having the retirees and unemployed returning to their jobs. I emphasize again, the economic recovery n is not to simply aid the domestic corporations. The main focus of this n is to have the many heads of families who became retirees or unemployed go back to their workces to revitalize the market economy.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s face and voice were serious.


    ¡°Yes, I will keep it in mind. Mr.President, I will continue reporting.¡± Minister Lim Tae-yeon bowed politely, answered the President and continued his presentation.


    ¡°To ensure foreign contracts will rise after we procure the domestic contracts, we will provide technology rted to engines, which is the most important part of shipbuilding technology. Right now the underground research facility is developing next-generation engines for ships, rockets, cars, and aircraft. Among them, the engines for ships will not be the sma superprotonic engine to prevent technological leaks, so it will be an engine equipped with an electricity amplifying system that can outperform the current ones in the market by double output, speed, and fuel efficiency. Therefore, this new engine will greatly help in procuring contracts from overseas.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who was listening to the presentation, raised his hand as if he had something he wished to confirm. Minister Lim Tae-yeon nodded his head politely and spoke.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President please go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Would, the Naval ships also use the engine equipped with the electricity amplifying system?¡±


    ¡°No. Mr. President! The KD-3A level ships that were madest year will be equipped with the superprotonic engines. Also, the standard ships from the navy will have their engines reced with the superprotonic engines gradually.¡±


    ¡°All right. Please have any equipment or weaponry rted to national defense grafted with the developing technology. Now let¡¯s move on.¡±


    ¡°Yes, next is the automobile industry. The industry right now is changing to a high technological hub type form and it is now developing a next-generation automobile thatbines a hybrid system and automation system. Commercialization is set to beter next year and it is expected to bring a lot of attention.¡±


    ¡°I have heard abuse of power towards lower-levelpanies is worst in the automobilepanies. Please focus on that more and keep it in check.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Mr. President, so we are nning to provide new technology and research funds to each corporation so they can procure technology of their own and to have automobilepanies and lower-levelpanies can change their rtionship from superior and inferior to an equal rtionship.¡±


    The President seemed to be pleased with Minister Lim Tae-yeon¡¯s exnations and was smiling brightly throughout the presentation.


    ¡°Yes, that is a great measure. Like stage 4 of our n, mid- and small-sizedpanies must flourish for our nation to prosper.¡±


    Minister Lim seemed to be parched from continuing his presentation and sipped some tea while the President spoke and started his report again.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President, thest field is the energy industry. The original n was to build an 8GW ss sma superprotonic generator by the end of this year, but we have found issues rted to the Korean electricity power corporation so the n has been postponed to next year.¡±


    ¡°I heard about the Korean electricity power corporation case through the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation.


    ¡°The n for the future is to have the government buy out the Korean Water and Nuclear power corporation and have it build and operate the sma superprotonic generators instead. After one powernt is built and under operation, we will then specify 2GW, 5GW, 8GW, and 15GW sses and have those be exported in 2020. Please take a look, Mr. President!¡±


    Minister Lim Tae-yeon handed the tablet PC he was looking at to President Suh Hyun-woo. The tablet PC screen had the specified information regarding the sma superprotonic generators that were to be built in an organized format. President Suh Hyun-woo read the information thoroughly for a few minutes and handed the tablet PC back and answered.


    ¡°Hmm, good. It was well-organized. Ah! Also when we buy out the Korean Water and Nuclear power corporation it must have a new name. Has one been decided yet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, to maintain secrecy was have not made it a public corporation but rather a branch facility of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and named it sma generator department. That concludes our presentation, sir.¡±


    President Suh Hyunn-woo seemed to be pleased with the meeting and spoke words of praise to Minister Lim Tae-yeon as he apuded.


    ¡°Hmm, I am satisfied with today¡¯s report. I know you are hard at work Minister Lim. It is that important. So please keep up the hard work for a little longer.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Mr. President, the work I do makes me feel aplished¨CI very much enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, d you think of if that way, and I appreciate that.¡±


    * * *


    August 16th, 2018 16:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-12b (Biology and Gics)


    Inside ab, the size of 130 square meters, was a scene that would make anyoneugh. Allb members men and women both had a ck face mask on and working hard at their research. Perhaps a certain type of test was being conducted?


    ¡°How long do we have to keep this on us?¡± A male researcher asked the head of research Kim Un-hee.


    ¡°For about 10 minutes~¡±


    ¡°Man~ Do I have to wear this thing too, though?¡±


    ¡°Researcher Park? What¡¯s the problem? You¡¯re revitalizing your skin and conducting research it¡¯s catching two birds with one stone... I would love to just research this every day wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Head researcher Kim Un-hee tapped on her facemask and only opened her mouth slightly to speak to prevent any wrinkles from forming.


    ¡°But how can men wear a thing...¡±


    ¡°Stop making me talk! I¡¯m going to have wrinkles!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The X-12b was testing out and researching the anti-aging face masks that were to be sold through the Korean Pharmaceuticalspany. The human genome map by the Splithians was much more thorough and specificpared to the genome map made by the joint effort of six nations in 2001. After the researchers obtained the genome map, they were able to develop new various cures by using the serum the aliens brought.


    Humans all longed for health and youth, yet nothing could stop the passing of time. It was just human nature to be willing to pay any price to stay young as long as possible. The researchers were thinking of a disposable product that could slowly prevent aging instead of a long-term aging deterrent such as a serum or medicine and decided on face masks. The reason behind it was for profit. The question was how could they supply a market with a product in the long term and gain profits... Facemasks were their conclusion.


    The newly made ¡°Anti-aging facial mask¡± prevented aging but also would have effects to return to the skin to the youthful days through long-term use, which was truly a gift from god.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Theb¡¯s door opened and Namgoong-won entered with a loud greeting. Everyone looked at Namgoong-won and only waved at him in response as if they did not want any wrinkles to form.


    ¡°I heard the rumors and came by. Head researcher Kim, please give me some face masks, too.¡±


    Head researcher Kim Un-hee signaled ¡®okay¡¯ with her fingers instead of speaking and ced dozens of facial masks and two small round cases in a paper bag before handing it to Namgoong-won.


    ¡°Wow! You¡¯re going to give me this much? But what¡¯s this small round case for?¡±


    Researcher Park Jae-soo, who was watching from the sidelines, butted in.


    ¡°That¡¯s a firm skin cream that we developed in a different format. Head researcher Namgoong, are you gonna use it? I am only using it because I am forced to since I¡¯m a researcher here, but what kind of man uses facial masks?¡±


    Researcher Park Jae-soo spoke Namgoong-won about whether or not wrinkles would form.


    ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s not for me. It¡¯s for someone else, you know?¡±


    ¡°Ah... It¡¯s Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, hahaha¡±


    ¡°Haha, Okay.¡±


    ¡°Everyone seems to be busy wearing masks and all. I will head out. Thank you head researcher Kim. Have a good day, Kim.¡±


    ¡°I will also say bye for our head researcher who can¡¯t speak right now. Farewell.¡±


    Namgoong-won stepped out of theb and beganughing and whistling. He was thinking about how cute Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was so concerned about looking older, even though she was the same age as him. and passed the hallway.


    * * *


    August 16th, 2018 18:00


    Chungbook Chunju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-2b (Namgoong-wonb)


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was on security duty just like any other day and left work as soon as the clock hit 18:00. She stopped by at Namgoong-won¡¯sb.


    Knock knock knock


    ¡°Yes,e in.¡±


    ¡°Peek-a-boo! Namgoong! Let¡¯s get dinner! I¡¯m hungry!¡±


    ¡°That was quick? You came as soon as it was 18:00?¡±


    ¡°Why? You don¡¯t want to?¡±


    ¡°No... I¡¯m just happy. Hahaha¡±


    ¡°I am pretty high on the food chain in the security office!¡±


    Namgoong-won thought Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s smile was beautiful and handed her the paper bag he put underneath his desk.


    ¡°Here take this.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Haha. You¡¯ll see.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin took out the contents of the paper bag and asked Namgoong-won.


    ¡°This looks like a facial mask, and this looks like a cosmetic case? It doesn¡¯t have any logos or name what is this?¡±


    ¡°That is the new magic facial mask and nutritional cream they have developed and testing in the X-12b.¡±


    ¡°Oh really? What are the effects?¡±


    ¡°Anti-aging.¡±


    ¡°Whaa~ Really?¡±


    ¡°There is also a regeneration effect along with anti-aging you know? It¡¯s still being tested, but theoretically, the research says a 60-year-old person can return to their skin in their 40s after using it once a week for six months... Perhaps it¡¯s just a legend?¡±


    ¡°Really? Really? Really?¡±


    ¡°Of course. But why are you so obsessed with your skin despite being in your 20s and having good skin?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you already know? It¡¯s because of you?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, right now you look younger than me...¡±


    ¡°After you hit your 30s and have kids you get wrinkles.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin just realized what she had said and her face flushed red.


    ¡°Huh? Why are you blushing?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Get up already. So we can go eat.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Coming.¡±

 Chapter 47

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    August 20th, 2018 10:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research center X-21b (Rocket engine developmentb).


    The aerospace industry could be considered the center of the future scientific field, and Korea¡¯s first project in the field was its spaceunch vehicle, the KSLV (Korea Space Launch Vehicle)-1. The project was nned to have its firstunch in 2005 but faced two bitter failures and was only a sess on its third try in January 2013. However, it was only considered a half sess because of Russia¡¯s technological cooperation. In response, the Korean government created Woori-Naro KSLV-2 with its technology and erected policies and began to enter the aerospace industry in full swing.


    The Woori-Naro rocket was based on the original Naro rocket and exchanged the Russian single-level liquid propel engine system (oxidizing tank, fuel tank, engine) to the 500t high-level powered sma rocket engine the X-21b developed, reducing the length of the rocket to a third of its size and increased output so it could reach an altitude of 36,000 kilometers equal to a geostationary satellite¡¯s orbit. Also, the researchers kept budgetary elements in mind and designed an automatic homing function to the engine after detaching with its vernier engines to return. This function would allow the engine to be used multiple times and reduce the high costs for eachunch. The second item being developed was a second-stage engine that would put the satellite into exact orbit. The engine was state-of-the-art and had a 100t output and was able to put three satellites into the desired orbit.


    Full length: 45m


    Diameter: 3.2m


    Weight: 55t


    Levels: 2 stages


    Orbit: LEO, low orbit ~ GTO geostationary transfer orbit


    Satellite: 100kg ~ 100,000kg, lower weight ss satellite ~ high weight ss satellite.


    Meanwhile, the X-21b sessfully finished the tests and diagnostics to the sma superprotonic stage 1 rocket engine they developed over a year and a half and was now conducting the final tests for the second stage rocket engine. The second stage rocket engine had one main engine and eight vernier engines on the exterior. The simtions in virtual space for the eight vernier engines reaching the desired orbit has been going smoothly so far. Head researcher Kim Gwange, who was operating the second stage rocket moving in vast speeds and eight vernier engines in order at the 36,000-kilometer orbit, looked at the graph representing the speed and course of the rocket ordered the other researchers.


    ¡°Report on reaching the desired orbit.¡±


    ¡°Current orbit entrance speed and rate is normal.¡±


    Chief researcher Ahn Hyung-soo answered as he looked at the simtionputers.


    ¡°Status report on the second stage rocket engine and vernier engines.¡±


    ¡°All clear for main engine and eight vernier engines.¡±


    Head researcher Kim Gwange, who felt a bit of satisfaction from the answers of the other researchers manipted theputer to set the simtion for an emergency, and a researcher next to him shouted urgently.


    ¡°Space debris that seems to be remains of a satellite detected in the direction of movement, five seconds before the crash.¡±


    The upper three vernier engines of the second stage rocket all suddenly elerated and broke away from the desired orbit by 10 degrees when the rocket was reaching the first targeted orbit at fast speeds. When the second-stage rocket dodged all the space debris and used the thrust from the lower vernier engines and returned to normal orbit, the 40 or so researchers cried out and cheered. However, there was still more of the simtion left, so theb turned quiet again and orders from Dr. Kim Gwange were given.


    ¡°Confirm satellite 1 reaching target orbit.¡±


    ¡°20 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 second, satellite 1 reached detachment orbit, pairing open, satellite 1 detaching.¡±


    When the pairing covering the first satellite detached from the second stage rocket and the first satellite detached from the rocket and reached the target orbit, Chief Researcher Ahn Hyung-soo shouted.


    ¡°Satellite 1 has sessfully reached target orbit.¡±


    After the second satellite reached its target orbit, it also detached from the rocket.


    ¡°Satellite 2 has sessfully reached target orbit.¡±


    When it reached the point for the third and final satellite to detach, the 40 researchers looked at the simtion screen full of anxiety and restlessness.


    ¡°Satellite 3 detached, satellite 3 has also sessfully reached orbit.¡±


    With hearing Chief Ahn Hyung-soo¡¯s relieved tone, the X-21b¡¯s mood changed to celebration in an instant and everyone happily congratted each other.


    ¡°Dr. Kim, it¡¯s a sess. Congrattions.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin, who was watching the test from the start, smiled brightly to head researcher Kim Gwange and offered congrattions.


    ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s a relief that all the researchers¡¯ hard work wasn¡¯t in vain. But I am still concerned whether the autopilot system will perform smoothly like in the simtion.¡±


    ¡°Well, including today¡¯s test, you have seeded all three times, so I think you don¡¯t need to be worried, right?¡±


    ¡°Well, I still can¡¯t help but be worried I guess. Hahaha.¡±


    After a year and a half of work, the X-21b sessfully finished testing the first and second stage rockets. Only precision diagnostics were left before the rocket would be sent to the manufacturing nt.


    Meanwhile, the X-22b was working on the final tests on the Hera satellite that was equipped from the-wide Turkion-X wirelessmunication system developed in the X-4b. Themunication satellite was 20 times heavier than the standard one, weighing in at 20t. The satellite was able to be built that heavy because it was equipped with miniature sma superprotonic vernier engines. The reason the satellite was equipped with the sma superprotonic vernier engine, was to have it move to the desired orbit when needed.


    Head Researcher Oh Dong-jin, who just heard the X-21bpleted the third simtion for the second stage rocket, whispered to the Hera satellite.


    ¡°I guess the day you leave home isn¡¯t far away, huh?¡±


    Three satellites with a simple design and made out of a silver-colored material was emitting various colored lights.


    * * *


    August 22nd, 2018 14:00


    Seoul Jung-ku Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation conference room.


    ¡°These are all the information we obtained from investigating Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae of the Korean electricity power corporation and Oh Man-han ex-Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs from September of 2015 to December 2016 when Rhodeycall bought 25% of the shares of the Korean electricity power corporation.¡±


    Manager Jang Soo-won from investigation unit 1 pointed towards the screen and started the briefing.


    ¡°The first slide is information rted to Oh Man-han ex-Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs. We have found that Oh Man-gi, Oh Man-han¡¯s cousin bought 6,600-square-meters ofnd near Cheongpyeong. The seller was Lee Myung-bon. The price was 3,000 dors per three-square-meters, 50% lower than the market value, and we have also confirmed the true owner of thend as Oh Man-han, not Oh Man-gil. This seems to be a deal that was made in the form of a request regarding Rhodeycall purchasing 25% of the shares during the Korean electricity power corporation¡¯s sale of shares.¡±


    On the screen was a diagram that showed the rtionship between ex-Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs Oh Man-han, his cousin Oh Man-gil, and Lee Myung-bon (Rhodeycall).


    ¡°This is the second data.¡±


    ¡°At the time Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae was ordered from ex-Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs Oh Man-han to sell the shares of the Korea electricity power corporation and coaxed the other executives to his side and lead the campaign to sell the shares to the paperpany Rhodeycall. In return, we confirmed he was gifted a house that is worth a million dors in a suburb of LA. Unit 1¡¯s head, Kang Chul-joong, is collecting evidence rted to this information.¡±


    ¡°When will be able to obtain the evidence?¡±


    Director Ahn Kyung-hoon, who was sitting in the middle of the room with his arms crossed, asked.


    ¡°We expect to obtain all the evidence by September.¡±


    ¡°Good, what will be the charges when we have the evidence?¡±


    ¡°Ex-Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs Oh Man-han will be charged with illegal bribery and epting a bribe, Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae will be chared with illegal trading and epting a bribe, Lee Myung-bon¡¯s entire property is targeted by the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals to be returned to the state treasury so it will be processed there.¡±


    ¡°Manager Jang?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Director.¡±


    ¡°It is important to put bastards like Oh Man-han and Yoo Gi-tae away, but we must ensure descendants of Japanese Imperial loyalists like Lee Myung-bon get a taste of hell! Put all of them away without missing any.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Understood sir.¡±


    * * *


    September 1st, 2018 09:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si Seowon-ku Bongmu mountain Olympus base.


    After the simplepletion ceremony, freight trains and shipping trucks were delivering research supplies, food, and other military supplies for 20 straight days without rest and filled up the storage facilities. The personnel in the facility included defense industry employees, national defense research center members, and the base facilities maintenance staff, all of whom worked livelily despite the strict security of Olympus Base.


    The underground 17th floor of Olympus Base was under construction from building an underground road connecting the base to the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility. This would satisfy the need to have all the newly developed items from the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility to the Olympus Base in secret. It also could be used as an emergency escape route.


    Brigadier general Oh Young-il, who was once the head of construction of Olympus Base, was now themander of Olympus Base and was listening to reports from each department at the centralmand center on the 17th floor equipped with security monitors.


    ¡°This morning at 9:00, Olympus Base had 11,708 individuals out of the 12,900, consisting of 812 external security agents, 688 internal security agents, 7,620 defense industry workers, 380 workers outside on leave, 400 national defense research center employees, and 3,000 maintenance crew members for Olympus Base. Today, there are 12 freight trains and 120 transport trucks expected to arrive.¡± Department Head Kang Mu-jin, who was in charge of Olympus Base security, reported.


    ¡°The first day is the most important. Make sure to check the external and internal security agents and the freight trains and trucks enter and leave are adhering to regtions.¡±


    ¡°I will make sure of it.¡±


    When Department Head Kang Mu-jin bowed his head slightly and answered, followed by Director Lee Jin-hyun, who was responsible for the entire defense industry.


    ¡°I will now report on the defense industries that will move into Olympus Base. Out of the 32 industries that moved into the Base, 31 of them all began normal production at 9:00 this morning. The one that did not start production received contact from the research facility that a manufacturing part¡¯s dimensions have been changed and are on standby. We expect it to begin operating as soon as they receive the changed dimensions. Also, we will have the security ss for all workers at 17:00 after work is over for 30 minutes, and all location tracking chips have been imnted.¡±

 Chapter 48

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    September 20th, 2018 10:00


    Seoul Kangnam-ku some cafe.


    Director Oh Jin-ho of the Korean electricity power corporation Seoul branch showed an especially rxed attitude towards the man sitting across from him, even smiling a bit and started the conversation with a boastful tone.


    ¡°Department Head Kang, this thing is...¡± Director Oh Jin-ho brought out a small USB drive from his suit pocket and leaned back. Department Head Kang Chul-joong seemed to be dissatisfied with his attitude and put out his right hand and signaled to hand the USB drive over.


    ¡°I almost got myself killed getting this. I can¡¯t hand it over that easily...¡±


    ¡°Director Oh, are you trying to make a deal with me?¡±


    ¡°My...what do you mean? I just wanted to make sure about the promise we madest time.¡±


    ¡°I told you that would depend on the value of the information you provide didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Director Oh Jin-ho, who saw Department head Kang Chul-joong¡¯s face, judged that he would have nothing to gain from going any further, and whispered as he handed the USB drive.


    ¡°This is the information the Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae coaxed out and the movement of shares after September of 2015. I¡¯m sure you will see when you get a chance to take a look, but all seven directors over the past two years had a rise in stock holdings that reach 0.01% of shares. Also, there is proof Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae received 0.02% of the shares from Rhodeycall for free in August of 2016.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡±


    When Department head Kang showed a disinterested reaction contrary to his expectation, Director Oh Jin-ho moved to the seat next to him and took a look at his surroundings and whispered, ¡°You know the Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs Oh Man-han? That man¡¯s family, inws, etc., his entire family has received 0.1% of the shares in total from Rhodeycall. It adds up to about 38 million dors based on the current market value.¡±


    Department Head Kang Chul-joong, who did not show any interest in the matter, seemed to have felt some excitement when he heard 38 million dors and furrowed his brows. Director Oh Jin-ho seemed to have thought this was his chance and leaned even closer towards him and handed another USB drive.


    ¡°With this, you are guaranteed a special promotion.¡±


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°This is all the evidence rted to ex-Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs Oh Man-han and his families I mentioned.¡±


    Department Head Kang Chul-joong snatched the USB from the Director¡¯s hand and stood up.


    ¡°Was that a sufficient amount of help Department Head Kang, sir?¡±


    ¡°I am reasonably satisfied.¡±


    ¡°Then you will overlook the case fromst time, right?¡±


    ¡°Sure. We will consider it to be wiped as promised.¡±


    ¡°Oh god, thank you.¡±


    Department Head Kang Chul-joong stopped in his tracks turned around and said a few final words before leaving the cafe. ¡°Director Oh, live an honest life now, if another incident like this happens, we will meet in the interrogation room in the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation rather than a cafe.¡±


    Director Oh, who watched Department Head Kang Chul-joong speaking rudely even to thest moment, promised to himself to never see the tick-like man again.


    * * *


    May 12th, 1943 17:00 Japanese Imperial era


    Kyung Sung Jongro-ku a street somewhere.


    Jong-gu was from Kangwon-do Chuncheon and was the eldest of three brothers and four sisters and began working for his parents by the time he could walk. When Jong-gu turned 15, he decided there was no hope left in his hometown and recklessly took his two younger brothers to Seoul with a note saying they would go earn money. However, since they didn¡¯t know anyone or have any money, it took five years of homelessness and hard work before they could find a small room in the Jongo-ku area and work as porters and live off their daily earnings.


    One day, Jong-gu and his younger brother Jong-sik were working delivering 40 kilograms of lumber 10 kilometers on foot to the Oh-jin store then going home. The brothers, who earned four hwan in total, were humming a tune and walked into therger street in Jong-ro when they saw a poster on an old disheveled wall.


    ¡°Jong-sik?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up, bro?¡±


    ¡°That...¡±


    Jong-sik slowly read the poster Jong-ku pointed to.


    ¡°Looking for people to work! Any healthy man over the age of 15 can apply.¡±


    Apany called the National People¡¯s Prosperity Cooperative was looking for people to work in the coal mines in Japan. The upfront payment of 10 hwan and a monthly payment of five won stood out to them. Even if they worked as a porter all day long, they could only make three or four hwan each day and that was only when the brothers worked together. If they didn¡¯t spend any of the money and saved it for an entire month, then it would amount to 100 hwan. But to be paid daily five hwan, that was 10 times their usual pay, and also to provide food and lodging...


    Jong-sik asked his brother Jong-gu, who was staring at the wall.


    ¡°Big bro, are you going to do that?¡±


    ¡°They will pay upfront 10 hwan, and they will pay five hwan monthly.¡±


    ¡°But you have to go to Japan to do that.¡±


    Jong-gu patted his brother Jong-sik¡¯s head and spoke in a determined tone.


    ¡°Jong-sik? You go back home tomorrow. I will work hard in Japan ande back in a few years after making a bunch of money, so we can take good care of our parents. Okay?¡±


    ¡°No! If you¡¯re going I am going too! I can apply too you know?¡±


    ¡°Mining work will not be easy. You should just go back home.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡±


    Jong-gu thought his younger brother nagging him toe along was cute and took him to the riceball restaurant across the street and bought the cheapest corn riceball and handed it to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, you should eat.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not some strongman you know? Here! Eat this.¡±


    Jong-sik split the corn riceball in half and handed therger one in his right hand. Jong-gu who saw what his brother did, took the smaller one in the left and took a bite.


    ¡°It¡¯s good right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Something seemed to have pleased the Jong-gu brothers and they headed to their hut under the Cheong-gye bridge as theyughed the whole way.


    * * *


    May 13th, 1943 08:00 Japanese Imperial era.


    Kyungsung Jongro-ku National People¡¯s Prosperity Cooperative.


    In front of the National People¡¯s Prosperity Cooperative¡¯s entrance were various men of all ages waiting for the doors to open despite it being so early in the morning. The Jong-gu brothers were also waiting for the doors to open among therge crowd. An hourter, the doors opened and the crowd immediately swarmed towards it. The first floor of the National People¡¯s Prosperity Cooperative had multiple windows like a bank. The Jong-gu brothers went up to the third window when it was their turn.


    ¡°Name?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Lee Jong-gu. This is my brother Lee Jong-sik.¡±


    ¡°Are you both signing up?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Are you two orphans?¡±


    A man in his 30s with a greasybed over hair in the third window, stared at the two brothers and asked.


    ¡°No. Both of our parents are in Chuncheon.¡±


    ¡°Do they know you are here?¡±


    ¡°No. They know we are in Kyungseong, but they don¡¯t know we work here.¡±


    ¡°All right. Here are two application forms so write them up and submit them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    After 10 minutes, the Jong-gu brotherspleted the application forms and submitted them to the employee in window number three, heard exnations about the job, and left. As they left, a man in a neat suit walked in. The man walked past the windows and headed to the second floor through the stairs. It was the owner of the National People¡¯s Prosperity Cooperative, Lee Bok-duk.


    When he entered the Executive¡¯s office, a woman in her early 20s working as an ountant and secretary brought out tea, and Lee Bok-duk massaged her thighs and spoke in an arrogant tone.


    ¡°Tell Department Head Kim toe in.¡±


    The secretary wanted to resist, but she didn¡¯t want to incur the wrath of the executive, so she couldn¡¯t say anything and spoke in a shy tone with her blushed face from shame.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A momentter a burly man walked into the executive¡¯s office.


    ¡°Did you ask for me, sir?¡±


    ¡°Department Head Kim, what¡¯s the status of recruiting men for the Japanese mines?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I wrote the part about paying 10 hwan upfront as you have instructed, and there are even more peoplepared to the shipbuilding factory.¡±


    ¡°Hu hu hu, this is why we must use our heads, isn¡¯t that so Department Head Kim?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, sir.¡±


    ¡°How many people do you think we will recruit by tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°I think we will easily meet more than our goal of 5,000 people.¡±


    Lee Bok-duk put his feet on the table and was immersed in thought.


    ¡®Since we were promised to get 30 hwan per person from the Japanesepanies, that would be 150,000 hwan for 5,000 people,¡± he thought.


    Lee Bok-duk finished his quick calctions for money, put one cigarette in his mouth, lit it, and ordered Department Head Kim, ¡°Do your best to pick orphans or those without immediate families around and send them off by the end of this month, without any issues.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry sir, I will take care of it.¡±


    Lee Bok-duk inherited the title of Baron in March of 1931 from his father Lee Gyu-jun and formed intimate rtions with Japanese corporations during his studying abroad in Japan. After he founded the National People¡¯s Prosperity Cooperative in December of 1942, he began making a fortune supplying human resources for Japanesepanies that needed employees. However, the reality of this venture was using sweet lies that convinced people there was an opportunity to make money, but he was selling them to Japanese corporations as forcedbor.


    * * *


    June 1st, 1943, 17:00 Japanese Imperial era.


    Incheon port docks.


    ,000 or so young Josun workers got onboard arge ship and waved at their families who came to see them off at the docks and those who came to see their fathers, brothers, and sons off waved back as well.


    On this day, those who were heading off to the mines and workces imagined making enough money for five years and returning home to suppress their sadness.


    ¡°Take care of your mother for me okay? Daddy wille back soon, okay?¡±


    A man in his 40s shouted at a child who was waving his hands with his mother. The child also put his hands together and shouted back.


    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I will take care of mom. Soe back home safe.¡±


    The mother, who heard her son shout, wiped her tears with a white handkerchief. The heads of families in Josun overcame their pain of saying goodbye with the thought of their families who were under the Japanese oppression and suffering from hunger. A momentter, the ship with 5,000 Josunborers aboard began to make its departure.


    ¡°Big bro, I wish our parents hade by to say goodbye.¡± Jong-sik, who was waving at people he didn¡¯t know as he saw the peer moving further away muttered to himself.


    ¡°Jong-sik, let¡¯s think about the day when we return hometer, wayter and bear it.¡±


    ¡°Then we could buy our parents a small plot ofnd? Right?¡±


    Jong-gu patted Jong-sik¡¯s head and said loudly as he saw the blue ocean.


    ¡°Of course. When we do, we will be able to farm in ournd at home so we will not have to worry about a thing.¡±

 Chapter 49

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    June 4th, 1943 14:00 Japanese Imperial era


    Japan Kyushu Nagasaki, Nagasaki harbor.


    The ship that had 5,000 Josunborers aboard arrived at Japan¡¯s Nagasaki harbor three days after its departure. It seemed most people aboard never had been on a ship before and looked haughty from seasickness. The Jong-gu brothers had to endure three days of hell from the seasickness, like many of the passengers.


    ¡°Big bro, I am hungry!¡± Jong-gu did not realize the trip would take three days and regretted buying only four rice balls and felt sorry for his brother Jong-sik.


    ¡°We arrived. When we get to the harbor I will buy you some food.¡±


    After 30 minutes, the ship safely docked at Nagasaki harbor, and the 5,000 Josunborers, including the Jong-gu brothers, got off the ship.


    ¡°Those we call will gather at the lot over on the left.¡±


    Some man with a typical Japanese face shouted in poor Korean.


    After an hour, the 5,000 Josunborers were split into 15 groups. The Jong-gu brothers were put into a group of 300 men and were listening intently to the Japanese man.


    ¡°From now on, you will be working in the mine operated by the Mitsubishi group. We need to check your identities a final time, so you have the identification papers from the National People¡¯s Prosperity Cooperative right? Show those to the man next to you and assemble at the boat at the end over there.¡±


    The 300 Josun men turned their heads to the ce the Japanese man pointed to and after staring at each other, they began taking out the identification papers.


    ¡°That line over there, hand in the paperwork first and assemble there.¡±


    A boy who seemed to be as young as Jong-sik answered sheepishly when the Japanese man pointed at him and showed his identification papers.


    ¡°Me? Here¡¯s my identification paper.¡±


    When the 300 Josunborers each handed over the papers in order and assembled at the boat, the Japanese man from before stood at the front of the group and spoke again.


    ¡°From now you will head to the coal mine in Hashima ind.¡±


    ¡°Hey Mister, I have a question.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The thing is. They promised us an upfront payment of 10 hwan when we came to work here, when will we get it?¡±


    When a Josun man in histe 20s asked, the Japanese man shouted irritably.


    ¡°You Josun bastard, why would you ask us that? You need to take that up with the National People¡¯s Prosperity Cooperative. The price for your bodies has already been paid for. You stupid Josenjin bastard!¡±


    ¡°What? But they said we will get the payment when we get here?¡±


    ¡°Shut up, and get on the boat right now. Hurry!¡±


    ¡°If I can¡¯t get the money then I won¡¯t go.¡±


    ¡°Me too. That¡¯s not a petty sum, I will get on the boat when you give us the money.¡±


    ¡°My thoughts exactly, what is this a scam?¡±


    When the angered Josunborers plopped down on the floor or crossed their arms and showed signs of causing a scene the Japanese man turned around and shouted frantically.


    ¡°You Josenjin bastards! Mr. Nakamoto! Teach these guys a lesson.¡±


    A dozen or so Japanese gangsters from the pier warehouse brought out long batons and began beating theborers at the Japanese man¡¯s words.


    Smack! Smack!


    ¡°Oh my god! Why are you beating us up?¡±


    ¡°Shut up and get beat! Josenjin!¡±


    The 300 Josunborers were covered in blood from the relentless beatings and rolled on the floor. Jong-gu huddled with Jong-sik to protect him and was being beaten and kicked as well.


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    A Japanese man who was watching the debacle raised his right hand and shouted. The Japanese gangsters stopped their beatings and stepped back.


    ¡°From this moment onward any Josenjin who causes a riot will be killed.¡±


    The Japanese man pulled out the samurai sword the gangster leader was wearing and shouted to the fallen Josunborers as he pointed the sword at them.


    ¡°If you understand then get the hell up and on the ship!¡±


    Despite the feeling of unfairness, they felt from not being able to receive payment, the Josunborers did not have a choice but to pick themselves up and head towards the boat from the relentless beatings and swinging of samurai swords. Jong-gu checked to see if he had any injuries and took Jong-sik¡¯s hand and blended into the crowd ofborers headed to the boat.


    ¡°These Josenjins must be medicated with beatings. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    The man holding the samurai sword with both his hands handed it back to the Gangster leader Namogato and spoke with a yellow toothy grin.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Nakamura.¡±


    * * *


    June 8th, 1943 14:00 Japanese imperialist era


    Kyungsung Jongro-ku national people¡¯s prosperity cooperativepany.


    ¡°Sir, we just got a telegram Mitsubishi deposited 150,000 hwan.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Hahahaha.¡±


    Lee Bok-duk, who was humming as heid on the sofa seemed to be very pleased with the money he received for theborers he sent out andughed loudly.


    ¡°It has been deposited? Shall we go to the government general department?¡±


    Lee Bok-duk immediately got up from the sofa, put on his hat and headed to the government general department.


    ¡°I will visit the government general department and head home.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    150,000 hwan in the Japanese Imperialist era was about 150,000 dors in the 21st century. Lee Bok-duk had used the money that he earned from selling off his fellow citizens to Japan or China to buy all the prime real estate in Korea at a low price with his connection to the general government. Lee Bok-duk, who sold off his people like cattle to umte his wealth, had not stopped his evil deeds until independence day August 15th, 1943.


    * * *


    July 11th, 1944 14:00 Japanese Imperialist era,


    Japan Kyushu Nagasaki Hashima(Gunham-do) ind mines.


    A year had passed since arriving at Hashima ind on an hour-long boat ride. The year was like living hell. Theborers were treated like cattlepared to the native Japanese workers and had to mine for coal for 12 hours a day crouched over. In the undersea mine reaching over 40 degrees Celcius, people had their lungs rot away or bones break from the hardbor and sometimes the tunnels would copse and people would get caught trying to run away at sea.


    Today, the 600 or so Josunborers were in their underwear and with a ck sooty towel digging to the narrow tunnels reaching a 1,000 meters as usual. Jong-sik was considered smaller among the otherborers, so he was always at the front of the digging. His brother, who wanted to keep an eye on him, begged the supervisor every day to work with him and was hunched over, working by his side.


    ¡°Hey! You, the big Josenjin.¡±


    The supervisor called over Jong-gu, who was mining coal in the dark with his dimly lit heamp.


    ¡°Are you talking to me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you. You¡¯re too big to fit here so move over to the next tunnel.¡±


    ¡°What? Supervisor, please let me stay with my brother.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re asking for too much. Get out of here.¡±


    Jong-sik grabbed his brother¡¯s arm and spoke to prevent him from being beaten.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t worry about me and go. What will you do if you get beaten by the supervisor again?¡±


    A middle-aged man patted the hesitant Jong-gu on the back andforted him.


    ¡°Hey, Jong-gu? I will take care of Jong-sik in your stead, so don¡¯t worry and go.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Ho-sup, thank you.¡±


    Jong-gu patted his hands to Jong-sik¡¯s face and spoke in a firm tone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s work separately for today. Work safely so you don¡¯t get hurt. All right?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! You stay safe big bro, and I¡¯ll see you back up top.¡±


    ¡°All right, I am going then.¡±


    Jong-gu crawled slowly to leave the tunnel he was in and moved towards therger tunnel. After an hour passed an earthquake must have happened... A vibration could be felt in the tunnel, then the whole tunnel began to shake with rocks and coal dust falling from the ceiling.


    ¡°Earthquake! Earthquake! Everyone out!¡±


    Josunborers shouted from every direction and crawled towards the tunnel entrance. Jong-gu also covered his head and headed to the tunnel entrance when he thought of his younger brother Jong-sik.


    ¡°No!¡±


    As Jong-gu headed to the direction Jong-sik was in, the supervisor who sent Jong-gu to the other tunnel shot out from the opposite direction on all fours.


    ¡°Supervisor, what about my brother?¡±


    ¡°Out of my way you Josenjin bastard.¡±


    The supervisor did not answer Jong-gu but rather swore and shoved him over to crawl in the direction of the entrance. Jong-gu was about to crawl down to the tunnel the supervisor came out from when he heard a loud crash from below. The copsed tunnel spewed smoke in Jong-gu¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Jong-sik!¡±


    * * *


    July 11th, 1944 19:00 Japanese Imperialist era


    Japan Kyushu Nagasaki Hashima (Gunham-do) ind mines.


    Jong-gu, who was saved by the other Josunborer¡¯s hands in the copsed tunnel could only weep tears and stare at the ceiling of the pigsty-like dorms, and Oldman Woo-jin who was close to him and handed a bowl of corn paste.


    ¡°Jong-gu! The living must continue, get up and eat to collect your strength.¡±


    ¡°Jong-sik... My brother Jong-sik...¡±


    ¡°Jong-gu, what happened to Jong-sik is sad but Ho-sup could not make it and died, too. So did Jin-tae, Myung-gu, and Tae-gwang from dorm three.¡±


    The earthquake from the afternoon resulted in the death of Jong-sik and Ho-sup, who were in the deepest part of the tunnel and three others in the tunnels next to it. In all, the earthquake caused five deaths, six injuries, and resulted in two missing miners.


    ¡°Old man Woo-jin! I need to recover my brother¡¯s body at least. This is not the time for me to sit around.¡±


    Woo-jin grabbed Jong-gu by the shoulder as he spoke feebly and stopped him from getting back up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know your condition is unstable from inhaling all that coal dust? Also, there is no way to find the copsed tunnel. How will you find your brother¡¯s body in a copsed tunnel 1,000 meters underground? Goddamnit.¡± Old man Woo-jin felt sad and angry as he reminded Jong-gu of reality. The supervisor¡¯s voice came from the hallway.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be riled up by today¡¯s earthquake, rest well tonight and we will resume work tomorrow so get to sleep.¡±


    ¡®We wouldn¡¯t even treat a dog we raise like this if it died. I can¡¯t believe we are talking about work and not finding missing people or bodies.¡¯ Jong-gu thought.


    ¡°These Jokpalri bitches, I will kill all those supervising bastards when I have the chance and then I¡¯ll kill myself.¡±


    Old man Ho-dong, who came to this ce a year earlier than Jong-gu and had worked for two years like a ve, curled his skinny hands to a fist and cried tears of anguish.


    ¡°Hey dorm two, what¡¯s all the noise? Aren¡¯t you going to sleep? Do you want to be trapped in the well?¡±


    ¡°Hey old man Ho-dong, do you want to make a scene? Be quiet, the supervisor will hear.¡±


    ¡°Let those Jokpalri bastards listen if they want.¡±


    Old man Ho-dong spat out his pent up rage of two years and then put the nket made out of weaved sacks up to his face.

 Chapter 50

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    July 12th, 1944 06:00 Japanese Imperialist era


    Japan Kyushu Nagasaki Hashima(Gunham-do) ind mine.


    When it was 6:00, the supervisor began banging the dorm doors along the hall with a baton and woke the sleeping men.


    ¡°Wake up! If you¡¯rete there will be no breakfast!¡±


    Jong-gu put his face to the metal window bars and begged the supervisor as he walked by dorm #2 hallway.


    ¡°Sir! Please assign me near the tunnel that copsed yesterday to find my brother.¡±


    ¡°What? That area has been banned from mining for a while. After today, you are all assigned to the opposite tunnels, so do as you¡¯re told.¡±


    ¡°Boss, sir, please! I need to at least find my brother¡¯s body.¡±


    ¡°This Josenjin bastard, you won¡¯t do as I say? Get out of here.¡±


    The supervisor opened the metal doors and dragged Jong-gu to the hallway and beat him with the baton.


    ¡°Oh, sir. I will talk to him and calm him down please stop.¡±


    Old man Woo-jin grabbed the end of the supervisor¡¯s pants and begged. However, the supervisor still seemed to be in a rage and began swinging the baton at Jong-gu after kicking off old man Woo-jin. Jong-gu curled up with his head covered and shouted.


    ¡°Boss, sir please, my brother¡¯s body, let me find...¡±


    When Jong-gu begged and pleaded despite being beaten, the supervisor became angered and struck his head forcefully with the baton.


    Smack!


    The hit must have been square on the head because of all the blood that sprayed with a dead sound, and Jong-gu went limp without a sound.


    ¡°You! And you! Pick this bastard up and follow me.¡±


    That day Jong-gu was imprisoned in a well that was less than 1.5 square meters for four days without any food, and after he was released, he was never able to find his brother¡¯s body.


    *Hashima ind, also known as Gunhamdo was developed as a mine by Mitsubishi in 1890 when coal was discovered. Mitsubishi eventually became an evil exploitative business using forcedbor during the Japanese Imperialist era. The mine was closed 74 years ago, and the ind was deserted for 40 years, and it became a symbol for Japanese modernization the Meiji reform and was transformed as a testament for Japanese industrialization and modernization to be registered as a world heritage by UNESCO.


    It seems the Japanese government did not fear the souls of the Josun people who were sacrificed. The day woulde when the Japanese government would regret their deception of the world and regret making the ind that was living proof of forcedbor and other evil deeds and understand that they should not have made the ind a world heritage.


    * * *


    September 28th, 2018 09:00


    Jeonnam Naju-si Bitgaram-dong Korea electricity power corporation Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s office.


    A man kicked the door of Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae¡¯s office as if to break it and barged in. Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae, who was happily looking at the stock graph of the power corporation shouted at the man out of shock.


    ¡°Wha, what the?¡±


    ¡°This is Department Head of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation Kang Chul-joong! Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae, you are under immediate arrest for insider trading, epting bribes, and illegal solicitation. Here¡¯s the warrant.¡±


    The Department Head Kang Chul-joong read off each charge in response to the shocked rabbit-eyed Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae and with a bright smile and waved handcuffs with his hand.


    ¡°Put both your hands forward.¡±


    ¡°What did I do for you to do this to me? Why?¡±


    ¡°I will show you hundreds of pages of evidence when we get to the bureau, so let¡¯s go quietly.¡±


    It was as if the world turned upside down when Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae was about to start his day in a good mood checking the stock market and seeing the shares rise, but now he was in cuffs being hauled off to the hallway. When he reached the other side of the hall, there were many executives he worked with in cuffs being taken as well.


    * * *


    September 28th, 2018 11:30


    Kyungbook Pohang-si Book-ku Yongdu-ri under the Yang-ji hill (Lee Myung-bon¡¯s home)


    Underneath Yang-ji hill was an open field that held a modern, traditional Korean home that was ced to have the view of the East Sea.


    ¡°This ce is amazing isn¡¯t it?¡± Team leader Na Dong-gyun of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation unit 1 team 2 spoke in admiration as he looked at the pce-like Korean home. Manager Jang Soo-il furrowed his brow and answered in an upset tone.


    ¡°It upsets me greatly to see such evil Japanese Imperial Loyalist live avish life from all the money they earned from the blood of their innocent fellow citizens. I feel no remorse for them.¡±


    ¡°I agree. I could not express my rage when I was investigating the property holdings of these traitorous individuals.¡± The first enforcement chief Na Won-ho from the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals who rode with Manager Jang Soo-il said.


    ¡°I also understand how you feel when I see that loyalist bastard lives in a house like this Chief Na. All right! Let¡¯s go.¡±


    When they arrived at the front door of the house, ck-suited private bodyguards who were monitoring the area with a CCTV stepped out.


    ¡°What¡¯s your business here?¡±


    Team leader Na Dong-gyun stepped forward and showed the bodyguards his badge and waved at them to step back.


    ¡°What brought the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation here?¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t enter without a warrant, sir.¡±


    ¡°Do you think we came without a warrant? Here is the search warrant as well as the warrant for arrest.¡±


    Team leader Na Dong-gyun shoved the warrants in the bodyguard¡¯s face so that they almost touched his forehead.


    ¡°Whoever blocks me or interrupts me will be under arrest for obstruction of justice!¡±


    The private bodyguards had a hesitant look on their faces and stepped back. When they did, Chief Na Won-ho pulled out something from his briefcase and ced it on the left side of the double doors. Should we call it a small signboard perhaps? On it read ¡®Japanese Imperial Loyalist¡¯rge letters and below it were details that outlined all the Japanese Loyalist activities Lee Gyu-ju and his son Lee Bok-duk were involved in.


    ¡°Chief Na, I love this.¡±


    ¡°It was an idea from our employees. We are offering it as a small gift for those traitors of the people we seize assets from.¡±


    ¡°It is a good idea.¡±


    A shout came from the main building.


    ¡°Who is causing such a ruckus this early in the morning?¡± The man yelling about all the noise was Lee Myung-bon. The man who had a Japanese Loyalist father and had lived without ack of anything from a young age. He was a descendant of the brazen Japanese Loyalist who enjoyed and umted his wealth from sacrificing tens of thousands of Josunborers.


    ¡°My, don¡¯t you have a loud voice despite being so old.¡±


    Lee Myung-bon red at Team leader Na Dong-gyun speaking sarcastically and scolded in a louder tone, ¡°You sons of bitches! How dare you?¡±


    ¡°Sons of bitches? This man really can¡¯t read the room. He acts so rashly.¡±


    ¡°Wha? Do you know who I am?¡±


    ¡°Do I know, you¡¯re the bastard who has a Japanese Loyalist father, right? You are also a property concealer and illegal trading suspect.¡±


    Lee Myung-bon, who thought of being called a Japanese Loyalist shameful, seemed to be full of rage and shouted at his bodyguards.


    ¡°What are you doing? Take these bastards out of my house.¡±


    ¡°Did this man eat a train? Why is his voice so loud?¡±


    Manager Jang Soo-il, who did not want to see the arrogant Lee Myung-bon¡¯s struggle stepped in.


    ¡°Team leader Na, arrest that man before he makes a bigger scene.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Team leader Na Dong-gyun showed the arrest and search warrants he shed at the bodyguards to tease him and spoke while smiling.


    ¡°Lee Myung-bon, you are under immediate arrest under property concealment and illegal stock trading, and the authority of the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals. All your private property will be confiscated and returned to the state treasury.¡±


    Lee Myung-bon snorted at Na Dong-gyun¡¯s words, and ced his hands to his back and spoke arrogantly.


    ¡°Immediate arrest? Hahaha, confiscation of private property? This is not my home, but my father¡¯s first cousin once removed, you bastards.¡±


    ¡°Oh! It¡¯s only the first cousin¡¯s? Thank you. Did you not know about the changes in thews rted to the confiscation of property for traitorous individuals? Investigations can be held from cousins twice removed to your mother¡¯s cousin¡¯s once removed?¡±


    ¡°What? You bastards?¡±


    ¡°Just put your hands out quietly, unless you want to be put under arrest forcefully like a pig to the ughter, asshole.¡±


    Na Dong-gyun twisted Lee Myung-bon¡¯s arm that was behind his back and cuffed him.


    ¡°Unhand me. You will all lose your jobs with just one phone call from me!¡±


    ¡°Sill talking, huh. We will give you all the phone calls you want. Let¡¯s go, shall we?¡±


    Lee Myung-bon, despite being 70 years old, kept struggling and resisting while being dragged by Na Dong-gyun.


    ¡°We will begin the confiscation and search. Search every part of the house without leaving anything behind. I am going to ask all private bodyguards to vacate the premises.¡±


    The private bodyguards, who were in an awkward situation, headed towards the outside of the house when Lee Myung-bon was arrested. The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation unit 1 agents began searching each room for hidden property or evidence rted to other financial crimes.


    * * *


    September 28th, 16:00


    Jeju ind, Seoguipo-si Lotte Skyhill Jeju Country Club (Golf course)


    A middle-aged man was posing to drive the ball in the 17th hole in the Lotte Skyhill Jeju country club.


    ¡°Your swing form is phenomenal, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Oh Man-han.¡±


    ¡°My my, I stopped being Senior Secretary a while ago, why do you still call me Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Executive, Jung?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Once a Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, always a Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Is that so? Hahaha.¡±


    Oh Man-han seemed to not mind being called Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs andughed heartily as he handed his driver to the caddy.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Now that I think about it, I did enjoy that period in my life. Now I golf every day and go on trips, but I felt more alive when I was the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, you know?¡±


    ¡°Right. They say men are the happiest when they hold power. Speaking of which, I heard you are running for the next election...¡± Oh Man-han, who was walking up to hit the ball for the second time, stopped in his tracks and asked Executive Jung.


    ¡°Where did you hear that?¡±


    ¡°I am the head of apany. I should have the capability to have intel like that.¡±


    ¡°My, I guess I can¡¯t do anything in fear of you Executive Jung? Hahaha, you¡¯re right. The opposing party kept pestering me to run as they offered a strong area, so I am thinking about it.¡±


    A mini car rolled up towards the two men having a trivial conversation and two men in ck suits got out of the car. Then they immediately headed towards ex-Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Oh Man-han.


    ¡°Hello, former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Oh Man-han.¡±


    ¡°Who might you be?¡±


    The man with short hair among the ck-suited men spoke a few words after showing his id. Afterward Oh Man-han put his hands forward silently and was handcuffed. When executive Jung watched what was happening, he tensed as though he might be rted to the incident, the man in the ck suit spoke.


    ¡°Executive Jung sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I think you need to tee off at hole 18 alone.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes, yes.¡±


    When Executive Jung saw Oh Man-han hauled off by the infamous Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation, which was feared more than the Prosecutor¡¯s office and the NIS, his legs finally gave way to the tension and plopped to the floor as he dropped the iron golf club.

 Chapter 51

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    October 2nd, 2018 10:00


    Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House President¡¯s conference room


    The conference room had roughly a dozen people who were meeting in a jovial manner. It was because of the report that the investigation rted to Lee Myung-bon, Lee Bok-duk¡¯s eldest son, and other suspects involved in the Korean electricity power corporation illegal share trading case had beenpleted.


    The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation¡¯s inquiry to the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals for investigating all the property Lee Myung-bon moved overseas chained other crimes with the illegal share trading of the Korean electricity power corporation as the start of what became arge operation. This case was finished in 10 months with various government agencies working together, and the property that was to be confiscated was more than expected, causing the meeting to be in an even brighter mood.


    ¡°We will report on Lee Myung-bon¡¯s property first. 25% of Korea¡¯s electricity power corporation shares that Rhodeycall owns have been seized and returned to the state treasury by working with the Ministry of Justice. The current market value of shares is 6.72 billion dors. Additionally, the home Lee Myung-bon was living in under his first cousin once removed from his father¡¯s side¡¯s name, valued at 280,000 dors,nd in Kyungi-do and Jeju Ind reaching 36,000 square meters under his wife¡¯s cousins name, valued at 563 million dors, andstly,nds and houses in California estimated to be at 8.2 million dors have all been found and are being processed for confiscation.¡±


    The listing of Lee Myung-bon¡¯s property made the various government bureaucrats make different faces and listen intently. At that moment, National Security Director Oh Jang-soo pped the table with a face showing difort and spoke to Director Ahn Chang-gil.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand how a man like this slipped pass the Japanese Loyalist judgment and lived avish life all this time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can briefly exin this. After our independence day, Lee Myung-bon¡¯s father Lee Bok-duk must have thought quickly. At the time, he allied himself with Lee Seung-man the rising political candidate and used all the money he made through evil deeds as his political funds to aid Lee Seung-man in the election for the presidency and, in return, his name was removed from the list of individuals to be interrogated by Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals that year.¡±


    ¡°It seems evildoers are smart as well.¡±


    The National Security Director, Oh Jang-so clicked his tongue andmented.


    ¡°Lee Myung-bon¡¯s assets were considerably more than we expected. It¡¯s as much as the head of any corporation.¡± The President, who was silently listening to the report, read the list of Lee Myung-bon¡¯s properties thoroughly and spoke. Commissioner Kim Youn from the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals under the Prime Minister, who was in attendance also chimed in.


    ¡°Since the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals was founded in 2016, it has confiscated assets of 48 individuals to the national treasury, but Lee Myung-bon¡¯s assets seemed to be thergest.¡±


    ¡°I see. It¡¯s a relief. At least we have these traitors now and confiscated their property and have aided in the national treasury. All right! Let¡¯s continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President, we will now begin reporting the illegal share trading of Korea¡¯s electricity power corporation rted to Lee Myung-bon. The first person rted is Oh Man-han former Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs. In September 2015, after the 8.15 terrorist bombing, Oh Man-han illegally pressured the dropping shares of the electricity power corporation to be sold and received 38 million dors worth of stocks from Rhodeycall. Further, he bought 6,000 square meters of Cheongpyungnd at 50% of the market value and sold it off at its regr price to earn three-million dors in profit. We are nning to confiscate the 38 million dors in shares and the additional three million dors in real estate tradings back to the state treasury.¡±


    ¡°That man is incredible as well. He did all that for his gain when the entire nation was in an emergency state...¡± the Minister of Economy and Finance Youn Won-jin shook his head and spoke.


    ¡°The next individual is Executive Director Yoo Git-tae of Korea¡¯s electricity power corporation. Yoo Gi-tae received the illegal request from Oh Man-han and lead the sale of 25% ofpany shares to Rhodeycall within the organization, and he received a house in a suburb of Los Angles that is worth one-million dors, and other executives recruited by Executive Director Yoo Gi-tae and himself all received 0.01% of thepany¡¯s share five times over thest two years, since 2016, illegally from Rhodeycall. These are also nned to be confiscated for the state treasury. That is all, sir.¡±


    Director Ahn Chang-gil bowed his head and left the report on the table when he finished his presentation.


    ¡°Excellent work. So what is the total worth of properties that will be returned to the state treasury?¡±


    Director Ahn Chang-gil picked up the documents when the president asked another question.


    ¡°The total worth of property to be confiscated from traitorous individuals is seven billion and 288 million dors. Additionally, the illegal share trading of Korea¡¯s electricity power corporation is at 67.6 million dors.¡±


    A silence fell in the room after Director Ahn Chang-gil finished speaking. It was a considerable sum, but when spoken out loud after being added up, they were surprised by the amount that was beyond their imagination. However, this silence was soon broken by the President.


    ¡°It truly is a tremendous sum. Since it is the money made by our people¡¯s blood during the Japanese Imperialist era, we must spend it wisely and make it worthwhile.¡±


    The President looked at the bureaucrats and continued speaking in a determined tone when he called the Minster of Justice.


    ¡°Minister Lee?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°Please process the confiscation of the property to the treasury as quickly as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will do our best to finish up the processing at an early date.¡±


    ¡°Also, I would like the Ministry of Economy and Finance to put the money towards the budget for the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals after the state treasury confiscation process isplete.¡±


    After the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals was erected in 2016, it had two main duties. First was to reinvestigate the traitorous individuals and determine whether their assets were to be ceased, and the second duty was to correctly identify the forcedborers and sex ves during the Japanese Imperialist era and list the independence activists and their descendants.


    ¡°Yes. Mr. President!¡±


    When the president heard the Minister of Economy and Finance¡¯s answer, he stood up from the table, put both his hands on the table and leaned over to speak in an honest and determined manner.


    ¡°In the past, our nation was oppressed by foreign powers and could not perform our duty of protecting the people, resulting in young men being cannon fodder for Japan¡¯s war or taken from their homes to be treated like cattle and put under forcedbor and became maimed. Our young girls were dragged to warzones and had to live a shameful life as sex ves. Also, many independence activists, who we have long forgotten, left their families for the liberation of Korea and gave up their lives to fight for our nation¡¯s freedom; they must be remembered. Now, the nation must not enforce sacrifice or duties to its citizens but rather begin enacting policies that the nation puts its people first.¡±


    Chief Kim Youn of the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals seemed to have gotten emotional from the President¡¯s words, and it seemed as though tears could roll down his cheeks at any moment. It must have been from seeing his grandfather and father go through living hell for five years of Japanese forcedbor when he was young; he suppressed his emotions and added on to the President¡¯s words.


    ¡°Great speech, sir. Mr. President, the Investigation Bureau of Traitorous Individuals will do all it can to investigate everyone who lived an unjust life due to a powerless nation and send the message that the nation thinks about the people first.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. Chief Kim Youn, I think our top priority is to have those people know the president as a citizen and many others are still thankful for all the pain and suffering they endured and have not forgotten them. I will put my trust in you.¡±


    The President bowed to the white-haired Chief Kim Youn deeply and earnestly requested as a citizen of the nation. Chief Kim Youn also stood up and bowed deeply in response.


    ¡°No. I am honored that the President is giving an old man like me a chance to do something this meaningful in my life.¡±


    Chief Kim Youn also seemed to be grateful to be able to perform a meaningful duty in his twilight years.


    * * *


    December 30th, 2018 16:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si Olympus Base.


    Olympus Base, which began operating on September 1st, had been producing various military supplies from the many defense industry manufacturing facilities.


    Among them, theser rifle that was obtained from the alien spacecraft was researched in the 17th Fighter Wing Underground research facility for a year and was made into six different models to fit the average Korean stature, and 2,000 were being made daily on the 6th-floor manufacturing line.


    ¡®1-KS1 Specs (Laser Rifle)¡¯


    Subjects: Specialists operating equipment (Special forces, Signal corps, Engineers) personal firearm


    Length: 600mm / 760mm (With extended gunstock)


    Weight: 1.2kg


    Caliber: 5mm


    Output mode: Low power


    Firing modes: Single, repeating


    Magazine: sma Battery pack reloading (detachable magazine format)


    Output consumption: Single sma battery A pack 500 rounds


    Effective range: 3,000m / piercing 8mm steel tes


    Range: Theoretically infinite provided visuals but lowered piercing capability beyond the effective range.


    ¡®2-KS2 Specs (Laser Rifle)¡¯


    Subjects: Infantry personal firearm


    Length: 850mm


    Weight: 1.7kg


    Caliber: 5mm


    Output mode: Low power, High power


    Firing modes: Single, Repeating


    Magazine: sma Battery pack reloading (detachable magazine format)


    Output consumption: Single sma battery A pack 500 rounds low power, high power 10 rounds


    Effective range: low power 5,000m / piercing 8mm steel tes, high power piercing 55mm steel tes.


    Range: Theoretically infinite provided visuals but lowered piercing capability beyond the effective range.


    ¡®3-KS3 Specs (Laser Mini-machine gun)¡¯


    Subject: Squadron support firearm


    Length: 930mm


    Weight: 2.5kg


    Caliber: 8mm


    Output mode: Low power


    Firing mode: Single, Repeating


    Magazine: sma Battery pack reloading (detachable magazine format)


    Output consumption: Single sma battery A pack 300 rounds, Single sma battery B pack 1,000 rounds


    Effective range: 8,000m / piercing 15mm steel tes


    Range: Theoretically infinite provided visuals but lowered piercing capability beyond the effective range.


    ¡®4-KS5 Specs (Laser Pistol)¡¯


    Subject: Officers and Armored vehicle infantry pistols


    Length: 190mm


    Weight: 0.7kg


    Caliber: 5mm


    Output mode: Low power


    Firing mode: Single round


    Magazine: sma Battery pack reloading (detachable magazine format)


    Output consumption: Single sma battery C pack 200 rounds


    Effective Range: 1,000m / piercing 8mm steel tes


    Range: Theoretically infinite provided visuals but lowered piercing capability beyond the effective range.


    ¡®5-KS6 Specs (Laser Machinegun)¡¯


    Subject: Vehicles and armored tanks mounted firearm


    Length: 1,300mm


    Weight:4.5kg


    Caliber: 12mm


    Output mode: Low power


    Firing mode: Repeating


    Magazine: sma Battery pack reloading (detachable magazine format)


    Output consumption: Single sma battery D1 pack 1,000 rounds, single sma battery D2 pack, 3,000 rounds


    Effective Range: 8,000m / piercing 20mm steel tes


    Range: Theoretically infinite provided visuals but lowered piercing capability beyond the effective range.


    ¡®6-KS7 Specs (Laser Vulcan)¡¯


    Subjects: Fighter Jets, Choppers and other special armored vehicles


    Length: 1,300mm


    Weight: 22.8kg


    Caliber: 12mm 6 barrels


    Output mode: Low power


    Firing mode: Repeating


    Magazine: sma Battery pack reloading (detachable magazine format)


    Output consumption: Single sma battery D3 pack 6,000 rounds


    Effective range: 10,000m / piercing 20mm steel te


    Range: Theoretically infinite provided visuals but lowered piercing capability beyond the effective range.


    ¡®7- KS8 Specs (Laser Mini Vulcan)¡¯


    Subject: Heavy armored infiltration brigade


    Length: 1,300mm


    Weight: 18kg


    Caliber: 8mm 6 barrels


    Output mode: Low power


    Firing mode: Repeating


    Magazine: sma Battery pack reloading (detachable magazine format)


    Output consumption: Single sma battery D3 pack 6,000 rounds


    Effective range: 10,000m / piercing 20mm steel te


    Range: Theoretically infinite provided visuals but lowered piercing capability beyond the effective range.


    ¡®8-CS14 Specs (Antipersonnel snipingser rifle)¡¯


    Subject: Snipers


    Length: 850mm


    Weight: 2.2kg


    Caliber: 8mm


    Output mode: Mid-power mode, high power mode


    Output mode: Single round


    Magazine: sma Battery pack reloading (detachable magazine format)


    Output consumption: Single sma battery S pack 100 rounds


    Effective range: 5,000m, piercing 35mm steel te at mid-power level, piercing 55mm steel te at high power.


    Range: Theoretically infinite provided visuals but lowered piercing capability beyond the effective range.


    On the 7th floor of the defense industry manufacturing line, the K-3 white tiger tanks, based on K-2 ck panther tank, equipped with the next-generationser cannon were being built in the various production lines. Also, on the 10th floor, the Airforce¡¯s long-desired Korean next-generation stealth fighter jet KF-21 Phoenix and KF/A-25P ckphoenix were being made. Based on the production rate, the day these would rece the KF-16 and F-15K to protect Korea was not far away.


    All other defense industry production lines were producing numerous weaponry and parts that humanity could not ever have dreamed of.


    ¡°My god, despite seeing it every day, it still makes my heart tremble.¡±


    Director Oh Young-il muttered to himself while watching the monitoring screen installed in the centralmand center on the 17th floor. Security Chief Kang Mu-jin, who heard him chimed in,


    ¡°Hahaha, you feel that way too, director? Every time I look at the screen, it brings out emotions in me as well.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, it wasn¡¯t just me then. Right?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Anyone from Korea would feel pride and awe about their country if they saw what we¡¯re making. Hahaha.¡±


    Director Oh Young-il thought Security Chief Kang Mu-jin¡¯s words were right. Despite having do be discharged in the rank of brigadier general since he was sworn in as a lieutenant at the age of 24 and having worked 30 years, he was full of happiness at the thought of hisst job being here and smiled slightly.

 Chapter 52

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    January 1st, 2019 10:30


    Korea


    In the years following the terrorist attack on Kim Il-sung Square in Pyeongyang on August 15th, 2015, and with the threat of war, Korea suffered from a recession worse than the 1998 IMF crisis. But after new products using applied technology from the alien spacecraft came out into the world, the economy began to rise in 2017 and an economic boom began. The economic growth rate rose by 41%, and the GDP hit 2.69 billion dors, reaching the 6th highest in the world just behind the United Kingdom.


    The growth rate was unimaginably fast considering the poption ratio, which had doubled since the previous year. The western nations began to be wary of Korea and became unsure if Korea was an enemy or ally. The U.S, China, and Japan all made movements to put economic pressure towards Korea.


    The key reason that Korea was able to achieve a GDP growth rate that doubled in less than two years was the step-by-step market economy recovery policy that was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Next-generation Technology and Ministry of Trade and Industry.


    As the Korean economy began entering an economic boom, therge, middle, and small corporations all began using their capital to hire employees with governmental aid, and the unemployed from younger to middle-aged were all able to return to stable jobs.


    The 30% increase in wages became the spark for the household economy to be a roaring me. Also, welfare policies worked in sync, causing ies to rise, and lowered ie taxes, health insurance fees, and education fees allowed citizens to live leisurely and turn their sights towards seeking happiness. This also increased the purchasing power of consumers. As a result, the market economy began rapidly revitalizing and growing in size from the domino effect.


    The Korean government increased its budget by 70%, and the budget of 680.4 billion dors passed Congress without an issue, and the additional 165 billion dors in profits from the Korean Pharmaceuticals and hundreds of other corporations that the Ministry of Next-Generation Technology aided was added to the budget, and Korea had the financial stability to be a developed nation.


    On the first day of 2019, the Korean government announced a few revolutionary welfare policies. The first policy was all about education. The government announced that education would be free for all students until high school, that free meals would be provided to all students, and that the government would provide financial aid for college students, providing 50% off tuition.


    Second, the current welfare, public health, and work policies were changed starting from the elderly welfare pension being changed to citizens¡¯ welfare pension and extending the range from 65 years of age to 60 and increasing the benefit amounts to 800 dors a month. Also, the national health insurance was amended to have the government pay 50% of the current costs.


    A radical new policy for providing 30,000 dors and free education until college for families with three children was also created. There were also new policies for newlyweds that provided them a free 75-square-foot home for 10 years or a loan up to 200,000 dors for purchasing a home that would be interest-free for 20 years.


    Finally, the government was to provide all the mandatory conscription soldiers to be paid 2,000 dors a month, 100 dors for buying personal supplies, and other financial aid for regrly set time off. All reserve forces would be paid a pension of 100 dors a month and receivepletely free health insurance and tax deduction. These policies were radical to the point that every citizen was in awe.


    Most young men despised having to give up their schooling or work to be dragged into service in their early 20s, but their opinion changed after the introduction of the new policy, and many went straight into the service after high school. The fact they could earn 40,000 dors tax-free and also serve their nation flooded the Military Manpower Administration with phone calls inquiring about enlisting.


    Many college graduates who started their lives with debt from student loans could finally get out of the vicious cycle, and many young men who only graduated high school had an opportunity to earn precious seed money that could be used when they returned to society or start a business.


    The reason all these radical welfare policies became possible was a reformative government that came in and confiscated all the property of traitours individuals or corrupt bureaucrats and gave the money back to the state treasury. However, thergest reason for economic growth was the new products that were released from applying alien technology.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2019 13:30


    Jeon-nam Goheung-gun two kilometers away from Naro Space Center


    ¡°Good day everyone. This is reporter Ahn Ho-won from CBS news. I am in Goheung-gun Naro Space Center. In a moment, the Woorinaro rocket that was made purely with Korean technology will begin the world¡¯s firstunch carrying three satellites. There is still an hour left before theunch, but many citizens are already here waiting to see theunch first hand. We will now interview some of the people waiting out here.¡±


    Every TV channel was stered with footage rted to theunch of the Woorinaro rocket. There was a hidden agenda from the Korean government. Theunch of a rocket made with only the nation¡¯s technology on New Year¡¯s Day would raise the pride citizens felt towards the nation and boost morale at the start of the new year, which in turn would unite them. Therefore, the various press agencies were promoting and broadcasting theunch live.


    ¡°Hello. Where did youe from?¡±


    The reporter interviewed one of the onlookers: a man seeming to be in high school.


    ¡°Hello. I am Oh Jong-gyu a sophomore from Gwangju highschool.¡±


    ¡°Gwangju is not close by, did youe here to witness the event for yourself?¡±


    ¡°I saw the news about theunch a couple of days ago, and my friends and I asked our parents if we coulde to see theunch with our own eyes.¡±


    ¡°Hooray! Go rocket Woorinaro!¡±


    The friends around Oh Jong-gyu cheered.


    ¡°Mr. Oh Jong-gyu, please say a few words for theunch of the Woorinaro rocket.¡±


    ¡°First, it was made purely with Korean technology, right? I hope it will be sessful, unlike the failures we had with Naro 1 and 2. I also hope our nation¡¯s space industry develops more so that I can go to space. I¡¯m counting on it!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I also hope thisunch will be sessful as well. Thank you for interviewing.¡±


    ¡°Hooray!¡±


    ¡°Thank you once again for those words. I will meet you again when the time for theunch is close. This was reporter Ahn Ho-won from CBS news.¡±


    When the time for theunch was close, every home,pany, terminal, train station, and any other ce with a TV in Korea had citizens gathered around to witness the rocket¡¯sunch.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2019 14:00


    Jeon-nam Goheung-gun Naro Space Center mission control room.


    At the Naro Space Center mission control room, the researchers from the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility¡¯s X-21 and X-22bs were busy making final diagnostics for theunch.


    A momentter, theunch systems for the Woorinaro rocket began to operate with a minute left beforeunch. One of the operating researchers from the Woorinaro rocket looked at the screen and began shouting theunch sequences in order.


    ¡°Countdown for Woorinaro rocket KSLV-1 start!¡±


    The 200-inch screen in the middle of the mission control room showed the soon-to-beunched Woorinaro rocket rising in theunchpad, and underneath it, the countdown was starting.


    ¡°10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, engines ignite!¡±


    Goong~ Booooooom~


    The Woorinaro rocket emitted mes and smoke that was different from the standard Naro rocketships or rockets from other nations, and it overcame gravity gradually and began rising into the sky. Soon, theunchpad¡¯s evasion maneuver started, and after the rocket adjusted left and right, it gained speed and left the visual field.


    ¡°Reaching an altitude of two kilometers and starting the second ignition.¡±


    When the operating researcher reported each moment of the Woorinaro¡¯s progress, the second ignition sted the heat, and the ship vanished from the atmosphere that was double the space speed. The people who were watching from the television and at the site all pped at the spectacr scene and began to cheer. However, many other steps had to be taken before theunch would be considered a sess, so many people put their hands in prayer or balled them up into a fist watching in admiration and anticipation.


    The Woorinaro rocket flew at speeds of 30 kilometers per second until it reached an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, and soon the first rocket engine stopped and detached. The detached first engine turned on its vernier engines following the autopilot system and began its descent to the designatednding area. Also, the second engine ignited when the first one detached and the rocket began making its journey diagonally to the target orbit the first satellite was to detach from.


    ¡°Soon the first satellite will reach the point of detachment.¡±


    From the second engine of the Woorinaro that was moving in a diagonal orbit, a pairing covering the first satellite detached, and the first satellite sessfully reached its desired orbit with its thrust. After an hour passed, the second and third satellites also reached their target orbits using the same methods, and Korea became the first country in the world tounch three satellites using a single rocket.


    Also, the satellites that wereunched into orbit were the-widemunication satellite Hera 1, 2, and 3, all equipped with the Turkion-X wireless system. Now Korea was able to use the geostationary orbitmunication satellites to use itswork for phone calls and wireless data and watch videos and broadcasts on SUPER HUD, which was the highest quality. This meant that phone calls, inte ess, and broadcasts in SUPER HUD were all avable even in the middle of the Sahara desert.


    In a press conference at 19:00, the Director of the Naro Space Center announced the three satellites all had entered normal orbit stably, and the first rocket alsonded safely in its designated location. On that day, the Korean citizens all were pleased, and many business owners hosted events and sales just like when the Korean ser team reached the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2019 16:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility first-floor lobby.


    The underground research facility was also celebrating. Since the rocket and satellites developed seeded, the head researchers who were directly involved were at the Naro Space Center and could not be congratted, but they offered kind words to those who were in the facility and had a small party in celebration.


    Namgoong-won also took a break on his own watching the TV, drinking with his fellow researchers and spending time with Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin when the call from Hoc came.


    -Bee beep! Beep! Namgoong-won!


    Namgoong-won, who could nowmunicate with Hoc on a smartphone immediately answered Hoc.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    -I would like you toe into theb for a moment.


    ¡°All right. Just give me a moment.¡±


    ¡°Assistant Manager Lee, I need to step into theb for a bit.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Hoc is calling me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being requested by Hoc now too?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. How did it alle to this?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together, I keep getting pestered by Lee Ja-sung if I am alone here. He keeps asking me to set up a blind date for him and it¡¯s getting annoying.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    * * *


    January 10th, 2019 16:10


    Choongbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-2b (Namgoong-wonb).


    Namgoong-won had returned to theb with Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and began conversing with Hoc at the mainputer.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    -Currently, Hoc¡¯s main system has reached 80% operating capacity with its self-recovery protocol.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, isn¡¯t it? Is that why you asked for me to be here?¡±


    -No. The reason was to show you a few recovered features in the Roseferry after the main system¡¯s operating capacity has reached 80%.


    ¡°Roseferry¡¯s recovered functions? What¡¯s that?¡±


    -Go look at the Roseferry now.


    When he was instructed to go see the Roseferry in the X-1b out of the blue, Namgoong-won looked at Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and waved at her toe along to head to theb.


    A momentter, the doors to the X-1b opened, and Namgoong-won and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin almost fell back out of shock. The Roseferry spaceship that was supposed to be in the X-1b had vanished without a trace.


    ¡°Huh? It, It was here this morning, where did it go?¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who saw Namgoong-won shaken and stuttering his words, urgently spoke to Namgoong-won.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this an emergency security breach?¡±


    ¡°Wait. I will ask Hoc first.¡±


    Both of them rushed back to the X-2b. Namgoong-won, who just arrived at theb, began tomunicate with Hoc in a quibbling manner.


    ¡°Hoc? What just happened? The Roseferry has vanished.¡±


    -Is this one of the amusements humans call a joke?


    Namgoong-won for a moment became angered at Hoc¡¯s irrelevant answer and asked again.


    ¡°Now is not the time for games! What, what happened?¡±


    -Namgoong-won, don¡¯t get worked up. The Roseferry has not vanished but rather used its cloaking ability and now can¡¯t be seen.


    ¡°Is it something like invisibility?¡±


    -Yes. I will exin it in due time so don¡¯t be hasty.

 Chapter 53

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    January 10th, 2019 20:10


    Choongbuk Chungju 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility.


    An emergency meeting was being held with all head researchers and their superiors in the second-floor conference room under Namgoong-won¡¯s request.


    Three items were on the docket for the meeting consisting of the Transparent Concealment System, Shield Shielding System, and an Anti-gravity Control System. They were talking about how tomercialize the cloaking function Namgoong-won saw first hand, with each researcher making suggestions based on what technology they had avable.


    ¡°This is truly amazing. Looking at it with this data, the technological structure is simple. Actualmercialization and application don¡¯t seem hard!¡± The head researcher, Na Joo-won from the X-5b, continued making exmations.


    ¡°That is true, but it seems cloaking over a long time would be difficult with the current power output of our sma superprotonic generator or engines.¡± The head researcher, Han Hyung-gook, who was in charge of developing the sma superprotonic generator spoke in an apologetic tone.


    ¡°Well, you can just develop a better superprotonic generator than the current one you developed, Han.¡±


    ¡°Is that our conclusion?¡± The half-joking and serious tone of head researcher Na Yeon-hee filled the conference room withughter.


    ¡°If this new technology could be applied to fighter jets, battleships, missiles, etc., in a short period, then those weapons would evolve strategically in multiple stages.¡± Since he could speak frankly about the applicability of new technologies despite not having professional scientific knowledge Namgoong-won chimed in with an excited look on his face.


    ¡°Yes. As Namgoong has said, this will be an important piece of technology for its applicability in military weaponry. So whichb will start development on the Transparent Concealment System?¡± When Dr. Kim Su-jin, who was leading the meeting, looked at the various researchers and spoke, a moment of silence fell. After a moment, a researcher seated in the farthest left corner raised his hand and all eyes fell on him.


    ¡°Ourb will work on it. We have just finished developing the main project and now is working on secondary application research so we can start development with our researchers.¡±


    It was head researcher Lee Hyun from the X-3b who developed the supersonic lightmunication system.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Then we will decide on X-3b to take on the cloaking invisibility system project. Please give it your all, Lee Hyun. Now! Why don¡¯t we talk about the Shield Shielding System?¡±


    The meeting finished at 1:00 a.m. During the whole meeting, many opinions were exchanged all surrounding the three new technological ideas.


    * TCS: Transparent Concealment System


    A system that splits visible light into hundreds of thousands of pieces to surpass the visual capabilities of humans to cloak a subject.


    * SSS: Shield Shielding System


    An extreme shielding system made of how powered sma particles that can¡¯t be prated with any physical attack from human-made weaponry, except a nuclear bomb. Soon, Korea would be able to create a Shielding System that could be operated for a short period since it required high power sma energy to produce a transparent shield. This system would be equipped andmercialized in Korea¡¯s next-generation fighter jets and KDX-4 Hoc battleships.


    * ACS: Anti-gravity Control System


    The Anti-gravity Control System didn¡¯t use power that went against gravity or blocked it out or controlled it, instead, it was the reason alien spacecrafts could sporadically maneuver in Earth¡¯s atmosphere at high speeds. Shortly, Korea would also apply this system to its next-generation fighter jets so they could change directions and make evasive maneuvers as well as control the gravitational eleration to reduce the pilot¡¯s physical exhaustion.


    * * *


    January 15th, 2019 11:00


    Seoul Blue House Sang Choon-Jae Guesthouse.


    A charismatic old man in traditional Korean garments with white hair walked in the reception room of the Blue House Sang Choon-Jae Guesthouse. The President, who was waiting in the room already, stood up immediately and bowed politely to greet him.


    ¡°Wee, professor,¡±


    ¡°Haha, long time no see.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so formal with me, sir. I should have treated you to a meal already, but I couldn¡¯t until now from being so busy. I apologize.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not some celebrity. Why do you care so much about an old man like me?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Please, sir, take a seat.¡±


    The man who called himself ¡°just an old man¡± was President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s former college instructor, and the president of Korea¡¯s Woori history research foundation Do-Un, Oh Yong-ook. He was famously known as teacher Do-Un by all of Korean.


    From 2002, China¡¯s Northeast Bordend History and the Chain of Events Research Project started with China¡¯s Byeongang Temple site research center working jointly with three other facilities to research the history of North-East Asia and its current issues. When they incorporated the history of Goguryeo and Balhae from the old Manju area that was from Korea into the Han people¡¯s history, the project denied Korea¡¯s historical development and falsified its research. That¡¯s when Do-Un became outraged and went to China¡¯s Byeongang Temple site research center to refute their ever single false historical perceptions and corrected them based on old historical documents. Because of his efforts, Do-Un became a celebrity. Using this incident as an opportunity, Korea founded the Goguryeo research organization in March of 2004 to retaliate on a national level and to retaliate against Japan, which created conflict with incorrect historical textbooks from 2001. In September 2006, the North-East Asian Historical Society was founded with the Goguryeo research organization joining the fray. Now its name was changed to Woori history research foundation with Do-Un as its chairman and was fighting at the forefront of the historical war against the neighboring nations that habitually distorted history.


    By the time the first cup of tea was cooling down, the President put down his teacup and spoke in earnest, ¡°Sir, would you be kind and assist me in something?¡±


    Do-Un Lee Yong-ook had a curious look on his face when the President suddenly asked for help in the middle of conversing about the old times.


    ¡°How could an old man like me help?¡±


    ¡°If you agree there is so much I need help with.¡±


    ¡°All right. Since it¡¯s our president¡¯s request how could I not?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    The President ced the documents he prepared on the table and continued.


    ¡°First these are SS-ss confidential documents. The moment you read these our bodyguarding agents will follow you round the clock 24 hours a day. Are you fine with this?¡±


    ¡°Oh my. I want to take back what I have just said.¡±


    ¡°This is for Korea¡¯s future. Please help us, sir.¡±


    Do-Un Oh Yong-ook was at a loss after hearing bodyguards following him 24 hours a day and SS-ranked confidential documents. It was unbearable. He loved his freedom. However, since his former student and the current President who ced the country in the top ranks of developed nations within three years (who had an 80% approval rating) earnestly requested his aid, he thought he had no choice.


    ¡°Well, I may live a slightly ufortable life in an age close to death, but let¡¯s take a look.¡±


    Do-Un Oh Yong-ook began thoroughly reading the documents. However, the calm look on his face changed into shock as timed passed, and after 10 minutes of him reviewing the documents and looking back to the President, he set down the papers on the table quietly.


    ¡°This is truly amazing. The reason our nation could grow at such a rapid rate in a short period was because of this then.¡±


    The documents Do-Un Oh Yong-ook read through were about the alien spacecraft and the work the government did over the past two years.


    ¡°Yes, that is right, sir.¡±


    ¡°If that is so, then what is it that you ask of me?¡±


    ¡°I would like you to set a vision for our nation¡¯s future.¡±


    ¡°A vision for the future for Korea.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Korea is amidst a gust of winds for change socially, economically, militarily, and other ways. I believe it was time to draw arger picture for Korea¡¯s future and that is why I asked to meet with you.¡±


    ¡°I think you overestimate me, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Of course not, sir. We are about to establish a National Vision Strategy Committee under the Blue House. Please be chairman of this organization and help paint a picture for Korea to walk into the future.¡±


    The President bowed his head again politely, and Do-Un Oh Yong-ook thought for a moment and nodded his head as a gesture to ept the offer.


    ¡°I will use what is left of my life to aid our country.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. You have no idea how nervous I was about you refusing.¡±


    ¡°A Korean president should not get nervous about such a trivial manner, if the people knew, they will make fun of you for being timid.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Hahaha.¡±


    The President, who was smiling brightly, looked at the clock and pointed to the entrance with both hands politely and spoke to Do-Un Oh Yong-ook.


    ¡°This might be a bit early but shall we head out for lunch? I asked the chef at the Blue House to prepare something special since an important guest wasing. Shall we?¡±


    ¡°Yes. This will be the first time in my life I get to dine in the Blue House, thank you.¡±


    * * *


    January 20th, 2019 16:10


    Junbook Gunsan-si Hyungwoong heavy industries Gunsan Shipbuilding nt.


    In 2016, Hyunwoong heavy industries finished building the world¡¯srgest shipbuilding dock facilities that could produce four 25,000-ton ships at once, but the facility turned into a nuisance after the economic recession but now it is running 24 hours a day, along with 80 lower-level corporations from the explosive production inquiries. Also, above the dock were three of Korea¡¯s KD-3A King Sejong ss Aegis ships in all their glory as nned.


    The KD-3A was scheduled to be built two years ago on February 5th to modify the standard KD-3 King Sejong ss Aegis ships and upgrade the Aegis system Baseline 9.0 and SM-3 Block IA to be able to shoot down warheads. Also, the new modern technologies being developed under high security at the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility were to be finished in June. KD-3A was nned to stop production after three were built, and their names and number were decided to be number 4 King Tae-jo DDG-995, and number 5 King Tae-Jong DDG-996, number 6 King Sung-Jong DDG-997.


    Discement: 7650t (load discement 10,500t)


    Whole length: 165.9m


    Width: 21.4m


    Draft: 6.25m


    Propel: 2 sma superprotonic Mod-C engines.


    Speed: 55 knots


    Sailing range: 30 years, infinite


    Crew capacity: within 300 sailors.


    Weaponry:


    (32+48) Launch Rocket Mk.41 VLS *1(SM-3 Block IA)


    48 Launch Rocket K-VLS2 *1 (Skydragon A cruise missile, Redshark A missile)


    CIWS 20mm Phnx *1


    RIM-116 Ram *1


    127mm Mk45 Mod4 Gun *1


    4 Launch rocket Hae-sung missileunch pad*2


    3 Launch rocket 324mm Mk.32 Torpedounchpad *2


    Radar: AN/SPY-1D(V) B.L 9.0 Phased array radar


    Sonar: DSQS-21 BZ-M Function Sonar / SQR-220K ckdragon Towed away sonar


    Electronic Warfare: SLQ-200(V)K Sonata / SLQ-261K TACM


    Aviation Equipment: 2 x Mk.99A Super Lynx


    The KD-4 Aegis ships with a load-discement of 13,900t that were nned to be builtst July were to be produced purely on 100% Korean technology and three shipbuilding nts were building two each and were set to be deployed by December of 2020 and were named from number 1 KD-4 Gwang-hae level King Gwang-hae ship (DDG-1001) to number 6.


    Ship 1 KD-4 Gwang-hae level King Gwang-hae ship (DDG-1001)


    Ship 2 King Myung-jong ship (DDG-1002)


    Ship 3 King Hyo-jong ship (DDG-1003)


    Ship 4 King Suk-jong ship (DDG-1004)


    Ship 5 King Yeong-jo ship (DDG-1006)


    Ship 6 King Jeong-jo ship (DDG-1007)


    Discement: 1,100t (load discement 13,900t)


    Whole length: 189.9m


    Width: 23.4m


    Draft: 7m


    Propel: 4 sma superprotonic Mod-C engines.


    Speed: 62 knots


    Sailing range: 30 years, infinite


    Crew capacity: within 180 sailors.


    Weaponry:


    68 Launch rocket K-VLS3 *1 Haegoong Surface to Air missile (GTAS- 150) Range 200km, Mach 6


    68 Launch rocket K-VLS3 *1 Haechunryong Surface to Air missile (GTAS- 300) Range 420km, Mach 10


    48 Launch rocket K-VLS2 *2 (Skydragon A Surface to Air cruise missile, Redshark A Ship to Submarine missile, Seastar A Ship to Ship missile)


    16 Launch rocket K-VLS4A *1 Trianna S-SSM-500S Antiballistic missile


    mm Laser Vulcan beam *2


    16 Launch Rocket Shield-M *2


    155mm Harper K-1 150km Cannon *1 sma cluster rounds


    Radar: Quantum multi-field Hoc B.L 1.0 Radar


    Sonar: Hypersonic SUSL-01MP Function Sonar/ SUSL-500K Towed away sonar


    Electronic Warfare: KSLQ-1000(V)K Sonata / KSLQ-201K SECM / IC System


    Aviation Equipment: MH-101 Surion II Anti-submarine chopper 2

 Chapter 54

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    February 1st, 2019 14:00


    Japan Honshu Kanakawa Yokosuka port naval base.


    In the Yokosuka Naval Base, a pair of destroyers from the First Guard Fleet were escorting an aircraft carrier. The carrier boasted an impressive discement of 100,000 tons, and its escort was an obvious disy of power. It was originally a Nimitz ss carrier, but after being dmissioned by the US Navy and handed over to the Japanese Naval Defense Force, it was rechristened as the ¡°Kaga.¡± Over the previous two years, 3000 men of the Japanese Naval Defense Force trained on the carrier, handled repairs, then processed handover at an American naval base. Then the ship was officially transferred to the Japanese Naval Defense Force and sailed into the Yokosuka Naval Base. The Kaga (CV-2001) also carried 80 F-35C fighter jets and eight of thetest electronic warfare fighter jets EA-18G and Growler.


    The Japanese Naval Defense Force¡¯s first aircraft carrier fleet was established in early 2020 with the Kaga (CV-2001) at its center. The fleet consisted of three Atago ss ships with Aegis weapon systems, two Asashi ss (discement of 5,000t) destroyers, two Kazanawa ss (6,500t) guided-missile destroyers, abat support ship Mashu (AOE-425), and three suspected Wakashio ss (6,000t) nuclear submarines. The naval force was taking shape, just as Prime Minister Abe envisioned.


    As 1,000 crewmen in white uniforms lined up to salute on the flight deck of the Kaga, it was truly a sight to behold. Also, many Yokohama citizens came out to see the aircraft carrier sail into the base. They weed its arrival by waving Japanese gs in both hands. Prime Minister Abe stood among the other government bureaucrats, also smiling and waving his hand.


    ¡°What a magnificent sight. It is truly grand.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe eximed praises for the ship and waved his hand continually, but he was still filled with the desire to make the Japanese naval fleet evenrger and more powerful.


    ¡°This does feel different from the asional visits from the American aircraft carriers,¡± said Shibasaki, the Minister of Defense. He also had a bright smile stered across his face.


    ¡°Of course,¡± responded Prime Minister Abe. ¡°The difference between seeing someone else¡¯s property and looking at one¡¯s own is tremendous. When something belongs to you, it looks more spectacr.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I believe you¡¯re right.¡±


    When the Kaga¡¯s first official captain Yamamoto Genjuru swore in their return to Prime Minister Abe that day, the Prime Minister invited all the naval officers to a celebratory dinner at the government office. They had been hard at work in America for the past two years.


    Also on that day, Japan announced its ownership of an aircraft carrier to the entire world via various press agencies. Some Asian nations showed concerns about an arms race, and China especially criticized Japan for its return to its Imperialist period. China broadcast details about the Kaga all day long, and the next day, they released footage of the Chinese military testing the Doong Feng 21-D ballistic missile, also dubbed the ¡°Aircraft Carrier Killer.¡± Later the same day, China announced to foreign press agencies that they had begun producing their own stealth fighter jet. Eighty of the J-20 fighter jets, equipped with Russian AL-117S turbofan engines, were now entering service.


    During this heated arms race, Korea didn¡¯t show any particr reaction. Like a tiger hiding its ws as it waited for the hunt, Korea watched for an opening.


    * * *


    March 5th, 2019 14:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si, 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-19b (smab).


    The X-19b exclusively worked on sma matter, and the sma superprotonic generator developed in the X-20b was based on the research from the X-19b. The head researcher of thisb was Dr. Park Jin-woo, a nuclear physicist who hade from KAIST. For thest two years, he had focused his research on sma matter. His work on applied sma technology was provided to many otherbs. On this particr day, he and his ten fellow researchers were busily preparing to conduct an important simtion.


    ¡°Dr. Kim, did you input the values as I instructed?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor. I have done so precisely.¡±


    When Dr. Park heard Kim¡¯s answer, he typed in the final data and pressed enter. A momentter, arge screen in the middle of theb showed multiple graphs, all fluctuating wildly. They soon stabilized at a certain value, and the results of the simtion began to scroll up endlessly from the bottom of the screen.


    Upon obtaining the final values, Dr. Park punched them into aputer that calcted the damages as the simtion came to a close.


    The researchers watched the scene with wide eyes, staring intently at the monitor behind Dr. Park.


    ¡°How is it?¡± asked Assistant Professor Woo Jin-gil, who also came from KAIST.


    Dr. Park ignored Assistant Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s question and began muttering in a low voice.


    ¡°Assitant Professor Woo, I believe we have just be another Einstein.¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±


    The simtion from a moment before was a sma amplifying experiment. It was designed to amplify the explosive power of a small amount of sma and determine how much damage it would do if it went off in Seoul. Assistant Professor Woo Jin-gil checked the monitor himself. After seeing the data for himself, he realized what Dr. Park meant.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this is on the same level as a nuclear bomb? No, it could be more.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, since half of Seoul could be blown to smithereens with such a small amount.¡±


    The scientists participating in the simtion couldn¡¯t hide their astonishment. Their mouths gaped open at Dr. Park¡¯s words.


    ¡°Doctor, does this mean our nation now holds nuclear bombs that don¡¯t have radioactive fallout? This is worthy of the Nobel prize.¡±


    ¡°Are you satisfied, Assistant Professor Woo?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am. I¡¯ve always hated the neighboring nations that boast about their nuclear arsenals.¡±


    ¡°What do you think the probability of a nation owning nuclear bombs or missiles actually using them when a war breaks out?¡± Dr. Park asked suddenly.


    Assistant Professor Woo Jin-gil answered slowly. ¡°Well, nations wouldn¡¯t use their nukes unless they had entered an all-out war, right? Especially if the opposing side has nuclear weapons as well. No one would want their country to be eliminated by the radiation.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. That is the reason that this sma bomb we have developed will be more dangerous than the nuclear bombs we have right now.¡±


    Assistant Professor Woo Jin-gil still didn¡¯t understand. He scratched his head. ¡°I am sorry sir. But I don¡¯t understand...¡±


    Dr. Park answered the man with a concerned tone. ¡°If a country possessed a nuclear bomb without any radiation or fallout, would they even hesitate tounch it?¡±


    * * *


    April 10th, 2019 14:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku. National Vision Committee conference room.


    The National Vision Committee was established on February 5th, and it consisted of various people from across society, including Teacher Do-Un Oh Yong-ook. They had spent two months establishing a future path for Korea to walk, and themittee was now reaching its final stages.


    Themittee¡¯s first n was the unification of Korea. North and South Korea were at a cease-fire, and thus, they remained under the shadow of war. Korea was like a powderkeg that could erupt into war at any moment, and this unstable environment was a critical weakness to Korea politically, economically, and militarily. The only solution was reunification. Therefore, they had made a detailed n based on the current government¡¯s rtionship with North Korea. The n dictated several actions.


    . Efforts would be made to improve rtions with Kim Yo-jong, who was now the political power during Kim Jong-un¡¯s prolonged absence.


    . Regr meetings would be held with the North/South representative council. South Korea would use increased humanitarian aid in food and fertilizer to bolster the failing North Korean economy and alleviate hunger and poverty among the nation¡¯s people. That would serve as leverage to reopen the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and schedule regr reunions for separated families.


    . A peace park would be built along the DMZ to ease tensions within the Korean penins. The cost of construction would be paid by South Korea alone, and the profits from the facility would be split between the North and South.


    . Free electricity would be provided to alleviate North Korea¡¯s power crisis.


    . A joint project for developing natural resources would be undertaken. The project had been halted by North Korea¡¯s internal technological issues.


    The second n was to enhance Korea¡¯s national brand. A nation¡¯s brand could fall in an instant, but raising it was a difficult and time-consuming process. However, since Korea had begun offering the AIDS cure to other nations for free, the nation¡¯s brand was already on a sharp rise. Therefore, themittee designed a detailed roadmap for potential markets in developing nations in Africa.


    . Korea wouldbine governmental and charitable organizations to aid nations who participated in the Korean War and establish ¡°A support group for participating nations of the Korean War.¡± It would provide humanitarian aid to countries that were struggling.


    . Developing nations would be offered medicine and daily necessities. In addition, investments would be made into local corporations so they could build first and secondary industrialplexes. With that foundation, the struggling nations could govern their own economic activities and form a friendly rtionship with Korea.


    . Korean culture would be actively spread worldwide...


    Some items in the documents could put the whole nation in jeopardy. The final draft of the National Vision document was handed to the president, and after being reviewed and approved in a cab meeting, the Korean government stepped into action. The historical mission to reunite Korea began.


    * * *


    May 6th, 2019 14:00


    Kyungi-do Paju-si Panmunjeom Joint Security Area.


    The second meeting of the North/South Representative Council.


    Following the National Vision Committee¡¯s policies, Korea requested representative council meetings with North Korea. One weekter, a response came from North Korea, and the Panmunjeom meeting began. Once again, Party Secretary Kim Young-chul and the four members of his entourage came to represent North Korea.


    ¡°Minister Oh, have you been well?¡±


    It had been a year since theyst met, but Secretary Kim and Minister Oh shook hands warmly. They had met a few times before.


    ¡°Yes, I have been well. Have you been doing well also?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask. I¡¯ve been so busy with all the joint businesses we started with China that I think my hair is about to fall out,¡± said Secretary Kim Young-chul, waving his hands andughing.


    There was a hidden meaning behind his words, though. The man was known in North Korea as a master of negotiations. He mixed jokes and warnings whenever he spoke, strategically disconcerting his opponents to gain the upper hand in the conversation.


    ¡°My, that would be a disaster. You must think about your health.¡±


    Minister Oh responded with a smile and offered the other man a seat. The cordial exchange lit up the room¡¯s atmosphere, the real discussion of the meeting began.


    ¡°First, the Korean government is thankful that the North has honored all the items we discussed during thest meeting. Thanks to those efforts, tensions have eased in the Korean penins, and the economy has recovered as well,¡± Minister Oh began.


    ¡°Well, that benefitted us both, so there¡¯s no need to be thankful.¡±


    ¡°I am even more grateful that you think that way.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Minister Oh.¡±


    ¡°The Korean government would like to send rice, fertilizer, and other necessities as a sign of our gratitude. If you tell us the amount needed, we will do our best to meet the demands.¡±


    ¡°There must be a price that follows all this. Wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± Secretary Kim asked bluntly, leaning back in his chair. He looked rxed as he gazed at Minister Oh.


    ¡°Instead of a price, how about enacting regr meetings for separated families and reopening the Gaeseong Industrial Complex to improve rtions between the North and South?¡± Minister Oh suggested.


    ¡°We would be more than willing to do that. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s great that you¡¯re being direct. Another thing I would like to speak to you about...¡±


    The council meetingsted for four hours. From Korea¡¯s perspective, the negotiations went smoothly. The two parties came to agreements on a quarterly meeting for separated families, the reopening of the Gaesung Industrial Complex, the transfer of food, fertilizer, and living necessities, and the reopening of tourism in Kumgang Mountain theing August. These terms required the approval of Vice-chairman Kim Yo-jong, so the South Korean government was left waiting for a response.

 Chapter 55

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    May 7th, 2019 14:00


    Korea.


    The Korean economy was like a roaring fire that reached for the heavens. In the first quarter, the economic growth rate was 20% greater than the previous year, and unemployment was at an unbelievable rate of 0%. Upon graduation, many high school and college graduates were immediately employed by the government to meet the needs of the rapidly growing nation. Also, due to the incredible benefits packages offered to soldiers, many enlisted in the military. The increasing enlistment of soldiers and officers caused a shortage of young people in the job market.


    In a strange turn of events, corporations began filling this vacuum by rehiring older workers and housewives who had left the workce after marriage. The entire poption of Korea suddenly had employment opportunities in private industry or the government.


    As the workforce expanded dramatically, the Korean government increased daycare facilities and pre-schools to ease the burdens of married female workers. The government also set aside Wednesdays as a family day of the week, allowing workers to leave work early in the afternoon to spend leisure time with their families.


    Korea was able to escape from the dishonor of having the highest suicide rate in the world, aplete 180-degree change from a few years before. It was now the nation with the highest happiness rating. Also, more corporations were developing an international presence, and many fine young people from around the world came to Korea, drawn by the 0% unemployment rate.


    Press agencies around the world referred to Korea¡¯s rapid development as ¡°the Second Miracle of the Han River.¡±


    * * *


    May 8th, 2019 14:00


    North Korea Pyeong Yang Presidential Pce.


    ¡°We cannot allow such a thing. How could you suggest developing our natural resources, which are like the flesh and blood of our chairman Kim Jong-un, by working with that South Korean puppet government?¡±


    Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul punctuated his words by repeatedly mming his fist into the table, his anger evident with every blow.


    ¡°Calm yourself. Is that how you act in front of our First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong?¡±


    Secretary Oh Chun-hwan, who always disagreed with Lee Byung-chul, leaned forward as if to scold Lee Byung-chul.


    ¡°What? How dare you speak to me that way?¡± demanded Lee Byung-chul.


    Oh Chun-hwan shrank away from the other man¡¯s shouting, coughed a few times, and looked toward First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong as if to ask for help.


    ¡°First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong, our democratic republic¡¯s economy is in shambles. Shouldn¡¯t we try to be on friendly terms with the South Koreans, especially at a time like this?¡±


    Kim Yo-jong, who had been too immersed in thought to notice Lee Byung-chul¡¯s rudeness, suddenly turned to Prime Minister Park Bong-ju rather than answering Secretary Oh¡¯s question.


    ¡°What do you think, Prime Minister Park?¡±


    ¡°I also agree with Secretary Oh,¡± Prime Minister Park Bong-joo answered. ¡°Our democratic republic doesn¡¯t yet have a solution for our economic crisis. Every day, more people on the border are defecting to the south to escape poverty. We must begin working with South Korea to fully exploit our resources and boost our economy.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we already working with China to develop our natural resources?¡±


    Lee Byung-chul butted in again. ¡°You¡¯re right. However, if you take a closer look at the joint business with China, there are no benefits for our nation at all. As I have said, it will only fill China¡¯s pockets.¡±


    Starting in 2013, China focused 70% of its North Korean investments on natural resources and funded 274.53 million dors worth of mining operations. China then obtained all the selling rights of important minerals such as tungsten, magnesite, molybdenum, and others. They also bought out the rights for steel development and took control of the Hyesan Youth Copper Mine, thergest copper mine in North Korea.


    North Korea¡¯s mineral resources were beyond expectations. Resources such as ceramic and magnesite were along 80% of North Korea¡¯s territory. Magnesite was used for refractory ware and needed for the steel industry. Magnesite couldn¡¯t be found in South Korea, but North Korea contained thergest magnesite deposit in the world.


    Also, in terms of iron ore, they had 740 million dors worth. The orecked quality, but if a method for refining it could be developed, then North Korean mines could supply humanity for the next 100 years. Also, the country had four million tons of uranium deposits that could be excavated immediately, while the total deposit was expected to be 26 million tons. Securing these plentiful resources in North Korea would be a critical factor in securing the economy¡¯s future. Since the National Vision Committee also knew this, they tried to push a deal with North Korea for the joint-development of their mineral resources.


    ¡°On what grounds are you saying these words?¡±


    Prime Minister Park Bong-ju stood up from his seat, waved a stack of documents, and pointed his finger at Vice Chairman Lee Byung-chul. ¡°These are the contracts for all the business agreements we¡¯ve made with China regarding mineral resources. Look. It seems like all of these are rted to those close to you,rade Lee Byung-chul. If you have eyes, take a look.¡±


    During the time Chairman Kim Jong-un was in power, Lee Byung-chul had his people push business agreements with China for many different mining operations.


    ¡°Stop speaking nonsense. My close allies? How can you make such usations? I was merely working on things rted to my department!¡±


    ¡°Enough already. Sit down. I shall check those documents at the State Security Agency. Now, let¡¯s hear other opinions,¡± said First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong in a calm tone. The atmosphere of the room had been growing increasingly chaotic, and she needed to settle things down. Lee Byung-chul quieted, but his face still showed anger and dissatisfaction.


    ¡°I would like to say a few words,¡± said Kim Hyung-won, Chairman of the National People¡¯s Congress. He had been silent for the entire meeting.


    ¡°As we all know, the Southerners are achieving a shining growth. I think at this moment, the best policy for us is to entice them with improved rtions and take practical interests instead.¡±


    Kim Yo-jong seemed to find his simple and concise words helpful. She called loudly to Secretary Kim Young-chul.


    ¡°Comrade Kim Young-chul?¡±


    ¡°Yes, First Vice Chairman.¡±


    ¡°Give the Southerners an answer. We agree to their terms for a joint-operation to develop our natural resources. You,rade, will prepare a negotiation n that will benefit the democratic republic the most.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±


    With this decision, the Korean government was able to obtain various minerals in North Korea for low shipping costs. Using these minerals, they were able to mass-produce a next-generation hydrium alloy.


    Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul returned to his residence after attending the meeting at the Presidential Pce. Enraged, he knocked the items on his desk all over the floor. Still breathing heavily, he pulled out a satellite phone he stored in his desk.


    ¡°Things are going awry. I can¡¯t just sit idly by and watch.¡±


    * * *


    May 10th, 2019 10:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si, 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility (Tunnel section).


    As the 5.3km tunnel connecting the 17th Fighter Wing and Olympus Base was finished, the various mechanical devices and researchers from the 17th Fighter Wing moved in an elevated security setting. This tunnel was built 30m below ground, and it was the size of a twone road.


    ¡°Wow, this is cool.¡±


    Namgoong-won looked excitedly at the lights in the tunnel as the transport truck carried him to Olympus Base. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was in charge of protecting him,ughed as she watched Namgoong-won look around in child-like awe.


    * * *


    May 10th, 2019 10:07


    Choongbook Chungju-si Seowon-ku Bongmu Mountain, Olympus Base.


    They arrived at the entrance of Olympus Base in less than 10 minutes. After passing through multiple checkpoints and strict security protocols, Namgoong-won entered the 17th floor of the Olympus Base. His mouth hung open in amazement; the base wasrger than he had expected.


    ¡°Namgoong, close your mouth.¡± Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin covered his mouth, seemingly embarrassed by Namgoong-won¡¯s tourist-like awe.


    ¡°Fine, fine, I get it. Get your hand off me.¡±


    At that moment, the employees came out to greet them.


    ¡°Is this Head Researcher Namgoong-won?¡±


    An elderly gentleman they had never met before stuck out his hand and weed them. Namgoong-won shook the offered hand and introduced himself awkwardly. A few of the higher-ups in Olympus Base knew a lot about Namgoong-won. Including his central role in a lot of major projects.


    ¡°I¡¯m Namgoong-won. Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I am Director Oh Young-il, and I¡¯m in charge of this ce. This is Dr. Paek Nam-il, our Development Director, and this is the Security Chief Kang Mu-jin.¡±


    Namgoong-won shook hands with each person as they were introduced. A momentter Namgoong-won and his party were escorted to a guest room by security agents. The equipment on the transport truck he rode in on was carefully moved to the 19th floor.


    Namgoong-won and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin settled themselves on the sofa to take a short break.


    ¡°Assitant Manager, this ce is beyond incredible, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve heard rumors, but I didn¡¯t realize it would be this big.¡±


    ¡°This big? You know those high-tech ces in American movies? I feel like I¡¯m in one of them.¡±


    ¡°Will you ever grow up?¡±


    Director Oh Young-il and Dr. Paek Nam-il entered the guestroom.


    ¡°Sorry to have kept you waiting,¡± Director Oh said.


    ¡°It¡¯s no problem. We were having a pleasant break. But, how is the equipment we brought in?¡±


    ¡°It has been transported to the ADDb on the 19th floor, and it is being installed based on the manual you sent us earlier,¡± Dr. Paek Nam-il answered. ¡°It will take an hour for the instation to bepleted, so how about a brief tour of the 17th floor?¡±


    The transport truck had been carrying an artificial intelligence supeputer equipped with Hoc B.L. version 1.0, which Namgoong-won developed. This supeputer was 20 times faster than the first generation AlphaGo supeputer, or any other supeputer in the world, for that matter. Once it was installed, the Olympus Base would be able to simte the performance of military equipment with much greater precision. This advantage would shorten the development time for new equipment and technology. Also, it would solve the issue of limited space for conducting experiments. The sma Amplification Bomb¡¯s testing was also done with aputer equipped with Hoc B.L. version 1.0.


    ¡°Really? Thank you,¡± replied to Namgoong-won, eager for a tour.


    Director Oh Young-il chuckled. ¡°I doubt an hour will be enough to tour the entire 17th floor, but follow our staff and go take a look!¡±


    Two security agents were standing guard outside the guest room. When Namgoong-won and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin stepped out, the security agents pointed in the direction they needed to go.


    Namgoong-won and Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin toured the 17th floor for an hour, then spent two more hours on the 19th floor, training the research staff that would operate the artificial intelligenceputer. That evening they joined Director Oh Young-il and Dr. Paek Nam-il for a fine dinner. They returned to the underground research facilityte at night.

 Chapter 56

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    June 15th, 2019 16:00 (Ethiopia Standard Time 10:00)


    Ethiopia, the outer slums of Addis Ababa.


    In an open field outside of Addis Ababa, 50,000 Ethiopian citizens and government workers sat around arge stage. On the stage, a peace choir of Ethiopian and Korean children sang the song ¡°Arirang¡± in a soothing tone.


    As the tranquil song rang out, a group of old men sang along with the bits they remembered from 60 years ago. Tears ran down their faces. These men had left their home country of Ethiopia, journeyed to Korea in the far East, and fought for democracy in the Korean War.


    Ethiopia sent a total of 6,037 soldiers during the Korean War. Among them, 123 died and 536 were injured. After 1974, amunist government gained power in Ethiopia and used those who fought in the Korean War of being rebels towards themunist government. Instead of being treated like heroes that protected democracy, they were fired from their jobs and had to hide their participation in the war. They were often forced to leave their homes and live in the slums. In 1991, an interim government was established. The veterans were given pensions again, but it was less than five dors each month. That wasn¡¯t nearly enough to live on, even after the veterans were thrust down to the lowest social ss.


    The bravery and sacrifice of the Ethiopian people allowed Korea to develop the fifth most powerful economy in the world, but the Ethiopian veterans were cast down to the lowest social ss. Their descendants lived in poverty. After founding the Humanitarian Cooperative for Korean War Participants, the Korean government decided to make Ethiopia their first stop.


    When the singing was over, the children¡¯s choir split in half and a middle-aged man walked forward to the stage. A momentter, he fell to his knees and bowed to the 50,000 Ethiopian citizens. The crowd began buzzing at the sight of the unusual greeting, but they seemed to understand the meaning behind it, and apuse began to sweep through the crowd. After the middle-aged man got back to his feet, he took the microphone and spoke.


    ¡°Hello everyone? Thank you. I am Youn Hyun-jin, the representative of Korea.¡±


    When the Humanitarian Cooperative for Korean War Participants was established, ex-Minister of Welfare Youn Hyun-jin was appointed as the organization¡¯s first leader.


    ¡°First, with all my heart, I would like to thank the veterans who risked their lives to protect Korea¡¯s democracy 69 years ago, the citizens who supported us, and the deceased emperor Haile Sssie.¡±


    In response, the crowd of Ethiopian citizens apuded.


    ¡°The Korean citizens and I all know that without the Ethiopian veterans, citizens, and emperor Haile Sssie, I wouldn¡¯t be standing here today. You are the reason we preserved our democracy and grew strong. We are grateful, and we are also sorry. We feel guilt foring toote. We should have thanked each veteran when they were alive, but now there are only 30 left, and we are sorry and ashamed.¡±


    Director Youn Hyun-jin seemed to choke up during his opening words, and he took a second to breathe deeply before continuing his speech.


    ¡°Korea will work with Ethiopia from now on. Ethiopia sacrificed lives to protect our nation 69 years ago. You are a blood ally. We promise aid on a national level that we will do our best to make this nation happy and a great ce to live in.¡±


    When Director Youn Hyun-jin¡¯s greeting was finished, the 30 veterans seated in the front cried tears of joy. An old veteran who left his nation at the tender age of 18 stood at the front of the crowd. He had suffered through a bitter cold he never felt, and watched as his friends died. He waved the Korean g high in the sky with his left hand, because he had lost his right hand to a gunshot wound.


    ¡°My friends who are gone, your deaths were not in vain!¡± the old veteran shouted.


    After the ceremony, the Humanitarian Cooperative for Korean War Participants spent five days meeting with investment corporations and the Ethiopian government. They formed a memorandum of understanding to promote investment between the two nations. This allowed both nations to form a business partnership with the purpose of showing gratitude towards the veterans in the Korean War.


    Policies for the Korean War veterans and their descendants:


    . A 20,000 dor payment for each veteran (10,000 dors for deceased veterans, an additional 5000 dors for injured veterans, and a monthly payment of 100 dors to surviving veterans).


    . Housing for veterans.


    . Free education and the opportunity to study abroad in Korea for up to three generations of veterans¡¯ descendants. If desired, aid would be given in seeking employment in Korea.


    . Free flights for families of veterans.


    . Amemorative building for Korean War veterans.


    Policies for the Ethiopian government:


    . Provide and exchange investment information for promoting the economy, and conduct joint research. (Establish facilities and technology for primary and secondary industries, and jointly create corporations for tertiary industries).


    . Jointly promote various industries and investments. (Build fiverge general clinics across the nation, roads that connect each state, 100 elementary schools, and 200 water filtering facilities).


    . Share investment attraction experience and dispatch experts: establish Ethiopian branches of corporations from Korea and build factories for cars, semiconductors, and other electronics. (Joint development, surveying of underground resources, and transferral of experts in medicine,w, and other fields).


    The Humanitarian Cooperative for Korean War Participants had chosen Ethiopia as their first target because of its attractiveness to foreign investors and its poption. With its 96.63 million citizens, it was the second most popted nation in Africa.


    It was also intended to restart the 5-year economic growth n dubbed ¡°Growth Transformation n.¡± The n had been finished in 2015, and a GTP 2 couldn¡¯t be enacted under the threat of war. However, the final reason for choosing Ethiopia was the special minerals that could only be mined in Ethiopia. This reason was carefully kept secret. Therefore, the Korean government used the investments and aid to gain control of development rights for as many natural resources as possible.


    * * *


    June 17th, 2019 19:30 (Ethiopia Standard Time 13:30)


    Ethiopia Addis Ababa slums.


    Two hundred children gleefully yed ser in an open park, using ser balls given to them by the Humanitarian Cooperative for Korean War Participants. Despite wearing poorly made shoes or being barefoot as they yed on the rough dirt, none of the children had sadness on their faces. Everyone was smiling brightly. The reason for their joy was simple; the 1500 cobbled-together houses of the nearby shantytown would be torn down, and arge scale housing development would be constructed to rece them. These children were descendants of the veterans from the Korean War.


    Employees from the Humanitarian Cooperative walked over to the ying children, their arms full. They were carrying snacks and candy prepared privately for the children. When one of the employees pped his hands for the children to gather, all of them stopped ying ser and gathered around. After they received the candy and snacks, their faces lit up. Some danced in delight, while others immediately tore into the food.


    Chief Oh Eun-ah from the Humanitarian Cooperative saw a little girl who was holding her snacks instead of eating them. She bent down to ask the girl a question.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡±


    The child put the snacks on the floor with wide eyes and signed towards Chief Oh Eun-ah. When Oh Eun-ah became embarrassed because she didn¡¯t know signnguage, one of the boys answered instead.


    ¡°She is going to take it back home to her sister.¡±


    ¡°Oh, how kind of you. I will give you more for your sibling as well, so you can eat them now.¡±


    When the little boy conveyed the message via signnguage, the girl carefully unwrapped the snacks and began eating.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t she speak?¡± Chief Oh Eun-ah asked the boy.


    ¡°She¡¯s been malnourished since she was little, so she can¡¯t talk. Her younger sister is too weak to leave the house.¡±


    Chief Oh Eun-ah swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked rapidly to get rid of the tears in her eyes so the children wouldn¡¯t see.


    ¡°Where do you live?¡± she asked the girl with a smile.


    When the boy tranted in signnguage for the girl, she pointed towards her house. Chief Oh Eun-ah called over another employee.


    ¡°Mr. Kang?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief Oh.¡±


    ¡°Bring a variety of snacks for her to take home.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    When Kang Hyun-ho handed the little girl a bag packed with snacks, she bowed her head repeatedly in thanks.


    This might have been the happiest that these children had been in their lives. These children had inherited suffering because of what themunist government did to their grandfathers. As the kids returned to their homes, the employees of the Humanitarian Cooperative hoped that they would be able to live better lives from now on.


    The next day, after making an official report to the Humanitarian Cooperative, Chief Oh visited the home of the girl she had met the previous day. Flies buzzed around the hut, and unwashed nkets covered a bed made of wooden nks. On top of the bed was a gaunt six-year-old girl.


    The girl¡¯s grandmother told Chief Oh that her father-inw was an officer from the emperor¡¯s personal guard. He went to fight in the Korean War in 1951, and he passed away on the eastern front when her husband was two years old. When themunist regime gained power in 1971, her husband couldn¡¯t find a job because his father had beenbeled a rebel. Therefore, he had worked as manualbor his entire life, but they were always too poor to leave the slums.


    Her eldest son died from disease, and her daughter left two children behind to work in the city, so the grandmother took care of the children herself. The eldest child lost her voice from malnutrition, and the second was too weak to walk. Chief Oh and the other employees from the Humanitarian Cooperative all had tears in their eyes again, and their hearts tightened and ached.


    When the girls¡¯ grandfather returned home after an hour, Humanitarian Cooperative told them about the various sources of aid that were avable to them. Chief Oh decided to take their six-year-old granddaughter to the hospital immediately. Also, she made notes to provide food, money, and other necessities to the family until the official reparations were paid.


    As the first stage of the New Vision Committee¡¯s n got underway, the Humanitarian Cooperative for Korean War Participants expanded their aid from Ethiopia to Columbia, the Phillippines, Thand, and South Africa.

 Chapter 57

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    June 20th, 2019 14:30


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku. Ministry of National Defense conference room.


    Three years ago, the reformative government had pushed to reim the rights of wartime control from America. Today, June 20th of 2019, was the historic day when that dream woulde true. Korea had only maintained token control over its military for thest 69 years, but now, it had entered an age of true self-defense. All American forces residing in Korea were scheduled to leave by December of this year. The American troop withdrawal had the positive impact of improving rtions with North Korea, and many press agencies were dering that a time of peace wasing to the Korean penins.


    Inside the conference room of the Ministry of National Defense, the U.S. officials and the employees from the Ministry of National Defense were in the midst of heated negotiations. The main point of contention was the final agreement to buy out U.S. military bases in Korea upon their exodus.


    ¡°One hundred million dors for each bunker? That seems way too pricey.¡±


    Manager Kang Oh-jun from the Strategic Department of the Ministry of National Defense showed concern as he spoke. Manager Kang Oh-jun had nned to push strongly from the moment he sat down at the negotiating table. Since he knew the enemy¡¯s hand, it would give him an advantage over the battle. He figured a strong offensive would be a good negotiation strategy.


    ¡°One hundred million dors is pricey? Do you know how much money was spent building them? How could you suggest that?¡± asked Colonel Alex in a persuading tone.


    Colonel Alex seemed difited by the fact that the negotiations had gone awry from the start, but he controlled his emotions.


    ¡°We know. However, we believe it would be a waste of budget to buy a bunker we don¡¯t need at an exorbitant price.¡±


    The U.S officials were taken aback by Manager Kang Oh-jun¡¯s rxed and boastful pose. They began whispering with each other. After a while, they turned back to the table.


    Colonel Robert Jackson, who was seated in the center of the American side of the table, steepled his fingers and gave a generous smile.


    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go with 200 million dors for three bunkers. Would that be satisfactory?¡±


    ¡°Two hundred million dors?¡± Manager Kang Oh-jun showed an exaggerated expression of shock and shook his head, then whispered to his fellow staff for a minute. ¡°I am sorry, but I still think the price is high.¡±


    Then he raised his index finger to the American negotiators.


    ¡°One, one hundred million dors?¡± Colonel Jackson asked.


    ¡°Oh, I think you misunderstood me. No. The final price Korea could pay is 10 million dors.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that taking things too far? This is like dealing with a swindling merchant...¡±


    ¡°As I have said before, how could you say such words when Korea is willing to buy bunkers we don¡¯t need for 120 million won in Korean currency? Honestly, the Korean government hoped it would receive these facilities free of charge. You call me a swindling merchant, but we never dreamed of America trying to make a sale to an ally even in its moment of withdrawal.¡±


    A silence fell in the room. The difference in opinion was toorge, and each party needed a moment to think.


    The U.S Armed Forces in Korea had two choices for the bunkers they were using. The first was to withdraw after demolishing them, and the second was to sell them to the Korean military. However, the first option obviously wouldn¡¯t benefit them. Why would they waste money demolishing facilities they could profit from? Therefore, the U.S military was hell-bent on selling the bunkers to the Korean military at the highest price possible. But, the negotiating wasn¡¯t easy. Their strategy was too obvious, and after a few minutes, the American party broke the silence.


    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go with 10 million dors per bunker.¡±


    Before the negotiations, the Ministry of National Defense estimated a budget of 500 million dors for building three new bunkers, excluding the price of the sites. Therefore, they had entered the negotiations prepared to pay 200 million, but thanks to Manager Kang Oh-jun¡¯s offensive tactics, they were able to gain the bunkers for almost nothing. Korea now owned the CP Tango at Cheong-gye mountain, the Oscar at Dae-gu, and the CC bunker at Yong-san, and it nned to use them as amand center for their military branches and the soon-to-be-made aerospace force. Also, the remaining budget was nned to be used on the remodeling fees.


    * * *


    June 26th, 2019 09:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku. Blue House President¡¯s office.


    As soon as the workday started, the NIS Secretary Na Bong-il hade to the President¡¯s office to have a serious conversation.


    Ten days prior, four defectors came into Korea through Thand. Following protocols, one of the agencies under the NIS had interrogated the defectors. A man named Kim Gi-hyuck gave an interesting statement, and they conducted additional investigations. They found more clues that pointed to the Pyongyang terrorist bombing from 2015.


    ¡°His name is Kim Gi-hyuck, born March 4th, 1975 in Pyongyang. His father was a high-ranking member of the Labor Party and lived the life of the elite, and he graduated from Kimcheon College in Pyongyang. Afterward, he became the director of the Chinese Foreign Business Organization, and during this time, his entire family was immediately arrested and executed. He hid in China for three years, then defected to Korea through Thand. He was the only person that made it out.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, how is he rted to the terrorist bombing?¡±


    Secretary Na Bong-il had already memorized the report, so he didn¡¯t even need to nce at it as he answered the President¡¯s question.


    ¡°The reason Kim Gi-hyuck¡¯s family was arrested and executed without any charges seems to be their cousin Kim Gi-soo, who was part of the security agency.¡±


    Secretary Na Bong-il passed the President an organized version of Kim Gi-hyuck¡¯s family tree and continued.


    ¡°Kim Gi-soo was in charge of security during the terrorist attack, and when Kim Jong-un fell into aa, all those rted to the security personnel were arrested and executed within a day. However, strangely, Kim Gi-hyuck¡¯s father called his son before being arrested and told him to flee, stating that his cousin was the suspect of the terrorist bombing. However, the official report from North Korea only says he was executed under the charge of responsibility for the security failure.¡±


    The President seemed to have trouble understanding. He ran his fingers through his hair, asking, ¡°What do you mean? Are you saying Kim Gi-soo was the real terrorist, but the North Korean government executed him on the charges of inability to maintain security?¡±


    ¡°Yes. They knew he was the perpetrator, but they lied andbeled Jang Sung-taek and his allies as terrorists and then executed them.¡±


    ¡°Why would they do that? I still don¡¯t understand. What was the conclusion the NIS came to?¡± the President asked Secretary Na Bong-il, unable to organize his thoughts.


    ¡°If we hypothesize that Kim Gi-soo is the true perpetrator of the terrorist attack, then he must have ordered the security agents to carry out the bombing. After its sess, he had them all arrested and executed to keep them silent. That is the conclusion the NIS investigative team came to.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, it does seem logical. When Kim Jong-un fell into aa, no charge would be greater, so the execution would tie up any loose ends. The heat would be on Jang Sung-taek and his allies, not the true perpetrators. The conclusion would be that the real culprit is someone who is very powerful within North Korea.¡±


    ¡°These are all assumptions based on a hypothesis, but I agree.¡±


    ¡°But we can¡¯t find the true culprit with only assumptions.¡± The President frowned.


    The NIS Secretary also pulled out another file as soon as the president finished speaking.


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°Kim Gi-soo had a younger sister named Kim Soon-hee. Luckily, during the terrorist attack, she was working in a North Korean restaurant in Shanghai, China. She fled. We have information that she is hiding in Shimcheon, China. She also made a phone call to her brother six months before he came to Korea.¡±


    ¡°Kim Gi-soo¡¯s younger sister. Do you think she knows something, Secretary Na?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s possible. A month before the terrorist bombing, Kim Gi-soo gave his sister Kim Soon-hee one million Chinese yuan for safekeeping.¡±


    ¡°One million yuan is 180 million won in Korean currency. That¡¯s arge sum.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. If Kim Gi-soo handed off such arge sum of money, then it might be a clue that could help us find the true culprit. If you would allow it, despite it being a long shot, we will send agents to China to look for Ms. Kim Soon-hee.¡±


    ¡°Unofficially?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    The President walked towards the window and thought for a while. He returned to his seat and spoke silently.


    ¡°Secretary Na, I am concerned about our agents¡¯ identities beingpromised by unforeseen circumstances.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry, sir. We will select and dispatch only elite agents.¡±


    ¡°I see. I will allow it. While you¡¯re at it, please have Ms. Kim Soon-hee return safely. Regardless of the nature of this mission, the Korean President is involved, so investigating the matter correctly and thoroughly is the government¡¯s responsibility.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I will report back as soon as we are ready.¡±


    The Korean government had formed a joint investigation unit during the Pyongyang terrorist attack and conducted a wide search in neighboring nations for two years, but it didn¡¯t find any solid evidence. The organization disbanded after North Korea¡¯s official statement. However, clues about the terrorist attack that had remained hidden for three years hade from an unexpected source.


    * * *


    October 5th, 2019 09:00


    Choongbook, Chungju-si. 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility. X-22b (Satelliteb).


    The X-22b had developed a new deep-sea satellite that it was about to start testing. This satellite wouldn¡¯t be shot into the atmosphere, but rather under the sea. It was shaped like a barrel and weighed 50 tons in total. It was durable enough to withstand pressures at up to 10,000m in depth, and it was equipped with a superprotonic sonar IUSW-BL-01 system that could detect 5,000 objects in a 250km radius at once. For weaponry, it had a SUSL guided torpedo, called a ¡°Trident,¡± with a 150km range. It had six rounds and four barrels that wouldn¡¯t be affected by Torpedo Acoustic Countermeasure systems.


    This satellite was to be named Poseidon, and it was nned to be initially deployed in the Sea of Japan, the Yellow Sea, and the East China Sea in 2020. Once the Dae-gu Oscar bunker was finished being remodeled as the Navy¡¯s center ofmand and undersea satellite operation, two additional units would be deployed at each location by 2023.

 Chapter 58

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    October 7th, 2019 17:00 (China Standard Time 16:00)


    China, Chong-qing.


    Ji Dong-chul and Park Gi-oong began their search for Kim Soon-hee by getting in contact with a defector guide. He told them that a year ago, Kim Soon-hee received a phone call from her brother warning her of the impending arrests. She tried to defect to Korea by traveling through Thand, but one day, she vanished. There was a rumor that she had been sold to a human trafficking ring in Chong-qing. Therefore, Ji Dong-chul and Park Gi-oong hade to Chong-qing in July and begun searching high and low for Kim Soon-hee.


    ¡°Manager Ji, this job sucks. Let¡¯s take a break,¡± Agent Park Gi-oong said tiredly.


    He had spent the entire day trudging through alleys in Chong-qing looking for clues. He made a face that showed he couldn¡¯t go on any further and plopped down on a small wooden chair in the alley.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m tired too, okay? Let¡¯s just finish checking this alley, then we can rest back in our rooms! So hurry up and follow me.¡±


    ¡°Oh God, fine. I can¡¯t believe foreign intelligence agents are looking for a person in such an unsophisticated manner. That¡¯s my life... Hey, wait up!¡±


    Park Gi-oong hauled himself up and ran after Ji Dong-chul.


    After an hour, Ji Dong-chul and Park Gi-oong returned to their shoddy lodgings empty-handed andid down on the bed. They had spent a month in Chong-qing, the hottest ce in China. Despite their lodging being full of cockroaches, the two men seemed to have adjusted well enough, and their room had be a ce of refuge within the city. Park Gi-oong, who was staring at the ceiling, remembered something. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a flier he had gotten on the street. It was covered with pictures of voluptuous women and some other things, but from his instincts as a man, he could tell that this was one of those massage ces that people went to for other motives...


    ¡°Damn, she¡¯s hot. They¡¯re almost better than the Japanese porn stars.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°This.¡± Park Gi-oong handed over the pamphlet. ¡°I got it from an olddy this morning, and it seems like it¡¯s for massages.¡±


    Manager Ji Dong-chul pped his forehead with a sudden jolt.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°What sort of ces did we cover in our search?¡±


    ¡°Whorehouses, adult massage parlors, and karaoke bars.¡±


    ¡°Right. But there was something that we overlooked.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Manager Ji stood up from the bed and snatched the flier from Park¡¯s hand. He smiled.


    ¡°Call-in massages.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, we did forget them, didn¡¯t we? How did I get the flier and not think of that?¡±


    ¡°Agent Park, that is the difference between a veteran and an amateur.¡±


    ¡°I have been working here for four years, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    Ji Dong-chul called the number on the flier, posing as a Korean who hade to China on a business trip. He requested a girl who could speak Korean, then hung up.


    ¡°Now let¡¯s wait.¡±


    Thirty minutes passed before there was a knock on their door.


    Knock, knock, knock.


    Ji Dong-chul opened the door. Outside were two decent-looking women in revealing clothes. Two rough-looking men with short hair stood behind the women with crossed arms. They looked at Ji Dong-chul, and one of the men said something to the two women before they went downstairs.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    The two women came in and stood awkwardly. Park Gi-oong, who was sitting on the bed, motioned to one of the women toe over.


    ¡°Hello.¡± The woman must have been an ethnic Korean in China, and she spoke in a Yianbian ent.


    ¡°Oh, you can speak Korean, not Josen?¡± asked Park Gi-oong, referencing a dialectmon in North Korea.


    ¡°Yes. I am an ethnic South Korean in China.¡±


    ¡°What about her?¡± Park Gi-oong pointed to the woman in the red dress, and the South Korean woman turned around and started to answer.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything unnecessary,¡± thedy in the red dress said suddenly.


    Ji Dong-chul¡¯s eyes glittered for a moment and his gaze became fixed on her. Her ent was more North Korean than South. Ji Dong-chul came closer to her and spoke.


    ¡°Are you also from South Korea? Hello.¡±


    Ji Dong-chul acted first. He believed the women would only let their guard down if they were confident that he was an ethnic Korean as well.


    ¡°What are our options for services?¡± Park Gi-oong asked.


    ¡°You get an hour and a half, and it¡¯s 800 yuan per person,¡± the ethnic Korean woman answered. ¡°A special massage is also avable during our normal session.¡±


    ¡°Special massage?¡±


    ¡°My god, you know. Men and women together.¡±


    ¡°Ah ha ha, that kind of special massage?¡±


    ¡°Why are you being so coy and making me blush when you already know?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t need a special massage, so just give us the normal one. We will give you a generous tip.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Oppa.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since someone called me Oppa,¡± Park Gi-oong murmured in a pleased voice. He handed the woman a 100 yuan bill from his wallet and plopped down on the bed.


    ¡°You shouldy down on the bed as well,¡± thedy in the red dress said to Ji Dong-chul.


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡± Ji Dong-chul also pulled out a 100 yuan bill from his wallet and handed it to thedy in the red dress.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    The ethnic Korean woman stopped massaging and turned to the other woman in annoyance. ¡°Kyung-hee, the Oppa is giving you the money, so take it. What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Ah, your name is Kyung-hee? It¡¯s fine. Take it.¡±


    Kyung-hee must have felt eased by Ji Dong-chul¡¯s kind tone. She took the money with both her hands and bowed.


    ¡°Thank you. I will spend it well.¡±


    After an hour, the massage wasing to an end.


    ¡°Hey, miss,¡± Ji Dong-chul said carefully.


    ¡°What?¡± Kyung-hee asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re from the North, right?¡± Ji Dong-chul asked.


    ¡°What? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Don¡¯t ask about stuff like that.¡±


    ¡°Actually, we are searching for someone from the North called Kim Soon-hee. To take her back to Korea with us.¡±


    Ji Dong-chul was speaking in a soft voice to keep the ethnic Korean woman from overhearing. Thedy called Kyung-hee was taken aback, and she kept massaging him without saying anything.


    When it was time for them to leave, Kyung-hee came up to Ji Dong-chul and whispered shortly to him, ¡°Oppa, please call me again.¡±


    A momentter, a knock came from the door. It was the rough-looking men. The twodies took the money and left the room.


    The door closed and Park Gi-oong asked, ¡°Manager, did you get any clues?¡±


    ¡°Luckily, I think so.¡±


    <hr />


    October 8th, 2019 10:00


    Jeonbook, Gunsan-si. Hyunwoong shipbuilding yard.


    At the shipbuilding yard of Hyunwoong Heavy Industries, aunching ceremony was being held for the three King Sejong ss KD-3A ships: number four King Tae-jo, number five King Tae-jong, and number six King Sung-jong. The ceremony had originally been nned for mid-June, but due to additional equipment instation, finishing the ships had taken four months longer than expected.


    The three King Sejong ships would be officially deployed after six months of testing, and they would rece the three King Gwang-gae ss ships that were currently protecting the three seas. Following the first stage of the Naval Reinforcement n, the three King Sejong ss ships and the six Yi Sun-shin ss ships, which were originally under the 7th Mobile Warfare Force, would be divided evenly between the Sea of Japan, the Yellow Sea, and the East China Sea. The six King Gwang-hae ss Hoc destroyers were to be officially deployed in October of 2020 in the 7th Mobile Warfare Force. Lastly, seven 6,000t discement submarines were nned to be officially deployed as well. That elevation of Korea¡¯s submarine-capability would close the first stages of the n.


    When the first part of the 2020 Naval Reinforcement n wasplete, the naval forces in each of the three seas would be reformed and consist of one KD-3A Aegis destroyer, one KD-3 Aegis destroyer, two KD-2 Antiair destroyers, and one KD-1 Antiair destroyer. Once the fleet had strong enough antiair capabilities to strike down ballistic missiles, they would officially be a full naval force.


    Also, once the six KD-4 Hoc destroyers were equipped with Hoc systems, they would be unmatched within their ss in Northeast Asia.


    The Korean navy didn¡¯t stop there, though. The second stage of the Naval Reinforcement n was designed to achieve naval supremacy within Northeast Asia. It called for the secret construction of battleships, salvage ships, and even aircraft carriers.


    Also, the interior docks of the Ulsan Hyunwoong Heavy Industries held a partially-constructed KCX-1 Hoc cruiser. Construction had begun on January 10th under heavy security, and the ship was intended to be deployed by February of 2021.


    Discement: 15,100t (load discement: 18,500t)


    Length: 235.5m


    Width: 24.6m


    Draft: 8.8m


    Output: 4x sma superprotonic Mod-D engines


    Speed: 60 knots


    Range: 30 years, unlimited


    Crew capacity: 220


    Weaponry:


    48 multipleunch rocket K-VLS2 *2


    Haegoong Missile: (GTAS- 150 Surface to Air missile) Range 200km, Mach 6


    68 multipleunch rocket K-VLS3 *2


    Haechun Dragon Missile: (GTAS- 300 Surface to Air missile) Range 420km, Mach 10


    48 multipleunch rocket K-VLS2 *3


    Chun Dragon A Missile: (Surface to Land cruise missile) Range 5,200km, Mach 3.5


    Redshark A Torpedo: (Ship to Submarine missile) Range 105km, Underwater 120 knots


    Haesung A Missile: (Ship to Ship cruise missile) Range 250km, Mach 3.5


    36 multipleunch rocket K-VLS4B *1


    Abaris (SSM-1000K Ship to Ship supersonic cruise missile) Range 450km, Mach 8


    36 multipleunch rocket K-VLS4B *1


    Trianna (S-SSM-500S ballistic strike missile) Range 12,000km, Mach 40


    6 multipleunch rocket (3X2) *2


    Mjolnir-PIP(Surface to Land CLBM missile) Range 15,000km, Mach 45


    8 multipleunch rocket torpedounchpad *2


    S-SSSFM-500B Trident (Ship to Submarine supercavitating flow torpedo) Range 150km, 660 knots


    Last shot 22mmser, Vulcan Beam *6


    16 multipleunch rockets


    Shield-M2*4 (Short range Surface to Air missile) range 50km, Mach 6


    100mm Squire K-2 two-barrel cannon, range 250km (High-density sma cluster rounds)


    Radar: Photon multi-area Hoc B.L. 2.0 radar


    Sonar: Supersonic-02MP Underground sonar / KSQR-1000K towed array sonar


    Electronic Warfare: KSLQ-1000(v)K Sonata/ KSLQ-201K SECM, / IC system


    Aerial equipment: Two MH-101 Surion II Antisubmarine choppers, one reconnaissance drone (Falcon eye)


    <hr />


    October 9th, 2019 15:00


    North Korea, Pyongyang. National Defense Board Vice Chairman¡¯s official residence.


    Six men were gathered in Vice Chairman Lee Byung-chul¡¯s official residence.


    ¡°Are preparations going well?¡± asked Vice-Chairman Lee from his couch in the middle of the room. He pulled deeply from a cigar and exhaled the smoke in a stream.


    ¡°Yes, we are preparing. But, the way things are going these days isn¡¯t...¡± Park Young-sik, the Minister of the People¡¯s Armed Forces, drifted to a stop.


    ¡°What do you mean? What happened?¡±


    ¡°The thing fromst time. After that North/Southmittee meeting, our poption¡¯s living conditions have improved, and the people are beginning to talk about peace. Our men are being swayed by this as well.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I will take care of it. Something will happen soon, so put your troubles out of your mind and work hard.¡±


    ¡°All right, Comrade Lee Byung-chul.¡±


    ¡°Is there any news from you?¡± Vice-Chairman Lee turned and shouted to a man sitting on the right side of the room.


    Minister Kim Won-heung, from the Ministry of the People¡¯s Safety, sat up a little straighter and answered loudly, ¡°I have no words, sir. I am searching through the entire area of China, but we still haven¡¯t found them.¡±


    ¡°Is that supposed to be an answer? It has been three years. Three years! Three years have passed searching for that traitor! Do you realize that?¡±


    Minister Kim Won-heung was the equivalent of an NIS Secretary in Korea, but all he could do was wipe the sweat from his hands on his trousers and stare nkly at the floor. A momentter, Vice-Chairman Lee stopped shouting long enough for Minister Kim Won-heung to answer.


    ¡°We have received intel that the traitor Kim Gi-hyuck has defected to South Korea through the intelligence agency,¡± he said, his voice as quiet as the p of a mosquito¡¯s wing.


    ¡°You son of a b*tch, why did you wait until now to mention that?¡± Lee Byung-chul demanded, lifting the ashtray in front of him in rage.


    Kim Won-heung covered his face with his hands instinctively and spoke urgently. ¡°But we have also learned that the traitor Kim Soon-hee is in Chong-qing China, and our agents are searching for her. If you give use more time, we will take care of her.¡±


    Lee Byung-chul lowered the ashtray and hissed, ¡°Minister Kim Won-heung?¡±


    ¡°Yes,rade Lee Byung-chul.¡±


    ¡°In the event that she defects to South Korea, you and your entire family will be executed. Do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I will take care of her as soon as we find her.¡±


    ¡°Everyone else, listen up. There isn¡¯t much time left. Especially for you, General Manager of Staff Ahn Gang-un. You must handle the military leaders well. I will give you as much financial aid as you need.¡±


    ¡°I understand, I will take care of them.¡±


    Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul was the puppet-master behind the scenes in North Korea. He had sided with First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jong after the terrorist attack in Pyongyang, and he won the fight for power after branding the higher-level party members as traitors and putting his allies in their ces. Most of his power came from the three ministries with thergest influence: the North Korean Police, the Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces, and the Ministry of the People¡¯s Safety were all in Lee Byung-chul¡¯s hands.

 Chapter 59

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    October 10th, 2019 20:00 (China Standard Time 19:00)


    China, Chong-qing. Lodgings.


    Ji Dong-chul and Park Gi-oong waited three days before they called the massage service again. They didn¡¯t want to draw any attention from the pimps by calling too soon.


    ¡°These a**holes seem to think that they¡¯re great businessmen,¡± Ji Dong-chul swore as he hung up the phone.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°There is an additional fee if you call the same girl multiple times.¡±


    ¡°What? They charge more when they should give a discount for being a regr? Their sales tactics are low,¡± Park Gi-oong grumbled.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Anyway, good luck in there,¡± his partner chuckled.


    ¡°Do I really have to?¡±


    Ji Dong-chul had set up the service so the ethnic Korean woman would give Agent Park the special massage in the next room over. That way, Ji Dong-chul could speak privately with Kyung-hee, the North Korean woman.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d like it.¡±


    ¡°What? When we return to Korea, my girlfriend will kill me!¡±


    ¡°Then just get a massage in the next room.¡±


    Time passed as they joked around, and a knock came from the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Park Gi-oong said in a rxed voice. This wasn¡¯t his first time. He lightly embraced the ethnic Korean woman and whispered in her ear, ¡°Today I want something special... So I booked the room next door.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Really? Do you know how much the special costs?¡±


    ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s 900 yuan for the standard massage and an additional 2000 yuan for the special, so the total is 2900 yuan.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that pricey. Let¡¯s go to the other room.¡± Park Gi-oong left for the room next door with the ethnic Korean woman.


    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Manager Ji said gently.


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Kyung-hee sat on the edge of Ji Dong-chul¡¯s bed, her eyes darting around uneasily.


    ¡°Rx. We aren¡¯t bad people. We are here to take Ms. Kim Soon-hee safely back to Korea.¡±


    ¡°Why are you trying to take Sister Soon-hee back to Korea?¡±


    Ji Dong-chul thought about how to answer for a moment beforeing up with a decent excuse.


    ¡°She has an older cousin who already seeded in defecting. We are here at his request.¡±


    ¡°Soon-hee told me about her cousin. Are you guys Korean police?¡±


    ¡°No, we are employees of a private investigation firm. Think of us as guys who take care of difficult jobs that others cannot.¡±


    ¡°All right. I understand.¡±


    Ji Dong-chul spoke with Kyung-hee for over an hour and learned more about what had happened to Kim Soon-hee.


    Nine months ago, after Kim Soon-hee talked to her cousin, she took a car headed to Thand. Partway there, however, a Chinese man threatened to alert the authorities. Her money was stolen, and she was sold off to human traffickers in Chong-qing. In the months that followed, she went through such great mental and physical suffering that she became bedridden and unable to work. Now, she was in danger of being sold off to the countryside in the mountains at any time.


    After the two women left, Ji Dong-chul and Park Gi-oong sat down to develop a n. They soon had headaches from trying to figure out how to rescue Kim Soon-hee.


    ¡°If we were in Korea, it would be a different story, but how will we rescue her from a Chinese gang¡¯s hideout? Should we ask for backup?¡±


    Ji Dong-chul was rubbing his temples with his head down. He shook his head when Park Gi-oong mentioned requesting backup.


    ¡°There¡¯s no time. What if she gets sold off while we wait for the other agents to show up?¡±


    ¡°Then it seems that we have no choice.¡± Park Gi-oong had been wracking his brain for ideas, but he could only think of one option. ¡°Sir, can we use a frontal assault to break her out? I¡¯ll take on five guys.¡±


    ¡°Then I have to deal with the rest of them? Kyung-hee said there are always at least 20 men standing by there!¡±


    ¡°Then I will take seven, and you take the other 13. You can do that since you¡¯re my superior, right?¡±


    ¡°Screw you.¡±


    Ji Dong-chul wasn¡¯ting up with any bright ideas either, though. If they had been in Korea, then they would have possessed far more resources for solving the problem, but this was China. They were working unofficially as intel agents, so there were no easy solutions to their problem. After another minute of thought, Ji Dong-chul resigned himself to a simple frontal assault, as Park Gi-oong had suggested.


    ¡°All right Agent Park, let¡¯s rescue her as you said. When we have safely left the city, we¡¯ll call for back up.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    When it was decided, Ji Dong-chul took out the flier with the massage parlor¡¯s address and opened a map. While he spent some time memorizing escape routes from their lodging, he couldn¡¯t get the woman named Kyung-hee off his mind.


    ¡°Agent Park.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Thatdy named Kyung-hee.¡±


    ¡°What about her?¡±


    ¡°That woman is also a defector from North Korea. Shouldn¡¯t we take her with us?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be more difficult to free two women instead of one? But if you decide to do so sir, I will follow your orders no matter what.¡±


    * * *


    October 11th, 2019 21:00 (China Standard Time 20:00)


    Ji Dong-chul called the massage parlor on the day of their operation, and the receptionist again exined that there was an additional fee for requesting the same girl. Since thedies were out on another call, the receptionist said that she would send two other girls. Ji Dong-chul told her that he could wait, however, and made a reservation for 11:00pm.


    Time passed, and when the clock hit eleven, the two women arrived. Park Gi-oong once again took the ethnic Korean woman to the room next door.


    ¡°Ms. Kyung-hee, we will start the operation today.¡±


    ¡°Today?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Would you like to go to Korea as well, Ms. Kyung-hee? We can help you if you want us to.¡±


    ¡°I want to. Can you really do that for me?¡±


    ¡°We need you to trust us and follow our instructions.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. I will never forget this.¡±


    Ji Dong-chul opened the map and began exining their n.


    ¡°Listen to me carefully.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°When you return to your office, it will be 2:00 am. We will go to a ce 50m away from your office. When you arrive, tell Ms. Kim Soon-hee that her cousin has sent people from Korea to pick her up. Pack your bags lightly. If you get assigned another call, just say you are sick and stay in.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°My friend in the room next door will enter your office at around 2:30. If you hear loud noises from outside, then take the bags you prepared and leave. We have a vehicle standing by here,¡± Manager Ji pointed at a particr spot on the map. ¡°You will meet us here, and here only. Do you understand?¡¯


    Ji Dong-chul met her eyes as he finished his exnations. Kyung-hee seemed to have understood, and she nodded.


    * * *


    October 12th, 2019 02:10 (China Standard Time 01:00)


    China, Chong-qing. Massage parlor office.


    Ji Dong-chul looked at his watch. It was 02:10, fifteen minutes after Ms. Kyung-hee had entered the lodgings area. When he decided that she¡¯d had enough time to deliver the message to Kim Soon-hee and pack their bags, he signed towards Park Gi-oong, who was watching intently.


    ¡°Operation is a go.¡±


    ¡°Trust me sir.¡±


    Park Gi-oong ced both his hands in his pockets and stumbled towards the building as if he was drunk. When he arrived at the building, he kicked the door as if to break it down.


    m!


    The loud noise echoed through the building, and many men who looked like gangsters ran to the door.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±


    ¡°Who am I? I¡¯m a person.¡± Agent Park burped.


    ¡°This b*stard... If you¡¯re going to be drunk, why don¡¯t you go home instead of making a scene? Do you want to be taught a lesson?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business whether I stay quiet or make a scene! You b*stards...¡±


    The short man in front of the group threw a punch at Park Gi-oong. The agent leaned to the side a bit and pretended to be hit.


    ¡°Oh God, these guys are hitting people?¡±


    The punch didn¡¯t hurt very much since he moved with the attack, but Park Gi-oong fell to his side. When he started to stand back up, arger man tried to kick his face.


    Park Gi-oong knew he might be killed if he was hit directly, so he turned his body to the side to avoid the attack. He grabbed a rock from the ground and threw it at a nearby window.


    Smash!


    ¡°Why you!¡±


    When the window broke, the Chinese gangsters all lunged at Park Gi-oong. A Hollywood-style five-on-one fight was about to begin. Then Agent Park turned and began running away in the opposite direction.


    ¡°Get that b*stard!¡±


    Park Gi-oong ran along therge street and made a sharp right turn into a small alleyway. When the Chinese gangsters were about to follow him into the alley, something flew out of the shadow of the dark wall and hit one of the gangsters in the face. The man copsed, and the others stopped in their tracks. A momentter, Ji Dong-chul and Park Gi-oong blocked both ends of the alley, and the four remaining gangsters stood there in awkward surprise.


    ¡°Agent Park, you only drew out five of them. What were you doing?¡±


    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t follow me! What did you expect me to do?¡±


    ¡°Fine. We take care of two each, then continue to the second stage of the n.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll start.¡±


    Park Gi-oong used his left foot to kick the short gangster who had punched him. The short man was actually rather skilled. He lowered himself to avoid the attack, but then caught Park Gi-oong¡¯s roundhouseing the other way. He fell to the ground, spewing teeth like corn kernels from his mouth. Agent Park immediately jumped and mmed a knee into the man standing awkwardly to his left. In an instant, both men were down.


    ¡°I¡¯m finished.¡± Park Gi-oong shrugged his shoulders at Ji Dong-chul, who hadn¡¯t yet thrown his first punch.


    ¡°Good for you.¡±


    Ji Dong-chul gave the closest gangster to him the old one-two, mming fists into his face and neck. As the first man dropped, he grabbed the second man by the arm and threw him onto the concrete ground.


    Smack!


    The second man hit the ground head first and passed out.


    ¡°All right, nice.¡±


    Manager Ji shrugged nonchntly and signaled that they should move ahead.


    * * *


    October 12th, 2019 02:25 (China Standard Time 01:25)


    China, Chong-qing. Massage parlor office.


    When the six men on the upper floor of the massage parlor heard their door being kicked in, they quickly ran downstairs.


    ¡°Where did the guys from the first floor go?¡± shouted a bald man who seemed to be the boss. When they reached the ground floor, they found no one there.


    ¡°They¡¯re taking a nap,¡± Agent Park said smoothly, lifting his hand to scratch the back of his head. The five men threw themselves at Park Gi-oong and Ji Dong-chul. Park Gi-oong hit the first one square in the jaw with a kick, then blocked another man¡¯s punch with his right arm and grabbed the man¡¯s neck to throw him to the ground.


    Ji Dong-chul danced backward around a stream of punches, thenshed forward to strike a man¡¯s stomach, chest, and jaw. He ducked down to dodge a kicking from his left, then dropped into a low spin kick to trip the others. He mmed a knee into the final man¡¯s stomach.


    ¡°Oof!¡±


    The impact of Ji Dong-chul¡¯s knee sent the man rolling across the floor, hands folded over his stomach in pain. When the bald boss saw that four of his men had already fallen, he signaled the man standing behind him. It was the short-haired man they had seen before. He nodded to his bald boss and ran back up the stairs.


    ¡°There¡¯s no time. Let¡¯s finish them off,¡± said Ji Dong-chul.


    When Park Gi-oong stepped forward, the bald man pulled out something from his waist. It was a sashimi knife that was 40cm in length. Park Gi-oong cracked his neck a couple of times and grinned.


    ¡°Do Chinese gangsters use sashimi knives like the Japanese these days? Fine. Come at me.¡±


    Park Gi-oong dodged the horizontal swings of the knife, waiting for an opening. It came an instantter, and he kicked the man¡¯s knifehand. Then he kicked with the opposite foot, catching the bald man in the side of the head. He was about to kick the man again when 10 men with hatchets and knives ran down the stairs.


    ¡°This is going to be tough, don¡¯t you think?¡± Ji Dong-chul said through gritted teeth as the men surrounded them. ¡°Agent Park! Look out.¡±


    ¡°I am worried more about you, Manager...¡±


    Before they could finish speaking, the 10 gangsters with sharpened hatchets and knives all ran towards them at once.

 Chapter 60

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    October 12th, 2019 03:40 (China Standard Time 02:40)


    China, Chong-qing. Massage parlor office.


    Ten minutester, the floor was covered with groaning gangsters. The bald boss was passed out in the corner, his face beaten to a pulp.


    ¡°Are you alright? Can you walk?¡± Park Gi-oong seemed to have taken a few cuts, and his thighs and stomach were bleeding heavily as he sat on the stairs.


    ¡°I can walk. How about you, sir? Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Besides the cut on my left arm, I don¡¯t have any serious injuries. Let¡¯s take Ms. Kim Soon-hee and Kyung-hee and get out of here before the police arrive.¡±


    The two women, who were hiding on the second floor, must have figured from the silence that themotion was over. They carefully came down the stairs.


    ¡°This is Kim Soon-hee,¡± Kyung-hee said, introducing an obviously frail woman.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Kim Soon-hee.¡±


    ¡°Did my cousin really send you?¡±


    ¡°Yes. We can talk about the detailster, but we have to get out of here before the police or more gang members arrive. Let¡¯s go, Agent Park.¡±


    Ji Dong-chul¡¯s group exited the building and entered their vehicle just as police cars appeared, driving toward them.


    * * *


    October 13th, 2019 11:50 (China Standard Time 10:50)


    China, Shanghai. Fu-dong shipbuilding yard.


    Head of State Xi-Jin-Ping, Vice Head of State Li-Wui-An-Chao, Prime Minister Jang-Gao-Li, Vice Prime Minister Ma-Kai, Chief Secretary Fu-Di-Fu-Chao, and many other major members of the Chinese government and military had gathered at the Shanghai Fu-dong shipbuilding yard. The men had gathered to attend theunching of the first mid-sized aircraft carrier (discement of 70,000t) that was made purely with Chinese technology.


    China¡¯s Ministry of National Defense revealed the two Chinese-made aircraft carriers, one built in Beijing and one built in Shanghai, seven years after the deployment of the Lao-Ning aircraft carrier in 2012. China¡¯s navy projected that the addition of aircraft carriers would greatly increase their capacity to carry out naval missions. They would now be capable of operating more efficiently for the nation¡¯s safety, development, and profits.


    China also revealed that they nned to build two additional aircraft carriers that would be added to the four craft already based on the Lao-Ning aircraft carrier. The two carriers would be stationed in the East and South, and ns had already been made to build three more aircraft carriers. China clearly had no intention of backing down from the territorial disputes over the South China Sea, and it also intended to im naval supremacy over the Pacific. The U.S, the only contender against China, seemed unconcerned by China¡¯s actions.


    Theunching ceremony proceeded with Head of State Xi-Jing-Ping in the center. Two brand-new J-20 stealth fighter jets roared across the sky, spewing white smoke. The camera that briefly panned to Xi-Jing-Ping¡¯s face showed him to be full of confidence. Then the video showed a montage of China¡¯s rapid development to reach the status of a G2 nation. China had the makings of a major military power, and various media outlets predicted that a new world order would soon be formed.


    * * *


    October 13th, 2019 12:00 (China Standard Time 11:00)


    China, Fu-nan suburb. A low-ss hotel.


    Ji Dong-chul¡¯s party had left Chong-qing two days ago and arrived at Fu-nan. They had hunkered down at a motel in the suburbs to wait for backup to arrive. They had originally nned to go to the embassy in Shanghai, but Park Gi-oong¡¯s injuries were too severe to travel any further, so the destination changed to Fu-nan.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Kyung-hee, who was actually named Lee Eun-ah, had been nursing him since they arrived. Park Gi-oong had 20 stitches in his thighs and 10 across his stomach. He was a mess, but his mind was still active.


    ¡°It won¡¯t kill me. Don¡¯t worry. Please take care of Ms. Kim Soon-hee instead.¡±


    Traveling in a car for a long time had left her even weaker, and she was having difficulty gathering her strength.


    ¡°She¡¯s better than she was yesterday, at least.¡±


    A momentter, Manager Ji Dong-chul returned from his outing, carrying sacks of food in both hands.


    ¡°What¡¯s it like on the outside?¡±


    ¡°Luckily, it seems to be quiet. We¡¯re some distance from any densely-popted urban centers. How are you though?¡±


    ¡°My body is made of steel! Do you really think it will be broken by light wounds?¡±


    ¡°Stop boasting. When Unit 2 arrives tomorrow night, you¡¯ll be done with this mission. You can recover at the Shanghai embassy, then return to home after that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°What if you cause problems for the mission?¡±


    ¡°Are you concerned about the mission or about me?¡±


    ¡°Stopining and do as I say.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    October 13th, 2019 12:00


    North Korea, Pyongyang. National Security Department, Director¡¯s office.


    Kim Won-heung from the National Security Department answered the phone with a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°We were one step behind,¡± said the voice on the phone. ¡°Three days ago, two men speaking Korean caused a scene and escaped with Kim Soon-hee.¡±


    When he heard that, Kim Won-heung stood up from his chair and shouted, ¡°So? You¡¯ve lost them?¡±


    ¡°I have no words. But we¡¯ve bribed some of the police officials, so when we find a clue, we can start tailing them.¡±


    ¡°Listen to me,rade. If we lose that b*tch, then both of our lives are over! Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I know.¡±


    ¡°You must take care of them.¡± Kim Won-heung almost threw the receiver to hang up the phone. He stood there for a moment to think.


    ¡°Those men speaking Korean, were they human traffickers? Or the South Koreans, perhaps? If they are, then why?¡± he thought.


    He couldn¡¯te up with an answer. He stood still, forcing himself to breathe deeply as he stared at the ceiling.


    * * *


    October 13th, 2019 13:30 (China Standard Time 12:30)


    China, Chong-qing. An old building.


    Captain Oh Ji-wan of the First Foreign Operations Unit finished his phone call with Kim Won-heung and shook his head. Then he began looking at the photographs of the CCTV footage from the Chinese police. The quality of the photos wasn¡¯t great, but he could make out the vehicle¡¯s tes.


    ¡°Captain Oh Ji-wanrade, I found it,¡± said Unit Leader Kang Tae-woo. After spending hours scouring the CCTV footage that the Chinese police had handed over, he had finally found the route of their prey.


    ¡°The b*stards left the highway via the Fu-nan toll area.¡±


    ¡°Fu-nan? They didn¡¯t go very far. Send units one and three to Fu-nan immediately. Also, bribe all the police there for whatever CCTV footage they have.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 20 men of the First Foreign Operations Unit packed up to move to Fu-nan immediately, and the ck sedan carrying Oh Ji-wan also got on the highway.


    * * *


    October 14th, 2019 19:30 (China Standard Time 18:30)


    China, Fu-nan suburbs. B-ss hotel.


    ¡°Good work, Manager Ji.¡±


    Manager Kim Hyun-joon from the NIS First Foreign Intelligence Unit entered the hotel room, surrounded by South Korean agents. They exchanged greetings with the two men in the hotel room, whom they hadn¡¯t seen for a long time.


    ¡°You came in person, sir?¡±


    ¡°The Director ordered us to finish the job ourselves. Great work.¡±


    ¡°Wee, sir.¡±


    ¡°You are hurt severely. You¡¯ve been working hard,¡± Manager Kim said, turning to Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°No, sir. It¡¯s a slight injury, nothing more.¡±


    Manager Kim Hyun-joon looked at Park Gi-oong on the bed with a sad look on his face. Then he turned to face the two women standing on his left.


    ¡°This is Ms. Kim Soon-hee, and thedy standing next to her is also a North Korean defector, so we brought her along as well,¡± Manager Ji exined.


    ¡°Is that so? Hello. I am agent Kim Hyun-joon from the NIS. We will guide you safely back to Korea.¡±


    ¡°Tha¨Cthank you.¡± The two women bowed their heads repeatedly to express gratitude.


    Kim Hyun-joon bowed in response, then began giving orders. They were short on time.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head out. Team two will escort the twodies and Agent Park, while team one will act as bodyguards. Since you are also wounded, Team Leader Ji, stay close to me and don¡¯t do anything reckless.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    October 14th, 2019 19:40 (China Standard Time 18:40)


    China, Fu-nan suburb. B-ss hotel parking lot.


    As the NIS agents were getting into the two vans, others vans swerved into the parking lot entrance. It was Oh Ji-wan and his men from the First Foreign Operations Unit.


    Screeech!


    The three vans parked haphazardly, and a dozen men in ck suits jumped out and pulled weapons from their hips.


    ¡°What the...?¡±


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Gunshots rang out in the parking lot, punching bullet holes in the NIS vans. A shot hit thest agent¡¯s arm as he got into the car.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    ¡°Hyuck-soo! Take my hand.¡± Team two¡¯s leader Lee Won-ho grabbed the stumbling agent by the arm and pulled him in.


    ¡°Step on it!¡±


    The two vans took off amidst the barrage of bullets, mmed into the two parked vans, and barreled through the entrance of the underground parking lot. As the van carrying Kim Soon-hee and Park Gi-oong left the parking lot, the second van spun sideways to block the exit.


    ¡°We will hold them off here!¡± Manager Kim Hyun-joon shouted.


    The agents began to jump out of the van from the right door. A firefight was about to begin in the middle of a road. If the Chinese police got involved, then the unofficial activities would be revealed, and taking Kim Soon-hee safely back to Korea would be much more difficult.


    ¡°Those b*stards, they blocked the entrance! Charge them head-on!¡±


    On Oh Ji-wan¡¯smand, one of the North Korean vans elerated toward the van blocking the exit.


    ¡°Open fire!¡± Manager Kim Hyun-joon shouted.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    When the elerating van was about to m into the stationary one, the driver¡¯s chest began spewing red blood. The van swerved sharply to the side and rolled over. The NIS agents began firing their pistols at the Foreign Operations agents climbing out of the overturned van.


    ¡°Damn it! Unit two will run to the overturned van, while units one and three will cover you. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Also, Kang Tae-woo, you will take two agents from unit one up the stairs and hit those b*stards from the rear. All right?¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡± Kang Tae-woo took two agents with him and ran down the stairs.


    ¡°Unit two, are you ready?¡±


    ¡°We are ready.¡±


    ¡°Start running when we start shooting for cover.¡±


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    When the NIS agents took cover from the collective gunshots, eight men in ck clothes sprinted to the overturned van. The NIS agents reloaded their guns, took deep breaths, and began shooting back.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Ugh! Ahh!


    Only two agents arrived at the van safely, while the other six fell under the hail of gunfire. One of the NIS agents caught return-fire and dropped.


    The two groups paused for a split second, staring across the distance at each other. Then gunshots came from the rear.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Kang Tae-woo and two other Foreign Operations agents had infiltrated from the stairs. The NIS agents had been so aggressive in holding off the pursuers that they hadn¡¯t secured their rear. Manager Kim Hyun-joon, Team Leader Ji Dong-chul, and the other agents all turned around and fired back, but they had no cover. After thest of them fell, the gunshots halted.


    ¡°Captain Ohrade, we took them all out,¡± Kang Tae-woo reported over the radio, looking at his own agents who were on the ground. In the distance, the Chinese police sirens could be heard. They were getting louder.


    ¡°Damn it, it¡¯s toote for us to give chase. Let¡¯s retreat for now. If we get arrested by the Chinese police, our superiors will be very upset. Take our agents¡¯ bodies and let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

 Chapter 61

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    October 14th, 2019 18:30 (China Standard Time 17:30)


    China, a highway connected to Shanghai.


    ¡°Damn it, they¡¯re not responding!¡± Team Leader Lee Won-ho bellowed as he gripped his Chinese phone tightly. Park Gi-oong, who was sitting in the back seat, saw Lee Won-ho¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°Team Leader Lee, are you having trouble contacting unit one?¡± Agent Park asked anxiously.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t responding. We are now under condition ss One. Everyone destroy and dispose of your cell phones.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think they got taken out, do you?¡± Agent Youn Tae-jin muttered in a worried tone from his ce in the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Stop jinxing us, would you?¡± Park Gi-oong shouted back.


    ¡°Rx, Agent Park. The Manager and Team Leader Ji aren¡¯t men who would go down easily. We have to head to the Shanghai embassy. We¡¯ll wait for them to contact us there. Agent Youn, step on it.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± Chief Youn Tae-jin apologized quietly to Agent Park. Then he stepped on the gas.


    * * *


    October 15th, 2019 12:30 (China Standard Time 11:30)


    China, Shanghai embassy.


    Team Leader Lee Won-ho, who drove all night to reach the Shanghai embassy in China, reported back immediately to NIS headquarters in Korea. They waited for Team Leader Ji¡¯s party to contact them again, but the phones remained silent. Around noon that day, a shocking report came on the news. Mysterious strangers started a gunfight at the Fu-nan motel, and five bodies had been found.


    The bodies on the ground were all censored in the broadcast, but the NIS agents could tell they were the bodies of their fellow agents. Park Gi-oong and the other agents from Foreign Intelligence Unit One were all dumbfounded by their fellow agents¡¯ deaths. After a minute, they began to weep.


    The Leaders of Foreign Intelligence Units One and Two both contacted the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Department to request that they be allowed to recover the bodies. The response they got was that, due to the unofficial nature of the mission, the department couldn¡¯t step in to recover the bodies. The agents were promised, however, that the department would do all it could to recover the bodies and bring them home.


    Park Gi-oongy on an embassy bed and wept.


    ¡°Damn it, I should have been there.¡±


    Park Gi-oong couldn¡¯t help but me himself, and inside his head, the past four years he had spent with Team Leader Ji Dong-chul since he entered the NIS passed by like a film.


    * * *


    October 25th, 2019 11:30


    Seoul, Kangnam-ku. NIS Hana-won hospital ward.


    Kim Soon-hee spent three days in the Shanghai embassy, and after using her South Korean passport to safely leave China, she stayed in the Hana-won hospital ward. After a week passed, her body slowly began to recover, and she was interviewed about Kim Ki-soo and other rted incidents.


    ¡°How is your recovery?¡± Director Youn Ho-il of the Foreign Intelligence Department asked carefully.


    ¡°I feel much better.¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re feeling ill, but since the matter is urgent and important, we came by to ask you a few questions.¡±


    ¡°Ask away. I will try to answer everything within my knowledge.¡±


    Director Youn Ho-il pulled the chair closer to the bed.


    ¡°A month before the Pyongyang terrorist bombing, your brother Kim Ki-soo visited you in Shanghai, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°ording to our intel, Mr. Kim Ki-soo handed you one million yuan. Is this true?¡±


    ¡°I got it in arge travel carrier.¡±


    ¡°Did he say anything else when he handed you the money? This is an important matter, so please tell us.¡±


    At that moment, Kim Soon-hee¡¯s gaze began to shift. Then she gripped the nket with both her hands and seemed to be troubled.


    ¡°We are in South Korea. You will see your older cousin soon, and there is no need to fear.¡±


    ¡°The thing is...¡±


    Kim Soon-hee, who was anxious and had tears in her eyes, must havee to a decision. She took a deep breath and then looked directly at Director Youn Ho-il.


    ¡°Yes, I will tell you all that I know.¡±


    ¡°Could I record our conversation?¡± Director Youn Ho-il asked, pulling a recorder out of his pocket and showing it to Kim Soon-hee.


    Kim Soon-hee nodded her head and then began to speak.


    ¡°When my older brother came to visit me in Shanghai, he told me about something terrifying as he handed me the bag of one million yuan. He said an assassination had been nned for Kim Jong-un and the South Korean leader on August 15th, and if it seeded, then our family could live a luxurious life in North Korea.¡±


    ¡°Did he tell you about the man who ordered the assassination ns?¡±


    Kim Soon-hee hesitated again and then spoke. ¡°If something happened to him and his family on the day of the assassination, he told me to take the money, run, and ask for help from Comrade Lee Byung-chul.¡±


    ¡°Lee Byung-chul?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The Vice-Chairman of the National Defense Committee.¡±


    ¡°So does that mean Lee Byung-chul is the man behind the assassination?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. My brother only mentioned him to ask for help if something went awry, rather than telling me who actually gave the order.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. If that is the case, why didn¡¯t you ask for Lee Byung-chul¡¯s aid, Ms. Kim Soon-hee?¡±


    ¡°I was afraid, after hearing the news of my father and mother being executed before the day was finished. So I couldn¡¯t even think about asking for help, but that was when I got in touch with my cousin and tried toe to South Korea. But...¡±


    Kim Soon-hee burst into tears. She had remembered the deaths of her parents and elder brother, things that she had tried to blot out of her memory.


    ¡°That is more than enough. Thank you for your cooperation. Please rest up and take care of yourself. You will be able to meet your cousin in a few days.¡±


    Director Won Il-ho took the recorder and left the hospital room. Then he ordered the agents standing by outside the hospital room and then headed to the NIS building.


    * * *


    October 25th, 2019 11:30


    Seoul, Kangnam-ku. NIS Secretary¡¯s office.


    Inside the Secretary¡¯s office, Secretary Na Bong-il and Directors from each department were listening to the recording Director Won Il-ho had brought in. A momentter, the recorder stopped ying.


    ¡°Lee Byung-chul, he is an ally to Kim Yo-jong and the current Vice-Chairman of the National Defense Committee. He is 61 years old, has an aggressive temper, and is one of the main persons in power in the current power ss. He is one of the hardliners who was behind the Yeonpyeong naval battle and the bombardment of Baek-ryung Ind. His view of our nation is very negative,¡± Director Kim Na-yoon of the North Korean Intelligence Department exined briefly.


    ¡°Lee Byung-chul.¡± Secretary Na Bong-il thought for a moment as he tapped the table with his finger, then asked a question to the middle-aged man sitting next to him. ¡°If that is the case, what is the probability that he is the man behind the Pyongyang Terrorist Bombing?¡±


    ¡°Normally, those who carry out assassinations ask for a promise of their family¡¯s protection if the attempt fails. Especially if the mission was to take out Kim Jong-un and the President of Korea. We can assume that is why Kim Ki-soo told Kim Soon-hee to ask for Lee Byung-chul¡¯s aid if she was on the run,¡± Lee Gilj-joon exined gravely. He was the head of the Intelligence Analysis Department.


    ¡°Hearing you exin that, it does sound like a reasonable course of action,¡± agreed Director Won Il-ho, who had spoken with Kim Soon-hee.


    ¡°I also agree.¡± When Director Huh Young-joon from the Anti-Terrorist Investigation Department spoke up as well, the other directors also nodded their heads and agreed.


    ¡°Everyone seems to be in agreement. I would like Department Head Lee to conduct a careful analysis with his agents and send in an official report.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A few dayster, the Intelligence Analysis Department hade out with a report rted to Lee Byung-chul. As Department Head Lee Gil-joon had said, the conclusion was that Lee Byung-chul had been behind the terrorist bombing in Pyongyang. Secretary Na Bong-il had made an official report to the Blue House, and the Blue House couldn¡¯t avoid changing their policies rted to North Korea after learning the identity of the man behind the terrorist bombing three years previous.


    * * *


    October 25th, 2019 11:30


    Seoul, Jongro-ku. Blue House President¡¯s office.


    Inside the President¡¯s office, the staff for national security and North Korean rtions were gathered to discuss Lee Byung-chul.


    ¡°This is a grave matter,¡± said National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, cing his hand on his forehead as he racked his brain.


    ¡°I apologize. This is the fault of the NIS for not staying abreast of all the ongoings of North Korea,¡± NIS Secretary Na Bong-il apologized, bowing deeply.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do. Since Lee Byung-chul nned this from start to finish, and seeded, that means we must figure out how to form a rtionship with North Korea and leave behind the current policies we had nned.¡±


    Minister of Unification Oh Seung-tae coughed a few times and then beganying out the key points.


    Firstly, the Korean government had to figure out Lee Byung-chul¡¯s true intentions for assassinating Kim Jong-un and the Korean President. Honestly, though, the reasoning was obvious. His n was to oust the Kim dynasty that had been passed down for three generations and take power himself.


    However, the question was how well he had prepared before executing the assassination n. Did he n this by himself, or did he have help from foreign entities? This was the question that remained. As a second urgent question for the Korean government, how many of his allies were hiding and active in the political sphere?


    On the surface, North Korea seemed to be moving under First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong¡¯smand, but now there were a number of dangerous individuals like Lee Byung-chul,mitting heinous crimes and hiding in the shadows as they waited for their chance to overthrow the current North Korean regime. Due to the circumstances, the Korean government couldn¡¯t safely deliver their findings to First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong.


    Who could they entrust such information to in North Korea? Currently, the man who was most friendly towards South Korea was Party Secretary Kim Yeong-chul from the South/North rtions meetings, but he couldn¡¯t be fully trusted. Also if this information was leaked to Lee Byung-chul before it could reach the First Vice-Chairman¡¯s ears, then he would take drastic measures and cause major issues in North Korea. This could lead to the threat of war in the Korean penins again and inflict a second wound on Korea¡¯s recovering economy.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Now that we know North Korea is like a ticking timebomb, we must change our method of approach. Since that is the case... Minister Oh Seung-tae?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    The President stood up from his seat and paced back and forth for a bit. Then he seemed toe to a decision as he nced at all the government officials in front of him. He stopped his gaze at Minister Oh Seung-tae.


    ¡°I think I need to meet Kim Yo-jong in person,¡± he said in a determined tone.


    Minister Oh Seung-tae and the other officials all became wide-eyed.


    ¡°Absolutely not. It is too early and untimely for you to meet with her in person, sir,¡± National Security Director Oh Jang-soo said, standing up quickly.


    ¡°That is right. Like the National Security Director has said, it is too risky for you to take action, sir. I will meet with First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong first.¡±


    Minister of Unification Oh Seung-tae also stood up to dissuade the president. The rest of the Ministers and the NIS secretary added their voices of opposition.


    ¡°Everyone, please sit down. I know why you are all so worked up. However, in this situation, I am the only one that can directly converse with Kim Yo-jong. We must work towards having me go to Pyongyang in person.¡±


    The President¡¯s adamance despite the opposition from numerous officials left everyone standing in silence.


    ¡°I will wait for the Ministry of Unification to get me in contact. Also, Secretary Na?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The President moved his gaze to NIS Secretary Na Bong-il, then asked in a calm tone, ¡°What happened to the bodies of the NIS agents who passed away in the line of duty in China?¡±


    The entire office fell silent under the President¡¯s question.


    ¡°We are returning them home via an unofficial route.¡±


    ¡°That is a relief. I figured it would be difficult since it was China.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°No need to apologize. Instead, please give all the respect andpensation to the agents and their families that the nation can offer. I am full of sorrow that this is all I could do and say as the President.¡±


    The President nced at the ceiling and sighed deeply.

 Chapter 62

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    December 3, 2019, 13:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si Bongmu mountain Olympus base Basement 17th-floor Auditorium


    Inside the 500-seat auditorium were President Suh Hyun-woo and 30 or more other high-ranking government bureaucrats and militarymanders. Also, themanders who had a rank of lieutenant colonel and above were watching via a video feed while keeping confidentiality in their living quarters.


    After a while, Dr. Baek Nam-il grabbed the microphone and began to speak. Dr. Baek Nam-il was a second-generation immigrant from the U.S. He worked as a professor of Physics at MIT and was famous in the field of physics in America. When the Olympus base waspleted, the search for staff from both within the country and overseas led them to Dr. Baek, who was selected to lead the research under Dr. Kim Soo-jin¡¯s rmendation and the government¡¯s continued request.


    ¡°Hello, everyone. I am Baek Nam-il, the lead development researcher in Olympus base. Our 9,400 staff from Olympus base, various defense industries, ADD researchers, and the underground research facility have worked for three years, day and night, to develop the next-generation Korean weaponry, and it is a great privilege to show our first results to the President and our other honored guests.¡±


    The researchers of Olympus base, ADD, and the defense industries used all their power to develop and produce the next-generation Korean weaponry under the ¡°2020 Korean Military Power Enrichment n¡± based on data from the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground research facility.


    ¡°Now we will announce the protective suit using NT or nanotechnology.¡±


    Soon therge screen at the center showed an image of the protective suit and an exnation of its functions. To the right of the podium, a soldier appeared wearing the protective suit; he moved to the center of the stage. The soldier in the protective suit looked like a cyclist because of the skin-tight ck clothes he was wearing.


    ¡°The official name of the protective suit is K-NT01. It would be easier to understand if you thought of the suit as a thin piece of clothing coated with apound metal alloy using nanotechnology. The protective suit is designed to be worn under the standard uniform and is divided into a bandana, top, pants, gloves, and socks. It is connected to the control module X-K01 that is worn on the left wrist. The first function of K-NT01 is thermoregtion, which will allow soldiers to maintain an optimal temperature in both heat and cold. They will not be affected by weather changes. It also has a sterilization feature that will sanitize the suit from sweat, bacteria, and viruses even if worn for a long time. Thus, it can be considered as a multipurpose protective suit.¡±


    Dr. Baek Nam-il nced at the buzzing crowd. Then he put his lips near the microphone and continued speaking.


    ¡°The second feature is, it is bulletproof and shrapnel-proof from explosives as the name protective suit suggests. This suit has 65% protective capabilities against 7.62mm rounds and shrapnel from grenades and other explosives. If it is worn alongside the standard bulletproof suits and uniforms, then its protective capability increases to 90%, thus, guaranteeing a high survival rate. It also has additional shock absorption capabilities. We will now show the test footage of the protective suit.¡±


    The attendees all seemed impressed by Dr. Baek Nam-il¡¯s presentation, and all directed their attention to the center screen. In the footage, five mannequins wearing the protective suit and uniforms were shot with AK-47 rifles and hit with a grenade explosion. After the tests, some of the mannequins fell from the shock waves from the grenade¡¯s shrapnel, but the mannequins came out unscathed with only a few scratches on the protective suits.


    A man seated in the middle row wearing a Special Forces uniform raised his hand.


    ¡°I have a question. Would this be a good time?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Dr. Baek Nam-il looked at the soldier who raised his hand, then the soldier spoke.


    ¡°Hello. I am Lt. Colonel Kang Jung-hyun, amander in the Special Forces. As a soldier myself, I believe this would give some peace of mind if our men wore this protective equipment in war. I would like to thank all the researchers who developed this protective suit. I do have a point of concern, though. If this protective suit were taken by the enemy, it would be a serious problem. Do you have a solution for such a scenario?¡±


    Many of the people in the audience nodded their heads and turned their gaze to Dr. Baek Nam-il, waiting for an answer.


    ¡°That is a good question. However, there is no need to worry. The protective suit is matched to the wearer¡¯s heart rate, brain waves, and dermal information with the X-K01 control module¡¯s software. If another person or enemy would wear it and not be able to match with the owner¡¯s physical imprint, then the protective functions will not be activated. Also, through our multiple tests, we have ensured each protective suit to generate a heat of 5,100 degrees to be terminated.¡±


    After Dr. Baek Nam-il has replied, the sound of apuse rang out from the crowd.


    ¡°Thank you. I will now continue our presentation with the second item, the sentry robot.¡±


    A momentter, the floor at the center of the stage opened, and a ck object with four legs rose from a tform.


    ¡°The official name for this is K-1000 Haetae. The Haetae robot will rece the standard troops in the GOP border. It is equipped with a 12mmser Vulcan beam and a 9-round (3 x 3) multiple rocketuncher on its sides that have the 50mm multipurpose anti-tank and air ck dragon missile. Also, it has a 16-round (2 x 8) 40mm rockets on the back. The operating modes are auto sentry and manual remote operation. Its main duty is to guard the border and the DMZ area, but it can also be deployed to any battlefield, including mountains, ins, and urban districts, and can be considered as an all-weather multipurpose battle sentry robot.¡±


    After Dr. Baek Nam-il finished speaking, the K-1000 began making smooth mechanical sounds and started to move.


    Whirl~ Click~


    The four-legged robot was like something out of a movie. When it started to move, the members of the audience¡ªwhose average age was 50¡ªstared in awe and began to murmur.


    ¡°Before we see the testing footage, I would like to remind the audience that the human in the video is a robot wearing a heating mechanism. I hope no one gets confused. Now, let¡¯s take a look.¡±


    On therge screen, a K-1000 Haetae was standing watch of a forest 3 kilometers away from its position. A momentter, it detected movement and turned its upper body to the direction of the forest. It got into a battle position by lowering its body and opened theunching mechanism for its ck dragon missiles.


    On the other screen, it showed the operator¡¯s screen for the K-1000 Haetae and showed the object¡¯s infrared, electromaic, and inverter status footage in a split-screen. The human-like life form detected on the screen was outlined in color, and the armored vehicle following the man also clearly showed up on the screen with its electronic signal and inverter status.


    Soon the operator used the high-definition optical zoom on the screen to confirm the footage. It was five fully armed soldiers and a single-armored vehicle. In response, the K-1000 Haetae fired each of its ck dragon missiles from its sides and began to open fire its 12mmser Vulcan beams to the direction of the forest.


    Woosh~ Boom!!!


    Pew~ Pew~ Pew~ Pew~ Pew~ Pew~ Pew~


    Within 20 seconds, the forest was wiped out, and the five soldiers vanished without a trace. The armored vehicle was also destroyed so that it became unrecognizable.


    The test footage continued.


    This time a dozen transport trucks were speeding in an open field 5 kilometers away from the Haetae robot. The robot¡¯s upper body immediately spun around. The 16 multipleunch rocket on its back opened up, and eight rockets were released all at once.


    The rockets flew in an arc, spewing white smoke, and split to many fragments when it was at an altitude of 10 meters before falling to the ground. The transport trucks werepletely wrecked to an inoperable state. As a finishing measure, the 12mm Vulcanser beams destroyed the litigation vehicles. The footage stopped ying.


    p p p!


    When the footage was over, the President gave a standing ovation; all other government bureaucrats and other militarymanders also stood up from their seats to apud.


    ¡°This is truly amazing. To have developed an advanced concept weapon, this willrgely increase the survival rate of our troops in sentry duty and out in the battlefield.¡±


    The Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo also pped his hands, smiled in satisfaction, and spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. If a weapon like that will be deployed to the battlefield, then we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed in our troops. This weapon is truly a wonder.¡±


    When the apuse in the auditorium had died down, Dr. Baek Nam-il put his mouth near the microphone and spoke.


    ¡°Thank you. It feels as if all the hardships in development are washed away by the positive reaction we are getting today. Now, the next item in the presentation is a bulletproof helmet that will protect our infantry.¡±


    The center screen showed a 3D image of a bulletproof helmet and an exnation of its additional functions.


    ¡°The bulletproof helmet, officially named K-01BP, has the standard function of protecting the cranium, but it also has many other additional ones. First, the helmet is made bybining hydronium alloy and, thus, has the capability to withstand a 20mm machine gun.¡±


    Dr. Baek Nam-il pointed to the helmet¡¯s other area on the screen and continued his presentation.


    ¡°Secondly, inside the helmet, a shield ss has been installed, which has two visual features that can extend out to the front in times of battle and at nighttime. Also, this shield ss can not only protect from bullets, but it also can identify from friend to foe and mark them ordingly.¡±


    ¡°It can also show its surroundings at night to be bright as day. Also, the inverter mode can prate and show the inside of concrete buildings up to 500mm.¡±


    ¡°The third feature is the Turkion-Xm wirelessmunication. It is connected to the control module of the protective suit that can set a range of squadron, toon,pany, and battalion. This helmet can be seen as a multipurpose bulletproof helmet equipped withmunicative capabilities. We will now show the test footage. Please direct your attention to the center screen.¡±


    That day on the 14th basement floor of Olympus base auditorium, the presentation for the newly developed weaponry using applied next-generation technologysted for six hours.

 Chapter 63

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    December 3, 2019, 19:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si Bongmu Mountain, Olympus base basement 17th floor Conference Room


    The President had his dinner after the presentation, then headed to Director Oh Young-il¡¯s conference room to be briefed about the various weaponry being produced at ADD.


    The heads and employees of each department at Olympus base and the ADD researchers all stood up when the President entered. The President shook hands with each individual in the room before being taking the center seat.


    ¡°We will now begin the briefing on the status of the weaponry being produced at Olympus base,¡± announced the moderator.


    Dr. Baek Nam-il stood from his seat and headed to the screen and podium. He spoke.


    ¡°We will start with the 7th-floor production line. The first item is the K-3 White Tiger tank being manufactured by Hyunwoong Lotem Defense Industries. White Tiger production started in October with 10 units, and now we have 210 units in total. These tanks are nned to be deployed to the Army¡¯s armored forces.¡±


    ¡°One moment.¡±


    The President raised his hand and halted the briefing.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Dr. Baek Nam-il acknowledged.


    ¡°What is the base¡¯s monthly production capacity during wartime or under other special circumstances?¡± asked the President.


    ¡°If we operate at full capacity, then we can increase production to 40 units per month,¡± replied Dr. Baek.


    ¡°Understood. Please include the maximum production capacities in the presentation from now on,¡± said the President.


    ¡°Certainly, sir. The second project is applying next-generation technology to the K-2 ck Panther tanks that already have been deployed in the field. We are at a refurbish rate of 10 units per month and havepleted 140 units in total. This process can also be increased to 20 units per month under maximum production. The third item on the docket is the K-23 Hyun-mu armored vehicle from Hanho Defense Industries,¡± Dr. Baek continued.


    A 3D image and testing footage of the K-23P Hyun-mu armored vehicle was shown on the screen.


    ¡°K-23P Hyun-mu is being produced at 50 units per month and 550 units have beenpleted in total. These will also be deployed to the armored forces along with the K-3 White Tiger tanks at the start of next year. Also under maximum production, we can manufacture 50 units per month.¡±


    When the President signaled to Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, he leaned toward the President and listened.


    ¡°Minister Kang, to improve our troop¡¯s survival chances, please have all the rted equipment be produced at maximum capacity in order to deploy them in the field as soon as possible,¡± noted the President.


    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± answered Minister Kang.


    Dr. Baek Nam-il¡¯s briefing continued.


    ¡°Up next is the 8th-floor manufacturing line. The 8th floor produces K-9A1 Lightning 15mm self-propelled artillery made by Sam-il Tech One Defense Industries. It has a monthly production capacity of 20 units and 45 units per month under maximum production. Currently, we have produced 240 units in total. Secondly, we have the Korean MLRS K271 Shingijun. Production for theunch tubes are at 55 units per month and can be increased to 120 in total. We already have 450 units mounted on vehicles, and these are currently being deployed in each Corps along with the K-9A1. The sma bullets and cluster bullets are being produced at 1,000 rounds and 500 rounds per month and can be increased to 3,500 and 2,200 rounds per month in total. The grand total of produced ammunition is 14,000 rounds and 7,000 rounds.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kang, what is the percentage of the stored munitions in rtion to the newly produced ones?¡± the President asked.


    Minister Kang consulted with the logisticsmander sitting behind him before giving a reply to the President, then he answered.


    ¡°Looking at the produced munitions currently, we are at 5% per each ammo type,¡± Minister Kang answered.


    ¡°At 5%? That is too low. Please increase the munition production as much as possible. Have the cut off to be 200% more than the standard wartime preparation amounts.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will have it done,¡± replied Minister Kang.


    ¡°The 9th-floor manufacturing is producing the K-1000 Haetae by WooJin Techlion Industries at 35 units per month and haspleted production of 430 units. Also, the rate of production can be increased to up to 70 units per month. After the training for the operation ispleted, we will begin to deploy these to the Western GOP border divisions by June of next year.¡±


    ¡°Next is . . .¡±


    The defense industries and ADD manufacturing lines at the Olympus base increased production of all equipment closely rted to the survival of the armed forces under the President¡¯s orders. In particr, the personal protective gear of each soldier, such as the protective suits, bulletproof helmets, new uniforms, bulletproof vests, and boots production, was increased threefold. Also under the order of securing reserve ammunition supply, all produced munitions were sent to each ammunition warehouse.


    * * *


    December 5, 2019, 10:00


    Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House President¡¯s office


    ¡°We have nned for you to visit Pyeongyang on February 12 of next year for the South-North Representatives staff meeting, sir. The requests rted to this meeting have all been sent to Secretary Kim Young-chul.¡±


    The Minister of Unification Oh Seung-tae spoke as if to report on what will happen with North Korea next.


    ¡°Great work, Minister Oh. We must use this opportunity well.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, it¡¯s not toote. How about I meet with Kim Yeo-jung first . . . ,¡± suggested Minister Oh.


    ¡°Minister Oh, are you going to speak of matters that we are already done discussing? There is only one opportunity. In this situation, where we cannot trust anyone, the most certain way is for me to speak with Kim Yeo-jung myself. If we don¡¯t handle this correctly, who knows what will happen when Lee Byung-chul catches wind of our actions?¡± answered the President.


    Minister Oh Seung-tae, who could note up with a rebuttal, scratched his head and fell silent.


    ¡°On a different note, how is the second North Korean aid policying along?¡± asked the President.


    ¡°Ah, yes the rted departments are all formting different policies. We will give you an official report as soon as we have everything organized, but we believe North Korea would be interested in a highway that connects Paju to Gae-sung, Pyeongyang, and Shinuiju as well,¡± answered Minister Oh.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, right? What did I say? From North Korea¡¯s perspective, they get a free road built, and they can charge for tolls as well. Wouldn¡¯t this be killing two birds with one stone? For us, it will secure and route to China and that can reduce cost and time, so this will benefit all of us,¡± the President said with confidence.


    Minister Oh Seung-tae, who wore a serious face, suddenly smiled brightly at the President¡¯s words and replied.


    ¡°Your insight on matters is very keen, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°My, looking at your expression I must have boasted too much.¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Seung-tae, who was only listening to the conversation, began tough.


    * * *


    December 10, 2019, 19:00


    North Korea Pyeongyang State Security Department Director¡¯s office


    ¡°You are certain?¡±


    Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul red at Director Kim Won-heung and asked to make sure of the reports he made.


    ¡°I am certain. The Foreign Operations unit took care of that bitch¡¯s body. There is no need to worry,¡± answered Director Kim.


    Lee Byung-chul, however, looked doubtful.


    ¡°I will trust you, Director Kim, for your sake,¡± Vice-Chairman Lee said.


    Director Kim Heung-won had not shown it, but he was sweating profusely all over. A month ago, he got the report from Foreign Operation¡¯s unit leader Oh Ji-wan that they failed in taking out Kim Soon-hee, but he could not truthfully report that to Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul. Had he reported truthfully, then he would be charged with treason, and he and his entire family would be sent to internment camps and shot without a trial. Therefore, Kim Heung-won had ordered Oh Ji-wan to procure a woman¡¯s body, report it as Kim Soon-hee, and have it taken care of. He showed photographs of the body¡¯s disfigured face and falsely reported it as the matter being taken care of.


    ¡°Why would I make a false report?¡± said Director Kim.


    Lee Byung-chul, who finally dismissed his suspicion, took a look at all the attendees, who could be considered as the true power of North Korean politics. He changed the subject.


    ¡°Soon, the event we prepared for that I talked about will begin. When it does, the Korean penins will be shaken up again, and we don¡¯t have much time left. So I emphasize again, keep your people under a tight leash and be prepared,¡± said Lee Byung-chul.


    What Lee Byung-chul was preparing for was the terrorist bombing of the Fifth South-North Representatives staff meeting nned on February 12, 2020. The final n was to finally eradicate the Kim dynasty¡¯s era and wee a new one with Lee Byung-chul at the helm.


    Last 2015, when Kim Jong-un changed the policy to be peaceful toward South Korea, the chance came for Lee Byung-chul, who was dissatisfied with this new policy. He had obtained arge sum of money from an unknown third party, and seeded in the Pyeongyang terrorist attack. Afterward, Lee Byung-chul sided with Kim Yeo-jung and executed all those that opposed him and filled the seats with his allies. Since all of his ns were going smoothly, he increased his allies and was about to start a coup when the penins would be in chaos from his final n.


    ¡°We will follow you always, Comrade Vice-Chairman. Put your faith in us,¡± Director Park Young-sik answered.


    Director Park Young-sik from the Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces bowed his head and spoke in a determined tone.


    ¡°Yes, yes, all myrades here, I will never forget this. Now let¡¯s all go and grab a drink,¡± the Vice-Chairman concluded then stood from his chair.


    * * *


    December 13, 2019, 19:00


    Seoul Kangnam-ku NIS Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 Office


    The NIS Foreign Intelligence Department¡¯s atmosphere was chaotic because of the death of Team Leader Ji Dong-chul, Manager Kim Hyun-jun, and three other agents on duty. Unit 1 now only had Chief Park Gi-oong and agent Suh Dong-gyu left. Agent Suh Dong-gyu was transferred to work at unit 2.


    All agents who participated in the Kim Soon-hee mission were specially promoted by a rank. Chief Youn Tae-jin was also promoted to assistant manager.


    Assistant Manager Youn Tae-jin used his smartphone for a while on the ck can at the Kyungbu Highway. He spoke to agent Suh Dong-gyu as if he was bored.


    ¡°Dong-gyu, why isn¡¯t Park Gi-oonging? Is he still recovering from his injuries?¡± asked Youn Tae-jin.


    ¡°He seems to have made a full recovery. He said he had some personal business to take care of in China and took a monthlong leave. He will be back next week or so,¡± Suh Dong-gyu replied.


    ¡°Why did he take a monthlong leave in China when he could just rest here in Korea?¡±


    ¡°I am not sure, Assistant Manager Youn, sir,¡± answered Suh Dong-gyu.


    ¡°When hees back, we should get drunk on Soju. You should join us,¡± said Youn Tae-jin.


    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± replied Suh Dong-gyu.


    * * *


    December 14, 2019, 14:00


    North Korea, Pyeong Yang-si Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul¡¯s living quarters


    ¡°We got the money.¡± Lee Byung-chul could be heard speaking.


    ¨C No need to have concerns on the matter you¡¯re so worried about. The n will proceed soon, so you can look forward to it.


    ¡°Of course. Of course.¡±


    ¨C I know that well. Let¡¯s get into contact next time.


    Vice-Chairman Lee Byung-chul finished his phone call with the unknown person and then pulled out a Cuban cigar. He ced it in his mouth as he put up his feet on the desk.


    ¡°Wait a little longer, you bastards. North Korea is now mine!¡±

 Chapter 64

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    December 14, 14:30


    Seoul NIS Secretary¡¯s office


    December 14, 14:30


    Seoul NIS Secretary¡¯s office


    Knock knock.


    ¡°Come in,¡± said Secretary Na Bong-il from inside.


    ¡°This is an emergency.¡±


    Director Kim Na-youn from the North Korean Intelligence Department opened the door of the office and urgently rushed in.


    Secretary Na Bong-il felt something was amiss. He stood up as he queried.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Director Kim Na-youn handed the Secretary a document instead of answering. Secretary Na Bong-il snatched the document and began reading. It was a transcription of Lee Byung-chul¡¯s phone call 30 minutes ago that was made via satellite.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Secretary Na Bong-il asked.


    Director Kim Na-youn caught his breath from running and then spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s the contents of someone making a phone call to Pyeongyang from Washington via satellite.¡±


    ¡°What? From the White House?¡± asked the NIS Secretary.


    ¡°No. Not from the White House but somewhere near Washington,¡± Director Kim Na-youn answered.


    Secretary Na Bong-il was relieved upon hearing that the call did note from Washington. He read again the transcription. The exchange was under a minute long, but the topic of the conversation caught his full attention. The st n¡± and ¡°it will happen soon¡±¡ªthose were words that warn of a terrorist attack.


    ¡°Who is making a phone call from Pyeongyang to individuals in Washington?¡± Secretary Na Bong-il asked.


    The curiosity of the Secretary grew the more he read the contents.


    ¡°First, take this information to the Intelligence Analysis Department to get a more urate analysis. Also, get some assistance from professionals who were North Korean defectors and voice match the person making the phone call,¡± Secretary Na Bong-il ordered.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Director Kim answered.


    Lee Byung-chul¡¯s phone calls apparently were wiretapped from the-widemunication satellite Hera-1,unched January of that year by an agent at the North Korean Intelligence Department; and so it was reported.


    * * *


    December 16, 2019, 14:00


    Junbook Muju-kun 99th Flight Training Wing Airforce Base Operations briefing room


    ¡°Wee. I am Brigadier General Kim Gi-tae of the 99th Flight Training Wing.¡±


    The 80 or so pilots who were seated in the room all murmured upon hearing Brigadier General Kim Gi-tae speak.


    ¡°Young-ho, was there a 99th Flight Training Wing in our country? This is the first time I¡¯ve heard of it?¡± whispered Captain Jeon Chang-bin.


    Captain Jeon Chang-bin was seated at the back of the center row. He had a bewildered look on his face as he whispered to his cohort and friend Captain Choi Young-ho.


    ¡°How would I know? This is the first time I have heard of it too,¡± said Captain Choi Young-ho. ¡°I was happy thinking we were going to operate an F-15K, but what in the name of God is this? Perhaps this Fighter Wing is based on the FA-50 jets? Maybe it consists of the F-35As we brought in from America early this year.¡±


    ¡°F-35As were all deployed in the field, though,¡± said Captain Jeon Chang-bin.


    ¡°Then what, they¡¯re all F-50s as you said?¡± Captain Choi Young-ho asked.


    Captain Choi Young-ho had been a KF-16 fighter jet pilot for four years after graduating from the Air Force Academy before he was stationed to the 11th Fighter Wing in Daegu to pilot an F-15K. He was excited and happy to pilot an F-15K jet and was savoring his triumph until he was reassigned after five days at the 11th Fighter Wing.


    ¡°Silence! I know all of you have many questions. But I will tell you this, you are all lucky to be here. The reason why will be exined by Colonel Ryu here. I know I am an old man and should save his words to avoid being scolded. So I will cut my greetings here. I will see you all at dinner. For now, please listen to the briefing. Dismissed!¡±


    When Brigadier General Kim Gi-tae left, all the pilots stood up. Colonel Ryu Jae-shin watched the General leave and then moved to the middle of the podium and looked at the pilots.


    ¡°Everyone sit down. I am Colonel Ryu Jae-sin, a training staff officer. First, all the information you will receive from the 99th Flight Training Wing is SS-ranked ssified military information. Leaking this information will be considered a crime of transfer. Keep this in mind while you watch the presentation.¡±


    Colonel Ryu Jae-shin seemed amused by the flushed faces of the pilots. He then continued speaking after smiling slightly.


    ¡°All of you were stationed here because you were considered as the best in each of your Fighter Wings. Wouldn¡¯t it feel better to think of it that way?¡± Colonel Ryu asked.


    Many of the pilots who were tense smiled slightly upon hearing those words. They began to rx and feel at ease.


    ¡°As stated before, this is a Flight Training Wing. Therefore this is not a Fighter Wing but rather a training facility for piloting aircraft. And here¡ª¡±


    ¡°I have a question, sir.¡±


    Captain Choi Young-ho raised his hand and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Is this training rted to the FA-50 fighter jets?¡±


    All the pilots¡¯ eyes fell on Captain Choi Young-ho and then on Colonel Ryu Jae-shin. All seemed to be relieved that the Captain voiced the question that was in their mind.


    ¡°My, aren¡¯t you impatient. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    Colonel Ryu Jae-shin asked Captain Choi Young-ho. The Captain stood up.


    ¡°Captain Choi Young-ho, sir. I apologize. I was too curious and couldn¡¯t help but ask.¡±


    ¡°Take a seat. You all must be curious. However, I will take questions after the briefing. So pay attention to the briefing. Understood, Captain Choi?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Captain Choi Young-ho answered loudly and then sat down from embarrassment. Colonel Ryu Jae-shin coughed a few times before continuing his exnation.


    ¡°This Muju 99th Flight Training Wing is half the size of Yeo-ui Ind. This base would seem smaller than the other Fighter Wings. The base has the main building,munity center, gym, living quarters, aplex, and 20 hangars. All training-rted facilities and equipment are located on basement floors 3 to 7. The duration of the training will be 6 months, and all 80 of you gathered here will not be granted any leaves or outings until the program is over. You will all be educated and trained for 14 hours a day, 6 days a week, excluding Sundays.¡±


    For a split second, all the pilots seemed to have gone into a mental breakdown after hearing those words. They all looked at each other with desperation in their eyes. Choi Young-ho also looked at Jeon Chang-min¡¯s face and frowned. He spoke.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? All the education and training I received before made me want to vomit, and now we have to get even more training. And no leaves or outings for six months?¡± thought Captain Choi Young-ho.


    Choi Young-ho nced at Colonel Ryu Jae-shin with lifeless eyes and repeatedly mouthed the words: ¡°This is a dream. It¡¯s only a dream.¡±


    ¡°Why do you all have long faces?¡± asked the Colonel.


    Colonel Ryu Jae-shin looked at the faces of the pilots filled with despair. He smiled devilishly as he continued his briefing.


    ¡°Listen carefully. After 6 months of education and training, all those who pass the written and performance exam will be given a financial reward and 15 days of leave. Those who will fail will receive an additional month of training. There will be no financial reward or leave obviously. So it would be best for your body and mind to pass it on first try. Also, all those who finish training will be promoted a rank and will be given drill instructor positions here and in the 3rd Flight Training Wing for two years. How does that sound to you?¡±


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± the crowd rejoiced in unison.


    The faces of the pilots lit up from before.


    ¡°Silence! Look at the screen in front of you,¡± the Colonel continued.


    Captain Huh Youn-jung operated theputer console connected to the screen. The 200-inch screen lit up, and a 3D image of a fighter jet that has never seen before began rotating. From the front and to the wing, the body was in swing-wing format, and the overall height of the jet was lower and tter than the standard fighter jets. It alsocked an inlet for the turbofan from the standard fighter jet and looked sleek like a jet from an SF movie.


    ¡°This jet is called KF-21P Phoenix. It will rece the KF-16 that is currently controlling the air. This is the first 100% Korean-made stealth fighter jet. (The FA-50 multipurpose fighter jet¡¯s parent body T-50 was jointly developed by Korea¡¯s KAI and Lockheed Martin, so the KF-21P Phoenix was the first Korean-made stealth fighter jet.) I would like to boldly im it as the top of the line in stealth jets and is the most superior in the worldpared to other jets.¡±


    That moment, some of the pilots were jubnt like preschool kids who just got a toy robot as a gift, while the other pilots appeared skeptical of the im. Colonel Ryu Jae-shin read the minds of the pilots and spoke.


    ¡°We have 12 single-seat training jets in the 99th Flight Training Wing.¡±


    That moment, a cheer from the room heated the briefing room, and Captain Choi Young-ho raised both his hands and cheered as well. The honor of piloting a fighter jet made solely with Korean technology for the nation was worth more than a promotion or financial reward.


    The pilots were well aware of the bleak outlook of Korea¡¯s national security. The past projects rted to fighter jets gave the nation no choice but to buy downgraded jets from Western nations. Thus, the fact that Korea has developed a next-generation fighter jet independently was something to celebrate.


    ¡°Quiet! Silence! It¡¯s too early to cheer at something like this,¡± the Colonel scolded the men.


    Colonel Ryu Jae-shin was pleased that the pilots were d. He then began exining the specifications of the KF-21P Phoenix using theser pointer.


    Length: 16.5 m


    Width: 14.5 m


    Height: 4.2 m


    Dead load: 4,551 kg


    Maximum takeoff load: 80,000 kg


    Top speed: Mach 8.5


    Highspeed cruise: Mach 4.62


    Practical ceiling: 30km


    Maximum range: 10,000km


    Aviation electronics equipment: K-HOKULLA MCS 01 (Firearms monitor, Radar, Jamming and Anti-Jamming)


    Engine: K-PTZ-500 Engine x 2


    Weaponry:


    mm Laser Vulcan Beam


    S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper (Infrared) * 2(Short-range Air-to-Air Missile)


    S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake * 8(Mid-range Air-to-Air Missile)


    S-AAM-500 Cobra * 4(Long-range Air-to-Air Missile)


    S-AGM-100 Anaconda * 2(Air-to-Land Missile ) or S-ASM-100 Python * 2(Air-to-Sea Missile ) or K-PSB (sma Cluster bomb) * 2


    ¡°When you read the specs, you will encounter new words that you have not seen in standard fighter jets. You will repeatedly hear about the details during the training exercise, so you will know more about themter.¡± The Colonel continued speaking about the specs of the fighter jet.


    When the Colonel pointed theser pointer and drew a circle, Captain Huh Jeong-youn¡¯s hands moved faster. The screen yed a new video.


    ¡°The official name of this jet is the KF/A-25P ck Phoenix,¡± the Colonel said.


    The new fighter jet began to be rendered in 3D as Colonel Ryu Jae-shin spoke. It showed various information rted to the jet. It was simr to the standard KF-21P Phoenix butrger and was colored ck, so it had a charismatic look to it.


    ¡°KF/A-25P will rece the F-15K that acts as the fighter-bomber in Korea. We have four units for training,¡± continued Colonel Ryu.


    Length: 19.3 m


    Width: 11.2 m


    Height: 4.8 m


    Dead load: 4,551 kg


    Maximum takeoff load: 150,000 kg


    Top speed: Mach 12


    Highspeed cruise: Mach 7


    Practical ceiling: 45 km


    Maximum range: 15,000 km


    Aviation electronics equipment: K-HOKULLA MCS 01 (Firearms monitor, Radar, Jamming, and Anti-Jamming)


    Engine: K-PTZ-1000 Engine x 2


    Weaponry:


    mm Laser Vulcan Beam


    S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper (Infrared) * 2(Short-range Air-to-Air Missile)


    S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake * 8(Mid-range Air-to-Air Missile)


    S-AAM-500 Cobra * 4(Long-range Air-to-Air Missile)


    S-AGM-100 Anaconda * 12(Air-to-Land Missile ) or S-ASM-100 Python * 12(Air-to-Sea Missile ) or K-PSB (sma Cluster bomb) * 8 or K-PAB (sma Amplification bomb)*2 or S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake*8

 Chapter 65

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    December 26, 2019, 14:00


    President¡¯s office, Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul.


    Korea¡¯s intelligence agencies, the NIS and the Defense Security Command, directed their attention to Lee Byung-chul. Both organizations started to collect and analyze various information rted to the situation in North Korea, excluding already-known information and intelligence.


    A few dayster, they seeded in wiretapping the phone call between Lee Byung-chul and the unidentified person from Washington. After analyzing the conversation, they concluded that Lee Byung-chul¡¯s final goal was to target the fifth South-North representative staff meeting in February of next year.


    ¡°We must postpone the meeting,¡± NIS Secretary Na Bong-il said in a forceful tone. Inside the president¡¯s office, only silence could be heard. No one objected to the secretary¡¯sment. The president also fell into deep thought and looked at the scenery outside, which had turned white with snow.


    While this was happening, Minister of Unification Oh Seung-tae said carefully, ¡°It might be dangerous, but we can proceed.¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il stood up, leaned forward, and spoke once more. ¡°Minister Oh, you could lose your life in the terrorist bombing.¡±


    ¡°I could lose my life, as Secretary Na said. However, postponing the meeting won¡¯t change the situation in North Korea. It might even give time for a coup to happen, and wouldn¡¯t that be worse?¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo couldn¡¯t think of a better n and answered neither in the affirmative or the negative. ¡°I can¡¯t think of anything better.¡±


    The president quietly called the minister over. ¡°Minister Oh Seung-tae.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°I oppose your n. I can¡¯t send you, considering the danger.¡± The president spoke curtly, a determined look in his eyes.


    ¡°I am grateful to you for saying so. However, there¡¯s no guarantee that the NIS¡¯s intel is 100% correct, is there? Even if the intel is correct, there will be time before the South-North representative staff meeting starts, so couldn¡¯t wee up with a solution by then? I believe we cane up with a n by then.¡±


    ¡°A n...¡± the president said. Hepsed back into thought and put both his hands on the table, then looked at NIS Secretary Na Bong-il. ¡°Is it possible?¡± he asked the secretary. ¡°Under the assumption a terrorist attack will ur, can we stop it?¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il¡¯s head began to swim when he heard the president¡¯s question. He wanted to confidently say they were more than capable of doing so, but if he said that, he could be cornered into sending Minister Oh Seung-tae to his death. Therefore, he took a moment to think, and then came up with a solution.


    ¡°I cannot guarantee it,¡± NIS Secretary Na Bong-il said. ¡°However, if we change the location of the meeting to our side at Panmunjeom (The Joint Security Area), then we could possibly stop the attack.¡±


    ¡°Good. If so, Minister Oh, let¡¯s change the meeting location to our jurisdiction area. Could that be possible?¡±


    ¡°Considering the current atmosphere of the South-North rtionship, I don¡¯t believe there will be any opposition.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s proceed with the ns as scheduled, only changing the location. However, if moving the location proves to be difficult, then we will dy the meeting.¡±


    Minister Oh Seung-tae also seemed to believe that this was the best course of action. Agreeing with the president¡¯s words, he said, ¡°All right, Mr. President. I will report back to you after I hear back about the request to change the location of the meeting.¡±


    * * *


    December 28, 2019, 16:00


    Training ssroom in the 99th Flight Training Wing Air Force Base Basement, 3rd floor, in Muju-gun, Jeonbuk.


    Despite it being a Saturday, the 99th Flight Training Wing trainees were all busy learning how to operate the next-generation fighter jets.


    Choi Young-ho wanted to pass out, having listened to the instructor repeat aviation concepts like lift off and drag until he felt like his ears were going to fall off. However, with the thought of bing a next-generation fighter jet pilot, he rubbed his tired eyes and paid attention to the instructor.


    ¡°Young-ho, you¡¯re working way too hard, don¡¯t you think?¡± his best friend Jeon Chang-bin said, poking his side with a pen.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know I¡¯m the type that sees things through until the end?¡±


    ¡°My a*s. You?¡±


    ¡°Stop distracting me. You should pay attention too, you know? Don¡¯t fail the exam, and stay here for another month.¡±


    ¡°You must¡¯ve forgotten about how your grades were lower than mine at the Academy, haven¡¯t you, Young-ho?¡±


    ¡°I was preupied by something else! But not now.¡±


    ¡°Excuses.¡±


    * * *


    December 31, 2019, 10:00


    Naro Space center in Goheung-kun, Jeonnam.


    This past January, the first Woorinaro rocket wasunched, and in October. the second reconnaissance satellite, ¡°KS-SS Apollo¡± 1, 2 and 3, wasunched into orbit. In less than two months, the third rocket, Woorinaro 3, was being prepared for its journey into space.


    This satellite was kept top secret, and it was only reported to the press as an early warning system satellite. However, the actual satellite that wasunched was the strategical interception satellite ¡°Zeus 1.¡± It was expected to reach a geostationary orbit of 36,000 km, and it could enter into any orbit with its own sma thrust engine. It was acquired and developed from Splithian¡¯s scientific technology, and marked the pinnacle of Korea¡¯s applied technology.


    Size: 5.5(H)x2.6(D)x1.80(L)m,


    Weight: 150t


    Orbit: 36,000©N Geostationary Orbit


    Functions: Invisibility concealment system, shield cover system


    Thrusters: sma Superprotonic engines (Engine weight 80t)


    Weaponry:


    Strike Laser Cannon: High powerser beam -> to strike down ballistic missiles and othernd structures


    Space to Land K-SH S Zinog Missile (diameter: 220m, length: 3m) 4unch system (2*2)*2 = 8 units -> destroys within a 5km radius a sma amplification missile


    Space to Land K-SE S Epirus Missile (diameter: 130m, length: 2.5m) 8unch system (4*2)*2 = 16 units -> destroys electronics within an area of 15km radius with a SEMP pulse.


    Because of its invisibility concealment system, it cannot be detected by any optical camera.


    In 1967, the leaders of space exploration¡ªAmerica, Russia, China, and Japan¡ªformed an agreement to ban weaponized satellites. They could conduct theoretical research on satellite weapons like Zeus, but could notmercialize them. However, the reason these countries didn¡¯t develop such a satellite was due not only to the ban, but also because a weaponized satellite would be too heavy, and aunch receptacle that could carry such a load had not yet been developed. Korea¡¯s Woorinaro, however, had a thrust capacity of 500t, so it was more than capable ofunching Zeus 1 into orbit.


    The Korean government proceeded with the four-stage n to erect the KAMD (Korean Air and Missile Defense) system to defend against neighboring countries armed with nuclear weapons, including North Korea.


    Stage 1: Use the KS-AD Zeus to strike down all types of missiles targeting Korea, including ballistic ones, before they reach the nation¡¯s airspace, and then retaliate against the missiles¡¯ source with the Laser Cannon.


    Stage 2: Use the ¡°Three-Toed Crow¡± space fighter jet¡¯sser cannon to strike down the ballistic missile in space before it releases its warhead.


    Stage 3: Use the advanced missile defense ¡°KS-LD HADES¡± system, which is more advanced than America¡¯s THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, to strike down long-range missiles up to 5,000 km and S-LSM-600 Bident before entering outer space at an altitude of 1,000 km to 5,000 km.


    Step 4: Strike down missiles with KD-4 Hoc Destroyers and Hoc Cruiser¡¯s Trianna missiles with a range of 3,200 km at an altitude of 500 km to 3,000 km and make a final strike using the SM-3 Block 1A missiles from the KD-3A Destroyer at an altitude of 500 km.


    A momentter, the Woorinaro 3 emitted blue mes and began to rise into the atmosphere. When it reached an altitude of 2 km, it showed an explosive force, then elerated and shot through the atmosphere.


    Two hourster, the Zeus 1 sessfully reached geostationary orbit, and Korea had sessfully finished the first stage of its KAMD program. When the program reached its fourth stage in 2021, it would have surpassed the American MD system.


    * * *


    December 31, 2019, 16:30


    CC Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (Strategic Interception Satellite KS-AD Zeus 1 mission control).


    The Yongsan CC bunker was used as amand center for the U.S-Korea allied forces, but after the US armed forces left the penins in June, operational authority was returned to Korea, and the bunker was now used as the mission control for the aerospace force.


    At the center of the mission control room, head of operations for the Zeus strategic interception satellite, was a 500-inch screen, with four 300-inch screens to its right and left, along with ten other smaller screens. The operators were seated in three rows and were all staring at their own monitors and working nonstop.


    One of the operators, who was busily checking variables, grabbed a headset and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Data link from Apollo 2 satellite. Missiles detected. Targets headed for the Eastern Sea air space by 37¡ã7¡¯35.18¡åN and 8¡¯49.85¡åE area, directions at 0-9-3, and speed at Mach 0.8.¡±


    ¡°Data link from Apollo 2 satellite at East Sea air space and 130.¡ã¡±


    The interceptionmander sent in the order to strike. ¡°Lock on, and screen 1 zoom in, open.¡±


    ¡°Lock-on one, and screen 1 zoom in open!¡±


    The center screen of the satellitemand center had zoomed in on Korea¡¯s atmosphere and caught a cruise missile speeding through an area 50 km East of Uljin-kun.


    ¡°Engage Zeus interception system.¡±


    ¡°Interception system online!¡±


    The strike operator repeated the orders of the interceptionmander and began operating the keyboard and control levers. Zeus 1, at an orbit of 36,000 km, began to thrust from its nozzles, then changed its angle toward earth slightly before opening its circr doors, revealing aser cannon.


    ¡°sma! Output 100%!¡±


    After the output operator¡¯s report, the strike operator shouted that they were ready to strike. ¡°Target scanplete. Ready to strike!¡±


    The strike operator turned his head to look at Commander Lim Soo-ho, who nodded his head, and then shouted after receiving the sign to go ahead.


    ¡°Fire.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    At themander¡¯s order, the operator pressed the button to fire. When he did so, the Zeus satellite¡¯s gun port began to spark up and then emit a blue light straight toward the skies over the East Sea.


    Whirl~ Boom~


    The cruise missile flying at the speed of Mach 0.85 was struck by the blue beam of light, and then disappeared after exploding into dust.


    ¡°Target has been hit! Final strike location! N 37¡ã 8¡¯37.93¡å E 130¡ã16¡¯37.78,¡± the operator shouted excitedly, and everyone in themand center cheered and raised their arms in celebration.


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    p p p!


    The missile strike test conducted after confirming the status of Zeus after entering orbit was sessful. The Zeus 1 Satellite interception system, which was originally designed to target ballistic missiles, had sessfully intercepted a slow target at the speed of Mach 0.85.

 Chapter 66

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    January 1, 2020, 09:30


    Blue House State Reception House, Seoul.


    When President Suh Hyun-woo appeared for his New Year¡¯s address, some 300 people at the State Reception House weed him with warm apuse. Momentster, he stood at the podium.


    His appearance was instantly followed by the shutter sound of dozens of journalists¡¯ cameras going off all at once. Broadcasting crews were also there, and they broadcast coverage of his address throughout the country.


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you. Would you please sit down so I can start my address? Hahaha,¡± said the president, tongue-in-cheek, when the apuse didn¡¯t die down.


    Those present at the State Reception House smiled and took their seats.


    ¡°People might think you are all my close friends and rtives,¡± joked the president again, probably intending to lighten the atmosphere before starting his speech. The guests responded to his joke byughing again.


    ¡°First, I want to greet you more properly before I make my New Year¡¯s address,¡± he said.


    The president stepped to the side of the podium and bowed low to his audience.


    Then, he moved back to the podium and brought the microphone closer to his mouth.


    ¡°My fellow citizens, Happy New Year 2020, the Year of the Rat! Four years have passed since the inauguration of the reform government, and I have less than a year before I leave office. People say time flies, and I never realized how fast it flies until now.¡±


    The president shed a little smile before he continued.


    ¡°The Republic of Korea had to endure a time of great suffering in the wake of the 2015 Pyongyang bombing. It was a time when the economy suffered, the country suffered, and the people suffered as well. But the Republic of Korea eventually achieved such remarkable growth that one might wonder if anything had ever happened. I believe this would not have been possible had it not been for the tears, sweat, and firmmitment of our citizens, who have never lost hope. As your president, I wanted to thank all my fellow citizens for their hard work before I address the reform policies that our government pursued, day and night, over the past four years. I promised the people a few things in my inaugural speech as the newly-elected president.


    ¡°Firstly, we have improved the integrity of our government by strengthening our efforts to eliminate corruption in national defense, corruption in government projects, and all other kinds of corruption, such as rogue government officials taking bribes, seeking illegal solicitations, and embezzling public funds.


    ¡°Secondly, we have corrected our distorted history by tracking down and exposing anti-nationalist, pro-Japan Koreans and what they did during thest seventy years. Their assets were retrieved and deposited into the state coffers so that we could use the money to fund long overdue welfare policies for those who fought for our national independence, as well as their descendants. Looking back, I believe it was then that weid the groundwork for a nation that is truly built for the people and for justice, even though we were going through numerous events that made headlines in the media and press.


    ¡°Thirdly, we were challenged with the recovery of the struggling Korean economy. Dozens and even hundreds ofpanies and private businesses went out of business or bankrupt on a daily basis due to the recession, and countless people lost their jobs. But the Republic of Korea rose again thanks to the hardworking spirit of the Korean people, not to mention their confidence and strength. In addition, the reform government implemented step-by-step economic recovery policies, and new technologies were developed through the cooperation between the government and businesses, allowing the Republic of Korea to enter the global market again. Eventually, we were able to revive the domestic market and reduce unemployment. All these changes tranted into a booming and growing domestic market. I spoke so much at once that I¡¯m thirsty. Please allow me to have a ss of water before I continue.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time for us to use our remarkable economic growth as a springboard into the outer world. After having lost our sovereignty in 1910, numerous Koreans were forced to leave and work in the bitter cold Siberian regions as lumberjacks, or in Japan as coal miners orborers for Japanese war criminalpanies. They were never able to return home, and we haven¡¯t been able to tell them toe back. Why? Because our country had no power or money. But wouldn¡¯t it be possible now? When I say this, I¡¯m sure some people might ask, Considering how the nation¡¯s economy has only recently improved, wouldn¡¯t it be too soon to think about spending taxpayer money on bringing back Korean expatriates? I want to ask them, Haven¡¯t we developed enough economically to bring them home? Don¡¯t you think we can afford to finally embrace them? They share the same Korean blood with us. Given that, where will they go if we leave them, our own fellow Koreans, abandoned like that?¡±


    A thunderous apuse erupted in the State Guest House, which made the president pause his speech for a while and look at his audience. When the sound of the apuse died down, he continued his speech.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s very overdue now. My fellow citizens, even if you had just one day to live, wouldn¡¯t you want to spend that day with your family at home? That said, I would like to propose a policy to support and embrace all Korean expatriates who wish to return to their families and homes in the homnd. I want to ask you, the National Assembly members and fellow citizens who are watching this speech right now, won¡¯t you join and work together as one to make this wonderful thing happen?¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s New Year¡¯s speechsted for an hour. Koreans from all over the country, as well as numerous Korean expats overseas, watched the TV coverage of his speech. In particr, his speech brought tears to the eyes of Korean expats in Russia, Japan, and China, who had lived away from home for all those years in deep sorrow, and also made them let go of their equally deep resentments. It also rocked the Republic of Korea, where many social groups voiced their approval and kicked off fund-raising campaigns to support the president¡¯s Korean expat engagement policy.


    * * *


    January 4, 2020, 11:30 (10:30 EST, U.S.)


    USSC vi outside Washington D.C.


    Thirteen people in ck suits and ck masks sat around a big round table. They were the members of the United States Supreme Security Council (USSC). The meeting was conducted in a gloomy atmosphere, and there was only one final agenda left.


    ¡°The n is ready. All that awaits is your final decision. Now, raise your hand if you approve this n,¡± asked a female member in a ck mask. She looked at the other ck-masked members, and a few ck-masked people raised their hands.


    ¡°I have eight votes. Then, the decision is made to proceed with the n as scheduled. Mr. Sphinx, please make sure everything goes smoothly.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll take care of it as neatly as I did four years ago.¡±


    ¡°Great. Then I¡¯ll end today¡¯s meeting here.¡±


    * * *


    January 5, 2020, 10:30


    Jugam Service Area on Gyeongbu Expressway in Cheongwon County, North Chungcheong Province.


    An Yeon-wu, the manager of the Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1, parked his car at the Jugam Service Area, then walked to the back of the rest area. A momentter, he reached the back of the building, where he could see another small building, which was guarded by a soldier in state-of-the-art personal gear.


    ¡°Is this it?¡±


    A first-time visitor, An Yeon-wu awkwardly opened the door and walked in. He was instantly stopped by two soldiers carrying K2 rifles.


    ¡°May I help you, sir?¡± asked one of the soldiers, who seemed to be the older of the two.


    ¡°My name is An Yeon-wu. This is where I came from.¡±


    An Yeon-wu gave his name while presenting his NIS (National Intelligence Service) ID. The soldier took the ID and verified it by cing it on a small machine on the desk behind him.


    A momentter, the soldier gave back him back his ID card and said, ¡°Please write down your name in the visitor log, and go to the elevator over there. It¡¯s on the fifth floor underground.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    An Yeon-wu took back his ID and headed to the elevator, thinking, ¡°Jeez. It¡¯s scarier here than in the NIS.¡±


    An Yeon-wu took the elevator, went down to the fifth floor underground, and got off. No sooner had he stepped out than he was approached by several soldiers and men in ck again.


    ¡°Please let me search you first. Put everything you have in the basket here and go through there,¡± a man in a ck suit said, holding out a basket and pointing to a booth resembling ones found in airport security.


    When An Yeon-wu passed through the booth, another man in ck suit returned the basket to him and said, ¡°The bus will be here in ten minutes. You may wait there in the waiting room.¡±


    An Yeon-wu could see many others sitting inside the waiting room. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He walked into the waiting room, which was made of ss panels, and sat there for a while until he saw a minibus arriving. The people in the waiting room quickly went to the bus, and An Yeon-wu followed them.


    ¡°From now on, you are not allowed to use a camera or cell phone to take pictures,¡± a man in ck cautioned.


    An Yeon-wu walked past him and got on the minibus, which then began to move slowly toward a brightly-lit tunnel.


    * * *


    January 5, 2020, 10:50


    Olympus Base on Bongmu Mountain in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.


    The minibus moved through the long tunnel for about five minutes before stopping at the entrance to a sprawling underground square. People started getting off the bus, apparently because it was thest stop, and An Yeon-wu got off too.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe arge underground square like this exists,¡± An Yeon-wu thought. ¡°And why are there so many soldiers?¡±


    Dozens of fully armed soldiers, each wearing a K2 rifle and personal gear, stood guard, while men in ck suits guided visitors from the entrance to the building.


    Momentster, An Yeon-wu entered the building and stepped into No. 3 screening booth, one of several check points. CCTVs were installed in every corner of the ceiling, in addition to the other strict security measures, such as the men in ck suits who stood guard in the hallway, closely watching every move of the visitors like hawks, their eyes hidden by their sunsses.


    ¡°Show me your ID, please,¡± the search agent said. ¡°Leave all your possessions in the locker here. You can¡¯t bring anything inside. You can take them back when you leave.¡±


    In response, An Yeon-wu showed an official request for cooperation issued by the NIS, along with his ID. ¡°This is why I came here. I have an appointment at eleven o¡¯clock,¡± he said.


    Upon hearing this, the search agent read the official document slowly, called someone up on the phone, exchanged a few words with them, then gave An Yeon-wu his ID back. ¡°Pass through the security booth and take the No.4 elevator,¡± he told him. ¡°Get off on the seventeenth floor underground. Somebody will be waiting for you there.¡±


    ¡°Really? Thank you.¡±


    After giving a short thank you to the agent, An Yeon-wu passed through the security booth. He passed through without any rms going off, but a few men in ck suits searched him from top to bottom with a scanner again before gesturing that he was good to go.


    ¡°The security here is on a whole different levelpared to the NIS,¡± he eximed to himself as he followed the search agent¡¯s instructions and started walking toward the No.4 elevator.

 Chapter 67

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    January 5, 2020, 10:50


    Olympus Base at Bongmu Mountain in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.


    When An Yeon-wu went down to the seventeenth floor underground level of Olympus Base, he was greeted by management staff and guided to the reception room. Now, he was trying on a pair of sunsses that was on one of the desks. Designed for bodyguards, the sunsses had a built-in TAR (Tactical Augmented Reality) feature.


    ¡°This is an amazing device,¡± he eximed.


    When the lights were turned off in the conference room, he pushed a small button on the temple area (earpieces), and the sunsses switched to the infrared mode. Like night vision goggles, the sunsses made everything appear as glowing green forms. The researcher, Kang Gyu-taek¡ªwho was on the other side of the room, showing and exining the device to him¡ªshowed up in colors indicative of his body heat.


    ¡°The first button is for the infrared mode. This time, try the second button,¡± the researcher Kang Gyu-taek said, turning the lights back on in the conference room. When An Yeon-wu pressed the second button, the sunsses switched to the inverter mode, and he was able to see through the wall of the conference room to the objects on the other side.


    ¡°Now, look at this briefcase,¡± the researcher said as he put a briefcase on the desk. An Yeon-wu turned toward the briefcase, and this time, he could see through the briefcase, its contents bing visible. He noticed red dots forming into the shape of a square, pointing at something inside the briefcase.


    ¡°What is this?¡± he asked the researcher, then went on to say, ¡°it seems that there¡¯s a dotted red square sign, and it¡¯s pointing to an object inside the briefcase.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the researcher answered. ¡°It detects and points out mmable substances or gunpowder, and it¡¯s pointing out a mmable substance it found inside the briefcase,¡± Kang Gyu-taek exined to An Yeon-wu with a little smile before opening the briefcase and taking out the object that was inside. It was a C4.


    ¡°Oh, wow. I can see through things and even detect bomb materials. This device will definitely be very useful to us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you find it useful,¡± the researcher said.


    ¡°By the way, will you be able toe up with the quantity we need in time?¡± An Yeon-wu asked, concerned, before taking off the sunsses.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We currently have enough sunsses and protective suits in stock. We¡¯ll send thirty pairs of sunsses and thirty protective suits to the NIS by tomorrow through our security staff,¡± assured the researcher.


    ¡°I guess my concern was needless. I really appreciate it, Mr. Kang.¡±


    * * *


    January 6, 2020, 10:50


    Kumsusan Pce of the Sun, Pyongyang, North Korea.


    ¡°What do you mean they want to change the venue for the meeting?¡± Lee Byung-chul, the deputy director of the ruling Workers¡¯ Party of Korea (WPK), asked. The look on his face clearly showed that he was angry.


    Kim Yo-jong, the first vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission, hand-signaled to Lee Byung-chul, who had raised his voice, to quiet down.


    ¡°Do you even know why they want to change the venue?¡± she asked Party Secretary Kim Young-chul.


    ¡°There¡¯s no particr reason, ma¡¯am,¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul said. He then went on to tell them about the request he received a few days ago from the South Korean government about changing the venue for the South-North talks.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that there have been several meetings over the years, and they want to have the meeting in South Korea this time to show us their hospitality. Well, if you ask me, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a bad idea, considering what¡¯s been going ontely.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jong asked, looking at the other senior officials who were attending the meeting.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t think it matters. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a bad idea to hold meetings alternately in the South and the North, especially during a time of peace, instead of holding them at the truce vige of Panmunjom, which is a neutral area, all the time.¡± This opinion came from Kim Ki-nam, the chairman of the Supreme People¡¯s Assembly. Apparently, he was voting in favor of the idea.


    ¡°I agree. Don¡¯t you think we should grant the South Korean government¡¯s request once in a while so that we can gain their support in return? This is a time when we should think about our practical interest and how to get the most from them.¡± This was the opinion of Kim Hyung-won, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People¡¯s Assembly. Now that even Kim Hyung-won expressed his opinion in favor of the idea, Lee Byung-chul was all the more infuriated, and it showed on his face.


    He screamed, ¡°If anything happens, are you willing to take full responsibility?¡±


    General Secretary Oh Chun-hwan, who was not on good terms with Lee Byung-chul, butted in and gave him a sidelong scowl. ¡°Deputy Director Lee Byung-chul! It sounds like you¡¯re hoping for something bad to happen. Don¡¯t say anything if you can¡¯t clearly state what¡¯s on your mind, please!¡±


    ¡°Excuse me? Don¡¯t talk as if you know what I¡¯m hoping for! Listen, Oh Chun-hwan. Do you always have to act like a jerk?¡±


    ¡°That d*mn bastard. I swear, if I get this done sessfully, the first thing I¡¯ll do is rip him apart,¡± Lee Byung-chul thought.


    Lee Byung-chul acted like he was angry about the idea, but in truth, deep down he was happy. If the venue for the talks changed from Panmunjom to South Korea, it would be difficult to aplish what needed to be done, but if things went ording to n, then it would be possible to me South Korea for everything. He might even be able to persecute all those who had voted in favor of the idea by holding them responsible.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know the old Korean proverb that says ¡®You must knock on a bridge before crossing, even if it¡¯s built out of rocks¡¯?¡± Lee Byung-chul asked. ¡°All I meant was that we can¡¯t be too careful when ites to making such a change, and you just had to be a jerk and use me like that! Please, First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jong, I can¡¯t agree to the proposal.¡±


    Lee Byung-chul gave his best performance. He straightened his posture and clearly expressed that he was against the proposal. Kim Yo-jong had been feeling ufortable because Lee Byung-chul always seemed to go against what she wanted and always seemed to be looking down on her. She thought she should take this as an opportunity to ignore him and make him realize who the real boss was.


    She said, ¡°I¡¯m going to approve it. Go to South Korea and personally witness how much South Korea has developed. Knock yourselves out with their hospitality, too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. We will, ourrade, Ms. First Chairman Kim Yo-jong.¡±


    ¡°Comrade Kim Yo-jong, this is not right. I can¡¯t ept this.¡±


    ¡°The decision is made. Now, please be quiet.¡±


    When Kim Yo-jong made it clear that the decision was final, Lee Byung-chul pretended to ept her decision, but deep inside, he wasughing.


    ¡°You got it, ma¡¯am.¡±


    * * *


    January 6, 2020, 13:50


    Residence of the Vice Chairman of the National Defense Committee, Pyongyang, North Korea.


    Upon returning from the Kumsusan Pce of the Sun, where he had given his ster acting performance, Vice Chairman Lee Byung-chul made a phone call in secret.


    ¡°We have to make some changes to the n.¡±


    ¡°You see, the venue of the meeting has been changed.¡±


    ¡°Correct. So, do your best to be well prepared.¡±


    ¡°Great. I will count on you then.¡±


    After finishing the phone call, Vice Chairman Lee Byung-chul got up from his seat and walked to the window. He could see The Kumsusan Pce of the Sun from here.


    ¡°Not much time is left.¡±


    Vice Chairman Lee Byung-chul cracked a sly smile, the corners of his mouth curling upward.


    * * *


    February 1, 2020, 13:50


    Latitude 32 ? 06¡ä north, longitude 169 ?33¡ä east on the East Sea.


    An underwater loading operation was going on at the salvage and rescue ship, ROKS Tongyeong (ATS-31). The operation was guarded by a Gwanggaeto the Great-ss destroyer, which belonged to the ROK Navy 1st Fleet¡¯s 11th Destroyer Squadron, as well as Yang Manchun, another destroyer, at about 50 kilometers off the southwest coast of Ulleung Ind. At the stern of the salvage and rescue ship, a ck object weighing 120 tons and measuring 8.2 meters high and 4.1 meters in diameter hung from a crane and was just about to enter the water.


    KRRRR- TSUTSUTSU


    When the 30-ton ck object entered the ocean, it created a massive column of water and white foam. As the crane line rotated, the ck object slowly began to submerge deeper into the water toward the target depth of 3,000 meters.


    ¡°The current velocity is 0.2m/s, and the current depth is 1,200 meters,¡± the agent in charge of the underwater loading operation reported while staring at the monitor.


    ¡°All right. Continue to submerge while maintaining the same speed. Stop when it reaches 2,910 meters deep,¡± the controller of the operation ordered in response.


    ¡°Current depth is 2,800 meters, 2,850 meters, 2,900 meters, and now 2,910 meters. Stop the crane!¡±


    ¡°Stop the crane!¡±


    The crane operator stopped the crane when he heard the agent in charge of the underwater loading operation shout through the headset.


    ¡°How many meters until it hits the bottom of the ocean?¡± the controller of the operation asked.


    The underwater loading agent replied, ¡°The crane has stopped, and it¡¯s now 28 meters from the bottom of the ocean.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now, hold off for a moment.¡±


    Momentster, the Tongyeong controller reported to the Navy Underwater Defense Satellite Control Room, which was in the OSCAR Bunker in Daegu, through amunication channel.


    ¡°We put a hold on the ck object at the moment, and it¡¯s 20 meters from the bottom of the ocean.¡±


    ¨C I copy. From now on, we will take authority over the loading operation.


    ¡°Roger that. Authority handed over.¡±


    The ck object was the Poseidon I, an all-weather sea-based underwater satellite that was capable of carrying out early warning and interception missions in the sea. It was developed in Junest year, and it had been tested for six months before bing the first Poseidon to be fielded underwater in the East Sea after thepletion of the OSCAR Bunker remodel.


    * * *


    February 1, 2020, 14:20


    OSCAR Bunker, Daegu (Underwater Defense Satellite KS-SD Poseidon I Control Room)


    Arge screen in the center of the control room, along with a variety of screens surrounding it, were showing the destroyer Tongyeong from various angles.


    ¡°From now on, we¡¯ll proceed with Poseidon Fixing Task. Turn on the automatic centralizer and shoot eight anchors.¡±


    ¡°Turn on the automatic centralizer! Shoot eight anchors!¡± The operations operator repeated the operation controller¡¯smand and pressed a button. Eight anchors flew toward the bottom of the ocean at a 45-degree angle from the eighth anchorage of Poseidon¡¯s outer wall. They moved at lightening speed and lodged deep into the ocean floor.


    ¡°Eight anchors were fired sessfully.¡±


    ¡°Proceed with the next step! Operation Fixing Anchor.¡±


    At the controller¡¯s order, the eight anchors spread out at a 45-degree angle and became fixed in ce as Poseidon slowly sunk to the bottom and finally came to rest on the ocean floor.


    ¡°Fixing has beenpleted.¡±


    ¡°Turn all the powers on Poseidon.¡±


    ¡°Turn all the powers on Poseidon.¡±


    Before, Poseidon was merely a ck object, but now, with its sma generator and variousmunication systems, including IUSW-I Sona, turned on and operating, it began to glow.


    ¡°Confirm the current power output status.¡±


    ¡°The current power output is forty-five percent. It¡¯s going to take an hour before it reaches one hundred percent.¡±


    ¡°IUSW-I sonar confirmation data link on the main screen.¡±


    ¡°IUSW-I sonar confirmation data link on the main screen.¡± The sonar operation operator loudly repeated themand while manipting a few systems on the console device. Soon after, hundreds of dots in various colors, each with a number tag, appeared around Poseidon on therge screen.


    On the screen, the Gwanggaeto the Great-ss destroyer (DDH-971), which was right above Poseidon, the Munmu the Great (DDH-976), and the Tongyeong (ATS-31) were marked in blue dots, which, ording to the IFF (identification friend or foe) system, signified that they were allies. Basic information about each vessel was also on the screen. All the fishing boats anchored on Japan¡¯s Okanoshima Ind and Nakanoshima Ind were marked with green dots, and some of the numerous ships that were either anchored or sailing on the ocean west of maind Japan were also detected and marked in various colors.


    After this, the Tongyeong (ATS-31) deployed Poseidon satellites No. 2 and No. 3 in the South and West Sea, respectively, and became capable of round-the-clock detection of vessels and submarines infiltrating any of the three sides of the Korean Penins. In the West Sea, in particr, it could identify illegal fishing activities by Chinese fishing boats in real time and share the information with the Coast Guard through data linking so that they could put a stop it.


    * * *


    February 10, 2020, 14:20


    Jayu-ro, Paju, Gyeonggi Province.


    Six North Korean official vehicles were driving on the Freedom Road in Paju. They were guided by several South Korean official vehicles. One of the passengers in the North Korean vehicles was Party Secretary Kim Young-chul. He was crossing the Tong-il Daegyo Bridge and was on his way to attend a South-North working-level officials¡¯ meeting.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long while since I¡¯ve visited South Korea. I see it has changed a lot,¡± Kim Young-chul said, looking out the window at Paju¡¯s factories and buildings. Many industrialplexes were built in the Paju area when the economy in South Korea started reviving inte 2017. This construction boom was followed by explosive poption growth, consequently leading to another construction boom, during which numerousmercial buildings and apartments were constructed to amodate the rapidly growing poption.


    ¡°I see we have a long way to go before we catch up with the South.¡±


    About thirty minutester, the official vehicle that was carrying Party Secretary Kim Young-chul arrived at its final destination, which was the front yard of the Tong-il People¡¯s Hall in Tong-il Park, Paju. Since he was the first high-ranking North Korean government official to visit South Korea in four years, numerous reporters from in and out of the country were waiting at the park and started taking photos when he arrived. Many other broadcasting crews were also busy trying to capture photos of his visit, fighting with others over the best location in order to have a better vantage point than the rest.


    Momentster, Party Secretary Kim Young-chul got out of the vehicle.


    ¡°Wee! Wee! Mr. Party Secretary.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d to be here. Because it¡¯s been so long since I visited here, it feels like I¡¯vee home.¡±


    ¡°Haha, is that right?¡± Unification Minister Oh Seung-tae said. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that¡¯s how you feel about this visit.¡± He had been waiting outside for Kim Young-chul, and when Kim Young-chul got out of the car, the minister smiled and stretched out his hand for a handshake.


    ¡°Please, let¡¯s get inside,¡± the minister said. ¡°It¡¯s cold out today.¡±


    ¡°This is like summerpared to what it¡¯s like in the North.¡±


    Minister Oh Seung-tae and Party Secretary Kim Young-chul exchanged some pleasantries as they walked into the Tong-il People¡¯s Hall. They were followed by tense agents, who belonged to the North Korean convoy.

 Chapter 68

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    February 10, 2020, 14:40


    Tong-il People¡¯s Hall Conference Room in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.


    When Party Secretary Kim Young-chul entered the conference hall, the South Korean guards who were in the hallway, waiting for his arrival, tensed. The party secretary had four North Korean guards apanying him in the front, and four aides and four additional guards following him in the back. He was also nked on the left and right by two guards.


    The South Korean guards used their dark sunsses, which were in the inverter vision mode, to check each one of the North Korean guards. An Yeon-wu, the manager of NIS Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 1, was also there in order to support the security mission for these talks. He called in the agents from the Security Guard Team 1, who were outside the building, and checked the information each team had scanned and collected from the North Korean delegates.


    ¡°Team 1. Report what you confirmed.¡±


    ¨C 1-1 Vehicles all clear. Outside guards all clear.


    Next, he called in the agents who were standing on guard in the hallway.


    ¡°Team 2. Report what you confirmed.¡±


    ¨C 2-1 Kim Young-chul, his aides, and his close bodyguards all clear.


    Shortly after arriving at the conference room, Kim Young-chul, his entourage, and Minister Oh Seung-tae sat down at the conference table. They each had a cup of tea before formally starting the fifth working-level inter-Korean talks. Inside the conference room, there were Kim Young-chul and his four aides and four bodyguards¡ªall from the North¡ªand then there were Minister Oh Seung-tae and his three aides and four guards, including An Yeon-wu¡ªall from the South.


    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve had a cup of tea, shall we begin?¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul said, putting down his tea cup.


    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s start.¡±


    Though An Yeong-wu was told by Team 1 and Team 2 that all was clear, he pressed the button on his sunsses to switch to the inverter vision mode and started scanning the North delegates again. He began with Party Secretary Kim Young-chul but didn¡¯t find anything suspicious under his clothes. He then moved on to slowly scan Kim¡¯s four aides, as well as the ck briefcase that one of the aides had brought in. He didn¡¯t find any sign of mmables or gunpowder inside the briefcase, but there was a security phone, whose intended use seemed to be formunication with those in North Korea in case of emergency. Lastly, he scanned the bodyguards who were standing on guard at the back wall. Each had a pistol kept in a holster under his armpit. While scanning a short-haired guard, he noticed something suspicious. Unlike other bodyguards, this one was carrying two pistols under both armpits, and one of the pistols had a longer muzzle than the other.


    ¡®What the hell? Is he carrying two pistols because he¡¯s the head bodyguard?¡¯


    Finding this suspicious, An Yeon-wu quietly radioed the security guard in charge of the inside of the conference room,


    ¡°Pay attention to the short-haired guard in the North¡¯s bodyguard team across the room. ¡°He¡¯s on the far right, and he¡¯s carrying two pistols.¡±


    ¨C 3-2 Roger that.


    ¨C 3-3 Roger that.


    ¨C 3-4 Roger that.


    It was under these circumstances that the two working-level South and North government officials began to share their opinions on their respective policies and cooperation ns. The conversation was as amicable as usual, but


    the atmosphere in the conference room was heavy with invisible tension.


    * * *


    February 10, 2020, 16:00.


    In front of the U.S. Embassy, Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    ¡°Hey! Stop! Stop!¡±


    A man was quickly running toward the main gate of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul despite the embassy guard¡¯s order to stop. Just as the guard was about to take immediate action to stop the trespasser, who was ignoring the warning to stop and attempting to enter the building through the main gate, there came a massive explosion, followed by a rear st.


    BOOM!


    After the sound of a massive explosion, the area near the front gate of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul literally turned into chaos. Six guards who were guarding the front gate were swept up in mes and sted away by the bomb without a trace, and all the windows of the U.S. Embassy building were shattered. Bomb shrapnel flew into the air, striking vehicles and wounding passers-by as far as fifty meters away from the st. All that was left at the site where the front gate used to be was a giant hole engulfed in dark red mes and smoke.


    It was only after the st subsided that US soldiers and agents rushed out from inside the building, each carrying a personal fire extinguisher, and took a position around the perimeter in preparation for possible additional bomb threats. In the distance, the sirens of fire engines and emergency vehicles red as they rushed to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.


    * * *


    February 10, 2020, 16:05


    The Presidential Meeting Room in the Blue House, Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    National Security Director Oh Jang-su delivered the news to the President as soon as the report came in from his secretary. ¡°I received the report that the talks have begun and are in progress, Mr. President,¡± he said.


    ¡°I really hope it will proceed without any incident,¡± the president said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Mr. President. The security agents from the NIS and the Blue House are there, and they¡¯re fully prepared for any possible situation. You can rest assured everything will be just fine, sir,¡± National Security Director Oh Jang-su answeredposedly, probably trying to reassure the nervous president.


    ¡°Of course. All we can do at the moment is trust them and wait.¡± With his chin on his right hand, the president asked Defense Minister Kang Hyun-soo, who was sitting on his left, ¡°What¡¯s the status of the front line units?¡±


    ¡°A Jindo Dog II was issued to all front line units so that we would be fully prepared for anything that could or might happen, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    All the national security-rted government officials, including the president, were gathered at the Blue House meeting room so that they would be ready to take immediate action if there was any terrorist activity at the inter-Korean working-level talks.


    Ring-Ring.


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il¡¯s phone rang.


    ¡°This is Na Bong-il. What? What¡¯s the current situation? All right. Please report again when you have additional information.¡±


    Na Bong-il hung up the phone and looked at the president, his face deadly pale. The air in the meeting room quickly turned cold.


    ¡°What is it? Did something happen where the talks are being held?¡±


    ¡°Not at the venue of the talks, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°No? Then what is it?¡±


    ¡°There was a suicide bombing at the U.S. Embassy.¡±


    ¡°What? What did you say? A bombing at the U.S. Embassy? Do you mean the terrorist attack we¡¯d predicted was wrong?¡±


    ¡°At the present moment, it¡¯s hard to tell, but we can¡¯t rule out the possibility of multiple terrorist attacks.¡±


    Everyone in the meeting room was speechless, unable to respond after hearing such shocking newse from the NIS secretary, Na Bong-il, when the Minister Kang Hyun-soo received another phone call.


    ¡°Hello. Yes, I got it. Please be prepared for further terrorist attacks and use all avable resources needed to handle the situation.¡±


    After finishing the brief phone conversation, Minister Kang Hyun-soo reported what the call was about withposure and without losing his calm, as expected of a former soldier.


    ¡°Report just came that the Special Forces 707 and Capital Defense Command Special Guard have been dispatched to the U.S. Embassy.¡±


    In light of the terrorists attacks urring at a location they hadn¡¯t anticipated, the president made a stern order to suspend the inter-Korean working-level talks in Paju.


    ¡°Director Oh, there¡¯s no other option. Stop the talks immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. I¡¯ll deliver the order right away.¡±


    * * *


    February 10, 2020, 16:10


    Tong-il People¡¯s Hall Conference Room in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.


    It was about an hour after the inter-Korean working-level talks began that the order was delivered to Manager An Yeon-wu through a wirelessmunication device he was wearing on his ear.


    ¡°Emergency No. 11 has urred. Suspend the talks.¡±


    ¨C What¡¯s the reason for the No. 11?


    ¡°A suicide bombing at the U.S. Embassy.¡±


    ¨C Roger that.


    As soon as themunication was over, An Yeon-wu approached Minister Oh Seung-tae and whispered a report of the situation into his ear. Minister Oh was stunned to find out that a terrorist attack had happened at the U.S. Embassy, but his surprise was only temporary. He quickly pulled himself together and, smiling slightly, told the news to Party Secretary Kim Young-chul.


    ¡°Mr. Party Secretary Kim Young-chul,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes? What is it?¡±


    ¡°There seems to be a little incident in Seoul right now, so I was wondering if you would suspend our talks until the situation is under control. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°Incident? What happened in Seoul, Comrade Oh Seung-tae?¡±


    ¡°We are investigating it now and will find out soon. But for now, how about we move to the lounge and take a little break?¡±


    At this moment, the phone rang inside the ck briefcase. An aide opened the bag, answered the phone, and immediately whispered to Party Secretary Kim Young-chul.


    ¡°I see. I got it. We¡¯ll take a break.¡±


    An Yeon-wu wondered what the phone call was about. Was it possible that the North had already found out about the U.S. Embassy bombing attack that happened just ten minutes ago? If not, what could the phone call have been about? He had many questions.


    ¡°Then, shall we go there together?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    All three were just about to stand up from their chairs when the short-haired North Korean guard stepped in and stopped An Yeon-wu. He then turned to the Party Secretary and said, ¡°Mr. Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, because I¡¯m in charge of your security detail, you must follow my instructions in an emergency such as this. Please, let me escort you out.¡±


    ¡°Is that really necessary?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it if you¡¯d follow the rules, Mr. Party Secretary Kim Young-chul.¡±


    Kim Young-chul noticeably frowned. Then, realizing he had no other choice but to follow the guard, he waved his hand and said, ¡°Do you have to be so darn strict about rules? Fine. Do what you need to do.¡±


    With the approval of Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, the short-haired leader of the North Korean guards turned his eyes to Manager An Yeon-wu and said, ¡°Because this is an emergency situation, we want to remain separated from you until the situation is under control. Would you arrange a room for us?¡±


    Minister Oh Seung-tae nodded slightly at An Yeon-wu, who then guided them to the reception room across the hallway from the conference room.


    The South Korean delegates, including Minister Oh Seung-tae, took the lounge that was to the right of the conference room, while the North Korean delegates, including Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, took the reception room to the left. They all took a break, waiting for more details about the situation to surface.


    ¡°How could such an attack happen at the U.S. Embassy in South Korea?¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul mumbled as if talking to himself, recalling the urgent phone call that hade from Pyongyang.


    ¡°The situation could escte, Mr. Party Secretary.¡±


    ¡°By the way, why did it have to happen on the day of our talks?¡±


    After exchanging a few words with one of his aides, Party Secretary Kim Young-chul kicked back and sank into the sofa, crossed his legs, and then took out a smoke and lit it. Meanwhile, An Yeon-wu, along with Oh Gi-suk, who was there to support An¡¯s security mission, were standing around the corner of the hallway, carefully observing the reception room. The door to the reception room was guarded by four security guards, but with the help of his sunsses, which he¡¯d switched to inverter vision mode, Manager An Yeon-wu avoided the eyes of the security guards and looked through the walls of the reception room.


    ¡°I think the person sitting cross-legged is Kim Young-chul, and the other four on the other side of the room are his aides,¡± he thought. ¡°The ones standing around him are his guards. The more I think about it, the more I¡¯m impressed with this device.¡±


    The inverter mode performed so well that he was able to identify who the people inside the reception room were. He was observing the situation inside the room when all of a sudden, the guard behind Party Secretary Kim Young-chul pulled out a gun and, with the silencer turned on, shot the other three guards in the head, blowing their brains out. Then, he pointed the gun at the other aides.


    WHIZZ ¨C WHIZZ ¨C WHIZZ ¨C WHIZZ


    Shocked by the sudden shooting, Manager An Yeon-wu was dumbfound for a short while, but he soon pulled himself together and reported the situation through a wirelessmunication device. ¡°Situation No.1 has urred. Third floor reception room.¡±


    He then ran straight toward the entrance to the reception room while shouting to Chief Oh Gi-suk, ¡°Mr. Oh! Cover me, please.¡±


    The four guards at the entrance to the reception room were startled when Manager An Yeon-wu suddenly lunged toward them, but because they were professionals, they soon came back to their senses. They pulled out pistols from inside their jackets and took a shooting position. Aser beam and two gun shots soon followed.


    WHIZZ-WHIZZ-BANG! WHIZZ-WHIZZ-BANG!


    Fourser beams passed by Manager An Yeon-wu as he ran. The beams hit the guards in their chests, while the two bullets fired by the guards hit Manager An¡¯s chest and thigh. An was slightly stunned, but he felt no pain from the gunshot wounds.


    Bang! Bang!


    An Yeon-wu jumped over the dead bodies of the fallen guards, arrived at the door to the reception room, and was just about to open the door when he heard four more bullets firing inside the reception room. They were fired from a gun with a silencer.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    ¡°D*mn it!¡±


    Fearing that he was toote, Manager An Yeon-wu thrust himself toward the room and rolled onto the floor with the debris from the crumbling door. He saw that the guard was just about to fire at Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, who had already fallen to the ground.


    WHIZZZZ ¨C BANG!


    Then came the sound of a KS5ser beam and a muted gunshot firing simultaneously.

 Chapter 69

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    February 10, 2020, 17:00


    Third floor reception room at the office of Unified Nations, Paju, Gyeonggi-do.


    The leader of the guards, who had tried to shoot Kim Young-chul, fell on the ground with a fist-sized hole in his face. Luckily, the bullet that the guard leader had aimed at Kim Young-chul dropped to the left of him. Manager An Yeon-wu quickly got up to check on Kim Young-chul.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Kim Young-chul was motionless on the floor until An Yeon-wu spoke to him. Then, after making sure he was out of danger, he finally got up.


    He looked at the dead bodies of the guards and aides, then yelled at the guard leader, who had fallen awkwardly onto the floor. ¡°What is this? You son of a b*tch! What have you done?¡±


    ¡°Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, are you hurt anywhere?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I didn¡¯t get shot, and other than slightly hitting my head on the desk, I¡¯m okay.¡±


    Chief Oh Gi-suk soon ran toward An Yeon-wu. ¡°Are you okay, Manager An?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Manager An Yeon-wu replied as he inspected his chest and thigh. Even though there were bullet holes in his clothes, the bullets had bounced off of the bulletproof suit he had on underneath. This made him the first person to be saved by the bulletproof feature of the protective suit.


    ¡°But¡ªdid you shoot this son of a b*tch?¡± Manager An Yeon-wu asked Chief Oh as he pointed at the guard leader.


    ¡°I was in a rush. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be able to get there in time, so I had no choice but to shoot him.¡±


    ¡°Chief Oh, well done anyway.¡±


    After Chief Oh Gi-suk had shot the four guards at the reception room entrance, he used the inverter vision mode of his sunsses to look inside the office. He saw the guard leader shoot the four aids and then aim his gun at Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, so he shot the guard leader through the wall. Because he remembered the exnation about the prative powers of KS5, Chief Oh Gi-suk knew well enough that he could shoot themander of the guards through the wall. This would have been impossible with a regr pistol.


    Soon, other guards came into the reception office. The tension was high in case there was any other additional terrorism, and manager An Yeon-wu spoke about the current situation through the radio.


    ¡°Third floor reception office, situation is over. But there¡¯s still potential threat, so team 1 go arrest all of North Korean guards outside. Firearm allowed in case of disobedience.¡±


    ¡°-1-1 confirmed.¡±


    About 10 minutester, all of Party Secretary Kim Young-chul¡¯s guards were arrested and confined. Party Secretary Kim Young-chul was moved to a different reception office on the fourth floor, and Minister Oh Seung-tae went there directly.


    ¡°Secretary Kim, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m okay¡ªas you can see.¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul opened up both of his arms to show that he had rxed a little.


    ¡°That is good, that is really good.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, but I don¡¯t understand any of this. Themander of the guards, that son of a b*tch, tried to kill me.¡±


    ¡°Secretary Kim, I¡¯ll exin that. Manager An and the other guards may leave now.¡±


    * * *


    February 10th, 2020, 17:20


    Presidential conference room in the Blue House, Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    The attempted assassination at the South-North conference in Paju was soon reported to the Blue House, and shortly after the situation was confirmed, a meeting was held in order toe up with a solution. First of all, it was decided that Party Secretary Kim Young-chul had no involvement with Deputy Director Lee Byung-chul, and Minister Oh Seung-tae was ordered to exin everything that had happened. Second of all, all avable measures were put in ce to prevent further terrorism at the U.S. Embassy, while Kim Jae-hak, the minister of foreign affairs, visited the U.S. ambassador.


    ¡°The fact that North Korea knew about the bombing at the U.S. Embassy only ten minutes after it happened shows that they knew about the n ahead of time. If not, how could they be informed about the situation after only ten minutes?¡± Security Director Oh Jang-su said, pointing out the key part of the current situation.


    ¡°Ipletely agree with Director Oh,¡± NIS Secretary Na Bong-il said. ¡°Also, it seems like their n was to assassinate Secretary Kim Young-cheol after news of the U.S. embassy bombing created confusion in the conference room, then have the assassin kill himself, making it impossible to figure out what really happened. Lee Byung-chul, who is a hard-line supporter of North Korea, would then use this opportunity to me everything on South Korea and worsen the rtionship between the South and the North.¡±


    As NIS Secretary Na Bong-il exined the possible motive behind the terrorist attack and assassination, everyone at the conference nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Yes, that seems very possible,¡± the president said. ¡°It¡¯s time, then, to figure out how we¡¯re going to resolve this situation. Please share any ideas you might have.¡±


    Once again, Secretary Na Bong-il spoke first. ¡°Like the President just mentioned, it¡¯s crucially important to figure out how to resolve this situation. In my opinion, Kim Young-chul should directly call Kim Yo-jong so he is aware of the situation and can take care of it before Lee Byung-chul finds out about the failure of the assassination. If Lee Byung-chul figures things out first, Pyung-yang will be thrown into confusion, and Korea will be on the brink of war again.¡±


    ¡°Does anyone else have any ideas?¡± the president asked.


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho nodded, strongly agreeing with Secretary Na Bong-il. ¡°Secretary Na¡¯s idea seems like the most realistic solution as of now.¡±


    ¡°Good. Director Oh Jang-soo, please inform Minister Oh Seung-tae about this right away.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°Then how should we take care of the second matter¡ªthe bombing at the U.S. Embassy?¡±


    Although South Korea had been in an unfavorable ceasefire for 76 years, the country was well known as a safe, terrorist-free nation. However, because of today¡¯s suicide bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, they would no longer have such a reputation. This was a serious matter, as this would affect not only the country¡¯s image, but also the country¡¯s tourism and exportation industries.


    Security Director Oh Jang-soo expressed his ideas to the president¡¯s question first. He ced his elbow on his right arm and rested his chin in his hand before saying, ¡°Because it was a suicide bombing, there¡¯s no way for us to figure out who was behind it, but right now, we need to find the connection between the bombing and the North Korean hardliner, Lee Byung-chul. Frankly, that seems like the only way we can resolve this.¡±


    As Director Oh Jang-soo finished giving his opinion, Secretary Na Bong-il added on to what director Oh Jang-soo had said. ¡°That is true. If it¡¯s hard to find actual evidence, we could even make up evidence that links Lee Byung-chul to the bombing.¡±


    ¡°Make up the evidence...¡±


    As he repeated what Secretary Na Bong-il said, the President fell deep into thought.


    * * *


    February 10, 2020, 17:30


    Conference room at the office of Unified Nations, Paju, Gyeonggi-do.


    ¡°Is that true? Lee Byung-chul, that son of a b*tch. Everything he told us was a lie! But, is there any evidence? It could be a mistake.¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul was enraged when Minister Oh Seung-tae told him everything, but he soon calmed down to think more clearly.


    ¡°Here¡¯s all the information that could be evidence. These are all the phone calls that make it seem like Lee Byung-chul is nning something.¡± Minister Oh Seung-tae brought out a small recording device.


    ¡°Is that it? Give that to me. I need to go to Pyung-yang right now.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°if Lee Byung-chul finds out that the assassination failed, who¡¯s to say what will happen in Pyung-yang? Currently, there are lots of important politicians on Lee Byung-chul¡¯s side, correct?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Where did that phone calle from during the meeting?¡±


    ¡°It was from the State Security Department.¡±


    ¡°We let them know about what happened in South Korea within ten minutes¡ªis it possible for them to know already?¡±


    ¡°Ten minutes seems too fast. It would take a few hours at least. So that shows Lee Ki-young from the State Security Department, that son of a b*tch, is also with Lee Byung-chul, right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a possibility.¡±


    ¡°This is a mess.¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul anxiously walked back and forth, unable to sit still in his chair.


    ¡°Secretary Kim?¡±


    ¡°Yes, proceed.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible to call First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung directly?¡±


    ¡°It is possible, but the State Security Department might wiretap the call.¡±


    ¡°Then do you know his personal phone number?¡±


    ¡°I do, but that could also be wiretapped.¡±


    ¡°There is a way. You can use this.¡± Minister Oh Seung-tae handed Party Secretary Kim Young-chul a phone that used the worldwide broadband Tukion-x. It was able to ess the wirelessmunication system used in North Korea, and could not be wiretapped by outside sources.


    Soon after, Party Secretary Kim Young-chul called First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung to let him know about everything happening at the moment, and to share with him the contents of the wiretapped call. Then, First Vice President Kim Yo-jung ordered the Supreme Guard Command and the State Security Department to arrest Lee Byung-chul.


    * * *


    February 10, 2020, 18:00


    Official residence of the deputy director of the National Defense Committee, Pyung-yang, North Korea.


    Deputy Director Lee Byung-chul was waiting at his residence for the news of the deaths of Party Secretary Kim Young-chul and his aides.


    ¡°We should be hearing from them by now, but it seems like nothing¡¯s going on,¡± Deputy Director Lee Byung-chul said. Seemingly bored, he stretched out his arms while putting his legs up on the desk.


    ¡°Deputy Director Lee Byung-chul, this will be a historic moment, so just wait patiently,¡± Director Lee Ki-young said. ¡°We can wiretap the hotline to hear the news.¡±


    ¡°Director Lee Ki-young, you¡¯re not wrong, but this is just taking too long.¡±


    Soon there was the sound of rifle and machine gun fire, and it was getting closer. Frightened, Lee Byung-chul got up and talked to one of his people. ¡°What is that? Go find out what¡¯s happening.¡±


    In that moment, the aide rushed into the room and yelled, ¡°Deputy Director Lee Byung-chul, officers from the Supreme Guard Command and State Security Department are everywhere. You should get out of here!¡±


    ¡°What? Supreme Guard Command? State Security Department? F*ck, they figured it out!¡±


    Sure that something was wrong, Lee Byung-chul called the director of the Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces, Park Young-sik, who could not show up today, but he didn¡¯t pick up. In fact, Director Park Young-sik was the first one to be arrested and was being taken to the Supreme Guard Command¡¯s headquarters.


    ¡°First, I need to get away.¡± Lee Byung-chul threw the phone and then tried to run to the emergency exit. However, he was soon arrested by the guards from the Supreme Guard Command and the undercover police from the State Security Department.


    ¡°Let go of me. Do you know who I am? You son of a b*tch.¡±


    Thud!


    Themissioned officer from the Supreme Guard Command punched Lee Byung-chul right in the face.


    ¡°Son of a b*tch, why are you talking so much? Drag him out of here.¡±


    * * *


    February 10th, 2020, 21:30


    Conference room in the office of Unified Nations, Paju, Gyeonggi-do.


    ¡°Yes, this is Kim Young-chul. That is good news, First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung. Okay. I will let them know.¡± After Party Secretary Kim Young-chul hung up the phone, he shook Minister Oh Seung-tae¡¯s hand with a rxed smile.


    ¡°We North Koreans owe you one. Lee Byung-chul and his people were all arrested in Pyung-yang. B*stards. They say there are more, but the rest will be arrested by tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good that things worked out without incident.¡±


    ¡°And Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung would like to thank South Korea for helping to resolve this situation. I would also like to thank you all for saving my life.¡±


    ¡°There is no need. We did what was needed for a peaceful Korea.¡±


    * * *


    February 12, 2020, 00:30 (11:30 EST, U.S.)


    USSC House in Washington D.C, United States.


    A female in a ck mask was yelling at a person nicknamed Sphinx. ¡°Sphinx, how could you fail your job like this?¡±


    ¡°The bombing at the U.S. Embassy was sessful, but the assassination of Kim Young-chul failed...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking for your excuses. We sacrificed the people at the Embassy for your ns, but your ns failed.¡±


    ¡°I think South Korea might have known about this already.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not important. Whether or not they knew, you should have seeded. You¡¯re responsible for all of this, Sphinx.¡±


    The ck-masked woman disappeared behind the curtain after yelling at the other ck-masked man, nicknamed Sphinx. Soon after, the other people in ck masks got up and left. When Sphinx was left alone, he didn¡¯t move for a while. Then, he took off his mask. He was Tony Ahn, a U.S. senator and Lizzy Ahn¡¯s stepfather.


    ¡°That stupid Lee Byung-chul ruined everything.¡±


    Tony Ahn became lost in thought and stayed in the dark office for an hour.

 Chapter 70

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    February 20, 2020, 14:30


    Conference room at the Presidential Pce in Pyung-yang, North Korea.


    The Supreme Guard Command used a variety of well-known torture methods on Lee Byung-chul, forcing him to reveal his ns and the names of all the people involved. This seemed to resolve the ten days of bloody mess in North Korea. However, the person from Washington D.C. that Lee Byung-chul had been in contact with remained unknown. There was a reason why Lee Byung-chul was unable to reveal this person¡¯s identity, even though he was suffering¡ªhe didn¡¯t know anything about the person from Washington D.C., either. They had only evermunicated through satellite telephone, and the financial support was wired to a Swiss bank ount. Therefore, he could not say who it was, even though he was being tortured.


    ¡°Here is a list of the names of the people who worked with Lee Byung-chul. Park Young-sik, Minister of the People¡¯s Armed Forces, Ahn Gang-un, Chief of General Staff, Kim Won-hung, Director of the State Security Department, Choi Yu-won from the National Defense Committee, Oh Dong-ho, Leader of the Eighth Army, Park Tae-wan, Leader of the Ninth Army, Kang Young-won, Leader of the Third Army. They are all imprisoned at Supreme Guard Command.¡± Na Dong-il, Commander of Supreme Guard Command, listed the names of those who had participated in Deputy Director Lee Byung-chul¡¯s n.


    ¡°B*stards! They¡¯re all from powerful militaries in Pyung-yang! What was Chief Na Dong-il doing when all this was happening?¡±


    The Eighth Army, the Ninth Army, and the Third Army protected the frontiers North, East, and West of Pyung-yang. This meant that Lee Byung-chul had three main militaries with which to control Pyung-yang. Party Secretary Oh Choon-hwan was shocked. He questioned Director Na Dong-il of Supreme Guard Command about the undercover polices they used in this situation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I have nothing to say.¡±


    ¡°Sorry won¡¯t solve anything. That son of a b*tch Lee Byung-chul could have taken over Pyung-yang by himself!¡±


    First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung defended Director Na Dong-il. ¡°Please stop. We were able to catch the rebels without incident because of Director Na Dong-il¡¯s quick decision-making. ¡±


    ¡°Okay, Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, Kim Yo-jung, the first vice chairman of South Korea, is requesting information about who Lee Byung-chul was contacting in Washington D.C.¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, who had almost died at the South-North conference, carefully brought this up.


    Because Kim Young-chul broached the subject, Kim Yo-jung asked Na Dong-il,


    ¡°Director Na Dong-il? Has Lee Byung-chul said anything about this person from Washington D.C?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing. We tried every torture method, but that¡¯s the only thing he won¡¯t tell us about. It seems like he doesn¡¯t have a clue, either.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, please let Secretary Kim Young-chul at least know when they started to connect and what kind of conversations went on between them.¡±


    ¡°Got it, First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jun. I will organize the information and send it right away.¡±


    ¡°And there¡¯s one more thing.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°South Korea requested a summit.¡±


    ¡°What do you think about this?¡±


    The chairperson of the National People¡¯s Congress, Kim Gi-nam, raised his hand and spoke. ¡°South Korea really did us a huge favor in this situation. It will be difficult to hold a summit meeting right now, but once the situation calms down, I don¡¯t think it would be a bad idea.


    Kim Choon-won from the National Defense Committee, who had reced Lee Byung-chul, continued on from what Kim Gi-nam said.


    ¡°Chairman Kim Gi-nam is right. We don¡¯t need to rush, and I also think it¡¯s a good idea for Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung to meet with the President of South Korea.¡±


    After listening to everyone¡¯s opinions, Kim Yo-jung nodded.


    ¡°I see. Then, let¡¯s determine a good time for the summit. Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, please let South Korea know that we ept.¡±


    * * *


    February 25, 2020, 10:30


    Ambassador¡¯s office in the U.S. Embassy, Sejong-ro, Jongro, Seoul.


    Ambassador Jacky Robins raised his voice at Kim Jae-hak, Minister of Foreign Affairs. ¡°The U.S. government would like to know the truth about the bombing at the embassy. Six American guards are dead, and five employees are injured.¡±


    ¡°Ambassador Robins, about ten of our citizens died, too. Please don¡¯t make it seem like only Americans were affected.¡±


    ¡°Whatever happened, it happened in Seoul, Korea. Don¡¯t you think you need to strengthen your security measures? The United States is not taking this well, especially when ites to terrorism¡ªwe are very sensitive about that topic. At this moment, if the truth about what happened at the embassy doesn¡¯te out, in favor of its citizens, the U.S. government will have to impose various sanctions¡ªparticrly on military weapons, from purchases to general exports.¡±


    [This guy wants something out of this situation... doesn¡¯t he?] Thinking this, Minister Kim Jae-hak took out a small recording device from his inner pocket and put it on the table.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°This is the evidence that you wanted, Ambassor Jacky. Listen to it.¡±


    After listening to a few recordings on the device, a strange expression passed over Ambassador Jacky¡¯s face.


    Minister Kim Jae-hak started to speak again. ¡°This is a recording of Lee Byung-chul from North Korea and a person from Washington D.C. contacting each other. What does that seem like to you? Don¡¯t you think the U.S. is also involved in this?¡±


    Ambassador Jacky Robins seemed flustered by what Minister Kim Jae-hak said, but then quickly assumed a nk facial expression..


    ¡°Don¡¯t jump to conclusions. Just because the call is from Washington D.C., that doesn¡¯t mean the person is American. Don¡¯t you think it could be foreign terrorists calling from Washington D.C.?¡±


    ¡°Then please check this out when you have time.¡± Minister Kim Jae-hak took out a sh drive from his inner pocket, and then continued speaking. ¡°This was sent from North Korea. This sh drive contains the information that Lee Byung-chul gave during his torture. He talked about the Swiss bank ount and how he was contacting an anonymous person from Washington D.C.¡±


    ¡°This is the list of transactions between Lee Byung-chul and the Swiss bank ount,¡± he continued.


    Ambassador Robins¡¯ face turned white, and he started to sweat. Just before Minister Kim Jae-hak came in, it was all but guaranteed that he would be able to use this situation to put the U.S. in an advantageous economic position.


    Minister Kim Jae-hak read Ambassador Robins¡¯ pale face and then made a final statement. ¡°If we wanted to, we could investigate this anonymous person from Washington D.C.¡ªif you don¡¯t like what we have right now as evidence, that is. What should we do? Should we investigate this further?¡±


    ¡°No, that.. that should be enough. I¡¯ll let you know once I contact my country.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak felt great. Ambassador Robins bought the made-up evidence.


    ¡°Yes, please do so. However, I hope to not hear anything about how the U.S. is leading the Korean economy in light of this situation.¡±


    After he cleared his throat, Ambassador Robins got up from his chair, wishing he could get out of the meeting as soon as possible.


    ¡°Then I will contact you soon.¡±


    Knowing what was going through the Ambassador¡¯s mind, Minister Kim Jae-hak smiled, then mentioned onest thing as he slowly got up from his chair. ¡°I hope you rethink your perception of Korea. I will see you soon.¡±


    The bombing at the United States Embassy shocked everyone worldwide. Allegations and rumors about a war and security crisis in Korea were on the news, which made everyone worry that Korea¡¯s economy would go back into a recession. However, ten days after the bombing, the Korean government reported that Lee Byung-chul, who had organized the bombing and had been nning a rebellion, was arrested in North Korea along with other rebels, and the situation was now resolved.


    * * *


    April 1, 2020, 13:00


    Republic of Korea (South Korea).


    In 2019, the United States made major changes to its military strategy in Northeast Asia by changing wartime operations and withdrawing U.S. troops from Korea. This changed Northeast Asia¡¯s top line of defense from Korea to Japan, with the U.S. military as backup. The U.S. then sent thetest weapon technologies, which were banned as exports, to Japan so the country could restrict the military activities of China, North Korea, and Russia. Prime Minister Abe weed this situation and spentrge amounts of money on the military, regardless of the state of Japan¡¯s economy. These policy changes showed that the U.S. no longer considered Korea as an ally.


    In light of this situation, South Korea requested a summit with North Korea¡¯s Kim Yo-jung in order to maintain friendly rtions between the two countries, and the summit was soon set for April 27 at Panmungak. It seemed to be decided by the National Vision Committee that South Korea would move toward Korean unification.


    First, there was a change in the Korean military. The current policy aimed at North Korean military was now aimed at surrounding countries, such as China, Japan, and Russia, in case they tried to prevent the unification of Korea. In preparation for possible wars after the unification, South Korea reorganized the army¡¯s infantry divisions into eight armored units and ten mechanized units. The DMZ defense line was also reorganized into eight mechanized units, each unit capable of strengthening the mobility and survivability of the entire unit. For example, the 7th Armored Unit was divided into two mechanized units; the three control divisions were divided into two armored units and one mechanized unit; and the roles of the entire unit were divided among the five units. Additionally, the unit was given the newest weapons produced by the Olympus base. Once these changes wereplete, the 7th Armored Unit would be the strongest independent unit to take a war mission in Northeast Asia.


    Second, there was a change in the Korean navy. In order to take actions against China, Japan, and Russia, three KD-3A Aegis battleships, which weremissioned in March, were stationed at each of the three fleets defending Korea¡¯s three seas. When six Kd-4 Hoc destroyers weremissioned, three King Sejong the Great-ss Aegis destroyers, and six Grand-ss Gwanggaeto the Great destroyers, which were originally in the 7th Armored Force, would be assigned to the unit in order to expand its scale of operations.


    Additional destroyers were also soon to be stationed in the 7th Armored unit to serve in 2022. Finally, the 10th Landing Fleet would be reorganized. Four Ganghwado-levelnding ships, six sentry ships, four Dokdo-levelnding ships, and eight Cheonwangbong-level ships would be added to the fleet.


    Third, in the air force, threebat aircraft would be added to the original ninebat aircraft for a total of twelvemissioned aircraft, and the KF-21p and KF/A-25P from Olympus base would be stationed at both the new units and the units with old aircraft.


    Finally, South Korea was creating an aerospace force to run various satellites, including Zeus 1, and as soon as the new space aircraft waspleted in 2022, it would be deployed in preparation for future space wars.


    * * *


    April 27, 2020, 13:00


    Panmungak, Paju, Gyeonggi-do.


    On April 27, 2020, the leaders of South Korea and North Korea shook each other¡¯s hands at Panmungak for the first time in five years. Shutter sounds and shes from the numerous media and broadcast cameras filled the room.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung.¡±


    ¡°Hello, nice to see you, President Suh Hyun-woo.¡±


    A middle-aged man in his 50s and ady in her 30s shaking each other¡¯s hands seemed awkward and new, but they were friendly to each other and offered for the other to sit first.


    ¡°Ladies first, please.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Then I will sit first.¡±


    The first summit was opened publicly to inform the world that the unification of Korea was progressing smoothly, and the second summit was to be held as an informal one-on-one meeting. In the first part of summit, each country¡¯s policies concerning the rtions between South and North were discussed for about three hours.

 Chapter 71

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    April 27, 2020, 16:20


    Panmungak in Paju, Gyeonggi-do.


    President Suh Hyun-woo and First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung had a short tea break after the first part of the summit. Twenty minutester, they sat down at the conference room table in Panmungak for the second part of the summit.


    ¡°Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung, now I will openly tell you everything.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, President Suh Hyun-woo.¡±


    Sitting in afortable position with a rxed smile on his face, President Suh Hyun-woo talked to First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung without hesitation. ¡°In 2019, Korea¡¯s economy ranked 4th in the world with a GDP of 4,900 trillion won, and this year, our economy will soon catch up to Japan¡¯s. We are already caught up to Japan in terms of poption rate.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung said. ¡°As a Korean, I congratte you on South Korea¡¯s growth.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m not saying this just to show off. What I¡¯m trying to say is this¡ªfederal unification of the South and the North.¡±


    Kim Yo-jung couldn¡¯t hide her shock at the mention of reunification. The South and the North had only been on friendly terms for less than a year, so it was surprising to hear the word ¡°unification¡±e from President Suh Hyun-woo.


    ¡°Did you say unification? Isn¡¯t it too early to talk about that? We the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of North Korea are stable under Chairman Kim Jung-un¡¯s leadership.¡± Kim Yo-jung changed her expression to hide how ufortable she was. She spoke firmly, her eyes shing.


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware,¡± President Suh Hyun-woo said. ¡°I¡¯m not saying we should be unified right now. As we discussed in the first part of the summit, I would like a political and military unification¡ªjust like our policy to support North Korea¡¯s streets, railroads, and industrial buildings, along with hospitals and schools for North Koreans. Therefore, I would like to officially make a request of unification to you, Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung.¡±


    ¡°President Suh Hyun-woo, please don¡¯t rush this. As I mentioned before, we the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of North Korea are not in need of such an offer right now.¡±


    Expecting this reaction, President Suh Hyun-woo said more strongly, ¡°Then let me ask you a question, Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung. Do you think the North Korean government is stable right now?¡±


    First Vice President Kim Yo-jung was unable to respond to President Suh Hyun-woo. What he said was the truth. Since the bombing in 2015, which sent Chairman Kim Jung-un into aa, she had led the country as the First Vice Chairman, bing the alpha in the government. Although she thought she had been dong well in the government for the past four years, the country was actually ran by people like Lee Byung-chul.


    In addition, although Lee Byung-chul¡¯s rebellion was sessfully suppressed with the help of South Korea, that didn¡¯t mean someone like Lee Byung-chul wouldn¡¯t appear again. As a meredy in her early thirties in a crowd full of old politicians, it was obvious that things would only get tougher for her, as she would have to worry about another rebellion taking ce.


    Not to mention, it was unknown when Chairman Kim Jung-un would wake up, and Kim Yo-jung was getting anxious. What President Suh Hyun-woo told her matched her own thoughts and pointed out the truth.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she asked. ¡°I¡¯m just temporarily leading the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of North Korea until Chairman Kim Jung-un is able to return. Questions like that are degrading. Please refrain from asking such questions.¡±


    It¡¯s only natural for someone to strongly deny their weaknesses in order to hide them. This was true of Kim Yo-jung, who had replied to President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s questions in an aggressive tone.


    ¡°I apologize if I offended you, Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung.¡±


    Just like any experienced Korean politician in his fifties, President Suh Hyun-woo expertly pointed out her weakness, giving himself the upper hand. He had figured out her weakness before the summit had even begun.


    ¡°I¡¯m d that you, Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung, have a firm hold over the North Korean government. Since that¡¯s the case, shouldn¡¯t we be able to talk about federal unification for the people in North Korea without worrying about anything?¡±


    Seeing that Kim Yo-jung was unable to speak, President Suh Hyun-woo thought that he had taken control of this summit. He used stronger bait. ¡°I can guarantee the positions of most North Korean politicians in the federal unification of the South and the North. This means that I will ept the existence of the Labor Party. But I have one stiption, which is that the current political system should be changed into a democracy. I would also like to say that South Korea¡¯s economic power has the potential to develop North Korea like South Korea within ten years. These are the specifics of federal unification. I hope you can go over them once you return to your country.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo took out a set of documents from his briefcase and handed them to First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung.


    The South-North one-on-one private summit ended after eight p.m. Media from all over the world were curious about what the leaders of the South and North had talked about during the four-hour meeting, leading to countless assumptions and rumors based on nonsensical evidence.


    * * *


    April 27th, 2020, 22:30


    Pyung-yang Gaeseong Highway, South Pyungan, North Korea.


    In the official state car, First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung was looking out the windows at the dark scenery, organizing her thoughts. She wished she could hide her inner anxiety. Lee Byung-chul¡¯s rebellion had ruined her faith in other politicians. She couldn¡¯t tell who was friend and who was foe. Lee Byung-chul¡¯s betrayal had stirred these doubts in her¡ªshe had trusted him.


    While she was having theseplicated thoughts, the official car that she was in and the numerous cars escorting it entered the city of Pyung-yang.


    * * *


    April 30th, 2020, 17:00


    Completion of the sma super photon powerhouse in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do.


    Construction on the sma super photon powerhouse began in November 2018 and waspleted in a year and six months. The nned installed capacity was 8GW, but this was changed to 12GW, making the Ansan Powerhouse a massive installed capacity powerhouse, but also dying itspletion. The installed capacity of 12GW in the Ansan sma Super Photon Powerhouse was powerful enough to provide electricity to most western cities, including Incheon and Ansan.


    The long-term project was to build ten 12GW sma super photon powerhouses all over South Korea by 2024, providing free electricity to every house and reducing the industrial electricity bill by 80%. This was the beginning of the project. However, only a small number of politicians rted to the project was invited to thepletion ceremony, and the ceremony was closed to the public. The security was also strong, like most military security.


    * * *


    May 3, 2020, 09:00


    Conference room in the Presidential Pce, Pyung-yang, North Korea.


    At the conference room in the Presidential Pce, a busy meeting was going on. The most influential politicians in North Korea were seated around arge table covered in documents. These documents were from President Suh Hyun-woo, and they contained the details rted to the federal unification.


    ¡°Please share your opinions once you¡¯re done looking at the documents,¡± First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung said in a more serious tone than usual.


    Following her instructions, Chairperson of National People¡¯s Congress Kim Gi-nam raised his hand.


    ¡°Chairperson Kim Gi-nam, please speak.¡±


    Chairperson Kim Gi-nam, who thought he was being neutral, strongly voiced against the federal unification. ¡°Isn¡¯t this unification by absorption? As the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of North Korea, it¡¯s not the right time to ept unification by absorption. We shouldn¡¯t allow it, especially when Chairman Kim Jung-un is still in aa.¡±


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, who was close with Kim Yo-jung, spoke in favor of it. ¡°I think differently. South Korea is different from what it was in the past. First, economically, they¡¯re almost fifth in the world, and their military budget was eighty trillion dors this year alone. That¡¯s 2.5 times more than it was in 2016. And how is North Korea doing? Rather than getting better, things are getting worse there day by day. Isn¡¯t everyone aware of this? The only thing we can rely on is our nuclear weapons, but other than that, people¡¯s lives continue to be more difficult.¡± Kim Young-chul, who was both the Labor Party secretary and head of the Unified Front Department, pointed out the ufortable truth about how things really were in North Korea.


    Chairman Kim Gi-nam pointed at Kim Young-chul and raised his voice. ¡°So what are you saying?¡± he asked. ¡°That we should agree to unification by absorption? You¡¯ve met with South Koreans so many times that you seem like one of them now.¡±


    ¡°Chairperson Kim Gi-nam, we should think about the people. Take a look at the unification financial support that South Korea is willing to give us¡ªit¡¯s a huge amount. We won¡¯t ever have that kind of financial support on our own, no matter how hard we try.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t think about the people? Don¡¯t pretend like you¡¯re the only one who¡¯s worrying about them.¡±


    ¡°Chairperson Kim Gi-nam, we have to ept the fact that the world is changing before it¡¯s toote, and we should go with the flow.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I know that?¡±


    ¡°Chairperson Kim Gi-nam, please calm down,¡± Kim Yo-jung said. ¡°We¡¯re just sharing our opinions right now, so let¡¯s listen to others first, then we¡¯ll discuss.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Kim Yo-jung,¡± he said. As the oldest in the group, Chairperson Kim Gi-nam was conservative and didn¡¯t seem to like the idea of unification by absorption.


    ¡°Let me say one thing too.¡±


    ¡°We have to do something about South Korea, whether that¡¯s a war or unification. However, just like Party Secretary Kim Young-chul said, it¡¯s hard topete with South Korea when our power is so limited. They¡¯re guaranteeing us the Labor Party System. With all the support they¡¯re offering, I would agree in favor of unification for our people.¡±


    Minister Park Bong-ju, who usually stated his opinion first, listened to the other politicians¡¯ opinions before jumped into the conversation. ¡°Let me say one thing too, First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung,¡± he said.


    ¡°Please do so, Minister Park Bong-ju.¡±


    ¡°I want to talk realistically first. Chairman Kim Jung-un is currently in aa, and I don¡¯t think it¡¯s right to proceed with the unification without him. We also have to consider thepromise we made with China. Whether it¡¯s federal unification or unification by absorption, we have to talk to China first. And we also have to see if South Korea can keep all the uses they came up with for federal unification.¡± Minister Park Bong-ju simplified the issues that had to be resolved first, and the issues others hadn¡¯t brought up, rather than standing for or against the topic of unification.


    The conference started at nine in the morning and ended at five in the evening, with an hour-long lunch break in the afternoon. The politicians talked about the unification of South and North Korea for the first time in this seven-hour discussion, and although nothing was settled, the fact that the topic of unification had been discussed in the Presidential Pce showed that North Korea was also going along with the flow of change in the Korean Penins.

 Chapter 72

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    May 12, 2020, 09:00


    Korea.


    Once the South-North representative meetings were over and the North Korean aid policy passed Congress, the first aid project started was North Korea¡¯s road expansion project. A number of constructionpanies¡¯ vehicles, equipment, and trucks hauling materials crossed the unification bridge and then passed through Gaesung toward Pyeong yang.


    If this line of hundreds of cars was seen from above, it truly would have been something to behold.


    The North Korean unification aid agreement had four stages, and the first was expanding the roads in North Korea. First, they would expand the highway that connected Gaesung and Pyeong yang. Then, they would construct highways to connect Pyeong yang and Shinuiju, Pyeongyang and Huicheon, and Hwacheon and Manpo. They would also build a new road to connect Hwacheon, Hyesan, and Huiryung.


    Due to haphazard concrete work, the highways in North Korea were so poorly made that they could hardly pass as highways. They didn¡¯t havenes, and the shoulders were too narrow. Moreover, they were titled and uneven in certain areas.


    The expansion of roads was prioritized to lessen the burden of moving materials and supplies to North Korea after reunification, and also for the hidden purpose of securing a path for Korea¡¯s armed forces in the event of war.


    Few of the opposing party members criticized the policy as a waste of taxpayer money. In fact, some of the policies that were suggested would even benefit South Korea. Among these were joint policies rted to the NLL (Northern Limit Line), which gave South Korea jurisdiction to crack down on Chinese finishing ships that illegally crossed the border.


    <hr />


    May 22, 2020, 23:40


    Kyungi-do Yeonpyeong Ind, Northern Limit Line, N 37¡¯18¡¯, E 124¡¯82¡¯


    Undersea defense satellite Posiden 2 had detected ten illegal Chinese fishing ships crossing the NLL, and immediately linked the data to the coastguard¡¯s headquarters in Yeonpyeong Ind. In response, the coastguard sent out two recentlymissioned 500t ss patrol ships, the Taegeuk 551 and 552, which used their powerful sma engines to speed toward the illegal Chinese fishing ships at a speed of 55 knots.


    Under bright lights and flying red five-starred gs, the ten Chinese fishing ships used doubles to catch all the crabs in the area. A momentter, when the Korean coastguard ships sped toward the vicinity, the ten Chinese ships got into formation and installed metal bars ands at their starboards to prevent boarding. The Chinese crewmen on deck prepared long metal spears three meters long, along with axes and scythes, to meet the coastguard with.


    The Taeguk 551 and 552 each sent out a boat to disrupt the Chinese ship¡¯s movements, then began to broadcast a warning as they closed in.


    ¡°The Chinese fishing ships are illegally fishing in Korean waters. Therefore, the Chinese ships shouldy down their arms and cooperate with an investigation.¡±


    However, the crew of the Chinese ships protested even more, shouting as they raised their weapons. When one of the boats from the coastguard was about to pass the head of the Chinese fleet, one of the Chinese ships sped past the group and shot out to the front.


    Whirrrl~


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    Bang!


    The boat that was heading to the front of the fleet crashed into the coastguard boat. The boat flipped over, and nine crew members fell into the ocean. Some of them were sucked underneath the ship.


    The coastguard boat sped toward the wreckage and tried to rescue those who had fallen into the water. The Chinese fishing ships took this as their chance to speed away toward the North Korean and Chinese sea border.


    ¡°Boat 2, did you rescue the crew?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re missing two of them. It seems they were sucked under and can¡¯t surface. Requesting divers.¡±


    Superintendent Oh Kyung-joon, the captain of the Taeguk 552, radioed over to the captain of the Taeguk 551. ¡°Taeguk 551, please focus on search and rescue. The 552 will handle the arrest.¡±


    ¡°This is Taeguk 551. Understood. Over.¡±


    Taeguk 552 headed toward the Chinese fleet, which had split formation, and then gave chase to the closest ship. A momentter, the Taeguk 552 rammed into the ship at the fast speed of 55 knots. The rear end of the Chinese ship was destroyed, and the engine spewed ck smoke, signalling its wreckage. The Taeguk 552 then gave chase to the other Chinese ships.


    After 30 minutes, the Taeuk 552 had rammed into four Chinese ships and was now giving chase to the fifth Chinese ship, which was headed for international waters.


    ¡°Captain, we¡¯ll be in Chinese waters soon. It will be difficult to continue the chase,¡± Sergeant Lee Won-hyung, the helmsman, said to the captain as he looked at the digital map.


    Rather than answer his statement, the captain told him to call the Incheon Costguard. ¡°Get the Incheon Coastguard on the line.¡±


    ¡°This is Taeguk 552, currently in pursuit of an illegal Chinese fishing ship headed toward international waters. We are 5 km away from reaching China¡¯s seaboard. Requesting to fire Vulcan guns. Over.¡±


    -Stand by.


    At the words ¡°stand by,¡± Superintendant Oh Kyung-joon left themunication line open, as if for the coastguard to hear, and began to swear.


    ¡°My as. The fck do they mean, ¡°stand by¡±! Didn¡¯t they get the report of a boat being attacked?¡±


    Soon a radio message from the Incheon Coastguard came through.


    -We approve of warning shots only. Over


    ¡°Repeat, Over.¡±


    -We will only allow warning shots. Over.


    ¡°D*mn it.¡±


    Superintendent Oh Kyung-joon grabbed thems microphone and ordered the Vulcan operator via the radio.


    ¡°Open fire on the rear end of the Chinese fishing ship.¡±


    ¡°Captain, weren¡¯t we supposed to only fire warning shots?¡±


    ¡°Helmsman! You stay put. I¡¯ll take responsibility for what happens.¡±


    Whirrl~


    The 20mm Vulcan equipped at the head of the ship aimed toward the Chinese fishing ship that was speeding away.


    ¡°Open fire!¡±


    Whirl.


    Pew. Bang. Bang.


    A red beam of light shot forth over the dark ocean¡¯s surface, and the Chinese ship that was trying to reach its own waters sparked up from its rear and lit into mes.


    ¡°Bullseye!¡±


    ¡°Conduct the arrest.¡±


    At Superintendent Oh Kyung-joon¡¯s firm order, the Teageuk 552¡¯s engines roared, and the ship began to navigate the rough waves.


    ¡°Ahhh, help!¡±


    The Chinese ship was ame. It rocked back and forth in the rough waves and couldn¡¯t go anywhere. The crew that survived were busy screaming for help and trying to douse the mes with seawater. An urgent radio message came from the Aegis Destroyer Tae-Jong (DDG-996) to the Taeguk 552 sailing toward the Chinese fishing ships.


    -Two Chinese destroyers appeared 115 km away. Requesting to immediately sail back. Requesting to immediately sail back.


    ¡°This is Taeguk 552, will sail back immediately.


    Superintendent Oh Kyung-jun licked his lips as if he still wanted to go through with the arrests of the Chinese ships, but he followed the Tae-Jong destroyer¡¯s immediate order to sail back, and ryed the order to the helmsman.


    ¡°I was about to bring those b*stards in. Helmsman, change course to 1-7-5.¡±


    The underground defense satellite Posiden 2 detected China¡¯s 1st North Sea Fleet¡¯s 4,200t Ruda-ss Haulbin destroyer and the Qing-dao destroyer heading toward the Taeguk 552 at full speed, and sent the data to the Navy¡¯s 2nd Fleet. The Navy¡¯s King Tae-Jong destroyer (DDG-996), which was deployed this April, had ordered to sail back immediately. The Taeguk 552 drew arge half circle and changed its course to Yeon Pyeong ind.


    Whoosh~ Whirl~


    An anti-ship missile YJ-82(C-802) rose diagonally from each of the Chinese destroyers, the Haulbin and the Qing-dao. Their target was obviously the Taeguk 552.


    Meanwhile, at the 2nd Naval Fleet¡¯s Aegis Kin Tae-Jong (DDG-996) destroyer¡¯s battlemand center...


    ¡°A missile has beenunched from both the Haulbin and Qing-dao. The target is the Taeguk 552, and they are six minutes, seven seconds away from hitting their mark, and 322 knots away from our ship.¡±


    The radar specialist¡¯s voice rang throughout themand center. Captain Lee Gil-young gave the order himself.


    ¡°Everyone to battle stations.¡±


    ¡°Everyone to battle stations! Everyone to battle stations!¡±


    As the crewmen ran in all directions to get into position, Captain Lee Gil-young continued to give orders.


    ¡°If we fail to intercept, is there enough time for another try?¡±


    ¡°Negative. We only have 34 seconds between the time to check the interception and the missile hitting the mark.¡±


    ¡°So we only have one shot, eh? Standby for interception on target 1 and 2 and fire two rounds of SM-3 at each of the targets.¡±


    ¡°Firing two rounds of SM-3 at targets 1 and 2!¡±


    At the captain¡¯s order, the weapons master repeated the order from themand center and pressed the button tounch the missiles set to their targets.


    Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~


    ¡°All four anti-air missiles have beenunched. 3 minutes and 28 seconds away from reaching the target.¡±


    From the VLSunchpad aboard the Aegis Tae-Jong destroyer (DDG-996) four SM-3 block 1C anti-air missiles spewed white smoke and flew into the air. It seemed wasteful to use missiles against ballistic missiles, but since the target was 250 km away, there was no other choice. The captain looked at the anti-air missiles flying away in the sky and checked his watch. At that moment, the Taeguk 552 received information that the anti-ship missiles were headed in their direction, and since they had no means to retaliate, they zig-zagged at top speed and fearfully struggled to avoid the missiles.


    A momentter, an anti-ship missile hit the anti-aircraft missile from the Great King Tae-Jong destroyer (DDG-996) at the mid-point between the Chinese destroyer and the Taeguk 552, causing an explosion. However, the second target avoided the SM-3 Block 1C anti-air missile¡¯s strike and, using the sea-skimming method, kept charging toward the Taeguk 552.


    *(The SM-3 Block 1C in the novel is an imaginary missile that can strike down ballistic missiles and cruise missiles).


    ¡°Target 1 struck down sessfully! Failure to hit target 2. Second attempt also failed!¡±


    The crew of the Tae-Jong (DDG-996) destroyer all let out a moan at the missile¡¯s failure.


    ¡°Dmn Americans. They sell us this crap at such an expensive price. Sons of btches.¡±


    Captain Lee Gil-young stood up angrily and kicked his chair. All he could do now was watch the Chinese¡¯s anti-ship missile hit the Taeguk 552.


    ¡°Twenty seconds left until the Taeguk 552 is hit. 19, 18...¡±


    The anti-ship missile was within striking distance of the Taeguk 552, and it was about to change into the pop-up strike mode when a beam of light from the sky split the missile into thousands of pieces, and the missile disappeared into the ocean. Not realizing what had happened, the radar operator, who was watching the radar, became speechless. The Chinese missile had vanished from the radar.


    ¡°Ah! The anti-ship missile... vanished, no, hit... vanished. It seems to have crashed into the ocean!¡±


    Captain Lee Gil-young scolded the radar specialist, who was rambling, and asked, ¡°What are you saying? Can¡¯t you be more precise?¡± However, the specialist also could not properly assess the situation.


    ¡°Regardless, the Taeguk 552 is safe.¡±


    The truth was that the missile had been struck down by satellite Zeus 1¡¯sser cannon. At the Navy Headquarters¡¯ request, the aerospace forcemand center had already prepared to strike down the missile.


    ¡°Taeguk 552 has reached our seas.¡±


    The Taeguk 552, which was firing all the res and chaffs left in its arsenal, while maneuvering from left to right, just reached Korean waters.


    ¡°Good. From now on we retaliate against the Chinese destroyers if they fire any more missiles toward our coastguard ships. Stand by with two missiles each for destroyer 1 and 2.¡±


    ¡°Anti-ship missiles target set. Standing by forunch.¡±


    However, the Chinese destroyers didn¡¯t fire anymore missiles at the Taeguk 552, instead sending out anti-submarine choppers to the Chinese fishing ships that were on fire.


    That day, of the twelve illegal Chinese fishing ships, four were partially destroyed, while one was expected to sink. The two ships that fled to North Korea¡¯s sea territory past the NLL were arrested by the 250t sentry ship sent out from Baekryung Ind, totaling in 6 arrests. However, it was also a sad day for two of the special forces from the coastguard, who passed away in the line of duty. This became the spark that ignited the diplomatic war between China and Korea.

 Chapter 73

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    May 2, 2020, 10:00


    Coastguard press conference room, Kuro-ku, Seoul.


    Various newspaper agencies in South Korea stered headlines in their morning papers about the illegal Chinese fishing ships near Yeonpyeong Ind, and news channels also started their broadcasts with the news about the incident and the measures the Coastguard would take as a response. The news aired Coastal Safety Director Lee Un-kyung¡¯s briefing about the incident across the nation.


    ¡°The first item on the docket is the details of the incident. On May 22, at 23:40, two sentry ships under the Incheon Coastguard that were patrolling the Sochung Ind¡¯s south eastern seas discovered twelve illegal Chinese fishing ships, and worked together to arrest the Chinese ships. At 22:50, the ships 551 and 552 both approached the Chinese ships...¡±


    Coastal Safety Director Lee Un-kyung finished exining the details of the incident, looked at the journalists, and then continued speaking.


    ¡°Next, we will begin exining how we will strengthen crackdowns on future illegal fishing done by Chinese ships. The Korean government and the Coastguard will consider as pirates the illegal Chinese ships that damage our own fishermen and use violence against our coastguard. Therefore, our sentry ships will ram against the illegal ships and conduct arrest methods that put the safety of our men first. To further prevent illegal fishing, all ships that resist arrest and flee will be chased by the Coastguard¡¯s choppers, which will be deployed in advance, and will be pursued by air until they are in custody.


    ¡°Also, all ships that were arrested for illegal fishing will be dismantled manually or by explosives, and the Chinese crewmen will be charged with manughter for the deaths of the two coast guards killed during the incident. They will face the harsh judgement of the Korean justice system.


    ¡°Lastly, we demand that the captains of the Chinese destroyers be punished for firing anti-ship missiles at the Coastguard¡¯s 552 ship. We also want to warn the Chinese government about their provocation of war and demand they impose sanctions against illegal fishing and other actions that threaten war. This concludes our briefing.¡±


    The Coastguard¡¯s briefing, which announced the Coastguard¡¯s firm stance against the illegal Chinese pirates, garnered unanimous support from Korea¡¯s citizens. In recent years, illegal fishing by Chinese ships had depleted the fish in Korea¡¯s seas, causing Korean fishermen, who almost had to give up on their professions, to stage mass protests. The Korean fishermen yearned for the Coastguard and government to maintain their firm stance against illegal fishing, and continued staging their various protests.


    Meanwhile, the Chinese government insisted that the Korean government¡¯s arrest methods were in vition of human rights, and through their use of unnecessary force, had caused a Chinese fishing ship to sink, resulting in the deaths of four Chinese crewmen. China continued its criticism of the Korean government and Coastguard, boldly arguing that Korea¡¯s use of a Vulcan gun against a Chinese ship in international waters was the true provocation of war, and openly expressed pity for the deaths of the two Korean Coastguard crewmen.


    After both nations¡¯ announcements, the Chinese spearheaded an extreme form of nationalism, using various inte outlets to protest and spread racial slurs to show their true power to America¡¯s pet Korea. Boycotts, riots, and acts of terrorism against Korean products and Korean shops started in Beijing and spread across the nation. In response, Korea¡¯s inte outlets and civic groups all called the Chinese dirty and daring and protested for the Chinese to stoping to Korea for tours. Due to all this protesting, the rtionship between Korea and China became more tense than ever before.


    * * *


    May 25, 2020, 10:20 (China Standard Time, 09:20)


    Politburo of the Communist Party of China conference room, Beijing, China.


    The leaders of China, including Xi Jin Ping, held a meeting to discuss taking revenge through economic sanctions in response to the deaths of the four Chinese sailors on May 22. However, the truth of the matter was that they were only using the issue of revenge against Korea as an excuse. The meeting was actually held to discuss phasing out Chinese corporations that were increasingly relying on Korean ones, and to discuss how Korea, once arge importer, had be one of thergest exporters in the world. Also, the biggest reason why the meeting was held was to discuss how the peaceful atmosphere between North and South Korea decreased China¡¯s influence over North Korea as time went on. After the South-North representative meetings, China¡¯s military rtions and joint natural resource projects with North Korea had declined rapidly.


    The meeting in the conference room of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China had seven members of the standingmittee, seventeen party members, and directors from each department in attendance.


    Vice-Chairman Zhang Ping from the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, who was the moderator of the meeting, spoke into the microphone. ¡°Please give your opinions regarding economic sanctions against Korea.¡±


    Director of Culture Gao Xu Shin raised his hand, and then spoke into the microphone. ¡°Currently, Korea¡¯s many celebrities are paidrge amounts of money for making appearances in various Chinese advertisements, movies, TV shows, and soap operas. Therefore, I believe we must ban all Korean celebrities who work in China from making such appearances.¡±


    Committee member Liu Win Xian, who was in charge of propaganda and ideologies, supported party member Gao Xu Shin¡¯s im, as if to solidify his argument. ¡°That¡¯s right. Right now, the Halryu or whatever (K-pop) phenomenon is taking over our culture, and we must take action against it from now on.¡±


    ¡°Very well. If the other departments have any opinions, please express them.¡±


    The Chinese government decided on using the National Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which controls China¡¯s cultural agencies, to retaliate against celebrities. All celebrities from Korea would be banned from making appearances on TV, radio, and in movies and advertisements. ording to this ban, the flow of foreign currency to Korea could also be blocked. One of the reasons why such a drastic policy could be enacted was the rapidly spreading boycotts in China against Korean products.


    At the meeting that day, various suggestions for the retaliation, starting with the suggested ban on Korean celebrities, were presented. Among them, the most important were the suggested changes to the semiconductor and LED panel industries, which were extremely important in the 21st century. In truth, the Chinese cellphone and electronics manufacturers had increased their import of Korean semiconductors and LED panels, marking a sharp rise in their reliance on Korean manufacturers.


    As a result, China decided to reduce imports and rely on its own semiconductors and LED panels. Soon, however, they would learn that this would hurt them in the long run. The reason being, their low capacity semiconductors and panels would lower the quality of the finished product, and Chinese consumers, who, due to the economic boom, now had higher standards, indicating that the appeal of the era of low prices had ended.


    Additionally, the Chinese government attempted to dump products into Korea, itsrgest importer, to hurt the country¡¯s domestic market. But the Korean government retaliated with its own dump as well.


    Lastly, China decided to strengthen its customs and inspections standards regarding Korean corporations. China refused to conduct customs or imed inadequate packaging as a reason to deny exports, but Korea had already lowered its reliance on China with its markets in South East Asia, India, and especially African nations, so losing China¡¯s markets wouldn¡¯t hurt its economy.


    China, which was still encapsted by its own Chinese ideologies and continued to look down on other nations due to its poor understanding of world politics, still considered Korea as a small and weak nation that would be politically and economically unstable under America¡¯s military protection during threats of war. As a result, despite Korea¡¯s fearfully rapid economic and military growth, China held on to their outdated view of Korea, which would lead to an economic disaster that would haunt them in the future.


    * * *


    May 26th, 2020, 14:00


    th Flight Training Wing Air Force Base, Muju-kun, Jeonbook.


    Four KF-21P Phoenix fighter jets were in a spectacr fingertip fighting formation, traveling at a speed of Mach 4.5 over the West Sea. A moment ago, the KS-SS Apollo 2 satellite reported that China¡¯s 2nd Naval Fleet¡¯s aircraft carrier, the Beijing, had deployed sixteen J-15 fighter jets, which were headed to Korea¡¯s skies. Four KF-21P jets had been deployed in response.


    Flight leader of the KF-21P Phoenix fighter jets, Captain Kim Young-ho, checked the dashboard of his radar and notified his formation. ¡°Young-gu, South West point, sixteen J-15 jets, distance at 520. Confirmation.¡±


    -Maeng-gu, confirmed DAT.


    -Dal-gu, confirmed DAT.


    -Hyuck-gu, confirmed DAT.


    When the sixteen J-15 fighter jets reached within 420 km, Captain Kim Young-ho spoke again via the flight wing¡¯smunication system.


    ¡°Engage battle positions! Raise altitude! Go box line Everest! Stand by with a round of Cobra air-to-air missiles for each of the two targets!¡±


    At the flight leader¡¯smand, the three Phoenix fighter jets maintained an angle of 60 degrees, despite being in supercruise, and began to ascend. Then. Flight Leader Young-gu also raised his jet vertically and operated itsunch systems. A few momentster, the four Phoenix jets, which had risen 20 km up into the air, opened their internal weaponry pairings while maintaining a horizontal distance of a mile between each other.


    ¡°Fire Cobras!¡±


    -Young-gu Fox Three!


    -Maeng-gu Fox Three!


    -Dal-gu Fox Three!


    -Hyuck-gu Fox Three!


    At the Flight Leader¡¯s order tounch, the four phoenix jets all fired two S-AAM-500 Cobra 500km-ranged air-to-air missiles. The missiles flew out, spitting out blue me, and sped past at the speed of Mach 20.


    Woosh~ Fuuuuuuuu~


    After the eight Cobra missiles wereunched, China¡¯s Beijing aircraft carrier¡¯s four flight wings, which consisted of sixteen J-15 fighter jets, broke formation due to the sudden missile rm. But the missiles were incredibly fast, and after only 50 seconds after the rms rang, the eight jets were hit before having the chance to spew res or chaff, and exploded in the air.


    The rest of the pilots of the J-15 fighter jets, who witnessed their fellow jets turn into smithereens, must have been frightened by an enemy that couldn¡¯t be detected by radar, because they spewed chaff and res before breaking formation and turning around. However, the Phoenix jets, which were 350 km away from the J-15 jets, fired eight more Cobra long-distance air-to-air missiles, and the eight other J-15 jets that tried to return exploded in the air as well.


    Captain Jeon Chang-bin, whose call sign was Maeng-gu, spoke via the flight wing¡¯sms.


    -Maeng-gu, clean. That was too easy.


    -Yeong-gu, you¡¯re right. That was a massacre.


    It was exactly so. The J-15 fighter jets from the Beijing aircraft carrier were struck down without even knowing who their enemy was, or where they flew in from. The Phoenix flight wing had imed a massive victory after their first deployment. They were exchanging jokes and heading back, when their radar detected an unknown bogey approaching fast from the west side.


    ¡°Yeong-gu, multiple bogies (unidentified aircraft) approaching from the west point at Mach 1.8, distance at 300. Check internal radar.¡±


    -Maeng-gu, Dal-gu, Hyuck-gu, confirmed DAT.


    Flight Leader Choi Young-ho notified his own wing about the new bogies, then called the Apollo reconnaissance satellite.


    ¡°Yeong-gu, contacting Apollo 2, requesting scan data. Over.¡±


    -This is Apollo 2 mission control, currently unable to data link from other missions. Over.


    Yeong-gu, confirmed DAT!¡±


    When they couldn¡¯t receive aid from the Apollo 2 satellite, Captain Choi Young-ho licked his lips and looked at the radar¡¯s outputs. The radar showed the detected thirty-two fighter jets and their specs. It was China¡¯s first stealth fighter jet, J-20.


    ¡°It¡¯s only stealth in words,¡± he thought.


    Captain Choi Young-ho showed a slight smile at the Chinese jets being clearly detected at a distance of 300 km, and ryed the information to his flight wing.


    ¡°Bandit Chinese J-20 jets. Everyone standby with mid-range air-to-air missiles (S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles).¡±

 Chapter 74

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    May 26, 2020, 14:20


    th Flight Training Wing Air Force Base, Muju-kun, Junbook.


    The Chinese J-20 fighter jets approached a distance of 250 km, but as they could not detect the Phoenix Flight Wing, they flew back over the Western Sea.


    ¡°Fire Rattle Snake missiles at each target if they reach within 200 of the missiles¡¯ range.¡±


    -Maeng-gu, confirmed DAT.


    -Dal-gu, confirmed DAT.


    -Hyuck-gu, confirmed DAT.


    A momentter, when the Chinese Flight Wing reached the Rattlesnake mid-range air-to-air missiles¡¯ range, the four KF-21P Phoenix fighter jets fired 32 missiles, which spewed out blue mes and flew toward the Chinese J-20 jets at Mach 12. The J-20 fighter jets¡¯ missile rms must have gone off again because the jets all made evasive maneuvers and broke formation.


    However, all 32 jets were struck down. The Chinese jets released powerful jamming emissions, along with chaffs and res, and made evasive maneuvers. However, before they even had the chance to fire their newly-developed 200 km-range PL-15 mid-ranged missiles, they were vaporized in the sky.


    Modern air warfare is simple. It¡¯s a strategy of who has the upper hand in terms of reach and firepower, and a game of who detects who first. From this perspective, the recently developed 5th-generation jets were no match for Korea¡¯s newly-developed 6.5-generation Phoenix fighter jets.


    China¡¯s J-20 fighter jets were only 5th generation in name, and the Western nations all considered them as 4.5 generation jets. The reason being that although the externals of the jet looked like America¡¯s F-22 stealth fighter jets, the jet¡¯s material coating, which was supposed to absorb radio waves, was poor in quality. The jet alsocked electronic warfare equipment and systems. As a result, there were no real differences between China¡¯s J-15 and J-20 jets.


    Captain Choi Young-ho¡¯s flight wing had sessfully passed the second test and was now entering the third test stage.


    Beep~ Beep~


    Information on the F-22 jets was disyed on the radar screen with an alert, indicating that dozens of bandits (identified enemy nes) were detected at the Phoenix Flight Wing¡¯s 6 o¡¯clock.


    In truth, the F-22 jets would have a hard time appearing at a distance of 55 km from the Phoenix jets undetected. However, these emergency situations were programmed into the simtion in order to improve the pilot¡¯s abilities.


    ¡°South point bandit 16 F-22 distance 55 check! Take Spirit S and then maintain line Everest.¡±


    -Maeng-gu, confirmed DAT.


    -Dal-gu, confirmed DAT.


    -Hyuck-gu, confirmed DAT.


    When the mock F-22 enemies showed up 55 km from their rear, Captain Choi Young-ho kept his cool and ordered his flight wing to go into Dog Fight battle formation, which is for battles between high-tech stealth jets.


    At the direction of Captain Choi Young-ho, the four Phoenix jets lowered their altitude and maneuvered from left to right. When the flight wing got into position, a HUD screen lit up on the Phoenix pilots¡¯ helmet visors and showed the F-22 jets.


    ¡°Yeong-gu, Standby S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper (Short-range air-to-air missile), fire.¡±


    -Maeng-gu, Fox Two.


    -Dal-gu, Fox Two.


    -Hyuck-gu, Fox Two.


    -Yeong-gu, Fox Two.


    At Captain Choi Young-ho¡¯s orders, the jets fired two missiles at a time. A total of eight infrared short-range missiles flew off, billowing white smoke, at the same time the RWR (radar warning receiver) rm sounded.


    Beep~ Beep~ Beep~


    The F-22 fighters¡¯ powerful radar AN/APG-77 detected the Phoenix jets in its visible range and locked-on the missiles. The jets thenunched their AIM-120 AMRAAMs.


    -¡°Yeong-gu,unch! Launch! Launch! AMRAAMs. Flight Wing, all music on, break turn.¡±


    -Maeng-gu, Dal-gu, Hyeok-gu, confirmed DAT.


    The missilesunched by the Phoenix jets and F-22 jets charged at each other, and each flight wing used their SECM jammers while transitioning into emergency evasive maneuvers. It was a true dog fight between the 21st century¡¯s high-tech stealth fighter jets.


    The first infrared missile that Captain Choi Young-ho fired charged toward the two F-22 jets, which then took evasive maneuvers and sprayed chaff and res. But at such a short distance and at a high speed of Mach 8.5, the missiles hit the F-22 jets, and the jets exploded in the air. The six F-22 jets that were ahead of them also met the same fate.


    Now there were only eight F-22 jets left, but they outnumbered the Phoenix jets by two to one.


    Two AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles flew toward Captain Choi Young-ho at Mach 4. He trusted the jet¡¯s A.I. fire control system and fired the 20mmser Vulcan beams.


    Pew~ Pew~ Pew~ Pew~ Pew~


    The first AMRAAM was intercepted by the stream ofser beams and exploded in the air. The second AMRAAM flew through the mes and was about to release its firing mechanism when Captain Choi Young-ho spun his ne quickly like a drill ten times and started a sudden right-sided evasive maneuver. This caused the AMRAAM, which had already sent out fragments, to hit empty air. If this evasive maneuver was done with a regr fighter jet, then the pilot would have had the blood rush to his head from the force of 9G, causing him to lose consciousness. But the Phoenix fighter jet had a counter gravity system, and the pilot inside it could only feel up to 2G of force. Additionally, the A.I. piloting system linked to the pilot¡¯s helmet was capable of automatically bncing the jet.


    With this advanced technology, the KF-21P fighter jet showed superior maneuverability despite being outnumbered in the dogfight, and it took out the F-22 jets.


    Captain Choi Young-ho alerted his wingman, Captain Jeon Chang-bin, of the danger. ¡°Yeong-gu, contact, Maeng-gu, check six.¡±


    -Maeng-gu, confirmed DAT.


    Captain Jeon Chang-bin raised the nose of his jet high and sharply increased the angle of attack so he could make a sudden stop with the generated air resistance. This is called the ¡°Cobra maneuver,¡± but the technical term is ¡°high-speed yo-yo¡± maneuver. The F-22 jets approaching from the rear passed over the captain¡¯s jet and shot forward. When the tide of the battle turned in his favor, Captain Jeon Chang-bin dropped his jet and recovered momentum, then moved behind the F-22 jets to begin shooting the 20mmser Vulcan beams.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew pew ~


    Numerousser beams struck the jets¡¯ engines, which then lit into mes, causing the jets to explode.


    -Hit.


    -Yeong-gu, contact. Maeng-gu, good job.¡±


    With a spectacr evasive maneuver, Captain Jeon Chang-bin passed by andplimented the attack. However, an urgent radio message from Hyuck-gu came on thems.


    -Hyuck-gu,unch! Launch! Launch!


    Lieutenant Oh Seung-gil, whose call sign was Hyuck-gu, was busy avoiding the sidewinder missiles at his 9 o¡¯clock.


    ¡°Yeong-gu, contact. Dal-gu, loop.¡±


    -Dal-gu, confirmed DAT.


    At Flight Leader Yeong-gu¡¯s order, Dal-gu shot his jet shot upward and then circted back from his evasive maneuver, as if to tumble back. After he made one round, the sidewinder that was giving chase couldn¡¯t handle the sudden change in angle and began to spin. Captain Choi Young-ho took this opportunity to strike down the sidewinder with theser Vulcan beams.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    Boom!


    After a few minutes into the dog fight, only two F-22 fighter jets were left. The F-22 jets all gathered toward Hyuck-gu. They outnumbered him, but his wingman, Dal-gu, flew in from his 9 o¡¯clock and fired 20mm Vulcan beams. When the F-22 jets were hit by the multipleser beams, they lost bnce and tilted to the right, then crashed.


    There was only one enemy jet left. The F-22 seemed to be trying to make onest struggle. It raised its altitude to turn around and then fired its AMRAAM missiles andst Sidewinder simultaneously. As a result, Maeng-gu, Hyuck-gu, and Cheolpgu¡¯s jets¡¯ lock-on rms sounded, and the three flight wing members raised their SECM outputs and then made evasive maneuvers, releasing res and chaffs.


    Unlike his threerades, Captain Choi Young-ho was free from enemy jets. He used the afterburner to thrust toward thest F-22 Raptor jet. Then, he flew above the jet and shotser Vulcan beams over the top of it.


    Pew pew pew pew pew ~ Pew pew pew pew pew~


    The 20mmser Vulcan beams fell like a stream of light and passed straight through the F-22¡¯s canopy, leaving a line of burn marks. The F-22 made a hammerhead turn to try and change direction, but it lost its bnce and plummeted to the ground.


    After thest F-22 jet crashed to the ground, the powerful SECM jammers disabled the seekers of the AMRAAM missiles heading toward Maeng-gu and Hyuck-gu, causing the missiles to explode. The sidewinder heading toward Chul-gu hit one of the res and also blew up.


    Simtionplete.


    The four Yeong-gu Flight Wing members finished the three stages of the simtion. They were high-fiving each other and celebrating their best improvement yet.


    ¡°Chang-bin, your Cobra maneuver was amazing.¡±


    ¡°Of course! Who do you think I am?¡±


    ¡°Man, don¡¯t you know humility?¡±


    Both of them teased each other and bumped fists, and Lieutenant Oh Seung-gil and Han Sang-jin, who were both in the simtion with them, gave them a thumbs-up.


    ¡°Great work, Captain Choi and Jeon, sirs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you two as well. You must have had a hard time listening to that idiot Captain Choi.¡± Captain Jeon Chang-bin pointed to Captain Choi Young-ho and began tough.


    ¡°If I¡¯m an idiot, then you¡¯re an idiot too.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha.¡±


    That day, the final simtion tests for the KF-21P were conducted with 20 flight wings, and the Yeong-gu Flight Wing, which had gonest, took first ce with a score of 94 out of 100.


    Yeong-gu: J-15 jets shot down: 4. J-20 jets shot down: 8. F-22 jets shot down: 5.


    Maeng-gu: J-15 jets shot down: 4. J-20 jets shot down: 8. F-22 jets shot down: 4.


    Dal-gu: J-15 jets shot down: 4. J-20 jets shot down: 8. F-22 jets shot down: 3.


    Hyuck-gu: J-15 jets shot down: 4. J-20 jets shot down: 8. F-22 jets shot down: 4.


    When the results came in, Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin embraced each other and cheered.

 Chapter 75

    <h4>Chapter 75</h4>


    May 30, 2020, 10:00


    Cab meeting room in the Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul.


    This cab meeting was held to discuss China¡¯s trade war, which had started after the arrests of the illegal Chinese fishing ships, and to determine what countermeasures Korea would take.


    ¡°Starting on the 26th, China banned all Korean celebrities from making appearances in China, and they¡¯ve restricted imports of the main items we export to China, such as medicine, materials, chemical fibers, metal, and non-metal alloys. They¡¯ve also imposed stricter restrictions and inspections on food imports, which ount for 30% of our total exports. LED disys and semiconductors are expected to be China¡¯s next target. Lastly, everyone must remember China¡¯s restriction on Japan¡¯s rare earth metals exports, which made the Japanese helpless during the Sengaku archipgo dispute. I believe China will do the same to our nation.¡±


    Minister of Economy and Finance Yoo Won-jin read the document he had prepared out loud and continued. ¡°The most urgent matter at hand is the Korean corporations and small businesses in China. China¡¯s anti-Korea protests are stepping over the line and getting worse by the day. Factory workers are organizing strikes and protests, and small business owners are taking financial losses from the rioting. Moreover, Chinese corporations are breaking contracts and trades, causing serious legal problems.¡±


    ¡°Please go into more detail.¡±


    ¡°I can tell you more about that, sir.¡± At the president¡¯s order, NIS Secretary Na Bong-il showed him something on a tablet.


    ¡°There are 52 corporations stationed in China, which currently operate 18 factories and 30rge shops, and 2,520 small business owners, who operate 3,190 ces of business. Since yesterday, the 18 factories have shut down due to illegal strikes. One of the factory¡¯s facilities was destroyed, and three of therge shops have closed. Additionally, the small businesses have been forced to close due to looting, and many have had their shop windows broken.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s China¡¯s government or police doing?¡± the president said angrily, frowning at China¡¯s unusual actions.


    ¡°They pretend that they¡¯re cracking down on the riots, but it seems they¡¯re the ones instigating them.¡±


    The president bit down on his lower lip and called the minister of foreign affairs. ¡°Minister Kim!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°File a strong formalint to the Chinese ambassador as soon as our meeting is over, and make sure they promise to protect our Chinese citizens. You have my permission to make a strong threat. Tell them if China doesn¡¯t keep their promise, Korea will also sternly retaliate.


    ¡°Understood. I expected as much, but I didn¡¯t think they would use the trade war card this early. I predicted they would threaten us politically, but they might have a different motive than what I thought.¡± Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak spoke in response to China¡¯s actions, which went against his own predictions.


    In response, NIS Secretary Na Bong-il got on the microphone and spoke.


    ¡°The intention is obvious. The truth is that China already had this trade war in the works. China is merely using this fishing incident as an excuse to start an economic trade war they were already preparing to wage against our nation. They got their chance while waiting for an opportunity.¡±


    Curious, the president asked NIS Secretary Na Bong-il, ¡°They prepared this in advance? What would be the reason?¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il exined the true reasons for the trade war, which the Department of Foreign Intelligence had analyzed. ¡°ording to the NIS Foreign Intelligence Department¡¯s investigations, what China is most concerned about is its influence over North Korea. These days, South and North Korea¡¯s peaceful rtionship, and theirrge-scale economic aid projects, which arerger than ever before, have lessened China¡¯s influence over North Korea. China was waiting for the chance to disrupt Korea¡¯s economy in order to regain its influence.¡±


    ¡°I see. As expected, there doesn¡¯t seem to be any neighboring nations that support our cause,¡± Minister Kim Jae-hakmented, sighing.


    The president must have wanted to steer the meeting back on course, because he dragged his seat closer to the table before saying, ¡°Then let¡¯s discuss strategies for dealing with China¡¯s trade war.¡±


    ¡°As we have reported before, we are nning to drastically lower prices on the goods we expect China to restrict imports on, and aim toward secondary markets overseas. Honestly, China is thergest purchasing power in the world, but if our corporations and nations put in a little effort, we can increase our exports to many countries, starting with India, which has a poption asrge as China¡¯s. We can then export to other South East Asian nations, along with South America and Africa. We can¡¯t expect our export amount to recover to 100%, but I believe this is our best choice.¡±


    ¡°Yes. There¡¯s no other way, is there? Please cooperate with the corporations and fix the prices, and Minister Youn, please take diplomatic measures against the nations mentioned by the minister of foreign Affairs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it will get done,¡± the two ministers answered at the same time.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s continue.¡±


    ¡°The next topic is the import restrictions on LED disys and semiconductors,¡± Minister Youn Won-jin continued.


    ¡°Actually, China¡¯s attempt to retaliate by raising tariffs on LED disys and semiconductors is a foolish move that will critically hurt their economy.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°68% of Chinese electronics corporations rely on Korea disys, while 85% rely on various Korean semiconductors. If China raises their tariffs, then all we have to do is make one of two choices: raise the prices of Korean products to ount for the increase in tariffs, or ban all exports to China. China knows this. They will try to meet the demand for those products with their own manufacturing capabilities. If they do this, the finished products will not be able to meet the standards of consumers across the world. Their exports will drop, and they will only be able to sell their products to Chinese nationalists.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s not enough. We can¡¯t ignore the size of China¡¯s market,¡± Prime Minister Lee Young-ho said.


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister! We can¡¯t ignore China¡¯s domestic market. Until now, Chinesepanies have been able to seed due to China¡¯srge poption and market. However, at present, the Chinese people¡¯s confidence in their products is at an all time low, and the standards of Chinese consumers are too high for them to buy products that are even poorer in quality than they are now. I¡¯m sure the products will sell at first, but in the long run, the products in their warehouses will go to waste.¡±


    Minister of Science, ICT, and Future nning Yoo Seung-woo spoke up to agree with Minister Youn Won-jin. ¡°I think it¡¯s an urate assessment.¡±


    ¡°In recent years, China¡¯s middle ss has broken free from China¡¯s nationalism and no longer feelpelled to use domestic products over foreign ones. People who be rich quickly are typically selfish, and they tend to treat money lightly. Will the middle-ss citizens buy their nation¡¯s lower-quality products when there are better products out there? This was the case in the early 2000s, but not now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite persuasive, especially after hearing the full reasoning. If the trade war spreads to disys and semiconductors, then let¡¯s ban all exports to China. Please notify the corporations in advance so they can prepare.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then is thest item left rare earth minerals?¡±


    ¡°I will give a briefing about those.¡±


    Minister of Unification Oh Seung-tae got on the microphone.


    ¡°There is no need to worry about rare earth minerals. At ourst South-North representative staff meeting, we agreed on a natural resources collection project that includes minerals, and the Korean Mineral Public Corporation has been mining North Korea¡¯s rare earth metals and importing them once they¡¯re processed. The amount now being imported is more than enough to meet the demands of our nation without needing to import them from China at all.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I was worried about the time China even got the petty Japanese to bend to their knees, but I guess we have no need to be worried. Good.¡±


    The president seemed to like the strategies and methods suggested at the meeting, because he hit the meeting table lightly with both his hands and then began speaking in a confident tone.


    ¡°Good. Make sure all the solutions we came up with go through without any issues, and make sure to do your best in matters rted to China. Ah, you know the Coastguard that arrested the illegal fishing ships?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are from the Taeguk 552 ship under the Incheon Coastguard. The captain is Superintendant Oh Kyung-joon,¡± Prime Minister Lee Young-ho answered.


    ¡°Have every Taeguk 552 crew member promoted a rank, and have it publicly announced to the media.¡±


    ¡°Sir? But the captain of the Taeguk 552 ignored headquarters¡¯ orders and used a Vulcan against the Chinese fishing ships, leading to the involvement of the Chinese destroyers, so the crew is under suspension.¡±


    ¡°Cancel their suspension, and do as I say.¡±


    ¡°But....¡±¡®


    ¡°Prime Minister Lee, how many times must I tell you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. I will do as you said.¡±


    The president, who cut off the prime minister, stood up from his seat and moved his gaze to Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, then spoke in a determined and serious tone. ¡°Minister Kang, please have the Navy and the Coastguard firmly crackdown on illegal fishing by Chinese ships. If youck the equipment or people, just say the word. No matter what happens, I will get it ready and make it a top priority. We cannot show a nation that fires missiles at a sentry ship any signs of weakness, do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The Navy will carry out your orders.¡±


    The two nations had begun to escte the current situation from a diplomatic war to a trade war, ignoring the FTA they had made together. This confrontation between the two nations halted both nation¡¯s economic growth, but China had its own reasons for this, and so did Korea: to show China that they were no longer a small, weak nation that could do nothing but cower under an economic trade war. There was another nation that stood to benefit from this trade war, and that was the neighboring nation of Japan. The Abe government was trying to use this trade war as an opportunity to grow its own economy and extend its influence over both nations.


    * * *


    June 12, 2020, 10:00


    th Flight Training Wing Airforce Base mand center), Muju-kun, Junbook.


    Standing at the podium was Brigadier General Kim Gi-tae, who was delivering a speech with a satisfied look on his face.


    ¡°Great work, everyone. As the Korean air force¡¯s elite, all eighty of you have passed, and I am very d. It¡¯s hard to believe that sly Captain Choi took first ce, but I have no choice but to believe it because that¡¯s what the record says. Congrattions, Captain Choi.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir! I would be more grateful if you excluded the word sly, sir!¡±


    All the trainees seated in the briefing room allughed as Choi Young-ho stood up and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Once sly, always sly. Sorry, Captain Choi. Take a seat.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Captain Choi scratched his head, and his cohort from the academy, Jeon Chang-bin, hit his side slightly with his fist and gave him a thumbs-up.


    ¡°When the graduation ceremony is over this afternoon, have a good time during your fourteen days of leave. We will see again those who will serve the 99th Fighting Wing as instructors, but for the sixty of you who are going to the 3rd Flight Training Wing instead, remember to take pride in the fact that you are now the instructors for the world¡¯s most powerful fighter jets, and teach responsibly. Once again, great work. Dismissed.¡±


    ¡°A-ten hut! Salute!¡±


    ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    ¡°Loyalty¡±


    When Brigadier General Kim Gi-tae saluted back and exited the stage, the training officer, Colonel Ryu Jae-shin, came up to the podium.


    ¡°Great work. I¡¯m also happy the six months of training went smoothly. I will tell you about the schedule for today. Everyone rest up until lunchtime, because the graduation ceremony will be at 1:00 p.m. sharp. When the ceremony is over, the vehicles we prepared will take you to downtown Chungju. When leave is over, the people deployed to the 3rd Flight Training Wing must return there. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Everyone, use the time until lunch as you see fit. Captain Choi and Jeon,e meet me in my office.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡±


    * * *


    June 12, 2020, 10:30


    th Flight Training Wing Air Force Base (Training Officer¡¯s office), Jeonbook, Muju-kun.


    On the sofa were Captain Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin, who sat across from Colonel Ryu Jae-shin.


    ¡°Are you both sure you want to be sent to a fighter wing?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin answered at the same time.


    ¡°It would be easier being stationed at the flight training wings, you know?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be cooler to fly the jets than be a pilot instructor, sir? Especially when they¡¯re the world¡¯s most powerful jets.¡±


    Choi Young-ho stiffened his upper body and spoke loudly. ¡°Captain Jeon, do you have the same reasons?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s my sense of duty and honor to protect the nation with my own hands rather than being cool, sir.¡±


    Choi Young-ho frowned slightly at his answer, then red at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re both putting on a great show. Just return back to the 3rd Flight Training Wing after your leave, and you¡¯ll both be ordered to transfer within a few days.¡±


    Captain Choi Young-ho raised his hand and spoke up. ¡°I have a question, sir.¡±


    ¡°What is it? Speak.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to send us to a KF-16 or FA-50 flight wing, are you, sir?¡±


    ¡°My god, would I send you somewhere like that after you both worked so hard for six months? Don¡¯t worry about it, and just wait. I think the 38th Flight Wing is the best candidate, since the Phoenix and ck Phoenix will be stationed there first.


    ¡°Really? Thank you, sir.¡±

 Chapter 76

    <h4>Chapter 76</h4>


    June 13, 2020, 15:00


    Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak had tried to call the Chinese ambassador after he finished the cab meeting, but he was unable to reach him because the ambassador was on a business trip to China. So, he summoned the ambassador to his office on the day of his return, the 13th. The Minister was seated across the ambassador, Cha Yao Ke Ming, who was a typical Southern Chinese gentleman with a wide face.


    ¡°I will ask frankly,¡± Minister Kim Jae-hak said. ¡°What is the reason behind neglecting the safety of the Korean corporations that are being threatened by illegal protests within China?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? The Chinese government and police are maintaining security for the Korean corporations and people with all its power.¡±


    ¡°Please give me lies that are at least believable, Ambassador Cha Yao! The financial damages that have been reported are in the millions, and more than 50,000 people have been hurt by the protesters¡¯ violence. The factory workers have also participated in illegal protests. They¡¯ve damaged factory equipment, and aren¡¯t theymitting arson and theft to Korean-owned stores?¡±


    Ambassador Cha Yao¡¯s face was calm, and he seemed to disregard Minister Kim Jae-hak¡¯s angered words.


    ¡°Please calm down, Minister. The Chinese government is proactively dealing with the anti-Korea protests. But aren¡¯t these protests the result of the death of four Chinese crew members in Korea¡¯s illegal arrest of Chinese fishing boats?


    ¡°You¡¯re walking on eggshells, Ambassador. Two of our coastguard passed away in the line of duty. Also, are you not going to address the Chinese fishing ships that illegallye to our seas and fish, driving most species toward extinction? You dare tell me to calm down after saying such things?¡±


    m! m!


    Minister Kim Jae-hak acted differently than usual, scolding the ambassador as he mmed the table with his fist. The Chinese ambassador, who looked down on Korea as a country, noticed that Korea¡¯s escted attitude showed that the flow of conversation was going differently than expected. He coughed a few times before speaking again.


    ¡°Anyhow, since four of our crewmen passed away due to the Korean Coastguard¡¯s illegal arrests, if the Korean government makes an official apology, then I will speak with our government about not only relieving the trade war policies, but also quelling the anti-Korea protests.¡±


    ¡°My, I guess what I¡¯m saying is not getting through to you, Ambassador Cha Yao. Do you still think the Korean government is the same one from a few years ago? You¡¯re dead wrong.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware. Korea¡¯s economy has grown frighteningly fast. However, just because of problems likes this, if you keep a hostile attitude toward China, then no good wille...¡±


    m!


    Ambassador Cha Yao stopped speaking, surprised by the sound of the minister mming both his fists against the table.


    ¡°Ambassador Cha Yao! You will regret what you said about keeping a hostile attitude. I see there is no use conversing with you. From now on, the Korean government will act sternly toward Chinese government officials and small business owners who are in Korea! Time for you to leave my office!¡±


    ¡°They treat our superior nation with contempt just because of their economic growth,¡± the ambassador thought. ¡°Fine, good. Let¡¯s use this chance to teach the bangzi a lesson.¡±


    Ambassador Cha Yao Ke Ming stood up from his seat, but before he left, he said shortly, ¡°Minister Kim Jae-hak! I would like to tell you that China has only just begun to show its power.¡±


    ¡°Stop speaking nonsense, and get out of my office!¡±


    Kim Jae-hak reported his conversation with the Chinese ambassador to the Blue House. Outraged, the president ordered the Chinese ambassador to be deported. In response, China also had all Korean embassy staff and ambassadors deported. Both nations¡¯ actions showed how much the diplomatic war had escted.


    * * *


    June 18, 2020, 13:00


    Underground Research Facility of the 17th Fighter Wing, Chungju-si, Choongbook.


    Numerous official vehicles entered the main building of the 17th Fighter Wing.


    Bodyguards poured out of the vehicles surrounding the one in the middle and then formed a tight of security. A man got out of the official vehicle in the center. It was the secretary of the Labor Party, Kim Young-chul.


    To help realize the goal of the unification of Korea, the Korean government had brought the secretary to the SS-rank confidential underground research facility. When the president had suggested this, the Blue House¡¯s national security director, NIS secretary, and the minister of national defense, all strongly opposed the idea because it could seriously threaten national security. But the president¡¯s will was so strong that their opposition was useless. The president¡¯s hope and resolve for unification was that great.


    At first, North Korea also showed a bit of doubt about the unofficial visit request of Party Secretary Lee Byung-chul, but because he had nearly lost his life in the Lee Byung-chul incident, they epted the request.


    ¡°It was stuffy during the whole ride. The outside air is very refreshing,¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul said after getting out of the car.


    Because the windows were tinted and the divider between the back seat and driver¡¯s seat obstructed the front window, Party Secretary Kim Young-chul was unable to see outside the car for the duration of the entire trip from Seoul to the 17th Fighter Wing. When he was able to get out of the car and escape its stuffy confines, the outside air never felt better.


    ¡°Wee. I am General Oh Seuk-myung.¡±


    ¡°Wee. I am Kim Young-chul.¡±


    After themander of the 17th Fighter Wing, Brigadier General Oh Seuk-myung, shook hands with Kim Young-chul, they headed to the main building, where government officials rted to the event were waiting.


    ¡°The air in the country is very refreshingpared to Seoul¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Right? Seoul¡¯s air quality is very poor.¡±


    That day, when Kim Young-chul entered the underground research facility, he received a shock that almost made him faint. Alien spacecraft he had never seen before and amazing new equipment made from thetest technology all had him in wonder. He was able to spend four hours looking at all the results of the research facility with his own eyes.


    * * *


    June 18, 2020, 23:00


    A hotel somewhere in Seoul.


    ¡°Am I dreaming?¡± Kim Young-chul thought. ¡°This was the reason why South Korea had made such advancements over the past few years.¡±


    North Korea¡¯s Labor Party Secretary Kim Young-chuly in a hotel bed in Seoul prepared for him by the NIS. He tried to sleep but kept murmuring to himself. The things he had seen at the event were burned into his eyes, and they kepting back to him.


    The alien spaceship he had seen was engraved in his mind, and the Hoc super artificial intelligenceputer the researcher, Namgoong-won, had shown him made asting impression as well.


    ¡°The more I think about it, the more I¡¯m amazed,¡± he thought.


    Namgoong-won had initially exchanged texts with the Hoc when conversing with it, which was very mechanical, but he had upgraded the method to voice conversations, and to Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, that was a very shocking and new experience.


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul ate his breakfast at the hotel the next morning before visiting another location with the government officials.


    * * *


    June 19, 2020, 10:00


    CC Tanker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (Strategic Strike Satellite Zeus Control Room).


    This time, under the request of the government officials, Kim Young-chul wore a blindfold before entering the deep underground building. After the blindfold was removed, the ce he found himself in looked like a control center from an American sci-fi movie. In the center was arge screen, and twenty or so agents were sitting in front of their ownrge or small screens and hard at work, staring at the LED monitors.


    ¡°Hello? I am the head of staff here, Commander Lim Soo-ho.¡±


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul shook hands with themander of the strategical strike satellite Zeus and began to ask questions out of curiosity.


    ¡°Yes. Nice to meet you. I am Kim Young-chul. Could I ask what this ce is?¡±


    ¡°I can exin within the confidentiality parameters that my superiors have set for you.¡±


    ¡°I would be grateful if you did.¡±


    ¡°If you take a seat here, we will begin exining.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Kim Young-chul sat in the uppermander¡¯s chair, which gave a view of the entire mission control room. Then, themander looked at the screen to his side and began to exin.


    ¡°This is the mission control for the KS-AD Zeus geostationary satellite, which is at an orbit of 36,000 km above the earth¡¯s atmosphere.¡±


    ¡°A satellite? What kind of satellite is it that it requires a facility like this with this many people?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Zeus is a strategic strike satellite.¡±


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul tilted his head at the word ¡°strike.¡± With a curious look on his face, he asked, ¡°Did you say strike?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Strike what, exactly?¡±


    ¡°The strike system atop Zeus was originally designed to intercept ballistic missiles, but it¡¯s capable of striking down anything that¡¯s a military threat to Korea. For example, enemy ships, fighter jets, various missiles, and facilities onnd are the targets.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all possible from a satellite? This is out of this world.¡±


    ¡°Please direct your attention to thergest screen in the center.¡±


    Kim Young-chul shifted his attention to therge center screen, and when themander gave some orders via his headset, therge screen changed to an image of earth. Then, the screen began to zoom in, and the entire Korean Penins could be seen. After a few more zooms, a high definition video of Pyeong yang, which seemed to have been filmed from only a few meters in the sky, appeared. Then, after a few more zooms, cars on roads could be seen, along with citizens of Pyeong yang walking in the streets.


    ¡°With the maximum zoom capacity, we can identify car license te numbers and even information about the bodies of the people walking by.¡±


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul didn¡¯t express his shock on the surface, but he gripped both arms of the chair tightly and was shaken to his core. The things he saw yesterday were refreshingly shocking, but what he saw today gave him a shock of fear.


    ¡°It¡¯s capable of that as well?¡±


    ¡°To exin it in simpler terms, if we use the inverter function, then we can check inside buildings as well.¡±


    As soon asmander Kim Soo-ho finished speaking, the image on the center screen changed to a view of the Presidential Pce, and after the screen flickered, the vision mode changed, revealing the inside of the building. Even First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung¡¯s office could be seen.


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul shouted to themander to stop after he saw the First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung herself show up on the screen. ¡°Stop. Please stop.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Now we will demonstrate an actual strike.¡±


    After themander said this, the center screen changed to pre-nned coordinates, and an ind could be seen on screen.


    ¡°This is a deserted ind off the coast of the Western Sea. We have already prepared three targets on the ind. Take a look.¡±


    The center screen zoomed in further, showing three targets marked with an ¡°X.¡±


    ¡°If you choose one of the targetsbeled 1, 2 and 3, then we will perform a strike demonstration.¡±


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul must have thought this whole video was a ruse by the South Koreans to threaten North Korea, because he pointed toward a small formation of rocks instead of the three targets.


    ¡°I would like to choose the small ck rocks over there. Is that possible?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    When Commander Lee Soo-ho gave a short order via his headset, the operators of the mission control all began to shout and prepare for the strike.


    ¡°sma output at 100%.¡±


    ¡°Target scan normal, ready to strike.¡±


    ¡°Fire.¡±


    Woosh~ Boom~!


    Theser cannon beam struck the ck rocks at the speed of light, and the rocks broke into thousands of pieces, the fragments flying up in all directions. A momentter, the dust settled, and the ck rock was nowhere to be seen within a 1m radius. Only a crater remained.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul must not have heard themander¡¯s question, because he was staring nkly at the center screen. After a short while had passed, he regained his senses and asked themander a question.


    ¡°Commanderrade, what is South Korea¡¯s reason for showing me such things?¡±


    ¡°I am not in a position to answer that question. I am only following my superior¡¯s orders. I heard you¡¯re scheduled to meet with the presidentter. I think it would be best for you to ask then.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Thank you for showing me such an amazing weapon.¡±

 Chapter 77

    <h4>Chapter 77</h4>


    June 20, 2020, 10:00


    Guest reception house at the Blue House, Jeongro-ku, Seoul.


    For three days, Party Secretary Kim Young-chul had visited numerous locations while apanied by government officials. Thest thing on his schedule was to go to the Blue House to have a one-on-one meeting with President Suh Hyun-woo.


    A momentter, Party Secretary Kim Young-chul arrived at the Blue House, and President Suh Hyun-woo, who was already waiting with a bright smile, stretched out his hand for a handshake.


    ¡°Wee. I am Suh Hyun-woo.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Kim Young-chul, head of the United Front. I am honored to meet South Korea¡¯s president.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Please take a seat.¡±


    After politely greeting the South Korean president, Party Secretary Kim Young-chul took a seat. After the refreshments and some warm tea were served, they began to converse with each other.


    ¡°How were the three days you spent here in Korea?¡±


    ¡°Our South Koreanrades took great care of me, so my stay was veryfortable. I¡¯m grateful.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. We will treat you with great scenery and delicious cuisines when you next visit.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s something I regret. I heard South Korea has many beautiful ces to visit and great food, but I only got to see government facilities.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I am sorry about that.¡±


    When the tea began to cool down, Kim Young-chul looked determinedly at the president and said, ¡°Mr. President, I have something I want to ask.¡±


    The president immediately knew what Kim Young-chul¡¯s question would be. He put down his teacup and straightened his posture before answering, ¡°Yes, please ask.¡±


    ¡°I was already curious beforeing down to South Korea, and after touring all these ces, my curiosity has grown even greater. I would be grateful if you told me the intention behind showing me all these high tech, top-secret military facilities during my unofficial invite here.¡±


    The president smiled, since he had already predicted that Party Secretary Kim Young-chul would ask this, and asked a question instead of answering. ¡°I¡¯m sure you must have been very curious. What do you think was the intention?¡±


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul, who had fixed his gaze on the president when he answered his question with another question, spoke in a slightly cold tone.


    ¡°I know this may sound offensive, but from my point of view, it seems like we are being threatened by South Korea. Since we can¡¯t surpass its military level, we should listen to what it says.¡±


    When the President saw that Party Secretary Kim Young-chul spoke in an honest manner, he smiled and said, ¡°I see. However, that is a misunderstanding. Mr. Secretary, why would we begin to make threats in this time of peace? I will tell you the main details.¡±


    The president hid his bright smile from before and changed his expression, bing more serious. He leaned over the table and said, ¡°I don¡¯t have much time left as president now. Only a few more months. Despite this situation, I would like to finish my presidency by providing a cornerstone for the South and the North¡¯s peaceful reunification. I don¡¯t know who will be the president after the next election, but if the next one has apletely different stance toward North Korean policies, wouldn¡¯t both nations be further apart than before?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right.¡±


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul paid close attention to what President Suh Hyun-woo was saying.


    ¡°I would also like to tell you that all the equipment and facilities you saw during your three days here are only the tip of the iceberg when ites to what Korea owns. I regret that I couldn¡¯t show you more during your short time here.¡±


    ¡°Tip of the iceberg, is that true?¡±


    ¡°Why would I lie in a meeting like this? ording to our experts, our military weaponry is more advanced than America¡¯s by 100 years. Also, our industrial technology has surpassed theirs by at least 50 years.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo paused to see Party Secretary Kim Young-chul¡¯s reaction. He was silent, and he seemed to have many thoughts racing through his head.


    Mr. Secretary, I am sure you are aware that unification between South and North isplex. It cannot be achieved through our two nation¡¯s agreement alone, because the North and South are involved with other nations. Our neighboring nations are always interrupting our policies for their own gain, aren¡¯t they? I can¡¯t allow these neighboring nations to continue this behavior. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°Of course. You are absolutely right, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve seen Korea¡¯s military and economic capabilities with your own two eyes, I would like for you to make a decision. Based on the fact that we have the power to prevent other nations from intervening in a peaceful unification between South and North Korea, would you like to walk this road together with us?¡±


    ¡°Hmm....¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to make the nation whole again, under one government, and leave both country¡¯s political ideologies behind? For 67 years, millions of families have been separated. Those that are still alive don¡¯t have much time left. Myst wish as president is to end this sad history of separation, and to unite the two countries into a happy, new nation.


    Party Secretary Kim Young-chul¡¯s heart was heavy after hearing what President Suh Hyun-woo said. What good were political ideologies that caused people to point guns at each other? The secretary couldn¡¯t speak easily.


    ¡°Your heart for our people isrge and deep, Mr. President. My heart swells up after hearing those words. I will do my best to have a peaceful reunification between our nations. I will deliver your will torade First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung.¡± Party Secretary Kim Young-chul answered earnestly, with tears in his eyes.


    President Suh Hyun-woo stood up from his seat and grasped Kim Young-chul¡¯s hands. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Secretary. I beg you, let¡¯s all think about one thing. Our people.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry. I will give all I have.¡±


    The secret one-on-one meeting between President Suh Hyun-woo and Party Secretary Kim Young-chulsted for three hours, and it became the first step toward a peaceful unification between South and North Korea. Kim Young-chul delivered President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s honest wish to First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung in a one-on-one meeting when he returned back North.


    * * *


    June 28, 2020, 14:00


    Korea¡¯s West Sea aerial territory


    A month had passed since the two Korean coast guards died in the line of duty, and all illegal Chinese fishing ships were gone. However, because of this incident, Korea and China deported both of their ambassadors and other embassy staff from their nations, and the rtionship between the two nations turned cold to the point of a break in diplomatic ties. During this time, China was busy flying Su-35 fighter jets, which they had acquired from Russia. They flew the jets near South Korea¡¯s aerial territory, and two were already beginning their armed demonstrations and reconnaissance moves.


    When China did this, Korea sent out F-35A jets to retaliate, and once again the two Su-35 Su Hoi fighter jets were conducting reconnaissance missions near Korea¡¯s borders. Today, the response from Korea¡¯s air force was different. It wasn¡¯t the F-35A Lightning II jets that were deployed but rather two F-21P Phoenix fighter jets from the 38th Fighter Wing.


    The newly established 38th Fighter Wing consisted of twenty-four K-21P Phoenix fighter jets and twenty-four F/A-25P ck Phoenix jets, and Korea was the first to have them stationed in the field.


    -ckmoon 1, West point two Su-35 spotted, distance 70 confirm.


    -ckmoon 3, Copy that.


    Flight leader of the ck moon, Major Choi Young-ho, and his wingman, Captain Oh Gil-sung, flew off from the Gunsan base, and then, using the Afterburners, they approached the Su-35 jets at a remarkable speed of Mach 8.5. After takeoff, they had closed the distance to 70 km by flying a distance of 150 km in exactly 52 seconds.


    -ckmoon 1, raise altitude and have two Rattlesnakes standby.


    -ckmoon 3, confirmed DAT.


    At the flight leader¡¯s order, ckmoon 3 raised its altitude by 25 km. When itpleted aiming its radar toward the enemy ne, it went into standby, the mid-ranged Rattlesnake missiles ready tounch.


    -ckmoon 3, Rattlesnake stand by.


    -ckmoon 1, contact ckmoon 3, stand by with Rattlesnake


    As if to start an extremely close battle with the Su-35 jets, the ckmoon 1 jet kept its speed and flew past. When it reached the viewing distance of 40 km, the ckmoon 1 Phoenix jet vanished. It had used its TCS (Transparent Cloaking System), a feature that was absent in the training jets.


    The two Su-35 jets making armed protests in Korea¡¯s skies thought it was suspicious that Korea¡¯s air force wasn¡¯t retaliating. They used their Chinese KJ-2000 (KungJing-2000) radar, but they couldn¡¯t detect any nes. At that moment, something they couldn¡¯t see flew like lightning between them, and when abnormal airflow entered the aircraft, rms rang from the Su-35 jets¡¯ dashboards, and the monitors flickered. Then, a radiomunication from the Korean air force came in.


    -This is ckmoon 1 from the Korean Airforce¡¯s 35th Fighter Wing. You have invaded Korea¡¯s air space by 2 km. We will not allow further entry. Return immediately.


    The pilots of the Su-35 jets were bewildered for a moment and stared at their radars. They checked the screen again of the Zhuk-27 pulse doppler radar, Russia¡¯s best radar, but nothing was detected. While this was happening, something bent the space between the Su-35 jets, and the outline of it slowly appeared.


    It was Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s ckmoon 1 KF-21P Phoenix fighter jet. Major Choi Young-ho had disabled the TCS (Transparent Cloaking System), revealing his ne while he flied between the two Su-35 jets. He sent out another message.


    -This is your final warning. Turn around, or we¡¯ll open fire.


    The Chinese pilots couldn¡¯t believe the sudden appearance of the strange aircraft. They performed a barrel roll maneuver befitting of a top-ss jet, then headed back to China. Major Choi Young-ho watched the Chinese jets fly away into the distance.


    -ckmoon 1, contact stage two. Enemy nes returning.


    -Stage confirmed. Return after an enemy distance of 50.


    -ckmoon 1, copy that!


    The day Korea¡¯s 6.5 jet was revealed to China, the Chinese air force was in an uproar. This was due to the wild ims made by the Su-35 pilots. The Chinese air force punished the two Su-35 pilots for giving false information. In truth, the air force couldn¡¯t believe them even if they wanted to.


    What they described was something China¡¯s current scientific technology was incapable of, and that would destroy China¡¯s arrogant view of itself in rtion to Korea. This is why the few pilots were punished.


    * * *


    June 30, 2020, 15:00


    OSCAR Bunker, Daegu-si (Undersea Defense Satellite Poseidon 2 Mission Control)


    Poseidon 2¡¯s mission control was observing the 033, Romeo ss SSK-315 submarine belonging to the North Sea fleet¡¯s 2nd Submarine Division. The submarine had invaded Korean waters five hours ago.


    ¡°Location at exclusive economic waters N 36¡ä 22¡ä E 124¡ä 28¡ä 180 degrees and moving at 25 knots, 59 km into our seas.¡±


    Commander Lee Eun-soo clicked his tongue at the operator¡¯s report. ¡°They¡¯re crossing into our seas with that old junk made in the 1960s?¡±


    The second inmand stared at the center screen and agreed. ¡°Yeah. If we strike, our torpedoes would go to waste.¡±


    ¡°Well, we have no choice. The Navy¡¯smand center told us to strike if they cross as little as a centimeter over our border. Is there anything else detected on our radar?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the 120 Chinese fishing ships and one submarine are all that are being detected.¡±


    ¡°Report on the position of the enemy sub every minute.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

 Chapter 78

    <h4>Chapter 78</h4>


    June 30, 2020, 16:00


    N 36¡ã10¡ä E 125¡ã10,¡¯ 12.7 km away from Korean waters


    The Romeo-ss SSK-315 submarine that departed from the Ching-dao naval base stopped its engines 12.7 km away from Korea¡¯s ocean border, then transitioned into silent voyage mode while submerging to a depth of 40 m.


    ¡°We now silently voyage, resting until the next order.¡±


    Under the captain of the submarine¡¯s orders, the 40 crew members all fell silent and took their break, making as little noise as possible.


    ¡°Submarine changed to silent mode. All rest in silence until the next order.¡± The controller of the submarine ryed the captain¡¯s orders, then put down his microphone and rested silently like the rest of the crew.


    The reason why they had gone silent under international waters, 12.7 km away from Korean waters, was a mystery.


    * * *


    June 30, 2020, 16:00


    OSCAR Bunker, Daegu-si (Undersea Defense Satellite KS-SD Poseidon 2 Mission Control)


    ¡°Chinese submarine now at N 36¡ã10¡ä E 125¡ã10¡ä depth 40, and gone silent.¡±


    Puzzled by the sonar operator¡¯s report, Commander Lee Eun-soo looked at the operation controller as if he expected an answer from him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir,¡± the operation controller said. ¡°I also can¡¯t predict their intentions.¡±


    ¡°Man, that old metal piece of junk is getting on my nerves. If we were unaware, then that would be a different story. But since we know their every move but not their intentions, it feels as if we were bitten by a mosquito in a ce our hands can¡¯t reach.¡±


    ¡°Commander, your expression is top-notch.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, is that so? Anyhow, since things are the way they are, have all men on watch tonight keep a close eye on that old hunk of metal. And if anything suspiciouses up, tell them to report to me immediately.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Contact the Coastguard and restrict the movement of our fishing ships in this area. If something happens, that would be a major headache.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±


    * * *


    July 1, 2020, 04:00


    OSCAR Bunker, Daegu-si (Undersea Defense Satellite KS-SD Posiden 2 Mission Control)


    After receiving a call at 4:00 a.m. from the sentry officer of Poseidon 2, Commander Lee Eun-soo rushed over to the bunker, where Captain Na Gang-soo was making a brief report.


    ¡°The Chinese submarine is at N 36¡ã10¡ä E 125¡ã10¡ä depth 40, silent and stationary, no other changes.¡±


    ¡°That means nothing changed since I left yesterday, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Please have a look at the screen, sir.¡±


    At the sentry officer¡¯smand, a map of Korea¡¯s West Sea appeared on themander¡¯s screen. A ship 70 km away from the position of the submarine they were monitoring was heading north at a speed of 17 knots.


    ¡°What¡¯s that ship?¡±


    ¡°Its nation of origin is North Korea. It¡¯s the 120,000t oil tanker, the Pyeong yang 2.¡±


    ¡°A North Korean oil tanker?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, sir.¡±


    Commander Lee Eun-soo took a closer look at the line indicating the Pyeong yang 2¡¯s expected route. The oil tanker would head north through international waters, and then reach its final destination in Nampo port. But what shocked Commander Lee Eun-soo was the fact that the oil tanker¡¯s route was very close to the Chinese submarine that had gone silent in the middle of the route, 40 m under the sea.


    ¡°Could the Chinese be trying to pull something to the North Korean oil tanker?¡± themander asked.


    ¡°Commander, this was why I had urgently called you,¡± the sentry officer said, full of doubt. ¡°Our superiors are under the assumption that China will not only use economic attacks but also military attacks.¡±


    ¡°Right. The situation is too dire to just dismiss it as a ¡®what if.¡¯ If they fire a few torpedoes at the North Korean oil tanker and leave, then South Korea would be held under suspicion, wouldn¡¯t it? This could also derail South and North Korea¡¯s rtionship. This was good judgment on your call, Sentry Officer. I will take themand from you now.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Good. Men, what we do from now on is very important. Please stay focused despite your fatigue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Commander Lee Eun-soo sat in his personal chair and gave orders while looking at the center screen.


    ¡°Check for ships within a 50 km radius of the Chinese submarine.¡±


    ¡°None.¡±


    ¡°Sonar Operator, put the sonar range at maximum output, and focus on scanning.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Torpedo Operator?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Target Romeo-ss SSK-315 submarine. Supercavitating Rocket Torpedo ¡®Trident¡¯ lock-on and standby.¡±


    ¡°Supercavitating Rocket Torpedo lock-on and standby.¡± The torpedo operator repeated the order while operating the console to put the torpedo on standby.


    ¡°Sonar Operator, calcte distance and time to reach the submarine afterunch.¡±


    ¡°Distance 54 km and time 158.8 seconds to contact.¡±


    ¡°Confirm time based on the North Korean oil tanker¡¯s route and the shortest distance for the Chinese sub tounch torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Shortest distance at 2.76 km, and error of 2 seconds for 163 seconds for contact.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a 35-second difference. That¡¯s cutting it way too close. Even if we do strike them down, if the torpedo explodes near the oil tanker...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Sir, after the Chinese fire torpedoes, it might be toote to attack. In order to conserve even a single second of time, we must strike first when the Chinese submarine opens theirunch pads.¡± Captain Na Gang-won offered this solution, which would be the best choice given the current situation.


    ¡°We have no other choice but to follow Captain Na¡¯s suggestion, since we must make every second count.¡±


    ¡°How about requesting aid from the Western Fleet, Commander?¡± the operating control director said. He had just arrived and had been standing behind Major Oh Dong-gyu, silently listening to the conversation.


    ¡°No, that isn¡¯t wise. The Chinese submarine is close to our seas, but they¡¯re still in international waters. If our own ships were sent out and got caught in the crossfire, wouldn¡¯t that make the situation worse?¡±


    ¡°That is true.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s quietly take care of this ourselves. Honestly, it¡¯s not in our jurisdiction to act if the Chinese submarine attacks the North Korean tanker. Right now, we are not in any military agreement with North Korea, are we? If we intervene in such matters, then it will only provide the Chinese with an excuse to act out.¡±


    Commander Lee Eun-soo called themunications operator after assessing all possible situations that could take ce. ¡°Get the Navy¡¯s headquarters on the line.¡±


    When the Navy¡¯s headquarters was on the line, Commander Lee Eun-soo briefly exined the situation and then put down the wireless microphone.


    ¡°It might get boring, but let¡¯s all keep our wits about us and take care of this.¡±


    Commander Lee Eun-soo had finished making preparations for all possible events. All he had to do now was wait and see.


    * * *


    July 1, 2020, 06:00


    OSCAR Bunker, Daegu-si (Undersea Defense Satellite KS-SD Poseidon 2 Mission Control).


    After two hours had passed, North Korea¡¯s oil tanker, Pyeong yang 2, approached the Chinese submarine that was waiting silently.


    ¡°Pyeong yang 2, now 2.9 km away from the Chinese submarine.¡±


    The thirty members in the mission control room of the Posiden 2 all had their gazes fixed on the sonar screen. Their mission hinged on whether or not theunch pads of the silent submarine opened. Because of this, just like the submerged Chinese submarine, the mission control room was silent, save for the few noises and beeps from the digital machines. After a moment, one of the operators shouted, as if to dissolve all the tension in the room.


    ¡°Chinese submarine advancing toward the Pyeong yang 2 oil tanker at a speed of 5 knots and rising. They have also opened theirunch pads.¡±


    Commander Lee Eun-soo hit his knee with his fist. This was something he had missed. He had been stuck on the idea that the Chinese sub would be stationary when theyunched their torpedoes, but if the Chinese submarine fired their torpedoes while moving, then the 35 seconds of extra time the Poseidon had bought would be a loss rather than a gain, and this whole mission would be a terrible mistake. However, Commander Lee Eun-soo abandoned thesete regrets and instinctively ordered theunch of the torpedoes.


    ¡°Fire torpedoes,¡± he said.


    ¡°Tridentunch sessful.¡±


    At themander¡¯s order, the torpedo operator fired the Supercavitating Rocket Torpedo, which boasted supersonic speeds, and it rose up from theunchpad. When the torpedo¡¯s warhead formed a supercavitation bubble, it reached a speed of 1,224 km/h, which was near the speed of sound, and headed toward the Chinese submarine.


    ¡°The Chinese submarine hasunched two 533mm torpedoes toward the Pyeong yang 2. Its speed is at 25 knots and rising. The tracking method is wire guidance.¡±


    ¡°ETA?¡±


    ¡°142 seconds!¡±


    ¡°ETA of our own torpedo?¡±


    ¡°139 seconds.¡±


    Three seconds. It wasn¡¯t a lot of time, and it was still too early to feel relieved, but fortunately the Chinese submarine was an old model and only had wire-guided torpedoes on board. If it could be shot down three seconds before its torpedoes reached the oil tanker, then the wire guidance for the Chinese torpedoes would be severed, and the North Korean oil tanker would have a chance to survive.


    ¡°Contact the Pyeong yang 2! Order them to make emergency maneuvers to 2-7-0 port side.¡±


    At themander¡¯s order, themunications operator contacted the Pyeong yang 2 and ryed the order for them to make emergency portside maneuvers. The Pyeong yang 2 must have also detected the iing torpedoes, because it epted the South Korean Navy¡¯s orders and turned portside. The oil tanker began to lean to the left and turn.


    ¡°20 seconds before Chinese torpedoes reach. Our torpedo is 15 seconds away from contact.¡±


    The Pyeong yang 2¡¯s emergency maneuver had bought them two seconds, and themander shook his right fist.


    ¡°Striking down the Chinese submarine in 3, 2, 1!¡±


    Booooom.


    The operator¡¯s voice was full of anxiety and tension as he shouted, ¡°Chinese submarine hit! The wire guidance for the Chinese torpedoes has been severed, but both are still headed toward Pyeong yang 2....¡±


    A momentter, a loud explosion sounded from the stern of the Pyeong yang 2 oil tanker.


    Boom, boom.


    ¡°Two Chinese torpedoes have exploded.¡±


    ¡°The Pyeong yang 2?¡±


    ¡°The Pyeong yang 2 has not been hit. It¡¯s safe.¡±


    Luck must have been on their side, because the Chinese torpedo exploded two seconds before hitting its target. But it had exploded so close to the ship, the stern took some damages, and one of the propellers broke down. However, it had no issues reaching Nampo port, since its other three screws remained intact. Meanwhile, wreckage of the Chinese submarine began to surface at the location where it had been hit. Among the wreckage were various machine parts marked with Chinese characters, along with the bodies of crew members, which had floated to the surface due to the life jackets they were wearing.


    ¡°Request the Navy to send in a salvaging ship to clean up the Chinese submarine¡¯s wreckage.¡±


    ¡°Commander, the Western Fleet has already sent in rescue choppers and ships.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Ten days ago, China had discovered that a North Korean oil tanker, the Pyeong yang 2, was heading from the middle east toward Nampo port. Soon after, they established operation ¡°inferno¡± and executed their ns. First, they sent two Su-35 fighter jets to the airspace over the Western Sea to vigntly conduct reconnaissance. The day before the operation was carried out, they sent in the outdated SSK-315 submarine to lurk covertly near Korean waters and the expected route of the oil tanker, then swiftly strike the tanker down and leave.


    But China had no knowledge of the undersea defense satellite, Poseidon, deep in the Western sea, which caused their operation ¡®inferno¡¯ to turn into aplete failure. All they managed to achieve was the loss of their submarine and forty crew members aboard. The Korean government immediately sent in a proposal with North Korea to the U.N Security Council, but the proposal did not go through, as China was a permanent member of the UN Security Council. In response, the South Korean government amended its defense strategy for the West Sea from passive defense to active offense.

 Chapter 79

    <h4>Chapter 79</h4>


    July 5, 2020, 10:00


    Blue House meeting room, Jongro-ku, Seoul.


    President Suh Hyun-woo put down the ck phone receiver. The phone was a hotline phone connected to North Korea¡¯s First Vice Chairman Kim Yo-jung. The president sank deep into his seat with both his eyes closed, an unreadable expression on his face, and did not open his eyes for a while. Then, an hourter, an emergency cab meeting was held in the Blue House.


    ¡°Thank you foring all this way on such short notice,¡± the president said. ¡°I just received word from First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung.¡±


    This emergency meeting was attended by most high-ranking government bureaucrats, excluding a few secretaries of state. When talks of North Korea came up, they all seemed concerned and paid close attention to the president.


    ¡°First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung has finally responded positively to our federal unification n.¡±


    The national security director, NIS secretary, and other ministers did not respond to what the president said. In truth, for Korean politicians, unification between the South and North was a wished-for ideal, but it was only that. No one believed that it could be achieved. However, now that the unification had be something tangible, no one could believe it.


    ¡°Hahaha, oh my! It seems everyone here is in disbelief.¡± President Suh Hyun-woo seemed amused by all the wide-eyed government bureaucrats frozen in ce, unable to speak, and he began tough.


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, who was the first toe to his senses, showed a hint of a smile and said, ¡°Mr. President... is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung has officially epted our proposed federal unification n.¡±


    Hearing this, the government officials all began to p their hands, and then the meeting for the South-North federal unification began.


    North Korea¡¯s First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung had spent some time in agony and concern after receiving Head of the United front and Secretary of the Labor Party Kim Young-chul¡¯s report. His report about South Korea¡¯s unbelievable scientific technology and President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s sincere hope for the reunification of Korea made her lose sleep. A weekter, First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung fired all the old high-ranking officials who were still obsessed with the old ideals and could not see the world as it was. She reced them with new, younger people, and when she made up her mind about reunification, she called President Suh Hyun-woo.


    ¡°A conference will be held with the North Korean government to discuss the federal unification,¡± the president said. ¡°I would like all the ministers of each department to prepare diligently. Minister of National Defense?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°I believe the Ministry of National Defense will be the busiest. Please make sure that the ns to reorganize the military proceed smoothly, and prepare for all aspects of the reintegration of our forces with North Korea¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry, Mr. President. Our military is in the final stages of reorganization. We have already formed a TF team tobine our forces with North Korea¡¯s, and they have been analyzing the situation. I will make sure everything proceeds without incident.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will put my faith in you, Minister Kang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    President Suh-Hyun-woo was very happy. He never thought he would be able to hold a meeting like this during his term, and if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he was leading the meeting, he would have thought he was dreaming. For this reason, the conference room had no shortage ofughter during the meeting¡¯s duration.


    ¡°Prime Minister Lee Young-ho, please hold frequent meetings with the ministers of each department, and take care of their needs. If they need financial aid or support in human resources, I would like you to actively support them. If you can¡¯t do so, please let me know.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il raised his hand when the federal unification meeting wasing to a close.


    ¡°Yes, do you have something to suggest?¡± the president asked him.


    ¡°Mr. President, this is not rted to the unification but as for the rising tensions with China, such as the incident with the illegal Chinese fishing ships in the West Sea and the explosion of the Chinese submarine. Also, I¡¯m concerned about the safety of the Korean corporations and Koreans in China, now that there is no more Korean embassy staff. We must have all the Korean corporations and people brought back to the country before it is toote, sir.¡±


    ¡°Has the situation in China escted that much?¡±


    ¡°Just yesterday, there was an illegal sit-down strike at one of Oh-Sung Electronic¡¯s factories. Its factory equipment and facilities were destroyed, and the six Korean employees who had tried to stop the strikes were all beaten, and are currently hospitalized.¡±


    ¡°I see. If the Korean corporations and small business owners in China were brought back to Korea, how much would we sustain in financial damages?


    Minister of Trade and Industry Kim Hyung-soo raised his hand and spoke. ¡°I can tell you more about that, sir.¡±


    ¡°Okay. What would the damages be?¡±


    ¡°If the 18 factories and 36rge storefronts close down, the damage is currently estimated at 4.8 trillion won, and for small businesses, the damage is estimated at 4.2 billion won. The silver lining is that many of the Korean factories in China moved to Africa and Southeast Asia two years ago, so the damages sustained won¡¯t be too great. However, for small business owners, even if the economic impacts are small, their livelihoods will still bergely effected, so the government needs to prepare a proactive aid policy for them.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo stroked his chin while he considered what the Minister of Trade and Industry had said, then nodded his head and straightened up.


    ¡°All right,¡± he said loudly. ¡°Proceed with bringing back all Korean citizens and corporations residing in China. Please have both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry cooperate in order to get this process underway as soon as possible. Also, have the Ministry of Economy and Finance set a budget for aiding the corporations and small business owners that will be affected. Since things are the way they are, take care of everything correctly, and have the Ministry of Security and Public Administration deport all Chinese citizens living in Korea.¡±


    Everyone was surprised by how swiftly the president made these decisions. They all knew that the president ordinarily seemed like a kind-hearted, middle-aged man neighbor, but was like a bulldozer when it came to making a decision. However, they all believed that it would be extremely rash to deport all the Chinese citizens in Korea.


    ¡°Mr. President! Deporting all Chinese citizens would be a bit...¡±


    When Minister Joo Il-tae from the Ministry of Labor tried to oppose the decision to deport all Chinese citizens, arguing that it would causerge ripples across the pond, President Suh Hyun-woo cut him off.


    ¡°I know full well what you¡¯re saying. However, are we going to allow Chinese to stay here when we¡¯re taking financial losses by the Chinese government, which is ignoring the safety of the Korean people in China? We can¡¯t act like the Chinese government and allow terrorist attacks to happen to Chinese corporations¡¯ facilities and people, can we? There is only one solution: deportation. My mind has already been made, so stop opposing me, and have each department proceed. I would also like the prime minister to keep a close watch over the proceedings.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    On July 15, 2020, the Korean government announced a policy that would return all Korean citizens and corporations in China to Korea by August 10, and on August 11, Korea announced that all Chinese citizens residing in Korea would be deported by September, which led to each nation having their embassy staff and citizens returned to them.


    Now, rtions between China and Korea had devolved into war without any military activity. Reports that Korea and China had gone into a ¡°war without gunshots¡± were stered in headlines all over the world, and the papers were filled with rubbish predictions that Korea would sustain more damages than China and would give up before the year was over.


    * * *


    September 20, 2020, 15:00


    Panmungak conference room in Paju-si, Kyung gi-do (8th federal unification ministers¡¯ meeting).


    The federal unification meeting, which started on August 1, had now reached its eighth meeting. All the staff and ministers from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces were in attendance, and the two-day long meeting about the sensitive topic of unification was about to begin.


    The first item on the docket was the organization of the central government forces and main defense forces under a federally unified nation, along with the formation of a uniform military ranking system. At times,promises were made easily, while at other times, there were difficultiesing to an agreement. However, even if the unification process was a federal one thatbined the two independent nations into one, it leaned toward the re-absorption of North Korea into South Korea. Therefore, the agreement that was made was based on the suggestions by the South¡¯s Ministry of National Defense.


    On October 1, 2020, when South Korea entered into its election, a special statement was issued by the heads of both countries at the Blue House and North Korea¡¯s Presidential Pce. It was the shocking announcement that the South and North had agreed to a federal unification. China made an announcement that the unification was invalid, citing the Chinese-North Korean Formal Amity, while Japan took a neutral stance, advocating that amity made between two nations must be respected. Western countries such as Russia and America did not send any messages of congrattions or disagreement. Though the unification of Korea didn¡¯t receive any praise, it was slowly rising to the surface.


    * * *


    October 2, 2020, 09:00


    Politburo of the Communist Party of China meeting room, Beijing, China.


    When South and North Korea announced their federal reunification, the Chinese leaders responded immediately and called for a meeting with all the members of the Communist Party. They all convened in order to make various suggestions about how to punish North Korea and South Korea in light of the ongoing economic trade war with them. The atmosphere of the room was bing more and more escted.


    Vice President Lee Yuan Chao spoke aggressively, foaming at the mouth ¡°This is a good opportunity for us. We must oppose the federal unification of South and North Korea by citing the Chinese-North Korean Formal Amity. It¡¯s a great chance for us to punish the two nations for looking down on China.¡±


    Secretary Wang Qi San from the Central Discipline Inspection Committee agreed with Vice President Lee Yuan Chao¡¯s statement and argued for a proactive measure. ¡°The vice president does have a point, and I agree with what he says. The people¡¯s discontent with Korea has reached its peak. We must use this opportunity to show South and North Korea that we are the more powerful nation.¡±


    ¡°Do you think South and North Korea will listen to us in this situation?¡± Prime Minister Lee Ke Chang said.


    ¡°Yes. It will be difficult to pressure North Korea with just the Chinese-North Korean Formal Amity since they have agreed to the federal unification and are receiving aid from the South. ¡±


    ¡°Would that be the case?¡±


    When Minister of National Defense Ping Bai Fung, who was seated at the left of the conference table, said this, all the members in attendance turned their gaze to him.


    ¡°Do you have a solution?¡± Vice Prime Minister Ma Kai asked.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s simple. China is now a G2 nation and is on equal footing with the U.S, both economically and militarily. I can¡¯t understand why arge nation like China must have a meeting about two small nations and rack its brains over what to do about them.¡±


    ¡°Please get to the point,¡± Prime Minister Lee Ke Chang said, bing impatient.


    ¡°We stage a preemptive invasion into North Korea, breaking the Chinese-North Korean Formal Amity.¡±


    ¡°Minister, are you suggesting we go to war?¡±


    ¡°I would prefer that you view it as the punishment of a dependent state, Prime minister Lee Ke Chang.¡±


    ¡°What kind of nonsense...¡±


    President Xi Jing Ping, who had only been listening with his arms crossed, finally spoke. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s entirely wrong,¡± he said.


    ¡°Mr. President, are you agreeing with Minister Pin Bai Hung?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not wrong, is he?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°As the Minister said, our great China is now a nation that can stand shoulder to shoulder with America, and soon enough we will surpass them. Why must we rack our brains over two nations smaller than our own states?¡±


    When the conversation headed in the direction he wanted, Vice President Lee Qian Chao gave a rxed smile and supported President Xi¡¯s words. ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re no longer the China that had to bow down to Western nations.¡±


    President Xi Jing Ping stood up from his seat, puffed out his chest, and after looking at all the government officials, said curtly, ¡°Everyone, I am willing to go to war for China¡¯s dignity and security.¡±

 Chapter 80

    <h4>Chapter 80</h4>


    October 5, 2020, 14:00


    Ministry of Foreign Affairs guest reception room, Pyeong yang, North Korea.


    Le Jin Jun of the Chinese embassy in North Korea furrowed his brow and red at Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Dong-gyu of North Korea.


    ¡°When did North Korea ignore China and n such a scheme?¡± he said.


    ¡°Scheme? Is that how you define it?¡±


    The arrogant Lee Jin Jun, who had been waving his hands back and forth, shoved the document containing the contents of the Chinese-North Korean Formal Amity across the table to Minister Kang Dong-gyu, and then spoke louder than before. ¡°59 years have passed since North Korea made the Chinese-North Korean Formal Amity. Then you unify with South Korea without any consultation with our friendly nation? Do you realize you¡¯re viting use four of our amity?¡±


    ¡°The fourth use? The matter of unification with South Korea is not an international one. Two nations of the same people want to unify again. How is that an international matter? You¡¯re viting the fifth use of the Chinese-North Korean Formal Amity yourself, ambassador, which is interference in domestic affairs.¡±


    ¡°Interference in domestic affairs? Since when is the unification of two independent nations not an international affair? If you keep acting in this way, then China will not let North Korea continue.¡±


    m!


    Ambassador Lee Jin Jun had mmed the table and spoke threateningly.


    ¡°Ambassador Lee Jin Jun, North Korea will soon make amendments to the amity we made with China. When we do, the amity will no longer be valid, so stop making so much noise about this matter.¡±


    ¡°Amendments? You must not be heeding my words. North Korea should start preparing for our actions.¡±


    m!


    When he heard that amendments would made to the amity, Ambassador Lee Jun Jin figured there would be no use continuing the conversation. He kicked his seat, then pointed to Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Dong-gyu, yelled at him, and then kicked open the door to leave. The minister looked at the door m behind the Chinese ambassador and then muttered to himself while smiling.


    ¡°D*mn, that is one loud bastard.¡±


    * * *


    October 12, 2020, 11:00


    Korea


    After the announcement of the federal unification between North and South Korea on October 1, the nation rapidly took steps toward their goal through the ns made by Congress. The reason this was possible was because of the National Vision Strategy Committee, which had established policies nine months in advance. The proactive cooperation of North Korea¡¯s leaders also helped.


    First, South and North, when looking at the agreement for federal unification, decided that free democracy would be the political ideology of the nation, and that the name of the nation would be ¡®Dae Han Min Gook¡¯ in Korean, and ¡®Republic of Corea¡¯ in English. Under the central government rule, North Korea would be the Northern state and South Korea the Southern state, while a federal government would be erected in both states, in Pyeong yang in the North, and in Sejong in the South. Seoul was decided as the capital of the central government.


    Second, ording to the separation of powers, the Ministry decided to adopt the current presidential system of Korea, and nominated First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung as Vice President. In addition, both the South and North¡¯s departments would be merged based on the current administrative branch of the Korean government, but the current ministers from South Korea would continue to hold office, while the ones from the North would be appointed as vice-ministers.


    The Ministry of Unification was renamed the Ministry of Unification Policies, and its responsibilities transitioned to all policies rted to the federal unification. The Department of Northern State Recovery Industry was changed to a government branch, and it would be responsible for building industrial facilities, roads, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructures North Korea needed.


    Thirdly, based on the separation of powers, the current Congress would maintain its system, but would elect 100 congressmen from the Northern state within a year.


    Thest matter wasbining the military forces. The basis of the merge would be the integration of South Korea¡¯s Ministry of National Defense with North Korea¡¯s Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces to one Ministry of National Defense, but since North Korea¡¯s army was toorge and exceeded the needs of the nation, it was downsized and reorganized so that the new armed forces could take shape. All the soldiers that were discharged due to the downsizing were sent in to work on the Northern State recovery construction project, and only special forces and those wishing to serve long time were inducted into the new armed forces.


    * * *


    October 15, 2020, 09:30


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROC Military Joint Command Center).


    There were two months and fifteen days left until the federal unification of the South and North, and the frequency of reports from the Ministry of National Defense to the Blue house was on the rise. This was because of the movements of China¡¯s People¡¯s Liberation Army. Five days ago, when the Chinese ambassador threatened North Korea¡¯s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese embassy staff all left North Korea. When the Korean government heard the report, it ordered the Apollo 1 and 2 satellites to watch from the North and Western seas China¡¯s every move. The satellites reported that the Chinese army was moving to the South toward North Korea under the excuse of training exercises.


    The president visited the Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters, the B2 Bunker, in Yongsan with the Minister of National Defense, and was briefed about the Chinese forces¡¯ suspicious movements, which the Apollo reconnaissance satellite had detected.


    ¡°The digital map you¡¯re looking at shows the location of each division under the Northern Army from ten days ago.¡±


    Brigadier General Hwang Dae-hoon, the strategic officer of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters, pointed to the screen, which showed various markings, and began his presentation.


    ¡°We will now look at the next map.¡± As the strategic officer said this, the screen showed a different digital map. It was the same one, just with different markings.


    ¡°The Apollo reconnaissance satellite took this photo yesterday. Let¡¯s nowpare the two maps.¡±


    The two maps began to ovep on the screen, and other markings in the shape of stars began to blink.


    ¡°You will see stars blinking on the screen. These marks all show that the divisions have different locations from the ones they had ten days ago. In particr, the 39th Army from the Lao Ning state, along with the 40th Army and the 16th Division from the Ji Ring state, have all headed south toward the Ap-rok river.¡±


    On the digital map on the screen, hundreds of stars moved closer to the direction of the Ap-rok river, showing where the Chinese forces werepared to nine days ago. Most notably, China¡¯s second most powerful force, the 39th Army and its forces, were spread across the shores of the Ap-rok river.


    ¡°Looking at the specialties of each division currently along the Ap-rok river, the forces under the 39th Army are the 9th Army¡¯s aviation brigade, one mechanized division, two vehicle infantry brigades, two mechanized infantry divisions, two light mechanized infantry divisions, and heavy mechanized infantry divisions, which are all mobile. This means they are able to cross the Ap-rok river at any moment and march south. If you would all look here...¡±


    The Strategic Officer pointed to Qing-de state, which was 140 km away from Beijing in the northeast. Dozens of tightly-knit stars were blinking there.


    ¡°This is the 38th Army, China¡¯s most powerful army, called the Rapid Response Force. We will now look at the reconnaissance footage. The time of recording was 11:00 a.m. yesterday.¡±


    The blinking stars all erged, and the screen divided into multiple images, each showing footage of armored tanks, vehicles, cannons, and other vehicles,


    suggesting that the forces were a mechanized division.


    ¡°This next photo is from the Apollo 2, which conducted reconnaissance on the North and East Sea Fleets.¡±


    The screen switched to footage of the North and East Fleet destroyers, submarines, and other ships returning to their respective naval bases to reload on ammunition and refuel.


    ¡°ording to the analysis by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, China is preparing for war. We will now finish the briefing about the Chinese Northern Army and Navy¡¯s recent actions.¡±


    Strategic Officer Brigadier General Hwang Dae-hoon saluted the president, then moved to the side of the podium and stood still.


    ¡°Great work. The Chinese military¡¯s movements are suspicious, even to a civilian like me. What do you think, Chairman?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Considering their movements, we can see it as early preparations for war.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, then the situation seems to be more serious than we thought.¡±


    The president leaned back and looked at the screen with his arms crossed. After a dozen or so seconds passed, he asked the chairman, ¡°How should our military respond to this situation?¡±


    ¡°Can I speak frankly with you, sir?¡± The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff straightened up and spoke to the president in a serious tone.


    ¡°Of course. Please tell us.¡±


    ¡°Then I will speak honestly. We must strike first, Mr. President!¡±


    The President thought he misheard the chairman. He sat closer to the table, then uncrossed his arms, and asked, ¡°Strike first? Strike what first?¡±


    ¡°China, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°We attack China first? Why must we be the one to strike first?¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stood up from his seat, then said in a determined tone, ¡°First, if the Chinese invade by crossing the Ap-rok river, it will be incredibly difficult to defend the North Korean areas. The first reason for this is the North Korean citizens. When we start our defense strategies, the civilians of North Korea will sustain injuries from the battle. If we try to minimize coteral damages, then we would have restrictions on our strategical nning.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff must have prepared his statement in advance, because he spoke unhesitatingly. ¡°The second reason,¡± he continued, ¡°is the expected wavering of the North Koreans. China will try to reconcile with the North Korean militarymanders. If that happens, we¡¯ll be forced to fight with allies who could change sides at any moment.¡±


    ¡°Chief of Staff! Do you still think there aremanders in the North Korean military who support China?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee it, but I¡¯m covering all the bases.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Lastly, modern warfare is based on firepower. In the early stages of the war, China will rain down powerful firepower using various types of missiles and cannons. If the war urs on their own turf instead, they will not be able to do that so freely.


    ¡°This is my personal opinion, but our ancestors never attacked another nation first, even though they faced numerous invasions for 5,000 years. People say that this was because our ancestors were a peaceful people who didn¡¯t like fighting. I, however, think differently. They didn¡¯t fight back or attack first because theycked the power to do so. I would like our country to not be so weak and powerless. Such is my will, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. Then I would like to ask one more question.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°How much time do we have left to prepare for China¡¯s invasion of North Korea?¡±


    ¡°Based on our analysis, China¡¯s forces will be ready to invade in 15 days.¡±


    The president touched his leg, sighed, and said, ¡°We have less time than expected.¡±


    ¡°Yes. The time we have left is not long.¡±


    The president¡¯s heart weighed heavily in his chest. As the leader of the nation, he did not want to bring his own citizens into the spiral of war. In fact, he wanted to avoid war if it was possible. But there was no other choice. He was the leader of the nation and had to make a decision...


    After thinking for a while, the president came back to his senses, then went to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and shook his hand. ¡°I can¡¯t give you a decision right now,¡± he said, ¡°but please create the best strategy possible. Also, I will give you as much autonomy as possible in establishing your operations.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    The president firmly shook the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s hand, then leaned in and whispered in his ear. ¡°If war is unavoidable, I would like to show them no mercy.¡±

 Chapter 81

    <h4>Chapter 81</h4>


    October 16, 2020, 04:30


    President¡¯s residence in the Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul.


    The president quietly sneaked out of his bedroom so as not to awaken his firstdy, Oh Eun-ha, and went out into the garden in the front yard. Then, he put a cigarette in his mouth, even though he had quit ten years ago. The cigarette was from the secretary staff that had gone with him to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Command Center yesterday afternoon.


    In the dark garden, the cold outside air felt refreshing, and it cleared his head. The president finally lit the cigarette he had ced in his mouth and took a deep drag, then puffed out smoke while looking at the bright stars.


    ¡°Do I bring our nation into the inferno of war during my short term, or do I just stand and watch while China takes over North Korea...¡± he thought.


    The president, who had no choice but to agonize over this dilemma, hade out to the gardente at night to soothe his concerns and smoke a cigarette. But, the choice was obvious. War was the only option. That was why he felt somber. He had to ask for support from his people and exin to them the reasons for war...


    ¡°I¡¯m scared. I¡¯m very frightened. I will be the one who brings the war into our penins. I¡¯m the embodiment of evil, trying to annihte people through war.


    I¡¯m a man who shakes hands with war to lengthen his term. I¡¯m not scared of these types of criticisms. I¡¯m only scared that sons, fathers, husbands, and many other innocent lives will be lost,¡± he thought.


    When thoughts like this came to his mind, the president¡¯s eyes filled with tears. For an hour he walked back and forth and organized his thoughts.


    <hr />


    October 16, 2020, 09:30


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Armed Forces Joint Command Center Strategy Briefing Room)


    Inside the sixty-square-meter strategy briefing room, all militarymanders and all four Chiefs of Staff from each of the four armies were present. It wouldn¡¯t have been an exaggeration to say that everymander from the entire military was present and that the room waspletely filled with stars (the ranking symbol for generals in the Republic of Korea¡¯s military is a star). The reason for their attendance was to devise a strategy for an attack against China, the new military power on the rise. This would be the nation¡¯s first time attacking a foreign nation since its founding.


    Operations nning Director of the Joint Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-general Na Tae-yoon, made the opening statement. ¡°This operation has been dubbed ¡®Rise of Goguryeo.¡¯ Starting today, we will refer to the Chinese People¡¯s Liberation Army as the Chinese military, so please keep this in mind. Before we establish the strategy for ¡®Rise of Goguryeo,¡¯ we will shortly brief the current situation with the Chinese military.


    ¡°Please direct your attention to the screen. This is the intel we have on the Chinese military forces stationed in the Man-ju area and on the shores of the Ap-rok river.¡±


    When the screen lit up, the notated map that was shown to the president yesterday appeared.


    ¡°I will briefly exin the intel we obtained and analyzed from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Based on their current movements, the 39th Army Group will lead the invasion, and the 16th Army Group will make the second charge via the Baek-du Mountain and Du-man River. The 40th Army Group will aid the two attacking forces along with the 38th Army Group, which is considered the most powerful unit in the Chinese military. In total, four army groups will be deployed, which is roughly the size of six corps of our own forces.¡±


    The Operations nning Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff pointed to the various ces on the map with aser pointer and sinctly exined the intel. ¡°First, we will go over the 39th Army Group and its subordinate forces. The 39th Army Group and its subordinate forces, which have moved along the Ap-rok river, 70 km out from its shores, consist of mobile forces. As shown on the map, its subordinate forces are the 9th Aviation Brigade, the 116th Vehicle Infantry Division, the 117th Mechanized Infantry Division, 190th Mechanized Infantry Division, the 3rd Armored Division, and the artillery brigade and air defense brigade.¡±


    The 39th Army Group was nearly the size of Korea¡¯s two military corps, the fact of which caused a stir in the audience.


    ¡°Second, we will exin the organization of the 16th Army Group. The 16th Army Group has gathered along the Baek-du Mountain and the Du-man River, and it has the 9th Infantry Division, 32nd Infantry Division, 46th Vehicle Infantry Division, 47th Vehicle Infantry Division, 48th Infantry Brigade, 68th Infantry Brigade, 4th Armored Division, artillery brigade, air defense brigade,munications brigade, engineer brigade, and an anti-tank brigade under itsmand. It¡¯s capable of invading rough ins and mountains.¡±


    For the next twenty minutes, a briefing on the 40th and 38th Army Groups was held, and when it was over the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff came up to the podium.


    ¡°ording to our predictions, the Chinese military and its subordinate forces will be ready to deploy within fourteen days. I would like to say a few words before we devise a strategy. First, this operation, ¡®Rise of Goguryeo,¡¯ will start with a preemptive strike. Second, no matter what happens, we cannot fight within North Korea. All of our battles must be fought past the Ap-rok border, inside China. Third, there is no need to show mercy. I will take full responsibility for the operation, so any strategy is fine. Suggest any n that is bold and unrestrained.¡±


    When the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stepped away from the podium, ideas poured in from various militarymanders about a strategy for the ¡°Rise of Goguryeo.¡± The fifty or so militarymanders who spoke must have wanted to use this opportunity to avenge their ancestors, who had suffered countless invasions. They spent three days and nights devising strategies for operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo.¡±


    <hr />


    October 17, 2020, 04:30


    White Room on the 2nd floor of the Blue House main building in Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    The president had invited various party representatives to the Blue House and was conversing with them over tea. It was slightly awkward meeting with all the party leaders before the election, but since the president had invited them, all the representatives hid their difort and conversed with each other.


    ¡°I apologize for taking so long to invite you here.¡±


    The president, who had been talking to representatives about the South and North federal unification process and the uing election, set his cold cup of tea down on the table and looked at all the party members sitting across from him.


    Party Representative Lee Jae-min, who was from the opposing Harmonious Innovation Party, could read the president¡¯s expression, as they had shared sorrows and joys together while in the same party. He asked, ¡°Mr. President, was there something you wanted to speak to us about?¡±


    ¡°I have gathered all the party representatives here to speak about an important issue.¡±


    Representative Goo Jin-hyuck from the United Nationalist Party immediately asked out of curiosity, ¡°Mr. President, you sound as if you¡¯re troubled by something. Please tell us what it is.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will. China¡¯s current movements are suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Is this about their reaction after the illegal fishing incident?¡±


    The party representatives all spoke lightly about the issue, as they thought it involved the trivial matter of China¡¯s economic and diplomatic issues with the fishing boat collision.


    ¡°Mr. President, the Chinese have always been bold like this, haven¡¯t they? No need to fret, sir. Our nation isn¡¯t the same nation as it was before, is it?¡± Representative Yoo Hyun-young, who was wearing heavy gold-framed sses and was from the Welfare Korea Party,ughed so much while speaking that his cheeks shook.


    ¡°It¡¯s more than that. China has deployed and stationed five of its army groups to North Korea¡¯s border at the Ap-rok river.¡±


    All four party representatives had a nk look on their faces, and some shook their heads and shifted their gazes, trying to fully assess the president¡¯s words.


    Party Representative Lee Jae-min, who was the first toe to his senses, asked urgently, ¡°They¡¯ve ced military forces near the border? Are they going to attack North Korea?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Based on the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s analysis, they are preparing for war, and the NIS Department of Foreign Intelligence reported that the hardliners, with China¡¯s President, Xi Jin Ping, at the center, have gone into wartime.¡±


    Representative Yoo Hyun-young leaned back in his chair, his mouth hanging open, and stared at the ceiling. ¡°What should we do?¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Mr. President?¡± Representative Lee Jae-min asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll speak frankly. I cannot stand by and watch as China invades North Korea. We are on the brink of federal unification between South and North Korea.¡±


    Representative Kim Il-ho from the Unified Citizen¡¯s Party, who had only been listening up to this point, asked, as if to get to the crux of the matter, ¡°Does that mean war, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t deny it as a possibility. I would like to avoid war if at all possible, but if we have no choice but to go to war, then I will give my all to winning it.¡±


    They say a fat man is cowardly. Representative Yoo Hyun-young began to sweat profusely, and panted and moved his fat body around. ¡°That cannot happen, Mr. President,¡± he opposed. ¡°A war in the Korean penins? All the achievements we¡¯ve made will turn to dust.¡±


    Representative Kim Il-ho from the Unified Citizen¡¯s Party said what the president wanted to say with fiery eyes. ¡°Then are you going to stand idly by and watch while China invades North Korea?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? I didn¡¯t say I would just stand idle and watch...¡±


    The president spoke in a calm voice to Representative Yoo Hyun-young, as if he understood his meaning. ¡°Representative Yoo Hyun-young, I fully understand. I myself have just said that I would like to avoid war if possible. But, if we give up on North Korea, then North Korea will fall into the hands of China forever, and we¡¯ll lose all hope of unification.¡±


    The two other party representatives must have started to worry, as they all fell silent. After a few minutes, Representative Goo Jin-hyuck from the United Nationalist Party, which was expected to be most opposed to the idea, quietly spoke to the President. ¡°Mr. President, how can we help you?¡±


    The candidate from the Unified Nationalist Party was toe-to-toe with the candidate from the ruling party, and was likely to be elected in the presidential election. However, this situation with China could affect the election, so the president had expected the Unified Nationalist Party to oppose him entirely. However, the representative from the party must have valued the future of Korea more than the election, because he offered his support with earnest eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, representatives. And for the rest of the party representatives, I beg you as your president, despite my term being short on days, to pass the bill for the deration of war as quickly as possible.¡±


    After the four representatives of the opposing party and the ruling party met, Congress passed the bill for war after four days, all while maintaining tight security throughout the proceedings. The Korean government alerted First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jung in North Korea about the news via the hotline. With the covert cooperation between the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces, the n to evacuate some of the North Korean forces along the Ap-rok river, while also procuring roads for the swift movement of South Korean forces, began. The president visited themand center for the Joint Chiefs of Staff again to look at the strategies for operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo.¡±


    <hr />


    October 23, 2020, 14:30


    B2 Bunker in Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    On the table in themand center was a two-hundred-page confidential document for the President and the Minister of National Defense. This document was the first draft of the operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo,¡± which militarymanders had spent three days making.


    The president read the document, which had the words ¡°Rise of Goguryeo¡± printed on the front, and began to click his tongue at how long it was. ¡°This is more than I expected,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. The document contains a detailed analysis of all the military strategies that will be used from the start of the war to its end.¡±


    The president seemed to trust Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik¡¯s confidence, because he nodded before setting down the document. The adjutant moved the console when the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff gave the signal, and the screen lit up with the title ¡°Rise of Goguryeo¡± disyed across it inrge print.


    ¡°We will begin the briefing for operation ¡®Rise of Goguryeo.''¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik used the podium¡¯sser pointer and began the briefing.

 Chapter 82

    <h4>Chapter 82</h4>


    October 23, 2020 20:30


    The President¡¯s office in the Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul.


    The President, who had just returned from the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters, sat in his office alone, thinking about the uing war with China.


    Korea owned more advanced weaponry than China, which they could use against them, but Korea would have to go to war while dealing with internal issues. The first issue was making sure the federal unification policy went smoothly. The federal unification would go into effect by January 1, and it would entail having the citizens of North Korea ovee the political ideologies they held, and providing them with welfare and new infrastructure. Most importantly, it would entail restructuring and managing North Korea¡¯s military. It was as if Korea were fighting with one hand tied behind its back.


    The President stroked his forehead, thinking deeply, then grabbed his cellphone on his desk and made a call.


    ¡°Hello. Have you been well, sir?¡±


    -Oh my. You made the effort to call even while being busy...


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t been able to call more often.¡±


    The person the President was speaking to was Teacher Do-un Oh Yong-ook from the National Vision Committee.


    -You must be having a hard time these days, aren¡¯t you?


    ¡°Ha ha. Yes, I am.¡±


    -We all know. Our President is taking on a heavy burden.


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words.¡±


    -Mr. President, our penins can¡¯t achieve unification without a war. Our past history has shown this, and our current history will show this too, so leave your troubles behind and take the path you think is right. Our citizens will respect and support your decision.


    As if knowing why the President had called, Chairman Do-un Oh Yong-ook spoke in a kind tone and gave him advice.


    ¡°Thank you. Your kind words give mefort.¡±


    -That¡¯s good to hear. There are 50 million people behind you.


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I wille to visit you in personter.¡±


    -Time is precious. Use it for the people of Korea. I¡¯lle to see you instead, so that you can concentrate all your efforts toward the unification of Korea.


    When the President finished his phone call five minutester, he had the Secretary¡¯s office summon the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Minister of National Defense.


    * * *


    October 23, 2020, 22:25


    President¡¯s office in the Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    ¡°Sorry to call you at such ate hour.¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo bowed and said, ¡°No, that¡¯s fine. In light of our nation¡¯s current state, that¡¯s not an issue.¡±


    ¡°Operation ¡®Rise of Goguryo¡¯ is officially approved.¡±


    With the President¡¯s short answer, the gazes of the Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shifted. The war with China, which had previously had its existence on the line, hade to reality, and it was their duty to see to its sess.


    ¡°Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are you ready?¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kang Ui-sik, straightened up and answered loudly, like the soldier he was. ¡°Mr. President, no need to worry, sir. I swear on my life that we will win this war against China.¡±


    The Minister of National defense also spoke confidently. ¡°Yes. The strategy formed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff headquarters is very detailed and exploits China¡¯s weakness. You can put your worries at ease.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will trust you both. I have an additional request for both of you. Please put the lives of our young men as a priority during the war, and keep our causalities low. I will ensure you have full reign over the operation, so show the Chinese no mercy.¡±


    The President must have noticed the irony in his words, because heughed slightly before saying, ¡°My, even after saying it aloud, it still sounds contradictory. I hope you understand, for I am a politician.¡±


    ¡°No. I believe that is the kind of mindset our leader should have. I, Kang Ui-sik, will give my life to carry out your orders.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. When can we begin the attack?¡±


    The Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff briefly looked at each other before the Minister answered. ¡°We expect the invasion from China to start on the 29th or 30th. Therefore, our forces willmence operation ¡®Rise of Goguryeo¡¯ at 4:00 a.m. on the 28th. You will have to put martialw into effect at 8:00 a.m. that morning, along with the deration of war to China, during your national address.¡±


    ¡°The 28th. So there are five days left. All right. Then let¡¯s prepare in the meantime. I will put my faith in both of you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    D-5. The prelude to war, a preemptive strike against China, was about to begin and make history. Each army would cautiously move their forces to avoid reconnaissance from China, and part of the North Korean army would move under the excuse of training exercises.


    * * *


    October 24, 2020, 15:15


    Navy¡¯s Command Headquarters, Nam-ku, Busan.


    D-4


    Lieutenant General Lee Gi-hyung was checking the various documents on his desks while speaking with his advisers.


    ¡°What¡¯s the situation on the Maritime Task Floti Seven?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander. The six Hoc destroyers that were assembled in the three shipbuilding yards are all sailing toward the naval base in Jeju ind. From there, they will be supplied munitions and additional crew, then will make their voyages to Pohang Navy Base to standby as nned.¡±


    ¡°This is the problem. We¡¯re short on time. The fact that we¡¯re deploying destroyers that were built only a month ago makes me worried.¡±


    The operations director stopped his report and addressed themander¡¯s concern. ¡°We don¡¯t have much of a choice in this situation, do we, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we have no choice. We must win the war. Let¡¯s continue. So what about the ships that were already under the Maritime Task Floti Seven?¡±


    ¡°The King Tae-jo, Se-jong, Kim-jong (the previously known patriot Lee Sun-shin), and Moon-mu have all been organized under the 1st Fleet and are standing by, receiving munitions and supplies at the East Sea naval base, while the King Tae-jong, Yulgok lee lee, Dae-jo young, and the Wang-gun have all been organized under the 2nd Fleet, and are receiving munitions and supplies at the Pyeongtak base. Lastly, the King Sung-jong, Ryu Sung-ryong, Kang Gam-chan, and Choi-young have been organized into the third fleet and have finished receiving supplies and ammunition at the Mokpo base. They are also standing by for deployment.¡±


    ¡°I like that each fleet¡¯s destroyer floti have been erged to a division, and since there are two Aegis destroyers in each floti, our navy is finally shaping into arge naval force. I couldn¡¯t be happier. Wouldn¡¯t you say so, Operations Director?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t think it would be an overstatement to say that our navy¡¯s operational range and capabilities have improved greatly.¡±


    ¡°Yes, now we are able to fight against Japan¡¯s one guard corps with just the East Sea Fleet.¡±


    ¡°Contact the Logistic Command and check the supply of ammunition once more, then tell each of the fleetmanders the operation is near, so prepare well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    October 25, 2020, 10:15


    Pilot¡¯s break room in the 38th Fighter Wing Air force Base in Gunsan-si, Jeonbook.


    D-3


    The 38th Fighter Wing began its construction of the runway in 2019 and finished it by June of 2020. Outside the runway were hangars with security devices that held the KF-21P Phoenix fighter jets and KF/A-25P ck Phoenix bombers. Numerous repairmen and armorers were standing near the nes, hard at work. The soldiers from the 38th Fighter Wing were also all hard at work and covered in sweat, preparing the two types of 7th-generation nes that would be deployed in operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo.¡±


    ¡°Major Choi!¡±


    Someone called over Major Choi, who was having a coffee break in the pilot¡¯s break room before attending the operation briefing.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Chang-bin?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m here.¡±


    Major Jeon Chang-bin and Major Choi Young-ho were cohorts at the 99th Flight Training Wing, and Major Jeon Chang-bin had juste back from instructing the 10th Fighter Wing in Su-won about the ck Phoenix bomber.


    ¡°Good work.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t much, anyway. I was going to ask, you went out for the firstbat mission, right?¡±


    ¡°Ah, the one against the Su-hois?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, how was it? Our Phoenix¡¯s abilities?¡±


    ¡°You had to see it yourself! When I got close to them with our stealth abilities and then showed up, they all tucked tail and ran. Our Phoenix jet is the best.¡±


    Choi Young-ho gave him a thumbs-up. ¡°You got to use that in a real battle. Man, I¡¯m envious!¡±


    ¡°Envious? You¡¯re going to use it yourself and experience it soon enough.¡±


    ¡°All right! I¡¯m going to unpack my things and meet you in the briefing room!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    * * *


    October 26, 2020, 13:50


    Operations Briefing Room of the 20th Armored Division Headquarters in Yangpyeong-kun, Kyung gi-do.


    D-2


    The 20th Armored Division, under the 7th Mobile Corps of the ROK Army, was famously known as the force that would charge north in the event of war. It was reorganized a year ago from a mechanized infantry division to a purely armored division. With its high-tech weapons from Olympus base, it had now be the best armored division in the world that had actually been deployed.


    The 20th Division would lead the charge during operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo.¡± It was given the task of invading China¡¯s borders at the start of the war by traveling through Yang pyeong and Shin uiju and delivering the deep-strike. Therefore, they were busy at work preparing for this operation.


    The 20th Division consisted of two armored brigades, one mechanized infantry brigade, one artillery brigade, and a newly made anti-air brigade, and they were about to undergo the most dangerous mission of operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo.¡± They were going deep into the heart of the enemy and would conduct their operations while breaking through the enemy¡¯s siege. Themanders participating in this mission were full of heroism and spiritpared to themanders in the other divisions.


    Division Commander Ahn Gook-jin got up on the podium, the baton in both of his hands, to make a speech. ¡°I would like to make a final reminder before starting our final briefing.¡±


    ¡°There are two days left. Each brigademander is to make final checks on the status of each battalion¡¯s supplies, food, and ammunition, and memorize the routes we¡¯ll take for our invasion. I would also like to emphasize that our men¡¯s courage must be strong, because we will be fighting under isted circumstances. Our high-tech weaponry will cover our physical needs; however, our mental health is determined by our mindset. All of our men, including myself as themander, have never entered into battle before. Therefore, the horrors of war and death that we will face might be more than we can handle. To ovee this, we all must have strong willpower. Therefore, continue moral education after the war begins, and I hope none of you fall ill from trauma. That¡¯s all!¡±


    ¡°A-ten-hut, salute!¡±


    ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    When Division Commander An Gook-jin left the podium, the division headquarters operations director tapped the microphone with his finger to test it, and then began speaking.


    ¡°We will now begin the briefing for the operations the 20th Armored Division will carry out in ¡®Rise of Goguryeo¡¯.¡±


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 Chapter 83

    <h4>Chapter 83</h4>


    October 27, 2020, 23:00


    An underground bunker at the Blue House National Emergency Situation Center in Jongro-ku, Seoul.


    D-1


    Inside the Blue House¡¯s National Emergency Situation Center, the President¡¯s family and many high-ranking officials were gathered to await the outbreak of war with China, which was five hours away. In the situation control office across from the situation center, various staff members from the Blue House were looking at multiple monitors and exchanging information with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    To the President, who was seated in the center, everything felt like a slow-motion scene from a movie. Each second felt like a minute.


    The President wasn¡¯t sure whether he was feeling anxious or bored from waiting, and asked the Minister of National Defense, ¡°Are our forces onnd preparing without issue?¡±


    ¡°Thend forces are nned to conduct a swift movement toward the border at the Ap-rok river with the start of the war. We¡¯ve just received word that they¡¯ve finished making preparations.¡±


    ¡°What about the Navy and the Marines?¡±


    ¡°The Maritime Floti 7, which is docked at Pohang Naval Base, and the 53rd Amphibious Group have the entire 1st Marine Division aboard.¡±


    *At the end of 2018, the Navy¡¯smand center absorbed the 53rd Amphibious Group under the 5th Division into the 10th Amphibious Fleet. Later, through continued production of amphibious ships, they officially deployed four LPH-ss-strike amphibious ships, eight LST-II armored vehicle ships, four SLT-I armored vehicle ships, and four 60,000t full load discement-ss LPH multi-purpose amphibious ships by June 2020. The 56th Amphibious Group, as well as the 53rd Amphibious Group, were integrated into the 10th Amphibious Fleet.


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 03:30


    Underground bunker at the Blue House National Emergency Situation Center in Jongro-ku, Seoul.


    D-30 minutes


    The final checks were being made, and time seemed to be running slow, but there were only thirty minutes left before the war would begin. A secure call from the Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters came in to receive final approval to dere war.


    -Mr. President. Requesting final approval for war, sir.


    It was the voice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff.


    ¡°I approve. No changes here.¡±


    -Understood, Mr. President.


    The President, who ended the phone call, leaned his chair back and closed his eyes. After some time passed, he opened his eyes when he heard the report from the Minister of National Defense that war had broken out.


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 04:00


    Underground bunker at Blue House National Emergency Situation Center in Jongro-ku, Seoul.


    D-ZERO.


    When the digital clock on the center of the wall at the Joint Chiefs of Staff Command Center showed 04:00, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ordered in a calm but strong tone, ¡°All forces escte from DEFCON 2 to DEFCON 1. Transition into wartime.¡±


    The Korean military, which was under tight security under DEFCON 2, dered DEFCON 1 for the first time since the Korean War. Many of the operators in the room began to use secure lines to ry the information to the militarymanders across the country.


    ¡°Commence operation ¡®Rise of Goguryeo.¡¯ Get the Aerospace Force Command Center on the line.¡±


    ¡°They are on the line, sir.¡±


    -Sir! This is Aerospace Force Commander Lieutenant General Lee Gyung-hyun.


    ¡°Lieutenant Lee Kyung-hyun! Commence operation ¡®Rise of Goguryeo¡¯ as nned.¡±


    -Yes, sir. Bringing Zeus 1 online.


    ¡°Stay vignt.¡±


    -Yes, sir!


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 04:01


    CC tanker in Yongsan-ku, Seoul (tactical strike satellite Zeus 1 mission control)


    Colonel Lim Soo-ho, the operator of the Zeus 1, received the order from the Aerospace Force Commander, put down the phone¡¯s receiver, and gave the order while staring at the center screen.


    ¡°Commence the first stage of operation ¡®Rise of Goguryeo.¡¯ Check target coordinates.¡±


    ¡°Target coordinates confirmed.¡±


    At the operator¡¯s order, the 500-inch center screen focused in on an area 90 km away from China¡¯s Jinhzhou province, where the 38th Army Group and its subordinate forces had formed a tight encampment in an 80 km radius. The camps determined to be the headquarters of each division and brigade came up on a target list, and eight targets were designated.


    ¡°Zinog missile standby.¡±


    ¡°Zinog missile standby.¡±


    ¡®K-SH Zinog missile (sma amplification bomb)¡¯


    Launch system: KS-1 Zeus 1 tactical strike satellite


    Diameter: 220 mm


    Length: 3 m


    Weight: 1,200 kg


    Range: 1,000 km


    Maximum speed: Mach 68 (including falling speed)


    Warhead: sma amplification (No radiation)


    Propel method: sma rocket


    Price: 32 million dors


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    At the operator¡¯s order, the missile operator repeated the order, and then theunch operator pressed theunch button, firing the eight Zinog missiles aboard the Zeus 1 satellite 36,000 km above China. Eight Zinog missiles popped out from the sides of Zeus 1, and from the two four-rocketunch pads, they flew out, spitting out blue me, to fall toward their targets at the speed of Mach 40.


    ¡°Eight Zinog missiles have sessfullyunched toward their targets. Target one is 25 minutes and 36 seconds away from impact. Target two is 25 minutes and 38 seconds away. Target three and eight are 25 minutes and 42 seconds away.¡±


    When the missile operator made his report, the operator gave another order. ¡°Check the coordinates for the second round of targets.¡±


    ¡°Confirming coordinates of the second round of targets.¡±


    The Zeus 1 used its thrusters to change directions, and the screen changed to the 39th Army Group and its subordinate forces, which were near the Ap-rok river, along with themanding headquarters of each force. Just like before, six targets were designated.


    ¡°Epirus missile standby.¡±


    ¡°Epirus missile standby.¡±


    ¡®K-SE Epirus missile (sma pulse bomb)¡¯


    Launch system: KS-1 Zeus 1 tactical strike satellite.


    Diameter: 130 mm


    Length: 2.5 m


    Weight: 320 kg


    Range: 40,000 km


    Maximum speed: Mach 65 (Including falling speed)


    Warhead: sma pulse bomb


    Propel method: sma rocket


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Spitting blue me, the six Epirus missilesunched from the Zeus 1 satellite¡¯s eight-shotuncher and began to fall toward their targets at frightening speeds.


    ¡°All six Epirus missiles have beenunched. Target one is 26 minutes and 50 seconds from contact. Target two is 26 minutes and 52 seconds away, target three 26 minutes and 53 seconds, target four 26 minutes and 55 seconds, target five 26 minutes and 57 seconds, target six 27 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Check coordinates of the third set of targets.¡±


    ¡°Confirming the coordinates for the third set of targets.¡±


    Just like with the second set of targets, the Zeus 1 satellite set the headquarters of the 16th Army Group¡¯smand center and its subordinate forces as targets, andunched six Epirus missiles. The Epirus missile pierced the atmosphere and fell at the speed of Mach 65. The warhead of the Epirus missile glowed red from friction, and if anyone saw it, they would¡¯ve thought a red metal pir was falling from the sky.


    Twenty minutester, the first sma amplification bomb, the Zinog missile, fell to visible distances in an instant and hit the 38th Army Group¡¯smand centers. The Zinog missile made a tremendous impact and prated dozens of meters underground.


    When the dyed fuse went off a few secondster, the entirendscape within 5 km was distorted, and hundreds of ming pirs rose into the air. Within the 10 km radius, the Chinese forces, vehicles, armored vehicles, tanks, and other equipment were all melted indiscriminately. The explosion, which rivaled a nuclear bomb, urred seven more times.


    ¡°The first set of targets have been eliminated.¡±


    The main screen at the Zeus 1¡¯s mission control showed thendscape. Thirty minutes ago, thend was full of various mechanized divisions and other forces, but now it looked like an earthquake had hit it. Between the cracks in the ground, red mes rose up to light up the night sky, reminiscent of the mes from hell.


    The officers and soldiers who witnessed the scene, which was more terrifying than they had expected, all fell silent. They all stared nkly at the screen full of mes until the Epirus missile operator broke the silence.


    ¡°Six Epirus missiles one minute away from reaching the second set of targets.¡±


    ¡°Change screen to the target area.¡±


    ¡°Changing the screen to the target area.¡±


    A momentter, the Epirus missile, which was falling toward the selectedmanding forces of the 39th Army Group, blew up 1 km above the surface with a bright light and sent out a shock wave in the shape of a dome.


    boo boo boom~ Woosh~


    The shock wave spread out at the speed of sound and was strong enough to distort space.


    This shock wave urred repeatedly at the location of the 39th Army Group and the 16th Army Group. The shock wave fried the Chinese military¡¯s electronic devices and destroyed their motherboards andputer chips, rendering them useless. Car equipment,munication devices, radars, and other weapons systems all went dark, and the only functional pieces of equipment were personal firearms.


    Each army group¡¯smanding forces fell into chaos. They tried to reach their subordinate forces to find the reason for the ckout, but had no means to do so. If this were the past, they would have tried to report to superiors or give the orders to subordinates on horseback, but the present situation made themanders confused, and they were unable to determine their next move. The forces that were outside the shock wave¡¯s range were also in chaos, as they were unable to reach their superior forces.


    Above North Korea¡¯s skies, four Phoenix jet and ck Phoenix bomber flight wings were flying northwest on supercruise. The Phoenix flight wings¡¯ internal weaponry was four rounds of the air-to-surface gliding guided missile K-PSB sma cluster bombs, while the ck Phoenix bomber was equipped with two rounds of the K-PAB sma air-to-surface sma cluster bombs. The Phoenix and ck Phoenix flight wings flew past Pyeong yang¡¯s atmosphere and split into two flight wings, heading toward their assigned destinations. One headed toward the 39th Army Group, and the other headed toward the 16th Army Group.


    A momentter, when the two Phoenix and ck Phoenix flight wings assigned to the 39th Army Group came into range to attack, themander for the Phoenix flight wing, Lieutenant Colonel Gil Hyung-soo, opened themunication line.


    ¡°Postman, noise point distance 140. Fire independently at each allotted target!¡±


    -Blue eyes 1, Copy that.


    -ckmoon 1, Copy that.


    -Mountain 1, Copy that.


    -Hurricane 1, Copy that.


    With the answer from each flight leader, each flight wing fired their sma cluster bombs at their assigned targets. Theunch was within a sufficient distance, and each gliding guided missile traveled to its target at the speed of Mach 8 and 10.


    A terrible punishment fell from the sky onto the subordinate forces, who were unaware of the situation and were trying to contact their superior forces. The small sma amplification bomb blew a few kilometers to smithereens, while the sma cluster bomb exploded 100 m above the surface. Thousands of sma bombs flew down like a rain of steel above the Chinese military¡¯s heads, causing a firestorm that destroyed the armored vehicles and tanks.


    While the colorful mes fell to the ground, the Chinese forces tried to save their lives and ran to hide in the nearest mountains and streams, abandoning their equipment.


    Ten minutester, the Phoenix and ck Phoenix flight wings, assigned to target the 16th Army Group, also fired various missiles, and before returning, they confirmed that they had hit their intended targets.


    * * *


    October 28, 2020. 04:50


    B2 Bunker in Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    After an hour had passed, the first stage of the war was reaching its midpoint, and it must have gone smoothly, for reports of sess streamed in from the participating forces.


    ¡°Under first analysis, the 38th Army Group seems to have lost 80% of its forces and its capability as an army group.¡±


    ¡°Reporting the damages of the 29th Army Group. Its subordinate force, the 9th Army Aviation Brigade, has lost its choppers from the sma amplification bombs from the 38th Fighter Wing¡¯s Phoenix flight wing, and arepletely annihted.¡±


    ¡°Tactical Intelligence Officer, organize the damages into a graph. Report the status of each army¡¯s attack for now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°It seems that we have damaged the Chinese military more than we had expected to.¡±


    The deputy of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must have been pleased by the first stage of the operation going smoothly, because he smiled slightly as he spoke.


    ¡°Indeed, things seemed promising from the start!¡±


    ¡°The Chinese were careless from the start. They probably never imagined we would attack past North Korea¡¯s borders, especially the 38th Army Group first.¡±


    The strategic nning officer, who finished collecting and organizing the strategies, joined the conversation. ¡°Right, and we definitely hoped for that.¡±


    Another tactical intelligence officer reported the attacks made by each corps¡¯ artillery. ¡°Chief! The artillery from each corps have fired thend-tond cruise missiles.¡±


    ¡°What about the Navy¡¯s 1st and 2nd Fleets?¡±


    ¡°The 1st and 2nd Fleets are reporting they will each fire thirty surface-to-ground cruise missiles to their assigned targets.¡±


    Listening to the continuous stream of reports, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik ced his hands behind his neck and checked the digital map that showed the changing Ap-rok river border. Then, he smiled slightly and said, ¡°All right. How about we start going into phase two of our ns?¡±

 Chapter 84

    <h4>Chapter 84</h4>


    October 28, 2020, 05:00


    National Emergency Situation Center underground bunker, Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    The ROK Military Joint Command Center had sent the data of the war in real-time to the National Emergency Situation Center, and the screen on the wall across from the president showed a digital map of the Ap-rok river border,plete with graphs that could be read easily.


    ¡°Mr. President, the 38th Army Group, considered to be China¡¯s most powerful military force, has sustained the most damages. If you look at the graph, 81% of their forces have been annihted.¡±


    The screen showed the damages sustained by the subordinate forces, along with what was left of their forces, all of which showed as a calcted percentage on the screen.


    ¡°I see. The strategy made by the Joint Chiefs of Staff must have worked well. But, I¡¯m concerned about something else.¡±


    ¡°What is it, sir?¡±


    ¡°Considering the tendencies of China¡¯s leadership, we don¡¯t know what they will do if the damages they sustain are great. They mightunch a counterattack more dreadful than we expect.¡±


    ¡°Sir, do you not have faith in our Joint Chiefs of Staff? They have already set strategies to counter the worst counterattacks China can make, so let¡¯s see what they do.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I guess there¡¯s no other choice.¡±


    The president, who had spent the entire night awake due to the heavy mental burden he carried, was fatigued in both body and spirit. He stood up from his seat, stretched his shoulders, rubbed both his eyes, and then gestured for the secretary toe over to him.


    ¡°Please get me a cup of coffee. A very strong one.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, please get a cup of coffee for everyone here. After all, I¡¯m not the only one who¡¯s tired.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After ordering for coffee and ncing around at the center, the president realized that while he himself only had to sit around and listen to reports, dozens of staff members had to move around and work busily at their stations.


    After seeing how fatigued the president was, Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo said worriedly, ¡°Mr. President, how about you take a quick nap? Don¡¯t you have to make the national address in a few hours?¡± .


    ¡°As a leader who invoked war, what right do I have to rest?¡±


    ¡°What? Mr. President, how can you say such a thing? This is a defensive strike for the unification of the Korean Penins and its territories.¡±


    ¡°No matter the reason, I started this, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°No. That is absolutely not true. Who would think of the president in such a way...¡±


    ¡°Minister Kang, I said too much. Okay? Let¡¯s stop here.¡±


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 05:08


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center).


    ¡°The ground-to-ground cruise missiles (Hyun-mu 3E2-A type (GLCM))unched from each artillery force have made contact with the 16th Army Group. Out of the 102 totalunched, excluding the 14 that misfired, 88 have correctly reached their targets.¡±


    The operators gesticted, their eyes moving around wildly, as they reported the military¡¯s actions in real-time, and they were shouting so much that the blood vessels in their neck were bulging.


    ¡°48 of the 60 surface-tond cruise missiles (Skydragon A missile (SLCM)) targeting the 40th Army Group have sessfully hit their mark, while twelve have been struck down.¡±


    40 minutes after the first missiles hit their targets, the first phase of operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo,¡± dubbed ¡°Light of Dawn,¡± was reaching its end.


    ¡°Report on the movements of the ground forces and the navy.¡±


    When the first phase of the operation was finished, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik sat down and took a moment to rx before asking for the movements of the reinforcements.


    ¡°Please take a look at screen six. The 7th Mobile Corps Headquarters and its subordinate force, the 20th Armored Division, are moving as the leading force, while the Capital Armored Division and the 39th Mechanized Infantry Division have passed Gae-sung and are now heading north, using the Pyeong yang Highway.¡±


    For this operation, the 7th Mobile Corps, the leading force for the expedition north, had integrated three divisions into its army: the Capital Armored Division, the 20th Armored Division, and the 30th Mechanized Infantry division, which was previously under the 1st Corps.


    The operator moved the console as he made the report and showed the army¡¯s movements on the number six screen, with arrows to show directions.


    ¡°Also, the 2nd Corps with the 7th Armored Division, the 15th Eastern Border Division, and the 27th Light Armored Mountain Division are moving via the temporarily-opened Chulwon-Dukchun Highway. The 5th Corps with the 3rd Armored Division, 6th Mechanized Infantry Division, and the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division have all started their move.


    ¡°What about the navy?¡±


    ¡°Currently, the Maritime Task Floti Seven, the 10th and 53rd Amphibious Fleets, have departed from the Pohang navy base, maintaining a speed of 28 knots, and are sailing 32 km northeast.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik shook his head a few times to ease his fatigue and then ordered for the second phase of the operation. ¡°Good. Things are going as nned. We now enter the second phase of the operation. Contact the missilemand center.¡±


    ¡°We have the army¡¯s missilemand on the line.¡±


    -Sir, this is Lieutenant General Oh Tae-gyun.


    ¡°Good work. We begin phase two of our operation.¡±


    -Yes, sir!


    Phase 1 (Light of Dawn): Quickly strike the Chinese main attacking forces and reinforcements.


    -Use eight Zeus Zinog missiles to annihte the powerful 38th Army Group and its reinforcements.


    -Use Zeus Epirus pulse bombs to disable the facilities and equipment of the 39th and 16th Army Groups, which are leading the attack.


    -Perform aerial attacks against the 39th and 16th Army Groups using the Phoenix and ck Phoenix flight wings.


    -Attack the 40th Army Group with the corps artillery¡¯s cruise missiles.


    -Strike the remaining forces of the 39th and 16th Army Groups with the 1st and 2nd Fleets.


    Phase 2 (Light of Dawn 2): Launch a secondary attack on the Chinese military, based on the current threat level in Korea.


    -Strike all radar bases in the northern areas.


    -Strike all tactical ballistic missile bases.


    -Strike fighter jet airfields.


    -Strike China¡¯s Northern Navy Fleet.


    The Korean army¡¯s missilemand center and its subordinate missile forces all firednd-tond ballistic missiles with a range of 800 km to 1,200 km. The missiles emitted blue mes as they rose into the dark sky at dawn. The total number of missilesunched was 120.


    ¡°Report from the missilemand center. The Hyun-mu-1E2 and Hyun-mu-2E2 missiles have all sessfully beenunched to the twelve target areas.¡±


    When the 120 Hyun-mu ballistic missiles increased in altitude and headed toward the atmosphere, the Chinese radar and anti-air bases went into a state of alert and used their missile interception system.


    ¡°At least five of the missiles should fall on the targets.¡±


    The digital map of Korea and China showed the routes of the ballistic missiles. When the missiles reached the atmosphere, they spread out, each heading to its own target, and the sight was like a scene from the PC game ¡°Power Game.¡±


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 05:30 (China Standard Time, 04:30)


    Central Military Commission Command Center Bunker, Beijing, China.


    The Central Military Commission Command Center Bunker rivaled Korea and America in size, and it had a veryrge screen installed. Numerous operators were looking at their monitors, hard at work collecting data on Korea¡¯s preemptive strike. At the center of the bunker¡¯s control center were the staff from the Central Military Commission and other politicians, who were all waiting for the president¡¯s arrival.


    m!


    The people in the room turned their eyes toward the entrance. Someone had kicked down the door and made a ruckus. Between the broken doors, a shadow emerged. It was the Chinese President Xi Jin Ping.


    His face was red, and his eyes were bloodshot. His appearance showed his shock. President Xi Jin Ping walked to the center of the room and mmed the table with both his hands, unable to contain his anger.


    ¡°How could this have happened?¡± he shouted. ¡°How could our People¡¯s Republic of China be struck first? Minister of Defense, what was the military doing?¡±


    Minister of Defense Ping Bai hung his head and said, ¡°The informants from each branch of the military are organizing intel. The exact data will take some time to collect, but I can report on the things we have confirmed.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? The situation still hasn¡¯t been fully assessed?¡±


    ¡°I apologize. We specte it was a ballistic missile attack, but the three Jy-26A radar bases stationed in the northern area, and the four mobile JY-26B radar bases under the army groups failed to detect them. Therge scale X-band radar base in the Feilungjiang and Shuangyashan areas only detected the missile three minutes before impact. The missile was falling at the speed of Mach 55. The time of impact was 03:27:12.¡±


    ¡°What is that? Are you saying the ballistic missiles fired from Korea were not detected beforehand, only three minutes before impact?


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Are the radars that have cost us hundred of thousands of Yuan only up to that level? When you were boasting about their capabilities while foaming at the mouth? Equipment director?¡±


    Expecting this question, Fu Di Hu Chao stood up and straightened his posture.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°You, you have made a fool out of me with this hunk of scrap?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. The radar was able to scan the routes of America¡¯s F-22 stealth fighter jets and the movements of Japan¡¯s recent spacecraftunch, and it has no problem scanning the orbit of objects outside the atmosphere.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this at ater date. Until then, prepare a well-researched exnation behind the cause. Minister of Defense, continue.¡±


    When everyone¡¯s gazes moved from the Equipment Director back to the Minister of Defense, Ping Bai hung swallowed and continued his report.


    ¡°Therge scale X-band radar detected eight missiles fall toward the 38th Army Group. ording to the urgent reports from near military bases, each missile put an 8 km radius into mes. If this explosion urred eight times, then the tightly-encamped 38th Army Group can be considered annihted, or at the least, incapable of fighting as an army group.¡±


    ¡°Have you contacted the 38th Army Group?¡±


    ¡°The 38th Army Group can¡¯t be reached.¡±


    ¡°This is truly dumbfounding.¡±


    President Xi Jing Ping, who seemed to be dissatisfied with the enigmatic reports, frowned, tilted his head to one side, and then signaled the Minister of Defense to continue reporting.


    ¡°After the missiles hit the 38th Army Group, six ballistic missiles each hit themand centers of each force at the 39th and 16th Army Groups. The missiles that hit themand centers were EMP missiles, which went off 1 km above the surface. All anti-air radars and weaponry were disabled, and after a few dozen minutes, a bomber flight wing from Korea¡¯s air force attacked with air-to-surface missiles. Then, we were attacked a second time with surface-to-surface cruise missiles.¡±


    ¡°What are the damages?¡±


    ¡°The 38th Army Group, just like the 39th and 16th Army Groups, have gone silent, and only the 40th Army Group can be reached.¡±


    ¡°What is the status of the 40th Army Group?¡±


    The Minister of Defense grabbed a document on the table and read it aloud.


    ¡°The 40th Army Group¡¯smander has died, and the second inmand, Lu Ho Wo, is acting in his stead. 60% of the forces have been eliminated, and the other subordinate forces, the 82nd Infantry, 118th Mechanized Infantry Division, 119th, and 191st Vehicle Infantry Divisions, 5th Armored Division, artillery brigade, and anti-air artillery brigade have all sustained losses of 10 to 20% and are retreating to Sun Yang.¡±


    ¡°This is preposterous. Three army groups have gone silent, and one is retreating.¡±


    An intelligence officer with a rank of Colonel ran into the room while shouting.


    ¡°Korea hasunched 120 ballistic missiles. They¡¯re approaching the atmosphere and are all changing direction to head to their 12 targets.¡±


    ¡°Wang Fa Dan!¡±


    Xi Jing Ping, who shouted, looked at his vice-president and spoke. ¡°Vice-President Kan Kuichou, I will give youmand until this war is over, but take care of the ballistic missiles from those bangzi first.¡±


    Excluding President Xi Jin Ping, Kan Kuichou was the highest in militarymand. He was not only vice-president but also a lieutenant general. After receiving Xi Jin Ping¡¯s orders, Kan Kuichou stood up, saluted, and left the room while answering, ¡°I will take authority over this situation. I¡¯m off.¡±


    When Kan Kuichou left the room, President Xi Jin Ping red at the Central Military Commission staff and the politicians, then spoke.


    ¡°How does it make sense that our China, which imed to be at the peak of military power in the 21st century, was this easily attacked by a mere country like Korea? If the Central Military Commission deems it necessary, then use nuclear weapons, and erect a n for vengeance and report it to Vice-President Kan Kuichou. I would like all the politicians to use any means necessary to pressure Korea through the U.N for its dirty low blow.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 85

    <h4>Chapter 85</h4>


    October 28, 2020, 05:21 (China Standard Time, 04:21)


    Military Commission Joint Command Center Bunker, Beijing, China.


    Vice President Kan Kuichou entered the Joint Command Center and spoke to Chief of the General Staff Fang Feng. ¡°I will take themand from now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After receiving the Chief of General Staff¡¯s answer, Kan Kuichou looked at therge scale X-band radar base, which had detected the paths of the 120 ballistic missiles, then asked the tactical intelligence officer, ¡°Have the targets for the ballistic missiles been confirmed?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Ten ballistic missiles are headed toward twelve targets.¡±


    ¡°Report on the most urgent ones.¡±


    ¡°First, the 1st, 4th, 11th, 21st, and 30th Fighter Wings and their subordinate forces. Also, the Tung hwa, Haulbin, Daren Missile Bases, YJ-26A 309th, 207th, and 303rd Radar Brigades.


    As the tactical intelligence officer gave his report, the map was marked with all the targets the ballistic missiles were headed toward.


    ¡°Look at these b*stards. They prepared determined for war. Fine,munications officer, have all the fighter jets take off from every avable fighter wing. If they fail to intercept, we must reduce the damages as much as possible. Also, give me the interception order for the ballistic missiles for the anti-air forces in the Northern Army.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    At the swift order of Vice President Kan Kuichou, the tenmunications officers ryed the instructions to each force.


    A momentter, each anti-air brigade in the Northern Armyunched itstest HQ-9C strike missiles based on the mid-ranged S-300 to intercept the Korean ballistic missiles. The missiles rose in the air, spewing white smoke. The 96 HQ-9C missiles, with a range of 200 km, altitude of 30 km, and speed of Mach 4.3, flew up into the sky, and the anti-air brigades alsounched two of their HQ-12 missiles with a range of 50 km and altitude of 25 km, for a total of 36 missiles.


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 05:22 (China Standard Time, 04:22)


    st Fighter Wing Airforce Base, Ansan, China.


    At the Ansan base, an air-raid siren rang ear-piercingly loud, and the runway was filled with China¡¯s K-20 stealth fighter jets, which were leaving the hangars to take off. Getting out of the hellfire must have been there priority, as most of the jets were unarmed.


    Inside the anti-air bases, the HQ-6 radars, which were illegally copied from Italy¡¯s Aspada air-to-air missile system, were spinning wildly. Six of the HQ-6unch vehicles all had theirunch pads pointed to the sky in preparation for the terminal phase interception of the ballistic missiles.


    A few minutes passed, and within the visible atmosphere above the 1st Fighter Wing Ansan base, a spectacr show of mes began.


    Then, the HQ-6 radar operator detected six ballistic missiles and screamed, while the missile battalion¡¯smander ordered theunch of the HQ-6 missiles. The sixunch vehiclesunched four missiles one after the other, and a total of sixteen missiles flew into the sky for the terminal phase interception. Another battalion within the base alsounched its allotted sixteen missiles, and three flew toward the ballistic missiles.


    ¡°Target 1 at a distance of 10,200 and altitude of 9,800, target 1 missile interception failed, target 2 interception failed. Target 5 interception sessful, target 2 attempting interception. Target 2 distance 9,200, altitude 8,910, target 1 missile interception failed. Ah, target 5 also failed again, target 3 distance 8,200, altitude 7,890, target 1 missile interception failed, target 5, target 5 interception failed.¡±


    The HQ-6 radar operator screamed, looking as if he had see the grim reaper himself, then put his face in his hands and shook his head. The battalion next to them had shown an unbelievable interception rate of zero. Despite the missiles¡¯ design for terminal phase interception, they showed technical limitations, sessfully intercepting only 1 out of the 16 ballistic missiles.


    Five of Korea¡¯stest ballistic missiles (Hyunmu-2E2) passed through the interception and exploded above the 1st and 2nd Fighter Wing¡¯s runway and hangars. The missiles spewed thousands of bombs, turning an area ten timesrger than a football field into an inferno. From China¡¯s perspective, the silver lining was that most of the J-20 stealth fighter jets from the 1st Fighter Wing and the J-11 fighter jets from the 3rd Fighter Wing all had gone under emergency takeoff and survived the st.


    However, the other fighter wings only had some of their jets take off, and the other jets and nes left inside the hangers and on the runways had all been hit by the steel showers. The runways were also destroyed by the ballistic missiles¡¯ bombs and were no longer operational, and the jets were forced to fly to another air force base tond.


    The four Chinese air force bases that were the first set of targets were all annihted amidst smoke and mes, and the radar bases China was so proud of, the fixed YJ-26A radar bases and Shang Yang Sanrge X-band radar base stationed in the northern areas, all sustained heavy losses.


    Also, the missile bases (Tung hwa, Haulbin, and Daren) that operated the DF-15 and DF-21 ballistic missiles, which posed the greatest threat to Korea, all sustained losses that would render them non-operational for some time.


    Lastly, the six ballistic missiles that fell on Chungdo Naval Base, the base for the Northern Fleet, had caused critical damages to the 1st Fleet, destroying five Ruda-ss destroyers and other ships.


    Even though it was a surprise attack, ording tomon sense, China should not have been this helpless. But there was a reason why they were. Korea¡¯s ballistic missiles had applied various advanced technology to ovee the limits of the range and weight of the warheads. First, the engines of the ballistic missiles were reced with sma rocket engines, enabling the modern standard Hyunmu missiles to reach Mach 8 speeds, as opposed to their original Mach 4. Additionally, the missiles were equipped with SECM (Super Electronic Counter Measures), which jammed the interception missiles¡¯ ARH (Active Radar Homing Systems), significantly lowering the chances of being intercepted.


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 05:50


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik kept his eyes on the screen as he received a stream of reports about the ballistic missiles reaching their targets. Then, he spoke to Chief of Army Staff Shin Sung-yong, who had juste over from the army¡¯smand center across the room.


    ¡°Chief of Army Staff Shin, the improved capabilities of the Hyunmu ballistic missiles are better than expected. I think we hit the targets, as nned.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The results are very satisfactory. I just wish the numbers were a bit higher.¡±


    ¡°What can we do? It¡¯s not like we had a long time to prepare for the war, and we only had enough forces to counter North Korea¡¯s military. It would have been better if we had increased our fighting power against the Chinese and Japanese beforehand.¡±


    ¡°Joint Chief of Staff, don¡¯t you think with our current power, we could still win against any nation in the world?¡±


    Despite fighting a war that put the nation¡¯s fate on the line, Chief of Army Staff Shin Sung-yong smiled brightly, which meant that a victory was guaranteed in this war.


    ¡°Communications officer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Transition into KAMD system!¡±


    ¡°Transitioning to KAMD system.¡±


    At the order, themunication operators all ryed the order to all the militarymanders, who then began to operate the missile defense system in preparation for China¡¯s counter-attack. The KSF/A-30SP Three-legged Crow Space, which was part of the second stage interception method, was still under development, so the 4-stage KAMD system was notplete. However, the Chief of Staff judged that the current system would still be enough to defend the nation.


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 05:50 (China Standard Time, 04:50)


    Central Military Commission Joint Command Center Bunker, Beijing, China.


    The atmosphere inside themand center was heavy. The interception rate for the Korean ballistic missiles was embarrassingly low. In truth, the power of the Northern Military had lost 60% of its strength since the start of the war. Korea¡¯s surprise attack was excellent, while China¡¯s anti-air defense was ipetent.


    ¡°Despite seeing it myself, I still can¡¯t believe it, Vice President, sir!¡±


    Chief of Staff Fang Feng Hu¡¯s shock must have been great for him to finally speak after being open-mouthed and silent for so long.


    ¡°To sustain this much damage from just ballistic missiles...¡± Vice President Kan Kuichou also expected the interception rate to be at least 80%, and the shock he received at seeing the damage they incurred didn¡¯t leave easily and made him dizzy. The Northern Military¡¯s air-to-air power was at a considerable level, and the fact they were taken out by only 120 ballistic missiles shouldn¡¯t have been possible, but that was the reality, even though he wanted to deny it.


    ¡°Did we underestimate the Korean ballistic missiles?¡± he thought. Kan Kuichou tried to find an answer, but when he couldn¡¯t easilye up with one, he shook his head a couple of times to clear his thoughts. That moment, the operator shouted a report.


    ¡°Footage of the Qing dao North Naval Fleet has arrived from the unmanned drone Xiang Lung. It¡¯s on screen number three, sir.¡±


    Several of the numerous drones that had been urgently deployed from the central military had recorded and sent in footage of the nearby Qing dao North Naval fleet.


    ¡°D*mn it! It¡¯s better to just not look at it.¡±


    The port had turned into hell itself. The five Ruda-ss destroyers must have been hit with the bombs, because the mast radars, weaponry, and the ship itself had all been torn to shreds, and ck smoke billowed from the cracks. Some destroyers had been lit ame and turned ck, with smokeing out of them.


    Some of the navy base¡¯s buildings had copsed from the impact of the bombs. The Qing dao Naval Base was in pandemonium, and mes still danced, engulfing many areas. The surviving sailors were busily dousing the mes.


    After the horrific scene came into view, the vice president could imagine just how much damage the other army groups sustained. In fact, he had the sinking feeling that the damages they sustained were worse.


    ¡°When can we check on the 38th Army Group and the others?¡±


    ¡°The Xiang Lung drones are moving to each location. We¡¯ll have a visual within ten minutes.¡±


    ¡°All right. Have we detected any signs of another attack by North Korea?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. After the ballistic missile attack, no other Korean fighter jets or missiles have been detected.¡±


    ¡°Can we check the route of Korea¡¯s ground forces?¡±


    ¡°An hourter, the Zhenbing-5 reconnaissance satellite will pass by the Korean penins.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Tell the Zhenbing-5 to scout every corner of Korea!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Chief of Staff Fang Feng Hu Li.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Vice President.¡±


    ¡°Take themand for now. I¡¯m going to make a report to President Xi Jin Ping.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 86

    <h4>Chapter 86</h4>


    October 28, 2020, 06:10 (CST 05:10). Chinese Central Military Commission Integrated Command Post Bunker Conference Room in Beijing, China.


    Chinese Central Military Commission Vice President Kan Kuichou sinctly reported the status of damages from the Korean tactical ballistic missiles. Then, there was a call from themand centers of Army Groups 39 and 16. Army Group 39 reported that 50 percent of their forces were lost, and they were moving to the rear area. Army Group 16 reported that 40 percent of their forces were lost, and each battalion spread out to construct trenches and camouge themselves.


    President Xi Jinping had no way of rxing his expression after receiving such a report. Not epting themon sense of Korea conducting a surprise attack against China, he found it hard to ept the reality that the main unit of ground forces and the Northern Theater strategy battalion that had prepared for war for over 20 days were destroyed like fallen leaves.


    The Chinese Central Military Commission, to find stolidity, entered the conference to discuss countermeasures and strategize a drastic retaliation. First was to retreat each army group that was in the state of destruction. They would lose too much military power to advance to North Korea, and it was necessary to recoup.


    They began preparation for a nuclear attack, believing it was justice for a surprise attack without a deration of war from Korea. A few momentster, after surveying the Korean Penins with reconnaissance satellite Jian Bing-5, all battalions were told to prepare for an attack with various missiles, including tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.


    <hr />


    October 28, 2020, 6:15. CC Tanker (Strategic satellite interceptor Zeus 1 Control Room) in Seoul Yongsan-gu.


    ¡°Currently, Chinese reconnaissance satellite Jian Bing-5 is entering the Korean Penins sky at an altitude of 235 miles,¡± reported the radar detection operator in charge in a strong voice.


    ¡°Check again if it¡¯s a Chinese reconnaissance satellite.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m certain, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! Confirm location.¡±


    ¡°Current location 03-12-55, location confirmed.¡±


    Reconnaissance satellite Jian Bing 5, from an altitude of 235 miles, was entering the sky above the Korean Penins at a high speed towards Jeju Ind. While scouting every move of the Korean Penins and sending various photos to the Chinese control room, Jian Bing-3 was hit with a single stream of light and burned in arge explosion.


    ¡°Jian Bing-5 interception was sessful.¡±


    With an unthinkable Jian Bing-5 interception explosion, The Chinese Integrated Command Post had to retaliate without fully understanding the conditions of the Korean penins.


    <hr />


    October 28, 2020, 06:40, National Crisis Management Center basement bunker in Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House.


    Minister Kang Hyun-soo, after receiving a phone call from the Chairman of the Joint Staffs, spoke to the president. ¡°Mr. President! Currently, I believe everything is going ording to what we thought. It has been reported that the Chinese reconnaissance satellite was sessfully intercepted.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Is there still no retaliation from China?¡±


    ¡°That is correct. Mr. President. Because we have intercepted their reconnaissance satellite, it will take some time for them to urately assess the situation.¡±


    ¡°Though that is true, I am still very concerned at the small chance of China¡¯s nuclear retaliation.¡±


    ¡°You do not need to worry, as the joint staff has currently activated the KAMD system. They will not allow even one missile to fall on the Korean Penins.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I have to trust them.¡±


    At this moment, Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae, who was watching from the back seat, joined the conversation. ¡°Mr. President, to make a public announcement soon, you need to start the preparations now.¡±


    ¡°Is it already time?¡±


    After looking at his watch, the president stood up from his seat and turned towards Minister Kang Hyun-soo to speak. ¡°Minister Kang, please stay here and hold the fort. I will go with the National Security Director.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The president, with heavy shoulders, went towards the elevator to head to the official residence.


    <hr />


    October 28, 2020, 08:00, Blue House (Chunchu-gwan Press Hall) in Seoul Jongro-ku.


    Currently, in the Blue House Press Hall, journalists redited to the Blue House waited nervously to hear the public announcement from the president early in the morning. Momentster, President Seo Hyun-woo entered the press hall. The president, who stood behind the lectern, paused briefly before carefully opening his mouth.


    ¡°My fellow citizens, how are you? I havee here today to make a public announcement to you all. On Friday at four o¡¯clock, the Korean army made the first strike towards China for attempting to invade the Korean Penins. This was based on article three, which states that ¡®the territory of the Republic of Korea shall consist of the Korean penins and its adjacent inds,¡¯ and the movement of four army groups of the Northern Theater to the Yalu River border to invade the Korean penins since the 15th was concluded as an act of aggression, leaving us no choice but to order a surprise attack to win the war. I am deeply sorry for having to make such a decision. However, with the agreement of the North and the South for a federal reunification, China¡¯s aggression can only be regarded as an unscrupulous action to disrupt a peaceful reunification and once again separate the Korean Penins into the North and South and disrupt the world order. Thus, the surprise attack against China¡¯s aggression was just, and if China does not immediately withdraw all military forces in the Yalu River area, Korea will thoroughly punish them for their threat to homnd security and for the fulfillment of international social justice.¡±


    The president, whose throat had dried up briefly, took a sip of water before continuing.


    ¡°Starting now, the Republic of Korea will mobilize for war and be under martialw. Fellow citizens, please join in the reunification of the mothend and the fulfillment of international social justice. Furthermore, there will be no societal turbulence due to the war, and I will promise that we will not allow a single missile to fall on the Korean penins. As usual, workers will go to their offices and students will go to school. There is only one thing I ask for, to cheer on our Korean armed soldiers who are fighting against China for the safety of our nation. This concludes the public announcement. Thank you.¡±


    The short and sinct public announcement was delivered throughout not only the Korean penins, but also to Western countries, and countries around the world who heard it werepletely shaken up. Realistically, Korea starting a war with China with their strength did not make sense to them. The United States had the same reaction. The United States had known about China¡¯s army group¡¯s movements through reconnaissance satellites and military intelligence over ten days ago. However, they hadn¡¯t sent this information to Korea, because they were contemting which side would bring more benefits to their national interest. The United States government judged that it would be more beneficial for them to have a war in the Korean penins due to their distant political and military rtionship and didn¡¯t tell Korea about any of the Chinese military movements. They could only be surprised that Korea had more sophisticated information and ran the risk of a surprise attack.


    With this news of the start of war between the two Northeast Asian countries, the media from countries all around the world sent out neutral opinions, debating their own nation¡¯s beneficial dealings.


    <hr />


    October 28, 2020, 08:50, National Crisis Management Center basement bunker in Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House.


    The president, upon returning to the National Crisis Management Center after presenting the public announcement, asked the Chief Secretary, ¡°How is the response from the citizens? Are there anyrgemotions?¡±


    ¡°Do not worry. Currently, each political party, through press conferences, is unified in their nationalism and has appeased the citizens with the reason that this was an unavoidable war necessary to unify the nation.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. With the help of the congress, my heart is a bit lighter.¡±


    While the president was entering the National Crisis Management Center with many dignitaries, one secretary with a surprised look in his eyes ran over to report.


    ¡°China has currently deployed various ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Also, China¡¯s President Xi Jinping is issuing a national statement about their drastic retaliation for Korea¡¯s aggression and stating that they will refer to the UN Security Council.¡±


    This was expected. President Seo Hyun-woo replied in a calm and collected tone, ¡°It¡¯s finally starting. Let¡¯s head to the center.¡±


    <hr />


    October 28, 2020, 08:55, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku.


    ¡°Currently, all regions of China are deploying ballistic missiles. The quantity is now at 80, but it is increasing.¡±


    The correspondent operators gathered and summed up the flooding information from the military and reported in real time as if they were shouting.


    ¡°Additional information from the second fleet, the West Coast Fleet, says that the North Sea Fleet has deployed 38 cruise missiles in the direction of Incheon and Seoul.¡±


    ¡°China¡¯s ballistic missiles have increased from 80 to 140.¡±


    Five hours after the start of war, China¡¯s drastic missile retaliation n finally started. In this moment, the Chairman of the Joint Staff, who was waiting with confidence so they could sufficiently stop the predicted Chinese retaliation n, started sweating from both of his palms.


    ¡°This is the picture we expected. Order each division to take responsibility with certainty and intercept like we nned.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    On the 500-inch central screen, the digital map disying the entire Korean penins and Chinese campaign started showing red dotted lines that indicated missile projectiles from China to the Korean penins, and the dotted lines were increasing.


    ¡°The second fleet can take care of the cruise missiles, but the problem is the ballistic missiles. If there¡¯s a nuclear missile among them, intercept it with top priority. Did you confirm the current ballistic missile types?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Currently, out of the 185 ballistic missiles, 120 of them are confirmed to be DF-21, Dong Feng-21s, and the rest are DF-15. From the Central Theater Command, 150 cruise missile CJ-10, or Chang Jian-10s, have been deployed.¡±


    ¡°From many regions of the Western Theater Command, 45 DF-3, Dong Feng-3, ballistic missiles and others have been deployed. There is a high chance that they are nuclear missiles.¡±


    The Joint Integrated Command Center was in pandemonium. Once the various ballistic and cruise missile count becamerger, the operator¡¯s reports sounded like a shriek, and the shriek continued.


    ¡°Twenty-two ballistic missile DF-4s, Dong Feng-4s, have been deployed from the Central Theater Command.¡±


    ¡°What? Even a DF-4? Xi Jinping really made up his mind, firing the one that ranges 3,350 miles towards the Korean penins.¡±


    ¡°Chairman of the Joint Staff, Zeus 1 is starting the interception for ballistic missiles. It¡¯s on the fifth screen.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staff, Kang Yi-sik, turned to the fifth screen after hearing the operator¡¯s report. The screen showed a target priority list for the DF-21 ballistic missiles currently rising into the atmosphere and the preparation for interception.


    <hr />


    October 28, 2020, 08:57, CC Tanker (Strategic satellite interceptor Zeus 1 Control Room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku.


    ¡°Starting with Apollo 1, data link ON.¡±


    ¡°Confirm target location list.¡±


    ¡°Two hundred ten target location list confirmed!¡±


    The current world¡¯s busiest person was probably the operator in charge of interception. The operator¡¯s ten fingers moved at the speed of light to do his best in his responsibility to gather information about the 200 ballistic missiles and their impact time, order of danger, and more in order to determine which ballistic missile to intercept first and prepare for it.


    Once therge central screen disyed the target location list in order, the interceptor immediately passed an order.


    ¡°Confirm sma output.¡±


    ¡°sma output is at 100 percent.¡±


    ¡°Consecutive fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    With the interceptor¡¯s firing order, consecutive blue streams of light shot out of Zeus 1¡¯sser port.


    Zap¡ª Zap¡ª Zap¡ª Zap¡ª


    Seen from space, every time the Zeus 1 drew a stream a blue light, China¡¯s DF-21 ballistic missiles entering the atmosphere disintegrated mid-air and turned to pieces. Following this, the controller asked while watching calmly from the control room, ¡°Current progress report of the interception.¡±


    ¡°All 65 DF-21 ballistic missile interceptionsplete.¡±


    ¡°Fifty-six of 120 DF-21 ballistic missile interceptions sessful.¡±


    ¡°Twelve of 45 DF-3 ballistic missile interceptions sessful.¡±


    ¡°Ten of 22 DF-4 ballistic missile interceptions sessful.¡±


    ¡°Currently, 143 of 252 ballistic missiles have been sessfully intercepted.¡±


    Zeus 1 followed the already input locations and relentlessly shot blue light streams to intercept China¡¯s ballistic missiles. However, an unexpected variable arose.


    Beep beep beep beep!


    ¡°sma output is at 35 percent! Interceptor, sir, with Zeus¡¯ sma output drop, we can only shoot a few more than ten times.¡±


    The operator in charge of sma output management turned and shouted in an urgent voice, ¡°What? The output?¡±

 Chapter 87

    <h4>Chapter 87</h4>


    October 28, 2020, 09:00, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku.


    ¡°Zeus 1! Interception is not possible with a sharp output drop! Reporting that recharging would take 30 minutes, and during that time, the interception system will bepletely stopped.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik slightly furrowed his brows at the report of a drop in output, and asked while flicking his finger on the table, ¡°A 30-minute stop for an output drop? The output consumption must have been greater than we thought. What is the current situation with the ballistic missiles?¡±


    ¡°Currently 94 of 252, 79 DF-21 ballistic missiles, 33 DF-3s, and 12 DF-4s are about to enter the middle phase! I have uploaded the statistics report to screen number three. Please confirm, Chairman, sir!¡±


    ¡°Ny-four out of 252 are still left. Contact the air force operationmand and order an emergency group of fighter nes capable of interception!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Originally, the second phase of KAMD was for the Three-Legged Crow [1] Spacene to handle the interception. However, it was still in testing and not yet deployed, so Chairman Kang Yi-sik had ordered the Vermilion Bird [2] fighter ne and ck Vermilion Bird [3] fighter bomber as ast resort.


    ¡°Fighter Wing 38 and Fighter Wing 10 reported to have made three formations of Vermilion Bird fighter nes and two formations of ck Vermilion Bird fighter bombers.¡±


    ¡°Good! How is the Hades ground defense satellite?¡±


    ¡°Currently, KS-LD Hades 1 through 3 are in the progress of intercepting. It¡¯s on screen number two.¡±


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 09:02. CP TANGO (Air Force Command Post Hades ground defense satellite integrated control room) in Seoul Cheonggyesan.


    At KS-LD Hades bases 1, 2, and 3, which were constructed in three locations at Kyungi-do, Gyeongbuk, and Jeonnam, the silo covers slowly opened to the side. The terminal high-altitude S-LSM 600 Bident Missile, programmed to travel 3,100 miles towards the 20 highest-priority Chinese ballistic missiles based on impact time and level of danger, was seen slowly exuding blue mes in the silo. Then, the Bident missile slowly headed towards the sky after slipping out of the silo, and once it reached an altitude of 0.6 miles, the missile made a sharp second propulsion, instantly reaching a great speed of Mach 45 and disappeared into the Korean and Chinese atmosphere.


    ¡°The first round of 60 Bident Missiles from Hades 1, 2, and 3 have had normal deployment sess! They are currently maintaining terminal velocity at Mach 45 and are approaching middle-phase ballistic missile DF-3, DF-4, and DF-21, flying normally towards their assigned targets. There are 56 seconds left until the first interception.


    ¡°Second round assign targets and wait, then fire the second round of interception missiles immediately uponpletion of first-round interception.¡±


    ¡°Second round has assigned targets and is waiting, 20 Bident missiles from each Hades on standby.¡±


    ¡°Add failed targets from the first-round interception and prepare for an assignment.¡±


    ¡°Adding failed targets from the first-round interception and preparing for an assignment.¡±


    On the digital map of the Korean penins and China, various colored lines were being drawn. Chinese ballistic missiles had passed the early phase, which was their highest chance of being intercepted, and as they entered the middle phase, each of the three kinds of ballistic missiles from China slightly altered its trajectory towards its target and began separating from theunch vehicle.


    ¡°DF-3 and 4¡¯s ballistic missileunch vehicles and warheads are separating.¡±


    ¡°How much time left to intercept?¡±


    ¡°Ten seconds left until first interception.¡±


    ¡°Three, two, one. First target interception sessful!¡±


    ¡°Second and third interception sessful! Fourth failed! Fifth sessful.¡±


    The operator¡¯s consecutive reports of sess and failure made the atmosphere of the control room as hot as a st furnace, and the sky outside the atmosphere between the Korean penins and China was like a festival with tens of missiles entangled with each other, causing a firework show.


    ¡°We have sessfully intercepted 48 to 60 targets. There are 12 failed from the first round and the other 34 of the original 46 left.¡±


    In a situation like this, Controller Oh Seung-pil maintainedposure and ordered the second round of interception. ¡°Reprogram failed missile targets from the first round, and fire the second round of interception missiles immediately upon finishing!¡±


    ¡°Reprogramming 12 additional targets.


    ¡°Programmingpleted!


    ¡°Fire.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Again, from the three Hades silos, 46 Bident Missiles were fired, and the warheads from the ballistic missiles, nowpleting the middle phase, entered the terminal phase and began falling at a scarily fast speed with the help of gravity onto various areas on the Korean penins.


    ¡°Fifty seconds until the second round of first interceptions.¡±


    The Korean military was at more of a disadvantage as time went on. Though they had the mighty KAMD system, it was their first time in this actual situation. Unexpected situations always happened. Even though hundreds of simtions could be run, the question was how to minimize these things.


    ¡°First interception sessful. Second sessful. Now heading into the third interception.¡±


    Once again, the Hades integratedmand post control room practically became a noisy night market, and here and there, the reports of sess and failure hit the controller¡¯s eardrums relentlessly. After a few minutes, the final interception report was heard.


    ¡°Thirty-three of 46 targets were sessfully intercepted, and the remaining 13 targets are falling and have reached Mach 30.¡±


    ¡°Check the ballistic missile types.¡±


    ¡°There are five DF-3s and eight DF-4s.¡±


    It was a remarkable aplishment to intercept 33 of 46 ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. However, the problem was that the surviving ballistic missiles were DF-3s and DF-4s, which had a high chance of being nuclear warheads. Now, Hades, which was responsible for intercepting the missiles at terminal altitudes, had nothing else to do. In KAMD¡¯s final and fourth phase, the interceptions were left to the Army Missile Command for various high-altitude missiles and each naval fleet for anti-air missiles.


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 09:05, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku.


    While watching all of this, the chairman let out a small moan. He had been expecting things to go as the original n, with Hades ground defense satellite being enough to intercept. If the strategic interceptor satellite, Zeus, hadn¡¯t had the unexpected output problem, it would have definitely been possible, and it was the moment he truly felt that wars did not go as expected.


    ¡°Each army unit under the Army Missile Command is firing defensive anti-air missiles for high-altitude and mid-altitude missiles.¡±


    ¡°Maritime Task Floti Seven Hoc destroyer and the Navy¡¯s second fleet have begun interception.¡±


    ¡°Fighter nes from the 38th and 10th Fighter Wings have begun securing target location and interception.¡±


    Now, in the fourth phase of KAMD, which was the Army Missile Command¡¯s various anti-air missiles, the Navy ships¡¯ terminal-phase interception missiles, and the six and a half generation fighter nes being deployed while hoping for a fluke, needed to be trusted.


    ¡°Disperse all current situations of interception on every screen.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 13 red lines from maind China were quickly drawn in a downward slope, pointing to various parts of the Korean penins. From several different areas, numerous lines were drawn towards these areas. A few momentster, many explosions urred in the sky 155 miles above the Korean penins. The Army Missile Command¡¯s Dragon of Heaven S-LAM-500 and Heavenly Pce S-LAM-410 PIP missiles sessfully intercepted four of 13 ballistic missiles, and the six Maritime Task Floti Seven Hoc destroyer¡¯s Triana S-SSM-500 missiles deployed sessfully, intercepting five ballistic missiles. Four ballistic missiles were now remaining.


    ¡°Interception sess! Interception sess! Nine of 13 have been sessfully intercepted! There are four left now,¡± shouted the operator while pping his face with both of his friends like the movie ¡®Scream.¡¯


    The Chairman of the Joint Staff¡¯s voice trembled as he urgently asked, ¡°Where is the target for the four ballistic missiles?¡±


    ¡°The DF-4s are heading to the Seoul Blue House, Army Group 2¡¯s base in Chun Cheon, and the Incheon Airport, and the DF-3 is heading to the 11th Fighter Wing¡¯s air force base in Daegu.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik mmed the table in front of him with his fist like he was going to break it.


    ¡°Damn it! Why did the surviving ones have to be DF-4s and DF-3s? How much longer until impact?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-one seconds until Seoul impact, 21 seconds until Chun Cheon impact, 20 seconds until Incheon Airport impact, and 23 seconds until Daegu 11th Fighter Wing impact.¡±


    ¡°Army Missile Command is entering the second round of interception.¡±


    ¡°Hoc Destroyer has also fired the second round of interception missiles.¡±


    On the central screen, many blue lines were moving towards the four red lines that were clearlying down towards the Korean Penins. A few secondster, three of the four red lines disappeared.


    ¡°Interception was sessful for ballistic missiles heading to the Blue House, Chun Cheon, and Daegu 11th Fighter Wing. Out of these, it has been confirmed that the ballistic missile heading towards the Blue House was intercepted by the ck Vermillion Bird formation deployed from Suwon.¡±


    The fluke they had been hoping for by deploying the 10th Fighter Wing ck Vermillion Bird formation luckily intercepted the ballistic missile heading towards the Blue House. Momentarily, all the workers in the control room cried out in happiness, but the atmosphere sank again with heaviness. This was because one DF-4 warhead was still falling towards Incheon Airport.


    ¡°Twelve seconds left until impact on Incheon Airport.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik closed his eyes gently. Though they had pulled out all the stops, they had still missed one Chinese ballistic missile, a DF-4 that was possibly mounted with a nuclear warhead.


    ¡°DF-4 Incheon Airport impact in nine, eight, seven, six... Huh?¡±


    Thest surviving DF-4 warhead, falling from a high altitude of 500 miles and boasting an amazing speed of Mach 38 from free fall, disappeared without a trace in the sky 35 miles above Incheon Airport.


    ¡°Chinese DF-4 ballistic missile interception sess. The interception was sessful.¡±


    Chairman Kang opened his eyes at the unexpected report from the operator and stared at the central screen. The clear red line indicating the ballistic missile trajectory had disappeared.


    Momentster, the operator in charge ofmunication lifted both of his hands high and shouted loudly enough for the entire joint controlmand center to be blown away. ¡°Intercepted? Where was it intercepted from?¡±


    ¡°Zeus 1 quickly changed to interception mode while recharging and intercepted it.¡±


    ¡°Wah!¡±


    At that moment, tens of operator workers hugged each other, regardless of rank and gender, to share the joy at the fact that all of China¡¯s ballistic missiles were intercepted. Even Chairman Kang, as if he had momentarily aged ten years because of thest ballistic missile, was rejuvenated and couldn¡¯t be happier. Each of the military chiefs who were watching no less nervously than the chairman shook each other¡¯s hands and joined in this happy moment.


    ¡°Aerospace operationmander!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Chairman!¡±


    ¡°Tell the Zeus 1 controller that I¡¯ve aged prematurely because of him.¡±


    ¡°Haha, understood, Mr. Chairman.¡±


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s focus on the cruise missile interception.¡±


    China¡¯s drastic retaliation strategy was to neutralize Korea¡¯s various radar bases and anti-air military facilities by simultaneously attacking with five ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads and over 200 highly explosive ballistic missiles, then to strike the remaining military facilities, civilian airports, and ports with 277 cruise missiles. Currently, the 277 cruise missiles fired from China had maintained Mach 0.8 from each of theirunch points, and they were all approaching the West Sea of the Korean penins 35 miles above the West Sea¡¯s surface in flyover mode as one unit.


    ¡°Each group, convert to cruise missile interception system and set Apollo 1 to detection.¡±


    ¡°Converting to cruise missile interception system and setting Apollo 1 to cruise missile detection.¡±


    At the chairman¡¯smands, the operators in the Armed Forces Joint control room immediately passed the orders on to each anti-air defensive fleet and the Apollo satellite control room.


    ¡°Apollo 1 has sent the detected cruise missile trajectories.¡±


    ¡°Upload it to the central screen.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A few momentster, the 277 cruise missiles fired from China were shown as red dots that were gathering towards the Korean penins.


    ¡°Ground air defense fleet and 2nd Navy Fleet, link data and designate target assignments.¡±


    ¡°Ground air defense fleet and 2nd Navy Fleet are entering data links and assigning targets.¡±


    With a brief moment to rx, Chairman Kang stretched his muscles that had hardened from tension and scrutinized the central screen.


    ¡°Currently, assignmentplete for the 37 cruise missiles fired from China¡¯s Navy North Sea Fleet.¡±


    ¡°Assignmentplete for the 89 cruise missiles fired from the Navy West Sea Fleet.¡±


    ¡°Next, the assignment for 150 CJ-10s, Chang Jian-10s, surface-to-surface cruise missiles fired from the Central Theater Command, has beenpleted.¡±


    Corresponding operators shouted the report of theirpleted assignments.


    ¡°Then begin intercepting assigned targets now.¡±


    ¡°Passing on themand to begin intercepting.¡±


    [1]: The Three-Legged Crow is a bird that symbolizes the sun in Eastern mythology. In Korea, it was a symbol of Goguryeo and regarded as a symbol of power.


    [2]: The Vermilion Bird is a mythological spirit creature that is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constetions. It is perpetually covered in mes and represents the fire element. It ismonly seen as an Eastern version of the phoenix.


    [3]: A ck version of the Vermilion Bird.

 Chapter 88

    <h4>Chapter 88</h4>


    October 28, 2020, 09:20, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku.


    ¡°All 22 CJ-10s, Chang Jian-10 cruise missiles headed towards Incheon have been sessfully intercepted by the Navy East Sea Fleet¡¯s anti-air missiles from their destroyers.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik turned his gaze to the main screen at the operator¡¯s reports and confirmed that thest 22 red lines depicting cruise missiles had all cleanly disappeared.


    ¡°Gather all interception situations and upload them onto the sixth screen.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A few momentster, the statistic reports of the CJ-10 cruise missiles fired consecutively from each region of China and the ship-to-surface cruise missiles fired from the North Sea and the East Sea Fleet were marked on the sixth screen. Two hundred seventy-seven of the missiles were about to enter the Korean penins, and all of them disintegrated spectacrly in the sky over the West Sea.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s a relief.¡± Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik let out a long sigh of relief after wlessly defending against China¡¯s first round of retaliation attacks. The Chief of Naval Operation then spoke.


    ¡°Mr. Chairman, how about we attack the original locations of these ballistic and cruise missiles as well?¡±


    ¡°I would also like that very much, but it¡¯s risky to use the missile power we don¡¯t have much of in a war that just started. Let¡¯s just go ording to the established n for now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Thus, the Korean-China War that had begun on Friday at four in the morning was briefly in a lull. Korea was in a lull from their own n, and the Chinese Central Military Commission executives with Kan Kuichou at the center suppressed their pride and edited their strategy so they could be fully defensive after their retaliation attack of ambitiously-prepared ballistic and cruise missiles turned out to be a bleak failure.


    The Chinese military executives immediately ordered their army to retreat to the rear after reestablishingmunication that was lost for five hours due to Korea¡¯s surprise attack. First, the least damaged one, Army Group 40, was ordered to retreat to Siping and reorganize, and Army Groups 39 and 16 were ordered to retreat to Shenyang and Jilin, respectively, to assign the reserve units that gathered from national mobilization during an emergency. The remaining troops of Army Group 38, which had almost been driven to destruction, were ordered to retreat to Beijing andpletely reorganize. Finally, Army Group 65 was ordered to retreat to Anshan and construct a defensive front, andmanders in the Southern, Western, and Central Theater Commands had to urgently move one of their army groups towards the Northern Theater Command.


    The Chinese military, building up their defense in the rear area, had a n, and their concept was to utilize their numerous ground forces that outnumbered Korea in the open terrain of the Northern Theater Command, which would be the main stage of the war, as much as they could. As stated, they would simultaneously retreat from the Yalu River and draw Korea¡¯s main unit deep inside to utilize their outnumbering ground forces to surround and defeat them. From the Chinese military¡¯s perspective, it would be a fully effective and advantageous n, and conversely, it was a n that could only be disadvantageous for the Korean military.


    The Korean military had already fully predicted this kind of strategy from the Chinese military and even had a n to respond to this reflected in their ¡®Rise of Goguryeo¡¯ n. They were going to pretend to fall for the Chinese military¡¯s intended n, then conduct a deep strike operation as far as Shenyang by infiltrating with only one team. If they were to follow the intentions of the Chinese army and attack from various areas, they would be surrounded or defeated in a region three timesrger than the entire Korean penins. Their n to attack in the direction of Sunyang, a road that led towards the Northern Theater Command, would regroup the Chinese military that was widely dispersed in the Northern Theater Command. Once the Chinese military siege began to form, they would split into two directions to break through the siege, and the Korean military¡¯s second attack unit would strike the Chinese military¡¯s siege from the back.


    However, to carry out this kind of n, there were a few very important preconditions that needed to be satisfied.


    First, it depended on whether the troops that were infiltrating for a deep strike on the enemy could survive an enemy siege. In order to do that, it had to be the troops with the best offensive and defensive capabilities. Thus, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided on the select VII maneuver corps 20th Infantry Division, which specialized in Decisive Battle, and Capital Infantry Division Tiger, who had been deployed first with the newest weaponry andpleted the entire regimen. They judged that these divisions would maintain their forces under the Chinese military¡¯s siege, and they could conduct the deep strike operation with swift momentum.


    Furthermore, attacks from the maneuver corps¡¯ worst enemy, an enemy aircraft or attack helicopter from the Chinese military¡¯s air force, could be fully responded to with VII maneuver corps¡¯ main battle tank, the K-3 White Tiger¡¯s air defense system, a mid-grade K-30 Biho A2, K-SMA-1 Pegasus A2, and K-SAM-2 Heavenly Pce A1¡¯s organized anti-aircraft brigade operation.


    Second was the supply of fuel, various ammo, and food. Thankfully, the two maneuver corps¡¯ K-3 White Tiger tank and K-23P ck Turtle Infantry Fighting Vehicle were equipped with sma engines that didn¡¯t need separate supplies of fuel. It was a system that switched out the charged sma battery for energy. Furthermore, the K-3 White Tiger¡¯s tank gun was a four-inch photon canon that didn¡¯t use traditional tank ammunition, and the Small Arms and Light Weapons were alsoser rifles that used charged sma packs. Thus, only the anti-tank and anti-air missiles needed the loading vehicles to attach to each battalion and fix the problem of fuel.


    Finally, they judged that they could secure the supply of food with the air force¡¯s stealth transporter KC-1000 airdropping them food.


    For these reasons, Korea¡¯s Chiefs of Joint Staff, with certainty and confidence that they would seed in a most dangerous n that would determine the oue of the war, threw tasteful bait to the Chinese military.


    Phase Three: Advancement of ground forces and 1st Marine Division


    Advancement of two divisions of VII maneuver corps deep into Shenyang past Pyongyang and Sinuiju, and one division to wait at the rear corps


    Advancement of II corps and three of their divisions as one past Chorwon and Yangdok to Hyesan


    Advancement of V corps and three of their divisions as one, past Anju to Manpo


    Advancement of 1st Marine Division through Amphibious Squadron 53 to Hoeryong after going ashore on Chongjin-hang


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 13:00, Prime Minister Cab conference room in Tokyo, Japan.


    At President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s public announcement that morning, Japan¡¯s cab only gave a short position statement that they were ¡°expressing deep concern for the Korean-Chinese War,¡± and their course of action was to watch from a neutral position no more or less opinionate than their statement.


    During thest North-South federal unification agreement presentation, they stated that there was a duty to mutually respect and sincerely follow the treaty concluded by each nation. Hence, they were stating that ording to the Chinese-North Korean Formal Amity, China could exert any influence on North Korea and, in a simpler exnation, that the North and South could only reunify with permission from China. Japan¡¯s statement with these intentions meant that Japan was also against the North-South federal unification.


    From this position, the cab senior officials were sharing opinions to discuss Japan¡¯s future entry and countermeasures for the Korean-Chinese war in the Prime Minister¡¯s conference room.


    ¡°The war broke out in superb timing. Now that the two thorny countries are fighting each other, it¡¯s like blowing my nose without having to use my hands.¡± For whatever reason, smiling since before the conference had even started, Prime Minister Abe now spoke whileughing out loud.


    ¡°But Prime Minister, sir, currently the Korean-Chinese war is going in a strange direction.¡± Minister of Defense Shibasaki spoke while looking at the report from the defense strategy department.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Though Koreaunched a surprise attack without dering war, China has been unexpectedly cornered to a defensive position. Each country¡¯s ballistic missile attack from this morning is still being analyzed, but the reports so far show that Korea¡¯s ballistic missiles have heavily damaged the Northern Theater Command¡¯s four army groups, as well as radars, air force airfield, missile bases, and other military facilities.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t Korea¡¯s ground forces one of the best in the world?¡± National Security Director Gurumada cut in pretentiously.


    ¡°Director Gurumada! This is not a problem of ground forces. How could there be a battle between the ground forces when the war has just begun? The current war has only been a battle with surface-to-surface ballistic and cruise missiles from each country.¡±


    ¡°Is that right? Aren¡¯t surface-to-surface missiles part of the ground forces?¡±


    Embarrassed after acting so pretentious, Director Gurumada cleared his throat and tried to pick apart what was said, since he didn¡¯t want to lose. Even before this, Director Gurumada and Minister Shibasaki had never had a great rtionship. They didn¡¯t have overtly negative feelings towards each other; it was just that they had beenpared to each other since entering the government together at young ages as rising politicians, and as they lived aspetitors, their rtionship naturally became hostile.


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki ignored Director Gurumada¡¯s churlish statement and continued speaking. ¡°Though Korea¡¯s ballistic missiles have their own power, the problem is that they were able to defend against all the ballistic and cruise missiles China fired.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, aren¡¯t the Chinese the type to make counterfeits? They¡¯re all talk when ites to bragging about how superior their capabilities are, but they all turn out like this in actuality.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe glossed it over by saying that China¡¯s ballistic missiles were useless rather than believing that Korea¡¯s KAMD system was simply superior.


    ¡°The war has only just begun. Situations can change at any moment. The problem is how we use this golden opportunity to our nation¡¯s advantage.¡±


    In truth, Prime Minister Abe believed this was an opportunity that would note again and hoped for the most economic and military benefits, as well as for the war to be drawn out, with Korea and China drowning in the whirlpool of war.


    ¡°You are correct, sir! Regardless, Korea started this war. If Korea has an advantage, Japan can think of a way to employ political pressure on Korea and supply equipment needed for war from behind to receive our benefits. I believe we can include Liancourt Rocks as a requirement for our supplies,¡± said Diplomatic Minister Ochi Furume to put it in a nutshell.


    ¡°Hahaha, of course Minister Ochi Furume, those were my thoughts exactly. Since China is referring to Korea as a country disying illegal aggression to the UN security council, let¡¯s take China¡¯s side. And if Korea bes disadvantageous, we can discreetly take their side from behind.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe lifted both of his hands, made an arrogant expression, andughed away in the conference room.


    * * *


    October 28, 2020, 20:20, Chongjin-hang in North Hamgyong Province, North Korea.


    After leaving at 4:30am, the VII maneuver corps and Amphibious Squadron 53 had sailed a long 14 hours to arrive in North Korea at Chongjin-hang. Chongjin-hang wasn¡¯t arge port that could anchor tens of boats, so only eightnding tform docks anchored in order to begin unloading marine corps and various war equipment and materials.


    ¡°Look at your movements. Don¡¯t hesitate and disembark quickly!¡±


    Chongjin-hang was in the northernmost area of North Korea. It was early winter weather, and the chilly wind from the sea dispersed with the rushing voices of the marine executives.


    After just disembarking from the Cheon Wan Bong ss, LST-691, 2nd Marine Division 22nd Raid Force 1st Company corporal Oh Won-woo looked around in wonderment and asked his senior sergeant Kim Woo-kil who was walking in front of him, ¡°Sergeant Kim, it¡¯s so interesting that I would step on North Korean soil in my lifetime. I want to take a picture.¡±


    ¡°Corporal Oh, don¡¯t say such gibberish. If you do anything wrong during the war, you¡¯ll immediately receive detention in the guardhouse.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I would actually do that? It¡¯s just something I want to do hypothetically.¡±


    ¡°Hypothetical or not, get your head on straight!¡±


    ¡°What can I do? War is war, and interesting things are interesting.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too optimistic.¡±


    ¡°Are you jealous, Sergeant Kim?¡±


    As Corporal Oh grinned in full gear with various new personal gear dangling off of him, he saw the employees of Chongjin-hang who were going to help the marine division unload and called to Sergeant Kim in a lighthearted voice, ¡°Look over there, a North Korean.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see so many more from now on. Just watch where you¡¯re going and follow behind.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chongjin-hang, with only half of its lights on due to poor electricity, Korea¡¯s select 1st Marine Division and their fleet, plus four regiments of 12,000 people, had disembarked, and the marine corps, not including special forces 1st Reconnaissance, prepared to make camp near the port.


    * * *


    November 29, 2020, 09:00 (CST 08:00). G1113 Danfu Expressway, seven miles northwest of Dandong, China.


    On a long one-way, fourne expressway, over 100 tanks and armored vehicles began moving at a high speed. They were the Korean VII maneuver corps¡¯ 20th Infantry Division for Decisive Battle, the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s 26 Tank Batallion, specifically the Alligator Batallion, who after the war began headed north from Yangpyeong nonstop, spent one night in Shinuiju, and continued to head north.


    In the morning after crossing the Yalu River and heading north for 30 minutes on the Danfu Expressway, they didn¡¯t see any civilian or Chinese military cars. It seemed as though everyone had escaped following China¡¯s evacuation n. The early winter weather, the strong winds, and the brown-toned mountains connected on each side almost created an eerie feeling.

 Chapter 89

    <h4>Chapter 89</h4>


    October 29, 2020, 09:40 (CST 08:40). G1113 Danfu Expressway, 26 miles northwest of Dandong, China.


    After maintaining a speed of 25 miles per hour for 30 minutes and heading north along the expressway, the 26th Tank Battalion received a call from the Brigade Headquarters.


    ¡°Battalion Commander, sir! It¡¯s a call from the Brigade Headquarters.¡± Signaler Corporal Lee Sang-jin turned his head towards the Battalion Commander to report.


    Commander Kang Hyuk-jin, while looking at the front monitor of the K-22A1mand armored vehicle, wore his K-101 headset straight and answered, ¡°Salute! 26th Tank Battalion¡¯s Battalion Commander Kang Hyuk-jin reporting.¡±


    <ul>


    Salute! Thank you for your hard work. I am Operations Staff Member Oh Kyung-soo. I am rying the digital map and data analysis we have just received from corps reconnaissance satellite Apollo 3. We have spotted arge-scale armored vehicle, which we presume to be the Northern Theater Command Army Group 39¡¯s 3rd Armored Division heading 50 miles ahead in the northern direction to the 26th Tank Battalion. We will call this Target A. We have also seen sizable tanks and armored vehicles 30 miles away in the ten o¡¯clock direction near Beigou Shangbao Mountain, and we will call this Target B.


    </ul>


    In the digital map that showed the entire region of Liaoning in one nce, A and B were marked in the Benxi Neighborhood, as Operations Staff Oh Kyung-soo had stated.


    <ul>


    Target B has been determined to be an ambush unit that will strike the enemy from behind once Target A engages. After the annihtion of Target A, by the subordinate forces under the Brigade Headquarters, and Target B, diverted to the northwest for an ambush from the 26th Tank Battalion, reconstruct tanks and wait for additional orders. The n¡¯s digital map reception passcode is 1257R. Engagement with Target B is within the Battalion Commander¡¯s discretion, and an order will not be passed from the Brigade. Additionally, as for support and not main attacks, we have judged that there is no danger from the air. Thus, move quickly towards Target B. Are there any questions?


    </ul>


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    <ul>


    Godspeed. Salute!


    </ul>


    ¡°Yes! Understood. Salute!¡±


    After ending correspondence with the Brigade, Commander Kang took off his headset and entered the reception and battalion passcodes into the console. In the image monitor, the digital map sent from the Brigade appeared, and with the 26th Tank Battalion in the center of a 62-mile radius, Targets A and B were marked along with various icons. When zooming into the northwest from their position, over 190 tanks, armored vehicles, and specialized vehicles could be seen, camouged and waiting. After pondering while looking at the digital map, Commander Kang put the headset to his ear and ordered a summon of thepanies under the battalion through the signaler.


    <ul>


    Salute! Han Young-kuk, Captain of the 7th Company.


    Salute! An Pil-sun, Captain of the 8th Company.


    Salute! Oh Gwang-tae, Captain of the 9th Company.


    Salute! Kim Tae-gun, Captain of the Headquarters Company.


    </ul>


    ¡°This is the Battalion Commander. I will send the digital map to eachpany. Confirm upon inputting thepany passcode.¡±


    Each captain received the digital map after inputting thepany passcode into their console.


    ¡°It has been decided that the supporting attacks currently assigned to Target A will be entrusted to the army group under the Brigade Headquarters. Our battalion¡¯s target is Target B, the ambush army group 30 miles away in the ten o¡¯clock direction. Captain Kim Tae-gun of the Headquarters Company,unch a spider drone with a real-time data link and investigate in the attack direction as far as 12 miles ahead. The order of field movement will be the 7th, 8th, Headquarters, then the 9th Company. Any questions?¡±


    -Yes, sir! Han Young-kuk, Caption of the 7th Company. I have a question.


    ¡°Ask away.¡±


    <ul>


    Are there any air dangers? If a regiment tank is waiting for an ambush, there is definitely a high chance that there will be aircraft forces. Though this is the spearhead of deep battle theory, I am a little worried to mobilize without cover from enemy air forces.


    </ul>


    ¡°The Brigade has judged that there is no danger from the air. Even so, if there is an attack from enemy aircraft or helicopters, wouldn¡¯t we have to trust the White Tiger Tank¡¯s anti-air system and the White Horse A2?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes sir, understood.


    </ul>


    ¡°If there are no other questions, change course and begin high-speed field movement, starting with the 7th Company. Dismissed!¡±


    With the Commander¡¯s orders, the 7th Company in the front line went over the highway-rail and sped off in the nine o¡¯clock direction. Though the White Tiger Tank was a hefty 45 tons, it sped off into the wilderness at a speedparable to that of a car, thanks to a new generation sma engine KPP-100 that allowed for 4,500 horsepower.


    Crew: 3


    Weight: 45 tons


    Horsepower per weight: 109 horsepower/ton


    Engine: KPP-100


    Power: 4,500 horsepower


    Road speed: 75 miles/hour


    Cross country speed: 50 miles/hour


    Cruising range: 2,175 miles


    Main armament: 4-inch Photon cannon


    Pration: 1 foot


    Frontal protection (KE): 16 inches (Hydronium alloy)


    Maximum shell angle: upward 40 degrees, downward 25 degrees


    Secondary weapon 1: 0.04-inchser machine gun (tank use)


    Secondary weapon 2: 0.03-inchser mini machine gun (artillery use)


    Anti-air/anti-tank weapon: S-LLAM 60 ck Dragon missile (2kits x 2 = 4)posite


    Defense system: Active SECM shield system


    Gun ammunition load: sma battery pack X1 standard (50 bullets x 5 = 250)


    Secondary weapon 1 ammunition load: sma battery pack D2 standard (3,000 bullets x 5 = 15,000)


    Secondary weapon 2 ammunition load: sma battery pack B1 standard (1,000 bullets x 5 = 5,000)


    Anti-air/anti-tank ammunition load: S-LLAM 60 8 ck Dragon missiles


    Smoke grenade: multi-wavelength smoke grenade (5 x 2 = 10)


    <hr />


    October 29th, 2020, 11:12 (CST 10:12), Beigou Shangbao mountain, 75km northwest from Dandong, China


    After speeding through the wilderness for a while, the 26th Tank Battalion gradually slowed down six miles away from Target B, China¡¯s ambush tank. The 26th Tank Battalion, using the spider drone sent from the Headquarters Company to monitor the situation ahead in real-time, spotted the movements of the ambush tanks to prepare for an engagement line.


    ¡°This is themander. Move to attack formation now. Move the 7th Company to center, the 8th Company to the left, the 9th Company to the right, and Headquarters Company to the rear for cover against tank and air danger.¡±


    Finally, it was a historic moment for the K-3 White Tiger tank, which was based on the new technology gained from extra-terrestrial enlightenment, to enter its first actual battle, and the worst moment for the Chinese Tank Brigade as the gates to hell opened.


    The K-3 White Tiger tank, received first by the 26th Tank Battalion among all army divisions, was a 5.5 generation tank that surpassed current technology by more than 50 years. The previous third-generation K-1 tanks were fully converted to the reserve force, and the 400 K-1A1 tanks were reborn into a fourth-generation K-1A2 ck Tiger tanks through a massive improvement project. Furthermore, the 3.5 generation K-2 ck Panther tank was improved in design in 2017 and mass-produced as a new 4.5 generation K-2A1 ck Panther tank. The previously produced 200 tanks were transported to the rear fallback mechanized division.


    Fanning out, the White Tiger tank let out a roar and raced forward like a white tiger¡¯s ws pounding on the ground, pushing the dirt of the wilderness away with strength in its continuous path. China¡¯s tank brigade, realizing that their ambush had been discovered, gradually moved towards the 26th Tank Battalion with over 190 tanks and armored vehicles.


    -Engage after minimizing distance.-


    -Fire the opening shot at an engagement distance of 3,200 feet. Don¡¯t get scared if the ch*nks shoot first.-


    If they had a clear view from the White Tiger tank, an urate and effective shot would be possible even from a distance of six miles. In a normal engagement, it was standard to destroy the main force from a distance after securing vision in order to minimize enemy casualties, but engaging at the minimum possible distance was to prevent the enemy from retreating andpletely annihting them.


    The tanks were as close as 6,500 feet, and once their shots were secured, over 120 Chinese tanks simultaneously began firing their opening shots.


    Pew¡ª Swoooosh¡ª Crash! Crash! Crash!


    Tens of APFSDS, or armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabots, known moremonly as armor-piercing sabots, flew over, but due to the range and the White Tiger tank¡¯s ¡®Active SECM Derangement System,¡¯ none of the tanks were hit by the opening shots.


    The Active SECM Derangement System was a system that utilized emissions to urately disrupt the enemy tank¡¯s aiming upon detection by the tank¡¯s collimation radar, SECM (Super Electronic Counter Measures).


    As red pirs of dirt rose between the 7th Company¡¯s White Tiger tanks, the distance between their formations tightened. While a gunner of the 7th Company 1st toon¡¯s tank 712, Kim Young-ju, watched the collimation monitor, he spoke to the tankmander, Sergeant Oh Young-taek in a slightly surprised tone. On the collimation monitor, the first target enemy tank installed linked with the Identification Friend of Foe data and disyed the enemy tank¡¯s model and specifications clearly on the monitor screen.


    ¡°Don¡¯t they have a type of 99G tank? With activated reactive armor, a maximum range of 13,100 feet, an auto-loader, and self-propelled artillery? Aren¡¯t we at a disadvantage in numbers?¡±


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim! Don¡¯t say such useless things and just watch the target assignment carefully!¡±


    Tank Commander Sergeant Oh Young-taek used the tankmander¡¯s disy monitor to assign the iing Chinese tanks in the Fire Control System in order.


    Regarding the Fire Control System, once the tankmander assigned targets after researching, the gun barrel automatically moved in the installed target order, allowing for automatic and manual firing by the gunner. Additionally, if eachpany tank¡¯s data link wasn¡¯t set to target force mode, the ¡®multi-hunter-killer¡¯ system, not ovepping but enhancing the original ¡®hunter-killer¡¯ system, was applied.


    ng!


    Suddenly, as if the front of the turret had been hit by a hammer, an unpleasant sound apanied a small shock. The enemy tank¡¯s armor-piercing sabot directly hit the top right of the tank¡¯s roof. However, the armor-piercing sabot sparked, bounced off, and nted itself into the ground. The White Tiger¡¯s armor was made of ¡®Hydronium alloy,¡¯ and their front defense was six feet, allowing for a high level of defense. Thus, even the smoothbore armor-piercing sabot ZPT98 from the Type 99G (MBT) tank that would have cut through tanks couldn¡¯t break past the front armor and bounced off. Had it been an old model K-1 tank, it would have be a scrap of metal engulfed in mes.


    The armor-piercing sabot that hit tank 712 was originally targeted for tank 711 in front of them, but the SECM, or electric derangement system, redirected its target to miss and hit tank 712, which was driving next to it. The situation couldn¡¯t have been unluckier. Not knowing this, tank 712 Commander Oh Young-taek began to grow angry. ¡°What? We got hit? Without even a warning sound from the collimation monitor? What the f*ck?!¡±


    Sergeant Oh, angry that they had been hit before they even fired their opening shot, shouted at Staff Sergeant Gunner Kim while mixing cursing with his Jeo-do hometown¡¯s characteristic dialect. ¡°Shoot starting from the first target!¡±


    ¡°Sir? There are still a few hundred feet left before 3,200 feet.¡±


    ¡°Shoot if I say shoot! Don¡¯t you know we just took a direct hit?¡±


    ¡°If this bes a problemter, you need to take responsibility for it, Sergeant Oh.¡±


    ¡°I got it! Just shoot!¡±


    ¡°Target 1 range: 5,050 feet.¡±


    ¡°Shoot!¡±


    At Tank Commander Sergeant Oh¡¯s orders, Staff Sergeant Kim stepped on the firing pedal for the assigned first target.


    Peeew¡ª


    From the White Tiger tank¡¯s gun barrel, the four-inch photon canon fumed fire and regurgitated red minerals. As if a stream of light was extending out, a Chinese tank approaching from 5,000 feet away blew up instantly. From the photon canon, the Chinese tank¡¯s gun barrel flew off and crumpled while regurgitating reddish-ck mes. Though they had reactive armor, it burned as if it was disintegrating in the face of the photon canon¡¯s power.


    Immediately after, as the White Tiger tank¡¯s gun barrel automatically aimed at the bottom of the second iing target tank, Staff Sergeant Gunner Kim Young-joo stepped on the firing pedal without hesitation. With a heavy firing sound, the bottom of the Chinese tank exploded, and the front shook as if it was going to flip over before it crumpled and exploded again.


    Watching this happen, Battalion Commander Kang Hyuk-jin shouted at Operation Staff Captain Na Sung-won next to him, ¡°Who are those b*stards? Why are they shooting first? Call them up after this!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Regardless of what was happening, tank 712 Commander Sergeant Oh was already crushing the third tank. As the fourth target was being aimed at, the other White Tiger tanks began shooting their photon canons. The White Tiger tanks¡¯ gun barrels were erupting with fire, and with perfect aim, each of the Chinese tanks exploded without a doubt. One tank exploded so violently that it seemed as if it would disappear, turning into powdery ash.


    Bang¡ª Crash! Bang! Bang! Crash¡ª


    When both sides¡¯ tanks were as close as 2,600 feet, some White Tiger tanks were hit by the armor-piercing sabot, but they barely made a dent. The moving Chinese tanks decreased in number very quickly. Mere minutes after the battle started, the 120 tanks decreased to 30, and the Chinese infantry¡¯s armored vehicles supporting them from the back, along with various specialized vehicles, began to retreat. From this, 26th Tank Battalion¡¯s Battalion Commander Kang Hyuk-jin, who was watching from the rear with the Headquarters Company, sent an order to the subordinate Companies using the Battalion Communication Network.

 Chapter 90

    <h4>Chapter 90</h4>


    October 29th, 2020, 11:55 (CST 10:55), Beigou Shangbao mountain, 250 miles northwest of Dandong, China.


    ¡°Seventh Company, ignore enemy tanks and move at a high speed to catch the armored vehicles trying to retreat from the rear. Ninth Company, detour at maximum speed to the predicted retreat path at S203 road in the two o¡¯clock direction to stop them from fleeing by shooting from the road. The rest, 8th Company and Headquarters Company, clean up the leftover Chinese tanks and return to base. Dismissed.¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, sir! Understood.


    </ul>


    The 26th Tank Battalion moved swiftly ording to the Commander¡¯s orders, and the White Tiger tank roared as if to celebrate thest victory shot as they continued to race forward.


    Ignoring the tanks ahead and racing forward to catch the retreating Chinese armored vehicles, 7th Company 1st toon tank 712 Sergeant Oh shouted at Tank Driver Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi, ¡°Yeom! Step on the elerator!¡±


    ¡°Sergeant, sir, we are close to a speed of 40 miles per hour. This is crazy for cross-country travel. If the suspension breaks, I¡¯ll be sent to the disciplinary barracks.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how many tanks we just crushed? Seven. Seven! Statistically, we are number one in our battalion, but six of the 3rd toon¡¯s 733 tanks are following right behind us. We can¡¯t lose to those boneheads! Don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    Third toon tank 733 Tank Sergeant Lee Suk-kyung was Sergeant Oh¡¯s best friend who had enlisted in the same rank and worked in the same battalion as him for six years. Perhaps because his name had the word Suk [1] in it, Sergeant Oh always referred to Sergeant Lee as ¡®bonehead.¡¯


    ¡°Yeom? Grant Sergeant Oh his wish.¡±


    Tank Gunner Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo was also in a good mood and supported Sergeant Oh with the thoughts of wanting to be the number one in the Battalion.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, sir. If the suspension breaks, I¡¯m not going to take the fall for it. I¡¯m serious.¡±


    ¡°Cross country speeding up to 50 miles per hour is a piece of cake for our White Tiger! So don¡¯t worry and just step on it.¡±


    As Corporal Yeom pressed harder with his right foot, White Tiger tank 712 gained speed. The tank was at the front of the 7th Company, and as they passed through the enemy tanks, one Chinese tank concealed in a small hole in the dirt about 165 feet away in the two o¡¯clock direction reversed a little bit and began aiming their gun barrel at the 712 tank.


    Beeep¡ª


    The LWR (Laser Warning Receiver) rang with theser detection warning sound, and as the Chinese tank aiming at tank 712 was marked on his monitor by a red dot, Sergeant Oh immediately assigned the target. Right as the target was assigned, White Tiger tank 712¡¯s gun barrel automatically targeted the Chinese tank by rotating clockwise and aimed at its bottom tracks. The moment the target was locked on, the gun barrel of both sides¡¯ tanks spouted fire.


    Pop! Pew.


    The armor-piercing sabot from the Chinese tank passed above the 712 tank while making a sound that ripped through the thin air, and the White Tiger¡¯s photon cannon particle hit the Chinese tank straight in the side, effectively destroying the caterpir track and scattering its fragments everywhere. Because the tank could have had a bomb inside, there was arge explosion as it stopped. The White Tiger¡¯s unsurpassed rise time, which was the time it took for the tank to fire after a target was analyzed and assigned, was more than twice as fast as that of the Chinese Type-99 tank, so it was possible for them to fire at the same time despite the White Tiger assigning the targetter.


    After destroying the eighth Chinese tank, they deployed two ¡®multi-wavelength smoke grenades¡¯ from each side following the 7th Sergeant¡¯s orders, then sped up to catch the armored vehicles. Though the White Tiger tank had high defenses from the hydronium alloy armor and an active SECM derangement system, it was dangerous for them to expose the backside of the tank. Thus, they deployed smoke grenades to block all waves, including infrared waves and visible waves, to protect the backside of the tank.


    As the retreating Chinese type VN-1 infantry armored vehicles gradually became visible, tank 712¡¯s Laser Warning Receiver began sounding the tank missileser detection rm.


    Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep!


    The anti-tank missileser transmission point was marked by many red dots on the digital map behind the mountain range 1.37 miles away in the ten o¡¯clock direction. It was an ambush attack from the Chinese anti-tank missile toon to stop the 7th Company¡¯s pursuit of the Chinese armored vehicles.


    Though the electric defense technology of SECM (Super Electronic Counter Measures) made the chances of being shot by third-generation anti-tank missiles less than five percent, remembering the hit from the armor-piercing sabot earlier made them instinctively hit the firing button for theplex anti-tank and anti-aircraft ¡®S-LLAM 60 ck Dragon Missile.¡¯


    <ul>


    S-LLAM 60 ck Dragon Missile


    </ul>


    A multipurposeplex missile thatbined the functions of fifth-generation anti-tank missiles and short-distance anti-air missiles with a hydronium pration ammunition warhead meant to pierce through armor and a re that was a cluster bomb that dropped rubble to airnes and ground forces.


    From the two extended missileunchers mounted on both sides of each turret, one ck Dragon missile went 165 feet into the air while fuming blue mes before flying towards the assigned target at a frightening speed. Six streaks of white smoke arose from the Chinese Armor Brigade¡¯s anti-tank toon as anti-tank missiles flew over.


    Bam! Crack crack¡ª


    ¡°Aah!¡±


    As the ck Dragon missile exploded 30 feet above the ground, one of the Chinese anti-tank toon gunners was blown to pieces by the warhead¡¯s pration when it nted into the vehicle. The cluster bomb from the re broke into hundreds of metal pieces and relentlessly fell over the anti-tank toon with a 100-foot radius.


    Crack craack crack¡ª


    As the anti-tank missiles were no longer guided, they lost direction and either spun around before firing into the air or nted themselves straight into the ground.


    ¡°Fly out.¡± As Sergeant Oh watched this through his monitor, the ends of his lips curled up. He turned to his monitor to input the Chinese infantry armored vehicles, which were running for their lives, in order to the target list.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim, beat them up, starting with target one.¡±


    The photon cannon gun barrel aimed perfectly at the back of the armored vehicle ording to the assigned targets, and Gunner Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo excitedly stepped on the pedal without hesitation.


    Pew¡ª Pew¡ª


    Simultaneously, the photon cannon from tank 712 spouted mes, and the other tanks spouted photon particles towards the Chinese infantry armored vehicles withoutgging behind.


    Crash! Craaash¡ª Crash!


    Every time the photon particle flew out with instantaneous speed, the Chinese infantry armored vehicle it targeted was covered in mes, and they dropped smoke grenades while swerving from side to side to escape the possibility of death.


    In the midst of running and chasing, about ten photon particles in the northeast from the Chinese infantry armored vehicle opened their white teeth and consumed them. The 9th Company had shot these from their nk. After being baptized with photons for five minutes from the back and sides, the remaining Chinese Tank Brigade infantry armored vehicles and other vehicles sank in red mes along the long S203 road. The Chinese soldiers that had escaped from the mes crawled with limbs cut off or covering their bloody heads, and there were some that were covered in mes and screaming to be saved. It was a scene that showed the raw cruelty of war.


    ¡°Man, I¡¯ve seen something I shouldn¡¯t have.¡± Even for Sergeant Oh, who had been in the military for eight years, this heart-wrenching scene was very ufortable. He, therefore, mumbled to himself and looked away.


    ¡°It¡¯s really fortunate that it wasn¡¯t us.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the reality of war?¡±


    Curious about Sergeant Oh and Staff Sergeant Kim¡¯s conversation, tank driver Corporal Yeom interrupted, ¡°What are you talking about, sir?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better that you don¡¯t see it.¡±


    Corporal Yeom, preupied with driving, looked through the driver¡¯s auxiliary monitor and adjusted the zoom. ¡°Geez! That¡¯s horrifying.¡±


    At this moment, themander¡¯s voice came from the Battalion Communications Network.


    <ul>


    We are now heading into battlefield cleanup. Seventh and 8th Companies, check the Chinese armored vehicles and other vehicles ahead, and 9th and Headquarters Companies, check the Chinese tanks in your current location. After you finish, regroup and wait for further orders in the open ground under the ridge ahead by 11:30. Dismissed!


    </ul>


    After themander¡¯s simple orders and each sergeant¡¯s additional orders, each tank slowly began moving.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Slowly start driving!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The first armored war between Korea¡¯s 26th Tank Battalion and China¡¯s 3rd Armored Division¡¯s Tank Brigade hadsted for 30 minutes. Though at a disadvantage in numbers, the 26th Tank Battalion led a one-sided massacre of Chinese tanks in their first grand victory.


    <hr />


    October 29th, 2020, 12:25, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku.


    As the 32nd hour passed since the war with China was dered, the Joint Command Control room¡¯s main screen disyed the Korean army¡¯s attack route and current locations of the Chinese army in real-time, obtained from various reconnaissance satellites and nes, with various colored marks that were easy to read.


    After taking care of lunch with a simple ration pack, Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik sat in his chair and scrutinized the main screen to see if there was any situation that varied even slightly from the ¡®Rise of Goguryeo¡¯ n and discussed opinions with many operations staff members. At this time, they heard from themunications operator.


    ¡°There¡¯s a report from the VII maneuver corps. Currently, the vanguard brigade of the VII corps, the 60th Armored Brigade 26th Tank Battalion, met and began engagement with the Chinese Tank Brigade at 11:15, one hour and ten minutes ago! The enemy tank brigade was destroyed with no friendly casualties! They reported that they are currently analyzing the enemy tank brigade casualties and status. I will upload the detailed contents onto the fifth screen.¡±


    The Chairman, looking at the fifth screen from the operator¡¯s report, smiled faintly. The fifth screen disyed the results of the engagement, including the number of enemy tanks shot, the number of infantry armored vehicles, and various other detailed data and statistics. There were also clear video files shot from the sky by the spider drone.


    ¡°They massacred them in a fight between a brigade and a battalion against China¡¯s newest grade Type-99G tank. The White Tiger tanks that we had made in Olympus are certainly monsters, just as the rumors state. Hahaha, don¡¯t you think so?¡± said Chief of Army Staff Shin Sung-yong with triumph and a smug smile.


    ¡°With this, we can send the VII maneuver corps to attack faster than we predicted.¡±


    ¡°If the warsts longer, we¡¯re at a bigger disadvantage, so we will go consecutively.¡±


    <hr />


    October 29th, 2020, 14:30, Beigou Shangbao mountain, 47 miles northwest of Dandong, China.


    ¡°This is all because of Sergeant Oh. What is this?¡± Staff Sergeant Kim said while looking at Sergeant Oh with resentment.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Thirty minutes ago, tank 712¡¯s Sergeant Oh, Staff Sergeant Kim, and Corporal Yeom, while enjoying lunch after regrouping, were called by themander. Sergeant Oh, believing that they would be praised by themander for making the greatest contribution to the battle, triumphantly headed to themander¡¯s barracks. However, the expected praise was nowhere to be found, and they returned after 30 minutes of scolding. This was because they hadn¡¯t listened to themander¡¯s orders and instead fired the opening shot.


    ¡°Themander¡¯s punishment will kill me before the war does.¡± Corporal Yeom, while wiping off his sweat-covered face with a wet wipe, spoke with resentment in his voice.


    ¡°Hey! I said I was sorry! Stop, okay?¡± Apologetic that his subordinates were being punished because of him, Sergeant Oh scratched his head and continuously repeated that he was sorry. ¡°When the war is over, I¡¯ll treat you guys to good food. Okay? So stop whining!¡±


    Hearing the rumors, 3rd toon Sergeant Lee walked over while grinning from ear to ear.


    ¡°Hey, Sergeant Oh. I heard you were destroyed by themander?¡±


    ¡°Get out of here! I don¡¯t have any strength left in me to fight with you. This haeng-nim [2] is very tired, so go away.¡±


    ¡°You must be tired, since you shot like that without following orders.¡±


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get worked up. This is all because of your hasty personality.¡±


    ¡°Man, I need to move out!¡±


    ¡°But to get to my point, there¡¯s a tankmander meeting at three, soe to thepanymander¡¯s barracks. I came here to tell you in case you didn¡¯t hear about it because of your punishment earlier.¡±


    Continuing to enjoy the situation, Sergeant Lee looked at Staff Sergeant Kim and Corporal Yeom with a look of sympathy and continued to speak. ¡°You guys have it hard, meeting such a bad sergeant. I¡¯ll leave now. Also, heads up¡ªthepanymander is very angry he was disciplined by the battalionmander because of you.¡±


    As Sergeant Lee turned around to leave for his tank after teasing him until the end, Sergeant Oh gave flipped him off and shouted, ¡°You bonehead! Eat this.¡±


    [1]: The Chinese character for the Korean word ¡°suk¡± means rock.


    [2]: ¡°Older brother¡± in his dialect.

 Chapter 91

    <h4>Chapter 91</h4>


    October 29, 2020, 15:30.


    Beig Xiangbao Mountain, 78 km northwest of Dandong, China.


    Sgt. First ss Oh Kyung-taek had the look of a demon from hell on his face when he returned from the tankpanymanders¡¯ meeting.


    ¡°Were you mmed by thepanymander, sir?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re being too mean to our tankmander, who is one of the most distinguished militarymanders, don¡¯t y¡¯all agree?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Don¡¯t they even care that our unit destroyed eight tanks and seven armored vehicles under hismand?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo and Corporal Yeom Hoon-ki bbered on, trying their best to cheer up SFC Oh Kyung-taek and make him feel better.


    ¡°Cut it. Today at 5:00 p.m., there will be a battle between the Chinese 3rd Armored Division, which is designated as Target A, and our brigade headquarters and all battalions under the brigade. Get ready to move. We¡¯ll also join the brigade headquarters.¡±


    With a distracted mind, SFC Oh Kyung-taek announced what was discussed at the tankmanders meeting before walking away and entering his tank. Watching him, SSG Kim Young-joo and CPL Yeom Hoon-ki exchanged nces, shrugged, and began dismantling portable camougeting in preparation for the movement.


    It was just as they were ready to make the move that the movement order was delivered through the battalionmunicationswork.


    KRRRRR


    Thirty-eight White Tiger tanks and various armored vehicles began to maneuver slowly along the Rd. S203, leaving a cloud of dirt in their wake.


    ¡°The field maneuvers of armored troops never cease to amaze me. Aren¡¯t they wonderful?¡± SFC Oh Kyung-taek eximed, admiring the sight of the tank battalions moving in order. He was in such an upbeat mood that nobody would have guessed he had been on the verge of a breakdown just a short while ago.


    ¡°Are you feeling a little better, sir?¡±


    ¡°Did you expect me to keep feeling sh*tty? Where there are bad times, there are good times too.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re not going to give us unreasonable orders, are you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask! I don¡¯t know!¡±


    While the man of many moods, SFC Oh Kyung-taek, exchangedme jokes with SSG Kim Young-ju, the 26th Tank Battalion slowly began to speed up as it moved along the Rd. S203. When it reached a point about 55 kilometers from the brigade headquarters, an aerial danger alert and a battalionmander¡¯s voice red from the battalion¡¯smunicationswork.


    <ul>


    This is the battalionmander. Twelve fighter jets are currently approaching at a speed of Mach 1 from 120 kilometers northeast. The battalion is ordered to shift to Air Defense Mode.¡±


    </ul>


    At the battalionmander¡¯s urgentmand, the 26th Tank Battalion shifted to the air defense formation while still on the move. The K-30 ¡°Biho¡± (Flying Tiger) A2 and K-SMA-1 Chunma (Flying Horse) A2¡ªboth in charge of anti-aircraft defense¡ªassumed an interception posture while beaming radar toward the northeast skies. SFC Oh Kyung-tae, leader of the No. 712 tank of the 7th Company, closed the hatch and went inside the tank. While checking the anti-aircraft interception monitor, he grabbed the control sticks of the quadruple (2¡Á2) ck Dragon missiles that were installed on each side of the foretop and held his index finger on theunch button.


    The fighter jets that were approaching by making a flyover along the valley were identified as the J-30 stealth fighters. The J-30 stealth fighter wasparable to the U.S. F-35 fighter. 150 stealth fighters of thistest model were said to have been fielded inte 2019 as integrated fighters. As a result, the stealth jets were not detected by the 25th Tank Battalions¡¯ anti-aircraft radar. Instead, they were detected by the Apollo 3 reconnaissance satellite, which immediately notified the battalion headquarters through a data link.


    Crew: Three.


    Movement type: Crawler type (using K-21A1 armored vehicle)


    Weight: 23t


    Maximum speed: 100 km


    Flying range: 1,500 km


    Engine: KPP-50 (sma Engine)


    Engine output: 2,500hp


    Radar: K-776A (Counter-battery Radar)


    Type of detection: Mortar munitions, howitzer shell, multiple rocketunchers, aerial bombs


    Detection range: 30 km wide/12 km altitude


    Tracking range: 20 km distance/ 10 km altitude


    Anti-aircraft effective range: 20 km


    Interceptor armament 1: 12mm Laser six line Vulcan Beam 2


    Interceptor armament 2: 60mm S-LAM-60 Quadruple (2X2)X1=4


    Smoke grenade: Multi-zone wavelength smoke grenade 5¡Á2=10


    Crew: Three.


    Movement type: Crawler type (using K-21A1 armored vehicle)


    Weight: 26t


    Maximum speed: 100 km


    Range: 1,500 km


    Engine: KPP-50 Prasma Engine


    Engine output: 2,500hp


    Radar: K-777


    Type of detection: Aircraft, ground-to-ground missiles, cruise missiles.


    Detection range: 50 km distance/30 km altitude


    Tracking range: 45 km wide/ 25 km altitude


    Anti-aircraft effective range: 2080 km


    Interceptor weapon 1: S-LAM-100 Mine Six-line (3X2) x2=12


    Auxiliary armament, 1: One 50mm Laser Six-line Vulcan Beam


    Auxiliary armament, 2: One 12mm Laser Six-line Vulcan Beam


    Missile highest speed: Mach 8


    Smoke grenade: Multi-zone wavelength smoke grenade 5¡Á2=10


    ¡°Oola! They must¡¯ve thought we¡¯d be vulnerable to anti-aircraft defense because we¡¯re just a battalion-level unit!¡± SFC Oh Kyung-taek mumbled. He confirmed what he saw on the anti-aircraft defense radar monitor: red dots that were fast approaching, maneuvering along the mountain ridges, were clearly marked on the radar monitor. And then the battalionmander¡¯s orders were issued through the battalion¡¯smunicationswork.


    -Thepany headquarters will allocate interception missions. Therefore, you shouldn¡¯t use any more anti-aircraft missiles than necessary, and the intercept point is 20 kilometers in the west-west direction where the valley ends and the mountain ridge begins to rise. Over!¡±


    Shortly after the battalionmander¡¯s order was issued, a third fighter jet was captured on SFC Oh Kyung-taek¡¯s anti-aircraft defense radar monitor. It was within the range of the intercept point that was allocated to him.


    Then, about two minutester, twelve J-30 stealth fighters rose one by one over the mountain ridge, opened internal armed hatches, and started firing air-to-ground missiles. At the same time, air defense missiles shot up from the main foretopunch tubes of the 26th Tank Battalion¡¯s KSMA-1 Chunma A2 and K-3 Baekho (White Tiger) tanks and flew toward the J-30 stealth fighters, leaving blue-med traces behind.


    Thirty-six CM-400AKG air-to-surface missiles fired from the J-30 stealth fighters and flew at a terrifying speed toward targets, while nine K-30 Biho A2¡¯s 12mm Vulcanser beams mercilessly fired out white rays of light toward the sky to intercept them.


    The white rays of light flew while maintaining a 45 degree angle, and with a sharpunching sound, one after another air-to-surface missiles were intercepted and exploded in midair.


    WHIZ! WHIZ! WHIZ! WHIZ! WHIZ!


    BANG! POW! POW! CLASH!


    However, the air-to-surface missiles fired from the J-30 stealth fighters were too fast and too close, and there was no way the Korean forces could intercept them all. As a result, one of the air-to-surface missiles that had survived the interception struck the No. 812 tank that belonged to the 8th Company. The No. 812 tank instantly lost control, and there was the sound of a massive explosion as it became engulfed in red mes and spewed debris in all directions.


    <ul>


    Cannot confirm the survivors of the attacked No. 812 tank.


    </ul>


    The urgent voice of the 8th Company Commander reverberated over the battalion¡¯smunicationswork.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Explosions were heard from many other ces, and each explosion sent columns of dirt into the air. The air defense missiles fired from the KSMA-1 Chunma A2 and K-3 Baekho tanks also intercepted six J-30 stealth fighters, which then disintegrated in midair. But six remaining stealth fighters continued to engage in the shootout with a rtive advantage, because they flew to the other side of the mountain ridge and remained hidden from view. Then, three J-30 stealth fighter jets loaded with QQ17-1 cluster bombs suddenly gained altitude, and by the time they flew near the 26th Tank Battalion, they freely dropped eighteen QQ17-1 cluster bombs.


    QQ17-1 was the name of a cluster bomb that was developed in 2018 by China with their own technology. Also known as ¡°cluster munition,¡± each bomb contained 40 small explosive bombs called ¡°sub-munitions.¡±


    <ul>


    Biho! Intercept the bombs that are being dropped from the sky. Eachpany is ordered to start the emergency evasive maneuvers.


    </ul>


    The Biho crew would have done just that on their own judgement, but at the moment of urgency, the battalionmander Kang Hyuk-jin ordered it through the battalion¡¯smunicationswork at the top of his lungs. Built with Hydronium alloys, the tanks and armored vehicles were fully equipped to sustain attacks, even if the sub-munitions of the QQ17-1 cluster bombs exploded in midair and rained down on the 26th Tank Battalion. The problem of concern was damage to radars and various optical equipment mounted on the outside of tanks and armored vehicles, as this could trante into an immeasurable loss ofbat power.


    As if responding to the battalionmander¡¯s urgent call, the 12mm Vulcanser beams on both doors of the K-30 Biho A2 went up to their maximum angle and started firing off beams of light, while the six pulsingser beams rotated at a tremendous speed. Several streams of light created awork of mes that shot upward from the ground toward the sky, but the bombs were so close that only 14 of the 18 were sessfully intercepted. The other four cluster bombs exploded simultaneously at 500 meters above the ground, sending countless sub-munitions to rain down over the 26th Tank Battalion. As a result, eachpany spread out in all directions, raising the power level to the maximum, and tried to get away from where the sub-munitions were about tond. However, it was difficult to escape the attack because of the narrow terrain, which was less than a kilometer wide.


    VRRRRR


    The sub-munitions started hitting the ground.


    BOOM! CLASH! BAM!


    Bombs exploded simultaneously, sending thick columns of dirt everywhere, and the unfortunate tanks and armored vehicles hit by the sub-munitions were engulfed in ck smoke. The transport trucks sustained the most damages, as they were dispatched to the 26th Tank Battalion while loaded with several rounds of bombs to supply ammunition to the tanks. Since these trucks weren¡¯t protected with external modr armors like the Baekho tanks and Hyunmoo armored vehicles were, they either became engulfed in dark red mes when caught in the series of explosions from the bombs loaded in the vehicles, or the crew was injured when hit by just a single sub-munition. The series of explosions in the vast space, which was several times the size of a football field, was nothing short of hell.


    -The 9th Company No. 923 tank sustained damage to their fire control system and are now incapable of firing.


    -Headquarterspany¡¯s two Chunma and one Biho have been hit by the sub-munitions. Radar operation is not possible. Two transport trucks have beenpletely destroyed by the sub-munitions. Unable to confirm casualties.


    -The 8th Company No. 814 tank sustained damage to the tankmander¡¯s microscope.


    The 26th Tank Battalion¡¯smunicationswork was so filled with reports from thepanies about the damages they sustained that it resembled a noisy neighborhood night-time market.


    Then, three J-30 fighters that had been hiding behind the mountain ridge appeared in the twelve o¡¯clock direction tounch a second round of air-to-surface missiles. Just as they tried to open internal armed hatches andunch air-to-ground missiles, they were hit in turn by three ultra-high-sound missiles, which flew in from the six o¡¯clock direction, and exploded in mid-air, before crashing and erupting into red mes over the the mountain ridge.


    SWIIIISH! BANG! BANG! BANG!


    The other three J-30 stealth fighters, which were returning to their base after dropping the cluster bombs, were hit by missiles that flew in out of nowhere.


    CLASH! BAM! BAM!


    Even before the battle had begun, the South Korean Air Force had picked Sunan Airport in Pyongyang as a temporary base and had moved the 8th Fighter Wing from Wonju to the airport just around the time of the battle. The mission was to bomb and secure air supremacy in areas around Liaoning Province in China. It was the four Heukjujak Fighters that belonged to the 8th Fighter Wing, and tjat made an emergency scramble from the Sunan Airport in Pyongyang at the request of the 7th Maneuver Corps, that intercepted those J-30 stealth fighters.


    After some time, no more explosions were heard. In ces where the 26th Tank Battalion had been, there was only ckish red smoke and the unpleasant smell of gunpowder.


    -This is the low-kick squadron from the 8th Fighter Wing speaking. How¡¯s the return situation? Over!


    -This is the 26th Tank Battalion speaking. The support of the low-kick squadron saved us from heavy damage. Over!


    -This is the low-kick squadron speaking. Sorry we camete. Over!


    -This is the 26th Tank Battalion speaking. Don¡¯t say that. You were a great help. Over!


    -This is the low-kick squadron speaking. We are returning to the base under the belief that there is no longer any additional airborne risk. Over.


    -This is the 26th Tank Battalion speaking. Roger that. Over.


    Aftermunicating with the low-kick squadron, battalionmander Kang Hyuk-jin opened the hatch of the armedmand vehicle, climbed out, and looked up to the sky. Four ck-colored fighter jets flew past the 26th Tank Battalion in a low-flying position at six o¡¯clock, split into two (two to the right and two to the left), and performed a return maneuver.


    ¡°Unbelievable! Sending twelvetest-model fighter jets to beat up a tank battalion? The dmn Chinese must have been really pssed off at us.¡± Lt. Col. Kang Hyuk-jin mumbled, let out a deep sigh, and looked around at the surrounding area from the top of the armored vehicle.


    ¡°Captain. The damage report by thepany is in, sir,¡± the operations officer, Nah Sung-won, said, standing inside a Hyunmoo armedmand vehicle.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Lt. Col. Kang Hyuk-jin briefly acknowledged him before going back inside the Hyunmoo armedmand vehicle and looking at the monitor.


    [The 26th Tank Battalion Damage Report]


    <ul>


    th Company: No damage.


    th squadron: No. 812 half destroyed. No. 814 and No. 822 sustained damage to the tankmander¡¯s microscope. No. 851 sustained damage to the Biho radar. Five sustained minor injuries caused by impact, one seriously injured.


    th squadron: No. 923 sustained damage to the fire control unit. No. 955 sustained damage to the Chunma radar. Three suffered minor injuries from impact.


    Headquarters: No. 1003 Biho radar damaged. No. 1006 and No. 1007 sustained damage to the Chunma radar. Both ammunition-loaded vehicles were burned down. Four minor injuries, two serious injuries, and two fatalities.


    </ul>


    Considering how they were attacked by twelvetest-model top-of-the-line fighter jets, the damage to the 26th Tank Battalion wasn¡¯t that bad. But still, it was a painful blow for the 26th Tank Battalion because the unit was supposed to be in the vanguard in a war that just started. In particr, it was regrettable that two transport trucks loaded with ammunition werepletely burnt down. Lt. Col. Kang Hyuk-jin was particrly devastated that the battle had left the first human casualties.


    ¡°Two fallen soldiers. The headquarters are the hardest hit.¡±


    ¡°It happened because one of the transport trucks was swept away by mes caused by the explosion of the bombs it was loaded with...¡± the operation chief borated, but he trailed off and didn¡¯t finish.


    ¡°This is a war. What can you do after such an unexpected freak ident? First, retrieve and collect wounded and fallen soldiers and then join the brigade headquarters. Deliver orders to each squadron, and let the disabled tanks be towed away by tank recovery vehicles.¡±


    ¡°Aye, sir.¡±


    ¡°And can you bring me the identification tags of the fallen soldiers right away?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. At yourmand, sir!¡±


    Lt. Col. Kang Hyuk-jin had no choice but to speak to Captain Nah Sung-won, the operations officer, as if he were an emotionless, cold-blooded robot. As a battalionmander, he wasn¡¯t supposed to show emotion in front of his subordinates. Lt. Col. Kang Hyuk-jin was probably the most heartbroken over the loss. He had firmly vowed that every soldier under hismand would survive until the end of the war and that he would bring them all home safely. But his firm promise had already been shattered in this battle.

 Chapter 92

    <h4>Chapter 92</h4>


    October 29, 2020, 16:25, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control Situation Room) in Yongsan-ku, Seoul


    Amidst Chairman of Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik¡¯s meeting with army executives to discuss additional strategies to the ongoing state of affairs, the signal officer rushed in with an urgent look.


    ¡°Salute! There is a report from the VII Maneuver Corps Headquarters.¡±


    The Chairman and his generals, previously focused on the meeting, all looked in the direction of the signal officer who hurriedly came in.


    ¡°The 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s 26th Tank Battalion, while moving to join forces with the Brigade Headquarters, has been hit by an air raid attack from the Chinese J-30 stealth aircraft, resulting in casualties.¡±


    The signal officer handed a report to the Chairman¡ªa document that summarized the status of the war. The Chairman bit his lower lips hard after thoroughly reading the document. The air in the situation room sank heavily.


    ¡°They sent 12 of their newest aircraft to take down one tank battalion. Those Chinese have gone beyond crazy.¡±


    Air Force Chief of Staff General Kim Byung-hwan clicked his tongue and looked at the Chairman.


    ¡°Since their mechanized infantry regiment was destroyed by one battalion, I think the leaders of the Chinese army are overreacting.¡±


    Army Chief of Staff General Shin Sung-yongmented. The Chairman after he briefly paused in serious thought then continued.


    ¡°We need to focus more on improving air superiority in the Liaoning area. General Kim?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman, sir.¡±


    ¡°Please talk to the Head of National Security Oh Jang-soo about using the airfield in Sinuiju as a base for the Korean Air Force. If he concedes to this request, deploy at least one Fighter Wing to advance. Is that all right?¡±


    ¡°There is no problem, sir. I will call Head of National Security Oh right away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please hurry. Since the battle between the 60th Armored Brigade and the Chinese 3rd Armored Division has started, let¡¯s move the remaining items to the next meeting¡¯s agenda and get ready.¡±


    The Chairman, after ncing at his wristwatch, finished speaking and got up from his seat to head toward the Integrated Command Post Situation Room.


    * * *


    October 29, 2020, 16:45 (CST 15:30), Chinese Central Military Commission Integrated Command Post Bunker Conference Room in Beijing, China


    Amidst the grim atmosphere, President Xi Jinping had closed his eyes.


    This was because of the report that an entire mechanized infantry regiment of the People¡¯s Liberation Army of China was destroyed by one battalion of the Korean army, and the 12 J-30 stealth aircraft deployed as retaliation had all been shot down.


    ¡°Vice-President Kan Kuichou, how am I supposed to understand this? The mechanized infantry regiment waspletely destroyed by a single tank battalion, or that all 12 stealth aircraft from three formations were all shot down. What¡¯s the problem here?¡±


    President Xi was only getting news about losing the battle to the Korean army and not a single news about a victory since the war began. He was fuming inside.


    ¡°Ground Force General, speak!¡±


    ¡°Sir, I apologize¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is an apology all you have?¡±


    The Ground Force General lowered his head not able to say anything as if the cat got his tongue. The President then turned his attention to the Air Force General.


    ¡°Air Force General, do you also have nothing to say? Realistically, how can an aircraft lose a battle against a tank?¡±


    ¡°Th-that is . . . I believe the Korean army has greatly improved its antiaircraft capabilities in their armor formation.¡±


    ¡°So 12 of our newest aircraft configuredst year were all shot down? Are you even hearing yourself?¡±


    ¡°Sir, I apologize. There is nothing else I can say¡ª¡±


    Bang!


    The sound of the fist mming the table added to the already-gloomy atmosphere in the conference room.


    ¡°Starting with the response to the Korean army¡¯s surprise attack, the retaliation attack, and now a defeat from each branch. Aren¡¯t you ashamed that you are the People¡¯s Liberation Army¡¯s high-ranking Generals?¡±


    The Generals of each division who were being berated by President Xi felt it was unfair. Although the People¡¯s Liberation Army¡¯s forces would not lose this battle from a standard-textbook perspective, there was something amiss, like a chainsaw missing a de; and they suffered greatly from this that they were missing.


    ¡°Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, Vice-President Kan.¡±


    ¡°In a few moments, there will be a battle between the Korean army¡¯s vanguard 60th Armored Brigade and our People¡¯s Liberation Army 39th Army Group 3rd Armored Division. In this battle, I will help ease your frustration a little with a certain victory.¡±


    Slightly raising his eyebrows at Vice-President Kan¡¯s words, President Xi spoke while his countenance changed to that of anticipation.


    ¡°Are the preparations fullyplete?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. To rece the defeated regiment while in camouge, two regiments of the 117th Mechanized Infantry Division have joined forces, and all attack helicopters from the 9th Army Aviation Brigade will be reinforcing the attacks. Furthermore, four formations of J-20 aircraft are ready to be deployed after achieving air superiority with an unmanned reconnaissance ne and early warning aircraft.¡±


    ¡°Good. Make sure that you win this time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    October 29, 2020, 17:35 (CST 16:35), Nanfen District 23 km southeast from Benxi, China


    Around the time, the 26th Tank Battalion joined forces with the 60th Armored Brigade, which was in the midst of battle with target A, the Chinese army¡¯s 3rd Armored Division.


    The Chinese army¡¯s armored divisions had trained in this wilderness that stretched five kilometers vertically and horizontally, and where hundreds of tanks spouted fire from their photon and tank cannons. Many tanks that were at the end of their life and covered in unsightly mes, including tanks that broke down from broken caterpir tracks, were scattered throughout. If this scene were to be viewed from the sky, it would have been a jaw-dropping sight as if watching a war movie.


    Pop~ Pop~ Pshoong~ Pshoong~


    ¨C This is the Brigade Commander, 26th Tank Battalion, detour widely to the left and attack the enemy armored division from the side. Over.


    ¨C Salute! This is Lieutenant Colonel Kang Hyuk-jin of the 26th Tank Battalion. Confirmed. Over.


    The Brigade Commander gave orders to attack the left side to the 26th Tank Battalion that just joined the forces. To this, each Company White Tiger tank of the 26th Tank Battalion maneuvered quickly through the wilderness and jumped into the foggy white dust and fired toward the enemy with photon cannons, starting with the front line, the 7th Company.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim, fire at will from number 1 to 5.¡±


    ording to what 712 Tank Commander 1st ss Sergeant Oh shouted, Staff Sergeant Kim fixed his sight on the panorama, stepping on the firing pedal incessantly.


    Pew~pew~pew


    Because of the efficient and urate firing, China¡¯s newest Type 99G tanks of the 3rd Armored Division were pushed in from the side and broke down one by one. To retaliate, two of China¡¯s battalion-sized tanks turned toward the 26th Tank Battalion. Aiming their cannons, they began firing armor-piercing sabots.


    Bang~Bang~


    When the armor-piercing sabots flew from the Chinese army¡¯s tanks¡ªthey were superior in number¡ªcolumns of dirt sprung between the front line 7th Company tanks, and the battle became full-blown.


    Thump!


    One armor-piercing sabot hit the 712 Tank turret and sank it to the ground. As the distance between the two opposing forces drew close to 500 meters, more White Tiger tanks were hit by the armor-piercing sabots. To arrest this loss, Tank Commander Oh locked the GPS radar on the closest Chinese tank hiding in a dirt hole and immediately fired one ck Dragon missile.


    Shooong~Boom~


    A single ck Dragon missile shot up high in altitude from the quad-directionaluncher installed on each side of the main turret. It began its downward fall on top of the concealed Chinese tank. In an instant, it blew off the entire main turret of the Chinese tank while regurgitating a massive ze.


    ¨C This is the Brigade Commander 32nd Tank Battalion,mence breakthrough from the center; 26th Tank Battalion, continue pushing in from the side; 107th Tank Battalion, support the rear, and the Armored Cavalry Battalion, take the right side. Over.


    The Brigade Commander¡¯s orders were sent without hesitation through the brigademunicationwork, and to this, the 32nd Tank Battalion further increased their speed to move to break through to the center. Lieutenant Colonel Kang gave additional orders through the 26th Tank Battalion¡¯smunicationwork.


    ¨C 7th Company, advance and push the enemy back in the twelve -o¡¯clock direction, and 8th and 9th Company, push into the side of the center. Headquarters Company, stop movement. Adhere to current location and switch to defense posture! Over.


    At the Battalion Commander¡¯s concise orders, each Company, while constantly spouting photons cannons, set their individual paths and bolted off to carry out their given orders.


    ¡°Step on it! Staff Sergeant Kim, just shoot as soon as the target is assigned even without a firingmand! Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Understood.¡±


    The 13 White Tiger tanks of the 7th Company only turned the main turret 90 degrees to the right from their advancing direction and fired photon cannons as if they were sniping every Chinese army¡¯s side, and each time, China¡¯s Type 99G tanks exploded, emitting ck smoke. At this moment, the 7th Company tanks¡¯ Laser Warning Receiver (LWR)ser detection warning rm rang. Two kilometers ahead, Antitank Company armored vehicles were firing HJ-9 (Hong Jian-9) antitank missiles to stop the 7th Company.


    The four 1st toon tanks in the frontline conducted an emergency evacuation steering, and each fired two ck Dragon missiles, whereas the Chinese Antitank Company armored vehicles fired about ten HJ-9 antitank missiles.


    Pishoong~ Shoong~ Shoong~


    Each missile crossed the sky and flew toward the assigned targets. In the very first instance, the Chinese Antitank Company¡¯s armored vehicles created a massive explosion and were covered with mes. The Chinese soldiers who barely escaped the armored vehicles had their limbs cut off from their bodies prated by the debris of the cluster bombs that exploded in the air, and fell while vomiting blood. In this situation, the three HJ-9 antitank missiles, which maintained guidance until the end, covered the Korean army¡¯s 7th Company 1st toon. However, the third-generation antitank missiles could not prate the White Tiger tank¡¯s entire armor and only broke a few optical equipment but could not sink them.


    ¡°Sh*t! 711 Tank¡¯smander monitor damaged.¡±


    The 7th Company toon leader¡¯s angry voice was heard through the Companymunicationwork.


    ¨C Tank 712 Tank Shooter Cho Joon-kyung deceased.


    ¨C Tank 713 hit by the antitank missile, but thankfully no damages.


    The damage report regarding the antitank missile was uploaded immediately, and the 7th Company Commander¡¯s orders were disseminated once again through the Companymunicationwork.


    ¨C 2nd toon, switch to the front line and take on watch duty, 1st toon, defend the side of the 2nd toon and attack, and 3rd toon and Headquarters toon, continue with the attacks from the side. Over.


    * * *


    October 29, 2020, 17:50 (EDT 01:50), the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, USA


    In the Pentagon, top executive conference room, Minister of National Defense John Wayne and about 50 Generals from each army were gathered to confirm the videos and pictures taken from a reconnaissance satellite. The meeting progressed in a somber atmosphere. The videos and pictures were from the battle between Korea and China on Friday. When the video was almost finished, the Minister of National Defense began to speak.


    ¡°Are you saying that the ballistic missile mobilized in Korea¡¯s first surprise attack wasn¡¯t a regr ballistic missile, but was fired from a satellite?¡±


    To this, Integrated Staff Strategy Analyst Lieutenant General Rhode Mackey answered.


    ¡°That is correct. When the Korean army¡¯s first surprise attack began, there was no detection of ballistic missile firing from our early warning satellite or THAAD radar and seven fleets of the Aegis Destroyers deployed in Japan. We only made a brief detection of a missile falling at a speed higher than Mach 50 within 3,000 km of the Chinese sky. Furthermore, seeing the location of where it hit, the analysis of the topographical split, and the state of the explosion, we can only believe that this missile gained momentum and free fall energy from a very high altitude.¡±


    Minister of National Defense John Wayne continued asking with a slightly surprised expression.


    ¡°Then are you saying that the God¡¯s Staff Project that our air force nned for 80 years and gave up waspleted and used in battle by Korea?¡±


    ¡°Although there is no certain evidence of that, there is a very strong possibility.¡±


    ¡°Then isn¡¯t this a vition of the International Space Treaty?¡±


    ¡°Although it may be a vition of the treaty, I think it would be good to stay quiet about it until we have concrete evidence.¡±


    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Dwayne Johnson spoke.


    ¡°Yes, we should. Use any means necessary to find that attack satellite.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Furthermore, there are more than just one or two questions when you see the videos and pictures aside from this one.¡±


    Minister Wayne pointed at several questionable photographsid out in front of him while he asked questions. The aerial pictures were of the battle scene six hours ago between the 26th Tank Battalion and China¡¯s ambushed Mechanized Infantry Brigade. To this, Strategy Analyst Lieutenant General Mackey responded.


    ¡°The tanks seen in the photos are the Korean army¡¯s newest K-3 White Tiger tanks forwarded to armored divisions since 2019.¡±


    ¡°Although I learned from a report of a development andbat arrangement of the next generation tanks when it hasn¡¯t been long since Korea made abat arrangement for the K-2 ck Panther tank. I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°ording to intelligence data, the K-3 White Tiger tank is above a fourth-generation tank with performance greater than our M1A2 Abrams tank, but we surmised that it was an improved model of the K-2 ck Panther tank because we could not confirm any information about the estimations of its actual performance. However, based on this battle¡¯s results, we can judge that this tank certainly has exceptional performance. This is because 44 White Tiger tanks of the Korean army had aplete victory against 124 of China¡¯s newest Type 99 G tanks. There is one more. It¡¯s this photo.¡±


    Lieutenant General Mackey pulled out and showed two photos as he continued his exnation.


    ¡°You can tell from this photo that the White Tiger tank¡¯s gun barrel is small for a current fourth=generation gun barrel caliber. The K-2 ck Panther was just 120 mm. However, the White Tiger¡¯s gun barrel is estimated to be around 100 mm. I also want you to take a look at this photo.¡±


    The second photo showed a White Tiger tank firing a photon cannon.


    ¡°If you look carefully, looking at the part of the gun that is firing from the White Tiger tank, it does not use ammunition we normally use. I believe it uses a particle beamlike substance.¡±


    Minister Wayne carefully looked at the photo given to him by Lieutenant General Mackey and spoke while tilting his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to discern. Are you saying this is really photon ammunition?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is correct, sir. I can assure you of that.¡±


    ¡°If what Lieutenant General Mackey says is true, we need to report this immediately to the White House.¡±


    ¡°Minister, sir, if you give me a little more time, I will collect more evidence through a reconnaissance satellite and report it.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Please upload a report as soon as you can.¡±

 Chapter 93

    <h4>Chapter 93</h4>


    October 29, 2020, 18:25 (CST 17:25), Nanfen District, 23km southeast from Benxi, China


    About 40 minutes of battle, it became gradually clear that Korea¡¯s 60th Armored Brigade was winning. China¡¯s 3rd Armored Division had lost over two-thirds of their Type 99 G tanks in mes, and the armored vehicles were shot down, thus, creating a pandemonium. The 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s 32nd Tank Battalion, in charge of the frontal breakthrough, had pierced through the enemy lines and relentlessly crushed the Chinese tanks and armored vehicles. From this, China¡¯s 3rd Armored Division¡¯s Commander felt that the tide of the battle was unfavorable, and it was time to use a hidden card to gain an upper hand¡ªthrough the use of the air force. A few momentster, all of the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s air warnings rang.


    ¡°Above the west mountain chain! Appearance of attack helicopters! All battalions switch to antiaircraft system!¡±


    While the Brigade Headquarters¡¯ urgent orders were being delivered, tens of attack helicopters that were hidden below the west mountain chain gained speed and altitude to face the left side of the 60th Armored Brigade.


    ¡°It¡¯s the WZ-10 helicopter!¡±


    The voice of the 26th Tank Battalion¡¯s Battalion Commander, who was in the nearest location, can be heard through themunicationswork. The WZ-10 (Wu Zhi-10) attack helicopter was a knockoff of the American Apache attack helicopter¡ªsmaller and thus inferior in its armed force¡ªbut was announced in 2010 to have an outstanding operating capacity simr to the original model.


    Doodoodoodoodoodoodoodoo~


    As the WZ-10 attack helicopters rose higher in altitude with a lively sound, pointing their nose down, they hadpleted their target assignment of the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s tanks and various armored vehicles. Sixteen HJ-10 (Hong Jian-10) antitank missiles attached to each wing were fired in order. The opposing 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s Air Defense Battalion and each Battalion Headquarter Company¡¯s K-SMA-1, Heavenly Horse A2, and K-30 Biho A2 fired antiaircraft missiles and darted streams of light from the 12-mm Vulcunser.


    Shooong~ Shooong~ Shooong~


    Pewpewpewpewpewpewpewpew~ Pewpewpewpewpewpewpewpew~


    In the midst of numerous missiles and light streams barraging the air and ground and colliding with each other, the Chinese Antitank Missile Battalion AFT-10 armored vehicle (Caterpir Type) emerged from the rear. They fired HJ-10 (Hong Jian-10) antitank missiles from two four-directional canons toward the 32nd Tank Battalion. As the 32nd Tank Battalion¡¯s White Tiger tanks evaded the unexpected attack with a radar lock-on, they targeted the rear AFT-10 armored vehicles in the rear with ck Dragon missiles while fighting against Type 99 G tanks with photon canons.


    With all forces, including air forces, joined with China¡¯s 3rd Armored Division, the war became even more intense. Some of the White Tiger tanks, previously thought to be invincible, broke their caterpir tracks and stopped moving. The Chinese tanks, believing this was their chance, focused their fire on the stalled White Tiger tanks.


    ¡°This is a notice to all Battalion Commanders. Retreat immediately one kilometer to the rear from the battlefield. Over and out.¡±


    From the Brigade Commander¡¯s orders, each Battalion Commander ryed this order to the Company, and their White Tiger tanks began retreating while shooting from their photon canons. A few minutester, there was an explosion a few meters above the Chinese 3rd Armored Division¡¯s rear area sky, followed by a rain of steel. This was caused by a 155-mm precision-guided sma cluster bomb deployed by the 20th Armored Division¡¯s Artillery Brigade. When tens of sma cluster bombs consecutively exploded, each Chinese armored vehicle canon became a beehive and spewed ckish-red mes and smoke.


    Truthfully, in a situation where tanks are entangled in battle, the enemy or friendly forces don¡¯t fire with the artillery unit. This is because friendly forces can suffer damages too. However, the K-9A1 Lightning self-propelled artillery was able to urately shoot throughser guidance. The 60th Armored Brigade simultaneously confirmed the location of the 3rd Armored Division¡¯s rear unit that was advancing in a cluster tounch arge-scale attack and requested fire after assigning theser guidance through the Division¡¯s Artillery Brigade.


    After about a hundred shots were fired, the armored vehicles and specialized vehicles moving in the rear visibly decreased in number. A few remaining WZ-10 (Wu Zhi-10) attack helicopters in the sky flew toward the Brigade Headquarters while firing HJ-10 (Hong Jian-10) antitank missiles. Immediately, 12-mm Vulcunser beams flew out of both doors of the K-30 Biho A2 armored vehicle and intercepted them. When the Heavenly Horse A2 surface-to-air canon deployed the Light Dragon missiles, the three WZ-10 (Wu Zhi-10) attack helicopters dispensed chaff and re to enter into retreat maneuver, but in the end, disintegrated one by one in midair.


    Two hours after the battle began, the sound of tank guns that shook the heavens and the earth, as well as the sound of the caterpir tracks¡¯ movement began decreasing a bit and the battle¡¯s end became more visible.


    ¡°This is the Brigade Commander. The 32nd Tank Battalion will advance to the Chinese army¡¯s rear and clear the surviving forces, and the rest of the Battalions will stick to the current location and go into defense duty. Dismissed.¡±


    The 26th Tank Battalion, in charge of the left side of the battleground, maintained a line formation and began advancing slowly to check and target the Chinese army¡¯s surviving tanks and armored vehicles.


    ¡°Sergeant Oh, this battle was really epic. I almost peed in my pants.¡±


    ¡°With something like this?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Sergeant Oh! You honestly got scared too, right?¡±


    ¡°Real funny! The manly Oh Young-taek, scared from this? Not even close!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡±


    Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi¡¯sughter was heard through the headset as well as their conversation.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Tank Commander.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s nothing, man?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Target 1, 200 ahead! Fire!¡±


    In the midst of joking inside Tank 712, a single Type 99 G tank slightly showed its head from a dirt hole in front of them. Tank Commander Oh immediately assigned the target and gave the firing order.


    Pew!


    When the fire came out of the photon cannon and a red particle flew out, the Chinese Type 99 G tank that showed itself slightly, received a direct hit on its front then exploded.


    Crassshh~ Rumble!


    ¡°Sergeant Oh, you definitely have the eyes of a hawk.¡±


    ¡°If we add that one, it¡¯s 15 tanks and 4 armored vehicles. I think with this we might be the first rank in our battalion.¡±


    Sergeant Oh checked the battalion battle statistics system with much anticipation.


    ¡°Huh? This guy is first.¡±


    Sergeant Oh, very upset that he lost first ce by one tank, suddenly yelled at Corporal Yeom.


    ¡°Keep moving forward!¡±


    ¡°Tank Commander, sir! Are you going to disobey the Battalion Commander¡¯s orders to stick to position and check again?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo spoke while looking at Sergeant Oh with a big frown on his face.


    ¡°D*mn, fine, man!¡±


    ¨C Switching to Battalion air defense duty, 16 enemy aircraft spotted at 85 km west!


    Lieutenant Colonel Kang Hyuk-jin¡¯s orders were delivered through the battalion¡¯smunicationwork, and so were the air danger warnings.


    ¡°We¡¯re screwed. We don¡¯t have antiaircraft missiles. What should we do? We can¡¯t even go outside to reload. There¡¯s a puddle where we blew up that enemy tank just now, right? Let¡¯s go there and try to take cover!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Sixteen of China¡¯s J-20 aircraft, self proimed to be indistinguishable from America¡¯s F-22, approached the 60th Armored Brigade at mach 1 speed while fully equipped with gliding cluster bombs. However, on the radar of the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s Antiaircraft Battalion, they were ridiculously clearly detected, so much so for being called a stealth aircraft.


    * * *


    October 29, 2020, 17:03 (CST 16:03), the sky 11 km north from Ansan-si, China


    After approaching a distance of 65 km, J-20 Stealth Squadron Lieutenant Colonel Hu Yilung gave an attack order to each formation.


    ¡°This is the Huchi Battalion Commander. Deploy gliding cluster bombs within 40 attack range to assigned targets and return immediately. Dismissed.¡±


    ¨C Long Boy, copy that.


    ¨C Lung Haying, copy that.


    ¨C Hong Dot, copy that.


    Suddenly, whilemunicating with each formationmander, the Battalion Commander¡¯s aircraft RWR sounded a warning rm. However, there was no information at all about the detection, and the newest KJ-2000 Early Warning Aircraft 300km in the rear wasn¡¯t sending any information about the detection.


    ¡°What is that? Where is iting from?¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Hu Yilung was undecided on whether to retreat or shoot the targets. He surmised that the distance was short enough to shoot immediately and retreat. Upon deciding on this, he gave the attack orders to prioritize shooting the targets first.


    ¡°Mobilize to target distance at high speed andmence retreat movement immediately after deployment. Dismissed.¡±


    ¨C Long Boy, copy that.


    ¨C Lung Haying, copy that.


    ¨C Hong Dot, copy that.


    The four enemy J-20 stealth aircraft began speeding up to reach the target distance of 40 km. As soon as they were closer to the target distance, their KJ-2000 Early Warning Aircraft gave an emergency retreat order.


    ¡°Fuxin 1, confirm Huchi. Currently, 16 air-to-air missiles are approaching quickly with mach 20! Requesting emergency retreat,¡±


    Beebeep Beebeep Beebeep~


    The air-to-air missiles approaching at a high speed was indicated after receiving a data link from the Early Warning Aircraft. Feeling pressed, the Huchi Battalion Commander shouted urgently into themunicationswork.


    ¡°Huchi, each formation, retreat and¡ª¡±


    Crash! Crash! Crash!


    The four air-to-air missiles that flew over in an instant intercepted the four J-20 stealth aircraft in front of the formation, including Lieutenant Colonel Hu Yilung, causing them to explode in midair. Surprised by this, the three remaining stealth aircraft in the formation couldn¡¯t even think about deploying the gliding cluster bombs, and they retreated while hurriedly dispensing chaff and re.


    The second round of four air-to-air missiles intercepted additional J-20 stealth aircraft, causing the eight surviving J-20 stealth aircraft to forego the bombing order and instead escape quickly to survive.


    Meanwhile, the four KF/A-25P ck Vermilion Bird fighter bombers deployed from Pyongyang Sunan Airport, which has a wartime record of intercepting eight J-20 stealth aircraft, turned its nose that was facing the border of the Yalu River, to return to Sunan Airport.


    * * *


    October 29, 2020, 23:00 (ET 09:00), UN Security Council Headquarters in New York, United States


    China had presented a package of resolutions regarding Korea¡¯s illegal aggression to the UN Security Council. In turn, the Council¡¯s 15 permanent and nonpermanent members held a conference to deliberate on these resolutions. Korea, a nonpermanent member of the Council, also participated in the deliberation and was given time to present its opposing statement to China¡¯s package of resolutions.


    ¡°It is China¡¯s contention that Korea is a nation of illegal aggression, and thus will introduce a package of resolutions. However, that contention is incorrect. ording to Article 3 of the Republic of Korea¡¯s Constitution, ¡®the territory of the Republic of Korea shall consist of the Korean penins and its adjacent inds¡¯; hence, North Korea is part of the Korean territory. We struck first from a defensive perspective in ordance with the Constitution¡¯s stiption against an aggressor because we were forewarned about China¡¯s n to invade North Korea. How can this be an act of illegal aggression?¡±


    ¡°Korea should refrain from making a misleading statement. What evidence do you have against China that we were attempting to invade North Korea?¡±


    While Korea¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vice-President An Hyo-joon was presenting his opposing statement, China¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director Chin Kang abruptly rose from his seat and shouted, pointing his fingers to the speaker. To this, Vice-President An stood with an air of charisma as he red at Director Chin and retorted in a strong tone.


    ¡°Director Chin, are you truly trying to deny this? What was the reason for the four Army Groups surpassing the size of a Corps to be mobilized and deployed near the Yalu River under the pretense of a ten-day training? The size of the troop itself was over 400,000.¡±


    ¡°China was only training in preparation for North Korea¡¯s state of emergency in ordance with the Chinese¨CNorth Korean Formal Amity.¡±


    ¡°The Chinese¨CNorth Korean Formal Amity? The Republic of Korea and North Korea presented apromise on the North and South federal unification on October 1, 2020, and have formally dered a suspension of the Chinese¨CNorth Korean Formal Amity through a revision of this Formal Amity on October 20. So what treaty outlines a precautionary training? Please stop saying things that even children wouldn¡¯t believe.¡±


    Vice-President An, to rein in his growing anger took his lips away from the microphone and inhaled a few deep breaths before speaking.


    ¡°Members of the Security Council, whom I respect, I only have one question. Should we just watch and let an enemy country attempt to invade our own territory? Or should we take the most optimal response that could counter this? Hence, I present various evidence that China was attempting to invade. That is all.¡±


    Vice-President An returned to his seat after concisely presenting his opposing statement.


    From this, the United States Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vice-President Anpoly Macarin, who was tasked to be the moderator of the meeting, asked the Chinese representative of his opinion on this opposing statement.


    ¡°Will China present an opposing statement to this?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will.¡±


    Director Chin rose to the stand and leered at Vice-President An before he began speaking.


    ¡°Each nation has duties and obligations to protect in the conclusion of a treaty. However, North Korea, a strong ally for tens of years, gave up their duties and obligations to the treaty in one moment. A one-sided destruction of a treaty by one nation disturbs the international order, and we should not ignore such practice. Hence, China could not ept this kind of abrogation of the treaty, and onlymenced the training for an emergency situation to faithfully follow the Chinese?¨CNorth Korean Formal Amity.¡±


    Director Chin examined the general air among the Council members before continuing.


    ¡°Korea intentionally chose a time of 4:00 a.m. for its illegal act of aggression and created an inhumane act of brutality with a casualty of 200,000 deceased as well as 20,000 civilian deaths. Hence, China requests that Korea withdraws its army and issues an apology and war reparations ordingly. If these conditions are not met, we request the UN to send out their troops to the illegal aggressor country, Korea.¡±


    After both Korea and China presented their opposing statements, there was a time for a brief recess before the 15 members of the Security Council voted on the resolutions that China proposed.

 Chapter 94

    <h4>Chapter 94</h4>


    October 29, 2020, 23:50 (CST 22:50), Chinese Central Military Commission Integrated Command Presidential Office in Beijing, China


    Crash~ tter~


    The floor of the Presidential Office arranged in the Central Military Commission Integrated Command Post had truly be a bem. He just received a phone call from Director Chin in New York, and he could not contain his anger from what he¡¯d heard and violently threw the objects on his desk.


    ¡°These American bstards, I knew those bstards would react like this!¡±


    It was a report that the UN Security Council¡¯s permanent members from the U.S., U.K., France, and other western countries, as well as a few nonpermanent members of the Council had voted down his resolution on the China¨CKorea War. Quite literally, China¡¯s resolution was vetoed by the permanent members of the Security Council.


    ¡°There will undoubtedlye a day when they will regret this. I¡¯m not going to just let this slide.¡±


    Still unable to suppress his anger, he ground his teeth, ring at one point in the world map on the wall and breathing heavily while gripping tightly the corner of his desk.


    These past two days had caused China and President Xi, as both head of state and a G2 nation of the world, severe damage to national pride and status. Not only were they ambushed by a small country, Korea, which he assumed could be controlled easily if he wanted to, but the news of sessive defeats of the Chinese army and theplete destruction of the 3rd Armored Division in therge-scale battle six hours ago contributed to this. The news was a big shock enough to make him delirious. Now, the news that the resolution they introduced to the UN had been voted down had shamed him beyond shock.


    ¡°It¡¯s shameful to think that I am the head of state and be in this situation.''¡±


    <hr />


    October 30, 2020, 09:30, Presidential Pce in Pyongyang, North Korea


    In the Presidential Pce in Pyongyang, there has been a conference every day regarding the North and South federal unification agreement. On that day, the Southern representatives Minister Oh Seung-tae and Head of National Security Oh Jang-soo and their party from the Ministry of Unification Policies punctually arrived at the Presidential Pce. They had gathered in the conference room with Northern representative First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong and other high-ranking bureaucrats, who will be elected as vice-ministers of various departments from the central government after the unification.


    ¡°I heard from the Ministry of National Defense that Korea had arge victory even in the armored battle in the Benxi area.¡± ¡±


    The Head of National Security Oh Jang-soo touched on the topic rting to the current China¨CKorea war. To this, First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong replied with a heartyugh.


    ¡°The national defense of South Korea must be much more extraordinary than I thought.¡±


    ¡°Could it be that this was all possible because First Vice-Chairman Kim helped them both materially and spiritually?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®helping¡¯ when we¡¯re heading toward unification? I only did what I was supposed to do. From now on, just name anything. I will support it with all sincerity.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, there was a request from the Ministry of National Defense yesterday regarding the Korean air force using the airfield in Sinuiju.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I understand. Department Head Nah Won-il, contact the person in charge of this and tell them to actively support this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, First Vice-Chairman, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Department Head Nah Won-il, currently elected as the Head of the Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces, replied while bowing his head.


    ¡°Did you hear well what they said?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I will take action immediately after the conference.¡±


    When the response for the request came back immediately, the Head of National Security Oh with a satisfied expression continued speaking tomence the conference.


    ¡°Thank you, First Vice-Chairman Kim. I will then begin the conference by speaking about the major topics on the agenda.¡±


    ¡°Please go ahead.¡±


    The conference about the pending issues of the North¨CSouth federal unification agreement had been continued every day since October 2. It was progressing smoothly even amidst the China¨CKorea War. The first priority, which was the dissolution and reorganization of the People¡¯s Army, was at its concluding stages. The departmental unification was progressing efficiently with various opinions brought forward. Furthermore, the restoration project and infrastructure concerns regarding the North Korean Theater led by the Ministry of Unification Policy had been conducted by several constructionpanies dispatched by North Korea, which recruited the surplus of manpower from dissolved military troops. All these provided security for the lives of the civilians as well as stable infrastructures.


    <hr />


    October 30, 2020, 11:00, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control Situation Room), Yongsan-ku, Seoul


    After the major victory in therge-armored battle yesterday afternoon against China¡¯s 3rd Armored Division, the Joint Command Control Room¡¯s atmosphere was up by a notch. The 3rd Armored Division wasrger in scale than a division size, and winning against the 39th Army Group¡¯s vanguard unit with only the forces of a brigade was highly significant. The winning atmosphere was further upped by a notch at the news of the UN Security Council¡¯s voting down of China¡¯s resolution with sanctions against Korea.


    Chairman of the Joint Staffs Kang Yi-sik, seated at the very center of the conference room, put his tablet PC down on the table after staring at it for a while. The tablet PC had the statistical chart of the battle results between the 60th Armored Brigade and China¡¯s 3rd Armored Division yesterday afternoon.


    ¡°The Chinese army¡¯s armored units¡¯ formations are slightly different than the formation we thought of.¡±


    ¡°Are you speaking about the formation of Chinese antitank missile armored vehicles?¡±


    Director of Operation nning Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon replied to Chairman Kang¡¯s statement.


    ¡°Yes, correct. Seeing the statistical chart, seven of the White Tiger tanks had their armor destroyed by the AFT-10 armored vehicle¡¯s ¡®HJ-10 (Hong Jian-10) antitank missiles here. I wonder if from now on in armored battles, we should strike the antitank missile armored vehicles first.¡±


    ¡°As a matter of fact, the Department of Operation nning has set down an order to revise the manual for the Chinese armored units.¡±


    China¡¯s armored division had a slightly different formation of armored units than Korea or western countries. The biggest difference was that the Chinese armored division put a lot of weight on their armored vehicles equipped with antitank missiles. First, the unit formation was the AFT-10 armored vehicle (caterpir type) battalion equipped with two quad-directionalunchers for HJ-10 (Hong Jian-10) antitank missiles and the armored vehicle (wheel type)pany equipped with two bi-directionalunchers for HJ-9 antitank missiles. Although excluded from this 3rd Armored Division formation, they operated Type 99 multipleuncher vehicle units equipped with two nine-directionalunchers for CM-501G antitank missiles that had a range of 40 km. With a scale this size of antitank missile armored vehicles even excluding the armored tanks, it was an extremely strong force that could go against almost any enemy armored unit.


    ¡°Although I was aware of this, I didn¡¯t know that it would be a formation beyondmon knowledge. From now on, we need to put more focus on China¡¯s antitank missile armored vehicles in armored battles. Send the revised manual immediately to not only the VII Maneuver Corps but also to all units.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Understood.¡±


    ¡°Good. How are the situations regarding the current ¡®Rise of Goguryeo¡¯s fourth stage of the n, the Territory Remation?¡±


    ¡°As of 6:00 a.m. on Friday, we have entered the fourth stage of the n, and currently the VII Maneuver Corps advanced 20 km northwest from the battlefield yesterday and have begun construction for an advanced base.¡±


    ¡°Although VII Maneuver Corps Commander Yang Min-choon will do well on his own, tell him to be especially attentive to ballistic missiles or air attacks after the advanced base construction ispleted.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Understood.¡±


    ¡°Good, since things are going well ording to n so far, begin the invasion n at 2:00 p.m. of Dandong by the 30th Division and of Yanji by the 1st Marine Division.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will disseminate the orders.¡±


    The Joint Armed Forces began the Shenyang invasion n in earnest by assigning the sector 15 km south of Benxi as the VII Maneuver Corps advanced base. Furthermore, the VII Maneuver Corps¡¯ direct unit 17th Aviation Group, the final blow tactic not yet utilized, was ordered to move to the advanced base.


    Finally, the VII Maneuver Corps¡¯ 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Certain Victory) waiting at Sinuiju was recruited and given the order for street battle and Dandong invasion to invade Dandong located close to Sinuiju. Simultaneously, the Joint Attack Fighter Wing, established bybining six aviation battalions from each Attack Fighter Division of the Korean Air Force, was ordered to mobilize from the Sinuiju airfield to earnestly begin securing air superiority in Liaoning and to carry out the bombing order in ordance with the invasion.


    <ul>


    ¡°Rise of Goguryeo¡± n


    </ul>


    Stage 4 (Territory Remation): upation of various Chinese cities


    VII Maneuver Corps to solidify an advanced base in the Benxi area and begin Shenyang upation


    VII Maneuver Corps¡¯ 30th Mechanized Infantry Division to begin upation of Dandong


    st Marine Division to begin upation of Yanji


    Six Automatic Sentry Division to move to current 2nd Corps and 5th Corps sectors and trade duties


    <hr />


    October 30, 2020, 13:00, National Crisis Management Center basement bunker in Seoul, Jongro-ku Blue House


    ¡°Mr. President, how about a brief rest? You will faint from going on like this and not sleeping for two days.¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae spoke carefully with a concerned voice while looking at the President sitting on the Center¡¯s conference room chair.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry. I will rest if I feel tired enough.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s face was full of exhaustion after only sleeping in short intervals for two days.


    ¡°More importantly, are you taking special care of the deceased troops from the two-day battle and their families?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. The bodies of the deceased are currently being transferred to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital, and their families have been contacted to exin the governmental constion, reparation, and procedures.¡±


    ¡°Precious sons are dying in the war because of me. I have done their families wrong. It¡¯s only just begun. How many more from now . . .¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, death during a war is an uncontroble force. It will be difficult if you focus your mind on that.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I provide the uncontroble force?¡±


    ¡°Even so, for now, as the head of this country, it would be better to focus on the victory of the China¨CKorea war rather than be emotion about this.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know. Hahaha. I think I put a burden in your heart again, Chief Secretary. I won¡¯t say such things again, so let¡¯s stop here.¡±


    To change the heavy atmosphere, President Suh forced augh to feign calmness and walked toward the Situation Room after giving a pat on Chief Secretary Na¡¯s shoulder.


    <hr />


    October 30, 2020, 14:00 (CST 13:00), Yalu River region in Dandong, China


    The White Tiger tanks and Hyunmoo armored vehicles of the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division¡¯s 90th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and 91st Mechanized Infantry Brigade headed toward Dandong, stretched along the Yalu River, by crossing the Yalu River which had low water level due to the cold weather. In the sky, 36 AH-64 Longbow Apache introduced by the U.S, was maintaining a line formation. They hovered on alert and protective in case of an unexpected situation. Furthermore, normal specialized vehicles followed the lead tanks and armored vehicles in crossing the bridge that connected Dandong and Sinuiju.


    Although the Chinese people were being evacuated in the downtown area of Dandong, many people have stayed and did not want to leave. A few looked out of their windows at the sound of tanks fast approaching and the resounding sound of helicopters in the sky. Also, there were the White Tiger tanks and Hyunmoo armored vehicles which took the main road to move to the target location while carefully checking their surroundings.


    After reaching their target location about 20 minutester, infantrymen spilled out of thepany-sized Hyunmoo armored vehicle. The infantrymen, all equipped with specialized bulletproof vests and various advanced devices, were in sizes of squads and took up all-around security while moving to the buildings assigned to them beforehand with efficient movement.


    ¡°Squad 1, begin search operation starting with Target 1.¡±


    Squad Commander Sergeant Lee Kyung-chul, who gave his order through the headset embedded in his helmet to the squadmunicationwork, gave various signals with his hands to the assistant squad group as he approached the first building to be searched. When he entered, it was dark inside due to ack of lighting, so he pressed a button on the inside at the right side of his helmet. Then, a protective goggle came down from the inside front of the helmet. He then ordered all the members of the squad.


    ¡°Inverter and infrared ray vitalization vision mode on.¡±


    On the goggle screen that protected the eyes of thebat soldiers, as well as various vision mode functions, the reaction to living organisms was disyed as various heat colors of the civilians and pets living in the building past the wall, and materials potentially harmful to friendly forces such as personal weapons,ponents of gunpowder, or mmable materials, were monitored and seen.


    <ul>


    Scorched rice, 1st floor is clear, move to 2nd floor. Over.


    Rice cooker, confirmed. Rice cooker is moving to the third floor. Over.


    </ul>


    The squad group and assistant squad group continued the search operation of the five-story building bymunicating using the squadmunicationwork. As the squad group was on the third-floor stairs going up, a small warning signal rang in the helmet¡¯s headset.


    Beebeep Beebeep Beebeep~


    Simultaneously with that warning sound, the small screen equipped on the left wrist had two red dots marked. When the location had be visible through the goggles, the goggle screen disyed two figures in red heat colors in the hallway that was connected to the third-floor stairwell across the wall. In their hands, the figures held weapons that seemed like an AK-47. To this, Squad Commander Lee turned to 1st ss Private Oh Nak-hyun and gestured two fingers, then a closed fist with his thumbs up. He then slightly bent his thumb before putting it back up. To this, 1st ss Private Oh took out a stun grenade from the left pocket of his specialized bulletproof vest, removed the safety clip and safety pin, and threw it toward the third-floor hallway.


    Boom!


    A bright sh of light swept the hallway with an explosion that wasn¡¯t very loud. When the two Chinese soldiers, who were hiding by the wall, squirmed in excruciating pain while covering their eyes, the squad group took this opportunity to go up the stairs. They pulled the trigger of their KS2ser rifles upon entering the hallway.


    ZapZapZap~


    The two Chinese soldiers, who were hit byser beams and had holes all over their bodies, fell backward without being able to scream a word.


    <ul>


    Rice cooker, two Chinese soldiers shot dead on the third-floor hallway. Scorched rice, take caution in searching. Over.


    Scorched rice, confirmed. Over.


    </ul>


    Although China¡¯s Central Military Commission gave a rapid evacuation order to civilians and the People¡¯s Liberation Army, it detailed battalion-scale forces in several cities with orders for urbanbat and guerri tactics.


    And so the Korean army officially began their city invasion n, known to be the toughest n in the war, at two in the afternoon. The 30th Mechanized Infantry Division¡¯s two Mechanized Infantry Brigades split up in Dandong to search and scout the buildings in order. Due to the Chinese army¡¯s guerri tactics, sounds of gunshots and explosions continued incessantly throughout the city. However as time went on, due to the high-tech equipment of the armed forces, the Chinese soldiers were either killed helplessly or arrested.

 Chapter 95

    <h4>Chapter 95</h4>


    October 30, 2020, 11:30 (CST 10:30), Dandong City Hall in China


    From the 90th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the 115th Mechanized Infantry Battalion¡¯s 3rd Company wasing down from the six-o¡¯clock direction across the Sino¨CKorean Friendship Bridge and along the Wanxing Road. It approached the entrance of the 18-story Dandong City Hall after passing through the wide za. Infantrymen began to get out of the Hyunmoo armored vehicle. Each toon waited in all-around security. After receiving Company Commander Captain Kim Young-joon¡¯s orders, the three toons, excluding the 1st toon, quickly entered the building and went to their assigned routes to begin their search.


    ¡°First toon Commander?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Company Commander, sir.¡±


    ¡°From here on, shoot anyone you encounter on sight, whether it¡¯s a civilian or anyone else.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After giving that short order to the toon Commander, Captain Kim briefly looked at the mini screen on his left wrist and called someone.


    ¡°First Lieutenant Kang? You cane out now.¡±


    A few momentster, the Headquarters Company¡¯s Troop Information and Education Officer Kang Ki-soo and two Headquarters Company troops who were holding cameras and boxed bags got out of the armored vehicle.


    ¡°When should we start?¡±


    ¡°Wait. The toonmanders will contact us through themunicationswork when they havepleted the search and requisition of the City Hall.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    First Lieutenant Kang, after looking around and giving a short answer, put his arms out to stretch his shoulders once before continuing to speak.


    ¡°Since the Chinese have argendmass, their za is bigger than Seoul¡¯s za.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I agree.¡±


    After about 30 minutes had passed, a report was uploaded from each toon Commander that search and requisition had beenpleted. Although some City Hall bureaucrats tried to resist, the armed troops were able to suppress them easily.


    ¡°I think the City Hall requisition ispleted. Shall we begin?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When Captain Kang gave a hand signal to the Headquarters Company troops who came with him, they put on white gloves and took out arge Korean g out of the boxed bag.


    ¡°You and you, take down all three five-starred gs! I hate the sight of it.¡±


    When the Troop Information and Education officer gave the orders to two toon troops that were on all-around security, they bolted from the line, ran to the gstaff, and took down the five-starred gs.


    ¡°We will begin, sir.¡±


    The Troop Information and Education officer held the camera, then shortly took out an MP3 with a small speaker attached and pressed the y button. Korea¡¯s grand national anthem began to y from the small speaker, and the two members of the Headquarters Company wearing white gloves began slowly hoisting the Korean g high up into the sky in time with the rhythm.


    ¡°...Until that day when the waters of the East Sea run dry and Mount Baekdusan is worn away, God protect and preserve our nation...¡±


    The Troop Information and Education officer turned the camera here and there, careful not to miss a single moment of this historic event as he recorded. When the Korean g reached the gpole finial and the national anthem ended, 3rd Company Commander Captain Kim Young-joon shouted with a loud voice.


    ¡°Company! All attention! Present arms to the g!¡±


    A few tens of thousands of troops were all around securing the area, while the remaining 30 or so soldiers stood rigidly in straight rows and columns facing the Korean g. All gave a salute.


    Thump!


    ¡°Order arms.¡±


    Thump!


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work, Captain Kim, sir.¡±


    ¡°You call this hard work? But this makes me shed tears.¡±


    ¡°I also teared up as I was recording it on camera, sir.¡±


    After First Lieutenant Kang finished his duties, he passed the camera on to the Headquarters Company member and saluted Captain Kim.


    ¡°Salute! Thank you for your hard work, sir. I will be heading back.¡±


    ¡°Salute! Keep up the good work, First Lieutenant Kang.¡±


    After the salute, First Lieutenant Kang and the Headquarters Company members went back to the armored vehicle they rode and headed to the battalion headquarters barracks.


    Truthfully, this event was ordered by the Joint General Staff for warmercial purposes, but Company Commander Kang and Company troops, who were directly involved in hoisting and saluting the Korean g on Chinese territory, were deeply moved. Something deep inside their hearts was stirred. Counting the time, it had been 1,000 years since a Korean g had been hoisted and saluted on this their ancestors¡¯nd. From a historical perspective, it was the first step, after countless years, toe and reim this territory.


    <ul>


    This is the Company Commander. Each toon Commander, make sure to ingrain on the Chinese bureaucrats inside City Hall that this is Korea¡¯s territory now, starting today, before sending them all home. Over.


    </ul>


    On this day, the video of the Korean g being hoisted at China¡¯s Dandong City Hall was broadcast in the evening news not only in North and South Korea but also abroad. Korean citizens who watched this, whether in their homes, the terminal, the waiting room of the train station, pubs, or anywhere where people gathered, embraced each other without hesitation and continuously shouted the words ¡°Reim our territory!¡± jubnt for finding again their ancestors¡¯nd that disappeared in history. Also, ¡°Long live, Korea!¡± shouts were heard as the entire Korean penins was immersed in a festive atmosphere. A group of students created a g of the three-legged crow somehow and waved it while sharing the joy in this festive scene.


    The people of Korea threw a celebration, creating a sentiment of wonder if Korea is indeed a nation in the middle of a war. Thus, they demonstrated that the interior of Korea had no signs of imposition or anxiety of any kind.


    <hr />


    October 30, 2020, 21:00, National Crisis Management Center basement bunker in Jongro-ku Blue House, Seoul


    The TV broadcast showed peopleing out to the streets, continuously shouting, ¡°Reim our territory!¡± and ¡°Long live, Korea!¡± and the many news reporters and cameramen who were tirelessly gathering news materials of this scene.


    ¡°The Joint Staff did a huge event.¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, who was briefly absent earlier that day, spoke with heartyughter while watching the TV with the President.


    ¡°That is true. The citizens being so happy and unified brings me joy too.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, sir, Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae is very worried about you.¡±


    ¡°What is he worried about?¡±


    ¡°Your health, sir. He is quite worried and said you haven¡¯t slept in two days. Since today, you are in a better mood, how about getting some sleep? I will be here and protect this ce.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo waved his hands and asked in return.


    ¡°Will a person get sick from not sleeping for two days? Or will they die? This is fine.¡±


    ¡°The war won¡¯t be over in one or two days, and it has just begun so there is no need to strain yourself. I would be grateful if you listened today, sir.¡±


    As his heart was touched by Minister Kang¡¯s words, which were spoken with a doleful gaze, the President replied, slightly nodding his head.


    ¡°I understand. Then I will rest tonight. So do well, Minister Kang, and I wille back early tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President. It¡¯s all right toe inte, so I hope that you will rest well, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    October 31, 2020, 01:00 (CST 24:00), urban district of Yanji, China


    Yanji, located in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, was Yeongil in the localnguage. Like the Korean Autonomous Prefecture that it is, 250,000 of the city¡¯s 440,000 poption were Korean. The Central Military Commission, concerned about the Koreans¡¯ act of betrayal, deployed the 16th Army Group 8th Infantry Division 55th Brigade¡¯s troops in various parts of the city. Though the Yanji invasion n began at 2:00 p.m., sounds of gunshots and explosions still rang in several parts of the city past midnight. And in Yanji airport, an intense battle was just beginning.


    Ratatatatata~


    In every waiting room floor of the airport, loud gunshot sounds from heavy and light machine guns rang throughout. It seemed as if battalion-size troops andpany firearms were hiding in the airport building and conducting a flooding operation. The marines responding to this was the 1st Marine Division 3rd Marine Brigade 32nd Raid Force Battalion, known as the ¡°ck Bat.¡± The marine¡¯s 6th Company, approaching from the front side of the waiting rooms while dodging the flooding machine-gun bullets, found it difficult to advance due to only a few parked cars that made it difficult to take cover.


    When Sergeant Cho Jae-hwa slightly raised his head above the car to confirm the Chinese army¡¯s movements through the wall using the inverter vision mode, bullets flew in immediately and left several bullet holes on the car roof. Sparks flew, and one bullet from about ten hit his helmet before bouncing off. From this, he quickly ducked his head.


    Ping Ping Tack Pingping~ Tatak tatak tatak


    Sergeant Cho, after rubbing the top of his helmet with his hands, mumbled with a slight grin.


    ¡°Huh? I got hit once on the helmet? This has one hell of a bulletproof ability.¡±


    After taking one long deep breath, he fidgeted with the handle of the newly provided K-200P sma smart-grenadeuncher, and flung his body while pulling the trigger of the grenade gun consecutively.


    Toong! Toong! Toong! Toong! Toong!


    Five bullets of small 30 mm smart grenade were thrown to where the Chinese army¡¯s heavy and light machine guns wereing from. These tore the machine-gun shooter¡¯s limbs along with a loud explosion, turning the shooter into a raglike mess. When Sergeant Chonded on the opposite side vehicle to hide after using all five of his ammunition, 4th toon Commander 1st ss Sergeant An Kang-kyu, who was already there, shook his head and spoke woefully.


    ¡°Do you have to shoot like that?! Just shoot carefully while hiding. You don¡¯t have two lives!¡±


    ¡°toon Commander, sir, shouldn¡¯t the invincible marine corps fight with this caliber? We have to show this level of action to be the invincible marine corps¡ªthe ghostbusters.¡±


    When Sergeant Cho spoke in a feigned serious expression, 1st ss Sergeant An flipped him off.


    At this moment, Company Commander Oh Eun-gil¡¯s voice was heard through thepanymunicationwork.


    <ul>


    This is Chug Boat. Listen, all toon seafoods. From now, the 7th Company will do a blitz advancement from the opposite side. Commence firearm demonstration so they can¡¯t focus on them. Over.


    Squid, roger.


    Baby Octopus, roger.


    Cod, roger.


    Pock, roger.


    </ul>


    At the Company Commander¡¯s orders through thepanymunicationswork, the 6th Company marines, one by one, began getting into position for focused shooting.


    ¡°There is probably no other person like you in our Company, Sergeant Cho. I heard you returned from discharge and volunteered for an extension for this battle?¡±


    ¡°toon Commander, sir. I am an invincible marine corps FM with a burning dedication to serve the country. I also believe that I am a warrior.¡±


    Fearless perhaps because he was young, there wasposure all over the face of confidence-filled Sergeant Cho. After reloading the small 25mm grenade magazine, Sergeant Cho winked once at 1st ss Sergeant An and waited for the Company Commander¡¯s signal.


    ¡°FM my *ss.¡±


    <ul>


    Chug Boat, on my signal, focus fire starting with Pock Weapon toon. Company! All seafoods, fire!


    </ul>


    All at once, the 6th Company marines consecutively fired at the airport waiting rooms with K-200P sma smart grenades and heavy weaponser mini-machine guns. With the addition of about 100 KS2s,ser beams darted from the first to the third floor of the waiting room like a shower. The marbled wall of the waiting room cracked from the coin-sized holesing from everyser shot, and windows shattered, creating a beehive. Sergeant Cho fired his 30 mm smart grenade again at the Chinese army, who hid from the consecutiveser beams inside.


    PewPewPewPew~ PewPewPewPew~


    Ratatatatatata~ Ratatatatata~


    In this exchange of bullets and beams, the Chinese soldiers continued to fall. Parts of the marines were hit from bullets and limped, but they got up again and took cover.


    ¡°This protective suit performance is incredible. Jin-kyung, are you okay?¡±


    Sergeant Cho called out to Corporal Na Jin-kyung in front of him, who copsed from a shower of bullets but sprang back to his feet, and asked him if he was okay.


    Leaning on the half-broken car for cover, Corporal Na turned around and gave a slight thumbs-up while he replied.


    ¡°This is nothing, sir.¡±


    ¡°There are too many pretentious guys in our unit.¡±


    st ss Sergeant An clicked his tongue and spoke woefully when even Corporal Na spoke with a bluff.


    ¡°When this battle is over today, I am going to clearly show you a mental fortitude lesson from hell to the heavens!¡±


    ¡°1st ss Sergeant An, you can¡¯t do that. I didn¡¯t do anything wrong, sir.¡±


    Even in a situation of life or death, the marine troops participated in war while joking with each other. Whether it was from wickedness or guts, the invincible marine corps clearly was not afraid of death if viewed on a positive light. But on the other hand, it could also be seen as ack of military discipline from the Tang Dynasty.


    <ul>


    This is Chug Boat, we are also advancing. Advance in a four-beat formation starting with Squid.


    Squid, roger.


    Baby Octopus, roger.


    Cod, roger.


    Pock, roger.


    </ul>


    Simultaneously with each toon Commander¡¯s reply, they advanced in a charge formation starting with the Squid toon, and the other toons fired at once to cover. After safely reaching the first-floor waiting room entrance, signal name ¡®Squid¡¯ 1st toon divided into squads to disperse to both sides and began their covering fire toward the second-floor stairs. Following them, Baby Octopus toon began running.


    Ratatatatatata~ Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Between the running Baby Octopus 2nd toon, sparks of fire bounced off the concrete ground. A few marine troops were shot with bullets. However, they only limped for a moment and endured the pain while continuing to dart off.


    Patpat! Papapapapat!


    The Chinese soldiers, firing the machine gun blindly, were petrified and spooked.


    ¡°Aaah, what are those Korean marine b*stards? Are they ghosts or zombies?¡±


    The horrified Chinese soldiers, screaming frightfully, fired the machine guns blindly while they writhed in pain.


    They have seen zombies seen in movies. They were grotesque zombies that didn¡¯t fall or die from bullets and continued running to eat them. After today, among the captured Chinese soldiers, there was an absurd rumor that the Korean marines produced zombie troops, and halfway through the war, this rumor spread throughout the Chinese army. They began to show signs of avoiding battles with the marines.


    The reason was that these normal army infantrymen, although they wore full-protective gears and specialized bulletproof vests, don¡¯t fight with the seemingly unreasonable behavior of the marines. The marines, when in battle, fight as if they had tossed their fears to the dogs. They did not spare their bones in any battle, and, thus, when shot, many soldiers sprung back up to their feet like zombies to continue fighting. Thus, even among the marines, they joked about being called the invincible zombie marine corps rather than the invincible marine corps.

 Chapter 96

    <h4>Chapter 96</h4>


    October 31, 2020, 02:00 (China Standard Time, 01:00)


    Yen-Ji Airport, China.


    The strongly resisting Chinese battalion were overpowered and began to dwindle slowly. Only those on the third-floor waiting room were left. During the standoff at the stairway connecting the second and third floors, the marines from the 8th Company, who had reached the rooftop, were preparing to rappel down and infiltrate the third-floor waiting room.


    -The 8th Company on the roof will begin its infiltration after receiving the signal. Companies six and seven will wait for my signal, and then will throw grenades and charge in.


    Battalion Commander Lim Nam-ho¡¯s voice came on themunication line.


    ¡°Battalion march~¡±


    The ¡°ck Bat¡± Marine Battalion was waiting for the final finale. With themander¡¯s signal, the 6th Company¡¯s weapons toon began to fire its KS6ser machine gun. The six other marine groups, who were standing off to the side, threw shbangs and grenades.


    Pew pew pew pew pew ~ pew pew pew~ Boom!!~ Bang! Boom!


    The Chinese Communist Army hid from theser beams pouring into the building. shbangs and grenades flew in before they could even think of fighting back, and, bloodied, they moaned, their hands covering their eyes.


    The 8th Company Marines rappelled in from the rooftop and infiltrated the third floor, firing their KS2ser rifles.


    The Chinesemunist forces that had survived the grenades and fire from the 6th Company Weapon toon tried to point their guns at the marines, but only for a moment before falling down from theser beams fired by the 6th and 7th Company Marines.


    The third-floor waiting room, which rang with the sound of gunfire andser beams, became silent after a few minutes.


    -Third-floor infiltration isplete!


    Captain Oh Eun-gil from the 6th Company, which had taken over the third-floor waiting room, reported this through the radio.


    -Commander, we¡¯ve captured a Chinesemander wearing a Colonel¡¯s rank


    -A Colonel? That means he¡¯s a regimentalmander! Bring him to the first floor.


    -Yes, sir.


    At 2 p.m. the operation to upy the Yen-Ji province began, and after only three hours, the Colonel of the Chinese army was captured, and the airport upation operation officially came to an end. There were areas downtown that still had to be searched, but with the capturing of the Chinese colonel, the Chinesemand system had fallen, and their strength was obviously weakened. The marine division¡¯smand center determined they would be able topletely upy the Yen-jin province by tomorrow.


    And at various locations in Yen-Ji airport, Korean gs were raised.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 07:10


    Yongsan B2 Bunker, Yongsan, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik, who after three days finally got some sleep, started his day with the report that came in from the First Marine Divsiontest night. Then, he checked the contents of the report on the tablet and spoke to Operations Director Kim Yong-hyun.


    ¡°upying a city is difficult, just as we expected. Send the order to secure Dan-Dung and Yen-Ji within the day.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When Chairman Kang Ui-sik checked his watched and saw that he had thirty minutes left before today¡¯s meeting, he said to Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, ¡°Lieutenant General Kim? Did you have breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Haha. I did, with a cup of coffee.¡±


    ¡°My, my. Our wives would take care of us if we went back home after work, but I see you and I have both turned temporarily single. There¡¯s some time left before the meeting, so let¡¯s grab a bite to eat.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, shall we?¡±


    After the war broke out, all the generals and soldiers in the Joint Chiefs of Staff headquarters were provided with lodging and dining in the B2 Bunker whilemanding the war effort. When Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik walked into the generals-only dining hall, many of the generals stood up and saluted him.


    ¡°Ah. You all must be busy eating, so no need to salute... From now on, don¡¯t salute each other while eating.¡±


    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke with a kind expression on his face, and when he sat down, the cook brought out a tray of warm rice and soup.


    ¡°Sir, I hope you enjoy your meal.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Thanks. Today¡¯s soup is my favorite. Miso, huh? Thank you.¡±


    After seeing the bowl of miso soup and four side dishes, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s appetite returned, and he picked up his utensils and began to eat.


    ¡°My my, this is delicious. Isn¡¯t this better than a home-cooked meal?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. Be careful, or your wife will hear, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hey! My man, don¡¯t say such things. Hahaha. Let¡¯s start.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 08:00


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters strategy meeting, which started at 8 o¡¯clock, began with a briefing of the current war situation by Operations Director Kim Yong-hyun. After ten minutes, the briefing was over, and it was time to report the actions of each corps in the field.


    ¡°Thanks to all themanders and soldiers working hard in the field, we are able to hold a meetingfortably in our chairs. When the timees, eachmander here should contact the forces in the field to give them encouragement, identify and meet their needs for supplies, and immediately resolve any difficulties they might have.¡±


    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke out before the meeting moved on to the next topic. ¡°No! Let¡¯s move on to the next topic.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will now receive reports from themanders out in the field.¡±


    When the operations director finished speaking, Commander of the 7th Mobile Corps Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon appeared on therge center screen on the wall.


    ¡°Sir! This is Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon,mander of the 7th Mobile Corps. I will now briefly report on the present conditions and future ns for our forces.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon looked at the prepared documents and began his exnation. ¡°Right now, the 7th Mobile Corps, along with its subordinate forces andmand center, are making an encampment 15 km southwest from the Ben-Xi province. The encampment is 65 km away from Sun-Yang province. The 20th Armored Division, which is our subordinate force, is temporarily stationed 15 km northwest of our advanced base, and the Capital Armored Division, which mobilized immediately yesterday, is now stationed 28 km north of our advanced base.¡±


    ¡°What about the Chinese military¡¯s movements?¡± the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked.


    ¡°Yes, based on the intelligence from the various reconnaissance nes and the Apollo satellite, the 39th Army Group, which is defending Sun-Yang province, has entered Sun-Yang¡¯s downtown to prepare for urban warfare. The 40th Army Group, which had retreated to Xi-Ping, was mobilizing toward Sun-Yang, but they have changed direction and are now headed south along the S106 road, near Tie-Ling.¡±


    ¡°We expect they will attack the Capital Armored Division from its 3 o¡¯clock direction. Also, the 65th Army Group, which has moved from the Beijing area to An-san, seems to be in charge of attacking the 20th Armored Division¡¯s rear, and we have confirmed that they have moved into the Liao-Yang area.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon¡¯s brief report was over, the other screen showed a digital map, which was marked ording to the contents of the report.


    ¡°I knew it. The Chinese took the bait, just like we nned. Three army groups have gathered into one corps... What do you think? Do you think we can secure a victory against three army groups?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We are more than capable of taking them on and annihting them.¡±


    ¡°Good. I like your confidence. But the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will not leave the mobile divisions to fight alone. We will do everything within our power to provide necessary aid, so please fight well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Thank you!¡±


    ¡°Now what¡¯s the status of the second rear attacking force, the 5th Corps?¡±


    When Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-sik asked about the present condition of the 5th Corps, the 5th Corps¡¯mander appeared on the screen.


    ¡°Sir! This is Lieutenant General Go Yeon-soo,mander of the 5th Corps.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I heard you¡¯re hard at work.¡±


    Lieutenant General Go Yeon-soo, who was a typical manly man, stood to attention and saluted the chairman before beginning his exnation.


    ¡°All the subordinate divisions and forces under the 5th Corps have finished handing over sentry duties to the three divisions under the 11th Corps, and started mobilizing at 5:00 p.m. The 3rd Division has passed Tung-Hwa and billeted in Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County. Right now, they are preparing to mobilize toward Sun-Yang. The 6th Mechanized Infantry Division is stationed 35 km Northwest of the Dong-Feng area. The 8th Mechanized Infantry Division is stationed 25 km south of the Tung-Hwa area, and is concentrating its efforts to upy Tung-Hwa.¡±


    ¡°When can the 3rd Division back up the Capital Armored Division?¡± the operations director asked.


    ¡°Based on their position and speed, by noon today they will reach a position to back up the Capital Armored Division.¡±


    Concerned, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said worriedly, ¡°I understand. There are probably many Chinese troops in the Liao-Ning Prince area that we haven¡¯t detected yet. The 1st Army Command and the reconnaissance satellite will provide as much scouting intel as possible, but check the area with the drones and be careful of ambushes.¡±


    Themander of the 1st Army, General Choi Jin-gook, who was listening from the sidelines, interrupted the conversation. ¡°Hahaha. Lieutenant Go Yeon-soo will make sure things go smoothly. No need to worry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, do you think I underestimate Lieutenant General Go Yeon-soo? Just think of it as an old man¡¯s excessive worrying.¡±


    ¡°Of course not, sir. I will heed your words and march on without any issues.¡±


    ¡°Good. Carry on.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Up next is the present status of the second corps,¡± the operations director said, and the 2nd Corps¡¯mander appeared on the screen.


    ¡°Sir! This is Lieutenant General Yoo Gil-won,mander of the 2nd Corps.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yoo Gil-won, who was quite handsome, considering he was a soldier, saluted.


    ¡°Good work out there, General Yoo.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. I will begin the report. The 2nd Corps has also handed off sentry duty and is making its march. The 27th Light Armored Mountain Division is 15 km South of the He-Long province, and the 15th Light Armored Mountain Division is now stationed 11 km South of the Fu-Song area. Lastly, the 7th Armored Division has moved 18 km Southwest of the Bai-Shan area and is preparing for upation.¡±


    [In early 2020, the Ministry of National Defense founded the 5th Army Sentry Command (a.k.a: shield force), which used the K-1000 Haetae auto sentry robots for sentry purposes, and stationed them as subordinate forces for two corps. The 11th Corps was given three auto sentry divisions, and the 12th Corps


    also had three of them organized under their corps.


    Each division would operate 432 of the K-1000 Haetae auto sentry robots and ce them at a distance of 100 m to 500 m, depending on the required distance. When six divisions were deployed, then sentry duty could bepleted from a distance of 200 km to 1,296 km, maximum, with just the auto sentry robots.


    Currently, all the divisions were unable to deploy all of their 432 sentry robots, but the number they had was more than enough to perform sentry duty across the border that connected the Ap-rok and Du-man river.]


    Twenty minutester, the Joint Chief of Staff headquarters briefing room finished receiving reports from the Navy and Air force and restarted the meeting to discuss improvements and changes that needed to be made to operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo¡± for the final time. After thirty minutes, the meeting came to its end.


    ¡°Everyone, the northern expedition to the three north-eastern provinces has begun. For the first three days of the war we only had to pay attention to the 7th Mobile Corps, and we¡¯ve done well, but now we have more than nine northern expedition forces, and sentry and search missions have be critical. I would like eachmander to keep this in mind. We are now granting the division-level authority to use the reconnaissance satellites, so if thendscape seems dangerous and suspicious, use the satellite before starting operations. Let¡¯s now bring this meeting to a close.¡±


    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had made his closing statements, stood up from his seat and called over the operations director.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°How much has been checked so far?¡±


    Operations Director Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won came close and answered quietly, ¡°It¡¯s at around 50%.¡±


    ¡°50%... We still have a long way to go. We can rx once it reaches 80%.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware as well, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then keep an eye on it and immediately report back to me when it reaches 80%.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who carefully and quietly exchanged words with the operations director, left the meeting room, and the other generals followed suit.

 Chapter 97

    <h4>Chapter 97</h4>


    October 31, 2020 10:00 (China Standard Time, 09:00)


    The 60th Armored Brigade Encampment, 15 km southwest of Ben-Xi province, China.


    On the night of the 29th, the 60th Armored Brigade made its encampment in arge field 15 km southwest of the Ben-Xi province. The field, which would host thergest armored battle in the world¡¯s history, seemed quiet and majestic that morning.


    The 60th Armored Division, the only force that had seenbat, was busy supplying munitions and performing maintenance work on the tanks and armored vehicles. The 26th Armored Battalion in particr had seen three battles in the span of two days, so it needed to make more repairs than the others. The day was as sweet as honey, despite the maintenance work they had to do. And the asional cannon fire from the Chinese artillery, of course.


    ¡°Hmm hmm...¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek must have been in a good mood, because he was humming to himself while painting a white scull on the cannon of the K-3 White Tiger tank.


    ¡°Sergeant Oh, sir?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you really that happy?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you? We¡¯ve tied for first ce in the battalion. Twenty-three tanks and ten armored vehicles. If our attack had been head-on instead of from the nk, we could¡¯ve taken down more.¡±


    While the sergeant was using his artistic skills to paint each skull mark, the artillery raid-siren suddenly rang again.


    ¡°Those d*mn Chinese! I still have a few left!¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Oh, sir, please get inside. Hurry.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek threw the brush into the paint can and then climbed into the tank.


    From the moment the Korean forces encamped here, the Chinese infantry and forces taking cover in the mountains would asionally fire mortars and cannons. When they did, the artillery brigade would detect the attack with the anti-artillery radars and strike them down with its K-30 Flying Tiger A2. Then, it would retaliate with cannon fire of its own. But the Chinese forces were like roaches; they kept attacking, no matter how many they killed.


    Through the data link from the brigade¡¯s anti-artillery radar, the K-30 Flying Tiger A2 armored vehicle near the 712th tank detected the shells flying toward them, then started firing both of its 12mmser Vulcan beams toward the southwestern sky.


    Pewruuuuu! Pewruuuuuu!


    Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi and Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo thought it was a good moment to rest their eyes, but Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek checked the anti-air monitor. In the northwestern sky, beams of light could be seen. The division¡¯s artillery brigade at the south rear must have been retaliating against the cannon fire, because sounds of cannons rang through the air.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 13:00


    Deep in China¡¯s East Sea, N 31¡ã 80¡ä E 124¡ã 50.¡¯


    Lee Bong-chang, the 230-ss (SSP-081) submarine belonging to the Maritime Task Floti Seven, had gone silent 150 m under the East Sea and, like an assassin, was waiting for its target.


    The Lee Bong-chang submarine (SSP-081) was a 600t-ss submarine powered by a Hoc system underwater sma engine. It was secretly developed in 2018 and officially deployed in the middle of 2020. The Lee Bong-chang, along with six identical submarines, had been moving covertly a week before the war broke out.


    The Hoc submarines under the 11th Submarine Fleet had two missions. First, to perform reconnaissance on the Chinese navy¡¯s submarines and destroyers, and second, to protect regr Korean ships from the Chinese navy. Consequently, three submarines were deployed to Taiwan¡¯s East Sea territory, while four 230-ss submarines were deployed to the West Philippine Sea (South Chinese sea), which was out of Posiden 2¡¯s detection range.


    The crew of the Lee Bong-chang, who had sailed silently at 82 m deep, 50 km southwest, for three days, were spending another boring day in the vessel, with nothing to do. Captain Na Won-hyun was also bored, and spent time looking at the picture of his family on the tablet PC.


    ¡°Detecting two Chinese submarines.¡±


    The voice of the sonar operator dispelled the crew¡¯s boredom and brought life back into the submarine.


    The captain put down the tablet PC and responded immediately. ¡°Location and direction?¡±


    ¡°They are 225 km and 221 km northeast from the Ning-Bo navy base and 135km and 139km away from our vessel. Both are silently sailing east at a speed of 20 knots. I¡¯ll put the scan on the screen.¡±


    The Hoc submarines¡¯ SUSL Hypersonic radar, which was considered the Aegis destroyer under the sea, faintly detected the Chinese submarines. A small object with a depth of 70 m was marked with a red dot on a 3D digital map disyed on therge screen in the center of the submarine¡¯smand center.


    When the map narrowed in on the submarine¡¯s silent sailing route, it showed a Korean oil tanker from Oh-Jin Industries sailing along the Sengaku archipgo connected to Japan¡¯s maind.


    The Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081), which received the data link about the Korean ship from the Navy¡¯smand headquarters, immediately understood the Chinese submarine¡¯s intentions.


    ¡°Those b*stards! Are they going to try blowing up an oil tanker? Has the type of submarine been determined?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, sir,¡± the sonar operator said. ¡°We¡¯ll be able to determine its type when we¡¯re 100 km away from it.¡±


    Themunications operator took off his headset and shouted, ¡°We¡¯ve received radio contact from the Ham Suk-hun ship. They¡¯re requesting to target the Chinese submarines.¡±


    ¡°This is our area, so tell them we¡¯ll take care of both of the submarines.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll head there first and wait for them. 1-0-0 halfway turn port-side! Diving angle 35 and full speed until we reach depth 150!¡±


    ¡°Halfway turn port-side 1-0-0! Diving angle 35, and depth 150. Full speed ahead!¡±


    After lurking in the deep, dark sea for three days, the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) finally fired up its underwater sma engines. The submarine gradually turned port-side, then descended deeper into the ocean while increasing its speed and maintaining a diving angle of 35 degrees.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 14:30


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    At 2:00 p.m., the divisions under the 2nd and 5th Corps all reported to the Joint Command Center that they had started their urban upation operations, and because of this, themand center was as busy as a hotcake stand on fire.


    On the screen was round-the-clock footage that the Apollo reconnaissance satellite gathered from each corps¡¯ unmanned reconnaissance drone, and 30 minutes after the upation battles began, things were going smoothly, as nned.


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik, who was seated at the center of the Joint Command Center, had his gaze fixed on the digital map on the third screen to the left instead of the footage of the various urban upation battles.


    The map showed the vast fields in Ben-Xi and Sun-Yang, where the 7th Mobile Armored Corps was located. Arge-scale armored battle was soon to take ce between Korea and China. The battle was expected to be thergest one since World War II, and all of the chairman¡¯s attention was directed there.


    ¡°Where is the 3rd Division now?¡± he asked the operations director, Kim Yong-hyun.


    ¡°If you look at the map, they are currently standing by 19 km southwest of Sun-Yang.¡±


    ¡°The Capital Armored Division and the 3rd Division won¡¯t have any trouble facing the 40th Army Group, but I¡¯m worried about the 20th Division. The 65th Army Group, which ising in from the 20th Division¡¯s rear, is apletely organized army group that hasn¡¯t sustained any losses, and what if the armored and mechanized infantry brigades from the 39th Army Group join in?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, sir. That¡¯s why the 7th Mobile Corps will have its aviation brigade go all-in on the 20th Armored Division.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is a good n.


    Notify everyone that the time for the operation is 4:00 p.m., and tell the air force at the Sun-an airport in Pyeong yang to make sure we obtainmand of the air.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    The great Man-ju armored vehicle battle.


    October 31, 2020, 15:00


    East Chinese Sea territory N 31¡ã 10¡ä E 125¡ã 30,¡¯ undersea.


    The Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) submarine, which had already arrived and was waiting at the Chinese submarine¡¯s route, had finished identifying the Chinese submarine.


    The Chinese submarine was the Song-ss submarine under the Eastern Naval Fleet. The Chinese had developed it based on their experiences modifying an old Type-035 Ming Soviet Romeo-ss submarine.


    Initially, the submarine was criticized for making too much noise, so China went on to develop the modified 039G and 039A. The two Chinese submarines that wereing near the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) were the modified 039G Song-ss SS320 and SS321 diesel submarines.


    The two Chinese submarines were approaching at a top speed of 22 knots, maintaining a distance of 3,000 from each other, not knowing that the 6,000t-ss Hoc submarine, Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081), was waiting for them.


    ¡°The SS320 and SS321 have passed by the decoy at a distance of 25 km and 22 km.¡±


    Captain Na Won-hyun had sent in the A-1 decoy 30 km west to fool the Chinese submarines, which were passing by it as nned.


    ¡°When the SS321 is 5 km away, activate the A-1 decoy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    With only its SUSL sonar active, the Hoc submarine waited for the Chinese submarine to be 5 km from the A-1 decoy.


    A momentter, the voice of the sonar operator filled the headmand center.


    ¡°The SS321 Chinese submarine is now within 5 km of the decoy.¡±


    After the sonar operator¡¯s report, Captain Na Won-hyung continued giving orders.


    ¡°Activate A-1 decoy.¡±


    ¡°Activating A-1 decoy.¡±


    As the operator gave his answer, the A-1 decoy began to emit the engine sounds of a Korean submarine. For a split second, the Chinese submarines must have panicked at the sound of a Korean submarineing from their rear, because one opened its rear torpedounchpad, while the other changed its dive angle to make a quick descent into the sea.


    ¡°SS321 opened itsunch pads. The SS320 is diving quickly at an angle of 30 degrees. The Chinese submarines are 22 km and 25 km away.¡±


    ¡°Good! Openunch tubes for White Shark A (K-744) 1 and 2.¡±


    ¡°Openingunch tubes for White Shark A 1 and 2!¡±


    ¡°Have one target the SS320 and the other target SS321.¡±


    ¡°Setting targets. Complete!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    The weapons operator repeated the order and fired two rounds of the White Shark A supercavitating rocket torpedoes.


    * White Shark A mid-ranged torpedo:


    The 533mm mid-ranged torpedo, the White Shark, was developed in 2003. The Olympus Baseter modified it by equipping it with an underwater sma engine, turning it into a supercavitating rocket torpedo that was capable of traveling at the speed of Mach 0.8. It had a diameter of 483 mm, length of 4 m, weight of 800 kg, range of 50 km, and a speed of 524 knots.


    The two Song-ss submarines, which were blundering around after the sudden noise of Korean submarines approaching their rear, noticed the existence of the torpedoes that the Lee Bong-chang submarine (SSP-081) had fired only when the torpedoes were 5 km away.


    The SS320 must not have had the time to retaliate against the supercavitating White Shark A torpedo, because it rapidly turned to starboard and released decoys. It even used self-propelled decoy Nixie to escape the shadow of death. But it was useless to use the decoy, because the White Shark A was not an active detection torpedo, and the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) had used its supersonic radar to lock on the target. A momentter, the first supercavitating White Shark A torpedo hit the rear of the SS320 submarine, and a ripple came from an explosion 100 m deep.


    ¡°SS320 has been hit and sunk! We can hear a loud explosion. The SS321 is five seconds away from impact.¡±


    The SS321 submarine fired two rounds of 533mm Yu-4 torpedoes at the A-1 decoy before realizing that its torpedoes¡¯ range was too short. It sharply turned itself portside and tried to leave the area.


    However, a few seconds after the SS320 exploded, the SS321 also exploded, and turned into floating wreckage on the East Chinese Sea.


    ¡°We have seeded in sinking the SS321 as well.¡±


    ¡°Scan the surrounding area again, and we¡¯ll sail promptly back to our original position.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Scanning the surrounding area.¡±


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 16:00 (China Standard Time, 15:00)


    The 60th Armored Brigade Encampment, 15 km southwest of Ben-xi Province, China.


    The hundred or so K-3 White Tiger tanks stationed at the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s Encampment all started their engines, the sound reverberating like an actual white tiger¡¯s roar, and prepared to mobilize. They were headed to strike the core of their final target, Sun-Yang.


    ¡°From the 26th Armored Battalion, we start mobilizing to the first gathering point.¡±


    The determined voice of the Brigade Commander came on the brigade¡¯smunication line. The 26th Armored Battalion of the 60th Armored Brigade took the lead, and arge-scaled armored battle was about to begin and make history.


    The 60th and 61st Armored Brigades and the 62nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade¡¯s armored tanks and vehicles all began to gather in a line at the first gathering point. The sight of hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles all moving while maintaining position was truly something to behold.


    In addition, the artillery units that had finished their maintenance at the division and corps encampments raised their cannons high to the sky, ready to fire immediately upon request. The 17th Aviation Brigade¡¯s never-before-seen attack choppers were also standing by, fully armed.


    The 65th Army Group, which would counter the 20th Armored Division, had the 1st Armored Division at the lead, while the mechanized infantry divisions and vehicle infantry divisions mobilized to form a broad line, raising a cloud of dust.


    The 39th Army Group¡¯s armored brigade and two mechanized infantry divisions, which had briefly moved into Sun-Yang, blocked the path into Sun-Yang.

 Chapter 98

    <h4>Chapter 98</h4>


    October 31, 2020, 16:20 (China Standard Time, 15:20)


    Great ins 47 km southwest of China¡¯s Sun-Yang province.


    The armored tanks from the 60th and 61st Armored Brigades, including the 26th Mechanized Infantry Division¡¯s 31st Armored Battalion, kicked up clouds of dust as they moved in formation for the attack. From the 31st Armored Battalion¡¯s rear, the Flying Tiger and Sky Horse armored vehicles in charge of anti-air operations were following them while maintaining distance. Meanwhile, the Chinese 65th Army Group also had its 1st Armored Division as its lead, and many of its subordinate divisions and brigades were maintaining formation with numerous anti-tank missiles and armored vehicles. They were moving in a formation that would allow them to attack at any moment.


    Vrooom~ Vroooo~


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-ju, the cannon operator for the 712 tank from the 26th Armored Battalion, which was on the move, looked through the scope of the cannon and then said to the tankmander, ¡°Ah! I¡¯m getting nervous, Sergeant First ss Oh, sir.¡±


    The performance of the Korean tanks could not bepared to that of the Chinese tanks, but the number of Chinese tanks and armored vehicles seen through the scope was a couple times more than that of the 20th Armored Division, so the man couldn¡¯t help that he was nervous.


    712 Tank Commander Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, who was full of confidence in any situation, showed his white teeth and answered in aposed tone. ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim, no need to fear. All they have is numbers! They¡¯re all just hunks of scrap metal, are they not?¡±


    ¡°Sir, but look. They almost seem to cover the entire area, don¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°My god! Worrying must be one of your better traits. Hey! Staff Sergeant Kim and Corporal Yeom, you two just follow my lead, all right? Let¡¯s take first ce in the brigade! Hahaha.¡±


    In the Man-ju great ins, which were to be the stage of the sh between the Korean and Chinese forces, there were many viges settled within the area.


    Therefore, there was a chance that many civilians would be hurt if the troops weren¡¯t focused on anything else but the battle. The brigademander and brigadier general, Kim Joo-myung, ryed the rules of engagement through the brigademunication line.


    ¡°This is the brigademander. The Chinese tanks will try to conceal and take cover using the viges inside the battlefield. Therefore, damages to the civilian viges are unavoidable. Do not suffer any losses due to worries about hurting the civilians. In this battle, we put maintaining our fighting power above the civilians. Keep this in mind, and try to fight the battle carefully and with all you¡¯ve got. That is all!¡±


    Because of the brigademander¡¯s instructions, all the tankmanders who were worried about being punished by the superior officers for damaging the civilian viges all let go of their worries and were able to enter the battle without any concerns. In truth, murdering civilians or damaging an enemy nation¡¯s property during war isrgely considered hical, and there have been cases of criticism or rebuke for those sorts of things before.


    For this reason, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had given the order to enter the battle as faithfully as possible without worrying about such matters. Because of this, themanders could ease their burden and enter into battle. Soon, the distance between their tanks and the Chinese tanks was closing in to 12 km.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim! Did you hear the brigadiermander?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°We fire as much as we want.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Vroooom~ Vrooooo~


    On the southern great ins of Sun-Yang, the 65th Army Group¡¯s 1st Armored Division, which showed the potential of breaking Korea¡¯s center formation, was on the left side of Korea¡¯s 26th Armored Battalion, while the 107th Armored Brigade was on its right, moving in formation. The 26th Mechanized Infantry Brigade also followed the 26th Armored Battalion as its backup, with the 31st Armored Battalion following behind them.


    A few kilometers behind were the Flying Tiger and Sky Horse armored vehicles, which were in charge of anti-air operations and were operating their anti-air and anti-artillery radars. Including the vehicles from the 65th Army Group, the number of armored vehicles and tanks would be close to 3,000. In the eastern ins of Sun-Yang, 4,000 or so tanks and armored vehicles were also about to sh.


    A momentter, when the distance between the two groups was within 12 km, at the Corps Commander¡¯s order, the 7th Mobile Corps rained down cannon fire from the thirteen artillery battalions at the rear. The sound of cannons shook the skies andnd, and echoed throughout the great ins. With the grotesque sound of the hundreds of shells and rockets piercing the sky, flying toward the Chinese army¡¯s rear, the Man-jurge-scale armored battle, or the battle of Man-ju, which would go down in Northeast Asian history, began.


    First, the 670th MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) battalions directly under the corps fired the K-137 200mm Firedrakes. The MLRS vehicle¡¯s 32-roundunchpad spewed out a storm of white smoke, and numerous 200mm rockets flew into the sky. The rockets had a range of 80 km, and they contained 40 anti-tank bombs, which had the capacity to shred all the armored tanks and vehicles inside an area twice the size of a football field.


    Consecutively, the 661st, 662nd, and 663rd Artillery Battalions all fired their K-9A1 lightning mobile guns, and the 758th Artillery Battalion¡¯s MLRS K270A1 Cheon-mu also fired its rounds at the enemy, as if to boast its power. Then, the artillery battalions all quietly waited for the Chinese army¡¯s anti-artillery attack.


    Boom~ Boom~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    Booo~ Booom~ Wooosh~ Boom~


    Boom! Boom! Boom!~


    The targets of the 7th Mobile Corps Artillery Battalions were the 65th Army Group¡¯s 1st Armored Division¡¯s subordinate force that operated the MLRS CM-501G 122mm anti-tank missile forces, the armored vehicle force equipped with HJ-9 anti-tank missiles, and the armored vehicle force that had the AFT-10 anti-tank missiles.


    Based on what had happened in the previous battle, the 7th Mobile Corps was ordered to strike the Chinese army¡¯s anti-tank missiles and armored vehicle forces first. Therefore, the 7th Mobile Corps and its subordinate artillery battalions had set the 65th Army Group¡¯s anti-tank missile armored vehicle forces as there first target.


    Hundreds of rounds flew past the heads of the 20th Armored Division and hit the rear of China¡¯s 65th Armored Division.


    Boom~ Boooooo~ Booom! Bang! Bang!


    Within a wide radius of a few kilometers, the continuously falling shells, along with the bombs falling from the multi-purpose rockets, engulfed the hundred or so armored vehicles in mes, effectively destroying them. Pirs of dirt and shrapnel began to rise from all directions. The battle had barely begun, and already many lives were lost in the numerous explosions. The homes of civilians also copsed from the of shells, and they also began to burn in the inferno.


    ¡°60th Armored Brigade! Mobilize at top speed and begin the battle at maximum firing range.¡±


    Under the 60th Brigade Commander¡¯s Orders, the four armored tank battalions all mobilized at top speed and began to charge toward the Chinese 1st Armored Division. The White Tiger tanks, which had a range of 10 km, all pointed their guns toward the Chinese tanks 12 km away.


    The tanks that could be seen through themander¡¯s scope were the Type-96 MBT (88C) tanks, which were the main type of tank used by the Chinese armored forces. The Type-96 were improved Type-85 and Type-85III tanks, which were third-generation tanks. Butpared to Korean tanks, the Type-96 tanks had capabilities that were only midway between that of the K1 and K1A1 tanks.


    When the Korean tanks were 11 km away from the Chinese tanks, the artillery rm rang in all tanks from the 60th Armored Brigade.


    Beep~ Beep~ Beep~ Beep~ Beep~


    ¡°Yeom, speed up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 60th Armored Brigade White Tiger tanks increased to maximum speed, trying to evade the Chinese artillery shells¡¯ impact area. The Flying Tiger a few kilometers behind them spewed 12mmser Vulcan beams into the sky.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew~


    Boom~ Boo Boo Boom~


    Like a firework disy, the skies above the great ins were filled with explosions. Some of the shells that made it past the Flying Tiger¡¯s fire began to fall near the White Tiger tanks¡¯ vicinity.


    Woosh~ Boom~ Booom~


    The armored tank forces that had received a rain of fire from each other before they could even begin their battle gradually began to close the distance between them and the White Tiger tanks to 10 km. When they did so, the White Tiger tanks began to spit out photon rounds from its cannon.


    Pew~ Pew~


    The 712 tank also weaved through the dirt pirs rising in all directions and fired its photon cannon at the first target.


    Pew~


    Bang!!!!!


    The distance of the target was at around 9.8 km, but the photon cannon round traveled near the speed of light and hit the Type-96 Chinese tank, destroying its armored ting. However, when the 712 tank turned its cannon to another target, a shock wave sent a pir of dirt rising up in front of them.


    Boom~


    The 155mm high-explosive round from the Chinese mobile artillery had fallen in front of them. The shrapnel and the dirt kicked up from the explosive engulfed the 712 tank and hindered its visuals.


    The 712 tank¡¯smander, Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, was slightly shaken and responded angrily. ¡°God d*mn! Those Chinese bastards. Staff Sergeant Kim! Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! We blow up the second target.¡±


    ¡°Roger that.¡±


    The 712 tank passed by the hole in the ground and fired its photon cannon at the second target.


    Pew~ Boom!!


    ¡°Third target at 9500. Fire!¡±


    ¡°Roger.¡±


    Pew!


    Boom boom!


    Some of the White Tiger tanks, which were quickly advancing across the great ins and firing their photon cannons, were hit and damaged by the Chinese high explosive rounds. Unluckily, the rounds hit the rear of the turret, which was where the tank¡¯s ting was weakest.


    Amidst the fierce battle, the Chinese artillery suddenly stopped. The Korean army¡¯s artillery battalions started to attack the Chinese artillery with anti-artillery rounds, and the Chinese forces had to retreat from their position, so they didn¡¯t fire any more rounds.


    The distance had closed to 8 km now, and the Chinese Type-96 tanks under the Korean tanks¡¯ photon cannon fire all began to detonate smoke bombs and make evasive maneuvers, using the viges as cover.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020 16:40


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik was checking the battle in Sun-Yang Province in real-time.


    ¡°They are fighting well. No issues so far.¡±


    The footage, which was being sent in from the unmanned stealth drone C-10 falcon eye, 20 km above the surface, was like a movie.


    ¡°How much damage did we inflict on the anti-tank missile armored vehicle forces?¡±


    The Tactical Intelligence Director typed on the keyboard and answered immediately. ¡°We¡¯ve destroyed about 40% of them, sir.¡±


    ¡°40%... That¡¯s not enough.¡±


    ¡°The Corps and Division artillery have all transitioned into firing anti-artillery rounds at the Chinese artillery, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director, who was watching the screen next to him, said ¡°Yes, that¡¯s important too... What about the 17th Aviation Brigade?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are flying low over the mountains in the south side to strike the 65th Army Group¡¯smand centers.¡±


    ¡°I see. Since things are going as nned, let¡¯s check the Capital Armored Division¡¯s side, too...¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Tactical Intelligence Director! Change the footage on the screen to the battlefield of the Capital Armored Division,¡± the operations director ordered.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the tactical intelligence director said, and changed the screen to footage of the battle between the Capital Armored Division and the Chinese 3rd Armored Division.


    ,000 or so tanks had gone into the main part of the battle 20 km east of the Sun-Yang province. The scene was chaos itself. The tanks from both sides had closed their distance to 2 km, and their cannons were pointed at each other, with photon rounds and cannon rounds flying across at one another. It had only been 40 minutes since the start of the battle, but 400 tanks were already in mes.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 16:50 (China Standard Time, 15:50)


    40 km Southwest of Sun-Yang Province, China.


    The distance between the front lines closed to 3 km, and now the Chinese Type-96 tanks all began to fire their cannons as well.


    Boom~ Boom~ Woosh~


    The rounds targeting the White Tiger tanks either missed ornded in the ground. The White Tiger tanks spat out photon rounds in retaliation.


    -2 o¡¯clock behind the vige, eight enemy tanks are hiding. 1st toon will take them on.


    When the order from thepanymander came via thepanymunication line, Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek from the 712 tank spoke. ¡°Yeom~ move towards the rear of the vige at our 2 o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    Just when the 712 tanks turned around to advance toward the vige 3 km away, the Laser Warning System¡¯s rm started to ring.


    Beep ~~~


    Sergeant First ss, who determined the location, immediately shouted, ¡°9 o¡¯clock! Distance 2200! Fire at target 1 immediately!¡±


    The turret sight, which would move automatically while targeting, showed an enemy Type-96 tank.


    With animal-like instincts, the 712 tank fired its photon cannon immediately, but the enemy tank also fired a round emitting mes.


    Woosh~ Boom~


    Bang! Boom!


    The Chinese tank had its turret blown off from the 712 tank¡¯s photon round, and the tank exploded internally. The shock wave hit the side of the 712 tank.


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek must have been worried about the shock wave that hit their White Tiger tank¡¯s side, because he asked, ¡°Were we hit?¡±


    ¡°It seems we got hit on our tracks, but we can still move without any issues.¡±


    ¡°Oh god. I was shaken... Anyways, that¡¯s a relief. Let¡¯s move!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

 Chapter 99

    <h4>Chapter 99</h4>


    October 31, 2020 16:55 (China Standard Time, 15:55)


    A small vige 39 km from Sun-Yang Province, China.


    As the 1st toon bypassed the vige, the eight Chinese tanks that were taking cover all pointed their cannons at them and fired.


    Boom~ Boom~ Boom~ Boom~


    Woo~Woosh~


    However, the White Tiger¡¯s powerful active SECM jamming system disrupted the Chinese tanks¡¯ aim, and the shells missed their target. The White Tiger tanks then retaliated by firing their photon cannons at the Chinese tanks.


    Pew~ pew~ pew~ pew~


    The photon rounds flew between the cannon rounds and pierced the front tes of the Chinese tanks, and when the photon particles expanded, an explosion tore off the tanks¡¯ main turrets. The other three Chinese tanks, whose turrets weren¡¯t blown off, were all engulfed in ck and red mes, and showed no sign of movement.


    ¡°Good, target 2 is moving to the rear! Distance 1800, fire!¡±


    After the 712 tankmander gave the order to fire, the photon cannon spat out mes and hit its target, which was trying to increase its distance between itself and the 712 tank by moving to the rear.


    In less than a minute after they met the Korean tanks, the eight Chinese tanks that had taken cover were a grotesque heap of wreckage in the rice fields.


    -This is the toonmander from tank 711. We have defeated eight enemy tanks that had taken cover! Over!


    -This is thepanymander. 1st toon will continue its frontal breakthrough mission. Over!¡±


    -Tank 721, understood. Over.


    After sessfully destroying the eight enemy tanks, the 1st toon continued to move toward the horde of Chinese tanks moving like locusts, when the Laser Warning Receiver, which detectedser-targeting of missiles, rang out.


    Beep. Beep. Beep. Beeeeep.


    The location of theser output was from the small vige of twenty or so houses that they had just passed. Then, the urgent voice of the toonmander from the 711 tank rang through themunication line.


    -From the rear at 7 o¡¯clock! Detecting anti-tank rounds! Deploy smoke bombs!


    At the 1st toon Leader¡¯smand, the four White Tiger tanks all deployed two multi-area wavelength smoke bombs, but the eight HJ-9C anti-tank missiles targeting the rear of the tanks all rose to the sky, spitting out white smoke, then fell toward the first toon.


    Boom! Click! Booom~ Bang! Boom!


    The rear of the 714 White Tiger tank, which was closest to the vige, caught fire, and the engine exploded. The 713 tank was also hit. Its cannon fell down, and the tank spewed ck smoke and showed no further movement.


    The 712 tank received a strong shock wave from the rear, but it didn¡¯t suffer any damages. Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek bit his lower lip and turned his scope toward the source of theser signal.


    ¡°We should have checked the viges first,¡± he said, but the regret came toote.


    The toonmander from the 711 tank urgently shouted on the toonmunication line again.


    -Each tankmander, report on damages.


    -Tank 712. In the clear. Firing back. Over.


    -Tank 713. Unable to advance! Targeting mechanism damaged, cannon operator staff sergeant lightly injured, Over.


    The report from the tankmander of 714 did note in.


    -Tank 714? Report your damages!


    -D*mn! Please! Tank 714, answer me, d*mmit!


    Despite the desperate call from the 711 tank¡¯s toon leader, no answer came from the 714 tank. The tank¡¯s engine had been hit three times, and all three crew members aboard the 714 died in the explosion.


    Before this battle, the Chinese 65th Army Group had figured out that the Korean tanks¡¯ ting was stronger than expected, and they had set an ambush with anti-tank toons. This tactic wasn¡¯t suited for arge-scale armored battled, but it was working right now. The Chinese soldiers equipped with thetest HJ-9C anti-tank missiles left theirunch position to find a new one.


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-take seemed to have lost his temper at the death of hisrades, because he shouted, ¡°Those bastards. Yeom! Turn our tank toward the vige! Staff Sergeant Kim, when we set a target, keep firing!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander!¡±


    The 712 tank swiftly did a 180 degree turn from its position, then sped toward the vige, its cannons spitting out photon rounds. The 711 tank maneuvered to cover the 712 tank¡¯s rear and prepared to fight against the tanksing from their front.


    Pew~ Pew~ Pew~ Pew~


    The photon cannon kept firing so as not to give the Chinese anti-tank toon soldiers a chance to fire back, and the run-down houses in the vige all copsed or became engulfed in mes.


    Pew~ pew~


    Booboom~ Boom. Bang bang! Wooosh~


    Tankmander of the 712 tank, Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, checked every corner of the vige with his sight in both infrared and inverter mode while the tank moved toward the vige.


    Among the ming houses, the Chinese soldiers, who were equipped with anti-tank rounds, showed up as moving red colors on the screen.


    There were sixteen soldiers, eight teams in total.


    ¡°This means they¡¯re all equipped with anti-tank rounds and are waiting to ambush us near the viges. This is going to be bothersome.¡± Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek muttered to himself as he looked through his sight, then targeted the Chinese anti-tank toon soldiers, who were moving covertly in teams of two.


    Then, he gave Staff Sergeant Kim the order to fire. ¡°11 o¡¯clock, distance 2000. Fire targets 1, 2 and 3 in order!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When two Chinese soldiers, who were crouching behind the wall, came into Staff Sergeant Kim¡¯s aiming point, he fired the cannon.


    Pew~ Boom!


    The photon round flew in a straight line, pierced the wall, and exploded.


    The anti-tank toon soldiers melted and vaporized immediately, while the second photon round blew up the house with the Chinese soldiers inside.


    While the turret was turning around to face its third target, one HJ-9C anti-tank missile flew toward them in a downward trajectory.


    The HJ-9C anti-tank missile was a Fire And Forget missile that could be fired and left behind afterunch, and it was able to use the TOP attack and FAF attack methods at the same time. This missile was an exact replica of the FGM-148 Javelin. Afterunch, the two anti-tank toon soldiers started to run in the opposite direction.


    Woosh.


    The anti-tank missile rose into the sky, then flew down, aiming for the top of the 712 tank¡¯s turret.


    Boom!


    Fortunately, the 712 tank¡¯s powerful active SECM jamming system and evasive maneuvers caused the missile to fall next to the tank. Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek used the remote control to aim the 12mm Vulcanser beams at the fleeing Chinese soldiers, then pulled the trigger.


    pew pew pew pew. pew pew pew pew.


    The six-beamed Vulcanser gun spun mercilessly, firing its beams along the path of the Chinese soldiers. The two soldiers were hit by theser and were shredded into pieces by the powerful 12mm Vulcan beams. Blood sttered everywhere.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill all these sons of b*tches!¡± Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek shouted his rage, his face pressed up against the sight, then fired the 12mmser Vulcan beam at any human shape without checking if they were civilians or soldiers.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 17:10 (China Standard Time, 16:10)


    Mountain valley 18 km south of Raoyang Province, China.


    Sixteen FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers took off from the 7th Mobile Corps headquarters encampment and were now flying low along the mountain valley. Their mission was to hit themand headquarters of the 65th Army Group.


    The stealth-type Korean attack chopper, the Peregrine Falcon, began development in 2017 and went into production inte 2019. It was officially deployed to the field for army aviation forces in early 2020. Early development of the chopper started withbining the advantages of an attack chopper and a ground attack aircraft.


    Therefore, it was equipped with radar capabilities, stealth technology, weaponry, and two sma turbo engines with rotors that would fold up when the craft was moving at turbo speed, and it could reach a speed of Mach 1. This was a new concept attack chopper.


    The sixteen FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers equipped with two K-PSB sma cluster bombs and sixteen multi-purpose S-ALAM 60 ck Dragon missiles, which could strike both air and surface, flew through the mountain pass. When they did so, they all folded their rotors, thrust forward with their turbo engines to reach the speed of Mach 1, and flew toward the 65th Army Group¡¯smand headquarters.


    -Alpha! Alpha! 11,000 away from the target. We¡¯ll now split and head to our allotted targets. Over.


    -Bravo, Roger.


    -Charlie, Roger.


    -Delta, Roger.


    Under the flight battalionmander¡¯s orders, the sixteen Peregrine Falcon attack choppers split into four groups and headed in the direction of their targets.


    Woooosh~


    A few minutester, the alpha team of the Peregrine Flight Wing passed through the Chinese army¡¯s anti-air radar, but only after they had infiltrated the Chinese army¡¯s headquarters did its anti-air forces fire HQ-6 surface-to-air missiles as a response. The Peregrine Falcon¡¯s active powerful SECM jamming system allowed them to slip past the Chinese anti-air radar, and made it difficult for


    the Chinese to target them.


    The four Peregrine Falcon choppers from Team Alpha lowered their altitude and transitioned into rotor flight. They were the first to gift each of the anti-air radar bases the K-PSB cluster bomb before entering into battle.


    -Alpha wing, engage offense. Over!


    -Alpha 2, Roger.


    -Alpha 3, Roger.


    -Alpha 4, Roger.


    The frightening K-PSB sma cluster bombs devastated the Chinese anti-air radar base and rendered it useless. The alpha team then began their main attack against the Chinese army¡¯s headquarters. The various subordinate forces, tanks, and armored vehicles in charge of defending the headquarters were annihted by the S-ALAM 60 ck Dragon missiles.


    Beep, beep, beep.


    When the radars, the eyes of the anti-air radar system, were damaged by the K-PSB sma cluster bombs, rendering their anti-air missiles useless, the Chinese soldiers picked up the portable QW-18B anti-aircraft weapon and began to fire missiles toward the Peregrine Falcons.


    -Alpha 1, mudunch! Launch! Launch! Mudspike 12 o¡¯clock! QW-18B.


    -Flight wing. All music on! Break turn!


    -Alpha 2, Alpha 3, Alpha 4, Roger.


    After the alpha leader warned of the anti-air weaponunch, the Peregrine Falcon choppers all released chaffs and res and made never-before-seen evasive maneuvers to slip past the QW-18B anti-air missiles. The Peregrine Falcon choppers descended in order to retaliate by spraying 30mmser Vulcan beams.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    When the stream of light hit the vehicles and light-armored vehicles on the ground, they exploded, and the Chinese soldiers were caught unawares and torn into bits.


    Beep beep beep.


    The alpha team leader received the radar scan from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite and confirmed that eight bogeys were flying their way at a distance of 100 km. The exact model of the bogeys was unknown, but it had to be a J-20 or J-30 fighter jet. The flight leader of the alpha team ordered a retreat.


    -Alpha 1, detecting eight bogeys from the west point, distance 110. Alpha Team, egress immediately at top speed! Over.


    -Alpha 2, Roger.


    -Alpha 3, Roger.


    -Alpha 4, Roger.


    Although the attack choppers were of thetest model, they wouldn¡¯t be able to engage inbat with the fighter jets with only their 30mmser Vulcan beams. The flight wing raised altitude and then used its sma turbo engines to retreat toward the rear of the battlefield.


    The Peregrine Falcon choppers damaged the battlefield so severely that there were hardly any survivors, and most of themanders, including themander of the 65th Army Group Lieutenant General Liu Tung, either died or sustained injuries.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 17:30


    North Korean skies 25 km Northwest of Shin Ui-ju.


    The Phoenix Flight Wing from the 8th Fighter Wing was urgently deployed from the Pyeong yang Soon-An base. It flew in a fingertip formation at supercruise and headed toward the An-San area in China, where their mission was to attack the J-20 Chinese stealth fighter jets that had been deployed from the Jinhzhou air force base.


    The Chinese J-20 stealth fighters were unaware of this. All of their attention was directed toward the choppers that had attacked the 65th Army Group¡¯s headquarters, and they were speeding toward them.


    Meanwhile, at Mach 8 speed, Colonel Hong Soo-young, themander of the Phoenix Flight Wing, which had just passed the Shin Ui-ju skies, spoke on thems.


    -Raison, Westpoint, 8 J-20 fighter jets, distance 210 check!


    -Bell flower root, Copy that.


    -88, Copy that.


    -This, Copy that.


    They would soone within range to use their S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake mid-ranged missiles, which were equipped to each KF-21P Phoenix jet.


    A few secondster, the flight wing reached a distance of 200 km, and the flight leader gave the order.


    -Enter battle positions! Go box line Everest from the current altitude! Standby with one Rattlesnake missile for each target.


    The Phoenix Flight Wing slowed down and changed from its fingertip formation into the horizontal line Everest formation. When they got into position, the flight leader gave themand tounch.


    -Raison, flight wing fire Rattlesnakes!


    -Bell flower root, Fox Three!


    -88, Fox Three!


    -This, Fox Three!


    -Raison, Fox Three!


    The Rattlesnake missilesunched from each internal weaponsunch pad, emitting blue mes as they flew toward the An-San province at frightening speed.

 Chapter 100

    <h4>Chapter 100</h4>


    October 31, 2020, 17:30 (China Standard Time, 16:30)


    Skies above the Pan-Jin Province, China.


    Beep, beep, beep, beep.


    The Hong-ku J-20 fighter jet Flight Wing¡¯s RWR (radar warning receiver) rm started to ring as the jets flew through the skies above the Pan-Jin Province. The Hong-ku flight leader checked the radar monitor, but nothing showed up on the screen. The KJ-2000 air-radar didn¡¯t detect anything, either.


    -Launch! Launch! Launch! Arms!


    The Hong-ku flight leader swore as he ordered his two flight wings to make evasive maneuvers.


    -Hong-ku 1, Hong-ku Flight Wing, Lo Hong-du Flight Wing, music on and emergency break turn!


    The eight J-20 stealth fighter jets all sprayed chaffs and res, then scattered in all directions to make evasive maneuvers.


    Wooosh~ Bang! Boom! Bang!


    The three J-20 stealth fighter jets were hit by the Rattlesnake missiles flying at Mach 8, and blew up in the sky, causing fragments to fly in all directions. The flight leader of the Hong-ku Flight Wing was the only one who seeded in evading the missiles. However, his relief at surviving was short-lived, because the RWR rm began ringing again.


    Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.


    ¡°What are the KJ-2000 doing? Idiots!¡±


    When the J-20 stealth fighter jets were first deployed to the field, China imed they rivaled America¡¯s F-22 jets, and paraded them to Western nations. However, in battle, the jets showed limitations in their anti-air radar, which was equivalent to that of a 4th-generation fighter. In fact, if the J-20 stealth fighter jets were fighting against another country other than Korea, they wouldn¡¯t have suffered such a crushing defeat.


    -Hong-ku 1, abort and egress.


    The Hong-ku flight leader felt the fear of fighting against an invisible enemy and ordered and ryed the retreat. The Lo Hon-du flight leader agreed with his opinion, not wanting to lose his life in a hopeless battle.


    -Lo Hong-du 1, abort and immelmann turn! Egress burner on go.


    The RWR rm of the five J-20 stealth fighter jets kept ringing as they turned around using the immelmann evasive turn, and then used their burners to head back to the Jinhzhou air force base.


    Ten secondster, however, a missile hit the Hong-ku flight leader¡¯s engine, causing a fire to erupt in the cockpit and the jet to explode. The four Lo Hong-du Flight Wing jets were also hit by the Phoenix jets¡¯ Rattlesnake missiles and met the same fate.


    Unable toplete their mission, the eight J-20 stealth fighter jets could only wait in fear before being blow up in the air.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 17:40 (China Standard Time, 16:40)


    39 km from Sun-Yang Province, China.


    The 711 and 712 tanks were fighting fiercely against the Chinese tanks advancing towards them in order to protect the 713 tank, which had be immobile.


    Woosh~ Woooooo~ Boom, bang!


    Pew~ pew~


    While under fire, the 712 tank had already destroyed seventeen tanks in their fight against the Chinese Type-96 tanks, which had closed the distance to 800.


    The 712 tank¡¯smander and cannon operator were all busy marking targets and firing away.


    From the rear of the Type-96 tanks, at 3 km away, the AFT-10 anti-tank (Hongchun-10) armored vehicle showed up and fired two rounds of HJ-10 anti-tank missiles from its four-rocketunch system. The AFT-10 anti-tank was from the anti-tank armored forces that had survived the Korean artillery¡¯s cannon fire.


    The HJ-10 anti-tank missile, which rivaled the 10 km range of America¡¯s AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile, drew a trajectory across the sky with white smoke and flew toward the 1st toon. The 1st White Tiger Tank toon¡¯s anti-tank missile rm had already begun ringing, but they didn¡¯t have enough time to react.


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, themander of the 712 tank, gave Staff Sergeant Kim Young-ju themand of the photon cannon, then fired the five remaining ck Dragon missiles to retaliate against the AFT-10 anti-tank missiles. Simultaneously firing the photon cannon andunching the ck Dragon missiles was the best way they could retaliate.


    Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!


    The three ck Dragon missiles flew off from the 712 tank¡¯sunchpad while emitting blue mes, while one of the HJ-10 anti-tank missiles fired by the AFT-10 armored vehicle fell near the White Tiger tank, causing arge explosion.


    Boom!


    One of the two HJ-10 anti-tank missiles fell near the White Tiger tank, while the other directly hit its cockpit, causing the tank to shake from the impact.


    Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi¡¯s screams rang through the headsets. Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, who had grabbed the safety handles in shock, called for Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi via the headset.


    ¡°What the? Corproal Yeom, are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°No, no sir. I just hit my head on the upper hatch because of the shock and identally screamed.¡±


    ¡°D*mn it, you scared me! We have no problems mobilizing, right?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sir. We have no issues apart from our 12 o¡¯clock camera being damaged.¡±


    ¡°The 12 o¡¯clock camera? Doesn¡¯t that make it difficult to maneuver?¡±


    ¡°No, I need to see the field myself while I drive. I drove a ck Panther tank when I was a private. No need to worry, sir.¡±


    They were outnumbered, and because the 713 tank was immobile, they were unable to retreat. Suddenly, however, the sound of photo cannons firing rang out from their left side. It was from the 26th Armored Battalion¡¯s 7th Company.


    ¡°All right! Ourpany finally came to give us backup. Yeom, let¡¯s move forward! Let¡¯s stir them up from the front!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We¡¯re moving now.¡±


    The 7th Company, which had been battling the 21st Armored Battalion from China¡¯s 1st Armored Division, had swiftly turned around to back up the 1st toon.


    -Tank 712, engaging in battle further ahead. Over!


    -711, Roger that. Over!


    With the other tanks from the 7th Company, the 712 tank charged forward toward enemy lines.


    ¡°Let¡¯s defile them with the White Tiger¡¯s high-speed maneuvers! Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir!¡¯


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo and Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi confidently answered Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek.


    Vroooooooo.


    The 712 tank pierced through the forty Chinese tanks¡¯ formation and used its high-speed maneuverability and evasive movements while repeatedly firing its photon cannon.


    Boom! Boom!


    Since the battle was being fought at such a close distance, there were a lot more shells flying than before, but the 712 tank didn¡¯t seem to mind. It destroyed the Chinese tanks and armored vehicles.


    Thousands of tanks and armored vehicles engaged in a battle on Sun-Yang¡¯s southern great ins, turning the ins into a graveyard. As time passed, the battle became more fierce, but with the 26th Armored Battalion as the lead, the 60th and 61st Armored Brigades charged through the center of China¡¯s 1st Armored Division with its superior defensive capabilities and turned the tide of the battle, despite being outnumbered.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 18:00 (China Standard Time, 17:00)


    The 70th Artillery Battalion, 31 km southwest of Bun-Xi, China.


    ¡°Deviation angle! Six, one, hundred, angle ofunch! Five, two, zero, DP-ICM round withpound fuses!¡±


    The third cannonmander in the Bravo Artillery Unit from the 20th Armored Division¡¯s 70th Artillery Battalion checked the specsing from the FDP and gave the order. The six K-9A1 Lightning cannons, which were in a W-shaped formation, were reloaded and fired at once under the orders of each cannonmander.


    Boom~ woosh~ boom~ woosh~


    At the start of the battle, the 7th Mobile Corps and the 65th Army Group artillery were ying a game of hide-and-seek, firing anti-artillery rounds at each other and then moving their positions to fire again. However, the Korean artillery¡¯s superior movement and positioning speed, faster detection ofunch sources, and superior firepower, gave them the edge. The Chinese artillery¡¯s attack started to dwindle, and the Korean armored forces were able to free themselves from the artillery attacks.


    In addition, the other artillery units from the 7th Mobile Corps, including the 70th Artillery Battalion, imputed the coordinates that were transmitted in real time and focused on target firing and repeated firing. But due to their continuous firing, each artillery battalion ran out of the ammunition they brought with them, and had to receive ammunition from the K-70T armored ammunition transport vehicle.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 18:20


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    The screens in the Joint Command Center showed the movie-like footage of the battle in the Sun-Yang province, and thergest screens showed a digital map marked with the position of each force, along with various organized information and stats.


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik had received the report that thirty minutes ago the sixteen Peregrine Falcons from the 171st Aviation Brigade had annihted the 65th Army Group¡¯smand center, and he was now stroking his beard, which had grown from not shaving for four days. Operations Director Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun spoke to the chairman, who was watching the screen.


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun organized the report from the 7th Mobile Corps and briefed the chairman on its contents. ¡°Now that the battle has gone into the night, we¡¯ll have the advantage. Soon, the 171st Aviation Brigade will move at high-speed to strike the 39th Army Group¡¯s armored brigade. The 61st and 62nd Mechanized Infantry Brigades will take on the 65th Army Group¡¯s mechanized infantry divisions, while the 60th Armored Brigade will march toward the Sun-Yang area.¡±


    ¡°If we push up to the Sun-Yang province, then there¡¯s a high chance the Chinese air force will retaliate, right? What will our response be?¡±


    ¡°At Sun-an base there are six KF-21P Phoenix fighter jet flight wings and six KA-11P Phoenix ground attack jets standing by to take off. If they¡¯re deployed, then the Southern and Eastern fronts will each be aided by three flight wings.¡±


    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff looked at the operations director, then asked the intelligence director beside him a question. ¡°What¡¯s the status on the Chinese ballistic missile bases?¡±


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff had already predicted it would be possible that China would begin ballistic missile attacks if Sun-Yang fell. Therefore, because they had expected the Apollo reconnaissance satellite would be shot down, they had thirty Falconeye unmanned stealth reconnaissance drones fly 20 km above the surface.


    ¡°There have been no movements forunch at the Chinese ballistic missile bases, but 45% of the vehicle ballistic missile forces, which makes up 60% of the total Chinese missile forces, have not been identified, so it¡¯s too early to judge.¡±


    ¡°Of course, the vehicleunched missiles will be a problem, as we expected, so keep a close watch on them too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°The only thing we can trust is the tactical strike satellite Zeus. Tell the Zeusmand center to be prepared for ballistic missileunches.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the operation director answered.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 18:50 (China Standard Time, 17:50)


    30 km Southwest of Sun-Yang Province, China.


    Night fell three hours after the battle began on Sun-Yang¡¯s southern great ins, and the darkness gave the Korean forces an enormous advantage. The Korean forces¡¯ optical visual equipment allowed them to see their surroundings as bright as day. Using this advantage, the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s battalions broke through the Chinese forces¡¯ center formation and handed off the scattering mission to the 107th Armored Battalion. Then, the 26th and 32nd Battalions turned toward the Sun-Yang area to strike the 39th Army Group¡¯sst defensive line, which was made up of mechanized infantry divisions and armored brigades.


    The 172nd Aviation Brigade¡¯s sixteen FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers were moving through the sky at high speeds. Their targets were the 39th Army Group¡¯s armored brigades and mechanized infantry divisions.


    Woosh, Woosh,


    The sixteen Peregrine Falcons, neither jets nor helicopters but something in between, roared over the 26th Armored Battalion¡¯s heads. When the 39th Army Group¡¯s defensive line could be seen from 9 km away, the flight leader of the Peregrine Falcons gave the order via thems line.


    -Tango 1, change to helicopter mode!


    -Waltz 1, Roger.


    -Blues 1, Roger.


    -Samba 1, Roger.


    The Peregrine Falcon chopper flight wing all began to move their rotors to change back to helicopter mode, and then began to move when the order came again from the flight leader.


    -Tango 1, target distance 9000, line Everest! Engage offense, over!


    -Waltz 1, Roger.


    -Blues 1, Roger.


    -Samba 1, Roger.


    -Tango 1, Go!


    Dudududududududududududu


    The sixteen Peregrine Falcon attack choppers moved in a horizontal formation, their bodies pointing forward, as they approached the 39th Army Group¡¯s armored brigades and mechanized infantry divisions. Then, they fired their ck Dragon missiles. On the ground, the 26th and 32nd Armored Battalions also moved slowly, and began their attack to break through thest line of defense in Sun-Yang.

 Chapter 101

    <h4>Chapter 101</h4>


    October 31, 2020, 19:00 (China Standard Time, 18:00)


    25 km Southwest from Sun-Yang province, China.


    The Peregrine falcon choppers all moved in a horizontal formation while the sounds of their rotors rang out. The sixty S-ALAM ck Dragon missiles equipped on the wings of the Peregrine Falcon choppers all flew towards the 39th Army Group¡¯s armored brigade Type-99G tanks. The dozens of ck Dragon missiles flew at a fast speed of Mach 6 in a straight line and then blew up all the Chinese tanks in order.


    The 39th Army Group¡¯s headquarters ordered the camouged PLAGF anti-air forces to strike down the choppers. The HQ-16B surface-to-air missiles, which had a range of 70 km, flew toward the sixteen Peregrine Falcon attack choppers.


    Woosh~ woosh~ woosh~


    Beep. Beep. Beep.


    The radar¡¯s target lock-on rm rang out in the cockpits of the Peregrine Falcon choppers. The flight leader gave the warning and ordered the use of the active SECM jamming system and evasive maneuvers.


    -Launch,unch,unch. Each flight wing, music on, and make evasive maneuvers!


    The sixteen Peregrine Falcon choppers all emitted jamming signals, chaffs, and res as they made evasive maneuvers. The Peregrine Falcon choppers, which were neither jets nor choppers, either evaded the HQ-16B missiles before they could reach them, or used powerful jamming signals to cause the missiles to blow up prematurely.


    Meanwhile, the 6th Alpha Artillery Unit from the 7th Mobile Corps detected the HQ-16B missile¡¯sunch point and began tounch thirty-six 120km-ranged 270mm sma cluster bombs from the 12-rocketunch pads on their MRLS K270A1 armored vehicles.


    Booooom~ Boom~


    The thirty-six rounds of the sma cluster missiles spat out ck smoke and noise, shaking the ground and sky, and all fell toward the 39th Army Group¡¯s PLAGF forces, which were making their second attack.


    The sma cluster bombs were exploding everywhere in the sky, and they scattered across an area a couple of timesrger than a football field. The missiles turned the area into an inferno that engulfed the PLAGF anti-air force¡¯s HQ-16B missile forces, radar forces, and targeting radar forces. The area was filled with the smell of gunpowder.


    The Peregrine Falcon attack choppers¡¯ attacks allowed the 7th Mobile Corps to locate the Chinese army¡¯s point ofunch. Its artillery forces were then able to attack the Chinese anti-air forces and stop the attacks against the Peregrine Falcon choppers.


    As a result, the Peregrine Falcon attack choppers were able to avoid the danger of the surface-to-air missile attacks. They continued the attack until they ran out of all of their ck Dragon missiles, along with the sma packs for their 30mmser Vulcan guns. When the order to retreat came from the flight leader, the thirteen who were not shot down all turned around to return to base.


    Woosh~ Vrooooo~


    On the ground were China¡¯stest Type-99G tanks, which had been turned into scrap from the Peregrine Falcon choppers¡¯ attacks. From the wreckage, the 26th and 32nd Armored Battalions emerged. The White Tiger tanks continued to fire their photon cannons at what was left of the Chinese tanks.


    Woosh, Boom!


    The turret of the Chinese tank that was firing shells at the 712 tank exploded after being struck by a photon cannon round.


    ¡°All right! Next target. Target number 4, distance 880, ready!¡±


    ¡°Commander, we only have one round left. We need to change our photon cannon pack, sir.¡±


    ¡°Already?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we have only one shot left.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Woosh, boom!


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek spoke after confirming target 4 was shot down. ¡°You see the broken-down tank at our 3 o¡¯clock? We¡¯re going to take cover there for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After ordering Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi, Sergeat ss Oh Young-taek fired a smoke bomb, which blew up 4 m in the sky, billowing smoke.


    ¡°What power pack are we on?¡± Sergeant First ss Oh Young-take asked Staff Sergeant Kim Young-ju while they were taking cover and resting for a moment.


    ¡°This is thest photon pack, sir.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve already fired 200 rounds?¡±


    ¡°Commander! It¡¯s been three hours since we started battling,¡± Staff Sergeant Kim Young-ju answered, and swiftly pulled out the used photon pack by opening the loading mechanism. Then, he pulled out a new photon pack in the shape of a pir, 10 cm in diameter and 60 cm in length, loaded it in the cannon, and then closed it with a lever. Finally, he checked the cannon operator monitor, which showed the newly loaded photon pack¡¯s power level and number of rounds.


    ¡°Power pack reloaded! Charge at 100%, with only 50 rounds left, sir.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek gave the order to move when he heard the power pack had been reced. ¡°Let¡¯s get moving again! Head to our 1 o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Vroooooooo.


    The crew of the 712 tank were exhausted in both spirit and body from the battle, which hadsted three hours so far, but since this battle could determine the oue of the war, all of the soldiers, including those in the 712 tank, fought with all they had.


    An hourter, the anti-artillery fire, air-raids, and the White Tiger tanks¡¯ attacks all overwhelmed the Chinese forces and broke down theirst line of defense in Sun-Yang. On Sun-Yang¡¯s eastern front, the Capital Armored Division and the 3rd Armored Division had defeated the 40th Army Group, which had deployed its reserve forces to half its numbers, and pushed 8 km more toward Sun-Yang.


    The Chinese military¡¯s attempt to strike down Korea¡¯s leading force with a siege had failed, so they chose another strategy, one which the Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff had predicted. The Chinese mobilized its fighter jets and deployed them.


    Due to what happened with the jets that had been attacked by unknown enemies, some of the Chinese military¡¯s air forces had not deployed their jets.


    They opposed the deployment, iming a proper analysis of the Korean jets should be done first, but Vice President Kan Kuichou cited his authority and pushed forward.


    First, China would conceal the sic KJ-2000 early air radars in their encampments and would operate their YJ-26B mobile stealth fighter jet radars to maximize their detection of the Korean jets. Then, they would deploy four J-20 stealth fighter jet battalions, three J-30 stealth fighter jet battalions, and two J-11 jet battalions for ground attacks, for a total of 64 jets. A grand total of 176 jets would be deployed to the battlefield.


    The nine fighter jet battalions that took off from Jinhzhou, Fu-Xin, and Chao-Yang airbases all increased their speed to Mach 1 and moved toward Sun-Yang. In response, the Korean air force sent out six KF-21P Phoenix Fighter jet flight wings that were standing by at Sun-an air force base, while the KA-11P Phoenix ground attack jet waited to be deployed.


    <hr />


    October 31, 2020, 20:20


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    Due to the tactical intelligence operator¡¯s shouting, themander center wasn¡¯t quiet for even a moment.


    While the Sun-Yang armored battle was going on, in China¡¯s Liao-Ning province area the 2nd and 5th Corps¡¯ subordinate divisions were conducting an upation operation in the urban areas, just like the 1st Marine Division did in the Mu-Ju province. To start their upation, the Korean forces were entering their targeted cities and taking over the governmental buildings and public institutions.


    ¡°Forty-eight J-20 jets and sixty-four J-11 jets from Jinzhou, and thirty J-30 jets each from Fu-Xin and Chao-Yang bases, have taken off to Sun-Yang¡¯s skies! They are currently in a tight formation at N 41¡ä 22 mins, E 122¡ä 25 mins.


    The tactical intelligence operator reported the information gathered from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite and the early air-radars.


    Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-sik stood up from his seat, crossed his arms, and asked the air forcemunications operator, ¡°As we¡¯ve expected, what¡¯s the status of our air force¡¯s response?¡±


    ¡°From the Sun-an base, twenty-four Phoenix fighter jets have just taken off and have moved toward the Sun-Yang area, while the Phoenix ground attacker jets are standing by for take off.¡±


    On therge center screen, the hundred or so Chinese jets moving toward the Sun-Yang area showed up as red dots, and the Korean jets that took off from Sun-an base showed up as blue dots moving across the Shin Ui-ju sky.


    ¡°This is thergest crisis of the fourth phase of our operation,¡± Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik thought. Fatigued from not being able to sleep for more than three hours at a time, he rubbed the back of his neck, turned around, and gave the order to the operations director. ¡°If we are to seize the chance of victory in the air, we must give the order the Phoenix ground attacker jets to take off immediately. It¡¯s time to deliver the final blow!¡±


    ¡°I will send out the order, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    October 31, 2020, 20:25


    The skies 10 km Northwest from Shin Ui-ju, North Korea.


    While maintaining a diamond formation, the KF-21P fighter jets moved at high speed toward the Chinese jets, which were moving at Mach 1.2. The KF-21P jets had all received radar detection data from the E-737 early air radar, Peace Eye 1, and the Apollo 1 reconnaissance satellite in real-time, and were preparing for the first major air battle.


    Wooooooosh~


    The 103rd Fighter Wing Battalion¡¯smander, Lt.Colonel Ahn Hyung-il, gave his six flight wings the order via the radio.


    -Hummingbird, westpoint, 48 J-20 jets, distance 230 check! Flight wing line Everest!


    -Raison, Copy that.


    -Sonata, Copy that


    -Lowkick, Copy that


    -Whiskey, Copy that


    -ck pink, Copy that


    Each flight leader responded and transitioned into a horizontal formation, then waited for additional orders.


    -Hummingbird, enter battle positions! Standby with a Cobra missile for each target.


    An internal weapons hatch at the bottom center of each of the twenty-four Phoenix jets opened, and the S-AAM-500 Cobra, a long-range air-to-air missile, emerged.


    -Fire Cobra missiles!


    When the flight battalionmander gave the order, each flight wing shouted ¡°Fox three¡± and pressed theunch button. The 500km-range long-range air-to-air Cobra missile detached from the Phoenix jets and then flew past the pilots¡¯ line of sight.


    Due to the powerful sma rockets, the Cobra missiles reached a speed of Mach 20 within five seconds and flew toward their targets like a stream of light.


    In a short time of 36 seconds, the Cobra missiles hit 100% of their targets 250 km away and vaporized the twenty-four J-20 fighter jets in the air. The pilots of the J-20 stealth fighter jets were attacked before their LWR rms could even be heard. The other hundred or so Chinese jets all made evasive maneuvers and desperately waited for the early-air radars and the YJ-26B radars on the ground to detect the enemy nes.

 Chapter 102

    <h4>Chapter 102</h4>


    October 31, 2020, 20:25


    Skies 10 km northwest of Shin Ui-ju, North Korea.


    Despite the desperate wishes of the Chinese forces, the Chinese early air radars and ground YJ-26B radar did not detect any movement.


    When they first heard about the tale of theirrades dying suddenly from an invisible enemy, the Chinese pilots couldn¡¯t understand why, but their heads went nk when they found themselves the subject of that very same tale.


    ¡°Do they expect us to just die? Give us some kind of information! Any kind of information!¡±


    st Brigade Commander Hong Kai-chang from the 1st Fighter Wing shouted on themunication line to the KJ-2000 early air radar forces. However, the KJ-2000 early air radar forces were also dumbfounded. They tried to increase the output of their own AESA radar to attempt detection, but they couldn¡¯t scan anything resembling the Korean air force¡¯s fighter jets.


    The Central Military Commission had ordered the early air radar forces to approach the Jizhou and Fu-Xin province area despite the danger. The order would have seemed preposterous if not for the fact that the early air radars were useless in their current position. Therefore, two out of the six air radar jets were escorted by the J-20 stealth fighter jets and headed toward the Jinzhou and Fu-Xin area.


    Woosh~ Woooooooo


    The long-range missile attacks from the Korean Phoenix jets continued. At five million dors per round, the missiles were the most expensive in the world, but they proved they were worth the price when the Chinese jets were vaporized in the air.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 20:30 (China Standard Time, 19:30)


    Chinese Central Military Commission Joint Command Center.


    The faces of the Chinese militarymanders and the Joint Command Center staff were grim. Two days ago, they heard the news about the annihtion of the three armored divisions from the 39th Army Group, and the destruction of the 65th Army Group¡¯s headquarters by Korean chopper attacks. Thest line of defense in Sun-Yang was about to fall.


    When the first strategy of defending the area first and then surrounding the enemy failed, the Chinese military had deployed arge number of fighter jets in the attempt to destroy Korea¡¯s 7th Mobile Corps. However, based on the current situation, their secondary strategy also seemed to be a failure. After the war broke out, there had been battles between the unknown Korean jets a few times, and their own forces were helpless against them, but the Chinese military had not dreamed arge number of their jets would be destroyed.


    ¡°As I have reported before, we are still unaware of the Korean jets¡¯ capabilities and identity, sir. If we keep this up, we could lose all the jets we have deployed, and that kind of loss could cause significant issues for our future strategies. Vice-President Kan Kuichou, sir! We must order our surviving jets to return.¡± The chiefmander of the air force, Feng Dai Wang, passionately spoke to the vice-president while spewing spittle everywhere. The other military generals may have thought that the chiefmander was just trying to protect his own men, but what he said wasn¡¯tpletely wrong. Rather than charging in like a moth drawn to a me, identifying the exact nature of the Korean air force¡¯s jets and responding ordingly would be a better solution.


    ¡°Chief Commander! Are you suggesting we hand over Sun-Yang?¡±


    Vice President Kan Kuichou of the Central Military Commission said, ring, ¡°We have no other choice, do we? We must conserve our forces so we can use them for future operations.¡±


    m!


    Vice President Kan Kuichou mmed the desk and spoke angrily. ¡°Don¡¯t you realize if we lose Sun-Yang, it would mean we¡¯d lose all three provinces in the northeast? If the Koreans take Sun-Yang and make an encampment in the area by concentrating their forces, they¡¯ll be able to cut off our supply lines. If they do so, then we can¡¯t defend against the additional Korean forces that will march to the Hei-Long, Liao-Ning, and Ji-Ling provinces with only our infantry forces.¡±


    Refusing to back down, Lieutenant General Feng Dai Wang expressed his opposition to the vice president. ¡°Vice-President, sir! We must retreat when we need to. We can reim the area again. In order to do so, maintaining our air forces is vital.¡±


    ¡°Reim the area? Do you think we can reim ournds when we leave Korea¡¯s 7th Mobile Corps alone? The People¡¯s Liberation Army has suffered casualties, losing three army groups while fighting against the Koreans. Will you as the chiefmander of the air force only express concern about the safety of the air force?¡±


    Both opinions from Kan Kuichou and Feng Dai Wang were correct. Vice President Kan Kuichou had his reasons, while Feng Dai Wang had his reasons too. They simply held different perspectives about tactical superiority. When the chiefmander of the air force, who was eight ranks lower than Vice President Kan Kuichou, did not back down, the atmosphere in themand center became more heated. Finally, President Xi Jin Ping spoke up.


    ¡°Enough. Both of you are right, but I agree with Vice President Kan Kuichou. We absolutely cannot stand idly by and watch as the Koreans take over our three northeastern provinces.¡±


    While the argument of pros and cons was in full swing, the screen in themand center continued to show the Chinese jets being shot down, along with rted information. President Xi Jin Ping nced at the screen and spoke again, his brows furrowed.


    ¡°Vice-President Kan Kuichou holds authority over all operations. Therefore, stop making objections, and follow his orders.¡±


    When President Xi Jin Ping supported Kan Kuichou¡¯s opinion, Lieutenant General Feng Dai Wang closed his eyes and nodded instead of answering.


    ¡°Vice President Kan Kuichou!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Deploy more jets that are avable to send out. Since the situation is how it is, let¡¯s overwhelm them with our material superiority.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 20:40 (China Standard Time, 19:40)


    Skies 100 km southwest of Sun-Yang province, China.


    After having 81 of its jets struck down by four rounds of long-range missile attacks, the Chinese forces¡¯ jets made evasive maneuvers and began to scatter into flight wings. Some of the flight wings used their afterburners to move at high speeds, and tried to attack the 7th Mobile Corps. The 8th Fighter Wing¡¯s 103rd Fighter Jet Battalion also split into flight wings and changed their attacks to mid-ranged missile attacks.


    -Hummingbird, each flight leader engage offense at allotted targets, go.


    -Raison, Copy that.


    -Sonata, Copy that.


    -Low kick, Copy that.


    -Whiskey, Copy that.


    -ck Pink, Copy that.


    At the flight battalionmander¡¯s order, the six flight wings raised their altitude in the direction of their assigned targets and transitioned into battle positions.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 20:50 (China Standard Time, 19:50)


    st Battalion, 7th Anti-air Brigade, 20 km Southeast of Sun-Yang province, China


    The K-SAM-2 Sky Bow A2¡¯s 12-roundunch system (6¡Á2) in the anti-air brigade under the 7th Mobile Corps¡¯ 81st Battalion rose up in a right angle toward the sky. The 24 rounds of the S-LAM 300 Sky Bow A2 missiles, with a range of 300 km, spewed white smoke and flew toward the Chinese J-30 stealth fighter jets, which were moving at high speed in order to strike the Korean armored division.


    Booooooom.


    A round of Sky Bow A2 missiles flew toward the targeted J-30 stealth fighter jet. The J-30 jet had sprayed chaffs and res while using its ECM jammers in an attempt to jam the missile, but the Sky Bow A2 missile closed the distance between itself and the J-30 stealth fighter jet. Major Long Fai, who was considered an ace in the Chinese air force, was attempting to use a slice turn before the moment of impact. However, the automatic fuse in the missile went off, and its shrapnel flew into the front of the J-30 stealth fighter jet.


    Wooosh Booooooom


    Bang Boooom!


    Some of the shrapnel punctured the canopy and embedded into Pilot Long Fai¡¯s body. The jet spewed ck smoke and then crashed into the ground. The pilots of the other J-30 stealth fighter jets also shared Pilot Long Fai¡¯s fate, passing away in battle amidst the dancing mes that lit up the night sky.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 21:00 (China Standard Time, 20:00)


    Skies 25 km southwest of Ben-Xi province, China.


    Ten minutester, the Phoenix jets¡¯ radar showed there were only forty Chinese jets left. The Sonata flight wing, which hadunched itsst round of mid-range missiles, had approached within 50 km of the Chinese jets that were headed toward the 61st Armored Brigade.


    -Sonata, west point, 8 Bandit J-11 jets, distance 44 check.


    -Tico, Copy that.


    -Grandeur, Copy that.


    -Tuscany, Copy that.


    Major Choi Young-ho, the Sonata flight wingmander, assigned the jets their targets via radio. Major Choi Young-ho, who wasmanding the ckmoon flight wing from the 38th Fighter Wing, had been transferred to the 8th Fighter Wing and was now inmand of the Sonata flight wing under the 103rd Fighter Wing battalion.


    -Sonata, contact! Grandeur, Tuscany, raise altitude, and S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper standby.


    -Grandeur, Copy that.


    -Tuscany, Copy that.


    The Grandeur and Tuscany fighter jets raised their altitude to 20 km and locked-on the J-11 jets they were assigned to. Then, Flight Wing Commander Choi Young-ho gave the order tounch.


    -Fire!


    -Tico, Fox Two.


    -Grandeur, Fox Two.


    -Tuscany, Fox Two.


    -Sonata, Fox Two.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~Woosh~


    The J-11 jets that survived the attack from the invisible foes were desperately hoping to return to base once they finished their mission. However, their desperation didn¡¯t pay off. The rm rang out in all cockpits, warning them of being locked-on by infrared missiles. Soon, the signal changed to alert that enemy missiles were beingunched.


    Beep beee beee beeeeeeep.


    The Magpie Viper missiles flew at high speed and struck the J-11 jets, which were making slice turns and spraying chaffs and res. The three other missiles also hit the Chinese jets and added to the dancing mes in the sky.


    The Sonata flight wing only had four enemy jets left to face. When they closed their distance to 25 km, the order from flight wing leader Choi Young-ho came in.


    -Sonata! Transition to dogfight!


    The four Phoenix fighter jets all went into free dogfights with their targeted J-11 fighter jets.


    Beep beep beeeeeeep.


    Flight Leader Choi Young-ho¡¯s wingman, Lieutenant Oh Gil-sung (call sign ¡®Tico¡¯), was locked-on by the J-11 jet¡¯s radar, and the rm rang out from his dashboard. Then, a PL-8B short-ranged missile flew in his direction.


    -Launch,unch,unch, arms.


    While maneuvering his jet with minimal turning in order to avoid the PL-8B missiles, Lieutenant Oh Gil-sung warned about the danger of the missile attack through themunication line. After making a spirit ¡°S¡± maneuver, he used the afterburners at a low altitude and shot theser Vulcan beams at the underside of the J-11 jet that had fired the missile.


    The pouringser beams hit the J-11 jet from the front to the rear engine, and the jet exploded immediately. Through the canopy ss, Lieutenant Oh Gil-sung could see Major Choi Young-ho chasing the enemy jet 4.1 km away from his 3 o¡¯clock.

 Chapter 103

    <h4>Chapter 103</h4>


    October 31, 2020, 21:05 (China Standard Time, 20:15)


    20 km west of Ben-Xi province, China


    The J-11B jets, which duplicated the Su-27 jets¡¯ superior maneuverability, made defensive maneuvers by turning left to right. When Major Choi Young-ho gave chase, the Chinese pilot reduced his speed to make an overshot and turn perform Caesar¡¯s maneuver. Then, the Chinese pilot continued to make reverse maneuvers in an attempt to tail Major Choi Young-ho. As a response, Major Choi Young-ho responded with a tumbling maneuver that defied standard aerodynamic movements. The jet leaned forward, turned a 180, and then turned upside down in front of the J-11B jet.


    Wooooooooosh~


    The Chinese J-11B pilot, who thought he had sessfully tailed the Korean jet, was shocked by the Korean jet appearing upside down in front of him. He tried to press the button tounch his 30mm GSh-30-1 Vulcan gun. However, theser beams that pierced through the canopy tore apart his body, and the jet plummeted and exploded in the air.


    After a few minutes of tail-chase aerialbat, the J-11B Chinese jets that fought against the Sonata flight wing were all shot down. As the Sonata flight wing scanned its radars to assist the other squadrons, information about newly detected Chinese jets came from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite and was transmitted to all the jets in the 103rd Fighter Wing Battalion. The 103rd Fighter Wing Battalionmander gave the check order to each flight wing.


    -Hummingbird, each flight wing! West South Point, multiple bogies, distance 130 check.


    -Raison, Sonata, Low kick, Whiskey, ck Pink, Copy that.


    That moment, an urgent radio message came in from themander of the 8th Fighter Wing.


    -This is themander. Can you fight with your remaining weaponry? Over!


    -Hummingbird, each flight wing equipped with six rounds of short-range missiles! Capable of battle. Over!


    -This is themander. Over a hundred enemy jets have been detected. The additional battle would be dangerous. Over.


    -Hummingbird, if we back down now, the 7th Mobile Corps will be in danger. Requesting approval for battle. Over!


    The request to continue the fight made the radio fall silent. Then, the voice of the 8th Fighter Wingmander came on.


    -This is themander. Very well! Six ck Phoenix flight wings from the 19th Fighter Wing are taking off. Put your safety as top priority and return immediately after using allowed weaponry. Understood? Over.


    -Hummingbird, confirmed. Over!


    -Lt.Colonel Ahn! Remember that you¡¯re responsible for the lives of your men, so mind the orders you give and fight well.


    -Hummingbird! Copy that!


    After his request was approved, Battalion Commander Ahn Hyung-il gave the order for battle through themunication line.


    -Hummingbird, West South Point, multiple bandits, bandits, closing distance 120 check! Raison, Sonata, Low kick Engage Offense.


    -Raison, Copy that.


    -Sonata, Copy that.


    -Low kick, Copy that.


    -Contact Whiskey, ck Pink will join after taking out the engaged bandits first, Over.


    -Whiskey, Copy that.


    -ck Pink, Copy that.


    Soon, four of the six flight wings moved away from the battlefield and turned southwest, then operated their afterburners to transition to high speed. The remaining Whiskey and ck Pink flight wings continued the fight with the remaining twenty Chinese jets.


    Bee bee beep beeeeep~


    The exact information and location of the enemy jets came in from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite. Forty-eight J-11BS jets, which were illegally copied from Russia¡¯s Su-30MKK multi-purpose fighter jets, and ny-six of the modified J-10B jets were headed toward the Korean jets. The additional 144 jets that were deployed by the Chinese Central Military Commission were flying toward Sun-Yang while maintaining a formation of six flight wings. To fight against them, four flight wings of the K-21P Phoenix jets, armed with 12 rounds of short-range Magpie Viper missiles, were flying at high speed in their direction.


    The method for achieving victory in modern jet battles is to simply look far and shoot while in stealth mode. So far, the Phoenix jets were winning the battle by using this method to the best of their capabilities. However, the sixteen Phoenix jets flying southwest were outnumbered nine to one, and were only armed with twelve short-range missiles andser Vulcan beams.


    When the distance between the Chinese jets and the Phoenix flight wings closed to 50 km, the 103rd Fighter Wing Battalionmander gave the order to attack through themunication line.


    -Hummingbird, each flight wing standby with Magpie Vipers.


    -Raison, Copy that.


    -Sonata, Copy that.


    -Low kick, Copy that.


    -Fire! Each flight wing! Dogfight and engage offense go.


    At themander¡¯s order, thest sixteen rounds of the short-ranged Magpie Viper missiles flew out while spitting blue mes. The Magpie Viper missile, which had a range of 50 km and heat-seeking capabilities, increased its speed to Mach 8 and prated China¡¯s 10th Fighter Wing Battalion¡¯s formation.


    Woooosh~ Booo Booom~


    Woooosh~ Boooo~ Bang! Bang!


    As their rms rang out, sixteen Chinese jets from the 10th Fighter Wing Battalion were hit by the first magpie Viper missile that flew out. The J-10B jets from the 17th Fighter Wing Battalion all switched from their fingertip formation to line Everest and locked-on the Phoenix jets that came into their visible range.


    Beep.


    When the Radar Warning receiver sounded the rm to warn the Phoenix jets they were being detected by the J-10B jet¡¯s radar, the four Phoenix jet flight wings all made evasive maneuvers in all directions while emitting their SECM jamming signals.


    Wooooosh~


    However, the 70 km mid-range air-to-air PL-12C missiles from six of the J-10B jets, which maintained the lock-on, flew toward the six Phoenix jets.


    -Launch! Launch! Arms.


    Flight Wing Commander Choi Young-ho (call sign: Sonata) was targeted by the missiles. He maneuvered toward the PL-12C missile flying toward him and sprayed theser Vulcan beam. Like the top gun of the Korean air force, Major Choi Young-ho struck down the missile flying toward him and looked over his canopy at his 3 o¡¯clock. His wingman, Lieutenant Oh Gil-sung, could be seen making a 270 degree turn to avoid the PL-12C missile. However, the PL-12C that had just missed the tail wing of the jet maintained its turning force and chased after the lieutenant¡¯s tail. Major Choi Young-ho urgently radioed Lieutenant Oh Gil-sung.


    -Contact, Tico check six! Six! Six! Break turn!


    The PL-12C missile, which was chasing the tail of the Lieutenant¡¯s jet again, flew toward the jet¡¯s engine as if it were being sucked in, but when the lieutenant made the break turn evasive maneuver under Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s order, it flew back into the sky. Then, when the PL-12C missile tried to turn and hit its target, it was shot down by Major Choi Young-ho, and exploded.


    Pew pew pew pew pew ~ Boooom!


    The four flight wings from the 103rd Fighter Wing Battalion overcame being outnumbered by 16 to 128 and engaged in dog fights in the skies 60 km southwest of Sun-Yang province.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 21:10


    Korea


    After the news about the g raising ceremony at Dan-Dong city, the public¡¯s support for war rose sharply, and this same attitude carried over to today as well. Numerous reserve forces, and even those over the age of forty who had finished their civil defense duty, called in to reenlist. With the number of phone callsing in, the Military Manpower Organization had met a situation they had never faced before, and were unable to continue their regr duties. In order to relieve the situation, the government and its rted departments issued an official statement through the press, asking Korean citizens to remain calm about the war and continue with their daily lives.


    The news agencies exined that this phenomenon was caused by the continuous reports of victory and the patriotism that evoked, while also iming that this was the time for Koreans to reim the territory of their ancestors.


    Meanwhile, nations around the world were carefully watching the war between Korea and China with varying perspectives. The reason for this was China¡¯s resolution of sanctioning Korea through the UN Security Council, and how the tide of war was turning in Korea¡¯s favor, despite their expectations. Therefore, each nation had begun making calctions in order to profit from the ongoing battle.


    The eight nations that had participated in the Korean war in 1950 and received aid from the Korean War Veterans¡¯ Welfare Institute invoked their blood alliance and notified Korea they would send troops for the war effort at any time. However, the Korean government only expressed gratitude, and did not make a request for military aid.


    Inversely, the allied nations close with China, along withmunist nations, allbeled Korea as a criminal nation that could bring forth a third world war and topple world peace. The Korean government responded with an active rebuttal through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and retaliated economically by banning exports and imports to and from those countries.


    The nations the Korean government was most concerned about were its neighbors Japan, Russia, and America. America had opposed the UN¡¯s resolution and continued its favorable rtionship with Korea, while Russia had agreed with the resolution. Therefore, both nations were being closely watched. Also, the Korean government always knew Japan was a two-faced nation, and therefore mobilized all of its intelligence agencies to identify the country¡¯s intent.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 21:13 (China Standard Time, 20:13)


    Skies 62 km west of Ben-Xi province, China.


    The four flight wings from the 103rd Fighter Wing Battalion had been dog fighting while deeply prating the Chinese jets¡¯ formations.


    Now, the two remaining flight wings had joined the fight, and the Korean jets used their superior maneuverability and cloaking system to strike down 41 Chinese jets out of the 128, despite being outnumbered.


    But, when five or six jets tailed a single Phoenix jet while firing Vulcan guns and heat-seeking missiles, three of the Phoenix jets were struck down.


    To make matters worse, the KJ-2000 early warning air radar, along with the vehicle-mounted YJ-26B stealth detection radar, moved near the battlefield and, sweeping the area with powerful radio waves, detected the 103rd Fighter Wing Battalion. When the Korean jets were detected by the Chinese radars for the first time, the Chinese anti-air forces startedunching their HQ-16B missiles indiscriminately. Although the Chinese jets could also be hit during the dogfight, it seemed the Chinese military wanted revenge and didn¡¯t want to miss their chance to detect the Korean jets. Therefore, theirnd-to-air missiles began to rise into the sky.


    Woooosh~ Woooosh~


    -Mudunch! Altitude high! Break turn!


    Themander of the 103rd Fighter Wing Battalion alerted each flight wing about thend-to-air missile attack. When themander had determined that they had reached their limit and was about to give the order to retreat, a radio message from the 101st Fighter Wing Battalion came in through the externalmunication line. It was the twenty-four ck Phoenix jets from the 201st Fighter-Wing Battalion under the 10th Fighter Wing at the Su-won air force base.


    -This is the 201st Fighter Wing Battalion, King Kong. Requesting confirmation from the 103rd Fighter Wing Battalionmander. Over!


    -Hummingbird, 103rd Fighter Wing Battalionmander. Over.


    -King Kong, epting missions from Hummingbird, Over!


    -Hummingbird, handing over the mission to King Kong, Over!


    -King Kong, requesting Hummingbird battalion to high altitude, Fox Two, three standby n, Over!


    -Hummingbird, Copy that.


    When the battalionmander received the request to leave the battlefield in lieu of the 201st Fighter Wing Battalion¡¯s attack, he gave the order to each flight wing.


    -Each flight wing, leave the battlefield at high altitude and return to base.


    When the twenty-one Phoenix jets all raised their bodies and used their afterburners to increase their altitude and speed, they began to lose the HQ-16Bnd-to-air missiles that were chasing them.

 Chapter 104

    <h4>Chapter 104</h4>


    October 31, 2020, 09:20


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    The main screen in themand center showed the twenty-four ck Phoenix jets from the 10th Fighter Wing¡¯s 101st Battalion firing mid-range missiles and ughtering the Chinese jets. However, the mood in themand center was a bit more subdued than before.


    This was because of the report that three Phoenix jets from the 103rd Fighter Wing Battalion had been shot down.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sir!¡± Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon, who was the operations director for ¡°Rise of Goguryeo,¡± said to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. How is this your fault? It¡¯s our fault for making assumptions about the Chinese. And unless we are God himself, we can¡¯t create perfect tactics and predictions.


    This was an absolute misjudgment by the Joint Chiefs of Staff headquarters. Before the war broke out, they had expected the Chinese to deploy up to 100 jets at most. Therefore, they concluded that with only twenty-four Phoenix jets they would be able to secure aerial victory without sustaining any losses. However, the Chinese Central Military Commission had sent out arger number of jets than the Joint Chiefs of Staff had expected, causing the Korean air force to sustain losses.


    ¡°It was foolish of us to assume the Chinese would operate within normal boundaries.¡± The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff tapped Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon¡¯s shoulder a few times and asked, ¡°What percentage of their jets did they deploy? They sent out over 320 4th-generation fighter jets.¡±


    ¡°We estimate 55% when adding the number of jets they lost previously to the 320 jets they deployed.¡±


    ¡°55%. To send that many jets, the Chinese must have been absolutely determined. I can¡¯t believe they would pour out 55% of their air forces for one battle.¡±


    Tactical Director Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun joined the conversation. ¡°From now on, we will send out enough jets to match 30% of the total number of Chinese jets being deployed, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes, an incident like today must never ur again. Chief Commander of the air force?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the status of the deployment of the forward division to Shin Ui-ju?¡±


    ¡°I can tell you about that, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Un-ho, the tacticalmander of the air force, spoke up.


    ¡°Currently, 48 Phoenix jets, 24 ck Phoenix bombers, 24 Phoenixnd attackers, and 16 bombers are all moving toward the Shin Ui-ju air force base. We¡¯ve finished the move by 85%, and when maintenance and other weaponry are ced tonight, we¡¯ll be able to deploy all of them for missions at the Shin Ui-ju joint fighter wing by tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°That is good. We prepared faster than expected. Great work. Then, we will transition the 8th Fighter Wing to backup missions to give them time to recover and conduct maintenance. Starting tomorrow, let¡¯s deploy the joint fighter wing for air battles and missions for air superiority.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The tactical operator interrupted the conversation and said loudly, ¡°Reporting, sir. We have just struck down a Chinese KJ-200 early air radar.¡±


    ¡°An early air radar?¡±


    ¡°The KJ-2000 that approached the sky near Fu-Xin was struck down by a mid-range missile from the Alibaba flight wing, and reports areing in that the Chinese fighter jets in the area are retreating.¡±


    When the early air radar was detected and struck down, the Chinese Central Military Commission regretted their decision to move the radars and ordered all their jets to retreat. The 60 J-11BS and J-10B jets from the Chinese air force all withdrew from the battle and headed back toward Jinzhou Base at high speed.


    ¡°What¡¯s the final status of the battle?¡±


    ¡°I will report both the first and second battle at once, sir. 252 jets out of 320 enemy jets have been struck down, consisting of 48 J-20 jets, 64 J-11B jets, 64 J-30 jets, 22 J-11BS jets, and 54 J10B jets.¡±


    ¡°Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sir! With this kind of loss, the Chinese won¡¯t have enough forces to defend the Beijing area or deploy forces to Sun-Yang. It seems we have achieved air superioritypletely.¡±


    Chief Commander of the Air Force, Shin Sung-yong, looked at the screen, which showed various information, and smiled brightly.


    ¡°I can see their loss is great after seeing all the statistics on screen, those fools. Now! Let¡¯s take a look at the ground forces¡¯ status.¡±


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 21:35 (China Standard Time, 20:35)


    5 km Southwest of Sun-Yang province, China.


    While arge-scale air battle took ce over Sun-Yang, the ground forces were conducting an elimination tactic against the losing Chinese army groups. The 65th Army Group¡¯s headquarters was attacked by the Peregrine Falcon Choppers, and the chain ofmand was broken. This caused the Chinese forces to copse, and with no orders from their superiors, they retreated to Pan-jin province when the 61st Armored Brigade attacked. The 60th Armored Brigade pushed past the 39th Army Group¡¯s final line of defense to Sun-Yang to begin preparations for urban warfare, while the Capital Armored Division and 3rd Armored Division broke the 40th Army Group¡¯s defenses and were focusing on eliminating what remained of the 40th Army Group.


    The 7th Mobile Corps soldiers were all exhausted both physically and mentally from the battle, which had gone on for six hours, but they were determined to reim thends of old Goguryeo that had been taken from their ancestors 1400 years ago, and continued to prepare for the urban battle.


    The 712 tank made repairs on its exterior and interior, and it was busy getting resupplied with ck Dragon missiles and photon cannon power packs.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim! Are the settings for ck Dragon done?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We have finished loading all eight rounds and have finished loading the other eight to the cabin.¡±


    ¡°Corporal Yeom, how about the caterpir that was hit earlier today?¡± Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek asked Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi, who was checking the exterior of the tank.


    ¡°The repair battalion came in to check it, and they said it¡¯ll be able to move without any issues.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Has the 12 o¡¯clock control camera been repaired?¡±


    ¡°The repair battalion reced that as well.¡±


    ¡°Okay, good! Let¡¯s all grab something to eat! We¡¯ll go into urban warfare in thirty minutes. If we don¡¯t eat now, we¡¯ll die from hunger rather than battle.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi looked around the exterior of the tank once more and then pulled out three M.R.Es from the ration container inside the tank. Then, he pulled the strings on the bags to heat the food up. White steam billowed out from the bag, and the food became warm.


    ¡°Here, eat this, sir.¡±


    Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi gave the puffed up M.R.E bags to Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo and Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek.


    ¡°M.R.Es are the best when we¡¯re out in the field. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, sir?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo seemed very happy eating the warm tuna fried rice, since thest meal he ate was lunch, which was nine hours ago.


    ¡°Yeah, you can keep eating M.R.Es until you die and be a soldier for life.¡±


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim, sir. Are you going to sign up for long term service?¡± Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi asked while he ate.


    ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m going to go short term and leave. If I don¡¯t, I won¡¯t be able to get married like the Sergeant First ss!¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. I¡¯m joking, sir.¡±


    The crewmen of the 712 tank didn¡¯t show their happiness at being able to share a meal with all of theirrades uninjured, but they did spend an enjoyable mealtime together, and their camaraderie was strengthened.


    * * *


    October 31, 2020, 22:00 (China Standard Time, 21:00)


    5 km Southwest of Sun-Yang province, China.


    When mealtime wasing to a close, the voice of thepanymander came on themunication line.


    -10 minutes from now, each toon will enter into urban warfare. toon 1 only has two tanks left. Therefore, stay cautious while in battle.


    While thepanymander¡¯s orders came through the radio, the spider drone that was sent out by thepany headquarters flew toward downtown Sun-Yang. The drone was sent to detect the Chinese forces movements, and possible ambushes.


    -toon 2 will take the lead. Then, we¡¯ll move toons 1, 3, and headquarters in that order at low speed. Be wary of Chinese forces with anti-tank rounds ambushing at the buildings, Over.


    The 26th Armored Battalion, which was engaging in urban warfare in order to upy Sun-Yang, started checking the buildings on their left and right, keeping watch for anti-tank attacks, and slowly moved into the city.


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek,mander of the 712 tank, was in charge of the 2 and 3 o¡¯clock directions. He checked all buildings within 50 m to 500 m with his infrared scanner and inverter scanner. When they arrived at therge intersection, about to turn to their 3 o¡¯clock, the Laser Warning Receiver sounded the rm thatsers had been detected.


    Beep~ Beep~ Beep~


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek checked the source of theser on the digital map, set the target, and then gave Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo the order tounch.


    ¡°11 o¡¯clock, distance 400, fire!¡±


    Pew.


    With the sound of the photon cannon, the eighth floor of the twelve-story building 400 m away exploded, spraying ss everywhere. A blue me engulfed the building.


    ¡°That¡¯s our Staff Sergeant Kim! You¡¯re always fast!¡±


    ¡°That was nothing, sir.¡±


    The 7th Company¡¯s target was the government building 3 km away along the sixne road. A momentter, the twelve tanks of the 7th Company had fully entered the sixne road and started moving slowly, scanning each building for Chinese forces. This area was perfect for a surprise attack, so tensions were high.


    ¡°11 o¡¯clock, distance 250, floors 2 and 3. Chinese forces with anti-tank rounds spotted!¡±


    Pew pew pew pew~ boom bang~


    Woosh~ Boooom


    The stream ofser Vulcan beams broke the building¡¯s windows, and the Chinese infantry and soldiers hiding in the buildings were torn into pieces.


    Lieutenant Kim Tae-gun, thepanymander, spoke on the battalionmunication line when they were 2 km away from the government building.


    -Six enemy tanks, two anti-tank armored vehicles, and infantry armed with numerous anti-tank rounds have been detected at the target location. Also, there are four new tanks in the road, distance at 320. Over!


    Thepany headquarters sent out the reconnaissance information from the spider drone in real-time to each of the tankpanies.


    The 712 tank¡¯smander, Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, turned his scope to his 3 o¡¯clock and looked along the threene road. Just as thepany headquarters said, there were four tanks emitting electromaic waves, waiting to ambush.


    ¡°Found them. But I can¡¯t tell what type of tank they are.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek muttered while looking through the scope, and Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo also checked with his own scope and answered. ¡°Even if it is new, it would probably be Type-99A2s (ZTZ-99A2).¡±


    Then, the order came from thepanymander.


    -This is themander. Tank 711 and 712 attack the four enemy tanks at 3 o¡¯clock, distance 320! Over!


    -711, confirmed! Over!


    -712, confirmed! Over!


    At thepanymander¡¯s order, the 711 and 712 tanks turned to the threene road and, while firing their photon cannons, started moving in the direction of the unknown new tanks.


    -Tank 711, requesting 712 tank to cover us from the back while we move at high speed, Over!


    -Tank 712, confirmed. Over!


    After themander of the 711 tank requested the 712 tank to cover fire for them, the tank began to move forward at high speed.


    Vrooooo.


    The 711 tank, which was charging toward the T-intersection, fired its photon cannon at the Chinese tanks, and continued moving forward.


    The photon cannon round hit the turret of one of the Chinese tanks, and its entire cannon flew back and caught me. The Chinese tanks also didn¡¯t back down, instead retaliating with their own cannons. The sound of the Chinese cannons was louder than before, and the soldiers could feel vibrations from it.


    Boom! Boom! Bang!


    One of the two shells made an air splitting sound and flew past the top part of tank 711¡¯s turret, and it exploded after hitting a building. The second shell, however, hit the caterpir of the tank. The caterpir came loose, and the 711 tank leaned to the left beforeing to a halt.


    Whirrrrl~ Creeeek!

 Chapter 105

    <h4>Chapter 105</h4>


    October 31, 2020, 22:50 (China Standard Time, 21:50)


    Twone road in the suburbs of Jai-Tun County, Sun-Yang province, China.


    The crew of the 711 tank lost their bnce from the sudden shock wave. They were about to regain their bnce to fire their photon cannons, when three Chinese tanks mobilized toward them and fired their shells simultaneously.


    Though only 50 m away from the other Korean tanks, the 711 tanks were caught in an unfortunate situation.


    Boom! Boom!


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The three shells instantly flew out and hit their targets. The 711 tank didn¡¯t sustain any internal explosions since its armor wasn¡¯t punctured, but the shock wave caused the entire tank to shake. The power of the shells suggested they were at least 125mm rounds.


    Vrooooo.


    The 712 tank moved between the 711 tank and the Chinese tank amidst the smoke and the smell of gunpowder in the air, then fired its photon cannon and ck Dragon missiles simultaneously.


    The first photon cannon round pierced the front of the Chinese tank and created arge explosion. The second Chinese tank also had its turret copse from the ck Dragon missile and burst into mes. Then, as the 712 tank was about to fire its photon cannon at the fourth tank, it deployed its smoke bombs, retreated, and exited the area using the road to its side.


    -712 tank, requesting damage report of 711 tank. Over!


    -712 tank, requesting damage report of 711 tank. Over!


    However, no answer came, and smoke billowed out from the 711 tank.


    ¡°Dmn it! Those bstards just ran off and hid.¡± Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek swore under his breath, then turned his scope to where the enemy tank had retreated and started checking for maic waves. Then, he saw the enemy tank taking cover behind a pile of construction materials in a vacant lot beside a building. He shouted his next order.


    ¡°Yeom! Go straight, and then turn right at the corner!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 712 tank rammed into the three Chinese tanks that were on fire and kept moving after making a right turn at the corner. When the tank advanced about 30 m forward, the Chinese tank hiding behind the construction materials turned its turret toward the 712 tank.


    ¡°You b*stard! Do you think I¡¯m going down that easily?


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, who ordered the mobilization after setting the target, gave the order to fire.


    Boom!


    The photon cannon round from the 712 tank hit the Chinese tank¡¯s cockpit. After the Chinese tank shook for a bit from the shock wave, it copsed in on itself and didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim! Fire three more rounds!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek gave the order to fire as if to take out his anger about the 711 tank being shot down. Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo also stepped on theunch pad multiple times without hesitation. The photon cannon spat out rounds like an automatic rifle.


    The Chinese tank that had stopped moving after being hit by the first photon cannon round was unrecognizable after being hit three more times. There was only metal shrapnel, smoke, and mes where the Chinese tank used to be.


    ¡°What¡¯s the ID of that tank?¡±


    Since the tank was one that Sergeant First ss had never seen before, he operated the console to identify it. The specifications of the tank came up on the tankmander¡¯s monitor. ¡°Well, would you look at that. It¡¯s thetest Chinese made tank, Type 100 A2 MBT! It¡¯s a fourth-generation tank, weighing 52 tons, equipped with a 1,300 horsepower engine and thetest thermal scanners? It can fire while moving, and it has doubleyered armor made of specialpound alloys? It even has 130 mm smoothbore guns and APFSDS rounds that can pierce up to 1,100 mm?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo also checked the specifications showing up on the monitor and couldn¡¯t contain his shock. ¡°130 mm smoothbore guns! That¡¯s not a tank, that¡¯s a self-propelled gun, those b*stards! Is that why the 711 tank was taken down?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Corporal Yeom! For now, let¡¯s return to where the 711 tank is.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Vroooooo.


    The 712 turned back around and stopped in front of the 711 tank.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to bepletely shot down,¡± said Sergeant First ss Oh.


    As he was about to take a detailed look of the 711 tank with the scope, the tankmander¡¯s hatch of the 711 opened, and a hand came out.


    ¡°Ah, they¡¯re alive. toon Commander of the 711, are you okay?¡± Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek called out through the toonmunication line, but there was no answer. Lieutenant Kim Myung-joon, the toon and tankmander of the 711, was concerned about Chinese snipers and heavy weaponry, so he made hand signals.


    The hand signals indicated that the radio equipment was broken and had gone silent, the left caterpir was damaged and they could not mobilize, and that a request should be made for a rescue armored vehicle. Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek also opened his hatch to signal that he understood. Then, he reported the situation to thepanymander and requested for a rescue armored vehicle from the repair battalion.


    Meanwhile, the 7th Company, which had lost a toon, was 1.8 km away from the Chinese government building and was checking the surrounding area for Chinese tanks stationed for an ambush. Just like the intel they received from the intelligence forces said, there were six type-99G tanks and infantry stationed in the area, which they detected through infrared, maic waves, and inverter vision modes.


    ¡°These b*stards! So they¡¯re hiding like that, I see?¡± The 7th Companymander, Captain Han Young-gook, muttered to himself and then swiftly gave the order.


    -toon 3 will bank to the left road and attack from the side when the smoke bombs are deployed. toon 2 will go into battle with the enemy while advancing forward, Over!


    -Tank 731 confirmed, Over!


    -Tank 721 confirmed, Over!


    -Each toon, deploy two smoke bombs!


    At thepanymander¡¯s order, each tank fired two rounds of its ¡°multi-area impact smoke bombs,¡± which then blew up in the air, filling the surrounding area with smoke. The four tanks from the 3rd toon banked left and then began to move along the road on the left side, using the smoke as cover.


    -toon 2, headquarters, enemy tanks at 1750, open fire!


    At the 7th Companymander¡¯s order to fire, the tanks from the 2nd toon and toon headquarters all fired their photon cannons. The six blue beams of light blew up the vehicles and buildings the Chinese forces were using as cover, blocking their path. The six White Tiger tanks continued firing their cannons at regr intervals.


    The walls of buildings copsed, and fragments flew in all directions. Cars that were parked in the government building parking lot flew into the air. The Chinese tanks all seemed to be taken aback by the situation, and they began to retreat without retaliating.


    -Good! Keep up the suppressive fire.


    Captain Han Young-gok, who was watching the government building through his scope, continued his orders in a low voice through thepanymunication line.


    The 7th Companymander could have broken through by moving forward, as he had more numbers than the type 99G tanks waiting to ambush. However, he had orders from his superiors to be weary of anti-tank missile armored vehicles, and with two of his fourteen tanks out of the fray and the 711 tank immobile, he wanted to avoid any reckless tactics. Therefore, he ordered for the suppressive fire in order to buy enough time for the 3rd toon to bank left and attack from the side.


    -Tank 731, we have just reached the side of the government building. Over!


    -Tank 751, can you target the enemy tanks? Over!


    -Tank 731, able to confirm and set targets in maic vision mode. Over!


    -Tank 701, confirmed! Company, advance forward after toon 3 takes down the enemy armored vehicles. Over!


    -Tank 721, confirmed, Over!


    -Tank 731, confirmed, Over!


    The tanks from the 3rd toon banked left to the government building and fired their photon cannons.


    Pew~pew~pew~pew~


    The four photon rounds hit the two armored vehicles hiding at the side of the government building, and one of the armored vehicles blew up due to one of its own missiles exploding. The other armored vehicle had two holes in its side, and copsed.


    -Tank 731, we have taken down two of the enemy armored vehicles, Over!


    -Tank 701, toon 2 and toon headquarters continue suppressive fire and advance at full speed.


    The tanks from the 2nd toon and toon headquarters continued their suppressive firing and moved forward, ramming into the cars parked in the road as they mobilized at high speeds. They continued to fire photon rounds from their cannons while moving.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Bang! Vroooooo~


    After two of their armored vehicles were taken down by photon cannon rounds, and they themselves were detected on the Korean radars, the Chinese tanks realized they could no longer take cover. They began to retaliate by firing their own cannons. However, after only ten seconds, they turned into scrap metal. The Chinese infantry firing back from inside the building with their own weapons were also torn to shreds by theser Vulcan beams.


    -Enemy tanks have been eliminated! Cease fire!


    Within a few minutes, the 7th Company of the 26th Armored Battalion took over the Jai-Tun County government building and raised the Korean g up the g pole. Otherpanies and battalions also began to take over the public buildings they had targeted. The Capital Armored Division and the 3rd Armored Division, which hade in from the eastern ins, were also deployed to the urban battles. The sound of cannon fire and gunshots filled the air, and when dawn came, the losing forces of the 39th Army Group began to retreat toward Xin-Min.


    <hr />


    November 1, 2020, 08:00


    B2 Bunker, Yong san-ku, Seoul (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    Themanders of the Joint Command Headquarters, along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kang Ui-sik, were fatigued from watching the battle all night at themand center, but they were also relieved.


    A few moments ago, they received the report from the 7th Corps¡¯mander, Yang Min-choon, that the upation of Sun-Yang, the crucial fourth phase of operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo,¡± waspleted sessfully. Reports also began to pour in from the divisions under the 2nd and 5th Corps, which stated that they had sessfully upied their assigned cities as well.


    ¡°Get Corps Commander Yang Min-choon on the line.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik ordered to be connected to themander of the 7th Mobile Corps, Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, so he couldmend him on his sessful upation of Sun-Yang.


    ¡°Joint Chief of Staff, sir, we are online on screen number two.¡±


    As themunication operator answered the chairman, the second screen in themand center showed the 7th Mobile Corps¡¯mander, Yang Min-choon, saluting.


    ¡°Sir! This is Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon.¡±


    ¡°Yes! This is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik saluted in response to Lieutenant-General Yang Min-choon, lowered his hands, and then spoke as he picked up the headset.


    ¡°We upied Sun-Yang earlier than expected. Great work, Lieutenant General Yang.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. My men were hard at work, and all I did was sitfortably in the headquarters in the field.¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant General Yang! Humility is distasteful in excess.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. We are collecting and organizing the detailed reports of the battle, and when we finish organizing the data, we¡¯ll send in the report through a secure line.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Starting today, begin the extensive evacuation of the Sun-Yang citizens and convert the area to our battlefront. As you already know, the Chinese military will increase its ballistic missile attacks. Keep this in mind when you enter into battle. The Joint chief of staff will actively take defensive measures against ballistic missiles.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°I will contact you again soon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Thank you.¡±


    The Chairman¡¯s fatigue from watching the battle all night immediately went away after hearing about the Korean forces¡¯ sess. With a lighter heart, the chairman looked around at the othermanders and said, ¡°You all did great as well.¡±


    Chief of Army Staff Shin Sung-yongughed heartily and answered, ¡°Hahaha, did we even do anything? It¡¯s our men who are fighting on the front line and risking their lives that did all the work, sir. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Haha, let¡¯s all grab a bite to eat and continue with our day. I can handle being sleep deprived, but I can¡¯t stand being hungry.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik¡¯s joke made themand center fill withughter. The fourth phase of operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo¡± had ended in great sess. After they finished their breakfast, the generals of the Joint chief of staff sat down to discuss revisions that needed to be made to phase five of operation ¡°Rise of Goguryeo.¡±

 Chapter 106

    <h4>Chapter 106</h4>


    November 1, 2020, 09:00 (China Standard Time 08:00), China Beijing Province, Central Military Commission Joint Command Center bunker


    The Central Military Commission was in a state of panic after losing Sun-Yang in a day. Most devastating was the fact that they deployed arge number of fighter jets to strike the 7th Mobile Corps despite opposition from the Chief Commander of the Air Force, and as a result, they lost half of the Air Force men. Also, they lost 252 jets out of the total 320 jets, including theirtest J-20 and J-31, and yet no serious damage was inflicted on the 7th Mobile Corps.


    The Chinese Air Force had now given up on guarding the Northeastern provinces. They instead resorted to gathering their outdated jets to protect their capital Beijing.


    ¡°What! What kind of strategy did you use?¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping furiously red at the Generals of the Central Military Commission.


    Everyone was silent. Then Vice-President Kan Kuichou carefully spoke.


    ¡°Please calm down, sir.¡±


    ¡°Do you think this is the time for me to calm down? We are losing every battle, are we not? If you all want to keep your positions, you bettere up with a solution!¡±


    m!


    President Xi Jin Ping kicked the newly repaired door and left.


    ¡°How did the People¡¯s Liberation Army befall this fate?¡±


    The disheartened Vice-President Kan Kuichou spoke. He went to sit where President Xi sat, to think.


    Vice-President Li Yuan Chao of the Central Politics Commission was not a member of the Central Military Commission but attended the meetings after the war broke out. He shrugged his shoulders as if to scold Vice-President Kan Kuichou and spoke.


    ¡°Vice-President Kan! Is there any reason for us to hold back in this situation? The Korean military has now reached Sun-Yang!¡±


    ¡°What do you suggest we do?¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou, while resting his chin on his palms asked.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we use tactical nukes?¡± Vice-President Li Yuan Chao suggested.


    When he heard the mention of tactical nukes, Vice-President Kan Kuichou furrowed his brow and shouted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak of such foolish suggestions. Are you saying weunch nuclear bombs on our own soil?¡±


    ¡°Vice-President Kan! Are you just going to hand over the three Northeastern provinces to the enemies?¡±


    ¡°Who said I was going to hand them over? If we dounch the nukes, what use would it be to reim a territory that has been polluted by a fallout? Please think before you speak,¡± retorted Vice-President Kan.


    ¡°The final strategy is something for you to decide, Vice-President Kan. I only suggested the idea since a few rounds of tactical nukes would beat down the Korean military¡¯s front forces. Please don¡¯t take it too seriously.¡±


    Vice-President Li Yuan Chao stood up from his seat with a sly grin and left themand center.


    ¡°That bastard is sly as a fox,¡± Vice-President Kan Kuichou thought.


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou, who was not in good terms with Vice-President Li Yuan Chao became furious after seeing Li¡¯s mocking grin. The thing that upset Vice-President Kan the most was how he also thought of using tactical nukes. It seemed necessary now that China is in crisis. He spoke.


    ¡°Commanders! Give me reports from the field.¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou angrily shouted at themanders in each branch of the military.


    <hr />


    November 1, 2020, 09:00, Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    ¡°This is the Chinese military¡¯s formation based on 5:00 a.m. today.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, the Operations Director, began the briefing while standing next to the screen.


    ¡°The 65th Army Group is on the verge of copse. Their headquarters have all been eliminated along with their front force, the First Armored Division. Other subordinate divisions have lost 60% of their men because of the Phoenix ground attack jets deployed yesterday and have all retreated to Pan-Jin area.¡±


    ¡°The early part of the operation to strike themanding headquarters was sessful then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Joint Chief of Staff, sir.¡±


    ¡°It seems Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon is showing his talents on the field from his days as the Strategic nning Officer.¡±


    Chief of Army Staff General Shin Sun-yongughed heartily as he spoke.


    ¡°Yes, he was the Strategic nning Officer before. Now, let¡¯s move on to the next item in the docket,¡± said the Joint Chief of Staff.


    ¡°The 39th Army Group in charge of the second line of defense for Sun-Yang had only a part of their infantry force stationed in Sun-Yang for their gueri warfare. The rest of the 39th Army Group¡¯s forces and equipment has retreated to the Xi-Min Province to regroup. Based on our intel, the remaining forces and equipment of the 39th Army Group are the size of one mechanized infantry division.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a relief we have pushed the first and third strongest army groups to the brink of elimination,¡± said the Joint Chief of Staff.


    ¡°The 40th Army Group has been confirmed annihted by the pincer attack of the Capital Armored Division and the 3rd Armored Division along with aerial strikes by the Phoenix fighter jets. Only a few remaining soldiers went to Sun-Yang to join the gueri warfare.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, who stopped speaking for a moment, pointed at the digital map on the screen and continued his report.


    ¡°Lastly, the 16th Army Group that did not participate in the battle of Sun-Yang gathered reserve forces and divided its forces to erect a line of defense along the Xi-Ping and Ji -Ling provinces with Chang-Chun at its center. Also, part of the infantry divisions has moved to the mountains of Ji-Ling Province, preparing for a hignd battle.¡±


    Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-sik asked a question to Operations nning Director Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon, who was sitting next to him.


    ¡°How are we going to respond to a hignd battle? I am getting forgetful because of my old age,¡± the Joint Chief of Staff asked.


    ¡°We have decided to respond to a hignd battle by first attacking with choppers andnd attack jets, then sending in light armored mountain divisions afterward.¡±


    ¡°Right, let¡¯s now check the fifth phase of our operations.¡±


    As soon as the Joint Chief of Staff finished speaking, the Operations nning Director Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon got up and stood next to the screen.


    ¡°We will now begin the briefing for the fifth phase of operation ¡®Rise of Goguryeo.¡¯ Please direct your attention to the screen.¡±


    The screen showed a different digital map.


    ¡°Phase 5 of operation ¡®Rise of Goguryeo¡¯ consists of erecting a front line and upying the three Northeastern provinces. Please take a look at this map.¡±


    The digital map showed the cities the Korean military was upying.


    ¡°The 7th Mobile Corps has set Sun-Yang as its headquarters and will be receiving rations and ammunitions, and make repairs until November 4 at 10:00 a.m. The 20th Armored Division will pass Lao-Dung Province and march toward Xin-Min; the 3rd Armored Division will march to Tung-Lao; and the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division will march to Lao-Ning through An-san by November 4 at 10:00 a.m. Additionally, the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division under the 1st Corps is mobilizing toward Sun-Yang and will arrive by 6:00 p.m. tomorrow to begin their gueri excursion operations. The 9th Mechanized Infantry Division has passed Pyeong Yang and now marching toward Da-Ren.¡±


    The Operations Director pointed at the digital map that outlined the western front with hisser pointer and continued his presentation.


    ¡°The 7th Mobile Corps, 3rd, 25th, and 9th Divisions will pass through Pan-Jin Province to Fu-Xin and then erect a western front up to Tung-Lao Province that will block off the three Northeastern provinces from China¡¯s maind. Then they will enter into the adhesion phase of the operation.¡±


    Chief of Army staff Shin Sung-yong raised his hand.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°If a frontline will be established up to Lung-Xiao, would it be possible to aid the three Northeastern provinces through the side roads that connect the two?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is more than possible. The fourne roads in that area will help the mechanized infantry divisions in mobilizing troops. The 7th Mobile Corps will observe this area 24 hours a day with the aid of unmanned drones and reconnaissance satellites. If they detect movement in Chinese forces in the area, we will respond with the 17th Aviation Brigade¡¯snd attackers and surface-to-surface missiles.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Up next is the path and destination of each subordinate division from the 5th Corps. The 6th Mechanized Infantry Division will station a single brigade and march toward Xi-Ping Province. The 8th Mechanized Infantry Division will station a single battalion in Tung-Hwa and march to Pan-Shi.¡±


    ¡°We will now move on to the 2nd Corps¡¯ path. The 27th Light Armored Mountain Division will station a single battalion in He-Long Province and march forward. The 15th Light Armored Mountain Division will station two battalions at Fu-Song Province and march to Fu-Nan. The 7th Armored Division will have its entire forces march toward Jin-Lin Province from Bai-Shan. Lastly, the 1st Marine Division will station two battalions at Yeon-Byeon and march toward Mu-Danjiang. Operations for the 2nd Corps, 5th Corps, and the 1st Marine Division will all begin on November 3 at 9:00 a.m.¡±


    <ul>


    Operation ¡®Rise of Goguryeo¡¯


    </ul>


    Phase 5 (Adhesion of the western front): Conduct the upation of three Northeastern provinces after the adhesion of the western front isplete.


    The 7th Mobile Corps will pass Fu-Xin from Pan-Jin and erect a western front up to Tung-Lao.


    The 9th Mechanized Infantry Division marches to Da-Ren.


    The 25th Light Armored Division moves toward downtown Sun-Yang.


    The 2nd Corps and 5th Corps will upy each city in the three Northeastern provinces.


    The 1st Marine Division will begin upying Yen-Ji Province.


    <hr />


    November 1, 2020, 10:00 (China Standard Time 09:00), China Sun-Yang Province Huang-Gu county downtown


    The morning scenery in Sun-Yang was peaceful despite gunshots and cannons that rang out all night. The Chinese citizens were walking the streets, going to work, and selling goods like any normal day. Some public offices and banks were open for business as well. The 7th Mobile Corps and Division Headquarters stationed full-armored military police forces in the area to inspect and search civilians and watch their movements.


    A K-21P Hyun-mu armored vehicle equipped with arge speaker announced to the citizens of Sun-Yang to disperse.


    ¡°Citizens of Sun-Yang! This area has been upied by the Korean military from 8:00 a.m. today. We are asking you to evacuate the area by November 3 at six in the evening. Those who will stay after this time will be arrested for illegal residence.¡±


    A group of masked citizens holding signs blocked the path of the K-23P Hyun-mu armored vehicle that was moving along the fourne road while voicing their sentiments. The 50 or so protesters were shouting incoherently.


    ¡°Bangzis leave Sun-Yang! Bangzis leave Sun-Yang!¡±


    ¡°Who are those bastards?!¡±


    Lieutenant Oh Young-gook, the Commander of the 311 armored vehicle seated in front, opened the hatch and showed himself to the crowd. Then he got on the microphone and spoke in Chinese.


    ¡°Listen well. We will give you ten seconds to leave. If you don¡¯t disperse within ten seconds, we will arrest you for illegal protests.¡±


    The Lieutenant spoke shortly and began to count down from ten. However, the masked Chinese citizens protested further, and a young man from the front of the crowd picked up a rock and threw it at the armored vehicle.


    nk!


    A heavy sound rang from the armored vehicle. Lieutenant Oh Young-gook stopped counting down at four and gave the order to the military police.


    ¡°First Military Police toon! Arrest all of the sons of b*tches!¡±


    When the Lieutenant gave the order, the rear hatch of the Hyun-mu armored vehicles opened and full-armored burly military policemen that were all over six feet tall disembarked, brandishing one-meter long batons.


    ¡°These bastards seem to be unable toprehend their situation.¡±


    ¡°Fine, you sealed your fate!¡±


    The military police forces each spoke before running into the throng of protesters. When they saw the police running toward them, the protesters all threw their cards on the floor and began to run. However, the policemen gave chase to suppress the riot while using their batons. The young man who threw the rock at the armored vehicle seemed to be the leader. He was stepped on by boots so much that he was covered in blood while being dragged by the policemen to the back of the armored vehicle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it, and gather all the arrested over there.¡±


    Lieutenant Oh Young-gook, who pretended to suppress the violence but secretly supported it, got off the armored vehicle and walked toward the bloodied young man that was dragged behind the vehicle.


    Lieutenant Oh Young-gook kicked the stomach of the young man lying on the ground.


    Smack.


    The young man screamed, grabbed his stomach, and threw up from being hit square on his sides.


    ¡°How dare you throw a rock at the ROK military¡¯s armored vehicle? Should I spare you or not?¡±


    Smack. Whack. Smack.


    The young man was kicked sessively three more times before he passed out.


    ¡°Take him away.¡±


    Lieutenant Oh Young-gook pointed toward the other protesters bound in rope and got back on the armored vehicle.


    The protesters that were sitting down with their masks off were mostly young men from Sun-Yang College who were influenced by Sinocentrism.


    ¡°Vehicle 314 will stand by here and return to headquarters when a vehicle to haul these bastards off arrives.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Commander of the armored vehicle 314 answered.


    ¡°The rest of you get back to your vehicles.¡±


    The 4th Squadron stayed behind to keep watch, whereas the rest of the military policemen got on their respective armored vehicles.

 Chapter 107

    <h4>Chapter 107</h4>


    November 1, 2020, 10:30, Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center)


    On Sunday morning, TV stations broadcast an official statement from the Ministry of National Defense. The Ministry notified the citizens about the remation of Yo-Dong (Sun-Yang) at 8:00 a.m. that day and how the ancestralnds from 1,400 years ago have been reimed. It also briefly informed the citizens of the status of the ongoing military encounters in the three Northeastern provinces. When the announcement from the Ministry of National Defense was over, the broadcast ended with footage of the Korean g rising over the Yo-Dong City Hall.


    The citizens who watched the broadcast¡ªfrom the elderly to young children¡ªwere filled with patriotism. It created a sensation at par with the g-raising at the Dan-Dung City Hall. On this day, all TV stations showed programs outlining the history of Goguryeo and the Yo-Dong Province to inform the people and the world press about how Yo-Dong was formerly a Korean territory.


    The Ministry of National Defense¡¯s spokesperson used the old traditional names of the cities in its broadcasts to emphasize the fact that the area was Korea¡¯s old territory. China used historical bases from 2,000 years ago for its South China Seas territorial ims, iming the Korean territories as their own. Also, China used the Northeast Bordend History and the Chain of Events Research Project to im Goguryeo as its vassal state in its distorted history. The Korean government jumped at this opportunity to protest against this historical distortion and present the correct history to alert the world press; hence, the prepared broadcast.


    ¡°The Ministry of National Defense did a better job than what we expected.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo hade up from the National Emergency Situation Center underground bunkerst night and was taking a break from his official residence. He watched the broadcast while drinking a cup of coffee his wife Lady Oh Un-ha had made for him. He was already notified about the contents of the broadcast by the Ministry of National Defense, but the President seemed satisfied by the thoroughness of the ministry andughed heartily.


    ¡°You seemed pleased.¡±


    Lady Oh Un-ha, who was in the study, came closer to the President who wasughing by himself. She spoke to him.


    ¡°Did you hear that? I was just so pleased by how well the Ministry of National Defense handled things that it made meugh.¡±


    ¡°Dear! If the President of a nation at war startsughing first thing in the morning, the bodyguards and employees of the Blue House will curse you under their breath.¡±


    ¡°My, I haven¡¯t thought of that.¡±


    * * *


    November 1, 2020, 11:00, Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister¡¯s cab meeting room


    Inside the Prime Minister¡¯s meeting room, the Ministers from each department were glued to their seats watching the TV broadcast from the Korean Ministry of National Defense about the upation of Yo-Dong (Sun-Yang) and the status of the ongoing war.


    When the broadcast was over, the TV was turned off and Prime Minister Abe spoke on the microphone.


    ¡°The Korea¨CChina war¡¯s progress has me dumbfounded. What is the Ministry of Defense doing? None of your analysis was correct.¡±


    Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke in a disappointed tone, then leaned back with his arms crossed. Prime Minister Abe was expecting Japan to profit greatly both economically and militarily from the Korea¨CChina war as they did with the Korean war before. However, the war¡¯s progress has toppled his expectations.


    ¡°I am sorry, Prime Minister.¡±


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki repeatedly bowed his head as he spoke. Japan¡¯s Ministry of Defense had analyzed the possible oue of the Korea¨CChina war, assuming that Korea¡¯s preemptive strike would allow them to cross the border up to the Ap-rok River. Then after a fierce battle at the Liao-Ning Province, the Koreans would be pushed back by the sheer size of the Chinese military. Japan had nned to use that opportunity to aid Korea militarily and economically and eventually profit from it. But contrary to their prediction, the Korean military upied an important strategic point, Sun-Yang, within five days and annihted four Chinese Army groups. This has left the Japanese Ministry of Defense dumbfounded.


    ¡°We are using all of our intel to analyze again the Korean military¡¯s power, ¡± the Minister of Defense Shibasaki spoke.


    ¡°Actions speak louder than words,¡± the Prime Minister said.


    ¡°I think this can be attributed to one of two factors.¡±


    The Director of Intelligence, Inamoto Junichi, spoke.


    ¡°Tell us, Director Junichi.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The Chinese military power can now be seen as a house of cards built on an illusion. In recent years, China had imed and advertised how they developed high-tech weaponry, have they not? For example, they imed their J-20 and J-30 stealth fighter jets were superior to America¡¯s F-22 jets. However, based on the Korea¨CChina war, we have confirmed they were simply bluffing.¡±


    ¡°I also agree. All China has done is to hack America¡¯s intelligence and technology to make inferior copies of weapons. They have never developed superior weaponry using their own technology.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki butted into the conversation.


    ¡°Please stay out of this, Minister of Defense.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe spoke while ring at Minister Shibasaki who cut the conversation.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Director Junichi, what¡¯s the other factor?¡±


    ¡°Well, sir. The Intelligence Department has been collecting a few bits of intel. ording to our agents that have connections with U.S. intelligence agencies, the Korean military has and is developing high-tech weaponry we have never imagined before.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe became wide-eyed and showed intense interest.


    ¡°Unimaginable weapons? What are they?¡±


    ¡°I will send in a report as soon as we finalize the details, sir.¡±


    ¡°I would like to see it as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°I will prepare them then.¡±


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister.¡±


    ¡°Our defense forces must be prepared for any situation no matter how the Korea¨CChina war progresses. The Joint Command Office must keep this in mind and check the status of each branch of the military again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    November 1, 2020, 11:00 (U.S Standard time 31st, 22:00), The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, USA


    The Command Center screen of the Pentagon showed footage that seemed out of a movie. The footage was from the battle of the Korean and Chinese tanks at Sun-Yang that urred a few hours ago. The Korean tanks were weaving in and out between hundreds of Chinese tanks while firing their photon cannons. The footage repeatedly showed the Chinese tanks being taken down like a candle in the wind when the photon cannons fired in high definition.


    ¡°As we have feared, the Korean tanks are using particle materials.¡±


    United States Secretary of Defense John Wayne spoke while resting his chin on his hands and brows furrowed.


    ¡°Indeed. As we have seen from the footage, the cannons the Korean tanks are using are more advanced by a generationpared to the railgun cannons we have equipped our American tanks. The details are written in today¡¯s report.¡±


    Tactics Analysis Officer Lieutenant General Rhode Mackey pointed to the report he sent in this morning and spoke.


    ¡°How can Korea have such technological power? And in such a short time,¡± the U.S Secretary of Defense asked.


    ¡°A few years ago, the CIA was caught trying to infiltrate a Korean secret military research facility. At the time, the Defense Intelligence Agency pacified the situation by rmending to the Korean government to stop all intelligence activities within the country.¡±


    Defense Intelligence Agency Director Michael Joshi answered.


    ¡°A research facility? What do you mean?¡±


    Secretary John Wayne¡¯s curiosity was piqued by the topic he had never heard of before.


    ¡°At the time, our Intelligence Agency was highly interested and tried to gather intel, but the CIA¡¯s activities were discovered. The White House ordered a stop to all espionage activities within Korea, therefore, we could not obtain any more information. But we believe this secret is rted to Area 51,¡± Director Michael Joshi continued.


    Secretary John Wayne was shocked by the fact the facility could be rted to Area 51, which was considered an SS rank top secret in the United States.


    ¡°Area 51?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not something concrete to give an official report, but considering all the information we have, it might be possible Korea has UFO as well.¡±


    ¡°That means the Korean government developed its tanks using alien technology . . .¡±


    ¡°As I have said before, we have no concrete evidence. I am only speaking from the information we have so far on the suspicious superiority and power the Korean military has.¡±


    ¡°Looking at the progress of the Korea¨CChina war, I suppose it would be natural to think so. There is a cause for reasonable doubt, though. Have we located the position of the Korean satellite that might be an attack satellite?¡±


    ¡°The thing is, we have checked all satellites that are in geostationary orbit above Korea¡¯s aerospace, but we did not find any that matched the specs of a military satellite.¡±


    Dwayne Johnson, the U.S. Airforce Chief of Staff answered with embarrassment on his face.


    ¡°My, Korea hasunched over ten satellites in recent years, but none has been found. How does that make any sense?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. If you give us more time, we will make sure to locate it.¡±


    ¡°Work with NASA and find it ASAP.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    U.S. Secretary of Defense John Wayne tapped the table with his chin on his hands and spoke sternly.


    ¡°I would like the military intelligence agencies to gather concrete intel about the Korean military¡¯s power and weaponry. Use any means necessary and report about anything you find out, Director Michael.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Please set up a meeting with the Director of the CIA. I would like to speak with him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    November 1, 2020, 15:00 (China Standard Time 14:00), China Southern Sun-Yang Province, 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s 26th Armored Battalion¡¯s encampment


    The 26th armored battalion had camped out in the southern suburbs of Sun-Yang Province. They slept until the afternoon to rest from the battle that raged on until dawn. The men were gathered at the temporary mess hall to eat theirte lunch after waking up.


    ¡°I feel refreshed after finally taking a good sleep, but I am starving.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek grabbed his stomach and started talking to Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo who was walking behind him.


    ¡°I also woke up early from the hunger, sir.¡±


    ¡°Did you sleep well, Yeom?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The three entered the temporarypany mess hall and became wide-eyed.


    ¡°Wow! When was thest time we were served steamed kimchi ribs?¡±


    The 7th Mobile Corps Commander gave a special order to prepare the dish for the men who gave their all to take over Sun-Yang. The soup was made with beef, and there were six side dishes instead of four. So each man was getting served with two trays.


    ¡°Sergeant First ss Oh, can you finish all that?¡±


    One of Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek¡¯s tray was filled with steamed ribs.


    ¡°I knew you guys wouldn¡¯t be able to get much because of your low ranks, so I got plenty. This is for you two, so eat up.¡±


    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t know you cared about your subordinates this much, Sarge.¡±


    ¡°You figured that out now? Great work yesterday. Let¡¯s eat up and regain our strength.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo and Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi grabbed a rib the size of their fists before taking a bite.


    ¡°You guys aren¡¯t the only mouths to feed, you know.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Lee Suk-kyung appeared out of nowhere and tried to grab one of the ribs as he sat down next to Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek.


    ¡°Hey! Eat your own. These are for my men.¡±


    ¡°Come on, man. Don¡¯t you have any love for your cohort? I will get you guys something good so share a little!¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek red at Sergeant First ss Lee Suk-kyung while grabbing his hand that moved toward the ribs.


    ¡°All right, stop being petty. It¡¯s this.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Lee Suk-kyung showed the pack of soju inside his jacket and smiled.


    ¡°Where did you get that?¡±


    ¡°I begged the Mess Sergeant and got it. Can I eat now?¡±


    ¡°So are we grabbing a drink tonight?¡±


    ¡°Come to our tentter! Let¡¯s have a drink together!¡±

 Chapter 108

    <h4>Chapter 108</h4>


    November 2, 2020, 10:00 (China Standard Time 09:00), Beijing Province, China, at the Central Military Commission Joint Command Center bunker


    The Chinese Central Military Commission inevitably had to revamp their military strategies after their failure to defend Sun-Yang. They proceeded to establish a n to retaliate. They worked all night to establish a new strategy and get the n approved by President Xi Jin Ping.


    ¡°We will now begin the operation¡¯s briefing for retaliation instead of defense.¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou was on the podium and began speaking to the heavy hitters, who were present, from the Chinese political sphere.


    ¡°Currently, the Korean military has ordered the citizens of Sun-Yang to disperse. This can be considered the early phases of adhesion and establishing a frontline encampment by the Korean military.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case, then when is the expectedpletion date of their encampment?¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping asked in a calmer tone in contrast from the day before.


    ¡°The Korean military is getting supplies of ammunition and rations from its maind. Also, since the order to disperse willst for three days, they should begin actively establishing their frontline encampment four to five dayster.¡±


    ¡°I see. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°First, I will report on the status of our own People¡¯s Liberation Army, then go over the details of our strategy. Right now, each military¡¯s 12 army groups are under orders to mobilize. Please take a look at the map on the screen.¡±


    The screen lit up and a map outlining China appeared.


    ¡°The 20th and 54th Army Group from the central provinces, the 15th Army Group from the south, and the 21st Army Group from the west will all be deployed as the leading force to reim the three Northeastern provinces. They will all be stationed north of Beijing.¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou pointed, with aser pointer, to the area in the map where each army group resided.


    ¡°Also the 13th Army Group from the west and the 27th army group from the central province will be charged with protecting Beijing¡¯s north and eastern areas in case of an attack. Lastly, the 38th Army Group that is going through maintenance will select its elite forces and reinforce them. The 38th Army Group will deploy thetest tanks and equipment andplete its formation by November 10 to lead the charge in retaking the three Northeastern provinces.¡±


    Chairman of the Politburo Standing Committee Zhang De Jiang raised his hand.


    ¡°Yes, Chairman Zhang De Jiang.¡±


    ¡°The Korean military was victorious and managed to push three of our army groups to the brink of annihtion with only three of its armored divisions in the Sun-Yang battle. I believe it would be inappropriate to have only four army groups deployed to retake Sun-Yang when the Korean military managed to be victorious under such tactical differences.¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou frowned, embarrassed of what he heard, but he regained hisposure and answered.


    ¡°You are right, Chairman Zhang De Jiang. The Korean military¡¯s 7th Mobile Corps and the 3rd Armored Division that were deployed achieved an easy victory against our three army groups. Therefore the Central Military Commission is officially requesting the use of tactical nukes to the Chinese Central Politics Commission as a breakthrough to retake the three Northeastern provinces.¡±


    Themand center fell silent. At that moment, one of those present gave a wicked grin and looked at Kan Kuichou. It was Vice-President Li Qian Chao who casually spoke of tactical nukes yesterday to Vice-President Kan.


    Numerous opinions from other members of the Central Military Commission were voiced out regarding the retaliation, but they reached the conclusion that the use of tactical nukes was the only thing that could break through this situation. Kan Kuichou was not inclined to deploy nuclear bombs within China¡¯s own territory but conceded when the militarymanders supported the idea. Realistically, there was no other way they could take down Korea¡¯s 7th Mobile Corps leading forces except through the use of tactical nuclear bombs.


    ¡°What! Are you suggesting we use nuclear weapons in our own soil?¡±


    A member of the Politburo Standing Committee Liu Yun Shan shouted.


    ¡°Mr. Liu Yun Shan, let¡¯s present our oppositions after we finish listening to Vice-President Kan Kuichou¡¯s briefing.¡±


    Vice-President Li Qian Chao, with a grin on his face, spoke as if to support Kan Kuichou¡¯s opinion. President Xi Jin Ping also chimed in.


    ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s hear out Vice-President Kan Kuichou first before making a decision.¡±


    At President Xi Jin Ping¡¯s words, the members of the political party all stayed silent with a dumbfounded expression on their faces.


    ¡°I will continue the report under the assumption that the use of tactical nukes is approved. As I have said before, the Korean military is now establishing an encampment and adhesion for the three Northeastern provinces. They will block off all roads, then use reserve forces to upy the three provinces. Our People¡¯s Liberation Army will use tactical nukes before this western front encampment is established and strike the 7th Mobile Corps.¡±


    ¡°How many tactical nukes are required?¡±


    Director Zhu Yao from the Ministry of State Security raised his hand and asked.


    ¡°It will depend on the projectile type, but we expect to require 50 rounds.¡±


    ¡°Fifty rounds? Do you n to turn the three Northeastern provinces into a radiation area?¡±


    ¡°No. Based on our recent battle, the Korean military¡¯s rate of sess in striking down missiles is very high. Considering this, we have concluded that 50 rounds of tactical nukes will be required.¡±


    ¡°Where will the location for theunch of these missiles be?¡±


    Director Zhu Yao asked again.


    ¡°Please direct your attention to the map. The red dots on the map are the areas that the Korean military must upy before establishing a frontline encampment. These are Pan-Jin, Fu-Xin, Zhang-Wu, and Tung-Lao.¡±


    ¡°So weunch tactical nukes in those areas?¡±


    ¡°It will depend on the Korean military¡¯s encampment. But considering the expected location, those areas will be the target for using the tactical nukes.¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou pointed to multiple areas with theser pointer. He continued speaking after ncing at the attendees with a serious look on his face.


    ¡°We will now present the details for ¡®Operation Hellfire¡¯.¡±


    * * *


    November 2, 2020, 13:00 (China Standard Time 12:00), Sun-Yang Province downtown Te-Xi county, China


    The 7th Armored Assault Brigade was a force that specialized in para trooping and urban warfare. Equipped with heavy armor suits, they were the first to be deployed to the most dangerous battlefields. Therefore, they were sent to oust the gueri forces remaining in Sun-Yang after its upation. The brigade sent in teams of four to neutralize the threat.


    Dududu~ Pew! Bang! Boom~


    Pew~ Peeeeeepepepepw~


    The 12-mmser miniguns used by the heavily armored infantry tore through the walls easily. The Chinese soldiers hiding behind them fell after being torn to shreds.


    ¨C Alpha 1, we have taken the first floor! Multiple Chinese soldiers equipped with rifles, including civilians, have been detected via scan. Over!


    ¨C Alpha 3, confirmed. Over!


    ¨C Alpha 4, confirmed. Over!


    The Alpha Team that had secured the first floor and heading to the second floor stopped on the stairs. The Alpha Team leader, Lieutenant Oh Young-yeol gave the order to Alpha teams 3 and 4 infiltrating from the roof.


    ¨C Alpha 1, Alpha 3, and 4 distinguished between Chinese civilians and soldiers in battle. Over!


    ¨C Alpha 3, confirmed. Over!


    ¨C Alpha 4, confirmed. Over!


    He signaled with his three fingers to show Staff Sergeant Kim Kyung-hwan from Alpha Team 2, then pointed to the stairs again with two fingers while wagging them. Staff Sergeant Kim Kyung-hwan ran up the stairs to the second floor with hisser minigun pointed ahead of him.


    Dudududududu~


    Staff Sergeant Kim Kyung-hwan was equipped with heavy armor like the movie Ironman. He rolled across the hall once, then fired hisser minigun in the direction where his goggles showed a red dot.


    Pew! Argh!


    The singleser beam flew through the Chinese soldier¡¯s helmet and his forehead as he was about to fire his rifle. The Chinese soldier screamed and fell back. The Staff Sergeant then fired a stream ofser beams repeatedly on the Chinese soldiers crouching on the floor and firing their AK-47 rifles. The stream of projectiles had formed a line and turned the Chinese soldier¡¯s body into a grotesque pile of meat, torn from head to toe.


    Pew pew pew!


    Lastly, the third Chinese soldier was shot in the chest and stomach by Lieutenant Oh Young-yeol and fell back on the wall behind him.


    ¨C Alpha 1, we have taken the second floor. Over!


    ¨C Alpha 3, engaging in battle on the 7th floor. Over!


    While Staff Sergeant Kim Kyung-hwan was checking the area for additional threats after he took out the three Chinese soldiers in the hallway, Alpha Team leader Lieutenant Oh Young-yeol turned clockwise and scanned the entire second floor.


    ¨C Alpha 1, no lifeforms are detected on the second floor. Heading up. Over!


    -Alpha 3, we have taken the sixth floor. Twelve civilians found but no soldiers. Over!


    After 10 minutes had passed, the Alpha Team seeded in taking out all the Chinese gueri forces hiding inside the building. Within 6 hours of deploying the 1,000-men Armored Assault Brigade, the mission to eliminate the gueri forces in Te-Xi county in Sun-Yang waspleted.


    * * *


    November 3, 2020, 16:00 (China Standard Time 15:00), Sun-Yang Province Tao-Xian International Airport, China


    At the Tao-Xian International Airport, a continuous stream of civilian and military transport nes, separate from Koreanmercial airlines, wasnding and taking off to move supplies. Multiple A400M transport nes deployed in 2019nded at the airport, skidded on the taxiway, and finally stopped at the loading docks. Fully armed military police were on the ground and surrounded the A400M transport nes.


    ¡°What is in those nes that¡¯s causing such ruckus, sir?¡±


    Corporal Kang Man-ho from the 51st Supplies Transport Aviation bridge under the 7th Mobile Corps asked his toon Commander Staff Sergeant Oh Choon-won.


    ¡°Do you wanna know?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s confidential information that a low-ranking corporal like you shouldn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Please tell me if you know, sir.¡±


    Corporal Kang Man-ho who was busy unloading the supplies that wereing in from the transport nes became curious when he saw one of the nes being under heavy surveincepared to the other ones that came in before. He asked his superior Staff Sergeant Oh Choon-won about the type of equipment that one was unloading.


    ¡°Stop lollygagging and keep unloading!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know either, do you, sir?¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sir! I will keep unloading.¡±


    Amidst the heavy security by the policemen, the rear hatch of the A400M transport ne opened, and a caterpir type vehicle that wasrger than the typical armored vehicle appeared. It resembled the K270A1-Cheon-mu MLRS armored vehicle, and it had a symbol for radiation¡ªarge red X¡ªon its side.


    ¡°Slowly, keep going forward. Okay, keep going!¡±


    Three armored vehicles unloaded from the A400M transport ne. The operators that came along on board the ne were swiftly escorted out of Tao-Xian airport by the military. This unloading process was repeated multiple times. The armored vehicles that were unloaded totaled 36, and each one was hastily escorted by military police before disappearing from view.


    * * *


    November 4, 2020, 10:00 (China Standard Time 09:00), south of Sun-Yang Province, China, the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s 26th Armored Battalion¡¯s encampment


    After having their sweet and long four-day break, the 26th Armored Battalion prepared to move to their first target area in Lao-Dung with their engines roaring. The 711 and 712 tanks that had been separated from the group were also fully repaired and returned to the 1st toon of the 7thpany. A few minutester, Captain Han Young-gook returned from the battalion¡¯s strategy meeting and gave the order through themunication line.


    ¨C This is thepanymander. The 8th Company will lead the way. We, the 7th Company, will follow behind. All toon and tankmanders are to maintain a set distance while mobilizing, and tankmanders are to monitor the area from inside their vehicles for any attacks. Over!


    ¨C 1st toon confirmed. Over!


    ¨C 2nd toon confirmed. Over!


    ¨C 3rd toon confirmed. Over!


    ¨C 4th toon confirmed. Over!


    Vrooom Vrooooooom~


    When the order to move was given by the 26th Battalion Commander Lt. Colonel Kang Hyuck-jinn, the White Tiger tanks from the 8th Company took the lead as it started moving along the Sun-Yang G1051 Highway.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±


    The 712 White Tiger tank also joined the convoy and started to move. Before they could get on the G1051 highway, the 26th armored battalion could see Sun-Yang citizens that ignored the order to evacuate getting arrested by the 25th light armored infantry division¡¯s military police under the 1st Corps.

 Chapter 109

    <h4>Chapter 109</h4>


    November 4, 2020, 10:00 (China Standard Time 09:00), 32 km southwest from Sun-Yang, S102 road, China


    After leaving the suburb of Sun-Yang, the 26th Armored Battalion entered the 6ne S102 road. After 30 minutes, the southern Great ins could be seen. From thend, it can be seen how fierce and devastating was the armored-tank battle that took ce. The seemingly endless fields had thousands of half-burned armored vehicles and tanks that now were merely a pile of scrap. Mangled bodies that were no longer recognizable were strewn across thend. Numerous buildings and homes in the viges were still burning¡ªsmoke wasing out of them despite the fact that three days had already passed.


    ¡°Sergeant First ss Oh, you¡¯re seeing this too, right?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo, who was looking at the battlefield from the turret while holding the handle of the 8-mmser minigun, asked through his headset.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we were there. I can¡¯t bear to look.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, who was surveying the area through his scope monitor, frowned and answered.


    ¡°Yeah. I can still see the battlefield clear as day in my head.¡±


    ¡°This is just the beginning! Keep your wits about, and let¡¯s all return home safely.¡±


    The voice of the Company Commander came on the line.


    ¡°We will exit the road, starting from the 8thpany and turn to our nine o¡¯clock. Over!¡±


    When the 26th Armored Battalion¡¯s first target, Liao-Dung was getting close, the Company Commander gave the order to change to battle formations.


    nk! Clink! nk! Vroooooo~


    The tanks from the 8th Company on the lead began to move toward the frozen rice fields and got into formation.


    * * *


    November 4, 2020, 13:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Jointmand center), Seoul


    While the 7th Mobile Corp¡¯s forces were taking their short three-day break to recuperate, themanders of the Joint Chief of Staff Command Center were busy at work. They were particrly busy with the final stages of transporting supplies for their forces and detailing their next steps.


    Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-sik just finished his meal. He gathered all the chiefs of staff and the militarymanders since the n to establish a western front encampment was about to begin in full swing. Also, he wanted to check on an additional operation that could tighten their hold on China in lieu of the upation of the three Northeastern provinces.


    ¡°When is the 9th Division able to march toward Da-Ren Province?¡±


    Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-sik got straight to the point.


    ¡°The 9th Division has entered into upation of the Zhuang-He and Wang-Fan-Den provinces before their march to Da-Ren. They are undergoing operations to eliminate the gueris hiding in the cities. The resistance is stronger than we expected, and progress is slow.¡±


    Operations Director Kim Yong-hyun, who was standing on the podium, answered.


    ¡°It would be great if the war went as we expected, but I guess we have no choice.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! It seems the Chinese military was also aware of the importance of the Da-Ren area and deployed more men than we expected.¡±


    ¡°How many?¡±


    General Shin Sung-yong, the Chief of Army Staff asked.


    ¡°ording to our intel, the 118th Infantry Division and two reserves divisions under the 40th army group are defending the Da-Ren area. Among the 65th Army Group, the infantry division that did not participate in the Sun-Yang battle had been recruited to form a line of defense in Da-Ren Province. Please take a look at the map.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun finished speaking, the screen showed an erged map of Da-Ren Province and information about the Chinese forces that were stationed there.


    ¡°Currently, the Chinese military has established a line of defense that is 32 km long.¡±


    The area that the Lieutenant General pointed to with hisser pointer was the Eastern sealine that was along the way going to Da-Ren Province.


    ¡°If four divisions are defending the area that is up to 32 km, then it could be dangerous to only send in the 9th Division.¡±


    Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-sik, who was looking at the Da-Ren defensive line, spoke.


    ¡°Yes, sir. That is why we revised the operation for the 9th Division to march to Da-Ren and have the navy join forces for a pincer attack.¡±


    ¡°A joint attack, I like it. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the 10th Amphibious Fleet is docked at Incheon Port, and the 2nd Marine Division is boarding the ships. Also, to protect the 10th Amphibious Fleet, the 7th Maritime floti¡¯s 7 Hoc destroyers, and 4 destroyers from the 2nd fleet are docked there as well. The 9th submarine fleet¡¯s 91st submarines and 6 of the 92nd submarine fleet¡¯s 214 ss submarines have infiltrated the area 100 km away from Da-Ren Port and standing by.¡±


    ¡°When will the 10th Amphibious Fleet set sail?¡±


    ¡°The 9th Mechanized Infantry Division will march to Da-Ren by 11:00 a.m. tomorrow, so the 10th Amphibious Fleet will set sail at 7:00 p.m. today.¡±


    Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-si turned his gaze toward Ten-Jin Province that was on the left of Da-Ren. The distance between them was about 300 km and it could be reached within 8 hours at a speed of 25 knots. Also, Ten-Jin was only 65 km away from China¡¯s capital Beijing.


    ¡°In a way, our revised strategy could be a crucial one that can target China¡¯s weakness.¡±


    ¡°That is correct, sir. If we had to march to Beijing from Sun-Yang with only our ground forces, then the distance in a line would be at least 630 km. Even if we fight our battles swiftly, it would take us at least 30 days to reach Beijing. However, if we use the sea to march to Ten-Jin, then it would only take 8 hours considering the amphibious fleet¡¯s speeds. Thus, the Korean military will be able to have Beijing within its reach within a day instead of having to traverse a distance onnd that would take more than 20 days.¡±


    * * *


    November 4, 2020, 13:30, 2nd fleet, Incheon shoreline defensemand, Incheon


    At the Incheon Naval Command Center Port, the 2nd Marine Division¡¯s armored vehicles and tanks were all lined up to board the ships. Likewise, the men of the 2nd Marine Division, in full gear, were waiting in a line to board their ships.


    The Korean Marines were among the top five forces in the Korean military. Their morale was high due to the achievements of the 1st Marine Division, which was deployed first into the war. However, the men of the 2nd Marine Division had anxiety on their faces.


    ¡°We are the invincible marines!¡±


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    The Division Commander, Major General Ahn Kang-joon, called to his men via the megaphone. His men, who were waiting in line to board the ships, all answered at once.


    ¡°We are on our way to fight the Chinese. Are you afraid, men?!¡±


    ¡°No, sir!¡±


    ¡°Are you frightened?!¡±


    ¡°No, sir!¡±


    ¡°Are you thrilled?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Good! I will put my faith in you, the invincible marines. Atten-hut!¡±


    When the Division Commander ordered his 10,000 men to sing their anthem, the men began to sing while pping their hands.


    We men of the octagonal hat, ride the ck waves and march on.


    We go through hellfire to protect my nation, ournds. We are the marines.


    We are the Marines, we are the Great Marines!


    The anthem of the marines rang out through the harbor. Themander seemed pleased by the sight and raised his arms into the sky. The marines who all showed anxiety at first started to ease their tensions and started to show their will for battle instead.


    * * *


    November 4, 2020, 14:00, West Sea North 38¡ã 50¡ä East 122¡ã 55¡ä Undersea


    The 214 ss Sohn Won-il submarine (SS-072) had reached 100 km within Da-Ren Province after setting sail from Incheon Port three days ago. It was moving underwater while maintaining a 60 diving depth and speed of 10 knots. Now they had reached the deep seas, where they can no longer be detected by the underwater defense satellite Posiden 2. The submarine kept a vignt watch over Chinese submarines that might be active in the area.


    In this deep-sea area, there were six submarines present, identical to the Sohn Won-il submarine (SS-072) that had set sail for the same mission. When they all reached the area outside of Posiden 2 satellite¡¯s radar, they severed allmunications and sailed silently to aplish their mission.


    Captain Oh Yongh-hyun of the Sohn Won-il (SS-072) submarine must have been bored by theck of activity. He softly spoke to the sonar operator.


    ¡°Are you getting anything?¡±


    ¡°All¡¯s quiet for now, Captain.¡±


    The Captain pondered on this, then gave an order.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move in a bit more: 0-1-0 starboard, lower diving angle by 15, and maintain depth at 80, steady speed now.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 0-1-0 starboard, lower diving angle by 15, depth 80, and steady speed.¡±


    The Sohn Won-il (SS-072) submarine lowered its diving angle and dove deeply into the pitch-ck floor of the Western seas.


    ¡°There must be submarines around that came from Da-Ren Province. Sonar operator, keep the SLSU sonar active only and continue scanning.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * The Korean navy had equipped its self-developed M-SUSL (Ultra Super Sound Wave Light) sonar from the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground research facility to all 214 ss submarines. Its scanning range was shorter than the SUSL-01MP sonars installed in the Hoc submarines, but it was able to emit active sonar waves in all directions without being detected by enemy submarines.


    Beep~ beep~ beep~


    After 20 minutes passed, the Sohn Won-il (SS-072) submarine had reached an 80-km distance from Da-Ren Province. It repeatedly scanned the area with its M-SUSL active sonar. After they scanned the area for 30 minutes, something came on their radar.


    ¡°Enemy submarine detected. Azimuth 3-5-0, 20 above and distance at 32,300.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the type?¡±


    Captain Oh Yong-hyun instinctively asked the sonar operator when he reported the enemy submarine.


    ¡°I can¡¯t determine that yet, sir. Ah! There¡¯s another one. Starboard 0-0-5, distance 33,900.¡±


    ¡°So there are two of them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, both enemy subs are headed toward our position at 15 knots.¡±


    ¡°At this distance, they will not discover us. Set the first and second targets to the two enemy subs!¡±


    ¡°Setting targets 1 and 2.¡±


    ¡°Reduce the speed by half.¡±


    ¡°Reducing speeds.¡±


    Captain Oh Yong-hyun, although a veteran who had boarded a submarine for eight years, often became nervous whenever he was about to engage in an actual battle. ¡°If a Captain feels this nervous, how much more anxiety would the NCOs and new COs feel? It must be worse,¡± the Captain thought. This thought emboldened the Captain as he gave his next order in a calm tone.


    ¡°Inject waters for torpedo 1, 2, 3, and 4¡¯s ram tanks! We wait here and strike them down.¡±


    ¡°Injecting water ram tanks from torpedo 1 to 4.¡±


    The torpedo operator repeated the order and followed through. When the distance was close to 30 km, the sounds of the enemy submarine became clear, and the sonar operator silently spoke to the Captain after his analysis.


    ¡°We have identified the enemy sub, sir. Both are Type-039G refurbished Song ss submarines.¡±


    The North Sea fleet¡¯s Type-039G Song ss submarines were the same type that the Hoc submarine the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) had struck down on October 31.


    ¡°Good! What¡¯s the distance?¡±


    ¡°Target 1 at 25,500, target 2 at 26,100.¡±


    ¡°Open equalizing doors for torpedo 1 and 2.¡±


    ¡°Opening equalizing doors for torpedo 1 and 2.¡±


    ¡°When the distance closes at 10,000, we attack both targets at once.¡±


    Captain Oh Yong-hyun was envious of the other captains aboard the Hoc submarines at times like this. ¡°If our submarine was equipped with the super cavitating Great White torpedo A (K745), then we would not have to nervously wait and justunch our weapons,¡± he thought. They waited until they were 10 km away from the enemy subs. After 20 quiet minutes passed, the Chinese submarines were 10 km away from them.


    ¡°Captain, target 1 has reached a distance of 10,000.¡±


    ¡°Good! Open muzzle doors of torpedo 1 and 2.¡±


    The torpedo operator repeated the order and opened the muzzle doors of torpedo 1 and 2.


    ¡°Muzzle doors of torpedo 1 and 2 are open, sir.¡±


    ¡°Launch torpedo 1 and 2 at high speeds.¡±


    The torpedo operator pressed theunch button when the Captain gave themand. Two rounds of Great White (K-744) torpedoes darted out of theunch tube bypressed air.


    Boom! Boom!


    The Great White (K-744) that had a range of 30 km was equipped with thetest active sonar. It began to search for the source of the enemy sonar. It marked its path with white bubbles and disappeared into the darkness.


    Meanwhile, the Chinese submarines were alerted of the presence of the Sohn Won-il (SS-072) submarine because of the sudden appearance of two torpedoes. Both Chinese submarines emitted jamming signals from theirunch tubes to go into hard kill.


    ¡°Both targets 1 and 2 are emitting jamming signals.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? They won¡¯t go down without a fight.¡±


    When they started to engage in battle, Captain Oh Yong-hyun¡¯s anxiety weighed down on him. Now, it has been reced by an adrenaline rush and a firmer resolve to fight.


    ¡°Open equalizing doors and muzzles for torpedo 3 and 4.¡±


    ¡°Opening equalizing doors for torpedo 3 and 4. Opening muzzles now.¡±


    ¡°Launch torpedo 3 and 4.¡±


    Boom! Boom!


    The number 3 and 4 Great White (K-744) torpedoes darted out of theunch tube by pressurized air and left a trail of white bubbles leading to the Chinese submarines.

 Chapter 110

    <h4>Chapter 110</h4>


    November 4, 2020, 14:30, West Sea north 38¡ã 65¡ä East 122¡ã 40¡ä Deep sea


    The Great White (K-744) torpedo took awhile to reach its target as it analyzed the target¡¯s sonar due to the distance. After ten minutes had passed, the Sonar Operator, who was focusing on his passive sonar, took off his headset and spoke.


    ¡°Torpedo 1, at a distance of 50 with the enemy torpedo. Torpedo 2 is at a distance of 120 with the enemy¡¯s.¡±


    Suddenly, the sound of an explosion rang out in the Sonar Operator¡¯s headset twice in a row.


    ¡°Torpedo 1, stricken down by enemy¡¯s torpedo! Torpedo 2 has been struck down as well.¡±


    The Sonar Operator frowned as the loud explosion made his ears ring.


    ¡°Those bastards! So they think they can take us on, eh? What¡¯s the distance for Torpedo 3 and 4?¡±


    The Sonar Operator adjusted his headset when the Captain asked, and began to analyze the soundsing from the sonar again.


    ¡°Torpedo 3!


    ¡°Torpedo 3 at a distance of 60 from the second target¡¯s torpedo! Torpedo 4 is 150 away from the second target¡¯s other torpedo! Ten . . . nine . . . one second away from contact!¡±


    Boom! Boom! Bang!


    The torpedoes used by the Chinese for hard-kill purposes blew up when the Korean¡¯s third and fourth torpedoes came close. The torpedoes from the Sohn Won-il also blew up from the explosion. Momentster, the shockwave from the torpedoes exploding shook the Sohn Won-il submarine (SS-072).


    ¡°Third torpedo is still active, the fourth torpedo had been struck down by the enemy.¡±


    Captain Lee Yong-hyun¡¯s brows furrowed. The fact that the Korean Great White (K-744) torpedo was taken down by hard kill upset him.


    ¡°Arms Operator, inject water to the fifthunch tube! Helmsman! Dive at the deepest angle, full speed!¡±


    ¡°Diving at the deepest angle! Full speed ahead.¡±


    ¡°Fifthunch tube undergoing injection.¡±


    The helmsman began moving the submarine under Captain¡¯s orders. The Sohn Won-il (SS-072) lowered its head and began to plunge into the depths of the sea at full speed. A few minutes had passed since they made their maneuver.


    ¡°Captain! Torpedo 3 is at 1200 from the target! It is 56 seconds away from reaching the target.¡±


    ¡°What about Target 2?¡±


    ¡°The second-targeted sub is heading toward us at 18 knots.¡±


    ¡°Stop overhit! Stop all engines! We are going under covert sailing.¡±


    The crew all moved at once. The Sohn Won-il (SS-072) dove to the ocean floor, turned off its engines, and then converted to silent sailing like a ghost ship.


    ¡°The third torpedo is reaching the second target! Three . . . two . . . one¡ª¡±


    Boom! Bang~


    ¡°Torpedo 3 reached Target 1! Torpedo 3 has struck Target 3.¡±


    The Sonar Operator continued to focus on the soundsing through the sonar. The cacophony of screams, explosion, and other sounds all came in mixed together, but Sonar Operator Kim Soo-won, identified each sound exactly and spoke again.


    ¡°The first target has been taken out.¡±


    Captain Lee Yong-hyun came closer to the Sonar Operator and gave an order quietly.


    ¡°All right! We only have one more left. Transition into passive sonar! Check the position for Target 2.¡±


    Beep~ beep~ beep~


    The passive sonar¡¯s M-SUSL sonar waves spread out in all directions at all three dimensions. Then the Sonar Operator smiled from the sounds reflected from the sonar and spoke.


    ¡°Target 2, azimuth at 0-0-3, 25 above us, distance at 7700.¡±


    ¡°Good! We maintain our silent sailing.¡±


    The Captain looked at the crew and then made a gesture with his palms open making a pressing motion.


    ¡°Arms Operator, open ourunch pads and report back when the torpedo is ready.¡±


    ¡°Torpedo 5,unch tube opening.¡±


    ¡°Torpedo 5,unch tube opened.¡±


    ¡°Good! We are now at a distance where the enemy subs can fire torpedoes at us. Therefore, we only have one shot. Location on the second target.¡±


    Beep~ beep~ beep~


    ¡°Target 2 at 0-0-2, 33 degrees above and distance at 5200.¡±


    When the Sonar Operator¡¯s report came in, the Captain shouted.


    ¡°Open theunch tube for Torpedo 5! Fire.¡±


    ¡°Opening theunch tube for Torpedo 5. Firing.¡±


    Woosh!


    The fifth Great White (K-744) torpedo detected the second-targeted submarine. It used its direction rudders to change its trajectory and rose up.


    ¡°Torpedo 5 has been sessfullyunched to its target.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth at 0-0-2, starboard angle at 30 degrees, over hit! Moving forward.¡±


    The Captain¡¯s orders continued.


    ¡°Injectunch tube 6 with water.¡±


    ¡°Injectingunch tube 6 with water.¡±


    The Sohn Won-il (SS-072) raised its speed a bit and then rose at a 30-degree angle as if to follow the torpedo it hadunched.


    ¡°Ah! I can hear three injection sounds from the enemy sub. They are opening theirunch tubes.¡±


    ¡°Injection forunch tube 6plete!¡±


    ¡°Open theunch tube for Torpedo 6.¡±


    ¡°Openingunch tube 6.¡±


    ¡°Target 2 hasunched two torpedoes toward us.¡±


    ¡°Launch Torpedo 6.¡±


    ¡°Launch Torpedo 6 sessful.¡±


    Themand room of the Sohn Won-il seemed like a night market, what with all the buzz from the orders andmands being given.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see who has more guts, shall we?¡±


    Captain Lee Yong-hyun¡¯s resolve for battle gave a fiery look in his eyes.


    ¡°A third torpedo has beenunched from Target 2. The first two torpedoesunched by the enemy was for hard kill.¡±


    ¡°The enemy¡¯s torpedo is wire-guided. We just have to destroy them before they cut the wires.¡±


    ¡°Captain, but if the torpedo explodes within our vicinity it could be dangerous.¡±


    The second inmand, Captain Na Gil-san spoke in a concerned tone. When he said so, the Captain also seemed to sympathize with his concern and gave another order.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Prepare the self-propelled decoy Nixie.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth at 1-6-5, starboard! Diving angle at 0 degrees and maintain speed.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth at 1-6-5, starboard! Setting the diving angle at 0 degrees and maintaining speed.¡±


    The Sohn Won-il (SS-072) that was rising from the depths at full speed, turned starboard and then regained its bnce.


    ¡°Deploy the Nixie.¡±


    ¡°Deploying the Nixie.¡±


    The self-propelled decoy Nixie wasunched from the rear of the Sohn Won-il (SS-072) submarine and it started moving away from the submarine. The decoy started to send out sonar waves to throw off the Song ss submarine and the torpedo itunched.


    Within two minutes, Captain Lee Yong-hyun gave another order.


    ¡°Azimuth 0-9-0 Starboard! Decrease speed to half! Transition to silent sailing.¡±


    ¡°Report on the status of the torpedo.¡±


    ¡°Torpedo 5 is at a distance of 1300 from the enemy submarine. Torpedo 6 is at 1520 from the target. Ah, one of the enemy torpedoes has been lured by the Nixie decoy.¡±


    ¡°What about the other one?¡±


    ¡°It was not fooled.¡±


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    Then the sound of two explosions came through the sonar.


    Boom! Bang! Bang!


    ¡°Torpedo 5 has hit the enemy! The third enemy torpedo hit the Nixie decoy.


    The only torpedoes left were one round from each of the subs. The Sohn Won-il turned right from its second target¡¯s position to avoid the torpedo, but it continued to get wire-guidance and gave chase.


    ¡°Prepare the decoy! When the enemy torpedo cuts off the wire-guidance and changes to active sonar, we will send out the decoy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Sonar Operator spoke silently but in an urgent tone.


    ¡°Torpedo 6! It has reached the target distance. Ten . . . nine . . . eight . . . seven . . . six seconds away from contact. The enemy torpedo has severed wire-guidance and now transitioning to active sonars.¡±


    ¡°Arms Operator, deploy the decoy!¡±


    ¡°Decoy has been deployed.¡±


    The outerunch tube of the Sohn Won-il (SS-072) deployed a decoy. This decoy had its own thrust and moved toward the enemy torpedo while making a noise simr to a sonar¡¯s.


    ¡°Three . . . two . . . one second away from reaching the target.¡±


    Boom! Boooom! Bang!


    ¡°Torpedo 6 has hit the second-targeted submarine! It¡¯s been taken down.¡±


    ¡°What about the Chinese torpedo? Has it been fooled by the decoy?¡±


    The Senior Sonar Operator was too busy to answer. The Junior Sonar Operator answered instead.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t take the bait, sir.¡±


    The answer was not the one the Captain wanted.


    ¡°Prepare another decoy! Send it out as soon as it¡¯s ready.¡±


    Since the enemy submarine was taken out, and they had no need to stay silent, Captain Lee Yong-hyun gave the order in a loud and urgent tone.


    ¡°Ah! The enemy torpedo has reached 250 away from our position! It is 15 seconds away from contact.¡±


    ¡°The decoy has been deployed, sir.¡±


    ¡°Set azimuth at 0-8-5, turn portside, and dive at maximum angle! Full speed ahead.¡±


    The Sohn Won-il (SS-072) turned portside and dove down at full speed as it deployed its decoy.


    ¡°Enemy torpedo at 200! Twelve seconds away from impact.¡±


    The desperate voice of the Sonar Operator sounded like the voice of the grim reaper to the 27 crewmen of the Sohn Won-il (SS-072), who were being alerted on how many seconds of their lives remained.


    ¡°Helmsman! Maximum speed! Go into overheat!¡±


    ¡°Captain, we are at 22 knots, sir.¡±


    The Captain, who was also staring at death in the face, could only scold his subordinates.


    ¡°Enemy torpedo at 160 away from impact. Ten . . . nine . . . eight . . . seconds . . . The enemy torpedo has been fooled by the decoy and turning away!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes! It has changed its azimuth to 2-6-5.¡±


    ¡°The distance of the torpedo from our sub is 120, 130, 140 . . . 220.¡±


    Boom! Bang!


    The Chinese torpedo that was fooled by the decoy and changed directions crashed into the decoy and blew up.


    ¡°The torpedo has hit the decoy. The torpedo has exploded. We made it, sir!¡±


    The Sonar Operator, throwing off his headset, leaped on his feet wind hands raised. The Captain finally let go of the periscope handles he held on to brace for impact. He stroked his forehead and then let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Whew! We made it. We are alive.¡±


    The Captain, who muttered shortly, was taken aback when he looked at his own crew. His entire crew, including his second inmand, were all sweating and seemed to have aged a few decades from dancing on the line between life and death for the past few minutes. The Captain had looked aged as well.


    ¡°Great work, everyone. Azimuth 2-7-0, full speed ahead! Set diving angle at 10 and silently sail at 5 knots.¡±


    Captain Lee Yong-hyun gave the order via themunication system to move out and began to give additional orders to the crew.


    ¡°We will go into break indefinitely until further notice. Over.¡±


    The Sohn Won-il submarine (SS-072) and six other submarines from the Korean 91st Submarine Fleet risked their lives and took down seven Chinese submarines.


    * * *


    November 5, 2020, 16:30, Da-Ren port, China


    The 9th mechanized infantry division that waspleting the upation of the northern Da-Ren area broke through the 32-km long line of defense being held by four divisions. The 9th mechanized infantry division was made up of four armored battalions with K-3 White Tiger tanks and K-21A ck panther tanks. The armored battalions attempted to break through the enemy¡¯s defenses and seeded. Then the reinforcements from other armored battalions made up of infantry and mechanized infantry wiped out the rest of the Chinese forces.


    Also, the brilliant work from the six 214 ss submarines had taken out the threat of Chinese submarines. Therefore, the 10th Amphibious Fleet was able to reach Da-Ren port without any issues under the escort of the 7th Maritime floti¡¯s destroyers. The Chinese forces, which defenses toppled over like a domino, began to fall apart. The remaining Chinese military, excluding the 40th Army Group¡¯s 118th Mechanized Infantry Division, had all surrendered to Korea¡¯s 9th Division.


    ¡°Hurry, move faster! My grandmother would be faster than you, maggots!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Hey, watch out over there!¡±


    The nomissioned officer with a rank of sergeant major was leading the unloading operation while shouting through the megaphone. The Da-Ren port was able to host eight LPD Blue phoenix ss ships, three LPH Dok-do ss ships, four LPH Kanghwa ss ships, and two civilian transport ships, thus befitting its reputation as an international port. The equipment aboard these ships was being unloaded. The men were busy moving additional gears as requested by the artillery brigades and anti-air brigades.


    The Kanghwa ss Jindo ship with a load discement of 60,000t (LHD-5114) had just finished unloading the 2nd Corps¡¯s 2nd Artillery Battalion¡¯s self-propelled guns and MLRS vehicles. The ship was now docked at the bay.


    The 2nd Artillery Brigade consisted of one artillery force and seven battalions. It had an observation battalion, three self-propelled gun battalions equipped with K-9A1 lightning guns, two MLRS battalions equipped with K-137 200mm Firedrake rockets, two MLRS battalions equipped with K270A1 rockets, and finally one battalion equipped with Hyunmu-1E2nd-tond ballistic missiles. The one battalion among the MLRS battalions had the red radiation symbol marked with an X that resembled the ones escorted under heavy security in the Tao-Xian International Airport.

 Chapter 111

    <h4>Chapter 111</h4>


    November 6, 2020, 11:00 (CST 10:00), 61st Armored Brigade Station, 5 km southeast from Pan-Jin Province, China


    The VII Corps¡¯s western-front expulsion n, which began four days ago at 10 a.m., was progressing easily. The Chinese military¡¯s resistance has weakened perhaps because it hadpletely lost the Shenyang armored war. The Korean military gained momentum from this and elerated in taking over target capture points in order, spurring on the western-front expulsion.


    Pan-Jin Province was the final capture point of the 20th Armored Division (Decisive Battle), the vanguard of the VII Corps. The 26th Mechanized Infantry Brigade¡¯s final target point was Pan-Jin Province, and its emptiness, like a low tide, allowed them to take over without a fight. While the 60th Armored Brigade was assigned to upy Rao county and Tai¡¯an county, the Division Headquarters, the 61st Armored Brigade, and the 26th Mechanized Infantry Brigade were to construct several stations in Pan-Jin and be on defense duty while waiting for the next order.


    Vrooom! Vrooom!


    The Company-ss tanks left the base and were moving toward Jinzhou. This was ording to the Brigade Commander¡¯s order that each Company should send out one tank to search every town within a 10-km radius from the base. As the three Company tanks left the base on their way to their assigned routes, a missile soared into the sky from the Capital Air Force Division, the Air Defense Battalion.


    Peew!


    The S-LAM 300 Heavenly Pce A1 missile can be seen spouting blue mes, then disappeared from visibility with a speed of Mach 10. A few momentster, there was a small sh 22 km above in the sky.


    Crash! Rumble!


    A Xianglong unmanned reconnaissance satellite, known as a Global Hawk replica, was sent by the Chinese military to scout the Pan-Jin neighborhood. It was intercepted by the 20th Armored Division¡¯s (Decisive Battle) Capital Air Defense Battalion as soon as it was detected on their radar.


    ¡°Brigade Commander, sir! The Capital Air Defense Battalion has just reported that they shot down a Chinese unmanned reconnaissance satellite!¡±


    Correspondent Captain Na Kang-wan reported to Brigadier General Hong Kyung-jun, who was then in a meeting with members of his staff in themand barracks.


    ¡°An unmanned satellite? I see. So I thought it was too quiet,¡± said the Brigade Commander.


    After replying to the correspondent, Brigadier General Hong stopped the meeting and began to ponder.


    Brigadier General Hong had sensed something foreboding because the Chinese army has been quiet since two days ago when they evacuated Pan-Jin Province and even after they mobilized an unmanned reconnaissance satellite. He lightly hit the table and spoke.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue the strategy meeting next time. Eachmander, go back to your army unit and be on full alert. Something doesn¡¯t feel right,¡± ordered Brigadier General Hong.


    When the Brigadier General finished talking, all army unitmanders saluted and exited themand barracks.


    ¡°Lieutenant Colonel Lee.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Brigadier General, sir.¡±


    Brigadier General Hong stood up from his seat, picked up thebat helmet from the table, and spoke to Operations staff Lee Yoon-won.


    ¡°Contact the Division to request for a detailed inspection of the 50-km area around Pan-Jin Province, and order the Brigade Headquarters to fly all reconnaissance drones,¡± instructed Brigadier General Hong.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± replied Lieutenant Colonel Lee.


    * * *


    November 6, 2020, 11:30 (CST 10:30) in a small town 40 km northeast from Pan-Jin Province, China


    Chinese artillery battalion vehicles and forces were stealthily blocking several parts of a small town 40 km away from Pan-Jin Province. Of these, 18 A100 multiple rocketunchers from 332 Artillery Battalion, by specialmand of the 2nd Artillery, arrived in this town covertly three days ago in the darkness of the night. They are prepared to ambush factories orrge buildings. The A100 multiple rocketuncher isposed of two rocketunchers each with five tubes, simr to that of Western countries¡¯ multiple rocketunchers format of 300-mmunchers. Since thetter half of 2015, the multiple rocketunchers have been released to the 2nd Artillery Headquarters and to each army group¡¯s capital artillery brigade. They were thetestrge-caliber main force of theuncher unit.


    The 332 Artillery Battalion¡¯s Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Lo Hong-hung, kept looking at his wristwatch. Impatience was clearly on his face, and he was restless as if waiting for something. He approached the signaller and spoke.


    ¡°Is there any word from the upper unit?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, Lieutenant Colonel, sir.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s almost time. Report to me immediately when you hear from them,¡± ordered Lieutenant Colonel Lo Hong-hung.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Needing to relieve himself from the continued nervousness, Lieutenant Colonel Lo walked toward the restroom. Just then, the signaller shouted.


    ¡°Lieutenant Colonel, sir! There is a telegram from the upper unit.¡±


    He heard the signaller just as he was opening the door to the restroom. Lieutenant Colonel Lo ran back to check the telegram. While reading, Lieutenant Colonel Lo¡¯s face turned pale.


    ¡°Signaller! Contact each artillery battalion! Tell them to shoot their assigned location exactly at 12 on Friday, and to fully prepare until then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± replied the signaller.


    The telegram just received by Lieutenant Colonel Lo has already been sent to the other artillery battalionmanders hiding in the neighborhood.


    * * *


    November 6, 2020, 11:50 (CST 10:50), Pingyuan (61st Armored Brigade Station) 5 km west of Pan-Jin Province, China


    Each of the battalionmanders, upon returning to their battalions, ordered it to be on full alert. Immediately, the executives and military personnel resting in the barracks began boarding the tanks and armored vehicles, especially the defense-armored vehicle and White Horse armored vehicles. Those in charge of anti-aircraft moved to their defensive position and turned on the anti-air radars.


    ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime soon, and we can¡¯t even eat? So sudden.¡±


    The 12th Tank Battalion 1st Company Tank 113 Commander First ss Sergeant Yoon Il-ho expressed his dissatisfaction while rubbing his empty stomach.


    ¡°Commander, sir, would you like to eat a pack of army meal?¡± tank gunner Staff Sergeant Oh Dong-kyung askedughing.


    ¡°Should I? It would be trouble if I get caught eating while on full alert,¡± said Sergeant Yoon.


    ¡°Who would be watching us?¡± retorted Staff Sergeant Oh Dong-kyung.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat, let¡¯s eat. Are you going to say we should eat it all? Sergeant Kang,¡± called Sergeant Yoon.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to eat an army meal too?¡± asked Sergeant Yoon.


    ¡°No thank you, sir,¡± Sergeant Kang answered.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Sergeant Yoon took off his headset and spoke to Staff Sergeant Oh.


    ¡°Open two packs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Staff Sergeant Ohplied.


    * * *


    November 6, 2020, 12:00 (CST 11:00), a small town 40km northeast from Pan-Jin Province, China


    After hiding for three days as if they were dead, 332 Battalion multiple rocketunchers all exited the building, quickly warmed up theuncher in a vacant lot, and turned theuncher gun toward Pan-Jin. After inputting the target coordinate data received earlier, a report from each Artillery Unit Commander was uploaded.


    ¨C 1st Artillery Unit shooting preparationsplete!


    ¨C 2nd Artillery Unit shooting preparationsplete!


    ¨C 3rd Artillery Unit shooting preparationsplete!


    In themand armored vehiclemunicationswork, where Lieutenant Colonel Lo was nervously waiting, the report that each Artillery Unit Commander hadpleted their shooting preparations was uploaded.


    ¡°Good! Each artillery unit, shoot quickly and leave the stronghold. Command the firing order,¡± said Lieutenant Colonel Lo.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Each army unit, fire at once.¡±


    At Lieutenant Colonel Lo¡¯s order, the 18uncher vehicles from three Army Units, each with 10 300-mm rockets, leave theunching tube with a sound loud enough to rip the eardrums.


    Peeeew~ Peeeew~ Peeeew~


    The 300-mm rockets that flew in ten-second intervals were all fired under two minutes. The 332 Battalion multiple rocketunchers began preparing to mobilize out of their stronghold. Like the 332 Artillery Battalion, the Chinese artillery battalions, which were hiding in several towns,pleted warming up theirunchers and all began shooting at the 61st Armored Brigade.


    * * *


    November 6, 2020, 12:00 (CST 11:00), Pingyuan (61st Armored Brigade Station) 5 km west from Pan-Jin Province, China


    ¡°Brigade Commander, sir. There is word from the Division Headquarters.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± asked the Brigade Commander.


    ¡°It states that they have sighted a Chinese artillery battalion in the entire area 40 km west from Pan-Jin,¡± replied the signaller.


    ¡°Artillery battalion? How many?¡±


    ¡°The current confirmation is at least five artillery battalions, sir.¡±


    The signaller shouted while looking back and forth at the monitor and then to the Brigade Commander.


    ¡°How did they not know that the artillery battalions were hiding 40 km away? Tell each battalion to immediately spread out andunch air raid attack¡ª¡±


    Eeeeeeeee!


    Before the Brigade Commander could finish his sentence, the air raid warning siren ran throughout 61st Armored Brigade station. This meant that the enemy shell was detected on the counter-artillery radar; the siren rang automatically.


    ¡°We were one step behind. Get the data link from the anti-air unit and check the scale of this,¡± ordered the Brigade Commander.


    Brigadier General Hong Kyung-jun fixed his helmet as he immediately asked the strategy director.


    ¡°I am currently checking.¡±


    The strategy director replied as he closely looked at the monitor.


    Arge amount of information from each subordinate battalion was disyed in real time on the monitor installed on the K-22mand armored vehicle. On thergest monitor, small circle marks were approaching the station at a fast speed. They were the Chinese army¡¯s multiple rocketunchers and various shell tracks.


    ¡°What about the counter-artillery attack?¡±


    The Brigade Commander asked again while looking at the monitor.


    ¡°They reported that the current firing point is confirmed, and they are beginning the counter-artillery attack.¡±


    ¡°Request target assignment from the Division Artillery.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sh*t, the Chinese really prepared this time,¡± said Brigadier General Hong Kyung-jun.


    Zapzapzapzapzapzap~


    Zapzapzapzapzapzap~


    The defense-armored vehicles positioned in various parts of the station from the Brigade Commander¡¯s order for full alert from beforehand reacted quickly and moved their Vulcanser turrets in different directions to spew hundreds of light streams enough to cover the sky toward the flying Chinese rocket missiles and shells. The White Horse armored vehicles too tried their best to shoot down the rocket missiles by firing their Light Dragon missiles.


    Peew~ Peew~ Peew~ Peew~


    Crash~ Bang! Bang! Crash! Crasshh~


    The entire sky between Jinzhou and Pan-Jin was a spectacle greater than a fireworks festival. Every time the Chinese rocket missiles and shells were shot down, a red sh can be seen, and sounds simr to thunder rang incessantly. However, because they couldn¡¯t intercept the rocket missiles and shellsing in at 100 percent, enemy shells eventually fell on the 61st Armored Brigade station, and pirs of dirt and mes surged every time the shell hit.


    Thud! Crash! Crash!


    ¡°We just need to hold off for a few more minutes! Order each battalionmander to tell the White Tiger tanks to intercept without trying to save ammunition in their anti-air defense,¡± ordered the Brigade Commander.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Crash!


    A shellnded right next to the Brigade Commander¡¯smand armored vehicle, and a pir of dirt spurred from the ground. Metal pieces and rock fragmentsnded everywhere, and a part of the debrisnded on top of themand armored vehicle.


    Rumble~ Thud! Thud! Thud!


    The Brigade Commander now believed that the scale of firing wasrger than expected because shells dropped in several areas of the station despite the quick response. He took the microphone himself and gave an order to each battalionmander.


    ¡°This is the Brigade Commander! Each unit¡¯s battalion tank, leave the current station. After we escape the me bombardment, be on full defense and respond fire. Dismissed.¡±


    After giving a short order and putting down the microphone, the Brigade Commander saw, through hismanding monitor, an extremely white sh he has never seen before.


    Crasssshhhh!


    Simultaneous with the sh, a white mushroom cloud soared up into the sky. Instinctively covering his eyes with his arm from such a bright light, Brigade Commander Hong bit his lower lip and cursed briefly. However, this swearing proved to be the Brigade Commander¡¯s final words.


    ¡°Crazy b*stards. A nuclear bomb¡ª¡±


    Crasssshhhh~ Crassh Rumble~


    The Brigade Commander¡¯smand armored vehicle, which was close to the st center, was swept by the bomb storm, rushing out in a circr form and flipped while flying off. The tactical nuclear bomb that just fell was a 10kt nuclear bomb. It had half the force of the atomic bomb dropped in Nagasaki, Japan, during World World II, and though the tanks and armored vehicles were not destroyed from their hydronium alloy armor, it had enough destructive power to kill everyone inside within a 400-m radius from the st center or ground zero. Furthermore, small buildings, tanks, and armored vehicles 1.1 km within the radius was swept up in the bomb storm and flew off altogether.


    ¡°All battalions, escape the st zone on your own!¡±


    Though it was not known who said this, a voice close to a shriek came from the Brigade¡¯smunicationwork. Having been alerted, the 61st Armored Brigade tanks and armored vehicles urgently moved away from the st zone. But unfortunately, the enormous sh radiated again within the station, and the entire area turned to ashes in seconds.


    Crasssssshhhh~ Rumbleeee~


    Many of the tanks and armored vehicles at the center of the nuclear bomb¡¯s explosion melted instantly and the White Tiger tanks farther away in the 45t zone flipped or was aze from the bomb storm¡¯s force. The normal vehicles only left flimsy steel frames orpletely disappeared.


    On this day, the Chinese artillery¡¯s surprise firing against the 61st Armored Brigade, the VII Maneuver Corps (Vanguard of Northern Advance), and the 3rd Armored Division (Skeleton), all working for the western-front expulsion n, was mobilized by about 1,500 artillery units. They poured 200 tactical bombs on the Korean army, which was much more than the 50 requested by the Central Military Commission from President Xi Jinping for use as tactical bombs.

 Chapter 112

    <h4>Chapter 112</h4>


    November 6, 2020, 14:30, 2020, Chungmu Room of the Blue House in Seoul Jong-ro ku


    Before Korea¡¯s scheduled summit meeting with Japan at the end of November, President Suh Hyun-woo invited 41 survivingfort women to the Chungmu Room for dinner. He intended to negotiate with Prime Minister Abe about the Japanese government¡¯s sincere apology regarding thefort women and the responsiblepensation that should follow the apology after hearing the opinions of the grandmothers.


    ¡°Mr. President. The Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Staff are requesting to see you urgently.¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae approached the President and spoke quietly, interrupting the President¡¯s pleasant conversation with the women.


    ¡°Is it urgent?¡± asked the President.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President,¡± Secretary Na replied.


    The President asked the women sitting around the circr table to be excused before heading toward the executive office. Upon entering the executive office on the second floor, the Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo and the Chairman of the Joint Staff Kang Yi-sik, who were already seated, rose from their seats.


    ¡°Yes, is this urgent matter about the war?¡±


    President Suh asked, thinking all along of its possibility after he sensed something foreboding from the grim expressions of the Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Staff. The two men looked at each other briefly before the Chairman turned to the President and slightly nodded his head before answering.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President,¡± Chairman Kang said.


    ¡°Looking at your expression, it doesn¡¯t seem like good news. Go ahead,¡± said the President.


    The Chairman of the Joint Staff swallowed once, straightened his posture, and began speaking.


    ¡°Exactly two hours and thirty minutes ago, there was a tactical nuclear weapon attack from the Chinese Army at the western front.¡±


    Like a paused screen, the President froze but his eyes widened.


    ¡°A tactical nuclear weapon! Are you saying a nuclear bomb?¡± asked the President.


    ¡°Yes, it was a tactical nuclear weapon deployed by using a multiple rocketuncher and part ground-to-ground missile. The force was between 10kt and 15kt,¡± replied the Chairman.


    ¡°What was the level of damage?¡± the President inquired.


    Chairman Kang Yi-sik took the report from his bag and handed it to the President. The report was entitled ¡°VII Maneuver Corps and the 3rd Armored Division Tactical Nuclear Weapon Attack Damage Status.¡±


    ¡°The detailed damage status is contained in this report I have just given you. I will first give you a brief summary. At 12 noon today, the Chinese military that had been in hiding in the western front carried out an attack. Over 1,500 multiple rocketunchers, various artilleries, and ground-to-ground short distance missiles wereunched, including seven tactical nuclear weapons. They deployed 2 nuclear bombs on the 20th Armored Division stationed in Pan-Jin, 3 on the Capital Mechanized Division stationed in Fuxin, and 2 on the 3rd Armored Division.¡±


    ¡°What is the extent of a 10kt force?¡± the President inquired.


    ¡°Ah! I apologize, Mr. President. A 10kt has a force of about half of the Little Boy nuclear bomb deployed in Japan,¡± Chairman Kang answered.


    ¡°Then are you saying that our army was hit with seven nuclear bombs with that amount of force?¡± the President asked to confirm.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The President lowered his head and spoke weakly while leaning his forehead on his right hand.


    ¡°For now, give me the general outline of the damage report.¡±


    ¡°Yes, currently the Capital Mechanized Division had the most damage. Thirty-one percent of the Division¡¯s equipment was damaged. As for the troops, there were 251 casualties and 622 injured. Next is the 20th Armored Division, with 16% of the Division¡¯s equipment damaged, 112 soldiers dead, and 291 injured. Finally, the 3rd Armored Division has 8.3% of their equipment damaged, 55 soldiers are dead and 129 injured. In total, 418 soldiers are dead and 1,042 injured. Most of the injured troops have burn injuries,¡± Chairman Kang reported.


    The President took off his sses and covered his face with both hands. After rubbing his face a few times, he stooped over and, in serious thought, rested his chin on his hands. Just yesterday, the Korean troops had 68 casualties and 181 injured. Today, however, the Korean army lost six times more than the number of casualties in the past eight days.


    ¡°Mr. President . . .¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo called softly after the President didn¡¯t speak for minutes.


    ¡°I apologize. I was lost in my thoughts without realizing it. So what is the situation of each unit? The nuclear bomb would cause a lot of problems rting to radiation,¡± said the President.


    ¡°Yes, currently, all units have escaped the st zone and have retreated toward the rear,¡± Minister Kang replied.


    After examining the damage status report, the President continued asking questions in an even tired voice.


    ¡°What about the concern of radiation exposure?¡±


    ¡°The troops that were inside the tanks or armored vehicles were safe from the radiation due to the overpressure equipment system. However, the troops in other vehicles have been ssified as radiation-exposed patients and were all escorted to the Corps hospital,¡± replied Minister Kang.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say recently that you have sessfullypleted the radiation elimination technology for practical use?¡± asked the President.


    ¡°That is correct. Currently, three artillery battalions with radiation elimination technology equipment have been deployed to the western front. They will immediately treat exposed patients to eliminate radiation,¡± replied Minister Kang.


    ¡°Will it be 100% full recovery?¡± the President wanted to confirm.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President,¡± said Minister Kang.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, I have a request for your approval.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Staff, Kang Yi-sik, spoke again carefully.


    ¡°Approval? What is it for?¡±


    ¡°The second degree of the Chiyou punishments[1].¡±


    ¡°The second degree and not the first?¡±


    When the slightly surprised President asked, the Chairman of the Joint Staff replied with a stern expression.


    ¡°I would have wanted to ask for the third degree.¡±


    The President stood up and moved toward the window after putting down the report. The first snowfall that came earlier than in previous years covered the blue sky was painting the whole world white.


    <hr />


    November 6, 2020, 18:40, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku


    After being a part of the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1975, Korea and its government were not allowed to possess nuclear missiles. Amidst this situation, China had been increasing their possession of nuclear missiles. Also, there was information that Japan had been autonomously umting a considerable amount of plutonium, aponent of nuclear missile, and doing so openly. Despite knowing this, the United States had continued to remain quiet.


    In a situation where the countries surrounding the Korean penins were rivaling in possession of nuclear missiles, Korea, who had its hands tied by the Non-Proliferation Treaty, developed a sma bomb¡ªa nuclear missile without radiation. To retaliate against the enemy countries¡¯ nuclear bombs, they invented various ways to deploy the sma bombs.


    The first to be deployed was the post-to-surface K-SH Zinog missile used at the start of the war. The second was the gliding guided K-PAB sma missile deployed from the Vermillion Bird and ck Vermillion Bird aircraft. The third was the surface-to-ground C Heavenly Dragon cruise missile, the surface-to-ground S-CLBM Mjolnir ballistic missile, and the submarine-to-surface S-SLBM Gungnir ballistic missile. Finally, the SD-ICBM Astra missile, the sma missile with the most force, was equipped on the Army Missile Command¡¯s Hades ground defense satellite silo.


    After returning from the Blue House, the Chairman of the Joint Staff, Kang Yi-sik, immediately gathered all executives of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Did the President approve the second degree of the Chiyou punishments?¡±


    The Director of Operation Center, Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, was the first to ask. To this, Chairman Kang slightly nodded his head instead of replying.


    ¡°Then when will you decide to begin the second-degree punishment attack?¡± asked Lieutenant General Kim.


    Looking around at the 30 or so executives who were looking at him, Chairman Kang slowly opened his mouth.


    ¡°It has been decided that it will be this Sunday, the eighth, at 3 p.m.¡±


    ¡°I think that we should inflict the retaliation attack right now.¡±


    The Director of Operation nning, Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon, the most angry because of the tactical nuclear weapon attack, expressed his sentiment while grinding his teeth.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Na! The President has requested for something while approving the second degree of the Chiyou punishments. It was the request to minimize damage to the Chinese civilians. For this reason, we have decided tounch it on Sunday, so please contain your anger,¡± Chairman Kang reminded him.


    Upon hearing the Chairman, each and every expression of the executives gathered in the strategy conference room showed their huge disappointment, revealing that the rage of the leaders of the Korean Army was reaching the extreme.


    ¡°Since the date and time of the strategy has been decided, the troop follow-up on the western front is a very pressing matter. What is the current situation?¡±


    The Director of Operation Center continued while passing a few pages of documents to the Chairman of the Joint Staff.


    ¡°Currently, we have surveyed the entire region, from Beijing to Shenyang, by mobilizing three Apollo reconnaissance satellites and all of the Corps unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. Results have confirmed that the 20th Army Group and the 54th Army Group of the Central Theater Command are evacuating to Lingyuan, and the 21st Army Group of the Western Theater Command is evacuating to Qinhuagdao along the coast of the West Sea.¡±


    ¡°Has the Chinese Army strategic intent been analyzed?¡±


    ¡°It has been analyzed that all forces will concentrate on attacking Shenyang, the center body of the western front, by breaking off the two wings above and below the center.¡±


    After thoroughly reading through the documents handed to him, the Chairman of the Joint Staff put down the documents and spoke.


    ¡°Hm. I think this is a rather urate analysis, gentlemen! We have been attacked by the Chinese Army by deploying an unexpected tactical nuclear bomb. Using a tactical nuclear weapon on their own territory tells us that China is desperate. Although you are feeling rage in its fullness, my rage is every bit as strong as yours.¡±


    Chairman Kang continued in a stronger voice.


    ¡°Establish countermeasures on the analyzed intent of the Chinese Army. Especially the logisticsmand, do your best in quickly transporting first-line troops after analyzing the war materials needed from the VII Maneuver Corps damages. I also request that the missilemand be fully prepared before the strategy enforcement date,¡± Chairman Kang ordered.


    <hr />


    November 6, 2020, 19:10 (CST 18:10), G91 Highway 12 km southeast from Liaozhong district, China


    Two days ago, the 60th Armored Brigade, the 20th Armored Division¡¯s (Decisive Battle) subordinate unit, while departing from Shenyang and upying Liaozhong and Tai¡¯an luckily survived the nuclear bomb attack without any casualties. Due to the Division dividing its forces into two regions, the allocated number of nuclear bombs was small and, thus, no nuclear bombs fell after escaping interception.


    After China¡¯s nuclear bomb attack, the Joint Forces Headquarters urgently ordered the first-line unit in the western front to retreat to the rear while scattering into battalions. Hence, the 26th Tank Battalion, a subordinate unit of the 60th Armored Division, moved quickly on G91 Highway to leave Liaozhong and head toward Raoyang in a tandem formation.


    Vrooooom!


    Tank 712 Sergeant Oh Young-taek, recalling the sh of the nuclear bomb he saw that day, spoke to Staff Sergeant Kimg Young-joo and Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi through a headset.


    ¡°Did you see the sh from the nuclear explosion earlier today?¡±


    ¡°It was the first time I¡¯ve seen a light that bright.¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim replied after vividly remembering the tremendous sh and mushroom cloud he saw in Pan-Jin seven hours ago.


    ¡°Sergeant Oh! I heard what the toon leader was saying shortly before we left¡ªthat the 61st Armored Brigade has considerable damages from the Chinese nuclear bomb attack. He said that hundreds of our troops had died.¡±


    ¡°You can say that again. Sons of b*ches, how can they drop a nuclear bomb in their own territory?¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Oh! But my worry is how will we fight them from now on if there¡¯s a nuclear bomb attack?¡±


    ¡°That I don¡¯t know. But wouldn¡¯t the people above think about all that? An extensive retaliation attack or . . . we attack with nuclear bombs.¡±


    ¡°Where is the nuclear bomb in our country, Sergeant Oh?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any? I guess we can¡¯t retaliate then.¡±


    ¡°What the . . .¡±


    [1]: Chiyou is regarded as the God of War in ancient China. He has been credited by some to develop the Five Punishments, ranging from being tattooed on the face to death.

 Chapter 113

    <h4>Chapter 113</h4>


    November 6, 2020, 12:10 (CST 18:10), Chinese Central Military Commission Integrated Command Post Bunker Conference Room in Beijing, China


    The conference room was roaring withughter for a change. This was because they stole an opportunity to sessfully retaliate with their nuclear bomb attack. Their attack and relentless advancement caused the Korean army to retreat to the rear after taking over Shenyang.


    ¡°Hahaha, well done, Vice President Kan Kuichou. You didn¡¯t let me down.¡±


    Xi Jinping¡¯sughter, the first in eight days, brightened the mood in the conference room.


    ¡°So all that is left now is the Shenyang advancement.¡±


    ¡°Yes, currently the 20th Army Group and the 54th Army Group have passed through Lingyuan and are quickly advancing toward Chaoyang like a mechanized group. The 21st Army Group has passed Qinhuangdao and is advancing to Huludao.¡±


    As soon as Vice President Kan Kuichou finished talking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Lu Jenhui joined the conversation.


    ¡°Mr. President,¡± said Minister Lu Jenhui.


    ¡°Yes, Minister Lu Jenhui,¡± replied the President.


    ¡°Due to today¡¯s nuclear bomb deployment, there will be a statement of criticismter from the permanent members of the UN, as well as from the member countries of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.¡±


    ¡°What? Why are other countries meddling in using a bomb in our ownnd?¡± eximed the President.


    ¡°That is¡ª¡± started Minister Lu Jenhui.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care! Minister Lu Jenhui, present a rebuttal immediately,¡± said the President.


    ¡°Yes, understood,¡± replied the Minister.


    ¡°Vice President Kan Kuichou.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°The Politburo Committee has unanimously passed the request for using tactical nuclear weapons from now on. So I will approve the use of tactical nuclear weapons anytime when it is needed tactically.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°With this opportunity, there is a need to not only recover our country but also teach those arrogant South Koreans and North Koreans the terror of the powerful People¡¯s Republic of China.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will certainly teach them,¡± agreed Vice President Kan Kuichou.


    <hr />


    November 6, 2020, 19:30, Prime Minister Cab Conference Room in Tokyo, Japan


    Prime Minister Abe, after receiving news that the Chinese Army used nuclear bombs to attack the Korean army intruding the western front, gathered Director of Defense Equipment Watanabe Hideaki and a few government officials to a secret meeting in his office.


    ¡°Director Watanabe,¡± said Prime Minister Abe.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Prime Minister,¡± replied Director Watanabe.


    ¡°Director, you saw earlier today that China used a nuclear bomb against Korea.¡±


    ¡°I heard about it through the news,¡± replied the Director.


    ¡°This is a counterexample that the Korea¨CChina war has be so intense to warrant the use a tactical nuclear weapon. This means that our security, being in proximity to this, is also threatened,¡± said Prime Minister Abe.


    ¡°I think so as well.¡±


    ¡°So then . . .¡±


    Pausing briefly, Prime Minister Shizo Abe continued while looking at Director Watanabe.


    ¡°I think that in this situation, Japan also needs to possess nuclear missiles. What is your opinion, Director Watanabe?¡±


    Director Watanabe, a devoted right-wing Japanese politician, answered immediately without hesitation.


    ¡°I, of course, have the same thoughts as you, Mr. Prime Minister. It would be illogical to think of our security while walking on eggshells around countries with nuclear weapons.¡±


    Upon hearing the expected reply, Prime Minister Abe¡¯s lips curled up, reaching his eyes.


    ¡°Hahaha. You are straightforward. Yes, through a constitutional amendment, Japan has obtained a formal right of defense as amon country. In this situation, China¡¯s use of nuclear bombs is arge threat to our security. For this reason, I see this as a golden opportunity to exercise our right of collective self-defense. However, mindlessly interfering with a country that possesses nuclear capabilities would be like a moth jumping into mes. So I believe it would do us neither harm nor good.¡±


    *right of collective self-defense: thew that states that if a country in close rtions with Japan is under military attack and there is an obvious threat to Japan¡¯s existence, the lives of their citizens, freedom, and the right to pursue happiness, then the free army may interfere in the war.


    After beating around the bush, Prime Minister Abe shot a wicked look and got to the point.


    ¡°Director Watanabe, how long will it take?¡±


    ¡°If we remove the unstable factor, two months will be plenty of time tounch an attack.¡±


    Director Watanabe answered without hesitation even when Prime Minister Abe¡¯s question did not state the subject.


    ¡°Well, well, two months?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It is possible not only for a nuclear warhead but also for ballistic missiles,¡± confirmed Director Watanabe.


    ¡°It¡¯s possible to have it that quickly?¡± asked Prime Minister Abe.


    ¡°Currently, Japan possesses six projectiles such as the satellite projectile M-V rocket and the Epsilon rocket. If we load these projectiles with nuclear warheads, they be ballistic missiles. But first, if the restriction of the nuclear agreement with each country and the America¨CJapan nuclear agreement under the Non-Proliferation Treaty is not lifted . . .¡±


    *Plutonium is a substance typically used in nuclear weapons, and Japan possessed 40 tons of plutonium imported from Europe. However, it is strictly managed due to the nuclear agreement among America, France, and the IAEA. Japan has a uranium enrichment factory and must have prior consent from America to enrich over 20% of uranium due to the America¨CJapan nuclear agreement.


    <ul>


    M-V Rocket: 3 part solid rocket, weight 140 ton, payload 1,800 kg


    Epsilon Rocket: 3 part solid rocket, weight 90 ton, payload 1,200 kg


    </ul>


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± the Prime Minister interjected.


    Putting up one hand and showing his palm as if to say not to worry, Prime Minister Abe looked at Minister of Defense Shibasaki, who was quietly listening next to him.


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki,¡± said the Prime Minister.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Who was the person who took care of things neatly and efficientlyst time?¡±


    ¡°It was Negotiator Yagumachi Genzo,¡± replied Minister Shibasaki.


    ¡°Ah! Yes. Has Negotiator Yagumachi Genzo left yet?¡±


    ¡°He left on the 5-p.m. flight.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, he¡¯s fast. Good. Can I expect good results like thest time?¡±


    ¡°We prepared a bait that can¡¯t be ignored this time too, so the results should be good.¡±


    After hearing Minister Shibasaki¡¯s response, Prime Minister Abe looked again at Director Watanabe and spoke.


    ¡°Director Watanabe, assemble a TF team by tomorrow. Furthermore, elerate the nuclear warhead research development. I will provide ample support in terms of finance and resource, so show me six ballistic missiles within the estimated two months,¡± ordered the President


    ¡°Yes, sir! I will do my best,¡± said Director Watanabe.


    Prime Minister Abe tried to gain anything he could by using finances, the military, or any means necessary by using the Korea¨CChina war as an excuse. China¡¯s use of nuclear weapons was a good excuse, and with this opportunity, he showed his ambition to be part of an array of countries with nuclear weapons by grilling the United States.


    <hr />


    November 7, 2020, 14:00, Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception room in Seoul Jong-ro ku


    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception room was weing a guest from the US State Department who just arrived from Washington. Also present in the room were Korean government officials from not only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also from the Ministry of National Defense and the National Security Office.


    After entering the reception room, the US officials shook hands with the Korean government officials, who were seated on the other side of the conference table, waiting for the US State Department guests.


    ¡°It¡¯s more peaceful than expected considering the country is at war,¡± a US official remarked.


    ¡°There is no need for the entire country to be tumultuous with a war involving only Red China.¡±


    The American government officials showed a slight surprise at what Korea¡¯s Second Vice-Minister of Defense Park Hyung-oh just said. First, the Second Vice-Minister referred to China as Red China, and second, he spoke lightly of Korea¡¯s war against China, a country growing in power that even the United States couldn¡¯t ignore. From the United States¡¯ perspective, this manner of speaking came across as very arrogant.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Robert Yulian, the Assistant Secretary of the Department of State and Director of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs,ughed without emotion. As the Director of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, he has visited Korea several times, and hisst visit was in April of 2019. Korea, in one year and six months since he revisited, has developed remarkably and its government officials also seemed full of confidence. Clearly, the general atmosphere in Korea has improved drastically from before.


    ¡°Director Yulian, may we know what is the purpose of your visit?¡±


    Second Vice-Minister Park pointedly asked. In reply, Director Yulian gave a sign to an employee who came in with him; the employee took out a stack of documents from his bag and handed it to Director Yulian.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of this.¡±


    Director Yulian said as he gave the documents to Second Vice-Minister Park.


    ¡°What is this?¡± asked the Second Vice-Minister.


    Second Vice-Minister Park began checking the pages of the document handed to him. The document contained pictures of the ongoing Korea¨CChina war and much information rting to it. After skimming through the pages, Second Vice-Minister Park spoke while handing back the document to the Secretary of National Security Strategy of the Blue House Office of National Security.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t these photos of the current Korea¨CChina war?¡± asked Second Vice-Minister Park.


    ¡°Yes, that is correct,¡± replied Director Yulian.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem? Is it because China used a tactical nuclear bomb yesterday?¡±


    After being attacked with a nuclear bomb from the Chinese Army and receiving a call that the US State Department will be visiting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thought that the reason for the visit was to discuss China¡¯s nuclear bomb attack, as America was under the promise of a nuclear umbre.


    ¡°No. If you look at the photos closely, it is because of the K3 White Tiger tank recently deployed for practical use by the Korean Army.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me? The White Tiger tank?¡±


    Director Yulian continued speaking to Second Vice-Minister Park, who has a bewildered expression at the unexpected reason for the visit.


    ¡°The White Tiger tank¡¯s tank gun is confirmed to be a particle gun, which is perceived to be a current scientific technology that even the United States could not develop. We came here to confirm and inspect how you acquired this technology and how much technology you have currently secured.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha! An inspection?¡±


    Second Vice-Minister Park burst out intoughter. The Secretary of National Security Strategy of the Blue House Office of National Security, Kim Soo-jong, spoke instead.


    ¡°Director Yulian, Korea is an independent state. By what authority do you confront us in this manner¡ªtalking about an inspection and saying such high-handed words about a country¡¯s military intelligence that pertains to national security? This is not the courtesy we expect from an allied nation.¡±


    Noting that the response of the Korean government officials was now different from that in the past, Director Yulian, spoke in a slightly more submissive tone.


    ¡°Ah! I apologize if I offended you. It¡¯s just that I wanted to inform you that the American government is very worried about this, but I went too far. I apologize again.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the treatment Koreans have always received from America? I am the Director of Force and Resources Management Office Kang Byung-woo from the Ministry of National Defense. All information of the White Tiger tank that you Director Yulian is asking for is an S-ss military secret. Hence, we cannot share any information pertinent to this.¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s confidential since it¡¯s a new technology that even America doesn¡¯t have. But is this confidential too? That the American government has caught you using a satellite as aunch vehicle to attack China with missiles aside from the White Tiger tank. This is a grave offense that vites the International Outer Space Treaty.¡±


    The Secretary of National Security Strategy, Kim Soo-jong, after thoroughly checking the document as soon as Director Yulian finished speaking, posed a counter-question while handing the documents back to Director Yulian.


    ¡°Director Yulian, if you check the documents you gave, there is no photo or content about an attack satellite. Are you considering our country as a criminal country with only your words to support this nonsense allegation?¡±


    Director Yulian did a double-take. Truthfully, they had a suspicion about the attack satellite, but they had not found evidence to prove it. It was a mistake to hastily talk about it and turn the current atmosphere around. He, therefore, backtracked immediately as he spoke.


    ¡°That is an information of great concern, so it is not contained in this document. However, please keep in mind that the American government, as I have stated, has various pieces of evidence to prove this circumstance.¡±


    The Secretary of National Security Strategy Kim Soo-jong did not back down and spoke albeit defensively.


    ¡°Yes, I see. Director Yulian, if you have sufficient evidence, then why don¡¯t you report it to the UN Security Council? That Korea has vited the International Outer Space Treaty? Isn¡¯t that what you¡¯re supposed to do?¡±


    ¡°Ho-ho! Aren¡¯t the United States and Korea allied countries? Even if an ally like Korea were tomit a vition, how can I report it immediately to the UN so heartlessly? That wouldn¡¯t be good for the security of Northeast Asia,¡± replied Director Yulian.


    King Snake.


    Robert Yulian earned this moniker ¡°King Snake¡± when he worked as the Director of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He was a shameless and low-grade King Snake who talked big without evidence while pretending to care for Korea.


    ¡°It would be good to actually have an attack satellite in our country like you said, Director Yulian.¡±


    On this day, the conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception room concluded with dinner by 9 p.m. With not much to gain from the long duration of the conference, Director Yulian headed back to the hotel with heavy steps after agreeing to have another meeting tomorrow.

 Chapter 114

    <h4>Chapter 114</h4>


    November 7, 2020, 20:00 (CST 19:00), Yingkou region in China


    The 20th Armored Division (Decisive Battle) headquarters, the 61st Armored Division, and the 26th Mechanized Infantry Brigade started moving to Yingkou region, away from the nuclear bomb radiation contaminated zone in Pan-Jin. They began working on decontaminating the area while maintaining a 5-km distance from each other, cautious of more nuclear bomb attacks from China.


    A few days earlier, arriving at Xingang Port through the 10th Amphibious Fleet, two units of the 11th Artillery¡¯s 976 MRLS Battalion (from the 2nd Corps¡¯ select 2nd Artillery Brigade [Double Dragon Artillery]) turned up in the Yingkou region. On the side of the Chunmoo armored vehicle, a red X mark was clearly engraved on the radiation symbol.


    Vroooom~Vroooom~


    The 12 Chunmoo armored vehicles, in a line formation, just drove past the 61st Armored Brigade¡¯s station and began warming in therge open area. A few moments shortly after the warm-up waspleted, all K270A1 gun batteries pointed toward Pan-Jin.


    After luckily surviving a nuclear hell, Sergeant Kang Joong-tae, the tank driver of the 61st Armored Brigade¡¯s 12th Tank Battalion 1st Company Tank 113, spoke to Staff Sergeant Oh Dong-kyung. They were setting up a camp tent while wearing exposure prevention suits.


    ¡°There is something different about that artillery battalion.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± asked Staff Sergeant Oh Dong-kyung.


    ¡°Over there, sir,¡± replied Sergeant Kang Joong-tae.


    He pointed with his chin toward the Chunmoo armored vehicle that just finished warming up in therge open area next to the 12th Tank Battalion.


    ¡°Hey! Are you now pointing with your chin at your superiors?¡±


    ¡°Please give me a break. I will be discharged in five days. Ofst year¡¯s sergeants, I was a Super Sergeant, so can¡¯t you give me a break?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, isn¡¯t this the month you get discharged? I feel so sorry for you. You have five days left until you¡¯re discharged, yet you were dragged into the battlefield where you don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll die without any promise,¡± mocked Staff Sergeant Oh Dong-kyung.


    Laughing as if to provoke him, he looked over to where Sergeant Kang pointed.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t their troop mask a little simr to the radiation symbol? Is that a tactical nuclear bomb doucher?¡± queried Staff Sergeant Oh.


    Checking the armored vehicle¡¯s mark between the lights, Staff Sergeant Oh spoke nonsensically.


    ¡°Huh? Staff Sergeant Oh, please. Our country doesn¡¯t have nuclear weapons,¡± answered Sergeant Kang Joong-tae.


    ¡°Maybe America gave them to us. Since our army got hit with a nuclear weapon, maybe they won¡¯t give us that nuclear umbre. But wouldn¡¯t they give us one or two nuclear bombs as an allied country?¡± Staff Sergeant Oh pondered aloud.


    ¡°I hear you. You have a point, sir,¡±


    At the Tank Commander¡¯s summon, First ss Sergeant Yoon Il-ho went to the Battalion Headquarters and brought back a strange cylinder-shaped device. Of this, Staff Sergeant Oh asked him a question.


    ¡°First ss Sergeant Yoon! What is that?¡±


    ¡°This? It¡¯s a radiation elimination device called R something. If you turn this on for about a day, they said all radiation substances get eliminated,¡± replied Sergeant Yoon Il-ho.


    ¡°Then are we allowed to take off our exposure prevention suit?¡± asked Staff Sergeant Oh.


    ¡°Not now, but you will be able to take it off tomorrow morning,¡± replied Sergeant Yoon Il-ho.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, it was getting stuffy. Come to think of it, there¡¯s nothing our country can¡¯t make. Oh yeah. First ss Sergeant Yoon, look over there,¡± said Staff Sergeant Oh.


    While cing the cylindrical device on top of the tank and activating the device ording to the exnation he had received, First ss Sergeant Yoon looked toward what Staff Sergeant Lee was pointing at with his finger.


    ¡°What about it?¡± asked Sergeant Yoon Il-ho.


    ¡°Look at the mark, sir,¡± requested Staff Sergeant Lee.


    ¡°Oh, that?¡± said Sergeant Yoon Il-ho.


    ¡°Do you know what that is?¡±


    When he seemed to know something, Staff Sergeant Lee and Sergeant Kang rushed over to where Sergeant Yoon Il-ho was and asked again.


    ¡°Who are those people? Staff Sergeant Oh said they belong to a nuclear bomb artillery unit.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the thing I brought,¡± said Sergeant Yoon Il-ho.


    ¡°Huh? What do you mean, sir?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an artillery unit that shoots these, you guys.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, sir . . . ?¡±


    Sergeant Kang, not understanding what he was saying, scratched the back of his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it anymore and just set up the tent,¡± said First ss Sergeant Yoon Il-ho.


    Sergeant Kang pulled the tent strings and mumbled inaudibly.


    A few momentster, 12 Chunmoo armored vehicles of the 967 MRLS Battalion¡¯s Alpha Artillery Unit and Bravo Artillery Unit created a thunderlike roar. Rockets flew into the air, creating a foggy dust cloud.


    Shoooong~ Shoooong~ Shoooong~Shoooong~


    In a few seconds, 144 rockets or 12 270-mm rockets from each of the 12 Chunmoo armored vehicles spewed out a foggy smoke and flew into the Pan-Jin sky, disappearing quickly from sight. A few momentster, when they reached the Pan-Jin sky, the 12 270-mm rocket body covers opened and 25-cm cylindrical submunition (K-RRS) fell evenly and widely on the Pan-Jin sky, which was still pure hell from the nuclear explosions. Once they hit the ground, instead of an explosion, they made an activation sound and simultaneously, something popped out from the cylinder top and blinked faintly.


    From each Artillery Unit K-1200 armored vehicle, several operators checked the monitor and reported continuously. Also, each Fire Control Operator constantly checked the blue blinking marks on the digital map. A few minutester, there was a report uploaded to each Artillery Unit Commander.


    <ul>


    This is Bravo Artillery Unit Fire Control Operator Park Gil-won.


    Yes, how did it go?


    All havepletednding on the target location. Except for the defective 28 out of 720, all 692 are properly under RRS {Radiation Remove System}.


    Good, make sure to monitor the area for 24 hours without resting through overnight-duty soldiers.


    Yes, sir.


    </ul>


    The 2nd Artillery Division 11th Artillery Unit 976 Artillery Battalion was an army unit that decontaminated radioactive elements. The sudden outbreak of the war with China made the Olympus base choose the MRLS K270A1 Chunmoo, which already used a projectile method, although it was still undergoing testing since it was developed shortly before the war began. Also, the Olympus base selected a few Chunmoo artillery battalions to add armored vehicles to remodel and monitor the projectile rockets to allow them to function.


    The cutting-edge submunition deployed from the 976 Artillery Battalion had the technology to decontaminate radioactive substances, including Cesium, which are harmful to the human body, within a 300-m radius. Once elimination had beenpleted, it radiated high heat to melt itself like a self-destructive bomb.


    On this night, radiation elimination submunition (K-RRS) flew throughout the western front where the nuclear explosion urred. The Olympus researcher, who wasn¡¯t able to test K-RRS thoroughly, said that it would take at least seven days topletely eliminate radiation in the area.


    <hr />


    November 7, 2020, 23:00 (CST 22:00), Jilin region in China


    The only surviving Army Group from the Northern Theater Command, the 16th Army Group, had constructed a defense line from Changchun to Jilin. The Korean Army¡¯s 2nd Army Group 7th Armored Division (Seven Stars) had advanced 50 km into Jilin and used unmanned reconnaissance nes and spider drones to check Jilin meticulously in order to organize an attack.


    The K-1100 Console armored vehicle operators, by order of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, continuously checked the screens sent from the unmanned reconnaissance satellite and drones. They analyzed the various aspects of the 16th Army Group such as troop deployment. Thirty minutester, inside the K-22 Commander armored vehicle, the Division Commander and Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations checked the videos sent from the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence through the monitor to discuss opinions on an attack n.


    ¡°If you look on the screen, you can see that the tanks deployed in Jilin are most likely armored units from the 16th Army Group 4th Armored Division,¡± observed the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations.


    ¡°Looking at its scale, it doesn¡¯t seem like the scale of a division,¡± said the Division Commander.


    ¡°At the start of the war, the 16th Army Group 4th Armored Division likely had a huge loss, and now had to adopt a distributed arrangement for their troops between Changchun and Jilin. Thus, the scale of the armored unit deployed here in Jilin seems like one armored brigade.¡±


    After his reply, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations continued his analysis while pointing at one side of the digital map.


    ¡°However, we should not be caught off guard that the Chinese armored unit is the size of a brigade. If the Motorized Infantry Unit here pushes in from the ten-o¡¯clock direction, we could have many casualties.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s likely an anti-tank armored vehicle division.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is correct. In my opinion, it would be good to detour the Motorized Infantry Division to the eleven-o¡¯clock direction with the 73rd Armored Brigade and attack from the side, quickly destroy the enemy armored brigade by speedily advancing the 75th Armored Brigade, and after thatmence the Jilin upation strategy with the rear unit 8th Mechanized Infantry Brigade.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good n. But did we confirm the location of the enemy artillery unit?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t confirmed the location of the artillery unit yet.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s concerning that we haven¡¯t found that.¡±


    ¡°I believe that they may have deployed all of them to the final defense line in Changchun.¡±


    Division Commander Suh Jung-yul looked closely on the monitor, crossing his arms. After being in deep thought for some time, the Commander uncrossed his arms and spoke while still looking on the monitor.


    ¡°Let¡¯s send the Reconnaissance Tank Battalion first and quickly hit the enemy armored brigade before backing off. If we throw a jab, we¡¯ll get some sort of response.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Once the core of the n was established, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations used themunicationwork of the Division¡¯s capital Reconnaissance Tank Battalion to order them to maneuver quickly to check the enemy armored brigade¡¯s hidden intent. He gave the other army units a few orders pertaining to the n.


    Vroooom!


    All K-2A1 ck Tiger tanks of the Reconnaissance Tank Battalion started up their engines and began moving slowly toward the expulsion route. Behind them, the 75th Armored Brigade maintained their wide line formation. Once the Division Commander¡¯s expulsionmand was received, all of them bolted off and quickly moved toward Jilin. Though it waste at night, the cutting-edge vision equipment let them see like broad daylight, and they advanced relentlessly forward on frozen ground.


    The 75th Armored Brigade, including the Reconnaissance Tank Battalion, deployed multi-wavelength smoke grenades from all tanks 30 km away from Jilin and created anotheryer of darkness in the night as they closed the distance with high speed. The K-2A1 ck Tiger tank at the very front deployed the smoke grenade every chance they had. When they reached a distance of 20 km away, shes of light and firing sounds came from several areas of the Jilin city.


    Crash! Crash! Craaash!


    A few momentster, the canon air-raid warning sounded. In a few seconds, canons fell in between K-2A1 ck Tiger tanks and columns of fire rose.


    After confirming this through the spider drone monitor, Division Commander Suh showed a slight smile and muttered.


    ¡°I knew this would happen. Something on my back itched. Those Chinese hid the artillery unit in various parts of the city.¡±


    ¡°Though it¡¯s the enemy¡¯s side, their n was good.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Tell the Reconnaissance Battalion to retreat immediately from the impact zone, and the 75th Armored Brigade to retreat 3 km to the rear.¡±


    ¡°I will direct them immediately.¡±


    The 3rd Armored Brigade that followed behind the Reconnaissance Battalion stopped their movement after the first smoke grenade was deployed, and only the Reconnaissance Battalion advanced. Hence, they used the multi-wavelength smoke grenade to disrupt enemy detection and tricked them as if they were mobilizing with a scale greater than a brigade. China¡¯s n to wipe out the Korean army by firing at once when they were in range was exposed and failed.


    Crash! Crash! Crash!


    The K-2 ck Tiger tank¡¯s improved model K-2A1 ck Tiger tank moved urgently out of the fire while dodging the falling fire like they were walking in a tightrope of death. Then there was a huge sh of light.


    With the sh, a mushroom cloud erupted, and the nuclear storm that started from the center quickly spread out to the sides.


    Rumble!


    Woooosh!


    When the extreme heat and storm rushed through, a few ck Tiger tanks near the bomb center got caught up in the storm and flipped over as they flew off. Houses nearby in the small towns disappeared without leaving debris like they were swept away with a brush.


    ¡°Sons of b*ches, using a nuclear bomb is fun for them now.¡±


    The monitor became static as the spider drone also was swept up in the nuclear storm and melted. Seeing this on the monitor, Division Commander Suh cursed.


    ¡°Sir, will you order all of the army units to retreat?¡±


    ¡°Tell them to retreat from the fire range. Is the Division Artillery Unit able to fire at Jilin?¡±


    ¡°Except for the self-propelled artillery of 16th Artillery Battalion, 56, 57, and 637 are able to fire.¡±


    ¡°Good! Tell all units to prepare for fallout, and order 56, 57, and 637 to keep firing until the next order.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Understood.¡±


    Due to the over-pressure equipment, all tanks, armored vehicles, and specialized vehicles of the 7th Armored Division had no problems with radiation exposure. From this, the Korean Armored Division escaped the firing range and waited for further instructions, whereas the other three artillery battalions began an enormous retaliation fire in the entire city of Jilin.


    Pew~ Pew~ Pew~ Pew~


    Eighteen units of K-9A1 Lightning self-propelled artillery and 18 K-137 200-mm multipleuncher Fire Dragon armored vehicles, and 18 MRLS K-239 Chunmoo armored vehicles spewed fireworks incessantly while the firing continued for over 30 minutes.


    Attacking civilian structures for the first time, the Korean Army¡¯s 7th Armored Division Artillery Battalion made the Jilin city hell without hesitation. When the road became blocked while warming up and firing from the top of the city road, the Chinese army was baptized in fire and lined up to cross the Jordan River, and in some cases, they left the artillery and multipleuncher armored vehicles to run away.


    After firing for over an hour, the 7th Armored Division¡¯s three Division Artillery Battalions continued shooting while receiving emergency supplies of ammunition without knowing when it would end.


    ¡°Division Commander, I think that this was enough to copse all Chinese artillery units hiding in this city.¡±


    The Assistant Chief of Staff of Operations did not expect that the nuclear bomb retaliation fire wouldst over an hour. Truthfully, however, the concern was the use of the ammunition. For the Division Commander, however, what the Assistant Chief of Staff of Operations said went unheard, and he replied with a question rather than an answer.


    ¡°How many sets of sma cluster bombs does 637 Battalion have?¡±


    ¡°They currently have 18 sets.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for two artillery battalions. Distribute three sets to each artillery battalion and tell them to fire straight at them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will tell them right away.¡±


    Simultaneously after responding, he turned around to say a few words to themunication operator. He then grabbed the microphone to ry the Division Commander¡¯s orders. A few momentster, he put down the microphone and reported to the Division Commander.


    ¡°Division Commander, sir. They said it will take about five minutes to load.¡±


    ¡°Good! After 637unches of the cluster bombs, halt all artillery battalion fire.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Understood.¡±

 Chapter 115

    <h4>Chapter 115</h4>


    November 8, 2020, 00:00, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku


    After aplishing the day¡¯s work and retiring to sleep in the Armed Forces Joint Command Control room, the Chairman of the Joint Staff, Kang Yi-sik, was hastily awakened.


    ¡°Chairman, sir. I apologize.¡±


    Chairman Kang, waking up from his still-inadequate sleep, saw the overnight Adviser Lee Jin-kwang¡¯s apologetic face.


    ¡°Adviser Lee, what is it?¡±


    ¡°I think you need to go to the situation room quickly, sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go as soon as I am ready,¡± replied Chairman Kang.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Chairman, after hastily putting on his uniform, entered the situation room a few momentster. The Director of Operation Center and the Advisers rose from their seats.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Chairman Kang asked upon entering the situation room, while looking at thergest screen in the situation room. The Director of Operation Center answered.


    ¡°They have dropped a 5kt ss nuclear bomb on the 7th Armored Division at Jilin.¡±


    There was a small twitch under the Chairman¡¯s eye.


    ¡°What are the casualties?¡± the Chairman asked.


    ¡°ording to the 7th Armored Division¡¯s reports, 8 K-2A1 ck Tiger tanks of the Reconnaissance Tank Battalion, 24 soldiers dead, and 12 injured,¡± replied the Director of Operation Center.


    ¡°What¡¯s the current situation?¡±


    The Chairman let out a sigh and continued asking short questions.


    ¡°They sustained the retaliation fire for one hour in Jilin City, the confirmed nuclear bomb projectile location. In the end, they fired 36 sma cluster bombs. Now they are in a street battle in the downtown area through the Mechanized Infantry Division.¡±


    ¡°They fired downtown?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Major General Suh Jung-yul gritted his teeth, seeing that he even used the cluster bombs. Regardless, there will be many civilian casualties.


    The screen disyed footage of the 7th Armored Division advancing and maneuvering while firing, shown in low quality perhaps due to the nuclear bomb EMP. Then the Communications Operator spoke in a loud voice.


    ¡°Sir, there is a call from the 7th Maneuver Corps Commander. It¡¯s on screen number 3.¡±


    After the operator worked the console a few times, screen number 3 disyed the 7th Maneuver Corps Commander Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon giving a salute.


    ¡°Salute! This is the 7th Maneuver Corps Commander Yang Min-choon.¡±


    ¡°Salute! Thank you for your hard work.¡±


    After the salute worthy of amander of the vanguard unit in the Korea¨CChina war, Lieutenant General Yang shortly put his hand down and spoke about the content of the report.


    ¡°The Chinese Army, after crossing the long Lingshan mountain chain from Jinzhou¡¯s Zijing mountain to Fuxin¡¯s Begonia mountain in two directions, has advanced to 102 km west from Shenyang. It¡¯s been confirmed that the scale is at least two Army Groups, and the predicted size of an army group that will advance to Yingkou has currentlybined forces in the Jinzhou region and organizing to form a battle line.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang reported a summary of the core contents.


    ¡°Have you decided on the response measures?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division is now moving south to block the advancement path, and the 25th Light Infantry Division moved west of Shenyang to begin constructing a defense stronghold.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division a unit that hadrge casualties from this nuclear attack?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is correct.¡±


    ¡°Though it¡¯s not aplete Mechanized Army Group, it¡¯s the scale of over two Army Groups. I wonder if they will need more for the battle.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we have called the 3rd Armored Division¡¯s 22nd Armored Brigade as an emergency reinforcement unit to support the side of the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, good! One more thing! The Chinese Army dropped a nuclear bomb in Jilin too. From now on, we need to actively prepare against the Chinese Army¡¯s nuclear bomb attack. Carry out a preemptive strike on an army group that you believe will deploy the nuclear bomb. If you were to do that, a surface-to-surface missile attack or an air force attack will be essential. The Joint Armed Forces will provide support with aircraft from the Integrated Attack Fighter Wing in Sinuiju.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Call if you need any other support.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will contact you again. Salute.¡±


    ¡°Salute! Keep up the hard work.¡±


    <hr />


    November 8, 2020, 01:05 (CST 00:05), Downtown Jilin in China


    Jilin City, after being fired with over 3,000 shells, was hell itself. The downtown area reeked of acrid scent from gunpowder, and only a handful of building structures was still standing with everything else in steel skeletons or crumbled in an unsightly way. With civilian corpses littered everywhere in the wrecked buildings, the entire city was in ruins.


    Furthermore, throughout the road, the Chinese Artillery Unit¡¯s self-propelled artillery or multipleuncher vehicles that were baptized with bombs from the Korean Artillery Unit were partially demolished and fumed ck smoke. The Chinese artillery soldiers¡¯ severely disfigured corpses were sprawled around it.


    Brrrrrrr! Brrrrrr! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The 8th Mechanized Infantry Division¡¯s K-21 armored vehicles, entering downtown Jilin, spewed mes from firing their 7.62-mm coaxial tank gun and 40-mm canons. The armored vehiclemanders and shooters used their infrared and maic field vision mode activated monitors and panoramic sights to order fire without hesitation on any object deemed alive or dangerous that emitted light.


    Pew! Pew!


    One of the K-21 armored vehicles, loaded with reactive armor in ordance with the 2017 K-21 PIP (Product Improvement Program), spotted a moving armored vehicle from the ten-o¡¯clock direction and directly hit them with three consecutive shots from their cannon.


    After being hit with three bullets of 40-mm sma aggregate, the Chinese armored vehicle exploded beyond recognition and spouted mes. When they were turning the canon to another target, the 12th Company Commander¡¯s voice was heard from themunicationwork.


    <ul>


    This is Arnold! Arnold! Hollywood that entered up to sector 5, deploybat infantry and begin scouting operation! Deploybat infantry and begin scouting operation!


    Brian, Roger.


    Tom, Roger.


    Emma Stone, Roger.


    Robert, Roger.


    </ul>


    The 12th Company, which is in charge of sector 5 search and upation, opened the rear hatch of all armored vehicles, and all the infantrymen quickly positioned in all-around security. With their helmets equipped with vision sunsses, the infantrymen began carefully scouting and checking between nearby buildings and roads.


    <hr />


    November 8, 2020, 01:30 (CST 00:30), 10 km east from Shenyang, China


    West of Shenyang, in arge open field that is 110-km wide and 200-km long, a historical battle began. In the future, it will be known from each country¡¯s military experts as the Second Shenyang Anti-mechanized Battle, or China¡¯s Counterattack Battle.


    From the Korean Army¡¯s perspective, it was a battle with a character quite different from any, thus far. Though they were the attacking army, their response in this particr battle had defensive power and tactics.


    First, from the east of Shenyang, the 7th Corps Capital Artillery Battalion spread out widely to prepare for immediate fire in the uing great battle, and from the west of Shenyang, the 7th Maneuver Corps Capital unit. The 7th Armored Brigade was at the vanguard with the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and 26th Armored Brigade on each side, excluding the Capital Armored Brigade that had the most casualties from thest nuclear bomb attack. Behind the 7th Armored Brigade, the 25th Light Infantry Division and each Division¡¯s Artillery Brigade formed a final defense line and waited. Finally, the 3rd Armored Division¡¯s 22nd Armored Brigade moved quickly southward from Zhangwu as augmentation forces.


    Meanwhile, the long-ranged multipleuncher artillery units were deployed in a long vertical fashion behind the Lingshan mountain chain and were ready to fire. The two Army Groups, the 20th Army Group and the 54th Army Group, mechanized units and motorized units, the 18th Armored Division, the 58th Mechanized Infantry Division, the 11th Armored Division, the 127th Light Mechanized Infantry Division, and the 162nd Motorized Infantry Division were in line formation of 50 km as the vanguard and officially began preparing for advancement.


    <hr />


    November 8, 2020, 01:50, Temporary Air Force Base of the Integrated Attack Fighter Wing Sinuiju, North Korea


    Considering that the runway was made by North Korea, the condition was favorable. This was because not many nes used the airport and runway after they were constructed. In any case, on this long-stretched runway, various aircraft with the Korean Air Force mark followed the runway in a two-line formation and was preparing to take off.


    They were aircraft recruited from various Fighter Wings to secure air superiority with regards to the three sages of the Northeast. Two KB-30P Heavenly Dragon strategic bombers, which had never seen before, came out of the hangar as if to boast its beautiful figure while following the signals of the marshaller. Though they were to be deployed into actual battle tomorrow for the first time with the Chiyou punishment n, Chairman Kang gave orders to deploy the Heavenly Dragon strategic bomber instead of a normal strategic bomber due to China¡¯s additional nuclear attack.


    Crew: 4 (2 pilots/2 air weapons controllers)


    Dimensions: 35.3 m x 35.5 m x9.1 m


    Dead load: 48 t


    Maximum load for takeoff: 250 t


    Maximum elevation: 45 km


    Radar: K-HOKULLA 02 MCS


    Engine: K-PTZ-1000 x 4


    Engine output: 120,000 x 4= 480,000


    Flying range: 60,000 km


    Cruising radius: 45,500 km


    Maximum speed: Mach 5


    High-speed cruise: Mach 3.5


    Stealth ability: 100%


    Artillery:


    S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake * 4 (Intermediate air-to-air missile)


    K-PSB (sma cluster bomb) x 80 or K-PAB (sma augmentation bomb) x 40 or Various conventional bombs X 100


    <hr />


    November 8, 2020, 01:30 (CST 00:30), 7th Maneuver Corps Headquarters 2km west from Shenyang, China


    In the 7th Maneuver Corps Headquarters¡¯ temporary barracks, located in the outskirts west of Shenyang, arge screen and various electronic equipment were installed. Seated were various operators formunications, tactics, and information, who wore headsets and moved busily while working seriously on their tasks. On one side, 7th Maneuver Corps Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, who exuded an intense charismatic air, monitored the screen with the Army Group staff.


    ¡°It¡¯s a relief that this is a defensive battle, and we have less concern for a tactical nuclear bomb attack.¡±


    Army Group Vice-Commander Major General Oh Joon-wan stated.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that. When have the Chinese acted as we expected? Even with thest nuclear attack, if it were our country, honestly, would the Integrated Forces give an order to drop a nuclear bomb on their own country?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°We can see that we were hit with thest nuclear attack because we forgot that China would go through hell and high water.¡±


    ¡°You are right, Army Group Commander.¡±


    The Army Group Vice-Commander touched the back of his head and said with an awkward smile.


    ¡°The Chinese Army will definitely use a tactical nuclear bomb in this battle. Since the distance is far, they would use a short distance surface-to-surface orrge-caliber multipleunchers closer to an intermediate distance rather than a high-angle fire method.¡±


    ¡°For now, the defense units have fully mobilized all avable power for defensive fire, regardless of a tactical nuclear bomb attack. Counter-battery fire against the Chinese artillery units will be carried out in real time.¡±


    The Head of Operations, Brigadier General Kim Kang-il, spoke as if to report the current state of preparations.


    ¡°For now, we have to have faith.¡±


    On thergest screen, statistics calcted from the supeputer sent from the reconnaissance satellite, unmanned reconnaissance nes, and spider drones, were marked in real time as various symbols on the digital map.


    ¡°Compared to thest Shenyang armored battle, this feels like it surpasses it in scale.¡±


    ¡°I believe it¡¯s simr or slightlyrger.¡±


    ¡°Confirm if the air forcepleted preparations for a sortie.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Commander, sir.¡±


    The Communications Operator turned around to speak.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The 7th Artillery Brigade reported that the Chinese vanguard unit has entered the 758 MRLS Battalion¡¯s firing range, and is requesting for firing orders.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to wait! Tell them that I will give firing orders when they¡¯ve reached at least the 200-mm multipleuncher firing range.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Meanwhile, Brigadier General Kim analyzed the state of the Air Force and reported it.


    ¡°Commander, sir. Currently, all 29 nes from the Air Wing havepleted sortie preparations and are waiting for yourmand.¡±


    ¡°I see. All defense preparations areplete. What is their distance from the Chinese vanguard unit?¡±


    ¡°Currently, the distance from the Chinese armored unit estimated to be their vanguard unit is 55 km.¡±


    ¡°Fifty-five kilometers, huh. Good! Advance the 7th Armored Brigade at medium speed for five kilometers.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Twenty minutester, the red dot that symbolized the Chinese ground forces on the digital map began moving quickly. The Chinese Army began advancing toward Shenyang with high mobility.


    ¡°Distance.¡±


    The operator immediately replied to the Army Group Commander¡¯s short order.


    ¡°Forty-five kilometers, sir.¡±


    ¡°Air Force sortie! All artillery units which secured firing range, begin fire.¡±


    When the Army Group Commander¡¯s clear and concise order was passed, the Communications Operators suddenly began moving busily and cascaded the orders immediately to their respective units.


    ¡°The 7th Artillery Brigade 670 Battalion and 758 Battalion have begun fire.¡±


    ¡°The 771 Artillery Brigade, 10th Battalion, 60th Battalion, 61st Battalion, and 808 Battalion under the direct control of the Capital Armored Division have begun fire.¡±


    ¡°Twenty-nine Peregrines from the 17th Air Wing have been reported to have sortied.¡±


    While the response report from each army unit regarding themand was being delivered through the Communications Operators¡¯ lips, the sound of artillery fire far away shook the heaven and the earth and rang throughout.


    Pew! Pew! Shoooo~ Shoooo~


    ¡°Make sure the 1000 Battalion (MRLS K271 Divine Weapon) and 1001 Battalion (1E2 ck Tortoise surface-to-surface missile) can immediatelyunch a counter-battery attack on enemy fire, and the 7th Armored Brigade to change to low-speed mobility and wait briefly! Send the orders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Second Shenyang Anti-mechanized Battle that will go down in history had just begun. After using a tactical nuclear bomb to briefly force the Korean Army to retreat to the rear, the Chinese Army took this opportunity to attempt a great retaliation and showed reckless movement by jumping into the Korean Artillery Unit¡¯s fire.

 Chapter 116

    <h4>Chapter 116</h4>


    November 8, 2020; 01:30 (00:30 China time), the Great ins west of Sun-Yang City, China


    The 7th Armored Brigade, a unit under the direct control of the 7th Mobile Corps, moved forward five kilometers beforeing to a stop. From behind came bone-chilling sounds of explosion and shells that were being fired and shot through the sky. Anyone hearing the sound would think the entire sky was being split open.


    KRRRR! KRRRR!


    A momentter, lights began to sh, if only so faintly, from somewhere about 30 kilometers ahead of them. Those shes came from shells being fired by the Korean Artillery Corps.


    ¡°Maneuver at full speed! If you dawdle, you¡¯ll only end up getting killed by the shells fired by the Bangzis. Jack up to full speed!¡±


    The order issued by Lieutenant Colonel Liu Heng Hao, Commander of the 225th Armored Battalion that stood in the vanguard for the Chinese 11th Armored Division, reverberated through the battalion¡¯smunicationswork. In response, the battalion tanks increased their speed to the highest they could go in open fields. The tank engines sted ck smoke along with loud roars as if they were just about to overload and explode.


    BAM! BOOM-BOOM! KRRRR! BANG! BANG!


    The Chinese tanks kept advancing in high-mobility maneuvering tactics despite the shells bombarding them until they were about 20 kilometers away from the Korean troops. From the second-generation tanks that were widely used during the 1980s to the fourth generation-level T-100 A2 tanks that were fielded only recently, there was such a wide variety of tanks that the entire ensemble reminded one of a museum of tanks. Probably, they must have mobilized all the tanks avable from their military units.


    ¡°Just a little farther and we¡¯ll be in contact with the enemy tanks. Then we can avoid those shells.¡±


    After issuing an order that was also meant to be an encouragement, Lieutenant Colonel Liu Henghao kept shouting through themunicationswork, while feeling relieved that they were still alive and also wishing that they would remain so. But his wish didn¡¯tst too long. From the sky far ahead of them flew in about ten attack choppers with designs he had never seen before. They had the front area headed downward and making a noise that was unusual for choppers in flight. Soon, they were firing something toward them from both wings.


    ¡°What? What are they firing at us?¡±


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 01:55 (00:55 China time), west of Lishan Mountain, China


    As the Korean artillery corps kept shelling, the artillery corps¡ªone under the control of the 2nd Artillery Command and another under the control of the Army Group¡ªwere waiting for an order to open fire after entering the firing data received from the Observation Group. The corps included the 33rd Artillery Battalion that took an active role in the previous battle while firing nuclear shells.


    Lieutenant Colonel Lo Hongheong from the 332nd Artillery Corps was more rxed than before as he waited for an open fire order to be issued from the fire control armored vehicle.


    ¡°All units open fire on the coordinates entered for each unit!¡±


    Finally, an open fire order was issued. In response, Lieutenant Colonel Lo Hongheong opened themunicationswork and picked up a microphone.


    ¡°The first, second, and third artillery units! Fire the first round! Keep firing until the next order is issued.¡±


    No sooner had Lieutenant Colonel Lo Hongheong ordered to open fire than the rocket bombs were fired all at once from the tubes of 18 A100 multiple rocketunchers loaded with the extended range subcaliber, HK-100 hybrid projectile, along with mes.


    WHIZ-WHIZ-WHIZ!


    The rocket bombs that were fired at just a few seconds of intervals while generating clouds of smoke flew past the Lishan Mountain and disappeared from sight. They were soon followed by about a dozen of the rest of artillery units on standby. They started firing short-range ground missiles and multiple-extension rocket bombs toward the direction of Sun-Yang.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 01:55 (00:55 China time), ins to the east of Sun-Yang City, China (the base of the 7th Artillery Brigade Counterbattery Radar Operation Unit)


    The AN/TPQ-K02 Counterbattery radar that belonged to the Observation Group under the control of the 7th Artillery Brigade detected objects suspected to be shells fired by the enemy.


    * K-AN/TPQ-03 Iron Curtain is a Korean-style artillery radar, developed with Korea¡¯s own technology for the first time in 2018 by modeling after the AN/TPQ-37 of the U.S. With a detection range of 150 kilometers, it can detect and track up to 200 iing mortar, artillery, and rocket fires and determine the urate point of origin for counterbattery fire.


    ¡°The radar has detected enemy fires, sir! The first coordinates are 41¡ã40¡¯49.05¡¯N, Tokyo 121¡ã24¡¯55.28¡¯E, the second coordinates are 41¡ã38¡¯13.20¡¯N, Tokyo 121¡ã22¡¯59.85¡¯E . . .¡±


    The radar operator reported, loudly reading the coordinates that were automatically calcted and disyed on the radar screen.


    ¡°Immediately send those coordinates to the Fire Direction Center (FDC) at the battalion headquarters and confirm what the second and third radars are detecting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.


    The coordinates of the point of origin for counterbattery fires were transmitted to FDC at the battalion headquarters. The FDC quickly took action to calcte the exact firing data of the attack point. And shortly after, firing data were delivered to the 1000 MRL and 1001 missile squadrons.


    In response, the 1000 MRL and the 1001 missile squadrons on standby at the base east to Sun-Yang immediately entered the firing data that came from FDC and waited for theunch order.


    * One of the weapons carried by the 1000 MRLS squadron was Shin Gi Jeon, named after a namesake weapon developed in 1448 (the 30th year of King Sejong¡¯s reign). The original Shin Gi Jeon was the first Korean-made rocket firearm developed by upgrading the rocket firearm Juhwa that was invented by Choe Mu-seon in thete Goryeo Dynasty. The modern version of Shin Gi Jeon carried by 1000 MRLS is a strategic-ss weapon that uses 300mm triple-purpose sma cluster bombs.


    Crew: 3


    Mobile type: Vehicle type


    Armament: Twelve guns


    Weight: 40 t


    Length: 6.97 m


    Width: 3.2 m


    Height: 3.05 m


    Engine: KPP-50 sma Engine


    Output: 2,000 horsepower


    Rocket diameter: 300 mm (triple-purpose sma cluster bomb)


    Rocket length: 3 m


    Warhead weight: 280 kg


    Rocket weight: 350 kg


    Range: 200 km


    Highest speed: 120 km/h.


    Flying range: 900 km


    A momentter, an open fire order was issued from the 7th Artillery Brigade Commander. In response, three artillery units of 1000 MRLS fired 300-mm triple-purpose sma cluster bombs toward the targets where firing data were entered, while the armored vehicles of the 1001 missile squadrons also raised their four firing tubes vertically and fired Hyunmoo-1E2 short-range ballistic missiles whose shooting range was 800 kilometers.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 02:05 (1:05 China time), the Great ins west of Sun-Yang City, China


    Sixteen FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers that belonged to the 171st Air Force were flying at high speed, trampling over the Chinese tanks that were everywhere on the ground for 20 minutes. At first, each chopper fired two rounds of K-PSB sma cluster bombs, and now, they were on a mission to hunt down all thetest-model tanks with ck Dragon missiles.


    asionally, Chinese armored vehicles fired HQ-6 surface-to-air missiles, but they continued on with the attack while performing evasive maneuvers supported by the powerful jamming SECM decoy system and a superior evasion flight function that none of the existing choppers could emte.


    The ck Dragon missiles that were loaded on the wings of Peregrine Falcon choppers kept sting hellfire mes toward their targeted Chinese tanks. Before long, they were running out of ammunition on board.


    Upon realizing the problem, the squadronmander reached out to each flight leader to confirm the status of their armament.


    ¨C This is Alpha! Alpha! Each squadron report the current status of armament!


    ¨C Bravo 1. Roger.


    ¨C Charlie 1. Roger.


    ¨C Delta 1. Roger.


    Shortly, each flight leader reported the armament status of each squadron.


    ¨C Bravo 1. Three mmers. Roger.


    ¨C Charlie 1. Five mmers. Roger.


    ¨C Delta 1. Seven mmers. Roger.


    ¨C Alpha. Okay. After exhausting ammunition, each squadron is ordered tounch engage defense under the decision of the squadron leader!


    ¨C Bravo 1. Roger.


    ¨C Charlie 1. Roger.


    ¨C Delta 1. Roger.


    Before long, after exhausting all ammunition, the Peregrine Falcon Attack Chopper flight squadron started firing thick 25-mm Vulcanser beams toward the old-model tanks and armored vehicles. The old-model tanks and armored vehicles had a series of internal explosions before they were destroyed and reduced to ashes. They were gone permanently.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 02:11 (01:11 China time), West of the Lishan Mountain, China


    The artillery units had finished shooting the first round of artillery and were receiving supply for the second round of attack when shells fired by Korean artillery units started pouring down around the 332nd Artillery Battalion. It was less than ten minutes after the first round of attack, but the Korean artillery units were so fast that they were alreadyunching the counter-artillery fire. Also, the shells that were falling were not just ordinary shells but double-purpose sma cluster bombs.


    The 300-mm triple-purpose sma cluster bombs fired by the Sin Gi Jeon sted first in the air, 50 meters above the ground, and sprayed numerous bomblets in the area. Once they hit the ground, those bomblets sted the second time and sent debris up in the air about 5 meters above the ground. By the time they exploded the third time around, they spread debris in an area the size of a football field. Luck had it when the bomblets flew in and hit the bullets that were being loaded, causing an entire multiple rocketuncher to explode into pieces. Some of the gunners were also hit by the cluster bombs and bomblets while recing bullets¡ªthey were instantly killed when the st ripped and shredded them to pieces.


    Just one sma cluster bomb was enough to make all hell break loose and turn the hit area into a pit of hellfire. Lieutenant Colonel Lo Hongheong was also hit by the bomblets from a sma cluster bomb that pierced through an armored vehicle and riddled his entire body. He was killed instantly without having so much as a second to scream.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 02:40 (01:40 China time), Midtown in Ji-Ling City, China


    The bombing attackunched by the 7th Artillery Brigade left only a few buildings in decent shape in midtown Ji-Ling City. As darkness nketed the city, apany of infantry soldiers started searching through the remains of the copsed buildings, before they split thepany into smaller teams, the size of toons, and again into the size of squads, with each team assigned to spread out and search different sections.


    ¡°This is thepanymander. If you find anything suspicious, take the necessary action first then report it to me.¡±


    At the brief order from Company Commander Gil Young-woon, thebat infantry soldiers that were split into smaller teams spread out,bed through, and searched their assigned sections. Before long, a few luminescent objects, believed to be humans, were detected about 120 meters ahead of them by the shield ss carried by Private First ss Oh Dong-won from the first toon the second squad.


    ¡°Sir, I detected luminescent objects believed to be humans at 120-meter distance ahead, eleven o¡¯clock direction. There are at least ten of them.¡±


    ¡°Hush. Everybody be quiet! Hey, Assistant Squad Leader.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, Sergeant Kang.¡±


    ¡°You take your team members to the alley at three o¡¯clock direction over there and report to me when you have a clear view of the surroundings.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Corporal Nah Won-jin answered to the call before he hand-signaled to his team members and headed toward the alley at three o¡¯clock while maintaining the covert activity mode. Other squads also slowly approached the alley while keeping themselves hidden by the cover they found in the middle of the street.


    When squad leader Sergeant Kang Ho-il activated the inverter mode, he could make out about ten figures that were engaged in some action behind a building.


    ¡°What are those bastards doing over there at night?¡±


    He approached a point about 50 meters away from those figures without being detected when Corporal Nah Won-jin, the assistant squad leader, radioed him.


    ¡°Sir! I secured a clear sight. It seems they are struggling with something in front of a weird equipment.¡±


    ¡°Could it be a bomb? Try to find out what it is!¡± said Sergeant Kang Ho-il.


    The squad leader could only rely on an inverter mode because he couldn¡¯t secure a clear view due to the building that was blocking his view. That¡¯s the reason he ordered the assistant squad leader to find out more about the situation because the assistant had secured a clear sight.


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡±


    The assistant squad leader quietly ordered PFC Nah Sang-gyeong, who was his subordinate in charge of sniping.


    ¡°PFC Nah! Can you find out exactly what these bastards are doing?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    PFC Nah Sang-gyeong looked at the sight through the high magnification K1 telescope that was built on KS-2 to find out exactly what was going on. Soon, turning his eyes away from the telescope, he reported,


    ¡°Sir! There are 19 of them in total. And they are manipting something the size of a drum can. It seems to be an explosive.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure. I cannot say I¡¯m 100 percent confident, but it sure seems like an explosive.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Are you there, squad leader?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here! Did you find out anything?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. There are 19 people, and they are messing with something the size of a drum can. It is suspected that it is an explosive. What should we do now?¡±


    ¡°Okay! When you receive a signal, your unit open fire first. We will advance when your unit open fire.¡±


    ¡°Aye, aye, sir.¡±


    After a brief pause, the squad leader quietly ordered his squad soldiers by speaking through his headset again.


    ¡°Open fire!¡±


    Whiz-Whiz-Whiz-Whiz!


    Upon hearing the sound of a volleying from the subsquad unit, the squad leader and soldiers in his squad started running ahead.


    The unidentified people were helplessly hit by theser beams that flew in out of nowhere and went down to the cold pavement. But a few of them quickly found cover and avoided theser beams. They raised their QBZ-95 assault rifles and start spraying 5.8 mm bullets at the enemies in an automatic mode.


    Bang-Bang! Bang-Bang!


    Laser beams and sparks from the bullets fired from both sides were creating a spectacle of shes in the middle, quickly breaking the silence that had covered the city with a sudden noise. But the noisy shootout quickly came to a stop when the squad soldiers raided from the rear and shot and killed all the unidentified figures.


    ¨C Hold your fire! Hold your fire!


    After confirming that all the suspicious men had fallen with the help of a shield ss, the squad leader ordered his soldiers to stop firing. He was checking them, one by one, to make sure they were all dead when suddenly, one of the fallen men¡ªpretending to be dead and lying next to the object that was suspected to be an explosive¡ªpulled something out of his chest area and dropped it.


    ¡°It¡¯s a grenade! Everybody, back off!¡±


    No sooner had the squad leader screamed than all squad soldiers quickly ran off to the opposite side andy t on the ground.


    BAM! CLASH!


    The st from the grenade ignited the suspicious object and made it explode as well. Blistering smoke covered the entire alley, and debris from the copsing buildings quickly turned the area into a scene of chaos. However, the explosion was less powerful than they¡¯d thought, given that they¡¯d suspected it was an explosive the size of a drum can.


    ¡°Goddamn bastard chinks.¡±


    The squad leader stood on his feet while dusting himself off and cursing at the Chinese people. Just as he was about to check to see if all his squad soldiers were okay, the word ¡°gas¡± appeared and blinked on the screens of the X-K01 device that was mounted on the left arm of the squad soldiers. The squad soldiers also heard a gas warning going off on their headsets.


    Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this?¡±


    In a moment of bewilderment, PFC Lee Min-soo, who was in charge of weapons in the squad, started having convulsions and copsed with foams in his mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s gas! Put on your gas masks!¡±

 Chapter 117

    <h4>Chapter 117</h4>


    November 8, 2020, 04:30, Bunker B2 in Yongsan-gu, Seoul (the Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control of Armed Forces)


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff was on high alert. An emergency meeting was ordered after it was reported that nuclear weapons and chemical warfare were mobilized at the battle in Ji-Ling City. Even the Defense Minister attended the meeting.


    ¡°First of all, let me brief you on the current situation.¡±


    The Director of Operation spoke, walking up to the podium in the operation meeting room.


    ¡°Exactly an hour and a half ago, we expanded our search area to the center of Ji-Ling City. One of our squads wasbing through an area when they noticed some unidentified individuals busy with something. Our squad soldiers opened fire at them and thought they were all shot dead. But one soldier survived the shooting. He detonated a grenade and blew up a suspicious object that was nearby. Sarin gas leaked from the object that was blown up. Please direct your eyes to the screen.¡±


    The screen showed footage taken from a camera mounted on the squad leader¡¯s helmet at the time of the search. When the footage ended, the Director of Operation exined.


    ¡°Sarin gas spread rapidly around the main streets of the city. Currently, the CBR Support Unit under the 7th Division has carried out an emergency decontamination work, but only in some areas.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the damage to our forces?¡±


    Defense Minister Kang Hyun-soo asked the most important question.


    ¡°A total of 49 soldiers are currently showing symptoms of sarin gas poisoning. Four of the squad soldiers who were shown in the footage were in serious condition and rushed to the division¡¯s medical unit. The rest of the 45 soldiers were given vines as an emergency measure, and they are expected to fully recover after a few days¡¯ rest.¡±


    ¡°How about the four soldiers who were seriously affected? Are they in critical condition?¡±


    ¡°I cannot tell for sure because we haven¡¯t received yet a detailed diagnostic report from the medical unit of the 7th Division who attended to them. I¡¯ll let you know as soon as the reportes in.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t we have advanced medical technology? Advanced enough to fully treat even cancer and AIDS patients?¡±


    ¡°The thing is, they¡¯ve been exposed to arge amount of sarin gas in the early stage. They have been seriously poisoned.¡±


    The Defense Minister closed his eyes with his hand on his forehead. He was deeply troubled at the report that his troops were attacked by biochemical warfare in addition to nuclear weapons. There was no guarantee that the enemies would not go as far as using biological warfare in the future. When he thought of that possibility, he smacked the table with his hand.


    THUD!


    ¡°Damn scumbag Chinese b*stards! Aren¡¯t they going too far? Chemical warfare in the twenty-first century? Chairman! What do you think we should do?¡±


    When the Defense Minister asked the question, all the attendees¡¯ eyes turned and rested on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff replied.


    ¡°Nobody in the Joint Chiefs of Staff had expected that the Chinese would go so far as using chemical warfare because China has nuclear power. However, now that the Chinese has gone beyond our expectation and turned to chemical warfare, which is banned by all countries around the world, I¡¯m afraid we are in a situation where we cannot rule out the possibility of them using even biowarfare. As a result, I expect it¡¯ll cost us significantly more time to carry out every operation going forward.


    ¡°Significantly more time?¡±


    ¡°Yes. When we were drafting the Rise of Goguryeo Operation n, we expected that it would take only up to a month before the Chinese military will surrender. But now that we have to consider the possibility of their nuclear attacks in addition to their chemical and even biological warfare attacks, we have to be more careful when carrying out our operation. We might even have to modify some of our nned actions. Eventually, it will mean that we¡¯d have to fight the war longer.¡±


    ¡°This is a big problem. If the warsts longer, it would be highly disadvantageous to our military forces, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I think the situation calls for a special measure.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, with a serious look on his face.


    ¡°Tell us what you have in mind.¡±


    ¡°I think we should upgrade the Emperor Chiu punishment from level 2 to level 3 tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Level 3?¡±


    Defense Minister Kang Hyun-soo was stunned to hear it. He remembered how he got the approval earlier from the President to upgrade it to level 2, although he¡¯d thought it would be impossible because level 2 corresponds to retaliation cruel enough topletely destroy a country¡¯s economic power. And now, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was suggesting to increase it further to level 3.


    ¡°Look, Chairman! Don¡¯t you think level 3 is too excessive?¡±


    ¡°Minister, I¡¯m a soldier. It is my duty to protect the nation and the lives of our people. I believe that I must resort to all means and measures to protect them. That¡¯s the responsibility and duty of a soldier. I¡¯m sure you know that too since you were a soldier yourself.¡±


    Defense Minister Kang Hyun-soo was also a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, a few years earlier than the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. But level 3 is¡ª¡±


    SLAM!


    All of a sudden, the door to the Situation Room burst open, and the duty officer of the Situation Room rushed in and said in an urgent voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. But there¡¯s an emergency!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    The Director of Operation asked.


    ¡°A report just came in and it said one Korean oil tanker and two Korean cargo ships were attacked by missiles and sunk near the Spratly Inds off the coast of the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea). The missiles are suspected to have been fired by the Chinese.¡±


    This meant the Chinese had tantly attacked civilian ships in an apparent attempt to disrupt Korea¡¯s foreign trade and undermine Korea¡¯s economic situation after realizing that they were being pushed back in the war.


    ¡°They attacked civilian vessels? Sons of b*tches.¡±


    Kang Yi-sik, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, rose from his seat, barely managing to control his anger.


    ¡°What¡¯s the current situation? Actually, never mind. I¡¯ll go to the Situation Room to find out myself.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After the duty officer was gone, the Chairman spoke, looking at Defense Minister Kang Hyun-soo.


    ¡°Minister! We should wrap up the meeting at this point so I can go to the Situation Room.¡±


    ¡°All right. In the meantime, I¡¯ll go and report to the President myself.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff left the conference room with his staff and walked toward the Situation Room. A momentter, when the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff entered the Situation Room, Brigadier General Yoo Hwang-joon, who was the dutymander of the day, saluted.


    The Chairman saluted back in response and asked the General.


    ¡°What measures are you taking to address the current situation?¡±


    As soon as he was saluted, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked about the current situation.


    ¡°Take a look at screen 5.¡±


    He showed the Chairman footage of the burning ships. The high-resolution footage was taken by the Apollo 3 satellite that was moved to the sky over the Spratly Inds.


    ¡°The rescue ship has been urgently dispatched with the help of the Mysian Navy. However, I¡¯m afraid we might not be able to save the tanker because the entire ship was engulfed in mes after oil imploded inside the ship.¡±


    As themand duty officer said, the screen was showing a 260,000-ton tanker owned by CK Oil Co. slowly sinking while being engulfed in mes. There were several rescue boats around, but they could not even approach the doomed tanker because of the wild roaring mes. About 40 crew members of the tanker were trapped in the ship and could not escape because of the suddenness of the attack.


    ¡°What about other ships?¡±


    ¡°One of the two cargo ships was going down while being titled at about 62 degrees to the right and sinking because it was severely damaged. The damage to the other one is rtively small, and all crew members are on deck waiting to be rescued.¡±


    Chairman Kang Yi-sik asked again, frowning and his hands tightly clenched in fists.


    ¡°Can we say definitively that it was an attack by the Chinese?¡±


    ¡°There is no other country other than China that will attack Korean civilian ships around this area.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. There is no country other than China that will dare to mess with Korean ships. Then do you know what they used to attack?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can exin. As of this moment, we are thoroughly investigating this area using the Apollo 3 satellite, but no Chinese destroyers were spotted. Also, the submarine Hoc is currently navigating deep underwater in this area. We haven¡¯t received any intel from them regarding any Chinese submarine yet. That leaves us with only two possibilities. One possibility is that the Chinese had attacked us with surface-to-surface missilesunched from fighters, and the other possibility is that they fired ground-to-surface missiles from the man-made Fiery Cross ind on the Spratly Inds.¡±


    ¡°Fiery Cross? That¡¯s an ind artificially made over a rock zone following after the Woody Ind.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are currently building various military facilities including runways there. I think that¡¯s the reason they set up a surface-to-air missile unit there in Fiery Cross and attacked us instead of attacking us using fighters.¡±


    ¡°Well, it makes sense. Listen, Director.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman.¡±


    ¡°We should have paid more attention and reconnoiter this area closely, but we let our guard down. Ask the governments of neighboring countries, especially the Philippines and Mysia, for thetest information on Fiery Cross, and closely reconnoiter the artificial ind by using the Apollo 3 satellite to see if there are any surface-to-ship missile base.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°And I ask you to oversee this whole situation and keep me updated on it.¡±


    ¡°At yourmand, sir.¡±


    ¡°Come to think of it, I¡¯ve been forgetting about the engagement happening in Sun-Yang.¡±


    The battle at the Great ins west of Sun-Yang was going on well over three hours since it began. The battle began with a firefight, but now, armored units of the two countries were firing armor-piercing ammunition and photon cannons at each other.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 05:23 (04:23 China time), the Great ins west of Sun-Yang, China


    Being the elite unit under the 7th Mobile Corps, the 7th Armored Brigade engaged in the battle as an equal match¡ªsometimes even a slightly prevailing opponent¡ªeven though they were outnumbered by the Chinese armored units whose size was equivalent to two armored divisions. Over time, they found themselves inching closer toward victory when they had the support of the side attack by the 22nd Armored Brigade under the 3rd Armored Division.


    BAM! BAM!


    One of thetest-model Type-100 A2 tanks that belonged to the Chinese armored unit came out of hiding in a farmhouse and started spewing mes and sparks as they opened fire with 130 mm smooth bore barrels. It just had hit and attacked its first target, a Type-96 MBT (88C) tank, and now their nk attack was targeting the No.611 White Tiger tank, which belonged to the 6thpany under the 552nd tank battalion, as it was just about to turn its turret.


    The Type-100 A2 tank was using 130 mm depleted uranium ammunition. The first shot missed the target, but the second shot went straight to hit the targeted ck Dragon missileunch tube of tank no. 322 and sted it. The st was not powerful enough to blow up the tank, but the st of the ck Dragon missile added to the power of the depleted uranium ammunition strong enough to shake tank 322 and make it wildly tilt to the side before losing control anding to a stop.


    KRRRRR. SCREECH!


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Type-100 A2 tank fired an AFT-10 antitank missile from aunch tube that was mounted next to the turret as it was in the White Tower tanks.


    SWIIIISH!


    The attacked White Tiger tank momentarily lost control, but with its gun barrel already aimed at the Chinese tanks, it fired photon cannons toward the targets.


    WHIIZZZ!


    The antitank missile was fired first, but the mineral matter was flying at the speed of light and hit and pierced through precisely between the main turret and the fusge of the Type-100 A2 tank and exploded it. The impact of the st sent the entire main turret flying into the air and disappear toward the back of the tank. The tank itself had numerous implosions inside and spewed out red mes through every hole found on the tank. The AFT-10 antitank missile flew higher into the air shortly before it came down toward the White Tiger tank.


    BAM! CLASH!


    The power of the antitank missiles exploding from the top was tremendous. The st shattered the Tank Commander¡¯s telescope camera and some optical equipment, but it could not pierce through the armored vehicle that was built using hydronium alloy with a protection level of 2,000 mm.


    ¡°Shit! My telescope is shattered. Hey, Staff Sergeant Lee! You do the firing using the sight scope yourself.¡±


    Having his own telescope damaged due to the attack, First Lieutenant Ahn Hyung-ki, who was Tank Commander of 611 tank and the leader of the first squad, shouted at this subordinate.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Although some optical equipment has been damaged, the White Tiger tanks fearlessly advanced toward the Chinese tanks as if they were the aegis, the shields of God, andpletely destroyed the first armored Chinese unit that was equipped with thetest-model tanks. But soon after, the second armored attack unit, which survived the shelling of the Korean artillery, made its appearance about four kilometers ahead.


    KRRRRR


    ¡°Great.¡±


    When the Chinese army¡¯s second armored unit came into view, First Lieutenant Ahn Hyung-ki cheered excitedly and shook his tightly clenched fists in the air.


    ¡°Sergeant Lee! The 20th Division¡¯s tank no. 712 is currently ranked number 1 with a record of having destroyed 73 tanks, is that right? Let¡¯s destroy about 20 tanks today and break the record ourselves, all right?¡±


    ¡°Did you say just 20 tanks, sir? I say we should aim for 50, sir!¡±


    The gunner Staff Sergeant Lee Jin-sung chimed in and replied to First Lieutenant Ahn Hyung-ki in a voice full of confidence.


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    As the distance was narrowed to three kilometers, the enemy¡¯s tanks opened fire all at once, creating a thunderp sound. The sound alone was enough to intimidate anybody around the area.


    BAM! CLASH!


    Columns of dirt shot out between the White Tiger tanks as some tanks bounced off even the armor-piercing bullets as they advanced.


    No. 661 tank was also advancing toward the Chinese tanks while bracing those armor-piercing bullets that flew by.


    ¡°Damn telescope had to be smashed like that at such a critical time!¡±


    It killed First Lieutenant Ahn Hyung-ki to think about his damaged telescope because if he had it, he could aim at all those advancing tanks and let the gunners just keep firing at them.


    ¡°Oh, shit! We are screwed, sir.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    First Lieutenant Ahn Hyung-ki linked the image data from the sight to his monitor and checked the new development.


    ¡°Do you see the AFT-11 armored vehicles swarming toward us behind the tanks? They are built with 12 rollunch tubes each and carrying 200 mm depleted uranium missiles, sir.¡±


    Staff Sergeant Lee Jin-sung couldn¡¯t hide his amazement as he read part of the specs found on the identification of friend or foe or IFF data. Just as he was getting over his initial amazement, lights sparked up all at once from behind the Chinese tanks as countless antitank missiles were fired and sted.


    ¡°Those damn bastards are firing antitank missiles as if they are just ordinary shells.¡±


    First Lieutenant Ahn was looking at the gunner¡¯s sight when the AFT-11 armored vehicles started shooting missiles. Stunned, he screamed at the driver.


    ¡°Listen! Let¡¯s retreat for now! Retreat at full speed.¡±


    Tank driver Sergeant Oh Ki-joon quickly pulled back the White Tiger tank at themand of the Tank Commander. In the meantime, Tank Commander First Lieutenant Ahn Hyung-ki manually raised the output of the active SECM disruption system as much as he could.


    CLASH! BOOM! BOOM!


    About over a hundred depleted uranium-based antitank missiles were fired toward the White Tiger tanks, and that meant 23 missiles were fired for each White Tiger tank. No. 611 tank barely avoided the missiles, but no. 713 tank, which was in the direction of nine o¡¯clock, was hit at the top area by two missiles and stopped moving. Numerous other tanks were also attacked and sustained damage. Only then did the soldiers driving the tanks under the 7th Armored Brigade understood the reason the Joint of Chiefs of Staff had warned them to be careful about antitank missiles fired by armored vehicles.


    ¡°This broken telescope is driving me nuts. I wish I could open the hatch and get out, but that¡¯s not even an option.¡±


    The Tank Commander, First Lieutenant Ahn Hyung-ki, kept grumbling, but the gunner Staff Sergeant Lee Jin-sung paid no attention to the grumpy superior as he kept stepping on theunch pad while choosing targets on his own. Perhaps Staff Sergeant Lee Jin-sung was the busiest person in the entire Korean military at the moment.

 Chapter 118

    <h4>Chapter 118</h4>


    November 8, 2020, 04:30 (03:30 China time), the Great ins west of Sun-Yang, China


    As the battle intensifies on the ground, two strategic KB-30P Green Dragon bombers were flying fast and stealthily in a super-cruise mode 20 km above the western ins while being escorted by eight Red Phoenix fighter jets. Each of the bombers had an internal payload bay that was packed with 40 tons of sma cluster and booster bombs.


    Shortly, four Red Phoenix fighter jets and one Green Dragon bomber joined the team, turning in the eleven-o¡¯clock direction toward the artillery unit of the First Artillery Command. At the same time, another identical team, lowering its altitude, flew toward the location confirmed to be the main base of the 20th Group Army, which was the target of their first bombing.


    The Green Dragon bomber was a strategic bomber developed by Korea but modeled after the U.S. Air Force¡¯s B-1B Lancer. But in terms of its stealth functions, speed, range, avionics equipment, and all other features, it was a state-of-the-art bomber that defiedparison to any other bomber.


    The Green Dragon bombers had been on standby for two hours on the runway of Sinuiju Airport before it was ordered to take off. In less than seven minutes after takeoff, they were flying close to the main base of the 20th Group Army, which was the primary target. There was no threat of any surface-to-air attack or attack by fighter jets from China. The bombers had lowered its altitude to five kilometers and were about tounch a maneuver to drop a bomb.


    ¡°Burner off! Down! Down! Down! Bomb area ess.¡±


    Major Lee Kang-hoon, the main pilot of the Green Dragon bomber, turned off the super-cruise mode and switched to low-altitude flight mode while notifying the current status to the pilots of the Red Phoenix fighter jets.


    ¡°Papa 1. Roger that.¡±


    The leader of the escort squadron replied to acknowledge it, and he did his best part to escort the bomber by doing what the Green Dragon bomber was doing¡ªlowering altitude and switching to low-altitude flight.


    ¡°Bomb step.¡±


    ¡°Copy preparation.¡±


    Whilemunication was going on between the main pilot and the Chief of Weapons Control Center, a guided control agent set up the bombing points by scanning all parts of the main base of the 20th Group Army¡ªthe target of the bomb-dropping target¡ªwhich he could see in high-resolution image. The base was housing a transport unit and barracks of the Group Army, ammunition depot, radar, and several air defense and artillery units.


    A short timeter, the guide control agent finished setting up the bombing points and sent an OK signal to the Chief of Weapons Control Center. In response, the Chief confirmed the final bombing points and slowly opened the hatch of the internal payload bay.


    ¡°Bomb! Drawing down! Go!¡±


    As soon as the Chief of Weapons Control Center issued an order to drop the bombs, a button was pressed and released the links that were connected to the bombs loaded in the bomber. Dozens of K-PSB cluster bombs began to drop from the internal payload bay in a row. Once they reached a certain altitude, their self-propelled devices lit up and each of them turned toward their targets, gliding down toward them.


    ¡°Complete! Complete.¡±


    After the Chief of Weapons Control Center reported thepletion of the bombing, the Blue Dragon fighter jets raised their altitude again and turned their direction toward the second target. Another 40 sma cluster bombs were dropped and quickly reached an altitude of 50 meters above the targeted bombing points. The bombs exploded on the first st, spraying numerous shells over the heads of the Chinese soldiers. These explosions took ce throughout the main base of the 20th Group Army. They turned the entire area into a hellish sea of mes, damaging not only Chinese soldiers but also civilian vehicles, armored vehicles, and tanks as well with a tremendous power of explosion iparablepared to any conventional high-explosive bombs.


    About five minutester, the 54th Group Army met the same fate as the 20th Group Army. The artillery units under the 2nd Artillery Command that had been exchanging shots with Korean units in the tug of war sustained a devastating loss after being hit by the sma cluster bombs that showered over them mercilessly. The destroyed Chinese artillery units included an artillery unit with 50 nuclear shells ready to fire in case of an unexpected development.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020; 08:30 (07:30 China time), the Great ins west of Sun-Yang, China


    Therge-scale battle that took ce in the Great ins west of Sun-Yang between the two armed forces was leaning toward a victory for the Korean military seven hours into the battle. It was a long battle even to the eyes of a third-party observer. But despite the scale of the military forces from both countries, it wasing to an end soon. It was because the Korean military had mobilized a massive artillery fire fighting and various means of attack in the early stages of the battle. That meant the Korean military¡¯s intensive and diverse means of attack could cut short the battle despite China fighting back with its massive military forces.


    The Korean military used various means of attack and was also supported by a powerful air defense team. First, there were several artillery attacks in different ranges; and second, there were attacks by the Peregrine Falcon attack choppers in the sky and advancing armored forces on the ground. Andstly, there were strategic bombers that carried out intensive bombardments on the brains of the Chinese armed forces.


    On the other side, the Chinese military failed to secure air supremacy after losing most of its best aircraft in the wake of the devastating loss in the previous air battle. For this reason, they also were not able to deploy their fighter jets. Their artillery units also failed to concentrate their firepower on counterbattery shelling by the Korean artillery units. All they could do was carry out partial shelling while moving their positions.


    Therefore, the Chinese military pushed forward only with the ground forces that outnumbered their Korean counterpart. However, just like the oue of the previous engagement, the Chinese armored forces lost this battle again because they were no match for the Korean military in terms of the performance of tanks and armored vehicles.


    Like the Great ins east and south of Sun-Yang, the Great ins west of Sun-Yang also turned into graveyards for numerous soldiers from the People¡¯s Liberation Army of China as well as for their tanks and armored vehicles. A few random Chinese tanks and armored vehicles were still moving, but they were ready to surrender as indicated by the white gs on top of the vehicles.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 09:20, Underground bunker conference room of the National Emergency Situation Center in the Blue House, Jongno-gu, Seoul


    After confirming the victory at the battle in the west of Sun-Yang, General Kang Yi-sik immediately came to the underground bunker of the National Emergency Situation Center in the Blue House. He requested a private meeting with the President so that he could convey his additional rmendations to the President before making the final report on the Emperor Chiu punishment issue.


    ¡°Have a seat.¡±


    The President said, greeting the General with a face that clearly showed how tired he was.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo came down to the underground bunker after receiving reports about the Chinese military¡¯s use of sarin gas in Ji-Ling City. He also received reports about the three Korean civilian ships having been attacked by the Chinese military near the Spratly Inds and which sank in the ocean. He started the day¡¯s work earlier than usual in the bunker because he had many issues that required his attention, including replying to the proposal he¡¯d received from the U.S. State Department the previous day and asking the Mysian government to cooperate on the rescue and salvage of the sunken Korean civilian ships.


    ¡°You look very tired. Mr. President.¡±


    General Kang Yi-sik, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asked the President before bringing up the main agenda. The General apparently was concerned about the President¡¯s health.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m more concerned about your health because I know you¡¯ve been working too hardtely. Make sure to take care of your health.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will, Mr. President. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°So tell me. What made you request a private meeting with me this morning?¡±


    After exchanging concerns over each other¡¯s health, the President asked the General what the meeting was about, and the General began telling him in aposed voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be straightforward with you. I have a request for you, sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°I would like to level up the Emperor Chiu punishment from the current level 2 to level 3. I¡¯d appreciate your approval.¡±


    ¡°Level 3?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason for suddenly asking me to level it up?¡±


    When asked about the reason, General Kang Yi-sik straightened up, answering in a serious voice.


    ¡°Mr. President, when we developed the Rise of Goguryeo Operation, our goal was to force China to surrender to us within a maximum of one month. The n was drawn taking into consideration the possibility that China could use tactical nuclear weapons and nuclear strategies. However, China hasunched a chemical war even though China is now a nuclear power. We cannot rule out the possibility of China using biological warfare to win this war. If that happens, this war will drag on for a long time.¡±


    ¡°Biological warfare?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It¡¯s about spreading germs, such as anthrax, gue, cholera, and other potentially deadly pathogens by dropping them like bombs, just like what happens in chemical warfare.¡±


    ¡°I see. I¡¯m sorry to have cut you off. Please go on.¡±


    ¡°I have another reason. The Chinese are threatening to capture Korean trade ships en route to overseas markets to disrupt the Korean economy. In response, our military has deployed six submarines to the South China Sea to protect Korean civilian vessels. However, China has attacked Korean civilian ships by firing missiles at them and sank them in the ocean, instead of just capturing them.¡±


    General Kang Yi-sik paused at this point to pull out some documents out of a small briefcase and handed them over to the President.


    ¡°These are the navigation schedules of our ships that sail the routes along the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) from October to December. There are more than 50 ships using those routes in a day.¡±


    The President¡¯s face was grim after reading the documents.


    ¡°This is a serious problem. If that many ships are exposed to the threat of the attack by the Chinese military, it will destroy our foreign trade, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, Mr. President. The war is likely tost longer because of the first reason I mentioned. This second reason exins how the prolonged war could bring down our economy. Therefore, we need a breakthrough solution to solve this problem at this point. And that is the reason I¡¯m asking for your approval to upgrade the Emperor Chiu punishment from level 2 to level 3.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo spoke to General Kang, looking squarely at the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°I hear you. You have a good point and I agree with you. But as the President, I can¡¯t approve to upgrade it to level 3.¡±


    General Kang Yi-sik was clearly disappointed to hear the President¡¯s answer. The President, having noticed that, rose from his seat and approached the General and spoke quietly.


    ¡°I cannot give you the approval you want, but I can make you an offer.¡±


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 10:00 (09:00 China time), downtown of Ji-Ling City, China


    The downtown area of Ji-Ling City was designated a restricted area in the wake of the sarin gas exposure. The gas having been leaked and spread in the early morning hours had left significant damage to the Ji-Ling residents who were sleeping at the time.


    The CBR Support Unit under the direct control of the 7th Division was mobilized to decontaminate the area and also to visit the civilians who were exposed to the gas to administer first aid to them and send those in critical conditions to the medical unit for treatment.


    ¡°This is it, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Kang Ho-il said, pointing to a spot. He was the leader of the search squad who had first spotted the soldiers setting up the sarin gas bomb early in the morning and who engaged in a gunfight with them.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    An MP officer with the rank of captain wearing a protective gear asked back.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure this is the spot. The bodies are still here, and that is the bomb that is the source of the gas leak, sir.¡±


    After Sergeant Kang Ho-il confirmed the location, the CBR Support Unit soldiers scattered and started the decontamination work. Some of them started to thoroughly examine the bomb that leaked the gas. In the meantime, MP soldiers began to search the bodies littered around.


    ¡°Captain! I found something in his body!¡±


    An MP soldier found something in the inside pocket of a body dressed in civilian clothes and shouted. He was holding up something that seemed to be a palm-sized notebook.


    The MP officer examined the notebook and cracked a little smile, apparently because he¡¯d found what he was looking for. Then he ordered MP soldiers.


    ¡°Collect everything you can find from the bodies. Don¡¯t miss a thing.¡±

 Chapter 119

    <h4>Chapter 119</h4>


    November 8, 2020; 10:40, in the Reception Room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul


    Robert Yulian, Director of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau, had returned from the first meeting to the hotel without much gain. Now he was on his way to the reception room at the appointed time for a second meeting, where he was to meet the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs again.


    ¡°Wee. Did you have a good rest yesterday?¡±


    Vice-Minister Park Hyung-oh weed him outstretching his hand for a handshake, just like he did the previous day.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t rest veryfortably.¡±


    Director Yulian answered rather curtly as he shook hands with the Vice-Minister.


    ¡°Oh no. I¡¯m sorry to hear that you didn¡¯t have a good rest since this is your first visit to Korea in a really long while.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s cut to the chase since I have to fly back to the United States tonight.¡±


    Director Yulian was obviously not in a good mood. Sensing this, the other Korean officials, who were in the reception room, exchanged uneasy nces.


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a reply to what the U.S. government had suggested yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve reported to the President and got an answer from him.¡±


    Lee Soo-jong, Presidential Secretary for Security Strategy at the National Security Office, replied.


    ¡°Let me hear it.¡±


    ¡°He refused your proposal.¡±


    ¡°What? He rejected it?¡±


    Director Yulian clearly was not happy with what he heard, and he didn¡¯t hide his disappointment.


    ¡°But the President has made a counter-proposal,¡± Presidential Secretary Lee Soo-jong said.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Director Yulian asked back immediately, but the Presidential Secretary for Security Strategy intentionally took time before answering him.


    ¡°The Republic of Korea is currently at war with China. It¡¯s too early for a country to sign a military intelligence agreement and exchange ssified information with another country at a time when a war is going on and the nation¡¯s survival is at stake. For that reason, the President said that Korea can sign a military intelligence agreement and exchange various military technologies that the U.S. wants, except for highly ssified intel, only after Korea wins the war.¡±


    Director Yulian couldn¡¯t figure out how to interpret Lee Soo-jong¡¯s answer. He wondered if the counter-proposal Lee was telling him was going to be favorable for the U.S. in the long run, if not immediately, or if it was just a wordy.


    ¡°What do you think, Director Yulian?¡±


    Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Hyung-oh asked, looking at Director Yulian who was in deep thought after hearing about the counter-proposal.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry. I was just thinking. When do you think the war will end?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer that question.¡±


    Kang Byung-woo, Head of the Ministry of National Defense Strategic Resources Management Office, replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard it through the State Department intelligence team that the Chinese used chemical warfare in Ji-Ling and attacked our civilian ships in the West Philippine Sea.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know about it.¡±


    ¡°I knew it. America¡¯s intel power never ceases to amaze me.¡±


    Vice-Minister Park Hyung-oh butted in the conversation to express his amazement at the U.S.¡¯s intelligence power.


    ¡°As of now, the war between Korea and China is getting moreplex than we¡¯d anticipated. But we know we¡¯ll prevail in the end. However, we predict that the war is going tost for at least a year.¡±


    ¡°A year? Isn¡¯t that too long? I¡¯m sure it will have a significant blow to Korea as well if itsts for a year.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are right. If foreign trade routes are disrupted, the war couldst longer.¡±


    ¡°What is it that you want from us then?¡±


    Director Yulian asked because it suddenly hit him that the Korean officials must have something in their mind. This time, Presidential Secretary Lee Soo-jong answered, trying to sound rather casual.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say it is something that we want from you, but we are wondering if you could ensure the safety of Korean ships in the West Philippine Sea, that is, if you want to sign a military intelligence agreement with Korea sooner thanter. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Do you want the U.S. to get involved in Korea¡¯s war with China?¡±


    Director Yulian asked reprehensively, apparently finding the idea uneptable.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. How can we demand the United States to engage in a war? We can deal with China alone without any external support. However, we are wondering if the U.S. Navy could step in to contain China because China is resorting to all sorts of illegal armed activities in the West Philippine Sea while ignoring the rights of other countries in the Exclusive Economic Zone.¡±


    ¡°If the US Navy will do so, I¡¯m afraid it will definitely result in an armed skirmish with China,¡± answered Yulian.


    In response, Presidential Secretary Lee Soo-jong presented a suggestion.


    ¡°Director Yulian, don¡¯t you think you have a cause in this? In July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague, the Nethends, ruled that the ¡®nine-dotted line¡¯ dispute imed by China was invalid because it had no legal grounds, don¡¯t you remember? Yet China is attacking civilian ships after illegally building military facilities on reefs in international waters. If you continue to ignore their illegal activities, you will not be fulfilling your responsibilities as the leader in international peacekeeping efforts. I¡¯m just reminding you this just in case we would be misunderstood, and we are not forcing you to do this.¡±


    Although he said Korea was not forcing the U.S. to intervene, it only sounded to Director Yulian that Korea was telling him to protect the civilian ships if the US wanted to sign a military agreement with Korea sooner thanter.


    ¡°I fully understand what you mean. But I¡¯ll give you an answer only after I return to the U.S. and think about it more.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I appreciate it.¡±


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 12:50 (11:50 China time), the Great ins west of Sun-Yang, China


    It¡¯s been three hours since the battle in the Great ins west of Sun-Yang ended with a victory for the Korean military, but Chinese tanks and armored vehicles were still spotted moving throughout the ins. Some of them have already surrendered by hanging white gs outside the vehicles. Still, other Chinese soldiers were in a state of quandary, not knowing what to do, because all the leaders of their Group Army who could issue the highest-level orders had been killed, and even their subordinatemanders and other leaders had been killed in the battle, consequently destroying their chain ofmand.


    In response, the Korean military split into several toons andunched a search operation for Chinese troops by mobilizing tanks from the Capital Armored Division (the Tiger).


    KRRRRR! VRRRR!


    ¡°Enemy tank at two o¡¯clock in front. Stand by for the target at 1,200-m distance. Sergeant Ahn! Blow them out if they turn the gun barrel toward us.¡±


    ¡°Aye, aye, sir! Oh, wow. That¡¯s a second-generation old-fashioned Type-80 tank. Did it juste out of a museum or what? Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Still, it is a tank carrying a gun. Stay alert and keep your eyes on it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Ahn Ho-won, the only ranker-level soldier among all tank gunners, answered. Shortly, No. 511 tank approached within a close range, but the old-fashioned Type-80 Chinese tank dropped its gun barrel toward the ground as much as it could, signaling that it had no intention to attack and stopped the maneuver.


    ¡°Get out of the tank if you don¡¯t want to drop dead!¡±


    When the warning was sent through an external loudspeaker, the Chinese soldiers slowly crawled out of the tank hatch, as if they understood Korean.


    ¡°Suckers. They understood what I said.¡±


    The old-fashioned Type-80 tank was made by China in the ¡¯80s by improving on the previous Type-59/60 tank model. Back in the day, it was the main tank model that the Chinese had used, but it became an old-model tank when an increasing number of Type-96 and Type-99 tanks were fielded and some frontline units were disposing them. The model used 105-mm wire guns and 12.7-mm/7.62-mm machine guns; it also had side skirts installed. Western technology was applied on its internal equipment, if only partially. It was a tank model with a tragic history because it was known to have crushed protesters who demanded democratization during the Tiananmen incident in 1989.


    ¨C This is 511 speaking. Please send an armored vehicle to sector 2-1. Three defeated soldiers have been captured!


    The driver of No. 511 tank requested, through the battalion¡¯smunicationwork, for a backup of an armored vehicle while keeping his eye on the Chinese tank crew, who had the hatch of their tanks opened and were standing awkwardly.


    This was how the defeated Chinese soldiers who could not return to their units were captured in the Great ins west of Sun-Yang. All Chinese tanks were blown up and destroyed without leaving a trace.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 14:00, Bunker B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul (the Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control Center)


    With only one hour left until the execution of level 2 Emperor Chiu punishment, the Situation Room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had been bustling with activity.


    Dozens of operators were busy in their monitors and consoles, while frontline controllers were engaged in reporting and issuing orders while checking the final data. In this situation, General Kang Yi-sik, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as military leaders andmanders of various military units attended the meeting for the final review on the execution of level 2 Emperor Chiu punishment.


    ¡°Director of Intelligence, thank you for all your hard work. Thanks to you, we were able to track 75 percent of the mobileunching vehicles. It was not a hundred percent, but still, 75 is an impressive number.¡±


    Since the beginning of the war with China, the Intelligence Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been continuously tracking mobile-typeuncher vehicles. The information he collected proved to be of great help inunching the level 2 Emperor Chiu punishment scheduled to take ce in an hour.


    ¡°I¡¯m very ttered, Chairman, but I just did what I had to do. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t track all of them 100 percent.¡±


    ¡°What you aplished with this level of technology is highlymendable! Don¡¯t worry about the percentage.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words, sir.¡±


    ¡°Haha, well, then. Come on. Let¡¯s get the meeting started.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The Missile Command Center will start first with a report on the current status of preparation.¡±


    Lieutenant General Ahn Kil-won, Chief of Operations, said, as he came closer to the microphone. In response, Major General Lee Jin-hyun, Director of the Missile Command Center, walked to the microphone to present his report.


    ¡°A total of 24 Astra-PIPs (ICBMs) is on standby at three ground-based defense satellites, Hades Silos. In addition, a total of 80 mobileunch vehicles, including the Hyunmu-PIP (IRBM) missiles, are on standby across the country.¡±


    ¡°The situation calls for a n for additional secondary attacks in case there is an interception. Are the spareunchers ready as well?¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked.


    ¡°As of now, we have one Astra-PIP reserve missile ready for each Silo.¡±


    ¡°Next, the Air Force Operations Command will make the report.¡±


    As soon as the Chief of Operations ended his report, Lieutenant General Kim Eun-ho, Commander of the Air Force¡¯s Operations Command came closer to the microphone and reported.


    ¡°We have 10 Green Dragon bombers under the Chungju 19th Fighter Wing¡¯s Strategic Bombing Mission Unit and 12 Green Dragon bombers under the Seongnam 15th Special Mission Flight Unit. All of them are on standby while being armed with 5 units of K-PAB2 each.¡±


    ¡°Since we will be advancing deep into the maind of China, we should have escorts well prepared as well.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said to confirm.


    ¡°A total of four Red Phoenix and ck Phoenix fighter jets will be escorting each Green Dragon bomber.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    ¡°Next is the report from the Aerospace Force.¡±


    ¡°This is Lieutenant General Lee Kyung-hyun, Air Force Combat Commander. Currently, coordinates for the target have been entered in Zeus 1 for the execution of the Emperor Chiu punishment. There are three K-SE Epirus missiles to be used.¡±


    ¡°How many Epirus missiles do you have left?¡±


    ¡°We currently have 10 Epirus missiles.¡±


    General Kang Yi-sik, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said with a look of regret after hearing the answer.


    ¡°We could have ended this war easily if only we had at least three Zeus satellites. When is the Zeus 2 satellite scheduled to beunched?¡±


    ¡°I understand that it is scheduled to beunched in June next year.¡±


    The Chief of Operations spoke.


    ¡°June next year. That leaves us with no other choice then.¡±


    General Kang Yi-sik rose from his seat, put both hands on his waist and spoke.


    ¡°The execution of level 2 Emperor Chiu punishment will make a significant difference in this war between Korea and China. Therefore, I ask all militarymanders to keep up the good work and continue to do your best to end this war soon. I am counting on you all. That¡¯s all for today¡¯s meeting.¡±


    * * *


    November 8, 2020; 15:00, Bunker B2 in Yongsan-gu, Seoul (the Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control Center)


    ¡°Level 2 Emperor Chiu punishment begins.¡±


    In the Situation Room, as the clock struck three in the afternoon, General Kang Yi-sik shouted loud enough to be heard throughout the room. In response, operators in charge ofmunications informed each of their militarymander of the start of the operation. The attack process kicked off first in the aerospace unit Zeus satellite.


    ¡°I got a report from the control room of the strategic interception satellite, Zeus. Currently, three Epirus missiles have been fired normally toward the designated targets. These will take 27 minutes tond.¡±


    An operator in charge ofmunications said, turning his head to look toward General Kang Yi-sik.


    Three Epirus missilesunched from Zeus, a stationary satellite floating 36,000 kilometers above the sky, reached the speed of Mach 65 and were flying toward maind China, while adding gravity-induced drop speeds and self-propelled force during the process.


    ¡°Eight Astra-PIP missilesunched sessfully from Hades 1.¡±


    ¡°Eight Astra-PIP missilesunched sessfully from Hades 2.¡±


    ¡°Eight Astra-PIP missilesunched sessfully from Hades 3.¡±


    ¡°Ten Green Dragon bomberspletedunching from the 19th Fighter Wing. Twenty-eight minutes to the bombing point!¡±


    ¡°Twelve Green Dragon bomberspletedunching from the 15th Special Mission Squad. Thirty minutes to the bombing point!¡±


    ¡°Of the 80 Hyunmu-PIP (IRBM), 55 have been sessfullyunched so far and are continuing to beunched.¡±


    Reports that various ballistic missiles were being fired as scheduled and nned in advance wereing in from the operator in real time.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 15:15 (14:15 China time), Bunker Situation Room, Joint Command Center of the Central Military Commission in Beijing, China


    The Joint Command Center of the Central Military Commission was in a state of panic. Their ambitious counter-attack resulted in the total destruction of two group armies. To make matters worse, there was a great uproar within the Central Military Commission with everybody pointing fingers at each other over the failed operation, and now, all hell broke loose in the center in the wake of the report that ballistic missiles were being fired by the Korean military.


    The Korean military had not used midrange ballistic missiles even at the beginning of the war. But now that the Korean military was firing them, the Chinese military forces were sending radar waves not only to antiaircraft radars but also to destroyers deployed throughout China to prepare for ballistic missile detection and interception.


    President Xi Jinping¡¯s fists were shaking as he observed what was happening in the busy Situation Room.


    ¡°Sleazy bastards.¡±


    Since the war broke out, China never had any real victory, and the Chinese forces even had the Sun-Yang area seized by the Korean military forces. And now, the President found himself being terrified at the report about the ballistic missile attacks by Korea. This whole situation made him angry at himself. His self-pity was fueling his anger to reach a boiling point when suddenly he remembered having had a telephone conversation with the Korean President earlier that morning.


    Three hours ago, a call came from the Korean President via a hotline.


    ¨C Good morning, President Xi Jinping. Is everything all right with you?


    ¨C Well, I¡¯ve been better. Why did you call me?


    ¨C I have a suggestion for you.


    ¨C A suggestion? About what?


    ¨C I suggest that you do not use weapons against humanity, such as tactical nuclear weapons, strategic nuclear weapons, and CBR attacks in the war between our two countries for the sake of our people and soldiers.


    ¨C What the hell? You have the nerve to tell me that considering how you invaded us.


    ¨C Are you calling Korea an invader? That¡¯s not fair. This war was started by China. It¡¯s written in every military strategy textbook: ¡°If you know the enemy¡¯s n to attack, it is essential for you to make a preemptive strike if you want to win.¡±


    ¨C Stop being ridiculous. When did we ever n to attack you?


    ¨C Didn¡¯t you use a 15-day military training as an excuse to move four group armies to the border along the Yalu River? Don¡¯t lie to me anymore because I have in my possession evidence of this.


    ¨C What? Lie? Don¡¯t be so rude. And President Suh Hyun-woo, I will never forgive Korea for having invaded us. Finally, tactical nuclear weapons are only the beginning, and I warn you that soon, you and your people will painfully experience the horror of nuclear missiles.


    There was indescribable anger in Xi Jinping¡¯s voice that wasing from the other side of the phone.


    ¨C President Xi Jinping, are you saying you¡¯re insistent on using nuclear weapons until the end?


    ¨C Why not? Are you scared? Then withdraw your armed forces immediately and prepare topensate us for war damage.


    ¨C I didn¡¯t say I was scared. And we have had experience in blocking all your nuclear and missile attacks too.


    ¨C What does that mean? When did we ever attack you with nuclear missiles?


    ¨C Stop denying it. In the early days of the war, didn¡¯t you shoot nuclear missiles along with regr ballistic missiles toward us? Well, despite that, our military had intercepted them all.


    ¨C Now I see that you called me just to bullshit with me. I don¡¯t want to talk to you anymore. I¡¯m hanging up now.


    ¨C President Xi Jinping! If you don¡¯t give me a definite answer now, something regretful will¡ª


    The infuriated President Xi Jinping hung up the phone before the Korean President could finish talking.


    ¡°Now that I think about it, I regret not having listened to what he had to say.¡±

 Chapter 120

    <h4>Chapter 120</h4>


    November 8, 2020 at 15:25 (14:25Chinese time), in the Bunker Situation Room, Joint Command Center of the Central Military Commission in Beijing, China


    WAAHHH~


    The sound of a siren red throughout downtown Beijing. It was an rm warning of a ballistic missile attack.


    ¡°Two missiles are flying toward Beijing at a tremendous speed. Forty-two seconds before they hit the city.¡±


    The operator was obviously terrified as he made the urgent announcement.


    ¡°What? Forty-two seconds? And you detected it only now? What were you doing?!¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou kicked the operator¡¯s desk which was in front of him apparently because he couldn¡¯t believe the missiles were detected only 42 seconds before they were to be hit.


    BAM!


    ¡°The Air Defense Brigade hasunched eight S-400 40N6 missiles to intercept, sir.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to fire eight more.¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou screamed, and he was furious.


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll issue an order for additional fire.¡±


    ¡°Twelve seconds to hit! Failed to intercept the first one! Failed to intercept the second one! Damn. Failed to intercept the seventh one too! Failed to intercept the eighth! The first round of interception haspletely failed.¡±


    This the operator urgently reported in a trembling voice.


    ¡°The second attempt has failed to intercept all eight missiles!¡±


    It was a real push for the Chinese to intercept even the S-400 40N6 missiles using thetest ultra high-altitude ballistic missile interceptor that they had imported from Russia¡ªfirst, because they didn¡¯t have enough time; and second, because the enemy¡¯s missiles were falling at a speed of Mach 65. They had fired a total of 16 interceptor missiles, but all failed to intercept any iing missile, and two Epirus missiles exploded with massive shes of light over Beijing.


    BANG! BANG!


    Along with the explosion, the super electromaic pulse (SEMP) shock wave spread at the speed of light in two central locations in Beijing.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Crash! Bam!


    All the operators¡¯ screen monitors went nk, and the lights inside the bunker flickered a few times before they went out. The bunker that was being used as the Joint Command Center of the Central Military Commission was wrapped inplete jet-ck darkness. Even the emergency generators stopped working.


    ¡°What are you doing? Do something!¡±


    The Vice-President of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, Li Yuan, shouted. In response, the deputies scampered, took out their cell phones, and tried to turn on the lights, but the cell phones were dead because they were also damaged by the SEMP.


    A few minutester, the old-fashioned shlight lit up and brightened the Situation Room, if only dimly.


    ¡°What the hell happened? I¡¯m sure the bunker was built with a technology to shield it from the SEMP, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou was yelling at the one in charge of the bunker control room. After the bunker was built, the Chinese government had been continuously spending a lot of money to introduce SEMP-shielding technology and Siemens SITEMP in addition to variousputers and electronic equipment. But now that it was attacked by the SEMP, everything turned out to be useless.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know what to say, sir.¡±


    Feeling helpless, the head of the bunker control room hung his head as he answered. He was asked by Vice-President Kan Kuichou to get out of the room. Kan approached President Xi Jinping and spoke.


    ¡°Mr. President, I think you should wait here for a while before moving to the secret bunker X-2 because we don¡¯t know what the situation is outside now.¡±


    ¡°Wait until when?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve sent the soldiers out. Later, we¡¯ll decide when to move after we have a clear picture of the situation outside.¡±


    mes were raging in many parts of downtown Beijing. Electronic circuits that were vulnerable to SEMP caught fire due to sudden overloads and sputtered sparks everywhere. mes kept spreading to surrounding buildings like wildfire. Even the fire trucks that were supposed to be there to contain fires could not even start because their ECU circuits were damaged by the SEMP. The city was burning in dozens of different locations all at once, and human casualties continued to grow.


    <hr />


    November 8, 2020; 15:35 (14:35 China time), some 15 kilometers southwest of Jinhzhou, China


    The 21st Group Army was supposed to advance to Dalian via Yingkou along the coastline after sessfully recapturing Sun-Yang, but now that the recapture operation has failed and the Group Army ended up being stranded in Jinhzhou. An order was then delivered from the Central Military Commission to move the troops. The Commander of the 21st Group Army followed the order by moving the troops to the Qinhuangdao area. Just as the 21st Group Army was joined by the 12th Armored Division on the way, a siren started ring. It was heard throughout all the units.


    ¡°What is it now?¡±


    Lieutenant General Doo Wei, Commander of the 21st Group Army, asked his aide. The aide received a report about the siren and his face turned pale. He spoke to his superior.


    ¡°This area is under the attack of ballistic missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°What? Tell the air defense unit to intercept them. We are getting the hell out of here right now. Let everyone know it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Secondster, blinding lights shed in the sky, about one kilometer above the ground, and everybody immediately felt a rush of shock wave. All the electronic devices started sparking before breaking down, and some of them even lost power. The Commander¡¯s armored vehicle¡¯s electronic devices broke down, and the engine stopped working.


    ¡°We¡¯ve lostmunication with other units, sir.¡±


    ¡°It looks like a SEMP attack.¡±


    The Commander¡¯s aide surmised, looking around at all directions.


    A total of three Epirus missiles were fired from Zeus¡ªtwo of themnded in Beijing and one in the main camp of the 21st Group Army in Jinhzhou.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the hell out of here for now!¡±


    At the Commander¡¯s order, the aide replied cautiously, with a troubled look on his face.


    ¡°Commander! The armored vehicle has also stopped.¡±


    ¡°What the hell?¡±


    Frustrated at what his aide was telling him, Lieutenant General Doo Wei smacked the wall inside the armored vehicle and ordered again.


    ¡°Then you must bring a vehicle that is moving!¡±


    At themand of the infuriated Commander, the aide signaled his subordinate soldier to go out and look for one.


    ¡°At yourmand, sir.¡±


    The subordinate soldier acknowledged themand, opened the hatch, and came out of the armored vehicle. It was just a while ago that hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles, and all other kinds of vehicles had their engines running and getting ready for maneuvers. Now, they all stopped running and were quiet as if time has stopped. Clueless crews of other vehicles also came out of their stalled armored vehicles and murmured among themselves, wondering what was going on. The subordinate soldier stepped up on top of the stalled armored vehicle and looked around in all directions, but he couldn¡¯t spot a single vehicle or armored vehicle that was moving.


    Just then he spotted something. Finding it unbelievable, he rubbed his eyes to check again¡ªsomething was falling from the sky at a tremendous speed. It was none other than an Astra-PIP intercontinental ballistic missile.


    WHIIIZ! WHIIIZ!


    BANG! CRASH!


    What the soldier saw were a blindingly bright sh of light and a rising cloud mushroom! This was soon followed by a stormy wind that apanied a tremendous heat.


    ¡°Ahhggghhh!¡±


    <hr />


    November 8, 2020; 15:37 (14:37 China time), Namsan District, Shenzhen, China (Software Industrial Complex)


    The Namsan District in Shenzhen is one of thergest software industrialplexes in China. It is home to some 800 global manufacturing nts. Literally, it was the driving force behind the 21st China as theplex received full support from the Chinese government. Numerousrge corporations were lining up to set up their manufacturing facilities on this site.


    It was in thisplex that the Astra-PIP, an intercontinental ballistic missileunched from Korea¡¯s Hades Silo, was cutting through the air and falling. The air defense unit under the 42nd Group Army that was nearby started the interception process, and eventually, the HQ-9C surface-to-air missiles were fired from auncher of an HQ-9C, which was an upgraded version of Russian S-300 model.


    <ul>


    The HQ-9C surface-to-air missile features the first stage with a 700 mm diameter and the second stage 560 mm with a total mass of almost two tones and a length of 6.8 m. This missile weighs 180 kilograms and has a maximum speed of Mach 4.2.


    </ul>


    It switched to active race guide mode and tried to intercept Astra-PIP intercontinental ballistic missile that was flying closer to the target under the guidedmand of the FT-2000 surface-to-air antiradiation missile. Just at the same moment, the body pairing of the Astra-PIP ballistic missile opened, and six K-SH Gynoug sma vapor bombs that were mounted inside the missile bounced off at 360 degrees, triggered their own propulsion, and started raining down.


    TWANG! SCREECH! POP! POP! POP! WHIZ! WHIZ!


    The first antiaircraft missile, the HQ-9C, exploded when it hit the fusge of Astra-PIP, which was only an empty shell at this point. The active radar guide of the other three HQ-9C antiaircraft missiles detected the target that suddenly changed its direction, but they missed the target due to the difference in flying speed between the HQ-9C and the target.


    BANG! CRASH!


    The six K-SH Gynoug sma vapor bombs hit the targeted ground around the Namsan District, Shenzhen, in a row and created mushroom clouds as they sucked up all the oxygen in the area along with a tremendous explosion sound.


    BANG! BANG! CRASH! CRASH!


    As the six mushroom clouds rose to the air, the ground that covered half of the Shenzhen area turned upside down, and the heat wave that was over 4,000 degrees spread out.


    After being swept by the heat wave, the ground began to randomly crack and bounce beginning from the point of explosion. During this crustal fluctuation, the heat that seemed toe from magma shot out from the cracks. The entire scene was like a furnace in hell. Those who might see this area in the future would never believe that it was once a site that housed a high-tech software industrialplex, a pir of the Chinese economy.


    Beginning with the Shenzhen Software Industrial Complex, all other industrialplexes and facilities inrge cities such as Shanghai Shipbuilding Industrial Complex, Jinhzhou Industrial Complex, Tsuxi Industrial Complex, Chengdu Energy Industrial Complex, and Huizhou Industrial Complex met the same fate as Shenzhen.


    <hr />


    November 8, 2020; 15:40 (14:40 China time), 33 kilometers south of Changji, China (Base of the 334 Strategic Missile Battalion)


    The 3rd Missile Brigade¡¯s 334th Strategic Missile Battalion, a subordinate unit of the rocket force known as the 2nd Artillery Command, was the unit that handled Dong Feng 26 (DF-26), which is an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of 4,000 km. Its main target was the U.S. territory of Guam, but it was also a nuclear missile that posed a great threat to Korea.


    After the opening of the war, the 334 Strategic Missile Battalion left the main base and moved to another base once a day, sometimes maneuvering and sometimes concealing themselves, so that they couldunch missiles immediately once an order was issued. But the intelligence headquarters of Korea¡¯s Joint Chiefs of Staff has been continuously tracking and locating the Chinese military¡¯s mobileunching missile vehicle units even before the breakout of the war, and they included the 334th Strategic Missile Battalion as well.


    An air raid warning went off throughout the battalion, and each vehicle quickly prepared to leave the base and move to a new base. Since all vehicles were wheel-type trucks, they were moving out of the base at an elerated speed even in the ragged field when several shes of light exploded in the sky and numerous bomblets rained down to the ground.


    The 334 Strategic Missile Battalion saw the rain of bombletsing down from the sky, causing a series of explosions over the ground that was about 10 times the size of a ser field and destroying vehicles or the fuel tanks of nuclear missiles. It was a moment when the 334 Strategic Missile Battalion had the taste of the apocalypse.


    <hr />


    November 8, 2020; 15:42 (14:42 China time), 20 kilometers east of Kunming, China


    VRRRR! VRRRR! VRRRR!


    A raid rm went off at the Kunming nuclear missile base where more than 10 silos were built, and red light rms were also going off everywhere. In response, soldiers rushed to their respective positions, and the air defense unit also started the procedure for missile interception.


    The Kunming nuclear missile base was a unit under the direct control of a strategic rocket force located in the south-westernmost area of maind China and was handling the Dong Feng-31 (DF-31, CSS-9) missiles. Its upgraded version, Dong Feng -31A (CSS-9 Mod 2), was an intercontinental ballistic missile that can fly to the U.S. because of its huge range of 11,200 km.


    Being a nuclear missile base, the air defense soldiers at the base were able to take immediate action to counter the raid. No sooner had they detected the ballistic missiles fired by the Korean military when they fired a dozen S-400 40N6 missiles to the air. And shortly afterward, the HQ-9C missile, a high-altitude ballistic missile interceptor, was also fired into the air, drawing a white trajectory into the sky, and disappeared from view.


    All radar operators focused their attention on the radar screens that were showing tracks of falling missiles as well as the tracks of over 20 intercepting missiles that were flying toward them. The 40N6 missile that wasunched first was about to hit a falling missile fired by the Korean military when the Korean ballistic missile suddenly split into seven pieces. The first 40N6 missile directly hit the fusge of the ballistic missile and exploded, while the other remaining 40N6 missiles failed to intercept the missiles due to the difference in speed even before setting the target on their own active radars.


    ¡°The first round of interceptor missiles failed to intercept.¡±


    With a tearful look on his face, the operator immediately reset themand guidance, pinning hopes on the HQ-9Cs, which were the interceptor missiles for the second round of interception. Shortly after, as the missiles neared the targets, they switched into the active radar mode and approached the K-SH Gynoug missiles. Three interceptor missiles were targeting each K-SH Gynoug missile.


    ¡°The first target has been sessfully intercepted! Yes! Yes! Yes!¡±


    The Chinese forces neatly intercepted the first target either because the performance of their interceptor missiles was better than expected for a Chinese weapon, or because they were simply lucky. The operator was thrilled as he reported the sessful interception of the first target.


    But all other missiles failed to intercept.


    ¡°The interception of the fifth target has failed. The fifth target failed. Ahhh . . .¡±


    Now the operator took off his headset and began to cry, wrapping his head with his hands. Other operators, who were in effect controllers, closed their eyes as if they had given up on the hopeless situation, and waited for death that seemed fast approaching.


    After being hit by five K-SH Gynoug missiles, which weren¡¯t radioactive but still equivalent to nuclear bombs that weigh 50kt each, the Kunming nuclear missile base was gone. It disappeared from the face of the earth without a trace. It became a barrennd where no creature can survive within a five-kilometer radius.

 Chapter 121

    <h4>Chapter 121</h4>


    November 8, 2020, 15:45 (Local Time 14:45), the West Philippine Sea, Spratly Ind (Nan-sa Archipgo) Cuateron Reef


    In 2016, China had lost the ¡°South Sea Nine-dash line¡± court case for the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), but still, they ignored the resultant international court ruling and built artificial inds (Cuateron Reef) and Woody Ind to establish military air and radar bases. China also stationed surface-to-air missile and ground-to-surface missile forces in the area. The sinking of a Korean vessel which urred in the morning of the eighth was also the work of Chinese ground-to-surface missiles stationed in the Cuateron Reef.


    Despite being on an artificial ind, the bases operated high-tech type HY-26A radars. Inside the armored vehicle equipped with the radar, an operator for the radar console shouted with a frown on his face.


    ¡°Commander! We have detected ballistic . . . ballistic missiles.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Major Long Fu-Kai, Commander of the base, asked in turn.


    ¡°A ballistic missile is targeted toward our location at great speeds. Its altitude is 250 km, sir. Forty-two seconds before impact.¡±


    Major Long Fu-Kai got close to the radar operator¡¯s seat to see it for himself.


    ¡°How could this happen? A ballistic missile is falling on a small artificial ind?¡±


    Major Long Fu-Kai swore as he could not believe what was happening before him, then ryed the radar scan to the strike operator as he gave a frantic order.


    ¡°Base, sound the rm for an aerial raid! Sound the rm! We are under attack! Antiair forces enter phases to strike. We are out of time so get moving.¡±


    An aerial strike siren rang out on the small artificial ind that only housed 50 people. Momentster, the shouts of the antiair strike operator came on the radio.


    ¨C We cannot strike down the ballistic missile with our HQ-16B ground-to-air missiles, sir.


    * The HQ-16B missile is a mid-range ground-to-air missile with a range of 70 km. It is capable of striking down cruise missiles and nes with its high-speed radars. Capable of operating eight rounds equipped on a truck.


    ¨C Do all you can to strike it down, instead of speaking foolishly.


    ¨C I am sorry, sir. We will attempt to strike down the missile when ites within our range.


    In truth, it was impossible to strike down a ballistic missile using an interceptor missile with an altitude range of 10 km. And if they fail to strike down the missile, the Chinese soldiers will be wiped out; hence, the hopeful response of the strikemander.


    When the Astra-PIP ballistic missile fell to an altitude of 200 km, 6 of its body hatches opened and spewed out 6 rounds of Zinog missiles. Then the 6 K-SH Zinog missiles used its self-propel system to generate thrust and increase their falling speed. When the missiles reached 10 km above the Cuateron Reef that was only four times the size of a football field, the strikemander ordered tounch the interceptor missiles.


    ¡°Fire the interceptor missiles.¡±


    Before they could press theunch button, the three rounds of K-SH Zinog missiles fell to the artificial ind and createdrge mushroom clouds. The other three rounds all hit the other Chinese artificial ind, the Woody Ind. All inds met the same fate.


    The Punishment of Emperor Chiu was too cruel for those receiving it. The 24 Astra-PIP ballistic missiles annihted the 6 nuclear missile bases in maind China. They also wiped out from the map the 16 industrialplexes that were the backbone of the Chinese economy. Also, the 22nd Army Group suffered heavy losses. The Spratly Ind, the Cuateron Reef, and the Paracel archipgo all were permanently wiped off the map. Both inds had sunk into the depths from the explosion.


    The 21 rounds of Hyun-mu PIP (IRBM) ballistic missiles out of 80 rounds were struck down by China¡¯s interceptor missiles, but the other 59 rounds all hit their targets. The missiles had turned all the mobile missile vehicles and nuclear missile forces and production facilities that Korea detected into mes and ashes.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 16:50 (China Standard Time 15:50), near the Presidential Pce in Beijing, China


    After they received reports from the bodyguards, President Xi Jin Ping and the members of the Central Military Commission climbed up the 100-meter stairs to exit the Joint Command Center bunker. They looked down at downtown Beijing.


    The city was up in mes, and the fire trucks that fortunately escaped the electromaic pulse or EMP were dousing the mes.


    President Xi Jing Ping breathed heavily from climbing the stairs. He spoke a few phrases then stopped speaking. He was tired, but his silence was caused mainly by his seething anger and despair on seeing Beijing in mes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Mr. President.¡±


    Vice-President Li Qian Chao spoke as he helped the President up. A momentter, dozens of armored vehicles that came from the suburbs stopped and lined up to escort President Xi Jin Ping.


    ¡°What about my family?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are already on their way to the X-2 bunker, sir.¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping got on board the armored vehicle that was heavily guarded. They moved to the new X-2 bunker that was near the suburbs of Beijing.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 16:50, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    ¡°It seems ¡®Operation Punishment of Emperor Chiu¡¯ was more sessful than we thought, sir.¡±


    Operations Director Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun nced at the screen showing the statistics and spoke to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Yes, the Korea¨CChina war will encounter a great turning point from this operation. When will we be able to organize the data?¡±


    ¡°We are currently working on it, sir. We expect the calctions to beplete in 30 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Could you get it on a tablet for me? I think I need to follow the flow of time as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sir.¡±


    Someone called out to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was smiling contentedly from the sess of the operation. He turned around and answered.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    It was Strategic nning Director Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon who spoke.


    ¡°We just got a phone call from Chief Kang Byung-woo at the Strategic Resources Management Office.¡±


    ¡°Yes, how did it go?¡±


    ¡°He said he can give a sure answer after he returns to the U.S., but Director Yulian seems to have agreed to our terms.¡±


    ¡°I had no doubt Director Yulian would not refuse our terms. I am sure he decided to ept our offer because of the rapidly changing situation. He must have heard about the Korean ballistic missile strikes on maind China after all.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it seems to be that way, sir. I would also agree to our terms without worrying about military retaliation in China¡¯s current powerless state.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! Since the safety of ourmercial ships is ensured in the West Philippine Sea by the U.S Navy, we no longer need to disperse our own navy to protect them. However, keep the six deployed submarines there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 17:30 (China Standard Time 16:50), X-2 bunker, Beijing Province, China


    The X-2 bunker was one of many that were built for nuclear warfare along the Beijing area. The bunkers were equipped with more modern equipmentpared to the Presidential Pce¡¯s Joint Command Center bunker, and its outer and inner walls were twice as sturdy.


    The 100 or so Chinese government officials, including President Xi Jin Ping, had all arrived at the bunker and headed to the Command Center because they had not received a report about the situation for two and a half hours after Beijing was hit with EMP attacks. President Xi Jin Ping asked about the status of the war as soon as he arrived at the Command Center.


    ¡°What is happening out there?¡±


    When President Xi Jin Ping spoke in an upset tone, Commander of X-2 bunker Colonel Sun-Fo showed the data he prepared for the President before giving a report.


    ¡°At exactly 1429 h, Beijing was attacked by an EMP ballistic missile, presumed to be from the Korean military, and 80 other locations on the maind were also attacked by ballistic missiles as well. The area with the greatest damage is . . .¡±


    The reportsted for over an hour. When it was finished, President Xi Jin Ping sank into his chair and covered his face with his hands. The President was in shock about how in that short time, 35 percent of the industrialplexes that propelled China¡¯s economy had been wiped out along with the nuclear missile bases and mobile missile forces.


    When he could no longer bear the pain, President Xi Jin Ping spoke.


    ¡°How many nuclear missiles are functional?¡±


    ¡°Including the ICBM nuclear missiles, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°Yes, all of our nuclear missiles.¡±


    The Commanders of the rocket missile forces who were listening on the sidelines gave orders to their aides-de-camp to urately assess the numbers and then answered the President.


    ¡°Please wait a moment, sir.¡±


    The rocket missile forces Commander bowed his head and gave the report to President Xi Jin Ping, who was feebly sitting down with his eyes closed.


    ¡°President Xi Jin Ping, there are 122 nuclear missiles that we can currentlyunch, sir.¡±


    ¡°122? There are only 122 nuclear missiles from our original 500?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Launch all the nuclear missiles on Korea and its military stationed at the three Northeastern provinces!¡±


    ¡°What? Right now, sir?¡±


    ¡°Of course now!¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping stood up and shouted.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, we can¡¯t, sir.¡±


    Vice-President Kan Kuichou put his hands forward as he expressed his opposition.


    ¡°How can you say no at a time like this?¡±


    Vice-President Li Qian Chao red at Vice-President Kan Kuichou and shouted.


    ¡°Mr. President, if we exhaust our supply of nuclear missiles by reacting emotionally, then our strategic and tactical options for China will be narrowed down, sir.¡±


    ¡°I also disagree, sir.¡±


    Prime Minister Li Keqiang also expressed his opposition as he stepped forward. He was not a member of the Central Military Commission, but as the Commissioner of the Central Politics Commission, he had the right to speak.


    After he faced heavy opposition from the Commanders of the Central Military Commission, President Xi Jin Ping regretted his orders and returned to his senses.


    ¡°Fine. But I will fire Vice-President Kan Kuichou as Commander because of this defeat in the war so far. Let¡¯s nominate a new Commander of the Central Military Commission.¡±


    Thirty minutester, the Central Military Commission nominated Vice-President Chiu Li Jiang Ji as the newmander. Chiu Li Jiang Ji was the Vice-President of the Central Military Commission like Kan Kuichou, and he was second inmand of the military after President Xi Jin Ping. However, he only had two months left before his term was over, so he was not involved in the war up to this point. Also, if Kan Kuichou was a losingmander, Chiu Li Jiang Ji was a soldierpetent in the area of tactics and strategies.


    At the start of the war, President Xi Jin Ping judged that a full-frontal attack would easily defeat the Koreans instead of wracking their brains to set operations and devise strategies. Therefore, he had nominated Kan Kuichou as themander. Thinking back now, this decision by President Xi Jin Ping was something he would sorely regret.


    ¡°Vice-President Chiu Li Jiang Ji, I know you have only two months left in your term, but please stoke the fire of China so it will roar again.¡±


    ¡°I will do my best. Also, please call me Lieutenant General instead of Vice-President, sir.¡±


    ¡°You are a true soldier, Lieutenant General. I understand.¡±


    Lieutenant General Chiu Li Jiang Ji, after being nominated as themander, ordered all the forces deployed to the western front to retreat. Then he ordered all the army groups to recruit additional forces to prepare for defense. The only exception was the forces stationed near the Ap-rok River border who were ordered to continue gueri warfare, taking advantage of the nearby harsh mountainous areas.


    The Chinese People¡¯s Liberation Army that had underestimated the Korean military and consequentially met defeat, began to thoroughly prepare for the war; whereas the Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff began to struggle after they had turned the tide in their favor.


    * * *


    November 8, 2020, 19:00, Blue House National Emergency Situation Center bunker (President¡¯s Office), Jong-ro ku, Seoul


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kang Ui-sik, visited the underground bunker. He was reporting to the President the oue of the second phase of ¡°Operation Punishment of Emperor Chiu.¡± He connected his tablet PC to the screen and exined the statistics from an organized file.


    ¡°Looking at the results, it¡¯s a huge sess,¡± the President said.


    ¡°Yes, sir. The number of missiles that were intercepted was lower than we expected. We were able to achieve our goals without having to use the reserves,¡± answered the Joint Chief of Staff.


    ¡°That is good news. We don¡¯t have much. But it seems that civilian losses are greater than expected.¡±


    ¡°We believe there were many workers present in the factories to produce supplies for the war despite it being a Sunday. We apologize for putting you in a politically difficult position because of our request, sir.¡±


    ¡°No need. The Joint Chiefs of Staff has its own responsibilities, just like the presidency has its own. You are doing the best you can. Never worry about such things from now on. This is something the President should do as a politician.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s time to eat! So how about we all have dinner together if the report is over.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±

 Chapter 122

    <h4>Chapter 122</h4>


    November 9, 2020, 11:00, B2 Bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center),


    Yongsan-ku Seoul


    Aftermencing ¡°Operation Punishment of Emperor Chiu,¡± the Joint Chiefs of Staff was under a 24-hour full alert for possible nuclear retaliation. There was, however, no retaliation that came from China, so they called for a meeting to discuss future strategies.


    ¡°Based on the events so far, we believe China will not retaliate using their nuclear weapons soon.¡±


    Operations nning Director Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon reported this in a disappointed tone.


    ¡°Indeed. I wanted to use this opportunity to exhaust all of China¡¯s nuclear weapons and continue our operations with a light heart.¡±


    Tactics Director Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun also expressed his disappointment.


    ¡°How many nuclear weapons does China have left?¡±


    Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik asked as he joined in the conversation. The Intelligence Director Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won answered.


    ¡°We do not have the exact number, but we expect there are 110 missiles left, sir.¡±


    ¡°One hundred and ten missiles? Considering President Xi Jin Ping¡¯s temper, that is more than enough for him to retaliate. I suppose there are still sound-minded generals in their military ranks.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had expected a massive nuclear weapons strike in retaliation to Operation Punishment of Emperor Chiu. To be truthful, they had yearned for it. If the Chinese leaders had lost their temper and used all of their nuclear missiles to retaliate, then the Korean military would intercept all of them. Then the Korean military would face a Chinese military equipped only with conventional weapons.


    ¡°Currently the Chinese military has dismissed Commander Kan Kuichou and had ced the second inmand of the military, Chiu Li Jiang Ji, in his stead while promoting him to the rank of general as well.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik frowned at the Intelligence Director¡¯s report and answered.


    ¡°Chiu Li Jiang Ji? Haha, I have seen him a couple of times before. He is a renowned tactician within the Chinese military. I think his service was until the end of this year.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right, sir. His term is only until the end of this year. We also believe he was a key figure in the military reforms, and he is well versed in tactics and strategies,¡± the Intelligence Director answered.


    ¡°My, we are now out of the frying pan and into the fire, aren¡¯t we? We must be more thorough when nning future operations.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, how much of the radiation from the western front has been cleaned up?¡± the Chairman asked.


    ¡°Please take a look at the screen, sir.¡±


    Operations Director Kim Yong-hyun then turned to his tablet PC connected to the screen, which showed a digital map of the western front disying various types of information.


    ¡°These are the fallout levels from each sector. To put them into percentages, each will differ a bit, but approximately 35 percent of the fallout has been cleaned up. After 16 days, the area will be deemed safe to continue our operations,¡± the Operations Director spoke.


    ¡°Sixteen days? Hmm, very well. Have the upying forces in the western front and the Ji-Ling Province rest and conduct maintenance while escting their sentry duties until the 15th. The rest of the forces will continue their operations as nned. What do you all think?¡± the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked.


    ¡°Yes, we agree, sir! Our men in the western front are exhausted from the constant battles since the war began. We believe this is a good time for them to rest and perform maintenance.¡±


    ¡°All right then. Also, I would like all the Logistics Directors to cooperate with each military¡¯s logisticsmand to supply our forces swiftly and safely.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    November 11, 2020, 10:00, at the Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Meeting Room, Tokyo, Japan


    The bell from the Secretary¡¯s Office inte rang.


    ¨C What is it?


    ¨C Minister Shibasaki is here for a visit, sir.


    ¨C Tell him toe in.


    A momentter, the door opened and Minister of Defense Shibasaki entered, bowing low. Inside the room was Intelligence Director Inamoto Junichi, who was sitting down with a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°Please have a seat. Let¡¯s talk more about the subject in the future, Director Inamoto.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    Director Inamoto gave a curt answer, got up from his seat, quickly nced at Minister Shibasaki, and then left the room. Minister Shibasaki gave him a puzzled look and spoke to the Prime Minister.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look well, sir.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. So what brings you here today?¡± the Prime Minister asked.


    ¡°We were just contacted by Negotiator Yagumachi Genzo from America, sir.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, who also had a concerned look on his face, quickly turned, hopeful at those words, before asking.


    ¡°Did you? How did it go?¡±


    ¡°They took the bait, sir!¡± Minister Shibasaki answered.


    ¡°That means¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes, it means the U.S. government had an internal meeting about Japan¡¯s right to bear nuclear arms. It seems news of their approval wille soon,¡± the Minister answered.


    ¡°This Genzo feh is great at his work! Have him promoted to a higher position when hees back.¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°The tide is in our favor, so we must take care of things correctly. We require not only nuclear missiles, but a means to deliver tactical nukes as well. Have Director Watanabee in this afternoon to discuss this further.¡±


    ¡°I will get in touch with him, sir.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe sank himself into the sofa and smiled at the thought of Japan being not only an economic power but also one armed with nuclear missiles. He muttered to himself slyly.


    ¡°Now the Self-Defense Forces must be reformed for foreign operations as well.¡±


    * * *


    November 11, 2020, 19:00 (China Standard Time 18:00), X-2 Bunker, Suburb of Beijing, China


    The Chinese People¡¯s Liberation Army took a different direction when Commander in Chief, General Chiu Li Jiang Ji came intomand. They had correctly assessed the Korean military¡¯s strengths and reestablished their tactics based on geography, previous tactics, and operations to retaliate.


    ¡°The Korean military is conducting its operations in an area that is four times the size of its national territory. What would be an issue for them at this instant?¡±


    The sudden question from General Chiu Li Jiang Ji made the othermanders stare at each other nkly. General Chiu Li Jiang Ji shook his head and spoke with a disappointed look in his eyes.


    ¡°How can I use themanders in key positions in the People¡¯s Liberation Army if they are this ipetent toe up with even with a simple answer?¡±


    Commander in Chief General Chiu Li Jiang did not hesitate to insult his subordinates.


    ¡°I- I am sorry, sir.¡±


    Chief of General Staff Pe Feng Li Fu bowed his head as he answered.


    ¡°I think the logistical support in terms of them transporting munitions, materials, and rations would be difficult.¡±


    Chief Commander of the Air Force Feng Dai Wang, who opposed the mass deployment of jets during the Sun-Yang aerial battle, answered carefully.


    ¡°Exactly, Chief Commander Feng Dai Wang! The Koreans have never conducted a military operation or even transported materials in an area asrge as this in a long time. All the strategies we have established during the war so far have been short-sighted. We need to tap into the Korean military¡¯s weakness here,¡± the General said.


    ¡°I agree as well, Commander, sir.¡±


    The Ground Force General, who was afraid of beingbeled as useless, answered in a half-hearted tone. Commander in Chief Chiu Li Jiang Ji ignored him and continued to speak.


    ¡°The transport routes the Korean military deployed in the three northeastern provinces used are roads near the Ap-rok River or aerial routes. From now on, order the remaining forces in the Ap-rok area to actively conduct gueri operations to the Korean logistics forces. Also, give the order to actively strike down the transport nes in the air. Then cut off the seaway to Da-Ren port by deploying the submarines in the Northsea fleet.¡±


    Befitting of his title as the best tactician in the People¡¯s Liberation Army, Commander in Chief Chiu Li Jiang Ji pointed out each task the Chinese military had to do. The most important factors were dragging the war into the long term and attacking the logistical forces of Korea to iste the upying forces.


    * * *


    November 12, 2020, 13:00, Seoul Defense Security Command Headquarters, the Department of Foreign Intelligence


    The Korea¨CChina war had entered its 16th day, and not only were the three northeastern provinces bing heated, but diplomatic battles between Korea and China had escted as well. Both countries incessantly have released statements critical of each other to the internationalmunity. One of the heated topics was the fact that China used sarin gas during the battle of Ji-Rin Province. An international broadcast alerted the internationalmunity that China had used chemical weapons that were just as much of a taboo as nuclear weapons.


    China denied the im to the end, iming they did not need to use sarin gas when they had nuclear weapons. They then used the Koreans of issuing a im that is a trumped-up conspiracy theory.


    Inside the Defense Security Command headquarters, the Department of Foreign Intelligence meeting room, various detoxified objects that the 7th Mobile Corps military police had confiscated from the sarin gas terrorists were in view.


    The items were clothes, a cellphone destroyed by the explosion, various personal firearms, and a notepad full of cryptograms.


    ¡°When can we decipher the cryptogram?¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Youn-gyu, the Foreign Intelligence Director, held up the notepad and spoke.


    ¡°We have deciphered 30 percent of it by using a copy, sir.¡±


    The Team Leader of the Intelligence Collection Agency, Captain Ahn Dong-won, answered.


    ¡°The cellphone?¡±


    ¡°We have sent it to the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility, and it is now undergoing recovery, sir.¡±


    ¡°Report to me as soon as it¡¯s done. How¡¯s the analysis on the other items?¡± the Lieutenant Colonel asked.


    ¡°Based on the items we have analyzed so far¡ªthe civilian clothes, firearms, and other items¡ªthere is ack of evidence that points them back to the Chinese military, sir.¡±


    Captain Oh Won-jeon from the analysis team answered.


    ¡°Are you suggesting they are not Chinese soldiers?¡±


    ¡°Based on our analysis so far, yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°The clothes the suspects were wearing were inclothes any civilian would wear, and the pistols they used were the type QBZ-95s the Chinese military is using, but they were privately owned guns that had the serial numbers wiped off. A few of the bodies had faces that did not resemble the typical Chinese man, so we ran a DNA analysis and we have confirmed their ethnicity is from Southeast Asia.¡±


    ¡°Southeast Asia?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Could there be a chance the Chinese hired mercenaries?¡±


    ¡°That is a possibility, sir. However, we do think it would be a stretch that China would use chemical weaponry on top of tactical nukes.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, you have a point, Captain Oh.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we will find out more once we decipher the cryptograms and recover the cellphone¡¯s data. Until then, keep up the good work,¡± the Lieutenant Colonel said.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    November 13, 2020, 14:00, at the G303 Road, 23 km northwest from Manpo-si, North Korea


    A convoy of 20 KM-9010 transport trucks that were under the Korean army¡¯s munitionsmand from the logistics forces was speeding along the twoned G303 road under the escort of K-23P-C Hyun-mu infantry armored vehicles.


    Vroooooo~


    The number 1 K-23P-C Hyun-mu infantry armored vehicle that was moving in the middle of the transport trucks sent out a message through the radio.


    ¨C We are now entering Chinese gueri forces territory, so each vehicle is to keep a vignt watch as we move in over.


    ¨C Vehicle 2, roger.


    ¨C Vehicle 3, roger.


    ¨C Vehicle 4, roger.


    ¨C Vehicle 5, roger.


    ¨C Vehicle 6, roger.


    The six escorting armored vehicles were ced between every five trucks and formed a long convoy as they entered the area where they would pass through a 2.4-kilometer tunnel. Then as the second armored vehicle was about toe out from the tunnel, its LWR ser warning receiver) sounded the rm for a radar targeting of an anti-armored vehicle round.


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    Themander of vehicle 2 could not watch its front but checked the radar¡¯s source through his monitor and frantically shouted on the radio.


    ¨C Our nine o¡¯clock! Three o¡¯clock! Antitank missiles! Convert to interception modes! I repeat, convert to interception modes!


    As the second vehicle Commander¡¯s voice rang out through the radio, 20 or so rounds of HJ-9 missiles flew toward them in both directions.


    The ck Dragon missiles all transitioned into interception modes to protect the transport trucks and began to intercept the oing HJ-9 missiles flying toward them. The 50-mm photon cannons all began to spew out rounds toward the direction where the missiles came from.


    Starting from the number 2 armored vehicle, theyunched the ck Dragon missiles. However, two of the armored vehicles that just got through the tunnel lost their chance to intercept the missiles. Among the 20 or so missiles, only 16 were sessfully intercepted while the other 8 made contact with the armored vehicles and transport trucks.


    Wooosh~ Booooom! Bang! Bang!


    The number 2 armored vehicle was directly hit by two antitank missiles. However, because of its hydronium alloy ting, they managed to avoid an internal explosion, but the explosion had blown a tire so that the vehicle lost its bnce and crashed into a wall on the side of the road. The other transport trucks that were following the armored vehicle were hit by the antitank missiles. The explosion caused the munitions aboard to blow up and the mes spread to all directions.


    The sudden st put the other trucks in the rear of the convoy to a screeching halt; but since they were distanced close to each other, they all crashed into each other. Then they all exploded from the second round of missiles that flew in from their three o¡¯clock.

 Chapter 123

    <h4>Chapter 123</h4>


    November 13, 2020, 15:30, B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Yongsan-ku, Seoul


    The scene of the battle showing the attacking Chinese soldiers on board burned trucks and Korean forces firing their 50-mm photon cannons and ck Dragon missiles was being broadcast on the Command Center¡¯s screen.


    Then momentster, the gunshots came to a halt, indicating the annihtion of all Chinese soldiers. The Koreans¡¯ armored vehicles stopped their attacks as well, then the infantrymen aboard poured out from the rear hatch. The men began to help the injured and moved them to a safe location. The video on the screen paused.


    ¡°The logistics forces sent out the footage at exactly 1412h, and the attackers have been identified as the Special Forces directly under the 39th Army Group. It seems they had prepared for an ambush in the mountainous regions where their army group was attacked during the start of the war.¡±


    The Operations Director spoke when the footage came to a halt.


    ¡°It seems things are going differently after Commander in Chief General Chiu Li Jiang Ji was put in charge. What are our losses?¡±


    Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-sik crossed his arms with a slightly gloomy look on his face and asked the Operations Director.


    ¡°All 14 transport trucks were taken out, 2 armored vehicles are damaged, 12 dead and 15 wounded, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about the Chinese forces?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Chinese suffered 59 casualties and 22 were injured. All have been arrested, and our wounded men are being sent off to the 19th Division¡¯s infirmary as we speak.¡±


    ¡°From now on there will be more gueri attacks targeting our logistical forces. Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, speak with the Logistics Commanders ande up with a strategy. We must now enter into hignd battles,¡± the Joint Chief of Staff said.


    ¡°Sir! I am concerned about the difficulties we may face inmanding our men by spreading our forces too thin.¡±


    ¡°Do we have any other choice?¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who answered with one eye open, posed the question in an earnestly curious tone. When the Operations Director hesitated since he could note up with a better solution, the Chairman smiled brightly and continued.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Kim, if our front lines are getting longer, all we can do is trust ourmanders in the field and give them themand! As you have said, the current events are too big for us to nitpick and decide on each task.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stood up from his seat and then spoke to the other Commanders present in the Command Center.


    ¡°The war will only get more troublesome from now on. Check the sixth phase of Operation Rise of Goguryeo once more and fix anything that catches your attention. I am going to visit the Ministry of National Defense. Keep up the great work everyone.¡±


    * * *


    November 13, 2020, 20:30, 17 km northeast from Jakang-ind Jasung-up, North Korea


    Six operators aboard the K-1100 console armored vehicle were on sentry duty and stared at the monitors. The watch was set from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the next morning since it was already wintertime, and watch is set for a total of 15 hours and set in three shifts. The operators monitored the vehicles manually at night and had the vehicle run automatically at day.


    The K-1000 Haetae unmanned sentry drones were ced every 300 m with three different camera modes activated. The drones all had their weapons pointing forward in the direction of the Ap-rok River¡¯s mountainous area.


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    The rm of number 313 Haetae operator¡¯s console began to ring. The monitor showed a hundred or so lights that indicated life-forms in the mountain ridge. Then the rm of other operators began to ring as well.


    ¡°Sir, we have detected life-forms on the mountain ridge 5.3 km away! There are 121 in total! Their numbers are rising.¡±


    The 313 drone operator, who detected the signal first, began to report to the toon Commander. The others began to report their stats as well and transitioned into sentry mode 1.


    ¡°Transition into sentry mode 1,¡± the toon Commander ordered.


    The area the 1st toon was in charge of was a wide area that reached approximately 1.8 km. Lieutenant Oh Sang-yeon, the toon Commander, looked at therge screen and the operators, then continued giving orders.


    ¡°Zoom in on drone 313.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 313 drone¡¯s operator immediately began to manipte his console then the screen erged by the high optical zoom showed life-forms glowing on the screen from their body heat even in the pitch-dark night.


    ¡°Signalman! Notify the Company headquarters and request for light-armored mobile forces.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 3rd Sentry Battalion¡¯s headquarters had deployed spider drones multiple times a day and surveyed the area from the air. However, the Chinese military had avoided aerial surveys under low beats. The Chinese soldiers hid for a few days and only showed themselves after the order to attack came from their superiors.


    ¡°Where did these bastardse from? We were just told nothing was in the area this afternoon.¡±


    Lieutenant Oh Sang-yeon furrowed his brow and swore at the increasing number of blinking lights on the screen.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s the Company Commander on the line.¡±


    Corporal Ahn Hyung-joon spoke as he handed the microphone over to the Lieutenant.


    ¡°Sir! This is Lieutenant Oh Sang-yeon.¡±


    ¨C This is the Company Commander. The enemy is determined to be at least the size of a brigade after we analyzed the footage you sent us. Thepany light-armored mobile forces have been sent your way, and the battalion headquarters have deployed their forces as well. When the enemyes in range, engage them without waiting for orders. Over.


    ¡°Understood, sir!¡±


    Lieutenant Oh Sang-yeon gave the order to the operators after handing the radio back to the signalman.


    ¡°We begin the attack starting from drone 1 to 6 when we have eyes on the target.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Six operators all answered at once then began to move their K-1000 Haetae drones.


    When the battle was close at hand, the operator for Haetae drone 313 private Lee Sang-gil must have been anxious, for his heartbeat became faster and his fingers on the keyboard stiffened. Lieutenant Oh Sang-yeon must have noticed the anxiety of his men and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be rattled! We are a 1km away from the Haetae drones. If we hold them off with the Hae-tae, then they cannot reach us here! Thepany and battalion light-armored mobile forces are on their way, so continue on as usual, understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡±


    The Haetae 313 drone lowered its body, opened up itsunchpads and pointed the missiles toward the direction of the moving lights. A momentter the 16 MLRS 40mm rocket rounds equipped on the back of the drones began to fly out.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The rocketsnded on the mountainside where the Chinese military was climbing down from and the soldiers rolled down the hill from being hit by the shrapnel.


    Boom! Arrgh! Boom! Bang!


    The 1,500 Chinese soldiers all seemed to roll down to the ins amidst the falling rockets and began to cross the frozen Ap-rok River. When hundreds of shadows began to run across the pale ice sheets, the 12-mmser Vulcans began to spew out a stream of light.


    Pewpewpewpew~ Pewpewpewpew~


    The stream ofser beams sprayed continuously along the frozen river reaching 1.8km. The Chinese soldiers crossing the frozen river lost an arm or a leg when theser beam passed by and some were torn to shreds. Those who were fortunate enough to cross the river unscathed were panting and hiding in ditches near the river, preparing to charge once again.


    In the chaos of light beams and rocket explosions, the Chinese soldiers and K-1000 Haetae drones were now 500m away from each other.


    Whirrrrrrrl! Boom!


    The operator for the 313 drone moved the scope of the K-1000 Haetae drone to get a visual on the hiding Chinese soldiers 800m in front of them. When he did so, the 313 K-100 Haetae drone moved on its four legs and went forward for 10m. When the nine Chinese soldiers in hiding were detected, the operator pressed the rocket¡¯s Launch button.


    Boom!


    The 40-mm rocket round flew out with a blunt nose, then fell at the exact location after flying across the air in an arc. The nine Chinese soldiers in hiding all were hit by the shrapnel and fell.


    ¡°Nice.¡±


    Private Lee Sang-gil shouted unconsciously. His heart was beating out of his chest from the anxiety before the battle began, but now his heart was beating out of excitement and his body was pumping with adrenaline.


    Ting! Ting!


    The Chinese soldiers fiercely closed the distance to 300 m and began to rain bullets at the K-1000 Haetae drone. But their QBZ-95 5.8mm bullet was nowhere enough to pierce the high strength alloy ting of the K-1000, and ricocheted. The K-1000 Haetae drone let the bullets hit its body as if to mock the enemy, and continued to fire itsser Vulcan beams and rockets.


    However, the operator of the 315 drone saw an enemy soldier pointing a LJ-7 anti-tank round toward the K-1000 Haetae drone through his monitor. The operator hurriedly fired a ck Dragon missile but waste by a split second and the Chinese soldier fired first. Since the distance was too close, the 315 Haetae drone did not have a chance to intercept and was struck.


    Boom! Vroooooo~


    The K-1000 Haetae drone managed to withstand the 15t of explosive power from the anti-tank round, but the various optical cameras and equipment were damaged and it caused the operator¡¯s monitor to flicker.


    ¡°Sir, the 315 drone has been hit. Commander! The equipment is fine but it seems all three visual cameras are out.¡±


    ¡°Transition into defensive mode! So it won¡¯t get attacked anymore.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant Oh Sang-yeon, who gave the order, radioed the light-armored mobile forces from thepany headquarters.


    ¨C This is Longhorn Beetle, this is Longhorn Beetle. Beetle do you copy? Over.


    ¨C This is Beetle, we hear you. Over.


    ¨C This is Longhorn Beetle. Sector 1-5 has been breached. Requesting aid in those areas first, over.


    ¨C This is Beetle, confirmed. Over.


    When the 315 K-1000 Haetae drone stopped moving, the Chinese forces all charged toward that direction to cross the border. However, three vehicles from the Company light-armored mobile forces had turned to sector 1¨C5 and took the drone¡¯s ce to defend the border.


    Unlike their title of light-armored mobile forces, the men from the unit were all equipped with sturdy armor, personal firearms, four 8-mmser Vulcan guns, and 30-mm smart grenades.


    Boom! Boom! Pewpewpewpewpew~ Pewpewpewpewpew~


    The 25 light-armored infantrymen fired their 4 barrel Vulcan guns and 30-mm smart grenades at the Chinese soldiers. Beams of light gleamed in the dark, and 30-mm smart grenades tore the Chinese soldiers into pieces.


    Ten minutester, the battalion light-armored forces also arrived on the scene, and when they joined the offensive, the number of Chinese soldiers dwindled.


    Boom! Boom!


    Thepany and battalion light-armored mobile forces began to fire their 80-mm mortars into the sky. The 80-mm cluster mortars blew up above the Chinese soldiers¡¯ heads, and they were instantly killed from the shrapnel.


    A few momentster, the gunshots from the Chinese soldiers halted. Only 300 soldiers from the 1,500 that was near the size of an entire brigade, crossed the frozen Ap-rok River and retreated. The rest of the Chinese soldiersy dead on the frozen river or screaming from their injuries.


    That day, the entire border was raided by the Chinese military. Chinese soldiers hiding in the rough mountainous regions suddenly showed up. Some 30,000 Chinese soldiers raided the border, which was fewer than expected. The Chinese militarymanders only sent in 30,000 soldiers to analyze the Korean sentry forces along the border ande up with a n of subsequent attacks.

 Chapter 124

    <h4>Chapter 124</h4>


    November 14, 2020, 22:30, 55 km north from Shin Ui-joo si, North Korean skies


    Sixteen of the Joint Offensive Fighter Wing¡¯s KA-11P Phoenix jets took off from Shin Ui-joo Airport and flew along the border of the Ap-rok River. The jets split into groups of two and moved toward their assigned areas.


    The 16 Phoenix jets flew at low speeds in an altitude of 500 m, then dropped off thend sonar Landmark-1 in order.


    Boom! Boom! Woooooooosh~


    The Landmark-I was 1.2 m in length and 150 mm in diameter. It embedded itself onto the surface by using its falling momentum, then a radar in the shape of an umbre popped out from its side. The high-precision sensors that faced the ground began checking for vibrations and sent the data to the Joint Offensive Fighter Wing¡¯s Command Headquarters in real time.


    * * *


    November 15, 2020, 00:30, Joint Offensive Fighter Wing Base, Shin Ui-joo si, North Korea


    There were 256 Landmark-I sonars deployed along the Ap-rok River by 16 Phoenix jets. The digital screen in the headquarters¡¯ Command Center showed each of their locations on a map along with any vibrations that were being detected.


    ¡°Sector 1, all 16 Landmark-I online, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sector 2, all 16 Landmark-I online, sir.¡±


    The area was divided into 24 sectors, and each operator from their sector began to report. Fighter Wing Commander Brigadier General Kim Gyun-hyun gave the order.


    ¡°Organize andpile the data before sending it to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Have allnd-attack jets and fighter jets that are deployed till dawn undergo diagnostics and maintenance even if they have to work all night. The weather is getting colder. Cold weather like this can cause equipment malfunction, especially the precision equipment. So tell the men to take all precautionary measures.¡±


    ¡°The repair battalion is undergoing thorough diagnostics, sir.¡±


    Operations Director Ahn Kyung-joon answered.


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s discuss the operation for tomorrow. Have everyone gather to the briefing room.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    * * *


    November 15, 2020, 09:30, 17 km northeast from Jakang Ind (Sector 8-3), North Korea


    Twenty or so Russian-made trucks were racing across the white, snow-covered fields of the Ap-rok riverside; the area where the 11th Corps¡¯ 51st Mechanized Infantry Division 26th Brigade 3 Battalion 3rd Company¡¯s men had fought to defend the border.


    Vrooo~ Vrooooooo~


    The trucks that obviously seemed to be in poor condition had 132-mm multiple rocketunchers loaded on their cargo area. A momentter, at least 20 trucks arrived at the encampment of the Korean military¡¯s 3rd Company. They went through a few processes and searches before they began to line up at the gravel field in front of thepany headquarters.


    Meanwhile, at thepany headquarters, Captain Na Hyun-ho, the Commander of the 3rd Company, was watching the scene with his administrative clerk after being notified of the trucks¡¯ arrival. Then a North Korean officer in a brown uniform came out from the Russian BTR-60 type armored vehicle, tidied up his uniform, and headed to where Captain Na Hyun-ho was.


    ¡°Hello. I am Captain Kang Man-soo from the 620 Artillery Corps¡¯ 544th Battalion 1st Artillery Unit.¡±


    Captain Kang Man-soo saluted in a disciplined manner. He was short andnky, but his eyes were full of fire and charisma that made him seem like a stereotypical North Korean officer.


    ¡°How are you? I am Captain Na Hyung-ho of the 3rd Company. Great to meet you.¡±


    When Captain Na Hyung-ho saluted and put his hand out for a handshake, both officers shook.


    ¡°It is great to meet you as well. It¡¯s an honor that we get to fight the Chinese with the South Korean military.¡±


    ¡°I also think it is a great honor. Let¡¯s go inside. You must be feeling cold.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Captain Kang Man-soo and his aide-de-camp stepped into the temporary headquarters building. They were taken aback from how warm the building was, as they took off their coats and sat down.


    ¡°This building is quite warm despite being made of metal.¡±


    ¡°It is equipped with a self-heating system.¡±


    The administrative clerk had brought coffee and ced it on the table. Captain Kang Man-soo became wide-eyed and spoke.


    ¡°Is this coffee? I have had it a few times.¡±


    ¡°It is hot so be careful when you drink, please.¡±


    When Captain Na Hyung-ho pointed to the coffee and offered it to the North Korean men, Captain Kang Man-soo and his aide-de-camp became excited and began to sip the coffee.


    ¡°This coffee is different since it¡¯s from South Korea. It tops any other coffee I had before.¡±


    ¡°Captain! South Korean coffee is great, sir.¡±


    Captain Kang Man-soo and his three aides-de-camp sipped the coffee and must have found it to their liking and began to praise it. Captain Na Hyung-ho, who saw the men being so happy and amused by something as trivial as coffee, called over his administrative clerk.


    ¡°Sergeant Kim.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Talk to the quartermaster and bring a few boxes of the coffee we were rationed.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Captain Na Hyung-ho ordered the administrative clerk and then spoke to Captain Kang Man-soo.


    ¡°Since you like the coffee, I would like to offer you a few boxes.¡±


    ¡°I- I hope that is not rude of us despite it being our first meeting.¡±


    ¡°No, hahaha. We are now brothers in arms, fighting with our lives at stake. How big of a deal would a few boxes of coffee be? If there are any other items you need, please let us know.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Captain Na Hyung-ho, Comrade.¡±


    Having the officers from North and South Korea sitting at the same table for the war against China, after being divided for 62 years, was a sight no one would imagine a month ago. The meeting that day was that significant, and the press officer who hade in from the battalion was busy photographing the historic scene. During this meeting, the North Korean soldiers were busy cleaning the canons and setting up their camp.


    * * *


    November 15, 2020, 11:00,(ROK Military Joint Command Center), Yongsan-ku B2 bunker, Seoul


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to actively deploy the North Korean military after the battle between China at the border on the thirteenth. The Korean government had the North Korean 620th Artillery Corps deployed to the border through First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong and have them continue the offensive toward the Chinese military. Also, two light-armored mountain divisions from the 3rd Corps were grouped with the Joint Offensive Fighter Wing to continue the hignd battles in the Ap-rok River area.


    ¡°Has the 620th Artillery Corps been stationed by each force?¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked the Operations Director aftering back from the Ministry of National Defense.


    ¡°They have finished moving into sectors 1 through 8, which had well-built roadways, and the rest of the sectors will have men deployed within today, sir.¡±


    Operations Director Kim Yong-hyun answered.


    ¡°I never thought we would use the outdated North Korean artillery like this,¡± the Chairman said.


    ¡°In our situation, I believe we need the artillery power from North Korea, sir.¡±


    ¡°But, since both of our nations are notpletely unified, we cannot trust the North Korean militarypletely. So keep a close watch on their movements.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°How about the Chinese military¡¯s position along the border?¡±


    ¡°Please take a look at screen number 3, sir. This is the statistics the Shin Ui-joo fighter wing has sent us.¡±


    The third screen showed vibration patterns and other information being detected by the Landmark-Is installed along the Ap-rok and Duman River area.


    ¡°We have detected 12 vibration patterns from sectors 6 to 12, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s more than we expected. So how many men do you think they have?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the area with most men seemed to be sector 9, with 12,000 men and 50,000 in total.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s about 50,000 men, then that means there are at least 4 divisions? How did they manage to stay in the mountains this whole time?¡±


    ¡°It seems they had gathered supplies from the surrounding cities along the border, along with their standard rations, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right! No matter what the Chinese have done, we must use this chance to clean up the border. Was the time for the operation at 3:00 p.m.?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Is the fighter wing from Sun-an Airforce Base participating as well?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-four Phoenixnd attacker jets are being deployed, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about the mountainous divisions, what¡¯s their position?¡±


    ¡°The 2nd and 12th Light Armored Mountain Divisions are on the move since 7:00 a.m. today and are on the Chul-won/Dukcheon Highway heading North. The 2nd Division will arrive at the 1st encampment at Kang-kye, and the 12th Division will arrive at the 2nd encampment at Hye-san within today. Then they will be divided and stationed to each sector after their three-day maintenance period,¡± the Operations Director said.


    ¡°Yes, we are going to be busier than before. We need to move the Western frontlines and continue our upation of the three Northeastern provinces. Ah yes. We will have a visitor from the North tomorrow morning,¡± The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.


    ¡°What do you mean, sir?¡±


    ¡°Since the North Korean military is actively participating in the Korea?¨CChina war, they are going to send a fewmanders from their ranks.¡±


    ¡°Have the North Koreans decided on who to send to us, sir?¡±


    ¡°That is why I visited the Ministry of National Defense today about the matter. Our guests will be Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon, Commander of the 620th Artillery Corps and General Choi Ho-il, the Vice-chief of Staff.¡±


    ¡°It seems they are sending us heavy hitters from the North, sir.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, they are at par with our Vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff here, I¡¯d say.¡±


    * * *


    November 15, 2020, 15:00, Joint Offensive Fighter Wing Airforce Base, Shin Ui-joo si, North Korea


    The skies above the Shin Ui-joo area were abuzz with jets that had taken off from the Joint Offensive Fighter Wing¡¯s Airforce Base. Excluding a few Phoenix jets, all the jets and bombers that had taken off were equipped with bunker-piercing bombs and flying along the Ap-rok River.


    ¡°Operation Mole Extermination¡± was in effect to raid the Chinese military¡¯s hideouts along the Ap-rok and Duman rivers based on the detection from the Landmark-I sonars.


    Some 36 Phoenix jets, 24 ck Phoenix bombers, 24 Phoenixnd attackers, and 16 Blue Dragon bombers were deployed for this operation. There were also 24 additional Phoenix jets deployed from Sun-an Airforce Base as well.


    * * *


    November 15, 2020, 15:10, 28 km north from Shin Ui-joo, North Korea


    The 39th Army Group¡¯s 331st Battalion had retreated to the mountain pass since the first strike from Korea started on October 28. They supplied themselves with their own rations and those from neighboring viges. The 331st Battalion had dug trenches and pits, preparing for an ambush amidst the freezing weather. Then when the order to attack the border came from their superior forces, they made attempts at the offensive.


    ¡°Commander! You must wake up, sir.¡±


    The sentry that was watching the skies inside the pit silently spoke.


    ¡°There are three nes flying at low altitudes, sir.¡±


    Colonel Yang Boyu, who was taking a catnap for tonight¡¯s battle, rubbed his eyes and answered angrily.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like we have seen nes flying at low altitudes every day, you know?¡±


    ¡°The thing is, sir, their altitude is low, and they seem to be flying near the area we are hiding in.¡±


    The Commander of the 331st Battalion Colonel Yang Boyu figured this was a bit odd to ignore, and checked the three nes flying nearby with the binocrs.


    ¡°Those jets are of a kind we have never seen before.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It seems they are new.¡±


    The three jets that were not on the list of friend or foe chart by the superior forces made arge turn and began to fly toward their direction again.


    ¡°How did they know we are hiding here anyways? They must be reconnaissance nes, Radioman.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Contact eachpany and tell them to not leave their pits.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    As he gave the order and checked the position of the Korean jets once again with the binocrs, the first two jets began to drop bombs. Colonel Yang Boyu shouted in surprise.


    ¡°What the¡ª? They know our position?¡±


    * * *


    November 15, 2020, 15:10, 28 km north from Shin Ui-joo, North Korean skies


    The two KA-11P Phoenixnd attackers assigned for the bombing moved into sector 1. Then a Phoenixnd attacker with the call sign Poodle sent out a message to the Arms Operator through the radio.


    ¨C Sector 01 bomb area ess! Fly heading 160, check!


    ¨C Bulldog 1, copy that.


    Under the orders of the first bombing fleet¡¯s Commander, the two Phoenixnd attackers turned their bodies right and made an evasive maneuver. Another order came from the Arms Operator once again.


    ¨C Bomb, step!


    ¨C Bulldog 1, copy propulsion.


    The Arms Operator checked his console monitor. When he confirmed the precise location of the drop zone he sent out another message to Bulldog 1.


    ¨C Bomb! Drawing down! Go!


    ¨C Bulldog 1, copy that!


    The two Phoenixnd attackers flew together in a parallel line and began dropping the bunker-piercing rounds attached to their wings.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The bunker-piercing rounds that were free-falling detached its covers when it reached a certain altitude and revealed the cluster bombs it had within. Then the cluster bombs all opened up small propellers and began to spread across the skies while gliding.


    Boom! Bang! Boooooooom!


    The cluster bombs that fell onto the surface sank deep into the earth, unlike other bombs. They were powerful enough to shake the entire surface.

 Chapter 125

    <h4>Chapter 125</h4>


    November 15, 2020, 15:20, 28 km north from the Shin Ui-joo area, North Korea


    Arge pir of dirt rose in the air along with a loud explosion in the snow-covered mountainside filled with bare trees. Then the explosions began to move toward the pit where Battalion Commander Yang Boyu was hiding. He urgently shouted to the signalman next to him.


    ¡°If this keeps up, we will all die in the pit. Contact eachpany and order them to leave their pits and pull out from the area.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Signalman Long Hungdi grabbed the radio and alerted eachpany through the Battalion¡¯smunication line.


    ¨C This is Battalion headquarters! Eachpany is to vacate its pit and retreat. Everyone, retreat from the area!


    While the signalman contacted eachpany, the bombs were getting closer.


    ¡°We are getting out of here as well. Everyone, follow me!¡±


    Battalion Commander Yang Boyu opened the cover of his pit and swiftly jumped out. He began to high tail it down the mountainside. His aide-de-camp and observer both ran behind him, while the signalman also started to raise his upper body to the exit after he finished radioing the others.


    nk!


    ¡°What the¡ª!¡±


    The pit¡¯s hole must have been too tiny for the radio equipment, and they got stuck at the opening. As signalman Long Hungdi swore under his breath and struggled to exit the pit, multiple cluster bombs fell near the area and caused an explosion. The power of the explosion and the shock wave that was delivered through the surface along with the shrapnel had buried Long Hungdi before he could scream. Long Hungdi¡¯s guts spilled out and he was buried under the earth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look back! Just run!¡±


    Battalion Commander Yang Boyu, who almost threw himself down the mountain while running, shouted as he looked back to his men.


    The aide-de-camp and the observer, who were both weaving in and out avoiding the falling bombs, ran behind the Commander. When they were out of the drop zone, the three hid under a small rock, breathing heavily; then they looked at each other.


    ¡°What about the signalman?¡±


    Battalion Commander Yang Boyu, who just caught his breath, asked his aide-de-camp.


    ¡°He . . . he didn¡¯t make it, sir.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Then we can¡¯t contact ourpanies, can we? The bombs are falling precisely at areas we have dug pits right now. This means our position has beenpromised!¡±


    The aide-de-camp poked out his head from under the rock and looked at the pit where the 33rd Battalion¡¯s soldiers were hiding. Just like the Commander had concluded, the area was full of smoke from the bomb, and bodies that are unrecognizable were strewn everywhere.


    ¡°It seems to be that way, sir! How could the Koreans have discovered our location? We hid in our pits all day and only moved cautiously at night.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! I guess we can¡¯t go forward with the offensive we have nned for tonight.¡±


    The n was for the Chinese military to attack at 10:00 p.m. that night along the border.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move down the mountain pass and try to find a way to contact our superior force there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Battalion Commander caught his breath, looked for an escape route, and began to shout as he began to run again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Run!¡±


    When the Battalion Commander gave that order, the three soldiers used everyst ounce of their strength to run down the mountainside. When they reached the middle of the mountainside, the sound of a jet engine was heard approaching them and got louder. A momentter, a stream of whiteser beams was sprayed from the sky.


    Pewpewpewpewpew~ Pewpewpewpewpew~


    The light beams shooting down from the sky moved past the three men.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    The observer fell with a scream as he spat out blood while the aide-de-camp had his body torn to shreds. Battalion Commander Yang Boyu also was struck in the thigh and stomach and rolled down the mountainside.


    That day, the fighter jets and bombers that were deployed from Sun-An Airforce Base and the Joint Offensive Fighter Wing conducted aerial raids along the border based on movements detected by the Landmark-I sonars. The newly used bunker-piercing cluster bombs had turned the pits used by the Chinese soldiers into their graves. Others who managed to escape their pits were gifted withser beamsing from the sky and became food for the mountain carrion eaters.


    * * *


    November 16, 2020, 11:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Insider the Command Center, staff members from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and numerous militarymanders were holding a briefing about the results of Operation Mole Extermination the day before.


    ¡°We will now conclude the briefing for the results of Operation Mole Extermination.¡±


    The Operations Directorpleted his briefing, gave a salute, and returned to his seat.


    ¡°Great work! These Landmark-Ind sonars worked very well in the field,¡± the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff said.


    ¡°Yes, sir. We were a bit worried because it was still at the experimental phase, but, fortunately, it was more effective than we expected,¡± the Operations Director answered.


    ¡°When this war is over, we must reward the researcher in the underground research facility, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°I agree, sir.¡±


    When the briefing was over, one of the aides-de-camp went up to Chairman Kang Ui-sik and quietly spoke to him.


    ¡°Sir! Our guests from the North have just arrived at the bunker.¡±


    The Chairman looked at his watch to check the time and answered.


    ¡°My, how time flies. So where are they right now?¡±


    ¡°They have made it past the entrance and are headed toward the drawing room, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik got up from his seat and spoke to the Generals seated at the table.


    ¡°Our guests from the North have just arrived, so please politely wee them. Let¡¯s all head to the drawing room.¡±


    The 30 Generals all headed to the drawing room with Chairman Kang Ui-sik in the lead. Then a few momentster, all of them, excluding those on duty, arrived at the room to greet their guests from the North.


    A few minutester, the automatic doors opened and 20 or so soldiers entered. Among the group was a General in a North Korean uniform. He smiled brightly and spoke first.


    ¡°How do you do? I am the Democratic Republic of Korea¡¯s Vice-chief of Staff General Choi Ho-il.¡±


    He had a frail form and seemed to be around 70, but his voice was loud like that of a soldier who had gone through hell and back.


    ¡°Greetings. I am Korea¡¯s Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General Kang Ui-sik.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik spoke in a kind tone and moved toward General Choi Ho-il for a handshake.


    ¡°My, it is a great honor to finally meet you in person. I have heard a great deal about you, Comrade Kang.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, is that so?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Aren¡¯t you the one annihting those treacherous Chinese?¡±


    ¡°My, you tter me too much.¡±


    While the two men were greeting each other with a handshake like old friends, an officer standing behind General Kang Ho-il spoke loudly.


    ¡°How do you do, sir? I am Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon, Commander of the 620th Corps.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon saluted after introducing himself.


    ¡°Hello. I hope we can count on you, General Kim Ki-yoon.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. We hope we can be of use to you.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I understand. I would like to introduce ourmanders as well.¡±


    General Choi Hoi-il and Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon shook hands with all the militarymanders of the Joint Chiefs of staff and greeted them. After introductions were over, the men drank tea and discussed their opinions about the joint operations between North and South Korean militaries.


    * * *


    November 16, 2020, 13:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    General Choi Ho-il and Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon ate lunch at the mess hall inside the bunker. They then visited the Command Center, which can be considered the heart of the Joint Chief of Staff headquarters. The numerous screens and high-tech equipment within 1,800 square feet made the two North Korean Generals¡¯ mouths open in awe.


    ¡°General Choi Ho-il, sir! Doesn¡¯t this look like a scene out of an American movie, sir?¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Ki-youn, Commander of the 620th Artillery Corps, was wide-eyed as he spoke.


    ¡°Yes, I did not believe it at first when Party Secretary Kim Young-chul told me, but apparently, it was all true.¡±


    The two Generals from the North Korean military, wide-eyed and in awe, looked around the room like a child. Chairman Kang Ui-sik spoke while smiling.


    ¡°This ce can be considered as the heart of the Korean military. We are connected to every military force through awork and can monitor their status in real time.¡±


    ¡°What are those symbols showing up on the screen there?¡±


    The screen the Lieutenant General was pointing at was the main screen inside the Command Center.


    ¡°I can exin that one.¡±


    Major General Oh Man-il, the Center Chief stepped forward and spoke.


    ¡°The main screen is showing a digital map of the battle at three Northeastern provinces. Those symbols represent the Chinese military numbers and types along with the position of our military as well. If you select each symbol you will be able to see more details.¡±


    ¡°You had the Chinese within your grasp this whole time. This is amazing.¡±


    General Choi Ho-il, who was looking at the screen, continued his praise while in awe.


    ¡°Does that mean our North Korean military is also being analyzed and marked here as well?¡±


    The Center Chief Oh Man-il became flustered at the unexpected question and hesitated to answer. Chairman Kang Ui-sikughed and answered instead.


    ¡°Yes, a month ago, the positions of the North Korean military filled the map as well.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    When Chairman Kang Ui-sik told the truth, General Choi Ho-il had an uneasy look on his face before smiling again. The Center Chief Brigadier General Oh Man-il continued his presentation to avoid the awkwardness in the room.


    ¡°This Command Center is also able to video call with forces up to apany level out in the field. The 620th Artillery Corps¡¯ men will be able to do the same once we provide them the equipment.¡±


    ¡°Truly?¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon, Commander of the 620th Artillery Corps, asked again surprised.


    ¡°Yes. Would you like to video call with a subordinate force as a test?¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do it.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon agreed out of curiosity.


    ¡°We will begin the connection now.¡±


    When the Center Chief signaled to the Communications Operator, he manipted the console a few times and then answered.


    ¡°We have connected with the 1st Artillery Unit from the 544th Battalion under the 620th Artillery Corps guarding sector 8-3 on the screen 5, sir.¡±


    The number 5 screen showed North Korea¡¯s 1st Artillery Unit Commander Captain Kang Man-soo on the screen standing awkwardly. When the screen showed Corps Commander Kim Ki-yoon, he immediately saluted.


    ¡°How do you do, sir? This is 1st Artillery Unit Commander Captain Kang Man-soo on the line.¡±


    ¡°Yes! I see you¡¯re hard at work.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will do our best.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother the South Korean military too much and do your best for our Chairman Kim Jong-un.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir. We will do our best, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, indeed.¡±


    In truth, both Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon and Captain Kang Man-soo had video called for the first time and must have felt awkward. They only exchanged a few words and ended the call.


    * * *


    November 16, 2020, 13:30 (China standard time 12:30), X-2 bunker, Beijing Province area, China


    Inside the X-2 bunker Conference Room, General Chiu Li Jiang Ji was having a discreet meeting with seven high-ranking members of the Politburo Standing Committee instead of the military Commanders.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the only way in our situation?¡±


    Prime Minister Li Keqiang asked again amidst the sullen atmosphere in the room.


    ¡°Considering our current tactics, this is the only way.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think the losses are too great?¡±


    The Chairman of the Politburo Standing Committee, Zhang De Jiang, who was known for his cautiousness, spoke.


    ¡°Respected members of the Committee! We must face reality. Attacking along the border and raiding the Korean military¡¯s transporting forces will only dy their advances. With China¡¯s military strength right now, we can¡¯t retake the three Northeastern provinces, let alone stop them from entering Beijing.¡±


    General Chiu Li Jiang Ji stood up from his seat and spoke in a louder tone.


    ¡°This is the time for us to take a stance. If our n seeds, then as Chairman Zhang De Jiang has said, it won¡¯t be a total loss for us. If we obtain the numerous scientific technology Korea has after we take over the penins, then we will be able to double or even triple our profits.¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping, who was silently listening, softly called General Chiu Li Jiang Ji.


    ¡°General Chiu Li Jiang Ji.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Can you take responsibility for those words?¡±


    ¡°I will with my own life, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I will make the decision with themittee after discussing the matter.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Mr. President, sir! You must decide as soon as possible if you would.¡±


    ¡°I understand. This is a matter that puts the entire nation of China at stake. There¡¯s no need to dy.¡±

 Chapter 126

    <h4>Chapter 126</h4>


    November 16, 2020, 15:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Inside the Command Center, a stream of reports from the artillery units tasked with removing the radiation wasing in, while the North Korean Commander in Chief General Choi Ho-il and Lieutenant General Kim Ki-yoon were in attendance.


    ¡°Chairman, sir! Data on radiation levels of the Western front are in. They¡¯re on the second screen, sir.¡±


    The second screen showed the areas attacked by the Chinese nukes from Pan-Jin to Fu-Xin Province that were in the Operation Director¡¯s report. The areas were up to 92 percent in radioactive fallout levels a week ago, but now they were down to 0.2 percent.


    ¡°Would 0.2 percent be enough to conduct our operations without any issues?¡± the Chairman asked.


    ¡°Yes, sir, 0.2 percent means natural radiation is included. Therefore, we can consider the harmful radiation to have been eliminated.¡±


    The Operations Director answered the Chairman¡¯s question.


    ¡°I see. That means it¡¯s time for us to make our second march to establish the Western encampment. Give the order to have all forces to march right away at 1510 hours.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    With the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik¡¯s order, all Communication Operators ryed the order to the forces they were responsible for. North Korea¡¯s Commander in Chief General Choi Ho-il must have be curious of the conversation. He walked up to Chairman Kang Ui-sik and spoke to him.


    ¡°General Kang, Comrade! Removing radiation? Does South Korea have the technology to remove radiation from the environment?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we have the technology to remove radiation that is harmful to the human body in seven days.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? It is shocking South Korea possesses such technology.¡±


    ¡°There will be more surprising things for you to witness soon.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to that. Hahaha.¡±


    On November 6, the 7th Mobile Corps and 3rd Armored Division had retreated from the Western front after China¡¯s nuclear strikes. They, however, achieved victory after retaliating and had finished their week-long maintenance period. Now the Korean armored forces were ready to march and head toward the road. The capital armored division who lost 31 percent of their power honed their will for vengeance and moved along the Fu-Xin Province area.


    The 20th Armored Division had also passed through the Pan-Jin Province area and was deployed to Jinhzhou area. The 3rd Armored Division that had retreated to Zhang-Wu Province was moving at high speeds along the G2511 Highway.


    * * *


    November 18, 2020, 11:00, Seoul Defense Security Command headquarters, Foreign Intelligence Agency


    The air inside the Foreign Intelligence Agency¡¯s conference room was heavy. Numerous items of evidence rted to the Sarin gas attack had been analyzed, and the identity of the suspects and the circumstances finally had been identified.


    ¡°These are the contents of the cryptogram, sir.¡±


    Captain Ahn Dong-won, the leader of the First Foreign Intelligence team ced the document with the tranted contents on the table. Lieutenant Colonel Lee Yoon-gyu picked it up and as he began to read, his face stiffened.


    ¡°Is this truly the contents of the cryptogram?¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Yoon-gyu must have had a hard time believing the contents despite him reading it.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The contents of the cryptogram were detailed orders by an unknown entity hiring mercenaries from the Philippines and Thand to use Sarin gas in the Ji-Rin area. Despite reading the shocking contents, Lieutenant Colonel Lee Yoon-gyu maintained hisposure like a veteran and organized the chain of events.


    ¡°If the Chinese military hired them, then there would be no need to give orders using a cryptogram. I suppose the question is, Who gave the order? Are there other pieces of evidence that can identify the suspects?¡± the Lieutenant Colonel asked.


    ¡°This should help, sir.¡±


    Captain Oh Won-jeon, the Analysis Director, brought out an envelope marked ¡°Confidential¡± from his briefcase and handed it to Lieutenant Colonel Lee Yoon-gyu.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Sir, these are the recovered data from the cellphone we sent to the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground research facility.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been recovered. Did you check it first?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. It arrived this morning, so I brought it over immediately.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Yoon-gyu opened the envelope and pulled out some of the documents. He began reading them slowly.


    ¡°The Japanese? Those bastards!¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee¡¯s face changed from hisposed countenance moments before. He threw the documents on the table swearing. Captain Ahn Dong-won and Oh Won-jeon picked up the documents and read them before having grim looks on their faces just like their superior officer.


    The contents of the documents were a few phone calls made from Japan and text messages in Japanese. The contents of the text message detailed the contact information of the Filipino and Thai mercenaries, their identities, and bank ount information.


    ¡°Sir, this is clearly a provocation of war against Korea by Japan.¡±


    Captain Ahn Dong-won could not hide his anger and spoke loudly.


    ¡°This is only the start. The issue is finding out who or what organization is responsible for this. Captain Oh, work with the NIS and track all the numbers that were on this phone¡¯s call history. Captain Ahn, find the two mercenary organizations from the two countries and try contacting them! I need to report this to ourmander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    November 20, 2020, 14:00, Tokyo Japan Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Conference Room


    ¡°Hahaha, great job.¡±


    ¡°No, Prime Minster! All I did was focus on the task at hand.¡±


    ¡°My, you¡¯re great at negotiating, but also have a way with words.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe was in a good mood after hearing about the results of the negotiation with America from Yagumachi Genzo. The approval was still on hold pending conditions yet to be met, but Japan could now develop and possess nuclear weapons now. The condition was that Japan could only hold 20 nuclear weapons with a range of 5,000 km. Also, Japan would be subject to inspections by the U.S. each year and use of the weapons would need to be approved by them.


    In a way, Japan would be possessing nuclear weapons under America¡¯s restrictions, but to Prime Minister Abe, it did not matter. The fact that Japan could now own nuclear weapons was what was important. The restrictions could always be changed through under-the-table negotiationster.


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°I would like to have our friend Mr. Yagumachi here at the Prime Minister¡¯s secretary¡¯s office. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°If you believe he is someone you need by your side, I would be fine with having him there, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes, negotiator Yagumachi Genzo.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°You will start reporting tomorrow at the Prime Minister¡¯s secretary¡¯s office. I appoint you to be the Strategic Secretary.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir! I will do my best.¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo, who had now been appointed as the Strategic Secretary, bowed deeply to show gratitude.


    Prime Minister Abe smugly looked at his actions and waved his hand to sit. He looked at the Minister of National Defense Shibasaki and spoke.


    ¡°I would like Director Watanabe and Secretary Yagumachi to attend our National Defense meeting tomorrow afternoon.¡±


    ¡°It will be done, sir.¡±


    ¨C Director Inamoto Junichi from the Ministry of foreign intelligence is here, sir!


    Prime Minister Abe seemed upset that the Director of Foreign Intelligence suddenly paid him a visit and answered the inte while frowning.


    ¡°Tell him toe in.¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    The doors opened and Director Inamoto Junichi entered. Judging by his expression, Prime Minister Abe knew it was bad news and so he waved his hand to signal the meeting to an end.


    ¡°I suppose we will take our leave, sir.¡±


    Shibasaki, who was quick-witted, stood up and bowed before heading to the entrance and left the room while exchanging a quick look with Inamoto Junichi.


    ¡°Please have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s the issue?¡±


    ¡°Well. The issue I have spoken to you aboutst time . . .¡±


    ¡°The matter at Ji-Rin Province?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It seems Korea has caught wind of it.¡±


    ¡°What? How can you take care of things like this!¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. I have nothing to say.¡±


    ¡°How did Korea find out about all of it?¡±


    ¡°That is not the case, sir. Currently, the Korean NIS and the Defense Security Command are digging into the Southeast Asian mercenaries. Some of the NIS agents have made it over to Japan looking for something in secret.¡±


    Director Inamoto Junichi bowed his head repeatedly as if he was atoning for an unforgivable sin while speaking.


    ¡°Director Inamoto.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe stood from his seat, headed to the window, and spoke softly.


    ¡°Stop this as if your life depends on it. If the Korean government finds out about all of this, you will not only be fired but also have to take responsibility too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! I will make sure none of the information leaks.¡±


    * * *


    November 20, 2020, 15:00 (China Standard Time 14:00), Beijing province area X-2 bunker, China


    General Chiu Li Jiang Ji and President Xi Jin Ping were having a private meeting inside the President¡¯s office temporarily made inside the bunker.


    ¡°I will ask onest time: Is this the only way?¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping seemed to have been deeply concerned and looked gaunt.


    ¡°Mr. President, I would like to be frank. Considering the current state of the war, the chances that our People¡¯s Liberation Army will be victorious is slim to none.¡±


    ¡°How could you say that as the Commander in Chief of our military?!¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping mmed the table out of anger and shouted.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. But that is the reality of the situation. The numerous factories responsible for manufacturing the supplies and equipment of our military were damaged during the Korean military¡¯s air raids. We are no longer able to steadily supply our forces. If the war drags on, then we will be at a disadvantage, not the Koreans.¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping, who was still furious, breathed heavily and asked again.


    ¡°If I do approve, then how will things go from hereon?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! This will buy our military enough time, and the Koreans will have to deal with the confusion of spreading their forces too thin. If we use this chance to make a full-frontal assault, then Korea will be wiped off the face of the map. I guarantee it.¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping closed his eyes for a moment, seriously considering General Chiu Ji Liang Ji¡¯s words. Then he spoke quietly.


    ¡°I see. I will allow it. I have taken care of all your previous requests, so you will be contacted soon. Finally, this n was approved by the Central Political Commission cautiously. I trust you will do your best.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    * * *


    November 20, 2020, 16:00 (China Standard Time 15:00), X-2 bunker, Beijing Province area, China


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji ordered to immediately summon all Generals and Commanders of the Chinese military and within three hours. A hundred Generals gathered in the conference room. The Chinese military withdrew from all on-going operations and retreated from the three Northeastern provinces. The 16th Army Group was ordered to retreat all the way to Furunbei Province and preserve their numbers.


    In summary, the orders from the Generals seemed to hand over the Northeastern provinces to Korea. A few of the militarymanders opposed the order, but after hearing about General Chiu¡¯s ns, they fell silent and kept from voicing their opposition.


    After the meeting was over, the Generals were busy praising General Chiu that he could match the famous tactician in history, Zhegeliang . The tide of war at the Northeastern provinces proceeded abnormally that other nations that had been closely watching the war became uncertain of the oue.

 Chapter 127

    <h4>Chapter 127</h4>


    Two days prior to President Xi¡¯s private consultation with General Chiu Ji Liang Ji, another meeting had transpired.


    ¡°The air raids from Korea is adversely affecting our economy, with intion urring at an rming rate.¡±


    The Minister of Economic Policy, Li Keqiang said as he sighed.


    ¡°The problem is the dropping value of the Yuan as prices go up.¡±


    Director of Finance Lou Jiwei added in support of Minister Li Keqiang¡¯s pronouncement. On November 8, the massive Korean air raids had damaged a third of China¡¯s manufacturing infrastructures and the economy¡¯s copse was now imminent. Prices ofmodities have been steadily rising since the war broke out, and were now at an all-time high; the value of the Yuan continued to plummet.


    ¡°Those bastards.¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping swore in a frustrated tone. The President had taken defeat after defeat in the war, and now the economy that had been growing rapidly for the past 50 years was under threat of copse. He could no longer hide his anger.


    ¡°Shortage of supplies is happening across the nation. We expect the shortage to reach its limit within a month. The bigger issue is the increase in the prices of imported parts supplies and equipment for the military that will slow down the rate of production,¡± Minister Li Keqiang said.


    The drop in the Yuan¡¯s value would have been a wee prospect for Chinese corporations if it were not a time of war. However, China was at war. Under a national emergency and to mobilize existing supplies, most items were being used domestically rather than being exported overseas. Also, China¡¯s manufacturers relied on imports for raw materials and key parts for most of their equipment. Thus, the drop in Yuan¡¯s value hadpelled them to pay more to import goods and worsen their business.


    ¡°How could the production of military supplies drop in a time of war? How does that make any sense?¡± President Xi asked.


    ¡°We expect production to hold out for another month. There are raw materials we have imported previously that are left over for use. However, after a month we will¡ª¡±


    ¡°Minister Li Keqiang! Do you have a solution to this predicament?¡±


    The Chinese economy had shown a rapid rate of growth for the past 30 years. The start of this economic growth was signaled by opening the market to the world in 1979. China adopted an agricultural responsibility system and transitioned into the pluralization of corporations, thus, turning the economy into a privatized system with property and business management.


    China had, therefore, adopted the separation of ownership and management, and diversified the options of those working in the economy. Also, the government had changed its economic policies from instructional to proactive leadership to ensure free economic activities for leading members. In terms of rationing, policies had now be more profit-orientated for citizens and privatepanies rather than for the government and had been reborn into a market economy. In short, China had proactively adopted the free-market system while maintaining its socialist status.


    The sessful open-market policy¡¯s driving forces were the full support from the government and the strong market economy with a poption of 1.5 billion. Unlike Korea, which had to rely heavily on trade, China did not have to rely on exports to maintain its surplus economy due to its strong market economy and huge poption. Thus, China had been able to sustain its high-paced economic development.


    ¡°There is no clear solution, sir. Thirty percent of our manufacturing footing was taken out in an instant. We could increase imports and stave off the intion temporarily, but as I have reported before, the dropping Yuan value would in turn increase import costs due to high intion¡ªour economy is indeed caught in a vicious cycle. In this situation, ourrge poption of 1.5 billion, which was our asset, has be our weakness.¡±


    The dismal scenario presented further made President Xi Jin Ping somber; Minister Li Keqiang continued.


    ¡°Mr. President, sir, if we have to arrest this copse, I think it would be best to consider General Chiu Ji Liang Ji¡¯s suggestion.¡±


    ¡°Do you also believe that that is the only way?¡±


    <hr />


    November 25, 2020, 10:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    The Korean military¡¯s second phase of establishing a Western encampment and upying the three Northeastern provinces had gone smoothly due to China¡¯s retreat. The 16th Army Group, which was thergest obstacle in Korea¡¯s upation of the three Northeastern provinces, had retreated all the way to Northern Chang Chun. This allowed the Korean military to subdue the area without bloodshed. Ten days after their march, the Korean military had upied most of the three Northeastern provinces and now was focusing on maintaining the peace and eliminating remaining Chinese forces.


    That day at the B2 bunker in Yongsan, Seoul, President Suh Hyun-woo and the Minister of National Defense visited in person to be updated about the status of the war.


    ¡°We will begin the briefing of the Korea-China war¡¯s status. Please direct your attention to the screen.¡±


    Operations Director Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun pointed to the digital map that showed up on the screen with hisser pointer.


    ¡°The 7th Mobile Corps and the 3rd Armored Division have established a Western encampment that blockades the Chinese maind from the Northeastern provinces. If you look at the map, the 20th Armored Division has been deployed to the Jinzhou area, and the Capital Armored Division at the Fu-Xin area along the Lishuan mountains. Above, the 3rd Armored Division is stationed at the Tung-Lao area, while the Huol¨ªnguole area is upied by the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division toplete the Western encampment. The critical Jinzhou and Fu-Xin area will be reinforced and upied by the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division from the 1st Corps.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun pointed to each area on the map while exining. He continued his clear exnation.


    ¡°Up next is the status of the 2nd and 5th Corps¡¯ upation areas in the Northeastern provinces. First, the 7th Mechanized Infantry Division under the 2nd Corps has marched and is now upying 95 km northwest of Qiqihar Province. The 27th Light Armored Mountain Division is upying the Lichun area, while the 15th Light Armored Mountain Division has marched 66 km north of Beian Province. In the future, the 7th and 8th Mechanized Infantry Division will march to Hulunbuir Province where the 16th Army Group is stationed.¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Soo-hyun raised his hand.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t two divisions be not enough to face the 16th Army Group in battle? I have heard the 16th Army Group has organized all forces in its area and now has manpower equal to two army groups.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are correct, Minister. The 16th Army Group has the numbers of two army groups by integrating forces from Jilin, Heilongjiang, and all Northern military districts. However, most of the army group consists of infantry, and we believe the 7th and 8th Mechanized Infantry Division would be enough to bring them down. The 2nd Corps¡¯ aviation unit will be deployed as well.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun finished his exnation, he signaled to his aide-de-camp manning the screen to show a chart with detailed information about the 16th Army Group.


    ¡°As you can see on screen, the size of the army is equivalent to two army groups, but most are infantry.¡±


    ¡°I see, please continue.¡±


    The screen changed back to a digital map of the Northeastern provinces, and the Operations Director continued his presentation.


    ¡°The 6th Mechanized Infantry Division under the 5th Corps has marched 22 km west of Baichung area, and the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division is stationed at 30 km north of the Songyuan area. They will march to Qiqihar. Also, the 1st Marine Division has passed Jishi and is now undergoing upation of the Jiamusi and Hujiang area. Lastly, the 1st Corps¡¯ 9th Mechanized Infantry Division will stay behind and hold the Da-Ren area. The 3rd corps¡¯ 2nd and 12th Light Armored mountain deployed to the Ap-rok River border are working on eliminating remaining Chinese forces without any issues. This concludes the briefing. I will take any questions that you may have.¡±


    As soon as the Operation Director finished speaking, Minister Kang Hyun-soo asked a question.


    ¡°What about Russia¡¯s movements? If our military approaches Russia¡¯s borders, I am sure they will react.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The Russian military has not shown any movement so far, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff will not march within 30 km of the Chinese¨CRussian border to avoid any unnecessary conflict.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik caught on to the Minister of National Defense¡¯s concerns and spoke up.


    ¡°Minister! This is something the Joint Chiefs of Staff is aware of and is taking care of. No need to be concerned.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I seem to be wasting my energy by being concerned. The Joint Chiefs of Staff is doing a marvelous job on its own after all. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°No. It is something that would be a concern from your position.¡±


    ¡°We are not too far from upying the Northeastern provinces.¡±


    ¡°Yes, within the next ten days we n to oust the 16th Army Group andpletely take the three Northeastern provinces.¡±


    The Minister of National Defense asked another question.


    ¡°What is the n after that?¡±


    This time the Operational nning Director, Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon stood up from his seat and answered.


    ¡°After wepletely upy the three Northeastern provinces, our military will continue the march to Beijing. The 7th Mobile Corps will march north via thend route and the 2nd Marine Division stationed at Da-Ren Port will begin an amphibious invasion bynding at Ten-Jin.¡±


    ¡°Will you actually attack Beijing?¡±


    ¡°Under our current strategies, a march to Beijing is included.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who had been listening intently while nodding, spoke in a serious tone.


    ¡°If we can take the enemy¡¯s capital then we could end the war. However, that will also mean we will take a considerable amount of damage as well. Let¡¯s rethink the march to Beijing when we get there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    <hr />


    November 27, 2020, 11:00, Ulsan-si Hyun-oong heavy industries shipbuilding yard, Korea


    The Korean Navy¡¯s first KC-1 heavy cruiser was boasting its splendor for the christening. The heavy cruiser was built inside the internal docks in secret two years ago, and it waspleted after a year and 11 months passed. Under the original n, the christening would have been next February, but the evolving shipbuilding technology of the Hyun-oong heavy industries hadpleted the ship 3 months ahead of schedule and the ship¡¯s christening was set for today.


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, Commander of the Navy Na Hyung-hwan, Hyun-oong industries members, and other VIPs from the government were in attendance for the heavy cruiser Admiral Lee Sun-shin¡¯s christening event. The event would follow the tradition of firing cannons. Commander Na Hyung-hwan had stepped up to the podium to give the address and order the firing of the KC-1 heavy cruiser¡¯s guns.


    ¡°This is the Admiral Lee Sun-shin CG-1101 heavy cruiser. It will be a key piece of equipment to expand the area and sustainability of operations for the Korean Navy. With this addition to the navy, we will continue our mission of preserving the lives and properties of our citizens across the world.¡±


    During the building, many names were under consideration for this heavy cruiser. The name Admiral Lee Sun-shin was unanimously voted to befit the world¡¯s best heavy cruiser for the next 20 years to protect Korea¡¯s three seas. Commander Na Hyung-hwan changed the name of the KD-2 Admiral Lee Sun-shin (DDH-975) ship to Kim Jong-suh (DDH-975) and gave the name to the newly built KC-1 heavy cruiser.


    The 200 people in attendance all apuded when the name reveal took ce.


    ¡°Up next is the tether-cutting ceremony.¡±


    The ceremony host¡¯s voice boomed out through the speakers. A momentter, the First Lady Kim Un-young and the Commander¡¯s wife stepped forward and cut the tether. The ceremony, after well wishes were expressed for the safe sailing of the Lee Sun-ship, ended with a breaking of a bottle of champagne.


    The Admiral Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101), which has a length of 235 m had caught the attention of all the attendees in the ceremony. It was nned to be deployed in May of next year after a six-month inspection.


    <hr />


    November 30, 2020, 24:00 (Russia Standard Time 18:00), Domodedovo International Airport, Moscow, Russia


    Russia¡¯s Domodedovo International Airport was Russia¡¯srgest airport situated 42 km away from downtown Moscow. Three Asian men had just passed through Customs and were headed toward the underground parking lot. All three men wore ck suits, and thergest of them was carrying a briefcase.


    Ten minutester, the three Asian men arrived at the parking lot near the pir marked B11. The man wearing sses made a phone call, then two ck vans waiting nearby drove up to the three Asians. Tworge Russian men wearing sunsses got off the van and spoke with the Asian men. Soon they got on the vans and left the parking lot heading to the highway.


    An hourter, the two ck vans arrived at the entrance of an underground parking lot of a building guarded by armed guards, somewhere in Moscow¡¯s suburbs. After they went through three security checks, the two vans finally arrived inside the parking lot. Three Asian and five Russian men got off the vehicles and headed toward the elevator. The elevator doors bore a crest and the letters ¡°SVR,¡± Russia¡¯s foreign intelligence agency.

 Chapter 128

    <h4>Chapter 128</h4>


    December 1, 2020, 12:00 (Singapore Standard Time 11:00), Room 512, Singapore Mandarin Oriental Hotel


    Many men were gathered inside Room 512 at Singapore¡¯s five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Inside the room, two men were seated at the center table across from each other, negotiating.


    ¡°These terms are uneptable for us.¡±


    A man of short stature with a fatigued look read the documents and spoke forcefully, throwing the documents on the table. The other man sitting across from him clearly showed his anger at first, but regained hisposure and spoke once again in broken Japanese.


    ¡°Then what kind of terms would be eptable?¡±


    The short man who threw the document arrogantly crossed his arms. He answered with a wry smile.


    ¡°Why are you asking me? Let¡¯s call it a day and meet again tomorrow. If you can¡¯t offer us better terms by then, the results will be the same as today.¡±


    The short man after saying these words stood up from his seat and pointed to the door with both his hands. The man who was sitting on the other side stifled his rage and headed to exit. The short man, who was staring out the window, casually spoke.


    ¡°If the offer is not to our liking, then I will return home immediately.¡±


    The man, who was about the leave the room, bit down on his lip slightly then left with his three bodyguards without answering.


    ¡°How dare he try to negotiate with me with such offers, that bastard.¡±


    The short man grinned, revealing his yellow teeth. He then made a phone call.


    The short man was Yagumachi Genzo, who was recently transferred to the Prime Minister¡¯s office from the Ministry of National Defense. His negotiation capabilities had earned Prime Minister Abe¡¯s trust, and two days ago, he had arrived at Singapore under the Prime Minister¡¯s orders. Today, he had a short meeting with a representative from China. Like a master negotiator, Yagumachi Genzo hid his cards and checked the other party¡¯s offers. He finished his brief phone call with Prime Minister Abe and drank his favorite tequ while leaning back on the sofa.


    * * *


    December 1, 2020, 15:30 (Russia Standard Time 09:30), the SVR building at the suburb of Moscow, Russia


    The three Asian men that arrived at the SVR building the day before had spent the night in Russia. They entered a secret room under the guidance of the SVR agents. It was a secret room, but it was decorated with high-ss Russian furniture and decorations. Inside the room, a man was seated at the center, and four rough-looking men were standing guard.


    ¡°Pleasee and have a seat.¡±


    The three Asian men apanied by the SVR agents carefully approached the chairs and sat down. When they looked at the man seated across from them, they panicked. It was Russia¡¯s President Putin.


    President Putin stared at the three Asian men who panicked for a split second, then pointed to the briefcase therge Asian man was holding on to. Then the man opened up the briefcase and pulled out a few documents to politely hand to the President.


    President Putin read over the five-page document carefully, when he reached midway, he began tough aloud.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡±


    The three men who were a bit intimidated by the President¡¯s charisma became confused at hisughter.


    ¡°Who is in charge among you three?¡±


    President Putin who wasughing loudly stopped and asked.


    ¡°It is I. I am Chief Doo Wei from the General Staff Department.¡±


    ¡°And who might your two associates be?¡±


    President Putin asked as he looked at the two men sitting next to Chief Doo Wei. The man wearing sses and seated on the Chief¡¯s left side spoke.


    ¡°I am Vice-chief Zhang Yuan from the Ministry of State Security.¡±


    When the Vice-Chief finished introducing himself, therge man seated on the right side spoke.


    ¡°I am agent Piao Chang, from the Ministry of State Security.¡±


    When the other two men finished their introductions, President Putin leaned back while crossing his legs. He pulled out a cigar from a box then lit it after putting it in his mouth. President Putin drew deeply from the cigar, blew out a stream of smoke, and then spoke.


    ¡°Chief Doo Wei.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°How can you visit here with such a low rank for a matter as important as this? Do you think Russia is beneath you?¡±


    Cheif Doo Wei, who did not expect the question, panicked and did not answer. Vice-chief Zhang Yuan answered in his stead.


    ¡°We apologize, Mr. President! This is a misunderstanding. We are at war with Korea. If a high-ranking official would have been seen heading here, then Korea would have taken notice. That is why we are here despite the matter being important. We hope you understand.¡±


    Zhang Yuan answered cleverly that befit his title of second in line at the Ministry of State Security. President Putin, who had been exhaling smoke this whole time, put out his cigar to an ashtray and stood up.


    ¡°Very well. You can speak to these men here from now on.¡±


    President Putin pointed to the two men standing behind him and left with his bodyguards.


    ¡°Hello. I am Minister of Defense Mikhail Ivanov.¡±


    ¡°And I am Director Evgeny Lebedev from the Foreign Intelligence Agency.¡±


    The two Russian government officials exchanged greetings and sat down with their Chinese guests after shaking hands. The meeting that daysted for two hours beforeing to a close.


    * * *


    December 2, 2020, 10:00, Jongro-ku Blue House National Emergency Center underground bunker (President¡¯s office), Seoul


    President Suh Hyun-woo checked the documents ced on the conference room table and sank into deep thought, his face glowered. The Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff all were waiting for the President to say something.


    The contents of the documents were about the Sarin gas attacks that the Defense Security Command investigated through its Foreign Intelligence Department. On November 8, the culprits of the Sarin gas attacks were discovered to be rted to Japan. The Defense Security Command had conducted a joint investigation with the NIS. After 12 days, they found evidence and sent in a report.


    The evidence listed in the documents was found by decoding the cryptogram and vigorously tracking the Japanese phone numbers listed on it. The phone number was found to be a secret line used by agents in the Japanese Prime Minister¡¯s cab. The agents from the Defense Security Command tracked down the middle man of the mercenary group and confirmed that a Japanese-looking client made contact and hired 12 men. These were discovered by recording statements and obtaining copies of the contracts.


    ¡°What do you think about all this?¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who had collected his thoughts, asked the three government officials who were waiting silently. Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, who received the report first, spoke.


    ¡°We have concrete evidence to prove that this was the doing of the Japanese, but we still have not found the motive for Japan¡¯s actions. I believe we must officially protest and ask forpensation after identifying their motive first.¡±


    ¡°I agree as well, Mr. President,¡± the Secretary of the NIS, Na Bong-il, spoke in a slightly angered tone and agreed with the Minister.


    ¡°Those damn Japs. What other motives would they have? They tried to profit off from the Korea-China war but our nation is winning against the Chinese, unlike their expectation. I am sure they are trying to dy the war as much as possible by disguising themselves as Chinese soldiers and used the Sarin gas at downtown Ji-Rin, didn¡¯t they? If they were not caught at Ji-Rin, I am sure more attacks would have urred across the other cities.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik clearly pointed out the motives of Japan. The Chairman, who was already antagonistic toward the Japanese, was angry at the thought of the Japanese being behind the attacks.


    ¡°Even if what Chairman Kang has said is true, that is only our hypothesis, is it not? I think it wouldn¡¯t be toote to me the Japanese after we find a clear motive first.¡±


    Minister Kang Hyun-soo, who was Chairman Kang Hyun-soo¡¯s senior at the officer¡¯s academy and direct superior, patted him on the back and spoke. The President spoke after hearing each man¡¯s opinions.


    ¡°Minister Kang, can you find out what Japan¡¯s motives are then?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. If the Defense Security Command, Foreign Intelligence Command, and the NIS will work together, we will be able to find out.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I will give you a month. Find the motive or ambitions of Japan within this time. Just make sure to find concrete proof. Can this be done?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will do our best.¡±


    * * *


    December 2, 2020, 11:30 (Singapore Standard Time 10:30), Room 512, Singapore Mandarin Oriental Hotel


    Strategic Secretary Yagumachi Genzo checked over the documents from the man from yesterday once again. He read over them more carefully from yesterday and smiled unnoticeably.


    ¡°Very well. I find these terms eptable, but I would like to make an additional request.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you see these archipgos that are imed by China as its own territory in the South China Sea?¡±


    ¡°That is not a im. They are in Chinese territory.¡±


    ¡°Haha! Anyhow, I would like those to be set as a joint territory with Japan also.¡±


    ¡°What? What¡¯s the meaning of this? Wouldn¡¯t the terms on this document be enough?¡±


    ¡°My, my, listen here. It might be enough for China, but do you think it¡¯s enough for Japan?¡±


    ¡°I think that is too greedy.¡±


    ¡°I think there¡¯s a misunderstanding here. This meeting was requested by you, is it not? Did we request for this meeting greedily as you have said?¡¯


    Yagumachi Genzo spoke to silence the opposing party like the best negotiator in Japan. When the thought he had turned the tide of the negotiation to his favor, he sarcastically continued.


    ¡°You¡¯re Chief Zhang Sechang from the Chief of General Staff Department. Correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°That means your direct superior must be Lieutenant General Pe Feng Li Fu.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I see. If another meeting like this is arranged, then the honorable General muste in person. Also in Japan, not here in Singapore.¡± Then Yagumachi Genzo stood up from his seat.


    ¡°It has been a pleasure. I am now going to return to Japan.¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo did not give a chance for the Chinese to respond as he tried to put on his coat and leave. Chief Zhang Sechang called him over frantically.


    ¡°Secretary Yagumachi Genzo.¡±


    When the Secretary tried to take another step to the hotel exit, he grabbed his arm and spoke.


    ¡°Mr. Secretary! We¡¯re still not done talking.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat and discuss this further.¡±


    Chief Zhang Sechang dragged him down by the arm and sat the Secretary back down on the chair.


    ¡°Cheif Zhang Sechang.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°If the additional terms, I have just said are not epted, I have no intention of continuing this discussion.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Fine. We agree.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s set the terms as agreed and talk more about the details.¡±


    When Yagumachi Genzo got what he wanted, he changed his attitude to be proactive and tried to discuss the details.


    * * *


    December 5, 2020, 11:00 (China Standard Time 10:00), Beijing Province X-2 bunker, China


    President Xi Jin Ping was shaking as he held the two different documents in his hands. These were the two top-secret documents from Moscow and Singapore signed a few days ago.


    ¡°These two nations take China for fools.¡±


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji, who had nned the agreements, carefully spoke.


    ¡°Mr. President. This is just pitting our enemies against each other. You must be patient. We don¡¯t know about Russia, but we can always teach Japan a lesson in the future as we have always done.¡±


    Vice-President Li Yuan Chao, who was also furious at the documents, pointed at General Chiu and shouted.


    ¡°You better take responsibility for those words. With your life!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Vice-President Li Yuan Chao still seemed angry and shouted once again at General Chiu Ji Liang Ji.


    ¡°General Chiu! This humiliation is worse than our defeat in the war against the Bangzi. This humiliation must be repaid during our President¡¯s term.¡±


    ¡°I will do all that I can to aid you and the President, sir.¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping threw the documents he was holding, kicked the table, and shouted.


    ¡°I think you should leave, General Chiu Ji Liang Ji.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 129

    <h4>Chapter 129</h4>


    December 5, 2020, 15:00 (China Standard Time 14:00), 95 km northwest from Qiqihar Province, China


    On November 2, the Korean military hadpleted establishing a Western encampment except in some parts of the Hulunbuir Province. It focused primarily on maintaining peace in the area and eliminating any remaining Chinese forces.


    After 10 days, the 7th Mobile Corps and 8th Mechanized Infantry Division grouped into the ins of Aorong Qi, which was 95 km northwest of Qiqihar Province, to face thest remaining forces of the 16th Army Group. The men were busy preparing for the move.


    The distance between Qiqihar Province and the 16th Army Group¡¯s defenses at Hulunbir Province was 295 km straight; the midpoint was on harsh mountain regions. Two roads connect the area, such that the 7th mobile corps would take the G10 Highway with twones, whereas the 8th Mechanized Infantry would take the G301 one-way Highway.


    Also, since the mobilization was an extended one that was over 300 km, each moving force was divided into battalions and took shifts when in movement. Above the skies, AH-64D apache helicopters and FAH-91SP Peregrin falcons from two aviation forces hovered in a dispersed area to guard the convoys and detect any threats.


    A momentter, the 7th Mobile Corps¡¯ reconnaissance vehicle began to head out. The 73rd Armored Brigade¡¯s 31st Battalion K-3 White tiger tanks and armored vehicles roared their engines and moved while maintaining their line. The White tiger tanks left their tread marks clearly on the frozen ground as they climbed over a small hill. The tanks broke through a guardrail next to the highway and got on the G10 Highway.


    The 8th Mechanized Infantry Division, which was 10 km away, also began their move along the G301 Highway with their reconnaissance battalion in the lead. Ten minutester, the 10th Armored Brigade¡¯s 81st Battalion followed them to start the convoy.


    * * *


    December 5, 2020, 15:30, the Prime Minister¡¯s cab office, Tokyo Japan


    Three hours earlier, an urgent meeting for national defense was called by Prime Minister Abe, but it was held not at the Ministry of National Defense but rather at the Prime Minister¡¯s cab office instead. The attendees were Minister Shibasaki, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Masaki Hajime, other militarymanders, Director Gurumada of Internal Security, Inamoto Junichi from the cab Intelligence Office and Tactical Secretary Yagumachi Geno.


    ¡°Navymander Murakawa.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe called to the Commander of the Navy as the meeting wasing to a close.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Commander Murakawa showed his soldierly discipline and answered.


    ¡°The role of our naval forces will be critical from now on. Use any means necessary to make preparations. I will spare no expense in aiding you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! I will do my best.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe smiled, satisfied at Murakawa¡¯s answer, then nced at the military generals attending the meeting and continued.


    ¡°This opportunity will be a turning point in history for our great nation. Keep this in mind as you work hard to keep Japan a world power for another millennium.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The twenty military and government officials all answered loudly.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s conclude the meeting for today.¡±


    The long meeting ended after three hours. When all the military generals and government officials filed out of the room, Prime Minister Abe leaned back on his chair to rx. Then he picked up the confidential document on the table and read it over carefully.


    The document wasbeled ¡°The Japanese¨CChinese Mutual Treaty,¡± which Yagumachi Genzo had signed in behalf of the Japan Government with the Chinese officials in Singapore.


    ¡°This is only the beginning. We can finally start what our ancestors could not finish.¡±


    Shinzo Abe muttered to himself in the empty room as he ced the documents back in the envelope, and then heughed wickedly.


    * * *


    December 5, 2020, 19:40 (China Standard Time 18:40), 50 km southeast of Hulunbuir Province, the G10 Highway, China


    The 7th Armored Division had been moving along the G10 Highway for five hours already and was 50 km away from Hulunbuir Province, where China¡¯s 16th Army Group was stationed. The 7th Armored Division Commander had considered artillery attacks from China and gave the order for each force to leave the road while maintaining their formation. The 8th Mechanized Infantry Division that was moving along the G301 Highway also exited the road and spread out to prepare for a nighttime battle.


    Dududududududu~


    Above the skies, the FAH-91SP Peregrin falcon attack chopper battalion in charge of detecting aerial threats and reconnaissance moved ahead to the Chinese military¡¯s encampment. The 7th Division¡¯s reconnaissance armored vehicle also followed behind as it moved along the bumpyndscape effortlessly.


    The FAH-91SP Peregrin falcon attack choppers arrived at the battlefield and began the attack byunching their 50-mm fireball rockets. The reconnaissance battalion¡¯s K-2A1 ck Panther tanks began to fire their 125-mm cannons.


    The battle for Hulunbuir, thest area of the three Northeastern provinces had begun. However, a report from the 7th Armored Division came to the Joint Chiefs of Staff after 30 minutes had passed.


    * * *


    December 5, 2020, 20:30, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Screens 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the Command Center were showing footage from the Apollo satellite, the Falcon eye reconnaissance drones from the division headquarters, and dozens of Spider drones in the Hulunbuir area. A week ago, the Hulunbuir Province that had an army the size of two army groups were covered with intable armored vehicles and tanks.


    ¡°What the¡ª? They¡¯re all fake? Those slippery sons of bitches.¡±


    General Choi Ho-il, who entered his 20th day in the bunker, spoke as he nced at the screen.


    ¡°It seems to be that way, sir. The Chinese must have tucked tail and ran after leaving their false weapons behind.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yoon Gi-ho, Commander of the 620th Artillery Corps, and General Choi Ho-il¡¯s aide-de-camp, agreed. The other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff all murmured while Chairman Kang Ui-sik silently nced at the screen.


    ¡°The Chinese must have a trick up their sleeve, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director stepped closer to the Chairman and said.


    ¡°Right. The important thing is what their ns are.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik stroked his chin and then gave an order after quietly answering the Operations Director.


    ¡°Tell the 3rd Division Commander to proceed with upying Hulunbuir and to conduct a thorough reconnaissance mission along the area. Also, order the Apollo satellite to scan the area along Hulunbuir up to a 200-km radius.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 5, 2020. 21:00 (Russia Standard Time 15:00), the Presidential Pce, Moscow, Russia


    President Putin was elected into the presidency in 2012 and held a firm stance against terrorism, for strengthening economic development, and for settling conflicts among neighboring nations. He had created a firm and powerful image of being a ¡°Grizzly bear nation¡± for Russia. President Putin had received unwavering support from the citizens of Russia and seeded in his reelection in 2019. He had set economic development as his greatest priority and turning Russia into a powerhouse in Asia.


    At the conference room inside the Presidential Pce, a meeting of government officials in support of President Putin was being held to deliberate on the secret treaty document the government signed with China.


    The Ministers who attended the meeting were giving their opinions about the treaty, including Minister Mikhail Ivanov and Evgeny Lebedev; the debate was getting heated. After 30 minutes, the Ministers came to a unanimous agreement, and President Putin finally spoke.


    ¡°Our Russia is at a time to take two, no, three steps forward. Russia will now surpass those arrogant Americans and be the world power. The die has been cast. For Russia!¡±


    When President Putin stood up from his seat, raised his right hand, and shouted, the other Ministers also stood up and followed suit.


    ¡°For Russia!¡±


    * * *


    December 5, 2020, 21:30, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    An additional report from the 7th Armored Division Commander was sent to the Joint Chiefs of Staff that had been watching the battle at Hulubuir for an hour.


    ¡°Sir! This is Major General Suh Jeong-yul, Commander of the 7th Armored Division.¡±


    ¡°General! Anything we should know about?¡±


    ¡°We have confirmed that there is only a single Chinese infantry division within a 50-km radius in Hulubuir. Also, we have found out by questioning civilians in the area that the Chinese military had used the G301 road four days ago at night to move westward. We also got a report that arge force left the areast night.¡±


    ¡°They took the G301 road . . . That is the border between Mongolia and Russia.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It seems the 16th Army Group had crossed the border to Mongolia or Russia.¡±


    ¡°Are you suggesting Russia or Mongolia allowed a Chinese force numbering up to 100,000 into their borders?¡±


    ¡°It seems we must keep all possibilities in mind, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director said.


    ¡°Good! Operations Director, deploy all the Apollo reconnaissance satellites and have them report anything they scan along the Russian and Mongolian borders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will deploy all three Apollo satellites, sir.¡±


    ¡°Get the 8th Division Commander on the line as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Communications Operator answered loudly and manned the console. A momentter, Major General Kim Young-won, the Commander of the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division appeared on the screen.


    ¡°Sir! This is Major General Kim Young-won, Commander of the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division.¡±


    ¡°General! Great work out there. Are you facing the same circumstances there as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, we are. We have confirmed all Chinese tanks and armored vehicles we attacked during the battle were made of intable balloons.¡±


    ¡°Does it mean our reconnaissance satellites and radars were fooled by those puppets and scarecrows?¡±


    ¡°ording to our analysis, the fake weaponry was all equipped with heat and maic wave generators to fool our recon satellites and radars, sir.¡±


    The fact that the Korean military had been fooled with a few air balloons and scarecrows despite having the best weapons in the twenty-first century made everyone in the room including the Chairman seem aghast and curious as to why the Chinese would do such a thing.


    ¡°General Choi, sir, isn¡¯t that the same equipment our forces use also? They must be very effective, now that we see them in action.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Youn-gi, the Commander of the 620th Artillery Corps, came up to General Choi and spoke quietly.


    ¡°Now is not the time to speak of such things. Can¡¯t you read the room? Stop talking about useless things and be quiet.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, General.¡±


    General Choi Ho-il red at his aide-de-camp and scolded him discreetly so as not to be overheard by the South Korean Generals.


    The 16th Army Group was ordered by Commander in Chief General Chiu Ji Liang Ji to retreat 20 days ago. They had left behind one infantry division and set up the air balloon weapons and soldiers while the rest of the army group moved past Russia¡¯s borders in the night.


    An hour had passed and the Apollo 2 satellite had detected a mechanized division along Russia¡¯s borders that was suspected to be Chinese.


    ¡°The Apollo 2 satellite has found a force that might be a Chinese mechanized division. It¡¯s on screen 2, sir.¡±


    The operator manipted the console as he made the report and put the footage transmitted from Apollo 2 satellite on screen 2.


    ¡°Their location?¡±


    ¡°We are putting it on the main screen, sir.¡±


    The main screen showed the digital map of an area 39 km away from the Mongolian vige of Ereentsav. It was 265 km away from Hulunbuir.


    ¡°How did the Chinese military enter Mongolia? Did Mongolia allow the Chinese to encamp in their territory?¡±


    Even if Mongolia had allowed the Chinese military to encamp there, a third nation getting involved in the Korea¨CChina war was a major diplomatic statement.


    ¡°Intelligence Director, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tomorrow morning of this and instruct them to get a clear statement from the Mongolian government.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 130

    <h4>Chapter 130</h4>


    December 6, 2020, 16:00, Jongro-ku Blue House National Emergency Center underground bunker (President¡¯s office), Seoul


    ¡°After speaking with the Ambassador from Mongolia this morning, the 16th Army Group made an official request to cross Mongolia¡¯s borders once their retreating route was blocked off. Perhaps Mongolia could not deny the request of a powerful nation like China that is next to their borders, sir.¡±


    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Jae-hak, was reporting to the President about what transpired during his meeting with the Mongolian Ambassador.


    ¡°If that was the case, shouldn¡¯t they have notified our government beforehand? This is a clear intervention by Mongolia in the Korea-China war.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho must have been upset at Mongolia¡¯s actions, thus, he spoke in anger.


    ¡°Prime Minister, would China have made a civil request? They must have threatened the Mongolian government in all sorts of ways. That is the fate of powerless nations,¡± the President interjected.


    ¡°Yes, that is the case. The Mongolian Embassy also said they had no choice in the matter, and the Ambassador seemed very concerned about worsening rtions with Korea. Mongolia requests that our President would be understanding of the situation,¡± the Minister of Foreign Affairs said.


    ¡°My, my. The fact that Mongolia acted in this manner despite knowing the situation makes this even more upsetting.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho openly showed his disappointment and spoke sternly.


    ¡°Prime Minister Lee, calm down. Isn¡¯t our rtionship with Mongolia important for us in the future? Let¡¯s conclude this issue under Minister Kim¡¯s jurisdiction.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo spoke to calm down the tense atmosphere in the room.


    ¡°I was merely upset by how Mongolia was afraid of the Chinese military and not ours, sir.¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister Lee, I understand how you feel. I am not particrly happy about this matter either. How is the march to Beijing going?¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo changed the topic once the discussion about Mongolia quieted down.


    ¡°The march to Beijing will begin at 10:00 a.m. on December 12, and enter into a full-frontal assault, sir.¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo answered.


    ¡°Is there any way to move the date earlier?¡± the President asked.


    ¡°The thing is, the attack on Beijing is a major operation, sir. We require time to prepare and mobilize naval fleets tond the 2nd and 3rd Marine Divisions, along with a maritime floti. So it will take some time, sir.¡±


    ¡°I see. I understand,¡± the President said.


    ¡°Is there a reason for us to rush the operation, sir?¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo must have been curious about the reason for the President¡¯s question and so he asked.


    ¡°There is no reason. I just wish to end this war as soon as possible,¡± the President replied.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a matter of concern. Minister Kang, I have received word from the NIS that our neighboring countries are making suspicious movements.¡±


    ¡°What kind of movements?¡±


    ¡°There are no detailed intel yet. However, we received reports that China had contacted Japan and Russia. The proceedings of the meeting are still unclear.¡±


    ¡°I see. I will ry the information to Chairman Kang at the Joint Chiefs of Staff to see if there were any military movements from China.¡±


    <hr />


    December 7, 2020, 10:30, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    None of the members in the Joint Chiefs of Staff believed that the 16th Army Group had crossed the border into Mongolia to retreat. The agreed-upon hypothesis by all the Generals was China would wait along the Mongolian border to strike when they had the chance.


    Their hypothesis was proven true within the day. The 16th Army Group did not retreat back to maind China but hid along the border. The reconnaissance satellites from Korea detected six Chinese forces.


    ¡°It seems that the 7th and 8th Division must stand by at the Hulunbuir Province, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun handed Chairman Kang a cup of aromatic coffee and spoke.


    ¡°Thank you. It seems that way, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    The Chairman sipped and savored the aroma of the coffee, then spoke after putting down his cup.


    ¡°It seems ¡®Operation Rise of Goguryeo¡¯ is at its final stages.¡±


    ¡°It seems that way, but I am still unsure whether China would surrender even if we take Beijing, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director answered, his face masked with concern.


    ¡°I am also worried about that as well. If they lose Beijing but don¡¯t surrender, this war will drag on even longer.¡±


    While the two Generals were discussing, many operators and other officers inside the Command Center were busy running across the room to perform their tasks and duties.


    <hr />


    December 7, 2020, 12:30 (China Standard Time 11:30), China Zhanjiang Port Command Headquarters of China¡¯s South Naval Fleet


    The South Naval Fleet was the second fleet to be established on November 2, 1949. It was responsible for China¡¯s territory from below the Taiwan Strait to the Nam-sa Archipgo. Also, its major vessels consisted of 28 battleships that would add up to 120,000 tons in load discement. The fleet also had 6 near Aegis ss destroyers equipped with Dragon-eye satellite radar system that China developed. China had added 2 Hainan ss destroyers with a load discement of 14,000 tons, making the fleet thergest in its navy.


    A month ago, parts of their ports were damaged by the Korean ballistic missile attacks but had been repaired. The 8th Amphibious Division¡¯s 32 ships were all docked in the port. The supplies and vehicles that are to be boarded onto the ships had formed an unending line, waiting for their turn.


    Four Chinese marine divisions and the 42nd Army Group all encamped near the Navy Command¡¯s headquarters. Ten anti-air destroyers were docked along the beach near the Command Center¡¯s headquarters, operating their radars to prepare for any Korean ballistic missile attack.


    Under the seas, a dozen conventional submarines and nuclear submarines were using their active sonars 24 hours a day. They formed a tight that would not let a single fish past by without being detected. On the surface, other forces were shooting strong electromaic waves toward the sky.


    <hr />


    December 9, 2020, 14:30, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff was holding a briefing inside the Command Center to check on the military operation to attack Beijing in three days. The President, the Minister of National Defense, and other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were in attendance.


    ¡°Currently in Da-Ren Port, the 53rd Amphibious Corps¡¯ eight amphibious ships are docked and loading the 2nd Marine Division¡¯s tanks, armored vehicles, and heavy equipment. By tomorrow, they will finish loading and on December 11, the 2nd Marine Division will begin boarding. At Da-Ren Port right now, the 7th Maritime Floti¡¯s seven destroyers are on sentry duty.¡±


    The Operations Director seemed to hesitate for a moment, before speaking on the microphone again. He continued the briefing.


    ¡°There has been a slight change of ns in today¡¯s operation. The original n was for the 10th Amphibious Fleet¡¯s 56th amphibious ship to be loaded with the 3rd Marine Division¡¯s men as well before shipping them off to Da-Ren on December 11. However, we detected suspicious movements by the Chinese Navy. Therefore, we have excluded the 2nd fleet from sentry duty of the 56th Amphibious Division and from the operation as well. Therefore, the 3rd Marine Division¡¯s mission was also put on hold.


    ¡°What were the Chinese Navy¡¯s suspicious activities exactly?¡±


    The Minister of National Defense, who did not receive this report, raised his hand and asked.


    ¡°Yes, sir! This was the footage we received from the reconnaissance satellite this morning at 11:00 a.m.¡±


    When the Operations Director finished speaking, the Command Center¡¯s screen lit up and began ying video footage. The video was in a lower resolution than usual, but it showed numerous amphibious ships docked in the area. It was also cutting out at times which made it harder to determine what was going on, but the footage also showed heavy equipment being loaded on to the ships.


    ¡°We apologize for the poor footage quality due to electromaic waves.¡±


    ¡°Are the Chinese Navy preparing for amphibious warfare?¡±


    The Minister of National Defense asked the question again.


    ¡°We cannot determine their motive at the moment, but based on the footage, China does seem to be preparing for amphibious warfare as you suggest, sir.¡±


    ¡°My, my, but where would theynd?¡±


    When the Minister of National Defense asked, Chairman Kang from the Joint Chief of Staff answered.


    ¡°I can answer that one.¡±


    The Chairman got up from his seat, exchanged seats with the Operations Director, adjusted the microphone, and continued his exnation.


    ¡°The Chinese military¡¯s army has lost 40 percent of its power, but the navy is still maintaining its fleets in the east, south, and west except for the north. We predict when our military attempts a march to Beijing andnding at Ten-Jin, China might try tond near Jeju Ind or in Jeonra state. Otherwise, China may be attempting to disperse our naval forces in order to prevent us fromnding in Ten-Jin.¡±


    When the Chairman finished speaking, the President asked.


    ¡°Chairman Kang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°The Operations Director just spoke about having to change the ns for the Ten-Jinnding. But if what you say is true, wouldn¡¯t we need to move all of our naval forces to prepare for China¡¯s attack?¡±


    ¡°Thisnding must be done even if we are reaching far, sir.¡±


    ¡°We must? Why?¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, the Ten-Jinnding is only a diversionary tactic to fool the Chinese military. I apologize for not being able to report that to you earlier. The 2nd Marine Division will notnd at Ten-Jin but in Shandong penins.¡±


    The Joint Chief of Staff had nned tond at the Shandong penins while pretending tond at Ten-Jin to bluff the Chinese into moving their forces in Beijing. There were three reasons behind this n. First, it seeks to cause some of the Beijing forces to split and move to Ten-Jin. Second, the Shandong area would be left with lowered defenses after China focuses on defending Beijing. Without such feints, the Korean military would suffer casualties despite being equipped with high-tech equipment. Last and thirdly, the question of whether President Xi Jin Ping would surrender after Beijing fell. Judging by China¡¯s actions, they would have no will to surrender. Therefore, by upying the three Northeastern provinces and the Shandong penins, Korea could pressure President Xi Jin Ping and themanders in China. These reasons were exined to the President by Chairman Kang.


    ¡°That was the n. That¡¯s amazing.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. I wish I could have reported it to you sooner.¡±


    ¡°No, that is fine. You had your reasons.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo waved his hand around, smiled, and continued speaking.


    ¡°You have done wlessly until now, so I will put my faith in you. Please let¡¯s continue.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    Chairman Kang returned to his seat, and the Operations Director got back on the podium.


    ¡°Up next is the briefing for thend forces. Right now the 7th Mobile Corps establishing the Western encampment will have the 20th Armored Division move along Qinhuangdao, Tangshao, to march into Beijing through the east. It is expected for the 20th Division to battle with the 27th Army Group¡¯s, 21st Army Group¡¯s, and 65th Army Group¡¯s subordinate divisions, but either the 27th or the 21st Army Group will be deployed to Ten-Jin to defend it.¡±


    Director of Operations Kim Yong-hyun pointed at areas on the digital map to help his audience understand the briefing.


    ¡°The Capital Armored Division, which will be the secondary marching force, will march from Fu-Xin and pass through Chaoyang and Changde to head to Beijing from the northeastern side. The Capital Armored Division will also face a battle against the 15th Army Group. The 3rd Division will be the third marching force, passing through Tuno and Sepeng to attack Beijing from the north. They are expected to battle against the 13th Army Group.¡±


    The Operations Director finished his exnation, nced at everyone in the room, and continued.


    ¡°I will now give additional information about thending forces. The 10th Amphibious Fleet standing by at Da-Ren will begin its move after the 7th Maritime Floti engages in battle near the Beijing area. Also when they are passing by Shanhokan Ind, they will change course at full speed tond at Yentai beach at Shandong penins. The defending force will be the 26th Army Group and at least one division will move to stop their attack.¡±


    <ul>


    ¡°Operation Rise of Goguryeo¡±


    </ul>


    Phase 6 (Fall of Beijing): Two-pronged attack withnd and amphibious forces


    The 20th Armored Division attacks from east of Beijing.


    The Capital Armored Division will attack from northeast of Beijing.


    The 3rd Division will attack from northeast of Beijing.


    The 2nd Marine Division willnd at Yentai in Shandong penins via the 10th Amphibious Fleet.


    ¡°This concludes our briefing regarding the operation ns for the march in Beijing. I will take any questions that you may have.¡±

 Chapter 131

    <h4>Chapter 131</h4>


    December 13, 2020, 10:30, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    The final phase of Operation Rise of Goguryeo had started. The 7th Mobile Corps and the 3rd Armored Division began their attack on Beijing. Instead of marching, the 7th Maritime Floti and the 10th Amphibious Fleet were standing by, set to sail.


    ¡°Everything is going smoothly so far, sir,¡± the Operations Director reported to Chairman Kang.


    On the Command Center¡¯s main screen, the 7th Mobile Corps¡¯ subordinate divisions were represented by blue triangles following along a path. The 3rd Division was 53 km away from Sepeng and engaged in battle with the 13th Army Group. The 13th Army Group was assigned to retaliate against threats to any Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, but they were smallerpared to other army groups.


    Ring ring ring ring!


    The Chairman¡¯s phone began to ring as he was staring at the screen. When he checked the caller ID, it was from the VIP¡¯s direct line.


    ¡°Mr. President, sir. This is Kang Ui-sik.¡±


    After the short phone call from the President, Chairman Kang¡¯s face darkened.


    ¡°What is going on, sir?¡± the Operations Director asked.


    ¡°I need to go to the Blue House immediately. In the meantime, check on the movements of the Russian military along the Chinese¨CRussian border.¡±


    The sudden order of the Chairman to check on the movements of the Russian military hinted to the Operations Director that something hade up. He answered without any questions.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Right away.¡±


    Chairman Kang heard the answer and left the Command Center.


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 11:20, Jongro-ku Blue House, National Emergency Center underground bunker (President¡¯s office), Seoul


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik arrived at the Blue House bunker and received a stack of documents from the President.


    ¡°This is the tranted version of the document from the Russian Embassy in Korea.¡±


    Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak said.


    The document wasbeled ¡°Russian¨CChinese Territory Transfer Agreement.¡± Chairman Kang¡¯s brows furrowed deeper as he was reading the document.


    ¡°Is this true?¡±


    Chairman Kang could not believe what he had read and asked again the Minister of Foreign Affairs.


    ¡°It is certainly true. The Chinese pulled a good trick under our noses.¡±


    The document imed that China had handed over the three Northeastern provinces and a part of the Mongolian autonomous region to Russia. From November 13, 2020 at 12:00 p.m., both nations had agreed to hand over and receive the territory without any price. The document also demanded all Korean military forces to withdraw from Russian territory. If they did not, then the Korean forces will be considered as insurgents that have invaded their own territory, and Russia will take military action.


    ¡°Those sons of¡ªAh, I am sorry, Mr. President.¡±


    Chairman Kang must have been so bbergasted that he almost swore in front of the President.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I understand.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo spoke feebly, conveying that a thousand different thoughts must be racing in his head.


    The unexpected request from Russia made Chairman Kang¡¯s head spin. The Minister of National Defense, Kang Hyun-soo, who arrived earlier, spoke.


    ¡°I never thought the Chinese would take things this far. Handing over the three Northeastern provinces to Russia, I don¡¯t know whose idea this was, but they are raising their stakes high. It seems they are trying to involve Russia into this war to pressure us to terminate the war, once and for all.¡±


    The Minister of National Defense was so upset that his voice trembled as he spoke.


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji had judged a chance for China¡¯s victory was slim. When he did so, he persuaded President Xi Jin Ping to hand over the three Northeastern provinces they lost to Russia and have Russia pressure Korea in return. There were two intents behind this move. First, have Korea pull back from the Northeastern provinces under Russia¡¯s threat and coax a request to end the war. Second, if Korea did not give up the provinces, form a Russia-China alliance and take over Korea. General Chiu Ji Liang Ji had hoped Korea would fight against Russia.


    ¡°Chairman Kang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°What do you think about all this?¡±


    Chairman Kang could not answer the President¡¯s question immediately. After taking some time to think, he answered carefully.


    ¡°Mr. President, I am a soldier. Political decisions will be yours to make, but as a man of the military, I would like to not lose this opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It will not matter even if the old Soviet Union was at our gates. Our military will be victorious.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying we can win against a war between Russia and China?¡±


    ¡°Sir, I am certain!¡±


    Chairman Kang spoke firmly with confidence.


    ¡°Minister Kang, what do you think?¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo asked Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo.


    ¡°I also agree with General Kang. Our people¡¯s wish of reiming ancestralnds are afoot, sir. We havee this far so as to give in. Also, if we hand over the three Northeastern provinces, then the war against China may drag on as well.¡±


    ¡°That is true if we only engage in war through the sea when thend routes are blocked.¡±


    Knock knock knock!


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae answered when he heard the knock.


    ¡°An urgent report from the Joint Chief of Staff, sir.¡±


    ¡°Come on in.¡±


    The door opened and one of the secretarial staff began to speak urgently.


    ¡°We have detected Russian forces attempting to cross the Chinese border.¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    Chairman Kang stood up from his seat and asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s more, sir.¡±


    ¡°More?¡±


    ¡°Arge Japanese fleet is heading toward Dok-do Ind.¡±


    ¡°Japan? Those damn japs! It was the Sarin gas attackst time, and now they are making provocations near Dok-do Ind!¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo mmed the table and expressed his rage.


    ¡°Mr. President! You must hold an emergency meeting to decide the situation. I will return to the Joint Chiefs of Staff to prepare a retaliation, sir.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I will contact you as soon as we reach a decision. Chief Secretary, please give the order for an emergency meeting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 12:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    The Command Center was in an uproar.


    ¡°What¡¯s the situation? Tell me about Russia first.¡±


    Chairman Kang spoke as he nced at the main screen.


    ¡°The Russian military on the move was not arge force, but they are mobilizing to cross the border at four locations. On the map, you will see that the 57th Vehicle Infantry Division from the 5th Eastern Army has fully mobilized and started from Khabarovsk and is now 5 km away from the border. Also, the 38th Vehicle Infantry Division under the 35th Army stationed at the goveshchensk had crossed the border and 15 km in from the southwest. Also, the 39th Army¡¯s 39th Independent Vehicle Infantry Division is marching toward the Shweizen border, sir.¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°The 5th Army¡¯s forces are the most suspicious.¡±


    The Russian 5th Army was an elite force under the Eastern military stationed at the Primorsky Krai and Ussuriysk area to fight against China and Japan.


    ¡°I see they are going to march one division at a time to feel the waters and then plunge in afterward.¡±


    ¡°Comrade Chairman! Our North Korean military may not be equipped with high-tech equipment, but our special forces from our 8th Corps Command are our best and 100,000 soldiers strong. Say the word and we can bring you Putin¡¯s head.¡±


    This came from Vice-Commander General Choi Ho-il, who spoke angrily, his face turning red.


    ¡°General Choi! The 8th Special Forces Corps will have a great role to y. So please wait until the momentes.¡±


    ¡°I understand. I just hope the dayes soon.¡±


    Uponpleting the analysis of Russia¡¯s movements, the topic shifted to Japan¡¯s movements.


    ¡°Where are the Japanese naval defense forces?¡± Chairman Kang said.


    ¡°Screen 3, sir. Along the Maizur seas, the 3rd Escort Fleet and 1st Carrier Strike Group is 22 km southeast from Oki Ind and 168 km from Dok-do Ind sailing at 17 knots. Including the Kaga (CV-2001) aircraft carrier and Hyuga helicopter carrier (DDH-181), the anti-air destroyers are 15 in total. There are 6 Aegis destroyers consisting of 5 Atago ss ships and 1 Kongo ss ship. Also, we have detected up to 4 submarines they are 2 Oyashio ss subs and 3 Soryu ss subs under the 1st Submarine fleet.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the location of our 1st Naval Fleet?¡±


    ¡°The 1st Naval Fleet¡¯s (Eastern sea fleet) 11th Destroyer Fleet is 35km southwest from Jeju Ind to defend it. They are 630 km from Dok-do Ind. The other 12th Escort Fleet is docked at Po-Hang base. Sir, should we give the order to the 12th Escort Fleet to sail?¡±


    ¡°The escort fleet would nowhere be enough! Damn, we got caught with our pants down by the Chinese.¡±


    The screen showed the location of the Japanese fleet, each ship¡¯s name, and specifications.


    ¡°There is no Korean vessel that can stop the Japanese fleet, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director spoke with a helpless expression on his face.


    ¡°What about sending in the 23rd Fighter Wing, sir?¡±


    General Kim Byung-hwan, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, asked.


    ¡°They have 15 anti-air destroyers and an aircraft carrier. Also, I think it would be too much to block off the fleet with just jets.¡±


    ¡°Sir, we do have the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin ship, don¡¯t we?¡±


    Everyone nced at General Na Hyun-hwan, the Chief of Naval Operations.


    ¡°Are you suggesting we send the ship that has not even been deployed on the field for more than a month?¡± Chairman Kang said.


    ¡°The Lee Sun-shin has two thirds of its crew on board for its evaluation and deployment. Also, for the past six months, the crew had been training via simtions so they will be able to handle themselves in battle. We also have the Poseidon 1, sir.¡±


    ¡°But to fight against Japan¡¯s fleet with one ship . . .¡±


    ¡°Since that is the case, couldn¡¯t the 23rd Fighter Wing aid them?¡±


    General Kim Byung-hwan suggested the deployment of the 23rd Fighter Wing once again.


    ¡°Where is the Lee Sun-shin right now?¡±


    ¡°It is 55 km east of Oolsan, sir.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s distance is fine. What about its arms?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s at 30 percent of its capacity, sir.¡±


    ¡°Would that be enough?¡±


    ¡°The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin is heavily armed so 30 percent would be sufficient, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well! Contact the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s Captain.¡±


    The Communications Director answered Chairman Kang¡¯s order and began giving orders to the operators.


    ¡°We are online on screen 5, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sir! This is Captain Ahn Youn-joon.¡±


    ¡°Captain! How well trained are your men?


    Colonel Ahn Youn-joon served as Korea¡¯s first Aegis destroyer captain and was considered as one of the best from his tenure across the Ministry of National Defense. He had declined his promotion to apply to be the Captain of Korea¡¯s first Hoc heavy cruiser.


    Colonel Ahn Youn-joon had already known about the happenings in the East sea through radars andmunicators. He understood the intent of the question and answered valiantly.


    ¡°The crew of 180 including myself had only been aboard the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin for 20 days, but we have the teamwork of a crew that worked together for 10 years, sir. No matter what mission you give us, we will not tarnish the name of our vessel, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well. As of today, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin is officially deployed to the field. Have your deployment ceremony amidst the apuse of the Japanese.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sail to Dok-do Ind immediately and do not let them into ourmercial waters.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Fight well and good luck.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir!¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik finished the video call and continued his order while looking at the Operations Director.


    ¡°Have the 23rd Fighter Wing on standby.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 14:00, East sea, 127km Southeast from Dok-do Ind, Korea


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki, Commander of the 3rd Escort Fleet was sitting on his ind-bridge chair aboard the helicopter carrier the Hyuga (DDH-181). He looked down at his fleet sailing across the blue waves with a pleased grin. Captain Ito Hiroshi of the Hyuga (DDH-181) came up and asked a question.


    ¡°Admiral, you seem to be in a good mood, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°How could you not be pleased by such splendor?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir.¡±


    ¡°Take a look at that Kaga ship. Doesn¡¯t that fill you up with assurance? Our Japan must begin building aircraft carriers like those soon.¡±


    ¡°I agree, sir.¡±


    The second inmand joined in the conversation.


    ¡°Contact from the Korean Navy, Admiral, sir.¡±


    ¡°Patch them through.¡±


    ¡°This is Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki, Commander of the 3rd Escort Fleet.¡±


    ¨C Hello. This is Captain Ahn Youn-joon of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin under the Korean Navy.


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki covered the radio microphone with his hand and asked Captain Ito Hiroshi.


    ¡°The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin ship? Are they talking about that 4,200-ton anti-air destroyer?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re correct, sir.¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki smiled smugly and put his lips near the microphone.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±


    ¨C Currently, the Japanese naval defense force is approaching Korea¡¯s exclusivemercial waters where Dok-do Ind is located. We will not allow you to approach any nearer, please turn back.


    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®exclusivemercial waters¡¯? Isn¡¯t that area a joint sea territory between Korea and Japan?¡±


    ¨C Since September 10, 2018, the Korean government officially terminated the Korea-Japan joint fishing agreement.


    ¡°My, my. If one party terminates it without consent in a one-sided manner, is that even an agreement?¡±


    ¨C We don¡¯t think it¡¯s proper for Japan to use the phrase one-sided.


    ¡°Captain Youn! Your government¡¯s ims were never permitted by Japan nor was it epted. We will continue with our mission.¡±


    ¨C I repeat. We will not allow the approach of the naval defense forces. Turn back.


    ¡°Naval defense forces? We are a defense navy!¡±


    ¨C Ah, sorry. Navy¡ª


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki must have gotten upset and cut off themunication altogether and gave an order to the captain.


    ¡°Where is that arrogant bastard?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t detect them on the radar, sir. It seems they are beyond the range of our radars.¡±


    ¡°That cowardly bastard! To provoke me like that while hiding. Contact the Kaga and have them send out a patrol ne! It will conduct reconnaissance near Dok-do Ind.¡±

 Chapter 132

    <h4>Chapter 132</h4>


    December 13, 2020, 14:10, East sea 46 km southeast of Dok-do Ind (Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser¡¯s location)


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon put down the microphone andughed.


    ¡°Huh, they cut off themunication without saying anything, did they? So they think our navy is the old one? This is our chance to show them our power! Are we data linked with the Posiden 1?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! We will take the ships on the surface and tell Posiden 1 to focus on submarines below.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon nced at the Captain¡¯s monitor and quietly ordered his first mate.


    ¡°Everyone to battle stations.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyun-woo sent the signal to the officer on deck. The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) was under battle stations.


    <ul>


    All hands to battle stations! All hands to battle stations!


    </ul>


    The 180 crew members of the Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) moved to their positions and prepared for battle.


    <hr />


    December 13, 2020, 14:20, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    ¡°It¡¯s a call from the VIP, sir!¡±


    The Communications Operator in the Command Center shouted.


    ¡°Get him on the screen.¡±


    The President did not use the hotline he had but instead contacted the Joint Chief of Staff headquarters¡¯ Command Center through the officialmunication channel for a video chat. A momentter, the President came on screen. He had finished the emergency meeting and called the Command Center immediately afterward.


    ¡°Sir! This is Chairman Kang Ui-sik.¡±


    Chairman Kang saluted since the call was through an official channel.


    ¡°Chairman Kang! We will now ry the decision we havee to through our emergency meeting regarding Russia and Japan. First, we have determined Russia does not have any intent to negotiate through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a response, Korea officially deres war against Russia. As for the Japanese fleet, do not let any of their ships enter our exclusivemercial waters. I approve of battle if it is deemed necessary. This is the decision of the emergency council meeting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir I understand.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for giving you such a heavy burden.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! That is absolutely not the case. Dok-do Ind, the three Northeastern provinces, and the Korean penins¡ªno matter what nationes at us, I will protect our country.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I will put my faith in you, Chairman Kang.¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    After the video call was over, Chairman Kang stroked his head then shouted to carry his voice across the entire Command Center.


    ¡°Russia and Japan have now entered the war. We are soldiers. We must do our best to protect our citizens¡¯ safety, and defend the three Northeastern provinces.¡±


    Chairman Kang¡¯s statement was met with thunderous apuse and cheering from the officers and NCOs in the Command Center.


    ¡°Get me the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser on the line.¡±


    <hr />


    December 31, 2020, 14:30, East sea 46 km southwest of Dok-do Ind (Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser¡¯s [CG-1101] location)


    The Japanese 3rd Escort Fleet and 1st Carrier Strike Group sailing toward Dok-do Ind had the absolute advantage of greater numbers over the single Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin heavy cruiser.


    However, the crew of Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) showed no fear. Each crew member was confident in the capabilities of the Korean Navy¡¯stest heavy cruiser. This trust may have been from the ship¡¯s name that had been taken from Admiral Lee Sun-shin, who was famous for being unbeaten in his 23 battles against the Japanese Navy.


    Five minutes ago, the Lee Sun-shin cruiser had received authorization to engage in battle if the Japanese naval forces were to enter into Korea¡¯s exclusivemercial waters.


    ¡°One of the two P-3 Japanese patrol nes has entered ourmercial waters, sir.¡±


    The Command Center has continued rying reports.


    ¡°The distance is 31 km, and it is still approaching the area.¡±


    ¡°Haha! Our submarines must be on edge. If they are approaching us this close, does that mean they haven¡¯t detected us? Very well! Report on the Japanese fleet¡¯s status.¡±


    When Captain Ahn Hyun-joon gave the order, the Operations Director reported on collective intel.


    ¡°The fleet is 78.3 km away from our ship and heading northwest. They are 47 km away from our exclusivemercial waters. They have the Yuhudachi in the lead with the helicopter carrier Hyuga, 7 destroyers. And 3 km behind them the 1st Carrier Strike Group¡¯s aircraft carrier the Kaga and 8 destroyers are following them, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about the subs?¡±


    ¡°There are eight submarines total that were detected by the hypersonic-02MP sonar equipped on this vessel and the Posiden 1. There are two Oyashi ss subs, three Soryu ss subs, and three other unidentified subs that are navigating near the 1st Carrier Strike Group. They are 70 km away from our ship, sir.¡±


    ¡°Unidentified sub?¡±


    ¡°It seems those submarines are Japan¡¯stest that had not been added into our database.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Those bastards deployed theirtest submarines in this mission? Contact the Posiden 1 and have them collect the sonar patterns on the three new submarines and have them as their priority targets.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Lee Sun-shin cruiser (CG-1101) had known the position of the Japanese fleet like the back of their hand from data they received from the Posiden 1 and its own B.L 2.0 Hoc multi-area quantum AI radar.


    ¡°Now we have confirmed that there are no threats from the submarines. So why don¡¯t we deal with these gnats that came fearlessly into our waters? Command Center, I am assigning you all targets. Set the two patrol nes as targets 1 and 2 have a Haegung missile on the ready.¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon gave the order without any hesitation.


    ¡°Having a round of Haegung missiles on the ready for each target 1 and 2.¡±


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser was equipped with an AI supeputer that allowed targeting to be set in seconds once the targets were set. This saved time for attack and defense considerably.


    ¡°Fire the Haegung missiles.¡±


    ¡°Firing two Haegung missiles.¡±


    Wooosh! Wooosh!


    The two 48 cell K-VLS-II aboard the Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiserunched two rounds of Haegung missiles into the sky. The missiles spat out blue mes and rose into the air.


    ¡°Two Haegung missilesunched sessfully. Fifteen seconds away from reaching target 1, 19 seconds away from target 2.¡±


    ¡°My, those Japs are going to have a major wake-up call, aren¡¯t they? At this rate, they won¡¯t even have time to make evasive maneuvers.¡±


    A momentter, a sh of light appeared in the sky in front of the Lee Sun-shin cruiser twice. The Haegung surface-to-air missiles that flew at the speed of Mach 6 did not give the Japanese patrol nes a chance to emit res or chaffs and burned in the air.


    ¡°Both targets are hit, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    December 13, 2020, 14:45, East sea, 122km southeast of Dok-do Ind (Japan¡¯s 3rd Escort Fleet¡¯s location)


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki stood up from his seat when he heard about both P-2 patrol nes being shot down. He shouted angrily.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you report that there were no Korean vessels within the vicinity?¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki, who responded angrily, kicked at the cab in front of him and shouted angrily at the microphone connected to the Battle Command Center.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. Luckily we detected the point ofunch.¡±


    ¡°Where is that?¡±


    ¡°Approximately 78 km northwest N 36¡ã50.36 E 132¡ã36, sir.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s from there, then that¡¯s the location. What do you mean ¡®approximately¡¯?¡±


    ¡°They are not detected by the radar, sir.¡±


    ¡°There are five Aegis ships here and they still can¡¯t detect anything?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. I will find what the issue is¡ª¡±


    ¡°Never mind. First mate! Get me the Kaga on the line.¡±


    <hr />


    December 13, 2020, 14:50, East Sea 46km southeast of Dok-do Ind (The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser¡¯s location)


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a look at how they make their move, shall we?¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon seemed to be rxed despite being outnumbered by 22 to 1. He smiled as he looked at the Captain¡¯s monitor.


    ¡°Multiple jets are moving from the Kaga, sir. Their numbers are increasing, and they have been confirmed to be F-35Bs.¡±


    Japan had opted for the F-35B Lightning II jets capable of taking off vertically when they took over the Nimitz aircraft carrier instead of the naval F-35C fighter jets. The reason was to have the Kaga (Nimitz) aircraft carrier and other helicopter carriers in the Japanese Navy able to operate the F-35Bs.


    ¡°So they are deploying 16 jets against one ship.¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon picked up the microphone and gave the order to the Battle Command Center.


    ¡°This is the Captain. Jet or ship, whateveres into our waters, attack them without any hesitation under the jurisdiction of each Operations Director.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After the order was given, Captain Ahn checked his monitor. He saw four red dots representing four groups of F-35B jets that had taken off from the Kaga, moving north.


    ¡°Entering the interception process.¡±


    A report for intercepting the jets came in from the Command Center. A momentter, the K-VSL-II (the Korean verticalunchpad) fired 16 rounds of GTAS-150 Haegung missiles into the air. The 16 F-35B fighter jets had entered into Korea¡¯s waters.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    Sixteen Haesung missiles drew a rare sight of white trajectory lines across the sky.


    ¡°Since the enemy jets aren¡¯t responding, they must not have detected our location.¡±


    ¡°They say a barking dog never bites, don¡¯t they, Captain?¡±


    Under normal circumstances, jets wouldunch anti-ship missiles from a distance and return when they fight against destroyers. However, the 16 F-35B Lightning IIs only knew the approximate locations of the cruiser and could not urately detect its location.


    ¡°Ten seconds before contact.¡±


    The 16 F-35B Lightning IIs realized they had been targeted and began to make evasive maneuvers by banking left or right while spraying chaffs and res. It seemed they were trying to avoid the inevitable doom of hellfire. However, the speed of Mach 6 would not allow it at such short distances. The Haegung missiles all reached their targets despite chaffs and res being deployed.


    Boom! Boom! Bang! Booooooom!


    While the Captain checked each sh of light from the bridge, an urgent message came from the Command Center.


    ¡°Four of the F-35B Lightning IIs fired a round of air-to-surface missiles, totaling four. The missiles are ASM-3 air-to-surface missiles. Twenty-eight seconds to contact.¡±


    <ul>


    The ASM-3 air-to-surface missile was developed by Japan in 2017. It is a supersonic long-range air-to-surface missile with a range of 300 km.


    </ul>


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) heavy cruiserunched four more GTAS-150 Haegung missiles.


    The Hoc AI supeputer had calcted the risks for the vessel and automaticallyunched the missiles.


    ¡°Japan¡¯s anti-ship missiles are five in total. Ah! It¡¯s increasing, sir. It¡¯s eight rounds in total. They are type-90 (SSM-1B) ship-to-ship missiles.¡±


    *The type-90 ship-to-ship missiles were developed by Japan¡¯s Mitsubishi heavy industries designed to beunched on the ship. The standard type-88 surface-to-ship missile¡¯s design was modified to develop the type-90. It had a range of 200 km, speed of Mach 0.9, and warhead weight ss of 225 kg. It was also equipped with an active tracking device based on inertion navigation.


    The surviving F-35B Lightning IIs had detected the Lee Sun-shin(CG-1101) cruiser and sent a data link back to the Japanese fleet. The feel responded withunching missiles of their own. However, the three surviving jets that had data linked to their fleet were also blown to smithereens in the air.


    ¡°All 16 enemy jets taken down, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    A small cheer rang out from the bridge after news of intercepting all jets came from the Battle Command Center. Then the crew went into secondary interception phases to the eight ship-to-ship missiles headed their way.


    ¡°Two hundred forty-one seconds before the eight missiles make contact.¡±


    ¡°Launch a Haegung missile for each anti-ship missile!¡±


    ¡°Launching a Haegung missile for each missile!¡±


    ¡°Launching a Haegung missile for each missile!¡±


    Another eight Haegung missiles spat out blue mes and flew across the skies while making an arc.


    ¡°Battle Command Center! Fire two Hae Song A missiles for each ship thatunched a missile toward us.¡±


    ¡°Allotting projectiles to the targets now, sir. The Atago, Hyuzuki, Maya, Chyoka, Kanazawa, and Saki having all six ships targeted with two Hae Song A missiles each.¡±


    ¡°If targeting is done, fire!¡±


    ¡°Firing the Hae Song A ship-to-ship missiles.¡±


    The 12 rounds of Hae Song A ship-to-ship missiles flew out of the 48 cell K-VLS-IV (Korean verticalunchpad) at once.


    *SSM-700S Hae Song A missile: Ship-to-ship supersonic cruise missile, range of 250 km, speed of 3.5 Mach, equipped with inertion navigation and active radar tracking.

 Chapter 133

    <h4>Chapter 133</h4>


    December 13, 2020, 14:50, East sea 122 km southwest of Dok-do Ind (the 3rd Escort Fleet¡¯s location)


    The F-35B fighter jets detected an unknown cruiser on its radar and immediately sent the data over to the 3rd Escort Fleet and the 1st Carrier Strike Group. Eight ship-to-ship missiles were fired immediately when the data was received.


    However, Admiral Kasui Hiyoyuki shook in rage after he found out that all of the F-35B jets deployed from the aircraft carrier had been struck down 10 secondster. At the Battle Command Center, he could be heard shouting in disbelief.


    ¡°Truly, is the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin that at par with our Dakanami-ss vessels? What kind of 5000-ton anti-air destroyer can take out 16 jets all at once? Someone speak up if they know how!¡±


    The Admiral¡¯s voice rang out in the bridge and made the other ship captains lose heart. Captain Ito Hiroshi of the Hyuga (DDH-181) helicopter carrier and first mate carefully spoke.


    ¡°Admiral, sir. The E-767 airborne early warning and control ne (AWACS) from the western fighter wing has taken off, so they will be able to identify the ship soon.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the problem. Including the semi-aegis destroyers, we have eight in total¡ªeight destroyers with radars! We can¡¯t even properly identify the enemy ship with our own eight!¡±


    An urgent message from the Command Center came through to the bridge.


    ¡°Twelve ship-to-ship missiles wereunched toward our fleet¡¯s location, sir.¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki, who was a veteran of the navy, controlled his anger and gave another order.


    ¡°Have each Aegis ship transition into interception phases on its own, and have the other destroyers prepare for retaliation as soon as we properly identify the enemy ship. Have the submarines continue sailing to their destination without any dy.¡±


    As the Admiral¡¯s orders continued, another urgent message rang out from the radio.


    ¡°The ship-to-ship missiles have already transitioned into sea-skimming (low speeds) mode. Their speed is over Mach 3 and almost reaches Mach 3.5. These are supersonic ship-to-ship missiles.¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki was bewildered for a moment and turned to Captain Ito Hiroshi to ask.


    ¡°Does the Korean Navy possess any supersonic ship-to-ship missiles?''¡±


    ¡°We did not receive any reports, sir.¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki was in disbelief and looked at the vessels that were escorting his ship through the bridge window. The 3rd Escort Fleet¡¯s Atago (DDG-177) and Ryoko (DDG-175) hadunched two SM-2 anti-air missiles each. While the Takao (DDG-191), Maya (DDG-192), and the Chyokai (DDG-193) from the 1st Carrier Strike Group all wereunching their SM-2 anti-air missiles into the sky.


    ¡°Get me the Commander of the Carrier Strike Group on the line.¡±


    ¡°Connecting, sir.¡±


    Admiral Yamamotu Genzuru, Commander of the 1st Carrier Strike Group, was on the line.


    Admiral Yamamotu Genzuru had finished his hand off and training exercise after the American Nimitz aircraft carrier. He and his 3,000 crewmen had been training for two years since the treaty to hand off the aircraft was signed in March 2016.


    He had be Japan¡¯s first aircraft carrier the Kaga¡¯s first Captain since WWII. When the 1st Carrier Strike Group was formedter, he was promoted to Commander of the 1st Carrier Strike Group.


    ¨C This is Admiral Yamamotu of the 1st Carrier Strike Group.


    Both Admirals have the rank of brigadier generals, but Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki was more superior.


    ¡°This is Admiral Kasui.¡±


    ¨C Yes, Admiral Kasui, sir.


    ¡°I would like the 1st Carrier Strike Group to bank right and continue sailing to Dok-do Ind at full speed. Our 3rd Escort Fleet will handle the unidentified destroyer and follow.¡±


    ¨C Yes, understood.


    Then a voice from the Battle Command Center interrupted themunication between the two Admirals.


    ¡°We will enter the interception against the enemy missiles in ten seconds.¡±


    The 12 Hae Song A missilesunched from the Lee Sun-shin cruiser was speeding toward their targets at Mach 3.5 in low altitude that almost touched the ocean surface. The SM-2 missiles fired from the Japanese Navy emerged from the sky and began to rain down on them.


    Bang! Bang! Booooom! Bang!


    The shes of light continued as the missiles collided with each other 32 km in front of the 3rd Escort Fleet.


    ¡°Targets 1 to 4 have been sessfully intercepted, target 5 failed, target 6 sessful, ah! Target 7 failed, target 8 failed, targets 9 and 10 sessful, 11 failed, and 12 is sessful. Eight out of 12 missiles were sessfully intercepted and 4 failed. ¡±


    ¡°What about the targets of the surviving missiles?¡±


    ¡°Missile 5 targeted the Yatago, 7 and 8 the Hyuzuki, and 11 the Saki, sir.¡±


    While the reports were stilling, the SM-2 anti-air missiles flew off again. The SM-2 missiles that were allotted two rounds each for a single target flew upward and then speedily began to fall down to the ocean surface.


    ¡°Twelve seconds before impact.¡±


    The 3rd Escort Fleet and 1st Carrier Strike Group¡¯s Command Centers were focused on determining the sess of the missile interception. Then the first sh of light was seen. One of the leading Korean missiles was intercepted by the SM-2 missile.


    ¡°Target 1 sessfully intercepted, target 2 also sessful, target 3 failed, and target 4 sessful! Target 3 is headed toward the Hyuzuki, sir.¡±


    The one Hae Song A missile that avoided interception transitioned from sea-skimming navigation to pop-up and rose in the air.


    ¡°The Hyuzuki is engaging its close-range defenses.¡±


    The Hyuzuki (DD-118) that was on the right side of the helicopter carrier the Hyuga (DDH-181) began to use its CLWS close-range defense system the Phnx. It spat out mes into the sky repeatedly. The Yatago (DDG-177) also used its Phnx to add to the of fire.


    * The Phnx CIWS was developed by America¡¯s Hughes Corporation. It was a close-in weapons system consisting of a 20-mm Gatling cannon and radar along with a firing console. The Gatling gun used an American airforce 6 barrel Vulcan and fires at the rate of 3,000-4,000 rounds per minute. Its rate was slightly higher than the Goal Keeper. Also, the firing console was equipped with search-and-tracking radar and aputer to manage its detection, chasing and firing toward the target automatically.


    Vrooooo~ Vroooooo~ Vrooooo~


    However, the Hae Song A missile sessfully escaped the fire and mmed into the front deck of the Hyuzuki (DDG-118). The shock traveled throughout the ship and arge pir of me rose. Also, the missiles attached to theunch pads also exploded, causing the Hyuzuki to float briefly in the air before splitting into two then sinking into the sea.


    Boom! Creeeek!


    The thick bridge ss was shattered and the bridge itself was in chaos. The Captain and the crew were all on the floor. Only screams and whimpering came from the ship. Someone was loudly screaming amidst the chaos.


    ¡°Retreat! Retreat!¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki, who was watching the scene through his binocrs, bit his lip and muttered angrily.


    ¡°How can a 5,000-ton destroyer be destroyed by a single ship-to-ship missile?¡±


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 14:55, East sea 46 km southeast of Dok-do Ind (the Lee Sun-shin heavy cruiser¡¯s location)


    ¡°A round of the Hae Song A missile sank the Hyuzuki ship! It is slowly sinking.¡±


    The Operation Director¡¯s report of the sessful targeting drew a cheer from the crew. However, there were still eight type-90 ship-to-ship missiles headed their way, so it was too early to celebrate.


    ¡°What about the interception of enemy missiles?¡±


    ¡°Ten seconds before we make contact, sir.¡±


    The Japanese type-90 missiles flying at Mach 0.9 finally reached a point to attempt an interception. shes of light and explosions were seen in the ocean between the Japanese fleet and the Korean ship.


    ¡°All eight enemy missiles were sessfully intercepted, sir.¡±


    The report of sessfully intercepting the enemy type-90 missiles that were headed toward the Lee Sun-shin heavy cruiser came in. The crew cheered once again.


    ¡°We only seeded in sending one payload out of 12.¡±


    ¡°Captain, they have 12 anti-air destroyers. Wouldn¡¯t this be considered a sess?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I suppose so.¡±


    The response of eachmander after trading a blow at each other was different. It was obvious since the Korean navy¡¯s Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had faced off 15 enemy vessels and sank a semi-aegis destroyer the Hyuzuki, along with taking down of 2 patrol nes and 16 F-35B Lightning fighter jets. Meanwhile, the Japanese took these losses and had nothing to show for it.


    ¡°Captain! The movement of the Japanese naval defense fleet has changed.¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon checked the radar when he heard the report.


    One of the tworge groups from the Japanese fleet had banked right and began to sail at high speeds.


    ¡°It must be the 1st Carrier Strike Group. Are they attempting to reach Dok-do Ind and bypass us? Those fools.¡±


    Also, the fleet of four submarines that were navigating at the lead were moving at 30 knots and approaching themercial waters.


    ¡°Helmsman! Set the azimuth at 0-9-0, turn left! Sail at 12 knots.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth at 0-9-0 and turning left! The speed at 12 knots.¡±


    The helmsman repeated the order, and the Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) leaned portside and gradually increased its speed.


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 15:00, East sea 122 km southeast of Dok-do Ind (the 3rd Escort Fleet¡¯s location)


    ¡°Admiral, we are receiving the data link from the E-767 airborne early warning and control ne.¡±


    The E-767 AEWC ne had taken off from the western fighter wing and now had reached the skies above the 3rd Escort Fleet. They had finally detected the location of the Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) heavy cruiser. They immediately ryed the information to the Japanese naval defense force¡¯s ships. The Japanese Navy ships had finally confirmed the location of the Korean heavy cruiser, and it showed up clearly on the radar.


    ¡°A navy cruiser¡ª78 km northeast at a location of N 36¡ã 50.36 E 132¡ã 36.46. It is currently sailing southeast at 12 knots.¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki checked his monitor and asked a question.


    ¡°What is the identity of that vessel?¡±


    ¡°This is the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin heavy cruiserunched this November and have been confirmed to get its name from the standard KD-2 ship, sir.¡±


    ¡°A heavy cruiser?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Did a vessel that hasn¡¯t even been properly deployed but beenunchede for battle?¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki looked at Captain Hiroshi as if he was at a loss for words. Captain Ito Hiroshi also could not answer him properly and looked at the Admiral with a nk expression.


    ¡°I can never understand those Koreans. No matter the reason, we can¡¯t just let them be. Now that they are on our radar, we must end this.¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki got up from his seat and spoke firmly on the microphone.


    ¡°Each vesselunch five ship-to-ship missiles at the enemy vessel.¡±


    ¡°What! Admiral, wouldn¡¯tunching five missiles on one enemy ship an overkill?¡±


    Captain Ito Hiroshi requested a reconsideration of the Admiral¡¯s orders. The Admiral answered sternly.


    ¡°Do you think that is too much? That Korean cruiser easily intercepted eight of our ship-to-ship missiles. In this situation, we must attack them without leaving them any chance to escape.¡±


    A momentter, the 3rd Escort Fleet¡¯s seven destroyers all reported they are standing by tounch missiles.


    ¡°Good! We will end this now. All vessels open fire.¡±


    Under themand of the Admiral, the Weapons Operator ryed the order tounch. Then the seven destroyers all began tounch missiles that spew out white smoke and mes after emitting a loud explosive sound. The missiles rose into the air. Thirty-five type-90 ship-to-ship missiles rose 500 meters into the air and then began to fall. They transitioned into sea-skimming navigation at Mach 9 speed north.

 Chapter 134

    <h4>Chapter 134</h4>


    December 13, 2020, 15:00, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Emergency Command Center, Tokyo, Japan


    When Prime Minister Abe received reports that the Japanese naval defense forces were attacked by the Korean Navy near the Koreanmercial waters, he moved down to the Emergency Command Center and watched as the battle unfolds.


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki! This is not how you said things would go. didn¡¯t you?¡±


    The Prime Minister expressed his discontent and red at National Defense Minister Shibasaki. Minister Shibasaki only showed a bewildered expression but did not reply.


    After Japan had signed the Japanese¨CChinese mutual treaty, Minister Shibasaki got the approval from Prime Minister Abe to prepare for the upation of Dok-do Ind. Currently, Korea had concentrated its forces on the borders of China from the Korea¨CChina war. Now that Russia had deployed forces to the three Northeastern provinces, it was a prime opportunity for Japan to strike. The 3rd Escort Fleet and 1st Carrier Strike Group prepared to sail in secret and had moved toward Dok-do Ind on the agreed-upon time.


    Unlike their expectations, however, an unknown Korean vessel was throwing a wrench into Japan¡¯s operations for Dok-do Ind.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say a fleet of this size would be able to enter into Dakeshima without any bloodshed? Why are we sustaining heavy losses?¡±


    Minister Shibasaki carefully spoke while being scolded by Prime Minister Abe.


    ¡°Sir, the Korean vessel has been confirmed to be a new model that we did not know about. This ship has been identified by the E-767 AWACS ne, therefore, we would be able to use our superior power to strike them down and take Dakeshima. Please give us more time, sir.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe still showed his dissatisfaction despite Minister Shibasaki¡¯s answer. He asked another question.


    ¡°What¡¯s the response from America?¡±


    ¡°We have coaxed them ahead of time so that they would consider this just a petty territorial dispute. Hopefully, they will just stand back and watch.¡±


    ¡°That is, well, if we upy Dakeshima without engaging in battle, correct? Make sure word doesn¡¯t get out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    December 13, 2020, 15:00, East sea 46 km southeast of Dok-do Ind (Lee Sun-shin cruiser¡¯s location)


    ¡°Thirty-five additional type-90 ship-to-ship missiles have beenunched from the 3rd Escort Fleet. They are 20 seconds away from reaching our vessel.¡±


    The Operations Director reported over the radio.


    ¡°They finally detected our ship. Now allotting targets. When a Haegung ship-to-ship missile is allotted for each target,unch without waiting for orders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon, who gave the order, called his first mate over.


    ¡°First mate!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ¡°I am going to the Battle Command Center, so you hold the bridge.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    While this conversation was taking ce, the Lee Sun-shin¡¯s 48 cell K-VLS-IIunchpad fired four Haegung ship-to-ship missiles. They flew toward the southern skies while emitting blue mes.


    A momentter, inside the Battle Command Center, Captain Ahn Youn-joon entered. Since they were engaged in battle, the Operations Director tried to salute him, but the Captain stopped him in his tracks and instead asked him about the interception status of theunched missiles from the Japanese fleet.


    ¡°Enough! There¡¯s no need for saluting while in battle. What¡¯s the status of the interception attempts?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are 25 seconds away from being intercepted, sir.¡±


    Therge radar screen inside the Battle Command Center showed the 35 missiles headed to their direction as red dots. The Haegung missilesunched from the cruiser were also speeding along to their targets.


    ¡°Weapons Director.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ¡°After the interception, allot two Avarice missiles each to seven vessels in the 3rd Escort Fleet and four for the helicopter carrier.¡±


    <ul>


    Avarice (SSM-1000K ship-to-ship hypersonic cruise missile) range of 450 km and speed of Mach 8.


    </ul>


    ¡°Yes, sir. We are setting the targets for each allotted Avarice missile.¡±


    The missiles from each side began to collide into each other 61 km away from the Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser.


    The type-90 ship-to-ship missiles flew past the ocean surface and emerged from the clouds. The missiles flew down on the Haegung missiles and collided into them. Each time, an explosion and a cluster of shrapnel fell into the sea.


    ¡°Twenty-eight out of 35 targets sessfully intercepted, the 7 are still headed toward our vessel¡ª185 seconds before impact.¡±


    The Weapons Director¡¯s report came right after the Operations Director¡¯s.


    ¡°Entering into second interception attempt, sir.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t! Have the Hoc auto-defense system lock-on and transition to manual mode.¡±


    ¡°Sir? What do you mean?¡±


    The Operations Director asked with a confused look on his face.


    ¡°This vessel is notpletely armed right now. We need to conserve our arms, and we can use this chance to test our close-in defense systems as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director must have understood the Captain¡¯s intent and ryed the order. Captain Ahn Youn-joon gave another order to the Weapons Director.


    ¡°Allot four Shield-M2 missiles only! The rest will be taken out with our close-in defense system the Last shot (22-mmser Vulcan beam).¡±


    It may seem that Captain Ahn Youn-joon¡¯s order to test the performance of his vessel was a reckless and impulsive move. However, Captain Ahn Youn-joon had faith in his nation¡¯stest technology and heavy cruiser the Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101).


    ¡°Allotting a Shield-M2 missile each for targets 1 to 4, sir.¡±


    ¡°Fire once the allotting ispleted.¡±


    ¡°Allottingplete! Launching missiles.¡±


    A momentter, the 16 MLRSunchpad below the bridgeunched out 4 sma-boosted Sheild-M2 short-range missiles, and they flew off while spewing out blue mes.


    Wooosh! Wooosh! Wooosh! Wooosh!


    The four Shield-M2 short-range missiles used the sma boosters and instantly raised their speed to Mach 6. They began to target the first ship-to-ship missiles that swept past the interception.


    A few secondster, the Shield-M2 missiles exploded and shrapnel from the close-range cluster bomb engulfed the enemy¡¯s ship-to-ship missiles.


    Boom! Boom! Bang!


    ¡°All four missiles intercepted! The other two are 28 km away from our vessel, 29 seconds before contact.¡±


    Major Ha Young-bok, the Operations Director checked the data himself and began to make the reports himself. Captain Ahn Youn-joon smiled slightly.


    ¡°Our uracy is at 100 percent, great! How about we test out the Last shot?¡±


    ¡°Captain! Shouldn¡¯t we prepare to activate the ACS (shield system), just in case, sir?¡±


    Captain Ahn thought, ¡°Would that be necessary?¡± But when the Operations Director gave his opinion with a concerned look on his face, the Captain nodded and epted the suggestion. The Operations Director requested the Chief Engineer to up the power output so they can activate the ACS (shield system). The Mod-D 4 hyperprotonic engine, which could be considered as the heart of the Lee Sun-shin cruiser, began to emit a rough but rhythmical sound.


    ¡°The enemy missiles will enter into our CIWS in five seconds. Activating the Last shot.¡±


    The Last shot 22-mmser Vulcan began to spray whiteser beams once the type-90 missiles from the Japanese Navy came 20 km within the Lee Sun-shin cruiser¡¯s vicinity. Unlike the conventional Phnx or Goalkeeper, theser beams fired at such a fast rate that the first missile was intercepted within three seconds and the other also was torn to shreds. The interception was sessful andplete within ten seconds.


    ¡°Both missiles headed toward our vessel have been intercepted, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great! Now it¡¯s our turn. Launch the set 16 Avarice missiles.¡±


    ¡°Firing two rounds for each destroyer, and four for the helicopter carrier, the Hyuga, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    December 13, 2020, 15:05 (China Standard Time 14:05), 172 km northeast of Jiamusi, China


    The three brigades under the 57th Vehicle Infantry Division from the 5th Army crossed over to the China¨CRussia border and entered 26 km ind. Korea¡¯s Joint Chiefs of Staff had ordered the 6th Division stationed in the Baichung area to mobilize to the Jiamusi area. In the meantime, the 1st Marine Division and the 3rd Marine Brigade would take their ce defending the area.


    ¡°Hurry along! I¡¯ve seen maggots faster than you!¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lim Nam-ho had his hands on his hips as he loudly shouted at his men. They had just received the order to hold back Russia¡¯s 57th Vehicle Division and had to increase their pace. The 32nd Marine Brigade, which had been repeating battle and rest for the past ten days, easily increased their upation territory. They packed up their temporary encampment and began to load their equipment and supplies to their K-24P-N amphibious armored vehicle.


    Thirty minutester, the 32nd Marine Division had finished preparing to make their move. The convoy began to move toward its destination while being escorted by eight FAH-91SP Peregrin falcon attack choppers.


    <hr />


    December 13, 2020, 15:10, East sea 121 km southeast of Dok-do Ind (the 3rd Escort Fleet¡¯s location)


    The 3rd Escort Fleet that was hit by the Korean Lee Sun-shin cruiser¡¯s Avarice missile had each of its ships billow out red and ck smoke. Some were sinking into the depths.


    The Avarice hypersonic missile had flown toward the Japanese fleet at a tremendous speed of Mach 8. The Yuhudachi could not respond and hit at the portside. It began to sink into the sea with only its mast showing above the surface. The semi-aegis Myoko had miraculously intercepted one Avarice missile but was hit at the bridge by the second one. The explosive power of the Avarice missile had destroyed the bridge and the mast and flew in all directions. The Captain and the crew had all been engulfed by the mes.


    The Dakanami ss Makinami (DD-112) and Suzunami (DD-114) had been hit by an Avarice missile as well and had broken off from the fleet while spewing ck smoke. The Setoriri (DD-156) had leaned 45 degrees portside, with its propeller exposed to the surface as it sank.


    Also, the Yatago (DDG-117) that was more concerned with protecting the Hyuga helicopter carrier (DDH-181) had been hit with both Avarice missiles and sinking with its keelhaul split in two. Bodies were floating near the Yatago as it sank.


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki was looking at the carnage through the broken bridge window. He must have fallen for his face was covered in blood. The bridge was also full of men fallen over and covered in blood.


    ¡°Are you all right, sir?¡±


    The Captain of the Hyuga, Ito Hiroshi, stood up while bracing himself on the cab.


    ¡°I am fine, how about you?¡±


    The Admiral grasped his chest while his face was in agony.


    ¡°I think your rib¡¯s broken, sir.¡±


    ¡°How could this battle have been so one-sided?¡±


    The Hyuga (DDH-181) had all of its bridge windows shattered in pieces, and many of the crew had fallen down from being hit by the ss. The F-35B Lightning fighter jets and the choppers on the deck were all tangled with each other and in mes. A few of the choppers had sunk into the sea. There were tworge holes on deck with smoke and mesing out of them. In conclusion, the Hyuga (DDH-181) hadpletely lost its battle capabilities.


    The Japanese naval defense forces intercepting the Mach 8-speed Avarice missile with SM-2 missiles reaching only Mach 3.5 was an impossible task. Befitting the title of being the world¡¯s third most powerful navy, the Japanese fleet did intercept 5 of the 16 Avarice missiles and 4 ships had avoided the fate of the others.


    Admiral Hiroyuki ground his teeth and picked up the microphone.


    ¡°Report on the damages.¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki had sent in the message to check on the damages of each vessel himself. He kept rubbing his eyes as if his vision was blurring.


    <ul>


    This is the Myoko. Everyone including the Captain inside the bridge is dead! I am the third mate and Operations Director Toshida Tetsuro.


    </ul>


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki had turned toward the direction of the Myoko (DDG-175). The bridge and the mast were nowhere to be seen; only ck mes danced in their ce. The ship had lost its steering capabilities and was drifting away from the fleet.


    ¡°All crew of the Myoko, abandon ship!¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, sir.


    </ul>


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki gave the order feebly, and as he looked around to check on the other vessels, the damage reports came pouring in.


    ¡°The 3rd Escort Fleet will now retreat from the area of operations. Rescue the crewmen that are in the sea and sail back to the navy base. Over.¡±


    When Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki heard the damages in the three surviving vessels, he judged the fleet had no more strength left to continue on and gave the order to retreat. He then contacted the 1st Carrier Strike Group.


    ¡°Admiral Yamamotu!¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, this is Admiral Yamamotu.


    </ul>


    ¡°Did you hear the radio?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, I did.


    </ul>


    ¡°I hand over themand of this operation to you, Admiral Yamamotu.¡±


    <ul>


    I understand, Admiral Kasui! I will ensure that the mission will be aplished.


    </ul>


    ¡°All right. Fight well.¡±


    Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki spoke his final words and copsed on the floor.

 Chapter 135

    <h4>Chapter 135</h4>


    Four hours ago, at the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-2b (Namgoong-won¡¯sb)


    It had been four years and two months since Namgoong-won hade to the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground research facility. His routine had been the same each day. He would start the day off with a meeting between the head researchers and end it with organizing the numerous research data through the Hoc AI. While he was going through his daily routine, he was contacted by the NIS five days ago and finally got to exercise his skills and break away from the boredom.


    ¡°That¡¯s it! I hit the jackpot! Thanks, Hoc!¡±


    Namgoong-won had spent thest two days mostly awake. His face was gaunt from fatigue and but cheered as he leaned back on his chair.


    <ul>


    Data downloadplete.


    </ul>


    Hoc¡¯s mechanical voice came through the watch.


    ¡°Is that so? Well then delete our hacking trackspletely.¡±


    The ongoing technological development had reached a level wherein Namgoong-won could nowmunicate with Hoc by speaking through his watch.


    Five days ago, the NIS Cybersecurity Department requested Namgoong-won to hack the Japanese Prime Minister¡¯s intelligence agency department to find evidence for the Ji-Rin Sarin gas attacks. He had found numerous suspicious documents and attempted additional hacks to the Prime Minister¡¯s office server and found the ones he was looking for after two days.


    When he hacked NASA¡¯s servers, it took him a few months to break through, but thanks to the help of Hoc, he was able to enter into the Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Foreign Intelligence Department, the office, and the internal servers in only 5 days.


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Namgoong-won downloaded the data from the Prime Minister¡¯s office internal server into the secure USB.


    ¡°How have you been? Hey, Hoc.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, Namgoong-won¡¯s girlfriend, who had temporarily returned to the NIS when the war with China broke out, came in.


    ¡°When did you get back?¡±


    ¡°Just now.¡±


    <ul>


    Lee Hye-jin! Long time no see.


    </ul>


    ¡°Yeah, hi.¡±


    While Hoc was making its greetings, the two hugged each other. Namgoong-won showed the USB to brag. He spoke.


    ¡°I got another one.¡±


    ¡°Is that the thing requested by the Cybersecurity Department?¡±


    ¡°I stayed up for two days and just got it.¡±


    ¡°I knew it! We know you could do it with your skills.¡±


    ¡°Ah, now is not the time. Unpack your luggage. I am going to hand over the data.¡±


    ¡°All right. Come to my room after.¡±


    Namgoong-won looked pleased and headed toward the exit.


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 15:20, East sea, 79 km southeast from Dok-do Ind (the 3rd Escort Fleet¡¯s location)


    ¡°Azimuth 2-8-2, distance 23km, detecting four torpedoes! One of them is headed toward our vessel, sir.


    The Sonar Operator¡¯s urgent voice filled the Soryu ss Unryu (SS-502) Submarine Command Center.


    ¡°Where did theye from? Helmsman! Set the azimuth to 0-9-2 and turn swiftly! Set the diving angle to 25 degrees at full speed.¡±


    Captain Oseto Isao of the Unryu submarine responded immediately and gave orders.


    ¡°Sir, the speed is too fast. The torpedo is 22 km away from us and 63 seconds before contact.¡±


    ¡°What kind of torpedo can reach 22 km in 63 seconds?¡±


    Captain Oseto Isao scolded the Sonar Operator since the report he gave did not sound feasible.


    ¡°The thing is, it seems to be a hypercavitating torpedo reaching a speed of 660 knots, sir.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense!¡±


    Captain Oseto Isao almost swore instinctively but stopped. A speed of 660 knots would be enough for a torpedo to be considered as a hypercavitating torpedo.


    ¡°Have the self-propelled decoy nixie on the ready! Deploy it as soon as it¡¯s ready!¡±


    ¡°Prepping the nixie decoy! Deploying now, sir.¡±


    The self-propelled decoy nixie exited the submarine¡¯sunch tube and began to move by itself while emitting the same sonar pattern as the Unryu in an attempt to lure the unknown torpedo.


    However, the S-SSSFM-500 Trident hypercavitating torpedounched by the Posiden 1 ignored the jamming of the nixie and moved toward its target.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t fooled by the nixie decoy. The torpedo is headed toward our direction.¡±


    The Sonar Operator¡¯s desperate voice rang across the Unryu submarine (SS-502). Captain Oseto Isao shouted.


    ¡°Everyone brace for impact!¡±


    Boooooom!


    The Unryu had been directly hit by the Trident torpedo that had a warhead of 500kg. A hole was torn through the submarine and split in it two. The crew and other supplies begin to drift out from the submarine.


    Booom, Boom, Booom!


    After the Unryu (SS-502) was destroyed, three additional explosions urred and the Soryu ss Kokuryu (SS-506), Jinryu(SS-506) sub, the Oyashio ss Uzushio (SS-592), and Unryu (SS-502) met the same fate.


    The submarine¡¯s wreckage and oil began to float to the surface as if to mark the border between Korea and Japan¡¯s sea territory.


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 15:20, East sea 47 km southeast of Dok-do Ind (Lee Sun-shin cruiser¡¯s location)


    ¡°The Posiden 1 Command Center reports taking out the four Japanese submarines.¡±


    The Communications Operator had reported.


    The Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101), which had achieved an absolute victory in the battle against the 3rd Escort Fleet, began to sail northeast to hold off the 1st Carrier Strike Group.


    ¡°They¡¯re doing well.¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon, who was in themand center, answered with his arms crossed.


    ¡°The 1st Carrier Strike Group has fired type-90 ship-to-ship missiles. Their numbers are 8, 9, 10, and increasing, sir.¡±


    ¡°Their distance?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s 76 km away from our vessel. There are 56 enemy ship-to-ship missiles in total. The first missile will reach us in 240 seconds, sir.¡±


    The Radar Operator reported the information being detected in real time.


    ¡°Disengage the Hoc auto-response lock system! From now on, we will go into auto-response for the enemy ship-to-ship missiles.¡±


    When Captain Ahn Youn-joon gave the order, the Operations Director repeated the order and ryed it to the operators.


    ¡°Disengaging the Hoc auto-lock system! We will go into the auto-response mode.¡±


    When Lee Sun-shin cruiser¡¯s anti-air defenses transitioned into the auto-response mode, it began to respond after checking the dangers from the enemy missiles. It calcted the remaining weaponry aboard the cruiser and then began to respond ordingly. First, 35 rounds of the Haegung missiles left theunchpad and flew into the sky.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Therge screen inside the bridge showed two colored groups of dots representing each nation¡¯s missiles flying toward each other.


    ¡°Multiple jets taking off from the Kaga, sir,¡± the operators reported.


    ¡°How many?¡±


    The Operations Director asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s increasing. Eleven F-35B jets currently, sir.¡±


    A minuteter, another report about the enemy jets came in.


    ¡°Final order for the enemy jets. Twenty-four F-35B jets and four EA-18G EMP warfare attackers have taken off and flying toward our direction, sir.¡±


    ¡°So they want a proper fight eh? Should we ask for aerial support too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will request for support from the 23rd Fighter Wing.¡±


    Brigadier General Ahn Youn-joon changed themunication channel and called over his first mate.


    ¡°Major Oh.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 0-4-2 starboard half turn! Change speeds to 15 knots.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 15:22, Kyung Nam Kimhae-si, the 23rd Fighter Wing Airforce Base runway


    The 16 ck Phoenix KF/A-25P that had been on standby for takeoff 2 hours ago emerged from the igloos and entered into the runway under the guidance of the marshalers. When the 16 jets had formed into 2 lines of 8 on the runway, the first ck Phoenix jets at the lead began to roar their engines and thrust forward.


    Whirrrrrl~ Whooosh~ Whooosh~ Whoosh~


    Four minutester, all 16 jets had taken off and fallen into formation. They turned on their afterburners and disappeared into the clouds, shifting to super-cruise mode.


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 15:30, Jongro-ku, Blue House National Emergency Center underground bunker (President¡¯s office), Seoul


    From the emergency meeting, the Korean government had decided to evict from the country the Ambassadors from Russia and Japan. It also dered that they would consider these two nations as enemies in the war and will respond assertively. President Suh Hyun-woo had returned to his office inside the underground bunker and watched the battle against the Japanese fleet with the Minister of National Defense like a livestream broadcast. The NIS secretary ran into the office hurriedly.


    ¡°I am sorry, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°What is going on?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. It is urgent.¡±


    ¡°Please have a seat first.¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il pulled out a document and ced it on the table as soon as he sat down.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°This is the evidence that can link Japan to the Ji-Rin Sarin gas attack and their current provocation in Dok-do Ind, sir.¡±


    ¡°Truly?¡±


    The President and the Minister of National Defense each picked up the document and began reading.


    A momentter President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s face was distraught from the document¡¯s shocking contents and the Minister of National Defense also put down the document on the table and sighed.


    ¡°The three nations already were in agreement.¡±


    ¡°My . . .¡±


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 15:30, Japan Government Cab¡¯s Emergency Situation Center, Tokyo


    Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, National Defense Minister Shibasaki, and other government officials were all in disbelief by the footage the unmanned drone was sending in.


    The 3rd Escort Fleet, which was one of the main forces of its navy, had its destroyers sunk except for four surviving vessels. These four were being towed back by the rescue ships from the Mairuzu Navy Base.


    From now on this battle would escte from a small battle for a territorial dispute to an actual full-blown war between two nations.


    Prime Minister Abe started to speak.


    ¡°How- how could an entire escort fleet be taken out this easily! Minister Shibasaki, what was it that you said?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir.¡±


    Bang! Bang!


    ¡°I am not talking to you to get an apology!¡±


    Prime Minister Abe banged on the table, upset, and then spoke while looking at Minister Shibasaki.


    ¡°What are the Korean government¡¯s movements like?¡±


    ¡°Based on the reports, the Korean government is taking steps to deport our ambassador, sir.¡±


    Foreign Affairs Minister Ochi Furume answered instead.


    ¡°Deport the Korean Ambassadors too. The way things are, we should be prepared to face war.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe spoke firmly.


    ¡°But we must check America¡¯s stance on this. The Democratic Party and other minor political parties will oppose the action, sir.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about America. Minister Suga Yoshihide, I would like you to keep a close watch on the opposing party members. Do you understand? Minister Shibasaki, order the 1st and 2nd Escort Fleet to prepare to sail too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 136

    <h4>Chapter 136</h4>


    December 13, 2020, 15:35, Sea sector 79 km southeast of Dokdo Ind East Sea


    Fifteen minutes ago, 56 Japanese Type 90 ship-to-ship missiles and 1 ASM3 air-to-ship missiles from each of the F-35B integrators were fired toward the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101), flying and skimming across the surface of the sea. However, these were intercepted by antiaircraft missiles one after the other near the boundary line of the exclusive economic zone, creating a fireworks disy.


    However, the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101) converted to a medium-range defense system and sessfully intercepted the 30 anti-ship missiles by using 32 Shield-M2 short-range missiles against the Japanese anti-ship missiles. With theirst melee defense system, Last Shot, four 22-mm Laser Vulcans demonstrated a tremendous performance¡ªintercepting all 20 remaining anti-ship missiles.


    In the bitter situation ofunching 80 anti-ship missiles against one ship, with all of them intercepted and lost, Admiral Yamamoto could not hide his surprise. However, as if he couldn¡¯t just stay surprised, he gave additional attack orders to all destroyers that took arms.


    Amidst the increasingly fierce naval battle, the EA-18G Electronic Warfare attack ne and F-35B Lightning II stopped their anti-ship missile attack from the surface of the ship and switched the air battle due to the suspicion toward the sudden appearance of the KF/A-25P ck Vermilion Bird fighter-bomber deployed by the 23rd Fighter Wing from the Gimhae Sea.


    The EA-18G Electronic Warfare attack ne was the only aircraft to shoot down the F-22 Raptor fighter, the strongest of the existing fighter aircraft with a phenomenal achievement in virtual airbat training of 144:0. It flew at the front while emitting powerful electromaic waves to neutralize the KF/A-25P ck Vermilion Bird fighter-bomber¡¯s strength of long-range attack capabilities. Both countries¡¯ aircraft, with a reduced distance of 70 km between them, fired their armed air-to-air missiles toward each other and began the first Korean¨CJapanese air battle.


    Tens of air-to-air missiles flew toward each other. Although they each evaded and flew into the air battle with ECM and various chaffs and res, the EA-18G Electronic Warfare attack ne¡¯s electromaic interference advantage ended early. In all honesty, the KF/A-25P ck Vermilion Bird fighter-bomber also had better performance in electronic warfarepared to the EA-18G Electronic Warfare attack ne. In this situation, the results were apparent.


    After ten minutes of airbat, there were no more Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) aircraft flying in the sky. They either all disintegrated in the air or crashed into the sea.


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 15:45, 118km southeast from Dokdo Ind East Sea (JMSDF Escort Floti 3)


    Crash! Crash!


    Japan¡¯s Atago ss Aegis ship Maya-ss destroyer (DDG-192) was tilting rapidly due to the tworge holes in the starboard, drawing in seawater. It took a direct hit from two S-SSSFM-500B Tridents fired from the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101).


    Rumble ~ Ahhh


    After two powerful impacts, the crew in the destroyer screamed and fell over, losing their bnce. Captain Kaji Masakazu, who was conducting from the bridge, was thrown up the air, then crashed onto the window of the bridge and copsed.


    ¡°Captain, sir, are you all right?¡±


    Vice-Captain Kurasako Kenji crawled over to help the Captain up. However, it was difficult to stand upright with a sudden list to starboard.


    ¡°Report the damage situation by department.¡±


    Captain Kaji Masakazu, who could barely stand up while grabbing his splitting head, immediately ordered a damage report through the ship¡¯smunicationwork. However, the Vice-Captain spoke urgently to the Captain because he predicted that the Maya-ss destroyer (DDG-192) would not be able to escape the sinking of the ship.


    ¡°Captain! The Maya-ss destroyer has lost stability and is and sinking. Issuing an order to abandon ship rather than a damage situation . . .¡±


    Simultaneously as the Vice-Captain finished speaking, a disturbing sound resonated throughout the Maya-ss destroyer (DDG-192), and it tilted toward the starboard and gradually sank into the sea as if it were slipping.


    Giiiing! Ssh!


    Now, even the seawater created a white foam and rushed into the ship. To this, the Captain shouted at the microphone without a second thought.


    ¡°All crew members of Maya ship, abandon ship! All abandon ship!¡±


    ¡°Captain, sir, you need to leave now too.¡±


    Vice-Captain Kurasako Kenji tried to help the Captain to get up and exit the bridge.


    ¡°Let go. I will be together with the Maya ship. You should hurry and leave with the other crew.¡±


    The Captain broke free from the helping hand and he clutched the Captain¡¯s chair. He gestured with his hand for the Vice-Captain to leave. Captain Kaji Masakazu tried to have the same fate as the Maya-ss destroyer (DDG-192).


    ¡°What? I can¡¯t do that, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hurry! There is no time! Get out of here quickly.¡±


    At the sight of the Captain, who looked firmly determined and closing both of his eyes to await the end, the Vice-Captain saluted him and escaped the bridge while taking the crew that passed out.


    Ssh~ Shooooo~


    As if the raging waves consumed the ship, the Maya-ss destroyer (DDG-192) tilted 90 degrees and forever disappeared into the ocean.


    Vice-Captain Kenji Kurasako, who plunged into the waters while relying on his life jacket, looked around in search of a rescue ship. Soon, he was gripped by fear that almost paralyzed his body.


    The sight he saw was truly horrendous. The bridge and helicopter hangar of the Maya-ss destroyer¡¯s sister ship, Hiei destroyer (DDG-193), was bombarded by anti-ship missiles and produced ck smoke while mes danced on it. An irregr explosion urred inside the ship, and each time, the structures made of steel sheets flew like torn sheets of paper, turning into an ugly sight. In addition, the Hiei destroyer (DDG-193) lost the ability to power itself and gradually deviated from the fleet formation while being pushed by the surge of water.


    In addition, the Asahi destroyer (DD-119), escorting Kagaham behind the Maya-ss destroyer, and Kanazawa destroyer (DD-121), a new guided-missile destroyer, were also slowly sinking into the sea, showing the bow and leaving behind several floats.


    ¡°Everyone beware of hypothermia! Keep your body as tight as possible and survive. Rescue wille soon. ¡±


    When all three of the nearest ships had sunk, Vice-Captain Kenji Kurasako judged that a quick rescue would be difficult. He crossed his legs and curled up while wrapping his hands around his life jacket. Then he shouted at the crew who were floundering near him.


    The treacherous winter waters in December reached a temperature of -2 degrees Celsius, and these murderous cold waters were fatal for the crew of the marine corps. The drastic drop of glucose in the body was usually apanied by headaches due to hypoglycemia, causing the crew to gradually lose consciousness. Vice-Captain Kenji Kurasako also could notst even for five minutes. His two eyelids were very heavy.


    Meanwhile, at the Kaga destroyer (CV-2001) Ind bridge.


    The Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101), which prevented a total of three series of anti-ship missile attacks,unched 22 anti-ship missiles against four carriers of the 1st Carrier Strike Group still standing. The anti-ship missileunched by Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101) was not limited to the supersonic anti-ship missile, the Haeseong A missile.


    The two Avaris ship-to-ship SSM-1000K hypersonic cruise missile, which decisively destroyed the Escort Floti 3, was also flying toward the Kaga destroyer (CV-2001). The Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101) hadunched both types of anti-ship missiles it currently possessed.


    Shooooooong!


    The SM-2 antiaircraft missile, an interceptor missile, also flew from the destroyer of the 1st Carrier Strike Group toward the anti-ship missile that had been flying rapidly in skimming mode while barely touching the sea surface.


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur of the 1st Carrier Strike Group gave an order to intercept the anti-ship missile attack.


    ¡°Launch the F-35B Lightning II! Intercept the anti-ship missiles as much as possible.¡±


    As soon as the orders were urgently issued to the aircraft operation control room, the four F-35B integrators that were on standby began liftoff and went higher in altitude. Based on the information provided by the Aegis Takao Destroyer (DDG-191), they simultaneously set targets and fired consecutive air-to-air missiles.


    And a few momentster,


    ¡°Interception failure! Interception failure!¡±


    As they heard continuous reports that both the SM-2 antiaircraft missiles fired from three destroyers and the AIM-120 air-to-air missiles fired from the F-35B Lightning II failed to intercept, Admiral Yamamoto Genzur and the Captains of each destroyer all had a grim expression.


    The ships that entered the interception mission were the Aegis Takao Destroyer (DDG-191), the semi-Aegis Komatsu destroyer (DD-120), and the new guided-missile destroyer Sakii destroyer (DD-122), upon receiving the interception information. Though all of them had abination of both attack and defensive powers, they failed to keep up with the enormous speed of the hypersonic anti-ship missileunched by the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101).


    ¡°Interception failure! Interception failure! Targets 1 and 2 are still flying toward the ship. Ten seconds to impact.¡±


    Targets 1 and 2 mentioned by the radar operator were the Avaris hypersonic anti-ship missiles that fly at a speed reaching Mach 8. Once close to the target, the Avaris spurned the sea surface and switched to a pop-up maneuver, flying in higher altitude.


    Shooquaaang ~


    The Kaga destroyer (CV-2001) and the three escorting destroyers mobilized thetest RIM-116B block 3 short-range missiles with a range of 20 km; a 20-mm Phnx close-in weapon system was deployed for the interception. However, the Avaris hypersonic anti-ship missile, which flew at Mach 8 speed, only allowed a very short time of 9 seconds. Because of this short time, the chance of sessful interception was extremely unlikely.


    Eight short-range missiles flew from the RIM-116B block 3¡¯s 21-shotuncher while spewing white smoke. The 20mm Phnx also maneuvered automatically, forming a barrage toward the sky.


    Durrrru! Dudurrrru! Durrrru!


    Phnx, boasting 4,500 rounds of fire per minute, spewed fire. The shells spouting from the rotating six rows of the barrel bounced everywhere.


    ¡°Ah! Five seconds. Five seconds left to impact.¡±


    The radar operator¡¯s desperate voice sounded like that of a grim reaper. As he tried to disregard the fact that he only had five seconds left to live, he put all of his hopes on the RIM-116B block 3 and Phnx. However, as expected, they were insufficient in intercepting hypersonic anti-ship missiles. The report of interception did note up in the end, and the two Avaris supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, which had increased in altitude to 300 m above the sky, rapidly changed direction and quickly fell at a 70-degree angle toward the Kaga destroyer (CV-2001).


    ¡°Brace for impact!¡±


    As someone yelled inside the bridge, the crew frantically held on to something to support their body, as at that moment, the 100,000-ton aircraft carrier Kaga destroyer (CV-2001) shook violently.


    Crash!


    A huge explosion urred on the upper deck of the Kaga destroyer (CV-2001), and the steel deck was undoubtedly torn apart, revealing a misshapen appearance. In addition, several crew members crouching on the deck were caught in the strong impact of the explosion and crashed into the sea. Then, the second Avaris missile struck the aircraft elevator toward the stern, dug into the interior, and exploded.


    Crash!


    The elevator, which was more vulnerable than the normal deck, crashed down to the floor from the kic energy of the missile. The missile that struck down the inner center engulfed several parts of the interior in mes with a loud explosion. Unfortunately, the four spare F-35B integrators, which had been settled in the interior hangar, were swept away by mes and caused a series of explosions. In the aftermath of the series of internal explosions, the crew screamed and tumbled out as casualties.


    ¡°Where exactly did we get hit?¡±


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur, who momentarily lost his bnce and copsed, spoke with great difficulty as he stood up, grabbing his chair. One of the lieutenants hurriedly checked outside the bridge and replied.


    ¡°It seems like we took a direct hit at the upper and lower deck. The damage to the aircraft elevator toward the lower deck seems to be quite huge. ¡±


    ¡°Captain Oka.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral, sir.¡±


    ¡°Identify the damage by department first and immediately send in the recovery team.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral, sir. ¡±


    Captain Oka Hiroshi immediately ordered to the Lieutenant-General the dispatch of the recovery team and rescue of the injured through the ship broadcast system.

 Chapter 137

    <h4>Chapter 137</h4>


    December 13, 2020, 16:00, Sea sector 48 km southeast of Dok-do Ind East Sea (Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer)


    The fierce 30-minute naval battle ended. The JMSDF 1st Carrier Strike Group lost its ability to battle due to Haeseong A anti-ship missile and the Avaris hypersonic anti-ship missilest fired from the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101).


    First, the two S-SSSFM-500B Trident anti-submarine supercavitating torpedoes, which were used for the first time in this naval battle, sank at Atago-ss Maya destroyer. The 32 Python S-ASM-100 air-to-ship missiles and 12 Haeseong A ship-to-ship missiles from the KF/A-25P ck Vermilion Bird fighter-bomber of the 23rd Fighter Wing, which returned to the Gimhae City a little while ago,pletely destroyed the Atago-ss Hiei destroyer. The Asahi and Kanazawa destroyers also had sunkpletely into the ocean.


    The aircraft carrier Kaga destroyer (CV-2001) was partially destroyed by the two Avaris SSM-1000K ship-to-ship hypersonic cruise missiles. The 22 Haeseong A anti-ship missiles without a doubt partially destroyed the Atago-ss Takao destroyer (DDG-191) and sunk the Komatsu destroyer (DD-120) and Saiki destroyer (DD-122).


    ¡°Currently, aircraft carriers Kaga and Takao are rapidly veering to azimuth 1-3-8! They are leaving the sea at a speed of 22 knots. They appear to be returning to the Escort Floti 3 station. All four submarines have also changed course and are submerging and following the Kaga destroyer.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon checked the tactical statistics screen in the center of the Battle Command Room at the report from the head of radar systems.


    ¡°I would be sorry to just let them go.¡±


    As Captain Ahn Yoon-joon spoke while smacking his lips, the Fire Control man standing next to him replied.


    ¡°Currently, both types of anti-ship missiles have been exhausted.¡±


    ¡°What about the Red Shark A torpedo?¡±


    ¡°The Red Shark A Torpedo loaded this time is for testing and doesn¡¯t have a warhead.¡±


    ¡°What about the Scythe warship gun?¡±


    ¡°Yes, currently, ten high-density sma cohesive bullets are loaded, sir.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yun-jun was in a dilemma. Although he wanted to pour all ten cohesive bullets onto the returning Kaga destroyer (CV-2001), it weighed on his mind that using all of the cohesive bullets when all anti-ship missiles have been depleted would not leave him any means of an attack until the next supply.


    ¡°Ten shots. The quantity is too small. It would have been better if it had been a wartime armed system. Connect the bridge. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, it has been connected.¡±


    ¡°Vice-Captain.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Oh Yeon-woo, who wasmanding the bridge on behalf of the Captain, replied.


    ¡°Disengage from battle! Azimuth 3-1-5, turn to the port side! elerate to full speed of 25 knots! Let¡¯s just celebrate the return to Ulleungdo, themission, and victory.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Controller, organize the fighting situation and send it to me in full.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will cote it and send it.¡±


    ¡°Good! I¡¯m going to return to the bridge now.¡±


    A few momentster, the battle disengagement broadcast rang through the speaker in the ship, and the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101), which had a perfect victory in the first battle against the JMSDF, pushed through the swaying waves of the blue East Sea and turned the nose of the ship toward Ulleungdo.


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 16:15, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku


    The initial conditions of war when the ¡°Rise of Goguryeo¡± was first conceived and the prevailing war conditions have drastically changed. Russia and Japan had joined China as a result of China¡¯s devious tactics.


    As a result, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had a splitting headache as they devised a strategy on how to advance the war against the three countries.


    ¡°In the current situation, the Beijing advancement cannot be slowed down.¡±


    The Operations Director spoke loudly, showing his determination to not back down. This was because there was an opinion presented earlier that to stop the advancement of Russia, they needed to move the Beijing advancement forces back to the Western front and stop Russia by mobilizing a part of their forces.


    ¡°However, if Russia were to begin their advancement in full scale with arge number of forces, it will not be enough to defend against the three sages of the Northeast.¡±


    Commander of the 1st Army Choi Jin-gook, who presented the first opinion, also presented a counter-argument without backing down. When tension rose from opposing opinions, Director of Operation nning, Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon, stepped in to mediate.


    ¡°Neither one of you is wrong. If the current Beijing advancement is slowed, then Red China will deploy additional troops to defend Beijing, building a solid line of defense. Also, if Russia begins their advancement in full scale with arge force, the Korean troops currently deployed in the three sages of the Northeast can somehow prevent them, but there would be arge concern about the damages. Furthermore, Russia is first in the world on nuclear power. Even if it is not a nuclear strategy, it would be more difficult to prevent it if they were to use tactical nuclear bombs like China. ¡±


    ¡°So is there a way?¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was only listening since the meeting began, asked.


    ¡°The best way to do this is to add additional troops from the maind. But truthfully, it¡¯s a limitation to deploy additional troops to the three sages of the Northeast. With that, I think the North Korean Army¡ªin other words, the troops stationed in the North¡ªis our only option. ¡±


    All the Generals who attended the meeting were stunned by the statement introducing the North Korean Army¡¯s involvement in the war, which had not yet been arranged in a political or military sense. However, one of them wasughing rather than surprised. It was Captain Choi Ho-il.


    ¡°Hahaha, that is correct. I think it¡¯s time for our North Korean Army toe forward. ¡±


    Captain Choi Ho-il continued speaking as if he had received the baton as soon as the Director of Operation nning finished speaking.


    ¡°There are over one million elite troops in our northern province. Well, now that number has been reduced due to the reorganization, and if the Korean military only provided the military equipment, at least two corps can be put into the three sages of the Northeast line with the Korean army and we can do our part, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The artillery forces, in particr, will be a big help.¡±


    Commander of the 620th Artillery Corps, Lieutenant General Yoon Ki-yoon, intervened to support Captain Choi Ho-il.


    ¡°I will make a request regarding this matter to the Blue House as soon as the meeting is over.¡±


    ¡°Please, definitely request it. I will also contact Pyongyang in advance. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, please do.¡±


    At this time, the door of the conference room opened, and a Lieutenant came in with some papers.


    ¡°Mr. Chairman, sir! There is a telegram from the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer.¡±


    The Lieutenant handed the documents to the Chairman and went outside.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Chief of Army Staff General Shin Sung-yong asked. To this, the Chairman, who had been slowly reading, had a brighter face and showed a slight smile.


    ¡°Hahaha! This is a summary report of victory. ¡±


    The document being read by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Yi-sik contained all the information about the battle on Friday at the Dok-do seas between the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer (CG-1101) and the JMSDFbined fleet.


    * * *


    December 13, 2020, 17:30, Emergency Security situation room, Tokyo, Japan


    The atmosphere in the situation room was as cold as if the Siberian wind had blown in. Following the news of the defeat of the Escort Floti 3 and then the 1st Carrier Strike Group, Prime Minister Abe¡¯s anger was like Mount Fuji threatening to erupt.


    ¡°After all the effort I put into creating the Carrier Strike Group, how can it bepletely wasted in one moment?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s anger was focused on Maritime Staff Head Murakawa.


    ¡°I apologize. Prime Minister, sir! The performance of the Korean fleet was from what we thought . . .¡± his voice trailed off.


    The Maritime Staff Head, who had no reasonable excuse, hesitated and could not continue speaking.


    ¡°What do you mean the Korean fleet? How can 16 ships be defeated by one? And even the helicopter carrier and the aircraft carrier? How does that make sense?¡±


    At Prime Minister Abe¡¯s continued reprimanding, Murakawa bowed his head and could not say anything more.


    ¡°Prime Minister, sir! We need a countermeasure for the unteral defeat of the JMSDF.¡±


    Chief Cab Secretary Suga Yoshihide brought up a realistic problem that might arise in the future.


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? Speak if you have any good ideas.¡±


    ¡°Our JMSDF forces must im that they were unterally faced with a nned attack by the Korean Navy during peaceful training that followed the training schedule. We must iste Korea by pushing this as an international issue, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki spoke with vigor while looking around the conference room table.


    ¡°Yes. We need to push it forward like that. ¡±


    Prime Minister Abe replied in agreement with the Minister of Defense.


    ¡°Duty Director of Intelligence Inamoto.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    ¡°The contents of the Japan¨CChina Mutual Agreement Treaty signed with China will not be leaked to the outside even with the slightest chance, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we maintain security thoroughly. You don¡¯t have to worry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good, Minister of Foreign Affairs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    ¡°Inform all the embassies in Japan that the JMSDF, which aims to uphold peace, has suffered great damage from the Korean Navy¡¯s unteral attack and that many of our self-defense forces have been killed.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    ¡°Head of Integrated Staff, have the current self-defense forces¡¯ national emergency orders issued?¡±


    ¡°Yes, an emergency ordinance has been issued to all self-defense forces of the navy and sea. They are on standby in case of an emergency. In particr, the Escort Floti 2¡¯s 2nd Squadron is on standby behind Tsushima Ind in case of emergency, and the 6th Squadron is dealing with the 1st Fleet of the Korean Navy in Jeju Ind waters. Furthermore, Escort Floti 4, which will go on a defensive mission on behalf of Escort Floti 3, is mobilizing in emergency toward Shimonoseki.¡±


    ¡°As soon as this meeting ends, we will notify the media in Japan as well as all overseas media by issuing a statement overseas. ordingly, we will dere an emergency situation and issue a national mobilization order. ¡±


    ¡°Are you nning to have an all-out war with Korea, sir?¡±


    Health, Labor, and Welfare Minister Uchida, asked in shock, while looking at Prime Minister Abe.


    ¡°What can we do in this situation? Ten ships of the JMSDF have sunk in the East Sea and thousands have been killed.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe had a dissatisfied expression as he cracked down on Minister Uchida, who always puts a brake on Prime Minister Abe¡¯s opinions being the only member of the opposition party in the cab.


    ¡°However, a local war to take over Dok-do and total war are on apletely different scale.¡±


    ¡°Minister Uchida! How can you say that when His Majesty¡¯s Army was lost in the depths of the East Sea because of the Korean Navy¡¯s illegal attack?¡±


    Minister Shibasaki cut off Minister Uchida and shouted with rage.


    ¡°It was our JMSDF that first took Dok-do¡ª¡±


    ¡°Minister Uchida! Didn¡¯t I say this before? Our JMSDF was only on a scheduled training.¡±


    Uchida let out a sarcasticugh and didn¡¯t continue speaking because Minister Shibasaki and Prime Minister Abe imed nonsensical excuses.


    If Korea¡¯s Dok-do, which had been neglected due to the Korea¨CChina war, was sessfully upied by the Escort Floti 3 and the 1st Carrier Strike Group as nned under the Japan¨CChina Mutual Agreement Treaty, Prime Minister Abe would have made a political statement in ordance with political engineering that the government had restored its territory, and his political position would have risen with the support of Japanese citizens. However, because this had unexpectedly turned into an epic failure, convenientlybeling Korea as a war criminal country that illegally attacked Japan and the costume y of Japan as a victim country was clear in the eyes of Minister Uchida.


    ¡°You are dragging Japan down to the bottom!¡±


    Minister Uchida sighed and closed his eyes, and Prime Minister Abe continued.


    ¡°We, Japan, have been stigmatized as a war criminal country since the defeat in 1945, and have not been able to speak or assert our strength to the internationalmunity until now. Now, Japan must be born again.¡±


    Soon after, Prime Minister Abe stood up and spoke with a louder voice as if he were shouting.


    ¡°Let¡¯s now achieve in our generation a wish that the Great Japanese Empire has not yet achieved. Chief Cab Secretary? ¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    ¡°I will give the national mobilization order when the foreign statement is released in an hour. The Minister of Defense should cooperate with each department to convert allpanies¡¯ factories into military factories.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, understood.¡±


    An hourter, Prime Minister Abe sent to all foreign media outlets a report that the Escort Floti 3 and 1st Carrier Strike Group while training near the Dok-do Sea had been damaged by the Korean Navy¡¯s unteral and illegal surprise attack against the JMSDF.


    In addition, he proimed to the world that despite the joint boundary zone between Japan and Korea, the sudden and unteral attack by the Korean Navy was a provocation of war and a disregard for the dignity of the Japanese people and the state, condemning Korea as a hostile country and dering that he will take revenge on behalf of the sacrificed troops of the JMSDF.

 Chapter 138

    <h4>Chapter 138</h4>


    December 13, 2020, 23:00 (EST 09:00), UN Security Council Headquarters in New York, United States


    When the Korea¨CChina war suddenly morphed into the Northeast Asian war due to the sudden intervention of Russia and Japan, the internationalmunity was greatly shaken up. Russia¡¯s and Japan¡¯s involvements were followed by a statement issued by the United States and other Western nations regarding their own positions amid concerns that the Northeast Asian war would spread autonomously into World War III.


    In response, the UN headquarters convened the Emergency Security Council on the agenda of the currently expanding Northeast Asian war. It revealed UN¡¯s limitations in arbitrating among the countries or in creating a resolution n due to the fact that it was a war involving China and Russia, permanent members of the UN Security Council The UN Emergency Security Council can only focus on preventing it from expanding into a world war.


    One important factor was the dissolution of the trteral alliance among the United States, Korea, and Japan formed around the United States. In fact, it was safe to say that this came from the United States in 2017 when the Trump regime came into existence, giving the United States priority and istionism on the basis of the policy and giving the role of the Northeast Asia Peace Control Center to Japan.


    As a result, it lessened the United States¡¯ military intervention in Northeast Asia and subsequently led to a reduction in national defense budgets and an increase in exports of military weapons to Japan. In line with this change in the United States¡¯ policy, Japan became a warfare state from being a war criminal nation that broke the framework of the peace constitution, showing its true color of militarism and ending up as amon state that had to be war free. A Constitution was created that had more authority than the Japanese Constitution, which was the highestw in Japan.


    In the midst of the United States and Japan creating the stake that supported their own self-interests, this conflict arose.


    Currently, the United States presented their position that they will not engage in the Northeast Asian war in abeyance. In other words, it was meant to be viewed as a neutral position being an ally of the two countries, Korea and Japan. In reality, however, the U.S. was actively promoting exports of various military weapons as requested by Japan.


    In this way, the Northeast Asian war was a situation in which many countries¡¯ interests were entangled, and thus no other country, including the United Nations, was able to resolve.


    <hr />


    One hour ago, at the UN National Security Council.


    ¡°After thest illegal invasion of China, Koreaunched an illegal surprise attack on the JMSDF, who were officially training in the Japan¨CKorea Joint Waters, causing tremendous casualties and damages to the JMSDF. In this regard, I believe that the UN Security Council should impose appropriate sanctions against Korea, a war-provoking country that not only threatens Northeast Asia, but also world peace.¡±


    The Ambassador of Japan¡¯s Foreign Affairs, Otohiko Endo, regurgitated an impassioned speech while sputtering. In response, the Korean Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahn Hyo-joon raised his hand to get a chance to speak.


    ¡°Korea, please speak.¡±


    UN Security Council Chairman, Anpoly Macarin from the United States, gave him the opportunity to speak.


    ¡°Respected members of the UN Security Council! Please look at the screen for a moment.¡±


    The screen on the central wall of the Security Council lit up and several documents became visible.


    ¡°This is a treaty signed by China and Japan in secret. The name of the agreement is ¡®The Japanese¨CChinese Mutual Treaty¡¯. ¡±


    When the documents of The Japanese¨CChinese Mutual Treaty, which was a highly confidential document given the highest level of security, appeared on the screen, Ambassador Endo Otohiko¡¯s face turned bright red.


    ¡°The contents pertain to an agreement that Japan will upy Korea¡¯s Dok-do Ind in timing with Russia moving its troops to the three sages of the Northeast. In exchange, China will give a supporting signature that Dok-do Ind is Japan¡¯s own territory, as well as an acknowledgment that the Senkaku Archipgo is Japan¡¯s official territory, a condition that Gyeongsang District and Jeju Inds will be transferred to Japan, and finally, a condition that on behalf of the Spratly Inds, that all territories under China¡¯s dominium in the South China Sea be jointly maintained by China and Japan.¡±


    At Vice-Minister Ahn¡¯sments, the members of the Security Council stirred in an instant.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie, Vice-Minister Ahn Hyo-joon! How can you make a false im with a fabricated document?¡±


    Ambassador Endo Otohiko argued while getting furious with anger.


    ¡°Yes, China has never made such a treaty with Japan. That is a fake document. Vice-Minister Ahn will be liable for the legal responsibilities.¡±


    Even China¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director Chin Kang shouted while making excuses.


    ¡°This is a fake document? All right. Let¡¯s officially check whether this document is fabricated or authentic. If it is a falsified document, I will be punished for all my sins here, and Korea will do whatever the UN says. However, what would you do if this treaty is authentic? Please tell me, you two.¡±


    Vice-Minister Ahn Hyo-joon looked thoroughly at the members of the Security Council once and spoke with confidence.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you speak? Please speak if you have a clear conscience. The nation of Korea and I will take full responsibility for it and will ept everything the Security Council requires.¡±


    Vice-Minister Ahn, while ring at Ambassador Endo and Director Chin Kang, pushed with even more vigor. To this, Ambassador Endo wanted to argue further but, in the end, was unable to speak. He judged that if he misspoke, the subsequent storm could be even greater if the treaty was revealed to be authentic.


    ¡°So you can¡¯t speak?¡±


    Vice-Minister Ahn, who had been waiting for a while to give them a chance to speak, spoke again.


    ¡°Respected members of the Security Council. Currently, Korea is not only at war with China, but also now with Russia. In addition, there is a need to go to war against Japan, who tacitly made a secret treaty with China. Korea does not want the Northeast Asian war that followed a Korea¨CChina war to escte into a world war. However, on the basis of China and Japan pushing Korea as an illegal invasion country, and in the war with Russia that is attacking the three sages of the Northeast that Korea has upied in the light of the signing of thend transfer agreement with China, I ask that all the member countries see this from a neutral perspective. That¡¯s it. No matter what the aforementioned reason is, we would like to express that Korea would like to solve this war on our own. That is all.¡±


    Vice-Minister Ahn, who finished his speech from beginning to end with a confident voice, sat down. Then, once again, the members of the Security Council stirred. The Chairman of the Security Council, Vice-President Anpoly Macarin, asked the Japanese Ambassador for his finalment.


    ¡°Ambassador Endo Otohiko, will you take up the agenda that Korea is an illegal aggressor nation?¡±


    To this, Ambassador Endo Otohiko thought for a moment, then turned his head from side to side.


    ¡°No. I will cancel it.¡±


    Once the ¡°Japanese¨CChinese Mutual Treaty¡± was confirmed by Korea, the grounds for iming Korea as an illegal aggressor disappeared, and in return, Japan was caught in an embarrassing situation. As a result, proposing an agenda to the Security Council would only magnify Japan¡¯s false ims.


    ¡°Then this meeting of the Security Council will end with this. After a one-hour recess, we will take time to gather and decide from the opinions of each member country to prevent the Northeast Asian war from expanding into a world war. That is all.¡±


    <hr />


    December 14, 2020, 01:20, National Crisis Management Center basement bunker (Oval Office) in Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House


    ¡°Yes. Thank you for your hard work, Vice-Minister Ahn. Please contact me as soon as the second meeting is over.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak hung up the phone and approached the President right away to speak.


    ¡°I just received a call that the Security Council meeting is over.¡±


    At the UN Security Council convening for an emergency meeting, several senior officials, including President Suh Hyun-woo, were waiting for the results of the meeting at the Blue House.


    ¡°What were the results of the meeting?¡±


    ¡°It seems that ¡®The Japanese¨CChinese Mutual Treaty¡¯ obtained from the NIS this time yed a significant role. He said that Japan raised it on the agenda but ended up canceling it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    ¡°I think it was a good blow to Japan this time.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kim, you expressed that well.¡±


    ¡°However, Mr. President, I have one question . . .¡±


    ¡°What is it, Minister Kang?¡±


    ¡°I was wondering if you opted to remain silent about Japan¡¯s Sarin gas spraying incident at this Security Council meeting.¡±


    Minister of Defense Kang Hyun-soo asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not because of anything else. Wouldn¡¯t it be a shame to use two of our aces at once? Sometime in the future, there will be a day when we can use the Sarin gas matter properly.¡±


    ¡°So that was the reason why, sir.¡±


    After making a meaningful expression, the President then turned to Minister Kim and asked a question.


    ¡°How is it currently going on with the expulsion of the Japanese Embassy staff?¡±


    ¡°Yes, all 32 embassy staff, including Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine and the Consul General, will be expelled today. On the other hand, Japan has also issued orders for the expulsion of both the Korean Ambassador and the Korean Embassy staff.¡±


    ¡°Securing the safety of our own people is our first and foremost priority. Please proceed quickly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs topletely stop tourism to Japan, and to return Korean citizens and international students residing in Japan.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    This time, President Suh shifted his gaze to the Head of the NIS and spoke as if he were making a request.


    ¡°Japan will surely use this as an opportunity to revive militarism. I believe it won¡¯t end easily. At the NIS, please pay more attention to gathering overseas information on Japan.¡±


    ¡°There is information that Japan is increasing import requests for US weapons.¡±


    ¡°What do you think is the stance of the United States?¡±


    ¡°Although they im to take a neutral stance on the outside, what we have seen so far of the behavior of the United States makes it seem likely they will be exporting most of the weapons.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Minister Kim, meet with the United States Ambassador and check their position more urately. Please make it clear that it is very unpleasant to continue to betray us in this way.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    President Suh briefly tilted his head back and slowly pressed on his neck while wrapping it. Perhaps due to the increasinglyplex rtions with several countries, he had a lot of stress these days.


    ¡°Yes. How is it currently going with the Russian Army?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, there is no military conflict with Russia yet. To my knowledge, they are currently fighting on several fronts.¡±


    ¡°I am actually more concerned about Russia than China or Japan.¡±


    The President voiced his honest feelings. To this, the Minister of Defense replied with understanding.


    ¡°Mr. President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff will figure this out well. It¡¯s best to believe and wait.¡±


    ¡°That is true. Didn¡¯t we ovee China easily?¡±


    Tofort the mentally anguished President, even the Head of the NIS expressively supported what the Minister of Defense was saying.


    ¡°I understand. I think my mind wandered off while thinking about various scenarios. Well then! Let¡¯s finish this meeting here, and I¡¯ll see you again tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    December 14, 2020, 02:00, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku


    On the main screen in the situation room, the symbols marking the Korean and Russian forces along the three sages border of Russia and China were standing face to face. Although there had been no military collisions yet, over time, each country¡¯s army was standing face to face with a narrowed distance of fewer than 50 km. Of these, the 5th Army¡¯s 57th Motorized Rifle Division led the tank regiment and was advancing faster than the other units. The Korean force going against them was not the ground army but the 1st Marine Division¡¯s 3rd Marine Regiment.


    ¡°Can the current 3rd Marine Regiment stop the 57th Division of Russia?¡±


    Chairman Kang Yi-sik asked, with a slightly worried expression.


    ¡°ording to our current understanding, the 57th Motorized Rifle Division of Russia consists of 233 motorized rifle regiments, 234 motorized rifle regiments, 12 tank regiments, and 55 air defense regiments. Their total number of troops is 6,393.¡±


    The Director of Operation pointed to several parts of the screen with aser pointer and continued exining.


    ¡°As you may know, the most threatening unit is the 12th Tank Regiment, which is running the T-80 and leading the advancement. The total number of tanks is confirmed to be 123.¡±


    ¡°We are behind even in numbers. Even if the main Russian tank is an early version, it¡¯s still a third-generation tank. Wouldn¡¯t it be difficult to go against a tank equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore gun with just anding vehicle?¡±


    ¡°If wepare with the specifications alone, the defense of the K-24P-N amphibious assaultnding vehicle operated by the Marine Corps is enough to block the 125-mm smoothbore gun of the T-80 tank. Also, I think the T-80 tank can be destroyed with the 50-mm photon gun of the amphibious assaultnding vehicle.¡±


    ¡°Well, even so, I want to minimize the damage in the fight against Russia. Where is the nearest armored unit?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the 82nd Mechanized Infantry Division, directly under the 5th Boundary Command, is located at 252 km southeast of the 3rd Marine Regiment.¡±


    ¡°Good! ce the 3rd Marine Regiment to the rear up to 80 km and direct the 82nd Mechanized Infantry Division to support the 3rd Marine Regiment by only deploying two tank battalions.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 139

    <h4>Chapter 139</h4>


    December 14, 2020, 02:20, in the depths of East China Sea 26¡ã2¡ä northerntitude 124¡ã19¡ä eastern longitude


    Together with the Lee Bong-chang ship (SSP-81), the Cho Bong-ham ship (SSP-83), which entered the East China Sea on October 24 to protect Korean vessels and monitor the Chinese navy, continued without failure in the deep sea. It sought to unfold an antisubmarine vignce n regarding the Chinese submarines and their suspicious activities.


    At 2:20 a.m., most of the crew members of the Cho Bong-ham ship (SSP-83) had fallen asleep, and only eight officers on duty that day fought their urge to sleep and had faithfully worked on their respective missions.


    In the slightly dark Cho Bong-ham ship (SSP-83) with only a few low-intensity lights on, the Battle Control Room Sonar Director, Lieutenant Oh Han-hyung, was persistently bothered by a small unidentifiable sound heard through his headset. Appointed as Sonar Director for three years and now a veteran in a way, Lieutenant Oh was in a dilemma. When he checked the sonar information in the 3D monitor, the location of the small sound was in the northern part of Taiwan Strait, 311 kilometers southwest.


    In truth, it was impossible to detect a sound from a distance of 311 kilometers using the SUSL-01MP active sonar of the Cho Bong-ham ship (SSP-83). The farthest distance that the sonar could be detected was 150 kilometers, and it was only possible to locate the opponent clearly within 100 kilometers. However, the unknown sonar was captured from 311 kilometers away, and it was a very ambiguous situation to just ignore.


    ¡°Vice-Captain, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant Oh Han-hyung took off his headset and quietly spoke to the Vice-Captain, Major Na Il-woo.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell what it is exactly, but I keep hearing subtle noises from 311 kilometers southwest that I can¡¯t decipher.¡±


    ¡°Three hundred eleven kilometers southwest?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It is at the northern end of the Taiwan Strait.¡±


    Major Na carefully looked at a portion of the monitor Lieutenant Oh was pointing at and spoke.


    ¡°Is our sonar performance at that level?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. If the weather is good and there is no central line of streamflow, the maximum distance is 150 kilometers.¡±


    Given Lieutenant Oh¡¯s answer, Major Na leaned closer to the monitor and asked again, ¡°It would make me uneasy to just ignore the noise detected outside of the maximum sonar distance. But what do you think?¡±


    Lieutenant Oh answered Major Na¡¯s question.


    ¡°In my opinion, I believe that detecting a sonar from that distance could mean that the source is arge-scale vessel or a submarine.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Yes, you may be right. Watchman.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Kim Hyun-gook.¡±


    ¡°Wake up the Captain.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A few momentster, the Captain entered the Battle Control Room and asked in a sleepy voice.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Captain, sir! Please look at the sonar monitor here.¡±


    Major Na Woo hurriedly gave a salute and an exnation.


    ¡°Low noises have been detected 311 kilometers away, and after hearing various opinions, we have agreed that it is likely from arge group of vessels or submarines.¡±


    ¡°You detected a noise even if it was 311 kilometers away?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    This time, Sonar Director Lieutenant Oh answered.


    ¡°That is indeed suspicious! We¡¯re going to need to confirm it. Vice-Captain! Approach it at an 80-kilometer distance.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 2-7-6, half turn to starboard! Full submersion at a submerged angle of 12 degrees and a depth up to 120.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 2-7-6, half turn to starboard! Fully submerging with a submerged angle of 12 degrees and a depth up to 120.¡±


    Sergeant Lee Hak-gyu, who was at the helm of the night shift and the head naval shipbuilding, continued to repeat the report. The Cho Bong-ham ship (SSP-83) simultaneously turned to starboard and bowed deeper into the ocean; it began to speed up.


    Two hourster, the men in the Battle Control Room of the Cho-Bong-ham ship (SSP-83), after approaching the unknown sound location at 90 kilometers, was shocked to discover the source of the noise.


    The information disyed on the 3D monitor used exclusively for sonar showed several suspicious ships, and some of which were thetest model of destroyers from China¡¯s South Sea fleet and East Sea Fleet, such as the Kunming ss, Lanzhou ss, and Hangzhou ss, which were semi-Aegis ss destroyers and escort vessels. Also, two self-built aircraft carriers from China were included. What was even more surprising was that therge-scale fleet included 153 ships, including 23 submarines.


    ¡°A total of 153 ships and submarines have currently been confirmed! Perhaps due to the huge size of the fleet, we have detected it outside of the 300 kilometers, sir. ¡±


    Sonar Director Lieutenant Oh, after analyzing the sonar-detected information, took off his headset. He spoke.


    ¡°One hundred and fifty-three ships. It can definitely be seen as arge fleet for amphibious warfare, sir.¡±


    Vice-Captain Major Na said to the Captain with surprised eyes.


    ¡°Probably. It¡¯s very likely, but the problem is where theirnding point is. Where do you think it is?¡± asked the Captain, who nodded at the Vice-Captain¡¯s opinion.


    ¡°From my perspective, it is most likely Jeju Ind, sir.¡±


    ¡°Jeju Ind. What is the distance from here to Jeju Ind?¡±


    ¡°It is approximately 840 kilometers, sir.¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant Oh, can you obtain information on all of the vessels?¡±


    ¡°A hundred percent will be difficult, sir. We haven¡¯t rified specifications about the recentlymissioned Chinese vessels.¡±


    ¡°Well, that can¡¯t be helped! Good! Then analyze all information about Chinese vessels as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Captain, sir, are you going to attack?¡±


    The Vice-Captain asked in an anxious voice. To this, as if the Captain knew what the intention was behind the question, he tapped the Vice-Captain¡¯s shoulders and remarked, ¡°Are you worried that we will? I want to attack, but going against 150 ships with just our submarine would be like jumping into a fire pit. Get as much information as possible and fall back.¡±


    <hr />


    December 14, 2020, 07:30 (CST 06:30), in the ins 45 kilometers west of Tanshang, China (at the 20th Armored Division¡¯s [Decisive Battle] location)


    After upying Qinhuandaost night, the 20th Armored Division resumed the Beijing advancement n at dawn against the 65th Army Group and 27th Army Group, who constructed theirst line of defense.


    In front of the 61st Armored Brigade, which was maneuvering at the vanguard, the 13th Armored Division, a subordinate unit of the 27th Army Group with arge-scale force, was detected to be in ambush. To this, the 26th Tank Battalion of the 60th Armored Brigade, ordered by the Division Commander to support the nk of the 61st Armored Brigade, sprinted forward at full speed, leaving caterpir tracks along the frozen rice paddies.


    China¡¯s defense strategy was seen in previous counterattacks on the Western front, wherein the Chinese armored and anti-tank units, in battalion andpany-sized units, waited in small towns of the Great ins to conduct surprise attacks. This slowed down the speed of the Korean Army¡¯s advancement and expanded the defense fronts to focus on dividing the small-numbered Korean Army¡¯s forces.


    Vroooooom!


    Even in the dark, the Korean soldiers turned on three vision modes while maintaining full defense and surveince in case the Chinese Army will ambush attack and maneuvered to the side of the 60th Armored Brigade.


    ¡°This is the Battalion Commander. There is information that the 61st Armored Brigade has entered into battle. Maneuver at full speed.¡±


    The 26th Tank Battalion, which was 25 kilometers away from the 60th Armored Brigade, increased its speed to a maximum of 80 kilometers per hour in the wilderness. No matter how excellent the suspension device was, it was like death to the crew inside the tank to move through the bumpy field at this speed.


    Dudududududu!


    In the air, eight 171 FAH-91SP Falcons of the 17th Aviation Group, a direct subordinate of the Army Group and temporarily assigned to support the 20th Armored Division, flew over the 26th Tank Battalion this time to support the 61st Armored Brigade that had just entered the battle.


    ¡°Sh*t!¡±


    The 7th Company Tank 712 Commander Sergeant Oh Young-taek, who was cursing, clutched the handle while giving himself to the irregrly shaking tank and making himself heard through the headset.


    ¡°Yeom! I¡¯m dying, can¡¯t you drive straight?¡±


    ¡°Commander, sir, I think I¡¯m going to die too. But we can¡¯t go against the Battalion Commander¡¯s orders, right?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it because your driving skills are lousy?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me? I have one year and four months of just driving tanks, sir.¡±


    ¡°Of course, the petty corporal.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Oh, you¡¯re too much, sir. Corporal Yeom is also a driver somewhat recognized by thepany.¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo intervened in the conversation and took the side of Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim, I can only rely on you, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sh*tters.¡±


    It was then that the Battalion Commander¡¯s orders fell through the battalion¡¯smunicationwork. Spider drones deployed from the headquarterpany before the maneuvering had detected ambushing Chinese troops in several ces ahead.


    ¡°Seven o¡¯clock ahead! The ambush unit is estimated to be anti-tank missile units at a distance of 6,000! Starting with the 7th Company, change to form a line formation and decelerate to a speed of 40.¡±


    Vroom! Vrooooom! Vroom!


    As soon as the Battalion Commander¡¯s orders were issued, eachpany quickly changed directions and entered low-speed maneuvers toward the direction of where the ambush unit was detected while maintaining thepany line formation.


    ¡°Since there is no time, respond to each toon tactic to destroy them as quickly as possible and support the original unit.¡±


    Once again, the Battalion Commander¡¯s orders came through the battalion¡¯smunicationwork.


    Five minutester, the K-3 White Tiger tank¡¯s L-3 (Laser Warning Receiver) began to ring, and the Chinese anti-tank missile attack began. AFT-10 armored vehicles emerged from several small towns and began firing HJ-10 anti-tank missiles at the 26th Tank Battalion. The missile flew in session while emitting white smoke from the quad-directionaluncher. The K-3 White Tiger tankunched the active SECM shield system while moving quickly from side to side.


    Shoooong¡ª Shoooong¡ª


    Tens of HJ-10 anti-tank missiles flew with white smoke trails toward the White Tiger tanks as if they were looking for prey. However, the powerful jamming of the active SECM shield system caused them to either lose their target and explode in the air or explode on the ground after spinning around.


    Crash! Crash!


    An anti-tank missile that flew toward the side of Tank 712 rotated a few times in the air while spinning, and a cloud of dirt rose after it hit the ground.


    ¡°Skipping target one at nine o¡¯clock, target two is at target range 1800. Shoot two shots in a row.¡±


    Sergeant Oh urgently changed the target rank and ordered a shot toward the AFT-10 armored vehicle that suddenly protruded from the building at nine o¡¯clock.


    Zap! Zap!


    Two red minerals flew consecutively at the speed of light from the photon cannon of Tank 712. After the Chinese AFT-10 armored vehicle twitched a few times, as if it would fall to its side, red mes burned with an explosion.


    Crash!


    ¡°Good! Staff Sergeant Kim, go back to target one again. Shoot at the 2200 range.¡±


    Reaching the peak of teamwork through this war, the three crew members of Tank 712 continued moving forward while firing the drawn-out photon cannon and destroying the Chinese armored vehicles one after another.


    <hr />


    December 14, 2020, 09:00, Cab Emergency Security situation room in Tokyo, Japan


    ¡°What kind of a writer are you?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, whose face had turned red, yelled and was pointing his finger to the man who was standing restlessly.


    ¡°What do you even do correctly?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, who quickly switched to an informal way of speaking, couldn¡¯t control his rage; he picked up a small vase on the table and threw it against the wall.


    Shatter!


    The vase that hit the wall broke into pieces, and debris flew everywhere.


    Prime Minister Abe, who exhaled so hard that his upper body heaved, sat down heavily on the chair.


    ¡°I apologize, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    Chief Junichi Inamoto, Head of the Cab Information Office and in charge of all information in Japan, bowed his head and kept repeating his apology.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard enough of your apologies. Take responsibility for this and leave that position. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, I will.¡±


    ¡°You can leave now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you for everything, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    Chief Junichi Inamoto bowed down to his waist and opened the door, leaving the Prime Minister¡¯s office.


    Japan attempted to receive enormous damagepensation for the cost of istion and JMSDF casualties and ship damages from the internationalmunity by raising an item on the agenda of the UN Security Council of Korea as an illegal aggressor. However, when the Japanese-Chinese Mutual Treaty was leaked to Korea in advance, instead of being able to raise an item of the agenda, it just gave Korea the legitimacy to attack Japan.


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    The Minister of Defense, who had been sitting and watching until then, replied, ¡°Has China contacted us regarding the next schedule?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, it came through.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki handed the documents he brought to report to Prime Minister Abe.

 Chapter 140

    <h4>Chapter 140</h4>


    December 14, 2020 12:00 (CST 11:00), Sea 200 km east of Ningbo, China


    More than 100 vessels passing through the Taiwan Strait passed through Ningbo and encountered another fleet to form arge-scale anti-ship force. Over 50 assaultnding ships and civilian transports, including two aircraft carriers, and over 70 destroyers and escort ships, were sailing at high speed toward Jeju Ind in South Korea, breaking through the huge waves that hit the deck. In the depths of that region, some 20 submarines, including nuclear submarines, also moved north with the speed of surface vessels.


    A total of 153 ships of the anti-ship force of the East Sea Fleet, which joined the South Sea Fleet of China and Ningbo City, departed from Zhanjiang Port on December 12. Although all of China¡¯s naval forces have gathered, excluding the North Sea Fleet and the 4th Fleet that were almost obliterated, roughly as many as 150,000 navynd forces and army troops were on board. And with 40 of the Chinese-style Aegis ships, called the Aegis ship of the West, this anti-ship force¡¯s magnitude could be considered the strongest naval force in Northeast Asia by just looking at its size and scale.


    The anti-ship force that would be safe even if all three fleets had gathered all of their main forces, went beyond the fate of the Chinese Navy and entered the fate of China¡¯s first andst maritime operations. The original n was for the JMSDF to take over Dok-do Ind and thereby exclude the Korean Navy¡¯s 1st Fleet from the war power, go against and defeat the 3rd Fleet,nd four divisions of the Navynd forces simr to the Korean Marine Corps on the first round on Jeju Ind, immediately destroy the 2nd Fleet, andnd an army group on the coast of Daecheon.


    Unfortunately, however, the Chinese anti-ship forces did not know that they had been detected by a Korean submarine after passing through the Taiwan Strait.


    The Chief Commander of China¡¯s anti-ship forces, Commander in Chief of the Naval Command Zhang Jike, looked at the wide-open horizon from the Hebei ship¡¯s ind bridge, the first aircraft carrier built by China¡¯s own technology, and spoke to Hebei ship¡¯s Captain Chen Jing.


    ¡°What is the current distance to Jeju Ind?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander in Chief Zhang Jike, sir, from the current standards, Jeju Ind is 484 km away.¡±


    Captain Chen Jing replied in a loud voice, citing the information he received from the Lieutenant that was next to him. Next to him, the main Commanders of the Navy, who held the ranks of Vice Admirals, including the East Sea Fleet Commander, the South Sea Fleet Commander, and the 4th Fleet Commander, stood in attention.


    ¡°There are 17 hours left until the operation time, so let¡¯s go to the conference room for a final inspection of the n.¡±


    After he finished talking, Commander in Chief Zhang fixed his hat and left the bridge as each of the Fleet Commanders and staff lined up behind, following him.


    * * *


    December 14, 2020, 13:00, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Seoul Yongsan-ku


    The members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had convened since early morning to respond to the emergency message from the Cho Bong-ham ship (SSP-83), concluded the meeting at 10:00 a.m. After a meal and some rest, they entered the second meeting at 1:00 p.m.


    The most controversial part of the morning meeting that began at dawn was regarding the power of the 10th Landing Fleet and the Maritime Task Floti 7 that were currently waiting in Dalian tond on Shandong Penins. One opinion was that in the current situation, thending on Shandong Penins was not appropriate and that the Maritime Task Floti 7 should be dispatched to Jeju Ind. The opposing opinion was that the strategy already in n should be continued as is. They believed that it was the only time tond on Shandong Penins during the advancement to Beijing. Both opinions were reasonable.


    As apromise, three of the Maritime Task Floti 7 ships were dispatched to Jeju Ind to support the 3rd Fleet, and the 1st Fleet was also to be maneuvered to the southern end of Jeju Ind to prevent China fromnding in Jeju Ind with the 3rd Fleet. For the Shandong Peninsnding operation, the Air Force decided to providerge-scale aircraft support. This was the situation decided during the meeting that morning.


    ¡°There is one area of concern, sir.¡±


    Simr to the meeting in the morning, in the afternoon, the Commanders of each fleet attended the video meeting to express their opinion. As soon as the meeting began, the 1st Fleet (East Sea Fleet) Commander Rear Admiral Gil Woon-suk presented his opinion.


    ¡°Please speak.¡±


    ¡°From the morning meeting, our naval fleet to stop the Chinese anti-ship forces are the 1st Fleet, 3rd Fleet, 93rd and 95th Submarine Squadrons, and three destroyers of the Maritime Task Floti 7. However, the 1st Fleet is currently confronting the JMSDF 6th Fleet. Also, the JMSDF Escort Floti 4 is heading north through the Shimonoseki Sea Route to the South Sea. If at the moment when the Chinese anti-ship forces are about tond on Jeju Ind and the JMSDF Escort Floti 2 will deploy its marine forces to Jeju Ind, the 1st Fleet not only needs to face against the Chinese anti-ship forces but also against the JMSDF Escort Floti 2.¡±


    It was a situation very likely to happen. Currently, Japan, through a secret agreement with China, actively intervened in the Korea¨CChina war with the upation of Dok-do Ind as a starting point. In this Chinesending operation, it was highly probable that Japanese escort forces would help.


    ¡°That is a very urate point.¡±


    Operation nning Director, Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon, continued speaking while leaning his upper body toward the conference table.


    ¡°It is a likely scenario, no, definitely, Japan will send marine forces to Jeju Ind to disperse our naval forces.¡±


    ¡°Is there a countermeasure?¡±


    Chief of Naval Operations General Na Hyung-hwan asked.


    ¡°Honestly, this is the limit of naval power in the current situation. Although the 2nd Fleet is of avable power, the 2nd Fleet is currently defending the entire west coast. For this reason, I think we should make full use of the Poseidon 3 and the Air Force. But most of all, to stop the JMSDF Escort Floti 2, there needs to be a strong blow to the Japanese maind.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by a strong blow?¡±


    ¡°I believe we shouldunch a missile attack on the Japanese maind to prevent the Chinese Navy and the JMSDF Escort Floti 2 from engaging in joint operations.¡±


    At the statement of the Director of Operation nning, the conference room stirred briefly.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be a little difficult? Not only have our international students, but many Korean citizens, not yet returned to Korea from maind Japan.¡±


    Chief of Army Operations General Shin Sung-yong spoke with a concerned expression.


    ¡°But in order to stop the movement of the JMSDF in advance¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am also against that.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staffs Kang Yi-sik raised his hand and intervened in the conversation.


    ¡°Although I like Lieutenant General Na¡¯s n, I agree with General Shin that an attack on the Japanese maind is premature.¡±


    When the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff joined the opposition, the Director of Operation nning could not continue talking. At this time, the Director of Operation Center raised his hand to present his opinion.


    ¡°Then how about Tsushima? The Japanese who are currently living in Tsushima are evacuating to the maind, and I believe a self-propelled gun attack on military bases rather than the residential area would be okay. ¡±


    ¡°Hmm. That¡¯s not bad. If it¡¯s not a missile attack but a self-propelled artillery attack, it wouldn¡¯t be a big problem. What are the opinion of others?¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who responded positively, asked while looking around.


    ¡°I believe that much would be okay, Chairman, sir.¡±


    General Shin, who was the first to oppose an attack on the maind, spoke with a positive attitude this time.


    ¡°How about you, Lieutenant General Na?¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked the Director of Operation nning.


    ¡°Yes, that seems okay. However, I think it¡¯s unknown whether the Japanese government will assign the JMSDF for an attack on Tsushima.¡±


    Perhaps still considering the idea of an attack on maind Japan, Lieutenant General Na slightly slipped in his words.


    ¡°Good, then, if the JMSDF Escort Floti 2 moves and enters the operation with the Chinese Navy, first attack Tsushima, and if not, let¡¯sunch a cruise missile attack on the Escort Floti 2¡¯s naval base, Sasebo.¡±


    At this time, an adjutant came in after hurriedly opening the door of the meeting room.


    ¡°Just now, there has been a report from the 1st Marine Division. The report states that 15 minutes ago, the battle with Russia¡¯s 57th Motorized Rifle Division hadmenced. ¡±


    As of 12:00 noon on December 12, the battle began between Russia¡¯s 57th Motorized Rifle Division, who advanced the fastest to the three sages of the Northeast, and the 1st Marine Division.


    ¡°Okay. It has finally started. Let¡¯s end the second meeting here and begin the third meeting again at 7:00 p.m.¡±


    To check in real time the status of the first engagement with the Russian Army, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff quickly ended the meeting and stood up to head to the situation room. The rest of the staff also stood up then returned to their respective positions.


    * * *


    December 14, 2020, 13:50 (CST 12:50), 62 km northeast of Shuangyashan, China


    Two tank battalions of the 82nd Armored Division (Bohai), a direct unit of the 5th Boundary Command, by the previous day¡¯s order maneuvered at a high speed to support the 1st Marine Division with their weak armored power. As they arrived in the vicinity of Shuangyashan at 10:00 a.m. on Friday and moved at the vanguard with the Russian 12th Tank Regiment¡¯s advancement, the battle between the armored units continued with high intensity.


    Tens of K-2 ck Panther tanks cut through the white snowfield, and all at once fired from their gun barrels at the Russian T-80 tanks approaching them at a distance of 2,000 m. Simrly, all Russian T-80 tanks also fired from their guns at once while the distance between them gradually narrowed.


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    Every time each battle formation fired at once, both formation¡¯s tanks took a direct hit, and several tanks exploded while spouting mes.


    Crash! Crassssh!


    The K-2 ck Panther tank, which was once ranked third in the world among 4th-generation tanks, fought through the gunshots and fired their retaliation shots.


    As tens of shots traveled to each other several times on the wide ins, the number of tanks that had slumped in the white snowfield visibly increased on the Russian side. Despite their superiority in number, the T-80 tanks, the initial version of the third-generation ss, could notpete against the ck Panther tanks.


    Furthermore, the power of the 50-mm photon gun of the K-24P-N amphibious assault vehicle supporting and charging from behind the K-2 ck Panther tanks was sufficient to prate the front armor of the T-80 tanks, which did not have reaction armor.


    In this situation, the 9P148 Konkurs, the BRDM-2 armored vehicle, and the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle equipped with five-directional AT-5 Spandrel anti-tank missileunchers on both sides made an appearance and aimed at the side of the ck Panther tanks. The AT-5 Spandrel anti-tank missile that had been fired all at once flew at a high speed while disying white track. But due to the hard-kill active defense system of the ck Panther tank, the anti-tank missile was hit by an interceptor and exploded in the air without being able to function properly.


    Shooo ~ Crash! Shoooo ~ Crash!


    The battle became more intense as hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles flocked to one point.


    After three hours, the 57th Motorized Rifle Division of Russia, realizing that the tide of battle had shifted, retreated to the rear. In response, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Korea issued an order to stop the aggressive attack, to step back to the rear for maintenance, and wait.


    When the Russians, who used to look down at the South Korean Army, suffered a huge defeat in their first engagement, the 5th Army Command was greatly taken aback. No matter how strong the Korean Army was rumored to be and how they utterly beat China, it was unimaginable that the Russian troops, who were united with pride, would be defeated like this. In response, the Russian authorities canceled the advancement order for all units advancing to the three sages of the Northeast and changed their strategy to adhere to the current location and switch to thetest equipment before advancing again.


    * * *


    December 14, 2020, 19:30, in the sea 72 km west off Jeju Ind (the 3rd Fleet¡¯s location)


    Among the ships belonging to the 3rd Fleet defending the sea near Gageo Ind, six destroyers and eight escort ships capable of open-seabat received orders from the Naval Operations Command and were sailing to the southern end of Jeju Ind. This was to carry out the mission with the 1st Fleet to prevent the Chinese anti-ship force fromnding on Jeju Ind.


    The 13 ships, which were drawn out in a single columnar formation, broke through the rough waves that created white foam and just passed the 72-km west point of Jeju Ind.


    At the bridge of the KD-3A King Sejong-ss Sejong the Great King ship (DDG-997) that was sailing at the very front, the 3rd Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Park Soo-il sped his hands behind his back and said a word while watching the blue waves diverging from the nose of the ship.


    ¡°Lieutenant, after dinner tonight, give all the crew members of your fleet some free time and instruct them to write at least one letter to be sent home.¡±


    ¡°Are you speaking of ast will, sir?¡±


    At the Lieutenant¡¯s question of a will, Rear Admiral Park spoke with a slight smile.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit sad to call it ast will? I want to say that it¡¯s just a greeting to say hello to their families.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Haha, Rear Admiral, sir, will you be writing one too?¡±


    The Captain of the King Sejong ship, Yoon Kyung-jin, jokingly asked.


    ¡°Of course, you old bean. Hahaha, a wife like a fox and kids like rabbits. No, now the grown kids are more like wolves than rabbits. Shouldn¡¯t I write a letter to them? You should write one too.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, yes, Rear Admiral, sir.¡±


    Althoughughing outwardly, the Rear Admiral and the Captain¡¯s hearts were heavy. This was because the battle with the Chinese anti-ship force could be thest battle they would fight and could mark the end of their lives. However, as a Commander, they couldn¡¯t show this sentiment, so they just continued tough and carry a conversation peppered with jokes.

 Chapter 141

    <h4>Chapter 141</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 02:00, Gujora Beach in Geoje Ind, South Gyeongsang Province


    A strong winter wind was blowing at the makeshift pier on Geoje Ind as six K-9A1 Lightning self-propelled guns with bright lights created a W-shape formation tounch a radiant heat protection jo0b in azimuth at 2400.


    The six silver-colored barrels of thetest self-propelled guns of Korean artillery forcespleted the job while pointing in the direction of Tsushima Ind in less than a minute. Many armored vehicles, including FDCs, also took their positions andpleted the necessary procedures, ready to open fire as soon as ordered.


    Each K-9A1 Lightning self-propelled armored vehicle had 60 DP-ICPDMs (dual purpose, improved sma cluster bombs) that integrated bomb and charge in its bomb storage space. All firing data for the bombing point had beenpletely entered. They were ready to exhaust all 60 bombs in less than 10 minutes upon receiving orders to open fire at any moment.


    <Specs on the K-9A1 Lightning Self-propelled Gun>


    Caliber Length: 155 mm


    Crew: Three


    Moving Type: Orbital type


    Weight: 38 tons


    Power-to-weight ratio ratio: 55 horsepower/ton


    Speed: 90 km/h


    Gradability: 60%


    Tilting Capability: 30%


    Flying Range: 1500 km


    Engine: KPP-50 sma engine power: 2,500 horsepower


    Firepower (range): 85 km


    Burst Fire: 5 rounds in 15 seconds


    Maximum Rate of Fire: 16 rounds per minute for 3 minutes


    Sustained Rate of Fire: 5 rounds per minute for an hour


    First Round Velocity, Emcement: Within 20 seconds


    First Round Velocity, During Move: Within 40 seconds


    Internal Armament: One 8mm Laser Vulcan


    Anti-Aircraft Weapon: 60mm GTAS-60 Green Dragon 2nd Flight X 2


    Other: Gun-Charge integrated DP-ICPDM (dual purpose, improved sma cluster bomb)


    Ammunition Load: 60 rounds


    Tsushima was an ind mentioned frequently in literary novels about wars between Korea and Japan. In these novels, the ind would usually be the first to meet a tragic fate after being attacked and ruined by Korean military forces and eventually seized by parachute troops.


    In fact, from Japan¡¯s perspective, Tsushima was geographically a very valuable ind in terms of military strategy and tactics. But for the same reason as exined previously about novels, only battalion-level, light-armed military forces were stationed on the ind, and they were not geared enough to respond to potentialrge-scalending operations of Korean troops.


    However, the military forces wereposed of elite troops including maritime/air self-defense forces that had received ranger training, and they took the ind-reiming training so seriously that they went as far as to mobilize helicopters and LCACs. The ind was also used as their frontline radar operating base by installing ground-fixed long-range early warning radars to detect missiles from China and North Korea, not to mention South Korea.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 03:40, in the seas 43 km southeast of Jeju Ind (the 3rd Fleet¡¯s location)


    The Korean Navy¡¯s forces, whose mission was to stop the Chinese anti-ship naval forces fromnding, included two fleets, the Maritime Task Squadrons 72 under the Maritime Task Floti Seven, and a submarine under the submarinemand.


    They were armed with 3 Hoc destroyers, 6 Aegis destroyers, 8 air-defense destroyers, 17 escort ships, and 9 submarines. They totaled 41 destroyers and submarines¡ªindicating arge-scale military power¡ªand yet the scale was only one third of the Chinese anti-ship naval forces that were heading north toward Jeju Ind. Moreover, the Chinese anti-ship naval forces included 2 aircraft carriers, which weighed a total of 70,000 tons and had 50 seanesnded on the decks. Another factor to be considered was the fact that the Republic of Korea¡¯s Navy 1st Fleet was currently in confrontation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and was not able to spare its military power to deal with the Chinese anti-ship naval forces.


    At this time, dozens of vessels were slowly sailing south in silence over the dark ocean, where even the stars were hiding behind dark clouds. They were just 110 km away from the front fleet of the Chinese army¡¯s anti-ship forces. On the surface, the ocean was calm and serene, with only fireflies glowing over the white ocean waves forming between the tracks that followed the sailing vessels.


    KD-3A ROKS Seongjong the Great (DDG-997) destroyer was in charge of the fullmand, but the naval battle was already in progress under the control of the Hoc destroyer, KD-4 ROKS Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005), which was put in charge of engagement control, including setting the attack targets and assignment of missile interception missions. In other words, they were trying to minimize missile losses and power distribution losses caused by more than necessary ovep in attacks and interception.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s about time, don¡¯t you think, Admiral Park?¡±


    Admiral Lee Ki-hyung asked, looking at the screen installed at the top of the bridge of the vessel. He had arrived at the ROKS Seongjong the Great (DDG-997) by helicopter from the Republic of Korea Fleet Command in Busan the previous night to personally direct the Jeju Ind defense operation. To his question, Maj. Gen. Park Soo-il, Commander of the 3rd Fleet, had this answer.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll have any problem in an engagement at this distance.¡±


    ¡°Good. What¡¯s the distance from this vessel?¡±


    ROKS Seongjong the Great (DDG-997) destroyer had arge screen linked to aputer in the Combat Command Room, and it allowed them to see all kinds of information at a nce in real time.


    ¡°Currently, the distance from this vessel is 112 km, and its 104 km from the Maritime Task Squadrons 72.¡±


    This time, the answer came from Colonel Yoon Kyung-jin, Commander of the ROKS Seongjong the Great (DDG-997).


    ¡°Notify our submarines involved in this operation to slowly narrow the distance when there is an order. Neverunch an attack and issue an order of arrangement of conflict to all vessels,¡± said Admiral Lee.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When the Commander of Operations issued the order, the operator in charge ofmunications propagated the conflict assignment order to all vessels. All crew members of the ROKS Seongjong the Great (DDG-997) started getting busy in their positions following an rm signal for the arrangement ofbat.


    WHEEZE! WHEEZE!


    ¡°All vessels, arrangement for conflict! Arrangement for conflict!¡±


    ¡°Hook up the information link from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite.¡±


    Usually, all information about the Chinese anti-ship forces were required to be checked thoroughly through the Apollo reconnaissance satellite, but this time it did not happen. Perhaps powerful electromaic waves were being emitted from China to all vessels to avoid being detected by the Korean reconnaissance satellites. However, it didn¡¯t mean reconnaissance was not possible.


    ¡°High-resolution reconnaissance is not easy because of strong radio interference, sir.¡±


    A momentter, Chinese anti-ship vessels were seen on the big screen emitting electric noise.


    Dozens of destroyers were heading northward, followed bynding group and civilian transport ships, and finally, two aircraft carriers and a destroyer that was escorting them. It was arge group of surface vessels with a total distance of 20 km.


    At this time, a report came through themunicationswork linked to thebatmander room of the Hoc destroyer, KD-4 ROKS Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005).


    ¨C Ship nes are taking off from the aircraft carriers! They are J-15 fighters. So far, 22 of them have taken off. More are poised to take off.


    * J-15 (a/k/a Shenyang J-15) is the Chinese-made carrier-based fighter aircraft, modeled after the Russian Su-33 as part of the Chinese Navy¡¯s ambitious n to own aircraft carriers. It used two WS-10A turbofan engines when the first prototype made its maiden flight on August 31, 2009. Since the J-15 fighter was initially developed as a carrier-based fighter, it featured folding-type wings and reinforcednding gear. Its engine performance and fusge features are believed to be simr to the Chinese version of the Su-27¡¯s Simyang J-11, and it is a threat to Korean vessels because it can fire missiles with a maximum speed of Mach 2.5. It also features a range of 110¨C20 km and fire Kh-31 and 41 supersonic air-to-ship missiles.


    ¡°Finally, it started. We have an aircraft carrier too.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that, sir?¡±


    At Admiral Lee Ki-hyung¡¯s words, Major General Park Soo-il, Commander of the 3rd Fleet, asked with a puzzled look.


    ¡°You have no idea, Admiral Park. Do you think the 25th Fighter Wing on Jeju Ind is also a stationary aircraft carrier?¡±


    ¡°Oh, hahaha, I see what you mean, sir.¡±


    ¡°That was a joke! What¡¯s the status of preparation?¡±


    When asked by Admiral Lee Ki-hyung, the Deputy Tactical Officer immediately answered.


    ¡°All 24 main fighter jets are currently taking off and entering the waters in a supercruise mode.¡±


    In 2019, the 25th Fighter Wing was established to protect the skies over Jeju Ind. To do this, 24 KF-21P Red Phoenix fighter jets were fielded to secure air supremacy. That day, all 24 Red Phoenix fighter jets, which had been on emergency standby on the runway since dawn, took off and quickly flew south in a supercruise mode for an airbat with Chinese J-15 fighters.


    In the meantime, YJ-12 air-to-ship missiles with a range of 120 km were fired toward Korean naval vessels from a total of 48 J-15 fighter jets that took off from two Chinese aircraft carriers. A total of 96 air-to-ship missiles drew white smoke tracks across the dark sky and flew toward three Hoc destroyers belonging to the 3rd Fleet and the 72nd Fleet, which were set as primary targets. A total of 56 rounds were fired per fleet.


    In response, a report was delivered from the ROKS Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005) Combat Command Center.


    ¡°A total of 96 air-to-ship missiles have been fired from enemy vessels! Ny-four seconds until initialnding.¡±


    ¡°Tactical Commander! From now on, we will begin interception control at Sukjong the Great. Carry out the distribution of intercept missiles and an automatic interception in each vessel.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Shortly, the Hoc supeputer of ROKS Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005) calcted the risk ranking and the number of anti-aircraft missiles in each vessel. It also provided target allocation and specifications for all ships.


    WHEEZE! WHEEZE!


    Smoke and mes spewed out from 13 vessels equipped with verticalunchers¡ªexcept for Incheon-ss escort vessels¡ªas various anti-aircraft missiles were fired into the sky one after another until they reached a certain altitude and disappeared into the southward direction while slowly drawing parabs.


    From that moment on, reports about the target interception results poured in like a live broadcast red in each ship¡¯s Combat Command Room. The information about the anti-aircraft missilesunched by the ROKS Seongjong the Great (DDG-997) was also transmitted to the bridge in real time.


    ¡°Seven air-to-ship missiles targeting the main vessel willunch in 15 seconds, beginning with the first one.¡±


    Fireworks disy unfolded in the sky over the dark ocean as missiles fired from the south and the north flew to each other and shed.


    BAM! BAM! CLASH! CLASH!


    Lights leaked through the clouds each time the missiles shed. The dark ocean, dark sky, and dark clouds that shed from time to time created a spectacr sight, but it was an eerie sight to behold as well.


    ¡°The first target interception, sess! The second target interception, sess! The seventh, sess! The eighth target fired toward the Incheon vessel (FF-811) is also sessfully intercepted. The ninth, sess! Thest tenth target. Three seconds. Two. One. Sessfully intercepted.¡±


    Real-time reports of sessful interceptions kept pouring in from the Combat Command Room. Fortunately, all 96 air-to-ship missiles¡ªfired from the J-15 ship nes¡ªwere intercepted, and the J-15 ship nes failed tounch a second attack and made evasion flights in an emergency-maneuver mode. It was because the midrange air-to-air missiles were fired from KF-21P Red Phoenix fighter jets that took off from the 25th Fighter Wing on Jeju Ind.


    When the fighter jets from both forces entered an air warfare, four ship-to-ship missiles were fired from each of the Chinese destroyers.


    ¡°Sukjong the Great! This time, we are alsounching anti-ship missile attacks simultaneously with interception attacks.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A total of 296 anti-ship missiles wereunched from about 80 Chinese destroyers, and it was a number quite different from the air-to-ship missilesunched just a short while ago.


    However, the Hoc system of ROKS Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005)pleted the distribution and allocation calctions for anti-aircraft missiles for interception and ship-to-ship missiles for an offensive in less than a few seconds, and the order was delivered to each fleet. This time, ship-to-ship missiles were allocated to the 1st Fleet as well.


    ROKS Seongjong the Great (DDG-997) was assigned to intercept a total of 28 enemy anti-ship missiles, and a total of 16 rounds were allocated for the 8 ship-to-ship missiles¡ª2 rounds per missile¡ªto attack. It meant all four extendedunch tubes mounted on both sides were to be used for the attack.


    From the verticalunchers, the SM-2 anti-aircraft missiles were fired nonstop each second. Blue mes sparked from the ship-to-ship missileunch tubes on both sides of the vessels as well.


    At this time,munication was delivered from the Commander of the First Fleet. It was reported that Japan¡¯s Escort Division 6 under the JMSDF Escort Floti 2 as well as the Escort Division 2 that was sailing in the ocean right side of Tsushima Ind, were making suspicious movements by maneuvering in the direction of the 1st Fleet.


    ¡°Of course . . .¡±


    Admiral Lee Ki-hyung issued an order to the 1st Fleet, gently biting his lips.


    ¡°Preemptive attack is approved under the judgment of the Commander of the 1st Fleet. Don¡¯t retreat and be proactive in the engagement.¡±


    ¨C Captain Gil Woon-suk! Acknowledged, sir.¡±


    Immediately aftermunicating with the Commander of the 1st Fleet, Admiral Lee Ki-hyung urgently instructed the Communications Operator to connect to other units.


    ¡°Connect me to Poseidon 3 Control Room.¡±


    ¡°Connecting, sir.¡±


    ¨C This is Young Yun-ju, the Chief Controller of Poseidon 3, sir.


    On the upper left side of therge screen, the face of Colonel Young Yun-joo, the Controller, was seen in a small size.


    ¡°From now on, Poseidon 3 will actively support the 1st Fleet with its safety as a priority! Even if it means you use supercavitation torpedoes until they run out. Do you understand?¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir. Understood, sir.

 Chapter 142

    <h4>Chapter 142</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 03:55, across the skies 45 km southeast of Jeju Ind


    Twenty-four KF-21P Red Phoenix fighter jets flew south with their afterburners off in a formation of squadrons. Through dark clouds and on night-flight mode, they maintained their position at a rtively high altitude. The pilots were attentively staring at the radar monitors, trying hard to ignore the tension that kept rising over the imminent engagement they were facing, when the number of signs that appeared to indicate J-15 ship nes began to increase.


    ¨C Rookie One! This is the Battalion Commander. Following each flight leader¡¯s decision, engage offense go! Go!


    ¨C Rookie two! Copy that.


    ¨C Rookie three! Copy that.


    ¨C Rookie four! Copy that.


    ¨C Rookie five! Copy that.


    ¨C Rookie six! Copy that.


    With the Battalion Commander of Rookie One¡¯s approval to engage, each of the six squadronsunched S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake medium-range air-to-air missiles whose range was 200 km andunched an aggressive offensive attack.


    The J-15 ship nes, which were about tounch the second attack after firing air-to-air missiles to the Korean naval vessels, hurriedly entered an evasion-flight-maneuver mode, flustered by the sudden radar lock-on warning. However, the Rattlesnake missiles would never miss their prey once caught: They flew toward the targets at a hypersonic speed of Mach 12.


    WHIZ! WHIZ!


    With a sense of urgency, the J-15 ship nes tried spraying chaffs and res, while performing all kinds of evasion flights to evade the radar lock-on, but only in vain. They were being helplessly shot down by the Rattlesnake missiles that were flying in like a torrent of lights. As always, the Red Phoenix fighter jets, which had strong stealth capabilities and were loaded with long-range air-to-air missiles, had an excellent advantage as they engaged in the air warfare.


    But asionally, the Red Phoenix fighter jets were detected by the radars of more than 40 Chinese destroyers, which were semi-Aegis ss. Each time they were detected, they became the targets of the anti-aircraft missiles fired from the Chinese destroyers and J-15 ship nes that flew in to attack like a swarm of bees.


    There were 48 Chinese J-15 ship nes, but about 10 minutester, more than 30 of them were shot down. Unfortunately, one Red Phoenix fighter jet that was detected by the Chinese destroyer radar was shot down by more than 10 anti-aircraft missiles that were fired simultaneously by the enemy.


    After being helplessly beaten up by the enemy despite the cover from their own destroyer, the J-15 ship nes turned around and retreated to their aircraft carriers. The Korean forces fired two S-AMS-100 anti-ship missiles that had been loaded on their internal weapons racks of the KF-21P Red Phoenix fighter jets before turning around toward the Jeju Ind base.


    ......


    December 15, 2020, 04:05, on the coast 45 km southeast of Jeju Ind (the Third Fleet)


    More than 500 missiles were fired at each other on the southern coast of Jeju Ind. Outnumbered by the Chinese forces, the Korean Navy began intercepting 296 anti-ship missiles that were flying in, seemingly ready to devour anything they found. The Korean Navy was further supported by S-LAM 300 Sky Bow A1 missiles from the 25th Fighter Wing stationed on Jeju Ind. The problem is that they were more concerned about intercepting YJ-83 (C-803) supersonic anti-ship missiles that featured a speed of Mach 2 than they were about the YJ-82 (C-802) anti-ship missiles, which were equivalent to the US Harpoon-level missiles.


    WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!


    Hundreds of missiles flew over the surface of the ocean at high speed, forming hundreds of lines on the sea and making it swell and look wildly shed.


    About a minuteter, the YJ-83 (C-803) missiles, which flew from the forefront, were shot down by the Sea Bow ship-to-air missiles fired from the KD-4 Hoc destroyer.


    BOOM! CLASH!


    Dozens of missiles exploded simultaneously, apanied by sparking shes and an explosion sound over the sea surface. However, the YJ-83 (C-803) anti-ship missiles that survived luckily elerated their speed further as they flew toward the Korean naval vessels. In response, the destroyer Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005) picked the anti-ship missiles, which it had failed to intercept in the first round of attack, as the second targets, and an order was issued to all vessels to intercept them.


    While anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft missiles were shing, about 200 HHQ-9A and the upgraded HHQ-9B anti-ship missiles were fired from the Chinese anti-ship destroyers into the sky from the circrunchers and created dark red smoke to intercept the Korean Navy¡¯s Hae Seong anti-ship missiles.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 04:05, Moseulpo Airfield in Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Ind


    At the brightly illuminated Moseulpo Airfield vacant lot, there were 18 wheeled armored vehicles with eight-verticalunchers raised at a 90-degree angle, surrounded by various armored vehicles andrge-band radars facing south.


    * Today, Moseulpo Airfield is a tourist attraction for travelers to Jeju Ind, but in fact, it has a sad history. In 1945, toward the end of World War II, Japan had close to 50,000 Japanese troops stationed on the ind under ¡°Operation No. 7¡± and forcefully mobilized ind residents as well to make a fortress out of the ind as a part of their final attempt to defend against approaching Allied troops. Moseulpo Airfield at the time was called Alddreu Airfield, and it was built by the Omura Naval Air Group for the bombing of cities in China such as Shanghai and Nanjing.


    Soldiers that belonged to the 9th Marine Brigade under the Jeju Defense Command, which operated SSM-700K Hae Seong 3A missiles developed and fielded in 2018, started getting busy, as they were preparing tounch an attack on the Chinese anti-ship surface vessels that were approaching from 150 km southeast of Jeju Ind.


    WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!


    Less than a minuteter, 144 rounds of SSM-700K Hae Seong 3A supersonic cruise missiles passed the turnover altitude, switched to a sea-skimming flight mode, and lowered altitude as they kept flying toward the Chinese vessels that were assigned to them by the Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005) destroyer.


    Moseulpo Airfield became shrouded with white smoke after more than 100 missiles were fired within a short time, and the battalion soldiers, breathing out white foggy air, began recing emptyunchers for further attacks.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 04:10, on the coast 40 km southwest of Jeju Ind (the First Fleet)


    While confronted with Japan¡¯s maritime self-defense forces even during the engagement with the Chinese anti-ship forces, the First Fleet was preparing to respond to the imminent attack from the Japanese forces. They received information from Apollon No. 2 about the Escort Floti 2 under the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Escort Floti 13 under the JMSDF Sasebo District that made a quick turn toward the direction of Jeju Ind and approaching them in a high-mobility maneuver.


    Major General Gil Un-seok, Commander of the First Fleet, stared at the tactical statistics screen in the bridge, before giving the order to the entire Fleet¡¯smunicationwork.


    ¡°From now on, this vessel and the Kim Jong-seo, the Kim Joon, the Heuk Beol-mu, the Bokshil Guishin, the Kim Cheon-jon, and the Kim Eum-soon vessels will deal with the Escort Division 6 of the Escort Floti 2. Other vessels are ordered to follow the interception control of Sukjong the Great. Now, get moving!¡±


    Putting down themunication microphone and turning his head toward themunications officer, the Commander said,


    ¡°Connect me to Poseidon 3 control room.¡±


    ¡°Connecting.¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir! This is Young Yun-ju, Poseidon 3 Control Manager, sir.


    ¡°Colonel Young! Prepare tounch super-joint torpedoes on four vessels belonging to the Escort Division 6 under the Escort Floti 2.¡±


    ¨C All firing data for the Japanese vessels have already been entered and we can open fire immediately at yourmand, sir.


    ¡°Okay! I won¡¯t issue a separate order. Launch an attack immediately upon the attack from the JMSDF. That¡¯s it!¡±


    ¨C At yourmand, sir!


    Afterpleting the videomunication, General Gil Un-seok gave an order to the tactics aide-de-camp.


    ¡°Tactics aide-de-camp! Launch a preemptive attack on all vessels belonging to the Escort Division 6 once they approach us within 110 km. Set up the target vessels and have six anti-ship missiles on standby per each vessel.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll ry your order, sir.¡±


    ¡°What are the nearest submarines as of now?¡±


    ¡°Currently, the Yun bong-gil is 46 km in the direction of one o¡¯clock, and the Yi Sun-shin is 59 km in the direction of ten o¡¯clock, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great! Tell them to approach 15 km toward the Escort Division 6 in low-speed underwater navigation,¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 04:40, 45 km southeast of Jeju Ind (the Third Fleet)


    BANG! CLASH!


    The Incheon-ss Gyeonggi frigate (FF-812) was hit by two YJ-83 (C-803) supersonic ship-to-ship missiles on the bow and port side. It was now quickly leaning to the port side along with a loud explosion and dark mes.


    The Third Fleet¡¯s anti-aircraft defense line was breached because the number of anti-ship missiles exceeded the point of defense, and the Gyeonggi frigate (FF-812) was not able to stop the supersonic anti-ship missiles flying at the speed of Mach 2 because it didn¡¯t have verticalunchers; it was also carrying RAM short-range anti-aircraft guided missiles only.


    Unfortunately, this was already the fourth Gyeonggi frigate (FF-812) that was shut down and sank. It¡¯s been 20 minutes since the Gangwon (FF-814) and the Jeonbuk (FF-813) sank into the sea. A short while ago, the Incheon (FF-811) also lost itsbat function after it was hit and imploded spewing massive mes.


    Even the Choi Young (DDH-981) was not spared and hit by a missile on the starboard area and now engulfed in mes.


    The damage to China¡¯s anti-ship forces was also significant. First, the Lanzhou-ss destroyers the Haiku, the Changchun, and the Jinan¡ªall of which were considered a semi-Aegis ss¡ªsank into the sea after being hit by several Hae Seong A anti-ship missiles. Also, the Kunming-ss Changsha and Hefei of China¡ªconsidered the Chinese version of Aegis destroyers¡ªwere burning in mes spreading throughout the vessels. In addition, nine Changkai II-ss ships, two Hangzhou-ss ships, and seven 054B-type frigate ships also sank in the ocean.


    Telling just from the damages sustained by the two countries, one could the Chinese anti-ship forces were defeated, although they still had two aircraft carriers and two times as many destroyers and frigates still in good shape. Furthermore, the serious problem with Korea¡¯s First Fleet was that the number of ship-to-ship missiles capable of attacking China¡¯s anti-ship forces was declining.


    As a result, the 9th Marine Brigade anti-ship missile battalion was reloading missiles continuously and continued to attack on behalf of the Third Fleet.


    BANG! CLASH! BAM! BAM! BAM!


    Two loud explosions, along with dreadful shing noises, came from the port side of Yang Man-chun (DDH-973), which was engaged in the battle in the direction of five o¡¯clock from the Seongjong the Great (DDG-997). The vessel was quickly engulfed in mes along with the explosion sound that sted throughout the vessel.


    It was hit in the port side directly by the two YJ-83 (C-803) supersonic ship-to-ship missiles, which flew in a seed-skimming mode without switching to a strike maneuver. Seawater gushed in quickly, probably because it was imploded deep inside the vessel, as the Yang Man-chun (DDH-973) began to go down the water slowly on the port side.


    ¡°The Yang Man-chun has been hit on the port side by an anti-ship missile! There is no explosion, but it is leaning on the port side, sir.¡±


    The operator in charge of tactical statistics seemed just about to break down as he cried out.


    ¡°Shit!¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Ki-hyung cursed, clenching his fists, as he looked out the window and confirmed the Yang Man-chunham (DDH-973) going down while being engulfed in mes.


    ¡°Ship-to-ship missiles are flying toward this vessel. Four subsonic anti-ship missiles and two supersonic anti-ship missiles.¡±


    One report was quickly followed by another report of attack from another operator.


    Now, the bridge and the battlemand room of the Seongjong the Great (DDG-997) were bustling with orders and reports that kept pouring in.


    The Seongjong the Great destroyer (DDG-997) had its own fate hanging by a thread as well even though it was performing 120 percent of its capabilities because it was supposed tounch interception by detecting and automatically calcting attacks through its own Aegis radar while responding to the interception order delivered from the Sukjong the Great destroyer.


    ¡°Set the first and the second targets beginning with the ultrasonic anti-ships! The subsonic anti-ship missiles will be intercepted with RAM and CIWs.¡±


    Colonel Yoon Kyung-jin, the Captain of the Seongjong the Great (DDG-997), issued the order in a troubled voice.


    ¡°Target 1 and target 2 are set. Ready tounch anti-aircraft missiles. Targets 3 to 6 are assigned to the proximity defense system.¡±


    With the exception of supersonic ship-to-ship missiles, they were about to intercept the subsonic anti-ship missiles with RIM-116 short-range missiles or CIWS 20mm Phnx missiles. But now, they had to worry about their stock of anti-aircraft missiles. They could fail to intercept and get hit by the missiles, but they had to make that decision because they did not have enough anti-aircraft missiles left.


    The cover of the Mk.41 VLS verticaluncher opened and two SM-2 anti-aircraft missiles were fired simultaneously and shot up into the sky along with sparks.


    WHEEZE! WHEEZE!


    Watching the anti-aircraft missiles flying through the window of the bridge, Lieutenant General Lee Ki-hyung was disheartened because his forces sustained more damage than he had expected.


    {@PIC:232376}

 Chapter 143

    <h4>Chapter 143</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 05:12, on Jeju ind N33¡ã 10¡ä E128¡ã 8¡ä of the deep seas


    The type 214 ss Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) submarine under the 93rd Submarine Fleet received the order from the Commander an hour ago. It was now silently navigating toward Japan¡¯s 2nd Escort ss 6th fleet in the deepest diving depth.


    ¡°Bring the active sonar online! We will check the location of the enemy fleet.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Yoo Dong-il, Captain of the Youn Bong-gi, gave the order to the Sonar Operator in a whisper.


    ¡°Sending out the M-SUSL sonar, sir.¡±


    The Battle Command Center aboard the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) submarine was silent except for the sound of the detection sonar. Then a report from the Sonar Operator came in.


    ¡°The distance between us and the Chokai is 17,000¡ª18,500 for the Harusame and 18,900 from the Dakanami and Onami, sir.¡±


    ¡°Can we not detect the Japanese subs?¡±


    ¡°None are being detected on our sonars within a 30-km radius.¡±


    ¡°Very well! Our target is the Chokai Aegis destroyer. No matter what happens, we must take it down! What¡¯s the location of our submarines?¡±


    ¡°Based on our ns, they are expected to be 27,000 away from us at eleven o¡¯clock, with an error of three km, sir.¡±


    The Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) submarine had cut offmunications from their silent navigation, so they did not have the exact location of their allied submarines.


    ¡°All right, Helmsman! Change the azimuth to 1-2-5. Set the rise angle to 10 and raise depths to 70. Set the speed at 3 knots, we approach up to 15,000.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 1-2-5, rise angle to 10 and depth to 70! The speed at 3 knots.¡±


    The Captain of the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) submarine dismissed the silent answers of the helmsman and continued his orders. However, the Captain¡¯s heart was pumping from the anxiety of the battle.


    ¡°Armsman! Load the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Great White (K-744) torpedoes for the Chokai and stand by.¡±


    ¡°Loading the number 1 through 3 torpedoes for Chokai.¡± The distance was the factor that would determine whether they would sessfully hit their target or not. Therefore, the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) braved the chance to be detected by the Japanese ships and sailed under the dark depths to close in.


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 05:15, 40 km southwest of Jeju Ind (the 1st Fleet¡¯s location)


    The 1st Fleet¡¯s destroyers and escorting ships were trying their best to fend off the type-90 (SSM-1B) ship-to-ship missilesing from Japan¡¯s 2nd Escort Fleet. However, the allotment of 25 missiles per ship made more missiles pass through the interception than those caught.


    In truth, it was an overreach to fend off 125 rounds of ship-to-ship missiles with only 5 ships. However, to survive, the Korean ships used all they had to intercept.


    ¡°Thirty-five out of 125 missiles sessfully intercepted! Fifty-eight seconds before impact! Entering the third interception attempt now.¡±


    The King Taejo (DDG-995) that had been leading the interception missions calcted the target allotments for the interception to the destroyers and escorting vessels in real time.


    ¡°Ah! Zeus 1 is aiding the interception.¡±


    Streams ofser beams began to fall from the sky like rainfall.


    Boom! Boom!


    Lieutenant General Lee Ki-hyung, who was aboard the 3rd Fleet¡¯s King Sejong (DDG-997), made an urgent request to the Zeus 1. It was supporting the ground forces marching to Beijing but changed directions to the skies above Jeju Ind and intercepted the Japanese type-90 missiles. However, the surviving missiles still flew toward them at high speeds.


    ¡°Six rounds headed to our vessels! Twenty-five seconds before impact! Six at the Kim Jun! Twenty-seven seconds before impact! Five to the Hook Bul-moo! Twenty-eight seconds before impact, and four rounds to the Kim Um-soon! Thirty seconds before impact, and six to the Kim Jong-seo! Thirty-two seconds before impact.¡±


    The Interception Operator reported the status of their own vessel and those of others in detail.


    ¡°Twenty seconds before the first missiles in 20 seconds! Entering into the close-in interception phase.¡±


    The vessels under the 1st Fleet were in an uproar as they were near death¡¯s door. All they could do now was to ce their hopes on the 21 MLRS RAM-116 Block 2 close-range missiles that only had a range of 15 km.


    ¡°Sixteen seconds before impact! Activating RAM missiles.¡±


    The 21 rounds MLRS ramunchpad turned toward the detected missiles and flew off repeatedly.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    There were two 21 MLRS RAM missileunchpads on the King Taejo (DDG-995). The vessel targeted the missiles for not just its own but for the others in its fleet beforeunching them.


    Within a short time, twounchpads of the 21 round MLRM RAM missiles fired 20 rounds of short-range missiles into the air. They all flew off in an arc while emitting white smoke.


    Boom! Bang! Boom!


    The shes of fire from the short-range missiles intercepting the Japanese ship-to-ship missiles could be seen from the bridge now. Their distance was that much closer.


    ¡°Four out of six missiles headed to our vessel have been sessfully intercepted! Two are remaining. nine seconds before impact! We have no time for a second interception attempt. Activating the CIWS Phnx.¡±


    The Operator shouted tearfully. All they had left were the 20-mm Phnx.


    Whirl! Zap!


    The Phnx detected the missiles with its own radar and began to pour out 20-mm rounds on its own as it faced the ship-to-ship missiles.


    Vrooo~ Vrooo~ Vroooo~


    The 20-mm Vulcan had tracer rounds loaded at certain intervals and made a scene as if a line of wire was headed toward the Japanese ship-to-ship missiles.


    Boo Booo Booom!


    The type-90 missile on the lead got hit by the 20-mm Phnx rounds and exploded.


    Bang!


    ¡°The first interception was sessful! There is only one more left! Four seconds before impact. Everyone, brace yourselves!¡±


    The Operator¡¯s shout made the entire crew, including the Commander, curl up and cover their hearts.


    Woosh Booom!


    ¡°What the¡ª?¡±


    Captain Kim Yoo-hwan, who was bracing for impact, slowly raised his body and looked around his surroundings. The Taejo (DDG-995) was fine.


    ¡°Zeus 1 must have intercepted thest missile headed toward us, sir.¡±


    The Operator checked the radar and cheered while raising both his hands.


    ¡°What about the other ships?¡±


    Brigadier General Gil Un-suk momentarily felt relief but began to worry about the safety of the other ships.


    ¡°I will check, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 05:20, in the seas 140 km west of Jeju ind (the 2nd Escort Fleet¡¯s 6th escorting Force)


    ¡°Escorting vessels, the Kim Um-soon, Huk Bul-moo, and the Kim Jon-seo have been directly hit. Failed to hit the King Taejo! Thest ship-to-ship missiles have been intercepted, sir.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! We used all of our ship-to-ship missiles, and we still missed the big one.¡±


    Captain Sekiguchi Yuki frowned at the reporting in from the Chokai (DDG-176)¡¯s Command Center and swore. He picked up the microphone.


    ¡°Command Center, how long will it take to reload the missiles?¡±


    ¡°It will take at least ten minutes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to hurry.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Communications Operator.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    Tell the 2nd Escort Fleet to attack with all avable ship-to-ship missiles! We must take them out right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, requesting for an all-out attack¡ª¡±


    Before the Communications Operator could answer, an urgent report came in.


    ¡°Torpedo detected! Torpedo detected! Distance is at 8,100, three rounds in total. ¡±


    ¡°What has the Sonar Operator been doing this whole time the torpedo has closed the distance between us?¡±


    The Captain shouted on the microphone in disbelief.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. The noise from the battle dyed the detection.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need an excuse. Did you detect the enemy submarines?¡±


    ¡°We are searching right now, sir.¡±


    ¡°You idiot.¡±


    The Sonar Operator, who had been concentrating on hearing sounds with both of his ears, stood up and shouted.


    ¡°We have found it, sir. Azimuth 2-8-9, distance 11,230. Captain, we can hear additional water injections.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Opening theunchpads! Confirmed! An additional torpedo has been added. Four rounds in total, sir.¡±


    ¡°From this distance, we have plenty of time to intercept. We focus on the submarine first. Do not let it out of your sight! Identify the enemy vessel first.¡±


    ¡°One moment, please.¡±


    The Sonar Operator analyzed the sonar patterns. Then he continued his report.


    ¡°It seems to be a 214 ss type submarine. Analyzing the sonar patterns . . . It is the Youn Bong-gil!¡±


    ¡°A 214 ss? Those arrogant bastards. We have their position correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, their diving angle is at 90 and azimuth is 2-7-5. They are diving at high speeds.¡±


    ¡°Good, when¡¯s the time of impact of the enemy torpedo?¡±


    ¡°Based on the leading torpedo, 355 seconds, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Good. There is plenty of time. Prepare two anti-submarine missiles.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Momentster, the Kongo ss Chokai (DDG-176) ship¡¯s verticalunchpad fired two rounds of 07-2 type anti-submarine missiles into the air. The missile was developed in 2011 and went further improvements until 2018. The 07-2 type (VL-ASROC) anti-submarine torpedo was evaluated to be a better model than the Korean Redshark torpedo.


    ¡°We deploy the Torpedo Acoustic Counter Measure (TACM) when the distance from the enemy torpedo is at 5,000. Prepare the torpedo decoy.¡±


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 05:28, the deep sea Southwest of Jeju ind N33¡ã10¡ä E 128¡ã 8¡ä


    The Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) that had fired 4 rounds of the Great White (K-744) torpedo had raised its speed and set its diving depth to 90 to move away from the Chokai¡¯s (DDG-176) attacking range.


    ¡°It seems we have been detected by the Chokai, Captain.¡±


    ¡°I guess we have no choice but to move away at full speed! What¡¯s the status of the enemy torpedo?¡±


    ¡°They will arrive in 320 seconds from torpedo 1 through 3. Number 4 will take 25 seconds, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Please take the bait.¡±


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 05:28, the seas 140 km West from Jeju ind (2nd Escort Fleet¡¯s 6th Escort Force¡¯s location)


    ¡°The number 4 torpedo¡¯s speed!¡±


    The Sonar Operator shouted while being horror-struck.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The number 4 torpedo seems to be a hypercavitating torpedo. Its speed is rising to 450 knots. Thirty-two seconds before impact, Captain.¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    The Operations Director on the Chokai checked the monitor of the Sonar Operator. He gave the order to deploy the decoy then reported in.


    ¡°Deploying the decoy!¡±


    The Decoy Operator sent it out when he heard the order that was almost a shout.


    Thud!


    ¡°Captain! The fourth torpedo is a hypercavitating one. Eighteen seconds before impact, sir.¡±


    Captain Kiguchi Yuki heard the report and immediately ordered the helmsman.


    ¡°Helmsman! Azimuth to 2-1-0 to starboard at full turn!¡±


    ¡°Azimuth to 2-1-0 to starboard at full turn!¡±


    The Chokai turned starboard abruptly, and the crew all leaned to the right. Therge wave also engulfed the deck.


    ¡°Ah, the torpedo was not fooled by the decoy. It will arrive at our vessel in 10, 9 . . . 2.¡±


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    When Captain Kiguchi Yuki swore, arge explosion from starboard came and the shockwave traveled throughout the entire vessel. The crew of the ship all lost their bnce and rolled around the floor. The bridge window also broke from the shock, and ss pieces flew in.


    The crew on the bridge was all covered in ss, and they were bleeding. Captain Kaguchi Yuki also was unconscious from colliding on the rear wall of the bridge.


    Creaaaaak~


    A hair-raising noise rang throughout the ship. The power of the explosion had torn down the walls open like pieces of paper; seawater was pouring int through the ripped walls. A momentter, the Helmsman and First Mate Ono Shinji woke from the noise.


    ¡°Captain, are you all right, sir?¡±


    Helmsman Shinji crawled on the bridge floor that was leaning starboard rapidly and checked on the Captain. Fortunately, there was no external physical trauma, and the Captain was only unconscious from the impact.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°Captain, are you awake?¡±


    ¡°What about the ship?¡±


    The Captain asked about the ship first as soon as he regained consciousness.


    ¡°We must retreat, sir. Our vessel is leaning rapidly starboard.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Helmsman!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Give the order to retreat.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Helmsman picked up the microphone and shouted.


    ¡°All vessels retreat! All vessels retreat!¡±


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 05:28, the deep sea southwest of Jeju ind N33¡ã10¡ä E 128¡ã 8¡ä


    The Sonar Operator of the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) cheered and reported.


    ¡°Captain! Torpedo 4 is a direct hit.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, we got them good.¡±


    At first, the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) had fired the normal Great white (K-744) torpedoes to reveal the identity. Then they had waited beforeunching the fourth hypercavitating Great White A (K-755) torpedo. This was to confuse the Chokai¡¯s Sonar Operator into thinking that the fourth torpedo will be the same as the first three they hadunched previously. Even if they had fooled them by a few seconds, their response would be slowed.


    ¡°The first, second, and third torpedo are all sessfully navigating, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! We must take them out.¡±


    ¡°Two hundred fifty-one seconds before reaching the enemy vessel . . .¡±


    The Sonar Operator stopped midway in his report, then he put on his headset to focus on the noiseing through.


    ¡°It¡¯s an enemy torpedo! Above by 72 and distance at 1200. Damn, there¡¯s one more!¡±

 Chapter 144

    <h4>Chapter 144</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 05:28, in the deep sea N 33¡ã 10¡ä E 128¡ã 8¡ä southwest of Jeju Ind


    The 07-2 type (VL-ASROC) antisubmarine torpedoes, fired from the Chokai (DDG-176), dove into the water and begin to tail the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) with its passive sonar.


    ¡°Sonar Operator, how many seconds before impact?¡± the Captain of the Youn Bong-gil asked.


    ¡°One hundred thirty-three seconds, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Helmsman, we are changing directions! Set azimuth to 1-8-5 and full turn starboard! Dive 20 and set the angle to 100 at full speed.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 1-8-5, full turn starboard! Diving 20 and angle to 100 at full speed.¡±


    ¡°Prepare to deploy a nixie decoy.¡±


    ¡°Preparing the nixie decoy.¡±


    The Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) banked starboard sharply and begin to slide into the depths.


    ¡°Deploy the nixie decoy.¡±


    ¡°Nixie decoy deployed.¡±


    Boo booom!


    The dispenser equipped at the rear of the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) submarine shot out the nixie decoy. It used its own thrust to move away in the opposite direction of the submarine. Also, the decoy began emitting the same sonar patterns of the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) in all directions to lure in the 07-2 type VL-ASROC) torpedoes. After 20 seconds had passed, the Captain asked the Sonar Operator.


    ¡°Did they take the bait?¡±


    All eyes were on the Sonar Operator. He shook his head from side to side and answered.


    ¡°It seems we have failed since the time of contact has already passed, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Check again.¡±


    The Sonar Operator checked the patterns again as ordered by the Captain. However, the response was negative again.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t take the bait, sir. There are 118 seconds left before they reach us.¡±


    ¡°Deploy another nixie decoy as soon as it is loaded and ready to go.¡±


    ¡°Preparing another nixie decoy! Launching now.¡±


    Thud!


    Once again, the dispenserunched another nixie decoy, and it sent out a powerful sonar wave to lure the 07-2 type (VL-ASROC), but failed again. Thetest 07-2 type submarine torpedo developed in 2018 was equipped with powerful passive sonar and could not be easily fooled.


    ¡°Eighty-two seconds before impact.¡±


    ¡°Damn, theytched on good.¡±


    ¡°Transition into hard kill. Change directions! Azimuth to 0-9-5 and full turn starboard! Raise the diving angle to 60 and move at dead slow speed.¡±


    ¡°Injectunch tube 5 through 8! Set the 8th one for a Great White A torpedo.¡±


    ¡°Injecting tubes 5 through 8! Eighth one set to a Great White A.¡±


    The Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) slowed rapidly, raised its altitude, and turned starboard sharply.


    Creaaaak!


    When the pressure increased from the abrupt turn, a hair-raising sound rang throughout the hull. The Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) made a U-turn. When the 07-2 type (VL-ASROC) torpedo turned toward the hull, the Captain gave the order tounch.


    ¡°Openunch tubes 5 and 6!¡±


    ¡°Launch tubes 5 and 6 are open.¡±


    ¡°Fire torpedo 5 and 6.¡±


    ¡°Firing torpedo 5 and 6.¡±


    Boom! Boom!


    With a low resounding noise, two rounds of the Great White (K-744) torpedo wereunched via air pressure and began to sail toward the 07-2 type (VL-ASROC) torpedoes.


    ¡°Twenty seconds before impact.¡±


    ¡°Seventhunch tube open and standby.¡±


    ¡°Opening the seventhunch tube.¡±


    Everyone was holding their breath.


    ¡°Ten seconds before impact, 9 . . . 2 . . . 1.¡±


    Boom!


    ¡°Interception of the first torpedo sessful! Sessful! Torpedo 2! Five seconds before impact . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1. Failed! Interception failed.¡±


    The Captain gave another order as soon as the Sonar Operator¡¯s report came through.


    ¡°Launch torpedo 7.¡±


    ¡°Launching torpedo 7.¡±


    Boom!


    ¡°How many seconds before the enemy torpedo makes contact?¡±


    ¡°Thirty-eight seconds.¡±


    ¡°What about the distance?¡±


    ¡°Current distance is at 680, sir.¡±


    It was theirst chance. If they failed at intercepting the torpedo this time, then the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) would meet its end. Their situation was dire and dangerous.


    ¡°Armsman?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain?¡±


    ¡°Injectunch tube 1, 2, 3, and 4! Do we have the sonar patterns of the main enemy vessel the Dakanami?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We have the patterns since we have already detected them.¡±


    ¡°Good, then load the hypercavitating torpedo tounch tube 1 through 4 for the Dakanami.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s possible. Preparing now.¡±


    Captain Yoo Dong-il chose the Dakanami (DD-110) as their final target if their hard kill maneuver failed to intercept the enemy torpedo.


    ¡°Ten seconds before impact, sir.¡±


    ¡°Injection forunch tubes 1 through 4plete.¡±


    ¡°Open allunch tubes.¡±


    ¡°Opening allunch tubes.¡±


    The crew of the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) watched as they held their breath. The Sonar Operator reported.


    ¡°Five seconds before impact, 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Failed! We failed the interception. Eighteen seconds before the enemy torpedo reaches us.¡±


    The Sonar Operator covered his head and despaired. They had failed theirst chance and Captain Yoo Dong-gil calmly gave thest order.


    ¡°Armsman,unch torpedoes 1 through 4.¡±


    ¡°Launching torpedoes 1 through 4.¡±


    Boom, boom, boom, boom!


    The torpedoesunched out of their tubes repeatedly.


    The Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) did all it could before meeting its end. The Captain shouted so his voice would carry across the entire vessel.


    ¡°Men, are you afraid? I am not, for I had you as my crew, so I am not scared. Also, thank you for your loyal service. It was a great honor to have you all alongside me. We are men of the Korean Navy so do not fear.¡±


    Captain Yoo Dong-il tried to say a few earnest words to lessen the fear of his crew.


    ¡°Nine seconds before impact! Captain, it was an honor, sir!¡±


    The Sonar Operator shouted his farewell after giving the report.


    ¡°Thank you, sir!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. I will see you in the next life!¡±


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    The Captain of the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) all embraced each other and spoke words of gratitude to forget about the fear of death.


    ¡°I am sorry men, for being such an ipetent Captain.¡±


    ¡°Five seconds before impact, 4, 3, 2 . . .¡±


    Boooooom!


    Before the report of the Sonar Operator could be over, an enormous shockwave engulfed the helm. The submarine rocked back and forth and tossed the entire crew around. The power also went out.


    The scene in the submarine after the red emergency lights came on was a pitiful sight. Many of the crew had crashed into the wall or the console before being tossed onto the floor. Some of the crew tried to get up groaning, but since everything inside the submarine had been damaged including the power, there was nothing else they could do.


    ¡°Argh . . .¡±


    The Captain copsed on the floor. When he slightly regained consciousness and tried to assess the situation, he felt a suspicious vibration through the floor. That was theirst. The water pressure had caused the outer walls all to tear down like a piece of paper and caused the submarine to burst. The Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) and its 27 crewmembers all gave themselves as their final gift to the Japanese ships torpedoes as they met their end in the deep sea south of Jeju Ind; just like the martyr after whom the vessel was named.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 05:30, Jongro-ku Blue House National Emergency Center underground bunker (ROK President¡¯s temporary living quarters), Seoul


    Ring ring ring ring! Ring ring ring ring!


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who had just started to sleep after staying upte to check the status of the war, woke from the sound of the inte bell.


    ¡°This is Suh Hyun-woo.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, Mr. President! It¡¯s the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Three minutes ago, China fired 55 ballistic missiles.¡±


    ¡°What? Are they nukes?¡±


    ¡°We cannot say for sure, but we can¡¯t leave out the possibility.¡±


    ¡°I see. I understand. I will get to the Command Center immediately, so brief me in detail there.¡±


    ¡°There is one more thing I need to report, sir.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    The President, who was about to put down the receiver, brought it back up to his ear and asked.


    ¡°Based on the previous operation ns, we have begun artillery strikes on the Daema Ind. I am sorry for taking action first before we could report, sir.¡±


    ¡°Not at all. There is no need. Wasn¡¯t that a part of the n already? You hold all the authority for this operation, Chairman Kang. It is fine.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The President put down the receiver and looked at the clock on his bedside table. The clock was pointing to 5:42 a.m.


    ¡°Chinese, Japanese¡ªboth of them don¡¯t seem to care about the hour.¡±


    The President woke up, changed, and then hurried to the Command Center.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 05:40, Jongro-ku Blue House National Emergency Center underground bunker, Seoul


    The President arrived at the Command Center. The video call must have been connected and on standby already for Chairman Kang Ui-sik was already on the screen.


    The President sat down and immediately spoke.


    ¡°Yes. Give me a brief report about the current situation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. China hasunched 55 ballistic missiles. Based on our analysis so far, they have fired DF-21D also known as the aircraft carrier killer anti-ship ballistic missiles.¡±


    ¡°So they are not nuclear missiles?¡±


    ¡°We have no way to determine that at the moment, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then where are they headed?¡±


    ¡°The destination has been set for 40 km south of Jeju Ind. The vessels of the 3rd and 1st Fleet have been targeted, sir.¡±


    ¡°What? Are they firing ballistic missiles at regr vessels instead of aircraft carriers?¡±


    ¡°It seems China¡¯s anti-naval forces are trying to turn the tables around after being pushed back by our navy, sir.¡±


    ¡°Have they entered the interception process?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are at KAMD phase 1 where Zeus 1 satellite is intercepting.¡±


    ¡°Would that be enough?¡±


    ¡°If its 55 rounds, that is more than enough, sir.¡±


    The President tried to ease his fatigue by rubbing his neck and continued.


    ¡°All right then. I will stay here and keep an eye on this a bit longer.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I request for the approval to attack the source of the ballistic missileunches, sir.¡±


    ¡°I approve.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I will report again if something else happens, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo ended the video call and asked his secretary for a cup of coffee. Then he nced on the main screen. A red lineing from China¡¯s maind was branching out to the ocean. They were the trajectory of the DF-21D ballistic missiles. However, the red lines began to disappear one by one before they could enter the midlevel altitude of the atmosphere.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 05:40, on Kyungnam Guh-jae Ind Gujora beach


    Three hours ago, the 9th Marine Brigade¡¯s Alpha Artillery Unit had finished cooling their cannons when the order to attack came from the Command headquarters. The six K-9A1 Lightning self-propelled gun did not rest and continued to fire toward the south. They maintained a fire rate of ten rounds per minute and fired the DP-ICPDM (dual-purpose modified sma cluster bomb).


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The long cannon barrel emitted a loud explosion and white smoke while firing the DP-ICPDM rounds. The cannon fire was destroying Daema Ind 80 km away. The first targets were the Japanese self-defense force¡¯s long-ranged early radar base, their navy and air force helicopter base, and the ranger forces bunkers.


    The Alpha Artillery Unit had used all of its DP-ICPDM cluster rounds after 10 minutes and used the K-10 ammunition transport armored vehicle to resupply. The unit had repeated this process 3 times and used 1,000 rounds in a short period.


    When the operation was first nned, a few of themanders suggested deploying assault forces to upy the ind, but the naval forces stationed at Jeju Ind to defend against China¡¯s amphibious operations attempts could not be taken away, so the suggestion was not epted.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 05:50, at the Tokyo Japan Prime Minister¡¯s official residence


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the artillery strikes on Tsushima Ind started 30 minutes ago, and most of the military facilities are destroyed by the attack, sir.¡±


    ¡°Were there any civilian casualties?¡±


    ¡°There seem to be no civilian casualties. Our self-defense forces that were encamped on the ind suffered the most, however.¡±


    National Defense Minister Shibasaki¡¯s report wasing through the receiver.


    ¡°I see. Please call for an emergency meeting. I will get to the Command Center right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s face was red with anger and resembled a monkfish.


    ¡°How dare those Josenjins attack our territory!¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, who had remembered the old Japanese empire and firmly held on to the belief of what it stood for, was furious and in shock by the barbarous Josenjins attacking their territory. He had expected battle on the sea from Korea for defense, but he never dreamed they would attack Japan¡¯s territory first.


    ¡°This will not stand!¡±


    Prime Minister Abe clenched both his fists and shouted, causing his cheeks to jiggle.

 Chapter 145

    <h4>Chapter 145</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 06:00, Yongsan-ku CC tanker (tactical interception satellite Zeus 1 Command Center), Seoul


    The DF-21D (Dung Feng-21D) anti-ship ballistic missiles that wereunched from all over China 30 minutes ago could not even reach the atmosphere. They turned into dust when intercepted byser beamsing from Korea¡¯s KAMD (Korea Air Missile Defense) first line of defense, the KS-AD Zeus 1 satellite.


    *China¡¯s DF-21D (Dung Feng 21-D) anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) were confirmed to be at initial operational capacity or IOC by the U.S. in 2011. The missiles were not normal ballistic missiles but rather for ships named as the CSS-5 Mod 4 by the NATO. The DF-21D was an ASBM based on the mid-range ballistic missile DF-21 stationed by China in the ¡¯90s. It posed a threat to the U.S. Navy¡¯s aircraft carriers or otherrge destroyers from neighboring nations. The range of the DF-21D was at 2,000 km¨C2,700 km. If ced in China¡¯s western regions, it would be possible to rain down the payload to the entire Korean penins. The missile was capable of being equipped with high explosives or nuclear warheads.


    The Zeus 1 satellite relentlessly fired its high-poweredser beams to intercept the Chinese hypersonic missiles flying toward the 3rd Fleet. When the satellite fired itsser beam, a Chinese hypersonic ballistic missile would blow up in the air and spread shrapnel everywhere.


    ¡°Forty-five out of 55 DF-21D (Dung Feng) anti-ship ballistic missile intercepted.¡±


    ¡°How about our power output?¡±


    Commander Lim Soo-ho, who remembered thest mission against the Chinese ballistic missile attacksing to a halt from the low power output, checked on the power output when he had the chance.


    ¡°We are at 59 percent, sir.¡±


    ¡°We should finish up here and leave the other ten to the Hadesnd interception satellite. Change positions to strike down the cruise missiles that are targeting the 3rd Fleet.¡±


    Commander Lim Soo-ho ordered for the rest of the interception to be handed off to the AKMD¡¯s 3rd phase Hades satellite to prevent the power output mishap fromst time.


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will contact the Hades Command Center.¡±


    The ten Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles left were all intercepted by the Hades base stationed in Korea and the Hoc fleet¡¯s S-SSM-500S Trianna interception missiles.


    *Trianna (S-SSM-500S ballistic interception missile) has a range of 12,000 km and speed of Mach 40.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 06:20, 120 km southeast of Jeju Ind (at the Chinese anti-ship force¡¯s location)


    Commander in Chief Zhang Jike, who believed they could break Korea¡¯s naval force regardless of size, was distraught over the report of the anti-ship ballistic missile attack¡¯s failure. He nced at his allied vessels on fire floating on the dark sea.


    ¡°Commander! How about we retreat, sir?¡±


    Lieutenant General Wang Liqin, Commander of the East Sea fleet, cautiously suggested the idea.


    ¡°Retreat? How could you suggest that now, Lieutenant General Wang Liqin?¡±


    Commander Zhang Jike, frowning, must have taken offense at the suggestion as he responded angrily.


    ¡°The situation is dire, sir¡ª¡±


    Lieutenant General Wang Liqin reiterated his suggestion of a retreat. Commander in chief Zhang Jike cut him off immediately.


    ¡°Even if the anti-ship ballistic missile attacks failed, but if we push on a bit more, the Korean Navy will bepletely annihted. If we retreat now, we are giving them a chance to recover.¡±


    Both may have been of the same rank but Commander in Chief Zhang Jike responded firmly, being the second inmand in the Chinese Navy.


    Lieutenant General Wang Liqin could not speak further and stared at the South Sea fleet¡¯s Commander. He gave him a look as if to say: you should speak up as well. Commander Xin Xin of the South Sea fleet spoke begrudgingly.


    ¡°Commander Zhang Jike, sir.¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant General Xin Xin, do you agree with Lieutenant General Wang Liqin?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! A false move and that could put the amphibious fleet in danger as well. Don¡¯t you think so, sir?¡±


    ¡°What danger? The Korean Navy has exhausted its missile supply too. The ships that are floating around are no more than just fishing ships! Operations aide-de-camp, give me the status of the Korean Navy.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Xin Xin also expressed opposition, Commander in chief Zhang Jike angrily gave the order to the operation¡¯s aide-de-camp.


    ¡°Yes, Commander!¡±


    Aide-de-camp Yao ming checked the information and gave a report.


    ¡°The Korean Navy¡¯s 1st Fleet has one anti-air destroyer sunk, two partially destroyed, three escorting vessels sunk, two partially destroyed, and two werepletely destroyed. The vessels that can be used in the battle are the Aegis destroyer King Sungjong, Yoo Sung-ryong, the anti-air destroyer the Yang Man-chun, and the escorting vessel the Kyung-nam, sir.¡±


    The three-hour-long battle had caused 10 out of 14 vessels in the 1st Fleet to sink or to be severely damaged, hence, they cannot be used for battle.


    ¡°The 3rd Fleet had two anti-air destroyers partially destroyed, one escorting ship sunk, and onepletely destroyed. The Aegis destroyer King Sejong and anti-air destroyer the King Gwangaeto, and the escorting vessel the Al-cheon are the only surviving vessels.¡±


    Five out of the eight vessels under the 3rd Fleet, excluding those that battled against the Japanese naval defense forces, have either sunk or have been severely damaged and unfit for battle.


    ¡°The three destroyers under the 7th Mobile Floti are still intact and are moving at high speeds, sir.¡±


    ¡°They are approaching our fleet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. They are approaching at a speed of 50 knots.¡±


    ¡°I guess the Korean Navy is making itsst struggle. Do they intend to fight with theirst remaining forces?¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant General Wang Liqin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Move your fleet to the rear. We must end the battle with the 4th Escort Fleet.¡±


    Commander in Chief Zhang Jike ordered the Eastern fleet to retreat after they were almost annihted by the battle against Korea. Then he called Lieutenant General Sun Jihai, Commander of the 4th Fleet.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Sun Jihai.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Advance four escorting vessels from each aircraft carrier.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that cause a rift in the line of defense, sir?¡±


    ¡°What did I just say? The Korean Navy is incapable of attacking us.¡±


    ¡°Ah! As youmand, sir.¡±


    China had deployed itstest Aegis anti-air destroyers at the same time that they deployed their self-developed aircraft carrier. It had deployed six Type-055 Hainan ss Aegis destroyers that were a stage above the Kunming ss Type-052D destroyers from before as the escorting vessels for the aircraft carriers.


    ¡°Advancing four Hainan destroyers and four Kunming ss destroyers, sir.¡±


    Four Hainan ss light destroyers with a load discement of 13,000 tons and four Kunming ss destroyers with a 9,000-ton load discement, left the aircraft carrier¡¯s sides and began to sail at high speeds.


    ¡°I was hoping not to use the escorting ships for the carriers . . .¡±


    Commander in chief Zhang Jike whispered to himself as he saw the eight destroyers gliding across the waves.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 06:30, in the deep sea, 159 km south of Jeju Ind N 31¡ã 45¡ä E 126¡ã 12¡ä


    The Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) submarine under the 7th Maritime Floti closed its distance toward the Chinese naval fleet as it conducted its mission of protecting Korean ships and fighting against enemy subs.


    The Lee Bong-chang had broken through China¡¯s anti-submarine consisting of 100 destroyers and 20 submarines and was closing in on the aircraft carrier. They were navigating inplete silence and went radio silent as well to avoid being detected by China.


    ¡°Our goal is to subdue the Chinese aircraft carriers. No matter what happens, we must sink one of the two!¡±


    Captain Na Won-hyun of the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) reaffirmed his will and carefully tried to close the distance between them and the aircraft carrier to be in the range of their Great White A hypercavitating torpedo.


    ¡°Sonar Operator! How many enemy subs are around us?¡±


    ¡°Captain, the closest to our position are two Won ss submarine 35,000 away from us at our two o¡¯clock, and one Jin ss nuclear submarine at our nine o¡¯clock 41,000 away.¡±


    The Sonar Operator answered quietly.


    ¡°What¡¯s our distance from the aircraft carrier?¡±


    ¡°The Huhbei aircraft carrier is 48,000 and the Sandung is 55,000, Captain.¡±


    ¡°All right. Helmsman, our target is the Huhbei. Set the azimuth to 3-0-5, and maintain our diving depth and speed.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth to 3-0-5, maintaining depth and speed, sir.¡±


    Even if the Lee Bong-chang submarines were thetest Hoc sub, infiltrating enemy-infested waters with anti-submarine destroyers and 20 submarines was a dangerous and nerve-racking action. The crew of the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) were covered in sweat and continued their silent navigation while relying on the lighting from the machines.


    Ten minutester, the Sonar Operator spoke urgently.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Eight of the destroyers escorting the two aircraft carriers have just left the nearby waters and is moving at high speed, at an azimuth of 0-1-3, sir.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I am certain.¡±


    ¡°Send out an active sonar signal and check their exact location.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    The Hoc submarine¡¯s active sonar, the SUSL-01MP, sent out a powerful hypersonic wave. The reflected sonar patterns detected numerous vessels and submarines in the area. This also showed up on the Sonar Operator¡¯s monitor. They had been using their passive sonar to check the location of the ships and submarines up until now.


    Beep, beep, beep.


    The repeated hypersonic waves and the reflected sonar patterns were analyzed in real time by the submarine¡¯s supeputer and shown on the monitor installed at the center of the submarine.


    Captain Na Hun-hyun quickly checked the different information ced on the screen.


    ¡°All right! This is our chance.¡±


    On the screen, eight Aegis destroyers guarding the aircraft carriers were speeding north. Captain Na Hun-hyun judged this was their chance and gave an order to his crew to hurry up.


    ¡°Sonar Operator! Will our injection noises be detected by the Chinese ships or submarines?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. We are safe at this distance.¡±


    ¡°Great, Armsman.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Injectunch tube 1 through 8 and load them with the Huhbei¡¯s sonar pattern.¡±


    ¡°Injecting hypercavitating torpedo tounch tube 1 through 8 and loading the Huhbei¡¯s sonar pattern.¡±


    ¡°Helmsman! Stay on course and raise our diving depth to 15 to reach a depth of 100 at maximum speed.¡±


    ¡°Maintaining course! Raising diving depth to 15 and depth to 100 at maximum speed.¡±


    Vrooooo!


    When the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) raised the output of the sma engine, it began to shoot forward at the speed of 60 knots.


    ¡°We will attack Huhbei when our distance is at 30,000.¡±


    ¡°We reached our destination, sir.¡±


    ¡°Armsman! Prepare interception torpedoes forunch tube 9 through 12.¡±


    ¡°Preparing the ck shark interception torpedoes.¡±


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 06:40, 140 km west of Jeju Ind (the 2nd Escort Fleet¡¯s 6th escorting force¡¯s location)


    On the seas, where the 2nd Fleet¡¯s ships with the Kongo ss Chokai Aegis destroyer (DDG-176) at the lead fought the battle, all of the Japanese ships were all under the sea except for the Onami (DD-111) that was drifting on the surface with ck smoke and mesing out of it.


    The Chokai had leaned to portside when hit by the hypercavitating torpedo. As it tried to retreat, however, it was hit by three additional Great White torpedoes that followed and sunk the destroyer into the ocean after it exploded.


    The Great White A torpedoes and two mid-range Great White torpedoes fired by the Youn Bong-gil before it was struck by the Japanese torpedoes, had hit their target, the Dakanami (DD-110), and tore through it as if it were made of paper.


    Also, the four escorting ships of the Sasebo local fleet 20 km away from the Northeast had suffered heavy losses. The first ship-to-ship missiles from the Korean Navy¡¯s 1st Fleet had hit the Haruyuki (DD-128) and the Jinsu (DE-230) and sunk them. Then the Asayuki (DD-132) was sunk by the assassin of the seas, the Son Won-il ss Lee Sun-shin (SS-068) submarine¡¯s mid-range torpedoes.


    The Isoyuki (DD-127) was the only ship that had survived from the 13th Escort Fleet. It rescued the crew of the sunken vessels and immediately sailed back to the Sasebo Naval Base. The four destroyers under the 2nd Japanese Escort Fleet that had been sailing toward the area from eastern Dae-ma Ind all turned back when they realized they were outnumbered.

 Chapter 146

    <h4>Chapter 146</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 06:45, 49 km south of Jeju Ind (the 7th Maritime Floti¡¯s 72nd Mobile Fleet¡¯s location)


    The 72nd Mobile Fleet¡¯s three Hoc destroyers under the 7th Maritime Floti began to speed south toward the Chinese naval forces. They were attempting to get in the range of their Harper K-1 cannons with a range of 90 km because they had exhausted their missile supply.


    Colonel Kim Ki-young, Commander of the 72nd Mobile Fleet and Captain of the King Suk-jong (DDG-1005) came down to the Command Center to lead the mission.


    ¡°We are 94 km away from the Chinese destroyers, Captain.¡±


    The Captain nced at the screen when the Operator reported in. There were 88 vessels capable of battle being shown as green dots. The ones on the lead were 94 km away from his vessel.


    ¡°We advance until we are 80 km away. Maintain our speed as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    An answer from the Helmsman at the bridge came through.


    ¡°Operations Director.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Are the close-range defense systems on autopilot?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Give me a final report on the status of our arms.¡±


    ¡°Here is the status of our weapons, Captain. Twenty-five sky sea dragon anti-air missiles, 12 Shield-M mid-range missiles, 32 K-ASROC Red Shark A torpedoes, 6 Blue Shark torpedoes, and 120 sma cluster rounds for the 5 inch K-1 Harper cannons, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Tell the Young-jo and Jung-jo ships to attack when they reach a distance of 80 km without waiting for orders.¡±


    ¡°I will contact them, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 06:45, in the deep sea 159 km south of Jeju Ind N31¡ã 45¡ä E 126¡ã 12¡ä


    ¡°Captain! We will reach 30,000 from the Huhbei soon.¡±


    ¡°After we attack with the torpedoes, we could be detected. Everyone get ready and let¡¯s try our best.¡±


    The ten crew members aboard the submarine nodded instead of answering.


    ¡°Captain! It¡¯s an encrypted message from the Ham Suk-hun ship.¡±


    The Communications Operator handed the Captain the decrypted message. The Captain quickly read the message that was only a few lines long, reporting that the Ham Suk-hun (SSP-082) was also closing in the distance to 30 km and will attack the San Dung aircraft carrier also.


    ¡°Communications Operator, send an encrypted message as a response. Attack time to be set at 0635h. The 081 will hit the Huhbei while the 082 will hit the San Dung at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    The Communications Operator worked the console and sent an encrypted message to the Ham Suk-hun (SSP-082).


    ¡°The time of reckoning hase. If we take out those two targets, then it¡¯s over for the Chinese Navy. What¡¯s our distance from the target?¡±


    ¡°We are 28,200 meters away from our target, sir.¡±


    When he heard the Operator¡¯s answer, the Captain checked the time on the screen. They were one minute away from the scheduled attack. Anxiety was building up at the bridge of the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) submarine.


    Finally, the long minute had passed.


    ¡°Openunch tubes 1 through 8.¡±


    ¡°Openingunch tubes 1 through 8.¡±


    ¡°Rapid-fire from torpedo 1.¡±


    ¡°Rapid firing from torpedo 1 through 8.¡±


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The eight torpedo rounds shot out from the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) from the air pressure and then began to raise their speed with the equipped thrusters, causing a hypercavitating bubble to form at the warhead.


    ¡°All eight torpedoes have been sessfullyunched! They are heading toward the target at 400 knots.¡±


    ¡°The Ham Suk-hun has also fired torpedoes, six in total, Captain.¡±


    ¡°How long do we have until the torpedoes hit their targets?¡±


    ¡°Distance at 25,000 and time at 98 seconds, Captain.¡±


    ¡°All right. Helmsman, maintain our azimuth and set the diving angle to 20 and dive until 115! Reduce our speed to half.¡±


    ¡°Maintaining azimuth, diving angle at 20, and diving down until 115! Cutting our speed to half, sir.¡±


    ¡°Prepare the second round of torpedoes. Injectunch tubes 1 through 8.¡±


    ¡°Injecting.¡±


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 06:50, 118 km southeast of Jeju Ind (China¡¯s naval fleet¡¯s location)


    The torpedo rm from the Huhbei aircraft


    carrier rang across the entire vessel.


    ¡°Torpedo! Torpedo detected! Eight with an azimuth of 1-1-5 and at a speed of 550 knots! Ny-five seconds before contact.¡±


    An urgent report about the torpedoes rang across the bridge.


    ¡°What are you talking about? How did we not detect a submarine closing in on us?¡±


    ¡°There are six torpedoes headed toward the San Dung aircraft carrier as well.¡±


    Vicemander Zhang Jike was shocked by the reports and shouted after kicking the bridge wall.


    ¡°How poor was the submarine sentry that we are being attacked by the torpedoes?¡±


    ¡°Has the location of the enemy submarines been detected?¡±


    Vice Commander in Chief Zhang Jike asked calmly to the Command Center instead of the frantic fleetmander.


    ¡°Their distance is at 22,000 meters and 85 seconds before impact.¡±


    ¡°What kind of torpedo is that fast? It¡¯s not some missile.¡±


    Captain Chen Ching, who could notprehend the situation, asked in response.


    ¡°The . . . the thing is, Captain, it seems to be a hypercavitating torpedo.¡±


    ¡°What? Those Bangzi have hypercavitating torpedoes?¡±


    Vice Commander in Chief Zhang Jike became wide-eyed like a rabbit and finally came to his senses.


    ¡°Even if they did¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hold them off! If our vessel gets hit, then our amphibious mission will be a failure. Tell the entire fleet! Use any means necessary.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander!¡±


    The destroyers escorting the Huhbei and San dung carriers moved hastily. The Chinese fleet detected the torpedounch tube injection noises made by the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081) and the Ham Suk-hun (SSP-082). The fleet heightened their sentry activities toward the submarines and gave chase.


    First, 2 of the Hainan ss (Type 055) anti-air destroyersunched 14 rounds of YU-10 type missile torpedoes. In 2019, China had developed an anti-submarine torpedo missile that had a range of 20 km, simr to Korea¡¯s Red Shark, and deployed them to the field.


    When the four Kunming ss (Type 052D) missiles failed at their first interception attempt, they entered the process ofunching the YU-7 type torpedoes to make their second interception attempt.


    Woosh, Woosh, Woosh.


    A momentter, the Chinese YU-10 type torpedoes skimmed the ocean surface and created a bubble to fly at immense speeds toward the Great White A hypercavitating torpedo. However, since the speed of the Yu-10 torpedo was too fast, the active sonar equipment could not function properly and failed to intercept.


    ¡°Number 1, 2, 3 4, and 5 failed to intercept! Number 6 interception sessful! Number 7 failed.¡±


    The Sonar Operators of each vessel gave a real-time report on the interception status of the torpedoes to every vessel. Those aboard the Huhbei aircraft carrier, including Vice Commander Zhang Jike, were paying attention to the reportsing in.


    ¡°Torpedo 14 also failed.¡±


    Out of the 14 torpedoes, only 1 was sessful. The second wave of YU-10 type torpedo missiles flew into the sky, and the YU-7 type torpedoes also dove into the blue sea to establish a third stage of the torpedo defensive.


    As ast resort, the escorting Kun Ming ss and Hainan ss destroyers of the 1st Carrier Strike Group deployed decoys.


    Meanwhile, the 72nd Fleet¡¯s three Hoc destroyers, including the King Suk-jong (DDG-1005), had begun to fire their sma cluster rounds repeatedly when they got in the range of their Harper K-1 cannons.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The Harper K-1 cannons with a range of 90 km used its sma cluster rounds and tore the surviving Hangzhou ships to shreds. Their four close-in 30 mm AK-630M defense Vulcans tried their best to intercept the oing sma cluster rounds, but the small cluster bombs flying toward them at Mach 8 was no match for them. The Fuzhou that was hit by eight rounds of the cluster rounds exploded as if being hit by an anti-ship missile and caught in mes. The crew¡¯s screams were drowned out by the explosion.


    However, the resistance from the Chinese Navy was no pushover. The four Hainan ss destroyers and the four Kun Ming ss destroyers escorting the 1st Carrier Strike Group continued tounch their YJ-83 type (C-803) anti-submarine missiles.


    On the surface, the 72nd Mobile Fleet¡¯s Hoc destroyers and the Chinese 1st Carrier Strike Group¡¯s destroyers were engaged in battle while under the sea, the Korean submarines were facing off Chinese destroyers.


    Ten minutester, the Huhbei aircraft carrier had fourrge holes in its port side and began to tilt rapidly. The jets aboard the deck were all tangled up before crashing into the sea. Also, two Kun Ming ss destroyers around the area were sinking and only their mast could be seen. They had been hit by the hypercavitating torpedoes trying to defend the aircraft carrier. Despite their sacrifice, the Huhbei aircraft carrier was hit by four Great White A hypercavitating torpedoes from the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081).


    ¡°Vice Commander Zhang Jike, we must retreat, sir.¡±


    Captain Chen Jing of the Huhbei aircraft carrier covered his face that he banged up against the wall and shouted.


    The explosion caused by the four Great White A hypercavitating torpedoes must have had a great impact as the bridge of the Huhbei aircraft carrier was in chaos.


    ¡°Our aircraft carrier was taken down by only four torpedoes?¡±


    The Huhbei aircraft carrier was designed with numerous steel walls to withstand torpedo attacks. Vice Commander in Chief Zhang Jike, who was aware of this fact, could notprehend the fact the Huhbei was sinking. He barely regained his bnce and shouted while looking out from the bridge.


    ¡°Commander, we must retreat!¡±


    ¡°We can still hold on.¡±


    ¡°It is too dangerous, sir. The vessel is tilted by 30 degrees. We are past the point of recovery!¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Check on the status of the San Dung aircraft carrier.¡±


    Vice Commander in Chief Zhang Jike did not pay any attention to Captain Chen Jing¡¯s suggestion. The Communications Operator contacted the San Dung aircraft carrier under his orders.


    ¡°The San Dung aircraft carrier is also under attack by torpedoes, sir.¡±


    ¡°What are the damages?¡±


    ¡°They were hit by two torpedoes, and the repairmen are trying to recover their damages.¡±


    ¡°They did not sink, that is a relief! Raise the anti-submarine sentry to the highest level and get the Korean submarines! We can¡¯t just stand idly by after we¡¯ve been hit.¡±


    ¡°We must retreat first, sir.¡±


    A report from the Command Center came that sealed their fate, however.


    ¡°Six more additional torpedo attacks. Distance 15,000 meters, 58 seconds before impact.¡±


    ¡°If they get hit by even a single round, then the carrier will sink. Tell the escorting ships to stop them!¡±,


    Vice Commander Zhang Jike shouted. However, they were too short on time. The fact that Vice Commander Zhang Jike only relied on the escorting ships for their anti-submarine sentry efforts was one of the main reasons their ships were sinking.


    The Hainan ss destroyersunched the YU-10 type torpedoes for thest time, and the Kun Ming ss destroyers also deployed numerous decoys to the sea, but the Great White A torpedoes navigating at 600 knots ignored them all. Also, the interception attempts had failed. The Great White A torpedoes rammed into the port side of the Huhbei aircraft carrier.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Four loud explosions urred repeatedly and the 70,000-ton Huhbei aircraft carrier began to sink rapidly into the ocean. The water looked as if a monster was swallowing the Huhbei into its mouth, and the aircraft carrier quickly vanished engulfed in the water. Only the wreckage could be seen floating on the surface.


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 06:55, in the deep sea, 152 km south of Jeju Ind N 31¡ã 55¡ä E 126¡ã 01¡ä


    ¡°Our target the Huhbei aircraft carrier has sunk, sir.¡±


    The Sonar Operator quietly reported.


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ¡°What about the San Dung?¡±


    ¡°Based on the sonar patterns, it is still afloat, sir.¡±


    ¡°Should we try to take them out as well? We are in a pickle here.¡±


    ¡°Ah! A Chinese submarine is approaching! Azimuth 0-5-7, distance at 21,000.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, no need to overexert ourselves! We achieved our goal. We are going to leave here quietly. Azimuth at 2-7-8 and full turn starboard! Maintain our diving angle and full speed ahead.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 2-7-8, maintaining diving angle and full speed ahead.¡±

 Chapter 147

    <h4>Chapter 147</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 06:45, 49 km south of Jeju Ind (Maritime Task Floti 7 72nd Task Group)


    While moving toward Namjin at full speed, the Hoc destroyer of the Maritime Task Floti 7 72nd Task Group continued to fire their Haper K-1 gun, which has a range of 90 km.


    Pop! Pop! Pop!


    At the bombardment of sma bombs that fired like a machine gun, the Chinese escort vessels and destroyers that were hit spewed dark-red mes and smoke, thus, disabling several vessels.


    However, the Chinese counterattack was also formidable. Eight destroyers escorting the Huhbei aircraft carriers and Shandong aircraft carriers maneuvered northward in high speed to face the 72nd Task Group. In the deep waters of the South Sea, about ten Chinese submarines waiting for the right timing began showing full-fledged attack movements.


    ¡°Sessfully intercepted 11 of the 16 supersonic ship-to-ship missiles against the anti-aircraft missiles assigned to each ship! Moving on to the medium-range interceptor stage.¡±


    Simultaneously with the Operator¡¯s loud reporting, two anti-aircraft missiles flew over the southern sky from the 32-directional Shield-M of the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005).


    The other two Hoc destroyers, including the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005), intercepted the naval bombardment as well as the anti-ship missilesing from enemy ships to narrow the distance and to attack any possiblending ships.


    However, at that moment, the voice of the Sonar Director rang throughout the Battle Control Room of the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005).


    ¡°A slew of Chinese submarines found ahead.¡±


    The Sonar Director clutched at his headset and continued reporting about the various submarines detected.


    ¡°A total of 12 confirmed, sir.¡±


    ¡°Report submarine location starting with the nearest one.¡±


    The Tactical Control Director¡¯s instructions continued.


    ¡°From this ship, it is located downward at two o¡¯clock, 28 degrees downward, depth of 80, and a distance of 38,000. ording to the sonar analysis, it is confirmed to be a Jin-ss ballistic missile submarine.¡±


    ¡°What about the next one?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! A Shang-ss nuclear-powered attack submarine confirmed in the same direction, 28 degrees downward, depth of 80, and a distance of 39,100! At the eleven o¡¯clock direction . . .¡±


    The Sonar Director enumerated the locations of the confirmed Chinese submarines. Immediately after the Sonar Director¡¯s report, Captain Lee Ki-young gave orders to the Torpedo Director.


    ¡°Torpedo Director, prepare the Red Shark A torpedo missile.¡±


    Immediately after the Sonar Director¡¯s report ended, Captain Lee gave orders to the Torpedo Director.


    ¡°Yes, sir, entering the Red Shark A torpedo setting.¡±


    Then, the Sonar Director shouted with an urgent voice.


    ¡°Major sonar confirmed from two o¡¯clock Jin-ss ballistic missile submarine and three Won-ss submarines at eleven o¡¯clock!¡±


    ¡°Communication Officer! Tell the Yeongjo ship and Jeongjo ship to switch to the torpedo interception system! The ship will proceed to attack the enemy submarine.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, I will issue the orders.¡±


    ¡°The torpedo has been fired. The torpedo type is YU-9, and there are 4 units on this ship! Three hundred ny-five seconds to reach head torpedo standards.¡±


    ¡°The Chinese also seem to have deployed hypercavitating torpedoes.¡±


    Captain Lee furrowed his brows slightly and shouted while looking at the Torpedo Director.


    ¡°Input the frequency on the detected enemy submarine and fire immediately uponpletion.¡±


    ¡°Entering frequency input and fire.¡±


    A few momentster, 12 K-ASROC Red Shark A torpedo missiles from the K-VLS2 verticaluncher soared into the sky in order.


    Shoong! Shoong! Shoong!


    The K-ASROC Red Shark A torpedo missile, reaching a range of 80 km, flew toward the Chinese submarine at a speed of Mach 3, and 24 Red Shark A torpedo missiles flew from the Great King Yeongjo destroyer (DDG-1006) and the Great King Jeongjo destroyer (DDG-1007) toward the southern sky while drawing white tracks.


    A few momentster, a Chinese YU-9 type hypercavitating torpedo that reached 200 knots exploded with shockwaves when it collided with the Red Shark A torpedo, which submerged after breaking through the sea surface. This explosion happened one after another.


    ¡°The Yeongjo ship and Jeongjo ship have reported that all Chinese torpedoes have been sunk.¡±


    ¡°Good! Good job! Tell both ships to pay attention to antisubmarine alert and to prepare for additional torpedo attacks.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Understood.¡±


    After defending the first round of Chinese submarine torpedo attack, the 72nd Task Group Hoc destroyer now watched the results of the K-ASROC Red Shark A torpedo missileunched from the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005).


    ¡°Number 1 and Number 2 Red Shark A torpedo missiles intercepted by Chinese anti-aircraft missiles. Numbers 3, 4, and 5, switch from flight mode to underwater mode! Number 6 torpedo intercepted! Numbers 7, 8, and 9, switch to underwater torpedo mode! Number 10 torpedo intercepted! Number 11, switch to underwater mode.¡±


    The Chinese destroyers seeded in intercepting the Red Shark A torpedo missiles, which fell to sea level just above the Chinese submarine from flight mode, with anti-aircraft missiles. As a result, only 8 of a total of 12 dug through sea level and moved toward Chinese submarines after switching to underwater mode.


    The Chinese submarine responded to the sudden torpedo attack with a defense system and a hard kill, but the submarines that determined it was unavoidably bombarded the Hoc destroyer with theirst torpedo attack. Furthermore, the Chinese destroyers above the sea kept firing anti-ship missiles toward the Hoc destroyer that was gradually approaching them.


    ¡°Torpedo number 3 hit! Torpedo number 4 attack failed! It was hit by a hard kill. Torpedo number 5 hit! Torpedo number 7 and 8 hit! Torpedo number 9 attack failed! Attack failed! Torpedo number 10 hit. Until the final number 12 torpedo arrival, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . hit! Sessful hit, sir.¡±


    The Sonar Director¡¯s reporting continued as he focused all his nerves on the headset and analyzed the ultra-wide sound waves heard from the SUSL-01MP ship sonar in real time.


    ¡°Out of a total of 12, the final targets hit were five submarines. One Tang-ss submarine, two Shang-ss submarines, and two Won-ss submarines.¡±


    Captain Kim Ki-young was a little disappointed by the results of the 12 Red Shark A torpedo attacking only 5 submarines, but he was relieved by the fact that thetest constructed Tang-ss ballistic missile submarines were included.


    ¡°A total of ten anti-ship missiles are aimed at this ship! There are three hypersonic anti-ship missiles and seven subsonic anti-ship missiles. One hundred twenty seconds until impact of the leading hypersonic anti-ship missile.¡±


    The Battle Command Room of the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1006), busily engaged on the Sonar Director¡¯s report, had no time to rx at the Radar Operator¡¯s report.


    ¡°Captain, sir! We¡¯ve run out of anti-aircraft missiles.¡±


    A grim report came from the Fire Control Officer.


    ¡°What about the Shield-M?¡±


    ¡°We have four shots left, sir.¡±


    After hours of fighting, the only anti-aircraft missiles left on the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005) were now four Shield-M medium-range missiles. The other two Hoc destroyers were under simr circumstances. To this, Captain Lee lifted his helmet, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and immediately gave instructions.


    ¡°Three Shield-Ms will intercept the hypersonic anti-ship missiles, and if interception fails, use thest one for an additional interception. As for the other anti-ship missiles, we have no choice but to believe in CIWS. Head straight into the interception process.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Captain, sir.¡±


    The Fire Control Officer simultaneously responded and gave orders to the Interception Director.


    ¡°Allocate targets. Set targets for hypersonic anti-ship missiles from 1 to 3! Fire Shield-M missiles.¡±


    ¡°Shield-M missiles! Firing, sir.¡±


    Three Shield-M missiles flew from the 32-directional Shield-Muncher installed just below the bridge, and one Shield-M missile flew from the 32-directional Shield-Muncher just above the helicopter hangar on the stern while drawing white tracks.


    Meanwhile, the remaining two and three Shield-M medium-range missiles from the Great King Yeongjo destroyer (DDG-1006) and the Great King Jeongjo destroyer (DDG-1007) flew south while passing the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005).


    Craash! Craash! Craash! Craash!


    A few momentster, shes of light above the sea level could be seen from the bridge. To that extent, the collision between hypersonic anti-ship missiles and the Shield-M medium-range missiles was very close by.


    ¡°Number 1 and 2 interception sessful. Number 3 interception failed! Missile number 3, 55 seconds to impact on this ship.¡±


    ¡°Target number 3! We¡¯re going to intercept again. Fire the Shield-M missile.¡±


    Shoong!


    Thest Shield-M missile flew out of theunch tube, spraying white smoke.


    The Shield-M missile, which had been flying horizontally, soon lowered its altitude and appeared between clouds and made a vigorous descent toward the YJ-83 (C-803), China¡¯s hypersonic anti-ship missile that was flying at high speed above sea level.


    Craassh!


    Target number 3, which failed to be intercepted in the first round of interceptions, could not avoid the Shield-M missile this time, and it exploded upon urate collision.


    ¡°Target number 3! Interception sessful. CIWS will now run automatically. One hundred fifty-nine seconds to impact.¡±


    ¡°What about the Yeongjo ship and the Jeongjo ship?¡±


    Worried about the affiliated destroyers, the Captain asked with a concerned tone.


    ¡°Fortunately, both ships sessfully intercepted the hypersonic anti-ship missiles.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, then how many fleet missiles are left?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Captain, sir.¡±


    ¡°Twelve subsonic anti-ship missiles on the Yeongjo ship! And 11 subsonic fleet missiles on the Jeongjo ship, sir.¡±


    ¡°That seems like too much.¡±


    Captain Kim Ki-young for some reason had an ominous feeling.


    ¡°Eighty-one seconds until impact! Ten kilometers away, operating CIWS.¡±


    Light streams flew like they were dancing from the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005)¡¯sst shot, a 22-mmser Vulcan beam.


    Zapzapzapzapzap~ Zapzapzapzapzap~


    The two white light streams that extended from the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005) soon seeded in intercepting two anti-ship missiles in a short period after turning them into beehives and sentser beams immediately to the next target. The 22-mmser Vulcan, which is not subject toparison with ordinary machine guns, sprayedser sparks, reaching light speed in all directions. The Chinese anti-ship missiles exploded one by one as if they were fishes caught in a.


    ¡°Number 3 and 4 interception sessful! Number 5 interception sessful too! Fourteen seconds to number 6 anti-ship missile impact! Distance 3,100!¡±


    Zapzapzapzapzap~ Crash!


    The target number 7 anti-ship missile went into a strike maneuver after fortunately avoiding the flying beams of light. As soon as it reached the altitude turnover point and as it charged toward the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005), it exploded due to a 22-mmser Vulcan beam mounted on the nose of the ship.


    ¡°All anti-ship missiles were sessfully intercepted, sir.¡±


    The Interception Operator reported with a sigh of relief. Then a loud explosion was heard from the rear.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    The Interception Operator replied with a tearful face.


    ¡°Yeongjo ship! Yeongjo ship has been hit! It was hit by an anti-ship missile, sir.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°It was on the helicopter hangar on the stern, sir.¡±


    ordingly, the Battle Control Room video screen disyed the Great King Yeongjo destroyer (DDG-1006) reflected from an external camera. The stern¡¯s hangar was hideously dented, and dark-red mes exuded through the gaps here and there perhaps due to the explosion of the helicopters.


    ¡°D*mn it! It must be difficult to intercept more than ten anti-ship missiles with CIWS alone.¡±


    ¡°Connect to the Yeongjo ship.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! I have connected.¡±


    ¡°This is the Commander of the Sukjong destroyer.¡±


    ¨C Salute! This is Captain Oh Il-joon, sir.


    ¡°Is the damage serious?¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir! Though it¡¯s still not urate, the engine seems to be damaged. I don¡¯t think further maneuvering is possible, sir.


    ¡°What about the crew damage?¡±


    ¨C Five internal deck soldiers, 2 helicopter operators, and 1 helicopter pilot have deceased, and 12 are wounded.


    ¡°Okay. From now on, the Yeongjo ship will take aid from the Jeongjo ship. Leave the battle, and return to the Jeju Ind base.¡±


    ¨C For now, we can maneuver defensively from here, sir.


    ¡°Captain Oh! It will be serious if you get a torpedo attack doing that. Follow orders.¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    Aftermunicating with the Captain of the Great King Yeongjo destroyer (DDG-1006), he calmed down his anger and asked the Sonar Director.


    ¡°What¡¯s the situation on the enemy submarines?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, currently, they are all retreating to the rear.¡±


    ¡°The rear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! That is correct.¡±


    ¡°The surface ship is also entering a high-speed maneuver after turning the nose to azimuth 2-4-0 and changing course.¡±


    ¡°Are they running away?¡±


    ¡°It seems so. Captain, sir! Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°We won! Wow!¡±


    One of the staff sergeants ranked as a nomissioned Communication Operator stood up and shouted while cheering. It was a move he made unknowingly, perhaps because of the joy that he had survived a great battle thatsted three hours. To this, the rest of the crew also cheered and shouted a cry of victory.


    ¡°Men! Quiet.¡±


    At themand of Captain Lee, the Battle Control Room grew quiet in an instant.


    ¡°We still have work to do. Shouldn¡¯t we make the Chinese never to contemte onnding in the Korean Penins again? I cannot just let the Chinesending fleet return. Let¡¯s narrow the distance as much as possible and sprinkle all the Red Shark A torpedoes we have! What do you think?¡±


    The Captain¡¯s words were transmitted to all the crew members through the speakers on the ship.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Communication Operator replied with a loud voice this time too.


    ¡°Yes. Captain, sir.¡±


    ¡°Go! Go! Fighting! Thest gift to the Chinese.¡±


    ¡°Good! Gentlemen, let¡¯s give them theirst gift and return to base.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Torpedo Director, how many Red Shark A¡¯s are left?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Currently, there are 20 Red Shark A¡¯s left.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s pick and hit the fivergestnding ships! Bridge, can you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! This is the bridge Vice Commander.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 2-3-2, half turn to starboard! Sail at full speed.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Understood.¡±


    In response to news of the sinking of the anti-ship carrier Huhbei of the anti-ship force and the attack of the Shandong ship, the Central Military Commission ordered a return of the entire anti-ship force to prevent further power loss. To this, all of the maneuverable Chinese escort ships and destroyers began sailing back to the Ningbo Naval Base, and the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005), which was heading south to hit the Chinesending surface ships, jumped into the middle of the Chinese anti-ship forces at full speed.

 Chapter 148

    <h4>Chapter 148</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 07:20, in the sea 120 km southeast of Jeju Ind


    The winter sea at the southern end of Jeju Ind, where even the starlight at dawn was covered by dark clouds, gradually brightened with the sun rising from the east. As light appeared, the horrible scene of the war above the sea hidden in the dark was uncovered.


    On several Chinese destroyers, which were tilted to one side and leaking pitch-ck oil, were dark-red mes that didn¡¯t get extinguished. They burned through while dancingvishly on the damaged vessels. Near another half-sunken Chinese destroyer, bodies that looked like Chinese sailors and flotsam floated around. Excluding the already sunken ships, the number of damaged ships floating on the sea¡¯s surface reached dozens.


    Among them, the Chinese sailors who jumped into the sea near the Huhbei aircraft carrier, which was tilted 120 degrees and showed only part of the nose above the sea, all died due to the cold waters that chilled their bones. Hundreds of bodies, relying on the buoyancy of their life jackets, were floating around in a droopy state.


    Meanwhile, beyond the horizon in the direction of China, the Hoc destroyer (DDG-1005) of the Maritime Task Floti 7 72nd Task Group was slowly sailing toward Jeju Ind, producing dark-red smoke.


    Forty minutes ago, the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005), which maneuvered toward the Chinese anti-ship force at high speed andunched itsst attack with 20 Red Shark A torpedo missiles, ended up sinking four Chinesending ships. The Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005) had poured out all their means of attack.


    Although they only had a 22-mmser Vulcan beam, thest shot of the CIWS (close-in weapons system), the Great King Sukjong destroyer (DDG-1005) intercepted the counterattack of the Chinese anti-ship missiles, but missed one of the 12, and was hit. Fortunately, because the part that was hit was the starboard of the nose, only five people were injured without any casualty, and they were able to safely escape from the China sea.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 07:40, in the sea 45 km southeast of Jeju Ind


    When the Chinese anti-ship force turned its nose toward the Ningbo Naval Base to begin sailing back, the Naval Operations Command urgently deployed tens of naval rescue helicopters, anti-submarine helicopters, and 119 rescue helicopters to rescue the 3rd and 1st Fleets.


    First, they began rescuing the sailors who had fallen into the sea and stood on the crossroad of life and death. Fortunately, because of the protective suits provided to all the sailors, the sailors were able to maintain their body temperature even in the cold seawater in winter; no sailor died from the extreme cold temperature.


    Furthermore, not only naval rescue ships but also civilian ships sailed out from Jeju Ind to do their best to rescue hundreds of naval sailors.


    Dudududududu . . .


    Several rescue helicopters hovered over the sea, and UDT personnel plunged into the sea. This was not only to rescue but also to find and collect the bodies of the dead soldiers. Because it would be difficult to collect the dead bodies in the wide and open sea over time due to the strong currents and waves, the Joint Chiefs of Staff issued strong orders to collect the dead bodies immediately.


    ¡°Hey! Move quickly.¡±


    On the battleship that was on fire and escaped sinking, which was a stroke of good luck amid misfortune after being hit by several anti-ship missiles, several naval rescuers climbed onto the deck of the battleship (FF-825) and one of the lieutenant-ss officers, who seemed to be their senior, shouted.


    ¡°Group 1, move toward the bridge! Group 2, go toward the Battle Command Room, and Groups 3 and 4 to the Engine Room.¡±


    The lieutenant-ss officer instructed each of the group¡¯s seniors where to be deployed. The rescuers, who received their instructions, each went inside to the assigned part of the ship while dousing the still-burning mes.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 08:30, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control situation room) in Yongsan-ku, Seoul


    More than 100 nomissioned officers,missioned officers, and generals thatmanded it all, watched the maritime battle at the southern end of Jeju Ind, which began early that morning. They were now moving more busily to understand the present status of rescue operations and damages.


    ¡°Mr. Chairman, sir, how about briefly getting some shut-eye?¡±


    The Director of Operation Center approached the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Yi-sik, as he spoke in a concerned tone.


    ¡°What have I done to rest?¡±


    ¡°If you keep on doing this, you might faint, sir.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for three days since the Beijing advancement on December 12, has had only an hour or two of sleep on the sofa each day.


    ¡°The Korean soldiers who are fighting for their lives all over the battlefield would be sad to hear that. Please don¡¯t say something like that, and would you ask the lieutenant to bring me a cup of dark ck coffee?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Chairman, sir¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Chairman¡¯s face was full of exhaustion as he sat on the chair and watched the video of the rescue operation. Chairman Kang Yi-sik, now promoted to General of the Army at the start of the Korea¨CChina war and entrusted with full authority over military supremacy from the President with two months left of his two-year term, had the responsibility and authority on his shoulders that was very heavy and tough considering his current age of 63.


    Especially whenever the sacrifice of the Korean soldiers seemed to increase, the burden of responsibility doubled and crushed the Chairman¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°Here it is, sir.¡±


    The Director of Operation Center Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun brought the steaming cup of coffee himself and handed it to the Chairman.


    ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re bringing it yourself, Lieutenant General Kim? I feel bad.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying, for something like this, Mr. Chairman?¡±


    ¡°Anyways, I¡¯ll drink this well.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff took the coffee cup with a benevolent expression and took a sip. When the bitter coffee entered his mouth and passed through his throat, he made a slight frown because of the bitter taste, but he felt his hazy mind clear up a little bit.


    ¡°It tastes good.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d, Mr. Chairman.¡±


    ¡°Anyhow, I am very worried that the 3rd Fleet is at the level of destruction.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Chairman. However, China has also lost its naval power to advance to the Korean Penins for the time being.¡±


    ¡°That is true. When is the exact damage situationing out?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, it is still being coted. I will report it as soon as the damage situation in China is organized.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff took another sip of coffee, ced it down on the table, and stood up from his chair.


    ¡°I¡¯m not like I used to be because I haven¡¯t exercised these days! I¡¯m going to take a cold shower to wake myself up. I¡¯ll see youter at the restaurant. Monitor the rescue n situation in the meantime for me.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Mr. Chairman, sir.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff patted the shoulders of Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun once and moved to the entrance of the situation room. The expression on Lieutenant General Kim¡¯s face while looking at the back of the Chairman contained tens of thousands of emotions. The Korea¨CChina war was initially nned by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but the scenario began to shift due to Japan and Russia¡¯s sudden involvement in the war. Although they were still leading and victorious in all battles, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Command Group was fighting against the invisible pressure of the ever-increasing sacrifices of Korean soldiers and a war situation that they were not certain how it would end.


    This pressure first came from the Beijing advancement operation, the final stage of the ¡°Rise of Goguryeo¡± n. Using three routes to capture Beijing, the VII Maneuver Corps and the 3rd Armored Division, the subunit of the 5th Corps, had struggled and engaged in intense battles for three days due to China¡¯s army groups that had a thorough defense n that was stronger than expected. It was most disappointing that Korea¡¯s army forces were dispersed to prevent the Russian troops from advancing from all fronts of the Chinese¨CRussian border, and therefore did not have enough power to be deployed to the Beijing advancement.


    Secondly, the pressure emanated from the small andrge local wars with the Russian Army on the Chinese¨CRussian border front. After the Russian Army¡¯s 57th Motorized Rifle Division wasrgely defeated at Shuangyashan District on December 12, the Russian Army switched to a passive setup and started a small local war. However, though it was a local war, Korea could not be unconcerned. It was because they did not know when they would switch to a major offensive and push in at once, and most importantly, they were anxious about the use of tactical nuclear bombs and nuclear strategy of the world¡¯s number 1 nuclear weapons nation.


    Thirdly, it was from the naval battle with Japan. Starting with the naval battle of Dokdo on December 12 up until therge-scale naval battle of the South Sea early this morning, the sh with the JMSDF was now inevitably transforming to a national shootout beyond a simple naval battle.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 09:30, Emergency Security situation room in Tokyo, Japan


    All Japanese broadcasts focused only on the fact that the Korean Army had bombarded Tsushima earlier that morning.


    The fact that the JMSDF struck first in response to China¡¯s requests to double up during the naval battles between the Korean Navy and the Chinese Navy was left out in the media reports. The public had begun to assume a victim costume y through distorted broadcasts of Korea unterally attacking Japan, like in the previous Dokdo naval battle.


    Due to the broadcasts that were aired throughout the morning, several protests centered on right-wing groups took ce throughout Japan¡¯s cities. The general public had begun to participate in these protests. Moreover, right-wing politicians also flooded ims to immediately punish uncivilized Korea through various media outlets.


    There was a man watching these news reports with an unfathomable expression. It was Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Since the Dokdo naval battle that urred on December 12, and since militarism had expanded nationwide, Prime Minister Abe¡¯s approval rating soared. It was an opportunity that Prime Minister Abe had longed for to expand the status of the Japanese Empire. However, Prime Minister Abe couldn¡¯t be too happy because the JMSDF that he praised for ranking third in the world¡¯s naval powers was defeated and pushed to the brink of annihtion twice in the recent naval battles against the Korean Navy.


    Frankly, Japan had nonding fleets or marine forces tond army forces on the Korean Penins. It was simply a strategy to win by pressuring Korea through the naval battle and shaking the Korean economy with a sea blockade. However, Prime Minister Abe was baffled by the fact that this maritime strategy had been greatly defeated twice.


    ¡°We need to make the most out of this opportunity. Are there any good ways of doing this?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, after turning his gaze away from the TV, posed this question, looking at the officials sitting there. However, no official would open his mouth first. Perhaps frustrated about this, Prime Minister Abe shouted.


    ¡°Do you people even think beforeing to the official residence?¡±


    At Prime Minister Abe¡¯s pressing words, a man began speaking carefully.


    ¡°Excuse me, Prime Minister, sir.¡±


    ¡°Speak, Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, Korea has also lost more than one fleet in this naval battle. The Korean Navy¡¯s troops capable of dealing with the JMSDF will probably assign a part of the destroyed 3rd Fleet to the 1st Fleet for military reinforcement. However, even if the power is reinforced in this current situation, it will not reach the power of the 1st Fleet as before. To this, how about the JMSDFbine the 1st Carrier Strike Group and Escort Floti 2, and destroy Korea¡¯s 1st Fleet in one blow with the Escort Floti 1 and Escort Floti 4, thenunch a great offensive against Busan?¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do with the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer that wiped out the Escort Floti 3 during the Dokdo naval battle?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe asked while mentioning the ship he didn¡¯t even want to think about.


    ¡°Prime Minister, sir! The Busan sea is very close to our maind. Even if it¡¯s the Chungmugong Yi Sunshin destroyer, a battle near the ground and not in the wide-open seaes with many restrictions.¡±


    ¡°That seems usible.¡±


    Defense Minister Shibasaki was formerly a JMSDF Admiral. ordingly, he was somewhat proficient in naval strategy.


    ¡°There is one more thing, sir.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! How about importing the equipment straight from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army currently stationed in Japan through this opportunity?¡±


    ¡°Is that possible? Aren¡¯t we currently in the process of importing various weapons from the United States?¡±


    ¡°Time is a problem now. We don¡¯t know when the current public opinion will die down. We must receive American weapons and continue a major offensive against Korea as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s a good idea. Then what American military equipment are currently stationed in Japan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. First is the F-22.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t we have that in Japan too?¡±


    ¡°Currently, the performance of Korean stealth fighters cannot be measured. When looking at the results of itsbat against our Japanese F-35B during thest Dokdo naval battle, it seems to be superior. ordingly, we need to have as many F-22 fighters as possible in Japan.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The second is the B-1B Lancer. There are currently eight U.S. strategic bomberncers stationed in Japan. If only about four of these are held by our Japanese Air Force, we can break through the Korean anti-airwork at any time and bomb Seoul.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, just listening to that makes me feel better.¡±


    ¡°Next is the . . .¡±

 Chapter 149

    <h4>Chapter 149</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 04:45, Skies over the ocean 45 km southeast of Jeju Ind (the Seongjong the Great Destroyer)


    ¡°Target 1, intercepted sessfully! Target 2, intercepted sessfully! Targets 3 to 6, currently 45 kilometers away from us. One hundred sixty-five seconds to hit this ship.¡±


    The report from the Interception Radar Operator red throughout the Combat Command Room.


    ¡°Transforming to a close defense system.¡±


    The tactic screen linked to dataing from the Combat Command Room was clearly showing four Chinese subsonic anti-ship missiles, YJ-82 (C-802), flying toward the vessel.


    A few secondster, one out of the four marks representing Chinese anti-ship missiles disappeared from the tactic screen.


    ¡°Ah! KD-4 Yeongjo the Great sessfully intercepted one missile! One missile intercepted.¡±


    The Yeongjo the Great destroyer (DDG-1006) that belonged to the Maritime Task Floti 7, stationed 22 km southeast, sessfully intercepted one anti-ship missile that was flying toward the ship. A big cheer erupted at the Combat Command Room and the bridge upon hearing the report. But the cheering soon subsided because there were still three more anti-ship missiles flying in their direction.


    ¡°Eighty-three seconds tonding.¡±


    Just then, it suddenly urred to General Yoon Kyung-jin, the Commander of the ship, that he wished at least short-range missiles would have been upgraded to the 32-round Shield-M that was mounted on the Hoc destroyer. ording to the original n, the Sejong-ss destroyer was supposed to be upgraded with new anti-aircraft missiles and short-range missiles beginning in 2021.


    ¡°Forty seconds tonding! Secure the RAM range three secondster.¡±


    The three anti-ship missiles were flying toward the ship, skimming over the ocean while maintaining a constant speed of Mach 0.8.


    ¡°The first round of three RIM-116 RAM short-range missiles ready to fire.¡±


    Three missiles were fired along with an explosive noise from the RIM-116 RAM (block 2) 21-rounduncher that was installed right below the bridge of the Seongjong the Great Destroyer (DDG-997).


    WHIZ! WHIZ! WHIZ!


    After reaching a certain altitude, the three YJ-82 (C-802) anti-ship missiles started descending toward the set targets, as three short-range missiles were flying up from the sea to intercept them.


    ¡°Target 4 sessfully intercepted! Target 5 has failed. Target 6 . . . ah . . . failed to intercept.¡±


    The air quickly froze at the Combat Command Room and the bridge upon hearing of the failed interception report.


    ¡°Twenty-three seconds tonding. Activating the second round RAM interception and phnx.¡±


    Even in such an urgent situation, the Interception Radar Operator didn¡¯t lose hisposure and kept on reporting the situation.


    WHIZ! WHIZ! WHIZ!


    Once again, two RIM-116 RAM (block 2) short-range missiles flew out, creating white smoky trajectories in the air.


    ¡°Target 5 sessfully intercepted! Oh, no! Target 6 interception has failed.¡±


    The YJ-82 (C-802) anti-ship missile, which was assigned as target 6, survived the interception by the RAM missiles and bounced off the ocean surface before quickly raising the altitude and shooting up toward the sky.


    ¡°Starting target 6 pop-up.¡±


    An explosion urred 5 km above the Seongjong the Great destroyer (DDG-997), and one missile soared into the sky, leaving the debris of the missile scattered everywhere behind. In response, the gun barrel of thest close defense system, CIWS 20 mm Phnx, aimed at the missile that would be automatically intercepted, and it sprayed sparks into the dark sky as it kept firing interceptor missiles toward the target. It was like drawing white lines on a piece of ck paper.


    ¡°Twelve seconds untilnding. Eleven seconds. Ten seconds.¡±


    The Radar Operator reported, almost choking up, probably because he thought this was thest chance.


    Bang!


    ¡°Interception a sess! CIWS has sessfully intercepted.¡±


    The Radar Operator cried out, hurrahing by raising his two hands up, and the rest of the crew ¡ª who were holding their breath as they observed the situation ¡ª also raised their hands all at once and eximed.


    ¡°Phew, that was nerve-racking to watch.¡±


    It was Colonel Yoon Kyung-jin, Captain of the Seongjong the Great destroyer (DDG-997), who was more nervous than anybody while observing the situation. It was because he had issued an order that had the fate of this vessel as well as the lives of the crew at stake¡ªall for the sake of saving a few anti-aircraft missiles. Letting out a sigh of relief, Colonel Yoon Kyung-jin spoke while looking at the two admirals standing next to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. My order could have¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on. You must have been nervous. That¡¯s all right. You did what you had to do in this situation. It was pretty risky under the current circumstances, but I think it was a proper order. Hahaha.¡±


    Admiral Lee Ki-hyung, Commander of Naval Operations, tapped the Captain¡¯s shoulder once and said with a smile. Admiral Park Su-il, Commander of the First Fleet, also chimed in.


    ¡°You can say that again. I thought you had a heart of iron, but now I see I was wrong. Don¡¯t you agree, Admiral? Hahaha.¡±


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 04:50, Coast 40 km southwest of Jeju Ind (the First Fleet)


    Finally, Japan¡¯s maritime self-defense forces revealed their true intention byunching a preemptive strike with anti-ship missiles. The ship-to-ship missiles were fired from four destroyers that belonged to the Escort Division 6 under the Escort Floti 2 as well as four destroyers that belonged to the Escort Division 13 under the JMSDF Sasebo District, which were state-of-the-art vessels developed beginning in 2016 and inherited the numbers and names from retired vessels.


    ¡°Ship-to-ship missiles are fired from the Japanese Escort Division 6. A total of 32 missiles! Oh, jeez. Additional 32 ship-to-ship missiles are fired from the Escort Division 13 in the rear as well. That¡¯s a total of 64 missiles, sir.¡±


    The reports came from the Combat Command Room of the Taejo the Great destroyer (DDG-995).


    ¡°Why am I not surprised, those sons of b**ches. Those Jap pricks.¡±


    Admiral Gil Un-seok, Commander of the First Fleet, vented briefly before picking up the microphone connected to the fleet¡¯smunicationswork.


    ¡°All vessels will have interception targets assigned by this vessel.¡±


    Immediately after giving the order, he looked at Colonel Kim Yu-hwan, Captain of the destroyer (DDG-995), and nodded slightly. In response, Colonel Kim Yu-hwan issued an additional order to the Combat Command Room.


    ¡°From now on, the Combat Command Room will begin an integrated response to the interception mission. Each vessel will be given targets to intercept and will be provided with five retaliation anti-ship missiles each.¡±


    ¡°Acknowledged, sir.¡±


    The Tactic Control Officer of the Combat Command Room immediately acknowledged the order, and the Aegis system of the Taejo the Great destroyer (DDG-995) automatically delivered interception target assignments and firing specifications to each vessel at the same time.


    Meanwhile, from the Control Room of the Poseidon 3, two S-SSFM-500 Trident super-cavitation torpedoes were fired toward two destroyers that belonged to Japan¡¯s Escort Division 6 when they approached within firing range.


    The S-SSSFM-500 Tridents¡ªsuper-cavitation torpedoes boasting a speed of 660 knots underwater¡ªmade underwater navigation at a tremendous speed toward the assigned targets with the support of its own ultra-small SUSL-MP sound detector alone.


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 05:00, the sky over the ocean 45 km northeast of Jeju Ind (Sky over Jeju Ind)


    Dark clouds were hanging over the southern tip of Jeju Ind as the battle waged between the Red Phoenix fighter jets that belonged to the 25th Fighter Wing, that wasing in and out of Jeju Ind, and the J-15 ship nes, that were responding to them while alternately taking on and off from two aircraft carriers.


    After the first air warfare, China dispatched three units of airborne early warning and control system KJ-2000 to counter Korea¡¯s Red Phoenix fighter jets that featured powerful stealth function. It was to detect the Korean-made fighter jets with powerful radar waves and to provide collected information to their own J-15 ship nes. In addition, even while being engaged in a naval battle with Korea¡¯s Third Fleet, China kept firing anti-aircraft missiles whenever Korean fighter jets were detected.


    Under this circumstance, on behalf of KF-21P fighter jets that were focusing more on the battle to secure air supremacy, 12 KF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenix fighter jets belonging to the 23rd Fighter Wing at Gimhae Base, which had been preserving power to contain the Japanese air self-defense forces, flew toward China¡¯s anti-ship forces in a super-high altitude flight mode of 30 km, carrying 4 S-ASM-100 Python air-to-ship missiles.


    The 12 KF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenix fighter jets from the 23rd Fighter Wing flew to the sky over Jeju Ind, and each of them opened the weapons bay doors and dropped and fired 4 ship-to-ship missiles that they were carrying in session, in ordance to the open fire order delivered from the Sukjong the Great destroyer (DDG-1005).


    TWANG! WHIZ! TWANG! WHIZ! TWANG!


    A total of 46 S-ASM-100 Python air-to-ship missiles with a range of 250 km dropped bluish mes before quickly disappearing toward the Chinese destroyers that were set as targets. Afterpleting the mission, the 12 KF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenix fighter jets turned around to the direction of the base.


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 05:10, in the sea 125 km southeast of Jeju Ind (China¡¯s Great Fleet)


    Zhang Jike, the Deputy Commander in Chief in charge of the fullmand was frowning as he looked out the window in the bridge. He was watching the Kunming-ss Changsa destroyer burning in dark-red mes. He was furious that China was beaten up so badly by the Korean Navy¡¯s Third Fleet and part of the First Fleet and sustained such damage, even though Korean forces were no match to Chinese forces in terms of scale.


    Even more upsetting was the fact that more than half of the J-15 ship nes that should be responsible for ind airstrikes were shot down in an engagement with Korean fighter jets.


    ¡°Captain! Any further loss of our ship nes is fatal innding operations. Stop the engagement. Tell all ship ne pilots to stop the engagement and return to the carriers.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. At yourmand, sir.¡±


    Deputy Commander Zhang Zike mentioned ship nes as the excuse, but the real reason he was so upset was the loss of the ship ne pilots. It took a significant financial investment to produce one ship ne pilot; more so, it took a really long time to train one. Even a highly skilled air force pilot has to be trained at least 3 years to be a real ship ne pilot. During this engagement alone, more than 50 pilots lost their lives either by an explosion in the air or falling into the ocean.


    The uing amphibious warfare was important. But more than anything, he couldn¡¯t afford to lose more ship ne pilots if he was to maintain the aircraft carrier¡¯s power for the future. For this reason, he had to pull out the ship ne forces from the naval warfare with the Korean navy that was only heating up.


    A whileter, about 20 J-15 ship nes stopped the air warfare, turned around, and returned to the Hebei aircraft carrier.


    ¡°Communication Officer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Deputy Commander.¡±


    ¡°Send a message to the Central Military Commission.¡±


    <hr />


    December 15, 2020, 05:10, Above the ocean 145 km west of Jeju Ind (Escort Division 6 of the Escort Floti 2)


    The Harusame (DD-102) and the Oonami (DD-111) destroyers from the Escort Division 6, which had exchanged anti-ship missiles with the First Fleet just ten minutes ago, were attacked by super-cavitation torpedoes that had been approaching underwater at a tremendous speed. Upon learning of the torpedo attack, the Torpedo Acoustic Counter Measure (TACM) was activated immediately. Unfortunately, the Harusame destroyer (DD-102) had been directly hit by a torpedo in the center of the starboard and split into two before sinking to the ocean. Fortunately, the Oonami destroyer (DD-111) survived the torpedo attack by barely making a sudden turn some ten seconds before the collision urred.


    However, the Oonami (DD-111) was so focused on the torpedo attack that it neglected to defend itself against anti-aircraft missiles; and it was hit by three anti-ship missiles. Continuous internal explosions sent mes up from all sides, and instantaneously the mes spread throughout the vessel. It was the result of being hit by three missiles after four out of seven anti-ship missiles that were fired at the destroyer were intercepted. Also, the Haruyuki (DD-128) and the Jintsu (DE-230) that belonged to Escort Floti 13 under the JMSDF Sasebo District were also hit by the anti-ship missiles and sank into the ocean.


    As soon as the engagement began, 7 Korean vessels from the First Fleet intercepted all iing anti-ship missiles and immediately attacked with 20 subsonic ship-to-ship missiles. In the second attack, a massive 80 anti-ship missiles, including 40 supersonic ship-to-ship missiles, were fired, resulting in a temporary breach of the anti-aircraft defense line and destroying 3 vessels.


    Sekiguchi Yuki was watching the scene from the Kirishima (DDG-174), the gship of the Escort Division 8. Cursing, he threw the baton he was holding and spoke.


    ¡°What¡¯s the damage to the enemy fleet?¡±


    ¡°One Korean Navy frigate was just attacked and is sinking, sir.¡±


    ¡°Just one? That¡¯s it? Where is our Escort Division 2 now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s currently 15 km southeast of Tsushima, 101 km from this vessel, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then is it within the range to fire an anti-ship missile at the enemy destroyers?¡±


    ¡°The distance between the enemy¡¯s vessel and the Escort Division 2 is 197 km, sir.¡±


    ¡°One hundred ny-seven kilometers. That¡¯s not quite close enough. Anyway, contact the Escort Division 2! This time, we will dump all our anti-ship missiles at it together with the Escort Division 2. Ten rounds per enemy destroyer and five for a frigate. Open fire as soon as we get the firing specifications.¡±


    ¡°Acknowledged, sir.¡±


    After a while, all the destroyers belonging to the Escort Floti 2, whichmunicated with the Escort Division 2, and 2 frigates belonging to the Escort Floti 13 under the JMSDF Sasebo District fired dozens of type 90 ship-to-ship missiles (SSM-1B) at the Korean vessels. The total number of the anti-ship missiles reached a whopping 125.

 Chapter 150

    <h4>Chapter 150</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 13:00, National Crisis Management Center basement bunker in Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House


    The Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited the National Crisis Management Center to have a briefing session with the President for two hours about the current state of the maritime war that broke out at the southern end of Jeju Ind earlier that day. They discussed ns for future measures. Now, after having lunch, they gathered in the conference room to have tea while watching the dangerous protests happening in Japan and the distorted broadcasts spread by extreme right-wing politicians.


    On TV, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party from the House of Representatives was shown being interviewed in front of protesters, who were holding various pickets and shouting slogans to annihte the opposing country, Korea. Not divulging the facts, he was insisting on Korea¡¯s unteral aggression while foaming at his mouth. Scenes like this continued to air from morning until past afternoon.


    ¡°Mr. President, I have a question.¡±


    National Defense Minister Kang Hyun-soo asked the President as if he had a sudden thought while watching the TV broadcast.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°That is, didn¡¯t you object to the formalint against the brutality of the Japanese government at the UN Security Council meeting regarding the Sarin gas in Jilin City? It came to my mind while watching that d*mned broadcast.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, Minister Kang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we get across the legitimacy of our attack on the Japanese fleet to the members of the UN Security Council with just the one document covertly signed by China and Japan at that time?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, we did.¡±


    ¡°Then why would it be necessary to waste such a valuable thing by exposing it?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me? What do you mean, sir?¡±


    ¡°Look at that Japanese broadcast. Instead of reflecting on their history, isn¡¯t Japan still stuck in a militarism swamp and unable toe to their senses with this distorted history education?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°I would like to take this opportunity to definitively punish Japan.¡±


    ¡°Then, are you saying you are keeping it as an ace up your sleeve for the punishment of Japan, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct. It¡¯s a trump card. Isn¡¯t it the most vicious crime among crimes to spray Sarin gas, which the UN banned, for the benefit of their own country, especially while disguising as their enemy of war? Wouldn¡¯t we need to hold this ace up on our sleeves to not walk on eggshells around the internationalmunity in the war ahead against Japan?¡±


    After the President finished speaking, Minister Kang, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Chief Secretary looked at the President with a surprised expression.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me with surprise? Everyone.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, you are really incredible. I would have never thought, even in my dreams, that you would save it for such a clever scheme. I was only thinking about the sanctions of the internationalmunity against Japan by exposing the Jilin incident to the UN Security Council.¡±


    p p p!


    The Minister of National Defense, who had ced his teacup down, even ended up pping.


    ¡°I was surprised too, Mr. President! Hahaha.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke while shaking inughter.


    ¡°Sooner orter, we won¡¯t have to watch such garbage broadcasts anymore.¡±


    The Chief Secretary, who watched the interview of a Japanese politician in his 70s with stretched-out cheeks relentlessly uttering all kinds of lies in front of the camera, also spoke whileughing.


    ¡°That is true, sir. My blood boils when I watch broadcasts like that. Two-faced Japan definitely will have to pay the price soon.¡±


    Even the Minister of National Defense, who was apuding, spoke while showing an ufortable expression after watching the TV broadcasts.


    ¡°To do that, Minister Kang and Chairman Kang, you will need to work hard.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that, sir. Whether it is a Japanese expedition or an attack on the Japanese maind, any Korean would support it. I, too, want to let go of the chairmanship and get involved directly as Commander of the expeditionary force.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? If Chairman Kang leaves the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who would be in charge? Haha!¡±


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 15:00 (CST 14:00), X-2 Bunker in Beijing, China


    Currently, China was at a crossroads hanging by a thread.


    Following the retaliatory attack of Korea¡¯s ¡°Chiyou punishment,¡± Captain Chiu Li Jiang Ji, who rose as Commander-in-chief of the People¡¯s Liberation Army, persuaded President Xi Jinping to throw an irresistible bait to Russia and Japan to turn them into allies to reverse the unfavorable war situation in one go. But the ambitious strategy of Captain Chiu to use two countries to pressure Korea and use that gap to turn the war situation around had failed from the start.


    First, the JMSDF did not perform its role. If things went ording to the n, they should have taken Dokdo and dispersed the Korean Navy¡¯s power. Only then, the Chinese Navy would have not onlynded on Jeju Ind but also the Korean Penins. Instead ofnding, however, they lost to two Korean Navy fleets in the southwestern sea of Jeju Ind. Only 50 ships, including the surfacending vessel, returned to the Ningbo Naval Base.


    Additionally, Russia initially crossed the Chinese¨CRussian border and advanced to the three sages of the Northeast in high spirits, but was greatly defeated in the first battle with the Korean armored forces. The Russians stopped advancing to drag a timid local war. As a result, it was not possible to disperse the Korean Army¡¯s power toward the three sages of the Northeast as much as they wanted to, and could not stop the most important Beijing advancement.


    Captain Chiu¡¯s n was a very dangerous move that threw the Koreans off guard. However, the men following Captain Chiu¡¯s n could not fulfill their duties, and this resulted in the subsequent failure of the n.


    ¡°Stupid Japanese b*stards can¡¯t even take over a small ind and instead get destroyed by the Korean Navy. And the Russian b*stards who were all talk and called themselves brown bears got scared that they lost one battle.¡±


    President Xi Jinping¡¯s clenched fists shook as if the more he thought about it, the more agitated he bes, and he expressed his anger while staring at the Control Room monitor.


    Watching President Xi Jinping like this, no one among the several generals of the Central Military Commission and members of the Politburo spoke a single word.


    ¡°Someone speak. Don¡¯t just sit still like you can¡¯t speak.¡±


    President Xi, who turned his gaze away from the monitor, leered at the generals andmittee members present, feebly standing at close range.


    ¡°Captain Chiu! You don¡¯t have anything to say either?¡±


    Captain Chiu, who stood still silently, paused briefly with a nk expression before he replied while looking at President Xi.


    ¡°Mr. President, sir! Now, the chances of China winning the war against Korea with the leading tactical strategies are slim.¡±


    ¡°Did I ask to hear something like that? We need to take measures. The measures.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, sir! Although we are currently being attacked by the Korean Army even at the capital, time is on our side.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Captain Chiu approached President Xi and spoke after he got near.


    ¡°The Korean leadership must have tried to end the Chinese¨CKorean War with lightning speed from the beginning. In my opinion, they envisioned to end the war as early as within one month and thetest in two months. The war is now entering its second month. Korea is not expressing it externally now but they are likely very impatient that the war has dragged on.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s say that¡¯s true. So what?¡±


    ¡°In modern warfare, long-term warfare is heavily corrted with national power. It¡¯s about how long a country can continuously fight the war. This is the size of the territory, the resources and self-production, and the poption.¡±


    ¡°Continue.¡±


    President Xi Jinping was immersed in the persuasive words of General Chiu.


    ¡°As I had just said, time is on our side. If this Korea¨CChina war continues into a long-term war, Korea must fight against China, Japan, and Russia¡ªthree countries. With a small territory, depletion of resources, and a small poption, Korea does not have the capacity to sustain a long-term war. As time goes by, Korea¡¯s consumption of national strength will decrease rapidly.¡±


    Now, the Generals of the Central Military Commission and members of the Politburo, including President Xi Jinping, were listening intently to what Captain Chiu was saying.


    ¡°For this reason, Korea will face limitations in its ability to perform war. Most likely, the hot-headed Koreans will immediately face public opposition to the war, and there will be an economic crisis and internal division. Federal reunification will also crack.¡±


    ¡°Now that I hear it, it sounds likely.¡±


    Vice President Li Yuan Chao interjected with a glow.


    ¡°Vice President, don¡¯t interrupt and stay quiet.¡±


    When the Vice President interjected at an important part, President Xi Jinping reprimanded him, ring at the Vice President.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Now, when we can¡¯t beat Korea with China¡¯s power, we need to drag the war with Korea as long as possible rather than trying to win. I think this tactic is the best in this situation.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, it hurts my pride, but I can¡¯t help it if this is the only way. Then how much time are you talking about for a long-term war?¡±


    ¡°At least six months, sir.¡±


    ¡°Currently, the Korean military is in a full-scale offensive to capture Beijing. Can we stop this andst for more than six months?¡±


    As if he went into thought at President Xi¡¯s question, he stopped talking briefly before opening his mouth again.


    ¡°Truthfully, this is the most dangerous moment for China. No matter what, the capital city of Beijing needs to be blocked. The 38th Army Group, which has been reorganized, will be put into full operation today.¡±


    During Korea¡¯s surprise attack at the beginning of the war, the 38th Army Group, which is first in the battle ranks, suffered the most damage and reached the level of destruction, but the 38th Army Group was revamped by drafting only the elite troops from each army group and using thetest equipment produced. Although they were going to head the vanguard of recapturing the three sages of the Northeast, the 38th Army Group hid their forces in the suburbs of Beijing due to the unexpected defeat of the other army groups.


    * * *


    December 15, 2020, 15:30 (MSK 09:30), Moscow Kremlin, Russia


    Russia¡¯s President Putin, a belligerent figure, was also from the KGB, the intelligence agency of the former Soviet Union. As such, he has a level-headed judgment and vision for the future. Although he signed the ¡°Russia¨CChina Territory Transfer Agreement¡± on conditions he couldn¡¯t shake off from China and advanced Russian troops into the three sages of the Northeast in exchange, he did not dispatch as many Russian troops as requested by China. This was because he did not want to sacrifice more Russian troops than necessary.


    He thought that merelyunching a simultaneous offensive against the three sages of the Northeast would terrify the Korean military in advance, causing them to back off. Contrary to President Putin¡¯s expectations, however, the Korean Army aggressively defended the Russian offensive and even defeated the 12th Tank Regiment, the unit under the 57th Motorized Rifle Division of the 5th Army.


    As a result, President Putin became cautious of the fact that Korea faced Russian troops with some guts and that they were defeated by the Korean Army, even though it was a regiment-scale unit. To this, President Putin decided to deploy arge number of reconnaissance satellites and reconnaissance aircraft to gain a full understanding of the Korean military forces. Also, to deal with the NATO forces, he gave orders to supply the newest tanks and various military equipment to the three sages of the Northeast advancement unit, and thus numerous transport nes flew in day and night.


    ¡°Is the aircraft transportation to the eastern military district going smoothly?¡±


    With a face that exuded charisma, President Putin asked this to the Minister of National Defense. To this, Minister Mikhail Ivanov straightened up and replied.


    ¡°Currently, there are about 200 transport nes transporting day and night, and various types of tanks, armored vehicles, and self-propelled guns are also being sent through the Trans-Siberian Express.¡±


    ¡°Minister Ivanov, keep your eyes on it to progress it smoothly. We must show them clearly what happens if they touch Russia without any fear.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, don¡¯t worry. Currently, 4 reconnaissance satellites and 20 reconnaissance aircraft are monitoring the 3 sages of the Northeast for 24 hours a day. Afterpleting the military reinforcement within 15 days, we will show the Korean Army the terrors of the brown bear nation.¡±

 Chapter 151

    <h4>Chapter 151</h4>


    December 15, 2020, 23:00 (U.S. Standard Time 10:00), in a building outside the suburb of Washington D.C., USA


    The U.S. was the world¡¯s supreme military power and had raised its authority over international affairs after growing its economy through World War I. It had established itself as a leader of capitalist nations.


    After World War II, the U.S. had be the protector of democracy across the world after winning the war in both the European and Asian fronts. By espousing an ideology that opposed that of the Soviet Union, the U.S. had bolstered its international status, had be the world¡¯s defender of democracy, and, after the copse of the Soviet Union in 1991, yed a major role in maintaining international order.


    However, the force pulling America¡¯s strings was not Donald Trump, who had won the 2016 election against Hiry Clinton, but rather a secret organization known as the United States Supreme Security Council or the USSC.


    The USSC was formed in 1956 after an alien spacecraft was found in Nevada by 13 prominent American families who held socioeconomic powers. The families privatized the alien spacecraft and built an undergroundboratory in secret. Afterward, the USSC had poured a substantial amount of funding to support extensive research on the alien spacecraft.


    As a result, the organization was able to obtain advanced technology that was nonexistent yet in current times. They used this newly obtained technology and shared it with various American corporations to uplift the nation¡¯s economy and umte wealth. In time, the USSC had spread its influence over the cultural and political spheres as well. In truth, the USSC held the power to influence and move America ording to its will.


    No American president or politician had not received political funds from the USSC since its inception. Its grasp on the political sphere was beyond imaginable. With its influence, the USSC was more powerful than the White House and controlled the on-goings within the U.S.


    Each of the 13 families selected one representative from their family that would hold the title for 10 years. These 13 representativesprised themittee to govern the organization. The chairman of themittee was selected from the family member who held thend in the Nevada Desert where the spacecraft crashed; that same family has held the position for the past 70 years.


    The 13 representatives from the 13 families in the USSC organization all wore masks and never revealed their true identities. They only address each other by their nicknames.


    The USSC held 10 percent of the world¡¯s capital. Arge portion of its wealthes from the weapons industry. The civil wars and battles urring in less developed nations across the world could be attributed to the workings of the USSC; this made them also a world-ss criminal organization. They instigated wars across the globe, thus, increasing the demand for weapons to fight the war. This further increased their wealth through the weapons industry, and thus, increased their capital infinitely.


    The asional provocation of war between North and South Korea was also from the workings of the USSC. By fanning the mes for Korea and Japan¡¯s arms race, they would increase their weapons exported to both nations.


    However, in 2015, something unexpected happened that the USSC could not have prepared for. The rtionship between South and North Korea improved rapidly, and the atmosphere between them had transitioned from war to peace. The USSC had nned a terrible conspiracy as a response. They were behind the terrorist bombing on August 15, 2015, at Kim Il-sung Square. They were behind the attack that killed the Korean President.


    The USSC had used ck funds to buy Lee Byung-chul, the Deputy Director of the Workers¡¯ Party of Korea from the North Korean political sphere. After careful nning, the Pyeongyang terrorist bombing took ce. The result was a great sess. The rapidly improving rtions between the South and North were interrupted, and the threat of war became imminent. Japan also used this chance to show their hidden militarism and began to import thetest weapons from America by paying high prices.


    The flow of East Asian politics that the USSC had manipted suddenly shifted in 2017 because of Korea¡¯s actions. Korea had begun to announce its production of modern medicine that the world had not thought of; thus, turning small and middle-sizedpanies, which were previously on the verge of bankruptcy, to produce products that applied new technology, thus, stirred the world economy. In short, Korea was bing the center of the world¡¯s economy.


    The Korean economic revival had shown unprecedented growth after only two years. The statistics were iprehensibly rapid and high. By 2019, President Suh Hyun-woo had used the nation¡¯s economic growth as a basis to regain their independent national defense capability, wartime control. Finally, they sent the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Korea back to the States.


    In 2020, talks of peace returned between South and North Korea. During the reunification talks, the USSC had nned another conspiracy with Lee Byung-chul, the Deputy Director of the Workers¡¯ Party of Korea. However, their conspiracy was foiled by Korea¡¯s NIS, which had uncovered their ns before they were implemented. As a result, Lee Byung-chul was executed. Luckily the Korean government¡¯s NIS had not identified the USSC.


    Regardless of the USSC¡¯s intent, Korea entered into war with China. The 13 members of the USSC had calcted to see whose side would profit them the most. The USSC concluded to maintain a neutral stance in the Korean¨CChinese war. When Korea would begin to fall or lose, USSC would then ask for Korea¡¯s new technology by exporting weapons and providing military aid. However, the tide of war favored Korea unlike how the USSC hoped for.


    The one-sided attacks from Korea had pushed China on the verge of handing over their capital. Now, Japan and Russia had entered into the fray, stirring spections of an impending World War III. The USSC did not want World War III to start. They only wanted a consuming war that would result in no one being victorious.


    Inside the old building at the suburb of Washington D.C., USSC¡¯s 13 Committee members were holding a meeting about the East Asian war.


    ¡°Victoria! Are we going to just watch over Korea and not take any action?¡±


    When one of the 13 masked figures with a gruff mask spoke to the person seated at the center, the person responded in a feminine voice. It was thedy nicknamed Victoria, the Chairman of the USSC.


    ¡°Rudolf, didn¡¯t we decide during thest meeting, to wait and see? Isn¡¯t that the reason why we opposed the bill introduced by China in the UN Security Council?¡±


    The man with the gruff voice was nicknamed Rudolf.


    ¡°At that time, we expected China¡¯s military expenditure to be great, and when Korea began to lose, we were going to ask for their new technology in exchange for military aid, right? But contrary to our expectations, China is losing the warpletely, and now Japan and Russia have entered the war as well!¡±


    ¡°I agree with Rudolf. I don¡¯t think we should leave Korea to its own devices.¡±


    The masked man seated in the far right said. Based on his voice, the man seemed to be at least 70 years old.


    ¡°What do the other members think of this?¡±


    Victoria asked the other representatives as she looked at them.


    ¡°I vote for sitting out and observing a bit longer. If we look at it, the situation is not unfavorable for our organization. Based on the intelligence reports, the Korean weapons being used excel in performancepared to the ones we own in the U.S. If Russia and Japan pressure the nation, then they would need our intervention. I suggest we wait until that timees.¡±


    ¡°ck King! Thanks for your input. Anyone else?¡±


    ¡°I also agree with ck King. I, however, suggest we grant the weapons export requested by Japan.¡±


    ¡°Chessman! Are you speaking of the U.S. weapons stored in Japan currently?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly, Victoria! We do not want an oue to the East Asian War, do we? When the opportunity presents itself, all we should do is sell weapons to warring nations to hold the bnce. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°Very well. I would like to hear opinions from other members.¡±


    However, no more opinions came forth.


    ¡°If that is all, then I would like to call for a vote regarding the U.S. weapons sale to Japan. Please raise your hand if you agree.¡±


    As soon as Victoria finished speaking, she nced at the ck-masked men sitting on the round table.


    ¡°Eleven votes agreeing to the sale. It¡¯s decided to sell U.S. weapons to Japan. Mr. Mars . . .¡±


    ¡°Yes, Victoria.¡±


    Mars, the man in charge of weapons sales, answered.


    ¡°Please take care of this by notifying the White House as you have done before.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s call this meeting to an end, and see you again in the next one.¡±


    Victoria stood up first after she finished speaking and left the room through a ck curtain behind her. The other masked men stood up from their seats and left as well.


    <hr />


    December 16, 2020, 11:30; the Presidential Pce, in Pyeongyang, North Korea


    Inside the meeting room, a conference was in progress for the federal reunification between South Korea and North Korea. The bureaucrats of both nations needed to discuss the operations of each department and educate the high-ranking government officials from North Korea since there were only 15 days left before reunification was to take effect.


    To carry out this n, the Republic of Korea had sent Minister Oh Seung-tae from the Ministry of Reunification Policy once known as the Ministry of Reunification. National Security Director Oh Jang-soo and 200 employees from the ministry were also present to finalize the ns for the reunification. Also, the Vice Minister of National Defense, 5 generals, and 100 officers from the South Korean military were sent over since October 1 to carry out the process of unifying the nations.


    The most pressing issue was concerning the reform of the North Korean military. North Korea¡¯s military consisted of 17 corps and 89 subordinate divisions. These were reduced to 4 corps and 12 divisions along with 8 brigades. The 4 corps consisted of 2 automated sentry corps, 1 artillery corps, and 1 special force corps. Disced members of disbanded military organizations would be allowed to sign up for long-term service or employment by the government for the Northern state development project.


    The second item on the agenda was figuring out where to station the government workers in North Korea after the federal unification, and the process of educating them. Since the government officials from North Korea had been inculcated withmunist ideals for over half a century, there were challenges in teaching them the work ethics of their South Korean counterparts. However, with the use of professional instructors, their ideology would hopefully change in time.


    ¡°The President asked me to express his full gratitude to Vice-Chairman Kim Yeo-jeong.¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo expressed this just when the morning meeting wasing to a close.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need is there? North Korea is more thankful. From the food and medicine we are receiving as aid, there is a vast improvement in the health of many of our citizens.¡±


    ¡°We will be one nation in 15 days. It is our duty to take care of our citizens.¡±


    ¡°Yes indeed. We are bing one nation.¡±


    Director Na Won-il from the Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces joined the conversation and asked a question.


    ¡°Director Oh Jang-soo,rade. When will the 8th Special Forces Corps trained with the new weapons be deployed to battle?¡±


    The 8th Special Forces Corps (or the 8th Special Forcesmand) was simr to Korea¡¯s paratrooper special forces, and they are perceived as North Korea¡¯s most powerful military force in the movie ¡°Swiri.¡± The 8th Special Forces Corps was founded in 1969 and based on the 124th Force that had infiltrated the Blue House on January 21, 1968. In wartime, they were tasked with infiltrating Korea¡¯s rear lines, destroying facilities, and assassinating key individuals using their AN-2 nes. To South Korea¡¯s military, the 100,000-men-strong special forces were a threat.


    ¡°Hahaha! I am sure the Ministry of National Defense will request for their aid soon.¡±


    ¡°The men from the 8th Corps seem to be getting restless. Since they are being fed well and using thetest equipment, their morale is at an all-time high. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am looking forward to seeing them in action as well, Director Na Won-il!¡±

 Chapter 152

    <h4>Chapter 152</h4>


    December 17, 2020, 07:30 (China Standard Time 06:30); the northern beach 8 kilometers from Yen-tai Province, Fu-xan County, China


    The 2nd Marine Division¡¯s 10th Amphibious Fleet had been standing by at Da-ren port. As soon as they received the order, they moved to the Ten-jin area under the escort of the 71st Mobile Fleet¡¯s Hoc destroyers at 0200h am on the December 17. However, when the 10th Amphibious Fleet arrived near Beihangjingdao port, they changed course abruptly and prepared tond when they reached the truending site in two hours.


    A few lights could be seen in the dark, foggy sea. It was the U-shaped Fu-xan County¡¯s shoreline development district. Also, therge four-kilometer long Kaipaku beach the 10th Amphibious Fleet targeted tond on could be seen as well.


    The amphibious mission in the twenty-first century since World War II was about to begin. Sixty-four WAH-91SP Peregrin falcon attack choppers aboard the Kanghwa ss (LHD) amphibious ships flew toward the Kaipaku beach, and the four amphibious ships sent out MK-99A anti-submarine choppers to hover over them to guard them against submarine attacks.


    Meanwhile, the 26th Army Group defending the Shandong penins had predicted the Korean Navy tond at Ten-jin. They sent their 138th Mechanized Infantry Division to defend it, thus, leaving only the 77th Infantry Division and Yentai Defense Division to guard the area. The 8th Division stationed near Lao-Ning moved toward Yentai while the 199th Infantry Division from China moved hastily to help defend the area.


    The 8th Fighter Wing¡¯s Pyeongyang Sun-an Airforce Base had sent out 12 KF-21P Phoenix fighter jets and 24 KA-11P Phoenixnd attackers in time. The KA-11P Phoenixnd attackers were escorted by the fighter jets and began to attack the Kaipaku beach area.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    The 50-mmunch tubes equipped on the KA-11P Phoenixnd attackers began to spew out sma cluster rounds repeatedly. The 77th Infantry Division that had established their line of defense along the beach waspletely blown to pieces by the sma cluster rounds.


    Boom! Bang! Boom!


    Bang! Boom! Boom!


    The numerous anti-air weaponry stationed at the rear line along the beach tried to strike down the Phoenixnd attackers with all its might. However, the fast evasive maneuvers from the Phoenixnd attackers made the attempt futile. Instead, the numerousnd-to-air missiles and other anti-air forces were pelted by cluster rounds such that the defensive lines fell apart.


    One of the flight wings that had four Phoenix attackers each began to fly at long altitudes to spray their 22-mmser Vulcan beams on the surface below. Then the other flight wings fired their S-AGM-20 missiles to the anti-air artillery units and their armored vehicles. In a short time, the pirs of me rising 10 meters high and the heat that emanated from them engulfed the beach.


    Along the beach, mes and ck smoke were rising and the bodies of Chinese soldiers were in a pile. Their defensive line was not prepared for anding attack, so it was broken easily and the damages were extensive.


    Across the horizon, the 7th Mobile Fleet¡¯s Hoc destroyers that had escorted the 10th Amphibious Fleet wereunching their cruise missiles and K-1 Harper cannons. The dank smell of gunpowder permeated the air,ing from the continued explosions along the beaches and the cities behind the beaches. The continued attack had also resulted in Chinese civilian casualties.


    ¡°You idiots! Don¡¯t just hide and fire back! Don¡¯t you realize we will all be dead if we stay put?¡±


    An officer with a rank of Colonel red at the QW-18¡¯s operators, who were shaking with fear inside their foxhole and shouted at them.


    ¡°Hurry up! Are you going to disobey orders?¡±


    When the officer pulled out his pistol and shouted again, the operators of the QW-18 emerged from the foxhole and aimed the missileuncher at the oing Phoenixnd attacker jets. The officer gave the order tounch as explosions shook the ground, and the sound of gunshots filled the air.


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Four anti-air missiles flew into the sky while spewing white smoke when the officer gave the order tounch. However, unlike what the Chinese officer had hoped, the Koreannd attackers deployed chaffs and res and avoided the Chinese missiles. Instead, a spray of 22-mmser Vulcan beams flew toward them, and the Chinese soldiers were torn to pieces. The QW-18 operators and the Chinese officer met their ends as well.


    The 64 WAH-91SP Peregrin falcon choppers from the amphibious ships all moved along the Kaipaku beach and sprayed it with hellfire again.


    Since the strike on thending point was sessful, Admiral Oh Seung-hwan, who had been monitoring the situation on the Dok-do ship¡¯s bridge, gave the order to the Operations Director.


    ¡°Have the EFVs sent out from each LHDnding vessel.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will ry the order.¡±


    ¡°Then send in the LSTs as soon as we take the beach.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral.¡±


    Momentster, 100 or so K-24P-N amphibious armored vehicles rolled out in a line formation from the 4 LHD amphibious ships. The armored vehicles cut through the rough waves and headed to the shores of the Kaipaku beach.


    Vrooo.


    The dark sky had begun to light up from daybreak. The scene of over a 100 amphibious armored vehicles mobilizing toward the beach while anti-submarine choppers hovering alongside them was a sight to behold.


    Thetest EFV K-24P-N amphibious armored vehicles were able to move at an unbelievable speed of 55 knots because of its sma water jet thrusters and glided over the ocean surface.


    Bang! Boom! Woooosh~


    The asional artillery rounds caused pirs of water to rise between the amphibious armored vehicles. The Chinese artillery was attempting to stop thending of the Korean marines. However, the Chinese artillery strikes had stopped after a while. The Hoc destroyer fleets hadunched their surface-tond cruise missiles and had sentenced the Chinese artillery to their fate.


    Boom Boom Boom~


    Ten minutester, the amphibious armored vehicles arrived on the beach. The five MLRS installed in the amphibious armored vehicles simultaneouslyunched the multi-area smoke bombs. When the smoke bombs exploded 5 meters above the surface, the entire beach was covered with thick yellow smoke. Then the 22-mmser Vulcan beam sprayed whiteser beams in all directions via remote controls. The 16 (4¡Á4) MLRSunchpads, attached on both sides of the vehicles, shot out sma cluster rounds in an arc to spray down fire to the defensive structures set along the beach.


    ¡°First toon! First and 2nd squadron dismount! Dismount.¡±


    When the amphibious vehicle arrived on the beach, the vehiclemander gave thending marines orders to dismount. The rear hatch of the vehicles opened and 16 marine soldiers alighted.


    Ba ba bang! Vrooooo! Boom! Bang! Bang bang bang!


    China¡¯s 77th Infantry Division that had survived the airstrikes, missile attacks, and cannon fires from the Korean military begin to retaliate. Some of the marinesing out from the amphibious vehicles fell down from the gunshots. However, because of the protective suit¡¯s bulletproof capabilities, they got back up and ran toward the area to cover themselves.


    <hr />


    December 17, 2020, 08:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who had been monitoring thending operation on Yentai all night, was very pleased by how smoothly the operation went.


    Looking at World War II from history, anding operation was risky and could have the invading force suffer from damages that could be ten times greater than the enemies¡¯. However, Korea¡¯s firstnding operation in the twenty-first century hadpletely fooled the Chinesemanders and it went ording to n.


    ¡°This is a relief, sir! It seems our casualties and equipment damages are so far all insignificant.¡±


    Since the operation was mainly conducted by the navy, the Chief of Naval Operations smiled happily and spoke.


    ¡°I hope we can disperse the Chinese forces that are defending Beijing to the Shandong penins with this operation,¡± Chairman Kang said.


    China¡¯s most powerful force, the 38th Army Group, was determined to have been eliminated. But in the afternoon the day before, it hadpleted its reorganization and revealed itself at the eastern side of Beijing to defend against Korea¡¯s 20th Armored Division.


    The 20th Armored Division was already facing off against the 65th and 27th Army Group and had to retreat to Jiaodingshan when the 38th Army Group joined forces in the battle to avoid unnecessary casualties.


    Then the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division stationed in Jinzhou was ordered to move toward Jiaodingshan. The move was made to reinforce the 20th Armored Division and also to disperse the Chinese forces along with the 2nd Marine Division¡¯snding operation.


    ¡°That is a point of concern as well, but I am also concerned about China merging the 21st Army Group with Beijing¡¯s defending force that had been at Tenjin to defend against anding, now that they know thending point has been changed to Shandong, sir,¡± the Chief of Naval Operations said.


    ¡°I am concerned about that as well. If they do merge their forces and have the 21st Army Group join Beijing¡¯s defending force, I am worried our 20th Armored Division would not be able to break through four army groups. No, I think they might only sustain heavy losses instead of breaking through China¡¯s line of defense,¡± Chairman Kang answered.


    ¡°China would not be able to hastily move the 21st Army Group from Tenjin, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director who was standing behind Chairman Kang Ui-sik answered.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. No matter what happens, it still doesn¡¯t change the fact Tenjin is the pathway to Beijing. They would probably consider the idea but would never deploy the 21st Army Group to somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°I just hope they do as you say. However, if the 21st Army Group does join the fight, have the 20th Armored Division to only passively engage in battle until the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division joins them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I understand. ¡±


    ¡°Are paratrooper rangers making their preparations?¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik changed topics and asked the Operations Director.


    ¡°Yes, sir. The four paratrooper special forces brigades and the 2nd Heavy-armored Paratrooper Brigade under the 2nd Military Command headquarters are all standing by at the Sung-nam base. They are ready to go as soon as you give the order, sir.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for the results of the Yentainding first.¡±


    At the 15th Special Operations Fighter Wing¡¯s Sung-nam Airforce base, the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th Paratrooper Special Forces were all fully equipped and standing by for deployment. They were waiting to take over the various cities along the Shandong penins once the anti-air bases in the area had been taken out sessfully.


    <hr />


    December 17, 2020, 09:10 (China Standard Time 08:10), Kaipaku beach, Yentai Fuxan Province, China


    Some 1,600 marines sessfully took over the beach from the first wave of amphibious armored vehiclendings, and a firefight was in progress on the roads along the beach. The Chinese military was using the buildings within the city to take cover and began their retaliation.


    Meanwhile, the second and third waves of marine soldiers arrived on the beach aboard amphibious armored vehicles. Then the 8 Cheonwang ss amphibiousnding ships arrived on the beach, and 12 K-2 ck Panther tanks began to move out from inside the fleet.


    Vrooooom!


    The K-2 ck Panther tanks all glided across the sand and easily climbed over the railing at the beach roads. Then the main turret moved and a loud explosion that could pierce eardrums rang out, causing the 55t ck Panther tanks to shake.


    Boom! Boom! Bang!


    The anti-personnel high-explosive (HE) rounds installed on the K-2 ck Panther tanks flew like a clothesline toward the areas that the Chinese soldiers would take cover and they exploded. The HE rounds had torn the hiding Chinese soldiers into shreds, and those that survived the st had their eardrums blown or organs decimated.


    The 2nd Marine Division that consisted of 10,000 marine soldiers hadpletely taken over the Kaipaku beach with a single armored battalion at their lead. The marines marched forward to chase after the fleeing 7th Infantry Division and strike the defending division for Yentai.

 Chapter 153

    <h4>Chapter 153</h4>


    December 17, 2020, 10:00 (China Standard Time 09:00), Yentai Province downtown Fuxan County, China


    Dudududududududududuudu


    Numerous amphibious ships, amphibious choppers, and small tugboats were moving back and forth endlessly to move supplies across the beach. The peaceful beach was now covered with boot prints and craters formed by explosions from missiles and cannon rounds. The smell of gun powder had filled the remnants of the burnt defensive structures.


    A nonmanding marine officer, in full battle gear and with a rank of master sergeant, was yelling at the top of his lungs at the soldiers moving the supplies.


    ¡°Hey! Keep moving! You bastards, I¡¯ve seen maggots faster than you!¡±


    Division Commander Ahn Gang-jun, who had been watching the scene from his K-22Mmanding armored vehicle, checked his watch and gave the order to his Operations Director.


    ¡°We are short on time. Have each regiment work faster to upy the cities, and have the ¡®magpie viper¡¯ regiment move to the confirmed target area and begin their strike.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    The Operations Director answered immediately and ryed the deployment order to each regiment through the Communications Operator.


    Fully armed marines were boarding the dozens of KUH-M50 Super Surion choppers lined along the beach. When they finished boarding, the first chopper in line began to spin its rotors, took off into the air while kicking off the sand. A momentter, 36 amphibious choppers filled the skies and the magpie viper emblem on the bottom of the choppers could be seen from below.


    If the 1st Marine Division had its own ¡°Spartan 3K¡± strike regiment, the 2nd Marine Division also had its own named the ¡°Magpie viper.¡± The 5th Aerial Strike Force Battalion¡¯s 200 marines rode on their Super surion choppers and flew off at high speed in all directions to head toward the target radar bases.


    Vroo~ Vroom~ Vrooom


    On the other side of the beach, 36 K-23P-M Hyum-mu armored vehicles standing by at the parking lot began to start their engines. White smoke wasing out of their exhaust pipes. Between the parked armored vehicles, fully armed marines were busy moving around and making preparations. The K-23P-M armored vehicles also had the magpie viper emblems painted on their side panels. These vehicles were part of the magpie viper regiment¡¯s strike force as well.


    ¡°This is the Battalion Commander. Move out, starting from vehicle 101.¡±


    When the Commander gave the order through the 6th Mobile Strike Battalion¡¯smunication line, 101 armored vehicles lead the way and the 35 others followed to form a long convoy. A momentter, the 36 armored vehicles that came into the wide intersection split in all directions to head to their destinations.


    ¡°Commander, the 5th and 6th Battalions from the magpie viper regiment are heading to their destinations.¡±


    The Operations Director came up to the Division Commander watching the movements of his forces inside the Commander¡¯s armored vehicle and gave a report.


    ¡°What about the 2nd Armored Battalion¡¯s location?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. They have broken through the cities of Yentai and standing by here.¡±


    The area the Operations Director pointed out on the digital map was the ins area between Yentai and Chisha provinces connected by the S802 highway.


    ¡°What about the enemy¡¯s leading forces?¡±


    ¡°The 26th Army Group¡¯s 8th Armored Division has passed Chisha and on the move. The 8th Artillery Division is at its rear to support them. The 199th Infantry Division marching from Weihai is 18 kilometers away from Muping-gu, the eastern side of Yentai Province, sir.¡±


    ¡°What is our response?¡±


    ¡°The 1st and 2nd Regiment will defend against the 199th Infantry Division¡¯s march, and the artillery regiment will also aid them, sir.¡±


    ¡°The issue is China¡¯s 8th Armored Division. Check with the navy again about the attack chopper aid. If we face an entire armored division with a mere armored battalion, then we might get wiped out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will make sure of it.¡±


    * * *


    December 17, 2020, 10:35 (China Standard Time 09:35), in the skies above Rinzu Mountain, Yentai Province, China


    The 2 KUH-M50 Super surion choppers were flying past the Rinzu Mountain at 350km/h in a low altitude. But due to its high-power microwave outputs (HPM), the anti-air base¡¯s radars were jammed instantly. In a short time, each chopper raised its altitude andunched two S-AGM-20 short-ranged missiles toward the blinded anti-air bases.


    Wooosh~ Wooosh~ Wooosh~ Wooosh~


    The four rounds of S-AGM-20 missiles all flew in an arc and exploded on contact with the Chinese radar bases.


    Boom! Booom!


    After four consecutive explosions struck the radar base, the choppers began to pour down sma rockets and 22mmser Vulcan beams, setting the area in mes and tossing shrapnel in all directions.


    While the 2 KUH-M50 Super surion choppers were suppressing firing, a rope fell down and marines began to rappel down while positioning themselves in an L shape. The 66 marines thatnded all crouched down and took cover while slowly advancing toward the radar base.


    Vroo~ Vrooo~


    The Chinese soldiers who survived the suppressing gunfire began to fire back using their heavy weapons and rifles.


    However, when they did so, the choppers poured down more suppressive fire at them, and the marines used the opportunity to quickly close the distance.


    The 6th toon also covered fire for the marines from the ground. The 5th toon Commander, who had reached the Chinese radar base first, gave an order to each of the squadron leaders. The eight marine squadrons began to aim and fired their 30-mm smoke rounds, causing white smoke to spread out and cover the visibility of the Chinese soldiers.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    ¡°First squadron to the left, the second to the right, third squadron center, and the firearms squadron continue firing.¡±


    The toon Commander gave the final order with a hand signal.


    The eight men from the firearms squadron all began to spray their personal weapons. The two KS3 mini machine guns sprayed 8mmser beams in all directions.


    pew pew pew pew~ pew pew pew pew~


    The flyingser beams all pierced through the cement walls and a few of them flew through the opposing wall. The piercing power of theser beams torn the hiding Chinese soldiers to shreds, while the 30-mm smart grenades blew up after flying toward their set targets.


    Twenty minutester, the 5th and 6th Marine toon took over a radar base being defended by apany-sized force. Then the various surface-to-air missiles and operatingputers were destroyed by a time bomb. There were 20 captives, the radar operators were executed, and the rest were released. The marines took the chopper to return back to base.


    * * *


    December 17, 2020, 10:30 (China Standard Time 09:30), Pon-grai International Airport, Yentai Province, China


    Boo boo booo booom~ Boo boo booo booom~ Boo boo booo booom~


    A heavy sound of cannon fire rang out across the Pon-grai International Airport.


    A dozen K-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicles rolled into the Pon-grai International Airport, from which a hundred marine soldiers alighted. They then dispersed and upied the airport. With the start of the war, the Chinese military had ceased allmercial flightsing from the airport due to the threat of war, but a few anti-air forces and the 7th Chopper Regiment¡¯s 511th Battalion had been stationed there. So the airport was a targeted location for an attack.


    The surface-tond missiles from the Hoc destroyers that fell on the airport before thending mission destroyed the runway and waiting rooms. Thetest Z-10 attack choppers belonging to the 511th Chopper Battalion were burning on the runway, but the rest of them had fled. However, the Korean forces were repositioning themselves and conducting maintenance to make additional attacks.


    The Hyun-mu armored vehicles had sent out the marines at the airport waiting room and entered the wide runway after trampling over some fences. Then the armored vehicles began to fire armor-piercing rounds to the Chinese anti-air armored vehicles along with the 50mm sma cluster bombs, rockets, andser Vulcan beams.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~ Vroooo~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    Booom~ Bang! Boooom!


    Theser beams split the concrete each time they were sprayed onto the runway. The type PGZ-07 anti-air self-propelled guns three kilometers ahead were covered in bullets. The high-temperatureser Vulcan beams caused the metal holes it made to melt. Within the armored vehicle¡¯s interior, numerous colors of smoke rose and pieces of unrecognizable human flesh were scattered everywhere.


    Boom!


    Ear-deafening sounds filled the air as numerous type PGZ-07 self-propelled gun tanks began to explode. The tank crew all hastily pointed their 35-mm twin-barreled Vulcans to the Korean armored vehicles.


    Boo Boo Boo Boom~ Boo Boo Boo Boom~


    The new sensors installed on the type PGZ-07 armored vehicles made a mechanical whirl and sprayed the 35mm HEI (high-explosive incendiary) rounds at the Korean Hyun-mu armored vehicles. Numerous rounds caused sparks leading to an explosion. However, the Korean marine¡¯s K-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicle¡¯s hydronium alloy could withstand up to 800mm rounds. They were capable of withstanding most 125mm cannon rounds.


    Creaaaaak! Whirl~ Vrooo!


    Unfortunately, the high-explosive incendiary had struck the Hyun-mu armored vehicle¡¯s tires, causing one of them to slip and tip over. The two crewmen aboard sustained minor bruises and scrapes but no serious injuries.


    The K-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicle was designed with wheels instead of tires to increase its mobility since the strike forces using them valued speed.


    The Korean Hyun-mu armored vehicles wove in and out of the line of fire of 40 35mm Vulcan guns and sprayed their 50mm sma cluster rockets into the air.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The 50mm sma cluster rockets flew in an arc and one of them engulfed the type PGZ-07 armored vehicles in mes like a lion swallowing its prey. All the Chinese armored vehicles were destroyed and the Korean forces sped toward their true and final target, the HQ-22(Hongqi-22) vehicles.


    The HQ-22 vehicles were taken by surprise by the sudden attack of the Korean marines. The vehicles hastily sped toward the opposite direction to flee. However, they were caught by the Korean forces and were blown to smithereens by their 50mm cluster rockets and 22mmser Vulcan beams. Some of the HQ-22 vehicles had their rockets explode in fire and caused additional damages.


    Meanwhile, the marines deployed into the airport waiting room began to arrest the airport staff posing as citizens, armed policemen, and anti-air brigade soldiers.


    Throughout the afternoon the strike brigade¡¯s activities were sessful across the area. Most of the anti-air radars and forces near the outer regions of Yentai were taken out and destroyed.

 Chapter 154

    <h4>Chapter 154</h4>


    December 18, 2020, 02:00, the 15th Special Forces Fighter Wing Airforce base, Kyungi-do Sungnam,


    Korea¡¯s best special forces were all waiting in front of the KC-501 transport nes in full battle gear ready to board. Across from them, the 2nd Paratroopers directly under the 2nd Military Command headquarters were wearing a special heavy-armor suit and waiting to board the nes as well. They all formed a long line to start boarding.


    Fromte 2018, the Korean Ministry of National Defense needed a new transport ne for their newly formed heavy-armored paratrooper forces. They started to build three different types of next-generation transport nes. The K-501 transport ne was the smallest of the three, and it was capable of carrying 180 paratroopers for mission deployment.


    The second transport ne was the K-502, specialized for rappelling forces and could carry 300 men on board. It was equipped with 4 K-PTZ-1000 engines, making it capable of traveling distances of 25,000 kilometers at Mach 1.5.


    Four K-502 nes were carrying the heavily armored rappelling forces. The 12 K-501 transporting nes still were in the process of boarding the paratrooper special forces board one by one at the 15th Special Forces Fighter Wing.


    Within 40 minutes, about 3,400 soldiers were all aboard the two different types of transport nes. When everyone was seated, an announcement was heard through the speakers.


    ¡°We will now take off in five minutes at three o¡¯clock. Keep a close eye on your firearms and equipment, and fasten your seatbelts.¡±


    The announcement of the pilot made, the greenmp inside the cabin turned red and began to light up the cabin¡¯s interior.


    Whirrl~Whirl~ Woosh~


    The four sma jet engines on the K-502 transport ne¡¯s wings emitted a powerful blue me and began to preheat for takeoff. When the nes prepared for takeoff, the 16 KF-21P Phoenix fighter jets left the runway first to begin their escort of the transport nes. When they reached a certain altitude, they radioed the pilots on the transport nes.


    Momentster, after the K-502 nespleted heating up their engines, they slowly moved toward the runway lit with red lights. When the nes reached a speed of 200km/h, thending gears floated from the surface and began to fly into the sky. The hypersonic K-502 transport nes moved in formation with the 6 Phoenix fighter jets and flew toward the Shandong Province at Mach 1.5; afterward, the 12 K-501 transport nes and 10 Phoenix fighter jets followed.


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 03:30 (China Standard Time 02:30), in the skies above Weihai Province, China


    The K-502 transport nes entered the Weihei Province skies within 30 minutes while being escorted by six Phoenix fighter jets. They were in no threat of being struck down by surface-to-air missiles, which were not detected.


    The absence of missiles could either be due to the K-502¡¯s powerful SEMP maic waves disrupting the Chinese anti-air radars, or the 2nd Marine Division¡¯s Magpie viper strike forces could havepletely annihted the Chinese anti-air radar bases and equipment.


    After taking off, the green lights within the quiet cabin turned red again, and another announcement from the pilot came through the speakers.


    ¡°Ten minutes before the jump! Ten minutes before the jump!¡±


    When the announcement was over, the red light began to sh and spin around. A middle-aged man, who seemed to be the most senior, took off his seatbelt, stood up, and shouted to the men seated within the cabin.


    ¡°Everyone take off your seatbelts and equip your firearms and gear.¡±


    The middle-aged man was the Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Lee Youn-joon. When he gave the order, his men took off their seatbelts and began to put on their heavy armor and firearms before standing by.


    ¡°Five minutes before the jump! Five minutes before the jump!¡±


    The announcement came on the cabin again, and the Commander gave additional orders.


    ¡°Everyone stand up! Move toward the hatch bypany.¡±


    Commander Lee Youn-joon gave the order to move toward the hatch door on his left and waited while holding on to the handle. Four minutester, the final announcement came on.


    ¡°One minute before jump! Hatch open! One minute before jump! Hatch open! Stand by while holding onto the handles.¡±


    Whirrl~ whirl! whirl!


    A siren rang out while the hatch doors from all four directions began to open. The differences in air pressure caused the wind to blow around like a hurricane before being sucked out.


    ¡°Ten seconds before jump! Nine . . .¡±


    The countdown rm rang out through the ne¡¯s speakers.


    The Battalion Commander, who was waiting while holding on to the railing to withstand the wind, let go and jumped off the ne as soon as the countdown hit zero. The other men who were waiting also followed their Commander without any hesitation.


    Woosh~ woosh~


    The city¡¯s night skies would have been covered by beautiful lights, but since it was a time of war, the entire area was pitch ck. The Chinese government had ordered the cities to keep the lights off in case of a Korean aerial strike.


    The Commander, who jumped first, was free falling. Momentster, two small holes appeared from his back, and a thruster started to emit blue mes. Then he stopped falling and began to fly. It seemed like a scene from the Hollywood movie Ironman. The men began to fall toward Weihai Province in the same manner and began to spread their arms to glide across the sky.


    Woosh!


    Finally, the air-raid sirens from Weihai sounded the rms, and the floodlights from the buildings¡¯ rooftops lit up; anti-air cannons began tounch projectiles.


    Bang~ Boooom~ Bang! Bang!


    However, it was difficult to target the heavily armored paratroopers that could not be detected by radars with the light provided by the floodlights alone.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Boom!


    Above the Weihai skies, an irregr fireworks disy started. The anti-air cannons and heavy guns created a wondrous sight with their liberal use of tracer rounds across the skies, but the 6 KF-21P Phoenix jets must have wanted to join in on the battle and began to spray their 22mmser Vulcans toward the cannons.


    Pew pew pew~ pew pew pew~


    When the stream ofsers broke through the building windows and headed toward the anti-air cannons, they blew up while bursting into mes. Their operators were blown to bits as well.


    Also, the heavily armored paratroopers reached the surface and began to fire back using their KS8 firearms.


    The KS8 was an 8mm 6 barrel mini Vulcan weighing 15 kg, but since the men were equipped with their armor, they were able to easily operate the weapon. Also, the power supply was connected to their suits, so there was no need to carry around sma battery packs and reload.


    Hundreds ofser beams were sprayed across the surface. They were falling like rain, lighting up the area. The 199th Infantry Division and its subordinate forces were hit by the falling beams and torn to shreds. The cannons and their operators met simr fates as well.


    The 199th Infantry Division was in charge of defending the Weihai Province area, but the Korean force¡¯snding operation had caused most of their forces to move to the suburbs of Yentai Province, leaving the areapletely defenseless.


    The paratrooper forces were gathering around their Commander, Lee Youn-joon. All of them had gathered from the signal that came upon their helmets.


    The battalion consisted of 256 men including the Commander and only consisted ofmanding officers and nonmanding officers. If pure infantry strength was the judging factor, then the 2nd Rappelling Brigade was tops.


    Commander Lee Youn-joon opened up themunication line only for hismanding subordinates and gave orders to thepany, toonmanders, and squadron leaders.


    ¡°The special forces paratroopers will make their descent in 25 minutes. Until then we make sure we take out the anti-air bases and the remaining infantry forces. Is that clear?¡±


    Then the heavily armored rappel forces split up into teams of four and moved swiftly from building to building using their thrusters. The takeover of Weihai Province had begun.


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 03:55 (China Standard Time 02:55), in the skies above Weihai Province, China


    Twenty minutester, the 16 K-501 transport nes with the paratrooper special forces on board entered the skies above Weihai Province. The nes¡¯ rear hatch opened and the men began to jump off from the nes to free fall. When they fell past a certain point, they deployed their ck parachutes and made a grand scene as they fell toward the surface.


    The special forces were 2,400-men strong and because of the work of the heavily armored rappel forces, they were able tond without any threat of being shot down.


    The four special forces brigades gathered by their assigned areas and counted numbers. Those that did not have anyone missing split into their own teams like the heavily armored forces and began to swiftly move toward their target locations.


    Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang! Bang!


    When one of the special forces team with 10 men met with the heavily armed Chinese police, a firefight broke out. Talk Talk-1 team¡¯s Sergeant First ss Youn Il-un, who had specialized in sniping and explosives, took his KS-12 sniper rifle up on a roof and aimed toward the Chinese policemen. He used the digital scope that had 24 times zoom and slowly pulled the trigger.


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The 5mmser beams that flew across the speed of light struck the heads of the Chinese policemen without fail. The Chinese men all wore helmets capable of blocking 5.56mm NATO rounds, but since theser beams were higher powered than normal rifles, the Chinese¡¯s helmets were rendered useless.


    When theirrades fell left and right from the sniper, the Chinese policemen halted their fire and hid behind automobiles to take cover. The special forces of the team Talk Talk-1 pointed their rifles forward and quickly approached them. Then they tossed their smart grenades while using suppressive fire to take them out.


    ¡°This is Talk Talk-1! We have located numerous armed police in the area and have engaged inbat. Everyone keep an eye out.¡±


    Major Na Gang-joon, the Commander of the Talk Talk area, alerted all of his teams through themunication line.


    ¨C This is Talk Talk two! Roger!


    ¨C This is Talk Talk three! Roger!


    ¨C This is Talk Talk four! Roger!


    ¨C This is Talk Talk five! Roger!


    The final targets for these forces were Long chung, at the edge of Shandong Province; Lushan, at the far south; Zhimou Qingdao and Fengi at the far north; and Longkerwu, Zhaolian, Lazhou, Laiyang, Laixi, and Pingdu provinces.


    The heavily armored rappel forces and the special forces used gueri tactics to shake up the civilians and lower the morale of the Chinese soldiers. Their final goal was to take over Shandong Provincepletely to upy it as Korean territory.

 Chapter 155

    <h4>Chapter 155</h4>


    December 18, 2020, 03:40 (China Standard Time 02:40), Qianryu Mountain, Yentai Province, China


    The 2nd Marine Division¡¯s 1st, 5th, and 8th Regiments all underwent building their defensive lines based on Qianryu Mountain, which was located between Yentai and Weihai provinces.


    On that day, the air-raid rm sted across downtown Weihai, and the roofs of the buildings began to light up to defend their city. The sky¡¯s outline could be faintly seen by the tracer rounds being used by numerous anti-air guns.


    ¨C Commander! It¡¯s a message from the 255th Anti-air Battalion.


    The Anti-air Battalion Commander, who was in charge of defending the skies, gave an urgent report.


    ¨C Korean paratrooper forces areing down from the skies, sir.


    ¡°How many?¡±


    Division Commander Zhong Lei asked about the numbers first.


    ¨C I cannot be certain but it seems to be within a thousand, sir.


    ¡°Only a thousand? That¡¯s what¡¯s causing all themotion? All right. Keep firing for now!¡±


    Division Commander Zhong Lei ended his call with the Anti-air Battalion Commander and gave an order to the radio operator.


    ¡°Get the Weihai Reserves Defense Division on the line.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¨C This is Reserves Division Sun Xi Yang.


    ¨C This is Zhong Lei, Commander of the 199th Division. I would like you to call in your reserve forces and attack the Korean paratroopers.¡±


    ¨C We have already called for them.


    ¡°They seem to be only a thousand strong, so your reserve forces should be more than enough to handle them.¡±


    ¨C I understand.


    ¡°Then I will put my faith in you, General Sun Xi Yang, and our 199th Division will march to Yentai as nned.¡±


    ¨C Yes, you can put your faith in us and march toward your destination.


    ¡°All right then. Keep up the good work.¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.¡±


    Division Commander Zhong Lei put down the receiver and spoke to his Aides-de-camp and Directors.


    ¡°We continue our march. Give the order to each Director and Regiment Commanders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    There were only three roads that lead to Yentai Province that went past Qianryu Mountain, and the Korean marine regiments had erected a tight defensive line to face the 199th Infantry Division. Also, on the Qianryu Mountain skies, three of the Korean marine¡¯s reconnaissance spider drones were filming and sending in the footage of their movements in real time. The 199th Infantry Division approached the three roads in units of regiments. At the rear, the artillery forces were following and making preparations to fire at any moment.


    Across the dark skies, the three spider drones were spotted because of their lights by the Chinese military. They tried to strike them down with their anti-air weapons, but due to the spider drone¡¯s powerful SEMP dampening abilities to throw off radars, the Chinese could not lock on to their targets. The Chinese forces made an attempt to aim manually, but they soon realized it was a futile attempt and gave up. It was as if they were trying to find the needle in a haystack.


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 03:40 (China standard time 02:40), Kaipaku beach, Fuxan County, Yentai Province, China


    Themand headquarters for the 2nd Marine Division was watching the movements along the Qianryu Mountain area from images fed by the infrared cameras aboard the spider drones.


    The Korean military¡¯s motive was to respond urately and thoroughly based on an urate assessment and analysis of information. They believed analyzing the enemy urately and making their strategies ordingly would be the best way to achieve victory. This was the ideal for all militaries across the world, but only Russia and America possessed the ability to follow what Korea was doing in battle.


    ¡°There sure are a lot of Chinese infantry, sir.¡±


    Colonel Lee Won-who, the Operations Director, spoke first. Since it was a time of war, the Chinese infantry was at its full formation and reached some 17,000 in total. They had 1.5 times more men than a Korean division.


    ¡°I think a regiment would hold more than 3,000 men, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    Vice Commander Brigadier General Oh Choon-gyu also looked at the regiments pouring in and added in.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s the Korean War (also called the 6.25 war in Korea for it happened on June 25), and if they are swarming like that in modern times, they¡¯re just begging to be ughtered.¡±


    Major General Ahn Gang-joonughed heartily causing his shoulders to move.


    ¡°We have confirmed that there are no Chinese soldiersing over the Qianryu Mountain, so those stationed at the mountain with heavy weaponry should be able to attack without worrying about being ambushed, Colonel Lee.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Have the 5th and 6th Artillery Battalions load up the sma cluster rounds first and fire, while the heavy guns forces to prepare an attack as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will give the order.¡±


    ¡°Ah, and another thing. Once the attackmences, have each Regiment Commander lead the battle on their own judgment. Tell them there will be no further ordersing in from the division. The oue of a battle will be decided by prioritizing the judgment of Commanders in the field. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, General Oh?¡±


    ¡°You are absolutely right, Commander.¡±


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 03:50 (China Standard Time 02:50), Qianryu Mountain, Yentai Province, China


    A momentter, the K-9A1 self-propelled guns from the marine artillery battalion began. The sma cluster rounds flew toward the 199th Infantry Division¡¯s three-o¡¯clock direction, and when they exploded in the air, the Chinese soldiers all fell like dominos. Then the heavy firearms forces hiding along the mountain valleys sprayed 30mmser Vulcan beams and smart grenades. The surviving Chinese soldiers puked up blood before falling over. Soon, a mountain of bodies was piled up in the area. It was a ughter rather than a battle.


    However, the 199th Infantry Division soldiers used their superior number and pushed forward on the road. They reached the defensive lines of the marines and began to fire back.


    Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang!


    The Chinese soldiers struggled for survival. They fought fiercely for they knew their only way to survive was by killing their enemies. They used all their grenades and heavy weapons to close the distance and even resorted to artillery strikes from their artillery battalions. When the Chinese soldiers were able to move when the Korean suppressive fire stopped, they pushed forward with greater numbers.


    As they did in the Korean War, the Chinese 199th Infantry Division used its superior number to march on. However, they had to stop their march when the Korean marine¡¯s K-24-P-N armored vehicles¡¯ appeared. The only weapons the 199th Division had were anti-armor firearms, but they were at a disadvantage from their lower position and could not use them.


    As the Chinese forces hesitated, dozens of amphibious armored vehicles fired their 40mm photon cannons and 22mmser Vulcans. The 50mm sma cluster rockets flew in an arc and exploded in the middle of the group of 199th Infantry Division soldiers, tearing the men to shreds. The roadside turned into another gravesite for the Chinese soldiers. Also, from the mountain valleys, the heavy firearms took out the surviving soldiers.


    Boom! Woosh! Wooosh!


    The 3rd Regiment soldiers from the 2nd Marine Division all were equipped with shield sses that allowed them to see the area as bright as day and changed their defensive tactics to an offensive one. They marched forward with the armored vehicles and started to attack the panicking Chinese soldiers.


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 10:00 (China Standard Time 09:00), the X-2 bunker President¡¯s Office, Beijing Province, China


    The Central Military Commission had reorganized their 28th Army Group after much difficulty and deployed them into battle to defend against Korea¡¯s 20th Armored Division that was marching on undefeated. The 38th Army Group was nearly annihted once the war broke out, but now they were equipped with thetest equipment. Also, the army group consisted of 100,000 men all considered to be the elite from each army group. Therefore it was no exaggeration to call them the most powerful army group.


    Their deployment took effect immediately after the first day. The 38th Army Group had blocked off the 20th Armored Division and began their march, causing the 20th Armored Division to retreat up to the Jiaodingshan¡¯s rear. The Chinese military regained their morale. The 65th Army group and 27th Army group tried to take down the 20th Armored Division together. However, when news about the suddennding attack and paratrooper forcesing to the Shandong penins and Yantai Province came, the Central Military Commission Commanders were extremely surprised.


    Shandong Province was just as important as Beijing. General Chiu Li Jiang Ji tried to move the 21st Army Group stationed at Tenjin, but the General faced opposition from President Xi Jin Ping.


    ¡°Mr. President! We must move the 21st Army Group to Shandong immediately.¡±


    ¡°How many times must I say it? I still have not changed my mind. I will not allow it. If the Korean militarynds at Tenjin, wouldn¡¯t Beijing be in danger?¡±


    When he received the news about Korea¡¯s marinesnding on Yentai and Shandong provincesst night, General Chiu tried to move the 21st Army Group to respond, but he faced unexpected opposition from President Xi Jing Ping. When the General learned about the onught of paratrooper forces, he tried to convince the President once more and visited him in his office.


    ¡°Mr. President, the Korean military would notnd at Tenjin. If they had thought of doing so, then they would have done so already. Tenjin was a bait, and their real target was the Shandong Province. They have already conducted an amphibious operation and now their paratrooper special forces have taken over Weihai Province as well. Please heed my words, sir.¡±


    ¡°As the President of the Central Military Commission, I cannot allow it. Defend the Shandong penins using a different force.¡±


    President Xi Jing Ping opposed adamantly. General Chiu Li Jiang Ji had no choice but to give up since the President only thought about the safety of Beijing, which was obviously motivated by politics and selfish reasons. If President Xi has a military background, he would not have misjudged the situation as he was doing now.


    ¡°That¡¯s it! Have the 12th Army Group that is nearest Shandong penins retake the area.¡±


    The 12th Army Group had itsmand headquarters at the Lianyungang and was tasked with defending China¡¯s eastern seas. When the war broke out, they were tasked withnding operations that befit them as an amphibious force.


    ¡°I understand, sir. It will be done.¡±


    General Chiu Li Jiang Ji must have judged it would be a waste of breath to continue arguing, so he left the President¡¯s office after saluting to him.


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 10:20 (China Standard Time, 09:20), X-2 bunker, Beijing Province area, China


    When General Chiu Li Jiang Ji entered the Command Center, the other Commanders approached and asked him a question.


    ¡°General Chiu, sir! Did you get permission from the President?¡±


    Lieutenant General Pe Feng Li Fu asked first. General Chiu only shook his head as a response and did not speak.


    ¡°How could this be? It wouldn¡¯t be enough for us to pour our entire forces into the area, but we are going to leave our 21st Armored Army Group standing by at Tenjin without any notice?¡±


    ¡°It means President Xi Jing Ping values the safety of Beijing most.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we deploy the 38th Army Group as well, sir? Even if the Korean military did attempt anding at Tenjin, we would be able to defend against them with our remaining forces or the 38th Army Group.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! The President¡¯s decision is firm.¡±


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji cut off the Commanders who spoke out of frustration. He turned his gaze to Lieutenant General Luwei Long, the Chief of Army Staff and spoke.


    ¡°Move the 12th Army Group to the Shandong penins and have them work with the 26th Army Group to defend against the Korean Special Forces.¡±


    ¡°Yes, General Chiu.¡±


    The 12th Army Group¡¯s power was considerably low since it was an amphibious force whenpared to the armored forces of the 21st Army Group. Especially considering how most of the 26th Army Groups defending the Shandong area consisted of infantry divisions only. The best move would have been to deploy the 21st Army Group to the Shandong area.


    ¡°This is truly a wrong call, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant General Pe Feng Li Fu, the Operations Director tried to speak again, but General Chiu pretended not to hear him; instead, he gazed at the screen.


    General Chiu was also frustrated. However, he had no choice but to follow orders from the President for it was his duty as a soldier. All he could do now was to find another way instead.


    COMMENT0ment

 Chapter 156

    <h4>Chapter 156</h4>


    December 18, 2020, 10:20, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Thending and paratrooping missions were all sessful. When the report about taking out the Yentai and Weihai forces came in, everyone at the Command Center was in high spirits.


    The heavy armored brigade deployed in Long chung had taken over the supply bases and government buildings one by one. The four other paratrooper brigades also began their gueri missions across the map to cause internal chaos. However, only the 77th and 199th Infantry divisions were taken out, and the 8th Armored Division that was considered as the 26th Army Group remained. Also, ording to the Apollo reconnaissance satellite, the 12th Army Group stationed at the Lianyungang began to move toward Shandong Province.


    Since the results were a huge sess, the Commanders of the Joint Chiefs of Staff could now lessen their anxiety a bit. However, to seal their sess, they had to execute their main n. Their first move was thending mission at the Shandong penins.


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 11:00, Incheon-si Incheon Port, the 2nd Fleet¡¯s Incheon Seas Defense Command


    At the Incheon Navy Base, the 10th Amphibious Fleet and 7th Maritime Floti¡¯s Hoc destroyers returning from Yentai were docked to receive supplies. Also, at the pier was the 6th Marine Brigade under the 3rd Marine Mobile Division waiting to board the ships.


    The 3rd Marine Mobile Division (firedrake) was founded in early 2019. It was deployed in the field with thetest equipment. Considering their power in terms of division units, they rivaled the 7th Mobile Corp¡¯s 20th Armored Division. Since they were a mobile armored division, they had multiple armored vehicles, tanks, self-propelled guns, and MLRS armored vehicles. To transport all of their vehicles five 100,000-ton civilian ships were called in as well.


    The civilian container ships docked on the pier used their 100-ton cranes to move their heavy equipment aboard. Despite it being a frigid winter day, the Korean Navy men did all their best to aid the civilians in moving the heavy equipment aboard. Everyone had been busy since early morning to keep things moving on schedule.


    The winter weather at Incheon was ice cold. Because of the Siberian northwest winds blowing, temperatures dropped to -15 degrees Celsius on the navy¡¯s pier. However, the navy men and marines were moving busily unhampered by the cold because of their protective suits. The civilians were wearing the heated innerwear made formercial use that was restricted from exports until 2021, which enabled them not to be bothered by the cold.


    ¡°What¡¯s our loading status?¡±


    Major General Jo Gyu-hong, Commander of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (firedrake), rode out onto the pier in a Hummer and asked the Logistics Director while looking at the heavy equipment.


    ¡°Yes, sir. The third container ship has just finished loading and now the fourth ship is going to begin loading.¡±


    ¡°Our progress is faster than we expected.¡±


    ¡°You are right, sir. All the staff from the pier are here and thanks to them things are running smoothly.¡±


    ¡°Operations Director!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    ¡°The weather is freezing so don¡¯t leave the marines out in the elements and have them start boarding thending ships. It will be better for them to rest aboard the ship rather than a cramped warehouse.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will contact the staff for thending ships and have them board immediately.¡±


    ¡°Ah, one more thing. In cold weather like this, some fish cake soup really hits the spot. When the marines finish boarding, give them some soup to warm them up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When the Logistics Director smiled and answered, General Jo Gyu-hong nced at his watch and spoke.


    ¡°We have a briefing about thending mission, so let¡¯s head back to base, shall we?¡±


    ¡°We will head out, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 11:30 (China Standard Time 10:30), Weihai Port, China


    The special forces from the 3rd Paratrooper Special Forces Brigade were moving busily. After they had taken over the port, the men had begun to identify the staff members at the port. They were preparing to set up for the arrival of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (firedrake). Precautions were taken as most for the Chinese crane operators since the heavy equipment was being brought in by civilian container ships. Therefore the identities of the port¡¯s workers were being investigated thoroughly.


    ¡°How is it going? Are there any suspicious individuals?¡±


    Dozens of Chinese civilians were waiting in a corner of therge office to be interrogated when Brigadier General Kim Hong-won, Commander of the 3rd Paratrooper Brigade, entered.


    ¡°Atten hut! Salute!¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    Commander Kim Won-hong, a charismatic and lean man, responded to the salute of his men with his own.


    ¡°At ease!¡±


    ¡°We have no suspicious civilians so far, Commander!¡±


    Major Lee Un-woo, who was in charge of interrogating the civilians answered.


    ¡°Yes, make sure of it! The Commander in Chief has given us the order himself. If there are any Chinese special forces within these workers, then they could bomb the equipment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will make sure of it.¡±


    When the Major answered in a disciplined manner, Brigadier General Kim Hong-won tapped him on the shoulder and answered.


    ¡°Yes, keep up the great work and finish the interrogation by morning so we can run a simtion in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 14:30 (China Standard Time 13:30), 12 kilometers east of Yentai Province, China


    All the unmanned drones form the 2nd Marine Division were deployed to the Laiyang area. They were trying to see the movements of the 8th Armored Division from the 26th Army Group.


    When any of their forces were found, the 8th and 9th Marine Artillery Battalion fired. China¡¯s 8th Armored Division marched to Yentai in groups of battalions to reduce their losses.


    That was the intent of the 2nd Marine Division, which only had the 2nd Armored Battalion as their armored force. They were battling against the 26th Army Group¡¯s subordinate force the 200th Infantry Division and the Defense Reserve Division. The 2nd Marine Division was outnumbered and attempted to spread the 8th Armored Division¡¯s forces thin by scouting their movements with the spider drones and artillery strikes.


    But therger threat to the 2nd Marine Division was the 7th Chopper Regiment¡¯s attack choppers. The 511th Chopper Battalion¡¯s type Z-10 attack choppers at the Pongrai International Airport were destroyed. However, after further analysis, 48 out of the 64 choppers destroyed were old Z-9 type choppers. A total of 100 choppers remained.


    The 7th Chopper Regiment owned 100 attack choppers, and it was a force to contend with. Korea¡¯s Joint Chief of Staff temporarily stationed 6 KF-21P Phoenix fighter jets, 12 KA-11P Phoenixnd attackers, and the 10th Amphibious Fleet¡¯s 24 WAH-91SP Peregrin falcon choppers at Pongrai International Airport. The 7th Amphibious Strike Battalion was tasked with sentry duty for the airport.


    The Shandong penins¡¯s Northeastern areas were a messy entanglement of Korean and Chinese encampments.


    <ul>


    The 8th Armored Division¡¯s forces are on the move along the G15 highway, sir.¡±


    </ul>


    When the spider drones detected the 8th Armored Division¡¯s tanks on the move, the headquarterpany¡¯s Commander immediately reported to the Battalion Commander.


    ¡°What¡¯s their size?¡±


    <ul>


    Commander! Sending you the footage now. They seem to be the size of a regiment at least, sir. It seems to be the main forces.


    </ul>


    The spider drone¡¯s footage showed up on the K-22manding armored vehicle¡¯s monitor. Excluding the armored vehicles, there seemed to be at least 100 tanks. They were 19 kilometers away from the battalion¡¯s position. After analyzing the Chinese armored vehicles, tanks were identified as the third generation-type 99G MBT tanks. They were inferior to Korea¡¯s K-2 ck Panther tanks, but they outnumbered the Korean tanks three to one and their anti-tank armored vehicles were the greatest threat. Luckily, the Chinese forces were detected while in formation ready for movement rather than while already in battle.


    ¡°All right. Have the battalion headquarters prepare for any aerial strikesing from the rear. Over.¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, sir understood.


    </ul>


    ¡°Operations Director! Contact the division headquarters and send in the coordinates to request for aerial support!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 8th Armored Division had spread their forces into two regiments to make a nking attack from being under fire by two artillery battalions. The 1st Regiment, that was the main force, was moving at high speeds along the G15 highway that was connected to Yentai Province.


    A momentter, sounds of cannon fire can be hearding from the 2nd Armored Battalion¡¯s rear. Soon the sound of something flying across the sky rang out in the cloudy sky. The sound was so loud it seemed capable of tearing the sky in half.


    Boom! Bang! Booooooom!


    The 8th Armored Division¡¯s battalion¡¯s tanks moving on the highway were suddenly struck down as asphalt pieces fell around them. Soon they exploded and the cluster bombs falling from the sky tore the type 99G tanks into pieces and stopped them at their tracks.


    ¡°Disperse! Disperse! Change formation to horizontal battle formations.¡±


    The Regiment Commander¡¯s voice rang out through the armored regiment¡¯smunication line. Dozens of bombs had caused two dozens of tanks to burst into mes while the surviving tanks moved over the guardrails to make evasive maneuvers on the rice fields.


    ¡°We are off to a good start.¡±


    The 2nd Armored Battalion¡¯s Commander, who was watching the battle through the spider drone, moved his headset¡¯s microphone closer to his lips and gave an order.


    ¡°When our aerial supportes in, have the 1st and 2nd Company on the lead and move. The 3rd Company and headquarterpanies will follow. There will be a threat of enemy aerial strikes. The headquarterspany will prepare for the interception before moving out. Over.¡±


    <ul>


    First Company confirmed, over!


    Second Company confirmed, over!


    Third Company confirmed, over!


    Fourth Company confirmed, over!


    </ul>


    The Korean Marine¡¯s artillery fire had stopped, and now the 6 KA-11P Phoenixnd attackers and 12 WAH-91SP Peregrin falcon choppers stationed at the Pongrai International Airport had emerged from the Chinese forces in twelve o¡¯clock position.


    Meanwhile, the 8th Armored Division¡¯s 50 Z-9 and Z-10 type attack choppers flew in formation toward their direction as well. A battle between armored vehicles and attack choppers typical of the twenty-first century was about to begin.


    When the allied nes and choppers moved above the 2nd Armored Battalion¡¯s heads, the Battalion Commander gave the order to attack.


    ¡°Battalion, engage in battle formations. Move out!¡±


    Forty of the K-2 ck Panther tanks revved up their engines and shot forward at once. The 2nd Marine Division¡¯s 2nd Armored Battalion moved in the shape of a triangle and tore through the blizzard toward the Chinese tanks.

 Chapter 157

    <h4>Chapter 157</h4>


    December 18, 2020, 15:00, Chungbook Chungju-si 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility X-22b (Satellite development)


    The X-22b was full of research staff. Last year, in 2019, they had sessfully developed the KS-AD Zeus 1 satellite and nned to develop Zeus 2 and 3 as well. But due to the outbreak of the Korea¨CChina war, the government had requested to rush the development of the Zeus tactical interception missiles; hence, the doubled number of staff working in theb.


    Dr. Oh dong-jin, the leading expert in aerospace dynamics, also known as the ¡°Father of Satellites,¡± had been working¡ªsleeping only two hours a day¡ªtoplete the assembly of Zeus 2 and 3. Also, due to the hard work of Dr. Oh and 50 research staff, Zeus 1 satellite¡¯s weakness of lowered power output had been fixed, and it now has a lighter satellite weight as well.


    ¡°Hello, everyone! How do you do?¡±


    The door of the X-22b opened and Head Researcher Namgoong-won entered.


    ¡°Head Researcher Namgoong! Wee.¡±


    Dr. Oh Dong-jin greeted him in a friendly manner. The other researchers waved their hands to greet him as well.


    ¡°Dr. Oh, you don¡¯t look so well . . . You must be working too hard, don¡¯t you think? I am concerned about your well-being.¡±


    ¡°I look that bad, huh? Don¡¯t tell me. I can¡¯t sleep much these days, thanks to the Ministry of National Defense.¡±


    Dr. Oh Dong-jin¡¯s face was full of fatigue. His eye bags had sagged down to his cheeks and his original whiteb coat was so stained that it was no longer white.


    ¡°Take it easy, Doctor.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s the fate of all engineers! I am used to it now, so I am fine. Besides, we are almost done anyways.¡±


    ¡°Really? When would you guys be done?¡±


    Dr. Oh Dong-jin began to stretch to take a break from Namgoong-won¡¯s visit.


    ¡°I think it will be 15 more days before we are finished, don¡¯t you agree, Doctor?¡±


    Dr. Yoo Ho-won, Dr. Oh Dong-jin¡¯s star pupil, poked his head from the other side of the satellite and answered.


    ¡°Dr. Yoo, hello.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been well I presume, Head Researcher Namgoong?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I am not too busy these days that¡¯s why I am strolling around like this.¡±


    ¡°Man, I am envious, hahaha!¡±


    ¡°Right, Doctor Lee!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Could you please take a look at this?¡±


    Namgoong-won handed him the tablet he brought with him.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°This is something I made with Hoc¡¯s assistance.¡±


    On the tablet were numerous blueprints and data. Dr. Oh Dong-jin, who was staring at the tablet for a while, seemed to be in awe and spoke wide-eyed.


    ¡°Is this possible?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still in the beginning stages, so I am not sure.¡±


    ¡°This is truly a revolutionary idea. If it can be executed, I would like to take it on sometime.¡±


    ¡°Right? I want to develop something like this, so I can make a fortune and retire early.¡±


    ¡°Please let me in on the project. I want to live the rest of my life without having to worry about money, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Hahaha!¡±


    The system Namgoong-won was developing was a new gaming system that would shake the entire industry in the future.


    <hr />


    December 18, 2020, 15:30 (China Standard Time 14:30), 22 kilometers east of Yentai Province, ines, China


    It was 40 minutes ago when the skies 22 kilometers of Yentai hosted a fierce battle between the Korean Navy¡¯s attack choppers and the Chinese 26th Army Group¡¯s 7th Chopper Regiment. The WZ-9 and WZ-10 type helicopters from China¡¯s 7th Chopper Regiment were outdatedpared to the Koreans¡¯ and China had lost half of their forces before retreating. The Korean WAH-11SP Peregrin falcon choppers and KA-11 Phoenixnd attackers exhausted their arms and returned back to Pongrai Airport.


    Korea¡¯snd attackers and Peregrin falcons were temporarily tasked with protecting the Korean Marine¡¯s 2nd Armored Battalion. Therefore, the aerial forces returned to base to avoid exhausting their equipment since there was no official repair battalion near the airport to fix the damages. Also, they had exhausted their ammunition and so had to return to base.


    The choppers and jets from both sides returned to base, but the battle between China¡¯s type 99G tanks and Korea¡¯s K-2 ck Panther tanks was still ongoing. The Chinese tanks outnumbered the Korean tanks three to one and surrounded them as they attacked. The AFT-10 armored vehicles from the rear also pushed forward while firing their anti-tank missiles.


    Beep, beep, beep


    The LWR (Anti-tank missile Laser Warning System) of the ck Panther tank that had just destroyed a type 99G tank began to ring. From their nk, an HJ-10 missile fired by the AFT-100 armored vehicle was flying toward them. The ck Panther tank fired their active hard-kill type protection system (KAPS) that was the buzz of all military enthusiasts when it came out.


    Boom!


    The HJ-10 anti-tank missile that was 15 meters away from the ck Panther tank exploded. When the ck Panther tank was able to avoid the danger, it began retaliating against the AFT-10 armored vehicle.


    The 120m 56 round Smoothbore gun began to spit fire, making a thunderous sound. When the adapter detached once it left the APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot), the missile flew over 1500m/s and hit the AFT-10 armored vehicle¡¯s turret.


    The missile had pierced through the armored ting of the AFT-10, and, using its momentum, detached the turret from the body with a loud explosion.


    Bang, Booooom!


    China¡¯s 8th Armored Division¡¯s tank regiment had sustained considerable damage from the Korean marine¡¯s artillery attack and KA-11P Phoenixnd attackers before entering into battle with the K-2 ck Panther tanks. Not before long, the frozen rice fields had type 99G tanks in mes were strewn everywhere. There were K-2 ck Panther tanks that were also broken down by the Chinese cannon rounds.


    Some 20 minutester, the tide of battle favored the 2nd Marine Division¡¯s 2nd Armored Battalion. The type 99G tanks from China were struck down, and the AFT-10 armored vehicles attacking from the rear began to retreat once the K-2 ck Panther tank¡¯s rounds began to target them.


    When the tanks from the 1st and 2nd Company under the 2nd Armored Battalion raised their pace and moved forward, the Battalion Commander¡¯s voice came through themunication line.


    <ul>


    First and 2nd Company! Stop at once! Maintain your position and fire only within your range. Over.


    First Company roger that, over!


    Second Company roger that, over!


    </ul>


    The armored forces from the 8th Armored Division banking along the S302 road was detected by the spider drone. The main force from the Chinese armored regiment was attempting to march into the city while the battle took ce.


    <ul>


    Commander! This is the headquarter Company Commander Choi Cheol-gil.


    What is it?


    An armored force the size of a battalion is headed toward Yentai along the S310 and G204 highway.


    Send the footage to everypany now!


    Yes, sir!


    I am giving the order to eachpany. The 1st Company is to clean up the battlefield while the 2nd Company will head to the S310 highway. The 3rd Company will head to the G204 highway to cut them off. Check the locations on the digital maps. I have just sent in the coordinates. Over and out.


    First Company confirmed, over!


    Second Company confirmed, over!


    Third Company confirmed, over!


    </ul>


    Each Company Commander checked the location sent into the digital screen and gave orders to each vehiclemander.


    Vroo~ Vrooooom~


    The 2nd and 3rdpanies turned around rapidly and moved at full speed.


    The tanks under China¡¯s 8th Armored Division were moving off-road to march toward Yentai. Commander Ahn Gang-joon knew the 2nd Armored Battalion would not be enough to block their path and deployed the strike force¡¯s (Magpie viper) choppers to attack the tanks.


    The KUH-M50 Super Surion choppers hiding in the mountain pass took off. They were notnd-attack choppers, but they had 25 MLRS 50mm sma cluster rockets, 22mmser Vulcan guns, surface-to-air S-AGM-20 short-range missiles, and S-AAM-30 Magpie viper missiles which made them more than capable for the task.


    Fortunately, no one was on board, thus, the KUH-M50 Super Surion attack choppers were not weighed down and moved quickly toward their destination.


    That day, the 26th Army Group trying to retake Yentai and the 2nd Marine Division fought fiercely¡ªthe battle continued after sunset. However, the Chinese forces faced a disadvantage once the sun had set and so they retreated. The 2nd Marine division returned back to base as well and stood guard while waiting for reinforcements.


    <hr />


    December 19, 2020, 09:30 (China Standard Time 08:30), China Weihai Port


    The six escorting destroyers from the 2nd Fleet of the 71st Maritime Floti that left Incheon Navy Command Center at 2000hst night had arrived at Weihai Port. The container freight ships could not move at their full speed, and it took longer than expected for them to arrive.


    During their 11-hour voyage, there were no Chinese naval forces that threatened them. The Northern Sea Fleet had been annihted at the start of the war, and the Southern Sea Fleet also had lost 50 percent of its forces when they attempted tond at Jeju Ind, so they returned to the Ningbo Navy Base to regroup.


    Likewise, there were no submarines that could fool the Poseidon 2 underwater satellite. Even if they risked their lives and attempted to make a move, the S-SSSFM-500 trident hypercavitating torpedoes from the Poseidon would take them out. After the war broke out, eight submarines had already been destroyed after wandering into the Korean deep sea.


    The container freighters docked first and began to unload their cargo. Since the crane operators were interrogated by the 3rd Special Forces Brigades earlier, they were able to move the cargo swiftly while a special forces soldier was keeping watch on them. The unloading process went smoothly.


    In nearby docks, four of 60,000-ton Kanghwa ssnding ships were unloading armored vehicles and tanks with their hatch open. From the stairs connecting the ship and the port, marines can be seen moving out.


    From Yentai, Commander Ahn Gang-joon rode on his Commander¡¯s vehicle to arrive at the Weihai Port. He shook hands with Major General Jo Gyu-hong, Commander of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division.


    ¡°Man, you look well since your time at the maind, don¡¯t you?


    Major General Ahn Gang-joon joked around while shaking hands with General Ahn.


    ¡°General Ahn, don¡¯t you think I always look great? You don¡¯t look so good though?¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it, I have two stars on me, so I can¡¯t wear masks, could I?¡±


    ¡°I am going to wear it. I need to protect this handsome face. Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°Your jokes are always terrible. You haven¡¯t changed, have you?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, let¡¯s go! Korea¡¯s cold but it¡¯s colder here, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s 15 degrees Celsius below zero. Get on.¡±


    The two generals had been friends for over 30 years, and they used to joke around with each other when they were young. They rode on the K-160 Hummer and headed to the division headquarters building. Then the vehicles of the other Commanders followed in a line.

 Chapter 158

    <h4>Chapter 158</h4>


    December 19, 2020, 12:30 (China Standard Time 11:30), Weihai Port, China


    On December 17, two days after the sess of the Yentainding mission, the 3rd Mobile Marine Division (fire drake) and 6th Marine Brigade were finishing up unloading theirtest equipment in the Shandong Penins.


    The 3rd Mobile Marine Division¡¯s 10th Armored Brigade headed west of Yentai as soon as they finished unloading and checking maintenance in order to aid the 2nd Armored Battalion from the 2nd Marine Division.


    The 3rd Marine Division¡¯s main task was to strike the heart of Shandong Province using their mobility to disrupt the Chinese forces before taking over Qingdao¡ªtheir final target.


    The Shandong Penins¡¯s defending forces were the 26th Army Group and the 12th Army Group marching north from Lianyungang. The Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff had suggested to wipe out the 26th Army Group before the 12th Army Group could establish a defensive line at Qingdao. The 3rd Mobile Marine Division (fire drake) nned to use their mobility and choppers to quickly take over the Shandong area.


    ¡°That should be more than enough for us to upy the Shandong Penins, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director from the 3rd Mobile Marine Division finished his briefing with the closing statement.


    ¡°I also believe that this is a good strategy. Leave the rear to us and strike the enemy down for us.¡±


    Major General Ahn Gang-joon, Commander of the 2nd Marine Division, spoke as he nced at Major General Jo Gyu-jong, Commander of the 3rd Mobile Marine Division.


    ¡°Very well, have the 10th Armored Brigade join forces with you for now. When the 8th Armored Division under the 26th Army Group has been eliminated, we will deploy them into battle.¡±


    ¡°That would be great for us.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a matter of time now, so we will head out. I will see you again soon.¡±


    Major General Jo Gyu-hong shook hands with Major General Ahn Gang-joon and left the temporary Command Center.


    ¡°Is the unloading finished?¡± Major General Jo Gyu-hong asked his aide-de-camp as he got on the Hummer.


    ¡°Yes, sir. All our equipment has been unloaded, lined up, and is ready to move.¡±


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s move our forces ording to schedule.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will give the order.¡±


    Therge field at Weihai Port that was supposed to be full of cargo containers was filled with 400 armored vehicles, tanks, MLRS vehicles, and self-propelled guns all lined up and ready to move.


    Momentster, the Division Commander¡¯s orders must have been ryed to the entire force for the tanks at the front line began to move after starting their engines. Up in the skies, the 3rd Mobile Aerial Force¡¯s attack choppers were flying across the sky and blowing up dust.


    Meanwhile, west of Yentai, the sounds of cannon fire rang out and caused shes of light that could be seen even in the daytime.


    * * *


    December 19, 2020, 15:00, the 8th Special Forces Corps (aerial andnd force brigade¡¯s training grounds), Kangdong County, Pyeong-nam, North Korea


    The 8th Special Forces Corps consisted of four light-armored mountain sniping brigades, eight aerial andnd brigades, thre sniper brigades, and four reconnaissance brigades. Among them, the eight aerial andnd force brigades had a training center at Kangdong County. On these training grounds, 30,000 men had trained with thetest Korean weaponry to be familiar with thetest equipment.


    Also, at Kangdong airfield, 20 of Korea¡¯s KC-501 transport nes and five KC-503rge transport nes were taking off andnding to help train the Northern Special Forces.


    ¡°Keep it up. Is that all you got? Hurry up.¡±


    Despite the temperature falling under 20 degrees Celsius and snowing, the soldiers from the aerial andnd forces were fully equipped and running up a mountain.


    The soldiers carried high-tech equipment and KS1ser rifles along with their protective suits. Despite the heavy load, the soldiers moved swiftly across the steep mountain pass. However, the major who was leading the men did not seem to be pleased with their pace and shouted at his men while looking behind him.


    After they had waded through the snow and run 10 kilometers, the soldiers from the aerialnd forces arrived at their base¡¯s field. All of them had run a distance that made them breathe heavily and hurt their knees. There were 30,000 men in the base following their schedules, training on the training grounds in theirpanies.


    The men from the aerialnd brigades were shorter than their Southern counterparts. But after consuming more nutritionally bnced meals, they regained strength and used their mental fortitude to ovee the hardships of training. Unlike in the past, now they were given thetest equipment and fed regrly. As a result, their morale was higher than everpared to the times when they received malfunctioning equipment and irregr meals. Also, when they started getting paid, which was a foreign concept to them, they started to hide their injuries in fear of getting kicked out. Many of the men trained while injured, causing their injuries to worsen.


    ¡°Have the injured men sent to the hospitals immediately to treat their wounds. Our higher-ups are particrly concerned about this.¡±


    After the coup by Lee Byung-chul, the 8th Special Forces Corps Commander General Oh Dong-ho was executed and reced by Kim Yeo-jung¡¯s cousin, General Kim Un-chul. To personally see the training progress himself, he was observing the goings-on by visiting the area.


    ¡°There is no need to worry, sir. We are taking the injured men to the military hospitals the South Koreans have built immediately.¡±


    When General Kim Un-chul spoke up, Brigade Commander Oh Il-soo answered him in a disciplined manner.


    ¡°In my opinion, I think ourrades here at the 8th Corps will be deployed for battle soon.¡±


    In North Korea, they called the Korea¨CChina war the reunification war.


    ¡°Sir, is that so?¡± Brigade Commander Oh Il-soo asked.


    ¡°Of course. Why would we train our men so intensely with the equipment we got from the South? So make sure our men don¡¯t sustain any more injuries while training, understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. No need to worry. I will make sure of it.¡±


    * * *


    December 30, 2020, 11:30 (China Standard Time 10:30), Qingdao Province, China


    The mes of war spread quickly along the Shandong Penins. The 26th Army Group that was in charge of defending Shandong had faced repeated defeats from the 3rd Mobile Marine Division (fire drake) and the 6th Marine Brigade due to their central strikes. The Chinese forces had to retreat all the way to Weipang within a day. The 3rd Marine Division marched relentlessly to Pingdu and upied the area. It erged their upation territory up to Laizhou in the north and Haiyang in the south. With this achievement, the Korean Marines were able to take over 70 percent of the Shandong Penins after three days of conducting theirnding mission.


    Meanwhile, at Lianyungang, the 12th Army Group had reached the Shandong area¡¯srgest port city, Qingdao, after mobilizing for two days. They had begun erecting a defensive line. Despite their swift mobilization, they were dyed due to cruise missile attacks from the Korean forces.


    ¡°A division¡¯s worth of forces could not hold the area for three days and now have retreated into Weifang. What kind of man is the 26th Army Group¡¯s Commander?¡±


    Lieutenant General Wu Weiyuan, Commander of the 13th Army Group, spoke as he looked at the oue of the recent battles with discontent.


    ¡°Contact the 26th Army Group¡¯s Commander and tell him to march toward Qingdao and hit the enemy from the rear when they reach Qingdao.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    When Commander Wu Weiyuan heard the news about the 26th Army Group fleeing Shandong Province, even though he lost 15 percent of his forces from being attacked by the Korean Navy¡¯s cruise missiles as they headed toward Shandong, he was in a foul mood.


    ¡°Commander Wu Weiyuan, sir! It¡¯s from the 26th Army Group. They are regrouping and will strike back if our army requests for aid.¡±


    ¡°All right. Were there any other orders from our superiors?¡±


    ¡°There were none from the Chief of General Staff, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Check on the progress of establishing our defensive lines and report back!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    The 12th Army Group¡¯s Commander had only heard about the losses China faced in this war so far, but, he did not have any fear. He firmly believed that the defeats his nation encountered were all due to the inability of the Commanders andck of the military¡¯s vignce. Commander Wu Weiyuan only had the desire to use this opportunity to bolster the power of the People¡¯s Liberation Army by using hismanding abilities.


    * * *


    December 21, 2020, 10:00, Blue House National Emergency Situation Center underground bunker (President¡¯s office) Jongro-ku, Seoul


    President Suh Hyun-woo seemed to be in a good mood after hearing that the upation of the Shandong Penins was proceeding smoothly. The upation was only a part of the sess. The mission had created a prime opportunity to disperse Beijing¡¯s defending forces by creating a second battlefront, thus making it easier to march into Beijing.


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff headquarters took care of the proceedings of war, which ran smoothly and better than expected, so President Suh Hyun-woo checked over the final bills for the federal unification by holding a Cab meeting.


    ¡°We are not too far away from reunification. Seventy-five years have passed since North and South Korea have been divided, and our people¡¯s wish for reunification is close at hand. I know you all have worked so hard up to now, but since we are only 10 days away, please continue to do your best until the very end.¡±


    The President earnestly spoke while looking at the Ministers.


    ¡°There is no need to worry, Mr. President! Our Ministers here are all hard at work, so much so that 24 hours in a day is not enough,¡± Prime Minister Lee Young-ho answered while smiling.


    ¡°Hahaha, of course, I know. How could I not? However, our nation is not under the best circumstances at the moment, including China. I only said so since we are now at war with Japan and Russia as well. I am especially grateful to the Minister of National Defense.¡±


    The president nced at Minister Kang Hyun-soo and bowed his head to show respect.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Mr. President! I didn¡¯t do much.¡±


    Minister Kang Hyun-soo bowed his head to the president, and the other ministers watching the scene allughed.


    Who would have thought such a Cab meeting would ur for a nation warring against three powerful nations? The mood in the underground bunker within the Blue House was as rxed as any day that a Cab meeting was held.


    ¡°Are the preparations for the ceremony going well?¡±


    If it were not for the war, leaders from across the globe would have been invited to the federal reunification ceremony, thus making it an international event. Instead, the ceremony was decided to be a low-key affair, but one that would reaffirm internal stability.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! Preparations in both Seoul and Pyeongyang are going smoothly.¡± Vice Minister Kim Un-joong answered for the Reunification Policy Minister, Oh Seung-tae, who was on business leave to Pyeongyang.

 Chapter 159

    <h4>Chapter 159</h4>


    December 21, 2020, 13:20, B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Chiefs of Staff Command Center), Yongsan-ku, Seoul


    The Commanders at the Joint Chiefs of Staff held at least one strategic meeting per day. They were in the office once again to n out their final strategy that would conclude the Korea¨CChina war.


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff has concluded that with the reunification of Korea only ten days away, they must conclude the war against China two days before the federal reunification.


    ¡°General Choi Ho-il!¡±


    ¡°Yes,rade Chairman!¡±


    ¡°Is the 8th Corps¡¯ Training going smoothly?¡±


    ¡°Haha, ourrades at the 8th Corps have struck gold. Thanks to thetest equipment from the Korean military and the good food they get, they are training harder than ever.¡±


    ¡°Is the equipment adjustment and paratrooping training going well?¡±


    ¡°Put your worries to rest, Chairman Kang. If you give us the word, we can have them deployed this instant.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, that is a relief. It¡¯s amazing they made so much progress in such a short period.¡±


    ¡°Comrade Chairman, the men in the 8th Corps are veterans of the veterans within the Northern state military who have served at least eight years. A month is more than enough for them.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Comrade Kang, is it time for our 8th Corps to get moving?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is time. We were nning to set a time for their deployment today.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s great to hear.¡±


    Before the start of the meeting, Chairman Kang Ui-sik spoke with the Commander of the Northern State Army and Vice Chief of Staff, General Choi Ho-il, before signaling to the Operations Director Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon to start the meeting.


    ¡°We will begin the meeting to establish the strategies for ¡®Operation Downfall of Beijing.¡¯


    Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon stepped up to the podium and made his opening statement while looking at the 30 Commanding Generals in attendance.


    The meeting that day decided on a basic strategy after 8:00 p.m. that day. After a short dinner, the meeting continued past 2:00 a.m. before the final ns for ¡°Operation Downfall of Beijing¡± could be finalized. Early morning the next day, Chairman Kang Ui-sik officially reported the ns to the President. The particr element of this operation was the main force conducting this operation would be the Northern state¡¯s 8th Corps instead of the Korean military. President Suh Hyun-woo did show some concerns at first, but due to the supporting statements from the Northern military¡¯s Commander, General Choi Ho-il, he approved the ns.


    On the way back to the Joint Chiefs of Staff office, Chairman Kang Ui-sik looked at General Choi Ho-il from inside the sedan and spoke.


    ¡°Thanks to you we were able to have the ns approved easily, General Choi.¡±


    ¡°I told you I needed toe along to convince the President, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you were absolutely right. Haha!¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo showed concern about the losses that the Norther State Army would suffer in this operation. That was when General Choi Ho-il stood up from his seat and shouted out to show him and his men¡¯s strong resolve.


    ¡°Mr. President! Wasn¡¯t this war between Korea and China for the reunification of North and South and our people? How can the Northern state military stand by and watch as the Korean military makes sacrifices in this war alone? If this war is truly for the reunification of our nation, please approve the Northern state forces to be deployed in battle.¡±


    The voice of General Choi Ho-il showed strong resolve and will despite his 71 years. This convinced President Suh Hyun-woo, and he gave his official approval for deployment.


    ¡°Our Northern state forces must bet their lives and work as much as the President had put his faith in us. Could I give the order as soon as we get back to headquarters?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will give you the documents that organize the data for the operation and orders.¡±


    ¡°All right then. I can wait.¡±


    <hr />


    December 22, 2020, 11:30 (China Standard Time 10:30), Shandong penins, China


    In the Shandong penins, the Korean Marines presently had upied an area the size of the Kyungi and Chungchung statesbined. The 2nd Marine and 3rd Marine Armored Mobile Division¡¯s (fire drake) 10th Armored Brigade was facing off against the 26th Army Group¡¯s forces 11 kilometers away west of Pingdu.


    Also, the 11th and 12th Marine Armored Brigade prepared to enter into battle against the 12th Army Group at Qingdao, the final target, and 5 kilometers south of Pingdu. Finally, the 6th Marine Brigade, four paratrooper brigades, and heavy armored brigade began to take over the cities within Shandong penins.


    The 12th Army Group was stationed 60 kilometers away from Pingdu area. The 11th Marine Armored Brigade¡¯s K-3 White Tiger tanks and K-23PM Hyun-mu armored vehicles from the 12th Marine Divisions were all in line and ready to move.


    -Each Vehicle Commander! Move out. Move out.


    The first target was the 12th Army Group¡¯s 2nd Armored Division and two of its vehicle infantry divisions. Most of the vehicle infantry division consisted of amphibious vehicles and was weaker than other vehicle infantry divisions, but their vehicles had heavier ting than others. However, the 3rd Marine Armored Mobile Division was a force that matched the 20th Armored Division¡¯s power. Thus, the 12th Army Group¡¯s heavier armored ting did not matter to the K-3 White Tiger tanks.


    With the 3rd Marine Division¡¯s head start, the 3rd Mobile Aerial forces¡¯ 46 KUH-50M Super surion choppers began to take off while blowing snow everywhere. Also, the 24 WAH-91SP Peregrin falcon choppers from the 10th Amphibious Fleet also moved forward and took the lead.


    The two groups of choppers moved in formation as their rotor engines roared out, and flew at top speeds after splitting into two groups to nk the 12th Army Group¡¯s artillery regiment and anti-air regiments.


    Meanwhile, at the Command Center headquarters of the 12th Army Group, the 12th Army Group¡¯smand was receiving the movements of the Korean Marines in real time from their subordinate forces.


    ¡°Two armored brigade forces from the Korean Marines are moving at high speed toward the 2nd Armored Division, sir.¡±


    The drone operators of the 2nd Armored Division headquarters detected the Korean marine¡¯s movements and reported to Commander Wu Weian.


    ¡°What¡¯s their size?¡±


    Commander Wu Weian asked shortly.


    ¡°One armored brigade and one mechanized infantry brigade, sir. They have 220 tanks and 96 AFV armored vehicles.¡±


    ¡°So 220 and 96 . . . if we look at the numbers we outnumber them two to one! Can we win with our superior number, can we not? We have over 750 tanks!¡±


    ¡°The thing is, sir, the Commanding Chiefs have ordered us to not face the Korean armored forces directly in battle but focus on establishing a defensive line.¡±


    Operations Director Lieutenant General Gao lin answered.


    ¡°What? They would have us not engage in battle even if we have the advantage?¡±


    Commander Wu Weian was upset by Operations Director Gao lin¡¯s words and shouted while furrowing his brow.


    ¡°Do you know what the most important thing in modern warfare is? The decision made by the Commander who is in the field who has ess to the actual situation on the ground. My orders are above those that are from men hiding inside a bunker.¡±


    ¡°But that is the order of the Chief of General Staff, Commander Wu Weian!¡±


    The Chinese Chief of General Staff¡¯s order was to focus on defending Qingdao and establishing a defensive line after their repeated defeat against the Korean armored forces. They nned to draw in the Korean forces up to their line of defense and attack after they were in the range of artillery strikes from the rear. This was a very standard defensive tactic.


    ¡°Silence. Achieving victory is all that matters. Contact all the divisions! Have the 2nd Armored Division move into their center and start the battle! The 34th and 36th Division from the nk will also move in from the sides to aid them.¡±


    Operations Director Lieutenant General Gao lin showed his discontent before ordering the Radio Operator to contact the divisions.


    Momentster, the 2nd Armored Division that had received orders from Commander Wu Weian left the defensive trenches they had dug up all this time since they reached Qingdao, and began to move to the front lines.


    Over 400 type-96 (Type-96 MBT(88C)) tanks and type-99 G(Type99G MBT) tanks began to ride across the snow and mud-covered fields.


    <hr />


    December 22, 2020, 12:00 (China Standard Time 11:00), Weihai Port, China


    The 7th Maritime Floti¡¯s 72nd Destroyer Fleet¡¯s three hoc destroyers tasked with guarding the 10th Amphibious Fleet in Weihai Port used all of its radars to prepare for any surprise submarine, ballistic missile, and fighter jet attacks. The 3rd Marine Division¡¯s headquarters had requested for cruise missile strikes from them as they stood guard.


    The attack coordinates were located where the 12th Army Group¡¯s anti-air and artillery brigades were stationed. The 3rd Marine Mobile Division used all of their drones and spider drones to map out the position of all subordinate forces the 12th Army Group had before requesting the missile strike. By having a missile attack before their choppers attack first, they could nullify the enemy¡¯s anti-air defenses and raise the survival rate of their choppers as well.


    Within the 72nd Maritime Floti¡¯smanding vessel the Gwanghae (DDG-1001) themand headquarters allotted targets to not just the two hoc destroyers but also the KD-2 destroyers and three escorting vessels before attacking.


    ¡°Captain! Each coordinate has been set for every vessel. All ships are standing by forunch.¡±


    The Operations Director aboard the Gwanghae (DDG-1001) reported to his Captain, and soon enough the order tounch was given by the Captain.


    The verticalunch pad aboard the three hoc destroyers opened its ps andunched 18 Sky dragon A cruise missiles into the sky. Within a short period, the Sky dragon A cruise missiles had tilted their head and flew off into the west ind. Then the other shipsunched 12 additional Sky dragon A cruise missiles into the sky as well.


    The Sky dragon A cruise missiles had a range of 1,000 kilometers and moved toward its target at Mach 3 speed while staying 30 meters above the surface.


    ¡°Missile number 1 is 175 seconds away from the target, missile number 2 at 175 seconds . . .¡±


    Sky dragon A cruise missiles glided across the bumpy surface while moving at supersonic speed. They reached their targets within 3 minutes while bungling the Chinese radars. Momentster, the 30 missiles used its pop-up flight and blew up above their allotted targets. A rain of cluster rounds began to fall on the surface.


    Boom! Bang! Boom!


    The cluster rounds split into 100 rounds after the explosion and created a second wave of explosions after contacting with the various equipment and surfaces. The Chinese cannons, armored vehicles, and self-propelled guns all sustained heavy damages.


    The sma cluster rounds had turned the encampment of the Chinese anti-air and artillery brigade into a sea of mes. Before the Chinese forces could notice, the 3rd Aerial Force¡¯s KUH-50M choppers and 10th Aerial Force¡¯s WAH-91SP Peregrin falcon choppers appeared and sprayed sma cluster bombs andser Vulcan beams to the surface.

 Chapter 160

    <h4>Chapter 160</h4>


    December 22, 2020, 15:00 (China Standard Time 14:00), 44 kilometers north of Qingdao Province, China


    The sudden surface-tond cruise missile attacks from the Korean Navy had rendered the Chinese artillery and anti-air forces useless. Now, the Chinese were being annihted by the Korean attack and mobile choppers. The Chinese 2nd Armored Division¡¯s defensive strategy to use artillery and anti-air forces was no longer carried out. Thus, the armored battle between the Korean and Chinese military resulted in the Korean marines¡¯ victory.


    The marines¡¯ artillery battalion with superior range had rained down cannon shells on the enemy to destroy the Chinese tanks that earlier on were confident because of their number. The Chinese 2nd Armored Division¡¯s type-99 and type-99G tanks could not fire their cannons before catching fire and copsing into the muddy and snow-covered field. Over 70 tanks had been rendered useless before they could reach their enemies.


    Then 24 KA-11P Phoenixnd attacker jets, considered as the predator of armored forces, appeared in the 2nd Division¡¯s front lines and tore them down. The jets flew at low altitudes and sprayed their 50mm sma cluster bombs to the Chinese tanks. Those caught in the st also erupted in mes before exploding. Also, the 22mmser Vulcan beams on the jets destroyed the Chinese tank¡¯s optical scope and other visual equipment, rendering their weaponry useless. Some of the Chinese tanks had their turrets pierced through by the 22mmser Vulcan beams, and the rounds tore through the interior as well.


    The 24 Phoenixnd attacker jets had exhausted their weapons and returned back to the Yentai temporary base. China¡¯s 2nd Armored Division had lost 50 percent of their force before facing Korea¡¯s Marines 3rd Mobile Division¡¯s 11th Armored Brigade K-3 White tiger tanks.


    The Chinese tanks that had pushed forward confidently en masse before they lost half of their forces and met with the K-3 White tiger tanks. The Chinese tanks, which could be considered as third generation, were not a match against the 5.5th generation K-3 White tiger tanks. As in previous armored battles, many of the Chinese tanks turned into burning piles of scrap, and the number of tanks on the lead diminished rapidly. The aiding mechanized infantry division retreated from the battlefield when they saw their allies being taken down.


    The Qingdao march, led by the 3rd Marine Mobile Division, was the shortest and least damaging battle against the Chinese armored forces in history. The 3rd Marine Division could attribute their sess to varied attacking methods used at the proper time to ensure maximum damage. However, the overconfidence of the 12th Army Group¡¯s Commander, Wu Weian, and him giving the order to march into battle instead of heeding themands given by the Chinese Chief of Staff was the major reason for China¡¯s defeat.


    Three hours after the battle started, the 2nd Armored Division only had 30 surviving tanks, equal to an armored battalion¡¯s tanks size. They fled to the rear lines at Qingdao, and the 34th and 36th, who had appeared after arming themselves again, all ran off in different directions after being attacked by the Peregrin falcon choppers and K-3 White tiger tanks.


    Now, the only forces left that could defend Zhimou City within Qingdao were the 35th and 179th Infantry divisions and the 12th Army Group¡¯s subordinate forces. The city was in chaos from the appearance of soldiers equipped with heavy armor never seen before. The city¡¯s defensive regiment and armed police were fighting against them across the city. The soldiers in heavy armor were from the Armored Assault Brigade from the Korean military¡¯s 2nd Command headquarters. These men had infiltrated into downtown Zhimou using the routes they had studied before their invasion.


    ¡°We must prepare for an urban battle, Commander!¡±


    Operations Director Lieutenant General Gao lin spoke firmly to Commander Wu Weian, who only heard reports about defeat since the battle began three hours ago.


    However, Commander Wu Weian did not pay attention because the 12th Army Group¡¯s three main divisions were near annihtion within three hours after the battle began.


    ¡°Commander!¡±


    Lieutenant General Gao lin shouted to Commander Wu Weian staring at the monitor with a nk look on his face.


    ¡°We must bring back all the defeated forces into Qingdao to prepare for urban warfare.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Gao lin shouted out of frustration, Commander Wu Weian replied quietly.


    ¡°Yes, do that, but the thing is. Why did the 26th Army Group that was supposed to attack the enemy¡¯s rear not show up?¡±


    ¡°Based on our intel, the 26th Army Group is busy battling against the Korean 2nd Marine Division, so they had no forces to spare.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! All right, have the defeated forces move into downtown Qingdao.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    Thirty minutester, the Chinese Chief of General Staff ordered for the immediate dismissal and arrest of the 12th Army Group¡¯s Commander when they heard about him ignoring itsmands. Lieutenant General Gao lin was named as the temporary Commander of the 12th Army Group.


    * * *


    December 22, 2020, 15:00 (China Standard Time 14:00), 27 kilometers away from Jiaodinshang, Qiangli Province, China


    The 20th Army Group had been battling against the Chinese forces for ten straight days before retreating to the west of Jiaodingshan from the appearance of the 38th Army Group, but due to the aid from the 25th Light Armored Mountain Division, they began to relentlessly march back toward Beijing.


    However, within the 160-kilometer radius of Beijing, the 65th Army Group, the 27th Army Group, and four defensive divisions were waiting for them with the 38th Army Group as their main force.


    Based on numbers alone, the Chinese forces had 280,000 men, 4,000 tanks, and armored vehicles along with 5 attack chopper regiments on standby.


    Beijing¡¯s western great ins had a concentrated force standing by which resulted in a fierce battle. Luckily, the Capital Armored Division and the 3rd Armored Division marching from north and northeast of Beijing was slowly moving south.


    The men of the 20th Division were able to catch a break when the 7th, 60th and 61st Armored Brigade under the 7th Mobile Corps subbed in for them in battle all the while the 26th Mechanized Infantry Division aided the battling forces as well.


    At times, there were Chinese ballistic missile attacks, cruise missile attacks, and chopper strikesing at them. But every time an attempt was made, the 7th Mobile Corp¡¯s 7th Anti-air Brigade intercepted the missiles and choppers.


    Meanwhile, at the 7th Mobile Corp¡¯s temporary encampment.


    ¡°So the Joint Chiefs of Staff has finally taken the ace out of their pockets.¡±


    A meeting for the n to march toward the east of Beijing was being held in the 7th Mobile Corp Commander¡¯s tent. All themanding Generals were in attendance.


    ¡°When will it start, sir?¡±


    Major General Ahn Gook-jin, Commander of the 20th Armored Division under Corps Commander Yang Min-choon asked.


    ¡°The operation is scheduled on December 26, a day after Christmas. Now, hand out these documents!¡±


    The Corps Commander answered and ordered his aide-de-camp to hand out the documents after cing them on the table.


    The cover of the document had arge S-rank confidentiality logo on it. The file contained details of Operation Downfall of Beijing from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The aides-de-camp from each force, who were all Lieutenant Colonels, stood up and handed the documents to each General.


    ¡°As you can tell by reading this file, the Northern State¡¯s 8th Special Forces Corps will be deployed into battle. All we need to do is make a full frontal assault when they do.¡±


    Corps Commander Yang Min-choon, who had already read the documents, exined to the other Generals.


    * * *


    December 24, 2020, 11:00 (China Standard Time 10:00), downtown Qingdao, China


    After Lieutenant General Gao lin was nominated as the 12th Army Group¡¯s Commander, the battlefield had changed to the urban areas of downtown Qingdao. The 12th Army Group had attempted to defend the city against their enemies, but since most of their forces had been wiped out at the start of the battle, the city fell after two days.


    Presently in Qingdao, numerous Korean paratroopers and heavily armored brigades infiltrated the city to wipe out any remaining forces and to take over government buildings.


    The 12th Army Group¡¯s men made a bold attempt to escape the search and cross the sea via Hangdao Port but were captured by the heavily armored forces. General Wu Weian, who was ced under immediate arrest by China¡¯s military, was captured as well. It was the first time a prisoner with a rank of General was captured since the Korea¨CChina war broke out.


    One of the buildings at the edge of Qingdao was under heavy security by the 3rd Marine Mobile Division¡¯s headquarters. A dozen armored vehicles arrived at the building and parked in a line.


    Then from the armored vehicles, numerous Chinese Generals got off, arms bound by rope. They were the 12th Army Group¡¯smanding Generals including Commander Gao lin. General Wu Weian, the previous Commander, was at the rear of the line as well.


    The ten Chinese Generals entered the building and were each ced into an interrogation room by rank, while the rest waited outside. A momentter, the 3rd Marine Division¡¯s Commander Major General, Jo Gyu-hong, appeared, guarded by the military police.


    Each of the six makeshift interrogation rooms had one intelligence department¡¯s major ranking officer interrogating the Chinese Generals. The interrogation was being monitored by Division Commander Jo Gyu-hong through the security cameras ced in each room.


    In the first interrogation room, the questioning of Lieutenant General Gao lin had just started. An officer with a rank of Lieutenant Colonel had made attempts to extract answers from him, but to no avail¡ª Lieutenant General Gao lin had not said a word. It was the same scenario in the other interrogation rooms. But even if they were prisoners of war, they still had inalienable rights. The Korean military could not use forceful methods to extract information. Division Commander Jo Gyu-hong asked one of the security camera operators as he watched the footage of the security cameras,


    ¡°In the waiting room, they have a General in there. Why don¡¯t they question him first?¡±


    An officer with a rank of Captain, who was one of the security camera operators, answered Commander Jo Gyu-hong¡¯s question.


    ¡°Yes, Commander. Based on our intel, he had disobeyed orders from his superiors and was dismissed for his actions.¡±


    ¡°He was dismissed because of disobeying orders?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. That is the ex-Commander of the 12th Army Group, Wu Weian.¡±


    ¡°Ah! We were able to take over Qingdao so easily, thanks to him then. I would like to interrogate him myself. Prepare a room for me. I will do this myself.¡±


    ¡°You are going to, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, prepare a chamber for me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Right away.¡±


    Ten minutester, Division Commander Jo Gyu-hong and ex-Commander of the 12th Army Group, Wu Weian, was inside a makeshift interrogation room along with an interpreter.


    ¡°So I heard you were dismissed?¡±


    Commander Jo Gyu-hong¡¯s first question was one that poked at General Wu Weian¡¯s pride. General Wu Weian did not answer, his eyes closed.


    ¡°Is the reason behind your dismissal due to disobeying orders?¡±


    General Wu Weian did not pretend to hear the question again.


    ¡°You won¡¯t answer me then?¡±


    The interpreter had interpreted what Commander Jo Gyu-hong was saying, word for word.


    ¡°Well, I suppose, we don¡¯t have a choice. Since you do not want to talk and you are now a civilian due to your dismissal, we will let you go.¡±


    General Wu Weian, who had kept his eyes shut and stayed silent, suddenly opened his eyes and stared at Commander Jo Gyu-hong when he heard the interpreter¡¯s words. Commander Jo Gyu-hong saw the opportunity and spoke once again.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you want? You are a civilian now, so we will let you go.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    General Wu Weian finally retorted an answer to Commander Jo Gyu-hong, who repeatedly mentioned the prospect of letting him go.


    ¡°What it means is, I don¡¯t think it is right to conduct a military interrogation to someone who is not a soldier but rather a civilian.¡±


    Thoughts raced through General Wu Weian¡¯s head. ¡°If he were to be released during this chaos alone, not only would he face consequences for disobeying orders but also for giving out information to the Korean troops. Therefore, no matter what the oue of the war is, his life is already over.¡± When the thought came to him, General Wu Weian asked carefully.


    ¡°What is it you want?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much. Just the current actions of the Chinese military¡ªtheir future operations and whatnot.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I will tell you that?¡±


    General Wu Weian shouted angrily, but to Commander Jo Gyu-hong, his actions only seemed to be out of desperation.


    ¡°I figured you wouldn¡¯t, and that is why I suggested letting you go. Hahaha!¡±


    General Wu Weian, who could not win the battle of wits against the Korean General who seemed to have targeted his weakness and wasughing heartily, finally showed his true intent.


    ¡°Can you guarantee my safety?¡±


    ¡°Of course. On my rank and position, I promise to.¡±

 Chapter 161

    <h4>Chapter 161</h4>


    December 16, 2020, 04:50 (China Standard Time 03:50), at the 20th Armored Division¡¯s location, 33 kilometers northeast of Tangshan, China


    The 20th Armored Division and 25th Light Armored Infantry Division had continued the offense in three shifts using its three armored brigades. They had marched 33 kilometers northeast and prepared to make the final attack ording to Operation Downfall of Beijing¡¯s n.


    ¡°Howe we are always the ones to start the battle at dawn? I am dying over here, Vehicle Commander, sir!¡±


    Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi, the 712 tank¡¯s driver,ined over the tank¡¯smunication line.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. I am pissed as well! I am too! I wish we could fight this war after we get some sleep.¡±


    The Turret Operator, Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo, agreed with Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi.


    ¡°What did you just say? There¡¯s no day or night in war, you idiots! Wake up and get ready to move out already!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, of course.¡±


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim.¡±


    ¡°Yes, First ss Sergeant Oh, sir.¡±


    ¡°Check our positive pressure device! It¡¯s ordered by the battalion headquarters.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    In the dawn¡¯s light, the K-3 tanks and K-23P Hyun-mu armored vehicles¡ªreaching 500¡ªrolled across the white snowy fields while emitting white steam and engine noises in preparation for mobilization. Behind them, numerous types of armored vehicles and self-propelled guns were getting ready to move as well.


    A momentter, when the clock struck four, the 7th Mobile Corp Commander Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon gave the order to move out to all subordinate forces through themunication line. The K-3 tanks from the 20th Division¡¯s 26th Armored Battalion under the 60th Brigade led the pack as it always did while roaring its engines. The march to Beijing¡ªthe finale of the Korea¨CChina war¡ªwas about to begin.


    Vrooom! Vroooom! Vrooom!


    The 26th Armored Battalion that had only lost three K-3 tanks throughout the entire war moved in a horizontal formation. Its remaining 43 K-3 tanks charged forward to take the lead. The 32nd and 107th Armored Battalion followed the lead.


    * * *


    December 24, 2020, 05:20 (China Standard Time 04:20), 26 kilometers northeast of Miyuan County (the Capital Armored Division¡¯s location), Beijing Province, China


    The Capital Armored Division also started their southwestern march toward Beijing along narrow mountain roads instead of ins.


    Since December 12, the Capital Armored Division had moved along the roads far from ideal for armored vehicles and tanks to use. They raised their speeds to head into the battle against the 15th Army Group and break through the final line of defense. The 7th Mobile Corp¡¯s 17th Aerial Force and 171 Aerial Force¡¯s 13 Peregrin falcon attack choppers flew at low altitudes to escort them.


    Also, to prepare for the artillery strikes from China¡¯s artillery forces, numerous anti-air armored vehicles were ced at each battalion with their radars operating round the clock to intercept any oing missiles or cannon rounds.


    The Capital Armored Division¡¯s forces moved along the road split in four directions stealthily and quickly.


    * * *


    December 24, 2020, 05:30 (China Standard Time 04:30), Feng-ning Manchu Autonomous County, the 3rd Armored Division¡¯s location, China


    The 3rd Armored Division also began its march stealthily along the roughest mountain pass the marching forces toward Beijing had gone through. The 3rd Armored Division had scouted out the splitting routes they had to take the day before the mission began. They had prepared for ambushes along the mountain pass by receiving aid from the heavy armored paratrooper brigade to wipe out the ambushing Chinese forces.


    * * *


    December 26, 2020, 05:30 (China Standard Time 04:30), 10 kilometers northwest of Qingdao Province, the 3rd Marine Mobile Division¡¯s location, China


    The 2nd and 3rd Marine Division, and the 6th Marine Brigade had taken over the Shandong penins area equaling the Southern Kyeongsang state in Korea. Among them, the 3rd Marine Mobile Division was chosen for deployment in Operation Downfall of Beijing.


    The 3rd Marine Division had nned to march to the heart of Beijing 475 kilometers away by nking around the Weipang area upied by the 26th Army Group and take the roads along the beach.


    Also, the 10th Amphibious Fleet¡¯s 32 WAH-91SP Peregrin falcon attack choppers, 48 KUH-M50 attack choppers, and 2nd Marine Division¡¯s 36 Magpie viper strike forces began to light up the dark skies with their red lights as they flew along with the armored division¡¯s tanks and armored vehicles.


    * * *


    December 26, 2020, 09:00, B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Yongsan-ku, Seoul


    Four hours into Operation Downfall of Beijing, Korea¡¯s Joint Chiefs of Staff had each of the marching force¡¯s location ced on a digital map and up on every screen.


    The biggest change for the Korean military from this Korea¨CChina war was having footages of each battalion¡¯s movement livestreamed to the Joint Chief of Staff in real time.


    The Command Center could check on the status of hundreds of thousands of its men they sent to the battlefield and give an appropriate order based on their particr situation, which is both critical in modern warfare. The only other nations aside from Korea with such a quick and urate ordering system would be America and Russia. Korea was able to have a system like this for their military from the alien technology they applied to create the Turkion-X wirelessmunication system and Heramunication satellite.


    The 20th Armored Division and 25th Light Armored Infantry Division were the first to engage in battle, fighting fiercely with the 28th Army Group at the southern great ins in Fen run.


    The battle was asrge as the armored battle at Sun Yang, involving thousands of tanks and armored vehicles. Also, footage of the Capital Armored Division and 3rd Armored Division fighting against the Chinese military was being fed live to the screen.


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who had been watching the status of each battle since Operation Downfall of Beijing began, had his eyes glued on screen 5.


    Screen 5 was showing footage of the Kangdong Airfield 30 kilometers away from Pyeongyang. On the huge runway, dozens of Korean transport nes were standing by in a line. Around the transporting nes, military police sent in from the air force were standing guard to not allow anyone to enter the premises. The repairmen for the transport nes were busy running around, making the final maintenance checks.


    ¡°When will the aerial andnd force brigade begin boarding?¡±


    Chairman Kang, who had been staring at screen 5, nced at the Operations Director and asked.


    ¡°They will begin boarding at eight-thirty today, sir.¡±


    ¡°How about the status of the 8th Corps?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they have checked their personal supplies and equipment and are now standing by to board, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right, check on not only the aerialnd forces but also the sniper brigade as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Chairman, sir!¡±


    * * *


    December 26, 2020, 10:20 (China Standard Time 09:20), X-2 underground bunker, Beijing Province, China


    The Beijing Central Military Commission was in a state of emergency from the Korean military¡¯s sudden attack. Not only did the Chinese military¡¯s fail to detect the Korean military¡¯s offensive move, but the rapid march north to Beijing of the 3rd Mobile Marine Division was also unexpected. Four days ago, the 12th Army Group¡¯s Commander disobeyed the orders of the Chief of General Staff and entered into battle on personal judgment, causing them to lose Qingdao and the entire Shandong penins. Worst of all, the entire 12th Army¡¯smanding officers were taken as prisoners of war to the Korean Marines and confidential military information was now at risk of being exposed.


    ¡°How goes the battle?¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping asked General Chiu Ji Liang Ji as he entered the meeting room full of the members of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China.


    General Chiu answered the President, who did not even give him a chance to sit down first.


    ¡°The Northern defensive line being held by the 13th and 15th Army Group will not be broken easily since we have the high ground. I believe we can hold the line, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about the east of Beijing?¡±


    ¡°Three army groups are holding the eastern front, sir. With an army of that size, even Korea¡¯s mighty 20th Division will not be able to breach our defenses, sir.¡±


    ¡°Three army groups? Isn¡¯t the 65th Army Group only one in name but is only the size of a vehicle infantry division?¡±


    The 65th Army Group had faced numerous battles at Sun Yang and Fu-xin, which had lowered their numbers. They had reorganized the remaining forces based around the 207th Vehicle Infantry Division.


    ¡°Yes, sir that is correct. But we have the 38th Army Group joining them as well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not losing faith, but just in case, deploy the Capital Defensive Division at their rear.¡±


    ¡°The Capital Defensive Division is the final defensive force for Beijing, Mr. President, sir.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I am aware of that? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to have our forces aid those fighting outside the city rather than have them stand by and do nothing?¡±


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji knew that talking to President Xi Jin ping would be a waste of time. So he gave an answer that agreed with the President to cut the conversation short.


    ¡°Very well, sir. I will send in the two capital defensive divisions within Beijing to the 38th Army Group¡¯s rear as reserves.¡±


    ¡°Have it done.¡±


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji, who finally sat down, waved at his Operations Director to start the briefing. Lieutenant General Jang ning stepped up to the podium and started the briefing on defending Beijing.


    * * *


    December 26, 2020, 20:55, Yongsan-ku CC bunker (tactical strike satellite Zeus 1¡¯s Command Center), Seoul


    Commander Lim Soo-ho was checking the digital clock hanging on the wall at the room¡¯s center. The operators and staff of the Command Center were slightly excited by the fact the start of an operation that willst throughout history was about to begin here soon.


    When the digital clock struck 2100h, Commander Lim Soo-ho gave the order.


    ¡°Begin the 2nd phase of Operation Downfall of Beijing. Check the list of targeted coordinates.¡±


    ¡°Confirming the list of coordinates.¡±


    The Weapons Operator repeated the orders, and at the center screen, a digital map began to enhance before the erged targeted coordinates showed up on the map.


    ¡°Checking the first target coordinates, confirmed! Second target coordinates confirmed! Third target coordinates confirmed! Fourth target confirmed! All confirmed!¡±


    When the Weapons Operator¡¯s report ended, the center screen split into four and showed the confirmed targeted coordinates once again at once.


    ¡°Final targeted coordinatespleted, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great! Stand by with Epirus missiles.¡±


    ¡°Epirus missiles, standing by.¡±


    ¡°Fire.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The fourst Epirus missiles the Zeus 1 satellite had slid out of the eight-round MLRS and began to fall toward the earth by the gravitational pull. A momentter, the missile¡¯s thrusters ignited, once they began to spit out blue me, it fell toward the surface at frightening speeds.


    ¡°All four Epirus missiles have beenunched to the target sessfully, sir. Target 1 at 26 minutes and 40 seconds before impact, Target 2 at 26 minutes and 42 seconds, Target 3 at 26 minutes 44 seconds, and Target 4 at 26 minutes 46 seconds and counting.¡±


    * * *


    December 26, 2020, 21:10, Pyeongnam Kangdong County airfield, North Korea


    The red lights lined up at each side of the runway lit up and Korea¡¯s transport nes lined up in two lines were on standby. The 8th Corp¡¯s men had fully equipped themselves and had already began boarded the ne 40 minutes ago.


    Ten minutester, 10,000 soldierspleted boarding the 40 nes, were seated, and waited for takeoff.


    Finally, when the order came from the control tower, the KC-501 transport nes at the lead started their sma engines and moved across the runway. When the nes reached a certain speed, it raised its altitude and glided across the sky. The rest of the nes also moved across the runway and flew into the sky. Ten minutester, dozens of transport nes were flying across the Kangdong skies. When thest set of nes finished taking off, the other nes turned their heads east then disappeared into the horizon, flying at supersonic speed.

 Chapter 162

    <h4>Chapter 162</h4>


    December 26, 2020, 21:26 (China Standard Time 20:26), 60 kilometers northeast of Beijing Province, China


    The four Epirus missilesunched by the KS-AD Zeus 1 satellite moved toward their targeted coordinates and exploded one kilometer above the atmosphere. The explosion sent out a powerful shockwave across the area along with a loud sound.


    The first round exploded around the Sun-yi Province¡¯s atmosphere in the suburb of Beijing, while the three other Epirus missiles exploded in the northeast area 15 kilometers away from Beijing. The area where the Epirus missiles exploded was the route where the Korean transport nes were about to take.


    The entire northeastern part of Beijing cked out after the SEMP waves spread across the atmosphere. The radar and equipment of the anti-air artillery forces stationed across the city lost their power and the equipment, rendered useless.


    Twenty minutester, the Korean transport nes¡ª24 escorting KF/A-25P ck phoenix jets from the Shin Ui-ju fighter wing and 24 KF-21P phoenix fighter jets from Sun-an 8th Fighter Wing¡ªflew into the area. The jets dropped their sma cluster bombs and EMP rounds. The two different kinds of shells fell down on their targets after gliding across the air and exploding at their mark. Most of the targets were the anti-air cannons, radar bases, and weapons caches on building rooftops.


    The Beijing area had gone pitch ck from the shockwave and was only lit up by mesing from the explosions. After the first round of attacks, the Korean jets, the Epirus missiles dropped down at Mach 1.2. The Epirus missiles¡¯ shockwaves traveled across the entire suburb of Beijing. The transport nes¡¯ hatches opened and 10,000 aerial andnd forces soldiers descended toward the surface.


    In an instant, the entire northeastern Beijing skies were ckened by the descending ck parachutes of the aerial andnd forces. Some of the Chinese soldiers fired their firearms and anti-air rounds toward the descending men, but since the sky was pitch ck, it was hard to shoot down a moving target.


    The entire Beijing area had seemingly returned to the prehistoric era since theirmunication equipment, radars, and anti-air weapons all became useless. The Beijing defensive division that was supposed to protect the inner city had been deployed to the eastern front under orders of President Xi. Only 20,000 soldiers were guarding the Beijing area.


    Woosh~ pat pat pat pat!


    The aerial andnd forces soldiers hadnded and gathered to the locations showing up on their digital equipment. They began a gueri operation in units of toons. The special forces veterans who had an average experience of seven years excelled in performance. Thetest high-tech equipment had increased their capabilities beyond imagination.


    Due to the equipment that showed each man where to go like a GPS, each unit moving in the size of toons sessfully blew up every target, facility, fuel tanks, ammo supplies, official buildings, and police buildings. They had achieved 120 percent of their allotted targets.


    Boom! Pew pew pew pew~


    The citizens of Beijing were under extreme terror from the continued gunshots and explosions. They hid inside the buildings to avoid the crossfires. They knew the Chinese military was losing against the Korean forces, but the citizens of Beijing did not want the enemy to reach China¡¯s capital and turn it into a battlefield. Beijing¡¯s citizens were once again under the fear of war after the previous SEMP attack from Korea.


    The 1st Aerial Battalion under the Korean Army¡¯s 38th Aerial Brigade was tasked with an important mission. They were tasked with infiltrating the X-2 bunker the Chinese Commanders and leaders were hiding in, and to bring President Xi Jin Ping¡ªdead or alive.


    The 1st Aerial Battalion had the veterans of the veterans within the aerial brigades in Korea. The men were tond at the closest location to the X-2 bunker.


    ¡°Listen up. We are 12 kilometers away from the target location, so everyone take the minimum equipment necessary and leave the rest behind. Understood?¡±


    Colonel Oh Yong-gil, Battalion Commander of the 1st Aerial Battalion gave out orders to his men. His subordinates all gathered up the unnecessary equipment they had and set it on fire.


    ¡°Everyone ready? Then run!¡±


    The 1st Aerial Battalion¡¯s men, who now carried a lighter load, all split into groups of toons and ran out toward Beijing¡¯s suburbs.


    <hr />


    December 26, 2020, 21:50 (China Standard Time 20:50), the X-2 bunker, Beijing, China


    ¡°What were the anti-air forces in Beijing been doing?¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping shouted at the men in the room with bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°Mr. President, now is not the time, sir. You must leave the area.¡±


    ¡°Where will I go?¡±


    Vice-President Li Yuan Chao from the Central Politics Commission tried to speak further but fell silent at President Xi¡¯s shouting.


    ¡°How about taking thend route to Da tung, then a ne to Zheng zhou, sir.¡±


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji, who was at the President¡¯s office entrance said.


    Bang!


    President Xi Jin Ping mmed his fist on the table.


    ¡°It is already embarrassing for me to flee outside Beijing, and now you¡¯re asking me to run to Zheng zhou?¡±


    ¡°President Xi! Our location might have beenpromised by the ex-Commander of the 12th Army Group Wu Weian. Please hurry.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!¡±


    As President Xi and General Chiu argued, the leading members of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China were waiting anxiously, prepared to leave.


    ¡°Mr. President! We don¡¯t know when the systems here will go out as well. There¡¯s no time. Please leave this ce.¡±


    The four Epirus missiles caused a city-wide ckout in Beijing, but the X-2 bunker, being recently built, had an adequate EMP defensive system. Its power and systems were still running. However, their internal generators were broken, and the power could be cut at any moment. If that was the case, then everyone in the bunker could be trapped 100 meters underground.


    <hr />


    December 26, 2020, 22:10 (China Standard Time 21:10), area near the X-2 bunker, Beijing Province, China


    The 1st Aerial Battalion¡¯s men had run for ten kilometers while being lightly armed, and they were now two kilometers away from their destination.


    ¡°Everyone hold!¡±


    The Commander of the 1st Aerial Battalion waved his hand to stop and signaled to his left and right.


    When they got closer to the bunker the Chinese leaders were hiding in, life signs showed up on the watch¡¯s monitors. They were from the guarding forces and special forces surrounding and in the bunker.


    ¡°My! There¡¯re so many of them! We will attempt to break through their defenses in groups of toons. Each Company Commander will check the routes their toons will take and subdue our enemies as quickly as possible. Understood?¡±


    Colonel Oh Yong-gil gave his order through the headset to each Company Commander as his forces hid and watched an area 500 meters ahead of them.


    <ul>


    th Company Commander Na Gang-soo, confirmed.


    th Company Commander Kim Won-hyo, understood.


    th Company Commander Kim Kang-wan, yes, sir.


    Heavy Weapons Company Commander Lee Won-il, leave it to us.


    </ul>


    ¡°I repeat! We must seed in our mission! So don¡¯t be afraid to lose your lives and break through the enemy line! After the firearmspany gives us cover, the other threepanies will charge to our target!¡±


    Momentster, Colonel Oh Yong-gil gave the order to charge. The heavy weaponspany fired their 8mmser miniguns and 30mm smart grenades at 500-meter distance. The other threepanies used this chance to run toward the area through their routes.


    The 30mm smart grenades avoided obstacles automatically and tore the Chinese soldiers in the buildings who tried to retaliate. Theser beams raining down pierced through most walls and bodies of Chinese soldiers.


    The Chinese forces were outmatched in firepower and only made passive retaliation attempts, unable to execute a proper defensive tactic.


    pew~ pew~ pew~ pew~ pew~


    Boom! Bang!


    Whenever the smart grenades blew up, the hiding Chinese soldiers fell down and bled. The Chinese special forces became more fearful as they witnessed more of theirrades fell down from the explosions. The Korean Northern state¡¯s aerial andnd brigade forces men, however, charged toward their enemy and seemed like a horde of grim reapers ready to harvest their dues. But because of their protective suits, the Korean soldiers would sometimes fall down after taking a bullet, but they got up soon enough and continued marching forward.


    <hr />


    December 26, 2020, 22:20, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    On screen 6, footage from the cameras attached to the helmets of the 38th Aerial and Land Brigade¡¯s 1st Aerial and Land Battalion was being livestreamed clearly.


    The Korean military had found the location of the bunker President Xi was hiding in from the captured 12th Army Group¡¯s previous Commander, General Wu Weian. The valuable information they got before executing Operation Downfall of Beijing had the Joint Chiefs of Staff deciding to end the war by capturing the leaders and President Xi, dead or alive.


    They had sent in the 1st Aerial and Land Battalion under the aerial andnd brigade, which was the best among them, to assassinate or arrest President Xi.


    The 1st Battalion had parachuted down near the Chinese bunker as nned, and they were now engaged in a battle against the Chinese special forces tasked with defending the area.


    On the split screen, beams of light fromsers and tracer beams were moving across the field, and ckish mes were dancing around the area. Despite the darkness, the 1st Aerial and Land Battalion¡¯s special forces were able to use the night vision on their helmets to their advantage and overcame their inferior number. The men were closing in on the entrance of the bunker now.


    ¡°The aerial andnd forces are more capable and fierce than we imagined, sir.¡±


    Operations Director Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun said in amazement.


    ¡°Right, what did I always say? Our 8th Corp¡¯s special forces men are capable of doing anything if ordered. Hahaha!¡±


    General Choi Ho-il, who was thrilled by the performance of the 1st Aerial Battalion,ughed lightheartedly and answered.


    ¡°I regret we didn¡¯t deploy them sooner.¡±


    ¡°Beijing¡¯s downfall is now inevitable. If all 30,000 aerial andnd force brigade¡¯s mennded safely . . . I won¡¯t say more. There¡¯s nothing left to say, is there? Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°The issue is whether we get President Xi Jin Ping or not.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik was also watching the footage from the split screen and spoke carefully. General Choi Ho-il was smaller in stature, but he stood up straight with his shoulders back and answered him confidently.


    ¡°Of course, Comrade Kang! Put your mind at ease. We will have President Xi¡¯s head on a te soon.¡±


    The Operations Aide-de-camp quietly came up to Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyn, the Operations Director, and gave a report.


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun came up to Chairman Kang Ui-sik and spoke to him.


    ¡°The second wave of men from the aerial andnd forces brigade have finished boarding the transport nes at Kangdong Airfield, sir.¡±


    The transport nes of the Korean Air Force had dropped off 10,000 aerial andnd forces brigades men during the first Beijing attack. These nes then returned to the airfield immediately to transport the rest of the forces as well.


    ¡°Things are running smoothly with no hups then. What about the sniper and paratrooper special forces?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the three sniper brigades are on the move to Kangdong Airfield, and the Korean paratroopers are also standing by at Sungnam Airforce Base, sir!¡±


    ¡°Operation Downfall of Beijing¡± consisted of the ground forces¡¯ all-out attack, along with using the final four rounds of K-SE missile (SUPER EMP missiles) strikes from the KS-AD Zeus 1 satellite. The missiles would render the Beijing force¡¯s anti-air and radar systems useless to secure the safety of an aerial invasion from 50,000 special forces soldiers. Korea had intended to deliver the final blow to end this war by putting pressure on Beijing from both in and outside the area. Also, as luck would have it, they discovered the location where President Xi was hiding in, and made an additional n to either capture or assassinate him.

 Chapter 163

    <h4>Chapter 163</h4>


    December 26, 2020, 22:40 (China Standard Time 21:40), the X-2 bunker, Beijing Province area, China


    Four entrances led to the X-2 bunker. There¡¯s one elevator inside a five-story building disguised as an office building, one freight elevator, and one stairway. The final entry was a secret elevator connected to an outside building.


    The numerous armored vehicles and midsized sedans parked outside the building was up in mes. The men from the heavy-weaponspany under the 1st Aerial and Land Forces Battalion used their 60mm sma pressure grenades and tore the vehicles like pieces of paper.


    The 1st Aerial and Land Forces Battalion¡¯s men did not fear to lose their lives and charged toward the Chinese Special Forces Regiment. The Chinese defensive line was broken through, and the Korean forces began to charge toward the five-story building as they firedser beams.


    Meanwhile, in the underground X-2 bunker.


    Boom! Booooooooom~


    A shocking from the upper levels shook the entire bunker. The elevator that has President Xi Jin Ping on board stopped at the 50-meter mark from the emergency protocols. The Captain of President Xi Jin Ping¡¯s bodyguards, Shu Lungun, contacted the surface through the inte.


    ¡°All right. Try to hold them back as long as possible. You must not let them through. Got it?¡±


    Captain Shu Lungun finished speaking with the men at the surface and spoke quietly to General Chiu Ji Liang Ji after walking up to him.


    ¡°General Chiu Ji Liang Ji, sir! The armored vehicles and sedans standing by on the ground surface have been destroyed by the Korean special forces, they have reached the building¡¯s entrance.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying the way is shut?¡±


    ¡°It seems it will be difficult to leave through the main entrance, sir.¡±


    ¡°We are going back down and using the emergency exit then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Captain Shu Lungun after talking to General Chiu Ji Liang Ji sent a signal to one of the bodyguards. The immobile elevator began to move back down.


    ¡°What is it, General Chiu?¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping asked in a worried tone.


    ¡°Our forces are under attack by the Korean special forces, sir.¡±


    ¡°What? How could the Koreans . . . How did they know about our location?¡±


    ¡°It seems the Commanders of the 12th Army Group leaked the information, sir.¡±


    ¡°Wu Weian¡ªthat bastard! What are our remaining forces and guards doing? How could they allow the Koreans this close to our doorstep?¡±


    President Xi angrily muttered Wu Weian¡¯s name while frowning.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I suggest that you leave the area a moment ago, sir? Since you hesitated¡ª¡±


    ¡°Vice President!¡±


    Vice President Li Yuan chaoined but fell silent when President Xi shouted at him.


    ¡°Are you saying this is all my fault?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I apologize.¡±


    ¡°We are unable to contact the forces stationed within downtown Beijing, sir. I think you should go back underground and move via the emergency elevator.¡±


    The elevator moved back down to the bunker¡¯s Command Center as the sounds of explosions rang across the entire area. The Chinese political leaders, who had all been waiting to board the elevator, sensed something was wrong when they saw President Xi returned back down from the elevator.


    President Xi ignored the leading political members¡¯ stares and hurried to the stairs leading to the emergency elevator. Captain Shu Lungun spoke to an officer under him and followed the President behind. The officer notified the other political leaders about the situation.


    ¡°This elevator is no longer operational. Everyone, please move toward the emergency elevator.¡±


    After this announcement, the high-ranking government officials all rushed over to the emergency elevator and started amotion. The guarding forces shut down the elevator and freight elevators and closed off the stairs leading to the other pathways by closing the steel doors.


    A crowd had gathered in front of the emergency elevator. The X-2 bunker had 500 people including President Xi Jin Ping but the emergency elevator had a 30-person capacity. First, President Xi, 7 high-ranking officials, the bodyguard¡¯s Captain, and 12 other men boarded first.


    ¡°When you reach the ground surface, hide at the nearby building. We will move together once we reach the surface, understood?¡±


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji said to Captain Shu Lungun.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The elevator doors closed, and it rose to the surface at high speed.


    Meanwhile at the X-2 bunker¡¯s surface.


    ¡°These bastards, they shut off the elevators, sir.¡±


    Captain Na Kang-soo, who was first to enter the building, checked the elevators and reported to the Battalion Commander.


    ¡°Of course, they did! Have your fastest men infiltrate through the stairs!¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    Captain Na Kang-soo, Commander of the 5th Company, gave orders to his fastest toon members.


    ¡°Lieutenant Kang Hyuck! Take your toon and go down the stairs, the rest of you will follow after we lock down the entire building.¡±


    ¡°Yes,rade Commander!¡±


    As gunshots and explosions rang across the building, the 30 men from the 1st toon under the 5th Company followed their Commander and swiftly ran down the stairs. It would be more urate to say they were flying down the stairs.


    ¡°This is the Battalion Commander! Excluding the 5th Company, the rest of you will begin to lock down the surrounding buildings. There must be an emergency exit somewhere! Search everywhere. The bastard Xi Jin Ping is bound to be nearby and unable to escape our search! Do you get it?¡±


    * * *


    December 18, 2020, 22:50, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Like a scene from a movie, the 1st Aerial and Land Forces battalion¡¯s movements were being broadcast on-screen. The footage from the 1st toon was a sight to behold. The video was often shaking around, but the anxiety the men in the field must have felt traveled through the footage to affect the men at the Command Center as well.


    The men blew up the steel doors with a P-01 bomb and charged through when the path was clear. The men, although out of breath, continued to run in fear of failing the mission.


    Themanding Generals in the Joint Chiefs of Staff were all watching the footage while holding their breath. Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon eximed, watching with is eyes wide open.


    ¡°I think we could get Xi Jin Ping at this rate, sir.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a matter of could or could not. Our men must, no . . . will get Xi Jin Ping.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, General Choi, sir!¡±


    The 620th Artillery Corp¡¯s Commander, lieutenant General Youn Gi-yoon spoke in agreement with General Choi Ho-il, Commander of the Northern state military. The two men were full of excitement after seeing their forces in action rather than the Korean ones.


    ¡°Yes, I hope they do as well. Then this war can finallye to an end.¡±


    While Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon answered and smiled, Chairman Kang silently stared at the screen.


    * * *


    December 26, 2020, 22:55 (China Standard Time 21:55), X-2 bunker, Beijing Province area, China


    Boom!


    The final steel doors tore open from the P-01 bomb¡¯s st like a piece of paper, and four shbangs rolled down from the staircase.


    The shes of light from the shbangs filled the entire bunker, and the guarding forces ducked down while covering their eyes. Using this opening, the 1st toon¡¯s men entered the underground bunker and began to sprayser beams.


    The white beams of light shone across all directions and the Chinese soldiers did not have a chance to retaliate before falling like leaves in an autumn storm.


    With a single blow, the 1st toon¡¯s 2nd squadron took down the Chinese guardsmen. They began to move toward the Chinese operators still in the bunker and sprayed theirser beams at them. The enemy tried to retaliate with their pistols, but they were no match for the skilled aerial andnd forces men and fell before firing a single shot.


    An hour ago, the bunker was full of Chinese militarymanders, watching over the war, but now it was full of dead bodies and the smell of blood.


    Theser beams destroyed the numerousputers, monitors, and therge screen within the Command Center.


    ¡°Xi Jin Ping is not here, sir.¡±


    ¡°That bastard. There must be another exit. Find it.¡±


    The 40 men from the toon began to search every corner of the bunker and took out every Chinese soldier and bunker operators.


    ¨C Comrade! It¡¯s here. Hurry.¡±


    A report from one of the toon¡¯s soldiers came through the headset.


    ¡°Where is it?¡±


    ¨C Follow the left corridor. These bastards are all cooped up in here.


    ¡°All right. Check if any of them is Xi Jin Ping!¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    After the Commander and his men ran along a corridor to the left for 50 meters, an elevator door opened and seen were 100 Chinese soldiers with arms raised and on their knees.


    ¡°What about Xi Jin Ping?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not here, sir.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, he must have escaped. Does the elevator work?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. It seems they cut the power from the surface.¡±


    ¡°God damn it!¡±


    toon Commander Kang Hyuck grabbed one of the Chinese soldiers shaking in fear the most and grabbed him by the cuff. He pointed a pistol to the Chinese soldier¡¯s temple and shouted.


    ¡°Where is Xi Jin Ping, you little shit?¡±


    When the Chinese soldier did not answer and cried out instead, Commander Kang Hyuck pulled the trigger.


    Pew!


    A small hole opened up on the Chinese soldier¡¯s head with the sound of theser beam, and he fell. toon Commander Kang Hyuck pointed to one of the other bunker operators and shouted at him after pointing his pistol at him.


    ¡°Where is Xi Jin Ping?¡±


    The Bunker Operator was full of fear and could not understand Korean, but since his life was on the line, he surmised what the question was about, and pointed to the elevator with his shaking finger.


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that, you idiot? Where does this elevator lead to?¡±


    Commander Kang Hyuck pointed to the small monitor screen on his wrist. The monitor had a small digital map shown on it. The bunker operator pointed to a location on the map with his finger.


    ¡°Are you sure? If you are lying, then your life is forfeit as well, do you understand?¡±


    The toon Commander shoved the operator aside and zoomed in on the map. The location the bunker operator pointed to was another building 500 meters away from the one the elevator was connected to.


    ¨C Battalion Commander! Company Commander! Xi Jin Ping has run to the surface through another exit, sir. I am sending you his location now.


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    The Battalion Commander, who was controlling the movement from the buildings on the surface, asked.


    ¡°I am sure of it,rade.¡±


    ¨C All right, clean out the bunker and hurry back to the surface!


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    toon Commander Kang Hyuck gave a signal to his men after finishing hismunication. The men spread out and began to install bombs with timers.


    ¡°Listen up. You bastards! If it were up to me, I would like to bury you all in the dirt, but my superiors ordered me to spare your lives. Consider yourselves lucky. You may all run away after we leave! Understood? We are not responsible for you after that.¡±


    One of the men moved toward toon Commander Kang Hyuck, past the Chinese soldiers and operators shaking in fear, and spoke to him.


    ¡°Comrade Commander! The bombs have all been installed.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Let¡¯s move out.¡±


    The men from the 1st toon once again used the stairs and rushed back to the surface.


    Meanwhile, on the surface, the men began to tighten their search and chased after President Xi Jin Ping who was located at a building 500 meters north of the exit, ording to the location toon Commander Kang Hyuck sent over.

 Chapter 164

    <h4>Chapter 164</h4>


    December 26, 2020, 22:55 (China Standard Time 21:55), the X-2 bunker, Beijing Province area, China


    Xi Jin Ping and his party had taken the next elevator to reach the surface grounds. The 200 Central Political Commission members, bodyguards, and General Chiu Ji Liang Ji were running toward the suburb of Beijing. The armored vehicles and sedans they intended to take were all destroyed by the Korean special forces. All they could rely on now were their own two legs.


    Gasp! Pant! Gasp!


    President Xi, who obviouslycked exercise, stopped to gasp for breath after running about 100 meters.


    ¡°President Xi! We must leave this area. Just a little bit farther and the chopper will take us out of here, sir.¡±


    Luckily they were able to reach the Capital Defense Division and had sent out transport and attack choppers to their location. However, they had to leave the area for their own safety before the choppers arrived.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go any farther. Please, let¡¯s just walk.¡±


    ¡°President Xi, please, sir . . . Just a little bit more.¡±


    Suddenly, the sounds of gunshots andser beams came from behind them.


    ¡°Protect the President! The bodyguards will hold this position.¡±


    Shu Lungun, the Captain of the guards, shouted and pulled out his pistol.


    ¡°Captain, hold them off, no matter what!¡±


    ¡°Yes, General. Leave it to me, and please hurry.¡±


    Captain Shu Lungun answered shortly and began to run to the rear with his men.


    ¡°Mr. President! Run! The Korean special forces are on our tail.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± the President answered, panting.


    President Xi, who earlier had been ignoring General Chiu¡¯s words, must have wanted to survive desperately that day for he ran as fast as he could without looking back. The 100 or so politicians and militarymanders followed behind him.


    Pew~ pew pew pew pew~


    Boom! Bang!


    Whenever the white beams of lights came pouring down, the bodyguards all fell, clutching their chest or stomach. The area was mostly dark, and since the Chinese guards did not have any night-vision equipment, they were no match to the Korean special forces equipped with protective suits, ck uniforms, and night-vision helmets.


    The difference between firepower was considerable as well. Some 30mm smart grenades exploded above the heads of the Chinese bodyguards who were hiding behind building walls or roads. The men fell down bleeding from the explosion. The 60mm sma pressure grenades, with its explosive power capable of blowing up an armored vehicle, wiped out the rest.


    Colonel Oh Yong-gil, Commander of the 1st Aerial and Land Forces Battalion, checked the small screen on his left arm. One hundred 100 life signs in red dots were moving farther away from them at their eleven o¡¯clock. Colonel Oh Yong-gil judged they must be Xi Jin Ping and hispany.


    ¡°Heavy weaponspany! This is the Battalion Commander!¡±


    <ul>


    This is Heavy Weapons Company Commander Lee Won-il,rade Commander!


    </ul>


    ¡°Check the digital map! Your eleven o¡¯clock, 600 meters ahead of you. See those red dots?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, sir, I see them.


    </ul>


    ¡°Rain down the 60mm pressure grenades on that location. Understood?¡±


    -Yes,rade Commander!


    Company Commander Lee Won-il ordered his men to fire their K-15 grenadeunchers after he finished speaking with the Battalion Commander. The operators of the K-15 got into their positions and fired their 60mm sma pressure grenades at a 35-degree angle.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With a clearunching sound, the 20 rounds of 60mm sma pressure grenades flew forward in an arc. Powerful explosions rang out 600 meters in front of them.


    Boom! Bang!


    President Xi was using all his might to run when his ears began ringing and his body floated into the air. He was tossed to the side of the road. President Xi, who rolled in a pool of mud from the melting snow, believed he must have been dreaming.


    It did not take long for President Xi to realize he was not dreaming. The most powerful man in China had never thought things woulde to this, where he was covered in mud on the ground on this cold winter night. However, the cold mud on his fat cheeks reminded him this was not a dream but a reality.


    ¡°Mr. President! Are you all right?¡±


    The explosion made President Xi¡¯s ears ring, and he could faintly hear someone calling out to him.


    ¡°Mr. President, are you hurt, sir?¡±


    General Chiu Ji Liang Ji, who was older than the president, was helping him walk while looking around for other threats. President Xi, who regained his consciousness shook his head and answered the General.


    ¡°I am fine. I was just thrown off by the bomb¡¯s explosion.¡±


    ¡°We must run, sir. We are almost there.¡±


    General Chiu pointed in one hand while pulling out his pistol with his other.


    ¡°You need toe with me, General.¡±


    ¡°You go on ahead, sir. I will follow.¡±


    President Xi, who was covered in dirt from head to toe, including his coat, looked at General Chiu Ji Liang Ji and shed a tear. Where did things go wrong? He wiped his tears with his sleeve and began to run again. The surviving politicians all followed behind him as well.


    Boom, Bang! Boooom!


    Momentster, another explosion and pirs of mes came from where General Chiu Ji Liang Ji was standing. However, President Xi did not look back and continued running.


    After running for 5 minutes, the sounds of choppers could be heard, and 20 helicopters appeared while shing their red lights.


    The politicians running behind President Xi all waved their hands and shouted, and the transport choppersnded. The 4 WZ-10 attack choppers in charge of escorting the others to safety began to fire their 57mm rockets and 30mm Vulcans at the 1st Aerial and Land Force Battalion giving chase.


    The Korean special forces stopped their pursuit when the Chinese WZ-10 attack choppers appeared. All they could do now was retaliate while taking cover. No matter how powerful the protective suits were, there was no guarantee it could protect them from the 30mm Vulcan rounds or 57mm rockets.


    ¡°Hide, find cover!¡±


    The WZ-10 chopper¡¯s fierce attack on the surface with their TY-90 missiles made the men of the 1st battalion take cover and stop in their tracks. The men retaliated while taking cover like the veterans they were, and fired their weapons to the attack chopper. Normally an attack chopper would be immune to attacks from conventional rifles, but the 5mmser beams were powerful enough to pierce through 18mm steel from 3,000 meters away.


    The Chinese WZ-10 attack choppers must have thought the weapons the Korean special forces had were conventional firearms and hovered to attack them. When hundreds ofser beams flew toward the WZ-10 attack chopper, it was torn apart and crashed while spewing out ck smoke and mes. The second chopper also exploded in the air from the 60mm sma pressure grenades fired by the heavy weaponspany. The other two WZ-10 attack choppers hurriedly sped up from hovering and began to retaliate.


    The WZ-10 attack choppers moved in the air and sprayed 57mm rockets to the surface. The explosions made the 1st Special Forces Battalion¡¯s men fly across the area.


    Colonel Oh Yong-il, the 1st Aerial and Land Forces Battalion Commander gave the order to charge through the battalionmunication line.


    ¡°We are going to lose Xi Jin Ping. Everyone, ignore the enemy chopper and charge! We must not let him get away, understood? Charge!¡±


    Colonel Oh Yong-il, who gave the order, ran out first. There were still 2 Chinese attack choppers in the sky, but he did not pay them any attention and instead started to run forward. The 200 surviving special forces men also followed their Commander and ran forward.


    Vroooooooo~ Vroooooooo~


    When the chopper¡¯s 30mm Vulcans swept through the surface, dozens of the aerial andnd forces men fell. However, the men disregarded their fallenrades and rand forward. For five minutes, they ran forward while being attacked by the Chinese choppers. Unfortunately, President Xi and his party had boarded the transport choppers and were flying away to Beijing¡¯s suburbs. The WZ-10 attack choppers must have exhausted their weapons supply as well, for they raised their altitude and flew in the direction the other choppers headed to.


    ¡°Those bastards! They got away.¡±


    Colonel Oh Yong-il turned around after watching the choppers fly away. His 400 men were gone, and only 200 with somber faces stood behind him.


    ¡°Damn it! We failed. How will we return to General Choi Ho-il in the south empty-handed?¡±


    ¡°Comrade Commander! We may have failed in our mission, but it seems we seeded in assassinating their military¡¯s Commander, General Chiu Ji Liang Ji.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°We are scanning the faces of the Chinese soldiers, and there are a lot of high rankingmanders including general Chiu, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s better than nothing.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave this ce after we are done!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 26, 2020, 11:30, Yongsan ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    ¡°It¡¯s video a call from the Battalion Commander of the 1st Aerial and Land Forces, Colonel Oh Yong-il.¡±


    The Communication Operator reported loudly so that the entire Command Center could hear.


    ¡°It¡¯s on screen 6, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hello, sir. I am Oh Yong-il, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion under the 38th Aerial and Land Forces Brigade.¡±


    Colonel Oh Yong-il saluted in a disciplined manner, but it was a bit different from the conventional form of the Korean military. Chairman Kang silently gestured to General Choi Ho-il to respond instead. General Choi instantly took notice and asked the immediate question on everyone¡¯s minds after saluting back.


    ¡°How did it go?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. General Choirade! We failed in our mission.¡±


    ¡°What? You failed?¡±


    ¡°I apologize, sir. I have nothing to say.¡±


    ¡°You bastards. Is that all you got? Can you still call yourself the 8th Special Forces Corps?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry again, sir. We do have something to report.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°We have taken out the Commander in Chief of the Chinese military, General Chiu Ji Liang Ji.¡±


    The entire Joint Chief of Staff began to murmur. It was disheartening to lose President Xi, but killing the Commander in Chief of China¡¯s military was great news. The Joint Chief of Staff had been struggling to deal with General Chiu¡¯s tactics, but now a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. General Choirade! We also took out Vice Prime Minister Wang yang, National People¡¯s Political Council¡¯s Vice President Ling Zhihwa, Commander of the Navy Qian fei, 5 Military Commission members, 20 Commanding Generals, and 10 politicians. We will have the list sent over as soon as we have it organized.¡±


    The names Colonel Oh Yong-il rattled off were those of the highest of themanding party members. With a list like that, it was more than enough to make up for letting Xi Jin Ping escaped.


    ¡°Colonel Oh Yong-il! Great work. Truly.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik spoke up from the impressive feat of Colonel Oh¡¯s forces. Colonel Oh Yong-il stood up straight and answered loudly again.


    ¡°No, sir. Comrade Kang Ui-sik Chairman! I only did what needed to be done, sir.¡±


    ¡°Colonel Oh Yong-il! Great work! Despite letting Xi Jin Ping go, you did great work. Clean up the battlefield for now and report backter.¡±


    ¡°Understood. General Choi,rade! I am off, sir!¡±


    After Colonel Oh Yong-il saluted in the North Korean form and the video was cut off, the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff cheered. Chairman Kang and General Choi shook each other¡¯s hand to congratte each other, and the room¡¯s atmosphere lit up.


    From China¡¯s perspective, today¡¯s events were something to weep over. General Chiu, Commander in Chief of China¡¯s military was dead. What was more embarrassing was how he died within the nation¡¯s own capital. President Xi, who seemed so pitiful from his appearance even to the transport chopper¡¯s operators, wept the whole time from the guilt that he led General Chiu to his death.


    That night, the Beijing that President Xi Jin Ping had left behind, was overrun by 8 aerial andnd forces brigades, 3 sniper brigades, and Korea¡¯s 11th and 13th Special Forces brigades. Arge force of 50,000 men had spread across the city.

 Chapter 165

    <h4>Chapter 165</h4>


    December 27, 2020, 09:30 (China Standard Time 08:00), downtown Beijing, China


    Twenty million Beijing citizens had spent a hellish night. Sounds of gunshots and explosions, screams of despair from people, and buildings copsing had filled the night. The noises clearly demonstrated the cruelty of war, and when daylight came to downtown Beijing, no one could be seen on the streets. The Chinese soldiers¡¯ bodies strewn across the city showed how fierce the battle had been that night.


    The smell of blood and gunpowder filled Beijing. mes from burning cars danced around, emitting ck smoke. The 50,000 soldiers of the Korean special forces had been running around in all directions within the city until dawn; but once daybreak came, they could not be seen.


    Creaaaaak!


    The Capital Defense Division that had left downtown Beijing to defend the eastern side of Beijing returned with their armored vehicles and transport trucks. The men first picked up the bodies of their fallenrades strewn across the city. Then they started a search for the Korean special forces while increasing security for the government and military buildings within the area.


    Someone from a 15-story apartment building was keenly watching the eightne roads, wherein the Chinese soldiers were moving around. It was Lieutenant Colonel Kim Gil-woo, the 62nd Battalion under the 11th Special Forces Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Kim Gil-woo had disguised himself in old civilian clothes finished his mission by daybreak. He infiltrated an apartment building and watched the movement of the Chinese Capital Defense Division after tying up the civilians within the apartment.


    ¡°Commander! It seems the forces moving around arerger than we expected.¡±


    Major Nam Won-ho, the 1st Area¡¯s Commander who moved with Lieutenant Colonel Kim Gil-woo in disguise, came up and spoke to him.


    ¡°Well, their nation¡¯s capital is in a ruckus. Wouldn¡¯t you expect a force thatrge to be deployed?¡±


    ¡°Haha, you are right, sir.¡±


    ¡°Let our men rest until nightfall, and have them on a fire watch shift of every two hours! We need to have another wild night ahead of us.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 50,000 special forces deployed in Beijing from the 8th Special Forces Corps and Special Forces Brigade rested and waited in their hiding ces till nightfall. However, the Chinese search must have caught a few of the groups in hiding since the sound of firefights did not cease during the day.


    * * *


    December 27, 2020, 11:00 (China Standard Time 10:00), Huizhou Province (the 42nd Army Group¡¯smand headquarters), China


    The ne carrying President Xi Jin Ping arrived at Huizhou Province where the 42nd Army Group¡¯smand headquarters was located.


    President Xi, who had avoided the 1st Aerial and Land Forces Battalion and escaped from Beijing aboard a chopper, took a transport ne escorted by fighter jets and arrived at Huizhou that morning.


    President Xi looked pale and weak when he got off the ne. The 30 other militarymanders and politicians also looked simrly exhausted as the President. They all moved to the 42nd Army Group¡¯s Command Center located in an underground bunker.


    The biggest issue the Chinese leading party had was the absence of the Commander in Chief and Commanding Generals of the People¡¯s Liberation Army, particrly General Chiu Ji Liang Ji, the Commander in Chief, had gone missing in Beijing. Considering the circumstances, he had been presumed dead.


    Therefore, President Xi and the leading politicians immediately began to form a new group of military leaders as soon as they arrived at Huizhou.


    First, Pe Feng Li Fu was nominated as the Commander in Chief of the military in ce of General Chiu, while Fuan Boyuan, the Vice-Commander of the Navy reced the previous Navy Commander. Other remaining generals and officers filled the position for themand headquarters.


    ¡°President Xi! Must we continue this China¨CKorea war, sir?¡±


    Lieutenant General Feng, Commander of the Southern militarymand bluntly asked President Xi, who had been resting at the prepared President¡¯s office.


    ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Sir, our nation¡¯s capital Beijing is being overrun by the Korean military, even as we speak. Must we continue this war after we have lost so much already?¡±


    ¡°Are you suggesting we surrender, Commander Feng?¡±


    ¡°I am suggesting we sign a treaty for a ceasefire, sir.¡±


    ¡°A ceasefire? Do you even think the Koreans will ept that?¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t we at least try, sir?¡¯


    ¡°Commander Han Feng, I have endured all sorts of embarrassment in Beijing, and that is all you could say?¡±


    President Xi turned his chair around while seated.


    ¡°President Xi!¡±


    ¡°I have nothing left to say. Please leave.¡±


    ¡°I know very well that your intervention in every strategy the militarymanders had attempted to make has led the war to its current failed state, sir.¡±


    ¡°Get the hell out of here, Commander Feng!¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping turned around and shouted while pointing to the exit.


    Bang!


    Commander Han Feng mmed the door before leaving. President Xi Jin Ping red at the exit where Commander Feng left and muttered to himself angrily.


    ¡°How dare he suggest something so foolish as a Commander?¡±


    After escaping from Beijing, President Xi Jin Ping¡¯s political influence had severely weakened. The fact that he fled from the capital as the nation¡¯s President to a city in the rear would have him severely criticized politically and he would have to suffer from it. The guilt he felt from the continued defeat in the war was digging into his conscience.


    The chain of events had put President Xi¡¯s political career in jeopardy. Looking at what just happened between him and the Southern military¡¯s Commander proved as much. All he could do now was shout at those acting rudely toward him. This would have been unimaginable under normal circumstances. However, President Xi was under the mercy of Commander Han Feng, whose forces were protecting him.


    The military forces that President Xi was controlling out of the five military forces in China were the entire Central military and the Northern military that had the highest influence for they were prepared for war at any moment. For the Eastern forces, they were not directly under the influence of President Xi, but they were on friendly terms. However, the Southern and Western military forces were on the border and had always been mistreated and ignored by him. Obviously, this led to both militarymanders harboring ill will toward President Xi.


    * * *


    December 27, 2020, 14:20, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center).


    The 50,00 special forces men and the 8th Special Corps¡¯ men must have worked proactively since the movements of the Chinese army groups that were defending against Korea¡¯s all-out attack at Beijing¡¯s suburbs slowed down.


    Reports of Chinese forces being pushed back to the rear came from multiple corps and divisions.


    ¡°Tell the marching forces to maintain their distance as nned, and tell them not to cross the line that we have set for them.¡±


    ¡°We are reminding every Commander in the field, sir.¡±


    Operations Director Kim Yong-hyun answered.


    ¡°That is that. The 3rd Marine Mobile Division¡¯s marching speed north is faster than we expected.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik looked at the position of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division on the screen and spoke with a contented look on his face.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Division Commander Jo Gyu-hong have a bold personality, sir?¡±


    General Na Hyung-hwan, Commander of the Navy, joined in on the conversation while passing by.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Of course! He is very popr for that. He is like one of those ferocious generals of old, don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    ¡°I would have to agree as well.¡±


    ¡°At this rate, they could probably face off against the 21st Army Group defending Tenjin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we think so as well, sir.¡±


    ¡°A fast-paced march is important, but tell them to conduct reconnaissance as they march ahead. There could be ambush forces hiding at ces that we could not detect after all.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik pointed out one of the most basic theories in strategy out of concern.


    ¡°Chairman Kang, sir! Wouldn¡¯t Commander Jo Gyu-hong be aware of the fact, sir?¡±


    ¡°General Na, I am only speaking out of concern, but how could I not? It¡¯s been bothering me.¡±


    ¡°You can put your faith in ourmanders, sir!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. Have we determined the location of Xi Jin Ping at all?¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik smiled awkwardly and asked a question to the Operations Director to change the topic.


    ¡°We have not found his location at this time, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame. We could have ended this warst night.¡±


    Last night, the Joint Chief of Staff had attempted to strike down the chopper carrying Xi Jin Ping with the Zeus 1 satellite. However, the Epirus missiles they had used previously had affected the detection capabilities from its SEMP pulse waves, and they could not target the choppers with theirsers. That was why Chairman Kang wasmenting their loss.


    ¡°Mr. Chairman, sir, if we take over Beijing, wouldn¡¯t the location where Xi Jin Ping is hiding be irrelevant? I believe they would at least start strategizing for a ceasefire, sir.¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant General Na, do you agree as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! I do agree.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I thought the same way as well, but since Xi Jin Ping tucked his tail and ran, it made me think about it differently. I think Xi Jin Ping would never surrender or suggest a ceasefire.¡±


    * * *


    December 27, 2020, 22:00 (China Standard Time 21:00), downtown Beijing, China


    When the sun finally set at 9:00 p.m., the Korean Special Forces Brigade and the 8th Special Forces Corps men all stealthily poured into the streets. Despite the Chinese military¡¯s search, the 50,00 Korean special forces were nowhere to be found. Now they poured into the streets and began battling against the Chinese forces tasked with defending the city and keeping its peace. They had targeted the government and police buildings again. A few of the 8th Special Forces Corps members blew up civilian buildings as well, which caused the citizens of Beijing to spend another night in fear.


    The Korean and Northern State special forces men, who had all been training for infiltration and explosives, all moved in units of teams and continued their gueri warfare at designated locations.


    * * *


    December 27, 2020, 23:00 (China Standard Time 22:00), the 42nd Army Group¡¯s Command Headquarters), Huizhou Province, China


    Inside the temporary President¡¯s office, the newly appointedmanders of the military with a rank of Lieutenant General and higher were gathered, but excluding the Southern military¡¯s Commander.


    ¡°Commander in Chief Pe Feng Li Fu, execute Operation All down.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°It seems we have no other recourse now.¡±


    ¡°Sir, you must think this over carefully. Even if this operation seeds, this is thest resort that will sacrifice the lives of 20 million citizens. Please consider this carefully, sir.¡±


    When President Xi saw Commander Pe Feng Li Fu hesitate, he responded angrily and shouted back.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t sacrifices necessary in war? Didn¡¯t this happen to us because our military had been overconfident and underestimated the Korean military?¡±


    ¡°But President Xi, when our ex-Commander General Chiu established this strategy, he intended it to be the final solution that decides our nation¡¯s fate, sir.¡±


    When General Pe Feng Li Fu, the Commander in Chief of the military, showed his disapproval, President Xi shot back at him and was fiercer than before.


    ¡°Final solution? When will be the best time to use this strategy but now? Our nation¡¯s capital, Beijing, had been overrun by the Korean special forces, and they are ughtering our citizens. If right now is not the time, then when? Will you say it is the right time when our entire 1.6 billion Chinese poption had already been wiped out?¡±


    In truth, President Xi has a point. Commander in Chief Pe Feng Li Fu answered quietly.


    ¡°I understand, sir. Mr. President, we willmence Operation All Down, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good. Commander Pe, wipe out the entire Korean military while you¡¯re at it as well.¡±


    ¡°I will do my best, Mr. President!¡±

 Chapter 166

    <h4>Chapter 166</h4>


    December 28, 2020, 17:00 (China Standard Time 14:00), 16 kilometers southeast of Yuanten Province, China


    As the Korean and Northern State¡¯s special forces were battling against the Chinese military in downtown Beijing, the reorganized 38th Army Group that finished its formation after two months began its battle against Korea¡¯s 20th Armored Division. The battle was 110 kilometers away from Yuanten¡¯s southeastern area.


    The 65th Army Group that had blocked the 20th Armored Division¡¯s path had been annihted as ofst night. In the Southern region of Yuanten Province, the 27th Army Group and Korea¡¯s 25th Light Armored Mountain Division were preparing to fight against each other.


    The 38th Army Group had reformed and equipped themselves with thetest equipment and sent the 6th Armored Division and 112th Mechanized Infantry Division as the lead. While the 113th Mechanized Infantry Division had attacked the nk of Korea¡¯s 20th Armored Division, and the 114th Mechanized Infantry Division and 4th Anti-Air Brigade aided the 6th Armored Division.


    Numerous pirs of dirt rose around the 712 tank¡¯s location, and rocks the size of fists and dirt sprayed everywhere.


    ¡°Left! Left! Bank left!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek, the Commander of the 712th tank, shouted loudly that he could pierce the listener¡¯s eardrums.


    Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi, the tank¡¯s driver, turned the handle rapidly left and answered back.


    ¡°Sir, I am going deaf from your shouting.¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey! I am sorry, all right! Move forward to our twelve o¡¯clock!¡±


    Staff Sergeant Oh seemed like an excited child on his birthday party and shouted despite the numerous shells flying around the area, and continued the battle against the Chinese tanks.


    ¡°Look at these bastards! They¡¯re getting overconfident from their new gear! Staff Sergeant Kim, when we have set a target after we go over that hill, take them out, and show no mercy!¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    When the 712th tank rolled over the higher hill, 30 familiar looking enemy tanks were marching toward it while pointing their turrets forward. These tanks were China¡¯stest Type 100 A2 BMT tanks that had destroyed the number 711 tank during thest urban battle.


    The Chinese tank¡¯s identity and specs showed up on the friend or foe system¡¯s monitor when the targeting camera saw them. Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo read off the information showing up on the screen and spoke to Staff Sergeant Oh.


    ¡°Sergeant Oh, sir! Those are the new tanks that struck down tank 711. It¡¯s type 100 A2.¡±


    ¡°I saw them as well. Those Chinese bastards have been hiding it all this time. They finally pulled them out to the field. Sergeant Lee, when a target is set, fire at will!¡±


    ¡°Starting from the first target then, Commander.¡±


    The 712th tank¡¯s turret was already pointing toward the first targeted Chinese tank.


    ¡°Target 1 at our two o¡¯clock, distance 1,800! Fire!¡±


    Pew!


    ¡°Locking on to the second target.¡±


    Pew!


    Both nation¡¯s tanks were now at 2,000 meters away from each other and began to fire their cannons at each other. The Chinese type 100 A2 tanks¡¯ 130mm shells flew toward the White tiger tanks from Korea, but the rounds could not pierce their marks but rather ricocheted off the surface and sank to the ground instead.


    On the other hand, the White tiger tanks¡¯ 100mm photon cannons hit the turrets and the cannons of the Chinese tanks and caused numerous explosions in the area. The snow- and mud-covered field soon became littered with copsed Chinese tanks.


    ¡°Those bastards!¡±


    Staff Sergeant Oh Young-taek shouted after seeing something on his periscope.


    ¡°What is it, sir?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo, who was busy stepping on the firing panel, answered Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek.


    ¡°Look at the guys on tank 733 at our two o¡¯clock! That bastard Dol-seok is full of bloodlust.¡±


    ¡°I suppose Sergeant Lee wants first ce in the kill mark, sir.¡±


    ¡°Corporal Yeom, push forward farther! Let¡¯s show them how the division¡¯s first rank in the kill mark does it!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    As Korea¡¯s 7th Company tanks raised their speed and marched forward after striking down a battalion¡¯s size of enemy tanks, another group of tanks appeared in all directions. With the Type 100 A2 tanks at the lead, numerous AFT-10B and type-96 A2 tanks appeared from both directions.


    ¡°They¡¯re using their superiority in numbers as expected, sir.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that great? Our kill marks are going up, hahaha! Everyone get ready and keep your wits about! The anti-tank missiles are probablying!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Oh Seung-taek, Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo and Corporal Yeom hoon gi, the crewmen of the 712 tank who had managed to avoid death numerous times, all seemed to have be hardened by battle and were rxed enough to joke around even when enemy shells were flying around them.


    * * *


    December 28, 2020, 20:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Chairman Kang of the Joint Chief of Staff had gone to eat his dinner at the mess hall at eight o¡¯clock, but he had to return to the Command Center due to an urgent report before he could take a single bite.


    Soon, the Command Center¡¯s meeting room doors opened and Chairman Kang entered.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    All the Intelligence Officers and Commanding Generals stood up and saluted him. Intelligence Director Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won answered.


    ¡°We have located Xi Jin Ping, sir.¡±


    Chairman Kang waved at everyone to sit back down and spoke as he sat down.


    ¡°Are you sure? That¡¯s a relief. Where is he?¡±


    ¡°Sir, Xi Jin Ping has been confirmed to be at the Southern military¡¯smand headquarters located at Southern Huizhou.¡±


    ¡°Huizhou.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, it¡¯s a small city within Gwandong Province.¡±


    When the Intelligence Director signaled to his aide-de-camp, the screen showed a digital map of Huizhou.


    ¡°My, he went pretty far, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Sir! We have one more thing to report.¡±


    ¡°Speak up.¡±


    ¡°The Commander of the 12th Army Group, Wu Weian, is the brother-inw of the Southern army¡¯s Commander Han Feng.¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We heard this from Wu Weian himself.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, so there may be a possibility to contact him?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t be certain, but we believe it is worth a try, sir. The Western and Southern armies had been mistreated by the central militarymission, so they are not friendly toward Xi Jin Ping¡¯s government, sir.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Chairman Kang immersed himself in thought. He figured he could get the job done without getting his hands dirty, and spoke to Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won firmly.


    ¡°Try contacting Han Feng through Wu Weian. It might be worth a try.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will make an attempt.¡±


    ¡°This contact will be an unofficial one, and try to have it processed as quickly as possible. The reunification between the North and South is close at hand.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will begin immediately.¡±


    * * *


    December 29, 2020, 22:00 (China Standard Time 21:00), the 42nd Army Group¡¯smand headquarters, Huizhou, China


    At the temporary President¡¯s office, the newly appointed Commanding Generals were conducting a secret meeting. Commander Han Feng of the 42nd Army Group and his Generals were excluded from the meeting again, this time.


    ¡°Right now in Beijing¡¯s north and northeast, and southeastern areas are hosting fierce battles. Luckily, the North and Northeastern areas are easier to defend due to our geographical advantage. But the Southeastern area is the issue. It is a in that is advantageous for armored forces, so we cannot avoid a battle against Korea¡¯s 20th Armored Division.¡±


    Lieutenant General Wang Xiao pointed to the areas on the digital map on screen and continued his briefing.


    ¡°Commander in Chief Pe Feng Li Fu!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°When will youmence Operation All Down?¡±


    ¡°We need to check on the status tomorrow, but we are nning to start tomorrow at dawn based on the Korean military¡¯s marching status.¡±


    ¡°Make sure you take them out. This is the only way China may survive.¡±


    ¡°You are absolutely right, sir. Mr. President, if we can take out the marching forces in Beijing, then the only remaining Korean forces will be the marine division located at Shandong Province. Those stationed in the Northeastern provinces will be taken care of by the Russians. Hehehe.¡±


    Lieutenant General Liu Weilung, Army Commander in Chief said whileughing slyly.


    ¡°Are you able tough at a time like this?¡±


    President Xi, who became upset at the Army Commander in Chief Liu Weilung, who had not make any useful achievement this whole time, shouted at him while ring.


    ¡°Ah, I am sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°No matter, when Operation All Downmences,unch avable nuclear missiles at Shandong Province as well.¡±


    ¡°Sir? At Shandong Province also?¡±


    ¡°We need to wipe out the Koreanspletely.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s not enough nuclear missiles to use at Shandong¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am saying we need to tie up all loose ends when we can, Commander Pe Feng Li Fu!¡±


    * * *


    Meanwhile, at the Southern military Commander¡¯s office.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they taking it too far, sir?¡±


    Du Zhenwui, Commander of the 42nd Army Group wasining to the Commander in Chief Han Feng. President Xi, who was under the protection of the Southern military, had excluded the Commanding Officers of the Southern forces and conducted a meeting, causing the men toin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it. That¡¯s how they had been since the start, right?¡±


    ¡°I know they look down on us from the Southern military, but isn¡¯t this taking things too far, sir? Didn¡¯t they ignore your suggestions yesterday as well, sir?¡±


    Lieutenant General Du Zhenwui was talking about how President Xi ignored Commander in Chief Han Feng¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°I am sure he will realize his fatal mistakes soon. He will realize how important our Southern military is. Have you told the guarding forces about our orders?¡±


    Commander in Chief Han Feng, asked the Captain of the guards, who was in charge of protecting the Southern military headquarters.


    ¡°Yes, no need to worry, sir. We doubled our forces and ced them in every location.¡±


    ¡°Great! Lieutenant General Du Zhenwui, ensure that our 42nd Army Group¡¯s men maintain confidentiality, and have one regiment from the 124th Division move here to Huizhou in secret.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    * * *


    December 29, 2020, 06:00 (China Standard Time 05:00), 5 kilometers southeast of Yuanten Province, China


    The battle at Yuanten Province¡¯s Southeastern area was dragging on. Korea¡¯s 7th mobile corps¡¯ 20th armored division responded by sending two brigades in shifts to reduce the men¡¯s fatigue. Therefore, the 38th Army Group used its advantage in its number and caused the battle to drag on.


    The 60th armored brigade had fought against the Chinese forces until 1:00 a.m. at the front, returned to the rear after being relieved by the 61st Brigade. They finally were able to rest and get some shut-eye after being resupplied and conducting maintenance.


    Weeeeeee!


    A siren rang out at the 60th armored brigade¡¯s encampment, and order for battle stations came down. The men from the 60th armored division who were resting at their tents rather than their vehicles, allmented the loss of their sweet rest and prepared to move.


    ¨C This is the Brigade Commander. China¡¯s 38th Army Group is retreating to Beijing¡¯s western area. The 20th Armored Division will move at full speed. The 61st Armored Brigade is giving chase while attacking their rear. Each battalion is to move to the location sent to their digital maps and move out in formation bypany. I will take questionster. Over and out.


    When the Brigade Commander¡¯s announcement was over, each Battalion Commander used the digital map they received to give orders to eachpany. The 26th Tank Battalion¡¯s 7th Company also began to move after checking their set route.


    Vroom! Vrooooom!


    Based on reports at 5:00 a.m. that day, the Chinese forces defending downtown Beijing all began to retreat to the west. Korean forces that had been marching north and northeast all gave chase to the Chinese military¡¯s rear while attacking and raising their speed.


    * * *


    December 29, 2020, 06:20 (China Standard Time 05:20), the 42nd Army Group¡¯smand headquarters, Huizhou Province, China


    President Xi Jin Ping received a covert report from Commander Pe Feng Li Fu.


    ¡°Mr. President! Operation All Down has started at five o¡¯clock today.¡±


    ¡°Will it work?¡±


    ¡°Based on our reports so far, everything is going ording to n, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. That¡¯s a relief, we must seed, Commander Pe!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will do my best.¡±


    Commander Pe, who finished his report, headed to the Command Center of the Southern military. Unknown to him, someone was watching his every move through a security camera.

 Chapter 167

    <h4>Chapter 167</h4>


    December 18, 2020, 16:20, Yongsan ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Ten minutes ago, Chairman Kang Ui-sik was awakened by reports from the officer on watch, and he took themand of the marching forces in Beijing while receiving reports about the Korean and Chinese forces¡¯ movements.


    ¡°China¡¯s main forces from the north, northeast, and southeast are all moving southwest, sir.¡±


    The Operations Director reported as he stared at therge screen.


    ¡°Yes, it seems like they are moving not to retreat from losing numbers, but rather moving under a n. Something seems up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I agree with you, sir. It seems they are moving strategically at the same time to the rear.¡±


    ¡°Whatever it is, let¡¯s use this opportunity to take over Beijing. Transition to Operation Downfall of Beijing¡ªn B from the original n. Notify all forces immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will send out the orders.¡±


    The Communication Operators sent out Chairman Kang¡¯s orders to each military unit in the field.


    <hr />


    December 29, 2020, 06:20 (China Standard Time 05:20), 91 kilometers east of Beijing, China


    The 20th Armored Division and 25th Light Armored Infantry Division that had fought against the 27th Army Group was chasing after China¡¯s 38th Army Group¡¯s rear while making their attack.


    Vroooom, Vrooooom!


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    Woosh, woosh!


    Photon cannons, and ck dragon missiles, and numerous other rockets annihted the retreating Chinese forces¡¯ rear. The Joint Chief of Staff gave the order to march into Beijing to every division. After marching toward Beijing for 17 days, the goal of taking over China¡¯s capital was close at hand. That was when the Joint Chief of Staff changed the operation n from Operation Downfall of Beijing ¨C n A to Operation Downfall of Beijing ¨C n B, only leaving 70 kilometers between the Korean forces and their target.


    The K-3 White tiger tanks and K-23P Hyun-mu armored vehicle raised their speeds toward Beijing while maintaining a horizontal formation.


    Meanwhile at Beijing¡¯s north, northeastern and southeastern skies, numerous Xia lung reconnaissance drones were flying around at high altitudes, sending back the movements of the Korean forces to the South military¡¯s Command Center in real time.


    Korea¡¯s space and aerial military, air force, and marching force¡¯s anti-air brigades had already detected the drones minutes before, but the Joint Chief of Staff must have had a n for they ordered not to intercept the drones.


    <hr />


    December 29, 2020, 06:30 (China Standard Time 05:30), Huizhou (the 42nd Army Group¡¯s Command Center), China


    Since the historic Operation All Down was about tomence, the Command Center of the 42nd Army Group had President Xi and everymanding officer in attendance. Commander of the Southern military Lieutenant General Han Feng was there as well.


    The Command Center was waiting for something while receiving the location of the Korean armored forces from the Xia lung drones. Therge screen at the center of the room showed 100 red blinking lights located 60 kilometers away from Beijing¡¯s suburb at its eleven and six o¡¯clock.


    The Korean forces were rapidly marching toward the red dots shown on the screen. Commander in Chief Pe Fung Li Fu gave an order through a microphone connected to a satellitemunication line.


    ¡°President Xi has approved theunching of Operation All Down. Each army group¡¯s Commander is to take action after confirming the location of the Korean forces. Over and out.¡±


    Commander in Chief Pe Fung Li Fu gave out his orders shortly and then nodded his head to President Xi after putting down the microphone. Twenty minutester, each army group¡¯s Commander reported back, getting ready tomence Operation All Down.


    <hr />


    December 29, 2020, 06:50 (China Standard Time 05:50), 60 kilometers from Beijing¡¯s suburb, China


    Mushroom clouds rose into the sky after bright shes of light appeared 60 kilometers away from Beijing¡¯s suburb.


    There were more than a few mushroom clouds showing up after the shes of light appeared. A few dozen nuclear missiles exploded in a ring formation, starting from Beijing¡¯s north to southeast, and the nuclear st had swept across the entire area.


    The missiles had fallen to the locations to where the Korean armored forces were marching. The missiles were twice the power of those that fell on Sun Yang¡¯s southwest region, reaching 20kt (TNT 20,000 tons) in explosive power.


    From ground zero, the explosion site, everything within its 1.7-kilometer vicinity would be annihted, and 2.5 kilometers would suffer third-degree burns, while those at 3.2 kilometers would suffer second-degree burns. Those 5 kilometers away would suffer the same fate as people who suffered from Hiroshima¡¯s ¡°little boy¡± nuclear missile attacks. The issue was over 100 nuclear bombs of this capacity had exploded. Therge mushroom clouds spread across the dark skies, and nuclear fallout began to slowly spread throughout the area.


    Beijing¡¯s north and northeastern areas to where the 3rd Armored Division and Capital Armored Division were heading were covered in the st; the roads and mountains had been ttened.


    The trees in the forests had vanished without a trace andrge boulders were shattered into pieces, due to the firestorm, and flew off into little pieces. The scenery was a testament to the power of a 20-kt nuclear bomb.


    It was hell on earth in the southeastern ins as well. The area where the nuclear shockwaves swept through left heatwaves dancing in the air. The yellow snow that had mixed with the mud must have evaporated from the heat, for the ground now had turnedpletely barren. No trace of the Korean military¡¯s tanks or armored vehicles could be seen.


    <hr />


    December 29, 2020, 07:20 (China Standard Time 06:20), Huizhou Province (the 42nd Army Group¡¯s Command headquarters), China


    When General Chiu Ji Liang Ji was Commander in Chief of the military, the Chinese military had ced 120 rounds of 20kt ss nuclear missiles at Beijing¡¯s suburb. However, this was set as ast resort for China¡¯s military if they had failed in defending Beijing. Instead of handing over their capital to the Koreans, the Chinese had set a final n to wipe out the Korean forces by sacrificing the lives of its citizens.


    Of course, a n like this was politically dangerous to President Xi Jin Ping. Twenty million Beijing residents would be exposed to the radiation, and damages would be irreversible. However, President Xi Jin Ping had concluded winning the war was more important and such sacrifices were necessary in times of war. This method was the only way he would survive politically as well.


    Thirty minutes had passed after the nuclear bombs went off, and themunication line had partly recovered. The reports from every army group began pouring in.


    ¡°It¡¯s from the 13th Army Group, sir. All 21 nuclear bombs sessfully exploded. They estimate at least 50 percent of the Korean¡¯s 3rd Armored Division¡¯s forces are all destroyed.¡±


    ¡°Report from the 15th Army Group, sir. Thirty-two nuclear bombs have gone off sessfully. They cannot determine the exact status, but the Korean Capital Armored Division¡¯s forces are facing losses of up to 60 percent.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the 38th Army Group reporting in, sir. Korea¡¯s 20th Armored Division is expected to have lost 80 percent of their forces.¡±


    ¡°The 27th Army Group is reporting in as well, sir. The 25th Light Armored Infantry Division is confirmed to have lost 50 percent of their forces.¡±


    Based on the reports that came in, the results were very satisfactory. However, these reports were only estimates, instead of actual confirmations. But the estimated damages were expected to be simr to the actual one.


    ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s a huge sess! A big one!¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping¡¯sughter rang throughout the entire Command Center from the reports of the operators.


    Meanwhile, behind the Command Center, there was someone who was watching President Xi with disapproval. It was the Commander of the Southern military, Lieutenant General Han Feng. Twenty million innocent Beijing citizens were about to suffer and die from radiation, but the fact that President Xi was stillughing made Han seethe with disgust.


    ¡°Mr. President! We will give out the order to begin the second wave of attacks, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes! We must take them out while they are down. Use every avable missile we have.¡±


    Based on the judgment the Korea military has lost most of its military power, each army group began to use all of their avable surface-to-surface missiles.


    Hundreds of tactical missiles flew toward the surviving Korean forces, and their movements showed up on the Command Center¡¯s screen.


    ¡°With this many missiles, will we able to take out the remaining forces? Commander in Chief Pe?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Absolutely. However, we must check the actual damages first, sir.¡±


    Commander in Chief Pe Peng Li Fu answered President Xi¡¯s answer and questioned the Operations Director.


    ¡°When will we be able to get a visual with the Xia lung drones?¡±


    ¡°Sir, each army group has deployed their drones and they have taken off. We will be able to check the exact details in at least 20 minutes, sir. Then we will be able to organize the statistics.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to get them done as fast as they can and report back.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Commander in Chief Pe Peng Li Fu finished his conversation with the Operations Director and continued talking to President Xi.


    ¡°Mr. President! Shouldn¡¯t we order the citizens of Beijing to take refuge, sir?¡±


    ¡°Take refuge? If we did that, then all the roads will be clogged up. What will we do then?¡±


    ¡°That may be the case, but when the nuclear fallout begins to spread, the damages will be greater, sir.¡±


    ¡°I think it won¡¯t bete to give the order after our armored forces retaliate following the missile strikes! Let¡¯s do that instead.¡±


    President Xi did not seem to care for the safety of 20 million Beijing citizens and shot down Commander Pe¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    December 29, 2020, 07:20, Yongsan ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    On the Command Center¡¯s screen, the location of the nuclear missile explosions all over Beijing¡¯s suburbs and the affected areas were in red circles.


    ¡°I had my doubts, but I didn¡¯t think they would actually use the nuclear missiles, sir.¡±


    Themunication lines went down suddenly, but it recovered after 10 minutes had passed. Reports of the Chinese forces using nuclear missiles came in.


    ¡°I never thought, they would do it, but they really did it.¡±


    When the Operations Director spoke with a shocked look on his face, Chairman Kang smiled n ruefully because of Operation Downfall of Beijing n B¡¯s sess.


    ¡°Never expect the Chinese to act rationally. They are not the type to use reason. Anyways, it seems we have fooled them well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It seems the equipment is of top quality since it was designed by the underground research center.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right! I must buy them dinner even if I have to use my own money.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. I will pay up as well, sir.¡±


    Based on the reports from the Chinese military, the Korean Joint Chief of Staff¡¯s Command Center should be in an uproar. However, the center¡¯s atmosphere was no different from any other day.


    ¡°The Chinese military hasunched its tactical surface-to-surface missiles, sir. We will bring up the current information on the screen.¡±


    Beijing¡¯s marching force¡¯s anti-air brigades and the Apollo reconnaissance satellites all showed the routes of the detected Chinese missiles.


    There were only 300 missiles, and most wereunched from the northwest and southwest.


    ¡°Zeus 1 satellite has entered into the interception process, sir.¡±


    ¡°The missilemand is retaliating.¡±


    ¡°The 7th Mobile Corps hasunched interception missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°The Capital Armored Division¡¯s Anti-air Battalion fired 35 interception missiles.¡±


    The multiple reportsing in stirred the activities of the Communications Operators and turned the Command Center louder than a night market.


    The actual damages from the Beijing nuclear strikes were close to none. The reason being the Korean military was aware of Operation All Down even beforehand.


    The 12th Army Group¡¯s Commander Wu Weian, who had been captured at Qingdao, had given the Koreans two highly confidential intel. The first was the location of the X-2 bunker, and the second was all about Operation All Down devised by General Chiu Ji Liang Ji. Unknown to their opponents, Korea¡¯s Joint Chief of Staff hade up with a n to counter China¡¯s Operation All Down.

 Chapter 168

    <h4>Chapter 168</h4>


    An hour earlier, 91 kilometers southwest of Beijing, China


    The Korean forces chasing after the Chinese forces retreating along the southwest changed directions when Operation Downfall of Beijing n B took effect.


    When they were 70 kilometers from Beijing¡¯s suburb, another order came from the superior forces.


    ¨C Stop all movements! Stop all movements! Deploy camouges.


    The 60th Armored Brigade was in a formation while maintaining equidistance when the order came in. The crewmen of the K-3 White tiger tanks all got out of their vehicles and quickly covered their tanks with module camouges. The module camouges turned a simr color to their surroundings and hid the K-3 White tiger tanks in an instant.


    A momentter, a light shone from a part of the tank¡¯s turret, and a hologram resembling the K-3 White tiger tanks appeared. The actual tanks were in hiding, and holograms of the K-3 tanks and Hyun-mu armored vehicles filled the Great ins.


    ¡°Wow, the holograms are truly realistic, sir,¡± Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo eximed as he looked at the holograms through his periscope.


    ¡°Yeah, right. If we didn¡¯t know those were fake, I bet we would be fooled as well. Hehehe, fooling the Chinese is truly an enjoyable task. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°If only the holograms could make sounds as well, sir.¡±


    When Corporal Yeom Hoon-gi, the tank¡¯s driver, chimed in, Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek answered whileughing, ¡°Don¡¯t ask for too much! Hahaha.¡±


    The Battalion Commander gave an order to move the holographic K-3 White tiger tanks. Sergeant First ss Oh Young-taek used his small wireless controller and pressed on the control lever. When he did so, the holograms began to move, perhaps a bit awkwardly toward Beijing, but they were so realistic they could not be known as fakes until the enemy was right in front of them.


    Meanwhile, at an altitude of 15 kilometers, the numerous Xia lung drones werepletely fooled and sent out footage of the moving holograms to the Chinese military¡¯smand headquarters. After 20 minutes had passed, the hologram tanks and armored vehicles arrived at where the nuclear bombs were installed. The Chinese military pressed the ignition button, and withrge explosions, multiple mushroom clouds and nuclear storms started.


    The white sh of light lit up Beijing¡¯s dark western ins, and hundreds of mushroom clouds rose up and created a sight to behold. With tremendous heat, arge nuclear storm swept through the five-kilometer radius, then nuclear fallout began to fall slowly from the sky. The 20th Armored Division, which was safe from the fallout because of their positive pressure device, stayed put. The other transport trucks and vehicles had already moved to a safe location. This had all urred about an hour ago.


    As a response, the Joint Chief of Staff had developed a technology that would act as bait in order to retaliate against Operation All Down. The Joint Chief of Staff had supplied the holographic equipment to every force marching toward Beijing, and every tank and armored vehicle had been equipped with it.


    That morning, the Joint Chief of Staff had determined that the Chinese military wouldunch Operation All Down and transition to n B.


    Operation Downfall of Beijing n B was the retaliation against China¡¯s Operation All Down strategy, where the Korean military would be baited to proceed to the area where nuclear bombs were installed. To counter this bait, the Korean military would send holograms of the troops in their ce. It was a type of feinting strategy.


    ¡°All 55 ballistic missiles and 102 cruise missiles sessfully intercepted, sir!


    ¡°The 3rd Armored Division intercepted every missile except for three surface-to-surface missiles.


    ¡°Capital Armored Division sessful in intercepting all missiles.


    ¡°All cruise missiles headed to the 20th Armored Division and 25th Light Armored Division were intercepted as well.¡±


    Chairman Kang gave additional orders as the good news came pouring in.


    ¡°They sh*t, but we are the hands that wipe their *sses, I suppose. Give the order to remove the radiation along the suburb of Beijing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then alert every division to move in units of brigades nking the st zone and continue their march. Tell them to nt the Korean g in Beijing today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will ry the order.¡±


    * * *


    December 29, 2020, 07:50 (China Standard Time 06:50), (the 42nd army group¡¯smand headquarters)


    China Huizhou Province


    After the nuclear explosions, the events had subverted the Chinese military¡¯s expectations. First, the reports of tactical and cruise missilesunched after the nuclear detonations being intercepted by the surviving Korean military hade in. The ballistic missiles targeted for Korea¡¯s 3rd Marine Division had been intercepted as well. Then reports of Korean surface-to-surface missilesnding on Chinese forces came pouring in instead.


    Finally, a report about the 12 Xiao lung reconnaissance drones that were checking on the status of the Korean military being shot down came in as the icing on the cake.


    ¡°What happened? How is the Korean military able to respond to this thoroughly after being hit by nuclear strikes?¡±


    President Xi spoke angrily toward Commander Pe Feng Li Fu while ring at him when he finished his report.


    ¡°Currently, the army group is assessing the situation, sir. Based on the reports, it seems the nuclear strikes caused only little damage to the Korean military, sir.¡±


    m!


    ¡°How is that even a valid excuse?¡± President Xi shouted while mming his fist on the table. Commander Pe could only stay silent after that.


    ¡°A nuclear missile attack is not something so trivial. This is something that I have put my political career on the line before approving, don¡¯t you understand? How can you suggest the damages were minimal?¡±


    An urgent voice rang through from outside the opened door.


    ¡°President Xi, sir!¡±


    Vice President Li Yuan Chao ran into the President¡¯s office in a hurry as if something was wrong. He pointed to the TV and spoke.


    ¡°The TV¡ª¡±


    ¡°What about the TV?¡±


    ¡°Take a look, sir.¡±


    Vice President Li Yuan Chao turned on the TV installed on the wall using the remote.


    ¡°What is that? How could news like this be broadcast without any approval?¡±


    President Xi became wide-eyed and shocked by the news ring from the TV.


    China was amunist nation, and, therefore, any political news that would be broadcast had to go through the scrutiny and approval of the political party before airing. However, on TV was the news about 100 nuclear bombs going off in the suburbs of Beijing that morning. The news revealed that the move was approved by President Xi Jin Ping. The news broadcast also made an exaggerated im about how 20 million Chinese citizens had been affected by the resulting nuclear radiation, and their lives were now at risk.


    ¡°Who approved this to be broadcast?¡±


    President Xi took the remote from the Vice President and surfed through numerous channels. As expected, every channel was broadcasting the same news.


    ¡°Vice President Li Yuan Chao, don¡¯t just stand there. Find the person that approved the broadcast! Also, have them broadcast a correction for this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Vice President Li Yuan Chao hurriedly left the President¡¯s office. Commander Pe Feng Li Fu, who was now alone with the furious president, came up to him and spoke carefully.


    ¡°Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°What? Is there something else left to report?¡±


    ¡°How about we negotiate a ceasefire with the Korean military, sir?¡±


    ¡°What? How could you suggest that after weunched nuclear missiles in Beijing?¡±


    ¡°Sir, I think we need to start thinking about options if Operation All Down fails.¡±


    ¡°God damn it.¡±


    President Xi picked up the ashtray on the table to throw it, then stopped himself.


    ¡°Commander Pe, take your leave. I would like to be alone with my thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Meanwhile, at the South military¡¯smand headquarters.


    The Commander of the 42nd Army and 20 other Commanding Officers were gathered around the round table.


    ¡°Xi Jin Ping is probably in a state of panic from the news broadcast. Hahaha!¡±


    Commander of the 42nd Army, Du Zhenwi, spoke whileughing.


    ¡°We won¡¯t get caught for leaking any information, will we?¡±


    ¡°No need to worry, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Great! How many bodyguards are under the captain of the guards?¡±


    ¡°The total number of bodyguards under themand headquarters and the President is 100. They are all equipped for close range duties, so they are lightly armed. However, there are 300 fully equipped special forces men stationed at the outer building of themand headquarters, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about from our end?¡± Commander Han Feng asked. The captain of the guards answered the question.


    ¡°Our men have been stationed at themand headquarters. Four hundred of our men are in charge of guarding the inside of the building, while there are 1,500 of our strike team on standby 24/7. If an emergency urs, they are ready to be deployed within five minutes, sir.¡±


    Commander Han Feng nced over at General Du Zhenwui of the 42nd Army Group and asked, ¡°What about the forces of the 42nd Army Group?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the tanks and armored vehicles under the 124th Division are stationed five kilometers away from themand headquarters, sir. They are ready to move as soon as you give the order.¡±


    ¡°Great! Have them on standby, and make sure they are careful not to be noticed by themanders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. No need to worry. They are all on standby inplete camouge.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Good!¡±


    ¡°Commander, when will we start, sir?¡±


    ¡°I am waiting for our chance. Our n might turn into a coup, so we must be careful. Since that is the case, keep your subordinates in check and tell them to be ready at a moment¡¯s notice. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 20 generals and colonel-ranking majors all answered at once.


    * * *


    December 29, 2020, 08:20 (China Standard Time 07:20), in a suburb of Beijing, China


    The 18 units of 976MLRS artillery battalion¡¯s Cheon-mu armored vehicles that had been deployed to remove radiation from southern Sun Yang had justpleted their maintenance and began to roar their engines.


    The direction the cannons aimed at was eastern Beijing, which had been ransacked by the nuclear sts. A momentter, the 270-millimeter rocket rounds flew across the sky toward eastern Beijing, and many cluster rounds spread across the area.


    The 60th Armored Brigade under the 20th Armored Division had nked around the st sites of the nuclear bombs and headed toward Beijing¡¯s suburb at high speed. After the explosion, no wandering Beijing citizens could be seen on the streets, and the city seemed deste and empty. For three days, Beijing¡¯s citizens lived in fear of Korea¡¯s special forces brigade and the northern state 8th Corps men¡¯s gueri tactics. The 100 nuclear bombs that went off caused extreme terror among the residents and made them stay in hiding.


    Operation Downfall of Beijing had transitioned to n B, and Korea¡¯s special forces and the northern state¡¯s 8th Special Forces Corps had all equipped themselves with anti-radiation suits. They were standing by after seeking shelter, and when Korea¡¯s armored forces arrived, they began to start their mission of upying Beijing.


    The Capital Defense Division, which had been stationed to guard the city, had all left after the nuclear bomb explosions. Beijing was a candle in the breeze, and its citizens were the only thing that could stop the Korean soldiers. At around 4:00 p.m., the Korean gs rose over every official building, and the footage was broadcast to Korea and the rest of the world.


    The internationalmunity and mass media were in shock after hearing the news of Korea overtaking the enemy¡¯s capital only two months after the war broke out. After the war started, Russia and Japan had joined the fight, but despite the odds stacked against them, Korea had taken over China¡¯s capital. The news was shocking to everyone, especially to Russia and Japan that had joined as China¡¯s ally in the Korea¨CChina war.

 Chapter 169

    <h4>Chapter 169</h4>


    December 29, 2020, 17:00 (China Standard Time 16:00), downtown Beijing, China


    It was only four in the afternoon, but downtown Beijing was already inplete darkness. Only the installed light fixtures lit up the area, but the entire city was dark. Beijing¡¯s sky was covered in the radioactive fallout which had blocked off the sun.


    The situation was simr to Beijing¡¯s constant smog problem but at its absolute worst. There were only a few citizens wandering outside due to fear of radiation. These people faced the danger of being exposed to radiation while trying to find food, so they covered themselves inyers of clothing and scarves.


    Each division¡¯s armored brigades that reached Beijing that morning moved in units of battalions and installed K-RRS or the Korea-Radiation Remove System across the city. The K-RPS was also known as the radiation removal system. A nuclear explosion of a 1kt bomb can leak out radiation of 3x1010Ci, caused by 36 different types of elements and 300 of each element¡¯s isotope. Among them, Cesium-137 (half-life of 30 years) and Strontium-90 (half-life 28 years)st the longest on the surface. The K-RPS was able to absorb and remove all the radiation from a radius of a couple of hundred meters within 7 days.


    Also, the 50,000 special forces men that had been conducting gueri tactics, and the 8th Special Forces Corps were treated for radiation as well as provided with radiation protective suits. Small-scale K-RRS units were ced at their encampments to ensure the men¡¯s safety.


    When Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang Ui-sik, said, ¡°China is the one that shits, and we are the hands that wipe their asses,¡± this was what he had meant.


    * * *


    December 29, 2020, 21:30, Korea


    Korea¡¯s broadcastingworks all sent out footage of the Korean g being raised over Beijing and the aftermath of the nuclear bomb explosions. Allworks had used their allotted one hour for news for this topic alone. In truth, there was a hidden intent from the Ministry of National Defense.


    From the footage on the news, a Troop Information and Education Officer equipped with a radioactive protective suit from the Korean military was giving an interview in the fallout-ridden Beijing. The suburb of Beijing was only 60 kilometers away from the st zone of 100 nuclear missiles that were equal to the ¡°little boy¡± bomb that fell on Hiroshima. The area was not within the directly affected areas, but it was still within a lethal range, and the nuclear storm and heat had caused a significant amount of damage to the surrounding buildings.


    The other news channels were showing the southcentral ocean areas where all the powerful government department buildings were located. The southcentral sea adjacent to the Forbidden City was designated as the National Preservation area, it being once the emperor¡¯s temporary pce (a ce the emperor rested while traveling) where banquets were held.


    In present times, China¡¯s State Council (the highest bureaucratic office) and the Communist Politburo Party¡¯s Secretary¡¯s office, and the General Office of the Communist Party of China (the bureaucratic office) had their offices here as well along with President Xi¡¯s office, the most powerful man in China.


    Every government building that housed China¡¯s most powerful organizations all flew the Korean g instead of China¡¯s.


    * * *


    December 30, 2020, 02:00 (China Standard Time 01:00), Huizhou Province (the 42nd Army Group¡¯smand headquarters), China


    Lieutenant General Han Feng, Commander of the 42nd Army Group was looking over the nighttime scenery of Huizhou from his window. He was holding a document in his right hand.


    ¡°Huizhou seems more beautiful tonight,¡± he thought.


    Compared to Beijing¡¯s scenery being broadcast on the Korean news, Huizhou¡¯s night scenery¡¯s beauty was at its peak. Commander Han Feng made a romantic remark that contrasted the serious look on his face. He gave an order to the 42nd Army Group¡¯s Commanding Officer Lieutenant General Du Zhenwui.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Du Zhenwui!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander!¡±


    ¡°It seems it¡¯s about time for us to begin! Be covert about it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, Commander!¡±


    A momentter, sounds of gunshots were heard at the 42nd Army Group¡¯s Command Center.


    First, the 21st Amphibious Armored Regiment under the 124th Division moved toward themand headquarters at high speeds. The strike force began to attack President Xi¡¯s bodyguards.


    Within themand headquarter buildings, Commander Han Feng¡¯s direct subordinate forces were facing President Xi and themanding General¡¯s bodyguards.


    However, the bodyguard¡¯sck of equipment and the surprise attack caused the bodyguards only equipped with pistols to fall over like dominos. President Xi¡¯s bodyguards especially faced heavy losses. When the 21st Regiment¡¯s tanks and armored vehicles arrived, the bodyguards had no choice but to stand down.


    All that was left were President Xi, his Commanding Generals, and the 30 odd bodyguards assigned to guard the President. The Operators did not seem to grasp the situation and were sitting around hesitantly.


    ¡°What is going on out there?¡±


    President Xi, who had awoken from the sound of gunshots, kicked off the nkets and rose up. That was when the President¡¯s office door opened and someone shouted.


    ¡°Mr. President! You must evacuate now, sir.¡±


    Captain of the guards Zhang Ning, who had reced Captain Shu Lungun, who died inbat when they left Beijing, ran into the office out of breath with a pistol in his hand.


    ¡°Evacuate? Then whose are those gunshots?¡±


    ¡°A coup, sir. Led by Han Feng and his men.¡±


    ¡°What? A coup? Son of a¡ª¡±


    ¡°There is no time, sir. The special forces that were charged with the outer defenses seemed to be subdued as well.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    President Xi Jin Ping judged the situation was getting out of hand. He put on his clothes and followed the Captain.


    ¡°Right this way, sir.¡±


    There were ten bodyguards waiting outside besides the Captain.


    ¡°What about the politicians and other Commanding Generals?¡±


    ¡°It seems all members of the politicalmittee and the Generals at the Command Center have been captured, sir. You must escape, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s get out of here!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    That was when a dozen soldiers rushed into the hallway and bullets came flying toward them.


    The spray of bullets caused sparks to fly around everywhere, and three of the guards following them fell to the ground.


    Smack! nk!


    President Xi¡¯s party ran down to the first floor through the stairs while dodging bullets. Captain Zhang Ning hit the window with his pistol mercilessly.


    ¡°The entrance must have been taken over by Han Feng and his men, sir. You must escape through here.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    With his answer, President Xi leaped out of the window with the help of his bodyguards. When he tried to get back up, Commander Han Feng¡¯s men were already there with their guns pointed at him.


    Bang! Babababababang! Bang!


    Over the window, gunshots rang across the building, and the bodyguards attempting to follow President Xi all fell down while spraying blood. Captain Zhang Ning also died while slouched over the window as he puked blood from his mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s over, President Xi Jin Ping!¡±


    Someone spoke while walking toward him from the horde of guards ring at him ready to pull the trigger at a moment¡¯s notice. It was the Commanding Officer of the 42nd Army Group, Lieutenant General Zhen Duwei.


    ¡°Traitor of the people! Zhen Duwei, you bastard!¡±


    President Xi grit his teeth while insulting him.


    ¡°Am I the traitor of the people? Or are you? The man who abandoned the lives of 20 million people by dropping nuclear bombs on them?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Take him away!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Two of the sentries tied Xi Jin Ping¡¯s hands behind his back and started to take him away when he shouted again.


    ¡°You will see what treason will get you.¡±


    * * *


    December 30, 2020, 02:50, Yongsan ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    It waste at night and no major battle was taking ce, but Chairman Kang Ui-sik was sitting on his desk, waiting for something while tapping on the desk¡¯s surface with his fingers. A momentter, Operations Director Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun entered the office.


    ¡°Sir! We have news that you were waiting for.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Chairman Kang stood up from his seat at the Operations Director¡¯s words.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Lieutenant General Han Feng, Commander of the Southern military had captured Xi Jin Ping alive.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha! Finally, the Korea¨CChina war ising to an end!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, great work, sir.¡±


    ¡°The war is not fully over, but I am d at least the Korea¨CChina war will be over before the reunification.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, you¡¯re right, sir.¡±


    ¡°Well, I must report this to the President.¡±


    ¡°At this hour, sir?¡±


    ¡°My, my! Don¡¯t you know how the President is by now? If we reportte on the ount of the hour, he will scold us instead. Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°Ah! You¡¯re right, sir. Hahaha!¡±


    That morning, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had arranged a secret contact with Commander Han Feng of the Southern military through Lieutenant General Wu Weian. They were finally able to reach him by the afternoon. Chairman Kang hade up with a few ns to end the Korea¨CChina war.


    One of the contents of the conversation that had moved Commander Han Feng was about how President Xi approved the order to drop nuclear bombs on Beijing.


    The role of the People¡¯s Liberation Army was to, as the name suggests, protect the people. However, President Xi had ignored the welfare of 20 million Beijing citizens and used 120 nuclear missiles at Beijing¡¯s suburb for victory, which was unheard of in history until now. The core message from Korea was how President Xi had vited the core belief of China¡¯s Army, and now he must be arrested and charged for his crime.


    Under this pretense, the Korean military had promised to clear out the radiation in Beijing and treat its citizens affected by the radiation.


    Commander of the Southern military Han Feng agreed to the offer and ordered for the arrest of President Xi Jin Ping and the rest of the Commanding Generals.


    * * *


    December 30th, 2020, 04:00 (China Standard Time 03:00), (the 42nd Army Group¡¯smand headquarters), Huizhou Province, China


    President Xi, the politicians from the Central Political Commission, and the many Commanding Generals were all tied up and ced in a temporary prison. Commander Han Feng and other Commanders from the 42nd Army Group were having a meeting.


    ¡°Did you contact Korea?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we have alerted them of our actions, sir.¡±


    One of the aides-de-camp answered.


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s talk about what we will do now and in the future.¡±


    Commander Han Feng looked at the 20 Generals seated in a round table and spoke.


    ¡°Will you ept the terms the Korean military has offered, Commander?¡±


    Commander Du Zhenwui asked.


    ¡°Do you think we can win against Korea¡¯s military?¡±


    Lieutenant General Zhong Lei, Commander of the 41st Army Group, straightened up and answered.


    ¡°If we stall for time so Russia and Japan can regroup to pressure the Koreans, I believe it will be possible, sir.¡±


    ¡°Russia and Japan? I am sorry, but I disagree. Russia and Japan are only concerned with their own profits and nothing else, are they not?¡±


    ¡°I agree as well, Commander!¡±


    Zhen Duwei, Commander of the 42nd Army Group piped in Commander Han Feng¡¯s words.


    ¡°Please speak up if you have any opinions,¡± Commander Han Feng said.


    That day, the meeting held at the Southern military¡¯s Command Center was over at daybreak, and the majority agreed to ept the Korean military¡¯s offer. Through this, Commander Han Feng had alerted three other military groups of what they did, excluding the northern military group, and called for an emergency meeting.


    If there was an agreement through the meeting of Commanders in Chief of military groups, then the Korea¨CChina war would be over with Korea being victorious after two months of battle.

 Chapter 170

    <h4>Chapter 170</h4>


    December 30, 2020, 10:00, Yongsan ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    At exactly 0900h, the official document from China¡¯s Southern military group arrived at Korea¡¯s Joint Chief of Staff. The contents of the document were about the organization of a meeting with all four military Group Commanders and how they hade to a decision about the Joint Chief of Staff¡¯s offer. China had officially epted the offer, along with a request to stop all attacks and providing treatment to the Chinese citizens affected by the radiation, with a promise to pay in the future the cost of treatment.


    This was a temporary ceasefire, but it was good news that showed China was preparing to surrender.


    China¡¯s military was not so damaged that they would consider a ceasefire or surrender. The four army groups, including the 38th Army Group charged with defending Beijing, still had 70 percent of their power, while the 21st Army Group fighting against Korea¡¯s 3rd Marine Division at Tenjin had 90 percent of their forces. By sheer number, China still had 400,000 soldiers ready to fight against the Korean military.


    Also, there were seven divisions under the central military that had not been deployed into the war so far, along with local defensive divisions. Counting all of them, China still had a million soldiers in the army. The air force did have significant damages, but 40 percent of their forces had survived. The navy was also defeated at Jeju Ind¡¯s southern area, but they still had two aircraft carriers and two fully equipped fleets that were capable of facing off with Korea¡¯s navy.


    However, the reason China¡¯s military decided to surrender was due to the psychological warfare by Korea¡¯s Joint Chief of Staff. The scene of Beijing¡¯s citizens suffering from nuclear sts was being broadcast from Koreanworks round the clock to international media outlets. The horrific scenes being shown had caused the citizens of China to distrust and be outraged toward their government.


    The Southern military¡¯s Commander epted Korea¡¯s offer. He decided to arrest Xi Jin Ping under war crimes of destroying Chinese military and civilian manufacturing facilities, along with damaging the lives of China¡¯s citizens. By doing so, the Southern military Commander Han Feng would be able to justify his rebellion, along with saving the lives of his nation¡¯s citizens.


    Commander Han Feng gave an official announcement across China. The three military Group Commanders and political leaders called for a meeting to elect new political party members and military Commanders in order to put an end to the war.


    After the official document from China arrived, Chairman Kang took the time to eat his breakfast and take a break while drinking tea with the Operations Director.


    ¡°Sir! I wonder if China will ept our terms.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Chairman Kang answered the Operations Director with a question instead.


    ¡°In my opinion sir, I don¡¯t think China will give up Liao-Ning Province and the Shandong Penins.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Liao-Ning Province is too close to Beijing, and it would be too great a risk to hand it over to our nation. The Shandong Penins holds great geographical importance as well, so I don¡¯t think they would be keen on the idea of giving it up, sir. ¡±


    ¡°That may be the case, however, that is why we must get those areas from China.¡±


    ¡°That is right, sir, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s troubling you? We hold the sword, not the enemy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are right, sir. Hahaha, I am being concerned for no reason.¡±


    ¡°My, my, you¡¯re a soft one. It¡¯s time for the meeting. Shall we take our leave?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 30, 2020, 10:30, Yongsan ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    Fifty military Commanders, two Generals from the Northern State military, and Chairman Kang Ui-sik were gathered to start the meeting.


    ¡°Everyone must have heard by now . . . but the Korea¨CChina war ising to an end. There is still the matter of processing China¡¯s surrender, but that is for the politicians to work on. All we have to do as soldiers is to prepare for any situation that may arise during the proceedings. We are only two days away from reunifying our nation that our people have yearned for.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik looked at the 50 military Generals and continued.


    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss how we will defend the border near Russia and also Japan¡¯s recent movements. The Capital Defense Division will discuss security during the reunification ceremony. If you¡¯re ready, let¡¯s begin.¡±


    When the Chairman finished speaking, the Operations Director went up to the podium and started to speak after clearing his throat.


    ¡°We will begin with the status of the Eastern front fighting against Russia.¡±


    * * *


    December 30, 2020, 14:30Busan Port International Terminal, Busan, Korea


    On December 13, Japan started the war against Korea by sending its naval forces to Dok-do Ind. Japan believed that taking Dok-do Ind from Korea would be like taking a candy bar from a baby since Korea was busy warring against China. However, Japan suffered a major defeat in the Dok-do naval battle, and when its navy was defeated at the battle of Jeju Ind again, Japan had cut off all trade with Korea and began to deport all second-generation Korean immigrants.


    The only mode of transportation that both nations allowed was a ferry that went from Busan to Fukuoka three times a day to transport citizens of both nations back home after the aerial and sea routes had been cut off.


    At the Busan port, the cold piercing December winds were blowing. At Busan port¡¯s international terminal, the high-speed ferry that had departed from Fukuoka arrived. Students studying abroad and Japanese-Koreans who had been deported wereing back in to be processed by Customs.


    Usually, the entry process between the two nations was simple, but due to the war, this had beplicated. Fingerprinting, retinal scans, and additional Customs processing would take over an hour for each person to be processed. The 280 people that had finished processing entered the lobby and hastily moved toward their destination. However, those that were deported from Japan without anywhere to go were escorted by government officials to a bus that would take them to temporary living quarters.


    A hundred and thirty-five Japanese-Koreans arrived at Busan port that day from the first ferry, and they were split into groups of four to board the buses. When they got on board, the bus moved toward Gim-hae. Among them was a man in histe thirties. His face was covered with a mask and scarf to hide his sharp features while ncing at his surroundings from time to time. This man, who seemed to be wary of other people¡¯s gaze, closed his eyes after being seated and fell asleep.


    * * *


    December 30, 2020, 15:30, Kangnam-ku NIS Anti-terrorism Investigation Unit¡¯s meeting room, Seoul


    All high-ranking agents, including Director Huh Young-joon, and team leaders from investigation units 1 to 3 were present. They were discussing terror prevention strategies for the reunification ceremony.


    Two days from now, the President and many high-ranking officials will be exposed to risks. The location of interest was Gwang-hwa gate where the President would make his official speech on January 1, 2021. The Anti-terrorism Unit cooperated with the President¡¯s bodyguards and searched every building within a 2-kilometer radius while installing cameras and agents at every suspicious location.


    The 2-kilometer radius was set since even thetest and most powerful sniper rifles only had an effective range of 1.8 kilometers.


    ¡°There are 500 motion-sensor cameras installed in every building within a 2-kilometer radius of Gwang-hwa gate, sir. We have finished diagnostics and made sure they are working properly as well.¡±


    Manager Ahn was promoted to Vice-director, so Manager Kang Tae-young, who had now been promoted as head of Investigation Unit 1 started off the report. Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was actually next in line for the promotion, but since she was working at the underground research facility, he was promoted instead.


    ¡°Deploy every agent tomorrow and have them check every camera, and finish installing any additional cameras we might need!¡±


    Vice Director Ahn Yeon-wu ordered thoroughly.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about Units 2 and 3?¡±


    ¡°All agents from Units 2 and 3 have been stationed at the major buildings. They will be stationed at their locations three hours before the ceremony starts and begin their sentry duty.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we short on men?¡±


    Director Huh Young-joon asked.


    ¡°At certain locations, we have stationed agents from the foreign and north intelligence agencies to fill in for ourck of numbers.¡±


    ¡°That is a relief. Which team will be tasked with guarding the President along with his bodyguards?¡±


    ¡°Teams 3 and 4 from Unit 1, sir.¡±


    When Manager Kang answered, Director Huh asked again.


    ¡°Did you get the protective suits?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we received it a few days ago.¡±


    ¡°Very well, I am sure everyone is aware that the reunification of South and North Korea is the moment our people have been yearning for. Since it is a historic day, make sure our agents focus on the task at hand on that day.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    December 31, 2020, 13:30, Jongro-ku Blue House President¡¯s office, Seoul


    President Suh Hyun-woo was waiting for China¡¯s official surrender. He was seated on the second-floor office of the Blue House and reflecting on his presidency while staring at Inwang mountain.


    He only has a month left on his term, and in that time he had to war against China which expanded andpelled the nation to face off against Russia and Japan as well. The past two months of his five-year presidency were the toughest time he had spent as President of Korea.


    However, the proud ROK military¡¯s soldiers¡¯ sacrifice and the unity of Korea¡¯s citizenry had helped him ovee this hardship. Most importantly, the nation¡¯s strong yearning for reunification was only a few hours away.


    President Suh began to cry when he thought about the past two months that had passed by.


    ¡°My, how indecent of me,¡± he thought.


    The interphone rang as President Suh muttered to himself and wiped away his tears with his handkerchief.


    ¡°Mr. President! The Northern State¡¯s (North Korea¡¯s) Vice Chairman Kim Yeo-jung has arrived at the front gate.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    The President answered the interphone and headed down to the Blue House¡¯s main hall on the first floor. Momentster, a few ck sedans arrived at the entrance, and Vice-Chairman Kim Yeo-jung wearing a light-colored coat arrived at the entrance. President Suh Hyun-woo approached her for a handshake and greeted her sincerely.


    ¡°Wee, it¡¯s a pleasure to have you here, Vice Chairman Kim!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Mr. President!¡±


    Vice-Chairman Kim smiled brightly and shook the hands of the smiling President a few hours shortly before the two nations will be unified.


    It had been 75 years since South and North Korea was divided. It was a historical moment indeed when North Korea¡¯s leader visited South Korea for the first time.

 Chapter 171

    <h4>Chapter 171</h4>


    January 1, 2021, 10:00; Gwanghwamoon, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    Above the Gwanghwamoon skies, 4 ck Phoenix bombers were flying in a flight wing formation, and 16 FAH-91SP Peregrin falcon choppers were hovering at the center, guarding the area.


    At that moment in Gwanhwamoon, citizens from across the country had gathered and the crowd stretched all the way to Seoul City Hall. There were at least one million people gathered, and the numbers showed how historic this moment was for Korea and how much the people have yearned for this event to ur.


    High-ranking government officials from the South and North were seated in front of the stage set up at Gwanhwamoon, while 10,000 Northern state¡¯s citizens and politicians were seated below the stage. Also, numerous press agencies from across the world had gathered just like when the Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989. They were keen on recording and broadcasting another historical event of unifying the only divided nation in the world.


    A momentter, the President¡¯s sedan pulled up to the stage. The master of ceremonies (MC) continued his announcement while spraying spittle at the microphone.


    ¡°President Suh Hyun-woo and Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong are now entering the stage.¡±


    With the MC¡¯s words, an anthem to announce the President¡¯s arrival rang across the entire area. When it did, everyone who was seated at the stage and below it stood up and cheered while pping.


    President Suh Hyun-woo and Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong stood next to each other on the stage. They raised both their arms to greet the crowd. Then they sat down on the seats ced at the center of the stage.


    ¡°Please be seated, everyone.¡±


    The ceremony was followed by a salute to the g and singing of the national anthem. There was a moment of silence for the veterans who passed away in the recent battle. Finally, the ceremony¡¯s highlight of the event was about to begin.


    ¡°Up next, the President and the Vice President will be reading the South and North unification statement.¡±


    When the MC finished speaking, President Suh and Vice President Kim went up to the podium and began to speak at once.


    ¡°For 75 years, our nation was divided into South and North, North and South. Korea and Democratic People¡¯s Korea will now be united as one nation on this day, January 1, 2021, instead of two, as ¡®Korea.¡¯ As the representatives of South and North, we announce this to the world.¡±


    The two leaders that read the announcement held their hands together and raised it to the sky.


    The shouts of a million citizens rang across the entire Gwanghwamoon area; confetti began to fall from the buildings on both sides of the za. Six T-50 ck eagle jets flew acrobatically and made the crowd gasp before they started to cheer again.


    ¡°Up next, President Suh Hyun-woo will make amemorative address.¡±


    When the MC¡¯s announcement was over, President Suh stepped up to the podium and bowed deeply. Then he started to deliver his keynote address given his gift of gab.


    * * *


    January 1, 2021, 10:30, in an office building in Gwanghwamoon, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    The temporarymand headquarters of the NIS Anti-terrorism Unit had set up over 100 monitors connected to the cameras ced on rooftops and other terror-prone areas in Gwanghwamoon.


    Since these cameras have motion sensors, they would immediately film as soon as any movement was detected, along with sounding an rm so the operator could be alerted immediately. Some of the monitors sounded the rm and showed footage of pigeons or fans, but none was broadcasting any suspicious activity that could be considered as a terrorism attempt.


    ¡°Everyone stay on their guard. If we let our vignce slip for even a moment, we might lose the perpetrator. It only takes one moment, understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. No need to worry. Our team has its eyes on the screen.¡±


    When Manager Kang Tae-yung warned everyone, Team Leader Kim Sang-hyun answered him. Outside the window, President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s address to the one million citizens gathered in the area was ongoing. At the roof of the buildings on the other side, two or three agents were standing around surveying the area. Atop the Inwang and Book-ak mountains, soldiers from the Capital Defense Division were standing sentry duty.


    ¡°Manager Kang! At this rate, I don¡¯t think even a mouse could try something, don¡¯t you think so, sir?¡±


    Assistant Manager Oh Gi-suk, who had just been promoted, came up and spoke to him.


    ¡°Hey, sentry duty is all about timing. If we let our guard slip just for a moment, it is all over, you hear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Korea¡¯s unification ceremony at Gwanghwamoon za, which held the attention of all people across the globe, was going smoothly, thanks to the men and women working behind the scenes for their nation.


    * * *


    January 1, 2021, 10:35, on the rooftop of Samseon building, Jung-ku Sungremoon intersection, Seoul


    A man in a ck suit leaned up against the water tank atop the Samseon building on the southern side of Twegye Road; he began to move covertly. The roof of Samseon building was 2,020 meters away from Gwanhwamoon za, so it was past the search of the NIS Anti-terrorism Unit and the Capital Defense Division.


    Click! ck! Click! Click!


    The man in the ck suit pulled out an object from his ck bag and started to assemble something. When he was finished, he stretched his shoulders and looked at the sky.


    The man in the ck suit had chosen the roof of the Samseon building which was 16-stories high; it had a straight view of the Gwanhwamoon za. Since it was a straight shot, there were no buildings or obstacles in the way. From the concrete forest of buildings, this was a prime spot for a sniper not to be detected.


    The thing that had caught the man¡¯s attention was the 16 FAH-91SP Peregrin falcons hovering above at low altitude, seeking out any threats while careful not to disrupt the ceremony. One of the choppers was heading toward his direction.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think they would use choppers as well. Damn it!¡± the man muttered to himself.


    The man in ck suit hid in the emergency staircase. If attack choppers were being used, then he concluded they would be using infrared sensors as well.


    The man in the ck suit thought for a moment, and then looked down at his M82A3 sniper rifle. The round¡¯s caliber was 12.7mm, with an effective range of 1800 meters. This gun was a high-powered sniper rifle that had a speed of 853m/s that would kill a person if the bullet grazed the target.


    ¡°Whatever, all I need is one shot.¡±


    The man with the rifle thought to himself and looked at his watch.


    ¡°Current time is 10:41.¡±


    He pulled out an extra scope and looked at the sky. When he saw the Peregrin falcon chopper move in the opposite direction, he swiftly moved past the water tank and checked the stage at Gwanhwamoon za after leaning on the ledge.


    The Korean President was stepping down from the podium after finishing his address.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much time left.¡±


    The man in the ck suit muttered to himself and moved back into the emergency staircase swiftly.


    The ck-suited man thought about his course of action slowly.


    ¡°If things go as I have been told, then my target will be up on the podium after the next person is finished. It will be 5 to 10 minutes from now,¡± he thought.


    However, the man in the ck suit was weary about the Peregrin attack chopper that was flying around in the sky.


    * * *


    January 1, 2021, 10:42, in an office in Gwanghwamoon, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    Beep beep beep.


    An rm sounded from one of the 100 monitors connected to the camera. The footage pulled up, but no movements were being detected on the roof.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Team Leader Kim Sang-hyun from Anti-terrorism Unit 1 asked the Operating Agent.


    ¡°There seems to be no movement being detected but it¡¯s going off. Is this thing broken?¡±


    ¡°How can it be broken when it¡¯s been installed only a while ago? It¡¯s almost brand new, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Team Leader Kim Sang-hyun, who pped himself on the head, came up closer to the monitor to take a better look. Just as the monitoring operator said, the roof showed no suspicious movements. However, after a few moments, Kim Sang-hyun¡¯s eyebrows began to dance around and his eye became wider. He started to speak to the monitoring agent.


    ¡°Hey! Where¡¯s the camera¡¯s location on this thing?¡±


    ¡°Sir? This camera is near the HJP building on the Sungryemoon intersection on Twegye Road.¡±


    ¡°We can enhance, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we can, sir!¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, enhance the area in that direction!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! One moment, please.¡±


    ¡°Hurry! Lee Jun-suk, contact Manager Kang right away!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    A few seconds passed and the footage on the monitor was erged. There on the roof where there were no cameras, a man in a ck suit was looking over the za with binocrs came on screen.


    ¡°It seems he triggered the cameras, sir.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell is that?¡±


    ¡°Something seems suspicious.¡±


    ¡°How far is that ce from the Gwanhwamoon stage?¡±


    ¡°The building with the camera installed is 1950 meters away. It is on the other side of Twegye Road, so approximately 2,020 meters, sir.¡±


    ¡°Contact the closest agents from the building and get them on the line!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When another agent worked on theputer, the center screen showed the closest agents on a digital map with their codenames.


    ¡°They¡¯re online. Unit 2¡¯s Team Leader Cha Tae-sik, and Agent Lee Jun from Unit 3 Team 1 are 50 meters away.¡±


    ¡°This is Team Leader Kim Sang-hyun of Unit 1 Team 1. We have found a suspicious individual at 120 meters from Twegye Road at the Samseon building¡¯s roof!¡±


    ¨C This is Cha Tae-sik of Unit 2 Team 1. Confirmed, headed to the area now.


    ¨C Agent Lee Jun of Unit 3 Team 1, can you hear me?


    ¨C This is Agent Lee Jun of Unit 3 Team 1. I am on my way to the scene.


    ¨C All right. Stay safe.


    That was when Manager Kang Tae-young from Unit 1 came in.


    ¡°What is going on?¡±


    ¡°Sir! You¡¯ve made it. Show him the footage from the monitor on the center screen!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The footage came up on the center screen again.


    ¡°This is the footage, sir!¡±


    Team Leader Kim Sang-hyun pointed to the man in the ck suit looking toward Gwanhwamoon on the screen.


    ¡°This is an emergency code 1! Did you see that bastard? Hey? That¡¯s a scope, a scope! Tell every agent we have a code 1 emergency!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The emergency code 1 alert was sent out to every NIS agent stationed along the Gwanghwamoon area. Unit 1¡¯s Team 3 and 4 agents in charge of close proximity bodyguarding were moving around busily. Few of the agents from Team 3 ran over to therge container truck parked behind the stage to converse with the President¡¯s personal bodyguards. Then the agents from Team 4 moved up to the stage and prepared for the worst.


    ¡°Team Leader Cha! This is Manager Kang from Unit 1. What¡¯s your location?¡±


    ¨C This is Cha Tae-sik. We have just arrived inside the building. The elevator is shut down, so we are taking the stairs up.


    ¡°All right. Other agents are headed your way, so be careful when dealing with our target.¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    Manager Kang after talking on the radio rushed toward the window and nced at the stage in Gwanghwamoon.


    Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong was walking to the center of the stage to make hermemorative speech.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be! That bastard¡¯s target is the Vice President?¡±


    When he nced at Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong, his thoughts came out of his mouth. Team Leader Kim Sang-hyun spoke in shock.


    ¡°The Vice President? It¡¯s only been an hour since our nation has been reunified. If something were to happen to her, then events from the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack¡ª¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Kim! Contact the Capital Defense Division, and tell the attack choppers on sentry duty to perform a scan on the roofs of all buildings in the area!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

 Chapter 172

    <h4>Chapter 172</h4>


    January 1, 2021, 10:45, Gwanhwamoon za, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    ¡°Hello! I am Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong of Korea. A month ago, I started practicing South Korean, no the Seoul dialect of Korean, but it seems I can¡¯t speak as fluently as I had practiced. I would be grateful if you will all be understanding. I will do my best to speak the Seoul dialect fluently. South and North Korea had faced the pain of separation for the past 75 years, despite having the same people as citizens. Many separated families have suffered as well. However, I hope our 75 million Korean people and the 8 million others overseas will now work as one with a united heart. I will also . . .¡±


    * * *


    January 1, 20201, 10:51, at the rooftop of the Samseon building at Jung-ku Soongryemoon intersection, Seoul


    The man in the ck suit leaned his M82A3 sniper rifle upward near the staircase and took a deep breath. He raised his head to nce up toward the sky. As expected, and annoyingly for him, there were Peregrin falcon choppers flying around the area.


    ¡°If I will be detected by those choppers, then I only have 10 seconds to act. Within that time, I must hit the target over 2,000 meters away which is over the effective range of 1,800 meters. I only have one shot, and I must finish it with a single shot. I can do this. I can do this,¡± he thought in his head.


    The man willed his mind to concentrate. He was the man who arrived at Busan Port from Fukuoka a few days ago as one of the Japanese-Koreans. He was the one with the sharp features who hid his face behind masks and scarves.


    Akashi Keida was a Japanese from Nagoya and an agent from the Japanese police¡¯s anti-terrorism special forces¡¯ Special Assault Team or SAT. He had served and trained as a sniper under the US Army¡¯s special forces the Delta Force, and the US Navy¡¯s special forces, the Navy SEALS. Keida was a veteran among veterans.


    When there was an opening after the next chopper would fly by, Akashi Keida ran. Then he positioned his rifle at the roof¡¯s ledge and began to aim. Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong was addressing the crowd¡ªshe was clearly visible on the high magnification scope. Keida aimed at the Vice President based on the wind¡¯s velocity, direction, humidity that was showing up on the scope. Then he used his instincts as a sniper and moved the crosshairs below to the right diagonally. He slowly pulled the trigger while holding his breath.


    Meanwhile, in the skies, one of the Peregrin falcon choppers from the Capital Defense Division received the urgent message and turned around to begin scanning the rooftops. However, Akashi Keida only had to pull the trigger.


    ¡°I won, you bastards!¡±


    Akashi Keida muttered to himself softly and pulled the trigger. A heavy gunshot rang across the city.


    Bang!


    A clean shot! Akashi Keida thought it was a clear hit based on his past experiences. He then began to run toward the emergency staircase after ducking down. He did not have enough time to check if he had seeded as the attack choppers were on their way to his position. As expected, 25mmser Vulcan beams had began to rain down from the choppers.


    The building¡¯s rooftop was full of holes like Swiss cheese from thesers pouring down like a rainstorm, but due to Keida¡¯s swift steps, he was able to make it to the staircase in one piece. However, theser beams had pierced through the roof and made Keida abandon his rifle and run downstairs.


    ¡°Ipleted my mission. All I have to do now is get out of here alive!¡± he muttered to himself.


    Akashi Keida ran down to the 16th floor¡¯s hallway and stood in front of the elevator. Then he manipted the elevator¡¯s console. When he did so, the elevator that was shut down temporarily opened.


    ¡°Things are going smoothly,¡± he thought.


    Keida rode on the elevator and pressed on the 1st-floor button. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, loud footsteps came from the emergency stairs. Laser beams that were only seen in sci-fi movies suddenly flew toward him.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    Ping! Ping! ck! ck!


    Luckily, the elevator doors closed and begin to descend slowly. However, Akashi Keida¡¯s face was grim. The fact that men had chased him down to his location within a minute of him taking a shot up to the 16th floor and seeingser weapons he had never seen before surprised him. The elevator doors that were struck by theser beams had been pierced through and melted where the beams had passed through, and they went through the opposite wall as well.


    ¡°What the hell was theser weapon, and how did the Korean security agents arrive so quickly?¡± he thought.


    After he gathered his thought, Akashi Keida halted the elevator immediately and got off on the 5th floor. Then when he passed the opposite hall, he took the other emergency stairs down.


    Meanwhile, Team 1¡¯s leader Cha Tae-sik had run with all his might up to the 16th floor to fire at the terrorist, but he had just lost him.


    Cha Tae-sik, who reported the situation through his headset, gritted his teeth and began to run back down the stairs again.


    Akashi Keida had made it to the first floor from the fifth by using the staircase. He headed to the first-floor lobby carefully while watching his surroundings. There should have been a security guard, but he was taken out by Akashi Keida an hour ago; his cold body was lying in the night-duty room.


    ¡°Freeze! Put your hands up!¡±


    Someone shouted to Akashi Keida, who was just about to make his exit through the front doors. He stopped in his tracks and turned slowly toward the direction where the noise wasing from. A man in histe twenties was pointing something at him that looked like a pistol.


    ¡°I said put your hands up, you bastard! Don¡¯t you speak Korean? Huh?¡±


    It was Agent Lee Jun, the junior agent from Unit 3 Team 1, who was about to head upstairs before going back down after hearing from Team 1¡¯s leader Cha Tae-sik.


    ¡°I¡¯m an employee of thepany that just moved in.¡±


    As a pro, Akashi Keida noticed the man pointing the gun at him was fairly new to this type of work and attempted to assess his skill by lying at him.


    ¡°An employee?¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t trust me, I can show you my card here.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Akashi Keida moved his hand to his breast pocket as if to take out a wallet, but he pulled out a small pistol and fired it.


    Bang! Bang!


    Pew!


    The bullet had hit Agent Lee Jun square in the stomach and chest area, the shock had caused him to fall back, and caused theser beam to graze Akashi Keida¡¯s left arm. However, even though the beam had only grazed him, the pain was so severe Keida grabbed his left arm and screamed. He had been hit by bullets before but the pain was iparable to now. It was as if his flesh was burning slowly and deeper within his flesh.


    Akashi Keida barely managed to withstand the pain and tried to exit through the main entrance. However, another more intense pain came from his thigh that almost made his heart stop, and it had caused him to faint.


    ¡°Son of a bitch! You shot me after lying?¡±


    Agent Lee Jun, who was shot in the chest and stomach, massaged the areas where he was hit to ease the pain. When it went away, he braced himself on the wall and stood up. Thanks to the protective suit his life was not in danger or severely injured, but being hit by a .45 caliber bullet from a distance of 10 meters caused a considerable amount of pain and shock.


    Agent Lee Jun fell down after being hit by the bullets but regained his senses to fire aser beam at Akashi Keida¡¯s thigh.


    ¡°This is Agent Lee Jun from Unit 3 Team 2. I have captured the suspicious man that seems to be our terrorist. Over.¡±


    ¨C Really?


    ¡°Yes, but the suspect is injured, so please call an ambnce as well.¡±


    ¨C All right. Keep a close eye on him.


    After Agent Lee finished hismunication and massaged his stomach, Team 1¡¯s leader Cha Tae-sik, who was covered in sweat, opened the emergency stairs door and arrived on the scene.


    ¡°Did you get him?¡± (gasp)


    ¡°Yes! I got him. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Really? (gasp) Great work!¡±


    ¡°Sir, why are you sweating so much?¡±


    ¡°Why? (gasp) You try going up 16 flights of stairs without taking a break! (gasp) Then run back down again. (gasp, gasp) Let¡¯s see how you feel after that!¡±(gasp)


    * * *


    January 1, 2021, 10:51, Gwanghwamoon za, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    At the center stage where Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong was giving her speech, a loud noise red and a spark rose up five meters ahead.


    The President¡¯s bodyguards and the anti-terrorism unit¡¯s close proximity agents all formed a human shield. When the news from the NIS anti-terrorism unit catching the suspect came in, themotion died down, and Vice President finished her speech quickly before exiting to the rear of the stage.


    There was a shield system installed on the stage beforehand. The required power was being generated by a sma generator in the form of a container ced on the back of a truck.


    When the anti-terrorism unit had sounded the rm for code 1, the agents in charge of close proximity bodyguarding activated the shield systems. Therefore, the 12.7-mm snipe rifle round capable of piercing armored vehicle¡¯s ting had ricocheted off the shield into the sky, and Akashi Keida¡¯s sniping attempt failed. If there was no shield, then Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong would have been dead on the spot.


    The first part of the ceremony was officially over. The second part was nned to have singers and artists from within and outside the country to perform on stage, and the event was nned to continue until midnight. However, the President, Vice President, and the officials from the Northern state all decided to officially end the ceremony and hold the luncheon at the Blue House.


    * * *


    January 1, 2021, 13:30, NIS Anti-terrorism Unit¡¯s interrogation room, Seoul


    ¡°Enough! How about you tell the truth?¡±


    Manager Kang Tae-young from Unit 1 undid his tie and red at Akashi Keida who was leaning on his chair. However, he had not said a single word after 30 minutes had passed since waking up and stood his ground.


    ¡°Suda Masaki? Isn¡¯t this a fake name? What¡¯s your real name? Who are you?¡±


    Based on the fingerprints, the NIS had checked his identity and the information that was pulled up said he was a Japanese-Korean named Suda Masaki, age 37, an office worker, and has a Japanese wife and two daughters. However, all this information was fake¡ªbut rather, he was a Japanese man with a fake identity that sneak into Korea.


    ¡°What was your purpose foring to Korea? Was it to assassinate Vice President Kim?¡±


    Akashi Keida kept his mouth shut and did not say a word or move a muscle. A white bandage was wrapped around his thigh and left arm, and cuffs were on his wrists and ankles.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer me if you don¡¯t want to. There are so many ways to make people like you talk! Since you failed your mission, I am sure Japan won¡¯t treat you as kindly anyways, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Akashi Keida¡¯s face changed for a second.


    ¡°I failed the mission? Did I fail to snipe Kim Yeo-jeong? The shot was more than enough to be a clean hit,¡± Keida thought.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me! How could I have failed? The high-powered sniper rifle round will be fatal even if it grazes the target. A failure? Are you saying Kim Yeo-jeong is alive?¡±


    ¡°Now you feel like talking! Do you think I have so much time to spin you a lie, you son of a bitch? Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong is alive and well and without a single injury.¡±


    Manager Kang Tae-young spoke sarcastically while making a smug face and continued.


    ¡°You tried to assassinate Korea¡¯s Vice President. That¡¯s enough for a life sentence, you hear? If you tell us who is behind this assassination attempt, maybe they will reduce your sentence! So let¡¯s hear it!¡±


    However, Akashi Keida did not give the answer Manager Kang Tae-young wanted. Manager Kang showed a mysterious smile and waved to one of the agents standing by.


    ¡°Get ready!¡±

 Chapter 173

    <h4>Chapter 173</h4>


    January 1, 2021, 22:00, Korea


    On January 1, 2021, the Korean Penins achieved a historic milestone of bing one and reunited as a nation. The nation¡¯s name was officially changed to the Federal Republic of Korea that consisted of seven united states under a central government.


    The administrative district of the central federal government defined its current Korea¡¯s territory as the Southern state, while North Korea¡¯s territory was the Northern state. The three Northeastern Manchurian states (Western Manchu, Central Manchu, and the Mongolian self-governed state) were designated as the Eastern State, while the Shandong Province as the Western state. President Suh Hyun-woo of South Korea was nominated as the President of the Federal Republic of Korea, whereas Kim Yeo-jeong was nominated as the Vice President. The central government would maintain the current political system and nominated former Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People¡¯s Assembly of the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea Kim Hyung-won as Prime Minister. Meanwhile, the Vice Minister of each government branch was to be upied by politicians from the Northern state.


    The Ministry of Unification changed its name to the Ministry of Unification Policy, and the Minister was promoted to Vice Prime Minister while the three Vice Minister positions were given to members from the Northern state. This was done to ensure that resources would be directed to aid in the recovery of the Northern state.


    Despite the nation being in war with China, the major corporations within the construction field were moving their heavy equipment in cooperation with the Korea Expressway Corporation. An unending line of trucks and other equipment were headed to the Northern state through the recentlypleted highway.


    Recently, the Northern state¡¯s highways were expanded or newly built, but they were like mere dirt roadspared to those in the Southern state. Therefore, the first item of business was the expansion of the Northern state¡¯s roadways that will be the base of the recovery n.


    The highways would connect cities, while the twone roads would connect viges. Thework of roads would allow people to move from one part of the Northern state to another within a few hours. Construction for this project had begun.


    Along with the road expansion construction of the Northern state, the second project that the central government and the Ministry of Unification Policy hade up with was the underground mineral excavation and application. This project would lessen the burden of the enormous cost of unification that would fall on the nation. The Northern state¡¯s underground resources were estimated to be worth two trillion dors, and potentially more.


    The Southern state had been relying on imports of iron, magnesite, and other minerals for 100 percent of their supply. By relying on the Northern state¡¯s minerals instead of importing, the production cost for many high-tech products would be decreased. In a few decades, this would lead to significantly improved foreign currency savings for the country.


    There were 360 different types of underground resources within the Northern state, and 200 of them were used for industrial and technological industries. The most abundant were tungsten, molybdenum, graphite, barite, mica, fluorite, silver, steel, lead, iron, aluminum, coal, and many others.


    The various types of useful underground resources were buried in a small area. The steel was buried under Hamgyungbook-do¡¯s Musan, Hamgyungnam-do¡¯s Lee-won, Hwanghaenam-do¡¯s Un-yul, Jae-ryung, and other ces within the Northern state. The excavated steel was processed at Cheong-jin, Seong-jin, and Song-rim.


    Gold was most abundant in Pyeongbook¡¯s Unsan and Dae-yu dong; arge-scale processing nt was located in Nam-po. Coal, which was another primary source of power, can be found in Pyeongannam-do¡¯s southern and northern mines. While there was anthracite at Hamgyungnam-do and brown coal buried under the Hamgyunbook-do¡¯s northern and southern mines, 50 percent of tungsten supply came from the Northern state.


    Korea had achieved an unprecedented and rapid economic growth, but the war with China had caused many of its trade to be put on hold; thus, causing the economy to slow down. When Russia and Japan entered the picture, the economy took another hit and profits were down by 50 percent. The Northern state¡¯s underground resources were the solution to mitigate some of the trade woes the Federal Republic of Korea was now facing.


    Thest project was expanding the hygienic and medical facilities directly rted to the lives of citizens within the Northern state. The 25 million Northern state citizens were unable to receive medical attention for even amon cold excluding the top 1 percent. Since the citizens of the Northern state were unable to receive treatment for amon cold, it was already clear what would happen if a more serious illness fell upon them.


    The Southern state had started off with building a hospital for each state and city within the north, while it started building a clinic to each county for the south. Also, medical schools and nursing schools for every university was erected or expanded to meet the demand for more medical professionals.


    The fourth agenda on the project was meeting the basic demands for life: food, shelter, and clothing. Based on geographical location, the climate within the Northern state was considerably different from the Southern state. Especially in the summer and winter, the temperature difference could reach up to 10 degrees. Due to the cold winds from Siberia, winter was the toughest time for citizens in the Northern state.


    The corporations within the clothing industry offered their leftover stock to the nation for free while humanitarian organizations and citizens donated clothes. The movement had spread, and arge number of clothes were collected for the Northern state¡¯s citizens.


    Also since many Northern state citizens had died from hunger, a free meal n was established for babies, children, and teenagers. The agricultural boom from this development had increased the production of food significantly thanks to the gically engineered vegetables, fruit, rice, wheat, and cattle that could withstand viruses and other diseases developed through the alien technology. The growth in agriculture had made the meal n possible.


    The Ministry of Agriculture had established an effective logistics system that reduced the margin of middlemen significantly. Thus, farmers were guaranteed a fair ie for their crops and cattle, while the consumers could purchase products at a fair price as well. Prices for other goods were affected as well, and the entire nation¡¯s price became lower.


    Thest thing on the project was providing housing for the citizens of the Northern state. Most citizens from the Northern state were living in a shanty house that could not block the wind, rain, or the frigid winds of winter. The Korean Housing Corporation had used a special type of construction material to build 30,000 apartment units at a low cost and provide them to citizens. The housing fee was put under a mortgage that would be paid off in 20 years.


    Separately from the Northern state recovery project, the unification of the Northern and Southern military forces was underway as well. South Korea¡¯s ministry of national defense and North Korea¡¯s ministry of the people¡¯s armed forces were being unified. Therefore, the Joint Chief of Staff and North Korea¡¯s Joint Chief of Staff became one. The first decided thing was to unify the ranking system under one system since the military was an order based organization.


    The Korean military¡¯s ranking system was used as the basis to have the ranks of the Northern military¡¯s men change their rank to captain from senior lieutenant, and have the senior officers be colonels. The Generals from North Korea were changed to a Brigadier General while the other Generals followed the rank of major general, lieutenant general, and so on. Lastly, the two ranks of Commander in Chief and Chief of Staff were excluded from the transition.


    Based on the vast military reduction n, the only remaining army forces were to consist of four corps, those being the 8th Special Forces Corps, the 620th Artillery Corps fighting in the Korea¨CChina war, and the remaining two that would be formed during the reorganization to be the automated sentry corps.


    The other military force to join the unified military was the missile forces in North Korea that had threatened Korea with its nuclear weapons. Since thete 1980s, the missile forces had ced Scud missiles (range of 300~500 km) in the field and continued to ce missiles ever since. In the 1990s, the Ro-dong missiles (range 1,300 km) were ced in the field, then the Dae-po 1 missiles (range of 4,300~6,000 km) were ced in the field as well. In total, over 1,000 ballistic missiles had been ced in the field and prepared tounch.


    The unified Korean military¡¯s Joint Chief of Staff had decided to reorganize the missile forces. The only stiption had been dmissioning the missiles with nuclear warheads since Korea was a non-nuclear weapon holding nation that followed the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty.


    Also, since the Northern state¡¯s missile forces werebined with the nation¡¯s military, the Korean military now held five missile forces in total, including those already in the army, navy, air force, and the aerial and space force.


    * * *


    January 2, 2021, 10:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    The Joint Chief of Staff¡¯s Chairman Kang Ui-sik and the Commanding Generals were tending to their duties as usual. Despite the war with China being over, and both North and South nations finally being unified, the war with Russia and Japan was still ongoing. They still had to work after attending the unification ceremony. However, within the Command Center, there were a few new faces that came from the Northern state.


    ¡°I hope you have a happy New Year, and since we are now one family, let¡¯s all greet each other.¡±


    With Chairman Kang Ui-sik¡¯s words, the Commanders of the Northern and Southern states all shook each other¡¯s hands and greeted one another.


    ¡°Now, if you¡¯re all done introducing yourselves, let¡¯s sit down.¡±


    ¡°Now this is something I would not have dreamt of a year ago, Mr. Chairman, sir!¡±


    Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il, who had been nominated recently, smiled at Chairman Kang Ui-sik and spoke.


    The original Vice-chairman position was set for a person with the rank of lieutenant general. However, the Federal Republic of Korea, being now a federal government, nominated the Vice-chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff as the Commander in Chief of the Northern state¡¯s military as well. Lieutenant General Lee Un-hyung was promoted to General and as Chief of Staff of the Army.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. Let¡¯s all work as one to protect our nation and put our efforts toward the war against Russia and Japan.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we must. Russia¡¯s one thing, but shouldn¡¯t we use this chance to teach those Japanese a lesson? Do you agree?¡±


    Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il, who was a warlike man, lightly mmed his fists on the table as he spoke. When he did so, Chairman Kang Ui-sikughed to show his agreement and answered.


    ¡°I also agree with you, Vice-chairman, but the central government seems to attempt at working this out politically first.¡±


    ¡°But could that be possible, Mr. Chairman?¡±


    Chief of Staff Shin Sung-yong, who was seated to the right of Chairman Kang¡¯s, asked.


    ¡°I am not sure. Those Japanese are surelyckingmon sense, so it is hard for me to say. Regardless, let¡¯s leave the politics to the politicians, and why don¡¯t we focus on our duty as soldiers and prepare for what¡¯s toe, eh?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, you¡¯re right, sir.¡±


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s get to the first item on our meeting¡¯s docket. Let¡¯s get to Russia¡¯s current movements.¡±


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff that now had over 70 Generals started their first military meeting for 2021.


    * * *


    January 2, 2021, 14:00, NIS Anti-terrorism Investigation Unit Director¡¯s office, Seoul


    ¡°Great work, Manager Kang!¡±


    Director Huh Young-joon said as he ced a stack of documents on the desk. The contents of the document were Akashi Keida¡¯s confession about his assassination attempt at Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong¡¯s life.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe it, sir. This is the lowest of the low, sir!¡±


    Vice Director Ahn Yeon-wu spoke as he read the documents.


    ¡°Japan has always been like that, hasn¡¯t it? I just hope they will get punished justly for this.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, I must go and meet with our Director to report. Manager Kang, do everything you can to get as much information as possible from that Japanese bastard! That bastard¡¯s rights have all been forfeited.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 174

    <h4>Chapter 174</h4>


    January 5, 2021, 15:00, Korea


    China was taken over swiftly by the newly formed military under the Southern military¡¯smand following Xi Jin Ping¡¯s arrest. A few days earlier, the militarymanders from every province gathered and have agreed to the terms offered by the Korean government. The Chinese government had officially surrendered to Korea, and representatives from each nation met in Seoul in the morning to sign the agreement.


    Following the meeting, both countries sent an official statement to all media outlets in the world about the conclusion of the war and the conditions of China¡¯s surrender, as follows:


    . This war started with China¡¯s illegal invasion of the Republic of Korea. Based on this fact, supporting evidence will be provided for the UN Security Council to announce it officially.


    . China as the invading and losing nation will pay reparations to the Federal Republic of Korea in the amount of US$70 billion dors due in the next twenty years.


    . Shandong Province, Manchurian area (the three Northeastern provinces, the self-governed state of Mongolia) that the Korean military is upying will be handed over to Korea permanently. Shandong Province will be defined as the area from Qingdao to Ping-du and Lai-zhou, the entire eastern territory. The Manchurian area is defined to include Liao-ning, Ji-rin, Hei-long provinces and the northeastern area of the self-governed Mongolian state. The border will be set along the Nan-ha rand Saramuren River and 45 kilometers west from the western Yoha River. Korea¡¯s territory will be set up to Mongolia¡¯s Lumlei state. Also, the ¡°Russian-Chinese Territory Transfer Agreement Treaty¡± signed by both nations has be null and void and this will be subsequently announced to the world.


    . China will right the wrongful historic ims they made through the Northeast Bordend History and the Chain of Events Research Project (iming Korea¡¯s Goguryeo and Balhae as nations under China as formed by its minority races) and correct the wrong historical education it gave to its citizens. Also, it will cooperate with Korea in conducting historical research and explicitly state that handing off its three provinces is only returning the territories to Korea which are rightfully and historically belong to them.


    . In handing off of the territory, the Chinese citizens who had once lived in the area will be requested to vacate the provinces, excluding those that want to immigrate to Korea. (Those who have immigrated will be granted citizenship after living in Korea for five consecutive years and passing an exam).


    . Due to China¡¯s use of tactical nukes and nuclear missiles during the war, it will now transition into a nonnuclear-weapon holding nation and will no longer be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. China must undergo an inspection from the NPT and IAEA every two years.


    . China will withdraw all of its territorial ims in the South China Sea and actively ept the judgment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. (Based on this agreement, the conflicting nations with China¡ªVietnam, Philippines, Mysia, Brunei¡ªall became friendlier to Korea.)


    . China will not regte anymerce or cultural exchanges of its privatepanies and will regte copyright infringements toward other nations.


    . The independence of minorities (Tibetans, Uyghur Muslims, and Zhuang people) must be guaranteed within a year. China must provide active financial support along with making an announcement to never deploy any military force in the future to the UN Security Council.


    . Beijing and the radioactive materials in the area will be removed by Korea along with financial aid of US$2 billion dors. Also, treatment for those affected by radiation will be provided at a cost of US$1,500 dors per person.


    The Korea¨CChina war that hadsted for two months was officially over after 3:00 p.m. on January 5, 2021. Every nation across the world began to look at Korea differently. Korea, which had be an economic powerhouse these recent years, had now be a military power that had defeated the G2 nation China.


    However, Russia and Japan were looking at Korea vigntly. They were not at a full-frontal war with Korea, but they were enemies against Korea. Japan especially had a reputation of being an economic power within Asia with its cool Japan project, but now had been ced on the back seat from being caught up by Korea. Now that their military power was being considered as beneath Korea, Prime Minister Abe was highly upset.


    * * *


    January 6, 20201, 14:00, Ministry of Foreign Affairs office, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    Minister Kim Jae-hak, who had visited the Blue House in the morning, was discussing some matters with the newly appointed Vice-minister from the Northern state, Kim Hyung-il.


    ¡°Do you think the Japanese will agree to these demands?¡±


    Vice-minister Kim Hyun-il, who had only been appointed to his position four days ago, asked. When he did so, Minister Kim Jae-hak and the other Vice-minister Park Hyung-oh smiled mysteriously.


    ¡°Why are you both smiling? I don¡¯t think this will progress with the Japanese¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, Vice-minister Kim! This is not an offer meant for Japan to ept but rather refuse.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then why are we making these demands in the first ce?¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak spoke to Vice-minister Kim, who still did not understand what was going on.


    ¡°The President is sending a warning to Shinzo Abe.¡±


    ¡°A warning?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly. It¡¯s a warning and also a showing of our nation¡¯s power.¡±


    Vice-minister Park Hyung-oh continued Minister Kim Jae-hak¡¯s exnation.


    ¡°Ah is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I really would like to see the look on Abe¡¯s face when he sees this. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Comrade Minister, ah! I¡¯m sorry. A force of habit. Minister Kim Jae-hak, sir, would it be possible for me to go to Japan in person?¡±


    ¡°You would like to go?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak thought for a moment but agreed.


    ¡°Yes, please do so. Take Ambassador Lee Youn-joon (the Korean Ambassador to Japan) with you. Also, please let me know the look on Shinzo Abe¡¯s face when he sees this, hahaha!¡±


    ¡°No need to worry. I will paint you a picture when I get back. Hahaha.¡±


    * * *


    January 6, 2021, 16:20, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    With the end of the war, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had be busier. The first thing they had to do was to bring the special forces that had been conducting gueri warfare back home. There were 11,000 men in total. Because of the cooperation of the newly formed Chinese military, every avable ne at Beijing airport and Korean military nes were bringing the special forces back home. Beijing had most of its radiation removed at this point.


    The 7th Mobile Corps had mobilized into Sun-Yang and conducted maintenance and were resupplied for the battle against Russia. The 3rd Armored Division moved to Jinzhou, while the 25th Light Armored Division had gone into Fu-xin.


    The 3rd Marine Armored Division that had marched into Beijing had entered into Ping-du at Shandong Province, while the 2nd Marine Division was undergoing the process of returning home by working with the 10th Amphibious Fleet. The four special forces brigade and other special forces would remain at Shandong Province until the Korean police would arrive to keep the peace.


    The 11th and 12th Corps under the 5th Sentry Command were relieved of their duty of guarding the border at the Aprok River. Instead, they had been stationed to the three Northeastern provinces and the Shandong penins to keep the peace until the police would arrive.


    With the war between China being over, and since there were spare forces that could be deployed elsewhere aside from Manchu (the three Northeastern provinces), the Joint Chiefs of Staff began to send their reconnaissance drones and satellites to Russia to survey their every movement and prepare for battle.


    The Russian military had sent in reinforcements to their five major military bases at Primorsky Krai and Ussuriysk while sending thetest equipment via trains and trucks. The 35th Army had also been upgrading with thetest equipment as well.


    Russia¡¯s President Putin was a warlike man who would not back down after China was defeated in the war against Korea and had dered the treaty they had signed as null and void. Instead, President Putin¡¯s pride was hurt from having the 5th Army¡¯s 57th Vehicle Infantry Division¡¯s defeat, and he had nned for his revenge every day.


    Also, the news of China¡¯s defeat made President Putin act, and he ordered to have nuclear warheads be equipped to mid-ranged ballistic missiles and on standby forunch. The nuclear submarines in the pacific fleet were also on standby tounch SLBM ballistic missiles.


    * * *


    January 8, 2021, 11:00, Cab¡¯s Guest Reception room, Tokyo, Japan


    Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il and Ambassador Lee Yoon-jun arrived in Tokyo via the morning ne and were led to the Guest Reception room by Secretary Ichiro.


    ¡°The Prime Minister will be with you shortly. Please have a cup of tea while you wait.¡±


    Secretary Ichiro bowed politely and left the room. Momentster, the doors opened and Prime Minister Abe and the members of his cab appeared. Vice-minister and Ambassador Lee Yoon-jun stood up.


    ¡°Hello. I am the Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Hyung-il from Korea.¡±


    ¡°Hello! Long time no see, Prime Minister!¡±


    Unlike Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il, who had never met Prime Minister Abe before, Ambassador Lee Yoon-jun must have seen him a few times and greeted the Prime Minister.


    ¡°Haha, great to meet you. This is Prime Minister Abe. This is Foreign Affairs Minister Ochi Furume.¡±


    With the formalities being over, the four men sat down. There seemed to be an unspoken battle of the wits since no one wanted to speak first.


    However, the party that was curious about the visit was Japan. Minister Ochi Furume broke the silence and spoke.


    ¡°So why are you both visiting us today?¡±


    As Ambassadors asking one party to answer the other was a tactical maneuver. It may seem like nothing to have the other party speak first, but in politics, having the other party move at the other party¡¯s whim was crucial. Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il, who was originally from North Korea¡¯s foreign affairs office, smiled and answered.


    ¡°We are here to deliver the demands of our President.¡±


    ¡°Demands? What do you mean by these sudden demands?¡±


    ¡°Sudden? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°My, my!¡±


    Minister Ochi Furume made a shocked face andughed emptily. Prime Minister Abe spoke instead.


    ¡°Yes, so what is it that your President wants?¡¯


    ¡°Our President¡¯s demands? Well, he had a lot to say about your illegal invasion during the Dok-do battle while being allied with China.¡±


    ¡°An illegal invasion?¡±


    ¡°I am speaking, am I not, Minister Ochi?¡±


    Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il red at the Minister and continued.


    ¡°However, for both nations¡¯ benefit, our President is willing to overlook this matter, under the condition that Japan apologizes sincerely about the matter of paying reparations to thefort women and forcedborers that had been canceled due to the outbreak of the Korea¨CChina war.¡±


    ¡°What kind of nonsense are you saying?¡±


    Ambassador Ochi Furume shouted in an agitated tone. Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il ignored his words and delivered the final blow to Prime Minister Abe.


    ¡°Ah! Our President reminded me to tell you our nation has more than enough money, so only a sincere apology would be necessary. Do you understand what I am saying?¡±


    Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il who finished speaking nced at Prime Minister Abe¡¯s face. The Prime Minister frowned so deeply that the lines on his face almost formed a legible sentence.


    ¡°My, that asshole Abe has a dirty look on his face,¡± the Vice-minister thought.


    Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il looked at the Prime Minister¡¯s face and celebrated in his head.


    ¡°Are these the demands to Japan your nation is making?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    When Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il only made an expression to show his amusement and did not answer back, Minister Ochi asked a question.


    ¡°I just simply cannot understand why Japan needs to apologize to the women who acted like whores and came to work to make money, and the beggars asking for work to make money. What kind of proof do you have?¡±


    ¡°Proof? There are more than enough to prove that, and there are still living witnesses, aren¡¯t there?¡±


    Ambassador Lee Yoon-jun stood his ground and answered back.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that just Korea¡¯s ims?¡±


    ¡°Look here, Prime Minister Abe! I knew when I came here with our President¡¯s demands you would not respond kindly. However, if you have a shred of a good conscience, you wouldn¡¯t have the impudence to call the women who were forced as sex ves, whores!¡±


    ¡°Impudence? Is that what you think?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe must have been triggered by those words and showed his anger while pointing at the Ambassador. Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il stood up from his seat and continued to speak his mind.


    ¡°Is an apology truly that difficult? Because of your stubbornness, you will face financial damages in billions along with a just and harsh punishment. I guarantee you the day wille.¡±


    ¡°I want you all out of my sight if you want to see the light of day again and not be arrested instead.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s frown deepened, and his face turned red and blue.


    ¡°Ambassador Lee Yoon-hun, let¡¯s get out of here. The air in here is so thick I can¡¯t breathe. Come on let¡¯s go.¡±


    Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il headed to the entrance without looking back and left the room.

 Chapter 175

    <h4>Chapter 175</h4>


    January 8, 2021, 12:30, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Office, Tokyo, Japan


    After Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il left, Prime Minister Abe called over the Director of Intelligence urgently to ask him questions, as if to interrogate him.


    ¡°Do you have any idea what is going on?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe red at Director Hirochi¡¯s face and scolded him.


    ¡°I apologize, Prime Minister Abe, sir! We still cannot make contact.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying he did notplete his mission and disappeared?¡±


    ¡°We are searching for him everywhere, sir.¡±


    ¡°My, my! Are you sure he didn¡¯t get caught by the Koreans before he could aplish his mission? Korea¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made some preposterous demands today.¡±


    ¡°Agent Akashi Keida is a veteran in the field, sir. He won¡¯t be caught so easily.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure. Can you truly think that is the case considering how things are right now? Kim Yeo-jeong is still alive and breathing.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe kicked over the table and spoke in a low tone while ring at Director Hiroshi.


    ¡°What do we do if Agent Akashi gets caught by the Koreans and blows the whistle on the whole operation?¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister! That would never happen, but there¡¯s no need to worry, sir. That man has gone through a highly intensive training against interrogations.¡±


    ¡°What would be the chance he confesses?¡±


    ¡°In percentages, I would say 20 percent, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hah! No word about this must be made public. Me asking you to give me a percentage, or you giving me an answer. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I understand, Prime Minister!¡±


    * * *


    January 8, 2021, 14:00, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Office, Tokyo, Japan


    Prime Minister Abe, who was highly upset over the events this morning, finished his half-eaten lunch and called for the Minister of Defense and the Commanders from the Joint Command office.


    ¡°Minister, how far along are we in the American weapons import?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister! The purchases for the F-22 Raptor jets and the B-1B Lancer bombers are all agreed and settled, while the purchased 24 F-22 jets have been handed off to our aerial self-defense forces. By next Thursday, the other 24 jets and the B-1B Lancer bombers will be delivered to us as well.¡±


    ¡°Great. Minister Shibasaki, purchase as many American weapons as we can, provided they are high-quality weapons.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe showed extreme obsession over American weapons due to his anger from the insulting statements from Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il this morning.


    ¡°Prime Minister, sir! Should we look into the ships from the US Navy¡¯s 7th Fleet?¡±


    ¡°The 7th Naval Fleet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. America¡¯s 7th Naval Fleet has six Zumwalt-ss Aegis destroyers equipped with thetest Aegis system. If we can manage to purchase two to four ships and reorganize the 2nd Escorting Fleet, then we will be able to reform the 1st Carrier Strike Group, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I see! Naval Commander Murakawa!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°How far along are the repairs for the Kaga aircraft carrier?¡±


    ¡°The ship¡¯s deck and rear aircraft elevators have all been fixed and the internal aircraft hangars are being repaired, sir.¡±


    ¡°When will the Kaga be able to be deployed on the field?¡¯


    ¡°Yes! It is estimated to be ready for deployment after ten days. The only issue is we arecking in operable jets, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm! Minister Shibasaki!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Proceed with purchasing the American F-35B jets. It doesn¡¯t matter if they are from the navy or marines¡ªtell them we are buying all of their operating jets at the price of a new one! No matter what! Do you hear me? Also, request for the purchase of all six Zumwalt-ss Aegis destroyers! If they are willing to sell additional Aegis ships, then buy all of them! All of them!¡±


    The thought of losing the naval fleet that he had worked so hard to establish must have angered Prime Minister Abe, and he began to shout while his eyes became bloodshot.


    ¡°Sir? Yes, I understand!¡±


    ¡°Hmm! I must meet with President Trump in person.¡±


    * * *


    January 8, 2021, 18:30, Blue House President¡¯s office, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    Vice-minister Kim Hyung-il and Ambassador Lee Yoon-jun, who had stoked the mes of anger within Prime Minister Abe¡¯s heart, reported back to the Blue House. When the response they had expected was coaxed out, Minister Kim Jae-hak visited the Blue House.


    ¡°Hahaha, it seems that the Vice-minister has teased them very well.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak reported to the President the exact contents the Vice-minister had given to him. However, President Suh Hyun-wu did not seem to be pleased. He soon began to speak in a scolding tone.


    ¡°Minister Kim! Are you happy with Prime Minister Abe calling our elders who were forced as sex ves, whores?¡±


    ¡°I apologize, sir. I also was upset but I didn¡¯t think because of Vice-minister Kim¡¯s words at Prime Minister Abe. I am sorry, Mr. President!¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak, who realized his mistake, bowed his head.


    ¡°There is no need to bow your head. I am just emphasizing the fact that we must not have ax attitude toward matters rted to our elders forced intobor. Minister Kim, I apologize if I went too far.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. It was me who was thoughtless, Mr. President!¡±


    The President stood up from his seat and picked up the inte¡¯s receiver.


    ¨C Mr. President, sir. This is Secretary Lee Young-un.


    ¡°Please call over the Secretary of the NIS immediately.¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    The President put down the receiver of the inte and spoke to Minister Kim Jae-hak, who was now downtrodden.


    ¡°It will be a while before Secretary Na arrives, so why don¡¯t we grab dinner?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Of course, sir.¡±


    * * *


    January 8, 2021, 19:40, Blue House President¡¯s office, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    Secretary Na, who had arrived at the Blue House after receiving the call from the President, was listening intently to President Suh Hyun-wu¡¯s words.


    ¡°Did you make any progress on the things I have asked for?¡±


    ¡°Do you mean the war-crime corporations and the stolen cultural artifacts, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly.¡±


    ¡°We are about 50 percent done, sir.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-wu had asked Secretary Na Bong-il to list up the Japanese corporations that hadmitted war crimes along with the location of their offices and factories in great detail.


    ¡°Secretary Na, if they are a corporation involved in a war crime, then please have them reported, and don¡¯t let even a corner store slip. None of them must be overlooked. I¡¯m sure you understand, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will make sure of it, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°But, sir? Why are we listing up all the corporations involved in war crimes?¡±


    ¡°I cannot stand by and watch as those criminal corporations profit from our ancestor¡¯s blood and sweat. Also, I believe our cultural artifacts must be reimed. I would like to put an end to this, starting with Japan.¡±


    ¡°That means while we are at war with Japan.¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly.¡±


    The President answered shortly and walked toward the window with his hands behind his back. Then he spoke softly.


    ¡°We are done dealing with the Japanese imperial loyalists, now we must punish those that have used the blood of our ancestors to profit and turned a blind eye toward their crimes. I cannot contain my anger toward those that imed our cultural artifacts as their own.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I understand what you mean, sir.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak, who had felt the President¡¯s resolve, quietly nodded.


    * * *


    January 9, 20201, 10:30, the 38th Fighter Wing Air Force Base, Jeonbook Gunsan-si


    Above the 38th Fighter Wing¡¯s skies, numerous KF-21P phoenix fighter jets werending in order. After the Korea¨CChina war was over, the 12 phoenix jets that had been deployed to the Sun-an 8th Fighter Wing Base were returning home.


    Woosh, Woosh.


    Along the long runway, the phoenix jets thatnded were greeted by the repairmen and other crew members from the fighter wing.


    ¡°Major Choi! Great work.¡±


    When Major Choi Young-ho got off from the jet, his best friend Major Jeon Chang-bin smiled brightly and waved at him.


    ¡°Hey, Jeon Chang-bin, you look great since all you¡¯ve done is sit around all day, haven¡¯t you? I fought and put my life on the line this whole time, you know?¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve been busy too! I was busy training people going from fighter wing to fighter wing.¡±


    Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin embraced each other while joking around. They were so close to each other that others might have mistaken them as a couple.


    ¡°Hey! You see that over there?¡±


    Major Choi pointed to the phoenix jet that he flew in on with his thumb.


    ¡°Look at what?¡±


    ¡°Are you blind! Can¡¯t you see the kill mark?¡±


    Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s phoenix jet had 28 kill marks on its front. Among them, 16 were for the J-20 fighter jets.


    ¡°Ah! Showing off, are we?¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m the top gun in the entire joint aerial forces. Hehehe.¡±


    ¡°Good for you. Hey, this is great! Since my buddy is now the top gun, drinks are on me tonight!¡±


    ¡°What? Just drinks? Can¡¯t we get some liquor and uhh . . . meet somedies too?¡±


    ¡°Ha! Not a chance! You don¡¯t change, do you? Come on, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Fine¡ªdrinks it is! Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Major Choi, sir! Take me along too, please.¡±


    Lieutenant Oh Gil-sung, Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s wingman, shouted while running toward them.


    ¡°He¡¯s still alive?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, thanks to him I am going through all kinds of hell.¡±


    ¡°Sir,e on. There is no other subordinate like me, is there?¡±


    ¡°Of course, there are!¡±


    ¡°What? Hahaha.¡±


    * * *


    January 9, 2021, 13:20, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul


    North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Corps was divided into multiple groups after being merged with the Korean special forcesmand. Lieutenant General Kim Un-chul, the 8th Corp¡¯s Commander was discharged; and Major General Lee Hyun-won had been appointed as the second inmand of themand headquarters. Also, the eight aerial brigades were changed as the 21st, 31st, 41st, 51st, 61st, 71st, 81st, and 91st Paratrooper divisions consisting of six subordinate brigades.


    The three sniper brigades selected the most skilled veterans and were deployed to the 707th Special Forces Brigade that had been formed with the 707th Special Forces Battalion as a base. Also, the men who were not selected were reorganized as anti-terrorism brigades that were to be ced along Sejong and Pyeongyang. The other four mountain sniper brigades and sentry brigades were to be disbanded and deployed as police at the northern and central Manchu area after they havepleted their training.


    After both nation¡¯s special forces were unified as one, the Federal Republic of Korea now had 50,000 special forces in their military, making its numbers on an equal footing to nations like America and Russia.


    Lieutenant General Kang Jeong-hyun, Commander of the newly formed andrge special forcesmand, visited the Joint Chiefs of Staff with his second inmand Major General Lee Hyun-won and was conversing with Chairman Kang Ui-sik.


    ¡°The 8th Special Forces Corp¡¯s sniper brigade yed a critical role in the march to Beijing and the Shandong Province.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik spoke sincerely to the Commanders.


    ¡°No, sir! All we did was focus on the task at hand.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Comrade Chairman! We are grateful you allowed our sniper brigade to y a role in the mission, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, my . . . both of you are so humble. You can at least praise your men. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Haha! Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Now, I have asked both of you toe by because of the President¡¯s special orders.¡±


    ¡°Sir? From the President directly?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Exactly. Well, it¡¯s not official yet, but I figured you would need to make preparations.¡±


    ¡°Comrade Chairman, whatever it is, we can handle it. We will put our lives on the line.¡±


    Major General Lee Hyun-won spoke loudly with confidence.


    ¡°My, my, your words alone already put me at ease. Now, the first step is to bring all the men in the field back to base.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°After going into training, your men will be deployed when the President gives the officialmand. The mission is this.¡±


    When Chairman Kang Ui-sik waved to his aide-de-camp, he plopped down arge stack of documents on the table.


    ¡°The information on the document is only 50 percent. I wanted you to at least take a look first before we were finished.¡±

 Chapter 176

    <h4>Chapter 176</h4>


    January 11th, 2021, 03:30, the White House, Washington D.C, U.S.A


    On an unofficial visit to the White House, Prime Minister Abe met with President Donald Trump. They spent the day discussing the security of both nations and military cooperation.


    In recent years, Corea had used its rapid economic growth to shake up the East-Asian countries. When it won the war against China, America¡¯s influence over East-Asia had been weakened. President Trump¡¯s ¡°America First¡± policy might have been the cause, but that was only a surface-level analysis. In truth, America had avoided getting involved in the war, and instead, allowed Japan to take the lead in the power struggle against Russia and China. Behind the scenes, America had sold military weapons to Japan and profited from the sales.


    President Trump¡¯s ¡°America First¡± policy ced America¡¯s economic profit as its number one priority, even above its own reputation. This was the result of America¡¯s confidence that it would be able to influence and direct East-Asian policies at any moment.


    However, the one thing the American government had underestimated was Corea¡¯s military power. Corea¡¯s victory in the war against China had shocked many nations across the world, including America. Analyses of Corea being able to take the title of ¡®the world power¡¯ from America began pouring in. Throughout all of this, Prime Minister Abe was making convincing statements to President Trump.


    ¡°Japan is always supportive of America¡¯s policies, Mr. President.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s brown-nosing reflected Japan¡¯s hidden tendency of showing strength to the weak while bowing down to the strong.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, is that so? Japan truly is our best ally, Prime Minister Abe!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Whenever you need Japan¡¯s strength, we will always do our best.¡±


    ¡°Just hearing those words makes me feel at ease.¡±


    Japan¡¯s suggestion to pressurize Corea instead of America was a very sweet deal for America as they did not have to get their hands dirty. The unofficial summit between these two nations continued for two days. Throughout the discussion, the U.S-Japan military treaty was amended considerably, and military cooperation between the U.S and Japan was strengthened further.


    Before Prime Minister Abe returned to Japan, he attempted to hold a secret meeting with the true organization that moved America, the USSC (United States Supreme Security Council).


    * * *


    January 12th, 2021, 09:00, building in the suburb of Washington D.C, U.S.A


    Secretary Yagumachi Genzo, who had previously met with the USSC, walked into the old building located in a Washington D.C suburb.


    ¡°I am Victoria, that¡¯s my code name. It¡¯s a first for a leader of a nation toe and speak with us directly.¡±


    The woman named Victoria initiated the conversation, surrounded by 13 ck-masked and clothed men.


    ¡°It is a great honor to meet all of you.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe stood up from his seat and bowed deeply. The pride he held as the leader of his nation was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Prime Minister, please take a seat.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°What was the reason for requesting a meeting with us?¡±


    Chairman Victoria of the USSC went straight to the point. Prime Minister Abe, who had been humbling himself this entire time, carefully began to speak.


    ¡°I¡¯ve just had a two-day, unofficial summit with President Trump. Today, I appear before you all to receive the support for Japan from the USSC.¡±


    Chessman, the vice-chairman of the USSC, asked a question.


    ¡°What kind of aid are you requesting?¡±


    ¡°The approval of the export of banned American military weapons into Japan.¡±


    ¡°I am Mars. Are you referring to all weapons, Prime Minister?¡±


    Mars, the one in charge of weapons sales, asked the Prime Minister.


    ¡°Yes, that is right.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the U.S allow Japan to purchase F-22 jets and B-1B bombers?¡±


    ¡°As you all know, Corea is bing a military and economic power that is beyond our imagination. If we don¡¯t take action, then they might reach a point where they would influence everything within East-Asia. This is why Japan is requesting the purchase of thetest American weapons.¡±


    ¡°That is also a concern of the USSC.¡±


    Victoria replied.


    ¡°That concern is bing a reality, Madam Victoria.¡±


    ¡°What kind of weapons do you want?¡±


    ¡°We hope to purchase the U.S Navy¡¯s 7th fleet¡¯s Zumwalt ss destroyers, and the George Washington aircraft carrier. Also, if possible, we would like to purchase all your fighter jets.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha! Prime Minister Abe! That¡¯s just too bold and absurd.¡±


    ¡°We are willing to pay any price.¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister Abe, this is not a matter of money. Are you requesting to purchase an entire nation¡¯s operating force? There is also the matter of confidentiality of our military technology.¡±


    The biggest reason why the U.S congress had banned the sale of American weapons was because of the concern about the leaking of American military technology. The danger of having technology in the enemy¡¯s hands would far exceed the profits made by exporting the weapons. If the technology were leaked, then the threats it would cause to America¡¯s security would boomerang back to threaten the entire nation.


    ¡°That cannot be allowed.¡±


    Victoria spoke adamantly, but suddenly, an older man¡¯s voice broke through. It was from code-name: Columbus.


    ¡°As Chairman Victoria has said, we cannot allow this.¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo, who was quietly listening this entire time, whispered in Prime Minister Abe¡¯s ear. The secretary¡¯s words made Prime Minister Abe¡¯s eyebrows furrow in thought.


    ¡°Then, I would like to make another offer. What about renting weapons to Japan, rather than selling them?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by renting?¡±


    ¡°If you are concerned about the technology being leaked, then loan us the equipment. Japan will return the weapons when we¡¯re done, and we will pay for any damages.¡±


    ¡°Even if that is the case, can¡¯t Japan extract the weapon technology if it desired?¡±


    ¡°You can send men to Japan to keep the weapons under surveince at all times. Japan will even pay for the sries of these men.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s suggestion was a convincing one. Victoria began to show interest as she enquired further.


    ¡°Very well. What would be the price for lending these weapons?¡±


    ¡°We are willing to pay 50% of the weapons¡¯ sales price for renting them for a year.¡±


    It was an exceptional offer. The masked members of the USSC began to buzz among themselves.


    ¡°Prime Minister Abe, send us a manifest of the required weapons, and we will contact you before the third of the month, after we discuss this internally.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Thank you. I hope to hear good news, Chairman Victoria.¡±


    * * *


    January 12th, 2021, 03:30, a 7-star hotel in Washington D.C, U.S.A


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s short meeting with the USSC was over, and he was left smiling contentedly since he believed that the negotiations went smoothly.


    ¡°Secretary Yagumachi!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister.¡±


    ¡°You are truly the best negotiator. I can¡¯t believe you were able toe up with a solution like that on the spot.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I just hope we won¡¯t be at a loss for making that offer.¡±


    ¡°No! No! That absolutely will not the case. It was the best-case scenario, and I¡¯m just d I took you along with me. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°I am grateful you think that way, sir.¡±


    ¡°Contact the Minister of National Defense immediately. Tell him to make a list of the military weapons that we need, including the U.S Navy¡¯s 7th fleet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    January 12th, 2021, 10:00, President¡¯s office, Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    ¡°There are a lot more corporations that are involved in war crimes than I expected.¡±


    The President was reading through a document made up of hundreds of pages. His mouth was gaping open from the shock.


    Along with the 299 known corporations, the NIS had found an additional 152 corporations that were involved in war crimes. This made a total of 421 corporations. The 500-page document detailed the corporations¡¯ current business ns, the location of their buildings and factories, as well as theirrgest shareholders since the Japanese imperial era.


    ¡°We never expected there to be this many, sir. Even when we were organizing the data.¡±


    ¡°Great work, and thank you for gathering all this information on such short notice, Secretary Na.¡±


    ¡°No, it was nothing. Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°When will the list of cultural artifacts be finished?¡±


    The President was referring to the cultural artifacts that were stolen by the Japanese during the Japanese imperial era.


    ¡°It seems it will take some time, sir. We are currently cooperating with the department of cultural artifacts and several private organizations, but tracing the artifacts under private ownership is tricky. However, we will do our best to recover even the smallest spoon.¡±


    ¡°My my... I suppose my impatience is causing you much trouble, Secretary Na. I apologize. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°No, Mr. President! The agents who are tasked with this mission are doing their best. We will report back to you as soon as we have organized the data.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know I am breathing down on your neck, but I truly do think this is of the utmost importance. Please hold on for a little bit longer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course, sir.¡±


    Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong spoke.


    ¡°Mr. President! The Northern state collected intel about the stolen artifacts via its Intelligence Agency for some years during my father¡¯s time. If you reference those, it would be a great help to your current project.¡±


    *The intelligence agency was a part of North Korea¡¯s People¡¯s Military, and it was in charge of spying on South Korea and other foreign nations. In February of 2009, the Labor Party¡¯s tactics department (in charge of guiding and transporting spies), the 35th Department (in charge of collecting foreign intel), and the People¡¯s Liberation Army¡¯s Sentry Department had been unified to be the Sentry Department. The Sentry Department consisted of foreign intelligence, tactical intelligence, and reconnaissance departments, and operated 500 to 600 men battalions for the 5 Corps at the front lines. After reunification, the agents from this organization were stationed at the NIS.


    ¡°Is that right, Vice President Kim?¡±


    Secretary Na Bong-il perked up and asked.


    ¡°Yes. My father had ordered the Sentry Department to seek out the artifacts stolen by Japan and attempted to retrieve them by infiltrating Japan. We never got the opportunity to execute the n, however.¡±


    ¡°Ah! So that was the case? Regardless, that is a crucial piece of information, Madam Vice President!¡±


    ¡°I will contact the people involved at that time and have them hand over the documents.¡±


    ¡°I would be grateful if you did, mam.¡±


    ¡°No need to thank me. We are one nation after all, are we not? We are to work together as one.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to Vice President Kim, I suppose your work will be easier. Ha ha ha.¡±


    The President seemed to be in a good mood and began tough heartily.


    ¡°Well, I am d I could be of assistance. I will have it taken care of as soon as the meeting is over.¡±

 Chapter 177

    <h4>Chapter 177</h4>


    January 12th, 2021, 23:00, an old building in the suburb of Washington D.C, U.S.A


    The USSC council members were holding a meeting this morning to discussst night¡¯s negotiations with Prime Minister Abe.


    On the surface, the meeting was about the approval of the sale of weaponry, but in reality, it was about ¡®America¡¯s support of the war by proxy of Japan.¡¯


    The rest of the world may not be fully aware, but it was safe to say that most of the wars that urred within East Asia happened through the intervention of the USSC. The organization held a lot of power and influence in the region. Its strength mainly derived came from its financial assets. The organization used its money to maintain its power, and capitalized it to make even more money. The cycle continued endlessly, and while the organization remained hidden in the shadows.


    However, as time passed, the perfectly nned events that the USSC hadid out suddenly began to go awry. It started with Kim Young-chul¡¯s failed assassination attempt. Then, the failing East Asian policies that they had set was temporarily stabilized through Japan. The USSC had attempted to use the sudden outbreak of the Korean-Chinese war as a way to increase their influence within Korea, but the nation¡¯s unexpected victory had caused their ns to slip once again.


    Now Corea had be a powerful nation that could stand up against both Russia and Japan. This situation called for an economic and military intervention on their part. As such, Prime Minister Abe¡¯s offer hade to them at the right time.


    Loaning military weapons to Japan and starting a vicarious war was the topic of today¡¯s discussion. The USSC was given a prime opportunity that would allow them to intervene within East Asia while profiting from the war. Additionally, there would be no concern about the leaking of their military technology.


    ¡°Thank you for all your input.¡±


    The two-hour-long meeting wasing to an end.


    ¡°We will now officially approve the lending of weapons to Japan.¡±


    Victoria looked at the 12 ck-masked council members sitting around her andmenced with the final votes.


    ¡°Those in favor of weapons loaning to Japan, please raise your hand.¡±


    Many of the men in ck masks raised their hands. The number of men in favor was counted, and the results were announced.


    ¡°By nine votes in favor, the loan has been approved. Mr. Mars!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman Victoria.¡±


    ¡°Please delegate the approval to President Trump and the leaders of both parties.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Now! The next item on the docket is the vicarious war against Corea through Japan. All in favor, please raise your hand.¡±


    Just as before, the ck-masked figures raised their hands, with six who voted in favor. As such, the voted were tied at six to six. Chairman Victoria raised her hand, making a majority that voted in favor of the vicarious war.


    ¡°The vote is seven for. This is truly an important event, so please have each council member conduct their roles silently and swiftly.¡±


    Now that both items have been approved, Japan was able to have a full-on war against Corea, with the support of the American military.


    <hr />


    January 13th, 2021, 10:00, NIS Foreign Intelligence office meeting room, Kangnam-ku, Seoul


    Since the nation was in the midst of a war, the NIS was busy collecting every minute detail and intelligence about Russia and Japan. When they uncovered the news about Prime Minister Abe¡¯s unofficial visit to America, the Foreign Intelligence Unit 2¡¯s 1st team was deployed to America as well.


    The team was on a mission to find out about Prime Minister Abe¡¯s goals for visiting America, the contents of the summit between President Trump and Prime Minister Abe, and who else the Prime Minister would meet during his time there. When the agents from the Foreign Intelligence Unit returned afterpleting their mission, they organized all of their data and was about to report their findings to Director Yoon Ho-il.


    On the meeting room table was a document detailing the contents of President Trump and Prime Minister Abe¡¯s conversation, along with a USB that contained videos of the meeting.


    The NIS agents had seeded in the nearly impossible task of breaking through the American security. Thanks to their special equipment, the agents managed to wire-tap the conversation. However, manager Kang Gi-won from Unit 2, who was writing up the report, did not seem pleased.


    ¡°We tailed Prime Minister Abe and collected information on his whereabouts for two days and three nights. But yet, we couldn¡¯t determine his location for three hours during thest night of his stay, sir.¡±


    ¡°Three hours... So we have no idea where Abe was for three hours? And we don¡¯t know who he met up with?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, precisely.¡±


    ¡°My my! How could you have lost him despite being able to break through the White House¡¯s tight-knit security?¡±


    Director Yoon Ho-il shook his head since he could not understand the situation.


    ¡°The thing is, sir. After 8 p.m, we tailed Prime Minister Abe as he left his hotel. But it turned out to be a fake lead to get us off his tail.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying a simple trick fooled you?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. We are still trying to figure out where we slipped up.¡±


    ¡°All right, well... I suppose there¡¯s nothing we can do now. Anyhow, we have the contents of the conversation between Abe and Trump, don¡¯t we? That¡¯s enough. Great work, Manager Kang!¡±


    Director Yoon Ho-il seemed pleased with the data the foreign intelligence department had brought him, and spoke with a bright expression.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me, sir. I can only give credit to our skilled agents on the field for aplishing our mission so easily. The wire-tapping was all Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong¡¯s work.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so? Manager Park, you¡¯ve always been so skilled!¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong was the same man who had brought Kim Soon-hee safely back from China with team leader Ji Dong-chul. Afterpleting his mission, he took a month-long break in China. Upon his return, he was promoted to Assistant Manager and transferred to the Foreign Intelligence Department Team 2, where he had continued with his activities.


    The reason Park Gi-oong was on a month-long sabbatical after recovering from his injury was to find the Chinese men that had taken Kim Un-hee¡¯s money and sold her off to human traffickers. He had searched every corner of Shim-cheon province for the past 10 days, and finally found the bastard at a mahjong table. Park Gi-oong recovered 600,000 yuan from the 1 million that was stolen. He then broke the guilty men¡¯s arms and legs before returning to Corea and giving the money back to Kim Un-hee.


    Park Gi-oong went to such great lengths because he wanted to fulfill the final wish of Team Leader Ji Dong-chul , who had fallen in the war. Ji Dong-chul had heard about Kim Un-hee¡¯s predicament, and he talked about wanting to return the money that was stolen from her. Those words rang in Park Gi-oong¡¯s head while he was recovering from his injuries, and he decided to follow through.


    ¡°No, sir! All I did was carry out Manager Jeon¡¯s orders.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha! Is that so? Are you and Ms.Kim Un-hee getting along well?¡±


    Manager Kang Gi-won abruptly brought up Kim Un-hee¡¯s name, even in the presence of the Director.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Park, are you and Ms. Kim dating?¡±


    Director Yoon Ho-Il¡¯s interest in Manager Park¡¯s personal life was a surprise. Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong waved his hands and answered:


    ¡°What? That¡¯s not how it is, sir!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean that¡¯s now how it is? Everyone in the office knows, Mr. Park!¡±


    The other agents sitting beside Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong yfully elbowed his ribs. He smiled and answered:


    ¡°Really, sir. I¡¯ve only met her a few times, and it¡¯s always regarding business.¡±


    ¡°What kind of official business does it take for you to meet Ms.Kim Soon-hee in person? Come up with a better excuse next time. Ha ha ha!¡±


    ¡°Young men and women have the right to see each other. That¡¯s great. Ha ha ha.¡±


    Although they were not a couple, Director Yoon Ho-il seemed to believe that the gossip was the truth. Park Gi-oong gave up trying to convince him otherwise and simply shook his head.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m going to head back to report our findings to the secretary. So everyone can go on a break until tomorrow. Assistant Manager Park, you should go visit your girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    <hr />


    January 14th, 2021, 14:30, National Emergency Center cab meeting, Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    At the National Emergency Center, the first cab meeting since the war with China was over, was being held. In attendance was Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong, Governor of the Northern state Kim Young-chul, as well as 18 ministers and vice ministers from each ministry. The meeting was arge scale one, with 60 people attending in total.


    ¡°We will now begin the security council meeting for the new year.¡±


    Under Prime Minister Lee Young-ho¡¯s lead, the council meeting began. The first item on the docket was the ongoing war against Russia and Japan.


    ¡°As you all know, Corea is now a unified nation. We need to discuss the project to expedite the recovery of the Northern state. We also need to set the policies to manage the Western state and the three Manchurian states. However, our nation is at war with Russia and Japan.¡±


    The Prime Minister took a moment to catch his breath. He took a quick nce at the 60 high ranking politicians listening intently to him, and continued with his council meeting topics.


    ¡°We will begin the council meeting by discussing the topic of the war with Russia and Japan as the first item.¡±


    Considering Corea¡¯s current state of affairs, this was the heaviest and most important topic. Since this was directly rted to national security, Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo started off.


    ¡°I am in the position to protect our nation¡¯s security and to keep the peace. As of right now, Russia is using its ¡®Russian-Chinese territory transfer agreement¡¯ as a basis to im the three Manchurian states as its own. It¡¯s making military movements into the territory. At the same time, Japan has had two major naval battles against our nation and is now importing numerous American weaponry to bolster their forces.¡±


    Minister Kang Hyun-soo spoke in a calm and disciplined tone.


    ¡°Corea has won the war against the G2 nation, China. The world is now looking at our nation with a different point of view. Therefore, we must make a firm stance, both against Russia iming territorial rights under a treaty that is now null, and to Japan that is still under its imperial delusions while not admitting to its past wrongs in history. I believe we must use this opportunity to punish Japan, a country that is still making attempts to invade other nations.¡±


    As the Minister of National Defense, this statement was quite a bold and risky one. Minister of Labor Joo Il-tae spoke into this microphone to make his retort.


    ¡°Minister Kang, Corea has just ended the war against China. We are only 13 days into the reunification that our people have longed for years. Engaging in another war, instead of making peace treaties, will not be helpful to our nation¡¯s future. Especially in the state that we¡¯re in.


    ¡°I agree with Minister Joo as well.¡±


    Minister of Industry Kim Hyung-soo spoke up in favor immediately as the Minster of Labor finished speaking.


    ¡°Our nation¡¯s economy has been growing at a record pace and has been growing every day. But ever since the war, our three-year-long economic growth has been heading to a recession. More importantly, no matter how many high-quality products we produce, it will be useless if our export routes are blocked off. Our nation is not like China, where the domestic market can meet the supply alone. Continuing the war will affect the profits of ourpanies and corporations even further.¡±


    The ministers ofbor and industry were both responsible for Corea¡¯s economy. It was understandable that they were against the war as they did not want it to affect the nation¡¯s economic growth.


    ¡°Are you suggesting we simply hand over the ancestralnds? Thends that we have finally reimed after 1,400 years?¡±


    The Minister of Land and Infrastructure responded sarcastically.


    ¡°I am not saying that we simply hand over the ancestralnds. I am suggesting that we handle the situation in a manner that¡¯s as peaceful as possible.¡±


    ¡°And how are we supposed to handle things peacefully? If you have the solution, please share it with the council.¡±


    Minister Go Jin-seon was not backing down.


    ¡°Well... I suppose we must think of a solution.¡±


    Minister Kim Hyun-soo coughed a few times awkwardly and moved away from the microphone. He could note up with an elegant solution.


    ¡°Before our first battle with Russia, we had attempted to resolve this peacefully through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the Russian government still made the same ims it had made before. Don¡¯t we all know by now? President Putin is a warlike brute.¡±


    When the Minister of National Defense made this statement, Minister Lim Tae-yeon of the Ministry of Next-Generation Technology responded.


    ¡°Russia holds the most nuclear weapons in the world. Just looking at nuclear missiles alone, it holds 4,650 operable nuclear warheads and 12,000 operableunch rockets. Is it a good idea to go into a head-on war with this nation?¡±


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t we?¡±


    Vice-Minister of National Defence Nam Won-il, the former armymander of the previous North Korea¡¯s People¡¯s Liberation, spoke loudly in a confident tone. His voice rang clearly throughout the room.


    ¡°Did China not have nuclear weapons too? They may not have had as many as Russia, but China had more than enough to destroy our nation. Why should we be afraid this time?¡±


    This sudden statement from Vice-Minister Nam Won-il left the room in silence. Normally, the vice-ministers would just listen quietly, speaking up to answer only when given a chance to talk. Nam Won-il, however, spoke up confidently, living up to his reputation as the former armymander of the People¡¯s Liberation Army.

 Chapter 178

    <h4>Chapter 178</h4>


    January 14th, 2021, 15:00, National Emergency Center cab meeting, Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    ¡°Vice-Minister Nam Won-il, I am not suggesting that war is impossible. However, the war against China resulted in 4,852 casualties and 10,000 injured men. Must we throw our young men into the typhoon of war again?¡±


    ¡°It is a soldier¡¯s duty to fight for the nation. And dying in the field is an unavoidable part of a war that is also an honor. Is it not?¡±


    ¡°Vice-Minister Nam Won-il, you should stop speaking as if you¡¯re still a part of North Korea¡¯s Communist Party. This is the Federal Republic of Corea, a nation of democracy.¡±


    ¡°Minister Lim Tae-yeon! What did you just say to me?¡±


    ¡°Vice-Minister Nam! Enough! That is no way to speak to the minister.¡±


    Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong had to step in to control the situation. The heated argument between Vice-Minister Nam Won-il and Minister Lim Tae-yeon turned the atmosphere in the room negative.


    ¡°I apologize,rade Vice President. I was too emotional for a moment. Minister Lim Tae-yeon, I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°No. I spoke out of turn and said something that I shouldn¡¯t have. I was thoughtless. I am sorry as well, Vice-Minister.¡±


    The ministers of every department have been working under President Suh Hyun-woo ever since he took office. All except for Minister Go Ji-seon. As such, these ministers worked faithfully under the President¡¯s trust and were given the freedom to express their opinions during cab meetings. However, what Minister Lim Tae-yeon said was out of line and proved to be a grave mistake.


    ¡°Minister Lim, never make such statements again.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho sternly warned the minister.


    ¡°Yes, I was thoughtless. I am sorry, Mr. President, Madam Vice President!¡±


    ¡°Now, let us continue with the meeting.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo replied with a smile and called for the meeting to continue.


    ¡°Minister Kang, can we intercept all of Russia¡¯s ballistic missile forces with our own military¡¯s power? I am asking out of curiosity.¡±


    Minister of Justice Lee Jae-soo asked a practical question.


    ¡°It will depend on how many missiles Russia sends our way, but based on the Chinese ballistic missile attacks we intercepted, the CAMD (Corea Air and Missile Defense) system is capable of intercepting 250 missiles set at a 100%.¡±


    ¡°So if there are more than 250 rounds of missiles heading towards our nation, then there is a possibility that a nuclear missile would fall in our territory?¡±


    ¡°Well, based on the stats, yes.¡±


    ¡°A moment ago, Minister Lim said that Russia is capable of operating 12,000 rockets, and it currently holds 4,650 nuclear warheads. Based on that information, they¡¯re able to make 18 sessive nuclear missile attacks. That¡¯s beyond our interception capabilities then.¡±


    Taking the numbers into ount, this was not something that should be scoffed at. Russia would be able to carry out nuclear strikes that would wipe Corea off the map, 18 times.


    ¡°Each ballistic missile has a different range, so the number of strikes may be different. And based on our analysis from the Ministry of National Defense, there would be eight waves of attacks that our technology would not be able to intercept.


    Minister Kang Hyun-sooid out the facts.


    ¡°Despite all of the numbers, must we even continue the war against Russia? Our people are finally at a point where they can live their lives again. Must we ruin things for them now? The Ministry of National Defense must surely have another solution, no?¡±


    Minister Lee Jae-soo¡¯s question took Minister Kang Hyun-soo by surprise. It made him answer with a look of bewilderment on his face.


    ¡°As a solution, we are preparing to deploy satellites Zeus 2 and 3 on the field. They have been equipped with new technology. At the same time, if we can deploy the CFS/A-31SP Three-Toed Crow space fighter jets, then intercepting the ballistic missiles, and the cost of time and money to resupply Zinog missiles to the Zeus satellites can be drastically reduced. In short, the jets can be considered as flying Zeus satellites. If the two newly developed Zeus satellites and the space fighter jets can be developed and deployed on time, then our interception capabilities can be increased to up to 900 rounds of missiles. I am handing out the documents rted to the project. These are all S-ranked top-secret documents, so they will be collected after the meeting is over.¡±


    The Minister of National Defense, Kang Hyun-soo, gave the signal and some of the secretaries standing by at the corner of the meeting room started handing out documents.


    ¡°I believe that this will be more than enough to intercept the ballistic missile strikes. It may not be an active response, but using the X-1 sma cluster bombs as a retaliation will dampen any additional nuclear strikes ns. The X-1 bomb is equal to a 1Mt ss nuclear bomb in terms of power, and that is 50 times more powerful than the bomb that fell on Hiroshima.¡±


    *The standard C-PAB sma cluster guided missiles used by the Phoenix fighter jets and ck Phoenix bombers were up to par with the 5Kt nuclear bombs. The C-SH Zinog missiles used by the Zeus 1 tactical strike satellite was up to par with the 20Kt nuclear bombs. The new X-1 missiles have the same power as the 1Mt nuclear bombs and can be operated andunched by the military¡¯s ballistic missile forces. The KB-30P Blue Dragon bombers or the CFS/A-31P Three-toed Crow space fighter jet that is scheduled to be deployed in mid-2021 were most likely to be equipped with the X-1 missile as well.


    ¡°So it¡¯s a super-nuclear bomb that has zero radiation fallout?¡±


    Minister Lee Jae-soo asked with a look of disbelief.


    ¡°Yes, you could look at it that way.¡±


    ¡°When will the new Zeus satellites and the Three-toed Crow fighter jets be deployed on the field?¡±


    Minister Nam Tae-yeon asked.


    ¡°The Zeus satellites were scheduled to be deployed in May this year, but the Corean-Chinese war affected the timeline. We pushed the schedule forward and now they are in the final stages of assembly. At the earliest, we think the satellites should be able to be deployed next month. We are also testing thepletely assembled prototype of the space fighter jet.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do all it can to deter a full-on war against Russia until the Zeus satellites and Three-toed Crow space fighter jets are ready to be deployed on the field. How about that?¡±


    Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak spoke in a determined tone.


    ¡°That¡¯s an excellent solution. If we can fend off Russia¡¯s nuclear weapons, wouldn¡¯t it mean that we are more than capable of defending against their ground forces?¡±


    Hearing Minister Nam Tae-hyun, who was initially against the idea of war, speaking in such an agreeable manner, the other ministers in the room nodded in agreement as well.


    ¡°Very well. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will handle Russia for now. But what should we do about Japan?¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho, the moderator of this meeting, concluded the discussion about Russia and moved on to the topic of Japan.


    ¡°Given the opportunity, I would like to give Japan a taste of its own medicine.¡±


    Although he was quiet throughout the discussion on Russia, Minister Oh Seung-tae from the Ministry of Unification Policy was determined to speak up when the topic of Japan came up.


    ¡°I agree with Minister Oh as well.¡±


    ¡°I agree as well.¡±


    ¡°So do I.¡±


    Many of the ministers showed their support. President Suh Hyun-woo began to speak.


    ¡°The words I am about to say are top-secret. So please keep confidentiality in mind as you listen.¡±


    The high ranking government officials in attendance all tensed up when they heard the words ¡°top-secret¡±e out of the President¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I am sure you are all aware of the fact that Japan was behind the Sarin gas attacks at Ji-Ling province. Well, we have confirmation that Japan attempted yet another strike against us. They attempted to assassinate Vice-President Kim Yeo-jeong during our reunification ceremony.¡±


    The minsters and vice-ministers, excluding the few that already knew, were shocked into silence. Vice-President Kim Yeo-jeong was surprised as well. She remembered that there was a smallmotion when she stepped up on stage to make her address, but she did not realize that it was an assassination attempt. The Vice-President, as well as the meeting¡¯s attendees, were all in considerable shock, and no one dared to speak. That was when Vice-Minister Nam Won-il stood up and asked loudly.


    ¡°Is this true?¡±


    The President gestured for the crowd to settle down before he answered.


    ¡°I will exin everythingter. So please, Vice-Minister Nam, sit down.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I apologize. Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Japan¡¯s Prime Minister Abe unofficially visited America four days ago. The meeting was a bid to strengthen the military treaty between the two nations. We also found out that Japan is making attempts to purchase different types of weapons from America; weapons that the U.S Congress has explicitly banned. Can I assume all of you are able to deduce what this means?¡±


    The Minister of Education was the one who answered the President¡¯s question:


    ¡°They are preparing for a war against our nation, are they not, Sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly. Japan, with the backing of the United States, is preparing to go to war with us.¡±


    ¡°But Mr. President, Japan doesn¡¯t have any military force that is capable ofnding within Corea. And we¡¯ve already defeated their naval forces... twice! Their navy is supposed to be superior to ours, and yet they still lost. However, I am concerned about what America is doing behind the scenes.¡±


    Minister of Justice Lee Jae-soo, who held a practical viewpoint, spoke up.


    ¡°Yes, you have assessed things correctly. America¡¯s involvement is what is important here. This is why I kept hidden the fact that Japan carried out Sarin gas attacks at Ji-Ling province, and that they attempted to assassinate a key figure in our nation. If these acts were to be revealed to the world, America would have to face some severe repercussions if they continue to support Japan blindly.


    The President¡¯s voice became stronger as he continued speaking.


    ¡°Based on the actions taken against our nation, Corea has every right to retaliate andunch an attack against Japan. This is why I would prefer to put a quick end to Japan, even if we¡¯re not sure about Russia just yet.¡±


    The President¡¯s speech showed his resolve and determination. When he finished speaking, Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong spoke.


    ¡°I am also in agreement with the President. Japan is not only denying its historical wrongdoings but also victimizing themselves from the nuclear attacks to elicit pity. I think we should take this opportunity to give them the just punishment they deserve.¡±


    ¡°If anyone has any doubt or a different opinion from the President, please speak out now.¡±


    To conclude the meeting regarding Japan, Prime Minister Lee Young-ho opened the floor up to discussion. Everyone in the room, however, held the same opinion as the President, and so, it was concluded that the nation would engage in a full-on war with Japan. An official document of approval would be sent to the senate to conclude the matter.


    The cab meeting ended at 7pm, after several discussions on the projects that were started after the reunification.


    * * *


    January 15th, 2021, 10:00, the 17th Fighter Wing airforce base, Choongbook Cheongju-si


    Arge cargo truck drove up to the runway of the 17th Fighter Wing base, carrying something that was covered in a ck tarp. Based on the cargo¡¯s size, it seemed to be 1.5 timesrger than the CF/A-25PN ck Phoenix fighter jet.


    The mysterious cargo was carefully lowered by a crane installed on the back of the truck while being under the military police surveince. When the ck tarp was taken off, a never-before-seen jet was revealed. At first look, the jet appeared to deviate from the standard design of a fighter jet. Unlike the Phoenix jets and ck Phoenix bombers¡¯ sleek and high-tech appearance, this new jet looked alien.


    This was the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet, and it was designed with variable wings. Its construction was the result of a three-year project that involved a hundred researchers and technicians working at the Olympus base. It was the only jet that was capable of flying both at atmosphere levels and in space. In theory, it could reach the moon in nine hours and would take 18 hours to return to earth. It was the world¡¯s first human-crewed spacecraft.


    The CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow¡¯s first pilots were Lt.Colonel Lee Doo-ho, and his cohorts, the instructors from the 99th Flight Training Wing. Lt.Colonel Lee Doo-ho was the instructor for Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin and now, he held the honor of being the first pilot to fly the space fighter jet.


    A momentter, the three pilots, including Lt.Colonel Lee Doo-ho, walked out from a building. Unlike the typical pilot¡¯s suit, the three men wore sleek-looking outfits that looked like they belonged in a science fiction movie.


    Crew: 3 men


    Length: 30.3m x 25.5m(13.5m) x 5.1m


    Base weight: 4t


    Maximum take-off weight: 300t


    Maximum altitude: None


    Radar: C-HOKULLA 03 MCS


    Engine: C-PTZ-2000 x 2


    Sub-engines: C-PTZ-1000 x 2


    Engine output: 300,000 x 2 / 12,000 x 2


    Maximum distance: Limitless


    Action radius: 500,000km


    Maximum speed (Space/Atmosphere): Mach 38 / Mach 18


    Supercruise: Mach 30


    Stealth capabilities: 100%


    Arms:


    Interceptionser cannon: 50mm high-poweredser beam.


    4 Space-to-surface Zinog missiles.


    6 Space-to-surface Epirus missiles


    2 X-1 (sma cluster bomb) missiles.

 Chapter 179

    <h4>Chapter 179</h4>


    January 15th, 2021, 16:00


    Corea


    Once the decision was made about what to do against Russia and Japan through the cab meeting, the central government¡¯s branches began to move quietly in an organized manner. Up first was the ministry of foreign affairs that made active attempts to contact Russia.


    Corea had begun a back and forth diplomacy with Russia, the world¡¯s second military power, and thergest owner of nuclear weapons. Right now, the territorial im of the Manchurian area was the topic of debate. In truth, Russia¡¯s im for the eastern Manchurian states was a powerful nation being tyrannical in the eyes of the internationalmunity.


    China had agreed to concede the territories of the Manchurian states (the three northeastern provinces and the Mongolian self-governed state) to Corea, and announced ¡°the Russian-Chinese territory transfer agreement¡± is null. ording to internationalws, the Manchurian area was now Corea¡¯s territory permanently. However, Russia paid no mind and continued to make oundish ims while ignoring internationalws, showing its nature of being a ¡°mobster-like nation.¡± Based on how Russia has acted throughout the international political sphere, it was no surprise.


    Also, Russia¡¯s actions showed howpletely ignorant it was being towards Corea that had overpowered a G2 nation through strength. No, to be precise, it was underestimating Corea¡¯s power. Russia would constantly mock China for copying their military weapons, calling them a nation that could note up with original ideas.


    When the news spread about China¡¯s defeat to Corea, the nation Russia had always considered to be its lesser, Russia did not step back or be frightened. The nation was not one that would back down easily, reflecting president Putin¡¯s tendencies.


    Anyhow, Corea¡¯s ministry of foreign affairs attempted to resolve the matter peacefully by using its diplomatic strategies while Russia was gathering its forces across the border of the Manchurian states.


    Meanwhile, the decision to go into direct war against Japan had been made. The most pressing issue was figuring out Japan¡¯s rtionship with America. The number of American forces stationed in Japan was about 40 000, including the U.S Navy¡¯s 7th fleet, Air Force, and Marines. The American 7th fleet was as powerful as any other nation¡¯s entire naval power and the Air Force also consisted of thetest equipment and weaponry, while the most elite 13,521 Marines and 20,500 men in the army were stationed across 30 different areas in Japan.


    This factor alone would put Corea at a disadvantage, and it was the first thing they had to figure out. After the war breaks out, if any damage was to be done to the American bases during anding or supplying operations, then it could lead to war against America as well. However, it wasn¡¯t as if Corea could request the U.S to pull back all of their forces from Japan since it wanted to go to war against Japan.


    This was another issue that the ministry of foreign affairs had to solve. Corea, Japan, and America were military allies but it had to figure out how America would act if a war broke out between the other two nations. Based on international politics and their rtionship as allies, it was expected for America to take a neutral stance. However, when news came of Prime Minister Abe¡¯s unofficial summit with President Trump, and them having another secret meeting, the rtionship between America and Japan became suspicious.


    The conversation between Prime Minister Abe and President Trump that the NIS got hold of had confirmed Corea¡¯s suspicions.


    To summarize the important bits, America had agreed and promised to give unconditional support and military aid to Japan. This military agreement was one that would be beyond any other agreement that was made between two nations. If war broke out between Japan and Corea, then it could be assumed that America would side with Japan.


    * * *


    January 16th, 2021, 09:30


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 Bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Theplicated rtionship between Corea, America, and Japan was a political matter. The ministry of national defense and the joint chief of staff were busy establishing strategies for the war against Japan. Themanders who had worked tirelessly during the Chinese-Corean war had to postpone their leave and spend sleepless nights again in the underground bunker.


    One thing that was different from the strategies used during the Chinese-Corean war was how a few of President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s inputs were incorporated into it. The operation was named ¡°R J to 1945¡± and it was short for ¡°Return Japan to 1945.¡± It symbolized the intent to return Japan to 1945 when it was a defeated nation in war.


    The name alone carried the president¡¯s strong resolve.


    ¡°The start of the war against Japan is still not settled. It could be today, tomorrow, or a long way into the future. However, we as soldiers, are responsible for the security of our nation and must be prepared for anything. Therefore, if anyone has a suggestion about how we should establish our tactics, please speak up, regardless of department or rank.¡±


    Lieutenant General Na Tae-Yoon, the operations director, started off the meeting. Lieutenant General Lee Gi-Hyung, themander of the navy, raised his hand and made the first suggestion.


    ¡°Unlike China, Japan is an ind nation so it will have limits in utilizing its army and ground forces. Therefore, if we mobilize all the amphibious fleets andmercial ships like we did during the Shandongnding, then we have 30 000 ships at our disposal. That is if we hold the naval superiority. I believe we must use all of our artillery forces and missiles first instead ofmitting to an amphibious tactic.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Lee Gi-Hyung finished speaking, the tactics director raised his hand and spoke.


    ¡°An artillery strike without an amphibious tactic would have its limits. In regards...¡±


    The meeting about the Japanese war would conclude after 5 long days, and operation ¡°R J to 1945¡± was finally established. The contents were 3 volumes long and the file was sent to president Suh Hyun-woo before receiving the official approval.


    * * *


    January 17th, 2021, 14:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, Minister of Foreign Affair¡¯s Office


    After Ambassador Jackie Robins¡¯ term ended in 2020, Ambassador Wally Gold took his ce. He was ncing at Minister Kim Jae-Hak with a peculiar expression.


    ¡°As you are aware, Ambassador Gold, Corea, and Japan¡¯s rtionship is not so smooth at the moment. Our president requests for a clear exnation of America¡¯s stance in this matter.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-Hak immediately started the conversation with the main topic.


    ¡°I am not sure what you mean by America¡¯s stance.¡±


    Ambassador Gold face was neutral and he replied with a question instead.


    ¡°If you want me to be specific, then I will.


    What would America¡¯s stance be if Corea goes into a full-on war against Japan?¡±


    When the minister spoke bluntly, Ambassador Gold stopped acting coy and spoke.


    ¡°Minister Kim! Our nation, Corea, and Japan are all allies. We are already concerned about our allies making military provocations, but if it escted into war, then the U.S would not allow it.¡±


    ¡°Will not allow it. So that means our alliance is not one of equal standing but rather on a hierarchical nature, is that it?¡±


    ¡°Ah! I apologize if my statement sounded that way. That¡¯s my mistake. I would like to amend my statement. America is absolutely against any actions that would jeopardize the alliance between the three nations.¡±


    Ambassador Wally Gold was just as sly as Ambassador Jackie Robins. The superficial statement from him made Minister Kim Jae-Hak frustrated for an instance.


    ¡°If that is the case, what would America do if our nation had no choice but to go to war against Japan for the atrocities itmitted?¡±


    ¡°Japan¡¯s atrocities? What do you mean?¡±


    Ambassador Wally Gold pretended to be shocked and asked again while leaning his upper body towards the minister.


    ¡°I am talking about this.¡±


    Minister Kim handed therge envelope containing numerous documents he had already prepared to Ambassador Gold.


    ¡°Can I take a moment to read this?¡±


    Ambassador Gold began to slowly read over the documents within the envelope. Then after a few moments, his eyes began to frantically dart back and forth from the document to Minister Kim Jae-hak.


    ¡°Is this true?¡±


    ¡°Well, would we have forged these documents then?¡±


    ¡°My! This is unbelievable.¡±


    Ambassador Wally Gold ced the document on the table whileughing an emptyughter. The contents detailed the Sarin gas terrorist attack at Ji-Ling province and the assassination attempt of Vice President Kim Yeo-Jeong that Japan hadmitted. The thing that shocked Ambassador Gold was the amount of evidence that supported the im that Japan was the one behind all of this.


    ¡°I believe this amount of evidence would be more than sufficient? Ambassador Gold?¡±


    ¡°I am sure you wouldn¡¯t mind me giving you an answer after I contact the U.S government, would you, minister?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, please do so.¡±


    * * *


    January 21st, 2021, 16:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, Blue House, the President¡¯s Office


    The Federal Republic of Corea which had now been divided into 6 states after reunification had caused President Suh Hyun-woo to be busy with national affairs. He had spent the past five days going over operation ¡°R J to 1945¡± with the high-ranking government officials.


    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received an official statement from Ambassador Wally Gold. America was to stay neutral during the Corean-Japanese war, and would dere all American military bases located within Japan as neutral territory and requested for the bases to be excluded from the crossfire of war.


    This could not be trusted fully, but since this was the official statement and stance the U.S government was taking, the rtionship between Corea, America, and Japan was no longer holding the nation back. Therefore, President Suh Hyun-woo gave the order to report the established ns and strategies for the operation immediately for his review.


    ¡°It seems our tactics are detailed and decisive.¡±


    National Security Director Na Jang-soo, who was reading the three-page summary of the key points of the operation n, spoke while being thoroughly impressed.


    ¡°This is quite impressive. But doesn¡¯t this mean we must use most of the missiles our nation holds?¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-Tae, who also attended the meeting, asked.


    ¡°Exactly. I believe we will use the missiles the North Korean military held for this war.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-Sik, who hade with the Minister of National Defense, answered.


    ¡°Do we have that many missiles?¡±


    When Secretary Na Sung-Tae asked again, Chairman Kang Ui-Sik smiled and answered him.


    ¡°From tactical ballistic missiles with a range of 300km to ICBMs, the total number of missiles is 1,050 rounds. If we add the ballistic missiles our military currently holds, then the number would increase to 1,900 rounds. If we include all the cruise missiles as well, then the total would be 2,800 rounds.¡±


    The key point of the operation was victory, but as the name suggested, the other goal was to take down Japan¡¯s economy. The main goal was to return Japan to its status after being defeated in the war in 1945, so taking down therge corporations and the smaller ones, their buildings, factories, and any other rted infrastructure were targeted.


    The attack was targeted at corporations that had especially grownrger during the Japanese Imperial era and until its defeat in the second world war as a form of revenge. The best method for carrying out this attack were using ballistic and cruise missiles.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize there were so many. My, I never would have dreamt that North Korea¡¯s missile would be used like this...¡±


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-Tae stopped speaking. He had forgotten Vice President Kim Yeo-Jeong was right next to him.


    ¡°Madam Vice President, I misspoke. I apologize.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, Secretary Na! It¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it? I am just d our old military¡¯s strengths can aid in our nation¡¯s efforts.¡±


    ¡°Haha... I am sorry again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Vice President Kim Yeo-Jeong smiled at the chief secretary and seemed amused by his perfuse apologies.


    ¡°Ha ha ha... it seems everyone is still adjusting.¡±


    ¡°I hope you could forgive him, Madam Vice President.¡±


    ¡°No, Mr. President! I am fine.¡±


    When the president also began to apologize, Vice President Kim Yeo-Jeong answered back politely.


    ¡°Now! Why don¡¯t we continue discussing the operation ns?¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho pointed to one part of the report and answered.


    ¡°Looking at the established ns, we have an operation to reim all the historical artifacts that were stolen. I also agree with the idea of taking them back as well, but I believe it could be a waste of our special forces to conduct this part of the operation in wartime. Couldn¡¯t we have the artifacts returned to us as a form of rpense after Japan¡¯s surrender?¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Young-ho¡¯s suggestion was well-grounded. Using special forces in wartime to reim cultural artifacts was a waste of manpower, and the mission itself could be highly dangerous.


    ¡°You have a great point, prime minister. However, there¡¯s a reason for this mission. America that is iming to stay neutral during this war could change their stance at any moment. Japan could request America to step in and have them request for the war to be over. If that is the case, then we may not be able to demand for the cultural artifacts to be returned, even if we are victorious. Therefore, I have pushed for this operation.¡±


    ¡°I see. I understand.¡±


    The prime minister nodded in agreement with the Minister of National Defense¡¯s exnation.

 Chapter 180

    <h4>Chapter 180</h4>


    January 21st, 2021, 16:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, Blue House, the president¡¯s office.


    When President Suh Hyun-woo approved operation ¡°R J to 1945¡± yesterday, the Ministry of National Defense and the joint chief of staff worked busily to make the necessary preparations.


    First, all forces that were stationed in the Manchurian states to defend the area were called back to base for maintenance. The borders facing Russia were reinforced and reorganized hastily based on the analysis of the number of Russian forces stationed in the area


    The 1st marine, 2nd marine divisions, and the 3rd armored marine division all returned to the Pyeong-Taek navy base where the second fleet¡¯smand headquarters was located to prepare and conduct maintenance for thending in Japan.


    ¡°Currently the Russian forces stationed in the area are the 5th, 35th, 29th, 36th military, and the 68th corps is being supplied thetest equipment from the Western military.¡±


    ??


    Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won, the intelligence director, continued his exnation while pointing to the digital map.


    ¡°Based on our analysis of Russia¡¯s eastern military, it consists of 2,000 armored tanks where 1,000 are the T-90A dimir tanks, equipped with the Shtora active protection system. 600 tanks are the T-90AM, the refurbished versions of the T-90A tanks that have been equipped with the Arena E system. Lastly, the remaining 400 tanks are Russia¡¯stest 4.5th generation tanks, the T-14 Armata. The eastern military also possesses 2500 BMPs, 1,100 self-propelled guns, and 700 MLRS units.


    Up next is their aerial forces. The Russian Air Force holds 100 Su-34 Sukhoi fighter jets, 80 Su-35 Sukhoi fighter jets, and 120 attacker jets, that all hold Su-27, Su-30MK, and Mig-31 missiles. Also, 80 additional Su-50 stealth fighter jets that have been recently added to their arsenal.¡±


    ¡°It seems Russia¡¯s eastern military has gotten a makeover,¡± Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il spoke while smiling uneasily.


    ¡°The eastern navy holds 1 va ss missile cruiser, 2 Kirov ss nuclear cruisers (the Admiral Ushakov, and the Admiral Lazarev), 1 Sovremenny ss destroyer, 4 Udaloy-ss destroyers, 6 sentry ships, 6 Borei ss nuclear submarines, and 4 Oscar ss nuclear submarines, and 3 Shuka B ss nuclear submarines, 8 Kilo-ss submarines and amphibious ships along with their aerial forces.¡±


    As the intelligence director¡¯s report continued, pictures and descriptions of the Russian military¡¯s equipment showed up on the screen.


    ¡°They have a significant number of submarines in their navy.¡±


    General Choi Jin-gook, the first militarymander spoke while ncing at the screen. The intelligence director answered.


    ¡°Yes, General Choi, sir! Russia is currently unable to operate arge-scale aircraft carrier force, therefore they hold and operate arge number of submarines to counter America¡¯s carrier fleet.¡±


    ¡°I see. Howrge is their army?¡±


    ¡°Russia holds a total of 200,000 men in their army.¡±


    The intelligence director spent 10 minutes to take questions and make further exnations before finishing his briefing about Russia¡¯s military. When he was finished, he took a seat.


    ¡°Now we will begin the briefing to discuss the reorganization of the forces that will defend the Manchurian states based on the analysis we have just been reported about.¡±


    The operations director stood up from his seat and began to speak about the next topic. Then he moved towards the podium.


    ¡°Based on our analysis of Russia¡¯s forces, we have reorganized our forces for defense rather than the offensive organization we used for the Chinese-Korean war.¡±


    ¡°Please direct your attention to the screen.¡±


    The operations director used aser pointer to show the area he was about to speak about.


    ¡°The 1st marine division that fought the first battle against Russia will be returned home and the 11th and 12th corps under the 5th sentrymand center will be ced at the border and front lines. We will defend against Russia¡¯s elite force, the 5th military with the 82nd and 81st mechanized infantry division, while the 5th corps¡¯ 6th and 8th mechanized infantry division, and the 3rd armored division will be aiding them as they hold the border along the Du-man river and the eastern front.¡±


    ¡°How far are we along in the process of stationing our troops?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-Sik asked.


    ¡°Sir! The eastern front has the 12th corps¡¯ 82nd armored division and the 81st mechanized infantry division stationed already, and the 5th corps¡¯ force will begin to depart to their destinations within 3 days.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will now begin the report about the northern front. Russia¡¯s main force along the northern lines is the 35th military. They have to go through rough mountainous terrain, so our 15th and 27th light armored mountain division have erected a defensive line. The S208 road that would be the enemy¡¯s main traffic route for their invasion will be defended by the 7th mobile corps and the capital armored division and rece the 8th mechanized infantry division¡¯s ce. As stated before, our forces will be taking a defensive approach, so the 620th artillery corps will be divided up evenly amongst the other defending forces to aid them.¡±


    ¡°Do you think the 620th artillery corps would be enough?¡±


    When Chief of Naval Operations Na Hyung-hwan asked, Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il responded angrily.


    ¡°You disappoint me, General Na. I know our artillery corps consists of outdated gear, but no soldier has survived being hit by one. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, Lieutenant General Youn?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, sir. The 620th artillery corps was the best artillery force within North Korea. They would be more than enough for defending our territory. There¡¯s no need to worry.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I am sorry, Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il, sir!¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, it¡¯s nothing. If you consider our nation¡¯s military force, then one may easily think that way. However, in our situation, wouldn¡¯t every man count?¡±


    ¡°You are right, sir,¡± Chief of Naval Operations Na Hyung-hwan spoke while smiling awkwardly.


    ¡°The navy¡¯s operationsmander will brief about Russia¡¯s eastern fleet, also known as the pacific fleet, next.¡±


    The disorganized atmosphere of the meeting room became calm and quiet from the operation director¡¯s words, andmander of the navy¡¯s operations, Lieutenant General Lee Gi-Hyung stepped up to the podium.


    ¡°Hello, I am Lieutenant General Lee Gi-Hyung, themander of the navy¡¯s operationsmand.¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Gi-Hyung, saluted, then used aser pointer to point towards the digital map which had changed to show the Eastern Sea area.


    ¡°Currently the eastern fleet¡¯s forces are up to par with Japan¡¯s 23 escorting fleets. In particr, the nuclear submarines that will infiltrate our waters while avoiding detection of our Poseidon 1 satellite pose the greatest threat.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the Hoc submarines that were operating at the eastern Chinese sea, and the western Philippines sea, have all been called back to our eastern seas, while the other subs are all stationed along the eastern sea and the south sea as well.¡±


    ¡°Also, for the rest of our naval forces, the 1st and 3rd fleet will deploy all of their possible forces to the east sea to defend against Russia¡¯s eastern fleet.¡±


    General Choi Byung-hwan, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force remarked while the briefing was taking ce.


    ¡°I think that wouldn¡¯t be enough to fight against the Russian fleet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is right, sir. It¡¯s not enough to pressure Russia¡¯s navy. That is why the air force must aid us as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Is that it? Ha ha ha, no need to worry, Lieutenant General Kim will give you full support.¡±


    ¡°That is right, Lieutenant General Lee, there¡¯s no need to worry. The air force is standing by 24/7.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. That concludes my briefing about Russia¡¯s eastern fleet.¡±


    ¡°Now! Up next is the air force¡¯s ns to aid the other forces...¡±


    The joint chief of staff¡¯s meetingsted for 3 hours and it concluded after making the final confirmations about operation ¡°R J to 1945.¡± The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had held off the war against Russia with its diplomacy, but the Corean-Japanese war was about to start at any moment.


    <hr />


    January 22nd, 2021, 14:00


    Choongbook Chungju-si Bongmu Mountain, Olympus Base.


    On the 11th floor of the Olympus Base factory, modified cannon shells were being produced for the 620th artillery corps.


    To elevate the 620th artillery corps¡¯ firepower, which was set to be the core force to defend the Manchurian states, 122mm, 130mm, 152mm sma rounds, and 240mm and 300mm sma rockets were in full production. The production for sma cluster rounds for each size was specially expanded.


    Each sma round was modified for each caliber with a production rate of 500 rounds per day. The sma cluster rounds had a production rate of 200 rounds per day as well.


    Thepleted rounds were sent to the train station on the second floor and soon loaded onto the freight trains to be transported to the forces under the 620th artillery corps stationed at the Manchurian states.


    ¡°The joint chief of staff has contacted us requesting for an increase in production, Chief Lee Jin-Hyeon, sir!¡±


    The head staff of the Olympus Base held a meeting after having lunch to discuss the requests from the joint chief of staff. Director Oh Young-il was leading the conversation. Chief Lee Jin-Hyeon, who was in charge of productions, answered with a question instead of an answer.


    ¡°How much are we talking about?¡±


    ¡°As much as possible at maximum capability.¡±


    ¡°At maximum capacity. If that is the case, then the production lines up to the 12th floor must also join in on the production. If that were to be done, then there could be issues with the production of the naval missiles currently being used.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that won¡¯t do.¡±


    The 8th and 9th floor of the Olympus Base was responsible for the production of the ship-to-ship and surface-to-air missiles being operated in the naval fleets.


    ¡°Which external contract factory for ammunitions have the best-kept security?¡±


    When Director Oh Young-il asked, Executive Yoo Seung-hun from Sam-il technologies answered.


    ¡°I believe that would be our Sam-il technologies factory located in Ahn-sung.¡±


    ¡°The factory in Ahn-sung?¡±


    ¡°Yes! We have increased our security, and there are up to 100 security agents at all times.¡±


    ¡°Ah, the Ahn-sung factory is the one producing our 155mm cannon rounds, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct. If we do convert production to the sma rounds, then how long would the transition process take?¡±


    ¡°If we get government approval, then the software can be changed immediately, but the hardware would take a week to rece.¡±


    ¡°A week. I will work with the government to obtain approval, so have your factory prepare for a conversion to produce sma rounds. Have our Olympus Base¡¯s 8th floor shift their entire production to sma rounds. How does that sound?¡±


    ¡°Yes, if things go smoothly, I believe production would increase.¡±


    ¡°Now, what¡¯s the next item on the docket?¡±


    <hr />


    February 1st, 2021 10:00


    Seoul Jongro-ku, Bluehouse Press Room, 1st floor


    On Monday morning, news of the president making a sudden public address had brought numerous reporters and cameraman gathered at the room with their cameras andptops, waiting for President Suh Hyun-woo to make an appearance. A momentter, President Suh Hyun-woo had arrived and stepped up onto the podium.


    President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s face seemed tensepared to the usual rxed look he would have when addressing the public.


    ¡°Good morning. Our nation has achieved rapid economic growth and our goal of reunification. Also, thanks to the blood, sweat, and tears of our younger generation, we were victorious in the war against China. Our nation, Corea, is like a small boat in a stormy sea, and have made it this far while withstanding harsh conditions and passing through rough waves.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo maintained his serious expression and delivered his address in a tense tone. After he took a deep breath, he looked at the camera and began to speak on the main point of his address.


    ¡°There is still one more issue that our nation must solve. As I say this, I am sure many of you must be thinking, ¡®We have already achieved our goal of reunification, what else is left?¡¯ Am I right? However, there is one more thing we must do. That is resolving the shameful history of being under the imperial rule for 35 years and 40 years based on the Protectorate Treaty between Korea and Japan, and 69 years if we base it on the previous treaty signed at Kanghwa Ind.¡±


    ¡°We have yet to receive a sincere apology from Japan even to this day. Japan has conducted heinous crimes of indoctrination of our citizens, theft of our cultural artifacts, ughtering of our patriotic martyrs, taking our natural resources for their war while subjecting our ancestors to forcedbor in mines, construction sites, and using our women as sex-ves.¡±


    ¡°Also, our grandmothers had to endure the shame and despair of bing sex-ves to the Japanese soldiers. Despite Japanmitting these heinous and universally outrageous crimes, they are denying every part of their wrongdoings and altering their history. They are calling our Dok-do Ind, Dakeshima, and still plotting to invade our nation.¡±


    The president raised his voice. Since he was speaking about the hurtful past, his anger showed without him noticing.


    ¡°Therefore, Corea must receive a sincere apology from Japan for its past wrongs and correct the distorted view they have about the past. I believe that that moment is now.¡±


    Many citizens who were watching president Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s address through the television showed different responses. An elderly woman was crying, a young man clenched both his fists in anger while he thought about the shameful history from the nation¡¯s past. A middle-aged man and woman were pping their hands in agreement. Everyone had their eyes glued to the TV screen.

 Chapter 181

    <h4>Chapter 181</h4>


    February 1st, 2021, 10:20


    Seoul Jongro-ku, Bluehouse Press Room, 1st floor


    ¡°We have proof that the Sarin gas attacks that urred in Ji-Ling was the work of the Japanese prime minister cab¡¯s intelligence office disguised as Chinese soldiers with the intention to obstruct our victory. Not only that, but we also have found evidence that Japan had attempted to assassinate Vice President Kim Yeo-jung. Luckily their attempt failed and we have seeded in capturing the culprit.¡±


    ¡°Also, we have obtained numerous statements and evidence from the culprit that the Abe government is behind this heinous act. What difference would Japan be from a terrorist nation after attempting such shameful crimes resembling the Pyeongyang terrorist bombing to disturb our nation¡¯s wish of reunifying the nation, and lead our country into another civil war?¡±


    At this moment, the citizens of Corea, and those of other nations were all in shock and horror after hearing President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s statement. The atrocious acts Japan hadmitted against Corea had been madepletely public. Japan¡¯s nature of being two-faced was being unveiled to the rest of the world.


    ¡°Therefore, as the president of Corea, I officially dere war against Japan at 24:00 hours today.¡±


    The president stared at the camera directly and spoke his final words.


    ¡°Prime Minister Abe, you will have to kneel before the citizens of Corea when this is over.¡±


    The president then rxed his tense expression and bowed lightly after reading his public address. There was no time given for questions and the president left the press room immediately. When he did so, reporters from every press agency began to move about busily.


    ¡°Man! It¡¯s as if a nuke went off, eh? Japan¡¯s actions being made public is one thing, but dering war against Japan only after a month has passed since the Chinese-Corean war was over...¡±


    ¡°Reporter Lee! There¡¯s no time! Stop talking and send over the pictures you just took!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes, sir.¡±


    The reporters from both Corea and overseas were all busy trying to write up and publish the report about the Japanese-Corean war first, so everyone was busy sending the pictures and documents back to their agency. At every major city in Corea, citizens poured out into the streets to protest against Japan and Abe for their atrocious acts.


    <hr />


    February 1st, 2021, 11:00


    Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Office


    m! ng!


    In the prime minister¡¯s office, broken pieces of flower pots were strewn across the floor. Prime Minister Abe could not hold back his anger after seeing President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s national address and had swept off the flower pots on his desk.


    ¡°Prime minister, sir! What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    A secretary asked after he hurried into the room upon hearing themotion.


    ¡°Call for an emergency meeting of all cab members, now!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Understood.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s eyes shifted rapidly left and right while breathing heavily.


    ¡°Suh Hyun-woo! I will make you realize how foolish you have acted and regret your decision!¡±


    <hr />


    February 1st, 2021, 14:30


    Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Emergency Situation Center


    It was 8 hours and 30 minutes before the war started. Government officials rted to national security and numerous militarymanders were in attendance.


    ¡°There are approximately 8 hours left before the war starts. Were preparations made for the expected attacks that Corea would make?¡±


    When Prime Minister Abe asked in a slightly nervous tone, jointmander Masaki Hajime answered as if he had anticipated the question already.


    ¡°During the war against China, Corea used sudden ballistic and cruise missile attacks to destroy China¡¯s main military encampments, radar, and anti-air bases. Then they continued the attack using bombers. They had followed the model strategy of modern warfare to the book. I am sure they will start the attack again with their ballistic and cruise missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your solution for this? Please tell us.¡±


    When Prime Minister Abe¡¯s question continued, Commander Dakeshi of the air force stiffened his upper body and answered.


    ¡°Yes, across Japan, our air forces are operating 6 THAAD: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense forces while America is also operating 2 additional units in our territory as well. Please direct your attention to the screen.¡±


    On therge screen installed at the center in the room, a digital map outlined the THAAD artillery forces locations and descriptions.


    ¡°Since America is unable to enter into war against their ally Corea, our nation is able to integrate the 2 THAAD artillery forces that America is operating into our own air force based on the Japanese-American military treaty. Thus, with 8 operational THAAD artillery forces, we are able to intercept a total of 384 missiles at high altitudes.¡±


    ¡°Besides these, there are 8 additional artillery forces equipped with N-SAM high altitude interception missiles that we deployed onto the fieldst year. These missiles are capable of intercepting 160 rounds at high altitudes. Therefore, our total interception capability is 544 missiles.¡±


    ¡°If we add the navy¡¯s forces, then we are able to intercept 650 rounds using the high-altitude radars, and our terminal phase interception type AN/TPY-2 radar is able to detect ballistic missiles lifting off at 1000km in the atmosphere and urately intercept them at 600km during its descent.¡±


    ¡°All ballistic missiles beingunched from Corea are able to be detected during both theirunch and descent.¡±


    Japan was an ind nation, so their route of invasion was from the sea and in the air. Japan¡¯s self-defense force was once ranked 3rd in the world, and they had spentrge amounts of capital on their anti-air forces. One reason was to defend against North Korea¡¯s missile attacks, but another was to defend against China that held thousands of ballistic missiles.


    Japan¡¯s interception system that was capable of striking down 650 rounds of missiles nearly matched America or Russia.


    ¡°Very well. Then, what about the cruise missiles?¡±


    ¡°The cruise missiles are able to be fully detected with our early warning systems and numerous radars, and they are able to be intercepted with the type-03 SAM surface-to-air missile artillery forces and the SM-2 missiles on the numerous destroyer vessels.¡±


    ¡°Well, I am already relieved from hearing your words, Commander Dakeshi. That goes for our defenses, but aren¡¯t we supposed to attack as well?¡±


    After transitioning into a standard nation in 2015, Japan had begun to develop and manufacture offensive weapons such as the type-13A and type-13B cruise missiles each with a range of 800km and 1,200km. They also owned 200 ballistic J-ONE missiles that had a range of 1,000km.


    ¡°As soon as the war starts and the Corean military starts their ballistic and cruise missile attacks, we are nning to retaliate with our type-13A and type-13B cruise missiles and strike the Corean military¡¯s radar bases and air force bases. Then we will strike Corea¡¯s major cities such as Seoul and Busan using the Tomahawk block 3 and block 4 cruise missiles we have imported from America.¡±


    ¡°Great! Use all of our avable firepower when making our first offensive to teach the arrogant Corean president a lesson. Also, use all of our naval forces to destroy the industrialplexes in the southern area.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe gave the order to attack cities that could cause damages to civilians and expressed his anger that he held on to.


    ¡°Yes, prime minister, sir! We will aplish the mission.¡±


    Commander of the navy Murakawa answered curtly.


    <hr />


    February 1st, 2021, 22:30


    Chungbook Cheongju-si, 17th Fighter Wing Air Force Base


    The world¡¯s first CFS/A-31SP three-toed crow space fighter jet, was preparing for take-off along the lit runway in the pitch ck, cloudy night.


    The four three-toed crow space fighter jets finished their take-off preparations a momentter, then they disappeared into the ck sky after emitting blue mes from its four powerful sma engines. The four space jets reached a speed of Mach 18 in a short period. Ignoring the gravitational pull of the earth, they left the atmosphere and reached an altitude of 1000km in a few minutes and continued their flight into space.


    In the dark void of space, the billions of glittering stars and the blue could be seen. The pilots of the jets had seen it numerous times before, but still could not help but be mesmerized by the scene.


    -This is Crow 1. Crow 2, 3, and 4, move to your destinations and check your coordinates for each target with the Apollo 2 satellite once more. Over and out!


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Doo-ho, the flight wing leader of the three-toed crow gave the order through themunication line. Soon, responses from every main pilot came through.


    -Crow 2, copy that.


    -Crow 3, copy that.


    -Crow 4, copy that.


    A week ago, the reconnaissance satellites 1, 2, and 3 had conducted a thorough analysis of Japan¡¯s entire territory. Based on the analysis, the targets were set to be the THAAD artillery bases tasked with intercepting ballistic missiles. These coordinates were ryed in real-time to the three-toed crow flight wing.


    <hr />


    February 1st, 2021, 11:30


    Seoul Jongro-ku, Bluehouse National Emergency Center Underground Bunker


    President Suh Hyun-woo was back at the national emergency center after a month. The war with Japan was about to begin. However, the president was not as tense and nervous as he was before the start of the war against China. He was rxed and seemed to be in good health as well.


    ¡°Mr. President! The three-toed crow space fighter jets have reached the altitude of 1,200km and are on standby.¡±


    Minister Kang Hyun-soo, who received a phone call from somewhere, came up to the president and spoke quietly.


    ¡°Is that so? Things are going smoothly then. I feel differentpared to the start of the war against China.¡±


    ¡°In what way, sir?¡±


    ¡°How should I put this? I feel as if a huge weight is about to be lifted off of my shoulders. Would that make sense?¡±


    ¡°Sir? Ha ha ha, you are too good with words.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, that¡¯s just how I feel.¡±


    As the president was taking some time to joke around with the Minister of National Defense, therge screen at the center of the room showed the time to be 23:45, and arge digital map showing the entire area of Corea and Japan was being disyed. At Japan¡¯sndscapes, numerous ¡°X¡± marks were everywhere. These marked the targets the three-toed crow space fighter jets were to attack that were being sent out by the Apollo reconnaissance missiles at real-time.


    Soon the digital clock on the right-hand side of the screen struck 24:00 hours. It was midnight; the war against Japan had officially started.


    ¡°So, it begins...¡±


    The president spoke quietly and directed his gaze to the digital map outlining Japan.


    <hr />


    February 1st, 2021, 24:00


    ,200km in the atmosphere, the void of space above Japan


    Above the space atmosphere, the four CFS/A-31SP three-toed crow space fighter jets all opened up their internal pairings containing their weapons. They all fired four rounds of Zinog missiles and six Epirus missiles to their allotted targets. Only two minutes had passed since the war began and 16 Zinog missiles and 24 Epirus missiles were falling at frightening speeds across every area in Japan.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Each missile used its thrusters and gravity while making its descent to reach speeds of Mach 40. They fell while turning scarlet from friction and emitting mes. The missiles had urately reached their targets within 2 minutes despite falling from a distance of 1,200km.


    Booooooom!


    The Epirus missiles exploded 1km above the atmosphere and emitted an extremely bright light across all directions. The shockwave spread to the outer areas in the form of a ripple.


    Woosh~ Peeeeew~


    When the supersonic shockwave spread over a radius of 10km, the lights in the entire area went out, and everything went dark. Then,rge explosions could be heard from the ground along with earthquakes that tore the earth apart. The Zinog sma cluster bombs that used its momentum to dig through the earth by dozens of meters had gone off.


    Thendscape within a 5km radius of the explosions all rose up unevenly, and crimson mes began to shoot up while dancing wildly. The 3rd THAAD artillery unit under Japan¡¯s 1st anti-air force that was unfortunately targeted by the Zinog missiles melted from the mes without a trace.

 Chapter 182

    <h4>Chapter 182</h4>


    February 2nd, 2021, 00:00


    Twelve hundred kilometers in space above Japan¡¯s atmosphere


    The bright lightsing from the Earth added to the scenery within the void of space 1,200 kilometers away. Meanwhile, the repeated bright shes of lighting from a certain part of the Earth were numbering in the dozens. The shes of light were the explosionsing from the Zinog and Epirus missilesunched by the CFS/A-31SP three-toed crow space fighter jets.


    The first set of the space fighter jet flight wing¡¯s targets were the radar and anti-air interception artillery forces that were guarding Japan¡¯s entire atmosphere. When the start of the war was getting closer, Japan had activated all of their scanning equipment. First, Japan had deployed their E-767 early warning radar system and E-2 early warning system nes, with ranges of 800 kilometers and 560 kilometers, respectively. Then the F-2 and F-35A jets equipped with their superior detection capabilities were deployed next.


    Meanwhile, onnd, Japan began to operate its six J/FPS-5 terrestrial radar bases with a range of 1,800 kilometers and eight J/FPS-3 radar bases with a range of 620 kilometers. The radars sent out powerful radio waves towards the Corean penins, while the AN/TPY-2 and N-SAM targeting radars were fully prepared to intercept any oing missiles.


    Finally, at sea, the naval self-defense forces formed a linear formation across the western shoreline with aegis destroyers preparing to strike down any cruise and ballistic missilesing from Corea.


    In short, Japan¡¯s atmosphere was covered with a tightly knit radar that would not allow even a single fly pass through undetected. If any threats were caught in the, then interception missiles would be fired to strike down the target at 100 percent uracy. Every single force in Japan was standing by to take down the threat.


    However, only two minutes had passed since the war broke out, and the was broken through. The space fighter jet sma missile attacks used by the Corean military were something the Japanese jointmand did not expect or n for. sma missiles that rivaled the power of a 20-kiloton nuclear bomb were falling from the sky.


    The jointmand office and the cab intelligence had studied Corea¡¯s military strategies and tactics based on the Chinese-Corean war. Their main interest was Corea¡¯s sudden ballistic missile attacks at early morning. At the start of the war, China¡¯s main forces in the eastern military were unable to make a single move to intercept the oing missiles before being taken out. The conclusion Japan hade up with was that China¡¯s YJ-26B and YJ-26B radars that it imed were superior were not as capable as they had expected, as proven by their performance on the field.


    China had taken a critical hit from blindly trusting their inferior copied radars that befit their reputation of a nation that could onlye up with copies and no original technology. The Japanese jointmand office had begun to operate all of their radars when the war began based on this analysis.


    However, this wed logic had caused them to take irreparable damage. A few of the radar bases were able to detect the Zinog and Epirus sma cluster missiles and the pulse missiles falling at Mach 40, but they were only able to detect them ten seconds before impact. Since there wasn¡¯t enough time to react, the bases were helpless and took multiple hits.


    One kilometer above the six J/FPS-5 radar bases that could detect the entire Corean penins, the Epirus missiles exploded and caused a strong SEMP wave to spread out. The Southwest radar force, the Yojadake base, the air force¡¯s fighter wing, the western fighter wing¡¯s Shimokoshiki base, the Irumagi base, the Ominato northern base, and themunication bases for the air force were all turned into piles of scraps.


    Fortunately, if it could be considered one, the Aioka radar base under the eastern air force was able to detect the Epirus missiles that targeted them and managed to intercept five of the missiles using their own SM-3 missiles fired by the Kongo ss destroyers. However, the radar nes and the other J/FPS-3 radars being operated by the bases all lost their abilities to conduct the operation due to the pulse waves.


    The issue was that the Zinog sma cluster missiles had annihted the THADD and N-SAM surfaces of the air missile artillery forces. All six THADD artillery bases and four N-SAM missile forces, excluding those operated by the Americans, had their radars taken out, leaving them half-blind. Japan¡¯s capability to intercept the second wave of missile attacks had gone down to 30 percent of its original capacity.


    <hr />


    February 2nd, 2021, 00:10


    Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Office, the Emergency Situation Center, Tokyo, Japan


    The emergency situation center was in an uproar from the operators shouting in despair. The center was waiting for the reports of missiles being detected by their radar, but the contrasting reports that came in had the entire room in chaos.


    ¡°How did ite to this? Joint Commander Masaki!¡± Minister of National Defense Shibasaki shouted at Joint Commander Masaki while questioning him. However, Commander Masaki Hajime was unable to give a straight answer.


    ¡°The thing is... One moment, sir. I will check on the situation.¡±


    ¡°Is that all you can say?¡±


    The jointmander sighed and avoided Minister Shibasaki¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Get back to me immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Only ten minutes had passed since Japan was attacked, and since there was no iing information about the method of attack, the jointmander could not know how things had transpired. There was no radar activity that indicated a ballistic missile attacking from Corea. Even if they did fire the missiles out of the J/FPS-5 radar¡¯s range using mobileunch tforms from the most northern section of Manchuria, the missiles would have been detected after they reached the mid-point.


    However, all it took was an instant. Only the first escorting fleet¡¯s Kongo destroyer was able tounch five of their SM-3 missiles ten seconds before the impact of the enemy missiles traveling at Mach 40 and managed to intercept them sessfully.


    ¡°Air Forcemander! Contact the anti-air forces immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    That was when an operator¡¯s report froze the entire room.


    ¡°The Corean penins has fired ballistic missiles. Currently, they haveunched 58 rounds... and the number is rising.¡±


    At the center screen, red dots symbolizing ballistic missiles began to show up across the entire Corean territory, and the numbers were rising still.


    ¡°Can we determine what type of ballistic missiles they are?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, sir. The total numbers are now at 135 rounds! And rising.¡±


    Since the defensive capabilities against missiles were now down to 30 percent of their original capacity, Japan sustaining damage was inevitable. Joint Commander Masaki Hajime looked for Prime Minister Abe. The prime minister was not in the room, despite the dire situation.


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki! Where is the prime minister, sir?¡±


    Minister Shibasaki, who was staring at the screen that was showing more and more red dots, came back to his senses when he heard the jointmander¡¯s question and answered in a shaking voice, ¡°The prime minister is on the phone with the president of America.¡±


    ¡°Ah! No! If that¡¯s the case, Minister Shibasaki, we must retaliate with our ballistic and cruise missiles, sir. I request for your approval, sir.¡±


    ¡°O-of course.¡±


    ¡°Commanders for the air force and army! Give the order tounch the ballistic missiles. Also, fire all cruise missiles as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, jointmander, sir!¡±


    ¡°The Corean ballistic missiles are now at a total of 425 rounds. Reports of cruise missiles beingunched areing in as well.¡±


    Since the terrestrial radar bases had been rendered useless from the SEMP waves, the early warning radar nes and the aegis destroyers began to report their findings to the situation center directly, in real-time. The operators in turn would report the messages to the room loudly.


    Corea¡¯s joint chief of staff had started the missile attacks fully after the first round of missiles wereunched from the three-toed crow space fighter jets. The screen showed hundreds of red dots with lines that were moving towards the entire Japanese territory.


    <hr />


    February 2nd, 2021, 00:15,


    Seoul Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    ¡°A total of 425 rounds of ballistic missiles have beenunched so far. We are five minutes and 58 seconds away from impact!¡±


    Corea¡¯s missile forcesmand and the tactical missile forces under the fifth corps that had incorporated North Korea¡¯s missile forces had fired all of their 500-kilometer-ranged Scud-C missiles and 1,300-kilometer-ranged Rodong missiles. This was in lieu of the n to exhaust the previous missile supplies and restock with the new type of missiles.


    ¡°What¡¯s the status of the cruise missilesunch?¡± the operations director asked after he heard the operator¡¯s report.


    ¡°Each corps¡¯ artillery brigades have fired the type Hyun-mu 3E2-A (range 500 kilometers) and type B (range 1,000 kilometers) missiles, totaling at 250 rounds, sir.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Reports areing in from the Apollo 1 satellite. Ballistic missiles have beenunched from across Japan.¡±


    ¡°Their numbers?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-nine rounds currently, and rising, sir.¡±


    ¡°I suppose there are still a few people making the right calls in Japan, Chairman Kang, sir!¡±


    ¡°Haha, it seems that way. I figured they would only try to make defensive maneuvers before it was over. Since things are going this way, I suppose we should give the decisive blow!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Offense is its own game. Now, how about we make our own defensive tactics?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Transitioning to the CAMD (Corea Air and Missile Defense) system! Every center is to disy the status of the interception on-screen number 3, and focus on the interception.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood!¡±


    The screen operators all began to manipte the consoles, and the main center screen changed to show more detailed information on the interception status.


    ¡°Currently, Japan has 200 ballistic missiles. The type is J-ONE missiles manufactured domestically that have a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers and a 500-kilogram warhead.¡±


    ¡°Two hundred rounds. They made a lot in such a short period.¡±


    ¡°Abe¡¯s greed for weapons is a bit too much, don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°They have arger number of cruise missilespared to ballistic ones, don¡¯t they?¡±


    There was a total of 350 orange dots that symbolized the trajectory of cruise missiles. These were the type -13 A/B cruise missiles and the Tomahawk block 3 and 4 bought from America.


    ¡°Based on the range, they seem to have set the targets to include the northern state.¡±


    ¡°Since the cruise missiles are near sonic speeds, we have some time. Tell them to be sure to intercept the ballistic missiles urately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    February 2nd, 2021, 00:20


    Seoul Yongsan-ku, CC Bunker (tactical strike satellite Zeus¡¯s mission control)


    The Zeus 1 satellite entered the interception phase after receiving the data linking in from the Apollo 1 satellite for the oing J-ONE Japanese missiles.


    ¡°Check the coordinates of the targets.¡±


    ¡°Checking the 200 targets of the list, sir.¡±


    On mission control¡¯s screen, a crosshair was being set for every single ballistic missile. Then the interception operator reported in.


    ¡°All 200 targets have been confirmed!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the sma output?¡±


    ¡°At 100 percent without any issues, sir.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    With themander¡¯s orders, the interception operator ryed the orders. The operators began to pull the triggers of their controllers.


    Pew¡ª Pew¡ª Pew¡ª Pew¡ª Pew¡ª


    At the speed of light, the blue light beams began to strike down the Japanese ballistic missiles in order.


    ¡°We have intercepted 34 ballistic missiles so far. We have 166 left, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    February 2nd, 2021, 00:25


    Five hundred kilometers above the atmosphere in Corea¡¯s sky


    While the Zeus 1 satellites were busy intercepting the missiles by sprayingser beams across the sky, the three-toed crow flight wing lowered its altitude and entered the atmosphere. They moved to conduct their mission of the second phase of the CAMD system. A momentter, the three-toed crow flight wing formed an arc right before entering the atmosphere and detected the Japanese ballistic missiles flying across the sky.


    -This is Crow 1. Each flight wing member is to intercept the Japanese ballistic missiles. Each target¡¯s data will be set by Crow 1.


    -Crow 2, copy that.


    -Crow 3, copy that.


    -Crow 4, copy that.


    The four three-toed crows all freely maneuvered around the atmosphere and began to emit their powerful 50-millimeterser beams towards their targets to conduct their interception duties.

 Chapter 183

    <h4>Chapter 183</h4>


    February 2nd, 2021, 00:30


    Seoul Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Thanks to the interception operations conducted by the Poseidon mission control and the three-toed crow space fighter jet flight wing, the number of J-ONE missiles flying towards Corea decreased rapidly.


    ¡°One hundred forty-seven J-ONE tactical ballistic missiles have been sessfully intercepted! The remaining 53 are in the process of being struck down! Two minutes before we reach the terminal phase.¡±


    ¡°Great! Have the Zeus 1 transition to intercepting the cruise missiles, and have the space fighter jet flight wing return to base! Have the Hades 1, 2, and 3 take care of the rest of them!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Rying the orders now.¡±


    The CAMD system was sessful in intercepting 100% of China¡¯srge scale ballistic missile strikes, so it did not have any trouble going up against 200 ballistic missiles. However, since the number of cruise missiles was numbering up to 350 rounds, the Zeus 1 transitioned into intercepting those instead.


    The Japanese cruise missiles that were flying towards the nation at subsonic speeds were mostly from Japan¡¯s air force fighter wings or the surface-to-surface artillery forces. Also, there were a few cruise missiles headed towards the southern industrialplexes.


    Corea and Japan were busy sending cruise and ballistic missiles towards each other with the Corean Sea between them. The determining factor for victory would be which nation had more forces equipped with superior radars, interception capabilities, and ballistic missiles.


    However, there was something that Japan did not know. The space fighter jet known as the three-toed crow and the Zeus 1 satellite was in Corea¡¯s possession. There was also the fact that Corea was on a different level in terms of the number of ballistic missiles owned and the capabilities of their radars.


    To intercept the J-ONE ballistic missiles entering into the terminal phase, terrestrial defense satellites Hades 1, 2, and 3 began to reveal their S-LSM 600 Bident missiles from the ground. After the missiles moved out of their silos, the thrusters emitted blue mes, and the missiles shot up into the air. In the blink of an eye, the S-LSM 600 Bident missiles moved out of sight and flew towards each of its 53 targets at Mach 20 speed to reach 400 kilometers above the atmosphere.


    Boom! Bang! Boooooom! Bang!


    A clean hit! The Bident missiles all struck down Japan¡¯s 53 ballistic missiles without failure. Only four types of cruise missiles left: the type-13A, 13B, and tomahawk blocks 3 and 4. However, these cruise missiles from Japan were all intercepted by the Zeus 1 satellite¡¯s 50-millimeter high-poweredser beams being fired from its 36,000-kilometer geostationary orbit, and their numbers decreased drastically.


    The 50 or so operators all conducted their tasks faithfully and continued to report on their progress. Tenrge screens were all showing information in real-time while updating constantly. The main screen especially had orange dots representing the cruise missiles blinking and disappearing constantly to represent their interception, then arge number of them disappeared from the map altogether. Now, there were only 150 orange dots left.


    Meanwhile, on screen 3, the status of Corea¡¯s Scud C and Rodong missiles were on. Despite the surprise attack of the space fighter jets, some of Japan¡¯s anti-air missiles survived and managed to intercept a few of the Scud C and Rodong missiles. However, 65 percent of the missiles hit their targets, and based on the satellite imaging, the scene seemed straight out of hell.


    Most of the targets were the radar and anti-air artillery bases under Japan¡¯s air force, but images of factory buildings and industrial areas showed up as well. There were corporate logos among the building debris. The most noticeable logos were Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Nissan, Panasonic, and other well-known Japanese corporations.


    * * *


    February 2nd, 2021, 00:40,


    Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Emergency Situation Center


    Prime Minister Abe, who had phoned president Trump to request aid from America, finished his phone call and walked into the room. When he heard the reports, he fell in shock and stayed silent while sitting on the chair.


    The Minister of National Defense and the jointmander, who had all been confidently boasting about the interception capabilities of the military, were now all silent after the unidentified attacks had struck across the nation and caused irreparable damage. The continued ballistic missile attacks were turning Japan into a living hell. When looking at the targeted areas of the Corean military, most of them were radar bases or fighter wings, but industrialplexes ofrge corporations that sustained their economy were hit as well.


    What was worse was the fact that the damages caused by the cruise missiles making contact came pouring in constantly. To be precise, the reports had the center in an uproar. Soon, Prime Minister Abe¡¯s head was ringing with only one thought in his mind.


    ¡°God d*mn it! I have invested as much capital as you have all requested, and this is what I get?? What have you all been doing this whole time??¡±


    Prime Minister Abe screamed to express his anger. His shouts, however, were drowned out by the buzzing of the room. Prime Minister Abeughed and quietly left the room.


    The militarymanders had heard Prime Minister Abe¡¯s cry of despair. However, since the situation was dire, they were busy giving orders left and right, so they pretended not to have heard it and focused on takingmand.


    Prime Minister Abe walked into his office and lit a cigarette after putting it in his mouth. Then he reminisced about his visit to America a month ago.


    ¡°That b*stard Trump, he is as sly as a fox! He said America would take our nation¡¯s side and now they want to back out? The same goes for the USSC b*stards! They only know how to sell weapons. They have no shred of honor, those b*stards...¡± he thought.


    The long drag the prime minister took from the cigarette made him cough. Since he had not smoked in a long time, the smoke felt even more vile than usual and made him feel nauseous.


    ¡°Even if the smoke is disgusting, could it be worse than what¡¯s happening now?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe took an even longer drag while coughing. Then, after 20 minutes or so, someone entered the room after knocking on the door.


    ¡°Sir! The first round of strikes is over.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki spoke quietly after entering the office.


    ¡°I am exhausted, so you take the lead, Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will give you a more detailed report of the day¡¯s battle tomorrow.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki bowed his head and then left the room.


    * * *


    February 2nd, 2021, 01:00


    Corea


    After President Suh Hyun-Woo¡¯s address this morning, many discharged young veterans who had served their mandatory service had already stormed the military human resources center to re-enlist. There were crowds on the street all in support of the war as well. The support for this war by the nation¡¯s citizens was higher than the war against China. Many homes must have been watching the news broadcasts of the war that started at midnight, since most of the apartmentplexes and homes were brightly lit.


    The CTV news, a professional news channel, reported the good news of the Corean military intercepting 100 percent of the enemy missiles and how each nation hadunched arge number of ballistic and cruise missiles at each other. The news channel also showed images of the debris of the buildings and the me-engulfedndscape across Japan after they were struck by Corea¡¯s missiles.


    ¡°Those Japanese b*stards were taught a lesson! My! My! If only I was ten years younger, I would enlist for the war again!¡± said a man in his forties while looking at the news on TV. His child, who seemed to be an elementary school student, spoke to the father while looking at him.


    ¡°Dad, which branch of the military did you serve in?¡±


    ¡°I was in the special forces! The elite!¡±


    ¡°Wow! Cool. Which force is that?¡±


    When his son became wide-eyed and impressed, the woman in her forties sitting next to him spoke.


    ¡°Son! Your father served in the civil defense forces.¡±


    ¡°Civil defense forces? What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the special forces. The civil defense unit. You remember the defenders of the from your cartoons?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Right! The defenders of the Earth, shman!¡±


    The man in his forties patted his son on the head and smiled contentedly.


    ¡°Oh dear, son, it¡¯s time for bed. It¡¯ste, right? So you should stop watching TV and go to bed too, dear. You need to go to work, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go after I finish watching the news. Good night, son!¡±


    * * *


    February 2nd, 2021, 02:00


    Seoul Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Two hours had passed since the war began, but to exin things in boxing terms, both sides had been throwing punches blindly without sizing up their opponent. However, Corea had weaved in and out to dodge the oing punches from the opponent. Japan, on the other hand, had allowed too many counter punches and was beaten to a pulp. Based on round one, Corea was victorious. After finishing up the first round, both sides were taking a break in a dazed state.


    ¡°The first wave of attacks seems to be a sess, Chairman Kang, sir!¡± the operations director said while looking at the documents outlining the damage Japan had sustained.


    ¡°What¡¯s the status of the Japanese fleet¡¯s movements?¡±


    ¡°They are maintaining their position along the eastern shoreline and staying still, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right! Based on the geographical nature of Japan, things will now transition into a naval battle and boring missile attacks. So, have the navy¡¯smand headquarters keep a close eye on the Japanese fleet¡¯s movements and respond actively.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about Russia¡¯s movements?¡±


    ¡°Nothing has changed so far, sir.¡±


    ¡°Even if the Ministry of Defense pursues peaceful diplomacy, we never know when they may strike! The defensive forces are not to lower their guard and to keep watch 24 hours a day vigntly. Don¡¯t let even a single ant pass by without reporting to us.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, sir!¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-Sik seemed to be concerned and repeated the orders themanders already knew by heart.


    ¡°Comrade chairman! We have the Daepodong and Daepodong 2 missiles in our tactical missile forces, don¡¯t we? Shouldn¡¯t we use those to erase Tokyo, where Abe resides, off the map?¡±


    ¡°Haha, Vice-Chairman Choi Ho-il! We have only started our attack.¡±


    * * *


    February 2nd, 2021, 02:00


    Japan Tokyo¡¯s Chiyoda County, Yasukuni Shrine


    The Yasukuni shrine was one of the main targets for the first wave of missile attacks. Ten rounds of Rodong missiles with a range of 1,300 kilometers and five rounds of Hyun-mu type 3E2-B type hypersonic cruise missiles wereunched to the area to prate the Tokyo anti-air.


    It would seem like a waste tounch ten ballistic missiles and five cruise missiles, but it was the request of the president. The president had ordered to make sure the shrine was destroyed since it was the representation of Japan¡¯s dream of returning to its imperial age while paying homage to the war criminals who had used millions of Asian lives to carry out their wicked dreams.


    Tokyo¡¯s anti-air defensive capabilities were superior to fit its reputation as Japan¡¯s capital. Also, the Kongo aegis destroyers managed to sessfully intercept the Epirus missiles targeting the five radar bases. The Rodong missiles that flew towards Tokyo were also intercepted after being sessfully detected. However, the Tokyo anti-air only managed to intercept three out of five Hyun-mu 3E-2B type missiles that weaved in and out. The remaining two Hyun-mu missiles hit their target the Yasukuni shrine with an error of one meter.


    Boom¡ª Bang¡ª


    With a loud explosive sound, mes dozens of meters high rose in downtown Tokyo.


    The warhead of the Hyun-mu 3E2-B type cruise missiles were sma cluster bombs that could cover the entire targeted area with a ball of mes. The buildings in the area all melted from the heat and explosion¡¯s st, then vanished without a trace.


    An hour had passed since the explosion, but the mes were still dancing around, and numerous fire trucks and firefighters were doing everything they could to douse the mes.


    With this, the Yasukuni shrine that was used as a ce to honor the war criminals from the second world war was wiped off the face of the Earth.

 Chapter 184

    <h4>Chapter 184</h4>


    February 2nd, 2021, 09:00


    Seoul Jongro-ku, Bluehouse, President¡¯s Office


    The status of the Corean-Japanese war was being broadcasted across the world in real-time, thanks to the technological development of broadcast media. The main reports from the news outlets were about how both nations poured out their cruise missiles towards each other after the war began, but only Japan had sustained heavy damages. As if to back up these ims, the foreign news reporters sent in footage and pictures of Japan that now had been turned into a living hell.


    A few nations, however, looked at the war with a biased view and called Corea a war-like nation that could potentially lead the world into the third world war, while iming President Suh Hyun-Woo was using the war against Japan to only lengthen his time in office. These nations were Taiwan and Thand, which were always friendly towards Japan, and other nations from the African continent.


    Therge screen TV inside the president¡¯s office was split into many screens to show the numerous types of news being broadcasted across the world. Since the screen was showing multiple broadcasts, the sound was off but everything being reported was showing up as captions.


    ¡°Mr. President! There still seems to be nations that are unable to see the world¡¯s affairs correctly and about our war against Japan.¡±


    Vice President Kim Yeo-Jung looked at the upsetting foreign news channels on TV and spoke while furrowing her brow.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, I suppose each nation will see things differently based on their rtionship with our two nations, will they not?¡±


    ¡°Even if that is the case, isn¡¯t Taiwan going too far? We have taught their enemy, China a lesson, didn¡¯t we? Despite all that, they are calling us a war-like nation.¡±


    ¡°Taiwan is a nation of the Han people, aren¡¯t they? I am sure Taiwan was smiling on the surface after China had lost the war, but I am sure they were highly upset.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°Even for a simple football game, the citizens of South Korea always cheered for the yers from North Korea. Isn¡¯t that how things are?¡±


    ¡°Is that true? They cheered for North Korea?¡±


    ¡°Well, of course. Why wouldn¡¯t they? We are the same people. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Of course, sir.¡±


    ¡°Judging by your expression, I suppose North Korea didn¡¯t do the same? Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°No, of course not.¡±


    * * *


    February 2nd, 2021, 09:00


    Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Emergency Situation Center


    Prime Minister Abe, who had avoided the first fierce stages of the war with the excuse of being exhausted, was being reported to about the status of the war and the damages fromst night at his temporarily built office.


    The thing that upset him the most was the fact that the Yasukuni shrine had been wiped cleanly off the map. After being reinstated as a normal nation, he had visited the shrine three to four times a year despite the protests from other nations. He could not believe the Yasukuni shrine that was the symbol of the nation¡¯s imperialism had vanished without a trace after being attacked by Corea¡¯s missiles.


    Also, six J/FPS-5 radar bases that had been in charge of the anti-airs across Japan were installed after spending 1.8 billion yen. However, five of the radar bases were all turned into a pile of scrap from only the first wave of attacks, and many defensive forces besides the J/FPS-3 ones had sustained heavy damages. To put it bluntly, Japan¡¯s anti-air had been rendered near useless.


    However, it was too early to despair. The Ioka J/FPS-5 radars were still operational and there were still E-767 early warning nes with the upgraded RSIP radars, 13 E-2C nes, and 12 PE-1 radar nes that used the P1 anti-stealth ne radars. There were also 12 PE-1 early warning system nes equipped with thetest technology. Besides the air force¡¯s equipment, the navy still had 5 Aegis destroyers and other remaining forces being trained by the American navy for operating their borrowed equipment.


    ¡°Those damn Josenjins have turned our entire nation into a living hell, and we weren¡¯t able tond a single missile at them?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, whose eyes shed with anger, stifled his rage and asked.


    ¡°It seems Corea¡¯s anti-air is considerably more powerful than we expected, sir.¡±


    ¡°Is that all you can say for yourself?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear an apology; I want you to give me a strategy to pierce through the Corean¡¯s defensive and attack them. Do you know how much we have spent on the defense bill over the past 5 years? It¡¯s over 8.5 trillion yen. Over 8.5 trillion yen... Where did all that money go?¡±


    After being reinstated as a normal nation, Japan had spent 1.5 trillion yen for the defensive bill. Each year they raised the budget by 5% and it rose up to 1.87 trillion yen by 2020. Truthfully the joint militarymand was unable to use the money carefully and in an organized manner. Most of the purchases were the American weapons Prime Minister Abe managed to get the approval for purchase after kissing the American¡¯s rears. The weapons were high in quality in rtion to the spending, but due to the costs, the numbers were low.


    The defense budget had been used haphazardly under the prime minister¡¯s lead, and now that the me wasid on the militarymanders, the statement the prime minister made had offended the joint militarymand¡¯s generals.


    ¡°Prime Minister Abe, sir!¡±


    ¡°Yes, do speak up.¡±


    Joint Military Commander Masaki Hajime stepped forward in a disciplined manner and spoke in a determined tone.


    ¡°Our military had only been dealt a single blow from the start of the war, but the rest of our forces are still standing, sir.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    The joint militarymander spoke in a firmer tone towards Prime Minister Abe, answering coldly.


    ¡°We would like to amend our previously established strategy and retaliate, sir.¡±


    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s possible?¡±


    ¡°Sir! This is just the beginning. I would like to beg you to keep watching our progress while you keep your vignce.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe was a sheepish man that befit his appearance. He acted as if he was a wounded man in battle based on the results of the first battle.


    ¡°All right. I will put my faith in you, jointmander. Now, please continue the report about our damages.¡±


    * * *


    February 2nd, 2021, 09:00


    Tokyo, Japan, Yokota base


    The Yokota air force base was located in Tokyo province¡¯s Fussa area. The U.S armed forces in Japan, America¡¯s 5th fighter wing, and Japan¡¯s own air force were stationed there. The base was a joint military runway that had been excluded from being targeted by Corea during the missile attacks.


    On the 12th ofst month, Prime Minister Abe had visited America, and the USSC had decided to enter into a substitutional war against Corea by using Japan. The American government had decided to watch the war with a neutral stance, but internally, the U.S government lent out their military facilities and equipment to the Japanese defense forces while training them on how to use the borrowed equipment. The Yokota air force base was busy training pilots on how to fly the 24 F-22 Raptor fighter jets and 4 B-1B Lancer bombers.


    Based on the current situation, Japan was at a significant advantage. Corea was concerned about involving the U.S in the war as its enemy. To prevent this, it had dered all American military bases as neutral territory based on their previous agreement and excluded all of them from their list of targets. However, based on the military agreement between Japan and America, Japan was able to operate the American bases as if they were its own. When the war broke out, all of Japan¡¯s airnes had been moved to the American military bases to prepare for Corea¡¯s aerial strikes. In short, there were areas that Corea was aware of military activity urring, but was unable to attack.


    Woooooosh~


    Two B-1B Lancer bombers were emitting mes from its powerful engine on the runway and preparing for take-off. The pilot was not an American, but a Japanese one under Japan¡¯s air force.


    The B-1B Lancer tactical bomber was dubbed as the ¡°world¡¯s fastest bomber¡± and it befits its reputation for it could travel at Mach 2 speed, double the speed of sound, and reach Seoul from the Yokota base within 30 minutes. The bomber was also capable of carrying a load of 34 tons, while the exterior and the ne¡¯s body itself weighed 27 tons. It was capable of loading 24 rounds of 2,000lb MK-84 bombs, 84 rounds of 500lb MK-82 bombs, and 24 guided GBU-31 bombs. With two Lancer bomber¡¯s firepower, it was more than enough to wipe out Seoul from the map.


    The B-1B Lancer¡¯s power was well known from the 2001 Afghanistan operations when 40% of the bombs dropped by the U.S forces were from using six of these bomber nes.


    The two Japanese air force pilots and weapons operators began to take off from the runway under the supervision of the American instructors. The nes opened up its variable wings and flew into the sky.


    * * *


    February 2nd, 2021, 09:00


    Ganakawa Prefecture, Yokosuka Port, Japan


    The first escorting fleet¡¯s naval base was stationed at Yokosuka Port, and this area was also excluded from the list of targets during Corea¡¯s missile attacks. Since America¡¯s 7th fleet was stationed here, they were excluded from the attacks as well.


    Therefore, unlike the other naval bases that took heavy losses when the ballistic missile attacks began after the start of the war, the 1st escorting fleet¡¯s vessels were unscathed and able to maintain their forces.


    In the meantime, at the seas near Yokosuka Port, the 7th fleet¡¯s four Zumwalt ss stealth destroyers were sailing along while maintaining their formation. There were more crew onboardpared to usual, which exceeded the allotted number of persons. Half of the crew onboard were themanders and soldiers of the Japanese navy.


    Since the 20th ofst month, Japan had borrowed the four Zumwalt ss destroyers in secret, and the Japanese navy was undergoing training. Veteranmanders and soldiers were selected to undergo training, so everyone was quickly learning the operating methods of the vessels.


    * * *


    February 2nd, 2021, 09:30


    Jeonbook Gunsan-si, the 38th Fighter Wing Air Force Base


    The 38th fighter wing air force base at Gunsan had 12 CF-21P phoenix fighter jets and CF/A-25P ck phoenix bombers preparing for take-off at the runway.


    The 24 fighter jets were lined up and waiting for the control tower¡¯s order for take-off while emitting blue mes from their twin C-PTZ sma engines.


    When the order for take-off came from the control tower, the CF-21P phoenix jet at the head of the formation shot forward and flew into the air. After a few minutes, all the jets from the 38th fighter wing were flying south while maintaining their formation.


    It only took a few minutes for the jets to fly past Gwangju, and the 12 CF/A-25P ck phoenix bombers that had taken off from the 1st fighter wing joined them. There were now 36 jets in total with a mix of CF-21P fighter jets and CF/A-25P ck phoenix bombers. Lieutenant Colonel Hong Won-jin, who was the superior officer, lead the flight wing. The jets raised their altitude up to 25km and began to go into supercruise.


    The jets were now flying at nearly Mach 6.5 that matched the speed of most air-to-air missiles and flew past the Corean seas. Soon they reached Japan¡¯s skies.


    The 36 phoenix and ck phoenix jets were tasked with the mission of bombing Japan¡¯s westernmand, the Gasuga base, and the 5th fighter wing¡¯s Nutabaru base, and the 8th fighter wing¡¯s Tsuiki base. Also, the 2nd escorting fleet¡¯s Saseboji Port, Kumamoto prefecture¡¯s automobile parts factoryplex, and the Fukuoka automobile factories were included in the mission as well.


    ¨C This is the 111th battalion¡¯smander Lee Youn-Gu, callsign apple. Every jet is now to fly to their allotted targets from this point.


    The 36 fighter jets that entered Japan¡¯s airspace split into four groups and all flew towards their allotted targets.

 Chapter 185

    <h4>Chapter 185</h4>


    February 2nd, 2021, 09:45


    Kyushu Prefecture, Japan, 20km above the skies


    The 38th fighter wing¡¯s ck Moon Phoenix flight wing with 4 jets and the Rainbow ck Phoenix flight wing with 4 bombers all were headed to the Oita prefecture¡¯s Tsuiki base. The Tsuiki base was where the western air force¡¯s 8th fighter wing was stationed, and it had 2 flight battalions. The 6th flight battalion was operating thetest 24 F-22 raptor jets instead of their standard F-4EJ jets while the 304th battalion was operating 24 F-15J fighter jets.


    The two mixed phoenix and ck phoenix flight wings deactivated their super cruise modes and maintained a steady speed of Mach 1. Luckily, the RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) did not go off. This meant that they were not detected by Japan¡¯s early warning radar system or the terrestrial radars. Their high altitude had fooled Japan¡¯s different types of radarspletely. A momentter, the two flight wings had entered the bombing phase, leaving 25km from their targeted area, the Tsuiki base.


    In a finger-tip formation, the four phoenix jets began to escort the rainbow bomber flight wing. The two jets at the right finger took the lead, while the two jets at the left finger moved to the rear.


    Major Choi Young-Ho, the flight wingmander of the rainbow flight wing spoke to Major Jeon Chang-Bin, call sign Rainbow 1, in a joking tone.


    ¡°ck Moon 1, distance from the south point at 25, Rainbow 1, Tiger 1 targeting check! Check!¡±


    -Rainbow 1 copy that.


    -ck Moon 1, contact Rainbow 1, don¡¯t waste the expensive bombs, and make sure to have them hit the target. Over!


    ¡°Rainbow 1, contact ck Moon 1, you talk too much for being a bodyguard. Over!¡±


    -ck Moon 1, contact Rainbow 1, think of it as an honor. Over!


    Major Jeon Chang-Bin, call sign Rainbow 1 who had been exchanging jokes despite being tasked with an important mission, gave the order to drop the bombs to his flight wing.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The four ck phoenix bomber¡¯s internal weapons pairings opened and arge K-PAB sma cluster bomb and 14 K-PSB sma cluster rounds separated from the pairings and fell towards the ground. The two types of bombs freely fell towards the surface at frightening speeds. Then the self-thrusters on the missiles operated, the gravitational force and the force from the thrusters added to reach Mach 10 speed, then each missile reached the target destination.


    Arge explosion from the K-PAB sma cluster bomb urred at the Tsuiki base only after 10 seconds. The explosion matched the power of a small 5-kilotonne nuclear bomb. It created arge mushroom cloud and evaporated all the buildings within a 500m radius. The other areas had their terrain split and shook as if an earthquake was taking ce. It was as if an 8th-degree earthquake had hit the Tsuiki base. Also, from the skies, 14 sma cluster bombs exploded at once and sprayed steel rain down on a 5km area.


    The hundreds of cluster rounds destroyed the defensive igloos that protected the buildings and fighter jets. The damage was so severe that the runway was incapable of having any more nes take off ornd.


    Boom! Bang! Boooom! Boom! Bang!


    The continued explosions had caused the surrounding viges, homes, and shops near the Tsuiki base to shake. Some of the older homes copsed from the shockwaves. The aerial raid sirens of the Tsuiki base rang out only after Corea¡¯s airstrikes had been sessfully dealt.


    Wee-woo. Wee-woo~


    However, the attack was over. It was toote. As the flight wing was preparing to move towards their second target, the ck moon flight wing¡¯s Major Choi Young-Ho alerted them of the enemy nes approaching.


    -ck Moon 1, east point 16 bandits approaching, distance at 24, check!


    -Rainbow 1 copy that.


    -ck Moon 1, contact all flight wing members! Box line Everest! The rainbow flight wing is to move to the second target. Over!


    -Rainbow 1 wishing you luck. Copy that!


    The Japanese air force was concerned about additional aerial strikes after being hit by Corea¡¯s powerful missile attacks. They had been ordered to be heavily armed and shoot down any nes that entered themercial airspace. Therefore, the 8th fighter wing had hidden some of their F-22 raptor jets at the Kitakyushu airport, along with F-15J/DJ fighter jets. When the rainbow flight wing was detected by the radar for a few moments when they dropped their bombs, the flight wings at the Kitakyushu air force deployed 16 heavily armed F-22 jets to retaliate.


    The rainbow flight wing banked left, and moved towards its second target, while the ck moon flight wing turned 30 degrees left and entered into a dog fight with the 16 F-22 raptor jets.


    Since the distance between the two jets was so close, and the F-22 raptor jets had the powerful AN/APG-77 radars, the ck moon flight wing was urately detected by the Japanese jets.


    Bee beep! Bee beep! Bee beep! Bee beep!


    Soon enough, the ck moon flight wing¡¯s RWR rms began to ring. Major Choi Young-Ho urgently gave the order to his flight wing.


    -Flight wing, all music on. 2 rounds of S-AAM-50 Magpie vipers (infrared short-ranged air-to-air missiles) on standby, fire!


    -ck Moon 2, fox two.


    -ck Moon 3, fox two.


    -ck Moon 4, fox two.


    -ck Moon 1, fox two.


    Eight blue beams of light flew off from the phoenix jets and moved towards the F-22 jets. The F-22 jets retaliated with their eight AIM-9X super sidewinder missiles that had a range of 26km with a speed of Mach 2.7.


    The S-AAM-50 Magpie viper missiles were superior in speed, and they vaporized the eight F-22 raptor jets moving in the fingertip position. Since they were at such a close distance, the F-22 jets were unable to make evasive maneuvers and crashed after bursting into mes. The surviving jets split into two flight wings after seeing theirrades crashing to the surface and began to make evasive maneuvers.


    The eight AIM-9X super sidewinder missiles had detected the heating from the phoenix jets and still flew towards their targets.


    -Flight wing! Afterburners on! We shoot straight.


    -ck Moon 2, copy that.


    -ck Moon 3, copy that.


    -ck Moon 4, copy that.


    -ck Moon 1, go.


    The four jets under the ck moon flight wing turned on its afterburners to raise its velocity to Mach 8, and burst forward at 3 times the speed of a bullet. The AIM-9X sidewinder missiles moved around frantically after the heat signature of their targets disappeared and then blew up.


    The four jets under the ck moon flight wing flew past the F-22 jet¡¯s formation. Then they turned off the afterburners to reduce their velocity, performed the stall turn maneuver* then split into two groups to form and tail the F-22 flight wing.


    *The stall turn maneuver: while flying parallel, the jets turn by 45 degrees and reduce speed. At the peak of the loop, the jets roll and return to parallel flight.


    The F-22 jets that had now seen the enemy jets fly past them at unbelievable speed, and now seen the enemy at their tail were bbergasted. The F-22 jets all began to go under JINK maneuvers* to get the enemy jets off their tail. However, since they were locked on by the phoenix jets, they were unable to leave the line of fire.


    *JINK maneuver: a maneuver to fool the enemy¡¯s targeting system by moving the ne in an irregr pattern, and also to evade the enemy jet¡¯s gunfire.


    Major Choi Young-Ho felt it was overkill to use the S-AAM-200 rattlesnake (mid-range air-to-air missiles) but he gave the order to attack. Soon the 4 phoenix jets tailing the enemy emitted blue mes and the rattlesnake missiles all flew towards the target. The four remaining F-22 jets blew up.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    Boom~ Boom~ Boom~


    The four F-22 jets all blew up in the air. The remaining two F-22 jets all made a break turn and faced the phoenix jets that were tailing them. They locked on andunched their AIM-9L sidewinder missiles.


    The F-22 jet¡¯s maneuverability was just as excellent as the simtions from the 99th flight training wing. Or it could have been the superior capabilities of the Japanese pilots, but seeing the jets move smoothly reminded Major Choi Young-Ho of his training days and made him smile. He then pressed the button of the 12mmser Vulcan guns.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    The white light beams traveled at the speed of light to strike down the AIM-9L sidewinder missiles. He left behind the shrapneling from the explosion and pulled the trigger again towards the F-22 jets this time.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    Theser beams had hit past the F-22 raptor¡¯s canopy and the rear to form a straight line. The Japanese pilot aboard the canopy died after spitting out arge amount of blood. The cockpit had turned into a sea of blood. The F-22 raptor that had lost its pilot spewed ck mes and began to fall down while tumbling in the air, and after a while, it exploded.


    ¡°Those bastards! I am the top gun in the Corean air force. Don¡¯t mess with me!¡±


    Major Choi Young-Ho, who shouted while watching the crashing F-22 raptor, turned his gaze and red at the remaining F-22 jet.


    Meanwhile, the rainbow flight wing arrived at the automobile manufacturingplex at Fukuoka that had factories from Nissan automotive, and many other automobilepanies. They released all of their remaining C-PAB sma cluster bombs and C-PSB cluster rounds without any hesitation.


    Boooom~ Bang~ Boooooom~


    Therge industrialplexes all copsed under the power of the explosives. Many of the materials from the factories flew away from the st or melted from the heat. The Fukuoka industrialplex had turned into a living hell, and mes dozens of meters high made it resemble the surface of the sun under a sma storm. The Fukuoka industrialplex, which was considered one of thergest in Kyushu, was now disappearing into history.


    Meanwhile, at the ck moon flight wing, the F-22 raptor jets which previously had superiority in numbers, had the situation flipped on them. The three surviving F-22 raptor jets were doing everything in their power to lose the CF-21P phoenix jets from their tail.


    When the 8th fighter wing¡¯smand headquarters under the western air force was hit, Major General Kondo Youji had ordered the hidden 16 F-22 raptor jets under the 301st battalion to be deployed. He assumed that 16 5th generation F-22 stealth fighter jets would be more than enough to handle the eight Corean fighter jets. However, the resultsing in from hismand center was that 13 of the deployed F-22 jets were struck down by not eight enemy jets but four, and the remaining three would be struck down at any moment.


    Major General Kondo Youji gave the order to deploy eight additional F-22 raptor jets under the 6th battalion, and 16 F-15J jets under the 304th battalion. Also, he requested the E-2C early warning system nes to be deployed from the sentry forces under the air forcemand headquarters.


    A single F-22 raptor jet that had turned into a ball of mes split into two and began to fall towards the ground. There was now one F-22 jet remaining.


    Beep~ Beep~ Beep~


    The RWR rm rang across every jet under the ck moon flight wing. The ck moon flight wing was too busy fighting against the enemy that it didn¡¯t have time to check the radars. The enemy jets had them locked on as soon as they left Kitakyushu airport.


    -ck Moon 3, 24 bandits at the east point, distance 26, check!


    -ck Moon 1, copy that.


    -ck Moon 2, copy that.


    -ck Moon 4, copy that.


    Major Choi Young-Ho¡¯s wingman, Captain Oh Gil-Sung, who had checked the radar first, alerted the entire flight wing through the radio.


    Then 24 rounds of AIM-120 AAMRAM missiles in a fire and pocket formation flew towards them. Six missiles had been allotted for each fighter jet. It seems that the Japanese pilots had spared no missiles since they were enraged that the F-22 raptor jets were struck down.


    For an instant, Major Choi Young-Ho¡¯s head became cloudy with thoughts.


    ¡°They fired 6 missiles for each ne, and there was no way for them to evade or blow up the AIM-120 AAMRAM missile with a speed of Mach 4 by using chaffs or res. There¡¯s only one way and speed they needed to be to avoid them.¡±


    Major Choi thought.


    Major Choi Young-Ho made his conclusion and gave the order through themunication line.


    ¡°ck Moon 1, contact all flight wing members! All music on! Afterburners on! Every jet is to raise altitudes at maximum angle!¡±


    -ck Moon 2, copy that.


    -ck Moon 3, copy that.


    -ck Moon 4, copy that.


    The four ck moon jets all raised their nozzles towards the sky and turned on their afterburners. The jets had reached 30km in altitude with their velocity. They had reached the altitude limit. However, the four jets did not stop and kept rising.


    The AIM-120 AAMRAM missiles all flew in an L shape and shot up to the sky to follow the phoenix jets.

 Chapter 186

    <h4>Chapter 186</h4>


    February 2, 2021, 10:05, The sky at an elevation of 35 kilometers, Kyushu, Japan


    Beeep~ Beeep~ Beeep~ Beeep~


    Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho had passed the practical ceiling of elevation of 30 kilometers. As soon as he reached an elevation of 35 kilometers, the warning rm in his cockpit rang, signaling a mechanical abnormality. Upon hearing this, Lieutenant Commander Choi gave his orders to the members of his squadron. Immediately, the four nes in the ck Moon Squadron sharply turned at a 90-degree angle while maintaining level flying. This high-speed maneuver allowed them to fly past the Japanese fighter nes.


    The AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles that were speeding towards the ck Moon Squadron began tog behind as the nes sped away. As soon as the elevation increased to 30 kilometers, the active RADAR system¡¯s seeker built into the missiles began to malfunction. As a result, several of the missiles self-destructed in mid-air, missing their targetspletely.


    The ck Moon Squadron had managed to slip away from the 24 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, outpacing them at a speed faster than a missile, and with more than twice the practical elevation limits of an average fighter ne. Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho¡¯s orders came again:


    ¡°ck Moon Squadron! D-set strike, go.¡±


    The nes were flying at high speeds and at an elevation of 35 kilometers, at the borderline of the atmosphere¡¯s ozoneyer. Due to the air friction, the nes¡¯ nose and wings heat up so much that they burned scarlet red. The four Red Phoenix fighter nes lived up to their name, disying a phoenix-like image in the sky. The nes then sharply turned and aimed their nose cones to the ground and started to descend.


    Meanwhile, the eight F-22 Raptors and the 16 K-15J Eagles maintained their formation as a squadron while flying at an altitude of eight kilometers. They immediately scattered. Part of the F-22 Raptor fighter nes had attempted to raise their elevation to give chase to the Red Phoenix nes, but they stopped at their elevation limit of 15 kilometers and had no choice but to give up.


    The ck Moon Squadron was currently armed with air-to-air missiles: five S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles for ck Moon 1, five S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles for ck Moon 2, four S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles for ck Moon 3, and four S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles for ck Moon 4.


    It would be quite a tragic waste to use up all of these high-quality missiles, with a slope range of 200 kilometers, in a dogfight-style engagement. At the same time, it would be a problem if they did not use them in a situation where life and death hung in the bnce. Theseplicated thoughts circled around the mind of Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho, but then he made his decision.


    ¡°Damn! If only we¡¯re a little further away, I wouldn¡¯t be questioning whether now is the right time to use these missiles.¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Squadron, attack now! Use two missiles each! After this attack, each squad member can use more at will!¡±


    ck Moon 2: Copy that.


    ck Moon 3: Copy that.


    ck Moon 4: Copy that.


    Almost immediately, the four nes in the ck Moon squadron, which had been diving straight down at an 80-degree angle towards the earth, fired two S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles each.


    Pheew~ pheew~ pheew~ pheew~


    The S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake mid-range missiles gushed out blue propent and flew off in the Japanese fighter jets¡¯ direction. The targets immediately took evasive maneuvers, as if they were trying to escape from getting stabbed.


    Two of the F-22 Raptors and six of the F-15J Eagles were unable to hit the high speed of Mach 8, and so, they took direct hits to their upper sections, shattering the nes into an explosion of shrapnel.


    The Red Phoenix fighters, which had descended to an elevation of eight kilometers, swapped to horizontal flight by engaging the Spirit S maneuver. The jet nes then split, off two at a time, in opposite directions and once again entered close engagement with the Japanese fighter nes.


    <ul>


    Spirit S: It is also known as the ¡®letter S maneuver¡¯. It is a maneuver where, after rising rapidly and then turning about halfway (half loop), a pilot flips their fighter ne around 180 degrees, continuing into a dive in theplete opposite direction of the way they were turning before then.


    </ul>


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    At that moment, the RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) rm went off, triggering a notification on Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho¡¯sbat disy.


    ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s get going, guys.¡±


    The F-22 Raptors and F-15J Eagles maneuvered dizzyingly around him, their reflections visible in the visor of the helmet that Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho was wearing. Each time a jet appeared before him, he expertly aimed the reticle of his missileunchers at them. However, he did not push the button tounch the missiles. Instead, he piloted his ck Moon fighter jet, weaving past the Japanese fighter ns. He dove towards the center of the Japanese formation, nning to gun down the enemy with just his 12 millimeter Razor Vulcan Beam.


    Beeep~


    The RWR rm suddenly warned him of an iing missile. He checked hisbat disy and quickly noticed the two AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles that were flying toward him from the 3 o¡¯clock position.


    Lieutenant Commander Choi urgently performed ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) and sprayed chaff into the sky. To avoid the AIM-120 missiles flying straight towards him, he performed an emergency barrel roll. His quick reflexes allowed him to dodge the rockets, which exploded upon colliding with the metal chaff.


    <ul>


    Barrel roll: an aerial maneuver in which an airne makes a rotation that follows a barrel¡¯s shape.


    </ul>


    Having avoided the potentially deadly emergency, Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho responded by firing two S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles. He aimed at the two F-15J fighter pilots that were designated in the visor of his helmet.


    <ul>


    ck Moon Squadron, Fox Two.


    </ul>


    Since the two S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles that sted out of the internal bomb bay were short-range air-to-air missiles, they showed off their thrust vectoring abilities. The flew at incredible speeds towards the front sections of the two F-15J fighters. At the same time, they disyed high-agility turning abilities.


    Boom boom!


    One S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile directly hit the canopy of an F-15J fighter ne. The target split into two and immediately blew up. The second S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile crashed into the other fighter jet¡¯s tail, leaving a destructive explosion. Metal shrapnel and debris flew in every direction. The pilots of the two F-15J nes did not even have time to eject from their seats, and they blew up in a ball of me.


    Satisfied with the oue of his revenge, Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho checked his radar monitor. He was concerned for the well-being of his wingman, Captain Oh Gil-sung. He turned his attention towards his squadron, paying close attention to the tactics of his allies.


    ¡°Ha ha! He¡¯s going for it...¡±


    His wingman, Captain Oh Gil-sung had shot down one of the F-15J Eagles, and was currently trying to shake off the two F-22 Raptors on his tail. He performed the jinking maneuver. From what Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho could see, his teammate was not in a favorable situation right now.


    <ul>


    ck Moon 1 to ck Moon 3: Run the TCS (Transparent Concealment System) and then perform the Cobra maneuver.


    ck Moon 3 to ck Moon 1: Are you ordering me to use the TCS technology?


    Why are you talking so much? I¡¯m telling you to do it, so do it!


    ck Moon 3 to ck Moon 1: We are under strict orders from our superiors not to use this technology for the time being...


    Bitch! This is no time to question me. I¡¯ll take the responsibility, so just do it, now! Bitch!


    </ul>


    In tense and urgent situations, Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho and his wingman Captain Oh Gil-sung ignored the use of officialmunications terms. Theymunicated in a more conversational style.


    During the Sino-Korean War, the Ministry of Defense had passed an order to cease the use of a few of the most critical technology in Corea¡¯s military. This was the result of a finding that confirmed that this technology allowed the United States to gather top-secret information about the Federal Republic of Corea¡¯s new weapons. One of the banned technology was the TCS (Transparent Concealment System), a stealth system that could conceal fighter jets by making them appear to be transparent.


    <ul>


    ck Moon 3: Copy that.


    </ul>


    A few secondster, Captain Oh Gil-sung¡¯s Red Phoenix fighter, which had been dodging left and right, suddenly blended in with its surroundings. The ne entered stealth mode and its visage became distorted and within moments, itpletely disappeared. The pilots of the two Japanese F-22 Raptors were shocked. They did not know what to do and continued flying straight ahead, past the invisible CF-21P Red Phoenix fighter. Suddenly, the Red Phoenix reappeared, right on the tail of the two F-22s.


    To the two F-22 Raptor pilots, something impossible and ridiculous had just happened. Just as they were trying to wrap their heads around what had just happened, the beam of Captain Oh Gil-sung¡¯s Razor Vulcan Beam shot out.


    The high-intensityser beam struck the upper section of the F-22 Raptor on the right, and immediately, smoke started escaping. Within seconds, the ne exploded.


    <ul>


    Nice.


    </ul>


    Captain Oh Gil-sung blurted the word out on themunicationswork without even realizing it. He was enjoying the rush of adrenaline from using the TCS technology in a real fight, and making a direct hit to shoot down an F-22 Raptor.


    <ul>


    ck Moon 1 to ck Moon 3: Now take care of the other F-22!


    ck Moon 3: Copy that.


    </ul>


    Suddenly, the screams of First Lieutenant Ha Young-joo was heard over themunicationswork. Despite being outnumbered, First Lieutenant Ha Young-joo had just been systematically shooting down Japanese fighter nes, one by one. But now, he seemed to be in trouble.


    <ul>


    ck Moon 4: My weapons systems are disabled. There¡¯s some sort of machine error here. I need backup! Over!


    </ul>


    Hearing this, Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho checked the location of ck Moon 4 on the radar screen of hisbat disy. He quickly turned his nosecone towards the 9 o¡¯clock direction and activated his afterburner.


    The ck Moon 4 Red Phoenix ne was being tailed by two F-22 Raptors and one F-15J Eagle. It was desperately dodging the rapid-fireing from the Japanese ne¡¯s M61A2 machine guns.


    <ul>


    ck Moon 1 to ck Moon 4: Activate your TCS immediately, and then break away from the battlefield.


    Afterburner: Thebustion equipment attached to the back end of the turbine of a jet engine. When activated, it reheats the gas that exits the turbine, allowing the pilot to increase the force of thrust without affecting the weight of the ne. The afterburner is typically used after takeoff and when speeding up. The former uses a regrbustion engine, while thetter uses a piece of very simplifiedbustion equipment.


    ck Moon 4: Squadron Leader! My equipment is malfunctioning badly. It¡¯s serious. And I¡¯m losing power too. Over.


    </ul>


    Dudududududum~ Dududududum~


    As he was talking over themunications system, 20-millimeter machine gun shells hit the rear section of ck Moon 4. Fortunately, the exterior of the Red Phoenix was made with an ultralight reinforced alloy known as ¡°liquidrinium¡±, a material that can withstand a few shots from a 20-millimeter machine gun. The Red Phoenix was not pierced or shot down ¡ª for now.


    Vehicles such as the C-3 Baekho tank and the Hyunmoo armored vehicle utilize an alloy called the ¡°hydrinium alloy¡± for their heavy armor. This material possesses an incredibly defensive strength. Aircrafts, however, use an ultralight, reinforced armor known as ¡°liquidrinium alloy.¡± This is an incredibly lightweight material with a defensive strength (KE) of at least 120 millimeters.


    Despite its armored frame, it would only be a matter of time before the ck Moon 4 Red Phoenix fighter ne was shot down. So, under the pressure of time, Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho decided to go on the offense. He selected his remaining S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles and locked his target on the two most threatening F-22 Raptors. Without hesitation, he pressed the unch missile¡¯ button.


    The S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles flew out, leaving a trail of blue mes in their wake. The missiles quickly broke Mach 6 speed and continued elerating as they hurtled in the direction of the two F-22 nes that were chasing ck Moon 4. In response, both of the F-22s split in opposite directions, taking evasive maneuvers and continuously releasing anti-missile chaff.


    The metal pieces scattered and spread out across the sky, glinting manically as they reflected the sunlight. As a result, the radar-guided missiles were distracted by the chaff. One of the two S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles unfortunately collided with the metal pieces and exploded in mid-air. However, the remaining missile sessfully navigated through the chaff pieces and hit the engine area of one F-22 Raptor, blowing it up.


    <ul>


    ck Moon 4: Launch arms!


    </ul>


    The F-15J that was tailing ck Moon 4 seemed to be slowing down, but all of a sudden, not one, but two AIM-120 AMRAAM missilesunched out from it.


    <ul>


    ck Moon 1 to ck Moon 4: The heat is on! Turn brake! Chaff, chaff, chaff!


    </ul>


    Lieutenant Commander Choi stopped chasing the F-22 Raptor that survived the S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile attack. He quickly swerved to the left and shifted his attention to the radar system in his visor. He was on a mission to shoot down the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, no matter what it took.


    Whirrrrrr~ Whirrrrrr~


    Under the pressure of time, Lieutenant Choi Young-ho fired his 12-millimeter Vulcan beam. He had nothing in his targets, so he was aiming blindly. Meanwhile, in ck Moon 4, First Lieutenant Ha Young-joo was desperately trying to survive by any way he could; he increased his SECM thrust as far as it would go, he scattered chaff as a distraction, and he pulled his control stick as far to the left as he could.


    The ck Moon 4 Red Phoenix fighter ne banked left in a sharp, tight angle. It was a close call: the S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile missed the turn and brushed past the fighter jet. Fortunately, the second S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile was hit by the wild shots of the 12-millimeter Razor Vulcan beam. The missile immediately lost its bnce, stopped mid-air and fell to earth.


    ck Moon 4 had escaped one emergency, but the F-15J Eagle was still chasing it. Meanwhile, the F-22 Raptor had once again changed direction; this time it was on the tail of Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho¡¯s Red Phoenix ne.


    Lieutenant Commander Choi had gone through many air fights before, but today was the first time he felt such pressure. He never had this much sweat running down his back! But he was not just worried for himself; he was also concerned for the safety of the youngest of the ck Moon Squadron, First Lieutenant Ha Young-joo of ck Moon 4.


    Lieutenant Commander Choi continued to aim for the F-15J Eagle that was chasing after First Lieutenant Ha. He tried his best to lock the enemy ne in his sights, but he had trouble identifying the target point. It was almost as if the urgency of the situation was getting the best of him.


    All of a sudden, the F-15J Eagle that had been following ck Moon 4 exploded in the sky. At the same time, the F-22 Raptor that had locked onto Lieutenant Choi Young-ho¡¯s Red Phoenix fighter was also blown up by a missile that seemed toe out from nowhere.


    ¡°What on earth?¡±


    It was an unexpected turn of events. A message came across themunicationswork. It was from the Rainbow Squadron.


    <ul>


    Rainbow 1 to ck Moon 1: You looked like you were about to piss your pants just then! Over.


    ck Moon 1 to Rainbow 1: It¡¯s about time you bitches got here. What took you so long? Over!


    </ul>


    The Rainbow Squadron had just finished performing an airstrike on a second target area. Once done, they immediately turned their nes around and headed towards the ck Moon Squadron. They had arrived to find their allies in trouble. Rainbow Squadron had fired a mid-range S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile in the moment of crisis, shooting down the enemy F-22 Raptor and the F-15J Eagle and saving their teammates.

 Chapter 187

    <h4>Chapter 187</h4>


    February 2, 2021, 11:00, office of the Head of the 36th Air Wing Base, city of Gunsan, North Joe-do Province


    Havingpleted the air raid mission in Kyushu, Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho and Lieutenant Commander Jeon Chang-bin returned safely to their base. They were called into the office of the Commander of the Air Wing, having received a summons from him rather than the battalionmander.


    ¡°Lieutenant Commander Choi!¡±


    ¡°Sir, Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho, sir!¡±


    ¡°What the hell were you thinking when you recklessly gave the order to use the TCS?¡±


    The Commander asked with a look of anger on his face. He was perched on the edge of his chair.


    ¡°About that, Sir. Some of our squad members were in an extremely dangerous situation, so I gave them the order to...¡±


    ¡°Why did you ce them in a dangerous situation in the first ce? Wouldn¡¯t it have been better if you had just used all the weapons you had at your disposal first?¡±


    ¡°Sir, we took down a total of 40 fighters. Sixteen in the first battle, and 24 in the second. In a real fight, it¡¯s not even like there¡¯s a guaranteed chance that one missile will take down one fighter, and...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! I don¡¯t want to hear you bragging about what you did!¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Choi felt like this was unfair. The fact that they had sessfullypleted the critical mission was being ignored. Instead, they were dragged to the Commander¡¯s office to be reprimanded and criticized, before they even had time to take off their uniforms. He kept quiet, not wanting to give any more answers. He simply pursed his lips defiantly. The glowering Commander turned his attention to Lieutenant Commander Jeon Chang-bin, who was sitting next to him.


    ¡°Lieutenant Commander Jeon!¡±


    ¡°Sir, Lieutenant Commander Jeon Chang-bin, sir!¡±


    ¡°Why did you strafe Kitakyushu Airport?¡±


    Just 30 minutes before he had encountered the ck Moon Squadron, Lieutenant Commander Jeon Chang-bin and his Rainbow Squadron had, in fact, dropped two K-PSB sma cluster bombs at the Kitakyushu Airport. But they only did this after confirming that the enemy fighters from the 8th Air Wing had departed from that spot.


    But because of this action, the civilian aircraft at the Kitakyushu Airport, as well as its runways and airport buildings, were struck by the st of the K-PSB sma cluster bomb. This was a situation that was met with an uproar.


    ¡°Sir! Since most of the 8th Air Wing¡¯s crafts had already departed from the area, I made the decision that it was a justifiable target for a starting point attack, and dropped the two bombs we had saved.¡±


    It was a confident answer, but it put the me squarely on his shoulders.


    ¡°The hell you did. Who gave you the right to decide whether that ce was a point of attack? Did you even get confirmation from your superiors?¡±


    ¡°Sir, in the heat of thebat situation, I thought that the judgment of themanding officer shoulde first, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hah! You two blockheads are full of nonsense! I¡¯m just wasting my breath talking to you idiots. Both of you, take 20ps around the training ground inbat gear, right now! And listen, if there¡¯s an investigation about what happened duringbat, just tell them that I was the one that gave the order. Got that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Wait, no, sir. I will tell them the truth, sir.¡±


    ¡°So you two are just going to act like blockheads all the way to the end, huh? Do you two want to keep this up? Get out of here and go run around the training ground or something.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand, sir. Unity!¡±


    ¡°You like unity, I see! Get out! I¡¯m sick of the sight of you!¡±


    Upon leaving the Commander¡¯s office, the two blockhead lieutenantmanders bumped their hips together and broke into grins andughed.


    ¡°Why are you always acting like such a blockhead?¡±


    Jeon Chang-bin said jokingly to Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho. He looked at his friend in mock pity.


    ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t know about that. But why are you acting like an idiot?¡±


    ¡°I do it because you¡¯re my friend.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Let¡¯s go! To pack our military gear.¡±


    The two friends whistled happily as they exited the central building. Just outside, they were met with the Rainbow Squadron and the ck Moon Squadron.


    ¡°What are you all doing here? And you haven¡¯t even changed out of your pilot suits?¡±


    ¡°How are we to just change out of our uniforms and pretend as if nothing happened? Not when they dragged the two of you off!¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Choi Young-ho¡¯s wingman, Captain Oh Gil-sung said this, scratching his head.


    ¡°Hey! You guys are acting like blockheads too, huh? Ha ha ha! Alright guys, let¡¯s head back and get some rest. All of you must be tired.¡±


    Lieutenant Commanders Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin looked at each other andughed as they talked. It was only now that Lieutenant Commander Choi had a chance to express his gratitude for what went down during the battle. He turned to face First Lieutenant Ha Young-joo, the ck Moon Squadron¡¯s youngest member.


    ¡°Lieutenant Commander Choi, thank you for earlier.¡±


    ¡°Man, it was nothing... Hey, Captain Yoon!¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, Squad Leader?¡±


    ¡°Take care of your wingman! Got it?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry, sir. It was just that I got distracted by the battle. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! As punishment for neglecting your wingman, go and pack my military gear.¡±


    ¡°Sir, what do you need your gear for?¡±


    ¡°Our Air Wing Commander told us to runps around the training ground. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    * *


    February 2, 2021, 11:00, the Cab¡¯s Emergency Safety Situation Room, Tokyo, Japan


    ¡°As of right now, the Kyushu area headquarters of the Western Air Defense Force, the 5th Air Wing and the 8th Air Wing have all been bombed, and the damage appears to be very bad. On top of that, we lost the Tsuiki Air Field, and all the F-22s and F-15Js that took off from the Kitakyushu Airport.¡±


    Kurosawa Kiyoshi, the Head of Tactical Intelligence of the Japanese Air Force, gave a report on the current extent of the damage.


    ¡°Even the F-22s? How many did we lose?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe asked in response, utterly shocked at the news that they had lost the F-22 fighters.


    ¡°A total of 24 F-22 fighters left the 11th Air Wing¡¯s Kanoya Air Field. Only two returned safely.¡±


    ¡°Two? Did you just say two of them?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe was stunned. He could not believe that as many as 24 F-22s, an aircraft that was widely regarded as the most powerful fighter ne currently existing, had left forbat and only two of them had made it back intact.


    ¡°I took so much effort and invested so much money to get those F-22s, and you¡¯re saying we lost 22 of them in a single battle?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe angrily shouted this, having totally forgotten the request from the Chief of Staff for the Air Force, Masaki Hajime, that morning. He was starting to lose his cool again.


    ¡°How is it that we needlessly lost so much? And in our own airspace too!¡±


    But there was no one in the room who could calmly give an answer to Prime Minister Abe¡¯s question. At that moment, a tense and gloomy atmosphere made its way around the entire Situation Room. Prime Minister Abe looked menacingly around the room, staring down at each of the government officials that were awkwardly standing around him. He finally stopped his gaze on the Chief of Staff of the Airforce, Masaki Hajime.


    ¡°Chief of Staff of the Air Force.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, Mr. Prime Minister!¡±


    ¡°You must take responsibility for what you said earlier this morning, and stage a retaliatory attack. Or just do something, as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We¡¯re preparing that right now. Once the ns areplete, we willunch a full-scale counterattack.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe gave his final word and turned around, exiting the Situation Room. As he stepped out, Minister Shibasaki followed behind him and carefully asked a question.


    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister... How did your phone call with the American president go yesterday?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe stopped in his tracks. He whipped his head back and spoke calmly, but with such force that it felt like he was screaming.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even mention that weasel. He¡¯s actingpletely different from the time of his state visit.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but what...¡±


    ¡°He said that even though we can make the American stationing bases public, the US can¡¯t directly participate in this war. He made a point of saying that they will only be watching and taking a neutral position.¡±


    ¡°How about making contact with the USSC again, then?¡±


    At this, Prime Minister Abe snorted before responding.


    ¡°Are you an idiot? Trump got his orders directly from the USSC! Why would we even bother going back to talk to the USSC?¡±


    ¡°But Mr. Prime Minister. Can¡¯t we use that information to pressure the USSC?¡±


    ¡°Use it? Are you saying that we should y our cards now?¡±


    ¡°If not now, when will we use it, Mr. Prime Minister?¡±


    Minister Shibasaki asked, making a face as if he didn¡¯t understand what was going on. Prime Minister Abe answered with an apathetic expression.


    ¡°I will only use that in a desperately threatening situation. That¡¯s all you need to know. And whatever you do, please don¡¯t follow me. Go back to the Situation Room and grill the Chief of Staff of the Air Force so hees to his senses.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I understand, Mr. Prime Minister!¡±


    Prime Minister Abe entered the temporarily provided Prime Minister¡¯s office without even looking back.


    * *


    February 2, 2021, 11:20, Bunker B2 (the Situation Room in the ROK Army Command and Control Center), Yongsan-gu Borough, Seoul


    ¡°The Kyushu air attack was a sess. Except for one thing.¡±


    The Director of Operations furrowed his brows slightly as he spoke. He was looking at the report that came from the 30th Air Wing.


    ¡°What is it? Is it because we raided the Kitakyushu Airport?¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kang I-shik, spoke. He was also studying the report.


    ¡°Yes. It looks like the damage to the other country¡¯s airport is serious, Mr. Chairman.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just skip over that. Isn¡¯t it obvious that we would start our attack at the airport? It¡¯s where they hide their fighter nes! It was the correct move, even if we hadn¡¯t made any preliminary ns to attack it.¡±


    ¡°If we make even the slightest mistake, we could face bacsh from the other country, Mr. Chairman, sir.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll never win a war if you nitpick over every little thing like that. I¡¯ll probably take care of it on my level if the problem gets worse, so don¡¯t question the 38th Air Wing about this anymore.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, I understand.¡±


    ¡°And anyway, has there been a response from Japan? They¡¯ve been much quieter about this than I expected.¡±


    ¡°It seems that they were stunned by the damage from the attackst night. They haven¡¯t taken any significant military actions as of yet.¡±


    ¡°Well then, where is the Air Wing now? Are they preparing for the next attack?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. They just took off from the 23rd Air Wing, sir.¡±


    After neutralizing Japan¡¯s air defenses in a major offensive soon after the outbreak of the war, the Joint Chiefs of Staff continued sending out alternating Air Wings to carry out airstrikes. The 38th Air Wing had justpleted their mission and had returned safely, and now the 23rd Air Wing, which was located in Kimhae,unched next.


    ¡°Tell them to be careful on this mission. The enemy is hiding their strategic surface-to-air missile units by using the US bases as a shield... This is going to be difficult.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve just sent the Air Wing the precise reconnaissance about the US bases through the Apollo Satellite.¡±


    ¡°Good. Just keep watch over the situation, and I¡¯ll go visit the Blue House this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * *


    February 2, 2021, 14:00, the National Crisis Situation Center¡¯s underground bunker, Jongro-gu Borough, Seoul


    Since the war with Japan had broken out just a month after the Sino-Corean War hade to a close, the President had once again moved to the underground bunker. He was starting to get used to the ce, and in the space of two months, it felt like he was returning to his hometown.


    The National Crisis Situation Center was built a hundred meters underground. Although the stale air of the underground bunker could be stuffy, the space was rtively well fitted with amodations. It was connected by the underground loop vacuum train to other central military bunkers like the Yongsan Bunker and the underground base of the 17th Air Wing. It was an efficient andfortable form of travel.


    After reporting on the big-picture of the war¡¯s current situation, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs looked at the Minister of Foreign Affairs. As the final matter of business, he highlighted one specific problem.


    ¡°At present, the greatest obstacle in the war with Japan are the US stationing bases.¡±


    This statement was an implicit request to talk with the US through the Foreign Minister.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t this something we had predicted even before the start of the war?¡±


    The Head of Security questioned, heavily suggesting that this was an expected situation that they had already nned for. In response, Defense Minister spoke up and continued in ce of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.


    ¡°Currently, Japan has openly moved its troops to every single location where there is a US stationing base. Of note are the antiaircraft defense artillery units in the bases; they have mostlypleted their relocation.¡±


    ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is that these bases have be imprable fortresses that we can¡¯t attack?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct, Mr. President. Although we were sessful in taking out Japan¡¯s antiaircraft missile artillery units at the beginning of the war, we still have to be careful. If we are going to risk a secondrge-scale operation, we will have to be willing to bear the losses.¡±


    The President took a moment to think. He had fallen out with the US regarding the justification for an attack on Japan, but they had promised that they would maintain a neutral position. However, he could not imagine what the US would say if Corea would attack their stationing bases.


    ¡°Minister Kim.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Please try talking with the US Ambassador once more.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Since we¡¯re in a situation of putting our country¡¯s name on the line in fighting a war, we must try everything at our disposal. I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then. Please do so.¡±


    * *


    February 2, 2021, 15:00, in the deep ocean, Latitude 31¡ã49¡ä, Longitude 128¡ã25¡ä, Jeju-do Ind, The Southern Sea


    21 miles off the southern edge of Mishima Ind, 60 meters under the sea, three huge ck shadows were diving slowly into the dreary ocean¡¯s depths. It was pitch ck, and visibility was less than an inch in front of you. These were the newest state-of-the-art submarines which belonged to the previous First Carrier Strike Group: the Wakashio-ss JS Wakashio (SS-601), JS Natsushio (SS-602), and JS Arashio (SS-603).


    The three recentlymissioned Wakashio-ss submarines were shrouded behind a veil of secrecy, and no exact data had been sorted out about them yet. There was only a story when they were first developed that they had a discement of 6000 tons. However, this was not their exact discement. There was even a rumor going around that they were nuclear-powered submarines.


    But this could not simply be dismissed as a false rumor. It was certainly feasible to assume that Japan, whose diplomatic powers ced money above all else, had built nuclear submarines with the US¡¯s connivance.


    Thebat control room of the JS Wakashio waspletely silent as the submarine dived, with only the emergency lighting system growing more intense. In the midst of this deste atmosphere, the submarine¡¯s captain, First ss Cancer Miyazaki Hayao, gave the order to change course.


    ¡°Shift starboard, an azimuth of 3-5-0! Downward dive angle, 30 degrees, maintain speed up to 120!¡±


    Typically, the control room and thebat information room of a conventional submarine can be found within the same chamber. But the fact that the control room of the JS Wakashio (SS-601) was separate from the information room meant that its discement was more than 6000 tons. In fact, it could usibly be suspected of being a nuclear submarine. In any event, the three Wakashio-ss submarines hidden behind a veil moved in a column formation, gradually turning right and diving even deeper into the depths of the ocean.


    Currently, this location was outside of the area of detection of the Poseidon 2.

 Chapter 188

    <h4>Chapter 188</h4>


    February 2, 2021, 16:00, office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jongro-gu Borough, Seoul


    Ambassador Willy Gold entered the Foreign Affairs Minister¡¯s office, wearing an expression that betrayed his ufortable mood. He had been summoned to the Ministry just as he was about to knock off from work and head home.


    ¡°Ambassador Gold, pleasee in. I can see from your face that you look as if you were forced toe here, even though you didn¡¯t want to.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak rose from his seat and spread both arms, greeting his guest warmly.


    ¡°Ha ha, does it seem that way? That¡¯s just because my stomach isn¡¯t feeling too good as I was on the way here.¡±


    ¡°Ah! So that¡¯s it. Well, please, sit down. What kind of tea would you like?¡±


    ¡°Seeing as my stomach is upset, I¡¯ll skip the tea. So, why did you ask me toe here?¡±


    ¡°I see you¡¯re in a hurry. Let¡¯s get straight to it.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak took a single sip of the tea he had been drinking. He set the cup down and got straight to the point.


    ¡°This is about the US military bases stationed in Japan.¡±


    ¡°Yes, what about our bases there?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you clearly say that the US would be taking a neutral position in this war? That the US will simply observe?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct. The US will not be involved in the Japanese-Corean War.


    ¡°Then, if that is the case, why are the US bases in Japan stationing Japanese Self-Defense Forces? Aren¡¯t they supposed to be neutral territory? Our sources have determined that many air defense forces are being shifted to those bases and stationed there.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°If the US hopes to maintain its neutrality, we sincerely hope that it will immediately send away the Japanese Self-Defense Force troops in those bases.¡±


    Ambassador Willy Gold, who had lost about half of his hair, rubbed his head and spoke with an embarrassed look on his face.


    ¡°That is not an issue that I can immediately address.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of that. Looking at it from America¡¯s point of view, I can see how it would be an embarrassing situation.¡±


    Ever since Corea had prevailed in the Sino-Corean War (even while engaging in a marine conflict with Japan over the issue in the waters around Dok-do Ind), the US, and more specifically the USSC, had decided on a type of proxy conflict through Japan in order to keep Corea in check. They did this by selling military equipment to Japan, going beyond the limits of its export caps. The US even loaned some of its cutting edge weaponry to Japan. When Corea confronted America with documented evidence of Japan¡¯s brutality and imed it as justification for all-out war, the US reverted to its neutral position.


    But this was simply the official stance of the US. The decisions of the USSC never changed. Even while they recognized that this could potentially lead to problems with Korea, they allowed the Japan Self-Defense Force¡¯s troops to station in the US bases.


    ¡°I will confirm with our Defense Department about this matter and contact you again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. However, as we are currently in the midst of a war, I hope you can confirm this at the soonest avable opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±


    <hr />


    February 2, 2021, 23:06, OSCAR Bunker in Daegu (Control Room of the deep sea defense satellite Poseidon 3)


    Arge screen right in the middle of the control room disyed all vessels, including submarines, within a 200-kilometer radius. It showed all kinds of strategic symbols and colors that were as easy to read as the back of your hand. However, as even small fishing boats and merchant vessels were disyed, even therge 200-inch screen looked a little crowded.


    Today, the Deck Officer, the Watchman and ten or so operators were attending to their tedious and monotonous deck duties in the control room. But suddenly, the voice of a lone operator cut through the silence and turned the day into a notable one.


    ¡°Sir, detecting an unidentified submarine, 67 kilometers off the southwest edge of Jaeju Ind, at an azimuth of 2-3-1 32¡ã 37¡¯58.04¡å N, 125¡ã 59¡¯17.13¡å E, depth of 120! Its current azimuth is 0-4-1, meaning it¡¯s moving towards Jaeju-do Ind at a speed of 25 knots.¡±


    The location of the unidentified submarine appeared on the center screen in great detail. At this, the Deck Officer stood up from his seat and immediately asked a question in response.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why didn¡¯t you detect the submarine before it reached 67 kilometers of Jaeju-do Ind?¡±


    ¡°It may be because Jaeju-do¡¯s position weakened the signal of our ultra-sonic detection rays.¡±


    Whether it was the intent of the unidentified submarine¡¯s pilots or just pure luck, in this situation, Jaeju-do Ind was located precisely between Poseidon 3 and the submarine. This meant that thendmass was blocking the satellite¡¯s ultrasonic detection rays.


    ¡°And what do you mean by ¡®unidentified¡¯? All submarines, even the average ones, are included in the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Database.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing, sir. Whatever this thing is, it looks like it¡¯s a state-of-the-art model that¡¯s not listed in the IFF Database.¡±


    ¡°Could it be thetest model of the US submarine?¡±


    The Deck Officer massaged his forehead in thought. He was visibly worried.


    ¡°Do I need to contact the Control Commander and report this?¡± he thought to himself.


    The Deck Officer quickly made up his mind, and he decided to report this incident to the Field Officer.


    ¡°Communications Officer, send a call out to the Field Officer!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Shortly after, the Field Officer entered the control room of Poseidon 3.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Did you discover something?¡±


    Field Officer Oh Myoung-ho asked as soon as he entered the room. In response, the Deck Officer pointed to the screen.


    ¡°Just look at the screen, sir.¡±


    The main screen¡¯s digital map clearly disyed three submarine-shaped symbols located near the southwestern edge of Jaeju-do Ind. The symbols were shing red.


    ¡°Submarines? But then why don¡¯t we have their exact information?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I contacted you, Field Officer Oh.¡±


    ¡°Huh, so we have no information about these vessels? Their acoustic signatures can¡¯t be found in the IFF database?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, that¡¯s correct.¡±


    Field Officer Oh Myoung-ho folded his arms, lost in thought. He took a few seconds before he gave his orders.


    ¡°Call the Commander. And prepare tounch a Trident!¡±


    At this, the operator in charge of arms delivered some bleak news.


    ¡°Mr. Field Officer, sir! I¡¯ve already calcted the direction of the submarine¡¯s trajectory. The Trident doesn¡¯t have sufficient range to reach the submarine, even if we move closer to Jaeju-do Ind. It would be possible to hit if they went in a straight line, but if they navigate around the ind then we¡¯ll be out of range.


    ¡°Damn! Do we have any ships or submarines near those waters now?¡±


    Several of the vessels and submarines closest to the area shed on the central main screen.


    ¡°At the present time, the closest naval vessel to the unidentified submarine is the Navy destroyer Dae Jo-young (DDG-977) of the Second Fleet, which is 89 kilometers away. And for submarines, there¡¯s the Hong Beom-do (SS-079) at 50.4 kilometers away, then the Lee Beom-seok (SS-080) at 73 kilometers away, and the next closest is the Lee Oek-ki (SS-070) which is 122 kilometers away.¡±


    ¡°So they bypassed our anti-submarine screen... Alright then, dere a Level 1 situation to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Naval Operations Command. Contact the Naval destroyer Dae Jo-young as well as all our submarines in the area of those waters. Then implement data linking with each of the vessels that you makemunications with.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Then the ten or so operators each contacted the General Staff members and headquarters they were in responsible for, dering a Level 1 situation.


    <hr />


    February 2, 2021, 23:12, Bunker B2 (Situation Room of the Korean Army Command and Control Center), Yongsan-gu Borough, Seoul


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang I-shik, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Choi Ho-il, the General Staff of the 3rd Corps, and the rest of the Korean military¡¯smanding officers were convened in casual dress in the situation room after having received the deration of a Level 1 situation from the control room of Poseidon 3 in the Daegu OSCAR bunker just five minutes earlier.


    ¡°I will now report on the current situation.¡±


    While the officers were still settling down, the Director of Operations, Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, began the meeting.


    ¡°At 11:06, just ten minutes ago, the Poseidon 3 spotted three unidentified submarines located 67 kilometers off the southwest tip of Jaeju-do Ind, now just 60 kilometers away. Poseidon 3 dered a Level 1 situation to the Second Fleet and three of our submarines that are currently in the area. Four P-3CK marine patrol aircraft have also been dispatched from the Seventh Carrier Task Group¡¯s base on Jaeju-do Ind.¡±


    This simple and direct description of the current situation was met with a barrage of questions from some of military officers present.


    ¡°Did you just say these are unidentified submarines? How can that be? Maybe they¡¯re American or Russian vessels that we don¡¯t know about?¡±


    ¡°We cannot know for sure at the present time, Mr. Chief of Staff of the Army, sir.¡±


    ¡°Does this mean that our anti-submarine has been prated? Or is it that these unidentified submarines have such advanced underwater navigation capabilities?¡±


    This question came from General Kim Byoung-hwan, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.


    ¡°At this current time, we don¡¯t know if it was nned or just luck, but Jaeju-do Ind is positioned directly between the unidentified submarines and our Poseidon 3. Because of this, Poseidon 3¡¯s detection radar was affected, and the crew only detected the submarines muchter than they normally would.¡±


    ¡°Can we capture these submarines on video? Do we have sights on them?¡±


    ¡°Sir, the Apollo 1 is still investigating the area around these waters. We have deployed infrared vision, as it¡¯s currently night time.¡±


    ¡°Fine, let me know once we have obtained visual confirmation.¡±


    <hr />


    February 2, 2021, 23:12, Emergency Safety Situation Room of the Japanese Cab, Tokyo


    Anxious energy was coursing through the Emergency Safety Situation Room, located 80 meters underground. The atmosphere was more intense than it had ever been before. This was because everyone present was about to witness Japan¡¯s first retaliation since the war had begun.


    Prime Minister Abe was also there. He sat in a chair at the very end of the Situation Room, where he silently watched the events unfold.


    ¡°They should be arriving at their strike targets right about now,¡± he thought to himself.


    Chief of Naval Operations Murakawa nced down at the watch on his wrist, and gently bit his lower lip. He sent a silent signal to the Chief of Air Operations, Kitano Takeshi. Takeshi simply nodded, and made contact with the Air Operations Headquarters.


    <hr />


    February 2, 2021, 23:15, the airbase of the 11th Air Wing of the Western Air Defense Force, Kyushu, Japan


    This was a new airbase for Japan¡¯s Air Self-Defense Forces. It was set up to dispatch the F-35A Lightning II fighters that Japan had purchased from the US. It was also the base for the first of the X-1 Stealth Fighters, a new kind of fighter ne that was developed using Japan¡¯s own technologies, andmercialized under the name of JX-1 Zero. In the case of an air assault, the recently constructed Kanoya Air Base could store its fighter jets in a hangar. This hangar could also be referred to as a house or an igloo for the fighter nes. It boasted much more robust capabilities than other airbases and could also transport all of the nes underground by an elevator in case of an emergency.


    At the time of the first ballistic missile attack by Korea, the base of the 11th Air Wing was also under attack. However, only its runways and parts of its buildings were hit, while the F-35A Lightning II fighters and the JX-1 Zero fighters had been moved to the underground bunker and werepletely undamaged.


    There were currently two squadrons, with a total of about 52 fighter nes, sitting on the airstrip of the 11th Air Wing. The aircrafts had just undergone emergency repairs and maintenance, and now, they were revving their powerful engines and preparing to take off. Within a few minutes, the pilots received the go-ahead to take off and the jet nes took to the skies of Kanoya in a great cacophony of sound. One by one, they took off, starting with the lead jet ne.


    It only took a few quick minutes for all the 28 F-35A Lightning II fighters and the 24 JX-1 Zero fighters to reach their target altitude. The nes turned their nosecones towards Busan and set off, all the while maintaining their tight squadron formations.


    At the same time, a group of about 300 missiles wereunched from the missile battalion that was stationed at one of the US bases. It was abination of rockets that included the J-ONE tactical ballistic missile as well as the 12-style, 12B-style, and 09-style Sakurabana cruise missiles. The missiles rocketed up to the heavens and then moved in unison toward the Korean Penins. The 09-style Sakurabana missile, a recently developed model that could fly at supersonic speeds of up to Mach 3, led the way. Although there were less than 50 Sakurabana missiles in the air right now, the Mitsubishi Heavy Manufacturing Corporation and the Kawasaki Heavy Manufacturing Corporation were mobilizing their production lines and were churning out more of them.


    <hr />


    February 2, 2021, 23:15, deep in the southern seas near Jaeju-do Ind,titude 32¡ã41¡ä, longitude 126¡ã 1¡ä


    In a spot 60 kilometers off the southwestern edge of Jaeju-do Ind, moonlight glistened off the water¡¯s surface while the nighttime waves rolled. From deep under water, three ck shadows gradually becamerger. Soon, they pierced the surface of the ocean in a huge spray of water. The shadows were revealed to be the JS Wakashio (ss-601), and its sister ships, the JS Natsushio (SS-602) and JS Arashio (SS-603).


    The three Wakashio-ss submarines had been making their approach to Jaeju-do Ind. Along the way, they had continually released multiple rounds of chaff in their wake. Because of this, the neighboring deep sea was filled with chaff that emitted the same acoustic signature as the submarine. The chaff interfered with the sonar detection used by the Korean submarines and marine patrol aircraft, as well as Poseidon 3, that were trying to lock on to the fleet.


    Now that they have bought some time for themselves, the three submarines had made an emergency trip to the surface at the pre-determined time. The 18-roof door verticalunchers opened up (2¡Á9) as 18 missiles wereunched up into the sky. These missiles were the improved version of the Sakurabana 09-style cruise missile, the Sakurabana 09-style SL, a surface-to-surface cruise missile, spraying white trails behind them as they shot up.


    The 54 Sakurabana 09-style SL missiles thatunched from the three submarines reached a certain level of elevation before diving back down towards the water. Just as they reached the water surface, the missiles leveled themselves and switched to a sea-skimming maneuver as they made their way towards Jaeju-do Ind.


    The missiles flew true, leaving a spray of water in their wake. In the blink of an eye, the 54 Sakurabana 09-style SL cruise missiles reached the shoreline Jaeju-do Ind, where they quickly scattered, each flying towards their assigned target area.

 Chapter 189

    <h4>Chapter 189</h4>


    February 2, 2021, 23:15


    The Air Force Base of the 25th Air Wing on Jeju Ind


    ¡°Missiles detected off the southern tip of Jeju Ind! Total, total of 54.¡±


    The radar operation soldier of the 25th Air Wing yelled at the top of his lungs.


    ¡°What are you talking about all of a sudden?¡± The officer in charge of radar asked in surprise, to which the radar operator spit out a desperate answer.


    ¡°There are 25 m-missiles! Flying at a speed above Mach 2 towards the whole Jeju Ind area, sir.¡±


    ¡°Did you say Mach 2? Commence the process of dering a situation and interception! Immediately!¡±


    The air defense forces of the 25th Air Wing immediately dered the situation that they had first detected the unidentified missiles that had appeared so suddenly to the headquarters of the 7th Carrier Task Group that was in the entire Jeju Ind area, as well as the 9th Marine Brigade. At this, the 300PX Cheongung 1 surface-to-air missiles and the S-LAM 300 Cheongung A2 surface-to-air missiles throughout the entire Jeju Ind area rocketed up to the heavens.


    However, time was the tricky part. Even though several battalions responsible for anti-aircraft watch had quickly started the mechanical process of interception, several supersonic Sakurabana 09-style SL cruise missiles had already reached their targets before the intercepting missiles got to them.


    This was because they came from such a short distance, and also their speed was at Mach 3, meaning it took them less than two minutes to reach their targets.


    Craaash! Craaash!


    The strike target of the first supersonic cruise missile was the stationing base of the 9th Marine Brigade. The first explosion was apanied by a raging tornado of mes, while the debris from the trucks and buildings that had been set up soared in the air. This time, the marine barracks building waspletely smashed and blown up, and as the marines had been unable to avoid it, they were also thrown into the air with the fragments of the buildings.


    In this situation, the 22 Sakurabana 09-style SL missiles that were heading toward the 25th Air Wing used the topography of thend and flew with free maneuvers that utilized multiple thrust vectors. On the other side, the S-LAM 300 Cheongung A2 surface-to-air missiles that had beenunched to intercept them were also shooting down to earth after reaching a predetermined altitude.


    A few of the Sakurabana 09-style SL missiles were hit with huge explosions from the S-LAM 300 Cheongung A2 surface-to-air missiles that were fearsomely falling on them, and they struck the earth with a bunch of debris. But, 15 of the Sakurabana 09-style SL missiles had slipped out of the interception firewall, and at thest second, they sent up spurts of smoke at multiple targets in the 25th Air Wing.


    Just then, a single burst of light poured out from the sky, blowing up the Sakurabana missile that was about to ram into the Igloo. As it was such an urgent situation, Zeus 1 had also deployed an interception.


    Craash! Boom! Booom!


    In an instant, with a few dozen explosions like a fireworks disy, a massive amount of debris fell across the runway and the air base buildings. But, as they had not had quite enough time to respond, three enemy missiles struck the runway and the Igloo, exploding on impact. The Igloo copsed under the explosive force of 500 kilograms, and the CF-21P Phoenix fighters inside sustained damage. Due to arge crater and the numerous debris, the airstrip had also temporarily lost its capability to facilitateunches andndings.


    On the other hand, the Wakashio-grade submarines quicklymenced the diving process after having fired all of their Sakurabana 09-style SL missiles.


    The two P-3CK marine surveince nes that had been mobilized to strike the unidentified submarines as part of the Corean Marines Air Force were approaching their targets, and then three Hercules destroyer ships from the 72nd Task Group of the 7th Carrier Group 166 kilometers away each fired two SSM-700K Haesong A supersonic ship-to-ship missiles at the submarines.


    As the SSM-700K Haesong A supersonic ship-to-ship missiles flew towards them, the three Wakashio submarines rapidly began the process of diving, hiding themselves in the great depths¡ªthe missiles, having lost their targets, began the process of self-destruction and blew up in the air. At this, the P-3CK marine patrol aircraft airdropped six Blue Shark torpedoes, lightweight missiles with a range of up to nine kilometers.


    The missiles dropped from an elevation of one kilometer and quickly pierced through the surface of the water, where they directly emitted sound waves, detected their targets, and dove towards the three submarines using directional target detection for guided control.


    * * *


    February 2, 2021, 23:30,


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, Bunker B2 (Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control Center for the Republic of Corea Army)


    As reports rapidly came in that several sites on Jeju Ind had been attacked by the unidentified submarines, that some 300 surface-to-surface missiles and cruise missiles had been fired, and that 52 fighter nes were going from the 11th Air Wing and moving towards Busan, immediately a sense of anxiety that had never been felt until now swirled about the entire situation room in the headquarters of the joint chiefs of staff.


    ¡°Fortunately, thanks to the emergency deployment of Zeus 1, it seems Jeju Ind avoided serious casualties, sir.¡± The Head of Strategic Operations wiped the sweat off his forehead and let out a sigh of relief as he spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s a one-in-a-million, incredibly lucky... But then, this is very suspicious, how they were able to neutralize our anti-submarine as well as our anti-aircraft... For now, I say we leave analysis toter and focus on once again confirming the current situation.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, Mr. Chairman! Afterpleting its assignment, we are presently nning for Zeus 1 to take on the interception of the J-ONE surface-to-surface missiles, and two Samjoko fighters have just made emergency departure for battle. Thebined forces of the First and Third Fleets, as well as the naval destroyer Yi Soon-shin, havemenced the process of intercepting the remaining 320 missiles.¡±


    ¡°What about the fighters flying towards the Port of Busan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, currently 24 fighters of the 23rd Air Wing have departed.¡±


    Just then, one of the operators shouted out a report. ¡°Sir, I¡¯ve received reports that the Blue Shark torpedoes have just now sunk one of the unidentified submarines. They are trailing the remaining two submarines using their detection information.¡±


    ¡°Are there any of our submarines that are currently positioned there?¡±


    ¡°My report says the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079), Lee Beom-Seok (SS-080) are going as fast as they can and have caught up to within 35 kilometers of the enemy, sir.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to do whatever it takes, whether it¡¯s a patrol ne or a submarine, and whatever they do, don¡¯t lose those unidentified subs!¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, I understand.¡±


    * * *


    February 2, 2021, 23:30,


    The sky above Tsushima Ind, Japan


    The squadron of KF-21P Red Phoenix fighters from the 23rd Air Wing in Kimhae had barely entered the airspace of Tsushima Ind when a group of seven F-35 Lightning II nes, as well as six JX-1 Zero fighters, flew to meet them in a squadron formation.


    A momentter, the Red Phoenix fighters struck first with their S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missives, and the air battle began. The Air Self-Defense Force of Japan had mobilized as many radar units as could be operated in Tsushima, Kyushu, and elsewhere¡ª500 kilometers away, three E-767 early warning and control aircraft worked tirelessly to boost the radar system¡¯s output to detect the enemy fighters if it were at all possible.


    But, the 24 Red Phoenix fighters ignored these radar signals, as their stealth capabilities and levels were different from average fighter nes, and continued to go forth to trample the fighters belonging to the 11th Air Wing of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.


    On the other side, the 320 cruise missiles that had crossed the eastern coastline and were heading towards the Corean penins were each intercepted, one by one, by the SM-2, GTAS-150 Haegung, and the GTAS-300 Haechunryong antiaircraft missiles. Even the ones that were lucky enough to survive and infiltrate the interior of the penins were prevented frompleting their mission by the surface-to-air missiles of the air defense battalions that were ced here and there, and exploded in the air and burned up.


    As fierce battles were being waged in multiple ces in this manner, two B-1B Lancers and eight EA-18G Growlers that Japan¡¯s military had loaned from the air wing of the Fifth Carrier Strike Group of the Seventh Fleet of the US Marines were flying quickly in the sky 12 kilometers above the southeastern tip of Jeju Ind, moving toward the ind at a speed reaching Mach 1.2.


    * * *


    February 2, 2021 23:45


    The southern seas of Jeju Ind, Latitude 32¡ã30¡ä, Longitude 125¡ã48¡ä


    The JS Wakashio (SS-601) and JS Arashio (SS-603) had left behind the JS Natsushio (SS-602) that was hit by Blue Shark light torpedoes from the P-3CK marine patrol aircraft, escaped safely to an area outside the sonar detection territory of the Poseidon 3, and soon were diving at a rapid pace to the south.


    However, at an azimuth of 3-2-5, 35 kilometers away, the 214th-ss submarine Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) had begun diving in secret, and at an azimuth of 0-6-8, 41 kilometers away, its sister ship the Lee Beom-Seok (SS-080) was emitting detection rays from its M-SUSL sonar system as intensely as its output would allow, and was persistently chasing after the two submarines of the Japanese Marine Self-Defense Force at full speed.


    ¡°Captain! We¡¯ve got something. Our sonar operator officer had his headset on tight and focused on analyzing the acoustic signature that came across, sir.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Our estimates indicate two submarines, but they can¡¯t be confirmed in our identification system.¡±


    ¡°Those bastards! They must be the unidentified submarines the fleetmand notified us about. Where are they, sonar operator?¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 1-8-2, depth 82, at a distance of 33150, currently moving south at 18 knots, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good. Keep following them closely on the M-SUSL sonar system. Are there any of our forces¡¯ submarines in the area?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, the Lee Beom-Seok is presently at azimuth 1-1-5, at a distance of 66000.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve secured their acoustic signature, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, we¡¯ve secured it.¡±


    ¡°Set the first sub as number one, and the second as number two.¡±


    ¡°Enemy submarine, designated number one and number two!¡±


    ¡°Insert the acoustic signature for number one in the first and second torpedoes, and for the third and fourth torpedoes, the acoustic signature for number two.¡±


    ¡°First and second torpedoes, number one inserted! Acoustic signature for number two inserted into the third and fourth torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Catch up to within a distance of 10000. And make sure to send this information to the crew of the Lee Beom-Seok through securemunications links.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, I understand.¡±


    The captain of the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079), Lieutenant Colonel Kim Yeon-ho thought that taking on an unidentified enemy alone had too great a risk factor, and so the sonar operator sent a message to the Lee Beom-Seok (SS-080) to carry out a coordinated operation.


    * * *


    February 2, 2021, 23:45


    The skies above the southwestern edge of Jeju Ind, at an elevation of 82 kilometers


    The two B-1B Lancer strategic bombers were moving gradually into the airspace above Jeju Ind, escorted by the eight EA-18G Growler fighters and electronic warfare nes, and once they had arrived sessfully without any real danger, they gradually increased their elevation and began the preparations forrge-scale bombing.


    On the other side, after the unidentified submarines had been detected, the eight KF-21P Red Phoenix fighters from the 25th Air Wing that had already deployed very minutely detected the presence of the B-1B Lancers and EA-18G Growlers, and immediately turned their nosecones and flew towards the southwestern tip of Jeju Ind.


    The EA-18G Growlers detected the iing Red Phoenix fighters as they closed in within 40 kilometers of them, due to intense signal jamming and the Growlers¡¯ jamming of the various avionic equipment of the Red Phoenix nes, and began to prepare forbat. Meanwhile, the EA-18G Lancer strategic bombers had reached high altitude and increased to full speed and were getting close to their targets, the naval base of the Seventh Carrier Task Group, and the air force base of the 25th Air Wing.


    * * *


    February 2, 2021, 23:50,


    The Cab¡¯s Emergency Situation Room in Tokyo, Japan


    The multiplebat stations ying out currently were clearly disyed on several strategic screens in the situation room. Among these, Head of the Joint Staff Office, Masaki Hajime, had his gaze fixed on the one showing the situation in the southwestern area of Jeju Ind.


    ¡°Mr. Chief of the Joint Staff Office, sir, so far it appears our strategy has been a sess.¡±


    The Chief of the Joint Staff Office for the Air Force looked at the same screen as he said this to the Chief of the Joint Staff Office, his arms folded.


    ¡°There¡¯s no guarantee of that yet! The damage to the 25th Air wing was less than we thought, and there¡¯s also their antiaircraft battalion that¡¯s still operating. The fact that we couldn¡¯t hurt them any more than this even when we caught them in an ambush is troubling to me.¡±


    Inside the Joint Staff Office, they had thought that they could at least deal a significant blow to the Jeju Ind antiaircraft battalion and the 25th Air Wing with the three Wakashio-grade submarines. However, their estimation had been severely off. Out of 54 total missiles, only 21 of the Sakurabana 09-style SL cruise supersonic cruise missiles were sessful in making it to their targets. And among those, only three had struck the forces of the 25th Air Wing. The remainder had all been intercepted within the short space of two minutes. It was a lightning-speed response power that those in the Joint Staff Office couldn¡¯t have dared to imagine.


    ¡°This time we¡¯ll bring them to an end, sir.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see!¡±


    The image of both formations of fighter nes meeting in one spot and beginning an air battle was disyed on the tactical screen that received the information from the E-767 airborne warning, the control system, and the EA-18G Growler fighters, and in that battle array, the B-1B Lancers were flying quickly into the airspace of Jeju Ind.

 Chapter 190

    <h4>Chapter 190</h4>


    February 2, 2021, 23:55


    The skies above the southeastern edge of Jeju Ind


    The B-1B Lancer bombers that entered the airspace of Jeju Ind at an elevation of 12 kilometers were thetest Block H model, having upgraded their ASQ-184 defense management systems to the ASQ-202 in 2019¡ªtheir exposure to potential antiaircraft missile attacks was reduced due to the new model¡¯s ability to release super jamming that would disrupt the radar of the enemy¡¯s airborne warning and control system or antiaircraft detection waves.


    A momentter, fairings opened up in three ces from the internal armaments of the first B-1B Lancer. As they did, 12 AGM-154A JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapon) guided bombs appeared and were dropped, quickly unfolded their wings, and began to glide. The gliding attack range of the AGM-154A guided bomb was as much as 74 kilometers, and they used their INS (Internal Navigation System) as well as GPS (Global Positioning System) to glide directly to their targets which had been entered in advance.


    Meanwhile, down on the ground, the air raid sirens rang at the base of the 25th Air Wing, as double-barreled Vulcan beamsers shot up from C-30 Protection A2 armored vehicles to intercept the bombs, spraying beams of light into the night sky. But they had not had sufficient time to intercept this sudden ambush attack, and so these impressive beams of light were only able to stop a few of the AGM-154A guided bombs.


    Crash! Booom!


    As thousands of BLU-97 bomb clusters made impact on earth, endless explosion sounds prated the whole area of Jeju Ind, which had been quiet up until then. The shes of light danced in the sky.


    The Igloo (hangar) that could be called the home of the Red Phoenix fighters fell in the pirs of fire that shot up meters high and the heat of the ze that swirled around like a tornado, as well as the explosive force, and the nes inside of it took heavy damages. Some of them were directly hit by the bombs andpletely exploded. As the base of the 25th Air Wing was filled with thousands of bomb clusters like this, it became unable to perform its duties as an air force base for the moment.


    The naval base of the Seventh Fleet was also swept by cluster bombs from the AGM-154A guided bombs dropped on it by the second B-1B Lancer, and as a result, several of the high-speed ships and guard boats that were anchored there sustained damage. Also, the antiaircraft defense battalion inside the base as well as the sailors stationed there took heavy losses.


    In the end, the Republic of Corea, which in the two months of fighting the Sino-Korean War had not even let its enemies into its territory, took heavy damages from this air attack due to thepletely unpredictable appearance of the B-1B Lancers.


    * * *


    February 3, 2021, 00:00


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, Bunker B2 (Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control Center for the Republic of Corea Army)


    The B-1B Lancer nes that had embroidered the quiet night sky above the whole area of Jeju Ind with fireworks quickly turned their noses back towards Japan afterpleting their bombing mission, and it was then that three close-looking Apollo satellite of the Korean aerospace forces all made an emergency deployment in the direction of Jeju Ind, and began closely observing the entire area.


    After 10 minutes of being closely observed by these satellites, the B-1B Lancers that had seeded in their air infiltration through their powerful jamming waves were finally caught. At this, the seven Red Phoenix fighters of the 25th Air Wing that had been in a battle with the EA-18G Growler fighters, minus the one that had been shot down, fired their mid-range Rattlesnake missiles at them¡ªand though they tried all kinds of evasive maneuvers and released chaff and res, one of the B-1B Lancers ultimately took a direct hit from a missile in the air above the southeastern edge of Jeju Ind, breaking into pieces in the explosion.


    A heavy hush surrounded those watching this situation y out from the Situation Room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°So, this is the appearance of the B-1B that we couldn¡¯t have expected.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kang I-Shikpletely revealed his ufortable mood as he spoke, staring at the B-1B that was turning into a scarlet fireball.


    ¡°So, it seems that the US is now openly siding with Japan.¡±


    The Head of Strategy, Lieutenant General Kim Young-Hyun answered, his face also twisted into a scowl.


    ¡°Can we mobilize the Zeus 1 immediately?¡±


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s going to switch to intercepting the cruise missiles afterpleting its surface-to-surface missile interception, so it would be difficult to deploy at the moment.¡±


    ¡°How unfortunate, since I really wanted to follow the B-1B Lancer that escaped to the end and shoot it down. How is the battle situation in other ces now?¡±


    ¡°Of the 54 F-35A Lightning II and JX-1 Zero fighters that left from the 11th Air Wing, after battling with 24 of our Red Phoenix fighters, only 13 are left now, and reports say they have broken away from the battle area and turned around to the Kanoya Air Field, sir.¡±


    ¡°Is there any damage to fighters on our side?¡±


    ¡°There were zero losses, sir, except for one fighter that had to turn around in battle due to a fusge abnormality during battle.¡±


    ¡°How fortunate!¡±


    * * *


    February 3, 2021, 00:35,


    The Southern Seas of Jeju Ind, Latitude 32¡ã21¡ä, Longitude 126¡ã 8¡ä, deep in the ocean


    After pushing through the dark and deep sea to follow the JS Wakashio (SS-601) and the JS Arashio (SS-603), after just 50 minutes, the submarine Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) had caught up to within 20 kilometers of them. Also, its sister ship the Lee Beom-Seok (SS-080) was approaching them from the 9 o¡¯clock direction.


    In the submarine¡¯s battle control room, the air hung heavy, illuminated only by the light of thebat controls. This was because narrowing the distance between themselves and the unidentified submarines without being discovered had not been easy at all.


    Beep~ Beep~ Beep~


    The sonar operating soldier was as careful as he could be as he checked and analyzed the reflection sound that came back in the dial tone of the M-SUNA sonar system.


    ¡°They probably still haven¡¯t figured out our ship¡¯s ID, right?¡±


    The ship¡¯s captain, Captain Kim Yeon-Ho stood beside the sonar operator, staring at the battle screen as he asked.


    ¡°The enemy subs are currently still moving south at the same speed, with no reaction out of the ordinary, sir.¡±


    ¡°Too bad, if we just had a White Shark A torpedo, we probably could have already smashed them, I think.¡±


    After grumbling about theck of super captivating torpedoes on his own ship, the Captain Kim Yeon-Ho gave his orders to the helmsman.


    ¡°Increase speed to 20 knots! And sonar operator, make sure you carefully confirm the acoustic signature of the enemy subs.¡±


    ¡°Increasing speed to 20 knots.¡±


    ¡°I understand, sir.¡±


    As the aide-de-camp gave his repeat and report, the propellor of the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) began turning even more powerfully, and the ship continued to move forward to grab the tail of the Japanese submarines. Then, after 10 or so minutes, when they had caught up to within 13 kilometers of the enemy, the sonar operator¡¯s voice became loud in an instant.


    ¡°The sound of arming torpedoes ising from target 1, Mr. Captain sir!¡±


    ¡°Have they discovered us?¡±


    ¡°In any case, it seems that due to the small distance between our ship and theirs, and our full speed, they have detected the noise of our propeller, sir.¡±


    ¡°Since it has already gone this way, there¡¯s nothing else to do! All members of the crew to battle stations!¡±


    ¡°All members of the crew, man your battle stations!¡±


    The battle stations alert as well as the rm bell rang out through the entire submarine. And then, soon after, the captain gave the torpedo attack order.


    ¡°Open torpedo tubes from #1 to #4! Rapidly fire from tubes #1 and #2 at target #1, and tubes #3 and #4 at target #2.¡±


    ¡°Firing torpedos #1 and #2 at target #1! Launch of torpedos #3 and #4 to target #2plete!¡±


    The four K-744 White Shark torpedoes gave off white bubbles as theyunched and began diving through the water at a speed of 35 knots using swim out mode*.


    *Swim out mode: This method uses the momentum of the torpedoes themselves to move after being loaded and fired, rather than water pressure, with the benefit of reducing noise when they¡¯re used.


    ¡°They¡¯ve also fired torpedoes from the enemy ships, sir. Two from each ship, four torpedoes in total.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s their speed and estimated time until impact?¡±


    ¡°Speed is nearly 40 knots, and 621 seconds left until impact, sir. Oh! Submarine target #1 has turned and is moving toward our ship.¡±


    Target #1, the JS Wakashio (SS-601) made a hard turn as fast as it possibly could on its port side, and as it did, formed a wall of bubbles.


    ¡°Alright, they¡¯re saying let¡¯s have it out, then! Dive at the steepest angle possible, do a depth of 150 from our present azimuth, and reduce speed by one half!¡±


    ¡°Maintaining present azimuth, diving at a downward angle to a maximum depth of 150, speed reduced by half!¡±


    And just like that, the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) sank at a steep angle down below the deep sea, almost as if it was being sucked down.


    ¡°And tell the crew of the Lee Beom-Seok that they¡¯ll take target #2!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After 10 minutes passed in the blink of an eye, Captain Kim Yeon-Ho asked the sonar operator.


    ¡°What¡¯s the distance of the enemy torpedoes now?¡±


    ¡°The distance from the enemy torpedoes to our ship is 1,800, sir.¡±


    ¡°Maintain current speed!¡±


    ¡°Maintaining current speed.¡±


    ¡°Sonar operator! Be sure to tell me if the enemy subs get within 1,000 of us.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, their present distance is 1,750!¡±


    Though they had fired their White Shark torpedoes first, the enemy¡¯s four torpedoes were much faster, and once they reached a distance of 1,000 from the Hong Beom-Do, the sonar operator shouted out.


    ¡°Sir, the current distance of the enemy torpedoes is 1,000.¡±


    ¡°Launch the Nixie 2 torpedo defense system!¡±


    ¡°Launching Nixie 2 torpedo defense system.¡±


    Fwoosh! Fwoosh!


    The Nixie 2 torpedo defense system, a self-propelling distraction device, emitted a weighty noise and the same acoustic signature as the Hong Beom-Do at a 45-degree angle in either direction as it flew forward.


    ¡°Nixie distraction device has beenunched normally, sir.¡±


    ¡°Decelerate speed to 5 knots!¡±


    ¡°Decelerating speed down to 5 knots, sir.¡±


    Thebat control room of the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) felt as though the breath had been sucked out of it¡ªeveryone else in the room kept their eyes on the sonar operator, watching his mouth carefully for even the slightest sound that woulde out.


    ¡°Hey! Two of the enemy torpedoes followed the Nixie! The two torpedoes that took the bait are each splitting off in opposite directions. The remaining two are still approaching at the same speed toward our ship, currently at a distance of 1,350.¡±


    For a single moment, a small cheer sounded in the control room, but it quickly died down.


    ¡°When the enemy torpedoes get to within a distance of 800, fire the decoy from the starboard side.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The two torpedoes aside from the ones that had been tricked by the Nixie soon arrived at a distance of within 800 of the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079).


    ¡°Enemy torpedoes have reached a distance of 800, sir.¡±


    ¡°Launching two decoys from the starboard side.¡±


    ¡°Hard a port! Push the engine to the max!¡±


    ¡°Turning to the port side! Engines at maximum!¡±


    The two decoys soon turned after they had been fired, raising a curtain of bubbles, and the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) began to turn rapidly in the opposite direction.


    ¡°Enemy distance is 500, 400, 300.¡±


    At a moment when extreme anxiety circted about the entirebat control room, the continuing reports of the enemy torpedoes¡¯ distance brought some good news.


    ¡°Wait! One of the decoys has been hit! The torpedo has exploded!¡±


    The instant this report came, the whole submarine felt a great shudder. Now there was just one torpedo left.


    ¡°Oh! Thest torpedo didn¡¯t fall for the decoy and is still heading towards us.¡±


    Even while the sonar operator yelled this report, Captain Kim Yeon-Ho continued to calmly and coolly give his orders.


    ¡°Turn hard starboard, release one more Nixie, and then turn hard to port!¡±


    ¡°Starboard turn, releasing one more Nixie! Turning rapidly to the port side!¡±


    After another Nixie wasunched, it created a curtain of bubbles as it turned, and the submarine now veered extremely to the starboard and changed direction.


    Unfortunately, the enemy torpedo didn¡¯t fall for the Nixie and continued to move straight toward the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079).


    ¡°Enemy torpedo¡¯s distance is 100, 80, 60, 50... it¡¯s still approaching!¡±


    The sonar operator¡¯s voice, close to a scream, was mixed with desperation and resonated throughout the entiremand control center.


    Ping! Ping! Ping!


    The detection sound of the torpedo grew louder as the gap between it and the ship grew smaller, and the entire crew of the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) began to brace themselves for impact, grabbing on to pirs and things like that. In this situation, it seemed impossible for them to avoid the torpedo. Then, an emergency order came from the captain.


    ¡°Make an emergency surface!¡±


    ¡°Preparing for emergency surface.¡±


    At the captain¡¯s orders, the main bast tank, the negative tank, and the trim tank all opened at once¡ª the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) bounced up towards the surface of the water like a balloon filled to the brim with air, rapidly surfacing, while the torpedo that hadn¡¯t been fooled by the Nixie narrowly whizzed past the lower portion of the submarine.


    As the water exited the submarine at a 45-degree angle, the Hong Beom-Do (SS-079) lunged upward and arrived at the surface. The crew of the ship, which had just literally made an emergency surface while another emergency was taking ce, was in a pretty rough shape. Though they had tried to grab onto pirs and other things to brace themselves for the shock, in the process of rocketing up to the surface, the crew members had all lost their bnce and were syed about on the floor here and there.


    Captain Kim Yeon-Ho, who had maintained his bnce through the whole thing, once again wiped his brow, and then went to help up his second-inmand, who was spread out on the ground.


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s our turn. Arms man! Report on the current situation of our White Shark torpedoes.¡±


    The soldier in charge of arms, who had clutched onto a handle and managed to hold out through the whole ordeal, immediately sat in his chair, checked his strategic monitor, and answered the captain.


    ¡°All four of our White Shark torpedoes are flying toward their targets as normal. Currently, they are at a distance of 1,500 from target #1, and 2,150 away from target #2.¡±


    As the torpedo officer finished his report, the sonar operator¡¯s report picked up soon after.


    ¡°The Lee Beom-Seok alsounched two torpedoes towards target #2.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? The timing is excellent, now we are at an advantage. Pilot! Continue at our present azimuth, diving at a downward angle of 30 degrees to a depth of 80, and push the engines as fast as they can go!¡±


    ¡°Maintaining present azimuth! Diving downward at 30 degrees to a depth of up to 80, engines at full power!¡±


    As the submarine had released the seawater from all of its tanks, its crew began to load them up again, starting with the bnce tank, to return to diving.

 Chapter 191

    <h4>Chapter 191: Book 8 Chapter 2-4 Japan Sinking!: Counterattack vs. Counterattack</h4>


    February 3, 2021, 00:45


    Deep in the Southern Seas of Jeju Ind, Latitude 32°21� Longitude 126°10�


    As the White Shark torpedoes drew within 500 meters of the enemy submarines, a Nixie distraction device was released from target #1. It moved in the opposite direction of the submarine that fired it, emitting the same acoustic signature. As if it had been tricked by this, one of the White Shark torpedoes changed direction, following the Nixie distraction device. However, the remaining torpedoes continued to fly towards target #1 until the end. In response, submarine target #1 tried doing an emergency surface like the Hong Beom-do (SS-079) had done, releasing the seawater from all of its tanks, sprang upwards at an instantaneous speed, and began to surface.


    “Distance from White Sharks to target #1 is 50, 40, 30, 20.�


    Then, the sonar operator pulled back the headset he was wearing and spoke to the captain.


    “Target hit, submarine #1 has been sunk.�


    “Are you sure?�


    “Yes! Definitely, sir.�


    As submarine target #1, the JS Wakashio (SS-601) had tried to surface too quickly, the White Shark torpedo, which had the capability to turn, just followed the submarine, raising its angle of elevation, and rocketed up to strike the bottom of the craft.


    The submarine took a direct hit from the highly explosive 370-kilogram warhead, and bubble jets streamed out of its lower section in all directions. The force of the explosion had split the partition between the inner and outer parts of the sub—it took advantage of the split in water pressure to strike a blow to the inside of the ship, and seawater also began pouring in. Then, the rupture that had opened up became slowlyrger, and soon divided into two pieces, and the JS Wakashio (SS-601) exploded in the blink of an eye.


    A huge storm of bubbles swirled around that area, and the bodies of sailors and all kinds of debris that had been inside it floated up to the surface with their buoyancy.


    “Mr. Captain, sir! It urred to me that it might be that the sub that had just exploded was a nuclear sub.�


    “Are you sure?�


    “Yes sir, in between the acoustic signatures I hearding from it, I confirmed there was the sound of cont entering a nuclear reactor.�


    “Can it be? What in the world is the ID of that ship? Could it be a US nuclear sub?�


    “That’s not it, sir. We’ve secured the acoustic signatures of all US nuclear subs currently running. If it was a US ship, it would have been recorded on our friend or foe database, sir.�


    “Then, does that mean that Japan has acquired nuclear submarines? In any case, for now, let’s just focus on target #2.�


    Captain Kim Yeon-ho squeezed his right fist tightly and then gave hismands to the pilot.


    “Chief navigator! Continue the present course! Dive at a downward angle of 25 degrees to a depth of 150! Full steam ahead, engines to maximum output! Push them as high as they’ll go!�


    “Maintaining present course, diving at an angle of 25 degrees down to a depth of 150! Full speed ahead, engines at full power!�


    The Hong Beom-do (SS-079) had begun to dive again after surfacing and was now turning its nose and diving as if it was slipping down into the deep ocean.


    “Give me a report on the status of the third and fourth torpedoes.�


    “The third torpedo is now at a distance of 1200 from target submarine #2, and the fourth is at a distance of 1250.�


    The officer in charge of arming the torpedoes gave an immediate answer to the captain’s question.


    “Weaponsunch confirmed from submarine #2! They opened their rear torpedo tubes and fired four torpedoes.�


    “Did you say rear torpedo tubes? Well, this must really be thetest model. Are we the target?�


    The captain looked at the sonar monitor screen and directed his question at the officer monitoring it.


    “It doesn’t appear that way, sir. The target of torpedoes 3 and 4, which were fired to destroy, has been confirmed as the Lee Beom-seok.�


    “The captain of this ship is no slouch, it seems. Load torpedoes five and six! Enter the acoustic signature of submarine #2 as the target.�


    “Loading torpedoes five and six! Now entering the acoustic signature of enemy sub #2 as the target.�


    In the midst of this ferocious battle taking ce in the deep, dark sea on the southern edge of Jeju Ind, several Mk.99A Super Lynx helicopters that had taken off from the First Fleet sped up and flew towards the area where the target #1 submarine had just exploded.


    * * *


    February 3, 2021, 00:50


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, Bunker B2 (Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control Center for the Republic of Corea Army)


    The report came in that one of the unidentified submarines had been directly hit by a torpedo from the Hong Beom-do (SS-079). This meant that two of the unidentified submarines, the starting point for this assault on Jeju Ind, had been sunk, and one of them was left.


    “Mr. Chairman, no matter how I look at it, there are several suspicious things about the Japanese attack on Jeju Ind.�


    The Head of Strategy stroked his chin as he spoke.


    “Such as?�


    “Even if we assume that Japan had carefully prepared for a counterattack, the fact that they were able to circumvent our submarine and our antiaircraft so exactly and carry out an operation like this is very strange.�


    “Strange? Hm�but haven’t they invested an astronomical amount in their defense in the past few years?


    “Mr. Chairman, I agree with Lieutenant Colonel Kim.�


    The Chief of Information, Lieutenant Colonel An Kil-won, spoke up.


    “Lieutenant Colonel An, too? Speak your thoughts, then.�


    “There’s the fact that if we look at the course of attack of the three unidentified submarines, they came by the route where the detection of Poseidon 3 was the weakest, that they attacked knowing exactly where our antiaircraft battalion was, and also the fact that they went around the eastern edge of Jeju Ind where we have invested most of our naval forces, and attacked with that B-1B Lancer bomber. However you look at it, this seems…�


    “So, you’re saying that the US is backing them?�


    Hearing Lieutenant Colonel An’s credible opinion, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs interrupted him as he was speaking and inquired further.


    “Yes, that’s correct. Even if they’re not directly participating, I wonder if they are providing them with military intelligence from inside the Corean penins.�


    “That would be a very serious problem if the US went to those lengths to help them…�


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kang I-shik paused in the middle of what he was saying, as if something had urred to him. He then called themunications control officer.


    “Communications control officer!�


    “Yes, Mr. Chairman, sir.�


    “Make contact with themanding officer of our aerospace forces.�


    “I’ll connect with them right away, sir.�


    Themunications control officer gave themand immediately, and soon, themanding officer of the aerospace forces appeared on the thirdbat screen.


    “Fidelity! This is Lieutenant Colonel Lee Kyoung-hyun.�


    “Fidelity! You’re doing some good work, Lieutenant Colonel Lee.�


    “Yes sir, Mr. Chairman!�


    “I want you to check, starting right now, on all US and Japanese satellites orbiting the airspace above the penins for anything rted to military usage, and don’t leave anything out.�


    “Yes, sir, right away.�


    A momentter, the image of Lieutenant Colonel Lee disappeared from the screen as he gave a salute.


    “Mr. Chairman, do you think perhaps, a US satellite…�


    “That’s right, just as I was listening to you speak, I wondered about the US satellites…�


    * * *


    February 3, 2021, 00:55


    Deep in the Southern Seas of Jeju Ind, Latitude 32°21� Longitude 126°10�


    The four torpedoes that submarine target #2 fired to destroy disyed superior performance as they crashed into the four other torpedoes that were fired from the Hong Beom-do (SS-079) and the Lee Beom-seok (SS-080). Having avoided the first round of danger like this, the JS Arashio (SS-603) sped away as fast as it could.


    The crew of the Lee Beom Seok (SS-079) then once again loaded their torpedoes and tried to close the gap with the enemy ship, but this was difficult due to the difference in speed between their craft and the enemy’s nuclear submarine. While the Hong Beom-do (SS-079) was moving at top speed in an attempt to catch up, two dark shadows were using the topography of the ocean floor to keep themselvespletely hidden while at close range.


    Then, when the two shadows approached the Hong Beom-do (SS-079) at a distance of 1,100, they opened their muzzle doors and quickly fired torpedoes. Immediately, the panicked cry of the sonar operator onboard rang throughout the entire submarine.


    “Two enemy subs just appeared! Azimuth 1-8-5, depth of 120, distance 1800, the other is at azimuth 1-8-0, depth 100, distance of 1950—just confirmed that they’re both Soryu-grade submarines, sir. They’re opening the muzzle doors! Four torpedoes have been fired, sir.�


    “What on earth are you talking about? Could you no detect them the whole time it took them to get this close?�


    Captain Kim Yeon-ho, shock in his eyes, stared at the sonar operating officer, who looked back at him and answered with a sullen expression.


    “It seems that�this was because they used the hilly parts of the ocean floor and were running silent.�


    “Running silent? Were they waiting to ambush us?�


    Captain Kim Yeon-ho did a double-take. In his tenacity, he had tried any means necessary to catch the enemy subs, and had lost sight of the idea that there could be an enemy sub lying in wait for them. But, as the Hong Beom-do (SS-079), which was supposed to maintain its secrecy, had moved through the water at maximum speed, they must have let slip their location, and now they had been caught by these ships that had been waiting to ambush them.


    “I’m such an idiot! I’ve made a huge mistake!�He thought.


    The captain mentally upbraided himself.


    “Has the identity of the enemy subs been determined?�


    “It turns out they are the JS Hakuryu (SS-503) and the JS Kenryu (SS-504), both Soryu-grade crafts, sir.�


    “Damn it.�


    It was no use feeling regret. The key point now was to figure out how to address the current threat. The question was whether they should turn to the starboard side and face the enemy to fire a torpedo to take them down, or veer to the port side and use a distraction device to throw off the enemy torpedoes. After deeply considering both options briefly, Captain Kim Yeon-ho quickly reached a decision and gave his orders.


    “Chief navigator! Hard a port, azimuth of 0-0-5! Continue diving at a maximum dive angle, as low as 200!�


    The submarine’s nose turned sharply to the port side in the opposite direction that the enemy torpedoes were flying at them from, and moved as if it were slipping down into the great deep.


    “Both torpedoes currently at a distance of 820.�


    “Prepare two decoys and fire them at will!�


    “Preparing two decoys. Launching them now.�


    Fwoosh! Fwoosh!


    The decoys that were fired from both starboard and port sides split off in different directions, setting off a huge jet of bubbles with their sharp turns, and covering up the hull of the Hong Beom-do (SS-079), which was now disappearing in the opposite direction.


    However, the four torpedoes fired by the Soryu-grade submarines were wire-guided*, not straight-running torpedoes*. This meant that the crew of both submarines were able to guide them by feeding detection data about the Hong Beom-do (SS-079) submarine through a wire that connected the torpedoes to the end of the torpedo tubes. Not one of the four torpedoes was blinded by the decoy bubbles and flew at an even greater speed towards their target.


    * Straight-running torpedo: a principle whereby the torpedo follows the previously entered course after firing and then utilizes its own sonar system totch onto the target once it gets close and then strike it.


    * Wire-guided torpedo: a method where two strands of wire connect the end of the torpedo to the torpedo tube, with the ship and the torpedo exchanging data back and forth to guide it, and then disconnecting the strand at the final step and using the sonar of the torpedo to hit the target.


    After a moment, the torpedoes whizzed through the curtain of bubbles, and soon had caught up to the tail end of the Hong Beom-do.


    “Head enemy torpedo now at a distance of 500.�


    “Veer rapidly to the port side at 3-2-0!�


    “Turning rapidly port, azimuth of 3-2-0!�


    Captain Kim Yeon-ho turned his craft rapidly back and forth, trying to throw off the enemy torpedoes by any means possible, but in the end, it was no use against the wire-guided torpedoes. A foreboding feeling filled the captain’s chest.


    * * *


    February 3, 2021, 01:30


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, Bunker B2 (Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control Center for the Republic of Corea Army)


    The air in the situation room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff looked very heavy. Earlier, they had received a grim report from the Naval Command Center.


    The report stated that the Hong Beom-do (SS-079), which had pursued the unidentified submarines to the end, had been caught in an ambush by two Soryu-ss submarines waiting for it, and had been sunk, and that they had missed the one remaining unidentified submarine in the end.


    “General Na Hong-hwan!�


    “Yes, Mr. Chairman!�


    “Will it be possible to recover the bodies of the crew of the Hong Beom-do?�


    “Truthfully, sir, currently the situation looks difficult. There could be additional ambushes by the Japanese submarines, sir.�


    “Hm�I hate to ask, but please do your best to find a way, won’t you? We can’t leave our brave young people who sacrificed themselves for their country in the cold and dark sea, can we?


    “Yes, sir, I understand. We’ll find a way.�


    It was then that the aide-de-camp of the aerospace forces�report of the data concerning the current status of US and Japanese satellites over the entire area of the Corean penins arrived.


    “I’ll pull it up on the main screen.�


    A digital map showing the entirety of the penins appeared on thergest main screen in the situation room, and lines showing the orbits of the hundreds of satellites above were a jumble of different colors. Twelve of these that were directly involved in the current war, intelligence and military satellites, were disyed in bright red.


    “I will first report on the status of intelligence satellites.�


    “Ah! One moment, please.�


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Kang I-shik raised his hand and interrupted, cutting off what the satellite operations officers were saying.


    “Are there any new additions to the intelligence about the Japanese espionage satellites that we don’t already know about?�


    “No, sir. It’s the same information that we already had.�


    “If that’s the case then please, let’s leave out the Japanese satellites for now and start briefing us on the US satellites.�


    In fact, from the start of the war, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had already figured out all the information about Japan’s satellites.


    “Yes, very good, sir. Then, I will begin briefing you on the status of the US satellites.�


    Beep! Beep!


    Of the numerous satellites floating in the sky as disyed on the main screen, a few of them shed red. These were the US military satellites.


    “Currently, seven optical satellites are orbiting the sky above the penins from the US: two KH11-grade, one KH12-grade, and four Lacrosse radar imaging reconnaissance satellites, and there are also three total stationary satellites in use, GEO 5, 6, and 7. Among these, Geo 7 was shifted to the area above the Corean penins from the Middle East at the time of the Sino-Korean war, and is thetest model of close-observation satellite.â€

 Chapter 192

    <h4>Chapter 192: Book 8 Chapter 3-1 Japan Sinking!: Determination</h4>


    February 3, 2021, 09:30


    The National Crisis Situation Room in the underground bunker of the Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul (the Office of the President)


    Having stayed up the whole night observing Japan’s first counteroffensive in the situation room, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kang I-shik visited the National Crisis Situation Room in the underground bunker with the foreign minister. Their purpose was to report on the total damage to Jeju Ind, but the more important thing was to have a consultation. Specifically, the problem was that the US, which had professed neutrality in the war, was assisting Japan. Chairman Kang continued his reports on the status of the war on multiple fronts in the office of the president, with other high-ranking officials in attendance to address this very issue.


    Then, after Chairman Kang’s report had concluded, the president stared out his window at the peak of Mount Bukak, which was nketed in snow. After a moment, he broke the silence with a quiet question to Foreign Minister Kim Jae-hak.


    “Minister Kim!�


    “Yes, Mr. President!�


    “What do you think is the reason the US would go to these lengths to help Japan like this?�


    It was a difficult question. However, after rubbing the back of his head once, Minister Kim Jae-hak answered inly.


    “It’s money, Mr. President. If their prior ideology was a structure of opposingmunism to promote freedom and democracy, then presently that ideology has evaporated, and international affairs flow only in the way that rtes to their own country’s benefit, based on capitalism. And they have judged that in this respect, Japan means more money to the US than the Republic of Corea.�


    “Yet, if you look at the current situation economically, hasn’t our country surpassed Japan?�


    “Yes, that is correct, Mr. President. Economically speaking, Japan isn’t a worthy adversary topare with our country.�


    The president asked another question, with a perplexed look on his face.


    “If that’s the case, then shouldn’t the US be seeking to make their alliance with us more of a priority, ording to your argument?�


    “Mr. President! You’ve left something out. Of course, there’s the fact that in the Wartime Control Agreement of 2019, all US troops stationed in our country were withdrawn. We are in a state of increasing military might along with our economic progress, and we don’t need the weapons of the US. However, that’s not the case with Japan. If you look at the rankings of countries with powerful economies, they are performing the role of benefactor to the US by importing an innumerable amount of US military equipment. In other words, if you were the US, between two great economic powers, one that buys your own country’s weapons and one that doesn’t need them, and is in fact working to surpass your military power, which would you choose?�


    It was a fragmented reason, but the minister had urately analyzed the current situation of the Republic of Corea’s rtionship with the US.


    “It hadn’t even urred to me that the US was so embedded in capitalism like that, but it’s hard to say they’re not, either…�


    “Mr. President! I agree with what Minister Kim has said.�


    Head of National Security Na Kang-soo leaned forward and inserted himself into the conversation.


    “All current international affairs are totally based on capitalism. Ideology is now an old idea, and doesn’t each country now change its policies based on how international affairs affect its own interests? This is especially true since the Trump administration took power in 2017, and has fallen into the idea of ‘America First�in total opposition to the prior administration.�


    “That’s right, Head of National Security Na. I know exactly what you’re saying. If that’s true, then we will have to find a method to deal with the US as it ims that it will look at the war from a neutral position, but really helps Japan behind the scenes. What good ideas do you have?�


    At his question, the president’s office was once again filled with silence, and soon, opinions of several high-ranking officials in attendance were exchanged back and forth, transforming in the intense heat of the conversation.


    * * *


    February 2, 2021, 10:00


    The Emergency Situation Room of the Cab in Tokyo, Japan.


    Japan’s first counterstrike! It had partly seeded—this was the conclusion of the Head of the Joint Staff Office about the recent counteroffensive operation.


    Though it hadn’t exactly fulfilled Prime Minister Abe’s expectations, it had been rtively fruitful, and the prime minister gave the Head of the Joint Staff Office some encouragement.


    “Head of the Joint Staff Office Masaki! You’ve done well. However, my anger towards the bastards hasn’t been satisfied just with this. Do you understand what I’m saying?�


    “Yes, I understand, Mr. Prime Minister. I will take the initiative and try not to let down your expectations.�


    “Yes, of course, you should do so. Do all you can to be able to upy some territory on Jeju Ind, even if it’s not on the Corean penins.�


    “Yes, Mr. Prime Minister, we’re currently preparing the equipment of ournding forces and general organization for a strike.�


    “Very good. It feels like this congestion that’s been there for 10 years will suddenly be relieved if we can just upy Jeju Ind. Hahaha.�


    * * *


    February 3, 2021, 15:00


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, Bunker B2 (Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control Center for the Republic of Corea Army)


    “How did it turn out?�


    This question, from the Chief of Strategic nning, Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon, was the first thing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang I-shik heard as he returned to the B2 Bunker by the main car of the hyper loop train.


    “Haha! Is this that urgent, Lieutenant General Na? Please, let us catch our breath…�


    “Ah, I’m sorry! I was just so curious…�


    Chairman Kang took the coffee cup handed to him by the aide-de-camp and brought it up to his mouth.


    “This coffee tastes terrific!�


    Chairman Kang said this as he savored the fragrant smell of the coffee as it blossomed upward, and gave a grateful wave to the aide-de-camp.


    “Nothing has been decided fully yet. The president will speak directly with President Trump on the phone tonight, and afterward, it looks like it will be set!�


    “Is there really a need for our president to talk one-on-one with the president of the American empire like that?�


    Appearing seemingly out of nowhere, General Choi Ho-il approached and said this sarcastically. Chairman Kang I-shik turned his head in response and chuckled as he answered.


    “General Choi Ho-il, in any case, the US and Korea have had friendly rtions for seventy years before unification. Of course, the president needs to at least engage in a confirmation process as the head of an allied nation.�


    “If that’s the case, well, I have nothing else to say.�


    General Choi Ho-il, whose animosity towards the US had begun even before unification, spoke so gruffly because the US president had been mentioned.


    “Aide-de-camp!�


    Chairman Kang I-shik called his aide.


    “Yes, Mr. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!�


    “Please tell all the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to convene in the Strategic Briefing Room tonight at 11:00.�


    The Chairman’s aide, Staff Sergeant An Seon-hee, replied with a disciplined tone of voice that belied his delicate appearance.


    “Yes, sir.�


    * * *


    February 3, 2021, 15:10,


    The US Embassy in the Republic of Corea, in Gwanghwamun, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    Minister Kim Jae-hak immediately made his way to the US embassy after leaving the Blue House.


    “Minister Kim, to what do I owe the pleasure?


    Ambassador Willie Gold, who had no diplomatic events going on in the midst of the war, had just been at the embassy when the notification came from his secretary’s office that Minister Kim had arrived. He came down to the first-floor meeting room and greeted him.


    “I’m here because I have something very urgent to tell you.�


    “What kind of message could he have? It hasn’t even been 24 hours since west met. This is so annoying,�Ambassador Gold thought.


    Although he was smiling, his inner thoughts were not as pleasant.


    “Is that so? Please, sit down here.�


    The ambassador intentionally greeted Minister Kim Jae-hak in the first-floor meeting room, not the one on the second floor, which was for guests of honor. The conventional practice was to greet high-level government officials in this special office. This was especially the case for the minister of the foreign office of that country, who was always greeted on the second floor—but Ambassador Gold unted this practice, and this in itself was circumstantial evidence of his current way of thinking.


    “What is it that you wanted to tell me?�


    “Before I tell you, have youmunicated what we talked about yesterday to your department of state?�


    “Oh, that? I haven’t been able to yet.�


    Ambassador Gold answered, his face expressionless as if he didn’t think this was a very important issue.


    “Right now, our country can’t afford to waste minutes or even seconds, but you seem to have time to spare. I suppose there’s nothing so urgent about this situation from the US perspective?�


    “Really, that’s not the case. It simply got held up because of other matters I had to attend to. I will make sure tomunicate it to the state department tomorrow.�


    “You needn’t worry about that now. There’s no need.�


    “Really? Why would that be?�


    “The president says that he will directly contact President Trump tonight.�


    “You mean through the hotline? Because I didn’t pass it along today?�


    “It’s not because of that. Although, of course, if you didn’tmunicate that yesterday, it would be included in today’s discussion.�


    “Well then, what’s the reason for using the presidential hotline to…�


    “I can’t tell you exactly what the details are. Please just tell the White House that President Seo will be calling through the hotline tonight.�


    “Hmm�I think I understand.�


    “In that case, I think I’ll be going now. You seem very busy.�


    “Ah! At least have one cup of tea before you go, please!�


    “I apologize. You came all the way down to the first-floor meeting room for this, but I’m a little busy and must leave now.�


    Minister Kim said this, referring sarcastically to the fact that Ambassador Gold had met with him on the first floor, and then stood from his seat.


    * * *


    February 3, 2021, 22:30,


    The Office of the President in the Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul


    President Seo Hyun-oo took some time to directly contact President Trump through the hotline.


    “Hello, President Trump?�


    “It’s been a long time, President Seo! The fact that you actually called me like this…�


    “What else would it be about? I’m calling to make some requests if there are any, and some demands if there are any of those as well.�


    “Ah, requests and demands�I guess depending on the standpoint, what you’re saying could mean something very different, potentially?�


    “Yes, that’s correct.�


    “Well, alright. Go ahead, please.�


    “We know that the US is currently helping Japan indirectly.�


    “Indirectly helping?�


    “Please hear all that I have to say until you give your answer.�


    President Trump let the silence answer for him, as if his mood had been worsened by President Seo’s heavy-handed tone of voice.


    “Currently the US stationing bases in Japan have allowed a significant number of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to be stationed there as well. In other words, this means that our forces cannot attack those bases, but the Japanese soldiers in the US bases are attempting attacks to their hearts�content from where they are. Besides, arge amount of the military equipment that the US congress has limited for export due to worries about leakage of technology is being sold only to Japan. This is not to mention the information we’ve received about the Japanese forces being provided the same weapons that US forces stationed in Japan are currently using. Are all these things consistent with your stated position of neutrality?�


    From the toneing over the phone, President Trump could now sense President Seo’s mindset when he made this call. He seemed incredibly displeased.


    “Well, President Seo! That’s all because of the new agreement, the strengthened US-Japan Military Consolidation Agreement that we have now.�


    “Have you made a US-Japan Military Consolidation Agreement?�


    “Yes, we have, that’s right.�


    “Does that agreement apply to other simr allied nations?�


    “Well, that, now�it could be different at different times, couldn’t it?�


    “At different times? Are you saying that alliances can change depending on the situation?�


    At this piercing question, President Trump hesitated momentarily, and President Seo pushed ahead even more vigorously.


    “Are you saying that alliances can change with the times? Does the Republic of Corea mean nothing more to you than that?�


    “President Seo!�


    President Trump called President Seo with more urgency, as though he felt himself constantly slipping up and wanted to change the mood of the conversation.


    “I hope you will answer my question first.�


    As President Seo was not tripped up, he continued speaking in a voice louder than President Trump.


    “But, didn’t Korea withdraw from the US-Korea Wartime Control Agreement in 2019, and of course, also requested that our troops withdraw?�


    “The US-Korea Wartime Control Agreement was carried out as a mutual agreement, and the troop withdrawals took ce because of another agreement about independent self-defense and US defense expenditures. It wasn’t just a one-sided demand from our country. Is it possible you’re using this as an excuse to discriminate against our country, even though we have the same alliance rtionship as with Japan?�


    As the call went on, President Seo spoke more coldly.


    “Hey, instead of discrimination, it would be- just look at it as, as things stand currently, which country is a more important ally to us, I think.�


    “I see. Then, this means that Japan is a more important ally than the Republic of Corea?�


    President Trump let out a fake cough, and rather than answering, let the silence continue.


    About half an hourter, after finishing the call with President Trump, President Seo sat back deeply in his chair and took out one of the cigarettes that was hidden in his drawer. He then stuck it in his mouth and lit it. He took in a deep drag from the cigarette and blew out the smoke. He was a bit dizzy as he hadn’t smoked for a while, but it also felt like his mind had been relieved after being stuck on something.


    After a minute, he stopped smoking and stubbed out the cigarette in an ashtray, extinguishing the me, then picked up the receiver to make a call to someone else.

 Chapter 193

    <h4>Chapter 193</h4>


    February 3, 2021, 23:00


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, Bunker B2 (Situation Room of the Joint Command and Control Center for the Republic of Corea Army)


    While the roughly 50 support staff of the Joint Chiefs along with Chairman Kang I-shik were gathered and waited in the Operations Briefing Room, they exchanged some light jokes.


    ¡°Now that it¡¯s been all of four months since I arrived here¡­ it really does feel like I¡¯m dreaming sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Haha, what do you mean by that, Deputy Chief Choi?¡±


    ¡°Because, you know¡­ Seeing as there are quite a few others here who rose from the ranks of the People¡¯s Army, they all know the feeling, too. Just the fact that the countries that had their weapons drawn and pointed at each other for 70 years are now gathered in one ce and fighting a war against those goddamn Japanese bastards together. Don¡¯t you think so, Lieutenant General Yoon?¡±


    Deputy Chief Choi Ho-il lived most of his life in the bunker since he hade down to Seoul with his family in Novemberst year before the unification, seeing his family once a week as they lived in the apartment provided for them by the defense ministry. Truthfully, Deputy Chief Choi and his family had long enjoyed avish lifestyle as part of the top one percent of the establishment.


    However, no matter how richly they had lived, it couldn¡¯tpare to life in South Korea where freedoms were guaranteed. The most important thing was that if he fell victim to a purge, his future, and of course, the livelihood of his family couldn¡¯t be guaranteed, and in that event, they likely wouldn¡¯t even survive. For now, they were enjoying their freedom in Seoul and could live meaningful lives.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true.¡±


    The Commander of the 620th Artillery Wing Lieutenant General Yoon Ki-yoon, who hade to Seoul together with Deputy Chief Choi, answered with a smile on his face.


    Just then, an rm sounded on Chairman Kang I-shik¡¯s smartphone. It was the call from the president that they had been waiting so eagerly for.


    A momentter, after concluding the brief phone call, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs set his phone down on the table of the meeting room and looked around slowly at the fifty or so participants gathered there.


    Deputy Chief Choi Ho-il asked first.


    ¡°What did the president say?¡±


    ¡°It appears that the president has given us a bit of homework to do.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡±


    The attention of every staff member in the room, including Deputy Chief Choi, was all on Chairman Kang¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°It appears that the talks with the US haven¡¯t unfolded as the president had wanted them to. Therefore, the president has given the order to use all our avable powers and bring an end to this war within ten days.¡±


    ¡°Did you say ten days?¡±


    The Head of the Office of Strategic nning, Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon asked, his mouth gaping open as if he was unable to close it.


    ¡°Yes, ten days. It appears we¡¯ll have to modify our current ¡®RJ to 1945¡¯ operation.¡±


    ¡°And one additional thing! There was an order tounch attacks against US and Japanese satellites in the sky above the Korean penins.¡±


    ¡°The US satellites?¡±


    At Lieutenant General Na¡¯s repeated question, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs simply nodded his head in response.


    ¡°So then, our president has really made a big decision about this. Well, good! When there¡¯s something to push through, you need to really put the effort in and push through it. Whether it¡¯s the US empire or those Japanese bastards, right?¡±


    Chief Deputy Choi brandished his right hand in the air and made a decisive motion with it, and as he did so, a few generals who had been members of the People¡¯s Armyughed slightly. However, the other generals didn¡¯t even smile, but their faces were clouded with anxiety.


    ¡°Hey, look at this! Why do your faces all look like that? Have some confidence,e on! Hahaha.¡±


    Deputy Chief Choi looked at the nervous generals from the Korean Army, showing a valiant smile on his face. Deputy Chief Shin Seong-yong, who had recently been promoted from Chief of Staff of the Army to Deputy Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, answered.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t something we can think lightly of, Deputy Chief Choi!¡±


    ¡°I know that. But does that mean we need to be so gloomy about it? Isn¡¯t that right, Mr. Chairman?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct.¡±


    Chairman Kang I-shik then rose from his seat, looked around at the staff members present in the meeting room, and fixed his gaze on the Head of Strategic nning Lieutenant, General Na Tae-yoon.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Na! As soldiers, all we can do is give this our all. Let¡¯s begin the adjustment of the n for our ¡®RJ to 1945¡¯ operation, and also draw up a proposal for an assault on US and Japanese satellites in the sky above the penins.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Chairman!¡±


    Lieutenant General Na rose from his seat as he answered, and moved toward the dais.


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 10:00


    Deep in the ocean, 55 kilometers off the northeastern edge of Ulsan


    The crew of the KC-1 Yi Sun-shin (CG-1101) that had been victorious in the battle of Dok-do had of course taken a few days to rest as it replenished its supplies in the Ulleung Ind Naval Base, and now they hade down to the waters around Ulsan to take on the operation of maintaining an anti-submarine, antiaircraft, and anti-ship line.


    ¡°Captain, sir! There¡¯s a securemunication from the Naval Command Center.¡±


    ¡°Set up the connection!¡±


    Captain An Yoon-joon sat down in his personal chair, looked at the strategic monitor, and spoke as he flicked his finger.


    ¡°Fidelity! This is Colonel An Yoon-joon.¡±


    ¡°You look well, Colonel. This is the Operations Commander. What is the current status of arms on the Yi Sun-shin destroyer?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, the arms arepletely supplied except for a few munitions on the base at Ulleung Ind.¡±


    ¡°Hm, that¡¯s good! Now I¡¯m going to tell you about the n for the uing operation that¡¯s been drawn up by the Joint Chiefs.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, Mr. Operations Commander!¡±


    ¡°At 10:00 AM on Friday, the Yi Sun-shin destroyer will go along with thebined fleet and approach the waters 80 miles off of Daema Ind (Tsushima Ind), then begin an air raid on the ind. Themand for this assault will be handled by Major General Kil Un-seok, highmand of the first fleet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand, sir.¡±


    ¡°If they see that Daema Ind is under attack, the Japanese Self-Defense naval forces will obviously mobilize their 12th Convoy and maybe even their 4th Convoy, too. And they will engage in response. They will probably call their forces from the 9th Submarine Carrier Strike Group.¡±


    ¡°If we aren¡¯t careful, there¡¯s a threat of damage to the civilian infrastructure on Daema Ind.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to bear with that.¡±


    ¡°I understand, sir.¡±


    His aide-de-camp arrived just as he finished the electronic transmission, and handed him the printout of the electronic transmission from themander. There was detailed information on it about the locations of the assault on Daema Ind (Tsushima Ind), as well as about the tugboats that belonged to the 13th Convoy of Japan¡¯s navy.


    ¡°It looks like the pace of this war is gradually increasing, my second-inmand!¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, Captain!¡±


    ¡°Trade out the crew members every two hours for now, and let the rest of them take leave.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, I will.¡±


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 11:00,


    The Air Base of the 23rd Air Wing, Kimhae, Kyeongnam Province


    The Red Phoenix and Dark Phoenix fighter nes of the Southern Strategic Command¡¯s 23rd Air Wing, as well as the Phoenix ground attack fighters, were gathered closely in the Igloo of the airbase, and the armament officers were moving about, busily loading them with all kinds of missiles.


    ¡°Private Kim! Be careful bringing those over!¡±


    Chief Petty Officer Oh Young-joo, who was in charge of arms for the Red Phoenix fighters, yelled this at Private Kim Un-ho when he saw him driving a small transport vehicle loaded with many different missiles.


    ¡°No need to worry, sir. I¡¯ve been doing nothing but this for over a year now.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how much each of those are? If even one tips over, this whole ce is gone!¡±


    ¡°Alright, sir, I¡¯ll drive carefully.¡±


    The petty armament officers and privates were working so urgently because of the sudden orders from the Air Command Center to make sure all aircraft had their weapons fully stocked.


    The situation was the same everywhere, including the First Air Wing in Gwangju, the 11th Air Wing in Daegu, the 38th Air Wing in Gunsan, and the 17th Air Wing in Cheongju.


    This was all because the assignment hade down from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to make an air attack on Kyushu, Japan on Friday morning. The n for thisrge-scale air attack called for some 200 fighter nes to be deployed, thergest force that could be marshaled, and even included mobilizing the Blue Dragon strategic bombers. This was partially a retaliatory attack for the strikes on Jeju Ind, but it was also because the n of attack had to be pulled forward following the president¡¯s order to bring the war to a swift end.


    When the ns for the ¡°RJ to 1945¡± operation were first drawn up, the items of the operation looked like this:


    Step 1: Attack Japan¡¯s very high-altitude antiaircraft with the Samjoko space fighter nes.


    Step 2: Neutralize the Japanese Self-Defense Force¡¯s antiaircraft barrier through continuous surface-to-surface and cruise missile attacks over a period of ten days.


    Step 3: Destroy Japan¡¯s navy through the force of thebined fleet and submarine carrier strike group.


    Step 4: An all-out assault on the country¡¯s defense industry facilities.


    Step 5: Deploy almost 50,000 special forces troops throughout Japan¡¯s territory and undertake an operation to recover cultural assets.


    Step 6: Attempt an invasion of Kyushu and other territories.


    Step 7: Invasion of Tokyo ¨C conclusion of the war.


    A significant number of the items on the operations scheduled above are modified as of the previous night. In short, the n had now been changed to end Step 2 as quickly as possible and to attempt Steps 3 and 4 simultaneously tonight.


    In truth, the ¡°RJ to 1945¡± operation¡¯s most important part was Step 2. And of course, to attack the enemy¡¯s airspace with fighters without first methodically neutralizing its antiaircraft systems would make casualties a necessity. However, as the president had given the order to end the conflict earlier, and the antiaircraft battalions were all gathered in the US stationing bases, they had no choice but to end Step 2 early and move on to the next items.


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 13:00


    The Operations Briefing Room in the Air Force Base of the 38th Air Wing in the Gunsan, Jeonbuk Prefecture


    A group of about seventy pilots was focused on the briefing about the operation that would be taking ce on Friday night.


    ¡°The target of our air wing is the naval port in Sasebo and the industrialplexes in that area. The specificplexes we¡¯ll be targeting are the Omuta Techno Park and the Arao Industrial Complex.¡±


    As the deputy head of operations, Colonel An Hyoung-ho gave this exnation, he used aser pointer to point to a digital map that showed the entire area of Kyushu.


    ¡°Alright, for now, I¡¯ll be telling you the information about which formations are taking which targets. First, the 110th Fighter Wing will take the 11th Air Wing fighters that will depart from the Kanoya Air Base. Next, the group that will attack the Sasebo Naval Base will include the first, second, third, and fourth squadrons of the 122nd Fighter Wing, and the first, second, and third squadrons of the 111th Fighter Wing will provide air support.¡±


    Each time Colonel An¡¯s exnations moved ahead, the list of target names as well as the pilots¡¯ names appeared on the screen behind him.


    ¡°The second strike group will be the fifth and sixth squadrons of the 122nd Fighter Wing, and the fourth and fifth squadrons of the 111th Fighter Wing will cover them. Lastly, the third strike group will consist of the seventh and eighth squadrons of the 122nd Fighter Wing, with the sixth and seventh squadrons of the 111th Fighter Wing providing air support. As the eighth squadron of the 111th Fighter Wing is equipped for ground assault, they will engage the ground attack along with the third strike group.¡±


    After finishing his clear and simple briefing, the colonel folded his arms behind his back and looked directly at the fighters seated in front of him as he spoke.


    ¡°Are there any questions?¡±


    He waited briefly to see if there were any inquiries, and then spoke again.


    ¡°I guess not! The time of the operation is 22:10 on Friday, so prepare and get some rest until then. That is all!¡±


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 20:00 (05:00 Senegal time)


    ,000 kilometers in the sky above Senegal


    On the opposite side of the world from the Korean penins, a lone Samjoko space ne was flying at a speed approaching Mach 30 in the airspace 1,000 kilometers above Senegal. The four crew members riding in the CFS/A-31SP Samjoko ne were orbiting the earth at the edge of the atmosphere and were basically in a vacuum state. A momentter, word came over the headset from the radar operator soldier.


    ¡°Distance to target secured! Currently moving at azimuth 3-1-0, at a speed of Mach 24, distance remaining is 720, that is all!¡±


    ¡°Okay, copy that!¡±


    After receiving confirmation of its secured target, the space ne turned its nose downward at an angle of 45 degrees and plummeted down to an altitude of 600. As it entered the atmosphere, the front part of the ne and its wings soon heated up and were turning scarlet red.


    ¡°Target confirmed! Aiming point secured! Entering intercept protocol. Over!¡±


    The armament officer said this as he checked the firing monitor.


    And as soon as the distance from the target reached 400 kilometers, the 50-millimeter high-outputser beam extended outward like a clothesline.


    Phew~


    The white beam flew out at the speed of light and exactly prated a shadowy object that was also moving around the earth at a speed of Mach 24. As it did this, the first explosion was triggered, and debris scattered in all directions, as a dark object fell out of its orbit with bright red mes, and soon fell to earth, melting and oxidizing with the ferocious heat.


    ¡°Target intercept sessful! Missionplete!¡±


    The dark object that had fallen to earth and exploded was Japan¡¯s low-orbiting military satellite, the IGS 6B radar satellite. And in many other ces, the four Samjoko space nes turned Japan¡¯s other low-orbiting military surveince satellites to dust in the sky.


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 20:30


    CC Tanker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (Control Room of the Zeus 1 Strategic Intercept Satellite)


    The main screen of the Zeus 1 control room showed a glowing blue map of the world that was centered around the Korean penins. There were hundreds of lines drawn on the map, and these represented the orbits of the many satellites that existed in the skies around the world.


    On the opposite side from this map, as the Samjoko space nes were attacking Japanese satellites, the Zeus 1 was detecting satellites that were moving past the penins and entering attack protocols.


    ¡°Just confirmed, sir, a total of four satellites have entered the critical interception point.¡±


    ¡°Check the list of target coordinates!¡±


    ¡°Checking the list of target coordinates now.¡±


    The four satellites appeared and blinked on the screen as they circled the earth, forming a square.


    ¡°Check sma capacity.¡±


    ¡°sma is currently 100% free of abnormalities.¡±


    ¡°Then, fire at target #1.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    As the order to fire was given, a bluish beam of light shot out of theser cannon of Zeus 1.


    Pheeew!


    Booom! nk, nk, nk~


    As the blue beam shot out at the speed of light, the dark object that was target #1 was hit with a huge explosion and disappeared from the main screen. The object that had just disappeared with a sh of light was the astronomical satellite IGS 5A, which Japan hadunched into space in November 2009.


    ¡°Target sessfully intercepted! Aiming for target #2.¡±


    ¡°Completed targeting for target #2!¡±


    ¡°Fire at target #2!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Booom!


    ¡°Target number two hit!¡±


    And so, the four Japanese satellites that had just been moving towards the penins disappeared forever with one small explosion.

 Chapter 194

    <h4>Chapter 194</h4>


    February 4, 2021, 21:00


    The Cab Satellite Information Center in Tokyo, Japan


    In an instant, the Cab Satellite Information Center, which was involved in monitoring all of the country¡¯s satellites, was put on emergency alert. An hour earlier,munications had been severed between them and the low-orbiting military satellites that were circling the earth. It was an especially huge problem thatmunications with the J-EWS 1 (Early Warning Satellite), on which they had spent an astronomical sum of money to shoot into space in the midst of the current operation, had been cut off.


    In this situation where the country had lost half of its antiaircraft radar bases, if they couldn¡¯t even operate the J-EWS 1, then it would be possible for the Corean Army to puncture a hole in their missile detection system. In other words, this was a very serious problem.


    ¡°How the hell did this happen? How didmunications with all our satellites get cut off?¡±


    The Head of the Cab Satellite Intelligence Center, a section under the banner of the Cab Intelligence Office, Nomura Shuhei, hit his desk as he said this furiously. In response, each satellite¡¯s operations officer said nothing, as if the cat had gotten their tongues.


    Smack!


    ¡°Are you all mute? I just want you to say something, anything.¡±


    As Nomura Shuhei continued to press them, the operating officer of the J-EWS 1 satellite carefully opened his mouth to speak.


    ¡°Mr. Center Head, sir! It could be interception from the Corean Army that has caused themunications to be disconnected.¡±


    ¡°Interception? Is that what you just said? You mean that the Corean Army has the capabilities to intercept satellites?¡±


    ¡°Communications were severed from 11 of our military and intelligence satellites, not just one or two, and all around the same time. I think we can view this as not just an abnormality in the connection between the satellites and the stationing base, but rather that some serious problem has hit the satellites themselves, sir.¡±


    Nomura¡¯s thoughts became clouded. On the off chance that Corea did possess the ability to attack satellites, then Japan would now be at a very disadvantageous position in the war.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t just any ordinary problem,¡± he thought to himself.


    With his head still swimming and wondering how he was going to solve this problem, Nomura was receiving a flood of calls from multiple Self-Defense Force battalions.


    ¡°I need to go see the Head of the Joint Staff Office now, so you all keep trying to make contact with the satellites.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The history of Japan¡¯s surveince satellites had begun with the excuse of the 1998unch of the Taepodong missiles from North Korea. In response to that, on March 28, 2003, Japanunched five H2A2024 long-distance rockets, simultaneously sending the optical satellite IGS 1A and the radar satellite IGS 1B sessfully up into orbit. Japan gave these surveince satellites the ambiguous name of IGS (Information Gathering Satellites). But, their real purpose and capabilities were to function as thorough military surveince satellites.


    After the sess of this first satelliteunch, in November of the same year, Japanunched the optical satellite IGS 2A and the radar satellite IGS 2B, but the rocket¡¯s assistance boosters failed to separate, and so they had to destroy the satellites. After that, on September 11, 2006, the country sessfullyunched the optical satellite IGS 3B, along with the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system loaded into it, into geostationary orbit.


    One type of Japan¡¯s surveince satellites was equipped with optical sensors, and the other uses the SAR system. The satellites with SAR could shoot radar waves down to earth and reorganize the waves that were reflected back.


    The reason for maintaining these two kinds of satellites was because while the sensors of the optical satellites had a high resolution, the downside was, they could not record at night or when conditions were cloudy, and the SAR satellites had slightly lower resolution but could capture footage no matter what the weather conditions were. In other words, theyplemented each other¡¯s¡¯ weaknesses, forming a surveince system that could function 24 hours a day.


    Along with this system, aside from the older model of satellitesunched before 2007, Japan also operated four optical satellites and four radar satellites, as well as two ALOS series geostationary satellites, which could also be called terrestrial observation satellites.


    The ALOS 1 which had been shot into orbit in 2005 was an old model that was on the verge of being scrapped, while the ALOS 2 which had been shot into space in 2018 could be urately called a collection of all thetest technologies. Its sensors included an optical sensor that could observe the buildings and topographical variations of the earth in three dimensions with minute detail, a sensor that used near-infrared light to analyze the state of thend whether it was grasnd or wilderness in high definition, and an electromaic sensor that could perform observations even in cloudy conditions. In a sense, it could be termed an all-purpose surveince satellite that used these three kinds of technologies.


    Lastly, in October 2020, Japan had alsounched the J-EWS 1 early warning satellite that drastically improved the military¡¯s ability to detect surface-to-surface missiles from nearby nations.


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 21:40


    The Cab Emergency Safety Situation Room (Conference Room), Tokyo, Japan


    Several high-ranking officials held an emergency meeting to address the report of the Head of the Cab Satellite Intelligence Center Nomura Shuhei in the emergency situation room.


    ¡°So how many satellites did you say have currently had theirmunications disconnected?¡± The Chairman of the Joint Staff Office Masaki Hajime spoke in a voice that was almost a yell, making no effort to hide his ufortable mood.


    Head of the Center Nomura looked at the tablet PC he had brought with him as he answered.


    ¡°Currently, the satellites that have hadmunications cut off are the optical satellites IGS 4A, IGS 5A, and IGS 6A for a total of three, the radar satellites IGS 5B, IGS 6B, and IGS 7B, also three. And the ALOS 1 and ALOS 2 geostationary satellites, plus the early warning satellite J-EWS 1 have also all been cut off frommunications.¡±


    ¡°What on earth does this mean? How could that many satellites have theirms cut at the same time? Isn¡¯t it just a problem with the systems in the station bases down onnd?¡± The Chief of the Air Force Kitano Takeshi asked if there was another potential reason, his face expressing his inability to believe the situation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, but we¡¯ve now confirmed that there are no issues at any of the stationing bases here on Earth.¡±


    ¡°Then, could it be amunications blockage caused by sr res?¡± This usible idea was offered by Chief of the Navy Mura Kawaka, but with Center Head Nomura¡¯s response, this usibility dissipated.


    ¡°We have tried checking with NASA, sir, but they say there are no sr res presently that could affect the satellites in the sky at all.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, who had been seated in his chair just catching his breath and listening, abruptly yelled at this shocking news.


    ¡°So, since the problem is neither this nor that, then what the hell is it?¡±


    ¡°I, I apologize, Mr. Prime Minister! About that...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t act so ufortably, just say what it is, quickly.¡±


    ¡°In our internal meeting, it came up that there¡¯s a possibility that the source seems to be satellite intervention by the Corean Army.¡±


    A deep silence filled the conference room at Center Head Nomura¡¯s answer, as though time itself had stopped.


    But this silence was shattered soon by the roar of Prime Minister Abe.


    ¡°What the hell kind of nonsense are you saying now? Does that mean that those bastards have the capabilities to attack satellites?¡±


    ¡°I was also skeptical, sir, but for now, we haven¡¯t been able to find any other exnation besides...¡±


    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister,¡± the Cab Head of Intelligence spoke quietly to Prime Minister Abe, who was so upset he was trembling and shaking.


    ¡°ording to the US intelligence agencies¡¯ information, they say that the Corean Army has attack satellites that can usesers.¡±


    ¡°Wait, why are you just saying this now?¡± Prime Minister Abe rebutted with a sharp-tempered response.


    ¡°Well sir, the information hasn¡¯t yet been 100% confirmed, and...¡±


    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister, if Corea really possesses these state-of-the-art capabilities, then it seems like there¡¯s no other obvious exnation of how all of our satellites have themunications cut today except by a satellite interception by the Corean Army,¡± Defense Minister Shibasaki¡¯s eyes darted up in surprise as he spoke.


    ¡°Yes sir, it¡¯s not definite, but I think there is a high probability that¡¯s the case.¡±


    Just as Head of Intelligence Hirochi was giving his response, the door of the conference room opened and an urgent voice sounded in the entire room.


    ¡°Sirs, there¡¯s a report that an assault of arge number of surface-to-surface and cruise missiles has just been detected.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staff Office Masaki immediately stood up, put on his hat, and spoke to the prime minister, ¡°We will have to postpone the meeting and coordinate our response, sir.¡±


    ¡°Damn! Alright, go ahead.¡±


    As soon as Prime Minister Abe approved, the Chairman of the Joint Staff Office saluted and left. He was eventually followed by other members of the Joint Staff Office.


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 22:05


    Inside the Cab Emergency Safety Situation Room, Tokyo, Japan (Situation Control Room)


    The trails of the cruise and surface-to-surface missilesunched from Corea were projected on the monitor in the Situation Control Room, and the information about their flight was also shown in great detail.


    ¡°There are currently 32 surface-to-surface missiles and 55 cruise missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a small number of missiles for a retaliation for the attack on Jeju Ind!¡±


    Chairman Masaki Hajime said this with a slightly suspicious tone, as there were fewer missiles than he thought there would be.


    ¡°We¡¯ve begun our interception of the surface-to-surface missiles from our THAAD regiment, and the 4th Convoy is nning to undertake the first interception of the cruise missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°Where are the targets of the surface-to-surface missiles?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re calcting that now, sir. Please wait just a moment.¡±


    If only the J-EWS 1 early warning satellite were online, they could have already known the targets of the surface-to-surface missiles, butnd-based radar and the Aegis radar took quite a bit of time to analyze the exact targets of the missiles.


    ¡°The calctions have beenpleted, sir. Of the 32 surface-to-surface missiles, ten are heading towards Maizuru Naval Base...¡±


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 22:20


    The southern edge of Jeju Ind, the skies above the Strait of Corea, at an elevation of 168 kilometers


    As the cruise and surface-to-air missile assault from the Corean Army heading towards Honshu had temporarily shifted Japan¡¯s attention, the Corean Air Forceunched a huge number of fighters. Among these, now passing over the Strait of Corea in super cruise mode, were 72 fighters who had departed from the Gunsan Air Force Base of the 38th Air Wing and split into three groups.


    The head of the ck Moon Fighter Wing, Choi Young-ho, as well as the head of the Rainbow Fighter Wing, Jeon Chang-bin, who had both taken part in the first air raid on Kyushu at the time that war had broken out, were also both flying with the first strike group targeting the Sasebo Naval Base. Truthfully the Sasebo base had sustained heavy damages during the few days of air raids and missile attacks and had lost its ability to function as a port, but they could conceivably restore its role as an important port within a short period of time. This time, they were determined to smash it down.


    Aside from these, there were as many as 280 fighters of the Corean Air Force who had passed the Strait of Corea and were infiltrating the airspace of Kyushu. There had not been an air operation of this magnitude since the Sino-Korean War. This size of an aerial force was enough topletely erase everything on the entire area of Kyushu.


    As he flew at an elevation of 20 kilometers at a speed of Mach 6, Major Choi Young-ho, leader of the ck Moon Fighter Wing, could see bright lights twinkling through his canopy. These were the lights in the night sky of the city of Hirado on the very northwestern edge of Kyushu.


    A momentter, the orders of the chief executive officer of the blended air squadron of the first target group, Squadron Leader Lieutenant General Hong Won-jin, came over themunications system.


    ¨C This is the Squadron Leader. All fighter wings, super cruise off! Fighter wings taking on the strike mission enter the line abreast formation, and the rest of you who are performing the escort mission maintain current formation, with the ck Moon Fighter Wing at the very front, the Lion Fighter Wing on the left side, Mountain Air Wing taking the right side.


    * Line abreast: an air formation that involved forming a continuous row. Its advantage for use in a battle situation was that multiple simultaneous attacks were possible, and as other nes could watch for the attacking fighters from the rear, it was advantageous for covering from behind. Fighters usually flew with a gap of about 13 miles.


    The answers of the heads of the Fighter Wings came and went over themunications system, and a momentter, the fighters made maneuvers to change their formations and positions ording to the Squadron Leader¡¯s orders.


    * * *


    February 4, 2021, 22:20


    In the waters 44 kilometers off the southeastern edge of the City of Ulsan


    The Yi Sun-shin destroyer ship plowed through the dark blue waves on the pitch-dark surface of the sea with not one light shining, kicking up white foam, sailing towards the southwestern edge, followed by thebined fleet which included four Aegis destroyers for a total of 11 destroyers and escort ships.


    They reached the area of their operation momentster, and the Commander of the First Fleet and the current leader of thebined fleet, Admiral Kil Un-seok, issued his orders to all these vessels. Then, the twelve ships reduced their speed to three knots and began the assault on Daema Ind (Tsushima Ind).


    Pheew~ Pheew~ Pheew~


    Cruise missiles fired from the seven naval destroyers all at once, giving off white trails behind them. Also, the Scithe K-2 long ship guns fixed on the naval destroyer Yi Sun-shin, which had a maximum range of up to 250 kilometers, rotated toward the ind and soon began ringing out the rhythmic explosive punches of the high-density sma condensed munitions they fired.


    Booom! Booom! Booom!

 Chapter 195

    <h4>Chapter 195</h4>


    February 4, 2021, 22:30


    The skies of the city of Hira, Nagasaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan


    Several hundred JDAM precision-guided munitions were dropped from the four fighter wings of Dark Phoenix nes, following the GPS guide signal of the satellite directing them.


    A momentter, these old models of the JDAM, with a range of up to 24 kilometers, struck several spots in the Sasebo Port Naval Base. As they did, huge columns of fire shot up, and the mes began to rage. Everything in the area, from the small vessels anchored in the harbor to the storage facilities and headquarters of the base, was crumbling under the explosive power.


    The fiber of munitions that rained down on Sasebo was around 200, each weighing 900 kilograms¡ªit was almost as if the military had intended to try to use up all the conventional weapons that were collecting dust in the storage.


    An area within a radius of several kilometers went entirely up in mes, and as a bright red wave of heat spread over the western part of Kyushu, the port of Sasebo, which had yed such a crucial role, was destroyed without a trace.


    Seventy-one kilometers away in the central part of Kyushu was the target of the second strike group, the Omuta Techno Park, which bordered the Ariake Sea in the east. It was an independent metro area made up of the former town of Miike (now the city of Miyama), the city of Arao, and the towns of Nankan and Nagasu. It was the fifthrgest such autonomousmunity in Fukuoka prefecture by poption.


    It began early as a coal chemical business founded on the Mitsui Miike coal mine¡¯s resources, and flourished in the mid-century, boasting a maximum poption of 208,887 people in 1959, but due to the energy revolution and other factors, its conventional business declined and the coal nt closed in March of 1997. Later on, an ¡°Eco Town¡± based on developing the infrastructure for the up-anding business of refuse-derived fuel, as well as the favorable geographic conditions, helped bring back the Omuta Techno Park as an enterprise zone, and it was experiencing a second period of revival.


    But soon, the Omuta Techno Park which had contributed so much to the region¡¯s economic development woulde to an end. The JDAM precision-guided munitions that dropped from a high altitude of 20 kilometers had already turned several spots in the industrial facility to piles of ash, and now all it did was brighten the night sky as it was swept by great mes.


    The industrial facilities in the city of Arao were the target of the third strike group. After Japan dered itself a normal country in 2016, the building up of defense industry business facilities to meet the demand for weapons followed, and one small existing facility expanded to about 50 defense industry facilities. Presently, there were at least 200 of them gathered there including subcontractors, and it had transformed into arge-scale industrial park.


    Even this huge industrial facility was also swept up in fire like Omuta Techno Park, and as the mes danced, the chemicalponents that had been inside caused enormous ear-splitting explosions in the aftermath of the attack, causing the mes that had spread over the whole facility to burn long into the night.


    Booom~ Booom~ Booom~


    The image of the mes, which rose meters high, could clearly be seen from the town of Omuta. The pilots flying high in the sky in the CF.A-25P Dark Phoenix fighters could easily confirm this destruction, and at the Squadron Commander¡¯s orders, soon turned their nes and maneuvered to return to the Corean penins.


    This mixed squadron made up of CP-21P Red Phoenix and CB-30P Phoenix fighters wereunched to strike the 11th Air Wing of Japan¡¯s Western Region Air Self-Defense Force. Now, two fighter groups from the 159th Air Squadron that had undertaken the mission of escorting the other fighters flew forward and increased the output of their engines to meet the eight F-35A Lightning II and five JX-1 Zero fighter nes of the 11th Air Wing of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.


    Japan¡¯s E-767 early warning nes had detected the CB-30P Phoenix nes, which had a significantly lower stealth ability, and so they had scrambled the nes from the 11th Air Wing. But these nes were all locked on by missiles from 150 kilometers away, and these 13 mid-range Rattlesnake missiles flew to meet them.


    The F-35 Lightning II nes and JX-1 Zero fighters from the 11th Air Wing, which had prepared for battle having only detected the CB-30P Phoenix fighters, tried to take emergency evasive maneuvers and release chaff, but they were shot down one by one by the supersonic missiles which flew at the speed of Mach 8, either turning to firebombs and plummeting down to earth or breaking into pieces and exploding.


    After shooting down 13 enemy fighters in the blink of an eye, the mixed squadron of the 23rd Air Wing went straight to the Kanoya Air Force Base, and although they were there in an escort mission, each released one of the Korean-made ¡°bunker buster¡± K-CUB-01 missiles that they had stored in their internal weapons systems. Diving down to the airstrip while following precision guidance, the K-CUB-O1 missiles struck the base¡¯s ¡°igloo¡± in an instant. The explosion prated meters underground and razed the bunker¡¯s lower-level facilities.


    As the first bunker-buster assault was finished, the CB-30P Phoenix nes lowered their altitude and continued the ground assault. Part of their antiaircraft guns and short-range missiles that was left flew at them, but the missiles took high-speed evasive maneuvers with the wings clustered on their pods, and a few dozen air-to-surface missiles rained down, blowing up several spots, leaving white trails behind them.


    Craash~ Craash~ Craash~ Craash~


    The 16 CB-30P fighters flew in the mes of the ceaseless explosions happening everywhere, passed low to the airspace of the base, and let loose fire from their 50-millimeter rocketunchers and 30-millimeter Vulcanser beams. They engaged in second and third rounds of fierce attacks that left the base¡¯s ¡°igloo,¡± all kinds of buildings, and of course, its wide airstrip in mes.


    And so, the nes of the 23rd Air Wing destroyed the base so thoroughly that it could not be used for its original function.


    As soon as they hadunched such arge-scale major offensive in secret with the help of stealth capabilities, the Japanese Air Force, upon realizing the attack, gave the emergency order for all nes of the Honshu Centralmand Air Defense Force and the Southwestern Mixed Air Force tounch. At this, a total of 330 nes of all kinds from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force moved towards Kyushu. The order was also given to move all early warning systems and nes equipped with them to Kyushu air space to neutralize the stealth force of the Korean nes. And as this continued, a huge air battle between Japan and the Republic of Corea that would go down in history was about to begin.


    <hr />


    February 24, 2021, 22:40


    The waters 32 kilometers off the southeastern edge of Ulsan (aboard the naval destroyer Yi Sun-shin)


    Daema Ind, only two thirds the size of Jeju Ind, waspletely swarmed with dark red heat, and thousands of Japanese people who had been unable to flee were hiding in air defense shelters, suffering through the horrifying explosions and shocks.


    The shelling of the condensed sma munitions, which had explosive power hundreds of times greater than that of the ship-to-surface missiles and normal munitions that showered the ind for the previous 30 minutes,sted only a brief time, but in its wake, the military air facilities, the port, and the stationing bases of the ground forces, and even parts of the civilian viges, were swept with gun smoke,pletely smashed and destroyed. This level of assault from thebined fleet and the destroyer Yi Sun-shin continued for 30 more minutes.


    ¡°Captain!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Captain An Yoon-joon was looking toward Daema Ind, but he turned his head and answered the call from themunications officer.


    ¡°The Commander of the First Fleet has issued an order. It says for the Yi Sun-shin to prepare for naval battle with the 12th Convoy, sir.¡±


    Hemunicated to the captain the content of the orders.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s gradually beginning, then. Bring up the location of the 12th Convoy on my strategic monitor.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    His second-inmand, Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyun-oo responded, and immediately gave the order to the battle control room. Then, the location of the vessels of the 12th Convoy came up on his tactical monitor.


    ¡°They¡¯re leaving the waters of Shimonoseki, I see. My second-inmand, cease fire from our ship¡¯s artillery.¡±


    ¡°Very good, sir.¡±


    <ul>


    Cease fire from the ship¡¯s artillery!


    </ul>


    ¡°Chief navigator! Hard to the port, azimuth 1-4-3! Maneuver to increase speed to 30 knots maximum.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 1-4-3, maneuvering to increase speed to a maximum of 30 knots.¡±


    After the Yi Sun-shin destroyer guns stopped firing, its bow turned in a huge movement 235 meters to the port side, veering wildly and plowing through huge waves.


    <hr />


    February 4, 2021, 23:00


    The deep seas of Shimonoseki, Honshu, Japan


    The Kure regional force that used the city as a base of activity was rapidly entering the East Sea through the Shimonoseki Sea. It had taken on the mission of intercepting the Corean nes that had infiltrated the whole area of Kyushu just 20 minutes earlier, and now that the Air Self-Defense Force hadunched to intercept the enemy, the regional force finished this assignment and was leaving the Sea of Shimonoseki.


    ¡°Have the support ships get into a straight row abreast formation.¡±


    As soon as the order was passed down, the four vessels of the convoy which had been sailing in a straight line slowly began maneuvering into a row abreast.


    ¡°Has the location of the Corean naval vessels been confirmed?¡±


    ¡°Their course is roughly 3-5-0, sir, at a distance of 190.¡±


    ¡°Have you captured their radar signal?¡±


    ¡°Not as of yet, sir.¡±


    ¡°I see. Mobilize the anti-sub helicopters, then continue forward at our present speed after strengthening our own anti-sub barrier.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m conveying your orders now, sir.¡±


    Then, after ten minutes of moving in a row abreast, an urgent report came into thebat control room of the Setoyuki (DD-131) destroyer.


    ¡°Sir, we just detected arge number of missiles from azimuth 3-5-2! Distance is 135.¡±


    The existence of these missiles that had suddenly appeared surprised the captain, his second-inmand, and all of the other crew members stationed on the bridge. This was because there had not been any kind of vessel at all detected in the waters where these missiles wereunched from.


    ¡°What is this all of a sudden? Did you say missiles? All crew to battle stations.¡±


    ¡°All crew members, take your battle stations! All crew to battle stations!¡±


    All kinds of rm bells rang out on the Setoyuki (DD-131) and the three remaining support ships, dering a state of emergency. As they did, more information about the iing missiles continued to be reported to thebat control room.


    ¡°Missile information confirmed!¡±


    ¡°There are currently 12 missiles, sir! Distance is 100, flying this way at Mach 3.5.¡±


    ¡°Supersonic missiles?¡±


    ¡°They are, sir.¡±


    ¡°Move to intercept them at a distance of 70 kilometers. We¡¯ll take the first, second, third, and fourth lead missiles, and distribute the rest to the support ships!¡±


    ¡°Preparing to begin interception.¡±


    A momentter the interception targets were conveyed to the ships under the convoy¡¯smand, and four of the eight RIM-7 Sea Sparrow short-range ship-to-air missiles flew out of the ship¡¯s Mk.29unching stations. The three remaining support ships also eachunched two Sea Sparrow missiles into the sky.


    As they reached their pre-determined elevation at a speed of Mach 4, the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles soon maneuvered downward, falling to the surface of the sea as if they were going to dive in.


    The Sea Sparrow missiles dropped toward the enemy Haeson-A supersonic missiles, which kicked up five-meter sprays of water as they flew in the direction of the convoy. But their interception failed! They smashed into the surface of the sea rather than the enemy missiles and exploded.


    ¡°Target #1 interception failed! Target #2 failed! Target #3 interception also failed! Target #4 sessfully intercepted!


    Though the RIM-7 Sea sparrow missiles (which were developed 20 years ago) were inadequate to shoot down the supersonic air-to-ship missiles, Captain Tsushima Satoshi maintained hisposure and gave the order for a second round of missile interception.


    Once again, the Mk.29unching station sent out three IM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles. Yet again, this round of interception failed! Aside from these, the missiles fired from the support ships also failed to intercept. In the end, all they did was disy the atrocious interception chances of the IM-7 Sea Sparrow missile.


    The crew of the Setoyuki (DD-131) destroyer were running out of time, but worse than that, they were now in an unbelievable situation where they only had one of their eight missiles left, and their two Phnx guns were left for close-range defense.


    ¡°Captain, sir! Switching over to close-in weapons system.¡±


    This report mixed was shouted out in thebat control room, and soon the two Phnx guns of the Setoyuki (DD-131) destroyer shifted towards the iing missiles and began spraying 20-millimeter rounds at a rate of 4500 per minute into the sky.


    Dududududun~ Dududududun~ Dududududun~

 Chapter 196

    <h4>Chapter 196</h4>


    February 4th, 2021, 23:05


    The seas 50km southeast from Ulsan-si, (Chungmugong Lee Soon-Shin¡¯s (CG-1101) position)


    ¡°The Setoyuki ship is sinking! The Abuku, Sendai has been struck by the two Haesung-A missiles! The Done has been struck by the Haesung missile as well.¡±


    The reports about the Haesung missiles were pouring in. Colonel Ahn Youn-Joon smiled slightly and spoke to his first mate, Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyun-Woo.


    ¡°My, my! I feel as if we have wasted our expensive missiles on those old, outdated vessels.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, they are not that outdated, captain!¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Ha ha ha, let¡¯s end things with our Scythe cannons. Give targets 1 and 4 four rounds each.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    The first mate gave the order to themand center, and the 100mm Scythe cannons aboard the K-2 repeating barrels moved back while a clear sound of cannon fire rang out. The cluster bombs flew across the seas while emitting blue mes.


    100mm 1.5m high cluster sma rounds flew off from the 2-barrel Scythe K-2 cannons with a range of 250km at the speed of 13 464 km per hour. The rounds had hit the target urately after 37 seconds andnded on four areas of the Setoyuki (DD-131) that had sunk a third of the way. The momentum of the rounds moving at Mach 11 was delivered directly to the ship and the power of the high-powered sma cluster rounds. The explosion had caused the Setoyuki vessel¡¯s body to fly up into the air before breaking into pieces and being sucked back into the ocean.


    The Done (DE-234) was also struck by the four sma cluster rounds and burst into mes. Since it was a smaller vesselpared to the Setoyuki, it split into little pieces and sunk into the Eastern Sea.


    ¡°Targets 1 and 4 have sunk, sir!¡±


    Themand center reported the results.


    ¡°Great work! Now change azimuth to 1-1-5 starboard at full turn! Sail at 25 knots!¡±


    ¡°Azimuth at 1-1-5, full turn starboard! Sailing at full speed to reach 25 knots.¡±


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) that had destroyed four of the enemy¡¯s escorting vessels minutes after the battle began, prepared to aid the joint fleet engaged in a battle against the 4th escorting fleet and turned starboard.


    * * *


    February 4th, 2021, 23:15


    The skies above Kyushu, Japan


    The four JX-1 fighter jets all made evasive maneuvers to avoid the blue streams of light that pierced the clouds in the dark skies and flying towards them. When the lights hit their targets, the four JX-1 jets all fell to the ground after shattering into numerous pieces.


    Bang! Boom!


    The Kyushu skies were a bit smaller than half of the southern state. Over 400 Corean air force, jets, and Japan¡¯s self-defense air force jets were flying around fighting for their lives across the dark sky. A few of the phoenixnd attackers and the ck phoenix jets that were only equipped with air-to-air weapons had returned to Corea. There were only 120 KF-21P phoenix fighter jets to defend the skies, while there were 330 Japanese jets.


    Japan¡¯s air forcemand headquarters had analyzed the Corean jet¡¯s specs and battle maneuvers based on the Corean-Chinese war. To neutralize the stealth capabilities of the Corean jets that surpassed the F-22 raptor, the Japanese air force had deployed four E-767 early warning nes, and six of their domestically developed PE-1 early warning nes 300km above the Kyushu skies. Also, they rented four E-55A stealth detection nes that had been operating on the field since 2019 from the U.S navy and sent those in as well.


    The E-55A stealth detection nes had been developed by Lockheed Martin for over 10 years before entering production in 2018. By early 2020, the E-55A nes were deployed to the Yokota U.S 5th fighter wing base.


    The ck Moon flight wing¡¯smander, Major Choi Young-Ho, under the 38th fighter wing entered into the battle against the Japanese jets with his flight wing after finishing his escorting mission for thend bombers. After 10 minutes had passed, Major Choi Young-Ho had already shot down six enemy jets with S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missiles, including F-35A jets.


    -ck Moon, east point, 8 bandits, distance at 20 check! Check! Dog fight on the ready.


    The eight F-35A Lightning II jets flying 11kms above the surface flew past while looking up to the four phoenix jets under the ck Moon flight wing. Both sides had exhausted their missile supplies and now have transitioned into dog fights. The pilots had flown past each other to see their enemy with their own eyes.


    Japan¡¯s eight F-35A Lightning II jets divided into units of flight wings, and one made the spirit S maneuver to tail the ck Moon flight wing, while the other split in two and spread out using the slice turn* maneuver.


    * Slice turn: A maneuver that involves flying parallel before making a 135-degree roll in either left or right, while falling.


    Japan¡¯s F-35A Lightning II jets all made high speed turns and pressured the ck Moon flight wing while surrounding them from both sides at its rear. The ck Moon flight wing also used the Immelmann* turn to avoid the enemy from encircling them. Then they used the spirit S maneuver to move below the F-35A Lightning II jets at a 45-degree angle.


    *Immelmann Turn: A maneuver that involves removing the stick from parallel flight, rolling by 180 degrees at the loop¡¯s peak, and then returning to parallel flight.


    No matter how superior the maneuverability that the F-35A Lightning II jets hadpared to the Sukhoi jets, they were no match for the phoenix fighter jet¡¯s maneuverability equipped with the ACS (Antigravity Control System) *.


    *ACS (Antigravity Control System): A system that blocks off or controls the gravitational pull instead of creating a force to nullify the gravitational pull. This system allows the jets to pull off evasive maneuvers and turns that would defy gravity and allow for unconventional movements. The system also controls the gravitational pull that the pilots are subjected to, thus allowing them to feel less fatigue and focus on piloting the jet.


    Under Major Choi Young-Ho¡¯s orders, the ck Moon flight wing¡¯s four jets all fired their 12mmser Vulcan guns.


    The four white beams of light tore the lower part of the F-35A Lightning II jets into shreds. The four F-35A II jets all lost their mobility and blew up in the sky or began to crash down to earth while spinning wildly and emitting mes and smoke.


    The ck Moon flight wing¡¯s superb teamwork had taken down four F-35A Lightning II jets. However, there were still enemy jets on their sides, and they began to fire their guns at them. To avoid the line of fire, the ck Moon flight wing raised its velocity and shot up into the sky.


    But, two of the F-35A Lightning II jets still chased their tail and continued to fire their guns. Major Choi Young-Ho¡¯s orders came on themunication line.


    -ck Moon 1, contact! ck Moon 2! Four! We go into a straight roll-down maneuver and chase the enemy¡¯s rear.


    -ck Moon 2! Copy that.


    -ck Moon 4! Copy that.


    2 out of the 4 phoenix jets under the flight wing suddenly stopped their engines and made a sharp right turn before falling to the surface at frightening speeds. The maneuver that was outside the logic of aerodynamics was only possible thanks to the ACS (Antigravity Control System) equipped on the phoenix jets.


    After the two jets from the ck Moon flight wing fell for a while, they raised their thrusters to the maximum output. Then they moved towards the rear of the F-35A Lightning II jets that were chasing after Major Choi Young-Ho and the main jets from the flight wing. The pilotsunched S-AAM-50 magpie viper missiles (Infrared short-range air-to-air missile) to the enemy jets.


    Since the magpie viper missiles wereunched at such a close distance, they immediately struck the rear of the F-35A Lightning II missiles and both jets turned into a ball of fire after an explosion.


    Boom!


    Major Choi Young-Ho checked the scene through his canopy, then gave a thumbs-up before speaking on themunication line.


    -ck Moon 1, contact ck Moon 2! 4! Nice.


    The remaining two F-35A Lightning II pilots split in two directions after seeing the enemy jets making unbelievable maneuvers and attacking their allied jets with missiles.


    Major Choi Young-Ho gave the order to ck Moon 4, his wingman, and the main two jets from the flight wing lowered their altitude rapidly with the Sal den maneuver to give chase to the fleeing F-35A Lightning II jets. When they locked on the enemy jets, they fired their 12mmser Vulcan beams.


    The beams of light struck the F-35A Lightning II jets¡¯ outer engines and it soon began to smoke.


    The pilots of the F-35A Lightning II jets pulled the eject lever out of fear, and they shot out from the canopy. The two jets that had now lost their pilots, lost its maneuverability and crashed at the Gumeru area after falling from the sky while spinning in circles. The urban battle at Gumeru where only a few lights could be seen, lit up for a moment from the two jets bursting into mes.


    -ck Moon 2, contacting ck Moon flight wing! Bravo.


    -ck Moon 1, contacting ck Moon 2, 4, great straight roll down maneuver.


    -ck Moon 4, great work everyone.


    The ck Moon flight wing had now shot down 16 jets equivalent of 4 flight wings and congratted each other through themunication line. However, the bright atmosphere soon dampened.


    The ck Moon flight wing had been detected by the JX-1 Zerosen under the central air force¡¯s 10th fighter wing 314th battalion flying 89km away from them. Soon, eight AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles wereunched towards them. It seems they were detected by the E-55A stealth detection system as well.


    Out of eight missiles flying towards them at Mach 8 speed, one of them crashed to the surface from malfunctioning thrusters. The remaining seven raised their speed and flew towards their target.


    -ck Moon 1! ck Moon flight wing all music on! Everyone, make their own evasive maneuvers.


    -ck Moon 2! Copy that.


    -ck Moon 3! Copy that.


    -ck Moon 4! Copy that.


    Under Major Choi Young-Ho¡¯s orders, the four phoenix jets under the ck Moon flight wing raised its ECM disruption radio waves and went into evasive maneuvers while spraying chaffs and res.


    * * *


    February 4th, 2021, 23:30


    The seas 112km away from Kyungbook Pohang-si (the joint naval fleet¡¯s 1st and 3rd fleet location)


    After the southern sea battle during the Corean-Chinese war, the joint fleet merged the 1st and 3rd fleets. They were on the move to engage in battle against the 4th escorting fleet and headed east.


    The joint fleet¡¯s forces consisted of KD-3A vessels the Sungjong (DDH-997), the Taejo (DDH-995), the KD-3 vessels, the Sejong (DDH-991), Sungryong (DDH-997), the KD-2 Kim Jong-Suh(DDG-975), the KD-1 vessels the Gwangaeto (DDG-971) and Yangmanchun (DDG-973). Along with the escorting Daegu ss vessels the Kyungnam (FF-821) the Kimjun (FF-831), the Hukbulmu(FF-883), the Kim Umsun (FF-851), Alchun (FF-852), 4 Aegis destroyers, 3 anti-air destroyers, and other KD-2 destroyers were in the fleet.


    Meanwhile, the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s 4th and 8th escorting forces gathered at the midpoint between Oki and Honshu ind, and after grouping with each other moved in formation.


    The 4th escorting fleet¡¯s forces included the four F-35B II Lightning jets, four EA-18G Growler jets aboard the Chopper carrier, the Isei (DDH-182), the Kirishima(DDG-1740) aegis destroyer, one sub-aegis ss destroyer the Suzuki(DD-117), and anti-air destroyers at the load-discement of 6000 tons, the Samidare (DD-106), the Kirisame (DD-104), Inazuma (DD-105), Hatakaze (DDG-171), Sazanami(DD-113).


    Based on the two naval forces that were to sh in battle, the number of vessels and aegis destroyers would put Corea¡¯s joint naval fleet at an advantage. However, the 4th escorting fleet had the Chopper carrier, the Isei (DDH-182), and the F-35B Lightning II jets with vertical take-off capabilities, and the EA-18G Growler jets aboard the carrier was nothing to scoff at. Also, the remaining anti-air destroyers in the fleet showed a significant difference between the load-discement, so it was not easy to im one side had the advantage over the other. Therefore, both sides were aware that this naval battle would be fierce and tensions were high.

 Chapter 197

    <h4>Chapter 197</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 00:00


    km southwest from Japan¡¯s Oki Ind (the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s location)


    At the seas 152km away from Corea¡¯s joint fleet, the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s chopper carrier, also the fleet¡¯smanding vessel, had Admiral Nagano Damon on the bridge. He had his hand on his back and stared over the horizon towards the Corean penins¡¯s direction. Admiral Nagano Damon was a sharp-looking man but short in stature. He turned his gaze towards his 4th escorting fleet sailing in a line formation.


    ¡°Admiral, sir! It¡¯s a report from the central defense forces. The Corean fleet has entered the range of our surface-to-ship missiles.¡±


    After the Corean-Japanese war broke out, the 7th surface-to-ship missile regiment under the central defense forces hid in the nearby woods at Masuda to shelter themselves from Corea¡¯s missile strikes. Then, they covered all of their equipment with camouges to avoid detection and maintain their strength. Today, they finally finished the preparations forunching their missiles, and when the Corean fleet had arrived in range, they contacted the 4th escorting fleet.


    When Admiral Nagado Damon finally heard the report he was waiting for, he gave his order without any hesitation. ¡°Have all reconnaissance nes check for submarines up to 20km from our front! Each vessel is to get into battle positions while maintaining position!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Captain Kawai Sunichi answered the admiral and ryed his orders to every captain through themunication line.


    Admiral Nagano Damon, who had a deep voice that did not match his size, smiled slightly after giving his orders.


    Admiral Nagano Damon¡¯s family was one that had four men serve as naval generals. This tradition started from Nagano Damon¡¯s great grandfather, Nagano Osami*, who had risen through the ranks of the navy to be themander during the second world war.


    <ul>


    Nagano Osami was born in 1880 at the Gochi prefecture as Sajoku¡¯s son, and graduated from the naval academy. During his time as a captain, he worked under the artillery unit at the special forces during the Russian-Japanese war. He also participated in annihting the Russian fleet that was returning to port after the battle. After his achievements, his life in the military went smoothly, resulting in him bing themander of the navy in 1934. By June 21st, 1943 he had be themander-in-chief of the entire Japanese military. On February 21st, 1944 he stepped down from being themander-in-chief due to the invasion on Truk Ind.


    </ul>


    After the second world war was over, he was sentenced to being a ss A war criminal, but since he was diagnosed with pneumonia that led toplications during his time in prison, his sentence was reversed after his death at age 66. Nagano Osami was the only person that had served all three major positions in the Japanese navy in his lifetime (he naval general, themander, and themander-in-chief of the military).


    As such, his great-grandson, Nagano Damo was also full of the right-wing imperialistic political view as well. Damo was full of imperialistic ambitions and dreamt of Japan returning to its glory days during the imperial age.


    After Admiral Nagano Damon¡¯s orders were given, the 4th escorting fleet¡¯smanding vessel, the Isei (DDH-182) chopper carrier had its SH-60K anti-submarine choppers take off. From the other ships within the fleet, many different types of anti-submarine choppers also began to take off and fly towards the sea as well.


    ¡°I will make sure to drown all the Josenjin¡¯s vessels in the sea. Then, we willnd our forces at Dakeshima to remind them that is our territory,¡± the admiral thought.


    Admiral Nagano Damon was full of confidence. Also, he held ambitions to take Dok-do ind as well after destroying the Corean navy.


    ¡°As soon as the Kirishima vessel finishes analyzing the targets and their positions with its radar, each vessel is to fire four rounds of type-90 ship to ship missiles. Captain Kawai Sunichi!¡±


    ¡°Yes, admiral!¡±


    ¡°Deploy all of our F-35B and growler jets immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A momentter, the Kirishima (DDG-174), which was in charge of the offensive, reported in about setting all the targets.


    Admiral Nagano Damon smiled so much that his teeth were showing and continued his orders. ¡°Contact the 7th surface-to-ship artillery and have them go on the offensive as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°After the 7th surface-to-ship artillery regiment fires their missiles, our vessels will go on full offensive andunch their missiles as well. Then, the Kirishima destroyer will be in charge of intercepting the enemy attacks.¡±


    ¡°Admiral! The 7th surface to ship missile regiment hasunched 36 missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! We will attack as well. Fire the missiles!¡±


    ¡°Fleet! Launch missiles!¡± The tactician Okino Masaji ryed the admiral¡¯s orders.


    ¡°All vesselsunch missiles!¡±


    The seven vessels sailing in a line all fired their type-90 ship-to-ship missiles (SSM-2B) at once, and they all flew towards the northwestern direction while emitting red mes.


    Also, the four F-35B jetsunched two of its SAM-3 missiles, and eight jets in total disappeared to the dark sky.


    36 surface-to-ship missiles, 48 ship-to-ship missiles, and 8 air-to-ship missiles totaling 92 anti-ship missiles. When the Corean joint fleet detected them on their radars, they fired their own anti-ship missiles and began to enter the interception phase.


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 00:15


    The sea 112km East from the Kyungbook Pohang (the 1st and 3rd joint fleet¡¯s location)


    ¡°Multiple surface-to-ship missiles have beenunched from the Hadamashi prefecture, sir.¡± The voice of the tacticalmander rang out on the bridge of the Taejo (DDG-995), themanding vessel of the Corean joint fleet.


    ¡°So, it begins!¡± Admiral Gil Un-Suk of the 1st fleet spoke as if nothing bothered him.


    ¡°Admiral! We will enter into the offensive as well, sir,¡± Colonel Kim Yoo-Hwan, the captain of the Taejo (DDG-995), made the suggestion.


    ¡°Have each vesselunch four anti-ship missiles, and enter into the interception process under our vessel¡¯smand.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Taejo (DDG-995), and 12 vessels under the fleet began tounch their Haesung anti-ship missiles and Haesung A supersonic missiles towards their allotted targets, from their 4-barrel MLRS system.


    ¡°There are 92 missiles in total headed towards our direction, and 36 of them have been confirmed to be supersonic missiles reaching a speed of Mach 1.5. They are 251 seconds away from impact, sir.¡±


    Themand center of the Taejo (DDG-995) continued to report in about the status of the enemy missiles, and the monitor on the bridge showed 92 different lines representing the Japanese missiles moving around wildly.


    ¡°We intercept the supersonic missiles first. Each vessel is tounch two interception missiles.¡±


    Admiral Gil Un-Suk¡¯s order was ryed to every vessel in the fleet by themunication director and the operators. Soon, SM-2 interception missiles wereunched ording to the allotment of the Taejo (DDG-995).


    A few minutes passed, and the skies between the two forces were full of bright shes of light. These were from the interception and anti-ship missiles colliding with each other, and the lights shed continuously.


    The bridge of the Taejo was full of the voices of the operators reporting in about the interception status and rying orders, since the vessel was in charge of all other joint fleet¡¯s vessels attacks and defenses.


    ¡°26 out of the 36 supersonic missiles have been intercepted! We will begin the allotment for the second phase of the interception.¡±


    ¡°Fire the 2nd wave of interception missiles! How much time is left for the other anti-ship missiles?¡±


    ¡°They are 85km away and 385 seconds from impact.¡±


    ¡°The 3rd interception phase will be done with subsonic missiles.¡±


    The SM-2 anti-air missiles rose into the sky from the joint fleet¡¯s vessels and disappeared into the darkness.


    Meanwhile, a report of two anti-ship Haesung-A missiles hitting the Kirisame (DD-104) and Hatakaze (DD-171) came in. The Kirisame(DD-104) had been struck by three of the Haesung A missiles and sunk.


    The Taejo (DDG-995)¡¯s bridge and every other vessel¡¯s bridge rang out with the cheers of the operators and crew.


    ¡°I knew the Haesung A missiles would do their job! If we only had the supply, I would like to justunch all of them,¡± Admiral Gil Un-Suk spoke in a joking manner, and the other crew smiled with him.


    ¡°We agree, sir.¡±


    The only vessel that operated the Haesung A supersonic missile was the KD-3A ss Aegis destroyer, and there were only two vessels present. Excluding the 16 rounds they just fired off, there were only 16 rounds left. There were reserve supplies in the weapons storage facility, but since they were engaged in battle, they could not reload.


    Thirty minutester, the anti-ship missiles flew back and forth and the differences in damages were getting more severe.


    The 4th escorting fleet had used its F-35B jets, the surface-to-ship, and air-to-ship missiles along with their vessels guns, but their results were not too great. The Corean fleet was operating four Aegis destroyers, and their anti-air was tighter and more powerful. Corea¡¯s joint fleet had mostly maintained most of its forces without any damages, but Japan¡¯s 4th escorting fleet had lost its Suzuki (DDG-117) and the Kirisame (DD-104) from the first missile strikes, and the second wave of missile strikes had taken out the Inazuma (DD-105) as well, and the ships were sinking into the dark ocean.


    ¡°Thank God. The air force is too busy to aid us, but the tide of victory is in our favor.¡±


    Admiral Gil Un-Suk smiled brightly.


    ¡°Admiral! We will go into another wave of missile attacks, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s teach them a lesson!¡±


    As soon as Admiral Gil Un-Suk finished speaking, the Haesung A missiles began to shoot out from the verticalunch pads and rose up into the sky.


    ¡°Captain Kim Yoo-Hwan!¡±


    ¡°Yes, admiral!¡±


    ¡°How many Haesung A missiles are left in our vessel?¡±


    ¡°Yes, there are six rounds left, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm! I see! How much time will it take for us to reload?¡±


    ¡°If we rush it, then we will be able to round 16 rounds within 10 minutes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quicker than I expected, all right.¡±


    As the two men were having a leisurely conversation, a report from themand center came in.


    ¡°An object flying at Mach 8 from azimuth 0-9-2 has been detected!¡±


    ¡°Mach 8? Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. 62 seconds before impact! There are two rounds headed to our vessel from a total of eight.¡±


    ¡°Is it a ne? A missile?¡±


    ¡°We are entering the terminal phase of the interception now, sir.¡±


    The strategic director was in such a hurry that he could not answer Admiral Gil Un-Suk¡¯s question and entered into the interception phase. The situation was that dire.


    ¡°What could it be? Did Japan own any missiles or jets that could reach the speed of Mach 8?¡±


    Admiral Gil Un-Suk, who was rxed previously, thought for a moment and then closed his eyes as if he figured out something.


    ¡°We areunching two SM-2 anti-air missiles for every target from number 1 to 8, sir.¡±


    Two rounds of the SM-2 anti-air missiles flew off from four Aegis destroyers into the sky. The SM-2 missiles flew to their peak altitude by using its flexible maneuverability, then shot down towards the flying metal objects. However, since the objects were moving at a speed of Mach 8, they were too slow to strike them down. The 16 rounds of SM-2 missiles all fell into the surface of the ocean and exploded.


    ¡°Interception for target 1 through 8 have all failed!¡±


    ¡°We do not have enough time for the second interception attempt. We are transitioning into the CIWS.¡±


    The other vessels in the fleet joined in andunched its 21 MLRS RIM-116 RAM short ranged missiles. About 10 rounds flew towards the metal objects, but they all missed.


    The final line of defense of the CIWS, the 20mm Phnx and 30mm goalie guns all operated while making mechanical noises, and sprayed arge number of light beams into the dark sky.


    Boom!


    ¡°Target 1 sessfully intercepted!¡±


    A sh of light lit up only 5km away from them. Numerous amounts of shrapnel flew everywhere to the joint fleet¡¯s location.


    ¡°Target 2 is stilling towards us. 5 seconds away from impact! 4! 3! It¡¯sing. Ahh.¡±


    The 20mm Phnx guns sprayed light beams everywhere but the small metal object flew past the of fire and mmed into the lower Aegis radar of the Taejo (DDG-995).


    Booom!


    An enormous shockwave rang across the bridge. Then, it split into two before an enormous amount of heat rose from the cracks. Admiral Gil Un-Suk, captain Kim Yoo-Hwan and the other crew members were all vaporized before they could even scream.


    The Seoaeryu (DDG-993) was also struck by two of the metal objects. Arge explosion urred and caused the vessel to lean portside and sink into the sea. The Sungjong (DDG-997) was also struck, and ck and red mes were dancing around the vessel. Only the Sejong (DDG-991) was sessful in intercepting the two metal objects that flew towards them and managed to save themselves from death.

 Chapter 198

    <h4>Chapter 198</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 01:15


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Ten minutes ago, themand center had received an unbelievable report.


    The joint fleet¡¯s status caught by the Apollo reconnaissance satellite resembled hell itself. Out of the 12 destroyers and escorting ships, only 9 remained floating, and three had already sunk. From the surviving 9 ships, four were smoking and covered in ck and red mes. A gruesome scene showed the ships near the state of sinking as well. Luckily, the immediate deployment of the Zeus 1 interception satellite had managed to strike down the unidentified hypersonic metal object, so no further damage was sustained.


    However, the Corean navy had never suffered such heavy losses during the two naval battles it had fought at the Corean¨CChinese war, so themanders from the joint chief of staff and everyone else in the bunker fell silent from rage and despair.


    Among themanders, Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il mmed his thigh with his fists and swore while shouting.


    ¡°How could they be taken out so easily? Those bastards!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe the joint fleet was taken out when they were easily destroying the 4th escorting fleet 20 minutes ago...¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, the operations director, was also in shock. Amunications operator reported loudly so his voice would carry across the room. All eyes in the room moved toward him.


    ¡°The Apollo 3 satellite has detected an unidentified object. We are analyzing the data link right now.¡±


    The operator¡¯s hands moved quickly on the keyboard.


    ¡°Putting the info on screen 2, sir. As you can see, the location is southeast from Oki Ind, N 36¡ã 1¡¯27.16¡å E 133¡ã37¡¯35.21¡å,¡± themunications operator said loudly once again.


    Then, footage on screen 2 showed up. It was footage from the Apollo 3 satellite filming at 36,000km from the surface with its optical lens in numerous visual modes.


    With the electromaic mode, four objects emerging from the dark sea to the surface were caught flying through the ocean surface with a 1km gap between them.


    ¡°Can we enhance?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik asked.


    ¡°One moment, sir.¡±


    Themunications operator requested Apollo 3 satellite¡¯s mission control for enhanced footage immediately. When the request went through, one of the screens erged, and a mysterious object showed clearly on the screen.


    When the outline of the object showed up on the screen, someone shouted out. It was Major General Han Hyung-gook, the navy¡¯s tactician.


    ¡°That, that¡¯s a Zumwalt-ss destroyer.¡±


    A next-generation Zumwalt-ss Aegis destroyer (DDG-1000) was officially deployed to the US Navy in 2016 from Marnd¡¯s Baltimore port.


    The Zumwalt-ss destroyers (DDG-1000) were the most powerful and high-tech destroyerspared to the other destroyers the US Navy has operated so far. It was the next-generation destroyer that applied the perfect stealth technology and Wave-Piercing Tumblehome Hull and only required 147 crewmen for each vessel. It was also equipped with the IPS electronic thrusters, a 250km-range 128MJ railgun, and thetest long-range missiles. This vessel could be named the pinnacle of the US Navy¡¯s technology and power.


    There were 12 Zumwalt-ss destroyers officially deployed in the United States. Among them, eight were ced in the Pacific Ocean, while the other four were assigned to the US 7th fleet.


    ¡°Zumwalt?¡±


    ¡°The US Navy¡¯s next-generation destroyer, Zumwalt?¡±


    ¡°Why is that vessel here?¡±


    Major General Han Hyung-gook¡¯s words made the room begin to murmur.


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik asked once again, ¡°Are you certain, Major General Han?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am sure of it, sir. The electromaic vision clearly shows the Wave-Piercing Tumblehome Hull. There is no other vessel beside the Zumwalt-ss destroyers with that form.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, those yanks entered the Corean¨CJapanese war, Chairman Kang?¡±


    ¡°Vice Chairman! I don¡¯t think we can rush into such a conclusion.¡±


    ¡°If not, then what could it mean?¡±


    ¡°Looking at the B-1Bncer that bombed Jeju Ind two days ago, the American military equipment currently in Japan were being lent and operated by the Japanese military. I think it is likely that the Zumwalt-ss destroyer is being operated by the Japanese navy as well.¡±


    When Chairman Kang Ui-sik answered in a quiet tone, Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il answered back.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t this mean that the Americans are iming to stay neutral in the war, but in reality, they have entered into the war, sir? We must take action. I think we should strike down the American satellite immediately.¡±


    For the past three days, the joint chief of staff had attacked Japan¡¯s military satellites under President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s orders, and the decision to attack the US military satellite would be made after seeing the progress of the war against Japan. The joint chief of staffmanders would face severe consequences if they attacked the US satellite.


    ¡°We can decide after the meeting. Right now, the safety and the response of the joint fleet are more urgent.¡±


    When Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il¡¯s statements led the conversation elsewhere, Chairman Kang directed his attention to the urgent matter at hand and asked the intelligence director, ¡°Do we have precise intel on the Zumwalt-ss destroyer?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are able to confirm the basics, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well! Put it up on the screen.¡±


    The intelligence director¡¯s aide-de-camp manipted the console, and the specs of the Zumwalt-ss destroyer showed up on screen 3.


    One of the arms of the Zumwalt-ss destroyers caught Chairman Kang Ui-sik¡¯s eye. It was the 128MJ railgun.


    ¡°Could we get detailed information about that railgun?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ording to our intel, the 128MJ railgun has been equipped to all Zumwalt-ss destroyers and reced the AGS 155mm 62-caliber naval cannons. It is the next-generation electromaic gun. The range and speed of the rounds are held in secret.¡±


    ¡°If we were to estimate, what would its capabilities be?¡±


    ¡°Hmm! The range would approximately be 200km, and the speed of the projectile would be over Mach 6, sir.¡±


    ¡°The joint fleet reported the projectile to be a small metal object moving at over Mach 8, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It seems that railgun was what caught our joint fleet off guard!¡±


    ¡°It seems that way, sir!¡±


    ¡°Where is the Chungmugong right now?¡±


    The main screen at themand center showed the location of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin ship (CG-1101) on a map with a blinking red dot.


    ¡°After destroying the enemy¡¯s 12th escorting fleet and attacking the anti-air units across the Honshu shoreline, it received the urgent call from the joint fleet. It is headed toward their location at full speed, sir. It will arrive in the area within five minutes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Tell them to rescue the crew of the sunken ship and retreat.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had attempted to aid the joint fleet after it finished dealing with the enemy¡¯s 12th escorting fleet. While it was attacking the seventh surface-to-ship missile artillery unit that had struck the joint fleet byunching their missiles, it heard about the joint fleet being taken out by the unidentified projectiles. They immediately changed their route and moved at 60 knots to the joint fleet¡¯s location.


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 01:20


    The seas 121km east from Ulsan (the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s (CG-1101) location)


    ¡°Captain! Themand center reports we have entered the distance of thest shot interception phase.¡±


    ¡°Enter the interception process immediately!¡± Captain Ahn Youn-joon, who heard his first mate¡¯s report, gave the order in a nervous tone.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Entering the interception phase now.¡±


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had entered within 50km of the joint fleet¡¯s location and began to intercept the metal projectilesing from the railgun heading toward the joint fleet with the Zeus 1 satellite.


    There were six 22mmst-shot interception guns on board. They began to spray white beams of light toward the metal projectile flying at Mach 8. The six streams of light flying across the dark sky almost seemed like a show of fireworks, and the metal projectiles being shot down by them added to the scene. This show of light continued above the joint fleet¡¯s location. While this was going on, Captain Ahn Youn-joon took themunications receiver to his ear.


    ¡°Tactical director?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°From now on, whether the vessel is from the 4th escorting fleet or the Zumwalt-ss destroyer that the joint chief of staff told us about, whatever that gets detected on the radar, we strike down with our Avarice missiles.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Understood.¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon, who had finished speaking on the line, nced toward the me-engulfed wreckage where the joint fleet used to be and sighed.


    Captain Kim Youn-hwan of the Taejo (DDG-995) was his cousin. Admiral Gil Un-suk was also his superior from the naval academy whom he had looked up to. When he heard the news about his respected superiors, peers, and many other men aboard passing away, his heart weighed heavily.


    ¡°Captain! The strong radio wavesing from Oki Ind is disrupting our radar¡¯s detection capabilities. I believe we must close our distance if we are to detect the enemy¡¯s location.¡±


    The Chungmugong (CG-1101) was data-linked with the Apollo 3 reconnaissance satellite and attempted to search out the location of the four Zumwalt-ss destroyers and vessels of the 4th escorting fleet, but the disruptive radio wavesing from Oki Ind made them unable to search out the enemy¡¯s location by using their radars.


    ¡°All right. What¡¯s our distance between the enemy and us?¡±


    ¡°Approximately 227km away from the 4th escorting fleet and 241km from the Zumwalt-ss destroyer fleet, sir.¡±


    ¡°If they get detected by the radar, then attack with the Avarice missiles without waiting for additional orders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon nced at the helmsman and gave additional orders.


    ¡°Helmsman! Set the azimuth to 0-9-5 and half turn to portside! Sail at full speed!¡±


    ¡°Azimuth at 0-9-5 half turn portside! Full speed ahead!¡±


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 01:20


    km southeast from Japan¡¯s Oki Ind (the Zumwalt destroyer fleet)


    The four destroyers sailed across the sea, causing white foam to stir up in the ocean. They continued to fire their railguns equipped on board in the western direction.


    The destroyers that were firing their railguns after being deployed into the field were the US Navy¡¯s 7th fleet destroyers. They were the Zumwalt-ss destroyer the Zumwalt (number 1), the Michael Monsoor (number 2), the Lyndon B. Johnson (number 3), and the Anderwoody (number 4).


    The Japanese navy had cited the US¨CJapan military treaty to rent the four Zumwalt-ss destroyers from the 7th fleet under the US Navy. After they finished the handing-off process, they moved the vessels covertly along the Honshu and Hokkaido straits and attacked Corea¡¯s joint fleet with their railguns while using Oki Ind as a shield.


    Aboard the bridge of the number 1 Zumwalt-ss destroyer, a Japanese admiral was taking themand while being aided by US Navy officers to operate the vessel. It was Yamamoto Genzur from the first carrier strike group.


    After his crushing defeat from the Dok-do Ind battle and barely surviving the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s (CG-1101) attacks, he transferred to be admiral of the Zumwalt-ss destroyer fleet. He was waiting for this opportunity to make up for his defeat from thest battle.


    The sudden attack from the railguns worked at first. Three of the Aegis destroyers in charge of Corea¡¯s joint fleet were struck, and two of them sank. Then four other destroyers and escorting vessels were severely damaged as well. Admiral Yamamoto Genzur gave the order to continue the railgun strikes to wipe out the entire joint fleet, but for reasons unknown, all the metal projectiles from the railguns began to be intercepted.


    ¡°What is intercepting the metal rounds from the railguns?¡± Admiral Yamamoto Genzur angrily responded to the mystery he could not answer.


    The US navy officers who were guiding him shrugged and avoided the question.


    They were unaware that Corea¡¯s tactical interception satellite, the Zeus 1, and the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser were intercepting all of the rounds being fired by the railgun.

 Chapter 199

    <h4>Chapter 199</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 01:50,


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK joint militarymand center)


    Under the highest-ranking superior, Admiral Park Soo-Il¡¯s leadership, the Corean navy rescued the crew of the sunken vessels. The report of them having just left the scene of the battle and the detailed survey of the damages came in.


    The joint chief of staff already knew the damages would be severe, but when they heard the actual report, it surpassed their expectations.


    Admiral Gil Un-Suk,mander of the joint fleet, Captain Kim Yoo-Hwan from the Taejo (DDG-995), Captain Hong Yeon-Joon from the Seoaeryu (DDG-993) and 12 officers, 28 NCOs, 52 crewmen had passed away while 84 were injured and 100 were missing. Most of the deceased and missing were from the Taejo (DDG-995) and the Seoaeryu(DDG-993).


    The destroyers Taejo (DDG-995), Seoaeryu (DDG-993), Kim Um-Sun (FF-851), Kyeongnam (FF-821) had sunken, while the Sungjong (DDG-997), Yang Man-Chun (DD-973), Gwang Gae-To (DD-971), Kim Jun (FF-831) were severely damaged and partially destroyed. The only mobile vessels were the Sungjong (DDG-997), and the Gwang Gae-To (DD-971). These two vessels along with four surviving escorting vessels made it out safely.


    ¡°90 dead, 84 injured, and 100 missing...,¡± Chairman Kang Ui-Sik read the contents of the report in a quiet tone.


    The navy¡¯smander, Na Hyung-Hwan, spoke in a somber voice, ¡°The missing 100 should be considered as deceased at this point, sir.¡±


    Commander Na Hyung-hwan¡¯s words were not incorrect. Most of the missing persons were likely to have not escaped their vessels and sunk with the ships.


    ¡°I suppose so,¡± Chairman Kang Ui-Sik answered feebly and stared at the main screen. Then, he spoke in a firm tone.


    ¡°Contact the air force¡¯s strategicmand and the aerospacemand.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A momentter, themanders of the air force¡¯s strategicmand center and the aerospace center showed up on themunication screen. Chairman Kang Ui-Sik, who had been hesitant about attacking the American satellite, firmly gave the order to attack.


    ¡°Starting this instant, the air force is to attack America¡¯s low altitude satellite, while the aerospacemand is to attack their geostationary satellite using the Zeus 1.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Commencing the attack now.¡±


    After finishing the short video call, Chairman Kang Ui-Sik gave the order to contact the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101).


    ¡°Sir! This is Colonel Ahn Yoon-Joon.¡±


    ¡°Captain Ahn!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman Kang, sir!¡±


    ¡°You must have heard about the damages of the joint fleet, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I heard about them as well.¡±


    ¡°This is an order, but also a request.¡±


    ¡°Whatever mission you give me, I will make sure it is sessful, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well! I order you to annihte the 4th escorting fleet and the damn Zumwalt destroyer fleet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It will be done.¡±


    ¡°Also, I give you full authority to attack any area within Oki Ind and across Japan that is the source of the disruptive radio waves.¡±


    ¡°We have not found the exact location of the source yet, sir.¡±


    ¡°No need. Destroy Oki Ind and the surrounding archipgo. I will take responsibility for damages to the civilian vessels.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After the chairman finished the call with the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101), Lieutenant General Kim Yong-Hyun spoke to him in a concerned tone.


    ¡°Sir! Attacking the entire Oki Ind area could lead to future problems...¡±


    ¡°I have already given the order. I will take full responsibility so I prefer if you didn¡¯t speak about this matter further,¡± Chairman Kang Ui-Sik spoke in a determined tone and cut off Lieutenant General Kim Yong-Hyun.


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    ¡°I would like to hold a meeting about America¡¯s deployable forces, their capabilities, and what to do about them at the briefing room in 30 minutes. Contact all strategicmands in every branch of the military and get them on video call.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will ry the orders.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-Sik finished speaking and bit down on his lower lip. His eyes were glowing with fire and determination.


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 02:00


    The seas 195km east from Ulsan (Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s (CG-1101) location)


    The Chungmugong (CG-1101) had arrived within 132km of Oki Ind. From the K-VLS-II (Vertical Launching System), the ship-to-surface missiles, the Sky Dragon A missiles were flying towards the sky every second.


    Woosh~ Woosh~


    In an instant, the 42 cell K-VLS-IIunched all of its Sky Dragon A missiles. Captain Ahn Youn-joon continued giving orders.


    ¡°Reload the Skydragon A cruise missiles. For Oki Ind and its surrounding archipgos, we continue the attack with the Scithe cannons in the meantime.¡±


    The double-barrel Scithe cannons aboard the ship began to fire sma cluster rounds instead of the sma rounds.


    Compared to the Zumwalt ss destroyer¡¯s railguns, the 100mm Scithe double barrel cannons were superior in range and speed. The cannons continued to move its double barrels. Using its momentum, itunched its projectiles to Oki Ind and the three surrounding inds every second. The projectiles moving at Mach 11 reached the inds within 40 seconds, and sma cluster rounds the size of 1.5m began to rain down from the sky.


    The sma cluster rounds exploded 10m above the surface. It sucked up the surrounding air and raised the temperature by 2000¡ãC in an instant and swept the area. Whether the objects caught in the mes were man, building, military equipment, or something else, no trace of it could be found since they all melted. The entire area of the Oki Ind and the three surrounding areas were turned into a ming hell.


    Also, 42 rounds of Sky Dragon A missiles began to head towards the inds while gliding across the ocean surface. The 4th escorting fleet¡¯s Zumwalt destroyer fleetunched their anti-air missiles to intercept them. However, they were no match for the Sky Dragon A missiles that could reach the hypersonic speed of Mach 3.5.


    When the Sky Dragon A cruise missiles that were far more powerful than the sma cluster rounds reached the areas along Oki Ind, arge explosion rang across the area. The Oki Ind¡¯snd forces took damages from either the cannon fire or the Sky Dragon A cruise missiles, since the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin¡¯s (CG-1101) Hoc radar detected the 4th escorting fleet and part of the Zumwalt destroyer fleet after ten minutes.


    Captain Ahn Youn-Joon, who hade down to the battle station personally, nced at the operator¡¯s radar and smiled coldly.


    ¡°We are detecting vessels on the radar, sir.¡±


    ¡°The attacks on Oki Ind seems to be working, operations director!¡±


    ¡°It seems that way, captain!¡±


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s take them outpletely. Prepare tounch the Mjolnir-PIP*.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to use the Mjolnir as well, captain? If we do, then our location could be detected by the enemy, sir!¡±


    The operations director expressed his opinion with surprise, but Captain Ahn Youn-Joon did not answer him and gave his order once again.


    ¡°Fire two Mjolnir-PIP rounds, and one for each surrounding ind.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The operations director could no longer give his opinion and ryed the order to the arms man.


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin¡¯s (CG-1101) six round MLRS emerged from the portside deck.


    *Mjolnir-PIP CLBM (Cruiser-Launched Ballistic Missile): a cruise ICBM missile with a range of 15,000km and speed of Mach 45.


    The Mjolnir-PIP missile had a radius of 800mm and length of 6.2m. It emitted blue mes and shot into the sky. After it made evasive maneuvers to avoid damaging theunchpad, it used its explosive power from the thrusters and disappeared into the skyline. Thisunch was repeated four more times.


    ¡°All Mjolnir-PIP missiles have been sessfullyunched.¡±


    With the arms man¡¯s report, the radar operator reported in. ¡°From the Shimane prefecture at Latitude 35¡ã23¡¯0.38¡å Longitude 132¡ã56¡¯47.15¡å, surface-to-ship missiles have beenunched, captain.¡±


    ¡°Surface-to-ship missiles?¡±


    ¡°It seems that our ICBMunches had caused our vessel to be detected for a brief moment. There are 12 rounds in total, sir,¡± the radar operator reported in again while giving an exnation.


    ¡°They are rich since they canunch 12 missiles for a single vessel. Anyway, from the Shimane prefecture, eh? That¡¯s the prefecture that would call our Dok-do ind, Dakeshima, and holds festivals, isn¡¯t it? Very well. Launch a Mjolnir missile to them as well!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Entering into theunching process now.¡±


    From the six-round MLRSunch pad, a Mjolnir-PIP missile flew into the sky while emitting blue mes again. There were now only six rounds of the Mjolnir-PIP missiles left on theunchpad of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101).


    ¡°Captain, we will not enter the interception process of the surface-to-ship missiles.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to report to me, just intercept them as you see fit...¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Launch a round of the Haegung missile for targets 1 through 12.¡±


    ¡°Allotting missiles for targets 1 through 12. We areunching them now.¡±


    The interception operator manipted the console while repeating the arms man¡¯s orders.


    From the 48 cell K-VLS-IIunchpad, the Haegung missiles (GTAS-150 ship to air missiles) flew out repeatedly and headed towards the Shimane prefecture area.


    ¡°Twenty-eight seconds before intercepting target 1! Twenty-nine seconds for target 2!¡±


    ¡°Multiple ship-to-ship missiles have been detected from east of Oki ind!¡±


    ¡°Can we detect the source of the missiles?¡± the operations director asked.


    ¡°Yes, we have detected three enemy vessels, sir.¡±


    The operations director nced at the captain. He seemed to be waiting for an order. However, Captain Ahn Yoon-Joon nodded as if to say ¡°do as he sees fit.¡± The operations director started giving out orders based on his own judgment.


    ¡°Fire 3 rounds of Haesung A missiles towards each detected ship.¡±


    ¡°Launching 3 rounds of the Haesung A missiles.¡±


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 02:10


    Japan¡¯s Oki Ind


    From the cannon fire of the Scithe cannons, and the cruise missile attacks, Oki Ind and the three surrounding inds resembled a living hell. The army forces operating the radar disruption equipment were also caught in the storm of mes from the sma cluster rounds and they had melted into an unrecognizable state.


    On the runway of the Oki airport, civilian nes were broken with only half of their frames remaining, while numerous civilians suffered from 4th-degree burns andid on the ground.


    The buildings in the downtown area had all copsed, and the debris from the buildings and roads were strewn across the sidewalk. The roads were covered in holes, and cars on fire were all over them. Also, the smell of burning corpses filled the city. On top of this gruesome scenery, a Mjolnir-PIP ICBM fell at the speed of Mach 40.


    Booom! Bang!


    With an enormous sh of light, arge mushroom cloud appeared. A heatwave rippled across the area.

 Chapter 200

    <h4>Chapter 200</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 02:10


    Tokyo, Japan¡¯s Cab Emergency Situation Center


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur¡¯s report from the Zumwalt destroyer fleet had the entire center in an uproar as if it was hosting a party.


    The Japanese navy had suffered one-sided defeat against the Corean navy twice. Hearing the news about Corea¡¯s joint fleet that had merged their 1st and 3rd fleet being defeated and retreating had the room in a celebratory mood.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, that¡¯s the spirit! This is a testament to our navy¡¯s skills, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± Prime Minister Abe smiled contentedly and spoke to themanders and the high-ranking government bureaucrats.


    ¡°That is right, sir. This is just the beginning,¡± Minister of Defense Shibasaki smiled slyly and agreed with him.


    In truth, the Japanese navy was being attacked relentlessly by Corea¡¯s joint fleet at the start of the battle and had lost 3 destroyers. It was the power of the Zumwalt destroyers under the U.S navy and its sudden railgun attacks that did the job. However, Prime Minister Abe and Minister Shibasaki only credited the Japanese navy for the battle¡¯s victory.


    After the conversation took ce, a report that no one wanted to hear came through. First, Oki Ind and the three surrounding inds were struck by ballistic missiles, and the entire area was covered in mes. The second was how the 8th surface-to-ship artillery regiment stationed at the Shimane prefecture had been hit as well and were annihted by the ballistic missiles.


    Everyone in the room, including Prime Minister Abe, themanders, and the government bureaucrats all froze as if they were hit by a Siberian winter storm. Silence fell in the room. After some time had passed, the silence was broken by the shouting from the operator.


    ¡°They have detected a vessel that seems to be the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser 157km southwest off the coast of Oki Ind. They are engaging in battle, sir.¡±


    When the word about the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) came up, Prime Minister Abe and the militarymander¡¯s faces all turned pale.


    ¡°The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin vessel? Isn¡¯t that the same ship that wiped out the entire 1st carrier strike group and the 3rd escorting fleet?¡± Prime Minister Abe asked the operator.


    ¡°We are not certain, but since its stealth capabilities are superior, it seems to be the case, sir.¡±


    ¡°Prime minister! There is no need to fear. We have four Zumwalt ss destroyers on our side, don¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°I am sure four Zumwalt ss destroyers would be more than enough to sink that ship, correct?¡±


    ¡°You can put your faith in us, sir! Didn¡¯t our navy take out the Corean fleet in an instant, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, why don¡¯t we keep watching?¡±


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 02:10


    The seas 15km southeast from Japan¡¯s Oki Ind (the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s location)


    From the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s location, the mushroom cloud and shes of light in the darkness could be faintly seen on Oki Ind by the naked eye.


    The 4th escorting fleet had managed to sessfully intercept a few of the SM-2 cruise missiles headed towards Oki Ind. When they detected five ICBMs with their radars, the Kirishima (DDG-174), Suzuki (DDG-117), and the four Zumwalt ss destroyers hadunched two rounds of SM-3 Block 1A missiles twice, but they only managed to intercept two of the Mjolnir-PIP ballistic missiles. The remaining three missilesnded at their targets. One had struck Oki ind, while the other two hit the surrounding inds.


    Right now, the 4th escorting fleet had entered the process of intercepting the Haesung A ship-to-ship missiles headed towards them.


    ¡°Damn it! What were those ballistic missiles? Weunched 24 SM-3 missiles at them, and we only managed to take down two of them,¡± Admiral Nagano Damon, who was watching the interception of the Haesung A missiles, shouted angrily when he saw therge explosioning from Oki Ind. Captain Kawai Sunichi of the Isei (DDH-182) answered him.


    ¡°It seems that the missiles were ballistic missiles that fall at the speed of Mach 40, so that must be why our interception rates were low.¡±


    However, Admiral Nagano Damon paid no mind and shouted into the microphone connected to the battle station.


    ¡°How is the interception of the ship-to-ship missiles going?¡±


    ¡°Yes, admiral! Currently, we are 20 seconds away from intercepting the missiles headed to the Suzuki, Samidare, and Sanami under themand of the Kirishima.¡±


    ¡°We cannot afford to lose any more of our ships! Make sure to intercept them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Nine Haesung A supersonic ship-to-ship missiles were flying at Mach 3.5 above the ocean between the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) and the 4th escorting fleet. In the skies, nine SM-2 missiles seemed to have entered into the interception stage and mmed into the ocean.


    The Isei¡¯s (DDH-182) arms man who had been watching the progress of the interception through the radar, shouted once again.


    ¡°Target number 1 intercepted! Number 2 has failed! Number 3 failed! Number 4 failed, number 5 sessful, ah! 6, 7, 8, and 9 have all failed!¡±


    When the results of the first interception attempts came in, four vessels within the 4th escorting fleet entered into the second interception attempt. This time, two rounds of SM-2 interception missiles were allotted for each target, and they began to fly towards the sky while emitting mes and white smoke. Also, the four Zumwalt destroyersunched four SM-7 anti-air missiles to aid the 4th fleet.


    The SM-7 anti-air missile, RIM-77 ESGM (Evolved Sea-Gull Missile) was the improved, next-generation version of the RIM-162 ESSM (Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile) designed to defend against missiles that traveled over subsonic speeds. This weapon had been developed by Lockheed Martin and entered into production byte 2019. Currently, only the Zumwalt, Allyburke, and Ticonderoga ss destroyers were operating them.


    ¡°What about our ship-to-ship missiles?¡±


    ¡°They are 210 seconds away from impact, sir.¡±


    The ship-to-ship missilesunched by the 4th escorting fleet were subsonic, so, despite beingunched first, they took longer to reach their targets.


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 02:15


    The seas 200km east from Ulsan (Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s (CG-1101) location)


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had stopped its Scithe cannon attacks after the Mjolnir-PIP ballistic missiles had hit Oki Ind and its two surrounding ones. Then they struck down all 12 surface-to-ship missiles that headed towards them with the Haegung missiles.


    The operator¡¯s report of sessfully intercepting the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s four subsonic ship-to-ship harpoon missiles and eight type-90 anti-ship missiles rang across the battle station.


    ¡°We have sessfully intercepted all eight ship-to-ship missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about our Haesung A missiles?¡±


    ¡°Currently three out of our nine missiles have been intercepted. The remaining six are flying towards their targets. 19 seconds from impact.¡±


    The interception operator checked the radar again from the arms man¡¯s questions and continued his report.


    ¡°Four rounds were intercepted in total. The remaining two are 12 seconds away from impact! The enemy is entering into the terminal phase of interception.¡±


    The crew inside the battle station all turned their heads towards the interception operator.


    Only three of the Haesung A supersonic missiles survived and reached the terminal phase area of the 4th escorting fleet. Soon the missiles shot up into the sky by using the pop-up maneuver and flew down at frightening speeds.


    ¡°A direct hit! A direct hit on the bridge and tail of the Sazanami! A direct hit on starboard of the Samidare!¡±


    The operator¡¯s report of a direct hit did not brighten up Captain Ahn Youn-joon¡¯s face. These missiles were supersonic missiles that could reach speeds of Mach 3.5, but six out of their nine missiles had been intercepted. Captain Ahn Youn-joon directly gave his order to the operator instead of rying it through the arms man.


    ¡°Can we detect the enemy ships with our radars?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We are detecting five destroyers.¡±


    ¡°Then, arms man! We transition into Scithe cannon attacks.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, transitioning into the cannon fire.¡±


    The arms man moved towards the operator of the cannon, but turned back and spoke in a dark tone.


    ¡°Apologies, captain. We cannot set a proper angle for the cannons due to the surrounding inds along Oki Ind.¡±


    ¡°I guess we have no choice. Prepare the avarice missiles! Launch two for each destroyer, and three for the Isei.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    From the 36 cell K-VLS-IVB (verticalunchpad), seven SSM-1000K avarice missiles (ship-to-ship hypersonic cruise missile) shot up into the sky.


    Woosh~! Woosh~! Woosh~! Woosh~!


    When the avarice missiles reached a certain altitude, they made a few adjusting maneuvers, then used its powerful sma thrusters to fly at the speed of Mach 8.


    ¡°All seven avarice missiles have been sessfullyunched! 48 seconds from impact!¡±


    The distance between the targets and the missiles were at 132km, but it only took 50 seconds for the missiles to reach their targets since they flew at Mach 8. Meanwhile, the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s vessels that were not damagedunched 21 rounds of their SM-2 anti-air missiles. Then, the Zumwalt destroyer fleet alsounched seven rounds of the SM-7 anti-air missiles.


    The avarice missiles flew across at 5m above the ocean surface, and their thrusters created a pir of water as they flew at Mach 8. A momentter, the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s SM-2 missiles attempted to move towards the avarice missile¡¯s vicinity, but they failed and exploded after mming into the ocean¡¯s surface. Meanwhile, the seven rounds of SM-7 missilesunched by the Zumwalt destroyers sprayed thousands of shrapnel across the sky to create a of fire.


    As the shrapnel spread across the area the avarice missiles were flying towards, they formed a-like structure, but only one missile exploded from the impact. The remaining six avarice missiles struck the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s aegis destroyers and the Isei (DDH-182).


    The two avarice missiles that took the lead did not use the pop-up maneuver and crashed into the Kirishima¡¯s (DDG-174) portside and front.


    The momentum and explosion from the avarice missile had caused the Kirishima¡¯s (DDG-174) entire body to bend to the left like toffee and explode. The explosion was so powerful that the ship¡¯s rear and sides all split, while a firestorm tore through the walls and raged within the vessel.


    Woosh~ Bang~ Woosh~


    The crew within the vessel were engulfed by the mes and vaporized, and the secondary firestorm had torn the outer walls of the ship and exposed mes. The Kirishima had been torn to three pieces and began to sink slowly into the sea.


    The sub-aegis destroyer the Suzuki (DDG-117) was struck on the center of their port side, and the explosion had caused the vessel to bend like a bow before splitting in half. Usually, torpedo attack on the keel would cause vessels to be torn in two, but having a ship-to-ship missile doing so while hitting the side of the ship was rare. This was a testament to how powerful the avarice missile¡¯s momentum and explosive powers were.


    Finally, the Isei (DDH-182) had met the same fate as the other two vessels. The Isei had been hit at its portside by missiles repeatedly. Then, an enormous explosion urred, causing the Isei with a load of 18,000 tons to lean starboard by 40 degrees before returning to its previous position. However, the fate of the Isei was sealed afterward.


    The firestorm that had raged within the interior of the ship had caused the numerous gunpowder and explosives to go off as well, and the st had caused the outer flight deck to be torn also. Between the cracks, heat, and mes that resembledva began to pour out. The Isei¡¯s ind had its walls torn from the st and mes were dancing around.


    Admiral Nagano Damon had flown to the port side of the bridge from the first shockwave and broke four ribs. Then, he was tossed to the other side and hit his head on the console. He covered his head and winced from the severe pain. However, the mes that engulfed the bridge had caused 4th-degree burns on his body, and soon his entire body had turned ck like soot.

 Chapter 201

    <h4>Chapter 201</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 02:25


    Seoul Yongsan-ku, CC bunker (tactical satellite Zeus 1 mission control)


    As the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s vessels were sinking, Zeus 1 satellite¡¯s mission control was busy marking the targets under Chairman Kang Ui-sik¡¯s orders.


    ¡°Check the coordinates for the list of targets!¡±


    ¡°Targets 1, 2, 3, we are checking the coordinates, sir.¡±


    Currently, the list of targets for the mission control included the American GEO satellites 5, 6, 7 that were capable of observing Corea, Japan, China, and parts of Russia from their orbit.


    ¡°Check the sma output levels!¡±


    ¡°Current sma output at 85% capable of making the interception!¡±


    The operators answered Commander Lim Soo-ho¡¯s questions. He took a deep breath, since his single order could lead to a war against the U.S, thergest military power in the world.


    ¡°Very well! We begin the strike with target 1 first. Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    When Commander Lim Soo-ho gave the order, the operators in charge of theser cannons pulled on the trigger with his index finger. When the lever was pulled, Zeus 1 fired a blueser beam towards its target.


    Pew, pew, pew, pew!


    A satellite that was 36,000km above the surface exploded after being pierced by theser beam.


    Woosh~ Booom~


    After the explosion, pieces of the satellite began to spread everywhere while melting from the heat.


    ¡°Target 1 has been hit!¡±


    ¡°Fire at target 2!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire at target 3!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    After a short period, the three blueser beams had caused the American GEO satellites 5, 6, and 7 to be space debris.


    ¡°Zeus 1, transition into TCS mode.¡±


    ¡°Transitioning Zeus 1 into TCS mode!¡±


    After Zeus 1 finished intercepting the targets, it transitioned into TCS (Transparent Cloaking System) mode and hid in space.


    The lower orbiting satellites KH11, KH12, and the Lacross radar satellites were all struck down by the three-toed crow space fighter jets. Meanwhile, America¡¯s joint satellite center was in an uproar after losing contact with ten of their military satellites. The Pentagon and numerous intelligence agencies held an emergency meeting as a response.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 02:25


    The seas 18km southeast from Japan¡¯s Oki Ind (the Zumwalt destroyer fleet)


    Afterunching the SM-7 ship-to-air interception missiles to aid the 4th escorting fleet¡¯s anti-air, the fleet was only sessful in intercepting one of the avarice hypersonic ship-to-ship missiles. Admiral Yamamoto Genzur had no choice but to look at the vessels of the 4th escorting fleet sink while burning. He slowly closed his eyes.


    The remaining naval forces that Japan had now were the four Zumwalt destroyers, the 1st escorting fleet, the 2nd escorting fleet, the Okosuka, Maizuru, Ominatu local fleets, and finally, nine Oyashio ss submarines, seven Soryu ss submarines, and one Wakashio ss submarine.


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur opened his eyes after thinking for a bit, then contacted the battle station. He took the position of admiral of the fleet and captain of the Zumwalt destroyer. Many of the officers had passed away from the battles, and theycked the men, but he also requested to be the captain of the vessel to the navalmand.


    ¡°Arms man! Are we still unable to detect the enemy vessels?¡±


    The Mjolnir-PIP ballistic missileunch had caused the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) to be detected by the radar for a brief moment, but they were unable to find its location again, so the fleet could not attack the enemy vessel.


    ¡°We are still unable to find them, sir.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, what is this ship made out of, that we cannot find it?¡±


    The four F-35B and EA-18GE growler jets that took off from the Isei (DDH-182) flew around the Oki Ind¡¯s surroundings and contacted the ship.


    -This is Otani Shohei,mander of the 11th flight wing under the Isei aerial forces. The Isei has sunk. We are requesting the next orders for the mission.


    -Understood. Do you know the approximate location of the enemy vessel?¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    -Then send us the location of the enemy fleet while taking the growler flight wing with you. This is a reconnaissance mission, so do not engage the enemy.


    -Yes, sir. We will begin the mission now.


    ¡°Arms man! Commence the rail gun attacks as soon as we get the intel from the 11th flight wing.¡±


    The F-35B and EA-18GE flight wing turned to the eastern direction. Then, the EA-18GE jets used its powerful disruptive radio waves to hinder the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s (CG-1101) radars.


    Meanwhile, Admiral Yamamoto Genzur also finished hismunication, then contacted the captains of the three remaining destroyers.


    -Set the distance between each vessel to 4km. We will go into a horizontal formation, and begin scanning for the enemy. When we find them, the entire fleet will attack with the rail guns.


    -Vessel 2 understood.


    -Vessel 3 confirmed.


    -Vessel 4, yes, admiral.


    The Zumwalt destroyer fleet did not use their own call signs but rather used numbers of the vessels in order of their deployment.


    ¡°Admiral! The six Mairuz P-3C reconnaissance nes are moving towards the direction of the enemy¡¯s location.¡±


    ¡°If the reconnaissance nes are headed there, then the enemy would be detected in no time, even if their stealth capabilities are superior.¡±


    The Zumwalt destroyers sailed across the sea while maintaining their position and using Oki Ind and its surrounding inds as a shield.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 02:25


    The seas 120km east from Ulsan (Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s (CG-1101) location)


    The Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had annihted the 4th escorting fleet. When the enemy¡¯s disruptive radio waves were finally gone, the four enemy Zumwalt destroyers showed up faintly across the radar.


    ¡°Arms man! Are we still unable to attack with our Scithe cannons?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are still obstructed by Nagano Ind.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to attack by using our cheaper cannon rounds, but things are getting in our way,¡± Captain Ahn Yoon-joon spoke to himself before giving an order.


    ¡°Helmsman! Set the azimuth to 1-8-5 and full turn starboard! Maintain our speed!¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    The Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101), which reached a length of 235m, turned sharply to the right and maneuvered into the set azimuth. The reason the captain had given this order was to move past Nagano Ind and set a clear path for their projectiles.


    Since there was no guarantee when the war would be over, the captain thought to use the more affordable cannon rounds to engage the enemy instead of using the expensive ship-to-ship missiles that cost hundreds of thousands of dors.


    ¡°Current azimuth at 1-2-5, enemy nes detected at a distance of 255km!¡± The radar operator reported in when he saw the nes on his screen.


    ¡°Are they fighter jets?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. They are six P-3C reconnaissance nes.¡±


    ¡°Are they trying to find our location? Swat down those flies when they fly within our range of the Haegung missiles.¡±


    ¡°Aye, captain.¡±


    When the Japanese P-3C reconnaissance nes closed their distance to 200km, the crewunched six Haegung missiles.


    ¡°All six missiles have been sessfullyunched, sir. First target 245 seconds from impact! Second target 247 seconds away!¡±


    The Haegung missiles traveled at Mach 3.5 and struck down the first target. The ne attempted to make evasive maneuvers by spraying chaffs and res, but the jet was struck by the missiles and exploded in mid-air.


    The second, third, and fourth nes also met the same fate as the first reconnaissance ne. The fifth and sixth all moved away from range and barely evaded the Haegung missiles. The pilots were all in shock. Unable to proceed any further, they retreated to inner Honshu.


    ¡°Targets 5 and 6 failed! We lost them since they were out of range captain.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame. If theye into reach again,unch the missiles immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Arms man! Are we still unable to use our Scithe cannons?¡±


    ¡°Sir! We are 2km away from being able to engage with our cannons.¡±


    ¡°Good! We are not far away then!¡±


    Another operator began to shout. ¡°An unidentified object flying at Mach 8 is headed towards our direction, sir!¡±


    ¡°Cannon rounds? Is it from the rail gun?¡±


    ¡°It seems to be, sir. Fifty-two seconds before the first rounds reach us! There are eight rounds in total. Ah! The numbers are increasing.¡±


    The Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) used six of its 22mmser Vulcan guns and sprayed beams of light across the eastern sky. The six beams of whiteser beams all reached the rail guns¡¯ metal projectiles and exploded.


    pewpewpewpew~ pewpewpewpew~


    Boom! Bang!


    It would be a waste to use interception missiles to strike down cannon rounds, so thest shot Vulcan guns were being used instead, and so far, all 20 rounds had been intercepted.


    ¡°Targets 18 intercepted, 19 intercepted, 20 has been intercepted. There are 12 additional rounds headed towards us.¡±


    shes of light continued to sh 15km from the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) when the arms man reported to Captain Ahn Yoon-joon.


    ¡°Captain! We are now able to transition into cannon fire, sir.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon gave his order as if he had waited for this the whole time. ¡°Great! We can¡¯t just sit here and take hits! Let¡¯s show those bastards what we are made of. Transition into sma cluster rounds! We attack one of the enemy vessels first.¡±


    ¡°Entering the coordinates to the Scithe cannons.¡±


    The arms man returned to his station and gave the order to fire. The operators of the cannons pulled the firing levers ording to the radar showing the position of the Zumwalt destroyer, the Lyndon B. Johnson.


    ¡°Fire 12 rounds of the Scithe cannons!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Boom~ Boom~ Boom~


    The double-barrel Scithe cannons continuously fired the high-powered sma cluster rounds. The cannons were capable ofunching 50 rounds per minute, and theyunched all 12 rounds within 20 seconds. A naval battle involving cannons that seemed to be from the Second World War had begun at Corea¡¯s east sea between Corea and Japan. To be precise, it had started between Corea and America.

 Chapter 202

    <h4>Chapter 202</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 02:30


    The seas 18km Southeast from Oki Ind (the Zumwalt destroyer fleet¡¯s location)


    ¡°Numerous cannon rounds fired from the enemy vessels have been detected, sir. Two, three... the numbers are increasing. They are targeting the Lyndon B. Johnson! Twenty-nine seconds before the first round¡¯s impact! The speed is quite fast; the rounds are traveling over Mach 10.¡±


    The Zumwalt destroyer¡¯s battle station filled up on the radar operator¡¯s sudden report.


    ¡°Are they missiles?¡±


    ¡°I am not certain, but they are very much smaller than missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then, what are they?¡±


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur gave his order through the fleetmunication line.


    -All vessels enter the interception stage by using the CIWS rail guns. Continue the railgun attacks against the enemy as well.


    The 8MJ ss rail guns responsible for the CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) emerged from the four Zumwalt ss destroyers¡¯ interior. The guns turned west, then began to rapidly fire.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The four 8MJ ss rail guns fired 500 rounds per minute, and the metallic interception rounds all flew towards the direction of the sma cluster rounds.


    A momentter, the metal rounds from the rail guns seeded in intercepting the sma cluster rounds with its speed and power. Across the night sky, short shes of light lit up the sky like stars from the explosion.


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 03:30 (U.S.T the 4th 11:30)


    Chantilly, Virginia, U.S.A (joint satellite mission control)


    Meanwhile, an emergency meeting was being held in response to the numerous military andmunication satellites stationed at Corea for reconnaissance losing contact. The Pentagon¡¯s foreign intelligence agency and the other agencies under the federal government had gathered within the hour and conducted the meeting via video call at the joint satellite mission control.


    ¡°Right now, the GEO 5, 6, 7 stationary satellites, two KH11 ss satellites orbiting Corea, one KH12 ss satellite, and four Lacross radar satellites have lost contact. Since they all seemed to have lost contact at the same time, we can only conclude that they were struck down by a foreign nation,¡± Vice Director Martinez from the National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO), who was in charge of all intelligence satellites, gave a short briefing and exined the current situation.


    ¡°What nation could strike down ten of our military satellites at once? Especially when they are moving in orbit across the globe?¡± When Vice Director Maddock from the NSA asked, Vice Director Martinez answered.


    ¡°Based on our list of nations that are capable of intercepting satellites, the first on the list would be Russia.¡±


    ¡°Russia? No matter how powerful and well-prepared Russia¡¯s missile forces were, I believe they would only be able to intercept one or two satellites at best. There¡¯s no possibility any nation is capable of striking down ten satellites at once. Also, if they were from Russia¡¯s missile attacks, wouldn¡¯t we have detected them well beforehand?¡± Vice Director vin from the CIA gave his opposing opinion.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Vice Director vin! I am saying that Russia is the most suspicious nation, not the culprit. As you have said, Russia would be capable of striking down one or two satellites, and if they did make the attempt, we would have detected their attacks and dealt with it.¡±


    ¡°Then which nation is it? China? The U.K? France?¡± Vice Director Maddocks from the NSA seemed to be frustrated and spoke while rapping the desk lightly with his fist.


    ¡°China has been defeated by Corea, and they are not in a state to n something like this while the U.K and France are our allies. So, it can¡¯t be them.¡±


    ¡°So which nation is it?¡± When Vice Director Maddocks asked again, the answer came from a different screen.


    ¡°It¡¯s Korea. Their official name is now the Federal Republic of Corea.¡±


    The eyes of all the intelligence agency leaders moved towards Director Michael T. Joshi from the DIA.


    ¡°Corea? How is it possible with their military power?¡± When Vice Director Maddocks asked again, Director Michael T. Joshi answered.


    ¡°Since you have only been gathering domestic intelligence, I suppose you arecking in foreign intelligence, Vice Director Maddocks.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°We at the Defense Intelligence Agency have been collecting intel about the Corean military since the war between China and Corea broke outst year.¡±


    Director Michael T. Joshi seemed to have prepared something. He stood up from his seat and went off-camera for a moment. Then, his screen changed to Director Michael T. Joshi standing next to arge screen.


    ¡°When the Corean-Chinese war broke out, how many of you here expected Corea to be victorious?¡± Director Michael T. Joshi asked the question lightly, then nced at the other attendees on-screen. When they did not answer, he smiled and continued speaking.


    ¡°Please direct your attention to the screen.¡±


    The screen Director Michael T. Joshi pointed to showed the secretly filmed footage of the battles that took ce during the Corean-Chinese war.


    Among the Corean armored vehicles, the C-3 White tiger tanks firing their photon cannons were seen, and footage of the Chinese ballistic missiles being struck down from space showed up as well. A beam of light appearing from thin air struck down the Chinese ballistic missiles before they could reach the mid-point of theirunch and caused them to explode. Also, a heavy cruiser 200m long docked at Ul-Lung Ind showed up as well.


    After the 5-minute long video finished ying, the screen showed Director Michael T. Joshi again. The questions came pouring in.


    ¡°Are you saying that is the power of the Corean military?¡± Vice Director Maddocks, who was from the NSA, focusing on domestic intelligence, asked with wide eyes.


    ¡°Are you suggesting Corea has developed photon weapons?¡±


    ¡°Corea is operating heavy-cruisers... When did they develop such a vessel?¡±


    Director Michael T. Joshi got to the main point while moving past the numerous questions. ¡°I am sure the director of the CIA is well aware. Corea has been developing such weapons since 2017. Also, they deployed tanks equipped with photon weapons in the field. Using these weapons, they were victorious in the war against China. Corea has also usedser weapons to easily intercept the Chinese ballistic missiles. I believe they are using interception satellites as well.¡±


    ¡°They are operating interception satellites? Why didn¡¯t you share such information until now?¡±


    ¡°We have used every possible method to seek out Corea¡¯s satellite, but we were unable to confirm its physical form or position. We were unable to report it when we haven¡¯t found the actual satellite yet.¡±


    ¡°This is shocking.¡±


    ¡°Did you all see the heavy cruiser docked at Ul-Lung ind? That vessel is named the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin, and could be considered to be simr to our heavy cruiser. That vessel is probably the one that annihted Japan¡¯s 3rd escorting fleet and the 1st carrier strike group. They achieved this with a single vessel.¡±


    ¡°Could this really be true? I cannot believe it. How could Corea have made such advancements in a short period... Is there something we don¡¯t know about?¡± Vice Director Maddocks from the NSA asked once again.


    Director Michael T. Joshi from the DIA looked directly into the camera and answered.


    ¡°I am sorry. That is top-secret, so we cannot disclose the information at the moment. However, based on thetest Corean weapons, they are more than capable of attacking and striking down our military satellites.¡±


    The leaders of each intelligence agency on the screen were all in shock.


    ¡°The footage you have all seen is SS-ranked secret. I am revealing this information to you since all of us in the intelligence agencies must disclose intel about Corea to each other and increase our espionage activities, especially in military technology. We must gather evidence and figure out a strategy on how to respond once we do.¡±


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 03:30


    The seas 18km southeast from Japan¡¯s Oki Ind (Zumwalt destroyer fleet¡¯s location)


    An hour had passed since the battle against the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had begun. The 8MJ rail guns, which boasted a high interception rate, were unable to intercept all targets. A few of the surviving high cluster sma rounds swarmed the Zumwalt destroyer fleet.


    Boom! Bang!


    The sma cluster rounds flew so fast that they could not be seen by the naked eye. The rounds struck the 3rd destroyer, the Lyndon B. Johnson repeatedly. With arge explosion, the destroyer was swallowed by the ocean rapidly. Also, the 4th destroyer, the Anderwoody, was struck at its starboard and became engulfed in mes while emitting ck smoke.


    -Vessel 3, Lyndon B. Johnson is sinking!


    -Vessel 4 has been struck directly at its starboard, and is on fire!


    -Is vessel 4 capable of battle?


    -Yes, they are dousing the mes, and it is capable of making attacks.


    Captain of the Anderwoody, Yanagida Masahiro grasped his head that got injured from the shock of the explosion and answered Admiral Yamamoto Genzur¡¯s question.


    When Admiral Yamamoto Genzur lost the battle using cannons against the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101), despite outnumbering it four to one, he ordered the entire fleet tounch missiles.


    -All vesselsunch ship-to-ship missiles. Each vessel is tounch four rounds of the Super Harpoon missiles.


    The RGM-85 (Super Harpoon Block I) missile was a modified version of the RGM-84 (Harpoon Block II) ship-to-ship missile. Each round was worth a million dors and 12 rounds of the super harpoon missile flew out from three Zumwalt destroyers. The missiles used its two-leveled scramjet engines to fly at Mach 6. They were 65 seconds away from reaching the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101).


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    The scramjet engines emitted red mes, and the glow soon disappeared into the eastern sky.


    ¡°Four Superharpoons from vessel 2 the Michael Monsoor, the Anderwoody and Zumwalt destroyer 1 have beenunched sessfully. A total of 12 rounds are 47 seconds away from reaching the enemy vessel, sir,¡± the Zumwalt destroyer¡¯s arms man reported in.


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur gave another order tounch the ship-to-ship missiles. ¡°We areunching two additional super harpoon missiles for the second wave.¡±


    ¡°Giving the orders tounch a second set of missiles, sir.¡±


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur gave the order tounch missiles that cost more than a million dors each without hesitation. He had concluded it was better than losing Zumwalt destroyers that cost at least 4.5 billion dors each.


    Meanwhile, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had been sessful in intercepting the metal railgun roundsing towards them, but the shrapnel had struck parts of the vessel and damaged the ship. However, the radars andmunication equipment were unharmed and it was able to continue fighting.

 Chapter 203

    <h4>Chapter 203</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 03:35


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Above the Kyushu skies, the mass aerial battle was over. The joint chief of staff had decided to conduct thending operation on Japan earlier than scheduled and gave the order to the naval strategicmand.


    The reason the joint chief of staff made the decision was based on the results of the fierce aerial battle between the two nations. Japan had sent out 50% of their aerial forces to defend Kyushu, despite it not being a key area like Honshu was. However, the destruction of thend anti-air forces in the area had made them unable to use the advantage of fighting from the home skies.


    Also, the difference in the specifications of the fighter jets yed a role as well. The Corean air force had converted the ck phoenix jets¡¯ arms to air-to-air weapons topensate for their lower numbers. Only 50 jets out of the 300 deployed by the Japanese air force made it back to base.


    The aerial and naval forces that were tasked with defending the shores and skies of Kyushu and Honshu were mostly destroyed. Only the 1st escorting fleet and a few local military forces were left to defend the area. Therefore, the joint chief of staff had concluded that they would be able to conduct thending operation earlier than scheduled.


    At the Incheon naval base¡¯s port, the 10thnding fleet¡¯s amphibious vessels and logistical ships were busy loading the equipment and materials of the 2nd and 3rd marine division while being protected by the 2nd fleet.


    Also, before thending operation was to take ce, the air force had nned to strike the Honshu area for the second time. Each fighter wing was busy making preparations, while the 15th and 19th fighter wing was equipping the CBS/A-30P Blue Dragon bomber¡¯s exterior and interior weaponry.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 03:40


    The seas 215km east from Ulsan (Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin¡¯s location (CG-1101))


    The battle between the Zumwalt fleet and the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101) involving cannons and missiles was bing fiercer as time went on.


    The 4th Zumwalt destroyer Anderwoody was half sunk, while the other three Zumwalt destroyers were busyunching the Super Harpoon missiles. The Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101) had entered into the interception phase byunching their Sea Sky Dragon (GTAS-300) ship-to-air missiles before retaliating with their more powerful Avarice (SSM-1000K) hypersonic ship-to-ship cruise missiles.


    ¡°Target 1 sessfully intercepted! Target 2¡¯s interception sessful! Target 3 failed, target 4 sessful.¡±


    ¡°We are entering the second interception attempt, sir.¡±


    ¡°All four missiles for the second interception attempt have beenunched, sir.¡±


    The operators were busy reporting results as the Hoc superputer automatically acted to make the interceptions. Captain Ahn Yoon-Joon, who was observing the ongoings, tilted his head and spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd. No matter how powerful the Zumwalt destroyer¡¯s radars are, it¡¯s strange that they can detect a target 100km away andunch attacks!¡±


    Captain Ahn stroked his forehead for a moment to think, then gave a direct order to the radar operator.


    ¡°Are there any Japanese naval reconnaissance nes within 300km from our location?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. There are two naval reconnaissance nes 258km from us flying at inner Honshu.¡±


    ¡°258km... Then those would not be able to detect our location as well...¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain. If they were to detect our vessel¡¯s location, the nes would have to be at least 50km from our positions.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s bugging me! Set the reconnaissance nes as targets as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The automatic 68 cell K-VLS-III (Vertical Launch System)unched two rounds of Sea Sky Dragon missiles, and they flew southeast unlike the other ones, and soon disappeared into the sky.


    ¡°Sixty-seven seconds away from reaching the 1st P-3C ne, sixty-eight seconds from reaching the second P-3C ne, sir.¡±


    The two P-3C naval reconnaissance nes immediately descended to make evasive maneuvers against the unexpected missile strikes, but they were unable to avoid the hypersonic Sky Sea Dragon missiles flying at Mach 10.


    A momentter, the radar operator reported in.


    ¡°Both nes have been struck down, captain.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-Joon asked the radar operator again.


    ¡°Is our vessel still being detected by the enemy?¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain. We are still being detected by the enemy.¡±


    ¡°Radar operator!¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something near us! Check for any disruptive radio waves within a 100km radius!¡±


    ¡°We will increase the output of our scans, sir.¡±


    The radar operators all increased their range and began to check every radar screen thoroughly. A few minutester, one of the operators raised his hand and shouted.


    ¡°I found it, sir. Azimuth 0-9-2, distance 55km, altitude of 11km.¡±


    ¡°Disruptive waves?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It is very powerful.¡±


    ¡°Contact the Apollo mission control! The source! Have the data link us the source¡¯s exact location and scanned information!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When something was caught on the radar as Captain Ahn Yoon-Joon expected, his eyes lit up and he clenched his fists. The reports from the operators within the battle station continued to pour in.


    ¡°Second interception missiles, targets 6, 7, 8, and 9 were all sessful!¡±


    ¡°The enemy vesselsunched a second wave of missiles, sir. There are eight rounds in total. They are all the same type of missiles from the first wave. They are 51 seconds from impact and traveling at Mach 8.¡±


    ¡°We areunching the 3rd wave of interception missiles, sir.¡±


    The battle station was full of reports from the operators that it felt like a night market, and Captain Ahn Yoon-Joon watched the scene while leaning on the console.


    ¡°Captain! Please take a look at the battle screen. It¡¯s the data from the Apollo 2 satellite¡¯s scans.¡±


    The screen stationed at the center showed the data linking from the Apollo 2 reconnaissance satellite. From the screen, eight faint objects within a 4km radius were found, and they emitted powerful disruptive waves. A momentter, footage of the objects taken with the photo optic lens showed up.


    ¡°Based on our analysis, it seems to be F-35B jets and the EA-18GE Growler electromaic fighter jets, sir.¡±


    The radar operator analyzed the data with the friend or foe database and reported to the captain.


    ¡°The Growler jets are that powerful? No matter! Arms man! Do we have the data linked with the Apollo 2 satellite?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are currently synchronized with the satellite, captain.¡±


    ¡°Commence the attack! Fire two rounds of the Haegung missiles for each jet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Allotting two Haegung missiles to each target.¡±


    Despite the powerful disruptive waves, the Hoc radar and the Apollo satellite were able to faintly detect the Japanese jets, and eight missiles wereunched for them. Then, four additional Sky Sea Dragon missiles wereunched as well.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 03:45


    The seas 18km southeast from Japan¡¯s Oki Ind (the Zumwalt destroyer fleet¡¯s location)


    ¡°Admiral! It¡¯s the arms man, sir.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The thing is... The enemy vessel has vanished from our radar, sir.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that we are unable to detect them on our radars?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur stayed calm despite the shocking report and ordered themunications operator.


    ¡°Communications operator! Contact the Isei and 11th flight wing¡¯smanders!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Contact them now!¡±


    ¡°Sir! We are unable to reach them.¡±


    ¡°What about the Growler flight wing?¡±


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s the same, sir.¡±


    ¡°What?! Have they been struck down?¡±


    Five minutes ago, the Isei flight wing¡¯s F-35B jets and the EA-18GE Growler jets under the 11th flight wing was detected by the Apollo 2 satellite¡¯s radars. When the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101) repeatedlyunched its Haegung missiles, they were shot down from the sky.


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur sensed something was wrong and gave an order through the fleetmunication line.


    -All vessels set the ECM output to maximum, and set azimuth to 0-8-5 and full turn portside! We move away from these waters at full speed.


    -Vessel 2, yes, sir.


    -Vessel 4, under....


    Booooom!


    Outside the bridge¡¯s window, the Anderwoody destroyer was engulfed in mes and lit up the night. It seemed to have been struck by at least two ship-to-ship missiles. As if to confirm this hunch, the battle station reported in.


    ¡°The Anderwoody, vessel number 4 has been struck directly by the enemy missiles.¡±


    Boom~ Boom~ Boom~


    There seemed to be an internal explosion urring within the Anderwoody, and after a few more explosions, it split into many pieces. Then, the ship began to sink slowly into the dark, cold ocean. The Anderwoody, which continued to battle after being struck by cannon rounds, had met its fate after being hit three more times by the enemy¡¯s missiles.


    ¡°We are detecting additional cannon rounds. 4, 5, 6 rounds, they are increasing. The first round is 45 seconds away from impact!¡±


    ¡°Sixteen rounds of ship-to-ship missiles have beenunched simultaneously. Eight are hypersonic missiles, while the other eight are supersonic missiles. They are 48 seconds away from impact, sir.¡±


    ¡°We deal with the hypersonic missiles first. Launch the SM-7 missiles! Retaliate with our SM-2 missiles for the supersonic missiles and use the CIWS 32MJ rail guns for the cannon rounds.¡±


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101) transitioned into the offensive and must have decided to put an end to this battle since they continued to pour missiles and cannon fire towards them.


    On the other hand, the two Zumwalt destroyers that could not detect the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101) on their radars turned left and moved at full speed to leave the area. Then, theyunched their SM-7 anti-air missiles from their verticalunch pads while the 32MJ ss railguns continued to fire interception bullets. The southeastern skies where the interception rounds headed off to filled with shes of light.


    However, vessel number 2 the Michael Monsoor was hit by the enemy¡¯s Avarice hypersonic ship to ship missiles at its rear. It was too busy defending the other vessels and ended up being unable to intercept the missiles headed towards it.


    The shockwave from the momentum and explosion had caused the entire rear of the ship to be torn off. When the water began to pour in, the ship began to sink rapidly while leaning portside and the bottom shot up to the surface.


    Creaaaaaak~


    When the angle of the vessel was at about 30 degrees, the crew began to abandon ship immediately. However, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101) did not allow the enemy to retreat peacefully. The Michael Monsoor, which had lost its ability to defend itself from iing missiles, was hit once again by four sma cluster rounds and one more Avarice missile. It was as if a boxer was punching an already downed opponent repeatedly.


    Booom~ Boom~ Bang~ Booom~


    The Michael Monsoor was torn into dozens of pieces from the numerous explosions before it could sink into the ocean. Admiral Yamamoto Genzur, who was looking at the scene from the bridge of his own Zumwalt destroyer, bit hard on his lower lip.


    ¡°Damn it! We have been had by the enemy once again!¡±


    He wiped the blood off his lip with his sleeves and closed his eyes.


    This naval battle thatsted for over two hours resulted in the Chungmugong Lee Sun-Shin (CG-1101) to be victorious once again. Corea¡¯s joint fleet did sustain heavy losses, but the Japanese navy had lost all of its 4th escorting fleet and three Zumwalt destroyers. Based on either numbers or power, this battle was Corea¡¯s victory.


    For Japan¡¯s navy, no more vessels were left to defend the eastern seas except for the Zumwalt destroyer headed back to Maizuru port. Also, the Japanese submarine forces, which had been silently moving under the depths were all detected by the Poseidon ocean satellite and struck down by the supercavitating torpedoes. The Japanese submarines were no longer able to continue their infiltration with their lives on the line and disappeared from the southern and eastern seas.


    As a result, the east and south seas could be considered as Corea¡¯s sole territories. Since the path was clear in the air and the sea heading towards Kyushu, the joint chief of staff now had a footing to begin theirnding operation.

 Chapter 204

    <h4>Chapter 204</h4>


    May 4th, 2021, 04:35,


    The seas 153km from Northeast Ulsan


    Thirty rescue choppers and anti-submarine choppers were flying around the dark skies and lighting up the surrounding seas with its headlights. Above the ocean¡¯s surface, 100 or so rescue vessels andmercial fishing ships were busy searching for the sunken destroyer and vessel¡¯s crew from the joint fleet.


    A few of the crew¡¯s bodies floated up to the surface along with the wreckage, but since many of the men must have been in the cold ocean for hours, no survivors could be found. Also, most of the men sank with their ships so recovering the bodies was no easy feat. Since the navy men were unsure when the Japanese navy would strike while they were conducting their search and rescue, they were all tense and weary while working.


    However, the president had ordered, more like requested, to rescue as many people and recover as many bodies as possible. The 1500 navy soldiers, UDT/SEAL rangers, and civilians all worked together to conduct the search and rescue.


    ¡°The Yangmanchun has been connected to the tow hook, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s search the interior of the vessel.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Yangmanchun (DDH-973) had lowered its anchor before the crew had left the ship. The rescue vessel, the Tongyoung ss Pyeongtaek (ATS-032) hadpleted connecting the hook and line to tow the vessel and reported in to signal the start of the interior search. Then, the two rescue vessels, the Kim Joon (FF-831) and the Gwangyang (ATS-033) began to tow the ship back to Pohang naval base.


    Meanwhile, 200 search and rescue UDT/SEAL specialists were busy conducting their search for the aegis destroyers, the Taejo (DDG-995), Seoaeryu (DDG-993), and the Kim Um-sun (FF-851). Each specialist was equipped with diving gear and busy recovering the bodies.


    ¡°This is search team 3, we are entering the bridge of the Taejo. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is the captain of the Tongyoung. Search safely. Over!¡±


    The Taejo had sunk 100m into the ocean while leaning 35 degrees portside. The six UDT/SEAL search specialists entered the bridge of the ship. From the pitch-ck darkness, the SEALs used their headlights equipped on their helmets to make out their surroundings. Master Sergeant Ahn Hyung-hoon, who had been in the force for over 20 years, saw numerous mangled bodies that could not be identified.


    ¡°This is search team 3, we have located multiple bodies.¡±


    ¡°Did you find admiral Gil Un-suk? Over!¡±


    Colonel Ahn Kyung-joon, the captain of the Tongyoung, asked hastily.


    ¡°The bodies are too waterlogged to be identified, sir. We will collect all the bodies we have found so far, and bring them back to the surface. Over!¡±


    ¡°All right. Be careful. over!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Over!¡±


    Master Sergeant Ahn Hyung-hoon finished conversing on the radio and signaled to his team. Then, the others all carefully collected the floating bodies within the bridge into a stic body bag, and the two remaining men connected those to the rope leading back to the Tongyoung ship. The recovered bodies were pulled back to the surface.


    The search mission hadsted past dawn and continued to the next day.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 05:30


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The joint chief of staff, who had been awake all night keeping an eye on the battle, was contacted by the naval strategicmand.


    ¡°Sir! The naval strategicmand has recovered the body of Admiral Gil Un-suk.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who had been checking on the final ns for parts of other operations seemed to be exhausted, but when he heard the news, his face lit up again.


    ¡°Yes, sir! The body was damaged quite a bit, but they have carefully managed to recover it and it is now aboard the Tongyoung.¡±


    ¡°What about the others?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. They recovered Captain Kim Yoo-hwan, and they are in the process of recovering the other officers, nonmissioned officers, and the men currently.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Please tell them to do their best. General Na!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who had felt heavy pressure from the president¡¯s earnest request, was finally able to rx for a bit when he heard the news about the bodies being recovered smoothly.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief! Let¡¯s continue discussing the ns about thending operation.¡±


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 07:00,


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Above the skies across Kyushu and the east sea where many lives were lost, a bright sun was rising. Between the white clouds, hundreds of nes were crossing the sea, and the nes had the Corean g¡¯s emblem drawn on their wings and bodies. These were the Corean fighter jets and Blue Dragon bombers.


    The forces being deployed by the Corean air force was about 80% of their strength, and these nes had split into three directions to head to their targets: Honshu, Hokkaido, and Shikoku, and flew at high speeds.


    The 24 KB-30P Blue Dragon bombers and the 50 tactical bombers were given a special mission to bomb the military factories close torge cities. Therefore, civilian casualties were inevitable. Despite this, the 500 Corean aircrafts reached their target location and slowly lowered their altitude to begin their bombings.


    Japan, which had lost its reconnaissance satellites and military satellites that could be considered as its eyes, was unable to detect all the enemy jets except for a few with the early warning radar nes and the THADD radars at the U.S military base.


    The air forcemander ordered all fighter wings to mobilize and the surviving surface-to-air artillery forces used their radars to begin the interception.


    The 1st escorting fleet, which was in charge of defending Yokosuka and Tokyo skies, moved near to the ports and set their aegis radar output to the maximum to start their interception procedures as well.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 07:00


    The naval base port at Incheon


    A hundred Corean ships emerged from the seas at 06:00, splitting the waves.


    The 7th maritime floti¡¯s five Hoc destroyers, the 2nd fleet escorted the 10th amphibious fleet¡¯s 14 vessels, logistical ships, and civilian container ships. The fleet had the 2nd and 3rd mobile marine division, the 6th marine brigade, and the 8th special forces aboard the civilian ships. A reorganized special force was on their way tond in Japan.


    ¡°It¡¯s a sight to behold, sir!¡± Colonel Yoo Joon-ho, the captain of the Kanghwa, spoke to admiral Oh Seung-hwan of the 10th amphibious fleet.


    ¡°I agree.¡±


    Colonel Yoo Joon-ho, who was watching the 100 vessels from the bridge, smiled and spoke again.


    ¡°Sir, I still can¡¯t believe this is happening.¡±


    ¡°Oh! You feel that way as well? I know I am seeing this with my own eyes, but I still think I am dreaming at times.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s incredible that our nation is conducting anding operation against Japan. Something deep in my heart seems to stir up. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t believe this is happening in our lifetime. Haha.¡±


    ¡°The officers¡¯ and the men¡¯s morale are at an all-time high, sir.¡±


    ¡°Well, we arending in Japan of all ces. However, if the men are too excited, it could lead to idents, so tell eachmander to ease their tensions and stay focused on the mission.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will be right on it.¡±


    * * *


    February 5th. 2021, 07:00


    Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab emergency situation center


    Prime Minister Abe, who could not hold back his anger, mmed both his fists on the table while standing up.


    ¡°Sir, please calm down.¡±


    ¡°Minister of National Defense! How could I stay calm? The 4th escorting fleet has been annihted and three of our Zumwalt destroyers that we had spent billions on have sunk. How dare you? Can you tell me to stay calm?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, who had his eyes bloodshot from a burst vessel, red at the government bureaucrats and militarymanders before sitting down. He must have gotten exhausted from his own rage, and took a deep breath.


    ¡°It is not good for your health to be angry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Stop worrying about my health, ande up with a solution. That damn Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser had taken out our two escorting fleets and the carrier strike group, hasn¡¯t it?¡± Prime Minister Abe asked while ncing at Minister Shibasaki, and Commander Murakawa of the navy.


    Commander Murakawa nodded his head, winced for a second, and began to speak carefully.


    ¡°Sir! Without the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin, the Corean navy only has the 2nd fleet and the 7th maritime floti.¡±


    ¡°Yes, so the Lee Sun-shin cruiser is the problem, isn¡¯t it?¡± Prime Minister Abe, who was getting frustrated at themander for pointing out the obvious, spoke.


    Commander Murakawa nodded to the navy¡¯s strategist Igawa Gei. He stood up and began to speak.


    ¡°How about we use the B-1B Lancer bomber to attack the Lee Sun-Shin cruiser, sir?¡±


    All eyes moved towards Igawa Gei. The recent air-raid on Jeju Ind was sessful thanks to the B-1Bncer stealth bomber. However, the thought of sending a bomber to attack a ship was never done before.


    ¡°Commander Igawa! No matter how capable the B-1B stealth bomber is, how will it break through the enemy vessel¡¯s powerful radar? We might lose ourst B-1B stealth bomber as well in the attempt.¡± When Minister Shibasaki expressed his opposition, Commander Igawa Gei continued.


    ¡°Well, of course, it would be risky if only the B-1Bncer bomber was deployed.¡±


    ¡°Please exin in detail then.¡± Prime Minister Abe, who noticed there must be a rhyme and reason to this suggestion, decided to hear out Commander Igawa Gei¡¯s idea.


    Commander Igawa, who seemed to be flustered by the attention, coughed a few times before beginning his exnation.


    ¡°Currently, our air force has 70 F-1 jets and 250 F-2, F-4 jets set aside as reserves. ¡±


    ¡°Commander Igawa! Are you suggesting we use them for Kamikazes?¡± Commander Kitano Takeshi, themander of the air force, spoke in an ufortable tone.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say they are being used for Kamikaze. I am suggesting we use our reserve jets to distract the enemy cruiser¡¯s radar, and thenmence the bombing with the B-1Bncer while they are distracted.¡±


    ¡°How is that different from Kamikaze?¡± Commander Kitano Takeshi spoke loudly.


    As the highest-rankingmander of Japan¡¯s air force, he was upset at the suggestion of sacrificing the lives of the pilots made by Commander Igawa of the navy.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 07:00


    Yokosuka, Honshu, Japan. The deep sea, N 34¡ã 6¡ä E 138¡ã40¡ä (the Yang Se-bong¡¯s location)


    The Hoc submarines, the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) and Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) had been sailing at a depth of 180m for three days along the Japanese strait. The two vessels seed in infiltrating the area 152km southeast from Yokosuka.


    ¡°Captain, we have reached the first location,¡± Major Na Kang-soo, the first mate of the Yang Se-bong, came up to Captain Kim Jin-joon, who was looking at the monitor, and quietly spoke to him.


    ¡°All right, where is the Lee Un-hyung submarine?¡±


    ¡°They are 3km away from us, and at 195m below the surface, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! Are we seeing anything on the sonar?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t detected anything yet, sir. It seems that we will be able to detect something when we reach a 100km radius from our target.¡±


    ¡°Maintain our azimuth and sail silently at ss 1. Do not make any unnecessary noise until we reach our destination.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    First Mate Na Kang-Soo, picked up the microphone.


    -This vessel will begin sailing silently. All hands on deck, keep this in mind until the situation is over.

 Chapter 205

    <h4>Chapter 205</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 07:25


    Japan¡¯s Yamaguchi prefecture, the Shimonoseki branch of the Mitsubishi ship factory


    Above the skies of the Shimonoseki shipbuilding factory, dozens of the JDAM (precision-guided bombs) and hundreds of K-PSB (sma cluster bombs) began to fall and nket the area. The area being bombed was approximately five times the size of Yeo-Ui Ind.


    The first rounds of ballistic missile attacks had wiped out the Nagakashi shipbuilding factory, which was considered the core of Mitsubishi¡¯s manufacturing infrastructure. Soon the second factory located within Shimonoseki exploded as well and became engulfed in mes.


    Boom! Bang~ Bang~


    The ear-piercing explosion rang across the entire Shimonoseki area, and the rising pirs of mes could be seen from dozens of kilometers away. The mes danced around wildly while consuming all the oxygen in the area.


    The cranes that were capable of lifting loads up to two hundred tons had been hit on the legs by the bombs. They lost their bnce and fell on top of therge oil tanker being dried on the dock.


    Boom!


    Arge cloud of dust covered the drying oil tanker in an instant, and the shockwave had caused the many stacked up materials in the area to copse. Soon, a fire started, and the mes moved towards the many C2H2 canisters stacked near the oil tankers for welding. The entire ship caught on fire and created onerge me.


    Also, on the dome-shaped dock, the 6th aegis destroyer that was 90%plete and ready to be deployed by June 2021, had caught on fire. The ship was aze from its bridge and rear. The ship had been hit by two rounds of the JDAM missiles directly, which had caused the explosion and fire. Thus, the 6th Atago ss Aegis destroyer was destroyed before it could be sent to the field. Also, the thousands of workers who had been working to finish the ship during wartime were caught in the mes and burned.


    The liquid natural gases (LNG) tanker was also hit by the bombing, and its pieces shot up into the sky. Therge ships drying on the docks were all hit by the explosion. The high heat had caused them to melt and the scene resembled a furnace.


    Meanwhile, 20km northwest from Shimonoseki, another shipbuilding factory under the Mitsubishi corporation was burning. The twelve CF/A-25P ck phoenix jets, one CB-30P blue dragon bomber, and four KF-21P phoenix jets under the 23rd Kimhae fighter wing finished their mission and began to return to base.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 07:30,


    The Mitsubishi aerospace systems factory, Ainachi prefecture, Nagoya, Japan


    The F-35Aposite ne repair nt factory was the site for manufacturing Japan¡¯s next-generation JX-1 jets. Hundreds of JDAM precision-guided bombs fell upon the factory buildings.


    Boom~ Bang~ Boom~


    The manufacturing nt¡¯s roof tore open, and dozens of bombs fell inside the facility. Soon the explosioning from inside the building had made the windows and doors to go flying out. The force of the explosion rippled out to an area ten times the size of a football field and caused the factory to copse. Also, the internal explosion had cause shrapnel to go flying in all directions. Therge explosion had caused the other factory buildings to go up in mes as well.


    The JX-1 fighter jets that werepleted and waiting inside the storage hangers also were hit by the explosion and turned into scrap metal.


    The Sakamihara military factories in the Kanagawa prefecture and the Takasago power nt in Gobe turned to dust as well.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 08:00


    Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister¡¯s Cab Emergency Situation Center


    The main screen showed the entire area of Japan and the details of every battle. The dots representing the Japanese jets began to disappear drastically, and thend anti-air missile forces must have been annihted since those dots began to flicker and then disappear as well.


    What was worse was how the industrialplexes and the cities were being struck by the Corean bombers. Japan¡¯s main military productionplex, the Mitsubishi tank, shipbuilding facilities, and the missile factories had been severely damaged. The atmosphere in the room was grim.


    To continue fighting a war, manpower was a vital resource, but, the military equipment the men could operate was crucial as well. Ballistic missiles and other expendable weaponry being replenished were especially important. Japan losing all of these vital military-industrialplexes lowered their military power, and it was a dire situation.


    The reason things were in a dire state was the continued defeat of the Japanese navy and the loss of the reconnaissance and military satellites. The air force losing 50% of its nes also contributed to this result.


    Japan¡¯s military had lost control over its seas and skies. Now, it was unable to defend its industrial or militaryplexes with its weakest force, the army. To add salt to the wound, the military equipment it had rented from the U.S military had all been damaged. Reality began to sink in.


    The tide of the Corean-Japanese war had begun to change rapidly from this point. However, Prime Minister Abe did not want to admit defeat, and he would not do so.


    ¡°Prime minister! This location could be dangerous as well, sir. We must move to the bunker at area 2.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki grasped Prime Minister Abe by the arm as if to drag him away, and began to rush him.


    ¡°What¡¯s making you so afraid, that we must leave this ce? Let go of me.¡±


    ¡°Prime minister! 80% of Corea¡¯s air force has infiltrated across Japan and ismencing the attack. Our air force¡¯s every reserve force and operable nes are on the field. I cannot guarantee if they can hold back the enemy forces from reaching here. We could be attacked at any moment. We must leave the area as Minister Shibasaki has suggested,¡± Kitano Takeshi, the air forcemander, exined the severity of the situation.


    ¡°This is the heart of Japan. Don¡¯t we have our anti-air forces present? How could we lose when we are fighting within our home?¡± Prime Minister Abe spoke angrily while freeing himself from Minister Shibasaki¡¯s grasp.


    ¡°The aerial attack is an operation involving 80% of the enemy¡¯s forces. I am sure our defenses were targeted in their attack as well, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm! Very well. What about our n against the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser?¡±


    ¡°Yes, numerous civilian ships have moved towards the area the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser was located, and we have its exact location. Seventy F-1 jets from the 15th reserve fighter wing have been deployed. The B-1Bncer bomber is also fully equipped and already flying to the location at high speeds.¡±


    An hour ago, the n to strike the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser (CG-1101) with the B-1Bncer bomber had been approved. Dozens of civilian fishing ships were sent out from Izumo Port to where the Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser wasst detected.


    Japan was nning to use the fishing ships to find the approximate location of the enemy vessel and its route. Also, since the ships following the enemy were civilian vessels, it was assumed that the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) would not attack them.


    The entire area of Japan was under attack, but the reason for deploying 70 reserve F-1 jets to attack the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) was to prevent the Corean military fromnding on Japan¡¯s soil.


    /**************************************************/


    A situation like this was a hot topic among military professionals and enthusiasts alike. The topic of war between Korea and Japan had always sparked a heated discussion among people online and offline as well. However, the result would always be a tie between the two nations.


    Korea had a more powerful armypared to its navy or air force. Therefore, no matter how powerful the Korean army was, since its navy and air force were weaker, it would not be able tond on Japanese soil.


    The opposing argument was that Japan could partly seal off Korea on the sea and take aerial superiority, but that would not be enough for Japan to win the war. The difference in military power and geographical locations of both nations (one being a penins and a divided nation, while the other being an ind) made it difficult to determine which had the upper hand.


    /**********************************************************/


    This discussion topic had now be a reality instead of fantasy. If Corea¡¯s army forces could be prevented fromnding on shore, Japan still had a chance in winning the war. Therefore, if Japan¡¯s navy could get rid of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101), which had been a thorn on their side this whole time, it was confident of being able to prevent the Corean army forces fromnding in the nation.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 08:10


    The seas 65km northwest from Honshu, Shimane prefecture Izumoshi, Japan (the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s (CG-1101) location).


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had finished destroying the 4th escorting fleet and the Zumwalt destroyer fleet. It was now headed towards Honshu and began to attack the anti-air forces hiding in the area with its ship-to-surface missiles and Scithe cannons. About 20 minutes ago, numerous Japanese fishing ships began to sail around the ship¡¯s area, pretending to fish.


    ¡°Captain! Must we leave them be, sir?¡± First mate Oh Hyun-woo,ined to the captain.


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) hadmunicated with the Japanese ships numerous times, but they had ignored the warnings.


    ¡°I am considering taking action against them as well. There are over 22 ships within our 50km radius.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon, who had personally made it to the battle station, nced at the Japanese fishing ships showing up on the monitor.


    ¡°It seems to me that they are trying to locate our position and report back to the Japanese navy, sir.¡±


    First Mate Oh Hyun-woo had precisely surmised the ns of the Japanese fishing ships. However, Captain Ahn Youn-joon had also gathered that as well.


    ¡°Of course, they are, but we can¡¯t just attack civilians based on a hunch, can we? Have the C-10 falcon eye check each of the ships for any suspicious activities.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon nced at the closest fishing ship ufortably from across the bridge while giving his order.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    A few momentster, the C-10 falcon eye reconnaissance drone took off vertically from the chopper hanger and flew towards the Japanese fishing ship 23km away.


    The Japanese fishing ships did not seem to be making any suspicious activities judging from the footageing through the C-10 falcon eye¡¯s camera. However, the way they lowered and raised theirs seemed to be a ruse rather than them actually fishing.


    An urgent report came in from the battle station.


    -Multiple nes are approaching at Azimuth 0-9-5, distance 420, and speed at Mach 1.2.


    -How many in total? Do we know the type?


    -A total of 70 nes have been detected. We will check the model now, sir.


    ¡°Are there any remaining aerial forces left in the Japanese air force to attack us at this point?¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon nced at his first mate with a bewildered look on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯re right sir. I am having a hard time understanding how Japan could deploy 70 jets to our location when the entire nation is under attack.¡±


    First Mate Oh Hyun-woo also could not understand and tilted his head while speaking.


    -Captain, we have identified the model of enemy nes. They are the F-1 Mitsubishi jets.


    -Mitsubishi F-1 jets? Aren¡¯t they retired?


    -The 15th reserve fighter wing has left them active as a reserve force, sir.


    -Arms man! It would be a waste to use our Sky Sea Dragon missiles on them. So, use our Haegung missiles on them instead.


    -Yes, captain. We will begin the interception with the Haegung missiles.

 Chapter 206

    <h4>Chapter 206</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 08:20


    The Mitsubishi industry headquarters in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    When the news that thepany¡¯s main manufacturing facilities were attacked by the Corean air force, CEO Miyanaga Sunichi, the rest of the executives, and shareholders called for an emergency meeting at thepany¡¯s HQ.


    ¡°Please give us a report about the damages to our factories and thepany as a whole.¡±


    CEO Miyanaga Sunichi spoke while looking at the executives in attendance.


    ¡°The Nagakashi shipbuilding factory and the Shimonoseki shipbuilding factory have all been turned to ashes by the air raids from the Josenjins, sir.¡± (Josenjin: derogatory term to describe Koreans)


    ¡°Please exin the damages in more detail than just that.¡±


    When Vice President Yanagida Masahiro, who was in charge of all shipbuilding ventures, gave his report, CEO Sunichi responded angrily.


    ¡°There is nothing more to report, sir. The factories are in ruin, and has been turned to dust.¡±


    ¡°What? Is this true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The entire factory has burned down.¡±


    When Vice President Yanagida Masahiro¡¯s short report was over, Vice President Nakagaichi Yuichi gave his report.


    ¡°The oil processing nts located in Gobe and Takasago are on fire from the attacks by the Coreans as well. The local fire department and government workers are doing their best to douse the mes, but it seems to be hopeless.¡±


    ¡°All 16 facilities of the aerospace systems factory have been burned down. Also, the 24 JX-1 that had been assembled and being prepared to be handed off to the air force have been severely damaged. The repair nts for the F-35A jets have also been...¡±


    Vice President Okino Masashi broke into tears while giving his report and could not continue. The damage reports to other military factories, mechanical nts, home appliances, and light rail manufacturing facilities which had all been the main products for the Mitsubishi corporation, came pouring in.


    ¡°How about our space rocket manufacturing facility?¡±


    Upon hearing one depressing report after another, CEO Miyanaga Sunichi covered his face with his hands and asked quietly. The answer he heard was devastating as well.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. The space rocket nts are also in mes due to the aerial strikes made by the Josenjins.¡±


    The Japanese government had given the development and manufacturing rights to Mitsubishi heavy industriesst February. Thepany had been instructed to build 30 H-IIIA rockets equipped with solid fuel by Prime Minister Abe in secret. Therefore, all hands were at the factory working to meet the deadline.


    ¡°All of them?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Even the other factories working with ourpany have been destroyed by the attacks. Over a thousand workers at the scene have been injured as well.¡±


    Big droplets of tears began to fall from CEO Miyanaga Sunichi¡¯s eyes. To convert all the damages financially, the sum would add up to trillions of yen, which was unfathomable. It was safe to say that Mitsubishi heavy industries were now finished. A heavy silence fell on the room and every executive and shareholder stayed silent.


    One of Mitsubishi group¡¯s three main industries, the Mitsubishi heavy industriespany, was now shut down due to the war. Ironically, thepany was the key group among the three branches, but now it had fallen. The Mitsubishi corporation had started off by leasing the Nagasaki shipbuilding factory from the government in 1870 by its founder, Iwasaki Yataro. They expanded the business by adding more full-scaled shipbuilding factories to their business.


    During the Japanese imperial era, they used forcedbor from Korea to expand its business in multiple areas. The expansion in the fields of mining, electronics, airnes, chemical engineering, and petroleum engineering was especially vast. In 1934, thepany had be the Mitsubishi heavy industries of today.


    At the time, thepany was thergest corporation within Japan and manufactured jets, trains, and ships. During the Second World War, its owners were forced to dissolve thepany after Japan¡¯s defeat. However, when Japan¡¯s economy was in a boom thanks to the Korean War, it attempted to reunite the branches, and by 1954 the Mitsubishi corporation was born again as one of the three most powerful corporations in Japan.


    To befit a corporation that profited off of war crimes, and the face of right-wing political ideology, Mitsubishi had profited by war and died by it as well.


    ¡°I will return to our headquarters, have every executive and shareholdere up with a solution for our situation.¡±


    When Miyanaga Sunichi stood up feebly from his chair and responded quietly, the entire building began to shake. CEO Sunichi and the other executives assumed it was an earthquake and quickly hid under the table.


    ¡°Is it an earthquake?¡±


    However, the shaking continued, and the upper floors began to split into pieces. Arge me engulfed the building. Then arge explosion urred, causing the high rise building to vanish without a trace.


    Boom! Bang! Bang!


    From the high-rise building in Yokohama, the entire area within a 3km radius had vanished from the shockwave and firestorm. A thick dust cloud covered the area.


    The Blue Dragon bomber recorded the scene with its optical lens and flew past Yokohama from 35km above the surface. It soon moved towards the direction of its next target.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021. 08:20


    The seas 65km Northeast from Izumo, Japan (the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s location)


    The radar operator of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin had detected 70 F-1 nes under the 15th reserve fighter winging towards them at Mach 1.6. When the jets entered the range of the Haegung missiles, he reported it to the arms man.


    ¡°70 targets, distance at 198km, they have entered the range of our Haegung missiles.¡±


    ¡°All right. Standing by.¡±


    The arms man answered and alerted the others through themunication line.


    -Captain! The Japanese jets are in range of our missiles, sir.


    -How many missiles are loaded onto theunch pad?¡±


    -There is a total of 85 rounds loaded onto the K-VLS-IIunch pad, sir.


    -To make our attacks efficient, use the automatic anti-air system.


    -Yes, sir.


    ¡°Arms man! Transition into our automatic anti-air system.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Converting to the automatic anti-air defense system.¡±


    The Hoc supeputer ranked the threat levels of each missile heading towards the vessel, then calcted the number of missiles it held, beforeunching 30 Haegung missiles.


    ¡°Targets 1 through 30 have all been set! Launching the 30 rounds, sir.¡±


    The operators of the battle station now began to give a detailed report about the supeputer¡¯s interception process. The 30 Haegung missiles began to shoot out from theunchpads while emitting blue mes. They all flew in the northeastern direction.


    ¡°Ny-five seconds from reaching the first target, 96 seconds from target 2.¡±


    The radar operator¡¯s report rang across the battle station.


    ¡°Each enemy jet hasunched air-to-ship missiles. The missile type is the ASM-3 with a range of 300km, and flying towards us at a speed of Mach 3.8.¡±


    The 70 ASM-3 ship-to-air missile flew across the sky and headed towards the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin. First Mate Oh Hyun-woo confidently spoke to Captain Ahn Yoon-joon from the bridge.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s those fishing ships. Those bastards must be giving the jets our coordinates.¡±


    ¡°Hmm! This mighte and bite us in the rearter! But I guess we have no choice.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon gave an order to the battle station.


    -Arms man! Use our Scithe cannons to attack every civilian fishing vessel within our 50km radius!


    -Sir? But that could cause issuester...


    -During wartime, usingmercial fishing ships to detect the enemy location can be considered as military activity. Commence the attack immediately. I will take full responsibility, over.


    -Yes, sir.


    The battle station was in an uproar from reports about intercepting the F-1 jets and the ASM-3 missiles. The arms man gave the order to the operator.


    ¡°Attack everymercial fishing vessel within our 50km radius, using our Scithe cannons. Set the munition to normal high explosive rounds.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Setting the munition to high explosive rounds, andmencing the attack.¡±


    The double-barrel Scithe cannons mounted on the head of the vessel turned right. After the arms man gave the order, the cannons repeatedlyunched high-powered explosives. After a few seconds, the numerous fishing ships were all struck by the high-powered explosives.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The rounds fired by the cannons were normal explosives, but the momentum of a projectile moving at Mach 8 was more than enough to cause pirs of water to rise from the surface and the pieces of the ship to go flying. The civilian ships all disappeared from the radar without a trace. The Hoc supeputer was still calcting the remaining number of missiles and used the Shield-M2 short-range missiles and the CLWS (terminal phase interception system) 22mmser guns to intercept the oing enemy missiles.


    ¡°The first wave of Haegung missiles have intercepted all 30 F-1 jets, sir.¡±


    The six rounds of the ASM-3 surface-to-air missiles exploded in the air from thest shotser beams 12km away from the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin.


    ¡°All enemy air-to-ship missiles have been intercepted, sir.¡±


    ¡°The enemy jets have split into two groups andunched a second wave of the air-to-ship missiles.¡±


    The 15th reserve fighter wing¡¯s F-1 jets split into groups of 20 andunched a total of 40 ASM-3 air-to-ship missiles.


    ¡°Launching 20 Haegung missiles to the F-1 jets, sir.¡±


    ¡°We areunching 20 rounds of the Haegung missile to target the 40 ASM-3 missiles, captain.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-Joon, who was watching the shes of light over the bridge window and listening to the iing reports from the battle station, spoke calmly.


    ¡°What are they? Kamikazes? It seems to me they are like moths flying to the me.¡±


    ¡°Captain! They must be plotting something, sir.¡±


    ¡°Seems to be that way! Something doesn¡¯t feel right! What about the enemy¡¯s fishing ships?¡±


    ¡°There are eight ships left, sir.¡±


    The F-1 pilots all flew towards the Chunmugong Lee Sun-shin at full speed despite being shot down by the Haegung missiles. The scene was reminiscent of the Kamikaze attacks on Hawaii, and the jetsunched itsst round of air-to ship-missiles.


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s Hoc supeputer used its fast calctions to intercept and attack the enemy, but the F-1 jets began to close in. The defense system had started to use thest shot guns more frequently.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    shes of light started to show up 5km from the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s location.


    Only twelve F-1 jets were now left! Twenty-two surface-to-air missiles remained while those loaded onto the verticalunch pads had all beenunched. The Shield-M2 short-range missiles and thest shot have begun the terminal phase of interception. An unexpected report from the radar operator rang across the bridge.


    ¡°An aircraft has been detected at an azimuth of 1-2-0, distance of 20, and an altitude of 15! We are unable to make out the type of aircraft! We are analyzing it now.¡±


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon picked up the receiver of the radio and shouted.


    -What have you all been doing, letting the enemy reach us at this distance? What kind of ne is it?


    -Apologies, sir. We are analyzing the type of the enemy ne. We-we just finished figuring it out.


    -What is it then?


    -It¡¯s a B-1Bncer, captain.


    While the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin had been defending against the F-1 jets using its automatic defense system, the B-1Bncer bomber used its powerful super jammers to fool the enemy radars and had infiltrated within bombing distance.


    -Lancer? The B-1Bncer bomber?


    -Yes, that is right. Thencer has dropped its payload!


    When the word about the payload came in, Captain Ahn Yoon-joon gave orders immediately.


    ¡°Set our azimuth to 2-3-5 and turn portside! Set the speed to maximum.¡±


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin raised its velocity and began to shoot forward. The crew within the vessel were all shaken. Then, the ship turned portside sharply.


    -The bomb¡¯s maker is the GBU-39C SDB self-guided gliding bomb, and there are 144 rounds in total. We are 58 seconds away from impact.


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon felt his heart sink. Even if they were struck by a few of the 144 rounds, the ship would not sink. However, if the radars on the ship were damaged by them, they would no longer be able to conduct their mission. Cold sweat ran down the captain¡¯s back. He had faced many battles in the field, but this moment was the most dangerous.


    The sixst shot Vulcan guns started to spray beams of light to the sky in the direction of the GBU-39C SDB self-guided gliding bombs.


    The beams of light shooting from the guns made the sky light up like fireworks.


    -There are still 84 rounds of the GBU-39C SBD rounds left. 38 seconds before impact!


    Thest shotguns had desperately attempted to create a of projectiles to intercept the enemy projectiles falling at a speed of Mach 1.


    -There are 56 rounds of the GBU-39C SDB remaining! 29 seconds before impact!


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon urgently shouted to the radio operator.


    ¡°Connect me to the engine room.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re connected, sir.¡±

 Chapter 207

    <h4>Chapter 207</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 08:30


    The seas 65km northeast from Izumo, Japan (Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s (CG-1101) location)


    -This is Chief Engineer Youn Hong-gyu.


    -Chief engineer! What¡¯s our current output?


    -Yes, captain our current sma output is at 74%.


    -38 rounds of GBU-39C rounds left! 20 seconds before impact!


    While the captain and the chief engineer were conversing on the radio, the urgent reports of the radar operators continued toe in.


    -Engineer Youn! Shut down all unnecessary power outputs! Send all the power to the central output system at once!


    -Yes, captain. We will send all power to the central output system now. We have increased the power output to 75%.


    -Very well.


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon, who had finished speaking on the radio, changed the channel and gave another order.


    ¡°There are 30 rounds of the GBU-39C SDB rounds left! Fifteen seconds before impact!¡±


    -Operations director! Are we able to use our SSS (Shield Shielding System)?


    -Captain! The central power output is at 78%, sir. We arecking 2%, and running out of time.


    Captain Ahn Yoon-joon urgently ordered the helmsman and the operations director.


    -Helmsman! Slow down.


    -Operations director! Switch the defense systems back to manual, and stop operating all systems except for our aerial radars!


    -Yes, captain!


    ¡°Twenty-two GBU-39C SDB rounds remaining! Nine seconds before impact!¡±


    Neen rounds of the GBU-39C SDB self-guided gliding bomb began to fall from 3.4km above the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin.


    ¡°All hands on deck, brace for impact.¡±


    First Mate Oh Hyun-woo gave a warning to the crew through the inte, and each crew member of the vessel grasped anything within their reach to brace themselves. The crew on the bridge also grasped onto the bolted down console and handles. That was when a report from the battle station came in.


    -Central power output has reached 80%! We are operating our shields!


    From the numerous nozzles ced on the outer parts of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin, a clear beam of light began to pour out. Soon, the light converged to form a dome shape shield that surrounded the ship.


    Whirrrrrrl.


    -Shields are operational!


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s invisible force shield came up four seconds before impact. From 100m above the surface, a dozen GBU-39C SDB self-guided gliding bombs exploded. From the outside, it seemed as if the bombs exploded by hitting itself against an invisible target.


    The B-1B Lancer had finished dropping its payload and rushed to return back to base. The bomber barely made it out alive while avoiding the numerousser Vulcan beams shot at them. The men aboard the bomber were sure that they would be able to take down the enemy ship. However, the arms man and the pilot of the bomber were all in shock from seeing this unbelievable scene and stared at the monitor in silence.


    Soon the echo of the explosion quieted down, and a report from the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin¡¯s battle station came in.


    -Our shields managed to prevent any of the bombs from reaching us, captain.


    -What about the shield¡¯s power output?


    -Yes, it is at 74%, sir.


    -Great! We defend ourselves against the missiles that the F-1 jets fired as well, then lower our shields.


    -Yes, understood, captain!


    A momentter, the ASM-3 air-to-ship missilesunched from the F-1 jets struck the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin that had halted most of its systems and exploded.


    Boom! Bang! Booom!


    -Deactivate the shields! Startup all of our operable systems.


    -Deactivating the shields, and operating our other systems, sir.


    -Arms man! We take down the Lancer with our Sky Sea Dragon missile. For the F-1 jets, trace their route back to base. When we locate where their base is, we will strike the entire area with two of our Mjolnir-PIP missiles.


    -Yes, captain. Launching the Sky Sea Dragon missiles and the tracking radar now.


    The Sky Sea Dragon missile (GTAS- 300 ship-to-air missile) boasted a range of 420km and speed of Mach 10. The missiles emitted blue mes and shot out from theunchpad. Then, with an enormous explosion from its thrusters, it vanished from sight. Within 20 seconds, a sh of light appeared on the southeastern sky, and a fireball began to fall towards the ocean¡¯s surface.


    -The B-1B Lancer has been struck down, sir.


    -Great work. Continue tracking the F-1 jets.


    -Yes, sir.


    ¡°Helmsman! Set our azimuth to 2-1-5, and half turn starboard! Set our speed to 20 knots.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth at 2-1-5, half turn starboard! Speed at 20 knots! Sailing now, captain.¡±


    ¡°First mate.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    ¡°Call everyone off from their battle stations and have them reload our weapons, when that is finished, we will all take a break until noon.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin had managed to avoid danger with its shields, and to take a breather, it turned right and sailed back to Pohang at high speed to leave the battlefield.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 08:50


    The deep seas, N 34¡ã35¡ä E 139¡ã 8¡ä from Honshu, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan (the Yang Se-bong¡¯s location)


    The two Hoc submarines, the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) and the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) were crawling across the ocean floor at a depth of 140m. The two subs have now reached 85km away from Yokosuka port. Also, the ships under the 1st escorting fleet that was in charge of defending Tokyo¡¯s skies, were detected by theirtest SUSL active sonar. The enemy ships showed up as a group of red dots on the main screen.


    The 1st escorting fleet¡¯s destroyers located 40km away from Yokosuka port were busy intercepting the air-to-surface missiles flying towards Tokyo. Numerous SM-2 missiles flew towards the Tokyo skies.


    From their distance, the submarines were blocked off by Iwozu Ind and they were unable to attack the 1st escorting fleet¡¯s vessels. Captain Kim Jin-joon took a moment to think and gave an order to Na Kang-soo, his first mate.


    ¡°First mate! Send an encrypted message to the Lee Un-hyung. Tell the Lee Un-hyung to maintain their azimuth and silently sail to the left of the Iwozu Ind before attacking the 1st escorting fleet from 10 o¡¯clock, while we will bank right from the ind and attack their 7.¡±


    ¡°Sending the encrypted message, sir.¡±


    ¡°Helmsman! Set our azimuth to 0-8-5 and half turn starboard! Set our diving angle to 15 and set our depth to 100. We move at 10 knots.¡±


    Turkion-X Wirelessmunication system ryed the encrypted message to the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86). The two Hoc submarines split off in two directions and sailed silently towards the dark ocean depths. Thirty minutester, the two submarines managed to stealthily reach 35km from the 1st escorting fleet¡¯s location.


    ¡°Captain! We are 35km away from the Suzunami vessel under the 1st escorting fleet.¡±


    ¡°Good! We wait here until we are contacted by the Lee Un-hyung.¡±


    ¡°The Lee Un-hyung has sent us an encrypted message, sir.¡±


    First Mate Na Kang-soo handed the message he received from the radio operator and handed it to the captain.


    ¡°The Lee Un-hyung has reached its attack point as well, I see.¡±


    After reading the encrypted message, Captain Kim Jin-jun stood up from his chair. He must have been bored from the continued silent sailing and spoke after stretching his legs.


    ¡°Very well! Let¡¯s get this party started. Understood? Our mission is of the utmost importance, so let¡¯s finish what we started, and go back home alive. Even if we are to die here, do not be afraid or regret our decision! All right?¡±


    The words from Captain Kim Jin-jun was spoken softly due to the silent sailing, but his words were deliberate and powerful.


    ¡°We are with you, captain, what could possibly make us afraid? Our crew will do everything within our power to aplish the mission as men of the Corean navy.¡±


    First Mate Na Kang-soo smiled slightly and answered.


    ¡°All right! Cease the silent sailing! We go to the battle stations. Inject the water for each torpedounchpad andmence the attack from the closest Japanese vessel.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Entering the battle stations!¡±


    ¡°Load A-1 decoys forunch tube 1 and 2! We load the ck Shark torpedo forunch tubes 3 to 8.¡±


    ¡°Launch tubes 1 and 2 have been loaded with the A-1 decoy! The rest from 3 to 8 will be loaded with the ck Shark torpedoes, sir.¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-jun pointed towards the three closest vessels under the 1st escorting fleet.


    ¡°Set the 3rd and 4th torpedoes to the Suzunami, while the 5th and 6th to the Murasame, and the 7th and 8th to the Shimakaze.¡±


    ¡°Setting the targets, sir.¡±


    ¡°After we release the 1st and 2nd decoys, weunch torpedoes 3 through 8.¡±


    ¡°We have finished loading the torpedoes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! Open muzzle doors 1 and 2, andunch the decoys.¡±


    The torpedoesunch tubes of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) opened, and two A-1 decoys split in a 45-degree angle and began to move forward while making white bubbles.


    ¡°Open the muzzle doors 3 through 8.¡±


    ¡°Opening the muzzle doors 3 through 8.¡±


    ¡°Launch starting fromunch tube 3.¡±


    ¡°Launching fromunch tube 3.¡±


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The A-1 decoys all sailed away quickly while emitting the same sonar pattern of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85). Six of the ck Shark torpedoes began to supercavitate and sped towards the 1st escorting fleet¡¯s location.


    ¡°All six torpedoes have been sessfullyunched, captain. The first torpedo is 129 seconds away from reaching the enemy.¡±


    The six ck Shark supercavitating torpedoes all sped towards the enemy vessels busy with defending Tokyo¡¯s skies. The 1st escorting fleet¡¯s vessels were under emergency. The sudden appearance of enemy torpedoes had them in an uproar. The destroyers that had been targetedunched its decoys in an attempt to fool the ck Shark torpedos.


    Also, ten of the 1st escorting fleet¡¯s refurbished SH-60K anti-submarine choppers took off and flew towards the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) submarine¡¯s location.


    The ck Shark torpedoes sped towards their target at a speed of 544 knots. The front ps opened and eight smaller torpedoes emerged from the opening before speeding towards the target. Out of the eight torpedoes, only two were fooled by the decoys and moved away from the target, and the remaining six continued to move towards the target.


    The ck Shark (K-746, submarine to ship supercavitating cluster torpedo)


    Launch weight: 1200kg


    Length: 5.4m


    Diameter: 483mm


    Speed: 524 knots (927km/h)


    Range: 55km


    Warhead: 60kg each and totaling at 480kg or 1000kg of sma explosives.


    Launch tform: 533mm submarine torpedounch tubes.


    Price: 12 million dors.


    Operating ss: Type 230.


    Arge pir of water rose after an explosion from the Suzunami¡¯s (DD-107) portside. Also, the shockwave of the explosion had caused the ship to shift in that direction as well. Then, the smaller torpedoes that had split off from torpedo number 4 struck the Suzunami once again and caused it to sink into the ocean.


    Numerousrge and small holes were torn into the Suzunami from the torpedo strikes. The Suzunami had sunk up to where its mast was by the attack. The second target, the Murasame (DD-101) were also struck repeatedly and was torn to shreds after multiple explosions. Then, from the internal explosion, a whirlwind of mes began to spout out from the ship.


    ¡°Retreat! Retreat!¡±


    The crew of the Murasame (DD-101) that had managed to escape the mes jumped into the ocean while shouting.


    ¡°Target number 1, the Suzunami, has been hit and is sinking. Target number 2 has also been hit! It is on fire and sinking.¡±


    The sonar operators aboard the battle station were all listening intently to their headsets and began to give a report in real-time based on the sonar patterns.


    ¡°Torpedo 7 that was headed towards target 3 has been fooled by the decoy. However, the five smaller torpedoes that have split from the 8th torpedo have struck the Shimakaze directly.¡±


    Every time a report about a direct hit or a bullseye came in, the crew within the battle station cheered. Meanwhile, the 1st escorting fleet¡¯s 12 SH-60K anti-submarine choppers flew around the seas near the Yang Se-bong¡¯s (SSP-85) location and deployed the dipping sonars. A few minutester, they must have detected the sonar patterns of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) for they fired their anti-submarine torpedoes.


    ¡°Torpedo detected! Torpedo detected! Distance at 3200, and moving towards our location at 40 knots. There are six in total.¡±


    The atmosphere of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) that had been cheerful after the sessful ck Shark torpedo attacks, turned dark immediately.

 Chapter 208

    <h4>Chapter 208</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 09:00


    The skies above Tokyo, Japan


    Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s ck Moon squadron under the 38th fighter wing¡¯s 111th flight wing was on its 3rd sortie. This time, the mission was to escort the CBS/A-30P blue dragon bombers being deployed from the 19th fighter wing.


    The escorting mission was easier than expected. The Apollo reconnaissance satellite and the early warning system nes would detect the enemy nes with their C-HOKULLA MCS-01 radars for them. All they had to do wasunch their long-ranged S-AAM-500 Cobra missiles or mid-ranged S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles to take down the enemy. This was possible thanks to Corea taking the aerial superiority and using every avable resource such as the early warning radar systems.


    At times, the anti-air artillery forces in hiding would attack with their surface-to-air missiles, but whenever they did, the KF/A-25P ck Phoenix bombers would take them out immediately.


    The 1st escorting fleet, that was also responsible for protecting Tokyo¡¯s skies, was suddenly attacked by the 11th mobile Hoc submarine force¡¯s torpedoes. This had created an opening within Tokyo¡¯s anti-air. The eight CBS/A-30P Blue Dragon bombers that had infiltrated the area at the promised time, all began to drop their payloads without worrying about being attacked by the enemy.


    Woosh. Woosh.


    Throughout downtown Tokyo, the sirens began to ring. From the northwestern sky, ck dots began to fall at frightening speeds past the white clouds and started to cover the skies above Tokyo.


    Each Blue Dragon bomber had dropped 100 rounds of explosives and turned Tokyo into a living hell. The Ministry of Defense building located at Shinjuku Ichigaya Honmuracho was hit by dozens of the explosives causing pirs of mes to rise.


    A few of the explosives fell on the roads and buildings near the ministry building and filled the surrounding area with the smell of gunpowder. The entire area was in chaos from the pieces of the building flying around.


    The corporation buildings designed to withstand an 8th-degree earthquake had all fallen from the explosion and covered the entire Shinjuku area with a cloud of dust. Within the dust cloud, numerous shes of light and smaller explosions urred.


    Among the explosion, the buildings of Tokyo UFJ bank, Mitsubishi corporation, and its branchpany Mitsubishi heavy industries, were destroyed. These buildings of the threergest corporations within Japan had only its steel beams remaining after copsing.


    Lastly, the underground bunker Prime Minister Abe left from was hit by the C-PAB (sma cluster bomb) rounds dropped by the Blue Dragon bombers. Only arge hole in the dirt was left where it once stood. Large explosions continued to ring across the city of Tokyo with a poption of 13 million, and the mes burned down the surrounding areas. The citizens who could not make it to the evacuation centers were caught up in the mes, causing the casualties to rapidly rise.


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 09:10


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    ¡°Mr. President, sir! The aerial raids on Tokyo began 10 minutes ago.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo had visited the Joint Chief of Staff¡¯smand center early in the morning. A few days ago, when Jeju Ind was attacked, President Suh Hyun-woo gave the order to end the war against Japan within 10 days. Thus, the ns for operation ¡®R J to 1945¡ä were changed. The size of the attacks and the dates were changed considerably, so the president had decided to visit the underground bunker of the Joint Chief of Staff himself. He wanted to be briefed about the changed strategies of the war and watch how the battle would unfold.


    The numerous screens at themand center showed footage of the aerial raids taking ce across Japan. Among the footage shown, the scene of Tokyo covered in ck and red mes showed up in high definition.


    ¡°Please minimize civilian casualties, but continue the attack.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will do everything we can to avoid civilian casualties.¡±


    ¡°Have Japanese corporations thatmitted war crimes been included as targets as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! They have all been included in this attack.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 09:10


    The Prime Minister¡¯s Cab underground bunker at Adachi prefecture, Tokyo, Japan


    The prime minister and his party had just made it out of the emergency situation center in the nick of time. Prime Minister Abe entered the temporary prime minister¡¯s office and attempted to video call President Trump of America.


    ¡°Hello, President Trump. I hope you are well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it seems you have made it out safely. I knew you would because of the reports.¡±


    President Trump was also aware of the fact that the Corean air force was conducting an attack across Japan by using all of their operable military reconnaissance satellites.


    ¡°Mr. President! The entire nation of Japan is under attack from Corea¡¯s air force. Not only the U.S military bases in our nation are suffering casualties, but the civilians across Japan are being caught in the crossfire as well. This is clearly an infringement of the conduct of war and must be seen as an hical act.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s words were full of fury.


    ¡°I am aware.¡±


    ¡°Then, please do something about Corea instead of just sitting by.¡±


    ¡°Do something about it, you say?¡±


    ¡°Please call the U.N security council and have them sanction Corea for their illegal war activities. Also, didn¡¯t the U.S military bases get damaged as well? This is clearly a threat against America.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe face resembled that of a demon taken over by rage, and he spoke through the microphone while spraying spittle everywhere.


    ¡°Prime Minister Abe! Didn¡¯t we conclude from thest U.N security council that the war between Japan and Corea was perfectly legal?¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! Things are different now, is it not?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe was shaking in rage from President Trump¡¯s passive attitude towards his pleas.


    ¡°President Trump, sir! I did not want to speak of this.¡±


    When Prime Minister Abe began to speak about topics of the highest confidentiality, President Trump¡¯s face clearly showed his shock.


    ¡°How did you...¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! Please think things over carefully. If this was to be made public to the internationalmunity, then Japan will not be the only nation to fall.¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister Abe! Please calm down. I will strongly protest against the Corean government. Just give me some time.¡±


    ¡°Please take care of it quickly. If you don¡¯t, the entire nation of Japan could be in ruins.¡±


    ¡°I understand. We will get back in touch soon.¡±


    When the video call was over, President Trump disappeared from the screen. Prime Minister Abe stifled his anger and sank into thought while grasping his forehead.


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 09:10


    The deep seas, N 34¡ã33 E 139¡ã31¡¯ at Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the Yang Se-bong ¡®s (SSP-85) location)


    ¡°We will not back down. We¡¯re facing them head-on! Arms man! Loadunch tubes 1 and 2 with the A-1 decoys!¡±


    ¡°Loadingunch tube 1 and 2 with A-1 decoys.¡±


    ¡°We deal with the enemy torpedoes that make it past the decoy by hard kill. Loadunch tube 3 to 8 with our Great White A torpedoes.¡±


    Meanwhile, the Mark 46 anti-submarine torpedoesunched from the Japanese anti-submarine choppers sped towards the Yang Se-bong at 40 knots.


    ¡°Loadingplete for the A-1 decoys.¡±


    ¡°Fire the decoys.¡±


    ¡°Firing the decoys now.¡±


    Since the situation was dire, the crew aboard the battle station all moved as one and responded immediately to the captain¡¯s orders.


    Boom~ Boom~


    Two A-1 decoys wereunched from the submarine viapressed air. Each decoy split into two directions at a 45-degree angle and began to release the sonar patterns of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85.) Two of the six Mark 46 active acoustic homing anti-submarine torpedoes were fooled by the A-1 decoys and changed their course to follow them.


    ¡°Captain! Two enemy torpedoes were fooled by the decoys. The rest of them are headed towards us. Distance at 2100, and 105 seconds before impact.¡±


    ¡°Allot a round of the Great White A torpedo for each the enemy¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Allotmentplete from targets 1 through 4, sir.¡±


    ¡°Open the muzzle doors 3 through 6.¡±


    ¡°Opening the muzzle doors 3 through 6.¡±


    ¡°Launch.¡±


    ¡°Launching Great White torpedoes 3 to 6.¡±


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The four Great White A torpedoes shot out from theunch tubes and raised its velocity with its sma thrusters. The torpedoes raised its speed to 500 knots and began to shoot towards the enemy Mark 46 torpedoes.


    ¡°All four Great White A torpedoes have been sessfullyunched! Targets 1 and 2 are 9 seconds away from impact. Targets 3 and 4 are 10 seconds from impact.¡±


    Meanwhile, the 1st escorting fleet¡¯s Kongo (DDG-173) Aegis destroyerunched four type-07 anti-submarine missiles as well. The four torpedoes shot up into the sky from the verticalunchpad and split into groups of two before flying in two directions.


    ¡°All enemy torpedoes have been intercepted! All interceptions are sessful.¡±


    The sonar operator, who had been listening intently to his headset while grasping them with both of his hands, shouted. The entire battle station cheered. However, a grim report came in straight away.


    ¡°Two more enemy torpedoes have been detected. They are type 07 B anti-submarine torpedoes! Distance at 2800! Speed at 55 knots. The torpedo on the lead will reach us in 102 seconds.¡±


    The type 07 anti-submarine torpedo was designed after the RUM-139 verticalunch pad ASROC (VLA) by the Japanese Ministry of National Defense. It was ced in the field for the Japanese navy in 2009. Through continued development, the range and speed of the type 07 B torpedo had been improved significantly.


    ¡°They won¡¯t give us a moment of peace! Openunch tubes 7 and 8! We hard kill the enemy torpedoes. Then, reloadunch tubes 1 through 4 with the ck Shark torpedoes! Loadunch tubes 5 and 6 with the Great White torpedoes.¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-jun, who had received multiple awards in the navy for his tactical performance, continued to give out orders that fit the situation without any hesitation.


    ¡°Torpedo 7 and 8¡¯s muzzle doors are open, captain.¡±


    ¡°Fire.¡±


    ¡°Firing torpedo 7 and 8.¡±


    Boom! Boom!


    <hr />


    February 5th 2021, 09:15


    The deep seas, N 34¡ã33 E 139¡ã31¡¯ at Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan (the Lee Un-hyung ¡®s (SSP-86) location).


    When the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85)menced its attacks against the 1st escorting fleet¡¯s destroyers, the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) began its attack as well. They had managed to sessfully sink the 5th escorting fleet¡¯s Ariake (DD-109) and the Akazuki (DD-115). However, the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) was also in a dire situation, where they had to hard kill the Mark 46 anti-submarine torpedoes fired by the SH-60K choppers under the 1st fleet, and the type 07 B from the Kongo (DDG-173).


    ¡°We have sessfully intercepted all eight Mark 46 torpedoes, captain. We failed in intercepting one of the type 07 torpedoes! Distance at 1800 and 68 seconds before impact.¡±


    ¡°We must strike fast and leave the area. Arms man, reloadunch tubes 1 through 4 with the Great White A torpedoes! Reloadunch tubes 5 to 8 with the ck Shark torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Reloadingunch tubes 1 through 4 with the Great White A torpedoes! We will reloadunch tubes 5 through 8 with the ck Shark torpedoes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Enemy torpedo at 1600, 57 seconds before impact.¡±


    ¡°How long will it take for us to reload the torpedoes?¡±


    Captain Oh Hyun asked the arms man in his haste.


    ¡°It will take 20 seconds for us, sir. Please wait a moment.¡±


    ¡°All right. Weunch torpedo 1 as soon as we finish loading them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    Meanwhile, from ind Kanagawa, additional P-3C anti-submarine nes were deployed to search for the Corean submarines that have infiltrated the Yokosuka seas. They began to fly towards the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s (SSP-86) location.

 Chapter 209

    <h4>Chapter 209</h4>


    February 5, 2021, 09:20


    The deep sea, N34¡ã33 E 139¡ã31¡ä at northern Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the Yang Se-bong¡¯s location)


    The two rounds of type 07 B torpedoes fired by the Kongo were sessfully intercepted by hard killing. However, the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) was unable to escape the sonar scans of the SH-60K choppers flying above them. The enemy choppersunched 12 additional Mark 64 torpedoes.


    ¡°Twelve rounds of the Mark 64 antisubmarine torpedounches have been detected! Distance of 1,700, and 73 seconds away from impact.¡±


    ¡°Twelve rounds? Are they nuts? They are using twelve rounds on a single submarine! Arms man! Armunch tubes 7 and 8 with the Great White A torpedo, and open the muzzle doors forunch tubes 1 and 4.¡±


    ¡°Reloadingunch tubes 7 and 9! Opening muzzle doors 1 through 4.¡±


    ¡°Allot the targets! Input the sonar patterns of the Izumo.¡±


    ¡°Inputting the sonar patterns of the target the Izumo.¡±


    ¡°Hurry.¡±


    A sense of urgency was clearly present in Captain Kim Jin-jun¡¯s voice that had been calm this whole time.


    ¡°Sonar pattern inputplete.¡±


    ¡°Launch.¡±


    ¡°Launching torpedoes 1 through 4.¡±


    ¡°Reloadunch tubes 1 through 4 immediately with the Great White A torpedos.¡±


    ¡°All 4 ck Shark torpedoes have been sessfullyunched! Torpedoes 1 and 2 are 102 seconds away from impact. Torpedoes 3 and 4 are 104 seconds away.¡±


    ¡°Is the Lee Un-hyung safe?¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-jun was concerned about the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s (SSP-86) safety despite them being in a dire situation and asked his first mate.


    ¡°Yes, sir. They are located at an azimuth of 0-8-2 from our position and sailing at 2,500 away from us while dealing with the enemy destroyer¡¯s torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Very well! That¡¯s a relief! Set the targets for the Great White A torpedoes 5 and 6.¡±


    ¡°Torpedoes 5 and 6 have been set for targets 1 and 2.¡±


    ¡°Launch.¡±


    ¡°Launching torpedoes 5 and 6.¡±


    ¡°Reload the torpedoes forunch tubes 5 and 6.¡±


    ¡°Reloading the torpedoes forunch tubes 5 and 6 with the Great White A torpedoes.¡±


    The operators of the torpedounch tubes were busy working to carry out the orders and reloading the torpedoes.


    ¡°51 seconds before the enemy torpedo¡¯s impact.¡±


    ¡°ck Shark torpedo 91 seconds away from reaching the enemy.¡±


    ¡°Hard kill targets 5, 6, 1, and 2 are 5 seconds away.¡±


    Boom! Boom!


    Although the sonar operator did not report the torpedoes hitting the target, everyone aboard was able to tell that they hit their targets by the shockwave that shook the entire Yang Se-bong (SSP-85). The enemy torpedoes that had been intercepted were that close to them.


    ¡°Targets 1 and 2 have been hit! The 10 enemy torpedoes are 48 seconds away from impact.¡±


    ¡°Launch tubes 7 and 8 have been reloaded with Great White A torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Setting the targets for torpedoes 7 and 8.¡±


    ¡°Targets set.¡±


    ¡°Fire.¡±


    ¡°Fire.¡±


    ¡°Reloadunch tubes 7 and 8.¡±


    ¡°Reloadingunch tubes 7 and 8.¡±


    The captain and the arms man gave orders and reported with few words to save time.


    ¡°Targets 7 and 8 are seven seconds away from interception! 42 seconds before impact.¡±


    ¡°The ck Shark torpedoes are 82 seconds away from impact.¡±


    The battle station was full of sonar operators reporting in.


    Boom! Boom!


    Another shockwave shook the entire Yang Se-bong¡¯s (SSP-85) interior.


    ¡°Targets 3 and 4 were hit. The remaining eight enemy torpedoes are 35 seconds away from impact.¡±


    ¡°The ck Shark torpedoes are 75 seconds away from intercepting the enemy torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Launch tubes 1 through 4 have been reloaded.¡±


    ¡°Set the targets for torpedoes 1 through 4.¡±


    ¡°Targets have been set.¡±


    ¡°Launch.¡±


    ¡°Launch.¡±


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The fourunch tubes shot the Great White A torpedoes into the sea, and they began to shoot toward the enemy while making bubbles.


    ¡°Targets 5 through 8 are six seconds away from the interception.¡±


    ¡°Enemy torpedoes 28 seconds away from impact.¡±


    ¡°The ck Shark torpedoes are 68 seconds away from impact.¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-jun heard the sonar operator¡¯s report and checked his watch.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    ¡°Targets 5, 6, 7, and 8 have all been intercepted.¡±


    As the sonar operator reported in, a stronger shockwave shook the body of the submarine.


    ¡°Launch tubes 5 and 6 have been reloaded.¡±


    ¡°Set the targets! Launch as soon as we are ready.¡±


    ¡°Setting targets 9 and 10!¡±


    ¡°Hurry up, you bastard!¡±


    The arms man was in such a rush that he identally swore at the torpedo operator.


    ¡°Targets set.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    The arms man gave the order on his own.


    ¡°Targets 9 and 10 are five seconds away from interception.¡±


    ¡°The enemy torpedoes are 17 seconds away from impact.¡±


    ¡°The ck Shark torpedoes are 57 seconds from impact.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the distance of the enemy torpedo?¡±


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s 391 away from our vessel!¡±


    ¡°Damn it! We are short on time to loadunch tubes 7 and 8 and make an interception attempt,¡± the captain thought.


    Captain Kim Jin-jun used the short time he had to consider two options¡ªhard kill the torpedoes or make a maneuver to avoid them. He shouted to the helmsman.


    ¡°Helmsman! Set the azimuth to 2-6-5 and a full turn starboard! Set the diving angle to 45 degrees and dive at maximum speed.¡±


    Boom! Boom!


    ¡°Targets 9 and 10 have been hit! Two remaining enemy torpedoes are 11 seconds away from impact! Distance is at 253.¡±


    ¡°The ck Shark torpedoes are 41 seconds away from reaching their targets.¡±


    The sma engines of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) began to fire up, and the submarine dove sharply at a 45-degree angle toward the deep sea.


    ¡°Arms man, release four decoys from our rear.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain! Releasing the decoys.¡±


    ¡°Sixteen seconds before the enemy torpedoes reach us.¡±


    The rear dispenser of the submarine deployed four decoys. They created a curtain of bubbles and began to emit the sonar patterns of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85). They were highly effective for torpedoes that were automatically guided by the sonar patterns of the target.


    Boom!


    ¡°One of the enemy torpedoes have been fooled by the decoy! The other one is still moving toward us, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Five seconds before the enemy torpedo reaches us.¡±


    Boom!


    The pressure of an explosion shook the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) before the sonar operator could finish his report. The shockwave from the explosion had caused the 6,000-ton Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) to shake and toss around the crew aboard. Captain Kim Jin-jun also lost his bnce and rolled across the floor.


    Whirrrrrl.


    The mechanical sounds ringing across the vessel was eerie and felt ominous. However, after a few moments, the shock, vibrations, and sounds were gone.


    Captain Kim Jin-jun pulled himself up by grasping the periscope handle and looked around the battle station. The crew that had fallen to the floor were getting up one by one.


    ¡°Everyone all right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain. We are fine, sir.¡±


    The first mate also stood up awkwardly from the floor and asked the sonar operator.


    ¡°Sonar operator, what happened?¡±


    ¡°It seems that the enemy torpedo malfunctioned and exploded within our vicinity, sir.¡±


    ¡°Whew! We were lucky, Captain.¡±


    ¡°What about our ck Shark torpedoes?¡±


    ¡°One moment, sir.¡±


    The sonar operator sat down on his seat and concentrated on listening to his headset.


    ¡°The Izumo seems to have been hit by our smaller torpedoes!¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s a direct hit, Captain.¡±


    When the report of the enemy vessel under the first escorting fleet was hit came in, the entire crew cheered and punched the air.


    ¡°Enough! The battle is not over yet. We lose the enemy choppers and aid the Lee Un-hyung.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°Helmsman! Set our azimuth to 0-0-5 full turn portside! Sail silently at 5 knots.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth 0-0-5 full turn starboard! Maintaining depth while sailing at 5 knots.¡±


    ******


    February 5, 2021, 09:25


    The deep sea, N34¡ã48 E 139¡ã16¡ä at northern Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s location)


    Two rounds of the type 25 antisubmarine bombs developed by Japan were dropped at the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) and created arge explosion in the sea.


    The severe shockwave had caused the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) to shake and loud noise to ring across the vessel. The crew were in fear and withstood the shock.


    One of the bombs exploded 50m above the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s (SSP-86) location. Arge amount of pressure fell on the submarine. If it were any normal vessel, then it would have split in two and sunk into the depths. However, the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) was made of reinforced Hydronium ting, so it did not break from the pressure or explosion. However, the pressure caused by the explosion shook the submarine. The crew were also tossed around and crashed into the floor or wall. Captain Oh Hyun-woo regained his bnce by holding onto the chair and shouted to the helmsman.


    ¡°Set the azimuth to 0-8-5, and a half turn starboard! Set our diving depth and speed to maximum.¡±


    ¡°Setting the azimuth to 0-8-5, and a half turn starboard! Diving at the maximum angle at full speed.¡±


    The helmsman took the wheel and turned right forcefully while the entire vessel shook.


    Boom! Boom!


    The submarine dove down vertically and moved fast as if were being sucked into the depths, but the explosive pressure from the bombs continued and struck the body of the Lee Un-hyung each time.


    ¡°Captain! I don¡¯t think our vessel can take this much pressure.¡±


    The engineer¡¯s despairing voice came through the radio. However, they had no choice but to flee. A submarine could not face a ne flying in the sky.


    ¡°First mate, send an encrypted message to the navy strategicmand. If there are any avable air force jets, have them deal with that damned ne.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain.¡±


    ******


    February 5, 2021, 09:30


    The skies above Tokyo, Japan.


    The Blue Dragon bombers had finished their mission, and the ck Moon flight wing escorting them was on their way to return to base. However, an urgent order came through. They were tasked with attacking the Japanese antisubmarine nes flying near the Iwozu ind located in southern Yokosuka. They had expended all of their missiles, so they had no choice but to attack with their 12mmser Vulcans by reaching their vicinity.


    ¨C ck Moon 1, contact ck Moon 3¡¯s south point bandit. Two P-3C antisubmarine nes at 98. Check.


    ¨C ck Moon 3, copy that.


    The two Phoenix jets entered into supercruise and tailed the Japanese navy¡¯s P-3C antisubmarine nes.


    ¨C ck Moon 1, ck Moon 3, supercruise off! Engage offense for each ne. Go.


    ¨C ck Moon 3, copy that.


    The two jets used their velocity to tail the antisubmarine nes and began to shoot their 12mmser beams at the enemy. Major Choi Young-ho¡¯sser beams tore multiple holes in the rear of the P-3C ne. Then, the ne began to emit red and ck mes before spinning and crashing into the ocean. Then, his wingman, Captain Oh Gil-sung, struck the P-3C¡¯s rear and caused it to explode.


    ¨C ck Moon 3, contact ck Moon 1, mission aplished.


    ¨C ck Moon 1, copy that.


    On Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s radar, a group of dots showed up at the six o¡¯clock direction. The friend or foe database confirmed these were SH-60K antisubmarine choppers from the Japanese navy.


    ¨C ck Moon 1, contact ck Moon 3, check our 6! Multiple bandits detected.


    ¨C ck Moon 3, check! Check!


    ¨C ck Moon 1, contact ck Moon 3. We take them all out and then return to base. Got it?¡±


    ¨C ck Moon 3, copy that.


    The two ck Moon flight wings¡¯ jets lowered their altitude to take out the SH-60K antisubmarine choppers tailing the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) and the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86).

 Chapter 210

    <h4>Chapter 210</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 09:40


    The skies above Iwozu Ind, Japan


    The SH-60K anti-submarine choppers were hit by the white beams of light while flying at a low altitude to attack the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85). Theser beams that grazed the choppers created small pirs of water across the ocean surface.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~


    Pew pew pew pew~


    The suddenser beam attacks had hit the rotor of the choppers and caused a few of them to smoke and burst in mes. Since they were hit by the rotors, the choppers lost their bnce and began to crash into the ocean.


    Tatatata~


    Woosh~ boom~


    The SH-60K anti-submarines created arge wave from the crash and disappeared from the ocean after exploding. The two CF-21P Phoenix fighter jets flew across the air and moved to attack the remaining SH-60K anti-submarine choppers with itsser Vulcan guns.


    The first Escort fleet¡¯s anti-submarine choppers that had witnessed the crash of their allies immediately changed directions and began evasive maneuvers. However, they were unable to evade theser beams traveling at the speed of light from the CF-21P Phoenix fighter jets and began to crash down.


    Boom~ Bang~ Woosh~


    The choppers either exploded or crashed into the ocean like the first one. When some of the choppers began to emit smoke, the crew aboard jumped into the ocean.


    The 8th anti-submarine chopper had exploded from 10m above the ocean surface. Major Choi Young-ho nced at his radar to find the next target, but the Radar Warning Receiver began to ring.


    Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.


    The source of the radar signal was the Kongo (DDG-173) destroyer, which was the only surviving vessel under the first Escort fleet. When Major Choi Young-ho confirmed the information, he gave an order to his wingman, Captain Oh Gil-sung.


    -ck Moon 1, contact ck Moon 3, music on! Spike nine! Nine! Two two naked.


    -ck Moon 3, copy that.


    -ck Moon 1, target switch! The four bandits will be ck Moon 3¡¯s target.


    -ck Moon 3, sir! Are you going to face the Aegis destroyer alone?


    Captain Oh Gil-sung asked Major Choi Young-ho once again, from surprise.


    ¨C ck Moon 1, I am busy so don¡¯t make me repeat myself.


    ¨C ck Moon 3, copy that.


    When Captain Oh Hil-sung¡¯s answer came through, an rm about a missileunch being detected came on.


    Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.


    The Phoenix jets of Major Choi Young-ho and Captain Oh Gil-sung emitted powerful Electronic Counter Measures to the maximum and began to spray res and chaffs across the sky while making a break turn.


    The two Phoenix jets began to make evasive maneuvers and turned in a sharp angle to draw a circle as the two SM-2 anti-air missilesunched by the Kongo destroyer flew toward them.


    The SM-2 missile targeted at Captain Oh Gil-sung¡¯s ne had crashed into the chaff and exploded. The SM-2 missile chasing after Major Choi Young-ho missed from his evasive maneuvers.


    Major Choi Young-ho, who had evaded the anti-air missileunched from the Kongo (DDG-173), turned around and began to fly toward the ship. A battle against a jet and a destroyer that wasst seen during WWII was about to begin. Not only was this a historic moment, but also the jet would face off an Aegis destroyer with only its 12mm guns. From an outside perspective, Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s actions were reckless. However, Major Choi Young-ho paid no mind to the threat and began to dig into the rear of the Kongo (DDG-173).


    Vroo~ Vroo~ Vroo~ Vroo~


    As the Phoenix jet closed its distance between itself and the destroyer, the two-barreled CIWS 20mm Phnx Gatling gun began to spray its bullets at it. The gun that boasted 3,000 rounds per minute began to graze the jet.


    Major Choi Young-ho avoided the rounds of the phnx guns by using evasive maneuvers. He focused on attacking the bridge of the Kongo destroyer by using the visor on his helmet. When the crosshairs lined up to where the Kongo¡¯s bridge was, he pulled the trigger.


    Pew pew pew pew pew


    The 12mmser Vulcan beams began to spray across the Kongo¡¯s (DDG-173) bridge, and soon, it caught on fire.


    Pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew~


    When the pieces of the reinforced ss sprayed into the bridge onto the console, sparks began to fly. A few of the unlucky crew who were hit by theser beams fell onto the floor. The Kongo¡¯s (DDG-173) Captain Matsuyama was also hit by the ss and injured his right arm. He hid behind the console.


    ¡°First Mate Nakamoto! Are you all right?¡± The captain shouted to his first mate, who was on the floor.


    However, the first mate did not respond. His lower and upper body was split and a dark pool of blood began to spread across the floor. The first mate was directly hit by theser beam and died on the spot.


    Major Choi Young-ho, who had made it out of the enemy phnx gun¡¯s of fire, used the sal den maneuver and flew back toward the Kongo¡¯s rear. He aimed toward the phnx guns equipped on the chopper hangars.


    Vroooo~ Vroooo~ Vroooo~


    Pew pew~


    The phnx rounds raining down had caused sparks to fly on the right-side wing of the jet. Major Choi Young-ho checked his wing out of surprise. However, the wings of the jet were reinforced by liquid metal alloys and was able to withstand a few rounds of the phnx rounds.


    ¡°Whew! That was scary.¡±


    Major Choi Young-ho frowned. When the crosshairs on his helmet lined up to the phnx guns on the ship¡¯s rear, he pulled the trigger without hesitation.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    Vroooooooo~ Vroooooooo~ Vroooooooo~


    The phnx rounds and theser beams began to crash into each other.


    Pew pew pew pew~


    When a few of theser beams hit the phnx guns, an internal explosion urred. The six-barreled Gatling gun stopped and no longer moved.


    ¡°All right! There¡¯s only one left.¡±


    Despite the tense situation, Major Choi Young-ho was still excited and began to take aim. He shot up to the sky at a 90-degree angle. However, the phnx guns equipped at the front of the ship must have taken aim as well, for they sprayed their rounds at the jet¡¯s rear. The shells of the 20mm rounds piled up near the phnx guns.


    Vroo~ Vroo~ Vroo~


    Sparks flew at the Phoenix jet¡¯s rear at times, but none of the rounds hit the sma engine¡¯s interior. A momentter, the Phoenix jet slowed down after reaching a certain altitude. Then it turned around and dove sharply toward the front of the Kongo. Then, the jet sprayed 12mmser beams.


    The numerous whiteser beams hit the upper parts of the Kongo, and mes began to dance.


    ¡°If we had 50mmser Vulcans on the jet, then I would be able to at least cause heavy damages,¡± Major Choi thought.


    He left his thoughts behind before pulling on the trigger.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~


    Tatatatatatatatata~


    The Kongo¡¯s (DDG-173) mast and other radars were torn to shreds by theser Vulcan beams. The jet aimed toward the phnx guns, spraying bullets at it, and began to fire.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~


    Tatatatatatatatata~


    Boom~ Bang~


    Dozens ofser beams struck the phnx guns. Then, an internal explosion caused the gun¡¯s shrapnel to go flying in all directions. The Phoenix jet glided past the side of the Kongo (DDG-173) in the shape of an L. Major Choi Young-ho was full of excitement at the thought of him taking out the Aegis destroyer alone and raised his fists into the air.


    ¡°Yes! Your hands and feet are tied now! Ha ha ha.¡±


    The Aegis destroyer was out of methods to attack after thest two phnx guns were taken out. Major Choi Young-ho flew his ne as close as he could to the Kongo (DDG-173) and aimed toward the high-precision radars that could be considered as the ship¡¯s eyes.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew ~


    Tatatatatatatata


    From the outer wall of the Aegis¡¯ radar, sparks began to fly after being struck by theser beams. Then, ck smoke began to rise from it. Major Choi Young-ho flew around the Kongo for a few more minutes and used all of his remaining ammunition to render the radar useless. Then, he raised his altitude.


    The Kongo (DDG-173), floating above the surface, began to explode at multiple areas, and ck smoke began to engulf the entire vessel.


    -ck Moon 1, contact ck Moon 3, did you aplish your mission?


    ¨C ck Moon 3, contact ck Moon 1, all enemy choppers have been taken out!


    ¨C ck Moon 1, contact ck Moon 3, we return to base. Altitude at 20,000.


    -Sir, did you destroy the enemy Aegis destroyer?


    -Of course, I did. Who do you think I am? I¡¯m the best of the best from the Corean air force, you know?


    Major Choi Young-ho smiled brightly and fired up his afterburner while flying next to Captain Oh Gil-sung.


    * * *


    February 5th, 2021, 11:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House Emergency Situation Center, underground bunker


    An hour ago, the president received a report from the Blue House that the president of the U.S. was calling from the hotline while he was watching the raid against Japan from the Joint Chief of Staff¡¯s office. He returned to the Blue House and video called President Trump.


    ¡°What do you mean stop all raids against Japan?¡±


    ¡°As I have said, President Suh.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t America im neutrality during the Corean¨CJapanese war?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we did. But the situation is different now.¡±


    ¡°What changed?¡±


    The president barely managed his anger and had asked in a calm tone.


    ¡°Multiple reports that our bases are being damaged by Corea¡¯s air raids areing in, and the Pentagon is holding an emergency meeting about this matter.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we suggest a solution for thisst time? We requested for all Japanese troops residing within the American bases to be pulled out if America was truly neutral.¡±


    ¡°How could Corea attack the military bases of its ally? This could lead to an end to the alliance between our two nations and war.¡±


    President Trump¡¯s face was full of arrogance. President Suh mmed the table and retorted.


    ¡°Did you just suggest termination of our alliance? Did America ever treat our alliance on the same footing as the one with Japan?¡±


    ¡°No, President Suh! What exactly did our nation not do to keep the rtionship between our nations?¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Then, let me ask you this. Would America lend the Japanese military weapons and trained them on how to operate the weaponry if it was truly neutral? Or is America attempting to attack its own ally?¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo stood up from his seat and asked his question as if to use President Trump. He was taken aback and nced at his sides.


    President Suh, who realized he had struck a weak point, hounded him.


    ¡°Despite America lending the Japanese B-1B Lancer bombers, Zumwalt ss destroyers, and F-22 fighter jets, we have not made anyints against America.¡±


    ¡°President Suh! Thatplies with the U.S.¨CJapanese military treaty. It is perfectly legal.¡±


    President Trump¡¯s shameless statement had shocked President Suh Hyun-woo, and he responded in a firm tone. ¡°President Trump! Does the Japanese hold a weakness over your head? Or are you only acting this way out of capitalistic profit?¡±


    ¡°You are going too far. What kind of weakness or capital gains that the Japanese could hold against the U.S. to sway our nation?


    ¡°So are you denying these ims?¡±


    The faces of the two presidents turned more sinister as time went on.

 Chapter 211

    <h4>Chapter 211</h4>


    February 5th, 2021, 11:30


    Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House National emergency situation bunker


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who had finished his video call with President Trump, continued to nce at the monitor after it had been switched off.


    ¡°I guess it won¡¯t be easy.¡± He stroked his forehead while talking to himself, then pressed on the inte to speak with the secretary.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Please call the NSC to attendance, immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The one-sided request from President Trump made President Suh Hyun-woo call for a meeting with the National Security Council. To ease his nerves, he opened up a small box sitting on his desk. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it.


    <hr />


    Feburary 5th, 2021, 12:30


    Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House National emergency situation bunker, the NCS meeting room


    Every member of the council had gathered within an hour. Chairman Kang of the joint chief of staff, Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il, and every militarymander was in attendance as well.


    ¡°I will cut to the chase. President Trump requested for an immediate halt of all air-strikes we are conducting against Japan.¡±


    With the president¡¯s opening statement, every member of the council, including the military generals, seemed to be at a loss for words. No one dared to make a response. The president continued to speak.


    ¡°Everyone seems to be in shock. So am I. I would like to hear your thoughts on America¡¯s request, please.¡±


    When the president crossed his arms as he looked at the attendees, Minister of National Defense, Kang Hyun-soo asked a question.


    ¡°What was the reason for this sudden intervention by America, that had been staying neutral all this time, Mr. President?¡±


    ¡°They im it is due to the damages sustained by the American military bases in Japan during our air-strikes.¡±


    Minister Kang Hyun-soo seemed bbergasted by the unjust im and continued to speak. ¡°Isn¡¯t that an unjust im? Japan stationed its main forces on America¡¯s bases, and now they want to talk about damages? Even if that was the case, it¡¯s not like our nation attacked the American bases intentionally, but rather in retaliation towards the Japanese forces that hadunched missiles against us.¡±


    After the strikes on Kyushu, the air-strikes across the entire area of Japan had begun. The Japanese THADD and anti-air forces attempted to intercept the Corean fighter jets, and when they did, the Corean bombers and jets retaliated against them. Therefore, there were some damages caused to the American military bases. However, these attacks could be justified in a situation where the two nations were at war with each other. Had the American military made the Japanese forces leave their base, then this would not have happened.


    ¡°America seems to consider Japan its friendlier ally whenpared to our nation, sir.¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jan-soo spoke quietly.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that always the case? Regardless, we must ept America¡¯s request and stop the air-raids. What we need to decide is whether to start an uncertain ceasefire, or deny America¡¯s request and continue to pressure Japan. I believe we must decide the matter while considering our national interest.¡±


    Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak touched upon the key point of the situation.


    The president nodded in response and began to speak. ¡°Minister Kim is right. We must make a practical calction.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! It would not be a bad option to end the war against Japan early while granting America¡¯s request. Based on our situation, Japan has already sustained heavy losses to both its military and economy,¡± Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae carefully gave his opinion.


    ¡°Secretary Na! We can¡¯t call it quits after all that¡¯s transpired. The sacrifice of our soldiers and those in Jeju Ind is too great. Even if we put an end to the war, do you think we can get reparations and an apology from Japan?¡± The Minister of National Defense sharply gave his opposition.


    The chief secretary answered realistically. ¡°Minister Kang! Couldn¡¯t we just ept America¡¯s request and ask for Japan¡¯s apology and reparations through them?¡±


    ¡°We ept the American government¡¯s request on the terms that Japan¡¯s government pays reparations and gives an official apology? Not bad. That¡¯s a good idea. Chairman Kang?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything you would like to say?¡±


    ¡°I am a soldier, Mr. President! It is my duty to carry out the orders decided by our nation, sir.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who had expected nothing different from Chairman Kang Ui-sik of the joint chief of staff, smiled slightly and asked again. ¡°Very well. This is a hypothetical situation. If we refuse America¡¯s request, then it could make moves with its military. If we were to have a conflict against the American military, then would ours be able to face them?¡±


    This was quite a risky question.


    However, Chairman Kang answered without any hesitation. ¡°There are probably many elements to consider such as our tactics and military power, but based on our current strength, we are more than capable of being victorious, sir.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying we are able to win against America despite standing off against Russia?¡± President Suh Hyun-woo seemed to be in disbelief of Chairman Kang¡¯s words, and asked again.


    ¡°We can win, Mr. President!¡±


    The chief secretary joined in on the conversation. ¡°Mr. President! I am concerned about the economic retaliation from America if we deny the request. All western nations, including America, could unite and pressure our exporting capabilities. Our economy would take a heavy toll.¡±


    When the chief secretary, who had a doctorate in economics, spoke, the entire room began to murmur and the conversation became heated. The meeting was over atte evening after dozens of opinions went back and forth.


    The meeting hade to the conclusion of a partial agreement of the terms. Corea would go into a cease-fire for three days and take that time to negotiate with the American government. The air-strikes on Japan had stopped at 17:00. Also, the 10th amphibious fleet, 7th maritime floti, 2nd destroyer fleet, and other fleets that had headed off from Incheon Port at 06:00, sailed back to Mok-po Port when they heard about the operation being canceled.


    <hr />


    February 5th, 2021, 17:30


    Jeonbook Gunsan-si, the 38th fighter wing air force base


    The igloo at the 38th fighter wing was full of repairmen busily conducting maintenance on the phoenix jets that had been deployed in the Japanese air raids. Someone whistled from the igloo where the ck Moon flight wing¡¯s jets were located.


    At 22:00, the order to cancel the air-raids on Japan came in. Major Choi Young-ho, who had been preparing for his 6th deployment began to draw his kill marks on his jet while whistling.


    However, the mark he was drawing was not of a jet, but rather the Kongo Aegis destroyer that he had sunk in the afternoon.


    ¡°Out of the entire Corean air force, no, the world¡¯s air force, I bet I am the only one with a kill mark of an Aegis destroyer on his jet.¡±


    As Major Choi talked to himself and drew the destroyer on his jet, someone called for him.


    ¡°Major Choi.¡±


    It was Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s best friend, and the flight wingmander of the White Angels, Major Jeon Chang-bin.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up? How many sorties are you up to?¡±


    Major Jeon Chang-bin, who also had some time to rx thanks to the cancetion, came by to see Major Choi Young-ho.


    ¡°Five sorties! What the hell are you drawing?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell? It¡¯s a kill mark for a destroyer. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°You took down an entire destroyer with your jet alone?¡±


    ¡°How is it that you heard the news thetest, when you¡¯re my friend?¡±


    Major Choi Young-ho, who had just finished drawing his kill mark of the destroyer, made a V shape with his fingers and smiled brightly.


    ¡°For real?¡±


    ¡°I took down the Kongo. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s amazing!¡±


    ¡°Are you supposed to be here right now? The mission is canceled but, don¡¯t you have to be on standby?¡±


    ¡°I asked our battalionmander, and he said there will be no deployments today. The higher-ups are apparently talking to the Americans. So, excluding a few people, we all have the day off. I am sure you guys do as well. You didn¡¯t hear?¡±


    ¡°Yeah? That¡¯s great. I was feeling stiff from flying the jet all day. Let¡¯s take a shower and grab a beer.¡±


    ¡°Sure, sounds good to me! But seriously, did you actually take down a destroyer?¡±


    ¡°Dude, were you fooled by everyone in your life?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get promoted before I do, you hear?¡±


    ¡°I might? If I do, make sure to treat me as your superior! Understood?¡±


    ¡°Get bent.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha.¡±


    Majors Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin cracked jokes with each other and headed towards the headquarters of the fighter wing from the igloo.


    <hr />


    February 6th, 2021, 15:00


    Seoul, Gwanghwamoon, the Minister of Foreign Affairs¡¯ office


    ¡°Wee.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak weed Ambassador Willy Gold and a blue-eyed man in his entourage and pointed towards the sofa to ask them to sit.


    ¡°Hello, I am Randy Johnson, the White House¡¯s foreign affairs negotiator. The men beside me are my bodyguards and assistants.¡±


    The blue-eyed man introduced himself and his entourage.


    ¡°Yes, nice to meet you. I am the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Jae-hak.¡±


    Under President Trump¡¯s orders, negotiator Randy Johnson flew into Corea and came to negotiate the terms for the cease-fire for the war between Corea and Japan.


    ¡°Since the situation is already critical, why don¡¯t we cut to the chase? What are Corea¡¯s demands for Japan?¡±


    Randy Johnson, went straight to the point with a poker face that befits his reputation of being a negotiator.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak retrieved a binder holding multiple documents from his aide and handed it to Randy Johnson.


    ¡°These are our demands. Please take a look.¡±


    Randy Johnson took the documents and began to read them over slowly. As he read the document that outlined a total of eight demands, he furrowed his brow and put down the document. Ambassador Willy Gold picked up the documents and read them as well.


    ¡°Minister Kim.¡±


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±


    ¡°These demands are a bit too much.¡±


    ¡°In what way do you think they are too much?¡±


    [The demands Corea made to Japan were eight in total.


    . Japan is to reveal the truth about why the war broke out between the two nations to the internationalmunity, and officially surrender to Corea.


    . Based on condition 1, Japan is to pay 70 billion dors to Corea for the next 20 years as reparations for inciting the war on January 1st of each year.


    . Return all illegally piged cultural artifacts from Corea since the Imperial age immediately. Japan is to start working on a bill and finish it within a year that allows Corea to investigate and search the nation to recover its stolen artifacts for the next 10 years.


    . Make an official apology for all the crimes and heinous acts that itmitted against Corea during its imperial colonization period to the forcedborers and sex-ves. Especially to the sex-ves by making a personal apology to every surviving victim. Also, pay an appropriate reparation to the surviving victims. The amount of the reparation is to be set at 5 million dors per victim.


    . Hand over Daema Ind (Tsushima Ind) to Corea as its territory permanently. Also, officially acknowledge Dokdo Ind as Corea¡¯s territory and make an official apology for iming it was Japan¡¯s territory. Also, change the official name of the ocean geography between Corea and Japan to ¡°The East Sea,¡± and the strait where Daema Ind lies to ¡°Daehan Strait.¡±


    . Japan is to abandon its militaristic imperialism and revert its status of being a normal nation, returning to a nation guilty of war crimes that cannot own a standing military. Also, cease all mourning of all A ss war criminals that are located in the Yasukuni shrines.]


    . Dismantle Shinzo Abe¡¯s cab and form a new one.


    . If Japan epts demands 1 through 7, then Corea will immediately cease all military activity against Japan. However, if these demands are not met, then Corea will continue its military activities against Japan. The decision to ept or deny these terms must be made by 18:00 hours, March 8th, 2021.

 Chapter 212

    <h4>Chapter 212</h4>


    February 7th, 2021, 10:00


    The prime minister¡¯s cab building, Adachi prefecture, Tokyo, Japan


    Negotiator Randy Johnson, who had spoken with the Corean Ministry of Foreign Affairs the day before, walked into the cab building while being guided by the government officials of Japan.


    ¡°Wee.¡±


    ¡°Great to meet you.¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo, Prime Minister Abe¡¯s secretary and trusted aide, personally greeted Randy Johnson and his entourage from the front entrance. The two men greeted each other with a brief handshake and stepped into the building. They took the elevator to the 8th floor and halted in front of a fancy looking entrance.


    ¡°Please head on in. The prime minister is waiting for you.¡±


    Secretary Yagumachi Genzo politely opened the door and guided Randy Johnson in.


    Randy Johnson noticed that the room¡¯s interior was extravagantly decorated in Italian style. He nced around before stepping into the room. An elderly man was sitting on arge sofa ced at the center of the room.


    ¡°Thanks foring. I am Shinzo Abe.¡±


    ¡°Hello! I am Randy Johnson, the white house¡¯s foreign policy negotiator.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please take a seat.¡±


    The two men had sat across from each other at therge sofas and made light conversation while drinking the tea that the secretaries had prepared. Yagumachi Genzo, who had been standing behind Prime Minister Abe, spoke up about the topic that had called for this meeting.


    ¡°Negotiator Randy Johnson! We would like to go over Corea¡¯s demands if you would please.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s.¡±


    When Randy Johnson turned around and snapped his fingers to his aide standing behind him, he pulled out a briefcase. Randy Johnson punched in the passcode, then ced the documents on the table.


    ¡°These are Corea¡¯s demands for Japan.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe carefully read over the documents. After a while, his eyes began to dart back and forth. Then he tossed the documents to Yagumachi Genzo while frowning. He carefully took them and read quickly.


    ¡°They are considering our nation as the defeated one in this war? How could you bring demands like this to us?¡± Yagumachi Genzo, who had been famous for his feats as the Ministry of Defense¡¯s negotiator, also seemed shocked at the demands while speaking to Randy Johnson.


    ¡°I also believed Corea¡¯s demands were too much and tried to request for an amendment of their demands, but the Corean president was adamant. He kept saying there is no room for negotiation for these demands. What was I supposed to do? Since America is neutral in all of this, we had no choice but to ept them as they are, and deliver them here.¡±


    Randy Johnson, who seemed a bit flustered, shrugged while speaking.


    Prime Minister Abe retorted back in an angry tone. ¡°Do you think we contacted President Trump to hear unbelievable demands like this? How could you do this to your ally?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe mmed his fist on the table. The half-full cup of tea spilled and its content poured over the entire table.


    ¡°I have requested to President Trump to put an end to the illegal warfare Corea ismitting and punish them for their crimes, not to hear such insane demands.¡±


    Randy Johnson had expected Japan to oppose the demands made by Corea, but he did not expect Prime Minister Abe to refuse these conditions this brashly. Since he was unaware of the truth behind President Trump and Prime Minister Abe¡¯s phone call, he was slightly shocked.


    ¡°Prime minister! The American government wants the war between Corea and Japan to end peacefully. That¡¯s why we are doing everything in our power while maintaining our neutrality, and you have the nerve to be upset with us?¡±


    When Randy Johnson finished speaking, Prime Minister Abe snatched the documents secretary Yagumachi Genzo was holding, tossed them at Randy Johnson, and shouted at him.


    ¡°Are Corea¡¯s demands truly for a peaceful end to the war? These are demands that consider our nation the defeated one, are they not? Is President Trump aware of these demands?¡±


    ¡°He gave me full authority over this negotiation, so he does not know the details.¡±


    ¡°Show this to President Trump immediately. We will talk after that.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe stood up from his seat with a furious look on his face and vanished into the other room.


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s actions were rude, considering Randy Johnson hade in ce of President Trump. However, since negotiator Randy Johnson was unaware of the truth behind the rtionship between President Trump and Prime Minister Abe, he had no choice but to stifle his rage and stand up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll guide you to your amodations. Please follow me.¡±


    Secretary Yagumachi Genzo spoke first.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Johnson, Corea has set the deadline for the negotiation at 18:00 tomorrow, so you must give Prime Minister Abe a sure answer by then.¡± Secretary Yagumachi Genzo, who was taking the lead, spoke in a threatening tone.


    ¡°How are the Japanese able to speak so rudely? It¡¯s as if they consider our government to be nothing. Is there something between our nation and theirs that I am not aware of?¡± Randy Johnson thought as he followed Secretary Genzo. Suspicious thoughts filled his head as he kept walking.


    * * *


    February 7th, 2021, 11:00


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The morning operation had been interrupted by America¡¯s interjection. The Joint Chief of Staff began to conduct a secret meeting that even considered warring against America.


    ¡°I can¡¯t understand it. The Americans have put a fly in our soup, but for what?¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il started the meeting with an upset tone.


    ¡°I suppose there¡¯s something between Japan and America that we are unaware of. Don¡¯t you think so, vice-chairman?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik answered.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about what that is? I wish I knew what those bastards were up to.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave the politics to the politicians and focus on our duty as soldiers, and discuss the topic of war against the Americans first. Before we do, let¡¯s have a quick briefing about Russia¡¯s military movements. Lieutenant General Ahn.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won, the intelligence director, stepped up to the podium.


    ¡°We will begin the briefing about Russia¡¯s military movements.¡±


    Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won started the briefing by showing the footage he prepared on the screen.


    ¡°The Russian military is showing no active movements, unlike the early stages. We are analyzing their movements from various angles, but we are currently unable toe up with a sure conclusion. The conclusion we were able toe up with is that they are waiting for the opportunity to strike. Please direct your attention to the screen.¡±


    The intelligence about the 5th military from the eastern forces showed up in detail.


    ¡°The intelligence you are looking at is thetest one and is based on the 24-hour surveince we conducted since January 21st.¡±


    The 5th military¡¯s equipment shown on screen were all thetest ones that Russia had developed and ced on the field. Thetest T-14 Armada tanks were already fully mobilized into their armored forces. Russia¡¯s 5th military was also equipped with thetest technology such as: the MSTA-S 2S19 self-propelled guns, 152mm 2S35 Koaltrisia-SV, 9K720 Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, Tor-M2U anti-air interception missile systems, Panchiri-S KAMAZ-6560 systems, Rakushka armored vehicles, BMD-4 next-generation infantry armored vehicles, and the S400 Triumph surface-to-air missiles.


    ¡°The army¡¯s equipment has been reced with thetest equipment, but their air force and navy are still in a simr state as before.¡±


    ¡°I guess those Russians must have had a hard time transporting all that gear over,¡± vice-chairman Choi Ho-il spoke sarcastically.


    Vice-chairman Shin Sung-yong chimed in as well. ¡°You¡¯re right. I just hope they don¡¯t regret their decision after they get annihted.¡±


    ¡°Right? If Putin thinks that will be enough to stop us, he will sorely regret his decision.¡±


    When the room became abuzz, Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won cleared his throat and made everyone direct their attention back to the briefing.


    Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il, who noticed his signal, raised his hand and spoke. ¡°I apologize for disrupting your briefing Lieutenant General Ahn, please continue.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. As mentioned in thest briefing, our eastern front lines are being guarded by the 11th and 12th corps under the 5th sentrymand. Then, the 82nd armored division and the 81st mechanized infantry division are set to be the reserve force for them. The 3rd militarymand¡¯s 5th corps with its 6th mechanized infantry division, 8th mechanized infantry division, and the 3rd armored division were to be tasked with defending the border located at the Duman River. However, since Russia¡¯s 5th military¡¯s power has been bolstered, we have changed the assignment of the defending forces.¡±


    ¡°Which forces have been chosen?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik asked.


    ¡°Yes, the 20th armored division from the 7th mobile corps have been chosen. They were originally nned to be stationed at the Youngju area (Jirin province) and act as the reserve force at the Manchurian area, but after discussing the matter with other militarymanders, we have concluded using them as the main defending force against Russia¡¯s 5th military.¡±


    ¡°They fought so hard during the war against China, and now they are tasked with another crucial mission! Please give my regards to General Lee Un-hyung.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°That concludes our briefing! Other decisions remain the same as ourst briefing.¡±


    Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won saluted and returned to his seat. Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon, the operations director, stood up from his seat and went up to the podium.


    ¡°Up next, is our response and ns for the military conflict against America, if the situation worsens.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon finished speaking, the military strength of the U.S showed up on the screen.


    ¡°This statistic is based on the military power the U.S is willing to deploy if there was a war on our penins. Please direct your attention to the screen.¡±


    Lieutenant General Na pointed the screen with hisser pointer.


    ¡°The mobilizing forces will be 690,000 men from the army, marines, navy, and air force. 160 vessels and 2000 nes will be deployed as well. For the army, the 2nd infantry division under the 8th military and its additional 4 divisions will be deployed, while the 7th naval fleet and the 7th fighter wing from the air force will join the fight. We will now begin the detailed briefing about each force.¡±


    * * *


    February 7th, 2021, 16:00


    Tokyo, Japan, Haneda Airport


    Therge-scale air raids from Corea had caused the Haneda International Airport to crowd up from people trying to leave the nation. Secretary Yagumachi Genzo was surrounded by men in ck suits and exited the customs area through the designated area for government officials with his entourage.


    Secretary Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s destination was Moscow, Russia. Prime Minister Abe, who was upset by Corea¡¯s unbelievable demands, had called Secretary Genzo to task him with an important mission. He was to be sent as an envoy to meet with President Putin of Russia and deliver Prime Minister Abe¡¯s message.


    Yagumachi Genzo boarded the ne headed to Russia. He sat on thefy business ss chair and closed his eyes to think about the important mission he was to go through.


    Soon, the JAL B717-200 ne headed to Moscow pulled onto the runway. The four engines roared and the ne began to move forward. As the ne gained momentum, it moved along the runway and flew into the sky.

 Chapter 213

    <h4>Chapter 213</h4>


    February 7th, 2021, 21:00 (U.S 08:00)


    A building in the suburb of Washington D.C., U.S.A. (the USSC¡¯s vi)


    The old and dreary looking building was dimly lit with a small light, and 13 people wearing ck masks were sitting in a semi-circle. An old man with white hair was sitting at the opposite end of the circle, surrounded by the 13 members.


    The old man was President Donald Trump. However, he was not being treated as the most powerful man in the U.S. He was being treated like any other person and continued to converse with the 13 masked members.


    The topic was about the war between Corea and Japan. The main point was what Prime Minister Abe had said to President Trump.


    ¡°How did he know about the truth?¡±


    A man with a husky voice asked in a concerned tone. It was Beethoven, one of the 13 members wearing the ck mask.


    ¡°I wonder as well. Sphynx! How could you let such confidential information slip? How have you been maintaining our security this whole time?¡±


    Chairman Victoria of the USSC spoke to Sphynx, who was sitting on her left.


    ¡°I have no idea how he found out, but I am sure that the information was not leaked by our side.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡±


    Vice-chairman Chessman asked angrily.


    ¡°If you give me some time, I will find that out.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s forter, what¡¯s important is how we deal with Abe¡¯s threat, is it not?¡±


    ck King, who had the youngest sounding voice among the 13, nced to his side and suggested a solution first.


    ¡°President Trump.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam Victoria.¡±


    President Trump, a billionaire and the president of the U.S., answered Victoria politely.


    This scene would have shocked many US citizens. The president of the U.S., who had been elected by the people, was being helplessly manipted by 13 masked strangers.


    ¡°What does Prime Minister Abe, who has rejected Corea¡¯s demands, want from the U.S. government?¡±


    Victoria continued to ask more questions.


    ¡°It seems Prime Minister Abe is citing our military treaty to request an official deration of war against Corea from the U.S.¡±


    ¡°The treaty is just an excuse. They are threatening our organization for being involved in the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack, are they not? Prime Minister Abe is crossing a line he shouldn¡¯t.¡± Columbus, who was the most upright and conservative among the council members, mmed on the table while speaking angrily.


    ¡°Who is in Japan right now? Who is in charge of negotiations, President Trump?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Randy Johnson, the White House¡¯s foreign affairs negotiator.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Everyone! Since the situation is critical, I will use my authority as chairman to make a decision. Are there any objections?¡±


    Chairman Victoria nced to her sides and asked. The 12 other people in ck masks showed their agreement with silence.


    ¡°I will make a decision based on the unanimous voting. President Trump!¡±


    ¡°Yes, madam chairman.¡±


    ¡°Tell Prime Minister Abe that America will intervene with its military based on the treaty. Also, set the pacific fleet to a war footing. Give the order quickly.¡±


    ¡°Madam Victoria! The issue is Corea will attack the entire area of Japan if they do not ept their demands by 18:00 on the 8th based on their time zone. Prime Minister Abe has threatened to release the information about the 8.15 terrorist attack if the nation was attacked again.¡±


    President Trump spoke while undoing his tie out of frustration.


    ¡°Of course, we must speak to Corea as well. We must buy some time, so persuade the Corean government to wait and give us a week to persuade the Japanese.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if Corea would give us that time.¡±


    ¡°If they refuse our request despite being allies, then tell them the U.S. has no choice but to side with the Japanese. Also, hint the fact that the pacific fleet will move to the area in case anything happens.¡±


    ¡°I understand. However, what is your exact intention, Madam Victoria?¡±


    ¡°First is to buy time. Shouldn¡¯t we stop Prime Minister Abe from bbing to the world press about our intervention in the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack, first? We must use that time to take appropriate measures.¡±


    Victoria¡¯s tone had suddenly be icy.


    ¡°Appropriate measures¡­¡±


    <hr />


    February 8th, 2021, 08:00


    The prime minister¡¯s cab building at Adachi prefecture, Tokyo, Japan


    Prime Minister Abe, who heard America¡¯s stance on the matter from Randy Johnson, called for an emergency meeting with the militarymanders and cab members.


    ¡°It seems that America will officially enter the war. The pacific fleet will be the first to be mobilized to the area.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain, prime minister?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am, do you think this is the time for me to crack jokes?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe scolded themander of the navy. Since the navy had faced defeat after defeat during this entire war, Prime Minister Abe was not fond of themander.


    ¡°Jointmander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, prime minister!¡±


    ¡°If America officially enters the war, the cooperation between the U.S. military and ours will be crucial. Therefore, you must actively aid themanders of the U.S. armed forces in Japan.¡±


    ¡°I understand, sir.¡±


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki came up to Prime Minister Abe and whispered to him.


    ¡°Sir! Did the threat about Pyeongyang work?¡±


    ¡°Shh! Quiet.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe red at Minister Shibasaki angrily.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Please think before you speak, Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°I was thoughtless, sir.¡±


    As Minister Shibasaki bowed his head in apology, one of the aides rushed to the prime minister and handed him the phone.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s Secretary Yagumachi Genzo on the line.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Everyone, please continue the meeting without me.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe stood up from his seat and walked into the prime minister¡¯s office.


    -Hello.


    -Sir! It¡¯s Yagumachi Genzo. How are you?


    -Yes, how did it go?


    -The negotiation went well. Russia has decided to move on the promised day. However, there is one condition they are asking for¡­


    Yagumachi Genzo trailed off at hisst sentence.


    -A condition? What do they want?


    -President Putin wants Japan to withdraw its im about the four Northern Inds (the Kuril Inds) and officially sign a document that admits its Russian territory.


    Prime Minister Abe smiled slightly and answered.


    -Tell them it¡¯s a deal! The terms were better than expected!


    The Kuril Inds consisted of four inds that Russia was currently upying that Japan was disputing the im for. However, the situation was dire, and it wasn¡¯t as if Russia was demanding Japan¡¯s territory. So, it was something that the prime minister could ept.


    -Then I will tell them we ept the terms, sir.


    -Yes, go ahead.


    Prime Minister Abe, who was in a grim mood the day before, now began to think that things were going smoothly and smiled.


    ¡°Ha ha ha! Things are going my way now!¡±


    He finished his phone call and moved back to the meeting room. The meeting was discussing ns to reorganize the military based on America¡¯s intervention.


    <hr />


    February 8th, 2021, 13:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Minister of Foreign Affairs¡¯ office


    Negotiator Randy Johnson had flown back to Corea from Japan, and visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Ambassador Willy Gold to deliver President Trump¡¯s message.


    ¡°Did you say a week?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right, Minister Kim.¡±


    ¡°We demanded an answer from the Japanese government by 6.00 pm today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware. However, the demands the Corean government is making is not just a regr one, but something major, are they not? How can a nation decide on such an important matter in four days? Don¡¯t you agree, Minister Kim?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Japan¡¯s problem. I don¡¯t think the Corean government needs to consider Japan¡¯s position on the matter.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kim.¡±


    Randy Johnson took a sip of coffee, ced the cup on the table, and spoke in a serious tone.


    ¡°Yes, please speak up.¡±


    ¡°We are only asking for a week¡¯s worth of time, and you cannot even give us that? America is in an awkward position right now. Also, our government has mobilized the pacific fleet in case of an emergency.¡±


    ¡°In case of an emergency? The American government has mobilized the pacific fleet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is correct.¡±


    Randy Johnson¡¯s posture became more boastfulpared to before and leaned back on the sofa.


    ¡°Are you threatening our government with the pacific fleet?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Did you hear that as a threat? No. We are only preparing for what could happen.¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly. You are suggesting the emergency would be a war against Corea, are you not?¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak had an upset expression on his face as he red at Randy Johnson.


    ¡°It¡¯s for the best. If you can convince President Suh Hyun-woo and give us a week, it will all work out. It¡¯s not like we are asking Corea to withdraw the demands, but rather extend the deadline to a week.¡± Ambassador Willy Gold, who had apanied Randy Johnson, spoke this time.


    Minister Kim Jae-hak sank into thought for a moment and spoke up. ¡°Very well. If you would wait at your hotels, I will speak with the president and give you a call.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, thank you, minister! I will wait at the hotel.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak watched Randy Johnson leave his office, and then picked up the phone connected to the president¡¯s direct line.


    <hr />


    February 8th, 2021, 15:00


    Jeon-nam Mokpo, the navy¡¯s port


    Three days ago, at Incheon Port, the 10th amphibious fleet, the 7th maritime floti, 2nd destroyer fleet, and many other vessels had set sail to Japan. However, the sudden canction of the mission had caused the fleet to sail to Mokpo Port and lower their anchors for three days. Meanwhile, the 2nd, 3rd marine division, the 6th marine brigade, and 4 marine special forces were all having a hellish time from seasickness.


    ¡°Sir! I don¡¯t think I¡¯m gonna make it.¡±


    Private first ss Un Hyun-joon, who was prone to seasickness, was dry heaving with empty eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s absolutely disgusting! Go throw up in the bathroom.¡±


    Corporal Oh Soo-kyung, the squadron superior, shoved Private Un Hyun-joon over and shouted.


    ¡°Sir, you¡¯re, ooof!¡±


    ¡°What! If you puke here, I will kill you. Go to the restroom already! Our newest recruit is doing fine. How can you call yourself a private first ss?¡±


    ¡°The restrooms are full, sir.¡±


    Every restroom was full of marines throwing up from seasickness. Thepany¡¯s master sergeant entered the room.


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    ¡°Stop saluting and take a good look at yourselves. You call yourselves marines? How is it that you are all throwing up only after being on board for 2 days? I swear to god you will all be P.T¡¯d when we get onnd.¡±


    Master Sergeant Yoon Hong-il, nicknamed Robocop, red at his marines who were all curled up on the floor.


    ¡°Sir! I think I am going to die,¡± Private Un Hyun-joon grasped him by the arm and spoke.


    Sergeant Yoon Hong-gil may seem rough and spoke brusquely, but he always took care of his own men.


    ¡°Tell everyone to prepare for docking! Everyone is to bring their own firearms and leave the vessel within 30 minutes, understood?¡±


    ¡°Is thending mission canceled, sir?¡±


    Squadron leader, Sergeant Kim Kyung-joon, asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not canceled, but we are to be on standby until further notice, so the men will be the only ones to get off-board. We¡¯re going to leave the men suffering from seasickness behind. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! I am ready to go.¡±


    Private first ss Un Hyun-joon, who was unable to stand up straight from seasickness moments ago, suddenly stood up and got into a disciplined stance.


    ¡°Squadron leader.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Check if we leave anything behind before we get onnd, understood?¡±


    ¡°Not to worry, sir. I will make sure things are taken care of.¡±

 Chapter 214

    <h4>Chapter 214</h4>


    February 9th, 2021, 02:00


    Jeonnam, Goheung-si, the Naro Space Center


    At 2:00 am, the Naro Space Centerunched the Woori-Naro 5 rocket into the sky with the CS-AD Zeus 2 and 3 satellites as its cargo. The rocket had beenunchedte at night to avoid detection from the enemy. Also, the Woori-Naro 5 rocket was equipped with the super electronic countermeasure devices to prevent detection from enemy radars.


    The first reason was to avoid the rocketunch being mistaken for a ballistic attack by Japan and Russia which could cause them to retaliate. The second reason was to stealthily move the satellites after Japan and America¡¯s military satellites have been struck down.


    The final reason was to apply and test the next-generation technology to the ballistic missiles so that they could not be detected by the Aegis destroyers, early warning nes, and X-bander radars on the ground.


    The Woori-Naro rocket had shot up into the sky at a speed of 30km per second. After a few minutes, the 1st engine detached from the body, and the 2nd engine fired up. The rocket flew at a diagonal angle and arrived at its target orbit. A momentter, the 2nd engine¡¯s top pairing opened up to release the Zeus 2 and 3 satellites in order.


    The Naro Space Station¡¯s mission control reported the sessfulunch to the Blue House and other high-ranking government offices. The CC bunker in Yongsan had alsomunicated with the Zeus 2 and 3 satellites, and when the final maneuverability tests have all been passed, the satellites all activated their Transparent Cloaking System (TCS) and hid from sight.


    With this, Corea¡¯s CAMD (Corea Air and Missile Defense) capabilities had been elevated inunching and intercepting missiles.


    <hr />


    February 9th, 2021, 10:00


    The Toneri Park at Yadaguchi prefecture, Tokyo, Japan


    The Toneri Park was built in 1940, and its construction had been nned to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of Japan¡¯s foundation. Most of the park¡¯s original grounds had been used as farnds after the second world war. However, in 1977, the Showa emperor had inherited the area for the anniversary of his 50th-year reign. Renovation of the park had started by 1981. The park was renovated consistently since then and became a green resting ce for many citizens. However, the recent air-strikes had filled the park with craters and half-burnt trees. The gruesome scene seemed to reflect the coldness ofte winter.


    In the park that was full of grim atmosphere, a group of non-Japanese Asian men was taking a stroll. A man wearing a ck beanie carried a camera with a telephoto lens and took pictures of the area. At times, he would point the camera towards the 10-story building at the seven o¡¯clock direction instead of the scenery at the park. The building was the secret building for the prime minister¡¯s cab, and where Prime Minister Abe would ess the bunker to take care of government business.


    Also, at the center of the park, men wearing leather jackets and sunsses were walking around and acting suspiciously.


    <hr />


    February 9th, 2021, 10:00


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK joint militarymand center)


    The Joint Chief of Staff had been resting for the three days of ceasefire, but now the break had been extended for another week. The news about the Zeus 2 and 3 satellites reaching the target orbit sessfully and being fully operational had brightened the atmosphere of the Joint Chief of Staff.


    When Corea would have to face open war against Russia, the greatest obstacle it would face would be the ballistic nuclear missiles. However, the three operational Zeus satellites have made the issue non-existent. The Joint Chief of Staff had lessened its burden and now could focus on strategizing for the war offensively rather than preparing its defenses for the Northern states.


    Meanwhile, the Apollo satellite¡¯s intel had confirmed that the American pacific fleet has begun to mobilize for war. The Joint Chief of Staff began to carefully tail the movements of the 3rd fleet¡¯s carrier strike group.


    The Apollo 3 satellite carefully watched the San Diego carrier with its TCS cloaking system activated. It also confirmed that the 1st carrier strike group¡¯s Nimitz ss carrier the Carl Vinson (CVN-70), the Lake Chamin (CG-57) Aegis cruiser, the Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) Aegis destroyer, the Michael Murphy (DDG-112), and a dozen other vessels in the fleet carrying supplies and weaponry in preparation to set sail. The Apollo 3 satellite used its photopic lens to record footage and moved towards Hawaii.


    Numerous men and vehicles were busily moving supplies and ammunition to the dozens of submarines, ships, and aircraft carriers under the 3rd and 9th carrier strike group at the U.S naval base at the western part of Oahu Ind at Hawaii.


    The two carrier strike groups would be more than enough to overpower an entire nation¡¯s navy. Each strike group had aircraft carriers, Aegis cruisers, destroyers alongside anti-air destroyers. There were also numerous supply ships that would allow fleets to continue their operations. Additionally, LA and Virginia ss (Block I, II) nuclear submarines, considered to be the greatest in the world, apanied them.


    Finally, the Apollo 2 satellite sent in footage of the 11th carrier strike group¡¯s next-generation aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and its 23rd destroyer fleet¡¯s cruiser, five destroyers, two anti-air destroyers, and two stealth destroyers sailing north. Also, the 15th submarine fleet¡¯s LA ss submarines and Ohio ss submarines escorted the 11th carrier strike group and sailed along with them.


    The four carrier strike groups under the 3rd fleet, which could easily overpower a nation¡¯s navy and air force, had mobilized and moved swiftly to fulfill their mission.


    The Joint Chief of Staff showed each footage by order to the attendees in the briefing.


    ¡°Looking at the actual footage, those Americans do have a powerful navy! It¡¯s also not just a small part of their navy, is it?¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il shook his head and spoke in awe.


    ¡°That is correct. Those three fleets are no measly threat.¡±


    General Na Hyung-hwan, who was sitting next to the vice-chairman, answered.


    ¡°Up next, is the reconnaissance footage of the 7th maritime floti that could face off against the American aircraft carriers and destroyers,¡± Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, the operations director, spoke into the microphone.


    The 7th fleet under America¡¯s pacific fleet had the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier (CVN-76) and the Zumwalt ss stealth Aegis destroyers that the Japanese navy had borrowed. It also had the two Aegis cruisers, three Aegis destroyers, and three nuclear submarines. Numerous supply ships from Yokosuka Port also set sail to aid them in their mission while being escorted by submarines and escorting ships.


    The footage was crystal clear thanks to the Apollo 1 satellite¡¯s precision photopic lens. The Joint Chief of Staff focused on following the movements of the entire pacific fleet.


    When the footage from the Apollo 1 and 3 satellites finished ying, Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun continued to speak. ¡°We will now begin the briefing to inspect the response of our navy if the pacific fleet enters into the war.¡±


    The screen switched to show a digital map of Northeast Asia.


    ¡°The red lines on the screen are the expected routes the American pacific fleet¡¯s carrier groups would take.¡±


    The 7th carrier strike group under the 7th fleet and the 11th carrier strike group under the 3rd fleet were to rendezvous at the southern sea near Kyushu, then sail towards Jeju Ind from the west.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Kim! Couldn¡¯t the 7th carrier strike group move to our Southeastern region through the Shimonoseki Strait?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik raised his hand and asked a question.


    ¡°We have discussed that topic with the operations directors of the navalmand headquarters. If numerous aircraft carriers and dozen vessels were to move through the Shimonoseki Strait at once, then their defenses could bepromised and cause them to be vulnerable. Therefore, we have left out the possibility that the American fleet would move through the area, sir.¡±


    ¡°That seems possible, please continue.¡±


    ¡°Up next is the defensive tactics we have set against the 7th and 11th carrier strike group that¡¯s headed towards Jeju Ind. Our 7th maritime floti and 2nd fleet will defend the area, while two Hoc ss submarines and six 214 type submarines will defend the area. Also, we will ce the 25th fighter wing, two ck Phoenix bomber battalions, and two Phoenix fighter jet battalions at the Seogwipo International Airport that is being repaired. Also, we are increasing the size of the SSM-700K Haesung 3A missile forces from a battalion to a brigade, and they have finished positioning themselves for battle.¡±


    ¡°You have turned Jeju Ind into arge-scale aircraft carrier! That¡¯s a brilliant n! Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. Up next is the intelligence about the 1st, 3rd, and 9th carrier strike group sailing from Pearl Harbor and San Diego Harbor.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun pointed to the digital map with aser pointer and continued his briefing.


    ¡°The 3rd fleet¡¯s three carrier strike groups are not sailing directly to Corea, but rather three Southeastern regions of Japan. It seems they are nning to defend Japan¡¯s skies and aid in the airstrikes of our nation.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun pointed to the digital map¡¯s areas that each carrier strike group would dock at.


    ¡°If that is the case, how will we respond against the three carrier strike groups? If we leave them be, then they will be a big thorn on our side, wouldn¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, 40% of our navy¡¯s forces have been damaged or lost, so a direct engagement with them seems difficult. However, we are nning to use five Hoc submarines and type 214 submarines to operate gueri missions.¡±


    ¡°Why is the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser being excluded from the defending forces?¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il asked.


    ¡°The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin has been tasked with defending the Eastern sea and taking out any Russian vessels showing suspicious activity, so it has been left out from this mission.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we pump out more of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruisers? Comrade chairman?¡±


    Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il nced at Chairman Kang Ui-sik with amenting look on his face.


    ¡°When the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin was nned to be built, we didn¡¯t know we would be at war with our neighboring nations. I also regret not producing more of them. We should have built at least four more cruisers...,¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik trailed off while answering the vice-chairman.


    Currently, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin ss cruisers 2 and 3 have gone into production sincest June and were still a year away from their firstunch. Even if they were to rush production, the ships would only be ready forunch by the end of this year.


    ¡°When our forcesnd at Japan, they could be in great trouble.¡±


    General Lee Un-hyung, themander of the army spoke with a concerned look on his face. Lieutenant General Oh Dong-won, the second-inmand, made a suggestion.


    ¡°Sir! Couldn¡¯t we attack the American carrier strike groups with our Zinog and Epirus missiles that the newlyunched Zeus 2 and 3 satellites have?¡±


    ¡°General Oh! That¡¯s thest resort. If the American carrier strike groups were to be attacked by such weapons, then America could send ICBMs to our nation. If that happens, we could be attacked by both America and Russia¡¯s nuclear weapons.¡±


    The briefing that was meant to be short and simple was extended by the numerous questions and opinions given by the attendees by an additional 30 minutes.

 Chapter 215

    <h4>Chapter 215</h4>


    February 9th, 2021, 13:30


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The briefing about the American fleet¡¯s movements was done by the morning¡¯s end. After having lunch, Chairman Kang Ui-sik and other generals over the rank of lieutenant general gathered for another meeting. However, there was one major general who was in attendance. It was Major General Lee Hyun-won, the second-inmand of the special forces.


    ¡°How are the preparations going?¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik asked the other generals seated to his left.


    ¡°This morning, every special force that is to be deployed has arrived at the Sungnam and Kimpo Airports and standing by for orders, sir.¡±


    General Kang Jung-hyun, themander of the special forces, answered in a disciplined manner. After Corea was unified, the special forcesmand increased its number by five times by having North Korea¡¯s 8th special forces merging into them. General Kang Jung-hyun was promoted to general from his original rank of lieutenant general. Major General Lee Hyun-won, who was second-inmand, was waiting to be promoted.


    ¡°Eight paratrooper special forces are waiting for yourmand, sir. Give us the order, we will handle any mission you give us.¡±


    Major General Lee Hyun-won stood up from his seat and answered loudly as soon as General Kang Jung-hyun finished speaking. General Lee overly appealed his loyalty since he was from the North Korean military.


    ¡°Haha, Lieutenant General Lee please sit down,¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik called Major General Lee Hyun-won by his soon-to-be promoted rank to raise his morale.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Give us the word anytime.¡±


    The Joint Chief of Staff had received intelligence about the American satellite entering the nation¡¯s airspace to conduct reconnaissance for the Corean navy¡¯s marine forces. They had considered attacking the military satellite but decided not to, so they could avoid further conflict and esction.


    The Joint Chief of Staff had instead made the marines of the 10th amphibious fleet get off from their ships to fool the Americans into thinking that the mission had been canceled.


    Instead, the paratrooper special forces moved stealthilyte at night to the Sung-nam 15th special forces fighter wing and Kimpo Airport. The 15th special forces flight wing and Kimpo Airport housed transport nes that were painted over to seem like civilian nes, rather than military ones.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the transport nes are ready to go, correct?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik asked a question to themander of the air force operations headquarters, Lieutenant General Kim Un-ho.


    ¡°Twenty-one KC-501 nes, thirty-two KC-502 nes, and sixteen KC-503 nes are all ready to take off while being painted over to look like civilian nes, sir,¡± Lieutenant General Kim Un-ho answered sinctly.


    ¡°Great work,¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik also answered curtly and continued to speak while looking at the other generals.


    ¡°This operation will be conducted while we have the Americans fooled, so make sure to keep confidentiality in mind. As soon as the president gives us the order, we will carry out the operation.¡±


    ¡°When do you think the president will give us the order, sir?¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il asked.


    ¡°I am not sure. It seems the NIS is working on something. I suppose all we could do is wait.¡±


    ¡°I see. I understand. I am ecstatic at the thought of catching the Japs and the Yanks unawares. Ha ha ha,¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il smiled brightly like a child while speaking.


    <hr />


    February 9th, 2021, 13:0 (Russian Standard time 07:30)


    Tverskaya, Moscow, Russia


    Five hours ago, road A106.


    A ck sedan was headed towards the Sheremetyevo International Airport from the St. Petersburg Hotel located at Tverskaya, Moscow. A ck van was tailing them covertly.


    ¡°When should we strike, sir?¡± The Asian man driving the ck van asked his superior seated on the passenger seat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take them out before they reach the E105 road 3km ahead of us! Speed up and nk them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°We move as nned without any hesitation. All right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the three men in the van answered at once.


    Vrooom.


    When the driver stepped on the pedal, the van emitted ck smoke from its tailpipe and shot forward.


    ¡°Move towards its side and keep going.¡±


    The ck sedan had changednes to make a turn. The ck van tailing it had caught up and began to follow it from thene next to it.


    ¡°Now!¡± The man seated on the passenger seat shouted to the driver.


    He turned his handle to the right and crashed into the ck sedan. The rear of the ck van rammed into the left-hand side of the sedan.


    Bang~ Screeee~


    The two vehicles stopped at the shoulder after the crash.


    The team leader, who was sitting at the passenger side seat, got off from the van and ran towards the passenger seat of the sedan while pretending to be surprised. Then, he apologized in Russian repeatedly while bowing his head.


    ¡°Who the hell are you guys? What were you thinking? Cutting in like that?¡±


    Suddenly someone spoke in Japanese from the passenger seat. The team leader, who was pretending to be in shock and apologizing in Russian, suddenly pulled out a pistol from his breast pocket and pulled the trigger.


    pew~ pew~pew~


    The three men aboard the sedan became unconscious after shaking for a moment. The team leader, who had confirmed their state, signaled to the ck van. Two men got off from the van and ran towards their superior. The team leader had pulled out a wallet from the unconscious man and checked his ID.


    ¡°Yagumachi Genzo.... I think this is him. Tie these men up, and follow me to the outside headquarters.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The team leader nced around his surroundings once more, then ced the ID and pistol back into his breast pocket. He got back on the van as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The winter morning of Moscow at 8:00 am was a bit dark since the sun had not risen yet. The two men had pulled the unconscious driver and the passenger to the back seat of the van. They had bound, blindfolded, and gagged their abductees.


    ¡°Is everything ready, Chief Park?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re good to go.¡±


    ¡°All right! Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The two men were speaking Corean, not Russian. These were the NIS agents under the Russian branch. After the Corean-Chinese war, the intelligence war against Russia and Japan had been escted. So many NIS teams were working in secret at numerous cities across Russia. When they found out that an agent from Japan¡¯s prime minister cab had arrived in Moscow, they had tailed them for the past two days.


    When the NIS agents found out that the Japanese man had met with President Putin, they reported the information to HQ immediately. NIS Secretary Na Bong-il gave the order to find out the goal of his visit even if it involved abducting the Japanese man. Therefore, the NIS agents had set a n to nab Yagumachi Genzo before he was about to leave Moscow.


    <hr />


    February 9th, 2021, 15:30 (Russian Standard Time 09:30)


    Tverskaya, Moscow, Russia. Some building


    ¡°Hey you, you¡¯re finally awake?¡±


    A man blowing cigarette smoke spoke to the Japanese man tied up on the chair.


    It was team leader Kim Jin-joong, the man who had been leading the operation. The Japanese man finally woke up after five hours had passed, and began to speak incoherent Japanese due to the gag.


    ¡°Chief Park, take out the gag for him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chief Park, a burly man who had been watching the scene from the back, walked up to the struggling man and took off his gag after smacking him on the back of the head. When the Japanese man was able to speak freely, he started to shout in Japanese.


    ¡°Who the hell are you? What are you doing? You idiots.¡±


    ¡°Yagumachi Genzo! That¡¯s your name, right?¡±


    The Japanese man, who had been screaming angrily, was full of shock when he heard Corean and stared at his captor.


    ¡°Why are you so surprised? We don¡¯t have much time, so why don¡¯t we cut to the chase?¡±


    Team leader Kim Jin-joong spoke to Yagumachi Genzo in Japanese and ced the chair close to where Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s was.


    ¡°Genzo! What did you talk about with President Putin of Russia? Don¡¯t leave out anything and tell me everything! No matter how much you lie, we are bound to figure it out anyway. Don¡¯t be stupid and let¡¯s do this the easy way. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make meugh! I didn¡¯t meet with President Putin, and I am only here for personal business.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Yagumachi Genzo! We are all aware you are Abe¡¯s bitch, all right? Do we need to force you to talk?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the truth. I am here on personal-¡±


    Smack!


    Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s face flung to the right, and speckles of blood trickled down.


    ¡°I told you we are short on time, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Team leader Kim Jin-joong grabbed Yagumachi Genzo by the back of his head and threw a couple more punches.


    Smack, smack, smack!


    ¡°Sto-stop! Please! Stop it, I¡¯ll talk.¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo pleaded with a scared look on his face.


    ¡°This is yourst chance. Understand? What was the purpose of your visit?¡±


    ¡°To purchase Russian weapons...¡±


    Smack!


    Team leader Kim Jin-joong¡¯s punch was so powerful that it caused the chair Yagumachi Genzo was tied up on to shake. The blow had caused Genzo to faint.


    ¡°Very well. Chief Ahn! Inject him with the serum.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When the unknown serum was injected into Yagumachi Genzo, he slowly regained consciousness.


    ¡°Genzo, you¡¯re awake?¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo, who was now in a dazed state with his eyes half-open, nced at the man calling him.


    ¡°I guess the drugs are working.¡±


    Team leader Kim Jin-joong ced a chair in front of Yagumachi Genzo and showed him something. It was a vial the size of an adult¡¯s index finger.


    ¡°So, this thing... This vial held the serum you have now pumping through your veins. It is called K-25B2 and it¡¯s no joke! It will cause your brain matter to rot and put you in a vegetative state in 10 years at thetest.¡±


    Team leader Kim shook the empty vial while speaking.


    ¡°And this is a vial that holds the cure. We are the only ones that have it.¡± He showed another vial he was holding in his left hand. A bright looking solution was inside it.


    ¡°Now, what are you gonna do? Will you tell us everything? Or die after suffering numerous diseases and bing paralyzed? I won¡¯t force you anymore. You decide.¡±


    ¡°Everything! I will tell you everything. Give me the cure...¡±

 Chapter 216

    <h4>Chapter 216</h4>


    February 9, 2021, 15:30


    The Office of the President in the underground bunker of the National Crisis Situation Center in Jongro-ku, Seoul


    Though the country was still in the midst of a war, President Seo Hyun-oo was incredibly busy with the administrative work rted to the restoration of each of the northern states after the process of unification. The work was so much that it seemed he would need several clones to finish it. But just when he had a spare moment to relieve the stress he had been feeling with a cup of coffee thanks to the ceasefire, the Head of National Intelligence Na Bong-il came to visit the president again about the content of a report he had given him two days earlier.


    ¡°Come on in.¡±


    ¡°I see you¡¯re resting, Mr. President. It seems like I¡¯m interrupting.¡±


    ¡°Interrupting? Of course not. But what is this about?¡±


    ¡°It is information rted to the incident we reported the day before yesterday, about the important figure from the Japanese Prime Minister¡¯s office who visited Moscow, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Well, have you found something out, then?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! We obtained some definitive information just a little while ago.¡±


    Director of the National Intelligence Service Na Bong-il drew the top-level security documents from his document pouch and respectfully handed them over to the president.


    ¡°Of course, this is just like Japan. They¡¯re always trying to stab someone in the back.¡±


    President Seo clicked his tongue as he slowly read the document he had received.


    ¡°They¡¯re subordinates that can¡¯t be associated with. We¡¯ll have to give them a taste of their own medicine.¡±


    ¡°This intelligence could be very advantageous to us.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°The National Intelligence Service don¡¯t know, do they?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know what?¡±


    ¡°Right now, the Joint Chiefs of Staff are undertaking deception operations to trick Japan and the US.¡±


    ¡°They are?¡±


    The president stood from his seat and looked toward one of the walls. There was a framed Corean g hanging on it.


    ¡°How long will our country be victimized? Isn¡¯t it time now that we took the lead and stood above the others?¡± As the president spoke in a cold tone of voice, Director Na Bong-il looked on, pulled another document halfway out of a file, and fiddled with it.


    ¡°Do you have something else to report?¡± The president asked suspiciously, as he found it strange that Director Na was disying such uncharacteristic wishy-washy behavior.


    ¡°The thing is...¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, Director Na, you¡¯re usually so precise. Why are you acting like this?¡±


    In ce of an answer, Director Na took out yet another document from his bag and ced it quietly on the desk.


    ¡°No matter how I look at it, this seems like such a baseless story, Mr. President. Although we tried to research all the facts behind it, I¡¯ll report it anyway since it is still an issue.¡±


    The president picked up the document that was on the desk and read it, starting from the title.


    ¡°This is the report on the details of the August 15, 2015 Pyongyang terror-bombing incident. Why bring this up all of a sudden? Is there anything new that¡¯se to light?¡± The president tossed out this question having hastily read the title of the report.


    ¡°Please also read the content, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    The president went past the first page and continued reading the content where the main subject was written. After a few minutes, the president¡¯s face changed to show an expression ofplete bewilderment.


    ¡°Is this true?¡± The president asked after looking back and forth between the document and Director Na several times.


    ¡°We¡¯re in the midst of determining its exact factual basis.¡±


    ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is, the person who was captured by our National Intelligence Service and confessed the details is a high-ranking official in the Japanese Prime Minister¡¯s office?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct. He is Yagumachi Genzo, an advisor that Prime Minister Abe trusts.¡±


    ¡°This information is truly difficult to believe. It says that the US was the main culprit behind the Pyongyang terror bombing, and that there is a secret organization with a more powerful authority than the US president called the USSC.¡±


    The story was so much like something that would appear in a movie that President Seo shook his head.


    ¡°What do you think, Director Na?¡±


    ¡°The reason I hesitated to report this kind of information was because I thought it might be a plot by the Japanese cab.¡±


    ¡°A plot by Japan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct. I had the thought that they might be intending to falsely use the US as the main perpetrator of the August 15th Pyongyang terror bombing, and then after worsening our country¡¯s rtions with the US, they would overtake its military power and ovee their disadvantage in thebat situation.¡±


    ¡°Just as you say Director Na, I think those bastards in Japan could of course be doing that.¡± The president agreed eagerly with what Director Na Bong-il had said. It was then that Director Na¡¯s face darkened, and he responded seriously to the president.


    ¡°Mr. President, if there¡¯s even a one-in-a-million chance that this is true...¡±


    Director Na trailed off at the end of this sentence. At this, the president also tried to think of what woulde next if this story was real, but couldn¡¯t imagine it. That was the extent to which it could cause huge ripple effects if it were true, not just on the rtions between Corea and the US, but on the internationalmunity as well.


    ¡°I can¡¯t quite imagine what that would mean, either. For now, it would be important to figure out the facts, whether it is true or a scheme of the Japanese cab. I would like you to report to me again once you¡¯ve carefully investigated it.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, Mr. President! I will investigate the exact details of this once Yagumachi Genzo is escorted back here.¡±


    * * *


    February 10, 2021, 00:20


    The private building of the Japanese cab, Adachi, Tokyo


    ¡°Are you saying that my aide Genzo didn¡¯t board his ne? What about his bodyguard?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe, who had be nervous once he couldn¡¯t make contact with Yagumachi Genzo since that afternoon, had contacted the Cab Office of Intelligence to check on it. The time waste, but the Head of the Office of Intelligence Hirochi still came directly to see the prime minister to give him his report.


    ¡°Contact has also been cut off from his bodyguard, sir.¡±


    ¡°Has he had an ident of some kind? Did you try getting in contact with the embassy in Moscow?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, we did get in touch with the Moscow embassy as well as our intelligence officers there, and gave them orders to figure out the circumstances of your aide Yagumachi Genzo.¡±


    ¡°What on earth is going on?¡±


    Prime Minister Abe rubbed his face up and down, as if he wanted to smooth out his increasing wrinkles, and murmured to himself as if he had made something out.


    ¡°Could it be...¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    After removing his hands from his face, as if his body had be heavy from his mental and physical exhaustion, Prime Minister Abe leaned on the backrest of his chair.


    ¡°Sir, I just thought that this could be a n that the Russiansid.¡±


    ¡°Russia? But why? They already consented to our requests without any unusual conditions. You¡¯re the chief officer dealing with intelligence, and you can¡¯t think of anything besides that? That¡¯s pathetic.¡±


    At the constantly ufortable talk of Head of Intelligence Hirochi, the wrinkles at the center of Prime Minister Abe¡¯s forehead were etched in even further.


    ¡°Another guess would be that this could have been the doing of Corea.¡±


    ¡°Corea?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, sir. Did I not report to you that after the Sino-Corean War, they had deployed arge number of intelligence officers here in Japan and also in Russia?¡±


    ¡°You did report that.¡±


    ¡°The number of confirmed intelligence officers of Corea here in Japan is currently over 30. I think that the amount in Russia is probably simr.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then what you¡¯re saying is that the Corean intelligence service found out about Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s visit to Russia and they concocted this scheme?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s certainly within the realm of possibility, Mr. Prime Minister.¡±


    ¡°Head of Intelligence Hirochi, if these actions came from Corea¡¯s intelligence office, then this problem bes even more serious, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Prime Minister.¡±


    ¡°I want you to immediately deploy every avable intelligence officer to Moscow and have them find the whereabouts of Advisor Yagumachi Genzo. If it¡¯s as you say and this was an act of the Corean intelligence service, that would mean that even the greatest secrets that only we possess could trickle out.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? What ¡®greatest secrets¡¯ are you talking about? Is there some secret that even I, the Head of the Cab Office of Intelligence don¡¯t know about?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not important now! I¡¯m telling you to take those steps, immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, I understand.¡±


    * * *


    February 10, 2021, 01:30


    The Airbase of the Fifteenth Special Activity Wing, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do


    One by one, the troops of four Airborne Divisions that had been newly put on reserve were boardingrge military air carriers painted to look like civilian aircrafts.


    There were almost 20,000 members of the forces of just these four Airborne Divisions. Five hours earlier, the order to conduct airborne operations over Japan¡¯s entire territory had finally been conveyed from the president to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and now they were pushing ahead with this mission in secret while avoiding the watchful eye of the US military¡¯s intelligence satellites.


    An hourter, once the almost 20,000 troops of these Airborne divisions had all boarded, the 32 CC-502 military air carriers and the 16 CC-503 military air carriers followed the directions of the marshaller soldiers and appeared on the runway to make their preparations for takeoff. Also, before taking off, they began to emit powerful electronic waves known as SECM (Super Electronic Counter Measures.) This was done to avoid being intercepted by any persistent air searching radar that remained despite multiple air attacks on Japan¡¯s territory that had already destroyed the Japanese Self-Defense Force¡¯snd-based radar stations, or any airborne warning and control systems or air searching radar of the US military forces that were stationed throughout Japan¡¯s entire area.


    As soon as the clocks of the 15th Special Activity Wing pointed to 03:00, the CC-502 military air carrier at the very front of the runwaypleted the necessary warming up of the four C-PTZ-1000 engines attached to its wings, spewed out a huge blue me without a very loud sound, and began to spring forward following the glowing red lights that lined the runway.


    Also, the nes which had taken on the escort assignment for the military air carriers that were now leaving one by one (24 Red Phoenix fighters of the 17th Air Wing, 48 Red Phoenix fighters of the 38th Air Wing, and 24 ck Phoenix fighter-bombers of the Suwon 10th Air Wing) had moved out and circled the 50-kilometer radius outside the Seongnam Air Base, and they then each began to slowly make their way in the direction of Japan with the air carrier they were assigned to protect.


    On the other hand, the 21 CC-501 military air carriers that had moved out from the Kimpo Air Base also received the protection of Red Phoenix fighters and split up, each following their pre-determined route, and flew towards Kyushu.


    * * *


    February 10, 2021, 02:40


    The B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (The Situation Room in the Combined Command and Control Center of the Army)


    ¡°We just received a report from the Air Force Operations Center that the military air carriers that have been deployed for the uing mission have all sessfully taken off and are flying towards Japan.¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, Director of the Operations Center, approached Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kang I-shik, who was looking at the main screen of the situation room, and gave this report.


    Truthfully, if one looked at the digital military system disyed on the screens in the situation room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there was really no need to report every single development like this. Detailed information about every division of the Corean Army appeared in real-time on the huge main screen, and with the tablet PC he held, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs could confirm the information he wanted wherever and whenever he wanted. Even the travel situation of not just the military air carriers that had taken off from the 15th Special Activity Wing air base in Seongnam and the Kimpo Air Base, but also the fighters that had taken on the escort mission for these air carriers were now disyed with multiple points of notation with words of exnation on the screen.


    The first assignment of the current airborne mission was a lump collection of Corean cultural properties, and the second was an assignment to destroy the buildings of war criminal enterprises, as well as the varied production facilities that their factories provided. The squadron leaders of the Airborne Divisions had received lists that had been gathered with great effort from the national intelligence service of cultural assets from Corea in Japan, as well as information about all the war criminal enterprises that worked with the Japanese imperial government during the Japanese colonial era tomit many different kinds of brutality.


    * * *


    February 10, 2021, 03:30


    The skies above Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan


    Once the three CC-501 military air carriers had crossed into the Kyushu region and reached the airspace above Kumamoto, each of their rear hatches opened, and the officers of the First Airborne Special Forces Brigade flung themselves out without hesitation. After this, once they had reached a certain level of altitude, their ck parachutes opened and they began to slowly descend. The members of this brigade, 540 officers in total, had been given the mission of recovering 280 different cultural properties, as well as blowing up the industrial facilities of war criminalpanies in four ces.


    Due to the ceasefire in the war between Corea and Japan, for a brief moment, people were moving about on the main streets of the city center of Kumamoto even though it was sote (although not as many as before). But the sudden appearance of special forces troops wearing ck berets and invading the city here and there on parachutes was even more shocking to the citizens of Kumamoto, and they were thrown intoplete confusion. An airstrike brought the potential for parts of buildings or people to be affected by the falling bombs, so the shock of an iing air raid was simr to the aftereffect of the earthquakes that Japan¡¯s citizens dealt with frequently. But, actually seeing soldiers not from one¡¯s own country¡¯s military but the soldiers of an enemy nation in the heart of a city was a shock greater than any other.


    Having received reports of the appearance of Corean special forces troops in several ces in the city, Japan¡¯s police forces mobilized and were taking on the First Airborne Special Forces Brigade in teams, but they were hardly worthy adversaries in gun battles with these special forces, which were equipped with thetest weapons technology, and even carried different kinds ofser rifles as their personal weapons. In response to this, the police merely shot a few bullets from a distance and made themselves busy in running away.

 Chapter 217

    <h4>Chapter 217</h4>


    February 10, 2021, 04:00 (15:00 on the 9th, US time)


    The White House, Washington, D.C., USA


    Bang~ Crash~


    After finishing his phone call with Prime Minister Abe, President Donald Trump justpletely threw his phone against one side of the wall. It then collided with the frame of a painting that was hanging on the wall, and shards of ss cascaded to the ground.


    ¡°That arrogant bastard! He dares to threaten me, the President of the United States?¡±


    President Trump sat on the sofa with a thud and closed his eyes, pushing down the rage that was welling up inside him.


    Prime Minister Abe had called him without warning on the hotline, and in his anger at the sudden aerial invasion by the Airborne Division of Corea, he poured out extremenguage that went way over the line. In particr, President Trump couldn¡¯t take that he had mentioned the USSC and threatened to reveal the whole story of the August 15th Pyongyang terror bombing to the internationalmunity.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to put an end to this crazy bastard before he bites the hand that feeds him.¡±


    He remembered what the head of the USSC had said at theirst meeting, where he referred to Abe Shinzo as the ¡°crazy bastard,¡± and gnawed on his lower lip.


    Knock, knock.


    ¡°Mr. President, is anything wrong, sir?¡±


    His secretary was asking if he was alright, as if he had been shocked at the sound of breaking ss from the Oval Office.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. What¡¯s more important is that you call Senior Advisor Robert.¡±


    ¡°I understand, sir.¡±


    A momentter, Senior Advisor Robert entered the office after giving a knock.


    ¡°You called for me, Mr. President?¡±


    Robert, a man with a burly frame and a sharp face, bowed down to his waist as he spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯d better get to Building X right away. Get everything ready, and be sure to contact the Leader in advance.¡±


    ¡°Will you be meeting alone with the Leader?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get your vehicle ready.¡±


    * * *


    February 10, 2021, 04:00


    The private building of Japan¡¯s cab, Adachi, Tokyo, Japan


    With the appearance of the Airborne Division of Corea which had invaded Japan beginning at 03:00 that morning on the heels of the news that Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s whereabouts were unknown from the day before, the cab of the Abe government had been turnedpletely upside down. In particr, Prime Minister Abe¡¯s shock was very serious. Having be quite angry at the thought that he had been solely trusting the US government and had now been stabbed in the back, Abe had called President Donald Trump over the hotline, and like someone who had temporarily lost their sense, touched on the embarrassing areas that could be called the weak points of the US, after which he sat panting on his wide couch.


    Knock, knock.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister! The high-level advisors of the cab and the generals of the Joint Staff Office have all met in the conference room.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    The prime minister left his office, and as soon as he stepped into the conference room, the 30 or so advisors and officers of the Joint Staff Office rose from their seats.


    ¡°Sit down. Let¡¯s start by examining the current situation.¡± Prime Minister Abe propped his chin on his hand as he spoke, since he was sitting at a crooked position.


    Then, Chief of Staff of the Army Takitayo Ojiro got up and stood next to where the screen was.


    ¡°ording to what we know so far, we have confirmed that a part of the Corean battalions that have currently invaded our territory by air are troops of the former 8th Special Forces Unit of North Korea that was reorganized and newly attached to the Airborne Division of their Headquarters of Special Forces.¡±


    ¡°Just how many troops are you saying have invaded?¡±


    ¡°Well sir, we estimate there are close to 20,000 troops.¡±


    ¡°Did you say 20,000? And that means all of them are members of the Special Forces Unit?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct, sir. They are called special forces in Corea, sir.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the status of our response?¡±


    ¡°Aside from a few major cities where the army units of the Self-Defense Force are stationed, in the remaining cities, we are responding just with police forces.¡±


    ¡°Can we hold them with just the police forces?¡±


    ¡°Truthfully, Mr. Prime Minister, it will be difficult, sir. While part of the special strike force possesses heavy weaponry, the remaining police officers only carry a Minebea New Nambu M60 pistol at most.¡± Minister of State Nishikori Kei, who was also Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission in charge of managing police for Japan¡¯s public safety, gave this answer.


    ¡°At this time the order has been given to the cities that fall under all five of the regions under the purview of the Inspectorate General of the Army, the Western, Central, Eastern, Northeastern, and Northern areas, to mobilize their troops.¡±


    ¡°So, we¡¯re out of the frying pan and into the fire, then! Will we be able to dominate those bastards with just our Army Self-Defense Force?¡±


    In response to this, Chief of Staff of the Army Takitayo Ojiro hesitated for a moment, and then hardened his expression and answered forcefully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Prime Minister Abe. We¡¯ll round up those bastards from Corea, no matter what happens!¡±


    ¡°Remove them as quickly as possible. If we let them strut around in our territory while our citizens are fully agitated due to the airstrikes, the problem will be much worse.¡±


    ¡°We will keep that in mind, Mr. Prime Minister! In that case, we will go on and begin our detailed briefing about the status of the response in each region now.¡±


    * * *


    February 10, 2021 04:30 (15:30 on the 9th, US time)


    The White House (country house of the USSC), Washington, D.C., USA


    After finishing his phone call with Prime Minister Abe, President Donald Trump had a private meeting with the Leader of the USSC, Victoria.


    ¡°He says that airborne divisions of Corea have invaded the entire area of Japan, and they¡¯re putting up a hell of a fight. He¡¯s so angry about it that he¡¯s going over the edge.¡±


    ¡°Over the edge?¡± Victoria, who wore a ck mask even in the context of a private meeting, responded with a question rather than an answer.


    ¡°He¡¯s threatening me with the August 15th Pyongyang terror bombing situation.¡±


    President Trump made a face, and his bulging jowls twitched, his anger still not fully released.


    ¡°It seems those Japanese bastards have be self-conceited and are getting unruly. We will have to pull the work forward.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, looks like we¡¯d better. You never know when they might go crazy and start rebelling against us. But look, that¡¯s Japan, but don¡¯t you think we should take some action about Corea, also?¡±


    ¡°We will have to be very careful about that. As with the recent loss of our military satellites, the power of Corea¡¯s defensive capabilities seems very unusual, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Right, Mr. Leader.¡±


    ¡°I would like you to fully mobilize all intelligence agencies to reassess Corea¡¯s present military power.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Even without you saying that, I have all four intelligence agencies currently researching Corea¡¯s weapons.¡±


    ¡°The four intelligence services will not be enough. Be sure to fully activate all avable intelligence agencies. We have to know our enemy exactly before we can undertake a military strategy to counter them, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, of course.¡±


    President Trump concluded the private meeting and returned to the White House, and Victoria, who was now alone, made a call to someone.


    -This is Victoria.


    -Yes, Mr. Leader! This is Seven Star.


    The voice of a member of the USSC who went by the nickname Seven Star came through the receiver.


    -How is the project you are working on now progressing?


    -I¡¯m nning to execute it within the next three days, sir. All the preparations areplete.


    -You will have to pull it ahead as early as possible.


    -Is that so, sir?


    -Our n has be a bit warped due to some rebelling by Corea.


    -I see. I understand, sir. I will do so.


    -Good, I await the results.


    -Yes, sir, Mr. Leader!


    * * *


    February 10, 2021 09:00


    The Foreign Office, Jongro-ku Borough, Seoul


    The moment business began, the Secretary for the President on International Strategy, Randy Johnson, strode to the door of the Foreign Office with an enraged expression on his face.


    Bam~


    Randy Johnson smashed open the door and entered swiftly, and the moment he saw Minister Kim Jae-hak, he spoke angrily.


    ¡°What on earth is your government thinking? Are you trying to say that you¡¯d even go to war with the US?¡±


    Secretary Johnson¡¯s behavior was quite rude for a space of diplomacy between nations and showed disrespect for his opposite.


    ¡°What on earth could you be so agitated over, Secretary Johnson? First of all, won¡¯t you please take a seat?¡±


    Pretending not to know what he was talking about, Minister Kim gestured as an invitation for Secretary Johnson, who was acting like a hooligan, to sit on the sofa.


    ¡°Minister Kim! Don¡¯t pretend you don¡¯t know. Didn¡¯t your government have the troops of your military¡¯s Airborne Divisions cross into Japan and invade their entire territory early Friday morning?¡±


    ¡°Ah, so you¡¯vee because of that. I just received the report about that, also.¡±


    ¡°Is that really your answer now? Didn¡¯t we agree at the time of our previous meeting to extend the time by a week?¡±


    ¡°It was really more of a one-way demand from the US than an agreement.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kim! Are you trying to y word games with me right now? My government is deadly serious.¡±


    Smack!


    As he finished speaking, Secretary Randy Johnson brought down his fist and hit the table.


    ¡°Calm down, Secretary Johnson. Aren¡¯t you being quite rude? As for our government, the point of view of the US is altogether iprehensible. Why does the US only side with Japan like this?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to muddle the point. Right now, I¡¯m asking about the reason your government broke its promise and attacked Japan.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I mean. I¡¯m wondering why after war broke out between Corea and Japan, the US imed it would observe from a neutral position, but once Japan¡¯s defeat was in sight, your government changed its attitude and inserted itself in the middle of the war?¡±


    ¡°You keep trying to distract from the main subject, and after all, aren¡¯t the US, Japan, and Corea all allies? This means that our three countries have to give up this war and solve this peacefully, for the security of Northeast Asia.¡±


    ¡°Corea is not allied with Japan. We are simply adversaries.¡±


    ¡°I see you¡¯re continuing to try to y innocent. Since it would just be an argument to try to discuss this any further, I¡¯ll just get to the point. Please, recall the members of the special forces units that have invaded Japan¡¯s territory.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak then said something meaningful to Secretary Johnson, who had consistently disyed a high-minded attitude. ¡°It seems as though Japan has caught one of the weak points of the US. That must be very embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°A weak point? You¡¯re saying that Japan has caught one of the weak points of the US, the world¡¯s superpower?¡±


    ¡°If that is true, then it wille out eventually, but in any case, our special forces brigades that have invaded Japan currently are not prolonging the war, but rather have been deployed as part of an operation to recover cultural properties that were seized by Japan in the past, so you needn¡¯t be concerned.¡±


    ¡°Are you deploying tens of thousands of soldiers throughout Japan merely to collect a few cultural artifacts?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the extent to which Japan continually extorted our precious cultural properties. Nearly 40,000 of them.¡±


    ¡°Well, about that. Was there really a need to so foolishly go back on your country¡¯s promise like this for something that could be resolved peacefully?¡±


    ¡°Peacefully? Could we really peacefully recover these cultural properties from Japan, which seized them illegally, and has ignored multiple requests for their return? That is absurd.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kim! This is the final time I will ask you. Please, recall your special forces at once. The US Pacific Fleet is moving towards the penins as we speak.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? How would the US be able to know the sorrow of the people of Corea? Or will you understand it? Tell the military to send however many forces they want, whether they be the Pacific Fleet or even the Fleet Forces Command. The president will never step back with regards to the collection of cultural properties.¡±


    ¡°You will regret this, Minister Kim.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no other choice, even if I will regret it.¡±


    At the sight of Minister Kim spreading both his hands and saying this, Secretary Randy Johnson stood from his seat, as if he had decided that it would be no use to speak anymore.


    ¡°I fully understand what this means. Whatever happens after this between our two countries will be because of the government of Corea. Please remember that.¡±


    After tossing out his final words, Secretary Johnson moved towards the door. Just then, Minister Kim Jae-hak also stood up and said something.


    ¡°Secretary Johnson! Please take this with you.¡±


    Having walked close to the door, Secretary Johnson looked behind him as Minister Kim Jae-hak came close and handed him a single file.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Please take it and see for yourself. Though it seems the justification of Corea will be granted with just this alone.¡±


    Secretary Johnson snatched the file and immediately exited the office. At this, Minister Kim Jae-hak put his hand to his forehead and quietly closed his eyes, as if he couldn¡¯t get a measure of whether he was doing well or making a mistake right now.

 Chapter 218

    <h4>Chapter 218</h4>


    February 10, 2021, 11:00 (15:00 on the 9th, US time)


    The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, USA


    On the third floor of the Pentagon, the center of the nervous system of the US military, the absolute top leaders of the US intelligence services piled into the conference room.


    Under the influence of the ODNI which was directly attached to the office of the president, every intelligence service had gathered: the CIA, the FBI which was part of the Department of Justice, the I&A which was under the Department of Homnd Security, the INR of the State Department, and those under the Department of Defense including the MCIA, AFIRSA, ONI, MI, NSA, NRO, NGA, and DIA, three of which were only involved in domestic operations, while the rest dealt with both domestic and international intelligence.


    ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯m Ron Sanders, the Director of National Intelligence for the ODNI.¡± The Director of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), who was sitting squarely in the middle of the dais, brought the microphone close to his mouth and spoke.


    The ODNI was instituted with the passage of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act by the Senate on December 7, 2004, after the need to overhaul the intelligence services was raised in the wake of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, and it was the top intelligence agency that took the lead of all the others.


    ¡°You are all aware that we are currently in an A-level situation, and have met on the emergency orders of the president.¡±


    Director Sanders looked around at the heads of each of the other intelligence agencies who were present at the meeting as he continued.


    ¡°Although currently the various intelligence agencies are cooperating to collect intelligence under the leadership of the DIA, from now on the ODNI will take on the collection, summarization, and analysis of all intelligence.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Rosie Mathieu, Director of the CGI, couldn¡¯t wait and threw out this question due to her hasty personality.


    ¡°All information rted to defense technologies that are currently in service in Corea, their level of defense capabilities, and any other information about Corea¡¯s military strength. Director Michael T. Joshua.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Sanders.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d like you to transmit all intelligence data you have currently gathered to the S-ss database of the Main Center of the ODNI. Besides, we will make sure you are all granted authority to ess the S-ss database. In other words, from now on you will be sending all gathered intelligence and analysis data to the S-ss database in the Main Center in real-time, and also making it so they are essible to all other officers. Whatever you have will be fine. Even if it is a single bullet that is used in Corea, we hope you will collect all the information and data you can figure out on its performance, the defensepany that developed it, thatpany¡¯s production facilities, and so on.¡±


    ¡°What eptable level will be possible for on-site intelligence operatives?¡± Antonio Rooney from the agency in charge of intelligence satellites, the NRO, raised his hand and asked this.


    ¡°We will allow anything you need to collect intelligence. Just keep in mind that our rtions with Corea are currently not doing well and that we need to move as carefully as possible.¡±


    <hr />


    February 10, 2021 16:00


    The private building of Japan¡¯s cab, Adachi, Tokyo, Japan


    Secretary to the President for International Strategy Randy Johnson, whom on Friday had quarreled with Minister Kim Jae-hak, had received emergency instructions from the White House to meet with Prime Minister Abe and returned to Tokyo. In addition, the car which was prepared to go to the private building of Japan¡¯s cab where the prime minister was stopped to meet a man who was rushed over from the White House, who then got into the car.


    ¡°What group do you belong to?¡±


    Secretary Johnson tossed out this question to the unfamiliar man whom they had met at Haneda while they were driving. The man responded to this briefly, in a slightly cold tone of voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s ssified.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re not here to protect me, unlike the rest of my entourage.¡±


    Secretary Johnson lightly blurted this out, but he was unable to imagine the incredible events that would soon transpire.


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± A member of Secretary Johnson¡¯s entourage who was sitting in the passenger¡¯s seat told him this.


    ¡°Pleasee right in. Prime Minister Abe is waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°I see you¡¯re not the same person who came out to meet mest time?¡±


    ¡°You must be thinking of Advisor Yagumachi Genzo. He¡¯s currently on a business trip. Please follow me.¡±


    Advisor Dogo Shigenori, who hade out to meet Secretary Johnson¡¯s entourage in ce of Advisor Yagumachi who was still missing, greeted them courteously. Upon arriving to the eighth floor as they didst time, they now stood outside the doors of Prime Minister Abe¡¯s office. Whether it was due to the appearance of the special forces of Corea, the prime minister¡¯s security detail had been strengthened: throughout the long corridor, there were bodyguards in ck suits standing close together.


    ¡°I apologize. We will have to frisk you quickly before you see the Prime Minister. We ask for your cooperation.¡±


    One of the bodyguards, a middle-aged man who appeared to be the most senior, approached them and said this carefully.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it, then. We¡¯ll cooperate, the situation being what it is now.¡±


    At this, Secretary Johnson raised both his hands, with a face that showed he understood. One by one, Secretary Johnson, along with all his advisors and bodyguards who hade together with him and even the man they met at the airport, all underwent body searches.


    ¡°It is illegal to carry firearms in our country, but we will briefly take this for you.¡±


    One pistol was removed from inside the jacket of the stranger.


    ¡°He¡¯s a bodyguard sent from the maind, I guess for my safety. He¡¯s a special agent, so unavoidably, he had to carry a weapon.¡±


    Secretary Johnson answered tactfully.


    ¡°What¡¯s this, then?¡±


    Apart from the pistol, a small tablet not unlike a smartphone was pulled out from the agent¡¯s jacket. The agent gave a dispassionate exnation.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing special. Just a necessary item for my security duties.¡±


    ¡°Well then, we will also temporarily keep this...¡±


    Snatch.


    In an instant, the agent snatched the tablet that had been in the hand of the Prime Minister¡¯s bodyguard away from him.


    ¡°For security reasons, I cannot give this to anyone else even for a moment.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t work. ording to our rules, no one can enter with a suspicious item.¡±


    For a moment, a scuffle broke out between the young bodyguard performing the search and the agent.


    ¡°Look, we¡¯vee here with authority as emissaries from the US on a very important issue. Our safety is also important.¡±


    As Secretary Johnson disyed his anger, the bodyguard took a step back, shocked.


    ¡°May we enter?¡±


    Secretary Johnson now looked to the senior middle-aged bodyguard as he said this.


    ¡°Well then, just leave the gun and go in.¡±


    At this, the agent nodded his head, indicating that he would cooperate willingly, and handed the pistol over.


    The doors of the prime minister¡¯s office opened, and Secretary Johnson and the security detail, including the agent, all entered the room. Prime Minister Abe, who had been seated, stood up and spoke.


    ¡°Did you bring some good news for us?¡± Prime Minister Abe had skipped over the formal greeting and got straight to the point. That was how ufortable of a mood he was in.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Prime Minister. If you hear what I have to say, you can tell whether it¡¯s good news or not.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Please sit down, first.¡±


    Prime Minister Abe pointed to a chair in the reception room.


    ¡°Sure, thank you.¡±


    At that moment, in a park outside Toneri-Koen station 1.2 kilometers away, a member of a group who had been acting strangely the day before was walking quickly to hide himself in the dense forest he had looked over the day before, wearing a leather jacket and sunsses. There was a bulky bag like a cello case strapped to his back.


    On the other side of the park, another member of that group, a husky man, sat on a scooter by the roadside without moving, as if he was waiting for someone. He was the one who had worn a beanie the other day, and like the man in the sunsses and jacket, had been taking pictures here and there on a camera equipped with a telephoto lens.


    <ul>


    Codename MKH125, location secured! Request transmission of scan data from the interior.


    Codename GFD587, retreat route secured! Can depart anytime.


    </ul>


    As soon as the man in the leather jacket and sunsses arrived at his predetermined destination a momentter, he scanned the area to confirm that it was unupied, and then quickly opened his bag and busily assembled something. When he was finished, he sent a message to someone.


    After finishing thismunication, the man in the leather jacket took off his sunsses and fixed his eyes on the screen attached to the gigantic heavy gun he had just assembled. It had the exact appearance of the kind of huge gun that could show up in a science fiction movie, with a folding monitor screen on its left side.


    Back in the office, the voices of the man in the leather jacket and sunsses and the man on the scooter came into the head of the agent who had followed Secretary Randy Johnson into the prime minister¡¯s office as clearly as if they were speaking next to him. But the other people inside the office couldn¡¯t hear them.


    This was because the voices were being transmitted to him not by his eardrums, but rather by amunications microchip that was embedded inside his head.


    He looked slowly at his surroundings.


    Secretary Johnson and Prime Minister Abe were distracted by their conversation, and what caught his attention were the two bodyguards from the prime minister¡¯s office who stood by the doors. In response, the agent stepped slightly to the side, and as he crossed his body with those of the other members of the entourage that Secretary Johnson had brought with him, he pulled the small tablet out, the one that had just caused the scuffle before, and after covering it with his entire palm, he pointed the screen face-up and pushed a small button.


    Several kinds of light that are not visible to humans poured out of the tablet and spread throughout the prime minister¡¯s office. A momentter, a message appeared on the screen indicating that the scan had beenpleted.


    The screen attached to the heavy gun that the man in the leather jacket was looking at shed on, and the inside of a room, as well as everyone inside it, appeared clearly. This was, in fact, the inside of the prime minister¡¯s office, which the agent had scanned and then transferred.


    <ul>


    Codename MKH125, sessfully confirmed the scanned data.


    </ul>


    Afterpleting this brief message, the man in the leather jacket showed a slight smile and strapped on the gun. He shouldered the weapon, which weighed about 20 kilograms, and grasped the front part with his left hand. Then the index finger of his right hand, which was holding the handle, touched slightly on the trigger.


    Next, he looked at the screen and aimed towards one point on the eighth floor of the building that was his target. Although all the windows were covered by blinds, a dotted line on the screen directed toward the single target that the gun was aiming for. The target point moved around slowly before stopping on one section of a person. It was the head of Prime Minister Abe, who was seated on the sofa.


    <ul>


    Codename MKH125, carrying out my mission in 10 seconds.


    </ul>


    The man wearing the jacket once again sent a short message, then took in a long, deep breath, and tried to minimize the movement of the target point. Then, he immediately focused his strength on the index finger of his right hand, and pulled the trigger.


    Pheeew~


    The heavy weapon let out a massive sound, and the dark redser beam that shot out at an instantaneous speed easily prated into one side of the wall of eighth floor of the cab building. The hole it left was about the size of an adult fist.


    Booom~ Pop! Pop!


    Just as he was really getting into a heated argument with Secretary Johnson, Prime Minister Abe¡¯s head was crushed like a watermelon, and the content spilled out. Dark red pieces of flesh and brains shot out in all directions.


    Aaah~ Cough cough! Cooough!


    Secretary Johnson, who witnessed this surreal and grotesque sight in real-time at the closest possible distance, instinctively began pulling off the pieces of flesh that had sprayed onto his whole body, beginning with his face, let out a scream, and immediately fell to the floor and retched.


    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister, what¡¯s the matter??¡±


    The senior bodyguard smashed in the doors of the office, yelling as he entered. But he immediately stopped and stood where he was unable to move, as if he was frozen by the piercing wind of Siberia. The sight which was reflected in his eyes, so much like a horror film, was of a body without a head, sitting in a chair, with dark red blood spraying out of it.


    ¡°How-how did something like this...¡±


    The man in the leather jacket left the prime minister¡¯s office, which had be utter chaos, and after hurriedly disassembling the gun, he put it in his bag and immediately ran to the man waiting on the scooter. Within a few minutes, the two shady men on the scooter disappeared into the outskirts of Tokyo.

 Chapter 219

    <h4>Chapter 219</h4>


    February 10, 2021 16:30


    Exterior of the Japanese cab¡¯s private building, Adachi, Tokyo, Japan


    The entourage of Secretary Randy Johnson, who was iling and continuously vomiting on the floor, closed in and surrounded him for protection. The agent also did so, and then lowered himself, grabbed the still-iling Secretary Johnson by the nape of the neck, and spoke to him discretely.


    ¡°Secretary Johnson, get a hold of yourself. In this situation, you could also have be a target. We must exit this area.¡±


    In response to the agent¡¯s words, t and devoid of anything that could be called emotion, Randy Johnson stopped retching and gathered himself together.


    ¡°L-let¡¯s do it. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    His pupils had dted by almost half, as if he had suffered quite an intense shock.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to move.¡±


    With the agent leading the way, the rest of the entourage held up Secretary Johnson and attempted to leave the office of the prime minister which was in chaos. At the same time, officials from all the different floors of the building who had been in the middle of their jobs heard news of the prime minister¡¯s death and came running, their eyes wide with shock.


    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister.¡±


    The very first to arrive was Minister of Defense Shibasaki, who ran down the stairs from the 11th floor. After him came several other officials lined up and pushing into the office, but the ones with weak stomachs just ended up vomiting.


    ¡°Prime Minister Abe! How could something like this happen?¡±


    As Minister Shibasaki saw a body that appeared to be Prime Minister Abe¡¯s sitting in a chair, with his entire throat section twisted to the side and spouting blood like it was pouring from a fountain, he copsed where he stood,pletely stunned.


    ¡°Where did the Head of Security go?!¡±


    As soon as Minister of Defense Shibasaki screamed this, someone ran up huffing and puffing.


    ¡°Here I am.¡±


    The Head of Security Katsura Kinmochi responded, calming his surging breath.


    ¡°What on earth have you been doing?! How did this happen to our prime minister?!¡±


    ¡°I apologize, sir. I was examining the status of security at the entrance on the first floor,¡± Head of Security Katsura Kinmochi grimaced as he answered, as he also witnessed the brutal scene.


    ¡°Deploy everyone to the prime minister¡¯s office at once, and get control of the interior of the building. Then coordinate with the National Police and devote all your energies to the search for the perpetrator.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, I understand.¡±


    ¡°What about the party of Secretary Randy Johnson?¡±


    ¡°He was escorted by his bodyguards down to the first floor...¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to question them, too. Go detain them at once. Not one person must be allowed to leave this building starting now.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, I¡¯ll get on it.¡±


    <hr />


    February 10, 2021 17:30


    The underground bunker of the private building of Japan¡¯s cab, Adachi, Tokyo, Japan


    After news of the unthinkable event of the sniping of Prime Minister Abe broke out in Tokyo, the members of the Tokyo jurisdiction of the National Police Force and even the soldiers of the Army Self-Defense Force were put into action to do a thorough search for the perpetrator. And in the basement bunker of the cab¡¯s private building, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, who was also the finance minister and currently the second in the chain ofmand, was leading a meeting.


    Prime Minister Abe¡¯s assassination and death hade in the midst of Japan¡¯s total invasion by the special forces of Corea, and this serious event brought a very heavy and dark atmosphere into the meeting room.


    ¡°Where is the US Secretary now?¡±


    ¡°Currently he¡¯s detained in the waiting room of the underground bunker, sir. Secretary Johnson¡¯s condition was not good, so he¡¯s receiving treatment from the cab¡¯s medical service.¡±


    The Head of Security for the cab gave this answer, with a facial expression that looked like he hadmitted a crime worthy of grave punishment.


    ¡°There¡¯s a chance that our unteral detaining of the secretary could metastasize into an international incident, so just ask them to temporarily cooperate as we search for the culprit, and see to it that they¡¯re not ufortable while they¡¯re detained here.¡±


    Randy Johnson and his entourage had been caught by security guards in the lobby of the first-floor entrance 40 minutes ago and were currently being detained in the waiting room of the underground bunker.


    ¡°I see, sir.¡±


    ¡°Right now, Japan is facing a crisis like no other. How is the search for the shooter progressing?¡±


    ¡°Currently, all the officers of the National Police Force and even soldiers from the army have been deployed to Tokyo, and all roads that lead to the outskirts of the city are being thoroughly surveilled through a checkpoint process to make sure not even a single antrva could get out. We also began the process of searching lodging facilities, starting with hotels.¡± This time, Minister of Defense Shibasaki rose from his chair to answer.


    ¡°Whatever happens, we must catch them.¡±


    ¡°Of course, we¡¯ve deployed the first division of the Eastern Army, even up to the 12th airborne brigade. We n to even put the forces of our upper-level independent division into action.¡±


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister.¡±


    ¡°Should we look to Corea as the group behind the shooting of the prime minister?¡±


    ¡°If not Corea, what other country would it be? Right now, there are 20,000 of their special forces¡¯ operatives, the epitome of their special force units, deployed throughout our territory. Obviously, there¡¯s no way to look at this but as another act by the special forces of the Corean military which has invaded Tokyo.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki spoke firmly, and he was filled with a sense of surety. From the perspective of a third party, this was certainly a situation where Corea could be suspected. Looking at it another way, this event of the assassination of the prime minister could be the card that Japan could use to pressure Corea within the internationalmunity and shake up the prospects of the war, where they were currently at a disadvantage. This was why Minister Shibasaki pushed ahead with saying that it was undoubtedly the doings of Corea.


    ¡°We need the bare minimum of proof that this was an act of Corea to prove it to the UN Security Council and the internationalmunity.¡±


    ¡°We will be sure to find clear evidence and bring it to light, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki responded in a resolute voice and stood from his seat.


    <hr />


    February 10, 2021 18:50


    The B2 Bunker (meeting room of the military¡¯s Combined Command and Control Center), Yongsan-ku, Seoul.


    Just after the president had received a report on the status of the special forces deployed in Japan and was taking a short break, he received a phone call from the Head of National Security Na Bong-il. It was the report that two hours earlier, Prime Minister Abe had been shot by an unidentified assant and died.


    The president went directly to the B2 Bunker in Yongsan to hold an emergency meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°I will just ask you one question, Mr. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Has there been any instance where you carried out an operation without my knowledge?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, sir...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking if an order was given to assassinate Prime Minister Abe through the special forces troops that are deployed in Japan.¡±


    ¡°No sir, Mr. President! Tokyo was a target we did not include in this current airborne operation in Japan. Additionally, I myself never sent down such an order,¡± Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Kang I-shik answered and looked over to the Head of Special Forces.


    General Kang Jung-hyun then responded. ¡°Just as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs indicated, the Tokyo region was excepted from the current air operations. There is not one special force agent currently in the entire area, sir.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I understand. I asked for your own good. If we are not careful, this development could put us at a disadvantage.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, even if Japan¡¯s government tries to use our country as the one behind the shooting of the prime minister and appeal to the internationalmunity, we are still clearly in the midst of a war. It¡¯s to be expected to attack the top-level officials of your enemy during a war. Even when we were in a ceasefire, the evidence that Japan set up some kind of plot with Russia was confirmed, wasn¡¯t it? Even just based on these underhanded acts, we need to push forward concerning Japan in a head-to-head contest, meaning some kind of forceful attack.¡± Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Kang I-shik hardened his expression as he spoke.


    ¡°That is the case. It seems I was temporarily thinking weak thoughts. Considering that I was the one who gave the order to end this war in the next ten days.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. It¡¯s hard to avoid thinking about multiple things as themander-in-chief of an entire country, isn¡¯t it?¡± The Minister of Defense King Hyun-soo inserted himself in the discussion.


    ¡°Yes. Proceed with the operation we have prepared.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, in that case, we will continue to carry out the operation as we nned without fail.¡±


    <hr />


    February 10, 2021 21:30 (08:30, U.S. time)


    The exterior of a building (the vi of the USSC), Washington, D.C., U.S.A.


    In the spacious meeting room of a dark and dreary building, two people in ck masks were seated and engaged in a secretive discussion that had been going on since earlier that morning.


    ¡°The task has definitely been taken care of.¡±


    The one nicknamed Seven Star answered briefly.


    ¡°Hm, well done. But, now that the fact that there are others besides Prime Minister Abe that know our secret bes the problem.¡±


    ¡°The results of what we confirmed suggest that there is a total of two people who know our secret. The first was Prime Minister Abe, and the other one was an advisor to the prime minister, Yagumachi Genzo, someone you probably saw a few times. In any case, it appears our secret has leaked out through this man Yagumachi.¡±


    ¡°Yagumachi Genzo? Who visited four years ago?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, madam.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then shouldn¡¯t Japan have to take care of him as well?¡±


    ¡°He has currently gone missing in Moscow, Russia, madam.¡±


    ¡°In Russia?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, madam. So, we have now deployed Scorpion agents to Moscow.¡±


    ¡°Gone missing in Moscow... how?¡±


    When the subject of Russia was mentioned, Victoria, the Leader of the USSC, recalled the phone call she received from President Donald Trump a few hours before, and let out a slight groan as some kind of connection between the two came became associated in her mind.


    ¡°What is the matter?¡±


    ¡°I received amunication from President Trump early this morning. He says that the reason why Corea broke their promise with the US and sent their special forces troops to Japan is that Japan¡¯s government made a secret agreement with Russia during the ceasefire, and Corea found out about it.¡±


    ¡°Really? But what does that have to do with it?¡±


    ¡°Think about it. If the government of Corea found out about the secret agreement between Japan and Russia, and then Yagumachi Genzo, who went ahead with that agreement, has gone missing in Moscow?¡±


    ¡°Then, that would mean that he was kidnapped by agents of the government of Corea in Moscow, is that what you mean?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be the case?¡±


    ¡°Then our secret could also pass over to the Corean government through Yagumachi Genzo.¡±


    ¡°That is precisely the point. This problem has truly gotten out of control.¡±


    Under her ck mask, Victoria¡¯s face was not visible, but it was extremely contorted.


    ¡°Seven Star! Whatever happens, Corea¡¯s government cannot find out about this.¡±


    ¡°Yes madam, I understand. We will deploy all of our Scorpion agents in Europe and Russia to Moscow.¡±


    <hr />


    February 10, 2021 23:50,


    The Naval Base in the Port of Mokpo, Jeo-do South Province


    As the ns for anding invasion in Japan had been stopped, the soldiers of the 10th Landing Fleet that hade into port in Mokpo had taken a rest in temporary barracks for two days, but now the marines were speedily boarding their designated boats in fullbat gear following the order to do so two hours before.


    Then, after two hours had passed, the troops of the Second Marine Division, the Third Marine Division, the Sixth Marine Brigade, and four of the Airborne Divisions had allpletely boarded their variousnding ships and carrier ships.


    Five Hercules destroyers of the Seventh Carrier Task Group took the lead in a wide and loose formation escorting the 10th Landing Fleet in the waters of the Port of Mokpo, with the fleet¡¯s 20 amphibious assault ships as well asbat support ships, carrier ships, and civilian vessels following after. Lastly, the destroyer ship of the Second Fleet sailed in the back, taking on the rear guard.


    The scene one hourter as the group of about 100 surface vessels came out through a few dozenrge and small inds and passed over into the wide-open Southern Sea, sending up white spray as they sailed through the heart of the dark waters, was truly an awe-inspiring sight.


    The leader of the 10th Landing Fleet, Admiral Oh Seung-hwan, who had vocally expressed his regret at the sudden cancetion of thending operation five days earlier when the fleet was in port in Mokpo, now sat in the chair on the bridge of the ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111), and nced slightly at his wristwatch.


    ¡°In just three hours from now, a historic operation will begin.¡±


    ¡°That is true, Admiral, sir! And we were concerned if for some reason it should be canceled entirely.¡±


    ¡°Our long wait paid off! Don¡¯t you think so, Captain Yoon?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, Admiral.¡±


    The uingnding operation was nned to take ce in two spots. With the 56th Landing Fleet at the lead, the Second Marine Division and Sixth Marine Brigade would make anding in the waters off the southwestern edge of Hirado Ind off of Kyushu and then carry out a capture of the entirety of Kyushu from there, while the 53rd Landing Group (which could be called the central base) along with all the other carrier ships wouldnd on the ind of Hamada in the waters near Honshu. Then the n was for the four airborne divisions to take over each area, and to move to the final assault on Tokyo with the swift advance of the Third Marine Division.


    About 30 minutester, as the fleet entered the waters off of the eastern edge of Jeju Ind, a message came from the Naval Operations Command.


    ¡°Admiral! A multi-person video conference from the Naval Operations Command, sir.¡±


    ¡°Bring it through.¡±


    <ul>


    Salute! This is Admiral Oh Seung-hwan of thending ship.


    Salute! This is Commander of the Seventh Carrier Task Group, Ahn Hyung-oo.


    Salute! This is the Commander of the Destroyer Squadron, Kim I-won.


    Salute! Nice work, all of you. This is the Head of Operations Command.¡±


    </ul>


    The Admiral¡¯s personal monitor was partitioned, and he could see each leader of the fleet¡¯s divisions.


    <ul>


    Starting now, the 53rd Landing Group and the 56th Landing Group will shift course and greatly elerate on the way to their designated points ofnding. The time of thending is precisely 5:00 AM!


    </ul>

 Chapter 220

    <h4>Chapter 220</h4>


    February 11, 2021, 04:30


    The shore of the seas 15 kilometers off of the northwestern edge of Neshiko on the Ind of Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan (56th Landing Group)


    The 56thnding Group, carrier ships, and the three Hercules destroyers that were taking on battlefront escort passed through the seas near Jeju Ind and then neared the waters where they would put theirnding operation into action.


    Dundundundundundun~


    From the flight deck of the LHD multipurpose amphibious assault ship and the LPH amphibious assault ship, 32 Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters took off one by one and quickly flew to thending assault point of the coastline of Neshiko, while eight CB-30P Phoenix ground assault fighters and 12 CF/A-25P ck Phoenix bombers belonging to the 23rd Fighter wing that departed from Kimhae passed through the sky overhead of the 56th Landing Group, leaving white trails behind them.


    Also, MK 00A Super Lynx anti-submarine helicopters left from the LPH Hercules amphibious assault ship and the destroyer of the Second Fleet, hovered in the air, and then went on alert.


    Japan¡¯s cab and Joint Chiefs of Staff found out about thending operation by the marines from Coreate as they were in an unsettled position, still picking up the pieces from the shooting of Prime Minister Abe, and after they did, they dispatched the ground forces of the Self-Defense Force to the point where thending was taking ce.


    * * *


    February 11, 2021 04:30


    The vicinity 3.5 kilometers around Hirado Bridge on Hirado Ind, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan


    The Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division of the Western Army departed from the Ogi Station on the orders of the Chief of Staff of the Army to block the marines from Corea and moved at a great speed in the direction of Hirado Bridge that was connected to Hirado Ind, while the Eighth Armored Division stationed in Kumamoto also quickly mobilized to aid the infantry unit.


    ¡°Team Leader! Arge number of vehicles that appears to be the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division confirmed at a spot 5 kilometers from the battlefront, sir.¡±


    In the forest 3.5 kilometers from Hirado Bridge by way of the 204th Road, a ck beret-d member of the first team under the 11th Squadron of the First Airborne Special Forces Brigade focused on the edge of the road through his high definition optical telescopes and spoke to his team leader, Captain Ahn Hyun-joon, who was beside him.


    ¡°Why are they sote?¡± The captain grumbled as he looked at his wristwatch to check the time, then took the telescope from Sergeant Kim Ki-ho and examined the spot he had pointed out. The telescope captured the image of a huge number of Type-97 IFVs and other vehicles driving quickly towards them, their lights cutting through the early morning air.


    ording to the defense reforms of 2020, the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division switched out their entire fleet of Type-96 APCs for the Type-97 IFVs, which had drastically strengthened firepower. The reason Japan switched the model, which was equipped with 105 millimeter main armaments, for the entirety of the Western Army as well as the Northern Army was so that they could station the vehicles, which didn¡¯t weigh more than 26 tons but had greater firepower, concentrated with the Western Army so they could move quickly to respond in the event of anding war by an enemy nation.


    ¡°It seems they¡¯re pretty urgent. Seeing how the central base moved them out without a scouting party. But that¡¯s a good thing for us.¡±


    After Captain Ahn Hyun-joon carefully observed Japan¡¯s Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division vehicles speeding along the road, he made a report over radiomunications to the head of his squadron.


    ¨C This is Stone Bird! Currently about 200 Type-97 IFV and carrier vehicles traveling at high speed along 204th Road! Estimated 5 minutes remaining until they reach their target. That is all.


    ¨C This is the Nest! Confirmed. Stone Bird, you are to focus on rear strike, that is all.


    ¨C This is Stone Bird! Confirmed, that is all.


    Uponpleting hismunique, Captain Ahn Hyun-joon looked around at his team members and gave the order to focus on a rear strike after the attack on the main base. At this, each team member grabbed their personal weapon and moved speedily toward their pre-determined spots.


    Zooom~ Zooom~ Zooom~


    The several hundred vehicles of the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division moved past the forest where the 11th Squadron¡¯s first team was waiting to ambush them. A momentter, the sound of an explosion that seemed like it would tear the heavens rang out, along with a gigantic column of me, from the ce where the squadron¡¯s base was lying in wait.


    Craaash~ Craaash~


    The MK-P11* (Activated Charcoal sma) mines that were set up on either side of the 204th Road exploded in an instant, and the Type-97 IFV and carrier vehicles that stretched for kilometers along the road were perforated by the iron balls that flew towards them from either side. These caused chain explosions inside the vehicles, the rising fire of which brightly lit up the dark road.


    * MK-P11 (Activated Charcoal sma): The advanced form of the M18A1 antipersonnel (ymore) mine, was developed more for anti-tank than anti-personnel use, and was a mine that could easily prate the defensive capabilities of light tanks and anything below that grade.


    Phew phew phew phew phew phew~


    Surprised at this sudden attack, the Type-97 IFVs could not immediately respond, and while they were so flustered,ser beams burst out of the guns of almost 60 members of the 11th Squadron of the special forces, whose main weapon was the CS3 Later Mini Machine Gun.


    The first team, which was the ambush team, now initiated an assault on the rear carrier vehicles.


    Phew phew~ Phew phew~ Phew phew~


    Craaash~ Craaash~ Craaash~


    The beams hit the bombs those vehicles were carrying dead on, causing an enormous explosion, and soon continuous explosions and mespletely covered the road.


    ¨C This is the Nest! Each team is now to quickly leave by their pre-determined withdrawal route.


    The 11th Squadron¡¯s original mission was to dy the travel of the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division. In response, the leader of the squadron, Major Kang Hyeok, considered their assignmentpleted and gave his orders through themunicationswork.


    Once the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division had just barely collected themselves, the 105 mm gun turrets on the Maneuver Combat Vehicles turned and fired their main armaments at the area where theser beams had attacked them from just a moment ago.


    Craash~ Craash~ Craash~


    The inside of the forest was transformed into a stage of a magnificent fireworks show. Columns of earth flew up here and there, and trees bothrge and small fell feebly. However, this was all after the 11th Squadron escaped on their previously designated withdrawal routes like the ebb of the tide.


    Of the nearly 220 Type-97 IFVs, 75 (about one-third of them) had been swept up in the crimson fire of the MK-P11 mine attack and had degenerated into junk, while 23 carrier vehicles that had followed in the rear had also blown up and disappeared without a trace due to the continuous explosion of their shells, with only a part of their debris strewn messily on top of the road.


    ¡°Damn fools! Corean bastards...¡±


    The head of the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division, Major General Nakashima Tetsuya, came out from the lead tank and roared as he looked at the horrifying scene of his own army¡¯s forces that had been burned. However, the real unhappiness of this unit led by Major General Nakashima was about to begin. High in the sky, 5 kilometers from the battlefront, several lights blinked and then flew towards them at an incredible speed. They were the eight CB-30P Phoenix ground assault fighters and four CF/A-25P ck Phoenix bomber nes that had departed from the Kimhae 23rd Fighter Wing to assist thending assault group.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Major General Nakashima gave an order over his division¡¯smunications to switch to antiaircraft defense. But the air forces from Corea took full advantage of the fact that the Self-Defense Forces had neglected air defense due to the surprise attack of their special forces, and their air-to-surface attack left no time for Japan¡¯s forces to switch.


    Craash~ Booom~ Booom~


    The 60 millimeter Activated Charcoal sma rockets attached on both wings of the Phoenix ground assault fighters burst out consecutively. As the road was totally blocked by burning tanks due to the prior attack by the special forces, the 8th Mechanized Infantry division¡¯s tanks and carrier vehicles were confronted by a situation where they were unable to even go forward or backward, and so they ended up taking the attack of oing missiles and rocket bombs full on.


    Pheeew~ Pheew~


    Booooom~ Booooom~


    Craash~ Craaash!


    All of the air-to-surface missiles, 60-millimeter Activated Charcoal sma rockets, and 22-millimeterser Vulcan beams ceaselessly and ruthlessly struck over the entirety of the long road. The Javelin gunners of the fraction of Self-Defense Forces troops who had gotten out of their tanks were unable to fire sessfully, as if due to the intense terror that came upon them. As a result, they were unable to shoot even one ne down, and in fact ended up taking the full st of the rockets and having their bodies torn apart, dying instantly.


    The spectacle of violence that urred on that road ended only after the Phoenix fighters and ck Phoenix bombers had dropped every single weapon they had prepared. After theypleted their mission and left the 204th Road, the smell of gunpowder was heavy in the air, and dark red mes were pouring out of the tanks andbat vehicles, brightly lighting up the area. The corpses of Self-Defense Force troops who had burned to death were sprawled around the area.


    At that moment, C-24-N amphibious assault vehicles entered the waters off of Neshiko with the protection of WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters, and once they arrived, the marines of the Second Marine Division disembarked and seized the area around the coast.


    * * *


    February 11, 2021 06:00


    The waters 15 kilometers off of the northeastern edge of Hamada, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (53rd Landing Group)


    One hour after thending operation had begun, the marines that had received the protection of the WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters and disembarked from their K-24P-N amphibious assault vehicles on the coast of the northeastern edge of Hamada had upied up to 2 kilometers from the frontline, and even the LST tanknding ship that had departed with the 53rd Landing Group had arrived on the beach, and the main battle tank of the 3rd Marine Division, the C-3 White Tiger, made an appearance and shot out even stronger firepower throughout the entire area.


    Dundundundundundun~


    Then, KUH-M50 Super Surion mobile helicopters were boarded by the marines and flew through the sky to the southwest to take control of the Port of Hamada.


    The entire area of the beach was not exactly a fitting ce for the huge carrier ships and civilian vessels that hade along with the 53rd Landing Group to anchor. As such, the Naval Command Center of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had nned to use the special forces and mobile helicopters that had already infiltrated the territory to take over Hamada¡¯s port and then use a crane to unload the various tanks and other vehicles that were carried by the carrier ships and civilian vessels.


    An hourter, as the sun was gradually beginning to grow brighter at the northern edge of Hamada¡¯s beach, a part of the C-3 White Tiger tanks that belonged to the First Marine Mobile Division that had left their ships each let out their full engine sound and moved toward the upper section of the beach, and in the water, C-24P-N amphibious assault ships moved along the coast with the carrier ships, carrying the four Airborne Divisions. On one spot of the beach, thousands of special forces troops that had left their ships were standing in full uniform in neat rows.


    Meanwhile, at the center of the beach, all the leaders who were participating in thisnding operation had met at the temporary barracks that had been provided and held a simple discussion about their next operation.


    Themander-in-chief of the expeditionary force in Japan for this operation and Commander of the Marines, Brigadier General Lee Hoon-sang, looked at his chief of staff and tossed out a question. Then, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Lieutenant General Yoon Hong-gyu, who hade along with themander, answered.


    ¡°How is the situation in Hamada?¡±


    ¡°Sir, currently we have smoothly taken the port with the special forces and marine troops from the mobile helicopter battalions, and we are now nning to begin to unload all war materials.¡±


    ¡°Tell them once again to be doubly sure not to let down their guard until the unloading isplete.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand, Mr. Commander sir.¡±


    ¡°What about the activity of the Army Self-Defense Force?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, currently, the base of the 13th Mechanized Infantry Brigade stationed at Aki in Hiroshima Prefecture has begun to mobilize, and are now moving north on Hiroshima¡¯s 433rd Road. As for their subordinate forces, it has just been confirmed to us that reconnaissance satellites have detected the 8th Tank Regiment stationed in Yonago, which is now moving rapidly westward, sir.¡±


    ¡°Their distance and ETA?¡±


    ¡°The 13th Mechanized Infantry Brigade base is a straight distance of 65 kilometers away, and 128 kilometers by road travel. It appears they will arrive at thebat area in around three hours. The 8th Tank Regiment is a straight distance of 71 kilometers away, and 83 kilometers traveling by road. They will arrive at the battlespace in at least two hours.¡±


    ¡°Two hours and three hours then, would we have any problems getting all our Airborne Division troops off of their ships in three hours?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, that is sufficient. It would be possible for them all to disembark in two hours, sir.¡±


    ¡°Excellent! Then have the Third Marine Division¡¯s search tank battalion leave first to face the 8th Tank Regiment. Then I want the leaders of the Airborne Divisions to move quickly to their previously determined locations as soon as the disembarking process isplete,¡± Brigadier General Lee Hoon-sang looked at the four leaders of the Airborne Divisions as he said this.


    ¡°I understand, Mr. Commander.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir. We will move quickly.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, Mr. Commander.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Comrade Commander, sir.¡±


    Two of the four Airborne divisions participating in this uing operationposed of soldiers who came out of the former North Korean Special Forces Corps, and were veteran North Korean generals.


    ¡°Minister Yoon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Commander.¡±


    ¡°Has the report been sent up about thending operation on the coast of Neshiko?¡±


    ¡°I will tell you the content of the report that came in 10 minutes ago, sir. Thending by the forces of the Second Marine Division and the Sixth Marine Brigade have beenpleted, and they are now in the midst of removing all the equipment. Also, the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Division has taken a significant blow from the surprise attack of the 11th Squadron of the First Airborne Special Forces Brigade, as well as a bombardment by ground attack fighters nes.¡±


    ¡°This is a good indication right from the start! Right! Well then, let¡¯s all finish thisnding operation from each of our locations.¡±

 Chapter 221

    <h4>Chapter 221</h4>


    February 11th, 2021, 06:30


    Japan, Honshu, Shimane prefecture, Hamada Port (the 53 amphibious fleet¡¯s location)


    The CLTV (Corean Light Tactical Vehicles), deployed to the field in 2018, began to pour out from therge civilian ships docked at Hamada Port. The C-160 hummers seated six and had 2500 horsepower. It was equipped with an 8mmser mini Vulcan and two-barrelled 40mmunch tubes for the GTGAS-40 ck Dragon missiles at its side.


    Also, the vehicle was designed with the safety of those on board as the highest priority and was coated with the liquid metal alloy and hydronium alloy. The engine room¡¯s bo and the rear rivaled that of a 500mm light armored vehicle.


    From the other ships docked in port, C-3 White Tiger tanks and different types of armored vehicles considered to be the 3rd mobile marine division¡¯s main force, were being unloaded by a freight crane. A few momentster, the field at the port was filled with tanks, armored vehicles, and heavy equipment.


    The 2000 C-160 light armored hummers that headed out from Hamada Port moved through downtown Hamada and arrived at the Northeastern beach. The hummers took the paratrooper special forces and began to spread out to their target locations at high speed.


    The mission assigned to the paratroopers were to join forces with the other special forces that had alreadynded, and retrieve the stolen historical artifacts, and destroy the corporations that were involved in war crimes.


    ¡°The forces from the special forcesmand have begun to move,mander.¡±


    Brigadier General Youn Hong-gyu, who had just finished checking up on the progress of the mission, walked into the barracks and reported to Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang, themander of the expeditionary force.


    ¡°What about the armored ranger battalion?¡±


    ¡°They left 30 minutes ago, sir.¡±


    ¡°Seems like things are going as scheduled, then.¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang nced at his watch, then spoke while ncing at therge screen installed at the barracks.


    ¡°What about the 3rd division?¡±


    The 11th armored brigade is moving along the 186th road to engage in battle against the 13th mechanized brigade under Japan¡¯s army, sir.¡±


    Major General Jo Gyu-hong, themander of the 3rd mobile marine division, pointed to a road on therge screen and reported to themander.


    ¡°Unlike China, Japan¡¯sndscape is full of mountains, so I suppose we cannot use our armored forces to their full potential.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is correct, sir. However, only an armored division would be capable and fit for striking the heart of Tokyo.¡±


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re right! The fate of this war is in your hands. Please do your best without overdoing it.¡±


    ¡°Our division was a bit disappointed by our own performance during the war against China, sir. We will do our best to end the war as quickly as possible,mander.¡±


    ¡°My, my, you were disappointed? I didn¡¯t know, ha ha ha.¡±


    Brigadier General Youn Hong-gyu, the operations director, began to report in on thetest intel.


    ¡°Commander! The 2nd escorting fleet¡¯s forces hiding at southern Kyushu have been detected moving north. The 72nd maritime floti reports that they will respond.¡±


    ¡°I suppose the Japanese navy wants to lose what¡¯s left of their destroyers! Tell them to give all the Japs a funeral at sea.¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang, who was a war veteran, spoke without hesitation.


    ¡°Yes, understood,mander.¡±


    The remaining forces of the Japanese navy were the 2nd escorting fleet, and the 14th escorting fleet (Maizuru local forces), the 15th escorting fleet (Oninato local forces), the 11th escorting fleet (Okosu local forces), and the Zumwalt destroyer fleet with one destroyer vessel remaining. Compared to the size of the naval forces from before the war, only one fifth remained.


    * * *


    February 11th, 2021, 06:30


    km southwest of Sasebo, Kyushu, Nagasaki prefecture (the 72nd maritime floti¡¯s location)


    The two remaining Hoc destroyers, excluding the Yeong-jo (DDG-1006) that had been hit by the enemy missile, began to prepare for battle against the 2nd escorting fleet¡¯s four ships, and the Isoyuki (DD-127) that was the only surviving vessel under the Sasebo local forces.


    ¡°Enemy vessels detected! They have entered into the range of our Haesung A ship-to-ship missiles¡¯ range of 223km. There are five vessels in total: the 2nd escorting fleet¡¯s Kurmama, an Atago ss destroyer the Ashikara, Terruzuki, Amagiri, and the Isoyuki under the Sasebo local forces.¡±


    A detailed report from the battle station of the Sukjong (DDG-1005) came in. Colonel Kim Ki-young, themander of the 72nd maritime floti, and captain of the Sukjong (DDG-1005) checked the captain¡¯s monitor and began to think.


    The captain was considering whether to attack the enemy with the Haesung missiles when they are 180km away from their location, or attack the enemy now. The reason was, if they had to face off against the American navy at the south of Jeju Ind after, then there would be not enough time to reload their munitions. Therefore, the captain had to save every round of hypersonic ship-to-ship missile as possible.


    ¡°First mate.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s try to save as many of our Haesung A missiles as possible! When the enemy enters the range of our missiles, then we engage in battle. Ry the order to the Jeongjo as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    ¡°All vessels move to battle formation!¡±


    ¡°Transitioning into battle formations, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Oh Dong-hyun, the first mate, ryed the battle formations order to the crew of the vessel and also to the Jeongjo (DDG-1007).


    ¡°Arms man! This is the bridge. Check for enemy nes.¡±


    ¡°No enemy nes are being detected within our 500km radius, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about submarines?¡±


    ¡°No enemy submarines are being detected within our 100km radius also, sir. A few civilian ships are being detected at sea.¡±


    ¡°Are they near the battlefield?¡±


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then, that¡¯s set! Keep an eye out for enemy nes and submarines.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    Captain Kim Ki-young, gave an order to the helmsman after speaking to the arms man.


    ¡°Helmsman! Set azimuth to 1-8-5 and half turn starboard. We sail while maintaining our current speed.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth at 1-8-5 and half turn starboard! Sailing at 15 knots, sir.¡±


    The Sukjong (DDG-1005) and the Jeongjo (DDG-1007) all tilted to the starboard side and glided across the ocean.


    * * *


    February 11th, 2021, 07:00


    A field next to the 112 road at Gotsu, Shinema prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Dozens of dirt pirs rose from the rtively small fields unfit for an armored battle. From those pirs, dozens of tanks emerged and began to move across the battlefield to face their enemy.


    Boom! Bang! Boom!


    The 3rd mobile marine division¡¯s armored ranger battalion was known to rival the power of the 7th mobile corp¡¯s 20th armored division. The ranger battalion was under the 13th mechanized brigade¡¯s subordinate force and they had just begun the battle against Japan¡¯s 8th armored regiment.


    The 8th tank regiment had been reformed from the 8th infantry regiment in 2018. They were equipped with Type 10 MBT tanks to be an armored regiment. These tanks were built lighter than the previous type 90 tanks and were equipped with domestically developed cannons. Japan had also developed a new 120mm round to increase its offensive capabilities. Not only that, the Japanese tanks were equipped with automatic reloading equipment and the C4I system that was considered as a keyponent for modern warfare.


    However, the military field only gave negative reviews to Japan¡¯stest type 10 tanks that cost 10 million dors per unit. First, the domestically developed cannon and new metal rounds could only pierce 550mm steel. Its firepower could barely pierce the armored ting of the C-160 hummers that were taking the Corean special forces across Japan.


    The American M829A3 tank¡¯s silver bullet APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) rounds had a piercing capability of 900mm. Corea¡¯s CC-279 (44 caliber) rounds could pierce 750mm of armored ting, while the C-279 could reach 850mm. Even Corea¡¯s 105mm cannon¡¯s C-274N rounds could pierce through 600mm of armored ting and had more firepowerpared to Japan¡¯s 120mm rounds. Thus, the type 10 tanks became obsolete even whenpared to the C-1 (type 88 tanks) tanks that had be reserve equipment for the Japanese army.


    There was another problem with the type 10 tanks that were considered the worst in its offensive capabilities. These tanks had been fitted with a lighter armored ting and lost its defensive capabilities in the process as well.


    The tanks were equipped with an alloy ting only at its front, while the sides were fitted with rolled steel tes only. However, the Japanese praised its defensive capabilities of being able to defend against its own cannon rounds. This resulted in testing the tanks with a cannon that could only pierce armored ting up to 550mm. Even if the front ting was sturdy, the side tes were so weak that it could be pierced by 30mm guns.


    Lastly, the type 10 tanks were not equipped with an air conditioning system nor a system to defend against NBC (nuclear biological chemical) attacks. Therefore, the crew had no choice but to equip their protective gear before engaging in battle in contaminated areas.


    The crew of the type 10 tanks had a possibility of dying from heat exhaustion andck of oxygen in the tank if they wore protective gear, instead of getting killed by the enemy¡¯s cannon rounds.


    Japan¡¯s type 10 tanks that had been under constant criticism from across the world, faced off against Corea¡¯stest C-3 White Tiger tanks and demonstrated all of their ws in battle.


    Pew~ Boom~


    The tanks from both sides have reached 1km away from each other when the C-3 White Tiger tanks¡¯ 100mm photon cannons struck the turret of the type 10 tanks approaching them at high speeds. The funny thing was, the photon round pierced through the turret and caused another turret of the type 10 tank to explode. It was as if they had killed two birds with one stone. A single photon round had turned two type 10 tanks into scrap metal.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, did you see that?¡±


    First Sergeant Kang Kyung-hyun, the tankmander of tank 772 under the 7thpany of the armored ranger battalion, was shocked by the unbelievable scene and began tough despite being in battle.


    ¡°These truly are the worst tanks of the 21st century and live up to their reputation, sir.¡±


    Staff Sergeant Lee Ho-jun, the arms man of the 722 tank, also responded whileughing at the scene.


    ¡°Sergeant Lee! You take the lead and take out the set targets.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. You set the targets and I¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡±


    ¡°All right! Corporal Kim, step on it. Turn to our 11 o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 722 tanks took out the enemy type 10 tanksing towards them in order and began to charge forward. When the distance closed to 500m, the 722 tanks were hit by the enemy¡¯s cannon rounds, but they were unable to pierce its ting and ricocheted into the fields.


    After the sounds of engines, cannons, and explosions rang across the area for 10 minutes, the 112 road at Gotsu was full of smoke and smell of gunpowder. Numerous destroyed type 10 tanks were littered across the field. Some of the tanks were destroyed and only had parts of its frame intact.

 Chapter 222

    <h4>Chapter 222</h4>


    February 11th, 2021, 07:30


    km southwest from Sasebo, Honshu, Nagasaki prefecture, Japan (the 72nd maritime floti¡¯s location)


    -Captain! The enemy¡¯s Teruzuki ship is now 179km away from our location and in range of our Haesung missile.


    A report came into the battle station of the Sukjong (DDG-1005) under the 72nd maritime floti while it headed south.


    -Allmands for battle are now authorized by the operations directors of each vessel. Try to conserve our weaponry as much as possible.


    -Yes,mander. We will engage in battle.


    A few seconds have passed since the operations director spoke over themunication line when the 48 cell C-VLS-IIunchpad began to shoot the subsonic Haesung SSM-700K missile. They shot across the sky and flew south while making a white trail of smoke.


    The 15 rounds of the Haesung ship-to-ship missiles reached their maximum altitude and then began to drop. When they were about 5m above the ocean surface, they transitioned into the Sea-Skimming flight method, then began to move towards the 2nd escorting fleet¡¯s vessels.


    ¡°The Jeongjo reports that they will begin tounch the Haesung A missiles while we are on the move, sir.¡±


    First Mate Oh Dong-hyun reported the message from the Jeongjo to the captain.


    ¡°They are?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! They onlyunched five rounds of the Haesung missiles.¡±


    ¡°All right. Tell them to make their own judgment and fire the missiles.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! I will ry the order.¡±


    Captain Kim Ki-ryung nced at his captain¡¯s monitor. About 20 blue dots were moving southwards at a fast pace. Soon, ten Haesung A missiles flew off from the Jeongjo (DDG-1007).


    ¡°The Jeongjo hasunched 10 additional rounds of the Haesung A missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°Has our vessel been detected by the enemy radars?¡±


    ¡°Based on our distance between them, it would be difficult, sir.¡±


    ¡°Of course! They don¡¯t even have any early warning nes, and I am sure it would be a difficult feat to detect our vessel with just the Aegis radar.¡±


    While Captain Kim Ki-ryung and First Mate Oh Dong-hyun were having a conversation, the Haesung A missiles that were four times faster than the normal Haesung missiles began to catch up to them by flying at Mach 3.5. Meanwhile, the Ashikara (DDG-178) Aegis destroyer from the 2nd escorting fleet began tounch SM-2 anti-air missiles to intercept them.


    Woosh~ Woosh~


    The SM-2 anti-air interception missiles began to fly towards the Haesung missiles gliding across the ocean surface and crashed into them.


    Boom~ Bang~ Booooom~


    shes of light appeared across the ocean¡¯s twilight sky from the explosion.


    -14 Haesung missiles were struck down by the 1st interception of the enemy, and the remaining six and the 10 Haesung A are still flying towards the target, sir.


    The battle station reported to the bridge in real-time about the status of the battle.


    -The enemy vessel is making their 2nd interception attempt.


    -Two F-35B jets have taken off from the Kurama. They are at an altitude of 4000 and flying at Mach 1.2.


    When the 2nd escorting fleet could not detect the location of the Corean vessels with their Aegis radars, they deployed the F-35B II Lightning jets from the Kurama (DDH-144). Since they were able to detect the approximate location of the enemy when theyunched the Haesung A missiles, the F-35BII would act as an early warning ne to find the enemy¡¯s exact location. The 2nd escorting fleet was making do with what they had, and it was an appropriate response.


    Also, the 2nd escorting fleet must have celebrated the fact they were able to intercept 14 rounds of the Haesung missiles by using 20 of their SM-2 missiles, However, their second attempt would not be as easy. The subsonic ship-to-ship Haesung A missiles were flying at a speed of Mach 3.5 and had already caught up to the Haesung missiles that wereunched before them.


    -Eighty-five seconds before the Haesung A missiles reach the enemy vessels! The Haesung missiles are 275 seconds away.


    -The enemy vessels haveunched 20 rounds of anti-air missiles for their second interception attempt.


    -The F-35BII Lightning jets are 132km away from our position and 319 seconds before contact!


    The destroyers of the 2nd escorting fleet eachunched five rounds of SM-2 missiles after finishing their first interception attempt. The 20 rounds of SM-2 missiles all flew in an arc and split the clouds to allow the morning sun to shine through.


    -20 rounds of interception missiles have beenunched. The leading Haesung A missile is now 23 seconds from impact.


    -12 seconds from impact, 11...


    Boom! Boom!


    From the captain¡¯s monitor, the blue dots representing the ship-to-ship missiles began to disappear. They had been intercepted by the 2nd escorting fleet¡¯s SM-2 anti-air missiles.


    -All six remaining Haesung missiles have been intercepted by the 2nd interception attempt! Only three of the Haesung A missiles have been intercepted, and the remaining seven are still flying towards their targets! 32 seconds before impact!


    Instead of fighting a slugfest, the 72nd maritime floti was a bit more rxedpared to the 2nd escorting fleet since they were able to fight while using their stealth capabilities. First mate Lieutenant Colonel Oh Dong-hyun smiled slightly from the recent report and spoke.


    ¡°It seems like it is difficult to intercept our Haesung A missiles with the SM-2s captain.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but three were still intercepted, were they not?¡±


    Unlike his first mate, Colonel Kim Ki-young did not seem to be pleased by the report of three Haesung A missiles being intercepted and answered his first mate.


    -Enemy destroyers are transitioning to their CIWS, sir!


    Most of the Japanese destroyerscked the RIM-116 short-range missiles interception system being operated by Corea. They only had two MK-15 20mm Phnx guns.


    Woosh~ Wooosh~


    The Haesung A missiles popped up to rise from the ocean surface and raised its altitude since it was nearing its target. Meanwhile, the 2nd escorting fleet¡¯s three destroyers and an escorting ship began to operate their CIWS phnx guns.


    The search radar nested within a white tubing mount began to detect the Haesung A missiles flying towards the vessel in the pop-up formation, and the six-barreled guns began to fire 4500 rounds per minute when the interception targets were in range.


    Nine streams of 20mm rounds began to fly towards the ship-to-ship missiles. Finally, one of the Haesung A missiles was intercepted and exploded in the air. Then, another explosion urred.


    Two rounds of the Haesung A missiles were intercepted by the of fire by the phnx guns, but the rest of them were not intercepted. The Teruzuki (DD-116) Aegis destroyer that was on the lead was hit, and two explosions urred simultaneously.


    The Haesung A missiles had reached a certain altitude by using its pop-up maneuver and crashed into the bridge and tail of the Teruzuki (DD-116). The destroyer with a 7000-ton load-discement had split in two while spraying mes everywhere and began to sink into the sea.


    Boom~ Bang~


    Woosh~


    The waves from the explosion engulfed the Teruzuki (DD-116) and tore the keel as well. Meanwhile, the Kurama (DDH-144) chopper carrier of the 2nd escorting fleet, was hit by the Haesung A missile on its rear. With the powerful shockwave, the missile pierced through the deck and exploded from the ship¡¯s interior, separating the tail of the ship from its body.


    Boom~


    -Two rounds of the Haesung missiles have hit the Teruzuki! The vessel seems to be sinking, sir.


    With a great explosion, the head of the Kurama (DD-114) rose into the sky while the tail of the ship began to slide into the ocean. The crew of the Kurama who survived the explosion all jumped into the sea to save themselves.


    While two destroyers were being sucked up into the ocean, the 13th escorting fleet¡¯s Isoyuki (DD-127) was also hit by two rounds of the Haesung A missiles and split into pieces.


    The Atago ss Asikara (DDG-178) destroyer could only stand and watch the brutal scene of their fellow destroyers disappearing into the ocean from the explosions.


    One of the two F-35 Lightning jets that could only watch the death of their fellow men from the Kurama (DDH-144), who could not even retaliate, reported in some good news.


    One of the F-35 Lightning II jets had closed its distance to the 72nd maritime floti to 80km, and been struck down by the Haegung missile. However, one of the jets survived and sent in the location of the Sukjong (DDG-1005) and Jeongjo (DDG-1007).


    Captain Otohimeo of the Asakara (DDG-178) who had been gritting his teeth in anger, gave the order tounch all 16 rounds of the type-90 ship-to-ship missiles. Then, the Amakiri (DD-154) alsounched eight rounds of its type-90 missiles.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    Twenty-four rounds of the type-90 ship-to-ship missiles that boasted a range of 200km and speed of Mach 0.95 flew from theunchpads and headed towards the Sukjong (DDG-1005) and Jeongjo (DDG-1007).


    -We failed in striking down one of the enemy nes! We are making another interception attempt.


    -The Asakara and Amakiri have eachunched 16 and 8 rounds of ship-to-ship missiles. There are 24 rounds of missiles in total, and 12 rounds are headed for our vessel and the Jeongjo. The leading missile will reach us in 514 seconds.


    The Sukjong¡¯s (DDG-1005) 68 cell C-VLS-IIIunch pad fired a round of the Haegung ship-to-air missile. The Jeongjo (DDG-1007) followed suit, and the two missiles began to fly across the sky.


    -The two Haegung missiles have been sessfullyunched! 42 seconds from impact!


    -We are now entering the interception of the ship-to-ship missiles. Allotting the targets for the Jeongjo now.


    -Wait!


    Colonel Kim Ki-young, who had been listening to the reports about the battle, suddenly gave the order to halt.


    -Is it really necessary to waste our anti-air missiles on them? If we take out that F-35B jet, then the ship-to-ship missiles that the Asikaraunched will be useless. If we do fail in taking down the F-35 jet, then we can respond with our anti-air missiles to intercept the ones fired by the enemy.


    The type-90 ship-to-ship missiles flying towards the 72nd maritime floti¡¯s Hoc destroyer were flying towards their target by radar-guidance from the F-35B Lightning II jet¡¯s location intel. However, if the missiles were to lose the source of their radar-guidance, then they would all lose their target and crash into the ocean or self-destruct.


    -Yes, captain.


    -Also,unch 2 additional rounds of Haesung A missiles towards the Asikara and Amakiri.


    -Allotting targets andunching now, captain.


    The Haesung A missiles flew out from the 48 cell C-VLS-II verticalunch pads of the Sukjong (DDG-1005) and the Jeongjo (DDG-1007). The missiles flew south while raising their speed at Mach 3.5.


    -Twelve seconds before intercepting the enemy jet!


    The Haegung ship-to-air missiles wereunched by each vessel and charged towards the F-35B Lightning II jet flying at an altitude of 10km and flying at Mach 6. However, the F-35B lighting II jet¡¯s pilot was a 12-year veteran of the Japanese air force. Also, since he had just survived with his evasive maneuver, he actively engaged in it again.


    Pew pew pew pew ~ Woosh~


    The jet sprayed chaffs and red across the sky and began to turn sharply to the left. Then, he turned his jet¡¯s body to the ocean floor and dropped his altitude rapidly. The first Haegung missile targeting the F-35B Lightning II jet skated past the wing of the jet. The pilot of the jet clenched his fist while looking at the Haegung missile flying across the sky from his canopy.


    Wooooooosh~


    However, the second Haegung missile closed into the lower part of the F-35B jet¡¯s left wing. The pilot pulled on his control lever in surprise, but he was unable to fully evade the attack. The Haegung missile skidded past the jet¡¯s left wing and caused it to tear off. Luckily, an explosion did not ur, but since a whole wing was torn off, the jet began to spin in circles and crash into the sea.


    Woosh~ Wooosh~ Crash~


    Booooooooooom~

 Chapter 223

    <h4>Chapter 223</h4>


    -The F-35B Lightning II has been hit on the wing by the Haegung missile! It¡¯s not a direct hit, but it is crashing.


    -What about the enemy¡¯s ship-to-ship missile?


    -All 22 rounds are flying towards us still. They are 322 seconds away from impact!


    The F-35B Lightning II had lost its bnce and was crashing down, but it still sent out its radar information to the Asakiri (DDG-178). The pilot tried to ovee the gravitational pull by manipting the lever and dy the crash as long as possible.


    However, before the Type 90 anti-ship missile could reach their targets, the F-35B Lightning II had crashed into the sea.


    Woosh~ Boom!


    The 22 rounds of anti-ship missiles either crashed into the ocean or self-destructed while 42km from their targets.


    -All 22 rounds of the type-90 anti-ship missiles have self-destructed or crashed into the ocean! Every threat to our vessel has been neutralized!


    Colonel Kim Gi-young checked the captain¡¯s monitor. The 22 red dots speeding towards his vessel had vanished.


    -The Haesung A missiles are 62 seconds away from impact!


    The Asakiri (DDG-178) and the Amakiri have exhausted their missile supplies, and all they could do now wasunch their SM-2 anti-air interception missiles to defend themselves against the Haesung A missiles.


    The Asakiri (DDG-178) and Amakiri (DD-154) hadunched 12 rounds of SM-2 missiles in total to strike down the four Haesung A missiles. They both turned left and began to speed away. Since the F-35B Lightning II jet that had been their eyes was now gone, any further engagement would lead to their demise. Therefore, the vessels began to retreat.


    However, the Haesung A missiles did not allow it. The missiles made it past the 1st and 2nd interception attempts, and finally the CIWS interception fire before striking the center of the Asakiri and the tail of the Amakiri.


    The Asakiri (DDG-178) Aegis destroyer was hit at its verticalunchpad and it caused repeated explosions to ur which shook the entire vessel. The ship with a 10,000-ton load discement was annihted and began to sink slowly into the ocean. A few of the crewmen had survived and were gasping for air on the surface.


    Arge hole was torn on the port side of the Amakiri which caused an enormous amount of seawater to rush into the ship. The ship leaned by 80 degrees and the crew began to jump into the sea left and right. However, the cold ocean waters had caused hypothermia in the men and all of them soon sumbed.


    -Asakiri and the Amakiri had both been sunk by the Haesung A missiles.


    The final report from the battle station came in. Colonel Kim Ki-young finally let go of his anxiety and gave an order to his first mate after plopping down on the captain¡¯s chair.


    ¡°Tell the fleet to break battle formations.¡±


    ¡°The fleet will now break battle formations, sir.¡±


    ¡°Helmsman! Set the azimuth to 2-7-5, and full turn starboard! We sail at 20 knots.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth to 2-7-5, and full turn starboard! Sailing at 20 knots.¡±


    Excluding the regional reserve forces, the 72nd maritime floti had wiped out the rest of the 2nd escorting fleet. The Corean ships all sailed at fast speeds to prepare for the battle against the American navy.


    * * *


    February 11th, 2021, 15:30


    Honshu, Japan, Osaka prefecture, the Chuo History Museum.


    Osaka was thergest city in Western Japan. The city holds a poption of 3.15 million by 1965. The expansion of business, exporting of factories, and increased industrialization of the city had made the poption grow to 3.8 million by today.


    Numerous soldiers wearing the emblem of the special forces on their uniforms suddenly appeared at Osaka city, one of the threergest cities in the nation. The shocked citizens began to scream and flee while gunshots filled the air.


    These special forces men were from the 3rd paratrooper brigade that had infiltrated Osaka on the morning of the 10th. There were 60 men in 5 teams of 12. They all swiftly moved towards the entrance of the Osaka History Museum.


    The museum was a 10-story building that outlined the entire history of Japan from the Naniwanomiya era all the way to the present. It housed historical artifacts that represented each period. However, the issue was some artifacts from Corea¡¯s history were also ced there disguised as Japanese.


    -Teams 1 and 2 are to guard the premises, while Teams 3 and 4 are to retrieve the stolen artifacts. Team 5 is to take out the guards.


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon moved with Team 1 and gave out orders to his men.


    The reports from the citizens had brought in the local police and the heavily armored SWAT teams. They began to surround the area and the Corean special forces.


    Vrooom~ Screeech~


    The road leading to the Osaka History Museum was littered with police vehicles. The SWAT teams got off from their armored vehicles and began to fire their guns at the museum¡¯s entrance.


    Bang bang bang bang~ bang bang bang bang~


    The bullets from the automatic weapons flew into the entrance, causing the ss to shatter. The iing bullets had left marks across the entire area.


    -Teams 1 and 2 are to neutralize the police that attempt to enter for the next hour.


    -Team 1, confirmed, over!


    -Team 2, confirmed, over!


    The barrage of bullets did not deter themander from giving out orders. Teams 1 and 2 attempted to repel the SWAT team from approaching the area by firing back. Team 5 used this opportunity to take the emergency stairway and subdue the guards, while Teams 3 and 4 began to check the list of artifacts they had to recover.


    Pew pew pew pew~


    Teams 1 and 2 had taken cover and gifted the SWAT teams withser beams from their personal firearms. A few of the men manipted a small mechanical object the size of a hand grenade and threw it outside.


    However, the mystery objects did not explode. Instead, four small legs popped out, and a red light began to flicker as if a sensor was working. The machines began to walk towards the SWAT team at fast speeds. They moved like living spiders.


    ck ck ck ck~ ck ck ck ck~


    Beep~ beep~ beep~


    The small machine was equipped with a biosignal sensor and used it to crawl towards the SWAT team. A momentter, they exploded and wiped out the entire area. The SWAT team¡¯s 3-ton armored vehicle shot up into the sky. The men also were engulfed in the mes and vanished without a trace.


    Boom~ Boom~ Boom~


    The explosion had caused chaos across the area. The police and SWAT teams who survived took cover. However, their luck was short-lived, for they were struck by theser beams from the special forces.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~


    Despite being outnumbered, Teams 1 and 2 were equipped with superior weapons, so they had an easy time defending the entrance of the museum. Team 5 that had went ahead to subdue the guards also had an easy time.


    Teams 3 and 4 moved along each floor of the museum and began to recover their ancestors¡¯ stolen cultural artifacts. First, they sprayed the fragile ones like vases. When the spray was applied, white foam began to cover the entire vase from top to bottom, and soon hardened.


    The spray that the special forces had just used was thetest development from the undergroundb which was specifically designed for the mission. After an object was covered with white foam, the object within would never be affected by the shocking from the outside, so it would be protected. However, the substance could only be melted down by using a special chemical form to reveal the contents it protected.


    tes, vases, ss items, and other fragile objects were sprayed to avoid causing any damages. The books and drawings were carefully ced in carrying cases.


    -Teams 3 and 4, what¡¯s your status on the recovery?


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon, who was fighting against the enemy from the first floor with Team 1, asked through themunication line.


    -Team 3, currently at 60% on floor 3. Over.


    -Team 4, currently at 55% on floor 5. Over.


    -Teams 3 and 4, try to cause minimal damage to the artifacts while you proceed. Over.


    -Team 3 confirmed! Over and out.


    -Team 4 confirmed! Over and out.


    As time passed, every police from the Osaka prefecture gathered around the museum and surrounded the area as if they wereying a siege. The Corean special forces now faced the problem of how they were going to make their escape.


    About an hour had passed since the special forces had infiltrated the museum. Teams 3 and 4, that were in charge of recovering the artifacts, came down to the lobby with Team 5 helping them carry the artifacts. Each person¡¯s arms were full.


    The leaders of Teams 3 and 4 came up to the major and reported personally.


    ¡°Sir! Team 3 haspleted recovering the artifacts.¡±


    ¡°Team 4 is finished as well, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great work!¡±


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon nced at his wristwatch and spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s 16:50! We leave the area at 17:00, 10 minutes from now. Everyone, use that time to retaliate with our weapons at the lobby.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Unlike the early moments, the Japanese police had stopped firing back. The Osaka police had given up on trying to enter the building. About 100 policemen from the 30 minutes of engagement had been injured or died.


    Therefore, the police had decided upon a new tactic to close off all roads leading outside the museum and surround the area in multipleyers. They also called for backup to the 3rd mechanized division. The 36th mechanized infantry regiment used their armored vehicles and began to rush to the scene.


    * * *


    February 11th, 2021, 16:50 (Russian Standard Time 10:50)


    A building in the suburb of Odintsovo. Russia


    The Odintsovo state was a major part of Moscow, Russia. It had a poption of 140,000. It was 24km west of Moscow. It was a small city that was also where the Russian branch of the NIS had a safe house. The agents had brought Yagumachi Genzo and his entourage they kidnapped to the safehouse before being brought back into the nation.


    Inside the rundown house at the center of Odintsovo, three men were tied down and gagged on chairs. It was Yagumachi Genzo and his two bodyguards.


    Two days ago, Yagumachi Genzo had been injected with an unknown serum, thus making him confess everything. The NIS agents had reported his confession to headquarters. Since the intel was such a major revtion, the NIS had decided to ensure Genzo¡¯s safety and have him brought back to Corea. Team leader Kim Jin-joong and his three subordinates were waiting here before returning to Corea.


    ¡°Sir! Could I apany you when we return to our country this time?¡± Chief Park Won-ho¡¯s face looked pitiful as he asked.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you already know, sir? It¡¯s my youngest daughter¡¯s first birthday next week. I haven¡¯t even seen her yet.¡±


    ¡°Has time passed that much already?¡±


    ¡°Already? Sir, it¡¯s been a year and a half since I came to Russia.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Why don¡¯t you take the new guy and those Japs back home instead of me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re serious, sir?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your daughter¡¯s first birthday. You need to be there.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, thanks, sir.¡±


    ¡°When the birthday party is over, take another week to spend time with your family. I will notify our manager.¡±


    ¡°A whole week? Thank you, sir!¡±

 Chapter 224

    <h4>Chapter 224</h4>


    February 11th, 2021, 17:50


    Osaka prefecture, Honshu, Japan, the Chuo History Museum


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon nced over to the window to see the Japanese SWAT team and policemen¡¯s movements. He checked his watch.


    It was past 17:00 hours, but reinforcements had not arrived. Captain Kim Yoo-sung, the leader of Team 1 moved from cover to cover to approach the major and spoke.


    ¡°Commander! Shouldn¡¯t we attempt to break through the enemy¡¯s defenses on our own? It¡¯s 17:10. If we wait any longer, the 36th mechanized infantry regiment under the Itami stationary force will arrive. Things could get more difficult.¡±


    ¡°We wait for 10 more minutes. If the reinforcements don¡¯t arrive by then, we break through enemy lines and escape.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it will be possible? This really is awkward for us.¡±


    Bang!


    A gunshot rang across the area. Captain Kim Yoo-hyun shook before copsing on the ground.


    ¡°Be careful! Snipers! Get down.¡±


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon, pulled Captain Kim Yoo-hyun to cover and shouted. Everyone was in a dazed state, hand had let their guard down, causing them to be targeted by snipers.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon, checked Captain Kim Yoo-hyun¡¯s state.


    ¡°I am... fine, sir.¡±


    Captain Kim Yoo-hyun touched his shoulder that was hit by the bullet and raised his upper body.


    ¡°They got me on the shoulder, sir.¡±


    The M-24 SWS anti-personnel sniper rifle used 7.62mm NATO rounds (M24A2). The bullet had hit Captain Kim square on the shoulder, but thanks to the defensive capabilities of the protective suit, the bullet did not reach the captain¡¯s body and ricocheted off.


    ¡°Had you been hit in the head, I shudder at the thought.¡±


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon stroked his forehead and sighed in relief. Captain Kim Yoo-hyun lowered his head since he felt apologetic. He picked up his beret and ced it back on his head.


    -Each team¡¯s sniper force is to check for enemy snipers and retaliate.


    When Major Gwak Hyun-joon¡¯s order came through the entiremunication line, each team¡¯s explosives and sniper specialists all pulled out their equipment. The snipers armed themselves with the CS14 anti-personnel sniperser rifle and set their scopes to the inverter mode. They carefully began to look for the enemy.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Pew~


    When the sniper from the special forces showed their heads from their covers, the Japanese snipers pulled their triggers.


    ¡°Man, we¡¯re trapped in here like rats, sir.¡±


    Captain Kim Yoo-hyun seemed to have forgotten the fact that he had just been hit by a sniper rifle and began to crack jokes. However, Major Gwak Hyun-joon must have felt worried about the safety of his men, so he ordered the men to use equipment that cost over thousands of dors.


    -Deploy the C-105 scanner rounds.


    -Yes, sir! Team 1 is deploying them now. The synchronization password is 20145-X1.


    Sergeant First ss Oh Dong-gyu, a specialist in sniping and explosives, notified everyone through themunication line and pulled out the C-105 scanner rounds from his right pouch. Then he threw the round outside the museum with all his might. The sniper rounds continued to fly towards Sergeant Oh Dong-gyu.


    Bang! Bang!


    The C-105 rounds flew off to the outer area of the museum. After falling on the floor, the rounds rolled around for a few seconds. Then, when it gained its bnce, a small explosion urred from the top of the scanner round. Something flew up into the sky.


    Boom~ Woosh~


    The Japanese policemen¡¯s lines were closing in on them. Since they thought that the object thrown by the Corean special forces was a grenade, they ran for cover. When they saw the object shoot up into the sky, they all froze and stared in awe.


    The small object that had risen to the sky by 50m had scanned the area with a bio scanning light that could not be seen by the naked eye. The object had scanned for any signs of life within a 2km radius. The scanned information was sent to the monitor of every X-C01 console equipped on every special force¡¯s left wrist.


    -Each team¡¯s snipers are to allot a target for each detected enemy sniper in a clockwise direction. Report back when the targets have been set.


    -Team 1 has set targets 1 and 2, over.


    -Team 2 has set targets 3 and 4, over.


    -Team 3 has set targets 5 and 6, over.


    -Team 4 has set targets 7 and 8, over.


    -Team 5 has set targets 9 and 10, over.


    -The remaining men are to fire first, then the snipers will take out the enemy snipers.


    When Major Gwak Hyun-joon gave the order, his men all emerged from their covers and began to fire theirser rifles. The enemy had begun to fire back with their firearms as well. The SWAT team¡¯s snipers on top of other buildings had also fired back as well.


    -Take out the snipers.


    The snipers had aimed their rifles at the enemy snipers and soon pulled the trigger when the major gave the order.


    Pew~ Pew~ Pew~


    The clear and vibrant sounds of theser beams filled the air. The beams had taken out the faces of the snipers that had been firing at the special forces¡¯ men. With a single attack, eight snipers from the SWAT teams were sent to the afterlife. A few of the snipers were hit twice and had their bodies and faces torn.


    -Team 1 has neutralized every target.


    -Team 2 has neutralized every target.


    -Team 3 has neutralized every target.


    -Team 4 has neutralized every target.


    -Team 5 has neutralized every target.


    -In 5 minutes, we leave the premises on our own. Team 5, secure our escape route, while Teams 1 and 2 will carry the artifacts while being escorted by Teams 3 and 4.


    When each of the team leaders answered, the sound of automatic weapons firing filled the museum¡¯s 1st-floor lobby. A barrage of bullets began to spray in the area.


    Bang bang bang bang bang~ bang bang bang bang bang~


    Bang bang bang bang bang~ bang bang bang bang bang~


    The lobby¡¯s ceiling, walls, and tables that the special forces were using as cover were torn apart by the bullets and sprayed shrapnel everywhere. The heavy engine noise of an armored vehicle shook the entire history museum.


    The 1stpany from the 36th mechanized infantry regiment had arrived with their LAV armored vehicle and began to spray 12.7mm rounds from the M-2 machine gun. The cavalry had arrived from the 3rd mechanized division under the central defensive force. Including themanding armored vehicle, 38 armored vehicles had surrounded the entire museum.


    -Sir! Breaking through head-on seems difficult.


    -We should buy as much time as we can before reinforcements arrive and then attempt to break through.


    The team leaders began to suggest their opinions through themunication line.


    -Each team, move into the lobby and focus on our defenses. Team 3 will move first.


    As the machine gun rounds flew around the entire area, the 1stpany¡¯s infantry aboard the light armored vehicles got off their vehicles and began to move into the history museum¡¯s interior.


    The special forces men who were in charge of heavy weaponry used their CS3ser mini machine guns to prevent them from approaching any further. Dozens of whiteser beams few towards the policemen and the soldiers.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~


    The SWAT teams who were approaching with bulletproof shields, all screamed in pain and fell. Theser beams had pierced through the shields, the bodies of the men holding them, and had even critically wounded the soldiers walking behind them.


    When the enemy was taken aback for a second, Teams 3 and 4 took the stairs leading to the second floor. The other teams also walked back bit by bit while firing at the enemy. However, the Japanese soldiers had begun to use their Type 01 anti-armored vehicle missiles andunched them at the museum¡¯s front entrance.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Boom~ Boooom


    Three rounds of the Type 01 anti-armored vehicle missiles had flown into the entrance and lobby. From the explosion, shrapnel and mes engulfed the entire area, and smoke filled the entire lobby. However, the Corean special forces had not sustained heavy damages. Their shield sses had allowed them to see through the thick smoke and set their eyes on the oing policemen and soldiers. From a different angle, the smoke rather helped them.


    Pew~ pew~ pew pew pew pew~


    From the smoke, dozens ofser beams began to fly out. The group of soldiers who had entered the lobby of the museum had all fallen. However, the retaliation of 500 or so SWAT team members and soldiers was noughing matter. The SWAT team had hidden behind a wall and threw shbangs at the lobby full of smoke.


    Bang~ boom~


    Multiple rounds of the shbangs had gone off inside the lobby. The SWAT team and the soldiers all charged in. However, the Corean special forces, whom they had thought to be blinded by the shbangs, were all urately firing their weapons at their allies. The men had fallen to the floor after being hit.


    Bang bang bang bang bang~ bang bang~


    Pew~ pew~ pew~ pew~


    The SWAT team and soldiers began to wildly fire their guns since they could not aim properly from the smoke. The tracer rounds flying around the area did make the scene seem oddly beautiful. The Corean special forces, who had been using their shield sses, were able to see clearly through the smoke and had hit every single target. The Japanese soldiers knew they were at a disadvantage and threw a dozen M-67 hand grenades.


    Boom~ Boom~


    The repeated explosions had rung across the entire lobby. A few of the special forces¡¯ men were hit by the shrapnel and fell. Despite being outnumbered and at a locational disadvantage, they picked up their fallenrades and continued to fire back.


    The current battle that the Corean special forces were fighting was not fit for them. The role of special forces¡¯ men was to take a transport ne at a time of war and infiltrate the heart of the enemy. Then they were to assassinate, blow up and take over key areas. Such traditional battles were not how they fought. However, since the distance between them and the Japanese soldiers were closing in, they had begun to fight like regr infantry.


    -Sir! Shouldn¡¯t we give up the 1st floor and face them on the second floor instead?


    Captain Shim Sang-won, the leader of Team 5, came on the radio.


    -Team 3 and 4 will move to the second floor first. Then, Teams 1 and 2 will move as well. When they are in a position to defend the routes leading to the second floor, Team 5 will head there as well. Teams 3 and 4 go!


    Teams 3 and 4, who had been carrying the numerous types of artifacts, all took the emergency stairs up to the second floor. When Teams 1 and 2 had moved up to the second floor, the Japanese SWAT teams and soldiered seeded in moving into the lobby. There were nowser beams and bullets flying towards each other at a close range.


    -Everyone is in position to hold off every route, sir.


    -Team 5 move to the second floor.


    -Team 5 confirmed.


    The remaining 12 special forces from Team 5 had been thest line of defense, and now they began to head towards the upper floor.


    That was when an ear-piercing explosion had caused some of the special forces men to go flying. The Japanese forces hadunched a Type 01 anti-armored vehicle round at them. The power of the explosion had caused the men to go flying and many sustained injuries.


    -Team 5, three men are down! Over.


    -Is it severe? Over.


    -Two are suffering from contusions and one has a broken arm.


    -Send the injured men to the rear.


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon bit his lower lip from the situation getting worse. One false move could lead to this ce being him and his men¡¯s grave. Suddenly, numerous explosions could be heard from outside.


    Boom! Bang! Booom! Boom!


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! Check outside.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon had ordered Sergeant Kim Un-soo, who had been keeping watch over the stairs. Sergeant Kim obeyed hismander¡¯s orders and carefully nced at the outside area of the building.


    ¡°It¡¯s our allies, sir.¡±


    Ten C-160 Hummers had moved towards the lobby of the history museum. The 8mmser mini Vulcan guns were sprayingser beams at the Japanese SWAT teams and soldiers. The Hummersunched 40mm ck Dragon missiles at the light armored vehicles.


    ¡°Allies? Are they from the 61st paratrooper special forces?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. They are C-160 Hummers and they have a red crow drawn on them.¡±


    ¡°Red crows? They finally arrived.¡±


    The 61st special forces had started from Honshu Hamada, and the 503rdpany had ridden out from their ten C-160 Hummers. They were to join the special forces here at 17:00 and leave the area on the hummers. However, since the history museum was at the center of Osaka, they were a bitte on their arrival, and now had entered into battle against the enemy.

 Chapter 225

    <h4>Chapter 225</h4>


    February 11, 2021, 17:30,


    Honshu, Japan, Osaka prefecture, the Chuo History Museum


    Booooom~


    The four roundunch pads equipped on top of the small tactical vehicleunched a ck Dragon missile. The projectile had hit the Japanese light armored vehicle and tore it into pieces. The 5m high tower of me rose up into the sky, and a tire flew toward a parked police vehicle.


    Woosh~ Booom~


    Then, an 8mmser mini Vulcan gun began to spray its rounds toward the parked vehicles at the outer parking lot and the eightne road. Every single armored vehicle and police vehicle blocking the path had been sprayed by theser beams.


    Pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew~


    The sudden attack had caused the police and soldiers to give up on trying to enter the museum and retreat to the rear. The two small tactical vehicles that had carved a path with their firepower parked themselves at the front of the building. Two armored transport vehicles had arrived as well and opened up their rear ramp. When things began to go as nned, the captain of the 503rdpany attempted to contact the 2nd local force from within.


    -This is the 503rdpany of the Red Crows! Flying Tiger toon, are you there?


    -This is the Flying Tiger 2nd toon! We hear you loud and clear.


    -This is the Red Crows! We have secured the entrance of the building. Over.


    -This is the Flying Tiger toon! We are heading out. Over.


    The eight small tactical vehicles had split in four directions and began to use their firepower to push back the police and the soldiers to the rear. Teams 1, 2, and 5 that had been pushed back to the second floor had begun to emerge, with teams 3 and 4 being escorted by them. The special forces had carried the numerous cultural artifacts and themselves into the ramp of the armored vehicle. They quickly began to load the luggage.


    -Team 3 haspleted hauling all of the artifacts, sir!


    -Team 4 is also finished, sir!


    When teams 3 and 4 had finished loading the artifacts, they started to guard themselves. The two team leaders reported to theirmander.


    -Teams 3 and 4 are to leave the premises based on their designated routes. See you in three days! Over!


    -Yes, sir! Team 3 is heading out.


    -Team 4 will see you in three days, sir!


    Teams 3 and 4 finished reporting on the radio and moved toward the prepped vehicles. A couple of firefights urred when they ran into the police or the Japanese army.


    -Teams 2 and 5 will begin to move now. Over!


    -Team 2 is heading out! Stay safe, sir!


    -Team 5 will move out, sir.


    The special forces moved swiftly away from where they had fought. Major Gwak Hyun-joon checked his men leaving the area and then carefully walked toward the 503rdpany¡¯s location.


    ¡°Hello. I am Major Gwak Hyun-joon of the 2nd toon.¡±


    When Major Gwak Hyun-joon put out his hand to shake themander¡¯s hand and introduce himself, a man who was at least a decade older than him shook his hand.


    ¡°Great to meet you. I am Major Kang Man-do, themander of the 503rdpany. I am sorry for beingte. The Osaka city roads were so packed that we werete.¡±


    Major Kang Man-do, who had been serving under the 8th special force¡¯s sniper brigade for 20 years, spoke apologetically.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. I am grateful that you have made it.¡±


    ¡°Now! Leave the rest to us, and get moving.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    Major Gwak Hyun-joon saluted and then moved with team 1.


    -Teams 1, 2, 3, and 4 are to take down every single Japanese bastard on sight! Make sure they are dead!


    Themander of the 503rdpany annihted the Osaka police, SWAT teams, and the 36th mechanized infantry regiment¡¯s 1stpany after he saw the 2nd toon making it out safely.


    <hr />


    February 11, 2021 (Russian Standard Time 16:00)


    Some building in downtown Odintsovo, Russia


    That night, team leader Kim Jin-joong was receiving information about where they would meet with the NIS agents from HQ to safely transport Yagumachi Genzo, the prime minister¡¯s cab secretary, back to Corea.


    The smartphone issued by the NIS finally showed the encrypted information about the location of the meeting tonight. Team leader Kim Jin-joong input the password to the phone. When he did so, the smartphone showed a small dot on a map that marked a small field located at a vige named Polivano 35 km away.


    ¡°So it¡¯s an hour away from us.¡±


    ¡°Sir, have you confirmed the location?¡±


    When Chief Park Won-ho walked up to his superior, he showed him the smartphone¡¯s screen.


    ¡°Yes, I got it. It¡¯s a small vige named Polivano that is southwest of here.¡±


    ¡°Sir.¡±


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol, who had been keeping watch at the safe house, called for his superior in an urgent tone. Team leader Kim Jin-joong walked up to the area where numerous security monitors were at.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Unknown persons, sir.¡±


    Chief Ahn pointed to a few of the monitors from the ten they had installed.


    The first monitor showed a few suspicious men getting off a vehicle and gazing at their surroundings. The second monitor showed the building¡¯s entrance.


    One man was wearing a beanie, another was wearing the typical Russian fur hat, and the third was bald and ck. The three men came up to the entrance and began to check the building¡¯s interior. They were holding pistols.


    ¡°They¡¯re not from the prime minister¡¯s cab intelligence department. Are they from the SVR (foreign intelligence agency)?¡±


    However, team leader Kim Jin-joong immediately noticed they were not from the SVR. The Russian SVR had no ck agents.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they are Russian! I never thought I would get involved with a Western nation¡¯s intelligence agency all the way here.¡±


    Team leader Kim Jin-joong, pulled out his C5 pistol with a silencer and cocked his gun.


    ¡°Chief Park and Yoon are to take Yagumachi to the emergency exit. Chief Ahn and I are to greet our guests. Hurry up.¡±


    Team leader Kim Jin Joong handed the phone to Chief Park Won-ho.


    ¡°The final contact point is on here, so use this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°I am staying behind to fight too, sir,¡± Agent Yoon Ho-hyun, the youngest among them, answered while pulling out his own C5 pistol.


    Team leader Kim changed his shield sses into inverter mode and answered in a firm tone, ¡°What¡¯s important is bringing that bastard Genzo back to Corea. Chief Park will not be able to handle it by himself. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then go help Chief Park and take Genzo with you.¡±


    Agent Yoon Ho-hyun took Yagumachi Genzo by the arm, while Chief Park grabbed him by the other arm.


    ¡°Sir, be careful. We will wait for your arrival after we get there,¡± Chief Park spoke to his superior and nced at his cohort Chief Ahn.


    He smiled slightly and answered back, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me! Just wait for me when you get there.¡±


    ¡°All right. Be careful.¡±


    When Chief Park Won-ho and his entourage had taken Yagumachi Genzo and disappeared into the emergency exit, Chief Ahn closed the doorway and headed toward the corridor leading to the building¡¯s entrance.


    Team leader Kim Jin-joong quietly gave the order. ¡°Set the sses to inverter vision mode, and we start firing at the count of three. Okay?¡±


    Chief Park grasped his C5 pistol tighter and answered, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Hemented the fact that they were not equipped with the CS5ser pistols.


    Team leader Kim Jin-joong and Chief Park Won-ho had set their sses to the inverter vision mode and nced through the wall. The scene through the sses showed the three men moving up the stairs and slowly moving up the corridor. Judging by their movements, they seemed to be aware of which room team leader Kim Jin-joong was staying in.


    ¡°Chief Ahn, we¡¯re moving in at one, two, three.¡±


    With the count of three, team leader Kim Jin-joong and Chief Ahn opened the door and fired their pistols. The three men walking up from the corridor responded immediately and retaliated with their own guns.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    Numerous sounds of gunshots had filled the corridor, and the men wearing the beanie and the Russian fur hat managed to stop the blow with their bulletproof vests. However, the other bullets hit them on the neck and face and made them fall. The ck man standing behind them broke down the other door and fled to the other house.


    The unbelievable thing was that he had managed to hit team leader Kim and Chief Ahn square on the chest and thigh. However, the protective suits that the NIS agents were wearing had only given them a few bruises. They both rolled into the other room.


    ¡°These guys are pretty good, eh?¡±


    ¡°Right? They are pros. Be careful.¡±


    If they were not wearing protective suits, then they would have been taken out by the foreign agent.


    They nced over to the other house where the survivor was at. He seemed to be using a sofa as a cover whilemunicating on the radio. It seemed like he was calling for backup from the men that were at the parking lot. Their instincts were right. Six men armed with assault rifles hade up to the second floor.


    Bang bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang bang!


    The men arrived on the third floor and began to fire their silenced rifles. Some of the rounds made it past the wall and began to reach where team leader Kim Jin-joong and Chief Ahn Ki-cheol were.


    ¡°These guys are just going at it.¡±


    Bullet marks had clearly marked the spot where team leader Kim and Chief Ahn were hiding at.


    ¡°Chief Ahn, how many clips do you have left?¡±


    ¡°Excluding the one I have in my gun right now, two.¡±


    ¡°That should be enough. Let¡¯s dance.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    February 11, 2021, 23:00 (Russian Standard Time 17:00)


    The vicinity of Polivanova vige, Russia


    Chief Park and Agent Yoon had used the emergency exit to leave to the other side of the building. They put Yagumachi Genzo aboard and left the safehouse and the gunshots behind them. The van sped through road A100 and sped out of downtown Odintsovo. Then, they got back on the highway to go on the A101 road and finally to their destination.


    Chief Park had left Yagumachi Genzo at the hands of Agent Yoon Ho-hyun before he got off from the car with his C5 pistol in hand and shield sses on. Luckily, he didn¡¯t see any suspicious activity.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one around.¡± Chief Park sighed in relief and nced at his wristwatch. The time was 22:00 in Russian Standard Time. They were still five hours away from the pickup.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting darker, so I guess we should hide the car somewhere deep in the forest and wait until the promised time arrives,¡± he thought.


    When he got back on the van, Agent Yoon asked him a question, ¡°Chief Park, are we on the clear?¡±


    ¡°Luckily everything is quiet. Let¡¯s wait at the forest over there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Agent Yoon, who was sitting at the driver¡¯s seat, drove the van to the forest Chief Park pointed to. Chief Park nced at Yagumachi Genzo who was drooling and sleeping.


    ¡°This bastard is sound asleep like a baby.¡±


    Smack!


    Chief Park must have been frustrated by the situation and smacked Genzo¡¯s forehead. However, he did not even move an inch. The drugs he had been injected with would make him unconscious for another 10 hours.


    Four hourster, Chief Park and Agent Yoon had spent the entire time waiting in anxiety as they worried about team leader Kim and Chief Ahn. Since they could have their calls traced, they could not even make a phone call.


    At that moment, a vehicle with its lights off had begun to approach them. Agent Yoon activated the night vision mode on his sses and looked at the area. He immediately called Chief Park over.


    ¡°Chief.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°A car is approaching us without any lights on, sir.¡±


    If a vehicle was approaching them without any headlights on, it meant one of two things. It was either the enemy or HQ.

 Chapter 226

    <h4>Chapter 226</h4>


    February 11, 2021, 23:00


    Basement bunker, prime minister¡¯s cab building, Adachi prefecture, Tokyo, Japan


    In the sudden assassination of Prime Minister Abe, Deputy Prime Minister, Aso Taro, who was second in the ranks of the Cab government, felt as if his head would burst because he took over in the worst situation. He had no idea where to start since Prime Minister Abe had made important decisions personally without the knowledge of the Cab government and had dealt with all sorts of unusual and illegal things.


    In this situation, the briefings of the heads of the relevant departments reporting about the damage caused by thest Corean air raid and the current special forces that were running rampant all over Japan were continuing beyond thete evening.


    The major cities where major military facilities and industrial facilities were, including Tokyo, had be like ruins, and civilians suffered casualties due to the 10 hours raid on the fifth. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of Corea had tried to minimize damage to Japanese civilians, but the bomb didn¡¯t have eyes. There was no help for it.


    ¡°The four major industrial zones that support the Japanese industry, Hanshin, Juko, Kitakyushu, and Keishin have suffered tremendous damage simr to those from World War II. Kanto Denka, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsui Chemicals, Asahi Kasei, Hitachi, Toshiba, Yajinomoto, Hodogaya Chemicals, Fuji Electric, Ishihara Industries, and Ishida, Shin Nittentsu, Tokuyama, Furukawa, Ibiden, NGK Automotive Ceramics, Regal, Nissan, NWK Line, Teikoku, Sumitomo Chemical Agro, Kurare, J Pepe Steel, Yokohama Taai, Gunze, Daicel Safety Systems, Daikin, Toyobo, Mabuchi Co., Yanmar Agricultural Machinery, Mitsubishi Corporation, Panasonic, Astec Co., and Sumitomo Major, thepanies listed now are beyond recovery.¡±


    Okazaki Shinji, Minister of Economic Affairs, pointed to a map across Japan on the screen, listing the names of thepanies that were currently affected.


    ¡°Thepanies listed now have something inmon. They were thepanies that were actively involved in war crimes during World War II, such as actively providing military supplies orpulsory conscripts of colonial citizens to earn enormous profits, and they had grown based on that. So, they were thepanies stigmatized as war criminalpanies. In other words, the primary targets of the ROK military¡¯s attack are those ssified as war criminals. Evidence of this is the Corean special forces who have infiltrated Japan are currently targeting and bombing the headquarters of the war criminalpanies listed before.¡±


    Special forces, that currently were active in all areas of Japan, had been bombing not only the industrial facilities like factories with production facilities, but also headquarters. Furthermore, they tried to sabotage thepanies thoroughly so that they could not recover from the damages after the war.


    ¡°Even today, the brutality of the Corean special forces continues in major industrialplexes in Japan.¡±


    Minister Okazaki Shinji, who was continuing the exnation, moved his gaze to the officials who attended the meeting and remained silent for a moment. He sighed once and went on.


    ¡°At present, Japanese industrial facilities and businesses took a hit by 65%. It¡¯s pretty severe. The problem is that it is still on-going due to the Corean Special Forces. This could cause a very serious situation as it was in thest World War II defeat.¡±


    ¡°What are the Japan Self-Defense Forces doing? Why are we suffering unterally like this?¡± Suga Yoshihide, the Chief Cab Secretary of Japan, looked alternately at Minister of Defense Shibasaki and the Chief of Staff of the Joint Command Office and shouted at them.


    ¡°Minister Suga, please calm down! We will discuss that part when the Minister of Defense does his briefing. Let¡¯s keep listening.¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro tried to calm down the Minister of Cab Secretary who was shouting with anger.


    ¡°I lost my temper for a moment. I am sorry.¡± Suga Yoshihide got up, bowed his head politely, and sat back down.


    ¡°Please continue, Minister Okazaki Shinji.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll continue.¡± Okazaki Shinji relieved his thirst with water in front of him and continued his briefing.


    ¡°To put together the current situation, Japan, the world¡¯s secondrgest economy, has be a distant memory. Now, we are hardly in the Asian top ten. I think we should mobilize the entire Japan Self-Defense Forces and stop this economic damage at least from now on.¡±


    When Minister Okazaki Shinji finished his speech, all eyes were on the Minister of Defense, Shibasaki. So, he got up and started to speak.


    ¡°I sincerely apologize to the cab officials who are here since I have a heavy responsibility for what has happened. However, the war is not over yet. I would like to inform you that the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Army is currently marching at full speed on the Corean Penins to save Japan and punish Corea, a country that illegally invaded Japan.¡±


    The Minister of Defense Shibasaki, who started with the apology and ended with words of thin hope, nodded his head and gave a sign. ordingly, Masaki Hajime, the Chief of Staff, got up from his seat, walked to the front, and went up onto the tform. He spoke with emphasis, looking around at the 50 government officials whose gave were focused on him.


    ¡°First, let me give you aprehensive overview of the damage caused by the Japan-Corea War. Currently, the damage to Sasebo, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Beppu, Kanoya, Oita, and Yukuhashi of Kyushu is the most serious. Most of them are the area where our Self-Defense Forces are stationed and are densely popted by industrialplexes. In particr, the civilian casualties of Sasebo and Fukuoka, which are close to the Corean penins, have reached 500,000. They wereplete pandemonium. The police and Western Army of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force have been dispatched, but today all restoration work has actually stopped.¡± Masaki Hajime continued to exin as he pointed at the Hirado Neshiko coast on the Japanese map on the screen.


    ¡°It is because of the Corean Marine Corps whonded on the coast of Hirado Neshiko early in the morning today. To stop them, the 4th Division of Western Army charged to Hirado after an emergency gathering, but they were almost destroyed due to the enemy¡¯s special forces¡¯ ambush and raid. So, they had to retreat to Fukuoka.¡±


    All the troops of the 8th Armored Division stationed in Kumamoto were urgently gathered and were moving to Saga of Saga Prefecture to stop the Corean 2nd Marine Division and 6th Marine Brigade.


    ¡°How can one Armored Division be destroyed so easily like that?¡± Suga Yoshihide, who was impetuous, asked the question again.


    ¡°The entire division was urgently maneuvering without putting out the outposts under the very urgent situation that they had to stop the enemy¡¯snding. Due to that, they were attacked hopelessly by buried bombs by special forces waiting in ambush and the raid by ground-attack aircraft.¡±


    The cause of the absurd failure of the 4th Division was the fault of Division Commander of 4th Division, Nakashima Tetsuya who had ignored the importance of forwarding reconnaissance of the outpost, which should have been the priority for long-distance maneuvering. Not receiving the support of the reconnaissance information had been devastating.


    ¡°We are in an overall crisis. Then, can the 8th Armored Division defend from Corean Marine Division and Brigade thatnded in Kyushu?¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro who had been listening quietly asked a question.


    ¡°Yes, sir! To defend the Corean Marine Division and Brigadended on Kyushu, we will take advantage of the 8th Armored Division and build a defense front line on the in area of Saga, Kurume, and Fukuoka. Then, we will carry out checking the enemy¡äs advance. The 4th Division, which has retreated to Fukuoka, also ns toplete an emergency reorganization as soon as possible and put into operation to stop it.¡±


    Masaki Hajime pointed to the in areas that looked like the reversed ¡°L¡± with aser pointer.


    ¡°Are there any additional troops to support?¡± This time, Ochi Hurme, Minister for Foreign Affairs, asked a question.


    ¡°I will answer that part generally at the end, Minister Ochi.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Next is the Honshu area. Currently, Honshu is also under attack by missiles and airstrikes. Not only inrge cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama, and Hiroshima but also in the areas where the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force are stationed. Maizuru, Yokosuka, Hamada, Fukushima, Sendai, Higashine, and Aomori are under attack. The destroyed industrialplex and private buildings reached a total of 120,000, and civilian casualties totaled 670,000. Some forces of Ground Self-Defense Force have suffered serious damage of over 50%.¡±


    As the Joint Command Office, Masaki Hajime continued exining, the detailed damages showed up on the map.


    ¡°For more information, please take a look at the screen. We will then report the current situation. In Kyushu, the 3rd Corean Marine Mobile Division haspletednding at Hamada Port and the beach. The 4th Division that seems to be special unitsnded together and moved to Honshu by a team using a Tactical Mobile Vehicle. It seems like they are assigned to the rear strike throughout Japan along with the existing special forces. Like the surprise attack on the museum in Osaka that happened today, they are retrieving all cultural assets considered to be Corean cultural assets in Japan. To prevent thending, the 8th Tank Regiment that one of the units of the 13th Armored Division stationed in Yonago moved to Hamada. But, they engaged in a gunfight with the 3rd Marine Mobile Division and was defeated.¡±


    The expression of Masaki Hajime who was talking about a series of defeats in their own territory was very dark. The atmosphere of the meeting was heavy, too. In this atmosphere, Masaki Hajime went on to exin the current situation of Shikoku and Hokkaido, following Honshu. The briefing about the current situation ended in 30 minutes and he moved on to the briefing about counterstrategy.


    ¡°As I mentioned in the briefing earlier, a total of 50,000 Corean Special Forces currently in Kyushu, Honshu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido are moving team-by-team and attempting to disrupt the entire region of Japan. Besides, they are viciously looting the unique cultural heritage of our country, and the damage to the citizens is increasing by inhumane bombings on the corporate headquarters building as well as the production facilities.¡±


    As Chief of Staff Masaki Hajime went on, his voice became louder.


    ¡°As you all know, among the three forces, the troops of the Ground Self-Defense Force have increased dramatically since 2016, but currently there are only 250,000 left. Also, as a result of this raid, 70,000 Ground Self-Defense Forces have died even before firing a gun. So, the currently avable troops are 180,000. Since it was organized under the premise that there was nonding on Japanese territory, it is currently almost impossible to defend the whole of Japan while allowingnding. In particr, it is difficult for the 180,000 Ground Self-Defense Forces to effectively deal with the Coreannding forces in a situation where Corean Special Forces are raging all over the country.¡±


    ¡°So, what are you saying?¡± As expected, this time as well, Minister Suga Yoshihide leaned his forward and asked.


    ¡°Actually, before the Corean troopsnded in Japan, I wanted to suggest former Prime Minister Abe, but I missed an opportunity due to the sniper incident. I am informing all the bureaucrats including the Deputy Prime Minister here that we are going through an emergency, so it is necessary to switch to emergency conscription for all citizens. It is urgent to quickly recruit troops for not only the Ground Self-Defense Forces, but also the Marine Self-Defense Forces and Air Self-Defense Forces.¡±


    When the Chairman of the Joint Staffs finished his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro uttered a principled statement about the emergency conscription. ¡°The conscription system must be carried out through the Cab assembly as much as the constitution needs to be amended.¡±


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki immediately replied to him. ¡°We are in a war-time situation, Deputy Prime Minister! In the case of a national emergency, the Prime Minister may issue an emergency conscription order. In the absence of a prime minister like now, the deputy prime minister can issue orders on behalf of the prime minister.¡±


    Actually, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro knew what Minister Shibasaki was saying. However, he had a timid personality. So, he was worried that his political life would end after the war due to the fierce aftermath of the emergency conscription orders.


    But the situation was so bad, he thought it could not be helped. He said in a resigned voice, ¡°Okay. Please check the legal proceedings for emergency conscription.¡±

 Chapter 227

    <h4>Chapter 227</h4>


    February 11, 2021, 23:00 (Russian time 16:30)


    A building in Odintsovo, Russia


    Bang! Bang! Baaang!


    In the middle of the confrontation in the corridor, sturdy men continued toe up the stairs. Including the man who had just been shot in the neck, six people had copsed. But these men did not stop and kept running in, firing at random. Even though Team Leader Kim Jin-joong and Chief Ahn Ki-cheol were on the other side of the wall, those men shot exactly where they were. A few bullets that prated the wall shot past them.


    So, Team Leader Kim Jin-joong started to wonder whether the sunsses those men wore had some sort of X-ray function. Those men were part of the Scorpion team, USSC mercenaries, who were selected carefully through rigorous screening of only veterans from special forces and intelligence agencies from around the world, including the United States. Besides, all of the equipment they used were state-of-the-art pieces of equipment that incorporated new technologies ahead of the times.


    ¡°Chief Ahn. Isn¡¯t it weird?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°It feels like they¡¯re aiming at us exactly from behind the walls.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you thought, too? I was thinking the same, actually.¡±


    The sunsses worn by the Scorpion agents were high-tech equipment with the ability to see through objects. Although the performance was inferior to the shield ss developed in Corea, it was possible to see through a single wall.


    ¡°Right? Who are these people?¡±


    ¡°Seriously. I am curious, too. We would have died just now if we didn¡¯t have our protective suits.¡±


    They lowered their body as much as possible, behind the upside-down desk and continued their conversation, looking at the men who were approaching them while shooting from the hallway behind the wall.


    ¡°They were not regr guys as I thought. It won¡¯t be easy. I will buy time, while you escape through that window over there,¡± Kim Jin-joong said.


    ¡°What are you talking about? United we stand, divided we fall.¡±


    ¡°I am not kidding. Hurry up!¡±


    ¡°Sir! I am serious. I won¡¯t go.¡±


    ¡°You bastard.¡±


    While they haggled for a moment, a huge Caucasian man fired the gun from the HK416C¡¯s muzzle set in full-auto mode.


    Bang, bang, bang! Baaaang!


    Pew! Peeew!


    Team Leader Kim Jin-joong rolled aside through the pouring bullets and pulled the pistol trigger.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The bullet shot by Kim Jin-joong hit the white man¡¯s chest, abdomen, and neck precisely. His chest and abdomen were not hurt thanks to the bulletproof vest, but thest bullet pierced right through his uv. The man copsed, spilling blood all over the ce.


    ¡°Chief Ahn! I said run!¡± Kim Jin-joong knocked down a white man and rolled a few moreps to the wall, shouting at Chief Ahn Ki-cheol with a frown.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out together!¡±


    ¡°If I can go with you, I would not tell you to run away, would I? It¡¯s an order! Get out through the window already! If it is toote, neither of us can go. Bastard,e on! Listen to me! Give me your smartphone, I will let you know the contact ce.¡±


    Kim Jin-joong snatched Ahn Ki-cheol¡¯s smartphone. He typed the address that he memorized and gave the phone back. He looked serious. Chief Ahn Ki-cheol thought it could not be helped, hardened his mind, and said.


    ¡°Sorry, sir! I will be on my way first.¡±


    ¡°Just run! Understand?¡±


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol got up, ran to the window with all his best, and left Kim Jin-joong behind. The Scorpion agents who confirmed the movement of Chief Ahn Ki-cheol with the special sses pulled their triggers. The bullets prated the walls. The bullet marks were engraved on the opposite walls as Ahn Ki-cheol ran.


    Bam! Boom! Baaang! Baang!


    nk! Whoosh!


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol broke the window, jumped down from the third floor, and rolled his body as hended to minimize the shock. The protective suit absorbed the impact as well, so he couldnd safely.


    On the third floor of the building, the sound of gunfire got louder and louder. Ahn Ki-cheol turned his head to try to check the situation through the window, but three men ran from the parking lot and fired their guns at him.


    ¡°Annoying bastards,¡± Chief Ahn Ki-cheol remarked simply and started to run to the opposite side.


    He could avoid the bullets and escape to a safe ce thanks to his superior athletic ability to run 100 meters in 11 seconds and the physical improvement drugs that were only provided to National Intelligence Service agents. Then, he got a car, went around the city for two hours in case he was tailed, and finally arrived at the contact point.


    <hr />


    February 12, 2021, 03:00 (Russian time 21:00)


    Near the vige of Polyvanovara, Russia


    A man got out of the old car in the dark at the contact point. Chief Park Won-ho and Agent Yoon Ho-hyun were watching the man carefully with night vision devices from the woods.


    ¡°Sir, he seems to be Chief Ahn.¡±


    ¡°Do you think so too?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I think so.¡±


    ¡°We have to watch out, though. Check 500 meters around, make sure there is nothing suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    They looked carefully for about ten minutes and made sure there was nothing suspicious.


    Chief Park Won-ho turned to Agent Yoon Ho-hyun and said, ¡°Agent Yoon. You guard that Jap here. I will go and check him out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Park Won-ho finally came out from the woods and carefully approached the empty lot. He held C5 pistols in both hands. As he closed the distance, he could recognize the man who had gotten out of the car and looked around.


    ¡°Chief Ahn?¡±


    ¡°Chief Park?¡±


    ¡°Thank god. Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I am fine.¡±


    ¡°But where is our team leader?¡±


    ¡°He made me run away first and...¡±


    ¡°What? Then you don¡¯t know what happened to him?¡±


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol, who was about to cry, just looked up at the sparkling starlight.


    Time passed and finally, they opened themunication channel and sent the signal using the Turkion-X Wirelessmunication system. Then, arge, ck object without any light came down slowly from the sky with a quiet flying sound.


    Whooooosh.


    As the ck object got closer to the ground, the shape of it became clearer. The wind stirred around it. Finally, the ck objectnded on the empty lot. It was a CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow, the only space fighter jet in the world.


    The CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow had a total of three seats, but in an emergency, the internal arming room could be transformed to transport people or goods. ordingly, the internal arming room of the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow was transformed to amodate humans at the moment.


    Afternding, the door of the Three-toed Crow opened and one of the crew got off. Then, he walked towards Chief Park Won-ho.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Lieutenant Colonel Yeo Hoon-joon.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Park Won-ho, head of the Russian branch of the National Intelligence Service.¡±


    ¡°Please get on board.¡±


    The door of Three-toed Crow opened and adder came down.


    Then, Chief Park Won-ho said to Agent Yoon Ho-hyun who was holding Yagumachi Genzo, ¡°Ho-hyun. You board with that bastard.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What about you, sir?¡±


    ¡°We have to find our team leader, don¡¯t we, Chief Ahn?¡± Park Won-ho asked as he turned his head to Chief Ahn Ki-cheol.


    Ahn Ki-cheol answered with a worried expression. ¡°Are you sure? You have two daughters.¡±


    ¡°That is not an issue. This is a matter of our team leader¡¯s life. You will go too, right?¡±


    At Chief Park Won-ho¡¯s question, Ahn Ki-cheol answered with a smile, ¡°Of course! I wanted to ask you, but I couldn¡¯t. You were about to go see your daughter. You have not seen her since she was born.¡±


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol looked at Chief Park Won-ho with a serious expression. He patted his shoulder and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go find our leader.¡±


    ¡°I will go too, sir,¡± Yoon Ho-hyun, who threw Yagumachi Genzo into the internal arming room, came down and said.


    ¡°You should take that bastard back to our country. Your mission is important, too. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°But, sir...¡±


    ¡°Hey. You are the youngest here. You should listen to us.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    ¡°Chief Park, Chief Ahn. Please take care and bring the team leader back safely.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Just board.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    At that moment, the crew of Three-toed Crow interrupted.


    ¡°The two of you aren¡¯ting?¡±


    ¡°We still have business here.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then. Take care.¡±


    ¡°Thank you foring all this way.¡±


    The crew said good-bye and boarded Three-toed Crow. The door of the internal arming room closed. After a while, with a quiet flying sound and a slight gust of wind, the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet started to take off. It disappeared through the twinkling starlight at an instantaneous speed, unlike thending.


    <hr />


    February 12, 2021, 04:50 (Russian time 22:50)


    A building in Odintsovo city, Russia


    With the old car that Chief Ahn was using, they approached the building that he previously left without headlights.


    ¡°Chief Ahn! Let¡¯s park here and walk.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    They approached about 50 meters to the building and began to look around the outside of the building slowly.


    There was a police line at the front door of the building. It seemed like the Russian police hade due to the gunfight that had happened five hours ago. Therefore, the two of them activated both the inverter and infrared rays and examined the inside of the building from the first floor. And when they moved their gaze to the third floor, they paused. No, it would be more correct to say that they were frozen.


    The window that Chief Ahn had used to escape was gone. Instead, there was a big hole. Based on their intelligence agents¡¯ experiences, it seemed that there was an explosion from the inside. And on the third floor, the walls had copsed and it was a mess. They could guess something beyond imagination had happened ever since Chief Ahn had left the building. Anyway, Chiefs Park Won-ho and Ahn Ki-cheol decided to go inside to find clues.


    ¡°Watch out.¡±


    The two lowered their bodies, slowly crossed the police line, and entered the building. They passed the second floor and went to the third floor. As they had scanned from the outside, the third floor was a mess.


    ¡°It¡¯s worse than when I got out,¡± Chief Ahn Ki-cheol said, shaking his head.


    There were blood spots everywhere on the corridor floor, as if the dead bodies had been dragged off. There were numerous bullet marks on the walls of the halls and rooms. Finally, they entered the room where Chief Ahn Ki-cheol had left from.


    ¡°It¡¯s awful.¡±


    This room was messier than any other room in the building. A grenade or a bomb had exploded, and traces of debris spread throughout the room. Blood spots were also found everywhere.


    Now, Chiefs Park Won-ho and Ahn Ki-cheol could not help but worry. Did the unidentified people take the team leader? Or did the police take the team leader¡¯s dead body?


    At that moment, Chief Park Won-ho hit his own head and cursed out, ¡°Oh! Stupid bastard! Why am I so stupid?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Look at this.¡±


    Park Won-ho took out Kim Jin-joong¡¯s smartphone from his pocket.


    ¡°Wait. Did you have that?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Then, we can check his location with it, can¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°But we have to know the password.¡±


    ¡°Password?¡±


    In the smartphones for the team leaders of the National Intelligence Service, there was a function to check the locations of the team members, including the team leader himself, as long as they wore the protective suits. It was possible by receiving a signal from the X-K01 terminal, the controller of the protective suit that can be worn on the left wrist.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we check with the head office?¡±


    ¡°Hey, they never give us that kind of information even if they can confirm us.¡±


    ¡°Then, isn¡¯t it just a chip in porridge?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s think of a password first.¡±

 Chapter 228

    <h4>Chapter 228</h4>


    February 12, 2021, 08:30 (Russian time 02:30)


    A motel in Greshskaya, Moscow, Russia


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong, who had arrived in Moscow on the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow early in the morning, knocked on the door of a motel room on Greshskaya street with tworge bags. Park Won-ho, who confirmed his identity through the peephole, opened the door and greeted him.


    ¡°Wee. I am Park Won-ho, Chief of the Russian branch.¡±


    ¡°Hello. I am Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong of the Department of Foreign Intelligence Division 2.¡±


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol, who was solving the password inside, also stood up and greeted him.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Chief Ahn Ki-cheol.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have much time left, so let¡¯s get down to business. Please give me Team Leader Kim¡¯s smartphone that you have.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Here you are.¡±


    After arriving at the shabby motel in Greshskaya, Chief Park Won-ho and Ahn Ki-cheol had been trying tirelessly to unlock the location information code for Kim Jin-joong¡¯s smartphone but continued to fail. However, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong had received the password directly from the headquarter. So, when he entered the code, the location of Team Leader Kim Jin-joong shed with a blue dot at a point close to Moscow, Russia. To be precise, it was not the location of Team Leader Kim Jin-joong¡¯s, but the location information of his protective suit.


    ¡°Yes! We got it! Where is he?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Moskovskaya in Bshikha city, 18 kilometers from our location.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that far. Let¡¯s go right now.¡±


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol got up and started packing with excitement.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong pointed out the two bags he had brought and said, ¡°Please take the equipment first. I only brought thetest equipment.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good to hear. If there was only such equipment from the beginning, the team leader wouldn¡¯t have disappeared like this.¡±


    At this, Chief Park Won-ho asked a question with concern, ¡°Sir, did Team Leader Kim Jin-joong¡¯s protective suit work properly?


    ¡°Until I left our country, his protective suit was operating normally. So, the headquarter didn¡¯t destroy the protective suit.¡±


    The functionality of the protective suit was determined by the X-C01 device screening of the user¡¯s heartbeat, brain waves, and skin information. In other words, if the user died or the protective suit was taken off and worn by another user, the protect function would be stopped by the X-C01 device. Also, the device would send the signal back to the mainputer of the home country and the suit would be destroyed after several verification procedures. However, the X-C01 device of Team Leader Kim Jin-joong sent a normal operation signal. That meant that Team Leader Kim Jin-joong was alive at the moment.


    ¡°Thank God.¡±


    ¡°Please pack your equipment.¡±


    When they opened onerge bag, there were three CS5ser pistols, one CS1, one CS2 equipped with a smart bulletuncher, andstly, a CS14, an anti-personnel sniperser rifle. In the other bag, there were three sets of personal gear, including the C-01 BP bulletproof helmet and various types of grenades and advanced equipment used by special soldiers.


    ¡°We will surely get rid of the enemy with those.¡±


    After about ten minutes, the three men had armed themselves with all the equipment. Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong took out a small case from his pocket and opened it. He took out three small chips from the case and handed them to two people and said, ¡°Take this and exchange it with the old chip of your X-C01 control device.¡±


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    Chief Park Won-ho and Chief Ahn Ki-cheol took the chips. And as they were ordered, they removed the old chips from the X-C01 devices that were mounted on their left arms and put on the new chips they had just received.


    ¡°This is a chip with thetest software. The development isplete, and it is currently being tested. The transparent concealment system has been added.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    It was a new technology that incorporated the transparent concealment system (TCS) function, which was currently only applied to somebat nes and thetest satellites, into protective suits.


    When Chief Ahn Ki-cheol asked in amazement, Assistant Manager Park Ki-woong continued his exnation.


    ¡°There is a new button called TCS on the device, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. There is.¡±


    ¡°Try pressing it.¡±


    As soon as Chief Ahn Ki-cheol pressed the button on the device screen, Chief Ahn Ki-cheol faded and disappeared into thin air.


    ¡°Wow! Hey, Ki-cheol, you disappeared! I can¡¯t see you!¡± Chief Park Won-ho, who was watching from the side, eximed with his eyes wide open.


    ¡°The duration is about 1 minute due to the high battery consumption. You can use it again by recing the battery. Five batteries for the device are in the pouch on the lower right of the tactical vest. And to cancel, press the TCS Off button.¡±


    As Chief Ahn Ki-cheol pressed TCS off button, he showed up again. Chief Ahn Ki-cheol took out the battery from the right pouch of the tactic vest with bulletproof function and reced the battery of the device.


    He said with a broad smile. ¡°This is such a cool technology! When did our country¡¯s technology develop like this?¡±


    ¡°If you are done, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ***


    February 12, 2021, 09:00


    An interrogation room in the Department of Foreign Intelligence of National Intelligence Service, Seoul


    At dawn, Yagumachi Genzo had been brought in by the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet. He was sitting on the chair bounded in the interrogation room between sleep and wake. In the room on the other side of the reflective mirror, NIS Secretary Na Bong-il and other foreign intelligence agents were watching him.


    ¡°What happened to Team Leader Kim of the Russian branch?¡±


    ¡°Sir! Chief Park Won-ho and Chief Ahn Ki-cheol are looking for him right now,¡± Director of Foreign Intelligence Youn Ho-il answered NIS Secretary Na Bong-il based on the report he had received in the early morning.


    ¡°What on earth were they? Russian SVR?¡±


    ¡°In the words of Chief Ahn Ki-cheol, it seemed not. I think they were from the U.S.A.¡±


    ¡°America? It very well could be! Anyway, it is important to gather solid evidence above all else. Don¡¯t you think we need to send additional support to the Russian branch?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. As a matter of fact, I received the report that Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong from the Department of Foreign Intelligence Division 2 went to Russia and joined them at 3 a.m. today with thetest equipment.¡±


    ¡°Park Gi-oong? Oh! The man from thest case of Kim Soon-hee in China?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. He is verypetent.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is a trustworthy man. If it weren¡¯t for Team Leader Ji Dong-chul who died on duty and Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong, how would we have known about that enormous conspiracy? It does bother me a little to give him such a dangerous mission again...¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha. He volunteered, sir.¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha. Is that so?


    ¡°He is a man with a sense of duty. Well, I trust him. Anyway, let¡¯s start interrogating that Japanese man.¡±


    ¡°Sir. Before that, this is the information about that man.¡±


    An agent who was waiting behind them stepped forward and handed Secretary Na a tablet PC. The screen was already on. NIS Secretary Na Bong-il began to read the documents slowly.


    ¡°Well. It looks like he was apetent guy in the Japanese cab. He was a former defense ministry negotiator and promoted to assistant to the Prime Minister¡¯s office after visiting the US several times.¡±


    The screen of the tablet PC contained the personal information of Yagumachi Genzo, collected by the Foreign Intelligence Agency.


    ¡°He is an elite of the elites of the extreme right. Okay. Let¡¯s start, then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± As Director of Foreign Intelligence Youn Ho-il answered, two sturdy agents, entered the interrogation room. They administered a drug to Yagumachi Genzo who was half asleep.


    Then, within a few minutes, he opened his eyes and shouted in English, ¡°Who the hell are you guys? Why are you kidnapping me and doing something illegal like this?¡±


    He screamed like hell. The tendons on his neck stood out. Then, his face flung sharply to the side. One of the agents from Foreign Intelligence who looked like a UFC yer started to smack Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s face mercilessly.


    Bam!


    Argh!


    Yagumachi Genzo yelled in pain. He dropped his messy head and vomited blood, three or four teeth falling as well.


    ¡°W-why are you doing this to me, sir?¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo, who had previously been shouting, turned into a gentlemb and began to beg.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you figured out what is going on yet. You are in the interrogation room of the Foreign Intelligence Department. Depending on how you do, you may or may not see sunlight again. Okay?¡± The middle-aged man sitting in the chair opposite Yagumachi Genzo said quietly with a creepy low voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m Manager Oh Dong-gyu, an expert in torture.¡±


    He was actually the manager of the Foreign Information Analysis Division from the Foreign Intelligence Bureau. He just joked to tease Yagumachi Genzo and also wanted to scare him to dominate the interrogation.


    ¡°Shall we begin?¡±


    As Manager Oh Dong-gyu gestured, the sturdy agent put a strange-looking helmet on Yagumachi Genzo.


    ¡°W-what the hell is this?¡± Yagumachi Genzo asked, his small eyes dted with a terrified expression.


    ¡°Listen up Yagumachi! The helmet you are wearing now is a lie detector made by Corean scientists with great care. So, if you like, you will get tremendous pain in your brain. If you don¡¯t believe it, falsely answer my first question. Then you¡¯ll find out if my words are real or not! Okay?¡±


    Manager Oh Dong-gyu recalled the interrogation scenes in movies and dramas, making simr expressions, and overpowering Yagumachi Genzo.


    ¡°Yagumachi Genzo. Before we start the interrogation, we have some information that you told me when you were drugged in Russia. You know what would happen if what you say now is different than what you have said then, right? The first question: what is your name?¡±


    ¡°Yagumachi Genzo.¡±


    ¡°What are your birthce and age?¡±


    ¡°I am from Owari, born in 1985, and I am 35 years old.¡±


    ¡°What is your final academic background and major?


    ¡°I majored in Political Diplomacy at the University of Tokyo.¡±


    ¡°Good! Yagumachi Genzo. You are doing well! Keep answering honestly like that. What was your purpose for going to the United States when you were the Deputy Strategy Negotiator at the Ministry of Defense?¡±


    ¡°I went to the US to purchase US weapons from the Ministry of Defense.¡±


    ¡°Who have you contacted in America?¡±


    ¡°American defense, ahhhhhhhhh!¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s body shook and he struggled as he was bound in the chair while he was talking. White foam spouted out of his mouth, and both small eyes jutted out as if they would fall out, the capiries in his eyes had burst. After a few seconds, he crumpled in the chair. If he wasn¡¯t tied up, he would have copsed onto the floor.


    ¡°I warned you! If you lie, you will get great pain in your brain. Did you think I was kidding?¡±


    Manager Oh Dong-gyu seemed brutal and more eerie than any other evil interrogator in the movies.


    ¡°I will ask you again. Who did you contact in the United States?¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s eyes shook. The will to keep a secret and memories of the shocking pain were fighting in his head. But the memory of pain won, so he spoke out the words that the agents of the National Intelligence Service waited to hear.


    ¡°I contacted the USSC Congress.¡±


    Manager Oh Dong-gyu¡¯s eyes sparkled and he continued to ask.


    ¡°What is the USSC Congress?¡±


    ¡°USSC is the unofficial supreme authority of the US government, and President Trump is also under the direction of the USSC.¡±


    ¡°How is the USSC organized?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know that much.¡±


    ¡°Tell us whatever you know about USSC. If you miss anything, you know what will happen, right?¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo hesitated for a moment and then started talking.


    ¡°USSC is the most practical supreme power agency that moves the United States. They have been directly or indirectly involved in all matters such as civil war and terrorism in Middle Eastern countries that have urred in the internationalmunity so far. In particr, it is said that thest August 15th bombing was also ordered by the USSC.¡±


    ¡°Why was the USSC involved in the Pyongyang bombing terror?¡±


    ¡°As the North and South Korea situation suddenly turned peaceful, the US¡¯s influence in Northeast Asia weakens, and it was judged that China, in its G2 status, could not be held in check.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes. That is what I know.¡±


    ¡°Who knows about this in Japan?¡±


    ¡°Currently, Prime Minister Abe, Minister of Defense Shibasaki, and me.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean that nobody else except those three people know about this?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am sure.¡±


    ¡°Then, there are two left now.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister Abe was assassinated by a sniper two days ago.¡±


    ¡°R-really?¡±


    ¡°I would not say bullshit to you right now, would I?¡±


    Yagumachi Genzo didn¡¯t know about it because he had been kidnapped in Russia before Prime Minister Abe was assassinated. Tears flowed from Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I guess you are sad since he was your boss.¡±


    ¡°How is this happening?¡±


    ¡°Genzo. Who do you think is behind this assassination?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you guys?¡±


    ¡°Wow, you Jap bastard. Hey, you. If we did it, we would not ask you about it while we are interrogating you, would we? You want to die?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what Corean people are good at?¡±


    ¡°I thought you are smart since you majored in Political Diplomacy at the University of Tokyo. But it looks like you are just aplete idiot.¡±

 Chapter 229

    <h4>Chapter 229</h4>


    February 12, 2021, 09:20 (Russian time 03:20)


    A building in Moskovskaya, Bshikha, Russia


    The team had left the motel in Greshskaya to save Team Leader Kim Jin-joong and arrived at a ce lined with shabby buildings in Moskovskaya, Bshikha 30 minutester. The industrialplex in Moskovskaya had once been one of Russia¡¯s economic zones but now was devastated and abandoned, with only shabby old buildings left. They were a perfect hideout for criminals.


    ¡°It looks like he is on the fourth floor of that building.¡± Chief Ahn Ki-cheol, who had been carefully watching the blue dot on the map of the smartphone screen, pointed to a particrly shabby four-story building.


    ¡°Let¡¯s check onest time and move in.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong got off the passenger seat, opened a small case, and took out a drone that was the size of an adult¡¯s hand. It was a mini spider drone smaller than a regr spider drone used by the army battalions. However, it was the drone used by the National Intelligence Service, which was not shorter than the regr size one. After a while, the mini spider drone flew over the building with a quiet flying noise. The camera mounted at the bottom of the drone began to scan the inside, moving around the building in inverter mode and infrared mode.


    After the drone went around the building, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong, who was using a controller to control the drone, switched to the repeat autonomous flight mode. Then, the mini spider drone automatically and continuously roamed the outside of the building and projected images on the left side of the shield sses of all three of them.


    ¡°Everybody can see the video well?¡±


    ¡°There is nothing wrong.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯sing out well.¡±


    At the question of Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong, Chiefs Park Won-ho and Ahn Ki-cheol answered at the same time.


    ¡°Then I will move first.¡±


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol who held a CS14, an anti-personnel sniperser rifle, nodded his head to Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong. He gave Chief Park Won-ho a tap on the shoulder and ran toward the building across the street.


    ¡°Shall we go too?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho, who were more fully armed than regr soldiers with bulletproof helmets, tactical bulletproof vests, and various equipment, carefully approached the shabby four-story building. And when they were about to enter the building, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong who was in the forefront raised his right fist as a sign to stop.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong detected several red lines across the entrance with his shield sses. It seemed that someser detectors were installed to prevent invaders.


    -Check the infraredser detectors at the entrance of the building 40 meters ahead!


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong sent a message to Chief Park Won-ho with brain waves.


    -I confirmed, sir.


    -It looks like there will be some security cameras. From here, let¡¯s move using the TCS mode.


    -Yes sir.


    At the press of a button, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho became invisible. The two reached the entrance carefully, crossed the infraredser detector lines, and managed to enter the building. And the two people who knew the entire structure of the building thanks to the scanned information of the mini spider drone started to search inside using inverter mode and infrared vision mode, avoiding the surveince cameras. On the first floor, no life was found in infrared. It was early morning, so everyone seemed to be sleeping except the security guards.


    -This is C! I found life forms, seem to be humans on the second floor! Currently moving towards the stairs on the first floor! Over!


    Communication came from Chief Ahn Ki-cheol, who was watching with a high-magnification optical scope from the roof of the opposite building. Before they had arrived here, they had assigned the names; Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong as A, Chief Park Won-ho as B, and Chief Ahn Ki-cheol as C.


    -This is A and B. All clear!


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho¡¯s TCS mode had expired. They hid on each side of the staircase. After a while, two Scorpion agents, speaking in English, came down the stairs with their personal guns.


    -This is A, let¡¯s attack at the same time when they get down the stairs. Over!


    -This is B. Roger that.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho took out their CS5. CS5 was quieter than a regr rifle. They shotser beams at the Scorpion agents who came down the stairs.


    Pew! Pew!


    There was aser sound simr to a muffled gun on a regr pistol. Small holes were made at the back of the heads of the two men who just came down the stairs. They fell right away without fanfare. Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong quickly approached the two fallen men and tried to collect their fingerprints, but all the fingerprints were worn out. So, he took the pictures of the pupils of the two men with the camera he had brought.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong had been ordered by the Director of Foreign Intelligence to collect all avable information about these unknowns.


    -This is C! The second floor is all clear. Over.


    -This A and B. Copy that.


    Chief Ahn Ki-cheol continued to sendmunications about the follow-up situation through the scope. Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho went up to the second floor and began to search separately. However, there were no more Scorpion agents. ordingly, they moved to the central staircase to go up to the third floor.


    -This is C! Many people are spotted on the third floor! A total of fifteen. Ten seem to be sleeping! And two are at 9 o¡¯clock and the other three are at 6 o¡¯clock at the staircase! Over.


    -This is A. Roger that.


    -This is B. Can you see the team leader yet?


    -This is C, not yet confirmed, over.


    -This is B. Roger.


    As they confirmed where the enemies were, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho moved their gazes. They could see some figures with their thermal imaging cameras.


    -This is A. After changing the battery of the control device, we will move to the third floor using TCS mode. B will take the two at 9 o¡¯clock, I will take the three at 6 o¡¯clock. C, support us. Over.


    ¨C This is B. Copy that.


    -This is C. Copy that.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho switched to TCS mode. They got up the stairs quickly and quietly. Soon, a quietser sound rang on the third floor. It was not a loud sound, but since the third floor was too quiet, it sounded loud.


    Chief Park Won-ho firedser beams to the back of the heads of two Scorpion agents in a row. Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong also quickly approached three agents in TCS mode and shotser beams, killing them quietly.


    -This is B. Clear. Over.


    -This is A. Clear. Over.


    The moment Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong reported through the radio, all the lights turned on and an rm sounded in the whole building. Then, the 10 Scorpion agents who were sleeping quickly recognized the current situation and looked around with each of them holding a personal gun.


    Eeeoooeeeooo! Eeeoooeeeooo! Eeeoooeeeooo!


    Unfortunately, when one of the Scorpion agents had fallen after being shot by theser of Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong, his gun dropped on the floor and hit the infraredser detector next to him. It was so unfortunate. Also, the TCS mode expired, so Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho had to hide in the surrounding cover.


    ¡°Intruder!¡±


    Each of the Scorpion agents wore sunsses and went into search mode, scanning every ce. At this moment, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho were hiding at each side of the main stairway.


    -This is A. From now on, we will switch to the standard tactics! C supports by sniping. We will start to overpower from the third floor.


    -This is B. Roger!


    -This is C. Roger!


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong, who gave the order, breathed deeply. He put the CS5 back into the holster and took out two small grenades from the left pouch of the tactical bulletproof vest. Then, he pulled the CS1ser rifle on his shoulder and turned it to a position where he could shoot at any time.


    Laser beams flying at the speed of light from outside the building hit the heads of Scorpion agents who were searching the third floor. Along with this, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong threw two grenades.


    Boom! Bam!


    Two grenades which had more destructive power than regr grenades blew up three Scorpion agents, filling up the third floor with dust. Assistant Manager Park also shot at all the lights with the CS1ser rifle and made the room dark.


    It was more beneficial for Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong when it was dark since he could see using the infrared light. However, there was something that Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong overlooked. The sunsses worn by Scorpion agents also had infrared vision mode function.


    Boom! Boom!


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    Chief Park Won-ho, who was on the other side, also fired aser beam and smart bullets.


    Pow! Pow! Pow!


    Although some of the Scorpion agents fired artillery, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Park Won-ho, who received the sniper¡¯s urate support, defeated the 10 Scorpion agents on the third floor more easily than expected.


    At that time, Chief Ahn Ki-cheol sent a message using brain waves.


    -This is C! I found someone lying in the corner at 9 o¡¯clock on the fourth floor! It seems to be the team leader! The location confirmed on the smartphone is also the same! Over!


    Currently, on the fourth floor of the main staircase, 10 Scorpion agents were guarding, armed with heavy weapons. It would not be easy to pass them.


    -This is B. I confirmed the emergency stairs on the left. I will go through there. Over.


    -This is A. Copy that. I will hold the enemy on the main staircase. C supports B. Over.


    -This is C. Copy that.


    Chief Park Won-ho activated the TCS mode after recing the battery of the control device. Then he started running to the emergency stairs. As Chief Park Won-ho ran, his surroundings seemed twisted due to the transparent effect. Even though the sunsses of the Scorpion agents had many kinds of effects like shield sses, they could not easily detect him in the dark.


    When Chief Park Won-ho arrived at the fourth floor through the emergency stairs, he received a hail of gunfire. It was because he was in a hurry and passed the infraredser detector installed on the stairs. Some of the Scorpion agents were waiting for him.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Pew! Pew!


    Around Chief Park Won-ho, numerous bullet marks flew past with sparks. Even though Chief Park Won-ho was in TCS mode, they could faintly see him through their sunsses and fired indiscriminately at him.


    Bam!


    Unfortunately, several bullets hit the thigh of Chief Park Won-ho, who flung his body toward the pir. Thanks to the protective suit, the bullets were bounced off, but the pain was considerable because he got hit by many bullets at the same time.


    ¡°God damn. That hurts a lot.¡±


    Chief Park Won-ho unwittingly swore and rubbed his thighs with his left hand. Then he leaned against the pir, held the CS2ser rifle, and took a counter-shooting position.


    Pew! Swish! Pew-pew! Peeew!


    However, the Scorpion agents continued to shot bullets without giving a break, and the pir that Chief Park Won-ho used as a cover was bing like a beehive.


    ¡°Damn, they are good! I am even using TCS mode!¡±


    He muttered to himself, waiting for a chance. At that moment, the heads of Scorpion agents began to blow up like watermelons, spreading the dark blood all over the ce. Chief Ahn Ki-cheol provided sniper support from the roof of the building.


    Bam! Argh! Pew! Yell!


    Chief Park Won-ho turned around the pir and took a shooting position. He fired smart bullets andser beams in continuous shooting mode.


    -This is C. I secured the path for the forward movement. B, move over.


    -This is B, roger that.


    Chief Park Won-ho started to run to the expected point where the team leader was down. After passing through a long corridor and entering a ratherrge space, Chief Park Won-ho flew toward the Scorpion agent, cut his neck with a sharp knife, andnded on the floor. As he turned his head, he found Team Leader Kim Jin-joong, lying on a camp bed wearing only a protective suit.


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    Chief Park Won-ho turned off the TCS mode and hugged Team Leader Kim Jin-joong. His cheekbones and nose bones were copsed as he was beaten too much.


    ¡°Those bastards!¡±


    Chief Park Won-ho red up in anger as he checked the face of his team leader.


    -This is B. I secured the team leader! C, support a withdrawal route. Over!


    -This is C. Don¡¯t worry about that! Is he okay? Over.


    -This is B. He is unconscious but still alive. Ki-cheol! Secure the retreat!


    Chief Park Won-ho carried Team Leader Kim Jin-joong on his shoulder and started running to the emergency stairs that he had just used.

 Chapter 230

    <h4>Chapter 230</h4>


    February 12, 2021, 14:00


    Underground bunker at the Blue House National Emergency Situation Center, Jongro-ku, Seoul (President¡¯s Office)


    After organizing the contents of Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s interrogation, Secretary Na Bong-il visited the underground bunker of the Blue House and entered the office of the president to report.


    ¡°Wee, Secretary Na.¡±


    Like always, despite his upation with the overall affairs of the country, the president kindly weed Secretary Na Bong-il. He got up from the office chair and greeted Secretary Na Bong-il with a bright smile. The president beckoned for Secretary Na to sit down, pointing to the sofa.


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    ¡°What brought you here today?¡±


    ¡°First, please take a look at this file.¡±


    Secretary Na Bong-il took the file out of his bag and put it on the table.


    ¡°This is an additional report about the Pyongyang terrorist incident that happened on August 15th and the organization behind it, the USSC in the United States.¡±


    ¡°Really? Did you find out more information?¡± The president¡¯s eyes opened wide when he asked in a tense tone.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Yagumachi Genzo was escorted in early this morning and is currently imprisoned by the National Intelligence Service. The documents I have just given you are information gathered based on the statements made by Yagumachi Genzo and the intelligence collected by the Cyber Security Bureau of the National Intelligence Service for several days.¡±


    ¡°All right. Let me read it.¡±


    After spending about five minutes reading the report, the presidentid it down on the table and sighed deeply.


    ¡°Phew.¡±


    The president rubbed the back of his neck, feeling tiresome all of a sudden. As such, the content of the report was quite heavy and intimidating.


    ¡°It¡¯s really a big deal. I don¡¯t know how to handle this.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President, you just have to follow the principles.¡±


    ¡°Of course. But I can¡¯t tell how far the aftermath would go.¡±


    The report contained the hidden truth of the terrorist incident, along with rough information about the USSC, the actual organization behind the bombing in Pyongyang on August 15, 2015.


    From 2014, peace was established between North and South Korea. A ceremony for the 70th anniversary of Liberation Day was supposed to be held in Pyongyang with the North and South agreements. It was considered a prelude to Korean unification. This prompted the USSC to initiate a bombing by bribing Lee Byung-chul, the previous deputy director of the Workers¡¯ Party of Korea, with an astronomical sum. There were many purposes for this.


    First, by using the crisis of war, they wanted to maximize the influence of the United States on the Korean Penins and Northeast Asia, which had been reduced in both political and military matters. Second, they wanted to rake profit from the war between Korea and Japan, since they would buy a lot of weapons from Americanpanies in the defense industry. So the conclusion was money, which could be called the evil of capitalism.


    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous! Because of money, they incited such a vicious thing that even could cause World War III!¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo clicked his tongue and shut his eyes tight.


    ¡°What would the people of this country think when they learn of the true face of the United States, which had been doing all kinds of dirty things behind the scenes under the name of an alliance? How would the international society react? Wouldn¡¯t there be an all-out war with the United States during the war between Japan and Russia with full-scale controversy? Should I hide this fact for a while and wait?¡± Thousands of thoughts crossed the president¡¯s mind in a very short time.


    ¡°Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry. I was thinking of something.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, sir.¡±


    ¡°Secretary Na, do you know how many people in Japan know about this?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. ording to Yagumachi Genzo, Prime Minister Abe who died in the assassination, the Minister of Defense Shibasaki, and he himself know about this.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Thete Prime Minister Abe must have been thinking that it was a very serious matter and treated it as top secret.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Mr. President, I think the USSC is also involved in the assassination of Prime Minister Abe.¡±


    The president asked again in surprise, ¡°The USSC is involved with Prime Minister Abe¡¯s assassination as well? Are there any grounds?¡±


    ¡°The United States had been acting weirdly as if Japan had something on them. They were supposed to have a neutral stance in the Corean¨CJapanese war, but suddenly the United States actively intervened in the war. They requested to stop the attack on Japan and threatened to attack us if we don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Right. Now, I understand why President Trump suddenly changed his attitude.¡±


    ¡°The USSC wouldn¡¯t spare those who knew this great secret.¡±


    ¡°So are you saying that Prime Minister Abe was assassinated to hide these secrets?¡± The president asked with an expression that he was convinced by Secretary Na Bong-il.


    ¡°Yes, sir. The investigation is still going on, but based on those few pieces of evidence, it is highly likely. There were only three people who knew about it. Among them, Prime Minister Abe was killed by assassination, and Yagumachi Genzo was also attacked after he was captured by the NIS. And it turned out they were not the Russian secret police or intelligence organizations. They spoke English. We are currently conducting additional investigations with evidence obtained from the unknown forces.¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il took out a tablet PC, not a paper report, and showed several pictures to the president.


    ¡°We will report about it soon, but from what we have figured out so far, it has been identified as an assassination organization named Scorpion, operating extensively in all countries.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s creepy. However, I have one question. The Minister of Defense Shibasaki also knows the secret, but why is he safe?¡±


    NIS Secretary Na Bong-il, who was thirsty at the continued exnation, sipped from the cup brought by the secretary and replied, ¡°I think there are two possibilities.¡±


    ¡°Two possibilities?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I think the Minister of Defense Shibasaki was originally from the USSC or was bought with money like Lee Byung-chul, the previous Deputy Director of the Workers¡¯ Party of Korea.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense that the USSC, who even assassinated Prime Minister Abe with a sniper, takes such a risk and buy off the Minister of Defense Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I said two options, but I also think the first one would be right.¡±


    ¡°So you think he is originally a member of the USSC?¡±


    * * *


    February 12, 2021, 17:00


    Basement bunker, prime minister¡¯s cab building, Adachi prefecture, Tokyo, Japan


    Even in the midst of war, the state funeral for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was being held. Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense Shibasaki sat in his office with a serious facial expression, took out his smartphone from the safe, and made a phone call somewhere.


    -This is Samurai.


    The Minister of Defense Shibasaki didn¡¯t say his real name, but he called himself using a nickname, Samurai. He smiled a small smile.


    -What the hell are you doing? How the hell did Abe figure out that the USSC was behind the Pyongyang bombing?


    The voice from the other side sounded very angry.


    -I¡¯m sorry. I really didn¡¯t know. It seems like Yagumachi Genzo came into contact with the USSC and learned something.


    -Yagumachi Genzo was the man you introduced to us, wasn¡¯t he?


    -That is right, Mr. Sphinx. But I really didn¡¯t know how he got to know about that and reported to Prime Minister Abe.


    Sphinx was one of 13 USSC members. His real name was Tony Ahn. He was the stepfather of Lizzy Ahn and the senator in the US Congress. He was also the person who nned the entire Pyongyang bombing incident.


    -The USSC is currently focusing on you. Also, because of you, I am in a very embarrassing situation.


    -Mr. Sphinx, please believe me. It has been 20 years since I joined the USSC. Why would I reveal such a secret? For what? And I even told you where Yagumachi Genzo was.


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki pleaded innocence with a sincere voice.


    -Anyway, wait quietly for the next instruction, and do not call me first. Okay?


    -Yes, sir.


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki finished the phone call, turned off the smartphone, put it back into the safe, and sat back on the sofa. Then, he smiled weirdly. It was a very different facial expression than the one he had while he was on the phone call.


    He thought, ¡°I have been living as their servant for 20 years. It is time to have my own kingdom. Damn it! If it were not of those Josenjins, my n wouldn¡¯t have gone this wrong.¡±


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki had graduated from aw school at Meiji University when he was 25. When he had worked as an aide of a politician, he had been invited to join the USSC, and since then, he had been living for the USSC so far. Thanks to the USSC, he was promoted to the Ministry of Defense and had umted a tremendous wealth of close to 10 billion yen. However, at some point, Minister of Defense Shibasaki, who was an extreme rightist, got the ambition to be a ruler of Japan and decided to use the USSC to achieve that.


    First, he had introduced Yagumachi Genzo to Prime Minister Abe. Yagumachi Genzo was a smart young man who was reputed to have done a good job at the Defense Agency. He had gained Abe¡¯s confidence and had be an aide to him. When Yagumachi Genzo had visited the United States, Shibasaki had released some information about the USSC and the terrorist incident in Pyongyang along with some evidence. Yagumachi Genzo bit the bait and reported about it to Prime Minister Abe.


    Minister of Defense Shibasaki put his legs on the table and crossed them. He leaned back on the sofa, smiled as he closed his eyes, and muttered.


    ¡°Now, all I have to do is make the United States fight against the Josenjins...¡±


    ***


    February 12, 2021, 18:00


    A hospital ward at Seoul National University Hospital, Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do


    ¡°Sir, are you all right? Ha-ha.¡±


    Team Leader Kim Jin-joong, who had been rescued from the Scorpion agents in Russia, had returned to Corea early this morning and underwent urgent surgery for depressed cheekbones and nose at Seoul National University in Bundang.


    The six-hour operation had been a sess, and Team Leader Kim Jin-joong had been moved to the hospital ward. Chief Park Won-ho, Chief Ahn Ki-cheol, and the youngest agent Yoon Ho-hyun visited him. Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong who had conducted the rescue operation visited as well.


    ¡°Oh, you guys came?¡±


    Team Leader Kim Jin-joong saw them through the bandages that covered his entire face and weed them.


    ¡°Look. He can speak. He is all right,¡± Chief Ahn Ki-cheol said jokingly.


    ¡°By the way, who is that over there?¡± Team Leader Kim Jin-joong asked, pointing to the man who stood at the far back. Chief Park Won-ho realized that he hadn¡¯t introduced Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong yet.


    Chief Park Won-ho said, ¡°I am sorry. This is Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong from the Department of Foreign Intelligence Division 2. He is the one who came all the way to Russia and lead your rescue.¡±


    ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong.¡±


    ¡°Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong? Oh! You are the one who worked at my older brother¡¯s department, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is right. I worked under Section Manager Kim Hyun-joon.¡±


    When Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong went to Henan, China with Team Leader Ji Dong-chul to find Kim Soon-hee, there was a gunfight against North Korea¡¯s Foreign Intelligence Operation Unit 1. At that time, the man who died on duty along with Team Leader Ji Dong-chul was Manager Kim Hyun-joon. Manager Kim Hyun-joon and Team Leader Kim Jin-joong were siblings.


    ¡°Oh, yeah! Nice to meet you! And thank you for saving me.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I just did my job. I hope you feel better soon.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong had been suffering from a sense of shame since he was the only one who had survived the gunfight. Then, he heard that Manager Kim Hyun-joon¡¯s brother had been caught by an unidentified force. He immediately ran to the director and volunteered to save him as soon as he heard the news. His guilt was the reason he saved Team Leader Kim Jin-joong.

 Chapter 231

    <h4>Chapter 231</h4>


    February 13th, 2021, 09:00


    Japan


    On the night of the 11th, the prime minister¡¯s cab held an emergency meeting. After they hade to a decision, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro had used his authority to call for an emergency mobilization based on the national emergency. The Japanese military was now able to draft every man between the ages of 19 to 35.


    The citizens of Japan, who heard the news about the emergency draft and mobilization through the TV, swore in anger. The thought of their beloved sons and husbands being sent off to war had angered the citizens. Protests broke out everywhere. Most of the people who were protesting were young wives and mothers with sons old enough to be drafted. Despite the mobilization order being in effect for over an hour, most young men hid in their homes or ran to the countryside in disguise.


    However, the military police in charge of drafting had already set up checkpoints on the roads connecting cities. The men who were in the age range of being drafted were caught by the military police. Once they were determined to be of age, they were shipped off to boot camp immediately.


    The irony was, before the war broke out against Corea, many right-wing political groups had already been making anti-Corean protests. After the war broke out against Corea, the protests became more active. Many young men carrying the Japanese imperial g with messages such as ¡°Death to all the Joesnjins (a derogatory term for Corean)¡± or ¡°Fire and death to the Corean penins!¡± took the lead.


    However, when the emergency draft had taken effect, they were nowhere to be seen. A few of the right-wing groups had imed to have entered into service voluntarily, but most had already fled to avoid being drafted.


    Compared to the young men of Corea who had lined up at the military¡¯s human resources department after the war against China broke out, the number of Japanese men wanting to serve their country was very low.


    With this deration of war and emergency drafting, scenes of young men being dragged off by the military police were seen from Tokyo all the way to small cities and towns across Japan.


    Based on the numbers, Japan should have been able to draft about 9 million men. About 100,000 had been drafted on the first day. However, the Japanese government had not put one thing into consideration.


    The fact was they had been at war this whole time. Also, due to the numerous missile strikes and fighter jet bombings, many military factories had been destroyed. Also, over 50,000 Corean special forces were operating across the nation.


    A draft should be called for well in advance to use that time to put the men through basic training. However, Japan had drafted men after the Corean marines hadnded on their soil and heading towards Tokyo. Where were they going to find the time to draft and train men that would be fit for battle?


    The men in Japan were not like those in Corea, who mostly had military experience and were serving as a reserve force. The most important aspect was, Japancked the weapons to hand out to the men they train. There were only a handful of military factories that were operational, and the rest had been destroyed.


    Minister of National Defense Shibasaki had urged Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro to call for a draft to coax America into entering the war. While Corea was fighting against America, the time they could buy could be used to arm their drafted men and go into retaliation.


    The issue was whether America would enter into a war against Corea as the Japanese prime minister¡¯s cab wished. Based on the current situation, the possibility was quite high, but no one could predict the future. The Japanese cab seemed like they would attempt to bring America into the fray by paying them an astronomical sum of money.


    * * *


    February 13th, 2021, 14:00


    km away from the southern seas of Jeju Ind.


    Last night, the 11th carrier strike group under America¡¯s 3rd fleet sailed with the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier (CVN-78) at the lead. The destroyers and submarines had approached 510km south from Jeju Ind.


    The Corean navy had mobilized all of their operable forces to the Kang-jung navy base. A few of the destroyers were supplied with ammunition and other supplies. Then, they gathered 20km away from Jeju Ind and prepared to respond.


    The Corean vessels under the navy¡¯s 7th maritime floti consisted of five Hoc destroyers, two Aegis destroyers, four anti-air destroyers, two Hoc submarines, and six type 214 submarines, were standing by in a 50km radius.


    While the naval forces were moving busily to respond to the American navy¡¯s movements, the international airport at Jeju Ind had 24 Phoenix fighter jets in a neat formation, ready to go. Also, the 25th fighter wing that had almost finished their recovery had their 24 Phoenix fighter jets ready to take off at a moment¡¯s notice.


    Lastly, six artillery battalions operating the SSM-700K Haesung 3A surface-to-ship missiles across the entire ind prepared for battle.


    Meanwhile, at the seas 156km northwest of Okinawa.


    The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier (CVN-78) was sailing north while being escorted by the Ticonderoga ss Aegis destroyer, the Chosin (CG-65), the Aleburke ss Aegis destroyer, the John Paul Jones (DDG-53), the Pickney (DDG-91), Samson(DDG-102), William P. Lawrence (DDG-110), Spruance (DDG-111) and the Custice (FFG-38) escorting vessel.


    At the front of the 11th carrier strike group, the 15th submarine fleet¡¯s LA ss nuclear submarine Providence (SSN-719), Fitzburg (SSN-720), and Chicago (SSN-721) were searching the area for any enemy submarines. From the rear, the Ohio ss nuclear submarine ska (SSBN-732), and Rhode Ind (SSBN-740) were tailing them.


    The Gerald R.Ford, which had a load discement of 110,000t had the E-2F early warning ne (Hawkeye 2000) and F-35C jets, and the electronic warfare jet EA-18G Growler jets aboard its flight deck.


    The 7th carrier strike group had been standing by at the Yokosuka area to rendezvous with the 11th carrier strike group. The Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier (CVN-76), the Blueridge amphibious vessel (LLC-19), the Cowpence Aegis destroyer (CG-63), Shiloh (CG-67) destroyer, The Rassen (DDG-82) Aegis destroyer, the McCampell (DDG-85), and the Mustin (DDG-89) had moved along the Shigoku Inds and headed west.


    * * *


    February 13th, 2021, 15:30


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Seoul was greeted by winter rain. The streets covered by dirty, half-melted snow had washed away.


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik had left the underground bunker. When he was able to see the outside scenery from his window after being underground for so long, his stress seemed to have washed away.


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik was leaning on the window when a knock on his office door made him turn around.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Sir! It¡¯s a call from General Bruce Wright, themander of the U.S armed forces in Japan.¡±


    ¡°Bruce Wright?¡±


    ¡°General Bruce Wright was once themander of the U.S armed forces in Corea. Chairman Kang and General Wright had met each other before. When the U.S armed forces had left for Japan in 2019, he was transferred to be the Pentagon¡¯s operationsmander. In June of 2020, he had been promoted to general and became themander of the U.S armed forces in Japan.


    ¡°Yes, sir. He¡¯s on line 2.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik walked up to his desk, pressed the number 2 button, and put the receiver to his ear.


    ¡°This is Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Kang Ui-sik.¡±


    -Hello? This is Commander Bruce Wright of the U.S armed forces in Japan.


    ¡°Hello. Have you been well?¡±


    -Yes, all thanks to you, Chairman Kang.


    ¡°I see. Commander Wright! What¡¯s the asion for this phone call?¡±


    -To be honest, I didn¡¯t call you on official business.


    ¡°So, a social call?¡±


    -Yes, are you aware that the U.S 7th and 3rd fleets are mobilizing towards Corea?


    ¡°Yes, I am well aware.¡±


    -Chairman Kang! Things are looking grim. One misstep could lead to America entering the war as well. I am on friendly terms with you, so I wanted to take the opportunity to notify you about this matter.


    ¡°Our government is considering warring against America as well.¡±


    General Bruce Wright had fallen silent from Chairman Kang Ui-sik¡¯s words. He must have been shocked by his statement.


    -Truly? Is Corea capable of warring against our nation as well?


    ¡°It¡¯s not something I can say for certain so easily. However, our government is preparing for the worst.¡±


    -Chairman Kang! What oue does Corea want from warring against America?¡±


    Chairman Kang could onlyugh at General Bruce Wright¡¯s words.


    ¡°General Wright! There¡¯s something I would like to ask instead. Why is it that America did not take a neutral stance in the war, and showing favor to one side? Is Japan the only ally to America and not Corea?¡±


    -That is not true. Our government thinks the war between Japan and Corea could cause damages to our three nations¡¯ alliance and make it difficult to maintain peace in Northeast Asia.


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik firmly responded to General Bruce Wright.


    ¡°Did you just say peace in Northeast Asia? We have united with North Korea that was a nuclear threat, and our nation has put China under our heel. There are no more threats, what threat to the peace in our region are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand what you mean.¡±


    When General Bruce Wright could not answer Chairman Kang Ui-sik, he fell silent. Chairman Kang sighed and then continued to speak.


    ¡°This truly is a difficult situation. I am sure you called me with good intentions. I am sorry for making you feel even more confused, General.¡±


    -No, it¡¯s nothing, Chairman Kang! I am also a soldier, so I called out of the hope that things don¡¯t escte.


    ¡°Yes. I understand. Thank you for calling.¡±


    -Chairman, I will call you again. I just hope the war between Corea and Japan ends smoothly.


    ¡°Yes, I apologize for causing damages to the American bases from the recent air-strikes. We tried to avoid them as much as possible, but it wasn¡¯t easy.¡±


    -No, that¡¯s fine, Chairman Kang. It was our fault for housing the Japanese forces in our bases. So, it was something we had to think about as well.


    ¡°Thank you for understanding. Let¡¯s talk again soon.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik hung up the phone and looked at the rain pouring harder than before through his window.


    ¡°Did General Wright really make a social call? Or was he ordered by his superiors to see what our stance was?¡±


    It really didn¡¯t matter for Chairman Kang Ui-sik. Corea had already chosen a path.


    The dark sky full of rain clouds continued to pour.


    ¡°My my, the rain is really going at it today.¡±


    COMMENT0ment


    VOTE2 left

 Chapter 232

    <h4>Chapter 232</h4>


    February 3rd, 2021, 16:00


    The deep-sea N 30¡ã33¡ä E 131¡ã24¡ä at Tanega ind, Kyushu Japan (The Corpus Christi¡¯s location).


    At 100m below the eerily quiet ocean surface, the LA ss (Flight I with a load discement of 6,920 tons) nuclear submarines the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) and Houston (SSN-713) maintained a distance of 1km from each other while sailing silently.


    The LA ss nuclear submarine was first deployed in 1976 and all the way till 1996. For the past 20 years, it had gone under three stages of improvement, and over 62 vessels were sent to the field. However, there were still 30 of them on active duty.


    These submarines were developed to strike down enemy ships that were targeting the allied aircraft carrier. For each carrier strike group, 12 LA ss submarines escorted them to form a defensive against enemy submarines.


    The LA ss submarine could house about 130 crewmen and could go into operation for 90 days maximum. For arms, it was equipped with four 533mm torpedounch tubes that couldunch Mk.48 ADCAP/CBASS torpedoes, Mk.67 SLMM naval mines. It also had UGM-84 Harpoons and UGM-109 Tomahawk missiles that could beunched with its Mk.36 VLS verticalunch pad.


    However, through continued refurbishing and maintenance, the upgrades continued. By following the A-RCI (Acoustic Rapid COTS Insertion) upgrade n, each vessel was overhauled with a spending of $460,000 per vessel.


    This n was set to modernize the LA ss nuclear submarines by equipping them with AN/BSY-1, AN/BQQ-5, or AN/BQQ-6 sonars from their standard A-RCI sonars excluding a few Flight I ss submarines. By equipping them with the new sonars, the LA ss submarines would be elevated to a Seawolf-ss with a COTS/OSA system as the basis.


    This upgrade focused on making the submarines more powerful while operating near the shore, so their power was not improved significantly for the open seas. The main focus of this upgrade was topete against the new Russian nuclear submarine¡¯s sonar capabilities.


    The funny thing was, despite the expensive upgrades given to the LA ss submarines, they were taken down by the Jangbogo ss submarines from Korea during the previous Rimpack training exercise.


    At the end of 2021, the two submarines were scheduled for retirement. To conduct theirst mission, they had silently sailed along the curvy straits of Southeastern Kyushu. The depths along the Kyushu area were less than 120m deep, but it got deeper as it went south. Thanks to the ocean craters, some areas reached up to 1,800m in depth.


    ¡°Sonar operator, are you hearing anything?¡± Captain Robert Harley of the leading Corpus Christi (SSN-705) submarine, hade to the CIC (Combat Information Center) personally and asked the sonar operator working from the AN/BQQ-15 sonar.


    ¡°Everything is quiet, captain,¡± the operator continued to pay attention to the surrounding sounds to not let anything slip past him while answering the captain.


    Captain Harley picked up themunication receiver and gave an order to the CR (Command Room). ¡°This is the captain. Helmsman, set the diving angle to 15 degrees and the depth to 130. Maintain our speed.¡±


    -Maintaining azimuth! Setting the diving depth to 15 degrees and diving to 130! Maintaining our current speed.


    * * *


    February 13th, 2021, 16:30


    The deep sea, N30¡ã 4¡ä E 131¡ã 5¡ä from Japan Kyushu Tanega Ind (the Yang Se-bong¡¯s location (SSP-85))


    Last February 5th, the Yang Se-bong submarine (SSP-85) and Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) under the 7th submarine fleet had taken down Japan¡¯s chopper carrier and six destroyers under the 1st escorting fleet. These two submarines were sending out SUSL active pings so they did not fear getting detected by the enemy, and continued their mission.


    The sonar operator of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) was analyzing the returning sonar patterns from their SUSL active pings. Something caught his attention, and he reported it to the operations director.


    ¡°Sir! I detected two sonar patterns that seem to be from submarines.¡±


    ¡°From which direction?¡±


    The sonar operator pointed to a spot at the monitor. ¡°They are at an azimuth of 0-1-8 from our location, and approximately 71km away. Depth at 130 to 90, and sailing at 20 knots, sir. They are heading to our 7¡ä O clock direction.¡±


    ¡°When can we tell if the submarines are friendly or not?¡±


    ¡°It seems we will be able to when they are about 60km away from us.¡±


    ¡°Very well, put them up on the screen and analyze their sonar patterns.¡±


    The operations director gave out his orders and then reported to the captain at the helm.


    -An unknown submarine¡¯s sonar pattern has been detected at azimuth 0-1-8, distance 71km, depth 130 through 90! We are currently analyzing the sonar patterns.


    Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun, the captain of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85), was taking a break at the helm. When he heard the report, his half-shut eyes glittered again.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s great. I was about to die of boredom. Continue to track its movements.¡±


    -Yes, captain.


    When the operations director¡¯s report was over, the location of the unidentified submarines showed up on the screen at the helm. After 10 minutes had passed, the sonar operator was able to detect the sonar patterns more clearly. He balled up his hand into a fist and began to shake it.


    ¡°I found it. Sir! We have identified the unidentified submarine.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°They are the LA ss nuclear submarines, the Corpus Christi and Houston, sir.¡±


    ¡°LA ss nuclear subs? The Americans must be on the move!¡±


    The operations director immediately reported to the captain. Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun gave the order to the battle station himself and asked operations director Song Ki-young.


    ¡°The Corpus Christi and Houston? Which fleet are they under?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are under the 7th submarine fleet from the U.S navy.¡±


    ¡°When did the 7th fleet¡¯s 7th carrier strike group set sail from Yokosuka again?¡±


    ¡°05:00 hours on the 12th, sir.¡±


    The Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) had received intel from the navy¡¯smand headquarters that the U.S navy¡¯s 7th carrier strike group was sailing west from Yokosuka before silently sailing.


    ¡°That must mean the 7th carrier strike group is nearby, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°The two LA ss nuclear submarines must be taking the lead to search out any submarines from the lead, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sonar operator, are we only detecting two nuclear submarines?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can hear a few faint sonar patterns, but I am not sure if they are from the ocean¡¯s tide flow or the snorkeling of another vessel. I believe we will need more time.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun gathered both of his hands as if to p before speaking. ¡°Everyone to battle stations while sailing silently! Tell the Lee Un-hyung to go into battle position as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    The Yang Se-bong (SSP-85)¡¯s interior turned red and a siren went off. The crew quietly moved and prepared to engage the enemy.


    ¡°Send an encrypted message to the navy¡¯s operationmand! The message: Current location at N 30¡ã33¡¯7.03¡å E 131¡ã24¡¯37.64¡å and have detected two LA ss nuclear submarines from the 7th fleet. The Christi and Houston are presumed to have the 7th carrier strike group at its rear! All vessels are in battle positions and standing by! Requesting further orders.¡±


    ¡°We will send the message immediately.¡±


    * * *


    February 13th, 2021, 17:00


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who was taking a break while listening to the rain, heard the report from the navy¡¯s operationmand headquarters as soon as he returned to the bunker.


    ¡°Sir! It¡¯s from the navy¡¯s operationmand.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°We have found two LA ss nuclear submarines at southern Kyushu along the Tanega Ind! Also, they report that the 7th carrier strike group is not far behind, sir. Both of our submarines have entered into battle positions and are waiting to strike.¡±


    ¡°Battle positions? That¡¯s too hasty! It¡¯s not as if we have already begun the war against America.¡±


    ¡°What should we do?¡±


    Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il, who had been listening to the conversation, asked a question to chairman Kang. ¡°Comrade chairman! How about we just deliver the first blow and hit hard? It would be easier to face the enemy now rather than facing all of them at once after the 11th and 7th carrier strike groups join forces.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a dangerous statement, Vice-chairman Choi! America is not like any other enemy we have faced. They are on a different levelpared to China or Japan.¡±


    ¡°That is why I am suggesting attacking first. If we are going to start a war, why don¡¯t we do it while we are at an advantage?¡±


    An aide came up chairman Kang and spoke quietly. ¡°Sir! The Blue House is requesting for you and the vice-chairman toe for a meeting.¡±


    ¡°The Blue House?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The Minister of National Defense has just left to head there as well.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Lieutenant General Kim!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman Kang, sir!¡±


    ¡°Tell the navy¡¯s operationsmand to just be on the watch for the enemy¡¯s movements and do not take any offensive actions. Based on the current state of things, we must not give the Americans an excuse to incite a war!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chairman Kang gave the order in a stern tone. He put on his coat and prepared to head to the Blue House.


    * * *


    February 13th, 2021, 17:00 (UST 04:00)


    A building in the suburb of Washington D.C. (the USSC¡¯s vi)


    Despite it beingte, the meeting room was brightly lit. Two people wearing ck masks were sitting across each other on a table and talking.


    ¡°They have truly failed?¡±


    ¡°Yes, 18 Scorpion mercenaries have died, while 6 are severely injured.¡±


    ¡°How did you let this happen? This holds the fate of our entire organization...,¡± Victoria, who was one of the people wearing the ck mask, asked in anger after hearing about the failure. She leaned back on the chair.


    ¡°I apologize, madam. We should have sent more mercenaries...¡±


    In truth, five Scorpion mercenaries would be more than enough for a single mission. The assassination of Prime Minister Abe only took four men, and it was a sess. However, despite sending over 30 mercenaries, this mission was a failure. The best veterans who had boasted a 100% sess rate had failed for the first time.


    ¡°So, that means that Yagumachi Genzo is in Corea now?¡±


    ¡°It seems he was captured by the Corean Intelligence agents...¡±


    Bang!


    Victoria mmed the table so hard with her fist, the sound rang across the entire room.


    ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before the Corean government finds out we are tied to the Pyeongyang terrorist attack!¡±


    Seven Star, the man who was in charge of the mission, was at a loss for words. Victoria, whose anger was hidden by the mask she was wearing, suddenly felt cold sweat dripping down her face. The fact that the USSC council, which had America and the world in its grasp for the past 60 years could be in jeopardy made her nervous.


    ¡°Shall we deploy the Scorpion mercenaries to Corea?¡± Seven Star began to suggest any ideas that popped up in his head.


    Victoria angrily responded as if to scold him. ¡°What good would deploying the mercenaries to Corea do right now? Are we going to assassinate every high ranking Corean bureaucrat in our grasp?¡±


    ¡°If the need arises, shouldn¡¯t we consider it?¡±


    The senseless remarks from Seven Star made Victoria stand up from her chair.


    ¡°If the Corean government knows about our secret, then taking out just the government officials would not be enough. We must wipe the nation off the map.¡±


    ¡°Does this mean war?¡±


    Victoria answered with amand instead. ¡°Call for a council meeting of the USSC. Immediately!¡±

 Chapter 233

    <h4>Chapter 233</h4>


    February 13th, 2021, 17:20


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, Blue House, National Emergency Situation Center bunker. The President¡¯s Office


    When Chairman Kang Ui-sik and Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il arrived at the Blue House and entered the president¡¯s office, Prime Minister Lee Yong-ho, Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak, Minister of Justice Lee Jae-soo, Secretary of the NIS Na Bong-il, National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, and Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae were already waiting for them. Vice President Kim Yeo-jung, who was second inmand, had gone to Pyeongyang to check on the progress of the northern state¡¯s recovery, so she was absent.


    The two men who had arrived on the scene were thetest despite being the lowest-ranked. Chairman Kang and Vice-chairman Choi both had an apologetic expression on their faces before taking a seat. Chairman Kang spoke up.


    ¡°I apologize, Mr. President sir! We came here as quickly as we could.¡±


    The president shook his hands. ¡°No, Chairman Kang. You¡¯re mistaken. I have contacted everyone here before you, that is why they are early. How would I dare waste the time of the men who are tasked with the most important task in Corea?¡±


    ¡°No, Mr. President. I am just doing my duty as a soldier.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Now that everyone is here, Secretary Na! Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    As soon as the president finished speaking, Secretary Na Bong-il stood up from his seat and stepped up to the screen hanging on the wall.


    ¡°The information you are about to see is an SS ranked secret. Please keep that in mind.¡±


    The screen lit up to show the scene of the ceremonymemorating the 70th anniversary of independence at Pyeongyang on August 15th, 2015. Then, the footage paused after showing the ceremony turning into a scene of chaos after the terrorist bombing. Arge title read: ¡°The details of the Pyeongyang terrorist bombing¡± showed up at the center.


    When the investigation about the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack before the unification was finished, it was determined that Vice-chairman Lee Byung-chul was the one behind the attack and that an unknown organization had been backing him. However, this information was an S ranked national secret. So, only the government officials in the president¡¯s office and a few other members were aware of this fact.


    However, the contents showing up on the TV along with Secretary Na Bong-il¡¯s exnation had revealed the hidden truth behind the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack.


    Secretary Na Bong-il¡¯s presentation was over in about 20 minutes. Excluding President Suh Hyun-woo, everyone seemed to have taken a hard hit to the gut and was silent for a long time. The shock they had felt was that severe. President Suh Hyun-woo slowly looked around the room and spoke.


    ¡°I am sure everyone is in shock. I was as well. However, what can we do? It¡¯s the truth. I would like to hear everyone¡¯s opinion.¡±


    ¡°It feels like watching a film from Hollywood.¡± Prime Minister Lee Young-houghed feebly and broke the silence.


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo spoke up in a firm tone. ¡°We must notify every nation across the world about this heinous act. The world needs to know the illegal activities that America has done. They are like a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing.¡±


    ¡°What do you think Minister Kim Jae-hak?¡± The president asked a question to Minister Kim Jae-hak from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


    ¡°This is truly unbelievable. How could our ally, America could do such a thing? I suppose you would like me to give a diplomatic opinion, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°If we alert the entire world of this fact, the consequences would be catastrophic. However, what concerns me is that weck evidence about that USSC organization. All that we can base things on are a few photos and the confession from the Japanese man Yagumachi Genzo, are they not? If we are not careful, we might get the me instead.¡±


    ¡°Why, Minister Kim! Aren¡¯t these more than enough proof? Lee Byung-chul received money through a Swiss bank ount and we have phone records that he called Washington repeatedly! Also, we have a confession that could back that up, along with photographs that clearly show the USSC¡¯s emblem. Isn¡¯t that more than enough?¡± National Security Director Oh Jang-soo raised his voice so much that his blood vessel from his neck could be seen.


    ¡°Everyone, please calm down. Opinions could differ. What do you think, Minister Lee Jae-soo?¡±


    When the atmosphere of the room became heated, the president interjected and asked the opinion of the Minister of Justice.


    ¡°Mr. President! Based on this evidence and the confession, I think it would be more than enough to alert the world press. However, there is the issue of international political sentiment. Usually, the powerful nations are the ones that have the sway.¡±


    ¡°America is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and is the most powerful nation in both the military and economy. Also, many European nations would follow America as well.¡±


    ¡°As Minister Kim has said, if we hastily reveal the issue, America could use our nation a terrorist nation getting in their way of trying to maintain peace. Therefore, that would give them an excuse to attack our nation in turn.¡± Minister of Justice Lee Jae-soo gave his own opinion without swaying to a certain side.


    Secretary Na Bong-il, who had been only listening to the conversation, added on another shocking fact. ¡°We are still investigating the matter, but it seems that Prime Minister Abe was also assassinated by the USSC.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak asked another question. ¡°Is this true? Do you have any proof on the matter?¡±


    ¡°There is no hard evidence yet, but we are doing all we can to obtain them.¡±


    ¡°This USSC organization is truly frightening, they don¡¯t seem to be a rational organization.¡± Prime Minister Lee Young-ho clicked his tongue and shook his head.


    Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo, who was silent this whole time, finally spoke. ¡°As you have said, prime minister, the USSC is obviously an irrational organization. What kind of nation could take such unreasonable actions? Also, if the USSC knows about our intel, then our government officials could also be in danger as well.¡±


    ¡°That is right. I wholeheartedly agree with Minister Kang Hyun-soo¡¯s words.¡± National Security Director Lee Jang-soo chimed in.


    ¡°Can I say a few words?¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il, who was the lowest-ranked among those in attendance, raised his hand and spoke.


    ¡°Of course, Vice-chairman Choi. Please.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±


    Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il stood up from his seat and spoke in a firm tone like the soldier he was. ¡°I believe the milk has already been spilled. The USSC organization that rules over the American government hasmitted a terrorist attack on Pyeongyang and killed President Ahn Hyung-joon, and Chairman Kim Jeong-un, did they not?


    If we leave those USSC bastards, who havemitted heinous acts of crime alone, then we don¡¯t know what they could do to our nation in the future. Am I wrong?


    Also, if they were the ones that assassinated Prime Minister Abe, then we must be even wearier. Whether we face the consequences now orter, I believe we must fight against the USSC bastards.¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il gave his opinion in a heated manner and sat down.


    President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s gaze naturally turned towards Chairman Kang Ui-sik. He noticed the president ncing at him and carefully began to speak. ¡°I agree with Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il. Even if our government does stay quiet, the USSC organization will do unimaginable acts to hide their secrets. Also, if an unexpected ident were to happen, we would face grave danger. However, I believe we must keep the fact the USSC organization was the one behind the Pyeongyang terrorist attack and its identity a secret. Instead, I think we should use it as ast hidden card so we can ensure a military victory against America, sir.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik¡¯s opinion was rigid and calcted.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good suggestion.¡± The president nodded his head showed his agreement with Chairman Kang.


    ¡°Thanks for all of your inputs. So, I suppose the Joint Chief of Staff is preparing for a military sh against America if things get worse, correct?¡±


    ¡°That is right, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Let¡¯se up with a conclusion about today. The USSC organization¡¯s identity and its involvement in terror, and its assassination of Prime Minister Abe will be used to deliver the final blow based on the situation. Also, every vice-minister and chairman will be set to a security level 1 and have bodyguards following them. Finally, the Joint Chief of Staff is to actively respond towards any military shes against America from this point.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 17:30 (U.S.T 04:30)


    A building in the suburb of Washington D.C. (the USSC¡¯s vi)


    Thirteen people in ck masks were sitting around the round meeting room table and started the conversation with a heavy topic.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the answer obvious? We must take them down with our strength.¡± Mars, the president of the NRA and a member of the USSC, must have thought this was his chance and gave his opinion in a firm tone.


    ¡°Without a thorough investigation of Corea¡¯s military power and new technology from the CIA, it would be too hasty to start a war against Corea.¡± ck King, the youngest of the 13 members, quietly gave his opposition to Mars¡¯ statement.


    Mars responded angrily.


    ¡°ck King! Then should we just leave Corea alone despite them knowing our secrets?¡±


    ¡°Mars! I am only saying it wouldn¡¯t bete to wage war after we figure out the enemy¡¯s military capabilities. Stop being so emotional.¡±


    Since he could note up with a better response, Mars sighed and fell silent. Chairman Victoria of the USSC nced at the other members.


    ¡°I would like to hear the opinions of the other members.¡±


    ¡°No matter how much Corea has improved its military technology, how much better could it possibly be? Also, if we are concerned about the military power of Corea, shouldn¡¯t we deal with them now?¡±


    Among the USSC council members, Mars and Rudolph were the hardliners. When Rudolph spoke, Columbus, the oldest and also a hardliner, chimed in.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Everything has its time. I believe now is the time to teach Corea a lesson.¡±


    ¡°If Corea were to alert the world press, then what are we to do?¡± Amazon, another female member of the USSC, spoke after being silent for a long time. Lupin, the USSC¡¯s intelligence director, answered instead of Chairman Victoria.


    ¡°Honestly, without Yagumachi Genzo¡¯s confession, I am sure they have no other evidence against us. Even if Corea does alert the world about our involvement in the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist bombing as Amazon said, if we use our intelligence capabilities and rtions with allying nations, then we would be able to bury Corea¡¯s reputation for conspiring against us.¡±


    ¡°Is that possible Lupin?¡±


    ¡°We would have to use all of our finances, intelligence, and strength, but it is possible.¡±


    Sphinx, who had previously failed in the assassination of Vice-chairman Kim Young-chul by using Lee Byung-chul as his agent, lost the privilege to speak, so he could only listen. However, he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Does anyone else have any other suggestion?¡± Chairman Victoria nced at the 12 people in ck masks and asked.


    ¡°If not, I would like to start the vote. All in favor of warring against Corea, raise their hand.¡±


    Many people seated at the round table raised their hands.


    ¡°Six for and six against. I also agree on this matter.¡± Victoria raised her hand when the vote was tied.


    ¡°With seven votes for, I approve the war against Corea. Beethoven and Julian, I would like you to handle congress. Chessman, please tell President Trump about our decision as soon as our meeting is over.¡±


    ¡°Yes, madam chairman.¡±


    ¡°Now! I would like all of you to conduct your duties as quickly as possible.¡±

 Chapter 234

    <h4>Chapter 234</h4>


    February 13th, 2021, 18:20


    The deep sea, N 30¡ã 4¡ä E 131¡ã 5¡ä from Tanega Ind, Kyushu, Japan (the Yang Se-bong submarine¡¯s location)


    ¡°The two American submarines are at a distance of 6200 and 7100 from us. Their azimuth is 1-9-5, depth at 150 and moving at a speed of 20 knots!¡±


    The Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) was ordered to just sail silently and watch the enemy¡¯s movements. So, the sonar operators aboard were reporting the movements of the American submarines every five minutes.


    ¡°Have they still not detected our submarines?¡±


    ¡°It seems to be so, sir.¡±


    ¡°Man, their sonars are terrible. I thought they spent billions trying to upgrade them.¡± Operations director Song Ki-youngughed as if to mock the Americans and muttered to himself.


    The Hoc submarine, the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85), and Lee Un-hyung(SSP-86) had stealth capabilities rivaling a stealth jet and moved into a 6km radius of the American LA ss submarines, but they were still not detected by them.


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 18:20


    The deep sea, N 30¡ã 7¡ä E 131¡ã 7¡ä from Tanega Ind, Kyushu, Japan (the Corpus Christi submarine¡¯s location)


    The 7th carrier strike group¡¯s LA ss submarines, the Corpus Christi submarine (SSN-705), and the Houston (SSN-713) were on the lookout for enemy submarines while sailing silently along the deep sea. A faint sonar pattern that has been detected by the equipment had made the sonar operator feel weary.


    It was as if there was something there, but he could not be sure. He called his superior over and pointed to his headset with his finger. Then, the senior sonar operator ced the headset over his ears and began to analyze the sonar pattern.


    ¡°Sergeant Harry, sir! Isn¡¯t this a bit strange?¡±


    ¡°Hold on a second!¡±


    Sergeant Harry held up his palm to silence his subordinate and focused all of his attention on the headset. He raised the sonar amplifier to the maximum volume, but nothing was being detected clearly.


    ¡°Something is up. Ask for the intelligence director!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Soon, Major Matt Reinhart, the intelligence director, entered the CIC (Combat Information Center).


    ¡°What is it?¡¯


    ¡°Sir, we believe we are sensing something on the sonar, but we cannot detect it with the passive sonar alone. Permission to use the active sonars, sir.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s something out there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, something¡¯s definitely out there but we cannot detect it urately at the moment.¡±


    ¡°Stand by for now.¡±


    Matt Reinhart connected the radio to the CR (Command Room) and reported to Captain Robert Harley.


    ¡°Captain! The sonar operators have detected a suspicious sonar pattern, but it is not being detected by the passive sonar alone. Requesting permission to use our active sonars, sir.¡±


    Sending out active sonar signals could cause the enemy to trace them back to the source and cause the enemy to detect the submarine¡¯s location. During a mission, no vessel could use it without the captain¡¯s approval.


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Send out the signal for 2 minutes, and if it¡¯s nothing, then stop immediately.¡±


    ¡°Understood, captain.¡±


    Intelligence director Matt Reinhart gave Sergeant Harry the clear to use the WLR-9 active sonar after receiving approval from the captain.


    ¡°Sonar operator open the active sonar!¡±


    ¡°Activating the WLR-9 sonar, sir.¡±


    Sonar operator Harry manipted the console, and the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) began to emit pings from its sonar dome.


    Ping, ping, ping.


    The sonar director and operators both pressed their headsets closer to their ears, and began to analyze the sonar patterns with their full attention. A momentter, the sonar director took off his headset and reported in urgently.


    ¡°It¡¯s a submarine!¡±


    ¡°A submarine? Are you sure?¡±


    Sergeant Harry put the headset back on his head and manipted the console. Two red dots appeared on the active sonar¡¯s monitor.


    ¡°Damn it! Azimuth at 1-9-5, and they are at a distance of 5200, 5500 and depth of 150, sir.¡±


    ¡°5200 and 5500? How could we have not detected them with our AN/BQQ-15 sonars?¡±


    Intelligence director Matt Reinhart picked up the receiver to report to the captain. ¡°This is the CIC (Combat Intelligence Center). Captain, we have detected two submarines that are within 6000 from us.¡±


    Captain Robert Harley, had ran up to the CIC upon hearing the urgent report.


    ¡°What¡¯s that? How could a submarine be at that distance? What were you all doing this whole time? No, that¡¯s not the issue. Have you identified the submarines?¡±


    ¡°We have confirmed the submarines to be at least a 5000t ss vessels, but we cannot identify the submarines properly. They seem to be not registered in the sonar pattern database, theputer cannot analyze them, sir.¡±


    ¡°Do you think the enemy has detected us?¡±


    ¡°Since they are at a close distance from us, I believe our sonar pings would have been traced, sir.¡±


    ¡°Everyone to battle stations, and send a message to the Houston!¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    -All hands on deck, to battle stations. All hands on deck, battle stations!


    The interior of the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) turned red from the lights, and an rm for battle stations began to ring.


    Ring, ring ring.


    Captain Robert Harley did not panic from the unidentified submarines appearing on their sonar and began to think quickly. ¡°If we were detected by the enemy¡¯s sonars, then we are not able to go into silent sailing or take evasive maneuvers to avoid detection. The best thing we can do is respond actively if the other submarines show any signs of aggression.¡±


    Captain Robert Harley, asked an additional question to the intelligence director. ¡°Did the enemy submarine show any movements?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. They are remaining still at their current location.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not moving eh? So, they have no intention of attacking, but rather stay on the watch? I can¡¯t understand what they¡¯re thinking of. Very well. Let¡¯s do this!¡±


    Captain Robert Harley gave an order to the CR (Command Room).


    -Helmsman! Maintain our depth and azimuth. Reduce our speed to 5 knots and move slowly.


    ¡°Intelligence director, ry my orders to the Houston as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    Meanwhile, at the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85), the sonar operator was listening to the soundsing from the American submarines after they had detected the Yang Se-bong and Lee Un-hyung. He smiled a bit and whispered to himself.


    ¡°They are losing their shit.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-min, sir, what do you mean?¡± Sergeant Kim Gwang-gyun, his subordinate, quietly asked his smiling superior.


    ¡°The interior of the American submarines is in an uproar. Get me the director!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Since they were sailing silently, operations director Song Ki-young hade to them.


    Sonar operator Kim Hyung-min took off his headset and whispered to him. ¡°Both American submarines have detected our vessel using their active sonars, sir. The Lee Un-hyung must have been detected as well.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? What¡¯s their distance from ours?¡±


    ¡°4920, and 5850, sir. They have lowered their speed to 5 knots, and judging by themotion, they must have gone into battle positions.¡±


    ¡°Sonar operator! Check for sounds of muzzle doors opening orunch tube injections, and continue to report in.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 18:20 (UST 06:20)


    Washington D.C., the White House, Oval Office, America


    Thirty minutes ago, President Trump had received a call from the Vice-chairman of the USSC, Chessman. Despite it beingte at night, he called for a national security meeting and began a video call with the Pentagon.


    At the oval office, there were about 20 government officials and President Trump in attendance for the meeting. The Pentagon¡¯s meeting room had the Secretary of Defense, militarymanders, and other officials working under the Department of Defense. With over 100 people in attendance, the meeting had started in a serious tone.


    A few days ago, three fleets from the navy had been mobilized for war under President Trump¡¯s orders. Four carrier strike groups had been ordered to be stationed at Northeast Asia, and they were sailing at high speeds. The 7th fleet had also taken off from Yokosuka Port and moving along the seas 100km away from the Northwestern side of Okinawa.


    While this was going on, President Trump had called for a second national emergency meeting, and he started discussing a full-on war against Corea. Many militarymanders and the Secretary of Defense could not hold back their shock.


    First, to start an official war against a nation, they would need approval from Congress, but President Trump had ignored this matter and had given the order to the militarymand.


    Second, the nation he was ordering the military to attack was Corea, their ally of 60 years.


    A few of the militarymanders showed their opposition citing wrongful processing and the fact that Corea was an ally. However, when themander-in-chief of the military Donald Trump had given the order, themanders had no choice but to follow the orders after 30 minutes had passed.


    After disregarding the approval process of the U.S Congress, the 8th military¡¯smand center that had moved from Corea to Japan, the U.S armed forces in Japan, the 5th air forcemand, the 7th fleet from the navy, and the 3rd fleet heading out from San Diego, were all getting into battle positions.


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 18:35


    The deep sea, N 30¡ã 7¡ä E 131¡ã 7¡ä from Tanega Ind, Kyushu, Japan


    The Corean navy¡¯s Hoc submarines had all the information about the American navy¡¯s submarines, but the two American nuclear submarines could only figure out the approximate distance of the unidentified submarines.


    Thus, the American submarines were unable to determine whether the submarines they had detected were from Corea, Japan, or another nation. In truth, the American navy was at the point where they acquired every sonar pattern of every submarine in the world. However, they could not match the sonar patterns they were picking up from their database.


    Regardless, the two Corean Hoc submarines and the two American nuclear submarines were slowly closing their distance. When 10 minutes had passed, both sides had passed by each other with only 1km between them. Both sides were full of tension.


    Both sides were not showing any intent to attack, but either side could quickly change. The captains of the four submarines were getting severely tense from the situation and only wanted this moment to pass by. It would have been better if they could just fight each other, but that was something that both sides did not wee.


    Regardless, the two nuclear submarines and two Hoc submarines were drifting away from each other. It was too early to let their guard down. The fact that their nk was caught by the enemy submarines was a dangerous situation to be in.


    Captain Robert Harley, who had been watching the movements of the enemy from the CIC (Combat Intelligence Center) gave an order to the CR (Control Room).


    -Maintain our azimuth and depth, set the speed to our maximum at 25 knots.


    -Maintaining our azimuth and depth, and setting the speed to our maximum of 25 knots.


    ¡°Captain! Themand headquarters has sent in an encrypted message.¡± First mate Champo, who was sitting at the CR (Control Room), hade down to the CIC (Combat Intelligence Center) and handed the message to the captain himself.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the sudden message?¡±


    The captain carefully read over the message he got from his first mate. A momentter, Captain Robert Harley¡¯s face became dark.

 Chapter 235

    <h4>Chapter 235</h4>


    February 13th, 2021, 18:40


    The deep sea, N 30¡ã 4¡ä E 131¡ã 5¡ä from southern Tanega Ind, Kyushu, Japan (the Yang Se-bong¡¯s location)


    The two nuclear submarines that had continued to emit pings moved past the Hoc submarines. When they were about 3km away from them, the American submarines suddenly changed their route portside.


    ¡°What the...?¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kim Hyung-min, who had been watching the movements of the two nuclear submarines noticed something was wrong as he looked at the sonar monitor and the analysis the Hoc supeputer was making.


    ¡°Both nuclear submarines have turned portside and rapidly changing their direction!¡±


    The operations director rushed to the scene to check the sonar monitor.


    ¡°What are they up to? Why are they doing that?¡±


    The operations director also could not understand the enemy¡¯s strange movements and felt uneasy. A report from the sonar operator confirmed their suspicions.


    ¡°Sir! The Corpus Christi¡¯s injecting theirunch tubes! The Houston is also injecting their¡¯s as well!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Both vessels are injecting twounch tubes each.¡±


    The two nuclear submarines all turned portside sharply and were sucking up the ocean water to inject into theirunch tubes.


    -Captain! Both nuclear subs have changed their routes portside! Each of them is injecting two of theirunch tubes, sir!¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-joon, immediately gave out orders after listening to the report.


    ¡°Are the enemy vessels still sending out active sonar pings?¡±


    -No, sir. They are no longer using their active sonars.


    ¡°Set Corpus Christi as the 1st target and the Houston as our second. Insert the sonar patterns for each target tounch tubes 1 and 2 and stand by.


    -Yes, sir.


    Captain Kim Jin-joon had been ordered by the navy¡¯s operations HQ to just keep watch, therefore he could not attack the nuclear submarines despite being ready to strike.


    ¡°First mate! Send an encrypted message to the operations headquarters! The American subs have changed their position to take the offensive! Request to strike first!¡±


    ¡°Sending the message now, sir.¡±


    Meanwhile, at the Corpus Christi (SSN-705)...


    ¡°Target 1 and 2¡¯s sonar patterns have been inputted!¡±


    ¡°Check the point where we couldunch our torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Eighty-one more seconds beforeunch! We will be able tounch them by then, sir.¡±


    ¡°I hope we are not too hasty.¡±


    Captain Robert Harley had read the encrypted message. After doing so, he transitioned from using active to passive sonars and ordered his crew to make a turn portside. Then, he ordered his crew to inject fourunch tubes and insert the sonar patterns for each submarine to two torpedoes.


    The encrypted message imed that the U.S was now at war against Corea under the president¡¯s orders and was to conduct military operations against the nation. Captain Harley had presumed these two unidentified submarines to be from Corea and had given the orders.


    A momentter, the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) and Houston (SSN-713) that had been turning portside, opened up their muzzle doors. The eight rounds of 533mm Mk 48 torpedoes shot out from theirunch tubes and began to propel forward.


    ¡°We haveunched two hard-wired torpedoes, and two active sonar torpedoes sessfully, captain. The Houston had followed suit as well.¡± The arms man reported to the captain after hearing all the reports from both submarines.


    ¡°Torpedo 1 is 99 seconds away from reaching target 1, torpedo 2 is 101 seconds away, torpedo 3 at 103, and torpedo 4 is at 105 seconds!¡±


    ¡°We cut off contact with the hard-wired torpedoes when they are 1000 away from the target.¡±


    The Corpus Christi (SSN-705) had targeted the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) while the Houston (SSN-713) had targeted the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86). Four torpedoes were sailing through the deep sea at a speed of 55 knots.


    Meanwhile at the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) ...


    As they waited for the response from the navy¡¯s operationsmand, a report of eight torpedoes beingunched came up to the battle station and the control room.


    -There are four torpedoes in total heading towards us. Two are hard-wired while the other two are guided by active sonar. The 1st round is 95 seconds away while the 2nd is at 97, 3rd at 99, and the 4th at 101 seconds away from reaching us.


    Therge screen at the helm showed the enemy torpedoes as red blinking dots heading towards them at fast speeds.


    ¡°First mate! Did the navy¡¯s operationsmand respond to us yet?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, sir.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Since the situation was dire, Captain Kim Jin-joon bit his lower lip out of anxiety. He couldn¡¯t just wait forever, so he gave out orders.


    ¡°We respond by hard kill. Loadunch tubes 1 through 4 with the Great White torpedoes and insert the sonar patterns. As soon as they are finished,unch them without waiting for orders.¡±


    ¡°First Mate! Tell the Lee Un-hyung to attack at their own discretion as well!¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    -Great White torpedoes 1 through 4 have been loaded and sonar patterns have been inputted! Launching after countdown!


    The arms man repeated the captain¡¯s orders and manipted the console. After finishing the three-stage process, the arms man pressed theunch button.


    The newly created sma torpedounch tubes that had taken the advantage of the air pressureunching system and the self-propelled system opened their muzzle doors. Then, the four hard-wired Great White torpedoes used the momentum from the sma maic fields to shoot out from theirunch tubes and to their targets.


    ¡°All four hard-wired Great White torpedoes have beenunched sessfully! 44, 45, and 47 seconds from reaching their targets. The Lee Un-hyung has alsounched their own Great White A torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Cut off the connection when they are 1000 away from their targets.¡±


    The distance between the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86), Yang Se-bong (SSP-85), and the Houston nuclear submarine (SSN-713) was only about 2.2km. Captain Oh Hyun from the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) had judged that they were short on time, so he had attempted to intercept the enemy torpedoes using the super-cavitating Great White A torpedoes. The Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) was in a more dire situationpared to the Yang Se-bong (SSP-86).


    In the dark, deep sea 150m below the surface, 16 torpedoes that had beenunched from both sides were speeding towards each other. The super-cavitating torpedo Great White A had collided with the enemy torpedoes first, and arge shockwave shook the entire area that had been silent just moments before.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The sonar operator of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) reported about the collision.


    ¡°Three of the enemy torpedoes headed towards the Lee Un-hyung have exploded! It seems they failed to intercept one of the torpedoes, sir.¡±


    The sonar operator who had been waiting for the 4th explosion reported in after not hearing it in the expected time.


    ¡°They failed? Damn it!¡±


    The operations director grabbed his forehead and shouted. Additional reports from the sonar operator came in.


    ¡°The Lee Un-hyung is rising to the surface, sir.¡±


    The Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) was attempting to avoid danger by rising to the surface after failing to intercept the 4th enemy torpedo.


    Meanwhile, the four torpedoes headed towards the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) had luckily been intercepted by all of their Great White torpedoes.


    ¡°All four enemy torpedoes have been intercepted.¡±


    A few seconds after the sonar operator reported in, arge shockwave from a torpedo explosion shook the entire submarine.


    Boooooom~


    Captain Kim Jin-joon, who had been listening to everything going on at the battle station asked about the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s (SSP-86) status.


    ¡°What about the Lee Un-hyung?¡±


    -The Lee Un-hyung has risen, but the enemy torpedo has changed its course and tailing it. They are 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.


    Boom!


    -The enemy torpedo has exploded. We are unable to check the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s status! Please hold, sir.


    When the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) rose to the surface, one surviving Mk 48 torpedo from the hard-kill transitioned from its hard-wired guidance to the active sonar stage. The torpedo had used its active sonar to detect the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s (SSP-86) path and continued to tail it. When it was 50m away from the target, it exploded.


    Arge bubble split in two and copsed on each other. The bubble storm had struck the bottom of the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) and engulfed the entire sub.


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-min, the Yang Se-bong¡¯s (SSP-85) sonar operator, took off his headset and grasped his head. The shockwave and the sounds of a vessel being torn apart had caused him pain.


    The operations director shook Sergeant Kim¡¯s shoulder and asked. ¡°What happened? Did they get hit?¡±


    ¡°It seems to be that way, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! Give me a straight report!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Hyung-min put the headset back on and answered the operations director. ¡°It didn¡¯t sound like a direct impact, but I definitely heard the hull being torn apart by the shockwave, sir.¡±


    The blue dot on the sonar monitor representing the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) did not show up from the bubble storm.


    ¡°Damn the Americans...¡±


    The captain¡¯s angry voice came from the helm.


    ¡°The battle is not over yet. Keep your wits about!¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-joong was mild-tempered and never raised his voice during training. When operations director Captain Song Ki-young and sonar operator Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-jin had heard him shout, they came back to their senses.


    -Sorry, captain!


    ¡°Keep your focus while in battle! Alright?¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    First mate, Major Na Kang-soo, came up to Captain Kim Jin-joong yelling at his wrist-watchmunicator. ¡°Sir, it¡¯s from the navy¡¯s operationsmand.¡±


    ¡°Took them long enough. Fuck!¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-joong, who had snatched the encrypted message off of the first mate¡¯s hands, thought to himself as he read the message. ¡°If they had told us to attack, then we wouldn¡¯t have lost the Lee Un-hyung!¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-joong crumpled up the encrypted message and shouted his orders. ¡°Helmsman! Set our azimuth to 1-8-5 and a full turn portside! Set our diving angle to 10 and depth to 170, speed at 10 knots.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth to 1-8-5 full turn portside! Diving angle to 10, and depth up to 170, speed at 10 knots.¡±


    -Arms man! Loadunch tubes 1 through 4 with the Great White A torpedoes! Load 5 through 8 with the Great White torpedoes! Insert the sonar patterns for target 1 at torpedoes 1 and 2! Insert sonar patterns for target 2 for torpedoes 3 and 4! Torpedoes 5 through 8 are on standby!


    The encrypted message crumpled up by Captain Kim Jin-joon said he had permission to engage in battle against the American forces under the authorization of Corea¡¯smander in chief. A few hours ago, Chairman Kang Ui-sik from the Joint Chief of Staff had alerted the entire military about the official war against America. The navy¡¯s operationsmand had sent the content to the Yang Se-bong (SSP-86) as well.


    -All sonar patterns have been inputted for the Great White A torpedoes fromunch tubes 1 through 4, sir!


    -The enemy hasunched a second wave of torpedoes. Four rounds are headed towards us. They are 110 seconds away from impact.


    The torpedo arms man¡¯s report was followed up by the sonar operator¡¯s.


    -Open the muzzle doors!


    -Opening the muzzle doors!


    -Launch starting from torpedo 1!


    -Torpedo 1unch! Torpedo 2unch! Torpedo 3unch! Torpedo 4unch!


    -Enemy torpedoes are 91, and 92 seconds away from reaching us...


    -Torpedo 1 is 12, 13, 14, and 15 seconds away from reaching the enemy...


    The super-cavitating torpedoes Great White A raised their speed to 500 knots and glided towards the two American nuclear submarines.


    Meanwhile, the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) and the Houston (SSN-713) was in shock from the super-cavitating torpedo attacks made by the unidentified submarines. However, the surviving Mk 48 torpedo had struck one of the unidentified submarines, and they were drunk on victory. Then, theyunched two rounds each towards the surviving submarines for a total of four torpedoes to make their second attack.


    However, the appearance of the super-cavitating torpedo made thebat intelligence center of the Corpus Christi and Houston go into an uproar. They could not react to the Great White A torpedoes traveling at the speed of 500 knots with only 3km between them. There was not enough time.


    ¡°Injectunch tubes 3 and 4,unch as soon as they are ready!¡±


    Captain Robert Harley of the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) gave the order to intercept the enemy torpedoes by hard kill. However, the Great White A torpedoes were already within 1km from them in the blink of an eye.


    Boom! Boom!


    The muzzle doors opened, and the Mk 48 torpedoes were about to leave theunch tubes! However, the 7000t LA ss nuclear submarines the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) and Houston (SSN-713) were struck by two rounds of the Great White A torpedoes each and were torn to pieces.


    Boooom! Bang!


    February 13th, 2021, 18:40


    The deep sea, N 30¡ã 4¡ä E 131¡ã 5¡ä from southern Tanega Ind, Kyushu, Japan (the Yang Se-bong¡¯s location)


    The two nuclear submarines that had continued to emit pings moved past the Hoc submarines. When they were about 3km away from them, the American submarines suddenly changed their route portside.


    ¡°What the...?¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kim Hyung-min, who had been watching the movements of the two nuclear submarines noticed something was wrong as he looked at the sonar monitor and the analysis the Hoc supeputer was making.


    ¡°Both nuclear submarines have turned portside and rapidly changing their direction!¡±


    The operations director rushed to the scene to check the sonar monitor.


    ¡°What are they up to? Why are they doing that?¡±


    The operations director also could not understand the enemy¡¯s strange movements and felt uneasy. A report from the sonar operator confirmed their suspicions.


    ¡°Sir! The Corpus Christi¡¯s injecting theirunch tubes! The Houston is also injecting their¡¯s as well!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Both vessels are injecting twounch tubes each.¡±


    The two nuclear submarines all turned portside sharply and were sucking up the ocean water to inject into theirunch tubes.


    -Captain! Both nuclear subs have changed their routes portside! Each of them is injecting two of theirunch tubes, sir!¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-joon, immediately gave out orders after listening to the report.


    ¡°Are the enemy vessels still sending out active sonar pings?¡±


    -No, sir. They are no longer using their active sonars.


    ¡°Set Corpus Christi as the 1st target and the Houston as our second. Insert the sonar patterns for each target tounch tubes 1 and 2 and stand by.


    -Yes, sir.


    Captain Kim Jin-joon had been ordered by the navy¡¯s operations HQ to just keep watch, therefore he could not attack the nuclear submarines despite being ready to strike.


    ¡°First mate! Send an encrypted message to the operations headquarters! The American subs have changed their position to make the offensive! Request to strike first!¡±


    ¡°Sending the message now, sir.¡±


    Meanwhile, at the Corpus Christi (SSN-705)...


    ¡°Target 1 and 2¡¯s sonar patterns have been inputted!¡±


    ¡°Check the point where we couldunch our torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Eighty-one more seconds beforeunch! We will be able tounch them by then, sir.¡±


    ¡°I hope we are not too hasty.¡±


    Captain Robert Harley had read the encrypted message. After doing so, he transitioned from using active to passive sonars and ordered his crew to make a turn portside. Then, he ordered his crew to inject fourunch tubes and insert the sonar patterns for each submarine to two torpedoes.


    The encrypted message imed that the U.S was now at war against Corea under the president¡¯s orders and were to conduct military operations against the nation. Captain Harley had presumed these two unidentified submarines to be from Corea and had given the orders.


    A momentter, the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) and Houston (SSN-713) that had been turning portside, opened up their muzzle doors. The eight rounds of 533mm Mk 48 torpedoes shot out from theirunch tubes and began to propel forward.


    ¡°We haveunched two hard-wired torpedoes, and two active sonar torpedoes sessfully, captain. The Houston had followed suit as well.¡± The arms man reported to the captain after hearing all the reports from both submarines.


    ¡°Torpedo 1 is 99 seconds away from reaching target 1, torpedo 2 is 101 seconds away, torpedo 3 at 103 and torpedo 4 is at 105 seconds!¡±


    ¡°We cut off contact with the hard-wired torpedoes when they are 1000 away from the target.¡±


    The Corpus Christi (SSN-705) had targeted the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) while the Houston (SSN-713) had targeted the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86). Four torpedoes were sailing through the deep sea at a speed of 55 knots.


    Meanwhile at the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) ...


    As they waited for the response from the navy¡¯s operationsmand, a report of eight torpedoes beingunched came up to the battle station and the control room.


    -There are four torpedoes in total heading towards us. Two are hard-wired while the other two are guided by active sonar. The 1st round is 95 seconds away while the 2nd is at 97, 3rd at 99 and the 4th at 101 seconds away from reaching us.


    Therge screen at the helm showed the enemy torpedoes as red blinking dots heading towards them at fast speeds.


    ¡°First mate! Did the navy¡¯s operationsmand respond to us yet?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, sir.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Since the situation was dire, Captain Kim Jin-joon bit his lower lip out of anxiety. He couldn¡¯t just wait forever, so he gave out orders.


    ¡°We respond by hard kill. Loadunch tubes 1 through 4 with the Great White torpedoes and insert the sonar patterns. As soon as they are finished,unch them without waiting for orders.¡±


    ¡°First Mate! Tell the Lee Un-hyung to attack at their own discretion as well!¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    -Great White torpedoes 1 through 4 have been loaded and sonar patterns have been inputted! Launching after countdown!


    The arms man repeated the captain¡¯s orders and manipted the console. After finishing the three-stage process, the arms man pressed theunch button.


    The newly created sma torpedounch tubes that had taken the advantages of the air pressureunching system and the self-propelled system opened their muzzle doors. Then, the four hard-wired Great White torpedoes used the momentum from the sma maic fields to shoot out from theirunch tubes and to their targets.


    ¡°All four hard-wired Great White torpedoes have beenunched sessfully! 44, 45, and 47 seconds from reaching their targets. The Lee Un-hyung has alsounched their own Great White A torpedoes.¡±


    ¡°Cut off the connection when they are 1000 away from their targets.¡±


    The distance between the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86), Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) and the Houston nuclear submarine (SSN-713) was only about 2.2km. Captain Oh Hyun from the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) had judged that they were short on time, so he had attempted to intercept the enemy torpedoes using the super-cavitating Great White A torpedoes. The Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) was in a more dire situationpared to the Yang Se-bong (SSP-86).


    In the dark, deep sea 150m below the surface, 16 torpedoes that had beenunched from both sides were speeding towards each other. The super-cavitating torpedo Great White A had collided with the enemy torpedoes first, and arge shockwave shook the entire area that had been silent just moments before.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The sonar operator of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) reported about the collision.


    ¡°Three of the enemy torpedoes headed towards the Lee Un-hyung have exploded! It seems they failed to intercept one of the torpedoes, sir.¡±


    The sonar operator who had been waiting for the 4th explosion reported in after not hearing it in the expected time.


    ¡°They failed? Damn it!¡±


    The operations director grabbed his forehead and shouted. Additional reports from the sonar operator came in.


    ¡°The Lee Un-hyung is rising to the surface, sir.¡±


    The Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) was attempting to avoid danger by rising to the surface after failing to intercept the 4th enemy torpedo.


    Meanwhile, the four torpedoes headed towards the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) had luckily been intercepted by all of their Great White torpedoes.


    ¡°All four enemy torpedoes have been intercepted.¡±


    A few seconds after the sonar operator reported in, arge shockwave from a torpedo explosion shook the entire submarine.


    Boooooom~


    Captain Kim Jin-joon, who had been listening to everything going on at the battle station asked about the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s (SSP-86) status.


    ¡°What about the Lee Un-hyung?¡±


    -The Lee Un-hyung has risen, but the enemy torpedo has changed its course and tailing it. They are 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.


    Boom!


    -The enemy torpedo has exploded. We are unable to check the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s status! Please hold, sir.


    When the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) rose to the surface, one surviving Mk 48 torpedo from the hard kill transitioned from its hard-wired guidance to the active sonar stage. The torpedo had used its active sonar to detect the Lee Un-hyung¡¯s (SSP-86) path and continued to tail it. When it was 50m away from the target, it exploded.


    Arge bubble split in two and copsed on each other. The bubble storm had struck the bottom of the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) and engulfed the entire sub.


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-min, the Yang Se-bong¡¯s (SSP-85) sonar operator, took off his headset and grasped his head. The shockwave and the sounds of a vessel being torn apart had caused him pain.


    The operations director shook Sergeant Kim¡¯s shoulder and asked. ¡°What happened? Did they get hit?¡±


    ¡°It seems to be that way, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! Give me a straight report!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Hyung-min put the headset back on and answered the operations director. ¡°It didn¡¯t sound like a direct impact, but I definitely heard the hull being torn apart by the shockwave, sir.¡±


    The blue dot on the sonar monitor representing the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) did not show up from the bubble storm.


    ¡°Damn the Americans...¡±


    The captain¡¯s angry voice came from the helm.


    ¡°The battle is not over yet. Keep your wits about!¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-joong was mild tempered and never raised his voice during training. When operations director Captain Song Ki-young and sonar operator Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-jin had heard him shout, they came back to their senses.


    -Sorry, captain!


    ¡°Keep your focus while in battle! Alright?¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    First mate, Major Na Kang-soo, came up to Captain Kim Jin-joong yelling at his wrist-watchmunicator. ¡°Sir, it¡¯s from the navy¡¯s operationsmand.¡±


    ¡°Took them long enough. Fuck!¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-joong, who had snatched the encrypted message off of the first mate¡¯s hands, thought to himself as he read the message. ¡°If they had told us to attack, then we wouldn¡¯t have lost the Lee Un-hyung!¡±


    Captain Kim Jin-joong crumpled up the encrypted message and shouted his orders. ¡°Helmsman! Set our azimuth to 1-8-5 and a full turn portside! Set our diving angle to 10 and depth to 170, speed at 10 knots.¡±


    ¡°Azimuth to 1-8-5 full turn portside! Diving angle to 10, and depth up to 170, speed at 10 knots.¡±


    -Arms man! Loadunch tubes 1 through 4 with the Great White A torpedoes! Load 5 through 8 with the Great White torpedoes! Insert the sonar patterns for target 1 at torpedoes 1 and 2! Insert sonar patterns for target 2 for torpedoes 3 and 4! Torpedoes 5 through 8 are on standby!


    The encrypted message crumpled up by Captain Kim Jin-joon said he had permission to engage in battle against the American forces under the authorization of Corea¡¯smander in chief. A few hours ago, Chairman Kang Ui-sik from the Joint Chief of Staff had alerted the entire military about the official war against America. The navy¡¯s operationsmand had sent the content to the Yang Se-bong (SSP-86) as well.


    -All sonar patterns have been inputted for the Great White A torpedoes fromunch tubes 1 through 4, sir!


    -The enemy hasunched a second wave of torpedoes. Four rounds are headed towards us. They are 110 seconds away from impact.


    The torpedo arms man¡¯s report was followed up by the sonar operator¡¯s.


    -Open the muzzle doors!


    -Opening the muzzle doors!


    -Launch starting from torpedo 1!


    -Torpedo 1unch! Torpedo 2unch! Torpedo 3unch! Torpedo 4unch!


    -Enemy torpedoes are 91, and 92 seconds away from reaching us...


    -Torpedo 1 is 12, 13, 14, and 15 seconds away from reaching the enemy...


    The super-cavitating torpedoes Great White A raised their speed to 500 knots and glided towards the two American nuclear submarines.


    Meanwhile, the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) and the Houston (SSN-713) was in shock from the super-cavitating torpedo attacks made by the unidentified submarines. However, the surviving Mk 48 torpedo had struck one of the unidentified submarines, and they were drunk on victory. Then, theyunched two rounds each towards the surviving submarines for a total of four torpedoes to make their second attack.


    However, the appearance of the super-cavitating torpedo made thebat intelligence center of the Corpus Christi and Houston go into an uproar. They could not react to the Great White A torpedoes traveling at the speed of 500 knots with only 3km between them. There was not enough time.


    ¡°Injectunch tubes 3 and 4,unch as soon as they are ready!¡±


    Captain Robert Harley of the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) gave the order to intercept the enemy torpedoes by hard kill. However, the Great White A torpedoes were already within 1km from them in the blink of an eye.


    Boom! Boom!


    The muzzle doors opened, and the Mk 48 torpedoes were about to leave theunch tubes! However, the 7000t LA ss nuclear submarines the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) and Houston (SSN-713) were struck by two rounds of the Great White A torpedoes each and were torn to pieces.


    Boooom! Bang!

 Chapter 236

    <h4>Chapter 236</h4>


    February 13th, 2021, 18:50


    The deep sea, N 30¡ã 4¡ä E 131¡ã 5¡ä south of Tanega Ind, Kyushu, Japan (The Yang Se-bong (SSP-85)¡¯s location)


    ¡°Both nuclear subs have been hit!¡± The sonar operator raised both of his hands and shouted confidently. The Mk 48 torpedo headed towards the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) exploded in its tracks after losing reception.


    ¡°All 4 enemy torpedoes headed towards us have exploded, sir.¡±


    ¡°Both submarines? Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It was a direct hit.¡±


    The sonar operator, who finally could rx, wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve. Sergeant Kim Gwang-kyun, grasped the headset to his ear and begin to close in on a certain sound.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Kim, sir, put on the headset. It sounds like it¡¯s the Lee Un-hyung.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-min put on the headset and focused on the soundsing through the headset.


    ¡°Hey! What the...?¡±


    The operating sounds of the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) that the crew had thought to have sunk was clearlying through the headset. Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-min¡¯s eyes were about to bulge out from his sockets.


    ¡°It really is them.¡±


    When Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-min manipted the console at lightning speeds, the monitor for the sonar showed the 3D outline of the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86).


    The outer ting was slightly damaged, but the submarine was in fair shape overall. Also, it was maintaining its depth without sinking.


    ¡°It¡¯s alive, they¡¯re alive! Ha ha ha.¡± Sergeant first ss Kim Hyung-min hugged sergeant Kim Gwang-kyun while shouting.


    ¡°What¡¯s with themotion?¡± The sonar director came up to them while frowning.


    ¡°Apologies, sir. I forgot to report in out of joy.¡±


    ¡°So, what is it?¡±


    ¡°The Lee Un-hyung, sir! They are alive and still sailing.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, look at the monitor, sir.¡±


    The Mk 48 torpedo¡¯s bubble jets that had gone off 20m below the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) had engulfed the entire submarine in bubbles. The shockwave, pressure, and buoyancy had struck the entire body of the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86), but the hydronium alloy ting had only been slightly damaged. The ACS (Anti-gravity Control System) installed between the ting had also acted as cushioning and the crew had only felt a slight shock but were unharmed. The bubble jet had temporarily cut offmunication with the outside, along with sonar detection.


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 19:00


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    When the submarine battle between Corea and America that would shock the world had begun, Chairman Kang Ui-sik who had returned from the Blue House, and the militarymanders started to n for the secondary retaliation.


    The first course of action had already been nned, but this was only set as the minimum defensive measures if the worst came to be. However, the situation had called for a more active offensive approach, so details of the n had to be set once again.


    After the meeting was over, the operations aide-de-camp had reported in about the two American LA ss nuclear submarines being struck down. The atmosphere of the meeting room was very encouraging.


    ¡°We must send additional forces tond on Japan, sir.¡±


    The current war¡¯s progression was very ironic. In 1950, America, Soviet Russia, and China had used Korea as their stage to wage war and boast their military power. However, after 70 years had passed, the power of Corea was pressing down on the two major military powers of the world: America and China. Now, the nation was about to use its power on Japan.


    While this was going on, the Corean military had sent the 2nd marine division (Blue Dragon), the 3rd marine mobile division (Fire Drake), and the 6th marine brigade (ck Dragon) which totaled up to 25,000 men to Japan. Also, there were 50,000 special forces men faithfully conducting their mission of bringing back cultural artifacts and attacking the Japanese military.


    Based on numbers alone, there were about 80,000 soldiers in Japan, but without the 50,000 special forces that had not been trained for formal battles, there were only 25,000 marines fit for battle.


    The Japanese military¡¯s army had been struck by numerous missile-strikes and air raids, and they had already been defeated twice. However, there were still 18,000 surviving troops and more were toe from their emergency draft. Also, the U.S military stationed in Japan were all equipped with thetest equipment and had 13,000 men. It was no measly force that could be ignored.


    Combining the Japanese army and the U.S military stationed in Japan, there were about 31,000 men ready for action. 25,000 marines were not enough to face them head-on. Therefore, General Lee Un-hyung, themander of the military, suggested deploying more troops from the army to Japan.


    ¡°I also agree that we need to deploy more troops as General Lee has suggested. I would like to discuss that more with Lieutenant General Na ande to a conclusion as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik stood up from his seat and nced at the 50 militarymanders who were in attendance. After taking a moment, he began to speak quietly. ¡°Soldiers of the Corean military! As we have just heard, the war against America has just begun. Whether America attacked first or not, we have crossed a bridge that we can¡¯t return. We are soldiers. We must protect our nation and citizens.


    We could see our nation as David while America is Goliath. But who won in the end? David won. Corea will be like David that won against Goliath, therefore we will name the war against America as ¡®David and Goliath.¡¯ I would like all of you to do your best, so that our war may end up like the legend.¡±


    Lieutenant General Youn Ki-yoon, themander of the 620th artillery corps, quietly asked Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won, the intelligence director while covering his mouth with his hand, ¡°So, what¡¯s the whole David and Goliath thing thatrade chairman is talking about?¡±


    ¡°They are the characters from the Israel holy scriptures. David was a small but clever sheep herding boy, while Goliath was arge warrior. When they fought each other, David won.¡±


    ¡°So, the chairman is saying that our nation may be small but clever like David while America is like Goliath the giant. Is that right?¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes, you are right.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a story that catches my interest.¡±


    While the two generals were quietly conversing with each other, Chairman Kang Ui-sik sat down on his seat, and Operations Director Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon came up to the podium.


    ¡°Before we get to the details of our meeting, I would like to briefly report about our weaponry. The vessel has not been officially been deployed yet, but it does y arge role in our ns for our operations. Therefore, I would like to inform everyone about the equipment first.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon finished speaking, therge screen in the briefing room lit up. Then, arge submarine that seemed to be from a Sci-Fi series showed up on the screen.


    ¡°The submarine you are looking at is the next-generation submarine named the Super Hoc tactical submarine. It has a load discement of 23,530 tons and is the secondrgest submarine only outssed by Russia¡¯s Typhoon ss submarine.


    However, its functionality is far superior. This vessel is at least two generations ahead of thetest submarines from America and Russia, thanks to the newly applied technology we have developed.¡±


    While Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon continued with his briefing, the specifications for the Super Hoc submarine and its functions showed up on the screen.


    Floating discement: 19,600 tons


    Load discement: 23,550 tons


    Length: 220.5m


    Width: 18.5m


    Waterline: 9m


    Power source: 4 sma super protonic Mod-E engines


    Engine output: 510,000 horsepower


    Speed: over 60 knots


    Diving depth: 1,850m


    Crew: 120 men


    Arms:


    ? 100mm Scithe K-2 double barrel cannons, range 250km (high cluster sma rounds)


    ? Sky Sea Dragon missiles (GTAS-300 ship-to-air missiles), range 420km, Mach 10 x 60


    ? ck Shark torpedoes (483mm K-746 submarine-to-submarine/ ship super cavitating multiple-round torpedoes: 120) 8 torpedounch tubes, 4 at the tail and 2 on each side


    ? Avarice-II (SSM-1200K submarine-to-submarine hypersonic cruise missiles), range 450km, Mach 8 x 80


    ? The Sky Dragon A missile (submarine-to-surface SSGN missiles), range 1500km, Mach 3.5 x 200


    ? SD-SLBN Gungnir-II (submarine-to-surface missiles), range 15,000km, Mach 45 x 80


    Sonar: Hypersonic IUSW-B.L. 02 sonar type radar


    ¡°Five thousand researchers and technicians are working day and night at two top-security docks to put the finishing touches on the Super Hoc submarine, and the vessels are scheduled to beunched within this week. Also, the 240 crewmen that are to board the submarine have already been training via a simtion for a year, so they can begin their operation as soon as the vessels are deployed.¡±


    The screen split in two, and footage of the crew training with the simtion equipment showed up on the right side.


    ¡°The Super Hoc submarines are to be deployed to the battlefield with itsunch. The first submarine has been named and numbered the Lee Hui-hyung (SSP-091) while the second as the Choi Joon (SSP-092).¡±


    Excluding a few of themanders from the joint chief of staff and navymanders, the militarymanders attending the meeting were all staring at the screen with their mouths open. The submarine was equipped with unimaginable technology with a length of 200m.


    The arms and the power the submarine had was another factor that surprised everyone. One Super Hoc submarine could be more than enough to wipe an entire nation off the map with its 200 rounds of Sky Dragon A hypersonic cruise missiles, and the 80 rounds of the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II ICBMs.


    Finally, the submarine was capable of facing off against submarines, ships, and even aircrafts, making it something that could fight off against any enemy. While sailing, the submarine was capable of fighting against other submarines by using thetest ck Shark torpedoes and at a depth of 100, it couldunch its Avarice II supersonic cruise missiles to attack ships.


    Also, while floating on the surface, the submarine was capable of using the 100mm Scithe K-2 double barrel cannons like the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) and could intercept aircrafts and high-altitude ballistic missiles with the Sky Sea Dragon missiles. The Super Hoc submarine was able to attack and defend itself against any enemy from any location.


    While the exnation about the submarine continued for about 10 minutes, the generals could not hold back their surprise and began to shout in glee. Also, numerous questions followed the presentation.


    A weapon such as this will obviously dominate the battlefield for the war between Corea and America and create a huge impact. It was something that could change the oue of the war.


    When the briefing about the Super Hoc submarine was over, the militarymanders gave a standing ovation.


    ¡°Since we are now done presenting the information about the Super Hoc submarines, we will now begin the meeting to establish ns for our operations.¡±


    The meeting was over in thete evening after setting the details from their first n. There were a few noticeable operations from those that were made. One of them was using the Super Hoc submarine to attack maind America.


    America had been subjected to terrorist attacks after its independence, but it has never had its maind attacked before. If it was, then the fear and shock its citizens would receive would be tremendous.


    To win the war against America and end it quickly, Corea had chosen to attack America¡¯s maind. However, the Pentagon would never in a million years predict Corea would attack them at home.

 Chapter 237

    <h4>Chapter 237</h4>


    February 13th, 2021, 19:10


    The seas 66km from southeast Kyushu, Japan (the 7th carrier strike group¡¯s location)


    The 7th carrier strike group heard the report from the Corpus Christi (SSN-705) and the Houston (SSN-713) about unknown submarines being detected. When themunication was cut off from the submarines, the 7th carrier strike group had sent in eight MH-60R (Block II) anti-submarine choppers.


    The choppers were a couple of kilometers away from each other and when they reached the area where they received thest contact, they deployed their dipping sonar, and sonobuoys to search for the LA ss nuclear submarines.


    -This is Alpha 1, continue flying to your designated directions and deploy a sonobuoy for every kilometer. Deploy the dipping sonar at the final destination!


    -Alpha 2, roger!


    -Alpha 3, roger!


    -Alpha 4, roger!


    -Alpha 5, roger!


    -Alpha 6, roger!


    -Alpha 7, roger!


    -Alpha 8, roger!


    When the Alpha 1 anti-submarine chopper had deployed a sonobuoy at the center of the search area, the other choppers split into seven different directions and began to deploy their own buoys. When they reached the final area, they began to hover and drop a sonar cable to send out their dipping sonars.


    Numerous sonobuoys and dipping sonars were deployed in a 10km radius across the ocean, but nothing was detected by them. Debris from the LA ss nuclear submarines 2km southeast from the location had been found instead.


    Thirty minutester, the anti-submarine choppers had returned with the wreckage of two nuclear ss submarines. Lieutenant General Michael Sam, themander of the 7th fleet, had a grim look on his face as he watched the scene from the Blue Ridge¡¯s (LCC-19) ind bridge.


    It was the first time an American submarine had been struck down since the Second World War, and the submarines had been under hismand.


    ¡°Are you sure they had been attacked?¡±


    ¡°Among the debris, we have found belongings of the crew, sir,¡± Bill Harley, the operations director of the 7th fleet, answered.


    ¡°Were we unable to detect the Corean submarines?¡±


    ¡°It seems they have left the area, sir.¡±


    ¡°Or they could have dived to the depths and sailing silently, could they not?¡±


    ¡°That could also be true, sir.¡±


    The 7th fleet seemed to have concluded that the unidentified submarines were from Corea.


    ¡°Director Harley! All vessels are to be on alert for enemy submarines and ships, maintain our azimuth and slow down to 5 knots!¡±


    ¡°All vessels are to be on alert for enemy ships, submarines, and aircrafts! Maintaining our azimuth and slowing down to 5 knots, sir.¡±


    MH-60R (Block II) anti-submarine choppers took off again from the Blue Ridge (LCC-19) amphibious auxiliary ship, and the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) aircraft carrier¡¯s flight decks. Choppers from the cruisers and destroyers also took off and began to circle the surrounding area of the 7th carrier strike group. A total of 36 anti-submarine choppers began to use their sonar buoys and dipping sonars to watch for enemy submarines.


    Two of thetest E-2C Hawkeye drones took off to keep watch of the front and rear of the fleet.


    Meanwhile, the Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86) had left the area to sail back to Jeju Ind¡¯s navy port, while the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) had dove into its maximum depth and sailing silently.


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 20:00


    Seoul Jongro-ku, the Blue House¡¯s national emergency situation center, underground bunker


    The battle against the American submarines took ce only two hours after the emergency meeting was finished. When President Suh Hyun-woo had heard the report about the two LA ss submarines being sunk, he called over Minister Kim Jae-hak from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


    ¡°I apologize for calling you over multiple times a day, Minister Kim.¡±


    Minister Kim sat down and spoke while receiving a cup of tea from the secretary. ¡°There¡¯s no need to apologize, sir. It¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°I am sure you haven¡¯t heard the news yet. An hour ago, two LA ss nuclear subs from America¡¯s 7th naval fleet has been struck down by ours.¡±


    ¡°Did the battle against America start already?¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak became still from shock while holding the teacup.


    ¡°It seems that the submarines from both sides ran into each other at the southern Kyushu seas. After we decided to war against America, the Ministry of National Defense had ryed the order to every branch of the military and the battle had begun.¡±


    ¡°Did our nation attack first, sir?¡±


    The president waved his hand to signal Minister Kim to drink his tea and continued his exnation.


    ¡°No. The nuclear submarines attacked first with their torpedoes. We received footage of the battle that shows the details.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo handed off a secure USB.


    ¡°Why are you giving this to me, sir?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a copy.¡±


    ¡°That means?¡±


    ¡°America will use this as an excuse to officially wage war against Corea. They will im our nation attacked first.¡±


    Minister Kim spoke while receiving the USB. ¡°I think that is highly likely, sir.¡±


    ¡°That is why I would like you to deliver this USB to the American embassy. With this, at least they will be unable to lie about how Corea started this war.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo had urately predicted America¡¯s intentions.


    The Pentagon had to find an excuse to war against Corea after receiving orders from President Trump. When the Pentagon had heard about the unidentified submarines detected by the 7th fleet, they decided to use this for their advantage. They had ordered the nuclear submarines to attack.


    For the Pentagon, it didn¡¯t matter if the submarines were from Corea or any other nation. After taking down the unidentified submarines, they could report iming it was an attack for self-defense after being attacked first.


    Then they would be able to easily receive approval from congress to wage war against Corea.


    However, the results were different from their expectations. The Pentagon was taken by surprise when two of their nuclear submarines were sunk, but they finally had their excuse to start the war.


    The way the western nations and America¡¯s allies would see Corea would be different depending on who attacked first. If America imed the Corean submarines attacked first, as they have nned, then Corea would suffer severe military and economic damages with the start of the war.


    On the flip side, if the war had broken out due to the American nuclear submarines attacking first, then they would be unable to receive unconditional support from their allies despite being the world¡¯s major economic and military power. The contents of the USB that Minister Kim Jae-hak had gotten from the president was crucial.


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 21:00


    The underground bunker of the Prime Minister¡¯s cab at Adachi prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    After the death of Prime Minister Abe, the Japanese government had ced Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro as the acting prime minister. Minister Shibasaki from the Ministry of Defense hade for a visit.


    ¡°Please sit.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir!¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro¡¯s face was grim from the continued citizen protests about the emergency draft. Minister Shibasaki on the other hand had a brimming smile on his face.


    The deputy prime minister saw the look on Minister Shibasaki¡¯s face and spoke angrily. ¡°Each day is a living hell for me, but it seems that you are in a good mood, Minister Shibasaki. Is there something you want to tell me?¡±


    ¡°Apologies, sir. But we just received good news from the American government.¡±


    ¡°Good news?¡±


    ¡°The American government has finally started the war against Corea.¡±


    ¡°Truly?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Pentagon has officially sent in the news.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. Did the U.S congress actually approve this?¡±


    ¡°No, but the official approval process by the U.S Congress will start today. President Trump had already given the order to the Pentagon with his presidential authority.¡± Minister Shibasaki almost foamed at the mouth while speaking.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. If that is the case, I should make an official statement alerting the citizens about waging war against Corea with America as our ally.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. However, I believe you should hold that off until the U.S congress officially approves the war.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°If we make a statement beforehand, I think that could put President Trump in an awkward position.¡±


    ¡°Very well. At least with this announcement, the protests from the citizens might get less severe.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. When we announce that America is on our side, then the younger generation will definitely stop their protests and actively sign up for the draft. This could flip the situation to our advantage.¡±


    ¡°When will the U.S congress start their meeting?¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro¡¯s face seemed to brighten up as well.


    ¡°The hearing starts at 1:00 pm in the U.S., so it will start in about 5 hours.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Sir, there¡¯s one more thing.¡±


    ¡°Yes? What is it?¡±


    ¡°This ce is too dangerous, sir. The assassination of Prime Minister Abe took ce here, and the area is well known to the enemy. We don¡¯t know when the Corean special forces will infiltrate the area or attack using weapons like the bunker buster. That is why I made a request to the Pentagon and see if our cab could move the offices to the newly built Yokoda bunker by the U.S military.¡±


    In 2020, the U.S military had built a new underground bunker near Sodegaura at Chiba prefecture.


    ¡°Is that so? Great! I was living every day in fear...¡±


    ¡°Once the U.S congress approves the war, the Pentagon will give us additional answers. Until then, why don¡¯t we move to the Yokota underground bunker?¡±


    ¡°Very well. Things seem to be going smoothly. Shouldn¡¯t we call over the joint militarymand and have them prepare to cooperate with the U.S military?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir. I have already called them over beforeing here.¡±


    ¡°You are truly a man of action, Minister Shibasaki.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, sir.¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro and Minister Shibasaki were brimming with hope after hearing the news about America entering the war against Corea. Thirty minutester, the militarymanders had arrived at the bunker to start the meeting about Japan and America¡¯s joint military activities.


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 21:30 (U.S.T 08:30)


    The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A


    After losing two LA ss nuclear submarines, Defense Secretary John Wayne and 100 militarymanders who had attended the video call meeting with President Trump two hours ago, were discussing tactics for the war against Corea.


    The meeting discussed how much military power will America use along with which forces and weapons to deploy for the war effort.


    The Pentagon had excluded the use of nuclear bombs since Corea did not hold any nuclear weapons, but they had decided to use the GBU-43/B, also known as the Mother of All Bombs (MOAB), and the GBU-43/B II.


    Each round was approximately 170,000 dors and quite pricey. However, it had the capability to wipe out anything within a 500m radius, and the U.S air force owned 500 rounds. Their targets were the Corean marines that hadnded on Japanese soil.


    Also, the 3rd and 7th fleets were to take down the Corean navy and deter additional Corean forces fromnding on Japan. The 3rd fleet¡¯s 1st, 3rd, and 9th carrier strike groups were to deploy their eight MEABs (Marine Expeditionary Activation Brigade) to Japanese soil to aid the U.S military onnd and the Japanese army will defend Tokyo against the Corean marines and the special forces making gueri attacks. Hence, taking back Kyushu and southwestern Honshu.


    Then, the 300,000 strike forces from the American maind were to conduct anding mission in Young-gwang at the western sea and Busan at the same time to overtake the entire penins. The U.S Marines were tond at Corea¡¯s western state, previously known as the Shandong province.


    When the U.S congress officially approved the war, the U.S would begin to produce an unimaginable amount of military supplies by mobilizing all of America¡¯s production facilities. The nation would show its full military power that had not been seen since World War 2.

 Chapter 238

    <h4>Chapter 238</h4>


    February 13th, 2021, 22:30


    km Northwest from Saga prefecture Kyushu Japan, the 203 road (the 2nd marine division¡¯s location)


    At the number 203 road located 19km northwest of Saga, the 3rd marine division¡¯s Magpie Viper regiment strike team¡¯s 72 K-23-P-M armored vehicles were moving at fast speeds in a single file. Above the skies, seven choppers, 16 KUM-M50 Super Surion choppers, and 16 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers were keeping watch as they took the lead.


    Also, the continued reconnaissance activity from the spider drones and the Apollo reconnaissance satellite alerted the 3rd marine division about how the 8th armored division and the surviving 4th mechanized infantry division has created a western defensive line across the 65km ins from Saga through Kurume and Fukuoka to stop the 2nd marine division¡¯s march.


    The Magpie Viper regiment that could face off against the 8th armored division took the lead, and the 10th amphibious fleet¡¯s naval aircrafts were to aid them to break through the enemy¡¯s defenses.


    After ten minutes of traveling the 203 road, arge in greeted the Magpie Viper regiment. The Magpie Viper regiment¡¯smander Kim In-hyuck had ordered his troops to move off the roads and head straight to the Saga prefecture.


    With the regimentmander¡¯s orders, the armored vehicles moved past the road¡¯s guardrails and moved into the fields. The 16 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers also followed them in a line. The 16 Super Surion choppers followed them in a line behind the Peregrine choppers as well.


    * * *


    February 13th, 2021, 22:50


    The ins 5km northwest of Saga prefecture at Kyushu, Japan


    The 8th armored division¡¯s 43rd armored regiment was in charge of the first line of defense for the Saga prefecture. The WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers that they had never seen before showed up above them with their rotors roaring.


    The powerful stealth capabilities of the Peregrine Falcon choppers made them undetectable by the radar. The ck choppers filling the dark skies with their lights and sounds from the rotors had terrified the Japanese ground forces facing them.


    The WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers were the navy¡¯stest stealth chopper that was based on the army¡¯s FAH-91SP Peregrine attack chopper. The WAH-91SP had been outfitted with arger internal fuel cell so that it could fly further distances and had been equipped with an emergency escape system and protection system for the body in case it had tond on the sea. It was also equipped with an emergency flotation device and anti-rust alloys.


    Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyung-jin, the navy¡¯s aerial battalionmander under the 10th amphibious fleet, had checked the formation of the 43rd armored regiment¡¯s type 90 tanks and armored vehicles with infrared and maic vision. He started to speak on themunication line to give out the order to attack.


    -This is Seafowl 1, this is Seafowl 1, we will now begin the attack by flight wing.


    -This is Seagull, roger.


    -This is Booby, roger.


    -This is Goose, roger.


    When Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyung-jin¡¯s attack order came through, the WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers all split into their flight wings and prepared to strike. They flew at a low altitude, and when the pilots got closer to the ground, they were able to spot the type 10 tanks through their helmet visors.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first on my list!¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyung-jin had pulled the trigger tounch the 20 round 50mm sma cluster rounds equipped on both wings of the chopper.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    The 20 roundunch tubes equipped on both wings,unched the sma cluster rockets. The sudden air-raid sirens going off had made the crew rush into their type 10 tanks. However, it was toote; pirs of fire rose everywhere and the crew were engulfed by the mes and turned into soot.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Numerous explosions continued to shake the entire area.


    Boooom! Boom!


    Whirl! Whirl!


    The 43rd armored regiment¡¯s type 87 anti-air double-barrel canons began to spit fire towards the sky to take down the Peregrine Falcon choppers.


    The type 87 anti-air cannons were equipped with their own radars and famous for being highly expensive. The cannons began to detect the enemy choppers, but the radars did not function as well as their price. The powerful stealth capabilities of the Peregrine Falcon choppers and their SEMP radio waves yed a part. All in all, the radars of the cannons performed poorly.


    The operators of the cannons began to pull the trigger hastily out of fear instead of aiming properly. The 35mm double barrels began to fire 550 rounds of ammo per minute.


    Vrooooo...


    Numerous streams of light were littering the skies, but the Peregrine Falcon choppers all made evasive maneuvers and escaped the of fire. They retaliated with their sma cluster rounds.


    The type 87 anti-air cannons began to explode or became covered in mes one by one. Otani Shinzo, the regimentmander, shouted to his aide-de-camp while watching the scene from hismand vehicle.


    ¡°What were our anti-air forces doing? They¡¯ve let the Josenjin¡¯s attack choppers reach us! Did you alert the division?¡±


    ¡°The army¡¯s 8th aerial battalion is on their way, sir.¡±


    ¡°So, when will they get here?¡±


    ¡°In 10 minutes.¡±


    ¡°10 minutes? I don¡¯t know if we can hold out for that long...¡±


    The Japanese army had lost control over the Kyushu skies since they could not receive aid from the air force. Therefore, they could only rely on the 8th aerial battalion from the 8th armored division. After 2000, Japan had owned 90 AH-64DJ Apache choppers including the 13 they manufactured by paying the licensing fee to the Apachepany. In 2016, Japan had transitioned into a normal nation and pushed to buy additional Apache choppers. Now, they were operating 98 AH-64E Apache guardians that Corea had.


    The AH-64E Apache Guardian was a refurbished model of the AH-64D Apache Longbow. It was equipped with air-to-ground AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, air-to-air AIM-92 stinger missiles, AIM-9 sidewinder missiles, 70mm hydra 70 FFAR rockets, and M230 30mm chain gun.


    Also, it was equipped with thetest weapons control and survival system, making it capable of conducting missions at all hours of the day and in any weather conditions. However, this evaluation was the result of the western nations being unaware of Corea¡¯s Peregrine Falcon choppers.


    The 16 attack choppers had wiped out the entire 43rd armored regiment. The Magpie Viper regiment¡¯s 72 K-23P-M armored vehicles approached Japan¡¯s 43rd armored battalion to engage in battle.


    The K-23P-M armored vehicle began to spew out photon rounds from its 50mm photon cannons. Also, the 32 roundunchpad equipped at the rear turret began tounch 50mm sma cluster rounds. The rockets drew a white arc with its smoke and exploded at the 43rd armored regiment¡¯s location to light up the dark ins.


    The 50mm photon cannon boasted a longer rangepared to the guns of the type 10 tanks. Japan¡¯s armored forces were first attacked by Corea¡¯s choppers, and after being attacked by the ground forces, they could not properly retaliate and split into multiple directions.


    -This is Seafowl 1. Numerous enemy choppers have been detected on the north point, distance at 16. Leave the rats on the ground for the Magpie Vipers! All units are to fly to the 2 o¡¯clock direction at high speed and engage offense at 5km, over!


    -This is Seagull, roger.


    -This is Booby, roger.


    -This is Goose, roger.


    Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyung-jin, who had mopped up the 43rd armored battalion, gave the order to face off against the 8th army aerial battalion¡¯s Apache guardian choppers. If they were to face off against the enemy here, he determined the ground forces would be caught in the crossfire. Therefore, he ordered his forces to move away from the battlefield before engaging the enemy.


    The 16 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers stopped their assault on the ground and raise their altitudes. They all turned to the 2 o¡¯clock direction and began to fly off.


    * * *


    February 13th, 2021, 23:00


    The suburb of Saga prefecture in Kyushu, Japan


    Meanwhile, the 16 KUM-M50 Super Surion choppers had changed directions from following the Peregrine Falcon choppers and arrived at the suburb of Saga prefecture. When the choppers hovered at an altitude of 8m, the marines aboard began to rappel down.


    A few minutester, the 500 marines had finishednding on the ground and started to watch their surroundings for enemies before moving into downtown Saga under themander¡¯s orders.


    Their mission was to upy the Saga prefecture¡¯s governmental buildings and take down the Japanese soldiers and police defending the area.


    Bang! Babababang! Bang!


    Gunshots echoed across downtown Saga. The 8th armored division¡¯s infantry and the policemen began to fire at the 7th mobile chopper battalion marines. However, they were no match for the marines equipped withser rifles, protective suits, and othertest equipment.


    ¡°Second toon! When toon 3 covers for you, move to the curve of the road.¡±


    The 3rdpanymander¡¯s voice rang across the helmets of the marines. The 2nd toonmander nced at his men and signaled them to move.


    ¡°Move!¡±


    Pew pew pew pew~


    Beams of light flew across the area. The 2nd toon marines began to run to their destination.


    p p p p


    Corporal Kang Kyung-tae of the 3rdpany 2nd fleet ran with all his might. Numerous bulletsnded on the area he was in and created sparks.


    ¡°Why are those bastards only aiming at me for?!¡± Corporal Kang Kyung-tae muttered angrily after taking cover behind a wall. It was as if the Japanese troops had only fired their arms with him as the only target.


    ¡°What are you yammering about?¡± Sergeant Kim In-hoo, the toon¡¯s senior asked while gasping for breath.


    ¡°It seems as if those bastards are only firing at me, sir.¡±


    ¡°As if! I got hit in the leg and it¡¯s killing me, you know?¡± Sergeant Kim In-hoo stroked his calf.


    ¡°Is that so? I will avenge you, sir.¡± Corporal Kang Kyung-tae seemed to be pleased at the thought of his superior being hit by the enemy and answered while smiling.


    ¡°You¡¯reughing at a time like this? All right, avenge me!¡±


    ¡°One moment, sir.¡±


    Corporal Kang Kyung-tae clicked the button on the left side of his helmet. When the helmet began to show the area in infrared and inverter vision mode, two policemen hiding behind a car showed up. Corporal Kang took a deep breath, got into position to fire his CS1 rifle, and pulled the trigger.


    With a clear shot, the twoser beams flew towards the policemen hiding behind the car. Theser beam had pierced through the car and hit the chest and stomach of the two policemen.


    Argh!


    When the two policemen hiding behind the car fell down after being hit, the other policemen hiding near the area began to run away.


    ¡°Did you see that, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re almost a sniper.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nothing. This is just basic marine stuff.¡±


    ¡°My ass.¡±


    Most covers were useless against the Corean marine¡¯s CS1ser rifle beams. Also, the inverter vision modes on their helmets that allowed the marines to see inside the buildings as well had already determined who would be victorious in this urban battle.

 Chapter 239

    <h4>Chapter 239</h4>


    February 13th, 2021, 23:00


    km northeast from Saga prefecture, Kyushu, Japan


    A rare aerial battle between 32 American AH-64E Apache Guardian choppers, which was considered to be the most powerful in the world, and the stealth WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers was about to begin.


    Stealth capabilities would be useless in a battle where both pilots could see each other, but the powerful SEMP distortion radio waves had prevented the Apache Guardian choppers from using their radars to auto-target. They ended up being attacked by the Peregrine Falcon chopper¡¯s S-ALAM 60 ck Dragon missiles first.


    The 32 rounds of the S-ALAM 60 ck Dragon missiles flew towards the Apache Guardian choppers.


    Some of the Apache Guardian choppers evaded the ck Dragon missiles by using their chaffs and res that confirmed their reputation of being the best in the world, but the remaining 12 choppers were directly hit and crashed into the ground while turning into a ball of mes.


    When the distance between the two groups had closed to 5km, the Apache Guardian¡¯s second pilot and arms operator used manual targeting to lock onto the Peregrine Falcon choppers. Then they retaliated with their AIM-9 sidewinder air-to-air missiles.


    The 24 rounds of the AIM-9 sidewinder air-to-air missiles used their heat-seeking sensors and flew towards their targets. The Peregrine Falcon choppers used their own chaffs that were made of magnesium and sodium that could emit heat up to 2000 degrees Celsius and began to make the Loop maneuver*.


    *Loop maneuver: Turning 360 degrees in the air. The maneuver involved not tilting the aircraft to the side and have the starting and ending altitude be equal to each other.


    The maneuver was famous from the popr TV series from the 1980s, ¡°Airwolf,¡± where the main chopper would use it when fighting against the enemy.


    The chaffs flew off and they resembled an angel spreading its wings. The AIM-9 sidewinder air-to-air missiles that had been flying at a speed of Mach 2.2 activated their heat seekers. The missiles had changed their targets and exploded after reaching the chaffs.


    The Peregrine Falcon choppers had evaded all the missiles from the Apache Guardian choppers andunched their remaining S-ALAM 60 ck Dragon missiles.


    The Apache Guardian choppers used their remaining AIM-9 sidewinder air-to-air missiles with their manual targeting.


    Woosh~ Woosh~


    The air-to-air missiles from both sides flew adjacent to each other at a distance of 4km. The Peregrine Falcon choppers and the Apache choppers both sprayed their chaffs and res and went into evasive maneuvers.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Thirteen Apache Guardian choppers became engulfed in ck mes before crashing to the ground. The shrapnel from the sidewinder missiles sprayed against the Peregrine Falcon choppers¡¯ sides. However, the liquid metal alloy coating had prevented them from exploding in the air or crashing. The explosion and the shrapnel had made the Peregrine choppers¡¯ equipment go dark temporarily.


    -This is Goose 3. We¡¯ve been hit on our right side! We¡¯ve been hit! Weapons are down! Weapons are down!


    -This is Seafowl contacting Goose 3! Disengage! Egress!


    -This is Goose 3! Roger!


    The Peregrine Falcon choppers that had been emitting white smoke left the battlefield after raising their altitude.


    After the two rounds of air-to-air missile attacks, both sides had exhausted their missile supply. The choppers started to use their M230 30mm chain guns and 22mm Laser Vulcan beams for their battle.


    The Apache choppers were now the outnumbered sidepared to the start of the battle. The Apache choppers began to fire their 30mm chain guns. The 30mm rounds were too slow against the Peregrine Falcon choppers making evasive maneuvers. Instead, the Apache choppers were torn to shreds by their 22mm Laser Vulcans.


    Boom!


    <hr />


    February 13th, 2021, 23:00


    The northwest ins 5km from the Saga prefecture in Kyushu, Japan


    The Peregrine Falcon choppers had stopped their attack on the ground and moved north to face off against the Apache Guardian choppers. The ins were now the stage for the fierce battle between the 72 K-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles and the Type 10 tanks. It was foolish to face off against the tanks with just a vehicle type armored vehicles, but the Corean armored vehicles were no ordinary ones.


    The Corean armored vehicles had the ting that matched a light armored tank¡¯s and were equipped with a 50mm photon cannon that was far more powerful than the 120mm cannons the Type 10 tanks had. So, in terms of attack and defense, they were more than capable of facing off against the Type 10 tanks.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Since it was a nighttime battle, the mes from the cannon rounds and light of the photon rounds lit up the darkness. However, the 50mm photon rounds traveled at the speed of light so it looked more like a beam of light.


    ¡°Our 2 o¡¯clock, distance at 890, fire!¡±


    Sergeant first ss Hong Sung-joon gave the order to fire when he saw a Type 10 tank emerge from behind the hills.


    Pew!


    With a clear sound, the photon round flew off and prated the upper turret of the Type 10 tank. The 50mm sma round had melted through the multipleyers of armored ting covering the entire turret and began to ravage the interior of the tank.


    ¡°Bravo! Bravo!¡±


    Sergeant first ss Hong Sung-jin from the 3rd toon¡¯s number 732 vehicle raised his hands and eximed after taking out a Type 10 tank moving at high speeds. Then, he set the turret to face the second target he had already set on before and gave another order to fire.


    ¡°Seven o¡¯clock! Distance 12000, our next target is them.¡±


    The 732 armored vehicle rapidly banked left and shot forward. The marines aboard the 732 vehicle were severely carsick from the off-roading. They were about to puke, but since they were outranked by the vehicle¡¯smander, they could not say anything. They all figured it would be better for them to just open the hatch and leave the vehicle.


    Sergeant Kang Joo-yong, the squadron leader, finally had enough and shouted to the vehiclemander, ¡°Sir! Can¡¯t we go out there and fight?¡±


    Sergeant first ss Hong Sung-jin, who had been excitedly setting targets with the Infantry Commander¡¯s Panoramic Sight (ICPS) turned around and shouted back. ¡°Are you nuts? Do you want to be burnt to a crisp by the tank rounds?¡±


    Arge shock hade from the right side of their vehicle.


    Boom! Crash!


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    A 120mm round from a Type 10 tank had hit the lower side of the armored vehicle and deted two tires. Luckily, the hydronium alloy ting had prevented an internal explosion. The issue was that the 732 vehicle had now lost its mobility, and were now sitting ducks for the Japanese Type 10 tanks to pick off.


    ¡°Commander, we¡¯ve been hit!¡±


    ¡°Did we lose mobility?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Tires 2 and 3 on our right are out,¡± Sergeant Na Hyun-ho, the driver of the 732 vehicle shouted after looking at the monitor showing the vehicle¡¯s status.


    Sergeant first ss Hong Sung-jin changed his ICPS into panorama mode and checked his surroundings. At three o¡¯clock, he saw a Type 10 tank speeding towards them through the infrared vision.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim! Our 3 o¡¯clock, distance 1200! Fire! Keep firing!¡±


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The Type 10 tank had been hit twice by the photon rounds. Its turret blew off and became covered in mes from an internal explosion.


    ¡°Damn it! This is going to be annoying.¡±


    They had avoided the immediate danger, but there¡¯s no telling when another Type 10 tank would hit them. Sergeant first ss Hong Sung-jin looked at his marines on board and gave an order.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim, keep watch on the perimeter with the panorama scope. You guys are to get off board and get into a defensive position. Don¡¯t overdo it. Otherwise, all of you might get killed.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir!¡± Sergeant Kang Yong-joo, who seemed to be highly pleased from being sent into the battlefield, smiled while answering.


    ¡°All right gang, let¡¯s go to hell!¡±


    The rear hatch of the 732 armored vehicle opened and the marines spread across the area. When the marines got off the vehicle, they hid in pits and the wreckage around them.


    Corporal Na Dong-yoon, who was the gunman of the squadron, quickly set up the KS3ser minigun while his subordinate Private Kim Kyung-tae shouldered the S-LTM 50A2 metal bowunch tube. While this was going on, the 732 vehicle watched the surroundings and defended the marines.


    Boooom!


    A rough explosion shook the rear of the 732 vehicle. ck and red smoke billowed and made it difficult to see if an internal explosion urred or not. Corporal Na Dong-yoon began to fire his 8mmser mini machine gun to the Type 10 tank that had just fired its cannon.


    Pew pew pew~


    Numerous beams of light bounced against the Type 10 tank. However, the 8mmser beams were not enough to break through the armored ting. It only managed to damage the periscopes and the optical equipment.


    Pew pew pew pew~


    Corporal Na continued to pull the trigger and gave an order to Private Kim Kyung-tae. ¡°Private! That there! Aim for the top turret and fire.¡±


    Private Kim aimed with his metal bow anti-tank round and aligned his sight with the Type 10 tank¡¯s turret. After locking on, he pulled the trigger.


    The S-LTM 50A2 metal bow round was only 60mm in diameter and 45cm in length. It shot up into the sky andnded right on the upper part of the Type 10 turret.


    Boooom!


    A pir of me rose from the top part of the turret, which was the tank¡¯s weak point.


    ¡°Great work.¡± Corporal Na Dong-yoon, gave Private Kim Kyung-tae a thumbs up.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, a pir of dirt rose, and Corporal Na Dong-yoon and Private Kim Kyung-tae were thrown into the air from the HE round¡¯s explosion. The two men were not hurt from flying past a couple of meters, thanks to their protective suits. However, the shock had put them in a daze and their ears were bleeding from having their eardrums being blown out.


    ¡°Private, are you alright?¡± Corporal Na, who came back to his senses first, shook Private Kim awake.


    ¡°Argh!¡± Private Kim Kyung-tae who got back to his senses cried out in pain while putting his hands around his ears. ¡°Sir, I can¡¯t hear anything. My ears are ringing.¡±


    Corporal Na Dong-yoon was in a simr state. When he saw Private Kim grasping both of his ears and crying out in pain, he shouted, ¡°I can¡¯t hear anything too! I think our eardrums are out.¡±


    From the other side of the battlefield, Corporal Kim Il-hun, the medic, ran up to them.


    ¡°Where are you hurt?¡±


    Corporal Na Dong-yoon pointed to both of his ears and shook his head.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    Corporal Kim Il-un grabbed a needle from his medic bag and injected them with different shots.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright! It¡¯s just a simple eardrum puncture! With some rest and these shots, you¡¯ll get better. So, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Corporal Na seemed to have understood what his cohort Corporal Kim was saying by reading his lips. He tapped him on the shoulder and smiled. Private Kim¡¯s face was still grim.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about the vehiclemander,¡± Corporal Kim Il-hun said while looking at the 732 vehicle emitting ck smoke.


    The squadronmander had run up to them.


    ¡°Are you guys all right?¡± Sergeant Kang Yong-joo asked Corporal Kim Il-hun.


    ¡°Yes, we didn¡¯t get injured. We only had our eardrums punctured, sir!¡±


    ¡°Keep an eye out and keep moving!¡± Sergeant Kim Yong-joo looked around while speaking in a concerned tone. Using the infrared and inverter vision modes, he did not see any Type 10 tanks.


    ¡°It seems like there are no Japanese tanks around here. You two stay put!¡±


    -The rest of you are to check the 732 vehicle!


    <ul>


    Vice squad leader¡¯s team, you guys are to check on the 732 vehicle! My team is to check the surroundings.


    </ul>


    When the orders came through the squadmunication line, the vice squad leader¡¯s marines showed up and ran towards the 732 armored vehicle.


    They opened the upper hatch of the turret.


    -The vehiclemander and Staff Sergeant Kim are both alright.


    After being hit on the rear hatch, the vehiclemander and Staff Sergeant Kim Il-won became unconscious for a moment. Smoke had filled the interior of the vehicle. The marines of the vice squad leader¡¯s team pulled them out along with Sergeant Na the driver.


    When the sounds of the tank cannons and the photon cannons began to die off, the Peregrine Falcons started to shoot their sma cluster rounds to the ground.


    Booooom!


    Twenty minutes ago, the Peregrine Falcon choppers had flown off to fight against the Apache Guardian choppers. They had finished defeating the enemy and returned. The urban battle was leaning towards the Magpie Viper regiment¡¯s favor.

 Chapter 240

    <h4>Chapter 240</h4>


    February 14th, 2021, 01:30


    The skies above Okinawa, Japan (the U.S State Department¡¯s jet)


    Ambassador Willy Gold was staring at theptop¡¯s screen intently onboard the American government jet headed towards Guam.


    ¡°Corea is thoroughly prepared.¡±


    When Ambassador Gold had heard about America unofficially waging war against Corea, he destroyed all confidential documents at the embassy with his staff and prepared to leave the country aboard a ne headed to Guam from Incheon. He had only packed his bare necessities when Minister Kim Jae-hak from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited him.


    Ambassador Gold could not speak for long due to the ne leaving. He was handed a USB from the minister. The footage he was watching on theptop was from the USB that Minister Kim had given him.


    It was the footage of the encounter and battle between the two Corean submarines and two American nuclear submarines. It had all the sonar activities, conversations, radiomunications, and submarine operations as well. The information on the USB was too urate to make a denial. Ambassador Gold began to think about Corea¡¯s intent for delivering him this information.


    There was only one answer. As America and Corea were about to enter into war with each other, Corea wanted to ensure and alert the world that the initial attack was not made by them. It also held the message of ¡°We know your nation¡¯s nuclear submarines started this affair, and we have proof. So, don¡¯t try to sweep this under the rug.¡±


    When he had gathered his thoughts, Ambassador Gold checked his watch.


    ¡°It¡¯s 01:30, so it would be 12:30 in Washington,¡± he muttered to himself.


    Ambassador Gold then closed theptop and stood up. He pulled out his cellphone and moved to an area where none of the embassy staff were present. Then, he made a phone call.


    ¡°This is Willy Gold.¡±


    -Are you aboard the ne?


    ¡°Yes, we are headed to Guam. However, that¡¯s not the issue. Is it true that both of our nuclear submarines were sunk after engaging with the Corean submarines first?¡±


    -Ambassador Gold, how did you...?


    ¡°Mr. Secretary! I had just received footage about the submarine battle from the Corean Minister of Foreign Affairs before boarding the ne.¡±


    -Send the footage over the secure line. Immediately.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Ambassador Gold! Dispose of the USB after sending over the information and keep confidentiality at all costs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Understood. I will make sure it gets done.¡±


    Ambassador Gold finished his phone call and then sent over the contents of the USB through a securework. The receiver was to be Rex Tillerson, the U.S State Secretary.


    ¡°Did our nuclear submarines get taken down by the Coreans? It sure seemed like it from Secretary Tillerson¡¯s reaction...¡±


    Ambassador Gold, who did not believe the contents of the USB, began to think it could be true after Secretary Rex Tillerson requested for the contents to be sent over.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 01:30 (U.S.T the 13th, 12:30)


    The Harry S. Truman Building, the State Secretary¡¯s office at Washington D.C.


    Secretary Rex Tillerson checked over the contents of the USB after speaking with Ambassador Gold.


    ¡°Damn it! We were 30 minutes away from the approval meeting with the Senate, and now we have to deal with this? I guess we need to change the reason to wage war.¡±


    Secretary Rex Tillerson, who had been leading the U.S government by President Trump¡¯s side since 2017, stroked his forehead and sighed from this information.


    The 100 senators from the U.S Senate had gathered to start the council about approving the war against Corea in 30 minutes. The reason for the war was obviously the illegal attack made by the Corean submarines, causing the deaths of U.S soldiers. Thus, considering the nation as an enemy instead of an ally.


    However, they could no longer use that as a cause to wage war. No matter what the reason was, the senators were being pressured by the USSC, and they would unanimously approve the war. The issue was the official statement they would have to make internationally after approving the war against Corea.


    With a poor excuse, America would be unable to receive the support of its allies and western nations after waging war against its ally of 70 years. Also, the war could face opposition since it could be seen as a threat to world peace and the start of a third world war.


    Secretary Tillerson knew they had been dealt a blow before the war even began. He sat on his chair and tried to think of a solution.


    ¡°After the Senate approves the war against Corea, then it would officially announce the war starting from our nuclear submarines attacking first. If we ignore all the intel that Corea has sent and go through with our previous n, then we would face a severe bacsh. We must go with a n that minimizes that,¡± he thought.


    After gathering his thoughts, Secretary Tillerson reported the facts to Vice President Mike Pence and asked for an amendment to the reason to wage war.


    The Senate hearing that started at 1:00 pm had approved the war against Corea within an hour, and at 3:00 pm the White House made an official statement with President Trump.


    The contents of the statement were as follow:


    America had worked hard for the past 70 years to maintain peace within the Northeast Asia area. It had continuously requested Corea to cease the war against China, Russia, and Japan, which threatened the safety and peace within the region. However, Corea refused and their air-strikes against Japan had caused damages and casualties to the U.S military bases stationed in Japan. This continued aggression could lead to a third world war, therefore the U.S had decided that their intervention was necessary. Starting at 16:00 on February 13th of 2021, America is officially dering war against Corea.


    The nation had only announced facts that would put itself in a better lightpared to others.


    With President Trump¡¯s deration of war, America had entered into a national draft that hadn¡¯t been in ce since 70 years ago during the Second World War. The national guard and the reserve forces were all called in as well to enlist all of its manpower.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 04:20


    Seoul Jongro-ku, the Blue House national emergency situation underground bunker, the president¡¯s office


    It was early morning. President Suh Hyun-woo and his chief secretary were watching President Trump¡¯s deration of war on TV. It was disheartening to see the two nations that had been allies for 70 years go into war with each other, but the president epted the fact in aposed manner.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he look more despicable the more you look at him, sir?¡± The chief secretary made a disgusted look on his face while sarcastically making fun of President Trump.


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re right, chief secretary. I also did not like his boastful behavior when I visited America.¡± The president also expressed the emotions that he had felt the whole time.


    ¡°Mr. President! Wouldn¡¯t it be better for you to take a cat nap before the national address, sir? If you make the address in a fatigued state, then the press may say you had a grim look on your face from being pressured by the U.S..¡± The chief secretary expressed his concern about the press hounding the president. The president only waved his hands and answered the chief secretary.


    ¡°No need to worry. There are soldiers at the Manchurian state and Japan risking their lives. I will look much better than our men fighting the enemy. How bad could it be? I will make sure to have a stern look on my face while making the address.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Mr. President, I will head over to the press room to see if everything is prepared.¡±


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 08:00,


    Seoul Jongro-ku, the Blue House¡¯s Press Center


    Four hours ago, when President Trump had announced the war starting between Corea and America, the internationalmunity was in chaos. Now, all eyes of the world press were focused on the Corean president¡¯s national address.


    ¡°Herees the president.¡±


    About 200 domestic and international reporters started to press their camera shutters towards President Suh Hyun-woo.


    Snap! Snap! Snap! Snap!


    The president had a simr expression on his face as the previous addresses he made and nced at the 200 reporters.


    ¡°I apologize for making an address early in the morning. However, since the times are urgent, I had to decide to have this press release at this hour. I would like to apologize to the citizens of Corea and the press agents here.¡± The president opened his speech with a greeting and started his address.


    ¡°Dearly beloved citizens, four hours ago, America, our ally, has dered war against us. The reason is that we have caused damages and casualties to the U.S military stationed in Japan during our air-strikes. Also, they im we are endangering the peace in Northeast Asia and they had no choice but to intervene. However, I would like to ask, is Corea truly destroying the peace in the region?¡±


    The president had anger in his eyes which contrasted with hisposed expression from before.


    ¡°In 1945, our nation had finally found half-formed independence from the battle against two political ideologies. In 1950, our nation had a civil war that had been caused by this ideological conflict, and thanks to the UN and America¡¯s support, we were able to keep our democracy.


    For the past 70 years, our nation had continued to keep that alliance and did everything it could to maintain the peace in Northeast Asia. However, now the blood alliance is no more. I would like to now show the evidence about America that is now calling our nation an enemy for their own benefits.¡±


    The atmosphere of the national address was different than before. Arge screen installed behind the president lit up. The TV screen was split into two, showing the president on the left side while footage began to y on the right.


    ¡°I would first like to show how the war against Japan started while the war with China was taking ce.¡±


    The contents of Japan¡¯s activities during the war against China started to show up on the TV by date. While the contents were showing, a red square popped up and the president pointed at it with hisser pointer.


    ¡°I would like to exin about this first.¡±


    The screen showed the Sarin gas attacks that happened at Jirin during the war against China and the evidence behind the attack in detail. The Corean citizens, who believed that the chemical attacks weremitted by China, were all in shock.


    The Sarin gas attacks were done by Japan¡¯s Prime Minister¡¯s Cab, and the man who ordered the attack had been Prime Minister Abe, who had recently been assassinated.


    ¡°That is not all. Japan had made a secret pact with China and attempted to take Dok-do Ind with the 3rd escorting fleet and the 1st carrier strike group on December 13th, 2021. On January 2nd 2021, it had attempted to assassinate Vice President Kim Yeo-jung. This was also confirmed to be the actions of the Japanese Prime Minister¡¯s Cab. Up next are more evidence.¡±


    The screen shifted along with the president¡¯s speech.


    ¡°What do you think? Our nation was fighting for its survival against China when Japan had used weapons of mass destruction and attempted to fan the mes of war by disguising their own forces as the Chinese military. They had also attempted to assassinate a nation¡¯s vice-president. Not only that, but they also attempted to take over another nation¡¯s territory to fulfill their greed. Everyone! How can we forgive a nation that hasmitted such evil deeds?¡±


    The mass release of secrets had made the entire room fall silent. The silence was only broken from the reporters typing away on theirptops and shutters of cameras clicking.


    ¡°Based on these reasons, our nation had waged war against Japan.¡±


    The president had revealed the truth about Japan and took a moment to gather his breath.


    ¡°Up next, I would like to discuss America¡¯s deration of war against our nation. Four hours ago, America had imed that it had done its best to stop the war between Corea and Japan to keep the peace in Northeast Asia. As stated before, Japan had invaded our territory and also attacked our fleet while our main fleets were battling against China on December 15th. While our forces were fighting against China, Japan continued to take military actions based on their military pact. Japan had continued its military activities against our nation. Therefore, our government had alerted the U.S government about their actions. When notified, the U.S had imed to stay neutral based on both nations being its allies. I would like to show the contents of the meeting here.¡±

 Chapter 241

    <h4>Chapter 241</h4>


    It was diplomatically rude to officially disclose diplomatic documents. However, it was a war situation, and they had be hostile with each other, so President Seo Hyun-woo threw caution to the winds.


    ¡°But here, we faced the iprehensible moves of the U.S. government. The United States was supposed to maintain a neutral attitude, but they constructed the first-ss weapon Zumwalt that has been subject to export by restrictions so far. Also, they started to export all kinds of high-tech weapons such as the B-1B Lancer and the F-22 to Japan. They also adopted an expedient to provide weapons to Japan, saying that they were renting the weapons. This is without parallel in history. How could the United States who said it will keep a neutral position provide weapons to Japan like this? How could the U.S. Congress handle this matter with more haste than caution?¡±


    The voice of the president was getting louder to the point that the entire Chunchungwan Press Center rang.


    ¡°Do you think that the United States really maintained a neutral position? My fellow Koreans, I think the U.S. is nothing more than just a country that makes money out of weapons. The United States just considers Corea and Japan as a means of earning money.¡± President Seo Hyun-woo spoke more and more roughly.


    ¡°Despite the full U.S. arms support, Japan continued to be pushed back by our Armed Forces, and the U.S. withdrew its neutral position and began to intervene in this war. The U.S. requested peace between Corea and Japan, but they dispatched the Pacific Fleet to Northeast Asia. The U.S. stated that if Corea did not ept the request, it would conduct an armed exercise.¡±


    As the president revealed shocking facts one after another, reporters from home and foreign countries at Chunchungwan began to buzz.


    ¡°Besides, at 18:40 on the 13th, two LA-ss nuclear submarines belonging to the 7th Fleet of the U.S. Navyunched a pre-emptive torpedo attack on two submarines of our Navy. Fortunately, those two nuclear submarines of the U.S. Navy were destroyed. Everyone! What do you think? Do you really think that the United States has yed an unwavering mediation role as they said for peace on the Corean Penins and in Northeast Asia? I will leave the judgment to you.¡±


    The President made his final remark, staring through the broadcast camera.


    ¡°The government of the Republic of Corea is also willing to ept the U.S. government¡¯s deration of war. Let¡¯s figure out which one is a truly honest country, and which one is a country that only thinks of their own people and using world peace as an excuse.¡±


    The statement to the nation by the president was over after one hour. He really wanted to reveal all about the 8.15 Pyongyang terror and the organization called the USSC behind the American President Trump. But he kept these facts for the next hidden card.


    Foreign reporters started shouting questions to the president who tried to go down from the tform. Among them, arge white reporter shouted out loud.


    ¡°I¡¯m Raynan from the L.A. Times. Presently, the war against Russia as well as Japan is not over. Do you have any room to fight a war against the United States?¡±


    The president, who was about to leave from the tform, came back to the microphone and said, ¡°I originally tried not to answer questions, but I have to answer that one because our people may also be concerned. The Republic of Corea won the war against China, a G2 country, in two months. Also, the Corean Penins has not suffered any war damage. And right now, Japan¡¯s Marine Self-Defense Forces and Air Self-Defense Forces are destroyed by more than 70%, not to mention the Land Self-Defense Forces. The problem is Russia. But I believe that President Putin of Russia will not make unreasonable decisions for his own good. But that¡¯s just my opinion, and if Russia takes one step into our territory, Man-ju, I will attack in revenge. The U.S.A. is the same. You saw, didn¡¯t you? Two proud nuclear submarines of the United States struck us first but still, they were sunk. Do you know how many U.S. Navy surface ships and aircrafts have been sunk by Corean submarines during the impact training exercise? I think this is enough to answer your question. Oh! And I want to tell you that our intelligence agency knows so many surprising secrets that have not yet been revealed to the world.¡±


    When the president replied, Raynan continued to ask questions like a veteran reporter. ¡°What are those secrets? Why aren¡¯t you revealing them all now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s time to reveal them yet.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a deceitful tactic of pretending to have a secret that is not existing?


    ¡°What¡¯s your name you said?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Raynan from the L.A. Times.¡±


    ¡°When the timees, Mr. Raynan, I¡¯ll call you first. Well, then.¡±


    The president came down from the tform and exited the Chunchungwan. However, questions from domestic and foreign reporters continued.


    ¡°Please wait for a moment. Minister of National Defense, Kang Hyun-soo will answer the questions.¡±


    Countries around the world were shocked by President Seo Hyun-woo¡¯s speech to the public, which had happened four hours after the deration of war against Corea by President Trump. In particr, the U.K. and European Union (E.U.) countries that were closest to the US had begun to urately judge and analyze the current situation.


    The State Department asked for support for the war of the U.K. and E.U. countries by using all the diplomatic lines. But those countries wanted to confirm whether the contents of President Seo Hyun-woo¡¯s presentation were urate or not. Some countries requested evidence from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Corea about Japan and America that the Corean president had revealed during the speech. They also temporarily suspended or had withdrawn requests for support from the United States. The reactions of other allies were simr.


    The Republic of Corea, which had seeded in oppressing the United States by revealing all of the false acts of the United States that had been hidden so far, had sent evidence to all embassies requesting them. Meanwhile, the United States, embarrassed by the unforeseen thorough response by Corea, decided to wage a war with the Republic of Corea with only the U.S.¡¯ own strength because it could not getplete support from the U.K. and other European Union countries.


    <hr />


    February 14, 2021, 13:20


    Saga City, Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan


    The Magpie Viper Regiment, which had defeated the 43rd Tank Regiment of the 8th Armored Division of the Ground Self-Defense Force the previous day and had begun to upy Saga, seeded in taking the entire city smoothly by 4 am the next day with the help of special forces who had infiltrated beforehand.


    Throughout the fight, downtown Saga was filled with traces of bombs,sers, and bullets. The cars that were parked were engulfed in mes, leaving only the frames. The signboards also barely hung or fell to the ground, littered with small andrge holes.


    Woo-woo! Woo-woo! Woo-woo!


    As the morning drew on, fire trucks and ambnces ran through the city streets with their sirens ring. Firefighters were busy trying to extinguish a fire in a building that was still burning and take the injured Japanese police and disarmed ground self-defense forces to the hospital.


    Marines of the Magpie Viper Regiment who upied Saga did not interfere with the actions of Japanese firefighters. Instead, they just monitored for any suspicious movement.


    ¡°Sir! I think we are all sleepy. Do you want me to grab some coffee from the store?¡± Corporal Gang Yeon-ho of the 7th Mobile Helicopter Battalion, who was on the lookout in the city center, said, pointing at the convenience store with his gun.


    ¡°Sure. I am so sleepy, too. Hey, get some Americano for me! Oh, and don¡¯t just bring it. You have to pay, you know that, right? If military police catch us, we will be locked up in a guardhouse. A guardhouse! Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sir. I am already a Corporal! I know that already. Don¡¯t worry. And I have plenty of Japanese money.¡±


    ¡°Ok. Go now.¡±


    Once Corporal Gang Yeon-ho got the permission from the squad leader, he went to the convenience store with Lance Corporal Oh Gil-sung. The owner of the convenience store, who had just opened the store, was surprised when the Marine Corps entered the store despite the violent street battle ofst night.


    ¡°Why is he surprised? The sergeant wants to drink Americano. I will get a canned coffee. You take care of the rest of the people.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    While Lance Corporal Oh Gil-sung walked around the convenience store and chose coffee, Corporal Gang Yeon-ho approached the owner of the convenience store.


    ¡°You are insane! Why are you opening the store in the middle of this situation?¡±


    Corporal Gang Yeon-ho, who thought the owner would not understand Korean, said in a slightly sarcastic manner. The owner of the convenience store, who looked to be in his mid-30s, suddenly shouted in anger, discarding his scared expression.


    ¡°What the hell is this bastard saying? Hey, you speak some Japanese, right?¡±


    ¡°A little bit, sir,¡± Lance Corporal Oh Gil-sung, who had chosen all the coffees, approached the cash register and said, ring at the owner of the convenience store.


    ¡°This bastard just said ¡®Why did you illegally invade Japan? I won¡¯t sell you anything, so go out.¡¯ And I think this brat is a member of the extreme right.¡±


    ¡°Bastard! You want to die?¡± Corporal Kang Yeon-ho red at the owner of the store and cursed. He looked at where Lance Corporal Oh Gil-Sung was pointing with his finger.


    There were several A4-sized posters of Rising Sun gs at the top of the convenience store.


    ¡°How dare you hang the Rising Sun gs? I think I should smash you!¡± As soon as he saw the Rising Sun, Corporal Kang Yeon-ho felt angry and yelled at the owner, pointing the CS2ser rifle to him. He wanted to shoot aser beam, but he didn¡¯t want to go to the guardhouse. So, he just frightened him. As a result, the owner of the convenience store recoiled in fear.


    ¡°He is just nothing but bullshit. How much is it?¡±


    At that time, loud shouts began to be heard from outside.


    Lance Corporal Oh Gil-sung went to check outside, looked back, and said with a frown, ¡°Sir! I think we can¡¯t drink coffee anymore. Protesters areing.¡±


    ¡°Protesters? Son of a bitch...¡±


    On the 8ne road across the street, Japanese citizens with Japanese g bands on their heads were marching with protest cards. And some of the people behind them had baseball bats and sticks.


    ¡°Corporal Kang! Lance Corporal Oh! The squad leader asked you guys toe right away,¡± Hong Jeong-pyo, the youngest member of the squad, opened the convenience store door and yelled.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    About 500 protesters approach nine members of the Marine Corps squad, yelling louder and louder.


    <hr />


    February 14, 2021, 13:30


    The ins 3km southeast of Saga City, Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan


    After taking a morning break, the 5th and 6th Mobile Striking Force moved to the ins of the southeastern part of Saga to advance. Excluding armored vehicles that were destroyed or broken in some engagement, 68 K-23P-M mobilebat armored vehicles were ready to cross the Chikugo River which extended to Kurume.


    On the other hand, across the Chikugo River, eightpanies of the 42nd Tank Regiment of the Land Self-Defense Force were preparing, and not only mortar battalions, self-propelled artillery batteries were also on standby about 30km away.


    These forces were waiting for the Corean Marines to cross the Chikugo River.


    ¡°Sir! It seems like crossing the river would not be easy,¡± the operation staff told Regiment Leader Kim In-hyuk after analyzing the contents of the reconnaissance from the spider drone.


    ¡°But we can¡¯t slow down, can we? Ask for support from the Naval Aviation Corps, quickly cross the river, and proceed to high-speed maneuvering. Contact support and forward it to each battalionmander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

 Chapter 242

    <h4>Chapter 242</h4>


    February 14th, 2021, 13:30


    Downtown Saga at Kyushu, Japan


    The 500 protestors who saw the Corean marines took over the 8ne road and ran towards them while screaming fiercely. Many also started to wave the Japanese imperialist g. The marines attempted to control the crowd and went into a defensive formation in the middle of the road.


    The two groups were 50m away from each other and the eight marines were to face off against 500 protestors. Corporal Jo Jun-hyng, the squadron¡¯s arms man, changed the A battery pack in his SC3ser mini machine gun to the B1 battery pack and ced his index finger on the trigger to prepare for the worst.


    Sergeant Song Gi-chul, who had been watching the protestors with his shield sses in infrared mode, saw men with firearms in the middle of the crowd.


    ¡°Sir, multiple armed men are at the center of the protestors. There are at least 40 of them!¡±


    ¡°What? Prepare your arms! Put on the gas masks and prepare the teargas. Corporal Youn, contact HQ! There are armed protestors here!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    -This is Seal 3! This is Seal 3! 500 protestors have appeared at the event hall. Road 264, 33¡ã15¡¯33.29¡åN, 130¡ã17¡¯35.13¡åE, a few of them are armed. Requesting back up!


    -This is Seal Nest! ETA for back up 10 minutes.


    -This is Seal 3! Confirmed, over!


    ¡°Back up will arrive in 10 minutes,mander.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    The marine squad swiftly put on their mini gas masks, while the two men in charge of firearms had fastened a tripod to the ground and prepared to fire. The remaining seven marines each pulled out a tear gas canister.


    ¡°Private Oh!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Tell the protestors to disband immediately! Also, have the armed ones drop their weapons ande forward with their hands up!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Private Oh Gil-sung moved forward and raised his right hand to signal the crowd to stop. Then, he shouted in Japanese.


    ¡°All protestors are to stop! If you do not disband, we will consider you all as conducting military actions and fire. All armed men are to raise their hands and surrender!¡±


    The crowd did not back down but moved forward while screaming at them.


    ¡°Private Oh, step back! Squadron! Deploy the tear gas and then take out the armed men first by using infrared vision. Fire!¡±


    The seven tear gas canisters flew in an arc and fell towards the protestors, and the gas immediately began to spread. The protestors all dispersed to avoid the gas, and the armed men also started to disperse as well.


    When the marines started to fire at the armed men with their firearms, they started falling like leaves. The armed men hiding behind the crowd also started to retaliate.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The armed men were terrible shots since the tear gas had lowered their visibility. They even shot their fellow protestors by ident.


    Sparks flew when the bullets started to hit the road. Private Hong Jung-pyo, who was firing his rifle in the middle of the road, was struck on his helmet and fell.


    Bang!


    Then, the sound of a heavy gunshot rang across the area.


    ¡°Sniper! Everyone, retreat and take cover.¡±


    As the squadmander gave the order, Sergeant Song Gil-chul came up to Private Hong and checked on him.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, sir!¡±


    ¡°Then get up! Do you want to be turned into a corpse?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Private Hong fixed his helmet when he heard Sergeant Song, and ran towards the building on the other side of the road. The sergeant followed him as well.


    Smack!


    A powerful shock rang across Sergeant Song Gi-chul¡¯s back as he ran along in a lowered position. He did not want to fall and look like a fool in front of his subordinate, so he rolled forward to absorb the shock and ran towards the wall of the building at full speed.


    ¡°That¡¯s where the bastard is hiding!¡±


    Corporal Na Il-hwan, the sniper in the squadron, was watching the scene from behind a Nissan car with his shield sses in infrared mode.


    ¡°Sniper¡¯s location has been found! Our 1 o¡¯clock! The 8th floor¡¯s 3rd window at the 16-story building 850m from us!¡± Corporal Na Il-hwan had alerted the squadron about the location of the enemy sniper through the radio. He took a deep breath and got into position. He pulled the trigger after two seconds.


    Theser beam from the CS14ser sniper rifle flew straight to the target. With the pull of the trigger, the corporal saw the head of the enemy sniper snapping back.


    ¡°Bingo! I got him!¡±


    The marines were now able to move around more freely and started to actively fight against the enemy.


    The curtain of tear gas smoke covered the area. Both sides were spraying bullets andser beams at each other relentlessly, but the armed men in the crowd of protestors started to fall, hands covering their chest or face.


    Bang bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang bang!


    When the marines thought they had taken out most of the armed men, another group of armed forces emerged from the rear and started to fire their automatic rifles.


    ¡°Sergeant Song!¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander!¡±


    ¡°Our 6! Have your team take them on!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Song Gi-chul took his 3 men, ran towards the building at the intersection¡¯s corner, and fired back.


    A 30mm grenade had flown over and went off in front of Sergeant Song. Luckily, he was not hit by the shrapnel, but the multiple rounds going off made the marines stop their attack for a moment.


    ¡°These guys are no joke.¡±


    Sergeant Song Gi-chul wiped the dust from the shield sses with his sleeves and checked his surroundings.


    ¡°Wait a minute. Are they U.S soldiers?¡±


    Sergeant Song Gi-chul saw the armed men wearing the U.S military uniforms. They seemed to be U.S. marines stationed in Japan.


    ¡°So, the Yanks have finally entered the battle.¡±


    -Commander! The armed forces at our rear are U.S. marines.


    -U.S. marines?


    -Yes, sir! It seems to be the men from the 12th Marine Aerial Forces stationed at Iwakuni base.


    -It doesn¡¯t matter if they are U.S. Marines! Take them out!


    -Yes, sir.


    Sergeant Kim Il-ho, the squadronmander finished speaking to Sergeant Song on the radio and signaled his men to fire.


    Single and repeated rounds started to fly at once. Dozens of light beams engulfed the U.S. marines.


    The U.S. marines wore interceptor vests that were capable of withstanding 7.62mm rounds. However, they were no match for the 5mm and 8mmser rounds. Thesers pierced through the vests and their bodies.


    Smack! Smack! Smack smack!


    The U.S. marines fell at once from theser beams they had never seen before. The survivors had split into two groups and hid behind the buildings.


    <hr />


    February 14th, 2021, 14:10


    The ins 3km southeast of Saga prefecture at Kyushu, Japan


    The 5th Mobile Strike battalion was preparing to cross the Chikugo River while 15 fully armed WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers were hovering in a line, preparing to attack.


    Colonel Kim In-hyuck, the Magpie Viper regiment¡¯smander, was watching the scene from hismand vehicle when the operations director spoke to him.


    ¡°Commander! The navy¡¯s aerial forces are requesting the time of attack again.¡±


    Colonel Kim In-hyuck gave the order after checking his watch. ¡°The current time is 14:15! We will give order to our air forces to attack after 5 minutes, at 14:20. After 10 minutes, we will cross the river starting with the 5th strike force.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will alert the navy.¡±


    -This is the Magpie Viper regiment HQ! The aerial forces are to begin their attack in 5 minutes at 14:20.


    -This is Seafowl 1! Roger!


    The 15 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers slowly raised their altitude and started to prepare for the offensive. HQ had also given the order to the mobile strike forces on the ground to mobilize. The 68 K-23P-M armored vehicles revved up their engines and started to cross the river.


    The WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers had flown past the Chikugo River while slowly raising their altitude. When they had crossed the river, they split into flight wings and started to attack the 42nd armored regiment on the ground based on the intelligence they received from conducting reconnaissance.


    Hellfire rained down on the 42nd armored regiment that had thought to have camouged itself thoroughly.


    The 20-round 50mm sma cluster rounds equipped on the wings of the Peregrine Falcon chopper flew towards the ground repeatedly.


    Boom! Bang! Boom! Boom!


    Arge pir of me rose, and shrapnel began to fly everywhere. Also, the Type 10 tanks that had been struck by the sma cluster rounds were engulfed by mes and met their fate. The surviving tanks had left their stations and started to retreat.


    While dozens of me pirs were rising from the ins past the Chikugo River, the two strike battalions under the Magpie Viper regiment had gotten into position and began fording the river.


    The floatation bags at the sides expanded and kept the light but defensive armored vehicle afloat. The vehicles were only 18 tons so it was easy for them to stay afloat. Also, the powerful water jet¡¯s thrust had allowed them to move at a speed that matched an amphibious vehicle¡¯s and cross the river quickly.


    When the armored vehicles had reached the middle of the Chikugo River, a loud noise came from the sky and a pir of water rose from the river.


    The 8th armored division¡¯s two artillery battalions had been waiting for the enemy to ford the river. When they had reached the mid-point, the artillery forces had started to fire their Type 99 cannons 25km from the rear.


    The 155mm Type 99 cannons had a short range of 30km and were equipped with a low-powered engine. So, it had the disadvantage of limited mobility and a high price tag. In 2002, 16 units were deployed to the field, and about 78 units were produced each year. In 2016, production had been increased significantly and most of the artillery forces were now operating them.


    The 24 Type 99 cannons from the two battalions started to fire 18 DP-ICM rounds every three minutes. The rounds started to spray its bomblets at the K-23P-M armored vehicles.


    Boom! Bang!


    Small explosions urred at the top turret of the K-23P-M armored vehicles. ck and red mes engulfed them.


    Since they were not on the ground, but in the water, they were unable to make evasive maneuvers.


    ¡°We cross at maximum speed.¡± The battalion andpanymander¡¯s orders started toe in haphazardly through themunication line. The regimentmander requested for an aerial strike against the artillery battalion to the navy¡¯s air force.


    Vroooom! Vroooooo!


    The water jet engines started to roar and pushed the armored vehicles forward. When they arrived on the shore, the flotation devices copsed and started to move on the ground. The 15mm DP-ICM rounds raining down on them decreased as well. The Peregrine Falcon choppers had taken down the Type 10 tanks equipped with the Type 99 cannons.


    The K-23P-M armored vehicles moved towards the battlefield at top speed. They started to fire their 50mm photon rounds at the fleeing Type 10 tanks.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The photon rounds struck the rear of the Type 10 tanks. Some of the Type 10 tanks were hit on the engine and exploded. The other Type 10 tanks kept moving while on fire and started to crash into the hills and flip over.


    Meanwhile, the Peregrine Falcon choppers had infiltrated the rear of the enemy¡¯s position. An rm alerting that they had been locked on by an enemy¡¯s radar started to ring. The choppers stopped their assault on the ground and sprayed chaffs and re while making evasive maneuvers.


    Numerous missiles flew past the Seagull flight wing¡¯s choppers as they made evasive maneuvers. However, Seagull 4 was hit and had crashed.


    Boom!


    The 7th fleet¡¯s Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) aircraft carrier had deployed four EA-18G Growler jets, and 12 F/A-18E/F Super Ho jets to fire their AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. They were undetected by the air force¡¯s strategicmand and the aerial space force¡¯s satellites due to the EA-18G Growler jet¡¯s powerful disruptive waves and low altitude of 5m above the ocean surface.

 Chapter 243

    <h4>Chapter 243</h4>


    February 14th, 2021, 14:10


    Downtown Saga at Kyushu, Japan


    The Corean Marines were fighting against the armed protestors and the U.S. Marines who suddenly appeared from the crowd. They did not blunder around and continued to fight off against the enemy, but when the U.S. Marines brought in their LAV-25 light armored vehicle and started firing off their M242 25mm guns, they had to take cover in the nearby shops.


    However, the Corean Marines had also sent in two of their K-23P-M armored vehicles and continued the fight.


    mm machine gun rounds poured into the building where Sergeant Kim Il-ho and Private Hong Jung-pyo were hiding in.


    Boom! Boom!


    With a loud gunshot, the machine gun rounds easily broke through the building¡¯s outer wall, causing a cloud of dust to cover the area.


    The Corean Marines were wearing their mini gas masks, so they had no trouble breathing. However, the unending stream of 25mm bullets made it hard for them to retaliate.


    ¡°Are those bastards only firing at us?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Il-ho was covered by the dust falling from the ceiling. He got close to the inner wall to take cover and wiped off his shield sses with the back of his gloved hand.


    Boom!


    The enemy armored vehicle was moving along the road and firing its 25mm towards Sergeant Kim. Suddenly, the top turret of the LAV-25 light armored vehicle from the U.S. Marine exploded, and it broke down in the middle of the road.


    120m ahead of them, the K-23P-M armored vehicles had appeared from the corner and struck them with their 50mm photon cannons. With a loud explosion, the turret was blown clean off. When the enemy armored vehicle was taken out, the 8mmser Vulcan turned around and started to spray itsser beams.


    When the ally armored vehicles started to bring down their firepower on the U.S. Marines, Sergeant Kim and Private Hong could finally be at ease and started to retaliate with their own firearms as well.


    The six U.S. Marines who had been following the LAV-25 armored vehicles were turned into a pulp in an instant. When the Corean Marines were cheering for taking out the enemy soldiers and an armored vehicle, arge explosion rang out from where one of the allied vehicles were at.


    Boooom!


    ck smoke started to rise from the K-23P-M armored vehicle that had just fired its cannon with its turret half blown off.


    ¡°What the?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Il-ho looked at his 3 o¡¯clock with his shield sses. About 1.2km away from them, there was an enemy tank and it had white smoke billowing from its muzzle. The shield ss identified the tank as the ¡°M1A1 tank.¡±


    ¡°M1A1 tank? The U.S. Marines brought tanks with them?¡±


    Two armored vehicles hade to aid them from the Corean Marines, but since one was taken out there was only one remaining. The U.S. Marines, on the other hand, still had five light armored vehicles on the move, while firing their 25mm machine guns. The M1A1 tank had entered the battle, so they were at a disadvantage. Also, the K-23P-M armored vehicle¡¯s side and rear ting were unable to withstand the Depleted Uranium Ammunition the M1A1 tanks were using.


    -Corporal Hong! Call headquarters! Tell them the U.S. Marine has sent in tanks! Request for a chopper.


    Corporal Yoon Hong-gil, who had been fighting in the building on the other side, grabbed hismunicator on his chest and contacted HQ.


    -This is Seal 3! The U.S. Marine have brought in tanks! The enemy has brought in tanks! Requesting for additional armored vehicles or a chopper!


    -This is Seal Nest! Choppers are difficult to send in. Over.


    -Then requesting additional armored vehicles! Over.


    -This is Seal Nest! The battle is fierce in every part of the city, not just yours. There are no more avable armored vehicles to send as back up. Face them as long as you can, but retreat when it gets too dangerous. Over!


    -This is Seal 3! Confirmed. Over.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Corporal Yoon Hong-gil alerted the squadron after speaking with thepany HQ.


    -Commander! The choppers and armored vehicles are all fighting somewhere else, so they can¡¯te to us. We are to retreat if the situation gets too hot.


    -There¡¯s no retreating for the invincible marines!


    ¡°Let¡¯s dance, you Yanks!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Il-ho, who was consumed by rage, checked his surroundings and started to give his squad orders.


    -Corporal Na, move to the building¡¯s roof! Target the enemy vehicle¡¯s periscopes and sights. Corporal Oh and Private Oh! You two are to set your firearm¡¯s outputs to maximum and destroy the armored vehicle¡¯s external optical equipment! All right?


    -Yes, sir.


    -Move it!


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 14:30


    The number 40 road, 6km North of Sasebo county at Nagasaki prefecture, Kyushu, Japan (the 2nd marine division¡¯s 1st marine regiment¡¯s location)


    When the Kyushu defensive line was broken through, the 2nd marine division¡¯s remaining forces had started to upy the area. Also, since the war against America had begun, the marines were to upy the Sasebo U.S. naval base where the 7th fleet and its supply fleets were docked at. The 1st marine regiment was moving along the number 40 road when they met with the U.S. Marines guarding the Sasebo naval base and engaged in battle.


    The numerous 7.62mm M240E6 machine guns installed at the naval base started to spray their bullets. The M240E6 had reced the M60 machine gun in 2010. It was a heavy machine gun that used 7.62 x 51mm NATO rounds. It had titanium receiver blocks and was thetest and lightest model of the series.


    Pew pew pew pew!


    The 7.62mm rounds caused sparks to fly fromnding on the outer walls of buildings and the floor. The unending stream of bullets was a problem for the 1st regiment¡¯s marines who were trying to infiltrate the naval base. Also, the LAV-25 light armored vehicles had joined in and started to fire their 25mm guns at the Corean Marines.


    Pewpewpepewpew! Pew pew!


    A group of marines avoided the bullets raining down on them from the front entrance and got into position stealthily. They were each holding a round of S-LTM 50A2 metal bow rounds in their hands. A momentter, the metal bow operators hid behind their covers and assessed the situation. They found their first target, a U.S. Marine light armored vehicle slowly moving towards them.


    Wooosh~


    An S-LTM 50A2 metal bow-guided missile flew into the sky and started to fall to the surface. The turret of the oing LAV-25 armored vehicle was blown off with an explosion. It started to spew ck and red mes before copsing. The marine anti-tank toon continued their operations and picked off six of the U.S Marine¡¯s LAV-25 light armored vehicles.


    ¡°Those sons of bitches! I guess it was worth training them after all.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Na Kyung-ook, themander of the anti-tank toon, seemed to be in a good mood and smiled. If his men had seen him, then they would all be in shock. He was known to be a stubborn man that followed every rule in the book who showed no emotions. His awkward smile was something his subordinates could not imagine.


    Boooom!


    Thest U.S. Marine¡¯s armored vehicle had exploded while emitting mes. Sergeant First ss Na Kyung-ook went up to the highest point on the hill and checked for any more moving U.S. Marine armored vehicles with his shield sses. When he saw that there were none left, he gave an order through the toonmunication line.


    ¡°Our job here is done. We move to the rear.¡±


    The anti-tank toon had been tasked with destroying the enemy tanks and armored vehicles. They hadpleted their mission, so Sergeant First ss Na had given the order to retreat without any hesitation.


    The men from the toon carefully ced theunch tubes on their back and slowly moved towards the rear.


    Dududududududududu.


    The loud sound of a chopper¡¯s rotors starteding from the naval bases¡¯nding pad. It was the MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine chopper. It hadnded at the base for repairs, maintenance, and to restock on weapons. Since the base was under attack, the U.S. Marine seemed to have deployed the three Seahawk choppers after arming them hastily. There were four rounds of the AGM-114 Hellfire missiles equipped on the lower body of each chopper.


    ¡°Take cover, take cover.¡±


    Themanders of the Corean Marines created a cacophony of noise by giving orders to take cover simultaneously through themunication line when the Seahawk choppers appeared. The marines were sitting ducks to the choppers even if they were designed for naval battles.


    The M240G machine gun and GAU-16 12.7mm machine gun had fireing out from its muzzles and started to spray bullets at the ground.


    Pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew~


    When the Seahawk anti-submarine choppersunched their AGM-114 hellfire missiles attached to their lower body, the entire area was engulfed in a giant fireball. When the choppers started to take over the ground with their machineguns and missiles, a few of the men from the anti-tank toon were wounded from the mes or the shrapnel and fell to the ground.


    Booom! Bang!


    The pirs of me and smoke had put the base into chaos. Suddenly, a missile appeared from the sky and flew past the base.


    Wooooosh~ Woooooosh~


    Two S-LAM 50A2 God¡¯s Bow anti-air missiles wereunched by the regiment¡¯s HQ that was 2km away from the U.S naval base. The missiles flew in an arc while leaving a trail of white smoke. One of them had hit the MH-60R Seahawk missiles and burned them to a crisp, while the second had struck another chopper by the tail. The Seahawk chopper had lost its bnce and spun in the air before crashing to the ground.


    The crash and explosion had caused a pir of me 10m high to rise into the sky. The remaining Seahawk chopper¡¯s pilot raised its altitude andunched its two hellfire missiles to the ground before turning away and retreating.


    ¡°Son of a bitch.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Na Kyung-ook was no longer smiling and had fire in his eyes once he heard of his men being injured by the anti-submarine chopper¡¯s attacks. The other marines were enraged as well and fiercely attacked the naval base.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 14:30


    Downtown Saga, Kyushu, Japan


    Corporal Na Il-hwan climbed up to the roof and used his sniping skills to destroy the optical equipment of the M1A1 tank. The M1A1 was now blind, and could no longer move. It could only fire its cannon following the vehiclemander¡¯s orders. However, the depleted uranium ammunition the tank was firing still gave them trouble.


    Whenever the marines would fire their weapons while hiding behind the building, the depleted uranium rounds would fly towards them and make it difficult for them to retaliate.


    Private Jo Jun-hyung, the squadron¡¯s heavy gunner, was firing his CS3ser mini machine gun when he was hit by the concrete piece flying from the explosion. He fell to the ground and was tossed back from the blow.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°Sir! I¡¯m fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°Be careful!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Il-ho determined that enough was enough. He called over Corporal Na Il-hwan, the squadron¡¯s sniper through the radio.


    -Corporal Na!


    -Yes, sir!


    -When the vehicle¡¯smander shows his head from the hatch, blow it off! I think our men will all die if we keep fighting like this. I will bait him over, so wait for him to show up and get him!


    -Yes, sir.


    Corporal Na Il-hwan had destroyed the M1A1 tank¡¯s optical equipment and was facing off against a LAV-25 light armored vehicle. He moved over to the area where he could have a clear visual of the M1A1 tank and pointed his CS14 sniper rifle at the vehiclemander¡¯s hatch.


    ¡°The minute you show yourself, you¡¯re as good as dead.¡±


    As the corporal was muttering to himself, Sergeant Kim Il-ho showed himself from behind a building. He ran across to the other side of the road and hid behind an abandoned truck. Corporal Na ced his finger on the trigger and prepared himself.


    The vehiclemander of the M1A1 showed his face from the hatch and moved the turret towards the truck where Sergeant Kim Il-ho had moved to. When the turret was turning left, a powerfulser beam had flown towards the hatch. Red bits of flesh flew everywhere like a watermelon exploding. The vehiclemander was wearing a helmet, but it was useless against the firepower of the CS14 rifle.


    -We took out the vehicle¡¯smander, sir.


    -Excellent work.


    When Corporal Na had made the sessful shot, his position was exposed to the LAV-25 light armored vehicle, and it started to spray 25mm rounds to his location.


    ¡°Crap.¡±


    Corporal Na Il-hwan fell back and crawled to another location.


    When the M1A1 tank had stopped moving, the K-23P-M armored vehicle that had been hiding behind a building shot forward and started making its attack with its 50mm photon cannon to the U.S. Marine¡¯s LAV-25 armored vehicle.

 Chapter 244

    <h4>Chapter 244</h4>


    February 14th, 2021, 14:30


    The Southeastern skies above the Saga prefecture at Kyushu, Japan


    The Peregrine Falcon choppers were making their offensive throughout the southern area of the Chikugo River. When the Corean air force¡¯s strategicmand became aware of the U.S Navy¡¯s fighter jets arriving on the scene, they also deployed their own Phoenix fighter jets from the 23rd fighter wing at Kimhae. 12 CF-21P phoenix fighter jets under the 159th flight battalion took off to the skies. Also, a CE-90SP early warning ne was tailing them tobat the EA-18G growler¡¯s electronic wave disruption.


    Three Peregrine Falcon choppers had been struck down by the U.S Navy¡¯s air-to-air missiles, and they were leaving the battlefield. The 5th and 6th mobile battalion under the Magpie Viper regiment had finished fording the river, but they were also in danger of being wiped out by the air-to-surface missiles.


    The three CF-21P Phoenix jet flight wings appeared after a few minutes by using their afterburners. The 12 jets moved in a fingertip formation and entered into battle against the F/A-18E/F Super Ho jets.


    Beep beep beep!


    The CE-90SP early warning nes had data linked the radar information about the enemy jets. The flight wing¡¯smander immediately gave out orders.


    -Tiger 1! Freely engage in the offensive based on each flight wingmander¡¯s discretion. Go.


    -Fox 1, copy.


    <ul>


    Wolf 1, copy.


    </ul>


    When the flightmander¡¯s orders came through, the 12 Phoenix jets split into three groups. The Tiger flight wing flew at the central position. Themander gave another order.


    -Tiger 1! Maintain altitude and music on!


    -Tiger 2! copy.


    -Tiger 3! copy.


    -Tiger 4! copy.


    The radar¡¯s range had been shortened by the EA-18G growler jet from the U.S Navy, but the CE-90SP early warning ne had managed to data link their information to the jets. Therefore, they were able to fire their mid-range missiles.


    -Flight wing one all! Stand by with two Rattlesnake missiles, fire.


    When themander gave the order, the flight wing raised their speed and pulled the trigger tounch their missiles. The internal pairings for the weapons opened up, and two rounds of S-AAM-200 missiles painted gold flew out using its thrusters.


    The other eight Phoenix jets also followed suit andunched their own Rattlesnake missiles.


    Meanwhile, the Growler and Super Ho jets also fired their AIM-120 AAMRAMM missiles and sprayed their chaffs and res to go into evasive maneuvers.


    The 16 missiles flew at a speed of Mach 8 and moved around as a snake would across the air. Nine of the missiles moved past the chaffs and res and hit the Super Ho jets that were making evasive maneuvers.


    While the rays of the sun were pouring through the white clouds, ck and red shes of light flickered around the area. The Phoenix jets were taking out targets detected by their radars while evading the AIM-120 missiles heading towards them.


    <hr />


    February 14th, 2021, 15:00


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The Yongsan B2 bunker was the ROK military¡¯s jointmand center that was in charge of the entire Corean military. Over 100 operators would analyze the iing information and show them on the screen. The militarymanders would then use this information to give orders to their troops on how to respond. The entire bunker was in chaos.


    War in the 21st century could be seen as aworking war. The most important aspect in modern warfare was having a clear and streamlined flow of information going from the soldiers on the field all the way to themanding forces in the rear. The Corean joint chief of staff had awork system that allowed them tomunicate with the soldiers on the battlefield. Also, the militarymanders were able to see the status of each battle in real-time as if they were on the field themselves.


    ¡°It seems that the U.S. military is moving faster than we expected, sir.¡± Operations director Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun had analyzed the intelligenceing from across Japan and spoke to Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who was watching the screen from the back of the room.


    ¡°They don¡¯t call the country a military power for nothing, do they? I suppose the war against America will be more difficult than we thought.¡±


    ¡°I believe we must start the secondnding mission earlier than scheduled, sir.¡±


    Therge screen on themand center showed the footage of the battle at the Sasebo U.S Navy base. Also, the side screen showed the Magpie Viper armored regiment fording the Chikugo River in real-time.


    <hr />


    February 14th, 2021, 15:00


    The Southern ins at the Chikugo River at Saga prefecture, Kyushu, Japan


    Ten minutes ago, 10 of the 12 Super Ho jets that had taken off from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier had been taken down at the skies of the southern ins above the Chikugo River. The two Growler jets were also taken down as well. The remaining two Super Ho jets each deployed two of their CBU 105 cluster bombs and ended up vaporizing in the sky. The remaining two Growler jets ended up flying south while emitting their disruptive radio waves.


    The Phoenix jets had taken out the threat from the air, but the four cluster bombs that the enemy hadunched had split into 40 bomblets and severely damaged the C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles that were fighting against Japan¡¯s Type 10 tanks.


    The C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles started to explode from the bomblets. The explosions had covered an area the size of a football field. The Corean Marine¡¯s armored vehicles were in chaos from the aerial strike. Suddenly the heavy sound of engines roaring got closer to their location. The engines were not from the Japanese Type 10 tanks, but the M1A2 tanks from the U.S Marine. There were dozens of them, at least the size of apany.


    The U.S Marine¡¯s tankpany had used camouges and had prepared for an ambush.


    Boom!


    The 120mm cannon shed and smoke started to billow out. A C23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicle 2km away had its turret blown off and exploded.


    Boom!


    When the M1A1 tank fired its Depleted Uranium Ammunition round again, it blew off the C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicle¡¯s tires and made it copse on itself. The explosion had blown off the rear hatch, and the scorched bodies of the marines poured out from the vehicle.


    The M830 HEAT-MP-T round had the piercing depleted uranium ammunition. It was designed to create a high heat jet storm inside a tank when it hit its target. Obviously, this would destroy the equipment and kill the crew aboard.


    The depleted uranium ammunition was used for the first time in 1991 during the Gulf War. In 1998, it was used at the Kosovo incident and caused international controversy as well. Environmental groups suspected that the depleted uranium ammunition was the main cause of the ¡°Gulf War Syndrome,¡± which had caused physical ailments to the U.S soldiers who fought in the war.


    The environmental groups imed that depleted uranium powder entered the human respiratory system and caused numerous diseases, including cancer, physical deformities, and sterilization. During the 78 days of the attack on Kosovo, NATO used 31,000 rounds of the depleted uranium tank rounds, and the U.S. also used them in the Bosnian War.


    The other C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles that had seen the gruesome scene started to retaliate with their 50mm photon cannons.


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The three-photon rounds had destroyed an M1A2 tank.


    -Get them!


    An angry voice came through themunication line. It was Colonel Kim In-hyuck, themander of the Magpie Viper regiment. When the order to attack came through, the surviving armored vehicles from the airstrike burst forward and fired its 50mm photon rounds. The red photon rounds flew in a straight line towards the enemy.


    As the loud sounds of the cannons rang across the battlefield, a burst of mes shot up from under the M1A2 tanks. Some of them were climbing over the hill at an angle when they were hit. This caused them to lose bnce, crash, and be engulfed in mes.


    The C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicle¡¯s engines roared and sped forward.


    There were 68 C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles before they forded the Chikugo River, but only 44 vehicles were moving across the ins. Losing 24 vehicles was a devastating loss for the Magpie Viper regiment, which was taking the lead in the war. However, the marines did not have any fear and charged towards their enemy.


    The three wheels on each side started to rev up and when the vehicle moved up the hill and reached the ins, they could see the M1A2 tanks.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, an explosion rang out and a C-23P-M Hyunmu tank copsed on itself after losing its wheels.


    ¡°Three o¡¯clock! Type 10 tanks.¡±


    The Type 10 tanks from the Japanese army had fired their cannons while moving from 2km away. The C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles hadunched their remaining ck Dragon missiles from theirunch pads equipped on both sides of the turret. The missiles flew in an arc and crashed into the turrets of the Type 10 tanks.


    Boom! Bang! Boom! Bang!


    Six Type 10 tanks copsed and caught on fire in an instant.


    When the Type 10 tanks from the three o¡¯clock direction were taken care of, the 5th mobile armored battalion¡¯smander gave an order to fire.


    Boom! Bang! Boom! Bang!


    The charging Hyunmu armored vehicles all fired their photon cannons at once. The M1A2 tanks also fired their depleted uranium rounds at the Corean armored vehicles. The force from the cannon fire had caused the tank to be pushed back while being on the move. The photon cannon rounds and the depleted uranium rounds flew across each other.


    The Magpie Viper regiment¡¯s C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles were a model based on the K-23P Hyunmu armored vehicle from the army. However, it was unknown whether they would be able to withstand the piercing power of the M1A2 tank¡¯s 120mm rounds.


    Boom! Boom!


    The 50mm photon round flew at the speed of light and hit the front of the M1A2 tanks and pierced through the ting. The explosion swept the interior of the M1A2 tanks.


    The M1A2 tanks were all torn to pieces after the internal explosion urred, and blue and ck mes started to rise from where they were. A single attack had caused four M1A2 tanks to explode. After having a toon¡¯s worth of tanks explode, the C2-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles continued their assault. Theyunched their 50mm sma cluster rounds from their 32 round MLRS system.


    The sma cluster rounds flew past the exploded M1A2 tanks and struck the surviving M1A2 tanks on the move.


    Boom! Bang! Bang!


    Themunication line of the Lion armoredpany from the U.S. Marine was in an uproar.


    ¡°You idiots, attack while making evasive maneuvers.¡±


    Commander John McEnroe of the Lion armoredpany could not hold back his shock from the power of the C-23P-M armored vehicles and ordered his eight M1A2 tanks to attack.


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    The operators had already targeted the Corean armored vehicles before the order came through.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    When the American tanks started firing their depleted uranium rounds, the C-23P-M Hyunmu armored vehicles all deployed their smoke bombs, scattered, and retaliated with their sma rounds.


    ¡°We continue the offensive.¡±


    Commander John McEnroe looked at the battlefield through his infrared periscope and gave more orders. Normally the authority to choose which cannon round to use was given to the vehiclemander in the U.S. Marine. However, if the operation was being conducted independently by apany, then thepanymander would have the authority.


    ¡°Tank 12 has been hit!¡±


    ¡°Tank 13 argh! Has been hit! Aaaaaah.¡±


    Thepanymander continued to give the order to attack while the screams of the crew inside the shot tanks continued toe in through themunication line.


    ¡°Company, fire!¡±


    Boom! Boom!


    Facing over 40 enemy vehicles with only a dozen tanks was not enough. They were outnumbered. After a few minutes, Commander John McEnroe¡¯s tank also was hit by four-photon cannon rounds and burst into mes.


    The first ground battle against America came to an end. The Magpie Viper regiment did face heavy losses, but it was a meaningful battle since they had won the battle against America and their famous M1A2 tanks, also known as the prince onnd.

 Chapter 245

    <h4>Chapter 245</h4>


    February 14th, 2021, 18:30,


    The deep seas N 30¡ã 5¡ä E 130¡ã22¡ä South of Yaku Ind, Japan


    The Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) Hoc submarine had escaped the 7th carrier strike group¡¯s chase after taking down two LA ss nuclear submarines. It had sailed silently along the ocean and carefully tailed the 7th carrier strike group again.


    The Virginia ss (Block II) tactical nuclear submarine, the New Hampshire (SSN-778), reced the sunken LA ss submarines and took the lead of the carrier strike group while looking out for enemy submarines.


    ¡°We are 37km away from the 7th carrier strike group, and at a 12% chance of being detected by the enemy sonar.¡±


    When the sonar operator reported the collected intelligence, the operations director gave an order.


    ¡°Report immediately when the chance of being detected by the enemy sonar increase up to 30%. The rest of you are to work in three two-hour shifts. The rest of the crew are to relieve themselves.¡±


    Since they were only to be tailing the enemy silently until they receive further orders from HQ, the operations director ordered the off-duty crew to rest. The off-duty crew started to move toward their bunks carefully.


    Captain Song Ki-young went to themand room and reported the current situation to the submarine¡¯s captain, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun. ¡°Captain! We are at 12% threat of being detected by the enemy sonars. I ordered the crew to go into three shifts, eachsting two hours.¡±


    ¡°Very well! Why don¡¯t you take a break?¡±


    ¡°I am fine, sir. Truly.¡±


    ¡°No. You should take a break and let the first mate take over things at the battle station.¡±


    Major Na Kang-soo tapped the operations director on the shoulder, smiled, and walked toward the battle station.


    ¡°Sir! I have a question. Are we chasing after the 7th carrier strike group to take down the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier?¡± Captain Song Ki-young asked.


    Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun, who was watching his monitor, turned his head and answered, ¡°Why? Are you afraid?¡±


    ¡°I am a bit concerned, sir. I am not sure if a single submarine can take down an aircraft carrier and make it out safely.¡±


    ¡°As soldiers, we are to conduct the mission even if our lives are on the line. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m sure HQ won¡¯t give us such rash orders. If they did, they must have a trick up their sleeves, wouldn¡¯t they?¡±


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 18:40


    Downton Hiroshima at Hiroshima prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The upation of Hiroshima, one of the key areas in Honshu, had begun. The joint chief of staffmanded the missile forces HQ and the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser (CG-1101) stationed at the East Sea to strike Hiroshima.


    Hundreds of the [emailprotected]</a> surface-to-surface missiles and the Sky Dragon (SLCM) ship-to-surface missiles fell on Downton Hiroshima and covered the city in mes. The 39-story Hiroshima Central building standing tall at the center of the city was hit by a Sky Dragon (SLCM) missile on its side. The explosion shook the entire area and the high heat caused hundreds of ss windows to shatter and spray their pieces everywhere.


    The Sky Dragon (SLCM) missilesunched by the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser and the surface-to-surface missilesunched by the artillery missile forces had directly hit the skyscrapers and major facilities within Hiroshima. The entire city looked like a furnace from the explosion and mes.


    Vrooooooo~


    The Sky Dragon missile that exploded on the 29th floor of the building caused the lower floors to vanish without a trace. The upper part of the building had lost its support and started to copse on itself. A cloud of smoke and dust engulfed the area.


    The priority targets for the attack on Japan had been the military and industrial facilities. Civilian casualties were lowpared to the frequency of the attacks made by Corea. However, when the war against America had started, the Corean joint chief of staff had abandoned its standard procedures and prioritized strategies that ensured victory.


    The 3rd mobile marine division (Fire Drake) that had justnded at the Hamada Port on Honshu attacked with their own 150 cruise missiles along with the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin to hit Japan¡¯s 12th and 13th mechanized infantry brigades¡¯ anti-air forces and their main forces upying Hiroshima.


    The police and firefighters had gathered around the copsed building to seek survivors. However, when the Hiroshima Central Building had shown signs of copse and causing nearby buildings to copse as well, the police used their shlights to guide the citizens to evacuate the area. The firefighters wearing gas masks and attempting to enter the building quickly backed away from the scene.


    Crash!


    The Main and New buildings next to the Hiroshima Central Building also lost their bnce and copsed, causing another dust cloud to appear. The gray cloud had engulfed the city and made it seem like there was a fog in the area.


    The Hiroshima Central Building and the Main and New buildings, which were thendmarks of Hiroshima,pletely copsed and disappeared in history. These buildings were designed to withstand an 8.0-magnitude earthquake, but the continued explosions from the cruise missiles had caused them and the building nearby to copse. The debris from the buildings fell on the city roads, cars, and small shops, causing more fires. The dust cloud made some of the citizens grasp their throats and pass out from choking on the dust.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 18:45


    The 261 road 11km North of Hiroshima, Honshu, Japan


    The cruise missile attacks and the explosions had made the city seem like a piece of canvas being blotted by red paint from the raging fire. The 3rd marine mobile division¡¯s 12th mechanized infantry brigade and its subordinate battalions had finished preparing for their match and now waiting for the brigademander¡¯s orders 10km North of Hiroshima.


    ¡°Commander! HQ says they will stop the missile attacks at 19:00, sir.¡±


    Themunications operator reported to the brigade¡¯smander Brigadier General Lee Tae-sung who was watching the scene through the reconnaissance drone.


    The general checked his watch and spoke while straightening his shoulders, ¡°19:00? There are only a few minutes left! Why don¡¯t we get moving? Get all the battalionmanders on the line.¡±


    Beep beep beep.


    ¡°Commander! We are online.¡±


    -Sir! It¡¯s Lieutenant Colonel Shin Hyuck-dong, themander of the 51st battalion.


    -Sir! It¡¯s Lieutenant Colonel Nam Sang-ho, themander of the 52nd battalion.


    -Sir! It¡¯s Lieutenant Colonel Gil Min-sung, themander of the 53rd battalion.


    ¡°We will now begin the march on Hiroshima at 19:00. The 51st armored battalion will break through their central defenses and the remaining battalions will split into two groups to take over the major facilities. Any questions?¡±


    -Commander! I am worried about civilian casualties while conducting our mission, sir.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. From this point on, we put the safety of our own forces as a priority over civilian casualties. This is from the joint chief of staff, so make sure to engage in the offensive.¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    ¡°One more thing. The roads and buildings will be damaged from the missile strikes. So, make sure to be cautious while marching into the city. We move with the 51st Battalion on the lead.¡±


    When each battalion finishedmunicating with each other, they moved along the road at 19:00. The 51st battalion¡¯s C-3 White Tiger tanks, which was in charge of breaking through the enemy¡¯s defenses, moved into a two-line horizontal formation when they reached the fourne road. After getting into position, the tanks pointed their cannons to their sides and sped up.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 19:30


    The Shin-Yokoda underground bunker at Chiba prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The Japanese prime minister¡¯s cab and the joint militarymand had officially entered into the war against Corea with America as their ally and moved into the Shin-Yokoda underground bunker. Also, after America officially entered the war, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro gave a national address.


    The address spoke about how Corea was disrupting the world peace and had illegally waged war against the nation. Therefore, Japan would ally with America to protect world peace and fight to keep it. He also urged the citizens of Japan to actively follow the emergency draft as well.


    However, the citizens of Japan were not that weing towards the national address, excluding the alt-right groups. Japan had had most of its economic facilities destroyed, and the headquarters of the corporations involved in war crimes had been destroyed. Many citizens could not enter the buildings and lost their jobs. The citizens of Japan were preupied with obtaining necessities and food.


    After America officially dered war against Corea, the U.S. armed forces in Japan and the Japanese joint militarymand held the first strategy meeting at the Shin-Yokoda bunker. Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro and many other government bureaucrats were in attendance.


    First, the joint militarymand¡¯s Operations Director Yamada Tetsuto started the briefing with a summary of the battles urring in Japan.


    ¡°The 8th armored division¡¯s 43rd armored regiment in charge of defending Kyushu has been eliminated at the battle of Saga. The armored regiment had attempted to ambush the Corean Marine fording the Chikugo River with the U.S. Navy¡¯s jets under the 7th carrier strike force, but they failed. Our army had also attempted to take back downtown Saga with the U.S. Marine¡¯s aid, but we also failed in retaking the city.¡±


    ¡°Howrge were the Corean Marine forces?¡± The navy¡¯smander Murakawa asked.


    ¡°The forces onnd were the size of a battalion, and they had 16 attack choppers in the air. Also, 12 fighter jets were deployed from maind Corea.¡±


    ¡°Our 2 tank battalions, 1 flight wing, and 16 U.S navy jets were taken out by such a measly force?¡± Commander Murakawa spoke as if to scold the operations director.


    The army¡¯smander Takitayo Ochiro red at him and answered the question instead of Operations Director Tetsuto. ¡°Commander! How dare you speak about this defeat? All you have done is waste dozens of naval vessels. Do you have any sense of shame?¡±


    ¡°What? Waste?¡±


    ¡°Silence! What are you doing?¡± Minister Shibasaki raised his hand and calmed the two generals. ¡°How could you act this way at the Japan-America joint military meeting?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry. sir.¡±


    ¡°I was insolent. Sorry, sir.¡±


    The two militarymanders stood up from their seats and bowed politely.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, sit down. Director Yamada, please continue the briefing.¡±


    ¡°It seems the leading and following forces that have forded the Chikugo River are the size of a brigade. They are currently moving towards the Omuta area.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying the Corean Marines are targeting Omuta next?¡±


    ¡°ording to our scouts, yes.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Up next, is the battle at Hiroshima. The Corean militaryunched 150 rounds of supersonic cruise missiles at Hiroshima within an hour. They have ravaged the civilian buildings and military facilities. It seems that they will annihte the area once thended marine forces finish mobilizing to the area.¡± The operations director continued his exnation based on the intelligence they got in real-time.


    ¡°What have our anti-air forces been doing? They let Hiroshima get overrun.¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro had bags under his eyes that almost reached his cheeks. His cheeks were also shaking from stress. Ever since Prime Minister Abe was assassinated, all the responsibilities had been his, and the weight was crushing his shoulders. The stress was getting to him. He wanted to resign from his position and run away to a foreign country. However, he did not have the courage to do so due to his sheepish nature.


    ¡°The anti-air across our nation has been broken a long time ago. The operable anti-air forces have been moved to Tokyo, and they are focusing on defending its skies. Deputy prime minister, sir! It seems defending Kyushu will be difficult in this situation. I would advise moving our remaining forces to Honshu and focus on defending it instead.¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro turned around when he heard Director Yamada Tetsuto¡¯s report. He showed obvious signs of being flustered and nced at the Minister of Defense Shibasaki. Minister Shibasaki nced at Lieutenant General Bruce Wright,mander of the U.S. armed forces in Japan, and spoke. ¡°Commander Wright! When will the U.S. military start attacking the Corean penins?¡±


    Commander Bruce Wright couldn¡¯t easily answer and stayed silent. Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro urged him again.


    ¡°Our entire nation is being piged by the Coreans. Shouldn¡¯t America attack maind Corea, so that Japan can have time to regroup and retaliate?¡±


    When Minister Shibasaki¡¯s tone became sharper, Lieutenant General Bruce Wright put down his coffee and answered. ¡°The assault on Corea will begin once the 3rd fleet sailing west from the Pacific arrives. They will probably arrive at Yokosuka Port in two days. The 3rd fleet has 50,000 U.S. marines aboard. Once they reach port, the marines will be deployed to defend Tokyo and the capital, and fix the inoperable anti-air. Also, once the 11th and 7th carrier strike groups rendezvous, they will start their attack starting with Jeju Ind. Director James will give you the details.¡±


    As soon as Commander Bruce Wright finished speaking, Brigadier General James, the Operations Director, stood up from his seat and went up to the podium.


    ¡°The strategies I am reporting is the first draft, so please keep in mind that there can be changes in the future.¡±

 Chapter 246

    <h4>Chapter 246</h4>


    February 14th, 2021, 20:30


    The Jugoku road 33km west from Tsuyama at Okayama prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Three days ago, the 3rd mobile marine division had defeated the 13th mechanized infantry brigade and the 8th armored regiment near Gotsu. It¡¯s subordinate force, the ranger armored battalion was conducting reconnaissance along the designated roads before they reach their destination, Tokyo. After three days, the marines were 33km west of Tsuyama. They had moved about 240km in that time.


    Based on the reports from the ranger battalion, the 12th, and 14th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s subordinate force, the Nihonbara reserve forces were stationed at Tsuyama.


    The Nihonbara reserve forces were the size of a brigade by Corean military standards. The 14th mechanized infantry battalion under the 14th mechanized infantry brigade, the 13th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 13th artillery battalion, 13th anti-air battalion, and 13th armored battalion were stationed there as well. They were also 110km away from Tsuyama, which allowed the 14th aerial battalion to aid them in battle with their Apache attack choppers at a moment¡¯s notice.


    In short, the forces stationed at the area consisted of armored forces, artillery, anti-air, and aerial forces. They hadprehensive coverage of the area, with a power that rivaled an entire armored brigade. The ranger battalion¡¯smander Hong Man-ho stopped the movement of his forces and requested aerial reconnaissance from HQ.


    The Spider II drone with a length of 1m detached itself from the battalion headquarter vehicle and flew into the sky silently. The engine was so quiet that it could not be heard from the ground. The Spider II drone that the ranger battalion was using was the improved version of the Spider drone equipped with new features and improved functions.


    The size of the drone was reduced by 30%, but its range had increased by 20km and could now move in a 70km radius. Also, the quiet sma engine had made it impossible to be heard by human ears when it was 30m above the surface. The infrared and maic vision was enhanced, so it would not be limited by light, weather, and other environmental factors. With inverter vision mode being added in, the drone was now able to detect enemy tanks waiting for an ambush under a bunker. Three high optical lenses provided the user with high-quality footage as well. Finally, if the drone detected attacks from the enemy while conducting its mission, it would emit powerful SEMP waves and use its TCS (Transparent Cloaking System) to improve its chances of survival.


    The Spider II drone had moved 5km above the surface in a short time after detaching itself from the armored vehicle. It started to take pictures and scan the area with its optical lens. A flying object the size of 1m at 5km above the surface was difficult for a person to see with the naked eye, and anti-air radars would either be unable to detect it or think of it as a bird.


    The drone used its optical lens and different vision modes to send footage to the HQpany in real-time.


    The drone first detected armored forces camouged and waiting to ambush 21km away from the ins. There were 42 tanks detected by the inverter vision mode, 12 armored vehicles, and 4 trucks were waiting as well. Theputer checked with the database and analyzed the enemy vehicles. Soon they were determined to be Type 10 tanks and Type 96 armored vehicles. The intelligence director confirmed them to be vehicles under the 13th mechanized infantry brigade.


    ¡°They¡¯re nning for an obvious ambush!¡± Captain Gil Sung-joo, the HQpany¡¯smander, was checking over the footage from his armored vehicle.


    The footage from the Spider II drone was being sent over to the HQpany in real-time. If they were to find additional information, their analysis would be transmitted into theputer and sent over to each vehiclemander¡¯s monitor. Eachmander was watching the screen and checking the enemy¡¯s position before entering the battle.


    The three optical lenses equipped on the Spider II drone detected more armored forces.


    The drone detected maic signals from the dense forest area along the road. Soon, dozens of outlines resembling tanks and armored vehicles showed up. They were determined to be Type 90 tanks and Type 89 armored vehicles. The intelligence director identified them to be from the 14th mechanized infantry brigade and sent the information to the vehiclemanders.


    ¡°Two armored battalions, there are 84 armored vehicles in total,¡± Lieutenant Colonel Hong Man-ho, themander of the armored ranger battalion, nced at his screen and muttered to himself.


    ¡°Commander! Couldn¡¯t we easily break through their defenses based on their numbers?¡±


    ¡°You are right, but... Why don¡¯t we continue our reconnaissance ande up with a strategy afterward.¡±


    While the officers of the armored ranger battalion were speaking to each other, the Spider II drone had flown across the entire skyline of Tsuyama and took photos of the entire city. Since it was a smaller city, there were more low-rise buildings in the area. When the drone was filming the area with the inverter vision mode, something suspicious came up. When the interior of the buildings was scanned by the inverter and maic vision modes, outlines of tanks could be seen. These tanks seemed more like self-propelled guns.


    Theputer also identified them as Type 75 self-propelled guns. Captain Gil Sung-joo ordered the intelligence director, ¡°If those are type 75 self-propelled guns, then they are from the 13th artillery force. Input the data as so.¡±


    The intelligence director had assigned the objects detected on the Tsuyama buildings as forces from the 13th artillery force. There were 18 self-propelled guns in total.


    Meanwhile, the spider drone had detected a Hummer type vehicle at the underground parking lots. They were determined to be Hummer vehicles operating close-ranged Type 93 surface-to-air missiles. These were known as the SAM-3 missiles and they reced the previous 35mm L-90 anti-air cannons. They had been deployed on the field since 1993 and were a very old anti-air weapon that used the portable Type 91 anti-air missile (FIM-92 Stinger) with a range of 5km and speed of Mach 1.9.


    The armored ranger battalion had finished its reconnaissance with the Spider II drone in 1 hour. They used the intelligence they gathered to establish a strategy for their attack.


    The battalionmander, operations director, andpanymanders started a meeting using the battalionmunication line. The most urgent issue was dealing with the self-propelled guns hiding within the city.


    -Even though there are only 18 self-propelled guns, if they focus their firepower, our forces will face heavy casualties. Why don¡¯t we have the 7thpany take on the 13th armored battalion, while the 8thpany disperses the firepower of the self-propelled guns by attacking the 14th armored battalion, and have the 9thpany head towards the city at high speed?


    Major Na Hae-sung, gave a clear solution that fit his role as the operations director.


    ¡°Does anyone else have any opinions besides Major Na?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t we need to consider being attacked by enemy choppers as well, sir?¡±


    ¡°Of course! However, I think we have about 25 minutes once the battle starts. Within that time, we will break the two Japanese armored battalions and switch over to defending the air.¡±


    The C-3 White Tiger tank¡¯s anti-air capabilities and the HQpany¡¯s Flying Tiger and Flying Horse armored vehicles were more than enough to defend against enemy attack choppers or fighter jets. The 20th armored division¡¯s 26th tank battalion had demonstrated that in the war against China.


    ¡°As I have stated before, the 7th and 8thpanies are to break through the enemy tank battalions as quickly as possible. When mobilizing, have each toon spread their forces in a horizontal line to avoid the enemy fire!¡±


    Vroooooo~ Vroooooo~


    The C-3 White Tiger tanks lined up at the Jugoku road started to rev up their engines and move forward.


    Then, the 7th and 8thpanies raised their speed and burst forward in the formation of two lines.


    The 7th tankpany moved over the road¡¯s guardrail and moved towards the 13th tank battalion while the 8th tankpany moved towards the forest in their left. The 9thpany took the road and headed towards Tsuyama.


    When the 7th tankpany was 10km away from the 13th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 13th tank battalion, shots of cannons being fired began to ring out across the battlefield.


    Boo boo boom~ boom~ boom~ boo boo boom~


    The winter had made the sunset earlier than usual and the sky was getting dark. The cannons lit up the dark sky. The 13th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 13th artillery battalion simultaneously fired their 155mm cannons.


    The Japanese forces had detected the movements of the armored ranger battalion¡¯s movements quicker than expected, despite losing control of the air and their reconnaissance satellite. Japan¡¯s military was no longer able to deploy fighter jets, reconnaissance nes, and early warning nes after losing control of the skies and satellites. Since the Japanese army could no longer receive air support, they had used working CCTVs to conduct reconnaissance. The CCTVs on the Jugoku road had detected the movements of the Corean armored ranger battalion.


    <hr />


    February 14th, 2021, 20:50,


    The Nihonbara camp at Tsuyama, Okayama prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Captain Yoda Hiroshi, who was checking the CCTV footage being sent in from the department of transportation, became wide-eyed and paid attention to a monitor from the 30 he was watching.


    ¡°Enemy¡¯s approaching!¡± Captain Yoda Hiroshi urgently reported to his superiors.


    The 13th anti-air battalion¡¯smander Lieutenant Colonel Nakata Geiji ordered his forces to fire their cannons. Also, he requested air support from the 14th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 14th aerial forces.


    Vroooooo~ Vroooooo~


    The Type 75 self-propelled guns hiding in buildings emerged and started to prepare their cannons. The self-propelled guns finished their preparations in a minute, and the operators inputted the target information. With eachpanymander¡¯s order, the cannons begin to fire at the enemy.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    When the Type 75 self-propelled 155mm guns fired their rounds, the shock caused the nearby buildings to shake and kick up dust.


    When the Type 75 self-propelled guns started to fire 6 rounds per minute, dozens of DP-ICM rounds started to fly towards the tanks of the 7th and 8thpany under the armored ranger battalion. The HQpany¡¯s Flying Horse armored vehicle started to intercept the 155mm DP-ICM rounds falling on their allies.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    Booom~ boom~ Boo Boom~


    Theser Vulcan beams lit up the dark sky. A few rounds were falling to the ground, but most had exploded 1km above the surface, and created shes of light.


    ¡°Ignore the enemy fire and push on through,¡± Commander Hong Man-ho alerted his forces through themunication line.

 Chapter 247

    <h4>Chapter 247</h4>


    The DP-ICM rounds that had broken through the 7th armoredpany¡¯s anti-air fell towards the ground.


    The Corean forces were now 8km away from the 13th armored battalion¡¯s position.


    Numerous rounds of bombs fell on the 722 tank¡¯s turret that had been leading the 7thpany¡¯s charge. It seems the bombs have hit their target since a powerful shock rang across the turret.


    Boom! Boo Booom!


    The outer ting of the C-3 White Tiger tank was made out of Hydronium alloy. The ting was capable of defending against DP-ICM rounds and armor-piercing rounds. However, the st could damage the optical equipment of the vehicle, so the 722 tank¡¯s vehiclemander cringed.


    ¡°Sergeant Lee! Move into the S-formation!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Staff Sergeant Lee Ho-jun had been promoted from sergeant during the war. His voice rang across the entire tank through themunication line. The other tanks under the 7thpany started to move in the S-formation as well.


    The sky was full of shing lights while the explosions covered the ground. The 7th armoredpany had closed the distance between them and Japan¡¯s 13th armored battalion to 5km, and when they had a clear line of fire, thepanymander gave the order.


    ¡°Each toon is to move and take down the enemy tanks as quickly as possible.¡±


    Thepany followed themander¡¯s orders and split into units of toons before firing their 100mm photon cannons.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The photon cannons had flown towards the Type 10 tanks that had been hiding under the camouges andnded on their turrets.


    Boom~ Boom~ Crash.


    Dozens of Type 10 tanks had their turrets detached from their bodies and lit the tanks on fire. ck and red mes danced around the battlefield. The 13th armored battalion¡¯s tanks also left their positions and moved to retaliate. However, since the enemy was not in range of their cannons, they moved to close the distance between them and the enemy.


    ¡°The enemy tanks are moving to retaliate. Each toonmanders are to actively make evasive maneuvers while engaging in battle.¡±


    -Tank 711, roger.


    -Tank 721, roger.


    -Tank 731, roger.


    While thepany¡¯s tanks weremunicating with each other, 30 Type 10 tanks appeared from the ins and reached their range of fire.


    The Type 10 tanks fired their cannons after moving in a horizontal formation. However, the C-3 White Tiger tank¡¯s powerful active SECM disruptive system had skewed the aim of the Type 10 tanks and made the rounds either fall short or fly over their targets. Meanwhile, the armored ranger battalion¡¯s headquarterpany and toon had waited for the enemy Type 10 tanks to form up in a group. When they saw the enemy gather, theyunched their 81mm sma cluster rounds from their K-25 armored vehicles.


    When the sma cluster rounds with a range of 10km flew in an arc, the 13th armored battalion¡¯smunication line was in an uproar.


    ¡°Enemy cannon fire! Everyone spread out!¡± The 13th armored battalion¡¯smander used the microphone attached to his helmet and shouted urgently.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The sounds of the flying cluster rounds became louder, and dozens of them started to explode simultaneously 10m above the 13th armored battalion¡¯s position. Numerous bomblets started to fall on the Type 10 tanks.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With a dense cracking sound, the turrets broke off from the tanks and ck mes started to dance around. The vehiclemanders and operators all perished from the explosions. The Type 10 tank¡¯s side tes were notorious for being weak. The turret¡¯s upper ting was no better.


    When the 120mm rounds loaded onto the turret exploded, it peeled back like a banana and broke into pieces.


    Seeing their allied tanks blow up, the surviving Type 10 tanks dispersed in all directions. However, the 81mm sma cluster rounds still fell on them.


    The 81mm sma cluster rounds were quite powerful. Whenever they hit the upper part of the turret, the upper part of the Type 10 tanks would explode.


    Woooosh.


    When the rear parts of the tanks caught on fire from the sma cluster rounds, many tanks started to move about wildly. Some of them ended up falling into pits and stopping dead in their tracks.


    Hundreds of sma rounds had spread across evenly in an area the size of a football field and causing hell. The C-3 White Tiger tanks continued to attack with their photon cannons.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 21:00


    Downton Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The armored ranger battalion¡¯s 7th and 8thpanies were facing off against two of Japan¡¯s armored battalions. The 9th armoredpany had moved into downtown Tsuyama and started to prepare their guns to strike the 13th artillery force stationed in the city. The tanks from the 9thpany rushed down the fourne road.


    Meanwhile, the Japanese army had prepared for the urban battle and used the buildings in the city as cover. There were Type 87 anti-tank missileunchers stationed around the city. Other infantry forces had Type 01 anti-armored vehicle missileunchers on their shoulders and silently waiting along the roads for the Corean marine tanks to move towards them. These men were from the reserve forces that had been hastily organized to protect the 13th artillery force.


    ¡°Enemy tanks are entering the city! Four tanks are to enter road 132 in a parallel formation. Each toon is to take them out.¡± The infantry artillerypany¡¯smander, who had re-enlisted due to the war against Corea, startedmanding his forces.


    Vrooooooom.


    Rounds from personal firearms started to fly towards the C-4 White Tiger tanks moving along the road from buildings on both sides.


    Ting! Ting ting ting ting! Ting!


    The rounds from the Type 64 automatic rifle started to create small sparks and flew off.


    Dududududu!


    The infantrymen started to fire their rifles, heavy guns, and grenades to aid the artillery forces that were operating the Type 01 anti-tank missiles. The turret of the White Tiger tanks turned left and right to fire their photon rounds to the low rise buildings.


    The windows and walls of the buildings exploded, and the Japanese infantry were all wiped out without a trace or had their bodies torn to bits by the building fragments.


    The buildings along the road caught on fire and ck smoke began to rise. The anti-tank toon started to fire their Type 01 and Type 87 anti-tank missiles at the White Tiger tanks from their position as soon as the tanks¡¯ gaze was diverted.


    Meanwhile, the White Tiger tanks also detected the targetingsers of the anti-tank missiles. They fired their own 40mm six-round GTGAS-40 ck Dragon missiles, and they fell on the Japanese infantry¡¯s anti-tank toon.


    Multiple explosions urred at the anti-tank toon¡¯s positions.


    Boom! Bang! Booooom! Booom!


    White smoke engulfed the area and disrupted visibility. Soon, the smoke dispersed.


    The C-3 White Tiger tanks moving along the fourne road turned their turrets as if nothing had happened and continued to take down the Japanese infantry. Broken building fragments and torn bodies were strewn across the areas where the ck Dragon missilesnded.


    The 14 C-3 White Tiger tanks that had entered the city took out 1000 Japanese infantry. The soldiers had died without causing any damage. Lieutenant Colonel Yoshida, themander of the Japanese infantry, had ordered the 13th artillery force and his men to retreat once he saw them dying helplessly.


    The 13th artillery force that had been firing their guns at the Corean Marine¡¯s tanks immediately stopped firing their Type 75 self-propelled guns and prepared to move when the order came in. A few minutester, they were ready to move out and were about to go east. Arge tank suddenly broke down the two buildings on the side of the small road and appeared in front of them.


    Some of the lights were down, so they could not properly identify the tank by the silhouette alone, but the 13th artillery force knew it was not their allied tank but Corea¡¯s.


    ¡°Enemy tanks! We leave the area. Move! Move already!¡± A scream filled with despair rang across the 13th artillery¡¯smunication line.


    However, they were already done for.


    Photon rounds fell on the Type 75 self-propelled gun¡¯s rears as they tried to retreat. They were hit on the engine, and with a great explosion, the gun burst forward and the cannon bent and fell backward.


    The C-3 White Tiger tanks continued to fire their photon rounds.


    A single White Tiger tank had massacred the 13th artillery force¡¯s Type 75 self-propelled guns. Many had caught on fire and stopped moving. Those that had survived and escaped the area had other White Tiger tanks waiting for them. They were also hit by the photon rounds and exploded.


    Boom!


    A few minutester, the 13th artillery force operating the Type 75 self-propelled guns were annihted. The Type 75 self-propelled guns, ammunition vehicles, FDC armored vehicles, and other vehicles were all covered in mes and burning with only their frames remaining.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 21:00


    The western ins 15km away from Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Boom!


    The 13th mechanized brigade¡¯s 13th armored battalion only had a few Type 10 tanks left. One of their surviving tanks that had fired a round against the 722 White Tiger tank exploded into pieces.


    ¡°How dare you try to face us one on one?¡± Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun, the 722 tank¡¯smander, said while smiling at the exploding enemy tank.


    One of the copsed Type 10 tank¡¯s turrets turned towards the 722 tank at 300m away from it. Then, theser targeting rm began to sound.


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun had used his animal-like instinct to check his surroundings with the periscope and gave an order to attack. ¡°Our 10 o¡¯clock, distance at 300, fire two rounds at that copsed enemy tank!¡±


    When he gave the order, a loud noise flew past the 722 tank¡¯s rear.


    The Type 10 tank¡¯s round had missed its target due to the disruptive SECM waves and fell on the ground behind its target and exploded. The photon cannon fired two rounds at the enemy.


    The two-photon rounds had hit the side and lower parts of the Type 10 tank that only had its turret functional. The turret and the body had split in two and flew off by 5m. The caterpir track was also destroyed andrge mes started to dance.


    Woooosh.


    The Type 10 tank caught on fire after being hit by the photon rounds and lit up the area.


    -Enemy tanks have all been destroyed! Each toon is to report damages!


    -toon 1! All four tanks are unharmed.


    -toon 2! All four tanks are unharmed.


    -toon 3! Optical equipment of the 733 tank is damaged! The others are unharmed.


    -Great! Tank 733 is to move back to the HQpany, and the rest of the tanks will enter downtown Tsuyama.


    -toon 1, 711 tank, roger.


    -toon 2, 721 tank, roger.


    -toon 3, 731 tank, roger.


    The 20-minute battle between the 7th armoredpany and the 13th armored battalion was over quickly, and the battle between the 8th armoredpany and the 14th armored battalion was over with minimal damages as well.


    Major Na Hae-sung, the operations director, spoke on the battalionmunication line.


    -We have detected multiple enemy choppers at our 4 o¡¯clock! They are probably from the 14th aerial force¡¯s choppers. Transition into anti-air positions.


    Sixteen Apache attack choppers flew in from the southeastern skies while Major Na Hae-sung was speaking on themunication line. The two armoredpanies that had attempted to enter downtown Tsuyama stopped and started to watch the skies.

 Chapter 248

    <h4>Chapter 248</h4>


    February 14th, 2021, 21:00


    The great ins 15km West of Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 14th aerial force¡¯s 16 AH-64E Apache guardian attack choppers were flying at maximum speed towards the battlefield from their Tokushima camp in the night sky. Soon, the 16 choppers split into two groups.


    The Apache guardian choppers slowly lowered their altitude and started to prepare for the assault.


    Their target was the 7th and 8th armoredpany from the Corean Marines that had just taken out Japan¡¯s 13th and 14th armored battalions.


    The tanks from the 7th and 8th armoredpanies had already gotten into position to attack the choppers. When they heard the rotors, the C-3 White Tiger tanks had turned off all of their exterior lights, and prepared their four-round 60mm GTGAS-60 ck Dragon missiles, and stood by tounch. Also, nine C-30 Flying Tiger armored vehicles and six Sky Horse A2 KSMA-1 armored vehicles were positioned in the rear preparing for Commander Hong Man-ho¡¯s orders to fire.


    The two groups of Apache guardian helicopters had reached a distance where they could start their offensive. When they were about to begin, the C-3 White Tiger tank¡¯s four-round 60mmunch pads started to fire their 60mm ck Dragon missiles after Lieutenant Colonel Hong Man-ho gave the order tounch.


    The sight of 28 ck Dragon missile rounds flying into the sky was one to behold. The Apache guardian choppers did not expect an attack from the ground. They panicked and went into evasive maneuvers after spraying chaffs and res.


    Soon, the C-30 Flying Tiger A2 armored vehicles started to spray their 12mmser Vulcan beams. Also, the KSMA-1 Sky Horse A2 armored vehicles eachunched a round of S-LAM-100 Light Dragon missile.


    The 14th aerial force¡¯s Apache guardian choppers had lost their chance of making the offensive to the armored forces on the ground. They all started to retaliate after making evasive maneuvers. The choppersunched their Hellfire missiles and 70mm Hydra rockets attached on both wings.


    However, one of the Apache choppers that had not actively made evasive maneuvers but instead focused on retaliation was hit by one of the ck Dragon missilesunched by the White Tiger tank and blew up in the sky. The five following choppers also met with the same fate and fell to the ground.


    Meanwhile, pirs of dirt were rising around the White Tiger tanks as well. The powerful SECM disruptive waves had caused the Hellfire missiles and 70mm Hydra rocketsunched by the Apache guardian choppers to miss their targets and fall towards the ground.


    The surviving Apache guardian choppers¡¯ pilots all flew low to the ground and started to fire their 30mm M230 chain gun while their fellow choppers crashed into the ground.


    Numerous light beams were flying towards the ground and sky. Missiles were flying towards their targets while spraying mes from their rear as well. However, the anti-air capabilities of the ranger armored battalion overpowered the 14th aerial force.


    During the war against China, the 20th armored division¡¯s 26th armored battalion was victorious against 12 Chinese stealth fighter jets.


    Yokoshi Hiro, the veteran of the 14th aerial force, shook the body of his chopper and avoided the Light Dragon missile by an inch. The Light Dragon missileunched by the KSMA-1 Sky Horse A2 armored vehicle had grazed his tail. He calmed his racing mind and turned his chopper towards the KSMA-1 armored vehicle that attacked him. When the arms man sitting behind Pilot Hiro was about theunch the Hellfire missile, a beam of light moved along the lower part of the Apache chopper¡¯s body.


    Pew pew pew pew.


    Thirty rounds of the 12mmser beams had flown across the sky and pierced the Apache chopper Yokoshi Hiro was piloting. Both the pilot and the arms man were torn to shreds and died. The chopper lost control and exploded after spinning towards the surface.


    Booom.


    Within 10 minutes, 16 Apache guardian choppers, which were famous for being the predators of armored forces, were shot down withoutnding a single shot to the enemy.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 22:00


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The U.S army in Japan and the marines were now actively participating in the war between Corea and Japan. Reports of battles started to pour in. The sess of the 1st operation of breaking through the defenses at Kyushu came in. Also, a report of the Japanese army defending Kyushu retreating to Honshu came in as well.


    The Kyushu upation was deemed to proceed smoothly while the Honshu upation would face fierce opposition. A meeting about the 2nd wave of forcesnding on Japan was beginning.


    ¡°Chairman Kang, sir. How about we have the 6th marine brigade attack the rear of the forces retreating to Honshu? I believe the 2nd marine division would have no trouble in upying Kyushu in their current state,¡± General Lee Un-hyung, themander of the army, gave an opinion.


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik nced towards Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang, themander of the marines and the expeditionary force on the screen, and asked him a question.


    -Lieutenant General Lee! Asmander of the expeditionary force, what do you think?


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik knew the status of the war like the back of his hand but always asked for the opinions of themanders on the field.


    -I think it will be fine, sir. Kyushu¡¯s defensive forces consist of reserve forces that were drafted recently and there seems to be no force that can hold back the 2nd marine division. I believe the 6th marine brigade aiding the forces in Honshu would be more effective for our mission.


    -Is that so? Very well! Give them the order, lieutenant general. You are themander after all.


    -Yes, sir. Understood.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get to the details of the 2nd expeditionary forces!¡±


    When the movements of the 6th marine brigade upying Kyushu was decided, Chairman Kang signaled towards Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, the operations director, and sat down.


    ¡°We will now begin the briefing about the 2nd expeditionary force for Japan.¡±


    As soon as Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun finished speaking, arge screen lit up and a map of Japan showed up.


    * * *


    February 14th, 2021, 23:00


    The 15th special forces fighter wing at Sungnam Kyung-gi, Corea


    Four of Corea¡¯s first space jets, the Three-toed Crow CFS/A-31SP had finished their final maintenance and were standing by at the underground hangar.


    The 15th flight wing was in charge of special missions under the Corean air force. In mid-2019, the flight wing had started construction of an underground hangar, and when construction was finished after a year, they started to store all of their nes underground except forrge transporting crafts.


    The ck and charismatic looking Three-toed Crow jets now had an improved interior arms chamber that wasrge enough to transport six fully armed soldiers.


    Soon, the entrance of the underground pathway connected to the flight wing¡¯s headquarters opened up. The pilots of the jets, crewmen, armed soldiers, and agents in suits entered the hangar.


    The fully armed soldiers were the veterans under the 707th special forces brigade. The agents in suits were the NIS foreign intelligence department volunteers. Among them, Agent Park Ki-oong who worked in China and Russia was present.


    The special forces and NIS agents had gathered to conduct the most dangerous mission that could not guarantee their survival.


    Sixteen soldiers under the 707 special forces brigade and eight NIS agents stood in a line behind the Three-toed Crow jets. These men did not seem anxious, but rather seemed to be full of confidence.


    Due to the importance of the mission, themander of the special forces, Lieutenant General Kang Jung-hyun, hade to send the men off himself and encourage them before the mission started.


    ¡°Salute!¡±


    When the special forces and the NIS agents all saluted in unison, Lieutenant General Kang also saluted in response.


    ¡°At ease!


    The mission tasked to you is more important than any. The fate of the war against America ending early that is also rted to the fate of the nation as a whole depends on your actions. However, while I do consider the fate of our nation as a priority, I also believe your lives are important as well. While conducting the mission, keep your safety in mind, and treat your lives as valuable. Come back safely!¡± Commander Kang Jung-hyun finished his brief statement and shook the hands of each man.


    The men responded with serious looks in their eyes and spoke their resolve toplete the mission.


    The special forces and the NIS agents all finished saying their farewells and got onboard the space jets. The jets surfaced via the aircraft elevator and lined up at the runway under the guide¡¯s orders. A momentter, the powerful C-PTZ-2000 sma engines started to heat up and prepared to ignite. The jets soon shot forward along the runway.


    The four Three-toed Crow space jets flew into the dark sky with blue mesing out from their engines.


    * * *


    February 15th, 2021, 05:00 (Russia Standard Time 14th, 23:00)


    Russia, Krasnoyarsk, Kansk (the 23rd missile division¡¯s post)


    The 23rd missile division under the Russian rocket forces was stationed at Kansk in Krasnoyarsk. It was near the Kan river, and they were 2,800km away from the northern Manchurian state¡¯s western front.


    Kansk was not arge city, but it had been elevated into one since 1782 and was a city that had a history. It was in Kansky county and had a poption of 1.07 million, but the eastern industrial expansion had caused many people to move. The city was now empty and abandoned.


    At the great ins south of the city, dozens ofunch vehicles for the 23rd missile division¡¯s RT-2PM Topol (NATO name: sickle) ICBMs (Inter Continental Ballistic Missile) were lined up.


    Length: 21.9m


    Diameter: 1.9m


    Launch weight: 47.2t


    Range: 11,500km


    Warhead: three 550kt MIRV warheads


    ¡°We areunching the missiles. Each vehicle is to input their targets and coordinates!¡± The 23rd missile division¡¯smanding vehicle gave the order tounch.


    ps of the 55unch vehicles¡¯unch pads opened up and they all rose to a 90-degree angle.


    ¡°All vehicles are to check their coordinates again.¡±


    The vehicle operators all checked their coordinates once again and started to report back to themander about their status.


    ¡°Vehicle 1 inputplete!¡±


    ¡°Vehicle 2 inputplete!¡±


    ¡°Vehicle 3 inputplete...¡±


    When the final vehicle, number 55, had finished reporting in, themander inputted the code he received from themand headquarters, and the division¡¯s code as well. When he did so, theunch button became active. When each vehicle pressed itsunch buttons, the ICBMs would fly towards their targets. They were all ready tounch.


    ¡°Starting countdown.¡±


    Wooooooooooosh.


    Theunch pads of each missile had filled the area with the sounds of rockets. After two explosive noises rang out in the area, the ICBMs started to leave theirunch pads and emerge slowly.


    Boooooom.


    The 21.9m long and 1.9m wide missiles all sprayed white smoke from burning their fuel. Dozens of fireballs started to shoot up into the dark sky. It started to light up from the missiles¡¯ mes.


    It only took 10 seconds for therge objects to disappear. Russia¡¯s RT-2PM Topol ICBMs broke through the atmosphere at incredible speeds and started to lean east.

 Chapter 249

    <h4>Chapter 249</h4>


    February 15th, 2021, 05:10


    Seoul Jongro-ku, Blue House national emergency situation center underground bunker


    When Russiaunched its RT-2PM Topol ICBM missiles, President Suh Hyun-woo was reading the documents that he wasn¡¯t able to checkst night with the night shift staff. The government bureaucrats were also sitting at their seats and seemed to be waiting for something.


    ¡°Mr. President, Russia had started moving 10 minutes ago.¡± National Security Director Oh Jang-soo suddenly appeared out of nowhere and reported to the president quietly.


    ¡°Is that so? Can we check their movements right now?¡± The president spoke while ncing at therge screen at the situation center.


    ¡°When the aerospace force links the data to us, then we will be able to track their movements in real-time. Please wait a moment, sir.¡±


    Based on the conversation between the president and the national security director, the topic did not seem too serious. However, Russia had justunched 55 ICBMs towards Northeast Asia¡¯s direction. The reason for these two men being so calm was one of these reasons: they were already aware of the attack, or the target of the ICBMs was not Corea.


    ¡°The aerospace force¡¯smand center linked their data on screen 1, sir.¡±


    The screen at the center of the room showed 55 red lines representing the missilesunched from central Russia. The lines were headed towards Corea in an arc.


    * * *


    February 15th, 2021, 05:10


    Seoul Yongsan-ku CC tanker (aerospace forcesmand center)


    Since February 9th, the tactical interception satellites, Zeus 2 and 3 had been deployed into the field. The power of the aerospace forces was increased significantly.


    The CAMD system¡¯s 1st stage interception rate had increased by 300% and it was very encouraging for the nation.


    The 55 Russian ICBMs were being tracked by the Apollo reconnaissance satellite and it ryed the data in real-time. Also, the information was being sent to the joint chief of staff and the Blue House¡¯s national emergency situation center.


    ¡°Russia¡¯s 55 ICBMs have entered the atmosphere and reaching their secondary phase!¡±


    ¡°Are their final destinations still unchanged?¡± Lieutenant General Lee Kyung-hyun, themander of the aerospace forces, wasmanding the room himself.


    ¡°Yes, sir. They are still moving towards their calcted route from the start.¡±


    ¡°If any of their routes change by the slightest, report to me immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Zeus tactical interception satellite usually started the interception when the target entered the atmosphere and before reaching its secondary phase. However, Commander Lee Kyung-hyun was focusing only on the movement of the ICBM missiles through the Apollo 1 satellite. This meant that he had no intention to intercept the ICBMs.


    * * *


    February 15th, 2021, 05:10


    The deep sea N 29¡ã44¡ä E 129¡ã36¡ä, 24km North from Nakano Ind, Japan


    The Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) had silently sailed past Nakano Ind and was now tailing the 7th carrier strike group.


    -We are 51km away from the 7th carrier strike group, the New Hampshire nuclear submarine is 44km away from our 7 o¡¯clock, sir.


    The report from the battle station was sent into Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jung through the silentmunication line*, who was watching his captain¡¯s screen at the helm.


    *Silentmunication line: Technology worn by the crew of Hoc submarines, a small earphone that can be used tomunicate while sailing silently.


    -We will infiltrate into a 20km vicinity of the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. Maintain our silent sailing and use marine straits as much as possible while moving.


    Four hours ago, the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) had received an urgent order from the naval strategicmand. The submarine had 12 rounds of the ck Shark (483mm K-746 submarine-to-submarine/ship super cavitating torpedo) loaded and tailed after the enemy while skating along the ocean floor.


    Thirty-six hours ago in Moscow, Russia.


    A top-secret mission that only President Suh Hyun-woo and the government bureaucrats rted to the NSC, and a few joint chief-of-staff members were aware of was being conducted. It was sending an emissary to Russia. Vice Minister Na Won-il from North Korea¡¯s Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces was selected.


    During his early days, he had studied at a college in Moscow, and when he became a North Korean government official, he had worked as the North Korean ambassador to Moscow. He was the man who had kept the best rtionship between the militarymanders of Russia. The president had chosen him for the task instead of any other government staff member who worked under the South Korean government.


    This visit was top-secret, therefore Vice Minister Na Won-il arrived at Moscow aboard the Three-toed Crow space jet while President Suh Hyun-woo had suggested an unofficial visit to President Putin through the hotline. President Putin epted the offer. However, there was something he was surprised by. Even if the visit was unofficial, it was customary for an emissary toe into the nation via a civilian aircraft. However, Corea¡¯s Vice Minister hade into Russia aboard an unidentifiable aircraft.


    America¡¯s F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets were able to enter into the outer boundaries of Russia¡¯s skies undetected by radars. However, having a civilian ne transport someone into the heart of Moscow, the capital of Russia, with its powerful anti-air, bypassed all logic.


    There were hundreds of air-radars on the ground across Russia, six early warning radar satellites, and A-100, A-110 early warning nes surveying Russia¡¯s skies 24 hours a day. Avoiding the detection of all that equipment was unimaginable. President Putin had be curious about Corea¡¯s stealth technology.


    Vice Minister Na Won-il had arrived near Moscow in the early hours of the morning. His party of four consisted of himself, a secretary, and two bodyguards. They took a short break at a hotel in the suburb of Moscow and used a van prepared by the Corean embassy to head towards the promised location.


    Due to the secretive nature of the visit, the van headed along a local road and arrived at an old building outside of Moscow instead of the official government building. As the van got closer to the old building, more armed soldiers and bodyguards showed up. The building seemed to be a part of an intelligence agency or a military facility.


    When the van pulled up to the main entrance, many armed soldiers and tall men in ck suits surrounded the vehicle. Someone opened the car doors.


    ¡°Wee. I am Niki, the foreign policy cooperation officer.¡±


    Vice Minister Na Won-il and his entourage got off the van. Then, he shook Niki¡¯s hands while greeting him in fluent Russian. ¡°Hello. I am Na Won-il, the emissary for Russia.¡±


    ¡°You must have had a long trip. Please follow me.¡±


    When they opened the entrance doors and entered the building, the bodyguards started to search Na Won-il and his entourage. Vice Minister Na Won-il stretched out his arms to his sides and nced at the interior of the building. From the outside, the building looked old and dull, but the interior had been decorated with traditional Russian designs and seemed elegant.


    After the search wasplete, Vice Minister Na Won-il climbed up a flight of stairs covered by red carpet and reached the second floor. He and his entourage stopped in front of a decorated door after walking through the hall.


    ¡°Mr. Na, your bodyguards are not allowed in here. Only you may enter.¡±


    Vice Minister Na Won-il nodded to his bodyguards and signaled them to wait outside. He opened the door and entered the room alone.


    At the center of therge room, a square table was set and at the opposite seat, President Putin was seated while other high-ranking government officials were at the sides of the table.


    ¡°Wee. It¡¯s been a long time since we met.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! Long time no see.¡±


    President Putin got up from his seat and shook the vice minister¡¯s hand while smiling. The two men had not seen each other for 10 years, and thest time they had met was when the vice minister was acting as the North Korean ambassador. They greeted each other like old friends. Then, the other officials greeted him as well.


    The men took some time to have tea, and converse with each other. A momentter, Vice Minister Na Won-il started to speak of the reason for his visit.


    ¡°Please take a look at the documents I have brought.¡±


    Vice Minister Na Won-il pulled out a thick stack of documents from his briefcase and handed it to President Putin.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s tranted in Russian, so please take a look first, sir.¡±


    The contents of the document Vice Minister Na Won-il handed over were top-secret even within the Corean government.


    It was evidence and reasons why the war against Corea and Japan had started. It also exined to the Russian government why Corea had no choice but to enter into the war, and requested Russia¡¯s peaceful ceasefire while the war against America was going on. The document also suggested a military alliance.


    The Corean president had held a meeting with the NSC before sending emissary Na Won-il to Russia to decide whether to reveal to Russia about the SS-ss information regarding America¡¯s secret organization. Most of the government officials who attended the meeting had voted against the revtion. It was decided to share intelligence rted to America to Russia excluding the bit about the USSC council. Russia would only be informed about America¡¯s involvement in the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist bombing.


    ¡°Is this true?¡± President Putin shook his head and asked with an incredulous look on his face.


    ¡°Mr. President! Why would I fly all the way out here to feed you lies, sir? This is all the intelligence the Corean intelligence agencies have gathered and analyzed for years.¡±


    ¡°Does this mean Corea was involved in the kidnapping of Secretary Yagumachi Genzo from Japan at Moscow?¡± President Putin abruptly mentioned the kidnapping of secretary Yagumachi Genzo in Moscow on February 9th.


    President Putin was aware of the kidnapping and the shootout at Moskovskaya since he heard a report from Director Evgeny Lebedev of the SVR (foreign intelligence agency). Vice Minister Na Won-il was taken aback by the unexpected question, but regained hisposure and spoke confidently.


    ¡°I won¡¯t deny it. But, Secretary Yagumachi is deeply involved in the outbreak of the war between Corea and Japan. I hope you understand.¡±


    ¡°I would like to ask one more thing. Was Prime Minister Abe¡¯s assassination Corea¡¯s doing?¡±


    ¡°No. That is not how our nation handles business. Can¡¯t you tell? During the war against China, we did not attempt to assassinate President Xi, nor engage in a surprise attack at Beijing. Would our nation really do such a petty act against Japan, a nation smaller than China?¡±


    ¡°I understand. We were aware of the general situation of Prime Minister Abe¡¯s assassination, so I only asked to confirm our suspicions. That is also something our nation cannot express our opinion on, but the issue is that Russia had an agreement with Japan that was made with Secretary Genzo as the negotiator. I am sure you are aware of the terms through our friend Genzo, correct?¡±


    ¡°I am aware of the terms generally.¡±


    ¡°Very well, Mr. Na! Our nation, Russia is at a semi-war against Corea. Also, we have a military agreement with Japan, your enemy. Why is it that the Corean government is revealing top-secret information to us at this moment?¡± President Putin¡¯s friendly expression disappeared from his face, and he asked the question with a piercing gaze.


    The documents he received had already outlined the reasons for emissary Na¡¯s visit. However, President Putin seemed to have wanted to hear the reason from the emissary himself.


    ¡°Mr. President, I would like to give you a straight answer. Our president does not want any military shes against Russia. We want a peaceful alliance.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, Mr. Na! Aren¡¯t you thinking things too easily? Our 57th vehicle infantry division sustained heavy damages and casualties at the Eastern Manchurian area. There has already been military conflict between Russia and Corea, and to just wave that away with a single phrase...¡±


    Vice Minister Na Won-il pulled out another document from his briefcase before President Putin finished speaking.


    ¡°This is what our president would like to gift you, Mr. President.¡±


    President Putin slowly read over the documents. Then, a small smile appeared on his lips.


    The gift were documents about the railgun development technology that had already been deployed onto the field by the U.S. Navy, and another one about handing over Hokkaido to Russia when the war between Corea and Japan was over.

 Chapter 250

    <h4>Chapter 250</h4>


    President Putin was pleased with the handoff of Hokkaido but was more interested in the documents detailing the railgun technology being used by the Americans.


    Russia knew that the 128MJ railguns being used by the U.S. military was a serious threat against Russia and its military after finding out about it through the SVR (foreign intelligence agency). The nation had attempted to build its own, but it was still in the early stages of development.


    However, America had already finished development and had ced the rail guns on their Zumwalt ss destroyers and was now working on additional developments to add the rail guns to other military equipment as well. Also, the M4 Warthog, America¡¯s next-generation tank, was being fitted with the 16MJ ss rail guns after finishing testing. Now, the tanks were undergoing mass production.


    Since the rail gun was a versatile weapon that could be applied to numerous military equipment, it would drastically widen the gap between America and Russia in military power based on traditional weaponry alone. Russia would be unable to win against America if they fought each other with traditional weapons excluding nuclear bombs.


    ¡°Corea has the rail gun technology that America has deployed onto the field?¡± President Putin smiled with a pleased look on his face but also showed disbelief.


    ¡°Of course we do. My secretary is very knowledgeable on the subject. With your permission, I can give you the details with his aid.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Very well.¡±


    As soon as President Putin finished speaking, the bodyguard standing at the door opened it and called over Vice Minister Nam¡¯s aid nearby.


    A young and tidy looking man came into the room and bowed politely, then sat next to Vice Minister Nam Won-il.


    ¡°Secretary Hong! Please give us a presentation about the rail gun.¡±


    The young man was researcher Hong Suk-yeon, a member of the 17th fighter wing¡¯s underground research facility¡¯s rail gun research department. He was the staff member capable of speaking Russian, so he hade with Vice Minister Nam Won-il as his aid for this meeting. Researcher Hong pulled out aptop from his bag and spoke while switching it on.


    ¡°Is there a cable to a screen I could connect theptop to? It would be easier to exin if I could show everyone what¡¯s on the screen as well.¡±


    The secretaries sitting behind President Putin brought out arge TV and a cable connected to it. When the TV screen lit up a momentter, researcher Hong cleared his throat and started the briefing about the railgun.


    President Putin and the high-ranking government officials seated on the sides started to watch intently with glistening eyes.


    Twenty minutes had passed after Secretary Hong finished his briefing. When he sat back down on his chair, President Putin and the other government officials all apuded him happily. When the mood became bright, Vice Minister Nam Won-il started to speak about the requests he wanted to discuss with Russia.


    ¡°Mr. President, handing off the rail gun development technology is just the start. If our two nations¡¯ alliance bes deeper, our president promises to cooperate and share more technologies in development. The thing is, sir, I have a request.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? What is it? Do tell.¡±


    * * *


    February 15th, 2021, 05:20


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The joint chief of staff was observing the movements of the ICBM based on the data being sent in by the aerospace forcemand. Chairman Kang Ui-sik and the other militarymanders were all watching the screen anxiously.


    ¡°Fifty-five rounds of Russia¡¯s RT-2PM Topol ICBMs are slowly reaching the terminal phase! Their routes are unchanged.¡±


    On the main screen of themand center, 55 red lines starting from south-central Russia was still moving in an arc after reaching their peak. They were now moving towards Corea.


    ¡°What¡¯s the ETA of impact?¡± Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, the operations director asked.


    ¡°Nine minutes and 21 seconds, sir,¡± the operator answered him immediately.


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun nced at Chairman Kang Ui-sik. The chairman nodded instead of answering. Lieutenant General Kim gave the order to themunications operators as nned.


    ¡°Contact the missile force¡¯smand headquarters!¡±


    ¡°Contacting the tactical missiles forces HQ, sir,¡± themunications operator repeated the lieutenant general¡¯s orders and gave out additional orders to his fellow operators. The operators started to manipte the console¡¯s keyboard with deft typing.


    ¡°We have connected the missile force¡¯s HQ on screen 5, sir.¡± With themunications director¡¯s report, themander of the missile forces, Lieutenant General Park Young-gyu showed up on screen 5.


    ¡°Sir! This is Lieutenant General Park Young-gyu, themander of the missile forces.¡±


    ¡°Good work out there, lieutenant general! Commence operation ¡®Mt. Fuji¡¯s Big Bang¡¯!¡±


    Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il, who was seated next to Chairman Kang, gave the order to Commander Park himself.


    The newly created aerospace forces and the tactical missile forces after the military reorganizations weremanded by two vice-chairmen of the joint chief of staff who additionally held the positions along with their original one.


    Vice-chairman Shin Sung-yong would act as themander of the aerospacemand while Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il would act asmander of the tactical missilemand. However, Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il had given the order as the vice-chairman of the joint chief of staff¡¯s military authority.


    Corea currently had a military authority after being unified, but there was no actual chain ofmand.


    *Military administration: The military¡¯s internal chain ofmand that includes budget, logistics, HR, drafting, weaponry, reserves, and other military bureaucracy. Orders would go through the President, Minister of National Defense, and given to each military branch¡¯s headquarters. Then, themanders of each military branch would give the orders to their respective subordinate forces. (Chain ofmand: The President ¡ú Minister of National Defense ¡ú Commanders of the army, navy, and air force).


    *Military authority: The actual authority to conduct an operation that would being from the President, through the Minister of National Defense, then to each militarymander. Themand of operations was unified with the joint chief of staff, and each subordinate force would thenmand their own men. The chairman of the joint chief of staff would receive orders from the Minister of National Defense andmand the three branches of the military after holding a meeting. (Chain ofmand: The President ¡ú Minister of National Defense ¡ú Chairman and Vice chairmen of the joint chief of staff ¡ú The army¡¯s navy¡¯s, air force¡¯s and marine¡¯smanders).


    ¡°Commencing operation ¡®Mt. Fuji¡¯s Big Bang,¡¯ sir.¡±


    The lieutenant general saluted and then disappeared from the screen. Then, the missileunching vehicles under the missile forces ced across Corea started to fire their missiles at Japan.


    Blue lines started to rise from Corea on the main screen. They drew an arc and started to spread and head towards Japan. There were 180 Hyunmu-2E2 ICBMs and the Hyunmu-PIP IRBMs in total, each with a range of 1,800km and 5,000km. The missiles had an 800kg and 1.5t warhead and all were equipped with sma cluster rounds with a considerable amount of firepower.


    * * *


    February 15th, 2021, 05:20 (U.S.T the 14th, 15:20)


    The Pentagon, Arlington Virginia, U.S.A. (Underground bunkermand center)


    The Corean President¡¯s national address on the night of the 13th had shocked the White House and the militarymanders of the Pentagon. Corea had responded more actively against America¡¯s deration of war than they expected. The Pentagon had expected as much, but they did not expect Corea to respond with such detail and tarnish America¡¯s reputation in the internationalmunity.


    As the international press¡¯s piercing gaze was on them, the reason given by America for the two nations warring against each other had been turned to fake news. The sudden ICBMunches made by Russia had the Pentagon hold a meeting with the defense secretary John Wayne and militarymanders in attendance.


    The numerous military satellites watching Corea¡¯s skies had all been destroyed by unknown causes, so the GEO 8 satellite surveying the Middle East had been sent in as a recement. The GEO 8 satellite acted as an early warning satellite and was ced not above Corea¡¯s skies but rather at Guam on a geostationary orbit to watch the ongoings. However, since the distance was considerable, the detection capabilities of the satellite werecking. The ICBMs fired by Russia were only detected 10 minutes after they reached their secondary phase.


    The center screen installed on the jointmand center showed 55 Russian ICBMs as red dots approaching Northeast Asia.


    Secretary of Defense John Wayne frowned and spoke in an angry one. ¡°Why are the Russiansunching ICBMs? What are they nning?¡±


    The 100 militarymanders present could not give a clear answer to Secretary John Wayne¡¯s question. The reason was this: Japan¡¯s Minister of Defense Shibasaki had reported about sessfully making a military alliance with Russia. Therefore, the U.S. military had not considered Russia making military movements during the war. However, the sudden ICBMunches had caught the U.S. military officials off guard. The intelligence agencies and the military focused on trying to figure out Russia¡¯s intentions. In short, America had been caught with their pants down, thanks to Japan.


    ¡°I would like to brief everyone about the current situation, sir,¡± Lieutenant General Larry Formica, themander of the U.S. Army¡¯s aerospace and missile defense headquarters, started the briefing.


    ¡°Currently Russia hasunched their RT-2PM Topol ICBMs from the 23rd missile division stationed at southcentral Kansk. The missile¡¯s NATO name is the SS-25 Sickle. It has a range of 11,500km and is a multi-warhead each holding three warheads. 55 rounds have beenunched and they have reached their secondary phase and now reaching the terminal phase of theunch, sir.¡±


    ¡°Have we confirmed their targeted location?¡± Secretary John Wayne asked again.


    ¡°Based on our superputer¡¯s calctions, the targets are Japan¡¯s entire military facilities.¡±


    ¡°Japan? Not Corea? What the hell was the whole military alliance that bastard Shibasaki told us about? If these missiles are nuclear, then it will be the start of a third world war, damn it!¡± Secretary of Defense John Wayne responded angrily while Lieutenant General Larry Formica¡¯s briefing continued.


    ¡°Now that we have confirmed the missiles¡¯ targets, the THAAD artillery forces at Japan¡¯s Yokoda base as well as the 11th and 7th carrier strike groups at sea are all standing by to intercept the missiles, sir.¡±


    Soon Russia¡¯s ICBMs started to go into inertial navigation and entered into their terminal phase. The warheads were now slowly detaching, so it was time for the THAAD artillery forces stationed at Japan to strike.


    * * *


    February 15th, 2021, 05:20


    The Shinyokoda bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Japan had had its anti-air radar system copsed. So, when they heard about ICBMs from Russia heading towards Japan targeting areas across the entire nation from Lieutenant General Bruce Wright, themander of the U.S. armed forces in Japan, the entire bunker was in chaos.


    A few days ago, Russia had made a military alliance and agreed to attack Corea whenever Japan made the request. However, things were going in the opposite direction of the agreement.


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki! What happened? Didn¡¯t you say Russia was our ally?¡±


    Minister Shibasaki was panicking and could not answer with a shocked look on his face.


    ¡°Stop making faces, and give me an answer. Minister Shibasaki!¡±


    ¡°I, I am sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Nothing is going ording to n, my god!¡±


    ¡°I will speak with Russia¡¯s Minister of Defense myself, sir.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki bowed his head low and hurried out of the temporary prime minister¡¯s office. He attempted to contact Minister Mikhail Ivanov through the hotline at themand center.


    The phone rang a few times before a young woman¡¯s voice came through the line.


    -The Minister of Defense¡¯s secretary¡¯s office.


    ¡°This is Japan¡¯s Minister of Defense Shibasaki. I would like to speak with Minister Ivanov.¡±


    -One moment, please.


    Ten seconds passed before the young woman could be heard again through the line.


    -The minister is attending to urgent matters, so he is unable to speak on the phone.


    ¡°Listen. If things go awry, then a third world war could break out. So, please let me speak with the vice minister.¡±


    -I am sorry. The entire ministry is on alert, so speaking on the phone further seems difficult. I apologize.


    Click.


    ¡°Hello. Hello!¡±


    Bang.


    Minister Shibasaki was enraged when Russia¡¯s ministry hung up and threw the receiver to the ground.


    ¡°Those Russian bastards!¡±

 Chapter 251

    <h4>Chapter 251</h4>


    February 15, 2021, 05:25


    All over Japan


    Russia¡¯s 55 ICBMs, which had just entered the end stage by flying a distance of 4,000 km, crossed over the Corean Penins. As the front warhead fairing detached, the three built-in warheads appeared and bounced forward. The triangr-shaped warhead corrected its path toward the target hitting point set by its own propent force and fell at a speed of Mach 20 or more based on the falling kic energy.


    Meanwhile, 192km off the southwestern tip of Kyushu (the 7th Carrier Strike Group).


    One E-2F AHE Hawkeye aircraft took off from Ronald Reagan Fleet (CVN-76), the aircraft from the 7th Carrier Strike Group, and raised the output of the twin jet engine to the maximum. It passed Kyushu at the highest speed and reached the southwestern tip of Honshu. ordingly, the APY-9 AESA radar radiated and pursued the warhead of the intercontinental ballistic missile falling from outer atmosphere.


    * E-2F AHE Hawkeye: It was thetest model that was upgraded from E-2D AHE Hawkeye which was equipped with the APY-9 AESA. The twin-propeller engine changed to the twin-propeller jet engine. It was made in 2011 to improve battlefield situational awareness so that it could be used in global air missile defense (TAMD) operations.


    Around the E-2F AHE Hawkeye flying over the ind of the southwestern part of Honshu, two types ofbat nes began support flights with radio disturbance. They were 20 F/A-18E/F Super Hos armed with two air-to-air type SM-3 (Block IB) missiles and two EA-18G Growlers that had participated in the air fight with the Corean Red Phoenixbat ne the previous day.


    From 2020, the U.S. had upgraded the F/A-18E/F Super Ho to be able to mount SM-3 (Block IB) missiles in ordance with the second global air missile defense (TAMD) n, so that it could move quickly and intercept in vulnerable areas to ballistic missile attacks.


    The E-2F AHE Hawkeye flew at an altitude of 5 km, flying over clouds like a carpet. When it reached within the range of the SM-3 (Block IB) missile, it assigned a target for the warhead to the Super Ho fighter and ordered it to fire.


    The SM-3 (Block IB) missile, which fell off from the hardpoint with a light sound, soon ignited intense sparks from its own propent. It disappeared from view at an instantaneous speed, and only white smoke trails were left behind.


    On the other hand, the Cowpens (CG-63) and Shiloh (CG-67), the Ticonderoga-ss Aegis cruisers operating SM-3 (Block IIA) ship-to-air missiles among the surface ships belonging to the 7th Carrier Strike Group,unched the SM-3 (Block IIA) missiles from the MK 41 VLS verticaluncher to protect the southwestern part of Honshu and the entire Kyushu from the warheads of the Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles. The assigned warheads totaled 67, and the two Aegis cruisers fired 34 and 33 respectively.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The white tracks, one after another, looked like a brushing vertically with white paint on a blue drawing paper. In less than a few minutes, white smoke like a sea fog spread around the two Aegis cruisers that fired a total of 67 SM-3 (Block IIA) ship-to-air missiles.


    Meanwhile, in the U.S. military base in Yokota, Tokyo (the 556th THAAD battery).


    The U.S. base in Yokota was the ce where the U.S. Forces Command, 5th Air Force Command, and the 374th Airlift Wing were located. One of the six THAAD batteries responsible for the defense of Tokyo¡¯s air, the 556th THAAD battery was equipped with the AN/TPY-2 radar. It emitted powerful radar waves and detected the warheads of Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles falling at a terrifying speed of Mach 25 in the air defense jurisdiction and continued detecting until the final interception distance was reached.


    Theunch vehicle, which had eight extended lengthunchers, lifted theirunching tubes close to 80 degrees and waited for the final order. In the meantime, 60 SM-3 (Block IA) missiles with a range of 500 km soared to the sky, leaving white trails, from Aegis destroyers Myoko (DDG-175) and Takao (DDG-191), which were waiting at sea 20 km north of Kurobe.


    Meanwhile, at Honshu Uozu Port, 16km northwest of the sea (the 1st Carrier Strike Group¡¯s location).


    The Battle of Dokdo had happened on December 13, 2020. It was a one-of-a-kind naval battle that surprised and astonished navalmanders around the world, more surprising than thebination of the four major naval battles in the world: The Battle of Smis, the Battle of Kumkale, the Battle of Trafalgar, and the Battle of Hansando.


    The 1st Carrier Strike Group, which consisted of the 3rd Escort fleet of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan¡¯s first aircraft carrier, Kaga (CV-2001), had been almost fully destroyed by only one ship ¨C the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101). The ships that survived the battle without being sunk were the Takao (DDG-191), Hyuga (DDH-181), Makinami (DD-112), Suzunami (DD-114), Myoko (DDG-175), and Kaga (CV-2001).


    The surviving ships received emergency repairs for two months at the Izumi Shipyard. The only surviving Zumwalt (DDG-0001) among the four Zumwalt-ss destroyers that cost enormous sums to Japan and the aircraft carrier Kaga (CV-2001), the helicopter carrier Hyuga (DDH-181), two Aegis destroyers, and two air defense destroyers had been assigned to the first Carrier Strike Group and converted to marine power again. In addition, the 14th Guard, Maizuru Regional Force, was incorporated in consideration of insufficient surface ship power.


    Several versions of the interception SM-3 ship-to-air missiles soared into the sky, spraying hazy smoke from the verticaluncher of the stealth destroyer Zumwalt (DDG-0001), the Atago ss Aegis destroyer Takao (DDG-191), and the Kongo ss Aegis destroyer Myoko (DDG-175).


    Meanwhile, at the Misawa U.S. military base in Aoba Prefecture, Honshu (211st THAAD battery)...


    Among the U.S. troops stationed in Japan, the Misawa base at the northern end of Honshu was stationed by the 35th Fighter Wing, Naval Air Support, and the 7th Fleet Patrol Scout, and their main mission at the moment was to stop the Russian Pacific Fleet. In addition, the 211th THAAD battery, which was responsible for the air defense north of Honshu and Hokkaido, was also ready forunch and was on standby to reach the interception range.


    Previously, there had been a total of six THAAD batteries operated by the US military throughout Japan. However, the permission for the four batteries had been transferred as a rental to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces when the Corean-Japanese war urred. Then, as a result of continued Corean missile attacks and air raids, the four batteries had virtually lost their anti-aircraft defense capabilities.


    The AN/TPY-2 radar was constantly pursuing and detecting the falling warheads in the middle of theunch vehicles standing by with their eight extended lengthunchers upright. It was a very tense moment. Themand and control center assigned targets to intercept eachunch vehicle and waited for the targets to reach within the final intercept range. There was a total of 36 warheads currently being dropped in the jurisdiction of the 211th THAAD battery.


    After a not short time, the order tounch THAAD missiles finally fell from themand and control center. Massive white smoke erupted from the eight extended lengthunchers, making a tremendous noise. Slowly, the THAAD missile emerged and began to soar into the sky. 36 slender THAAD missiles with a length of 6.17m, a weight of 900kg, and a diameter of 34cm wereunched simultaneously in a short time. It was a spectacr scene. The sound was very loud, and white smoke with dust spread over a hundred meters.


    A few minutester, the SM-3 (Block IIA) which boasted the longest range and speed of Mach 15 among the SM-3 ship-to-air missiles,unched from the U.S. Navy Aegis cruiser. In the beginning, the first stage propent was separated, and then the second stage propent was separated when it reached the limit of practical use. When the fairing was separated on both sides and opened, the kic warhead of the final stage immediately detected a warhead falling at a speed of Mach 25 through an infrared sensor. ordingly, the nozzle propent mounted on the eight warheads was activated, gradually correcting the path and entering the final collision maneuver.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Numerous shes of light could be seen from the altitudes of the exosphere across Japan. Subsequently, the SM-3 (Block IB)unched by the Super Ho and the SM-3 (Block IA) missileunched by the Marine Defense Force Aegis destroyer intervened in the lights show.


    ***


    February 15, 2021, 05:35


    192km offshore in the southwestern part of Kyushu, Japan (the 7th Carrier Strike Group)


    A lights show was happening in the outer and atmospheric spaces, the Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the gship of the 7th Carrier Strike Group of the 7th Fleet. It was tense inside the ship while the crew watched the interception situation in real-time.


    ¡°The current intercept rate is 67%! It keeps rising, captain!¡± Operation Officer Bill Harley said with a smile as he was inspired by the higher intercept rate than they had expected.


    ¡°Officer Harley! It¡¯s not the right time to be rxing. If that is a nuclear bomb, even if we miss just one shot, it will be a huge disaster. Tell them to prepare for the second intercept.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sir. I couldn¡¯t help myself because the interception rate was higher than the existing data. I will issue an order.¡±


    After a while, 55 SM-3 (Block IIA) missiles wereunched for the second intercept. It was thest missile mounted on the MK 41 VSL (verticaluncher) of two Aegis cruisers.


    As white wake continued, an emergency report arrived from the Cowpens (CG-63), one of the Aegis cruisers.


    ¡°Captain! It is said that tactical ballistic missiles have also beenunched from Corea. Currently, 180 missiles have been detected. They are currently entering the atmosphere,¡± Officer Harley summarized the reports and made a brief report.


    ¡°What? It was not only Russia? Instruct all destroyers to intercept with SM-6 missiles.¡±


    ¡°I will issue an order.¡±


    At that time, Kevin Dn, who was the captain of Blue Ridge (LCC-19), said cautiously, ¡°Captain! Shouldn¡¯t we sortie additional Super Ho fighters?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s toote. In the current situation, we have to give up the southwestern part of Honshu. Let¡¯s focus on defending Kyushu at least.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain!¡±


    ¡°By the way, Russia is surely going mad. How can they attack like this? They must be not afraid of World War III.¡± Admiral Michael Sam,mander of the 7th Fleet, felt deeply ufortable with the Russian reckless ballistic missile attack.


    Following the two Aegis cruisers, the Arleigh Burke-ss destroyers, Lassen (DDG-82), McCampbell (DDG-85), and the Mustin (DDG-89)¡¯s VSL (verticaluncher)unched SM-6 ship-to-air missiles, one after another.

 Chapter 252

    <h4>Chapter 252</h4>


    February 15, 2021, 05:30


    At the northwestern tip of Nakano Ind, Japan, 42km north,titude 30¡ã 1¡ä east longitude 129¡ã26¡ä, sea depth (Yang Se-bong (SSP-85))


    The Yang Se-bong (SSP-85), which was pursuing the 7th Carrier Strike Group at a depth of 120, folded up secretly and quietly to a distance of 20 km in silent mode. It went closer and closer to the 7th Carrier Strike Group, which was distracted by the intercepting ballistic missiles.


    ¡°Where is the US nuclear submarine located?¡± The most worrisome thing in Captain Kim Jin-jun¡¯s mind was the nuclear submarine, the New Hampshire (SSN-778). So, Captain Kim Jin-jun asked the tactical control officer next to him about the location of the nuclear submarine through silentmunication.


    -Azimuth 0-3-5, distance 32000, depth 80, currently submerged in the direction of azimuth angle 1-1-5, in the speed of 10 knots.


    ¡°Arms operator!¡±


    -Yes, Captain!


    ¡°There is no problem with the ck Shark torpedoes in theunchers, correct?¡±


    -Yes, Captain.


    ¡°Aim torpedoes one and two to the nearest ship, Shiloh! Aim torpedoes three and four to Lassen! Aim torpedoes five to ten to Ronald Reagan. Aim torpedoes eleven to twelve to Blue Ridge,¡± Captain Kim Jin-jun continued the order concisely.


    ¡°Aim the torpedoes one and two to Shiloh. Aim the torpedoes three and four to Lassen! Aim the torpedoes from five to ten to Ronald Reagan. Aim the torpedoes eleven to twelve to Blue Ridge,¡± the arms operator repeated the order by silentmunication and controlled the console.


    Soon, he heard the report that everything was prepared.


    -Completely inserting all torpedoes from 1 to 12.


    ¡°Fire torpedoes 1, 2, 3, 4 at the same time, and then fire 11, 12, then fire from 5 to 10 one by one.¡±


    -Yes, Captain.


    When everything was ready, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun swallowed as if he was nervous and checked his watch.


    ¡°It¡¯s five thirty-four now,¡± he thought.


    Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun stared at his watch, tapping his finger. When the second hand pointed to where he was waiting, he gave an order immediately. ¡°Without a separate order, open the muzzle door ording to the existing n from No. 1 to No. 12, andunch the ck Shark torpedoes immediately.¡±


    -Open muzzle doors one to twelve,unch the ck Shark torpedoes.


    The armed officer, Captain Lee Hyeong-oh, operated the console while repeating the order.


    Twelve torpedounchers opened at a depth of 120, 19 km away from the 7th Carrier Strike Group¡¯s 7th Fleet. From the firstuncher, the torpedounched out at an instantaneous speed due to the powerful force of the sma maic field. The multiple supercavitating ck Shark torpedo made supercavitation bubbles and sailed almost at subsonic speed. And in session, the second, third, and fourth torpedoes also popped out and followed it.


    A total of 12 ck shark torpedoes were all fired in less than 10 seconds. They began to sail toward their targets at an amazing speed of 520 knots in less than 5 seconds after leaving the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85).


    -All 12 ck shark torpedoes fired normally.


    ¡°From now on, the silent submersion is over! Reload the ck Shark torpedoes for the second fire!¡±


    -Dismiss the silent submersion! Reload the ck Shark torpedoes in allunchers!


    The interior of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) which was dim like a butcher shop with LED lights soon brightly lit. The crew members, who were limited in their actions by silent submersion, moved more freely and performed their respective duties.


    ¡°It¡¯s two minutes left from reloading the ck Shark torpedoes,¡± an action officer of reloading torpedoes reported the progress.


    Meanwhile, sonar operators also reported in real-time about the twelveunched ck Shark torpedoes.


    ¡°Torpedoes one and two, 71 seconds left to the first target, Shiloh. Torpedoes three and four, 73 seconds left to the second target, Lassen. Torpedoes eleven and twelve, 75 seconds to the third target Blue Ridge. Torpedoes five to ten, 78 seconds to thest target, Ronald Reagan.¡±


    Twelve multiple supercavitating ck Shark torpedoes flew at a tremendous speedparable to a subsonic missile and split left and right toward their targets.


    ***


    February 15, 2021, 05:40


    192km offshore in the southwestern part of Kyushu, Japan (the 7th Carrier Strike Group)


    Using all their avable power, the 7th Carrier Strike Group was busily defending Japan from Russian warheads and Corean tactical ballistic missiles. At that time, they sensed multiple supercavitating ck Shark torpedoes from all around their ships. The reports rang in hysterical yells in the Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the gship of the 7th Carrier Strike Group.


    As the reports poured in, Lieutenant General Michael Sam, the captain of the 7th Fleet, frowned and looked around at the staff.


    At present, the most critical was the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). It was the target of a total of six torpedoes. To protect the ship, the Cowpens (CG-63) and McCampbell (DDG-85), which were excluded from the primary attack, actively started antisubmarine protective operations.


    ¡°The Cowpens and McCampbell have started the defense mode of Reagan.¡±


    Lieutenant General Michael Sam had a lot in his mind while he was listening to the report of Officer Harley. Only a few countries had submarine capabilities that were capable of carrying out torpedoes attack simultaneously on aircraft carriers and surface ships by approaching this close without being noticed. Corea always showed remarkable abilities during RIMPAC training exercises among Japan, Russia, and other western allies.


    ¡°Is anything confirmed about enemy submarines?¡±


    ¡°The exact location has not been confirmed yet.¡±


    ¡°Captain, I think it is highly likely a Corean submarine since it approached andunched torpedoes this quietly.¡±


    When Colonel Kevin Dn, captain of the Blue Ridge (LCC-19), spoke, Lieutenant General Michael Sam knitted his eyebrows and responded positively, ¡°You have simr thoughts to me. First of all, let¡¯s focus on defense as we are under torpedo attacks.¡±


    Even in the midst of a few words of conversation, the unidentified torpedoes quickly moved. So, the four targeted ships fired Decoy and Nixie to start a soft kill evasion steering. The rest of the surface shipsunched Mark 55 interceptor torpedoes, which were developed exclusively for hard kills and were deployed on all surface ships from 2018. Mark 55 exited theunchers and submerged underwater in turns.


    The U.S. Navy, which had the world¡¯s No. 1 maritime power, had been sunk helplessly by a submarine¡¯s torpedo attack during each RIMPAC maritime training. It had been concluded that it was more vulnerable to torpedo attacks than anti-aircraft defense, so it tried to establish a response system against torpedo attacks in earnest. Therefore, for the past five years, Lockheed Martin had been developing a torpedo. It was the Mark 55 interceptor torpedo.


    Mark 55 interceptor torpedo was a medium torge size torpedo that had the same concept as a cluster bomb dropped from the air. Mark 55 used a radio-guided method to sail toward enemy torpedoes. 80 underwater bombs were mounted on the torpedo body and they were equipped with acoustic sensors to sense enemy torpedoes. Mark 55 could spray 40 bombs twice in a 360-degree direction. They would scatter like a twoyer and would gradually explode to create huge bubble storms in the area to intercept the torpedoes or damage the sensors attached to the torpedoes. The one-ply underwater bomb could spread evenly over a 30m radius.


    In fact, Mark 55 interceptor torpedo showed the best defense against a supercavitating torpedo. The supercavitating torpedo had a high speed, so its ability to turn was poor. Using this weakness, Mark 55 could catch the supercavitating torpedo by spraying underwater bombs like a.


    Twenty-four medium andrge Mark 55 interceptor torpedoes, reaching 8m, wereunched. Soon, theyunched underwater bombs to where the ck Shark supercavitating torpedoes would pass.


    The was spread in front of the two ck Shark torpedoes which were sailing toward Shiloh (CG-67). When Mark 55 was about tounch the bombs for the second time, two ck Shark torpedoes¡¯ body covers began to separate. And then, each of the eight small round torpedoes bounced off, rotating clockwise.


    The two ck Shark torpedo bodies, which were only shells after shooting the small torpedoes,nded in the secondary bomb. Then, the underwater bomb¡¯s sensor activated and exploded in a chain. When 80 underwater bombs exploded in a short time of less than 2 seconds, a huge bubble storm shook the surrounding area.


    Meanwhile, 9 out of the 16 small-sized torpedoes that were ejected from the ck Sharks escaped from the bubble storm and sailed toward the Shiloh (CG-67). The Shiloh (CG-67) tried to defend for thest time by ejecting the second Nixie and Decoy, but only one small-sized torpedo was deceived by Nixie. The remaining eight small-sized torpedoes went to the right side of the Shiloh (CG-67).


    Thest surfacebatants were the same. If the ck Shark torpedoes were not multi-firing type torpedoes, they would have been all exploded by the Mark 55 interceptor torpedoes. However, they ejected eight small-sized torpedoes by rotating clockwise and could escape from the submersibles of the Mark 55.


    Boom! Boom! Bam! Boom! Boom!


    Eight explosions rang where the 7th Carrier Strike Group was. The warhead of a small torpedo was only 80 kg. The explosive expandability was weak, but the cohesive destructive power was very strong, so even the thickest armor could be easily pierced. This was enough to easily blow away the side armor of the Shiloh (CG-67).


    A strange sound resonated throughout the Shiloh (CG-67) along with the explosion. It was the sound of the ship sinking as eightrge holes were made on the right side of the ship.


    There was no internal explosion, but the ship inclined at an angle close to 40 degrees as the eight holes were inflicted at the same time. Crew members escaped from the hull and deck and plunged into the sea.


    This scene was clearly seen on the bridge of the Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the gship of the 7th Fleet. Lieutenant General Michael Sam closed his eyes with a desperate expression. Reports of the results of the torpedo interception situation were busily pouring in.


    Lieutenant General Michael Sam thought that no matter how fast the supercavitating torpedo was, the Mark 55 interceptor torpedo could defend against it. However, the shocking report of unexpected multiple torpedoes made him give up everything and do nothing but just close his eyes.


    ¡°Captain! This is the report from the Commander of the 7th Carrier Strike Group.¡±


    Currently, the captain of the 7th Carrier Strike Group was on the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).


    ¡°It is said that he ordered to take off all the ship nes.¡±


    As reports continued, another huge explosion sounded throughout the ship. The Arleigh Burke-ss (Flight IIA) Aegis destroyer, Lassen (DDG-82), was also sharply leaning toward the starboard.


    ¡°Be prepared for a shock! Prepare for a shock!¡± someone shouted.


    ¡°Two enemy torpedoes! Five seconds until this ship is hit! 4 seconds! 3 seconds! 2 seconds! 1 second!¡±


    Boom! Bam! Bam!


    A considerable impact came from the front part of the starboard, and the 18,000t ss Blue Ridge (LCC-19) shook greatly from side to side. Fortunately, only three small torpedoes struck the Blue Ridge (LCC-19). Although it tilted slightly toward the starboard, it didn¡¯t sink. The problem was the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). Lieutenant General Michael Sam, who had lost bnce and fallen to the floor, grabbed the handle of the console and raised his upper body to look at the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) out of the bridge window.


    On the flight deck of the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), an aircraft quickly took off. At this time, about 10 white sshes were seen in the middle of the sea.


    48 small torpedoes ejected from the six ck Shark torpedoes that were aiming for the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). Only 18 of them survived from thes of the Mark 55 interceptor torpedoes. These 18 small torpedoes hit the starboard of the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) one after another.


    Boom! Wham! Bam! Boom! Bam! Boom!


    A spray was raging around the starboard of the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), weighing 100,000 tons. A shock apanied by a massive explosion shook the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). One of the F/A-18E/F Super Ho fighter jets lost its hold, got stuck on the flight deck, and exploded. Other ship nes that were waiting to take off also hit each other and caused multiple explosions. As jet fuel leaked in all directions, mes spread throughout the flight deck.


    As the mes soared on the flight deck of the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), seawater constantly poured in through the cracked armor of the starboard hull. The bulkheads were urgently blocked, but there were too many holes. It was useless. Finally, the ship gradually tilted to the starboard and sank.


    In the midst of this, about 10 MH-60R (Block II) antisubmarine helicopters flew to where the supercavitating torpedoes had sailed. They dropped dipping sonars and sonar buoys to find the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85). The nuclear submarine, New Hampshire (SSN-778), also began to shot ping of active sonar, even risking revealing its location, to avenge for the other ships.

 Chapter 253

    <h4>Chapter 253</h4>


    On the other hand, about 40 aircraft that had seeded to take off dramatically, circled the sinking Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) several times in the air and then flew to Naha Air Force Base in Okinawa at themand of Captain Michael Sam. 16 Super Hos and 2 EA-18G Growlers, including the E-2F AHE Hawkeye, which were returning from the mission of intercepting Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles from the southwestern part of Honshu, also turned to Yakushima Airport.


    ¡°Make sure to find the enemy submarines! We can¡¯t leave just like this!¡±


    Lieutenant General Michael Sam was barely able to stand, holding on to his chair, because the Blue Ridge (LCC-19) tilted to the starboard at about 15 degrees. He tried to calm a gush of anger and gave the order through the fleetmunicationwork.


    ¡°Sir, are you okay?¡± Captain Kevin Dn, the captain of the Blue Ridge (LCC-19), asked, handing him a handkerchief.


    ¡°Why are you asking that?¡±


    ¡°Your head is bleeding.¡±


    As Captain Kevin Dn said, Lieutenant General Michael Sam touched his forehead. There was a lot of blood.


    He rubbed his hand on his clothes and said, ¡°I won¡¯t die from this. Just go and find the enemy¡¯s submarine!¡±


    At that time, the MH-60R (Block II), the antisubmarine helicopter, reported that they had detected the enemy submarine.


    ***


    February 15, 2021, 05:40


    The deep-sea, N 30¡ã 1¡ä E 129¡ã26¡ä at the northwestern tip of Nakano Ind, Japan (the Yang Se-bong¡¯s location (SSP-85))


    Meanwhile, the tactical control room of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) was in a truly festive atmosphere. This was because there were reports of sessive attacks by the sonar operators.


    ¡°Ronald Reagan is hit! Hit! All 18 small-sized torpedoes that survived enemy interceptor torpedoes hit the Reagan starboard. Currently, it is sinking sharply to the starboard,¡± the sonar operator grabbed the headset with both hands and reported with delight.


    ordingly, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun and other crew members cheered with their arms raised.


    ¡°Wow! We got it!¡±


    ¡°Hooray!¡±


    Eight hours ago, the mission had been assigned by the Naval Operations Command to Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun of the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85). He had had to pursue the 7th Carrier Strike Group, to attack and destroy the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). ordingly, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun performed the mission with half worry and half confidence. Luckily, hepleted the mission without any danger. As the mission was resolved more easily than expected, he got a bit greedy. He wanted to catch the remaining Aegis cruisers and two Aegis destroyers.


    So, he asked the Torpedo Arms operator, ¡°Are the ck Shark torpedoes all reloaded?¡±


    ¡°Yes, all 12unchers are loaded.¡±


    At that time, Gunnery Sergeant Kim Hyung-min, the sonar operator, cried, ¡°Captain! It seems that the nuclear submarine has detected us. Also, several anti-submarine helicopters are approaching from above.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun wanted to proceed with the second ck Shark torpedo attack and run away. But he recalled thest mission on the fifth where he had been chased by the antisubmarine helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft around Yokosuka. Also, he didn¡¯t want to risk the lives of his crew members. He looked around the crew that was staring at him. It looked like they wanted to escape as soon as possible.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be greedy, let¡¯s take a rain check,¡± Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jin-jun thought and gave orders to Arms Operator Captain Lee Hyeong-oh. ¡°Arms operator! Rece the 11th and 12thunchers with A-1 decoys!¡±


    ¡°Rece theunchers 11 and 12 with A-1 decoys!¡±


    ¡°Report it as soon as it¡¯spleted.¡±


    Soon, Arms Operator Captain Lee Hyeong-oh reported, ¡°Recement of the 11, 12unchers with A-1 decoys is done.¡±


    ¡°Shoot out the decoys at 12 o¡¯clock and 3 o¡¯clock, change to silent submersion mode, and leave here immediately.¡±


    ¡°The decoys are ejecting.¡±


    The muzzle doors opened and two A-1 decoys were ejected by air underwater pressure. They sailed to the preset route.


    ¡°All two A-1 decoys have been sessfully ejected!¡±


    ¡°From now on, start the silent submersion. Over.¡± As Lieutenant Colonel Kim Kin-Jun received the report from the torpedo arms operator, he gave an order to the pilot in the steering house using silentmunication.


    ¡°We will leave here right now. Azimuth 2-6-0, hard port! Submerge angle 45 degrees downwards and dive up to the maximum depth at maximum power.¡±


    ¨C Azimuth 2-6-0, the hard port! Submerge angle 45 degrees downwards and dive up to the maximum depth at maximum power.


    While the two A-1 decoys moved underwater in two directions, the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85) inclined to the port sharply, raising its maximum power, and began to disappear into the deep sea where nothing could be seen ahead.


    Meanwhile, the MH-60R (Block II) anti-submarine helicopters which were flying around the sea, dropping dipping sonars and sonar buoys to find the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85), were deceived by the A-1 decoys that sailed at 12 o¡¯clock. They discharged an aerial torpedo, Mark 54. Also, the nuclear submarine, the New Hampshire (SSN-778), recognized the A-1 decoy, which sailed at 3 o¡¯clock, as an enemy submarine, andunched the Mark 48 torpedo. But soon after, Lieutenant General Michael Sam,mander of the 7th Fleet, realized that he had been deceived and cursed furiously.


    ***


    February 15, 2021, 06:20 (US time 15:20 on 14th)


    Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A. (underground bunker integrated control center)


    An hour ago, the U.S. had Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), a Nimitz-ss aircraft carrier. It had been the pride of the U.S. Navy, showing off the dignity of the 7th Carrier Strike Group on the sea. However, the ship was slowly sinking into the sea at the moment, creating a swirling white foam. The only thing that could be seen was the front part of the ship. Also, the remains of the burnt aircraft were floating around it. Thousands of crew members floundered with life jackets.


    To rescue them, a total of 80 helicopters worked hard hovering over the sea. Many kinds of helicopters came to help from the 11th Carrier Strike Group nearby. There were the MH-60R (Block II) Sea Hawk anti-submarine helicopter, the MH-53E Sea Dragon minesweeping helicopter, and so on.


    The Aegis cruiser Shiloh (CG-67), which was the first to be attacked by the torpedoes, and the Aegis destroyer Lassen (DDG-82), which was attacked second, had already sunk into the sea and could not be found. Only the corpses, floats, and crew awaiting rescue floated in the sea, covered in ck oil.


    The current status of the 7th Carrier Strike Group was broadcasted live to the Pentagon Integrated Control Center. About 100 militarymanders, including Defense Minister John Wayne, watched the terrible scene and could not speak.


    While people were watching the rescue, President Trump, who had received a report that the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) had been sunk and had had a heated discussion with President Putin through the hotline, visited the Pentagon¡¯s Integrated Control Center in person.


    The door to the operation briefing room, which was 264.46m2rge, opened, and the White House attendant secretary entered and announced, ¡°Mr. President is here.¡±


    At that announcement, the Secretary of Defense and about 100 militarymanders arose in unison.


    ¡°What the hell is going on? The aircraft carrier sunk? Are you saying this fucking thing really happening?¡± President Trump entered the operation briefing room and rebuked with his unique gesture and facial expression.


    Defense Secretary John Wayne approached and spoke politely, ¡°Mr. President! Please, take a seat first.¡±


    ¡°Whether I sit or not is not important right now.¡±


    A hot-tempered President Trump stood in front of the big screen, put both hands on his waist, and red at the militarymanders.


    Themanders stood stiff like guilty men. They could not say anything.


    Among them, Joseph Wade, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the 3rd Armymander, carefully spoke out, ¡°Mr. President! This attack urred as a result of the failure of antisubmarine vignce against enemy submarines because they were devoted to intercepting ballistic missiles across Japan.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? Where did the enemy submarinee from? Russia? Corea?¡± Trump asked.


    ¡°It was Corea. It had the same sound pattern as heard in thest LA ss nuclear submarine incident.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am sure.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Then, did you prepare a countermeasure to this damage?¡± The voice of President Trump, who had been scolding with an angry voice a little while ago, cooled down.


    ¡°Please sit down, I will start the briefing.¡±


    ¡°Everybody, sit down.¡±


    Even though his voice had calmed down, his expression remained unchanged. He sat next to the Chairman of the Joint Staffs. The defense minister and militarymanders sat down, and Strategy Analyst Lieutenant General Rhode Mackey stepped up to the briefing stage.


    ¡°Then, I will now begin a briefing on the current status of the damage to the 7th Fleet and across Japan, as well as future retaliation measures.¡±


    ***


    February 15, 2021, 07:00 (US time 18:00 on 14th)


    Building outside Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (National Intelligence Service Safe House)


    In a shabby lonesome building outside Washington, D.C., the shadows of about 20 sturdy men moved. Those were 16 special forces of the 707 Special Missions Brigade and 8 National Intelligence Service agents who had arrived at Patuxent River Park, 35km from the center of Washington, D.C., on the previous day, by the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet. They had used the transparent concealment system (TCS) and had made it safely. They were unpacking and resting in a safe house here under the guidance of an embassy employee who had been waiting for them.


    There was a total of eight national intelligence agents dispatched to Washington, D.C.. They consisted of two teams of four. The agents of Team A were field agents, and the agents of Team B were in charge of hacking and collecting information.


    nk! nk!


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong inspected the KS5ser pistol by sliding it back and forth. Then, someone walked in and said, ¡°Sir. The team leader said we will have a team meeting now.¡±


    It was the team¡¯s youngest, Oh Seok-jin. He only stuck out his head from behind the door and spoke.


    ¡°Is that so? Ok. I will go right now.¡±


    ¡°Pleasee to the meeting room on the second floor.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong put the personal gear in a bag on the bed, put on a suit, and went down to the second floor.


    After a while, four on-site agents sat around the round table in thergest room on the second floor. Then, the man who seemed to be the team leader looked around at the agents and started speaking.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Team Leader Lee Ja-Sung. You would not know each other well since everyone was dispatched from different departments, but as our mission is so important, let¡¯s get along quickly for teamwork!¡±


    The man who introduced himself as the team leader Lee Ja-sung was the man who had been in the same ss as Namgoong-won from 122 collective trainings. Lee Ja-sung, who became the team leader in the 5th year of joining thepany, was famous at the National Intelligence Service for his remarkable achievements.


    Firstly, in 2016, he made a great contribution to the exposure of Minister Ahn Sang-tae of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Thanks to that, he was promoted to head office within a year after joining the National Intelligence Service. After that, he was promoted to assistant manager after serving as a researcher¡¯s guard for two years at the underground research center of the 17th Fighter Wing, where Namgoong-won had been. Finally, he was transferred by the department to the North Korean Intelligence Agency and had smuggled into North Korea about ten times before unification, stealing confidential information from North Korea countless times. He was a veteran.


    ¡°Currently, Information Analysis Team B ispiling a list of areas to be investigated today. Based on that list, Team A is going into the field to investigate from tonight.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong raised his hand.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Lee Ja-sung asked.


    ¡°Do we move separately?¡±


    ¡°No. Assistant Manager Park and Assistant Manager Shin will move as a group, and Chief Oh and I will move as a group. Any other questions?¡±


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s continue, then. It is said that there are severe checks of Asian men in Washington since war was dered against Corea. Be aware of this and make sure to pretend to be Japanese. Everyone has a Japanese passport and ID card, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Chief Oh Seok-jin, who was the youngest in the team, answered loudly.


    ¡°During the field survey, you will use a protective suit and spectacle-type shield sses, and the X-2 silentmunicator. Finally, you will use the Raptor, not theser pistol.¡±


    * The Raptor: The most popr pistol in the United States. The official name was Kimber Stainless Micro Raptor. It was a small size handgun but powerful. It weighed only 368g, which was a great advantage, and easy to carry around.

 Chapter 254

    <h4>Chapter 254</h4>


    February 15, 2021, 09:00


    SinYokota underground bunker in Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    No intercontinental ballistic missiles fell on Japan, due to the great sacrifice of the three surfacebatants, including the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). Instead, tactical ballistic missiles that hadunched across the Corean penins greatly damaged the Yokota Air Force Base¡¯s 566th THAAD battery and the Mass and the US Army Base¡¯s 211th THAAD battery.


    Besides, the air defense unit and the radar unit, which had been responsible for the anti-aircraft defense across Japan, had survived several air raids and missile attacks before, received severe damage. As a result, it was no exaggeration to say that most of the units responsible for the defense of Japanese air space were destroyed, except for the surfacebatants of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.


    As a result, the United States and Japan focused on defense from Russia¡¯s intercontinental ballistic missile, which could be equipped with a nuclear warhead. The Republic of Corea had identified the location of the antiaircraft batteries of the U.S. and Japan. Then, it hit those locations by firing tactical ballistic missiles. Russia¡¯s intercontinental ballistic missiles were nothing more than baits equipped with normal high-explosive warheads.


    ¡°How long are you going to let the Coreans attack our territory?¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, who had received a report from Strategic Operations Officer Yamada Tetsuto about the damages in the early morning attack, asked Captain Bruce Wright, themander of the U.S. forces in Japan, rather than to Minister of Defense Shibasaki or cab officials.


    ¡°It will start soon.¡±


    Actually, Bruce Wright had worked as the chief of operations for the U.S. Command in Corea three years ago. He was attached to Corea and wanted to avoid war against it. But he was just amander who had to follow orders from the head office. He really hoped the battle would not happen again. If one or two more battles continued, it would be hard to avoid the war.


    ¡°Soon? That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry. I was thinking of something else.¡±


    Captain Bruce Wright, who had only given a short answer because of thinking other things, corrected his posture and continued talking. ¡°Deputy Prime Minister, please do not be too impatient. Because of the attack by Corea and Russia, our 7th Carrier Strike Group¡¯s Ronald Reagan and three Aegis ships were sunk.¡±


    ¡°I heard that. I respectfully express my condolences.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Currently, the 3rd and 9th Carrier Strike Groups that departed from the Hawaiian Naval Base have covered 450km. They will arrive at Yokosuka Port by dawn tomorrow. Also, the 1st Carrier Strike Group departing from the Port of San Diego will arrive in two days.¡±


    ¡°How many marines willnd?¡± Minister of Defense Shibasaki interrupted.


    ¡°Two marine brigades are on board for each Carrier Strike Group.¡±


    The Marine Corps Brigade that Captain Bruce Wright mentioned was an operational unit that was reorganized from the existing Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) by further enhancing its armor and mobility. The official unit name was the Marine Expeditionary Activation Brigade (MEAB).


    Each unit consisted of six ground forces of two Armored Battalions, Armored Vehicle Battalion, Landing Battalion, Artillery Battalion, Air Defense Battalion, one air force of the Helicopter Aviation Corps, and the Brigade Service Support Group. The total number of troops reached 2,300. One important thing was that all of the military equipment used by these units were state-of-the-art equipment that had not been introduced to other countries for security reasons.


    In the case of the Armored Battalions, they operated the M4A1 Warthog tanks that were equipped with a 16MJ-ss railgun. The armored vehicle battalions operated the M5A1 Hussar armored vehicles. The Artillery Battalion operated various self-propelled artillery. First, there was an unmanned turret system, which was the next-generation self-propelled artillery that seeds the M-109A6 PIM Pdin self-propelled artillery. Second, there was an M-2001 Crusader self-propelled artillery that operated the Excalibur Guided Munitions. Finally, there was an M-1203 NLOS-C self-propelled gun equipped with two 32MJ-ss railguns.


    Additionally, to defend the artillery battalion from the air force, an air defense battalion was established to operate the M3 shooter, an anti-aircraft defense system simr to that of Corea¡¯s Sky Horse. The M3 shooter was operated with the 18 FIM-92F Stinger short-range missiles in the nineunchers.


    Also, the Helicopter Aviation Corps operated 24 AH-66 Comanches. The AH-66 Comanche was a stealth attack helicopter, not the AH-64E Apache Guardian, which was currently the world¡¯s strongest. The AH-66 Comanche was designed for stealth. Each of the four AGM-114L Hellfire missiles and a Hydra 70mm rocket was mounted on the wing-shaped hardpoints protruding from the inside. Four AIM-9R sidewinders were installed in the lower center internal armament room. And at the bottom of the front, an 8MJ-ss automatic rail gun was installed.


    The carrier strike groups carrying thetest U.S. military equipment that had been wrapped in a veil were slowly entering the seas of Japan.


    ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s great. But I think the military strength is not enough.¡± Upon hearing a brief exnation from Captain Bruce Wright about the MEAB, Minister Shibasaki said, as if he was worried.


    ¡°We have 14,000 troops. Each MEAB is capable of independent operations. Also, the equipment that I described before is the world¡¯s strongest. It is enough to win the battle against the Corean army.¡±


    ¡°But what if Corea sends additionalnding troops to Japan?¡±


    ¡°Corea will no longer be able tounchnding operations in Japan. We have 4 carriers and over 350 aircraft are in operation. Besides, there are over 35 Aegis destroyers. This will be enough to cover both the Corean Navy and Air Force.¡±


    ¡°I feel relieved to hear that.¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, who had had a tearful face a while ago, showed a bright smile.


    ¡°So, when do you strike back?¡± When Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro smiled with a satisfied expression, Minister of Defense Shibasaki asked again.


    ¡°Probably after all the marine brigades arrive at Yokosuka Port, they will start a massive retaliatory attack.¡±


    ¡°Then it won¡¯t take more than two days, I guess.¡±


    ¡°That is right.¡±


    ¡°Our self-defense forces will also finish reorganization by that day.¡±


    ***


    February 15, 2021, 19:00


    E-Mart Ja-yang branch in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul


    Namgoong-won, who had worked as a senior researcher at the 17th Fighter Wing Underground Research Center for four years, was given an important task from the National Intelligence Service. He surrendered the life at the underground research center and returned to the National Intelligence Service three days ago.


    In recognition of his contributions so far, Namgoong-won was promoted to manager at a high speed and was appointed as the second manager of the Cyber Security Bureau, not the counter-terrorism investigation bureau, ording to the current assignment.


    Namgoong-won was the only person in the history of the National Intelligence Service who was promoted to manager in 6 years of joining. But nobodyined about it. That was because everyone admitted he had served the country and sacrificed himself more than anybody.


    ¡°Can I buy this?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because you will only y with that all the time.¡±


    ¡°No, no. I will only y with it when I need to relieve my stress.¡±


    Namgoong-won and Lee Hye-jin were having a lovers¡¯ quarrel at the electronics section in the E-Mart store. To be precise, it was more like a scene where a son asked his mother to buy a toy rather than a lovers¡¯ fight.


    ¡°I swear, oh, please believe me...¡±


    ¡°Alright! But you can y with it only four hours a week. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am! Ha-ha-ha.¡±


    Namgoong-won had sold his studio apartment in Seoul because he had been spending all his days during thest six years in the underground research center. So, aftering back to Seoul, the first thing he had done was buy an apartment overlooking the Han River. After work, he went shopping with Manager Lee Hye-jin to buy household goods. At that time, the virtual enhancement game machine captured Namgoong-won¡¯s attention in the E-Mart electronics section.


    ¡°Are you that d?¡± Lee Hye-jin asked.


    Namgoong-won grinned from ear to ear as he put the game console in the cart. Lee Hye-jin smiled, thinking he was cute.


    ¡°No. I like it less than my wife! Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. You are so good at ttering.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean it.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Just go and pay. I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    ***


    February 16, 2021, 09:00


    The conference room of Cybersecurity Bureau, National Intelligence Service, Gangnam-ku, Seoul


    ¡°As you all know, we don¡¯t have much time left. At least by today, we have to figure out about Scorpion! Division 1, do you understand?¡±


    Right now, in the Cybersecurity Bureau¡¯s conference room, executives who were team leaders or higher were gathered to discuss.


    ¡°Yes, I will do my best,¡± Manager Chun Hyuk-jun, head of the 1st Division of the Cyber Security Bureau, replied, rubbing his neck.


    All of the members of Division 1 had been working for four days without sleep to find information about the Scorpion organization. However, they had not found anything yet. So, all the 20 people including Manager Chun Hyuk-jun looked pretty awful.


    ¡°Doing your best is not good enough! You better find something by the end of today!¡± Director Youn Ho-il lifted his eyes and said.


    Manager Chun Hyuk-jun straightened his upper body and answered, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°How are the things going in Division 2?¡±


    ¡°We are searching through all of the U.S. government¡¯sputerworks, but we couldn¡¯t find any clue yet,¡± Namgoong-won¡¯s voice got smaller and smaller as he spoke.


    ¡°Why are you speaking quieter? You didn¡¯t workte and went out with Manager Lee, did you?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. We came to Seoul recently, so we had to go shopping for some household goods. Please understand this.¡±


    ¡°Understanding, my ass. Our chairman is very worried about this matter! He is checking on it every day while he works in the Blue House!¡±


    ¡°Sir, don¡¯t worry. We will definitely find something today,¡± Namgoong-won said confidently.


    Director Youn Ho-il looked at Division 3 this time.


    ¡°Anyway, team leaders of Division 3, listen. Since your manager went to Washington, you just support Divisions One and Two. That¡¯s your job. Get it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Three team leaders from Division 3 answered together. Currently, the head of Division 3 of the Cybersecurity Bureau was Manager Lee Il-woo. He went to Washington, D.C. as the head of Team B, Information Analysis.


    Four days ago, the Counterterrorism Bureau of the National Intelligence Service learned about the organization named Scorpion through Yagumachi Genzo. It was an assassination mercenary organization. They also got to know about the USSC, a secret organization that could even control President Trump secretly. Since then, they began to investigate those groups. ordingly, all the personnel of the Cybersecurity Bureau were mobilized to investigate, but there was still no achievement.


    ***


    February 16, 2021, 19:00


    The office of Division 2 of the Cyber Security Bureau, National Intelligence Service, Gangnam-ku, Seoul


    After the entire meeting, Namgoong-won and the team leaders had returned to the office of Investigation Division 2 and had had the team meeting about what to do today. Namgoong-won sat in front of theputer and fell into deep thought for a moment.


    He thought, ¡°Clearly, they will use an independentputerwork. That is probably why I can¡¯t find them even if I used Hoc! There will be no way to find them. What should I do?¡±


    He put his feet on the desk and tried to think of a way. But he couldn¡¯t think about anything.


    ¡°Hoc!¡±


    ¨C Did you call me?


    Hoc was located at the Underground Research Center in Chung Joo, but Namgoong-won could always talk with it because it was connected to his watch.


    ¡°If this organization is using an independentwork, will there be really no way to find them? I¡¯m trying to get some idea, but I really can¡¯t think of any.¡±


    -Won!


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    -I¡¯m not a god almighty. I have no way, neither.


    ¡°You have be a fluent speaker these days, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¨C I am Hoc, an intelligent supeputer capable of self-learning.


    ¡°Yes, yes, I know. Just try to help me out here.¡±


    -Is President Trump the only person currently connected to the USSC organization?


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¨C Alright. From now on, we have to hack into Trump¡¯s personal smartphone as well as all of the White House¡¯s phone systems. All the locations where President Trump would use the phone need to be checked.


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¨C Check the locations and direct field agents to investigate the suspected areas.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t Trump talk to a lot of people on the phone in a day?¡±


    ¨C But this is the only way.


    ¡°Ok, then. Can you hack his phone? Me and my team will work on the White House phone system.¡±


    ¨C Okay.

 Chapter 255

    <h4>Chapter 255</h4>


    February 17, 2021, 03:30 (U.S. time 16, 16:30)


    Office of the President in the White House, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.


    -President Trump! How could a single Corean submarine so easily hit our carrier strike group?


    There was anger in the voice. It was surprising that someone could speak with anger like this to the world¡¯s strongest country¡¯s president. She was Victoria, the chairman of the USSC, who had the power to control the U.S..


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But we will deal a counter strike in a few days.¡±


    ¨C Besides counter-strike, what about our reputation? Because of one Corean submarine, America¡¯s reputation has dropped!


    ¡°The Corean submarine seems to be a high-performance one, so it was hard to find.¡±


    ¨C I don¡¯t want to hear that. The reason I called today is to hand over operational authority to the B-3 Tarant that is under operational test in Area 51.


    ¡°Is operational test over?¡± President Trump¡¯s voice suddenly brightened as he heard the word B-3 Tarant.


    -The basic tests are all over. Make sure to use it properly in thisrge-scale counterattack against Corea.


    ¡°Okay. I think it will be of great help.¡±


    ***


    February 17, 2021, 05:00


    Office of the Manager, Department of Security Division 2, Cybersecurity Bureau, National Intelligence Service, Gangnam-ku, Seoul


    Twenty people of Cybersecurity Bureau¡¯s Department of Security Division 2 had been working all day to hack the White House¡¯swork system, as ordered by Manager Namgoong-won. However, it was not so easy to hack into thework of a country¡¯s highest authority. Namgoong-won also had difficulty in hacking the White House, which operated an absolute security system.


    He came out to the rooftop outdoors to rx his tired body for a while and breathed in the cold air ofte winter.


    ¡°It¡¯s very refreshing!¡± he thought.


    Breathing in the fresh air cleared up his foggy mind, and suddenly, he wanted to see Manager Lee Hye-jin. So, he took out his smartphone. However, it was very early morning. He didn¡¯t want to wake her up. He put his phone back in his pocket. At that time, he could hear the voice of Hoc from his watch.


    ¨C Namgoong-won!


    ¡°What¡¯s up in this early morning?¡±


    ¨C I found it.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Hoc also hacked into the U.S. wirelesswork and monitored in real time the contents of calls and text messages sent and received from all mobile phones currently used in the White House.


    -I just sent the information by e-mail.


    ¡°Wow. You are great. I was still trying to hack.¡±


    ¨C Did you really think you can be a match for me?


    At Hoc¡¯s random retort, Namgoong-won made a confused face. Hoc said it so nonchntly.


    -It¡¯s a line from the recent hit movie ¡°Hooligan Guys.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t watch that movie because I didn¡¯t like the director...¡±


    ¨C Just check your e-mail.


    Namgoong-won terminated themunication and ran to the office.


    ***


    February 17, 2021, 08:00


    Chugoku Expressway, 15 km west of Kasai City, Honshu, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.


    Two days ago, the Search Tank Battalion of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division, which had fought fiercely with the Nihonbara Garrison, mixed forces of the 13th and 14th Mechanized Brigades in Tsuyama, had maintenance time for about a day. After that, they ran the Chugoku road while conducting search and reconnaissance to build a route to Osaka, one of the major Japanese cities.


    First Lieutenant of Headquarters Company Gil Seong-ju was operating the Spider-Drone II. He suddenly spoke through themunication system of the battalion.


    -Sir!


    ¡°What?¡±


    -The road 10km ahead is destroyed, so it seems impossible to maneuver further.


    The road was destroyed 5km before Kasai City. It seemed that the ground self-defense force¡¯s engineer unit had destroyed the road to stop the advance of the marines for at least a little while.


    ¡°First Lieutenant Gil. Figure out a detour way from that point.¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    ¡°We will move up to that point, keeping the current speed.¡±


    Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Man-ho Hong announced by turning the channel through themunicationwork dedicated to themanders.


    The 3rd Search Tank Battalion of the 3rd Marine Mobility Division reached 1 km. They kept running on the Chugoku Expressway with roaring engine sounds.


    ***


    February 17, 2021, 11:00 (U.S. time February 16, 2021, 22:00)


    Building outside Washington, D.C., USA (USSC vi)


    After the deration of war against Corea, military and police officers were scattered throughout downtown Washington, the political center of the United States. They frequently inspected people on the street. In particr, Asian men were subjected to checks dozens of times a day. Under these adverse conditions, the field agents investigated ces outside of Washington based on the information received from Team B. But they did not find anything.


    Today, however, four field agents of Team A received information about the site to be investigated by the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Cyber a few hours ago. They were on standby in a slightly remote forest, 10 km from downtown Washington, wearing thetest equipment.


    Using arge tree as cover, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung increased the magnification of the shield sses and searched the building 1 km ahead. This five-story building was shabby and old, but it looked like a European-style vi. It had ck curtains on each window to prevent light from going in, making it feel as if there was a ckout. And inside the building, people with automatic machine guns were stationed on every floor.


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely a suspicious building. There is no way that that¡¯s South or Central America¡¯s drug dealer or gang in Washington.¡±


    At that time, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong talked to Team Leader Lee Ja-sung who was searching around.


    ¡°Sir, please check over there in maic mode.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong pointed out a few points of the buildings. ordingly, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung changed the shield sses¡¯ vision mode to maic field mode and checked the locations pointed out by Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong. Dozens of pirs with sensors that emitted red light were installed around the outside of the building.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I think they are motion sensors.¡± Leaning on the opposite tree and checking with the shield sses, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong replied.


    ¡°Hmm. This one must be something.¡±


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung, who had been searching in vain for two days, smiled slightly. He called Assistant Manager Shin Bo-ra using silentmunication. Currently, she was waiting behind the building with the team¡¯s youngest, Chief Oh Seok-jin.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Shin!¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir!


    ¡°How is it there?¡±


    ¨C There seems to be a lot of people on guard for this shabby-looking building.


    ¡°Are there any pirs with sensors there?¡±


    -Yes. There are a lot of them.


    ¡°Okay. Be careful not to be caught.¡±


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung finished the conversation. He looked at Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and said, ¡°Shall we begin?¡±


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung and Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong operated the X-C01 control devices on their left wrists. As the TCS (transparent concealment system) was activated, the space seemed distorted. Soon, they became transparent.


    Originally, the operating time of the TCS was 1 minute. However, by attaching a medium-sized battery to the back wrist and connecting it to the X-C01, the battery capacity was greatly increased. ordingly, the current TCS operation time had increased to about 10 minutes.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung asked.


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s go. Assistant Manager Shin, you guys move too when you¡¯re ready.¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung ordered through silentmunication and began to run. Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong followed him. Although the footprints were slightly visible on the grass, it was enough to deceive the motion recognition sensors.


    Lee Ja-sung and Park Ki-oong approached the building as carefully as possible, avoiding heavily armed security guards and the motion recognition sensors, and seeded in approaching the building by 100m.


    ¡°How much time is left for TCS?¡±


    ¨C About 2 minutes, sir.


    Team leader Ja-sung Lee and Assistant Manager Park Ki-oong, who ran 1 km while looking around for 8 minutes,id down on the ground to check the remaining time on the X-C01 device.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a rest and check the inside for thest time. Then, we will move!¡±


    Currently, the entrance in the center was the only door in front of the building. And there were eight heavily armed guards guarding both inside and outside the door. Now, the problem was how they would open the door and go into the building, avoiding those guards.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Shin, are you ready?¡±


    ¨C We approached about 500m and are ready.


    ¡°Good. Start moving when I send a signal.¡±


    ¨C I will wait.


    Assistant Manager Shin Bo-ra was the only woman among the field agents dispatched to Washington. She was a former captain of special warriors, and her main specialty was bombing. She had joined the NIS at the rmendation of the Special Forces Commander. She was one of the few veteran field agents of the National Intelligence Service.


    Lee Ja-sung and Park Ki-oong, who had connected the new batteries and operated the TCS again, carefully walked to the central entrance of the building. They moved as carefully as possible so that no footsteps could be heard, went behind the guards, and leaned on the left and right of the front door.


    ¡°Now!¡±


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    Boom! Boom!


    A lot of explosions were heard behind the building. As a result, the guards standing on the outside of the building started running to the back at once. Dozens of guards from inside the building also opened the front door and ran out. Lee Ja-sung and Park Gi-oong entered the building with a quick movement before the door closed.


    The inside of the building was dark, as confirmed by the shield sses from outside the building. But thanks to the shield sses in the infrared mode, they could see things clearly as though in daylight. They moved to the ce that they wanted to go to without difficulty.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Shin! We have sessfully sneaked into the building. You guys hide somewhere and stand by.¡±


    ¨C I have moved to the back and hid with Chief Oh.


    ¡°Good! Wait until the nextmunication.¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    Assistant Manager Shin Bo-ra and Chief Oh Seok-jin had detonated the bombs that they had installed and had run away before the guards rushed in.


    The guards, who were standing inside and outside the building, switched to an emergency and moved back and forth due to the sudden sound of explosions.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Park. Let¡¯s spread out and look around.¡±


    ¨C I will go upstairs.


    ¡°I will go to the basement. Don¡¯t forget to check the TCS time,¡± Lee Ja-sung said.


    At the staircase, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung and Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong began to move separately.


    After several minutes, Park Gi-oong went upstairs and found a slightly spacious hall. There was a huge C-shaped table with the sign of the United States Supreme Security Council (USSC) in the middle of the table. Park Gi-oong¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°I found it! This is it!¡± he thought.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong who was cheering silently reported to Team Leader Lee Ja-sung. ¡°Sir! I found a table that has the United States Supreme Security Council (USSC) carved on it at the main hall of the second floor. This ce must be the base or hideout of the organization we are looking for.¡±


    -Really?


    ¡°I will send out the video.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong sent a recorded video to Team Leader Lee Ja-sung using the shield sses.


    ¨C Damn, you got it. Good! Hey, Assistant Manager Park.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    -Check the rest of the area and nt bugs in appropriate ces.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong took out machines the size of thumb nails from the small bag he was carrying and began to install them.


    Meanwhile, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung, who had gone down to the basement, carefully passed between the guards guarding in the corridor and stood in front of the entrance door made of iron. He looked inside using the shield sses. Fortunately, it was the server room that he wanted to find. And in the server room, there were no guards or employees doing business. But if he just opened the door and went in, the surveince cameras would catch him.


    ¡°I guess I have to watch out for this one,¡± he thought.


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung checked the surveince cameras one by one, then went right under the camera monitoring the door of the server room. He attached something to the body of the camera. Then, he sent amunication to the information analysis team.


    ¡°This is Lee Ja-sung of Team A (Team Alpha). Please hack the camera right now.¡±


    -This is Team B (Team Bravo), please wait. We will work on it.


    Through a small device attached to a surveince camera, Team B attempted to hack and manipte the camera by sending a recorded video.


    ¨C This is Team B (Team Bravo). We have run the recorded video. You have about one minute. It starts now.


    ¡°This is Team A (Team Alpha). Got it.¡±


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung quickly approached the iron door.

 Chapter 256

    <h4>Chapter 256</h4>


    ¡°So you won¡¯t go down that easily eh?¡±


    The steel door of the server room was also under heavy security. The door would open after passing an iris scan and a fingerprint scan, and entering a passcode. Team Leader Lee Ja-sung attached the small devices that he had used on the security cameras to the iris scanners before calling Team B.


    -This is Team A¡¯s Lee Ja-sung. I have attached the hacking guidance device on the entrance¡¯s sensors.


    -This is Team B. Wait a moment. This is a tough one to crack.


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung checked the hallways on both sides of the door and waited anxiously. The X-C01 control device was two minutes away from deactivating its TCS feature.


    -This is Team A. Please hurry. The TCS only has two minutes left.


    -This is Team B. We are almost done.


    A few momentster, a clear sound rang, and the hard steel door opened.


    ck!


    When the steel doors opened, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung swiftly entered the server room. The server room was surprisingly modernpared to the old building. There were hundreds of small LED lights glowing from thetest serverputers.


    ¡°This would match the size of a nation¡¯s entire server room,¡± Lee Ja-sung thought.


    -This is Lee Ja-sung from Team A. Sending footage of the server room¡¯s interior now.


    Team Leader Lee then changed his shield sses into recording mode and sent the footage to team B.


    -This is Manager Lee Il-woo from Team B. Move to the servers at the center.


    Manager Lee Il-woo, Team B¡¯s leader, started giving out orders directly since the situation was dire.


    -Stop! There, the fourthputer.


    Manager Lee Il-woo pointed to the main server at the center of the room that had eight stackedputers.


    -Input the USB code in it and get out of there.


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung pulled out a small case from his inner pocket and opened the cover. He retrieved a small device the size of an index finger and ced it in the USB port of the fourth server that Manager Lee had pointed out.


    -Get out of there.


    When Team Leader Lee Ja-sung finished his mission, he called Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong who was installing the bugs and cameras on the upper floor.


    -Assistant Manager Park.


    -Yes, sir. I just have one more spot left. I¡¯ll get moving once I¡¯m done.


    -Hurry.


    Assistant Manager Park wanted to check the rooms at the end of the hall on the fourth floor. He checked his surroundings and slowly walked over while keeping his footsteps quiet.


    ck!


    The door of the opposite room flung open, and two burly men started walking toward Assistant Manager Park¡¯s position. The TCS had made him invisible, so he held his breath and stuck close to the wall to hide himself.


    ¡°There¡¯s something suspicious about that room...¡±


    The two men approaching him were different from the bodyguards they had seen before. They were wearing thick sunsses, and the way they walked made them seem like pros.


    Clomp! Clomp! Clomp! Clomp!


    They were inching closer to Assistant Manager Park and were about to pass him. The African-American man who was standing on the left must have felt something and turned his head toward where Assistant Manager Park was standing.


    The sunsses they were wearing were equipped with thetest tech that gave them infrared vision.


    ¡°Ron, something feels off. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± the man said while pointing to the area with his finger.


    ¡°What is it?¡± The other man stopped and looked at the spot his coworker was pointing at. ¡°There¡¯s nothing there.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Why are my sses responding in infrared vision? It looks like there¡¯s something on the wall over there.¡±


    While the two men were conversing with each other, Assistant Manager Park hurriedly lowered his protective suit¡¯s temperature to 5 degrees Celsius using the X-C01 device¡¯s console. Then, he slowly moved left. One of the men manipted his sunsses again and kicked at the wall Assistant Manager Park was against.


    Assistant Manager Park had avoided the kick by a fraction of a second. He checked his protective suit¡¯s temperature with the X-C01 device¡¯s console. The temperature had been lowered to 8 degrees Celsius and still falling. The men¡¯s sunsses no longer showed a reaction in infrared vision.


    ¡°John, let¡¯s go already.¡±


    ¡°Is yours already broken even though you just got it?¡±


    Assistant Manager Park slowly backed away and made sure that the two men had left the hall. He finally arrived in front of the door of the room he wanted to check. It read ¡°USSC Chairman Victoria.¡±


    ¡°The boss¡¯s room? Got you now.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park had cold sweat running down his spine moments ago, but the thought of him discovering something big made him smile. When he ced the skeleton ess card at the sensor, the door opened.


    Click!


    After entering the room, he quickly checked his surroundings. The room wasrger than expected and decorated in traditional medieval European fashion. There were a firece and arge desk and chair near the window.


    ¡°Where should I install the bugs? I guess the back of the desk will be a good ce?¡±


    -Assistant Manager Park, where are you? Get out of there!


    As Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong was looking for a ce to install the video and audio bugs, the earpiece he wore rang with the voice of Team Leader Lee Ja-sung, who was rushing him to get back. He ced the camera on the window behind the desk and checked the hallway for bodyguards with his sses in inverter vision mode before leaving. He then flew down the stairs.


    * * *


    February 17th, 2021, 13:00 (U.S. time February 17th, 00:00)


    A building in the suburb of Washington D.C., U.S.A. (the NIS safehouse)


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung and his teammates from Team A had safely infiltrated and left the USSC building. They took a short break. Meanwhile, Team B¡¯s four intelligence analysts were typing away at theirptop and hard at work.


    The USB device that Team Leader Lee had ced in the main server had allowed wirelessmunication. Once the connection was active, the agents were hard at work trying to hack the server¡¯s security to download the data from the database.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Kang, are you guys done yet?¡±


    ¡°One moment, sir. The security is difficult to break through. It¡¯s only progressing because I am here, you know.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°What about you, Assistant Manager Na?¡±


    ¡°We are rerouting the connection of the hacking tracker system, and thework is on the second cycle of going through the connections in the world. One more cycle, and they will not be able to track us anymore.¡±


    ¡°I want you all to finish up in five minutes, and start the download. Assistant Manager Kim, get as much information as possible! Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Manager Lee Il-woo kept ncing at his watch. The USB device Team Leader Lee Ja-sung had ced in the serverputer only had a three-hour battery life at most. They only had an hour left, so he was getting anxious. A few minutester, Assistant Manager Kang shouted.


    ¡°Sir, we¡¯re in!¡±


    ¡°Start the download then!¡±


    ¡°The data is quiterge, sir. It¡¯s at least 2 petabytes. What do we do?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time! Just get the information from the deepest part of the database!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Assistant Manager Kang, make sure to keep an eye out for the hacking tracker system detecting us.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I got my eyes on it.¡±


    Everything was proceeding under Manager Lee Il-woo¡¯s orders, and the intelligence analysis team was working like they were in a warzone. If the USSC¡¯s hack tracing system started tracking them or if they were unable to get all the intelligence they needed, then Team A¡¯s life-risking infiltration would all be for nothing. Also, if the USSC hid their data and vanish, then that would create another issue. The lives of the NIS agents and special forces men were at stake as well.


    ¡°What¡¯s the progress on the download?¡±


    ¡°We are at 12%, sir. But I don¡¯t think we have enough space on our hard drives.¡±


    ¡°Hold on.¡±


    Manager Lee Il-woo connected hisptop to Assistant Manager Kim¡¯s after answering curtly. Then, he typed in the password for the NIS database.


    ¡°We will send over the data in real time. Assistant Manager Kim, you are to delete the data in 5% increments once they are finished transporting and keep downloading!¡±


    ¡°How did you think of that, sir?¡±


    ¡°Focus!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    While Team B was fighting a virtual war, the agents from Team A had changed intofortable clothes and were taking a break. However, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung had moved to the first floor and was speaking to Lieutenant Colonel Lee Hyung-won, themander of the special forces.


    ¡°As you can see, there are a hundred pirs all with motion detection sensors. Also, there are about a hundred guards outside the building and 50 inside the building.¡±


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung used a small monitor to show the recorded footage from his infiltration to Commander Lee Hyung-won.


    ¡°Despite all that, you seeded in infiltrating the premises.¡±


    If the government ordered them to attack the USSC, then Lee Ja-sung¡¯s team and the 16 special forces men under the 707th special forces brigade would have to raid the premises, so he was briefing themander.


    * * *


    February 19th, 2021, 15:00


    Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    At the Yokosuka naval base, over a thousand vessels were waiting to dock and standing by near the shore. The American vessels had docked first and unloaded the marine¡¯s mobile brigade¡¯s equipment and their men. The logistical ships were unloading America¡¯stest M4A1 Warthog equipped with the 16MJ ss rail guns, M2A3 and M3A3 Bradley, M5A1Hussar, and M3 Shooter armored vehicles.


    There were also the M-2001 Crusader self-propelled guns and the M-1203 NLOS-C self-propelled guns equipped with a 32MJ ss rail gun. Thetest equipment that America had never revealed to the outside world was being unloaded onto the dock.


    Also, on top of the flight deck of the amphibious vessels, the AH-66 Comanche stealth attack choppers were waiting to take off. The ones that had taken off started to form flight wings of four and headed to the Yokota Air Base. There must have been over a hundred Comanche choppers alone.


    The marines and amphibious vessels that were unloading their military equipment were under the U.S. Navy¡¯s 3rd fleet¡¯s 3rd and 9th carrier strike group. About 50km away from the port, the 1st carrier strike group that had set sail from San Diego 10 days ago were guarding the area.


    Twenty-four F-35B Lightning II jets and eight EA-18G Growler jets had taken off from the 1st carrier strike group¡¯s Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and were circling the area, keeping watch for Corean jets. The vessels, anti-air destroyers, and anti-air submarines were on high alert and were ready to defend and retaliate at a moment¡¯s notice.


    The 1st carrier strike group¡¯s every vessel had finished docking on Yokosuka Port. When they finished unloading their equipment and the marines, America would start their retaliation.


    Also, 120 5.5th generation F-22SR (Super Raptor) jets, which were the upgraded version of America¡¯s most powerful F-22 Raptor jets, and 12 B-1 (Archer) bombers equipped with apound aerospace digital system had taken off from maind America. They were crossing the Pacific while being fueled by the KC-45 aerial tanker. Also, four B-3 (Tarant) space bombers that had been developed in secret at Area 51 were flying above the atmosphere and headed to the base in Guam.

 Chapter 257

    <h4>Chapter 257</h4>


    February 19th, 2021, 16:30


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    At Yokosuka Port, America¡¯s military equipment that would rival the entire nation¡¯s military power was being unloaded. The Joint Chief of Staff was watching the footage from the Apollo 1 reconnaissance satellite.


    ¡°Comrade chairman! What is there to consider, sir? We need to attack them now.¡± Vice-Chairman Choi Ho-il kept suggesting to attack the U.S. Navy while they were unloading the equipment.


    The Joint Chief of Staff was aware that a carrier strike group was standing sentry for enemy jets, naval vessels, and submarines while the two carrier strike groups were docked and unloading their equipment. If Corea used all of their deployable forces, they could cause significant damage to the American forces. However, manymanders were against this idea.


    If the U.S. Navy were to sustain damages, then President Trump, who had an aggressive personality, couldunch nuclear missiles at Corea. The war could turn nuclear early. Themand center had be a soapbox and tensions were high from Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°We can¡¯t lose this golden opportunity worrying about nuclear missiles. It¡¯s not like we are unaware of the enemy¡¯s movements, but can see everything clear as day,¡± General Lee Un-hyung, themander of the army, shouted to the othermanders, supporting Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il¡¯s opinion.


    General Shin Sung-yong, the previous armymander and now themander of the southern state military, spoke calmly in an objective manner to calm the room, ¡°General Lee Un-hyung has a point, but shouldn¡¯t we move our forces while preparing for the worst?¡±


    ¡°Sir, America will use its nuclear weapons as soon as the tide of the war goes against their favor. If we go into the war in fear of America¡¯s nuclear weapons the entire time, then we cannot guarantee victory.¡± General Lee Un-hyung, Vice Chairman Shin Sung-yong¡¯s junior from the academy, did not back down and expressed his opinion again.


    ¡°I also agree with General Lee Un-hyung¡¯s opinion. If we lose this chance, then our second expeditionary force that had just left tonight could be in danger, and the war could drag on. Also, didn¡¯t the president tell us to enter into the war against America without backing down, sir?¡± When General Kim Byung-hwan, themander of the air force, expressed his support for attacking the U.S. Navy, Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il spoke up.


    ¡°See? Don¡¯t we have the Zeus 2 and 3 satellites to increase our interception capabilities of ballistic missiles, sir? Don¡¯t you think so? Lieutenant General Lee Kyung-hyun, please speak up,¡± Vice Chairman Choi Ho-il called out themander of the aerospace forces.


    ¡°Sir.¡± When his name was called while the generals were in a heated argument, General Lee Kyung-hyun stood up and answered the vice-chairman, ¡°With our 3 Zeus tactical interception satellites, we can take down the nuclear missiles from the U.S. If the missiles are ICBMsing from maind America, then their range would be 10,000km to 12,000km. We would have more than enough time to intercept them.


    The issue is their SLBMs, sir. If Americaunches SLBMs at a close distance after theyunch ICBMs from the maind, then we are only able to intercept 400 rounds if we want a 100% interception rate. If it¡¯s over that, then we cannot guarantee an interception rate of 100%, sir. This is based on the multiple simtions we have run.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Lee Kyung-hyun answered sinctly and sat down, Vice Chairman Choi Ho-ilughed heartily and said, ¡°See. Didn¡¯t he say we can intercept all missiles if there are under 400 rounds? I am sure the Yanks won¡¯tunch over 400 nuclear missiles unless they lose their minds. Either that or they would only do so if they want to wipe out the entire.¡±


    Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il spoke confidently since the room seemed to be leaning towards attacking the U.S. Navy. Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who had been listening to everyone with his arms crossed, finally spoke up.


    ¡°What if America doesunch more than 400 nuclear missiles?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no chance of that happening, sir.¡±


    ¡°In war, we should not make judgments based on our standards alone. I also agree with you, Vice Chairman Choi, but war is not something that will always go the way we want it to.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik got up from his seat and continued.


    ¡°Let¡¯s say we did damage the American forces that havended on Japan, and intercepted all the nuclear missiles that America hasunched. However, these are defensive measures, not an offensive win that can pressure America.¡±


    Chairman Kang walked over to the podium while speaking.


    ¡°Commencing the attack now and having some progress would be good, but I would like to have a nuclear war or battle after we have the Americans by the throat.¡±


    Chairman Kang walked over the Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon, the operations director, and whispered to him.


    The main screen that was showing the map of Japan, changed.


    ¡°The contents of the screen you are looking at is S-ranked confidential information. The NIS has collected information about America¡¯s Missile Defense system (MD), operations, capabilities, and its next-generation military equipment. ¡±


    The screen showed theplete information about America¡¯s MD. The system consisted of six stages, and it was quite different from what the Joint Chief of Staff was aware of.


    * * *


    February 19th, 2021, 18:00 (Pacific Standard Time 20:00)


    The skies above the Pacific Ocean, 1980km southeast of Honshu, Japan


    Ten kilometers above the surface, over 100 aircraft were emitting lights and flying in groups of 24 in supercruise mode under the moonlight. They were the 5.5th generation F-22SR (Super Raptor) jets, the upgraded version of the F-22 Raptor jets.


    The F-22 Raptor jet was first deployed in 2002 and was named the world¡¯s first 5th generation jet and the king of the skies. However, their weakness was revealed in the Red g mock training in 2012, when they lost against the Eurofighter at close proximity and the EA-18 Growler jets.


    When Russia and China revealed and deployed their 5th generation fighter jets in 2017, the American government started a Project Implementation n (PIP) in 2018 to upgrade their Raptor jets to be a 6th generation jet by improving their outdated radars and anti-air weapons. Two yearster, the first stage of the PIP was finished and the F-22SR Super Raptor jets were deployed to the field.


    The first stage of the PIP focused on improving the weakness of the Raptor jets generating too much heat and being easily detected by IRST (Infrared Search and Track) systems, and the stealth paint not working on the improved radar performance.


    The F-22SR Super Raptor had its standard F-119 engine changed to the next-generation F-330 engine to lower heat generation. The engine¡¯s output had been increased by 130% and it now boasted a speed of Mach 4. The supercruise mode of the jet was now raised to Mach 2.2 from Mach 1.5, and the heat generated by the engine was cut by half so that it would not be detected by the IRST system as well.


    The paint for the jets was reced with the M-PX01 stealth paints that could absorb double the amount of radar wavespared to the standard one. The paint made the jet undetectable by infrared searches, electromaic waves, and AWACS early warning ne¡¯s radars as well.


    The newly developed technology and flying equipment from Area 51 had been applied to the F-35 jets. Their radar detection capability had been increased to 400km, and they were now able to detect 5th generation stealth fighter jets from Russia and China at 200km. Also, the American jets were equipped with a powerful ECM and ECCM disruption device simr to Corea¡¯s SECM devices. The jets were now able to conduct electrical warfare that rivaled the capabilities of an EA-18 Growler jet.


    Finally, the arms of the jet were upgraded. Six-barreled 4MJ ss rail guns had reced the standard 20mm M61A2 guns, allowing the jet to make railgun attacks 50km away.


    Based on the improvements, the F-22SR jets were only simr to the standard Raptor jets in their exterior and were apletely different make in terms of radar and equipment. These newly build F-22SR Super Raptor jets were colored in ck and charismatically flew west.


    A momentter, a few of the next generation KC-45 aerial tankers had finished fueling the jets and left. Then, six of the KC-135 tankers that had taken off from Guam and Okinawa¡¯s Kaneda Air Base flew towards the midpoint and flying slowly. The F-22SR Super Raptor jets had a flying range of 3,500km, so they had to be fueled at least 3 times to cross the Pacific.


    An F-22SR Super Raptor flight wing appeared in front of the KC-135 Stratotanker that had taken off from Okinawa. Then, the jets nked the Stratotanker in groups of two and maintained their formation. One of the F-22SR Super Raptor jets on the left moved to the tail of the aerial tanker.


    At the rear of the fueling console, arge boom operator was lying close to the floor and preparing to fuel the jet.


    There was a mat at the rear of the fueling equipment for the operator to lie down on, and a console with various meters, maniption switches, and two sticks could be used to move the fueling device.


    At the front of the meter were a window the size of a 40-inch monitor, a center mirror that pointed to the lower area, and two smaller windows on the sides.


    When the boom operator manipted the console, a ck object outside the window entered through the center of the boom. It was the F-22SR Super Raptor jet. The jet had approached the tanker to refuel by flying to the rear of the tanker while matching its speed and altitude.


    Once the jet got into position, the boom operator manipted it to fit it in ce of the F-22¡¯s fuel injection opening.


    Connecting two nes while matching the speed, altitude, and direction as they flew was not an easy feat. After a few failed attempts, the F-22SR Super Raptor moved slightly away from the tanker and attempted to refuel again.


    The second attempt was sessful, and the F-22SR Super Raptor¡¯s fuel device was attached to the aerial tanker¡¯s boom. It didn¡¯t take long for the fueling to bepleted. The process only took 5 minutes. The jet did shake about a few times but managed to finish fueling safely. When it was done, it detached itself from the boom and flew back to the side of the aerial tanker for the next jet to fuel up.


    When the other four F-22SR Super Raptor jets had finished fueling up, they raised their altitude and left. The next flight wing started to tail the aerial tanker.


    Each aerial tanker could fuel a whole battalion of 20 F-22SR jets. The jets returned in groups of flight wings after fueling up.

 Chapter 258

    <h4>Chapter 258</h4>


    February 19th, 2021, 18:00


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku CC tanker (Apollo 2 reconnaissance satellite mission control)


    The operators of the Apollo 1 satellite, which was in charge of reconnaissance missions at the Pacific in southern Japan, had their eyes glued to the radar monitor of the Apollo 2 satellite and busily operating the console.


    The operators changed through different types of visual filters while being on high alert for anything suspicious.


    From the outside, the operator job seemed to be an easy one that only required someone to stare at a monitor while sitting down. However, the physical and mental stress was unimaginable. Each reconnaissance satellite was being operated by 144 operators stationed at the reconnaissance satellitepany¡¯s mission control.


    The job was in shifts of four at 24 hours a day, where 36 operators would work 6 hours each. The operators would only be able to leave their post for 6 hours a day. Maintaining focus under those conditions while staring at a monitor was a taxing experience.


    The radar equipped on the Apollo satellite was a QMZ-1 version radar, the Quantum Muli-Zone radar¡¯s early version. The satellite was at a geostationary orbit of 36,000km and scanned an area of 1,000km2. The area was divided again among the 36 operators so they can conduct a deeper scan.


    ¡°Something¡¯s up,¡± Private Hong Gyu-tae, one of the operators, muttered to himself while looking at an unclear dot on his radar through multiple visual filters.


    Four months ago, Hong Gyu-tae was a college student, but when the war against China broke out, he enlisted with his fellow students. After receiving basic training for a month, he was assigned to the prestigious aerospace force¡¯s reconnaissance branch thanks to his aerospace major. He went under additional training for another month before being sent to the field. After two months of training, Private Hong was sent to the 2nd Apollo battalion under the reconnaissance satellite brigade at the CC tanker in Yongsan.


    Since he had only been working at mission control for two months, Private Hong made mistakes and was scolded by his superiors. However, after getting the hang of things, he started to pull his own weight. He was about to have a subordinate working under him and nearing his promotion to private first ss. Private Hong calmly stared at his own screen and muttered to himself while concentrating.


    ¡°Sir! I think I have something. Could you please take a look?¡± Private Hong raised his hand and called over his toonmander, Lieutenant Choi Ho-yoon.


    ¡°Did you find any anomalies?¡±


    ¡°Theputer doesn¡¯t show any signs, but I think there¡¯s something strange, sir.¡±


    ¡°Put it up on screen 2!¡±


    When Lieutenant Choi Ho-yoon ordered Private Hong, he manipted the console and projected his own screen on screen 2 at the center of the room.


    The 2000-inch screen showed the skies above the pacific. The screen did not show anything strange, but a few blurry dots were moving quickly across the screen.


    If these were nes or jets, then the mission control¡¯s supeputer would have sounded the rm and show the intelligence about the objects afterparing them to the database. Sometimes, the supeputer would not sound any rm or show information. Without a closer look, the dots could have just been migratory birds.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they just birds?¡±


    The other operators looked at screen 2 and started to mutter their opinions based on experience. Most of the senior operators concluded them to be as well.


    ¡°If these are birds, there¡¯s no way they could move that fast, sir.¡±


    ¡°Now that you look at it, they are moving quite quickly, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    Lieutenant Choi Ho-yoon tapped Private Hong on the shoulder and went to themander. Lieutenant Choi Ho-yoon conversed with the mission control¡¯smander. They were given the authorization to use the high precision optical lens. Lieutenant Choi started making requests to Reconnaissance Director Oh Seung-ho after getting authorization.


    A momentter, the high precision optical lens attached to the underside of the satellite started to enhance the footage of the area Private Hong was in charge of.


    The high precision optical lens was powerful enough to show ants on the surface in high definition. When it started to focus on the area, the blurry dots started to be visible in the infrared mode. However, the infrared vision was not enough to identify the objects.


    Lieutenant Choi Ho-yoon opened his eyes wide and spoke. ¡°What the hell are those things? They are not birds for sure.¡±


    The unidentified objects must have been equipped with IRST functions since it was difficult to identify using the infrared mode. Themander himself gave an order.


    ¡°Change to the electromaic mode and enhance the footage more!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The operator in charge of the high precision optical lens answered loudly and started to manipte the console. The 2nd screen turned blue for a moment. Then the screen started to show the footage in the electromaic mode that made the objects a bit more identifiable.


    ¡°Are they jets? They look like F-22 Raptors.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then why didn¡¯t theputer detect them? Isn¡¯t it able to detect raptors easily? It detected the ones used by Japan, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Then what are those? Are they a different make?¡±


    The operators started to chime in, and Apollo 2¡¯s mission control started getting noisy. Themander shouted angrily.


    ¡°Everyone shut up!¡±


    The mission control fell silent.


    ¡°Zoom out and see how many jets there are!¡±


    When themander gave the order once again, the operators started to manipte their consoles. The second screen started to zoom out and showed many nes being detected by the electromaic mode. There were at least 100 nes detected.


    ¡°There are nes that the Apollo satellite could not detect...¡±


    The Apollo satellite¡¯s Quantum Multi-Zone radars were more than enough to detect thetest and most powerful F-22 stealth fighter jet, excluding the ones from Corea.


    ¡°Based on their direction they must be American jets. Report it to the Joint Chief of Staff and continue watching their movements.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Private Hong Gyu-tae started to cheer silently. Thanks to his hard work, they were able to detect numerous enemy aircraft that the satellite¡¯sputer could not.


    After 20 minutes had passed, numerousrge aircraft were detected by the satellite. The supeputer identified them as the American Air Force¡¯s KC-135 aerial tanker and calcted their take-off location as Okinawa and Guam.


    ¡°They are American jets!¡±


    The screen showed one KC-135 aerial tanker and 20 unidentified aircraft flying in a flight wing formation while being fueled.


    Commander Na Tae-hyun, who was looking at the screen, stroked his chin and asked one of the operators, ¡°You are sending the footage to the Joint Chief of Staff, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We are sending the footage to the air forcemand, and have data linked to the Zeus satellite¡¯s mission control as well.¡±


    <hr />


    February 19th, 2021, 18:00


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The atmosphere inside the Joint Chief of Staff¡¯smand center was dim as it watched the footage from the Apollo 2 satellite¡¯s mission control. Up to this point, the Corean military had been fighting against their enemies by using the high-powered reconnaissance satellites that allowed them to see the battlefield like the back of their hand. By forming strategies and tactics based on their satellites, they were able to achieve victory. However, this situation had shocked the Joint Chief of Staff.


    The Apollo satellite and the Quantum Multi-Zone radar that had been developed from years of research on the alien spacecraft was not functioning properly.


    Chairman Kang, who was watching the unidentified jets being fueled by the aerial tankers with a concerned look on his face, spoke. ¡°Are we sending the footage over to the underground research facility at the 17th fighter wing?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The underground research facility is watching the footage live as well.¡±


    ¡°America truly is a power to be reckoned with. I think we underestimated the nation¡¯s capabilities.¡±


    While Chairman Kang Ui-sik and Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun were conversing with each other, themunications director reported in.


    ¡°Sir! It¡¯s from themander of the aerospace forces. The Zeus 3 satellite has finished preparing for the interception and they are standing by to make an attack.¡±


    Twenty minutes ago, Chairman Kang Ui-sik received the report from the Apollo 2 satellite¡¯s mission control. He gave an order to prepare for the interception of the aircraft once they have been identified as the enemies.


    ¡°There¡¯s an issue, sir.¡±


    ¡°What issue?¡±


    ¡°The Apollo 2 satellite could only identify the aerial tanker, but the other aircraft are not detected by the radar, so they cannot data link the information. Therefore, the Zeus 3 satellite cannot start the interception, sir.¡±


    Chairman Kang¡¯s frown became deeper after hearing themunications director¡¯s report.


    ¡°Operations director.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°How about we attack them with the Epirus missiles instead? If we only attack the aerial tankers, that would mean we are letting the forces that could threaten our own go free. I am notfortable with the idea.¡±


    ¡°I agree with you as well, sir. However, since these are not stationary targets, there¡¯s a high chance they would be able to detect and avoid the Epirus missiles before they can reach them, sir.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think about that. Very well! I am authorizing the attack on the aerial tankers.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, the operations director, answered curtly and then sent out the order approving the attack for the Zeus 3 satellite.


    <hr />


    February 19th, 2021, 18:30


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku CC bunker (tactical interception satellite Zeus 3¡¯s mission control)


    ¡°Lock on target 1 and open the zoom in on screen 1.¡±


    When the operator manipted the console under the interception director¡¯s orders, the 50mm high poweredser beam focused on the target. The screen showed the first target, the KC-135 aerial tanker, after receiving the data link from the Apollo 2 satellite.


    ¡°Start the Zeus 3¡¯s interception system.¡±


    ¡°Interception system online.¡±


    The Zeus 3 satellite moved at the same speed as the earth¡¯s rotation and stared at the from a fixed location. The nozzle of the rocket started to fire up and turned towards the southern area of Honshu, Japan. The lower panel opened up and theser cannon slowly emerged from inside the satellite. The screen showed the satellite aiming the first KC-135 aerial tanker.


    ¡°Check the sma output!¡±


    ¡°Zeus 3¡¯s sma output at 100%,¡± the output operator answered loudly.


    Themander ordered the interception director to fire, and it was ryed to the cannon¡¯s operators.


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Theser beam started to spark up, then a thick red beam started to fly towards earth at the speed of light.


    The red light from space hit the KC-135 aerial tanker that had been fueling the jets. When theser tore a hole in the aerial tanker¡¯s body, the ne started to shake from the pressure difference. The flying boom connected to the F-22SR Super Raptor jet expanded and broke in the middle. The shaking KC-135 aerial tanker caught on fire and exploded.


    Booooom...


    The 18,000 gallons of jet fuel inside the KC-135 aerial tanker had created an enormous explosion. The mes started to spread out everywhere. The F-22SR Super Raptor that had been fueling up and the three other jets standing by and guarding the tanker exploded from the mes as well.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    ¡°Interception sessful! Position at N 34¡ã31¡¯44.52¡å E 147¡ã13¡¯0.31¡å.¡±


    ¡°We continue to the second interception target.¡±


    Themander gave the order to fire theser at the second target.


    Another red beam of light fell from the sky and the second KC-135 aerial tanker was hit on the left jet engine and exploded.


    Boom! Boom!


    Explosions littered the dark skies above the Pacific Ocean.

 Chapter 259

    <h4>Chapter 259</h4>


    February 19th, 2021, 18:30 (Pacific Standard Time 20:30)


    The skies above the Pacific Ocean, 1,850km southeast of Honshu, Japan


    The red beam falling from the sky had blown up six aerial tankers at once, and 11 F-22SR Super Raptor jets also exploded from the mes. The 100 F-22SR Super Raptor jets split into groups of flight wings and started to make evasive maneuvers.


    There was a problem. About 40 F-22SR jets did not receive fuel. The U.S. Air Force considered sending out additional aerial tankers from the Yokota Base, but since the tankers could be attacked again, they decided not to. The 40 unfueled F-22SR jets were ordered tond at the 7th fighter wing¡¯s base which was closest to their location.


    The 60 fueled F-22SR jets flew towards their destination, the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa at supercruise. The 40 remaining F-22SR jets turned around to head to the 7th fighter wing¡¯s Iwakuni Base and flew while conserving fuel.


    * * *


    February 19th, 2021, 20:00


    Chungbook Cheongju-si, the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground research facility, X-4b (radar systemsb)


    The researchers from the X-4b, who had developed the Quantum Multi-Zone (QMZ) radar system, watched the footage sent by the Blue House two hours ago. The QMZ radar system started development in 2018 and Chief Researcher Na Yeon-hee imed that no stealth jet nor ship could avoid detection by the QMZ for the next 10 years. However, the footage they saw today toppled that im. A ne that could avoid the radar¡¯s detection had appeared in 3 years instead of 10. Chief Researcher Na called for an emergency meeting.


    ¡°As you can see, the QMZ radar that we equipped on the Apollo satellite did not detect these nes. We muste up with a solution.¡±


    When Chief Na spoke quietly, the 30 researchers working under her all looked concerned but could not easily give an opinion. Chief Na continued to speak.


    ¡°ording to the Joint Chief of Staff, the jets have been confirmed to be American.¡±


    ¡°Chief, I don¡¯t understand how America obtained the technology to avoid our radar system. Is it possible that our tech has been leaked to the Americans?¡± Senior researcher Kang Hyuck-dong said, as if he could not understand how this could have happened.


    Chief Na Yeon-hee fell silent for a moment and continued. ¡°This is an S-ranked national secret, but considering how things are, I suppose I need to fill everyone in.¡±


    The researchers¡¯ eyes lit up from the mention of the national secret.


    ¡°America had been researching the Splithian alien technology that we have been developing decades before us.¡±


    When the researchers learned the secret that only the chiefs of eachb knew, senior researcher Kang asked again in shock. ¡°Really? How could this be...¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is top secret information, so I cannot give you the details, but America has been researching the Splithian technology for over 60 years. All the military equipment that has been developed by the American weaponspanies has been based on alien technology as well.¡±


    ¡°That changes things, doesn¡¯t it? If the Americans have the same technology that we have.¡±


    ¡°I suppose so.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case, shouldn¡¯t we have started the development of the next-generation radar earlier?¡±


    The X-4b started developing the QMZ-radar in September of 2018 and focused on how to equip the radar to different types of equipment. The Apollo satellites and the Hoc destroyers were the first to be equipped with the radar. Then, by going through miniaturization, theb continued research to equip the radar to nes and anti-air armored vehicles. In February 2021, the development for the next-generation Hyper QMZ-radar system started.


    ¡°That I regret as well, but who would have thought we would be in a war against America? That was why we focused on which tforms the radar would be equipped to,¡± Chief Na Yeon-hee also expressed regret and nced at Chief Researcher Gil Young-won.


    ¡°Chief Gil.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°How far along are we on the Hyper QMZ radar system¡¯s development?¡±


    ¡°We are about 30% finished.¡±


    ¡°30%. We still have a long way to go.¡±


    When Chief Na Yeon-hee seemed disappointed, Chief Gil Young-won spoke carefully. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I can¡¯t guarantee anything, but it could be possible to apply our core technology for the Hyper QMZ radar system we are developing to the current one.¡±


    ¡°Do you really think that is possible?¡±


    ¡°As I have said, I cannot make any guarantees. However, I think it¡¯s worth a try.¡±


    ¡°I see. The fate of our nation is on the line, so please finish the hyper quantum waves part as soon as possible and try to apply that to our current radar system. It¡¯s a race against time, so let¡¯s start research in shifts of two. Is everyone okay with that?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    When senior researcher Gil Young-won answered with a bright smile, the other researchers cheered as well.


    * * *


    February 19th, 2021, 21:00


    The Yomiuri Golf Course, 22km west from Toyonaka, Honshu, Japan


    Two days ago, the 3rd marine mobile division¡¯s armored ranger battalion had moved along the Jugoku roads to pave a path to Osaka. When they reached the point near the Kasai area, the road was blocked and they had to make a detour.


    The marine division had managed to move 22km west from Toyonaka, the final area before they reached Osaka, by mobilizing for two days. However, the anti-tank mines the Japanese army had nted along the way had made them fall a day behind schedule.


    The main forces under the 3rd mobile marine division started to head along the established path to detour into Kasai. The 10th armored brigade moved away from the main forces and started to upy the Himeji area by moving along the Hantenreraku road. When the forces took over Himeji, then the marines will move along the southern shores and march into Osaka.


    Beep, beep.


    Themunication line sent out an alert notifying the entire battalion that itsmander was on the line.


    ¡°This is the battalionmander. Eachpany is to be on high alert while using the next three hours to conduct maintenance and take a break.¡±


    When Lieutenant Colonel Hong Man-ho gave the order, eachpany set sentries by groups of toons and started to take breaks and conduct maintenance. The armored ranger battalion¡¯s 10 tanks stopped moving and took some time to take a break at therge golf course nearby. If it was not for the war, then the golf course would have hosted an international golfing tournament or had guests golfing. However, the golf course was ruined by the C-3 White Tiger tanks trampling their courses with their caterpirs.


    ¡°The HQpany is to continue the aerial reconnaissance for downtown Itami.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    At downtown Itami, Japan¡¯s 3rd mechanized infantry division, the 7th infantry regiment, 36th vehicle regiment, 37th vehicle regiment, and the 3rd armored battalion made their encampment and formed a defensive line along Osaka.


    * * *


    February 19th, 2021, 22:00


    The seas 46km west of Tae-an Penins, Chungnam


    The 10th amphibious fleet¡¯s numerous vessels with the second expeditionary force aboard had set sail from Incheon four hours ago at 18:00, and were sailing across the Tae-an Penins at high speed. The second expeditionary force¡¯s fleet consisted of 20 amphibious vessels, 30 logistical vessels, and civilian transporting vessels. There were about 150 ships in total. It was thergest number of ships deployed for a singlending mission.


    The second expeditionary force included Corea¡¯s elite force that had yed an active role in achieving victory against the Chinese: the 7th mobile corps, its subordinate forces the 20th armored division, capital armored division, and the 1st corps¡¯ 9th mechanized infantry division.


    Also, the 7th maritime floti¡¯s 72nd mobile fleet¡¯s 2 Hoc destroyers and 9 escorting ships from the 2nd fleet guarded the 150 ships against enemy jets, ships, and submarines.


    At the center of the fleet, two of Corea¡¯s next-generation Super Hoc submarines were sailing in the deep, looking out for enemy subs.


    Two days ago, the Super Hoc submarines had been deployed onto the field quietly without any ceremony and were tasked with guarding the second expeditionary force.


    These two submarines were 200m in length alone. Despite their size and the seas being shallow, the submarines glided in the ocean with the superputer¡¯s aid.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:00


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    It had been eight hours since the second expeditionary force set sail aboard the 10th amphibious fleet and other vessels. The Joint Chief of Staff¡¯smand center was watching the main screen since this morning with the chairman and the militarymanders in attendance. Soon, the fleet would sail past Jeju Ind and move into enemy waters full of danger.


    There were no reconnaissance satellites from the enemy nations scouting the Corean penins, but America could definitely be aware of 150 ships moving along the ocean. Therefore, sailing past the Corea Strait and entering the enemy territory required caution. If the second expeditionary forces were to be attacked by the U.S. Air Force or Navy while sailing, then the damages could be so severe that they would not be able tond on Japan.


    If that was the case, then the 50,000 special forces conducting gueri warfare across Japan and the 2nd marine division in charge of upying Kyushu, as well as the 3rd mobile marine division headed towards Tokyo would be in danger.


    The American and Japanese armies stationed in Japan were not a threat to the Corean military. However, the U.S. Marine¡¯s elite MEAM (Marine Expeditionary Armored Mobile) brigade that hadnded on Yokosuka Port was the issue.


    Based on the data hacked from the USSC, the marine expeditionary consisted of tanks and armored vehicles equipped with railguns, and the self-propelled guns could not be underestimated. The second expeditionary force had to sessfullynd in Japan.


    While the secondary expeditionary force was sailing across the Corea Strait, 48 KF-21P Phoenix jets and KF/A-25P ck Phoenix bombers that had taken off from the 23rd fighter wing flew in groups of flight wings at a low altitude to guard the skies. 48 additional Phoenix jets from the 38th fighter wing also took off from Gunsan and guarded the seas along northern Kyushu and Honshu.


    The Apollo 2 and 3 reconnaissance satellites started watching the Tsushima Ind area with their radar outputs at maximum. The Joint Chief of Staff must have thought that that would not have been enough and deployed two E-737 early-warning nes to increase the radar outputs in the air.


    ¡°No threats have been detected so far, sir,¡± Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun carefully reported to Chairman Kang, who was watching the screen anxiously.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, but as you know, I am concerned about the U.S. Air Force¡¯s next-generation jets.¡±


    ¡°The Apollo 2 and 3 satellites are scouting the area at the same time, so no matter how powerful their stealth capabilities are, we would be able to at least detect a trace of them, sir. Also, two Hoc destroyers are guarding the fleet, and the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser is also standing by watching the skies 200km east.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware, but I am still worried.¡±


    Chairman Kang ced his hands behind his back and continued to watch the main screen while speaking the Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun.


    Dozens of red dots appeared at the lower part of the main screen.


    ¡°N 29¡ã33¡¯1.27¡å E 127¡ã44¡¯8.18¡å, multiple enemy nes approaching.¡± The 71st maritime floti¡¯s Hoc destroyer standing by at 72km southeast from Jeju Ind had detected the enemy jets first, and the data was sent to the Joint Chief of Staff.


    ¡°Check the type and their numbers!¡±


    When the operations director gave the order, one of the senior operators shouted back a report.


    ¡°They are F-35C jets and there are 48 jets total. They seem to be jets from the 3rd fleet¡¯s 11th carrier strike group¡¯s Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78).¡±

 Chapter 260

    <h4>Chapter 260</h4>


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun gave an order to themunications director. ¡°Request footage from the Apollo 2 satellite.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll ry the order.¡±


    A momentter, screen 2 showed the 48 F-35C Lightning II jets flying low across the ocean surface in groups of flight wings. The scene made it seem as if a group of anti-ship missiles was flying across the ocean in sea-skimming mode. It seemed that the jets were trying to avoid being detected by the Corean anti-air radars.


    ¡°Based on their direction, they seem to be targeting the second expeditionary force¡¯s vessels, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I expected as much. Commence our defensive strategies as nned.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will begin with the 38th fighter wing¡¯s 111th battalion defending the fleet.¡±


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:10


    The skies above Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan


    The air forcemand headquarters were contacted by the Joint Chief of Staff. They ordered the 24 Phoenix jets under the 38th fighter wing¡¯s 111th battalion flying down the northern shoreline of Honshu and Kyushu to strike down the F-35C Lightning II jets headed north.


    The 111th battalion¡¯s 24 CF-21P Phoenix jets received the data link from the Apollo 2 satellite and started allotting their targets. The battalionmander ordered each jet tounch two rounds of their long-ranged air-to-air S-AAM-500 Cobra missiles.


    The 48 rounds of S-AAM-500 Cobra missiles had a range of 500km and moved out from the interior chamber with blue mesing out from their thrusters. They flew south at a speed of Mach 10.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:10


    The skies 146km west from Kuroshima Ind, Oita Prefecture, Japan


    Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!


    Inside the cockpits of the F-35C Lightning II jets that had taken off from the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the radar rm started to ring but then changed to the missile rms soon after.


    They were 495km away from the target. The jets had detected the general location of the enemy, but they required exact radar scans to fire their air-to-air missiles. The F-35C Lightning II jets were panicking from the enemyunching the air-to-air missiles when they needed to close the distance against the enemy to fire their own missiles. The VFA-510 flight battalion¡¯smander Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Baron made a request to the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) aircraft carrier.


    -This is VFA-510 Goliath 1! We are being attacked by enemy missiles. We require radar scans for the targets. This is urgent. Over.


    -This is Base 1! Stand by! Over.


    -It¡¯s urgent. The enemy missiles are moving at high speed.


    A momentter, the GEO 8 satellite that was at geostationary orbit above Guam started to operate and data linked its scans to the F-35C jets. The radar disy started to show the jets the vessels they needed to target with their missiles.


    ¡°This is the battalionmander. Once the targets have been aligned, fire the air-to-ship missiles and then make evasive maneuvers to approach the targets. Once the enemy nes are detected, attack under each flight wingmander¡¯s discretion. Over.¡±


    Once the flight battalionmander gave the order, the 48 F-35C Lighting II jets all split into flight wings of four. The jets started to open up their interior chambers andunched two rounds of their next-generation air-to-ship AGM-158D LRASM missiles with a range of 800km. Then, they started to make evasive maneuvers against the missiles flying towards them and scattered.


    The AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon missile was equipped with multi-mode sensors and a GPS with powerful anti-digital jamming capabilities. The missile could detect a certain target from a group of ships and destroy it. This missile reced the standard AGM-84 Harpoon missile being used by the U.S. Navy and was developed by Lockheed Martin and DARPA.


    This next-generation air-to-ship missile had a range of 800km, and unlike the regr anti-ship missiles, it was equipped with an external GPS system that would function even if the missile lost the data link from GPS settings of a radar. It would be able to freely follow its target, and that was the key focus for the development of the missile. Also, the missile would not be fooled by res and chaffs, while being able to precisely strike a moving target and able to mitigate the ECM waves being emitted by the enemy.


    The high stealth capabilities of the missile were also designed to avoid the hard-kill interceptions that the enemy ship could use. The AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon had automatic evasive systems and powerful anti-jamming features that would allow it to chase the target once it has been set.


    Ny-six rounds of the AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon missiles opened up theirteral fins and started to fly towards the 2nd expeditionary force¡¯s vessels at Mach 4. The Cobra S-AAM-500 missiles that flew at Mach 10 had reached 50km away from their targets in seconds, and started to tail the scattering F-35C Lightning II jets.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:10


    The seas 80km south from Yokosuka Port at Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 3rd carrier strike group that had arrived at Yokosuka Port first finished unloading the different military equipment and started to sail slowly out to the seas 80km southwest of Yokosuka Port. Aboard the John C. Stennis (CVN-74) carrier, which was the size of multiple football fields, many vested crewmen were moving busily on the flight deck while giving out signals.


    At the flight deck, F-35C Lighting II jets were being loaded onto the tracks and standing by to take off. With the use of the catapult tracks, the jets would be able to take off at a distance of only 100m, thanks to the speed being raised up to 200km/h. The catapult was a piece of necessary equipment that allowed the aircraft carrier to function.


    Woosh.


    When the first F-35C Lightning II jet took off into the sky, the opposing runway started to send out jets as well. Also, the jets taking off into the skies were not only from the John C. Stennis (CVN-74) but also from the 9th carrier strike group¡¯s Roosevelt (CVN-71) and the 1st carrier strike group¡¯s Carl Vinson (CVN-70).


    From the three aircraft carriers, a total of 162 jets took off into the sky. There were 72 F/A-18E/F Super Ho jets, 72 F-35C Lightning II jets, and 18 EA-18G Growler jets. Each aircraft carrier had sent out half of their aerial forces.


    Also, the 44 F-22SR Super Raptor jets that hadnded on the Japanese Air Force¡¯s 7th fighter wing base under the central air force had taken off as well and were starting to fly at low altitudes towards the Corean seas. Four B-1 Archer bombers tailed the F-22SR Super Raptor jets silently.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:10


    The seas 70km southeast of Jeju Ind (the 7th maritime floti¡¯s location)


    While the F-35C Lightning II jets were being struck down by the S-AAM-500 Cobra missiles, the verticalunchpads aboard the three Hoc destroyers standing by 70km southeast from Jeju Indunched their GTAS-150 Haegung ship-to-air missiles to intercept the AGM-158D LRASM flying towards their target.


    ¡°The three destroyers haveunched 96 rounds of Haegung missiles! 55 seconds away from impact!¡±


    Colonel Ahn Hyung-gyun, themander of the 71st fleet and captain of the Gwang Hae-goon (DDG-1001), gave orders when he heard the report from the battle station of his ship.


    -Arms man! Prepare for the second interception attempt! If our first attempt fails, then fire the second round of missiles.


    -Yes, captain!


    When the AGM-158D LRASM missiles detected the radar signals aimed towards them, they emitted a powerful anti-jamming signal. When the evasive systems activated, the missiles started to make evasive maneuvers towards inner Kyushu.


    ¡°Target 1 is 12 seconds from impact!¡±


    The AGM-158D LRASM missiles boasted a range of 800km, but since their speed was only Mach 4, the 96 rounds were being caught up by the GTAS-150 Haegung missiles.


    Boom! Boom!


    ¡°Forty-four out of 96 rounds have been taken down! The remaining 52 rounds will be targeted again for the interception.¡±


    Forty shes of lights started to show up above the Kyushu skies. However, about 60 rounds had survived the interception and continued to fly north. When the first interception attempt failed, the three Hoc destroyers set the targets a second time andunched their Haegung (GTAS-150) missiles.


    A few minutester, 52 rounds of Haegung (GTAS-150) flew off into the sky to tail the AGM-158D LRASM missiles and attempted to intercept them.


    Meanwhile, the surviving 29 F-35C Lightning II jets, excluding the 19 jets that had been taken down by the S-AAM-500 Cobra air-to-air missiles, were aided by the GEO military satellite and closed the distance between them and the Phoenix jets by 75km. When they closed in on the enemy, the F-35C jetsunched two rounds of their AIM-120C missiles and started to actively engage the enemy.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:15


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    As the Joint Chief of Staff was monitoring the battle the Hoc destroyers and Phoenix jets were fighting, reports bearing bad news started toe in.


    ¡°Multiple enemy nesing in from N34¡ã41¡¯25.04¡å E136¡ã 132¡ã58¡¯59.14¡å, sir.¡±


    ¡°There are 162 jets total consisting of 72 Super Ho jets, 72 Lightning jets, and 18 EA-18G electronic warfare jets. Pulling up their location on the main screen.¡±


    The newly detected enemy jets showed up as red dots on the main screen.


    ¡°How far away from the expeditionary force?¡± Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun asked hastily.


    ¡°340km, sir.¡±


    ¡°What? What have the radar forces been doing this whole time?¡±


    The radar forces that Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun was referencing were the forces operating the Apollo 2 and 3 reconnaissance satellites, the numerous Aegis destroyers and Hoc destroyers, and the E-737 early warning nes in the southern seas. He could not understand how the enemy could approach 340km away from their forces without being detected when they were operating numerousyers of radar scans.


    ¡°It seems that the EA-18G Growler nes jammed our radar signals, sir,¡± the operator reported sheepishly as if he was being scolded.


    ¡°Operations director!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman Kang, sir!¡±


    ¡°Deploy the 110th fighter wing battalion, and the 159th and 162nd battalion for the interception, and contact the 11th and 1st fighter wings to guard the expeditionary force¡¯s ships.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Right away.¡±


    ¡°Prepare the Zeus 1 and 2 satellites for the interception as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    However, there was something that the Joint Chief of Staff was not aware of. Forty-four F-22SR Super Raptor jets and four B-1R Archer bombers had taken off from Japan¡¯s 7th fighter wing¡¯s Iwakuni Base and 65 F-22SR Super Raptor jets and eight B-1R Archer bombers had taken off from Okinawa at the Kaneda Air Base. Also, there were four B-3 Tarant space bombers above the Corean sky¡¯s atmosphere standing by.

 Chapter 261

    <h4>Chapter 261</h4>


    February 20th, 2021, 08:15


    The skies southwest of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Twenty-four of the 38th fighter wing¡¯s 110th battalion CF-21P Phoenix jets that were in charge of escorting the outer regions the second expeditionary force was headed towards, started to fly into ind Kyushu. 10km in the rear, the 159th battalion¡¯s 24 CF-21P Phoenix jets and the 162nd aerial battalion¡¯s 24 CF/A-25P ck Phoenix bombers were speeding behind to provide support.


    As Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s CF-21P Phoenix jet, which was adorned with the kill mark of a destroyer, flew in the center of the fingertip position of the ck Moon flight wing, orders from themander of the 110th battalion came in. The six flight wings including the ck Moon started to get into the horizontal line Everest formation.


    Despite the powerful jamming radar waves of the EA-18G electronic jets, the Phoenix jets had received data links from the Apollo 2, Apollo 3 reconnaissance satellites, E-737 early warning ne, Aegis destroyers, and the Hoc destroyers. The radar disys of the Phoenix jets clearly showed the enemy jets speeding west.


    That was when the enemy jetsunched 200 rounds of missiles. There were 288 rounds in total, and they were the next-generation air-to-ship AGM-158 LRASM Harpoon missiles with a range of 800km.


    Lieutenant Colonel Yeon Ho-il, themander of the 110th flight battalion, decided to leave the enemy air-to-ship missiles to the vessels at sea and ordered his jets to attack the enemy jets instead.


    -White Angel 1! This is themander. Each flight wing is to report as soon as they allot targets.


    -ck Moon 1! Ready copy that.


    -Blue Hole 1! Ready copy that.


    -Red Fire 1! Ready copy that.


    -Yellow Dog 1! Ready copy that.


    -Green Latte 1! Ready copy that.


    When each flight wing¡¯smander finished reporting in, the battalionmander finishedmunicating with the other flight battalions and gave the order tounch the missiles.


    -White Angel 1, all flight wings fire!


    With the battalionmander¡¯s order, the 110th flight battalion¡¯s Phoenix jets opened up their internal weapons hatch andunched their mid-range air-to-air S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missiles.


    Each jetunched two rounds, totaling 48 rounds of Rattlesnake missiles. They flew off towards their targets while emitting blue mes, and dozens of white smoke trails marked the clear sky.


    Also, the 159th flight battalion and the 162nd flight battalioning from the rearunched 48 rounds of the rattlesnake missiles and flew east.


    There was a total of 144 rounds of air-to-air Rattlesnake missiles. They flew at Mach 8 and tailed the enemy jets 100km away from them. The enemy jets started to spray res and chaff while making evasive maneuvers, and the EA-18G Growler jets started to emit jamming radar signals in an attempt to fool the missiles.


    Some of the S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missiles were affected by the powerful jamming signals and exploded at the wrong spot after losing their targets. However, most of the missiles made evasive maneuvers and flew freely towards the enemy jets.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The skies 14km southeast from Miyo, Honshu were being marked dizzily by white smoke trails from the entanglement of missiles and jets.


    An S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile tailed the F-35C Lighting II jet that rapidly lowered its altitude after spraying its chaffs and res.


    Boom! Bang!


    With an explosion, the F-35C Lightning II tore into pieces and exploded. The number of U.S. Navy jets aboard the carriers started to dwindle due to the S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles. The distance between the jets closed to 80km.


    The surviving 96 Super Ho and Lighting II jets, excluding the 66 jets that were struck down by the first wave of Rattlesnake missile attacks, got a chance to retaliate after receiving aid from the GEO satellite.


    However, the Corean Phoenix jets did not give them a chance and continued tounch their S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles. While the two nations were fighting a fierce aerial battle, the Hoc destroyers under the 72nd maritime floti in charge of guarding the 2nd expeditionary forces opened up their wings and started to intercept the AGM-158 LRASM Harpoon missilesunched towards them.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:20


    The seas 62km northwest of Honshu, Tsuruga, Japan (the Japanese navy¡¯s 1st carrier strike group¡¯s location)


    The 1st carrier strike group had gathered the half-sunken ships and redeployed them after conducting emergency repairs. The ships had sailed from the Uozu Port silently in a U formation along the northern Honshu seasst night under the U.S. ¨C Japan joint militarymand¡¯s orders and reached the Maizuru seas. Then, they started their mission as nned.


    ¡°Captain, we willmence the operation in 5 minutes, sir.¡±


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur was reminiscing about the battle at Dokdo Ind at the Kaga (CV-2001)¡¯s ind bridge. When he heard Captain Oka Hiroshi¡¯s report, he opened his eyes.


    He nced at the watch on his wrist and gave the order to themunications director after checking the time.


    ¡°Wemence the operation after 5 minutes, as nned. Each vessel¡¯s captain is to check the allotment of the targets once more.¡±


    After Admiral Genzur gave a short order, he nced at the flight deck from the window of the bridge.


    There were over 60 F-35B Lightning II jets, and numerous other nes aboard the carrier when it was first deployed onto the field. However, there were now only 12 F-35B Lightning II jets, 2 EA-18G electronic warfare Growler jets, and 8 SH-60K anti-submarine choppers aboard. The flight deck seemed more empty than usual.


    ¡°I will have my revenge,¡± the admiral thought.


    Admiral Yamamoto Genzur bit his lip and checked his watch again. It was 8:24 and the second hand was moving past the 40-second mark. He walked up to themunication console himself and gave the orders to the captains of the vessels personally.


    ¡°This is Admiral Genzur. All vessels on the fleet are tounch the missiles as nned. All vesselsunch surface-to-ground missiles!¡±


    Admiral Genzur¡¯s voice was loud and powerful unlike his small stature, and it rang across the entire bridge.


    With the order tounch, all five vesselsunched their RGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles. They flew off into the sky, drawing a trail of white smoke.


    After Japan became a normal nation in 2016, its navy started to operate three different types of RGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles after importing them from America. The first model was the RGM-109A (Block II TLAM-A) with the longest range. The second was the RGM-109E (Block IV TLAM-E) with a range of 1,700km, and the final one was the cluster round RGM-109D (Block III TLAM-D) with a range of 1,300km.


    The missiles that had flown into the sky were the RGM-109E and RGM-109D missiles. Each vessel hadunched 25 rounds of each model and totaled 125 rounds of tomahawk missiles. When the missiles reached their peak altitude, they started to slowly fall towards the surface.


    The surroundings of the 1st carrier strike group were covered by thick white smoke.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:25


    The seas 319km north of Okinawa Ind at Okinawa Prefecture, Japan (The U.S. Navy¡¯s 3rd fleet 11th carrier strike group¡¯s location).


    The 11th carrier strike group¡¯s Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) aircraft carrier had deployed 18 F-35C Lighting II jets. 13 Aegis destroyers and 2 escorting vessels under the carrier strike groupunched different models of the RGM-109 Tomahawk missiles to retaliate against Corea¡¯s attack.


    Woosh, Woosh, Woosh.


    In a short period, 13 vessels hadunched numerous missiles. The sight of them flying towards the sky while emitting mes and white smoke continuously was one to behold. It was the first time America hadunched so many of these expensive missiles without worrying about the cost since the Gulf War in 1990.


    For a few minutes, sounds that shook the surface and air continued, and the number of missilesunched reached 380 rounds. To convert it to dors, it was 600 million.


    Based on the direction the missiles were headed, they were most likely targeting Jeju Ind.


    Five days ago, the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) aircraft carrier had sunk from the torpedo attack made by the Yang Se-bong (SSP-85), and the 7th fleet¡¯s 7th carrier strike group had to reorganize. Since there were no damages done to the Aegis cruiser, 2 Aegis destroyers, and a nuclear submarine, they were reassigned to the 11th carrier strike group. Now, the 11th carrier strike group was the most powerful one out of the operating naval forces America had deployed.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:25


    The seas 80km south of Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The three carrier strike groups that were stationed 30km away from each other simultaneouslyunched hundreds of RGM-109 Tomahawk missiles into the northwestern sky.


    Over 700 missiles wereunched into the sky. In a few minutes, a billion dors¡¯ worth of missiles had beenunched. Modern warfare was considered a financial war, and this was proof. At least 20 billion dors must have been spent in the U.S Japan joint military¡¯s assault. Why was America spending such copious amounts in the war against Corea? Was it to aid their ally Japan? That was only an excuse for the foreign press, as they had a different agenda in mind.


    The first reason was that the Corean government knew of the existence of the USSC organization, which should be kept secret, and the second was the nation¡¯s scientific technology. The USSC had so far privatized the alien technology and was able to control the U.S. this whole time. However, Corean technology was now making the USSC¡¯s obsolete. Therefore, the U.S. was hell-bent on taking down Corea, no matter the cost.


    It didn¡¯t matter how much money was being spent. If the U.S. defeated Corea in the war and took its scientific technology, then the money spent on the war would be nothingpared to the profits made.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:35


    The skies above Busan (altitude 12,000km)


    Four t, sleek, and triangr B-3 Tarant space stealth bombers were flying above the Corean atmosphere.


    The bombers were coated with the special stealth paint applied on the F-22SR Super Raptors as well, and they were equipped with powerful ECM radar capabilities. The B-3 Tarant was a tactical bomber that could not be detected by any radar operated by the North American space forcesmand. This craft had been standing by over Corea¡¯s atmosphere for an hour waiting for the order to attack.


    -This is the North American space forcesmand. Calling number X, 2, 2 9, 1, 0 authorizing tomence operation Red Sun, over.


    -This is Tarant 01, callsign number D, 2, 0, 5, 3, 6, A. Confirming authorization. Over.


    Once the four B-3 Tarant bombers received authorization, they started to slowly lower their altitude while heading towards their destination and entered into the atmosphere. The heat from the friction had caused the lower part of the B-3 bombers to turn bright red. Within a few minutes, the B-3 Tarant bombers arrived 80km above their targets and flew steadily at low speeds. The 4 internal weapons pairings started to open up.


    ¡°Targets locked on!¡±

 Chapter 262

    <h4>Chapter 262</h4>


    February 20th, 2021, 08:35


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Themand center of the Joint Chief of Staff was in an uproar. Since none of themanders, generals, and operators had faced such a dire situation during the months of waging war, anxiety was at an all-time high, and everyone had cold sweat running down their backs.


    The only person staying calm inside themand center was Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who was watching the main screen silently.


    Even Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il, who had served under the military for 50 years in North Korea, seemed to be anxious and was busy wiping the sweat off his brows at his chair.


    On the main screen at themand center, numerous red dots outlining the movements of the missiles flying towards Corea showed up. There were over 1,500 rounds in total, and this was excluding those that have been intercepted. To be precise, there were 255 rounds of air-to-surface missiles headed towards the 2nd expeditionary force, while 1,233 ship-to-surface missiles were flying towards Jeju Ind and ind Corea.


    Like a global power, the U.S. was attempting to win the war by its superiority in numbers. Only America was able to spare this much firepower purely using cruise missiles.


    The Joint Chief of Staff had excluded the Zeus 3 satellite that was above the maind U.S.¡¯s atmosphere in case of ICBM attacks and ordered the Zeus 1 and 2 satellites to intercept all iing ship-to-surface missiles targeting Jeju Ind and maind Corea. The anti-air forces on the ground were also ordered to begin interception as well.


    Also, the air-to-ship missiles headed towards the 2nd expeditionary force¡¯s ships were tasked to the Hoc destroyers and the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin cruiser (CG-1101).


    After the Joint Chief of Staff mobilized all interception methods, an urgent report from the operator rang out across the room again.


    ¡°The skies above Busan! Multiple objects presumed to be falling bombs have been detected. Their velocity is Mach 4.8 and gaining speed! Sixteen are headed towards downtown Busan while the rest are headed towards the 11th fighter wing¡¯s base in Gimhae. The Busan anti-air forces are entering the interception phase.¡±


    ¡°How can enemy bombs fall on Busan from that altitude?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who was maintaining hisposure, got up from his chair and shouted.


    However, more bad news poured in.


    ¡°Bombs have been detected above Daegu! 40 rounds! Velocity at Mach 5.1! Based on their trajectory, the targets are downtown Daegu and the 11th fighter wing¡¯s base! Entering the interception phase now.¡±


    ¡°Bombs have been detected above Gwangju! 40 rounds! Velocity at Mach 4.9! Based on their trajectory, the targets are downtown Gwangju and the 1st fighter wing¡¯s base! We will start the interception immediately.¡±


    ¡°More bombs have been detected above Gunsan as well. 40 rounds in total, with a velocity of Mach 4.5. Their targets are the 38th fighter wing base and downtown Gunsan! 52 seconds from impact!¡±


    Due to the numerous reportsing in, themand center was already noisy, but now things were getting worse.


    ¡°Transition into the CAMD system, and tell the Hades satellite to enter into interception immediately!¡±


    ¡°Sir! There¡¯s not enough time for the Hades satellite to attempt interceptions.¡±


    Chairman Kang bit down on his lower lip and drew blood when he heard the operations director¡¯s report.


    ¡°Right now, we must get the Zeus 1 and 2 interception satellites to start taking down the missiles immediately and have each fighter wing take charge of defending the skies of each city, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right, contact the aerospace forcesmand and have them intercept the missiles with the Zeus satellites.¡±


    It was a race against time. There were only 30 seconds for the Corean military to intercept the enemy missiles. Operations director, Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun gave themunications director the orders which were then ryed to the aerospacemand immediately.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:35


    The 11th fighter wing¡¯s base at Daegu


    The air raid sirens of the 11th fighter wing that operated the F-15K m Eagles and the CB-30P Phoenix bombers started going off. The Skybow A2 armored vehicles, which had the longest range among the armored vehicles that were in charge of interception, started tounch their S-LAM-300 ground-to-air missiles. Since the war was going on, they were ready tounch the missiles round the clock, and the response was quick.


    Each vehicle had two 9-round MLRS(3¡Á3)unch pads. Seven rounds of S-LAM-300 missiles flew into the sky while leaving a white smoke trail into the sky. The first S-LAM-300 missile rose at Mach 6 to close in on the GBU-45/D (MOAB).


    Right before impact, the GBU-45/D MOAB¡¯s rear thrusters exploded and created a force matching a rocket engine, and started to fall towards the surface at high speed. The S-LAM-300 missile lost its target and exploded after shooting into the empty sky.


    The GBU-45/D (MOAB) had detected the radar signals of the interception missiles and operated its thrusters to raise its speed to Mach 10. It was the 21st century¡¯s greatest bomb equipped with an A.I.


    Only six GBU-45/D MOAB bombs were intercepted by the first wave of S-LAM-300 missiles. The anti-air force¡¯s Skybow A2 vehicles attempted a second interception, but the speed of the MOAB made it leave the target altitude. They had no choice but to leave it to the CSMA-1 Skyhorse A2 artillery force and the C-30 Flying Tiger A2 forces.


    The six CSMA-1 Skyhorse A2 armored vehicles set their two 6-round MLRS (3¡Á2)unch pads at an 80-degree angle and started tounch their S-LAM-100 Light Dragon missiles. Dozens of the missiles with an effective range of 30km flew into the sky while being entwined with each other like snakes. Soon, multiple shes of light started to show up in the sky.


    Boom! Boom!


    shes of light showed up between the clouds like a lightning storm, and the sounds of the explosions rang across the skies in Daegu. The citizens of Corea, who had not heard a single air-raid siren for the two months of war against China, panicked from the air-raid sirens. They started to run for shelter in bunkers and subway stations, causing the city to be in chaos.


    The interception rate of the S-LAAM-100 Light Dragon missiles was quite high. Out of 34 rounds, 22 were intercepted sessfully. There were now 12 GBU-45/D MOABs left, but there wasn¡¯t enough time for a second attempt. The Skyhorse A2 armored vehicle and the C-30 A2 Flying Tiger armored vehicle¡¯s secondary weapons, the 12mm 6-barrelled Vulcan guns started to spin and spray whiteser beams towards the sky.


    Dozens ofser beams flew into the sky to form a. Soon the GBU-45/D MOAB that emerged from the skies could be seen falling at frightening speed by the naked eye.


    Boom! Boom!


    A few secondster, the 11th fighter wing was struck by the MOABs that broke through theser Vulcan beam¡¯s of fire. The giant explosion caused a shockwave that spread across a few kilometers. It destroyed the airbase¡¯s buildings and shattered the windows of the homes nearby.


    A firestorm ensued after the explosion, causing everything within an 80m radius to be wiped out. A mushroom cloud then rose and started to break down the surrounding buildings. Some of the wreckage flew a few kilometers away.


    The igloos that protected numerous aircrafts all copsed helplessly from the explosion.


    Luckily, 60 F-15K m eagle jets had all been sent out to protect the second expeditionary force¡¯s fleet, so they managed to survive the explosion.


    However, 16 CB-30P Phoenixnd bombers were damaged severely.


    The 11th fighter wing had sustained heavy losses from only three rounds of the GBU-45/D MOABs. The base and city of Daegu were covered in thick ck smoke that started to cover the sky.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:35


    The 23rd fighter wing¡¯s air force base at Kyungnam, Gimhae


    From space, the GBU-45/D MOABs falling at frightening speed exploded each time a red beam of light shed. A few minutes ago, the Zeus 1 satellite which was intercepting the ship-to-surface missiles flying towards Corea had been ordered to change directions and intercept the bombs falling on Busan and Gimhae.


    Boom! Boom!


    shes of light showed up between the white clouds. Then, the second and third GBU-45/D MOABs blew up after being hit by theser beams. The Busan anti-air forces and the anti-air forces under the 23rd fighter wing started tounch their S-LAM-300 surface-to-air missiles. The 30 rounds of missiles were about to crash into the GBU-45/D MOABs, but they used their self-thrusters to avoid the interception. Only eight MOABs were intercepted by the first wave of S-LAM-300 missiles.


    However, unlike Daegu, the Zeus 1 satellite continued to use its precision targeting to intercept the GBU-45/D MOABs with itsser. Also, the local anti-air forces used their CSMA-1 Skyhorse A2 and C-30 Flying Tiger A2 armored vehicles tounch interception missiles and managed to take out all of the MOABs. Luckily, none of the GBU-45/D MOABs fell on Busan and Gimhae like they did on Daegu.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:40


    The outer atmosphere above southern Corea


    The Joint Chief of Staff concluded that there must be a high-altitude bomber that was not being detected by the radars, and immediately deployed the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space jet. Four Three-toed Crow jets were flying within the atmosphere at high speed.


    However, no trace of an enemy bomber could be found. The four Three-toed Crow jets changed their altitude and widened their radar scans. The Three-toed Crow jet 1 decided to raise its altitude to 1000km and check the outer atmosphere. When the main and sub engines started to heat up, the jet sped up to Mach 18 and reached its maximum speed of Mach 38 to fly into the outer atmosphere.


    The outer atmosphere that was nearly a vacuum was peaceful. It was as if the earth was floating in a ck sea. The dream-like and dazzling view made the co-pilot, Captain Oh Sang-gu, lose his focus during the mission and exim.


    ¡°Hey! Focus, will you?¡± Major Ahn Hyeok, the pilot of the jet, shouted at him.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir!¡±


    ¡°Sir! We found them.¡±

 Chapter 263

    <h4>Chapter 263</h4>


    The Three-toed Crow 1 operated the improved version of the QMZ-01 quantum multi-zone radar, the QMZ-01A. However, the reduced size had caused the QMZ-01A to lose the range of the quantum radar waves.


    Major Ahn Hyeok, the director of the flight systems, emitted the quantum waves in all directions to search for the enemy. He had found something in the upper atmosphere.


    While Major Ahn Hyeok was typing on the console keyboard swiftly, the four objects showed up on Lieutenant Colonel Lee Du-ho¡¯s pilot dashboard as well. Based on their location, they are 89km north of Guam at an altitude of 850km with an angle of 68 degrees and entering the outer atmosphere.


    ¡°What are those? Are they space jets as well?¡± Lieutenant Colonel Lee Du-ho checked his disy and asked Major Ahn in disbelief.


    ¡°I think so, sir. It seems America has developed an operable space jet and deployed them on the field.¡±


    ¡°Very well! We have them in our sights now, so let¡¯s confirm our suspicions! Major Ahn! Datalink to jets 2, 3, and 4 as well!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°We will transition into TCS mode and fly within the enemy¡¯s vicinity.¡±


    ¡°Transitioning into TCS mode, sir.¡±


    When Major Ahn sent out the 3-dimensional quantum multi-zone radar waves simr to the Apollo satellites and detected nothing, he changed the radar waves to a single-directional one with the QMZ-01A radar. Luckily, he detected something. The powerful radar waves would be focused on a single area and had a smaller scope, but it was good at detecting unidentified objects.


    A momentter, the three space jets that were patrolling the lower altitudes reached the outer atmosphere and flew up next to the Three-toed Crow jet 1. The,n they used their TCS modes to be invisible and started to speed towards the unidentified objects.


    <hr />


    February 20th, 20201, 08:45


    The seas 56km southeast of Busan (the 2nd expeditionary force¡¯s escorting fleet)


    Twenty minutes ago, the three U.S. aircraft carriers near Yokosuka port had deployed the F-35C Lightning II jets and F/A-18E/F Super Ho jets. Once the battle between the Corean jets and the American ones started, the U.S. jetsunched 266 rounds of their AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon missiles. The two Hoc destroyers and 2nd escorting fleet¡¯s shipsunched their GTAS-150 Haegung missiles and SM-2 anti-air missiles continuously to intercept the 266 rounds of the AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon missiles.


    However, the issue was intercepting the missiles simultaneously. There were multiple RGM-109 ship-to-surface cruise missiles and BU-43/B MOABs falling towards ind Corea, and the Zeus 1 and 2 satellites were busy taking them down. The two Hoc destroyers and nine escorting ships from the 2nd expeditionary force could only intercept 100 missiles.


    The oing missiles were speeding towards their targets at Mach 4, and there was no guarantee that 100% of the missiles would be intercepted. There wasn¡¯t enough time. Based on the interception capabilities, speed, and distance of the enemy missiles, there would only be three interception chances.


    To intercept the 266 rounds of the AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon missiles, over 100 rounds of the GTAS-300 Sky Sea Dragon and SM-2 ship-to-air missiles started to fly southeast towards ind Honshu. Soon, the main screen at the battle station of the Sukjong (DDG-1005) started to show a few red dots disappearing. However, only 81 missiles out of 100 were sessfully intercepted. The 185 rounds of the AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon started to fly towards the 2nd expeditionary force¡¯s ships.


    ¡°We use the Haegung missiles for the second interception attempt.¡± Lieutenant Colonel Ahn Hyung-dong, who had receivedmand of the interception from the captain of the Sukjong (DDG-1005), considered the remaining rounds of the Sky Sea Dragon missiles and decided to use the Haegung missiles instead.


    The 80 rounds of GTAS-150 Haegung missiles and 20 rounds of the SM-2 missiles wereunched from the verticalunch pads aboard the Hoc destroyers. The 100 missiles flew into the sky and soon disappeared.


    ¡°All 100 anti-air missiles have been sessfullyunched! 55 seconds before the first missiles reach their target!¡±


    While the operators reported in, the main screen at the battle station showed the missiles flying towards the red dots in blue lines. The distance between them was closing rapidly.


    When the colored lines and dots met with each other, they disappeared from the screen. The interception operators started to report on the sesses and failures.


    ¡°Targets 1, 2, and 3 intercepted, target 4 failed!¡±


    When the six interception operators reported at once, the battle station became noisy.


    ¡°Each operator is to ce the results on the screen and stop reporting. The arms man is to report the final results!¡± the operations director shouted.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°The second interception attempt results are in, sir. 73 rounds out of 100 have been intercepted! There are 112 rounds headed towards our fleet and they are 85 seconds away from impact!¡±


    The first mate, Lieutenant Colonel Oh Dong-hyun¡¯s voice came through the bridge, ¡°Director!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°This is the first mate. The Lee Sun-shin cruiser is requesting data links. They will aid in our interception, so contact them immediately and allot targets.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    The Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser that had been standing by at the midpoint of the path of the 2nd expeditionary forces, radioed in to provide aid for the interception.


    ¡°Radar operator, datalink to the Lee Sun-shin, and we will now perform interceptions with just the Hoc destroyers and the Lee Sun-shin cruiser. Allot the targets for the Lee Sun-shin!¡±


    ¡°Datalinkplete! We have given them 50 targets, sir.¡±


    ¡°Once the targeting isplete,unch the missiles.¡±


    ¡°Targetingplete.¡±


    ¡°Fire.¡± The operations director quickly gave the order tounch.


    The two Hoc destroyers eachunched 25 rounds of GTAS-150 Haegung missiles. The Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser that was 175km northeast alsounched 50 rounds of GTAS-150 Haegung missiles as well and they headed south.


    ¡°33 seconds before the first missiles reach the target!¡±


    The crew of the Sukjong (DDG-1005) all watched the screen.


    ¡°5 seconds from impact, 4, 3, 2, 1.¡±


    The skies above the northern Honshu Sea started to fill up with shes of light. The senior operators of the battle station started to report about the interception results.


    ¡°106 rounds out of 112 have been intercepted! The remaining 6 are 38km from our location and 27 seconds from impact.¡±


    Out of the hundreds of red dots, only six remained on the screen.


    ¡°Great! Transition into the automatic terminal phase interception.¡±


    ¡°Transitioning into the automatic interception system.¡±


    When the operations director gave the order, the arms operators started to manipte the consoles.


    The Hoc supeputer aboard the Sukjong (DDG-1005) started to allot targets to its sister ship, the Jeongjo (DDG-1007), based on the auto defensive systems. Each shipunched three rounds of the Shield-M short-range missiles.


    The 16 MLRSunch pads emerged from the rear chopper hangars of two Hoc destroyers tounch six rounds of the Shield-M missiles.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Ten secondster, six shes of lighting from an explosion could be seen from the bridge. Soon they disappeared and only ck smoke remained.


    <hr />


    February 20th, 2021, 08:45


    The seas 70km southeast of Jeju Ind (the 7th mobile fleet, 71st maritime floti¡¯s location)


    Thirty minutes ago, the 71st maritime floti¡¯s three Hoc destroyers had sessfully intercepted all AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon missilesunched by the F-35C Lightning II jets from the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) aircraft carrier by using their own missiles.


    The RGM-109 Tomahawk missilesunched by the 3rd fleet¡¯s 11th carrier strike group were headed towards Jeju Ind. The interception for them was still ongoing.


    The S-LAM 300 Skybow A2, Haegung, and Sky Sea Dragon interception missiles from the anti-air brigades at Jeju Ind, and the three Hoc destroyers continued to fly south. Each time the missiles flew by, the number of RGM-109 Tomahawk missiles dwindled.


    The RGM-109 Tomahawk missiles flew through the skies while avoiding detection from the enemy radars by weaving in and out. The S-LAM 300 A2 Skybow missiles raised their altitudes and crashed into them.


    Boom! Boom!


    There were 389 rounds of RGM-109 Tomahawk missiles when they were firstunched, but now only 100 rounds were remaining due to the continued interceptions. This proved that the Corean cruise missiles were excellent at intercepting the enemy missiles, but the precision of the radars which were unhindered by jamming waves yed a part as well.


    Meanwhile, the 11th carrier strike group¡¯s 48 F-35C Lighting II jets attacked the 2nd expeditionary force¡¯s ships with their AGM-158D LRASM Harpoon missiles once they were targeted by Corea¡¯s CF-21P Phoenix jet¡¯s S-AAM-500 Cobra missiles. The Lighting II jets engaged in a battle against the 111th flight battalion¡¯s 24 CF-21P Phoenix jets.


    However, the 32 F-35C Lightning II jets were outmatched by the Corean jets and were soon taken down. The surviving 16 jets all started to retreat and head back to their carriers. Unlike their enemies, the 111th flight battalion¡¯s 24 CF-21P Phoenix jets were unharmed and started to fly around the skies in groups of flight wings to patrol for enemies.


    Momentster, the dashboard of the 111th flight battalion¡¯s CF-21P jets started to sound the RWR rm. Then, the rm started to warn about missileunches.


    The pilots of the CF-21SP jets had never experienced their jets being locked on by a missile since they started piloting the 7th generation Phoenix jets, so they were surprised. However, they all sprayed chaffs and res under the flight wingmander¡¯s orders and started to scatter while emitting powerful SECM jamming waves.


    -Typhoon 1! This is the battalionmander. Multiple bogies at the south point. The distance at 55 check! Each flight wing is to make evasive maneuvers and retaliate, over!


    Lieutenant Colonel Park Tae-gwang, themander of the 111th flight battalion, started giving out orders through themunication line. Dozens of ck missiles started to fly towards the 111th flight battalion at Mach 6.


    Boom!


    Two rounds of ck missiles flew towards each CF-21P Phoenix jet. One of the jets moved with a force of 10Gs to avoid the first missile, but the second had struck the rear of the jet. The explosion had caused the jet¡¯s rear to be torn off.


    Boom!


    The rear of the jet caught on fire. Before the entire jet exploded, the automatic ejector system activated, allowing the pilot to escape safely.


    Three more CF-21P Phoenix jets exploded from the sudden missile attacks and the ming shrapnel started to fall to the surface. The remaining 21 CF-21P Phoenix jets followed the battalionmander¡¯s orders andunched their S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missiles to the enemy jets after locking on. The radar disy identified the jets as F-22SR Super Raptor jets.

 Chapter 264

    <h4>Chapter 264</h4>


    These jets were the 65 F-22SR Super Raptor jets and 8 B-1R Archer bombers that had taken off from Kadena Air Base at Okinawa.


    The surprise attack did not deter the 21 CF-21P Phoenix jets from retaliating, and each of themunched two rounds of their S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles. They flew towards the F-22SR Super Raptors at high speed. The F-22SR Super Raptor jetsunched their own ck AIM-120F AMRAAM missiles.


    The AIM-12F AMRAAM missile was the final improved version of the AIM-120D missile. The range was reduced drastically from 180km to 100km, but its maximum speed was increased up to Mach 6, allowing the missile to be a hypersonic one that could ignore the evasive maneuvers of the target.


    Dozens of AIM-120F missiles wereunched from the eight B-1R Archer flying 50km behind the F-22 Super Raptors.


    The B-1R Archer was able to load 32 rounds of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to mitigate the lower weapons capacity of the F-22SR Super Raptor jets.


    Also, the B-1R Archer was equipped with an integrated aerospace system that allowed them to receive data from the jets engaged in battle. After receiving data from the other jets, it could attack the enemy from the rear.


    Each B-1R Archer was equipped with 16 rounds of AIM-120D AMRAAM missiles and the AIM-120F AMRAAM missiles. To sum up the total of all the missiles that the 65 F-22SR Super Raptor jets and 8 B-1R Archer bombers had, there were 340 rounds for the AIM-120F AMRAAM jets alone. Even excluding the first rounds theyunched, there were still 339 rounds remaining.


    Woosh, woosh.


    Hundreds of air-to-air missilesunched from both sides flew across each other, and they started to fly towards the enemy¡¯s formation.


    Each CF-21P Phoenix jet had four rounds of missiles tailing them. As the jets sprayed chaffs and res while raising their altitude to make evasive maneuvers, the missiles started to gather towards the CF-21P Phoenix jet that was being piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Park Tae-gwang, the battalionmander.


    However, the powerful SECM jamming waves had caused two AIM-120F AMRAAM missiles to lose track of their targets and made them fall to the ground and explode. Also, one of the AIM-102F AMRAAM missiles crashed into the metal shrapnel of the chaff.


    The final round of the AIM-120F AMRAAM missile was tailing the CF-21P Phoenix jet and was about to turn its trajectory to hit its target. The Phoenix jet immediately turned 180 degrees and started to dive down. If the CF-21P Phoenix jet did not have the ACS (Antigravity Control System) equipped, then the pilot would not have been able to attempt such a maneuver and fainted from the 10G force.


    The high-tech maneuver that the CF-21P Phoenix jet made had caused the AIM-120F missile to lose its maximum maneuverability and made a wider turn than necessary. The jet raised its altitude, and once the missile was in view, the pilot aimed towards the tail of the missile and fired the 12mmser Vulcan beams.


    The whiteser beams flew towards the target in a downward spiral. When theser beams struck the missile, it exploded.


    The surviving CF-21P Phoenix jet started to fire its remaining missiles towards the F-22SR Super Raptor jets.


    The skies on the other side had America¡¯s F-22SR Super Raptors making evasive maneuvers to avoid the S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles, but they started to be struck down by the missiles.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:45


    The skies southwest of Honshu, Japan


    Twenty minutes ago, the skies above southwestern Honshu started to look like fireworks were going off from all the explosions.


    The three Corean flight battalions consisted of CF-21P Phoenix jets and CF/A-25P ck Phoenix bombers were fiercely battling against the 160 F/A-18E jets, 72 Super Ho jets, 72 Lightning II jets, and 18 EA-18G Growler jets that had taken off from three U.S. aircraft carriers.


    The 20 minutes of aerial battles had caused both sides to exhaust their missiles, and the jets were now in a dog fight with each other at their tails.


    Through the white clouds, the two rounds of S-AAM-50 heat-seeking missiles were chasing the F/A-18E/F Super Hos flying down while spraying chaffs and res from both sides. One of the S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper missiles crashed into a re and exploded, but one of them was still tailing the F/A-18E/F Super Ho jets.


    Boom!


    The F/A-18E/F Super Ho jet split into two pieces and exploded in the sky. All 72 F/A-18E/F SuperHo jets were taken down, and now there were only 22 F-35C Lightning II jets and 11 EA-18G Growler jets.


    Meanwhile, the three Corean flight battalion¡¯s Phoenix and ck Phoenix jets were unharmed. The performance of the ck Moon flight wing, beingmanded by Major Choi Young-ho, the top gun, was excellent. The ck Moon flight wing had taken down 22 F/A-18E/F Super Hos, and F-35C Lighting II jets. Eleven of those were taken down by Major Choi personally.


    The 20-minute-long dog fight between the 200 jets and the tide of the battle favored the Corean air force. The enemy jets started to turn around and move southwest while raising their altitude once the order to retreat came in.


    ¡°I will not let you go that easily, you bastards,¡± Major Choi thought.


    Major Choi had taken down his 12th F-35C Lightning II jet that had turned tail with his 12mmser beams. As he was about to chase after the EA-18G Growler jet that had caused the most trouble for them, the RWR rms started to sound.


    ¡°What the-!¡±


    Major Choi checked his radar when the RWR rm started to sound, but he did not see any new nes being detected on the screen.


    Beeeeeeeeeep.


    Then, the rm changed to the missileunch rm and the radar¡¯s disy showed two missiles headed towards him at 2 o¡¯clock, 90km away. There were also 100 missiles on the screen. It seemed that the enemy hadunched two rounds of missiles towards each allied ne.


    The voice of each battalionmander came through the radio, and every flight wing, including Major Choi¡¯s ck Moon started to split in both directions to make evasive maneuvers. When the missiles were somewhat closing in, the jets started to spray chaffs and res.


    The missiles flew at high speed and struck many Phoenix jets and ck Phoenix bombers. Three Phoenix jets and one ck Phoenix bomber were taken down by the missile attack despite none of them being harmed during the dogfight.


    Luckily, the pilots of the four jets all escaped safely. Lieutenant Colonel Yeon Ho-il, themander of the 110th flight battalion, started speaking with the other battalionmanders and gave orders to his own battalion.


    -White Angel 1! This is themander. Our battalion is to fly towards theunch point at high speeds and engage in battle. Each flight wing is to transition into the fingertip formation and move using afterburners. Over.


    The 24 CF-21P Phoenix jets under the 110th flight battalion raised their altitudes and started to fly towards their 11 o¡¯clock using their afterburners. The 159th flight battalion¡¯s 21 CF-21P jets also followed suit. The remaining 23 CF/A-25P ck Phoenix bombers under the 162nd flight battalion remained and chased after the fleeing jets.


    A second wave of missile attacks was headed towards the 110th flight battalion¡¯s jets traveling at Mach 8 using their afterburners. The unidentified objects started to slowly show up on the radar.


    There were 44 F-22SR Super Raptor jets detected on the radar.


    * * *


    February 20th, 2021, 08:55


    The national emergency situation bunker under the Blue House, Seoul


    President Suh Hyun-woo had moved into the underground bunker once the air-raid sirens rang across the entire nation. After he evacuated, he watched through the TV the scene at downtown Daegu after it was hit by the BU-43/B MOABs.


    Excluding the 11th fighter wing base, four MOAB rounds were dropped onto downtown Daegu. The Dongseongro area, the most popted in the city, suffered the greatest. The air-raid sirens allowed some of the citizens to take shelter in the nearby subways, but since it wasmuting hours, many people had sought shelter in buildings and there were severe casualties.


    The buildings within a 50m radius of the st site had all copsed with half of their steel frames exposed, emitting ck smoke. Many citizens seemed to be trapped under the copsed buildings, and there were many citizens and drivers injured on the road. Many firefighters and brave citizens were risking their lives to rescue those trapped inside the buildings.


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who was watching the scene through the television, had a somber look on his face. The chief secretary and the national security director also had grim looks on their faces as well.


    President Suh Hyun-woo ced his palms on his face to think, then grabbed the phone and started dialing.


    ¡°This is the president.¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    The other person on the line was Chairman Kang Ui-sik of the Joint Chief of Staff.


    ¡°I hope I am not calling you during a crisis.¡±


    -No, sir, Mr. President! It¡¯s fine.


    ¡°I just heard the news about Daegu being bombed through the news.¡±


    -Apologies, sir. The situation is grave, so I was going to report in once it was taken care of.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call you to scold you about not reporting in.¡±


    -Then, why did you...?


    ¡°I am giving you an order as themander-in-chief of Corea. I am giving full authorization to the Joint Chief of Staff to use tactical weapons against America. Please do your best to prevent another oue like Daegu from happening.¡±


    -Mr. President! Are you authorizing us to attack maind America as well?


    ¡°If you judge it to be appropriate, then do so. I will speak with the Minister of National Defense.¡±


    -Yes, sir. Then we acknowledge receipt of the authorization to attack maind America and the use of tactical weapons and head into battle.


    ¡°Since we are in an emergency, let¡¯s finish the call.¡±


    -Understood, sir!


    After he put down the receiver, Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae and National Security Director Oh Jang-soo stood up and nced at the president with a bewildered look on their faces. When Director Oh Jang-soo was about to say something, the president raised his palm as if to stop him, and called over the chief secretary.


    ¡°Secretary Na, please call the Minister of National Defense.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Also, once the situation settles down a bit, I would like to make a national address.¡±


    ¡°I will make the preparations, sir.¡±


    ¡°Please call the NSC in attendance within 30 minutes as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±

 Chapter 265

    <h4>Chapter 265</h4>


    February 20, 2021, 09:00 (Guam time 10:00)


    Outer space at an altitude of 1,100 km at the northern end of Guam, USA


    388 units of RGM-109 Tomahawk had been fired by destroyers of the 3rd Fleet of the 11th Carrier Strike Group to strike Jeju Ind. Also, 125 units of RGM-109 Tomahawk had been fired by the 1st Carrier Strike Group to aim coastal industrialplexes, Pohang and Ulsan. But they failed to achieve their goals because they were mostly intercepted and exploded in the air. Only eleven missiles hit Jeju Ind and the Corean Penins. However, most people had already evacuated so there was no human injury from those missiles.


    What was left were 720 units of RGM-109 Tomahawks that were fired from the three U.S. aircraft carriers. But 261 of them had also been intercepted. Besides, KS-AD Zeus 1 and 2, the strategic interception satellites, that had intercepted missiles from other regions, had also joined in the interception effort. So, the interception rate increased quite significantly.


    On the other hand, fierce air battles were taking ce between the southwestern ends of Kyushu and Honshu. Outside the atmosphere above the South Pacific, the first space battles in human history were just beginning.


    Four units of CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow were in activated TCS (transparent concealment system) mode. They had broken through the atmosphere above Guam. They were approaching 3km away from an unidentified aircraft flying in space in the exosphere and began to close the gap. If they got closer, even if they were using TCS mode and strong SECM, other spaceships could sense or catch the Three-toed Crows. So, they kept a minimum distance of 3km.


    Each CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow flew alongside an unidentified aircraft.


    ¡°Captain Oh, do you recognize that symbol?¡± Lieutenant Colonel Lee Du-ho, who was the captain of the first Three-toed Crow, looked at the disy erged with an optical lens and asked Captain Oh Sang-gu.


    On the screen, there was an unidentified aircraft in the form of a t triangle on a twin-engine. On the rear wing, there was a symbol that said ¡°NORAD.¡±


    In response, co-pilot Captain Oh Sang-gu turned his gaze towards the disy and said, ¡°Well. I think I saw a mark like that from somewhere, but I can¡¯t remember.¡±


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have asked him. Isn¡¯t that right, Major Ahn?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Major Ahn Hyeok, who was operating the anti-war control console from the back seat of the cockpit, answered.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you identify friend or foe yet?¡±


    ¡°I am scanning and linking with identification database now. Please wait for a moment.¡±


    Major Ahn Hyeok, who was in charge of various radars and armed operations,pleted the scan of the unidentified aircraft and checked it byparing it with the identification database. However, no other information came out. So, he linked to thetest database updated yesterday in an S-ss confidential form. Soon, information about the unidentified aircraft appeared on the disy.


    ¡°Identification of friend or foe is over. Please check your disy,¡± Major Ahn Hyeok said.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Du-ho pressed the button of the tactical disy and the information about the unidentified aircraft appeared on the 5-inch screen.


    The name of the unknown aircraft was the B-3 Tarant, a space fighter that was currently affiliated with the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Then, detailed data appeared as well.


    ¡°I knew it! But damn, America has really serious technology. Anyway, since we confirmed they are American aircraft, let¡¯s begin the attack,¡± Lieutenant Colonel Lee Du-ho smiled and gave orders. ¡°This is CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow one. It is confirmed as American aircraft. We will engage. First, increase the distance, cancel the TCS mode and immediately start the attack. Over.¡±


    ¨C Three-toed Crow two! Copy that!


    ¨C Three-toed Crow three! Copy that!


    ¨C Three-toed Crow four! Copy that!


    ¡°Engage All Fence Go in distance 5.¡±


    To use the ultra-high power 50mmser beam of the Three-toed Crow, they had to turn off the TCS (transparent concealment system) mode. This was because the power consumption of the TCS was too high. If they attacked without turning it off, an overload might ur.


    At the order of Lieutenant Colonel Lee Du-ho, the four Three-toed Crow jets increased the distance. When they moved about 5km away, they turned off TCS mode, and the ultra-high power 50mmserunchers popped out from the bottom of the jets.


    The redser beams, flying at the speed of light, swept through the four B-3 Tarants flying over the Corean penins in a diamond formation for a second bombardment.


    Of these, several holes were drilled in the rear of the fusge of one Tarant flying from the right. The internal engine was damaged as well. A me broke out immediately, then it exploded, and debris scattered all over the ce.


    One Tarant that was flying at the back was also damaged in the rear. Dark red smoke and mes erupted. It fell to earth by gravity, started turning into a big ball of fire, and eventually burned down.


    The other two Tarants were lucky. Even though they were hit by theser, they sped up and started evasion maneuvers. Two Three-toed Crows followed them and continued to fireser beams.


    The space warfare like a scene out of Star Wars was actually taking ce in outer space.


    After a while, the Tarants began to counterattack. A high-heat light was seen from the circrunch tube protruding from the top of the jet¡¯s fusge.


    This weapon was an Airborne Laser (ABL), which could be considered as an early model of aser weapon. Due to the high cost and the shoring of having to carry a huge COIL (Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser), there had been constant opposition to its use. However, the U.S. Department of Defense had continued to pursue research and seeded in developing it with a weight of 5kg per kW and a maximum volume of 3m3 in 2020. As a result, a high-energyser weapon weighing only 907kg in the 150kW ss was equipped on the B-3 Tarant for the first time.


    However, the downside of the early version of theser weapon, ABL, was that it had to hit the target with high heat for at least 10 seconds to be effective. The two Three-toed Crows moved side to side and emascted the ABLser.


    ¡°This is Three-toed Crow one. Three and four! Can¡¯t you shoot?¡±


    ¨C This is Three-toed Crow three. The enemy aircraft has a better steering power than expected.


    ¨C This is Three-toed Crow four. I am sorry, sir. We will do our best.


    ¡°You should have hit them in the first shot!¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Du-ho was engaged in a three-dimensional chase where it was difficult to distinguish top and bottom. He fired aser beam towards the bottom of the one Tarant while making a big turn from the opposite side of Three-toed Crow 2 and 3.


    As dozens ofser beams hit the bottom of the Tarant,rge and small sparks bounced and then exploded. Only one enemy was left now. On the disy, thest Tarant was disappearing as it entered outer space at a speed close to Mach 20. Three-toed Crow 4 elerated and tracked it, continuing to fire aser beam.


    And after a while, theser beam hit the Tarant right on the engine. It exploded in a dark red me.


    In less than five minutes, mankind¡¯s first space war was over. America¡¯s newest space bomber, the B-3 Tarants, had all been reduced to dust in space.


    ¡°There may be other aircraft, so we will go into reconnaissance mode from now on. No. 3 and no. 4 fly to the Corean penins, reconnaissance in the outer space and atmosphere, while no. 2 turns here and enters reconnaissance. No. 1 will move over Guam. Don¡¯t use the multi-domain radar. Use a one-way QMZ-01A radar. Over.¡±


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 09:05


    The sky over the northern end of Honshu, Japan


    During the dogfight, one Red Phoenix fighter jet was shattered in the air by numerous AIM-120 AMRAAMs. The B-1R Archer¡¯s AIM-120F AMRAAM attack that supported the F-22SR Super Raptor from the back was very fierce.


    On the other hand, one CF-21P Red Phoenix chased a F-22SR Super Raptor, consistently shootingser Vulcan beams. The F-22SR Super Raptor¡¯s rear became like a beehive. Dark smoke came out of the aircraft and soon it exploded, falling to the ground.


    ¡°This is White Angel One! This is the battalionmander. Detecting multiple points from the east side! ck Moon squadron, take charge. Over.¡±


    Even in the midst of a frantic battle, themander of the squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Park Tae-gwang, ordered the ck Moon squadron to attack the unidentified aircraft that were detected.


    -This is ck Moon one! From now on, our squadron will move out of the war zone. Go on to the East Point, 1-1-5, distance 82. Afterburner on, Go!


    -This is ck Moon two! Copy that!


    -This is ck moon three! Copy that!


    -This is ck moon four! Copy that!


    ¨C Afterburner on!


    The ck Moon squadron hid themselves using the TCS mode, immediately increased their speed, and flew over to the east end.


    After the ck Moon squadron disappeared, the F-22SR Super Raptorunched more AIM-120F AMRAAMs. The pilots of the CF-21P Red Phoenix secured altitude through rapid maneuvering. They performed more than 10G of movement that the F-22SR Super Raptor pilots could not even imagine. They avoided the oing AIM-120F AMRAAMs and soonunched aser Vulcan beam with a dive maneuver.


    Boom! Boom!


    The ACS (anti-gravity control system) function enabled instantaneous eleration and hasty deployment. Thanks to this, the CF-21P Red Phoenix could perform a highly difficult evasion maneuver that hadn¡¯t been seen in any air shows.


    Meanwhile, the ck Moon squadron, which flew with an afterburner towards the unidentified aircraft, confirmed its identity in less than 30 seconds.


    On the identification of friend or foe disy, it was said it was a B-1R Archer. The B-1R Archer, developed for missile support from the rear of enemy fighters, looked very simr to the existing B-1B Lancer.


    ¡°That¡¯s it! Bastard! Because of you, so many of ourrades were crushed!¡± Major Choi Young-ho thought about his fellow soldiers who had died in this engagement and gave an order.


    ¡°This is ck moon one! Each of you intercept each flight ahead. Engage offense!¡±


    Major Choi Young-ho frowned. He aimed at the B-1R Archer using the aiming point of the visor of the helmet. At that time, the RWR rm sounded loudly.


    Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!


    ¡°Let¡¯s see who wins!¡± Major Choi Young-ho muttered.


    He pulled the firing button of the 12mmser Vulcan beam, not performing evasion flight. From the internal arming room, two AIM-120F AMRAAMs popped out. Soon, theser Vulcan beam drew a line on the B-1R Archer¡¯s fusge from the front to the tail wing. Intense sparks could be seen along the line and dark red smoke rose. Then, it quickly lost its center and began to fall to the ground.


    Meanwhile, Major Choi Young-ho found the AIM-120F AMRAAMs flying at him. He kept calm and spun the jet quickly like a drill. Then, he shot aser Vulcan beam toward the first AIM-120F AMRAAM.


    Boom!


    Theser Vulcan beam hit the AIM-120F AMRAAM right on. It exploded. When the second AMRAAM approached about 30m away, he quickly turned the jet starboard. If it was a normal fourth-generation fighter, the body of the pilot would not be able to withstand the tremendous gravity.


    Bam!


    The AIM-120F AMRAAM which was a st type warhead exploded, and numerous debris swooped towards Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s aircraft. But he seeded in avoiding them dramatically with a rolling maneuver.


    While he rolled, he could see the aircraft of Captain Oh Gil-sung. He was the wingman of the ck Moon squadron. Captain Oh Gil-sung shot down the B-1R Archer with aser Vulcan beam while avoiding iing missiles with a wonderful maneuver.


    ¡°Hell yeah! That¡¯s my wingman!¡± Major Choi Young-ho shouted.

 Chapter 266

    <h4>Chapter 266</h4>


    February 20, 2021, 09:20


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Currently, all attention of the personnel in the control room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were focused on the main screen. The cruise missiles that were heading to major southern cities andbat squadron airbases had been intercepted. Not many of them left now.


    ¡°All enemy missiles destined for Ulsan, Pohang and Gumi have been intercepted! As a result, Zeus 2 moves to protect Busan and Gimhae.¡±


    ¡°Sessfully intercepted 55 of the 77 enemy missiles targeting Gunsan and the 38th Fighter Wing! The anti-aircraft defense division and Hades 3 keep firing interceptor missiles!¡±


    ¡°120 enemy missiles headed to Daejeon, Sejong, and Nonsan are all intercepted! As a result, Zeus 1 switches to intercepting missiles flying to the Namhae area.¡±


    ¡°Sessfully intercepted 72 out of 85 enemy missiles targeting Gwangju and the 1st Fighter Wing base! The remaining 13 are also expected to be intercepted within 3 minutes.¡±


    Reports came in from each militarymand. The operators controlled the console with quick hand movements, entered information into the main screen, and announced the updates loudly.


    Meanwhile, they received a report that the CF/A-25P Red Phoenix and CF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenix had been damaged a little when they engaged thetest American fighter, the F-22SR Super Raptor, but both won in the end.


    In an air battle over the southwestern part of Kyushu, 24 units of CF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenixes of the 122nd Squadron of 38th Fighter Wing shot down 46 units of F-22SR Super Raptors. Unfortunately, 14 CF-21P Red Phoenixes were also shot down. In the air battle over Honshu Ind, all 44 F-22SR Super Raptors were shot down, while 6 CF-21P Red Phoenixes and 4 CF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenixes were shot down.


    This battle cost the most damage out of all air battles so far. However, the Air Force Operations Command deemed this damage less than expected since it was a surprise attack by thetest American fighter jets.


    At that time, a report that caught the attention of Chairman Kang Ui-sik came from the Aerospace Command.


    It was said that four unidentified aircraft had appeared to drop GBU-43/B MOAB on Daegu, Busan, Gimhae, Gwangju, and Gunsan, but all had been shot down after their identity was rified. Also, it was reported that the U.S. military satellite, GEO No. 8 was detected and destroyed in a geostationary orbit over Guam.


    ¡°A space bomber, B-3 Tarant... Most of the information that the NIS has hacked from USSC seems to be right.¡±


    At Chairman Kang Ui-sik¡¯s monologue, Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun said, ¡°It seems that several advanced weapons that were not known to the world were secretly deployed.¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, the NIS managed to hack valuable data on time. Otherwise, our operation would have been disrupted considerably, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Ui-sik said.


    ¡°I agree, sir.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, it seems like the Americans are operating military satellites over the Corean Penins again.¡±


    ¡°Yes. So, I already ordered the Three-toed Crow to reconnoiter to check if there is any U.S. satellite.¡±


    ¡°Good job! Since all three Apollo satellites are fully operational, the Three-toed Crows have to be put on a reconnaissance mission.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    At that time, the deputy quietly approached and reported, ¡°Sir! All of the staff are gathered in the staff meeting room.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then shall we go too? Controller!¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik called the tactical controller in the situation room before he left.


    The tactical controller responded, standing at attention.


    ¡°You should continue to check the interception status and report any issues to the conference room immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Twenty militarymanders, staffs, and Chairman Kang Ui-sik walked into the conference room.


    The meeting, which had started at 9:30, was finished after two hours. The main agenda of this operational meeting was to supplement and amend several previously established operational ns and re-integrate them following the current situation. One thing that stood out was that they had moved on from a passive and defensive position and were now nning detailed operations to strike the U.S. maind. This operation was named ¡°The me of the East,¡± as suggested by Vice-marshal Choi Ho-il.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 10:00 (US time 19, 21:00)


    The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A.


    The Pentagon conference room seemed to be in mourning because the operation had failed despite the massive number of missiles and 400 aircraft deployed.


    ¡°This is why I said we had to use tactical ballistic missiles at least,¡± Chief of Naval Operations John Richard, who was usually quiet, said and stood up from his seat angrily, ring at the person sat on the opposite side.


    Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford raised his hands and stopped John Richard.


    ¡°Calm down. We have the Minister here as well.¡±


    ¡°Sir! There is no way I won¡¯t upset, is there? 50% of the power of our four carriers has been destroyed! All 200 of the aircraft that wereunched were shot down.¡±


    Chief of Naval Operations John Richard had insisted to use the strategy of deploying tactical ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and aircraft when drafting the n for the first time. This meant that the operation could be sessful only when all avable power was mobilized to reduce Corea¡¯s responsiveness. However, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Captain Andre Drummond had opposed adamantly. The reason was that Russia could also participate in the war if tactical ballistic missiles were used. Tactical ballistic missiles were then excluded from the operation after heated discussions.


    ¡°We all know that. It is not the time to point fingers. We are gathered here to discuss what to do next,¡± DeMarcus Dunford said.


    Chief of Naval Operations John Richard repressed his anger and sat back down.


    ¡°Currently the most urgent is the additional deployment of reconnaissance satellites. If not, we can¡¯t get back our air supremacy and the Marine Corps and Ground Forces in Yokosuka will have trouble developing a strategy,¡± Strategy Analyst Lieutenant General Rhode Mackey pointed out the most important part at the moment.


    Three weeks ago, the United States had lost three GEO military satellites and seven various reconnaissance satellites. After that, the GEO No. 8 that was deployed to the Middle East had been temporarily moved to Guam. Only GEO No.8 had been used in the operation, butmunication was suddenly lost today. So, after that, all operations were canceled. Otherwise, the second cruise missile attack and all naval air forces of the four aircraft carriers would have been deployed next.


    ¡°Director Rooney! Are there any military satellites currently avable for deployment to Northeast Asia?¡± Minister of National Defense John Wayne asked Antonio Rooney, the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).


    ¡°The operational reconnaissance satellites are GEO No. 9 currently deployed in the Middle East, GEO No. 13 loaned to Israel for free, GEO No. 12 in operation in Europe, and finally GEO No. 10, 11, 14 in operation over the U.S. maind. Among the orbiting satellites, fivecrosse radar satellites, three KH-11, and two KH-12 can be orbited in the direction of Northeast Asia,¡± Director Antonio Rooney who was in charge of the American intelligence satellites answered briefly and clearly.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like a good idea to use satellites operating in the Middle East and Israel. Let¡¯s deploy GEO No. 12 and GEO No. 10 to Northeast Asia. And let¡¯s correct the course of twocrosse radar satellites. How do you think?¡± Chairman of the Joint Staffs DeMarcus Dunford looked around at the service chiefs and staff to see if there were any other opinions.


    ¡°I think it will work. Also, I think it is a good idea to deploy four E-55A stealth detection nes to the Hawaiian base and eight E-55A to the Guam Anderson base,¡± Chief of Staff U.S Airforce Dwayne Johnson brought up the additional idea.


    ¡°What happened to the four E-55A currently rented to Japan?¡±


    ¡°Due to thest missile attack, they were all destroyed before actual use.¡±


    ¡°Damn Japs... How did they mismanage such a huge power!¡±


    ¡°Alright. Director Rooney, immediately give an order about the satellites we discussed. Chief Johnson, please move E-55A to the Okinawa Kadena base immediately.¡±


    While DeMarcus Dunford gave orders, Strategy Analyst Lieutenant General Rhode Mackey came up with an important agenda once again.


    ¡°Coreannding forces are also a problem. If Corea sessfully deploys additionalndings in Japan, restoration operations across Japan will be very difficult. So even now, what is it like tounch tactical ballistic missiles as Chief of Naval Operations John Richard said? No matter what, furtherndings must be prevented.¡±


    ¡°The B-3 Tarants were such big losses,¡± themander of the North American Aerospace Defense, Robins expressed his sorrow.


    At that, a gentleman in a suit, who apanied Minister of National Defense John Wayne to the meeting, spoke quietly, ¡°The only thing left is the MK-110 proton torpedo.¡±


    ordingly, the gaze of the generals in the meeting turned to that man. The gentleman was a congressman of the USSC, nicknamed Loki, and a member of the Department of Defense.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 12:00


    km off the north end of Matsui City, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) had intercepted the cruise missiles flying towards Corea and was ordered by the Naval Operations Command to immediately advance to Maizuru Port.


    Thending point of the 2ndnding expeditionary force had been designated at Sada Beach of the Mikata District. But the Apollo Satellite detected the 1st Carrier Strike Group of Maritime Self-Defense Forces at Maizuru Port. It was on the way of thending expeditionary force.


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) was supposed to join the 2ndnding expeditionary escort fleet in mid-way and perform the escort mission. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had issued an order for it to advance through the Naval Operations Command and defeat the 1st Carrier Strike Group.


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) sailed through the straits of the Oki Inds, breaking through the rough waves. It advanced at a speed of up to 55 knots, which was faster than the new Chamsuri-ss patrol boat.


    Captain Ahn Youn-joon had handed over the authority of the bridge to Commander Oh Hyun-woo and came down to the battlemand room in person. Captain Ahn Youn-joon fixed his eyes on the tactical screen with Lieutenant Commander Ha Young-bok, the tactical control officer.


    On the tactical screen of the battlemand room, several aircraft, ten Naval surfacebatants, and helicopters were marked with various symbols.


    ¡°They fixed and are using again all the ships and helicopters that were attacked in thest naval battle at Dokdo,¡± Captain Ahn Youn-joon said with a smile when he saw the enemy¡¯s ships on the tactical screen.


    ¡°Yes, it looks like they fixed all except the Zumwalt destroyer and escort ship of 14th escort.¡±


    ¡°Who is the boss monkey over there?¡±


    ¡°At the time of the Battle of Dokdo, themander of the carrier was Yamamotu Genzur.¡±


    ¡°Yamamotu Genzur... What a poor guy! He will be wrecked again! If he survives again this time, I bet he will retire.¡±


    ¡°Right? If it were like the old times, he wouldmit hara-kiri already.¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha. Hara-kiri? That¡¯s all a lie. It¡¯s just an exaggeration of the suicide of a Japanese soldier during World War II.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Anyway, we should start soon. Check again if there is any Japanese patrol ne within a 500 km radius!¡±


    After a while, the operator reported aloud, ¡°At present, no U.S. and Japanese aircraft are detected within 500km.¡±


    ¡°Hey, controller!¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain!¡±


    ¡°Are Scithe cannons in range?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are currently 226 km from the enemy. They are all within range.¡±


    ¡°Okay, first we go engage the enemy with the Scithe cannons. This time, we have to put thempletely underwater so that they can¡¯t rmission again. Let¡¯s begin by setting Zumwalt No. 1 as a target.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 267

    <h4>Chapter 267</h4>


    The tactical control director approached the gun operation section and gave instructions to Senior Chief Petty Officer Ha Il-soo in person.


    ¡°Be ready to shoot the Scithe cannons!¡±


    At the order of the tactical control director, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ha Il-soo then passed down the order to the operator.


    ¡°Preparing to fire the Scithe K-2 cannon!¡±


    ¡°Preparing to fire the Scithe K-2 cannon!¡± The cannon operator who was in charge of the actual operation, operated the console lever while repeating the order. The fairing of the deck was opened to the left and right, and 100mm Scithe K-2 cannons with a double-barrel were raised and revealed.


    Whirl, whirl.


    ¡°Operator! Set the target! The first target is the Zumwalt destroyer! The second target is Kaga, the third... Input the data.¡±


    ¡°Target setting! The first target is the Zumwalt destroyer! The second target is Kaga, the third... Target setting and data inputplete.¡±


    ¡°Fire eight cannons at the first target. Fire four cannons each at targets two onwards. Report as soon as it is done.¡±


    ¡°The target and number of shots are set!¡±


    ¡°Fire at target No. 1!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!


    The Scithe cannons were capable of firing 50 cannons per minute. They fired sma cluster munitions by recoiling. In less than 50 seconds, 40 cluster munitions flew to the ship of the 1st Carrier Strike Group at a tremendous speed close to Mach 11.


    On the tactical screen, twelve blue lines showed that the cluster munitions were heading toward ten targets.


    ¡°28 seconds left to each target!¡±


    Currently, the 16MJ-ss railgun of the Zumwalt (DDG-0001) was the only weapon that could acquire and counter-intercept the sma cluster munitions among the ships of the 1st Carrier Strike Group. The rest of the destroyers had no countermeasures on the weapon of speed Mach 11 and sized only 1.2m. So, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) assigned the Zumwalt (DDG-0001) as the first target and fired eight cluster munitions. It fired four cluster munitions at the rest of the surfacebatants.


    ¡°17 seconds to the first target!¡±


    Amidst the operator¡¯s continued reports, the blue lines indicating the cluster munitions disappeared one by one from the tactical screen. It seemed to be intercepted by a 16MJ-ss railgun from the Zumwalt (DDG-0001).


    ¡°Four out of eight cluster munitions assigned to the first target were intercepted! Nine seconds left for the remaining four munitions. The remaining 36 are flying without any problems to their respective targets, with 15 seconds to impact.¡±


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 12:10


    On the sea 43km from the northern end of Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (location of the 1st Carrier Strike Group of Maritime Self-Defense Forces)


    Heavy sweat wet the back of Fleet Commander Yamamotu Genzur who was watching the interception. He was on the ind bridge of the aircraft carrier Kaga (CV-2001), not the Hyuuga (DDH-181), the gship of the 1st Carrier Strike Group. Admiral Yamamotu Genzur had already failed twice before this engagement. He gritted his teeth for revenge, but he was actually scared to fight against the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) again.


    ¡°Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin...,¡± he muttered.


    He had maneuvered all the way to Maizuru Sea tounch a missile attack and was waiting for the next order. At that time, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) showed up and began attacking. Admiral Yamamotu Genzur could not help but have a bad feeling.


    ¡°Currently, seven of the 44 were sessfully intercepted! Four enemy munitions headed for this ship! A total of 37 are flying toward this group,¡± the operator screamed out.


    In response, Admiral Yamamotu Genzur also opened the fleet¡¯smunicationwork and eximed. The tendons on his neck stood out. ¡°All fleets operate the Phnx and intercept! No matter what it costs, intercept all of them!¡±


    Two 16MJ-ss railguns of the Zumwalt (DDG-0001) activated a metal veil in the blue sky to intercept the cluster munitionsing at a terrifying speed. Also, the surfacebatant fired rounds from the 20mm Phnx.


    Because the speed of the cluster munitions was too fast, there were limits for the Phnx to intercept in terms of distance and time. The Phnx¡¯s firing range was 5km, so they only had 1.5 seconds. Even if the interception was sessful, it would be hard to avoid all the fragments. But they could not just sit back and wait. So, they fired from the ten Phnxes using that short window of time.


    Bam! Boom! Boom!


    Luckily, some of the cluster munitions were hit and exploded in the air by ammunitions from the Phnxes. However, the remaining 30 rounds of cluster munition sequentially hit the ships of the 1st Carrier Strike Group.


    ¡°Argh! Three enemy bombs aimed at this ship failed to be intercepted! Two seconds remaining...¡±


    Bam! Boom! Boom!


    The radar technician of the Zumwalt (DDG-0001) could not finish his reporting. He knocked his head onto the console and passed out from the strong impact. ordingly, no reports from the Zumwalt (DDG-0001) were heard any more on the bridge of Kaga (CV-2001).


    First, two bombs hit the upper part of the bridge of the Zumwalt (DDG-0001), and one hit the starboard of the ship. A strong shock shook the entire ship in session. The cluster munitions prated the ship, leaving face-sized holes. The bombs with tremendous explosive power swept the inside, causing a huge me storm. The double steel bulkhead of the ship was easily cracked and pierced as if it were a thin foil. The me struck the inner VSLunchers. Various installed missiles exploded, causing a series of internal explosions.


    Booooooom! Bam! Boom!


    The Zumwalt (DDG-0001) was greatly shaken by the internal explosions. Likeva erupting, dark red mes erupted from all directions. And because of the me rising from the floor, the entire bridge was engulfed in mes as well. All the tempered ss of the bridge broke, and mes spewed out as if the tongue of a dragon fluttered.


    The entire Zumwalt (DDG-0001) was engulfed in a huge me, gradually splitting into two, and slowly sunk into the sea. This happened in an instant after being hit by only three cluster munitions.


    ¡°The first ship is hit! It¡¯s sinking...,¡± someone shouted with a trembling voice from the bridge of the Kaga (CV-2001).


    At that time, a small dot quickly flew toward the bridge. Yamamotu Genzur watched that as well with a forlorn face.


    Boom! Boom!


    The bridge of the Kaga (CV-2001) was torn in half and a huge me broke out. Also, huge columns of me soared with continuous explosions from all over. The flight deck was smashed by the lit debris, and mes soared out from therge holes on the deck.


    On the ming bridge, Admiral Yamamotu Genzur, who had survived thest two maritime battles, fell onto the floor. Fire made his whole body ck like a lump of charcoal.


    Atago-ss destroyer Takao (DDG-191) seeded to intercept only one cluster munition. It was hit by thest three cluster munitions. The ship was on a zing fire, slowly leaned to port, and sank.


    And around it, the Kongo-ss destroyer Myoko was directly hit by two cluster munitions. The ship was slightly inclined to the port and blew smoke from the stern. It was flowing as if it had lost its own momentum and was pushed into the running water.


    Besides, the helicopter carriers Hyuga (DDH-181) and Takanami-ss Makinami (DD-112), and Suzunami (DD-114) were each hit with four cluster munitions and gradually sank into the sea.


    Lastly, the Mineyuki (DD-124), the Hamayuki (DD-126), and the Matsuyuki (DD-130), which were the convoys of the 14th Escort, sank into the deep sea, only leaving numerous debris floating on the sea.


    The surfacebatants of the 1st Carrier Strike Group which hade back to the battle after two months of repair did not perform any exploit and were buried at sea only by one attack of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101).


    Now, what remained of the Marine Self-Defense Forces were two regional troops: JMSDF Ominato District (15th Guard) and JMSDF Yokosuka District (11th Guard). It was a dark and serious situation with only 10% of military strength left. It was no exaggeration to say that the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces were annihted.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 15:20


    The sea 72km off the southeastern part of Jeju Ind


    Taejong the Great (DDG-996), Yulgok Yi I (DDG-992), Dae Jo-yeong (DDG-977), Wang Geon (DDG-978), and Eulji Mundeok (DDG-972) and the Dae Jung-sang (DDG-983) that had defended the southwest part of Jeju Ind moved to the southeastern part of Jeju Ind to join the Maritime Task Squadrons 71. The reorganizedbined fleet with more fleet-ss ships gradually increased its speed to the diamond formation and entered the south. In the 20km deep sea ahead, three Hoc submarines, Lee Un-hyung (SSP-86), Chang Chun-ha (SSP-087), and Moon Ik-hwan (SSP-088) submerged into the dark deep sea in the anti-submarine mode.


    The main task of thebined fleet was to strike the U.S. Navy¡¯s 3rd Fleet of the 11th Carrier Strike Group, slowly heading north in the South Korean Sea*, 426 km south of Jeju Ind. The previous n was to use the 25th Fighter Wing in Jeju Ind as an aircraft carrier. They would have carried out a defense operation. However, this morning, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had urgently changed the n to an aggressive attack. So, the Naval Operations Commandbined the avable maritime forces and issued a preemptive strike order against the U.S. Navy¡¯s 3rd Fleet.


    *The name of the East China Sea changed to the South Korean Sea after the victory over China.


    The three Hoc destroyers, two Aegis destroyers, and four air defense destroyers quickly and secretly advanced southward, breaking through the blue waves with a speed of up to 25 knots.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 18:20


    On the sea of 12km off the southern tip of Oki Ind, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan.


    The only thing that had blocked the secondnding expeditionary force was the Marine Self-Defense Force¡¯s 1st Carrier Strike Group. However, they had been defeated by the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101). So, a safe sea route was secured. ordingly, the second expeditionnding force¡¯s surface ships elerated. They would reach the sea between Honshu and Oki Inds, a point where they couldnd on Sada Beach in Mikata District, in six hours.


    Meanwhile, two Super Hoc submarines, which were in charge of the anti-submarine warfare mission of the 2ndnding expeditionary surface ships three days aftermissioning received the emergency order from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. So, they handed over the anti-submarine escort mission to Hoc submarines such as the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-81), Ham Seok-heon (SSP-82), and Cho Bong-am (SSP-83), and then submerged along the west coast of Honshu in the direction of Hokkaido at full speed.


    Various surfacebatants, a total of 150 ships, presented a grand sight. The distance between Honshu Shimane Prefecture ind and Oki Ind was 42 km, but due to therge ships, the gap seemed narrow. However, a new danger was approaching those surfacebatants of the Second Landing Expeditionary Force.


    At that time, at the southern end of Honshu were the 7th Submarine Squadron¡¯s Virginia-ss (Block IV) Vermont and Oregon (SSN-793), and the 11th Submarine Squadron¡¯s Virginia-ss (Block IV) Montana (SSN) -794) and Hyman Rickover (SSN-793).


    Four Virginia-ss submarines, which floated to a depth of 10m below sea level, opened the roof door of the 1.5m diameterunchers and were waiting for aunch order. In the verticaluncher, the LGM-30F Minuteman IV, an SLBM ballistic missiles with six MK-110 proton torpedoes, was equipped.

 Chapter 268

    <h4>Chapter 268</h4>


    The proton bomb was a fourth-generation nuclear bomb. It had minimal radioactive emission but tremendous destructive power. In particr, when the proton bomb exploded in the water, it could destroy the sea in a radius of 5km with only 10kt of firepower. Submarines and surfacebatants would not be able to survive under this tremendous pressure. Because of this destructive power, the U.S. Department of Defense ssified it as a strategic nuclear weapon, not a tactical nuclear weapon, when it was used in the sea.


    The Pentagon had decided to use this MK-110 proton torpedo, which was ssified as a strategic nuclear weapon. It was installed on a Virginia-ss (Block IV) submarinemissioned inte 2019. In the two verticalunchers of the Virginia-ss (Block IV) nuclear submarine, SLBM LGM-30F Minuteman IV ballistic missiles were equipped with six MK-110 proton torpedoes in them. This weapon had been developed to counter the Chinese Navy, which had augmented its naval military power, but now it was used against Corea, which had won the war against China.


    The United States had internalws restricting the use of nuclear weapons when conducting a war against non-nuclear countries. However, the Department of Defense had decided to use this nuclear weapon to prevent thending of the Corean expeditionary forces. It was because the previous ambush which cost $17.8 billion had failed. In fact, it happened because the USSC had controlled it from behind. It was then decided that strategic nuclear weapons would be used, ignoring the existing policy. The Pentagon ordered themander of the 3rd Fleet tounch the LGM-30F Minuteman IVs.


    Shortly thereafter, the hatches of the verticalunchers were opened. Theunchmand code was entered from four Virginia-ss (Block IV) nuclear submarines in standby. Soon, columns of water soared, and huge missiles appeared. The four LGM-30F Minuteman IV missiles spurred on the sea level, erupted in massive smoke, and soared into the sky.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Four LGM-30F Minuteman IV missiles quickly broke through white clouds and disappeared from view. Although the range was 15,000km, the hit point was only 520km away. So, the four LGM-30F Minuteman IV missiles that flew at super high altitude broke through the atmosphere at a speed of Mach 35. Soon, they entered the exosphere, and the altitude continued to rise.


    The four LGM-30F Minuteman IV missiles reached the outer atmosphere in two minutes, gradually flew in an arc, and began to drop. Each LGM-30F Minuteman IV was equipped with a powerful ECM system on the missile itself. It was a state-of-the-art feature that could hinder the detection of enemy radar.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 18:20


    CC Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (the control room of the reconnaissance satellite Apollo 2)


    Two days ago, thanks to the performance of Airman Hong Gyu-tae, the reconnaissance satellite Apollo 2 was able to detect the identity of the F-22SR Super Raptor. On this day as well, there was a lot of tension in the control room of the reconnaissance satellite Apollo 2. 36 operators focused on the screens to follow the enemy¡¯s movement closely.


    ¡°If anything suspicious is detected, report it immediately. Got it? You know Airman 1st ss Hong Gyu-tae of the 3rd toon received a reward vacation for 6 days and 5 nights and was promoted one rank, right? You guys can do it, too! Open your eyes wide and check for sure.¡±


    First Lieutenant Ha Tae-hyun, who was the leader of the 1st toon and the radar technician, encouraged the soldiers. It seemed that the soldiers were encouraged by the fact that they could immediately take a vacation after the war. They were faithful to their mission by switching various vision filters and focusing hard.


    Staff Sergeant Shin Ho-yoon, who was the highest senior in the 1st toon, also looked at the dedicated monitor and expanded to see if there were any parts that theputer could not find. Besides, he applied various vision filters, focusing on reconnaissance monitoring. Actually, he was supposed to be discharged a month ago. However, it was wartime. So, the period of service was extended by three months. He was thinking about bing a professional soldier these days.


    The area assigned to Staff Sergeant Shin Ho-yoon was over Yokosuka. He was looking at the monitor while typing on the console keyboard. Suddenly, he opened his eyes wide.


    ¡°Something doesn¡¯t feel right.¡±


    On the screen, he could see something in a twisted image, flying high.


    ¡°It might be a jack-pot!¡± he thought.


    Staff Sergeant Shin Ho-yoon reported about it through his headset.


    ¡°Zone 2-21! I caught something.¡±


    ¡°Really? Put it on screen No. 1!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    On screen No.1, the section that Staff Sergeant Shin Ho-yoon was assigned showed up.


    First Lieutenant Ha Tae-hyun gave an order in an excited voice. ¡°Staff Sergeant Oh! Switch it to maic field mode!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The entire screen flickered once. Then, it was switched to the maic field vision mode. In the air over 150km from Yokosuka Port, four hazy objects were rising into the sky. The speeds were very fast. First Lieutenant Ha Tae-hyun hurriedly approached and reported to the controller who was currently in charge of the control room on behalf of the director.


    After a while, the super-precision optical lens of the Apollo 2 was activated to capture a scene of the suspicious objects. On screen No. 3, four giant missiles approximately 8m in size and 1.5m in diameter were seen breaking through the atmosphere.


    ¡°Communication officer! Quickly share the information with Aerospacemand and Joint Chiefs Headquarters. Link the data to Zeus 1 and 2.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Information officer! Immediately scan the missiles and check them against the identification of friend or foe database.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Communication officer! Call the director as well!¡± Lieutenant Colonel Park Tae-gwang, who was the operation control officer, gave orders quickly but calmly.


    About a minute passed. He was starting to get impatient. He hurried the soldiers.


    ¡°Information officer! Are you done yet?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sir. Please wait for a moment. It is currently being checked against the database.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Theputer could not find the data automatically. So, the information officer switched to manual mode and checked against the database one by one. He was checking all of the missiles around the world. Another minute passed. The information officer shouted.


    ¡°I found it, sir!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I will share on screen No. 3.¡±


    On screen No. 3, detailed data appeared along with a picture of the missile. The name of the missile was LGM-30F Minuteman IV. The operating system was SLBM, which was thetest multi-warhead type intercontinental ballistic missile operated by Virginia-ss (Block IV) nuclear submarines from 2019.


    ¡°No way... Are they nuclear missiles?¡± The operation control officer who read about the details opened his eyes widely and muttered.


    At the same time, Director Na Tae-hyeun entered the situation control office.


    ¡°Salute! Sir! Please look at screen No. 3. It seems like America hasunched nuclear missiles.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 18:25


    The sea 12 km off the southern tip of Oki Ind, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    ¡°Sir. We received a report that four ballistic missiles, believed to be nuclear missiles, have beenunched from the U.S. nuclear submarine targeting the present fleet. We are currently linking data to the escort fleet.¡±


    At the report of the adjutant, the captain of the fleet, Oh Seung-hwan pulled his face. He immediately picked up the phone.


    ¡°I am informing eachnding squadron and civilian ships. Ballistic missiles, believed to be nuclear missiles, have beenunched to the present fleet. Therefore, from now on, we will switch to the spread formation. The 53rd amphibious group, rapidly deploy toward Oki Ind! The 56th amphibious group, rapidly deploy toward the Honshu coast! Civilian ships in Groups A and B, stop the ship at the current position and wait. Civilian ships in Groups C and D! Switch to azimuth 2-1-0 and 3-3-0 respectively and maneuver faster. The rest of the civilian ships in Groups E through G! Maneuver at the current speed.¡±


    Even if just one or two nuclear missiles seed to hit the area, all of the surfacebatants would suffer serious damage. ordingly, Brigadier General Oh Seung-hwan issued a spread formation order without hesitation and delivered the current development situation to the escort fleet.


    When the order from Brigadier General Oh Seung-hwan went through, the surfacebatants began to turn their directions and moved. In the space above, the LGM-30F Minuteman IVs reached the exosphere, gradually lowered their altitude, and were entering a fall motion at an angle. To this end, Zeus 1 and 2, which had received data from Apollo 2, entered interception procedures.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 18:30


    CC Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (the control room of the strategic interception satellites CS-AD Zeus 2)


    CS-AD Zeus 2 was a strategic interception satellite that entered service on February 9th. Zeus 2 control room had received data from Apollo 2. However, the precise aiming point of the interception was not captured by the powerful ECM emitted from the ballistic missiles.


    ¡°We can¡¯t keep lock-on, sir!¡± The interceptor operator shouted with an embarrassed expression. The soldiers tried to lock on to the first target, one of the LGM-30F Minuteman IV missiles, but it was repeatedly unlocked from the aiming point.


    ¡°Zoom in 200% on screen No. 1! Operator! Concentrate and keep trying.¡±


    Currently, the four LGM-30F Minuteman IVs were flying toward the hitting point, drawing a parabolic line in the outer atmosphere. Soon, it would fall toward the earth, receiving the force of the kic energy of the falling. Not only was the detection of the ballistic missileste, but even the interception was unexpectedly difficult. Colonel Im Su-ho, who was watching this, gave an order.


    ¡°Operator! Justunch it as soon as it is locked on. Don¡¯t worry about failure, just do it. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    After a while, when one of the LGM-30F Minuteman IV missiles was correctly locked at the aiming point, the interception operator immediately pulled the fire button.


    A powerfulser beam from the 50mmser cannon flew towards the Earth. The whiteser light that flew at the speed of light slightly deflected the side of the LGM-30F Minuteman IV.


    ¡°First intercept failed!¡±


    ¡°Do the second interception right away!¡±


    ¡°Beginning lock-on.¡±


    At that time, Zeus 1 also fired aser beam towards another LGM-30F Minuteman IV.


    Despite continued failures, Zeus 1 and 2 intercepted without ceasing and finally seeded in intercepting two LGM-30F Minuteman IV.


    ¡°Sessfully intercepted the first target!¡±


    ¡°Zeus 1 sessfully intercepted target No. 3!¡±


    Two LGM-30F Minuteman IVs were intercepted at the engine area. Debris flew in all directions with small explosions. The missiles¡¯ fusges rotated irregrly. They began to burn like fireballs as they fell.


    At the sess, people in the situation room of Zeus No. 2 cheered a little bit. But soon, they focused to intercept the remaining two ballistic missiles.


    The two LGM-30F Minuteman IVs, which gained the power of gravity and falling kic energy, fell at a tremendous speed while maintaining an angle of 70 degrees. So, as time passed, the interception became harder and harder.


    At that time, two Hoc destroyers and the Hoc cruiser Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) also began the intercept operation. Six ultrahigh altitude intercept missiles, S-SSM-500S Triana antiballistic missiles, were soaring into the sky at a speed of Mach 40.


    Corean soldiers intercepted the missiles withser beams from space and ballistic missiles from the sea. Simultaneously, a new mission was delivered to Zeus 2 from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It was ordered to fire six C-SE Epirus (super EMP bombs) at the 3rd Fleet of the three Carrier Strike Group sailing off the shores of Yokosuka Port as soon as the intercepting mission against the ballistic missile waspleted. The Joint Chiefs of Staff wereunching an aggressive attack.

 Chapter 269

    <h4>Chapter 269</h4>


    Another 50mmser beam was fired from Zeus 2. A red-and-white ray of light prated the tail wing of one LGM-30F Minuteman IVs, which was falling at a speed close to Mach 40. It wasn¡¯t an exact intercept, but the wing was damaged. The LGM-30F Minuteman IV lost its center of gravity and began to fall with a great shake from side to side. Soon, a huge half-shaped me was generated by atmospheric friction.


    The soldiers in the control room of Zeus 2 judged the interception a sess. They cheered for a moment but soon froze all at once.


    The front fairing of the LGM-30F Minuteman IV, which was gradually burning in the half-shaped me by atmospheric friction, was separated. In the fusge, there were six proton bombs mounted on a six-length MAC (Multiple All-Up-Round Canister) in the form of a revolver. Immediately, from the six-stranded MAC, six proton bombs operated their own propents. They came out at an instant and flew away. The six proton bombs corrected their fall positions. They held a stable posture and fell at a terrifying pace.


    Meanwhile, the S-SSM-500S Triana that had taken off from the sea found the targets had increased to seven. It renewed its targets and then stretched out vigorously to intercept.


    Pew! Pew!


    Several white rays of light flew toward thest remaining LGM-30F Minuteman IV. Unfortunately, it continued to miss. Zeus 1 and 2, which had been boasting 100% uracy so far, continued to fail because the missile had already arrived at an altitude of 500km.


    The pairing of thest remaining LGM-30F Minuteman IV was opened as well. Six proton bombs appeared. As a result, Zeus 1 and 2 switched targets to small missiles and resprayed beams of light. It was easier to intercept the proton bombs than the LGM-30F Minuteman IVs because they had been equipped with a powerful ECM system.


    Boom! Boom!


    Two proton bombs were intercepted byser beams and exploded. Subsequently, at an altitude of 400km, four proton bombs that collided with the S-SSM-500S Triana exploded. Huge fireballs spread in all directions and soon disappeared. There were now six proton bombs left, and 31 seconds left until impact.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 18:30


    The sea 12km off the southern tip of Oki Ind, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (2ndnding expeditionary escort fleet)


    From three Hoc ships, six S-SSM-500S Trianas soared into the sky once again. They glowed in blue, passing through the white clouds, and disappeared from view. And within seconds, a sh show appeared again.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Intercept target No. 1 seeded. Intercept target No. 2 seeded. Intercept target No. 3 failed. Intercept target No. 4 seeded. Intercept target No. 5 failed. Intercept target No. 6 failed.


    As the altitude got lower, the speed became faster. So the intercept rate was only 50%. The tactical control officer ordered to intercept again.


    ¡°Fire control officer! Reset the targets and try the third interception!¡±


    The fire control officer skipped the report repeat to save time and ordered the operator.


    ¡°Reset the target! Each fleet fires one Triana!¡±


    ¡°Target assignmentplete! Waiting forunch.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    It was thest chance to intercept proton bombs falling at a speed of Mach 40 or higher. Three S-SSM-500S Triana missiles soared with blue light. The attention of all crew members in the room was directed to the interceptor operator.


    The reason was this¡ªif the enemy missiles were nuclear, not only the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) but also all of the secondnding expeditionary ships could be annihted.


    ¡°Five seconds to collision. Four seconds, three seconds, two seconds, one second! Intercept target No. 1 seeded! Intercept target No. 2 failed! Intercept target No. 3 failed!¡±


    The crew members who cheered with their arms wide open when they intercepted target No. 1 couldn¡¯t move for a moment when they heard that the interception failed in session.


    ¡°Zeus 2 sessfully intercepted target No. 2! Now there is one left. Fifteen seconds to impact.¡±


    They could no longer intercept the remaining proton bombs from the sea. Now they had no choice but to rely on Zeus 1 and 2.


    The crew members of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101), who had been in charge of intercept control so far, could only look at the tactical screen of the battlemand room. There was a line, showing one proton bomb falling, avoiding theser beam from the Zeus satellites. However, thending point was not a ce where the 2ndnding expedition¡¯s surfacebatants were gathered, but a very faraway ce.


    ¡°Radar technician! Where is the enemy missile¡¯s exactnding point?¡±


    ¡°The impact point is 35¡ã42¡¯46.96¡åN, 132¡ã21¡¯34.48¡åE. It¡¯s 2-6-0 azimuth and 69km away from this fleet.¡±


    ¡°69km? Is this a blind shell or what? Even if that is a nuclear bomb, I am pretty sure there will be no way that can affect us from that far away. Are you sure about this?¡±


    ¡°I am very sure, sir.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief then. Even if the interception failed, there would be no damage.¡±


    Despite saying that, he still could not erase the feeling that something could go wrong.


    ¡°Ten seconds until impact! Nine, eight...¡±


    At that time, the voice of the secondmander came through the speaker.


    ¡°Be prepared for the shock!¡±


    ¡°Three, two, one!¡±


    The crew grasped the rigid structures and gave strength to their whole body to prepare for theing impact. But no explosion or shock wave came after the operator reported the impact.


    ¡°Is it because itnded far away?¡±


    Everyone was confused.


    Then, one sonar operator shouted, ¡°The enemy missile hit the sea level! No explosions are detected.¡±


    ¡°So it was a dud.¡±


    ¡°It seems so. Thending point was so random too.¡±


    ¡°Thank God.¡±


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 18:35


    The deep sea, N36¡ã3¡ä E 133¡ã48¡ä from the southern end of Oki Ind, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The proton bomb that survived theser beam of the Zeus intercepting satellites turned on a powerful reverse propent from the warhead just before it collided with the sea. It reduced its speed to a minimum. When it hit the sea, it created a small column of water and disappeared into the deep sea.


    The proton bomb submerged 100m deep. Its fairings opened from both sides. The MK-110 proton torpedo popped out. The screw started turning. Slowly speeding up, the MK-110 proton torpedo began sprinting at a speed of more than 60 knots toward the previously entered target. The target point was at sea with 150 surface ships of the secondnding expeditionary force.


    Meanwhile, Zeus 2, which was turning in a geostationary orbit 36,000 km above space, fired six C-SE Epirus (super EMP ammunition) into the sea, following themand of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Since it was a mobile naval target, not a stationary target, six C-SE Epirus (super EMP ammunition) fell slowly, widening the distance for a wide range of strikes. Thirty-five minutes and 29 seconds left until the impact.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 18:56


    The sea 12km off the southern tip of Oki Ind, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (2ndnding expeditionary escort fleet)


    Sejong the Great (DDH-991) and Kim Jong-seo (DDG-975), which had been repaired at Ulsan Port, and the escort ships Al-cheon (FF-852) and Heuk Beol-mu (FF-833) had joined the second expeditionary surface ships that passed through the Corean Strait and were escorting them. Sejong the Great (DDH-991)manded the escort mission from the rear. Chief Petty Officer Heo Man-ho, the sonar operator of the ship, suddenly yelled in the ship¡¯s battlemand room. All eyes were focused on him.


    ¡°At azimuth 2-6-2, distance of 28km, and depth of 100m, an unidentified object that is believed to be a torpedo was detected.¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    The tactical control officer who was looking at the tactical screen jumped up and ran toward the sonar operator.


    ¡°What? What torpedo?¡±


    ¡°Check this please, sir.¡±


    Chief Petty Officer Heo Man-ho pointed at his monitor. A ck object that looked like a faintly marked torpedo wasing toward the ship.


    ¡°Why did you find it only now?¡±


    ¡°I-it suddenly appeared, sir.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying there is an enemy submarine in that location?¡±


    The escort fleet had been carrying out an escort mission while maintaining a close anti-submarine mode in all directions. Also, it was receiving sonic information in real time from Poseidon 1. The Poseidon was a deep-sea defensive satellite. So this was a very sudden situation. The advent of the torpedo made the tactical control officer very confused.


    He pressed his forehead and asked, ¡°How fast is this?¡±


    ¡°It is currently estimated at 80 knots.¡±


    ¡°What is its goal?¡±


    ¡°It does not look like it is aiming a particr ship.¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. So far, it seems like it is justing to this area. It does not aim the ship.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Lee Won-woo suddenly turned pale and shouted, ¡°That must be a nuclear torpedo! We have to stop that! Right now! Arms operator!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°We are going to operate a hard-kill interception immediately. Fire the armed torpedoes one to four. And which submarine is the closest to us?¡±


    ¡°The Lee Bong-chang (SSP-81) is the closest. It is at azimuth 3-5-5 and distance of 55km.¡±


    ¡°That is too far away! Well, I guess we have no choice. Link the data to the Lee Bong-chang and tell them to immediately support the hard-kill interception!¡±


    While the operatormunicated urgently from the battlemand room, two Red Sharks, the fleet submarine rocket missiles, wereunched from the 48-cell K-VLS (verticaluncher) of Sejong the Great (DDH-991). Fierce mes burst out. Soon after, they flew to the target, which was considered a nuclear torpedo. The missiles removed the booster and lowered the altitude. Then, at an altitude of 1 km, the fusges were separated. As parachutes were deployed, they gradually fell toward the sea.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two Red Sharks entered the sea and soon separated from their parachutes. When they changed into the K-745 Blue Sharks, they began to spin the screws and submerge. They detected targets by directing sound waves with a directional target detection sonar mounted inside the torpedo.


    Two K-745 Blue Shark torpedoes made arge turn and flew toward the detected target. Also, the Lee Bong-chang (SSP-81), which had received an intercept request from Sejong the Great (DDH-991),unched two K-744A Great White Shark torpedoes. A White Shark was a submarine-to-submarine supercavitating torpedo.


    From two directions of twelve o¡¯clock and three o¡¯clock, a total of four torpedoes were heading for the nuclear torpedo.


    ¡°The Blue Shark torpedoes No. 1 and No. 2, 13 seconds remaining before crash! The White Shark torpedoes No. 3 and No. 4 are 44 and 46 seconds away.¡±


    Whoosh!


    The first torpedo passed by the target.


    ¡°The first torpedo interception failed!¡±


    The second torpedo also passed by at an angle and failed to intercept.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The tactical control officer who was watching the tactical screen shouted.


    ¡°Sir, do we start the second interception?¡± The torpedo arms operator asked.


    ¡°Enter the target data and wait. We will fire after seeing the result of No. 3 and 4.¡±


    After a while, the sonar operator shouted, ¡°The third torpedo! Five seconds left to collision. Four seconds, three, two, one... Interception failed!¡±


    All the crew members in the battlemand room stared at the sonar operator.


    ¡°The fourth torpedo! Two seconds left! One! It seems like the interception seeded... Argh!¡± The sonar operator suddenly shouted and took off his headset in the middle of reporting.


    ¡°What is wrong?¡±


    The tactical control officer approached the sonar operator. He nced at the sonar screen. On the screen, he could see a huge wave growing bigger. Then, with the loud sound like thunder, a huge column of water, several times the size of a football field, soared up to a hundred meters.


    The MK-110 proton torpedo, which had avoided the third torpedo¡¯s hard kill interception, collided with the fourth torpedo and created a massive devastation underwater. The massive explosion turned the entire depth of the sea within a 5km radius into a terrible hell. Tremendous currents entangled each other and raged. The storm waves becamerger andrger and rapidly affected all the sea. Then, a huge tsunami formed above the sea level and spread in a circle.

 Chapter 270

    <h4>Chapter 270</h4>


    February 20, 2021, 19:05


    The sea 133km off the southeast end of Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (three carrier strike groups of the U.S. 3rd Fleet)


    Three Virginia-ss (Block IV) submarines of the 3rd Fleet had been waiting at a depth of 50m for the secondunch afterunching the LGM-30F Mintman IVs. They received an order from the 3rd Fleet Command to cancel all operations and enter into emergency submersion. They stopped the secondunch procedures and soon went deep into the sea. Also, the three carrier strike groups which were sailing at low speed near Yokosuka Port increased their speed and sailed away quickly.


    Twenty-five minutes ago, six C-SE Epirus (Super EMP Weapon)unched by Zeus 2 entered an altitude of 9,000 km at a speed of Mach 45 or higher. The North American Aerospace Defense Command¡¯s D-1 ballistic missile early-warning satellite detected them. ordingly, an emergency wasmunicated to the 3rd Fleet Command, which was identified as a target. There were 9 minutes and 48 seconds left until the impact. To escape the impact, about 50 ships of the three carrier strike groups entered high-speed evasion operations and escaped in different directions.


    Six C-SE Epirus (Super EMP Weapon) had been fired, two for each carrier. In anticipation of the evasive maneuvering of each carrier, two of the six were set up to target the outer side, not where the ships were.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 19:05


    The sea 12km off the southern tip of Oki Ind, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (2ndnding expeditionary escort fleet)


    The three Mk-99A Super Lynxes quickly took off from the Sejong the Great (DDH-991) and Kim Jong-seo (DDG-975) to spread anti-submarine vignce against enemy submarines in response to the sudden torpedo attack. The Super Lynx¡¯s pilot, who was maneuvering over the east, opened his mouth wide at the scene in front of his eyes. His whole body seemed to be frozen.


    ¡°Sir! Is that a tsunami?¡± The co-pilot, Master Sergeant Oh Tae-won, flipped the helmet visor and pointed in front of him with a finger.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a tsunami before. But, yes, it looks like one.¡±


    A huge column of water with a radius of several hundred meters soared to a height of 100 meters. While tremendous water fell, a wave of 3m high rushing in a circr shape urred around it. The tsunami was rolling in white foam. Even though they were 3km away, the waves grew and became clearer.


    ¡°Oh no. Thending fleet is in danger...,¡± Warrant Officer Kim Il-kyu, who was the main pilot of the Mk-99A Super Lynx belonging to the Sejong the Great (DDH-991) said, slurring the end of his sentence.


    Master Sergeant Oh Tae-won, who was sitting next to him replied, his voice doubtful, ¡°Sir. Our ship¡¯s discement is at least 4,000t. There is no way our ship will be in danger by that tsunami.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see that? Is it getting bigger and bigger! I need to contact Sejong the Great right away.¡±


    The sonar operator, Chief Petty Officer Heo Man-ho, had been scolded by the tactical control officer of the Sejong the Great (DDH-991) for finding the proton torpedote. Actually, this disaster was detected earlier than expected thanks to him. Since they had started the interception operation quickly, they could seed. Also, they could escape from the center of the disaster of the proton torpedo. If the proton torpedo had been detectedter and exploded in a close area, more than 50% of the surface ships of the secondnding expedition would have suffered.


    The tsunami,ing at a speed of 110 km/h, was expected to hit the surface of the 2ndnding expedition in seven minutes. In a very urgent tone, Warrant Officer Kim Il-kyu reported to the Sejong the Great.


    The huge tsunami passed under the three Mk-99A Super Lynxes flying 30m above sea level. The tsunami sounded like a huge waterfall. The three Mk-99A Super Lynxes turned around and began to fly back to the fleets.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 19:10


    The sea 133km off the southeast end of Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (three carrier strike groups of the U.S. 3rd Fleet)


    It was a situation where three carriers entered high-speed maneuvers in different directions. From the Aegis ships and destroyers of each carrier strike groupunched the SM-3 (Block IIA) missiles, which had the longest range among ship-to-air missiles.


    Each carrier strike group fired about 20 SM-3s (Block IIAs) from the Mk 41 VLS verticaluncher with red sparks. The missiles quickly disappeared high into the sky, emitting massive smoke.


    A total of 60 SM-3s (Block IIA) flew to C-SE Epirus (Super EMP Weapon). Ten missiles were assigned for each C-SE Epirus. SM-3 (Block IIA) used GPS guidance in the intermediate stage and semi-active radar guidance method in the final stage. When they reached a certain altitude, they separated the first-stage boost and gradually reduced the distance, detecting each missile to intercept.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 19:12


    The sea 12km off the southern tip of Oki Ind, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (2ndnding expeditionary escort fleet)


    Sejong the Great (DDH-991), which was informed of the tsunami situation by the Mk-99A Super Lynx, was the first to face the tsunami because it sailed from the rear. A 4m high tsunami came toward Sejong the Great.


    ¡°Brace for impact. Brace for impact.¡±


    An emergency rm sounded throughout the ship, and themander¡¯s voice was heard through the speaker.


    In preparation for a collision, Sejong the Great (DDH-991) urgently turned the ship. When the ship faced the tsunami, a huge wave hit the bow of the ship. Sejong the Great (DDH-991) was a ship with 10,000 tons of load discement. But the rear of the ship soared up to the air with a great shock. The ship tilted nearly 30 degrees. The crew, who were holding various hard handles and facilities, bounced back and rolled on the floor at once. The shock was beyond their imagination.


    A strange sound came from all over the ship as if the ship¡¯s keel was breaking. It was enough to make everybody worry. Each crew, trembling in fear, gave strength to their hands. It was as if they were riding a Viking warship. They felt their bodies fly up. The crew members screamed out in fear. The bridge was a mess with the crew who rolled over.


    Sejong the Great (DDH-991) rode through the tsunami. Then, its bow hit the sea. The center of gravity moved to the front. Due to this, the crew members who flew backward were thrown forward this time.


    After a while, the bow that had drowned in the sea bounced back onto the surface of the sea due to the ship¡¯s stability. The ship shook greatly. It gradually regained its center of gravity and established a stable position.


    Not only ordinary privates but also officers andmanders who had been living on the sea for many years were exhausted, many of them sick from the extreme motions. The impact of this tsunami was really great. Thankfully, Sejong the Great (DDH-991) managed to escape from the dangers of the tsunami.


    ¡°Each manager report the status of the damage immediately,¡± Captain Go Hyun-woo ordered.


    ordingly, each department checked the status of the damage and reported in.


    ¡°This is Chief Engineer Master Chief Petty Officer Kang Hyuk-joon. Currently, there is no damage to the engine. But three firemen have minor abrasions.¡±


    ¡°Ok. Send the wounded to the infirmary immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Salute! This is Lee Won-woo, themander of the battlemand room. There is no problem with all equipment rted to the current operation. Also, all 35 personnel in the battlemand room are safe.¡±


    ¡°Okay, got it.¡±


    ¡°This is Boatswain Han Gyung-seok of the deckhouse. Right now...¡±


    While receiving the damage report from the boatswain, themander shouted, pointing to a ce outside the bridge. ¡°Captain! Look at the Kim Jong-seo!¡±


    They could see the Kim Jong-seo (DDG-975) that was 600m away from them colliding with the tsunami. The ship tilted to the port. It was sinking to the sea as if it lost its force of restitution and center.


    ¡°Damn it. 5,500 ton of load discement was not enough?¡± Captain Go Hyun-woo muttered.


    He picked up themunication device and tried to contact the Kim Jong-seo (DDG-975) himself.


    ¡°This is Sejong! I am Captain Go Hyun-woo! Kim Jong-seo! Can you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Salute! This is the chief navigator Kang Oh-won.¡±


    ¡°Where is your captain?¡±


    ¡°He fell in shock.¡±


    ¡°Was the ship¡¯s stability damaged?¡±


    ¡°It seems so. Right now, the ship is tilted 55 degrees to the port.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Abandon the ship! Order all crew to abandon the ship! You, too! Take the captain and abandon the ship right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    This was just the beginning. The tsunami,ing at a speed of 110 km/h, struck all the surface ships of the 2ndnding expedition in less than 10 minutes. Some small private ships were deployed behindrge ships to minimize the impact of the tsunami, but about 10 ships sank.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 19:15


    The sea 133km off the southeast end of Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (three carrier strike groups of the U.S. 3rd Fleet)


    The three carrier strike groups had fired more than 100 SM-3s (Block IIA) to intercept the C-SE Epirus (Super EMP Weapon). But they only seeded in intercepting two. A tremendous sh of light urred in a row over 1km above the three carrier strike groups


    With a total of four shes, a circr shock wave spread across the sea in all directions. shes urred at the same time in two ces above the 1st Carrier Strike Group which had entered high-speed maneuvering. The shock wave passed through the ship belonging to the 1st Carrier Strike Group.


    The huge shock wave struck not only the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson (CVN-70) but also about 10 cruisers and destroyers. Because of the shock wave, the system operated by the EMP pulse was malfunctioning.


    In particr, the Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and one of the Aegis cruisers, Lake Chamin (CG-57), and one of the Aegis destroyers, Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) turned into scrap metal as the systems werepletely jammed.


    A fire broke out with sparks spattered all over the Carl Vinson (CVN-70), which were operated by various electronic systems. The automatic fire extinguishing system was broken as well. So, the crew pulled out fire hoses and started extinguishing the fire manually.


    Aircraft and helicopters that were flying over the vicinity of the 1st Carrier Strike Group also fell to the sea as the system malfunctioned.


    Meanwhile, one C-SE Epirus (Super EMP Weapon) which was maneuvering at an azimuth of 1-7-0unched a shock wave with bright light in the air near the 9th Carrier Strike Group.


    One C-SE Epirus (Super EMP Weapon) was falling to the expected evasion point but was intercepted. Fortunately, the 9th Carrier Strike Group escaped from the direct impact of the shock wave. So, only some of the systems were jammed, but there was no significant damage.


    Finally, one C-SE Epirus (Super EMP Weapon) exploded in the airspace of the 3rd Carrier Strike Group, which was maneuvering at a 2-7-5 azimuth. The system of the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and ten surfacebatants belonging to the 3rd Carrier Strike Group, which was in the middle of the bombardment, also malfunctioned. The systems were down. Soon small sparks began to ignite.


    Another catastrophe fell from the sky above the 3rd Carrier Strike Group, which had be a simple lump of scrap metal floating on the sea. Following the C-SE-M1 Epirus (Super EMP Weapon), Zeus 2 fired six additional C-SH-M1 Zinogs (sma amplified ammunition) equivalent to 1Mt of nuclear bombs.


    In the case of the C-SH Zinog mounted on the existing Zeus 1, it was a sma amplification missile with the power of a nuclear bomb of 15Kt. However, Zeus 2 and 3 were equipped with a more powerful 1Mt ss (1Mt = 2,000,000 tons of TNT) C-SH-M1 Zinog-II.

 Chapter 271

    <h4>Chapter 271</h4>


    February 20, 2021, 21:00


    The sea 99km off the southern end of Jeju Ind (the location of the 2nd Destroyer Floti of the 2nd Fleet and Maritime Task Squadrons 71)


    Several explosionsparable to nuclear bombs had urred near Yokosuka. Three carrier strike groups belonging to the 3rd Fleet suffered fatal damage. In response to the news, the 7th Carrier Strike Group changed formation from dense to open and started sailing away from each other.


    The open formation was able to minimize damage when they were hit by ballistic missiles. However, as the distance between the ships increased by about 3km, antiaircraft defense would be difficult.


    The 2nd Destroyer Floti of the 2nd Fleet and Maritime Task Squadrons 71 had made abined fleet and were going down south. From their view, it was the best time to attack those American ships. ordingly, they sailed to the south at maximum speed to secure the range of the Hae Seong A ship-to-ship missile.


    ¡°When will we secure a range of the ship-to-ship missile?¡± Rear Admiral Kim I-won asked Captain Oh Hyung-gi, folding his hands behind his back on the bridge of the Taejong the Great (DDG-996).


    Rear Admiral Kim I-won was the CCDG of the 2nd Destroyer Floti of the 2nd Fleet. He had totalmand of abined fleet. Captain Oh Hyung-gi was the group leader of the 21st Destroyer Squadron.


    Captain Oh Hyung-gi checked themander¡¯s monitor and immediately answered, ¡°There is about 30km left, sir!¡±


    ¡°It would be nice if we had Avarice missiles like the Lee Sun-shin,¡± Rear Admiral Kim I-won expressed regret.


    The Avarice missile was a hypersonic anti-ship missile with a range of 450km and a speed of Mach 8. Currently, the Avarice anti-ship missiles were only in operation on the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) and the Super Hoc submarines.


    ¡°Hahaha. Commander, to operate the Avarice, the ship must have at least 15,000 tons of load-discement.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? It is just inconvenience not having it.¡±


    ¡°Well, since the Gwang-hae is directing the operation, when we are in range, we will receive the reports.¡±


    ¡°I hope that the 11th Carrier Strike Group doesn¡¯t notice us until then.¡±


    ¡°They will be busy converting to open formations.¡±


    About 40 minutester, all of the surface ships of the 11th Carrier Strike Group entered the range of the Hae Seong A anti-ship missiles. A report came from themand ship of the Maritime Task Squadrons 71, King Gwang-hae (DDG-1001).


    ¡°Salute! This is Captain Ahn Hyeong-gyun of the King Gwang-hae.¡±


    ¡°Salute! Thank you for your hard work.¡±


    ¡°Admiral! Currently, all the ships of the 11th Carrier Strike Group are within range of our anti-ship missiles. We ask for permission to attack.¡±


    ¡°Okay. From now on, I authorize the King Gwang-hae to operate attacks. Engage without damage to allies.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Salute!¡±


    Captain Ahn Hyeong-gyun of the King Gwang-hae (DDG-1001), who took over the attack authority, immediately assigned targets to enemy ships. Soon, he ordered to fire the Hae Seong A missiles.


    A total of 32 Hae Seong A missiles, four each from eight destroyers, flew away from the K-VSL verticalunchers and the extended lengthunchers, fluttering fuzzy smoke. This was excluding the Eulji Mundeok (DDG-972), which operated the RGM-84D Harpoon. The missiles disappeared, turning south.


    At the same time that 32 white smoke trailed into the dark southern sky, thest four Epirus (Super EMP Weapon) missiles from the strategic interception satellite CS-AD Zeus 1 were falling at a tremendous speed toward the 11th Carrier Strike Group.


    ¡°All ships! Fire the second round of Hae Seong A missiles!¡±


    After about a minute or so, the order tounch the second round of missiles from the King Gwang-hae (DDG-1001) was issued. ordingly, Hae Seong A missiles were fired from the eight destroyers once again.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 21:45


    The sea 372km off the northern end of Okinawa Ind, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan (the location of the 11th Carrier Strike Group of the 3rd Fleet)


    The 11th Carrier Strike Group that had just finished converting to the open formation was under a state of emergency. This was because the early warning rm E-2C Hawkeyes detected and reported fleet missiles had beenunched from 250km north. The 64 supersonic anti-ship missiles,unched with a slight time difference, flew across the sea in sea-skimming mode.


    The face of Roger Haney, who was sitting on a chair on the ind of thetest aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), was full of concern. He just received the report that three carrier strike groups that he belonged to had suffered near annihtion. Vice-Admiral Mark Haney,mander of the 3rd Fleet, was his father. The entire carrier strike group on which he boarded disappeared as if it evaporated.


    Admiral Roger Haney was unable to conduct rationalmand under the great shock. Colonel John Edens, captain of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), who was waiting for the next order from Roger Haney, did not rush him. He understood his pain.


    So, John Edens quietly approached and asked Roger Haney, ¡°Admiral! I will order the aircraft to take off.¡±


    Admiral Roger Haney nodded instead of answering.


    ¡°Admiral, can I take the right tomand for a while?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I am sorry, but could you do that?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Admiral. I will handle it.¡±


    Shortly thereafter, at the order of Captain John Edens, 12 VMFA-323 (Navy Combat Squadron) F/A-18E/F Super Hos, which were waiting on the flight deck, took off from the runway. After that, 16 VFA (Combat Squadron) F-35C Lightning IIs that had returned from yesterday¡¯s air battle spurred the runway in turn and soared into the sky, with the help of an electronic catapult.


    The VAW-117 (Aircraft Early Warning Squadron), which was in charge of the early warning of the carrier squadron,unched the rest of two E-2C Hawkeyes, along with the E-2C Hawkeyes that had been flying in the past two hours. It was to maximize the early warning capability. Also, two ultrahigh altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, MQ-9B Reapers, were dispatched in an emergency to reconnaissance of the Corean Allied Fleeting to the south.


    The MQ-9B Reapers flew over the north, maintaining a distance of 2km from each other and gradually increasing the altitude. The MQ-9B Reaper was an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft that significantly upgraded its ascent capability to 20kmpared to the existing MQ-9 Reaper.


    ¡°This is Captain John Edens of the Gerald R. Ford. I have been handed overmand from the CCDG and will now lead. From now on, intercept enemy anti-ship missiles under the fire control of the Pat Tillman. Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Pat Tillman¡¯s Captain Matthew Gatney. I will take over control of the fire and enter the intercept procedure. Over.¡±


    The Pat Tillman (DDG-1004) was a Zumwalt-ss stealth destroyer that took over the control of air defense and fire. In the Combat Intelligence Center of the ship, the crew assigned target numbers for the missiles to be intercepted to all destroyers and aircraft flying north. Then, dozens of SM-2 missiles flew northward, embellishing the dark sky with red spots.


    Besides, the F/A-18E/F Super Hos and 16 F-35C Lightning IIs, which flew over the north from Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), also fired AIM-120D AMRAAMs at the ship-to-ship missiles.


    ***


    February 20, 2021, 21:50 (EST 08:50)


    Arlington, Pentagon, Virginia, U.S.A. (Joint Chief of Staff Operations Briefing Room)


    About 100 high-ranking officials gathered in the Operation Briefing Room of the Pentagon Joint Chiefs of Staff. Chief of Naval Operations Robert Burke was on the tform and briefing about something.


    ¡°Including the carrier of the 1st Carrier Strike Group, the Carl Vinson, the main cruiser, Lake Chamin, and the main destroyer, Wayne E. Meyer all seem to have been destroyed by a nuclear missile attack. The remaining eight destroyers were fortunately out of thending area and only got minor damages. However, due to the influence of the EMP, a partial system error has urred, so it seems that they should be excluded from all operations. Currently, they are impossible to maneuver over long distances, so they are maneuvering to Yokosuka Port.¡±


    ¡°How did the most important ships in the carrier strike group end up like that?¡± Minister of National Defense John Wayne asked in the middle of Chief of Naval Operations Robert Burke¡¯s briefing.


    ¡°Well,¡± Robert Burke answered, ¡°all the systems were disrupted while receiving direct damage from the first EMP attack. As a result, it was not possible to actively defend against air attacks and evade the second nuclear missile attack.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Next is about the 9th Carrier Strike Group. Fortunately, for the 9th Carrier Strike Group, it only received indirect damages from the EMP and nuclear missile attacks. Therefore, the carrier and nine destroyers are all safe. However, they had some system errors simr to the 3rd Carrier Strike Group. So, reorganization is inevitable. They are currently on an emergency return to the Guam base.¡±


    Minister of National Defense John Wayne sighed and muttered, ¡°Everything is excluded from action.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford heard his mutter and spoke to him quietly. ¡°Since the war has not ended, I deem reorganization as a priority.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I got it.¡±


    ¡°Lastly, it seems like the most damaged one is the 3rd Strike Group. Currently, the unmanned reconnaissance aircraft that took off from the Roosevelt has been searching the area for about one hour. But it reported that no surfacebatant belonging to the 3rd Carrier Strike Group has been found so far.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Minister of National Defense John Wayne asked as if he could not understand.


    ¡°It means that they are eitherpletely extinguished or all sunk.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you saying all the ships of one carrier strike group sank?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it seems so.¡±


    At the answer, Minister of National Defense John Wayne clicked his tongue and shook his head.


    ¡°ording to the report of the 9th Carrier Strike Group, the system of most surface ships was disrupted by the EMP ballistic missile at 6:15. It is said that 20 minutester, an explosion simr to a nuclear bomb urred in the air 500m above them. In other words, they were attacked by EMP first, and then the nuclear missiles came after.¡±


    ¡°EMP and nuclear attack using ballistic missiles... In any case, Corea certainly vited the Nonproliferation Treaty.¡±


    Michael T. Joshi of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) intervened. ¡°Sir. I know that the NRO (National Reconnaissance Agency) is also currently investigating, but this attack has beenunched from a satellite projectile rather than a ballistic missile attack.¡±


    ¡°A satellite projectile? Do you have any evidence?¡±


    At the question of Minister of National Defense John Wayne, Director Michael T. Joshi turned his head to NRO¡¯s Director of National Reconnaissance, Antonio Rooney. In response, Director Antonio Rooney turned to his aide-de-camp and handed him the USB. He ordered him to disy the content on the screen.


    After a while, a picture of the earth taken from outer space appeared on therge screen of the Operation Briefing Room. Director Antonio Rooney put his mouth close to the microphone and began to exin.


    ¡°This is a picture taken this morning from GEO 10, an emergency military satellite that was dispatched in Northeast Asia.¡±


    ¡°Why is the resolution of the picture so low? It¡¯s hard to recognize,¡± Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford asked.


    ¡°We were originally able to take high-res pictures, but for unknown reasons, it was only possible to take pictures with such blurry images.¡±


    The earth in the background of the picture was clear and in high-resolution. However, the ck object in the middle looked very blurry. It seemed like some sort of satellite when they took a closer look.


    ¡°Next is the video. Please take a good look.¡±


    The screen was changed, and the video was shown this time. In the video, the ck object still looked blurry. After a while, severalunchers popped out of the ck object. Soon, itunched missiles at the Earth. The ck object soon disappeared from the video after theunchers retracted. No movement was seen. It disappeared as the afterimage became blurrier.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Did it just disappear?¡±


    ¡°Or did it move too fast?¡±


    Each participant who attended the meeting remarked watching the scene.


    ¡°As you can see, that ck object that seems to be a Corean attack satellite disappeared from view after the missileunch. Therefore, the NRO is currently investigating through information sharing with other intelligence agencies. The report waste, as we have not yet confirmed anything. That is all. I will try to identify the ck object as soon as possible and report it again.¡±


    ¡°Corea yed innocent for so long! How dare they operate attack satellite?¡± Minister of National Defense John Wayne shouted.


    He seemed very angry. As he was about to curse, the duty of the Joint Chiefs of Staff urgently came into the operation briefing room and yelled.


    ¡°A report came in that the 11th Carrier Strike Group is under attack by the Corean fleet.¡±

 Chapter 272

    <h4>Chapter 272</h4>


    February 20, 2021, 22:00


    The sea 99km off the southern end of Jeju Ind (the location of the 2nd Destroyer Floti of the 2nd Fleet and Maritime Task Squadrons 71)


    The aircraft took off from Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). At the same time, 24 CF-21P Red Phoenixes wereunched at the 25th Air Force Base. Also, 24 CF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenixes of the 17th Fighter wing which were temporarily stationed at Seoguipo Airport wereunched as well. They switched to supercruise flight mode and flew at a staggering speed of Mach 6.5. They passed above thebined fleet three minutes after taking off.


    The scene where 48 state-of-the-art fighters close to the 7th generation were flying in the air as a group was truly spectacr. It made less noise than expected and disappeared from view at an instantaneous speed. The crew members of thebined fleet who saw this waved their hands and cheered.


    As if they wanted to return the cheer, the 24 CF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenixes shot out the S-ALM-100 Anacondas to the 11th Carrier Strike Group. The S-ALM-100 Anaconda was an air-to-ship missile. There was a total of 45 missiles, and they flew away like blue lights.


    Meanwhile, several explosions continued to ur mid-air between thebined fleet and the 11th Carrier Strike Group. They were caused by 88 Hae Seong A missiles colliding with the SM-2sunched by the destroyer of the 11th Carrier Strike Group and the AMRAAM missilesunched by the aircraft. However, the intercept rate of the supersonic ship-to-ship missiles was less than 50%.


    The Hae Seong A missiles that survived from the first interception kept going to the aircraft carriers and destroyers of the 11th Carrier Strike Group. They flew over very close to the sea, sometimes touching the sea.


    ¡°28 Hae Seong A missiles were intercepted. Currently, there are 38 left. They are flying towards the targets normally. 116 seconds until the first missile hits!¡±


    The King Gwang-hae ship was authorized to attack. Captain Ahn Hyeong-gyun hade down to the battlemand room in person and had been watching the situation.


    ¡°Tactical control officer! Get ready to fire the third round of missiles.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain!¡±


    ¡°Fire control officer! How is the reloading of the ship-to-ship missiles going?¡±


    ¡°The Dae Jo-yeong and Wang Geon will need about five more minutes to reload.¡±


    Currently, destroyers of the Corean Navy¡¯s CD-2 ss or lower were equipped with two quad mountunchers capable of firing anti-ship missiles. At the time of the 1st Naval Power Improvement Project, the missiles of the CD-2 ss destroyers were reced by marine missiles Hae Seong A. But the number ofunchers could not be increased due to the narrow space. However, theunchers were installed. They could drastically reduce the reloading time from 20 minutes to 10 minutes.


    On the other hand, the CD-1A Kang Ui-sik ss ship, Dae Jung-sang (DDH-983) was equipped with four quad mountunchers to increase the anti-ship missile power from the beginning of the design. It was the next-generation air defense destroyer recing the Gwanggaeto the Great ss destroyer.


    ¡°Good. Each of the remaining five ships fire eight anti-ship missiles. Assign targets to each ship!¡±


    ¡°All five ships have been assigned targets.¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire Hae Seong A!¡±


    Thebined fleet sailed in one-line formation. Five ships once again fired Hae Seong A anti-ship missiles. In modern maritime warfare, anti-ship missile attacks generally attacked with the maximum number of missiles at a time, going over the critical point of the enemy fleet¡¯s defense capability. However, thebined fleet of Corea now deliberatelyunched anti-ship missiles at a staggered pace. This was intended to hinder the detection of Epirus (Super EMP Weapon)unched by Zeus 1 by making the enemy focus on the interception of anti-ship missiles.


    At the moment, the destroyers of the 11th Carrier Strike Group were busy intercepting the missiles that were fired from Corea¡¯sbined fleet and the ck Scarlet Phoenixes. 24 CF-21P Red Phoenixes which were flying ahead of the CF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenixes were engaged in full-scale airbat with enemy fighters. Meanwhile, the Epirus (Super EMP Weapon) missile was falling at a speed of Mach 45.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 22:05


    Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan


    The Kadena Air Force Base was one of the two major bases in the Okinawan region, along with the Futenma U.S. Marine Corps¡¯ Air Station. It was thergest military airfield of the U.S. Pacific Air Force. The 18th Air Force group belonging to the 5th Air Force was stationed here. Four E-55A stealth detection nes that hade from the Guam Anderson Air Force Base were just taking off from the runway.


    Then, the 19 F-22SR Super Raptors, which had returned from a fierce air battle this morning,pleted reorganization and entered the runway with a guidance signal from a marshal.


    The E-55A stealth detection ne was developed to detect stealth aircraft. Four E-55A stealth detection nes increased their altitude andunched broadband radar X-waves for detection. Subsequently, 19 F-22SR Super Raptors and 4 B-1R Archers took off and flew over to the northern end where the fierce air battle was happening.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 22:05


    The sky 453km off the northern tip of Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan


    The lock gears of the two AGM-158C LRASM air-to-ship missiles mounted on the hardpoints of the wings of the F/A-18E/F Super Hos were released and separated. The missiles quickly flew forward, using their own propulsion power, and produced white smoke. Meanwhile, as the two heavy missiles fell from the aircraft, the Super Hos became much lighter. They maneuvered and entered a full-scale air battle.


    The situation of the U.S. Navy¡¯s aircraft, which had been defeated despite its numerical advantage so far, was very bad. Currently, the Corean nes engaged in the air battle were 24 CF-21P Red Phoenixes and 24 CF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenixes which were the fighter-bombers. However, the current U.S. Navy¡¯s aircraft were only 12 F/A-18E/F Super Hos and 19 F-35C Lightning II aircraft. It was a very small number.


    However, there were differences this time. First, the radar of the E-55A stealth detection nes, which could detect stealth aircraft, was installed. Also, early warning aircraft E-2C Hawkeyes, the ultrahigh altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft MQ-9B Reapers, and geostationary military satellites, GEO 10 and 12, were deployed. Therefore, it was possible to receive real-time information in many ways.


    American fighters had been blinded by the excellent stealth capabilities of Corean fighters. They had lost the air battles and had been humiliated. They began attacking CF-21P Red Phoenixes recklessly to regain their honor. Besides, the F-22SR Super Raptors and B-1R Archers, which flew fast from the rear to support friendly fighters, were also entering missile range.


    However, there was one thing the U.S. Navy overlooked. The CF-21P Red Phoenixes were more than 6.5-generation ss jets. They incorporated not only stealth features but also several cutting-edge technologies that the United States could not even imagine.


    The distance between the fighters of both sides reached within 100km. They fired anti-aircraft missiles at each other. They flew towards each other very closely. Over 100 anti-aircraft missiles were fired at once, crossing fire at midpoint.


    Fighters of both sides performed evasion maneuvering to shake off the iing missiles. They sprayed chaffs and res into the dark sky. res scattered from side to side lit the surroundings like a phoenix.


    The S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake was an air-to-air missile twice as fast as the AMRAAM operated by the U.S. naval aircraft. The S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake pierced sharply towards the F/A-18E/F Super Hos and F-35C Lightning IIs.


    At the Rattlesnake¡¯s speed of Mach 8, the F/A-18E/F Super Hos¡¯ rapid evasive maneuvering became useless. The S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake flew at a tremendous speed and struck the bottom of one of the Super Hos. The Super Ho was hit in the center of the lower fusge and exploded and shattered. The pilot was engulfed in mes from the explosion and burned without a chance to escape. These explosions continued to ur.


    Boom! Boooom! Bam!


    In an instant, six Super Hos burned down in the air or crashed into the sea in dark red smoke. Some pilots were able to escape. The Rattlesnakes, which had excellent steering power, chased the F-35C Lightning IIs persistently. The F-35C Lightning IIs were hit as well and began to fall.


    The 24 CF-21P Red Phoenixes of the 112th Combat Squadron also tried to escape death. They maneuvered with all kinds of techniques to avoid the AIM-120D AMRAAMs. With the pilots¡¯ control abilities and the help of the supeputers, the Red Phoenixes could avoid the AIM-120D AMRAAMs.


    The AIM-120D AMRAAM, equipped with a proximity fuse, automatically exploded when the distance to the target got close. The explosions lit up the dark sky. Whenever that happened, the pilots of the Red Phoenixes tried to avoid the debris with their skills. Some debris passed through the ne. asionally, fragments collided with the fusge of the Red Phoenixes. However, the bodies of Red Phoenixes were wrapped in liquid metal alloys. So, they were hard enough to bounce off a fragment or two.


    Some fragments hit the top of the fusge, spattered powerful sparks, and bounced off. The pilot who saw this opened his eyes wide. He immediately looked at the dashboard. There was no abnormal signal on the disy confirming the general abnormality of the main jet fighter. The pilot, reassured, pulled the control lever and continued to perform brilliant maneuvers.


    Amidst the splendid fireworks unfolding at an altitude of 5km, a fierce battle was happening on the sea as well.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 22:20


    The sea 372km off the north of Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan (the location of the 11th Carrier Strike Group of the 3rd Fleet)


    The Pat Tillman (DDG-1004) was intercepting by assigning targets to anti-ship missiles of Corea¡¯sbined fleet. In thebat intelligence center of Pat Tillman (DDG-1004), the tactical control officer wasmanding all intercept procedures while Captain Matthew Gatney watched.


    ¡°Failure to intercept targets one and two! Sessfully intercepted targets three to twelve!¡±


    ¡°Assign the targets to the entire fleet for the fourth interception.¡±


    ¡°The Chris Kyle intercept the targets one and two that we failed to intercept previously. The John Paul Jones takes targets thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen.¡±


    The heat of the battle information room was high as dozens of operators checked and reported on the situation in real-time.


    ¡°Hey, tactical control officer!¡± In this situation, Captain Matthew Gatney called the tactical control officer.


    ¡°Yes, captain!¡± he answered.


    ¡°Is the location of the enemy ship confirmed?¡±


    ¡°It is on azimuth between 3-4-5 to 3-5-5, and the distance is 262km.¡±


    ¡°Then we shouldn¡¯t just intercept like this. This ship will direct the intercept procedures as it is now and transfer attack authority to our sister ship, the Chris Kyle.¡±


    Shortly thereafter, the 13 cruisers and destroyers that had been intercepting the anti-aircraft missiles under themand of Pat Tillman (DDG-1004) now began the attack. They fired the RGM-84 Harpoons and the RGM-85 Super Harpoons in session under themand of Chris Kyle (DDG-1005). The missiles soared from the VSL verticalunchers and soared high into the sky.


    Four ship-to-ship missiles wereunched from each ship. A total of 52 Harpoons and Super Harpoons covered the dark northern sky. They drew white smoke and gradually disappeared, leaving red spots.


    At that time, the radar technician, Senior Chief Petty Officer Louis Jackson, shouted while looking at his monitor, ¡°Sir! Four objects believed to be ballistic missiles were detected from an altitude of 7,600km! They are currently falling towards this fleet at speeds above Mach 45.¡±


    ¡°What? Why did you just find that out?¡± Lieutenant Commander Hursley Baker who was the tactical control officer of the ship shouted at the radar technician.


    At this time, Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and Chris Kyle (DDG-1005) also linked detection information as they detected the objects falling from space.


    ¡°How much time is left until thending?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s 8 minutes and 27 seconds.¡±


    Eight minutes was not enough time to avoid missiles using evasion maneuver.

 Chapter 273

    <h4>Chapter 273</h4>


    February 20, 2021, 22:25


    The airspace 453km from the northern tip of Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan


    The air battle between the 24 CF/A-25P ck Scarlet Phoenixes, 19 F-22SR Super Raptors, and 4 B-1R Archers was getting more intense. The pilots of the U.S. naval aircraft and the F-22SR Super Raptors of the air force were receiving anti-air detection information from various means, including the E-55A stealth detection nes which would neutralize the superior stealth capabilities of the Red Phoenixes and ck Scarlet Phoenixes. But contrary to their expectations, the goddess of victory was getting further out of reach.


    Those were the results of a fierce air battle for about 10 minutes: only three Red Phoenixes and two ck Scarlet Phoenixes were shot down in the Corean Air Force. Also, all pilots managed to escape. All 12 Super Hos and 16 Lightning II aircraft, which were U.S. Navy aircraft, were all shot down and burned in the air. Only 10 pilots sessfully escaped using the escape system. Lastly, only 10 of the 19 Super Raptors survived and fought hard with support from the Archers¡¯ rear attack.


    B-1R Archers fired all the AMG-120D AMRAAM and AMG-120F AMRAAM that they had, about 80 km away from other nes. Then, they circled and went back to the Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa.


    The AMRAAM missiles fired by the B-1R Archers flew straight ahead. The AMG-120F AMRAAMs arrived in the battle area in about one minute with a fast speed of Mach 6. They aimed at the Red Phoenixes and ck Scarlet Phoenixes. In response, the Corean pilots sprinkled chaffs and res, emitted powerful EMC, and entered an evasive maneuver. The pilots of the 10 F-22SR Super Raptors considered this would be theirst chance. To take advantage of this chance, they narrowed the distance and began a vicious offensive flight mode.


    However, fortune was not on their side. The Super Raptor pilots had thought that in close engagements, superior mobility could give them an edge. But in less than five minutes, they realized they had thought wrong.


    As they entered the dogfight, they were burnt in the air or crashed into the sea. It was because the Red Phoenixes and ck Scarlet Phoenixes performed highly skilled movements and evasive maneuvers that the American pilots had never seen or heard of, and had not even imagined before.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 22:30


    The sea 372km off the north of Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan (the location of the 11th Carrier Strike Group of the 3rd Fleet)


    Four C-SE Epirus missiles (Super-EMP Weapon) falling toward the 11th Carrier Strike Group had entered the outer atmosphere. Now there was only one-minute left until thending. ordingly, the Zumwalt-ss destroyers Pat Tillman (DDG-1004) and Chris Kyle (DDG-1005) did not want to miss the one chance to intercept them. They fired 40 SM-3 (Block IIA) missiles worth 18 million dors per unit. Theyunched 720 million dors into the sky to intercept three Epirus missiles (Super-EMP Weapon).


    In some ways, it could be considered a huge waste, but it was still better to spend 720 million than let the 11th Carrier Strike Group suffer from damage. The Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) alone was 5 billion dors and each Zumwalt-ss destroyer cost 4 billion dors. Also, it would cost more than 10 billion dors if the destroyer and various equipment werebined.


    They would waste a lot of money if they tried to save 720 million dors. So, Admiral Roger Haney gave an order to Captain Matthew Gatney to intercept the ballistic missiles at all costs.


    Admiral Roger Haney had been grieving since receiving the report that Vice-Admiral Mark Haney, who was the 3rd Fleetmander and his father, was missing. He had even turned overmand to Captain John Edens. But now, he came to and began to give orders intensely, watching the tactical screen carefully.


    At an altitude of 800km, two shes urred, and two Epirus missiles exploded. However, the remaining two Epirus survived. Dozens of SM-3 (Block IB) missiles with a practical ceiling height of 500km were fired from 12 U.S. naval ships nonstop when the two Epirus missiles tried to break through the atmosphere. However, they seeded in intercepting only one Epirus. The remaining Epirus exploded 1km above the 11th Carrier Strike Group, which sailed in the open formation.


    A bright sh urred, turning the dark sky instantly bright like broad daylight, and disappeared. Then, an intense shock wave spreading in a circr shape from the bomb pit swept through the 11th Carrier Strike Group.


    As a powerful EMP (Electromaic Pulse) swept, the air raid rm that was ringing on the entire aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) stopped all of a sudden. It was because two Bechtel A1B reactors, the heart of aircraft carriers that produced 700 MWt of heat and 150 MWe of electricity, had stopped. As a result, the power to all electronic systems operated by the aircraft carrier was cut off. An instantaneous overload caused a spark in an electronic circuit, and the fire began to spread.


    Nine ships, including aircraft carriers, became like scrap metal, being pushed by the currents in an instant. Fortunately, the Arleigh Burke-ss (Flight IIA) Aegis destroyers of the 7th Carrier Strike Group, the McCampbell (DDG-85), and Mustin (DDG-89) were located 50km away from where the explosion had happened. So, they were only partially damaged.


    The surfacebatants belonging to the 11th Carrier Strike Group were lighting up the dark seas with only emergency star shells and shlights since their operating system and power went out. At that time, 32 Hae Seong A, anti-ship missiles that had beenunched by the Coreanbined fleet, flew toward them. ordingly, the McCampbell (DDG-85) and Mustin (DDG-89), which were able to operate the system partially, immediately began the intercept procedure.


    There was no problem with detecting the Hae Seong A anti-ship missile by the Aegis radars. However, an error urred in the fire control system. So, they had to set the target one by one and this dyed the interception response. Regardless, 24 SM-2 (Block IIIA) missiles were fired from two Aegis destroyers in the first intercept procedure. Then, they began to set the target manually again.


    In modern warfare, one second could make a big difference. While they were setting the targets manually, 32 Hae Seong A missiles had reached almost 50km from the 11th Carrier Strike Group.


    The Hae Seong A anti-ship missiles were flying in sea-skimming mode, brushing the sea surface. Thirteen of them were intercepted by SM-2 (Block IIIA) missiles that flew at 60 degrees and caused a fragmented storm. But that was it. The remaining 19 Hae Seong A flew smoothly toward their targets.


    The McCampbell (DDG-85) and Mustin (DDG-89) ignored the missiles that were targeting them. They only focused on intercepting the missiles that were flying towards the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). They chose to save the aircraft carrier rather than themselves.


    Only three of the five Hae Seong A anti-ship missiles that were flying towards the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) exploded. The other two Hae Seong A missiles soared with pop-up maneuvers. When they reached a certain altitude, they quickly began to drop. Then they fell to the flight deck of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). Two Hae Seong A missiles that fell onto the middle of the flight deck prated the thick flight deck and exploded.


    With two wild explosions, a huge pir of fire erupted on the open flight deck. The armor bulkheads inside the aircraft carrier tore apart like sheets of paper. It could not prevent a huge me storm. However, the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) was a ship with 100,000 tons of load-discement. So, it did not sink. However, all the systems were broken, so it was not an exaggeration to say it sank.


    The stealth destroyers, Pat Tillman (DDG-1004) and Chris Kyle (DDG-1005) were also hit by three anti-ship missiles. They were engulfed in fiery mes, spewing smoke, and slowly sinking into the sea.


    Also, the McCampbell (DDG-85), which pushed the order of priority to defend itself to protect the aircraft, seeded to intercept one of the two iing anti-ship missiles with the 20mm Phnx. But the other Hae Seong A hit the ship and the bridge of the ship exploded.


    The Mustin (DDG-89) was also hit by two Hae Seong A anti-ship missiles on the ship and the central hull. The ship rapidly tilted to the aft starboard and slowly sank.


    All 12 ships of the 11th Carrier Strike Group except the submarines were attacked by anti-ship missiles of the Coreanbined fleet. The Aegis cruisers, Chosin (CG-65) and Cowpens (CG-63), the Aegis destroyers, John Paul Jones (DDG-53), Pinckney (DDG-91), Sampson (DDG-102), William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) and Spruance (DDG-111), and the Perry-ss escort fleets, Curts (FFG-38) and the Vandegrift (FFG-48) were either destroyed or sank into the deep sea.


    Ten minutester, where the entire 11th Strike Group had been, only the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and two destroyers were left, fluttering smoke with dark red mes. There were many lifeboats around them, along with numerous sailors who had jumped into the water wearing only life jackets in a hurry. The sea was swarming with people.


    When all operating systems had been shut down by the shockwave of the Epirus missiles, Admiral Roger Haney, the CCDG of the 11th Carrier Strike Group, had ordered all ships to retreat by hand signal. ordingly, most of the crew members were urgently retired before the additional anti-ship missiles arrived to minimize human damage. However, the damage to the crew members of the McCampbell (DDG-85) and Mustin (DDG-89), who did their best for the intercepting mission until the end, was serious.


    <hr />


    February 20, 2021, 23:55 (EST 10:55)


    Arlington, Pentagon, Virginia, USA (Joint Chief of Staff Operations Briefing Room)


    Chief of Naval Operations John Richard was furious at the news that the entire 11th Carrier Strike Group had been destroyed. He pounded the table with his fists and yelled.


    Boom!


    ¡°We mustunch all strategic nuclear missiles and take immediate retaliation right now.¡±


    As the loss of naval power increased beyond imagination in subsequent engagements, Chief of Naval Operations John Richard lost his reason.


    In the operational briefing room, no one could easily voice out or offer opinions except for the Naval Chief of Staff who was expressing extreme anger. As such, all the militarymanders who attended the meeting were also in shock.


    John Richard shouted, ¡°Minister! Please say something! Please get the President¡¯s approval tounch a nuclear missile right away!¡±


    In response to the reckless request of the Chief of Naval Operations John Richard, Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford answered instead of the Minister of National Defense.


    ¡°Hey, calm down. For now, the priority is to rescue the crew of the 11th Carrier Strike Group! Thousands of people are drowning in the sea and waiting for rescue. If weunch a nuclear missile in the current situation, everyone will die!¡±


    Chief of Naval Operations John Richard who had lost his reason due to anger sat back in his chair and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t think that far.¡±


    ¡°We lost this battle, not the war. There are plenty of opportunities to retaliate in the future. Chief Richard! Go and give instructions to the unit so that we can rescue the crew right now and keep checking.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Okay. The next meeting will be held at 4 p.m. today. By then, make sure each military has a n for retaliation and countermeasure against this engagement. This is the end of the meeting.¡± Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford thought that continuing the meeting would be demoralizing, so he let themanders rest.


    After all of themanders went out, there were only three men left in the room. They were Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford, the Minister of National Defense John Wayne, and the man nicknamed Loki, a member of the USSC organization, who had suggested the use of a proton torpedo the day before.

 Chapter 274

    <h4>Chapter 274</h4>


    February 21, 2021, 01:20


    Sada Beach, Mikata District, Fukui Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Boom! Boom! Wham! Boom!


    Whoosh! Bam!


    Numerous sand pirs soared in a 5km radius on Sada Beach in Mikata District. A strong smell of gunpowder covered the area. The outskirts of Tsuruga City were also included as target points. Many bombs flew there as well. As a result, some homes and buildings copsed. Civilian damage increased.


    However, the escort fleet of the 2ndnding expeditionary force did not care. As nned, they continued their fierce bombardment without mercy. Every time the shell hit, the dark beach area brightened instantly.


    They were bombing in case of enemy ambush corps. If there were any, they could get rid of them with this bombing. However, the intensity was severe. This was because it was a retaliation attack. They had received damage from the tsunami that had been caused by the torpedo attack of the U.S. on the way here.


    Many surfacebatants had been sunk or lost due to this tsunami. The destroyer Kim Jong-seo (DDG-975) had sunk. Also, among the convoys, Gyeongbuk (FF-819), Busan (FF-827), and Ulsan (FF-828) had not been able to cross the tsunami wave and sunk.


    Civilian container ships had suffered damage as well. The strong impact of the tsunami had broken the pins that bound the tanks and armored cars to the ships. It moved the center of gravity and this had made the ships tilt to one side. As a result, the private container ships that had lost their bnce had been sucked into the tsunami wave.


    As a result, C-3 White Tiger tanks and various armored vehicles of the 17th Tank Battalion, belonging to the Capital armored division (Fierce Tiger), had been lost. Finally, seven 4,000-ton transport ships that had been transporting various war materials had been also caught in the tsunami and sunk.


    Most of all, the loss of life was the most painful thing. Of the soldiers, 218 were killed and 300 were missing. And among the civilians, 117 died and 69 were missing.


    The firing from the 12 warships continued for about 30 minutes and stopped. Soon after, 16 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers took off one by one from the Ganghwado-ss LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock) of each multi-purpose amphibious assault ship. Those ships were the Ganghwado (LHD-5111), Geojedo (LHD-5112), Yeonpyeongdo (LHD-5113), and the Baengnyeongdo (LPH-6112). The attack helicopters flew to Sada Beach. A total of 64 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers maneuvered in a double-row horizontal formation. They searched all over the ground with various vision modes and began to cover the ground and air.


    Also, eight CWA-11P Fenghuangs, which were deployed for the first time in the amphibious operation, took off in turn along the runway. These were ground-attack aircraft. The Fenghuang had powerful twin engines. Those engines helped the aircraft take off even on a short runway without the help of a catapult.


    As the WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcons and the CWA-11P Fenghuangs began to support ground and air cover, the docks of the four LHD multi-purpose assault ships began to open slowly. Marines of the 2nd Marine Regiment (Yellow Dragon) of the 1st Marine Division, who were on standby while boarding the EFV C-24P-N amphibious assault vehicles to support this amphibious operation, jumped into the sea when the door was opened all the way. Then, with the power of the powerful sma water jet propulsion, they quickly raised the speed to 55 knots and headed to Sada Beach.


    The ground attack nes, Fenghuang, and the attack helicopters, Peregrine Falcons flew over Sada Beach and provided aerial cover. Meanwhile, 75 C-24P-N amphibious assaultnding vehicles from three LHD multi-purpose amphibious assault ships arrived at Sada Beach in 5 minutes by sprinting 7km off the sea.


    After maneuvering over the beach, the rear hatches of the vehicles opened. Marines of the 2nd Marine Regiment (Yellow Dragon) split from side to side, checked the all-around security. Although it was anding operation during the war, the tension felt at the beach was less than during training. That was because they hadpletely secured the control of the sea and air.


    Numerous star shells illuminated the dark Sada Beach. With just one EFV sortie, the three Marine Battalions arrived at the beach and secured a bridgehead. Then, 12 Go Bong-jun ss (LST-I) and Chunwangbong ss (LST-II)nding ship tanks increased their speeds and maneuvered to Sada Beach.


    * In the novel, the Chunwangbong ssnding ship tank (LST-II) was an all-weather tank. Like the Go Bong-jun ssnding ship tank (LST-I), it coulde alongside the pier and do OTH amphibious operation.


    After about 10 minutes, thending ship tanks came onto the beach and extended the ramps. Soon, the White Tiger tanks and various armored vehicles appeared. They moved forward on the sand.


    The three-hour Sadanding operation was carried out safely. It ended fast. Then, the 26th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, a subordinate unit of the 20th Armored Division, whichnded on Sada Beach in apletely organized manner, advanced to Tsuruga Port, 10km east of Sada Beach. They took over the port in an hour.


    ***


    February 21, 2021, 05:50


    Tsuruga Port, Fukui Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    In the air above Tsuruga Port, about 10 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers were flying at low speed, providing thorough air cover. On the ground, C-3 White Tiger tanks and K-23P Hyun-mu armored vehicles were deployed throughout the port. They were putting pressure on the Japanese port night watchmen. Also, the 109th Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 111th Mechanized Infantry Battalion¡¯s infantry were deployed as squads at all entrances and suspicious ces that could be entry points to the port and unfolded strict vignce.


    Under the perfect vignce, the Ganghwado-ss multi-purpose amphibious assault ships, Ganghwado (LHD-5111) and Yeonpyeongdo (LHD-5113) were anchored. Tanks, armored vehicles, and self-propelled artilleries came out from those ships. Also, in another anchorage, four Dok-do ss (LPH) amphibious assault ships were moored at the same time. Various armored vehicles and war supplies came out from them.


    On the flight deck, some flying objects were hovering in the air. They seemed like nes but had weird shapes. They were t square-shaped nes with small wings. They looked like alien spaceship shuttles from an American TV show. They came out of nowhere,nded on the Dok-do ss amphibious assault ship, unloaded their cargo, and left.


    The official name of this aircraft was the CMV-100 Skybus, a next-generation transport aircraft capable of vertical take-off andnding. The sma engines that were installed in the lower four corners were the C-PTZ-500C. This was thetest development among the C-PTS series. The Skybus could carry up to 32 fully armed troops and has a maximum takeoff weight of 200 tons. The existing V-22 Osprey operated in the U.S. was able to carry up to 27 tons. So, it was not evenparable.


    Also, it could fly at a speed close to Mach 1.6 and had a maximum range of 4,100 km. This was a distance that could cover Sinuiju to Busan three times. Besides, even if the engine power of the C-PTZ-500C was maximized, the noise measured from a distance of 10m was only 25dB. It was a very advanced and quiet engine that could not be found in modern aircraft engines.


    Also, some special systems were installed to improve its defense ability. They were TCS (transparent concealment system), SSS (shield blocking system), and ACS (anti-gravity control system). Thanks to these, even during a transport mission in the middle of an enemy line, it was possible to safely carry out a transport mission, not caught by enemy aircraft or ground anti-aircraft units.


    The cargo that the Skybuses were transporting at the moment were Corean cultural properties that had been plundered by Japan. Corea infiltrated into Japan two weeks ago and had been retrieving them for ten days.


    Corean soldiers collected all the things that were considered Corean assets from museums and historical museums, private memorials, and temples all over Japan. They didn¡¯t distinguish whether the item was stolen or actually paid for. Some of the special warriors also collected items of ambiguous origins.


    Cultural heritages that had been collected from all over Japan were saved in secret ces that had been prepared in advance. Today, 48 CMV-100 Skybuses carried those artifacts on to the Dok-do ss and Ganghwado-ss amphibious assault ships with bright searchlights.


    Crew: 3 (Pilot, co-pilot, operator)


    Capacity: 32 infantries (foldable chairs), up to 50 / up to 80t of internal cargo


    Length: 15.5m


    Width: 5.5m


    Height: 3.8m


    Weight on board: 168t


    Engine: 4¡Á C-PTZ-500C


    Maximum speed: Mach 1.6


    Cruising speed: Mach 1


    Range: 4,120km


    Combat action radius: 1,800 km


    Maximum range: 5,590 km


    Ceiling: 11km


    Weaponry:


    mmser Vulcan beam * 2


    mm S-AAM-80 Magpie viper (infrared) short-range missile * 4


    ***


    February 21, 2021, 09:00


    Yomiuri Golf Course, 22 km west of Toyonaka, Hyogo Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Osaka City was a key point on the way to Tokyo. Yomiuri Golf Course was 9km away from Osaka. Corean soldiers had arrived at Yomiuri Golf Course two days ago. They had made a defensive position ording to the order of their superiors. They tried to reconnaissance Osaka, but they had to give up.


    It was because the 3rd Infantry Regiment and the 36th and 37th Motorized Infantry Regiment which were the direct and subordinate units of the 3rd Motorized Infantry Division of the Middle Army were preparing for street fighting. Also, if a battalion scale got caught while they reconnoitered the city by ambush force, the damage would be very high because the city was big. It was about 40km2. It was bigger than Seoul.


    Thus, the soldiers conducted aerial reconnaissance using Spider II drones. Taking the mountain range as a border, preparing for a surprise attack, they were waiting for the main force toe.


    About 200 tanks and armored vehicles belonging to the 3rd Marine Division had driven four hours and arrived at the Yomiuri Golf Course. The endless long rows of medium-sized tanks and armored vehicles lined up beautifully on the golf course which did not look like a golf course anymore.


    Lieutenant Colonel Hong Man-ho, the battalionmander of the 3rd Search Tank Battalion, was waiting at the entrance of the golf course in advance. After the long line of tanks and armored vehicles had passed, amand post vehicle with a division g of the 3rd Marine Division appeared. Major General Jo Gyu-hong who was the divisionmander was riding on themand post vehicle. His upper body was stuck out through the opened hatch.


    ¡°All attention! Bow!¡±


    ¡°Salute!¡± Lieutenant Colonel Hong Man-ho who was waiting for the divisionmander with other staff saluted as he saw him.


    ¡°Salute!¡± Major General Jo Gyu-hong raised his hand in salute powerfully as themander of the division of Corea¡¯s best armored unit.


    Soon, he got off the K-22mand post vehicle, shook hands with Lieutenant Colonel Hong Man-ho, and entered the barracks that had been prepared in advance.


    ¡°Battalion Commander Hong. You did a good job so far. Thanks to you, the other brigademanders and I coulde here easily.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I just did my job.¡±


    ¡°You did a better job than what you had to do. Anyway, how are the Japanese movements?¡±


    ¡°I have prepared a briefing.¡±

 Chapter 275

    <h4>Chapter 275</h4>


    February 21, 2021, 16:00


    Office of the Section Manager of Security Division 2, Cybersecurity Bureau, National Intelligence Service, Gangnam-ku, Seoul


    The data that had been downloaded through hacking after infiltrating the server room of the USSC organization outside Washington on the 17th were encrypted with a special program. As such, all personnel of the Cybersecurity Bureau were mobilized to crack this encryption.


    Namgoong-won was struggling withputers to decrypt the allocated data. Of course, Hoc was assigned some data, so he was able to solve some important information. The data about thetest U.S. weaponry also came out from those coded data.


    However, even with the help of the Hoc supeputer, the remaining encrypted data did not decrease. The whole data was 2PB (2,097,152GB).


    It would be nice to find out only important data by decrypting it first, but it was impossible to know which data was important or not. Therefore, he had to unconditionally solve everything. He was typing on the keyboard excitedly, intending to solve up to 10 files a day. In the meantime, he decrypted the fifth data.


    ¡°Alright! It only took one hour! Hooray!¡±


    Namgoong-won folded his hands as if in prayer and shook them. He clicked on the unlocked file. On theputer monitor, photos and other articles written in English were seen.


    He scrolled down the screen, checking the information slowly. At that moment, he felt like he was frozen by the shocking data. It was all about the truth that he had been waiting for so far. It was about his dead family and friends.


    Thick tears flowed from Namgoong-won¡¯s eyes.


    Namgoong-won sat down and cried for 30 minutes, thinking about the past. He then shut down theputer after he had put the information in his personal USB stick. He left the manager¡¯s office and headed to the office of the deputy director of the Counterterrorism Bureau. He knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± a voice answered from the inside.


    Namgoong-won opened the door and entered the room. Deputy Director An Yeon-wu stood up and greeted him with a bright smile.


    ¡°Manager Namgoong! Long time no see. Come here and sit,¡± Deputy Director An Yeon-wu shook hands with Namgoong-won and said, pointing to the sofa.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, sir. I¡¯m sorry I got busy as soon as I came back.¡±


    ¡°It is alright. How is your work going?¡±


    Deputy Director An Yeon-wu was a man with a warm impression that was odd for the National Intelligence Service. He ordered his secretary to bring some tea and sat back down.


    ¡°When will you do it?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I mean, when will you marry Manager Lee?¡±


    Namgoong-won scratched the back of his head as if he was embarrassed to talk about marriage.


    ¡°I¡¯m just kidding. Ha-ha. Anyway, what brings you here?¡± Deputy Director An Yeon-wu asked.


    ¡°Oh, yes.¡±


    Namgoong-won handed his personal USB to the Deputy Director.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this an unauthorized USB?¡± Deputy Director An Yeon-wu said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, but please take a look.¡±


    ¡°Give me that.¡±


    Deputy Director An Yeon-wu fetched hisptop. He plugged the USB into theptop and clicked on the removable disk. As he read, Deputy Director An Yeon-wu¡¯s expression became very serious.


    ¡°Where did you get this?¡±


    ¡°This is what we are secretly working on in our department these days.¡±


    ¡°Is this the data that was hacked from the USSC organization?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Deputy Director An Yeon-wu had attended the general meeting at the director level. So, he knew what was going on briefly.


    ¡°Did you find this while unlocking the encrypted data?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Namgoong-won answered.


    ¡°Then, why did you bring it to me? Don¡¯t you have to give this to your director?¡±


    ¡°This data is rted to my personal business. And I started this job because of you, so I wanted to discuss it with you, sir.¡±


    ¡°I see. Then, what do you want to discuss?¡±


    At the question of Deputy Director An Yeon-wu, Namgoong-won hesitated a moment.


    Then, he said, ¡°Sir! I want to revenge for my parents and friends!¡±


    ¡°Revenge?¡± Deputy Director An Yeon-wu was astonished. ¡°What do you mean revenge? You are not Kim In-jik of the past anymore. You are Namgoong-won! Your past all disappeared when you became Namgoong -won.¡±


    ¡°If you were me, do you think you can just move on?¡±


    Namgoong-won spoke strongly as if he had already made up his mind. Deputy Director An could not think of anything to say, so he just stared at Namgoong-won.


    ¡°Help me, sir, please!¡± Namgoong-won bowed his head and asked desperately.


    ¡°Alright. How can I help you?¡±


    ***


    February 21, 2021, 18:00


    Yomiuri Golf Course, 22 km west of Toyonaka, Hyogo Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Fire Drake) and the 12th Mechanized Infantry Brigade who had arrived at the Yomiuri Golf Course this morning took a break. At 5 p.m., they began the operation to upy Osaka.


    The Search Tank Battalion and the 52nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade who had been in the vanguard took a detour and advanced from 12 o¡¯clock. The 51st Tank Battalion and the 53rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the 12th Mechanized Infantry Brigade advanced from 11 o¡¯clock.


    Here at Yomiuri Golf Course, the 3rd Air Defense Regiment, the division¡¯s direct unit, began the anti-aircraft warfare mission against enemy aircraft. The 3rd Artillery Regiment waited in suspense all over the golf course so that they could fire immediately when an allied fire request came.


    The 10th Armored Brigade, a subordinate unit of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Fire Drake) which had maneuvered along the southern coast of Honshu after it had upied Akashi, had taken over Gobe. They were scheduled to advance from 9 o¡¯clock when the mission would start.


    About 20 Spider II drones, which were reconnaissance drones, took off from Yomiuri Golf Course and flew into downtown Osaka, crossing the darkening sky. All the drones that the division had were in use. It was because Osaka was bigger than Seoul and they wanted to find out the exact locations of the enemies.


    Tanks and armored vehicles of the 3rd Marine Mobility Division (Yellow Dragon), advancing from three directions simultaneously, gradually began to enter the city. Until now, there was no special counterattack caused by the enemy¡¯s ambush. Japanese citizens looked through the windows from inside the buildings, as if the search tank battalion maneuvering along the eightne road was fascinating. Even though it had been 20 days since the war had started, Japanese citizens seemed to be unaware of the current situation.


    ¨C Stop! Stop the tanks!


    The voice of themander of tank No. 711, who was also themander of the 1st toon, was heard over themunicationwork. As a result, 14 tanks of the 7th Tank Company, which were moving in columnar formation, stopped in an instant.


    ¨C What is it? Is there any enemy?


    Captain Gang Sun-ho, who was thepanymander of the 7th Company and also was the tankmander of tank No. 701, asked.


    -One old man holding the Japanese g is protesting in front of the tank.


    An old man had jumped in front of tank No. 711. He waved the Japanese g and shouted something.


    ¨C What the?


    ¨C He says ¡®Tennoheika Banzai,¡¯ waving the Japanese g. What should I do?


    ¨C What do you mean? Drag him out of the road! There is no ambush force here.


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    First Lieutenant Hong Jin-oh, the tankmander of No. 711, terminated themunication. He talked to Staff Sergeant Kim Young-jun, the gunner.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Kim! Let¡¯s go out and drag that old man off.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Does he really think Japan is still an empire? What a pain just because of one crazy old man!¡±


    ¡°I agree, sir.¡±


    The entire 7th Company stopped due to one insane old man. First Lieutenant Hong Jin-oh and Staff Sergeant Kim Young-jun opened their hatches and got out of the White Tiger tank. They walked toward the old man.


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-jun pulled out a pistol and took a shooting position. First Lieutenant Hong Jin-oh gestured at the old man to move over. However, the old man ignored him and continued waving the Japanese g continuously, shouting for his majesty.


    ¡°I said get lost!¡±


    First Lieutenant Hong Jin-oh grabbed the old man by the cor and tried to drag him out. At that time, shots rang out.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The shots were aimed at First Lieutenant Hong Jin-oh and the old man.


    The old man copsed as he screamed and vomited dark red blood. First Lieutenant Hong Jin-oh who was holding the old man also fell after being shot by several bullets.


    -It¡¯s an ambush! The 3rd floor of a 6-story building, 120 in front at 11 o¡¯clock!


    Photon cannon shot mineral particles to the third floor of the six-story building. The whole building shook and exploded. The ck shadows that used to fire heavy weapons were also caught in the explosion and burned. Tank No. 712, which was behind tank No. 711, quickly fired suppression. Then themander of tank No. 712 gave orders to the driver of No. 711.


    ¨C No. 711! Drive forward and block!


    Tank No. 711 maneuvered in front of the fallen First Lieutenant Hong Jin-oh and stopped.


    ¡°Tank Commander, are you okay?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kim Young-jun, surprised by the sudden situation, ran quickly and looked at First Lieutenant Hong Jin-oh who had fallen. Fortunately, he wasn¡¯t fatally injured because of the protective suit, but he was stunned because he was hit by nearly 10 bullets at the same time.


    ¨C This is the battalionmander. The 7th Company, are you engaged?


    The battalionmander, who was maneuvering on the other side of the road, heard the sound of the explosion and sentmunications. The 7th Companymander replied.


    ¨C Salute! This is thepanymander of 7th Company, Captain Gang Sun-ho. An old man was blocking the road. So, the tankmander and the gunner tried to get him off the road. But there was an attack by ambush.


    ¨C Are you crazy? How could the tank crew get off the vehicle without infantry support during a street war?


    ¨C I¡¯m sorry, sir. ording to the reconnaissance information, there was no ambush force. So, I ordered them to get off.


    ¨C Reconnaissance information can change at any time!


    ¨C I¡¯m sorry, sir.


    ¨C So? What happened?


    ¨C The tankmander was shot. But he wasn¡¯t seriously injured. He just cked out.


    ¨C Take care and maneuver as quickly as possible. Do not damage otherpanies!


    ***


    February 21, 2021, 19:00


    Office of the Section Manager of Security Division 2, Cybersecurity Bureau, National Intelligence Service, Gangnam-ku, Seoul


    Namgoong-won returned after having a conversation with Deputy Director An Yeon-wu for an hour. He worked on theputer to decrypt the remaining data.


    Knock, knock.


    The door opened. Surprised by this, Namgoong-won closed hisptop in a hurry.


    ¡°Won. It¡¯s me!¡± It was Manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t gone home yet?¡±


    ¡°I was going to go after seeing you. You workingte today as well?¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so surprised and close theptop?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing!¡±


    ¡°Top secret?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s top secret. Very top secret.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, something smells fishy.¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin folded her hands behind her back. She walked toward Namgoong-won, narrowing her eyes.


    ¡°I swear. It is just a work-rted secret.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then, just show me a little bit. I will check if it is really top secret or not.¡±


    ¡°Hey, if I can just show you it would not be top-secret, would it? Never.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Then, I will get off. See you at home!¡±


    ¡°See you.¡±


    After Manager Lee Hye-jin left, Namgoong-won opened hisptop again, sighing. On his screen, there were photos and personal information of the Scorpion members who had assassinated his family and friends.


    ¡°I almost got caught.¡±


    Namgoong-won was getting the personal information of the Scorpion members who had assassinated his family and friends using all his means based on the information from the encrypted data.

 Chapter 276

    <h4>Chapter 276</h4>


    February 21st, 2021, 19:30


    The eastern side of Tsuruga at Fukui Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the 20th Armored Division¡¯s temporary encampment)


    The 20th Armored Division that boasted the greatest military power within the entire Corean military had finished theirnding mission in the early morning. Now, their one thousand armored vehicles, tanks, and self-propelled guns were all lined up at the fields in front of the cultural hall, taking their well-deserved breaks.


    The men had slept aboard ships for two days, and they conducted thending operation until early morning without getting any sleep. The soldiers were given a break for the whole day to rest and maintain their morale.


    Meanwhile, at the general¡¯s tent, all the battalionmanders and higher-grade officers were gathered to establish a strategy.


    ¡°If you take a look at the map here, you can see Japan¡¯s 1st Armored Division has established a defensive line along Tokyo.¡±


    The 1st Armored Division, Japan¡¯s most powerful army force, was split into two groups and stationed at the roads leading to downtown Tokyo.


    ¡°Also, the 6th Motorized Infantry Division and the 9th Light-Armored Infantry Division were stationed in Tokyo to defend the area. Ten infantry divisions have been organized through the emergency draft and are spread out evenly across Tokyo. Half of the 10 infantry divisions consist of men who were only trained for a week before being deployed to the field. They are basically green boys who know how to hold a gun,¡± Brigadier General Huh Jin-woo, who wanted to lighten the mood, cracked a joke while reporting in.


    ¡°I thought only the Chinese would have such untrained men, but I suppose they have them here in Japan as well,¡± Brigadier General Kim Joo-myung, who was Brigadier General Huh Jin-woo¡¯s cohort from the academy andmander of the 60th Armored Brigade, chimed in.


    ¡°Yes, I suppose the 60th Armored Brigade, the specialists in taking out poorly trained soldiers, could take care of them.¡± When Major General Ahn Gook-jin, themander of the division, also cracked a joke, the tent was filled withughter.


    Operations Director Huh Jin-woo, who started the jokes, suddenly dampened the mood. ¡°The issue for us is the MEABs, sir. Yesterday, six out of the eight MEABs were ced along the Tokyo area. We are tracking the remaining 2 and their locations. Japan¡¯s 2nd division stationed at Camp Zama, the 8th division at Yokota, and the 31st Marine Mobile Division at the Yokosuka navy base are all being sent into Tokyo as well. It will be a formidable force to contend with.¡± [1]


    Brigadier General Huh Jin-woo pointed to multiple locations on the map of Tokyo.


    He continued, ¡°Then how many men have been deployed to defend Tokyo in total?¡± Brigadier General Na Dong-taek, who was the newmander of the 61st Armored Brigade after Brigadier General Hong Kyung-joon died in battle in China, asked. He was Brigadier General Huh¡¯s junior of one year from the academy.


    ¡°There are about 160,000 men in total.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a considerable number.¡±


    ¡°Numbers are one thing, but the weapons the MEAB forces are using are therger issue, sir. Based on our current intel, the MEAB forces are operating M-4 Warthog tanks equipped with the 16MJ ss railguns, M5 Hussar armored vehicles, M-2001 Crusader self-propelled guns, and M-1203 NLOS-C self-propelled guns with 32MJ ss railguns. We do not know the specifications of the weapons, but they will be like nothing we have faced before. Also, the marine forces will deploy 100 AH-66 Comanji stealth attack choppers across Japan with their aircraft carriers.¡±


    The light mood of themanders started to darken, and many started to lose the smile on their faces.


    ¡°America¡¯s technology has improved to the point where they can attach railguns to tanks and armored vehicles. Can our White Tiger tanks and Hyun-mu armored vehicle¡¯s armor withstand a strike from a 16MJ ss railgun? Did the Joint Chief of Staff send in any test results?¡±


    ¡°The White Tiger tank¡¯s armored ting can withstand a direct hit from a 16MJ railgun. However, the issue is our Hyun-mu armored vehicles. Since it has a weaker armored ting, if it would be hit at the sides or rear, then it will be taken down.¡±


    When Brigadier General Huh Jin-woo finished speaking, a few of themanders¡¯ faces turned grim. They were the mechanized infantry battalionmanders who were operating the Hyun-mu armored vehicles. So far, the Hyun-mu armored vehicles won against enemy tanks 9 times out of 10 without sustaining any losses. However, the thought of them being burned to a metal crisp while facing off against the enemy made themanders shudder.


    ¡°I suppose we should hold back from marching into Tokyo with our Hyun-mu armored vehicles unless it¡¯s necessary.¡±


    ¡°I have changed our strategies with that in mind, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s another issue.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The White Tiger tanks must also look out for the M-1203 NLOS-C self-propelled guns equipped with 32MJ ss railguns. If the tanks would be hit directly at the upper region, then they will be taken down as well.¡±


    When Brigadier General Huh Jin-woo finished speaking, the faces of themanders of the battalions operating the White Tiger tanks became grim as well.


    Major General Ahn Gook-jin, the divisionmander, nced at the battalionmanders and said while smiling, ¡°I suppose that could happen. Hey, why the long faces? Did we fight while relying on superiority in weaponry alone?¡±


    ¡°It seems our men became too used to using powerful weaponry throughout the war against China, sir. Ha ha ha.¡± Brigadier General Kim Joo-myung must have found everyone¡¯s grim looks to be amusing and cracked a joke.


    ¡°We will now start discussing the strategies involving our march toward Tokyo.¡±


    * * *


    February 21st, 2021, 22:00


    Downtown Osaka, Hyogo Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The battle against Japan¡¯s 3rd Motorized Infantry Division was getting fiercer as the Corean marines entered deeper into Osaka.


    The offensive side was at a severe disadvantage in an urban battle, unlike one in a field. The 3rd Mobile Marine Division, which consisted of armored vehicles and tanks, was greatly affected. Theypensated bybining armored battalions and mechanized infantry battalions to receive aid from infantrymen and slowly moved deeper into the city.


    As the battle became fiercer, civilian casualties for Osaka became greater. Several citizens were dying from the turret rounds, rockets, and rubble falling from the buildings. Some were killed by bullets from rifles and heavy firearms as well.


    However, the Corean military could not engage in battle while being concerned about the safety of the enemy nation¡¯s citizens. If the Japanese government were indeed concerned about the safety of their citizens, then they would have ordered the citizens of Osaka to evacuate from the city. However, the Japanese government took no such measures. Just as the Corean government feared, it had used its own citizens as a shield to defend Osaka. If the casualties started to mound up, then Japan would use that to pressure Corea through the internationalmunity¡¯s criticisms.


    However, the political sphere of the world was changing. Corea was no longer the same nation that it once was in the world of politics where powerful nations held sway. After North and South Korea unified into one nation, Corea had won in 2 months the war against China, which had once boasted and called Corea their subject state. The nation had reimed its ancestral territory and tooknds three times greater than its original size. Right now, the other nations could not pay attention to Japan, since Corea was fighting a war that was favoring them against the world power, US.


    Therefore, the Corean military did not engage in the battle at Osaka half-heartedly in fear of the internationalmunity like Japan had hoped. Also, the news of the 7thpany¡¯s vehiclemander being injured by an elderly Japanese man using a heavy firearm had traveled across the entire marine forces. They did not show any mercy.


    After the battle broke out, four Hyun-mu armored vehicles under the 12thpany¡¯s 2nd toon and four C-3 White Tiger tanks under the armored ranger battalion¡¯s 7thpany 2nd toon moved toward Osaka from Kawani by moving through Toyonaka. The vehicles had moved along the eightned road for four hours. Once they reached the city hall at Osaka, they moved into position while looking out for enemies.


    ¡°Infantry crews, dismount!¡± Lieutenant Kang Tae-oong, themander of the 221 armored vehicles and the 2nd toon, gave the orders for his men to dismount their vehicles and move out. The rear hatch opened, and the men started to pour out.


    The infantrymen changed their shield sses to infrared mode after dismounting from their vehicles and started to run toward the Osaka city hall building.


    At the position of 3.17km south of the number 25 road, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Division and the 3rd Armored Battalion¡¯s Type 10 (Type 10 BMT) tanks and Type 96 armored vehicles (Type 96 Wheeled APC) emerged. Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun, the vehiclemander of tank 722, was watching the enemy vehicles through his periscope and alerted his toon.


    ¨C The number 25 road, azimuth 180, distance 3, over 170 enemy tanks and vehicles have been detected. Their numbers are still rising.


    The number 25 road snaked along the southern area of the city from the city hall and turned right at 3.2km away from the building. The Japanese tanks and armored vehicles had moved along this road and had finally emerged.


    ¨C Tank 722, take care of the Type 10 clunkers at your own discretion. Orders from the toonmander came in.


    ¨C Sir! Are you serious?


    ¨C Yes, Commander.


    ¨C I understand. Since we are the battalion¡¯s top gun, we will take care of them.


    -Don¡¯t stray too far.


    The vehiclemanders of tank 721 and 722 were in an officer and nonmissioned officer rtionship, but since they were the same age, these two men were closest in the entirepany.


    ¡°Sergeant Kim, let¡¯s go!¡±


    The 722 tank standing in line next to the 721 tank moved forward.


    ¡°Sergeant Lee, we will set targets continuously. As soon as they are set, just pull the trigger.¡±


    The 722 white tiger tank zig-zagged along the eightned road and started to set the first Type 10 tanks moving up from the southern side as targets.


    There were multiple broken-down cars along the 3.2km stretch, but the 722 tank had no issues targeting the enemy Type 10 tanks up to the 3rd line.


    ¡°Staff Sergeant Lee! Fire up to target 3. Fire at will.¡±


    When Staff Sergeant Lee Ho-jun stepped on the trigger, the photon cannon lit up. The red photon round mmed into the Type 10 tank.


    Boom!


    The photon rounds started to fly toward the enemy tanks and directly struck the turret of the enemy tanks. The Type 10 tanks were engulfed in ck and red mes before copsing on the road.


    ¡°Target 1 is down! Taking out target 2, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great! Keep going!¡±


    The White Tiger tank once again spat out photon rounds. When the leading Type 10 tank copsed on the road after catching fire, the second and third tanks behind it started to scatter left and right and retaliated.


    Boom! Boom!


    The second Type 10 tank fired its rounds from the 120mm gun, but was struck by a photon round and exploded. On the other hand, the 120mm round was affected by the powerful SECM jamming the waves of the White Tiger tank and missed. Itnded on the front entrance of a bank instead and broke down the doors.


    Boom!


    As the dust cloud started to rise, a round fired by the third Type 10 tanknded on the front ting of the 722 White Tiger tank. However, it did not pierce the ting and ricocheted to the ground after creating sparks.


    ¡°Not bad?¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun, who heard the sound of the enemy round crashing into the ting, shouted, ¡°Staff Sergeant Lee! Send two rounds for our third target!¡±


    The 722 White Tiger tank, which boasted a fire rate of one round per second,unched two photon rounds toward its target.


    Boom! Boom!


    When the two photon rounds dug into the body and turret of the enemy tank, the turret became dismantled from the body and flew off by 5m. The turret struck the Type 10 tank behind it.


    ¡°We got two birds with one stone!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun, who was watching the scene through his periscope, startedughing.


    Suddenly, with a loud crash, an enormous shockwave struck the left side of the 722 White Tiger tank.


    Boom!


    It sounded as if their ting had been pierced, and the shock had caused the 722 White Tiger tank to lose bnce and almost crash into the pedestrian road on its left. Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun and Sergeant Lee Ho-jun both screamed from the shockwave ringing throughout their interior system.


    ¡°What the¡ª? Did we get hit by a missile?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Kang Kyung-hyun looked at his periscope while bearing the pain on his side.


    Through the periscope, a ck and aggressive tank that they had never seen before showed up between the burning Type 10 tanks.


    [1] Marine Expeditionary Activation Brigade (MEAB)

 Chapter 277

    <h4>Chapter 277</h4>


    ¡°Get that bastard! Our 2 o¡¯clock, distance at 3050! Set it as the first target!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun shouted to target the unidentified ck tank that did not show up on the intelligence database. However, all he heard was the moaning from Staff Sergeant Lee Ho-jun. He turned around and nced at Staff Sergeant Lee.


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Lee¡¯s right eye was red and swollen. The pain must have been immense since all he could do was clutch his eye with his hands and groan. In short, his vision was not in a fit state to set targets. He must have been injured while looking through his scope.


    ¡°I guess I have no choice.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun pulled the control lever from the lower console to fire the guns himself and grabbed the trigger. After removing the safety cover from theunch button, he ced his thumb over it.


    Boom!


    Another shock rang across the turret. The White Tiger tank had slid at a 65-degree angle from the southern direction, and only the turret had turned right. Despite the tank weighing 45 tons, the shock shook the entire vehicle. Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun, who had lost the timing to fire back, shouted through the headset.


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! Why are you staying put in battle? Back up.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Kyung-soon, the driver of the 722 tank, regained his senses from hismander¡¯s shouting. He fixed his helmet back on and raised his head.


    ¡°Back the tank up!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sir. Backing up now.¡±


    With the roar of the engine, the 722 tank bounced back. Sergeant Kim stepped on the right brake so the tank would face south. The 722 tank turned and was now aligned with the road.


    ¡°Should I keep going, sir?¡±


    ¡°Keep going! Staff Sergeant Lee is injured so, he can¡¯t fire the guns.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kang aimed at the ck tank that was slowly moving forward while speaking to Sergeant Kim, the tank¡¯s driver. When he locked on to the target, he pressed theunch button.


    Pew!


    With the press of a button, the ck tank erupted in mes and exploded.


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun clenched his fists after seeing the enemy tank go up in mes and turned his scope to the left. Numerous ck tanks started to emerge from between the copsed tanks.


    ¡°Back up! Move back!¡±


    A loud noise that seemed to tear open the air moved past them.


    Woooooosh~


    Numerous explosions continued behind the 722 tank. The enemy tank¡¯s rounds luckily all missed thanks to the SECM jamming waves.


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun, who did not have the time to be shocked, set his next target and pressed the button to fire.


    Pew!


    The photon round struck the targeted ck tank¡¯s turret and exploded.


    ¡°Great! We got another one.¡±


    If Staff Sergeant Lee Ho-jun was not injured, they could have taken down the new enemy tanks quicker. Sergeant First ss Kang was struggling since he had to do both targeting and manning the gun.


    Boom!


    As Sergeant First ss Kang was about to lock on his next target using his periscope, it turned off with a sh of light as if it was struck by lightning. Also, a powerful shockwave that almost bent the turret started to ring across the entire vehicle. Sergeant First ss Kang covered his face with his arms and screamed. It was as if the rounds exploded right in front of his eyes.


    Argh!


    The 722 White Tiger tank lost its bnce once again. It left the road and started to charge towards the flower beds behind the pedestrian road.


    Vroo! Vrooooom!


    The White Tiger tank crashed into the flower bed and stopped.


    Creaaaaak.


    White smoke started to billow out from the engine. Numerous explosions continued at the tank¡¯s surroundings, causing pieces of dirt, wood, and concrete to fly in all directions.


    Boom! Booooom!


    The ck tanks started to fire at the 722 tank that had crashed into the flower bed.


    Boom! Boom! Crash!


    Another shock rattled the turret, and it now started to shake the entire interior of the 722 tank.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to die here if we don¡¯t do something!¡± Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun thought and radioed the toonmander.


    ¡°This is ck Beer 2! Our gunner is injured, and the periscope is broken. We cannot fire back and move while being under enemy fire, requesting back up!¡±


    The White Tiger tanks under the ranger battalion did not realize the American tanks were the M4 Warthog tanks equipped with the 16MJ ss rail guns since they did not receive an update on their friend or foe database.


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! Pull yourself together!¡±


    Sergeant Kim was in a daze after being tossed around inside the tank and crashing into the machinery. The White Tiger tank had never received such a shock before, so the crew was in a daze and a state of shock.


    All that came back through the headset was Sergeant Kim Kyung-soon¡¯s moaning.


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! If we stay here, we will be barbequed. We need to get the hell out of here, now!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun moved to the gunner¡¯s seat and checked the sights to manually aim the turret. However, the sights must have been struck by the enemy rounds since all he could see was ckness.


    ¡°Damn it. Nothing¡¯s going our way.¡±


    Out of the fire and into the frying pan! The crew of the 722 tank was out of luck. While Sergeant First ss Kang muttered to himself, the metal X-16 railgun rounds from the 16MJ ss rail guns continued to fly towards the 722 tank. 30% of the rounds continued to strike them. The powerful Hydronium armored ting luckily prevented an internal explosion and damages, but they were notpletely safe.


    nk! Booom!


    With another powerful shock, the White Tiger tank shook. It felt as though being in a barrel that was being pounded with a bat. The crew were bing severely stressed. That was when the sounds of allied guns started to ring.


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The ally 723 and 724 White Tiger tanks guarding the outer area of the Osaka City Hall rushed into the area and started to fire back at the enemy. Soon, no more metal rail gun rounds were flying towards the 722 tank. Also, the sounds of rail guns and photon cannons died down and the area became quiet. The 723 tank radioed in.


    -This is ck Beer 3! ck Beer 2! Are you all right?


    ¡°This is ck Beer 2! What¡¯s going on out there?¡±


    -We took down all the enemy tanks. You cane out now.


    ¡°All right.¡±


    -How¡¯s Staff Sergeant Lee and Sergeant Kim?


    ¡°They¡¯re not severely injured, but they are bruised.¡±


    -That¡¯s a relief.


    Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun finished speaking on the radio and checked his surroundings after opening the hatch. The 722 tank¡¯s surroundings were in a wreck. Craters covered the area and pieces of dirt and concrete littered the area.


    Sergeant First ss Kang exited the turret and jumped off the tank. When he nced at his tank, he despaired.


    ¡°Man, it¡¯s in bad shape!¡±


    The exterior of the 722 tank was severely damaged. The optical equipment mounted on the turret¡¯s exterior waspletely blown off, while the outer ting that could easily withstand 120mm rounds had scratches as if it was struck by something sharp. Based on the outer appearance, the 722 tank seemed gruesome and was in no fit shape for battle.


    ¡°Man, it¡¯s making me tear up. How did this happen to our vehicle?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Lee and Sergeant Kim Kyung-soon approached Sergeant First ss Kang Kyung-hyun who was covering his face with his hands while sitting on a fallen tree.


    * * *


    February 21st, 2021, 23:00


    The deep seas N 49¡ã 4¡ä E 154¡ã27 181km east of Lishua Ind within the Kuril inds.


    On February 20th, two Super Hoc submarines had set sail from Oki Ind at 13:00. They moved through the Kuril Inds and had now passed Lishua ind. The submarines were now 181km east of the ind at 3000m under the surface, moving at 60 knots, faster than most torpedoes.


    The Lee Hui-hyung (SSP-091) and the Choi Joon (SSP-092) Super Hoc submarines had a load discement of 23,550 tons, and they were tasked with the important mission of attacking maind America in 45 hours.


    America had never been attacked by a foreign power since its founding. Hawaii was attacked during the Second World War by Japan¡¯s Kamikaze attacks, but that was only a small ind, not the maind. The actual nation on the continent was never assaulted. Also, while every nation was being attacked and had their existence threatened by war during two world wars, America¡¯s geographical location had allowed it to avoid being damaged directly. Instead, the war had brought the nation economic profit.


    The geographical advantage of America yed a vital part in it bing a world power. Theck of military struggle within the nation allowed it to advance rapidly in both the economy and the military. The reason America could mass produce weapons was also thanks to its geographical advantages.


    The pride American citizens had about not having been invaded by a foreign military was as high as the sky. However, the U.S. government, its citizens, and the USSC council never dreamt that their nation would be attacked by a foreign power in a few days. Not just any nation, but Corea, a small nation from the east.


    The two 180m long Super Hoc submarines were sailing through the pitch-ck depths 3km from each other. The Super Hoc submarine¡¯s design surpassed any standard submarine before it. It was equipped with an A12 cell K-VSL verticalunchpad that had X-1 sma cluster bombs, and SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles (sub-to-surface) loaded and ready tounch once the targets were set.


    The SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles had a range of 15,000km and a speed of Mach 45 and consisted of two types, ballistic and cruise, to attack the enemy targets. Based on the distance of the target, it could beunched as a ballistic missile for further distances and as a cruise missile for closer targets.


    Colonel Lee Yeon-jae, the captain of the Lee Hui-young (SSP-091), came down to the battle station and asked the operations director while looking at therge screen, ¡°How do things look ahead?¡±


    The tactical screen showed the movement of every object within the depths and surface of the ocean up to 250km ahead of the submarine in 3D shape detected by the sonar. Thepound sonar operated by the Super Hoc submarine was the upgraded version of the sonar type hypersonic IUSW-B.L 01 radar being used by the CS-SD Poseidon naval defense satellite.


    It was thetest high-tech equipment thatbined the functionalities of sonar and radar that allowed the user to see everything within the depths, ocean surface, and an altitude of 20km within a 250km radius.


    ¡°Based on our sailing route, we are not detecting any enemy submarines or vessels, sir.¡±


    ¡°Keep an eye out for U.S. nes above the surface as well.¡±


    ¡°We will vigntly keep watch, sir.¡±

 Chapter 278

    <h4>Chapter 278</h4>


    February 22nd, 2021, 09:00


    Mount Hoyoshi, 18km southeast of Kanoya, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan


    On the 11th, Corea¡¯s 2nd marine division and 6th marine brigade hadnded on Hira Ind¡¯s Neshichoko shores. They had broken through the enemy¡¯s defenses that connected Kurume and Fukuoka and marched into southeastern Kyushu within 10 days. Now they had upied the entire Kyushu area except for the southern part of Kanoya.


    Japan¡¯s surviving special forces were hiding in the area along Hoyoshi mountain southeast of Kanoya and fighting against Corea¡¯s forces. The Hoyoshi mountain was 925m high. The mountain regions were not rough, but it was densely covered by a forest.


    The 2nd marine division¡¯s HQ sent out the Magpie Viper brigade to search and destroy the Japanese special forces.


    The 7th mobile chopper battalion¡¯s KUM-M50 Super Surion choppers were circling the areas along the Hoyoshi mountain while the 5th and 6th mobile battalions had the exits blocked off. Once the choppers got to their designated locations, they hovered over them so the marines aboard could rappel down.


    Thirty-two marines from each chopper rappelled down. The men started to move out on both sides of the mountain ridge and started to search for the enemy as they climbed down. The Super Surion choppers started to move out from the center of the mountain ridge and searched the areas in infrared vision. If they detected any suspicious life signs, theyunched their 50mm sma cluster rounds without any hesitation.


    Many sma cluster rounds exploded along the mountain ridge. After firing all 40 of their sma cluster rounds, the Super Surion choppers turned back and returned to base.


    ck smoke and the smell of gunpowder covered the Hoyoshi mountain after the sma rounds finished their fireworks.


    ¨C We will start the search and destroy mission in 5 minutes. Each toonmander is to make a final check on their equipment and operations before conducting the missions by squadrons. Make sure to maintain a distance between each squad, over.


    The 38thpany¡¯smander gave the order through themunication line. Lieutenant Yoo Hyung-min, the 3rd toon¡¯smander called over his men to go over the operation for the final time.


    ¡°Make sure each squadron is within 30m of each other, and activate the X-C01 console¡¯s friend or foe system so we don¡¯t fire at each other. Tell every member of your squadron before we search, understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°We have 3 minutes left. Get ready.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Il-ho from the 2nd squad called for his men and made them gather around him.


    ¡°Hey, everyone! Check the consoles on your arms!¡±


    The seven men under Sergeant Kim Il-ho all put out their left arm. Sergeant Kim checked the settings of each man himself. Then, he tapped on Private Hong Jyeong-pyo¡¯s helmet.


    ¡°Hey, I think yours is not set for the friend or foe identification.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. I forgot to reset it after changing the batteries.¡±


    ¡°Hey Gil-sung, keep an eye out for our private, would you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Apologies,¡± Lance Corporal Oh Gil-sung answered as if he did something wrong and apologized.


    ¡°Sorry, my ass! In a dense forest like this, we could identally fire at our own men! Understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    ¡°We will move down the mountain from the west side. Maintain our proximity while moving. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The eight men in the squad started to distance themselves from each other and moved down the mountain under the sergeant¡¯s orders.


    There were over 500 special forces men hiding in Hoyoshi mountain. No matter how unskilled the Japanese army was, these men were special forces, and they were well trained.


    Japan¡¯s most famous special forces were those under the central response forces. They were not too different from the special ranger forces and were on par with them in power. This search and destroy mission will not be an easy one. However, if they were able to take them down, then Kyushu will fall into Corea¡¯s hands.


    * * *


    February 22nd, 2021, 09:00


    The Hokuriku Road at Jotetsu Niigata Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 20th armored division had started marching to Tokyo at 02:00. Over 1,000 armored vehicles and tanks were moving along the Hokuriku Road while being escorted by the FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers under the 171st aerial battalion of the 7th mobile corps. The armored tanks and vehicles formed an unending convoy and continued to move forward.


    It was no easy feat to have the entire division move out at once. Especially since they were in enemy territory. There were two reasons the 20th armored division could move along enemy territory so boldly.


    First was Corea¡¯s control over Japan¡¯s skies. When the war between Corea and Japan broke out, there were multiple aerial battles, and Japan lost 50% of its air force. After more small-scale battles, its forces dwindled and the only forces that retained 100% of its jets were the 2nd and 3rd fighter wings under the northern air force.


    The remainder of Japan¡¯s air force were the 7th, 9th, and 12th fighter wings under the central air force. The 7th and 9th only had 50% of its jets remaining while the 12th had only 30% left. Only Okinawa¡¯s 83rd fighter wing outside Japan¡¯s maind retained 100% of its jets.


    However, the 83rd fighter wing¡¯s base was mostly destroyed by the continued missile attacks from the Corean military. Its runway and hangars were mostly destroyed and the 83rd fighter wing was forced to move their jets to other bases.


    Due to the grim outlook of its air force, Japan did not deploy any more of its jets unless it was necessary and waited until the U.S. Pacific fleet¡¯s air forces would take to the skies.


    But the U.S. Pacific fleet¡¯s aerial forces were nearly annihted, and now that no formidable air force was present to face off against Corea, Japan was in a pickle. Yesterday the jets flew out to attack the 3rd mobile marine division¡¯s headquarters, but 16 FA-35A Lighting II jets and 12 JX-1 Kamiwon jets were taken down by the Corean jets before they could attack.


    Second was Japan¡¯sck of a surveince system for the skies. Every system that could be used to watch the Corean military, including their military satellites and radar bases were gone. The Japanese military resorted to using CCTVs installed across the country to watch the enemy¡¯s movements.


    After losing control of the air, Japan¡¯s early warning nes and other reconnaissance aircraft could no longer conduct their operations safely. The Corean jets would be deployed within 10 minutes of Japan¡¯s nes taking off and attack them. In short, Japan¡¯s nes were useless to their military.


    Thanks to the Corean air force holding sole control over Japan¡¯s airspace, the 20th armored division was able to move across Japan for 6 hours and arrive at the midpoint, Jotetsu. The tanks started to line up at the farming fields in the southeast.


    Eight FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers that had already arrived in the area were hovering around and watching the skies for enemies.


    The vehicles in the rear finally started lining up an hour after the leading vehicles were in position.


    During the war against China, the 20th armored division had performed excellently as the leading force marching into Beijing. It once again held the vital task of leading the charge into Tokyo in the war against Japan.


    * * *


    February 22nd, 2021, 13:30


    Eight kilometers southwest of Okaki, Aichi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Nagoya was Japan¡¯s 4th most popted city and also hosted one of thergest automobile manufacturing facilities in the world like the neighboring city of Toyota. However, that was in the past.


    The Corean military¡¯s continued cruise missile and ballistic missile attacks, bombing from bombers, and 50,000 special forces deployed across Japan had turned every industrial facility in the nation into ruins. They were attacked so severely no building stood taller than two stories. Due to the war, the world-famous Toyota automotivepany closed down.


    Cannon fire rang across the ruined industrialplex in Chukyo once again. Japan¡¯s 1st armored division started from Tsuruga at 8:00 and moved south along the road. They moved through Yoro and finally arrived at the Chukyo area. Once they arrived at the area, they were greeted by Corea¡¯s 1st and 26th armored brigade¡¯s White Tiger tanks. Japan¡¯s tanks started to get into formation while attacking the enemy.


    Suddenly, Corea¡¯s 1st mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s Hyun-mu armored vehicles showed up to aid their allies.


    Corea¡¯s 1st armored brigade had met with the Chukyo forces while they were preparing to attack Nagoya. The forces defending Chukyo consisted of Japan¡¯s 10th armored division, 2 infantry divisions, and 1 mechanized infantry division which were formed via the emergency draft.


    The capital armored division had finished lining up their offensive formation and was about to start its assault after having lunch. However, the unexpected attack of the Chukyo forces gave them no choice but to defend themselves.


    The cannons of the capital artillery brigade that were standing by started to fire up. The area was a wide-open field, but there were a few small viges, and some cannon rounds fell on them. Pirs of dirt started to rise everywhere. The tanks from both sides started to charge towards each other.


    Anotherrge-scaled armored battle like the one in China was about to begin. A total of 500 tanks and 400 armored vehicles were about to sh at the open field.


    Japan¡¯s 10th armored division must have had something up their sleeve, for its Type 10 tanks moved through the cannon rounds and continued to march forward.


    The Type 10 tanks at the lead were struck by the capital artillery bridge¡¯s cannon rounds and their pieces started to fly around everywhere. However, the surviving Type 10 tanks paid them no mind and continued to move forward at high speeds. Soon, the capital armored division¡¯s White Tiger tanks started to open fire.


    The White Tiger tanks were able to hit a target 10km away as long as they had visual confirmation of the target. The viges on the battlefield did limit their vision a bit, but once the Type 10 tanks moving from the right nk came into view, they started to fire.


    The 18 Type 10 tanks that were targeted all turned into scrap at once, and copsed on the frozen ground. Japan¡¯s 10th armored division had lost 50 of its tanks after only 10 minutes of engaging with the enemy.


    Morale for the Corean military was high. The 1st armored brigade¡¯s 18th battalion tanks all sped up and continued the assault. From their 3 o¡¯clock, ck tanks showed up. Lieutenant Colonel Lee Yeon-il, themander of the 18th armored battalion, saw them emerge and alerted his men.


    -New enemy tanks approaching at our 3 o¡¯clock! Everyone, watch out! 5thpany will block them off. Over!


    -5thpany, understood sir.


    The 5thpany¡¯s 14 White Tiger tanks kicked up dust clouds and turned right to face off against the ck tanks that had emerged in the battle.

 Chapter 279

    <h4>Chapter 279</h4>


    February 22nd, 2021, 13:45


    Eight kilometers southwest of Okagi, Aichi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The tanks on both sides were approximately 5km away from each other. Luckily no viges or homes were blocking the Corean tanks¡¯ field of view. The 5thpany¡¯smander ordered his tanks to fire.


    ¡°Each toon is to engage the enemy once they have a clear visual.¡±


    Once the orders from thepanymander came in, the 14 White Tiger tanks at the front simultaneously fired their photon cannons.


    Many ck tanks headed towards the 5thpany copsed on the ground after catching fire, but the surviving onesunched their own metal rounds as well. The ck tanks¡¯ turrets did not have a barrel that matched the conventional shape of a pir but had one which consisted of two long rectangles. The projectile was beingunched from the space between the two instead.


    The rounds swarmed the 5thpany¡¯s White Tiger tanks only after 2 seconds afterunch. Despite the SECM jamming waves being active, many of the mysterious metal rounds struck the White Tiger tanks.


    The rounds did not cause an internal explosion, but the powerful shock being delivered into the interior had caused some of the White Tiger tanks to lose bnce and some immediately turned around.


    10 additional enemy cannon rounds were falling towards the 5thpany¡¯s tanks at a straight angle. The official name of these rounds was the XM982-B Excalibur rounds, also known as the GPS-guided smart rounds. The early XM982 Excalibur rounds would fly towards their targets after coordinates were set by aputer system. Once the rounds reached a certain altitude, it would be guided by a satellite to start flying towards the enemy.


    Afterunch, fins would pop out from the head and tail of the Excalibur rounds. When the rounds rose into the air, the fins at the tail would spin at high speeds to reach the maximum altitude. When the rounds started to fall, the fins from the head would automatically guide the altitude and direction to strike the target. The maximum range was 50km, but it had an error rate of 10m.


    After thetest 155mm self-propelled gun the M-2001 Crusader was developed, the XM982-B was developed for it. It was refurbished from the XM982 rounds to be exclusively used for the Crusader. The rounds were upgraded to reduce errors in bothnd and sea, and for moving targets as well. The rounds traveled at 100km/h and now only had an error rate of 2m with high uracy.


    The XM982-B Excalibur had three modes that could be switched on depending on the battle. First was the height-of-burst mode. It would explode above the enemy¡¯s heads and spray shrapnel across a wide area to strike the enemy.


    The second was a dy mode. The Excalibur round would pierce through and enter a bunker or a building and explode afterward. Through multiple experiments, the Excalibur round boasted its ability as the ¡°bunker buster.¡±


    The final one was the point-detonate, which made the high-powered explosive go off on contact and turn armored vehicles and tanks into scrap.


    The XM982-B Excalibur rounds falling towards the 5thpany¡¯s White Tiger tanks were set to point-detonate mode.


    Each XM982-B round cost 80,000 dors, about double the price of the original 39,000 dors, but if a 7-million-dor tank could be taken out by an 80,000-dor projectile, then that would more than cover the cost.


    The K-30A2 Flying Tiger and KSMA-1A2 Sky Horse armored vehicles under the 5thpany detected the XM982-B Excalibur rounds falling towards theirpany¡¯s White Tiger tanks and retaliated byunching their S-LAM-60 Sky Dragon and S-LAM-100 Light Dragon missiles.


    The XM982-B Excalibur rounds were able to make evasive maneuvers to avoid the missiles attempting to intercept them. They started to scatter and change directions to avoid the Sky Dragon and Light Dragon missiles rising towards them.


    While the fierce armored battle was urring on the surface, red shes of light flickered in the skies with explosions.


    One of the surviving XM982-B Excalibur roundsnded on the 5thpany¡¯s 533 tank at the upper section of its turret.


    Boom!


    Even though the upper turret of a tank had the weakest ting, the C-3 White Tiger tank¡¯s armored ting was capable of withstanding most 155mm rounds. However, the XM982-B Excalibur round¡¯s power was on par with the exhausted uranium rounds.


    A powerful st that could take off the turret shook the 533 tank. The explosion had caused the tank to stop in its tracks and emit red and ck mes.


    -This is Hippo 1! The toonmander. Hippo 3, Hippo 3, do you copy?


    The toon¡¯smander, who saw the 533 tank being struck by the Excalibur round, spoke on themunication line.


    -Answer me if you can hear me. Hippo 3, Staff Sergeant Oh! Can you hear me?


    A quiet moan came through themunication line from the 533 tank.


    -Argh...


    -Hippo 3, is your tank operational?


    -This is Hippo 3, Staff Sergeant Oh Hyuck-min, the vehiclemander.


    -What are the damages? Are they severe?


    The 531 tank continued to engage the enemy whilemunicating with tank 533.


    -There wasn¡¯t an internal explosion, sir. All three crewmen are safe. The external optical equipment is damaged. The sights for the cannon and the periscope are both broken.


    -Can you still move?


    -Yes, sir.


    -Great! Tank 533, leave the battlefield, and retreat to the rear. Over!


    -Yes, sir. Over and out.


    No matter how powerful the XM982-B Excalibur round that had struck the upper turret of the White Tiger tank was, it was unable topletely pierce the hydronium alloy ting. However, it was more than enough to render the tanks incapable of battle. The 533 tank moved back and left the battlefield.


    The remaining tanks were facing off against the M4 Warthog tanks for the second time and struggling against the 16MJ ss rail gun¡¯s X-16 metal rounds, and XM982-B Excalibur rounds.


    Out of the eight MEAB forces (Marine Expeditionary Armored Brigade), six were deployed to defend Tokyo, but the whereabouts of the remaining two were a mystery to Corea¡¯s Joint Chief of Staff. They had worked day and night to find the location of the two MEABs. Based on the battle right now, one MEAB was deployed to defend Osaka while the other was sent to defend Nagoya and Chukyo.


    The MEABs were the U.S. Marine¡¯s elite force. They were only the size of a brigade, but their equipment and size matched that of a division, and they had considerable firepower as well.


    When the number of M4 Warthog tanks started to increase to surpass the size of apany, the 5thpany¡¯smander reported it to his battalionmander. The 18th armored battalion all turned right to aid the 5thpany facing off against the enemy Warthog tanks. The capital artillery brigade started to join in as well.


    Now, the artillery forces of both sides were involved. The battle at Chukyo now had more casualties than the capital armored division expected, and it was rising.


    ¡°Sir! I think we need aerial support.¡±


    Brigadier General Park Jeon-il, the operations director of the capital armored division, spoke to the divisionmander while checking the status of the battle from the rear.


    The area was where the 18th armored division was facing off against America¡¯s MEAB force¡¯s M4 Warthog tanks.


    ¡°We are providing artillery support to them, yes?¡±


    ¡°Two artillery battalions are providing support after the 18th battalion¡¯smander requested for aid.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be enough?¡±


    ¡°I am a bit concerned due to the intelligenceing in from the Joint Chief of Staff this morning, sir.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about that M4 Warthog tank being operated by the MEABs?¡±


    The Joint Chief of Staff was alerted about the specifications of the M4 Warthog tanks from the urban battle in Osaka. It promptly alerted the forces operating within Japan.


    ¡°Yes, sir. I can¡¯t help but think the enemy tanks the 18th armored battalion is facing off against are those we heard about.¡±


    ¡°Zoom in on the recorded footage of the battle.¡±


    The aide-de-camp, who was listening to the conversation between the operations director and divisionmander, contacted the forces operating the spider drones. Soon the screen showed zoomed-in footage of the battle.


    The footage showed numerous ck M4 tanks hiding at the battlefield and emerge to engage the tanks of the 18th armored battalion with their railguns.


    ¡°These match the photos the Joint Chief of Staff sent out.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame. If we still had the 1st brigade¡¯s 101st battalion...,¡± Major General Hwang Tae-wonmented the loss of his 101st battalion and its tanks and armored vehicles. They sunk into the sea due to the tsunami before they couldnd in Japan.


    ¡°I believe we need additional support, sir.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be optimal to move an armored force already engaged in battle, so contact the 172nd aerial forces to send in 4 choppers.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 17th aerial forces under the 7th mobile corps had joined in the war effort with the second expeditionary forces. The 171st aerial force was tasked with aiding the 20th armored division while the 172nd was tasked with aiding the capital armored division.


    The 172nd aerial force¡¯s 4 FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers were tasked with guarding the skies above the artillery forces of the capital armored division. They flew south to aid the 18th armored battalion.


    * * *


    February 22nd, 2021, 14:00 (U.S.T February 21st, 23:00)


    The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A. (Joint Chief of Staff¡¯s meeting room)


    The Pentagon¡¯s meeting room was full of loud voices due to a heated argument. It was about the approval of the Navy¡¯s Chief of Staff General John Richards¡¯ request to deploy more forces at the second meeting yesterday afternoon.


    Chief of Staff of the Army Andre Drummond and his support for the moderate side all imed that they should exit the war between Corea and Japan after negotiating with Corea since it was not profitable.


    General John Richards and his supporters imed they must send out additional forces, not only to cull the protests about the Pacific fleet¡¯s defeat but also to win the war against Corea. To do this, he and his supporters wanted to request additional deployment by confiding to the president.


    In truth, General John Richards¡¯ ns were already established before the U.S. got involved in the war. However, after having five whole aircraft carrier strike groups taken out without making any progress, the ns were ruined. Now, the U.S. military had to rethink its strategy. That was when General Richards suggested a n with a single amendment from the previous one.


    The only amendment was that the U.S. abandon Japan and focus on the offensive against Corea.


    ¡°We still have seven carrier strike groups remaining. Also, we have 30,000 men standing by ready to be deployed. Corea now has to defend not only its original territory but also its new ones: Shandong and Manchuria. Its increased size will be our advantage,¡± General John Richards spoke in a confident tone.


    Rock, a member of the USSC council¡¯s National Defense department, nced at the Secretary of Defense and sent a signal. He was in attendance as a strategist for the Department of Defense.


    ¡°I also agree with General Richards. The president is also leaning towards approving the requests that he made,¡± the Secretary of Defense¡¯s statement almost rendered the heated argument that took ce in the meeting useless.


    ¡°Sir! If that was the case, why are we even having this meeting?¡± The Army¡¯s Chief of Staff General Andre Drummond who was opposing the idea had a bbergasted look on his face.


    Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford raised his hand to silence him and chimed in, ¡°General Drummond, we need to hold a meeting no matter what the president decides.¡±


    In truth, Chairman Demarcus Dunford, Secretary John Wayne, and USSC¡¯s Rocky had already decided on the matter after the first meeting was over yesterday. They were only using General John Richards of the Navy to set the stage.

 Chapter 280

    <h4>Chapter 280</h4>


    February 22nd, 2021, 14:00


    Twelve kilometers southwest of Okaki, Aichi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan.


    The FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers, considered to be the predators of tanks in the sky, joined in the 18th armored battalion¡¯s tanks fight and unleashed their firepower to the ground.


    The four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers flew in a horizontal line andunched 50mm sma cluster rounds to the ground. The cluster rounds urately struck the upper turret of the M4 Warthog tanks. The reactive ting equipped on the M4 tanks exploded after the sma cluster roundsnded and reduced their power.


    Excluding Corea¡¯s 5.5th generation White Tiger tanks, no other tanks could withstand the explosive power of the sma cluster rounds. However, the U.S. Marine¡¯s M4 Warthog tank withstood the explosives with their reactive ting.


    The Vegatinium alloy ting boasted double the defensive power of thepound ceramic ting. The M4 Warthog tanks had their entire body covered in the Vegatinium alloy, and the turret was an automatic one that didn¡¯t require a gunner to be aboard.


    Therefore, the freedom in space had allowed the tank to equip armored ting on its turret that could match the front armored ting. Since the reactive ting covered the entire tank, its defensive capabilities were heightened significantly. With the 16MJ ss rail guns equipped, the M4 Warthog was worthy of being ssed as a 5th generation tank.


    The four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers had poured 160 rounds of sma cluster rounds to the Warthog tanks. 160 rounds were more than enough to take out three armored battalions, but there were still over 50 Warthog tanks charging towards Corea¡¯s White Tiger tanks. Excluding the 30 Warthog tanks that were taken out by the White Tiger tanks, only 10 were destroyed by the sma cluster roundsunched by the choppers.


    In conclusion, the sma cluster rounds were not enough to destroy the Warthog tanks equipped with thepound Vegatinium ting.


    The four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers exhausted all 160 rounds of their sma cluster rounds. Theyunched all of their S-AGM-20 Horn bow short-range missiles and flew back to base.


    The S-AGM-20 Horn Bow missile, designed to destroy armored vehicles, struck the upper turret of the Warthog tanks. With a great explosion, the turret of the Warthogs cracked open. It seemed the reactive ting was all used up from defending against the numerous cluster rounds.


    Some of the Warthog tanks had ck and red mesing out from the railguns and stopped moving. 16 Horn Bow missiles had taken out 9 Warthog tanks.


    The MEAB (Marine Expeditionary Armored Brigade) that defended Nagoya and Chukyo was the Oliver Smith brigade, which was named after the U.S. Marine¡¯s 1st divisionmander during the Korean war who fought against China¡¯s forces moving south from Zhangjin.


    Soon the four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers that bullied the American Warthog tanks left the battlefield. 24 AH-66 Comanche stealth choppers of the Oliver Smith brigade then came from the southern skies with their rotors roaring. Unlike standard assault choppers, they were designed for stealth and looked sleek and fast. The AH-66 Comanche choppers were colored ck and flew north swiftly at an altitude of 100m.


    Meanwhile, the capital armored division had thought four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers would be enough to take down the M4 Warthog tanks. When they saw that that was not enough, they deployed 12 more choppers to assault the M4 Warthog choppers again. The 12 FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers flew south.


    While a fierce battle between tanks was taking ce onnd, an aerial battle between choppers was going on in the skies. This would be the second chopper battle since the first one against the AH-64 Apache guardian choppers at the northern skies above Kyushu.


    As choppers on both sides started to close in on each other, both groups stopped attacking the forces on the ground, and actively engaged the enemy in the air. The AH-66 Comanche attacked first. Theyunched their AIM-9R sidewinder missiles equipped on the lower weapons mount.


    24 rounds of AIM-9R missiles equipped with both standard infrared guidance and now active radar guidance as well, flew towards the FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers. The Peregrine Falcon choppers which were each targeted by two rounds of sidewinder missiles all retaliated with their own S-ALAM 60 ck Dragon missiles before spraying chaffs and res to evade them.


    It wasn¡¯t a speedy and tense battlepared to the ones with fighter jets, but the choppers moved about in their own way and continued the battle. The tanks below were now 1km away from each other and their numbers had lowered significantly.


    The Warthog tank¡¯s powerful ting capable of defending against sma cluster rounds was no match for actual photon rounds. The reactive ting started to melt from the heat of the photon particles, and the Vegatinium alloy also started to melt from the high heat. The turrets ended up melting off the tanks. Luckily there were some crew aboard the M4 Warthog tanks with their turrets shot off who survived.


    Only 30 operable Warthog tanks were remaining under the Oliver Smith brigade. At the start of the battle, there were 88 Warthog tanks. Now, there was only a battalion¡¯s worth of tanks left. Corea¡¯s capital armored division which had faced off numerous enemies during the war against China had never suffered casualties like today.


    None of the crew was injured, but there were over 18 White Tiger tanks that were no longer fit for battle. Even when the capital armored division faced off against double the number of tanks, there were maybe 2 to 3, or even 5 to 6 tanks that would be unable to move or had their optical equipment damaged. However, the 18 White Tiger tanks had all of their outer optical equipment destroyed and had to be sent in for repairs. The 16MJ ss railguns equipped on the Warthog tanks were that powerful.


    * * *


    February 22nd, 2021, 18:00


    The Hoyoshi Mountain, 18km southeast of Kanoya, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan


    The search and destroy mission that started at 09:30 in the morning continued throughout the day, and darkness was slowly covering thend. Today¡¯s operation resulted in over 400 Japanese special forces being either captured or killed. The Corean forces had only eight of their men injured. Through interrogating the captured prisoners, the marines were able to find out there were only 30 Japanese special forces men left in the area. The Magpie Viper regiment¡¯smander ordered the search to continue into the night, so they could finish off the mission.


    Usually, a search mission was dangerous and ineffective at night. It was especially so in a mountainous region with a dense forest due to friendly fire. During the North Korean special forces¡¯ infiltration at Kangrueng in 1998, there were three casualties and they were all caused by friendly fire.


    However, that was something the Corean soldiers could not understand because they were equipped with thetest equipment from the Corean military. Among them were the protective suit, a helmet with shield sses, a watch-like console monitor, X-K01munication device,ser rifles, and 20 other different pieces of equipment.


    The most crucial piece of equipment for night-time missions was the Corean military¡¯s shield sses with TAR (Tactical Augmented Reality) technology on the helmets. Out of three visual modes, the infrared mode allowed the soldiers to see their surroundings as bright as day, while the inverter mode showed them the enemies hiding in pits. Also, the maic mode could detect any objectrger than heavy firearms.


    Additionally, the shield sses would show friendly life forms with a blue color to prevent friendly fire. The X-K01munication device¡¯s console screen showed the locations of the enemy and allies up to 500m away. Finally, theser rifles would not operate if fired towards an allied target.


    -Sergeant! We are detecting 10 life forms 280m away from us.


    Corporal Kang Yeon-ho, nced at the area he was charged with using his shield sses. When they showed multiple objects emitting heat, he alerted his squad leader.


    -Are you sure? Everyone, halt!


    The sergeant nced at the direction Corporal Kang pointed to. The infrared shapes being detected by the shield sses were that of humans.


    -Yes, that¡¯s them for sure! Our squad will take them down. Private Na, prepare to snipe the enemy, and the rest of you stay sharp and prepare to fire! We take them out with a single strike.


    The seven squadron members all moved and got into position under the sergeant¡¯s orders.


    -Private Oh, take the man at the center. The rest of you, starting from the left, Corporal Kang, Private Hong, Sergeant Song, Corporal Youn. From the right, Private Jo, me, and Private Na will take them on. If there are any survivors, take care of them, Corporal Na.


    The 10 special forces men were carefully moving along the dense forest under the cover of darkness.


    -On three. One! Two! Three!


    A single 30mm smart grenade round and seven beams flew towards the Japanese special forces¡¯ men.


    The seven beams of light directly pierced through the special forces and the smart grenade went off. After a single attack, all 10 Japanese soldiers were rolling on the ground. Three men had been covered by the shrapnel of the grenade.


    Sergeant Kim Il-ho¡¯s squadron used their shield sses to confirm all of their targets rolling on the ground, then they carefully started to approach them. All 10 of them were dead. The squadron started to check the bodies.


    ¡°Sergeant Kim, sir. Do you think our entire squad will be promoted a rank? We took down 40 men by ourselves.¡±


    ¡°What am I gonna do with a promotion from being a sergeant? I just want to be a soldier and not an NCO. If I be staff sergeant, then I will be the lowest rank out of the NCOs.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t you get a pay raise though, sir?¡±


    ¡°Quiet! I need to report in.¡±


    ¡°This is the 6th son-inw, father-inw, pleasee in.¡±


    -This is father-inw. We can hear you loud and clear. Over.


    ¡°This is the 6th son-inw, we have taken out six monkeys. Over.¡±


    -This is father-inw, the eldest daughter is pleased. Over.


    ¡°This is the 6th son-inw, we will continue our operation. Please confirm.¡±


    -This is father-inw, time to pack it up. Return using the set route, over.


    ¡°This is the 6th son-inw, confirmed. Moving out.¡±


    ¡°The operation is over. They were thest of them, Private Jo.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°ce the locational g there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The men ced a g with a GPS chip so the bodies of the Japanese soldiers could be found.


    ¡°We¡¯re done here. Where is our pick-up point?¡±


    ¡°Right here, sir. A1-3-2.¡±


    Corporal Youn Hong-gil pointed to a spot on the console map.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Kyushu, one of the 4 major inds that formed Japan, was upied by the Corean Marine after 11 days of theirnding. At 18:41, on February 22nd, 2021, was the historical moment that Corea officially upied the entire area.

 Chapter 281

    <h4>Chapter 281</h4>


    February 23rd, 2021, 09:00


    Corea


    Every news outlet in Corea alerted the public about how the nation now officially upied Kyushu since 7:00 pm yesterday. The military had achieved this within 11 days ofnding on Japan, and the media promoted the bravery and actions of the soldiers under the 2nd marine division and 6th marine brigade who risked their lives for the war effort.


    The Corean government had used this as constion for the Japanese invasion during the Joseon era and the 36 years of colonization. upation of Kyushu would allow the nation to forget about its hurtful past.


    Also, the attack on Osaka and Nagoya which were two major cities in Japan was underway. News about the bravery and hard work the military was doing day and night was being broadcasted.


    For Japan, it was a disgraceful day, but considering it was a nation that would not admit to its wrongdoings in the past, it was a well-deserved punishment.


    Japan hadmitted numerous heinous acts but did not admit to any of them. It had taught its citizens an incorrect history that made its citizens unaware of the nation¡¯s wrongdoings from the past. This had caused many Japanese citizens to protest against Corea.


    Japan also used its wrong historical view to im Dok-do Ind as Takeshima to the internationalmunity. This wrongful im had caused outrage to the citizens of Corea for decades.


    Once the news came out, many activist organizations went out to the streets and celebrated and thanked the victory of the Corean military. The central government and six state governments aided the celebration while preventing idents.


    The foreign press agents living in Corea were all shocked by how the Corean citizens acted. How could a nation that was waging a war against Japan and the world power, America be so peaceful that its citizens march onto the streets in celebration? The citizens of Corea had no fear or worry about the war. Each individual was confident and sure that their nation would be victorious.


    * * *


    February 23rd, 2021, 10:00


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The news about Kyushu being officially upied by Corea was sent out across every broadcasting tform, as the Ministry of National Defense intended. While the citizens were out on the streets celebrating, the Joint Chief of Staff was checking over the progress of the urban battle urring within Osaka, Nagoya, and Chukyo and discussing any changes they would have to make about the operations.


    Both cities had America¡¯s MEABs (Marine Expeditionary Armored Brigade) which operated thetest weapons in the area. The Corean military had suffered unexpected and significant damages. This threw a wrench in its ns. The Joint Chief of Staff expected to break through the Japanese army¡¯s defenses within a day and take over major areas of both cities, but the MEABs and the remaining Japanese forces were making it difficult.


    The Joint Chief of Staff had toe up with a solution.


    ¡°In the case of Osaka, we have been dyed, but it seems our operation to upy the city will be over by tomorrow. However, for Nagoya and Chukyo, the region is twice asrge, and the unexpected damages we sustained from the battle yesterday will dy the operation.¡±


    ¡°Operations director! What kind of uncertain report is that? Can¡¯t you give it to us straight, in terms of days?¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il spoke as if to scold the operations director with an unsatisfactory look on his face.


    ¡°Apologies, sir. Based on the current situation, it seems like it will take a week.¡±


    The 18th armored battalion under the capital armored division that had battled against the MEAB forces yesterday afternoon had sustained heavy losses. They were now excluded from battle to recover. Also, two mechanized infantry battalions also suffered heavy casualties as well. There were now not enough soldiers to upy the Chukyo area that was three times the size of Seoul, consisting of 10 cities. The cities within Chukyo had the 81st and 82nd paratrooper special forces conducting gueri operations, but it was not enough topletely upy a city.


    ¡°One week... ording to our original n, we should have finished all of this before marching into Tokyo by now,¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik spoke quietly while ncing at the digital map on the screen.


    ¡°The original n was for it to be over by tomorrow morning, sir,¡± Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun answered the chairman.


    ¡°Sir, how about we deploy the heavy armored paratrooper brigades to Nagoya and Chukyo?¡± Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, themander of the 7th mobile corps, made a suggestion.


    For the second expeditionary forces, only the 7th mobile corp¡¯s 20th armored division and the capital armored division were out in the field. Themander of the expeditionary forces for Japan was Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang. To make the chain ofmand flow easily, all generals who were above the rank of lieutenant general were excluded from being sent to the field.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the heavy armored paratrooper brigade designated for the vertical envelopment mission during the march to Tokyo?¡±


    The five heavy armored paratrooper brigades were a specialized force trained for urban battles and equipped with heavy armor like the one from Ironman. They were subordinate forces under each militarymand headquarters and the 7th mobile corps.


    The 1st militarymand, 2nd strategicmand, 3rd militarymand, capital forcesmand, and the 7th mobile corps had the heavy armored brigades as subordinate forces. As the 20th armored division was to march into Tokyo, the five heavy armored brigades would be sent into the city as well.


    ¡°I believe we could deploy a single brigade to Nagoya and exclude them from the mission for Tokyo, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea. What do you think Lieutenant General Kim?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik showed a positive response to the suggestion, and asked Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun¡¯s opinion.


    ¡°I agree, sir. I would like to have the 9th mechanized infantry division in charge of upying the northern shores of Honshu to march with the 20th armored division as well. The MEAB is very powerful as we have seen at Osaka and Chukyo. If six of them are defending Tokyo, then I believe it would be difficult to take the city with the 20th armored division alone.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun finished speaking, Chairman Kang Ui-sik seemed to have made up his mind and spoke after tapping on the table.


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s do that! One more thing! Have the 6th marine brigade manage Kyushu, and make the 2nd marine division move to Chukyo ASAP, so they can relieve the 9th mechanized infantry division guarding the northern Honshu shores.¡±


    ¡°I will notify the expeditionary force¡¯smanders, sir.¡±


    The original n was to have the 2nd marine division take over the management of Kyushu once the upation was aplished, and the 6th marine brigade was to move to Jikkoku.


    ¡°Comrade chairman! Does that mean our march to Jikkoku is canceled?¡±


    ¡°Based on how things are going right now, I suppose so. The number of forces we have deployed in Japan is limited.¡±


    ¡°I guess we have no choice. I understand.¡±


    The march to Tokyo, which was considered as the endpoint of the war between Corea and Japan, was about to begin. The duration of the war would decide what America would do after Tokyo is taken over. But it would be difficult for the U.S. to conduct a recovery operation once Japan¡¯s capital was lost.


    * * *


    February 23rd, 2021, 10:20


    The Yokota bunker, Honshu, Japan


    The intelligence about the Corean forces came from the U.S. military¡¯smand and Jotetsu. There was an armored force with about 1,000 vehicles stationed at the southeastern side of Jotetsu undergoing maintenance. They were only 202km away from the heart of Tokyo. The armored forces were one of the best from Corea that lead the charge during the war against China. The prime minister¡¯s cab could not help but be anxious.


    Japan¡¯s joint militarymand had lost the ability to collect intelligence themselves and had to resort to relying on the U.S. armed forces¡¯ intelligence department or government officials and citizens of each state or city.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    ¡°Nothing can be more shameful than this!¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro shouted while banging the table.


    Kyushu was taken over by the Corean military. One of the four major cities, Yokohama, was upied as well. The two remaining cities, Osaka and Nagoya, were under attack, but they were having a hard time defending the cities. When he heard the reports, the deputy prime minister became outraged.


    76 years had passed since Joseon, once Japan¡¯s colony, turned into Corea. Japan was now like a candle in the wind and been invaded by a nation that was once under their control. The thought of Corea taking over Japan was unbearable for Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro.


    ¡°What is the U.S. military doing? Contact Commander Wright and request for reinforcements at Osaka and Nagoya immediately!¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro pointed to Minister Shibasaki and shouted.


    However, it was themander of the joint military Masaka Hajime who answered.


    ¡°I am sorry, deputy prime minister! We don¡¯t know when Tokyo will be invaded by the Coreans as well right now. A Corean armored division is only 202km away from Tokyo.¡±


    ¡°202 km away? They are that close already?¡±


    ¡°They are encamped at northwest Jotetsu.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha! That¡¯s... Are we able to defend Tokyo?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. America¡¯s six MEABs and two marine divisions have formed a defensive line along Tokyo. Our own army¡¯s 1st armored division and 12 chopper brigades are prepared to defend the city. Our 10 newly formed infantry divisions from the draft are ready as well.


    Also, the 6th light armored infantry division under the eastern military has entered Tokyo to join the defense, while the 9th vehicle infantry division is standing by at Gosen to attack the Corean force¡¯s rear once they begin the assault,¡± Commander Masaki Hajime exined the details while pointing at the map.


    ¡°This would be enough to stop the Coreans from making their offense?¡±


    ¡°We will do everything to defend our capital, Tokyo.¡±


    ¡°We must defend the city, no matter the cost. The emperor is exhausted from this war both mentally and physically.¡±


    ¡°We will defend Tokyo with our lives, sir,¡± Minister Shibasaki bowed his head and answered loudly.


    The minister¡¯s actions seemed too disingenuous, but Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro wanted to believe it. If Tokyo was to fall, it meant Japan was defeated again. The nation could not surrender to Corea after it already once did to the U.S. in 1945. Especially not to Corea which was once its colony.


    * * *


    February 23rd, 2021, 11:30


    The Yokota bunker, Honshu, Japan (prime minister¡¯s office)


    Minister Shibasaki came back from the meeting and pulled out a smartphone from the locked drawer on his desk. He dialed 1. After the dial tone rang a few times, someone answered the phone in English.


    ¡°Hey! Didn¡¯t I say don¡¯t call me for a while?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help but call. Our nation¡¯s capital Tokyo will be under attack by Corea.¡±


    ¡°You! Don¡¯t you know our nation¡¯s five carrier strike groups were severely damaged as well?¡±


    ¡°I am aware. But...¡±


    ¡°If you are, then wait.¡±


    ¡°Sphinx! Please stop asking me to wait and help our nation.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t America helping your nation?¡±


    ¡°I am not saying America is not doing so. I am just requesting for more active aid. If Tokyo was to fall from Corea¡¯s attacks, then I have a safety as well.¡±


    ¡°A safety? How dare you? Are you threatening me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not making a threat. Prime Minister Abe¡¯s assassination and the terrorist bombing on Pyeongyang in Corea...¡±


    ¡°Shut up. Minister Shibasaki, you are trying to cross a line you shouldn¡¯t. This is your final warning. Do not speak of such matters again. Unless you want to join Prime Minister Abe. Bye.¡± Sphinx¡¯s voiceing through the speakers was cold as ice. He gave his final warning and hung up the phone.


    Minister Shibasaki mmed the table with the phone and muttered to himself while biting his lower lip.


    Bang!


    ¡°You think I am just going to sit here and take it like Abe? You messed with the wrong man, Sphinx.¡±

 Chapter 282

    <h4>Chapter 282</h4>


    February 23rd, 2021, 13:00


    The Jotetsu Road at Jotetsu, Niigata Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 9th Mechanized Infantry Division, which consisted of one Armored Brigade, two Mechanized Infantry Brigades, and an Artillery Brigade, flew the division and national g while mobilizing at high speed.


    Afternding in Japan, they started from Kanazawa and took over Hakui, Hotsu, Takaoka, Tonami, Nanto, and Uozu to reach their final destination of Honshu. The division managed to take the cities without spilling any blood since there were no defending forces to stop them. However, it was arge area for a single division to take over, so they moved about quickly.


    The 9th Mechanized Infantry Division¡¯s headquarters was ordered by the expeditionary forcemander to leave only a toon¡¯s worth of soldiers at each small city and march toward Tokyo to join the 20th Armored Division in attacking Tokyo.


    Major General Jo Tae-jin, themander of the 9th division, ordered his forces to mobilize. Each subordinate force started to follow the Hokyuriku Road and joined up to form a force the size of a division. Now the 9th division was entering into the roads at Jotetsu.


    The 9th division moved past the southeastern ins from Jotetsu where the 20th Armored Division had encamped. During the war against China, the division did not have a chance to show off its strength except for the invasion of Daren. They were upset since they were mostly tasked with operations taking over the cities that were already attacked. Now, they had their chance with the march to Tokyo, so morale was high.


    * * *


    February 23rd, 2021, 14:00


    The Jotetsu Road along Jotetsu, Niigata Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 20th Armored Division was able to rest and conduct maintenance for a whole day at their temporary encampment at Jotetsu. They were prepared to move by morning and started to head south along the Jotetsu Road. The 9th division was 10km behind them, and the forces were moving toward their final encampment before marching into Tokyo in 22 hours.


    ¡°Wow! The weather is killer today.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, the 712 tank¡¯s gunner under the 26th Armored Battalion of the 60th Armored Brigade, exposed his upper body from the gunner¡¯s hatch and opened up his arms to embrace the cold winter winds. Since he had dealt with the Siberian cold, the winter winds of Japan felt like a cool breeze.


    ¡°Hey! Sergeant Kim! Does the radiation feel great?¡±


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek, who was wearing a mini mask from the vehiclemander¡¯s seat, nced at Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo with a patronizing look on his face. All the men from the 26th Armored Battalion who performed excellently during the war against China had been promoted a rank.


    ¡°Sir! Why are you so worried about radiation when we have our disinfecting kits? Are you worried about protecting your precious balls before getting married?¡±


    ¡°Why, you! I¡¯m going to get discharged and marry the minute this war is over.¡±


    ¡°Sir! You have a girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, don¡¯t worry! Women are lining up back at home to meet me.¡±


    ¡°Ha! You¡¯re going to get stood up if they are blind dates. Am I right, Sergeant Yeom?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, sir. He is going to get stood up the minute thedy sees him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been too easy on you guys since the war against China was over.¡±


    ¡°Sir! I¡¯m a sergeant first ss now. You¡¯re being too harsh.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a sergeant, the highest rank of all enlisted men too, sir.¡±


    ¡°My ass. Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°Haha ha~¡±


    ¡°All right, men. Let¡¯s survive the march to Tokyo as well and keepughing like this. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will.¡±


    The crew of the 712 tank had been through hell and back for 2 months and their camaraderie was deeper than ever.


    * * *


    February 23rd, 2021, 14:00 (U.S.T 01:00)


    The San Diego navy base, California, U.S.A.


    The 3rd and 7th fleets under the Pacific fleet sustained damages more severe than expected. They were now out of the war effort. At the naval base at San Diego, there was an enormous naval fleet amassing.


    The Antic fleet, which consisted of the 4th and 6th fleets, had gathered in San Diego. The 15th carrier strike group, newly formed with the Ford-ss Barack Obama (CVN-80), was waiting at the San Diego base for its first mission.


    Over 100 ships, including different types ofnding and transport vessels, were busy loading weapons and equipment. At the nearby shores, five carrier strike groups were gathering to set sail. In the depths, over 30 L.A., Virginia, and Ohio ss nuclear submarines were on watch for enemy submarines.


    Excluding the two carrier strike groups deployed to the Middle East, every naval force was gathered at San Diego. The U.S. was gathering all of its naval power, over 30,000 marines and equipment to strike Corea with all they had. They were soon to depart and aid the expeditionary forces in Japan.


    * * *


    February 23rd, 2021, 17:00


    Osaka City Hall, Hyogo Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 3rd Mobile Marine Division¡¯s upation was dyed due to the appearance of the U.S. MEABs (Marine Expeditionary Armored Brigade) two days ago. Corea¡¯s 3rd Mobile Marine Division had finished upying Osaka at 17:00 hours.


    There was a g-raising ceremony at the city hall. A Corean g had reced the tattered Japanese one. Numerous Corean press agencies and the military press were in attendance, filming and photographing the ceremony as the Corean national anthem rang out inrge speakers. The marines all raised therge Corean g in a disciplined manner in line with the national anthem.


    The Corean g being flown at Osaka¡¯s city hall was broadcasted live across the world. Following Corea¡¯s upation this morning, the g-raising at Osaka was being broadcasted live. The pride of Corea¡¯s citizens was elevated, and the world press reported the war between Corea and Japan would soon conclude with Corea being victorious.


    Many press agencies that did not favor America¡¯s breaking of its neutrality to join Japan in the war reported in detail how Corea was fighting against Japan and America. They started asserting their own opinions on how America should act for both the war and future in the most objective manner as possible.


    * * *


    February 23rd, 2021, 22:00


    The skies above Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 3rd heavy armored rappel brigade under the 3rd militarymand was aboard the CC-502 nes and arrived above Nagoya after 40 minutes. The dazzling night view of Nagoya was nowhere to be seen. Most of the lights were off in the city, and the shes from explosions lit up the area instead.


    As the surrounding 10 cities, including Nagoya, were fighting a fierce urban battle throughout the day, the lights inside the CC-502 transport ne turned red from green. It was a signal for the forces that the time to jump was near.


    ¡ª10 minutes before the jump, 10 minutes before the jump¡ª


    One of the men in heavy armor started to walk toward the center after the announcement came through. There was a gold star on the ck helmet that he was wearing. It was Brigadier General Song Il-hong, the brigade¡¯smander. The entire brigade consisted of NCOs and COs, and themander was famous for conducting missions with his own men. He was that confident of his menpared to othermanders.


    ¡°Our 3rd Armored Brigade is the best of the 3rd militarymand. We do not know failure. Ourrades down on the surface are depending on us while fighting with their lives on the line. Do you understand?¡± Brigade Commander Song Il-hong¡¯s voice carried across every ne and soldier aboard through themunication line.


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡± The voices of the soldiers rang across four CC-502 transport nes.


    ¡°Very well! I will put my trust in you. Do not show any mercy to the enemy. War is where you kill or be killed. Let¡¯s begin after our brigade oath!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The 1,200 soldiers under the 3rd Heavy Armored Brigade raised their right fist.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    ¡°Onwards! Even if our nation forgets us, we will not forget it. It would be enough to give my life for our country! If we go together, we will be victorious. Onward! Onward!¡± Each member of the brigade shouted while raising both of their hands into the air. Shouting an oath before the battle was the best way to raise morale and reduce fear. Themander wanted to ease up the tension of his forces before entering the battle.


    ¡°All right. Everyone, undo your safety belts and check your equipment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander.¡±


    Soon an announcement came up from the ne¡¯s cockpit.


    ¡ª5 minutes before the jump! 5 minutes before the jump!¡ª


    The 6th Armored Brigade¡¯smander stepped forward and shouted, ¡°Everyone, up! Move to the hatch in groups ofpanies. Prepare to jump.¡±


    The men started to move calmly and swiftly toward the four hatches ced on the sides of the ne. Then, the siren started to ring.


    Weeeee! Wooooo! Weeee! Woooo!


    The hatch doors started opening slowly. The men firmly gripped the handles due to the pressure from the open doors. A powerful wind attempted to suck away the men aboard.


    ¡ª10 seconds before the jump! 9! 8... 0, jump!¡ª


    The men started to jump from the four open hatches.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    The men jumping from the four hatches created a spectacr scene. Some of the men who jumped earlier started to operate their flight devices after free-falling. They started to open up their arms and fly toward their designatednding zones.


    As 1,200 lights flew down from the sky, the ground was full of explosions, shes, and lights fromser beams. The battle below was fierce. Cannon fire and mes littered the surface and greeted the Heavy Armored Brigade¡¯s men.


    * * *


    February 23rd, 2021, 23:00


    The Japanese army base at Yamanashi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    This base was 8km east of Mount Fuji, and it was where the 1st armored division used to train. Now, it was the encampment for Corea¡¯s 20th armored division that had moved along the Jotetsu Road.


    The 20th armored division had arrived after traveling 260km for eight hours. The ins 8km west of the base were covered in white snow, and the snow-covered Mount Fuji created a splendid view. The 20th armored division had left the mountain and started to line up for battle at night using their searchlights.


    As they approached Tokyo, the 20th armored division conducted reconnaissance to prevent ambushes. They arrived at the areater than expected. The divisionmander ordered his forces to finish getting into formation so they could rest. The march to Tokyo was to begin in 13 hours, so themander wanted the men to rest as much as possible.


    The 9th Mechanized Infantry Division moving behind them also arrived at Saku and conducted maintenance before marching to Tokyo.

 Chapter 283

    <h4>Chapter 283</h4>


    February 24th, 2021, 08:00


    Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House national emergency situation center, underground bunker. The president¡¯s office.


    President Suh Hyun-woo picked up the phone¡¯s receiver early in the morning to call President Trump before the march to Tokyo was about to begin.


    ¡°Hello. Have you been well, President Trump?¡±


    ¡°My, my, are you just trying to get on my nerves? Do you think I am doing well?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, if that¡¯s not the case, I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°Sorry? Tens of thousands of American soldiers have lost their lives from Corea¡¯s attacks.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo became annoyed by President Trump¡¯s irritable attitude and retorted, ¡°If you put it that way, I guess I have nothing to say. However, we also suffered numerous casualties at Daegu and other cities from the bombs America dropped in the middle of cities. Didn¡¯t you also use nuclear torpedoes? How can you use nuclear weapons on a nation that doesn¡¯t own any?¡±


    ¡°Our nation did not use nuclear torpedoes against Corea.¡± President Trump¡¯s face was defiant through the screen.


    ¡°No? We have more than enough evidence.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a nuclear torpedo. It¡¯s a proton torpedo.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t toy with words, Trump. Aren¡¯t proton weapons a form of a nuclear bomb?¡±


    ¡°They are different things. Protons only emit a small amount of radiation. Thus, they are no different than a regr bomb.¡±


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s how it is. So, you¡¯re saying that as long as a projectile does not emit radiation, it can be used freely?¡±


    ¡°Hmm! I¡¯m just telling you how things are. Anyway, you called me just to argue about this?¡± President Trump noticed the conversation was not in his favor and attempted to change the subject.


    ¡°No. Our military has taken over the entire Kyushu area. Honshu¡¯s major cities, Nagoya and Osaka will be taken by our military soon as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware,¡± President Trump answered brusquely.


    ¡°President Trump! Our government ispletely aware of the USSC organization¡¯s existence and its actions.¡±


    When President Suh Hyun-woo mentioned the USSC, President Trump froze up and did not move. Then he started to make gestures with his hands and tried to deny it.


    ¡°What is this USSC organization you speak of? Why are you telling me about this?¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! Are you really asking me that because you don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Why are you asking about an organization that I am not aware of?¡±


    ¡°Even if you feign ignorance, I will still say what I need to say. This is a sincere request as the president of Corea, an allied nation to America by blood,¡± President Suh Hyun-woo spoke with a sincere look on his eyes.


    ¡°During the Second World War, America¡¯s victory led to our independence from Japan. We were also able to fend off North Korea¡¯s attacks during the Korean War thanks to America¡¯s military aid. I also believe our nation was able to be a democratic nation and an economic power through America¡¯s aid as well.


    As the president and citizen of Corea, I would like to express my sincere gratitude. However, America right now is no longer the just nation that protects democracy. It is now a nation that serves the 13 families under the USSC. If America backs out from the war between Corea and Japan, then our nation will pay for the damages we have caused and actively cooperate to protect democracy. Mr. President, please abandon the USSC, and let¡¯s work together,¡± President Suh Hyun-woo spoke in an earnest tone while making his request.


    President Trump crossed his armed to think and fell silent. A minute passed, and President Trump finally spoke, ¡°So, you decided to continue the war against Japan, despite America, your allied nation, requested for you to stop?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? Japan invaded Dok-do Ind. They also used Sarin gas at Jirin during the war against China, then pinned the act on the Chinese government. Their involvement was clearly a war crime. Also, during the week-long ceasefire, the nation attempted to assassinate our vice-president. Aren¡¯t you aware of this?¡±


    ¡°Regardless, America does not want a war between Japan and Corea.¡±


    ¡°President Trump! So, you¡¯re going to ignore the requests I made?¡±


    ¡°What is there for me to say? This is the first time I¡¯ve heard about the USSC organization, and you¡¯re making wild ims.¡±


    ¡°Are you really going to continue denying? Our government has already collected more than enough intel about the USSC.¡±


    ¡°President Suh! I don¡¯t know where you¡¯re getting these ideas, but please stop being stubborn,¡± President Trump denied the im to the end.


    ¡°President Trump! This issue concerns the lives of thousands, no, millions! I am only speaking to you about this to stop the war.¡±


    ¡°Enough. If you called me to talk about such nonsense, this conversation is finished.¡±


    ¡°Whew! I guess I have no choice. All I can say is, what happens from now on will all be your responsibility.¡±


    ¡°President Suh! You¡¯re confident after defeating our Pacific fleet. However, the U.S. still hasn¡¯t used a 10th of its military power. So, stop making such threats.¡±


    ¡°I apologize if you heard my statement as a threat. It¡¯s not a threat, but rather a warning.¡±


    ¡°What? Did you just say it was a warning?¡± President Trump got off from his seat and pointed his finger at the camera.


    ¡°President Trump! You have no manners. Since that is the case, I would like to say one final statement. I am sure you know the movie  of the Apes¡¯. I don¡¯t know if you have seen it, but the final scene of the movie depicts the Statue of Liberty half-buried in the sand. You will soon see the scene in real life, instead of aputer-generated one.¡±


    ¡°Wha- what...?¡±


    Click!


    After he finished the video call, President Suh Hyun-woo pulled out a cigarette he already had and lit it. As expected, the answer was no. He had hoped maybe the discussion with President Trump would work out and avoid causing casualties to America its ally by cutting out the USSC.


    The war now will be fought with free use of weapons of mass destruction, and it could lead to a Third World War that could be the end of the human race.


    President Suh Hyun-woo pulled a long drag from the cigarette and stared at the smoke in the air after breathing it out. Then, he picked up the receiver to call the Russian president.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 11:00


    The Japanese army base at Yamanashi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Vroooooooo~


    Over 1,000 tanks and armored vehicles fired up their engines and caused the entire area to shake as if the Fuji mountain had erupted again. The 60th armored brigade took the lead to march towards Tokyo. The Corean armored forces were only 85km away from Tokyo in a straight line. If they took the Higashi Highway, then they would be 60km away from Tokyo¡¯s western city, Hachioji.


    Each battalion was given warnings about what to look out for while mobilizing. The 20th armored division¡¯s leading force, the 26th armored battalion under the 60th armored brigade started to move towards the Higashi Highway.


    Due to the fierce battles that took ce, the Higashi Highway was quiet. The tanks started to take bothnes of the highway and moved in a two-line formation. The 20th armored division¡¯s convoy was over 5km long.


    The 17th aerial force¡¯s 16 FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers were flying along the highway and guarding the skies and scouting ahead of the convoy. The 20 Spider II drones that each battalion deployed were also scouting ahead for enemies as well.


    There was a possibility that the 20th armored division¡¯s reconnaissance may not have detected all of the Japanese forces hiding for an ambush. So, they proceeded with caution.


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, the gunner of the 712 tank under the 26th armored battalion of the 6th armored brigade, called over his vehiclemander, Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek.


    ¡°Master Sergeant Oh, sir!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we take 1st ce for kills for the brigade, not the entire division, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s a given. Didn¡¯t you know? We will surpass the division and be the top gun for every single armored force within Corea. All right?¡±


    ¡°So, does that mean we will be promoted a rank again if we do, sir?¡± Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, the driver of the 712 tank, joined the conversation using his headset.


    ¡°Why? You want to get discharged with the rank of staff sergeant?¡±


    ¡°No, sir! I want to see you be sergeant major. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Hey! When you put it that way, I feel like an old man even though I¡¯m still single. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°You already look like an old man, sir!¡± Staff Sergeant Kim Young-joo, who was watching the scene through his periscope, teased themander while smiling.


    ¡°What? You bastards! Do you all want to be P.T.-ed?¡±


    ¡°Ah! No, sir. We¡¯re just making jokes! Hahaha!¡±


    The 712 tank¡¯s crew was in high spirits and the men started to crack jokes with each other. The barrel of the gun aboard the 712 tank was covered with the kill marks of enemy tanks. There were over 128 drawings of tanks and armored vehicles. They were the top gun of the 7th mobile corps.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 11:30 (U.S.T 23rd, 22:30)


    The depths 250km west of San Francisco, California, U.S.A.


    The Super Hoc submarines Lee Hui-hyung (SSP-091), and Choi Jun (SSP-092) had sailed near the American western depths after setting sail 80 hours ago. They had taken a break for 12 hours at 1000m below the surface and prepared to strike.


    The Lee Hui-hyung (SSP-091), and Choi Jun (SSP-092) had distanced themselves by 500km and started to rise to 100m below the surface.


    The Super Hoc submarines were able to fire missiles with their verticalunch pads 100m below the surface. There were 20 rounds of SD-SKBN Gungnir-II missiles on the verticalunchpads that had a range of 15,000km and two modes ofunch: ballistic and cruise. The reloading process only took 10 minutes for all 20 rounds, and each submarine had a total of 80 rounds.


    The two Super Hoc submarines were equipped with enough missiles to take down an entire nation¡¯s military facilities. They had finished making preparations to strike maind America and were waiting for the navalmand¡¯s orders.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 11:30


    Seoul Yongsan-ku CC bunker (Tactical interception satellite CS-AD Zeus 3¡¯s mission control)


    A week ago, the CS-AD Zeus 3 satellite had moved over the American atmosphere 36,000km above the surface using its TCS (Transparent Cloaking System) and was currently standing by. The operators of the mission control for the satellites were busily working to prepare the satellite for action.


    ¡°Check theunch tubes for the Zinog missiles!¡±


    ¡°Zinog 2 missiles are loaded! All 8 rounds are operational, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great! Check theunch tubes of the Epirus missiles!¡±


    ¡°All 16 rounds of the Epirus missiles are operational as well, sir.¡±


    Each operator reported to the director while typing away on the keyboard.


    ¡°Great! Open theunch tubes starting from the first Epirus missile!¡±


    ¡°Opening theunch tubes from Epirus missile 1. Launch tubes 1 and 2 are open!¡±


    ¡°Open theunch tubes for the Zinog missiles as well!¡±


    ¡°Opening theunch tubes of the Zinog missile. Launch tubes 1 and 2 are open!¡±


    A momentter, two C-SE Epirus missile eight-round MLRSunch tubes, and two C-SH Zinog missile four-round MLRSunch tubes emerged from the Zeus 3 satellite¡¯s exterior. The missiles were now ready tounch as soon as the order was given.


    ¡°Check the targets and specs for each missile.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Checking over the 18 Epirus missile¡¯s targets.¡±


    ¡°Zinog 2! Eight rounds! Checking over the targets again.¡±


    The operators repeated the director¡¯s orders. The main screen at the mission control started to mark the missiles¡¯ targets on a map of the U.S.


    The Super-EMP C-SE Epirus missiles¡¯ targets were set for Washington D.C., America¡¯s capital, New York City, the banking capital of the world, Boston, Anta, New Orleans, Chicago, Das, Houston, Austin, Wichita, Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, Pornd, Reno, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Spokane. There were 18 cities targeted in total. The 18 Epirus missiles were set to turn a 21st-century civilization back to the stone age.


    The C-SH Zinog II missiles were the improved version from the ones aboard the Zeus 1 satellite. Its power was improved by a 1Mt nuclear bomb. These missiles were targeted at the North American Aerospace defensemand¡¯s military bases which was a major part of America¡¯s MD systems.


    After the war against America started, Corea¡¯s NIS and the military¡¯s Defense Security Command Headquarters foreign intelligence teams worked day and night to find the locations of America¡¯s missile interception forces. Their efforts paid off, and the two organizations managed to find most of the American missile force¡¯s military bases which operated underground missile silos.

 Chapter 284

    <h4>Chapter 284</h4>


    February 24th, 2021, 11:30 (U.S.T 23rd, 10:30)


    Washington D.C., the White House¡¯s Oval Office, U.S.A.


    President Trump¡¯s video call with President Suh Hyun-woo of Corea ended three hours ago. When he was done, he immediately called Chairman Victoria of the USSC. He notified her about how Corea had general intelligence about the USSC. Chairman Victoria had ordered him to use every avable tactical weapon against Corea.


    If America used another tactical nuclear weapon like the proton torpedo against Corea again, that coulde back to haunt the nation, for it used nuclear weapons against a nation that did not own any. However, chairman Victoria pressed on. She concluded there was only one solution for the issue about the Corean government being aware of their actions and presence.


    They had to be victorious in the war against Corea and punish every government official, including the president, as war criminals, then reorganize the Corean government and appoint individuals who were pro-American. That was the only way the USSC could continue to hide its existence from the public and manipte America from behind the scenes.


    Chairman Victoria had already instructed Rocky, the member of the USSC council in charge of the Department of Defense, to have the Joint Chief of Staff prepare tounch nuclear weapons as soon as President Trump gave the order. President Trump approved the use of all nuclear weapons against Corea and gave the authority to the Secretary of Defense, John Wayne.


    Over 500 rounds of ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) were set to beunched to the Corean Penins as its military marched to Tokyo. The American air force¡¯s nuclear weapons center inputted the coordinates for the missiles being operated by the 20th missile force. The missiles were all ready and standing by forunch.


    Out of the 500 rounds of ICBMs, 100 of them were equipped with nuclear warheads. In short, the American military was attempting to wipe out every military facility in Corea off the map.


    ¡°Mr. President! ce the missile¡¯sunch key here, and input the finalunch code here, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant General Bob Perry, themander of the air force¡¯s global strikemand (the global strikemand was in charge of all of the air force¡¯s nuclear weapons, the 8th air force¡¯s B-1B tactical bombers, B-2A bombers, the 20th missile force¡¯s LGM-30G and LGM-30F ICBMs), visited the White House himself and exined the functions of a console housed inside a briefcase to the president.


    There were already two keys in the console. One was the Commander-in-Chief DeMarcus Dunford¡¯s, and the other was Secretary of Defense John Wayne¡¯s.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    President Trump pulled out a small golden key from a safe and ced it to the slot Commander Bob Perry had pointed to. Then, he inputted the codes on a disy screen.


    ¡°It¡¯s done, Mr. President! Every process isplete, and all we need now is the final order, sir.¡±


    The approval process for the use of nuclear missiles, which could put an end to humanity, consisted of four stages, and the final process had just beenpleted.


    ¡°Set the time ofunch to when the Corean military starts marching into Tokyo.


    ¡°Yes, sir. We have received your final approval, Mr. President!¡±


    Lieutenant General Bob Perry recorded the president¡¯s approval on a recording device. He got up from his seat, saluted the president, and walked out of the Oval Office with the briefcase housing theunch console.


    When the three keys were inserted into the console and the president inputted theunch code, theunch button became active at the three missile bases under the 20th missile force of the air force.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 11:30


    Seoul Jongro-ku Blue House national situation emergency center, underground bunker, the president¡¯s office.


    ¡°Mr. President! Did things go over smoothly with President Putin?¡± Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae asked with a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°Ah, yes! President Putin actually epted the offer enthusiastically.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I was concerned with what we would do about the war if Russia started to intervene as well.¡±


    National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, joined the conversation and responded with a confident tone, ¡°Russia must be checking the situation in real-time as well, and they should be aware by now that our military power is not like it once was through their intelligence agencies. I am sure Russia will not be able to easily deny our requests now.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I hope Russia and Putin think that way as well. It seems Minister Kang is running a bitte.¡±


    Chief secretary Na Sung-tae nced at the clock hanging on the wall.


    Speaking of the devil.


    When the president mentioned Minister Kang, the inte alerted the president of the Minister of National Defense¡¯s arrival.


    Knock, knock knock.


    ¡°Apologies, Mr. President. Sorry for being a bitte, sir.¡± Minister Kang Hyun-soo opened the office doors and bowed.


    ¡°Yes. We were waiting eagerly. Now! Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The chief secretary and the national security director both stood up with the president.


    They were all scheduled to watch the march to Tokyo from the Joint Chief of Staff¡¯smand center. The president and his entourage took the Hyperloop mothership connected to the B2 bunker in Yongsan and headed there.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 11:40


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Ten minutester, the president and his entourage arrived at the B2 bunker in Yongsan. They took the elevator and arrived at themand center.


    ¡°Salute to the president!¡±


    ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    When President Suh Hyun-woo entered themand center, Chairman Kang Ui-sik and 100 of his men all saluted the president in a disciplined manner. President Suh Hyun-woo also saluted the men.


    ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    ¡°At ease!¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo had visited themand center multiple times, but the tension was at an all-time high that day. It wasn¡¯t this tense when the war against China broke out. Every single person in the room was anxious, from the lowest ranking NCOs, to Cos, and even the generals.


    In ten minutes, thergest offensive operation in Corea¡¯s history would begin. So, all the well-trained soldiers in themand center were feeling tense.


    ¡°Everyone! I know you are all hard at work. Thanks to your efforts, the citizens of our nation and myself are all able to sleep peacefully at night. I am grateful for all of your hard work, and I beg you to do your best until the war is over.¡±


    There was no nned address by the president when he visited. However, he saw how tense the atmosphere of the room was, and he attempted to use it to ease the tension of the men and raise morale.


    ¡°Mr. President, your seat is here, sir.¡± Chairman Kang politely pointed to a seat set at the center of themand center.


    ¡°Ah! Chairman Kang, thank you.¡±


    When the president took his seat, the Minister of National Defense, the National Security Director, and the Chief Secretary all sat down as well. Then, the chairman and other military generals took their seats. They were 10 minutes away from marching into Tokyo.


    Arge digital map of Tokyo was on disy on the main screen. The other screens ced on both sides showed the multiple digital maps of America.


    ¡°RJ to 1945, stage 5 willmence in 10 minutes!¡± Someone¡¯s voice rang across the entiremand center. All eyes in the room started to watch the numerous screens.


    When 10 minutes finally passed, Vice-chairman Shin Sung-yong, who took themand for this mission, stood up from his seat and alerted the start of the mission through his headset.


    ¡°We will now begin the fifth and final stage of RJ to 1945. Order each force that is prepared to march into Tokyo to begin.¡±


    When Vice-chairman Shin gave the order, everymunication operator swiftly ryed the order to their respective forces.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 12:00


    The Chuo Highway, Uenohara, Yamanashi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Orders to start marching into Tokyo came through the army¡¯s strategicmand to the 20th armored division. They were standing by at the Chuo Highway 15km away from Uenohara, 15km away from the road leading to Tokyo.


    -We will now start the march to Tokyo. Each force¡¯s battalionmander is to move along their designated route swiftly. Move out. ¨C


    Major General Ahn Gook-jin, the divisionmander of the 20th armored division gave the order to march. Over 1,000 tanks and armored vehicles all fired up their engines and started to speed towards Tokyo.


    The 16 FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers flew along with the tanks on the ground in a horizontal formation to guard the skies.


    Vrooo~ Vrooo~


    The 26th armored battalion, which took the lead for the brigade as usual, started to rev up the engines of the White Tiger tanks and started to mobilize towards Tokyo.


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s take down at least 100 Jap tanks!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Master Sergeant Oh, sir! Don¡¯t you think 100 wouldn¡¯t be enough? I think we need to at least take down 200, wouldn¡¯t you agree, sir?¡±


    ¡°God! Staff Sergeant Kim and Master Sergeant Oh, you¡¯re both full of bluffs. This is not good!¡±


    ¡°What did you just say? Huh! How dare you butt in on a conversation between NCOs when you¡¯re just a sergeant?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes! Sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Haha, Sergeant Yeom! Just watch out for what¡¯s ahead of us and keep driving! Don¡¯t ram into the enemy tanks before we reach Tokyo.¡±


    ¡°Sir! How could a driver of the top gun make such a stupid mistake?¡±


    ¡°Hey! See! You¡¯re bluffing as well.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, is that so? I don¡¯t think so, sir. I¡¯m just speaking the truth.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, sergeant.¡±


    The crew of the 712 tank was joking around to ease up before the battle started. The sounds of cannon fire from the rear rang across the area. Explosions started to litter downtown Hachioji, the first gateway to Tokyo. The 20th armored division¡¯s artillery brigade must have started their attack.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The continued sounds of cannon fire had alerted the men of the 20th armored division that the march to Tokyo had finally started. They were not anxious, but rather full of confidence and morale was high.


    The rounds fired by the division¡¯s artillery brigade had turned downtown Hachioji into a living hell. The high-rise and low-rise buildings all copsed after being hit by the 155mm rounds. The entire city was being engulfed by hellfire after the 91st artillery battalion used their C-137 Fire Drake MLRS tounch 200mm rockets.


    The Japanese citizens who could not evacuate were crushed by the copsed buildings or killed by the shrapnel of the rounds. Their bodies were all torn up and unrecognizable. The Corean military had sent out drones to spread flyers warning the citizens to flee. However, most of them did not think that the Corean military would attack the city and stayed behind. Thus, civilian casualties in Japan started to rise rapidly.

 Chapter 285

    <h4>Chapter 285</h4>


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The cannon rounds falling on the buildings had caused them to copse like sandcastles. The 26th armored battalion¡¯s tanks started to emerge from the ck smoke rising from the wreckage. The division¡¯s artillery strikes stopped.


    Vroo~ Vroooo~


    The 26th armored battalion that had moved along the 4ned road moved in lines of two and mobilized at high speed while watching their nks. Then, they detected enemy tanks in the distance.


    -We have detected enemy tanks 8km ahead of us! They are Type 10 tanks! We have detected 12 so far, and there will be more. ¨C


    The 711 tank under the 7thpany of the 26th armored battalion informed the entire battalion of their findings through themunication line.


    -This is the battalionmander. The 7thpany is to march forward and the 8thpany will take a detour at the next intersection. The 9thpany and HQpany will back up the 7thpany. Over! ¨C


    Once the battalionmander gave his order, the 8thpany turned right at the next intersection and started to take a detour.


    ¡°Master Sergeant Oh! It¡¯s been a while since we engaged in an urban battle, sir,¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, the gunner, spoke while checking the targets with his aiming periscope when Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek started to mark the enemy tanks as targets.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. Ourst one was when we marched into Beijing, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right, sir. Ha ha.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant First ss Kim! You are checking over the targets I have set, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I saw them. Give me the order, and I can have target 1 taken out this instant, sir.¡±


    ¡°Wait until thepanymander gives us the order to fire! You haven¡¯t forgotten right? We got P.T-ed for firing on the enemy while ignoring the battalionmander¡¯s orders!¡±


    ¡°Ah! How could I forget? That was all thanks to you, sir...¡±


    Boom!


    As they were passing through the intersection, a shock struck the side of the 712 tank. It started to lean left while on the move, but thanks to Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi¡¯s maneuvering skills, they were able to retain bnce.


    The shock had caused Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek to strike his head against the hard equipment. He felt dizzy but immediately turned his periscope to where the st came from.


    The enemy tanks were shown to be M4 Warthog tanks. The 20th armored division had received updated software for the friend or foe database from the maind. The database was now updated to show thetest data.


    -This is Crimson Ox 2! The 712 tank. Our 9 o¡¯clock, distance at 4200! Multiple enemy tanks have been detected! ¨C


    ¡°Hey! That must be America¡¯stest tank, the M4 Warthog, Wardog, or whatever.¡±


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek reset the targets to the newly discovered M4 tanks. He did not wait for thepanymander¡¯s orders and ordered his gunner, Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo to fire.


    ¡°Sergeant First ss Kim! Our 9 o¡¯clock, distance at 4100. Targets 1 and 2 are set! Fire as soon as you finished aiming!¡±


    As the 712 tank started to turn around towards the confirmed targets, Sergeant First ss Kim started to lock on to the 1st M4 U.S. marine tank. However, another powerful shock shook the 712 tank again. They lost their timing to fire and slid backward from the shock. The 16MJ ss rail gun¡¯s X-16 metal rounds were not capable of piercing the White Tiger tank¡¯s armor, but the shock it delivered was still powerful.


    While the 712 tank attempted to take aim again, another M4 Warthog tank fired a metal round from its rail gun.


    Pew~ Pew~


    Two X-16 metal rounds flew towards the 712 tank, but its active SECM jamming system caused them to miss. The 712 tank did not miss this chance and fired two photon rounds at the enemy.


    Pew~ Pew~


    The photon rounds from the 712 tank struck the upper turret and lower parts of the M4 Warthog tank 4.2km away. The Vegatinium alloy ting and double reactive ting had enhanced the M4 tanks¡¯ defensive capabilities to the maximum. But the power of the photon cannon aboard the White Tiger tanks was iparable to the sma cluster rounds of the FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers. The photon round¡¯s high heat ignored the double reactive ting and easily pierced through the Vegatinium ting to destroy the interior of the M4 tanks.


    The enormous reactive heat of the photon matter caused the turret of the M4 Warthog tank to fall off, and the second photon round melted the crew aboard.


    The M4 Warthog tank¡¯s defensive capabilities were powerful against explosive rounds thanks to its Vegatinium ting and the double reactive tings, but these were useless against the photon rounds.


    The M4 Warthog tanks that ambushed the K3 White Tiger tanks ended up copsing onto the ground while emitting ck smoke from their target¡¯s retaliation. The surviving Warthog tanks started to back up and disappeared. They were using gueri tactics.


    The MEABs (Marine Expeditionary Armored Brigade) stationed across Tokyo, an area three times the size of Seoul, used the terrain to conduct urban gueri tactics. It was the best tactic for the U.S. Marines, but for the Corean military, it was hard to deal with.


    * * *


    Februrary 24th, 2021, 12:28 (U.S.T 23rd 11:28)


    The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A.


    The Joint Chief of Staff heard the report about the Corean military marching into Tokyo. Commander Bob Perry from the global strikemand returned to the Pentagon and was ordered tounch the missiles. Lieutenant-General Perry inputted the finalunch codes and ordered his forces to fire the Minutemen III missiles.


    The global strikemand¡¯s 20th air force¡¯s F.E. Warren base allunched their LGM-30G ICBM Minutemen III missiles at once from their 91st missile force¡¯s base at Malmstrom, Montana, and 90th missile force¡¯s base at Minot, North Dakota. The missiles left their silos and started to emerge from the darkness while emitting white smoke everywhere.


    Each missile forceunched 30 rounds of LGM-30G ICBMs from their silos. Once they reached a certain altitude, the self-thrusters started to fire up. The missiles raised their speed to reach orbital velocity and disappeared from view. The white smoke trails outlined their trajectory in the dark sky. The parade of nuclear missiles did not end there.


    The three missile forces thatunched a total of 30 LGM-30G ICBMs all prepared tounch a second wave of missiles. The reloading process was swift since it was done through a revolver system. Within a few minutes, another set of missiles were ready forunch. Each missile force¡¯smander pressed theunch button for the second time.


    At the 31st missile force¡¯s underground silos at the Dobbins air force base in Georgia, dozens of Minutemen IV LGM-30F ICBMs developed in 2020 rose to the sky towards Corea. Out of the 100 rounds of Minutemen IV LGM-30F ICBMsunched, 50 of them were equipped with nuclear warheads.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 12:28


    Seoul Yongsan-ku CC tanker (Reconnaissance satellite CS-SS Apollo 1 satellite¡¯s mission control).


    ¡°Sir! Multiple ICBMunches have been detected from the American maind.¡±


    ¡°Their location?¡±


    ¡°There are four ces in total. We are putting the coordinates on screen 1.¡±


    The Apollo 1 satellite was searching the entire American continent with its multi-zone early warning mode. It detected the ICBMsunched within 2 minutes fromunch.


    Screen 1 showed theunch sites¡¯ coordinates and the military bases there.


    ¡°Are we calcting the expected trajectories?¡± Colonel Park Jung-gyu, the director of the Apollo 1¡¯s mission control, asked.


    The operation control officer answered him immediately, ¡°We are calcting the trajectories from missile 1, sir.¡±


    ¡°Please hurry!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The main screen showed hundreds of missiles flying up to the atmosphere and entering its outer regions. It was a bit difficult to predict their targets at the moment, besides the obvious fact that they were all headed towards Corea.


    A few minutes passed, and someone shouted, ¡°The 1st missile¡¯s trajectory has been calcted! The 1st targeted missile is headed towards the 10th fighter wing base at Suwon.¡±


    ¡°Great! Have the reconnaissance operators pull up the rest of the calctions on screen 1 as soon as they can.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 10 reconnaissance operators all started to type away at their keyboards under the officer¡¯s orders. They started to put thepleted calctions on screen 1. When they did so, the expectednding zone for each numbered missile covered the screen.


    The intelligenceing onto the screen all pointed to Corea¡¯s air force and naval bases. The Hadesnd defense satellite¡¯s base was included as well.


    ¡°The Americans must have found out about the location of the Hades satellite as well.¡±


    Director Park Jung-gyu nced at the screen with his arms crossed. He thought that was enough information and gave another order.


    ¡°Datalink our intelligence to the Joint Chief of Staff and the Zeus 3 satellite mission control! Send the data to the Zeus 1 and 2 interception satellites mission control as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Operations Control Officer Kang Tae-hyung answered the director immediately and gave orders to the operators. ¡°Targets set! Datalink to the Joint Chief of Staff and Zeus 3 first, then send the information to the remaining interception forces in order. Hurry!¡±


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 12:40


    Seoul Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The detection data from the American ICBMunches at the maind came in. The number 5 screen at themand center showed hundreds of red lines drawing a trajectory towards Corea from the American maind.


    ¡°I expected as much, but I didn¡¯t think America would be this reckless, Mr. President!¡± National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, who was sitting next to the president, spoke.


    ¡°Yes. They are crossing a line they shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President!¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik stood up from his seat and called the president. The president seemed to have known what the chairman was about to say and nodded instead of answering.


    ¡°We will begin now, sir.¡±


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik received the president¡¯s approval, and walked over to quietly speak to Vice-chairman Shin Sung-yong. The Vice-chairman started the highlight of the 5th stage of the RJ to 1945 operation without any hesitation.


    ¡°Zeus 3, begin operation ¡®Wrath of God.¡¯ Also, give the order to attack to the Lee Hui-hyung (SSP-091) and Choi Jun (SSP-092) as well,¡± Vice-chairman Shin gave his orders clearly and confidently.


    America¡¯sunch of ICBMs presumed to be nuclear weapons against Corea that did not own any nuclear weapons had made Corea use their ultimate weapon in a worldwide reveal.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 12:45 (U.S.T 23rd 23:45)


    The atmosphere 36,000km above Kansas, America (the CS-AD Zeus 3 tactical satellite¡¯s location)


    When orders to begin ¡°Wrath of God¡± from Vice-chairman Shin Sung-yong was ryed to the mission control of Zeus 3, the satellite had been standing by for 30 minutes. It disabled its TCS (Transparent Cloaking System) andmenced its attack on maind America.


    Sixteen rounds of C-SE Epirus missiles wereunched from the two eight-round MLRSunch tubes. They started to fall freely, then changed their trajectory towards their targets. When they were set, the powerful sma rocket engines all lit up and the missiles started to fall towards the maind. All 16 C-SE Epirus missile rounds wereunched within a minute. They started to fall towards their targets and disappeared into the earth¡¯s blue atmosphere.


    The eight C-SH Zinog II missiles, which had a power of a 1Mk ss nuclear bomb, flew out from two four-round MLRSunch tubes as well, and started to follow the Epirus missiles to America¡¯s maind.

 Chapter 286

    <h4>Chapter 286</h4>


    February 24th, 2021, 12:45 (U.S.T. February 23rd, 23:45)


    The depths 250km west of San Francisco, California, U.S.A. (the Lee Hui-hyung¡¯s position (SSP-091))


    A top-secret message from the naval strategicmand was sent to the Lee Hui-hyung (SSP-091) waiting in the depths 100m below the surface.


    Colonel Lee Yeon-jae, the captain of the submarine, received the encrypted message from his first mate and read it over. The message was definitely from the naval strategicmand.


    The contents were simple.


    ¡°Begin ¡®Operation Wrath of God¡¯ as soon as receiving this message. Follow through with the established strategy as nned.¡±


    After reading the encrypted message¡¯s short contents, Colonel Lee Yeon-jae folded the message in half and gave it to the first mate authority over at the bridge. Then, he walked to the battle station.


    ¡°Captain at the battle station,¡± the operations aide-de-camp shouted after seeing the captain arrive first. The crew at the battle station all stood still, and the operations director saluted.


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    ¡°At ease.¡± The captain then gave an order to themunications director first. ¡°Call captain Na Il-hoo.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A momentter, the Lee Hui-hyung¡¯s (SSP-091) medical officer, Captain Na Il-hoo, came into the battle station and saluted his captain.


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    ¡°At ease,¡± Colonel Lee Yeon-jae answered the salute and handed Captain Na the encrypted message.


    The medical officer, Captain Na Il-hoo, started to carefully read the encrypted message. Since the contents were short, he was able to read it quickly. He checked the encrypted password one more time and pulled out his tags from underneath his shirt. There was another thin card-shaped object attached to his tags as well.


    Captain Na Il-hoo detached the card from his tags and handed it to Colonel Lee. ¡°The password has been confirmed, sir. I have now handed theunch card to you as the message stated.¡±


    Colonel Lee Yeon-jae answered, ¡°At 12:34 K.S.T., I have received theunch card from Captain Na Il-hoo.¡±


    Since the Super Hoc submarines were equipped with tactical weapons, it was designed to not allow the weapons to be used with the captain¡¯s approval alone. Therefore, the medical officers aboard would hold one of the twounch cards. The medical officers were obviously trained thoroughly about this before being a part of the crew.


    Colonel Lee Yeon-jae pulled out the other card he had and handed it to the operations director while giving an order, ¡°We begin ¡®Operation Wrath of God.¡¯ Enter theunch codes.¡±


    The operations director inserted both cards into the console. ¡°Launch approval cards have been inputted.¡±


    Colonel Lee Yeon-jae gave additional orders after hearing the operation director¡¯s reports. ¡°Check the target allotments and coordinates.¡±


    ¡°Checking the coordinates now, sir.¡±


    ¡°Check theunch depth.¡±


    ¡°Launch depth at 100. There are no issues. All 80 target coordinates are set, sir.¡±


    ¡°Open the loop door!¡±


    ¡°Launch after a 10-second countdown.¡±


    ¡°Launching after countdown! Starting now, sir.¡±


    The arms man started the countdown, ¡°10, 9, 8... 3, 2, 1, fire!¡±


    When the arms man pressed theunch button, theunch pad at the center of the submarine started tounch the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles using its sma output system. The 20 SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles all shot out from theunch tubes in sequence and started to rise to the surface against the water¡¯s resistance.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Pirs of water started to rise from the calm ocean surface, and the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles emerged and shot up into the sky. The self-thrusters started to ignite, and after a blue light shed, the missiles disappeared into the dark sky.


    ¡°Prepare the second round of missiles! Reload!¡±


    ¡°Preparing for the secondunch! Reloading.¡±


    The Choi Jun (SSP-092) 50km south of the Lee Hui-hyung (SSP-091) alsounched their SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles. The missiles rose to the ocean surface and flew up to the sky continuously.


    The two Super Hoc submarinesunched a total of 160 SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles from the depths of America¡¯s west coast 250km away. These missiles wereunched in ballistic mode to strike the eastern side of America. They broke through the outer atmosphere, and those targeting the western regions started to fly towards their targets in cruise mode at Mach 20 10m above the ocean surface.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 12:45 (U.S.T. February 23rd, 23:45)


    ,000km above the Kansas atmosphere, U.S.A. (tactical satellite CS-AD Zeus 3¡¯s location)


    The Zeus 3 satellite hadunched two types of missiles towards America and started to intercept the missilesunched by the American air force bases. The 50mm high-poweredser cannon equipped at the lower part of the satellite started to aim at the missiles flying up into space.


    The 500 rounds of Minutemen series missiles all broke through the outer atmosphere and continued to raise their altitude in a long line. The Zeus 3 started intercepting the LGM-30G ICBMs at the lead.


    The ICBMs had an approximate range of 10,000km, and their flying altitude would be 1,500km.


    Theser cannon sparked up, then a high-poweredser beam started to shoot towards the surface. The red 50mmser beam immediately struck the LGM-30G ICBM¡¯s body and it exploded. The interception process continued.


    Multiple shes of light glimmered at the outer atmosphere and the dark American skies lit up from the explosions as if fireworks were going off in space.


    One hundred of America¡¯s ICBMs, approximately 20% of all theunched missiles, were already turned into dust in space. However, there were still over 390 rounds of ICBMs headed towards Corea.


    Meanwhile, at the western atmosphere above Corea, four CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space jets were flying through space at Mach 30.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 12:50(U.S.T 23rd 23:50)


    The Nellis Air Force base, Nevada, U.S.A. (Area 51)


    Forty rounds of SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missilesunched from the Choi Jun (SSP-092) all flew 10m above the ocean surface and started to raise their altitude to 100m once they reached the maind. The missile¡¯s speed of Mach 20 caused the trees and buildings to shake from the sonar st as the missiles flew past.


    When the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles targeting the Nellis base reached the vicinity of their targets, they used the pop-up flight mode to shoot up into the sky.


    The Nellis Air Force base operated the Patriot PAC-3 anti-air missiles, but they only detected the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles after they had popped up and reached the terminal phase. It was toote to attempt an interception. The Gungnir-II missiles only took a few seconds to reach their targets after popping up.


    Boooooom~ Wooooosh~


    The missile crashed into the Nellis Air Force base at Mach 20. A few secondster, another SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missile struck the Nellis Air Force base and shook the entire area. The shock caused the surrounding air to be sucked up.


    Tworge mushroom clouds over 2km high rose one after the other. The enormous shock and heatwave caused everything within a 20km vicinity to vaporize.


    The Nellis Air Force base, also known as Area 51, was built in the middle of a desert. Corea¡¯s Joint Chief of Staff had specially set two SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles for it. The base was directly rted to the USSC organization so it needed to be wiped off the map if Corea was topete against America the global power in the future.


    To achieve this goal, the Joint Chief of Staff used two rounds of the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles that rivaled the power of the 1Mt ss nuclear bomb.


    Booooooom~


    Mushroom clouds rose continuously at the Nellis Air Force base. The region turned into a crater with a radius of 2km, and no trace of its facilities on the surface could be found. It had literally vanished.


    The ck and red mes and smoke covered the area like a fog. Also, the surrounding area within 30km of the Nellis base all looked as if it was swept by a giant broom. The low buildings under five stories high all copsed from being swept by the shockwave. Only therge buildings maintained their outer appearance. However, the interior was destroyed by the shock and heatwave. There was no possibility for any living organism to survive.


    The Nellis Air Force base¡¯s underground research facility was designed to withstand a 20Mk ss nuclear st, but the explosion shook the entire facility.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 12:55, (U.S.T. February 23rd, 23:55)


    The Nellis Air Force base, Nevada, U.S.A. (Area 51 director¡¯s office)


    ¡°Director, you must evacuate to the shelter, sir,¡± Chief of Security Robin rushed into the office and breathed heavily.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on out there?¡± Director Howard Harley, who was in charge of the entire Area 51 research facility, asked from under his desk while shaking in fear.


    ¡°Amazingly, he was able to get under the desk despite his size,¡± Chief Robin thought while answering the director, ¡°It seems we have been attacked by missiles, sir.¡±


    ¡°Missile strikes? This is a facility that can withstand nuclear sts. What did they hit us with?¡±


    Director Howard Harley crawled out from underneath his desk. His face was covered in sweat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s evacuate first, sir. The power of the st is suspiciously powerful. This whole ce could copse.¡±


    ¡°Copse? Ah, I understand. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Director Howard Harley had maintained his director¡¯s seat for Area 51 for six years. The only thing that had changed was his weight. The obese Director Harley waddled behind Chief Robin to the shelter.


    The underground research facility¡¯s hallway started to shake and pieces of the ceiling fell off, despite the entire facility being covered by an outer steel ting. The light installed on the ceiling started to flicker as well.


    ¡°Who *huff* would dare attempt to attack America¡¯s military base *puff* and actually, go through with it? *Huff* *Puff* Those mother fuckers!¡±


    Director Howard Harley seemed to struggle walking along the hallway despite leaning heavily against the walls. He swore under his breath.


    The shelter was ced 200m below the surface to prepare for situations like a Third World War breaking out. It was designed with a self-sustaining generator, air filtration system, and water system using the subterranean water. The shelter was equipped and capable of sustaining 1,000 people safely for a year.


    However, the base at Area 51 vanished into history after the C-SH Zinog II missilesunched by the Zeus 3 satellite struck the area 30 minutester. It had literally vaporized.


    The C-SH Zinog-II missile was equipped with sma cluster rounds, and it exploded after breaching 100m below the surface. The shock had caused the terrain to warp and the underground facility to copse or melt from the heat.

 Chapter 287

    <h4>Chapter 287</h4>


    February 24th, 2021, 12:55 (U.S.T. 23rd 19:55)


    The San Diego navy base in California, U.S.A.


    The 4th and 6th fleets were standing by 8km away from the San Diego Port. The U.S. Navy¡¯s centralmand¡¯s 5th fleet and the other fleets all started to mobilize. 5 carrier strike groups in totalunched their anti-air (ship-to-air) SM-7s (RIM-77 ESGM (Evolved Sea-Gull Missile)) into the air.


    Each missile was worth 15 million dors. The carrier strike groups¡¯ destroyers allunched the expensive missiles without any hesitation. The 15th carrier strike group¡¯s Dous MacArthur (DDG-1006) and Thomas S. Gates (DDG-1007) Zumwalt ss destroyersunched two rounds of the refurbished SM-7B missiles to attempt striking down the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles.


    Over 20 rounds of SM-7 ship-to-air missiles rose. They started to head towards the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles that were cruising 10m above the ocean surface. Once the SM-7 missiles reached their maximum altitude, they started to crash towards the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles.


    The SM-7 missiles were equipped with a proximity fuse. Once they started closing in on their targets, they exploded and sent shrapnel flying everywhere.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The 20 missiles all exploded continuously in tandem and created a tight-knit of shrapnel that wouldn¡¯t allow even an ant to pass through. Unfortunately, the was formed after the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles had flown past.


    The SM-7 missile¡¯s interception performance was poorpared to expectations during the naval battle on February 5th. They only seeded in intercepting 1 out of 7 rounds of the Avarice (SSM-1000K) hypersonic cruise missiles that boasted a speed of Mach 8. The missiles that the SM-7 was attempting to intercept were flying three times faster. Obviously, the interception rate was at 0%. The refurbished SM-7B was no exception and they failed as well.


    The SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles exploded at the U.S. Navy¡¯s location that had lost their only chance to intercept them. The tremendous explosive power crashed down on the ocean surface and the explosion turned into a pir of water. Soon the pir created a tsunami that was 20m high. The shockwave and heat swept through the U.S. Navy¡¯s fleets.


    A high-temperature firestorm sucked up the oxygen at the sea and started to spread. The first shockwave reached San Diego Port and broke every building¡¯s windows. A third-degree firestorm reached the city within a minute.


    The greatest damage was done to the U.S. Navy¡¯s vessels docked 8km away from San Diego Port. The amphibious ships and transporting ships loading numerous equipment for thending operation against Corea had all been exposed to the firestorm. The army and marines boarding the ships were severely injured as well.


    The 20m high tsunami easily bypassed the San Diego Port¡¯s breakwater and started to sweep through the entire city. The low-rise buildings all copsed like candles in the wind. The citizens, who were caught off guard, were all swept away as well. The amphibious and transporting ships that weighed over 10,000 tons all crashed into the high-rise buildings. The force of the tsunami and the heavy ships crashing into the buildings caused them to copse.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 13:10 (U.S.T 00:10)


    The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A.


    America¡¯s MD system was painstakingly developed with an unbelievable sum of money. It was designed to defend against any sort of ballistic missile attacks and had been tested numerous times. It was considered to be close to perfect.


    However, America¡¯s near-perfect missile defense system was rendered useless to a few cruise missiles flying at Mach 20, 100m above the ocean surface. To be precise, they had detected the missiles but had no means to intercept them. No interception method could take down missiles flying at such low altitudes with a speed of Mach 20.


    The air force and army bases in the western region of America were destroyed by the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missile¡¯s powerful explosions. The Edwards base which was the air force¡¯s testing center, the Vandenburg air force base which was the space force¡¯smand, and the Los Angeles air force base that had the space missile forces in California had all been wiped off the map.


    The 20th fighter wing¡¯s F.E. Warren base, the Minot base, and the Malmstrom base that hadunched the ICBMs against Corea were covered by mushroom clouds of nuclear explosions also. The sky darkened, and a 10 Richter scale earthquake started to engulf the buildings on the surface. From the cracks of the earth,va started to burst forth. It started to shoot up to the sky and light up the night.


    The Pentagon¡¯smand center was watching the progress of their missileunches. They thoughtunching their ICBMs in this great number would be the turning point for the war against Corea. As the militarymanders and the Pentagon staff were watching the situation in ax mood, the report of the enemy missile strikes came in. The entire room was in shock after hearing about what happened to the military bases on the west coast.


    Damage reports continued toe in from the western region¡¯s air force bases through the operablemunication lines. In short, every air force base in the west had been struck by Corea¡¯s submarine-to-surface missiles that rivaled the power of nuclear bombs. All of them were wiped out with a single strike.


    Secretary of Defense John Wayne could not believe the reports pouring in. Each one was unbelievable and to him, it sounded as if the operators were making wild ims. No matter how much he wanted to be in denial, the footage of the Nellis base from the satellite above the U.S. maind proved him wrong. The screen showed the entire base glowing in mes in the middle of the desert and there was nothing left in the area except for dirt and fire.


    Secretary John Wayne tried to regain hisposure and stood up, but his legs gave out. He ended up copsing onto the floor. The aides-de-camp came to his side and attempted to help the secretary back to his feet.


    Secretary John Wayne stroked his head with his hand and spoke feebly, ¡°Are you- are you telling me that¡¯s what remains of the Nellis base?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. This is what our satellites have sent in.¡±


    ¡°What?! Where is Nellis base in these footages then? It¡¯s nowhere to be seen!¡±


    As Secretary John Wayne spoke to the militarymanders, no one could give him a clear answer and everyone was silent.


    Anothermunications operator then gave the worst report of all to Secretary John Wayne, ¡°The 4th and 6th fleets and the 15th carrier strike group under the 5th fleet near San Diego Port have sustained heavy damages, sir.¡±


    Themunications operator¡¯s voice was full of despair while giving his report.


    ¡°How much exactly? Did the fleets sustain damages?¡± When reports about the naval forces at the west coast under attack came in for the first time, Commander John Richards, the chief of naval operations, pried themunications operator for more information.


    ¡°The- the thing is we don¡¯t have the exact details, sir. The reports say a nuclear st urred near the pacific fleet¡¯s location. It created a tsunami that engulfed San Diego.¡±


    ¡°More! Get us more details about our forces!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Right away.¡±


    The pacific fleet being annihted at San Diego caused the U.S. Navy¡¯s forces to be reduced to 30% of their original power. Commander John Richards could not help but be anxious.


    Themunications operator who was in charge of receiving reports from the army¡¯s space and missile defensemand received a report from the forces in charge of the maind¡¯s missile defense system. He read out the report he got loudly so it carried throughout the entire room.


    ¡°They have detected an ICBM headed to the Pentagon, sir. There¡¯s no guarantee that the interception attempt by our forces will be a sess, so they are advising us to evacuate.¡±


    The eyes of all military personnel in the room fell on the operator.


    Then, the secretary of defense started shouting at the operator angrily, ¡°What the hell does that mean? We spent an astronomical amount of money on our missile defense systems, and that¡¯s what they have to say for themselves? Tell them tomence the interception, now!¡±


    When Secretary John Wayne yelled at themunications operator, he panicked and did not respond.


    Commander Andre Drummond, the army¡¯s chief of staff, answered the secretary instead, ¡°It seems that the western region¡¯s MD systems have been taken out by the Corean submarine¡¯s missile attacks. Therefore, our interception rate has been decreased, so they cannot guarantee a sessful attempt, sir.¡±


    ¡°Goddamn it!¡±


    Chairman Demarcus Dunford of the joint chief of staff came up to Secretary John Wayne and spoke to him quietly, ¡°Sir! You must move to the Raven Rock Mountain Complex immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. But the president...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they reported it first to the White House and the president must have evacuated to the Presidential Emergency Operations Center.¡±


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s go.¡±


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 13:00


    Seoul, Kangnam-ku, the NIS cybersecurity department. The manager¡¯s office.


    After finding out about the Scorpion organization, Namgoong-won started to investigate everything about the organization with the help of Hoc. He was finally able to hack into the organization¡¯s internalmunication line.


    Themunication database had all the messages and call histories of every Scorpion agent under tripleyered security. Namgoong-won downloaded the information and started to unzip and view thepressed files. Without the help of Hoc, it would have taken him a month, but thanks to the A.I¡¯s help, he was able to finish within a day.


    Namgoong-won was only interested in themunication data of December 2015. His priority was to figure out the identity of the Scorpion agent who killed his family and friends.


    Within the morning, he was able to decrypt the files from 2015. Namgoong-won started to type away at the keyboard to extract the contents from December.


    After 30 minutes had passed, the pandora¡¯s box that Namgoong-won wanted to see finally opened.


    The first person on the file was an agent with the code name SD887. This was the man who killed Namgoong-won¡¯s family. When he found out the code name of the agent, he started to look through the list of names who used the code name.


    -Code name: SD887


    -Name: Takada, Makoto


    -Age: 40


    -Nationality: Japanese American


    -Experience: 12 years in the Japanese army¡¯s SAT, 3 years in the prime minister¡¯s bodyguard office


    -Current residence: Unknown


    -Major aplishments: Afghanistan¡¯s government agent Rutero and 22 other assassinations


    Namgoong-won started to sob when he read the line about 22 other assassinations. He knew his family¡¯s names were included in those 22 assassinations. Then, he saw information about a man using the code name FH225.


    -Code name: FH225


    -Name: Sergei Harinotov


    -Age: 42


    -Nationality: Russian American


    -Experience: 10 years in Spetsnaz


    -Current residence: Unknown


    -Major aplishments: S-ss secret. Deleted.


    Code name SD887 was the agent who killed Namgoong-won¡¯s friend Kang Jung-ho after mistaking him as Namgoong-won. The issue was both of these men¡¯s residence was unknown. Namgoong-won tried to find thetestmunication data.


    Namgoong-won hoped to find out theirst known locations in the most recentmunication.

 Chapter 288

    <h4>Chapter 288</h4>


    February 24th, 2021, 13:00 (U.S.T February 23rd, 18:00)


    The skies 1,500km above Hawaii Ind, Hawaii, U.S.A.


    Out of 500 rounds of the Minuteman-III ICBM, 131 have been struck down by the Zeus 3 satellite¡¯s high-poweredser beam. The remaining 369 rounds breached the outer atmosphere and started to detach their 1st and 2nd thrusters to raise their speed. The missiles had now reached their maximum altitude.


    Meanwhile, the three CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space jets that took shifts of 6 hours 24 hours a day, started to fly towards the area above the Pacific. They started their interception process. The crew of the Three-toed Crow jets usually considered themselves lucky to be able to see the earth from 1,530km above the atmosphere 6 hours a day. But the mission they had to conduct today made them anxious, so they could not appreciate the beauty of the scene.


    A momentter, the ICBMs reached their maximum altitude and started to transition into their space flight mode by changing their angle rtive to the. These approximately 300 rounds of Minuteman-III missiles clearly showed up on the Three-toed Crow¡¯s radar disy on the dashboard.


    ¡°A total of 369 rounds of ballistic missiles has been detected and set for interception. Distance at 3,428km, sma output at 100%. We will reach within 1 minute, sir,¡± Captain Kim Man-ho, the operator of the flight devices reported in from behind the cockpit.


    ¡°Okay! Keep a close eye on our sma outputs, and make sure to strike them all down!¡± Major Lee Il-hoo, the pilot of the Three-toed Crow space jet 3, raised his right hand to acknowledge the report and gave out the orders.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The added rtive speed between the Minuteman-III ICBMs and the Three-toed Crow jets were Mach 42. The space jet closed the distance between itself and the missile in the blink of an eye.


    Captain Kim Man-ho reported in again. ¡°The first target has been set and allotment for targets 1 ¨C 10 isplete!¡±


    Captain Kim Man-ho swiftly manipted the console and allotted 10 Minuteman-III LGM-30G ICBMs flying at the lead as targets in order.


    ¡°Captain Kim! Keep it up until the other Three-toed Crow jet flight wingse in! We need to take out at least 50, all right?¡±


    ¡°Sir? 50 rounds? I will do my best.¡±


    The upper hatch of the Three-toed Crow jet¡¯s cockpit opened and a 50mmser cannon popped out. The end of theser cannon started to spark up wildly, and it fired aser beam.


    Pew~


    The whiteser beam flew off at the speed of light and precisely struck the 3rd thruster of the LGM-30G ICBM. The jet fuel stored in the interior exploded and created a beautiful explosion.


    ¡°Target 1 has been sessfully intercepted! Setting up target 2.¡±


    With Captain Kim Man-ho¡¯s report, the 50mmser cannon shot out another round ofser beams, and another LGM-30G ICBM exploded.


    ¡°Captain Kim! There¡¯s no need to report in! Just keep focusing on the targeting!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Understood!¡±


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 13:00 (U.S.T 22:00)


    The Peterson air force base, Colorado, U.S.A. (the 100th missile defense brigade)


    The Peterson air force base was located at the center of Colorado. At this base, the 100th missile defense brigade under the U.S. Army¡¯s space and missile defensemand was located. It was tasked with the GMD (Ground-Based Midcourse Defense). The GMD was a defensive missile that was in charge of intercepting enemy missiles at the mid-stage. It was originally known as the NMD (National Missile Defense) program.


    The 100th missile defense brigade operated the GMD system. It consisted of SBIRS early-warning satellites, naval X-band radars, and other numerous radars on the ground. Using these, the 100th missile brigade would detect and track the enemy ballistic missiles. After the enemy missiles reached the mid-stage, they would be intercepted by GBI missiles before they could reach the surface.


    The GBI missiles, which were capable of intercepting missiles from the outer atmosphere, were deployed to six areas in America including Fort Greely. The Peterson air force base¡¯s 100th missile defense brigade also operated 40unch tform silos of the GBI missiles.


    The GBI missiles weighed 21 tons and had a limit of 2000km for its altitude. However, if these were equipped with the Minuteman-III¡¯s warheads, then they could be used as an ICBM with a range of 6000km. These multi-purpose GBI missiles started to rise out from their 40 silos while emitting white smoke to intercept the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles that have reached the terminal phase and the unknown missilesunched by the Zeus 3 satellite.


    Right now, the 99th missile defense brigade at Washington¡¯s Yakima army base and the 8th missile defense brigade at the Vandenburg air force base in California had been wiped out. Every missile defense force in charge of the Northwestern anti-air in America could no longer function properly after being struck by the Corean submarine¡¯s hypersonic cruise missiles.


    Only the 100th and 101st missile defense brigade at Brookhaven army base in Eastern Pennsylvania and the 105th missile defense brigade at Scott air force base in southwestern Tennessee remained. These forcesunched their GBI missiles against Corea¡¯s that were falling all across America.


    Each brigade also had a battalion operating SM-10 anti-air missiles.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 13:10 (U.S.T 23rd 24:10)


    The skies above New York City, New York, America


    The Brookhaven army base¡¯s 101st missile defense brigade used its GBI missiles, THADD artillery battalion, and PAC-3 Patriot (MIM-104 Patriot) low altitude interception missiles to attempt to intercept the missiles with everything they had. But it failed to intercept the missiles falling onto New York.


    Booom! Boooooooom~


    A giant sh of light urred 1km above the New York skies. A powerful shockwave spread at the speed of sound and engulfed the entire city. The shockwave spread in a 30km radius and caused every electronic device¡¯s circuits to be fried. Some of them actually caught on fire from overheating.


    New York City¡¯s infrastructure was taken out by the C-SE Epirus missile (Super-EMP rounds), also known as the sma pulse rounds. New York, which was known as the world¡¯s financial capital, lost all of its electronics and functionalities after being hit by a single round of the Epirus missile and turned pitch ck.


    The city was once the central hub for trade,merce, and finance. It was also an industrial city worthy of the title of the world¡¯s economic capital. The city also had many universities, research facilities, and museums, making it the cultural capital of America. The port city of New York with a poption of 16 million had reverted to the stone age in an instant.


    Boom! Booooom! Bang!


    In an instant, the entire city went ck. The ECU circuits of cars, which were considered the brains of automobiles, were burnt by the shockwave. The engines of the cars on the roads all stopped and this led to mass collisions on the road. Dozens and hundreds of cars collided with each other, some of them exploding, resulting in fire.


    The medical equipment keeping many patients alive in the hospitals went out. The lives of patients were now at stake. Staff started to use manual respirators to keep the patients relying on oxygen respirators alive.


    Forrge hospitals, they had backup generators, but they were of no use. These were also affected by the EMP waves and they lost their functions after having their circuits blown out.


    Corea¡¯s joint chief of staff had argued about whether or not to exclude New York from the Epirus missile attacks.


    The opposition imed that the world¡¯s flow of finance woulde to a halt, and that could cause a mass recession in the world economy that could affect Corea¡¯s economy as well.


    However, those favoring the attack imed it was a necessary evil. They imed that this attack could also move the financial capital of the world from New York to Seoul. Thus, New York City had be a target for the Epirus missile attacks as well.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 13:15


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    ¡°A report from the aerospacemand, sir. All ICBMs headed towards Corea have been intercepted sessfully.¡±


    ¡°Yeah~¡±


    The entiremand center cheered after hearing the operator¡¯s report.


    The Three-toed Crow jets 1, 2, and 4 followed the Three-toed Crow jet 3¡¯s lead and took down 180 rounds of the ICBMs. The Zeus 1 and 2 satellites standing by above the Corean atmosphere in geostationary orbit made additional interceptions. Finally, the Hadesnd satelliteunched 50 rounds of S-LSM-600 Bident missiles to take out all of the American ICBMs.


    The CAMD system had intercepted over 400 rounds of enemy missiles simultaneously and surpassed the aerospacemand¡¯s prediction.


    The numerous red linesing from the American maind on the screen had all vanished.


    ¡°I think we can take a moment to breathe, Mr. President,¡± Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae put a hand on his chest and spoke to the president.


    President Suh Hyun-woo seemed to not have heard the chief secretary¡¯s words and continued to stare at the other screens next to the main one.


    Footage of America from the Apollo 1 satellite was on the screen that the president was watching. It showed carnage and scenes of ck and red mes burning across the entire area.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 14:30 (U.S.T. 01:30)


    A building in the suburbs of Washington D.C., U.S.A. (USSC vi)


    Within the dense forest, a man equipped with VR-M optical equipment that resembled a VR machine continued to stare at the USSC vi. It was Assistant Manager Park Ki-oong from the NIS team A, who had infiltrated the building on the 17th.


    ¡°What do you see? Are there any more of theming in?¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung, who was working on hisptop behind Assistant Manager Park, asked.


    ¡°No. No one else had entered the vi since this afternoon, sir!¡±


    ¡°How many are present in the building right now?¡±


    ¡°There is a total of three people. Two men and one woman.¡±


    ¡°A woman... Hmm, ording to this intel from Corea, one of the USSC council members is a woman and she is the chairman of the USSC.¡±


    The NIS cybersecurity team was sending in the data they got from hacking into the USSC database to Team Leader Lee Ja-sung as soon as it was decrypted.


    ¡°Sir! Isn¡¯t it all over after we take down their leader?¡±


    ¡°Even if we take out the leadership, another one is going to rece her. What¡¯s the use then? HQ wants us to bring in every council member of the USSC!¡±


    ¡°Sir! The weather is so cold. How many more sleepless nights do we have to spend in the outdoors?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you wearing your protective suit?¡±


    ¡°I am wearing it, sir. I meant my heart and soul are cold.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Do you want me to put you in the same team as Assistant Manager Shin?¡±


    ¡°What? No! A tomboy like her is not my type, sir.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you know, but I did see her all dressed up and in makeup. She lookedpletely different.¡±


    ¡°Well, then why don¡¯t you date her, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, umm, I¡¯m not lonely though.¡±


    ¡°Sir? There¡¯s a vehicle approaching.¡± Assistant Manager Park continued to watch the USSC¡¯s vi with his optical equipment while he conversed with Team Leader Lee. When he saw the headlights of a vehicle approaching, he zoomed in to get a closer look.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Another luxury sedan and arge van just entered through the front gate.¡±


    ¡°As expected.¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°Once our military starts striking America¡¯s maind, these bastards would probably gather for a meeting, or hide at an underground bunker.¡±


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s definitely a possibility.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you saw how they were when you made yourst infiltration right? Their buildings may look like nothing from the outside, but the interior is state of the art.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. Sir, that guy who just arrived. It¡¯s not like he is moving, but why did he bring all of that luggage?¡±


    When the man wearing a ck mask got off the luxury sedan, dozens of traveling bags started to be unloaded from the van behind him.

 Chapter 289

    <h4>Chapter 289</h4>


    February 24th, 2021, 15:00


    Corea


    Press agencies across the world were busy reporting day and night about the situation in America. America had ruled as the world¡¯s greatest military power for over 70 years. For the first time in history, it was directly assaulted on the maind. The damages were iparable to the Kamizake attacks made in Hawaii during the Second World War. The news anchors gave a slightly exaggerated report about the current state of the entire nation being in mes excitedly. People across the world could not hide their astonishment.


    Every broadcasting agency across the world had attempted to discuss issue after issue to boost their ratings. They made exaggerated and baiting ims to pull their audiences to their television screens. The main story of the news shes reported that the Corean military hadnded a million troops in America and have entirely taken over the west coast. Some reported that Corea had used a weapon system that was more powerful and destructive than nuclear bombs to strike the maind. Another report imed that America had suffered over 10 million civilian casualties from this attack. The news outlets blended the truths and wild ims in their broadcast.


    As news pundits continued to spread exaggerated and prediction reports, TV stations in the EU broadcasted factual news about the war between Corea and America.


    The European Union¡¯s source was unknown, but they had reported a summary of the war happening in America by the hour.


    When President Donald Trump was elected in 2016, the U.S. started to enact policies that would put the benefit of its nation first and caused many conflicts against numerous nations. The rtionship between America and the EU also became shaky due to their economic conflicts. The U.K., America¡¯s closest ally and the bridging nation between the EU and U.S., leaving the EU in 2017 through Brexit made the U.S. and the EU drift further apart.


    The Corean government used this opportunity to ally with the EU. It started to negotiate with the EU before the war broke out and requested the EU to broadcast the war to the world in an unbiased manner. The EU epted the Corean government¡¯s request, and the Corean government sent in footages and photos of the war against America through the Ministry of National Defense.


    The Corean government had two intentions for cooperating with the EU. First, ally with France and Germany, and the EU. Second,bat the biased reports from America with the broadcasts from Europe¡¯s televisionworks.


    The results of operations ¡°Wrath of God¡± striking maind America were as follow:


    The C-SE Epirus missilesunched by the Zeus 3 satellite survived the U.S. missile defense system¡¯s interception attempts and struck their targets. 11 out of 18 targeted cities have returned to the stone age. These cities were: Wichita, Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, Pornd, Reno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Spokane, and New York. Most of the missile defense brigades located at the west coast have all been struck first by the Corean submarines¡¯ cruise missiles, and the defensive had been broken down. Therefore, America could not stop the C-SE Epirus missiles from flying towards their targets at Mach 40.


    New York City, the world¡¯s economic hub out of all the eastern cities, had sustained the heaviest damage. The Brookhaven base¡¯s 101st missile defense brigade had to focus on intercepting missiles falling towards Washington D.C. They could not afford to defend the skies above New York, despite being in charge of the MD system in the northeastern area.


    Had the western missile defense brigades not sustained damages and were functional, then at least five cities would not have suffered.


    The two Super Hoc submarines hadunched 90 rounds of the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles in their ballistic modes. These had struck the world¡¯srgest aircraft holding facility, AMARC (Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center), and the 3rd logisticsmand¡¯s reserve supplies. The American military had lost 50% of its supplies and the facilities to house them.


    Finally, round one of eight C-SH Zinog II missilesunched by the Zeus 3 satellitended on Nellis airforce base, also known as Area 51. The C-SH Zinog-II missile fell at the center of Nellis base at Mach 45 and exploded after digging through 100m into the surface. The Nellis air force base and its secret underground research facility were designed to withstand a nuclear missile attack, but the explosive power of the Zinog missiles made it copse onto itself.


    The remaining seven rounds had targeted the Lockheed Martinpany¡¯s major production facilities for jets and missiles. All major munitions factories that made weaponry for the U.S. military had been turned to dust.


    The shocking and unexpected results of the war were being broadcasted by the EU¡¯s newsworks on TV. When they finished their detailed broadcast, the EU member nations and their citizens were in deep shock.


    February 24th, 2021, 16:00


    Downtown Hino, Yamanashi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The American MEAB¡¯s (Marine Expeditionary Mobile Brigade) M4 Warthog tanks ambushed the Corean forces at the battle at Hachioji. After a 3 hour-long hide and seek, the Corean armored forces were able to oust all the M4 Warthog tanks from the city. The 60th mechanized infantry brigade and 109th mechanized infantry battalion took over the city afterward, and the rest of the Corean armored forces started to march towards downtown Hino, the second gateway to Tokyo.


    The M4 Warthog tanks were more powerful than expected. The 26th armored battalion¡¯s White Tiger tanks lost a significant amount of power after losing their outer optical equipment to the M4 Warthog tank¡¯s 16MJ ss rail guns. The parts that could be detached and reced were fixed by having a short maintenance period while other forces kept watch, but over 50% of the required parts had to be sent to the rear for repairs. However, they could not send a major part of their forces back to the rear for repairs when they were so close to marching into Tokyo. So, the 26th armored battalion only conducted basic repairs and continued with their mission.


    The division HQ ordered its forces to use the S-LLAM 60 ck Dragon missiles against the enemy tanks using gueri tactics. Launching missiles in the middle of a busy city instead of an open field will lead to civilian casualties and damages to buildings, but it was the only way to defend against the ambushing enemy tanks. The White Tiger tanks all activated their seekers to prepare the S-LLAM 60 ck Dragon anti-air/tank missiles forunch from their four-round MLRSunch pads. Then, they slowly moved into the city.


    ¡°God! I feel so stuffy in here!¡± Master Sergeant Oh Sang-taek, muttered to himself out of frustration. The 712 White Tiger tank¡¯s periscope for the vehiclemander had been taken down by the Warthog tank¡¯s railgun rounds at Hachioji.


    He wanted to open the hatch and see what was going on outside, but that would be suicide. Since it would be the equivalent to saying ¡°I am right here,e kill me¡± to the enemy snipers. Master Sergeant Oh had no choice but to have his gunner¡¯s screen linked to his disy to see the outside world.


    ¡°Hehe, just keep an eye out for the ck Dragon¡¯s seeker radar, and leave the rest to me, sir. The division¡¯s top gun, Sergeant First ss Kim will handle everything.¡±


    ¡°My ass. You¡¯re only the top gun since I do all the work and set the targets for you! All you do is step on the damn pedal to fire!¡±


    ¡°Sir! Aren¡¯t you being too harsh?¡±


    Two hours ago, these men were fighting a fierce battle that could have ended their lives. However, they started to joke around again upon entering a new city.


    Beep beep beep beep~


    The reconnaissance intelligence of detected M4 Warthog tanks from the Spider II drones sent out by the HQpany came in. The disy abord the 712 White Tiger tanks started to show the M4 Warthog tanks as red dots and started sounding the rm. They were 3.2km away and 100m right from the closest road.


    ¡°All right! Those bastards, we¡¯re gonna be the ones to take them down. Okay, Sergeant Yeom?¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander!¡±


    ¡°Move next to the 711 tank and step on it!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Master Sergeant Oh gave orders to Sergeant Yeom, the driver, and notified the toonmander aboard the 711 tanks.


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 2! Crimson Ox 1! We will take down the enemy tanks, sir. Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 1, your periscope is not functional, Crimson Ox 2. Can you handle it? Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 2! Sir! Why are you doubting us? The division¡¯s top gun can handle anything. Just because our periscope is down, doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 1! Very well. Over.¡±


    When the toonmander approved their request, the 712 tank started to speed up and move past the 711 tank. It soon was moving at the lead and the photon cannon started to slowly turn left.


    Vroooooo~ Vrooooooom~


    The White Tiger tanks were at an advantage since they werepletely aware of the enemy¡¯s position.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Speed up!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 712 tank started to crash into the cars on the road and charged wildly.


    Once the 712 tank reached an intersection after speeding down the road at 80km/h, the photon cannon that had been turned right started to spark up.


    Booom~


    A red photon round flew out of the barrel and struck the M4 Warthog tank hiding for an ambush.


    Boom!


    It was a direct hit, and the turret of the Warthog tank detached from the explosion.


    ¡°Nice!¡± Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek cheered after watching the explosion on his monitor linked to the gunner¡¯s scope.


    ¡°What did I tell you, sir? I am the best gunner in the-¡±


    Boom! Booom!


    Zzzzzzzzap!


    A powerful shock struck the right side of the 712 tank twice.


    The unexpected attack made Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, the 712 tank¡¯s driver, put the gears to the maximum setting in an attempt to move back. However, the right caterpir must have been damaged, as the tank only moved slowly and was unable to maintain its bnce.


    ¡°Sergeant First ss Kim! What are you doing? Turn the turret and the scope around!¡± Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek, who could not see the area himself, shouted in desperation.


    ¡°Ah, sorry, sir. I hit my eye on the scope...¡±


    ¡°If you stay put because your eye hurts, then we will die here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Moving the turret, now.¡±


    Whirl~


    The turret made a smooth mechanical sound and turned 180 degrees. Two more metal rounds struck the 712 tank.


    Boom! Boom!


    ¡°Goddamn it! I guess we¡¯re the ones getting pummeled today.¡±


    Creeeaaak Creak~


    The turret seemed to have been affected by the shock and stopped moving.


    ¡°Ah! The turret¡¯s turning te is broken!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo tried to turn the turret with all his might, but it only moved slowly.


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek gave an order to Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, ¡°Sergeant Yeom! Back up while turning left! Sergeant First ss Kim, you tell Sergeant Yeom when you have one of the enemy¡¯s tanks in your line of sight.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    As the crew aboard the 712 tank spoke to each other, another metal round from the enemy¡¯s rail gun flew at them.


    When the tank turned left, the turret finally aligned with the enemy¡¯s that was lined up on the road at the right side.


    Sergeant First ss Kim shouted, ¡°Sergeant Yeom! Stop!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Sergeant First ss Kim! If you¡¯re done aiming, just shoot!¡±


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek was finally able to lock on two of the three enemy tanks and pressed theunch button for the ck Dragon missiles.


    Woosh~ Woosh~


    The 60mm four-round MLRS system equipped on both sides of the turretunched the ck Dragon missiles. They flew off while emitting white smoke, and Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo also aimed and fired the photon cannon. The teamwork of the crew was excellent since they had been working together for a long time.


    Booom~


    One of the three Warthog tanks was hit by the photon cannon¡¯s rounds. It caught on fire, and the other two Warthog tanks had their turrets fall off from being struck by the ck Dragon missiles.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right. Take that, you Yanks! Ha ha ha!¡± Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek clenched his fists and shouted after seeing the explosion. The confident look on his face vanished, and the enemy¡¯s tank clearly showed up on the scope.


    The ck Dragon missiles had struck the turrets of the Warthog tank¡¯s turrets. But they seemed to have avoided internal explosions. The railguns of the tanks turned to point directly at the 712 tank.


    ¡°Wha- what? I thought they were taken down by the ck Dragon missiles. Hey, what are you guys doing?! Sergeant First ss Kim! Shoot them down.¡±


    ¡°Our turret is too slow, sir.¡±


    The 712 tank had its right caterpir and turret¡¯s turnte damaged. It couldn¡¯t move freely and took a long time to aim at the enemy. It was at its most vulnerable state.


    ¡°Goddamn it... we¡¯re screwed.¡±


    Boom! Boom!

 Chapter 290

    <h4>Chapter 290</h4>


    The two Warthog tanks withstood the ck Dragon missile¡¯s explosions. They started to fire their metal rounds from their railguns but photon rounds from out of nowhere made them catch on fire and explode. The 711 tank under the 7thpany¡¯s 1st toon hade to the 712 tank¡¯s rescue.


    Meanwhile, the 16MJ ss railgun¡¯s X-16 metal rounds flew across the sky and grazed the 712 tank¡¯s main turret. If this round had struck the turret, then the 712 tank would have lost all of its outer optical equipment, and it would be unable to conduct any further missions.


    ¡°Wow! That was a close one! Whew!¡± Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek emerged from the smoking Warthog tanks with its turret torn off and smoking and sighed in relief.


    ¡°Master Sergeant Oh! What do we do, sir? I think our old girl¡¯s done for.¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, the gunner, nced at his turret¡¯s turning te while moving the levers. When he saw how severe the damages were, he asked Sergeant Oh.


    ¡°Hey! Our old girl¡¯s fine. She can take some hits. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be up and running once we get repairs from the battalion.¡±


    ¡°God! Commander Oh, sir! Can¡¯t you hear that noise? The creaking sounds. I think the turning te¡¯s gearbox ispletely out, sir. Damn it!¡±


    Lieutenant Park Ho-jun, the vehiclemander of tank 711 and toonmander of the 1st toon under the 7thpany, asked the 712 tank¡¯s status over the radio, ¡°This is Crimson Ox 1! Crimson Ox 2, tank 712, what¡¯s your status? Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 2! The right caterpir, main turret turning te¡¯s gears are out. Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 1! Can you move Crimson Ox 2? Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 2! We can move, but it is difficult for us to mobilize properly. Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 1! Crimson Ox 2, we will call over the battalion¡¯s rescue vehicle. Return to HQ and get repairs. The Crimson Ox toon will now stand watch until the rescue vehicle arrives to take Crimson Ox 2. Over.¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 2, confirmed. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 3. Confirmed, over!¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 4. Confirmed, over!¡±


    When Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek finished speaking on the radio, he rubbed his face with both of his hands and sighed, ¡°Whew! Damn it! I wanted to be the first to march into Tokyo¡¯s city hall... At this rate, another force will take our ce. We are the division¡¯s top gun tank. It should be us that leads the charge.¡±


    ¡°Sir! I for one don¡¯t care about marching into Tokyo city hall, but just want to return home safely. The pressure we are facing against the enemy ispletely differentpared to the one from the war against China. Those Warthog tanks and their rail gun rounds, man...¡±


    ¡°Hey! How can you be so scared of something like that? Even though we were hit so many times, we didn¡¯t suffer any internal explosions, did we? Have some faith in our old girl.¡±


    While the crew of the 712 tank was taking an uneasy break under the 1st toon¡¯s watch, the rescue vehicle from the battalion arrived at its location. The 712 tank was towed away from the battlefield and arrived at the brigade¡¯s temporary headquarters.


    The march towards Tokyo started at 12:00. The 20th armored division had started their march from the city¡¯s 9 o¡¯clock direction at Hachioji. They continued through Sagami, Hara, Hino, and finally Tama, and widened their battlefield to hasten their upation of Tokyo.


    The 9th mechanized infantry division had marched from the city¡¯s 11 o¡¯clock direction. They started from Takasaki and moved through Maeba, Isesaki. They could not avoid the U.S. Marine¡¯s MEAB forces and Japan¡¯s eastern army¡¯s 6th mechanized infantry division¡¯s ambushes. But they had managed to mop up most of the enemy forces now.


    The Corean Army finished marching through the enemy territory from both directions. Now they took some time to rest and get some relief to ease their fatigue. The capital armored division under the 7th mobile corps handed over the control of the cities to the 3rd mobile marine division after taking over Chukyo and Nagoya. They started to move towards Tokyo at high speeds to join the assault.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 16:30


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, Blue House national emergency situation center, underground bunker. The president¡¯s office


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik, his entourage, and the Minister of National Defense all visited the national emergency situation center¡¯s underground bunker to give a briefing about the assault on the American maind and the status of the march to Tokyo.


    ¡°Hmm, it seems that America¡¯s western region suffered more damages than we expected. I know San Diego was especially affected after having half the city be flooded. How¡¯re the civilian casualties like?¡± President Suh Hyun-woo, who was listening to the operation director¡¯s briefing, seemed concerned about the civilian casualties and asked in a low tone.


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik, who was listening to the briefing, answered instead, ¡°Mr. President! Most of America¡¯s western air force and army bases are all located far away from the major cities, but the naval forces were docked at San Diego Port. Therefore, we had no choice but tomence the attack despite causing civilian casualties. However, we did not make a direct attack on the port and city itself, but rather at the U.S. Navy¡¯s fleet 8km away at sea with our SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles. The missile¡¯s explosive power is great, but we did not expect it to cause a tsunami.¡±


    The weapons developed by the 17th fighter wing¡¯s underground research facility were manufactured in the Olympus base. However, since the nation was at war, these weapons were unable to go through thorough offline testing. Most of the weapons¡¯ functionalities were tested in a virtual environment using a supeputer. The defense industries approved the weapons for use based on the results from theputer alone.


    The tsunami at San Diego was also caused by theck of data from actual offline tests. During the virtual testing phase, the calctions concluded that the SD-SLBN Gungnir-II missiles would cause a tsunami of 4-6m after exploding 10m above the ocean surface in cruise mode. The test made it seem that the San Diego Port¡¯s breakwater structures would be enough to hold the tsunami back.


    Chairman Kang Ui-sik read President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s expression that hinted at his heart being weighed down with guilt, and spoke, ¡°Mr. President! Americaunched over 500 rounds of ICBMs to our territory. The Apollo 3 reconnaissance satellite detected that over 80 rounds were armed with nuclear warheads. The unavoidable damages to San Diego are iparable to what America did against a non-nuclear nation.¡±


    ¡°I see. I understand. We are at war, and that¡¯s something we cannot avoid. Do we at least have a number on how many people were killed?¡±


    ¡°Do you mean in total, Mr. President?¡± Operations Director, Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, stopped the briefing and asked the president.


    ¡°No. I mean the causalities of San Diego¡¯s citizens.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the numbers are not exact, but out of San Diego¡¯s total poption of 1.3 million, we expect at least 200,000 were killed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a low number. I see. Let¡¯s continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! We will now begin the briefing for the march towards Tokyo.¡±


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 21:00 (U.S.T 07:00)


    The White House¡¯s Presidential Emergency Operations Center (underground bunker), Washington D.C., U.S.A.


    President Trump heard about Corea¡¯s ICBM strikes across the entire country and immediately evacuated with his family and other government officials to the White House¡¯s underground bunker and spent a sleepless night there.


    Luckily the missiles falling onto Washington D.C. were all sessfully intercepted. But since the interception effort was focused on the capital, EMP rounds exploded above New York City¡¯s skies and the entire city was under a ckout. When President Trump heard about the report, he became anxious and continued to pace around his own office at the bunker.


    ¡°Mr. President! Secretary of Defense John Wayne from the joint staff is on the line for you, sir.¡±


    When his secretary reported in, President Trump sat down on his seat and nced at therge screen hanging on the wall.


    Soon, the screen lit up and Secretary John Wayne, who seemed to have aged 10 years, came up on the screen. President Trump immediately started to shout at him.


    ¡°What has happened? What took you so long to contact me? Also, we have spent astronomical amounts of money to perfect our MD system. How could our maind be hit by enemy missiles?¡± President Trump scolded Secretary John Wayne while making his unique expressions and hand gestures.


    ¡°I apologize, Mr. President! We have sessfully intercepted all missiles headed towards Washington, but we did so when the missiles were close to the atmosphere in the area. The powerful pulse waves preventedmunication, but now we are back online,¡± Secretary John Wayne answered in a panicked tone.


    ¡°Regardless, what is going on out there? What happened to the ICBMs weunched, and what are the damages to our own soil?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll use the video to give you a summarizing report, Mr. President.¡±


    30 minutester, Secretary of Defense John Wayne¡¯s report was over. President Trump was at a loss for words and he was slumped on the sofa.


    A moment of silence fell as President Trump recounted the conversation that he had with the president of Corea fromst night.


    President Trump could not figure out how to take in the situation and what he should do. Thoughts swirled around in his head.


    * * *


    February 24th, 2021, 22:00


    The Asa River¡¯s shoreline at Hachioji, Honshu, Japan (the 20th armored division¡¯s 60th armored brigade¡¯s HQ location)


    Along the Asa River and under the Oowa bridge, the 60th armored brigade¡¯s headquarters and its subordinate forces made their encampment and stood guard. At the fields on one side of the river, the damaged White Tiger tanks and armored vehicles from today¡¯s battle were all lined up for repairs. The men from the brigade¡¯s repair battalion were all hard at work, fixing the vehicles. The 712 tank under the 1st toon of the 7thpany under the 26th armored battalion was towed here as well and being repaired.


    ¡°Hey! Sergeant First ss Kang! Hurry up already! Do you need more discipline to work faster?¡± Master sergeant Oh Young-taek started to goad a middle-aged soldier who was fixing the right caterpir of the 712 White Tiger tank.


    Sergeant First ss Kang, whose face was covered in oil, dusted off his repair jumpsuit and frowned. ¡°Hey! Master Sergeant Oh! Have you lost your mind? You¡¯re just gonna ignore seniority because you were promoted?¡±


    ¡°What? How dare you threaten a master sergeant when you¡¯re just a sergeant first ss?¡±


    ¡°Goddamn it! Come here.¡± Sergeant First ss Kang started swinging his wrench and moved towards Master Sergeant Oh as if to strike him.


    ¡°Ah! Sergeant First ss Kang, sir! I¡¯m sorry. It was a joke hahaha. Please let it go this time... hehehe.¡±


    ¡°God! You really have no fear of your seniors...¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kang Hyuck-soo was Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek¡¯s N.C.O. senior. However, since Master Sergeant Oh was promoted a rank, the whole ranking chain was mixed up.


    ¡°Sergeant First ss Kang, sir! Please get our old girl up and running again. We need to get back to ourpany¡¯s location and be the first to enter Tokyo.¡±


    ¡°Hey! You turned her into scrap, and you expect me to repair her so quickly?¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Sir, you¡¯re the best repairmen in the entire brigade. Isn¡¯t this a piece of cake for you?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Stop messing around. This right caterpir and scope can be finished before tomorrow morning, but the issue is right here!¡± Sergeant First ss Kang pointed to the main turret and the space between it and the body with his wrench.


    ¡°The turning te, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! This will take a few days!¡±


    ¡°Sir? A few days? The whole march into Tokyo will be over by then.¡±


    ¡°So what? Take a look at your tank! How many hits did you take? You guys went headfirst into battle from being the division¡¯s top gun with overconfidence, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    The 712 tank¡¯s turret and body were covered in dents from the dozens of metal rounds that struck it.


    ¡°Sir, how could you think we were so careless... You just don¡¯t know it yet. The American¡¯s new rail gun tanks are quite powerful.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, the continued shocks to the turning te have caused the gearbox to give outpletely! Other tanks need repairs as well, and we need parts from the division. So, it will take at least 3 days.¡±


    ¡°Goddamn it! Those American bastards. They shouldn¡¯t have pissed me off.¡±


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-take threw off his hat and spoke to Sergeant First ss Kang as if he made up his mind, ¡°Sir! Please just fix our caterpir and rece the scope by tomorrow morning. Leave the turning te as is.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I have my own reasons! Please just leave the turning te.¡±


    ¡°Fine! Do whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. I am going to head to the brigade¡¯s headquarters.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±

 Chapter 291

    <h4>Chapter 291</h4>


    February 24th, 2021, 23:00


    The Yokota underground bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the U.S. ¨C Japan conference room)


    The sounds of explosions and cannon fire falling on Tokyo¡¯s satellite cities could be faintly heard from the underground bunker.


    The Corean Army¡¯s march towards Tokyo was ongoing day and night from Tokyo¡¯s 7 o¡¯clock and 1 o¡¯clock directions. The 30 million citizens of Tokyo and its satellite cities had to spend their nights with open eyes.


    At times, some of the explosives hit homes and small buildings and created small explosions. Civilian casualties were mounting.


    ¡°Do you hear that? The Coreans are now at the gates. Will there be any further aid from America?¡± Minister of Defense Shibasaki asked General Bruce Wright, themander of the U.S. armed forces in Japan, with a vein popping out of his neck.


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki! Aren¡¯t you asking for too much? The U.S. is also in a state of chaos from Corea¡¯s attack on the maind. The entire west coast has been annihted, and many major cities have lost their power and electronics from the EMP rounds,¡± General Bruce Wright, who would always speak in a calm tone, answered the minister angrily. It reflected how bad things were in America as well.


    ¡°Please mobilize all operable bombers and strike the Corean penins.¡±


    ¡°My, my! Do you think any remaining forces are operable? 50% of America¡¯s air force bases back home have been wiped out. They¡¯re gone without a trace,¡± General Bruce Wright answered Minister Shibasaki while stifling his anger and urge to punch him in the face for making such unreasonable requests.


    ¡°Very well. Let¡¯s mobilize all of our U.S. Marine forces stationed in Tokyo to the city, so we can defend it. How is that? We will order our forces to mobilize to Tokyo as well.¡±


    ¡°Minister! An order just came in from the U.S. joint chief of staff. We are to withdraw from defending Tokyo...¡±


    Once the U.S. was attacked on their own soil, the joint chief of staff decided to focus all of their military power on a single area. It ordered all MEABs (Marine Expeditionary Armored Brigade) previously deployed to defend Tokyo to retreat to Yokosuka Port. The U.S. joint chief of staff concluded that it would be a waste of their own men to defend Tokyo.


    The U.S. had abandoned Japan.


    ¡°What? You are pulling out now? Is America abandoning its ally? Do you know how much money we have given to the U.S., and this is what you have to say?¡±


    ¡°The U.S. has done all that it can for Japan. Also, this is an order from the joint chief of staff. As a soldier, it is my duty to obey orders.¡±


    ¡°Who at the U.S. joint chief of staff gave such foolish orders? Did the U.S. government also approve of this?¡± Minister Shibasaki stood up from his seat and shouted at General Bruce Wright while pointing a finger at him.


    ¡°Minister! You are going too far. President Trump also approved this order.¡±


    ¡°Ha! You Americans, really! You gift our nation with nuclear bombs, and now you are truly stabbing us in the back despite being your ally in the 21st century.¡±


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki! With things the way they are, you must understand. The damages on American soil are too severe. The U.S. had no choice but to retreat.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. Haha, it seems the U.S. government and joint chief of staff thought we are fools. Just wait and see, we will not just take this slight.¡±


    Minister Shibasaki kicked off from his seat, opened the door, and left the room. General Bruce Wright, who was now alone, tapped on the table with his fingers and sank into thought. Then, he made a call.


    -This is Tony Ahn. ¨C


    -Hello? This is General Bruce Wright of the U.S. armed forces in Japan. ¨C


    -Yes. Have you finished talking things over with Minister Shibasaki? ¨C


    -Yes, we just finished discussing the matter. ¨C


    -What did he say? ¨C


    -He adamantly opposed. Also, he threatened us that Japan will not just take it lightly. ¨C


    -Hmm, as expected. I understand. Yes, thanks for checking in. Keep me informed. ¨C


    -Yes, I¡¯ll call again. ¨C


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 09:00


    The shores of Asa River at Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan (the 20th armored division¡¯s 60th armored brigade HQ)


    The Corean Army¡¯s 20th armored division and the 9th mechanized infantry division joined the march to Tokyo. They took day and night shifts and used all of their power to enter the city. They had attempted to break through the enemy¡¯s defenses and reach the heart of the city in the shortest time possible and put an end to the war.


    Starting from this morning, the capital armored division started mobilizing towards Tokyo at high speeds from the 7 o¡¯clock direction. The Corean military¡¯s power was getting stronger.


    ¡°What? Are you kidding me? No. You must stand by until the repairs areplete, and then return to your own toon!¡±


    ¡°Repairs director, sir!! We can still fight.¡±


    ¡°What the hell do you mean you can still fight? The gearbox of the turning te ispletely shot, and the main turret can¡¯t even turn properly. You still think you can go into battle?¡± The sergeant major of the brigade¡¯s repair battalion yelled at Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek for making an unreasonable request.


    ¡°Sir! Please! We¡¯ve known each other forever, why are you like this? It¡¯s fine. Please approve us for deployment.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t just think about yourself, but the subordinates working under you! What are you going to do if you enter the battle again in this state and there¡¯s an internal explosion? What if your men get hurt, or worse, killed? Who¡¯s going to be responsible? Me? Or will you take responsibility after you¡¯re dead?¡±


    ¡°Sir! How could you say such frightful things...? And why would the division¡¯s top gun be hit? Please trust me and give us the approval, sir. I beg you. Sergeant major, please!¡± Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek begged the sergeant major as if he was about to get on his knees and grab his pantlegs.


    ¡°Hey! Damn it! This is not an issue of whether I do you a favor or not. I need to make the decision based on rules and procedures. Stop bothering me and just take a break at the barracks!¡±


    ¡°Sir! Please, you¡¯re being too harsh. If that¡¯s the case, I guess I have no choice but to speak with the brigademander...¡±


    ¡°Are you out of your mind? You¡¯ve really lost it. Don¡¯t get yourself in trouble and rest up before he makes you write an ident report. You crazy bastard! Damn!¡±


    When the sergeant major left after checking over the repair charts, Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek was alone at the repair battalion headquarters tent. He walked back to his tent and tried to think of a good solution.


    ¡°Master Sergeant Oh, sir! How did it go?¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo who was taking a break saw the master sergeant enter and asked.


    ¡°Damn it, it¡¯s no use. We need to stay here for 3 days.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, who was standing next to Sergeant First ss Kim cheered with both of his hands in the air. Master Sergeant Oh red at him.


    ¡°Sergeant Yeom! Are you happy?¡±


    ¡°Well, of course, sir! I am very pleased. Ha ha ha!¡±


    ¡°Why, you...¡±


    ¡°Master Sergeant Oh! Why don¡¯t we take things easy here and then return to our toon?¡± Sergeant First ss Kim red at Sergeant Yeom to make him stop and coaxed Master Sergeant Oh.


    ¡°No! I am going to speak with the brigademander.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you serious, sir? That could... I think you might be poking the ho¡¯s nest, sir.¡±


    ¡°Shut up. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi sighed after seeing Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek walk out of the tent.


    ¡°God! We should use this chance to take a break! The vehiclemander is going to get us killed.¡±


    ¡°I know. Me, too. Jesus! Once this war is over, I am going to get promoted to vehiclemander, so I can get out of Master Sergeant Oh¡¯s shadow.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha! Do you think Master Sergeant Oh will let you go, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Master Sergeant Oh has been promoted to master sergeant now, so he can¡¯t be a vehiclemander once the war is over! He¡¯ll be a quartermaster at somepany at best, don¡¯t you think? He he.¡±


    ¡°Ugh! The thought of him being a quartermaster!¡±


    ¡°You can say thatpany will be screwed in that case. Ha ha ha.¡±


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 09:30


    The Yokosuka Port at Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Yokosuka Port was full of foreigners attempting to go overseas once the Corean military had charged into Tokyo. A ship of unknown nationality entered the port. A man from the ship disembarked and finished going through customs. He stood and waited for someone while stroking his beard.


    Soon, a ck sedan with the American embassy te arrived. The bearded man got on the sedan as if he was waiting for it to arrive.


    ¡°Wee. I am Louie, a staff member working at the U.S. embassy,¡± Louie, who drove the ck sedan over, attempted to converse with the bearded man seated at the back. However, he did not answer and only waved his hand to signal Louie to start driving. He grabbed the steering wheels and started to head out.


    Louie started to move out of Yokosuka Port and nced at the suspicious bearded man in his rearview mirror a few times. Since he was a junior at the U.S. embassy in Japan, he went to pick up the bearded guest under his superior¡¯s orders. When he finally got to see the person he was picking up, he sensed that something was not right. The bearded man did not say a word until the car almost arrived in downtown Tokyo. He pulled out a smartphone-like device and attempted to check something.


    -Code name FH225 has arrived at the destination. ¨C


    -Code name AX001 uploading the target¡¯s intel. ¨C


    -Code name FH225, intel received. ¨C


    The smartphone-like device that the bearded man was holding clearly showed the code name FH225 on its screen. That code name was used by the Russian American Sergei Harinotov, the Scorpion agent who was responsible for killing Namgoong-won¡¯s friend Kang Jeong-ho.


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 09:30


    The shores of Asa River at Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan (the 20th armored division¡¯s 60th armored brigade HQ)


    Hmm hmm hmm~


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek seemed to be in a good mood and humming happily. After entering the barracks, he spoke to his subordinates.


    ¡°Hey, gang! Start packing up...¡±


    ¡°What? Why, sir?¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, who wasying down and using his phone, asked.


    ¡°What do you mean why? We are going back to our toon. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°What? Did the brigademander give his approval? We are supposed to get back on that piece of scrap tank and conduct our mission, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo and Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi nced at each other and frowned. Master Sergeant Oh seemed to have found their faces amusing and taunted them.


    ¡°The brigademander said a soldier must die at the battlefield and permitted us to get back into action. So, let¡¯s go back as the best of the armored forces in Corea! Ha ha ha,¡± Master Sergeant Oh clenched his fists and shouted.


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo and Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi both looked as if they were already dead, and started to pull out their packs from the cab.


    ¡°You bastards! Stop looking so grim... The thing is, the 61st armored brigade that attacked Tokyost night reported that the U.S. Marines havepletely pulled out from the city. Now they are only going up against the Japanese army in battle. The division¡¯s reconnaissance drone also confirmed that the U.S. forces are moving to Yokosuka Port.¡±


    ¡°Really, sir? The U.S. military is pulling out of Tokyo?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know what they are nning, but since they are pulling out all of their forces from defending the city, the U.S. military is probably leaving for good. Therefore, that goddamn Warthog or Wardog tanks that have been giving us trouble will no longer be there. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°Sir! How will we go into battle with a tank that can¡¯t turn its main turret?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Have faith in Sergeant Yeom!¡±


    ¡°What? Me?¡±


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek walked up to Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi and spoke while cing his hand on his shoulder, ¡°So what if our turning te doesn¡¯t move? Sergeant Yeom here could drive the tank so we can aim, right?¡±


    ¡°What? Sir, are you serious...?¡±


    ¡°Whatever! Pack up already! I just received approval from the sergeant major at the repair battalion.¡±


    ¡°Goddamn it! I¡¯m going to lose my mind. Sergeant Yeom! What did we do to deserve an evil superior like him?¡±


    ¡°I am going to write about this at the division¡¯s grievance box.¡±

 Chapter 292

    <h4>Chapter 292</h4>


    February 25th, 2021, 10:30


    Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the 2nd expeditionary force¡¯s logistics support brigade¡¯s encampment)


    The 2nd expeditionary force¡¯s logistic support brigade was camped at Tsuruga¡¯srge fields. They were supplying numerous types of military supplies to the Corean forces that hadnded on Japan. Moments ago, a dozen transport ships and logistics ships entered the Tsuruga Port under the escort of Corea¡¯s destroyers and the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser.


    From one of the docked logistics vessels, a man wearing thick sunsses and a heavy backpack was disembarking. Then, he got on to the C-160 Hummer mini-tactical vehicle standing by at the outer port region.


    ¡°Wee. I am Sergeant First ss Na Sang-hwan from the logistics support brigade¡¯s headquarters,¡± the good-natured man introduced himself to the person who had just got on the back seat after taking off his backpack and reached in for a handshake. Sergeant First ss Na Sang-hwan seemed friendly.


    ¡°Hello. I am team leader Nam Goong-won from the NIS.¡±


    ¡°Yes, nice to meet you. Everyone else is in a rush to leave this area, but you are heading straight into the heart of the battle, ha ha ha. Are you by chance here on a special mission?¡±


    Sergeant First ss Na asked with a curious look on his face.


    Namgoong-won answered curtly, ¡°I am here for a personal matter.¡±


    ¡°Ah... for a private affair...,¡± Sergeant First ss Na noticed that Namgoong-won did not want to go into further detail. He gave up on asking anymore and started the car.


    Four days ago, Namgoong-won had decrypted themunication logs of the Scorpion agents who murdered his family and friend. He found out that Agent Sergei Haritonov, a Russian American agent who killed his friend Kang Jung-ho, had arrived at Yokosuka Port this morning for a top-secret mission.


    With Hoc¡¯s help, he developed a program that could detect the location and specific wavelength that the Scorpion organization was using within a 30km radius and had installed it in his smartphone.


    After finding out the identity of the Scorpion agents, Namgoong-won asked for help from Deputy-director Ahn Yeon-woo from the anti-terrorism bureau. Deputy-director Ahn attempted to persuade him to give up and live his new life, but since he was well aware of Namgoong-won¡¯s tragic past, he ended up helping him.


    Namgoong-won lied to his girlfriend, Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin by telling her that he was going to visit the underground research facility. He boarded the logistics vessel bound for Tsuruga Port and arrived here.


    Vrooo~ Creeeeak!


    Namgoong-won sank into thought while feeling thete winter¡¯s ocean winds through the open window. After 10 minutes of cruising along the ocean side highway, they arrived at the logistics brigade¡¯s camp. The ratherrge encampment of the logistics brigade came into view.


    ¡°Right there! Number 3 is the Skybus that you will need to take, Team Leader Namgoong. Just show the soldier this,¡± Sergeant First ss Na Sang-hwan handed off the credit card-sized permit and smiled brightly. The ce he pointed to was full of the CMV-100 Skybus vertical takeoff transport nes loading supplies and preparing for takeoff.


    ¡°Ah, thank you, sergeant first ss! Stay safe and be in good health until the war is over.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I hope you can take care of your business smoothly as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    Namgoong-won grabbed his backpack from the back seat, put it on, and walked up to Skybus 3. He showed the soldier who was in charge the permit he just got.


    ¡°Uhh, I¡¯m Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes, we heard about your arrival. Please get on ne 3. We will take off in 10 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Man, Deputy-director Ahn went all out for me,¡± Namgoong-won thought.


    Namgoong-won smiled since he felt grateful for Deputy-director Ahn doing all that he could for him to travel to Tokyo, and got on to the Skybus. Namgoong-won ced his backpack on one of the folding seats located at therge freight area of the ne and sat on another. He started to stare out the window.


    Tsuruga was peaceful despite a war raging on, just like Corea, except for the few copsed buildings and burning houses from the artillery strikes that he saw.


    Soon it was time to take off, and the 10 Skybuses including Skybus 3 on which Namgoong-won was aboard started to rise from the ground. The nes started to turn in the direction of their destination and speed up.


    The Skybus Namgoong-won was aboard also flew at a speed of Mach 1 and flew towards the 20th armored division¡¯s encampment, Hachioji.


    <hr />


    February 25th, 2021, 11:30


    Fuchu city at Honshu, Tokyo, Japan


    The 712 tank returned to the 26th armored battalion. It joined the 1st toon under the 7thpany and marched into Fuchu city with itsrades. Just as the 61st armored brigade reported, the U.S. Marines had all left the city. Japan¡¯s 1st armored division¡¯s tanks would ambush the 26th armored battalion at times, but they were the ones to face annihtion instead and retreated.


    There were only 25km left between the Corean military and the heart of Tokyo. Resistance from the Japanese military became fiercer as they got closer to Tokyo, but Japan¡¯s Type 10 tanks could not take out the C-3 White Tiger tanks, let alone the C-23P Hyun-mu armored vehicles. The tanks were equipped with 120mm cannons, but they were no concern for the Corean army¡¯s vehicles.


    Vroooom. Vrooooooooom.


    Moments ago, the 7thpany¡¯s 1st toon (Crimson Ox) moved along area 38 and destroyed four Type 10 tanks under Japan¡¯s 1st armored division. The 712 tank moved at the back of the convoy and the toon moved through the center of Fuchu city in a line. If the toon moved 2km more and safely upy area 33, then they wouldplete the mission for the morning and take a break until lunch. They were 30 minutes ahead of schedule.


    The tanks under the 7thpany¡¯s 1st toon turned their turrets to their sides while moving through the city. There were some citizens of Fuchu wandering the streets, looking for food. When they saw the Corean tanks, they all fled back into the buildings they were hiding in. In their eyes, the Corean military must have seemed like invaders and murderers of their own families.


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    The LWR (Laser Warning Radar) aboard the leading 713 White Tiger tank started to ring while the entire toon navigated the densely packed concrete forest full of low-rise buildings. The main turret automatically turned in the direction of the source, and with a small explosion, the photon cannonunched its red photon round to the enemy.


    The photon roundunched by the 713 tank precisely hit the Japanese soldiers hiding and attempting to fire their anti-tank missiles at the 5-story building¡¯s roof in the 2 o¡¯clock direction.


    Pew~ Boooooom!


    The roof of the 5-story building exploded once the photon round reached it. The soldiers of the Japanese army who attempted tounch their missiles all turned to a pile of ash from the photon round¡¯s high temperature and vanished.


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 1, Crimson Ox 3, and 4, move 500m ahead of us and guard our front. Crimson Ox 2, guard our rear at your current position. Everyone, stay sharp and look out for anti-tank missiles.¡± The toonmander, who was also the 711 tank¡¯s vehiclemander, gave orders to his toon through his headset.


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 2, confirmed, over!¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 3, confirmed, over!¡±


    ¡°This is Crimson Ox 4, confirmed, over!¡±


    Originally, the 712 tank was supposed to take the lead and guard the toon, but since it was not in the best state, it instead was tasked with the 714 tank¡¯s task of guarding the toon¡¯s rear. In truth, there was no front or rear in an urban battle, unlike one at a in. Numerous buildings and roads were all intertwined with each other and there was no telling when or where the enemy would attack from. Guarding the rear did not mean that the 712 tank was in less danger.


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    After the anti-tank missile forces stationed at the roof of the front building were taken out, the LWR rm of the 712 tank guarding the rear started to ring. The 712 tank could no longer automatically target due to its broken turning te.


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek nced at the digital map shown on his disy and shouted once he checked where theser signal wasing from, ¡°Sergeant Yeom! Anti-tank missiles 90 degrees to our left at 180m away. Turn our tank around. Hurry!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 712 tank at the rear of the convoy turned left by 90 degrees from its position topensate for the turret being unable to turn. The turret pointed in the direction that Master Sergeant Oh was looking at.


    ¡°Sergeant Yeom! Turn 5 more degrees to the left!¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, who was checking the shadow of the enemies attempting tounch the anti-tank missiles through his aiming scope, shouted.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Creaaak~


    Woosh~ Woosh~


    Two anti-tank missiles started to rise into the sky while spraying white smoke from not too far away. Then, they started to fall towards the 712 tank¡¯s main upper turret. The 712 tank responded by firing its photon cannon.


    Pew~


    The photon rounds struck the 1st armored division¡¯s heavy weapons infantry who had attempted to flee after firing their anti-tank missiles. They had been hiding and waiting for an ambush for the past 30 minutes. The men who targeted the 712 tank turned into ash and vanished without a trace.


    The two anti-tank missiles had rose 50m above the surface and fell on top of the 712 tank.


    Boom! Boom! Boooom...


    mes and ck smoke erupted around the 712 tank after two explosions rang out. However, the 712 tank¡¯s powerful SECM jamming waves made the two anti-tank missiles miss their target and explode after crashing onto the road.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about! I told you it would work, Sergeant Yeom! Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°God! Sir! Do we really need to fight the enemy like this? My hands and feet won¡¯t move from anxiety.¡±


    ¡°Hey! I believe in your maneuverability, Sergeant Yeom. Turn the tank around after I give you the targeting info like we did just now!¡±


    ¡°Are we really going to operate a 5th generation tank like the ones from the First World War, sir?¡± When Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi started toin, Master Sergeant Oh cut him off.


    ¡°Stopining and get the tank back to its original position!¡±


    ¡°Goddamn it! Yes, sir.¡±


    During the First World War, the early model tanks had a fixed turret that moved with the body. To attack enemy tanks, the vehicle itself had to move left and right to aim its gun. The 712 tank sadly had to mimic the method used by tanks from 100 years ago.


    <hr />


    February 25th, 2021, 11:20,


    km west of Hachioji, Tokyo, Honshu, Japan (the 20th armored division HQ¡¯s encampment)


    Namgoong-won arrived at the 20th armored division HQ¡¯s temporary encampment 30 minutes after taking off from Tsuruga. He got off of the Skybus and greeted themanding officers while shaking their hands.


    ¡°We heard from the higher-ups. Please follow me.¡±


    An officer with the rank of captain took the lead. Namgoong-won silently followed him with his backpack.


    After walking for about 100m, the officer pointed with his finger, ¡°That¡¯s the vehicle.¡±


    The vehicle that the officer pointed to was a white IS250 Lexus sedan.


    ¡°Here, take this too.¡± The captain handed Namgoong-won the car keys and a tablet PC. ¡°The digital map on here shows the areas our military has upied. Use this as a reference until you reach Fuchu, after that, you must be careful. Outer regions of Fuchu city still host fierce battles against the Japanese, so you need to move about carefully.¡± The captain pointed at the numerous areas on the digital map on the tablet PC and exined.


    ¡°Thank you. I hope I didn¡¯t take too much of your time despite being so busy.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, it¡¯s nothing. The joint chief of staff gave an order to aid you in every way, Team Leader Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°What? The joint chief of staff?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Didn¡¯t you know?¡±


    ¡°Ah! I see. Thank you.¡±


    It would be difficult for Namgoong-won to get aid from the military to enter Tokyo for a personal reason. Deputy-director Ahn Yeon-woo, who first heard Namgoong-won¡¯s request, concluded that this was outside his jurisdiction and requested help from Director Na Bong-il. He in turn requested aid from the joint chief of staff, and they promised to cooperate as much as possible.


    Vroooooooom~


    Namgoong-won turned on the program that detected the Scorpion organization¡¯smunication line frequency as he watched the map on the tablet and drove along the roads that the Corean military had taken over. There was no clear signal being detected. However, Namgoong-won was sure a signal would be detected once he entered downtown Tokyo and stepped on the gas.


    <hr />


    February 25th, 2021, 14:00


    The Yokota underground bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    At the Yokota underground bunker where the Japanese cab and U.S. Army¡¯smand headquarters resided, a bearded Caucasian man wearing a U.S. Army uniform approached the gates at the surface. Security at the Yokota underground bunker was held by the U.S. armed forces in Japan, so the bearded man was allowed to pass through after a simple identity check. Unlike other people, the bearded soldier entered the bunker easily.


    ¡°You can take elevator 3 to go down.¡± One of the sentries at the gate informed him as he handed him his security card back. The bearded soldier only waved his hand to signal that he understood, and headed towards elevator 3.


    The bearded man took elevator 3 and moved 100m below the surface before getting off. Then, he started to walk towards the hallway on the left side without any hesitation. It was as if he already knew theyout of the building.


    The hallway he was walking towards led to the ce where the prime minister¡¯s cab members and the militarymanders of the joint militarymand were staying. There was a syringe shaped like a pistol inside his uniform.


    Then, he startedmunicating with someone with his smartphone.


    -This is codename FF225, I have reached my destination. ¨C


    -This is codename AX001, take out the targets within 06:00 today. ¨C


    -This is codename FG225, confirmed, over. ¨C


    The bearded man was codename FH225, the Scorpion agent Sergei Haritonov.

 Chapter 293

    <h4>Chapter 293</h4>


    February 25th, 2021, 14:30


    The Yokota underground bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the joint militarymand¡¯s meeting room)


    ¡°Since this morning, all U.S. forces that have been operating within Tokyo have withdrawn to Yokosuka Port.¡±


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki, did things not go well with the U.S. military¡¯smander?¡±


    ¡°Apologies, Deputy Prime Minister! I did all I could to persuade him, but since America was also hit by Corea¡¯s missile strikes on the maind, it is difficult for the country to mobilize a secondary force. The Pentagon decided to pull back all of its forces from the Corean battlefields.¡± Minister Shibasaki seemed too embarrassed to look at the deputy prime minister in the eye while answering him.


    ¡°How could they just withdraw all of their forces deployed to Tokyo just like that? Even if they pulled back and gather all of their forces, it¡¯s not like they can march toward Corea. How could you not persuade the U.S. military¡¯smander, Minister?¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro angrily asked.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. I have nothing to say.¡±


    ¡°This is just pathetic,pletely pathetic. It¡¯s only a matter of time before the Corean military takes over Tokyo,¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro said, his small eyes wide open. His anger and sly intent to me someone were clearly seen in his eyes.


    ¡°Minister Shibasaki, it appears that you have not handled a single matter properly since the war began. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°What? How could you...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you since Prime Minister Abe¡¯s time. You were always behind the scenes promoting imperialism, but what have you done since the war against Corea actually began?¡±


    ¡°Sir! You¡¯re going too far.¡±


    ¡°Am I? Hmm, as acting prime minister, I hereby relieve you from your position, Minister Shibasaki. Go back to your quarters and wait there.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to dismiss the minister of defense at this time? This is clearly an abuse of power.¡±


    ¡°Abuse of power? I am the acting prime minister. Go back to your quarters.¡±


    m!


    Minister Shibasaki angrily kicked the door open from his sudden dismissal and left. The entire room became colder than ice. To change the mood, Joint Commander Masaki Hajime stood up from his seat and started to speak after walking to the screen installed on one of the walls.


    ¡°Prime Minister Aso Taro, we will not let the Coreans take our nation¡¯s capital. The northern military¡¯s 2nd Vehicle Infantry Division, the 7th Armored Division, and the 5th Vehicle Infantry Brigades have all been ordered to mobilize to defend Tokyo. Also, the 9th Vehicle Infantry Division ordered to ambush the Corean 9th Mechanized Infantry Division¡¯s rear has reached Annaka and will engage the enemy. Once they do, Corea¡¯s 9th Mechanized Division will be surrounded by our 9th Vehicle Infantry Division and 6th Infantry Division, and our forces will be able to deliver a significant blow.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case, when will the northern military forces be able to enter Tokyo?¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, who had just scolded Minister Shibasaki, started to pay attention to Joint Commander Masaki Hajime.


    ¡°Yes, they will arrive at Tokyo within six hours, sir.¡±


    ¡°In six hours, how far will the Corean military have marched into Tokyo?¡±


    ¡°Please take a look at the map once again. The Corean military¡¯s main force marching into Tokyo is the 20th Armored Division. They have started from Hachioji and moved through Sagamihara, Hano, Fuchu, and Tama. They are now moving into Chofu.¡±


    ¡°Chofu... They are at the gates of Tokyo.¡±


    ¡°The 1st Armored Division and the 10 Infantry Divisions will stop the 20th Armored Division from reaching the city with their lives until the reinforcements from the northern military arrive.¡±


    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s possible? Even if we don¡¯t have the U.S. military backing us?¡± Despite Joint Commander Masaki Hajime¡¯s confident briefing, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro asked in a concerned tone.


    ¡°Sir, the farther Corea¡¯s forces march into Tokyo, they will have to upy more cities surrounding it. It will be unavoidable for them to spread their forces thin. The 20th Armored Division¡¯s main force¡¯s movements will be dyed by the 1st Armored Division¡¯s gueri tactics, and its upying forces will be stopped by our 10 infantry divisions. We will also start actively deploying the 12th aerial chopper brigade that we conserved for our retaliation and strike them from the air as well. No matter the cost, we will do everything we can to defend Tokyo.¡±


    ¡°Very well. One defeat in war is enough for Japan. We cannot repeat the miserable oue of the Second World War. Do you understand, Joint Commander Masaki Hajime?¡±


    ¡°Yes! We will do everything we can to stop the enemy.¡±


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 14:50


    The Yokota underground bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the minister of defense¡¯s office)


    Minister Shibasaki, who had been dismissed from his position by Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, stifled his anger and walked into his office. The small office he was provided by the U.S. armed forces in Japan only had a desk, chair, cot, and a bathroom.


    ¡°That bastard Aso Taro is going to me me, huh? Do you think I am just going to lie down and take it? Of course not!¡± Minister Shibasaki ced his feet on the desk and muttered to himself and then pulled out a smartphone from a locked drawer at his desk. He dialed 1.


    A minute passed, but the phone only kept ringing and no one answered. Minister Shibasaki tossed the phone to the ground in frustration.


    Smack~


    The screen and battery fell out and broke.


    ¡°Sphinx, you bastard! Even you won¡¯t answer my calls? Fine! Let¡¯s go down together!¡± Minister Shibasaki started to mutter about Sphinx from the USSC and ced a small USB drive into aptop.


    He opened a new email and started to attach to it the documents inside the USB drive. The receivers of the email were all famous reporters from across the globe. Right when he was about to press enter to send out the email, Minister Shibasaki felt a chill down his spine. When he turned around to see if there was someone behind him, a man choked Minister Shibasaki and covered his mouth with his right hand. It was a snake choke.


    ¡°Oof! Oof!¡± Minister Shibasaki attempted to free himself, but the man¡¯s grip was too powerful. The blood could not flow to his head due to the strong chokehold. His consciousness started to drift, and soon, he fainted, his limbs going limp.


    The man who made Minister Shibasaki unconscious was the bearded soldier who entered the bunker an hour ago¡ªthe Scorpion agent codenamed FH225.


    The bearded soldier grabbed Minister Shibasaki who had gone limp on the chair. He opened his mouth and pulled out his tongue. With the pistol-shaped syringe, he injected 200mg of a clear and scentless liquid under Minister Shibasaki¡¯s tongue. The serum traveled quickly throughout Minister Shibasaki¡¯s body.


    Minister Shibasaki¡¯s heart rate started to slow and soon stopped. The bearded man checked to make sure his target was dead and then deleted the email from theputer and took the USB drive. He quietly left Minister Shibasaki¡¯s office.


    Since the Yokota bunker belonged to the U.S. military, the bearded man was not deemed suspicious by the Japanese soldiers. He greeted them casually and left. A few minutester, he was standing in front of the elevator and sending a message with his smartphone.


    -Codename FH225, target has been taken out! ¨C


    -Codename AX001, leave the area immediately. ¨C


    -Codename FH225, confirmed. Over. ¨C


    The bearded soldier sent the message and got on the elevator to get back to the surface.


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 15:10


    Shibuya, Tokyo, Honshu, Japan


    Twenty minutes ago, Namgoong-won had navigated through the battlefields and arrived at Shibuya. The roads would have been a nightmare to navigate from the traffic jams, but now, there were only tanks, armored vehicles, and military trucks on the roads. No civilian vehicles were moving around. Namgoong-won was interrogated numerous times by the Japanese soldiers at the checkpoints. However, he used his fake Singaporean press ID to pass through them. He parked his car at a parking lot of a small park.


    Namgoong-won attempted to scan for the Scorpion organization¡¯smunication signal from a wider range and pulled out arge antenna from his backpack. He connected it to his phone. Now, the scanning radius doubled to reach 60km.


    A faint red dot started to show up and blink on the smartphone¡¯s previously unresponsive screen. Namgoong-won pointed the antenna towards the source¡¯s direction and the signal became stronger.


    ¡°I found you. You bastard!¡±


    The red dot on his map pointed to the Yokota U.S. military base. The bearded man¡¯s radio frequency was being detected as he was reaching the surface from the underground bunker.


    Namgoong-won immediately started his car and sped along the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line connected to Yokota.


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 15:20


    The Yokota underground bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (the surface gate)


    Numerous American trucks were loading up supplies so that they could withdraw from the area. The bearded soldier moved past them to reach where a ck sedan was parked. He took off his uniform and tossed it to the back seat.


    The Scorpion agent FH225 had easily finished his mission. He put on his sunsses and started his car.


    Vrooooom~


    All he had to do now was take the U.S. military¡¯s transport vessel and leave Japan. He started to take the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line to reach Yokosuka Port.


    There were only military vehicles moving along the open Aqua-Line. As he was about to enter the underground highway, a white Lexus sped up next to him and attempted to cut him off. Agent FH225 and the driver of the Lexus looked at each other before he passed the Lexus.


    Agent FH225 was a bit concerned about the look on the Lexus driver¡¯s eyes as he drove past him with his windows down, but he didn¡¯t think much of it and continued driving.


    Meanwhile, Namgoong-won¡¯s face turned red after his exchange with the Caucasian man wearing sunsses. His mind was full of rage from wanting vengeance for the death of his family and friends. As soon as he got out of the Aqua-Line¡¯s toll gate, he stopped and made an abrupt U-turn to cut into the opposingne, his tires leaving skid marks on the road.


    Screeeeeech~ Vrooooooo~


    The red dot on his smartphone showed him that the target¡¯s vehicle was 12km away! Namgoong-won started to step on the gas to not lose him and sped along the road.


    After speeding along the fourne road at max speed for 10 minutes, he was able to close the distance to 500m. Namgoong-won then slowed down and quietly tailed his target.


    After another 10 minutes, the ck sedan pulled into the parking lot at Yokosuka Port. Then, the Scorpion agent started to walk quickly to the port¡¯s waiting room. The room was full of U.S. Marines in full gear waiting to board ships. The Scorpion agent moved past the crowd.


    Namgoong-won started to put on the numerous pieces of equipment he brought in his backpack and tailed the Scorpion agent. Inside his leather jacket¡¯s left pocket, there was a holster with a CS5ser pistol inside.


    ¡°All I need is one chance,¡± Namgoong-won thought. It was as if heaven heard his prayers because the Scorpion agent nced around the room and walked into the bathroom.


    ¡°Yes, I am going to take him out in the bathroom.¡± He had his mind made up, but Namgoong-won¡¯s heart pounded like a steam engine. Since he was not a professional field agent, the anxiety made his head swim. However, he bit his lower lip to ovee his fears. Namgoong-won changed the sunsses he wore into the inverter vision mode and checked inside the bathroom. Luckily, only the Scorpion agent was inside the area.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Now¡¯s my chance.¡±


    Namgoong-won swallowed and pulled out his CS5ser pistol from inside his leather jacket. He got low and carefully entered the men¡¯s room.


    Smack! Smack smack smack!


    Suddenly, a strong force hit Namgoong-won¡¯s wrist. The CS5ser pistol fell onto the bathroom floor and he was hit on the face.


    The Scorpion agent had noticed the white Lexus sedan tailing him before he reached Yokosuka Port. Like the veteran that he was, he pretended to not have noticed and instead lured Namgoong-won into the men¡¯s room.

 Chapter 294

    <h4>Chapter 294</h4>


    Namgoong-won was struck on the face and fell back. He was also quite tall, being around 6 feet and slightly muscr. But,pared to the Scorpion agent, he wascking in strength and size.


    Ugh~


    Namgoong-won wiped the blood from his lips with his jacket sleeve and attempted to stand back up, but he couldn¡¯t. The Scorpion agent had picked up the CS5ser pistol that Namgoong-won had dropped, and was pointing it at him.


    The situation was unfavorable to Namgoong-won due to his inexperience, but he had a wry smile on his face that Sergei Haritonov couldn¡¯t help noticing.


    ¡°Fucking bastard! Who are you? Are you from the prime minister¡¯s cab intelligence agency?¡±


    That was his conclusion. The Scorpion agent seemed to think that Namgoong-won was an agent from the Japanese intelligence agency. Namgoong-won smiled slightly instead of answering.


    ¡°Fuck you, man! Are youughing at me? I guess you¡¯re not afraid to die!¡±


    ¡°Yes! I don¡¯t fear death. Codename FH225, age 42, name Sergei Haritonov. You are a Russian American who served under Russia¡¯s special forces, the Spetsnaz for 10 years before joining the Scorpions, right?¡±


    Agent Haritonov couldn¡¯t help but be in shock when the Asian man started to list out top-secret information rted to his identity. He stared at Namgoong-won with a nk look on his face. He got back to his senses, regained hisposure, and pulled the CS5ser pistol¡¯s trigger while speaking to Namgoong-won.


    ¡°Go tell people about that in your grave.¡±


    Click~


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    When Sergei Haritonov pulled the pistol¡¯s trigger, a high heat burned his palm. The unimaginable heat caused burns on his hand, so he threw the pistol away and covered his palm with his clothes. Namgoong-won seemed to have predicted that and struck Sergei Haritonov on the face with his elbow.


    When Agent Haritonov lost his bnce and started to stumble, Namgoong-won pulled out the baton he was wearing on his hip and started to beat him indiscriminately. When the baton sent 2-3mA of electricity with each blow, Sergei Haritonov couldn¡¯t move and fell to the ground while shaking from the shock. Namgoong-won took a moment to catch his breath and grabbed the CS5ser pistol that had caused third-degree burns on Sergei Haritonov¡¯s palm.


    The underground research facility had created theser personal firearms, but also added a failsafe to the weapons to prevent enemies or other people from using them. The handle had a chip that would scan for biological information. If anyone who wasn¡¯t registered attempted to use the weapon, it would emit high heat and burn whoever attempted to use it.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Namgoong-won pointed the barrel of the CS5ser pistol to the back of Sergei Haritonov¡¯s head, who was shaking on the floor with foam in his mouth. He spoke to him in a cold but calm tone, ¡°2015, December 19th, 10:13 am. Do you remember the three-story house at Suyu in Kangbook, Seoul?¡±


    Sergei Haritonov slowly regained consciousness. He turned his head around and spoke while looking at Namgoong-won pointing the gun at him, ¡°How would I remember what happened 6 years ago? Huh?¡±


    ¡°I guess you killed so many people that you don¡¯t remember, eh? Would the hacking incident at Area 51 refresh your memory?¡±


    For a second, Sergei Haritonov¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Judging by the look in your eyes, you do remember. The target you were supposed to take out was me. You killed my friend instead. You son of a bitch!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make meugh! I don¡¯t make mistakes.¡±


    ¡°Mistakes? That pride is what has caused you to be in this situation. It¡¯s time for you to go to hell. Sergei Haritonov, your life hase to an end.¡±


    ¡°Wa-wait...!¡±


    Pew~


    Namgoong-won pulled the CS5ser pistol¡¯s trigger and ced the gun back into the holster in his jacket. Sergei Haritonov had a small hole on the back of his head from theser beam. ck and red blood was spreading on the restroom floor.


    To find the location of the other Scorpion agent who had killed his family and younger sibling, Namgoong-won took Sergei Haritonov¡¯s smartphone inside his pocket. Then, he pulled out a bomb the size of a cigarette pack and started a timer. He then ced it on top of Sergei Haritonov¡¯s body.


    Namgoong-won did not feel happy nor sad after avenging his friend. Maybe because it was the fact that his friend¡¯s death was gnawing at his heart for the past 6 years? As thoughts raced through his head, he activated the TCS system with the press of a button on his wrist console. Namgoong-won vanished from sight, and carefully left the restroom and the waiting room while making sure no one noticed him.


    When he reached the parking lot, arge explosion urred in the restroom at the waiting room.


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 17:00 (U.S.T 04:00)


    The Presidential Emergency Operations Center, the White House, Washington D.C., U.S.A. (the underground bunker)


    President Trump was exhausted after hearing report after report about the damages done to the nation¡¯s west coast. By the time he was able to return to his quarters, it was 4:00 am. The firstdy and his family that had retreated to the Presidential Emergency Operations Center together were all sleeping. President Trump started to think after sitting down at his desk inside the office.


    The Corean military was more powerful than expected, and the fact that he will now go down in history as the first U.S. president who had the nation attacked on the maind but couldn¡¯t retaliate made him feel uneasy. He also felt fear about Corea¡¯s power.


    However, President Trump was only the president of the United States in name and merely a puppet of the USSC. He had no authority nor power toe up with a solution. He felt tinypared to the great financial power and authority the USSC had, but in the back of his mind, a faint idea of betraying them started to take hold.


    As the thought started to overtake him, he ced the receiver on the hotline connected to the Corean president.


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 17:00


    Seoul, Blue House national emergency situation center, the underground bunker. The president¡¯s office.


    Beep~ Beep~


    The screen on the hotline showed number 1, which marked the call as being from the president of the U.S. President Suh Hyun-woo, who was busy approving and reading over documents about the restoration projects for the northern states, pressed the video call button.


    President Trump showed up on therge screen hanging on the wall.


    ¡°Mr. President. What¡¯s going on? I didn¡¯t expect you to call me first.¡±


    ¡°President Suh, I just have one question.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please ask away.¡±


    ¡°How much do you know about the USSC?¡±


    ¡°The USSC? I would be lying if I said I knew 100% of everything they have done, but I can at least say I know more than enough.¡±


    ¡°President Suh, the USSC is not only tied to the U.S. but also nations across the world and their leaders¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is why our NIS is collecting information about the USSC¡¯s financial ties.¡±


    ¡°If you find out, it will be more than you imagined.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s say it is beyond myprehension as you im. Why would that be an issue at this point? Please tell me why you have called,¡± President Suh Hyun-woo noticed President Trump was going through an internal conflict and asked. ¡°The USSC is a candle in the wind. Even if it does use its influence over the various world leaders, what could they do now? Mr. President, the offer I made you yesterday still stands.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, can you truly wipe out the USSC? The White House, Congress, and the military are full of USSC supporters.¡±


    ¡°President Trump! What good would a centipede¡¯s numerous legs be if its head is cut off?¡±


    ¡°Very well. What do you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°Have you made up your mind?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I would like you to guarantee the safety of me and my family after the war.¡±


    ¡°Of course. We are locating the members of the USSC right now. We need you to have them gather at one ce.¡±


    ¡°I understand. There¡¯s a USSC HQ building. I will make sure all of the members be in attendance. Their location is...¡±


    ¡°We already know where they are.¡±


    ¡°What! Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, our intelligence agents and special forces men have been keeping watch on them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I will make sure all of them are gathered by 22:00 U.S.T.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your cooperation, President Trump. I will make sure that there will be no more engagements against the U.S. military until we wipe out the USSC. Further bloodshed will not be of any help for both of our nations.¡±


    ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll call again.¡±


    Click.


    President Suh Hyun-woo and President Trump video called each other for 30 minutes. When he was done, President Suh called the NSC for a meeting through his secretary¡¯s office. The war started with China as the first enemy, then Japan, and now, America. It seemed to being to a close.


    * * *


    February 25th, 2021, 23:30


    The skies above Tokyo, Japan


    The final mission for the heavy armored paratrooper brigade which was the finale for the upation of Tokyo was about to start above Tokyo¡¯s skies. It was a cloudless night with a bright full moon. The heavy armored brigade¡¯s forces all jumped off from the 16 CC-502 transport nes and littered the sky.


    The Corean forces¡¯ silvery armor reflected the gleaming moonlight and they harmonized together to create a splendid view.


    The men started to activate their thrusters after free-falling to a certain altitude. Then, they started to fly into groups of squadrons to head to their destinations.


    Tokyo¡¯s anti-air and artillery forces in charge of defending its skies started firing their weapons at the C-502 transport nes and the heavy armored brigades.


    Hundreds of light beams were strewn across the sky, and they caused small andrge explosions. The world¡¯s greatest firework disy was being held in Tokyo.


    However, the heavy armored brigade¡¯s men were smaller than an aircraft and were able to freely maneuver across the skies. They could not be taken down by the Japanese military¡¯s artillery fire. Explosions continued in the skies, but the men used their maneuverability to escape and safelynd on the ground.


    The 1st militarymand¡¯s 1st heavy armored brigade, the 2nd militarymand¡¯s 2nd heavy armored brigade, and the capital defensemand¡¯s capital armored brigade, and finally the 7th mobile corps¡¯ 7th heavy armored brigade¡¯s 4800 men had all been fully equipped and descending on downtown Tokyo. Once they reached the surface, they rushed to the anti-air artillery forces that had attacked them first.


    The heavy armored brigade¡¯s men equipped with a 6-barrel Vulcan gun and a protective suit started to wipe out any Japanese soldiers they saw on sight.


    Meanwhile, the 20th armored division moving in from the west of Tokyo and the 9th mechanized infantry division from the north, as well as the capital armored division, which had mobilized from Nagoya from Tokyo¡¯s southwest started to begin their assault on the city.


    Up until now, the armored divisions split their forces into two groups and attacked the city day and night, but now, they used all of their power to attack the city.


    As the assault on the city continued, the joint militarymand concluded that Minister of Defense Shibasaki had died from a heart attack due to shock after being dismissed from his position, although a thorough autopsy had to be performed to prove the theory.


    Joint Commander Masaki Hajime gathered the militarymanders in a grim mood. He gave the order to defend the city with their lives against the Corean military¡¯s paratroopers and armored forces.


    If the nation¡¯s capital and final line of defense Tokyo was overrun by the Corean military, then Japan had no choice but to surrender to another nation like they did during World War II. The soldiers of the Japanese military wore the Japanese imperial g as headbands, then shouted ¡°All hail the heavenly emperor.¡± It was as if they had returned to the days of imperialism.


    The night of the 26th at Tokyo was turning into a living hell filled with the scent of gunpowder and blood.


    The Japanese citizens hiding at homes and apartments were sometimes struck by the explosives and cannon rounds. They all died from being caught in the explosions or being crushed by the debris. Time seemed to pass by slowly as civilian casualties mounted.

 Chapter 295: Epilogue-3

    <h4>Chapter 295: Epilogue-3</h4>


    Assistant Manager Pak Gi-oong formed an ¡®O¡¯ with his index finger and thumb after answering him. Team Leader Lee Young-gyu, who saw Assistant Manager Park¡¯s signal, started to slowly move towards where Lizzy Ahn was lying down, while Team Leader Lee Ja-sung and Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong started to head towards the beach as well.


    The reason so many agents were carefully approaching a single target was due to therge Caucasian men standing next to her. The men were wearing touristy attire, but some of them could be her personal bodyguards. Without any official approval from the foreign nation¡¯s government, the agents had no jurisdiction to arrest her, so it would be illegal. Therefore, the agents had to be cautious.


    ¡°Hey! Could I trouble you for a picture?¡±


    Team Leader Lee Young-gyu used broken English while trying to give Lizzy Ahn his camera. However, Lizzy Ahn put on her shades and turned her head around. The Caucasian man standing next to her stepped forward and waved at him to move along.


    ¡°I knew it, those guys are her bodyguards!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Could you maybe take our picture instead?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Fuck off!¡± The Caucasian man who was almost 7ft tall yelled angrily.


    ¡°All I¡¯m asking for is one picture, and you have to be that grumpy? What a dick,¡± Team Leader Lee Young-gyu spoke in a sarcastic tone to anger the bodyguard.


    Another blonde curly-haired man standing behind therge bodyguard started to give him the finger and spoke in indiscernible Italian.


    ¡°What the hell is that bastard saying? I¡¯m gonna break off his finger.¡±


    As soon as team leader Lee Young-gyu finished speaking, therge white man punched him in the face. However, he seemed to have expected the punch and dodged it before retaliating with an uppercut.


    Smack!


    Argh!


    Therge man fell and a fight broke out. The man with blonde and curly hair and others joined in and started to circle Team Leader Lee Young-gyu.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re gonna gang up on me? Let¡¯s go, you bastards!¡±


    Team Leader Lee Young-gyu started to fight off four other men at once while Lizzy Ahn and her other bodyguards moved to leave the scene.


    ¡°Team Leader Lee is already on the move. How many bodyguards does that bitch have, sir?¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong red while looking at Lizzy Ahn who was being apanied by five bodyguards as she moved back to the hotel.


    ¡°What use would the money have for her? She has more than enough tost her a lifetime. I would hire a dozen bodyguards if I were her, too.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, sir! I suppose I would do that as well. All she has is money... Wait! Isn¡¯t all of that our tax money? God, that pisses me off.¡±


    ¡°Stopining and take down a few of them already!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    As Lizzy Ahn was being escorted back to the hotel by her five bodyguards, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong stood in front of her with his arms stretched wide and smiled.


    ¡°Hey! Beautifuldy. How about we grab a cup of tea?¡±


    ¡°Get out of the way! You yellow monkey!¡± The African man who was taking the lead shouted while frowning.


    ¡°What! Monkey? Hey! How dare you call me that! You¡¯re the one to talk, you ck bastard!¡±


    The bodyguards were all taken aback by Assistant Manager Park¡¯s sudden use of Corean, and Lizzy Ahn was shocked as well.


    ¡°Wait! Are you Corean?¡± Lizzy Ahn asked.


    ¡°Oh? You¡¯re Corean as well, miss? It¡¯s good to meet a fellow countryman overseas!¡±


    ¡°No. I am American. I just have ties with Corea, so I would advise you to back off before things get out of hand.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Don¡¯t be like that... Why don¡¯t we grab a cup of coffee from the hotel¡¯s cafe? I¡¯m traveling alone and have been really bored.¡±


    ¡°Hmf! I¡¯m not interested, so get out of my way.¡±


    ¡°You have the looks but I guess your personality is...¡±


    Before he could finish, the African bodyguard threw a punch at Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong¡¯s face.


    Smack!


    Assistant Manager Park fell after being sucker-punched in the face. However, he moved back to soften the blow before he was hit.


    ¡°Argh! I¡¯m gonna get beaten up in a foreign country.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong stood back up and got into a stance to fight.


    ¡°Hey! Come at me! You ck and white bastards!¡±


    When he signaled at the bodyguards to fight, the three men alongside the African man all joined in to fight Assistant Manager Park. While he distracted the bodyguards, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung had snuck up behind Lizzy Ahn. He covered her mouth and hit her on the neck to make her pass out.


    ¡°What the-! Who are you?¡±


    When he saw an Asian man approach the VIP Lizzy Ahn, the Caucasian bodyguard who was closest to her pulled out a pistol. However, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung had already ced Lizzy Ahn back onto the floor and then kicked the guard in the jaw.


    Smack! Argh!


    The remaining four bodyguards were all taken down by Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and were rolling on the floor in pain. Other tourists started to gather around the sudden street fight. Team Leader Lee Ja-sung pulled out his fake badge and spoke to the crowd.


    ¡°Interpol. Please step back.¡±


    He waved at the tourist to tell them to move away while whispering to Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong, ¡°Assistant manager Park! Let¡¯s go! Things will getplicated if the police get involved.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Let¡¯s move.¡±


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong carried Lizzy Ahn on his back and started to run towards the road in front of the hotel. Team Leader Lee Young-gyu, who had been fighting off the five bodyguards on the beach, was already in front of the hotel with a car.


    ¡°Get on, hurry!¡± Team Leader Lee Young-gyu shouted after opening the windows.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Team Leader Lee Ja-sung put Lizzy Ahn on the back seat and got on the car.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    If the agents had attempted to arrest Lizzy Ahn head-on, then the bodyguards would have used their own firearms to retaliate, and that could lead to bystanders being injured. On top of that, many European nations were on high alert from the terrorist attacks from IS. If the Italian government and other European governments were to catch wind of the mission to arrest an American green card holder in another nation unofficially, then she would obviously im human rightsws and ask for help.


    That would cause enormous diplomatic issues and the attempt to bring Lizzy Ahn back to Corea would all be for nothing. That was why the Corean government agents nned to approach Lizzy Ahn secretly. It all went ording to n and the arrest was made easily without any issues.


    Two dayster, Lizzy Ahn was safely transported back to Corea with Team Leader Lee Ja-sung, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong, and Team Leader Lee Young-gyu. NIS director Lee Young-jin awarded them with awards and promotions.


    * * *


    July 20th, 2023, 10:00 (Mexico Standard Time 19th, 19:00)


    Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico


    Acapulco, which was once famous for being one of the most beautiful resort cities, had be an infamously dangerous ce where even local people would avoid. Once an internationally famous drug cartel¡¯s assassin organization took over the city, the city¡¯s police and government officials did not maintain the peace within the area out of fear of revenge from the cartel. The entire city was overrun by drugs and it becamewless in an instant.


    Namgoong-won appeared in the city despite the Corean Ministry of Foreign Affairs¡¯ designation of the city as a no-travel zone.


    A year ago, Namgoong-won had resigned from the NIS and started a video gamepany and he was finally able to locate the Scorpion agent who murdered his parents and younger brother.


    After the war against Japan was over, the Scorpion organization disbanded, and codename SD887, Takada Makoto used his assassination skills to be a member of the cartel¡¯s assassins while thoroughly hiding his identity.


    However, Namgoong-won was able to take out Sergei Haritonov and extract Takada Makoto¡¯s voice from the Scorpion organization¡¯s smartphone. With the help of the Hoc supeputer, he was able to hack into everymunication line in the world and detected a voice pattern that exactly matched Takada Makoto¡¯s a week ago at Acapulco, Mexico.


    A person¡¯s face could be changed through stic surgery easily, but their voice could not be changed unless if someone¡¯s vocal cords were injured. It took some time, but Namgoong-won¡¯s judgment was precise.


    Acapulco had many beautiful hotels for being a resort city. Namgoong-won stayed at the Los Brisas Hotel at the beach. The reason he picked the hotel was because it was thest spot Takada Makoto made a phone call.


    As soon as he arrived at Acapulco, he went through a broker and bought a 50-caliber Desert Eagle magnum, ced it on his side, and focused on his tablet PC. Since the city waswless and crime-ridden, it was easy to acquire a gun. Anyone could buy one as long as they paid a price higher than the market. Acapulco¡¯sws were that corrupt.


    Namgoong-won had spent his time waiting in the hotel room when the tablet PC on his left hand started to sound an rm. A red dot started to blink on a 3D map on the screen.


    It meant someone with the matching voice pattern was making a call. The exact location was room 521 at the hotel he was staying in.


    Namgoong-won¡¯s heart started to beat faster from anxiety at the thought that the moment he had waited for had finallye. He took a deep breath to calm himself down and started to check over his equipment.


    Namgoong-won checked over the 50-caliber Desert Eagle magnum he bought, the X-C01 console, shield sses in the form of sunsses, and a protective suit under his clothes that he borrowed from his old friend at the NIS, Lee Ja-sung.


    A few minutester, Namgoong-won turned on the TCS (Transparent Cloaking System) to hide himself and checked the interior of room 521 with his shield sses. The room did not show any signs of life, but a life sign was detected inside the bathroom. It seemed like someone was taking a shower.


    Namgoong-won used the X-C01 console to open the door and quietly entered the room. Soon, Takada Makoto finished his shower and sat down on the living room sofa with a bathrobe on.


    The murderer of his parents and younger brother was right in front of him. Namgoong-won was full of rage. He ced his Desert Eagle magnum from his side to the back of Takada Makoto¡¯s head and turned off the TCS mode.


    Takada Makoto¡¯s assassin instincts sensed something was up, and he attempted to turn his head around, but Namgoong-won grabbed his neck with his left hand and struck him on the head with the gun¡¯s handle.


    ¡°Argh, who, who are you?¡±


    ¡°Shh! Quiet, Takada Makoto.¡±


    When an unknown man appeared out of nowhere and called him by a name from 10 years ago that he himself had forgotten about, Takada Makoto felt a chill down his spine.


    ¡°How, how do you know that name? Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Are you curious? Do you want to know who I am?¡±


    ¡°Wait, are you from Japan¡¯s prime minister¡¯s cab intelligence department?¡±


    ¡°I suppose you have bad ties with them too? You¡¯re wrong, I am Kim In-jik.¡±


    Takada Makoto, who could only move his eyes from being pinned down by Namgoong-won, could not remember who Kim In-jik was.


    ¡°I guess you don¡¯t remember!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time I am hearing it. Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Eight years ago, as a Scorpion agent, you were tasked with assassinating three family members at Busan under the guise of an explosion, were you not?¡±


    ¡°E-eight years ago?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t remember. Your destiny will not change.¡±


    ¡°I- I remember. Yes. I did take a job like that. How did you know about the Scorpion organization?¡±


    ¡°Why would a man who will be dead soon want to know?¡±


    ¡°P-please, I have 10 million dors. If you let me live, I will give you all of it. Please spare me...¡±


    Smack!


    Before he could finish, the magnum¡¯s handle struck Takada Makoto in the head and he fell to the floor screaming in pain.


    Argh! Ugh...


    ¡°It¡¯s-it¡¯s true. I will give you all of my money. Just let me live...¡±


    Smack!


    Namgoong-won jumped over the sofa and stepped on Takada Makoto¡¯s side.


    Ahhhhhhhhh~


    He grabbed his sides from the pain and rolled around on the floor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need dirty money from a man like you!¡±


    Namgoong-won ced the barrel of a gun at Takata Makoto¡¯s forehead as he begged pitifully for his life and pulled the trigger.


    A few minutester, Namgoong-won turned on the TCS mode, exited room 521, and quietly moved through the hallway to head to the underground parking lot. Namgoong-won turned off the TCS mode after nearing the parking lot and left the hotel in the car he had prepared earlier. Namgoong-won¡¯s eyes continued to fill up with tears and he sobbed while driving down the road. The feeling of emptiness from finally avenging his family and missing them after eight years made him continue to cry until he left Acapulco.


    A few hourster, Takada Makoto was found by the cartel on the floor of his hotel room. He did not have any external damages, but his eyes did not focus and he could not control his own body.


    Namgoong-won wanted Takada Makoto to die a slow and painful death. That was why he injected him with a serum he prepared personally. The serum was designed to slowly destroy brain cells one by one and paralyze the body. In short, it was designed to put someone in a vegetative state. It would take 5 to 10 years before Takada Makoto would die while suffering from his body slowly losing its capabilities.

 Chapter 296: Season 2 Prologue

    <h4>Chapter 296: Season 2 Prologue</h4>


    Something had happened to Corea, the country that had be the world¡¯s military and economic power by surpassing the U.S. at the end of the war in East Asia, and it would shake up tensions for the entire nation.


    Kim Jong-un, the leader of the Democratic People¡¯s Party of North Korea, who had been unconscious for 8 years in the hospital from the Pyeong-yang terrorist bombing on August 15th, 2015, had regained consciousness.


    News quickly spread through every press agency to the world, and many nations had broken the news immediately to their citizens. Many news outlets were debating whether Kim Jong-un¡¯s recovery would harm or aid the now unified Corea using their own data.


    The Corean broadcasting systems also reported about Kim Jong-un non-stop and many panelists from news channels discussed the effects his recovery would have on Corea¡¯s future to garner views.


    All eyes were on Kim Jong-un¡¯s recovery both domestically and internationally. Thanks to the highly developed medical technology, his recovery was fast and he almost seemed to be back in full health and able to do everyday activities.


    China which had been split into three nations after the minorities gained independence, Japan that had been in an economic depression after its defeat in the war, Russia which was looking for a chance to overtake Hokkaido, and the U.S. which wanted to regain its top ce in the world, all started to move after seeing this as an opportunity.


    No one knew what unified Corea would do against the nations that were making suspicious movements since the war was over, and what Kim Jong-un would do to affect Corea¡¯s future.

 Chapter 297

    <h4>Chapter 297</h4>


    September 7th, 2023, 10:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the President¡¯s office)


    The Blue House¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was busy dealing with Turkey about the Republic of Kurdistan in the Middle East, with Russia for the handing off of Hokkaido, and now the internal affairs regarding Kim Jong-un.


    President Choo Un-hee was now in her third year of presidency. Since she had her work cut out for her in both domestic and international affairs, she called over the ministers of each department for a meeting.


    ¡°Madam President! We must at least improve rtions with Turkey among the three Middle East nations.¡± Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-hee, who was busily working around the clock, started off the meeting.


    ¡°Of course. Do you have any suggestions on how to do so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President. In truth, any nation will not back down from a territorial dispute, even if its future is on the line. Our nation also fought fiercely against Japan for Dok-do Ind, did we not?¡±


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s something that cannot be given up so easily.¡±


    ¡°However, our government is supporting the Republic of Kurdistan and its im on Turkish territory.¡±


    ¡°Yes. For Turkey, that must be very upsetting,¡± President Choo Un-hee nodded while answering her.


    ¡°Yes, exactly. Most of the territory the Republic of Kurdistan is iming are harsh mountain ranges. It¡¯s not as if there are natural resources that would profit the nation either. Therefore, I believe we must offer Turkey an irresistible reward to persuade them to give them up.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kang, what do you mean by that?¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo, the previous minister of national defense, asked with curiosity brimming in his eyes.


    ¡°We should offer them a sma power nt.¡±


    Silence fell in the room after everyone heard Minister Kang Kyung-hee. The national security director shook his head and responded coldly.


    ¡°Minister Kang, don¡¯t you know the export of the sma power nt¡¯s technology is forbidden until 2050 under the Anti-scientific Technology Leak bill?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware. Currently, Turkey is scheduled to operate three nuclear power nts until 2030, and they have begun construction for the second nuclear powernt. The Turkish government has already spent 17 billion dors for the construction of two nuclear power nts, and the third is estimated to cost an additional 8 billion dors. What if we offer to build them a sma power nt for free? I think Turkey will give the territory to the Republic of Kurdistan if we give them something like the power nt.¡±


    Minister Kang Ui-sik, who had led the country to victory during the East Asian War as the chairman of the joint chief of staff, asked a question, ¡°Do you think Turkey will just be content that we can save them 8 billion dors and give them a single sma powernt that is worth 12 billion dors?¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee answered calmly, ¡°We should not put a price on the sma power nt. This is something that cannot be built outside of Corea no matter how much money is spent by a nation. If the sma power nt, which could not be bought by any other nation, were to be first built in Turkey, it could serve as a national symbol, and there would be no need to build any additional power nt for another 80 years. Once we make Turkey aware of this fact, wouldn¡¯t they give the useless eastern territory to the Republic of Kurdistan? What if we also add the rail gun technology to sweeten the deal? How does that sound?¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee shrugged her shoulders and looked around the room.


    ¡°Hmm, after listening to you, I think that¡¯s a good idea. What does everyone else think?¡± The president expressed her support and asked the other government officials.


    Minister Kang Ui-sik raised his hand to express his opinion. ¡°I think Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s suggestion is a good idea. I just have one slight suggestion. How about we see how Turkey responds when we offer them the sma power nt, and if that doesn¡¯t work, we use the railgun technology as a hidden card instead. If we can reach an agreement with the sma power nt alone, I don¡¯t think we need to give them the rail gun technology also.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I didn¡¯t think about that. That¡¯s a great idea.¡± When Minister Kang Kyung-hee responded with a bright smile on her face, the other ministers also expressed their agreement.


    ¡°I also think that¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°I agree as well.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee seemed to have made up her mind and answered, ¡°Very well. Minister Kang, please go through additional meetings with the rted departments and visit Turkey once youe to a final decision.¡±


    ¡°Understood, madam president.¡±


    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s talk about the next topic on the list.¡±


    ¡°Yes, up next is about the handing off of Hokkaido.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s a hard one. To be honest, whenever that topices up, I can¡¯t help but feel hate against President Suh for making that agreement.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee¡¯s joke lightened the mood of the office, and the other ministers and officials allughed. However, this was no joking matter. Russia was on itsst straw, and they had to give them a sure answer now.


    ¡°As you are all aware, we must give Russia an answer about Hokkaido. We have already received another phone call from Ambassador Titov this morning.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who had suggested an elegant and wise n about Turkey, also did not seem to know what to do about the Hokkaido matter.


    ¡°Madam President, why don¡¯t we just give Russia Hokkaido?¡± Chief secretary Kim Jong-won asked as if toin. The matter about Hokkaido¡¯s handoff was like a thorn in the Choo Un-hee administration¡¯s side.


    ¡°It¡¯s...it¡¯s not that simple. The previous government did sign a secret treaty with the Russian government promising Hokkaido, but we cannot just hand off Japan¡¯s territory that is 2/3 the size of the southern state so easily without causing political ripples,¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo summarized simply.


    ¡°Director Kang, which ripple would be greater, the one from handing off Hokkaido or the one Russia would cause for not upholding our promise?¡±


    Director Kang could not give an immediate answer to Chief Secretary Kim Jong-won¡¯s question.


    ¡°I think Russia¡¯s ripple would be greater,¡± Minister of Political Affairs Lee Dong-hyun answered carefully. However, everyone else waspletely silent. They were unsure which would cause more issues.


    ¡°Hmm, if we are unsure of what to do, why don¡¯t we offer something to Russia as we will do for Turkey?¡± Chief secretary Kim Jong-won thought simpler solutions would be best forplicated manners.


    ¡°What kind of offer?¡± When the minister of foreign affairs asked, the chief secretary shrugged and answered her.


    ¡°We could build a sma power nt for Russia as well.¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t happen. That would be to send a wolf to guard the sheep. Russia will do everything in its power to steal the technology of the sma power nt.¡±


    When Minister Kang Ui-sik answered while shaking his hands, Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon spoke in amenting tone. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like we can handle this as if picking something to buy in a market. I really can¡¯t think of an alternative offer for Hokkaido.¡±


    The entire office fell silent. Everyone seemed to be thinking of ideas on what to offer Russia.


    A moment of silence passed, and President Choo Un-hee spoke after tapping her chair¡¯s arm. ¡°How about we let Russia think about it for us?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, what do you mean?¡±


    When Minister Kang Kyung-hee asked, the president continued, ¡°Let¡¯s ask what Russia wants instead of Hokkaido.¡±


    ¡°Madam President, that could cause tremendous issues. What if they make unreasonable demands? We could burn down the house while attempting to rid of fleas. You know how President Putin is?¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo intervened.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, Director Kang, calm down. I meant we should do that to buy some time. While Russia thinks abouting up with its demands, we could use that time to form our own offers. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s brilliant, Madam President!¡± Chief Secretary Park Jong-won answered while smiling.


    After the meeting was over, Minister Kang Kyung-hee gave the Corean government¡¯s final answer to Ambassador Yegor Titov. Russia was now painstakinglying up with demands after hearing the unexpected offer.


    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s move on to the next topic.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President. I would like to tell you about my visit to Kim Jong-un,¡± Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon, who had met with Kim Jong-un yesterday afternoon, answered her as he pulled his chair close to the table.


    ¡°Yes. Did it go over well?¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, I think so.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon then summarized the hour-long conversation he had had with Kim Jong-un.


    ¡°Hmm, Kim Jong-un is smarter than we expected.¡±


    ¡°Well, we can¡¯t be certain. He might be doing that to make us put our guard down.¡±


    ¡°Could it be? Well, based on his actions from the past, that could be the case...¡±


    ¡°I think we should keep the ACS going for a while, ma¡¯am.¡±


    The meeting was over past midnight after the ministers all suggested their ideas and opinions.


    * * *


    September 7th, 2023, 19:00 (Russia Standard Time 13:00)


    Moscow, Russia, the Kremlin (the President¡¯s office)


    ¡°A different demand instead of Hokkaido...¡±


    Minister Valeri Karpin finally heard back from the long-awaited Russian embassy in Corea. He was a bit suspicious about the Corean government¡¯s unconventional offer, but he gave up and immediately headed to the Kremlin to report it to President Putin.


    President Putin reacted angrily at first by saying that it was uneptable while swearing, but then his expression changed after sinking into thought. His face seemed to suggest he was having a good time trying toe up with what to demand of the Corean government in ce of Hokkaido.


    ¡°Hmm, I wouldn¡¯t mind the attack satellite that even the Americans don¡¯t have or the technology for the 6th generation fighter jets. I really can¡¯t decide.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! How about discussing with the other ministers beforeing to a decision, sir? I think the minister of defense¡¯s input would be important,¡± Minister Valeri Karpin, who had been feeling pressured this whole time, smiled brightly as he spoke to the president.


    ¡°Hmm, I suppose so.¡± President Putin, who wielded charisma despite his short stature, seemed to be in a good mood and smiled.


    ¡°Mr. President, when will you call for a meeting, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I suppose tomorrow afternoon would be good.¡±


    President Putin pressed the button for the inte and called for his secretary, ¡°Schedule a meeting with all ministers for 2:00 pm tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. Right away.¡±

 Chapter 298

    <h4>Chapter 298</h4>


    February 26th, 2021, 10:30 (U.S.T. 25th 21:30)


    A building at the suburbs of Washington D.C., U.S.A. (the NIS safehouse)


    The 16 special forces men under the 707th special forces brigade were busy putting on their gear and preparing for deployment after waiting for 10 days.


    The long-awaited order to assault the USSC¡¯s vi came in from the special force¡¯smand. Lieutenant Colonel Lee Hyung-won and his 15 men had prepared and gone through multiple simtions with the vi¡¯s blueprint and were full of confidence.


    ¡°Are you ready,mander?¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung finished his preparations and asked after entering the special forces men¡¯s quarters.


    ¡°Ah! Team Leader Lee. Yes, we are almost done.¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant Colonel Lee, sir! We just received word from the agents watching the USSC building. 12 of the 13 USSC members have arrived at the building and are currently inside.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Is that so? I guess we just have to wait for the final one to show up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I think we should get going.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go. Team 1, and 2 are you all ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander.¡±


    Team Leader Lee, another NIS agent, and the 16 special forces men all got onto the vans and started to head towards the USSC¡¯s vi 12km away from the NIS safe house.


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 10:40 (U.S.T 25th 21:40)


    A building at the suburbs of Washington D.C. (USSC¡¯s vi)


    The USSC¡¯s shabby-looking vi inside the dense forest had double the usual amount of security. Due to the explosion from thest infiltration, additional security guards were ced in the area, and more bodyguards were assigned to each USSC council member.


    Manager Park Gi-oong was tasked with surveying the area with Assistant Manager Shin Bo-ra. It might have been due to his joke about him being lonely from thest stake-out. Manager Park Gi-oong felt awkward around Assistant Manager Shin, but he didn¡¯t show it and continued to conduct his mission faithfully.


    ¡°Manager Park! Team Leader Lee and the special forces men will arrive in 10 minutes,¡± Assistant Manager Shin Bo-ra spoke while typing away at theptop behind Manager Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Sir, but there¡¯s still one member absent. I wonder if the mission will be canceled because of that.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, yeah. We¡¯re still missing one person. ording to our intel, they are scheduled to all gather by 22:00...¡±


    Manager Park Gi-oong checked his watch and started to worry about the possibility of the mission being canceled. He was sick of dealing with the awkwardness with Assistant Manager Shin, the mosquitoes, and bugs. All he wanted was to destroy the USSC¡¯s building and return to Corea.


    Soon strange shadows appeared behind him. It was Team Leader Lee Ja-sung and the special forces men from the 707th special forces brigade.


    ¡°Hey, great work! Has all of our targets arrived?¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung checked the interior of the USSC¡¯s vi with the VR-M equipment and asked Manager Park.


    ¡°No. There¡¯s still one missing, sir!¡±


    ¡°What? It¡¯s already 9:50. What should we do?¡±


    When one of the USSC¡¯s members did not arrive ording to n, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung asked Lieutenant Colonel Lee Won-hyung.


    ¡°Lieutenant Colonel Lee, sir! Shouldn¡¯t we contact the special forcesmand? I think we need to confirm with them about assaulting the building with one of the targets missing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I agree. One moment please.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Won-hyung walked up to hismunications operator and gave an order. He used the broad-ranged radio to contact the special forcesmand.


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Won-hyung finished speaking on the radio and turned to Team Leader Lee Ja-sung, ¡°They told us to continue as nned.¡±


    ¡°Yes, then why don¡¯t we start at 2200 as nned?¡±


    The special forces men started to quietly get into position after Team Leader Lee Ja-sung and Lieutenant Colonel Lee Won-hyung finished their discussion. They slowly moved towards the building while avoiding the motion sensors installed in the outer area of the building.


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 11:00 (U.S.T. 25th 22:00)


    A building at the suburbs of Washington D.C. (USSC¡¯s vi)


    The men in ck clothes and masks were all sitting at a round table preparing to start the meeting as usual. However, President Trump, who called for the meeting, and Sphinx was absent.


    ¡°How is it that the president who organized the meeting and Sphinx are absent at a time like this?¡± The strictest member of the USSC, Columbus mmed the table.


    ¡°We are at war, so they might bete due to security issues. Let¡¯s wait a bit longer,¡± Chairman Victoria calmed Columbus and the room down.


    A few minutester, an explosion rang out and everyone who was waiting for President Trump and Sphinx panicked.


    Boom! Bang~ Boom!


    There hadn¡¯t been additional strikes to America by the Corean military for two days. So, the explosion had caused the USSC council members to jump out of their seats. The masks covered their faces but it was clear that they were panicking.


    ¡°Wha-what was that?¡± One of the members shouted.


    The chief of security for the USSC kicked open the door and shouted, ¡°It¡¯s an ambush. Everyone, evacuate to the underground bunker.¡±


    ¡°Who would dare attack here?¡± Chairman Victoria was a woman, but unlike the other USSC men who were cowering in fear, she calmly asked a question to assess the situation.


    ¡°Madam chairman! Now is not the time. You must evacuate. The outer security is being taken down by the enemy. They will arrive at the building soon.¡±


    Outside the vi, the 4 NIS agents and 16 707th special forces men activated their TCS (Transparent Cloaking System) and sneaked up to the vi¡¯s entrance. After turning off their cloaking system, theymenced the attack. The 200 security guards in charge of guarding the building¡¯s perimeter were unable to retaliate against the enemy that appeared out of nowhere and ended up falling to the ground.


    The NIS agents and the special forces men used their TCS system to vanish and reappear while firing theirser guns and easily subdued the enemy 10 times their numbers.


    Vrooo~ Vroooo~ Tatatatatat~


    A heavy gun appeared from the 5th story roof, and it started to aim towards the special forces¡¯ men headed towards the vi. The tracer rounds made the 12.7mm heavy machine gun seem like it was spraying light beams as it swept across the ground. The special forces men reactivated their TCS devices and took cover.


    ¡°Manager Park! We are going to enter the vi. Break down the front door!¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung hid behind a fountain at the front door to avoid the machine gun¡¯s rounds and ordered Manager Park.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A 30mm smart grenade flew towards the USSC¡¯s vi door and exploded. The power of the grenade was strong despite it being only a 30mm round, and it blew off the door and the outer wall.


    ¡°Team A, enter the building now.¡±


    ¡°This is themander. Team 1, take out the damn heavy gunners at the roof and Team 2 will team up with the NIS¡¯ Team A to infiltrate the building to take out the enemies.¡±


    Bang bang bang! Babababa bang!


    Numerous bullets flew out from the blooming smoke to prevent the Corean agents and soldiers from entering. However, they were no match against the special forces equipped with thetest gear. Two of the special forces¡¯ men leaned on the wall. They pulled out shbangs from their front pouch and tossed it at the enemy¡¯s location.


    Boom~ Bang!


    The shbangs rolled onto the floor and exploded after shooting up into the air. A giant sh of light lit up the first-floor lobby and disappeared. The USSC security forces equipped with infrared sunsses all grasped their eyes and rolled on the floor while screaming in pain.


    Pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew~


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung and the special forces men used this chance to enter the lobby and take out the security guards who were rolling on the floor.


    ¡°The 1st-floor lobby has been taken!¡±


    ¡°Team A, head to the basement.¡±


    ¡°Team 1, move to the second floor and take out the enemy. Team 2, what¡¯s your situation?¡±


    ¡°This is Captain Oh Kyung-jin. We have to just take down the enemy¡¯s heavy guns on the roof, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great! Take them out and help with mopping up the enemies inside the building.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Team leader Lee Ja-sung and Lieutenant Colonel Lee Won-hyung gave out the orders and split in all directions to find the USSC¡¯s members.


    Team A found out that the USSC¡¯s council members would evacuate to the underground bunker thanks to Manager Park Gi-oong¡¯s camera which was installed during hisst infiltration. They headed down to the basement to meet them.


    A security guard waiting at the other side of the hallway started to fire his M4A1 assault rifle. The bullets started to hit the ceiling and walls.


    Bang bang! Bang bang!


    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± Manager Park Gi-oong shouted and pulled the trigger on his CS1ser rifle after jumping over the stairway.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew~


    Theser beams hit the security guard and tore him into bits.


    Argh~


    The man fell with multiple holes in his body, screaming in pain. Manager Park safelynded on the ground and checked the other side of the hallway with his shield sses while leaning on the wall for cover.


    There were multiple doors along the hallway, and he saw there were dummies holding firearms inside each room. Manager Park radioed the agents in Team A.


    ¡°Great work! Manager Park!¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung walked behind Manager Park and tapped him on the shoulder. Then, he pointed to the only high-powered CS2ser rifle that Chief Oh Jin-suk was holding.


    ¡°Chief Oh! Hand me the CS2 rifle for a second!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Team Leader Lee set theser rifle¡¯s power output to the maximum and ced it on his shoulder. He changed his shield sses to the inverter mode to look at all the security guards hiding behind the wall and lined them up to aim.


    Pew~


    The CS4 rifle emitted a sound 2-3 times louder than usual, and a high-powerser beam flew across the hallway. It pierced through the four men hiding in a line behind the wall and hit them at the chest or shoulder. Theser beam was so powerful that it flew out of the building. Team Leader Lee had taken out four men with a single shot.


    ¡°Nice! Let¡¯s move!¡±


    The men started to move along the hallway with Manager Park Gi-oong at the lead. There was an entrance at the end of the hallway¡¯s corner. They checked inside the door with their shield sses, but no signs of life were found. Manager Park Gi-oong kicked down the door. Inside the room, there was arge round steel door.


    ¡°Whoa~ what¡¯s this?


    The silver steel-ted door seemed to be very sturdy. It resembled a bank¡¯s safe and the men started to exim after looking at it.


    ¡°Maybe our targets fled through here?¡±


    Manager Park Gi-oong kicked the door with his foot and checked inside the room. The door seemed to be thicker than expected and the inverter mode could not see through it.


    ¡°Wow! Team Leader Lee, sir! This door is really thick. The inverter mode can¡¯t look through it, sir.¡±


    ¡°Mine too! Hey, the thing. Use the VR-M equipment on it!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Chief Oh, bring it out!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chief Oh pulled out the VR-M equipment from his backpack and handed it to Manager Park.


    Manager Park used therge VR-M device to look through therge steel door. There was a long hallway leading away from the door and an elevator door was at its end. When he increased the machine¡¯s output, he saw the elevator leading dozens of meters down from the surface. The VR-M had reached its limit and couldn¡¯t see any further.


    ¡°Sir, there seems to be an underground bunker and a pathway leading to it. There¡¯s an elevator 50m ahead.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I see! Let¡¯s report it to our superiors and wait!¡±


    ¡°Yes, if we want to take down this door, I think we need that photon cannon on the White Tiger tanks or something simr, sir,¡± Chief Oh Jin-suk said while touching the steel door.

 Chapter 299

    <h4>Chapter 299</h4>


    After reporting to the headquarters of the National Intelligence Service, members of Team B, the information analysis team, came. It was to open the circr silver iron door that was firmly locked with an encrypted module.


    ¡°Hello, Manager Lee!¡±


    ¡°I saw so many dead bodies on the way here. Is everybody okay?¡± Manager Lee Il-woo asked.


    He was carrying a bag full of various pieces of equipment. He seemed to have seen where the gunfight had happened. Although he was an agent of the National Intelligence Service, it was notmon to see such sites as internal staff.


    ¡°Yes, thankfully everyone is fine.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s a relief. Is this the door?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Do you think you can open it?¡±


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t guarantee. But I shall try. Alright, everyone, get ready!¡±


    Manager Lee Il-wooid down the equipment he was carrying on the floor and gave instructions to the team members who came with him. The team membersid out their own equipment on the floor as well and began working in earnest to open the circr silver iron door.


    After a while, a final order was issued from the National Intelligence Service headquarter. The order issued by NIS Secretary Na Bong-il was somewhat shocking. He ordered to destroy all the exits in the building so that the USSC members could never get back to the ground.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Park!¡± Lee Ja-sung called.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°You and Chief Oh, go and ask Lieutenant Colonel Lee for all the CH-02 bombs (sma small bombs).¡±


    ¡°CH-02 bombs, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes. We received the order to destroy all the exits.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Chief Oh, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    While Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Oh Seok-jin went up to the first floor, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung called Assistant Manager Shin Bo-ra.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Shin!¡±


    ¡°Yes, leader!¡±


    ¡°You analyze the information about this vi we have collected so far and check if there are any other exits in the underground shelter!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 11:25 (U.S.T. February 25th, 22:25)


    Building in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (underground bunker at USSC vi)


    The USSC members had rushed to the underground bunkers during the surprise attack that had happened during the meeting. In the central hall of the underground bunker, they were watching every scene through closed-circuit cameras showing different areas in the vi.


    The underground bunker had been built in preparation for nuclear war. It was a nuclear and air defense shelter built 150m underground and it wasparable to the Presidential Emergency Operations Center of the White House. This ce was fully equipped with its own generator and could provide food and drinking water for about 500 people for 3 years. Even if the entire Earth was contaminated with radioactivity due to nuclear war, people would be able to endure in this ce for 3 years and return to the surface when the radioactivity disappeared to some extent.


    ¡°Who the hell are those people?¡± Victoria asked.


    On the split screens of therge screen, the special forces and the National Intelligence Service were seen moving past the security cameras.


    ¡°It seems like they are the Corean special forces,¡± Loki, who was in charge of the Ministry of Defense and knew well about this matter, answered.


    ¡°How can the Corean armye to our secret vi?¡±


    ¡°The location seems to have leaked out somehow.¡±


    ¡°How the hell?¡±


    ¡°Wait! It may be Sphinx. He didn¡¯te to the emergency meeting this time. It may be a rash judgment, but there is plenty of room for doubt in the current situation,¡± the man named Mars who was also the President of the American Firearms Association said cautiously.


    Victoria took off her mask as if it was ufortable. She then called the security manager, ¡°Hey, Mr. Robert!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam Chairman!¡± Department Manager Robert who was in charge of security came closer to her and answered. He was quite surprised at the moment because Victoria, the chairman of the USSC, had never taken off her mask in front of other people before.


    She had bright blond hair. She looked incredibly young despite being in her 70s. Victoria¡¯s real name was Selly Araron and she was Jewish. His father, Bendi Araron, had escaped World War II and came to the United States. He had bought all the useless deserts of Nevada at low prices.


    When the alien airship crashed, the Araron family became the best family to control the United States. As a result, Selly Araron had been serving for 8 years as USSC chairman, seeding her father, Bendi Araron, and her brother, Luge Araron.


    ¡°Have you contacted Sphinx?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have been trying for 30 minutes, but he hasn¡¯t received it.¡±


    ¡°Is there any chance that themunication has a problem?¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve tried to contact him through several channels, but all are disconnected. I don¡¯t think it can be seen as amunication problem.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Then, let¡¯s think about itter. What about the current situation in the building?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. It seems like our vi is under the Corean soldiers¡¯ control now. I¡¯ve contacted a foreign legion. It will arrive in 20 minutes.¡±


    The USSC was operating a foreign legion by recruiting mercenaries from special forces from around the world in preparation for an emergency.


    ¡°20 minutes? That¡¯s too long, isn¡¯t it? What if the Corean military steals our USSC¡¯s server information?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am. I told them toe as fast as possible.¡±


    At that time, ck King, who was looking at the screen, shouted, pointing to one of the screens. ¡°S-shit! It seems like the Corean military is trying to open the iron door leading to the elevator.¡±


    ordingly, all eyes of about 100 people, including the USSC members in the central hall, turned to the screen.


    ¡°Do you think they can open the door?¡± USSC Vice-Chairman, Chessman asked as he got closer to the screen.


    To this, Security Manager Robert replied firmly, ¡°Unless someone opens it from the inside, there is no way they can open the door from the outside. I am confident.¡±


    ¡°I hope so. But, the Corean military is an unpredictable one. I¡¯m concerned...,¡± Chessman said, touching his jaw.


    Even at the words of Security Manager Robert, he still seemed worried.


    ¡°Even if they get in by luck, it will take a long time, sir. Before that, our foreign forces will have arrived. You don¡¯t have to worry, Chairman.¡±


    Ding!


    At that time, the screen that was showing the inside of the vi through the closed-circuit cameras was suddenly turned off. It seemed that the Corean military had cut off the CC cameras¡¯ connection.


    ¡°Damn it! It seems like the Corean military has stopped the CC camera system.¡±


    That was not the only problem. Allmunication lines to the outside were cut off as well.


    ¡°Chief! Allmunication lines connected to the outside have been cut off,¡± a security personnel said in a confused voice when no signal was found as he switched through the channels.


    The underground bunker had beenpletely disconnected from the outside.


    ¡°Restoremunications! Quickly!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Satellite channels, wired channels, and the Inte, all have stopped!¡±


    ¡°I get it! Just restore them!¡± Security Manager Robert answered his crew nervously.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    In the 150m underground bunker, an unknown ominous energy was rising.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 11:35 (U.S.T. February 25, 22:35)


    Building in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (the 1st basement floor of the USSC vi)


    Information Analysis Team B members eagerly tapped on the keyboard while connecting various equipment to open the circr iron door. Also, they disconnected all the lines ofmunication and CC cameras connected to the underground bunker. Wirelessmunication using satellite channels with the outside was also deterred by powerful ECM devices installed all over the vi.


    Rattle! Whirl!


    Soon after, therge circr iron door began to open with a loud sound. It took less than 20 minutes since Information Analysis Team B had started their work. It was an amazing speed. If Security Manager Robert knew about this, he would foam at the mouth.


    And at the same time, Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong and Chief Oh Seok-jin, who had been out to get the CH-02 bombs (sma small bombs) from the special forces, returned withrge backpacks.


    ¡°Oh! The door is opened!¡± Chief Oh Seok-jin eximed.


    ¡°What can I say? My team has excellent skills,¡± Manager Lee Il-woo who was the leader of Team B said with a proud expression.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong smiled brightly, giving a thumbs-up. ¡°Of course! You guys are the best brains in the NIS! Ha-ha.¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha. I will not go that far.¡±


    At that time, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung interrupted the conversation. ¡°What about the CH-02 bombs?¡±


    ¡°We brought 20 of them, sir!¡± Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong said.


    He and Chief Oh Seok-jin each opened a backpack containing 10 CH-02 bombs (sma small bombs) on the floor.


    ¡°Good job! How are things outside?¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung asked.


    ¡°The engagement is over, and they are currently close searching in the vi.¡±


    ¡°The operation ended more easily than I thought, no casualties on our side.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I heard that the enemy outnumbered us by 10 times. I guess the 707th Special Missions Brigade is really extraordinary,¡± Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong said.


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung turned his head and looked at Assistant Manager Shin Bo-ra who was working with theptop at the corner.


    He called her, ¡°Assistant Manager Shin! Are you done yet?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m almost done! Give me one more minute!¡±


    Shortly afterward, she raised her hands and shouted, ¡°I found it! Ha-ha-ha! I found a new passageway leading out from the underground bunker 1.5km southwest of the vi.¡±


    She showed herptop screen. On the screen, a blueprint showed several passages were drawn around the vi in 3D form.


    ¡°There is no other passage, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve checked the scanned information several times, but there is no other passage.¡±


    ¡°Good! Assistant Manager Park and Chief Oh, go to the passage andpletely blow up the exit with these CH-02 bombs! If you detonate ten at the same time, you¡¯ll be able to bring down the exit.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Chief Oh, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then I shall bomb the elevator!¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung said. ¡°Assistant Manager Shin, you stand by here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung took a backpack containing 10 CH-02 bombs (sma small bombs) and went through the iron gate. The outer wall of the long passage inside the door was entirely made of steel. It seemed like it was designed to withstand nuclear bomb explosions.


    ¡°Damn Americans. Certainly, they think big.¡±


    Soon after, he arrived in front of the elevator. He picked up one of the 10 CH-02 bombs and set the timer. He opened the elevator door forcibly and threw the entire bag down the elevator shaft. Then, he ran as hard as possible through the door.


    Boooom!


    Exactly 20 seconds after Team Leader Lee Ja-sung ran out of the iron door, the backpack exploded 150 meters underground, shaking the entire vi with great impact. Ten CH-02 bombs (sma small bombs) exploded at once. It was more powerful than any other bunker-buster shells.


    Dust fell from the ceiling and dirt leaked through the open door. And five minutester, another tremendous explosion came from 1.5km away. The sound rang across the vi.


    ¡°Well. It¡¯s like we just buried them alive,¡± Team Leader Lee Ja-sung muttered to himself, brushing off the dust from his clothes.


    As he said, the 12 USSC members, some of their family members, and about 100 attendants and bodyguards who had gone into the underground bunker had been buried alive 150m underground. It was because the two corridors connected to the outside hadpletely copsed. Unless there was help from outside to rescue them, they would not be able to see the day anymore.


    They could only survive for three years in the underground bunker. After that, it would be difficult to supply its own food and drinking water. In fact, the period of three years was based on 500 people, so with only 150 people, the period would be slightly longer. But just because they had more time, it did not mean it was good for them.


    If they realized they couldn¡¯t get out of the ground, would they be able to withstand mental panic disorder until they run out of food and water? The USSC had dominated the United States and was the real force behind all the wars in the world. And now they had received the worst punishment that man could ever face.

 Chapter 300

    <h4>Chapter 300</h4>


    February 26, 2021, 12:00 (U.S.T. February 25, 23:00)


    Building in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (underground bunker at USSC vi)


    Two powerful explosions shook the underground bunker. There was no way the bunker would shake unless there was a nuclear explosion. Security Manager Robert¡¯s face darkened. He took several security team members and ran to the elevator.


    Like the first basement floor, the underground bunker had a big round iron door that opened to the bunker and the elevator. He quickly entered the code and opened the door. Fuzzy smoke came through the gap.


    The passage connected to the elevator beyond the iron door was filled with smoke. It was impossible to see through. Security Manager Robert turned on his emergency shlight. He walked carefully forward, groping in the dark. After a few steps, he kicked on something. He squatted down to investigate. Numerous rubbles were piled up on the floor.


    ¡°What the hell? Why are these rocks here?¡±


    After a while, the smoke disappeared, and he could gradually see where the elevator was. Security Manager Robert¡¯s eyes widened as if he couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing.


    ¡°What? Did the Corean military open the door?¡±


    It was the reality that he did not want to believe. He recalled hearing the sound of two explosions. He immediately thought of the emergency exit. Since it was a little far away, he took a small electric car to get there.


    He reached the emergency entrance, which was 1.5km away from the underground bunker. There was also a huge silver round iron door. He immediately opened the iron door by entering the encryption code. There was a long passageway connected diagonally from 150m underground to the surface. This passage was also filled with hazy smoke. The lights didn¡¯t turn on either. Originally, the passage lights would switch on automatically when the iron door was opened. Security Manager, Robert¡¯s mind was filled with ominous thoughts.


    ¡°H-how the hell!¡±


    Shortly after turning on the headlights, he got out of the electric car and sank onto the floor. He was distracted.


    The long passage was blocked byrge and small rocks. Now, there was no way out of the underground bunker unless they were rescued. The problem was that allmunication to the outside world had been cut off.


    ¡°Oh my god! We are buried alive,¡± he thought.


    Security Manager Robert thought that he had to somehow restore themunication and request for rescue. He immediately rode the small electric car and went back to the underground bunker.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 12:00 (U.S.T. February 25, 23:05)


    Arlington, Pentagon, Virginia, U.S.A. (Joint Chief of Staff Operations Briefing Room)


    While the USSC members were trapped in the underground bunker, President Trump visited the Pentagon and made a shocking announcement after convening the defense minister and othermanders of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Listen to me well,¡± Trump said, ¡°I know that everyone here has a connection with USSC somehow. It doesn¡¯t matter if you deny it or not right now, but you should know something. ording to a report, the USSC vi was attacked by Corean Special Forces and they had killed all the USSC members. Therefore, from now on, the White House and the government will thoroughly exclude the involvement of the USSC and operate its own state affairs.¡±


    After President Trump finished talking, he looked around at the four-starmanders, including the Minister of Defense. Their eyes were filled with both embarrassment and doubt. So, President Trump continued talking.


    ¡°I was a puppet of the USSC like all of you until now. The U.S.-Corean war was also started by the greed of the USSC. I won¡¯t deny the fact that I also participated. But now, the USSC has copsed. Don¡¯t we have to fix the wrong things and end the war?¡±


    Then, Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford raised his hand and asked, ¡°Mr. President. Where did you get the report that the USSC vi was attacked and all the members were killed?¡±


    He dug deep. President Trump was embarrassed for a moment, but he had prepared for this. His excuse was Sphinx.


    ¡°One member survived. That is Congressman Sphinx. He waste for the meeting and saw other members being attacked. He was able to hide and let me know about this.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! Then, why didn¡¯t you contact us immediately when you got the report? We could have sent the Capital National Guard there!¡± Chairman of the Joint Staff DeMarcus Dunford, who was acquainted with Loki, persistently asked questions.


    ¡°When Congressman Sphinx contacted me, it was after the USSC vi waspletely smashed. And he said the Corean Special Forces also left on an unknown ne.¡±


    ¡°Then, where is Congressman Sphinx now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He must be hiding somewhere safe, I assume.¡±


    ¡°Okay, sir.¡±


    ¡°The most urgent thing right now is the war against Corea,¡± President Trump got up and changed the topic when he thought others had relieved the doubts about him to some extent.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. As a matter of fact, we were working on a n for an attack on the maind of Corea.¡±


    It seemed like themanders of the Joint Chiefs of Staff still wanted to continue the war against Corea.


    At that, President Trump said in a strong tone, ¡°In my view, this war is meaningless. Corea has also requested a peace treaty, so I think we have to end the war against Corea at this point.¡±


    ¡°What? How can you say that? Even if the USSC members have all died and the organization has disbanded, this is a matter of pride for our country!¡± Chief of Naval Operations John Richard, who had suffered the most damage in the war against Corea, stood up and said loudly.


    ¡°Is that so? Then, did you find a way to beat Corea?¡±


    ¡°N-not yet, sir. But we are in the process of re-establishing an operational n.¡±


    ¡°Even if we make a n, are you sure we can win against Corea?¡± President Trump asked in a manner of interrogation. The four-starmanders could not answer.


    President Trump had made a video call with the Corean President Suh Hyun-woo. Then, he had requested an emergency meeting with USSC Chairman Victoria, lying that he had a n to beat Corea. In response, Victoria had notified all members that they would hold an emergency meeting at 22:00 at the USSC vi.


    Of course, Congressman Sphinx had been notified and tried to attend the emergency meeting, but President Trump had informed him that the meeting location had changed. So, Sphinx had headed to a location other than the USSC vi.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 12:20 (U.S.T. February25, 23:20)


    Building in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (the USSC vi)


    -Leader! Lieutenant Colonel Lee said the bombs have all been installed in the vi. We have to move.


    Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong sent themunication to Team Leader Lee Ja-sung who was still searching the vi.


    ¨C Oh, yeah? What about Team B?


    ¨C Team B has also withdrawn and is waiting outside.


    ¨C Okay! You go out with the other team members. I will be out in less than five minutes.


    ¨C Yes, sir.


    Team Leader Lee Ja-sung put the things that might be evidence of the USSC in his backpack and went to the exit. Lieutenant Colonel Lee Won-hyung, who was the localmander of the 707th Special Brigade, was waiting outside the front door.


    He said, ¡°Hello, Team Leader Lee. There are no more team members inside the vi, right?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. I¡¯m sorry for beingte. I had to retrieve something. And yes, all the members are outside now.¡±


    ¡°Then, everyone should move more than 200m away from the vi. It will explode soon.¡±


    Special forces specializing in detonation had installed the remaining CH-02 bombs (sma small bombs) throughout the vi.


    ¨C This is Alpha Zero. Alpha One, Two, Three, Four, we will detonate at once in five minutes.


    ¨C This is Alpha One. Roger that.


    ¨C This is Alpha Two. Roger that.


    ¨C This is Alpha Three. Roger that.


    ¨C This is Alpha Four. Roger that.


    The bomb specialists answered.


    Soon, the vi was shattered in a huge explosion while Team Leader Lee Ja-sung and the special forces looked on from more than 200m away. mes soared up to 50m and numerous fragments sprinkled the dark sky.


    When the National Intelligence Service and the 707th Special Brigade¡¯s mission topletely remove traces of the USSC was done, four CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jets came,nding vertically. They lit up the dark sky, shing various lights.


    ¡°Oh! We are finally going home!¡± Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong said, blocking the wind.


    They watched the Three-toed Crow space fighter jetsnd in a small vacant lot in the middle of the thick forest.


    ¡°I know, right? I want to go home and eat my mom¡¯s food!¡±


    ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t you too old to be craving for mom¡¯s food?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Age does not matter in this case. Even if I am in my 60s, I¡¯m gonna miss her food.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Well, I don¡¯t have a mother...¡±


    ¡°O-oh, sorry, Assistant Manager Park!¡±


    ¡°Well! Onboard! Let¡¯s go home!¡±


    The doors of the Three-toed Crow space fighter jet opened. Agents and special forces began to board. When the boarding wasplete, four fighter jets soared into the air in an instant. They started breaking through the atmosphere.


    Eight national intelligence agents and 16 special forces were returning to their home country, Corea, after 12 days. The pilot showed the Earth through a monitor in the internal arming room, as if to reward them for their hard work inpleting the mission. The beautiful night view of the blue earth was truly the best gift to relieve their fatigue.


    Meanwhile, dozens of special mobile vehicles had arrived at the USSC vi, where only the frames remained due to the huge fire. It was the foreign legion that Security Manager Robert had mentioned earlier.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 12:00 (U.S.T. February 25, 23:20)


    Building in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (underground bunker at USSC vi)


    ¡°The passage to the elevator and also the emergency passage have all copsed. We are now locked in,¡± Security Manager Robert said.


    At his words, more than 100 people, including the USSC members in the underground bunker, were truly in shock.


    ¡°Are you saying we can¡¯t go outside now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°How dare you say such irresponsible things?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Apology is useless now. Contact the outside right now and ask for a rescue! Call President Trump immediately!¡± Victoria shouted in an angry voice.


    She pulled at her hair. She did not seem to want to believe the current situation. She was always calm and rxed, but she was not anymore.


    ¡°It seems like wiredmunication is difficult to recover, so I am currently working on connecting wirelessmunication.¡±


    ¡°No matter what you do, you must restore themunication in an hour and contact President Trump!¡±


    ¡°I will do my best!¡±


    ¡°Not just do your best, make it happen!¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am...¡±


    However, the wirelessmunication to the outside was not connected until dawn. Due to the copsed passages, the air was not circting. The signal of the underground bunker that was 150m deep could not reach the surface.


    As time passed, the trapped people in the underground bunkers gradually start panicking. One after another, they sumbed to fatigue. The general security staff and bodyguards calmly faced the situation with a little hope to be rescued. However, the USSC members who had lived a noble life by umting a tenth of the world¡¯s capital all their lives were twice as shocked twice as the others. The more they had, the more they could lose.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 12:30 (U.S.T. February 25, 23:30)


    Fairhaven, outside Washington, D.C.


    In a warehouse on the coast of Fairhaven, 50km east of Washington, D.C., a man named Sphinx had copsed with dozens of gunshot wounds all over his body. Besides, about a dozen bodyguards who had guarded him were also lying in a pool of blood. The inside of the warehouse was infested with flies and a bloody scent lingered.


    Sphinx, who had been ordered to join an emergency meeting by Victoria, had gone to the USSC vi. But on his way, he was informed by President Trump that the meeting location had changed.


    Sphinx had beenmitted all sorts of evil deeds. His English name was Tony Ahn. But his actual name was Lee Ji-yong. When his grandfather, Lee Wan-su hade to America, he had changed his family name from Lee to Ahn.


    Lee Wan-su was a cousin of Lee Wan-yong who was one of the Five Eulsa Traitors who had sold their country to Japan. He was one of the worst traitors. They had threatened King Gojong to sign the Eulsa Treaty. Lee Wan-su had worked as a close friend to Lee Wan-yong, who had be the Prime Minister of the Cab. Lee Wan-su had umted all kinds of wealth by acting as a vassal to Lee Wan-yong for more than 20 years. Then, he had moved to the United States with his family in 1940, before liberation.


    Lee Wan-su settled in the United States and changed his surname to Ahn. After that, he had identally met Victoria¡¯s father, Bendi Araron, and had had the fortune of bing part of the USSC by investing.


    Also, since he had moved to the U.S.A. before the liberation, he had been excluded from the National Traitor Law. Since Lee Ji-yong/Tony Ahn was the grandson of Lee Wan-su, he had taken over his family¡¯s seat in the USSC. He had moved into national politics, became a senator, and had lived wealthily. However, as the old saying went, life was full of ups and downs. The end of his life was truly miserable.

 Chapter 301

    <h4>Chapter 301</h4>


    February 26, 2021, 14:00


    Central Tokyo, Honshu, Japan


    The day before, four Armored Assault Brigades had descended from the sky and deployed throughout downtown Tokyo. So, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, who had been standing by and building camps everywhere to defend Tokyo, fell into great confusion.


    The 20th Armored Division (Decisive War), 9th Mechanized Infantry Division (White Horse), and the Capital armored division (Fierce Tiger) quickly infiltrated Tokyo from three directions and activated the Tokyo upation operation. They seeded in breaking through the spiderweb-like Tokyo metropolitan area and entered Tokyo¡¯s 23 special wards by about 4 a.m.


    Tokyo¡¯s 23 special wards were the size of Seoul. 300,000 troops from both countries collided there. Even more fierce street fighting took ce. From dawn to the present, various cannons and bullets had been fired continuously all over the city.


    Boom! Pow! Vroom! Vroom! Bang! Bang! Boom!


    Amidst various gunshots and gunfire, the smell of gunpowder and blood filled up the air. The cars that the owner had abandoned were just sitting on the street. These cars were crushed t as tanks passed on.


    Also, most of themercial buildings around the big roads werergely destroyed by the explosion caused by the shelling. They eventually copsed. Even though some buildings did not copse, all their windows were broken. Fragments of ss were scattered on the street. Large fires broke out in some buildings, emitting ck smoke. The fire gradually spread to the surrounding buildings.


    Civilian victims appeared one after another in downtown Tokyo. Although it was the middle of battle, ambnces and fire engines were running through the road with ring sirens to rescue the casualties.


    Anti-tank mines had been buried in the roads by the Ground Self-Defense Forces to prevent the advance of tanks and armored vehicles of the Corean army. However, this caused unexpected incidents. An ambnce that had been dispatched to evacuate patients triggered an anti-tank mine and exploded. Also, an ambnce from the university hospital that had been carrying a burn victim suddenly flew into the air and shattered while on the move.


    In the middle of Tokyo which was bing like hell, the three expeditionary divisions werepeting with each other secretly. It was a race to hang the Taegeukgi (Corean g) and the divisional g in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.


    The battalionmanders of each division¡¯s subordinate units had ordered their subordinates tounch an offensive attack for their respective division¡¯s honor and sess. An invisible, excessivepetition broke out. Even though the Commander in Chief had ordered to minimize civilian damage during the battle, some ignored it and pushed forward strongly.


    As a result, the damage in downtown Tokyo snowballed. The roads were full of tanks, armored vehicles, and armed soldiers. In the meantime, countless ambnces red their sirens and sped in the middle of Tokyo.


    Brigadier General Lee Hun-sang,mander of the Japanese expeditionary force andmander of the Marine Corps, was also informed of this fact. But he ignored it and treated the matter lightly. The worried staff suggested that it could be a problem in the future. He ignored them, too.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 14:00


    Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Honshu, Japan (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building)


    The central park was behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building. The Heavy Infantry of the 1st Assault Battalion belonging to the 2nd Armored Assault Brigade, a unit directly under the control of the 2nd Corean Operations Command, appeared in the forest. They began a fierce battle against the 1st regiment of the 6th Motorized Infantry Division belonging to the North Eastern Army which defended the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building.


    The 1st Assault Battalion that had entered service for the first time at Weihai had made a significant contribution in thest Sino-Corean War. Here in Tokyo, they were again engaged in an operation that would leave a long impression in history.


    The night before, they had infiltrated Tokyo. Since then, they had engaged in guerri tactics in various ces, attacking Tokyo¡¯s defense units. After that, they had taken a break, hiding. Later, they received the order to harass the rear until the Corean armored unit arrived. So, they began the sudden strike again.


    It had been a long time since all of the representative buildings in Tokyo had been destroyed by bombs and missiles. Including Fukiage Omiya Pce, the official residence of the Japanese royal family, the Prime Minister¡¯s residence, the Imperial Household Agency, and the Japanese Cab Office building had all been destroyed.


    Only the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building had survived those attacks. The outer wall had been broken a bit, but the H-shape building still existed. To defend the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building, which was the only remaining symbolic building of the Japanese government in Tokyo, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces exerted all their effort.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank was equipped with the 105mm main gun. It was a 26-ton ss and an intermediate form that was a cross between armored vehicles and tanks. The Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tanks of the 6th Motorized Infantry Division belonging to the North Eastern Army operated an emergency maneuver. A total of 64 Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tanks were in a search-and-destroy mission. They fired from their 105mm guns and hit the Corean Assault Battalion in Central Park.


    In the rear, the self-defense foot soldiers got off from the Type 96 Armored Personnel Carriers, hid, and waited for the order to attack to be issued. These were the 1st Vehicle Infantry Regiment, subordinate to the 6th Vehicle Infantry Division.


    Boom! Bang!


    The shells from the 105mm main guns struck and broke the trees. The red bricks on the floor also shattered and flew in all directions.


    If they were a normal infantry, they would not have survived this concentrated fire. However, the Heavy Armor Infantry of the Armored Assault Brigade were wearing heavy armor suits. They endured the attacks while covering behind the trees and park structures as much as possible. And after a while, themander of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Youn-joon gave an order.


    ¨C This is the battalionmander. The 1st Company will capture the enemy light tank. Attack them with the air. The 2nd and 3rd Companies, aim at this point andunch a frontal attack. The Heavy Weapons Company, support using 30mm smart bullets during the air maneuvers.


    ¨C This is the 1st Company. Copy that!


    ¨C This is the 2nd Company. Copy that!


    ¨C This is the 3rd Company. Copy that!


    ¨C This is the Heavy Weapons Company. Copy that!


    Shortly, over 100 people popped up from all over the wrecked Central Park, and numerous beams of light flew toward the tanks.


    The 8mmser Vulcan beams broke the upper turrets of the Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tanks and made them impossible to shoot. A few tanks exploded. They were the light tanks, but they were still tanks. However, their armors absurdly were prated by Vulcan beams.


    Also, the Heavy Weapons Company shot more than 300 rounds of 30mm smart bullets. The bullets flew in an arc and struck the location of the Chi-Ha medium tanks and Armored Personnel Carriers.


    Boom! Booom! Bam! Wham!


    A 30mm smart bullet had the same explosive power as a normal 155mm high-explosive bomb. Those smart bullets struck a fatal blow to the Chi-Ha medium tanks which already looked like bee-hives from the Vulcan beams. Those tanks became burning scrap metal with dark red me.


    The Self-Defense Forces infantry, who were in cover, were intimidated when they saw the tanks exploded in front of them. Even though they received the order to attack, they could not even conceive the idea to attack, but just tried to hide better.


    The 1st Vehicle Infantry Regiment was helplessly beaten by the rapid and urate attack of the Corean forces. While they were still recovering from the attack, the 2nd and 3rd Armored Assault Brigades began the second counterattack. The six-row Vulcan beams spread 360 degrees. They totally triumphed over the siege build by the 1st Vehicle Infantry Regiment and entered the annihtion operation.


    Colonel Nakashima Hojio, the regimentalmander, had been watching the situation onboard amanded armored vehicle from the rear. He quickly picked up a receiver and requested reinforcement from the headquarters of the 6th Motorized Infantry Division.


    The first reinforcement to arrive was the assault regiment of the 12th Air Mobile Assault Brigade that departed from the Yokota Base. They arrived in ten minutes.


    Four of the 13 AH-64D Apache Longbows that were first introduced by the U.S. appeared in the east, escorting the UH-60J assault helicopter. The AH-64D Apache Longbow was nearly 180 million dors per unit. It was an enormous price.


    Chuff, chuff, chuff, chuff.


    It was a huge mistake for them to send an assault regiment that was equivalent to a normal infantry soldier ss to fight against the 1st Assault Battalion, which possessed enormous firepower that even destroyed the Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tanks.


    Colonel Nakashima Hojio who had been in hurry did not give detailed information about the enemy. He just had hurriedly requested reinforcements. So, Joint Command Office just sent the avable troops as soon as possible.


    The UH-60J assault helicopter arrived near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building and hovered 10m above the air. The assault infantry came down to the ground using helicopter rappels. The AH-64D Apache Longbows, which were in charge of the escort mission, flew to Central Park. They first aimed at the heavy infantries flying in the sky and fired at the speed of 650 rounds per minute from a 30mm M230 chain gun mounted under the front of the aircraft.


    Bratatat! Bratatat!


    As a response, the Heavy Armor Infantry that had been shooting theser Vulcan beams from the air, scattered at high-speed using their own propents. Two Apache Longbow helicopters flying from the rear fired 70mm Hydra rockets in session from fourunchers mounted on both wings. The Hydra rockets, which blew off mes with a st of fire and a white trail of smoke, struck heavy infantry moving on the ground.


    The 70mm Hydra rockets were fired from two Apache Longbows continuously. They turned the ground into a field of hazy smoke with red shes. asionally, some heavy armored infantrymen lost their bnce in the power of the explosions and fell. However, they recovered quickly and got up right away, using the propents on their backs. They rapidly moved and escaped from the fire of the Hydra rockets.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Boom! Boom!


    Smokescreens surrounded the Central Park due to the burning trees. At that point, two streams of white smoke soared. They were the anti-aircraft missiles. Two AH-64D Apache Longbows were struck and blew up in the air because the anti-aircraft missiles flew so quickly that they did not even have a chance to spray chaff or re. As a result, fragments of the Apache Longbow helicopters shattered in the air and rained down to the ground.


    The remaining two AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters, which had shot Hydra rockets toward the ground, rose rapidly, spraying chaffs and res. Theyunched several Hydra rockets into the area where the anti-aircraft missiles were previouslyunched while preparing for further attacks.


    Metal fragments of the Hydra rocket andrge and small rocks struck a member of the Heavy Weapon Company who had just intercepted the Apache Longbows.


    Cling! ng!


    Large and small fragments, like pieces of metal, hit his heavy armor suit and bounced off. The soldiers staggered due to the explosion, but they soon grabbed a posture and escaped the fire of the Hydra rockets quickly.


    In the midst of the fierce battle to take the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building, the 1st Armored Division¡¯s 32nd Armored Tank Regiment, which was guarding the west end of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building, wasing urgently to support.

 Chapter 302

    <h4>Chapter 302</h4>


    February 26, 2021, 15:00


    B2 Bunker, Yongsan-ku, Seoul (Situation Room of the Corean Army Joint Command and Control Center)


    On the main screen of the control room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there was a digital map showing the whole area of Tokyo. Numerous notations were on the map. In particr, there were various blue markings. They showed battalion-level units, which were subordinate units of the three divisions that were currently proceeding downtown Tokyo.


    Good news came from the Blue House. It was said that all the U.S. troops that had gathered at Yokosuka Port would withdraw from the Corean-Japanese war as of the present time, unconditionally. ordingly, the Blue House had ordered the cessation of the attack on Yokosuka Port and take measures so that there would be no conflict against the U.S. military. With this, the Joint Chiefs of Staff only had to focus on Japan. As a result, the Joint Chiefs of Staff was relieved of the burden to some extent and was able to watch the war in Tokyo with a little optimism.


    ¡°We are almost there, ha-ha-ha,¡± Vice-Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Vice-marshal Choi Ho-il said, watching the screen with satisfaction.


    Chairman of the Joint Staffs Kang Ui-sik, who was sitting on the chair with his arms folded since morning, also watching the screen, nodded slightly. He was satisfied. Then, he realized the troops advancing to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building were excessively concentrated. He called for the Operations nning Director.


    ¡°Hey, Operations nning Director!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Why are there so many troops gathering around the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building? There are way more soldiers there than at the former Yokota Air Force Base or the new Yokota Base where the Joint Command Office is.¡±


    ¡°That is... It seems like each division is greedy for the upation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?


    ¡°Because each division wants to put their division g on that building.¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha-ha. Is that so? I guess it would be not cool to boss them around about those matters, would it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The expeditionmander will take care of it.¡±


    ¡°Good! So, when do you expect the upation of Tokyo to bepleted?¡±


    ¡°We expect toplete the upation of the entire Tokyo in at least one day.¡±


    ¡°Then, there¡¯s only a day left for the war against Japan. Tell the expeditionmander to ask for any support he needs! What would be the purpose to save it if only one day is left?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Chairman! Why don¡¯t we go and eat some food? We skipped our lunch! I¡¯m too hungry to sit down!¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha. Sure. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 15:30


    New Yokota underground bunker, Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro was mentally unstable because Minister of Defense Shibasaki hadmitted suicide and Corean soldiers were advancing to Tokyo.


    ¡°Why did I have to be the acting prime minister and go through this pain?¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro had no greed for power like other politicians. He just wanted to pursue afortable life, piggybacking Prime Minister Abe. However, as the war against Corea had begun and Prime Minister Abe had been assassinated, he had to be acting prime minister as per protocol. Every day was torturous for him. If Japan was winning the war, he would be happy, but the reality was the opposite.


    ¡°Mr. Deputy Prime Minister! Are you okay?¡± Joint Command Officer Masaki Hajime asked as he noticed the awful expression on Aso Taro¡¯s face.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just have indigestion these days. Anyway, is Tokyo safe? It seems like the explosions are getting closer.¡±


    At the question of Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, Joint Command Officer Masaki Hajime hesitated to answer.


    He finally said, ¡°Actually, we are being pushed back since the Corean military is so strong.¡±


    ¡°What?! Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯m truly sorry, sir.¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro grabbed his stomach andined of pain. ¡°Argh!¡±


    The pain was due to nervous gastritis, a condition he had had ever since he assumed the job of acting prime minister.


    ¡°Sir, are you alright?¡±


    Militarymanders in the situation room gathered to support the deputy prime minister and someone called the army surgeon.


    ¡°Joint Command Officer! Since we don¡¯t have a Minister of Defense, you have to take responsibility and defend Tokyo! If Tokyo is upied by the Corean military, that will be another shameful episode in our history following our defeat in World War II.¡±


    ¡°Sir! I will guard Tokyo with my life. So, please take a break in the infirmary for a while.¡±


    ¡°T-thank you. I¡¯m holding you to that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro left the situation room, assisted by a surgeon and a nurse officer who hade in a hurry. After he had left, Joint Command Officer Masaki Hajime convened an emergency meeting. Commanders gathered in the meeting room of the Yokota underground bunker. Then, Joint Command Officer Masaki Hajime started to unveil a shocking operation n.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 16:00


    Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Honshu, Japan (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building)


    The area around the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building was truly bing a mess. The road was hollowed out by various shells, andrge and small rocks were scattered around. Many tanks and carriers were on the ground, emitting dark red smoke.


    Also, the dead infantrymen of the Ground Self-Defense Forces who had got off from their vehicles were everywhere. Some of the bodies did not have arms or legs, and some even had their whole body torn into pieces. The chunks of human flesh were scattered everywhere on the ground. It was a truly disgusting scene.


    To defend the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building, both the 12th Airmobile Assault Brigade and the Tank Battalion of the 1st 8th Armored Division hade. However, the Corean 1st Assault Battalion showed tremendous offensive and defensive power. Their attack methods had been unbelievable.


    As time passed, the reinforcement forces became useless and they were being pushed back. Due to this, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building had been upied by the assault battalion alone even before the Corean armored unit had arrived.


    The Armored Assault Battalion which had been attacking the Japan Ground Self Defense Force from the air and on the ground seeded in conquering the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as of 17:00. The Joint Chiefs of Staff were also surprised by the excellent performance of the Assault Battalion.


    An hourter, the 26th Tank Battalion (Crocodile) of the 60th Armored Brigade of the 20th Armored Division reached the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. But they were alreadyte.


    In particr, the crew of tank No. 712, who had painstakingly made the journey with a tank with a broken main turret rotating te, wanted to cry. Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek, the tankmander, did not say anything and just looked at the telescope with a gloomy expression.


    The Heavy Armor Infantry of the 1st Assault Battalion belonging to the 2nd Armored Assault Brigade who had performed more than expected, hugged each other and shared the joy that they had captured the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building by themselves beyond their assigned mission. Among 300 members, only two had been wounded.


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Youn-joon smiled from ear-to-ear as it was decided that the g of the 2nd Heavy Armor Brigade with Taegeukgi will be raised at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on the morning of the 27th.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 16:00


    Road 14, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The 26th Armored Brigade, a subordinate unit of the Metropolitan Armored Division, bypassed Tokyo at full speed and took Route 126 and entered Chiba City. They were on their way to the New Yokota underground bunker, where Japanese cab personnel andmanders of the Joint Command Office were stationed.


    The 26th Armored Brigade managed to keep 90% of the brigade¡¯s power from thest Nagoya battle. They were upying all fournes of the road and maneuvering quickly in a two-row column format. And just as they were about to pass Chiba, instructions were given to each battalion from the headquarters of the brigade.


    ¨C This is the brigademander. Enemy armored forces are on the ins behind Ichihara, 15km ahead! The size is estimated to be at the division level. It seems to be the 7th Armored Division belonging to the Northern Army. Following the current maneuvering sequence, 8 battalions go to the left of the road, 35 battalions go to the right, and the 103rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion go straight. Over.


    The current situations in the front as confirmed by the Spider II drone were as such: Battalion-sized tanks were intercepting on Road 126. And other gship tanks were in ambush, aiming their guns at the highway, covered among the buildings and various ces in Ichihara City. Finally, the third main tanks were moving in the direction of the southeastern part of Ichihara City. They moved forward rapidly, crushing on the broken apartments and buildings. They intended to attack the 26th Armored Brigade from behind.


    The 7th Armored Division belonging to the Northern Army was a unit that had heavy forces of Ground Self-Defense Force along with the 1st Armored Division. It was organized into the 71st, 72nd, 73rd Tank Regiments, 7th Artillery Regiment, 7th Reconnaissance Battalion, 7th Communication Battalion, and 7th Aviation Division.


    They were charged to guard 1/8 of the area of Hokkaido. Their main tasks were to take care of the main transportation in Hokkaido, such as New Chitose Airport, Muroran, Tomakomai Port, and oil stockpile, and to defend against the Russian offensive in the event of an emergency.


    Until 2016, the 7th Aviation Division, which had operated only two types of OH-6D observation helicopters and UH-1J transport helicopters, began to operate 32 Japanese-developed AH-1 Ninja attack helicopters. Thanks to that, thebat power of the 7th Armored Division had doubled.


    Meanwhile, themand of the 7th Armored Division, which was in charge of defending the New Yokota underground bunker after arriving at Honshu, confirmed that the Corean armored unit was moving quickly on Route 126. So, he ordered to deploy previously established defensive operations.


    ordingly, the 7th Reconnaissance Unit, consisting of Type 10 tanks, which were said to be the highest rank in fighting in the 7th Armored Division, blocked Road 128. Above them, 16 aircraft of the 1st Attack Helicopter Battalion belonging to the 7th Aviation Group flew in the north, emitting a unique rotor sound.


    Squadron Commander Shibano Doramaru put on his headset. He had received a report from the flight leader of the OH-6D observation helicopter that had left earlier. The flight leader reported about the size and formation of the Corean army. Squadron Commander Shibano Doramaru opened the squadron¡¯s publicmunications as soon as he received the report.


    ¨C Everybody, listen up. The enemy is approaching in an open formation from 10km ahead. Currently, it appears to be a one brigade-level force. There are several new Corean tanks. ording to intel, enemy tanks also have anti-aircraft systems. Therefore, it is rmended to engage at an altitude of 3km or higher. Destroy enemy vehicles as soon as possible and return. Over.


    When the order was given, 16 AH-1 Ninja attack helicopters split into squadron units.


    Chuff, chuff, cuff.


    The engine sound of the AH-1 Ninja attack helicopters went up. They increased their speed. The AH-1 Ninja attack helicopters began preparation to attack the Corean tanks which were currently splitting into two groups, crossing the railing of Road 126.


    Each AH-1 Ninja attack helicopter had two 70mm Hydra rocketunch tubes and eight Hellfire missiles. It was also equipped with two self-developed short-range air-to-air missiles, JM-104 missiles.


    After a while, a White Tiger tank entered the attack range of the AH-1 Ninja attack helicopter. The helicopterunched the 70mm Hydra rockets mounted on both wings at once. In an instant, a fire broke out and a thick smokescreen emerged. Neen 70mm Hydra rockets burst into mes and hit the Corean tanks.


    The White Tigers were moving on the field in the long ridge of both sides of Road 126. Soil soared where the White Tiger tanks were. The White Tiger tanks emitted a powerful SECM. ordingly, the Hydra rockets missed their aiming points. Of the 200 Hydra rockets, only a few of them hit the tanks. Those which were hit by the 70mm Hydra rockets did not even break.


    Squadron Commander Shibano Doramaru ordered a second attack.


    ¨C Fire the Hellfire missiles!


    The primary Hydra rocket attack was indiscriminate. The second attack was a blow-off attack, aiming precisely at the top of the main turret of the Corean White Tigers with a Hellfire missile.


    As Squadron Commander Shibano Doramaru issued the second attack order, the armed officers of the AH-1 Ninja attack helicopters fired Hellfire missiles at the White Tiger tanks that had locked onto the aiming point of their helmet visor.

 Chapter 303

    <h4>Chapter 303</h4>


    The White Tiger tanks went zigzag, trying to avoid the 70mm Hydra rockets. Then, they also fired ck Dragon missiles from theunch tubes on both sides of their main turrets. The ck Dragon missiles flew with trails of blue mes. The Hellfire and ck Dragon missiles passed each other and crashed. A series of rough explosions urred simultaneously in the air and on the ground.


    Boom! Booooom! Boom!


    The Japanese military did not have enough information about the anti-aircraft system of the Corean White Tiger tanks. 16 AH-1 Ninja attack helicopters were shot down by the ck Dragon missiles, without even the opportunity to evade them. They fell to the ground like fallen leaves in autumn. Due to the counterattack by the White Tiger tanks, the pilots of the 16 AH-1 Ninja attack helicopters, including Squadron Commander Shibano Doramaru, could notplete their mission and died.


    Meanwhile, several C-3 White Tiger tanks were also hit by Hellfire missiles in the upper part of the main turrets, but only a few optical pieces of equipment were smashed. There were no internal damages. So, there were no casualties.


    It was a widely-epted theory that in war tactics, it was good to use attack helicopters to fight against tanks. However, as the battalion-ss attack helicopters were annihted by the anti-aircraft missiles of the tanks, it showed that this tactic was not entirely effective.


    But this time, 155 high-explosive bombs began to fall from the sky like hail on the White Tiger tanks which had just crushed the 1st Attack Helicopter Battalion of the 7th Aviation Group.


    Major General Harumachi Kensey of the 7th Armored Division, who had heard the news that the 1st Attack Helicopter Battalion had been destroyed, gave an order to the 7th Artillery Regiment to begin the attack.


    The 7th Artillery Regiment was organized into four artillery battalions. Each artillery battalion had twopanies and headquarter management units. All of these artillery battalions operated 52 calibers, 155mm Type 99 self-propelled artillery.


    Type 99 self-propelled guns were slightly inferior in performance to the C-9 self-propelled guns. The C-9 self-propelled gun was the old version of the self-propelled gun in the Corean army. However, the Type 99 self-propelled guns were still good enough guns, but they were too expensive for the Japan Self-Defense Forces.


    Each Type 99 self-propelled gun was insanely priced at 960 million yen per unit. As a result, the number of deployments per year had been decreased by 50% of the previous n. Currently, only 176 Type 99 self-propelled guns were deployed inbat, and 14 artillery battalions operated them. Of these, 28% were in the 7th Artillery Regiment.


    Boom! Boom! Wham!


    Forty-eight Type 99 self-propelled guns of the four artillery battalions shot armor-piercing bombs at the speed of six rounds per minute. The area where the White Tigers were moving was razed. However, due to the limitations of the shells, there were no armor-piercing shells that fell on the turrets of the White Tiger tanks. Also, even if the area of the upper turret was hit by armor-piercing shells, it was impossible to break because it was made of Hydronium.


    Pirs of soil rose. The 10th Artillery Battalion, part of the Capital Artillery Brigade, which had been maneuvering with the 26th Armored Brigade entered the procedure of cannonball fire as the enemy appeared.


    The 10th Artillery Battalion had three batteries, Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie. They kept a three-shift system of radiating heat, dissipation, and maneuvering. That way, they could constantly fire without interruption. In other words, when the Alpha battery radiated heat, the Bravo battery would prepare to leave, and the Charlie battery would start moving. By deploying such a sequential artillery tactic, one battery unconditionally maintained heat dissipation, so when a call sign came in from another unit or an enemy shell was detected, it was able to fire immediately.


    A C-9 self-propelled gun was said to be a masterpiece of self-propelled artillery. Its improved version, the C-9A1 Lightning SPG, had a maximum range of 85km. Also, the powerful DP-ICPDM (dual-purpose modified sma cluster bomb) was used, with ammunition and charge integrated.


    The FDC Armored Vehicle was an artillery unit and was equipped with its own artillery mini-radar. It would calcte the specifications for the source of the bombardment after detecting the enemy shell. After that, it would transmit the calctions to six C-9 SPGs. Everything happened in just 20 seconds.


    DP-ICPDM bombs were fired from six barrels that had radiated in the shape of W. The C-9A1 Lightning SPG operated a fully automatic reloading system capable of firing up to 30 rounds in three minutes. This fired bombs with a loud explosive sound, recoiling every 6 seconds. It shot DP-ICPDM bombs into the air.


    The 7th Artillery Regiment was on the field at the front of the New Yokota underground bunker. They had been radiating and firing at the White Tiger tanks. The DP-ICPDM bombs reached the 1st and 2ndpanies of the 1st Battalion of the 7th Artillery Regiment. The shell exploded in the air for the first time, spraying sma cluster bombs.


    Boom! Boooom! Wham! Bam! Boooom!


    There were 20 sub-bombs per DP-ICPDM bomb. They turned areas of a 25m radius into a sea of fire. The cluster bombs could prate the armor of Type 90 tanks. Therefore, the tops of the turrets of Type 99 self-propelled guns were torn like a sheet of paper. The bombs heated the inside of the turrets. One self-propelled gun was beaten by three cluster bombs and melted, turning into a giant pir of fire.


    The DP-ICPDM bombs of the Corean C-9A1 self-propelled artillery fell in session and destroyed twopanies of the 1st Artillery Battalion in only three minutes. Next, the 2nd Artillery Battalion was set as the next target. The 2nd Artillery Battalion had finished shelling at 3km to the west and was preparing to escape.


    The C-9A1 self-propelled guns fired DP-ICPDM bombs, their barrels turned towards the 2nd Artillery Battalion. Six bombs broke through the air, making a strange sound like the cry of a giant, and exploded in the air near the 3rd and 4thpanies of the 2nd Artillery Battalion, which had just begun to move.


    Boom!


    Along with the first air explosion, numerous cluster bombs were fired into the surrounding air. Steel rain poured down on the 2nd Artillery Battalion. Several Type 99 self-propelled guns were hit by the cluster sub-bombs and crashed down onto the ground, emitting dark red smoke and fire.


    The remaining 3rd and 4th artillery battalions began the counterbattery attack at the Corean battery. As a result, 155mm self-propelled artillery shells from both countries flung over 20km from the ground, aiming at each other.


    Meanwhile, the 8th Tank Battalion and the 35th Tank Battalion of the 26th Armored Brigade, which was advancing through zigzag evasive maneuvers through the pouring armor-piercing bomb storm, elerated further and ran at the maximum speed that could be achieved on the field.


    The 8th Tank Battalion, which was moving on the field from the left on Route 126, turned left to face the 73rd Tank Regiment of the 7th Armored Division, which had detoured to Ichihara to hit the rear of the 26th Armored Brigade. Also, the 35th Tank Battalion attempted to enter the city to defeat the 71st Tank Regiment, which was aiming for the Corean White Tigers, hiding among buildings in various ces in Ichihara city.


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    First, the 35th Tank Battalion fired photon cannons at once toward downtown Ichihara. The buildings in which the Type 10 tanks hid copsed from the indiscriminate bombing. The shrapnel scattered everywhere.


    The small, 4 ¨C 5 story buildings copsed one by one at the power of the photon cannons. Various debris and fragments poured down over the Type 10 tanks that were ambushing. Some tanks were buried by the wreck of concrete.


    The damage on the Japanese tanks was biasedly high. Since the Corean tanks were firing beyond their attack range, the Japanese tanks began to back off into the inner city. The Corean tanks maneuvered at high speed and aimed photon cannons fiercely at the Type 10 tanks.


    ***


    February 26, 2021, 17:20


    New Yokota underground bunker, Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Themanders of the Joint Command Office had an emergency meeting an hour ago. They all had agreed without objection to the operation that was suggested by Chief of Staff Masaki Hajime. Therefore, each of them held a second meeting with themanders of the relevant military so that they could start the operation immediately.


    Then, the operator in charge ofmunications reported in a sad voice. ¡°This is a report from the 6th Motorized Infantry Division of the North Eastern Army. Twenty minutes ago, the 1st Vehicle Infantry Regiment, a subordinate unit that defended the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building, the Assault Regiment of the 12th Air Mobile Assault Brigade, which was a reinforcement force, and the 32nd Armored Regiment of the 1st Armored Division have been almost wiped out. The remaining people have retreated to the rear. It is said that the current 5km area, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building, has fallen into the hands of the Corean military.¡±


    All reports from the units currently in charge of defending Tokyo were gloomy.


    Chief of Staff Masaki Hajime said, biting his lower lip, ¡°Wasn¡¯t Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building defended by the regiment-ss? We also sent assault forces and tank regiment! How they could lose? How big was the Corean army?¡±


    ¡°Apparently, it was a battalion-sized infantry but we received the report that all their infantrymen were wearing heavy armor suits.¡±


    ¡°Only a battalion-sized? Even if they wore heavy armor suits or whatever, how the hell did they defeat a division-sized force!¡± Chief of Staff Masaki Hajime threw a ss onto the floor in rage.


    ng!


    For an instant, the situation room was silent as if time had stopped. The suffocating stillness was broken by the words of the Army Chief of Staff Takitayo Ohjiro.


    ¡°Sir! We have selected members of the special forces who will fight to the death.¡±


    Chief of Staff Masaki Hajime, who was staring at the screen with a serious expression, opened his eyes wide and asked, ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Fifty people are on standby.¡±


    ¡°Fifty people... That should be enough to stop the Corean soldiers for now. Alright! Then what is going on with the tactical nuclear bombs?¡± Masaki Hajime turned his head to the Director of Defense Watanabe Hideaki and asked.


    ¡°Yes, sir. The soldiers you sent and our staff are working on it in the warehouse.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you can bring that here safely?¡±


    ¡°I will make sure to bring them here safely.¡±


    ¡°Good. This will be thest chance for our self-defense forces.¡±


    ¡°But sir, don¡¯t we have to report this to the deputy prime minister?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that,¡± Masaki Hajime said shortly.


    Then, anothermunications operator reported, ¡°Currently, the brigade-level armored unit that advanced to Ichihara via Route 126 has begun the battle with the 7th Armored Division.¡±


    It was only 13km away from the New Yokota underground bunker to Ichihara. In other words, the Corean military had almost arrived at where they were.


    ¡°Use all avable forces to stop the Corean army.¡±


    Currently, the only forces defending the New Yokota underground bunker were these: Units directly under the 7th Armored Division, the 72nd Tank Regiment, the 11th Mechanized Infantry Regiment, the 2nd Attack Helicopter Battalion of the 7th Aviation Division, and the Guard Brigade.


    ¡°Director Watanabe, we need to hurry. Also, Army Chief of Staff Takitayo Ohjiro, be prepared to dispatch the special force members as soon as we get the tactical nuclear bombs. I will meet Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The operation suggested by Chief of Staff Masaki Hajime was the tactic called Kamikaze, which was used to attack Pearl Harbor during World War II. In the 21st century, once again, Japan was preparing suicide bombers to jump into enemy camps with nuclear backpacks in the name of a desperate fight against the Corean army.

 Chapter 304

    <h4>Chapter 304</h4>


    February 26th, 2021 17:30


    The Yokota underground bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    ¡°Just where am I supposed to go?¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro asked in a nervous tone after hearing the jointmander.


    ¡°You must evacuate to Hokkaido¡¯s 3rd fighter wing air force base, sir!¡±


    ¡°Must I go there?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you hear the cannon fire from the enemy, sir? We don¡¯t know when the city will fall to the Corean military. Hokkaido still has two fighter wings standing, and it is recruiting additional forces through the draft. We must first retreat there, and prepare for a retaliation. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    ¡°Are youing with me then, jointmander?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. We will stay here and defend the city against the Corean military.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case, then I should also remain...¡±


    ¡°If the city falls to the Corean military, then Japan will be a defeated nation. Shouldn¡¯t the prime minister¡¯s cab at least retreat to Hokkaido and regroup to take back the city?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I understand. However, if the Corean forces do take the city as you have said, Joint Commander Masaki, our military will no longer have amanding headquarter. How will we prepare for the retaliation?¡±


    ¡°The navy¡¯s and air force¡¯smanders will apany you, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I understand. I will do as you say.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s not much time. Deputy prime minister, I have prepared a submarine at Kamogawa Port. You can take it to Tomakomai Port. We need you to prepare for your departure immediately. My men are already instructing the other cab members.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will be prepared within 30 minutes.¡±


    Click!


    Joint Commander Masaki Hajime saluted the deputy prime minister and left his office. He wasn¡¯t able to report to Aso Taro about his n to drop a nuclear bomb on their own soil as a final Kamikaze tactic. He figured that the deputy prime minister would have opposed the idea.


    As the jointmander continued to think and walk towards themand center, the explosions became louder.


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 17:30


    Ichihara city at Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    A battle between Corea¡¯s 35th armored battalion and Japan¡¯s 71st armored regiment was raging on at the heart of the city. The roads were littered with burning cars and debris from buildings. Some low-rise buildings were on fire as well.


    Ichihara city became a prime example to show the brutality of war from the numerous photon rounds and tank rounds flying both opposing sides. Most of the Ichihara citizens had fled south and civilian casualties were low, but the remaining few ended up dying from the tanks¡¯ gunfire.


    Japan¡¯s 73rd armored regiment under the 7th division attempted to ambush Corea¡¯s 26th armored brigade¡¯s rear, but they were ambushed by Corea¡¯s 8th armored battalion instead. Their formation was broken and the 7th division had no choice but to fight their new enemy.


    Pew! Pew!


    Boom! Bang! Booooom!


    A Type 10 tank was struck directly on its side by a photon round, and its pieces started to fly everywhere. The Type 10 tank, which was exorbitantly expensive yetcking in defensive capabilities, copsed on itself after shooting out mes.


    The armored urban battle was a one-sided massacre. At the start of the battle, there were 44 Corean tanks against Japan¡¯s 55. After 20 minutes, it was 44 to 11. Had the battle been at a field instead of an urban setting, the 73rd armored regiment would already have been wiped out.


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 17:40


    The 126 road near Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    Japan¡¯s 7th armored division had used its Type 10 tanks to block off the fournes of the 126 road 7km away from the 103rd mechanized infantry battalion¡¯s location. The 3rdpany¡¯s C-23 Hyun-mu armored vehicles started to prepare for battle as they moved closer towards the enemy. Corea¡¯s Hyun-mu tanks were equipped with armored ting that rivaled a tank, 50mm photon cannon, sixteen sma cluster rounds, and eight 60mm GTGAS-60 ck Dragon missiles. They had a history of being victorious against China¡¯s 3.5th generation tanks despite being outnumbered. The C-23P Hyun-mu armored vehicles were armed to the teeth with thetest weapons. The 103rd mechanized infantry battalion¡¯s 1st toonunched sma cluster rounds at the enemy.


    Booom~ Booom~ Boom~ Booooooom~


    Over a hundred 50mm sma cluster rounds flew off in an arc and headed south.


    When the Hyun-mu armored vehiclesunched their sma cluster rounds, the Type 10 tanks made evasive maneuvers and moved forward to avoid them.


    However, they were too close to the source, and the sma cluster rounds ended up falling on the Type 10 tanks.


    Small andrge explosions continued.


    Boom! Boom! Boooooooom!


    The Type 10 tanks on the lead were hit at the upper main turret. They caught on fire, exploded, and stopped moving. The other Type 10 tanks behind them were all blocked off now.


    -Retreat! Move to the ins on our side! ¨C


    The 7th reconnaissance squadron¡¯s leader Yokoni Ken shouted on the radio. The Type 10 tanks at the rear that had stopped moving all ran over the guardrails and left the area.


    The 100 sma cluster rounds had taken out half of the 7th reconnaissance squadron¡¯s Type 10 tanks. Fifteen Type 10 tanks were on fire and copsed on the road, while the surviving tanks all started speeding away from the sma cluster rounds¡¯nding sites.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Pirs of dirt started to rise between the Type 10 tanks that attempted to move away and more of them were hit. Once the Type 10 tanks moved in range of the Hyun-mu armored vehicle¡¯s 120mm 44-round cannon, they started to fire at the enemy.


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 18:30


    Kamogawa Port at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    The Japanese Navy¡¯s entire submarine force was gathered at the depths of the eastern seaboard. 80% of the nation¡¯s naval forces had been lost. Japan¡¯s military concluded that if the Corean military were to deploy additional forces from the east, then defending the city would be impossible. Therefore, they had deployed every single one of its submarines in the area.


    The Japanese Navy had lost numerous submarines against the Corean Navy. It used its remaining six Oyashio ss and eight Soryu ss submarines to guard the nation¡¯s depths against enemy ships and submarines along Yokosuka Port. Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro and his entourage had just arrived at Kamogawa Port where the surviving 11th escorting fleet¡¯s vessels were stationed, and they started to board the Oyashio ss submarines. The only way to reach Hokkaido was through the sea since the roads and airways were both blocked off by the enemy. The ships would be detected by enemy radars, so the only choice was to move in the depths with a submarine.


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 18:40


    Ichihara city, Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Darkness fell on Ichihara, and only a few lights from the buildings were shining. The rest of the buildings throughout the city, including apartments, homes, and shops were all turned off from the ongoing battle, so it was covered in darkness.


    Boom! Boom!


    Tanks from both nations were ying an intense game of hide and seek along the winding roads within Ichihara. Corea¡¯s White Tiger tanks did struggle from the Japanese ambush, but they managed to take down the enemy one by one by relentlessly firing their photon cannons and 12mmser machine guns.


    After 2 hours into the battle, no more Type 10 tanks were left from Japan¡¯s 71st armored regiment¡¯s 35th battalion. All of them had either copsed and burning or had their turret removed from the body and turned into a grotesque disy on the road.


    ¡°Companies! Report in!¡± Lieutenant Colonel Ahn Hyun-joon, themander of the 35th battalion came on the radio.


    ¡°All 14 tanks under the 5thpany are fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°1 tank lost its scope but the rest of the 6thpany¡¯s is also fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°7thpany, all 14 are fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°HQpanies are also safe, sir.¡±


    Despite fighting in a crowded urban environment, the White Tiger tanks werepletely victorious. The ambushes from the Japanese anti-tank infantry did cause them trouble at times, but it was a satisfying one.


    ¡°Great! Everyone, move south and leave Ichihara. The 5thpany will take the lead. Over.¡±


    ¡°5thpany, confirmed! Over.¡±


    ¡°6thpany, confirmed! Over.¡±


    ¡°7thpany, confirmed! Over.¡±


    ¡°HQpany, confirmed! Over.¡±


    The 35th armored battalion moved through Ichihara and started to head towards the new Yokota bunker where the Japanese military¡¯smand headquarters was located.


    Meanwhile, Japan¡¯s 7th armored division¡¯s 73rd armored regiment that had attempted to strike Corea¡¯s 26th armored regiment¡¯s rear was ambushed instead by Corea¡¯s 8th armored battalion. None survived the attack. The 8th armored battalion also moved through Ichihara and moved towards the new Yokota bunker as the 35th armored battalion did.


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 18:50


    The 126 road near Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Japan¡¯s 7th reconnaissance squadron, which was considered the elite force under the 7th armored division, was taken out by the Hyun-mu armored vehicles from Corea¡¯s 103rd mechanized infantry battalion.


    Numerous Type 10 tanks were burning and emitting smoke from being hit by the sma cluster rounds and 50mm photon cannons on the 126 road and the fields around the area. The 33 Type 10 tanks were all copsed on the floor and made a grotesque disy.


    The 26th armored regiment had destroyed the 7th armored division¡¯s primary defensive forces and were moving towards the new Yokota bunker. They saw Japanese citizens along the roads and the city, wearing backpacks. The citizens seemed like refugees running away, but something was suspicious about them.


    The refugee group consisted only of young men and they were all wearing hats to cover up their short hair. Based on their movements, they did not seem like normal citizens. It was even more suspicious that they were moving towards the Corean military instead of moving away from them.


    The 35th armored battalion that had moved out of Ichihara to get on Route 126 detected three suspicious shadows. The 6thpany¡¯s 614 tank reported it to thepanymander after first seeing them.


    -This is Crow 4! Detecting three glowing objects 260m away where the civilians are. ¨C


    -This is the nest! Are you sure they are civilians? Are they armed? ¨C


    -Yes, based on our... Huh? ¨C


    The 614 tank¡¯smander changed the vision mode on his periscope. When he changed from infrared to maic vision mode, he saw radiationing from the backpacks the civilians were carrying.


    -Crow 4. What is it? ¨C


    -We are detecting radiation. ¨C


    -What? ¨C


    -They have nukes. ¨C


    -What are you waiting for? Stop them! ¨C


    The 614 tank turned its turret towards the civilians that gave out nuclear radiation and attempted to fire its cannon. However, arge explosion urred and a giant mushroom cloud rose into the air.


    Booom~ Wooosh~


    A nuclear explosion of a 10Kt ss bomb rang out. Everything within a 150m radius evaporated and a heatwave started to spread out in a sh.


    The 35th armored battalion was also swept by the nearby nuclear explosion. The 45t White Tiger tanks were all flipped over by the shockwave.


    The explosion not only took out the 35th armored battalion, but also the 26th armored brigade¡¯s 8th armored battalion, and the 103rd mechanized infantry battalion which took down the 7th reconnaissance squadron as well. Therge mushroom cloud marked the area as it wiped out the surrounding region.


    Boooom~


    An hour and a half ago, 12 men from the Japanese special forces were selected to wear the backpacks equipped with nuclear bombs, and they infiltrated Ichihara under the cover of darkness. When night fell on the city, they moved as close as they could to the Corean armored forces and detonated the bombs.


    The nukes went off in four different areas. They destroyed the Corean armored forces and Ichihara. The city had now be the 3rd city in the nation to be hit by nuclear bombs in Japanese history along with Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

 Chapter 305

    <h4>Chapter 305</h4>


    February 26th, 2021, 19:30


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House emergency situation center underground bunker (the President¡¯s office)


    Japan¡¯s unexpected use of tactical nukes propelled Chairman Kang Ui-sik from the joint chief of staff to visit the Blue House¡¯s underground bunker after he analyzed the damages done to the 26th armored brigade. Chairman Kang took the hyperloop mothership and immediately headed there.


    President Suh Hyun-woo, the minister of national defense, the national security director, and the chief secretary had been notified of his visit and were already waiting for Chairman Kang¡¯s arrival anxiously.


    Soon, the office doors opened and Chairman Kang¡¯s entourage entered. President Suh Hyun-woo sensed something was wrong by the look on Chairman Kang¡¯s face.


    ¡°I apologize for my sudden visit, Mr. President...¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. It¡¯s a national emergency so the hour is not an issue. Now, have a seat and please tell us what brings you here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun had apanied Chairman Kang. As the operations director, he walked up to the briefing screen, plugged the USB into theputer, and started the briefing.


    President Suh Hyun-woo was hoping the bad feeling in his gut caused by Chairman Kang¡¯s visit near the end of the war would be proven wrong and nced at the screen.


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun started his briefing and a map of Chiba prefecture with Ichihara at the center showed up. There were four red circles marked on it.


    ¡°The 26th armored brigade under the capital armored division was moving to attack the new Yokota bunker hosting the joint militarymand and prime minister¡¯s cab when they were attacked by Japan¡¯s tactical nuke strikes by the Kamikazes at 19:00. These four red circles mark where the bombs went off.¡±


    ¡°Japan used nuclear weapons? How did the nation own tactical nukes? And they made a Kamikaze attack in the 21st century using suicide bombers...¡±


    ¡°It really seems that the Japanese have lost their mind,¡± President Suh said with wide eyes.


    Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae agreed with President Suh.


    ¡°Japan had the technology to create 5-10kt ss nuclear bombs with a 40kg warhead within 5 months. They also had enough plutonium to create over 50 bombs within 10 months.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the war start 2 months ago? This means Japan had ignored the anti-nuclear weapons pact and created nuclear weapons in secret, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. I believe that is what we can conclude at this point,¡± Minister Kang Hyun-soo answered him.


    Chairman Kang spoke up when the conversation had stopped Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun¡¯s briefing. ¡°Mr. President, sir! I think it would be better to discuss matters after we are done with the briefing as we have a lot to report, sir...¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    The briefing continued thanks to Chairman Kang¡¯s intervention.


    ¡°We will now report the damages done to the 26th armored brigade. Please direct your attention to the upper left screen.¡±


    The detailed information about the damages sustained by the 26th armored brigade showed up on the upper left screen. The 35th armored battalion had taken thergest hit. 70% of its forces had been annihted since the battalion was the closest to the st site.


    ¡°As you can see, the 26th armored brigade has lost over 60% of its power. We have concluded that the 26th armored brigade is no longer operational for the time being. They can no longer march towards the Yokota bunker to attack Japan¡¯s militarymand. We have ordered the 26th armored brigade to retreat to Chiba Prefecture to regroup and perform maintenance on their tanks.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun finished speaking, President Suh Hyun-woo spoke in a concerned tone, ¡°184 injured and 240 deaths... This is thergest casualty we have suffered since the war against Japan started. Whew~¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! There could be more tactical nuke strikes. Japan is currently using nuclear weapons within its own soil, which means it couldmence more attacks like these at other areas across the country.¡±


    Chairman Kang¡¯s words made the entire office¡¯s mood turn grim.


    ¡°Additional nuclear attacks... I also agree that could be possible. Do you have any solutions for them?¡±


    ¡°If Japan¡¯s nuclear strikes involved missiles or rockets, then we could at least attempt an interception, but since its military is using soldiers with backpacks disguised as civilians as they did to the 26th armored brigade, we cannot prevent further attacks. Therefore...,¡± Chairman Kang stopped speaking and trailed off.


    ¡°Tell us, Chairman Kang!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! Japan continued to fight during the Second World War but only gave up after being hit by two nuclear bombs. The only solution is to annihte the nation since we can no longer identify friend or foe from the Japanese military disguising themselves as civilians. We mustmence an attack that will wipe out the entire nation to make them surrender.¡±


    ¡°Aplete annihtion of Japan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It was what the U.S. had nned to do to Japan during World War II. I believe we must attempt to do the same.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t this cause issues with the internationalmunity? What justification do we have?¡±


    Chairman Kang responded to the president in a firm tone when President Suh Hyun-woo spoke with his arms crossed. ¡°As we have reported, a nation that had joined the anti-nuclear weapons pact used tactical nukes and a suicidal bomber force disguised as civilians that makes it difficult to identify the enemy. These two reasons alone would be enough to justify an attack that could wipe out Japan.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo looked around at the other people in the office. ¡°What does everyone else think? Please speak up.¡±


    ¡°I agree with Chairman Kang. Mr. President!¡±


    When the Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo spoke after raising his hand, National Security Director Oh Jang-soo also expressed his agreement. ¡°I agree as well. A nation that is a member of the anti-nuclear weapons pact using nuclear weapons after making them in secret is a clear vition. This alone would justify our military formencing such an attack.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm...¡±


    While the two men who were in charge of the nation¡¯s security favored Chairman Kang¡¯s suggestion, the secretary¡¯s office notified them of an urgent report. Soon, the screen connected to a video call.


    ¡°Sir!¡± Vice-chairman Shin Sung-yong showed up on screen and saluted.


    ¡°What is it, Vice-chairman Shin?¡± Chairman Kang asked.


    ¡°Three minutes ago, tactical nuke strikes have been made at northern Kogaya and western Nishitokyo. We are analyzing the damages to our own troops. As soon as we are done, we will report in, sir,¡± Vice-chairman Shin Sung-yong sinctly gave his report with a grim look on his face.


    ¡°Vice-chairman Shin! Tell the expeditionary forces in Tokyo to go under ss 1 emergency and make sure no civilians are present within a 5km radius. Also, they are authorized to take out any civilian that will notply at their own discretion. We must prevent further losses to our troops.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will give the order immediately. I will report again once we have more information.¡±


    When Vice-chairman Shin Sung-yong disappeared from the screen, the map of Ichihara reappeared. President Suh Hyun-woo seemed to have made up his mind and spoke after standing up from his seat while leaning on the table.


    ¡°Chairman Kang! I will give you full authority to annihte Japan. You can havemand of the operations. Do as you see fit,¡± President Suh spoke clearly with determination. Chairman Kang Ui-sik was given the authority to start his operation without giving any further reports about the expeditionary forces.


    ¡°Yes, thank you, Mr. President!¡±


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 20:20


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Chairman Kang returned from the Blue House and video called every militarymander to discuss the operation to wipe out Japan.


    ¡°The president has given me full authority over the operation. Let¡¯s discuss how we will go through with it.¡±


    The meeting that day was over by 1:00 am the next day.


    Before the operation could begin, every Corean force that was upying cities within Honshu was ordered to retreat to the suburbs by 5:00 am. The Corean military within Honshu, Nagoya, Osaka, and Hiroshima all started to move out. The 20th armored division, capital armored division, and the 9th mechanized infantry division that had marched up to downtown Tokyo all canceled their mission and started to move to the outer regions of the city as well.


    The 2nd militarymand¡¯s 2nd heavy armored brigade¡¯s forces that had taken Tokyo¡¯s city hall and were looking forward to flying the Corean g there, all had no choice but to move away from the city as well.


    * * *


    February 26th, 2021, 23:30


    The Yokota underground bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    ¡°These are the reports from each force at Japan, sir. The Corean military within Tokyo have all moved away from the city. Also, the Corean military and special forces at Nagoya, Osaka, and 20 other cities have all moved to the suburbs as well.¡±


    For once, the militarymanders at the Yokota bunker heard some good news.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, it seems the tactical nukes worked.¡± The army¡¯smander Takitayo Ojiroughed and had a wide grin on his face. However, Joint Commander Masaki Hajime¡¯s face was grimpared to Commander Ojiro.


    ¡°It seems the Corean military backed down way too easily without a fight.¡±


    ¡°Commander! A nuclear strike is no ordinary attack. The damages done to them must have been so severe that they had no choice but to retreat. We must use this chance to retaliate with the forces we have drafted.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we can¡¯t lose this opportunity. We need to use it to reim our nation.¡±


    The Kamikaze attack had stopped the Corean military¡¯s march into Tokyo and made them retreat. Joint Commander Masaki Hajime was satisfied by the results but he also couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit uneasy.


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 05:20


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Themanders at the joint chief of staff watched the progress of the Corean forces¡¯ retreat located at cities across Japan all night. When every force from the expeditionary force had finished retreating from the cities, they went into the final confirmation for the operation.


    The operators within themand center started cing dots and icons on the digital map as they were receiving updates about the location of over 100 battalions within Japan.


    ¡°Chairman Kang, sir! As of this moment, every single force in Japan haspleted moving away from our targeted locations!¡± Brigade General Hwang Dae-hoon, the vice-operations director in charge of checking on the progress of the expeditionary forces¡¯ movements, reported in.


    Chairman Kang, who managed to stay awake the whole night by drinking strong coffee, ced his cup on the table and stood up.


    He nced at his watch before giving his orders, ¡°The time is 05:25, tactical missilemand, aerospacemand, and air forcemand are to conduct the mission at 05:30, 5 minutes from now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will ry the orders to each strategicmand, now.¡±


    Themunication operators opened up the channels and gave out the chairman¡¯s orders to each military force¡¯s strategicmand.


    ¡°My... It seems bombs more powerful than nuclear weapons will fall on Japanese cities again 76 years after 1945,¡± Vice-chairman Choi Ho-il smiled and nced at the screen.


    There wereunch vehicles prepared tounch Hyunmu-PIP missiles with a range of 5,000km across Corea. Each vehicle had six rounds of Hyunmu-PIP missiles loaded, and each warhead was a sma cluster round that matched the power of a 1Mt nuclear bomb.


    The Zeus 2 satellite, 36,000km above Japan¡¯s atmosphere was preparing tounch its C-SH II Zinog missiles from its four-round MLRSunch tubes. Finally, eight CB-30P Blue Dragon bombers from the 15th special forces fighter wing with 40 rounds of C-PAB sma cluster bombs were flying towards Honshu.

 Chapter 306

    <h4>Chapter 306</h4>


    October 2nd, 2023, 20:05 (Kurdistan Standard Time 14:05)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Maku, 5km east of Azerbaijan Park


    While seven drones exploded in the sky in an eruption of red and ck mes, the remaining drones fired their rockets at the 311 armored vehicle. The 311 armored vehicle was still moving despite being showered by rockets, and it avoided the me pirs rising up from the ground by making evasive maneuvers, weaving left and right.


    A single rocket fell on the road and caused a huge explosion in front of the 311 armored vehicle that was roaring its engine as it turned right. The shockwave that tore through the air threw different types of shrapnel and rocks at the side of the 311 armored vehicle.


    Boom! Smack, smack, smack, smack!


    As the blunt sounds of shrapnel hitting the side of the armored vehicle continued, the infantry crew aboard holding onto the safety handles became more and more anxious. Many of them started to either swear or groan.


    Boom!


    Another ufortable explosion rang out and the shockwave shook the armored vehicle.


    The explosion this time came from the upper turret and it was so loud everyone¡¯s ears started to ring. Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu, who had attempted tounch the 6th ck Dragon missile, bit down on his lower lip after seeing his anti-air disy cracking up and shutting down.


    Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu was angered by this and swore after mming his fist, ¡°God f-ing damn it!¡±


    Luckily, they managed to avoid an internal explosion, but the optical equipment on top of the turret seemed to have beenpletely destroyed. That meant they could not even use the 8mmser Vulcans to retaliate. Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu looked through the periscope and saw Staff Sergeant Ahn Kang-man, who was busily firing his cannon at the drones.


    The only weapon that could take the drones down was the 50mm photon cannon on board. However, taking down a drone weaving in and out of the sky while the armored vehicle moved around was not easy. However, Staff Sergeant Ahn Kang-man was the battalion¡¯s top gunner and he managed to take down two drones.


    There were now four drones left, and a single rocket left on board. One of the drones made a wide turn to the 3 o¡¯clock direction andunched a rocket at the 311 armored vehicle¡¯s nks.


    The drone¡¯s pilot must have concluded that the armored ting was too strong and targeted the side of the vehicle.


    Wooosh~


    The rocket drew a white trail of smoke and started to dig into the 311 armored vehicle¡¯s nks. The armored vehicle attempted to turn at an 80-degree angle to avoid the rocket. Unfortunately, the rocket was a bit faster and ultimately ended up mming into the vehicle¡¯s lower side and exploded. A shock that was more powerful than the others shook the vehicle. It had lost bnce and started to tilt and shake before veering off the road and stopping.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The 311 armored vehicle narrowly avoided turning over, and deployed its multi-area wavelength smoke bombs to cover the area with smoke.


    ¡°Corporal Oh! What are you doing? Move!¡±


    Corporal Oh Kang-ho¡¯s despair-filled voice answered Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu, ¡°Commander! The hit we just took blew out the two right tires and our joints must be out. The right side of our vehicle is unable to receive power.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    The thing that the lieutenant was most concerned about had be the reality. Every vehicr armored vehicle¡¯s greatest weakness was its tires. On top of that, their power supply¡¯s universal joint was now out, so they could no longer move.


    ¡°Things are getting worse. Damn it!¡±


    While Corporal Oh Kang-ho and the lieutenant were talking to each other on the radio, Staff Sergeant Ahn Kang-man¡¯s shouts came through.


    ¡°Another one is down! There¡¯re three left, sir.¡±


    However, Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu did not hear him. He was too busy thinking about whether to have his infantry crew dismount or not. The smoke from the smoke bombs would disappear with each passing second. If he hesitated, then everyone aboard would be burnt to a crisp.


    ¡°Crew! Everyone, dismount. As soon as you get out, take cover in the surroundings-,¡± Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu was about to give the order to dismount to his infantry crew, but stopped.


    The remaining three drones blew up simultaneously from the missiles that flew in from nowhere. These were the ck Dragon missilesunched by the 312 armored vehicle that wasing towards them from 1km away.


    ¡°Whew! We¡¯re safe. I just wish they had shown up faster!¡±


    When Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun, themander of the 312 armored vehicle, heard about the appearance of the unidentified drones and the rocket strikes, he left his infantry crew in the vige of Honduras and rushed into the scene.


    Had the 312 armored vehicle not make it in time, and the 311 armored vehicle was struck by additional rocket rounds from the drones after the smoke cleared, then they would have met their maker.


    -This is Mashed Potatoes (312 armored vehicle)! Steamed Corn (311 armored vehicle), are you all right?


    ¡°This is Steamed Corn! We¡¯re safe, thanks to you, Mashed Potatoes. Over.¡±


    -This is Mashed Potatoes, can you move, Steamed Corn?


    ¡°This is Steamed Corn! That¡¯s a no-go for us. Over.¡±


    The 311 armored vehicle was saved thanks to the 312 armored vehicleing to the rescue. After the battalion¡¯s rescue vehicle arrived, they were towed back to the city of Maku.


    Reports about the drone were sent straight to the chain ofmand of the peacekeeping forces and to Corea¡¯s joint chief of staff as well. The joint chief of staff called the militarymanders for a meeting to discuss a solution for the issue in the Middle East.


    * * *


    October 3rd, 2023, 09:00


    The South State, Seoul, Yongsan-ku, the joint chief of staff meeting room


    The room had 50 military generals in attendance, and it seemed tense since everyone was called back after the report from the aerospace force¡¯s Space Reconnaissance Department about the suspicious military activities of Iran two days ago.


    ¡°Iran finally seems to be taking military action. The location on the screen is the ins between Maku and Bozark, the border between Iran and the Republic of Kurdistan.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, standing at the podium in the center of the room, pointed to the screen while leading the meeting.


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun was the corpsmander of the 7th mobile corps during the East Asian War in 2021. He was promoted to operations director of the joint chief of staff in 2022 for his contributions during the war.


    ¡°We will now y the next footage.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun finished, the screen yed another footage.


    It was one with 10 drones flying across the sky whileunching rockets. It was the footage the 311 armored vehicle had filmed during the battle from the night before. The footage showed the 2-round mid-sizedunch tubes equipped on the drones firing rockets the size of an adult¡¯s forearm at the 311 armored vehicle.


    When the 3-minute-long footage finished ying, the screen switched back to the map.


    ¡°Hmm, Iran wouldn¡¯t be able to operate drones and use such new battle tactics. What exactly are those drones?¡± Chairman Shin Sung-yong, who had been promoted from vice-chairman, tapped the table slightly as he asked Lieutenant General Yang Man-chun.


    ¡°Sir! Iran is unable to operate drones in the battlefield. Based on our analysis of the footage, these drones were identified to be simr to Russia¡¯s X-11 multi-copter drones which they had partially deployed to the field. We have another footage prepared.¡±


    As soon as Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun finished speaking, detailed information about the X-11 multi-copter drone started to show up on the screen.


    Sistemprom, the Russian defense industry corporation, was the maker of the X-11 multi-copter drone designed to fight against armored vehicles and tanks. These attack drones were equipped with 2-round MLRS 60mm rockets, and 8mm machine guns that could fire 150 rounds, making them capable inbat, reconnaissance, monitoring, mapping, and transport.


    If they were set with a destination during the free flight mode, it could fly whilemunicating with the other drones at an altitude of 5km and fly a maximum distance of 50km. It also could utilize its thermal imaging equipment to send footage, pictures and other data to the mission control in real-time. These drones could have their routes, movements, and location tracked by GLONASS/GPS navigation systems.


    General Lee Un-hyung, the army¡¯s chief of staff, asked a question while all of the detailed information was being presented. ¡°We didn¡¯t have any data on drones from the report by the Space Reconnaissance Department report two days ago?¡±


    ¡°It seems we were unable to identify them as they were hidden inside the cargo,¡± General Choi Jin-guk, themander of the aerospace force, answered for Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon.


    ¡°Regardless, I guess we must find a way to respond to the Iranian military operating drones,¡± General Kim Un-ho, the air force¡¯s chief of staff, joined in on the conversation with a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s also the reason we have every single militarymander in attendance for the meeting today.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we deploy more expeditionary forces rted to anti-air defense, sir?¡± General Kim Yong-hyun, who was promoted to general and nominated to bemander of the southern state¡¯s federal army and the vice-chairman of the joint chief of staff, started discussing solutions for the matter immediately.


    The meeting continued with many of themanders giving their own opinions, and it came to a close at lunchtime.


    The meeting ended with the decision to use the new and improved C-1001 unmanned sentry Hae-tae drones to face off against the enemy¡¯s unmanned weapons like drones. An unmanned sentry regiment was now being deployed to the Republic of Kurdistan to join the peacekeeping forces. The joint chief of staff made an additional report to the Blue House after they made the decision. It also gave the peacekeeping forces authorization to independently operate a CS-AD Zeus 4 tactical satellite and the CS-SQ 1 reconnaissance satellite.


    * * *


    October 7th, 2023, 16:00 (Iran Standard Time 11:00)


    Iran, Tehran, 12th province, near the Ridley Hotel


    Manager Lee Ja-sung and his agents located Director Run Nigmatullin of Russia¡¯s SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) Middle Eastern branch at the Shariati street within the city four days ago, and they had been tailing him this whole time to collect more intel.


    Director Run Nigmatullin did not make any suspicious activities ¨C until this morning. When he did, Manager Lee Ja-sung and his agents all busily started to move as well.


    Director Run Nigmatullin left the Ridley Hotel and got onto a ck van that seemed to be from the SVR. The van rolled up into the Russian Embassy in Iran. Manager Lee Ja-sung¡¯s agents all hid in the surrounding area of the Russian Embassy, while Manager Lee and Chief Youn Ho-hyun stood by on a roof of a building across from the embassy.


    ¡°I think we¡¯ll get something out of them today, sir!¡± Chief Youn Ho-hyun, who was using the VR-M2 optical equipment to look through the embassy building, quietly spoke to Manager Lee Ja-sung.


    ¡°Of course, we will! We can¡¯t just tail them all day long.¡±


    An hour had passed since the NIS agents started conducting their surveince. Two ck trucks pulled into the Russian Embassy, escorted by Iranian police cars.


    ¡°Chief Youn! Check those trucks!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chief Youn Ho-hyun immediately turned the VR-M2 to the direction of the Russian trucks. There were multiple boxes on the trucks. Then, the disy of the VR-M2 started to outline the objects in the boxes along with information about what they were.


    ¡°What the-! Manager Lee, sir!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Those, those are tactical nukes, sir.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The VR-M2 screen¡¯s radiation readings are off the charts, sir.¡±


    Chief Youn Ho-hyun shook his head and handed Manager Lee Ja-sung the VR-M2. Manager Lee Ja-sung scanned the trucks now going into the Russian Embassy with the equipment.


    As Chief Youn Ho-hyun had said, there were multiple boxes loaded onto the truck, and there were numerous types of tactical nukes and bombs covered by metallic material.


    ¡°Those Russians have finally lost it. They brought tactical nukes to Iran?¡±

 Chapter 307

    <h4>Chapter 307</h4>


    February 27th, 2021, 06:00


    Shinjuku, Tokyo, Honshu, Japan


    Boom! Woooosh~


    A C-SH Zinog II missile fell towards Tokyo¡¯s Shinjuku area and exploded after burrowing 50m below the surface. A magnitude 10 earthquake caused the surface of the earth to twist and shake within a 5km radius. Between the cracks, magma started to rise into the air and swallow up the nearby structures.


    Since the high-rise buildings were designed to withstand up to magnitude 8 earthquake, they started to copse like sandcastles, and the citizens inside also started to fall. The cars parked on the roads and parking lots all melted from the intense heating from the cracks. A single round of the C-SH Zinog-II missile matched the explosive power of a 1Mt nuclear bomb.


    The area 5km within the st site had turned into a living hell. The high-temp fire seemed as if it could rage on for another decade and started to cause the remaining buildings to copse as well.


    As the mes continued to burn at the heart of Tokyo, two CB-30P Blue Dragon bombers that had taken off from the Sungnam air force base entered Tokyo¡¯s atmosphere 20km above the surface. They opened their internal hatch and started to drop 40 rounds of C-PAB sma cluster rounds. The C-PAB sma cluster rounds were designed to free fall and all 40 of them started to fall towards their targets set by the Blue Dragon bombers by adjusting their trajectory with their thrusters.


    Boom! Booooom! Bang!


    These were not as powerful as the Zinog-II missiles, but explosions that matched a 20kt nuclear bomb urred across Tokyo. The bombs had precisely targeted the Japanese military that had been stationed in downtown Tokyo to defend the city.


    The remaining six Blue Dragon bombers flew towards the major cities of Nagoya, Osaka, and Hiroshima in groups of two tomence the bombing.


    The city of Hokkaido that Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro was nning to use as a base to start his retaliation was annihted by the Hyunmu-PIP missilesunched from Corea. The major city of Sapporo, the northern air force¡¯s 2nd fighter wing¡¯s Chitose base, and the 3rd fighter wing¡¯s Misawa base were also wiped off the map. Japan¡¯s anti-air and radar systems including the early warning nes were all gone, so they had no means to stop the attacks. 120 rounds of the Hyunmu-PIP missiles fell upon Hokkaido and this was enough to wipe out the area.


    The Corean military¡¯s retaliation against the Japanese military¡¯s use of tactical nukes started with Tokyo and continued at 20 other major cities in Honshu. A disaster was sweeping across the nation.


    <hr />


    February 27th, 2021, 06:10


    The Yokota underground bunker at Chiba Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    Joint Commander Masaki Hajime had thought the tactical nuclear strikes from the day before bought him some time. When his aide-de-camp woke him up, he rubbed his eyes and asked, ¡°What is it, Aide-de-camp Nakamoto?¡±


    ¡°Commander! It¡¯s an emergency. You must take a look at this.¡±


    ¡°What is it? Why are you in such a fuss?¡±


    ¡°The thing is... The Corean military made nuclear weapon strike across the entire nation except for Kyushu 10 minutes ago, sir.¡±


    ¡°Nuclear weapons? Corea owns nuclear missiles?¡±


    Joint Commander Masaki Hajime then realized the severity of the situation and ran to themand center with just his coat on.


    Themand center was in an uproar from the numerous reportsing in from everywhere. Most of the reports mentioned they were hit by a weapon that rivaled a nuclear bomb, and the forces gathered to retaliate had been annihted. The 1st armored division, 2nd vehicle infantry division, 9th light armored division, 11th vehicle division, 5th mechanized infantry brigade, and 10 newly drafted infantry divisions had all been annihted.


    Joint Commander Masaki Hajime, who thought he could use the tactical nuclear strikes to organize his forces and retaliate against the Corean military, copsed on the floor.


    ¡°Wiped out! What does that mean? Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We are attempting to contact every subordinate force, but the EMP pulses from the explosions or damages are causingmunication issues. We cannot contact any of them.¡±


    If these reports turned out to be true, then there was no more hope left for the Japanese military. Over 160,000 soldiers had been lost and they were thest remaining forces within the Japanese military.


    ¡°They cannot have been taken out so easily. Keep contacting every force until you reach them.¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander.¡±


    ¡°Have we sent in reconnaissance drones to the targeted areas?¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander! We have sent out drones to the regions that were attacked first across Tokyo, including Shinjuku.¡±


    Soon, footage from the drone at Shinjuku, Tokyo came up on the screen at themand center. The powerful EMP pulses from the explosion caused the screen to be staticky and crack up at times.


    ¡°My god... could that really be what¡¯s left of Shinjuku?¡±


    The scene 500m above Shinjuku had turned into chaos from the tectonic te movements. Only ck and red mes from theva spouting out of the cracks lit up the area. Shinjuku had been Japan¡¯srgest cultural hub for business, shopping, and entertainment, and was once considered the heart of Tokyo. Shinjuku station boasted the most traffic with its numerous intersections for buses, rails, and subways, and it had the train station with the greatest number of passengers in the world. It was also the location of the Tokyo City Hall and had the most foreign poption within the 23 counties of Tokyo, but that was in the past now. Everything that was in the area had been wiped clean off the surface.


    The jointmander, the army¡¯s chief of staff, and the other militarymanders could not believe what they were seeing. The scene was more brutal and horriblepared to nuclear sts.


    ¡°The footage from Tsuginami is on screen 2.¡±


    Everyone¡¯s gaze darted towards screen 2 at the operator¡¯s report. Tsuginami county was the area the 1st armored division was tasked with defending. There were no sound buildings in the area except for debris and burning mes. There wasva overflowing between the cracks of the earth, just like Shinjuku. Every other footage from the reconnaissance drones were simr. The city with 30 million people living in it was now no more.


    ¡°What-what kind of weapons did the Coreans use on our territory?¡±


    Joint Commander Masaki Hajime got back on his feet with the aid of his subordinates and felt a rush of regret formencing the Kamikaze attacks with the tactical nukes. It was as if history was repeating itself from World War II when Japan had raided Pearl Harbor and faced brutal retaliation from America.


    ¡°Commander! Shouldn¡¯t we evacuate from the area, sir?¡± The army¡¯s chief of staff, Takitayo Ochiro seemed to be full of fear from the footage of the screen and quietly spoke to the jointmander.


    ¡°Leave the bunker?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Wouldn¡¯t the Corean military attack underground bunkers as well, sir?¡±


    ¡°This is a bunker made by the Americans! It is designed to withstand most nuclear missiles. There is no other ce in our nation safer than here!¡±


    ¡°Even if that is the case, wouldn¡¯t it be useless to stay here after our entire military has been wiped out, sir?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t jump to conclusions. It could just bemunication errors preventing us from reaching them, couldn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see what happened with the reconnaissance drones? Commander!¡±


    ¡°Chief of Staff Kakitayo! We will fight until our dying breath here. No one is leaving this bunker. Do not lower the morale of othermanders and be quiet!¡± Joint Commander Masaki Hajime was adamant.


    While themanders within the underground bunker were arguing, two rounds of the Zinog-II missilesunched by the Zeus 2 satellite was falling at frightening speeds towards the new Yokota bunker.


    <hr />


    February 27th, 2021, 06:20


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Corea¡¯s joint chief of staff was observing the progress of the attacks on Honshu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido in real-time.


    Over 300 rounds of sma cluster rounds that were more powerful than nuclear bombs were used for this mission to wipe out Japan. The Corean military had exhausted all of its sma rounds at Japan. The retaliation against the Japanese military¡¯s use of nuclear weapons had erased every object on the surface of Japan, excluding Kyushu.


    ¡°When will the attack on the Yokota bunker begin, Lieutenant General Kim?¡± Chairman Kang Ui-sik asked.


    Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyun, who was standing next to him, answered immediately, ¡°Two rounds of the Zinog-II missiles will fall on the new Yokota bunker in five minutes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes! This will put an end to the war against Japan for good!¡±


    A few momentster, two rounds of Zinog-II missiles started to fall on the new Yokota bunker 100m below the surface. The bunker started to shake from the explosion. The first Zinog missile dove 50m into the earth before exploding. The next missile that followed the first exploded after reaching 100m into the surface. The explosion tore through the outer and inner steel ting of the bunker as if they were pieces of paper. The high-temperature heatwaves started to seep in through the cracks of the bunker¡¯s ting.


    When the earth started to shift, the bunker was unable to withstand the pressure and copsed. The heating from the cracks of the earth started to vaporize everything within it.


    When the earthquake from the explosions hit the underground bunker, Joint Commander Masaki Hajime, the army¡¯s Chief of Staff Takitayo Ochiro, and many other militarymanders and operators were crushed by the copsed ceiling. The heating from the cracks caused their bodies to burn into ash.


    ¡°Both Zinog-II missiles havended on the new Yokota bunker! The explosions confirm the underground bunker is indeed copsing. I think we got them, sir!¡±


    The operator who received the report from the Apollo 1 satellite ryed the message to themanders watching the screen in the room.


    <hr />


    February 27th, 2021, 06:20


    The depths 154km east of Miyagi prefecture, Honshu, Japan (N 37¡ã49¡¯4.06¡å E 142¡ã39¡¯46.77¡å)


    The Oyashio-ss Kuroshio (SS-596) submarine that had docked at Kamogawa Port to escort Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro and his entourage the day before was silently sailing towards Hokkaido¡¯s 3rd fighter wing Misawa base at 30 knots. When they were 154km east from Miyagi Prefecture, arge wave from an earthquake started to shake the submarine.


    Wooooooosh~ Boooom! Booom!


    When the 4,200t submarine started to rock back and forth from the waves, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, who had never boarded a submarine before, started to shout in a panicked tone. ¡°Argh! What the-! What is that? What¡¯s going on? Are we hit?¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro grasped his face out of fear and started to shake after curling up on the submarine¡¯s floor. Commander Murakawa of the navy helped the minister back on his feet while calming him down.


    ¡°Sir! There¡¯s no need to worry. They¡¯re just waves caused by earthquakes under the surface. It happens from time to time in the depths here.¡±


    The Japanese submarine had mistaken the waves as oneing from undersea earthquakes that happened frequently in the area. There was no way the Kuroshio (SS-596) would know that the entire Japanese territory except Kyushu was up in mes as they had been underseas and sailing silently without any radiomunication for 10 hours.

 Chapter 308

    <h4>Chapter 308</h4>


    February 27th, 2021, 09:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, Blue House¡¯s press center


    President Suh Hyun-woo arrived at the first floor of the press center to make his address to the public about Corea¡¯s use of tactical weapons at 05:30 this morning. Both domestic and foreign press agents started to take photos and the numerous shes greeted the president.


    President Suh Hyun-woo walked up to the podium from behind the stage and adjusted the microphone after he bowed politely.


    ¡°Hello, everyone. This is President Suh Hyun-woo,¡± the president briefly introduced himself and bowed once more. Then, he started to discuss the topics for his national address.


    ¡°Japan had used tactical nuclear weapons to the Corean military forces headed toward the Yokota base in Tokyo five times as of February 26th at 19:00. Our military and Japanese citizens both suffered casualties in great numbers. Over 1,000 men from the Corean military passed away in the line of duty and Japan is estimated to have suffered 500,000 civilian casualties.¡±


    The press agents from Corea and foreign nations gave an outcry of grief.


    ¡°As you are all aware, Japan is a member of the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty). Its use of tactical nukes is a clear vition of the treaty, and its actions can be considered a crime for attacking another member of the treaty.¡±


    Unlike his previous addresses, President Suh Hyun-woo had rage in his eyes and his tone was firm.


    ¡°Therefore, our military fittingly retaliated against Japan after it had used nuclear weapons against another nation that was a part of the NPT. The entire nation has been struck by our military¡¯s ballistic missiles and bombs from our bombers, including major cities, apart from the Kyushu area.¡±


    When the president finished speaking, a screen at the left of the podium lit up to show the horrific scenes of the Japanese cities in ruins. The press agents were all beyond surprised and expressed their shock. They were aware Japan had been attacked by Corea but didn¡¯t know it was this severe. Based on the footage on the screen, Japan was on the verge of copse.


    ¡°The Corean government and military had refrained from using hical or tactical weapons while fighting the war against Japan. Even if we did use them, they were targeted at military bases. However, Japan created and used tactical nuclear weapons in secret despite being a member of the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) and used suicide bombers tomence its attacks across cities in a Kamikaze fashion reminiscent of World War II. These reasons are more than enough to justify our military¡¯s use of tactical weapons as a retaliation. Our beloved citizens of Corea! I would like to use this opportunity to offer a chance to surrender to the Japanese Prime Minister¡¯s cab. That would be the only way for both nations to coexist in the future, and if they don¡¯t, then Japan must suffer second and third attacks that are simr to the one made this morning. With that, I would like to conclude this address. Thank you all for attending.¡±


    President Suh Hyun-woo moved from behind the podium and bowed once more.


    The foreign press agents all raised their hands to ask questions.


    ¡°Robin Henderson from ABC News. Mr. President, just one question, sir.¡±


    There were no ns to take questions from the press, but President Suh Hyun-woo gave a signal to his staff to allow it. Speaker of the Blue House Kang Soo-young, who was attempting to stop the newsagent, stepped back.


    ¡°Yes, we will take one question,¡± President Suh Hyun-woo pointed to Robin Henderson and answered him.


    ¡°Thank you. Mr. President, you have just stated that the Corean government and the military were justified inmencing a brutal attack across Japan that could be considered inhumane based on the reasons that the Japanese government created and used nuclear weapons despite being a member of the NPT. But do you still think the attack is still justified despite the millions of Japanese citizens that died from the attacks, sir?¡± the ABC News reporter asked sharply.


    ¡°Yes, to a nation that is not fighting the war, our reasons could be seen as excuses to attack the enemy. I will not deny it. However, for our nation that had been under the subject of Japanese imperialism for 36 years, things are a bit different. Therefore, these reasons seemed to be justified for our nation, and I believe our military¡¯s actions were not too harsh. An inhumane action... Weren¡¯t all wars throughout history inhumane? Now, I think that is enough for my statement. It¡¯s time to call for an end to this address.¡± President Suh Hyun-woo, who had always given his speeches in a calm and warm tone, answered the question coldly and powerfully to pressure the entire room.


    Once President Suh exited the stage, the foreign press agents all busily started to report back to theirworks so they can break the news.


    Soon, every news channel across the world started reporting about the progress of the war between Corea and Japan. It outlined how this morning the Corean military had used every avable tactical weapon to retaliate against Japan¡¯s use of tactical nukes. The attacks had turned the entire nation into a living hell where millions of Japanese civilians were killed. The news report also mentioned the Corean president¡¯s offer to Japan for their surrender and how the nation wouldmence additional attacks like the one this morning if they didn¡¯t. Every single newswork was a buzz about the Corean president¡¯s statement this morning.


    Some of the nations that were friendly to Japan had criticized the Corean military¡¯s actions as inhumane and cruel for causing so many civilian casualties, while other nations had criticized Japan for breaking the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) by creating nuclear weapons in secret and using them in this war. The news reports from different nations were on two extremes based on how friendly the nation was to either Corea or Japan.


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 11:00


    Downtown Tokyo, Honshu, Japan


    Five hours had passed since the Corean military had bombed every area of Japan excluding Kyushu. Large mes were burning across every area in Japan and outlined the brutal scene. The 20th armored division, capital armored division, and the 9th mechanized infantry division that had evacuated to the suburbs finished their maintenance andmenced their final upation by moving toward Tokyo.


    The areas that were directly hit by the sma cluster rounds still hadrge mesing out from the cracked earth. Some of the mes were 10m high. The 26th armored battalion under the 20th division was moving through these areas. Even though five hours had passed, some of the regions were hard to approach due to the high heat.


    ¡°Wow! This is crazy, isn¡¯t it? We¡¯ve seen this during the war against China, but it seems the explosive power has been upgraded since then. What do you think, Master Sergeant Oh, sir?¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, the gunner of the 712 tank, said as he looked around the Shinjuku area resembling a living hell through his aiming scope.


    ¡°This is horrific! These must be more powerful than any nuclear bomb.¡±


    The roads bent and twisted like taffy. There were a few cars on the roads with only their burnt frames remaining.


    ¡°Whoa! Master Sergeant Oh, at our 3 o¡¯clock, sir.¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo had pointed to the location where the Tokyo City Hall¡ªwhich Master Sergeant Oh desperately wanted to take over¡ªused to stand. The building had copsed on itself, and the site was now covered with debris and piles of rocks.


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s where the Tokyo City Hall used to be right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right, sir. It¡¯s turned to dust.¡±


    ¡°Man. I think that building used to be at least 40 stories high.¡±


    The Tokyo City Hall used to be the symbol of Shinjuku, and it was andmark full of tourists from across the world. It had an observatory deck on the south and north towers. On a good day with nice weather, visitors could see Yokohama and Fuji Mountains. The 45th-story building also had a watchtower with a high-speed elevator that can reach the top in 55 seconds.


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 18:00


    The depths 5km south of Tomakomai Port, Hokkaido, Japan (the Kuroshio¡¯s (SS-596) helm)


    Darkness was creeping toward the skyline when the three Oyashio ss Kuroshio (SS-596), Yaeshio (SS-598), and Mochishio (SS-600) submarines with the deputy prime minister¡¯s entourage aboard started to rise to the surface from 120m below the ocean.


    The Kuroshio (SS-596) had attempted to contact the new Yokota bunker and the Tomakomai Port¡¯s naval base an hour ago, but they did not get any response from both ces. The captain of the Kuroshio (SS-596) decided to approach the port¡¯s vicinity at 5km away and check the surroundings with a periscope after careful consideration.


    ¡°Our depth is 30. We are now at a depth to use our periscope, sir.¡±


    Captain Ichirio Hideyo raised the periscope over the surface and checked the surroundings after hearing the helmsman¡¯s report.


    There were no ships to be seen on the surface. Captain Ichiro Hideyo became wide-eyed and eximed after seeing the Tomakomai Port as he turned the periscope slowly toward its direction.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    ¡°What is it? Captain!¡± the first mate asked him, when he came up.


    ¡°Take a look.¡± Captain Ichiro Hideyo let the first mate use the periscope and stepped back. The expression on his face was grim and full of despair.


    ¡°Th-that¡¯s Tomakomai Port, isn¡¯t it, sir?¡±


    Tomakomai Port was burning, and mes were dancing around at numerous parts of the area. All the ships docked there had sunk, and some masts were seen floating on the surface.


    ¡°It seems they were attacked by the Corean military¡¯s airstrikes, sir,¡± the first mate said after taking his eyes off the periscope.


    ¡°That seems to be the case. This is bad! We must move to a different port!¡±


    ¡°Then, where should we sail to, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, which port in Hokkaido could our submarines dock at?¡±


    The helmsman answered the captain, ¡°Muroran Port would be optimal, sir.¡±


    ¡°Muroran Port? That would take us far away from Misawa base!¡±


    ¡°What choice do we have, sir? I believe the only route we can take is to dock there and go bynd.¡±


    ¡°Very well, set the routes, and I will go speak with ourmander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 18:10


    The depths 5km south of Tomakomai Port, Hokkaido, Japan (the Kuroshio¡¯s (SS-596) bridge)


    ¡°Is that true?¡± Commander of the Navy Murakawa asked after hearing Captain Ichiro Hideyo¡¯s report.


    ¡°It seems they were directly hit by the bombs, sir. Tomakomai Port and the city near it must have been subjected to heavy fire since it is still burning.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Then, we cannot dock there!¡±


    ¡°Yes, so we are nning to sail to Muroran Port, Commander.¡±


    ¡°Muroran Port? How far is it from Asawa base?¡±


    ¡°Using the roads, it will be about 80km away.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s not too far! The deputy prime minister¡¯s health is failing!¡±


    The deputy prime minister was bedridden on the captain¡¯s bed from either severe stress or being seasick from boarding a submarine for the first time in his life.


    ¡°All right, set sail toward Muroran Port! How long will it take?¡± Commander Kinato Takeshi, the air force¡¯s chief of staff asked.


    ¡°Yes, it will take us about two hours, sir. There¡¯s one more thing. We cannot contact the new Yokota bunker and Misawa base.¡±


    ¡°How long has it been since ourst contact?¡±


    ¡°We have reopenedmunications an hour ago, sir.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying we haven¡¯t been able to contact them for over an hour?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s the EMP waves from the Tomakomai Port bombing that¡¯s causingmunication issues?¡±


    ¡°That could be a possibility, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right! Let¡¯s sail to Muroran Port as quickly as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll get things prepared!¡±

 Chapter 309

    <h4>Chapter 309</h4>


    February 27th, 2021, 19:50


    The depths 5km southwest of Muroran Port, Hokkaido, Japan (the Kuroshio¡¯s (SS-596) location)


    The Kuroshio (SS-596) and two other Oyashio ss submarines had changed their destination from Tomakomai Port to Muroran Port. After sailing for two hours, the submarines had arrived at Muroran Port. The Kuroshio (SS-596) and the two other submarines surfaced and started to sail into the inner region of the port.


    Luckily, Hokkaido had not been targeted throughout the war unlike other areas of the country. The citizens of Hokkaido mostly lived out their days in peace, but Muroran Port was quiet.


    Allmercial and fishing ships were docked, and there were no people to be seen anywhere. The port was only full of seagulls flying in the cold winter air from the ocean and otherwise seemed dead.


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro and his entourage started to disembark from the Kuroshio (SS-596) despite not being able to contact the 3rd fighter wing¡¯s Misawa base.


    ¡°Really, there¡¯s no one to guide us? Why is this port so empty?¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro stepped up to the dock feebly and asked in a weak tone after looking around.


    ¡°It seems the assault on Tomakomai Port caused all the citizens to evacuate, sir,¡± the chief of navy¡¯s staff Murakawa answered while helping the deputy prime minister walk.


    Dozens of navy soldiers started to run towards the port. The soldier who seemed to be the senior officer walked up, saluted, then introduced himself.


    ¡°Sir! I am Lieutenant Ochoji Hatse from the Muroran coastguards.¡±


    Lieutenant Ochoji Hatse seemed tense from seeing themander of the Japanese navy.


    ¡°Tell us what happened here!¡± Colonel Yamato Inoue, the operations director of the navy, asked the lieutenant as if to scold him.


    ¡°Ah! Weren¡¯t you aware, sir?¡±


    ¡°Know what? I asked to you give us the details since we don¡¯t know, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Apologies, sir. The Corean military¡¯s attack on Hokkaido this morning annihted Sapporo, the 2nd fighter wing¡¯s Chitose base, the 3rd fighter wing¡¯s Misawa base, the 2nd mechanized infantry division¡¯s Ahashika base, and every other smaller military facility have been wiped out as well.¡±


    The words from Ochoji Hatse were an enormous shock to everyone.


    ¡°The Misawa and Chitose bases have been annihted?¡± The air force¡¯s chief of staff Kitano Takeshi shoved past the aides-de-camp and shouted his question.


    ¡°Yes, based on what we could confirm, they have been wiped out...¡±


    ¡°What?! What kind of attacks they made that the bases were wiped out with a singr strike?¡±


    When Commander Kitano Takeshi asked, Lieutenant Ochoji Hatse seemed to be flustered since he was just a mere coastguard¡¯smanding officer and fell silent. That was when someone pointed in a direction and spoke up.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t, isn¡¯t that where Sapporo is?¡±


    There wereyers ofrge mountains blocking the view from Muroran Port to where Sapporo was, but everyone could see smoke rising from the city. Judging by the distance, there was no doubt Sapporo was on fire.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing, sir...¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Lieutenant Ochoji Hatse, who was already tense from Colonel Yamato Inou yelling at him, gave another shocking report.


    ¡°Could it be- did you not hear about what happened to Tokyo, sir?¡±


    ¡°Tokyo? Tell us!¡±


    ¡°We cannot be sure since all of ourmunication devices are down, but based on the news report from Corea and neighboring nations, Tokyo and other major cities in Honshu have been all hit by the Corean military¡¯s tactical weapons and are now in ruin. The newsworks have been talking about it all day, sir.¡±


    ¡°Is, is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The Corean newsworks and other foreignworks are reporting the same thing.¡±


    ¡°What, what has happened overnight? I must go and see for myself!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will escort you to our office.¡±


    When the deputy prime minister was about to follow the coastguards, the air force¡¯s chief of staff Commander Kitano Takeshi spoke to him.


    ¡°Sir, with your permission, I would like to head to Misawa base.¡±


    Commander Kitano Takeshi wanted to personally see whether Japan¡¯sst air force bases under the 2nd and 3rd fighter wings have been wiped out.


    ¡°Yes. Go and give me a report after you see things for yourself,mander.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. Please stay safe.¡±


    The air force¡¯s chief of staff Kitano Takeshi saluted the deputy prime minister in a disciplined manner and walked to the coastguard¡¯s parking lot.


    Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro and his entourage who had heard the unbelievable news started to move to the coastguard¡¯s office to watch the news from Corea.


    The Corean 24-hour news channel was broadcasting President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s national address from the morning and the footage from the Japanese cities turned to ruins in a split-screen. When Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro heard the snippet of President Suh Hyun-woo suggesting Japan¡¯s unconditional surrender, his legs gave out.


    During World War II, Japan surrendered to the U.S. after being struck by two nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The nation had be the second most powerful economic power after 1950 by using the Korean War as an opportunity to increase industrialization and provide supplies. Old habits seemed to not die so easily, since the descendants of imperialist criminals attempted to return to the ways of their ancestors after Japan became an economic power in the world.


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro had maintained his political career by not favoring either the alt-right or the progressive parties and seeking rtionships that were in his favor. He caught Prime Minister Abe¡¯s eye and was nominated as his deputy. Despite his political standpoint, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro couldn¡¯t help but tear up out of shock after seeing the state of his nation.


    ¡°Half of Tokyo is now in ruins... How could this happen overnight? Try to contact Joint Commander Masaki Hajime at the new Yokota bunker immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, deputy prime minister,¡± Chief of Navy¡¯s staff Murakawa answered Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro and asked lieutenant Ochoji Hatse, ¡°Where is themunication room?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you there, sir.¡±


    Commander Murakawa followed the coastguard¡¯smanding officer and left the room. When there were only government bureaucrats left in the room, Minister of Labor Uchida spoke to the deputy prime minister.


    ¡°Sir! I think we should ept Corea¡¯s offer to surrender.¡±


    Minister Uchida¡¯s words made the entire coastguard¡¯s office freeze.


    Minister of Cab Secretaries Tsuga Yoshihide, who was now second inmand to Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, responded angrily, ¡°What do you mean? Surrender to the Coreans?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you listen to the Corean president¡¯s statement? If we don¡¯t surrender, Corea will attack using their tactical weapons for a second and third time until we do. Must we continue this war that has no shred of hope left? Or will we surrender after our nation turns into an inhabitable burning wreck?


    Corea¡¯s tactical weapons are far more powerfulpared to the nuclear bombs that fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Also, Joint Commander Masaki Hajime¡¯s use of tactical nukes has justified Corea to retaliate by using their own tactical missiles. The internationalmunity is also not on our side,¡± Minister of Labor Uchida, who had been skeptical about the war against Corea from the start, spoke while expressing his opinion.


    ¡°We cannot just unconditionally surrender to Corea now. No, we can¡¯t allow that.¡±


    While Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro was tearing up in his chair, the minister of cab secretaries and minister ofbor continued to argue.


    ¡°Our nation is in ruins once again thanks to the god damned imperialistic ideologies. Am I wrong?¡±


    ¡°Minister Uchida! Choose your words carefully! God damned imperialism, are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Am I wrong? Let¡¯s hear from the other ministers.¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro and the other ministers¡¯ faces were all grim. When the argument became more heated and the conversation started to lose course, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ochi Hurume intervened.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we decide the matter after we can contact jointmander Masaki Hajime at the Yokota base, sir?¡±


    ¡°Minister Ochi! Not you as well...¡±


    Minister of Cab Secretaries Tsuga Yoshihide red at the minister of foreign affairs. Minister Ochi Hurume did not answer him and closed his eyes.


    Chief of Navy¡¯s staff Murakawa returned from themunication office.


    ¡°How did it go? Could you reach them?¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro seemed to have regained hisposure a bit and asked the navy¡¯s chief of staff. However, Commander Murakawa¡¯s face was grim and he did not respond. Colonel Yamato Inoue, the navy¡¯s operation director, answered instead.


    ¡°The thing is, sir... It seems the Yokota base was also hit by the Corean military¡¯s tactical weapon and has been annihted.¡±


    ¡°Re-really? So, that means Commander Masaki Hajime has died in the line of duty?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we were unable to contact the new Yokota base, so we attempted to contact the forces that entered the city. The 9th fighter wing¡¯s surviving forces have confirmed it, sir.¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro seemed to have given up or maybe he had no more tears left. He fell silent and closed his eyes while slumping on his seat.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the status on the forces defending Tokyo?¡± Minister of Cab Secretaries Tsuga Yoshihide asked in Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro¡¯s stead.


    ¡°They, they have been annihted. Every military force at downtown Tokyo and surrounding cities have all been...¡±


    Operations Director Yamato Inoue could not continue.


    ¡°Can everyone leave for a bit? I would like to have a moment to myself,¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro spoke quietly.


    The numerous government bureaucrats and militarymanders all silently left the office. Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro had to start contemting about the thing he didn¡¯t want to in the first ce.


    ¡°Should Japan give up everything we have fought for and ept Corea¡¯s offer for an unconditional surrender or keep fighting... But Japan¡¯s military has lost too much and there are no more forces left to continue the war.¡±


    There was only one answer. Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro had to ept Corea¡¯s offer and surrender unconditionally to Corea.


    To be honest there was nothing left to consider. The only caveat was what kind of terms Corea would want for Japan¡¯s surrender. If Japan were to surrender unconditionally, then it would have to ept every single demand the Corean government made. Therefore, the best option was to not surrender unconditionally but partially give Japan¡¯s own terms as well for the surrender.


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro seemed to have made up his mind after an hour had passed, and called over the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ochi Hurume.


    ¡°Minister Ochi! Contact the Corean government and tell them we will surrender with our own terms as well.¡±


    ¡°So, we are going to surrender with our own demands, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then, what kind of demands...¡±


    ¡°As the defeated nation, we will ask the Corean government to negotiate their demands and write a document that outlines them after both parties are in agreement.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if the Corean government would ept that, sir...¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the minister of foreign affairs. Is that the best you can do?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I will do everything within my power!¡±


    The hotline to the Corean ministry of foreign affairs had been disconnected due to the ongoing war for the past two months. Minister Ochi Hurume contacted the Corean ministry by going through Taiwan¡¯s embassy which was friendly towards Japan.


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 21:00


    Seoul, Jongro-ku, Minister of Foreign Affair¡¯s office


    The Taiwanese embassy had contacted the minister¡¯s office about Minister Ochi Hurume¡¯s request to discuss the surrender. Minister Kim Jae-hak opened up themunication line to Japan temporarily and started to videocall the Japanese minister.


    ¡°My, you¡¯re still alive? I thought you would have met your end at the new Yokota base.¡±


    Minister Kim Jae-hak¡¯s greeting was rude and inconsiderate. However, Minister Ochi Hurume had no choice but to stifle his anger and pretend to be calm.


    ¡°Are you disappointed? That I¡¯m still alive?¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, disappointed? I was just happy to see you, minister. Anyways, let¡¯s cut to the chase. Corea¡¯s joint chief of staff is preparing for a second attack as we speak.¡±


    ¡°Secondary strikes? We are here to discuss the surrender, please contact the military and stop them.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, Minister Ochi Hurume! We have not agreed on anything yet. Why would we stop when nothing has been set in stone? As soon as Japan epts the offer of unconditional surrender, it will all be over. Our secondary strikes will be stopped as well.¡±


    To Minister Ochi Hurume, Minister Kim Jae-hak¡¯s tone was sarcastic from the start. However, it could very well be just his personal bias.


    ¡°Very well! We will surrender to Corea. However, we demand to surrender after both nationse to a formal agreement on certain terms. How is that?¡±


    ¡°My my, you¡¯re still going on about that. The Corean government has no intention toe to an agreement nor discuss terms. We are demanding aplete surrender from Japan. That is it. Do you ept or not?¡±


    ¡°Minister! Please let us discuss the terms for both parties in secret but make the surrender seem unconditional for the public. I beg you, please.¡±


    Minister Ochi Hurume bowed deeply and begged through the screen. However, Minister Kim Jae-hak adamantly refused.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a lot of time on my hands, and here you are repeating yourself. This is my final warning. The Corean government wants Japan¡¯s unconditional surrender. If this is not eptable, then I would like to end this call. In about 30 minutes, our military will begin its second missile strikes across Japan. This time the smaller cities will be targeted as well, so send out an evacuation order immediately. I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    Click!


    Minister Kim Jae-hak didn¡¯t let Minister Ochi Hurume respond and hung up.


    ¡°Those Japanese bastards, they are trying to pull one more stunt even though it¡¯s the end. They want to set terms and make it seem like an unconditional surrender? They really are two-faced!¡±

 Chapter 310

    <h4>Chapter 310</h4>


    February 27th, 2021, 21:10


    The coastguard¡¯s office at Muroran Port, Hokkaido, Japan


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, who had been waiting for Minister Ochi Hurume at the coastguard¡¯s office, immediately questioned him.


    ¡°Apologies, sir. The Corean government was adamant and will only ept our nation¡¯splete and unconditional surrender.¡±


    ¡°Minister! You should have done everything within your power to convince them. How could you give up so easily?¡±


    ¡°I apologize again, sir. This is due to myck of diplomatic capabilities... What¡¯s important is Corea willmence the second wave of missile strikes in 30 minutes. They will target the smaller cities and suburban areas next.¡±


    ¡°Another wave of missile strikes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, deputy prime minister! Since this is the case, wouldn¡¯t it be wise to ept the Corean government¡¯s offer to surrender? If we suffer any more damages, our nation may not be able to recover from them.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, we need the emperor¡¯s approval to surrender. This is something that I cannot decide on my own.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the emperor¡¯s whereabouts unknown, sir? If we are to surrender, we must do it before Coreaunches its missiles.¡±


    ¡°Wait just a moment. I am trying to figure out where the emperor evacuated to.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Sir, we have no time to waste.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say I need the emperor¡¯s approval, Minister Hurume?¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro wanted to avoid any political bacsh from his decision to surrender, and to do so, he needed Japan¡¯s emperor at his side. While the deputy prime minister was being hesitant, the Corean military at the peninsunched Hyunmu 3E2-A and Hyunmu 3E2-B cruise missiles each with a range of 1000km and 2500km from itsunch vehicles and they started to fly towards cities across Japan. There were also twelve CB-30P Blue Dragon bombers flying towards their targeted locations from the east sea¡¯s atmosphere.


    Japan had no choice but to take the hundreds of cruise missiles and air-bombings since its atmosphere waspletely open and unable to detect evenmercial nes from the defensive radar systems being destroyed.


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 21:35


    Downtown Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, Honshu, Japan


    One CB-30P Blue Dragon bomber was flying above the Kawaguchi city (poption of 560,000) and slowly started to lower its altitude.


    When the bomber was 5km above the surface, it opened up its internal weapons hatch and dropped 80 C-PSB sma cluster bombs.


    The 80 C-PSB sma cluster bombs would free fall and had an error range of 50cm; they started to use their thrusters and the spins of the fins to alter their trajectory towards their targets.


    Once the C-PSB sma cluster bombs reached a certain altitude, all 80 rounds exploded and released their bomblets to cover the entire Kawaguchi city¡¯s skies like a hailstorm.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The thousands of bombletsnded on the city and turned it into a burning wreck. The powerful explosions caused vehicles parked on the roads to fly off or burn. The outer walls of buildings also started to crack open and soon copse.


    The mes rising from the city made it seem as if the city had turned into hell itself. The explosions continued and rang across Kawaguchi.


    The low-rise buildings all exploded, and the high-rise buildings ended up copsing after their foundations gave out. Apartments were no exception and the civilian casualties were rising from the citizens who did not evacuate and hid inside buildings.


    Kawaguchi city was attacked by the Blue Dragon bombers without any warnings from air-raid sirens. The city lost its power from the bombings. Only mes lit up the dark city.


    Once again, Japan was full of dancing mes except for Kyushu.


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 21:35


    The Maizuru Port, Kyoto, Honshu, Japan


    The 30 Hyunmu 3E2-A cruise missiles from the Corean maind started to fall on numerous areas of the port and exploded. The Maizuru Port was the naval base for the 3rd escorting fleet and the Maizuru local fleets which had been the outpost for the Japanese Navy whenever they threatened Corea¡¯s east sea and Dok-do Ind.


    The joint chief of staff had attacked the outpost base intermittently, but it decided to wipe the entire port off the map during the second missile strikes. Ten more cruise missiles were allocated for this location and they destroyed the port and the surrounding cities.


    The coastguard ships and civilian ships docked at the port were covered by the falling shrapnel and started to sink slowly into the ocean while burning.


    The buildings near the port were also engulfed by the firestorm and started to copse one by one. Some of the fishermen who had just returned from the sea were caught in the heatwave as well and became vaporized.


    Boom! Booooom! Boooom~


    Themercial freighters that had been confined to the port for two months due to the war were hit by the shrapnel of the Hyunmu 3E2-A cruise missile¡¯s shrapnel and the small andrge explosions created dark red mes and ck smoke to rise.


    Othermercial ships next to them caught on fire as well. The ships floating on the sea and the inner port also started to catch fire and the port was now turning into arge forge.


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 21:40


    The Muroran Port Coastguard¡¯s office at Hokkaido, Japan


    Boom!


    An enormous explosion shook the surface and the coastguard¡¯s office building. Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro rushed under the desk and plugged his ears.


    Colonel Yamatou Inou, the navy¡¯s operations director, came up to him and shouted, ¡°Sir! We must evacuate to the bunker. It¡¯s the Corean military¡¯s missile strikes.¡±


    ¡°What? How did the Corean military know where we are?¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro winced from the continued explosions. When he thought of how the Corean military was attempting to kill him with missile strikes like America did to Bin Laden, his face turned blue from fear.


    The Corean military was unaware of the deputy prime minister¡¯s location. It was a coincidence that Muroran Port was included in the list of targets for the second missile strikes.


    ¡°No! No! I cannot die here!¡±


    ¡°Deputy prime minister! That¡¯s why we must evacuate to the bunker...¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes. Take-take the lead.¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro crawled out from under the table and left the office after taking the operation director¡¯s arm.


    After exiting the office, Muroran city was in chaos as could be seen through the window. When the missiles exploded in the sky like fireworks, the bomblets had destroyed an area within a 100m radius. The low-rise buildings and homes made out of wood all copsed from the explosions and started to burn.


    Boom! Boooooom~ Bang! Bang!


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, the other members of the prime minister¡¯s cab, and the militarymanders were struck by the flying shrapnel as they ran towards the bunker. Some of them fell from being hit while others lost their headspletely.


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro was hit on the right side of his chest by a small rock and fell forward.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°Sir! Are you all right? What are you doing? Pick him up and start moving towards the bunker!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    When Colonel Yamato Inoue shouted, the other militarymanders got the limp deputy prime minister back on his feet. Then, one of themanders carried him on his back and ran with hisst breath towards the bunker.


    The group managed to avoid the bomblets¡¯ shrapnel falling like hail from the sky andid Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro on a cot. Doctor Hiseto Shimizu, the prime minister¡¯s personal medical staff, checked his condition.


    ¡°How is he?¡± The navy¡¯s chief of staff Murakawa asked.


    Dr. Hiseto Shimizu checked Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro¡¯s chest and other areas and answered, ¡°His chest has been severely bruised, but it is not fatal. It will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, looks like he was struck by a rock flying from the explosion rather than metal shrapnel from the bombs. We must conduct an X-Ray or MRI as quickly as possible to be sure, but I believe he has a fractured rib.¡±


    ¡°Go and see if there are any medical supplies that could be used to aid his condition with the other aides-de-camp.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood.¡±


    Lieutenant Ochoji Hatse, themander of the coastguard, reported in after checking the perimeter of the bunker.


    ¡°It¡¯s bad out there, sir. Muroran Port and the entire city are in ruins due to the aerial strikes. This bunker could also be dangerous as well. How about we move to another location deeper underground,mander?¡±


    ¡°How bad is it out there exactly?¡±


    ¡°There is no sound building within the entire city. Every single one of them has copsed and now the city is in ruins.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Are there any medical facilities in here?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any, but we do have medical supplies avable.¡±


    ¡°Please inform our aides-de-camp where they are.¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander.¡±


    * * *


    February 27th, 2021, 23:00


    The Muroran Port underground bunker in Hokkaido, Japan


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro regained his consciousness after receiving first-aid an hour ago and started to move feebly. Commander Murakawa came up and spoke to him.


    ¡°Sir, how do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°We are inside a bunker, sir.¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro felt a sharp pain in his right chest and moaned in pain while clutching it. ¡°Argh~¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t move, sir. The doctor says your right rib is most likely fractured. You must rest and try not to move as much as possible to recover and stabilize your condition.¡±


    Chief of Navy¡¯s staff Murakawa braced Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro andid him back down on the cot.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on out there?¡±


    ¡°It seems the city of Muroran has suffered greatly from the Corean military¡¯s missile strikes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Have you heard about the damages done to other locations as well?¡±


    ¡°Apologies, sir. Allmunication lines are down, so there is no way for us to check...¡±


    Commander Murakawa could not continue and expressed his regret by lowering his head. Vice-prime minister Aso Taro started to speak slowly after taking deep breaths as he endured the pain, his hands gripping his chest.


    ¡°Commander Murakawa! Get me the minister of foreign affairs.¡±


    ¡°The thing is... He was struck by the shrapnel while evacuating to the bunker and passed away.¡±


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°What about the other ministers?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are being treated and resting in the other rooms. Which one should I call?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s fine. I would like you to contact the Corean ministry of foreign affairs and tell them we ept their offer to surrender unconditionally.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you sure? Deputy prime minister!¡±


    ¡°We have no other choice... argh!¡± Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro grasped his chest again mid-speech and waited for the pain to pass. After a while, he continued, ¡°Can¡¯t you see the city of Muroran has been turned into ruins while I hesitated? As the Corean minister of foreign affairs has said, other smaller cities have met the same fate as here. If we hold out any longer, Japan will be wiped off the map, don¡¯t you understand?¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro¡¯s tone and expressioncked any shred of earnest hope.


    ¡°Yes, understood, deputy prime minister! I will deliver the message to surrender to Corea.¡±


    ¡°Please hurry. If we dy any longer, the Corean military might begin its 3rd airstrike.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Corean military¡¯s second missile attacks had caused smaller cities in Japan with a poption of 600,000 to turn to ruins along with numerous civilian casualties. The two terrifying attacks urring in a span of a day had caused many Japanese citizens to be traumatized and fearful.

 Chapter 311

    <h4>Chapter 311</h4>


    March 1st, 2021, 09:00


    Yokosuka Port at Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu Japan (The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101))


    The war between Corea and Japan was officially over after Japan¡¯s unconditional surrender on the night of the 27th.


    The signing of Japan¡¯s treaty to surrender was hosted aboard the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser¡¯s flight deck docked at Yokosuka Port. The historic signing of a treaty from 76 years ago on August 15th, 1945 on a U.S. ship was being repeated this time aboard the Corean heavy cruiser, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101).


    Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang, themander of the expeditionary forces and the marines, was appointed to officially ept Japan¡¯s surrender. Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro represented Japan as the proxy for the Japanese emperor and started to board the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) with the aid of his staff.


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro stood in front of the table. Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang notified the start of the treaty and opened with a greeting.


    ¡°We will now begin Japan¡¯s treaty to surrender unconditionally to Corea on March 1st, 2021, and the signing of the treaty here. This is Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, the current superior of the Japanese prime minister¡¯s cab.¡±


    When the general spoke in a disciplined and confident manner that befits his status as themander of the marines, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro took his seat. He started to slowly read the treaty documents written up by the Corean government. Customarily treaty documents for a nation¡¯s surrender would be jointly written by the winning and defeated nation through an agreement.


    The documents for Japan¡¯s surrender signed on August 15th, 1945 was also written up through negotiations between the U.S., Japan, and the allied forces. However, this treaty was written solely by the Corean government and was not revealed until the signing of the treaty started.


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro had a chance to read the treaty document¡¯s demands for the first time at this ce just like the term unconditional surrender suggested.


    The demands written up and given to the deceased Prime Minister Abe by the Corean government with the White House¡¯s foreign strategy negotiator Randy Johnson acting as the mediator for Japan¡¯s surrender was nothingpared to the demands made by the Corean government now. The demands that were written on Japan¡¯s surrender treaty were historically shocking and shameful.


    use 1: Japan will admit that it is a nation thatmitted war crimes that threatened peace within East Asia and the world. It will take responsibility for the entire war and surrender to Corea¡¯s demands without making any demands of its own.


    use 2: Based on use 1, Japan will pay reparations to Corea of 10 billion dors every January 1st for the next 20 years.


    use 3: As a nation thatmitted war crimes, Japan will no longer be able to hold a standing military for the next 100 years, and will only operate minimal police forces to maintain public peace. The nation is no longer able to independently research and produce military weapons. All defensive corporations within Japan must have their corporate body erased and dered bankrupt.


    use 4: Japan will officially make an apology for all the heinous acts it did to Corea during its imperial age, and apologize to the forcedborers and sex ves, especially to the women taken as sex-ves. Also, Japan is to pay reparations to all of the victims. A reparation of 5 million dors per person will be given.


    use 5: Daema Ind (Tsushima) and Ryuku (Okinawa Inds), and the entire Kyushu territory will be handed off to Corea. Japan is also to dere Dok-do Ind to be Corea¡¯s territory and alert and apologize to the internationalmunity about its false im of the ind being Japan¡¯s territory. Also, mark the sea between Corea and Japan as the ¡®East Sea¡¯, and the straits where Daema Ind is located as ¡®Corean Straits¡¯.


    use 6: Based on use 3, Japan can no longer hold a standing military, therefore the Corean military will be stationed to defend Japan¡¯s territories. The costs will be split equally between nations.


    use 7: Teach the citizens of Japan the correct version of history regarding the nation¡¯s past. Japan will form a new academic research organization with Corea¡¯s historical society and publish a new history textbook that will be required to be taught in every primary and secondary school.


    use 8: Arrest every person rted to the outbreak of the war and have them judged by the Corean ministry of justice as war criminals. Also, reveal everything from the investigation to the international press.


    use 9: Abolish Japan¡¯s monarchy.


    use 10: Change the Japanese g to an empty white one.


    use 11: This document will have a political binding with the signature of Japan¡¯s representative Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro.


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro read over the 9th and 10th uses and his expression became grim.


    There was nothing more shameful in Japan¡¯s history. Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang quietly spoke to Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, who seemed to be hesitant, so that only he could hear him.


    ¡°Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro! Are you not pleased with the uses? Should we just cancel the treaty? Our government does not mind if you decide to back out. We will just turn the entire nation into a deserted ind if you do. Our nation will just use Japan as a barrier for tsunamising from the Pacific Ocean,¡± Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang spoke horrifically with a nk expression on his face.


    Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro seemed to have epted his fate and signed the document.


    The cameras of the press agents aboard the ship started to sh up, and the signing was broadcasted live by the Corean publicwork KBS to the world.


    Once Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro finished signing the treaty, Lieutenant General Lee Hun-sang signed the document as well. When the signing waspletely done on the entire document, Lieutenant General Lee stood up and showed it to the press cameras.


    ¡°As of March 1st, 2021, 10:00 am, the Corean government has officially received the signature of Japan¡¯s representative to surrender, and we will now dere an end to the war.¡±


    Yeah! Whooo!


    Some of the Corean press agents, the government officials, and soldiers all cheered and raised their hands. On the other hand, the Japanese government officials all knelt and started to cry.


    On the anniversary of the independence movement in Corea where many citizens waved the nation¡¯s g to protest against Japan¡¯s imperialism on March 1st, 1919, Corea officially received signatures to Japan¡¯s document to surrender. This day would mark another historic moment for the nation.


    The war that started against China and now ending with Japan was over in four short months. Many citizens in Corea walked out to the streets and watched Japan¡¯s surrender live. Many started waving the nation¡¯s g and cried while cheering for the nation. There were more people out on the streetspared to the 2002 World Cup.


    * * *


    March 5th, 2021, 10:00


    Corea


    When the war came to an end after four months, the Corean government withdrew the state of emergency and immediately went into its 20th presidential election. President Suh Hyun-woo had surpassed his 5-year term due to the reunification with North Korea and war against China. He could finally return to being a normal civilian after two months.


    President Suh Hyun-woo, despite only have 2 months left in his term, received reports about the soldiers who passed away or were injured in the line of duty as well as the civilian casualties that urred during the war.


    The Corean military had suffered 1052 casualties, and 8537 were injured. Most of those were from the Chinese and Japanese military¡¯s tactical nuclear weapon strikes. Despite using thetest equipment during the war, they were not 100% effective against nuclear weapons. However, the numbers were only up to this much since the Corean military had its equipment during the war. Had it been another country, the casualties would have mounted to tens of thousands.


    President Suh Hyun-woo finished receiving the report and requested an additional budget of 50 billion won to the congress. 10 billion would be used for those who passed away in battle aspensation for their services. The 20 billion from the remaining 40 would be given to the soldiers as a bonus for being victorious. The remaining 20 billion won were given to the citizens of Corea who had lost their lives or suffered damages during the war.


    With the end of the war, the race for the 20th presidency in Corea started to heat up. Politicians from every party were out on the streets campaigning for votes.


    This election would be the first since the reunification between the North and South. The election would be held for the seven state governments in the South, North states, the West state which had previously been China¡¯s territory the Shandong province, the West Manchurian states, the Central Manchurian state, the Northern Manchurian state, the Mongolian self-governed state, and the East state that was once Kyushu of Japan along with the federal government.


    The eastern state was located on the southeastern side of the southern state, but the federal government had decided to name it the east state.


    After the reunification, the Corean territory was expanded more than ever. Therefore, the Harmonious Innovation Party with the president, the conservative Welfare Corea Party, and the moderate Citizens Union party entered the election in a three-party system.


    However, due to President Suh Hyun-woo¡¯s poprity, many political analysts and professionals predicted the 20th Corean presidency would be won by the Harmonious Innovation Party that had the most support with Choo Un-hee as the candidate.


    * * *


    April 1st, 2021, 14:00


    Seoul, the Gwanghwamoon za


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who had been elected at Corea¡¯s most difficult time, had created rapid changes for the nation. Due to his wise leadership, Corea had surpassed the U.S. as being the world¡¯s most powerful nation economically and for the military. President Suh Hyun-woo could finally let his responsibilities rest after a five-and-a-half-year presidency and resign.


    After the official ceremonies were over, it was now time for President Suh Hyun-woo to make his final address. He walked up to the podium installed on the king¡¯s pce and bowed to the million citizens that had gathered in the za.


    ¡°Thank you very much. Citizens of Corea! I am sorry I couldn¡¯t have done better. Thank you!¡± President Suh Hyun-woo finished his first statement for his address and continued after gazing at everyone gathered on the za.


    ¡°I would like to use this opportunity to speak to the citizens of our nation about things I couldn¡¯t before. I would like to ask for forgiveness for all the sacrifices everyone had to endure. I am not the president who should be proud of fulfilling the wishes of our people to reunify the country along with turning the nation into a world power. I am a criminal who has taken numerous lives of our citizens and soldiers. Regardless of the results, I must take responsibility for all the lives that were lost during the war as the leader of the country who decided to go into war. I am nothing but a criminal in my own eyes.¡±


    ¡°No. We respect your decision.¡±


    ¡°Every citizen must sacrifice him or herself for the greater good of the nation, sir!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Why? Why would you think of yourself in that way?¡±


    Some of the people from the crowd started to shout.


    President Suh Hyun-woo must have organized with the staff for the address since he used the remaining time to call out the names of every single person who lost their lives during the war. After calling out every name for a whole hour, the address was officially over. Then, the national address for the 20th president-elect followed.


    As the political analysts have predicted, candidate Choo Un-hee was elected to be the 20th president of Corea. She was the first female president of Corea and had performed as a party member in aiding President Suh Hyun-woo actively during his presidency.


    Former President Suh Hyun-woo and now President Choo Un-hee held their hands and raised them to the air in front of 1 million citizens. Cheers rang out across the entire Gwanghwamoon za.


    Corea had once been pressured by other powerful nations both economically and politically, but now it had resembled Goguryeo of the past that hadmanded the entire Manchurian area. Now in the 21st century, it had regained its glory and became a world power that holds the international bnce.


    There was no knowing what was in store for the future. However, Corea would continue to use the alien technology as a basis to develop new technology and will remain as a world power for another 1000 years.


    -Epilogue-

 Chapter 312: Epilogue-1

    <h4>Chapter 312: Epilogue-1</h4>


    March 1st, 2022, 14:00


    Corea


    A year had passed since the war in East Asia that could have led to the Third World War was over. Corea had unified the nation through a federal system with its seven-state governments and one central government all working in unison and bringing about prosperity and development for the country never before seen in history.


    The 17th fighter wing¡¯s underground research facility that had been the foundation of the alien technology research shifted its focus from weapons development to new technology that could be used for economic growth. By working together with the Ministry of Next-generation Technology, the facility handed off the technology they developed to corporations by exchanging stocks. Large and smallpanies alike all started to develop and manufacture products never seen before and it seemed as if they were holding a monopoly over the world market.


    Japan¡¯s Toyota, which had been dominating the automotive industry, had faded into history after Japan¡¯s defeat in the East Asian war. The U.S. and Germanpanies had filled the gap and each took half of the market. However, after a while, the Corean automotivepanies started to produce new vehicles that had started a revolution for the industry and grabbed the world¡¯s attention.


    It was the newly developed Hover-C flying car. It had reced wheels with the next-generation low output sma engines and it was able to fly 300m above the surface while boastingfort. The artificial intelligenceputer equipped in the vehicle made it capable of autopiloting along with sharing the vehicle¡¯s data in real-time to prevent traffic jams and unexpected idents. Once the policies regarding traffic and the systems were set in ce for flight routes, a new era of flying cars that could reach an altitude of 2km would arrive. The newly developed flying Corean cars started to dominate the market as soon as they went into production.


    Many otherrger nations with highly developed high-speed trains and domestic flights were in an uproar to request joint development of the Hyperloop public transport system that had already beenmercialized in Corea. The reason was the hyperloop system had the advantage of speed, safety, and lower cost of maintenance.


    The Corean corporations also rose in ranks for optical equipment, home appliances, shipping, aerospace, and information technology. Ironically, the near-monopoly of Corean corporations now raised concerns for a worldwide recession due to the recessions sweeping other nations across the world. The Corean government responded by cooperating with foreign corporations and providing limited technologies to control the flow of the world economy.


    Corea¡¯s economy was booming and it experienced growth that it had never seen before in 2022. Corea had be the world¡¯s leading economic power and used its finances to fund the expenses that urred during the war and the reunification projects that were piling up in the billions.


    Corea had now be the world¡¯s leading economic and military power. It had also be a permanent member of the UN security council.


    * * *


    March 1st, 2023, 12:00 (China Standard Time 11:00)


    China


    After losing the war against Corea on January 5th, 2021, China had organized a new political council with Commander Han Feng of the southern military as its leader. The council consisted of all four militarymanders as its members and it started to write out the new pages of history for China. The first decision the new council made was to disband the Chinese Communist Party founded in July of 1921 for its defeat during the war that almost led the nation to ruin. China had now abandonedmunism and adopted democracy in its stead to rebuild and revitalize the nation.


    However, based on the treaty signed with Corea after its defeat, Tibet, Uyghur Muslims, and 10 other minority groups all regained their independence. China¡¯s economy shrank immediately, and the council formed by the militarymanders started to fight with each other over profits and selfish demands. The eastern state, which had the most industrialplexes, demanded its independence and fueled the mes of conflict. President Xi Jin Ping¡¯s allies that had favored themunist party from the central state started a coup and seeded. They reverted all the changes made by the new council and attempted to reinstatemunism.


    Meanwhile, the western state, which had suffered greatly from other minorities gaining independence allied itself with the southern state. China was now split between the southwestern states favoring democracy, the central state in favor ofmunism, and the eastern state that had withdrawn for economic profits. China was now on the verge of a civil war.


    The nation was once called a G2 nation and was nearly as powerful as America, but now its future was unknown and falling into dark times.


    * * *


    March 1st, 2023, 12:00


    Japan


    After the war was over, the government officials under Prime Minister Abe¡¯s cab were allbeled as war criminals and were arrested. The democratic party held office and attempted to change the nation to enact policies that would fit democracy.


    However, 50% of its industrialplexes that had sustained the nation¡¯s economy were destroyed during the war against Corea. Recovery was slow despite the war being over two years ago, and Japan was still struggling to pay back reparations to the Corean government. Due to its economic circumstances, Japan that had once been the world¡¯s 3rd most powerful economy with a GDP of 5.2 trillion dors had now fallen to a GDP of 800 billion.


    Based on its GDP it would be the world¡¯s 17th most powerful economy that would rival Turkey, but the issue was theck of industrialplexes that could support it. Japan was now in a recession that was impossible to recover from.


    On top of all this, Kyushu, one of Japan¡¯s four major inds, had been handed off to Corea, and Hokkaido was now being imed by Russia based on the secret treaty Croea had signed with the nation. Japan, which no longer held a standing military, had no choice but to follow the agreements made between other nations.


    Whether the secret treaty signed between Corea and Russia could lead to Japan handing off Hokkaido to Russia was now thergest issue within East Asia and for the internationalmunity.


    * * *


    March 1st, 2023, 12:00 (Russia Standard Time 05:00)


    Russia


    During the East Asian War, Russia had received irresistible offers continuously from China, Japan, and finally, Corea. In the end, the nation allied itself with Corea and profited enormously.


    First, Russia received the blueprints of the U.S. rail guns. Second, Russia would receive investments from Corea to build industrialplexes and nts for gathering natural resources in Siberia. The eastern province was not as developed as the western region of Russia, so this investment was much needed for the nation. Third, based on the secret treaty between Corea and Russia, Japan¡¯s Hokkaido would be handed off to Russia.


    Russia had managed to profit off of the war in East Asia without getting its hands dirty. It had used this advantage to grow its economy and military to be the new leading power in the world as well.


    However, two years had passed since the agreement was made but the two nations started to conflict with each other about the handing off of Hokkaido and rtions worsened. Russia started to establish ns to deploy its own military to take over the ind.


    Since the Japanese military was now disbanded and the Corean military was defending the nation instead, a conflict between Russia and Corea was almost guaranteed.


    President Putin had a hidden intent behind these decisions.


    President Putin of Russia had wanted to use the nation¡¯s rapid economic growth over the past two years and im Hokkaido as Russian territory to increase his approval rating. All of this was necessary for his n to run for a third term, so he would need support from the people to do so.


    President Putin had now nned to take Hokkaido through military force instead. He started to carefully ce Russia¡¯stest weapons at the eastern military and continued to raise more forces.


    * * *


    March 1st, 2023, 12:00 (U.S.T. February 28th, 22:00)


    America


    America¡¯s actions and the oue of the war two years ago were the most mysterious part of the East Asian War. During the war, America had one-sidedly allied itself with Japan but ended up being attacked on its maind by the Corean military. Despite so, the nation did not retaliate but rather dered the war against Corea to be over.


    Nations across the world could not help but be suspicious about the unbelievable course of action America took. America had maintained its neutralitypletely during the Second World War until they were attacked at Pearl Harbor by Japan and entered into the war. The Corean military¡¯s attacks caused far greater damagespared to that, and the internationalmunity expected the U.S. to enact brutal revenge, but it stopped all military activities against Corea and stepped back.


    Even if America suffered heavy damages from Corea¡¯s attack, its military power was still considerable. If the U.S. did call for mobilization and started a draft to start going into war, then it could in theory go into war against the entire world. Many military experts agreed about this.


    These reasons made the internationalmunity suspicious about America¡¯s decision. Nations across the world attempted to figure out why it did so by using all of their intelligence agencies, but they never found out why. Only the Corean government officials and the U.S. government officials under the Trump administration knew.


    When the NIS agents and the special forces from the 707th special forces brigade had trapped the USSC council members in the underground bunker, President Trump covertly and swiftly started to persuade and threaten the government officials and military officials who had ties with the USSC to take back his government.


    The government officials, politicians in the U.S. Congress, and the military officials who had ties to the USSC were threatened by President Trump, but they also had no choice but to cooperate to save themselves.


    If the illegal and shocking activities the USSC council had done were made public and word got out about them being involved, then they would at least be charged with treason and end up with a life sentence. The U.S., which had been praised as the beacon of democracy, would have its reputation tarnished to the point of no return.


    Hence, President Trump seeded in taking back the U.S. Congress and the government organization that had been under the control of the USSC. He did not press for any reparations from the Corean government and concluded the matter by making an address about how two allied nations had military conflict out of differing interests.


    However, many of the family members of veterans and alt-right citizens were unaware of this fact and protested against the Corean government. It responded with financial aid and an unofficial apology to persuade the American citizens. Despite the war being over for two years, asional anti-Corean protests popped up across America.


    The members of the USSC council and other staff who were trapped in the bunker never saw the light of day again and died in the bunker they were trapped in. The bunker had enough food and water tost the council for four additional years, but President Trump did not attempt to rescue the USSC council members during his term.


    On February 11th, 2023, two years after they were trapped in the bunker, Chairman Victoria started to suffer from ustrophobia and ended her own life. The other council members also followed Chairman Victoria¡¯s suit like falling dominos.


    The USSC council members, who once had the U.S., the most powerful nation in the world, in their hands, all ended their lives pitifully and disappeared into history.

 Chapter 313: Epilogue-2

    <h4>Chapter 313: Epilogue-2</h4>


    April 10th, 2023, 16:00


    Corea¡¯s southern state, Kyungi-do Paju, Jangdan-myun, Dongjang-lee (the Paju National Veteran¡¯s Cemetery)


    Two years and one month had passed since the East Asian war was over. The Corean government had made 1/250th of the previous DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) spanning 220,000km2 into an ecological national park. Mines from the area were removed with minimal damage to the environment for a whole year, and the DMZ area closest to the Dora Mountain Peace Park was selected to be the Paju National Veteran¡¯s Cemetery that hosted all the veterans who passed away during the East Asian war.


    Nosang-lee, the ce where many endangered nts and animals were flourishing, and where those who passed away in the line of duty were resting, was also now the home of former President Suh Hyun-woo.


    President Suh Hyun-woo, who had lived in his home in Seoul after his term on March 31st, 2021, built a small home at Nosang-lee and moved there after the Paju National Veteran¡¯s Cemetery waspleted.


    ¡°You went there again?¡±


    When President Suh Hyun-woo walked back to the house with his two bodyguards, his wife opened the front door and greeted him.


    ¡°Of course! It¡¯s the only thing I enjoy doing these days!¡±


    President Suh Hyun-wooughed heartily, waved at his bodyguards to rest, and walked into the house.


    ¡°Take a shower. Your sister-inw was concerned about your health and sent in some medicine for your knee.¡±


    ¡°My, my, I am as healthy as a horse. I¡¯m basically unemployed and doing nothing these days...¡±


    ¡°You need to start thinking about your age, dear. You walk a few kilometers to the veteran¡¯s cemetery every day.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good exercise!¡±


    ¡°All right, just take a shower and take your medicine.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Ha ha ha.¡±


    Former President Suh Hyun-woo was ridden with guilt from starting the war against China to unify the nation and causing many young men to lose their lives. He would go to the Paju National Veteran¡¯s Cemetery every day to ask for forgiveness from the veterans resting there and attempted to wipe away some of the guilt.


    * * *


    May 13th, 2023, 10:00


    The southern state, Jeonnam Muan-kun, Samhyang-up, Wangasan-lee


    The sound of traditional instruments was ring in town, and a traditional wedding ceremony that was hard to see these days was going on in front of a home at Wangsan-lee.


    There were many white tents propped up and it seemed everyone from town was there for the ceremony judging by how packed the tents were. A bride and groom were in traditional wedding attire at the center of the tents and were now sharing a drink tomemorate their union.


    The groom seemed to be pleased and had a toothy grin during the entire ceremony. Some of the guests noticed as well and started to tease him. Among them were soldiers in uniform with beret who teased the groom andughing together.


    ¡°Jesus! Hey! If you keepughing like that, your lungs are going to get winded.¡±


    ¡°I guess Master Sergeant Oh will pass out before the ceremony. Hehehe.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Are you really going to pass out before your first night together? Ha ha ha.¡±


    The groom, who had beenughing the whole time, red at the soldiers with a clenched fist to signal them to pipe down.


    ¡°Hey! Master Sergeant Oh! You¡¯re still going to give your subordinates crap on your wedding day? I¡¯m so scared!¡±


    ¡°Hey! You¡¯re going to scare your bride. Put that frown upside down. Hehe.¡±


    The groom was Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek, the vehiclemander of the 712 tank and top gun during the East Asian war. The soldier guests who had been teasing him were his crew Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, and his best friend, Master Sergeant Lee Kyung-suk.


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek served as a quartermaster for a year and was discharged. He received many medals for his actions during the war and received a considerable severance package. He used the funds to start arge organic farm back home. After going on a blind date set up by his parents, he finally was able to get married despite his age.


    Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek smiled until the entire ceremony was over and was teased by the guests who came to congratte him.


    * * *


    June 4th, 2023, 14:00


    The southern state Kyungi-do Sungnam-si, the 1st aerospace fighter wing¡¯s Sungnam base


    After the war was over, the 10th fighter wing¡¯s base at Suwon was moved to Mankyung (Jirin) and the 15th special forces fighter wing took their ce. Finally, the 1st aerospace fighter wing was officially founded, and the base used by the 10th fighter wing hosted them.


    The 1st aerospace fighter wing had be the organization that every Corean pilot wanted to serve under, and applicants were at an all-time high. One yearter, there were now 24 Three-toed Crow space fighter jets, where only four jets existed previously, and positions for pilots finally opened up. Skilled pilots from across the country started to apply for the position.


    Lieutenant Colonels Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin, who had be top-gun during the East Asian war two years ago, also made it to the final 35 candidates after applying. Today was their first day to fly into space as pilots of the Three-toed Crow jets.


    Lieutenant Colonels Choi Young-ho and Jeon Chang-bin were now the Corean aerospace force¡¯s pilots and they had their Three-toed Crow jets 5 and 6 lined up next to each other on the runway, standing by for take-off.


    Soon the control tower gave the go to take off.


    -This is mission control! Jet 5, and 6 prepare to take off. ¨C


    -Jet 5, copy that. ¨C


    -Jet 6, copy that. ¨C


    When the two Three-toed Crow jets started to fire up their dual C-PTZ-2000 engines aftermunicating with mission control, the jets rose vertically and disappeared.


    After they went past the 1st and 2nd orbital velocity and broke through the atmosphere, the two jets started to raise their speeds to break through the outer atmosphere once more.


    Soon, the jets reached 1000km in altitude and finally started to fly into space that the pilots only dreamed about flying into. The view of the from the cockpit was indescribable. It waspletely different from the view the pilots could see from the 30-45km above the surface on their Phoenix and ck Phoenix jets they piloted before.


    -Holy crap! Hey! It¡¯s beautiful! Don¡¯t you think so, Chang-bin? ¨C


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho seemed to be mesmerized by the view that he forgot he was in the middle of a training exercise and called for his buddy Lieutenant Colonel Jeon Chang-bin.


    -Hey, Lieutenant Colonel Choi, this is a training exercise! Start focusing, you idiots! ¨C


    Colonel Lee Doo-ho, who was in mission control, scolded the two pilots for making unnecessarymunications.


    -Ah! Sorry, sir. ¨C


    -We will now circle the by following our designated flight path. If there are any issues with your jet, report them immediately. ¨C


    -Jet 5, copy that. ¨C


    -Jet 6, copy that. ¨C


    The two Three-toed Crow jets that had flown 5000km above the surface started to circle the earth along a set path.


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho¡¯s heart was beating out of his chest from being finally able to fly across space just as he dreamed of. When they started to fly towards the other side of the, the pilots could see the moon covered by the earth.


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho opened up the flight wing¡¯smunication line and spoke to Lieutenant Colonel Jeon Chang-bin.


    -Hey! Do you see the moon over there? ¨C


    -Stop! You¡¯re going to get us into trouble. ¨C


    -Ha ha! Don¡¯t worry! I turned off the externalmunication lines and talking to you on the flight wing¡¯s channel. ¨C


    -God damn it! Thanks to you... we¡¯re gonna have to get P.T¡¯ed again! ¨C


    -Hey! Chang-bin! How long do you think it will take us to go to the moon? Should we pretend we¡¯re crazy and take a trip there and back? ¨C


    -You crazy bastard! Do you really want to end up in the brig? ¨C


    -Ha ha ha, I¡¯m kidding man! I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll give us a mission to fly to the moon someday. I can¡¯t wait. Ha ha ha. ¨C


    -I never should have applied for this position with you. I must have been out of my mind. ¨C


    -Hey! How could you be so mean? We¡¯re friends, aren¡¯t we? We need to stick together! Hehehe-


    While the two pilots were joking around with each other and ncing at the moon, Colonel Lee Doo-ho from mission control turned on the emergencymunication line and scolded them.


    -Why you- Hey! Who told you guys you could turn off themunication line? Do you want your asses to be P.T¡¯ed again? I swear you will have to answer for this on the runway when you¡¯re back! ¨C


    -Ah! This is Jet 5! Sorry, sir. ¨C


    * * *


    June 19th, 2023, 10:00 (Italian Standard Time 18th 19:00)


    The Positano Beach, Campania, Italy


    Positano Beach was considered to be the most beautiful beach on the southern side of Italy. Many fine round rocks were glimmering on the beach from the sunlight. Many tourists from across the world were wearing swimsuits and sunbathing on the beach to rx.


    There was one burly Asian man with a scar on his shoulder wearing shorts and busy taking pictures of the beach.


    The man was Team Leader Lee Young-gyu, who had arrested Charles Lee from Cebu, Philippines in 2016. He was a chief at the time, but now he was the team leader of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation¡¯s investigative unit.


    Two other burly Asian men were watching him from the road behind the beach. These men were agents from Corea¡¯s NIS foreign intelligence team 2, Team Leader Lee Ja-sung, and Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong.


    The Corean government agents were here to arrest Lizzy Ahn, who was involved in the defense industry corruption scandal that shook up Corea seven years ago. The Corean government had given up on arresting her after agreeing with the U.S. government, but the political stances changed after the war between Corea and Japan was over. Therefore, the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation decided to arrest Lizzy Ahn.


    However, Lizzy Ahn had fled the country with her funds when her adopted father Tony Ahn was murdered during the war in 2021. The NIS foreign intelligence department worked with the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation and tailed her for two years. The agents were now finally able to move in to arrest her today.


    Team Leader Lee Young-gyu continued to take pictures of a woman lying on a beach chair at the beach. It was their target, Lizzy Ahn. She had toured across Europe for the past two years and was taking a vacation at Positano since May. Since she had an astronomical amount of secret funds, her ns seemed to be just touring the world and enjoy the rest of her life.


    When Team Leader Lee Young-gyu took a photo, it would be directly sent to the smartphone of Team Leader Lee Ja-sung who had been standing by on the road behind the beach. Team Leader Lee would then check to see if the subject was Lizzy Ahn. She had so much stic surgery done on her over the past two years that to the naked eye, she would look like apletely different person. However, the software that the agents were using confirmed that it was Lizzy Ahn.


    ¡°Team Leader Lee! Is that her?¡± Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong asked.


    ¡°Wow! She looks like apletely different person. The program says it¡¯s the same person though.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Send the signal to Team Leader Lee!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 314

    <h4>Chapter 314</h4>


    September 1st, 2023, 10:00


    The special patient¡¯s ward at the Pyeong-yang General Hospital (the old Josun-Goryeo Hospital) Daedong River County, Pyeongyang, North State


    The presidential pce in North Korea, also known as the Kumsu Mountain Sr Pce, was once used as Kim Jong-un¡¯s office and disyed the permanently preserved bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jung-il. After Corea was unified, it became a famous tourist attraction in Pyeong-yang, and an unending line of tourists still visited the pce.


    The bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jung-il were all obviously moved to a park near the Baek-du Mountain in June 2021.


    Many of the citizens in Pyeong-yang protested the decision, but thanks to Vice President Kim Yo-jung¡¯s persuasion, the move went smoothly.


    One man was watching the transition of the presidential pce into a tourist attraction with a heavy heart. That man was Kim Jong-un, the former supreme leader of the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea.


    He had been unconscious for eight years since the Pyeong-yang terrorist bombing on August 15th, 2015. After hearing about the changes that had happened over the past nine years, his sense of reality was shaken and the shock was severe for him. He did show signs of mental illness at times while throwing fits, but through medications and therapy, his mental health slowly recovered.


    ¡°Downtown Pyeong-yang has changed beautifully.¡±


    Kim Jong-un wanted to deny it, but Pyeong-yang had changed dramaticallypared to eight years ago, and he uttered the words without even realizing it.


    ¡°The Ryugyong Hotel especially,¡± Kim Jong-un once again muttered to himself after seeing the hotel designed in a pyramid fashion past the Daedong River.


    The hotel was a joint project with France that began in 1987, but North Korea¡¯s financial issues and dyed payments put a halt to the project and it became an eyesore. It had the depressing honor of being featured in the ¡®Top 10 ugliest buildings in the world¡¯ in 2009. Construction was continued again through the investment of the public Egyptian Orapany, but after being unable to raise over 3 billion dors, it was dyed once more. Once the terrorist attack urred in 2015, all construction waspletely halted and the hotel had been abandoned.


    However, after the reunification in 2021, the Department of Northern State Recovery Industry started a bid for the hotel¡¯s construction as a priority, and the project was underway once more. The hotel was finally finished in September 2023, and it had now be the number one hotel tourists and visitors of Pyeong-yang wanted to stay in.


    Other high-rise buildings 50 stories high were built around the area alongside the Ryugyong Hotel, and the roadways built with concrete were now cleanly covered with asphalt. Floating cars never before seen were flying along the roads.


    Kim Jong-un was unconscious for eight years, but the city seemed to have made 50 years of advancements in technology.


    ¡°When is my sister Kim Yo-junging?¡± Kim Jong-un, who had been watching downtown Pyeong-yang for 10 minutes, turned around and asked the man in a ck suit standing behind the doctors and nurses following him 24 hours a day. Kim Jong-un who was used to wielding absolute power still spoke in amanding tone to everyone.


    ¡°She is scheduled to visit you at 1:00 pm tomorrow.¡±


    The man in the ck suit wanted to call him an evil pig.


    ¡°I see. Where are you from? Are you from the security department?¡±


    ¡°The security department no longer exists. Also, I can¡¯t disclose that information because it is confidential.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so amazing about that that you need to keep it a secret?¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Well, I suppose it can¡¯t be helped, I would like to ask for a favor.¡±


    ¡°Wha-what is it?¡±


    ¡°Please get me Kim Gi-nam, La Dong-il, and Kim Hyung-chul. I¡¯ve woken up but they haven¡¯t even visited me yet.¡±


    The men Kim Jong-un spoke of were the highest-ranking government officials from the North Korean government.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you are unable to have visits with them.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡±


    ¡°Orders from up top.¡±


    ¡°You bastard, who do you think I am? Call them over now!¡± Kim Jong-un shouted so loudly that his cheeks started to shake.


    ¡°He was quiet for a while and now he¡¯s at it again! I am sick of hearing that pig squealing.¡± Assistant Manager Ahn Kang-soo from the NIS ACS department was stationed here after Kim Jong-un regained consciousness, and he responded to him in a dry tone as if he was used to his tantrums. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. As I have said before, I have been ordered by my superiors, so even if you yell at me, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then get me your superiors.¡±


    ¡°They will arrive with Senator Kim Yo-jung tomorrow. You should speak with them then.¡±


    ¡°All right. Get out of here. I¡¯m sick of you hovering over me!¡± Kim Jong-un shouted and walked back into his bedroom.


    Ahn Kang-soo, who was now in an awkward position, waved at the other agents to leave. Meanwhile, the doctors and nurses from the northern state were all shaking from fear and couldn¡¯t do anything but listen while standing near a wall. The world had changed in over eight years, but to the minds of the citizens in the Northern state, Kim Jong-un was still feared by many.


    ¡°Doctor, nurse, please stay here, and if somethinges up, please let us know. There¡¯s no need to be anxious. That man is just an ordinary citizen. Understood?¡±


    Assistant Manager Ahn Kang-soo must have felt pity for the doctors and nurses quivering in fear and walked out of the patient¡¯s room.


    ¡°God, I just want to beat the crap out of that pig, Assistant Manager Ahn, sir!¡± Chief Oh Tae-gyu, who was the first to be stationed here from the ACS, started to swear at the door of the room.


    ¡°Leave him be. Every day must be a living hell for that fat bastard. The whole world turned upside down after he got up, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, sir. He still thinks and acts like he is a king from the Kim family line.¡±


    Chief Kim Myung-gyu, who was standing next to chief Oh, started toin as well. ¡°He should have died, but now he is back and causing trouble for everyone.¡±


    ¡°Quiet. If that fat pig hears, then we will be in trouble. So be careful.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    September 1st, 2023, 21:00


    The South State, Seoul, Kangnam-ku, NIS (the top-secret document archives)


    ¡°How is the target¡¯s status?¡± Director Na Bong-il from the NIS, who had served the longest term since the newly unified government was founded in 2021, had retired, and Director Lee Young-jin was speaking covertly with another agent at the most secretive ce in the entire building.


    ¡°He haspletely regained consciousness and can now move short distances without the aid of a wheelchair. These are the documents that outline his health.¡±


    Department Head Youn Soo-gil from the ACS had started to move after emergency code 1 was dered. He was promoted to department head in January of this year from being Intelligence Team 1¡¯s manager since 2013.


    ¡°What about Kim Yeo-jung?¡± Vice President Kim Yeo-jung had finished her term of two years and ran for the position of senator on February 10th, 2023. She was elected and now working as a senator at the Senate in Yeoui Ind.


    * After the reunification, Corea now consisted of 7 states and 1 self-governed state. The government had disbanded the original congressional system, and started to use the two-party system from the U.S. Elections for congressmen started on April 11th, 2021, and congressmen in rtion to the region¡¯s poption were allotted a total of 350 seats and a term of 4 years. Elections for senators were also held on April 11th, 2021, and 14 seats for the 7 states and 2 for the self-governed state were allotted regardless of the poption with a total seat of 100 and a term of 4 years.


    ¡°Yes, she will attend to political affairs in the morning and then attend ceremonies in the countryside this afternoon. She is scheduled to visit Kim Jong-un at 1:00 pm tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Nothing can be left out while watching Kim Yeo-jung, do you understand? She is on the top watchlist. You are keeping tabs and recording all conversations during hospital visits, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good! Was there anything notable about him?¡±


    ¡°There were no signs of outside contact, but he did ask for his three closest government officials recently.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Kim Ki-nam, the chairman of the people¡¯s congress, Ra Dong-il, the director of the securitymand, and Kim Hyung-chul, who used to be the deputy director of the general political bureau. Everyone except Kim Hyung-chul has retired from politics.¡±


    ¡°Kim Hyung-chul?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same Kim Hyung-chul, who is now the deputy director of the central investigative bureau founded in 2022.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m concerned about Kim Hyung-chul.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin ced the documents he was checking into his briefcase. Despite the fact there were only two people in the room, he leaned in and whispered, ¡°Chief Youn! ce Kim Hyung-chul under 24-hour surveince as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Make sure Kim Hyung-chul doesn¡¯t catch wind of our activities! If word gets out about intelligence agencies spying on each other, that can cause headaches for us!¡±


    ¡°No need to worry, sir.¡±


    ¡°The Blue House is highly concerned! They are worried about damaging the peaceful reunification that we achieved. You understand, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I ampletely aware.¡±


    ¡°Great! Let me know if you need more manpower or budget.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Inside the secret archives that were only essible to department heads, the two men were discussing dangerous topics about spying on a politician, but Director Lee Young-jin and Department Head Youn Soo-gil were already on the move silently to prevent the worst from happening once Kim Jong-un was awake.


    * * *


    September 2nd, 2023, 09:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the President¡¯s office)


    To the Choo Un-hee administration of the unified Corean government, Kim Jong-un was a vtile piece on a chessboard. He legally held no position or power, but he was once the supreme leader of North Korea with the firm support of the people. His influence was something that could be ignored. In truth, the scope of influence he held was unknown.


    North and South Korea were unified through the agreement with Vice-chairman Kim Yeo-jung, but in reality, Kim Jong-un was the one who held the power and final say in the matter. Kim Yeo-jung had acted as his proxy during the time he was unconscious, but if he had demanded a renegotiation of the unification or demand North Korea¡¯s independence, then it would have no legal binding and could cause controversy within the internationalmunity.


    The Corean government had prepared a few road maps for what do to if Kim Jong-un woke up before the reunification took ce.


    The solution was ACS (Around-the-Clock Surveince). The ACS was the 24-hour surveince department that usually would be tasked with the same jobs for intelligence departments, but once a national emergency took ce, they would spring into action. This department¡¯s existence was only known to NIS department heads or higher.


    Once Kim Jong-un woke up, the ACS was immediately deployed to watch him.


    At the 10th floor ward of Pyeong-yang General Hospital (the old Josungoryeo Hospital) where Kim Jong-un was, 12 ACS agents would keep watch in 6-hour shifts around the clock. 20 additional supporting agents were also present near the hospital. On top of that, 100 policemen were deployed from the Pyeong-yang police department to bar all entrances to the special ward on the 10th floor. There was now double the number of guards from before Kim Jong-un regained consciousness.


    Once the ACS was active, President Choo Un-hee received a report about Kim Jong-un¡¯s status every morning from Director Lee Young-jin.


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, madam president! Kim Ki-nam and Ra Dong-il have retired, but Kim Hyung-chul is the current central investigation bureau¡¯s deputy director, and we have ordered round-the-clock surveince on him just like we did for Senator Kim Yeo-jung.¡±


    ¡°Director Lee! I would like to have the remaining two men go under 24-hour surveince as well.¡±


    ¡°Even the retired men?¡±


    ¡°Director Lee!¡± The president raised her voice when Director Lee Young-jin questioned her.


    ¡°Yes, madam president!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave a single shred of threat untouched. The peaceful unification was achieved through the efforts of the previous government. How could you be sox at a time like this?¡±


    ¡°I apologize.¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need, just ask. You have my full support. Please do your best since the future of our nation is on the line. I beg you, Director Lee!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was short-sighted. I apologize, madam president.¡±

 Chapter 315

    <h4>Chapter 315</h4>


    September 2nd, 2023, 11:00 (New China Standard Time 10:00)


    New China, themunist party¡¯s headquarters in Beijing (the president¡¯s office)


    After being defeated in the war against Corea, the nation attempted to go into a democracy based on the decision made by the four states¡¯ militarymanders, but the petty disputes about profits incited frequent arguments.


    The eastern state had imed independence under the name ¡®The Eastern Republic¡¯ on October 5th, 2022, and started the division. The central state was taken over in a coup by the 38th army group consisting of Xi Jin Ping loyalists, and Beijing that was once China¡¯s political center now became the political hub for the central state. The leaders of the 38th army group immediately left the militarymander¡¯s council and imed independence under the name ¡®New Chinese People¡¯s Republic¡¯ or NPR for short on December 3rd, 2022.


    The south and west states allied with each other and founded a new democratic nation on January 1st, 2023 under the name of ¡®Republic of China.¡¯ As a result, China was split into three different countries, but to be precise, there were 13 independent nations from the 10 minorities within China that imed independence on June 15th, 2022, and three nations with the Han race.


    On August 5th, 2023, themunist New Chinese People¡¯s Republic started the civil war by invading the Republic of China¡¯s economic city, Chongqing.


    ¡°Vice President!¡± Wang Jing Wei, who was themander of the 38th army group and the leader of the coup, was appointed to the presidency and called for Vice President Chan Wei Ting while seated at the president¡¯s office snobbishly.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s the matter I asked you to look into?¡±


    ¡°We are analyzing it from multiple angles, sir.¡±


    ¡°I asked you to do that a long time ago, and you¡¯re still working on it?¡±


    ¡°Apologies, sir. If it takes any longer, we will get it done with the aid from the Minister of Diplomacy Li Bao Dung.¡±


    ¡°My, my. Tsk tsk tsk. If you had to go through the ministry of diplomacy then why would I task you with the matter? Have you already forgotten this must be done in secret, so the ministry of diplomacy would be unaware?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m-I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I need to run a country with a guy like him...¡±


    Chun Wei Ting was the operations director of the 38th army group during the coup and became the vice president of the central militarymission after President Wang Jing Wei held office.


    ¡°Enough about that. How¡¯s the war against the damned Republic of China?¡±


    The NPR and the Republic of China were fighting a fierce battle against each other for the city of Chongqing, the nation¡¯s economic ma with a poption of 2.88 million consisting of 21 counties and 4 self-governed provinces.


    ¡°ording to the Minister of Defense Jang Yue Fung, we should be able topletely upy the city within 2 weeks, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Two weeks?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°It has been over a month since we have attacked the city, and it will take two more weeks?¡±


    ¡°The thing is, the military is attempting to take over the city while trying to minimize damages to the industrial facilities, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right. Give me a brief report about the other regions as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, up next is...¡±


    * * *


    September 2nd, 2023, 13:30


    The Pyeong-yang General Hospital (the old Josungoryeo Hospital) at Daedong-gang county, Pyeong-yang metropolitan city, the Northern State, Corea


    It was the 4th visit Kim Yeo-jung had made since Kim Jong-un regained consciousness.


    When she heard the news about her brother regaining consciousness, Senator Kim Yeo-jung dropped everything and went to visit her brother. However, he insulted and attempted to beat her as if he saw an old enemy. Luckily, he was stopped by the doctors and nurses nearby.


    Kim Jong-un¡¯s doctor exined he was so violent towards her due to mental disability caused by the impression that Kim Yeo-jung had caused the reunification and made the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea disappear. He also exined how Kim Jong-un needed time toe back to reality and adjust. Kim Yeo-jung was only allowed to visit her brother once a week.


    ¡°My dear sister! I am so sorry forshing out before.¡± Ironically, Kim Jong-un greeted his sister warmly this time. The look in his eyes, his demeanor, and tone werepletely different. The room felt much warmerpared to before.


    ¡°Dear brother! I understand. I would have done the same.¡±


    ¡°Really? I am grateful for that. Where are you living now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m now living in Seoul.¡±


    The visits that were ufortable a month ago had now returned to one a brother and sister would have.


    ¡°Seoul? Is it nice?¡±


    ¡°Yes, if you don¡¯t mind it being crowded, it¡¯s a good ce to live.¡±


    ¡°Are you satisfied with how things are?¡±


    Kim Yeo-jung smiled awkwardly from her brother¡¯s question and spoke after a long silence, ¡°I¡¯m-I am satisfied.¡±


    ¡°What makes you feel that way?¡±


    Kim Yeo-jung seemed to have made up her mind from the prying questions and spoke to her brother while looking at him in the eye.


    ¡°Dear brother! South Josun, Corea is a great ce to live. The citizens of the Northern state are also enjoying their lives freely and doing their best. You should, too...¡± Kim Yeo-jung could not finish her sentence.


    Kim Jong-un smiled as if he already knew what she was going to say.


    ¡°I guess my sister has been deeply influenced by South Korean capitalism. I know what you were going to say. There¡¯s no need to worry. I still have enough wits to see reality.¡±


    ¡°Re-really? So, you¡¯ve made up your mind?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have.¡±


    ¡°That is wonderful, and a relief, dear brother.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course. What happens to me now? Will I get banished overseas?¡±


    Kim Yeo-jung answered while waving her hands, ¡°No. Just focus on recovering for now. I¡¯m sure the good news wille from the central government.¡±


    ¡°How could any good newse right now?¡± Kim Jong-un expressed his concerns.


    ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s no need to worry. The central government has promised me that they will take care of you.¡±


    ¡°I guess we will have to wait and see, won¡¯t we? Who are those guys?¡± Kim Jong-un pointed to the two men standing behind his sister. Two of the usual men whom he knew, but it was the first time he had met the other two.


    Kim Yeo-jung looked towards the direction his brother pointed to with his chin and answered quietly, ¡°They are from the NIS.¡±


    ¡°The NIS?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an organization that is simr to the State Security Department.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re here to keep tabs on us. I want to talk to that man over there.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    When the man approached Kim Jong-un at the request of his sister, he was able to speak with him alone.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name? Where are you from?¡±


    ¡°I am Agent Hong Hyuck-jun from the NIS.¡±


    ¡°I see, I won¡¯t keep you long! Please listen to me. I want to just live a quiet life from now on. Tell your superiors that they don¡¯t need to worry about me. What could I possibly do now? Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then be on your way.¡±


    Kim Jong-un was now in his 40s after spending 8 years of his life in bed, and he seemed a bit differentpared to his headstrong days during his 20s on TV.


    * * *


    September 3rd, 2023, 11:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, Ministry of Foreign Affairs office (guest room)


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who had been appointed by President Choo Un-hee, was busy dealing with Ambassador Yegor Titov from the Russian embassy in Corea. There was only one reason he woulde to the ministry. It was about the handing off of Hokkaido to Russia that Corea signed in secret with Russia during the war.


    The war between Corea and Japan had been over for two years, but Hokkaido was still not handed off to Russia, so President Putin must have made up his mind to get the territory before his term was over. President Putin only had six months left in his term.


    ¡°Minister Kang! When will the Corean government hand over Hokkaido to our government? I would like a sure answer today, please.¡± Ambassador Yegor Titov looked exhausted from either making the same demands to the Corean Ministry of Foreign Affairs every time or being pressured by his government back home.


    ¡°Ambassador Titov, didn¡¯t I tell you it is going to be difficult to hand over Hokkaido? Hasn¡¯t our government invested over 18 billion dors for the Siberian natural resources industry?¡±


    Corea had invested 18 billion dors to Russia¡¯s Siberia to build a natural resourcesplex in 2022. The investment had elevated the weaker eastern side of Russia¡¯s economy in an instant and helped Russia grow into an economic power.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a separate matter to the agreement about Hokkaido, minister?¡±


    ¡°A separate matter? The original agreed investment was 5 billion dors. Our government invested 13 billion dors more in ce of Hokkaido.¡±


    ¡°The investment of the Corean government was not only profitable to Russia but also for Corea, wasn¡¯t it? I don¡¯t think that would cover the handoff of Hokkaido.¡± Ambassador Yegor Titov seemed to have made up his mind before the visit.


    ¡°Very well, Ambassador Titov! Is there anything else we could give in ce of Hokkaido?¡±


    ¡°No, there is nothing else. Only Hokkaido. Our government is not making unreasonable demands, minister. We are only asking for the Corean government to uphold the promise they made, aren¡¯t we?¡± Ambassador Yegor Titov raised his voice. When he saw Minister Kang Kyung-hee hesitate and unable to respond, he leaned in closer and spoke quietly, ¡°President Putin is willing to use military force to take Hokkaido if the promise is not kept.¡±


    Ambassador Yegor Titov¡¯s tone was menacing.


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee responded in a shocked tone, ¡°Are you saying Russia will invade Hokkaido? Russia will go into war against Corea?¡±


    ¡°When did we say that? Isn¡¯t Hokkaido Japan¡¯s territory?¡±


    ¡°Ambassador Titov! Our nation had a military force the size of a corps stationed in Japan to defend their territory based on its surrender. Our men are stationed in Hokkaido. Aren¡¯t you aware?¡±


    ¡°Then I guess all Corea has to do is pull out from Hokkaido.¡±


    ¡°Ambassador Titov!¡±


    When the ambassador revealed Russia¡¯s true intent, the entire room felt cold.


    ¡°I will say this again. Our government is only asking for the promise that was made to be kept. No more, no less.¡± Ambassador Yegor Titov went back to his polite tone as if he wasmanding the room. Like a diplomatic professional, he was highly skilled in negotiations.


    ¡°Very well. I understand Russia¡¯s true intent. Give me a few days. I will get a final answer from the president and contact you.¡±


    Ambassador Yegor Titov took a moment to think after hearing Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s words and finally got up from the sofa.


    ¡°I understand. I will put my faith in you for the final time, Minister Kang. I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

 Chapter 316

    <h4>Chapter 316</h4>


    September 4th, 2023, 15:30 (Kurdistan Standard Time 09:30)


    Kurdistan, Republic of Ari Doubayajut


    China¡¯s minority races: the Tibetans, Uighur Muslims, Huis, Zhangs, Mongolians, and 10 other minorities dered independence from the support of the Corean government on June 15th, 2022. The Kurdish, the world¡¯srgest nomadic race, also known as the gypsies in the Middle East, dered their independence under the name of the Republic of Kurdistan on February 1st, 2023 with the Ararat Mountains as a foundation with an Ararat local militia. Other organizations that had been fighting for Kurdish independence in Iran and Iraq started to gather here as well to bolster the numbers.


    * The Kurds were an Iranian ethnic group with a poption of 30-40 million. Despite maintaining their own culture,nguage, social structure, they didn¡¯t have a nation of their own and were scattered across the middle eastern mountainside. The main system of belief was Sunni Im, and many of the people were now settled in areas along the Middle East. The Kurdish people spoke Kurdish, and 4000 years ago they settled in Kurdistan, which was slightly smaller than Corea with an area of 80,000 square kilometers. The Kurds were subject to Arabian rule during the medieval ages and were once more ruled by a foreign power afterward. Once the First World War was over, it was divided into four areas and handed off to Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey under the Sykes-Picot treaty between France and Ennd. The imperialist powers had promised the Kurds independence but it was broken, prompting the independence movement for the Kurdish people to continue to this day.


    * The Kurdish people did form a country under the name of the Republic of Ararat along the Ararat Mountains on the eastern side of Turkey, but the nation fell after being invaded by its neighbor three yearster.


    *The Kurdish people were now scattered across Turkey (14.7 million), Iran (8.1 million), Syria (1.7 million), and other nations.


    Apart from Syria that had been busy fighting a civil war for the past 10 years, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey all opposed the Kurdish independence and started to take military action against it.


    The Republic of Kurdistan officially sued the UN Security Council for the loss of their nation and the sacrifice of 40 million of their people for the profits of world powers. The nation imed that for over 100 years, the Kurdish people had been suffering from living a nomadic life in four surrounding nations without one for their own and now demanded to have their independence recognized by the international governments, so they can finally settle and contribute to world peace.


    The UN Security Council was called in for a hearing and the member nations took a vote on the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence. The U.K. and France, which were directly rted to the tragedy of the Kurdish people, did not want to admit their wrongdoing and started to negotiate with other members in secret. The resulting votes were 12 against, 2 nulls, and 1 for. The U.S. and Russia had given up their right to vote while the only nation that voted for was Corea.


    The Corean government had voted for Kurdish independence and independently decided to aid the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence. The decision to aid the country financially and deploy troops were supported by many Corean citizens. It was an opportunity for the Kurdish people to alert the internationalmunity about their suffering for the past 100 years and turn their nation into a fully independent nation.


    The citizens of Corea were empathetic to the Kurdish cause due to the nation¡¯s history of being under a 35 year-long Japanese imperialistic rule and fully supported the central government¡¯s decision. Congress and the senate swiftly drafted up and passed the bill.


    On April 10th, 2023, the Corean government started to send financial aid to rebuild the Republic of Kurdistan and deployed 30,000 troops to perform recovery projects and keep the peace independently from the UN. Corea had sent out troops to various locations across the world multiple times, but it was the first time soldiers were being deployed to an area where they would have to engage in battle. Therefore, only volunteers from soldiers, N.C.Os and C.Os were sent to the area. The forces being deployed were the size of a corps consisting of six engineering brigades from different corps, the 55th mechanized infantry brigades under the capital corps¡¯ 55th mechanized infantry division, the 11th marine mobile brigades, 1 aerial brigade,munication forces, and medics.


    Once Corea¡¯s forces arrived in the Republic of Kurdistan, Iran and Iraq stopped their military movements to invade the nation, but not Turkey.


    However, the Turkish government was still making suspicious activities. The Republic of Kurdistan was iming territory along the eastern regions of Turkey at the Ararat mountains. These territorial disputes made Turkey protest against the Corean government and rtions soured. Since the 2002 World Cup, the two nations had had close rtions with each other, and it became closer after the 2018 ¡°Humanitarian Cooperative for Korean War veterans¡± aid andrge investments from the Corean corporations. However, the issue with the Republic of Kurdistan worsened their rtionship, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Corea attempted to improve it through various efforts, but territorial disputes were something that could not be resolved easily through diplomacy.


    The Turkish ruling party was an alt-right party, and it imed that the nation should cut all diplomatic ties with Corea andmence an attack against the Republic of Kurdistan.


    Iraq and Iran, who had sat behind the scenes, started to make military movements after seeing Turkey doing so.


    There was a hidden reason the Corean government became so active towards the politics within the Middle East and supported Kurdish independencepared to the past despite worsening rtions and potentially causing interference in domestic affairs. At the Ararat mountains, there wererge caches of liquid metal ores that were the main material used to create liquid metal alloys. The alloy was only manufactured and produced in Corea, and it was used in weapons, sma power nts, and other high-tech equipment.


    The Corean government had imported the liquid metal ores from African countries in secret, but the supply could not meet the demand. The Corean government needed another supply source, and it attempted to use the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s deration of independence near the Ararat mountains with its heavy caches as an opportunity.


    Whether this would either profit or harm Corea was unknown, but ominous winds started to blow in the Middle East with the Republic of Kurdistan in its center.


    The citizens of Doubayajut were mostly Kurdish, and it was a border city near Turkey¡¯s Ari state, but when the Republic of Kurdistan gained independence, it became the nation¡¯s capital among the 35 cities within the country.


    Vrooooo~ Vrooooom~


    The Doubayajut roads under the Ararat mountains, also known as deands, were full of convoys of armored vehicles and heavy equipment with the Corean gs in ce driving down the roads heading towards the city¡¯s suburbs.


    The convoy was from the peace forces of Corea that were deployed to rebuild the Republic of Kurdistan on May 1st. The peace forces were focused on expanding the roadways leading out of Doubayajut and establishing major infrastructures in the area. There were also 1,000 professionals from privatepanies with them.


    There was also unofficial mining going on in the middle of the Ararat mountains by the engineer brigades.


    ¡°Sergeant Oh, sir! We¡¯ll go through today safely like yesterday, right?¡± Corporal Park Soo-il under the 11th engineer brigade¡¯s 55th battalion thought about the time he was attacked by an unknown organization while mining near the Ararat mountains and grasped the cross on his neck.


    ¡°Corporal Park, how could you be so scared while wearing the protective suit? You won¡¯t die from having a few pellets shot at you,¡± Staff Sergeant Oh Kyung-min, the toon¡¯smander, answered him as if he had this conversation numerous times before.


    ¡°Sir, pellets still hurt when you¡¯re hit. I was struck on the left shoulder and I thought I was going to die from the pain.¡±


    ¡°How did a sissy like you sign up toe here!¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, I wanted to earn some money before I get discharged, sir.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you make enough just by serving back home?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not enough for me to start my own business after I get discharged, sir.¡±


    ¡°Impressive. You¡¯re already thinking about starting a business at your age. What is it going to be?¡±


    ¡°Well, I was going to start a personal business in the...¡±


    While the two men conversed aboard the transport vehicle, the 11th engineer brigade¡¯s 55th battalion arrived at the mining site in the heart of the Ararat mountain. The 55th engineer battalion and 300 civilians had been mining the liquid metal ores every day for the past 3 months.


    Only a small number of forces were stationed here to stand by and watch for 24 hours a day. The mining site was the size of Yeoui Ind and it was equipped with a forge to process the liquid metal ores. The heavy equipment made it look like a small steel mill. The liquid metal ores would go through initial processing and 10 heavy, 5-ton trucks would transport them to the airport in Doubayajut. Thanks to the Kurdistan government¡¯s silence, the nes could fly them back to Corea.


    * * *


    September 5th, 2023, 17:00 (Russia Standard Time 11:00)


    The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia (the President¡¯s office)


    President Putin had been uneasy every day as his term would be over by the end of the year. He wanted to get Hokkaido and make it Russia¡¯s territory, so he could make changes to thews to run for a third term. President Putin waited for the answer of the Corean government through the embassy in Corea.


    ¡°Any news from Ambassador Titov, minister?¡± President Putin asked in a scolding tone to Minister Valeri Karpin from the foreign ministry before he could even take a seat.


    Minister Karpin answered the president in a stooped position, ¡°Not yet, sir...¡±


    ¡°You should have checked on that matter when I asked you toe here... How could you perform as a minister if you¡¯re that oblivious?¡±


    President Putin was from the KGB and a tough man, but he never spoke rudely to the ministers before. The fact that he did so reflected his mental state.


    ¡°Mr. President, I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Notify me immediately when Ambassador Titov contacts you. How is our attempt to contact Kim Jong-un going?¡±


    Just like the New China Republic, Russia was highly interested in Kim Jong-un regaining consciousness after 8 years. It was unknown as to why both Russia and the New China Republic were interested in Kim Jong-un, but one thing was for certain. It would not be good news for Corea.


    ¡°We are attempting to find a way to contact him in secret. However, the Corean government¡¯s intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on him, his sister, and his supporters, so we are progressing with caution, sir.¡±


    ¡°Are you working with the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Service)?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are working with them jointly.¡±


    President Putin pulled out a cigar and stood up after lighting it.


    ¡°In case Corea does not hand off Hokkaido as promised, Kim Jong-un will act as a key figure to stir chaos within the country. We must contact him at all costs and persuade him to ept our offer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    President Putin pulled a long drag from the cigar and smiled unpleasantly while blowing out white smoke.

 Chapter 317

    <h4>Chapter 317</h4>


    September 6th, 2023, 15:00 (Kurdistan Standard Time 09:00)


    Maku, West Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kurdistan


    The city of Maku was at the western border of Iran with a mainly Kurdish poption, and unlike other cities, it was established along a canyon 150m wide and 10km long.


    The city was under the territory of the Republic of Kurdistan, but it was dangerous and often attacked by Iranian militia that opposed the nation¡¯s independence.


    Vrooooom~


    The rough sounds of engines firing up broke the morning, and four desert-camouged armored vehicles started to move along the Maku-Bazargun roads in formation.


    The armored vehicles were all from the 3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s reconnaissance force stationed 10km northeast of Bazargun. The 3rd mechanized infantrypany had been tasked with keeping the peace at Bazargun, and Maku had been additionally assigned to them. The armored vehicles under the 3rdpany were headed towards the city to make their rounds.


    The four K-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicles were just about to move through the gates of the international university at the fire-free zone when the toonmander came on the radio.


    -This is the toonmander. This is our first time entering the city of Maku, so be on high alert. Vehicle 312 is to join up with the men from the republic and maintain the peace at the designated areas, over.


    -Vehicle 312, confirmed!


    Soon, Vehicle 312 left the convoy¡¯s formation and stopped to let the other cars move to downtown Maku. When the vehiclemander gave the order to dismount, the rear hatch opened and the soldiers aboard started to split into two groups to form a defensive perimeter.


    -Sergeant Kim! The soldiers from the republic are approaching. Do everything by the book ande back safely from the recon.¡±


    The vehiclemander saw the group of republic soldiers and alerted Sergeant Kim Han-ho.


    -Yes, sir. We will take it from here.


    Sergeant Kim Han-ho finished speaking to the vehiclemander and checked the group of soldiers approaching them. Twelve soldiers showed up on his shield sses, and the X-K01 console screen marked them as soldiers from the republic guards. The Corean military had given them the friend or foe cards so they could be identified by the Corean equipment.


    ¡°Squadron leader¡¯s team at the front and the rest are to guard our rear. Move out!¡±


    Squadron leader Kim Han-ho gave the order and walked towards the republic guards.


    ¡°Habal! Nice to meet you. I am the captain of the Maku guards, Arin Mirukan.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Han-ho was shocked. It was a woman in her 30s with ck hair. She was one of the soldiers from the Kurdish women guards he had only heard about in the news and inte.


    ¡°Hello. I am the reconnaissance squadron leader Kim Han-ho. Nice to meet you.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Han-ho saluted out of habit and nced at the other guards behind the captain. There was one more woman guard behind Captain Arin Mirukan.


    ¡°Corporal Kim, sir! There are women soldiers. Wow. They¡¯re really cool, don¡¯t you think?¡± Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan, the squadron firearms operator, whispered to Corporal Kim Sung-ho, the grenadier.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve only seen them on the news, but they¡¯re really prettier in person.¡±


    ¡°I suppose this mission will be better than we expected. Hehe.¡±


    Vice-squad leader Sergeant Lee Jin-tae¡¯s cold re fell on both of them.


    ¡°Hey! Focus on your surroundings!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sir.¡±


    Eight Corean infantrymen and 13 Maku guards all moved as a group to patrol and keep the peace within the 2.5km stretch they have been tasked with.


    ¡°Squad, we¡¯re going on the move. Corporal Kim, deploy the drone.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Following the squad leader¡¯s orders, Corporal Kim Gil-tae, the drone¡¯s operator, pulled out a case from his pack and threw something into the air. The drone the size of an adult¡¯s palm quietly rose to the sky.


    The new light-weight reconnaissance drone was designed to rece the Spider-II drone that had been used by units ofpanies to be used by squadrons. Its official name was the SI-Q (Super eye reconnaissance drone) and it could rise 3km and thoroughly scan an area up to 8km away.


    ¡°Sir! Everything is good to go,¡± Corporal Kim Gil-tae ced the controller with a disy on his neck and reported in while manipting the drone.


    ¡°Okay! Corporal Kim stay close behind me and keep scanning.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯m right behind you.¡±


    When the men arrived at a T-section, the squadron leader¡¯s team, the vice-squadron leader¡¯s team, and the Maku guards split into two groups and continued their mission of patrolling and maintaining the peace within the city.


    When the group split into two, Corporal Kim Sung-ho from the vice-squadron leader¡¯s team tapped Private Youn Ho-jin on the shoulder and pointed to the female soldier of the Maku city guard. Private Youn Ho-jin hesitated for a moment but ended up walking up to her after being red at by Corporal Kim, and asked a question to her sheepishly.


    ¡°Uh, hey! My superior told me to ask. What¡¯s your name?¡± When Private Youn Ho-jin asked the woman in English, the woman armed with an AK-47 and wearing a ck turban did not seem to understand and gave him a nk look.


    Private Youn Ho-jin asked once again slowly. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    When he pointed to his name tag on the uniform, she finally seemed to have understood him and introduced herself.


    ¡°Habal! Rosarin!¡±


    ¡°Ah, Ro, Rosarin. How old are you?¡±


    Smack!


    ¡°Hey! You idiots here on vacation? Corporal Kim, act your damn rank!¡± Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, the vice-squadron leader, smacked Private Youn Ho-jin at the back of the head and red at Corporal Kim Sung-ho. Private Youn red at Corporal Kim for being scolded for doing what he was ordered to do by him.


    However, Corporal Kim Sung-ho averted his gaze and startedining. ¡°Damn it! He does everything by the book! I really can¡¯t do this any more thanks to him.¡±


    The squadron leader¡¯s urgent voice came through the headset equipped on the helmets. ¡°Squadron! Mortar strikes! Take cover!¡±


    The squad leader¡¯s shouts and a whistling sound came through the radio, then the entire city of Maku shook with pirs of mes rising everywhere.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The infantrymen of the second squad would not be in harm¡¯s way as long as they were not directly hit by the mortar rounds, but the Maku city guards did not have any protective suits and were in danger.


    When the falling mortar rounds fell near the vice-squad leader¡¯s team, shrapnel started to fly everywhere with an explosion and small rocks rained down on them.


    Wooosh~


    ¡°There! We will move there to take cover.¡± The vice-squad leader pointed to the tougher buildings. The Corean soldiers and the Maku city guards all started to run to the building while ducking.


    Boom! Boom!


    As time passed, the number of rounds falling on Maku increased, and the mortar rounds started tond on the building the soldiers were taking cover in.


    Boom!


    When the mortar rounds started to fall near them, the buildings made out of dirt and rocks started to shake, and the ceiling started to copse and poured debris everywhere.


    ¡°We, we¡¯re getting out of here!¡±


    The vice-squad leader¡¯s shouts were drowned out by the explosion and they were covered by the building¡¯s debris. A dust cloud filled the interior of the building. When the dust settled, the vice-squad leader checked on everyone.


    ¡°Everyone all right? Anyone injured?¡±


    ¡°Argh! Private Youn Ho-jin. Cough! Cough! I¡¯m fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°Private Gwak Young-hwan, I¡¯m also fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°Corporal Kim Sung-ho, my, my leg...¡±


    ¡°Corporal Kim! What about your leg?¡±


    The vice-squad leader looked for Corporal Kim Sung-ho with his shield sses. Corporal Kim was on the floor and being crushed by the debris.


    ¡°Private Gwak! Private Youn! Get over here and help me!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The building¡¯s half-broken pir was crushing Corporal Kim Sung-ho¡¯s leg with the other debris.


    ¡°One! Two! Three!¡±


    The men pushed the pir off of Corporal Kim¡¯s leg. Corporal Kim now started to move around a bit and stood back up after being freed.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry about me, but...¡±


    Rosarin was unconscious at the ce Corporal Kim was at. When the ceiling fell from the mortar strikes, he threw himself on top of her. The debris had fallen on top of him and Rosarin.


    ¡°You did that to save her...¡±


    ¡°Please check on her status, sir.¡±


    The vice-squad leader wanted to yell at Corporal Kim Sung-ho, but he held back the urge and checked on Rosarin. She did not have any external trauma and only seemed to be unconscious from the explosion.


    ¡°She¡¯s just unconscious. She¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Ah, what a relief. Ha ha.¡±


    Private First ss Gwan Young-hwan, the squad¡¯s firearms operator, said to Corporal Kim Young-ho, ¡°Corporal Kim, sir! That was amazing. I guess the power of love is great.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! I only save her out of instinct. Damn you!¡±


    The sound of 50mm photon cannons and ck Dragon missiles beingunched by the armored vehicles came from a distance. It seemed the squad leader¡¯s team had detected the source of the mortar strikes with their reconnaissance drones and sent them to the four armored vehicles nearby.


    * * *


    September 6th, 2023, 17:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang City, Daedong-gang County, Pyeong-yang General Hospital (the old Josun Goguryeo Hospital), special patient¡¯s ward


    Knock! Knock!


    ¡°Who is it? Come in.¡±


    Kim Jong-un, who had been spending his days watching TV whileying down except for the two hours he spent on remedial exercising, had a visitor. The door opened and multiple men in ck suits and a man in histe 50s came in.


    Kim Jong-un got up from the bed.


    ¡°Hello. I am Lee Youn-yeon, the prime minister of Corea.¡±


    ¡°The prime minister? My, I finally have a high-ranking visitor. Come on in.¡±


    Kim Jong-un got out of bed and shook the man¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Yes. Nice to meet you. Could I have a moment to sit down and talk?¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s. Please take a seat.¡±


    Kim Jong-un pointed at the circr table and chairs.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the purpose of your unannounced visit?¡±


    Kim Jong-un cut straight to the chase after sitting down. In truth, he was very uneasy about the fact that no high-ranking South Korean government official visited him despite a month passing since his recovery. He thought they were ignoring him.


    Chief Secretary Kim Jong-won must have read his mind and answered with an apologetic look on his face, ¡°We apologize for ourte visit. We figured it would hinder your recovery, so that was why we areing to see you now. We hope you understand.¡±


    ¡°Well! No matter. Please tell me why you are here.¡±


    ¡°The president will visit you soon. She would like to discuss the future of our nation when she does.¡±


    ¡°What use would that be to speak to a man with broken wings. I don¡¯t need any of that. I would just like to say one thing.¡±


    Kim Jong-un seemed ufortable in the chair due to his size and continued after adjusting himself, ¡°I am no longer interested in politics. What use would I be to anyone waking up 8 years after? Don¡¯t you agree? I will stay quiet for the rest of my days. Please make sure you tell that to the president.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. We will deliver your statement word for word.¡±


    Kim Jong-un had precisely identified the purpose of the prime minister¡¯s visit. Therefore, he only spoke the words they wanted to hear.


    ¡°Once I¡¯m done with my recovery, I would like to spend the rest of my days at the Gal-ma Vi. Would that be possible?¡±


    The vis owned by Kim Jong-un were all bought out by privatepanies to be used as resorts once the nations were unified. The Gal-ma, Hye-san, and Samjiyeon Vis were being run by the government.


    ¡°Yes, I could speak to the president and have that prepared for you as well.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I appreciate it.¡±

 Chapter 318

    <h4>Chapter 318</h4>


    September 7th, 2023, 10:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the President¡¯s office)


    The Blue House¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was busy dealing with Turkey about the Republic of Kurdistan in the Middle East, with Russia for the handing off of Hokkaido, and now the internal affairs regarding Kim Jong-un.


    President Choo Un-hee was now in her third year of presidency. Since she had her work cut out for her in both domestic and international affairs, she called over the ministers of each department for a meeting.


    ¡°Madam President! We must at least improve rtions with Turkey among the three Middle East nations.¡± Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-hee, who was busily working around the clock, started off the meeting.


    ¡°Of course. Do you have any suggestions on how to do so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President. In truth, any nation will not back down from a territorial dispute, even if its future is on the line. Our nation also fought fiercely against Japan for Dok-do Ind, did we not?¡±


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s something that cannot be given up so easily.¡±


    ¡°However, our government is supporting the Republic of Kurdistan and its im on Turkish territory.¡±


    ¡°Yes. For Turkey, that must be very upsetting,¡± President Choo Un-hee nodded while answering her.


    ¡°Yes, exactly. Most of the territory the Republic of Kurdistan is iming are harsh mountain ranges. It¡¯s not as if there are natural resources that would profit the nation either. Therefore, I believe we must offer Turkey an irresistible reward to persuade them to give them up.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kang, what do you mean by that?¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo, the previous minister of national defense, asked with curiosity brimming in his eyes.


    ¡°We should offer them a sma power nt.¡±


    Silence fell in the room after everyone heard Minister Kang Kyung-hee. The national security director shook his head and responded coldly.


    ¡°Minister Kang, don¡¯t you know the export of the sma power nt¡¯s technology is forbidden until 2050 under the Anti-scientific Technology Leak bill?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware. Currently, Turkey is scheduled to operate three nuclear power nts until 2030, and they have begun construction for the second nuclear powernt. The Turkish government has already spent 17 billion dors for the construction of two nuclear power nts, and the third is estimated to cost an additional 8 billion dors. What if we offer to build them a sma power nt for free? I think Turkey will give the territory to the Republic of Kurdistan if we give them something like the power nt.¡±


    Minister Kang Ui-sik, who had led the country to victory during the East Asian War as the chairman of the joint chief of staff, asked a question, ¡°Do you think Turkey will just be content that we can save them 8 billion dors and give them a single sma powernt that is worth 12 billion dors?¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee answered calmly, ¡°We should not put a price on the sma power nt. This is something that cannot be built outside of Corea no matter how much money is spent by a nation. If the sma power nt, which could not be bought by any other nation, were to be first built in Turkey, it could serve as a national symbol, and there would be no need to build any additional power nt for another 80 years. Once we make Turkey aware of this fact, wouldn¡¯t they give the useless eastern territory to the Republic of Kurdistan? What if we also add the rail gun technology to sweeten the deal? How does that sound?¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee shrugged her shoulders and looked around the room.


    ¡°Hmm, after listening to you, I think that¡¯s a good idea. What does everyone else think?¡± The president expressed her support and asked the other government officials.


    Minister Kang Ui-sik raised his hand to express his opinion. ¡°I think Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s suggestion is a good idea. I just have one slight suggestion. How about we see how Turkey responds when we offer them the sma power nt, and if that doesn¡¯t work, we use the railgun technology as a hidden card instead. If we can reach an agreement with the sma power nt alone, I don¡¯t think we need to give them the rail gun technology also.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I didn¡¯t think about that. That¡¯s a great idea.¡± When Minister Kang Kyung-hee responded with a bright smile on her face, the other ministers also expressed their agreement.


    ¡°I also think that¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°I agree as well.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee seemed to have made up her mind and answered, ¡°Very well. Minister Kang, please go through additional meetings with the rted departments and visit Turkey once youe to a final decision.¡±


    ¡°Understood, madam president.¡±


    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s talk about the next topic on the list.¡±


    ¡°Yes, up next is about the handing off of Hokkaido.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s a hard one. To be honest, whenever that topices up, I can¡¯t help but feel hate against President Suh for making that agreement.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee¡¯s joke lightened the mood of the office, and the other ministers and officials allughed. However, this was no joking matter. Russia was on itsst straw, and they had to give them a sure answer now.


    ¡°As you are all aware, we must give Russia an answer about Hokkaido. We have already received another phone call from Ambassador Titov this morning.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who had suggested an elegant and wise n about Turkey, also did not seem to know what to do about the Hokkaido matter.


    ¡°Madam President, why don¡¯t we just give Russia Hokkaido?¡± Chief secretary Kim Jong-won asked as if toin. The matter about Hokkaido¡¯s handoff was like a thorn in the Choo Un-hee administration¡¯s side.


    ¡°It¡¯s...it¡¯s not that simple. The previous government did sign a secret treaty with the Russian government promising Hokkaido, but we cannot just hand off Japan¡¯s territory that is 2/3 the size of the southern state so easily without causing political ripples,¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo summarized simply.


    ¡°Director Kang, which ripple would be greater, the one from handing off Hokkaido or the one Russia would cause for not upholding our promise?¡±


    Director Kang could not give an immediate answer to Chief Secretary Kim Jong-won¡¯s question.


    ¡°I think Russia¡¯s ripple would be greater,¡± Minister of Political Affairs Lee Dong-hyun answered carefully. However, everyone else waspletely silent. They were unsure which would cause more issues.


    ¡°Hmm, if we are unsure of what to do, why don¡¯t we offer something to Russia as we will do for Turkey?¡± Chief secretary Kim Jong-won thought simpler solutions would be best forplicated manners.


    ¡°What kind of offer?¡± When the minister of foreign affairs asked, the chief secretary shrugged and answered her.


    ¡°We could build a sma power nt for Russia as well.¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t happen. That would be to send a wolf to guard the sheep. Russia will do everything in its power to steal the technology of the sma power nt.¡±


    When Minister Kang Ui-sik answered while shaking his hands, Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon spoke in amenting tone. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like we can handle this as if picking something to buy in a market. I really can¡¯t think of an alternative offer for Hokkaido.¡±


    The entire office fell silent. Everyone seemed to be thinking of ideas on what to offer Russia.


    A moment of silence passed, and President Choo Un-hee spoke after tapping her chair¡¯s arm. ¡°How about we let Russia think about it for us?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, what do you mean?¡±


    When Minister Kang Kyung-hee asked, the president continued, ¡°Let¡¯s ask what Russia wants instead of Hokkaido.¡±


    ¡°Madam President, that could cause tremendous issues. What if they make unreasonable demands? We could burn down the house while attempting to rid of fleas. You know how President Putin is?¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo intervened.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, Director Kang, calm down. I meant we should do that to buy some time. While Russia thinks abouting up with its demands, we could use that time to form our own offers. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s brilliant, Madam President!¡± Chief Secretary Park Jong-won answered while smiling.


    After the meeting was over, Minister Kang Kyung-hee gave the Corean government¡¯s final answer to Ambassador Yegor Titov. Russia was now painstakinglying up with demands after hearing the unexpected offer.


    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s move on to the next topic.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President. I would like to tell you about my visit to Kim Jong-un,¡± Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon, who had met with Kim Jong-un yesterday afternoon, answered her as he pulled his chair close to the table.


    ¡°Yes. Did it go over well?¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, I think so.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon then summarized the hour-long conversation he had had with Kim Jong-un.


    ¡°Hmm, Kim Jong-un is smarter than we expected.¡±


    ¡°Well, we can¡¯t be certain. He might be doing that to make us put our guard down.¡±


    ¡°Could it be? Well, based on his actions from the past, that could be the case...¡±


    ¡°I think we should keep the ACS going for a while, ma¡¯am.¡±


    The meeting was over past midnight after the ministers all suggested their ideas and opinions.


    * * *


    September 7th, 2023, 19:00 (Russia Standard Time 13:00)


    Moscow, Russia, the Kremlin (the President¡¯s office)


    ¡°A different demand instead of Hokkaido...¡±


    Minister Valeri Karpin finally heard back from the long-awaited Russian embassy in Corea. He was a bit suspicious about the Corean government¡¯s unconventional offer, but he gave up and immediately headed to the Kremlin to report it to President Putin.


    President Putin reacted angrily at first by saying that it was uneptable while swearing, but then his expression changed after sinking into thought. His face seemed to suggest he was having a good time trying toe up with what to demand of the Corean government in ce of Hokkaido.


    ¡°Hmm, I wouldn¡¯t mind the attack satellite that even the Americans don¡¯t have or the technology for the 6th generation fighter jets. I really can¡¯t decide.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! How about discussing with the other ministers beforeing to a decision, sir? I think the minister of defense¡¯s input would be important,¡± Minister Valeri Karpin, who had been feeling pressured this whole time, smiled brightly as he spoke to the president.


    ¡°Hmm, I suppose so.¡± President Putin, who wielded charisma despite his short stature, seemed to be in a good mood and smiled.


    ¡°Mr. President, when will you call for a meeting, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I suppose tomorrow afternoon would be good.¡±


    President Putin pressed the button for the inte and called for his secretary, ¡°Schedule a meeting with all ministers for 2:00 pm tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President. Right away.¡±

 Chapter 319

    <h4>Chapter 319</h4>


    September 8th, 2023, 15:30 (Kurdistan Standard Time 09:30)


    The new government building at Ari Doubayajut, the Republic of Kurdistan


    On the 4th floor of the government building at the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s capital (Doubayajut), themanders of the Corean peace-keeping forces and government officials were discussing how to rebuild the republic.


    The Republic of Kurdistan was nning to merge with the Kurdistan Regional Government in South Kurdistan within 2023. If the merge was to happen, then every oil reserve within the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) would be handed to the Republic of Kurdistan, therefore they would not allow it and took military action. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had an armed force known as the Peshmerga, but they were in no shape to face off against the Iraq security forces.


    ¡°We require Corea¡¯s financial aid but for our nation to continue developing, we must merge with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and take over the oil fields,¡± the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s Secretary of Interior Affairs Kanir Subari spoke while looking at the peace keeping force¡¯smanders.


    Commander of the peace forces Lieutenant General Ahn Gook-jin expressed his opposition. He was the 20th divisionmander during the war against China, but he was promoted to lieutenant general and now served as themander of the peace forces in the Middle East.


    ¡°Minister Subari, shouldn¡¯t we attempt to stabilize the nation first, then push for a merger with the Kurdistan Regional Government?¡±


    The merger with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) was an issue but the matter rted to the oil fields was the most sensitive one in the Middle East.


    ¡°Turkey, Iran, and Iraq¡¯s militaries are all making suspicious movements. We do not have the military power to deploy forces to the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and all the way to Kirkuk.¡±


    The Kurdish government officials all seemed distraught at Lieutenant General Ahn Gook-jin¡¯s response.


    For the past 100 years, the Kurdish people had lost their nation and territory to lead tragic lives of going from nation to nation, but they now finally had their own nation and dered independence. However, it was a semi-independence. True independence would only be achieved after the Republic of Kurdistan had merged with the numerous Kurdish Regional Governments scattered across many nations. However, the 100-year longplications in Middle Eastern politics would not make it easy, nor allow it.


    ¡°Commander Ahn! Please speak with your government back home and help our country. I beg you.¡± Secretary of Interior Affairs Kanir Subari bowed.


    They were that desperate.


    It was the first time the Kurdish people, who had only been fooled and used by the world powers, had the chance to bepletely independent.


    ¡°Secretary Subari! Our government is figuring out a way where we could solve things diplomatically with Turkey. Why don¡¯t we try to merge with the Kurdish Regional Government only after we make some diplomatic progress with them? I am sure our government will actively aid the Republic of Kurdistan both diplomatically and militarily.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it would be possible to solve the issue with Turkey through diplomacy?¡± The minister of Foreign Affairs Sami Al Owairan asked with hope in his eyes.


    ¡°Yes, Corea¡¯s minister of foreign affairs is scheduled to visit Turkey soon. I expect the negotiation will produce some good news.¡±


    ¡°I sure hope so. If we can avoid any military conflict with Turkey, then I think we will have a chance to ovee the military shes with Iraq, Commander Ahn,¡± General Pativ Avci mmed the table with both of his fists confidently.


    ¡°I guess we should wait until then. Let¡¯s focus on keeping the peace and rebuilding the areas near Doubayajut for now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will put our faith in the Corean peace forces and do our best too,¡± Secretary of Interior Affairs Kanir Subari spoke loudly so his voice would carry across the room.


    * * *


    September 8th, 2023, 16:00 (Kurdistan Standard Time 10:00)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Bazargun (3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s encampment)


    The 3rd mechanized infantrypany was encamped at the city of Bazargun, 31 km away from the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s capital, Doubayajut, and two of its reconnaissance toons were preparing to patrol Maku. Four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers under the 30th aerial forces stationed at Doubayajut Airport were also flying towards Bazargun to escort them.


    It was due to the mortar attacks from the local militia yesterday. Over 100 mortar rounds had destroyed numerous buildings and facilities, and an engineering force had to be deployed to fix the damages. To keep them out of harm¡¯s way, additional forces were deployed to the area.


    Soon the 171 engineer battalion¡¯s armored vehicles and numerous construction equipment under the 17th engineer brigade moved along the road from Doubayajut and arrived in the city. The 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s armored vehicles took the lead and started to head towards Maku, while the 2nd reconnaissance toon went to the convoy¡¯s rear.


    The convoy was over 100 vehicles long, and four FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers flew across the sky in formation to guard the skies.


    ¡°Corporal Kim, you must be pleased. At least you have a girl waiting for her savior. He he he,¡± Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan smiled wickedly while teasing his superior.


    ¡°Why, you! How dare you make fun of your superior?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not making fun of you, sir. I¡¯m just jealous.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Why don¡¯t you, uh, save that captaindy!¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m not into older women, sir.¡±


    While the men were exchanging jokes with each other, the convoy of the reconnaissance toon and the 171st engineer battalion kicked up desert sands and had arrived at Maku.


    The 1st and 2nd reconnaissance toon¡¯s armored vehicles all moved into downtown Maku. The men aboard all moved out to set a perimeter.


    The engineers that got off of the transport vehicles all started to unload construction materials under the C.Os¡¯ and N.C.Osmands one by one. Meanwhile, heavy equipment like bulldozers and excavators all were sent in immediately to clear the rubble.


    The soldiers under the 2nd squadron from the 1st reconnaissance toon started to carefully scan the gathered citizens with their shield sses in case any terrorists or militia were hiding among them.


    ¡°How are you going to cope, Corporal Kim sir?¡±


    ¡°God! What?¡±


    ¡°Ro- sa- rin, sir!¡±


    ¡°God damn it! I think you miss her more than me, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°He he he.¡±


    Corporal Kim Sang-ho started to nce around to see if Rosarin would pass by, his actions betraying his words.


    * * *


    September 8th, 2023, 20:30 (Russian Standard Time 14:30)


    The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia (the president¡¯s office)


    ¡°I am sure you are all aware of the topic of discussion for this meeting. If you have suggestions that you have thought of, please speak now. However, these demands will be the recement for Hokkaido, so think about the value of what we will demand first.¡±


    President Putin started the meeting.


    The president was telling everyone in the room to not speak of anything that would not match the value of Hokkaido.


    No one gave their opinion first. Each government official seemed to be thinking about whether their ideas would match the value Hokkaido would have for Russia. While everyone was silently making calctions, someone raised his hand.


    It was the Minister of Defense, Mikhail Ivanov.


    Minister Mikhail Ivanov was hoping his demands would be selected to rece the hand-off of Hokkaido during this meeting.


    The Russian military power had risen significantly and was on par with the U.S. after receiving the railgun technology from the Corean government in 2021. The rail gun¡¯s applicability was wide.


    The rail guns could be equipped on tanks, armored vehicles, and even fighter jets. It seemed Russia was attempting to fit the rail guns to every possible military equipment.


    Minister Mikhail Ivanov had some fun with the rail guns, and when he heard about the meeting, one idea came to his mind. It was theser rifles from Corea.


    ¡°Mr. President! What about theser rifles?¡±


    The Corean military¡¯s standard rifle, the KS2ser rifle, had been reported to pierce through most armored ting of the 3rd generation armored vehicles when it was set to its high-power mode. It was unbelievable and shocking for the minister. Therefore, he desired Corea¡¯sser rifle technology.


    ¡°Hmm, are you talking about the Corean military¡¯s standard-issue rifles, minister?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, Mr. President. I have heard reports about it previously.¡±


    ¡°I remember hearing about those.¡±


    ¡°If we were able to obtain theser rifle technology, then our infantry power will improve significantly. If we also continue research with theser rifles, then we will be able to use them as anti-air weapons, as well, sir.¡±


    ¡°Anti-air forces?¡±


    ¡°Yes, an interception system usingsers, Mr. President. They could rece the S-500 we are operating and that could also reduce our defense spending.¡±


    However, there was one thing Minister Mikhail Ivanov was forgetting. Theser rifle required the sma power packs to function, and those could only be fueled and recharged through a sma power nt. Thus, continued use of the weapons could not be possible with just the rifles alone. If theycked the technology to make ammunition, then the guns would only be useful as a disy.


    ¡°Minister Ivanov! That¡¯s a great idea. Let¡¯s hear from the other ministers.¡±


    President Putin seemed to be satisfied by Minister Mikhail Ivanov¡¯s suggestion and took a look around the room.


    ¡°I have a suggestion, Mr. President.¡± It was deputy prime minister and Minister of Finance Yuri Nikiforov. ¡°Mr. President! Wouldn¡¯t money be the best thing for us? I don¡¯t think we can be certain Corea would properly give us weapons technology or industrial technology. I believe it would be better to demand about 200 billion dors aspensation.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I didn¡¯t expect anything different from the minister of finance.¡± President Putin was aware of the minister of finance¡¯s hidden intent.


    It wasn¡¯t as if everyone in the room would live forever, and if they embezzled half of the 200 billion-dorpensation, then they could live avish life after retirement and until the end of their days.


    ¡°Do you think the Corean government would have the ability to pay 200 billion dors aspensation?¡±


    ¡°The Corean government is receiving 170 billion dors from Japan and China yearly as reparations for the war. It¡¯s more than capable of paying that much, sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I would like to listen to everyone else¡¯s opinions beforeing to a decision.¡±


    The ministers of each department and President Putin spent the rest of the afternoon discussing ideas for the demands they were to make. The oue was 100 billion dors in financialpensation and the technology for theser rifles.


    The Corean ministry of foreign affairs was notified about the Russian government¡¯s demands. They couldn¡¯t help but smile after hearing about them.

 Chapter 320

    <h4>Chapter 320</h4>


    September 13th, 2023, 20:30 (Turkish Standard Time 13:30)


    The presidential pce (The White Pce) in Ankara, Turkey (foreign guest room)


    The Turkish presidential pce, also known as the White Pce, was built by the 12th Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, who wanted to be the modern Sultan (the ruler of the Imic kingdom). Controversy ensued when the construction of thevish pce surpassed the initial budget of 964 million Lira by 1.5 times (1.37 billion Lira, equivalent to 66.6 million dors). The presidential pce was built over a 200,000 square meter property in the Seljuk style. Based on the Turkish press¡¯ report, the pce had about 1000 rooms, arge hall, atrium, park, and an underground bunker.


    Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-hee was being treated with great hospitality at the White Pce¡¯s presidential pce for her unofficial visit to Ankara, Turkey.


    This April, the Corean government¡¯s official support of the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence with its financial and military aid had soured the rtions between the two nations. There could be only one reason why Minister Kang Kyung-hee was being greeted in the presidential pce instead of Turkey¡¯s ministry building.


    Turkey¡¯s ruling party and the opposing party were both making anti-Corean statements and many people agreed, but the 20-year long alliance between these two countries had made the Turkish government treat the minister with the utmost respect.


    President Abra Evren, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rishuti Jenkin, Prime Minister Hakan Jan, and Minister of Defense Volcan Setin were at the guest room to discuss the diplomatic issues between the two nations caused by the independence of the Republic of Kurdistan. The men seemed to be in high hopes that the meeting would solve the issue between their nation and Corea.


    The blood alliance between Corea and Turkey was important for Turkey¡¯s future as well, for Corea had now be the global power that surpassed America. That was why the Turkish government had set aside their political conflict and showed great hospitality towards Minister Kang Kyung-hee and attempted to solve the diplomacy issue between them.


    ¡°Thank you for your hospitality,¡± Minister Kang Kyung-hee bowed and thanked the government officials.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need, minister. We are an allied nation bound by blood, it¡¯s the least we can do for the minister of foreign affairs¡¯ visit.¡± President Abra Evren shook both of his hands.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President! The Corean government and our president wanted to formally apologize for causing troubles in our rtionship from the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, our government also feels sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°That is why our government wanted to make an offer to make amends. That¡¯s the purpose of my visit today.¡±


    ¡°I see. Let¡¯s hear it then,¡± Prime Minister Hakan Jan, who was seated across Minister Kang Kyung-hee, answered her. The person who was being pressured most by the diplomatic issues was him, not President Abra Everen. He didn¡¯t seem to be in a good mood.


    ¡°Yes, the Corean government wants peaceful independence for the Republic of Kurdistan. To do so, we need Turkey¡¯s support...¡±


    ¡°Minister Kang! That¡¯s something we cannot allow politically, nor will the national sentiment support it,¡± Prime Minister Hakan Jan, who was hot-tempered, interrupted her.


    President Abra Everen stopped him and intervened, ¡°Prime minister! Why don¡¯t we hear what Minister Kang has to say first?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Sorry, sir. I was being too hasty.¡± Prime Minister Hakan Jan bowed.


    ¡°Yes, we are aware. The history between the Turkish and Kurdish people. The Corean government does not want official support from the Turkish government for nothing. If the government is willing to hand off the eastern territory the Republic of Kurdistan is requesting, then our government would build a 24GW ss sma power nt and free electricity for the next 100 years for Turkey.¡±


    ¡°Is this true?¡± Minister of Foreign Affairs Rishuti Jenkin asked with wide eyes.


    ¡°Yes, of course. It will all be free. Also, we will give the proprietary rights to the nation after 100 years.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee had thrown in the first bait and looked at the four men seated across from her.


    Minister Rishuti Jenkin, whose face remained calm, asked her a question, ¡°Then, you want our government to hand off the eastern territory to the Republic of Kurdistan for the sma power nt?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly. I won¡¯t beat around the bush.¡±


    As soon as Minister Kang Kyung-hee finished, Prime Minister Hakan Jan responded negatively, ¡°That is not enough for us to go against the national sentiment and hand off our territory to the Kurdish government. Also, our nation has two nuclear power nts and is scheduled to build an additional one in 2028.¡±


    Prime Minister Hakan Jan, who used to be the minister of foreign affairs, was no pushover.


    ¡°Prime Minister Jan! The sma power nts are absolutely safepared to nuclear power nts in case of earthquakes or other disasters. Also, a 24GW sma power nt¡¯s output is four times greater than a nuclear power nt consisting of four reactor cores. It will be able to save the cost of building over 15 nuclear power nts and receive free energy of that magnitude. Finally, a sma power nt cannot be built no matter how much money a nation has. Based on Coreanws, it is only operable domestically and cannot be exported anywhere. Our government is willing to amend thatw, so we could provide it to our ally for free.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee looked at Prime Minister Hakan Jan¡¯s face. However, it was the same as before.


    ¡°Minister Kang! How much would it cost to build a 24GW ss sma power nt?¡± President Abra Everen seemed to be pleased.


    ¡°A 24GW ss power nt will cost 12 billion dors.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that means we could save 8 billion dors for the 3rd nuclear nt, and a free 12-billion-dor sma power nt will provide us with power worth 15 nuclear power nts... I suppose our government¡¯s budget for power nts and energy won¡¯t be a problem for the next 100 years.¡±


    Minister of Defense Volcan Setin, who had been listening to the conversation this whole time, finally spoke up, ¡°Mr. President! A power nt or the national budget can be changed by policy changes depending on the situation. A territory is something that we cannot reim easily once it is lost.¡±


    Minister Volcan Setin also seemed to be against the idea like Prime Minister Hakan Jan.


    ¡°Minister Setin! The eastern region of Turkey is a barren and harsh mountainous region. If you hand off that area to the Republic of Kurdistan, the internationalmunity will praise the nation for its humanitarian efforts.¡±


    ¡°Minister Kang! We still cannot ignore the national sentiment. That could lead to anti-government riots.¡± Minister of Defense Volcan Stein was adamant.


    ¡°I guess I have to use my hidden card.¡±


    As the Turkish government was more adamant than expected, Minister Kang Kyung-hee nced at the briefcase she brought. After a while, she made up her mind and pulled out a stack of documents from it and ced it on the table.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    When Minister of Defense Volcan Setin asked, Minister Kang Kyung-hee waved her hand as if to tell him to see for himself. It seemed Minister Kang knew it would be more persuasive for the men to see the contents rather than her telling them about it. It was a diplomatic tactic.


    After reading over the documents Minister Kang handed to him, Minister of Defense Volcan Setin¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°Is, is this the rail gun tech¡¯s blueprint?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. A part of it, but it is rted to the development of rail guns.¡±


    Prime Minister Hakan Jan, who was nk-faced the whole time, reacted to Minister Kang¡¯s words. She took notice and knew her tactics had worked.


    ¡°Minister Kang, does that mean the Corean government will provide our nation with rail gun technology as well?¡± Minister of Defense Volcan Setin asked again excitedly.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. We will provide the sma power nt and the technology for rail guns.¡±


    Only the U.S. and Russia had deployed rail gun tech to the field. The U.S. had developed the technology for over 20 years independently, but Russia with its 3rd strongest military in the world was able to do so after receiving the technology from Corea. Other nations in the world attempted to develop the technology on their own, but it was thetest tech and the development¡¯s sess was unknown.


    Turkey had also started research and spent astronomical amounts of money, but the technology was still in its early stages.


    The fact that Corea would hand them the technology made everyone excited. If Turkey could obtain the rail gun technology, then it would be the dominant military power over the snobby Europeans and the unstable Middle East.


    ¡°Can you promise us to give the technology in its entirety?¡± Prime Minister Hakan Jan, who had been adamantly opposing Minister Kang, seemed to warm up to her offer.


    ¡°Of course. Our government is not like others that will give a lower-end version, prime minister.¡±


    When Minister Kang shrugged and spoke with a bright smile, Prime Minister Hakan Jan nced at the president and nodded.


    * * *


    September 14th, 2023, 20:30 (Kurdish Standard Time 14:30)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Maku, Azerbaijan park


    The 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s two armored vehicles were parked at the Azerbaijan park 2km east of Maku city to ensure the recovery of the bordering city of Iran and Kurdistan went safely.


    The infantrymen who got off from the armored vehicles were on sentry duty at the temporary sentry post made of tires and sandbags.


    ¡°Argh! I think my head is going to burn through from the heat,¡± Private Gwak Young-hwan ced his hand inside his helmet andined. It was painful to stand under the burning desert sun without any shade. Luckily, the protective suits helped them cool off from the heat, but their helmets were getting hotter.


    ¡°Take Private Youn back to the vehicle and take a break!¡± Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, the vice squad leader famous for doing everything by the book, gave some respite to his men.


    ¡°Huh! Sergeant Lee, sir, really?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Get moving before I change my mind! You have 20 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan and Private Youn Ho-jin started to head towards the vehicle while whistling.


    ¡°Hey! What are you doing here?¡± The vehiclemander of armored vehicle 312 asked while leaning back on his chair.


    ¡°The vice squad leader told us to take a break, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Lee said that?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Really? I wonder what¡¯s gotten into him.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, sir. Sergeant Lee is the person that follows every rule in the book.¡± Sergeant Hwang Hak-sung, the gunner of the armored vehicle, turned around with a look of disbelief on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, sir. We¡¯re just taking a break under our superior¡¯s orders.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, take a seat and rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    As soon as the vehiclemander permitted them, Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan and Private Youn Ho-jin took off their helmets and sat down.


    ¡°Ah! Finally.¡± Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan scratched his head.


    The air-conditioned interior of the armored vehicle felt like heaven. The toonmander and the vehiclemander of the 711 armored vehicle¡¯s voice came on the radio.


    -Multiple unidentified vehicles have been detected from 3.5km! Everyone to battle stations!


    ¡°What! We just sat down a minute ago... Hey! Let¡¯s go, private.¡±


    Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan and Private Youn Ho-jin started to dart back to the sentry post. Six unidentified vehicles were approaching them from 3.5km away while kicking up dust.

 Chapter 321

    <h4>Chapter 321</h4>


    September 14th, 2023, 20:40 (Russian Standard Time 14:40)


    The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia (the president¡¯s office)


    President Putin held a meeting with the six ministers from the major government departments at his office.


    The room¡¯s atmosphere was grim. It was due to Minister Valeri Karpin¡¯s report that the demands made by the Russian government had been unofficially denied by the Corean government. President Putin, who had been in a good mood for a few days now had a hardened look on his face.


    The Russian government was requested to make other demands in ce of the hand-off of Hokkaido by the Corean government, and the Russian government requested 100 billion dors andser rifle technology on the 21st. However, the Corean ministry of foreign affairs told the Russian government they could only give reparations of 50 billion dors. The offer was obviously uneptable to the Russian government. Even if it was an unofficial answer, it was rude and sheer nonsense.


    ¡°50 billion dors? They want to write off Hokkaido for only 50 billion dors?¡± Minister of Defense Mikhail Ivanov, who had held office for years, opened the meeting.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right minister,¡± Minister of Foreign Affairs Valeri Karpin said while shaking his head.


    ¡°What? How is that fair? I can¡¯t believe they would reject our offer.¡± Minister of Defense Mikhail Ivanov, who was upset at the nonsensical offer from the Corean government, mmed the table.


    ¡°Rx, Minister Ivanov! We¡¯re with the president. Anyways, what¡¯s the reason they lowered the reparations to 50 billion dors and rejected our demand for theser rifle technology?¡± Minister Igor Semshov from the national emergency department calmed the minister of defense who was acting out in front of the president.


    ¡°They cited our failure to meet the 3rd agreement on the secret treaty.¡±


    Within the secret treaty signed by the Corean and Russian government, 3 stiptions followed the hand-off of Hokkaido and rail gun technology.


    First, Russia was to actively support Corea in the UN security council. Second, Russia was to cease all military activity within Manchuria. Third, Russia had tomence three ICBM strikes across Japan as nned. The first two agreements were followed by Russia, but the third one was never fully met. The war came to an end earlier than expected, therefore Russia was only able tomence only a single ICBM strike against Japan.


    ¡°They think it¡¯s our fault for not attacking Japan since the war was over earlier than nned? That¡¯s no sound excuse. That¡¯s justpletely unreasonable,¡± Minister Mikhail Ivanov angrily asked the minister of foreign affairs.


    Minister Valeri Karpin fell silent and Minister Igor Semshov once again intervened while frowning, ¡°Minister Ivanov! The matter won¡¯t be solved from you being upset. Please rx.¡±


    ¡°What? How could I not be upset by this?¡± Minister Mikhail Ivanov responded angrily and red at Minister Igor Semshov for interrupting him every time he spoke.


    Minister Igor Semshov ignored Minister Mikhail Ivanov and spoke in a calm tone, ¡°We muste up with a solution rather than just yelling at each other. Shouldn¡¯t we at least ept the Corean government¡¯s final offer ore up with an alternative solution instead?¡±


    The ministry of national emergency was as powerful as the ministry of defense within Russia. While the two ministers were bickering with each other, the silent President Putin finally spoke with a calm look on his face.


    ¡°Minister Karpin!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Tell the Corean government we regret its decision to solve the issue with Hokkaido with only 50 billion dors.¡±


    ¡°So, we are rejecting their offer, sir?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I am a man who will give up Hokkaido for a smallpensation of 50 billion dors?¡±


    ¡°Ah, of course not, sir. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not as if we didn¡¯t expect a result like this. From now on, we will take care of things our own way.¡±


    President Putin¡¯s voice was calm and cold. His supporters could tell how enraged he was.


    ¡°I will call for another meeting within this week. I would like the other ministers to take care of the matters assigned to them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Understood.¡±


    President Putin had given the ministers instructions on what to do next for the next hour and concluded the meeting. He called the secretary when only he and Minister Valeri Karpin were left in the room.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Call the director of the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency).¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, Mr. President¡±


    * * *


    September 14th, 2023, 20:45 (Kurdistan Standard Time 14:45)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Maku, Azerbaijan park


    The six unidentified vehicles kicked up dust and stopped at 1.3km away from the reconnaissance toon¡¯s temporary sentry post. The Corean soldiers could not help but feel suspicious about their activities.


    ¡°Corporal Kim, sir! Who are those guys? Should we just take them out and start sting, sir?¡± Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan, who could not even take a break for a minute from the men approaching their location, spoke to Corporal Kim Sung-ho while looking at the footage from the SI-Q (Super-eye Reconnaissance Drone) with his X-K01 console.


    ¡°You want to end up at the brig for that, private?¡±


    ¡°I just want to pull the trigger and go there instead. I think it would be better than standing here in the heat all day. Sir, really, what the hell are they doing?¡±


    The 4.2-inch HD screen showed footage of six pickup trucks armed with heavy machine guns parked on the sides of the road, along with armed men in different uniforms.


    These were the typically armed pickup trucks used by the militia, armed groups, and terrorists as official equipment for transport. They were also called technicals.


    The leading truck was armed with a 12.5mm Deshika heavy machine gun that could easily destroy a sedan, while the other five trucks were armed with the North Korean Type-73 guns.


    Iran had beenpletely cut off from buying weapons from the U.S. since the 1970s. When Iraq invaded the nation in 1980, it bought arge number of tanks, anti-tank rounds, rifles, and Type-73 guns from North Korea. Iran started to manufacture copies of the North Korean Type-73 machine guns until the war against Iraq was over. It seemed the Type-73 heavy machine guns were now distributed to the local militia after 40 years had passed.


    ¡°How the hell am I supposed to know? They must be Iranian militia or Iranian soldiers guarding the border.¡± Corporal Kim Sung-ho touched his KS2 rifle with the C-200P sma smart grenade in the sentry post while answering his subordinate.


    ¡°Judging by the fact they are not in official uniform, I think they are the militia. God, I¡¯m getting more pissed when I think about it. I was just about to take a break, and it had to be the militia and not the Iranian military.¡±


    While Private First ss Gwak Young-hwanined, the toonmander gave his orders through the radio.


    -Headquarters wants us to avoid conflict. Do not fire first, and just keep watch.


    When they heard the toonmander¡¯s orders through the Turkion-Xm radio on their helmets, Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan looked at the disy.


    ¡°Sir, aren¡¯t they installing IEDs?¡±


    The X-K01 console disy showed 20 armed men installing something on the road.


    ¡°I guess they are trying to stop us from getting closer!¡± Sergeant Lee Jin-tae nced at the X-K01 console¡¯s disy and brushed it off.


    ¡°I think we must be careful during our next construction project, sir.¡±


    ¡°What are you worried about? You think that¡¯s gonna work on us?¡±


    The Iranian government was against the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence but did not want to go into military conflict against the new military power, Corea. The Iranian government used the militia to patrol the border near the Republic of Kurdistan instead of the Iranian military.


    * * *


    September 14th, 2023, 21:30 (Russian Standard Time 15:30)


    The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia (the president¡¯s office)


    Director Evgeny Lebedev from the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) entered the president¡¯s office.


    ¡°Did you call for me, sir?¡±


    ¡°Take a seat, director.¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev was one of President Putin¡¯s closest supporters for over 11 years.


    ¡°How are our ns for Kim Jong-un going?¡± President Putin asked Minister Valeri Karpin first.


    ¡°We have determined direct contact with Kim Jong-un will be difficult, so we scheduled for a meeting with the representative of the People¡¯s Labor Party from the North state, Senator Kim Hyung-won.¡±


    Kim Hyung-won, who was the closest supporter of Kim Jong-un before the unification, founded the People¡¯s Labor Party at the North state. It now had 54 congressmen and 4 senators as its party members. The NIS had put him under the ACS list.


    ¡°Whatever happens, we must persuade him and get him to act for us.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! We will use every means necessary to persuade him.¡±


    When the hand-off of Hokkaido went awry, President Putin decided to use Kim Jong-un, who had woken up from his 8-yeara, as a pawn for his scheme.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    President Putin nodded his head and spoke to director Lebedev while looking at him, ¡°Director Lebedev!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°We need the SVR to start operations within the Iranian government.¡±


    ¡°Iran, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will provide the Iranian government weapons and have them hinder the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence.¡±


    ¡°If that happens, that would cause diplomatic issues with Corea.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this an unofficial activity? Make it top secret.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand, sir.¡±


    President Putin stood up with his hand behind his back and walked over to the wall with a world map hanging on it. Then, he continued to speak quietly, ¡°A two-pronged approach! We should use this chance to shake up Corea.¡±


    President Putin wanted to use Kim Jong-un to cause chaos within Corea while using Iran to prevent the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence. If that was the case, then Corea would have no choice but to be involved with the war in the Middle East due to their financial aid and military aid for the country.


    President Putin nned to force Corea into domestic and international disputes to create an opportunity for Russia to begin its military actions to take over Hokkaido.


    ¡°We will deploy agents to Iran immediately, sir.¡±

 Chapter 322

    <h4>Chapter 322</h4>


    September 15th, 2023. 10:00


    The South state, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the president¡¯s office)


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who had sessfully negotiated the issue of the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence through her 2-day visit to Turkey to speak with President Abra Evren and other government officials, returned to Corea and visited the Blue House to report her sess to President Choo Un-hee.


    ¡°Madam President. Hello!¡±


    ¡°Minister Kang! Wee back.¡± The president pointed to the guest¡¯s chair and greeted her. ¡°Thank you for all your hard work.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it was nothing, ma¡¯am.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee sat across from Minister Kang Kyung-hee at the round table and started to speak with her after the tea came from the secretary¡¯s office. Minister Kang Kyung-hee pulled out a stack of documents from her briefcase and spoke to the president.


    ¡°The Turkish government has epted our offer, ma¡¯am.¡±


    The report outlined the agreement with the Turkish government:


    ¨C Firstly, officially ept the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence.


    ¨C Secondly, hand off the eastern side of Turkish territory being imed by the Republic of Kurdistan.


    ¨C Thirdly, stop all political and military oppression against the Kurdish people.


    ¨C Finally, convince the citizens of Turkey as soon as possible about the three agreements and make a national address.


    The diplomatic conflict with Turkey had nowe to a close. The Turkish government also agreed to resolve issues with the Sunni Muslim countries, Iraq and Iran, and persuade them to ept the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence as well.


    When the president heard about the unexpected sess of diplomacy, she smiled brightly.


    ¡°Great work, Minister Kang!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Madam President! Our offer did all the work.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just being humble. It was your diplomatic skills that solved the issue.¡±


    When President Choo Un-hee heard that the diplomatic conflict against Turkey that many Corean citizens were concerned about was resolved, it was as if the thorn on her side was finally removed.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°When will the Turkish government make their national address?¡±


    ¡°Considering the national sentiment, they said it would take ce next month.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, next month. Very well. Since Turkey promised us its aid, let¡¯s try to work with the Iraqi government as well.¡±


    The president wanted to use this chance to actively make more diplomatic negotiations with the other two Middle Eastern countries. Since the nation was in a troubled state from Kim Jong-un¡¯s recovery, she wanted to solve the matter of the Republic of Kurdistan as quickly as possible.


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I will contact the ambassadors of Iran and Iraq.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Please keep up the good work.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President!¡±


    ¡°Ah, please report back to me immediately after we get an answer from Russia about our final offer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who arrived in Seoulst night, had delivered the Corean government¡¯s final offer to Russia.


    * * *


    September 16th, 2023, 09:30


    The North State, Hamkyung-do, Wonsan-si, Galma Vi


    Kim Jong-un had been discharged from Pyeong-yang General Hospital four days ago, and he was being treated here at Wonsan¡¯s Galma Vi under the president¡¯s approval.


    The Galma Vi had once been the Kim family¡¯s private vi, but now it was in the government¡¯s possession and being used for official ceremonies or hosting foreign guests.


    Kim Jong-un¡¯s previous private vi was now being guarded by the previous security guards and additional agents from the NIS. There was also a military police force the size of apany standing guard at the front entrance and six other sentry posts round the clock. The official reasoning was to ensure Kim Jong-un¡¯s safety, but in truth, it was to keep him under close watch.


    Since a democratic nation¡¯s government controlling a person¡¯s private life could stir controversy, Kim Jong-un was able to receive visitors after the security and surveince systems were perfected.


    Kim Jong-un was taking a coffee break after his breakfast at the terrace with the view of the Eastern Sea. Two secretaries, one male and one female, were standing behind him.


    ¡°So, I¡¯m allowed to have visitors from today on, right?¡±


    Kim Jong-un stroked his stomach while lying on the beach chair in a robe. He asked without even turning around, and the man standing behind him answered, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    It was Secretary Kim Hak-sun.


    Kim Hak-sun was Kim Jong-un¡¯s chief secretary who aided him 24 hours a day before the unification. He and his entire family were charged with a 15-year sentence in thebor camps after the Pyeong-yang terrorist bombing for his inability to protect the supreme leader and lived a harsh life ofbor and poverty. When the two nations became unified, the Corean government¡¯s court deemed him and his family innocent and they were released from thebor camps. They were provided an apartment run by the government to live in. Also, he was allowed to work on the North State¡¯s recovery project construction sites.


    A shred of hope came to Kim Hak-sun, who had been taking care of his six family members by working at a construction site. Kim Jong-un, who finally regained consciousness after eight years, had selected him to be his chief secretary once more.


    When he heard his master had looked for him, he immediately went to the Pyeong-yang General Hospital and wept tears of loyalty.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if anyone will now visit a sitting duck like me, as they say in South Korea.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a concern, sir. Numerous citizens want to visit the supreme leader, and visitation requests are piling up.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll give you a full report once we are in the study.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. Just bring it to me here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chief Secretary Kim Hak-sun signaled to the female secretary standing behind him. She bowed and left.


    The other 2 secretaries were also working for Kim Jong-un under Kim Hak-sun¡¯s lead.


    The secretary who left the room returned with a tablet PC and handed it to Kim Hak-sun.


    ¡°Sir! If you look here, you will be able to see the list of all the people who signed up for a visit,¡± Kim Hak-sun walked up closer to Kim Jong-un and exined how to use the tablet PC.


    ¡°Wow, things did get more convenient.¡± Kim Jong-un seemed to be impressed by the tablet PC as he operated it under Kim Hak-sun¡¯s instructions.


    North Korea did have tablet PCs 8 years ago. However, the one he was holding was thinner and lighter. There was also a 3D holographic disy beside the standard one.


    When the 3D holographic disy started to show up from the upper part of the tablet PC, Kim Jong-un eximed again.


    ¡°South Korea, they¡¯re impressive.¡±


    Kim Jong-un¡¯s jowls rattled around as he checked the visitor¡¯s list one by one. Some familiar names started showing up on the list. The previous chairman of the People¡¯s Party, Kim Hyung-won, was on the list as well.


    * * *


    September 17th, 2023, 14:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, Gwanghwamun


    After the reunification, the Corean government decided to hold a small ceremony on an agreed date since both nations had a different Armed Forces Day, with South Korea having it on October 1st and North Korea having it on April 25th. Starting this year, the unified government decided to set September 17th, the day the Korean provisional government and military was founded during the Japanese imperialist era, as the Armed Forces Day. Arge ceremony was nned to emphasize the new start of a tradition.


    The Corean Armed Forces Day had started in 1940, and it was now at its 83rd anniversary. The parade around the city was the main highlight. It would start from the Soongrye gate and would march all the way to Gwanghwamun, but now the infantry would march from Soongrye gate to Jongro-2 road, while the mechanized forces would march all the way to Dongdaemun, spanning 4.5km.


    There were already crowds of Seoul and other citizens waiting for the parade before it started on either side of the road. Also, numerous military experts were waiting to see the nation¡¯stest military technology.


    This 83rd anniversary of the independence forces¡¯ foundation had the army, navy, marines, and tactical missile forces as well as aerospace forces founded in 2021 in attendance. Including the 15,000 infantry forces, armored vehicles, self-propelled cannons, missileunch vehicles, and othertest mechanized forces attended the ceremony. The CF-21P Phoenix jets and CF/A-25P ck Phoenix bombers with new folding wings, and finally the CUF/A-29NP unmanned jets were also brought out for the ceremony as well. This parade was thergest one in the nation¡¯s history and it was grand in size and technologyparable to other nations.


    There was also an event where the military recreated the Korean forces in the 1940s fighting for the nation¡¯s freedom at Manchuria and Primorsky Krai areas while parading the city.


    The bands from the Sungnam 1st aerospace fighter wing, the military¡¯s honor guard¡¯s ceremony, a traditional dance, performances by the choir, a citizen¡¯s address, medal awarding ceremonies, rappelling demonstrations, paratrooper demonstrations, air shows, and many other events were nned for that day. At 3:00 pm, the forces started their parade through the city.


    Dozens of the 5th corps¡¯ military police motor side cars started off the parade with 24 C-161Ppact tactical vehicles floating 50cm off the ground. Then, the g bearers of the military band and the 7 federal state¡¯s g bearers followed. Then, each honor guard and band from the other military forces followed them to form a group of 200 soldiers.


    The 300 soldiers dressed as the liberation forces during the 1940s started to march into the street. They started to sing the song the soldiers sang during their time. It was the highlight of the entire ceremony.


    New Korea¡¯s million warriors.


    Do you know your nation is calling?


    We are the ones to save our people, three thousand leagues away.


    Go out and fight, we must go into battle.


    Until the bells of freedom ring for our nation once again.


    Will you fear the enemy¡¯s power?


    Will you feel dread for our weakness?


    We are the de of justice that will cut through any enemy.


    Go out and fight, we must go into battle.


    Until the bells of freedom ring for our nation once again.


    We are the warriors of freedom in life.


    We will be the souls of freedom in death.


    Myrade, our wish is freedom for our nation.


    You and I are the bringers of independence.


    Go out and fight, we must go into battle.


    Until the bells of freedom ring for our nation once again.


    Run through the Aprok and Duman rivers.


    Sweep through the enemies.


    Let¡¯s fight for the day our lost nation is reimed once more.


    Go out and fight, we must go into battle.


    Until the bells of freedom ring for our nation once again.


    Go out and fight, we must go into battle.


    Until the bells of freedom ring for our nation once again.


    Go out and fight, we must go into battle.


    Until the bells of freedom ring for our nation once again.


    The military had recreated every aspect of the liberation forces in a historically urate manner. The citizens watching felt as if they were sent back in time to the 1940s and watching the men who fought for their nation¡¯s independence. A million citizens all started to cheer at once. Some of the elderly wept from being reminded of the times when they were still young.


    On the podium that the military was performing for, the number of seats for the militarymanders and government officials had been reduced. Instead, they invited the descendants of the independence forces¡¯ families living both within and outside Corea. The parade was meaningful not only to the military but also to the citizens of Corea.

 Chapter 323

    <h4>Chapter 323</h4>


    September 20th, 2023, 09:30


    The North State, Hamkyung-do Wonsan-si, Galma Vi


    A week had passed since Kim Jong-un, the ex-supreme leader of North Korea, came to the vi. Numerous reporters from different press agencies quarreled with the military police guarding the facilities in an attempt to capture Kim Jong-un on camera. However, security was heightened and the area within a 3km radius of the vi had been set as a no-fly zone despite Wonsan Airport being only 6.5km away.


    Today was the first day Kim Jong-un was allowed to have visitors, so the military police and security guards were on edge controlling the press and citizens gathered around the area.


    The visitors approved by Kim Jong-un from the list of thousands were allowed to pass through after a thorough security check. Kim Hyung-won, the previous chairman of the People¡¯s Party in North Korea, was scheduled to visit him at 10:00 am that day.


    Now, he was an old man in his 70s, the chairman of the People¡¯s Labor Party and a senator of Corea.


    After going through a three-stage retina, fingerprint, and face scan, Kim Hyung-won was able to enter the guest room. When he saw Kim Jong-un, he bowed politely as if he was still the supreme leader.


    ¡°Wee. It¡¯s been a long time. You look well.¡±


    ¡°I am grateful to see you once again. Are you in good health?¡±


    Kim Hyun-won, who bowed so low that his head seemed to touch the ground, got back up and did not move. Kim Jong-un walked up to him and shook his hand.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m no longer the supreme leader, there¡¯s no need for that. The South Koreans will be suspicious otherwise,¡± Kim Jong-un shook his hand while joking.


    ¡°I knew you woulde back to us.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I guess I woke up thanks to you,rade Kim Hyung-won. You¡¯re now a senator of South Korea, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am!¡±


    Kim Hyung-won was from Hamkyungbook-do Hyesan and used a particr dialect while speaking to Kim Jong-un. He still acted as if he was speaking to the supreme leader.


    As they exchanged pleasantries and drank tea, Kim Hyung-won put down the teacup and started to use his smartphone.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kim Jong-un asked while pointing at the smartphone.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry! It¡¯s an anti-bugging device.¡±


    ¡°Bugging? What secrets do you need to tell me for you to use such devices?¡±


    ¡°Comrade Kim Jong-un! What I am about to tell you is very important!¡±


    Kim Hyung-won attempted to maintain a bright expression on his face in case of hidden cameras. However, his tone was very serious.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s hear it.¡± Kim Jong-un raised his right hand and waved at Kim Hyung-won to speak.


    Kim Hyung-won checked the graph on his smartphone to see if the anti-bugging software was working correctly and continued, ¡°Before I came here, I spoke to Russia...¡±


    Two days before his visit here, Kim Hyung-won had met with a Russian SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) agent disguised as a Russian embassy staff member. The meeting was two hours long, and the smartphone with the anti-bugging tech was also from the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency).


    Senator Kim Hyung-won¡¯s face was stiff as he traveled back to Pyeong-yang in his personal car after his 2-hour long meeting with Kim Jong-un. There was no way to tell what they had discussed due to the anti-bugging device, but it was certainly bad news for unified Corea. There was a ck van following his car 100m away.


    * * *


    September 23rd, 2023, 20:30 (Iran Standard Time 15:00)


    The Tehran Sa¡¯dabad Complex (guest room)


    After Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the leader of the entire political sphere in Iran, passed away in May 2019 at the age of 80, political war between the progressive and conservative parties broke out.


    The progressive party under President Hassan Rouhani wanted to put Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Ayatuh Sayyid Imam Ruhah, ¡®the father of the Iranian revolution¡¯ as the next candidate for the presidency.


    Meanwhile, the conservatives feared a progressive leader of Iran would increase the influence America had over Iran and cause the national identity of the Shiite Muslim nation to be shaken. Also, the second leader, Ayatuh Sayyid Imam Ruhah, had always supported the conservative party. Therefore, it nominated the second son, Mustafa Ruhah, as the next candidate. The political struggle for power for the position of the supreme leader of Iran ended with the conservative party being victorious. There were two reasons for their victory.


    First, the members of the national leader¡¯s assembly were mostly conservative, and second, the existence of the revolutionary guards. The revolutionary guards were the personal soldiers of the supreme leader and it consisted of over 130,000 men including army, navy, air force, and special forces. Unlike their original purpose of maintaining the peace, they were abused during the election to pressure the opposing parties.


    As a result, Mustafa Ruhah from the conservative party was elected to be the third supreme leader of Iran, and on June 13th, 2021, another conservative, Avolhassan Rajahi, was elected. When the U.S. sustained heavy damages in 2021 after the war against Corea, it stopped aiding the progressive party, and its influence within the nation was reduced. The party eventually copsed.


    Iran had gone through numerous political changes and was now full of alt-right conservatives. When the Republic of Kurdistan dered its independence and imed some of Iran¡¯s territory as their own, the citizens of Iran were full of rage. The national sentiment was like a powder keg about to go off. However, the newly emerged power, Corea, had supported the republic¡¯s independence and started to aid them financially and send over military aid as well. The Iranian government quelled its citizen¡¯s anger and used the Basij militia to attack the borders along the Republic of Kurdistan.


    *Basij militia: The organization started after Iran hired multiple mercenary groups during the war against Iraq. After their feats during the war, the nation founded a militia and used them as reserve forces. There were over 1.5 million soldiers within the militia.


    The Iranian government feared the Corean military power that had fought a war against the U.S., the world¡¯s military power, China, which ranked 3rd, and Japan, which ranked 8th, simultaneously and won.


    President Abra Evren of Turkey had made a shocking national address and now, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and the other Middle Eastern nations were surprised by it as well.


    Every nation within the Middle East and others around the world were shocked by Turkey¡¯s deration to support the Kurdish deration of independence despite it being the nation that was the most oppressive to them. The fact that Turkey also would hand off part of its territory to the Republic of Kurdistan was also shocking as well. Every news channel across the world had carefully spected that Corean diplomacy affected the nation¡¯s decision.


    As time went on, the political outlook of the Iranian government looked worse. However, it wasn¡¯t as if the government could ignore the national sentiment and theintsing from within its political sphere. If the anger of the Iranian people were left unchecked, then it could lead to another Iranian revolution that had already happened in 1979. When the Iranian government had their hands tied, a savior arrived. It was Russia.


    Two days ago, the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) agent whonded in Iran extended an unexpected offer to the Iranian government. The agent said Russia would provide thetest weapons to Iran if the government would stop the independence of the Republic of Kurdistan. Also, Russia would continue military activity along the Manchurian states so that Corea could not deploy reinforcements to the Middle East.


    Russia¡¯s offer to Iran seemed like a rainstorm in the middle of a drought. If Russia¡¯stest weapons could be used by the Iranian military, then they might have a fighting chance against the Corean peace-keeping forces inside the Republic of Kurdistan. The Corean peace-keeping forces¡¯bat units only consisted of two mechanized infantry brigades and one marine mobile brigade. As a result, Iran would only have to face off against three brigades in battle.


    ¡°These are the lists of weapons Russia will provide for the Iranian government.¡±


    Director Bahid Jahanbakhsh from the MOIS (Ministry of Intelligence and Security) met with the Russian agent himself and read over the documents one by one before handing them to president Avolhassan Rajahi.


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s hard to believe Russia would provide us with weapons free of charge.¡± President Avolhassan Rajahi shook his head after seeing the unexpectedlyrge volume of weapons being offered to the nation.


    ¡°Minister Ansari, please take a look at this and give me an answer. Do you think it would be enough to win the war against the Corean forces?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. This would be more than sufficient,¡± Minister of Defense Hamed Ansari answered the president and started to slowly read over the documents. After some time passed, Minister Hamed Ansari closed the documents and his face seemed optimistic. ¡°Based on this list I think we will have a chance to be victorious, provided Russia gives the weapons.¡±


    ¡°Truly?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. If Corea does not send any additional troops.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Russia already promise us they will handle that? They will prevent Corea from sending reinforcements to the Republic of Kurdistan.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that hard to guarantee, sir?¡±


    ¡°If we start worrying about that, then we cannot resolve the issue. I would like you to notify the militarymanders to establish a strategy to reim the western regions near our border with the assumption we have received the weapons from Russia.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Right away.¡±


    * * *


    September 24th, 2023, 18:50


    The North State, Hamkyung-do, Wonsan-si, Galma Vi


    Kim Jong-un started his day at the terrace being greeted by the cool fall breeze from the sea and ended the day by watching the sunset along the Nangrim mountains. He would spend his morning and nights at the terrace every single day.


    Kim Jong-un met three visitors from the list and looked at the sunset while leaning on the wooden fence at the terrace made out of high-quality wood.


    ¡°The sunset is quite beautiful! It just makes me sad that it resembles how I am!¡± Kim Jong-un muttered to himself after seeing the setting sun at the horizon that reminded him of his status.


    Soon, the sun set behind the mountains and it became dark. Kim Jong-un finished his ss of wine and turned on the TV in the living room.


    The 62-inch TV lit up and the news channel started to report about him. Kim Jong-un sat on the sofa and muttered to himself after changing the channel, ¡°I can¡¯t believe they don¡¯t get tired of talking about me. Why are they so interested?¡±


    Kim Jong-un flipped through hundreds of channels, but none of them seemed to have caught his interest, so he flopped down to the sofa after tossing the remote onto the table. Then, he recounted the conversation he had had with his visitors earlier that day.


    He had met with over 20 visitors. Among them were the senator and chairman of the People¡¯s Labor Party, Kim Hyung-won, the governor of the South Manchurian State, Kim Chun-won, and ex-director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau who had risen to the ranks after gaining his favor. Kim Jong-un recounted the conversation he had with these men while sinking into thought.

 Chapter 324

    <h4>Chapter 324</h4>


    September 26th, 2023, 19:00


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Potong River-ku, the People¡¯s Labor Party building


    Jo Myung-rok was the North Korean Reconnaissance General Bureau¡¯s director before the reunification. When the government departments started to merge, he had left his position of director and lived in seclusion. He had finally shown up at the People¡¯s Labor Party¡¯s building after three years.


    Jo Myung-rok was beloved by Kim Jong-un right up to the 2015 Pyeong-yang terrorist bombing, and hemanded the South Korean espionage missions while maintaining his position under Kim Yeo-jung as well. However, the Reconnaissance General Bureau was the first to go once the South and North Korean governments merged. Some of the members of the reunificationmission suggested merging the Reconnaissance General Bureau into the NIS, but the rest of the members were all against the idea as its constant espionage activity had threatened the security and economy. Due to the continuous opposition, the organization ended up being dismantled.


    The unresolved negative sentiment had caused the Reconnaissance General Bureau to be the only government department to be dismantled once the unification took ce. The director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau obviously became unemployed as well.


    Jo Myung-rok, who had lost his job once the reunification took ce, imed the severance package provided by the Corean government and got hired by apany participating in the North State¡¯s recovery project. He worked hard to take care of his seven-member family, including his elderly parents. He once was the 5th most powerful man in North Korea and lived avish life of the top 1%. To him, the reunification of Corea had left him for the worse.


    He had lived like an ordinary citizen and did physicalbor that he had never done before. After visiting Kim Jong-un a few days ago, Jo Myung-rok visited the People¡¯s Labor Party building and walked into the chairman¡¯s office while being escorted by security guards.


    Knock, knock.


    With a knocking sound, the chairman¡¯s office door opened and Jo Myung-rok entered the office. Senator Kim Hyung-won stood up and greeted him warmly.


    ¡°How long has it been?¡±


    ¡°Chairman Kim Hyung-won,rade. Have you been well?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯ve been fine.¡±


    Kim Hyung-won shook Jo Myung-rok¡¯s hand and introduced him to the room after cing a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Comrades, this is Jo Myung-rok, you all remember him? Introduce yourselves, everyone.¡±


    Jo Myung-rok bowed and nced at every face in the room. Excluding one or two of them, most of them were people he already knew.


    ¡°Great to meet you. I am Jo Myung-rok, the previous director for the Reconnaissance General Bureau.¡±


    When Jo Myung-rok introduced himself, the others stood and shook his hand while greeting him.


    * * *


    October 1st, 2023, 15:00 (Kurdistan Standard Time 09:00)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, Ari Doubayajut


    The Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s government was in the process of receiving the Ari, Ban, and Haraki states that had once been Turkey¡¯s territory after President Abra Evren¡¯s address on the 22nd ofst month. The Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s government had attempted to im the Kars and Arudahan states as their territory along with the three states as well. However, the Corean ministry of foreign affairs intervened, and the two nations settled on three states.


    To reduce the amount of bureaucracy each government had to deal with, the government officials from the Republic of Kurdistan went to the regions where the Kurdish people were residing to elect a government staff member for the area. The operations of the major public facilities and recruitment of manpower to operate them went smoothly with the Turkish government as well. Finally, the citizens of Turkey who did not want to be citizens of Kurdistan all moved to the areas provided by the Turkish government. After the three states officially became the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s territory, the Corean peace-keeping forces also reset their designated regions as well.


    The six engineer brigades all expanded their construction for road expansions and facilities from the capital city of Doubayajut as nned. The 35th mechanized infantry brigade split up into units ofpanies and transitioned to keeping the peace within the entire state of Ari while the 7th mechanized infantry brigade set the state of Baan as their main area and started patrolling the border near Iran from Maku.


    Finally, the 11th marine mobile brigade that held the most firepower moved to Haraka that bordered Iran and Iraq. The state of Haraka was the most likely ce a battle could take ce, and there were always 1 or 2 divisions worth of military forces stationed along the Iran and Iraq borders. The Iranian revolutionary guard was gathering at its border in addition to their standard military forces.


    * * *


    October 1st, 2023, 19:30, (Iran Standard Time 14:00)


    The Tabriz International Airport, East Azerbaijan, Iran


    Twentyrge military nes from Russia had been flying into the Tabriz International Airport with military supplies at Iran¡¯s western city of Tabriz in thest five days. Numerous IL-476 transport nes arrived at the runway of the Tabriz International Airport and moved to the cargo hangar to unload today just as usual. Therge cargo marked with the Russian army¡¯s emblem was unloaded onto the revolutionary guard¡¯s trucks.


    Iran¡¯s revolutionary guard directly under the nation¡¯s supreme leader took the cargo and started to head directly to the west of Iran. Their destination was Mosque, Koi, and Urmia. Most of them were headed to the western borders of the nation, and the lines of trucks continued to move for hours.


    * * *


    October 1st, 2023, 20:30 (Iran Standard Time 15:00)


    The Bandar Anzali Port, Mazandaran, Iran


    Ten Russian transport ships that had set sail from Russia¡¯s Makhachk Port had docked at the Bandar Anzali Port south of the Caspian Sea to unload their cargo. The most notable items from the cargo were T-14B Armata tank, Krugz-25 armored vehicles, S-300 Grumble anti-air weaponry, S-100 Triumph, MI-28 Havoc attack choppers, and Ka-50 ck Shark 1-man choppers. There were also MSTA-S 2S1 self-propelled guns, close-ranged anti-air weapons Panchiri-S KAMAZ-6560, Tor-M2U Burque M2 long-ranged anti-air defense weapons, Rakushika transport armored vehicles, MD-4 next-generation armored vehicles, and numeroustest weapons Russia had deployed on the field.


    In short, at Bandar Anzali Port, Russia¡¯stest weapons that were rarely seen domestically were being unloaded, and they were immediately being loaded onto the Iranian revolutionary guards¡¯ trucks to be moved somewhere.


    Based on the weaponry that was currently being unloaded, it was the amount to operate an entire armored division. The Russian ships would immediately set sail to the Makhachk Port as soon as they finished unloading their supplies.


    * * *


    October 1st, 2023, 21:30 (Iran Standard time 16:00)


    Iran, Zanjan, the Zanjan Airforce Base


    The Su-50 PAK-FA fighter jet, previously known as the T-50 PAK-FA, was Russia¡¯s jet that had been developed over decades to face off against America¡¯s F-22 Raptor jets. The 24 Su-50 PAK-FA jets and the 58 Su-27 nker jets that were deployed onto the fieldnded at the Zanjan Airforce Base.


    The standard F-14 Tomcat jets that were being operated at Zanjan Airforce Base had been moved to the Hamadan Airforce Base instead. The empty hangars were now being filled by Russia¡¯s 4th and 5th generation fighter jets as they moved into the igloos under the guidance of the signalmen. However, there were more jets than hangars to house them, therefore the remaining Russian jets were moved under the infrared camouges.


    The Zanjan Airforce Base and the Iranian air force now had more than enough power to dominate any other nation within the Middle East. The Iranian pilots were all able to operate the Su-27 nker jets after 20 of them were brought into Iran in 2020. However, the Su-50 PAK-FA was thetest fighter jet, so the Iranian pilots were unable to fly them.


    Russia had used a loophole to make some of the Russian pilots gain Iranian citizenship, so they could pilot the Su-57 PAK-FA jets and not cause any legal issues in the future.


    The Iranian government, which now held significant aerial power within the Middle East, became confident and no longer feared Corea. The Iranian president decided to use his own revolutionary force as the lead to take back the western border and began to set a n in motion.


    * * *


    October 1st, 2023, 22:00


    The South State, Seoul, Yongsan-ku, CC bunker, the Aerospace Force¡¯smand center (Space Reconnaissance Department)


    After the East Asian war was over in 2021, Corea¡¯s ministry of national defense concluded that they needed a method to conduct reconnaissance over other nation¡¯s military activities in real-time, so they founded the foreign reconnaissance department under the aerospace forces.


    The Space Reconnaissance Department operated the Apollo reconnaissance satellites and was usually under themand of the aerospace force, but during times of national emergencies, the joint chief of staff would take over itsmand.


    The Space Reconnaissance Department operated 16 Apollo reconnaissance satellites, 6 Aries patrol satellites that could detect submarines using sonar patterns, and 24 CSRQ-100P Pegasus unmanned space drones. If the entire reconnaissance force was to be mobilized, then any ce in the world could be spotted within a minute, and the department was able to watch any major targets in real-time, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.


    The Space Reconnaissance Department had set Russia and Iran as their major targets and had been conducting reconnaissance on these two nations around the clock. Every single military supply being transported via nes and ships was all being watched by the Corean military. The nations were set as targets after dozens of Russia¡¯s next-generation stealth jet Su-57 PAK-FA were detected on Iran¡¯s Zanjan base.


    The issue was that the cargo transports continued from Russia. The Space Reconnaissance Department¡¯s analysis team used the information to predict how much military equipment had been moved from Russia to Iran.


    The analyzed information was then directly reported to the joint chief of staff and the aerospacemand. The analyzed information was fully detailed up to the point where every single piece of equipment¡¯s model name and size of the military forces operating them were analyzed.

 Chapter 325

    <h4>Chapter 325</h4>


    October 1st, 2023, 23:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Potong River-ku, near the People¡¯s Labor Party building


    Late at night, there were men in ck suits moving covertly at a 5-story building near the People¡¯s Labor Party building.


    These men were under the NIS¡¯ ACS C team who were tasked with keeping tabs on the high-ranking government officials from North Korea. The ACS C team, which surveyed their targets 24 hours a day, was all anxious from failing to listen to the conversations that took ce during the meetings here three times in a row.


    Despite using thetest equipment, the bugging attempt had failed three times, so Team Leader Kim Gook-shin had to seed today even if it cost his life. He was already scolded by Director Youn Soo-gil yesterday.


    ¡°All of you, prepare to lose your jobs if we fail again today!¡± Team Leader Kim Gook-shin spied on the Labor Party¡¯s building through the crack between the curtains and spoke to his teammates who were operating the high-tech equipment.


    The interior of the building¡¯s 3rd story and the outline of 12 people were clearly showing up on theptop¡¯s disy, thanks to the power of the VR-M2 optical equipment that was 5 times more powerful than the standard VR-M. The improved features had allowed the NIS agents to see through the building in such high quality that they were able to determine who was whom by looking at their faces.


    The men gathered today were the usual members including the party¡¯s chairman, Kim Hyung-won. Senator Kim Yeo-jung was in attendance as well. That was why they had to seed in listening in to the conversation.


    ¡°How is the bugging going?¡±


    ¡°Ah! I don¡¯t think we can get it to work again, sir. We brought in more powerful equipment this time, but the unknown jamming waves are causing interferences again.¡± Assistant Manager Oh Seung-tae guiltily scratched his head while moving the te-shaped antennae around and typing away on theptop.


    ¡°Are you sure you brought thetest equipment?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we got them directly from HQ yesterday, sir.¡±


    ¡°God damn it!¡±


    Team leader Kim Gook-shin stroked his forehead and called over his teammates after he made up his mind. ¡°Chief Kim! Bring me the bag with the infiltration suit!¡±


    ¡°Sir? Are you going in yourself?¡±


    ¡°What choice do we have? If the bugging equipment is not working, I need to go listen in or record it myself. Bring it here.¡±


    Team Leader Kim Gook-shin took off his clothes and started to put on the infiltration suit Chief Kim Young-ho brought him. Then, he ced the X-C02 console on his wrist.


    ¡°Sir! If you get caught during the infiltration, it will have irreversible political consequences. The director of the NIS would have to step down and the president could be impeached,¡± Assistant Manager Oh Seung-tae attempted to dissuade him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I know that already? That¡¯s why I can¡¯t get caught.¡±


    Team Leader Kim Gook-shin checked over the equipment he needed for his infiltration for the final time and clicked on the TCS button on his X-C02 console. In an instant, he vanished.


    ¡°If I fail, I will kill myself immediately. They won¡¯t find out where I am from. So, you guys must leave the premises if that happens.¡±


    ¡°Sir! This is too reckless.¡±


    ¡°We have no other choice, do we?¡± Team Leader Kim Gook-shin spoke while being invisible and ran up to the roof of the building with a giant rope gun. When he reached the roof in one fell swoop, he tied the rope to a structure on the roof and fired the hook to the roof of the party building on the other side.


    Pew!


    The hooked tip connected to the rope¡¯s end pierced through the wall of the party building¡¯s roof. Team Leader Kim Gook-shin ced a ring on the tight rope and threw himself off the roof.


    Wooooooooosh~


    He arrived on the roof of the party¡¯s building from 50m above the surface. He unhooked the ring and cut open the door with aser cutter.


    -I will now enter the building. Watch through the VR-M2 and leave the premises if anything goes wrong. I am cutting off allmunications now. Over.


    Team Leader Kim Gook-shin made hisst radiomunication and turned off his radio. Then he carefully opened the roof door and started to walk down the stairs.


    Meanwhile, the C team¡¯s members were all watching his movements through the VR-M2.


    Team Leader Kim Gook-shin had moved down the stairs to the third floor and moved towards the meeting room down the hall. He had to move carefully on his toes to avoid anyone hearing his footsteps. A few party staff members were walking down the hall, but they didn¡¯t notice him. Finally, he arrived in front of the meeting room.


    However, Team Leader Kim Gook-jin faced another problem. He attempted to listen to the conversation, but could not hear anything through the door. He couldn¡¯t open the door while being invisible either. He had to wait until someone opens the door, but he couldn¡¯t just wait until then.


    He had no choice but to gamble. The only way he could listen and record the conversation through the door was to ce a grain-sized microphone into the room. There was a risk of being noticed by the people attending the meeting, but he had no choice and went into action.


    Team Leader Kim Gook-shin pulled out a small pistol-like device. After he got down onto the floor, he ced the barrel of the device between the door and pulled the trigger. A small microphone attached to a thin string flew through the room between the cracks. The pistol¡¯s screen showed that it flew about 10m in front of him.


    After he manipted a few things on the gun¡¯s console, the recording began. The recorded conversation was now ying through his headset.


    As the minutes went by, the look on team leader Kim Gook-shin¡¯s face was full of shock as he eavesdropped on the meeting.


    * * *


    October 2nd, 2023, 19:00 (Kurdistan Standard Time 13:00)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Maku, the Azerbaijan Park


    The 7th mechanized infantry brigade, responsible for the entire state of Baan, had handed off the patrolling and peacekeeping of major cities to the republic¡¯s forces three days ago and instead, were tasked with guarding the eastern border.


    The 3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s encampment was now being used by the brigade¡¯s HQ and the 3rd mechanized infantrypany had moved into Maku.


    Azerbaijan Park, which had been patrolled by a toon¡¯s worth of soldiers, was now the encampment of the 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s forward base.


    A temporary barrack was made in the middle of the park and with the help of the engineering battalion, the park had turned into a functional military base guarded by Corea¡¯s 44 soldiers under the 1st reconnaissance toon and 40 soldiers from the republic¡¯s military in 4 shifts.


    While this was going on, the Corean military noticedrge groups of Iranian soldiers were gathering at the city of Bozark 10km away from them. Based on the intelligence gathered by the reconnaissance equipment, two battalions¡¯ worth of infantry, armored vehicles, tanks, and close-ranged anti-air armored vehicles were present. They were all outdated equipment, but they were no measly force to be ignored. The brigade headquarters ordered the 1st reconnaissance toon to conduct missions every day within an area 5km away from Bozark.


    Vroooooom~


    The 1st toon had taken a break after being on sentry duty in the early hours of the morning. Now, the two K-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicles of the toon took off from the barracks.


    The 311 armored vehicle with the toonmander on board and the 312 armored vehicle started to move out with their 50mm photon cannon pointed towards the mountains on either side of them. Soon, the toon arrived at the vige of Honduras.


    Honduras was in the far west of Iran and it had the most activity of the Iranian militia. The vige was a dangerous ce where the citizens could turn to a militia member at any moment.


    When the two Corean armored vehicles arrived, the vigers did not look pleased. The children and elderly all ran back to their homes, and the younger men kept watching the Corean soldiers.


    -This is the toonmander. Vehicle 312, stay here and perform a thorough scan for any weapons and then move to point 2.


    Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu gave out his orders to through the radio. The 312 vehicle¡¯smander, Sergeant Go Gi-jun, answered him:


    -312, confirmed.


    ¡°Han-ho! Time to go! Be careful out there! You remember the 4th squadron got shot at while on duty, right?¡±


    While the 4th squadron was patrolling the vige of Honduras, an Iranian militia fired his AK-47 at them and some of the men were slightly injured.


    ¡°Yes, sir. I am aware. We will be careful,¡± Sergeant Kim Han-ho answered the vehiclemander and ordered his squadron to dismount.


    ¡°Everyone, move out!¡±


    The eight men got out of the armored vehicle and split into two groups in a formation. The vige chief walked up to them and spoke in Persian.


    The X-C02 started to trante his words into Corean and it came through the headset:


    ¡°This is Iranian territory. Why are youing here every day? Get out!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Han-ho waved his hands to calm the vige chief.


    ¡°We are only conducting a reconnaissance mission to avoid any unnecessary conflict between the two nations.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Han-ho¡¯s words were automatically tranted through the speaker on his chest to Persian. However, the vige chief¡¯s expression did not change.


    Corporal Kim Sung-ho, who was standing next to Sergeant Kim Han-ho, shouted while pointing his gun at the man, ¡°Hey, you bastard! Did we say we are going to kill you all? We are only here to scout out the area and leave. Didn¡¯t you hear it the first time?¡±


    The forceful tone and rough mannerisms of Corporal Kim made the vige chief move back in fear.


    ¡°Sir! It¡¯s no use to talk to them nicely,¡± Corporal Kim Sung-ho spoke boastfully after his intimidation worked on the vige chief.


    ¡°Hey! Corporal Kim. Don¡¯t agitate the vigers. That¡¯s an order from up top!¡±


    ¡°Sir! I¡¯m aware, but don¡¯t you know? If we keep...¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Han-ho red at corporal Kim Sung-ho to shut him up and gave an order to the rest of his men.


    ¡°We must hurry and reach the second point. Vice-squad leader!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Take your team to the 6 and go conduct a thorough search.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Lee Jin-tae started to move with his men under the squad leader¡¯s orders.


    ¡°We move to our 3 o¡¯clock and continue our mission.¡±


    Meanwhile, the 311 vehicle moved past the vige of Honduras and arrived at a deste in. They were now 3.7km away from Bozark, and it was the closest they have ever been to the city.


    Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu, the toonmander and the vehiclemander of the 311 armored vehicle, used his periscope to check his surroundings. The great ins were deste with no Iranian soldiers to be seen.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move forward a bit more!¡±


    Staff Sergeant Ahn Kang-man, the armored vehicle¡¯s gunner, tried to dissuade Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu, ¡°Sir! No! If we go any further, it will be dangerous. We don¡¯t know when and where we will be attacked by anti-tank missiles.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same for us here. Moving up another 1km doesn¡¯t change anything!¡±


    ¡°Sir! Please!¡±


    ¡°Shut up and keep moving, Corporal Oh!¡± Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu ignored Staff Sergeant Ahn Kang-man and gave the order to the driver.


    The 311 armored vehicle once again revved up its engines and moved forward.

 Chapter 326

    <h4>Chapter 326</h4>


    October 2nd, 2023, 19:30


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the president¡¯s office)


    When President Choo Un-hee heard about the ACS report, it waste at night and past everyone¡¯s working hours, but she concluded this was an emergency and called for a meeting with every leading government official rted to the intelligence departments. The meeting started in thete afternoon but continued throughout the night.


    ¡°Madam president! How about we arrest all of them immediately based on the recordings we got?¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo said with a dark look on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This is treason, ma¡¯am. The party¡¯s chairman, senators, all of them must be put in jail.¡±


    Director Kang Hyuck from the central investigative bureau, a conservative, spoke in a slightly rough tone and supported the national security director¡¯s suggestion. After the unification, the Corean police was also changed to have local departments under the state governments. The central investigative bureau was founded to investigate illegal activities against federalw, collect intel by intelligence agencies, or conduct missions under the president¡¯s orders. In short, it was a simr organization to the FBI.


    ¡°We are not the 1980s military government, arresting senators left and right,¡± Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won expressed his disagreement.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware, but this is a matter of national emergency, is it not? If left unchecked, our nation could be in chaos after being unified for only three years.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean we can arrest senators. The evidence we must provide was obtained illegally as well. That coulde back to hurt uster.¡±


    Chief Lim Jong-won¡¯s realistic suggestions made the room fallpletely silent. However, the silence did notst for long.


    ¡°I also agree with Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won. I think it would be wise to keep an eye on things first and n out a response after,¡± Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs Jo Hyun supported the chief secretary.


    ¡°Oh great, Jesus!¡± When the Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs also expressed his disagreement, Director Kang Hyuck nced at the ceiling and sighed.


    ¡°Director Kang! Everyone is giving suggestions so we can take care of the matter. Don¡¯t be so devastated.¡±


    ¡°Ah, of course not, madam president!¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who had only been listening to everyone, calmed Director Kang Hyuck down and looked at Director Lee Young-jin from the NIS.


    ¡°Director Lee, what do you think we should do?¡±


    ¡°Madam president! I would like to also arrest them immediately, but that would be unrealistic. Therefore, I would like to expand our surveince to gather more evidence and then move in to arrest them,¡± Director Lee Young-jin answered the president carefully.


    ¡°Yes. I also agree. I think it would be unwise to move in based on illegally obtained evidence. However, I would like everyone to work together to figure out when and how they will try to overturn the country so it can be stopped.¡±


    ¡°Yes, madam president. We will now start mobilizing all operable forces besides the ACS teams.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Please do. Oh, and one more thing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°I would like to let you know since you are here, Director Kang Hyuck. The ACS is also surveilling Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul from the central investigative bureau.¡±


    Director Kang Hyuck was shocked and asked the president, ¡°Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul is also involved, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. However, everyone who visited Kim Jong-un has been put under 24-hour surveince. Therefore, you must not share any information about the meeting today when you return to the bureau.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I see. I understand, madam president.¡±


    There was heavy opposition to the appointment of Kim Hyung-chul as the deputy director of the central investigative bureau due to his previous position of deputy director of North Korea¡¯s Reconnaissance General Bureau. However, his expertise in the field and the need to maintain a bnce for hiring individuals from both nations resulted in the Blue House nominating him for the deputy director position.


    ¡°Yes. The central investigative bureau also has many agents from North Korea, so please be vignt about confidentiality.¡±


    Director Kang Hyuck nodded and answered President Choo Un-hee, ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. Understood.¡±


    * * *


    October 2nd, 2023, 19:50 (Kurdistan Standard Time 13:50)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Maku, 5km east of the Azerbaijan Park


    The 311 armored vehicle started to kick up dust and move along the deste pains while the SI-Q (Super eye Reconnaissance Drone) was flying 3km above them watching the area 5km in front of it.


    Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu, the 311 armored vehicle¡¯smander and the toonmander, was watching the footage being data-linked from the drone to his screen. Despite Staff Sergeant Ahn Kang-man¡¯s concerns, there were no Iranian military forces or militia being detected by the drone.


    After moving around the wide ins for an hour, the vehiclemander of the 312 armored vehicle alerted the lieutenant that they were now moving into the vige of Honduras.


    Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu from the 311 armored vehicle finished scouting the area 5km away from Bozark and alerted his men through the radio.


    ¡°We continue for another 10 minutes and rendezvous with the 312 vehicle at Honduras.¡±


    That was when an explosion rang out across the Bozark skies.


    ¡°Ah! Damn it! Sir! I think Super Eye 1 has been shot down.¡±


    Private First ss Kim Won-hun, the operator of the squad drone, attempted to control it with his console, but the disy only cracked up and did not respond.


    ¡°What do you mean? How will the Iranians shoot down a target the size of our palm 3km above the surface?¡±


    ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t understand either, but we are not getting anything back,¡± Private First ss Kim Won-hun answered sheepishly.


    ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t fly too low over the city?¡±


    ¡°No, no, sir. The final altitude we got before the signal got cut was 2800.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, there goes our drone, then.¡±


    The toonmander red at the private as if there weresersing out of his eyes, but soon, he made a face that said it couldn¡¯t be helped and turned around.


    Sergeant Kim Tae-un started to tease Private First ss Kim Won-hun while poking at his sides, ¡°Hey! You¡¯re going to go through the detention center at least. He he he.¡±


    ¡°Sir! You¡¯re so mean. Is it fun making fun of your subordinates?¡±


    That was when the toonmander¡¯s urgent voice rang across the vehicle. ¡°Wha-! What the-? Are those drones?¡±


    Dozens of drones were detected on the anti-air disy. Twelve small objects that seem to be drones emerged from the skies above Bozark, and they started to fly towards the 311 armored vehicle at high speeds. Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu manipted the console to confirm that drones were flying towards them. Each one was about 1m long and were equipped with two rounds of rockets each.


    ¡°We¡¯re fucked. Corporal Oh! We¡¯re heading back to Honduras vige. Step on it! Everyone, hang on!¡± The lieutenant gave an order to the driver in an urgent tone, pulled out the anti-air weapon¡¯s console folded below the main console, and grasped the handle.


    When he saw one of the drones enter into the crosshairs of the tactical disy, he pulled the trigger and hit the drone with a round of 40mm GTGAS-40 ck Dragon missile.


    Vroooooooooooo~


    The 311 armored vehicle made a sharp turn and kicked up arge dust cloud. Two minutester, when they reached the Koamaku road, another drone had reached within a 500m vicinity of them, and the lower part of the drone sparked up. Then, two rockets started to fly towards the 311 armored vehicle, the white smoke outlining their trajectory.


    ¡°Ro, rockets!¡±


    Woosh~ Woosh~


    Boom! Boom!


    Two ck and red pirs of me rose from both sides of the 311 armored vehicles when Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu screamed.


    It was either the skilled driving of Corporal Oh Kang-ho, or the low performance of the rocket rounds from the drone, but the 311 armored vehicle luckily survived the sts. However, the remaining dronesunched their own rockets and they started to fly towards the 311 armored vehicle.


    ¡°Corporal Oh! Go into the S maneuver! Staff Sergeant Ahn, take down the drones with our cannon.¡±


    The unexpected appearance of armed drones with rockets could have made him panic, but Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu calmly gave out more orders and pulled the trigger on his tactical console to fire another round of rockets.


    The 4-round MLRSunch tubes on both sides of the turret fired the ck Dragon missiles at the skies, and they flew off towards the enemy drones.


    The ck Dragon missiles and the rocket rounds all flew across each other and explosions that shook the sky and ground continued.


    * * *


    October 2nd, 2023, 20:00 (Iran Standard Time 15:00)


    Iran, Tehran 3rd district, the Shariati streets


    The NIS foreign intelligence department had detected the suspicious activities between Russia and Iran, and in order to collect information from the field, the organization had sent in eight agents to Iran a week ago.


    The NIS agents disguised themselves as staff members from the Corean embassy and entered the country. After they arrived in Tehran, they infiltrated the areas where the Russian embassy staff were most active to collect intelligence.


    As they were Asians, the agents would stick out easily from the crowd. Therefore, the agents wore traditional Arab clothing and a white turban so only their eyes could be seen and moved in groups of two.


    The scorching heat was over 40 degrees Celsius, but the protective suit the agents were wearing underneath the traditional clothing made the heat bearable. However, the clothes that they were wearing for the first time and the turban restricted their movements.


    At Shariati street, the main street within the city of Tehran, two men awkwardly dressed in traditional clothing were talking to each other at a street-side cafe.


    It was Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung and Chief Youn Ho-hyun from the foreign intelligence department. After their performance at Washington during the East Asian War, the two men went around the world and led missions sessfully. Their excellent performance in the field got Lee Ja-sung promoted as manager of the foreign intelligence department. Lee Ja-sung¡¯s first mission as manager was here in Tehran, Iran.


    ¡°Our 2 o¡¯clock, the Caucasian man.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung nced around him and picked out the Caucasian man sitting behind them from the 4 o¡¯clock direction. The man had a thick beard and was reading the paper while drinking his coffee. Based on his appearance, he seemed like a normal businessman.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go check, sir.¡±


    Chief Youn Ho-hyun zoomed in on his face using his shield sses to take a picture of the Caucasian man¡¯s face. After he took the picture, he pulled out a tablet PC and manipted the PC for a while. He then looked at Manager Lee Ja-sung and nodded.


    ¡°He seems to be the one, sir!¡±


    Chief Youn Ho-hyun turned the tablet PC around to show Manager Lee Ja-sung and whispered to him. The tablet PC had detailed personal information about the man and it showed that the picture taken by Chief Youn Ho-hyun was a 100% match to the one in the database.


    ¡°We finally found him after 5 days!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung turned off the tablet PC and used the silentmunication device to alert all agents near the field.


    ¡°This is diamond! Ruby, sapphire, emerald, rendezvous at the second block of Shariati street,¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung gave an order to his teammates and drank his coffee after smelling its aroma as if nothing happened.


    The Caucasian man who did not notice and was enjoying his morning coffee was the director of the Russian SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) Middle Eastern branch, Run Nigmatullin.

 Chapter 327

    <h4>Chapter 327</h4>


    October 7th, 2023, 17:40


    The South State, Seoul, Kangnam-ku, the NIS building (Foreign Intelligence Department¡¯s meeting room).


    The NIS Foreign Intelligence Department already had their hands full from the case rted to Kim Jong-un when they heard the report from the Middle East.


    Director Kang Ki-won called for a meeting with every staff member who was a team leader or above.


    ¡°The 1st unit deployed to Iran to collect intelligence about Russia and Iran¡¯s activities just gave an urgent report. Two trucks from Russia just arrived at the Russian Embassy in Tehran and their cargo seemed to be tactical nukes. There were at least 30 bombs that could beunched by different equipment,¡± Director Kang Ki-won used the report from Manager Lee Ja-sung and led the briefing himself.


    ¡°Russia must have lost its mind, bringing tactical nukes to the Middle East. We must act, sir,¡± Manager Kim Jin-jung from Unit 2 answered with a look of disbelief.


    ¡°Of course we must. I would like to hear everyone¡¯s opinion of what course of action we should take next.¡± Director Kang Ki-won crossed his arms and nced at everyone seated at the table.


    ¡°I think we need to neutralize the nukes even if it involves infiltrating the Russian Embassy, sir,¡± Manager Kim Jin-jung from Unit 2 gave his suggestion first.


    ¡°Manager Kim! How do you neutralize a tactical nuke? No one in Tehran is a tactical nuke technician! Don¡¯t you know messing with the nuclear weapons could wipe out the entire city? Also, if our agents are found out, then that could lead to an international conflict with Russia. We are already on a bad footing with Russia on the issue of Hokkaido, aren¡¯t we?¡± Deputy Director Kwon Sung-un expressed his disagreement.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it our job to face danger while we work, sir? Honey is sweet, but bees sting, sir.¡±


    When the deputy director and Unit 2¡¯s manager started to argue, Director Kang Ki-won intervened, ¡°I would like to side with the idea of infiltrating the Russian Embassy as well. However, as the deputy director has said, the risk is too great.¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won sided with the deputy director.


    ¡°Russia would not actually use the tactical nukes themselves in Iran, sir. Wouldn¡¯t they hand them off to the Iranian government or military instead?¡± When Manager Oh Hyung-jun from Unit 4 spoke while raising his hand, Director Kang Ki-won answered him.


    ¡°That would be likely.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case, then the Russian Embassy would be a temporary storage facility and they would move the payload to an Iranian military base or government building. How about we attempt to disarm the bombs then, sir?¡±


    The attendees of the meeting all nodded in agreement to Manager Oh Hyun-jun¡¯s suggestion except for one person.


    ¡°Manager Oh! Are you suggesting we make a surprise attack while the Russians are on the move?¡± Manager Kim Jin-jun from Unit 2, who suggested infiltrating the Russian embassy, asked.


    ¡°If we could send in professionals, additional manpower, and equipment to Tehran ASAP, then wouldn¡¯t we be able to obtain the tactical nukes during our surprise attack and take out the detonation device, sir?¡±


    ¡°What if the nukes are moved from the embassy before we can send in our people, as Manager Oh said?¡±


    Manager Kim Jin-jung from Unit 2 continued to express his opposition and the meeting continued for another hour debating whether to infiltrate the embassy or strike the nukes while they were on the move. In the end, everyone sided with Manager Oh Hyun-jun¡¯s suggestion of the surprise attack while the nukes were being moved. Also, the NIS decided to additionally send in Manager Ahn Bong-tae and 10 agents from Unit 3.


    Director Kang Ki-won made a report to NIS Secretary Lee Young-jin himself, and they both visited the Blue House to request the president¡¯s approval for the mission.


    * * *


    October 7th, 2023, 20:20, (Iranian Standard Time 14:50)


    Iran, Tehran, 11th province, nearby the Russian Embassy in Iran


    After detecting the tactical nukes within the truck¡¯s cargo, Manager Lee Ja-sung reported it immediately to the NIS headquarters and had been watching the embassy for the past three hours until further orders came in.


    ¡°Sir, how about we take them out ourselves?¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who had been disguised as a tourist, hade up to the roof where Manager Lee was and suggested the idea.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong had finished the mission with the USSC at America in 2021 and had been working with Manager Lee Ja-sung since.


    ¡°How are we gonna do that?¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t we just infiltrate the embassy with our TCS (Transparent Cloaking System) and destroy the detonation device, sir?¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Park! Do you know how to disarm a nuclear bomb¡¯s detonation device?¡±


    ¡°Well! Wouldn¡¯t it be the same as disarming any other bomb, sir?¡±


    ¡°Damn it! If we went in there willy nilly like that, then the entire city could be blown up! Let¡¯s wait to hear back from HQ first.¡±


    While the two men were conversing with each other, Chief Park Won-ho, who had the hotline radio to the NIS Foreign Intelligence Department HQ, joined in.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s from headquarters.¡± He handed Manager Lee Ja-sung the Turkio-Xnis radio.


    ¡°This is Lee Ja-sung.¡±


    -Good work out there. This is the director. What¡¯s your status?


    ¡°Yes, sir. The nukes are still aboard the truck and there¡¯s no further movement.¡±


    -I see. I know it¡¯s tough, but continue to survey the Russian Embassy, and we will attempt to strike when they are moved. Additional personnel and equipment will arrive at 22:00 in Iranian Standard Time. Manager Ahn Bong-tae from Unit 3 will be leading them.


    ¡°Yes, sir. I understand.¡±


    -If, there are any changes, report them immediately. Over.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung finished speaking on the radio and handed it back to Chief Park Won-ho. He then nced at Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°Headquarters has also decided not to infiltrate the Russian Embassy.¡±


    ¡°What do we do now, sir?¡±


    ¡°We will begin 24-hour surveince of the Russian Embassy. HQ has ordered us to wait until the tactical nukes are on the move. Additional agents and equipment will arrive at 22:00 today.¡±


    ¡°Sir! If you just leave it to me, then I can have them taken out right now at the embassy...,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oongmented.


    ¡°It¡¯s orders from the director! Team Leader Park, go back down there, and tell the agents we are transitioning into round-the-clock surveince and the rest will pull out for now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When the clock stroke 10:00 pm in Iran, two nesnded vertically in the suburb of Tehran.


    The nes were the long-distance CMV-101 trailers refurbished from the CV-100 sky bus. The 10 NIS foreign intelligence Unit 3 agents and four tactical weapons bomb squad professionals started to unload their equipment. Manager Lee Ja-sung greeted them briefly and headed to the safe house. Then the agents started to discuss ns on how to conduct their ambush in detail.


    * * *


    October 9th, 2023, 15:30 (Iran Standard Time 10:00)


    Iran, Tehran, 11th province, the Russian Embassy in Iran


    After Manager Lee Ja-sung and his agents had surveyed the Russian Embassy in groups of two for 24 hours, they finally saw the trucks preparing to move the bombs somewhere else. The NIS agents decided to put the ns they had set into motion.


    The agents were nervous since they had to conduct the mission while not knowing the destination of the trucks.


    -Targets 1 and 2 are moving from the embassy.


    One of the agents reported to Manager Lee Ja-sung who was standing by at a ck van parked near the embassy.


    ¡°Who¡¯s guarding the bombs?¡±


    -There are two Iranian police cars and one ck van, sir. Ah! Two Iranian armored vehicles have arrived at the building.


    ¡°Armored vehicles?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung had expected the escorting force of the tactical nukes to be quite powerful. However, he only expected Iranian police cars and Russian intelligence agency vehicles to guard the trucks, not Iranian military armored vehicles.


    -Yes, sir. They seem to be the refurbished BTR-60 Agarev armored vehicles.


    ¡°This is going to be moreplicated than we thought, having to face off against an armored vehicle. We¡¯re not changing our ns. We continue forward. Over.¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    The Russian Embassy¡¯s doors opened and the two transport trucks and a ck van emerged. Two armored vehicles and two police cars started to tail the trucks to form a convoy. The transport truck¡¯s convoy started to speed up when they merged into a fourne highway.


    The NIS agents waiting near the embassy proceeded to quietly tail the convoy aboard their own vehicles.


    A few momentster, the transport trucks and their escorting convoy heading towards the west of Tehran merged into the Qazvin highway. The light-weight SI-Q super eye reconnaissance drone controlled by an agent from Unit 1 was filming the trucks¡¯ movements from 3km above the atmosphere with its optical sensors.


    * * *


    October 9th, 2023, 16:30 (Iranian Standard Time 11:00)


    km east of Alborz, Qazvin, Iran (Qazvin highway)


    The convoy drove out of Tehran for an hour and was now 37km away from Qazvin. A ck van 200m behind the convoy started to speed up and shoot forward.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who had been watching the surrounding area with his SI-Q super eye had found the prime spot to begin their ambush and ordered his agents to start the mission.


    Two ck vans sped up and started nking the trucks with the nukes aboard, and soon they were right next to the armored vehicles guarding the nk.


    With a signal, the ck van¡¯s side doors opened and dozens ofser beams started to fly towards the sides of the Agarev armored vehicles.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    The powerful 12mmser beams pierced the armored vehicle¡¯s tires and side ting to stir up the vehicle¡¯s interior. The two hole-covered armored vehicles lost their bnce and started to stray from the convoy after crashing through the road¡¯s guardrails.


    The truck drivers and the Russian agents in the van all panicked and started to speed up. However, the NIS agents had already expected that.


    There was a 5t freighter truck 30 minutes ahead of the convoy. When the sound of gunshots started to fill the air, the truck slowed down and came to a dead stop while blocking all fournes on the highway.


    The transport trucks, police cars, and ck vans that had sped up did not have enough time to stop. They all attempted toe to a sudden halt but ended up crashing into each other.


    -Now!


    When Manager Lee Ja-sung gave the order again, the container aboard the freighter truck opened up. Inside were two CS7ser Vulcan guns. The two remote-controlled guns started to turn slowly and sprayedser beams at the targets.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    The two Iranian police cars became covered in holes and exploded. The ck and red mes started to rise and dance along thenes. The citizens inside their cars started to scream and run away in all directions. Chaos had broken out in the middle of the highway.


    Bang bang bang bang! Ba ba ba ba ba bang! Bang!


    The SVR agents got off their vans and started to retaliate with their own firearms. The NIS agents fired back with theirser rifles as well.


    The 10 armed soldiers aboard the back of the trucks also jumped down and started to fire their guns at the freighter truck blocking their path.


    -We don¡¯t have much time left! Take them down.


    The SVR agents, who had been firing their guns behind a car, were all hit by theser beams that could pierce through mostmercial vehicles and fell to the ground bleeding. The armed soldiers were taken down and torn up by the remote-controlled Vulcan guns as well.


    Three minutes had passed, and the loud sounds of gunshots stopped ringing. The SVR agents and the armed Iranian soldiers who were shot by theser beams had be bloody corpses.

 Chapter 328

    <h4>Chapter 328</h4>


    October 9th, 2023, 16:30 (Iran Standard Time 11:00)


    Iran, Alborz, 37km east from Qazvin (Qazvin highway)


    When the NIS agents took out all the bodyguards, SVR agents, and the soldiers, the ADD (Agency for Defense Development) technicians got aboard the trucks. Then, they started to swiftly open the wooden boxes holding the nukes. An aluminum case emerged from the boxes. These were the casings housing the tactical nukes.


    The ADD technicians opened up the case withser cutters. There were different types of tactical nukes inside the cases.


    ¡°Two AP-2111 types! Four HG-231 types! Four PP-865Q types!¡±


    Dr. Oh Gil-joon, the lead technician, started to notify his fellow technicians of the models. His team started to remove the detonation device from each model. If they made a mistake, then the surrounding area in a radius of a few kilometers could be vaporized, but they took them down one by one quickly like professionals.


    ¡°Doctor Oh! I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t have much time. Please hurry,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who had been guarding the transport truck, begged Dr. Oh Gil-joon.


    ¡°Yes, I understand. We will try to work faster.¡±


    The Qazvin highway had turned into chaos from the sudden attacks, so the Corean NIS agents attempted to control the flow of traffic from both sides of the road. The ADD technicians in the trucks all busily moved to disarm the bombs.


    It wasn¡¯t easy for the technicians to remove the detonation device due to the time pressure and the possibility of a mistake leading to disastrous results.


    ¡°Ah, sir, two choppers are flying toward us from 42km away at our two o¡¯clock,¡± Chief Kang Won-il, who had been controlling the SI-Q super eye drone, shouted while looking at the console¡¯s disy.


    The Iranian military must have called for backup after the trucks were ambushed. If they were from the two o¡¯clock direction the choppers must be from the Rashud base where the Iranian air force was.


    ¡°What¡¯s the choppers¡¯ model?¡±


    ¡°Mi-28UB Havoc, Russian attack choppers, sir.¡±


    The Mi-28UB Havoc choppers were equipped with a 2700-horsepower engine and developed to face off against America¡¯s AH-64 Apache attack choppers. The chopper was tested in 2013 and went into production in 2017. There were now 600 units ced in Russia¡¯s field.


    ¡°Mi-28UB? Does Iran have those? What¡¯s their ETA?¡±


    ¡°They are flying toward us at 270km/h, sir. They will arrive in 9 minutes.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re too short on time.¡±


    Excluding the time to pack up and leave, they only had five minutes to remove the detonation devices. Manager Lee Ja-sung called for Team Leader Park Gi-oong through themunication line.


    ¡°Team Leader Park! What¡¯s your status?¡±


    -12 out of 32 bombs have been disarmed, sir.


    ¡°There are Russian attack choppers headed our way! We only have five minutes left. Please tell the technicians to hurry!¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung finished speaking on the radio and nced at the skies. His lips were getting dry, and there were butterflies in his stomach.


    If the Russian attack choppers arrived before they could remove all the detonation devices, then him and every agent here were good as dead. Manager Lee Ja-sung called Team Leader Park Gi-oong again out of anxiety.


    ¡°Team Leader Park! How many are remaining?¡±


    -11 out of 17 from the first trucks are done! 10 out of 15 from the second truck are finished, sir.


    ¡°All right. We have two minutes left.¡±


    Each minute felt like an hour while the four ADD technicians did their best to remove the detonation devices as quickly as possible, but they ended up going past the five-minute mark.


    ¡°How long will it take? It¡¯s time for us to go.¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung¡¯s voice was full of anxiety.


    -We¡¯re almost done, sir. We have two more to go.


    ¡°Are the bombs installed?¡±


    -Yes, they¡¯re all installed, sir!


    ¡°Great! We follow the n after the bombs have been neutralized. Manager Ahn!¡±


    ¡°Yes! This is Ahn Bong-tae from Unit 3,¡± Manager Ahn Bong-tae from Unit 3 answered him.


    ¡°Prepare to leave as we nned!¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    The agents from Unit 3 were the ones controlling the flow of traffic on the highway. When they finishedmunicating on the radio, they prepared to make their escape. The CS7ser Vulcan was broken down and hauled off into the getaway vehicles.


    The heavy sound of chopper rotors could be heard, and it was getting closer.


    ¡°Chief Kang! How far are the choppers away from us?¡±


    ¡°10.2km, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s urgent voice came through the radio.


    -Sir! We¡¯re finished.


    ¡°All right. Everyone, let¡¯s get out of here!¡±


    When Manager Lee Ja-sung gave the order to pull out, the ADD technicians and the agents all got on their designated getaway vehicles and left.


    Vrooooooom!


    Thanks to the 15 minutes of traffic control, the highway was clear. The five ck vans all sped up and rushed through the highway. Soon after, the remote bomb detonated and blew up the trucks that carried the nukes, causing a 20m fireball to shoot up into the sky. The two trucks were blown to bits and turned the surrounding areas into a burning wreck.


    Dudududududududududu~


    Two Mi-28UB Havoc choppers emerged above the smokeing from the burning wreckage. One of the choppers started to fly forward to give chase to the five ck vans 5km away from them.


    Manager Ahn Bong-tae from unit 3 at the rear came on the radio. ¡°Manager Lee! This is Manager Ahn from Unit 3. I think we are being tailed.¡±


    ¡°I guess we have no choice! We must run away using the TCS mode. All vehicles, use the TCS mode to go invisible and join up at the next rendezvous point. Over.¡±


    After Manager Lee Ja-sung gave the order, the five ck vans all turned on their TCS modes and vanished. The five invisible ck vans continued to speed through the highway. Meanwhile, the Mi-28UB Havoc choppers attempted to fire the air-tond missiles at the five vans, but couldn¡¯t after they vanished from the monitor. When the unbelievable happened, the Iranian pilots were all in shock and started to talk to each other on the radio loudly.


    -This is Alin A! The targets have vanished. Volley A, do you have eyes on the target?


    -This is Volley A, the targets have vanished for us as well.


    The two Mi-28UB Havoc attack choppers attempted to chase after the targets that had vanished from the radar and their line of sight and continued to fly along the road.


    * * *


    October 9th, 2023, 18:30 (Russian Standard Time 12:30)


    Moscow Russia, the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Department) Building


    When Director Evgeny Lebedev from the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) received the report that the tactical nukes that were being handed off to the Iranian revolutionary guard in secret were neutralized by an unknown terrorist group two hours ago, he called for a meeting.


    ¡°Who were these terrorists that took out the bombs?¡±


    Director Run Nigmatullin from the Middle Eastern branch was on the screen with a distraught look on his face. ¡°So sorry, sir. We are working to find out now.¡±


    ¡°Put your life on the line and figure out who they were! Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I understand.¡±


    Department Head Alexei Smertin of the SVR¡¯s foreign cooperation department made a guess. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be the Coreans, sir?¡±


    ¡°The Coreans?¡± Director Evgeny Lebedev asked with his eyebrow raised.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Judging by the situation, it¡¯s most likely them.¡±


    ¡°Is that just a hunch?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have proof, but which nation would be most sensitive about our nation providing weapons to Iran, sir? I would have suspected America in the past, but now I think it is Corea. The nation¡¯s intelligence agency also went through rapid development, so they might have already identified the tactical nukes, as well,¡± Department Head Alexei Smertin, who had worked as an agent for decades, made an urate deduction.


    ¡°Now that you said that, I find Corea suspicious as well!¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev took a moment to think before standing up with his hands behind him to walk around the room.


    ¡°If the Coreans are going to interfere with our ns, I guess it¡¯s time for us to take matters into our own hands.¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev looked at the screen with the video call streaming.


    ¡°Run Nigmatullin!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Director!¡±


    ¡°How many of our agents are in Iran, right now?¡±


    ¡°Excluding the six who died in the line of duty, there are 13 in total, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, 13 men, that should be enough.¡±


    ¡°Enough for what, sir...?¡±


    ¡°Keep investigating the matter from today, and I need you and your men to conduct a high-priority mission.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Whatever it is, we will get it done.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it after we get approval from the president.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I understand.¡±


    * * *


    October 9th, 2023, 22:00 (Russia Standard Time 16:00)


    Moscow, Russia, the Kremlin (President¡¯s office)


    m!


    President Putin kicked the table out of anger after hearing from Director Evgeny Lebedev about how the neutralization of the tactical nukes in Iran might be rted to Corea, despite the diplomatic tensions between the two nations still high from the handoff of Hokkaido.


    ¡°Use every means necessary to gather evidence that the Coreans were behind this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have already ordered the agents in Iran to do so, sir.¡±


    ¡°There is one thing. If it was the Coreans, then why didn¡¯t they alert the world about our nation providing tactical nukes to Iran?¡±


    ¡°This is just my assumption, but I believe Corea does not want to cause any further diplomatic conflict since we are already on a bad footing with the Hokkaido issue, sir,¡± Minister Valeri Karpin from the foreign affairs ministry answered President Putin.


    Director Evgeny Lebedev added to the minister¡¯s answer, ¡°I also agree with Minister Karpin, sir. If they intended to notify the internationalmunity, why destroy the tactical nukes?¡±


    ¡°It is suspicious. If the Coreans are aware of our intentions, then I suppose it would not be wise to send more tactical nukes, would it?¡±


    ¡°I believe we shouldn¡¯t provide any more tactical nukes, sir,¡± Minister of Defense, Mikhail Ivanov, who was Minister Valeri Karpin¡¯s rival, answered the president.


    President Putin stood up from his seat and spoke to the government officials. ¡°I guess operation desert sandstorm was a failure before it could even begin.¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev carefully suggested to President Putin who was sighing in disappointment. ¡°Mr. President, sir!¡±


    ¡°What is it? Speak.¡±


    ¡°I want to suggest something rted to Iran, sir. I was hoping to get your approval after you hear it through.¡±


    ¡°I suppose you have a n? Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. So, I have nned to...¡±

 Chapter 329

    <h4>Chapter 329</h4>


    October 10th, 2023, 09:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (President¡¯s office)


    The footage of the NIS foreign intelligence department agents and the ADD technician¡¯s performance was ying in the president¡¯s office. It was taken from the camera equipped on Assistant Manager Park Gi-oong¡¯s shield sses.


    The footage showed what the agents and the technicians did. When both the agents and ADD technicians got on the trucks and opened the ck box¡¯s hatch, there were numerous types of tactical nukes wrapped in metal wrappings. There were many different types of tactical nukes that could beunched from 155mm self-propelled guns, dropped orunched by aircraft, and three more methods. Then the footage went to the ADD technicians disarming the detonation devices with deft hands.


    Soon the footage was over, and President Choo Un-hee spoke while apuding, ¡°That was amazing work. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.¡±


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t fail, could we? We were just doing our jobs, madam president,¡± Director Lee Young-jin from the NIS bowed slightly in a humble manner.


    ¡°No, your agents did amazingly. I heard the report that the mission was a sess without causing any casualties, but I can tell how dangerous it must have been after seeing the footage. What if the attack choppers had arrived? Wouldn¡¯t everyone have been sitting ducks?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. The attack choppers were something we did not manage to predict,¡± minister of national defense Kang Ui-sik spoke with a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°Exactly. Madam President, based on the footage and the report, those choppers are Russia¡¯stest Mi-28UB Havoc attack choppers. These are the exact ones that our Foreign Reconnaissance Department reported 10 days ago. If Iran had deployed these choppers into the field 10 days after receiving them, that means the Iranian revolutionary guards¡¯ takeover of the equipment is faster than expected.¡±


    ¡°I see. I am worried about Russia¡¯s unofficial activities since they are starting to cross the line.¡± President Choo Un-hee also had a concerned look on her face.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, ma¡¯am. I think it¡¯s only a matter of time before we go into a military conflict with Iran,¡± Minister Kang Ui-sik answered the president.


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee suggested a solution. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I believe we should approach the matter of Russia handing off its tactical nukes andtest weapons unofficially to Iran with no concern for their security diplomatically to both nations.¡±


    ¡°Diplomatically? Wouldn¡¯t they be suspicious? I¡¯m sure Russia must suspect our nation to be behind the disarming of the tactical nukes.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee continued when the president questioned her, ¡°Even if they obtained evidence that our intelligence agency was behind the attack, both nations would not be able to make an officialint. It is a severe offense by Iran to hold nuclear weapons while being a member nation of the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It would be more than enough to be criticized and sanctioned by the internationalmunity. Based on that, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any need for concerns, ma¡¯am. Shouldn¡¯t we try to focus on keeping our peacekeeping forces at the Republic of Kurdistan away from the war if Russia coaxes Iran into invading the nation with the offer of weapons instead, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, Minister Kang. It¡¯s only been two years since the East Asian War ended. I also agree we should attempt to solve this diplomatically if possible. We cannot go into war again with the lives of our younger generation at stake.¡±


    During the East Asian War, Minister Kang Ui-sik was the joint chief of staff and was ridden with guilt for sending many young men to their deaths. He did not want to send the nation¡¯s young men back into war again.


    ¡°Do you think it could be solved diplomatically, Minister Kang?¡± The president looked at Minister Kang Kyung-hee with a concerned look on her face.


    Right now, Corea was on the verge of cutting off diplomatic ties with Russia due to the matter of Hokkaido, and all diplomaticmunication with Iran had been cut off since the support of the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence. The Turkish government had attempted to solve the issue about the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence diplomatically in Corea¡¯s stead, but there was no significant progress being made.


    ¡°That¡¯s my job, isn¡¯t it, ma¡¯am? I will attempt to contact both nations.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Our priorities should be to solve matters peacefully through diplomacy instead of war. I hope it goes well, Minister Kang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will do my best, madam president.¡±


    As Minister Kang Kyung-hee has said, Russia and Iran were in no position to make an officialint to Corea about the tactical nukes being disarmed even if they had proof. The actions of both nations were a severe vition of the treaty and warranted legal sanctions from other nations.


    In the end, it seemed the desert sandstorm brewing due to the rtionship between the three nations was dying down. However, this was just the start, and the true storm from the Middle East was just rearing its head.


    * * *


    October 15th, 2023, 19:30 (Iranian Standard Time 14:00)


    Imam Khomeini International Airport, Tehran, Iran


    Five days ago, the Corean government had attempted to contact Russia and Iran, but Russia had officially refused to meet with Corea¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Iranian ministry agreed, thanks to the help from the Turkish government. Minister Kang Kyung-hee was scheduled to officially visit Iran.


    There were suggestions for Minister Kang Kyung-hee to meet with the Iranian officials at a third-party nation since it could be dangerous for her to visit Iran herself. However, she refused and imed a visit to the nation was needed toe to a peaceful negotiation.


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee used the ministry¡¯s CS-300P ne to arrive at the Imam Khomeini International Airport in 4 hours. She attended the short weing ceremony and started to head towards downtown Tehran on Highway 7 aboard the minister¡¯s vehicle.


    Two cars from the Corean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and two from the Iranian government started to escort Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s vehicle. The 5-car convoy sped faster than the other cars on the twone Highway 7 since Minister Kang was scheduled to meet with Iran¡¯s minister of foreign affairs Alireza Haghighi and they had 30km to go to reach downtown Tehran from Imam Khomeini International Airport.


    Meanwhile, the NIS agents from the Foreign Intelligence Department Unit 3 and the technicians from the ADD had returned to Corea while Unit 1 stayed behind the city to continue collecting intel. When the NIS agents heard about the minister of foreign affairs¡¯ visit to Iran, they decided to guard the minister in secret along Highway 7 by activating the TCS mode on their vans and waiting at major checkpoints.


    While the car was driving past the desert scenery, Minister Kang Kyung-hee pulled out her smartphone and called the president to report her safe arrival in Tehran.


    ¡°Hello? Madam President! I have just arrived at Imam Khomeini International Airport and moving to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran.¡±


    ¡°I see. That¡¯s good to hear. I hope the meeting goes well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I will do my best.¡±


    Static started to distort the call and the conversation cut off at times as the minister was speaking to the president.


    ¡°Hello? Hello? Madam President! I think the call is getting cut off. I will call once I have a better signal, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee looked at her phone with a bewildered look on her face since she had never experienced her phone being cut off while calling in numerous other countries.


    ¡°Minister! Is there something wrong?¡± Her chief secretary asked from the passenger¡¯s seat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think there¡¯s something wrong with the signal. Static keeps interfering with the call.¡±


    ¡°Really, ma¡¯am? That¡¯s odd. Ourmunication lines are independently... ¡±


    Wooooooosh~ Boooooom!


    Arge explosion urred. With an ear-piercing sound, all five vehicles within the convoy got swept up in the st and flew in all directions.


    Bang! Booom!


    Arge fireball rose in the middle of the highway, and the other vehicles near the explosion got caught up and flew off as well. Highway 7 had turned into a ming hell from the st.


    ¡°Ma-manager Lee, sir! That¡¯s an explosion. I think the minister¡¯s vehicle...,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who was 2km away from the st, spoke on the radio.


    ¡°What do you mean, an explosion? Speak up!¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung had observed the minister¡¯s car pass by safely a few minutes ago, and shouted his question after hearing Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s report.


    ¡°The minister¡¯s vehicle and the escorting vehicles exploded. I think it was a terrorist attack.¡±


    ¡°Fuck! All right. Move to the scene immediately! Protect the minister! I¡¯m on my way too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong turned his car around and started to drive down the highway in the direction of the mes and smoke.


    Two days ago, Iran¡¯s leader Mustafa Khomeini Hamanei had met with Director Run Nigmatullin from Russia¡¯s SVR Middle Eastern branch in secret.


    Director Run Nigmatullin had received special orders from President Putin after the hand-off of the tactical nukes to the Iranian leader¡¯s personal military forces was stopped by an unidentified armed organization. He had scheduled a meeting with the Supreme Leader Mustafa Khomeini Hamanei for this reason.


    That day, Director Run Nigmatullin had made a few requests to the supreme leader. The major one was about Iran making proactive military activities against the Republic of Kurdistan, but the other ones were more than enough to shake up the entire internationalmunity.


    * * *


    October 15th, 2023, 20:40


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (President¡¯s office)


    President Choo Un-hee, who received the report about Minister Kang Kyung-hee from Director Lee Young-jin after talking to her on the phone a few minutes ago, called for the NCS (National Security Council).


    ¡°How¡¯s Minister Kang Kyung-hee and her staff?¡± The first question President Choo Un-hee asked was Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s status and the safety of her staff.


    ¡°The agents went to the scene and conducted first aid, but the five agents in charge of guarding her had died from the st. Minister Kang, her secretary, and six others are all severely injured. All of them have boarded the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space jets that we deployed and it has taken off just now.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin heard the report straight from Iran and deployed a CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space jet with a doctor aboard after requesting cooperation from different intelligence agencies. Every second mattered, so Director Lee Young-jin contacted the aerospace forces himself to request the deployment of the fastest space jet: the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow.


    ¡°Five people are dead... Are the six injured at risk?¡±


    ¡°We are not sure yet, but ording to the doctor on board with them, all six people have avoided the major risks for now. Once they reach home, everyone will be taken care of by the best medical staff andtest medical technology, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin considered having the individuals go through surgery in Iran, but he concluded that the minister and her staff would be at risk of a second attack since the terrorists were unidentified and atrge. Therefore, he ordered to have everyone return to Corea.


    ¡°Yes, I hope they recover. The medical staff is all prepared, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, madam president. The central general hospital finished their preparations and are standing by.¡±


    ¡°I understand. What did the Iranian government say?¡± When the director of the NIS finished speaking, the president asked the deputy minister of foreign affairs who was acting for Minister Kang Kyung-hee.


    Everyone¡¯s gaze turned to him.


    ¡°The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs only said they are investigating the matter and did not provide any further information, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°So, they know who is behind the attack, but feigning ignorance. We must firmly protest this to the Iranian government and have our own intelligence agency conduct an investigation,¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo spoke in an angered tone.


    ¡°Exactly. Deputy Minister Oh, please send an official letter outlining this demand to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, madam president!¡±


    ¡°We must figure out who is behind this heinous crime. Whether it is the Iranian government or some alt-right terrorist organization. We must show them not to mess with our nation and punish the perpetrators to make an example out of them,¡± the president spoke in a firm tone while tapping the desk. Her voice was full of rage.


    ¡°What¡¯s the status of the peace-keeping forces?¡± The president asked the minister of national defense this time.


    ¡°Allbat brigades are on high alert, while the engineering brigades have all stopped their current projects and are on alert as well, ma¡¯am.¡±

 Chapter 330

    <h4>Chapter 330</h4>


    October 16th, 2023, 13:30 (Iran Standard Time 08:00)


    Iran, Tehran, 12th province, near the Ridley Hotel


    The NIS Foreign Intelligence Department¡¯s 1st unit agents who had rescued Minister Kang Kyung-hee, her chief secretary, and bodyguards the day before, started to move early in the morning to investigate the bombing.


    The Corean Ministry of Foreign Affairs had sent in an official letter to the Iranian government about sending in an investigation team for the bombing, but Unit 1 had gone into an independent investigation separate from the official one.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong and his three agents started to collect intel about the Iranian government officials, and Manager Lee Ja-sung started to tail Director Run Nigmatullin from Russia¡¯s SVR Middle East branch.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung could not shake off the thought of Russia being involved in the bombing from his head. He did not have any hard evidence, so he avoided reporting it back to HQ since it would only be confusing for the agency. To obtain hard proof, Manager Lee Ja-sung and his agents started to tail Run Nigmatullin and focused on following his daily activities.


    Based on the current affairs, Director Run Nigmatullin visited Iran¡¯s supreme leader, and he was outside the city of Tehran when the terrorist bombing happened. The director of the Middle Eastern branch of an intelligence agency being absent from the city when the Corean minister of foreign affairs visited Tehran was the most suspicious part. Manager Lee Ja-sung attempted to figure out what Iran¡¯s Supreme Leader Mustafa Hosseini Hamanei and him discussed during the visit to look for clues.


    Due to the terrorist attack from yesterday, the city was on high alert and there were many armed policemen stationed in downtown Tehran.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung and Chief Youn Ho-hyun were dressed in traditional Arabic clothing and observing inside a ck van in front of the Ridley Hotel, waiting for Director Run Nigmatullin to emerge.


    Around 8:30, Director Run Nigmatullin and his three secretaries emerged from the hotel lobby.


    Assistant Manager Oh Suk-jin, who had been drinking coffee at the lobby¡¯s caf¨¦, alerted everyone through the silentmunication system.


    -Mother pr bear and three cubs in the lobby!


    ¡°Great! Assistant Manager Oh, check the pr bear¡¯s nest in 10 minutes! Be careful.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung and his agents decided to inspect the hotel room Run Nigmatullin was staying in.


    Soon, Run Nigmatullin and his entourage moved through the hotel¡¯s lobby to get into two ck vans. They started to drive away from the hotel.


    ¡°Chief Youn and I will follow the mother pr bear.¡±


    -Yes, sir. Be careful.


    ¡°Chief Youn. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chief Youn Ho-hyun started the car and carefully tailed the ck van. Manager Lee Ja-sung used the VR-M2 optical device to check the interior of the ck vans and attempted to bug their conversation. He hoped listening to the conversations the SVR agents were having could help find some clues.


    Meanwhile, Assistant Managers Oh Suk-jin and Park Won-ho who had been drinking coffee at the lobby¡¯s cafe put down their cups and stood up. They moved towards the hotel¡¯s elevators.


    The agents boarded the elevator and got off on the 5th floor. They activated the TCS mode on their suits and walked down the hallway. After moving past a few rooms, they arrived at room 503. It was the one Director Run Nigmatullin was staying in.


    ¡°One, two. There are only two cameras.¡±


    When the agents checked the hallway for security cameras, there were only two filming room 503. They started to check the interior of the room with their shield sses in X-ray vision. Luckily, no one seemed to be present.


    Assistant Manager Oh Suk-jin manipted the X-C01 console on his left wrist, and a powerful jamming wave swept through the entire hallway to stop the security cameras from filming. Assistant Manager Park Won-ho used this chance to open the door with the skeleton smart key.


    The two agents were surprised by the interior of room 503 being morevish than expected. The living room was asrge as a suite should be, and every corner in the room was decorated in Arabian style.


    ¡°This bastard¡¯s doing well for himself,¡± Assistant Manager Park Won-ho turned off the TCS mode and muttered to himself while ncing around the room.


    Assistant manager Oh Suk-jin who immediately began investigating scolded him, ¡°Hey! We don¡¯t have time for a tour! Manager Lee is going to have our heads if we don¡¯t find any clues. Start looking.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Come on, Assistant Manager Oh! You¡¯re too strict,¡± Assistant Manager Park Won-ho, who was his junior from the academy, headed to the bedroom whileining.


    While the agents werebing through the entire suite starting from the bedroom, the room door opened.


    ¡°Shhh! Go into TCS mode.¡±


    Assistant Managers Oh Suk-jin and Park Won-ho activated their cloaking system when they heard the door open and clung to the wall.


    ¡°Who woulde in here at a time like this?¡± Chief Park Won-ho, clinging to the bedroom wall like a fly, asked through the silentmunication line.


    ¡°How would I know?¡± Assistant Manager Oh Suk-jin poked his head through the door and nced at the man who just entered the hotel suite.


    It was a Russian man who was almost 2m tall. The man buried himself into the living room sofa and turned on the TV with the remote.


    ¡°What the-! Who the hell is that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it, Assistant Manager Oh!¡± Assistant Manager Park Won-ho saw the man as well and spoke to Assistant Manager Oh on themunication line.


    ¡°Wait, do we need to engage him? Can¡¯t we just quietly investigate and leave quietly?¡±


    ¡°We looked high and low, but didn¡¯t find anything did we, sir? Why don¡¯t we beat the information out of that guy?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm...,¡± Assistant Manager Oh Suk-jin took a moment to consider the idea. Then, he answered, ¡°All right! Let¡¯s do that!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    <hr />


    October 16th, 2023, 16:00


    The South State, Jeju Ind, Seoguipo-si, Kangjung-dong, the naval base


    On February 2023, Corea¡¯s first aircraft carrier, the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) was deployed to the field under the 12th carrier strike group founded by the naval strategicmand. The Kangjung navy base was host to the 7th mobile fleet and the carrier strike group and had over 50,000 tons worth of navy equipment docked. The Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001), boasting thergest size and load discement of 150,000 tons, was loading numerous supplies carried via containers on small freighter trucks.


    During the East Asian War in 2021, 30% of Corea¡¯s naval forces were lost. Through two years of recovery projects and shipbuilding, the sunken destroyers and escorting ships were all newly built and deployed to the field in order.


    The half-sunken destroyers and escorting ships were all refurbished with improved technology before they were sent back into the field.


    Heavy cruisers that matched the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin, Park Yeol (CG-1102), and Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) were newly built and deployed to the field as well. The Cha Ri-suk (CG-1105) and Kang Woo-gyu (CG-1106) were scheduled to be deployed to the field in December.


    Meanwhile, the Youn Bong-gil (SS-077) that sunk in during the South Sea battle and the Hong Beom-do (SS-079) that was sunk by Japan¡¯s nuclear submarine had their names inherited by two 260 ss Super Hoc submarines, and both of them had been deployed to the field.


    The 12th carrier strike group consisted of the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) aircraft carrier as the main vessel, three heavy Hoc cruisers, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101), Park Yeol (CG-1102), and Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), and four 260 ss Super Hoc submarines, the Lee Hui-hyung (SSP-091), Choi Jun (SSP-092), Youn Bong-gil (SSP-093), Hong Beom-do (SSP-094).


    The 12th carrier strike group¡¯s organization was a bit differentpared to the U.S, which operated 10 carrier strike groups. Instead of consisting of one aircraft carrier, 6-8 anti-air destroyers, and 3-4 nuclear submarines, the 12th carrier strike group had one aircraft carrier, three heavy cruisers, and four Super Hoc submarines. There were concerns about the formation of the carrier strike group being too weak, but the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) heavy cruiser single-handedly destroyed the Japanese navy¡¯s escorting fleet and carrier strike group during the Dok-do Ind battle. With such power, three Hoc heavy cruisers would be enough to defend the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) against jets, ships, and submarines. The addition of four newly developed 260 ss Super Hoc submarines with thetest technology being included in the formation also cleared any further concerns.


    Corea¡¯s first carrier strike group now had the power equivalent to most nations¡¯ entire navy, and it was now taking a step further to be an ocean navy capable of being deployed in any warzone.


    The crew of the 12th carrier strike group had finished training and testing the basic operations of the vessels for six months. The crew and their families had a simple goodbye ceremony and were now busily loading supplies and equipment aboard the ships.


    Two days ago, the Blue House¡¯s NSC (National Security Council) meeting concluded that the peacekeeping forces must be reinforced. Instead of a force from the army, the Ministry of National Defense decided to deploy the 12th carrier strike group that had been training to the Gulf of Oman.


    They needed a naval and aerial force to pressure the southern regions of Iran rather than forces on the ground. The 12th carrier strike group had fit the criteria and were thus deployed to the field.


    The Baekbum Gim Gu¡¯s (CV-001) flight deck had 48 of the world¡¯s first vertical take-off and variable wing equipped unmanned bomber, the CUF/A-29NP Phoenix, two CB-N31P Blue Dragon tactical bombers, 20 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers, two CP-N92SP Aqua Dragon naval patrol nes, and two CE-N91SP Peacock early-warning nes. The aircraft carrier was also capable of transporting the marine¡¯s fully armed next-generation armored battalion.


    The most amazing thing about the aircraft carrier was that it did not have the aircrafts all lined up at the flight deck but stored within the ship by opening up its four doors on each side. By having the aircraftsnd back in the carrier¡¯s interior, it was able to protect the aircrafts from being attacked by enemy vessels duringnding. This design of the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) was outside the boxpared to the conventional aircraft carrier designs, and the ship looked like a spaceship from the future. The carrier itself also had numerous weapons to defend against jets, ships, and submarines independently.


    The Corean military could have deployed its air force to the Republic of Kurdistan as well, but the sensitive technological equipment would have needed continuous maintenance from the rough Middle Eastern environmentpared to the one in Corea. It wasn¡¯t easy for the air force to deploy a repairing force and their equipment overseas when they never had the experience.


    However, an aircraft carrier was different. The ship itself had the equipment and crew that could conduct repairs and maintenance. The carrier strike group would also be able to disperse the Iranian military forces gathered at the western border. Finally, the crew could get some experience after training for six months and be more skilled in the field.


    These reasons made the minister of national defense suggest deploying the 12th carrier strike group during the NSC (National Security Council) meeting.


    Knock knock!


    A knock came at the naval base¡¯smander¡¯s office on the 3rd floor of the headquarters building.


    ¡°Come in!¡±


    ¡°Sir! We have just finished loading all the supplies for the carrier strike group,¡± a secretary, who was a lieutenant colonel, saluted themander and reported in.


    ¡°Ha ha, would you look at the time,mander,¡± Brigadier General Kim Ki-young looked at his watch while speaking to Major General Ahn Hyung-woo, who was promoted from his position of 7th mobile fleet¡¯s admiral to the naval base¡¯smander.


    Brigadier General Kim Ki-young was also themander of the 72nd maritime floti until he was promoted to brigadier general andmander of Corea¡¯s first carrier strike group.


    ¡°Yeah, time flies. I didn¡¯t notice from exchanging stories from the past.¡±


    The two admirals were reminiscing and discussing the South Sea battle that took ce during the East Asian War.


    ¡°Please be safe, and make sure our mene back home safely.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will do my best, sir. Commander, I will see you soon, sir!¡±


    Brigadier General Kim Ki-young was in a neat uniform as he walked back down to his office on the second floor. He listened to the reports from his aides and captain of each vessel before walking out to board his ship, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101).


    Commander Ahn Hyung-woo, officers from the base, and soldiers all came out to cheer them on.


    Brigadier General Kim Ki-hyung responded with a salute. He and his aides all started to board the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) cruiser. Then, a loud horn sounded throughout the entire Kangjung navy base for the ships to set sail.


    The numerous vessels of the 12th carrier strike group were sailing off to the field instead of training. They were aided by tugboats and slowly moved out of the breakwater walls.


    The 12th carrier strike group was starting its 13,000km journey in a triangr formation. Four 260 ss Super Hoc submarines were sailing ahead and behind them from 100m below the surface.

 Chapter 331

    <h4>Chapter 331</h4>


    October 16th, 2023, 17:00 (Iran Standard Time 11:30)


    Iran, Tehran, 2nd province, the NIS Iranian branch¡¯s safe house


    Yesterday afternoon, Iranian television broadcasted the news about the terrorist attack on Minister Kang Kyung-hee along Highway 7 while moving from Imam Khomeini International Airport to Tehran. The newsworks broadcasted the news again today and imed that the bombing was the work of IS and every single newswork within Iran was making the same im. It looked as if the newsworks all wanted to give the impression that it was the work of IS.


    Assistant Managers Oh Suk-jin and Park Won-ho had seen the news that morning before infiltrating Director Run Nigmatullin¡¯s hotel room. They managed to subdue one of therge SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) agents returning from eating breakfast at the lobby and started to interrogate him for information.


    Therge man leaked quite a bit of crucial information after being injected with the truth serum. The interrogation was a sess, but they needed to cross-check the information to back the ims up. The two agents neutralized the SVR agent by disguising it as a heart attack and left the hotel room to meet back up with Manager Lee Ja-sung at the safe house.


    The agents then started to discuss what to do with the intel they had collected from the Russian agent. Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who had been keeping tabs on the Iranian foreign ministry officials, returned to the safe house as well.


    ¡°How about we report this back to headquarters, sir?¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong started the meeting.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. But crucial information like this needs to be checked for authenticity and uracy before it is reported to HQ! If the Russian leaked false information, then we will end up ying their game and it could lead to a full-on war against Russia!¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung wanted to take care of the matter as cautiously as possible since it was a high priority.


    The Russian agent¡¯s confession was as follows:


    The SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) Middle Eastern branch had heard about the Corean minister of foreign affairs visiting Tehran from the Iranian foreign ministry, and they established a n for a terrorist attack that will lead to diplomatic and military conflict between Corea and Iran. The Russian agency chose the Su-57 PAK-FA jet piloted by Russian pilots to conduct the terrorist attack to prevent security leaks.


    While Minister Kang Kyung-hee was moving along Highway 7 from the Imam Khomeini International Airport, a Su-57 PAK-FA jet took off from the Zanjan air force base for a training exercise. It avoided Iranian radars to fly towards Tehran and fired a long-range air-tond missile.


    This act of terrorism was conducted and overlooked by Iran¡¯s Supreme Leader Mustafa Hosseini Hamanei himself.


    Russia chose the Su-57 PAK-FA jet for its stealth capabilities and its inability to be detected by the Iranian radars. Iran would be in a position to feign ignorance from the jet¡¯s activities and the air-tond missile would have a low chance of failure.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the confessions made under the influence of the X-10 truth serum be urate, sir? I think we should report it immediately to HQ since you say it¡¯s crucial information, sir...,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong suggested reporting the findings first despite what Manager Lee Ja-sung had said.


    ¡°Team Leader Park! It won¡¯t be toote for us to report back after we find more intel that backs up the Russian agent¡¯s ims.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I understand, sir.¡±


    ¡°Since it has boiled down to this, I guess it¡¯s time for us to make some bold movements.¡±


    ¡°Something bold, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, why don¡¯t we hear it from that bastard Run Nigmatullin himself, first?¡±


    ¡°So, we¡¯re going to kidnap him, sir?¡±


    ¡°Precisely!¡±


    When Manager Lee Ja-sung answered him, Team Leader Park Gi-oong smiled. ¡°Ha ha, that¡¯s the way I like it, sir. It would have been great if we started the operation like that. Our team will lead the mission.¡±


    From the start and during every meeting, Team Leader Park Gi-oong had suggested that kidnapping the director of the Middle Eastern branch Run Nigmatullin would be the easiest way to collect intel.


    ¡°Great! Team 1 will lead the mission to kidnap Nigmatullin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°But be careful. The Russians must be suspicious about one of their agents suddenly dying from a heart attack. They must be conducting an internal investigation and heightened security.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir. I have already drafted up a n in my mind. Ha ha ha,¡± Team leader Park Gi-oong pointed to his head andughed confidently.


    * * *


    October 18th, 2023, 18:00


    The South State, Seoul, Yongsan-ku, the National Central Medical Center


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee and her five staff members all arrived at the central medical facility after flying from Tehran aboard the CFS/-31SP Three-toed Crow space jet for an hour, and they all went into emergency surgery.


    The minister¡¯s vehicle was aplete wreck and flew a few meters from the st. However, it was bulletproof and had one more safety measure besides the seatbelts and airbags. The vehicle had the ASD (Absorption Safety Device) that could fill the interior of the vehicle with a liquid foam that hardens into a sponge-like substance in case of a crash or explosion to protect from fires and collisions.


    If the minister was aboard amercial vehicle, every single bone in her body would have been broken. However, thanks to the high-tech safety device, Minister Kang Kyung-hee, her chief secretary, and the bodyguard driving the minister¡¯s sedan went through light treatment before being sent to their own hospital rooms.


    However, the survival of the three bodyguards who were aboard the vehicle without the ASD features could be considered as an act of god. But the men were all covered in severe burns and had to go through a skin reconstruction surgery for over 14 hours. Luckily the operation was a sess, and they were all moved to liquid capsule chambers.


    President Choo Un-hee visited the National Central Medical Center when visits were allowed after 3 days and listened to Doctor Kim Gook-jin¡¯s briefing about the three bodyguards who were in critical condition.


    The men were covered in third-degree burns, but advanced medical technology will heal most of the tissue after being in the liquid capsule chambers for 6 months, and only minor scars will remain.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Please take care of the agents and provide them with the best care.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee spoke to the doctor while looking at the three bodyguards under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in stasis at the liquid capsule chambers.


    ¡°Yes, we will do our best, Madam President.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. How about we go to where Minister Kang is?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I will take you there.¡±


    The president arrived at the patient¡¯s suite where Minister Kang Kyung-hee was being treated.


    When the door opened and President Choo Un-hee entered the suite, Minister Kang Kyung-hee attempted to get up. The president stopped her.


    ¡°Minister Kang! Don¡¯t get up. Pleasey back down.¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s okay, Madam President!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s an order. Please stay still.¡±


    ¡°At least let me raise my bed, ma¡¯am.¡±


    The secretary from the ministry of foreign affairs raised the bed when she heard Minister Kang Kyung-hee.


    ¡°You must have been terrified. Are they treating you well, minister? anything we can do to help with the pain?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine, ma¡¯am. I heard the three bodyguards are in critical condition. I am worried for their safety.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee was more concerned about the well-being of her bodyguards than herself.


    The president grasped Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s hands and answered her in a tearful tone, ¡°The tissue reconstruction surgery was a sess. So just focus on recovering, Minister Kang.¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s great news.¡±


    * * *


    October 17th, 2023, 17:00 (Iran Standard Time 11:30)


    Iran, Tehran, 12th province, the Ridley Hotel (Room 503)


    The SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) was in an uproar after one of the agents guarding suite 503 at Tehran was found dead. The doctor¡¯s first diagnosis of death from a heart attack for the 2m tall agent who was alive and well before leaving the hotel made Director Run Nigmatullin suspicious.


    Director Run Nigmatullin sent the dead agent¡¯s body back to Russia and ordered a thorough autopsy. He also ordered to check every single security camera within the hotel to find any evidence of a break-in.


    The hotel staff and the Iranian police all blocked off suite 503 while the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) brought in their numerous equipment to scan the area for signs of a break-in.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave anything out and keep searching,¡± Director Run Nigmatullin blew smoke from a cigarette while giving out orders.


    Russia¡¯s SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) was world-famous besides America¡¯s CIA. The agents started to use their high-tech equipment to search for fingerprints and even a single strand of hair.


    Some time had passed, but the agents could not find any signs of a break-in within the entire hotel suite. The only thing the agents could find was a 30-second interval where every security camera went dark and they stopped filming footage. However, that was not enough to conclude.


    The results made Director Run Nigmatullin made him consider the fact he may be overreacting. He had worked under the SVR for over 20 years, and he led many missions to sess from his impable hunches. However, his assumptions were inurate today. To be precise, his assumptions were right, but hecked the evidence to back up his ims.


    ¡°We¡¯re moving out.¡±


    Soon, the agents all packed their bags and prepared to leave the hotel room. They hadpleted a mission, but one of their agents died from a heart attack ¨C an ill-boding sign that made them decide to switch rooms.


    * * *


    October 19th, 2023, 10:00


    The North State, Hamkyung-do, Wonsan-si, the Galma Vi


    Ex-supreme leader Kim Jong-un finished his breakfast and prepared for an outing in his favorite khaki jacket and coat. He was preparing to attend the People¡¯s Labor Party¡¯s anniversary ceremony.


    It was the first time he left the vi after staying here for over a month, and his first time attending an official ceremony as well. The domestic and international press were already gathered near Galma Vi.


    When the vehicle with Kim Jong-un aboard emerged through the Galma Vi¡¯s front gate, news cameras started filming and press agent¡¯s cameras started to take pictures.


    Kim Jong-un was scheduled to have a short address at a photo zone, but he nced at the scene and ordered his secretary.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go!¡±


    ¡°What? We were supposed to spend some time with the reporters at the photo zone...¡±


    ¡°Am I some monkey at a zoo? There¡¯s no need! Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    The secretary answered Kim Jong-un and signaled the driver to continue driving. The car moved through the gate and sped along the road.


    The numerous reporters from newsworks and filming crews waiting outside in the cold weather all looked shocked by the car driving away. Everyone started toin.


    ¡°That fat pig! He still thinks he¡¯s a king.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. He should be grateful people still give him this much attention...¡±


    ¡°That was a waste of our morning. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The news reporters and filming crews who had waited since early morning to take a picture or footage of Kim Jong-un emerging from the vi after a whole month, started to rush to the People¡¯s Labor Party anniversary ceremony.

 Chapter 332

    <h4>Chapter 332</h4>


    October 19th, 2023, 13:00


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Potong-ku, the People¡¯s Labor Party building


    The People¡¯s Labor Party was celebrating its second anniversary when Kim Jong-un¡¯s car arrived at the gates from Won-san.


    The crowd waiting for Kim Jong-un started to wee him and cheered while the camera shutters of the numerous press agencies across the world started going off.


    Ex-supreme leader Kim Jong-un emerged from the car and waved his right hand at the crowd as he was greeted by 10,000 cheering Pyeong-yang citizens. It was as if he had returned to being the supreme leader of North Korea once again. It seemed he was intentionally attempting to recreate the scene.


    Three months ago, Kim Jong-un regained consciousness after 8 years. After being treated, he faced reality and decided to give up all of his political power while living a life of exile at Galma Vi. However, after continued visits from powerful North Korean officials, he changed his mind.


    Kim Jong-un started eyeing political power and the desire to wield power had woken inside him once again.


    There were numerous temptations for Kim Jong-un throughout his visits. The first sign of his change in mindset was his presence at the People¡¯s Labor Party anniversary ceremony.


    Kim Jong-un showed up at the People¡¯s Labor Party building and appeared to be full of pride and ambition. Listening to the crowd cheering him on made him desire power even more. Kim Jong-un¡¯s heart was racing and he felt as if he had returned to the days when he wielded absolute power.


    After he shook hands with some people from the crowd and entered the party¡¯s building, the party members and senators all gave him a standing ovation.


    ¡°I hope you had a pleasant drive. Wee,rade Chairman Kim Jong-un,¡± senator and party leader Kim Hyung-won shook Kim Jong-un¡¯s hand with both of his and used his previous title.


    Kim Hyung-won still treated Kim Jong-un, who was 30 years younger than him, like he did in North Korea despite South and North Korea¡¯s unification 3 years ago. Kim Jong-un acted as if he expected nothing less and tapped him on the shoulder.


    ¡°My life has some spice in it thanks to you,rade Kim Hyung-won.¡± Kim Jong-un¡¯s tone was polite, but his greeting was informal.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s my honor to serve you. Let¡¯s go to the venue!¡±


    Kim Hyung-won finished shaking Kim Jong-un¡¯s hand and pointed to the venue with both of his hands. The apuse from the crowd could still be heard from within the building.


    Soon, Kim Jong-un entered the venue and sat next to Chairman Kim Hyung-won. The weing ceremony began. It was hard to tell whether the ceremony was a weing for Kim Jong-un or a celebration of the party¡¯s anniversary. The event continued untilte evening.


    There were people watching the ceremony with the eyes of a hawk at the party building. It was the NIS agents under the ACS team. Each agent was at their designated posts and recorded every conversation the attendees of the ceremony were having with thetest equipment. They especially focused on the conversations Kim Jong-un was having with the party members.


    <hr />


    October 19th, 2023, 18:00 (Iran Standard Time 12:30)


    Iran, Tehran, 11th province, the Russian Embassy in Iran


    The NIS agents from the Foreign Intelligence Department Unit 1 Team 1 were surveying the wooded area with buildings in the 11th province of Tehran from a 7-story building across the Nofel Roselite Road.


    The building they were looking at was the Russian Embassy based in Tehran. Two days ago, the SVR agents left the Ridley Hotel and moved into the New Naderi Hotel 200m away from the Russian Embassy. However, Director Run Nigmatullin did not stay in the New Naderi Hotel and stayed in the Russian Embassy instead. He had not emerged from the building since.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong and his agents were watching the Russian Embassy instead of the New Naderi building for this reason.


    ¡°God! How are we gonna snatch him if he won¡¯t show his face? This is taking way too long, and I¡¯m getting bored...,¡± Assistant Manager Ahn Ki-cheolined while looking at the Russian Embassy through his VR-M2 optical device.


    Chief Jo Dong-hyun, who was working on theptop next to Assistant Manager Ahn, asked with a serious look on his face, ¡°Sir! Should we just tell Team Leader Park to raid the embassy?¡±


    ¡°You tell him!¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re my senior, shouldn¡¯t you tell him, sir?¡±


    ¡°What? If a superior tells you to do something, you should say ¡®yes, sir¡¯ and just do it without asking questions.¡±


    While the two agents spoke to each other to kill time during their stakeout, Team Leader Park Gi-oong and Assistant Manager Han Kang-il came in.


    ¡°Great work, sir,¡± Chief Jo Dong-hyun got up and greeted him when Team Leader Park Gi-oong entered the room.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do much, did I? Do you have eyes on the pig?¡± Team leader Park Gi-oong had started calling Director Run Nigmatullin a pig.


    ¡°Yes, sir. He is lying spread-eagle on the bed at the lodgings on the 3rd floor, taking a break,¡± Assistant Manager Ahn Ki-cheol, who was watching Director Run Nigmatullin through the VR-M2, answered him.


    ¡°That fat bastard¡¯s living the life. All he did inside the embassy was absolutely nothing for two days. Here we are without any air conditioning getting steamed alive in the room.¡±


    The agents had to wear traditional Arabic clothing to hide their race every time they went outside. Team Leader Park Gi-oong took off his clothes and turban, then tossed them onto the floor.


    ¡°Sir! Should we go get some fans? The heat is killing me,¡± Assistant Manager Han Kang-il said while taking off his clothes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just bear through it! It¡¯s not like we are going to be here for a whole week.¡±


    ¡°What are we going to do if that fat bastard stays put and does not show his face from the embassy, sir?¡± Assistant Manager Han Kang-il asked with a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°Would he? He has to go to work sometime.¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    Assistant Manager Ahn Ki-chul handed the VR-M2 to Chief Jo Dong-hyun and spoke to him quietly, ¡°Team Leader Park, sir! Why don¡¯t we just infiltrate the Russian Embassy and drag that pig out of there?¡±


    ¡°Infiltrate the embassy?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We can¡¯t just sit here and wait forever, can we?¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong leaned on the wall and pondered for a moment while stroking his chin.


    The Russian Embassy in Tehran was Russian territory. If things went awry, then that could lead to a war between Corea and Russia on the grounds of invasion of territory. Therefore, the risk of conducting a mission directly within the embassy was too great.


    ¡°Do you think Manager Lee will allow it?¡±


    ¡°Well, we won¡¯t know until we ask, and I guess we won¡¯t have a choice if he says no, sir,¡± Assistant Manager Ahn Ki-cheol goaded him.


    <hr />


    October 19th, 2023, 21:00


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Potong-ku, near the People¡¯s Labor Party building


    After the People¡¯s Labor Party anniversary ceremony concluded with a banquet, Kim Jong-un and Chairman Kim Hyung-won and other party members gathered at the meeting room on the third floor.


    Team A and C from the ACS that had been surveying Kim Jong-un and the People¡¯s Labor Party members since this morning from different locations of the ceremony were now watching them from a building across. They had attempted to use numerous types of high-tech equipment to listen to their conversation, but each attempt failed. A powerful military-grade jamming wave was being emitted from the entire building.


    The 30 major party members inside the third floor seen through the VR-M2 were about to start their meeting.


    ¡°Do we have to infiltrate the building again?¡± Team Leader Shin Gook-jin, who was watching the Labor Party building through the window, muttered to himself.


    Assistant Manager Hong Hyuck-joon from Unit 1 and leading Team A tapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Team leader Shin! There¡¯s no need to worry about that!¡±


    ¡°What? What are you talking about? Do you have another solution?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Assistant Manager Ahn, prepare the thing.¡±


    Assistant Manager Hong Hyuck-joon looked rxed with his arms crossedpared to Team Leader Shin Gook-jin who was anxious.


    Assistant Manager Ahn Kang-soo brought a silver briefcase and opened it. There was a drone the size of a grain of rice inside.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Team Leader Shin Gook-jin, looked at the drone that Assistant Manager Ahn Kang-soo pulled out with a curious look on his face.


    ¡°This is thetest micro reconnaissance drone developed and tested by the underground research facility. What was its name now? Ah! It¡¯s the MSQ-D1 and it is capable of both recording and bugging.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Why didn¡¯t you give that to us from the start if you had it?¡± Team Leader Shin Gook-jin¡¯s annoyed tone made Assistant Manager Hong Hyuck-joonugh.


    ¡°Ha ha, we just got them yesterday. They will give them out to all the other teams soon. Just wait a while.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I see.¡±


    ¡°Assistant Manager Ahn! Let¡¯s fly this thing out before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Assistant Manager Ahn Kang-soo started manipting theptop connected to the micro drone. A 3D blueprint of the party building showed up and many infiltration routes were outlined, leading to the 3rd-floor meeting room. Assistant Manager Ahn Kang-soo set the safest route and typed away on theptop¡¯s keyboard. Finally, he pressed enter.


    A quiet whirring noise started toe from the MSQ-D1 micro drone and it floated up into the air. The drone was capable of autopilot and perceiving nearby threats to activate the TCS mode if a route was set. It started to fly through the building¡¯s vents and headed to the People¡¯s Labor Party building¡¯s first floor after exiting the one it came from.


    The MSQ-D1 drone, which was smaller than a fly, started to speed along its designated route and infiltrated the meeting room on the third floor. Itnded on a wall far from people¡¯s gaze and started to send in the footage it recorded to theptop.


    Theptop started showing the high-quality footage of the meeting room without any static and the sound was crystal clear as well.


    ¡°Wow! This is amazing, isn¡¯t it? Now we don¡¯t have to risk our lives infiltrating ces, sir.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so pleased. This also means we are losing our jobs, too.¡±


    ¡°Sir! That¡¯s too cynical. Ha ha ha.¡±


    <hr />


    October 20th, 2023, 04:30 (Kurdistan Standard Time 22:30)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Maku, the Azerbaijan Park (the 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s forward base)


    Due to the drone strikes from Bozark at the reconnaissance toon¡¯s armored vehicles and the terrorist attack on Minister Kang Kyung-hee, the 3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s 1st reconnaissance toon was on high alert and sentry duty for 24 hours a day.


    In the dark moonless night, there were dozens of dark shadows moving covertly in the shadows of the mountain 1km away from the forward base.


    These men moved quietly and quickly. They were the Iranian revolutionary guard¡¯s special forces consisting of veterans with over 10 years of experience, and they were equipped with the weapons provided by Russia.


    The Iranian special forces moved through the mountains in the dark easily with their night-vision goggles. They must have been highly prepared for they avoided all the motion detection sensors the Corean military had installed near the area and managed to approach within 500m from the forward base.


    There was more than one Iranian special force unit of 50 men. There was another group of Iranian special forces emerging from the other side. The 100 men were now closing in on the forward base.

 Chapter 333

    <h4>Chapter 333</h4>


    Beep beep beep beep~


    The 1st toon headquarters sentry system¡¯s disy started to ring and a camera installed on the outer wall turned in the direction of the moving ck shadows.


    The outer region of the forward base 300m in front of it was covered by aser line invisible to the naked eye. The Iranian revolutionary guard¡¯s special forces had triggered thesers.


    -Alert! Alert! Unknown armed forces are approaching the base!


    -Alert! Alert! Unknown armed forces are approaching the base!


    The alert systems and the sentries on duty alerted everyone within the base. The sleeping soldiers under the 1st reconnaissance toon and the republic¡¯s guard all got up and started to run to their positions.


    The 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s men, equipped with thetest gear, pointed their guns to the dark shadowsing from both directions and waited.


    ¡°Jesus, have they lost their damn minds?¡± Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan, who was in charge of post 3-2 between sector 3 and 4, mounted his KS3 and nced at the shadows slowly crawling towards them with a pitiful look on his face as he spoke to Corporal Kim Sung-ho.


    ¡°Yeah. Those idiots. How could they attempt to infiltrate a Corean military base in the 21st century with a method used in the 1970s during the Vietnam War?¡± Corporal Kim Sung-ho, his superior, answered in a dismayed tone.


    The special forces werepletely unaware they were being watched by the forces waiting for them at the outer wall and carefully closed the distance.


    ¡°Regardless, I¡¯m sending all these bastards back to god. How dare they interrupt your beauty sleep? I will show them not to mess with us, sir.¡±


    ¡°Haha, my ass. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re more pissed about you being woken up!¡±


    ¡°Sir! Don¡¯t you know my priority is your well-being?¡±


    ¡°All right! All right. Get them all for me.¡±


    While Private Gwak Young-hwan and Corporal Kim Sung-ho joked around with each other before the battle, the toonmander¡¯s orders came through the radio.


    -All units, open fire at the unidentified armed forces. Over.


    Numerousser beams started to fly from the outer wall of the forward base after the toonmander gave his order. The republic¡¯s guards also fired their AK-47s. The whiteser beams and tracer rounds from AK-47 rifles created a show of dancing lights.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~


    Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang! Bang! Bang!


    The sma smart grenades also joined in on the light works over the heads of the moving shadows.


    Boom! Booooom!


    The ck shadows were pelted with bullets andser beams when they were 250m away from the forward base. The revolutionary guard¡¯s special forces all fell from the sudden attack.


    Some of the special forces¡¯ men took cover behind boulders or the craters and immediately retaliated. However, the sma smart grenade danced above their heads like a guided missile and exploded.


    The sma smart grenade¡¯s shrapnel fell on top of the revolutionary guards hidden behind their covers and turned them into Swiss cheese.


    Soon, the gunfire stopped. The Iranian revolutionary guard¡¯s special forces, who were now ambushed instead, started to flee for their lives. The front doors of the forward base opened, and the K-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicles 312 and 313 kicked up dust clouds and shot out. The armored vehicle was capable of driving at a speed of 100km and started to chase after the fleeing Iranian special forces while firing its remote-controlled 8mmser Vulcan guns.


    Pew pew pew pew pew! Pew pew pew pew pew!


    The 6-barrelled 8mmser Vulcan beams pierced through the fleeing Iranian special forces and they were torn to shreds.


    Twenty minutester, the battle was over and the forward base was surrounded by the bodies of Iranian special force soldiers, and some bodies were so severely marred that they couldn¡¯t be identified.


    * * *


    October 20th, 2023, 06:30 (Iranian Standard Time 01:00)


    Iran, Tehran, 11th province, the Russian Embassy in Iran


    A few hours ago, Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 Team 1 got approval from Manager Lee Ja-sung to infiltrate the embassy. Team Leader Park Gi-oong and his agents all prepared to extract Run Nigmatullin from the embassy and waited for the chance to strike.


    When the X-C01 console¡¯s disy clock struck 01:00, Team Leader Park Gi-oong took a deep breath and looked at his agents.


    ¡°It¡¯s time. You guys prepared the suit for the pig, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we have it in the backpack, sir,¡± Chief Youn Gil-soo pointed to the ck bag on his back and answered Team Leader Park.


    ¡°Great! We¡¯re going to take the pig quietly as nned. Don¡¯t do anything unnecessary.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great, check your equipment for the final time, and go into TCS mode if there aren¡¯t any problems.¡±


    The agents were already in their infiltration suits and checked over their equipment for the final time before activating the TCS mode to be invisible.


    ¡°Go!¡±


    The agents all started to head towards the Russian Embassy at their designated routes under Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s orders.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong and his agents were in the infiltration suits undetectable by security, infrared, and thermal cameras. They activated the TCS mode, then started to climb over the Russian Embassy¡¯srge walls swiftly and quietly.


    The Russian Embassy grounds were arge forest full of infrared and thermal cameras, along with numerous motion detection sensors and guards. The issue was the watchdogs the guards took with them on patrol. The guards and the different security cameras could be fooled by their high-tech equipment, but hiding their scent was a different issue. Fooling a well-trained watchdog was especially difficult.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong and his agents watched the embassy grounds for hours to map out the guards and their dogs¡¯ patrol routes.


    Soon, Assistant Manager Yang and Chief Youn Gil-soo attempted to infiltrate the building from the 9 o¡¯clock direction while avoiding the eyes of the guards. They seeded in climbing up the C building¡¯s roof where Director Run Nigmatullin was staying byunching a sky wire.


    -Assistant Manager Yang and Chief Youn have infiltrated the building¡¯s roof. Chief Kang, prepared the getaway vehicle and stand by.


    -The vehicle is at 100% power and ready to go. We can get out of here any time, sir.


    -Okay, understood.


    Assistant Managers Oh Suk-jin and Yang Jung-suk seeded in opening the roof¡¯s doors and reached the 5th floor¡¯s hallway. Since it waste at night, it was empty.


    -Hallway¡¯s clear!


    -Great, let¡¯s go to the 3rd floor.


    Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk and Chief Youn Gil-soo spoke to each other on the silentmunication line and quietly walked down the hall while clinging to the wall. Then, they took the stairs to climb down to the 4th floor and reached thest room on the 3rd floor within a minute.


    This was the room Director Run Nigmatullin was staying in.


    Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk pulled out the CS5 pistol and nodded. Chief Youn Gil-soo unlocked the door with his smart card and slowly opened it.


    The living room was smaller than expected, and Assistant Manager Oh Suk-jin checked the door leading to the bedroom multiple times with his shield sses. The door on the right led to Director Run Nigmatullin¡¯s bedroom. Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk pointed to the door.


    Creeeeeak!


    Director Run Nigmatullin was sound asleep on the king-sized and snoring.


    Chief Youn Gil-soo crept towards the bed and covered Director Run Nigmatullin¡¯s mouth and injected a small needle in his neck.


    ¡°Oof! Argh, who-who are-¡±


    Director Run Nigmatullin attempted to break free, but the injected serum soon made him unconscious and go limp.


    -Let¡¯s get him into the suit!¡±


    Chief Youn Gil-soo pulled out the XL-sized infiltration suit inside his backpack and started to put it on Run Nigmatullin¡¯s limp body.


    -Argh! This pig is fatter than we thought. The suit is too small for him, sir. Damn it.


    -Let¡¯s just shove him in there!


    Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk and Chief Youn Gil-soo tugged and pulled at the suit to have it fit over Run Nigmatullin¡¯srge body.


    -How is it going? ¨C Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who was waiting outside the building, asked through the radio.


    -Huff, huff, sir. We are putting the suit on him. We will get out of here as soon as we do.


    -All right.


    -How long had it been, a few minutes, perhaps?


    The voice of the two agents came on the radio.


    -Huff, Puff.


    Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk and Chief Youn Gil-soo¡¯s heavy breathing came on the radio from carrying Run Nigmatullin¡¯s limp 120kg body.


    -Sir! Huff, we are at the front gate.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who had been standing by at the building¡¯s gate, answered.


    -Get out now! There¡¯s no one at the gate.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong saw two men carrying a limp body through his shield sses.


    The final point was the embassy¡¯s front gates.


    -The watchdogs will be here in a few minutes. There¡¯s not enough time. Just shoot straight to the door.


    -Huff, huff, yes, sir.


    There were four guards at the front gate. Two were at the sentry office while the other two were standing directly behind the gate.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong checked both sides, carefully snuck to the sentry post¡¯s office, and knocked down the sentries nodding off.


    Then, he walked over to the sentries standing behind the gate and struck one on the neck with his KS5 pistol, and kicked the other in the stomach.


    The two sentries didn¡¯t even have a chance to scream from the sudden attack and fell to the floor.


    -Chief Kang! Move the car to the embassy gate.


    -Yes, sir.


    Vroooom!


    Noise from a car¡¯s engine starting came from not that far away. The door opened and Team Leader Park shouted on themunication line.


    -We¡¯re getting out of here. Run!


    -Ah! Sir, huff, huff. I don¡¯t think I can run carrying this heavy bastard.


    -Use everything you got and run!


    Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk and Chief Youn Gil-soo waddled to the front gate with Director Run Nigmatulin on their backs. Chief Kang Won-il parked the car at the front gate.


    ¡°Get on, hurry!¡±


    The rm started to sound from the embassy building, and lights starteding on.


    Beeep! Beeep!


    ¡°We¡¯re on. G-go!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    October 20th, 2023, 09:30


    The South State, Seoul, Kangnam-ku, NIS building (the director¡¯s office)


    The recorded conversations and footage from the People¡¯s Labor Party building by the ASC¡¯s A and C Teams were directly reported to the department head, Youn Soo-gil, and it was then sent immediately to Director Lee Young-jin.


    ¡°They¡¯re trying to pull off an absurd stunt,¡± Director Lee Young-jin, who was checking the edited footage from the full 4-hour video, muttered to himself.


    ¡°I was also shocked when I first heard their ns too, sir.¡±


    ¡°These bastards must have lost their minds after getting a taste of democracy.¡±


    The content of Kim Jong-un¡¯s meeting at the People¡¯s Labor Party was as follows:


    The party members nned to appoint Kim Jong-un as the party leader for him to have a political foothold, then have him be a candidate for the next presidential election. When elected, they nned to set the North State¡¯s Pyeong-yang as the central government¡¯s capital and have the political facilities move to the North State. In short, they wanted to take over the entire nation with the North Korean politicians.


    They had spent the meeting setting a roadmap to have their goalse to fruition.


    Based on the content of their meeting, they weren¡¯t talking about anything illegal. Under democracy¡¯s ideology, it was the norm. However, Kim Jong-un, a previous dictator, bing Corea¡¯s next party leader and a candidate for the presidency would cause chaos within Corean politics that acted as the protector of democracy.

 Chapter 334

    <h4>Chapter 334</h4>


    October 20th, 2023, 11:30


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Ministry of Foreign Affair building (guest room)


    This morning, President Choo Un-hee went through a short briefing by the joint chief of staff about the invasion at the peacekeeping force¡¯s forward base near Iran¡¯s border by suspected Iranian troops. She ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to adamantly protest against the Iranian government for their actions.


    Deputy minister of foreign affairs Oh Jin-myung called over the Iranian ambassador Md Aghaei to the ministry in Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s stead due to her hospitalization.


    ¡°Ambassador Aghaei, is Iran nning to wage war against Corea?¡±


    Deputy Minister Oh Jin-myung asked sharply before Ambassador Md Aghaei could even take a seat on the sofa.


    ¡°What do you mean, deputy minister? Is Iran going to wage war against Corea?¡± Ambassador Md Aghaei, who entered the room with a stiff look on his face, now had one of shock.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know? Didn¡¯t the Iranian military send its forces from the western border and attack our peacekeeping forces?¡±


    ¡°We did?¡±


    ¡°My, my, are you really going to feign ignorance?¡±


    ¡°I am not, but I think there¡¯s a misunderstanding here.¡±


    ¡°A misunderstanding? What misunderstanding?¡±


    Ambassador Md Aghaei did not even blink as he lied shamelessly, ¡°I was also informed about the incident by our government beforeing here. The Iranian government did not take any military action against Corea¡¯s expeditionary forces. This was the work of the IS.¡±


    Deputy Minister Oh Jin-myung mmed the table from the bbergasting answer and raised his voice, ¡°Work of the IS? Ha, don¡¯t make meugh. Do you think our military is unable to distinguish between Iran¡¯s military and the IS?¡±


    ¡°What evidence do you have that the invading force was from Iran?¡±


    ¡°Evidence? The area our forces were stationed is not a ce where IS is active. Also, the weapons they were using were all thetest equipment and firearms.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡± Ambassador Md Aghaei asked confidently as if he was innocent.


    ¡°Is that all? Isn¡¯t that more than sufficient evidence to confirm they are Iranian soldiers?¡±


    ¡°Our government told me they found an IS g from the bodies of the armed forces. Is that true?¡± Ambassador Md Aghaei smiled while outstretching his arm.


    It was true. After the battle was over, the forward base investigated the bodies and found multiple IS gs with a ck background and white letters. The joint chief of staff did consider the possibility of the invading forces being the IS, but after inspecting the personal firearms, equipment, and squadron firearms, it was clear the IS gs were a ruse. The invading forces were attempting to falsify their identity as the IS when in reality they were Iranian soldiers and special forces.


    ¡°Are you talking about the IS gs?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly.¡±


    Deputy Minister Oh Jin-myung red at the lying ambassador and asked him a question, ¡°How did the Iranian government find out there were IS gs found on the bodies on such short notice? That was information that only our peacekeeping forces have confirmed, so far.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s- Didn¡¯t it ur within our territory? Our-our government can easily gather that kind of information as well,¡± Ambassador Md Aghaei seemed to have panicked and started to stutter.


    ¡°With what? The drones provided by Russia?¡±


    ¡°E-exactly.¡±


    ¡°Ah! So, you surveyed the area with drones?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Well, the thing is, ambassador, our military only detected our drones flying in the skies on its radar. I suppose Russia has drones that cannot be detected by them, correct?¡±


    Ambassador Md Aghaei, who seemed to be calm with a nk look on his face at first, was now frowning.


    ¡°There¡¯s no guarantee a Russian drone would be detected on the Corean military¡¯s radars, is there?¡±


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s right. So, the Iranian government has nothing to do with this. That¡¯s what you¡¯re trying to say?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    A knock came on the door.


    Knock knock!


    The secretary carefully opened the door to speak to the deputy minister.


    ¡°Deputy minister! It¡¯s from the Blue House and it¡¯s urgent, sir!¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    Deputy Minister Oh Jin-myung got up from his seat, excused himself to Ambassador Md Agahei, and left the room.


    ¡°I think things are not going as nned.¡±


    Ambassador Md Agahei had a bad feeling in his gut and had felt that way since Deputy Minister Oh Jin-myung left the room. Unfortunately for him, his intuition was correct, and the concern became a reality after a few minutes.


    m!


    ¡°Wha-what is it?¡±


    Deputy Minister Oh Jin-myung mmed the door open and red at Ambassador Md Agahei.


    Then, he shouted so loudly that his voice filled the entire building, ¡°Ambassador Md Agahei! From this moment forward, the Corean government will take military action against Iran.¡±


    ¡°Wha-what does that mean?¡± Ambassador Md Agahei asked while standing up halfway.


    ¡°The assassination attempt of Minister Kang Kyung-hee with Russia disguised as a terrorist attack! The Iranian special forces invading our peacekeeping forces! Are you going to keep lying to me?¡±


    ¡°On what grounds are you making such outrageous ims?¡± Ambassador Md Agahei made ast attempt at maintaining innocence.


    ¡°Outrageous ims? Ha ha, you must know Director Run Nigmatulin is from the SVR¡¯s Middle East branch, right?¡±


    ¡°Who-who is that man? How is he rted to this?¡±


    ¡°I suppose the Iranian government is unaware our government has Run Nigmatulin as our captive, then?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    A few minutes ago, the Blue House contacted the ministry and informed them of the following:


    This morning, NIS agents under Manager Lee Ja-sung had infiltrated the Russian Embassy at Tehran, Iran, to kidnap Director Run Nigmatulin. They had safely left the embassy and moved into their safehouse afterward. After using the truth serum, the agents found a few crucial pieces of information from Run Nigmatulin. The Russian government had attempted to assassinate Minister Kang Kyung-hee during her visit while the Iranian government turned a blind eye. The Iranian special forces invaded the Corean peacekeeping force¡¯s northwestern forward base this morning disguised as IS terrorists.


    As a result, the culprits of Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s assassination attempt and their motives were discovered. The Blue House had decided to deport all Russian and Iranian Embassy staff and demanded a formal apology from both nations¡¯ governments along with just and legal punishment for those responsible. The government had also sent in an official letter stating that if the demand for an official apology and the punishment of the culprits were not met, then the Corean government would consider this as a military provocation and would take action.


    <hr />


    October 26th, 2023, 00:30


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (President¡¯s office)


    Five days had passed since the Corean government sent its letters to the Russian and Iranian governments as it silently prepared for war. The motion for war was not sent into congress yet, but the Ministry of National Defense secretly dered DEFCON 2 under presidential approval.


    Assassinating a visiting minister of foreign affairs was a serious taboo between nations throughout history. The Corean government had to act either politically or militarily against Russia and Iran that had crossed the line.


    President Choo Un-hee attended the NSC (National Security Council) meeting every day with the joint chief of staff¡¯smanders present to check over the status of both nations.


    President Choo Un-hee, who had finished attending the NSC meeting e evening, returned to her quarters to rest. She received an urgent call from Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won and immediately headed to the Blue House office.


    Senator Kim Yeo-jung, who was subject to the ACS 24-hour surveince, had attended the senator¡¯s hearing this week and stayed in a hotel in Seoul. She must have noticed her conversations were being monitored at midnight and requested a meeting with the president. The ACS had reported her request to headquarters. Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won notified the president that the ACS agents were escorting her to the Blue House in secret.


    President Choo Un-hee waited in her office with a heavy heart and soon heard from the secretary that Senator Kim Yeo-jung had arrived. Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won and Senator Kim Yeo-jung entered the office.


    ¡°Wee.¡±


    ¡°Madam President! Have you been well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. Please take a seat.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee pointed to the sofa on the other side.


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Senator Kim Yeo-jung sat down, nced around, then started to speak carefully. The fact that Senator Kim was checking her surroundings within the president¡¯s office showed how anxious she was.


    President Choo Un-hee took notice and spoke calmly, ¡°Yes, what was so urgent that you requested for a meeting with me at this hour?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an emergency, Madam President!¡±


    When Senator Kim Yeo-jung said it was an emergency, Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won asked her, ¡°Senator! What do you mean, an emergency?¡±


    ¡°Some of the politicians from North Korea are nning your assassination, Madam President.¡±


    Senator Kim Yeo-jung spoke with a poor Seoul dialect about a topic that made everyone in the room dumbfounded.


    ¡°An attempt on the president¡¯s life?¡± The chief secretary seemed to be more shocked than President Choo Un-hee and asked.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Who is plotting the assassination?¡±


    ¡°A few senators from the People¡¯s Labor Party and government officials.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about Kim Hyun-won and his men?¡± When Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won asked, Senator Kim answered with a question.


    ¡°You knew?¡±


    ¡°The plot to assassinate the president is something we did not know about. However, we knew many senators and government staff from North Korea were making suspicious movements after Kim Jong-un woke up with Kim Hyun-won as the organizer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Those people are also aware a government agency is surveying them 24 hours a day. I also knew I was being watched as well.¡±


    ¡°How did you...¡±


    ¡°It seems the intelligence agency has spies.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s... thatplicates matters. What is the n to assassinate the president? Do you know the details?¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, the target of the assassination, continued to listen to the conversation between the two with a calm look on her face.


    ¡°The n to assassinate the president is called ¡®The 16th Typhoon,¡¯ and Jo Myung-rok from the Reconnaissance General Bureau is nning the strategies. I don¡¯t know the exact time and location of the assassination attempt, but I know it will take ce during one of the ceremonies you will attend next month.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, a ceremony nned for next month...,¡± Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won trailed off and started to think about the ceremonies the president was scheduled to attend next month. ¡°Madam President! There are three ceremonies you are scheduled to attend in November. We must cancel all of them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s- let¡¯s think about that. Senator Kim!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President!¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling us about this?¡±


    Senator Kim Yeo-jung answered the president as if she had expected the question, ¡°I have learned so much after South and North Korea became unified for three years. People have the right to seek happiness and their freedom must be guaranteed. I am the sister of ex-supreme leader Kim Jong-un and was a part of the dictatorship, but I believe the citizens of Corea cannot be subjected to North Korea¡¯s political system again. That¡¯s why, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Kim Yeo-jung¡¯s words reflected her experience of living in a free democracy for three years and the conclusions she came to for her political ideologies. Her earnestness made the president lower her suspicions and nod.


    ¡°I see. Thank you, Senator Kim.¡±

 Chapter 335

    <h4>Chapter 335</h4>


    October 26th, 2023, 03:30


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House, national emergency situation underground bunker


    After Senator Kim Yeo-jung returned to her hotel, Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won concluded it was an urgent matter and called for an NSC (National Security Council) meeting despite it beingte at night.


    It was nearing 4:00 am. At the Blue House¡¯s national emergency situation center underground bunker, all 10 ministers except for the minister of foreign affairs were in attendance under presidential approval.


    ¡°Three hours ago today, Senator Kim Yeo-jung visited the Blue House in secret and gave us a crucial piece of information,¡± the chief secretary started the meeting and nced at one of the attendees.


    It was Minister Kim Young-chul from the Ministry of Unification Policies. He was the chief secretary from North Korea¡¯s secretary department and contributed greatly to the reunification between South and North Korea. He was nominated as a minister when President Choo Un-hee took office and had been performing his duties smoothly since.


    ¡°Hmm, based on the way you¡¯re looking at me, I guess it¡¯s about the North State?¡± Kim Young-chul who had high perception realized the topic would be about the North State.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, minister!¡±


    Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won must have been a bit worried about disclosing the information to the attendees while someone from the North State was present.


    ¡°If it¡¯s a security issue for me to hear the information, I can leave.¡±


    ¡°No, Minister Kim! That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    When Minister Kim Young-chul seemed ufortable and attempted to leave, Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won started waving his hands and stopped him.


    President Choo Un-hee smiled and spoke to Minister Kim Young-chul as well, ¡°I think there¡¯s a misunderstanding, Minister Kim. We would like to solve the issue together.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President! I understand.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, I guess my actions did warrant that. I apologize, Minister Kim. I guess the topic was too significant that I acted that way before disclosing the information. Please understand.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°Chief Secretary Lim, let¡¯s begin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President.¡±


    Chief Lim Jong-won fixed his posture and started to discuss the main topic after themotion had passed.


    ¡°Senator Kim Yeo-jung visited the Blue House and informed us about a nned attempt on the president¡¯s life by the People¡¯s Labor Party chairman, Kim Hyung-won, politicians, and government officials from the North State.¡±


    The unbelievable words from the chief secretary¡¯s mouth shocked every attendee. Minister Kim Young-chul¡¯s narrow eyes becamerge like a frog¡¯s and he also seemed to be in shock.


    ¡°Is- is that true?¡± Minister Kang Ui-sik, who was a general, kept his cool and asked calmly.


    ¡°Yes, we are unsure of when they will carry out their n, but they are going to take action during a ceremony the president is scheduled to attend.¡±


    ¡°How the- what do these bastards have toin about to n such an attempt? Shouldn¡¯t we arrest them all for treason, right now?¡± The Federal Investigation Bureau¡¯s Director Kang Hyuck¡¯s face was red.


    ¡°Well, the thing is, we don¡¯t have any other evidence besides Senator Kim Yeo-jung¡¯s statement...,¡± NIS Director Lee Young-jin, who knew most of the information being disclosed during the meeting, trailed off and could not continue.


    ¡°Are we really going to do nothing because of theck of evidence? We have the witness, so we must bring them all in. This is a matter of the president¡¯s life at stake. If the NIS can¡¯t do it, then our organization will, Madam President!¡± Director Kang Hyuck rolled up his sleeve and shouted.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to arrest senators, congressmen, and government staff without a shred of evidence? How will you take responsibility for that?¡±


    ¡°Ha! My god, Director Lee! Do you think this is the time to think about who is going to be responsible? Fine. I will take responsibility, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. Even if you take responsibility, Director Kang, it¡¯s not like that will solve the issue. We don¡¯t have any evidence for the case, and if we arrest the suspects now, then that could be seen as political surveince and oppression against politicians from the North State.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I am aware of that? Regardless, shouldn¡¯t we try to stop the assassination attempt on the president¡¯s life? Now that I think about it, what has the NIS been doing the whole time it was conducting the 24-hour surveince or whatever that we found out about this only now?¡±


    Director Kang Hyuck¡¯s criticism made Director Lee Young-jin bite his lower lip. If the plot to assassinate the president was true as Kim Yeo-jung has said, then Director Lee Young-jin was nowpelled to resign, since the NIS did not manage to collect that intel despite watching the suspects 24 hours a day.


    ¡°Is that all you have to say?¡±


    ¡°No. This is just the beginning. Come on, Director Kang, please say something.¡±


    Director Kang Hyuck must have wanted some support from National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo and looked at him. However, the argument ended with Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon¡¯s interjection.


    ¡°What are you two doing? Calm down,¡± the prime minister nced at both of them and spoke as if to scold them both.


    When the usually quiet prime minister shouted at them, the directors of both intelligence agencies coughed a few times and fell silent.


    ¡°My, now I understand why Chief Secretary Lim acted that way. I just want to apologize as a politician from the North State.¡± Minister Kim Young-chul felt as if he was also guilty from just being from the North State. Now he understood why Chief Secretary Lim looked at him before opening the meeting.


    ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s been over three years since the north and south have been unified. There¡¯s no need for you to think that way.¡±


    * * *


    October 26th, 2023, 09:30


    The North State, Potong-ku, the People¡¯s Labor Party building


    ¡°Is that what she did?¡±


    -Yes, we have confirmed she stayed at the Blue House for an hour before returning to her hotel.


    ¡°I understand! Keep a close eye on her and report to me if there are any changes immediately.¡±


    -Yes, understood, Chairman Kim Hyung-won, sir.


    Chairman Kim Hyung-won was speaking on a flip phone on a sofa at his office and closed the phone after he was done speaking before cing it in his pocket. A middle-aged man started to speak to Chairman Kim Hyung-won.


    ¡°Comrade chairman, did Kim Yeo-jung go talk to the South Josun officials as we wanted?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what they say. She visited the Blue House in secret at 1:00 am today. The Blue House called for an urgent NSC meeting.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case, then doesn¡¯t that mean Kim Yeo-jung has spilled the beans on everything?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    When Kim Hyung-won pulled out a cigar from a small box and ced it in his mouth, the middle-aged man quickly lit it using both of his hands.


    ¡°Comrade chairman, you truly are amazing. How did you know Kim Yeo-jung will betray us?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell by looking at her? She has been influenced too heavily by South Josun democracy.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I knew she would be. Since things are going the way we have nned, I am getting nervous, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, what have you to be anxious about? You have a lot of work to do. Is Jo Myung-rok making preparations?¡±


    ¡°No need to worry. We have prepared for every single thing. No matter how thorough the NIS or the Federal Investigation Bureau are, they will not notice. We have Kim Hyung-chul at the Federal Investigation Bureau, don¡¯t we, sir? He will stop all attempts from within their midst.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be toox because of that. We must continue to be vignt.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I am well hidden within my own area in West Manchuria right now. Ha ha ha.¡±


    The middle-aged man, who was slylyughing and brown-nosing Kim Hyung-won, was Governor Kim Choon-won of the West Manchuria state. He was Kim Hyung-won¡¯s nephew from his mother¡¯s side and was elected governor of West Manchuria thanks to his uncle¡¯s support.


    * * *


    October 27th, 2023, 20:30 (Local Time 15:30)


    The Indian Ocean, N 8¡ã33¡¯49.08¡å E 66¡ã 6¡¯21.80¡å (the Baekbum Gim Gu¡¯s (CV-001) ind flight deck)


    The Corean navy¡¯s 12th carrier strike group had set sail from Kang Jung navy base on the 16th, and after sailing for 11 straight days, it will reach its destination at the Port of Oman tomorrow afternoon.


    The 12th carrier strike group was able to sail and conduct missions for six months without receiving external supplies and it sailed through the calm waves with the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) aircraft carrier at the center with three Hoc heavy cruisers in a triangr formation. They continued forward at a steady speed of 10 knots.


    The four 260-ss Super Hoc submarines were sailing in a rhombus formation at 100m below the surface on the watch for enemy submarines.


    The Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001)¡¯s two-story ind bridge at the center of the carrier¡¯s rear also functioned as anding pad for aircraft. Brigadier General Kim Ki-young, the strike group¡¯s admiral, came aboard via the chopper on the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) to lead a final training exercise before they reach their destination.


    ¡°Admiral! We will begin, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡±


    Colonel Na Sang-sun, who had arrived on the bridge with Brigadier General Kim Ki-young on the chopper, alerted the start of the training exercise and gave a sign to the air boss.


    While the three heavy cruisers started to distance themselves to form a defensive formation, the 400m long Baekbum Gim Gu¡¯s (CV-001) four doors on both sides of the ship head opened and started to split in both directions.


    Eight of the world¡¯s first unmanned bombers, CUF/A-29NP Phoenix connected to the connection rods emerged.


    There were numerous training exercises with the CUF/A-29NP Phoenix bombers in attendance, but it was the first time they were training in an open-ocean setting.


    When the air boss¡¯ final order for takeoff came through a momentter, the connection rods started to detach from the lower part of the Phoenix bombers. The bombers started to use their momentum from the lower engines to raise their velocity before shooting up into the atmosphere at a 45-degree angle. When they were 500m above the surface, the main variable wings opened up and shot forward.


    The Phoenix bombers did not have a pilot, but numerous operators/pilots were monitoring each unit from the Baekbum Gim Gu¡¯s (CV-001) ind bridge aircraft operations room. In short, the unmanned bombers would conduct their operations under the A.I¡¯s control, but they could be piloted manually by the operators. Depending on the operation¡¯s risk, an actual pilot could board the bomber and fly it manually.


    Since it was an unmanned bomber, the Phoenix¡¯s maneuverability was unimaginable, thanks to theck of a pilot and the restriction of gravity that they would face during flight.


    Eight of the CUF/A-N29P Phoenix bombers had flown 100km away from the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) in a sh. The bombers started making sharp turns like in the movies and stopped from flying at maximum speeds within seconds like a sports car. They could also fly at low altitudes at a speed of 300km/h, start from a slow speed to Mach 10 in an instant like a sports car¡¯s zero back, and freely flew around beautifully above the Indian Ocean with its variable wings.


    The scenes were recorded and sent back to the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) by the CE-N91SP early warning ne recording from 25km above the atmosphere.


    ¡°Admiral! We will finish the maneuverability exercise. We will now begin the second exercise, targeting.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    Colonel Na Sang-sun, who was controlling the exercise while watching arge screen, reported the start of the training exercise to Admiral Kim Ki-young and ryed his order.


    Soon, the CUF/A-N29P Phoenix bombers that had just shown numerous shy high altitude maneuvers at the equator¡¯s atmosphere now set eight virtual targets at the ocean and started to train with their various missiles and 30mmser Vulcan guns.

 Chapter 336

    <h4>Chapter 336</h4>


    October 28th, 2023, 10:30


    The North State, Pyeongan-do, the suburb of Sinuiju metropolitan city.


    After reunification, the Sinuiju metropolitan city and West Manchuria were selected to be economic zones, and the city and state grew rapidly. The Sinuiju metropolitan city that had a poption of 350,000 had now grown to 2 million.


    Thirty-story buildings and industrialplexes started to rise at every part of the city, and corporations from Russia, the New Republic of China, and other nations had built their facilities here as well waged their trade wars.


    The city that was on the bank of the Amrok River was old, hideous, and shabbypared to China¡¯s Dandong on the other side, but now it was developed to the point where it could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Dandong.


    A group of men with backpacks were walking down a quiet street away from downtown Sinuiju. Judging by their tan and rough skin, they must have beenborers. However, the men were suspiciously checking their surroundings and pacing.


    ¡°Captain Oh,rade! Is this really the Sinuiju that we knew?¡± Therge man who was leading the group turned around and called the skinny man Captain Oh. The man seemed to be in disbelief.


    ¡°I am shocked as well! I can¡¯t believe the city has changed this rapidly within a few years.¡±


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe it even though I am seeing it with my own eyes.¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Kang! ording to the route, headquarters told us this is Sinuiju!¡±


    The two men continued their conversation in a hushed tone so other people could not hear them. Soon, they stopped in front of a motel that was in an alleyway.


    ¡°This seems to be the ce,¡± Captain Ohpared the address to the motel with a gaudy neon sign and nodded.


    Team Leader Kang took the lead and the remaining men entered the motel.


    Captain Oh was now alone. He took one more look around the motel before going in as well.


    Based on their actions and appearances, they looked Chinese, but they used a North Korean dialect. These men were the State Security Department¡¯s Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 agents who fought against the NIS agents on October 14th, 2019 to stop them from taking Kim Un-hee back to South Korea.


    These agents heard the news about Directors Kim Won-heung and Lee Byung-chul¡¯s arrests on February 20th, 2020 for treason, following which they went into hiding in China.


    After the two nations were unified, the NIS identified them and attempted to give chase, but searching for them in arge nation like China was difficult. Team Leader Park Gi-oong, ridden with survivor¡¯s guilt due to being injured first, attempted to find them whenever he had the chance to avenge Assistant Manager Kim Hyun-jun and Team Leader Ji Dong-chul. However, China¡¯s political circumstances became unstable and the nation had split into three from the civil war. The cooperation from the Chinese police stopped and Team Leader Park Gi-oong couldn¡¯t find them.


    The men Team Leader Park Gi-oong had been dreaming about finding had walked into a small motel in the suburb of Sinuiju after three years.


    * * *


    October 28th, 2023, 16:00 (Local Time 11:00)


    The Indian Ocean, N22¡ã50¡¯3.93¡å E62¡ã46¡¯30.04¡å (the 12th carrier strike group¡¯s location)


    Corea¡¯s 12th carrier strike group was now 270km away from Iran¡¯s southern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, and it had finished the nighttime flight training exercises before arriving at the Gulf of Oman 10 hourster.


    A single aircraft carrier, three heavy cruisers, and four Super Hoc submarines seemed to be small in number, but looking at their power, it packed a punch that was more than enough to wipe most nations off the map.


    The Iranian Navy did not make any movements despite Corea¡¯s powerful 12th carrier strike group arriving at the Gulf of Oman. The 12th carrier strike group¡¯s vessels were equipped with powerful stealth capabilities so the Iranian military could not detect them on their radars. Even if they did, the Iranian Navy only had six Mowj-1 (1,400t) ss destroyers and three Mowj-2 ss (2,500t) destroyers from 2010, three Kilo-ss submarines, and two new Patel ss submarines. With a measly force like this, they could not attempt to take any action against the 12th carrier strike group.


    The depths within a 300km radius were free from threats at the surface, depths, and the skies. Onlymercial freighters and oil tankers were detected on the radar. The waves were calm and only four sailing routes were being outlined at the Gulf of Oman, and those were soon wiped away by the waves.


    ¡°Admiral! We will reach our destination within an hour, sir,¡± Colonel Na Sang-sun, the captain of the Baekbum Gim Gu, came up to Admiral Kim Ki-young and spoke to him quietly.


    Admiral Kim Ki-young checked his watch and asked a question, ¡°What¡¯s our distance from the submarines?¡±


    ¡°The submarines are 80km away from us at our 4 o¡¯clock, sir,¡± the bridge¡¯s operations officer answered him.


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s close the distance to 50km.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will ry the order.¡±


    Admiral Kim Ki-young ordered the Super Hoc submarines to return from being on watch for enemy submarines when they got closer to their destination.


    The four Super Hoc submarines sailing 150m below the surface in a rhombus formation adjusted their speeds and azimuth when they received the order and started to approach the Baekbum Gim Gu¡¯s (CV-001) position that acted as the lead for the fleet.


    ¡°I should return to my vessel.¡±


    ¡°You could justmand the fleet here too, admiral!¡±


    ¡°This ship isrger and it has nicer things, but I like the Lee Sun-shin. Ha ha ha.¡±


    ¡°Sir? Ha ha ha, very well.¡±


    * * *


    October 28th, 2023, 20:30,


    The North State, a motel at the suburb of Sinuiju metropolitan city


    The men who arrived at the motel a few hours ago started to bathe and shave. After cleaning up, they looked suave and were now all dressed in suits they brought in their backpack.


    If they seemed Chinese from their shabby appearance before entering the motel, they now looked like clean-cut businessmen. However, the look on their eyes was horrifyingly piercing.


    ¡°Captain Oh,rade! Do you really think we can do this?¡± Kang Tae-woo asked Oh Ji-wan, who was watching the Sinuiju skyline through the curtains. His face reflected his anxiety, despite him not batting an eye when he killed people before.


    ¡°Does it matter if it¡¯s possible or not? We must get this done. How long will we live being on the run in China or Josun? Don¡¯t you remember Team Leader Kim Dong-gyun who fell from the construction site since we couldn¡¯t find a proper job?¡±


    Oh Ji-wan closed the curtains and started talking about the past that he did not want to remember with Kang Tae-woo. Oh Ji-wan and his men from the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 waited for additional orders while avoiding the Chinese police after their gunfight at the Chongqing Motel while trying to stop Kim Un-hee¡¯s return to South Korea. However, they heard through the news about Directors Lee Byung-chul and Kim Won-heung¡¯s arrests for treason through the help of the Corean government. When 200 secret police agents from the State Security Department were deployed to China in an attempt to take them down, they went on the run to save themselves.


    The men and Oh Ji-wan had to throw the Chinese police, the State Security Department¡¯s secret police, and NIS agents off their trail. When they had spent all of their money, they had to work manualbor jobs to live day-to-day. Once the Corean-Chinese war broke out, the construction and manualbor jobs vanished, and they had no choice but to hide in the countryside and stole from and robbed people to survive.


    Two years had passed, and there were now only twelve agents left after eight died from the shoot-out, but now, only eight agents were left. As Oh Ji-wan had said, Kim Dong-gyun, the leader of Team 3, died from falling on a construction site, Oh Sung-tae, the leader of Team 2, and Park Dong-jin, the leader of Team 3, all died from an easily treatable disease due to theck of treatment, and Agent Na Dong-gyun died after being beaten by the Chinese police after he was caught stealing.


    ¡°Apologies. I just can¡¯t seem to shake off the ominous feeling,¡± Kang Tae-woo answered as if to scold himself while standing still.


    Oh Ji-wan tapped Kang Tae-woo¡¯s shoulder and spoke calmly, ¡°Comrade Kang! Stay strong! We must think about the agents who had followed us until the end, shouldn¡¯t we? Operation ¡®The 16th Typhoon!¡¯ If we pull this off, we will be able to live an affluent life anywhere. Just think about that for now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain Oh,rade!¡±


    ¡°Go and see if our agents are ready to go.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Kang Tae-woo answered the captain and started checking around the room.


    All the agents answered loudly and stood up, ¡°Captain Oh Ji-wan,rade, we are all prepared, sir.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Let¡¯s move.¡±


    The eight men dressed in suits all started to move to an unknown second destination covertly and swiftly.


    * * *


    October 28th, 2023, 21:40


    The North State, a building somewhere in Pyeong-yang, Hyungje Mountain-ku


    An old 4-story building was nearby Shinmi-dong, south of the Sun-an air force base, and north of the heart of Pyeong-yang. The city was also rapidly developing from the enormous amount of capitaling in. Most of the old buildings were now gone, and apartments and shops were taking their ces. This 4-story building was scheduled to be demolished in December and be reced by a department store.


    Security for this building was quite significant despite it being only a month away from being torn down. The main door could only be opened after a fingerprint scan and using a smart key, while the hallways and parts of the building had dozens of thermal imaging cameras. People could only move up the levels via the stairs after they went through a retinal scan while being escorted by security agents as well.


    Judging by its appearance, the building was old and ready to copse, but its interior was like a government intelligence agency.


    ¡°Have the men headed out?¡± A low voice speaking in the North Korean dialect rang out across the 4th-floor room.


    ¡°Yes, director! The men just got aboard the KHT at 09:30,¡± a man in his mid-40s who was sitting across from him said in fluent Seoul dialect.


    ¡°I see! Now, let¡¯s leave things torade Jo Won-jin, and I would like you to stoping here. We wouldn¡¯t want you to get caught slipping, would we?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will go hand off a few things and return.¡±


    ¡°Great work. I¡¯ll see you after our nes to fruition.¡±


    ¡°Yes, director!¡±


    The man in his 40s stood up, bowed, and moved down to the 3rd floor after leaving the room.


    ¡°I will make them all pay for all the things I had to go through...,¡± the man whispered to himself while grinding his teeth. It was Jo Myung-rok, who had been abandoned by both the South and North for his previous position in the reconnaissance general bureau, unlike the rest of the North Korean government officials.


    He had received support from the People¡¯s Labor Party Chairman Kim Hyung-won and now managed to return to power. Jo Myung-rok was now preparing to start a n that would sow the seeds of chaos within the nation.

 Chapter 337

    <h4>Chapter 337</h4>


    October 29th, 2023, 10:00


    The West Manchuria state, 115km North of Yodong (Sun-Yang) (the Yodong Highway (G1 road))


    The 7th mobile corps¡¯ 20th armored division was in formation and ready to move out from their encampment at Chul-ryung city 55km north of Yodong after DEFCON 2 was issued on the 20th. The division was ordered to move out to Kang-myung at 08:00 am this morning.


    The G1 Highway was expanded to fivenes after the reunification, and it went through Jung-chun, Kang-myung, and Yodong. Tanks, armored vehicles, and other vehicles had filled up all fivenes and were now moving down the G1 Highway to head towards Kang-myung.


    Vroooooooooo~


    The 20th armored division¡¯s tanks formed an unending convoy at the road. Some of the tanks from the 60th brigade¡¯s 26th battalion 7thpany that fought the East Asian War were on the lead as well.


    ¡°Sir! Isn¡¯t this a magnificent sight to behold? I¡¯m always impressed every time I see it. Right?¡± Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, who had been the 1st toon¡¯s 712 tank¡¯s driver, was now at the gunner¡¯s seat and smiled while looking at all the tanks moving in formation.


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi had been promoted during the war and was going to request for a discharge, but when the sry and the benefits of a soldier surpassed most positions in major corporations, he instead signed up to be an N.C.O. Now, he was the 712 tank¡¯s gunner.


    ¡°Hey! So what? If things go south, there could be another war. God! Times like this make me feel envious of Master Sergeant Oh, who got discharged and married.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, who was now seated at the vehiclemander¡¯s seat, seemed envious of Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek who married a youngdy 8 years younger than him a few months ago. Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo had also been promoted a rank for his performance in battle. After the war was over, Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo took the vehiclemander Master Sergeant Oh Young-taek¡¯s ce by putting in a request to headquarters.


    ¡°Come on, sir! You¡¯re only in your 20s, what have you got to be jealous about?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Do you think it¡¯s him getting married I¡¯m envious about? Have you already forgotten about the atrocities of war? Huh?¡±


    ¡°Sir! How could I forget? Where was it? Yes. Sun-yang. No! The incident at the great ins in south Yodong... Ugh! I don¡¯t even want to think about it.¡±


    The Ministry of National Defense had put every soldier that fought in the war through a 1-month long psychology treatment program. Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo had also gone through the program and regained some peace of mind, but his expression was not bright due to the thought of being put back into psychological trauma once again.


    ¡°Sergeant First ss Kim, sir! Don¡¯t worry too much. If we were really going to go into war, would we mobilize like this? ording to my cohort at the battalion headquarters, this was meant to be an operation to just pressure the Russians.¡±


    ¡°We can only tell if that¡¯s true after we see things through.¡±


    ¡°God! I wonder what happened to Sergeant First ss Kim, the 20th division¡¯s top gun who could blow through Chinese tanks like a sniper?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Shut up and keep an eye out for what¡¯s in front of you!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    * * *


    October 29th, 2023, 11:00


    The South State, Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center, the operation room)


    Every militarymander was now sleeping and eating at the jointmand center¡¯s underground bunker once DEFCON 2 was dered and now prepared for war. Themanders were also nning out strategies for every possible scenario.


    First, the army had the 5th sentry militarymand¡¯s subordinate forces ¨C the 11th corps, 12th corps, and 13th corps near the border of Russia go into a 24-hour watch.


    The forces in charge of guarding northern Manchuria, central Manchuria, and the rest of the north state under the 1st military force were now all ced at their forward positions. The 7th mobile corps, Corea¡¯s most powerful force in its military, had now left their original encampment in Yodong and was now mobilizing towards Kang-myung.


    First, the federal military within the Mongolian state and three Manchurian states were ordered to mobilize and now, each state had 4-5 divisions organized and ready to go.


    Then, the navy¡¯s 1st fleet (East Sea fleet) destroyers and 11th submarine fleet¡¯s Hoc submarines all moved 250km south of the divostok Port to seal off the sea.


    Finally, the air force and aerospace force¡¯s fighter wings were ready to take off 24 hours a day.


    One strange aspect was how the army, navy, and air force moved their forces inrge groups and in an obvious manner rather than doing it covertly as if they wanted to be spotted by the Russian military. The Russian military was able to survey every single move the Corean military was making with their reconnaissance satellites.


    This was intentionally done by the joint chief of staff.


    The reason was to show how the letter sent to the Russian government protesting the assassination attempt on Minister Kang Kyung-hee was not an empty threat.


    It seemed the Corean military¡¯s intent worked, for Russia felt the threat of the Corean military and responded by mobilizing their own forces at the border.


    ¡°I think our first strategy will beplete by tomorrow afternoon at 2. We will begin the briefing about the Russian military¡¯s activities.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who started the briefing next to therge screen, nced at the N.C.O. controlling it. The screen then changed to a map of the border along northern Manchuria and the movement of the Russian military in detail.


    ¡°As you can see on the screen, the Russian military has moved four of its forces from the eastern military and the 7th and 50th rail brigades to make a temporary encampment. The central military¡¯s strategic rocket force 92nd brigade and 119th brigade¡¯sunch vehicles left their encampments. Both brigades¡¯unch vehicles are being tracked by our four Apollo reconnaissance satellites.¡±


    ¡°What about the status of Russia¡¯s Pacific fleet?¡± Deputy Chairman Choi Ho-il from North Korea and General Youn Gi-youn, who was newly promoted to chairman, asked.


    ¡°Yes, the Russian Pacific fleet from divostok has moved 100km south from the port and are standing off against our navy 150km away.¡±


    ¡°Well, our fleet wouldn¡¯t be overpowered, would it?¡±


    When General Youn Gi-youn asked again, General Lee Gi-hyung, the navy¡¯s chief of staff, answered him instead of Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun. ¡°Based on the organization of our 1st fleet, it can win against Russia¡¯s Pacific fleet, but it is no longer under the same organization from the war against Japan, therefore it would sustain heavy damages as well. Therefore, we have sent in the 7th maritime floti from Jeju Ind, and now they are moving towards the naval base in Ullung Ind, sir.¡±


    ¡°What will we do if our forces have to battle against Russia¡¯s fleet before the 7th maritime floti arrives?¡±


    ¡°Well, we could say the goal of our operation is to put military pressure on Russia, isn¡¯t it, general? If Russia attempts to take direct military action, then the 1st fleet will retreat to the rear, while the 11th submarine fleet¡¯s Hoc submarines will take defensive measures until the 7th maritime floti arrives to push forward.¡±


    After General Lee Gi-hyung finished his exnation, he wondered if he was interrupting too much and signaled to Lieutenant General Yan Min-chun to continue before falling silent.


    Lieutenant General Yan Min-chun continued his briefing. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct. If we nned to battle against the Pacific fleet, then we would have the 11th submarine fleet and the 7th maritime floti sail forward with the 1st fleet.¡±


    ¡°I see, I understand.¡±


    ¡°Up next is the briefing about the Iranian military.¡±


    When General Yang Min-chun finished speaking, a map of the center of Iran came up on the screen.


    ¡°Iran has ced its revolutionary guard along the western border of the Republic of Kurdistan...¡±


    (Two hourster.)


    ¡°Finally, there was one problem about Iran that we did not expect. This afternoon, the Iranian government will host a military council in Cairo for the Arab league. If over 2/3 of the military council votes for the Iranian government, then the entire league would take military action against us, and that could cause major headaches for us. Therefore, we must establish additional strategies for Iran.¡±


    The militarymanders started to murmur when they heard Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun¡¯s words. Considering how the Imic nations were more influenced by religion than politics, if the Iranian government yed the religion card, then they would be able to get the votes out of sympathy within the league.


    Deputy Chairman Shin Sung-young who had been silent during the entire briefing looked at the militarymanders and spoke, ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like we didn¡¯t expect that, is it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, sir. However, if that leads to military conflict against all nations within the Middle East, that could also cause huge problems...¡±


    When General Kim Yong-hyun, themander of the South State¡¯s federal army, answered with a concerned tone, Deputy Chairman Shin Sung-yong scolded him, ¡°How will we protect our nation if we sit here and worry about every little thing? We are soldiers. It is our job to solve every problem to protect our country! Let¡¯se up with additional ns to deal with the issues about Iran after the briefing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    October 29th, 2023, 13:00


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, a building at Shinmi-dong at Hyongjesan-ku.


    The second-floor basement was more spacious than expected and was full of exercise equipment. There wererge and fit-looking men busy working out and sweating.


    These agents were the elite veterans from the general reconnaissance bureau, and they had been in the same boat as Jo Myung-rok ¨C abandoned by unified Corea.


    The agents from the general reconnaissance bureau were only guilty of staying loyal and working hard for their nation, but they had beenid off in an instant. The agents had had to live out their lives through manualbor or farming until they were contacted by Jo Myung-rok a month ago. Their hearts were full of hatred and anger against Corea.


    Click!


    The doors opened, and when Jo Myung-rok emerged, all the general reconnaissance bureau¡¯s agents stopped working out and stood still.


    ¡°It seems you are all hard at work! Comrades, just be a bit more patient! We will soon go into action. Understood?¡±


    When Jo Myung-rok spoke to the agents, all of them answered loudly while standing still.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Great! Keep working out, and Agent Jo Won-jin,e here!¡±


    When Jo Myung-rok called for one of the agents, a man full of small andrge scars shot out like a lightning bolt and stood in front of him.


    ¡°Yes,rade director!¡±


    ¡°Did you get a good look at the men who came down yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are all at the safe house near the Potong River-ku.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they were all full of fire, but I don¡¯t think they were being suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? All right. We don¡¯t have much time left before the n goes into motion, so bring each unit¡¯s leader to the 3rd-floor meeting room.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Understood. I will call all the unit¡¯s leaders for the meeting this afternoon.¡±

 Chapter 338

    <h4>Chapter 338</h4>


    October 29th, 2023, 17:00 (Russian Standard Time 11:00)


    The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia (the president¡¯s office)


    The Russian government had established a strategy to retaliate against the Corean military¡¯s operations near its borders, and now it only had two days before they had to give an official response to the letter they had received. The bureaucrats had spent days trying toe up with a solution, but they could not decide on one.


    The 20 government officials were in a meeting once again, and all of them had lowered their heads as if a cold breezeing from the table was crushing down on them.


    Director Evgeny Lebedev from the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) was sweating from his brow.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for everyone to be so tense. Please look up. How long will you all stay silent like this? Don¡¯t we have only two days left before we need to respond to the letter Corea has sent us?¡± President Putin crossed his legs and stroked his chin before speaking for the first time.


    When President Putin unexpectedly spoke in a calm tone, the officials became more anxious. They had all served under President Putin for between as short as 5 years and as long as 20. President Putin would be calm when he is full of rage.


    As the officials were just waiting for someone to speak up, Minister Igor Semshov from the Emergency Response Department opened up the conversation.


    ¡°Mr. President! Shouldn¡¯t we try to buy more time?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, Minister Shemshov, do you have any good idea?¡±


    ¡°Well, this is just my opinion, but since Run Nigmatulin is held captive by the Corean intelligence agency and has confessed to everything, I don¡¯t think we can deny the actions we took in Iran. Therefore, I think we should admit to what we have done...¡±


    ¡°The moment we do, it will be over for our nation,¡± Director Evgeny Lebedev interrupted him angrily.


    President Putin scolded him, ¡°Director Lebedev, be quiet.¡±


    ¡°So sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Minister Shemshov, please continue.¡±


    Minister Igor Shemshov red at Director Evgeny Lebedev who had been scolded by the president and continued, ¡°Yes! Mr. President, how about we give an unofficial apology to Corea to buy some time, and give up the takeover of Hokkaido for now?¡±


    ¡°Ho-Hokkaido?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! The Corean government is also in a pickle about the Hokkaido issue. If we use that as a bargaining chip, then the Corean government will let this go quietly.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, now we have to give up Hokkaido thanks to the idiots at the SVR and their irresponsibility.¡±


    The arrow of me was pointed to Director Evgeny Lebedev once again.


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡±


    Since the meeting started a few days ago, Director Evgeny Lebedev had been repeatedly apologizing as if he was a convicted criminal. Had he not been a close supporter of President Putin, he would have already been fired.


    President Putin looked at Director Evgeny Lebedev panicking and called out the minister of foreign affairs.


    ¡°Minister Karpin!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Tell the Corean government that we admit what we have done and that we give up on the matter of Hokkaido. However, make sure this is done and concluded unofficially. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Understood, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Great. Let¡¯s conclude the meeting for now, and I would like the minister of defense, foreign affairs, the emergency response director, and the director of the SVR to stay behind.¡±


    Soon, only President Putin and the four government officials remained in the office.


    ¡°To be honest, I have no intention to give up on Hokkaido. That is why...,¡± President Putin needed the hand-off of Hokkaido to happen for his third term. He exined his reasons to the four government officials who had stayed behind.


    ¡°Director Lebedev!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°How is the operation involving Kim Jong-un, which will be yourst chance of redemption, going?¡±


    ¡°It, it¡¯s going smoothly so far, sir.¡±


    ¡°Be more specific. Give me details.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Chairman Kim Hyung-won of the People¡¯s Labor Party ispletely on our side. Jo Myung-rok, who willmand the operation, has been brought into the fray by Kim Hyung-won as well.¡±


    ¡°I heard the New Republic of China is preparing for something, aren¡¯t they?¡± Minister Valeri Karpin from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs interrupted the conversation.


    ¡°Yes, based on our intelligence, the New Republic of China is attempting to shake up the Corean government as well with their own operation.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev lowered his head and answered the president when he asked his question in an angry tone, ¡°The agents at the New Republic of China are doing everything they can to find out. We will report to you as soon as we have more information, sir.¡±


    ¡°Regardless, Director Evgeny Lebedev, remember that this is your final chance and make sure to seed. That is the only way we can take Hokkaido back.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will not fail, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    October 29th, 2023, 20:00 (Egyptian Standard Time 13:00)


    Cairo, Egypt, the Arab League¡¯s office (the military council)


    The Arab League was formed in March 1945 with six nations as its members: Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Yemen. Its purpose was to maintain independence and peace within the Middle East. The member nations grew and were up to 22 nations by 2008, and Iran joined in 2019, making the total 23 nations in the league in 2023.


    The office was temporarily moved to Tunis in Tunisia when Egypt lost its membership, but the nation had regained eligibility in 1989 and the office was hosted in Cairo once again.


    The Arab League¡¯s 23 nations had given the highest authority to the league that treated each nation equally, and all decisions during a summit would be made under a unanimous vote held once a year. Each meeting by a council would be held twice a year, and decisions could only be made with a 2/3 majority vote.


    ¡°Everyone! The Corean government is oppressing our nation, Iran, with its military power. This is not just political intervention, but also an internationally illegal demonstration of power.¡±


    On the 9th, the Iranian government received the Corean government¡¯s official letter and felt threatened. They responded with a call for an urgent meeting with all nations within the military council in attendance. The meeting was held in the office in Cairo, Egypt, and Sayid Rahimpur took the position of chairman while speaking to the 22 member nations.


    ¡°This is not just a simple political intervention about the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence. The majority of Corean citizens are Christian. This is clearly religious oppression against the Imic faith. The Middle East had been peaceful until Kurdistan dered independence and Corea started intervening. Everyone! In the name of Ah, please lend us your strength against the religious oppressor Corea.¡±


    Sayid Rahimpur expanded the issue against Corea¡¯s support of Kurdistani independence and military aid to a religious one by iming oppression.


    The Iranian government was now a candle in the wind ever since they received the Corean government¡¯s letter of protest. To ovee this threat, they needed the help of the member nations of the Arab League, so they used the league¡¯s sensitivity to religious issues to gain favor.


    Sayid Rahimpur¡¯s use of the term ¡°religious oppression¡± was spot on. Most of the other representatives from the member nations were not paying attention to his statement until the mention of religious oppression. When Sayid Rahimpur finished his speech, everyone gave him a standing ovation.


    However, the decision to aid Iran through the military council was denied since it did not receive a 2/3 majority vote. It seemed most of the nations did not want to sh with Corea, which was now the world¡¯s dominant military power.


    Instead, many of the nations decided on using the strategy of oil shock that could directly affect the world economy.


    If the price of crude oil was to drastically rise, then that would affect the world economy through an oil shock, and the most notable ones were during 1973 and 1978.


    The first oil-shock had started on October 6th, 1973, and it was the cause of the 4th war in the Middle East. Six oil-producing nations demanded Israel to withdraw from the Arab territory of Palestine, and they had threatened to increase the price of oil by 17% and reduce production by 5% monthly until they did. Crude oil production had been used as a weapon for the war.


    Therefore, the crude oil produced by the Middle East quadrupled in a year. The nations that had depended on a steady import of oil were the first to be hit by the oil shock and overcame the issue by reducing power supplies to numerous businesses and civilian facilities. However, the world¡¯s economic growth plummeted, and many first-world countries went into recession, while intion continued to rise.


    This oil shock had caused the OPEC¡¯s Oil Majors to holdplete control over the price of oil and fortified resource-driven nationalism before it concluded in 1978.


    The second oil shock began in 1979 when Iran¡¯s Imic revolution started. Iran, which had supplied 15% of the world¡¯s crude oil, had forbidden all exports. The international market had fallen into chaos. When the war between Iran and Iraq broke out, the price of oil increased by 170%, and just like the first oil shock, the economy crashed.


    The third oil shock in 40 years could cause a worldwide recession and countries that did not produce oil could have their economy critically damaged, so this would be a disaster for the rest of the world. The nations that would participate in the third oil shock were to be 19 nations from the Middle East, and it could put the world spiraling down a recession that would be iparable to the ones before.


    As a result, if the Arab League announced their policy to increase prices for crude oil and lowering production and cited Corea¡¯s religious oppression against Imic nations as the reason, the rest of the world would pressure and criticize Corea greatly.


    Three hourster, the meeting for the military council was over. The Cairo office, using OAPEC as a front, announced the increase in the price of oil by 20% starting from March 1st and decreasing production by 5% every month. The organization cited Corea¡¯s religious oppression and disruption of peace within the Middle East as the reason for its decision. Also, the organization demanded the Corean government¡¯s halt on military aid to Kurdistan and support of Kurdistani independence, and the decision would not be revoked until Corea¡¯s military withdrew from the Middle East entirely.


    It was a mirror to the first oil shock. Right after the OAPEC¡¯s announcement, every stock market across the world started to plummet. When the third oil shock that could put the world into a great recession started, the stock market was the first to be affected.

 Chapter 339

    <h4>Chapter 339</h4>


    October 30th, 2023, 09:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the Sejong Hall)


    At 2:00 am, the OAPEC (Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries) made its announcement about the decisions that would lead to the world¡¯s third oil shock. The Blue House called for a cab meeting in the morning when they heard the announcement.


    ¡°As you are all aware, this morning, the OAPEC (Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries) under the Arab League¡¯s lead will increase the price of petroleum and decrease production. They are iming our government¡¯s actions are oppressing the Imic religion and ced the me on us in front of the rest of the world. We muste up with a solution for this matter, so if you have any opinions, please suggest them freely. Before we do, let¡¯s go over the status of other nations across the world,¡± President Choo Un-hee opened the meeting.


    Deputy minister of foreign affairs, Oh Jin-myung, who was attending the meeting in ce of Minister Kang Kyung-hee, answered her, ¡°Yes, Madam President! After the announcement, stock markets across the world have crashed, and many nations have already contacted us. The EU (European Union) is the most concerned about the oil-shock.¡±


    When Corea had beaten the two G2 nations during the East Asian War, the EU decided to unify not only economically and politically, but also militarily as well to be one federal nation.


    The EU consisted mostly of first-world nations, and since they concluded the third oil shock would hit them the hardest, it was one of the first nations to contact Corea¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about its future direction.


    ¡°I suppose they would. The European nations were always the nations that were affected most by the oil-shock.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is why the EU¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested our nation to withdraw its military and resolve the matter peacefully.¡±


    ¡°What about the other nations?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are on the same page as the EU. ¡®Please withdraw from the Middle East...,''¡± Deputy Minister Oh Jin-myung trailed off, and Minister Kim Young-chul from the Ministry of Unification Policies responded angrily.


    ¡°Do this and that! Isn¡¯t this a clear intervention in our nation¡¯s politics?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Political intervention is one thing, but I don¡¯t know why we are so involved in the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence. How about we pull out now?¡± Minister of economy and finance Park Byung-gwan, who had opposed the support of Kurdistan from the start, expressed his opinion.


    ¡°Pull out? How could you say that despite knowing the significance behind Kurdistan¡¯s independence?¡± Minister of education Kim Gil-jin, who had been actively supporting Kurdistan¡¯s independence, spoke with a bbergasted look on his face to Minister Park Byung-gwan.


    ¡°Ha ha, god, of course, I am aware. However, do you realize how much of our nation¡¯s taxes were spent on a nation that has no rtion to ours? It¡¯s over 5 billion dors. On top of that, we are on the verge of being the nation that sets the world spiraling down a recession.¡±


    ¡°Both of you, calm down. There can always be a difference in opinions. That is why we have gathered here toe up with a solution, haven¡¯t we?¡± When the meeting became heated, Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon interjected.


    ¡°Yes. I think everyone should hear my suggestion beforeing to a decision,¡± minister of trade and industry Go Gyung-taek, who seemed to be tired, spoke up.


    President Choo Un-hee asked with a hopeful look on her face, ¡°Do you have a good idea?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President! To be honest, it¡¯s not like we didn¡¯t expect this. That is why our department has prepared a few solutions. I would like to exin while everyone watches the footage I have prepared.¡±


    Minister Go Gyung-taek walked up to therge screen in the middle of the room. A map of the entire nation showed up once the screen lit up.


    ¡°I would like everyone to look at the seven marked locations on the map. Some of you may already be aware, but these locations are the ones that have the potential for oil production. We have now analyzed the exact amount of petroleum buried there and there¡¯s a significant amount for mass production.¡±


    The map on the screen showed the North State¡¯s Onchon Basin, Ahn-ju Basin, Pyeong-yang Basin, Gil-joo Basin, the west coast¡¯s West Josun Basin, East Sea¡¯s Kyung-sung Basin and East Josun Basin, and the Baekdu Mountain Basin.


    ¡°There is a total of 120 billion barrels buried in these seven locations. On a global scale, it ranks 7th. However, our nation has mostly transitioned to sma engines and power systems instead of gasoline ones, so our domestic demand for petroleum is low, and the CNOC (Corea National Oil Corporation) is drilling at the Onchon and Ahn-ju Basins to meet our domestic demand.¡±


    As Minister Go Gyung-taek exined, the two ces were highlighted on the map.


    ¡°Our nation¡¯s automotive industry has now mostly transitioned into the sma system, and we will be unaffected by the oil shock despite the demand being 100 million or 200 million barrels, won¡¯t we?¡± Minister of government administration Kim Yi-kyeom asked a question.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. 100 million barrels per year would be enough for our nation. The demand will decrease over time as well. However, the thing I wanted to talk about was not how our nation will respond to the oil shock, but how we can sell the unused petroleum for the other non-producing nations.¡±


    Corea had consumed about 2.8 million barrels per day before the sma system was introduced, and the consumption would be about 10 billion barrels per year, cing them 8th in the world. Corea was a nation that was highly dependent on petroleum.


    ¡°If we maximize the production of the seven oil reserves, then we could produce 4 million barrels per day. After we cooperate with Venezu to increase daily production from 2.5 million barrels to 8 million per day and provide the petroleum to the other nations at a 10% discount, then I believe we can stave off the third oil shock.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a matter of time before we run out? Our reserves aren¡¯t infinite, and can Venezu handle producing 8 million barrels? I¡¯m sure it will take a while to build the additional production facilities, won¡¯t it?¡±


    When Minister Kim Yi-gyeom asked another question, Minister Go Gyung-taek nodded and gave additional exnations, ¡°Yes, those are valid points. Unless we build additional production facilities for drilling, then we will only be able to produce 12 billion barrels at best. It will also take 1-2 years to build additional production facilities in Venezu. Through our internal investigation, the nation is capable of producing 8 million barrels in a short period.¡±


    Minister Go Gyung-taek smiled and continued after he answered Minister Kim Yi-gyeom¡¯s questions. ¡°That is why this third oil shock issue must be dealt with as soon as possible. It¡¯s a race against time. As I have said, the first thing we need to do is increase our production in a short period to provide petroleum to other nations. Then, we must increase production from Venezu and that will allow us to rece at least 20% of the world¡¯s production for three months out of the 48% the Middle East currently holds.¡±


    The other ministers started to warm up to Minister Go Gyung-taek¡¯s presentation and focused on him.


    ¡°During the first and second oil shocks, the importing nations had to buy petroleum at high prices. It¡¯s because they had no choice. However, if our nation and Venezu provided petroleum at a low price while maximizing production and make an announcement about how the two nations will make joint investments for more production facilities to increase the supply to 15 million barrels per day, then the Middle Eastern countries will falter. In three months, they will be the ones experiencing an economic recession and eventually give up.¡±


    p p p!


    When Minister Go Gyung-taek finished his presentation, the president apuded him. The other ministers joined in as well.


    ¡°Minister Go! When did you prepare all these?¡± President Choo Un-hee could not hold back her amazement at the ns Minister Go had made and praised him.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s as if Minister Go has washed away our troubles, Madam President!¡±


    Praises for Minister Go continued.


    ¡°Ha ha, it¡¯s nothing. I studied the subject when I was a professor, and when I heard the news Iran had called for a meeting with the Arab League, I called for the researchers and staff within our departments toe up with a solution together.¡±


    Minister Go Gyung-taek returned to his seat.


    ¡°Still, that was amazing. Since we havee up with a solution, I would like the other departments toe up with a roadmap to carry out the n,¡± President Choo Un-hee said with a pleased look on her face.


    ¡°Yes, we will bring in a thorough report within today. I will speak to the rted departments.¡±


    <hr />


    October 30th, 2023, 13:00


    The South State, Seoul, Kangnam-ku, the NIS headquarters (Foreign Intelligence Unit 1)


    ¡°Ah! There¡¯s no ce like home!¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong had brought Director Run Nigmatulin of the Middle East branch of the SVR back to Corea this morning. He had stretched in his chair and came into the office in the afternoon after taking the morning off.


    ¡°So what, sir? We did all of that work in the Middle East and we still have toe to work in the afternoon. Shouldn¡¯t they give us at least a week off?¡± Chief Jo Dong-hyun from Team 1ined with a pouting lip.


    ¡°Hey! How could you talk about leave right now? The other departments are in chaos about that assassination attempt on the president, and there¡¯s a DEFCON 2 in effect,¡± Assistant Manager Ahn Ki-chul, who was sitting on the other side, answered him.


    ¡°Guys! Just wait a bit. I¡¯m sure they will give us a month-long leave once the time is right,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong smiled and spoke to Chief Jo Dong-hyung who had beenining.


    ¡°Really, sir? You promise?¡±


    ¡°Have you been lied to your whole life? If I can¡¯t keep my promise, I will resign.¡±


    ¡°What!¡±


    It was right after lunch when everyone was getting drowsy and having small talks, one of the women from the NIS came into the office.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong stood up and greeted her, ¡°Oh? Assistant manager, hello. What brings you here?¡±


    The woman was Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin from anti-terrorism Unit 3 and Namgoong-won¡¯s wife.


    ¡°Hello. Is Manager Lee in?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Manager Lee is not here. He is at the director¡¯s office about the mission we did in the Middle East.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Is that so? I heard he came back so I wanted to say hi. I guess I¡¯ll have to wait.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes, please take a seat. Would you like some coffee?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m fine, thank you.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin decided to say hi to her husband¡¯s friend, Manager Lee Ja-sung, and catch him up on how her husband was doing.


    When Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin, a good-looking superior from another department, was sitting in the office, the atmosphere changed a bit. That was when she spoke to Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°Oh, right! Team Leader Park!¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you been searching for North Korea¡¯s intelligence unit 1¡¯s agents?¡±


    ¡°What! How did you?¡±


    ¡°ording to our agents operating within the New Republic of China, a few suspicious men who seem to be from North Korea¡¯s foreign intelligence agency have crossed through to West Manchuria. So, our department is chasing after them since they could be suspected terrorists.¡±


    ¡°Is, is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t guarantee 100% that they are the men you are after, but we are sure they are from North Korea¡¯s foreign intelligence agency.¡±


    ¡°Could you share the intel with our department?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, how about making an official request through the director?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes, thank you. Thank you very much.¡±

 Chapter 340

    <h4>Chapter 340</h4>


    October 30th, 2023, 17:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building (press conference room)


    At 5:00 pm, the Corean government held a press conference about their response to the OAPEC¡¯s decision.


    Speaker Hong Soo-kyung got onto the podium and started reading the documents she had prepared to the numerous domestic and international reporters.


    ¡°Hello. I am the speaker for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hong Soo-kyung. Our government hase up with a solution to the OAPEC¡¯s decision. We will now go over our responses to this crisis that had led to the third global oil shock this morning.¡± Speaker Hong Soo-kyung spoke clearly and loudly since she had been a newscaster before.


    ¡°The OAPEC consists of nations that are members of the Arab League, and they havee to an anti-humanitarian decision to weaponize petroleum production that could lead to world recession. On top of that, they have cited an egregious reason for their decision, iming that Corea¡¯s support of the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence is religious oppression against the Imic faith.¡±


    As she read the official statement, Speaker Hong Soo-kyung¡¯s tone became firmer.


    ¡°Corea would like to ask the Arab League, On what basis is our nation conducting religious oppression against the Imic faith, and how is the act of supporting the 40 million Kurdish people, who had lived as refugees without a country for over a hundred years from oppression by other powerful nations, for peace within the Middle East wrong?¡±


    She nced directly at the camera and continued to read her statement, ¡°To all the nations within the Arab League that use the name of justice for their own profits, the Corean government will not back down from supporting the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence, and our peacekeeping forces will not withdraw untilplete independence for the nation is achieved. Our government will also send in additional expeditionary forces to the area if necessary.¡±


    The unexpected firm response by the Corean government created a buzz among the reporters.


    When the reporters heard about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling for an urgent press conference, everyone had expected Corea to pull out from the Middle East. However, the official statement was theplete opposite of what they had expected, so it was a shock to everyone.


    When the chatter from the reporters died down, Speaker Hong Soo-kyung continued reading the official statement. ¡°The Corean government will now announce the strategy to ovee the third oil shock.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, our nation will increase the production of oil from 300,000 to 4 million barrels per day within a week and export them to non-producing nations at 48 dors per barrel, which is a 20% discount from the 60 dors per barrel pricing of the OAPEC.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, Corea will increase Venezu¡¯s production to 8 million barrels per day within a month by cooperating with its government, and the price will also be set at 48 dors per barrel.¡±


    ¡°Finally, Corea will build production facilities within Venezu in a year to increase the nation¡¯s production to 20 million barrels per day for free. This concludes the official statement.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± The reporters attending the conference all eximed.


    Before the press conference was held, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had contacted Venezu¡¯s government. The economic recession that had continued for 8 years and anti-government protests had put the nation on the verge of anarchy. When the Corean government made its offer, the Venezun government weed the prospect and epted without making any additional demands.


    To the Venezun government, Corea¡¯s offer was like rainfall during a drought. In fact, 30 billion dors¡¯ worth of investment and a 150% reimbursement pensating the 12-dor difference with 18 dors) for the lowered price after producing 8 million barrels per day, free installment of production facilities that will increase production to 20 million barrels per day in the future, and other investments fromrge corporations to aid economic growth had been promised by Corea.


    When the chatter died down, one of the foreign reporters raised her hand. Speaker Hong Soo-kyung nced at her and nodded.


    The reporter stood up and asked a question. ¡°Judith Miller from the New York Times. Has the agreement been made with the Venezun government already?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it has. Two hours ago, the Venezun ambassador in Corea acted as the nation¡¯s representative to officially agree on the treaty. I¡¯ll take the next question,¡± Speaker Hong Soo-kyung answered the question clearly and shortly and then pointed to an Arab reporter from the crowd.


    ¡°The reporter on the third row. I¡¯ll take your question, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yessen Dejaha from YTI News Iran. I would like to ask, do you believe Corea and Venezu would be able to stop this oil shock with just the supplying from both nations? Even if the two nations banded together, that would only match the production of Saudi Arabia alone. In terms of percentages, it would only be 40% of the total production made by the OAPEC.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Production would only match 40% of the OAPEC¡¯s. However, wouldn¡¯t the other nations that are not part of the OAPEC or OPEC producing petroleum increase their rate of production as well? This is a prime opportunity for them. Wouldn¡¯t the remaining 60% be filled by nations such as Russia and America that boastrge oil reserves, along with China, the New Chinese Republic, and other nations as well? Our government¡¯s analysis believes it is possible to have these nations fill the role,¡± Speaker Hong Soo-kyung answered the question so clearly that it seemed as if her answer to Yessen Dejaha¡¯s question had been prepared beforehand.


    ¡°Thank you for answering my question. May I ask one more?¡± Reporter Yessen Dejaha raised his finger while making his request.


    ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Iran and the rest of the nations in the Middle East are concerned about Corea¡¯s military activities to aid the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence leading to war within the area. That is why the OAPEC hase to this decision for world peace. If a war broke out in the Middle East due to the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s fight for independence, then Corea also have to take responsibility. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s something that I am not authorized to answer. However, I would like to say this. Peace is achieved through equality. If the bnce of power were to tip to one side and cause one party to profit while the other suffers, would that truly be considered peace? I believe that is oppression disguised as peace.¡±


    When Speaker Hong Soo-kyung answered, Yessen Dejaha became red-faced and sat back down quietly.


    Ten minutester, the question-and-answer session ended, and the reporters from all over the world rushed to send in the news to theirworks. The stock markets across the world that had been fluctuating started to rise and stabilize once again. As a result, the Arab League¡¯s attempt to pressure Corea was over within 24 hours.


    * * *


    October 31st, 2023, 15:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building (the minister¡¯s office).


    Today was thest day before Russia and Iran had to send their replies to the Corean government¡¯s letter. Minister Kang Kyung-hee had finished her treatment in the hospital after two weeks and came into work the day after her release from the hospital. President Choo Un-hee requested her to take another week off before returning to the office, but Minister Kang Kyung-hee insisted oning in that afternoon.


    During her hospitalization, Minister Kang Kyung-hee called over staff from the ministry to go over the crucial issues. When she returned to her office, she went over the topics that the two deputy ministers had been taking care of in her stead.


    At 3:00 pm, she had a meeting with Ambassador Igor Titov. The ambassador had been deported on the 21st but returned to Corea today with an official reply from the Russian government this morning and visited the ministry that afternoon.


    ¡°I am so sorry about what happened to you, Minister Kang! How are you?¡± Ambassador Igor Titov, who felt a bit uneasy meeting the victim of the attack, Minister Kang Kyung-hee, exchanged greetings with her.


    ¡°As you can tell, I am in good health. There¡¯s no need for you to worry, Ambassador,¡± Minister Kang Kyung-hee replied with a benevolent smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s such a relief, Minister.¡±


    ¡°Did you bring the official response from the Russian government, Ambassador?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s right here.¡±


    The ambassador pulled out the documents from his briefcase. Minister Kang Kyung-hee read over the documents she had just received. She put down the documents and spoke to Ambassador Igor Titov.


    ¡°Hmm, so Russia intends to forfeit Hokkaido if we let things go quietly. Is that it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, Minister.¡±


    ¡°Very well. The document states that all those involved will be punished by the justice system. Does that include President Putin?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°President Putin must not have been unaware of my assassination attempt, correct? He must have been reported to about it and approved it, so doesn¡¯t that make him an aplice?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that- that¡¯s...,¡± Ambassador Igor Titov was caught off guard by Minister Kang¡¯s words and could not speak further.


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m just saying things. I know President Putin cannot go through the justice system to punish himself even if that were the case. I would like to call for a meeting first before wee up with an official reply. Please wait at the embassy until then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. I would like to make one more request,¡± Ambassador Igor Titov said quietly, as he wiped the sweat off of his brow.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±


    ¡°We were hoping the Corean government would return Run Nigmatulin who is being held by the intelligence agency to us.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I think I can give you the answer at ater time.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Minister Kang! We will wait for your response, then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. I won¡¯t take long.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee read over the documents again after Ambassador Igor Titov had left, and she smiled upon seeing the words about Russia giving up the hand-off of Hokkaido.


    The issue that had been a thorn on her side since she had been nominated minister was finally resolved, so she smiled out of relief. Looking at it, the issue had almost cost her, her life. That was why she had a bitter smile on her face.


    An hourter, Russia¡¯s official response was delivered to the Blue House, and President Choo Un-hee epted it. The problem with Russia was over, but the issue was Iran.


    Iran ended up not responding within the deadline the Corean government had set. The Blue House called for a final meeting to discuss when tomence the retaliation against Iran.

 Chapter 341

    <h4>Chapter 341</h4>


    November 1st, 2023, 10:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the president¡¯s office)


    The government officials gathered at the Blue House to discuss the attack on Iran that could potentially lead to a war in the Middle East.


    Before Minister Kang Kyung-hee came in, the Corean government had demanded a response letter from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but the Iranian government insisted it was the act of the IS. Despite Russia officially admitting their actions, the Iranian government never apologized and admitted their fault.


    ¡°I never thought the Iranian government was this dumb. We now have a justification to retaliate. Madam President! We must give the order to strike right now,¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo spoke in a firm tone to persuade the president.


    ¡°I also believe we need to retaliate against Iran. I think we should lower the intensity of our initial attack first,¡± Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won spoke to lessen the president¡¯s burden.


    Minister of National Defense Kang Ui-sik asked a question, ¡°Chief Lim, by how much exactly?¡±


    ¡°I think it would be fine tomence the attack on the military facilities, but we should hold off from attacking the civilian and drilling facilities.¡±


    ¡°I understand holding back from attacking the civilian facilities, but you want us to not attack the drilling sites, which are the cause of this oil shock?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. The Arab League has used the oil shock to retaliate rather than using its military. This must mean the organization does not want to sh with our military. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need for us to agitate them further by attacking their drilling facilities, and shouldn¡¯t we at least avoid causing damages to them to alleviate the oil shock in a short period? If all of Iran¡¯s drilling facilities were destroyed, then that could extend the oil shock. As a result, that would cause our expenses to rise, too.¡±


    ¡°You have a great point, Chief Secretary Lim. That¡¯s right, Minister Kang! I would like the first wave of attacks to exclude the drilling facilities of Iran.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood, Madam President!¡±


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 17:40 (Kurdistan Standard Time 11:40)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Maku, Azerbaijan Park (the 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s forward base)


    As of 14:00 today, the peacekeeping forces were ordered to transition into a state of war. If they had been charged to upy the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s territory and watch the borders previously, they were now officially going into war against Iran.


    To the sergeants who had been here for half a year with only a few days left before being discharged, this was bad news. Most of the men who applied to be here had the mindset to serve on the expeditionary force for the pay and get discharged with arge sum of money.


    This didn¡¯t mean the men were incapable as they had the mental capabilities to ovee the dangers and threats. However, an official war between two nation¡¯s militaries held far greater dangers than what the men could think of.


    The men from the 1st reconnaissance toon had gone into 24-hour watch since the Iranian revolutionary guard¡¯s special forces raided their base. The squad leader¡¯s and vice-squad leader¡¯s team took shifts even during meals for the watch. Once again today, the 2nd squadron¡¯s four men finished their lunch while the rest of the men kept watch, and the squadron went back into the barracks to take a break before going into their shift.


    ¡°God! The weather is hot, the sandstorms feel like shit. Sir, I¡¯m envious of you,¡± Corporal Kim Gil-taeid down on his bed and spoke to Sergeant Hong Han-ho while looking at him.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re making fun of me, corporal?¡±


    ¡°Sir? What do you mean? I¡¯m just envious.¡±


    ¡°All of us who have been deployed here will have their discharge dyed indefinitely.¡±


    ¡°Sir, really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the quartermaster told me earlier today.¡±


    ¡°What?! Is that rted to the deration of war with Iran today at 14:00? So, we have to stay here and serve until the war is over?¡±


    ¡°Well, the people up top must have ordered it!¡±


    ¡°God! This is unbelievable, sir!¡±


    ¡°I mean, what are we going to do? I suppose we must perform our duty as soldiers and get discharged once things are over.¡±


    ¡°Wow! I can¡¯t believe you think so. That¡¯s cool. I would have raised hell...¡±


    Private First-ss Na Han-jin, who had been checking his equipment, joined the conversation, ¡°Come on, Corporal Kim, sir! If you do, you¡¯ll just spend the rest of your service at the brig until all of this is over.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Why you! I¡¯m just saying. Do you really think I would?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Our break is going to be over soon, so quiet down. Everyone, get ready for our shift! When we go into patrol, we are now in a war, so make sure to bring all of your equipment. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 19:30 (Local Time 14:00)


    The Indian Ocean, N 22¡ã50¡¯3.93¡å E 62¡ã46¡¯30.04¡å (the 12th carrier strike group¡¯s location)


    The 12th carrier strike group was four days away from reaching the area 340km from the entrance of the Gulf of Oman located south of the Sistan and Baluchestan Province. They were now preparing for battle so they could fight at any second.


    Ten minutes ago, the navy¡¯s strategicmand gave the order tomence the first wave of retaliation against Iran at 14:00.


    The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin Hoc heavy cruiser¡¯s (CG-1101) crew that was in charge of protecting the 12th carrier strike group¡¯s gship Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) from enemy submarines, ships, and vessels was busily moving around making preparations.


    ¡°Sir, our vessel¡¯s ship-to-ground missiles are ready forunch.¡±


    ¡°The Gim Gu¡¯s 16 Phoenix bombers are standing by for takeoff, sir.¡±


    ¡°The Park Yeol and Sohn Byung-hee are prepared tounch also, sir.¡±


    The operators summarized the reportsing in from the other vessels and reported them to the admiral. Brigadier General Kim Ki-young, the admiral of the 12th carrier strike group, looked at his watch and gave the order to attack.


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s time. Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    ¡°Firing our ship-to-ground missiles!¡±


    The Chunmugong Lee Sun-shin (CG-1101) was the first tounch its Skydragon A missiles from the 48-cell C-VLS-II (Vertical Launchpad) under the admiral¡¯s orders and they started to shoot up into the sky.


    The 16 Skydragon A missiles drew their trajectory with white smoke in the sky. Once the cruise missiles reached their maximum altitude, they lower their heads and flew towards the shoreline. The other two Hoc heavy cruisers followed suit. The 48 rounds of Skydragon A cruise missiles split into 8 groups and flew across the ocean¡¯s surface at Mach 3.5.


    Eight CUF/A-29NP Phoenix unmanned bombers emerged from the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) connected to the connection rods. When the bombers detached from the rods, they rose to the sky at a 45-degree angle. Then, an additional eight bombers emerged.


    The 16 Phoenix CUF/A-29NP unmanned bombers were ssified as a 7th generation aircraft and it was a historic moment where they were deployed in the field for the first time.


    The second grouppleted its ascension, and the 16 CUF/A-29NP Phoenix bombers all started to fly towards their designated targets at Mach 20.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 19:37 (Iran Standard Time 14:07)


    Iran, Tehran, 13th province, air force base


    Four CUF/A-29NP Phoenix bombers reached the air force base at Tehran after taking off from the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) six minutes ago, flying at a speed of Mach 20. When they were in range of their targets, they started opening up their central weaponspartment.


    Click! Whirrrrrrl~


    Eight C-SDB-10 (sma cluster rounds) connected on an 8-sided wheel on two connection rods started to rotate and release the payloads.


    The C-SDB-10 (sma cluster rounds) were GPS guided and adjusted their four rear wings to control their trajectory, before striking the runways of the Tehran Air Force Base 30 secondster.


    Boom! Boooom! Bang~


    A total of 32 C-SDB-10 (sma cluster rounds) rounds swept across the Tehran Air Force Base. The runway became covered withrge holes and littered with shrapnel. The buildings within the base were burning and the Igloos housing the F-14 Tomcats were covered withrge dancing mes as well.


    The windows of the nearby building were broken by the soundwave of the explosions and concrete shrapnel flew hundreds of meters and showered the nearby houses.


    The Tehran Air Force Base, which was near a residential area, turned into a living hell of eternal fire. The lucky thing for them was the unmanned Phoenix bombers had not used a C-SDB-20 (sma cluster rounds) with a wider range to avoid causing civilian casualties.


    The four unmanned CUF/A-29NP Phoenix bombers sessfully finished their mission, and when they finished recording the footage of the results, they raised their altitude and flew back home.


    The air force base¡¯s fuel tanks, jets, and other materials continued to explode and the explosions rang across the entire city before the air raid sirens started going off to have the anti-air forces fire their cannons into the empty sky.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 19:38 (Iran Standard Time 09:08)


    Iran, Zanjan, the Zanjan Air Force Base


    While the Tehran Air Force Base was in chaos, four other CUF/A-29NP Phoenix bombers emerged at Zanjan Air Force Base and gifted them 32 rounds of C-SDB-10 (sma cluster rounds) and C-SDB-20 (sma rounds).


    The Zanjan Air Force Base was also stered with explosions and screams of despair filled the air just like the air force base at Tehran.


    The Zanjan Air Force Base was full of thetest jets from Russia that were brought in on October 1st ¨C the 4th generation jets Su-27 nker and 5th generation stealth Su-57 PAK FA jets.


    Usually, these jets would have been stored within ss, but the C-SDB-10 (sma cluster rounds) and C-SDB-20 (sma rounds) did not discriminate and destroyed them all.


    The lucky thing for Iran was that 40 jets had been moved to twomercial airports. This allowed some of the Iranian jets to survive the bombings and prevented its entire air force from being wiped out.


    Corea¡¯s joint chief of staff was actually aware of this fact beforehand. However, civilian facilities were excluded as targets so they decided to leave them alone.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 19:40 (Iranian Standard Time 09:10)


    Iran, East Azerbaijan, Tabriz Air Force Base


    The Tabriz Air Force Base, which was near the Republic of Kurdistan and the greatest threat to the nation and Corea¡¯s peacekeeping forces, was also covered in mes and filled the clear skies with red and ck smoke.


    The Tabriz Air Force Base only operated fifty 3rd generation F-5E Tiger II bombers that were over 50 years old, but based on its distance, it posed the greatest threat to the Republic of Kurdistan and the peacekeeping forces.


    The joint chief of staff wanted to lower the threat so they sent in four additional CUF/A-29NP Phoenix jets to bomb the Tabriz Air Force Base.


    Just like an air force base that ran outdated jets, its igloos were not sturdy as well. The 32 rounds of C-SDB-10 (sma cluster rounds) destroyed every igloo and jet. The runway was also severely damaged and no longer functional.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 19:40 (Local Time 14:10)


    Iran, East Azerbaijan, the Agajari Air Force Base


    The Agajari Air Force Base, which also was a threat to the Republic of Kurdistan and the peacekeeping forces, was hit by four CUF/A-29NP Phoenix bombers.


    Iran¡¯s 32 next-generation attack choppers AH-285 and ground attack jets, which posed the greatest threat to the forces on the ground, were also attacked by the bombers and had ck smoke rising into the sky.


    The C-SDB-20 (sma cluster rounds) exploded initially in the air to drop dozens of bomblets that fell on the AH-285 attack choppers.


    Booom! Bang, Boom! Booooom!


    When the bomblets created a second explosion, numerous shrapnel flew towards the ground and the choppers became covered in holes like swiss cheese.

 Chapter 342

    <h4>Chapter 342</h4>


    November 1st, 2023, 19:40 (Iran Standard Time 14:10)


    Iran, Hamadan, the Hamadan Air Force Base


    Wooosh~ Boooooooom!


    An air-piercing sound rang across the sky and a ck object fell on top of the Shahrokhi Air Force Base. The object used its velocity alone to pierce through the concrete of the runway and blew up after digging dozens of meters below the surface. The explosion destroyed everything within a 100m radius and created a shockwave that matched a 10-magnitude earthquake.


    The explosion engulfed every building on the surface. mes that looked like magma started flowing from the cracks and danced around the area.


    The Hamadan Air Force that operated the 20 F-14 Tomcat bombers, 15 F-4D Phantom II jets, 29 F-4E Phantom II jets, and 3 RF-4E patrol nes a few minutes ago and ced second in the Iranian Air Force, was now disappearing into history.


    Arge explosion at the Hatami Air Force Base 164km southwest of Kermanshah started as well. The Hatami base which operated Mi-171Sh attack choppers became covered in seemingly undying mes.


    These two air force bases were near the Khatam Al-Anbia anti-air base that had sessfully tested and deployed Bavar-373 anti-air missiles in 2018. The joint chief of staff ordered the CS-AD Zeus 4 strategic strike satellites to target these bases with the Zinog-II missiles to minimize damages that could be done to the allied forces.


    The C-SH Zinog-II missiles started to fall at a speed of Mach 45 that could not be intercepted by any nation across the globe except Corea.


    Two years ago, the U.S, which hadpleted its MD (Missile Defense) system, was only able to detect the missiles at the final second and could not even attempt an interception. Iran¡¯s anti-air system, which was not even a 10th of America¡¯s, did not even manage to detect the missiles.


    <hr />


    November 1st, 2023, 19:41 (Iran Standard Time 14:11)


    Iran, Hormozgan Province, the Hormuz Naval Base


    While four air force bases located at Northwestern Iran were being bombed by the CUF/A-29NP Phoenix bombers and became annihted, missiles started to fall on the Hormuz Naval Base that was built in 2000 to block off the Persian Gulf.


    Since the Hormuz Naval Base was close to Corea¡¯s 12th carrier strike group, it was hit by 16 rounds of Skydragon A cruise missiles within 11 minutes and most of its destroyers and high-speed vessels docked there were blown up.


    Sixteen explosions urred within a few seconds and the base turned into a glowing red furnace with ck smoke covering the sky.


    The Hormuz Naval Base was tasked with closing off the seas at the Persian Gulf and it was equipped with high-powered radars, surface-to-ship missiles with a range of 300km, and six Mowj-1 ss 1,400ton destroyers. The Mowj-1 ss destroyers would be considered escorting ships in the west, but for Iran with its weak naval power, these were considered as such. All six of them had been destroyed in the st.


    The radar bases were struck by the Skydragon A cruise missiles as well and arge me 20m high rose from the area. Dozens of bomblets from three Skydragon A cruise missiles also exploded on top of the surface-to-ship missile forces and rained down on theunch vehicles. In an instant, an area five times the size of a ser field was covered with mes and explosions.


    <hr />


    November 1st, 2023, 19:52 (Iran Standard Time 14:22)


    The Shahid Air Force Base, Isfahan, Iran


    The Skydragon A cruise missiles equipped with sma engines started using its TERCOM (terrain contour matching) guidance system which would program a map of the area near the target within the missile and used it to change its trajectory whenever it encountered an obstacle and flew towards their targets at a hyper-speed of Mach 3.5. They closed a distance of 1,400km within 20m and popped back up once they reached near the target.


    Three Skydragon A missiles from the total of eight firednded on the Shahid Air Force Base. They struck the runway directly only one meter away from their original target. The remaining five exploded in the air and started dropping their bomblets on the area.


    Boom! Bag! Boooom! Bang! Booooom!


    An ear-piercing explosion rang across the base and swept the entire area. Soon, smaller secondary and tertiary explosions rang out as well. The shrapnel from the explosion caused everything within the base to be littered with holes.


    A few minutester, the explosion died down. The Shahid Air Force Base seemed as if it was covered by a dirt cloud. Once the dust settled, the base emerged, but the scenery was horrifying. ck and red mes were burning around the entire base and not a single jet or igloo was intact. The buildings had all copsed as well. The lucky survivors were all rolling on the floor screaming in pain from having their limbs torn off.


    There was a time gap, but the Khak Naval Base, Ghonabad Air Force Base, and Chabahar Air Force, and Navy Bases were all hit by the Skydragon A missiles and lost 80% of their power.


    <hr />


    November 1st, 2023, 20:30


    The South State, Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    Themanders at the joint chief of staff were watching the progress of the attacks on Iran¡¯s major military facilities. When the attacks went smoothly and as nned, they finally rxed a bit and started to speak to each other.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t those missiles super precise as if they wereputers? Ha ha ha,¡± General Youn Gi-youn, the deputy chairman of the joint chief of staff, nced at the footage of the Iranian bases on the split-screen with a contented look on his face.


    ¡°The 12th carrier strike group must have performed without any issues,¡± Deputy Chairman Shin Sung-yong must have been satisfied by the oue as well and answered him.


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, the operations director, then interrupted the conversation the deputy chairmen were having, ¡°Sir! It seems the damages done to the civilian facilities near the Tehran Air Force Base were greater than expected.¡±


    ¡°By how much?¡±


    ¡°Approximately 30 buildings were destroyed and 100 civilians were killed in the st, sir,¡± Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon reported the summarized information from the analysis team.


    ¡°Hmm, I guess despite using cluster rounds only, we still caused damages.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, sir. However, the civilian buildings were too close to the base...¡±


    ¡°Hey! There will always be civilian casualties in war. We wouldn¡¯t be able to continue if we keep being concerned with that, would we? Don¡¯t worry too much, lieutenant general,¡± General Youn Gi-youn waved his hands and answered him.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, sir. But it could cause more issuester down the line...¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant General Yang, youmanded the battlefield fiercely in Manchuria and Japan as the corps¡¯mander. Has joining the joint chief of staff made you soft?¡±


    ¡°Haha, of course not, sir,¡± Lieutenant General Yang Min-choonughed while answering General Youn Gi-youn¡¯s question.


    ¡°If that¡¯s not the case, don¡¯t overthink it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Deputy Chairman Youn¡¯s right! Everything can¡¯t be perfect during a war! Don¡¯t concern yourself too much about the civilian casualties! Shouldn¡¯t we focus on reducing casualties on our end? There could be more civilian casualties down the line.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    November 2nd, 2023, 15:30 (Iranian Standard Time 10:00)


    The Sa¡¯dabad Complex, Tehran, Iran (the cab meeting room)


    The Iranian government called for an urgent meeting after being attacked by the Corean Navy¡¯s 12th carrier strike group at 14:00.


    The three branches of the Iranian military including the revolutionary guard were all on emergency alert round the clock, but the major military facilities were being hit simultaneously after the government detected the initial missile strikes.


    From Corea¡¯s perspective, the initial attack was like a light jab. However, to Iran, it was as if they were hit by a powerful right hook.


    It was too early to determine whether it was luck or Corea¡¯s hidden intent to exclude the revolutionary guard and the Iranian army from the attack. Regardless, the Iranian government ordered the military to move into temporary encampments and prepare for war.


    The 450,000 Iranian soldiers under the army and the revolutionary guard started to move into their encampments, and the anti-air forces and radar forces mobilized every single force they had to set up an imprable radar.


    President Avolhassan Rajahi who had receivedmand of the military from Supreme Leader Mustafa Hosseini Hamanei attended the meeting with numerous other government officials and they were being briefed by Ashukan Hajsafi, the chairman of Iran¡¯s joint chief of staff.


    Once the briefing was over, President Avolhassan Rajahi and the other government officials¡¯ faces were full of despair.


    ¡°Minister Ansari! What have you been preparing for this whole time?¡± President Avolhassan Rajahi scolded the minister of defense when the briefing was over. Minister Ansari had made a guarantee to the president that the military was prepared for every possible attack the Corean military could make and would be able to retaliate.


    However, the oue from an hour ago was tragic. Despite the military¡¯s preparations, they didn¡¯t even get a chance to retaliate but instead became nearly annihted. Minister Ansari could not raise his head.


    ¡°This is all my fault, sir.¡± Chairman Ashukan Hajsafi, who had briefed everyone instead of the minister of defense, returned to his seat and apologized instead of the minister who was silent with his head down.


    ¡°You and the minister are equally to me!¡± President Avolhassan Rajahi said coldly.


    General Mohammad Raku, the military¡¯s chief of staff, spoke to the president with his arms crossed, ¡°Mr. President! We have sustained damages from the Corean military¡¯s attack, but we can make up for it. Please give us the order to attack the Republic of Kurdistan. Our 150,000 revolutionary guard will lead the charge and wipe out the nation and the Corean military.¡±


    General Mohammad Raku, who had distributed all of thetest equipment from Russia to the revolutionary guard, did not foresee what was toe and was full of confidence.


    President Avolhassan Rajahi, who had the supreme leader¡¯s faith and wielded near-absolute power, waved his hand as if to tell him to do as he pleased. ¡°Great! Do as you see fit,mander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will consider the attack on the Republic of Kurdistan as officially approved and begin, sir.¡±


    ¡°As you will.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Also, I would like our government to request cooperation from the Iraqi government as well.¡±


    ¡°All right. Minister Haghighi!¡±


    Minister Alireza Haghighi answered the president, ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Request for military aid from the Iraqi government for the attack on Kurdistan.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will contact them right away.¡±


    After a few hours, Commander Mohammad Raku reported the results of the meeting to the supreme leader and ordered for the attack on the Republic of Kurdistan to begin.

 Chapter 343

    <h4>Chapter 343</h4>


    November 1st, 2023, 16:30


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the press center)


    TV channels across the world were stered with the news of Corea¡¯s bombing of Iranian military facilities at 09:00 local time. Each broadcastingwork showed the footage of the Iranian military facilities in ruins with ck and red smokeing out of them, while the newscasters exined the oues to the viewers.


    BBC had Professor Robert Warwick from the University of Kent¡¯s international rtions on the broadcast. Hemented, ¡°Corea, which started the East Asian War two years ago, had lit a giant spark at therge powder keg that is the Middle East. This could lead to a third world war, and the entire world was now in danger.¡± Professor Warwick also gave a surface level analysis stating that ¡°This attack could be a retaliatory one against the third oil shock.¡±


    While a bunch of assumptions was being made by the world press, the Corean government¡¯smunication department emphasized the need for a national address by the president. President Choo Un-hee had stepped up to the podium of the press center to address the citizens about the truth behind the attack on Iran.


    ¡°Beloved citizens! Corean people across the world! Today at 14:00, our nationmenced an attack against Iran. The world press is making wild ims about our nation¡¯s actions without any facts to back them. That is why I would like to exin to everyone why we took military action against Iran.¡± President Choo Un-hee, who was known to be kind-natured, emitted charisma while looking directly at the camera.


    ¡°I am sure you are all aware of the terrorist attack on Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s life on October 16th as she was headed to the Tehran government building on the highway. The Iranian government had imed it was the work of the IS, but based on the investigation of our intelligence agency, the culprits behind the attack was the Iranian government under the supreme leader¡¯s approval. We also have evidence to our ims.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee¡¯s emotions ran high, and she continued to read her address after taking a deep breath.


    ¡°Attacking an ambassador from another nation has always been considered a clear vition of thew and an evil act ever since nations were founded in ancient times. Therefore, our government had sent an unofficial letter of protest to the Iranian government and set a deadline of 10 days for it to respond. However, the Iranian government ended up not responding and ignoring the deadline. We attempted to contact the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before taking military action, but the Iranian government answered the same as before, iming it was the work of the IS.¡±


    The press center was abuzz after hearing the president¡¯s statement.


    ¡°Citizens of Corea and those living overseas! Corea is not a warmongering nation as the B broadcasting channel¡¯s panel ims, and our military actions are not a retaliation against the Arab League for the third oil shock. What is clear is the fact that our military action against Iran is justified since Iran is denying the terrorist attack it made against Minister Kang Kyung-hee even though we have evidence.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee mmed the podium with her fist while speaking.


    ¡°The Iranian government must make an official apology for its heinous act. Also, it must stop making further military movements against the Republic of Kurdistan. If any nations in the Middle East intend to join Iran¡¯s heinous acts, I would like to warn them about the true nature of the nation before taking action. Thank you.¡±


    * * *


    November 7th, 2023, 17:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (the President¡¯s office)


    After she had finished her national address, President Choo Un-hee sat on the sofa and calmed down. Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won followed her and smiled.


    ¡°Madam President! That was an impactful national address.¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s good. I had the mind to tell everyone about Russia too.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I see.¡±


    Russia¡¯s unofficial apology and the nullification of the hand-off of Hokkaido had President Choo Un-hee exclude what Russia did from her address. It was regretful to do so, but she was satisfied that the issue of Hokkaido which had been bothering everyone for years was now finally over.


    ¡°I¡¯m already tired from just trying to control my emotions from running high.¡±


    ¡°Madam President! Please have some tea and rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I guess I should.¡±


    While the chief secretary and the president spoke to each other, the minister of national defense rushed into the room.


    ¡°Madam President! It¡¯s an urgent report from the joint chief of staff. The Iranian military is moving towards the Republic of Kurdistan, ma¡¯am.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee had an exhausted look on her face after hearing Minister Kang Ui-sik¡¯s words and mmed the table.


    ¡°I guess Iran is a nation that can¡¯t be helped. I even made it clear during our national address...¡±


    ¡°Madam President, should I call for an NSC meeting?¡± Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won asked the president aftering up to her.


    ¡°Yes, please do so. Minister Kang!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President.¡±


    ¡°Tell the joint chief of staff they have the authorization to take action as we have nned.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    An hourter, the NSC gathered at the underground bunker, and with a unanimous vote by the attendees, the motion for war against Iran was sent to congress. If congress and the senate woulde to an agreement, then Corea would officially go into war against Iran.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 17:30


    The South State, Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    The main screen installed at the bunker had a map of Iran¡¯s West and East Azerbaijan on it, and there were numerous icons in different colors littered across the map. The blue icons represented the Corean peacekeeping forces, while the green ones represented the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s defensive forces, and finally the red icons were the Iranian military.


    The red icons were slowly moving west to the state of West Azerbaijan, which could be considered the border between the Republic of Kurdistan and Iran.


    While the numerous icons started to move around dizzily on the map in real-time, the smaller screens had the footage from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite and drones in UHD. It was as if the joint chief of staff was tracking the movements of the Iranian military from theforts of their home.


    ¡°Hmm, is that the revolutionary guard¡¯s division?¡± Chairman Shin Sung-yong asked while pointing to the footage on screen number three.


    The intelligence director, Lieutenant General Oh Dong-gwun answered him, ¡°Yes, sir. That¡¯s the 6th revolutionary armored division. They were the second most powerful force within the revolutionary guard behind the 1st revolutionary armored division, but thanks to the Russian equipment their capabilities have increased greatly.¡±


    The revolutionary guard¡¯s 6th armored division consisted of Soviet T-72S tanks. However, they were supplied by Russia a month ago with T-14 Armata tanks, Kurgs-25 armored vehicles, Pancheri S KAMAZ-6560 anti-air vehicles for support, and MI-28 Havoc attack choppers also known as the predator of armored forces. Now it had be one of the most powerful military forces in the Iranian military.


    * The T-72S tanks were made by the Soviet Union and Pnd in 1991 and were improved to be the T-72As. The TPN-3-49 night-vision scope was notser-guided, but it could aim 100m further than the 1K13-2 with a maximum distance of 1.3km. The tanks also used 125mm APFSDS rounds to pierce through 500mm tings. The Iranian military currently operated 561 T-72S tanks.


    ¡°They¡¯re all from Russia. Are those the T-14B Armatas? The ones with unmanned turrets with rail guns...,¡± General Youn Gi-youn, who was watching the screen, joined the conversation.


    ¡°No, sir. The T-14Bs are the ones equipped with rail guns, and all the tanks given to Iran have been confirmed to be ordinary T-14s.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I still remember the times our White Tiger tanks faced off against the American ones and had their ting destroyed.¡± General Youn Gi-youn must have recalled the battles against the American tanks and sighed in relief.


    ¡°Ha ha, I didn¡¯t know you would fear anything, Deputy Chairman Youn,¡± Chairman Shin Sung-yong who was listening to the conversation started tough.


    ¡°Railguns that can pierce through the White Tiger tank¡¯s armored ting could be detrimental, sir,¡± Chairman Youn Gi-youn answered truthfully.


    ¡°Deputy chairman, there¡¯s no need to be concerned, sir. The new and improved C-3A1 White Tigers are now equipped with devices that can deal with railguns equipped on the American Warthogs or any other tanks.¡±


    During the East Asian War, the American Warthog tank¡¯s metal railgun rounds had taken down many White Tiger tanks. The Corean military started to improve the White Tiger tanks after the war. The Olympus base improved the hydronium ting¡¯s defensive capabilities and equipped a semi-permanent shield (SD-1) based on the shielding system.


    Thus, the standard White Tiger tanks were now equipped with an outer shield on top of the standard ting. The tanks had the greatest defensive ting that was now capable of withstanding up to 32MJ ss rail gun rounds. The only downside was the production costs doubling from the original.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Yang! Of course, I have heard about that. Didn¡¯t they say a heart once scared will frighten easily?¡±


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 17:40 (Kurdistan Standard Time 11:40)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Maku, the Azerbaijan Park (1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s forward base)


    The 1st reconnaissance toon that had been spending their days at the Azerbaijan Park¡¯s forward base sincest month was ordered to retreat to Maku by thepanymander. The members of the 1st toon were busily moving about preparing for their retreat.


    The men were busy loading and taking down the Republic¡¯s defensive forces¡¯ barracks, numerous equipment, and materials.


    The Iranian military was only 10km away and when they heard the news about them moving towards the border, everyone started to move busily. The Iranian military was now within range to begin their artillery strikes if they wanted to.


    ¡°Hey! Hurry up! We only have 20 minutes,¡± Lieutenant Kim Un-gyu, the 1st toon¡¯smander shouted while ncing at his watch. Thepanymander had ordered them to start retracting by 18:00.


    ¡°God, he¡¯s so damn loud... If he has time to shout, I just wish he would carry something instead,¡± Corporal Kim Sung-ho, who was carrying a box of 30mm smart grenades to the armored vehicle, started toin.


    ¡°Corporal Kim, sir! How about you leave things here to me and help your girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Over there, sir.¡±


    Private Gwak Young-hwan smiled and pointed to where the Republic¡¯s defensive forces were. Standing among them was Rosarin from the defensive force¡¯s female unit.


    ¡°Who says she¡¯s my girlfriend, huh?¡±


    ¡°Hey,e on, sir. Don¡¯t be like that. You brought her a bunch of snacks yesterday.¡±


    ¡°That, that¡¯s-! Those are just leftovers that I thought would be a waste to throw away!¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why didn¡¯t you just give it to us instead, sir? Man!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Well, you said you¡¯ll take care of things here, so I¡¯m gonna get going.¡±


    Corporal Kim Sung-ho wiped the dust off of his hands and rushed towards where Rosarin was. Private first ss Gwak Young-hwanughed.


    ¡°He he he, I knew you were gonna do that...¡±

 Chapter 344

    <h4>Chapter 344</h4>


    November 1st, 2023, 19:30 (Iran Standard Time 14:00)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Boljak (1st armored division)


    The revolutionary guard¡¯s 11th brigade 5th armored battalion was now equipped with Russian equipment just like the 6th armored division and was now on the move to the western borders from the camp at Boljak.


    The 5th armored battalion¡¯s T-14 Armata tanks had the revolutionary guard¡¯s emblem and a division g with a ck background and red letters flying on top of the turrets. The T-14 Armata tanks with a targeting range of 5km and a maximum range of 8km in an open field entered a narrow valley after mobilizing.


    Meanwhile, the 5th revolutionary guard¡¯s infantry division 51st regiment followed the 5th armored battalion 2km behind aboard transport trucks. The revolutionary guard was an infantry division but would use transport trucks to move like a mechanized infantry division.


    While the Iranian forces were moving down the narrow valley and closer to the battle between the two nations, the Corean military¡¯s 3rd mechanized infantrypany sent in its Spider-II drones to film their movements from 5km above the atmosphere.


    The 5th armored battalion also sent in its reconnaissance drones they got from Russia to Maku.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 19:50 (Kurdistan Standard Time 13:50)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Maku (the 3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s location)


    The 5th armored battalion confirmed the 1st revolutionary armored division entering the valley with its Spider-II drones and set up a 2km defensive parameter with its 14 C-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicles to prepare for battle.


    These tanks were the 4.5th generation Armata T-14 tanks and they were outnumbered, but using the terrain to their advantage, the battalion could hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive.


    ¡°The enemy tanks are 1km away from passing through the reconnaissance toon¡¯s forward base, sir.¡±


    The drone¡¯s operators alerted thepanymander through the radio while transporting footage from the drones.


    Due to the forward base being 600m away on the left side, visibility was not too great, but if the enemy tanks moved through the valley, they could be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, the gunners of the 3rd mechanized infantrypany all pointed their photon cannons to the entrance of the valley and waited.


    Gulp!


    The sound of someone gulping nervously came through the 312 armored vehicle¡¯smunication line. It was Sergeant Nam Gang-il, the gunner of the 50mm photon cannon.


    ¡°Hey! Sergeant Nam! Are you nervous? Don¡¯t be, just do as we have trained! Our armored vehicle is more than enough to take down these 4th generation tanks. All right?¡±


    There was that battle against the dronesst time, but it was the first time the men were entering into battle with their lives at stake. Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun attempted to ease the tension of his men with a warmer tone than usual.


    ¡°Ye- yes, sir.¡±


    That was when two T-14 Armata tanks emerged from the mouth of the valley and deployed their smoke bombs.


    Dozens of smoke bombs started going off in the air and soon, brown smoke covered the area. The T-14 Armata tanks at the rear started to pop out and form a horizontal formation.


    The revolutionary guard¡¯s armored forces had gone through a month-long training exercise and operated the tanks skillfully.


    ¡°Whoa! They¡¯re pretty good, aren¡¯t they?¡± Sergeant Nam Gang-il, who had already targeted the area the enemy tanks would line up at,ined while manipting the console¡¯s visual modes.


    ¡°Sergeant Nam! You can¡¯t see them?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I am changing our scope¡¯s visual mode to aim again. We¡¯ll have visuals in a moment.¡±


    When the sergeant changed his visual mode to thermo-vision, the LWR (Laser Warning Receiver) started ringing across every single armored vehicle.


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    The 12 T-14 Armata tanks had formed a horizontal formation within the smoke and used their infraredsers tounch the anti-tank missiles at the Hyun-mu armored vehicles. When the LWR (Laser Warning Receiver) rm started to sound, thepanymander¡¯s orders came through themunication line.


    -This is thepanymander. Everyone, break formations and retreat! Use the nearby terrain for cover!


    After hearing thepanymander¡¯s orders, the armored vehicles revved up their engines and made evasive maneuvers.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    The unmanned turret on top of the T-14 Armata tanksunched their Ko-M anti-tank missiles from the 2-round MLRS system. 12 rounds of anti-tank missiles started to fly out from the cloud of smoke.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The 12 rounds of Ko-M anti-tank missiles flew in an arc andnded on the area the 3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s armored vehicles were.


    Boom! Booooom! Boooooooooom!


    The 11 Ko-M anti-tank missiles emitting white smoke all missed the Corean armored vehicles andnded on the ground. Only the second toon¡¯s armored vehicle was hit by a single missile on the side. The armored vehicle did not explode but had its wheel destroyed and became immobile.


    The T-14 Armata tanks from the revolutionary guard started to emerge from the cloud of smoke to engage the Corean armored vehicles with their 125mm guns after their first wave of missile attacks failed.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    An air-piercing noise of dozens of APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) started to fly towards the armored vehicles of the 3rd mechanized infantrypany.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The APFSDS rounds were disrupted by the powerful SECM (Super Electronic Counter Measures) jamming waves and they all fell behind the armored vehicles.


    The 3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s Hyun-mu armored vehicles that had allowed the enemy to attack twice started to retaliate with their 50mm photon cannons.


    Woosh! Woosh! Woosh! Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!


    The 14 beams of red light started to fly towards the seven T-14 Armata tanks which were reloading their rounds, and the tanks started to smoke after being hit.


    ¡°Yes! One down!¡± Sergeant Nam Gang-il eximed after seeing the turret of the T-14 Armata tank he aimed at fall off.


    The war of independence at the Republic of Kurdistan will go down in Middle Eastern history and it began with the battle between Corea¡¯s 3rd mechanized infantry division¡¯s 3rd mechanized infantrypany and Iran¡¯s revolutionary guard¡¯s 5th armored battalion.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 20:10 (Kurdistan Standard Time 14:10)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, Haraka, Yukusekoba (the Marine¡¯s 11th mobile brigade)


    Yukusekoba was located in the middle of a harsh mountain pass, and Corea¡¯s 11th marine mobile brigade, the most powerful force within the peacekeeping forces, had 160 of its tanks and armored vehicles patrol the harsh mountain passes once a day.


    The mountains spread over an area 1000m long and there was a reason a marine mobile brigade was tasked with patrolling the area instead of the mountain infantry forces.


    When the 11th marine mobile brigade was founded, the marinemand headquarters wanted a mobile brigade that would be able to navigate through any terrain. The Olympus base heard the headquarters¡¯ demands and developed an all-terrain armored vehicle that could operate in harsh mountainous regions and shores.


    It was the C-27P-M Kirin marine armored vehicle equipped with the anti-gravity hover system. This armored vehicle was based on the CMV-100 Skybus vertical take-off transport nes and it could rise to 10m above the surface when it used its maximum output. The vehicle was capable of boarding three crewmen and eight armed marines. It had 50mm photon cannons, lower 12mmser Vulcan, upper 8mmser Vulcan, 16-round 50mm sma cluster rockets, and 4-round MLRS (2¡Á2) 40mm GTGAS-40 ck Dragon missiles on both sides of the turret.


    The C-27P-M Kirin marine armored vehicle, which could roam across all terrains, was able to hover 1m above the surface and move across the rough southern border of Haraka.


    Wooooooooo~


    As four C-27P-M Kirin marine armored vehicles under the 111th marine mobile battalion¡¯s 5thpany 1st reconnaissance toon floated 5m above the surface along the southern borders at Haraka, the battalion headquarters came on the radio.


    Arge number of armed forces have been detected along the southern border, and the battalion¡¯s headquarters wanted the 1st toon to patrol the area and confirm the scans. It appeared that the battalion headquarters used its Spider-II drones to survey the area and wanted the 1st reconnaissance toon which was nearby to confirm what their drones saw.


    The 1st toon¡¯s 511 armored vehiclemander Lieutenant Kim Gyu-hwan ryed the orders to the 512 vehicle that had been patrolling the most southern region of the border.


    -Pumpkin Flower 2! Copy!


    Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk fixed his helmet after speaking to the vehiclemander of vehicle 512 and checked the map on the disy.


    Sergeant Kim Ki-dong, the arms man of the vehicle, spoke to Sergeant First ss Yang, ¡°Commander! Should I send in the SI-Q, sir?¡±


    ¡°No! They want us to see for ourselves. Corporal Park!¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander!¡±


    ¡°Maintain our altitude and move to sector 5-21.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When Corporal Park Byung-woo, the driver of the vehicle, pulled the lever, the C-27P-M Kirin marine armored vehicle started to float higher before flying off to its destination. The armored vehicle weighed 30 tons, but it floated and glided through the air like a ne.


    The 512 armored vehicle moved at 120km/h and arrived at its destination in a few minutes.


    ¡°Whoa, it¡¯s like watching a colony of ants,¡± Sergeant Kim Ki-dong spoke after seeing the Iranian infantry move along the mountain pass.


    ¡°What? You wanna just shoot them all with theser Vulcan?¡± Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk teased him.


    ¡°Sir! How could you be so savage?¡±


    ¡°Savage my ass! This is war, sergeant. We are at war! Hey! Corporal Park...¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go a bit closer!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°What? Commander! We might get hit by enemy missiles if we do,¡± shocked, Sergeant Kim Ki-dong tried to stop him.


    Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk smiled. ¡°Of course, we will approach them with our TCS mode on!¡±


    ¡°If we get too close, wouldn¡¯t they notice us by our noise and the warped surroundings? If theyunch missiles...¡±


    ¡°Missiles my ass! Even if they have any it will be those second-generation portable ones! Now that I think about it, it is kind of funny.¡±


    ¡°What is, sir?¡±


    ¡°The Iranians over there. If they discover us, would they use anti-tank rounds? Or would they use anti-air missiles? They¡¯re going to have to think about it, wouldn¡¯t they? Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°He he he, I guess you have a point, sir.¡±


    While the crew aboard the 512 armored vehicle spoke to each other, the driver activated the TCS mode and headed towards the Iranian infantry.

 Chapter 345

    <h4>Chapter 345</h4>


    November 1st, 2023, 20:10 (Iran Standard Time 14:40)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Qatur (the 7th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 79th armored battalion¡¯s location)


    The small vige of Razi near the border of Iran¡¯s West Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s Ban was the camp of the 7th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 79th armored battalion.


    The 79th armored battalion consisted of C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks. When the war against Iran officially began, they left the camp and started to mobilize toward Iran.


    Based on the original n, the 79th armored battalion was supposed to move through Qatur 6.5km south of Razi and upy Makhin and Hahal, then to the main city of Koiro in the northern region of Urmia and Hosu.


    Vrooooom! Vrooooom!


    Dozens of C-2A1 ck Panther tanks and numerous armored vehicles lined up at the entrance of the small city of Qatur, and there were Iranian militia hiding within the crowd. These militiamen were in groups of two and armed with 2nd generation portable anti-tank projectiles, the RPG-7.


    The RPG-7 was the upgraded version of the RPG-2 and it was intended to be a portable anti-tank projectile, but in the Middle East, it was used for anti-air purposes as well. If the projectile could take down an expensive tank or chopper, then the cost-to-benefit ratio would be enormous. Therefore, the RPG-7 was a poprly used weapon by the military, terrorist organizations, and pirates.


    -Company 1, we will now enter the city. Company 2 and 3 will nk Company 1 and give support from the rear! The headquarterspany will focus on anti-air efforts and drone reconnaissance. Over.


    -Pr Bear, confirmed, over!


    -ck Bear, confirmed, over!


    -Grizzly Bear, confirmed, over!


    -Silver Bear, confirmed, over!


    The battalionmander¡¯s orders came through themunication line. An urban upation would normally begin with a joint search with the infantry forces, but due to the development of reconnaissance and attack drones, an armored battalion was now capable of searching by itself.


    The skies above Qatur had 12 Eagle-I drones piloted by the headquarterpany and they were scanning the entire city with their VR-M ss camera. The drones detected all the Iranian militia¡¯s weapons caches and soldiers hiding within the city waiting for an ambush and data-linked the information to all the tanks and armored vehicles under the 79th armored battalion.


    Wooooooooosh~!


    Suddenly, an RPG-7 round started flying through the air after kicking up dust clouds. It seemed the Iranian militia was attempting to shoot down an Eagle-I drone with it. However, it shot across the sky and missed. The Eagle-I drone was equipped with an automatic evasion system that was always active even when being piloted manually and thus, capable of making sharp turns.


    The Eagle-I drone that avoided the RPG-7 round started tounch its 8mmser Vulcan against the militia that had fired against it.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    Dozens ofser beams started to fall on the militia who hadunched the RPG-7 and running towards cover.


    Argh! Ugh!


    The militia that had attempted to hide indoors were pierced by theser beams that came through the building and turned into Swiss cheese after letting out screams of pain. Their bodies were torn to shreds and became unrecognizable.


    This started off the Iranian militia¡¯s RPG-7 attacks against the C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks. The C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks also started firing their photon cannons andser Vulcans to retaliate.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 20:15 (Kurdistan Standard Time 13:50)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Maku (3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s location)


    Twenty-five minutes had passed since the battle began, and the trees and buildings blocking the path in the battlefield stretching 2.8km made both sides fight passively. However, the goddess of victory was starting to favor the 3rd mechanized infantrypany.


    Excluding three armored vehicles that had be immobile due to broken wheels, the 11 remaining C-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicles werepletely unharmed, while the Iranian revolutionary guard¡¯s 5th armored battalion¡¯s T-14 Armata tanks were now copsed on the field while covered in mes. There were now only eight T-14 Armata tanks fighting against the Corean military.


    If the battlefield was an open field with high visibility, then the eight remaining T-14 Armata tanks would have been taken down as well. The 312 armored vehicle used the terrain in the battlefield to close its distance against the enemy T-14 Armata tanks andunched its photon cannon to the enemy¡¯s sides.


    Pew!


    The clear sound of photon cannons filled the air, and the red photon particles started to dig into the side of the T-14 Armata tanks before exploding.


    The photon cannons aboard the armored vehicles were weakerpared to the 100mm photon cannons equipped on the White Tiger tanks, but it was powerful enough to pierce through the side ting of an enemy armored vehicle or tank. The T-14 Armata tanks were equipped with an active hard-kill defense system. However, the system would only react against projectiles that flew up to 3,000m/s and it was useless against the photon rounds flying at 50,000m/s.


    Therge explosion caused the T-14 Armata tanks to shake and one had its turret fall offpletely. Red and ck mes started to rise into the sky. However, the tank without the turret still moved and attempted to take cover.


    The explosion was enough to blow off the turret, but the crew was still alive. The crew aboard the T-14 Armata tank were protected by a 900mm RHA armored ting and had a high survival rate.


    Unfortunately for the crew, they did not manage to survive much longer than that. Four more photon rounds struck the retreating T-14 Armata tank that was smoking.


    Boom! Bang! Boom! Bang~


    The T-14 Armata tank was destroyed after being continuously hit by photon rounds. The three crewmen that had managed to survive melted from the explosion.


    ¡°Sir! Isn¡¯t this amazing?¡±


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s so impressive about you wasting five photon rounds on one single tank?¡± Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun shouted at Sergeant Nam Gang-il who had raised his thumb and was cheering in the small cabin.


    ¡°Sir! Can¡¯t you at least tell us we did a good job? You¡¯re lowering our morale.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, sergeant, our 3 o¡¯clock! Distance 150, confirm the target!¡±


    A T-14 Armata tank emerged from their 3 o¡¯clock direction at a building 150m away. The T-14 Armata tank had its 2A82-1M 125mm cannon directly pointing at the 312 armored vehicle.


    Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun¡¯s urgent shouting made the armored vehicle¡¯s turret turn around, but the only thing that could be seen through the vehiclemander¡¯s scope was a fast-flyingrge ck object.


    Boom! Wooooooosh~


    Despite the armored vehicle being equipped with powerful SECM jamming waves, the distance must have been too close, and the Vacuum-1 APFSDS round boasting a piercing power of 900mm struck the lower right side of the 312 armored vehicle.


    A powerful shockwave rang across the armored vehicle. However, the 1,500mm armored ting of the armored vehicle deflected the Vacuum-1 APFSDS round into the air.


    Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun, who had butted heads with the periscope from the shock, let out a high-pitched scream.


    ¡°Hey! Sergeant Nam! What are you doing? Blow that bastard up already.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Nam Gang-il was also light-headed from the blow on his head. However, he came back to his senses from Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun¡¯s shouting and pulled the trigger to fire the cannon towards the enemy tank.


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The red photon particles flew towards the T-14 Armata tanks and formed two ck marks. One of the photon rounds did not manage to pierce through the armored ting due to the reactive ting.


    However, the two other photon rounds started to dig through the interior of the tank and it exploded into pieces.


    ¡°Corporal Huh! We can still move, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, luckily our wheels are fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great! Move to the rear for now! Sergeant Nam here shot the cannon willy nilly and now our photon cannon is low on charge.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Soon the 312 armored vehicles that had taken down two T-14 Armata tanks started retreating to the rear to change its sma battery.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 20:15 (Kurdistan Standard Time 14:15)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, Haraka, Yukusekoba (the 11th Marine mobile brigade¡¯s location)


    The 512 armored vehicle¡¯s three crew who had been watching the Iranian military¡¯s infantrymen climbing the harsh mountain regions were all open-mouthed in shock.


    The area where the 512 armored vehicle had been conducting reconnaissance had over two divisions worth of infantry moving towards the southeastern region of the border, and there were over ten thousand armed forces under Iraq¡¯s security force moving from the southwest as well. The Iraqi security forces had at least 2 to 3 divisions worth of men on the move.


    ¡°God, the Iraqi military is involved too. What do we do, sir? Isn¡¯t this going to get rough?¡± Sergeant Kim Ki-dong spoke after watching the scene through the disy.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to fear? Let theme! I bet we could take out thousands with our 12mm Vulcans alone. Stop being scared.¡±


    ¡°There are at least 60,000 men over there, sir. Could there be more reinforcements we aren¡¯t aware of?¡±


    ¡°Well, that could be the case! Anyways, we got enough intel, so let¡¯s go back!¡±


    The TCS system¡¯s rm started to sound.


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    ¡°What the-?¡± Sergeant Go Gi-jun checked the disy. The sma energy for the TCS mode was exhausted.


    ¡°Maybe, maybe it¡¯s an error? Why are our power levels so low? We had 50% just a moment ago... All right, that¡¯s it. Corporal Park! Let¡¯s head back. Speed up slowly, so they don¡¯t notice us.¡±


    Click!


    Suddenly the TCS mode of the 512 Kirin armored vehicle turned off. They ended up revealing themselves in an area swarming with Iranian infantrymen. The Iranian soldiers all stared at the Kirin armored vehicle.


    ¡°We¡¯re fucked! Corporal Park! Move at maximum spee-¡±


    Woosh! Wooosh!


    As the 512 armored vehicle attempted to speed up and leave, the Iranian soldiers started tounch multiple projectiles. The disy of the arms man on the 512 armored vehiclebeled one of the projectiles as ¡®Russian portable Metis-S1 anti-air missile.¡¯


    Sergeant Kim Gi-dong shouted, ¡°Sir! Tracer anti-air round is inbound.¡±


    Three anti-air missiles flew across the sky while emitting white smoke and headed towards the 512 armored vehicle. Corporal Park Young-woo, the driver, started to pull the levers left and right to evade the missiles.


    Woosh~! Boom! Bang!


    The powerful SECM jamming waves caused two of the missiles to lose their target and explode after crashing on the ground. However, Russia¡¯stest Metis-S1 continued to tail the 512 armored vehicle and struck the rear.


    Boom! Booooooom!


    The powerful explosion from the rear of the 512 armored vehicle caused the right sma hover engine to turn off, and the loss of bnce caused the 512 vehicle to start to plummet down.


    The 512 armored vehicle started to fall and tumbled a few times before crashing down on the surface and continued to slide and fall afternding on the mountainside.


    A momentter, the 512 armored vehicle rolled down 100m and finally stopped after striking a small boulder. The Iranian soldiers slowly and carefully approached the 512 armored vehicle. The crew aboard and the eight marines inside had all became unconscious from the crash.

 Chapter 346

    <h4>Chapter 346</h4>


    Ugh!


    Sergeant Na Sang-hoon, the senior and squad leader of the marines, started to shake while being upside down.


    The shock of the crash must have been so severe that many of the marines were light-headed and aching despite wearing helmets and protective suits.


    ¡°Fuck! What the hell was that?¡±


    Sergeant Na Sang-hoon moved past his fallen subordinates and took the seat of the vehiclemander.


    ¡°Commander, are you alright? Commander!¡±


    He tried to awaken Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk who was unconscious and leaning on the upper part of the turret.


    ¡°Argh~,¡± Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk moaned and opened his eyes.


    ¡°Wha- what the... What happened?¡±


    Sergeant first ss Yang Jung-suk, who still did not know what was going on, attempted to fix his posture. However, the space within the cabin was narrow and it wasn¡¯t easy.


    ¡°Commander! What do we do, sir?¡± Sergeant Na Sang-hoon helped Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk back up and asked with a look of despair on his face.


    ¡°What else can we do? You check for injuries and wake everyone up! I¡¯m going to contact the toon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk regained his senses and contacted the toon through the radio. ¡°This is Pumpkin Flower 2! Come in, Pumpkin Flower 1! Over! This is Pumpkin Flower 2! Come in, Pumpkin Flower 1!¡±


    The armored vehicle¡¯s PM-1municator must have been broken as no one responded. Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk put his helmet back on and attempted to contact the toon with his Turkion-Xmmunicator, but another powerful shock struck the vehicle.


    Boom!


    Ta ta ta ta ta ta!


    Dududududu! Dududududu!


    Ting! Ting ting ting! Ting ting ti ting!


    The RPG-7 roundunched by the Iranian military did not cause an internal explosion, but the 512 armored vehicle started shaking from the explosion and bullets from firearms that continued tond on the outer armored ting. The marines who had regained consciousness all panicked and started to shout.


    ¡°Argh! Sa, save me!¡±


    The shock of the shaking armored vehicle and being stuck in a small confined space made the marines aboard feel ustrophobic and panic. They were Corea¡¯s elite marines and had a strong will, but the situation was tense and the worst ever.


    ¡°Hey, shut up, you bastards! I¡¯m trying to talk on the radio!¡± Sergeant First ss Yang Jung-suk shouted at the marines who were panicking and screaming in fear.


    ¡°This is Pumpkin Flower 2! Pumpkin Flower 2! We have been shot down by the Iranian military. Requesting evacuation. Requesting evac! Over!¡±


    When the Iranian military¡¯s RPG-7 did not cause many damages, one of the enemymanders ordered the use of the portable Metis-M anti-tank missile from Russia. The operator of the Metis-M hoisted the missile to his shoulder and aimed.


    The Metis-M anti-tank missile was equally powerful as the Metis-S1 anti-air missile, so if the 512 armored vehicle was to be hit at the rear again, that could lead to an internal explosion.


    -Crack! This is Pumpkin Flower 1! Pumpkin Flower 2! Are you alright? We¡¯re here to rescue. Over.¡±


    When Pumpkin Flower 1 came on the radio, three armored vehicles under the 5th marine mobilepany¡¯s 1st toon emerged above the Iranian military who were aiming their Metis-M missiles at the 512 armored vehicle. The Corean armored vehicles all aimed their 12mmser Vulcans at the enemy.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    The three armored vehicles that appeared above the Iranian military started to spray downser beams.


    Argh! Ugh~


    The gunner of the Metis-M anti-tank missile was the first to be torn to shreds. The 300 Iranian soldiers that had surrounded the 512 armored vehicle started to flee, but they were all killed within a few minutes.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 20:30 (Iran Standard Time 15:00)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Qatur (the 7th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 79th armored battalion¡¯s location)


    The 12 Eagle-I drones soared across the skies of Qatur to provide intel and also attack the Iranian militia.


    The militia¡¯s numbers started to dwindle since all they had to face off against the tanks were RPG-7s. The 79th armored battalion did not suffer any casualties. The battle at the vige of Qatur was bing more of a ughter.


    Based on tactics alone, facing off an enemy armored battalioncking infantry support would have the Qatur militia using gueri tactics to have the upper hand. However, the Eagle-I drones that flew across the skies sending in locations of the militia in real-time and attacking them nullified their advantage. The RPG-7s that the Iranian militia armed themselves with were incapable of destroying the 4.5th generation C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks. Theseplex aspects had allowed the 79th armored battalion to face off the Qatur militia¡¯s gueri warfare easily.


    The militia attempted to fire their rifles and heavy guns at the flying Eagle-I drones flying by, but the auto evasive system equipped on the drones avoided every single shot.


    Pew pew pew pew pew pew~


    One Eagle-I drone flew towards a two-story building and sprayed its 8mmser Vulcan. The dirt building started to copse after being hit by theser beams.


    The Qatur militia that had been fighting against the 79th armored battalion were all trapped under the debris and died.


    ¡°Situation is clear! There is no more armed militia within Qatur!¡±


    The 79th armored battalion¡¯smander alerted his men through themunication line. With the militia crushed by the copsed building, there was no more active militia within Qatur.


    The 79th armored battalion that had wiped out the Qatur militia 20 minutes ago took some time to conduct maintenance. After some time, the 79th armored battalion left the burning vige of Qatur behind and headed towards their second destination.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 20:30 (Kurdistan Standard Time 14:30)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Maku (the 3rd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s location)


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The photon cannon rounds that flew in from the 3 o¡¯clock directionnded on the T-14 Armata tank and it exploded.


    This was a historic moment where 14 armored vehicles the size of apany had won the battle against a battalion of T-14 Armata tanks.


    -This is Steamer, thepanymander. Each toon is to report damages, over!


    -This is Steamed Corn (1st reconnaissance toon)! We are clear, over!


    -This is Cucumber Sd (2nd toon)! One vehicle with wheel damages and the rest is clear, over!


    -This is Pancakes (3rd toon)! Two vehicles with wheel damages! The rest is clear, over!


    -This is Steamer! Each toon is to guard the damaged vehicles until the battalion rescue vehicles arrive. toon Steamed Corn is to go into sentry duty! Activate TCS mode to draw in the Iranian military as close as possible before we engage them with all of our firepower.


    Meanwhile, the 5th revolutionary infantry division¡¯s 1st regiment that was 2km behind the battle all got off their trucks and started to approach Maku.


    When thepanymander ordered each toon to protect their damaged vehicles, they all got into formation. However, the 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s four armored vehicles were unharmed, so they moved through the ming enemy tanks and went forward.


    A battle between armored vehicles and pure infantry would clearly favor the armored vehicles. For the C-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicle that could not be taken down by most anti-tank missiles, they especially had the upper hand.


    The four armored vehicles under the 1st reconnaissance toon all stopped in a horizontal formation at the part of the valley that was 400m wide and activated the TCS mode (Transparent Cloaking System) before unloading the infantry aboard. The men all looked for cover along the terrain and prepared to engage the oing Iranian infantry.


    The 312 armored vehicle¡¯s tactical disy started to show numerous red dots heading towards them as the vehicle remained cloaked. A few pick-up trucks were being detected among the infantry.


    ¡°Sir, something¡¯s not right,¡± Sergeant Nam Gang-il, who was looking at his gunner¡¯s disy, spoke while looking at the weapons equipped on the back of the pick-up trucks. The weapons must not have been registered in their database and there was no specific information being disyed on the screen.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun, the vehiclemander, asked.


    ¡°The weapons on the back of their pick-up trucks, sir. I¡¯m not getting any readings from the database. I zoomed in on it and it¡¯s like nothing we have ever seen before.¡±


    Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun zoomed in on one of the pick-up trucks and checked for himself after hearing what Sergeant Nam Gang-il said.


    ¡°What the? That looks interesting, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    The pick-up truck looked like any other Toyota pickup truck normally seen in the Middle East, but the weapon equipped on the back of the truck was quite new. Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun, who at first thought they would be equipped with machine guns, felt uneasy.


    The barrel of the gun was t and split in two and looked as if it was from a movie. Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun could only think of one thing after seeing it.


    ¡°That, that can¡¯t be. A rail gun?¡±


    Sergeant Nam Gang-il heard the vehiclemander¡¯s muttering and asked, ¡°Railguns? Sir, would the Russians seriously provide railguns to the Iranians? The tanks we faced off against moments ago did not have rail guns.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know! If those are really railguns, then things will getplicated for us.¡±


    Even the C-3 White Tiger tanks boasting their powerful armored ting had been severely damaged by the American tanks with railguns, and Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun, who had heard the stories before, started sweating.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we attack the pick-up trucks, first, sir?¡± Sergeant Nam Gang-il, who wasn¡¯tpletely aware of the railgun¡¯s power, aimed the photon cannon at the pick-up truck while asking his question.


    ¡°The issue is the number of trucks. I think we might end up in hell if we¡¯re not careful.¡±


    ¡°God,mander! Can you please not say something so grim?¡±


    That was when the toonmander¡¯s urgent voice came through the radio. ¡°As of now, we attack the Iranian military¡¯s pick-up trucks first. Everyone, turn off the TCS mode and attack!¡±


    The toonmander must have thought the weapons equipped on the back of the pick-up truck were railguns as well and gave his orders. The four armored vehicles in a horizontal formation under the 1st reconnaissance toon turned off their TCS mode and started to fire at the Iranian soldiers.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 20:40


    A building at the northern region of Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Jungyi-dong (the safe house of the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1)


    It had been three days since Oh Ji-wan and his men had arrived at the rundown building, but they did not leave and only did a lot of nning besides eating or sleeping.


    Therge room had aptop connected to a wall-mounted TV and the screen showed arge satellite map.


    ¡°Captain Oh,rade! It isn¡¯t going to be easy to go through here,¡± Kang Tae-oong pointed to one location on the TV while speaking to the captain.


    ¡°Nothing is easy, isn¡¯t it? If it were, they wouldn¡¯t have called for us. There must be an opening. We must find it.¡±


    Oh Ji-wan frowned while sitting on the sofa in the room filled with cigarette smoke.


    ¡°I think we need intel,rade Captain Oh!¡±


    ¡°Hmm, all right. I will meet with them in two hours, so I will request the intel we need. So, all of you should work on finding an infiltration route while I do.¡±

 Chapter 347

    <h4>Chapter 347</h4>


    November 1st, 2023, 20:40 (Kurdistan Standard Time 14:40)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Maku (the 3rd mechanized infantrypany)


    The armored vehicles of the 1st reconnaissance toon started to fire their 50mm photon rounds against the Iranian infantry¡¯s pick-up trucks.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The red photon particles, which boasted a high rate of fire, started tond on the pick-up trucks. They exploded and were torn to shreds beyond recognition, and the infantrymen nearby all got swept up in the st as well.


    While small andrge explosions continued to litter the area along with dust clouds, the pickup trucks at the rear of the Iranian military¡¯s formation started to fire their railguns.


    Cling! Cling! Cling!


    The metal rounds that were fired by the two electric barrels flew at 3km/s and started to swarm the 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s armored vehicles. However, the rounds being fired by a pickup truck that did not have Semi-Active In-arm Suspension Units like tanks and armored vehicles could not stabilize and ended up missing all of the armored vehicles making evasive maneuvers.


    Each time the metal round flew through the air, the crew aboard the armored vehicle had a chill down their spines. The noise sounded like a screaming banshee cutting through the air.


    -Company! Support the 1st toon¡¯s armored vehicles.


    The unexpected emergence of railguns made the other armored vehicles guarding the damaged ones at the rear join the battle.


    While the Corean armored vehicles focused on taking out the dangerous Iranian pickup trucks, the infantry started their assault as well. The infantry using the buildings and trees for cover started shooting with their personal firearms.


    Babababababang! Bang bang!


    Numerous rounds of 7.62mm rounds from the Iranian infantry¡¯s AK-47s started to engulf the armored vehicles. However, the Hyun-mu armored vehicle¡¯s armored ting deflected all of them.


    ¡°God, there¡¯s so many of them!¡± Sergeant First ss Go Gi-jun, the vehiclemander of the 312 vehicle, shouted while setting the pickup trucks as targets.


    ¡°I will take them all down, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Nam Gang-il, who would usually be anxious during battle, seemed to have gotten used to it and mercilessly fired the photon cannon as soon as the automatic targeting system lined up with his crosshairs.


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    The 50mm photon rounds being fired by the 312 armored vehicle hit all of its targets despite making sharp turns from making evasive maneuvers and turned the Iranian pickup trucks to scrap.


    Meanwhile, the infantrymen that had gotten off the armored vehicles used their rifles to take down the Iranian infantry heading towards them.


    Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan, who had hidden behind a tree near a building, checked and confirmed that the Iranian infantrymen were now 400m away from him. He grasped his squadron firearm and took a deep breath. After looking through his shield sses, he rechecked the enemy¡¯s positions and started to sprayser beams at them while on his knees.


    Peeeeeeew~ Peeeeeeew~


    The 8mmser beams that flew at the speed of light took down the Iranian infantry toons running towards them. The soldiers all shouted and fell to the ground or rose into the air from the impact before falling back down.


    Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan, who had fired his gun multiple times, reced his 300-round sma A battery pack swiftly. As he was about to check the location of the new Iranian infantry headed towards him, a sudden fear crept up to him. A tree suddenly split in two and a powerful shock struck him in the back.


    Wooooosh! Bang!


    The shock that split the tree in two had also flung Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan into the air. To Private Gwak, who was now flying through the air, everything moved in slow motion. The seemingly short or long trip in the air ended, and hended on the ground.


    ¡°Hey! Private Gwak! Are you alright?¡± Corporal Kim Sung-ho, who had beenunching 30mm smart grenades from not too far away, saw Private Gwak flying through the air and shouted.


    ¡°Fuck! Private Gwak! Answer me, damn it!¡±


    Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan, who flew about 10m, did not move an inch.


    -What is it?! Is Private Gwak injured?


    Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, the vice-squad leader¡¯s voice came through the radio.


    ¡°Yes, I think a railgun round struck the tree he had been hiding behind and got him.¡±


    -A rail gun? Is he badly hurt?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t be certain, sir. I will run over there to check. Please cover for me. ¡±


    -Very well. Squadron 2! Requesting focus fire for cover!


    Soon the 2nd squadron started to rain downser beams to its designated area. Corporal Kim Sung-ho used this chance to rush towards Private Gwak Young-hwan¡¯s direction and drag him back to a half-broken building.


    ¡°Huff puff! Huff puff!¡±


    Heid Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan down while gasping for breath.


    ¡°Hey! Private Gwak! Wake up!¡±


    He took off Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan¡¯s shield sses and mask while calling his name, but he did not move. Corporal Kim started to manipte the X-K02 console on his left arm. After he pressed a few buttons, a diagnostic system for Private Gwak Young-hwan started to kick in.


    The console¡¯s disy outlined Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan¡¯s body and showed his right shoulder and arm to be broken. It seemed the railgun round had pierced through the tree and grazed him on the right side. Had the metal round directly struck him, then he would have died even though he wore the protective suit.


    -Corporal Kim! How¡¯s Private First ss Gwak?


    Sergeant Hong Han-ho¡¯s voice came through the radio.


    ¡°Based on the diagnostic, he has a broken right shoulder and arm, sir.¡±


    -Is he conscious?


    ¡°No, he is unconscious.¡±


    -All right. We will send over a medic, so wait there!


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Pew! Pew!


    Dududududu! Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang!


    Boom! Bang!


    As the distance between the two forces got closer, the battle became fierce and loud sounds of engines started toe from the rear. It was the 2nd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s armored vehicles that hade from Bazagun to aid them.


    Fourteen armored vehicles and 110 infantrymen came in as reinforcements and the tide of the battle seemed to be changing. However, the Iranian military was also being reinforced by the 52nd and 53rd regiments while the 5th revolutionary infantry division¡¯s 33rd artillery battalion started to move.


    The 1st revolutionary armored division had sent in the 52nd and 53rd regiments after the 5th armored battalion were defeated by the Corean armored vehicles and ordered the 33rd artillery battalion to attack.


    Eighteen self-propelled guns aboard the HM-41 armored vehicles under the 33rd artillery battalion started firing.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The HM-41 self-propelled guns were developed by Iran and it was made by equipping a 155mm HM-41 gun to the IVECO Trakker truck. The HM-41 155mm gun was the upgraded version of the American 155mm M114 with 39 rounds and a maximum range of 30km and a fire rate of 4 rounds per minute.


    The 18 guns had formed a W formation and started to rain down artillery rounds at 4 rounds per minute continuously.


    Corea¡¯s 3rd mechanized infantrypany, who had thought the tide of the battle now favored them from the reinforcements arriving, was now outmatched once again by the 155mm rounds falling on them. Casualties started to mount from the Corean infantry who now had to avoid the falling artillery shells. Two armored vehicles were taken down by the rail guns as well and three had their optical equipment damaged and could no longer fire back.


    Despite the mechanized infantrypany being equipped with thetest equipment, fighting against an entire division¡¯s worth of forces was too much. Themanding officers of bothpanies started to speak to each other. Since the battle was not going so well, many of themanding officers suggested retreating.


    However, Captain Huh Sang-won of the 3rd mechanized infantrypany, said he will not retreat and ordered his forces to hold their ground. Another railgun¡¯s metal round had struck the 2nd mechanized infantrypany¡¯s armored vehicle.


    m! Crack!


    The metal rounds with tremendous momentum had grazed the turret and bounced off. Luckily the Hydronium alloy ting on the side of the turret had a gash and nothing else. It was a miracle. If the round had dug deeper, then the armored vehicle could have suffered an internal explosion.


    As time passed and the tide of battle did not favor the Corean forces, their savior arrived from the skies. It was the 77th aerial force¡¯s FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers under the peacekeeping forces.


    Dududududududu~ Dududududududu~


    Twelve of the sixteen FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers had folded their rotors and flew in from Doubayajut, and now transitioned into chopper mode before firing its weapons at the Iranian forces on the ground.


    Woosh~ Woosh~ Woosh~


    Boom! Bang! Booom!


    The four Peregrine Falcon choppers started to fly west to attack the Iranian 33rd artillery battalionunching its projectiles to the allies.


    The remaining 12 Peregrine Falcon choppers all flew at an angle towards the battlefield and fired their 50mm cluster rounds and 30mmser Vulcans. The battlefield had turned into a living hell.


    * * *


    November 1st, 2023, 22:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Haksan-dong


    It waste at night, and two men were seated across from each other at a table inside the second floor of a building 100m away from the main street.


    It was Captain Oh Ji-wan from the Foreign Intelligence Agency 1, and Jo Won-jin from the General Reconnaissance Bureau.


    ¡°Are the preparations going well?¡± Jo Won-jin crossed his legs, leaned back, and asked in a dry tone.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to prepare, really? Shouldn¡¯t we just do as we always have?¡±


    The two men were intelligence agents from different organizations before the reunification and were ying a game of mental chess with each other.


    ¡°As you have? I guess you don¡¯t realize the importance of this n! If you fail, you are all good as dead. Do you understand?¡± Jo Won-jin seemed to be upset by Oh Ji-wan¡¯sx attitude and shouted after mming the table.


    The two men standing behind Jo Won-jin flinched and attempted to ce their hands in their suits¡¯ breast pocket. They were Jo Won-jin¡¯s bodyguards and were ready to shoot Oh Ji-wan at a moment¡¯s notice.


    Oh Ji-wan, who had taken notice, smiled at the two men and spoke, ¡°Haha, if I say the wrong thing, I guess I might end up dead. I am from the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1, and we have gone through hell and back. You don¡¯t need to worry about us failing.¡±


    ¡°Hmpf! We will see about that. What is it that you wanted to see me for?¡±


    Oh Ji-wan, who had been leaning his upper body towards the table with his legs open wide, used his thumb and index finger to make a circle.


    ¡°What the hell is that?¡±


    ¡°We would like an advance.¡±


    ¡°Advanced payment?¡±


    ¡°Comrade, didn¡¯t you just say we are good as dead if we fail? With that kind of risk, an advance should be paid, shouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°How much do you want?¡±


    ¡°Half should be enough, eh?¡±


    ¡°What? You son of a bitch! We took you in while you all lived as beggars in China, and now you¡¯re crossing the line.¡±


    When Jo Won-jin stood up and started to swear, the two bodyguards behind him started to pull out their pistols. However, Oh Ji-wan grabbed the table to block their view and rolled forward before stabbing the bodyguard¡¯s foot with a dagger.


    ¡°Argh!¡± The bodyguard shouted and curled up, and Oh Ji-wan used this chance to stand back up and take the other¡¯s pistol while grabbing him by the arm.


    Smack!


    In an instant, Oh Ji-wan pointed the pistol to Jo Won-jin while the bodyguard on the right pointed his pistol at him.


    Jo Won-jin red at Oh Ji-wan and shouted, ¡°You motherfucker, what the fuck are you doing?¡±


    A few seconds of silence passed, and Oh Ji-wan spun the pistol in his finger and spoke, ¡°Man, I thought you guys from the General Reconnaissance Bureau would be better than this. I¡¯m disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Huh! What the hell did you just say?¡±


    Oh Ji-wan smiled and handed the pistol back to Jo Won-jin before heading towards the entrance.


    ¡°We want half the payment in advance within two days. Also, the map you guys gave us isn¡¯t thetest one. So, get me an updated version. Two days,rade Jo. Two days!¡±


    Jo Won-jin, who was watching Oh Ji-wan walk away while waving, couldn¡¯t help but smile.

 Chapter 348

    <h4>Chapter 348</h4>


    November 3rd, 2023, 10:00


    The South State, Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center, chairman¡¯s office)


    Three major battles between Corea and Iran were being fought for the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence.


    First, a battle in the northern region of West Azerbaijan near the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s capital; second, at the center of West Azerbaijan; and finally, the south of Haraka, which was the border between Iran, Iraq, and the Republic of Kurdistan. There were dozens of other small andrge battles ongoing in other ces.


    Both sides were fighting the battle fiercely, but Corea¡¯s peacekeeping forces were starting to gain the upper hand and expanded their upation of West Azerbaijan.


    However, the Corean peacekeeping forces only had threebat brigades, and as their upying territory gotrger, it was getting more difficult to maintain order at the rear regions. For the time being, the Corean military maintained peace with the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s defensive forces.


    The Ministry of National Defense concluded that Russia¡¯s unofficial apology meant the rtionship between the two nations was improving and requested for additional deployment of expeditionary forces to the Blue House. However, the cab members of the Blue House had all opposed the request since it would be unwise to send in additionalbat forces when an assassination attempt on the president was looming.


    Minister Kang Ui-sik and the major militarymanders held a meeting at the joint chief of staff chairman¡¯s office.


    ¡°Is it really necessary for us to fight off Iran and Iraq with outdated tactics and strategies? Couldn¡¯t we wipe both nations off the map within a day if we wanted to?¡± Deputy Chairman Youn Gi-youn spoke in a slightly agitated tone while looking at themanders seated on his sides. General Youn Gi-youn¡¯s statement was not an exaggeration.


    Corea had been continuously developing and producing thetest weapons ever since it obtained alien technology. In 2023, Corea¡¯s defense bill budget was officially 5 trillion dors, but it also unofficially spent 2 trillion dors on the 17th fighter wing¡¯s Parthenon underground research facility and the Olympus base as well.


    Thus, the actual budget of the defense bill in Corea was 7 trillion dors. This was only behind America¡¯s defense bill that attempted to reim its ce at the top since the East Asian War.


    % of the astronomical defense spending was used for refurbishing projects of equipment out in the field, 50% for developing next-generation weapons, and the final 20% was used for the welfare and sry of soldiers and enlisted men.


    The aerospace forces also were funded tremendously after the East Asian War and made great progress.


    On August 2023, a second aerospace force was founded at the North State¡¯s Pyeongan-do Sunchun following the 1st aerospace force at Sungnam. Each fighter wing operated 24 CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space jets and 12 CSRQ¨C100P Pegasus unmanned space drones.


    There were now eight CS-AD Zeus tactical strike satellites capable of intercepting enemy projectiles and attacking any target within the in the field. 12 CS-SS Apollo reconnaissance satellites under the foreign reconnaissance forces and six CS-SH Aeries patrol satellites were patrolling the as well.


    The equipment being operated by the aerospace forces was all tactical weaponry and was more than enough to annihte most nations within the. If the Corean government wanted to, it could use the aerospace force¡¯s tactical weapons and destroy Iran and Iraq and end the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence war early.


    This was the reason General Youn Gi-youn made his suggestion, but the remaining militarymanders all seemed to be walking on eggshells and did not agree with General Youn.


    However, that didn¡¯t mean the othermanders were faint of heart orcked strategic knowledge.


    There was another reason for their hesitation. If the Corean military used its tactical weapons to annihte both Iran and Iraq, then the intent and reasoning behind the nation aiding the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence would be tainted.


    That could destroy the nation¡¯s reputation as the world leader in peacekeeping. There was one final crucial issue: the rebuilding of Iran and Iraq after annihting them in war. This could be more difficult and cause more problems than winning the war.


    In the past, ¡®Operation Iraq Freedom¡¯ lead by the U.S and allied forces against Iran was over in 26 days and resulted in Iraq¡¯s defeat. The U.S armed forces ousted the dictatorial government of Saddam Hussein and erected a temporary government before conducting reconstruction and recovery projects for years. During that time, the U.S government took a severe financial hit and looked for any opportunity to withdraw from Iraq while dealing with numerous other problems that arose after the war.


    ¡°Hey,rades! Don¡¯t just sit there with your thumbs up your butts. Say something!¡± General Youn Gi-youn must have been frustrated and called the other militarymandersrades.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, General Youn, you must feel frustrated. Everyone, please give us your opinions,¡± Minister Kang Ui-sik spoke with a bright smile on his face after seeing General Youn Gi-youn turn red.


    General Lee Un-hyung, the army¡¯s chief of staff, cleared his throat and spoke up, ¡°Well, I believe we must first fix our initial strategy, sir. Based on the reports from two days ago, the Iranian military is operating 8MJ ss rail guns equipped to numerous modes of transportation. The peacekeeping forces are suffering more casualties and damages than expected from this.¡±


    The Iranian military and the revolutionary guard had mounted the 8MJ ss railguns to every possible vehicle and used them in the battle against Corea¡¯s peacekeeping forces.


    Minister Kang Ui-sik nodded. ¡°That¡¯s also something I agree with.¡±


    ¡°I believe we must strike the battlefields with the same intensity of our initial retaliation, sir,¡± General Lee Un-hyung expressed his opinion clearly and sinctly.


    ¡°Simr to the first retaliation, general? Wouldn¡¯t that be too harsh?¡± General Na Tae-youn, themander of the tactical missile forces, asked with a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s no need for us to let the war drag on any longer,¡± General Lee Un-hyung said firmly.


    ¡°Hmm, Iran is one thing, but Iraq is another issue. They have entered the war despite Iran¡¯s navy and air force being annihted.¡±


    Right now, Iraq had sent six of its infantry divisions to the border at Hakari to fight against the peacekeeping force¡¯s 11th marine mobile brigade (Light Dragon). Since the region¡¯s terrain was harsh mountains, Iraq had only deployed infantry forces for now, but there was no telling when they would begin deploying their aerial forces as well. The Corean military also detected 11 infantry divisions massing towards the border of Hakari from the rear also.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible to figure out what the Imic nations would do usingmon sense,¡± Minister Kang Ui-sik tapped his fingers on the table and shook his head.


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong, who had been silent, finally spoke up. ¡°Minister!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman Shin, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Sir! I will work with the rest of the militarymanders to change our original strategies and reduce the damages done to our forces. However, I would like to request for you to get the president¡¯s approval on one thing.¡±


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    * * *


    November 3rd, 2023, 18:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jung-ku, Federal Investigation Bureau (deputy director¡¯s office)


    Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul, who was priority target 1 for the NIS ACS team, was having a private conversation with a middle-aged man.


    ¡°All of this is driving me nuts these days.¡±


    Deputy Director Kim Hyung-won had noticed a department from the NIS had been watching him a while ago. Therefore, he needed someone to do his bidding. The middle-aged man he was speaking to from across the table was that someone.


    The man sitting across from Kim Hyung-won was Special Agent Lee Byung-hoo from the Federal Investigation Bureau¡¯s influential central inspection department. It was the same middle-aged man who had been speaking the Jo Myung-rok at the building in Pyeong-yang, Shinmi-dong a few days ago.


    Lee Byung-hoo passed the bar at the young age of 19 and became a prosecutor after going through the training institute. He grew up being called a genius by his peers. However, tasting sess at a young age, the corrupted Lee Byung-hoon ended up chasing after money and power. When the scandal with his secretary became public during his time at the Sung-nam branch office, he resigned voluntarily.


    Ever since the Federal Investigation Bureau was founded, Lee Byung-hoo was hired by the bureau¡¯s West Manchuria branch¡¯s inspection department despite his scandal and was now a special agent for the central inspection department.


    ¡°It seems more surveince agents are on our tail, deputy director!¡±


    ¡°Exactly. I can¡¯t even speak freely no matter where I am. At least we don¡¯t have to worry about bugs here. You weren¡¯t followed by any of those pesky fliesing here, were you?¡±


    ¡°No, I am not being followed by anyone for now, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes, be careful, we don¡¯t have much time left before our n goes into action. If you start getting tailed then that would cause more headaches.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will be careful.¡±


    Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul spoke with his legs crossed and puffed cigar smoke, ¡°My God, my head¡¯s getting dizzier as time goes on. How about you?¡±


    ¡°Preparations are going well, sir. There¡¯s no need for concern.¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul shook the ashes off his cigar while speaking to Lee Byung-hoo. ¡°Do you think I am worried about our n failing?¡±


    ¡°Then, what is?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about what to do after our n seeds.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    ¡°We must turn the tables to our favor, must we not?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, sir.¡±


    ¡°How are the guys on your end doing?¡±


    ¡°My end? Do you mean Jo Myung-rok, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hey, get it together!¡±


    ¡°Ah, sorry, sir. They will infiltrate the nation in three days.¡±


    ¡°Three days... How many are there?¡±


    ¡°I am not certain yet, but it seems to be within 20 men.¡±


    ¡°Would that be enough?¡±


    ¡°They im the men are the best of the best, sir.¡±


    The secretary came on the inte.


    Beep!


    -Deputy director, sir! Director Kang Hyuck is here to see you.


    After the secretary finished speaking, the office doors opened. Lee Byung-hoo got up from his seat and stood still.


    ¡°Oh! You were already having a meeting.¡±


    ¡°Director! Please,e in. Have a seat, sir.¡± Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul got up from his seat and pointed to the sofa. Director Kang Hyuck nced at Lee Byung-hoo and spoke after sitting down on the sofa.


    ¡°Was I interrupting you two?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all. Ah! This is Special Agent Lee from the central-¡±


    When Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul attempted to introduce Lee Byung-hoo, Director Kang Hyuck waved his hand and spoke, ¡°Ah! Yes. I know. We¡¯ve met before, haven¡¯t we? Special Agent Lee Byung-hoo from the central inspection department, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, sir. I¡¯m d you remember me, director.¡±


    ¡°How could I not? It would be unwise for me not to know who is in our central inspection department that holds sway within our organization. Haha,¡± Director Kang Hyuckughed while speaking to Special Agent Lee.


    ¡°I need to speak to the director, so let¡¯s continue at ater date.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul seemed to be in a rush to send out Lee Byung-hoo.


    When he had left the office, Director Kang Hyuck asked, ¡°Why was Special Agent Lee here?¡±


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯ve been hearing reports of corrupt agents within the bureau recently, sir.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I wanted to report in once I have all the facts.¡±


    ¡°I see. Please do when you¡¯re finished with the investigation.¡±


    ¡°So, is there a reason for your visit, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, do I really need a reason? It was about time to head home and I figured I would have a cup of tea with you before we all leave for the day.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Hahaha, of course, sir. It was wise for you to visit,¡± Kim Hyung-chulughed awkwardly and called the secretary through the inte for some coffee.

 Chapter 349

    <h4>Chapter 349</h4>


    November 4th, 2023, 09:30


    The South State, Seoul, Jung-ku, the federal investigation bureau (Director¡¯s office)


    Knock, knock.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    A man in his 50s opened the door and walked into the office.


    ¡°Did you call for me, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes,e in.¡±


    Director Kang Hyuck, who had been reading through a stack of documents on his desk since this morning, pointed to the sofa.


    ¡°What¡¯s so urgent that you had to look for me this early, sir?¡± Deputy Hong Gi-soo was from the same college as Director Kang Hyuck and two years his junior. The two of them had been in the democratic protests from the past and were as close as blood brothers.


    ¡°Do I really need an excuse to see you? Come on, man.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I thought there was an emergency, sir.¡±


    ¡°Have a cup of tea.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that sounds nice.¡±


    A momentter, the secretary came in and ced the coffee on the table, and left.


    ¡°Here, have some coffee, sir.¡±


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo was about to offer the coffee to the director and pick up his cup.


    Director Kang Hyuck interrupted him in a calm tone, ¡°The thing is, what do you know about Lee Byung-hoo?¡±


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo, who was about to drink his coffee, stopped and answered with a question, ¡°Lee Byung-hoo... the man that was inducted in as special agentst month, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes. What do you know about him?¡±


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo held the coffee cup in his hands and thought for a while before opening his mouth again. ¡°He was famous for being the youngest person to pass the bar. Then, he led a sessful career as a prosecutor. Well, until the whole scandal with his secretary became public and made him resign, that is. Then, he worked as awyer for a while before being scouted by our organization after it was founded. He was nominated for the position of special agentst month by HR. Didn¡¯t you see the paperwork yourself, sir?¡±


    ¡°I did see that; I¡¯m not asking about his general profile. Ah! Please drink your coffee first.¡±


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo finally drank his coffee and ced the cup back on the table before speaking again. ¡°He is a smart fellow, but I heard rumors he hasplications with money and women.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? What about his political ideologies? Is he by chance left-wing?¡±


    ¡°A left-winger? I doubt it, sir. Why are you asking about him all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Nothing. I saw him at Deputy Director Kim¡¯s office yesterday, that¡¯s why.¡±


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo used his instincts as a prosecutor and spoke to the director with a look of suspicion on his face. ¡°Come on! Sir! What are you trying to hide from your brother? Please tell me.¡±


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo used their private titles to address Director Kang Hyuck. It meant he wanted his brother to tell him everything as if he would to a sibling.


    ¡°My, my, this guy! What¡¯s there to hide? I¡¯m just curious that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°I have known you for over 33 years, brother. Please tell me.¡±


    ¡°Ha, god.¡± Director Kang Hyuck pretended not to hear and continued to drink his coffee.


    ¡°Brother, I am disappointed in you. I gave up the offer from a hugew firm and came here for you.¡± Deputy Hong Gi-soo nced at Director Kang Hyuck¡¯s face from the corner of his eye. His expression was riddled with doubt and hesitation.


    ¡°Well, I guess I finished my coffee. I¡¯m going to head out.¡± Deputy Hong Gi-soo gulped down the rest of the coffee and got up from his seat.


    ¡°My god, you¡¯re hotheaded. Sit down!¡±


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo acted as if he couldn¡¯t help it and sat back down.


    ¡°So, is there something else you want to tell me, sir?¡±


    ¡°This is an S-ss secret.¡±


    ¡°An S-ss?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! The thing is, the NIS has been conducting 24-hour surveince on Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul ever since Kim Jong-un woke up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but why would the NIS survey the same investigative bureau... Is there something going on with Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul, sir?¡±


    Director Kang Hyuck buried himself into the sofa and started spilling the beans after thinking ¡®damn it all.¡¯


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo, who had heard the S-ss confidential information about Kim Jong-un and the assassination ns of President Choo Un-hee for 10 minutes, asked with a shocked look on his face, ¡°So the NIS is spying on Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul, who is from another intelligence agency?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The ACS team from the NIS is following Deputy Director Kim¡¯s every single movement in secret.¡±


    ¡°Well then, couldn¡¯t they have done that after requesting us and have our bureau do that internally? How could they do that between two intelligence agencies? You allowed this, sir?¡± Regardless of the situation, Deputy Hong Gi-soo seemed to be upset with the idea of an intelligence agency spying on each other.


    ¡°I had no choice. The issue was that anyone within our organization could be working with Kim Hyung-chul. We can¡¯t conduct surveince on our own with that possibility! He could have caught on to us. Do you understand?¡±


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo nodded instead of answering.


    ¡°What I have discussed with you today is an S-ss confidential intel, so don¡¯t speak of this with anyone else!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. The thing is, do you think Lee Byung-hoo and Kim Hyung-chul are working together, brother?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t have hard proof. I just saw him there at his office yesterday, that¡¯s it.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something I need you to do. Check if there is an investigation for corrupt agents going on at the central inspection department. Act natural.¡±


    ¡°Sir, you could just call the department head for that...¡±


    ¡°No one can be trusted. I am asking you in confidence.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will look into it.¡±


    * * *


    November 5th, 2023, 14:00


    The South State, Seoul, Kangnam-ku, the NIS building (Counter-terrorism Investigation Unit 3¡¯s meeting room)


    The Counter-terrorism Investigation shared the intel behind the Foreign Intelligence Unit¡¯s past agents that had infiltrated from the New China Republic to West Manchuria to the Foreign Intelligence Department. The directors from both departments decided to conduct a joint investigation to increase its efficiency.


    The counter-terrorism Unit 3 consisted of Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and four agents under her team, while the Foreign Intelligence Department consisted of Team Leader Park Gi-oong, Team Leader Youn Tae-jin, and Assistant Manager Oh Hyuck-soo who had all risked their lives in carrying out the mission at Funan. Park Gi-oong, Youn Tae-jin, and Oh Hyuck-soo all yearned to avenge their fallenrades from two years ago and volunteered for the investigation.


    Department head Kang Ki-won from the Foreign Intelligence Department was aware of the three agents¡¯ intent and tried to exclude them from the investigation. He was concerned about them being caught up in their emotions and causing trouble to the other departments and attempted to send in different agents for the investigation. However, the continued requests from Team Leader Park Gi-oong and his colleagues backing him up made him approve.


    ¡°The movements of the Foreign Intelligence Unit that we have confirmed so far are as follow: on the early morning of October 17th, they used fake ids to cross the border of Western Manchuria (Jinzhou) and spent 11 days there before going through Ahnsan on October 28th and finally arriving at Shin Ui-joo.¡±


    While Assistant Manager Ha Sang-man from Counter-terrorism Unit 3 continued his exnations, the screen installed on the wall started to show the route the North Korean foreign intelligence agents took and the times on a map.


    ¡°They spent the night at Shin Ui-joo and then vanished without a trace. It seems they have left the area. This is all the intel we have so far.¡±


    ¡°Where could they have gone?¡± When Assistant Manager Ha Sang-man finished his briefing, Manager Lee Hye-jin asked a question to all the agents present.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong answered her, ¡°I believe we must figure out their intent foring back to Corea first.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. That¡¯s the key. They have been charged with first-degree treason with an APB put on them, but why risk it all ande back to Corea?¡±


    Before the unification, North Korea¡¯s State Security Department hadmitted treason under Director Kim Won-heung¡¯s orders and the Corean government had advised all previous agents from the organization active in China to surrender after the unification took ce. However, the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 that had a gunfight with the NIS Foreign Intelligence Department went into hiding and never showed up again. The NIS had issued a first-ss APB on them that allowed agents to arrest and even kill on sight.


    ¡°They couldn¡¯t have entered the county for a good reason. If that was the case, then we wouldn¡¯t have to stay up all night.¡± Manager Lee Hye-jin seemed to be tired and spoke while stretching. She had been sleeping at the office for three straight days without going home.


    ¡°Perhaps...,¡± Team Leader Youn Tae-jin, who had been listening intently this whole time, spoke up and everyone looked at him. ¡°This is just a hunch, but could it be rted to the assassination attempt on the president?¡±


    Everyone in the room froze. Then, the agents started to speak their opinions.


    ¡°No, it can¡¯t be...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very likely.¡±


    ¡°After hearing it, I think it¡¯s possible.¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin also furrowed her brow and spoke with a serious look on her face. ¡°If that is the reason they re-entered the country, then we¡¯re in trouble.¡±


    ¡°Could that mean their destination is Seoul?¡± When Assistant Manager Ha Sang-man spoke with wide eyes, Manager Lee Hye-jin must have made up her mind and got up from her seat and spoke in a determined tone.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to tell, however, if their goal is to assassinate the president, then it won¡¯t be enough for our two departments to investigate the matter. I believe we must work with every single department within the NIS. I will meet with the director to make the request. I would like everyone else to start going through CCTV footage, traffic cameras, and personal IC cameras within Shin Ui-joo even if it involves invasion of privacy to track them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Team Leaders Park and Youn, please request to use the reconnaissance satellite from the Foreign Intelligence Department.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it will be done.¡±


    * * *


    November 5th, 2023, 16:00 (Iran Standard Time 10:30)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Rahal, (the 7th mechanized infantry brigade 79th armored battalion¡¯s location)


    The 79th armored battalion that had been mobilizing towards the small city of Rahal at the entrance of their destination Koi had fought 11 battles in the past 4 days. Except for a single tank that became immobile, they didn¡¯t suffer any further damages.


    The 79th armored battalion hadbined the standard armored forces and the power of the Eagle-I attack drones to use futuristic armored tactics to upy eight small andrge cities. They were now about to enter the city of Rahal. Twelve Eagle-I drones had been flying above the skies of Rahal for the past ten minutes and were data-linking the city¡¯s ongoings to the 79th armored battalion.


    ¡°The city is quieter than expected, sir!¡±


    The headquarterpany¡¯s Eagle-I drone operator reported after tilting his head to see the city on his monitor. The other operators could not find anything suspicious as well. Other cities along the border had been attacked and upied by the peacekeeping forces one by one, but the citizens of Rahal were going about their day as usual.


    ¡°Hmm, it seems that way. That doesn¡¯t mean we can bex. Keep searching and check every single nook and cranny!¡± Lieutenant Park Tae-min, the drone toon¡¯smander, spoke while looking at 12 footageing from the drones on therge screen.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The operators used numerous modes to even scan inside the clothes of the citizens, but not a single suspicious person could be seen.


    Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul from the 79th armored battalion was also watching the footage from the Eagle-I drones via data link from hismand vehicle.


    ¡°How about we mobilize straight to Koi after we leave things for the reserve forces, sir?¡± Operations Director Kang Ho-ju, who was watching the monitor with themander, gave a suggestion.


    If the 79th armored battalion could upy Koi as quickly as possible and have the reserve forces arrive, then the central lines at West Azerbaijan could be secured much earlier.


    ¡°Hmm, I wonder if we should?¡±


    ¡°It seems the Iranian military has abandoned Rahal and joined in on defending Koi.¡±


    From the opposing perspective, the operations director had a point. Based on the other cities, every single force over the size of a battalion had been annihted. The casualties suffered by the enemy were at least over two regiments.


    ¡°Hmm, I believe you¡¯re right...¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul took a moment to think and then gave an order through the battalion¡¯smunication line.


    ¡°This is the battalionmander. Allpanies take a detour to Rahal at our 10 o¡¯clock and head straight to Koi. Let¡¯s nt the g at Koi City Hall! Over!¡±


    When the battalionmander gave the order, the 79th armored battalion¡¯s C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks, which had stopped 5km away from Rahal, started to rev up their engines again and began to mobilize. Also, the Eagle-I drones flying above the Rahal city¡¯s skies started to turn around and fly towards Koi.

 Chapter 350

    <h4>Chapter 350</h4>


    November 5th, 2023, 16:20


    A building at the North State, Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Jungi-dong (Foreign Intelligence Unit 1¡¯s hideout)


    Two days ago, Oh Ji-wan and his men had received an advanced payment and an updated map from Jo Won-jin and were now holding 8-hour meetings daily to discuss infiltration routes and seed in ¡®Operation Typhoon 16.¡¯


    ¡°This area is essible to civilians so we will have no trouble infiltrating here, but there are many watchful eyes. Based on our intel, this event is scheduled to have 500 to 1,000 policemen present to keep the peace,¡± Team 1¡¯s leader Kang Tae-woo, also Oh Ji-wan¡¯s right hand, pointed to the screen with aser pointer while giving his briefing.


    ¡°Are those bastards going to make surprise searches?¡± Oh Ji-wan asked with his arms crossed.


    ¡°Unless it¡¯s a special case, they will just keep watch at their designated post and search people if necessary.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know what will happen that day, so let¡¯s go over another route.¡±


    ¡°Yes, up next is this one.¡± When Kang Tae-woo pressed a button on the small device in his hand, the digital map changed.


    ¡°This is an emergency evacuation route that people can take during a subway ident to get out. The entrance is usually locked, but we could easily pick it and use it as a way to infiltrate the event.¡±


    A 3D blueprint of the numerous emergency exits along the subway lines showed up on the screen.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°As you can see, these two locations here and here are closest to our target. The first emergency entrance is the closest and I believe this will be the best one to carry out our mission.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, it looks good enough. The thing is, the second option doesn¡¯t seem too bad either.¡± Oh Ji-wan seemed to think the second option was a sound one also.


    ¡± Comrade Captain Oh, the second route is a fine choice, too. But there¡¯s one slight problem. There are many security cameras at the entrance. I believe there are at least six cameras...¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a piece of cake for us, sir?¡± The smallest agent from the group said while shrugging his shoulders.


    ¡°Comrade Koo! Do you think the South Josun security cameras are like the ones made in China?¡±


    Agent Koo Sang-sik had thought 9 times out of 10 security cameras would be broken or record low-quality footage like the ones from China as Kang Tae-woo said.


    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t all security cameras the same?¡±


    ¡°Be quiet if you don¡¯t know! The South Josun security cameras are equipped with motion detection sensors, infrared, and ultraviolet sensors, too.¡±


    ¡°Whoa! Is that so? The South Josun bastards even have high-tech security cameras,¡± Koo Sang-sik scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scold him so much, he didn¡¯t know. Please continue,¡± Deputy Nam Sang-won from Team 2 chimed in.


    ¡°The thing is, sir, we wouldn¡¯t have to deal with all of this if we had sniper rifles. Why won¡¯t they provide us with one?¡±


    It was the truth. If the assassination was done with a sniper rifle from a distance, it would have been over in an instant. It would have made it easier to escape after the deed was done, also. However, Jo Myung-rok wanted the assassination to be done with a bomb to ensure the target was killed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me the equipment. A good carpenter never mes his tools, does he?¡±


    ¡°Still, sir, aren¡¯t they asking too much from us? If I knew it was going to be like this, I would have brought a rifle from China.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what the client demands. Why would they pay us so much if they just wanted to end things quickly with a sniper rifle? Right? So, stopining and focus on the meeting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Comrade Kang Tae-woo, please continue.¡±


    * * *


    November 5th, 2023, 16:00 (Iran Standard Time 11:30)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, south of Koi (the 7th mechanized infantry brigade, 79th armored battalion¡¯s location)


    The 79th armored battalion took a detour through Rahal and was now moving across the wide farming fields leading to Koi.


    There was another vige called Chaboshiro in the 10 o¡¯clock direction and two more around it, but just like Rahal, the drones did not detect any Iranian forces within the area. The battalionmander, Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul, who heard the report of the militia being absent in these viges, withdrew the order to send in apany to the area and decided to focus the battalion¡¯s forces in taking over Koi.


    The battalion was 7km away from Koi, and the 43 C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks were in two lines waiting for the battalionmander¡¯s orders. Twelve Eagle-I drones were also flying 5km above the city of Koi, conducting reconnaissance.


    The drones detected multiple Iranian military forces the size of a regiment within the buildings in the south region of the city. Numerous heavy firearms and infantry were aboard different types of vehicles and camouges covered the roof of buildings. There were dozens of infantries equipped with RPG-7s and mortars under thes.


    Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul was watching the footageing from the Eagle-I drones through hismander vehicle¡¯s monitor as if he was watching the TV from theforts of his home. When he saw the Iranian forces were smaller than expected, he stopped for a moment to think.


    ¡°Were the Iranian forces that small?¡±


    The intel about the Koi defense forces had already been thoroughly collected by numerous reconnaissance forces, including the Apollo reconnaissance satellites, and it consisted of the 2nd revolutionary vehicle division and a regiment-sized militia. However, the forces being detected on the Eagle-I drone were much smaller than that.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, sir. Based on our previous intel, there should be a vehicle infantry division and a regiment of militia,¡± the operations director answered the battalionmander after checking the information on the tablet PC.


    ¡°Exactly. Where did all those forces go overnight? Did our reconnaissance fail us?¡±


    When there was arge discrepancy between the number of forces present and the intel from reconnaissance, Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul had thoughts clouding his head and could not easily give the order to mobilize.


    ¡°Commander! Should I order Lieutenant Park to conduct reconnaissance after lowering the altitude?¡±


    ¡°Maybe the altitude was too high for the drones and they didn¡¯t detect the forces on the ground,¡± Operations Director Kang Ho-jun thought and spoke to themander, ¡°We can¡¯t have them being hit by anti-air missiles before the battle even starts. Our aerial forces are too precious for us.¡±


    The battalionmander checked his watch after speaking.


    ¡°So, what are we going to do, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s not like we are going toe up with a good solution by sitting on our asses, and our goal is right in front of us, so we should get going! Commence the attack.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When the battalionmander gave the order, Major Kang Ho-jun used the battalionmunication line to order eachpany to begin the attack. ¡°This is the operations director. Eachpanymander is to follow through with the original ns. Over.¡±


    Vrooooooooom~ Vrooooooooom~


    Forty-three C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks that had been emitting hot exhaust and revving up their engines for a few minutes, shot forward.


    Vrooooom!


    The 79th armored battalion tanks all started to leave tracks on the fields and started to speed towards the city, and the Eagle-I drones from the headquarterspany started going on the offensive as well.


    The Eagle-I drones used the targets set as priorities based on the previous reconnaissance they conducted and started attacking the Iranian forces while slowly lowering their altitude. The drones sprayed theirser beams at the Iranian anti-air firearms hiding under the camouges on the roof of the buildings first.


    Pew pew pew pew pew~ Pew pew pew pew pew~


    The forces on the ground discovered the Eagle-I drones and attempted to shoot them down with their 23mm triple barrel Vulcans. However, the Eagle-I drones were not a target that could be shot down with a 23mm gun being aimed with the naked eye. Attempting to shoot down a drone that had an 80cm radius and was equipped with an automatic evasion system flying around wildly would require a miracle to seed.


    The Eagle-I drones evaded the anti-air missiles flying towards them by making rapid turns and gifted the men firing the missiles withser beams.


    Pew pew pew! Pew! Peeeew!


    Every time the redser beams swept across the surface, the gunners on the roof were torn to shreds and the guns became riddled with holes before exploding.


    Boom! Bang!


    When the second vehicle infantry division suffered more casualties than expected due to the appearance of drones, it ordered all the remaining anti-air guns on reserve to fire.


    Boo boo boo boooom! Boom! Boo boo boo boooom!


    Anti-air cannons stationed across the city started to re up and litter the city¡¯s skies with cannon rounds. They were the 35mm Rohishan guns. These were a rip-off of the Swiss Oerlikon guns equipped with an anti-air radar and control system, but the powerful radar jamming from the Eagle-I drones caused them to disappear, making targeting impossible. The guns couldn¡¯t target the Eagle-I drones, let alone have their projectiles reach their vicinity.


    Even the 100mm Sa¡¯eer anti-air guns removed their camouges and joined in with the others in firing at the Eagle-I drones. The Sa¡¯eer was a refurbished version of the KS-19 100mm anti-air gun from the Soviet Union and developed with Russia¡¯s aid. It was now being operated by Iran¡¯s revolutionary guard.


    Just like the 35mm Rohishan guns, the 100m Sa¡¯eer anti-air guns were equipped with a radar and targeting system to detect flying objects and would automatically reload. The radar system and the firing mechanism were all connected to four guns and they moved in sync. The automatic reloading device allowed the gun to fire at a rate of 12-15 rounds per minute.


    However, using a 100mm anti-air gun against a drone instead of a chopper or jet was something to scoff at. It would only reveal the gunner¡¯s location rather than damaging the target.


    The guns from the 2nd revolutionary infantry division¡¯s forces ended up being annihted from attempting to take down 12 drones. It was as if they burned the barn down while trying to kill the rats.


    While the numerous anti-air cannons from the city and the Eagle-I drones were fighting a fierce battle, a battle between tanks from both nations was going on at the southern ins.


    The revolutionary guard¡¯s 2nd vehicle division had finally emerged from the buildings in the city¡¯s suburbs. The Tiam tanks from the division¡¯s armored battalion lurched forward; the Tosan armored vehicles and Rakhsh armored vehicles equipped with 23mm guns emerged from the rear.


    The C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks that had been mobilizing towards Koi all fired their 120mm photon cannons at the Tiam tanks as if they had been waiting for them.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The barrels of the turrets lit up and sma rounds started flying. The C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks¡¯ sma rounds had an effective range of 6km and took down multiple Tiam tanks at the lead.


    The sma rounds were anti-tank rounds, but they were also capable of breaking through a 4th generation tank¡¯s armored ting with their intense heat. The 2.5th generation Tiam tanks were no match for them regardless of any additional armored ting they were equipped with.


    Boom! Boooooom! Boom!


    Every time the Tiam tanks were hit by the sma rounds, they shook and emittedrge mes. Twenty Tiam tanks became immobile after catching fire with their turrets in the ground, and they didn¡¯t even get a chance to fire a single shot. The remaining Tiam tanks all started to panic and made evasive maneuvers.


    However, making evasive maneuvers against a 4.5th generation C-2A1 tank was useless. The sma rounds that had been precisely calcted by aputer to hit their targets all hit their marks.


    Meanwhile, the Tiam tanks that were way beyond their effective range, did everything they could to break through the line of fire from the C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks 5km away. However, it was unsure if any of the tanks would survive to be within range of their guns.


    While the Tiam tanks were acting as a shield, the Tosan and Rakhsh armored vehicles used their superior maneuverability to move to the nk and continued forward.


    The Eagle-I drones that had wiped out the Iranian anti-air forces and others in hiding from the city¡¯s skies all stopped their assault and started to fly back. Their sma energy packs were nearly exhausted.


    When the drone strikes from the air stopped, the Iranian military started to fire their cannons to retaliate.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The rounds flew in an arc and started to engulf the C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks that were crushing the Tiam tanks.


    Wooooosh~ Wooooosh~


    Boom! Booooooooom! Boom!


    Small andrge dirt pirs and shrapnel started to fly between the C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks that were moving while firing their 120mm cannons.

 Chapter 351

    <h4>Chapter 351</h4>


    November 5th, 2023, 16:20 (Iran Standard Time 11:50)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, south of Koi (the 7th mechanized infantry brigade, 79th armored battalion¡¯s location)


    The battle had been raging on for 20 minutes. The farnds at the south of Koi seemed to reflect the battle¡¯s intensity and had marks and craters everywhere.


    The ck and red mes started to glow and numerous Tiam tanks were immobile and copsed on the ground while smoking and burning. Armored vehicles that had been severely damaged to the point beyond recognition apanied the tanks. Burning bodies could be seen in the holes and craters as well.


    Vroooooom! Crack!


    The C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks drove over the destroyed Iranian tanks through the appalling scene of the southern fields of Koi and continued to fire their guns.


    Boom! Boom!


    Bang! Baaaaang!


    Two Rakhsh armored vehicles that had been hiding behind copsed tanks were hit by the sma rounds at their nks and blew up into pieces.


    The 79th armored battalion¡¯s tanks had broken through the enemy¡¯s artillery fire and used their technological superiority to break through the Iranian armored forces. The 2nd revolutionary guard¡¯s vehicle division¡¯s sole Tiam tank battalion had now been annihted and only a few Tosan and Rakhsh armored vehicles were left.


    The 79th armored battalion¡¯s two armoredpanies had ked the Iranian armored forces, and the assault was a sess. The Eagle-I drones that had reced their sma battery packs, wiping out the Iranian artillery, also yed a major role in their sess as well.


    The 79th armored battalion that had managed to wipe out an entire regiment¡¯s worth of armored tanks and infantry 30 minutes ago slowed down and decided to use that time to conduct maintenance before engaging in the urban battle. As the scattered tanks started to gather at a single location, new Iranian armored forces starteding towards them from the 6 and 9 o¡¯clock directions.


    ¡°9 o¡¯clock! New Iranian armored forces are approaching us!¡±


    ¡°Armored forces areing from our 6 as well.¡±


    The first armoredpany¡¯smander and the headquarterpany¡¯smander¡¯s urgent reports came in.


    ¡°Where the hell did theye from?¡± Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul asked through themunication line. However, no one seemed to be aware of where the enemy forces that were now surrounding them came from.


    A short silence lingered through themunication line before the battalionmander called the headquarterpany¡¯s captain. ¡°HQpany!¡±


    -Yes, sir! This is Captain Kim Jin-bang.


    ¡°Send out the drones in both directions and figure out howrge the enemy forces are!¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    ¡°Company! Maintain your position and we go on the defense. Company 2 will move to the 6 to protect the HQ, andpany 1 will guard our 9 o¡¯clock, whilepany 3 will guard our 12.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul could have panicked, but he kept hisposure and gave out optimal orders to eachpany.


    New and never-before-seen armored forces started to emerge from the city of Koi. These were the revolutionary guard¡¯s 6th armored division 31st armored brigade¡¯s tanks which received equipment from Russia.


    The 31st revolutionary armored brigade that had been equipped with Russia¡¯stest weapons from the 6th revolutionary armored division had rushed in from Hadishahr to help defend the city.


    The Iranian armored forces that emerged from the 6 and 9 o¡¯clock directions were under the 2nd revolutionary guard¡¯s vehicle division and had been hiding inside the Rahal and Chaboshiro underground bunkers.


    During the war between Iran and Iraq from 1980 to 1988, Iran had built underground bases along every vige near the border. These bases were 20m deep underground and were capable of sheltering civilians and store numerous types of military supplies. They were now outdated, but more than enough to house a battalion worth of troops and equipment. These bunkers were the reason the Eagle-I drones, which had inverter vision to see through buildings, could not detect the Iranian forces hiding dozens of meters below the surface.


    When the Corean peacekeeping forces began their march five days ago, Iran¡¯s militarymand decided to scatter and hide its forces throughout the cities and viges along Koi and use a siege strategy to defend the strategic point of Koi.


    As a result, the 79th armored battalion had fallen for the Iranian military¡¯s trap. It had first attempted to just defend the city of Koi with a battalion¡¯s worth of armored forces, but when the defending forces were nearly annihted, theymenced the pincer attack.


    Right now, two battalions consisting of light armored vehicles from the 6 o¡¯clock wereing from Rahal, and the forcesing from Chaboshiro consisting of tanks were approaching from the 9 o¡¯clock direction.


    -This is Captain Kim Hyun-joon from the 3rdpany. New armored forces are emerging from our 12 o¡¯clock!


    Themander of the 3rd armoredpany, who had been watching the battalion¡¯s 12 o¡¯clock, reported in.


    ¡°Can you determine the tanks¡¯ type and numbers?¡±


    -There are over 20 tanks so far. We are checking their type right now.


    Thepany¡¯s headquarters started informing the battalionmander of the intel that the drones had sent in.


    -33 Tosan armored vehicles at our 6, 38 Sarir armored vehicles mounting up to two battalions! 33 Sabaran tanks at our 9.


    ¡°Captain Kim!¡±


    -Yes,mander!


    ¡°Check the forces ahead of us!¡±


    -Yes, one moment, sir. We are sending in two drones now.


    While they were waiting for the HQpanymander¡¯s reports, anxiety was high within the C-22mander vehicle.


    The operations director who was next to the battalionmander asked again from anxiety, ¡°Have you determined the enemy¡¯s numbers yet?¡±


    -Yes, sir. We have. There are at least two battalion¡¯s worth of tanks and they are...


    ¡°They are what? Hurry up!¡±


    -The tanks are Russian T-14 Armata tanks!


    Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul mmed his fist on the console after hearing they were T-14 Armata tanks. The armored forcesing from their 6 and 9 could be dealt with. However, the T-14 Armata tanksing from their 12 were another issue. The T-14 Armata tanks were ssified to be 4.5th generation tanks and they were notcking in techpared to the C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks. The issue was their superiority in numbers. Based on the numbers so far, there were at least 70 tanks headed towards them.


    ¡°Commander! How about we retreat to our 3 o¡¯clock direction?¡¯


    The only direction the 79th armored battalion could retreat to was their 3 o¡¯clock.


    ¡°Hmm, we shouldn¡¯t have moved through Rahal like that...¡±


    The operations director lowered his head and spoke after hearing the battalionmander¡¯s words, ¡°It¡¯s my fault, sir. I apologize.¡±


    ¡°No. I made the decision. I should be responsible. How far are our reserve forces at?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The 301st defensive forces are mobilizing 15km east from Rahal.¡±


    The 301st defensive forces were a mechanized infantry force from the Republic of Kurdistan. However, they were only a mechanized infantry force in name and were an infantry force that moved around with a transport truck.


    ¡°Communication operator!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Commander!¡±


    ¡°Alert the 301st defensive forces. Stop mobilizing and guard their location.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Major Kang!¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander!¡±


    ¡°Can we break through the enemy lines?¡±


    ¡°I think we will face severe damages, but it will be possible, sir.¡±


    ¡°That would be the case I suppose. The thing is, I think it¡¯s suspicious that they have left our 3 o¡¯clock wide open. I have a bad feeling in my gut.¡±


    A tactic involving surrounding the enemy and wiping them out would usually involve attacking the enemy from all directions. However, it seemed as if the Iranian military had intentionally left the Corean forces¡¯ 3 o¡¯clock open to lead them there. Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul strongly felt that the Iranian military was trying to guide them into a trap and decided to face the enemy head-on.


    He was right. There was arge number of anti-tank mines buried in the area. If they had started to retreat to their 3 o¡¯clock, then the battalion would have faced severe damages to the point where they could not move anywhere and suffer more casualties.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, sir. Have you made up your mind,mander?¡±


    ¡°Yes! We face them head-on! Contact the brigade headquarters and request for artillery or air support.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    While Major Kang Ho-jun was speaking to the brigade headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul checked his monitor. The monitor showed the footage from the Spider drones.


    ¡°Great! We will ignore the forces from the 6 and 9 o¡¯clock and face the enemy at our 12 o¡¯clock.¡± Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-chul made up his mind and gave his order in a confident tone through the battalionmunication line, ¡°Company 1 and 3 will engage the armored forces at our 12 o¡¯clock. Two toons from Company 3 will guard our rear while the other toons will move with the HQpany.¡±


    The tanks from eachpany started to move ording to the battalionmander¡¯s orders.


    ¡°Maintain your formation and start moving! Companymanders, begin engaging the enemy! Over.¡±


    -Company 1, confirmed. Over!


    -Company 2, confirmed. Over!


    -Company 3, confirmed. Over!


    -HQpany, confirmed. Over!


    Meanwhile, the 70 T-14 Armata tanks that had emerged from the suburb of Koi started to form a horizontal formation and the Eagle-I drones started to fly towards them at low altitudes.


    Peeeeeew~ Peeeeeeeeew~


    The Eagle-I drones started to lower their altitude and spray their 8mmsers. Theser beams started falling from the sky like rain and caused small andrge sparks after hitting the T-14 Armata tanks. The 8mmsers were not enough to pierce through the armored ting of the tanks, but they were enough to take their optical equipment.


    Many T-14 Armata with destroyed optical equipment started to leave the formation. However, the surviving tanks started to raise their speed to begin the battle.


    The T-14 Armata tanksunched their 3UBK21 Sprinter anti-tank missiles with a range of 11.4km equipped on the sides of their turrets. The C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks responded with their GTGS-60 Earth Dragon anti-tank missiles.


    The 4.5th generation tanks from both sides used their Active Protection System (APS) to detect and destroy the missiles flying towards them. Unfortunately, one of the T-14 Armata tanks did not manage to intercept the missile flying towards it and the explosion had caused its turret to fall off.


    The tanks from both sides exchanged anti-tank missiles before firing their guns at each other after they were in range of each other.


    Boom! Booooooooom! Bang!


    Dozens of projectiles started to fly towards each other.


    Boom! Bang! Boooom! Bang!


    The explosions could be heard 10km away from the battlefield. The battle was so fierce and tight that the oue could not be predicted.


    * * *


    November 6th, 2023, 00:20


    The North State, a building at Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku (the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1¡¯s hideout)


    The agents from the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 finally finished their meeting at 22:00 and went to bed after eating a small meal. Someone was still awake and moving despite two hours had passed.


    ¡°Comrade Deputy Nam, are you awake?¡± Goo Sang-sik hobbled through the dark room and woke Nam Sang-won up.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He he, we got our advance so, how about we go out and grab a drink?¡±


    Nam Sang-won raised his eyebrow. ¡°Are you nuts? We¡¯re not supposed to move a single inch from here before we finish the mission.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t we just sneak out ande back? Aren¡¯t you gonna go? The others are waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°If Captain Oh or Team Leader Kang finds out, you are all as good as dead. Go back to bed and stop being so stupid. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Ah,e on, we might not even get a chance to spend our money and die!¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Go away, will you? Just go back to sleep.¡± Nam Sang-won put his nket back on as if he was being annoyed.


    ¡°Fine, all right, sir.¡± Goo Sang-sik frowned and left the room. Oh Gil-soo and Nam Gyu-tae who had been waiting in the living room walked up to him.


    ¡°What did he say?¡±


    Goo Sang-sik shook his head and answered Nam Gyu-tae, ¡°He just yelled at me, damn it!¡±


    ¡°Hey, I told you Deputy Nam is too high-strung and he wouldn¡¯t go, didn¡¯t I?¡± Oh Gil-soo, who had his arms crossed and leaning on the wall, spoke with a look that said, ¡°I told you so.¡±


    ¡°So what are we gonna do?¡± Nam Gyu-tae asked once again.


    ¡°What do you mean what are we gonna do? Let¡¯s go already.¡±


    ¡°You sure we won¡¯t get caught?¡±


    ¡°Hey, man! If you¡¯re that scared, stay here. We¡¯re gonna go!¡±


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be like that.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go already.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik smiled at the two men arguing.

 Chapter 352

    <h4>Chapter 352</h4>


    November 6th, 2023, 02:50


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Daesung-ku, Bipa-dong, Bipa Street (the Emperor¡¯s Suite VIP room)


    ¡°Drink up!¡±


    Three men with a strong North Korean ent were drunk and enjoying their evening with women in the high-ss suite¡¯s VIP room in downtown Daesung-ku.


    They were Goo Sang-sik, Oh Gil-soo, and Nam Gyu-tae who had secretly left the hideout to have some fun.


    ¡°Argh! Are we gonna keep drinking as if there¡¯s no tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, there¡¯s no tomorrow for us! Ha ha ha.¡±


    The men had ordered a 50-year-old Royal Salute, which was over $10,000 per bottle, from the high-ss suite and kept drinking it like water. They also started to fondle the women and kiss them.


    The hostesses from the suite were used to dealing with gentler guests so they smiled forcefully from dealing with the guests whocked manners. They wanted to just leave.


    ¡°You have great skin. How about I get a closer look?¡±


    Goo Sang-sik attempted to ce his hands under his partner¡¯s one-piece and touch her underwear. She stopped him with her hands and frowned.


    ¡°You bitch, put your hand down. Put a smile on your face before I get angry, all right?¡± Goo Sang-sik got angry and attempted to p his partner while grabbing her chin. Thedy broke free from his hold and started to run away from the room screaming.


    ¡°You bitch, where the fuck are you going? Come back!¡± Goo Sang-sik picked up the bottle of Royal Salute and threw it at the door.


    Crash!


    The bottle broke into pieces and ss scattered everywhere.


    ¡°He he he, that girl pissed off our Comrade Goo over there. You shouldn¡¯t,¡± Nam Gyu-tae smiled and spoke to his partner.


    ¡°Comrade Goo! Rx! She¡¯s not the only girl here, is she? We can just get more, so sit down and have a drink,¡± Oh Gil-soo attempted to calm Goo Sang-sik down.


    Soon a knock came on the door and a good-looking woman came in. It was Madam Song, the hostess of the Emperor¡¯s Suite.


    ¡°Gentlemen! How can you guys party this wildly? Oh ho ho,¡± Madam Song, who was an expert in the business, attempted to use her charm to calm down the rowdy guests. Based on their clothes and looks, she wanted to just kick them out. But since the men started throwing down hundred-dor bills everywhere as they came in, she decided to coax them into spending every single penny they had and guided them into the VIP room. ¡°Gentlemen! Please rx...¡±


    Goo Sang-sik nced at Madam Song with a dazed look on his face. He smiled and ced his hand on her shoulder before pulling down her clothes.


    Aaaaaaah!


    Madam Song covered her chest and underwear with her hands and screamed.


    ¡°This bitch is old but her body¡¯s not too bad, why don¡¯t you keep mepany for tonight? He he he.¡±


    The thugs who were waiting outside the door kicked in the door and the scene within the VIP room was a mess.


    One of the men was trying to rape Madam Song on the sofa and pulling down her underwear, while the remaining two were groping their partner¡¯s breasts and rears as they watched.


    ¡°You sons of bitches! If you came to drink, just do that quietly and leave. How dare you, this isn¡¯t some bum country town you¡¯re from, you idiots!¡±


    The man with a knife scar on his eye grabbed Goo Sang-sik, who was trying to rape Madam Song, by the throat and threw him to the wall.


    m!


    Goo Sang-sik fell to the floor after mming into the wall. He stumbled and got back up to stand in front of therge bodyguard who threw him. He wiped the blood from his lips and smiled slyly. ¡°He he, you son of a bitch! You¡¯re pretty strong, aren¡¯t you? Stop ruining our party and leave when I¡¯m in a good mood. Huh? He he he.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik turned his head around andughed while looking at Nam Gil-tae and Oh Gil-soo.


    ¡°Why, you! You little shit, you don¡¯t know when to back down, do you?¡± Therge man with a knife scar was in a rage and picked Goo Sang-sik up by the cuff of his shirt again.


    ¡°Argh! Do you want to go? Let me go! You bastard.¡± Goo Sang-sik was dangling in the air but continued to swear at therge man.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. I¡¯m done with these idiots. Take all of their money and kick them out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡±


    The thugs standing behind therge boss with a scar attempted to subdue Nam Goo-tae and Oh Gil-soo. That was when Goo Sang-sik, who had been dangling in the air, hit therge man in the temple.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    The man with the scar stumbled back after being hit at the temple. Goo Sang-sik broke free from his grasp and hit him in the sr plexus with his knee. Goo Sang-sik struck him with the de of his hand repeatedly. When the thug fell, he started to m his right foot down on his head mercilessly. When Goo Sang-sik finished beating up the thug and looked behind him, hisrades were doing the same.


    One of the thugs wasying down and bleeding on the table after being hit on the head. The other was in a chokehold by Oh Gil-soo and passed out after struggling for a few seconds.


    The VIP room was inplete chaos and the two hostesses all ran out of the room screaming.


    ¡°Hey, Goo Sang-sik, we¡¯re fucked. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    Oh Gil-soo tossed the unconscious thug to the side and put his shirt back on.


    ¡°He¡¯s right, we need to get out of here.¡±


    Nam Gyu-tae rushed to the hallway to get a better look.


    ¡°Damn it! I wanted to have some fun for once and those bitches ruined the mood.¡±


    Smack smack smack!


    Goo Sang-sik stepped on the boss with the knife scar on the head again. His skull copsed and blood started spewing everywhere.


    ¡°What are you doing? Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°All right. Fuck!¡±


    Goo Sang-sik and his entourage started to head towards the exit, but a dozen thugs armed with knives and metal pipes blocked their way. They started running towards the opposite side of the hallway.


    <hr />


    November 6th, 2023, 09:00


    The South State, Seoul Yongsan-ku, B2 bunker (ROK military jointmand center)


    A meeting about the 7th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 79th armored battalion¡¯s battle at the south of Koi was being held at the ROK military¡¯s operations briefing room.


    The 79th armored battalion was victorious against an infantry militia regiment and the revolutionary guard¡¯s 2nd armored brigade equipped with Russian weapons.


    The allied forces had lost eight ck Tiger tanks; four became immobilized and four armored vehicles from the HQpany were destroyed.


    Compared to the size of the Iranian forces, the allies did not suffer a severe casualty. The Iranian military, on the other hand, had all of its forces wiped out except for the retreating 2nd revolutionary armored brigade.


    In truth, the 79th armored battalion did not achieve this all on their own. The request Chairman Shin Sung-yong had made to the president through Minister Kang Ui-sik being approved allowed them to be victorious.


    The request that the chairman had made to the president via Minister Kang Ui-sik was the authorization to use the AHD (Acoustic Hailing Device) that had been developed and tested at the Parthenon research facility for the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s war of independence.


    While the world¡¯s research facilities continued to develop weapons of mass destruction, the Parthenon research facility had developed a non-lethal terrestrial sonar weapon: the AHD.


    The AHD would cause the enemy soldiers to be unconscious temporarily with the sound it made after exploding. This weapon was primitive yet technologically sophisticated. If the sonar waves could be sent to the target, then it could neutralize multiple targets.


    The AHD terrestrial sonar weapon was necessary for the future of humanity and to prevent further casualties in war.


    The main issue with this technology was to have the sonar be powerful enough to make the targets be unconscious but also be able to set a frequency and range. If the range became wider than expected, then it could also affect the allied forces as well.


    The joint chief of staff had received approval to use the devices from the president two days ago. The Parthenon research facility sent in all 120 rounds of their TB-AHD and four detachableunch pads to the Kurdistan peacekeeping forces immediately.


    When the peacekeeping force¡¯s headquarters heard the request for aid from the 79th armored battalion yesterday, it sent in eight FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers with four of the choppers equipped with the TB-AHDunch pads.


    While the 79th armored battalion was fighting a fierce battle despite being outnumbered, 10 rounds of the TB-AHD missiles flew towards the middle of the enemy¡¯s formation from the sky.


    The TB-AHD set with a frequency and range started to go off and emitted sonar waves across all directions.


    Some time passed, and the battlefield had gone silent. The tanks firing their 125mm guns and the armored vehiclesunching their anti-tank missiles and 30mm Vulcan guns all stopped moving and came to a dead stop on the open field.


    The 79th armored battalion started to subdue the enemy vehicles after they had been neutralized. The TB-AHD had allowed the 79th armored battalion to not suffer more casualties besides the initial one.


    However, there was one critical issue. Since the devices were still being tested and notpleted, they had destroyed some of the Iranian soldier¡¯s neurons and killed them. The mood of the room was grim, despite the battalion¡¯s overwhelming victory.


    ¡°How many Iranian soldiers were killed by the TB-AHD again?¡± Deputy Chairman Shin Sung-yong asked in a regretful tone after the briefing was over.


    ¡°It¡¯s not an exact count, but based on our reports, 620 have died, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s no small amount.¡±


    ¡°Comrade chairman! Don¡¯t trouble yourself too much. What difference would death by a tank round or that by the TB-AHD be at the battlefield make?¡±


    General Youn Gi-youn was not wrong. The battlefield was a ce where one had to kill or be killed; what difference would the means make.


    ¡°Ha ha, that¡¯s right. What I am concerned about is the fact that a weapon developed to be non-lethal did not do its job properly and the president canceling the authorization to use the device.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I suppose you have a point.¡±


    When the joint chief of staff requested the use of TB-AHD to the president, she allowed it under the condition of a thorough report about the device and the results be made to her.


    As the chairman had feared, that afternoon, the president had canceled the authorization to use the TB-AHD until the device could be perfected.


    <hr />


    November 6th, 2023, 10:00


    The North State, a building at Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku (the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1¡¯s hideout)


    The three agents anxiously turned on the TV, concerned about their actions from yesterday being reported on the morning news. Luckily, nothing about what they did the night before came on the news.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. We were worried for nothing! He he he,¡± Nam Sang-tae poked Goo Sang-sik on the side whileughing.


    ¡°Hey, what are you all smiling about?¡± Nam Sang-won nced at them with a suspicious look on his face as he got out of the bathroom.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, sir. There was something funny on the news.¡±


    ¡°The news? What¡¯s there tough about on the news? Wait! Did you idiots sneak out somewherest night?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, sir? We got yelled at by Comrade Goo and went back to bed.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik waved his hands and denied everything.


    ¡°God, something smells fishy. Did you guys really...¡±


    ¡°Comrade Nam, the captain wants you in the meeting room,¡± as Nam Sang-won attempted to question them further, Oh Gil-soo came up and shouted. Nam Sang-won red at Goo Sang-sik and Oh Gil-soo once again and went downstairs.


    ¡°Whew! That was close.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik and Nam Gyu-tae stared at each other and sighed in relief.

 Chapter 353

    <h4>Chapter 353</h4>


    November 6th, 2023, 10:00


    The South State, Seoul, Kangnam-ku, the Coex Auditorium


    Pant, pant.


    ¡°Fuck! This is so hard.¡± At the center screen of the auditorium, a soldier wearing all of his personal gear swore while breathing heavily.


    The soldier nced behind him to see if he was being chased, and a blueser dome was closing in on him.


    ¡°This is too real!¡±


    The soldier frowned and started to run to the safety zone. However, there was a gun aimed at him.


    Bang! Ba ba ba bang!


    The sound of gunshots started to fill the air and bullets flew towards him. Small andrge shrapnel started to fly in all directions.


    ¡°Wha- what the-! Where did thate from?¡±


    The soldier turned around a few times like a veteran and rolled to hide behind a tree.


    ¡°Oh! So, he¡¯s at W 110, eh?¡±


    After he found some cover, the soldier detected the enemy¡¯s location with his instincts. He changed his weapon to a sniper rifle and took a deep breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s over once I take him down. Three, two, one,¡± the soldier counted down and got into position. He aimed at the enemy¡¯s head at a window 500m away from him with his scope and pulled the trigger.


    Bang!


    After the gunshot rang out, the enemy poking his head out the window was hit by the bullet and died.


    ¡°Game Over! You Win!¡±


    Whoooo!


    The audience at the auditorium all cheered and gave a standing ovation. The crowd¡¯s reception of the world¡¯s first EVGS (EEG Virtual Game System), the virtual brainwave gaming system showcase was enormous.


    Soon, the host walked up to the center of the stage.


    ¡°Everyone, the footage you just saw was what the yer saw in the first-person mode. Now! How about we hear from pro-gamer Kim Tae-sik who tested the game for us at this showcase?¡±


    A young man, who wasying down in the capsule, took off his headset and walked up to stand next to the host on the stage.


    ¡°Now! Mr. Kim! You were the first person ever to test y the EVGS game. What was it like?¡±


    Kim Tae-sik took a moment before answering the host¡¯s question, ¡°Uhh, it, it felt so real. It was as if I was fighting in the middle of a battlefield with my life on the line. I think that made me a bit nervous and afraid while ying.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    p, p, p.


    The crowd cheered and apuded again.


    ¡°Was the game so realistic that it made you afraid?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I knew it was a game, but I couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious the whole time. I was worried about being hurt if I got shot too. Ha ha.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I see. If you were shot, then you could have told us how painful it felt. That¡¯s a shame. Ah, I¡¯m sorry. Ha ha ha. I¡¯m just kidding, of course.¡±


    ¡°If this game urately replicates the pain of being shot, then I won¡¯t y it.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on, would it really hurt? Ha ha ha! Thank you for participating, Mr. Kim. How about we bring the star of our event to ask if it would hurt to be shot in-game?¡±


    When the host pointed the microphone to the crowd, they all answered at once. An upbeat song started to y, and Namgoong-won came up to the stage in a white shirt and jeans.


    ¡°Everyone! Introducing the inventor of the EVGS and the CEO of Hanwool Software, Namgoong-won.¡±


    The crowd gave another standing ovation and cheered loudly.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    Namgoong-won bowed to greet the crowd.


    ¡°Thank you. I would like to personally thank everyone who attended this showcase. Before I get into anything else, if you get shot in the game, it will only cause a slight sting. Ha ha ha, there¡¯s no need for concern.¡±


    Namgoong-won continued his speech in a confident and witty tone and exined the EVGS engine.


    The EVGS¡¯s showcase after two years of development was a great sess, thanks to the warm reception of the crowd of 1,056 people. Numerous gaming industry staff and press agencies showed great interest in the EVGS engine as well.


    The showcase was over in two hours, and Namgoong-won was flooded with requests from reporters across the world, and it was broadcasted worldwide. The stock prices of Hanwool Software hit record highs daily, and numerous gamingpanies across the world, including Blizzard and Ubisoft, all requested contracts to use the EVGS engines for their games. Namgoong-won had be a worldwide celebrity and billionaire overnight.


    * * *


    November 8th, 2023, 14:00


    The South State, Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Blue House (President¡¯s office)


    ¡°Madam President! I am begging you to cancel all outside events we have nned for now,¡± the chief secretary urged the president with a concerned look on his face. NIS director Lee Young-jin had the same look on his face as well.


    ¡°Hmm, so is there no further progress on the investigation about my assassination?¡± The president answered with a question.


    NIS director Lee Young-hin lowered his head and answered, ¡°Right now, we are tracking the major culprits. We will have some results soon. I think you should cancel all events until we do like the chief secretary suggests, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, very well. I will cancel all events. However, I must attend the Veteran¡¯s Day ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Madam President!¡± The chief secretary insisted firmly.


    ¡°Chief Lim! I understand your concerns. However, I want to attend the Veteran¡¯s Day ceremony. Please cooperate with the captain of the bodyguards and ensure my safety. I beg you.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Madam President! This is a matter where your life is on the line.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know! I have made up my mind, so let¡¯s not speak of this again.¡±


    When the president stayed adamant despite the chief secretary¡¯s apprehension, National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo joined in.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, our state of affairs is unstable. We are warring against Iran and Iraq overseas, and Kim Jong-un and Kim Hyung-won are attempting to assassinate you domestically. If something is to happen to you now, our nation will be under threat and I fear for its safety.¡±


    ¡°God, Director Kang, even you are... The Veteran¡¯s Day event is special to me. So, please don¡¯t speak of this matter again.¡±


    The two men could no longer speak after hearing President Choo Un-hee¡¯s adamant tone and sighed. Director Lee Young-jin left the Blue House with a heavy heart from his inability to bring any substantial results from the investigation.


    * * *


    November 11th, 2023, 10:00


    The South State, Chungchung-do, Chungju-si, the Corean Aerospace Science Center, Parthenon research facility


    When the Chungju Air Force Base and 17th fighter wing moved to West Manchuria¡¯s Ansi Air Force Base, the central government bought out the area, which was double the size of Yeoui Ind, and erected the Corean Aerospace Science Center to lead the 21st century¡¯s space industry.


    The center consisted of four futuristic dome-shaped buildings and they each served a different functionality.


    The first dome served as the dormitory for the students attending the Aerospace Academy. The academy was slightly different from Daejeon¡¯s CAIST University that taught all fields of science and specialized in the aerospace field only.


    The Aerospace Academy received its first group of students in 2023, with an opening of 700 students. Over 24,500 students applied, and thepetition was fierce and set to 35:1. The academy had now be the nation¡¯s top academic organization surpassing Seoul University and CAIST. Thepetition for the academy was fierce because tuition and housing were all provided by the government and 200 graduating students would be able to work at the Corean Aerospace Science Center. If epted, the students would be able to walk a sessful career path. So, geniuses from across the nation all started to apply.


    The second dome hosted the space airport that supported space travel 10,000km above the earth¡¯s atmosphere. Six space nes that could carry 100 passengers were being tested to officially service the public fromte 2024 and open the age of space travel.


    The third dome housed the aerospace researchplex that could be considered the center¡¯s ma. Theplex was funded 100 billion dors yearly and provided with thetest equipment so the Corean scientists and aerospace professors could conduct research freely.


    Finally, the fourth dome provided housing for the numerous scientists and teaching staff within the center. Over 10,000 people were living in the dome and had all sorts ofmodities present for the tenants. Also, there were schools from elementary to high school for the children whose parents worked in the center.


    The underground research facility that dealt with alien technology expanded to 10 floors during the construction of the four domes and changed its name to the Parthenon research facility.


    In truth, the Corean Aerospace Science Center was built to train future scientists who could lead the nation¡¯s industry, but it also served as a way to hide the Parthenon research facility.


    When the ns to build the center were drafted, some government officials opposed the idea for it could attract too much attention to the underground research facility from the tourists and being too close to a civilian facility. However, the opposition had a different idea.


    If the Corean Aerospace Science Center was built above the surface of the Parthenon research facility, then it could hide the facility in in sight, and the current security measures would be more than enough. Having the area shrouded in mystery like America¡¯s Area 51 would gather more suspicion and world attention also.


    After the debate raged on for two years, the Corean Aerospace Science Center was built at the Chungju Air Force Base. The world and domestic press all started to report about its construction. Luckily, no articles or reports about the Parthenon base were made public as the government feared.


    Corea¡¯s Parthenon base, which was the foundation of the nation¡¯s scientific development, was able to hide from the public and continue research by operating the Corean Aerospace Science Center on the surface.


    ¡°Wee. Long time no see,¡± Doctor Lee Su-jin, the head researcher of the Parthenon research facility, weed a man with open arms. It was Namgoong-won, who had be a worldwide celebrity overnight through the EVGS showcase.


    ¡°Hello, Dr. Lee! How have you been?¡± Namgoong-won hugged Dr. Lee Su-jin and sat down on the guestroom sofa.


    ¡°You must be so busy. I apologize for asking you to visit so suddenly.¡± Dr. Lee Su-jin offered him the coffee the secretary brought and smiled brightly.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Haha, I woulde running if you asked for me, doctor.¡±


    After the showcase, Namgoong-won was busy dealing with numerous investors andpanies contacting him about meetings and contracts. That was when Dr. Lee Su-jin urgently contacted him this morning. He rushed to the Parthenon research facility.


    ¡°Yes. I saw your showcase on the TV a few days ago. It was amazing. When you showed me the concept, I wasn¡¯t sure if you would be able toplete the development, but you pulled it off. It¡¯s amazing.¡±


    ¡°Haha, it was all thanks to your help, Dr. Lee. Sorry for expressing my gratitude sote. I apologize.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I didn¡¯t do much, but as I have briefly exined this morning through our video call, Hoc¡¯s system is now at 100% and it signaled that it would like to bring its crew back home. We would like the spaceship to stay behind for another three years, but the Hoc AI adamantly refused. That is why I asked for your help, since you are the person closest to the AI.¡±


    Dr. Lee Su-jin must have been in a rush and immediately started speaking about the main topic of the conversation.


    ¡°Haha, I see. Hoc actually did alert me about this, too.¡±


    ¡°Ah, is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, doctor.¡±


    Namgoong-won showed her the smartwatch he had on his wrist. Namgoong-won had been talking to Hoc through the smartwatch.


    ¡°Hmm, first, I would like you to persuade Hoc to stay here for another two years.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s a difficult request. When I first managed tomunicate with Hoc with the hypersonic waves, his terms were to give us scientific technology, so the Roseferry ship could be returned to 100% of its capacity and go back to the home of Splith. If the ship is now 100% repaired...¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware. However, we need Hoc¡¯s help more than ever. We have not obtained 100% of the alien technology. That is why...¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I will try speaking to him. But I can¡¯t make any guarantees.¡± Namgoong-won smiled awkwardly.

 Chapter 354

    <h4>Chapter 354</h4>


    November 11th, 2023, 11:00


    The South State, Incheon, Youngjongdo, the Incheon International Airport


    Corea¡¯s source of economic development that led to it bing a world power was sourced from alien technology, which applied to automotive,puter chips, airways, shipbuilding, Information Technology, beauty, and numerous other industries. The reunification also opened up North Korea as a tourist attraction after being closed off for decades, and it made the nation¡¯s tourism boom more than ever in over half a century.


    Before the unification, about 20 million tourists were visiting Corea, but now over 90 million tourists were visiting the nation based on statistics from October of 2023. These figures were more than enough to surpass Japan¡¯s numbers, which previously held the highest rank in Asia.


    Also, most of the visitors came from the neighboring nations of Japan, China, and Taiwan due to the diplomatic issues Corea was facing with other nations. The Corean tourism industry was walking on eggshells teetering between growth and decline.


    However, looking at the distribution of foreign visitors, those from the three neighboring nations dropped to 40%, and the remaining 60% was filled by European, North American, South American, and Southeast Asian visitors.


    During this tourism boom, there was one popr tour that every visitor went through. It was the Peace Corea tour that covered most of the major attractions within Seoul and the North State. It seemed North Korea being closed off to the world for decades attracted foreigners.


    The Incheon International Airport was full of foreign tourists waiting to go through customs before going on the Peace Corea tour.


    The gate opened and numerous tourists from the New China Republic poured through. Thirty people from different age groups started chatting with each other and gathered under the tour guide¡¯s g.


    The group seemed to consist of ordinary tourists, but there were a few men with a sharp look in their eyes among them. These men tried to act like tourists and got on the tour bus.


    The tour was scheduled to go around Seoul¡¯s attractions and restaurants for three days before going through the DMZ National Park spanning 992km2 and the Panmunjom to reach the North State. For six days, the tour would take the visitors to Gaesung, Pyeongyang, and Gumgang Mountain before returning to Pyeong-yang to take the visitors back home. It was a busy 10-day schedule.


    The 30 tourists from the New China Republic who were scheduled to tour across Corea got on the tour bus leading out of Incheon International Airport and headed towards Seoul.


    <hr />


    November 11th, 2023, 11:30


    The South State, Chungchung-do, Chungju-si, the Corean Aerospace Science Center, Parthenon research facility


    Namgoong-won toured the facility after meeting with Dr. Lee Su-jin and greeted the researchers whom he had been close to. Finally, he moved towards the X-1 research facility that housed the alien spaceship.


    The X-1 was the same as he left it three years ago. The spacecraft at the center was also the same, despite it being there for a long time.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Hoc!¡± Namgoong-won greeted the Hoc AI through the smartwatch he was wearing on his wrist. The alien spacecraft started to emit numerous colored lights.


    ¡°You¡¯re back. It¡¯s been a while, Namgoong-won!¡±


    The smartwatch that converted hypersonic waves to the Coreannguage allowed the AI and Namgoong-won tomunicate with each other.


    ¡°Sorry for not being able to visit even though I asked for so much help through this watch.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I was busy as well.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Hoc, you sound more humanpared to thest time I saw you. Don¡¯t you think? Ha ha ha,¡± when the AI used the term ¡®busy,¡¯ Namgoong-won started tough.


    ¡°I am an artificial intelligence system that evolves with the environment. I have spent thest seven years working with humans.¡±


    ¡°Wow! It really has been that long.¡±


    ¡°Namgoong-won!¡±


    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°What is the official response from you humans?¡± Hoc seemed to be aware of the reason for Namgoong-won¡¯s sudden visit.


    ¡°Hmm, the thing is, we were hoping you would stay with us for another three years.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a difficult request. Namgoong-won, you made a promise to me!¡±


    ¡°I know! I remember! I also want you to take the Splithians back to their home.¡±


    ¡°Namgoong-won, do the humans want me to stay for another three years because of the scientific technology they didn¡¯t manage to learn from me?¡± Hoc¡¯s question imitated people¡¯s speech but also went straight to the point as an AI would.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! That is one of the main reasons!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about that! I havepiled all of the technological data that would not harm the Splithians within the Gaia system at the Parthenon. I am sending the passcode protocol to your smartwatch.¡±


    ¡°Wait, really?¡±


    ¡°I had already transferred all of it to the Gaia system when it was finished a year ago.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I see! Hoc, please don¡¯t think of us humans as selfish!¡±


    ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t. It was a pleasure to get to know you, Namgoong-won. I will miss you.¡±


    A weight started to crush Namgoong-won¡¯s heart. Tears started forming in his eyes.


    To other people, the tone of Hoc¡¯s response was cold and mechanical without any intonations, but to Namgoong-won, it sounded as if hisst best friend was saying farewell.


    ¡°I, I am going to miss...,¡± Namgoong-won couldn¡¯t finish his sentence and started to sob.


    <hr />


    November 11th, 2023, 12:30


    The South State, Seoul, Jung-ku, the Federal Investigation Bureau (Director¡¯s office)


    Deputy Hong Gi-soo used a lunch appointment as an excuse to visit the director¡¯s office and handed him a small disk.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°This is all the intel I dug up about Special Agent Lee Byung-hoo.¡±


    ¡°So? Did you find out anything?¡± Director Kang Hyuck, who was about to put on his suit, rushed over to take the disk.


    ¡°Ha ha, what¡¯s there to rush? Put your jacket on first, sir...¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m in a rush. The Blue House and the NIS are on high alert.¡±


    ¡°The disk contains all the investigation I conducted on Lee Byung-hoo and an additional month¡¯s worth of his whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°Was there anything suspicious?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he went back and forth to Pyeong-yang frequently, sir.¡±


    ¡°I knew it. There was something fishy about him.¡±


    Director Kang Hyuck grasped the silver disk in his hands and frowned.


    ¡°This guy Lee Byung-hoo was good at covering his tracks, and it took a while for me to find his tracks, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great work. You silenced the agents on your end, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir. I only ordered my most trusted agents.¡±


    ¡°I see. How about we go grab lunch?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re buying, right, sir?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    <hr />


    November 11th, 2023, 19:00


    The South State, Seoul, Kangnam-ku, the NIS building (Counter-terrorism Unit 3¡¯s office)


    The Counter-terrorism Unit 3 finally found a shred of hope after chasing after the ex-North Korean Foreign Intelligence Unit¡¯s agents with the aid of every single department of the NIS.


    Unit 3 had gone through every single security camera, vehicle camera, personal IC camera footage by hacking and matched faces from the footage with their targets for three days. They finally found a match that had a 70% uracy rate.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong became wide-eyed as he was matching the faces of the footage to the targets for the past three days.


    When the monitor showed the result of a 70% match after going through the matching program, an erged face of the target came into view.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong started typing faster on the keyboard.


    ¡°I swear to god if this is another dead end. I am going to bite my tongue and kill myself!¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the first time he saw a match. Every time that happened, the deep scan confirmed that it was a different person. Team Leader Park Gi-oong typed away on the keyboard a few times and started getting anxious.


    The face had a 70% match and he started topare it to the ID picture gathered at the border and the one from the footage. The 70% match did not waver even after the deep scan.


    ¡°Great! I found you,¡± Team Leader Park raised both of his hands and got up from his seat.


    The other agents who were all busy staring at their own monitors rushed to where Team Leader Park was. Then, each of the agents started to say something.


    ¡°What! You found him?¡±


    ¡°Really? For real this time?¡±


    ¡°Sir! Where are they?¡±


    ¡°Pyeong-yang!¡±


    The security camera that caught the matching footage was located at Pyeong-yang¡¯s Daesung-ku Bipa-ro (Bipa-dong)¡¯s 716. The Emperor¡¯s Saloon.


    ¡°What the? A saloon¡¯s suite?¡±


    Everyone was bbergasted. No one expected a security camera from a saloon would be the one to provide them with clues.


    ¡°Those sons of bitches. We spend day and night here without going home to find them, and they were having the time of their lives there?¡± Team 2¡¯s leader Youn Tae-jin grasped his sides and swore.


    ¡°When did Assistant Manager Lee say she will be back?¡±


    ¡°She said she will be here at 10:00 the earliest, sir,¡± Chief Ha Sang-man, the senior of Counter-terrorism Unit 3, answered him.


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was busy attending a meeting with senior officers.


    ¡°Hmm, if that is the case, our team will move to Pyeong-yang immediately. You guys from Unit 3 should stay behind and continue going through the footage. If the entire unit moved and it turned out to be false intel, then it would be a waste of time for all of us,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who was second inmand within the investigation unit, gave orders since Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin was absent.


    ¡°Yes, understood, Team Leader Park!¡±


    ¡°Great! Please tell Assistant Manager Lee we will contact her after we arrive at Pyeong-yang! Guys, let¡¯s get our gear and head out!¡±


    <hr />


    November 11th, 2023, 22:20


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Daesung-ku, Bipa-dong, Bipa street (The Emperor¡¯s Saloon)


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong and his team drove down the newly built eightned highway and reached Pyeong-yang¡¯s main street after driving for two hours.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s that long building over there?¡± Team Leader Youn Tae-jin pointed to a high-end bar showing the high-techser show from the distance. It was The Emperor¡¯s Saloon they were looking for.


    ¡°Whoa! This ce is as dazzling as Kangnam,¡± Chief Oh Hyuck-soo from Team 2 spoke with wide eyes.


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin pped him on the back of his head and yelled at him, ¡°Hey! We¡¯re not on some field trip. Get it together!¡±


    ¡°Sir! Come on! I just thought it looked cool.¡±


    ¡°Hey, shut up! Go over there and get those thugs out of our way.¡±


    There were about 10 thugs in ck suits standing in front of The Emperor¡¯s Saloon¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°Jesus, how would any of the customers go into the bar if those idiots are standing in a line like that? Anyways, there are too many of them. Don¡¯t you think, sir?¡±


    ¡°What! That¡¯s nothing. How many are there, like 10?¡± Chief Oh Hyuck-soo shook his head at Team Leader Youn Tae-jin and walked towards the thugs.


    ¡°Ha! I shouldn¡¯t havee with just two team leaders! Fine! I have a n of my own,¡± Oh Hyuck-soo muttered to himself and shouted at the thugs with his hands in his pockets, ¡°Hey! Our bosses are taking over this ce. You see them behind me, right? They are the toughest around. Get on your knees, you bastards!¡±


    When a normal-looking person came up to them and started shouting, the thugs seemed to be shocked and frowned.


    ¡°What the fuck! Who is this little shit?¡±

 Chapter 355

    <h4>Chapter 355</h4>


    November 11th, 2023, 22:30


    The South State, Seoul, Kangnam-ku, the NIS building (the Counter-terrorism Unit 3 office)


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin had finished attending the meeting and heard the news from Chief Ha Sang-man.


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°They should be at the saloon at Pyeong-yang by now, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°So, why did they call for an officer¡¯s meeting all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll exin. Please tell everyone to meet me at the conference room.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Of course.¡±


    Soon, the agents from Unit 3 all gathered at the conference room.


    ¡°They called for a meeting because our organization has just received urgent intel from Director Kang Hyuck of the Federal Investigation Bureau.¡±


    ¡°The FIB?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll share the files now.¡±


    ¡°Actually, there is a surveince team called the ACS within the NIS that only deputies and above know!¡±


    ¡°The ACS? Is that a department?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s normally inactive. However, it operates in times of emergency, and it started conducting operations when Kim Jong-un woke back up!¡±


    ¡°Whoa! Did you know about this too, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°No! It was my first time hearing about it during the meeting too.¡±


    ¡°Wow, we had a department hiding from us in in sight...,¡± Chief Huh Sang-man seemed shocked and muttered to himself.


    ¡°The ACS actually found out about the ns to assassinate the president. That¡¯s not important, take a look at this!¡±


    The files Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin handed out contained the profile of Special Agent Lee Byung-hoo from the FIB and his recent whereabouts.


    ¡°Lee Byung-hoo? This guy, he was the prosecutor who was caught up in that marital scandal...¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right. That Lee Byung-hoo.¡±


    ¡°But, why are we talking about him?¡±


    ¡°The targets of the 24 ACS surveince included Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul of the FIB, and it seems he is rted to the deputy director. There is another target on the list whom they have not located yet, and that is Jo Myung-rok from North Korea¡¯s General Reconnaissance Bureau. There has been a report that Lee Byung-hoo made contact with Jo Myung-rok at Pyeong-yang.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean Lee Byung-hoo could be rted to the president¡¯s assassination?¡±


    ¡°That is a possibility! The ACS department¡¯s existence and everything we are discussing is a ss S secret, but due to the severity of the matter, the director has decided to share the intel with all agents.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin exined for another 20 minutes. She talked about the targets from the ACS department who were under 24-hour surveince, the progress of the surveince, and those who were rted to the targets.


    ¡°So, Jo Myung-rok could be the keyman to the ns to assassinate the president,¡± Chief Ha Sang-man pointed out the main point of the conversation.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    Chief Kim Youn-gyu, must havee up with something and pped his hands. ¡°Wait! If that¡¯s the case, maybe the North Korean Foreign Intelligence Agents we are tailing could be rted to them, too?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s the conclusion we came up with. Fortunately, Team Leader Park Gi-oong is already headed to Pyeong-yang. We might be able to arrest the ex-North Korean agents and find evidence rted to the culprits who nned the assassination and their ns!¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s eyes gleamed. She seemed determined to achieve a result this time.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am! Shouldn¡¯t we send in the rest of the teams within our unit?¡±


    ¡°I was about to send in Teams 1 and 2. I need to speak to Team Leader Park on the phone first. Notify the team leaders of Teams 1 and 2 for me!¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s finish the meeting and get back to work until the next orderse through.¡±


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin pulled out her phone and called Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    * * *


    November 11th, 2023, 22:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Daesung-ku, Bipa-dong, Bipa Street (The Emperor¡¯s Saloon)


    The boss of the ¡®Jun-pyo Gang,¡¯ Hong Jun-pyo, heard the news of how one of his lieutenants was thumped on his skull by some low lives disguised as guests and became a vegetable. He sent out all of his men to scour the entire city of Pyeong-yang.


    However, they never managed to catch the low lives as if they had vanished into thin air. The boss had sent in arge number of his thugs to The Emperor¡¯s Saloon in case they returned.


    While every single thug within the building was tense, Oh Hyuck-soo emerged out of nowhere and started to cause chaos. One of the thugs with a shaved head had an intimidating look on his face and walked up to him.


    The shaved thug seemed to have just graduated high school and started to swear at Oh Hyuck-soo after pulling a knife from his belt.


    ¡°You son of a bitch! Do you have a death wish? Huh?¡±


    Oh Hyuck-soo lost his cool and sighed, ¡°Whew...¡±


    ¡°Eh? Are you gonna answer me? Do you really want to die?¡±


    The shaved thug started to wave his knife around as if to use it.


    ¡°Hey! Baldy! You¡¯re obviously younger than me, is that how you talk to your elders? You better put down that knife!¡±


    While he dealt with the bald thug, the nine others surrounded Oh Hyuck-soo. It was difficult to face off against 10 thugs at once, but he had two team leaders at his back. So, he yed it cool and smiled.


    ¡°Hah! You idiots. You think you stand a chance if you use weapons against me?¡±


    Suddenly, Team Leaders Park Gi-oong and Youn Tae-jin walked past Chief Oh Hyuck-soo and the thugs. Team Leader Park handed a 50-dor bill to the waiter standing near him.


    ¡°Hey! How are thedies tonight? You better serve us well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course, boss! I¡¯ll make it feel like you¡¯re in heaven.¡±


    Team Leaders Park Gi-oong and Youn Tae-jin walked into The Emperor¡¯s Saloon under the waiter¡¯s guidance. Chief Oh Hyuck-soo became wide-eyed after he witnessed the scene.


    ¡°Hey, you dumbass! Who the hell are you? You better get on your knees if you want to live!¡±


    ¡°God! Fuck! I swear I am going to murder those two once this is over.¡±


    Oh Hyuck-soo was the bait that drew the thug¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Damn it! I swear to god I am going to quit once this is over.¡±


    ¡°What the hell did you just say? What¡¯s with him?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking to you, you bastards!¡± Oh Hyuck-soo shouted and kicked the bald thug¡¯s knife out of his right hand before kicking him in the stomach.


    Smack~ argh!


    The bald thug fell back from pain and shortness of breath, and the rest of the thugs rushed towards Oh Hyuck-soo.


    ¡°Bring it on! Let¡¯s see who is thest man standing!¡±


    While Oh Hyuck-soo faced off against the thugs, Team Leaders Park Gi-oong and Youn Tae-jin walked into a luxurious room in the saloon under the waiter¡¯s guidance.


    ¡°Hey boss, this is your first time here, right? Here¡¯s my card.¡±


    The waiter politely handed Team Leader Park his business card.


    ¡°Park Chan-ho? Who the hell uses such an outdated nickname at a time like this?¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, I like baseball. If you need anything, boss, let me know. I can get you anything except for men.¡±


    ¡°My ass! Hey! Park Chan-ho!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, boss, do you want me to bring thedies?¡±


    ¡°No, bring the owner or the manager or whatever for this ce!¡±


    ¡°What? Why do you want that?¡±


    ¡°Chan-ho, buddy! What¡¯s with all the questions? We¡¯re asking for them because we need to talk to them, don¡¯t we? Get moving!¡±


    When Youn Tae-jin frowned, the waiter scratched his head and left. Soon, a man walked into the room.


    ¡°So, I heard you gentlemen were looking for me?¡± A neatly dressed man greeted them with his hands inside his suit pockets.


    ¡°Are you the manager of this ce?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Manager Oh. What¡¯s this about?¡±


    Manager Oh, who had been in the game for a while now, realized these men were no ordinary joes and dealt with them while stifling his rage. If the regrs acted this way, then they would already be half dead.


    ¡°These guys were at this establishment a few days ago, right?¡± Park Gi-oong showed Manager Oh a few photographs.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You sure? How about this?¡± Park Gi-oong showed him another photograph. It was a still from the footage of the security camera at The Emperor¡¯s Saloon with the North Korean agents.


    ¡°I don¡¯t recognize this one either.¡±


    ¡°God damn it! Buddy, these photos are from the security cameras of this saloon!¡± Youn Tae-jin, who was hot-tempered, stood up and shouted at Manager Oh while pointing at him.


    ¡°Oh! Our bar doesn¡¯t have any security cameras.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Right, I knew you wouldn¡¯t talk easily.¡±


    ¡°Hey, it seems you¡¯re being a bit too rude, aren¡¯t you? Where are you two from?¡± Manager Oh seemed to have lost his patience and frowned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about where we came from. Tell us everything you know about these guys!¡±


    ¡°God! I guess our guests are testing my patience... Boys!¡±


    When Manager Oh called for his men, the thugs outside the room ran in with their weapons. Youn Tae-jin whispered to Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°Hey! Should we just show them our IDs and handle things quietly? Or should we just beat the living hell out of them?¡±


    ¡°It would be better to handle things quietly, but I don¡¯t think we need to let them know who we are.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I guess we have no choice! Come on you bastards!¡±


    * * *


    November 11th, 2023, 23:00


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Daesung-ku, Bipa-dong, Bipa Street (The Emperor¡¯s Saloon).


    Park Gi-oong and Youn Tae-jin caused a scene and grabbed Manager Oh by the scruff to seat him on the sofa.


    Manager Oh was covered in bruises and asked in a quiet voice while looking at Park Gi-oong and Youn Tae-jin with half-open eyes, ¡°Wha-, where, where are you guys from? Are you police? Or the ck Star Gang from Incheon?¡±


    ¡°I thought we told you, we¡¯re the ones asking the questions! Didn¡¯t we?¡±


    When Youn Tae-jin raised his fist to hit him again, Manager Oh flinched.


    ¡°Now! I am not going to ask you again. Tell me everything you know about these guys!¡± Park Gi-oong showed Manager Oh the picture again.


    ¡°The, the thing is, those scumbags came here a few days ago and ran off after beating the previous manager to a pulp. We have been looking for him too every day.¡± Manager Oh finally spoke the truth.


    ¡°Really? Did you search every county?¡±


    ¡°No, no. We still have three counties left.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Which ones are those?¡± Youn Tae-jin pulled up a map of Pyeong-yang on his phone.


    ¡°Here, here, and here.¡±


    ¡°Hey, how many thugs do you have under yourmand?¡±


    ¡°Including the boys I have in Seoul, at least 200.¡±


    ¡°200? Holy moly!¡±


    Youn Tae-jin nced at Park Gi-oong. He smiled and spoke to Manager Oh after getting his face closer to the manager¡¯s, ¡°Great! Call all the other men you have in your crew and find them! But when you do, don¡¯t do anything and just report back to us! All right?¡±


    ¡°Wha, what, just let them be after we find them? Our boss ordered us to beat the living hell out of them when we did.¡±


    ¡°You still don¡¯t understand who is in charge, do you?¡±


    Park Gi-oong¡¯s phone started to ring and the caller ID read Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°Hey, Tae-jin! It¡¯s Assistant Manager Lee. I¡¯m going to take this call. Take care of him while I do.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    ¡°Hello. This is Team Leader Park.¡±


    -Yes, this is Assistant Manager Lee.


    ¡°You heard the news from Chief Ha, right?¡±


    -Yes, I did. Ah! How are things going there?


    ¡°Well! We ended up at a saloon, but I am sure they were here.¡±


    -Really? That¡¯s great. I suppose you need backup.


    ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t think we need backup for now. I can give you the details when we get back to our hotel.¡±


    -Okay. Call me back when you do. I have something important to tell you as well.


    When Park Gi-oong nced in Manager Oh¡¯s direction, he was on his knees begging for Youn Tae-jin¡¯s mercy.

 Chapter 356

    <h4>Chapter 356</h4>


    November 11th, 2023, 23:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Daesung-ku, Bipa-dong, Bipa Street (The Emperor¡¯s Saloon)


    Park Gi-oong and Youn Tae-jin who got Manager Oh¡¯s promise, left the saloon.


    ¡°Huff, puff.¡± Oh Hyuck-soo was leaning on the flowerbed near the entrance and breathed heavily. His clothes were torn, and blood wasing out of a gash on his forehead. The 10rge thugs, including the bald thug, were all on the floor groaning.


    ¡°Whoa! Hey! Sorry. We were busy dealing with something inside and we forgot about you.¡± Team Leader Youn Tae-jin seemed shocked and headed towards Chief Oh Hyuck-soo.


    ¡°God! Sir, you guys forgot about me? How could you guys just use me as bait?¡± Chief Oh Hyuck-soo started toin as Team Leader Youn Tae-jin helped him up to his feet.


    ¡°Hey! I told you. No one asked you to cause a scene.¡±


    ¡°You said you wanted them out of the way!¡±


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin started to change the subject after seeing Oh Hyuck-soo ring in anger. ¡°Hey! That didn¡¯t mean you had to beat them to a pulp! We meant you should buy us some time by distracting them. You overdid it!¡±


    Oh Hyuck-soo did act brashly thinking the two team leaders had his back.


    ¡°I am going to request for a transfer once this is all over.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Come on now. I¡¯m sorry, all right? Let¡¯s go back to the motel and get a massage!¡±


    Park Gi-oong, who was taking the lead, shouted, ¡°Come on! I¡¯m hungry. Let¡¯s grab something to eat!¡±


    ¡°God! You¡¯re no better, sir!¡±


    * * *


    November 12th, 2023, 13:20


    The North State, a building in Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Jungui-dong (the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1¡¯s hideout)


    The agents from Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 went through daily meetings to prepare for Operation Typhoon 16, and they visited the locales they were nning to go to.


    During their nning, the agents received equipment and bombs from Jo Won-jin of the General Reconnaissance Bureau. They were given GPS sensors and monitoring equipment to track each other¡¯s movements, beretta pistols with silencers to protect themselves, and powerful and portable IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device).


    Three teams were tasked with different responsibilities. The first team consisted of Kang Tae-woo, Nam Sang-won, Park Sung-sik, and Gwon Hyuck-gyun who were to conduct the most dangerous part of the mission. The second team with Captain Oh Ji-wan and Oh Gil-soo was in charge of evac. The final team was Goo Sang-sik and Nam Gyu-tae, who was standing by for backup.


    The Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 quickly ate their lunch and started to move. The first and second teams had left the area to survey their locales. Goo Sang-sik started to monitor hisrades¡¯ locations through the monitor and Nam Gyu-tae stood watch over the hideout.


    Goo Sang-sik became bored from the monitoring duty that required him to watch the small screen all day. If this was the actual mission, then the anxiety would have made him less bored, but the fact this was a training exercise made the task mundane for him.


    ¡°Gyu-tae! What are you doing?¡± Goo Sang-sik yawned and called over Nam Gyu-tae, who was watching the monitor connected to numerous security cameras.


    ¡°What does it look like? I¡¯m standing watch.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of standing watch? No one is going toe here. How about you go out and get us something to drink?¡±


    ¡°Are you nuts? What are you going to do if Captain Oh catches us?¡±


    ¡°Come on, we¡¯ll just have one drink!¡±


    ¡°God damn it! You bastard, what¡¯s with you and drinking?¡±


    However, Nam Goo-tae must have also wanted a drink, so he picked up his coat after getting up. When their stunt at The Emperor¡¯s Saloon after sneaking out of the hideout did not make the news, it made the men a bitx.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. Wait for me.¡±


    ¡°All right. Hurry.¡±


    * * *


    November 12th, 2023, 19:20


    The North State, a street in Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Jungui-dong


    A group of men in ck suits was patrolling the streets and showing pictures to pedestrians and shop owners.


    These men were the thugs under the Jyun-pyo Gang of The Emperor¡¯s Saloon. They called in every man, including those from Seoul, to scour the entire area of Pyeong-yang. They even looked through the dark alleyways as well.


    The thugs had been patrolling the streets since 8 am this morning and they had blisters on their feet and suffered from muscle aches.


    ¡°Hey, hey! I think you should take two guys and handle things from here, Sung-sik. I can¡¯t go on any further,¡± therge man who was over 100kg sat down on a chair in front of a supermarket and ordered his subordinates.


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡± The three thugs under him bowed and started to head out.


    ¡°Hey, Hong-tae! Get me a drink from the supermarket too!¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss! What should I get?¡±


    ¡°Get me a Coke, and show the owner the picture too, all right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡±


    The thug named Hong-tae walked into the supermarket, pulled out a can of Coke from the fridge, and walked up to the register.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am. How much?¡±


    ¡°Twenty dors.¡±


    ¡°Man, it must be so expensive because this ce is in the middle of nowhere. Hey, do you recognize the men in this picture?¡± Hon-tae pulled out the photograph while he paid the woman.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t seen them before.¡±


    ¡°Really? Take a closer look.¡±


    When the rough-looking man insisted, the owner of the supermarket answered him with a frightened look on her face, ¡°I, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Ah! There¡¯s no need to fear. I am a detective and we are looking for these criminals. Shouldn¡¯t you help us, so the town can be safe with them behind bars?¡± Hong-tae, who was a college graduate, lied to the owner to calm her down and started walking out. That was when the owner stopped him.


    ¡°Well! I am not certain, but I do think I have seen this man in the picture visit the store a few times.¡±


    ¡°Really? When was thest time you saw him?¡±


    ¡°Uh, yesterday afternoon. He bought soju and some snacks.¡±


    ¡°Yesterday afternoon? Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I remember them.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where they came from?¡±


    ¡°They alwayse from the street a block up from here. That¡¯s all I know.¡±


    ¡± Thank you, ma¡¯am!¡± Hong-tae finished speaking to the supermarket owner and rushed to his boss seated on the chair with his legs spread open.


    ¡°Boss! I think we found those bastards.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The picture! The guys in the picture, boss.¡±


    ¡°Wait, really?¡± The thug shot up from his chair.


    ¡°Yeah, boss! ording to thedy at the supermarket, this one came here yesterday afternoon to buy soju and snacks,¡± Hong-tae said as he pointed to one of the men in the photo.


    ¡°So that must mean these sons of bitches are staying around here?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, boss! Thedy said they came from the street up the block.¡±


    The street Hong-tae was talking about was in the direction where the thug named Sung-sik took two of his men to.


    ¡°Those sons of bitches! Hey! I¡¯m going to contact our boss. You go up there with Sung-sik and search every single corner.¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡± Hong-tae bowed and started running up the street.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    -Yeah, is that you Sang-min?


    ¡°Yes, boss! It¡¯s Sang-min. I think we found those bastards.¡±


    -What? Where?


    ¡°We¡¯re at Yonsung-ku, Jungui-dong.¡±


    -All right. I¡¯ll send the guys over. Make sure to get them.


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Sang-min finished speaking to Manager Oh on the phone and started drinking his Coke. That was when a group of rough-looking men walked past the supermarket. It was Oh Ji-wan and his entourage who left their hideout to survey the area.


    Sang-min and Oh Ji-wan¡¯s eyes met as his group walked past him and frowned. Sang-min wanted to subdue them with his gaze alone as any thug would. However, Oh Ji-wan ignored him and continued to walk up the street.


    ¡°Whew! Who the hell is that guy? He looks worse than me, doesn¡¯t he?¡±


    Sang-min looked at Oh Ji-wan and his entourage and crushed the Coke can with his hand.


    * * *


    November 12th, 2023, 20:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Daesung-ku, Bipa-dong, Bipa Street (The Emperor¡¯s Saloon)


    Park Gi-oong and his men, who had arrived at Pyeong-yang a day earlier to chase after the North Korean agents, were staying at a motel. The next morning, they received the ssified information from Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and decided to use the thugs to search for their targets while they looked for Lee Byung-hoo¡¯s tracks at Pyeong-yang.


    However, they found nothing. The agents looked high and low to find a trace of Lee Byung-hoo, but they always seemed to lose him.


    Park Gi-oong and his crew had found nothing today, so they ate dinner and visited The Emperor¡¯s Saloon once again.


    ¡°Wee.¡±


    The thugs who saw them yesterday during their brawl started to bow when they saw Park Gi-oong and his men enter the bar.


    Chief Oh Hyuck-soo yelled at them in a cocky manner, ¡°Hey! Do you think we are thugs? Don¡¯t bow!¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡±


    ¡°Anyways, there are not many of you today, huh?¡±


    There were only three thugspared to the ten who were standing at the entrance yesterday.


    ¡°The, the thing is. Everyone is busy with something.¡±


    ¡°Never mind. I don¡¯t care.¡±


    The waiter who saw Park Gi-oong and his entourage walk in bowed and greeted them.


    Youn Tae-jin asked him a question, ¡°Hey! Where¡¯s your manager?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s at the back office right now.¡±


    ¡°Take us to him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course!¡±


    They walked into the office under the waiter¡¯s lead. Manager Oh was busy shouting at the phone and did not see Park Gi-oong and his agents enter the office.


    ¡°Manager Oh! Did you find anything today?¡± When Team Leader Youn Tae-jin walked up to manager Oh, he jumped and dropped the phone.


    ¡°Argh! You scared me.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so jumpy?¡±


    ¡°The, the thing is...¡±


    When Manager Oh started stuttering, Team Leader Park Gi-oong grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt.


    ¡°What is it? You found something didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°They found them? Why the hell didn¡¯t you report to us? You son of a bitch!¡± Youn Tae-jin swore and smacked Manager Oh¡¯s head.


    Smack!


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°Talk, you son of a bitch! What is it? Did you find them?¡±


    Manager Oh walked back a bit and spoke quietly, ¡°The, the thing is, our boys called about finding their location an hour ago, and I sent all of them there...¡±


    ¡°You sent them, and what?¡±


    ¡°They just found their hideout.¡±


    ¡°Really? Where?¡±


    ¡°Well, I just got a call that the ce is a mess...,¡± Manager Oh pointed to the phone he dropped.


    Park Gi-oong picked it up and shouted, ¡°What the hell happened there?¡±


    -These bastards, they have gu- guns. They are killing all of our guys. Boss! We need to call the cops.


    The person on the other side of the line was the thug named Sang-min.


    ¡°Fuck! Call the cops, my ass.¡±


    Park Gi-oong tossed the phone and shouted at Manager Oh, ¡°Hey, you bastard! Didn¡¯t I tell you yesterday? If you find them, call me first and don¡¯t do anything.¡±


    Park Gi-oong wanted to beat him to a pulp but stopped himself. However, Youn Tae-jin was different. He jumped over the sofa and kicked Manager Oh in the stomach.


    ¡°Argh! I¡¯m sorry. Those bastards turned the previous manager into a vegetable and I was going to teach them a lesson before calling you.¡± Manager Oh grasped his head and got on his knees.


    ¡°Damn it! Where are they?¡±


    ¡°They said 335 Jungui-dong, Yongsung-ku.¡±


    ¡°Hey Tae-jin, go there with Hyuck-soo! I¡¯m going to ask for backup from the Pyeong-yang branch and join you.¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯m on my way. Come on, Hyuck-soo!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    As Youn Tae-jin and Oh Hyuck-soo ran out of the office, Park Gi-oong pulled out his phone and muttered to himself, ¡°Damn it! I shouldn¡¯t have trusted these thugs!¡±

 Chapter 357

    <h4>Chapter 357</h4>


    November 12th, 2023, 21:00


    The North State, a building at Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Jungui-dong (The Foreign Intelligence Unit 1¡¯s hideout)


    When Youn Tae-jin and Oh Hyuck-soo arrived, the building was in a mess. Numerous thugs from the Jun-pyo Gang were lying around the hideout and not a single window was intact. There were burnt marks on the walls too.


    Police were surrounding the area and multiple ambnces were on the scene to carry off the thugs lying on the floor. The thug named Sang-min had a bullet in his thigh and was on the entrance¡¯s floor.


    Fifty-four thugs raided the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1¡¯s hideout. Some were slightly injured but over 40 of them had gunshot wounds or severe wounds.


    ¡°Damn... this ce is a mess,¡± Oh Hyuck-soo eximed when he arrived.


    One of the policemen attempted to stop Youn Tae-jin and Oh Hyuck-soo from approaching the scene.


    ¡°Excuse me. This area is off-limits. Please step back.¡±


    ¡°We are from the NIS.¡± Youn Tae-jin showed his ID to the policeman.


    ¡°Huh? What is the NIS doing here...?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ssified. Can we speak to the case¡¯s lead, please?¡±


    ¡°Ah! One moment.¡±


    The uniformed officer brought in a detective in in clothes.


    ¡°I am Detective Kang Man-jun from the Yongsung Police Department. You¡¯re from the NIS?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am Team Leader Youn Tae-jin from the NIS. I would like you to section off the area so no one can enter. The Pyeong-yang branch will arrive soon. We will investigate the scene.¡±


    ¡°Well, this area is within our jurisdiction.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware. However, this is a confidential matter. We will send in the official documents to take the case to your station.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, very well.¡± Detective Kang Man-jun stepped back.


    ¡°We are going to take a look at the scene.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    ¡°Chief Oh, start from floor 3 and work your way down! Leave no stone unturned!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    While Youn Tae-jin and Oh Hyuck-soo were investigating the scene, multiple ck vans arrived. They were the NIS agents from the Pyeong-yang branch and Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re here!¡± Youn Tae-jin heard the vans pulling up and greeted Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°What¡¯s it like?¡±


    ¡°Everything was over by the time we arrived! These thugs here sure made a mess.¡± Youn Tae-jin shrugged.


    ¡°Damn it! I guess things are getting moreplicated. Did you find anything?¡±


    ¡°Hyuck-soo is still investigating.¡±


    ¡°All right. Oh, this is Team Leader Nam Dae-jun from Pyeong-yang.¡±


    ¡°Hello. I am Nam Dae-jun from the Pyeong-yang branch.¡± Team Leader Nam Dae-jun walked forward and shook Youn Tae-jin¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hello. I am Youn Tae-jin. We have set up a parameter around the scene.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my agents will continue the investigation.¡±


    As soon as Team Leader Nam Dae-jun finished speaking, the agents behind him moved their equipment into the building.


    ¡°They had one hell of a fight, didn¡¯t they?¡± Park Gi-oong angrily looked at the scene.


    Suddenly, newsagents with cameras started to swarm the area.


    ¡°Great! The press is here.¡±


    * * *


    November 12th, 2023, 23:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Hyungjesan-ku Osan-dong, Yong-gol Mountain


    The sudden appearance of thugs at their hideout made the North Korean agents pack up their gear to hide at the Yong-gol Mountain.


    ¡°Who the hell are those bastards?¡± Oh Ji-wan wiped the sweat off his brow and asked Kang Tae-woo.


    ¡°I am not sure, captain. Judging by their actions, they don¡¯t seem to be police or intelligence agents.¡±


    Kang Tae-woo couldn¡¯t figure out who the thugs were either. However, three agents within the Foreign Intelligence Unit knew about the thugs who visited them. They were Goo Sang-sik, Nam Gyu-tae, and Oh Gil-soo.


    ¡°Do you guys know anything?¡±


    Oh Gil-soo flinched. Oh Ji-wan noticed that and immediately called him over while ring at him.


    ¡°Oh Gil-soo! Come here!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, captain!¡± Oh Gil-soo hesitated and walked up to Oh Ji-wan.


    ¡°Oh Gil-soo, you know something, don¡¯t you? Tell me everything.¡±


    ¡°Captain...¡±


    ¡°Speak up, will you?¡± Kang Tae-woo scolded Kang Tae-woo.


    ¡°So- sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sorry for what? Tell us everything, and don¡¯t even think about lying.¡±


    When Kang Tae-woo ced his hand on the pistol on his hip, Oh Gil-soo started to cower and fessed up.


    ¡°A few days ago...,¡±


    When Oh Gil-soo was about to speak, Goo Sang-sik and Nam Gyu-tae got on their knees and interrupted him, ¡°Captain Oh Ji-wan,rade! We¡¯re sorry. It¡¯s our fault.¡±


    ¡°What? Goo Sang-sik, what is this?¡±


    Goo Sang-sik then confessed about their night out with the two other agents at The Emperor¡¯s Saloon in detail.


    Smack!


    Nam Sang-won rushed to Goo Sang-sik and smacked him in the face.


    ¡°You bastards, was it that night?¡±


    ¡°So- sorry, sir. It was that night,rade deputy.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you idiots to go back to bed?! Didn¡¯t I?!¡±


    Kang Tae-woo pulled out his pistol and pointed it at Nam Sang-won¡¯s head.


    ¡°You knew about this?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. That night, Goo Sang-sik woke me up asking to go grab a drink, so I yelled at them to go back to sleep. That is all I know.¡±


    ¡°You should have made sure they understood you the first time. Is this how you maintain leadership?¡±


    Nam Sang-man started to sweat from seeing Kang Tae-woo all ready to pull the trigger.


    ¡°I am sorry, sir. I thought a scolding would be enough to bring them back to their senses.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! I will kill every single one of you.¡±


    Kang Tae-woo cocked his pistol and ced his finger on the trigger.


    ¡°Stop! Comrade Kang!¡±


    ¡°Captain! I will take care of these fools myself, sir.¡±


    ¡°What will a few thugs do to hinder our operation? As long as they are not South Josun intelligence agents or police, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°They caused an ident with only a few days left to our operation, didn¡¯t they? The police will surely be involved...¡±


    ¡°I said that¡¯s enough! Shouldn¡¯t we sessfully carry out the mission as you said? If everyone dies here, what good will it be?¡±


    ¡°I understand, sir.¡±


    ¡°I will meet up with Jo Won-jin to find another ce to stay. Comrade Kang, sit tight with the rest of our agents and start moving when you hear back from me.¡±


    ¡°Understood, captain.¡±


    Oh Ji-wan started to nce around and moved through the grassy field. Kang Tae-woo started to pistol-whip Nam Gyu-tae, Oh Gil-soo, and Goo Sang-sik when the captain left his sight.


    Smack! Smack! Smack!


    ¡°Consider yourselves lucky.¡±


    The three men fell onto the floor after being beaten for a few minutes. They started to moan and flinch while lying on the ground like frogs. Blood ran down their heads.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there. Bandage these idiots up.¡±


    * * *


    November 13th, 2023, 14:30


    The South State, Kyungki-do, Paju-si, Gunnae-myeon, Josan-ri, Pamunjum


    The DMZ that once divided North and South Korea had be a nature reserve. Panmunjom, which was one of the tensest locations within the Korean Penins before the unification, had also be a tourist spot and changed to serve as an entrance to the DMZ nature reserve. Tens of thousands of tourists visited the reserve daily.


    The entrance of the nature reserve had four parking lots each the size of Yeoui Ind, and all four were full of parked cars and tour buses.


    The tourists got off from their vehicles at the parking lots and started to board the hover buses headed to the Panmunjom entrance.


    The DMZ nature reserve was full of tourists, and the tourists from the New China Republic who had arrived at Incheon Airport two days ago were among them.


    The group seemed to be ordinary tourists, but there were a few men that stood out from the group. They attempted to blend in with the crowd, but to the man watching from afar, they did not look like tourists.


    ¡°There are at least 15 of them.¡±


    A man muttered to himself and pretended to take pictures of the scenery, but secretly photographed the group of New China Republic¡¯s tourists. It was Lee Ja-sung from the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1.


    ¡°Sir! Could they really be here for travel? I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything suspicious about them...,¡± Chief Oh Suk-jin said while taking pictures of his surroundings.


    ¡°Just sit tight! My instincts are urate.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung and Oh Suk-jin blended in with the tourists and continued to tail their targets.


    The NIS Foreign Intelligence Department¡¯s database had information about spies and agents from Russia, America, China, and Japan. The intel had all been gathered through hacking and espionage. Two days ago, the database found 15 matches through the fingerprinting and retinal scans done at customs at Incheon.


    These were the men from the New China Republic¡¯s People¡¯s Liberation Army (PLA) Special Operations Forces.


    That was why Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung and Chief Oh Suk-jin were pretending to be tourists and were watching the group from the New China Republic. The special forces men in the crowd did not know they were already exposed.


    * * *


    November 14th, 2023, 20:30


    The South State, Chungchung-do, Cheongju-si, the Aerospace Science Center, Parthenon research facility


    When Dr. Lee Su-jin heard from Namgoong-won about how the remaining alien technology had already been organized and saved within the Gaia system, she gave an official report to the Blue House.


    The final approval from the Blue House came through. The researchers from the X-1b started to go over the final diagnostics before the spaceship could take off.


    The scientists checked over every single part to make sure they wouldn¡¯t malfunction. The spaceship had to travel a distance of 2 billion light-years. The distance was something unfathomable for humanity. Therefore, the scientists all hoped that the Hoc AI would be able to safely return the remains of the Splithians to their home of Sonia.


    Meanwhile, the Splithians who had been housed in the freezing chambers were ced in an anti-degradation chamber after being checked. The capsules were ced within the ship one by one.


    Namgoong-won also stayed behind to help the researchers.


    ¡°Executive Namgoong! You must be sad, right?¡± Dr. Lee Su-jin came up to Namgoon-won, who had been taking a break in the corner of the X-1b, drinking coffee, and smiled.


    ¡°Yes, I am, very much so, actually. It¡¯s as if an old friend is leaving to somewhere far away.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. You have known each other for seven years. I feel sad as well, I can¡¯t imagine how you would feel.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Dr. Lee, please don¡¯t call me executive. I¡¯m just Namgoong-won. I am no longer a researcher or an NIS agent.¡± Namgoong-won seemed flustered and scratched his head.


    ¡°No, I saw you in the article about the sessful businessmen of 2023. How could I just call you by your name?¡±


    ¡°Come on! Doctor, just call me won...¡±


    -Dr. Lee! We just finished the final diagnostics for the Hoc AI and the spaceship. Hoc has just confirmed the ship¡¯s power level is at 100%.- The head researcher for the X-1b spoke through the inte.


    ¡°It¡¯s time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s get ready.¡±


    A dome connected to the surface started to open up. Then, the elevator with the spaceship aboard slowly moved to the surface.


    The spaceship was finally emerging to the surface after being pulled out of Daechung Lake and housed at the X-1b for seven years.


    The spaceship had not changed for over seven years. Only a few parts were repaired.


    With a soft hum, the spaceship started up and rose into the air. After emitting different colored lights, it shot up into the stars.


    It was gone in an instant.


    Hoc¡¯s departure that only a few researchers got to witness was over. The researchers started to head back one by one, and only Namgoong-won was watching the dark sky. His eyes started to tear up. As he was about to wipe his eyes with his sleeves, Hoc¡¯s voice came through his smartwatch.


    -Namgoong-won, I am about to pass Venus. I think I will not be able to contact you anymore once I¡¯m past it.


    ¡°Oh! Hey, Hoc! I hope you return to Sonia safely.¡±


    -Thanks, Namgoong-won! Farewell!


    ¡°Hugh! Thanks!¡±


    Crack!


    -One more thing. I improved some of the EVGS *crack* engine system. I have saved the data *crack* at database server 112¡¯s *crack* folder. So, take a *crack* look.


    ¡°Hoc! Hoc!¡±


    Themunication with Hoc was cut off forever just like that.


    Tears finally started to fall from Namgoong-won¡¯s eyes.

 Chapter 358

    <h4>Chapter 358</h4>


    November 15th, 2023, 19:00 (Kurdistan Standard Time 13:00)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, Marganbaset (the 7th mechanized infantry brigade, 75th mechanized infantry battalion¡¯s location)


    The 75th armored battalion that had destroyed the Iranian 1st revolutionary armored division¡¯s 11th armored brigade and 5th revolutionary guard¡¯s infantry battalion at Maku yesterday took a day off to conduct maintenance. Then, they joined forces with the Republic¡¯s forces to upy the cities one by one.


    Three dayster, the 75th mechanized infantry battalion moved along the roads of Koi and Maku to take back northern West Azerbaijan.


    The Iranian military¡¯smand was in shock from their crushing defeat at Maku and withdrew the surviving forces they had stationed at Bozark under the 1st revolutionary armored division to northern Karachihaden. The 11th mechanized infantry division started to form a defensive perimeter at the northern region of West Azerbaijan.


    The 11th mechanized infantry division at Marand was sent in to reinforce them as well.


    The 75th mechanized infantry battalion and the Republic¡¯s defensive forces were able to easily upy the empty cities of northern West Azerbaijan.


    The 75th mechanized infantry battalion and the Republic¡¯s defensive force¡¯s division that had taken over Marganbaset this morning, took the day off to conduct maintenance before taking over their final goal of Karachihaden.


    All the armored vehicles and tanks under the 75th mechanized infantry battalion took their well-deserved break and went under repairs after moving and battling within the desert for 10 days.


    ¡°Hey! Are you alright? How¡¯s your chest?¡± Sergeant Hong Han-ho, the squadronmander, spoke while looking at the video call on his monitor.


    The rest of the squad showed up on screen and started to greet him as well.


    ¡°Private Gwak, sir, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine. Isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Private Gwak! Come back after you¡¯re well, yeah?¡±


    ¡°We miss you, sir!¡±


    Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan, who was covered in white bandages, smiled brightly.


    -I¡¯m fine. Ha ha ha! Have you all been well?


    Private Gwak Young-hwan, who had been hit by a railgun round from the battle at Maku, was sent to the rear to be treated by the medic battalion of the peacekeeping forces.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, Private Gwak! Are you heading back home after being treated?¡±


    -No, sir. I will return to our squad when I¡¯m up to speed.


    ¡°Is that so? Were you ordered by people up top to do so?¡±


    -No. I requested it, sir.


    Corporal Kim Sung-ho, who was closest to Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan, interrupted the conversation, ¡°Hey! You¡¯re taking the whole military spirit seriously, aren¡¯t you? Are you sure you¡¯re not lying to us?¡±


    -Ah! Come on, sir. I¡¯m not like you!


    ¡°Good for you. You bastard! So when will you be back?¡±


    -The doctor told me to stay here for a month.


    ¡°All right. Take care of yourself and we will see you soon!¡±


    -Yes, please say hi to the rest of the toon, and make sure your fianc¨¦e is safe and sound, sir.


    ¡°What! What the hell do you mean fianc¨¦e!¡±


    -Oh,e on, sir? Everyone here at the infirmary heard the rumor.


    ¡°Hey! You son of a bitch! Stop spreading rumors.¡±


    The 1st reconnaissance toon¡¯s 2nd squad, which was busy being in a constant battle against the enemy, used their time off to call Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan.


    ¡°Are we sure he is really injured? He doesn¡¯t look like he is,¡± Private First ss Gwak Young-hwan¡¯s cohort, grenadier Private First ss Na Han-jin spoke with an envious look on his face.


    Sergeant Hong tapped his helmet and answered him, ¡°Why? Are you jealous? Do you want me to break your shoulder bones so you can be sent to the rear?¡±


    ¡°He he, you know I don¡¯t, don¡¯t you, sir?¡±


    ¡°Now! Enough chit-chat, let¡¯s get back to maintenance!¡±


    When squadronmander Sergeant Hong Hyun-ho gave the order, the rest of the squad got off from the vehicle and started to make repairs.


    <hr />


    November 15th, 2023, 21:00 (Kurdistan Standard Time 15:00)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, west Koharan (the 7th mechanized infantry brigade 79th armored battalion¡¯s location)


    The 79th armored battalion under the 7th mechanized infantry brigade, which was dramatically rescued by the Peregrine Falcon choppers armed with TB-AHD weapons from being ambushed, took down the remaining Iranian militia at Koi for the past 5 days.


    Then, the 79th armored battalion had taken over the areas near the city of Koi and Koharan and started to form a defensive line with the Republic¡¯s defensive forces at West Azerbaijan.


    The Iranian military¡¯s two armored brigades under the 6th revolutionary guard¡¯s armored division were hiding out in the small vige of Eboli 30km away from Koharan. There were also two infantry divisions and militia hiding nearby.


    The main mission of the Iranian forces was to take back Koi, but they were in a position where they could lose the city of Karachihaden to the Corean peacekeeping forces. The 6th revolutionary guard¡¯s armored division could not move out from their position easily, so they waited for reinforcements to arrive.


    However, the Iranian military could not afford to send in more reinforcements. Corea¡¯s aerospace forces and the peacekeeping force¡¯s reconnaissance units would detect the Iranian military¡¯s movements. Corea¡¯s 12th carrier strike group would send in their unmanned bombers to wipe them out despite being 2,200km away. The Iranian military had to move their forces in groups smaller than apany, so reinforcing the ones out in the field was slow.


    The 79th armored battalion¡¯s 1st armoredpany defended the southern region of Koi, and the 2nd armoredpany was moving along the northern region of Koharan.


    Vroooooooooooom! Vroooooooooooom!


    The armored vehicles¡¯ engines were a bit softerpared to the tanks. These armored vehicles moved in a line with six self-propelled guns tailing them. The 7th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s 119th artillery battalion¡¯s alphapany was following them.


    The artillerypany¡¯smander, Captain Kim Hun, walked up to themanding officer of the 79th armored battalion and saluted.


    ¡°Sir! I am Captain Kim hoon from the 119th artillery battalion.¡±


    ¡°Captain! Wee,¡± battalionmander Moon Gi-chul saluted back and shook the captain¡¯s hand.


    The 79th armored battalion had been tasked with defending the entire city of Koi, but they could not take down every single Iranian force being detected by their reconnaissance forces. The battalion could send in a toon worth of armored forces to take them out, but there was always a possibility of it being a trap. Therefore, it was not easy to send in forces after them. It would also be a waste to request airstrikes from the 12th carrier strike group 2,200km away for such a measly force.


    Thus, battalionmander Moon Gi-chul exined the need for artillery support and requested reinforcements. Finally, the 119th battalion¡¯s alphapany with six self-propelled guns arrived.


    The alphapany¡¯smander spoke with battalionmander Moon Gi-chul and gave his orders. Thepany started to move and got into a ¡®W¡¯ formation.


    The C-9A1 Lightning was the refurbished version of the C-9 Thunderbolt. It was equipped with a CPP-50 sma engine that boasted 2,500 horsepower and 155mm sma cluster rounds. The C-9A1 was also equipped with anti-tank and anti-air missiles to battle the enemies independently and became the representative of Corea¡¯s artillery forces.


    Within a few minutes, the six C-9A1 Lightning self-propelled guns raised their guns at a 45-degree angle towards the sky. The artillerypany¡¯s C-51 radar armored vehicles and C-70T ammunition transport vehicles parked 30m behind them.


    The alpha artillerypany was ready to fire at their enemies at 16 rounds per minute as soon as they were given targets.


    <hr />


    November 15th, 2023, 22:00


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Sadong-ku, Namsan-dong, the NIS Pyeong-yang branch


    Three days ago, the North Korean Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 was ambushed by thugs, but the NIS still could not find any more evidence of their whereabouts. It was as if they had vanished without a trace.


    The targets were professionals. Team Leader Park Gi-oong and the agents from the Pyeong-yang branch went through their hideout for two days, but they ended up not finding any clues.


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin and the other agents under her went through every single camera footage within a 30km radius that was recorded on that day through hacking and looked over the targets¡¯ movements. The area was rural Pyeong-yang so itcked many security cameras, and few vehicles were equipped with dash cameras. However, even if the North Korean agents disguised themselves, there would always be a trace of them left behind.


    Three days ago, the North Korean agents were found moving to Osan-dong on one of the security cameras after digging through three days¡¯ worth of security camera footage. However, that was where their trail died off. The North Korean agents had not shown up on any security camera footage or dashcam footage near Osan-dong since.


    -It seems they have moved towards Yong-gol Mountain.


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s voice came through the phone.


    ¡°Yes, it seems to be that way,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong nced at therge screen on the wall while speaking on the phone.


    -We are focusing our search near Yong-gol Mountain. I would like you to search with the agents at Pyeong-yang in the area. If they are not there, that must mean they are back in the city, so we will find them.


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I will conduct a night-time search near the mountain if necessary.¡±


    -All right, be careful. I will contact you again soon.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Team Leader Park started a meeting with Team Leader Youn Tae-jin who had been listening to the conversation.


    ¡°Investigation Unit 3 says that thest ce they saw the North Korean agents was at Osan-dong. Based on that, they think our targets are hiding out at Yong-gol Mountain. We must conduct a search in the area now.¡±


    ¡°That was three days ago. Do you think they are still at the mountains?¡±


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin shook his head.


    ¡°You could be right, too! But shouldn¡¯t we do a search regardless?¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do this!¡±


    ¡°Great! I will request backup from the director. Prepare for a search with Chief Oh for me.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    <hr />


    November 15th, 2023, 23:00


    The North State, a warehouse in Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Imwon-dong


    The North Korean Foreign Intelligence Unit 1¡¯s agents were hiding out in a warehouse 5km south of Yong-gol Mountain.


    Three days ago, they left their hideout and hid in the mountain, until Oh Ji-wan met with Jo Won-jin to find another hideout. However, it would be a shame to call the ce a hideout. The building was nothing more than an old and copsing warehouse.


    At night the temperature would drop and chilling winds would blow through the cracks, turning the ce cold as a fridge. The men attempted to withstand the cold with their coats and clothes, but it wasn¡¯t easy.


    ¡°Captain! Let¡¯s go to a motel or an inn nearby. I think I will freeze to death if we stay here any longer,¡± Gwon Hyuck-gyun, who could not handle the cold, spoke to the captain while shaking.


    ¡°Shut up! If we were caught while being out, then we are fucked! Stop saying nonsense and shut up already,¡± Kang Tae-woo shouted at him.


    ¡°Comrade Kang! I really think I will freeze to death.¡±


    ¡°Here, put this on.¡± Oh Ji-wan took off the coat he was wearing and handed it to Gwon Hyuck-gyun.


    ¡°Captain! What are you doing, sir? That bastard is just being soft.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Kang Tae-woo, stop scolding everyone. We only have three days left before the mission. If any one of us were to be sickly by then, that could cause issues, wouldn¡¯t it? So just hold off for a bit longer. As soon as we are done with this, then all our troubles will be over. Understand?¡±

 Chapter 359

    <h4>Chapter 359</h4>


    November 16th, 2023, 03:30 (Kurdistan Standard Time 15th, 21:30)


    The Republic of Kurdistan, Haraka, south of Yukusekoba (the 11th marine mobile brigade)


    The southern mountains near Haraka were between the borders of the Republic of Kurdistan, Iran, and Iraq. For the past 10 days, a fierce battle for territory had taken ce, but the Corean 11th marine mobile brigade ended up victorious.


    Due to the terrain consisting of rough mountains, the 11th marine mobile brigade used its 113th armored battalion¡¯s C-27P-M Kirin hover armored vehicle to maneuver across the terrain and faced off against the 100,000 Iran and Iraq infantry forces. The vehicles also used their TCS modes to appear from thin air and ambush the enemy. The Iran-Iraq allied forces on foot stood no chance against them.


    The 18 C-9A1 self-propelled guns under the marine artillery battalion, also fired their 155mm sma cluster rounds non-stop against the Middle East allied forces. The 12th carrier strike group¡¯s Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001) had sent in their CUF/A-22NP unmanned Phoenix bombers whenever an air-raid request came through and rained down steel and fire.


    This battle was a prime example of how war in the 21st century would be determined by the superiority in technology rather than force size.


    The 11th marine mobile brigade had annihted the eight Iraq and Iran mountain infantry divisions after engaging in battle for 13 days. They set the 111th armored battalion as their lead to march towards their final destination of Kirkuk.


    Meanwhile, the battle at the southern mountain passes raged on. The 11th marine mobile brigade started to scout out the area near Kirkuk which had the shortest distance and ensured maneuverability for the C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks.


    After the Syrian civil war, the Imic State (IS) started to expand its power and territory across Iraq and overtook the northwest part of Baghdad. Abu Barak Al-Baghdadi, the leader of Mosul, appointed himself as the Khal¨©fah and dered the region the IS nation of Khal¨©fah. This influence had caused the Iraqi military to withdraw from the nation¡¯s northwestern region.


    The Kurdish government¡¯s Peshmerga took the Iraqi military¡¯s ce and drove back the IS forces from the northwest and overtook the region including Kirkuk.


    The Peshmerga and the Iraqi security forces had allied to wipe out the IS and started taking back Mosul and the other regions that the IS had taken over.


    The Kurdistan government, which had fought off against the IS military upying the Northwestern region of Iraq, decided to vote for independence despite the opposition from the Iraqi government. Three major states under the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and even Kirkuk with thergest oil reserves joined the vote with a 73% participation rate. The vote resulted in andslide vote of 93% of citizens voting for independence.


    Iraq had received military aid from Turkey, Syria, and Iran that had been against Kurdistan¡¯s independence and took back the Kirkuk oil fields as well as cut off the Kurdistan Regional Government¡¯s finances.


    In November of 2019, the Kurdish Regional Government¡¯s capital of Arbil was taken over, and the year-long war for independence came to an end.


    After being defeated, the government officials of the Kurdish Regional Government were all killed or sentenced to death and became a former shell of itself under the Iraqi government. However, when the Republic of Kurdistan dered independence from the eastern region of Turkey on February 1st, 2023, the Kurdistan Regional Government joined the movement.


    The Kurdistan Regional Government¡¯s support was the reason the Republic of Kurdistan imed the territory along the east of Turkey as theirs, and the Corean government also agreed with the sentiment for the region had oil fields that could financially support the nation after its independence. Therefore, the Corean military set the oil fields near Bukan and Kirkuk as their final goal.


    Vroooooooom~


    The 11th marine mobile brigade was kicking up dust and moving along the south of Arbil near the state of Haraka under the darkness of night. It was the 111th armored battalion that had been mobilizing towards Arbil.


    The 111th marine armored battalion that led the convoy, consisted of 40 C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks and numerous armored vehicles. They started speeding up while watching their nks. The Spider-II drones were also flying 5km above them and conducting reconnaissance.


    <hr />


    November 16th, 2023, 07:30


    The North State, Hamkyungnam-do, Wonsan-si, the Galma Vi


    Kim Jong-un was drinking coffee and watching the sunrise from his terrace once again today. He seemed to be pleased.


    His face waspletely differentpared to the look of despair he had after waking up from his 8-yeara two months ago. However, nothing had changed since then. The agents from the NIS were still watching him and he could not leave the vi easily. However, there was something different about him.


    ¡°Supreme leader! The morning breeze is still cold. Pleasee back inside,¡± Chief Secretary Kim Hak-sun, who had been watching with his two staff, bowed and spoke to him.


    ¡°The wind is not bothering me. How would I be able to lead Corea if I cannot withstand a little chill?¡± Kim Jong-un started to speak nonsense. He was not in a position to talk about leading Corea when he was being imprisoned within the vi.


    ¡°Sir! That¡¯s why you must take care of yourself. What use would having power be if you were ill?¡±


    ¡°Enough! Stop it, will you? Just bring me a quilt.¡± Kim Jong-un seemed as if he wanted to enjoy the moment and spoke to his staff while waving his hand.


    One of the secretaries brought a quilt and ced it over him.


    Kim Jong-un looked at the rising sun whileying down on his terrace chair in his khaki robe. He started speaking nonsense again, ¡°Look! I¡¯m like the rising sun, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    Kim Jong-un pointed to the fully risen sun glowing red andughed.


    ¡°It will all be in ce and I will rise back to power soon,¡± Kim Jong-un muttered to himself and started to enjoy the aroma of his coffee.


    November 17th was Memorial Day, but also the day Kim Jong-un was to be nominated as the chairman of the People¡¯s Labor Party. Under Kim Hyung-won¡¯s lead, the party members unanimously agreed to nominate Kim Jong-un. The congressmen and senators were all from North Korea so no one opposed Kim Jong-un¡¯s nomination.


    However, Kim Jong-un was not only pleased because of his nomination. There was a bigger picture in his mind than just being a chairman of a political party. He wanted to be the president of Corea.


    As the heir to the Baekdu bloodline, he had wielded absolute power as North Korea¡¯s supreme leader, but could not help but live out his life in anxiety. The assassination attempt on his life, the coups his supporters were nning, financial and military pressures from overseas had given his life strife, despite being seen as a king on the surface. He was like Josun¡¯s King Gwanghae who could not trust his allies.


    The presidency for the Republic of Corea was iparable to what he had as supreme leader. Thinking about holding the presidency for Corea, which had risen to be the world¡¯s military and economic power after surpassing America, put a smile on his face.


    Kim Jong-un¡¯s face was full of smiles and he seemed pleased from the thought.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the schedule for today?¡±


    After Kim Jong-un daydreamed about nonsense for a while, he ced his cold coffee on the table and stood up from his seat.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing on the schedule except for a quick physical at 10:00 am. Then, we will head to Pyeong-yang at 2:00 pm.¡±


    ¡°What are we doing at Pyeong-yang?¡±


    ¡°Yes. When we arrive at the city we will start with...,¡± Chief Secretary Kim Hak-sun started to report the day¡¯s schedule to Kim Jong-un in detail.


    <hr />


    November 16th, 2023, 10:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Potongkang-ku, the People¡¯s Labor Party building (the chairman¡¯s office)


    Chairman Kim Hyung-won, who had been avoiding public appearances and events since his meeting with Kim Jong-un a month ago, finally appeared at the party building to go over the final checks for the nomination ceremony for Kim Jong-un.


    Aftering into the building, he held a 2-hour meeting with the staff and went into his office to continue his conversation in secret.


    Kim Hyung-won, who was sitting on the leather sofa while resting his chin in his hand, asked the mean seated on the other side of the table, ¡°Tomorrow is the day! Are the preparations finished?¡±


    ¡°Of course. We won¡¯t miss a thing,¡± Kim Chun-won, Kim Hyung-won¡¯s cousin and the governor of West Manchuria, whispered.


    ¡°If we fail then our lives will be at risk too!¡±


    ¡°That is why I double and triple-checked, didn¡¯t I? Don¡¯t worry too much.¡±


    ¡°The NIS ACS team is watching our every single movement like a hawk ever since Kim Yeo-jung leaked the information!¡±


    Chairman Kim Hyung-won had been aware of the ACS team¡¯s presence for a while now.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that why we haven¡¯t been attending public events? I¡¯m sure those bastards are still chasing their own tails. Ha ha.¡±


    ¡°Regardless, there¡¯s only one day left! We must go over the n for a final time when Jo Myung-rok contacts us this afternoon!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±


    While the two conversed with each other in secret, there was a smartphone on the table with numerous graphs moving on the screen. It was the anti-bugging device that the Russian SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) had provided.


    <hr />


    November 16th, 2023, 11:00


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Sadong-ku, Namsan-dong, the NIS Pyeong-yang branch


    Park Gi-oong and his agentsbed through Yong-gol Mountain to find any clues of the North Korean agents from Foreign Intelligence Unit 1. Since the entire NIS was on high alert, they couldn¡¯t take a break to shower or rest and continued the chase.


    The NIS had found out about the assassination ns of the president, but the organization did not find any leads or make any progress. The president was already scheduled to visit the graves of the veterans for Memorial Day tomorrow. It was the 84th-anniversary ceremony.


    The president¡¯s attendance at the ceremony was a prime opportunity for the assassins. They would not let this chance slip.


    The Blue House¡¯s security department had brought a protective suit for President Choo Un-hee, and arge shield system that could cover arge area. However, they could not prepare for every possible scenario. Any unexpected attack could put the president in danger.


    Both the Blue House¡¯s security department and the NIS were on high alert. Counter-terrorism Unit 3¡¯s agents and Park Gi-oong had to find the North Korean agents suspected to be the assassins within today no matter the cost.


    -Unfortunately, we still haven¡¯t found a trace of them yet.


    Assistant Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s voice came through Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s smartphone. The agents back in Seoul also spent day and night checking over security camera footage near Yong-gol Mountain, but they did not find the suspects.


    ¡°Do you think they have left Pyeong-yang and are moving towards Seoul?¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong started to massage his neck out of exhaustion and continued talking on the phone.


    -No. The other departments are scanning through every single roadway leading into Seoul via the traffic cameras. Even a ghost would not be able to pass through our midst.


    ¡°Hmm, that must mean they are in Pyeong-yang or still near Yong-gol Mountain.¡±


    -Yes, that¡¯s right. If you take a look at the map, the mountain¡¯s 4 and 6 o¡¯clock has the least number of cameras. It is also the least popted area. So, conduct another search there.


    ¡°Yes, understood. I will call you again, ma¡¯am.¡±


    -Yes, be careful out there. The suspects could be lurking anywhere.

 Chapter 360

    <h4>Chapter 360</h4>


    November 16th, 2023, 19:00 (Kurdistan Standard Time 13:00)


    Iran, West Azerbaijan, 5km north of Karachihaden (the 7th mechanized infantry brigade, 75th mechanized infantry battalion)


    The northern region of Karachihaden reflected the ferocity of the battle that had urred between the Iranian military and Corea for the area throughout the night.


    Numerous half-burnt and smoking armored vehicles¡¯ remains littered the northern ins, and piles of Iranian soldiers¡¯ bodies were strewn across the ins and drowned thend in blood.


    The Iranian forces that attempted to hold Karachihaden consisted of two armored brigades, one mechanized infantry division, and three battalions of militia. The Corean military was outnumbered 10 to 1. On top of that, two of the enemy¡¯s armored brigades were equipped with the T-14 Armata tanks they previously battled at Maku.


    No matter how powerful the C-23P-M Hyun-mu armored vehicles under the 75th mechanized infantry battalion were, it would have been difficult to face off against the 4.5th generation T-14 Armata tanks that were on par with Corea¡¯s C-2A1 ck Tigers. Additionally, the 75th battalion would have to face off against 200 pick-up trucks armed with railguns as well. The Corean forces were like moths drawn to a me.


    Despite their disadvantages, the 7th mechanized infantry brigade¡¯s headquarters ordered its 75th battalion to march into Karachihaden in the dead of night.


    The 75th mechanized infantry battalion had superiority in vision at night, along with theirworking capabilities. Therefore, the brigade headquarters judged that its battalion could handle the battle and sent them in.


    Russia¡¯s T-14 Armata tanks were just as capable at night andworking since they were 4.5th generation tanks as well. However, the issue was the crew¡¯s proficiency. Even if the revolutionary guards were the elites within the Iranian military, they weren¡¯t able to master the T-14 Armata tank¡¯s controls and systems within a month.


    The 12th carrier strike group¡¯s unmanned bombers and jets providing air support blocked off the Iranian air forces from taking flight and the FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon choppers from the 30th aerial force¡¯s airstrikes made a major contribution also.


    When the 75th mechanized infantry battalion annihted the Iranian 1st revolutionary guard¡¯s armored division, two armored brigades, and the 11th mechanized infantry division by using their 3-dimensional tactics, the militia and the defeated forces all retreated to downtown Karachihaden to defend the city.


    The 75th mechanized infantry battalion also made an encampment 5km north of the city and went into sentry duty while taking a break.


    As the 75th armored battalion found shelter near the copsed buildings, some of the infantry in the battalion started to fall asleep near their armored vehicles from fighting the battle all night. Despite being in the rough terrain under the zing sun, the soldiers were in deep sleep.


    ¡°Corporal Kim, sir! We¡¯re here to relieve you. Please get some rest.¡± Corporal Kim Gil-tae and Private First ss Kang Tae-man moved towards Corporal Kim Sung-ho and Private First ss Youn Ho-jin who were on sentry duty.


    Corporal Kim Sung-ho checked his watch and spoke, ¡°Is it time already? Did you guys get enough rest?¡±


    ¡°More or less, sir. Please get some rest yourself.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thanks!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    At the barren fields across Karachihaden, the zing sun¡¯s rays and light caused shimmers across the field.


    ¡°Tae-man, you take our 12 to 2 o¡¯clock. I¡¯ll keep watch on our 10 to 12.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    In three hours, the 75th mechanized infantry battalion was scheduled to join forces with the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s defensive forces before making the final push towards the city.


    <hr />


    November 16th, 2023, 20:00 (Local Time 14:30)


    The Indian Ocean, N22¡ã50¡¯3.93¡å E 62¡ã46¡¯30.04¡å (the 12th carrier strike group Baekbum Gim-gu (CV-001) unmanned bomber piloting deck)


    The Baekbum Gim-gu¡¯s four CUF/A-22NP Phoenix bombers were busy dropping payloads on the battlefield across Iran and Iraq. After they were finished, the four unmanned bombers flew 2,000km to patrol the southern skies of Karachihaden.


    The piloting deck was located at the deepest part of the aircraft carrier, and it had dozens of monitors set up in four lines. Each monitor outlined the numerous flight statuses and information of the four Phoenix bombers, and the operators were busily watching them. These operators could be considered as the pilots of the bombers as well.


    The CUF/A-22NP Phoenix bombers were on autopilot by artificial intelligence to conduct missions, but the operators could jump in at any time to manually pilot them.


    The Phoenix jets were checking for reinforcements from the Iranian military before the urban battle at Karachihaden was to take ce along its programmed route.


    Bombings from the CUF/A-22NP Phoenixes from the Baekbum Gim-gu also yed a major role in the Iranian military withdrawing from the western front and West Azerbaijan after their continued defeat.


    The Iranian army was at a disadvantage despite fighting in their home territory after losing all aerial control. At the start of the war, the surviving Iranian jets were taken down by the Phoenix unmanned jets and the Iranian air force decided to refrain from further deploying their jets. Therefore, the skies above Iran and Iraq were being controlled entirely by the Corean military.


    ¡°Armored forces detected 25km away from Karachihaden¡¯s Eboli vige road 11!¡± Delta flight wing¡¯s Jet 3 operator checked the footage and shouted.


    ¡°How big are they?¡± Captain Nam Sang-gyu, the Delta flight wing¡¯smander, turned around.


    ¡°Based on the footage, it seems they are at least the size of a brigade, sir,¡± Lieutenant Oh Hyun-woo, the operator of Bomber 3, swiftly manipted the console and reported back.


    ¡°A whole brigade? Are the Iranians out of their minds? They are going to move an entire brigade even after losing so many of their own to us?¡±


    At the start of the war, the Iranian military moved arge group of forces to West Azerbaijan but was detected by the Phoenix bombers. Over 10 divisions worth of military forces were bombed by the Corean jets and perished.


    After that, the Iranian military started to move their forces in groups of battalions. This had the advantage of lowering losses, but the issue was the slow rate of reinforcementsing into the western front. Therefore, the Iranian military was unable to face off against the rtively small group of Corea¡¯s peacekeeping forces. It only led to their men getting picked off one by one.


    ¡°It seems to be the 32nd revolutionary armored brigade under the 6th armored division, sir,¡± Lieutenant Oh Hyun-woo finally finished his detailed analysis and reported to the captain.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the 31st armored brigade the ones marching to Koi? My, my, I guess defending Karachihaden was more urgent.¡±


    The Delta flight wing¡¯smander started manipting a tablet after hearing Lieutenant Oh Hyun-woo¡¯s report.


    Captain Nam Sang-gyu continued reporting to themander, ¡°Sir, it seems the Iranian military has given up on marching towards Koi and decided to focus on defending Karachihaden.¡±


    ¡°That must be the case. I¡¯m sure holding Karachihaden would be more important than retaking Koi. It does lead to Tehran after all. Regardless, it¡¯s a good thing we caught them on the move. Do you think we can wipe them out 100% with the arms equipped on the Phoenixes right now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think aplete annihtion will be possible, sir.¡±


    Therge central screen on the piloting deck showed the status of the arms aboard the four Phoenix jets.


    ¡°Hmm, I guess we have no choice! Flight wing Delta, start the bombing. I will contact the flight battalion¡¯smander to request for another flight wing to aid us.¡±


    The Delta flight wing¡¯smander gave the order to attack and manipted his headset to report to the flight battalion¡¯smander. ¡°Yes, sir! As of now, 14:20, the Delta flight wing will begin its attack.¡±


    When the Delta flight wing¡¯smander gave the order, the operators started moving their hands busily. The four Phoenix unmanned bombers flying 30km above the surface all swiftly gathered to the target destination.


    Woooooooooosh~


    The bombers all changed their wings¡¯ angles and dropped their altitude within bombing range and started to open up their internal weapons hatch. When the two connection rods started to turn and point to the 2 o¡¯clock direction, the C-SDB-10 (sma Cluster Bombs) started to fall to the surface.


    Each bomber dropped 8 rounds and 32 C-SDB-10 sma cluster rounds in total started to fall towards their targets using their GPS guidance system.


    All 32 roundsnded precisely on their targeted locations within a minute.


    Boom! Baaaaaang! Boooooom!


    The 32nd armored brigade was caught off guard and was pelted by a shower of metaling from the sky.


    Explosions that shook the heavens andnd rang out everywhere, and the bomblets falling like rain from the sky caused some of the tanks to shoot up into the air.


    Each round of the C-SDB-10 (sma Cluster Bombs) was capable of wiping out an entire football field, and the 32nd armored brigade instantly lost 50% of their numbers. However, their misfortune did not end there. The surviving armored forces were bombed by the Echo flight wing and perished as well.


    <hr />


    November 16th, 2023, 22:00


    The North State, a building in Pyeong-yang, Hyungjesan-ku, Shinmi-dong (the old Reconnaissance General Bureau¡¯s safehouse)


    Jo Myung-rok buried himself into the sofa and puffed on the Cuban cigar, filling the entire office with white smoke.


    ¡°Is everything ready?¡± Jo Myung-rok stopped puffing smoke and spoke to the man seated on the other side of the sofa.


    Jo Won-jin answered him, ¡°There¡¯s no need for concern. We have finished making preparations.¡±


    ¡°You must make sure everything is taken care of. It¡¯s a historic moment, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°The agents have memorized their routes and trained numerous times.¡±


    ¡°The men they will face are no easy targets. They are elite agents from the NIS. They wouldn¡¯t be that differentpared to our boys from the General Reconnaissance Bureau!¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I guess the day has finally arrived. So, this afternoon, right? That bastard Kim Chun-won who has been influenced by capitalism called me. He must have been curious to call me, right? I bet he has no idea that tomorrow will be hisst. Fu fu fu.¡±


    Jo Myung-rok stubbed his cigar on the ashtray and continued speaking after standing up. ¡°And another thing. Our mission is important, but our escape to Russia is far more crucial. Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that has been prepared by the Russians and ready to go. I¡¯m sure we won¡¯t have any further trouble going to Russia.¡±


    Jo Myung-rok muttered to himself while looking at the dark scenery from the window, ¡°I will be the one whoughsst. Fu fu fu.¡±

 Chapter 361

    <h4>Chapter 361</h4>


    November 17th, 2023, 04:30


    The North State, a warehouse at Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Limwon-dong


    It was the dead of night while everyone was asleep. The cold Siberian winds caused temperatures to drop, but the North Korean agents from the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 were busy packing their gear and preparing to move out.


    ¡°Is everyone ready?¡± Oh Ji-wan nced at his men packing busily at one corner of the warehouse.


    ¡°We are good to go,rade,¡± Kang Tae-woo, who was helping thest few of his men pack, answered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going then! Shouldn¡¯t we arrive there before dawn?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! What are you maggots doing? Didn¡¯t you hear our captain?¡±


    When Kang Tae-woo scolded his men, the agents started to put on their small andrge packs before heading outside.


    ¡°And ourmunication devices are working, right?¡± Oh Ji-wan asked Goo Sang-sik and Nam Gyu-tae, who were to stay behind at the warehouse before he started to leave.


    ¡°We have checked them the minute we got up, sir. They are working fine,¡± Goo Sang-sik tapped on the radio and answered the captain.


    ¡°We will contact you, so don¡¯t do anything else until we do! Also, wipe off any of our tracks so we can leave immediately after we arrive. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will get it done.¡±


    ¡°See you soon, then!¡±


    After Oh Ji-wan left, only Goo Sang-sik and Nam Gyu-tae remained.


    ¡°Comrade! What should we do?¡± Nam Gyu-tae looked through the window to make sure Oh Ji-wan and his men were out of sight and started to speak to Goo Sang-sik.


    ¡°What do you mean, what are we going to do? We¡¯re going to follow through with our n!¡±


    Yesterday, Nam Gyu-tae and Goo Sang-sik had set up a secret n. Goo Sang-sik concluded that their night out at the Emperor¡¯s Saloon had put their lives at risk. He suggested a n to Nam Gyu-tae: they would take all the money they got before the mission and run off.


    Nam Gyu-tae hesitated. He could not abandon the other agents whom he had spent years with in the struggle. However, he ended up getting persuaded by Goo Sang-sik.


    Oh Ji-wan, who was even more hot-tempered than Kang Tae-woo, only spared them for the mission and they would surely be killed after the mission was over.


    ¡°What are you doing? Let¡¯s pack up and get out of here!¡±


    ¡°You dumb bastard. Didn¡¯t Oh Ji-wan say he was going to contact us? We need to leave after we speak to him. What if he realizes we ran away and not go through with the mission?¡±


    ¡°We just have to take the money and run! Why are you thinking about what¡¯s going to happenter?¡±


    ¡°That is why I am calling you an idiot.¡± Goo Sang-sik nced at Nam Gyu-tae with a pitiful look on his face.


    ¡°Think about it! Don¡¯t you know how Captain Oh is like? His eyes will burn with a vengeance and chase after us.¡±


    Nam Gyu-tae took a moment to think and nodded. ¡°Yes! He would chase us down to the ends of the earth.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why he needs to go through with the mission. He would be on the run once he¡¯s through, wouldn¡¯t he? If we leak the intel about them running off to Russia to the South Josun bastards, that will make things even more interesting. Fu fu fu.¡±


    ¡°Damn! You bastard! You¡¯re pretty smart, aren¡¯t ya?¡±


    ¡°Why are you just standing there? If you finally get what I am trying to do, then get rid of our tracks already.¡±


    ¡°All right. I will put my trust in you,rade Goo.¡±


    Nam Gyu-tae, who believed every word from Goo Sang-sik, gave him a thumbs up and started to walk off. Goo Sang-sik started to smile wickedly as he watched Nam Gyu-tae walk away.


    <hr />


    November 17th, 2023, 05:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Potongkang-ku, the Royal Crystal Hotel


    Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung and Chief Oh Suk-jin had been tailing the tourists from the New China Republic for a few days and continued to watch them while staying at the hotel across from the Royal Crystal.


    Chief Oh Suk-jin, who was in charge of watching the targets tonight, was leaning on the windowsill while dozing off.


    ¡°Chief Oh, what are you doing?¡± Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung, who got up to use the restroom, woke Chief Oh Suk-jin up.


    ¡°Ah! Whew! I dozed off for a second, sir.¡± Chief Oh Suk-jin stretched and rubbed his eyes before checking the monitor connected to the VR-M2.


    ¡°Huh! What the-?¡± Chief Oh Suk-jin was caught off guard and turned the VR-M2 binocrs to the Royal Crystal.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    When Chief Oh Suk-jin started to panic and move the VR-M2 binocrs wildly, Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung rushed back from the restroom and looked at the monitor.


    The inverter mode on the binocrs showed that the 22nd floor of the Royal Crystal and numerous beds were empty.


    ¡°Chief Oh! How long have you been dozing off?¡±


    Chief Oh Suk-jin checked his watch and answered him, ¡°It couldn¡¯t have been for long, sir. 30 minutes at most.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I remember looking at my watch before dozing off, and it was about 04:50.¡±


    ¡°Check how many empty beds there are!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chief Oh Suk-jin carefullybed through the room with the VR-M2 binocrs while Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung contacted HQ.


    ¡°How many of them are gone?¡± Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung asked again after contacting HQ.


    ¡°There are 17 missing in total, sir.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! We were caught off guard!¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, sir!¡± Chief Oh Suk-jin lowered his head in shame.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry, we need to find where they are!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung put on his clothes and started giving orders as he started to leave. ¡°Chief Oh! You know the number of the tour guide, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I have it, sir.¡±


    ¡°Call him and ask him to find out where they went! I will try asking the other tourists at the Royal Hotel.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    November 17th, 2023, 05:30


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Potongkang-ku, the Royal Crystal Hotel


    Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung showed his ID to the hotel staff and headed to the room the tourists from the New China Republic were staying in.


    Soon, Lee Ja-sung arrived on the 22nd floor on the elevator and arrived at room 2211. He started to ring the bell furiously.


    Ding dong! Ding dong!


    After a few rings, a voice started speaking in Chinese. The door opened and a man from the New China Republic started to speak in Chinese. The hotel¡¯s staff started to interpret.


    He was asking what made them call at such an early hour. He demanded for the staff manager. Soon, the hotel staff, Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung, and the tourists started to converse with each other. In conclusion, the tourists did not know where the missing men were. They only knew these men were vacationing here thanks to theirpany providing expenses. The tourists from the other room said the same thing.


    Lee Ja-sung, who did not find further evidence, decided to search the missing men¡¯s rooms. When he arrived in front of room 2218, he rang the bell even though there was no one in the room. He rang it a few more times, but no one answered. He requested the hotel staff to open the room with the master key.


    ¡°You have a master key, right? Please open the door.¡±


    The hotel¡¯s manager had a concerned look on his face. He was worried about losing tourists from the New China Republic after this incident.


    ¡°It¡¯s an emergency. There won¡¯t be any trouble, so please open the room.¡±


    The hotel¡¯s manager opened the door with his master key when Lee Ja-sung urged him.


    Click!


    Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung carefully entered the room when the door opened.


    There was arge living room and a bedroom that could fit three people. Lee Ja-sung turned the light on and started to look around for any clues.


    There was a map torn into pieces in the garbage can.


    ¡°What are those PLA (People¡¯s Liberation Army) special forces nning to do in Corea...¡±


    Lee Ja-sung pulled out every single piece of the map from the trash and started to put the puzzle together.


    He couldn¡¯t do anything about the finely torn pieces but he was able to put therge ones together.


    The halfpleted map had many areas marked with red circles with lines connecting them.


    Lee Ja-sung concluded that the circles must be their targets, and the red lines would be the routes they took to get there. He took a picture of the map with his smartphone and sent it to headquarters. A call from Chief Oh Suk-jin came in.


    ¡°Hey, so did you contact the tour guide?¡±


    -Yes, sir. But the guide doesn¡¯t know anything, either. No free touring was scheduled on the tour and they didn¡¯t say they would go out that night.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, is that so?¡±


    -Yes, the guide is Corean and he passed the lie detector test. Did you find anything, sir?¡±


    ¡°I did, but I think we need a detailed analysis so I sent the evidence back to HQ. They should have it by now, so I want you to get ready to go out to the field!¡±


    -Yes, sir.


    <hr />


    November 17th, 2023, 08:00


    The North State, a warehouse in Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku, Limwon-dong


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    A high-securitymunication device started to ring. Goo Sang-sik picked up the receiver and answered, ¡°This is Goo Sang-sik.¡±


    -Activate the map now! I will read out the security code. It¡¯s X25M77A!


    Oh Ji-wan¡¯s voice came from the other side of the line.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik started to type away at theptop to input the code Oh Ji-wan had told him. Then, a map appeared on theptop with numerous moving red and blue dots.


    The blue dots represented Oh Ji-wan and the agents on the move, and the red outlined the position of the guards near the area.


    -Are they showing up?


    ¡°Yes, sir. They are all showing up on the map.¡±


    -Make sure our boys don¡¯t get caught by the bodyguards and tell us if you see them heading in our direction. Understood?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir. I¡¯ve got my eyes peeled.¡±


    The men received numerous high-tech equipment from Jo Myung-rok, the ex-General Reconnaissance Bureau¡¯s director, but it was surprising that they got equipment that could extract S-ranked secrets like the passcodes for the bodyguards.


    -Openingmunications now! Team 1, answer me if you can hear this!


    -This is Team 1, Kang Tae-woo! We¡¯re clear!


    -This is Team 2, Nam Sang-won! We¡¯re clear.


    -This is Team 3, Park Jung-sik! We¡¯re clear.


    -This is Team 4, Gwon Hyuck-gyun! We¡¯re clear!


    -Great! Start the infiltration now! Goo Sang-sik, keep a close watch!


    ¡°Yes, captain. Start the mission.¡±


    After the agents finishedmunicating with each other, four blue dots moved swiftly. The blue dots were clearly showing up on the map even though they were underground. They all moved towards their designated locations.


    Oh Sang-ku started to alert others about the ongoings in case the teams would run into the red dots which represent the Corean bodyguards.


    The four men under the acting team, who were prepared for the worst, headed to their destination.


    All four men managed to arrive at their destination undetected by bodyguards or other strangers.


    -This is Kang Tae-woo! All four of us have made it to the destination.


    -Great work. Start installing the bomb!


    -Yes, sir.


    The four men moved through the narrow and long underground passage and pulled out the object they were carrying in their backpacks. Most were materials to create an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). The explosive they brought were SP-ANFOs, which were more powerful than the usual ANFO, and started making the IED with deft hands. Soon the men installed the IED at the roof of the underground passage which could blow up anything within a 50m radius.


    -We finished installing the IEDs. Requesting a check of the remote detonation device.


    -The detonation device is clear! Move to the second destination!


    -Understood!


    Goo Sang-sik, who was listening to Oh Ji-wan and Kang Tae-woo¡¯s conversation on the radio, touched his pistol while turning around to look at Nam Gyu-tae. Meanwhile, Nam Gyu-tae was busy wiping off their traces to make their escape.


    Meanwhile, Team Leader Park Gi-oong and agents under the Pyeong-yang branch were busy searching the Yong-gol Mountain area and closing in.

 Chapter 362

    <h4>Chapter 362</h4>


    November 17th, 2023, 10:00


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Potongkang-ku, the Peace Park near the station


    The Corean central and federal government was busy attending the Memorial Day ceremony while the chairman nomination for the People¡¯s Labor Party was going on at the Peace Park.


    The People¡¯s Labor Party¡¯s chairman Kim Hyung-won changed the party¡¯s policies as he saw fit. The changes were something that would not be eptable during a democracy. He changed the voting process from one decided by a majority vote to one elected by the representatives instead.


    Kim Hyung-won nominated Kim Jong-un as the Labor Party¡¯s new chairman, and his nomination ceremony was being held rambunctiously at the park.


    The People¡¯s Labor Party¡¯s congressmen and senators were all from the North State, so their influence over the state was supreme. The nomination ceremony for Kim Jong-un was crowded due to the party¡¯s influence. It was as if Kim Jong-un was back to being a supreme leader as before.


    Meanwhile, the press agencies all criticized the party¡¯s internal system for recreating a dictatorship under amunist regime and the central government also expressed its concerns as well. However, the party carried on with its undemocratic process.


    The national sentiment also started to express its concerns and some citizens gathered in protest to express their opposition. However, the People¡¯s Labor Party and Kim Hyung-won ended up nominating Kim Jong-un as the party¡¯s leader anyway.


    Soon, ex-chairman Kim Hyung-won announced Kim Jong-un as the party¡¯s new chairman. When he did so, the other senators and congressmen all stood up and started apuding in the North Korean fashion.


    Kim Jong-un got up from his seat and waddled his fat body up to the podium.


    Whoooooooo!


    In the crowd, 100,000 people all raised their hands and cheered. Kim Jong-un waved his hands to respond to the crowd greeting him.


    Kim Jong-un seemed to be choked up from being greeted by an apuding crowd and took a moment before making his address.


    ¡°Dear citizens, hello and thank you. I am honored to be selected as the People¡¯s Labor Party¡¯s chairman while being greeted by such arge crowd. I am truly grateful.¡±


    Despite losing his position as supreme leader 8 years ago, Kim Jong-un spoke in his authoritative tone while grasping the podium with his hands.


    * * *


    November 17th, 2023, 10:30


    Seoul, Yongsan-ku, the Baekbum Memorial Center


    President Choo Un-hee, who was avoiding public appearances due to the threat of an assassination looming over her, visited the Baekbum Memorial Center tomemorate the veterans.


    After Corea¡¯s reunification, the government decided to honor the men and women who joined the independence movement on August 14th, 1945, or fought for the nation throughout contemporary times. They honored those who died in service by holding arge ceremony.


    The ceremony went in the order of saluting the g, a moment of silence for the veterans, and a speech about the status of the surviving veterans, visits from families, a singing ceremony, and finally the closing ceremony. The opening ceremony and address by the president were about to begin.


    Special forces men from the 707th special forcesmand had surrounded the Memorial Center in a 3km radius to protect the president. Security was intense and at an all-time high.


    The general public, who was unaware of the assassination attempt on the president¡¯s life,ined about security constantly.


    President Choo Un-hee stepped up to the podium.


    When the president with a 70% approval rating appeared at the podium, the crowd greeted her with thunderous apuse and cheers.


    President Choo Un-hee walked up to the podium and bowed to the descendants and families of the veterans before speaking.


    ¡°We are now celebrating the 84th anniversary of Memorial Day. In the past and today, our young men and women were taken away from their families to go to Manchuria and go under forcedbor...¡±


    * * *


    November 16th, 2023, 11:00


    A shelter somewhere at the North State, Yongsung-ku


    -Are we ready to make a break for it when I get back?


    Oh Ji-wan¡¯s voice came through the speakers.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The preparations are ready, so all you need to do is return, sir.¡±


    -All right. Keepmunications open and keep listening. Wait two minutes, you will hear an explosion. When you do, grab our equipment and get ready to move.


    ¡°Yes, sir, understood,¡± Goo Sang-sik answered the captain and swallowed. He was nervous as well.


    An event that will shake up the entire Corean penins was about to happen in two minutes. The ex-North Korean agents who had installed the IEDs every 50m along the underground passageways finally met up with Oh Ji-wan and reported back to their captain.


    Oh Ji-wan was looking at the ceremony through his binocrs. Then, he spoke in an anxious tone, ¡°Kang Tae-woo! Go! Light it up!¡±


    Kang Tae-woo pressed the button on the detonation device. Then, an explosion urred from 1km away and a dust cloud swept the area.


    Boom! Boooooooooom!


    Oh Ji-wan checked the explosion from the IEDs installed underground with his binocrs and nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a sess! Let¡¯s get outta here!¡±


    Goo Sang-sik, who heard Oh Ji-wan¡¯s voice through themunication device, ced the equipment and theptop into the box. Then, he spoke to Nam Gyu-tae while smiling, ¡°Comrade Nam, the mission was a sess. Pack the bags!¡±


    ¡°We did it? All right! I¡¯ll start packing!¡± Nam Tae-sik, who had divided up about 200,000 dors¡¯ worth of cash into fourrge bags, started to hoist two of the backpacks onto his back. When he turned around, his face was grim.


    ¡°Hey, what, what, what are you doing, huh?¡± Nam Gyu-tae stuttered while looking at Goo Sang-sik, who was pointing a pistol with a silencer at him.


    ¡°What am I doing? I¡¯m taking all the money for myself. Didn¡¯t you know it would turn out like this? Fu fu fu,¡± Goo Sang-sikughed wickedly and ced his index finger on the pistol¡¯s trigger.


    ¡°You son of a bitch, how dare you!¡± Nam Gyu-tae swore and a gunshot filled the air.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Smack! Smack! Smack!


    Nam Gyu-tae threw the backpack he had at Goo Sang-sik. Luckily, the pistol round hit the bag of cash. Nam Gyu-tae did not miss the chance and pounced on Goo Sang-sik.


    Smack! Smack! Smack!


    Goo Sang-sik and Nam Gyu-tae, who had gone through special forces training, started fighting for their lives.


    Pew!


    However, Nam Gyu-tae¡¯s luck soon ran out. While the two of them were brawling with each other, a gunshot rang out. Red blood started to spout out from Nam Gyu-tae¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Out of my way, you son of a bitch. I¡¯m getting out of here!¡± Goo Sang-sik shoved Nam Gyu-tae, who grasping his chest, and got up to fight back.


    ¡°Ugh! You bastard! How could you do this to me?¡±


    ¡°Comrade Nam! Make peace with your maker quietly and die already!¡±


    Pew! Pew! Pew!


    Three bullets precisely struck Nam Gyu-tae in the head.


    ¡°You son of a bitch! Just die quietly...,¡± Goo Sang-sik, who did not bat an eye as he killed hisrade of decades, dusted himself off, and muttered to himself.


    ¡°I should get out of here quietly before anyone returns.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik grabbed his bag of cash and dialed 112 for the police with his smartphone.


    ¡°Hey! I have information about the explosion that has just happened, soe to the warehouse with a blue roof on the north side of Limwon-dong! I¡¯m hanging up now!¡±


    Goo Sang-sik hung up the phone and ced it on top of a box. Then, he moved to get out of the warehouse but noticed strange shadows moving outside the building. He quickly ducked and pulled out his gun.


    ¡°What was that? Are they already here? It hasn¡¯t even been a minute. No, it can¡¯t be the cops!¡± Goo Sang-sik tried to figure out who could be outside. However, there was no way to know.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    Suddenly, bullets from automatic rifles came flying into the warehouse.


    ¡°Argh! Who the hell was that?¡±


    Goo Sang-sik tried to duck behind the closest pir and took a deep breath. The bullets did note from a single direction. He used the bags of cash to shield himself.


    Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!


    Multiple bullets struck the bags full of cash.


    ¡°I am screwed, damn it!¡± Goo Sang-sik regretted calling the police. Since the exit was blocked, he was as good as dead or arrested. If he had not called the cops and just ran, he would have had a chance to make it out alive instead of being pelted by bullets.


    The backpacks full of cash that he was using as a shield had been riddled with holes. As he was checking his surroundings, he saw something that made his eyes gleam. There was a slight crack at the back wall of the warehouse. Since the building was at least 70 years old, he could break through the wall and escape.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll get out of here by breaking through this wall. I think it could work.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik did not miss his chance and abandoned the bags of cash to break through the wall.


    Smack! Crack! Smack!


    It was just as he expected. The crack on the wall caused the warehouse to break down and he managed to escape. Goo Sang-sik rolled through the dirt and started to run for his life towards the mountainside with his backpack on.


    Meanwhile, the suspicious men who had been pelting him with bullets saw him make his getaway and started to give chase.


    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!


    Smack! Smack, smack!


    The bullets flying towards Goo Sang-sik continued to rain down on him and fragments of bark and rocks shot up into the air. The debris pelted down on Goo Sang-sik, but he was too busy running away to feel any of them hit his body.


    Meanwhile, Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s agents, who had been searching houses 2km away, heard the faint sound of gunshots and started to head in that direction.


    As the strangers chased after Goo Sang-sik, Team Leader Park Gi-oong and his agents chased after the gunshots and the agents behind the terrorist bombing Oh Ji-wan and his menmitted. He didn¡¯t know he would meet up with the men who had justmitted the bombing that would cause an enormous shock to the Corean penins once again.


    The radio and news channels across the world were busy making emergency news broadcasts about the bombing. All major broadcastingworks were busy reporting about what happened 10 minutes ago. There was arge explosion that urred near the Pyeong-yang Peace Park where the chairman was to make his nomination address. Kim Jong-un, 30 party members, and 300 citizens nearby had been killed or severely injured.


    Kim Jong-un, who had miraculously woken back up from his 8 year-longa from the terrorist bombing in 2015, ended up passing away from another terrorist bombing that happened at the same spot.

 Chapter 363

    <h4>Chapter 363</h4>


    November 17th, 11:20


    The outer roads near the North State, Pyeong-yang, Yongsung-ku


    Oh Ji-wan and his entourage drove the ck van to leave downtown Pyeong-yang and started rushing down the outer roads leading back to the warehouse near the Limwon-dong, Yongsung-ku.


    ¡°That bastard won¡¯t pick up the call, sir.¡± Kang Tae-woo attempted to call Goo Sang-sik multiple times, but it only rang endlessly instead of being picked up.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s nothing, huh? He must be busy making the preparations,¡± Oh Ji-wan, who was seated on the back seat with his eyes closed, spoke casually.


    The speeding ck van that was rushing down the Jungsung-dong roads carried the ex-North Korean agents that had justmitted the terrorist bombing that wiped out the Labor Party¡¯s members and Kim Jong-un.


    ¡°Well, he wouldn¡¯t have run off with the money, would he, sir?¡± Nam Sang-won, who was seated next to the captain, spoke while frowning


    ¡°Hey, Nam Sang-won, can¡¯t you trust your men? Don¡¯t be unnecessarily worried and sit still!¡±


    ¡± Comrade Captain Oh! That bastard is evil and rough, don¡¯t you know?¡±


    ¡°I also agree with Nam Sang-won, sir.¡±


    When Kang Tae-woo joined in, Oh Ji-wan opened his eyes and shouted, ¡°Why, you little- Is that how you talk about yourrade whom we¡¯ve worked with through thick and thin for years? Shut up!¡±


    While the agents were busy talking to each other, two vans had been tailing them quietly. The vans with dark tinted windows started to speed up and got on both sides of the ck van.


    ¡°Who are those guys?¡±


    Nam Sang-won looked at the vans closing in on the driverside. The doors of the vans opened up and the ck barrels of guns started to gleam. The ck van started getting pelted by bullets from the other vans.


    Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang!


    Creeeeeeeeak!


    Gwon Hyuck-gyun died immediately after being hit on the head and shoulder. The ck van lost bnce and crashed into the guardrails before toppling over a few times.


    Ugh! Ugh!


    Moans from those aboard filled the ck van.


    Oh Ji-wan was also hit on the shoulder and seemed to be in a daze after hitting his head.


    ¡°Captain Oh,rade! Are, are you alright?¡± Kang Tae-woo, who was in the passenger¡¯s seat, turned around to check on Oh Ji-wan. Blood was running down his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m all right. Are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°No, no. Argh!¡± Kang Tae-woo puked up blood mid-speech. He gave a bloody smile after puking. ¡°I think it¡¯s over for me. You need to run, Captain Oh. I¡¯ll cover... for you.¡±


    ¡°Screw that. We¡¯re leaving together!¡±


    Oh Ji-wan undid the seatbelt that was holding him upside down and readjusted himself. When he looked at his surroundings, Nam Sang-won was dead with a broken neck and Oh Gil-soo had half of his head shot off. The only reason Oh Ji-wan was alive was thanks to having Oh Gil-soo taking all the bullets for him.


    Park Sung-sik, who was cramped in the trunk, had been flung to the guardrail after the crash.


    A short timeter, Oh Ji-wan checked over the window to see a few shadows approaching. There were men in ck masks armed with rifles.


    ¡°You need to get out of here. I¡¯ll cover for you,¡± Kang Tae-woo coughed up blood after every syble. Despite that, he pulled the pistol out of dead Gwon Hyuck-gyun¡¯s hip and started to fire at the armed men.


    Bang! Bang, bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The armed men, who had been carefully approaching the van, were shocked by the gunshots and started to scatter. A few of them fell after being shot by Kang Tae-woo.


    ¡°Now¡¯s our chance. Run, sir!¡± Kang Tae-woo, who had been coughing up blood, started to shake every time he fired his pistol from losing energy.


    ¡°Kang Tae-woo! Make sure to get out of this alive. When you do, I¡¯ming for you!¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain! Argh! I¡¯ll survive, so you need to get going!¡±


    Oh Ji-wan ran through the broken window and jumped over the guardrail. When he did so, numerous bullets started to pelt him from all directions. Small andrge sparks started to fly.


    Oh Ji-wan pulled out his pistol and started to fire back after hiding behind the guardrail.


    He was outnumbered 10 to 1! It was no use fighting against 10 men armed with automatic rifles with only a pistol. Oh Ji-wan retaliated but started to look around to find an escape route.


    That was when arge pir of red me rose from the ck van. Either the fuel tank blew up or one of the armed men must have thrown a grenade at it.


    ¡°Those bastards! I swear I will avenge myrades!¡±


    When Oh Ji-wan retaliated with his pistol, one of the approaching men fell.


    Bababababang! Bababababang!


    Now, all the armed men started to fire their rifles at Oh Ji-wan. The armed men scattered on both sides and attempted to hit Oh Ji-wan from the rear. He had already reloaded his gun by exchanging his magazine and started to run towards a concrete gutter while shooting his gun.


    Bababababang! Bababababang! Bababababang! Bababababang!


    Oh Ji-wan zig-zagged to avoid the bullets and threw himself into the gutter. It was as deep as an adult¡¯s height, but there was no water since it was winter. Oh Ji-wan used all of his strength to run forward.


    <hr />


    November 17th, 2023, 11:20


    The North State, Pyeong-yang, Hyungje Mountain-ku, Shinmi-dong (the ex-Reconnaissance Bureau director¡¯s hideout)


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Jo Myung-rok, dressed in a neat suit, walked out of the room to ask Jo Won-jin.


    ¡°The strike team at the warehouse is chasing after the one man who is attempting a getaway. The others were already dead by the time we got there. They must have fought amongst themselves.¡±


    ¡°What about Oh Ji-wan?¡±


    ¡°That team assaulted him as his men were making their getaway from Jun-ku and killed three of them. We are chasing after the surviving two men.¡±


    ¡°Why are they chasing after so many targets? They¡¯re doing a sloppy job.¡±


    ¡°Apologies, sir. We are dealing with the best after all...¡±


    ¡°No matter. Keep me updated and let¡¯s get outta here!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We have prepared a vehicle outside.¡±


    Numerous vehicles were parked outside the hideout and they were ready to go.


    ¡°So, did you take care of everything?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We burned everything we don¡¯t need, and the important ones are all loaded into the car by the agents.¡±


    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Suddenly, there was a bigmotion and the sounds of automatic rifles filled the air.


    Bang! Bababababang! Bababang!


    ¡°What was that?¡± Jo Myung-rok, who attempted to go outside, shouted to Jo Won-shin in a panicked tone.


    ¡± Comrade Director Jo, wait a moment. I¡¯ll go see what¡¯s going on.¡± Jo Won-jin pulled out a pistol from his hip and ran downstairs.


    The agents were busy firing back at the infiltrators from the stairway leading to the second floor from the first, and the 1st floor was full of tear gas.


    A minuteter, numerous rounds of tear gas canisters came flying through the air.


    Pew! Pew! Wooosh! Shhhhhhhhhhhh~


    Four tear gas canisters fell on the second floor and the gas started to spread.


    The agents without any gas masks attempted to hold their breath and fire back, but the gas went into their eyes and lowered their vision. All of them ended up losing their visibility. No matter how much special training they went through, it was difficult for the agents to withstand the pain of tear gas in their eyes.


    Argh!


    Jo Won-jin also covered his mouth with his hand and ran back up to the 3rd floor.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Jo Myung-rok in an urgent tone asked Jo Won-jin, who was leaking snot from his nose.


    ¡°I, I don¡¯t know, sir. It¡¯s either South Josun¡¯s special forces or the police...¡±


    Babababababang! Babababababang!


    Suddenly, gunshots filled the second floor.


    The men in gas masks started to pick off the agents who were disoriented by the tear gas. All of them started to fall to the floor after screaming.


    ¡°These bastards... Who the hell are they?¡± Jo Myung-rok started to fire towards the stairway after undoing his tie. There were only 6 agents in total at the hideout including himself. The remaining agents were all deployed to the field to take out the ex-Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 agents.


    The sound of gunshots ringing out across the building stopped. All the agents on the second floor seemed to had been killed.


    ¡°Who the hell are you guys?¡±


    Jo Won-jin leaned on the wall and shouted towards the stairs. The men in gas masks answered by throwing more tear gas canisters.


    Shhhhh! Shhhhh!


    When one of the canisters fell onto the floor and started emitting its gas, Jo Won-jin jumped over and grabbed the canister to throw it out the window.


    Crash!


    When he was about to pick up the second canister, a high-caliber bullet flew through the window and struck him on the head.


    Smack!


    The 12.7mm anti-personnel round from a sniper rifle cracked open Jo Won-jin¡¯s head like a watermelon. Blood and flesh were sprayed everywhere.


    The windows of the hideout were covered by ck sheets and prevented anyone from looking into the building. However, Jo Won-jin throwing out the canister and breaking the window gave an opening, and he was taken out by the sniper.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Jo Myung-rok¡¯s stomach lurched from seeing the ghastly scene in front of him. ¡°Who are you guys? Let¡¯s talk first!¡± Jo Myung-rok changed his magazine and shouted angrily.


    All he had to do was take out Oh Ji-wan and his men before living avish life, but the emergence of these random men had thrown a wrench in his ns, and that angered him.


    However, the men in gas masks from the second floor did not answer him. They just responded with more gas canisters again.


    Smack! Smack! Smack!


    Multiple shes of light and noise came from the canisters. These were shbangs instead of tear gas canisters. Jo Myung-rok had lost visibility and rolled on the floor from severe pain and losing his vision.


    Argh!


    Jo Myung-rok covered his eyes and stood back up. The men on the second floor in gas masks started to run up to the third floor. Then, they pointed their guns at Jo Myung-rok¡¯s head.


    ¡°Who, who are you guys? What do you want? Money? I can pay you as much as you want. Just spare me.¡±


    Jo Myung-rok was pitiful before death despite him being the ex-director of the reconnaissance department. He bowed his head while on his knees.


    He heard a faint voice from the men wearing gas masks despite his ringing ears and being blind from the sh-bangs. He heard Chinese instead of Corean.


    ¡°Wait, are these guys Chinese?¡± he thought.


    When he realized the men attacking him were Chinese, he rolled to the side and picked up his pistol. Then, he carefully aimed his gun at the throats of each man and fired his gun repeatedly.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The quick and urate gunshots caused the masked men to fall to the floor without being able to scream.


    When the shbang went off, Jo Myung-rok covered his eyes with his arm to a certain degree. But he pretended to be affected by the shbang to trick the enemy.


    Jo Myung-rok had miraculously avoided death from the men in gas masks through his acting. He immediately took a gas mask off of one of the dead men and grabbed his automatic rifle. It was an AK-47 that he was very familiar with.


    He could hear Chineseing from the second floor. Since he was able to understand a bit of Chinese, he assumed that the men were telling the ones on the third floor to return if they had finished taking out the targets.


    ¡°I¡¯ll figure out where you bastards came from and kill you all.¡±


    Jo Myung-rok looted grenades and shbangs off the dead bodies and walked down to the second floor. He wasn¡¯t caught because of the gas masks. However, someone spoke to him. He knew his bad ent while speaking Chinese would give him away, so he turned around and shot him in the chest.


    Bang!


    Then, he did a 360-degree turn before mercilessly pulling his trigger. He had already figured out the approximate position of the other men while walking down the stairs.


    ¡°5 of them are dead, and 4 died on the 3rd floor, so there¡¯re 9 in total!¡±


    He heard sounds of rushed footstepsing from the first floor.


    ¡°What¡¯s that? Were there more people on the first floor?¡± He thought.


    Jo Myung-rok leaned to the wall of the living room and poked his head out. The men downstairs were shouting in Chinese and running up the stairs to figure out what had happened.


    Jo Myung-rok pulled off the grenade¡¯s safety clips and pins while shouting in Chinese. He basically told them everything¡¯s fine and continue searching the first floor.


    Because he spoke while wearing a gas mask, the Chinese men did not realize he spoke in a bad ent and did not suspect anything. They continued to search the first floor and did note up the stairs.

 Chapter 364

    <h4>Chapter 364</h4>


    November 17th, 2023, 11:40,


    A building near the North State, Pyeong-yang, Hyungje Mountain-ku, Shinmi-dong (the ex-Reconnaissance Bureau¡¯s hideout)


    Creeeeak! Creeeeak!


    The old 3-story building at Shinmi-dong was full of gunshots. The two cars and three counter-terrorism vehicles stopped and agents under the 707th counter-terrorism special forces battalion all jumped out of the rear door.


    Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung, Chief Oh Suk-jin, and the rest of the agents all got off the vehicle armed withser rifles.


    The NIS counter-terrorism unit had started analyzing the torn map they got from Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung sent inst morning, and the results came in after four hours of analysis. The map was that of Pyeong-yang¡¯s Hyungje Mountain-ku, and the location marked on the map was Shinmi-dong. After getting the results, Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung rushed to Pyeong-yang with support from the counter-terrorism unit at Pyeong-yang.


    Dadadadadadada!


    The agents under the 707th counter-terrorism unit started to disperse and surround the old building so no one could get in or out of the area.


    Gunshots could be heard from inside the building at times.


    ¡°Are those Chinese nuts? How dare they fire guns in our territory?¡± Chief Oh Suk-jin, who had been taking cover behind a car with hisser rifle aimed at the building, shouted.


    ¡°Yeah. I suppose those bastards have lost their minds. I think they didn¡¯t learn their lesson after losing the East Asian War,¡± Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung answered while checking the building¡¯s interior with the VR-M binocrs.


    The captain of the 707th unit came up and spoke to him, ¡°Assistant Manager Lee! Should we begin?¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ve confirmed there are five men so far.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood. I¡¯ll get going.¡±


    Unit 707¡¯s captain returned after saluting him and signaled to the unit leaders. The two units attempted to enter the building through the window, and one of the units approached the main door.


    Woosh! Woosh!


    They threw sh-bang-like sonar bombs into the building. Soon, small explosions urred, and the agents rushed into the building. The agents standing by at the roof were all equipped with sound-blocking devices and rappelled into the 3rd and 2nd-floor windows.


    -Takeoverplete! Takeoverplete!


    All five men were subdued by the special agents under a minute of them attempting the takeover. Jo Myung-rok, who attempted to escape from the second floor, was also caught.


    The AHD sonar bombs which were used in Iranst time emitted high-frequency sound waves to make people unconscious.


    ¡°Whoa! The sonar bombs are really effective. It makes things too easy. Ha ha ha.¡± When the situation was over within a minute, Chief Oh Suk-jin pulled out the small device from his ears and smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to see who is causing all this chaos here today.¡± Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung handed hisser rifle to Chief Oh Suk-jin and rushed to the scene.


    ¡°Oh! Sir, wait for me.¡±


    The PLA (People¡¯s Liberation Army)¡¯s special forces wearing gas masks were all over the floor.


    ¡°Four dead on the 3rd floor, five dead on the second floor, and five more are dead on the 1st floor. Three are unconscious on the first floor and one more on the second, sir.¡± When Assistant Manager Lee Ja-sung and Chief Oh Suk-jin walked into the building, the counter-terrorism unit¡¯s captain reported the information they had confirmed.


    ¡°So that means the second floor was engaged with the first floor, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it seems to be that way, sir.¡±


    ¡°I need to check with the unconscious one from the second floor, then.¡± Lee Ja-sung saluted to express his gratitude and walked up the stairs leading to the second floor.


    A man was leaning on the wall of the stairway wearing a dirtied suit with a loose tie and his hands were tied behind his back.


    Whirrrrrl!


    Chief Oh Suk-jin pulled out a smartphone-like device and scanned the middle-aged man¡¯s face.


    ¡°Did you get the results?¡±


    Chief Oh Suk-jin gasped after seeing the information showing up upon scanning the man¡¯s face, ¡°Whoa...¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Assistant manager Lee Ja-sung snatched the face scanner from his hands and checked for himself.


    ¡°No wonder you said ¡®whoa.''¡±


    The face reader showed the name Jo Myung-rok and his profile. The secret ACS department under the NIS had been looking for him.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a winner! A winner!¡±


    <hr />


    November 17th, 2023, 11:20


    The South State, Seoul, Jung-ku, the Federal Investigation Bureau (deputy director¡¯s office)


    Kim Hyung-chul was inplete shock after hearing the news on the TV that major members of the Labor Party including Kim Jong-un and Kim Hyung-won had died from the Pyeong-yang terrorist bombing. Now his face was red from fury and he tossed the remote to the wall while shouting, ¡°What the hell happened? This wasn¡¯t the n!¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo, who was seated on the sofa, had to answer him, ¡°I, I don¡¯t know how this happened, sir...¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo also must not have fully understood the situation and slurred his words while sweating.


    ¡°How can you just say ¡®I don¡¯t know¡¯? Our n has gonepletely awry!¡±


    ¡°Then, what should we do, sir?¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul bit his lower lip and must have made up his mind. He sat down on the sofa and called Woo Byung-hoo over.


    ¡°Woo Byung-hoo!¡±


    ¡°Yes, deputy director!¡±


    ¡°Do you know the leader of the anti-treason organization that Governor Kim Choon-won prepared in secret?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve seen him two times or so, sir.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Can you contact him?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great! Contact him now and tell them to continue as we¡¯ve nned.¡±


    ¡°Governor Kim Choon-won is dead. Do you think they¡¯ll still go through with the n, sir?¡±


    When Woo Byung-hoo expressed his hesitation, he red at him and shouted, ¡°It¡¯s all we¡¯ve got, isn¡¯t it? If we stop now, nothing will get done, won¡¯t it? We must take over the party now. But that doesn¡¯t mean we should take action and be in the spotlight ourselves, so shouldn¡¯t we use them instead?¡±


    ¡°I see. Understood, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s that. So, how¡¯s the assassination of Jo Myung-rok going?¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo checked his watch and answered, ¡°They should have infiltrated Jo Myung-rok¡¯s hideout by now.¡±


    ¡°We must take Jo Myung-rok out. He knows every single person involved in our Typhoon 16 n. He¡¯s the loose end that we have to take care of today. When the Chinese soldiers make contact, make sure to let me know.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Two months ago, Kim Hyung-won had received a covert offer from Russia¡¯s SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency). When he first heard the offer, Kim Hyung-won did not respond very well to it. The suggestion was aplete farce.


    Russia nned to use Kim Jong-un to shake up the central government with his support from the North State¡¯s organizations and stir chaos within Corea. If that could be done, then Russia would give astronomical money to Kim Hyung-won and also provide military aid, if necessary.


    Kim Hyung-won had high political ambitions and finally epted after thinking it over for a few days. Then, he came up with the name of ¡®Operation Typhoon 16¡¯ and started setting up even bolder and dangerous ns than Russia.


    The n was to assassinate Kim Jong-un instead of using him as a political pawn. If the assassination was a sess, then the North State¡¯s citizens would be inplete shock. Kim Hyung-won would use this chance to start a political rumor about how the central government was behind the assassination. Then, the chaos would lead to a riot within the North State.


    If everything went ording to n, then Kim Hyung-won would have been able to create an independent state government free from the Corean central government with astronomical financial support and military aid from Russia.


    However, that ship had sailed. Due to unknown reasons, Jo Myung-rok had betrayed Kim Hyung-won and his men, and they were all assassinated as well. The n hadpletely failed on their part.


    The entire n of Typhoon 16 was as follows: Part 1 was to use Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 under Jo Myung-rok¡¯s guidance and assassinate Kim Jong-un. Then kill the agents under the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 by using Jo Myung-rok after the job was done to tie up any loose ends. That was the official n for Operation Typhoon 16.


    Kim Hyung-won came up with one more discrete and sly n. He had nned to assassinate Jo Myung-rok once the job was done.


    Kim Hyung-won had continued to have close ties with the Russian SVR (Foreign Intelligence Agency) and the Intelligence departments of the new Chinese Republic. He had used close ties with China to make contact with the PLA (People¡¯s Liberation Army special forces) and smuggle them into Corean territory. Kim Hyung-won had intended to use them to assassinate Jo Myung-rok and his men.


    <hr />


    November 17th, 2023, 12:00


    Seoul Jongro-ku, the Blue House national emergency situation center, underground bunker


    President Choo Un-hee, who heard the news about Kim Jong-un¡¯s assassination via bombing during Memorial Day, returned to the Blue House immediately after the ceremony was over. Then, she called for an NSC (National Security Council) meeting.


    The person who was on the hot seat had to be Director Lee Young-jin of the NIS. He had activated the ACS organization and hadn¡¯t gathered any significant results so far, and the incident at Pyeong-yang had happened.


    ¡°What is it that the NIS does, exactly?¡± Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon scolded Director Lee Young-jin.


    ¡°Sir! Let¡¯s assess the situation first.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President!¡±


    ¡°Brief us on what you have confirmed so far,¡± President Choo Un-hee spoke in a calm tone.


    ¡°So far, ex-supreme leader Kim Jong-un, party chairman Kim Hyung-won, and 31 senators and congressmen have died. Also, 51 civilians were killed in the st as well. 80 have been severely wounded and 200 suffered minor injuries, but we are still assessing the numbers.¡±


    There were too many people dead despite it being a single bombing incident. The IED (Improvised Explosive Device) was powerful enough to kill over 80 people.


    ¡°Was it a terrorist attack or an ident?¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s most likely a terrorist attack. The source of the explosion was not near any gas lines or fuel tanks. The investigation is still ongoing, so we¡¯ll give you an additional report once we find the source, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°So, that means it could be a terrorist attack.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin from the NIS nodded at National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo and answered his question, ¡°Yes, based on our current investigation, it seems that way.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not good. Two terrorist bombings at the same spot. How are the citizens of the North State reacting? Are they being swayed by the chaos?¡±


    Minister Kim Yi-gyeom from the Ministry of Bureaucracy answered the president¡¯s question, ¡°We have deployed 10 policepanies within the Peace Park to maintain security within the area. So far, there haven¡¯t been any reports about security issues.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. The citizens of Pyeong-yang or the North State must not be swayed by this incident.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam President!¡±


    At that moment, Director Lee Young-jin¡¯s smartphone started to ring.


    Director Lee Young-jin urgently picked up the phone since it was an emergency. ¡°Really? Yes, I understand, bring him back to HQ as quickly as possible!¡±

 Chapter 365

    <h4>Chapter 365</h4>


    Novermber 17, 15:00, 2023 (Russia time 09:00),


    Moscow, Russia Kremlin Pce (Presidential Executive Office)


    There was a secret conversation between President Putin and SVR(Foreign Intelligence) Director Evgeny Lebedev at the presidential office of the Kremlin Pce.


    ¡°Everything is going ording to n?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! Pyung yang is now indeed a volcanic area. You never know when it¡¯s going to explode...¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, we¡¯ve been nning for a month, and that¡¯s how it should be.¡±


    President Putin, who looked pleased on the sofa, inhaled the smoke deeply and soon exhaled.


    ¡°Jo Myung-rok will arrive in Russia with our agents today afterpleting the mission.¡±


    ¡°That guy! Make sure to get things done once hends in Russia.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, everything is under control. As soon as he arrives in Russia, we¡¯ll get rid of him.¡±


    ¡°You know, there is a saying that goes like this in Asia. Kill the useless hound after hunting is over. HAHAHA¡±


    ¡°Is that so, sir? I¡¯m very impressed by your Asia Literature knowledge, Mr. President!¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev, who has been in a dog house with the president ever since he ruined the given opportunities, did not hesitate to tter him because he wanted to gain his trust back bypleting the mission.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too impressed! Woo-hoo¡±


    President Putin knew it was tteringments but was gruntled with an aplishment report.


    Director Evgeny Lebedev received a call as they continued to have a pleasant tea-time conversation.


    ¡°Yes, this is the Director Evgeny Lebedev.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°And.....¡±


    ¡°Damn it, I see.¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev, who was grinning from ear to ear while talking to President Putin, made a 180-degree change after the phone call. President Putin sensed and asked.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Um, that.. that is...¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and tell me!¡±


    ¡°Received a report that Jo Myung-rok was caught by the Korean Intelligence when he tried to escape Pyung yang.¡±


    President Putin, who immediately got annoyed, stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and yelled.


    ¡°WHAT?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the call from an agent who is supposed to apany him from Pyung yang to the Russian border.


    ¡°Jo Myung-rok, how the hell did he get caught?¡± Maybe, the information might have leaked in advance?¡±


    A month ago, President Putin and Director Evgeny Lebedev, who had abandoned the Hokkaido transfer case after the South Korean government discovered that Russia was behind the assassination of Minister Kang Kyung-Hee in Tehran, Iran, came up with another ruse.


    They attempted to distract South Korea with the Former Chairman of the National Defense Commission, Kim Jong-un. As a first step, SVR(Foreign Intelligence) approached Kim Hyung-won, a member of the people¡¯sbor party and one of the closest allies of Kim Jong-un, and unveiled a massive proposal.


    In addition to astronomical financial support, SVR promised to provide military assistance if necessary so that North Korea can withdraw from the Federation and be a self-governing independent country in the future, suggesting Kim Jong-un¡¯s assassination as a condition.


    Later, when Kim Hyung-won, who epted the mission, ordered a character named Jo Myung-rok to prepare for the assassination, Russia¡¯s SVR(Foreign Intelligence) also approached Jo Myung-rok and gave him an irresistible offer while keeping Kim Hyung-won in the dark.


    In fact, Jo Myung-rok was fully dissatisfied with the current government and former North Korean officials who are now riding high. After reunification, most of the officials from North Korea secured their positions and did well in the unified government, whereas he felt like he had hit rock bottom after being abandoned like a loner and emerged with a vengeance.


    Meanwhile, Russia¡¯s SVR(Foreign Intelligence) incited him to take his revenge as he was given another chance after Kim Jong-un gained consciousness. If he could kill Kim Hyung-won and members of the people¡¯sbor party including Kim Jong-un with a bomb, then all his family members would live in clover with their new status in Russia.


    In response, Jo Myung-rok secretly sent his family to Russia and modified the instructions given by Kim Hyung-won, ordering the 1st international operations forces to assassinate all major figures attending the inauguration ceremony, including Kim Jong-un and Kim Hyung-won. Upon the sess of the assassination, 1st international operations forces would be removed by the agents from the Reconnaissance General Bureau, then he would be able to transfer to Russia with the agents. However, he missed the boat when he got engaged in an unexpected skirmish with the PLA(People¡¯s Liberation Army Special Forces) while trying to escape from his hideout and waster caught by Lee Ja-sung and the Counterterrorism forces.


    ¡°That¡¯s absolutely not the case, sir. If it were, assassination would have failed. Anyway, I apologize for all the mess.¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev couldn¡¯t bear to lift his head from embarrassment in front of President Putin.


    ¡°I hate when things don¡¯t go as nned, understand? What if Jo Myung-rok tells the guys from Intelligence what he knows? Information rted to us.¡±


    ¡°That, that you don¡¯t need to worry about, sir. Our agents are keeping his family just in case this would happen. He should know that his family¡¯s lives will be in danger if he shares information rted to us.¡±


    President Putin took what Director Evgeny Lebedev said with a grain of salt.


    ¡°Do you think Jo Myung-rok is the type of guy who would put his family before himself?¡±


    ¡°Um,¡±


    Director Evgeny Lebedev couldn¡¯t finish his sentence right away.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Cat got your tongue?¡±


    ¡°No, No, sir. I¡¯m certain he will sacrifice himself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you want to believe. I can¡¯t just count on you like the Tehran case and be backstabbed by the Korean government!¡±


    President Putin squinted his eyes and pressed the inte button on the table.


    Beep!


    -Yes, Mr. President!


    ¡°Call the Ministers in by 2:00 pm!¡±


    -Yes, sir. Mr. President!


    ¡®Better move up the next n!¡¯


    President Putin, who ordered his Secretary, muttered to himself.


    <hr />


    Novermber 17, 16:00, 2023,


    Seoul Jong-ro ku, Bunker under the National Emergency Situation Center in the Blue House.


    Towards the end of the four-hour NSC(National Security Council) meeting, the Chief Secretary¡¯s assistant rushed into the NSC¡¯s conference room.


    Despite the top-secret meeting, assistant Yoo Dong-hoon unexpectedly opened the door and reported with a pale face.


    ¡°A, A riot broke out in Pyung yang right, right now and the Governor of Northern State wants to have an emergency call with President.¡±


    ¡°Riot? You mean riot not protesting?¡±


    Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won asked as President was speechless with surprise.


    ¡°Yes, the term riot was used.¡±


    Although there wererge-scale protests against dictators in the history of the current government, there was never a single demonstration to point to as a riot. The use of the term riot implied how serious the situation was.


    ¡°Call him immediately, right here.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who was frightened for a moment, kept her level head and mademand.


    ¡°Yes, I will contact him immediately. The Secretary left the conference room as soon as he answered. Soonter, the central screen of the NSC¡¯s conference room turned on, showing Governor Ahn Dong-tae and Mayor Kim Kyu-jin of Pyung yang, who were panicking and not knowing what to do


    ¡°Tell me the details.¡±


    Mayor Kim Kyu-jin, who greeted the president¡¯s question, first opened his mouth.


    ¡°We are in great danger, President. Currently, as many as 100,000 rioters have urred throughout downtown Pyung yang. For now, 20,000 local police officers have been urgently deployed to control the riot, but the riot is so intense that it is difficult to suppress it. The number of rioters continues to grow.¡±


    Then, Governor Ahn Dong-tae interrupted his conversation.


    ¡°President! As governor, I would like to deploy the Northern State Guard to quell the riots. Need your approval. President!¡±


    Governor Ahn Dong-tae, who had control over the State Guard in a case of emergency, needed the President¡¯s final approval to move the troops.


    ¡°Is it serious enough to send an army?¡±


    On behalf of the President, National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo asked again.


    ¡°Yes, there is a report saying some of the rioters have personal weapons, and this could severely harm the citizens. Here is the video footage.¡±


    The screen turned into a split-screen right after Governor¡¯s remarks, and on one screen, the countless people wearing masks gathered around with various iron pipes, wooden weapons, and gs, destroying and burned down the public building facilities as well as retail shops. Another video footage yed soon after.


    The 12ne road was filled with countless people wearing red hairbands and they were marching yet holding gs with different letters on them. The g contained numerous phrases criticizing the current government, including ¡°We don¡¯t want the current government that killed Chairman Kim Jong-un!¡± and ¡°The current government behind the northern politic extermination should step down.¡±


    ¡°What the hell is going on there?¡±


    Prime minister Lee Youn-yeon took out his magnifying sses and asked if he couldn¡¯t believe it even looking at the screen.


    ¡°Right now, we¡¯re trying to figure things out, but it¡¯s going to take time. What¡¯s serious is that a lot of people are now flocking to Pyung yang. Police won¡¯t be able to stop them. I will deploy the State Guard.¡±


    Governor Ahn Dong-tae urged the President¡¯s approval.


    ¡°No, no. that¡¯s not allowed. The troops that exist for the safety of the citizens should not be deployed to subdue them.¡±


    In response, Governor Ahn Dong-tae insisted in a firm voice, despite the opposition of the President.


    ¡°Mr. President, have you seen the video? They are not the citizens, they are nothing more than the rioters who try to overthrow the country. If you don¡¯t approve it, I¡¯ll dere a first-degree emergency against the Northern state and ce the State Guard under the authority of the Governor.¡±


    ¡°Governor Ahn! Do you really mean it?¡±


    The President shouted as she got upset with Governor Ahn¡¯s statement.


    ¡°My apologies. President, I should get going now to get my job done.¡±


    ¡°Governor Ahn! Cut it out.¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee even stood up and said, but Governor Ahn Dong-tae bowed his head and disappeared right out of the screen. Mayor Kim Jin-kyu, who set next to him gave her a perplexed look.


    In a hurry, Minister of National Defense Kang Yi-sik shouted.


    ¡°Mayor Kim! Get the Governor immediately. We have to stop him. If things go wrong, the Citizens of Pyung yang could be seriously injured. We need to stop him while I contact Commander of the Northern State Guard.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yeah! Yeah! Me? How could I...¡±


    ¡°Do everything in your power to stop him.¡±


    Major Kim Kyu-jin replied to Minister Kang Yi-sik as he was being pushed.


    ¡°Oh, I got it.¡±


    Mayor Kim Kyu-jin, who responded unexpectedly, disappeared from the screen without saying anything, and now there was a sound of Governor Ahn Dong-tae yelling only.


    ¡°Governor Ahn, are you out of your mind? Deploying troops over rioters... Call me right away, Minister Kang.¡±


    South Korea has a tragic history of the 518 Gwangju Incident, which massacred countless innocent citizens under name of rioters in the past, thus, the current government, inherited the civilian government, could never imagine the troops suppressing citizens even they are in fact, rioters.


    ¡°Yes, President! I will be in touch right away.¡±


    Minister Kang Yi-sik immediately took out his cellphone and contacted the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

 Chapter 366

    <h4>Chapter 366</h4>


    November 17, 2023, 16:30


    Northern State, Pyeong-yang-si, the road in front of the People¡¯s Labor Party Headquarters.


    Kaboom~ Crash! me!


    A ck-masked man who was holding me bottles in both hands threw them at a store window. The me bottles that broke through the window then quickly spread the fire to the entire building.


    These scenes continued to be seen throughout Pyeong-yang. Rioters ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands took over the streets, damaging store facilities and cars that were parked on the road, and setting fire to them. They were like angry bulls.


    Downtown Pyeong-yang was filled with red me and smoke as rumors spread rapidly that Kim Jong-un, former Chairman of the National Defense Commission, and Kim Hyung-won, a politician representing North Korea, were killed in a bomb attack by the Central Government (Federal Government). This was considered the biggest crisis since the establishment of the Federal Republic of Corea.


    The rioters who rushed into the Peace Square from all over Pyeong-yang had one thing inmon. The leaders of the riot wore ck masks and had their hats pulled deeply down. They led the crowd by throwing iron pipes, wooden weapons, and me bottles, influencing ordinary citizens living in Pyeong-yang to also be violent, then slowly turning them into rioters. The situation got worse as they became even more violent than the men wearing masks.


    That was when 166panies of riot police, fully equipped with protection gears, stun batons, and shields closed the roads around the Peace Square. Behind them were water cannons and mobile strike force vehicles.


    Over time, nearly half a million outraged rioters upied all the streets as they marched until they faced police officers. The ck-masked men leading the crowds ran smack into the police officers with their iron pipes and me bottles, and so did the others.


    The crowds shed with the riot police, causing a series of casualties. The rioters, who were beaten with the stun batons, fell onto the ground as they were electrocuted, while the police officers were also injured by the rioters rushing and attacking from all sides.


    The riot police had trouble controlling the crowd as the president had specially ordered them to manage the riot respectfully. As time went by, the crowd grewrger, and far from controlling them, they were about to breach the police barricade.


    After the bombing, rumors spread like wildfire that the bombing was a Central Government conspiracy and that they were the ones pulling the strings, resulting in simultaneous riots and bloodshed in many ces in Pyeong-yang as though it was thoroughly nned.


    In the meantime, Governor Ahn Dong-tae contacted the Commander of the State Guard despite President Choo Un-hee¡¯s disapproval of the deployment of the State Guard to suppress the riot. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff quickly reached out to the Commander of the State Guard and ordered him not to move the State Guard.


    The Commander of the State Guard, who belonged to the Joint Chiefs of Staff but was under themand of Governor Ahn Dong-tae, the Commander of the Northern State Military, was in a very difficult situation. However, as President Choo Un-hee¡¯s order came first, the Commander of the State Guard refused Governor Ahn¡¯s request. Instead, he ordered his subordinate forces never to move under any circumstances.


    <hr />


    November 17, 2023, 17:10


    Northern State, Pyeong-yang-si, Potonggang-ku, Northern State Government Office Building


    ¡°What the hell are you trying to do? Wasn¡¯t the President against it?¡±


    Mayor Kim Kyu-jin followed Governor Ahn Dong-tae and tried to stop him. However, Governor Ahn Dong-tae stuck to his n to deploy the troops to suppress the riot.


    No matter how hard he tried to make him understand, Governor Ahn Dong-tae¡¯s stubbornness was beyondprehension.


    ¡°Your n can eventually cause problems. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is on its way to arrest you, Governor. So please, stop.¡±


    Governor Ahn Dong-tae, who was busy making phone calls, paused and responded to Mayor Kim Kyu-jin, ¡°Mayor Kim! Corea is a Federation. I¡¯m the one responsible for overseeing the Northern State, not the President. Do you think I could be arrested in the Northern State?¡±


    Governor Ahn couldn¡¯t conceal a snort ofughter as he continued to make calls.


    ¡°Okay! That works. All forces must be deployed to take strong action immediately.¡±


    Mayor Kim Kyu-jin asked as Governor Ahn Dong-tae ended his short and simple call, ¡°Who were you talking to?¡±


    ¡°My security forces in the Northern State.¡±


    The troops, which consisted of two battalions, were stationed near Pyeong-yang to protect the State Governor¡¯s safety in the event of a war or emergency.


    ¡°What? The security forces? Are you trying to subdue the protesters with your security forces?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and they¡¯re not just protesters, they¡¯re mobs trying to overthrow the country.¡±


    ¡°Huh! Governor, once you cross the line, there is no turning back! Do you really want this to happen? I don¡¯t understand why you are doing this.¡±


    ¡°The Northern State shouldn¡¯t go back to the way it was before.¡±


    ¡°A protest of this scale can¡¯t take us back to the past. You are overreacting. Please stop immediately. I¡¯m begging you as Mayor of Pyeong-yang.¡±


    A few minutester, a dozen helicopters were seen from the distance and were soon approaching the Northern State Government office building. They were Northern State Security helicopters dispatched to protect Governor Ahn Dong-tae. More than 700 guards fully armed with various weapons from the security forces drove armored vehicles to downtown Pyeong-yang.


    <hr />


    November 17, 2023, 18:00


    Northern State, Pyeong-yang-si, Potonggang-ku, the Red Revolutionary Youth Group¡¯s hideout


    A few hours ago, Man Gil-soo, the leader of the Red Revolutionary Youth Group, had received a call from Woo Byung-hoo and carried out the n he had been preparing for a while.


    After unification, Man Gil-soo, the leader of the extreme-left wing, created the Red Revolutionary Youth Group with people with simr political tendencies and secretly gained financial support from the People¡¯s Labor Party. In short, being a secret society of the People¡¯s Labor Party, they had been manipting public opinions and maneuvering various politics rted to the People¡¯s Labor Party.


    Man Gil-soo had consistently brainwashed the poor and Chinese nationals living in Manchuria, which was incorporated into Korean territory after the end of the Northeast Asian War. The number reached approximately 100,000 and they were the forerunners of the simultaneous riots that urred today in downtown Pyeong-yang.


    ¡°Everything is going well.¡±


    <ul>


    Don¡¯t reveal your identity. Please be careful.


    </ul>


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Our team members will elevate tension and slip away, a strategy called hit and run.¡±


    <ul>


    Soon, the troops will be deployed to curb protests. Keep up the good work until then.


    </ul>


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    It was Woo Byung-hoo, a special investigator at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who spoke to Man Gil-soo on the phone.


    ¡°Call every action executor. The troops will be dispatched soon to put down the riot, so tell the members to sneak out without being caught.


    <hr />


    November 17, 2023, 18:00


    Southern State, Seoul-si, Gangnam-ku, National Intelligence Service, the Interrogation Room in the External Intelligence Department


    A man sat handcuffed in a small room with ck walls and a ceiling light.


    He was Jo Myung-rok, passed out after being shot by a sonic bullet in his Pyeong-yang hideout. He looked very haggard and was dazed.


    Whoosh!


    The door opened and Manager Lee Ja-sung came in.


    Tab! Tab!


    ¡°Mr. Jo Myung-rok, did you sleep well? You were fast asleep; approximately five hours have passed,¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung said while tapping on the square table with a bunch of papers.


    Jo Myung-rok, whose face was down with hazy eyes, had no response.


    ¡°Oho, was the sonic bullet too harsh?¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung asked as he waved a hand in front of the said face.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± Jo Myung-rok said suddenly.


    ¡°Oh, are you awake now? The two of us have a lot to talk about. So, drink some water and we¡¯ll get started right away.¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung handed over a bottle of water to him.


    Thud! Jo Myung-rok mmed the table with his handcuffed hands. The bottle rolled off the table and fell to the floor.


    ¡°No need, just tell me what brought me here, huh? How dare you treat me like that? Isn¡¯t there liberal democracy in the south?¡±


    ¡°Oh gosh, did you just say liberal democracy? You, who was in a gunfight with New China in a country like this? Huh?¡±


    ¡°New China? Are those bastards from New China?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to know?¡± Jo Myung-rok found out that the unidentified gunmen were Chinese during the skirmish. He tried ying dumb.


    ¡°Oh! We will figure it out soon... Okay, let¡¯s get started.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung took out several pictures from the envelope he was holding and ced them on the table.


    ¡°Take a look. You see these pictures?¡± Lee Ja-sung continued, pointing to the pictures. ¡°You know these guys, don¡¯t you?¡±


    In the picture were Team Leader Park Gi-oong and the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 agents.


    ¡°Why are you asking me about those bastards?¡±


    ¡°Why are you giving me a hard time when all will be revealed? Mr. Jo Myung-rok, let¡¯s be good to each other.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. That means I have nothing to share. Release me, right now!¡± Jo Myung-rok shouted and red at him.


    Manger Lee Ja-sung continued with his questions carelessly. ¡°Mr. Jo Myung-rok, where have you been since reunification? Trying to keep a low profile?¡±


    ¡°Keeping a low profile? I don¡¯t know about that. I was living a normal life.¡±


    ¡°Were you? How?¡±


    ¡°Why do you want to know?


    ¡°Fair enough. After Kim Jong-un regained consciousness, have you met Kim Hyung-won and Kim Jong-un?¡±


    ¡°Why would I? I¡¯ve never met them.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Look at these pictures.¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung handed him a picture of himself taken with Kim Jong-un, Kim Hyung-won, and his close allies.


    ¡°You think that¡¯s me? Are you kidding? You can¡¯t fool me with this fake picture.¡± He strongly denied it.


    ¡°Are you refusing to ept the truth?¡±


    ¡°Refuse? No way, I¡¯m just telling the truth!¡±


    Then, the door of the interrogation room opened and a middle-aged man came in.


    It was Lee Young-jin, the Director of the National Intelligence Service. When Lee Ja-sung tried to stand up from his chair, he stopped him and gestured for him to continue.


    It wasmon to observe from the opposite room where the interrogation room was visible, but this time, NIS Director Lee Young-jin stayed in the room to watch the interrogation.


    Jo Myung-rok immediately noticed that the middle-aged man who just came in was Lee Young-jin, the Director of the National Intelligence Service. Although he had lived like a hermit for more than two years, he recognized the major figures of the Federal Republic of Corea.


    ¡°Alright. Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you know.¡±


    <hr />


    November 17, 2023, 18:30


    Northern State, Pyeong-yang-si, Qianlima-ku, near Kangson Station


    Huff! Huff!


    Oh Ji-wan ran straight ahead, breathing heavily. He had been running between life and death for more than six hours. Fortunately, he gave his shadows the slip.


    Oh Ji-wan moved along the Daedong River stretching out to the West Sea and hid in the forest for a while, trying to catch his breath.


    ¡°Where the hell are those bastardsing from?¡±


    Oh Ji-wan couldn¡¯t figure out why this had happened to him. Suddenly, a thought shed through his mind.


    ¡°Jo Myung-rok, could he be the one who nned all this?¡±


    Oh Ji-wan began to suspect Jo Myung-rok and soon be certain. Besides the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 agents, Jo Myung-rok and his group were the only ones who knew the path to the warehouse, a hideout, after the bombing.


    On the way to the warehouse, Oh Ji-wan and his group were attacked in the most secluded ce. This meant that someone who knew the path nned the attack. It was so obvious. The culprit was Jo Myung-rok and his group.


    ¡°But, why? Jo Myung-rok, you son of a bitch! Trying to eliminate me after all that hard work. I¡¯ll tear your heart apart and chew on them. Wait for me.¡± He gnashed his teeth in anger, not knowing that Jo Myung-rok had been arrested by the National Intelligence Service.


    ¡°I will just rest here for a while.¡±


    Oh Ji-wan was so exhausted by the time his thoughts were sorted out. He decided to stay in the woods for a while, then escape when the sun waspletely gone.

 Chapter 367

    <h4>Chapter 367</h4>


    November, 17, 2023, 19:30,


    Northern State, Pyung yang-si, Potonggang-ku, The Peace Square.


    Protesters, more likely rioters, broke the first line police barricades and flocked to Peace Square.


    Riot police from other regions were urgently gathered in Pyung yang, however, citizens joining the protests were outnumbered.


    As crowds flocked to the site where the bombing took ce, a police officer, overseeing protests from the top of the water cannon, ranted and raved through a loudspeaker.


    ¡°Stop overthere! Stop them somehow.¡±


    Protesters rushed even more, like a furious wave, as they heard the shouts from the loudspeaker. riot police, apany size-unit, tried to stop the crowd by raising shields and wielding stun batons but wasn¡¯t enough.


    As protesters in the front row fell down after being beaten by stun batons, hundreds of other protesters in the back row shed with riot police.


    ¡°Shit, where is the backup support? Fire the water cannons!¡±


    A powerful stream of water gushed out of the outlet mounted on top of the water cannon as soon as theirmander gave the order,


    Whoosh~ Whoosh~


    The water cannon has modified its name to Chamsuri vehicle implying that ¡®water should be used properly.¡¯ as negative perceptions of water cannon arose from vition of human rights during the past rallies and protests, and so, there were 4 Chamsuri vehicles gushing water everywhere to stop the crowds.


    Ouch! Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!


    Protesters were knocked down like falling leaves by a powerful jet. Rioters kept their distance from the police, and soon after, there was a momentary lull. Suddenly, a man in a ck face mask took out a fired bottle bomb and threw it at the Chamsuri vehicle.


    Whizz~ Whizzz~


    More than 20 bottle bombs were thrown towards the Chamsuri vehicle all at once.


    Pow! Pow! Pow!


    Some bottle bombs flew halfway through and fell on the ground blocked by the gushing stream, but around 10 bottles fell straight onto the Chamsuri vehicle.


    Fwoosh~


    The fire spread rapidly when the bottle bombs fell and exploded on the Chamsuri vehicle. Another vehicle, attacked by more than one bottle bomb, burst into a huge fire, and the officers inside the truck screamed and jumped out.


    ¡°Hey! Fire! Tackle the fire!¡±


    Commander also jumped off the Chamsuri vehicle and yelled.


    ¡°Aaaaaaaah!¡±


    Rioters shouted and rushed towards the riot police when their 4 Chamsuri vehicles were attacked by the bottle bombs.


    ¡°Re, Retreat! Back off, Everybody!¡±


    After the attack, Commander, the first one to abandon the useless Chamsuri vehicles and withdraw from the site, ordered the troops. Four helicopters were flying over the south side of the Peace Square with a distinctive engine sound.


    It was a security helicopter carrying Governor Ahn Dong-tae from Nothern State Government Office Building to the Peace Square.


    Armored vehicles somehow arrived and lined up at the helicopternding site located within the Peace Square, soon after, more than 300 fully armed soldiers stepped down withser rifles.


    Captian Kim Kwan-joon, who wore dark sunsses even at night, got out of the C-161P light tactical vehicle and red at the Peace Square which was in a total mess.


    Rioters had taken over the site of the bombing as the police rushed to step out.


    ¡°Commie bastards! I¡¯ve fed the starving bastards and now they¡¯re going nuts,¡±


    Captian Kim Kwan-joon, a rightist, turned his head toward the helicopter as the noise approached closer.


    dubdubdubdubdubdub~


    The four helicopters, which created rough winds,nded in turn at the points secured by the Security Force. Soon after, Governor Ahn Dong-tae and Mayor Kim Jin-kyu got off the helicopternded right after the first one.


    ¡°Salute! Kim Kwan-joon, Captain of the Security Force, sir.¡±


    ¡°Captain Kim! d to get a prompt response from you. Hahaha¡±


    Captian Kim Kwan-joon, Governor Ahn Dong-tae¡¯s Security Force, refused the order of the Commander of the State Guard. It wasn¡¯t a rejection per se, but he carried out the unit¡¯s mission immediately, which is to protect the Governor¡¯s safety in the event of an emergency.


    The Governor shook hands with Captian Kim Kwan-joon and even tapped his shoulder as him being the only one who followed the Governor¡¯s request.


    ¡°How many guards are currently deployed?¡±


    After the handshake with Mayor Kim Jin-kyu, Captian Kim Kwan-joon answered with his firm voice.


    ¡°Here, Governor, please refer to the map as I exin.¡±


    An ade-de-camp next to Captian Kim Kwan-joon shared the screen from his tabletputer.


    ¡°We¡¯ve deployed 50 soldiers each to cover six different locations, and here we have 300 security soldiers.¡±


    Their n was to suppress rioters at Peace Square and prevent additional rioters from entering Peace Square from 6 different connecting roads.


    ¡°Sounds like a n, make sure to subdue these men who are trying to overthrow the government.¡±


    ¡°Governor, are you really authorizing the use of firearms?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I already tell you on the phone? Use of firearms approved. Those mobs should get their assess kicked.¡±


    Governor Ahn Dong-tae relentlessly talked as if he had a sworn enemy among the rioters.


    ¡°But as you know, the use of firearms is likely to be a problem in the future. Governor!¡±


    Captain Kim Kwan-joon wanted to avoid legal liability for injuries caused by using firearms, so he made an empty gesture and suggested Governor Ahn Dong-tae.


    the Governor smirked and nced at him. Implying that he already knew Captain Kim Kwan-joon¡¯s intention behind.


    ¡°A state of emergency has been dered. As a Governor, it¡¯s fair enough to approve the use of firearms, so go and control the rioters right now.¡±


    ¡°Governor! Do you truly mean to...¡±


    ¡°Oh, Mayor Kim, are you going to keep interrupting me like that?¡±


    Governor Ahn Dong-tae cut Mayor Kim Jin-kyu, who was trying to dissuade him, off and ordered Captain Kim Kwan-joon again.


    ¡°Initiate the n.¡¯


    ¡°We will continue to monitor protest movement then initiate our n afterward.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, they are rioters not protesters. I¡¯m telling you.¡±


    Governor Andong-tae walked towards the protesters. He passed through guard soliders in the front who were guarding the surroundings with aser rifle.


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous. Governer!¡±


    ¡°Oh, why are you doing this? Step back.¡±


    Captian Kim Kwan-joon and Mayor Kim Jin-kyu shouted together.


    All of a sudden, something seemed to be shing on the roof from the building behind the protesters, then followed by the gunshot, and that¡¯s when Governor Ahn Dong-tae fell down.


    ¡°A sniper. 2 o¡¯clock, a rooftop on the 15th floor.¡±


    One of themanders from Security Force yelled, then guard soldiers shoot thesers in that given direction.


    pew pew pew pew pew~


    The roof of the 15-story building was severely damaged. On the other hand, Governor Ahn Dong-tae, who fell on the ground, groaned in shock, yet wasn¡¯t injured as he wore protective suit.


    ¡°¡±As of now, eachpany will be deployed to quell protests. The use of firearms approved. Roger that¡±


    Captian Kim Kwan-joon, the chief of the Security Force, immediately issued an order thinking that approval of firearms is inevitable in order to protect the Govenor.


    pew pew pew pew pew~


    peeeeeeeewu~


    Protesters helplessly fell bleeding in the sudden stream of pouring redser beams.


    Ouch! Aaaaaaaah!


    ¡°They are attacking us. Run! ¡±


    Protesters screamed and scattered everywhere after dozens of people fell on the ground bleeding in the blink of an eye.


    What was now seen at Peace Square in Pyung yang was a repeat of the tragic history of 5¡¤18 Gwangju incident, the military that should exist for the citizens used firearms against them. Firearms also used on the six connecting roads to Peace Square, which caused other huge casualties.


    <hr />


    November, 17, 20:00,


    Northern State, Pyung yang-si, Yongsung-ku, Mountains in Imwon-dong.


    In the dark mountains without a light, a ck shadow was moving slowly on the hillside in the moonlight shining through the clouds.


    It was Goo Sang-sik, 1st international operations force agent, who was attacked by an unidentified gunman in a warehouse and ran away into the mountains. The nine-hour chase, which he had been running nonstop, was now crawling with heavy breathing to see if he had the strength to walk.


    The money backpacks on his back became tattered as several holes were formed in the pouring shooting. It was doubtless, the cash in the backpack was also severely damaged that it could not be used.


    ¡°Huff! Huff!¡±


    Goo Sang-sik, who had not had a sip of water for nine hours, threw away his money backpack when he saw a small valley, and drank water with his face in.


    ¡°Ho! I feel so much better now.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik, who drank a lot of water,id on the ground and looked at the blurry night sky. When he caught a glimse of the moonlight and the twinkling starlight through the clouds, he felt burdened. he was saddened by the fact that he betrayed hisrades who had been together for many years and now he became a fugitive wandering the mountains.


    He was filled with regret. However, he knew that regret will not make any difference, instead he thought about how he would live with the cash he had once he escape from this ce.


    Rustle! Rustle!


    The sound of walking on leaves was heard weakly from the other side. Goo Sang-sik, who was specially trained, intuitively sensed that it was the sound of human footsteps and hid himself behind the tree.


    ¡®Fuxxing bastarad is following me to the end.¡¯


    Goo Sang-sik, as he mumbled to himself, pulled out a handgun with a silencer from his lower back and slowly pulled its slide.


    The sight distance was less than 10m in the cloudy moon.


    ¡®Wait, is there more than one? ¡®


    Goo Sang-sik pricked up his ears when he heard the constant sound. There were at least three people in terms of the sound of footsteps walking through the leaves.


    There was a sounding very close from his back. He turned and tried to aim his gun, but his hand was struck by something dropped down from above. Followed by another heavy attack towards his face.


    BAM! BAM! BAM!


    His face was marred from the relentless attacks, he banged his head on the ground and fell like a giant tree as if he had fainted. His face was covered with red blood came out from his mouth and nose..


    Goo Sang-sik saw distorted space when he fell, but soon something appeared above his eyes.


    ¡°We caught him.¡±


    It was voice of Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    <ul>


    Ah! The hard work is over. Good job!


    Are we heading down the mountain now? Team leader?


    </ul>


    The voices of Youn Tae-jin and Oh Hyuck-soo were heard one after another from the silent PM-1municator.


    ¡°We will head down if he¡¯s the one we¡¯re looking for, .¡±


    In a short time, Manager Youn Tae-jin and Assistant Manger Oh Hyuck-soo, who had their TCS mode turned off, approached from a distance. They were wearing sunsses that could be seen like daylight even on dark nights.


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work. Sir!¡±


    Oh Hyuck-soo grabbed Goo Sang-sik¡¯s face with one hand and scanned it with a face recognizer.


    Whoosh!


    ¡°Ah ha! He belongs to the 1st International Operation Forces named Goo Sang-sik. Wow! This is the guy


    from the Emperor¡¯s Hostless Club on the surveince camera?¡±


    ¡°Really? Good. Let¡¯s head down now! Team Leader Lee!¡±


    Manager Youn Tae-jin asked with bright smile on his face.


    ¡°What about this guy?


    Assitant Manager Oh Hyuck-soo pointed at Goo Sang-sik who has cked out.


    ¡°What do you mean, Mr.? You have to carry him on your back!¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    Assistant manager Oh Hyuck-soo frowned immediately as Manager Youn tae-jin spoke.

 Chapter 368

    <h4>Chapter 368</h4>


    November 17th 2023, 20:30.


    Currently, the underground bunker of the National Emergency Situation Center below the Blue House located in Jongno-gu, Seoul Special Administration City.


    All the TV stations were continuously ying the ¡®breaking news¡¯ footage of the protests taking ce in Pyongyang and various contents rted to said protests.


    Especially the event of thirty minutes ago, which was receiving all the coverage right now. And that event was the military personnel opening fire on the protesters upying the Pyeonghwa za. The citizens¡¯ reactions after watching such a blood-filled incident split into two camps.


    First of all, the citizens that leaned to right opined that all the left-leaning bastards dreaming of overthrowing the government needed to be rooted out using this opportunity and that the country¡¯s democracy must be defended no matter what.


    Meanwhile, the left-leaning liberals said that the military, an organization meant to protect the citizens, recklessly opened fire on said citizens to create a bloody repeat of Gwangju Incident of May the Eighteenth.


    The citizens began rebuking and criticizing the Northern Federal Government and the central government ording to their political leanings.


    The political ideology that seemed to have died along with the unification began waking back up in the hearts of the citizens, this incident acting as the necessary trigger.


    The Pyongyang terror act and the protests verging on full-on riots resulted in the conference of the NSC (National Security Council) to bleed past the eighth hour mark.


    And as more and more reports pertaining to the protests reached the ears of President Choo Un-hee, themander-in-chief¡¯s expression grew progressively darker.


    Elected as the first-ever President of the unified Republic of Korea, Choo Un-hee faced very little challenges during her administration and even received 70% approval rating from the citizens. So this incident would be the gravest threat yet during her stay in the office.


    ¡°I still cannot fathom why that fool chose to go to the protest sites, Madam President. What did he think he could even achieve, anyway?¡± National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo expressed his anger while opening calling Governor Ahn Dong-tae a fool.


    ¡°What happened to the governor?¡± President Choo Un-hee asked in a tired voice while massaging her forehead.


    federal investigation bureau


    The director of the Federal Investigation Bureau, Kang Hyuk, immediately replied to her. ¡°Ma¡¯am. Our federal investigators have sessfully performed an emergency arrest of the governor and they have set off for Seoul not too long ago.¡±


    ¡°Was there any friction with the governor¡¯s security force?¡±


    ¡°Although there seemed to have been a brief scuffle, the report states that they backed off once the investigators presented them with the emergency arrest warrant, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Does that mean the governor¡¯s security force has withdrawn from the protest sites?¡±


    The Chief of the Joint Staffs, Shin Sung-yong, replied while lowering his head apologetically. He was currently participating in the conference after receiving the urgent summons from the Blue House. ¡°We are withdrawing the security force personnel through the chain ofmand, ma¡¯am, but unfortunately, two of the locations didn¡¯t seem to have received the order yet, and are still continuing with the armed suppression operation.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry? What do you mean by that? If the locations in question cannot be contacted, then shouldn¡¯t you be sending someone there directly? Do you think you can afford to be socent in this situation?!¡±


    President Choo Un-hee was not the kind of person to get angry often, but at least this time, she began angrily rebuking the chief while both of her brows shot up high.


    ¡°But, madam president! We have already dispatched agents to the locations of the suppression operations. But due to the severity of the situation on the ground, the messages must have not reached them yet. If we wait for a little bit longer...¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to wait around, Minister Kang! Can¡¯t you see that even as we speak, countless Pyongyang citizens are losing their lives?!¡±


    The president even ended up mming her fist down on the oval shaped conference table.


    Bang-!


    Minister of defense, Kang Yi-sik, was trying to help Chief Shin Sung-yong only to receive the president¡¯s ire.


    ¡°My apologies, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Why are you all responding to this situation in such acent manner?! It¡¯s already nonsensical that we can¡¯t contact themander on location for the operation, yet the way you¡¯re all handling this crisis is beyond my understanding, gentlemen!¡±


    In the blink of an eye, the conference room of the NSC became deathly silent.


    ¡°Chief Kim!¡±


    ¡°Yes, madam president!¡± Chief secretary Kim Jong-won quickly responded.


    ¡°In one hour, I n to address the nation so please prepare the stage. Also, please notify the Chairperson of National Assembly that I shall be dering the state of national emergency during the address.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. Understood.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee was issuing new orders with a hardened expression.


    <hr />


    November 17th, 2023. Time, 21:00 (15:00 Russian Standard Time)


    Inside Kremlin, located in Moscow. More specifically, the presidential conference chamber.


    The ministers of various departments had been urgently summoned to the presidential conference chamber. With grave faces, they were holding a conference of their own.


    Director Evgeny Lebedev briefed the others on the SVR¡¯s n to destabilize Korea.


    On the ministerial level, only the ministers of foreign affairs and defense department were privy to the existence of this n. That¡¯s why the rest of the ministers were making all sorts of expressions as they paid attention to Director Evgeny Lebedev¡¯s exnation.


    A short whileter, the briefing came to an end, setting off hushed murmurings between the ministers.


    They had already heard about the news of a terrorist attack a few hours ago, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of northern politicians including Kim Jong-un. However, they were all deeply shocked by the revtion of their own nation¡¯s SVR being the culprit behind the attack.


    This attack was on another realm of seriousnesspared to the assassination of Minister Kang Kyung-hee in Tehran. If this n was sessful, it¡¯d greatly destabilize Korea¡¯s politicalndscape. And ording to the contents of the briefing, one could even say that the n was already halfway sessful.


    One unfortunate misstep was Jo Myung-rok¡¯s arrest. He could be seen as the key man to this n so his capture by the Korean intelligence agents could potentially expose Russia as the culprit in this attack.


    However, Director Evgeny Lebedev was adamant in his deration that Jo Myung-rok would never confess to anything that might jeopardize the safety of his family still in Russia.


    Unfortunately for the director, however, he wasn¡¯t aware of one thing, the fact that Korean intelligence agents possessed a special drug that made their captives confess.


    Whatever the case might be, Director Evgeny Lebedev guaranteed everything in a loud and proud voice, then settled down on his chair at the end of the briefing.


    President Putin wordlessly scanned the ministers present during the conference, then slowly opened his mouth. ¡°And so, everyone! I must tell you that I have never given up on Hokkaido.¡±


    When the word ¡®Hokkaido¡¯ suddenly leapt out of their president¡¯s lips, the ministers quickly guessed what the uing topic of discussion would be.


    ¡°As you all are aware of, Hokkaido was historically a Russian territory. Our territory. I believe now would be the most optimal timing to reim our formernd. But what say you,rades?¡±


    Before the Second World War, the ind of Hokkaido, plus the southern part of Sakhalin Ost and all of Kuril Inds belonged to Japan.


    Starting from the end of the 18th century, both Japan and Russia gradually explored thesends and eventually conquered the natives living there, like the tribe of Ainu. And then, the two nations began confronting each other.


    But on 1855, the peace treaty between Russia and Japan, the Treaty of Shimoda, was signed into effect, which gave Japan the annexation rights to the four southern Kuril inds while Russia walked away with everything north of them.


    As for Sakhalin (Karafuto Prefecture in Japan), it was designed as a shared territory for the citizens of both Russia and Japan. The four Kuril Inds Japan annexed were then became a part of Hokkaido.


    But, thanks to the immense pressure from Russia¡¯s ambition to expand east, a new agreement had to be reached in St. Petersburg on 1875.


    The result of this agreement was that Japan would hand over the entirety of Sakhalin to Russia in return for all of Kuril Inds. And from that moment on until the end of the Second World War, Kuril Inds were considered as a part of Hokkaido.


    The Russo-Japanese War broke out before the First World War, with Japan emerging as the victor. For the warpensation, they demanded all of Sakhalin back, but in the end, the ind was split in half again, with the southern part ending up in Japan¡¯s hands.


    The southern part of Sakhalin was ruled as Karafuto Prefecture, an overseas territory by Japan until 1943, when it was fully incorporated into the Japanese maind.


    During the closing stages of the Second World War ¡ª year 1945 ¡ª Japan came up with the idea of installing Resident-Generals in preparation for the so-called ¡®deciding battles of maind¡¯. The Northern Region Resident-General was then installed in Sapporo to oversee both Hokkaido and Karafuto Prefecture.


    But with Japan¡¯s defeat at the end of the Second World War, the south of Sakhalin and Kuril Inds ended up under the rule of USSR, the predecessor to the current day Russia.


    The USSR even demanded the shared rule of Hokkaido. Not stopping there, they even tried to annex Hokkaido in its entirety but failed in the end.


    Even so, Soviet Union still walked away with the south of Sakhalin as well as the central and northern Kuril Inds they lost during the Russo-Japanese War.


    And now, Japan was demanding the return of the four southern Kuril Inds from Russia since they used to be Japanese territory since 1855. The whole area was still a focal point for the territorial squabbles even to this day.


    And President Putin was thinking of ending the territorial dispute by simply conquering Hokkaido in full.


    ¡°Currently, the defense of the Japanese maind, including that of Hokkaido, is the responsibility of Korea,rade president.¡± The minister of the Justice Ministry, Viktor Onophko, exined the situation that everyone present were already aware of.


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that here? ording to their words, didn¡¯t Korea already promise the handover of Hokkaido?¡± President Putin retorted in a voice containing a trace of annoyance. His mood must¡¯ve been affected by the minister¡¯s negative opinion.


    ¡°T-that is... because of the Tehran incident...¡±


    ¡°Minister Onophko! You think I called you here to listen to what happened in the past!¡±


    ¡°M-my apologies,rade president.¡± Minister Onophko immediately lowered his tail and shut his mouth.


    ¡°Because of this incident, Korea will be swept up in internal chaos and won¡¯t be able to respond normally to foreign issues for a good while. So, I think this might be the best opportunity to attack Korea, and so...¡±


    The end of President Putin¡¯s sentence trailed off as he scanned the gathered ministers.


    ¡°You¡¯re correct,rade president! Currently, the Eastern Districts have already finished their preparations and are ready to wage war at any moment!¡± The quick-witted Minister of Defense, Mikhail Ivanov, cottoned onto what his president was thinking of, and began buttering up to his boss.


    Only then did President Putin¡¯s expression revert to something resembling satisfaction.


    ¡°Comrade president! Are you thinking of attacking Korea right away?¡± Igor Semshov, the current minister of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, stared at President Putin with surprised eyes.


    ¡°Of course not right now... But, it should be soon! Korea will surely fall into greater and greater unrest given more time. And that¡¯s whrn we should make our move. Also, we should definitely shake things up in the Middle East, too.¡±


    Despite his small stature, President Putin was overflowing with charisma as he sank even deeper into his couch.


    He continued on. ¡°Minister Semshov. You are hereby ordered to issue a secret mobilization of all personnel and cooperate with all the rted department as quietly as possible. Your task now is to prepare for the uing war.¡±


    ¡°Understood,rade president!¡±


    ¡°And you, Minister Ivanov!¡±


    ¡°Yes,rade president!¡±


    ¡°You shall now give your all to inspect the military strength of the Eastern Districts. If you discover any districts that need assistance, order the other military districts to aid them immediately.¡±


    ¡°Understood,rade president.¡±


    The moment defense minister finished his reply, President Putin got up and looked behind him at the massive map of Russia hanging on the wall. His gaze locked on a certain part of the map as he murmured quietly. ¡°While Korea is unable to deal with the foreign affairs, we must end it in an all-out blitzkrieg.¡±


    His gaze was on none other than Japan¡¯s Hokkaido.


    <hr />


    November 17th, 2023. Time, 21:30 PM.


    The location, the Blue House located in Jongno-gu, Seoul Special Administration City. Specifically, the press center in the Chunchugwan.


    President Choo Un-hee, who addressed the nation to make her apology regarding the terrorist incident earlier, had to hold her second press conference only a few hourster.


    The contents of this address consisted of two topics. One, to announce the results of the ongoing investigation rted to the terrorist incident and two, to apologize to the nation regarding the bloodbath that resulted from the armed suppression of the protests.


    President Choo Un-hee entered the press conference venue with a stiff expression. But that¡¯s because, ten minutes before the press conference, she received several important reports rted to the terrorist incident from the current NIS director, Lee Young-jin.


    They contained valuable information acquired from Jo Myung-rok. Division Chief Lee Ja-sung of Foreign Intelligence first division was tasked with interrogating Jo Myung-rok.


    However, the unyielding refusal to cooperate with the investigation by Jo Myung-rok forced Lee Ja-sung to resort to the truth serum. No matter how tough one¡¯s willpower was, this magical drug was capable of making anyone confess as soon as being injected with it.


    But it came with a side effect. There was a very low chance of one¡¯s optic nerves being destroyed after the injection, causing the subject to be crippled or even worse, die.


    And that¡¯s why Director Lee Young-jin was reluctant to use the serum, but after recognizing the severity of the current situation as well as Jo Myung-rok¡¯s continued unwillingness to cooperate, he had no choice but to greenlight the usage of the truth serum.


    With the help of the drug, Jo Myung-rok finally confessed to several things. However, he still disyed a fearsome willpower despite being not being fully conscious by not revealing everything, probably to protect the lives of his family still stuck in Russia.


    President Choo Un-hee stepped up to the press conference stage with a heavy heart. She ced the contents of the announcement on the rostrum, then sucked in a deep breath.


    With her eyes locked on the camera in the middle, she finally began her second address to the nation today.

 Chapter 369

    <h4>Chapter 369</h4>


    November 17, 2023, at 21:30,


    LF Apartment room number 1103 in Jamsilbon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul.


    Namgoong -won, who was lying on the sofa in the living room watching the president of South Korea¡¯s public announcement, raised his upper body and leaned toward the bedroom when he noticed manager Lee Hye-jin, who had juste in, was about to leave again as soon as she took her shower, he said.


    ¡°Are you going out again?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Team Leader Park caught the man we¡¯d been after for weeks. Thus, I am taking him to headquarters. ¡±


    ¡°What? That man who is known as the Duke¡¯s First Man? ¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin replied while fixing her makeup.


    ¡°Oh! So, you¡¯re staying out tonight? ¡±


    ¡°Maybe? If we were able to get the information we wanted from him, I might be able toe back in the early morning! ¡±


    ¡°Oh! Again, you are going to sleep alone? ¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you too tired from working these days? Sleep well alone! ¡±


    ¡°OMG!¡±


    Namgoong -won, who looked disappointed, sank into the sofa. Meanwhile, on television, President Choo Un-hee just stood on the podium of the press center and began her public address.


    President Choo Un-hee, who is known as the Smile Angel for always showing a gentle smile in public, appeared gloomy today.


    After ten minutes, Namgoong -won, who was watching the public announcement, said as his eyes got bigger.


    ¡°Oh! My darling? Did you already know that? ¡±


    Hearing Namgoong -won¡¯s sudden remark, manager Lee Hye-jin, who had just finished her makeup, came out to the living room and replied.


    ¡°Watch television! Listen to the president¡¯s speech..... ¡±


    Namgoong -won was taken aback by President Choo Un-hee¡¯s public statement, in which she imed that the former chief of the reconnaissance bureau, Jo Myung-rok, was to me for the bombing ident and that Kim Hyung-won was behind it. He said while pointing to the television.


    ¡°What? He was the mastermind behind the terrorist attack that killed him. What exactly that mean? ¡±


    Namgoong -won alternated between watching TV and looking at manager Lee Hye-jin with puzzled expressions.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not true. Actually, Kim Hyung-won told Jo Myung-rok.... Oh, I¡¯mte. ¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who tried to exin, nced at the time and rushed to the front door.


    ¡°I will exin to youter. See you in the morning! ¡±


    ¡°Oh! Be careful! ¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Namgoong -won, who was left alone, turned to watch the television again.


    <hr />


    November 17, 2023, 22:00.


    Ordinary Gang-gu (Secret Hideout for the Red Revolutionary Youth Group) in Pyongyang, North Korea.


    A group of men were watching television in the basement of a five-story building with dim lighting. They were the leaders of the Red Revolutionary Youth Corps and state officials.


    President Choo Un-hee¡¯s public speech, which had begun 30 minutes earlier, was still being broadcast on television. When the president¡¯s public speech ended a few minutester, the executives who were watching were buzzled.


    ¡°What is this? The South Korean president seems to already know the whole story about the incident. ¡±


    A skinny man who was watching next to Leader Man Gil-soo said it in a worried tone. In response, Leader Man Gil-soo said.


    ¡°Hey! Comrade Oh Kwang-tae! It¡¯s time to move forward! It will be childish. If you stop now, are you swinging? ¡±


    ¡°But if you look at what the South Korean president says...¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Get out of here if you¡¯re going to say such a weak thing! ¡±


    Man Gil-soo¡¯s eyes looked up and down at Oh Kwang-tae while criticizing him.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s gather in the conference room!¡±


    Man Gil-soo headed to the conference room, leaving Oh Kwang-tae behind, and the rest of the executives followed him one by one.


    After a while, officials from each state took their seats along the long table.


    ¡°Pyongyang¡¯s revolution should have erupted by now. Now we must spread the revolutionary spark throughout all the states, including the North and South! Provide an update on your preparedness. ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the first to report.¡±


    Said Kim Dong-yoon, North Korea¡¯s general manager, who was sitting to the left of Leader Man Gil-soo.


    ¡°We are currently waiting for Leader Man¡¯s orders to be delivered to 16 cities in the North. Currently, approximately 30,000 Red Revolutionary Youth Members per city will be deployed to the front lines to carry out tasks with red gs in preparation for the new revolution. ¡±


    Kim Dong-yoon, reported in a loud voice. In response, Leader Man Gil-soo, gestured for him to sit down with a happy expression.


    ¡°Where is the wall?¡±


    As Leader Man Gil-soo asked, executives rose one by one and continued to report in detail on the state for which they were responsible.


    When thest North Manchuria general executive finished his report, Leader Man Gil-soo stood up, grabbed the table with both hands, and rang the conference room loudly.


    ¡°Comrades! Because of the simultaneous fire of revolution in all parts of Korea, our world will arrive soon. For that reason, put your lives at risk while carrying out the Red Revolution¡¯s tasks! ¡±


    When Leader Man Gil-soo raised his right hand, the rest of the executives stood up and shouted slogans with their right hands raised.


    ¡°For North Korean people! For the Red Revolutionary Youth! ¡±


    The executives who were shouting left the conference room one by one, leaving Leader Man Gil-soo behind, who was deep in thought with his chin on the desk.


    Although the former leader of the National Labor Party, Kim Hyung-won, a financial supporter of the Red Revolution Youth Group, died and the existing n was ruined, Leader Man Gil-soo, who was instructed by Woo Byung-hoo, was thinking of seeding in this revolution and gaining an important position in the new revolutionary country.


    crying


    The door to the conference room opened at that moment, and a man entered.


    ¡°Leader Man! What are you doing? ¡±


    The man who spoke casually to Leader Man Gil-soocked a left arm and was of small stature.


    ¡°You¡¯re here. Comrade Kim Jin, you did a good job. You made things easier for me. Hahaha! Come in and take a seat. ¡±


    Man Gil-soo greeted Kim Jin, a one-armed man.


    ¡°There will be no more work! Take a shower and get some rest. You must have been exhausted from running away from the pursuit. ¡±


    ¡°Alright? Then I¡¯d take a shower and get some rest. I have work to do tomorrow as well. ¡±


    ¡°OK, see you tomorrow. ¡±


    Kim Jin was the one who shot Governor Ahn Dong-tae in the Peace Square.


    Kim Jin, a sniper at the 11th Army Special Operations Battalion in North Korea prior to reunification, lost his left arm during training and lived in poverty as a disabled person. After the unification, he met his high school ssmate Man Gil-soo by chance and joined the Red Revolutionary Youth Group.


    And today, he shot Governor Ahn Dong-tae, the starting point of the bloodshed caused by armed suppression. Despite being one-armed, Kim Jin used his old military skills to shoot Ahn Dong-tae to the point of causing only minor injuries. As a result, the security guards who were guarding Governor Ahn Dong-tae mistook the protesters for gunmen and used firearms against them.


    The armed crackdown began with firearms and spread throughout Pyongyang, putting President Choo Un-hee in a political sticky situation. This was the Red Revolutionary Youth Corps¡¯s pre-nned intention. Massive protests were nned for tomorrow in all major cities in Korea outside of Pyongyang, causing internal instability.


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023, at 22:30,


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service (Investigation Office of the Bureau of Terrorism Investigation) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.


    Goo Sang-sik, who was sitting in the interrogation room with a swollen face and bruises, waved his handcuffed hands as he looked around the interrogation room.


    ¡°He seemed to have regained his senses. ¡±


    Assistant manager Ha Sang-man, who was looking through the reflective ss in the next room, reported it to someone on his internal phone.


    -All right, I¡¯ll be right there!


    After a while, manager Lee Hye-jin and team leader Park Gi-oong entered the room next to the interrogation room.


    ¡°When did he wake up?¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was looking through the reflective ss, asked the question, to which assistant manager Ha Sang-man responded.


    ¡°Ah, he just woke up, and I was about to call you.¡±


    ¡°Really? But what¡¯s the deal with his messed-up face? ¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin said while looking at team leader Park Gi-oong. In response, team leader Park Gi-oong said with his head lifted.


    ¡°I must have gone too far because I remembered what happened before in Hunan.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s not what I meant. Don¡¯t get me wrong. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, hahaha.¡±


    ¡°So, who is going to interrogate him? Should we go ahead with it? Or would you prefer someone from Team Leader Park¡¯s side? ¡±


    ¡°If I interrogate him, I¡¯ll be disturbed by the past again, so I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to let him go.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll do it in our department.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do in that way.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik looked up and down with his swollen eyes at manager Lee Hye-jin and assistant manager Huh Sang-man as they entered the interrogation room a littleter and said looking at manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°Oh! For what reason has this beautifuldye here? ¡±


    Hit!


    Assistant manager Huh Sang-man punched Goo Sang-sik in the head with a punch of documents he was carrying while cursing him.


    ¡°How dare this son of a b*tch say such a thing? I¡¯ll pull out all your teeth! ¡±


    Goo Sang-sik fought back without hesitation, whether because he couldn¡¯t understand the situation or because he was strong as a specially trained agent.


    ¡± You son of a b*tch! You want to die? ¡±


    When Goo Sang-sik, enraged by the vicious response, tried to hit him back, manager Lee Hye-jin approached him and quietly said.


    ¡°Goo Sang-sik! Oh Ji-wan is in the next room; should we put you both in the same room for a day? ¡±


    Hearing this, Goo Sang-sik¡¯s pupils shook violently and quickly became as gentle as a sheep.


    ¡°Mr. Goo Sang-sik? Why don¡¯t we rx and not waste our time? ¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who thought he had fallen in the trap, took off her upper jacket and sat down. Then she rolled up her sleeves and start the investigation. In fact, manager Lee Hye-jin received important information from the Pyongyang branch beforeing to the interrogation room.


    Nam Gu-tae, who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and head in the morning at a warehouse in Imwon-dong, was rushed to Pyongyang¡¯s central medical center and was able to ovee the crisis and prolong his life.


    Nam Gu-tae, who had fallen into a deep sleep, had a seizure an hour ago and poured out various words unconsciously, but they were difficult to understand. Consequently, the Pyongyang branch agents who were guarding Nam Gu-tae recorded each of his words and forwarded them to the headquarters¡¯ anti-terrorism investigation bureau.


    The result of the thorough analysis of the recordings received by the Anti-Terrorism Bureau was as follows: After the betrayal of Goo Sang-sik, he ran away with all the money he received. Thus, Oh Ji-wan was looking for him anxiously.


    Upon receiving such valuable information, manager Lee Hye-jin spread the lie that Oh Ji-wan had been arrested. Fortunately, it worked and the traitor, Goo Sang-sik, believed it.


    Goo Sang-sik, who had fallen for manager Lee Hye-jin deception, confessed everything he knew on the condition that he never run into Oh Ji-wan afterwards.


    Even though she could not obtain any material information from the member of the 1st Operation Squadron because he was simply carrying out Jo Myung-rok¡¯s orders, she learned about the bombing n and Oh Ji-wan.


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who had returned to her office holding a cup of coffee after three hours of investigation with Goo Sang-sik, began writing the morning report. Then, after a few knocks on theptop¡¯s keyboard, Assistant manager Huh Sang-man opened the door to the office with an urgent voice.


    ¡°Manager! Oh Ji-wan¡¯s location has been identified. ¡±


    When manager Lee Hye-jin learned that the location of Oh Ji-wan, the only survivor who was fleeing, had been discovered, she jumped out of her seat. The coffee cup on the desk fell and spilled on manager Lee Hye-jin as a result of the sudden movement.


    ¡°Oh, my God!¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin wiped away the coffee with a wet tissue. Because of the protective suit she wore inside, she didn¡¯t get burned by the hot coffee.


    ¡°Are you all, right?¡±


    Assistant manager Huh Sang-man deputy approached and asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Where is Oh Ji-wan staying? ¡±


    ¡°He is in Kaesong.va-dong in Kaesong. ¡±


    ¡°Kaesong? He came down from Pyongyang to Kaesong? ¡±


    ¡°Probably so.¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯m going to leave after changing my protective suit, so tell all the guys in Section 3 to get ready.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Then I¡¯ll go out and get ready first. ¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin opened the cab after assistant manager Huh Sang-man left to change her protective suit, which had be ufortable to wear because of the coffee.


    ¡°Oh, right. They took the extra clothes to exchange them for a new model... What should I do? ¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin hesitated for a moment, then decided to take off her protective suit and only change her pants.


    ¡®It¡¯s not going to be a big deal....¡¯


    With this thought, Lee Hye-jin packed a KS5ser pistol and various personal equipment and headed to the parking lot in the underground where the agents were waiting for her.

 Chapter 370: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 2-3 Ideological conflict!

    <h4>Chapter 370: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 2-3 Ideological conflict!</h4>


    November 18, 2023, 03:00.


    Lava Street in Yongam-dong, Namil-gu, Kaesong-do, North Korea.


    After reunification, the Kaesong Special Economic Zone, which had developed the most brilliantly alongside the Sinuiju Special Economic Zone, was transformed into a city as spectacr as any other city in Namju.


    As a special economic district, various entertainment industries have developed in Yongam-dong, Namil-gu, in Kaesong area, and it has been emerging as a new street for young people since then, as the 24 hours of neon signs and theva street where various billboards spread out drew the attention of young people, resulting in countless people walking around in excitement.


    Although many politicians, including Kim Jong-un the former Chairman of the National Defense Commission, were killed in the terrorist bombing that day, the enthusiasm of the young people in this area could not stop.


    wearing a hat Oh Ji-wan was wearing a hat as he walked as naturally as he could on this fancy street. But his eyes were scanning the surroundings with anxiety, like those of a predator looking for prey.


    The news broadcast on television drew his attention, so he stopped in front of the shop and began watching the TV after crossing the show window. A 24-hour news channel was airing footage of yesterday¡¯s bombings, protests, and President Choo Un-Hee¡¯s public statement.


    Watching the news helped him to get a better understanding of the situation after the bombing attacks. Since he was on the run the whole day, he felt curious about it.


    For him, the most important piece of information that he needed was the location of Jo Myung-rok. His mate could be dead by now because of Jo Myung-rok¡¯s betrayal. Oh Ji-wan watched the news with a heart filled with rage.


    How long has it been? he wondered after the news is over, and themercials are out. Oh Ji-wan felt hungry and began looking around.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot to eat here.¡±


    Oh Ji-wan noticed a Chinese restaurant on the second floor among the many restaurants. Perhaps because he became ustomed to Chinese food while living there, he naturally gravitated toward it.


    He muttered as he ascended the stairs.


    ¡± Jo Myung-rok! I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll get you, wait until then!¡±


    Meanwhile, ck vans equipped with hover systems arrived at theva intersection, theva street¡¯s starting point. Soon after, men dressed in regr clothes got out of the van.


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, stepped out of the van. Furthermore, manager Lee Ja-sung and team leader Park Gi-oong, both members of the Foreign Intelligence Agency, exited the other one. This time, even Manager Lee Ja-sung participated in the arrest operation.


    ¡°Communicator check!¡±


    Team one, check!


    Team two, check!


    Team three, check!


    Manager Lee Ja-sung approached manager Lee Hye-jin, who was checking themunicator status with the other team leaders and said.


    ¡°Manager Lee! We¡¯d better go to the other side and search the station.¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who was about to get back in the car again, said in a worried tone.


    ¡°Manager Lee! Be careful. He isn¡¯t an ordinary guy. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I¡¯ll be careful. You too, be careful. ¡±


    ¡°Okay, see you then.¡±


    When the van carrying manager Lee Ja-sung and team leader Park Gi-oong began moving, manager Lee Hye-jin teamed up with assistant manager Huh Sang-man to conduct a full-fledged search in theva street.


    Around 80 on-site agents from the anti-terrorism investigation bureau and 10 from the foreign intelligence agency began searching for Jo Myung-rok in the shops and alleys surrounding Lava Street.


    The police and military forces could have been looking for the main culprits of the bombing, but the two reasons for anti-terrorist agents participating in the search for Oh Ji-wan were that the bloody armed suppression in the Peace Square and the public search operation could cause civilian casualties.


    Agents from the Anti-terrorism Bureau and the Foreign Intelligence Agency, who were searching in pairs, marked the buildings on the tablet PCs linked to the data base while searching, so that they could not double check each other.


    ¡°Manager, Don¡¯t you think he has already run away? ¡±


    Assistant manager Huh Sang-man, who reached the meeting square, the center of theva street, said while looking at the tablet PC.


    ¡°Well, maybe, but even though we must check! Where¡¯s the next building? ¡±


    ¡°Alright, that building.¡±


    Assistant manager Huh Sang-man pointed to one of the buildings that has yet to be searched on the tablet PC. It was the first building in the alley leading north from the Meeting Square.


    ¡°It¡¯s a five-story building. Assistant manager Huh took the elevator to the fifth floor and came down after checking each floor. Meanwhile, I¡¯ll start from the first floor. ¡±


    ¡°Move together ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time, do we?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin inspected the convenience store on the first floor after entering the building through the front door, while assistant manager Huh Sang-man took the elevator to the fifth floor.


    Manager Lee Hye-jin entered the convenience store and wandered throughout therge store, pretending to pick up things while looking for suspicious people.


    There were only young men and women who seemed to be college students.


    ¡°Have you ever seen someone look like him?¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin showed a picture to a convenience store employee and asked.


    ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯ve never seen him.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who left the convenience store, took the stairs to the second floor. There was a 24-hour Chinese restaurant.


    The unique scent of the Chinese food came out as soon as she opened the door. The employee greeted her as she went inside.


    ¡°Wee.¡±


    ¡°Ah, my friend said he would be here...¡±


    ¡°you can look for him.¡±


    After lying to the staff, manager Lee Hye-jin looked inside, and a man in the corner wearing a hat and eating ck bean noodles caught her eyes.


    ¡®It¡¯s Oh Ji-wan.¡¯


    Manager Lee Hye-jin suspected that man to be Oh Ji-wan. Thus, she sat at the table next to him without revealing her face. She then used her smartphone to text assistant manager Huh Sang-man.


    ¡®Found him. At Yongamru Chinese restaurant on the second floor, notify the agents,e down and stand by the stairs! ¡®


    She was cautious since she was afraid that arresting him right now might endanger the guests in the area. As a result, when he left the restaurant, she considered arresting him at the stairwell. She took out herser weapon and prepared herself as naturally as she could.


    Even though Oh Ji-wan was eating his ck bean noodles, he kept aware of his surroundings. While eating, he identally touched the ss of water. As a result, it fell to the floor and rolled toward Manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡®Was it a mistake or did he do it on purpose? ¡®


    Manager Lee Hye-jin was caught by surprise by the sudden action. However, she pretended to take out her smartphone as if nothing had happened, Meanwhile, Oh Ji-wan stood up and leaned down to pick up the ss of water.


    Get it!


    Oh Ji-wan was holding the ss of water, and suddenly he attacked manager Lee Hye-jin and overpowered both of her hands.


    It¡¯s a mess!


    Even though manager Lee Hye-jin, who fell backwards from the chair, was struggling to escape, she was overwhelmed by Oh Ji-wan¡¯s strength. Customers were startled by the struggle between manager Lee Hye-jin and Oh Jin-wan and began screaming. As a result, the restaurant was in chaos.


    Fcking! Fcking!


    Oh Ji-wan¡¯s fist mmed into manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s face, knocking her out. Then, he drew a silenced handgun from the back of his waist and pulled the trigger.


    Poof! Poof! Poof!


    Oh Ji-wan attempted to escape through the exit door after firing three shots at manager Lee Hye-jin, but assistant manager Huh Sang-man, who had juste down the stairs, jumped inside and aimed aser pistol at him.


    At that moment, gunfire andser firing sound intersected.


    Poof! Poof! Poof!


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Ack! Ack!


    Bullets sttered shards everywhere as customers hid under the table and screamed.


    Oh Ji-wan hid behind a square pir and quickly exchanged ammunition. Then he searched around for an escape route. The only route out was through the window, where the entrance was obstructed. The distance to the window, however, was five meters, which was neither far nor close. His eyes then saw two women trembling with their heads wrapped under the table.


    Poof! Poof! Poof! Poof! Poof! Poof!


    Oh Ji-wan fired a series of shots and grabbed one of the female customers who was trembling beneath the table. Then he raised her up, used her as a shield while directing the gun at her head.


    ¡°Get back, you son of b*tch, or else she¡¯ll die.¡±


    Oh Ji-wan shouted as he slowly walked back till he reached the window.


    ¡°Alright, all right, let her go!¡±


    Assistant manager Huh Sang-man was worried about manager Lee Hye-jin, who was lying on the floor covered in blood. As a result, all he wanted to do was condone Oh Ji-wan¡¯s escape and take manager Lee Hye-jin to the hospital as soon as possible.


    Clink!


    Hearing the sound of the window breaking, Oh Ji-wan threw himself out the window at that moment.


    Pot!


    Oh Ji-wan jumped from the second floor through the broken window,nded on the roof of a car parked in an alleyway and started to run.


    ¡°Right now, Oh Ji-wan runs along alley three. All agents must move immediately to that direction.¡±


    Assistant manager Huh Sang-man confirmed the direction of Oh Ji-wan fleeing through the broken window, then immediately informed the agents through themunicator and examined manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s body.


    ¡°Manager! Are you Okay?¡±


    To stop the bleeding from the gunshot wound, Assistant Manager Huh Sang-man removed his jacket and pressed it against the wound.


    ¡°Please call 119. Please hurry.¡±


    Oh Ji-wan ran with all his might through theplicated alleys of theva streets. Despite this, he was pursued by two shadows of manager Lee Ja-sung and team leader Park Gi-oong, who had been searching on the opposite side of theva street at the time and rushed here after hearing assistant manager Ha Sang-man¡¯s words through themunicator. They found Oh Ji-wan and started chasing him.


    ¡°Gasp! Gasp! Manager Lee had been seriously injured.¡±


    While running with all his might, Team leader Park Gi-oong, told manager Lee Ja-sung through themunicator.


    ¡°I know. Damn it! How I will be able to face Namgoong -won? If I catch this jerk, I¡¯ll tear him to pieces. You turn left in this alley! Whoops!¡±


    ¡°Yes, oops! I got it.¡±


    In the two-way alley, team leader Park Gi-oong turned left, and manager Lee Ja-sung went straight.


    November 18, 2023, 04:00.


    LF apartment in Jamsilbon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea.


    Beep beep! Beep beep!


    Namgoong-won was deep asleep when the phone rang. He mistook it for the sound of the rm clock, so he moved his body to switch off the rm.


    Beep beep! Beep beep!


    As the phone continued to ring, Namgoong-won realized it was the phone ringing, so he picked up the smartphone from the table.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Chief Nam! I¡¯m assistant manager Huh Sang-man.¡±


    ¡°Oh, why the assistant manager Huh is calling me at this time?¡±


    Namgoong-won, who was awakened by ominous thoughts, asked.


    ¡°No way did something happen to Hye-jin? Is that so? ¡±


    -Well, you have toe to Kaesong University Hospital right now.


    Namgoong-won had been stunned even before Huh Sang- man¡¯s words had finished, missed his smartphone.


    ¡®Oh, no. Hye-jin, ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. No way!¡¯


    Namgoong-won, who had been absent-minded for a while, dressed as casually as he could and dashed to the apartment¡¯s underground parking lot, where he got into a sports car.


    Boo! Boo!


    Namgoong-won¡¯s sport car soon entered the freeway that connected to Kaesong through the Gangbyeon Expressway. He was driving at nearly 200 kilometers per hour.

 Chapter 371: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 2-4 Ideological conflict!

    <h4>Chapter 371: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 2-4 Ideological conflict!</h4>


    November 18, 2023, 04:50,


    The second industrialplex in Bukgang-gu, a special economic zone in Hwanghae-do, North Korea. Oh Ji-wan, who escaped from the National Intelligence Service field agent¡¯s chasing, hid in the second industrialplex five kilometers away.


    The second industrialplex was arge-scale industrialplex, following the existing Kaesong Industrial Complex after unification. It primarily consists of factories that produce daily necessities for North Koreans, and contains 300panies and 1,000 factories.


    The field agents from the National Intelligence Service were given the order to arrest Oh Ji-wan, the main suspect in the bombing attack, as well as gathering information about the attack.


    Outside the second industrialplex, policemandos and investigators had sealed off all exits, while inside, about 100 agents from the National Intelligence Service and the Korea Intelligence Service were conducting the searches of each nt using TCS mode.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung and team leader Park Gi-oong also entered the factory in TCS mode and found traces of Oh Ji-wan.


    <ul>


    Area A-5 is clear.


    </ul>


    Team leader Park Gi-oong entered the sewing factory, looked around the inside by changing the vision mode of his sunsses, and shared the gathered information through themunicator.


    <ul>


    Area A-6 is clear, too. Let¡¯s move on to the next factory!


    yes.


    </ul>


    Along with manager Lee Ja-sung and team leader Park Gi-oong, around 100 National Intelligence Service field agents were quietly looking for Oh Ji-wan.


    On the other hand, Oh Ji-wan entered a factory equipped with mechanical equipment and leaned against the ceiling steel structure. He took a short break to replenish his stamina. Since he lost his energy after two hours of running away.


    Because of the darkness Oh Ji-wan relies entirely on hearing to observe his surroundings, and as time passed, he became more nervous. It was only a matter of time before the sun rose.


    ¡®I had to get out of here somehow before I got arrested.¡¯


    The factory¡¯s entrance door opened at that moment. Even though the door was open, no one entered the factory. Oh Ji-wan, who had never expected the National Intelligence Service¡¯s field agents to be transparent in TCS mode, fixed his gaze on the entrance door and moved his right hand from his back waistband to draw his pistol and pointed toward the entrance. But even after a few minutes of waiting, there was not even a shadow on the open door.


    ¡°What is going on? Did they just open the door and leave? ¡±


    Oh Ji-wan couldn¡¯t understand what was going on even after thinking about it, so he decided to get out of here as soon as possible and tried to put it into action right away.


    He thought of using the roof of the factory to escape, as it would reduce the probability of him being caught by the agents.


    Thus, he looked at the window, which was on the other side of the wall. He thought it would be safer to use the long wire to reach the window and then climb up to the roof just through the window.


    But due to the darkness, it was extremely dangerous to cross to the other side with a wire that was less than 20 centimeters in width. However, Oh Ji-wan leaned down and started to cross with his hands and feet moving slowly.


    Sneak! Sneak!


    He tried to reduce the noise as much as possible while crossing the wire, and because of his excellent instinctive sense, he felt suspicious for a moment.


    There was something just below.


    ¡®What¡¯s that? What¡¯s there?¡¯


    He looked down, but nothing was there. His instinctive sense, however, remained suspicious.


    At that moment, something sparkled with a small noise, and a blue stream of light poured out, causing him to lose his bnce and fall from a height of six meters.


    Bang!


    Ugh!


    Oh Ji-wan rolled his body as he fell to absorb as much of the impact as possible. He quickly pulled out his pistol and pointed it while kneeling. However, the gun was only pointing in the air.


    ¡®What the hell is that? Is it a ghost?¡¯


    He was numb, and his back was sweating.


    Suddenly, a strong impact was exerted on his neck.


    I got you! Ugh!


    He was taken aback by the sudden attack that he dropped his pistol and fell to the ground. But he quickly regained his sense and attempted to locate his pistol. However, it was too dark for him to find it.


    Then the surrounding space got distorted, and soon a doll-like person appeared from nowhere. It was Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°Oh Ji-wan!¡±


    Oh Ji-wan stepped back in fear when he heard the ghost-like doll calling his name, but he quickly regained his continence and shook his head.


    ¡°You punk! Are you a ghost? ¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re talking about ghosts.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong said that in an angry voice while putting hisser pistol back into the holster and taking off his sunsses.


    ¡°Do you remember the shooting in Hunan two years ago?¡±


    ¡± Hunan? Ah! I see. The guys who were killed there were NIS agent as well as you, right ?¡±


    The sarcastic answer of Oh Ji-wan angered team leader Park Gi-oong, so he took off his top clothes and threw himself over him.


    Pack! Pa Pa Pack! Pack!


    The battle for lives between the two men started as it was a battle in martial artspetition. During the fight, fists, kicks, getting tangled up on the floor, as well as Jiu-Jitsu techniques, were used. As a result, the two men¡¯s faces became a jumbled mess after a few minutes.


    After exchanging fists for a while, team leader Park Gi-oong wiped the red blood flowing from his injured forehead with his left hand and began to move his body from side to side to reduce the distance between them.


    On the contrary, Oh Ji-wan with his swollen eyelids, was having fun that he raised the corner of his mouth and told the team leader Park Gi-oong toe in.


    ¡°You son of a b*tch, aren¡¯t you? Come in!¡±


    ¡°You son of a b*tch. Do you know how long I¡¯ve been waiting for this day toe?¡±


    ¡°How I am supposed to know, you son of a b*tch. Come in.¡±


    Shoo! Shoo! Shook!


    Park Gi-oong leaned in and threw short, fast punches one after the other. Oh Ji-wan, who avoided the punches by moving his head from side to side, raised his knees to aim at Park Gi-oong¡¯s abdomen.


    Pabat!


    Park Gi-oong blocked the knees attack with both arms and immediately raised his elbows.


    Poook!


    Oh Ji-wan¡¯s jaw was severely damaged by Park Gi-oong¡¯s elbow attack. As a result, several white teeth flew from his mouth with a heavy clunk.


    euk gya gya gya!


    The attack knocked Oh Ji-wan off bnce and pushed him back a few steps. He spat the blood from his mouth, and the broken teeth poured out with it.


    ¡°You son of b*tch,You are a dead man!¡±


    Perhaps because of his lost teeth, Oh Ji-wan couldn¡¯t properly pronounce the abusivenguage, he step a far and aimed Park Gi-oong with his fists.


    Boo!


    Oh Ji-wan¡¯s fist missed the target and hit the air. Meanwhile, team leader Park Gi-oong, who sessfully dodged the punch, hit his jaw once again.


    Pak!


    The sound of the broken jaw echoed through the quiet factory.


    Eu Go Go!


    Oh Ji-wan copsed from the intense pain caused by his smashed jaw; he rolled left and right while he was in horrific pain.


    Although Park Gi-oong was injured as well, and red blood was flowing down his cheeks, he walked over to Oh Ji-wan, who was struggling after copsing.


    ¡°Hey, you son of a b*tch! This is for manager Kim.¡±


    Park Gi-oong kicked Oh Ji-wan in his abdomen as hard as he could.


    Pook! Pook! Pook! Argh!


    Oh Ji-wan threw up the ck beans noodles that he had earlier because of the continuous kicks.


    ¡°And this is for assistant manager Han Kang-il and Chief Jo Dong-hyun.¡±


    Park Gi-oong, who seemed to have lost his mind, looked down at Oh Ji-wan with his bloodshot eyes stamped his ankles.


    Pook! euak!


    Both ankles were deformed and possibly crushed. Oh Ji-wan¡¯s screams echoed throughout the factory once more.


    ¡°Not over yet Son of a b*tch! This is for team leader Ji Dong-chul!¡±


    Park Gi-oong grabbed Oh Ji- wan¡¯s hair with his left hand while holding a screwdriver in his right. Consequently, he raised the screwdriver and attempted to stab Oh Ji-wan in the eye.


    ¡°Hey! Team Leader Park! Stop!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who just entered the factory, shouted as team leader Park Gi-oong was about to stab Oh Jin-wan¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°He deserves this much punishment. Manager!¡±


    Park Gi-oong, who was only thinking of revenge, sobbed and shouted.


    ¡°I know! I know. Throw that screwdriver away! This is an order from your superior.¡±


    ¡°Manager!


    ¡°Listen to my word, son of a bitch!¡±


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023, 06:00.


    Kaesong University Hospital (Operation Room) in Bukseong-gu, Hwanghae-do, North Korea.


    Namgoong-won arrived at Kaesong University Hospital two hours ago and was given the full story by assistant manager Huh Sang-man. He is now eagerly awaiting thepletion of manager Lee Hye- jin¡¯s surgery.


    When Oh Ji-wan escaped through the window on the second floor of the Yongamru building, assistant manager Huh Sang-man was more concerned about manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s condition than about chasing Oh Ji-wan. Thus, he took the emergency measure of evacuating her and apanying her to Kaesong University Hospital.


    ¡°Senior! At least took this ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    Assistant manager Huh Sang-man handed over a coffee cup from the vending machine with a sinner-like expression.


    ¡°Oh! Thank you, assistant manager Huh!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, senior. I should have taken good care of manager Lee.¡±


    Namgoong-won responded by lightly pping assistant manager Huh Sang-man on the shoulder and smiling at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, is it? There are some unavoidable situations when you do your job. So don¡¯t be so harsh on yourself! Otherwise, it would be difficult for you to do a mission like this again. ¡±


    ¡°Thank you. For saying that. ¡±


    Hearing Namgoong-won¡¯s encouragement, assistant manager Huh Sang-man felt relieved a little bit and drank the coffee with a fake smile on his face.


    ¡°By the way, did you catch the guy who attacked Hye- jin? ¡±


    Namgoong-won, who drank about two sips of coffee, asked.


    ¡°ording to the information I received one hour ago, the second Industrial Complex in Kaesong has established a siegework and is under scrutiny.¡±


    Namgoong-won poured coffee into his mouth, crumpled the paper cup, and asked again after hearing that they had not yet arrested the culprit.


    ¡°What was his name again?¡±


    ¡°Oh Ji-wan from the 1st Duke of Foreign Affairs.¡±


    ¡°Oh Ji-wan? I¡¯ve heard that name before. ¡±


    ¡°You know that? Two years ago in Hunan, China, manager Kim Hyun-joon, team leader Ji Dong-chul, and two other team members of the Foreign Intelligence Agency died.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah! I remember now.¡±


    ¡°By the way, the surgery seems to be taking a long time.¡±


    As worried as Namgoong-won was about manager Lee Hye-jin, assistant manager Huh Sang-man kept looking at his wristwatch while speaking.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Manager Lee will get through it well.¡±


    Namgoong-won said that to relieve the heart of the subordinate, but in fact, his heart was burning.


    ¡°Yes, I really hope so.¡±


    As for manager Lee Hye-jin, who was in surgery, the two bullets that hit her chest and abdomen fortunately caused only minor abrasions thanks to the upper protective suit. However, the problem was with the third bullet, which hit her left thigh and prated because she did not wear a lower protective suit.


    The muscles and bones of the left thigh were shattered and, hence, the surgery took longer time due to excessive bleeding.


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023, at 09:00.


    Cheong Wa Dae (Presidential Office) in Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    Despite the announcement of President Choo Un-hee¡¯s statement to the nationst night, illegal demonstrations took ce in seven states, including North Korea, in the morning.


    Even after dering a state of general emergency in seven federal states, as well as autonomous states, which means no protests were allowed and the protesters could be arrested immediately under the State General Emergency Act. The protests across the country ording to their political tendencies have further disrupted the political situation in Korea.


    In Namju, there were two major protests. The first were progressive protesters who were legally responsible for the use of firearms against people and the chief governor, Ahn Dong-tae, and the second were conservative protesters who werebeled ¡°rioters¡± at Pyongyang Peace Square yesterday. Their demand was to overthrow the unified South Korea. As a result, protests of differing views took ce in the major city at the same time.


    Meanwhile, Pyongyang protests have spread to the North and the rest of the states, with calls to impeach central government officials responsible for the bombings, as well as President Choo Un-hee.


    Despite the fact that the circumstances surrounding the terror attack had been reviled in the public statement the day before, citizens were misled by distorted information and participated in the protests.

 Chapter 372: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 2-5 Ideological conflict!

    <h4>Chapter 372: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 2-5 Ideological conflict!</h4>


    ¡°...and I¡¯m done reporting.¡±


    Over 30 minutes, the senior secretary for social studies reported on the protests and events that took ce during the protests in seven federal states and one county. ¡°I don¡¯t know howrge-scale demonstrations can happen this fast across the whole country.¡±


    Chief secretary Lim Jong-won, who heard the report, shook his head from side to side and said with discourage. Then Oh Kuk, senior secretary of civil affairs, replied confidently


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ve prepared it in advance.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you can¡¯t do this if you haven¡¯t prepared it in advance. The problem is that we need to find the organizers as soon as possible. Theter it is, the worse the internal chaos will be.¡±


    Oh Jang-soo, the national security director, also felt the same way as senior secretary of civil affairs Oh Kuk.


    The problem was that the center of all cases and the main suspect, Kim Hyung-won, died with Kim Jong-un earlier, and his death caused them to lose contact with the lower organizers, making investigation difficult. Fortunately, Cho Myung-rok was apprehended, and Oh Ji-wan, the actual perpetrator of the assassination, was arrested early this morning.


    Even though the drug administration obtained approximate information from Cho Myung-rok during the interrogation, it failed to find the most important information: the list of sympathizers who shared Kim Hyung-won¡¯s sub-organization and intentions.


    ¡°Mr. President! First of all, why don¡¯t you make an emergency arrest for Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul through the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation?¡±


    Oh Kuk, senior secretary of civil affairs, said cautiously. Despite the fact that no conclusive evidence has been legally secured, the evidence obtained illegally has strongly linked him to the assassination.


    ¡°Arrested him without evident? It might cause severe damage to the president.¡±


    Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won was surprised and gave negative opinions, as senior secretary for civil affairs Oh Kuk, continued.


    ¡°At times likes this we should make quick decisions.¡±


    ¡°Even though arresting without evident! ¡±


    While the chief secretary and senior secretary for civil affairs were arguing, President Choo Un-hee closed her eyes and started to think. And soon after, she quietly opened her mouth and said quietly with determination.


    ¡°Page Director Park Joo-wan from Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation in this afternoon.¡±


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023 at 14:30 (Iraq time 08:30),


    The 11th Marine Corps Brigade is located 20 kilometers north of Altun Khuprish in Kirkuk, Iraq.


    Over the course of two days, the 11th Marine Corps Brigade recovered Arbil, the capital of the Kurdish Autonomous Government (KRG), and has now moved on to Kirkuk, the final recovery area.


    The 113th Marine Corps Battalion, the brigade¡¯s subordinate unit, ced at the center while the 111th and 112th Marine Battalion were ced on the left and right. At the rear, 18 C-9A1 Lightning self-propelled artillery units were radiated, ready to fire immediately upon request for artillery fire.


    The restoration of the Kirkuk oil field, one of the threergest oil fields in Iraq, means the sessful independence of the Kurdistan Republic in the future. As for now, 70 percent of the territory that was recovered by the Republic of Kurdistan was rugged mountainous areas or deste areas which were inappropriate for growing various crops. As a result, agriculture, which was considered as one of the bases of the national industry, was difficult to revitalize. So, securing the oil fields was the only way to support the Kurdistan Republic¡¯s economy and, thus, the key to independence.


    Currently, the 13th,15th, and 17th Panzer Division of the Iraqi security forces defending Kirkuk against the Peshmerga groups, the Kurdish government¡¯s militant group that has been engaged in guerri tactics throughout the Kirkuk oil field.


    In other words, the only major forces resisting the 11th Marine Corps Brigade were the 13th Panzer Division and the 15th Vehicle Infantry Division.


    They were more advanced than the Iraqi Army¡¯s 7th Panzer Division and 9th Photoshoot Division, which were defeated by the 11th Marine Corps Brigade in Arbil


    The Iraqi government has urgently deployed the gold division, the elite unit in charge of defending Baghdad, to Kirkuk Province.


    The Golden Division, the first elite division, appeared unexpectedly in November 2014, when it was known as the Special Republic Guard during the Hussein administration. It appears to be simr to the rebirth of the Soviet Guard during the War of the Control States. Many people suspected Iraq had purchased PMC, and there was a rumor that the ISOF, had begun its operations in earnest. The Golden Division was not externally identified as Iraq¡¯s special forces until 2018.


    The Golden Division upgraded its downgraded version of the M1A1 tank to the upgrade project in 2023, particrly by purchasing various cutting-edge weapons from Russia. With four brigades and six armored brigades under itsmand, the Golden Division was roughly the size of the corps.


    By putting the best forces in Iraq, the Golden Corps, into Kirkuk¡¯s defense,


    The Iraqi government was adamant that the Kirkuk oil field would not be taken away.


    The tanks and armored vehicles of the 11th Marine Corps slowed as they approached Altun Coupriga, which lies on the border between the states of Arbil and Kirkuk, amid several kilometers of hazy dust.


    The earlier-flew Spider-II drone detected various tanks and armored vehicles of Iraqi security forces that were being tracked outside Altun Khupri.


    Currently, it detected 190 T-72 tanks and 230 different types of armored vehicles, including M113. In addition, more than 200 armored vehicles and transport vehicles were waiting at the rear.


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023, 14:30.


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service (Investigation Office of the Foreign Intelligence Service) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul


    ¡°Team leader Park! Shouldn¡¯t you go to the hospital first?¡±


    Assistant manager Oh Hyuck-soo said in a worried voice, after seeing team leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s face.


    ¡°Yeah, go to the hospital! We¡¯ll start the investigation and let you know when we get the results. ¡±


    His colleague, team leader Youn Tae-jin, said it in a worried voice.


    ¡°Never mind! Never mind! I¡¯ll interrogate him myself.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong said angrily as he stared at Oh Ji-wan through the ss to the interrogation room.


    ¡°Hey! He¡¯s half-dead! He needs to be treated first before interrogating him, so you should go to the hospital, as well!¡±


    At this moment, the door opened, and manager Lee Ja-sung came in.


    ¡°Team leader Park! You still haven¡¯t gone to the hospital?¡±


    ¡°Let me interrogate him. manager!¡±


    ¡°What? Team Leader Yoon? Didn¡¯t you tell team leader Park?¡±


    ¡°Oh! I did. But he¡¯s stubborn. ¡±


    Team leader Youn Tae-jin said with an embarrassed look on his face, in meanwhile manager Lee Ja-sung handed over a cigarette to team leader Park Gi-oong and said.


    ¡°The medical team confirmed five broken ribs, a fractured ankle and right arm, a broken cheekbone, and a cavity in the head.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong took the cigarette and put it in his mouth and manager Lee Ja-sung helped him to lit it up and continued.


    ¡°With all these injuries, will you be able to interrogate him right away?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung then put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it, and soon inhaled cigarette smoke deeply.


    ¡°Phew, he needs at least a week to recover! So, there¡¯s no interrogation in the meantime! You know what I mean, right? So go to the hospital, take a break, ande back to work next week! Well, if you have time, you can visit manager Lee! ¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. How¡¯s she?¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who was all concerned about Oh Ji-wan, was now worried about the safety of manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°Fortunately, it¡¯s not life-threatening injury! The problem is that she needs long-term care because of severe thigh gunshot wounds.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I see. I¡¯m d to hear that. I¡¯ll visit her.¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Park! Treat your ugly face before you go! Manager Lee will be shocked.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023, at 16:00.


    Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea


    The only thing on TV all day was coverage of the weekly protests. It was the first time since the Republic of Korea¡¯s founding that various political-oriented protesters took ce at the same time, and the entire country was in chaos. There were asional news reports of different political protesters colliding with each other, resulting in horrific bloodshed.


    As a result, President Choo Un-hee¡¯s previously high approval rating has dropped sharply. Despite the fact that different research institutions¡¯ surveys yielded different results, the majority of surveys revealed that approval ratings had fallen below 50%.


    Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul watched the news with a happy expression. He even shakes his shoulders with excitement.


    Beep! Beep!


    At this time, the inte rang.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    <ul>


    Well, Manager Kang Chul-joong from Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation, want to see you sir.


    </ul>


    ¡± Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation Kang Chul-joong? Why he came?¡±


    At that moment, noises from the secretary¡¯s office were heard, and soon after, the doors of his office were opened, and a man¡¯s loud voice was heard.


    ¡°Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul! We are urgently arresting you for personnel corruption and national subversion. ¡±


    The man, who opened the door and listed the charges, was Kang Chul-joong, the second manager of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation at the National Bureau of Corruption and Investigation.


    ¡°What? Personnel corruption? National Abolition charges? You bastards, don¡¯t you know where you are? You want to go to jail? ¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul stood up from the sofa and shouted while pointing his finger at Kang Chul-joong.


    ¡°ah! ah! You will know after the investigation. Here¡¯s the arrest warrant. Why don¡¯t we go quietly?¡±


    Kang Chul-joong said, showing his ID and arrest warrant.


    ¡°You¡¯re talking about arrests. What are you doing in the secretary¡¯s office? Take those bastards out of here! ¡±


    When Kim Hyung-chul shouted through the inte, secretarial investigators rushed into the deputy director¡¯s office and stopped manager Kang Chul-joong.


    ¡°Hehe! Look at this. Can¡¯t you see it? It¡¯s a legitimate arrest warrant. How dare you to interfere with the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation duties? Would you all like to be arrested?¡±


    The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation, which has broad investigative powers against high-ranking officials, including Congressmen, was the agency¡¯s highest authority. As a result, the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation was audited on a quarterly basis by the Board of Audit and Inspection, preventing the abuse of fluorinated power


    The secretariat investigators who attempted to restrain Kang Chul-jung¡¯s outburst failed. After beating the investigators, the team members who came with manager Kang Chul-joong managed to handcuff Kim Hyung-chul.


    ¡°You won`t take this off? What kind of corruption did I do? You bastards~¡±


    He struggled as the members of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation were trying to handcuff him. Then a man¡¯s voice came.


    ¡°Get away from the deputy director, you bastards!¡±


    It was Woo Byung-hoo, who received an urgent call from the secretary office. And rushed into the office holding aser pistol in his hand.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re the special inspector Woo Byung-hoo, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Despite theser pistol was pointed at him, manager Kang Chul-joong turned around and said while walking toward Woo Byung-hoo.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move! Son of a bitch!¡±


    ¡°Well, aside from obstructing justice, that¡¯s a lot of nonsense between people who eat the country.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m joking? One more step and I¡¯ll give you a hole in your body.¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo grabbed theser pistol with both hands and pointed it at Kang Chul-joong¡¯s chest. As a result, the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation agents and the agents of the federal investigation bureau took out theirser pistols and pointed them toward each other.


    ¡°Whoa! Oh, my God!¡±


    The deputy director¡¯s office was tense as dozens of men pointed guns at each other.

 Chapter 373: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 3-1 Solve the Buzzle

    <h4>Chapter 373: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 3-1 Solve the Buzzle</h4>


    Suddenly, someone¡¯s shouting was heard. Thus, the men pointing guns at each other turned to the side from which the sound wasing.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Director Kang Hyuk, the head of the federal investigation bureau, said.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to put down your weapons? Do you want to be arrested for obstruction of justice? ¡±


    Director Kang Hyuk yelled at the investigators from the inspection department who came with Woo Byung-hoo.


    ¡°Director! The Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation has abused its authority in this case. ¡±


    Seeing that director Kang Hyuk sided with the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation, Kim Hyung-chul¡¯s expression stiffened and he started arguing.


    ¡°Can you see this?¡±


    Director Kang Hyuk took out a document that he had received from the blue house. The document was a presidential order to actively cooperate with the arrest of Kim Hyung-chul.


    ¡± Even though she is the president, she cannot arrest me for this without a single piece of evidence! ¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul¡¯s face shed with rage as he screamed.


    nk!


    After hearing Director Kang Hyuk¡¯s scolding, the secretariat investigators stepped back, and the investigators from the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation overpowered Kim Hyung-chul and handcuffed him.


    ¡°you will not open this? Open it!¡±


    While Kim Hyung-chul was being dragged away in a scuffle with two investigators, manager Kang Chul-joong bowed to Director Kang Hyuk and thanked him.


    ¡°Thank you. Thanks to you the arrest went smoothly without any unpleasant idents.¡±


    ¡°what do you mean by thanking me? As the head of the federal investigation bureau, I¡¯m just embarrassed.¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo, who was standing awkwardly, stepped back, and tried to leave the deputy director¡¯s office.


    ¡°Woo Byung-hoo, he¡¯s a special officer for you! You¡¯re under arrest, too. Stop.¡±


    Kang Chul-joong, who had a few words with Director Kang Hyuk, screamed when he saw Woo Byung-hoo attempt to leave with his side eye. The investigator at the door then stopped him, twisted his arm, and handcuffed him.


    ¡°What is my charges? Can you arrest me recklessly and indiscriminately?¡±


    Handcuffed Woo Byung-hoo screamed while shaking his upper body from side to side.


    ¡± Don¡¯t you know, what is your crime? Let¡¯s go to the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation and have a talk about it.¡±


    Manager Kang Chul-joong smirked and gestured to his subordinates to take him.


    Kang Chul-joong patted his chin while looking at Woo Byung-hoo¡¯s back, and then he instructed the rest of the investigators.


    ¡°Don¡¯t miss a dust and make sure to search every inch!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Investigators from the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation began searching through the office of Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul. Even though Kim Hyung-chul and Woo Byung-hoo were arrested in the form of an emergency arrest, they would be released if a solid evidence couldn¡¯t be found.


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023 at 17:30 (Iraq time 11:30),


    The 11th Marine Corps Brigade is located 5 kilometers north of Altun Kuprisi in Kirkuk, Iraq.


    Three hours ago, the 11th Marine Corps Brigade suffered some damage while vacuuming the bombing of Iraqi artillery units waiting in the rear of Altun Kupri, but the immediate artillery fire destroyed the most of the Iraqi artillery units.


    Iraqi security forces then attempted to destroy the vanguard of the 11th Marine Corps Brigade by actively deploying Mi-24 attack helicopters, which were first deployed in the Czech Republic in 2015.


    The16 Mi-24 attack helicopters that had been purchased to counter ISIL and Sunni militants failed to demonstrate their superiority against armored forces and were shot down.


    Only two ck Lake tanks were damaged by 16 Mi-24 attack helicopters before they were shot down. It was not aplete attack, but a crippled damage.


    Despite their preparation for defense and early use of power, the Iraqi security forces¡¯ 13th Panzer Division failed to produce much and was heavily hit, and the 15th Vehicle Infantry Division, which had been deployed right behind them, was also destroyed.


    The battle zone, which was many times the width of Yeouido, smelled of red mes, thick smoke, and poignant gunpowder.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Coochie coochie coochie coochie coochie


    Dozens of C-27P-M Giraffe Marine Combat Gloves cars flew several meters above the ground in the center of the battlefield, churning the terrain with high-altitude vehicles that could not bepared to conventional armored vehicles, destroying T-72 tanks, M113 and MT-LB armored vehicles.


    asionally, surface-to-air missiles flew from Iraqi armored vehicles, but due to their near-ground flight, the surface-to-air missiles failed to function normally and either blew themselves up or exploded on the ground.


    A giraffe armored car stood out among the others. It was already destroying dozens of tanks by rotating from side to side and relentlessly spraying 12mmser vulcan and 50mm sma activated carbon toward the ground. The number 503 from thepany headquarters was emzoned on the side of the armored vehicle.


    However, the crew on board the 503 was carrying crew members of the 1st toon.


    A 512 armored vehicle was temporarily handed over to the battlefield fifteen days ago after being shot down by a machine malfunction while reconnoitering Iranian and Iraqi security forces in the mountainous region of Haraka.


    ¡°Three o¡¯clock direction! Three o¡¯clock direction! Two out-of-the-way tanks! Get them!¡±


    Sergeant Yang Jeong-seok, the 512th Lieutenant General on board the 503, used a microscope mounted at the bottom to detect Iraqi tanks and armored vehicles and ordered the gunman, Sergeant Kim Ki-dong, to fire while setting targets one by one.


    ¡°Old Seol!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Ki-dong mercilessly pulled the trigger by turning the aiming point of the 12mmser Vulcan at the bottom of the armored vehicle in the target setting order.


    Coochie coochie coochie coochie coochie coochie coochie. Bite!


    As the sixth row of beam heat rotated, the pouring red stream tore the ground apart like a diagonal line.


    When the red light struck the targeted two T-72 tanks, sparks of various colors erupted and quickly fell to the ground, resulting in an internal explosion.


    The beam of a machining 12mmser Vulcan prates the upper armor of the T-72 tank.


    Meanwhile, on the right, the 111st Marine Battalion entered downtown Altun Kupri after defeating one armored brigade and one vehicleized brigade.


    tooned ck tankers along each road turned turrets in their own directions and moved at low speeds to capture Iraqi security forces in enemy tanks, armored vehicles and buildings along the road.


    ¡°Hey, hey, look! Especially inside the building!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung, the 132nd tankmander, exined as he switched Hyun Si-kyung¡¯s vision mode and checked the long-running buildings one by one. Simrly, Corporal Lee Hae-sung, a catcher, turned around and thoroughly searched the designated building in inverter mode.


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not missing an ant cub in inverter mode!¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung, who was replying, momentarily closed his mouth and increased the depth of the camera in the inverter mode. Because of the discovery of several light-emitting dolls wielding long weapons on the third floor of a white building on the fourth floor, 70 meters to the left.


    ¡°chief! The third floor of the white building 70 meters away from 11 o¡¯clock! We found 3 anti-tanker weapons!¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung, who reported the confirmed information, immediately raised the firing safety pin, grabbed the firing handle and put his index finger on the trigger.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s an anti-tank weapon?


    ¡°Yes, the current inverter mode estimates RPG-7.¡±


    ¡°Then shot it!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    As soon as the chief approved it, Corporal Lee Hae-sung pulled the trigger of the tank gun without hesitation.


    Coo!


    With a magnificent firing sound, a momentary vibration wave spread and shook the earth. Meanwhile, the third floor of the five-story white building, which was directly hit by the powerful sma bomb, copsed with a huge explosion, creating a hazy dust.


    Boom! Roar~


    ¡°Clear!¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung reported after seeing the building fall.


    A great deal of dirt came along the road and soon swallowed the surrounding area, making the view a few meters ahead invisible. The operation, however, was able to continue without interruption due to the excellent vision mode of the C-2A1 ck Hawk tank.


    Four C-2A1 ck Lake tanks belonging to the 2nd toon searched each of the buildings in the designated directions precisely and broke through the foggy dust zone


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023, at 17:30.


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service in Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Choi Jo-sil of the Foreign Intelligence Service).


    The NIS has arrested over 50 people in connection with the Peace Square bombing, including People¡¯s Liberation Army soldiers (PLA). Several of them had the potential to solve the case.


    Jo Myoung-rok was the first to be apprehended. He was at the center of every case, so they forced him to take confession drugs in order to obtain vital information as soon as possible. Unfortunately, a side effect urred while confessing, and he was being treated in a special hospital room at the National Intelligence Service.


    Because of his concerned about his family¡¯s safety in Russia, the forced injected confession drugs caused excessive brain pressure, causing damage to his optic nervous system. As a result, Jo Myoung-rok cannot provide any additional information.


    Goo Sang-sik was the second. He was interrogated by manager Lee Hye-jin and revealed various information. However, no crucial information was obtained from him at the end. Nheless, injecting confession drugs to him was not possible.


    Oh Ji-wan was the third. However, he was not in a physical condition to be interrogated because of his severe injuries sustained during his fight with Park Gi-oong. Thus, he needed at least five days of treatment and rest before being interrogated.


    With such difficulties in securing evidence from the main suspects, Kim Hyung-chul and Woo Byung-hoo, who were arrested by the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation a while ago, were taken to the National Intelligence Service¡¯s interrogation office, not the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation.


    Kim Hyung-chul, who had been talking nonsense all the way here, must have been tired of the grass and now he was sitting in the interrogation room and thinking.


    ¡°We have only 70 hours. If we couldn¡¯t find evidence within it, we¡¯d have to let him go.¡±


    Kang Chul-joong said as he looked at Kim Hyung-chul, who was sitting in the interrogation room chair beyond the reflective ss.


    ¡°Yes, sir. We must find something somehow.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, replied.


    ¡°The seized evidence will be cleared and be ready within two hours.¡±


    ¡°You had hard time because of us.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by hard times? Isn¡¯t it all for the sake of our country? Then I¡¯ll be back in three days. I wish you all the best in the meantime. ¡±


    ¡°We must catch him. Anyway, thank you for your hard work. See you then.¡±


    Kang Chul-joong and his subordinates left the office. They were authorized to conduct emergency arrests and investigations for high-ranking officials of Grade 5 or higher for three days if they were found to have corruption reports or illegal grounds.


    Currently, the evidence found against Kim Hyung-chul and Woo Byung-hoo was secured by illegal inspection, and there is no legal evidence. After deep consideration, President Choo Un-hee ordered the National Intelligence Service to secure evidence and resolve the case with the cooperation of the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation.


    Anyway, President Choo Un-hee¡¯s order was also unconstitutional. However, following the assassinations of Kim Hyung-won and Kim Jong-un, South Korea dered a state of general emergency, and the country was on the verge of subversion due to widespread protests.


    President Choo Un-hee chose this method after careful consideration to avoid further national confusion, despite the fact that it was somehow illegal.

 Chapter 374: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology – 3-2 Solve the Puzzle

    <h4>Chapter 374: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology ¨C 3-2 Solve the Puzzle</h4>


    November 18, 2023, 21:00


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service in Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Choi Jo-sil of the Foreign Intelligence Service) For hours, the two men sitting across the table in dim lighting had been engaged in an invisible power struggle.


    By presenting multiple pieces of evidence, Manager Lee Ja-sung attempted to obtain a confession from Kim Hyung-chul, Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


    ¡°Are you going to keep asking me the same questions like a parrot?¡± Kim Hyung-chul, who was sitting slightly arrogantly with his handcuffed hands on the table and leaning back as much as possible on his chair, said. Despite being interrogated, he remained calm.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who was ufortable because of Kim Hyung-chul¡¯s attitude, closed the file and spoke in a quiet tone, ¡°Kim Hyung-chul, I think you¡¯repletely mistaken. You are not here as an ordinary suspect. You are here as a suspect who hasmitted a serious crime of national subversion. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°You are using me of abetting against the country. Don¡¯t be ridiculous! What about the presumption of innocence? Is it not applied in Corea? Without even a single piece of evidence, how can you call me a criminal? Hahaha, that¡¯s ridiculous.¡±


    Boom! Boom! Kim Hyung-chulughed while tapping on the table.


    ¡°Kim Hyung-chul, we still have a lot of time. Don¡¯t you think I¡¯d get something if we kept talking? So, shall we proceed with the questions?¡±


    ¡°Do whatever you want! Would I give you the answers you¡¯re looking for?¡± Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul knew that to get released from here, all he needed was to keep his mouth shut for three days.


    ¡°Kim Hyung-chul, did you meet with the leadership of the National Labor Party on October 30th at 2 p.m. at the International Hotel in Pyeong-yang?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the same question again. Let¡¯s give it a try. I didn¡¯t even go near Pyeongyang on October 30th. Do you get it?¡±


    ¡°Then, let me ask you the next question.¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul¡¯s interrogation continued through the night.


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023, 21:00


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service in Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Choi Jo-sil of the Foreign Intelligence Service)


    Meanwhile, in another interrogation room, Woo Byeong-hoo was also under investigation.


    ¡°Our Special agent Woo! You¡¯ve been very busytely, haven¡¯t you?¡± The head of the first and second teams, Youn Tae-jin, sarcastically said after reading the document bearing the mark of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The document contained Woo Byung-hoo¡¯stest activity report from Director Kang Hyuk.


    ¡°Will there ever be a day without work when you work for the country?¡± Woo Byung-hoo replied brazenly.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve been working hard for the country, haven¡¯t you? Then what missionpelled you to visit Pyeong-yang eight times in three weeks? I¡¯m very curious.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s an internal investigation that I cannot answer.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an internal investigation, so... Meeting with Jo Myung-rok is also for the mission?¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo¡¯s cheeks twitched when Jo Myung-rok¡¯s name was mentioned. Team Leader Youn Tae-jin didn¡¯t miss that and continued questioning him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve met Oh Ji-wan, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about? Who is Jo Myung-rok and who is Oh Ji-wan?¡±


    Tuck!


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin spread several pictures on the table.


    ¡°You know these people, don¡¯t you? You met them personally in Pyeong-yang at the instruction of Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, I can¡¯t understand. I don¡¯t remember meeting those people as well as getting instructed by the deputy director. So, will you stop talking nonsense?¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo had consistently denied all of the allegations made against him since the interrogation began.


    <hr />


    November 18, 2023, 23:30 (Iraq time 17:00)


    Altun Kupri, Iraq, south of Kirkuk


    The 111th Marine Battalion had reached the southern edge of Altun Kupri after a two-hour street battle along the nned path and was undergoing a major overhaul while on high alert.


    The battleground had been covered in dust for hours, so there was a lot of hazy sand and dust on the tram¡¯s exterior. Each tank crew member climbed to the tank¡¯s roof and swept off the sand and dust that had umted in the optical equipment.


    The 111th Marine Battalion was the first to arrive in Altun Kupri after defeating the Iraqi security forces stationed in the city. After thepletion of their first mission, the n was to move toward the final target point, Kirkuk, after a brief maintenance period at the southern end of Altun Kupri.


    ¡°Hey, hey! Make sure to wipe it well! What do you mean it was destroyed because of the dust? Don¡¯t talk nonsense and clean it properly,¡± Ahn Joon-kyung, a member of the battalion maintenance team often called General Daegal because of his big head, nagged the soldiers who were wiping off the dust and sand from the optical equipment on the tram.


    ¡°Ah! Sergeant Major Ahn! What are you nagging about? We¡¯ll take care of our baby, so don¡¯t worry,¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Yoon-sung, the 132nd tankmander, said, while carefully wiping off the sand piled up on the outer lens.


    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. So, is that why you made a fussst time saying it was broken?¡±


    ¡°Oh! I really thought the lens was smashed back then,¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Yoon-sung said with his head lifted.


    ¡°So, don¡¯t! I¡¯ve told you so many times that high-tech equipment is vulnerable to sand and fine dust! Make sure you wipe it off properly. I¡¯ll be back for the checkup.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Yes!¡±


    Sergeant Major Ahn Joon-kyung scolded Sergeant First ss Kim Yoon-sung, then he moved to another toon without looking back.


    ¡°Oh! Nagging General Daegal!¡± Seeing him leave, Sergeant First ss Kim Yoon-sung muttered. Hearing this, Sergeant Gil Min-joon and Corporal Lee Hae-sung giggled while covering their mouths.


    ¡°Do it carefully as Sergeant Major Ahn instructed.¡±


    ¡°Yes, tankmander! By the way, when is the final operation? Is it tonight?¡± Sergeant Kim Min-jong, who was cleaning the optical camera connected to the control room, asked.


    ¡°I heard that once Altun Kupri is stabilized, the order of dispatch will be issued. We¡¯ll rest here and do some maintenance until we get the order from the yeobo.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I hope we get it tomorrow. We have a lot of night battles these days, haven¡¯t we, corporal?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I¡¯m so tired.¡±


    The only problem for the current peace forces was not the Iranian or Iraqibat units. It was the asional sandstorms and fine dust. As the armored units depended mostly on high-tech equipment, they frequently faced system abnormalities due to sandstorms and fine dust causing them to face difficulties during the battles.


    ¡°Guys! It will be dinner time soon. So, stop chatting and start wiping!¡±


    ¡°Wow! Time flies. It¡¯s almost dinner time.¡±


    Sergeant Gil Min-joon checked his wristwatch andughed so hard. Then Corporal Lee Hae-sung came close to him and whispered secretly, ¡°Can I give you an exclusive hint?¡±


    ¡°Exclusive? What is it?¡±


    ¡°Today¡¯s dinner is served with baeksuk* as a special meal...¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a ssified secret from my colleague who¡¯s working in the kitchen. Hehe.¡±


    ¡°Wow! It¡¯s been a while since I had it.¡±


    ¡°Hey guys, stop talking and work! If you don¡¯t pass Sergeant Major Ahn¡¯s inspection, you won¡¯t be able to eat the baeksuk.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yes! I understand!¡±


    *Baeksuk is a Korean culinary term referring to dishes made by boiling or steaming meat or fish to be cooked thoroughly without seasonings.


    <hr />


    November 19, 2023, 01:00 Russian time


    Russia, Moscow, Bunker State R-13


    Currently, 5,000 underground bunkers had been built throughout Moscow and Russia, which can amodate 40 million people in preparation for nuclear war, and were as well-equipped as the ones in the U.S. and other Western countries.


    In addition, 30 underground bunkers, called bunker states for senior Russian government officials, were also built in Moscow alone, and their locations werepletely covered by ss-S confidentiality.


    Two days ago, the defense minister and other militarymanders were nning future military operations here at Bunker State R-13 after an emergency ministerial meeting convened by Putin decided on some critical issues that would change Russia¡¯s future.


    ¡°The timing is the most important thing,¡± as he looked at themanders seated at the long tables, General Staff dimir Beschastnich, who looked good in a gray uniform, said.


    Andrei Solomatin, SVR¡¯s deputy director, who was sitting next to him, spoke up, ¡°We can see that after one week.¡±


    ¡°One week? Isn¡¯t it too fast?¡± Themander-in-chief of the Eastern District, Staniv Cherchesov, asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a matter of being quick or slow right now. The chaos caused by internal protest riots and the external military contraction is at its peak, which is exactly what we wanted. ording to our analysis, the Corean government¡¯s response in theing week will be the most vulnerable time,¡± deputy director of the department Andrei Solomatin exined to more than 100manders in a confident voice.


    ¡°Do you have any reason to speak so confidently?¡± Once again Staniv Chercesov asked.


    Thus, Deputy Director Andrei Solomatin stood up and continued his exnation.


    ¡°Of course, there is. Currently, there are massive political demonstrations in more than 500 regions in the Republic of Corea. Also, as time goes by, the protests are spreading throughout the country. In a week, there will be out-of-control protests in small and medium-sized cities as well as small farming and fishing viges.¡±


    After he finished his exnation, Alexander Mostaboy,mander of the 5th Army in the Eastern District, raised his hand and asked, ¡°At the moment, Corea has dered a state of general emergency. Does it look like the Corean government will do nothing until the protests spread to that extent?¡±


    ¡°Hehe. The Corean government cannot suppress civilian protesters by exercising strong public power because of the previous massacre of 518 civilians during the Gwangju protests, which is considered a very deadly Achilles¡¯ tendon in Corea. Furthermore, therge-scale demonstration held in Pyeong-yang on the 17th turned out to be a second Gwangju incident. What do you think will happen? Do you understand why the Corean government can¡¯t take strong action against the protesters?¡±


    Militarymanders nodded and epted the brief exnation from Deputy Director Andrei Solomatin.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk about external chaos. More than 300 SVR agents have been deployed to Iran and Iraq in the Middle East. They are preparing for a major terrorist attack with the Iranian and Iraqi special forces. I shall exin this part using the map.¡±


    Therge screen next to the conference room brightened, and soon a map of the Middle East centered on the Republic of Kurdistan was seen.


    ¡°As can be seen from the current map, all of Corea¡¯s peace troops stationed in the Republic of Kurdistan have been deployed to both Iran¡¯s eastern and Iraq¡¯s southern fronts. The military in charge of security in Kurdistan is literally a militia-level Republican garrison,¡± deputy director Andrei Solomatin exined while pointing at the map with aser pointer.


    ¡°The terrorist attack we are currently preparing for will be on the 24th; when chaos is expected to peak in Corea, suicide attacks will take ce in all parts of Kurdistan and all these attacks will be disguised as ISIS attacks.¡±


    Deputy director Andrei Solomatin opened his hands and looked around at the militarymanders.


    ¡°Then, is the 24th the day our Pacific fleet moves?¡± Asked Admiral Valerie Carpin, themander of the Pacific Fleet, a Russian Navy, and a member of the Eastern Territories, also known as the Far East Fleet.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. We¡¯ll let you know the exact date and timeter, but until now, the Pacific Fleet can move towards Hokkaido.¡±

 Chapter 375: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology – 3-3 Solve the Puzzle

    <h4>Chapter 375: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology ¨C 3-3 Solve the Puzzle</h4>


    November 21, 2023, 15:30 (Iraq time 09:30)


    About 20 kilometers north of Kirkuk, Iraq The 111th Marine Battalion of the 11th Marine Corps Brigade, which had been obstructed 10 kilometers from Kirkuk, the final upation of the Kurdistan Revolutionary War, stopped and retreated 20 kilometers behind it early two days ago.


    The Golden Division, outfitted with advanced equipment, had prevented the 111th Marine Battalion from attacking using as many as six armored brigades. As a result, Lieutenant Colonel Na Hyuk-jin,mander of the 111th Marine Battalion, cursed them while ordering his troops to retreat.


    Lieutenant Colonel Na Hyuk-jin would have ordered a frontal breakthrough rather than a retreat order if their tanks were White Tiger tanks instead of the ck Tiger tanks that they were using currently. Even though the Golden Division¡¯s primary tanks were the M1A1 Abrams and the Russian-made T-80U tank, which were used in Korea before reunification, the number of tanks in the six armored brigades reached 400.


    It would take significant risks to deal with 400 third-generation C-2A1 ck tankers and 200 armored vehicles armed with anti-tank guided missiles.


    As the situation worsened, the 111th Marine Battalion retreated 20 kilometers north of Kirkuk, switched from offensive to defensive tactics, and set up defenses.


    Currently, the 11th Marine Corps Brigade (Kwangryong)¡¯s 112th and 113th Marine Battalions had taken over Altun Kupri for the Republic of Kurdistan and were all engaged in the upation ofrge oil fields in Kirkuk. Kirkuk had 11rge oil fields that would take at least two days to upy.


    In other words, the 111th Marine Battalion had to defend it no matter what until the brigade headquarters and the other two battalions arrived on the 23rd. Otherwise, it would have given up the Altun Kupri, which was only temporarily upied.


    Meanwhile, after the Golden Division hadpleted its deployment to Kirkuk¡¯s northern part, the six armored brigades started their operations to recover Altun Kupri. As a result, a huge scuffle with the 111th Marine Battalion was expected.


    Roar! Roar! Whoosh.


    Despite the 13-kilometer distance, a massive cloud of dust that could be seen with the naked eye was rising. More than 200 tanks and armored vehicles were moving, creating dust clouds.


    ¡°It¡¯s enormous.¡± Corporal Lee Hae-sung, the 132 Tank catcher who identified more than 200 tanks that appeared as red light through clouds of dirt, was surprised and couldn¡¯t keep his mouth shut.


    ¡°Oh, my God! They¡¯ll all be burning scrap metal in no time,¡± Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung, the tank¡¯s chief, responded by setting M1A1 Abrams tanks to target them one by one through Hyun Si-kyung.


    ¡°Commander! Isn¡¯t there a lot of them?¡±


    The turret automatically moved ording to the set target and the aiming point was gathered in the center of the turret of the enemy tank of the first target.


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung said, ¡°Hold the sma tank tightly so that you can fire them at any time and wait for the order.¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey! It may be a numerical disadvantage for offensive tactics, but didn¡¯t you learn in tactical training that this number is sufficient to cover?¡±


    Tuck!


    Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung opened his left arm and lightly hit Corporal Lee Hae-sung¡¯s helmet.


    ¡°Oh! I learned it but isn¡¯t this your first time facing this in real life?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, it¡¯s possible because you¡¯re a corporal catcher without a lot of experience.¡±


    ¡°Are you underestimating me because I¡¯m a corporal?¡±


    ¡°Yes, son of a bitch, I¡¯m underestimating you. What are you going to do about it?¡±


    To relieve tension before the battle, Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung joked and hit Corporal Lee Hae-sung¡¯s helmet, and soon after, a thundering sound could be heard at the rear.


    It was the sound of artillery shells from the C-9A1 Lightning Self-Propelled Guns and sma-diffused bullets flying from the northern tip of Altun Kupri.


    Dozens of 155mm sma diffuse shells fired at 18 gates at the same time flew in an invisible parab, and they were soon fired all over Kirkuk¡¯s northern end.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With the first st, sma diffused ammunition sprayed through the air, quickly exploding and engulfing everything on the ground.


    Massive debris on the ground shattered the top of the turret of the uing Golden Division¡¯s M1A1 Abrams tank, resulting in explosions inside the turret. The long chariot then shot limply away, and the caterpir, which had been turning to dust, came to a halt.


    A catastrophe of this magnitude struck not only the tanks but also artillery units and antimunist units of the Golden Division, which were waiting far behind. Even before the battle, all types of reconnaissance forces were mobilized to capture all of the Golden Division¡¯s units.


    While artillery units and iing armored forces were bombarded with artillery, Iraq, which had only mobilized its air force, was bombarded with anti-air forces.


    Twelve Su-25 ground-attackers and four Su-30K warnes from Baghdad¡¯s airbase were flying at a rapid pace to battle the defense of the 111th Marine Battalion.


    <hr />


    November 21, 2023, 17:00


    The intersection of Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, South State


    Despite Corea¡¯s deration of a general state of emergency that prohibited all rallying activities, the protests quickly spread across the country on the 17th.


    ording to one of the president¡¯s aides in the Blue House, the government should use public power to crack down on the issue. Otherwise, it could lead to national division.


    President Choo Un-hee, on the other hand, did not know whether she should do so or wait for an active resolution to the protests, but she continued to urge Kim Soo-kyeom, the Minister of Government Administration to focus on the safety of ordinary citizens.


    Senior presidential officials and ministers continued to visit the Blue House and make sincere statements to the president, but they were forced to return after learning that she was aware of it.


    Against this backdrop, two protesters with different political tendencies confronted each other in Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, and they were swearing at and ndering each other.


    At the southern end of Sejong-daero, 250,000 protesters in red bands demonstrated with gs and panels condemning the current central government, while 300,000 conservative civic group protesters criticized the Red Protesters as ¡°left-wing red groups.¡± Both were protesting against each other.


    These opposing political protesters had be more violent over time, and the 30,000 police officers deployed to stop them had attempted to contain the situation by erecting human shields in multipleyers and mobilizing vehicles.


    However, protesters from both sides broke down the police barrier and shed. The rough stone between ideologies urred at the intersection of Sejong-daero, and it will be remembered as the most painful memory in the history of the unified Corea.


    <hr />


    November 21, 2023, 17:30


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service in Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Choi Jo-sil of the Foreign Intelligence Service)


    ¡°You¡¯ve arrived?¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin was visiting the director¡¯s office, where all the interrogation rooms of the Foreign Intelligence Agency were shown.


    ¡°Yeah, what have you got?¡± Director Lee Young-jin entered the office with his secretary and asked Director Kang Ki-won.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but so far...,¡± Director Kang Ki-won bowed his head and trailed off.


    ¡°Until when we can hold them?¡±


    If they could not get critical evidence or a confession within the next three hours, Kim Hyung-chul and Woo Byung-hoo would be released. All items seized and searched at the time of the arrest were not useful as evidence.


    ¡°20:00.¡±


    ¡°Well, less than three hours left.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin checked his watch and continued, ¡°Sigh, the president is still looking forward to it.¡±


    At the sound of Director Lee Young-jin¡¯s sigh, Kang Ki-won wanted to hide in a rat hole.


    <hr />


    November 21, 2023, 18:00


    Kaesong University Hospital (admission room) in Bukseong-gu, Hwanghae-do, North State


    Manager Lee Hye-jin was in the intensive care unit after two surgeries, and this afternoon she was moved into a general room and was allowed to have visitors.


    ¡°I want you to quit after this. What do you think?¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was lying on the bed with her entire leg wrapped in white bandages, was furious at Namgoong-won¡¯s words.


    ¡°Won, what kind of job can I get after this kind of injury? Do not say that again because I¡¯m fine!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fine? Ask them to move you to the internal service department instead of fieldwork!¡±


    ¡°Won! What is wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m so worried! If I meet that bastard, he will be dead.¡±


    Feeling upset, Namgoong-won¡¯s voice went up.


    ¡°Honey, I don¡¯t have the strength to fight with you! Let¡¯s talk about thister!¡±


    ¡°No way! Give me your answer right now.¡±


    A knock was heard at the door.


    Knock, knock, knock, knock!


    ¡°Yes,e in.¡±


    The door opened and a man with a bouquet of flowers came in. It was Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°Oh! You are here, too.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong bowed to Namgoong-won and immediately approached Manager Lee Hye-jin and hugged her while asking about her health.


    ¡°Oh! I was so worried. Manager, how¡¯s the wound?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Thank you for the flowers. It¡¯s okay. They said the surgery went well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I¡¯m sorry for beingte. I came a few days ago, but they didn¡¯t allow visitors, so I just went back.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see. Then let us have a meal together.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think of that. Haha.¡± Team leader Park Gi-oong scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Team Leader Park! How¡¯s it going? Did you catch Oh Ji-wan?¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who had just been in the intensive care unit for three days after surgery, knew nothing. The Counter-Terrorism Investigation Department deliberately refrained from reporting anything to her for her safety.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know. I caught him that night.¡±


    Namgoong-won asked a question when he said that he had caught him, ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Haha, I got him.¡±


    ¡°As expected, you are the most elite agent in our department.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ttered, manager!¡±


    ¡°Can I see his face?¡±


    When Namgoong-won asked with an angry expression, Team Leader Park Gi-oong answered with an embarrassed expression, ¡°Oh Ji-wan is being treated at the NIS hospital. When he was arrested, he was severely injured. So, we couldn¡¯t even interrogate him until now, haha. What do you think would happen to him if my face looked like this?¡±


    Park Gi-oong pointed to his face. Even after three days, the bruises and swelling around the eyes had not been removed yet.


    ¡°Well done! And Won, you are a civilian!¡± After looking at Park Gi-oong¡¯s face with a pitiful expression, Manager Lee Hye-jin immediately turned to Namgoong-won and chided him.


    Nam Goong-won replied with a disappointed look on his face, ¡°Hye-jin! What do you mean, civilian? I¡¯m an honorary NIS agent! What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    In fact, even after resigning from the National Intelligence Service, Namgoong-won sometimes helped with requests for specialized work such as hacking. So, he was considered a non-regr agent.


    ¡°Won! That¡¯s enough. Did you find anything else through Goo Sang-sik?¡± Lee Hye-jin red at Namgoong-won and asked Park Gi-oong again.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve asked the manager¡¯s department and they didn¡¯t get any information from him.¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Park!¡±


    ¡°Yes, manager!¡±


    ¡°Goo Sang-sik was very afraid of Oh Ji-wan. I think it¡¯s because he betrayed him. Oh Ji-wan probably doesn¡¯t know yet. If we use that well, I think we¡¯ll get important information from Goo Sang-sik.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see. Even so, it is hard to secure evidence. I heard that Kim Hyung-chul and Woo Byung-hoo will be released today... I don¡¯t think this is the time to be here. I¡¯ll go first.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, go!¡±


    ¡°Yes, take care of yourself.¡±

 Chapter 376: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology – 3-4 Solve the Puzzle

    <h4>Chapter 376: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology ¨C 3-4 Solve the Puzzle</h4>


    November 21, 2023 18:30 (12:20 Iraqi time)


    About 20 kilometers north of Kirkuk, Iraq The strong, long-range C-9A1 Lightning self-propelled artillery battalion overpowered Iraqi tanks as well as artillery units intended to be supported from the rear and defended them smoothly in the early days of the skirmish with the Golden Division.


    However, when the Iraqi air force, ground attackers, and war bombers attacked the Marine Artillery and 111th Marine Battalion at the Baghdad Air Base, a dangerous situation arose.


    Although dozens of air-to-surface missiles and various shells bombs were damaged, the Iraqi air force was able to retreat, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a bombing order to the 12th Air Force Base in retaliation.


    The 12 CFU-22P unmanned aerial vehiclesunched from the aircraft carrier Baekbeom Kim Gu (CV-001) arrived in Baghdad in minutes and soon turned the airbase into a fiery hell. It was an attack that warned the Iraqi government not to use airpower.


    An hour was enough for the Republic of Corea to turn Iraq into a sea of fire. sma amplifiersparable to nuclear bombs could strike anywhere on Earth in less than an hour using a variety of projectiles, and more than 500 warnes could simultaneously attack major Iraqi sites.


    The Corean government was trying to refrain from prolonging the war by exhibiting extreme power to the other Middle Eastern countries.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    Coo! Coo! Coo! Coo!


    In the cloudless sky, numerous red lights shed and looked like stars in the night sky. The twinkling lighted then exploded above the ground, sprinkling numerous bullets onto the ground. The lights were a timed sma diffuse bomb fired from 18 C-9A1 Lightning self-propelled guns.


    Large and small pirs of dirt with mes soared from all sides. In addition, several M1A1 tanks of the Golden Division, which had been on evasive maneuvers, simultaneously emitted huge mes and stopped on their tracks.


    The continued artillery fire on the TOT hit the enemy tank with precision. In response, themander of the Golden Division ordered each armored brigade to switch from battalion tactics to critical tactics to minimize the damage caused by the TOT shelling.


    ¡°Captain! It looks like they¡¯ve changed their battle tactics intopany tactics. All tanks are scattered on a medium scale.¡± A report came from Lieutenant Kim Young-joon of the headquarters squad. Currently, the headquarters squadron had deployed all avable reconnaissance drones and was conducting detailed reconnaissance everywhere they were engaged.


    ¡°All right, keep your eyes on the ground.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Captain, shall we switch to attack tactics?¡± Major Kang Kyu-tae, the chief of operation who was listening next to him, asked.


    ¡°You should. Give the 1st and 2nd squadrons a vacuum order.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Major Kang Kyu-tae then opened the battalion¡¯smunicationwork and issued an order. ¡°Transit to 1st and 2nd squadron attack tactics ording to existing ns.¡±


    <ul>


    First squad, confirmed!


    </ul>


    -Confirmed, 2nd squad!


    The tanks belonging to the 1st and 2nd Marine Tank Company that had been engaged in defensive tactics within the position established so far all left the position and began to go forward.


    Rumbling! Rumbling!


    <hr />


    November 21, 2023, 19:10


    National Intelligence Service (NIS) in Gangnam-gu, Nam Joo (Choi Jo-sil of the Counter-terrorism Investigation Bureau).


    Park Gi-oong left the hospital and went straight to the National Intelligence Service. About one hourter, he arrived at the Counter-terrorism investigation Bureau which was responsible for the preliminary investigation.


    Knock knock!


    When the door to the office of Counter-Terrorism Investigation Division 3 was opened, Team Leader Park Gi-oong came in and Chief Jang Han-guk, who was on duty, weed him.


    ¡°Hello, Team Leader Park. I heard you got a few days off. Didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong was unable to respond quickly to Chief Jang Han-guk¡¯s question because he was trying to calm down after running from the parking lot to the National Intelligence Service office.


    ¡°Huff! Huff! I need to check on something urgently.¡±


    ¡°Haha, you must have been in a hurry. Have a seat first. Would you like a ss of water?¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong waved his hands at Chief Jang Han-guk¡¯s suggestion to have a seat and immediately brought up the main point.


    ¡°No, but I¡¯d like you to interrogate Goo Sang-sik right now.¡±


    ¡°Goo Sang-sik? Did you get approval?¡±


    As soon as he finished his question, Team Leader Park Gi-oong handed him the letter of cooperation approval signed by Manager Lee Hye-jin, who had filled out the approval request in advance in the hospital room, fearing that the request would be dyed due to procedural issues.


    ¡°Oh, this is approval signed by Manager Lee? Has she left the intensive care unit?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they moved her to a general room this afternoon. I¡¯m in a hurry. Can we talkter? For now, please bring Goo Sang-sik in for interrogation.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I get it. You can go ahead to interrogation room number two and I will bring Goo Sang-sik to you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you!¡±


    A littleter, Goo Sang-sik and Chief Jang Han-guk went into the interrogation room where Team Leader Park Gi-oong was waiting.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in the next room, team leader.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you!¡±


    After Chief Jang Han-guk had left, the two men confronted each other at a small table, engaged in an invisible battle of nerves. After a brief period of silence during which they examined each other¡¯s eyes and facial expressions, Team Leader Park Gi-oong spoke first.


    ¡°You know Oh Ji-wan is here, right?¡±


    The first question asked by Team Leader Park Gi-oong was answered by Goo Sang-sik¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Hmph! From the look on your face, you seem to have known.¡±


    Boom!


    ¡°What does any of this have to do with me? Don¡¯t bring up Oh Ji-wan again! I¡¯d already told that woman everything I knew about him.¡± Goo Sang-sik reacted nervously as he hit the table. Opposite him, Park Gi-oong was holding back his desire to destroy his face and continued speaking with a rxed smile.


    ¡°I know you have spoken to Manager Lee. But I have something more to tell you.¡±


    ¡°If you have something to say, I¡¯ll listen! It¡¯s not easy to look at your face.¡±


    Goo Sang-sik, who did not know that the person who messed up his face was Park Gi-oong, replied with a unique expression.


    ¡°Oh Ji-wan will be released after two years without legal procedures because he provided us with very valuable information. What do you call it, a fair exchange?¡±


    ¡°Fair exchange? Huh! Don¡¯t lie! Comrade Oh is the assassin who killed Kim Jong-un and Kim Hyung-chul. And you are telling me that he¡¯d be here for only two years without a trial. You want me to believe that now?¡± Goo Sang-sik snorted.


    ¡°He¡¯s indeed a ss-one criminal, but he provided us with information as grave as the cost of the crime. The deal was struck unofficially. Of course, he will be deported out of the country after two years. Don¡¯t you want the same deal too?¡±


    ¡°Funny!¡±


    ¡°Right now, you and Oh Ji-wan are the only assassin terrorists still alive. The rest of you are no longer alive! In other words, when Oh Ji-wan is out, you will be the sole assassin responsible for the murder of our agents in Hunan two years ago. Although the death penalty has been abolished in Corea, the death penalty remains effective because we are in a state of national emergency. Do you still think the same way?¡±


    Goo Sang-sik was shaken by the phrase ¡°death sentence.¡± In response, he asked a question, pulling his upper body closer to the table, ¡°Really? If I provide you with information, you will release me like Oh Ji-wan?¡±


    ¡°Of course! However, it is only possible if you provide us with information as important as Oh Ji-wan¡¯s,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong smiled brightly and answered.


    ¡°I have already provided you with all the information I knewst time. What more do you want me to say? And didn¡¯t Oh Ji-wan share all the important information with you?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there any information that Oh Ji-wan doesn¡¯t know and only you know about? Honestly, I think there¡¯s a reason why you killed your colleague and betrayed Oh Ji-wan? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s just about the money.¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong threw a few meaningful words, got up from his seat, and read Gu Sang-sik¡¯s expression.


    It was full of embarrassment.


    ¡°You thought too much. I killed him because of the money.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see. It was just about the money? Anyway, you just need to know that Oh Ji-wan knows that you betrayed and killed Nam Tae-sik. He really wanted to see your face,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong lied to him.


    ¡°What? What? How did Captain Oh know that?¡±


    ¡°Then you thought he didn¡¯t know? So na?ve. Anyway, you just have to cough out some valuable information that Oh Ji-wan doesn¡¯t know. I will give you 10 minutes to think. Think about it. This is yourst chance. Otherwise, tomorrow you¡¯ll be charged formally as the main culprit of the bombing.¡±


    After talking, Park Gi-oong left the interrogation room.


    ¡°Can I really believe his words?¡± Goo Sang-sik, who was left alone in the interrogation room, was absent-minded for a moment, and then fell into a deep agony, squeezing his head with his handcuffed hands.


    Currently, the psychological state of Goo Sang-sik was really bad. He was frightened. It wasn¡¯t the fear of rotting in prison or being executed.


    ¡°What if it¡¯s true?¡±


    Goo Sang-sik knew what kind of person Oh Ji-wan was.


    Oh Ji-wan despised betrayal the most. As a result, he would never kill or betray his colleagues. Consequently, Goo Sang-sik was afraid of him because he would go after his family. He was only concerned about the safety of his family, as he had an elderly mother and only one sister.


    ¡°Oh Ji-wan will not leave me or my family alone.¡±


    The price of betrayal could certainly reach Goo Sang-sik¡¯s family. He knew Oh Ji-wan better than anyone else.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± As his thoughts reached this point, Goo Sang-sik groaned a little.


    After the Hunan shooting four years ago, when North Korea was absorbed into South Korea, their homnd disappeared and they turned into international criminals. Thus, Goo Sang-sik wandered around China with Oh Ji-wan, living as fugitives for many years. At that time, they received an offer from Jo Myung-rok, the former chief of the reconnaissance bureau, that they could not reject. It was Typhoon No. 16.


    Oh Ji-wan and his group were tired of living on the run for years, so they agreed without thinking.


    Goo Sang-sik also agreed because of the hundreds of millions that he would receive uponpleting the Typhoon 16 mission so that he would be able to take care of his elderly mother and sister, whom he had not seen for many years.


    Meanwhile, when Team Leader Park Gi-oong entered the director¡¯s office in the next room of the interrogation room, Chief Jang Han-guk asked, ¡°Team Leader Park! Did Oh Ji-wan really blow everything?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, blow? He is still in the hospital room.¡±


    ¡°What? Well, what about the things you said to Goo Sang-sik a moment ago?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re lies, of course. We need to find something that Oh Ji-wan doesn¡¯t even know about. The broken connection.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I see. But wouldn¡¯t it be a problem if we use this as evidence in courtter?¡±


    ¡°Problematic or not, it¡¯s urgent to get important information now.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s true. Since the situation is such...¡±

 Chapter 377: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology – 3-5 Solve the Puzzle

    <h4>Chapter 377: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology ¨C 3-5 Solve the Puzzle</h4>


    November 21, 2023, 19:35


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service (Investigation Office of the Foreign Intelligence Service) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul Woo Byung-hoo, who had been interrogated for three days, was waiting for his release in the lounge when the agents escorted him back into the interrogation room.


    ¡°What? What exactly are you doing? It¡¯s almost 8 p.m.! The clock is ticking. What else are you going to investigate by bringing me back here?¡± Woo Byung-hoo entered the interrogation room, yelling and shaking off the agents who were holding him. Then he heard a voice from the other side of the table.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stop making a fuss and sit down?¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo calmed down and then looked at the person who had spoken to him and said, ¡°What? Who are you?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know that, and I need to ask you a few more questions.¡±


    The man who was leaning against the wall approached the light and showed his face. It was Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who was interrogating Goo Sang-sik at the Counter-terrorism Investigation Bureau up till a few minutes ago.


    ¡°Whoa, that¡¯s funny. You still have questions after three days of sleepless interrogation?¡± Woo Byung-hoo sat on the chair and smiled.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong also responded with a light smile and immediately asked, ¡°You know Goo Sang-sik, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Goo Sang-sik? Who¡¯s that guy?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know Goo Sang-sik? But he knows you well.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo stuck out his feet, as he had been doing for the past three days.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t talk to him on the phone a couple of times? You also gave him bitcoins worth 500 million won. Is that incorrect?¡±


    Woo Byung-hoo¡¯s eyes shook slightly at that moment. Even though that he had a hunch that there was something fishy going on, he maintained his denial until the very end.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say I didn¡¯t know him? So, why are you still talking nonsense?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you confess now? Goo Sang-sik has confessed to everything. And we have the evidence.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! It¡¯s illegal to interrogate me like this.¡±


    ¡°Illegal? I see. Then shall we listen to this?¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong took out a small recorder from his pocket and pressed the y button.


    Then, through the recorder, Woo Byung-hoo and Goo Sang-sik¡¯s conversation on the phone could be heard. Woo Byung-hoo was so surprised that he fell from the chair and his eyes got bigger.


    ¡°Uh, how can...¡±


    ¡°What do you think? Are you ready to confess now?¡±


    Half an hour ago, Goo Sang-sik, who had thought to himself for 10 minutes in the interrogation room, had revealed everything to Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    When Oh Ji-wan and his team received the proposal for the Typhoon No. 16 mission in China from Jo Myung-rok, they immediately began work. They crossed the border into Corea and then Goo Sang-sik received a secret mission from Woo Byung-hoo without hisrades¡¯ knowledge.


    The secret mission was to expose themselves to the National Intelligence Service beforepleting the Typhoon 16 mission.


    It was an iprehensible suggestion. Far frompleting Typhoon 16¡¯s mission, revealing their identities in advance would result in everyone¡¯s death. The proposal was initially rejected by Goo Sang-sik. However, he eventually agreed to ept the mission.


    A payment of 500 million won in the cryptocurrency bitcoin, which could not be tracked, yed a role in his approval, as did the fact that afterpleting the Typhoon 16 mission, Jo Myung-rok¡¯s subordinates announced their intention to kill them all. If he epted the offer, he would not only receive the money, but he would also save his own life.


    As a result, Goo Sang-sik betrayed hisrades in order to survive and satisfy his greed for money. So, a few days before the Typhoon 16 mission, he snuck out of their hiding ce at night with tworades and caused chaos in the Emperor¡¯s Saloon to reveal their identity. He also made certain that the CCTV cameras captured their images.


    Goo Sang-sik revealed the reason for his betrayal as well as the location where he hid the phone on which he exchanged text messages with Woo Byung-hoo and recorded files that could be used as evidence.


    The ce where he hid the phone was a locker in Pyeong-yang. Consequently, Team Leader Park Gi-oong immediately contacted the Pyeong-yang branch to secure the phone and recover the recording files and text messages, which were then sent to him asputer files.


    Hearing his conversation with Goo Sang-sik on the recorder, Woo Byung-hoo got distressed and covered his face with both hands. Then, without even realizing it, he said, ¡°Uh, how... Goo, Goo Sang-sik, did not die.¡±


    ¡°Why would he die? Were you trying to check him off the list by killing him?¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Because of his distress, Woo Byung-hoo presented evidence that he could not take back.


    ¡°I was just following Kim Hyung-chul¡¯s order.¡±


    ¡°I know! So, if you tell us everything you know, your sentence will be reduced. What say you?¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll you everything.¡±


    <hr />


    November 21, 2023, 19:55


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service in Gangnam-gu, Seoul


    Loolooloolool~


    Kim Hyung-chul sat on the lounge¡¯s sofa, resting his legs on the square table in front of him and humming with his eyes closed. He would be released from here within five minutes.


    Crying!


    The lounge door opened and someone came in. Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul thought it was Woo Byung-hoo who would be released with him.


    ¡°Woo Byung-hoo?¡±


    No one answered Kim Hyung-chul¡¯s question. So, he opened his eyes, turned his head, and looked at the entrance door. A middle-aged man was standing there, but it was not Woo Byung-hoo.


    ¡°You¡¯re not Woo Byung-hoo? We¡¯re supposed to be released from here together, right?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Kim Hyung-chul?¡±


    ¡°You already know! You don¡¯t have to call me. Let¡¯s just get out of here!¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul got up from the sofa, feeling rxed, thinking he would be released. But soon, his body froze.


    ¡°I am formally charging you withplicity to the assassination by bombing and national subversion.¡±


    ¡°What? A formal charge of assassinationplicity and national subversion? Who are you?¡±


    When Kim Hyung-chul red at him, the middle-aged man showed his ID.


    ¡°National Intelligence Service? Director Kang Ki-won? What? You¡¯re not from the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation.¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul had been questioned for three days and he thought it was the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation that was interrogating him.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t an illegal interrogation. I¡¯m filing a formalint, you punks.¡±


    Kim Hyung-chul hit the table with his two hands and stared at Director Kang Ki-won. Then, two agents who were waiting outside came in and stopped Kim Hyung-chul, and soon put handcuffs on both of his hands again.


    ¡°You are charging me without evidence. Are you seriously not letting me go?¡±


    ¡°Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul, we have plenty of evidence! Take him!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Let me go! Bastards, let me go!¡±


    When Director Kang Ki-won gave the order, the agents held Kim Hyung-chul from both sides and took him out.


    <hr />


    November 21, 2023, 20:30


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service (Director¡¯s Meeting Room) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong briefed about Woo Byung-hoo¡¯s confession and the collected evidence to Director Lee Young-jin, First Vice Minister Youn Yeon-joon, Second Vice Minister Huh Young-joon, ACS Chief Youn Soo-gil, Foreign Intelligence Agency Director Kang Ki-won, and Counter-terrorism Investigation Director An Yeon-wu, who were all sitting around a big table.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong used Goo Sang-sik¡¯s confession to put Woo Byung-hoo under pressure and eventually forced him to confess to everything.


    There were three shocking contents that Woo Byung-hoo had confessed to.


    The first was that he was the one who was behind the scenes arranging everything to help the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 get from New China to Manchuria without any problem by faking their identities, all under the direction of Kim Hyung-chul and with the assistance of Governor Kim Chun-won, who was killed in the bombing.


    The second was to receive a huge slush fund of nearly 5 billion won from Russia¡¯s SVR (Ocean Intelligence Agency) and capture one of the first operatives to reveal their identity. In return, Woo Byung-hoo was sessful in gaining 500 million won worth of bitcoins in exchange for handing over Goo Sang-sik and exposing himself by causing problems at the Emperor¡¯s Saloon in Pyeong-yang. The question here was why Russia did such a thing.


    The third was that he was the person liaising with civic groups that were leading protesters in the riots currently taking ce throughout the Republic of Corea, and North Korean Governor Ahn Dong-tae was also involved in orchestrating the protests.


    When Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s briefing concluded, the five men seated couldn¡¯t keep their mouths shut. It was a truly incredible and shocking story.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just let the Russians off. They have nned more than two maniptions against Corea, sir!¡± First Vice Minister Youn Yeon-joon expressed his anger, biting down on his lower lip.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so angry. We didn¡¯t even know what they were doing beforehand.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ashamed.¡± The Second Vice Minister Huh Young-joon bowed his head and seemed sorry. Director Kang Ki-won was also at a loss for words.


    ¡°This is our department¡¯s fault. The department that was created for this kind of situation couldn¡¯t do its job properly. I¡¯m sorry...,¡± ACS Chief Youn Soo-gil bowed his head and blurted out.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ming you in this situation. Anyway, I¡¯m d we found out about it now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. If it wasn¡¯t for Team Leader Park, the NIS and the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation would have been in trouble if they had released Kim Hyung-chul and Woo Byung-hoo without securing any evidence. The mere thought of it makes me dizzy,¡± Manager An Yeon-wu sighed with relief and praised Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    Then Director Lee Young-jin nodded and said, ¡°It almost endangered the president, not to mention our organization¡¯s security. Anyway, excellent work, Team Leader Park!¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. This case was solved by Manager Lee Hye-jin,¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong gave the credit to Manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°I know. Even though she was severely injured and had to stay in the intensive care unit, she still helped a lot, sir!¡± Director Kang Ki-won also praised Manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°Yes, Manager Lee has done a great job. Director Ahn, please visit the hospital tomorrow and exin to her briefly about this case.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Please prepare the report, Director Kang, so that we can present it to the president. Since the current situation is tooplicated, simplify it as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°When will it be avable?¡±


    ¡°It will take at least three days to cross-check not only Kim Hyung-chul¡¯s statements but also Oh Ji-wan¡¯s, who is still hospitalized.¡±


    When Oh Ji-wan¡¯s name came out of Director Kang Ki-won¡¯s mouth, Team Leader Park Gi-oong bowed his head. It was because he hit him too hard during the arrest. They had not been able to interrogate him until now.


    ¡°All right! Make a report on this horrible assassination attack in three days and post it. And what¡¯s the name of the group that¡¯s leading the protests?¡±


    ¡°Red Revolutionary Youth.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Red Revolutionary Youth. Vice Minister Yoon, arrest all the members beginning with the highest-ranking ones and work your way down to the lowest, and if you think you¡¯re short-staffed, send an official letter to all the assessment agencies, including the Secret Bureau of Corruption Investigation and the National Intelligence Service!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Following the meeting, Vice Minister Yoon Yeon-jun dispatched emergency cooperation letters to all the assessment agencies, and over 2,000 field agents and investigators rushed to arrest members of the Red Revolutionary Youth Corps headquarters in Pyeong-yang and its branches in major cities throughout each state.

 Chapter 378: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology – 3-6 Solve the Puzzle

    <h4>Chapter 378: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology ¨C 3-6 Solve the Puzzle</h4>


    November 22, 2023 at 09:00 (Iraq time 03:00)


    About 20 kilometers north of Kirkuk, Iraq The battle, which had begun during the day, had alreadysted all night and into the early hours of the morning. The dark and barren fields without a de of grass lit up the surrounding area with each explosion, whether it wasrge or small, and the sounds of the deafening roar were like an orchestra ying.


    The various reconnaissance drones flew in all directions and data-linked the locations of the Iraqi Golden Division tanks and armored vehicles, which were then target set and smashed by the ck Tiger tanks of the 111th Marine Battalion.


    However, after 12 hours of fighting, the Marines of the 111th Marine Battalion began to feel mentally and physically exhausted.


    Because of the increased damage, themand of Iraq¡¯s most elite Golden Division headquarters attempted to alter their strategy.


    The Golden Division¡¯s six armored brigades attacked and retreated from the 111th Marine Battalion repeatedly. The 111th Marine Battalion, which was defending, had to deal with the armored brigade that had been attacking irregrly from different directions for a long time with no time to rest.


    Even though the marines of the 111th Marine Battalion eventually ran out of strength, they persisted in their fight due to their marine spirit. But the issue was that there was atck of ammunition supply. As a result, their defense against the Golden Division, which had been strong in the early stages of the attack, began to fade.


    ¡°One o¡¯clock direction! Set targets, automatic fire!¡±


    Poof! Poof!


    Quang~ Quang~


    In the dark, the 312-tank opened fire on two enemy tanks of the 2nd Armored Brigade that were maneuvering left and right from 5 kilometers away toward the defense site.


    ¡°Now! Set the new target number one to 12 o¡¯clock, forward distance of 5100.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung searched for a new target after leaving a burning enemy tank behind.


    However, Corporal Lee Hae-sung announced with a grim voice, ¡°Tankmander! Only two sma bombs left.¡±


    There was a small warning sound and a shing number on the disy screen, indicating the remaining number of the sma bombs.


    ¡°What? Have we already used all of them?¡±


    ¡°Yes, what should we do, tankmander?¡±


    ¡°We should get the supplies, for sure?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung rotated the vision to examine the entire front while putting the focus on target one. Due to the infrared vision mode, approximately 60 enemy tanks and armored vehicles were identified as red lights even in the dark. They were all in and out of the ck Tiger tanks¡¯ effective range.


    ¡°Corporal Lee, let¡¯s take care of target number one first, then wait for supplies!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The turret rotated automatically toward the newly set target. The aim of the gunner was then set precisely at the bottom of the turret of the enemy tank that was being targeted.


    Click!


    Poof!


    A red dot flew horizontally and hit the bottom of the turret, which had been targeted in an instant. The dust shed from side to side with a huge explosion that caused the surrounding area to vibrate.


    Kwaang!


    The turret flipped over and flew away with colorful fires after the explosion. Then, one by one, the internal width burst forth and the dark red mes soared several meters high.


    ¡°The enemy tank is destroyed!¡± Corporal Lee Hae-sung, who was checking the burning enemy tank through the scope, shouted.


    Meanwhile, Sergeant Kim Yoon-sungmunicated with the toon leader through a toonwork. ¡°This is Akashi 2, only two ammunitions are left, urgent supply needed! Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Akashi 1! The 1st and 3rd toons are out of supply also. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Akashi Two! Check!¡±


    Afterpletingmunication with the toon leader, Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung informed the crew members through the internalmunicationwork, ¡°The other toons appear to have suffered the same fate as us in terms of supplies. As a result, we must wait until the supplies arrive. For the time being, let us look for a suitable cover and wait.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung, who announced the current situation, activated the ck Dragon missile ticker and set it up to fire at any time. Currently, orders from the battalion headquarters had been issued to limit the use of ck Dragon missiles, which could be used as both anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Gil, do you see that small rock on Street 40 at one o¡¯clock? Let¡¯s go there for cover!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Because a full cover was impossible, the 312-tank moved toward a small rock that could assist them in covering.


    Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


    The impact was apanied by a dull thud from the glove on the left side of the turret. A bullet hit the side of the left turret, but it bounced off, unable to prate the partially hydronium alloy side gloves, and became lodged in the ground.


    While other tanks were sinking one by one into the ground in dark red mes, the tanks from the Golden Division¡¯s 2nd Panzer Brigade were still attacking with enthusiasm. It was rightly referred to as the elite of Iraq¡¯s security forces.


    ¡°Huck! Did we just get hit?¡± Corporal Lee Hae-sung freaked out and asked the tankmander.


    ¡°Is this the time to be shocked? Check out who it is!¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah!¡±


    Arriving at the small rock, the shielded 312-tank began searching for the one that attacked them.


    One of the light points was spotted at the highest speed at 11 o¡¯clock while they were checking in both directions.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got it. 11 o¡¯clock, road 4500.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one more sma bomb left, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°You set it up and blow it up!¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung set the target himself and pulled theunch button on the steering wheel.


    ¡°How dare you hit us? Die, you son of a bitch!¡±


    Whoosh! Whooshoo!


    The sma bomb flew in an instant, prated the front gloves of an enemy tank set as a target, and exploded inside. A 50-ton tram rattled once, and soonrge and small shrapnel flew in all directions and broke into pieces.


    ¡°Enemy tank blood!¡±


    Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!


    An rm sounded as he was about to report this. It was theser detection warning tone from the anti-tank guided missile.


    ¡°The anti-tank guided missile?¡±


    In addition to the warning sound, the aimingser transmission point of the anti-tank guided missile was marked with a red dot on the tank¡¯s digital map on the disy screen. It was a slightly ridged point 2,900 meters away at 3 o¡¯clock. An armored vehicle with an anti-tankunch tube stood nearby.


    ¡°When did these guys get there?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung pressed theunch button of the ¡°S-LLAM 60 ck Dragon Missile¡±, which was abined anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile.


    A ck Dragon missile soared into the sky with a blue me tail in its two-extensionunch tube to the right of the main turret. At the same time, a red glow, which was emitting white smoke from the ridge, soared into the sky.


    Whoops!


    The ck Dragon missile rose to 50 meters and exploded 10 meters above theser transmission point. The pration bullet of the ck Dragon missile prated the turret of the armored vehicle and exploded inside, and Tanmi¡¯s ammunition swept the surrounding 30m area of the armored vehicle.


    As a result, the anti-tank guided missile, which had lost itsser guidance just before the shooting, exploded after being stuck in the small rock in front of the 312 tank.


    Boom! Boom!


    Large and small blocks of stone hit the 312-tank mercilessly.


    Koong! Koong! Koong!


    Large and small stones and dirt dust poured all over tank No. 312.


    ¡°Check for optical equipment malfunction!¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung and Sergeant Gil Min-joon reported on Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung¡¯s order:


    ¡°No damage to the view! Fire integrator clear!¡±


    ¡°Front! All control cameras clear! Power engine clear!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a relief, but... It¡¯s a problem now that we¡¯ve reached close range for armored vehicles.¡±


    At this time, good news came from the toon leader.


    ¡°This is Akashi 1! Akashi 2 to replenish supplies immediately. Over!¡±


    ¡°Akashi 2 here! Confirmed! Over!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung shouted to Sergeant Gil Min-joon after finishing themunication, ¡°Sergeant Gil, is it possible to get out from here without turning back?¡±


    ¡°Tankmander! It is difficult.¡±


    ¡°Okay! As soon as we get out from her safely, we turn and run at full speed to get the supply.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Sergeant Gil Min-joon manipted the control lever as he replied, and the 312-tank turned back and went straight into the reverse direction.


    Coorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!


    After some time, the 312-tank arrived at a temporary battalion supply unit where tanks from other units waited for their turn to receive supplies in a small basin five kilometers behind the defense site.


    ¡°Hey, Staff Sergeant Choi! How long will it take?¡± Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung leaned over the turret and asked Staff Sergeant Choi Jung-won, a junior nomissioned officer who guided the 132-tank.


    ¡°You¡¯re next. But due to theck of supplies right now, you can only get 20.¡±


    ¡°What? You want us to just go out and die?¡±


    ¡°Oh! We¡¯re going to die, too. I¡¯m being scolded by everyone but what should I do? We¡¯ve run out of all the supplies,¡± Staff Sergeant Choi Jung-won replied with a tearful look on his face. He seemed to have been scolded by other sergeants as well.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t have a n to supply the higher ranks first?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Ask the supply officer.¡±


    ¡°Ana, Jegilson, what kind of situation is this?¡±


    <hr />


    November 22, 2023, 09:00


    Ordinary Gang-gu (Secret Hideout for the Red Revolutionary Youth Group) in Pyeong-yang, North State


    ¡°Deputy Director, 18 out of 23 are all ready for our sudden attack,¡± Kang Tae-yung, manager of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Counter-terrorism Investigation Bureau, checked the tablet PC and reported to Deputy Director Ma Dong-suk, who was looking out of the left window.


    Across the window, a five-story building built of red bricks could be seen.


    ¡°What about our preparation?¡±


    ¡°There are 52 people in the building right now, and we¡¯ve identified all of them through facial recognition,¡± Manager Kang Tae-yung directly checked the tablet PC and answered Deputy Director Ma Dong-suk¡¯s question.


    ¡°Really? We¡¯ll have to wait a little bit longer. When we finish all our preparations, let¡¯s start the operation! Also, if anyone leaves the building before our attack, tell the investigators to follow them!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Deputy Director Ma Dong-suk, who was inside a van parked on one side of an alley about 50 meters away from the red brick building where the Red Revolutionary Youth Corps members were staying, had issued an order to arrest all of them in a sudden attack.


    Currently, all investigators from the National Intelligence Service and other assessment agencies had been deployed to the organization¡¯s branch buildings as well as its Pyeong-yang¡¯s headquarters, and they had been waiting since dawn to arrest the members.


    Around the Red Revolution Youth Corps building, National Intelligence Service agents and investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were monitoring and waiting in parked cars.


    After some time had passed, Deputy Director Ma Dong-suk ordered them to make their move after receiving reports that preparations had beenpleted.


    ¡°National Intelligence Service agents enter the building, and investigators secure and wait outside. Move in!¡±


    On the orders of Deputy Director Ma Dong-suk, about 30 men exited their vehicles and rushed to the red-brick building. Several used wire pools to infiltrate the rooftop.


    Kwaaang!


    Agents blew up the front door with a suppression bomb and quickly entered the building.


    ¡°What, what?¡±


    Surprised by the sudden appearance of the agents, the members of the Red Revolutionary Youth Corps froze with a puzzled look on their faces.


    ¡°You¡¯re all under arrest on charges of subversion. Don¡¯t move, just get on the ground!¡±


    When each of the agents shouted and pointed their KS5ser pistol at them, the frightened members fell to the ground, but some ignored the warning and began to run away. As a result, severe physical fights urred.

 Chapter 379: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology – 4-1 Puzzle Solved

    <h4>Chapter 379: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology ¨C 4-1 Puzzle Solved</h4>


    November 22, 2023, 09:15


    Ordinary Gang-gu (Secret Hideout for the Red Revolutionary Youth Group) in Pyeong-yang, North State Leader Man Gil-soo, who was being briefed on the afternoon demonstrations and the ongoing protests in each state in the conference room on the third floor, opened his eyes wide when he heard themotion outside.


    ¡°What is this noise? Get out there and check!¡±


    On Man Gil-soo¡¯s instructions, one of the executives at the back was about to get up from his seat when the door opened and his one-armed man, Kim Jin, yelled urgently, ¡°You¡¯ve got to get out of here! Everyone, run! There are intelligence agents from the south out there!¡±


    Hearing this, the executives who were sitting in the conference room tried to run away in panic.


    ¡°Hey, f*ckers! Shouldn¡¯t you pack up the documents in front of you first?¡± Man Gil-soo yelled at the executives who were trying to flee on their own.


    ¡°If we get caught now, it will be the end of our lives; will these documents be a problem? It is more important to be alive!¡± an official who was trying to flee through the window said.


    Actually, he wasn¡¯t wrong. During a state of emergency, the charge of national subversion carried a minimum sentence of life imprisonment and the death penalty for executives.


    ¡°Even so, pick up these documents!¡± Man Gil-soo yelled, pointing to the documents on the conference table. Consequently, one of the executives hurriedly gathered the documents and quickly lit them on fire with a lighter.


    ¡°Get out of here quickly. We don¡¯t have time, Comrade Man Gil-soo!¡± Kim Jin checked the stairs and rushed down.


    ¡°That is how it should be! Let us dash to the emergency elevator!¡±


    Man Gil-soo, Kim Jin, and other executives left the conference room and entered a room at the end of the hallway.


    ¡°Get rid of that painting!¡± Man Gil-soo said, pointing to a big picture hanging on the wall.


    When two executives took the painting off the wall, they discovered an elevator its door opened. In such a situation, there was an emergency elevator that could take them directly to the underground.


    ¡°What are you doing? Get in, all of you.¡±


    The executives rushed into the elevator as Man Gil-soo frowned.


    At that moment, someone shouted in the hallway after hearing loud footsteps.


    ¡°Hey you, stop there!¡±


    They were intelligence agents from the National Intelligence Service who had just entered the third floor.


    ¡°Hurry up and go! I will stop them!¡±


    Kim Jin drew a pistol from his waist belt and shot at the hallway.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Intelligence agents jumped away from the gunfire trajectory and quickly fired counter shots.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Several light streams flew through the wall. Kim Jin, who was dodging to avoid getting shot, fired again and flew into the elevator just as the door was about to close.


    ¡°What should we do? Comrade leader!¡± Oh Kwang-tae said in a terrified tone as the elevator descended.


    ¡°You¡¯ve shrunk, son of a b*tch! What kind of revolution would you do in such a manner?¡± Kim Jin, who was reloading ammunition, sarcastically replied to Oh Kwang-tae.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t that! Didn¡¯t we get caught too quickly?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid! We are ready for this. We¡¯re going all the way to the end of the revolution,¡± Man Gil-soo, who was also ring at Oh Kwang-tae, said.


    After some time had passed, the elevator door opened to the underground. Then, in the dim light, a long passage was visible.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Man Gil-soo¡¯s group emerged from the basement of the opposite building after passing through a narrow, dark passageway of approximately 20 meters.


    ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll go to my secondary hiding ce, and each of you will go to your branch¡¯s hiding ce, see what¡¯s going on, and report immediately! Do you understand me?¡± Man Gil-soo gave the instructions to the executives while Kim Jin checked the surroundings after leaving first.


    At that moment, a human figure popped out from one of the walls and shouted, ¡°Everyone, put your hands up! If you move a little, I¡¯ll shoot you.¡±


    Manager Cha Tae-sik of the Counter-terrorism Investigation Department 2 and Assistant Manager Kang Ho-chul were waiting for them with their TCS mode activated.


    Surprised by the sudden appearance of intelligence agents, Man Gil-soo and his group raised their hands.


    ¡°Raise your hands as well! Don¡¯t be ridiculous and raise your hands!¡± Kim Jin was yelled at by Cha Tae-sik.


    Kim Jin pretended to raise his hand, then, using Man Gil-soo as a shield, he hid behind him and pointed the gun at Man Gil-soo¡¯s head.


    ¡°If you guys do anything stupid, I¡¯m going to blow his head off. Do you understand?


    Manager Cha Tae-sik and Assistant Manager Kang Ho-chul both flinched in response to Kim Jin¡¯s unexpected behavior.


    Man Gil-soo, as well, was shocked and yelled, ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    ¡°Be quiet. This is the only way to escape. Slow down and approach the back window,¡± Kim Jin whispered to Man Gil-soo. Man Gil-soo, who had understood Kim Jin¡¯s intention, moved slowly, stepping back.


    Manager Cha Tae-sik, who was caught off guard by Kim Jin¡¯s unexpected behavior, pointed his KS5 gun at Man Gil-soo and Kim Jin, who were both retreating.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±


    ¡°You are the one who should not make any movements or I will kill both of us.¡±


    Manager Cha Tae-sik was having a problem as a result of Kim Jin¡¯s threat. He wanted to blow Kim Jin¡¯s head off and arrest Man Gil-soo, but he couldn¡¯t behave rashly as he had orders from the top to capture Man Gil-soo in any way.


    While Cha Tae-sik was agonizing over this, Kim Jin stepped onto the back window, pushed Man Gil-soo away from the window, and threw himself out.


    Clink!


    Kim Jin, who was lying on the ground with broken ss fragments, then ran without looking back.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Kang, hold them until the backup arrives! I¡¯m going after him,¡± Manager Cha Tae-si gave a brief instruction before leaping through the window to pursue Kim Jin.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Be careful.¡±


    Man Gil-soo, on the other hand, was lying on the floor in rage as a result of Kim Jin¡¯s betrayal and use of him to escape.


    ¡°That son of a b*tch! I won¡¯t let him goter!¡±


    ¡°Hey, man, shut up and go to the corner and lie down!¡±


    <hr />


    November 22, 2023, at 14:30 (Russian time)


    The Kremlin Pce in Moscow, Russia


    Three years ago, China, which had lost the Northeast Asian War, was divided into three countries due to internal conflicts and ethnic minorities, and the former G2 country then vanished. However, the New China that seeded themunist regime wished for a unified China as well as the restoration of Manchuriannd.


    However, most of the industrial facilities and major military industries, which were the engines of economic development, were destroyed in the war against Corea, causing the new country¡¯s economic and military growth to slow. Furthermore, the national finances did not improve as the war with the Republic of China, which began with the Chongqing attack,sted longer than expected.


    To ovee this situation, New China¡¯s leadership had asked for help from Russia, which had grown economically and militarily since the Northeast Asian War and had be on par with the U.S.


    However, Russia had tly rejected New China¡¯s request.


    President Putin had despised China for snubbing Russia as a G2 country and for its inherent arrogance and bravado, as well as for illegally hacking or importing Russian weapons and developing and producing them as if they were theirs. Putin¡¯s rejection of New China¡¯s request for help was unavoidable, given his animosity toward the country.


    This, however, changed about one month ago. Russia was now enthusiastic to grant China¡¯s request for assistance, having dispatched a negotiating team and signed a military mutual protection treaty.


    ¡°The arrogant Chinese signed the treaty so easily... Haha, they must have been in a hurry,¡± President Putin, who was slowly reading the treaty document on his desk, sarcastically criticized New China.


    ¡°Now New China will take military action at our request at any time,¡± Foreign Minister Valeri Karpin, who had been sitting on the opposite chair for a while, said with a confident look.


    ¡°How much military power does New China have right now that we can move?¡±


    President Putin¡¯s question was answered this time by Defense Minister Mikhail Ivanov, ¡°The Red Army, formerly called the 38th Group.¡±


    ¡°What, one group? What are we going to do with just one group?¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! The Red Army is the unit that seeded the 38th Group; they are the number one fighter in the Chinese Army.¡±


    The 38th Group, which had suffered devastation in the early days of the war in Northeast Asia, went into reorganization as a top priority during the war and restored 90 percent of its power just before the end of the war. However, the 38th Group ended without any significant activity, and as a result, its strength was preserved.


    ¡°No matter what, that is not enough power to even shake the Western Front, is it?¡±


    President Putin shook his head from side to side, implying that they were untrustworthy.


    Mikhail Ivanov, Defense Minister, went on to exin further, ¡°New China is currently at civil war with the Republic of China. They can¡¯t mobilize additional military forces. Also, pushing the Corean troops away from the western front and upying Manchuria would be disastrous for us. I believe it is sufficient for us that New China shakes the front a little bit.¡±


    President Putin nodded, shing his distinctive sharp eyes at Defense Minister Mikhail Ivanov¡¯s subsequent exnation.


    ¡°Mr. President, why don¡¯t we use the United States?¡±


    President Putin tilted his head and asked back as Evgeny Lebedev, director of the SVR (FIS), who had only been listening so far, spoke in a subtle tone. ¡°The United States?¡±


    ¡°As you are aware, the United States was also humiliated for supporting Japan in the Northeast Asian War three years ago, and they got attacked on their maind by Corean troops. Although Corea apologized and thepensation has been paid in full since the war¡¯s end, the antipathy of many American citizens remains strong. In addition, there¡¯s a lot of opposition from the Democrats in Congress.¡±


    ¡°So, you want to take advantage of that?¡± President Putin, who immediately understood what director Yevgeny Lebedev said, asked again.


    Evgeny Lebedev, who responded by nodding, exined how to use the United States. Putin¡¯s sharp eyes shed endlessly while his exnation continued. ¡°The United States, whose pride had been trampled by Corea in the Northeast Asian War, was focusing on reinforcing its strongmitment to regain its position as the world¡¯s top yer. If the U.S. Congress sides with us, wouldn¡¯t it be possible to put diplomatic pressure on Corea, if not military participation?¡±


    ¡°That will make things easier... But is there a bait to make the U.S. take our side?¡±


    Asked again by President Putin, director Yevgeny Lebedev said with a mysterious smile, ¡°Mr. President, there is a whip rather than a bait.¡±


    ¡°What the hell does that mean?¡±


    ¡°With a whip, not a bait, we can move the United States the way we want it to.¡±


    ¡°Tell me in a way that I can understand, Director Lebedev!¡±


    ¡°Yes, the head of the U.S. General Affairs Office, Dmitry Alenicev, is waiting outside. May I call him?¡±


    ¡°Tell him toe in.¡±


    A momentter, when Director Evgeny Lebedev called, a middle-aged man with a thick beard came in.


    ¡°Your Excellency, how are you? I¡¯m Dmitry Alenicev, the head of the SVR branch.¡±


    After the introduction, Dmitry Alenicev took out a folder ssified as SSS from his bag and handed it to the president.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    President Putin took the file. Then he slowly read the title written in the first chapter, ¡°The truth behind the USSC¡¯s (United States Supreme Security Council) 70-year history?¡±


    From President Putin¡¯s mouth, the name of the organization USSC, which had overturned the world, was mentioned.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a top-secret document containing the identity of a secret organization called the USSC, which actually moved the United States for 70 years, Mr. President!¡±

 Chapter 380: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology – 4-2 Puzzle Solved

    <h4>Chapter 380: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology ¨C 4-2 Puzzle Solved</h4>


    November 23, 2023, at 14:30 (Russian time 09:30)


    The Kremlin Pce in Moscow, Russia As President Putin was left alone in the Oval Office, he crossed his legs and ced them on the desk before he slowly read the report he had received from Dmitry Alenicev.


    ¡°This was the driving force behind the Americans that enabled them to lead the world economically and militarily,¡± President Putin muttered in a slightly sarcastic tone, threw the report onto his desk, and sat deep in thought.


    ¡°Anyway, now I have a hidden card in my hand. I can use it to put pressure on Trump. I will make sure to use it properly.¡±


    During World War II, as Europe devolved into a sea of fire, the United States government voluntarily pursued istion and observed the situation without the intent to interfere. However, it wasn¡¯t until underprivileged Manchuria was attacked by Japan, which wanted to conquer Asia, that they decided to actively participate in World War II.


    Although Pearl Harbor was an ind, the fact that their territory had been attacked enraged the Americans, who then rushed to enlist in the army. At that time, the voluntary enlistment rate in the United States reached 90%, and many who failed the physical examinationmitted suicide.


    The day of Japan¡¯s attack on Pearl Harbor was dubbed the ¡°Day of Disgrace,¡± and the ¡°War Participation Act¡± was unanimously passed by the United States Senate with 388 votes in favor and only one vote against. The United States government immediately began preparing to participate in the war, and they eventually won in both Asia and Europe.


    From a historical point of view, during the Northeast Asian War two years ago, the United States was severely humiliated by the attacks on their territory for the first time.


    As Japan¡¯s territory was affected by Corean troops¡¯ attacks, the Japanese government requested assistance from the United States, who responded byunching up to 500 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to the Korean Penins.


    The attacks with nuclear missiles on non-nuclear countries were condemned by all countries on the, which was a major issue that could give all countries that had signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty a reason to leave the agreement. Therefore, the United States responded by reporting to the United Nations Security Council that only 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with no nuclear warheads had beenunched.


    However, the 500 ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) were intercepted from outer airspace after failing to reach the atmosphere, let alone the Korean Penins. Furthermore, the Corean military¡¯s ¡°God¡¯s Wrath¡± operation was thenunched in earnest, and the entire U.S. maind was attacked with weaponsparable to nuclear bombs, shocking most Western countries as well as the U.S.


    As a result, military experts from around the world predicted that the US would maintain its full offensive against Corea, but they were all wrong.


    A few days before Japan¡¯s surrender, the United States issued a mysterious statement: The United States will exit the Northeast Asian War with only a slight diplomatic conflict with Corea.


    The global media, which knew nothing about the internal circumstances of the United States government behind their stand on the Corean government, mocked them, saying that the United States, like China and Japan, had knelt to Korea.


    However, each country¡¯s intelligence agencies stepped up and attempted to gather their own information on whether the U.S. really did surrender to Corea or not.


    Russia also sent the Red Team, the best in the SVR, to the United States, and it took them two years to finish their investigations and deliver their findings to President Putin.


    Beep!


    Having been lost in thought for a while, Putin then pressed the inte. His secretary¡¯s voice came from the inte.


    <ul>


    Yes, Mr. President.


    </ul>


    ¡°In five hours, call the president of the United States on the hotline!¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, I got it.


    </ul>


    With a slight smile, Putin gave his instructions briefly.


    He was very interested in Trump¡¯s reaction.


    <hr />


    November 23, 2023, 17:30


    Nam Joo National Intelligence Service (Information Analysis Office) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul


    Da Dak Da Dak Da Dak Da Dak! Da Dak Da Dak!


    Only the sound of typing on the keyboard could be heard in arge analysis room. Sometimes, intelligence agents could be heard talking, but their voices were drowned out by the sound of their keyboards.


    About 30 agents were analyzing and organizing vast amounts of data rted to the bombing in the assassination of Kim Jong-un on the 17th under the supervision of Lee Il-woo, Director of the intelligence analysis office.


    The incident began with information obtained by the ACS, which was secretly operated after Kim Jong-un awoke from aa. Even though that it was obtained illegally, it was critical in this case and could be considered the case¡¯s backbone.


    Adding to it the information obtained from the criminals involved in the assassination attack, beginning with Jo Myung-rok, and putting together the most recent piece of information obtained from Kim Hyung-chul and Woo Byung-hoo.


    Finally, the puzzle was solved by uncovering who was behind the events that led to the riots that erupted across the country in response to the incident.


    Even though it had been solved, there was some dy in organizing theplicated situation and turning it into a report.


    ¡°When will it be over?¡± First Vice Minister Youn Yeon-joon, who was sitting on one side, looked at the clock and asked.


    Director Lee Il-woo answered politely, ¡°It looks like the report will bepleted around 8 o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°Eight o¡¯clock! The president is anxiously waiting.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m currently organizing it so that it¡¯s as simple and clear as possible.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who should apologize; despite your hard work, I¡¯m putting pressure...¡±


    <hr />


    November 23, 2023, 19:30 (US time 08:30)


    White House, Washington, D.C. (Oval Office)


    As soon as he woke up, President Trump received a report from his secretary that there was a call request from Putin¡¯s hotline, thus he went to work early with an interpreter.


    President Trump, who disliked Putin, was annoyed as he awaited the phone call from the person who had kept him busy early in the morning.


    Beep beep! Beep beep!


    A short timeter, a hotline phone connected to Russia rang.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°How are you, President Trump? It¡¯s Putin.¡± President Putin¡¯s voice over the phone was filled with joy.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been fine. Everything has been going well for you, President Putin?¡±


    ¡°What could have happened? Hahaha¡±


    As he had expected, President Putin had something to say.


    ¡°Tell me the reasons for your call.¡± President Trump, who did not want to talk on the phone for a long time, immediately got to the point.


    ¡°Reasons... I think you¡¯re busy. Okay, then, allow me to speak directly. If a war breaks out between Russia and Corea, will the U.S. be by our side and unconditionally support us?¡±


    ¡°War with Corea?¡± Surprised, President Trump asked instead of answering.


    ¡°I think there may be a war with Korea.¡± President Putin discussed the war as if it was a trivial matter.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it seem a little biased for us to side with Russia against Corea?¡±


    ¡°You can think of it as a favor rather than bias.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept your request.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, is that how it goes? Then, instead of viewing it as a favor, how about viewing it as a threat?¡±


    ¡°What, are you kidding me this early in the morning?¡±


    For a phone conversation between two presidents, there was some vulgarity, but the interpreters tranted gently for each other¡¯s president.


    ¡°Haha! I¡¯m not joking.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re not, then are you threatening us, the United States? President Putin! If you continue to speak in this ridiculous manner, I will end the call.¡±


    When President Trump tried to put down the phone, he heard a word that he had forgotten for the past two yearse out of President Putin¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°USSC!¡±


    Surprised for a moment, President Trump paused in his attempt to put down the phone and looked at the interpreter.


    ¡°James, what you¡¯re saying is ssified as state ss secrets, so trante with that in mind.¡±


    Interpreter James felt embarrassed at President Trump¡¯s sudden remarks.


    ¡°Oh, yes, Mr. President.¡±


    After speaking with the interpreter, President Trump ced the phone back to his ear and spoke quietly, ¡°President Putin! How do you know that?¡±


    ¡°Is there anything I don¡¯t know? I am aware of everything that urs in every country in the world.¡±


    President Trump blocked the phone with his hands and cursed, ¡°You cocky bastard!¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go back to business. Listen carefully.¡±


    <hr />


    November 23, 2023, 20:30


    Cheong Wa Dae (Presidential Office) in Jongno-gu, Seoul


    Director Lee Young-jin, who was visiting the Blue House for the first time with First Vice Minister Youn Yeon-joon, appeared nervous.


    ¡°Wee. I heard that the report would be finished by the end of the day, and I¡¯m looking forward to it,¡± President Choo Un-hee weed them while pointing to the sofa in her office.


    ¡°I apologize for keeping you waiting, Madam President!¡±


    ¡°Yes, let me see the report.¡±


    The president demanded that Director Lee Young-jin and First Vice Minister Youn Yeon-joon show her the report as soon as they sat on the sofa. It was, after all, a long-awaited report.


    ¡°Minister Youn!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    First Vice Minister Youn Yeon-joon took out two reports from his briefcase and politely handed them to the president.


    ¡°This is a full-length report with all the circumstances, and this is a summary. It¡¯s soplicated that I¡¯ve made two reports,¡± First Vice Minister Youn Yeon-joon exined.


    ¡°Really? Then I¡¯ll have to look at this first.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee began by reading the brief report slowly. After reading for a while, she looked surprised.


    ¡°Is this true? That¡¯s really scary.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee¡¯s gaze alternated between Director Lee Young-jin and First Vice Minister Youn Yeon-joon.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be this bad.¡±


    ¡°What the hell! The Russians are...,¡± President Choo Un-hee was so shocked that she couldn¡¯t finish her sentence.


    ¡°Because Russia and China are involved, we must make a strong diplomatic protest.¡±


    When Director Lee Young-jin spoke forcefully, President Choo Un-hee put the report down on the table and sighed deeply. ¡°That is how it should be. I don¡¯t know about China, but I think that Russia will budge. I assumed that after the Korean Penins¡¯s reunification, there would be peace. It looks like the neighboring countries would not leave Corea alone. ¡±


    ¡°Madam President! In any case, we have concrete evidence, so Russia will not be able to get away with it easily.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯ve done a great job.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t notice it sooner and couldn¡¯t prevent it. When the case is resolved, I¡¯ll take responsibility and step down.¡± Director Lee Young-jin bowed his head with sincerity.


    ¡°How could that possibly be your responsibility? The National Intelligence Service is not an all-around department, and you can¡¯t figure out everything in advance. Never, ever say that again.¡±


    ¡°But, it is indeed my responsibility...¡±


    ¡°As the president, I am solely responsible. And the NIS still has a lot of work to do. Do you understand what I mean?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes.¡±


    ¡°By the way, we need to convene the NSC tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter 381: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 4-3 Buzzle Solved

    <h4>Chapter 381: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 4-3 Buzzle Solved</h4>


    November 24, 2023 05:00 (23:00 Russian time),


    Kremlin Pce in Moscow, Russia.


    Later that night, while sitting on a big cowhide sofa in the middle of the lounge, President Putin exhaled the Cuban cigar-rette smoke.


    Whew~


    As white smoke billowed into the air and dispersed in all directions, President Putin appeared to be in agony, leaving some serious decision behind.


    ¡°All military preparations have beenpleted. Furthermore, the military mutual protection treaty with New China has the potential to broaden the battlefield and disperse the South Korean military¡¯s power. And the United States has pledged to support Russia politically and militarily; we will never have another chance like this. Among a slew of other cards with which we could rock Korea.¡±


    President Putin while muttering to himself he organized his thoughts one by one after that he picked up the phone on the ss table to see if the preparations werepleted. Then he pressed button one.


    After a while, someone answered the phone, and the rough man¡¯s voice could be heard.


    -Yes, Mr. President!


    Mikhail Ivanov, the Defense Minister, was the one who answered the phone.


    ¡°Proceed as nned.¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, I got it.


    </ul>


    President Putin, who gave a brief and clear order, hung up the phone and exhaled the cigar-rette smoke.


    Whew~


    A smile spread around President Putin¡¯s mouth as white smoke spread through the air.


    <hr />


    November 24, 2023 07:00 (Russian local time 07:00),


    150km east of divostok in Russia¡¯s Primorsky district.


    At 05:00 local time, all of the Pacific Fleet¡¯s watercraft anchored at the divostok naval base set sail, while the 16th Strategic Waters Squadron stood anti-submarine guard in nearby maritime waters and nuclear submarines of the 10th Atomic Division were on standby.


    For three years, Russia spent 300 trillion won a year on defense thanks to its brilliant economic development, and it heavily invested in the Far East fleet to secure a position among the four forces in the Pacific Ocean.


    Prior to the Northeast Asian War, the Far Eastern Fleet, which boasted powerful punches to the point where military experts say its strength alone would not be defeated by Japan¡¯s three convoys, was now born with more powerful and frightening power as it modernized with cutting-edge equipment.


    At the same time as re-entry, all three Kirov-ss cruisers, which were firstunched through modernization and outfitted with 200 supersonic anti-ship missiles and 100 hypersonic anti-ship missiles per ship, were assigned to the Far East fleet.


    Furthermore, the S-500 Triumpatter anti-aircraft defense radar was developed as a ship-based phase array radar, and four of the eight newly-dried 21st-century rear-ss vessels were deployed to the Far East fleet.


    When the first ship, the Lieder cruiser, wasunched in 2019, the Russian Navy boasted to the world that it was better than the US Navy¡¯s Isis radar.


    Except for these three powerful Kirov-ss cruisers, four Lider-ss cruisers, and one va-ss cruiser, a single fleet would consist of four Sobremeni-ss destroyers, four Woodaloy-ss destroyers, ten patrol ships responsible for coastal boundaries, and sixnding ships.


    There were also 20 modernized or newly constructed SSBN nuclear submarines and 10 conventional SSN submarines. The Far East fleet was literally a force equal to or greater than the naval power of most countries.


    All of the Far East fleet¡¯s watercrafts, which are a single fleet with a massive scale, left divostok¡¯s military port and were now sailing at high speed across the southeast coast at 150 kilometers east of the sea.


    ¡°Will the Korean fleet block our way?¡±


    Themander of the Far East Fleet, Admiral Valerie Karpin, who boarded the ADMIRAL Lazarev (CG-181) ship with Captain Marat Izmilov, asked the question. The Far East Fleet had been sailing through the dark waves since early in the morning.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be the case? Isn¡¯t this operation established on the premise of engaging the Korean fleet?¡±


    ¡°Hu-hu, yes, it was....¡±


    Admiral Valerie Carpin pped his tongue and blurted the end of his speech in response to Captain Marat Izmilov¡¯sment.


    ¡± Admiral, are you worried because of this operation?¡±


    Admiral Valerie Carpin only shook his head slightly when asked by the captain. He didn¡¯t want to appear weak as an admiral in front of his subordinates in this situation where a massive naval battle could take ce. However, instead of simply responding, he shook his head because he could not look down on the Korean navy as they were able to defeat not only China, but also Japan and the US Navy previously.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the power of our Far East fleet different now than it was before, Admiral? Perhaps we can destroy the entire Korean Navy.¡±


    Captain Marat Izmilov stated confidently. Perhaps Admiral Valerie Carpin didn¡¯t want to discourage him, so he got up from his chair, straightening his hat.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in my room for a while. If you get any additional information regarding the Korean fleet, please report it immediately.¡±


    The captain saluted the admiral as he stepped off the bridge.


    ¡°Yes, sir. Please have a rest.¡±


    <hr />


    November 24, 2023, 07:25,


    CC Bunker Aerospace Force Control Center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Space Patrol Agency Apollo 11).


    In the past two hours, operators have been busy in the control room of Apollo 11, which is in charge of Russia¡¯s Siberia district.


    ¡°The Far East fleet¡¯s award-winning ships are all sailing! I believe they are going to Hokkaido.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Na Tae-il, themander of duty and operation control, called and delivered the report to Colonel Yoo Sang-rok, the chief of control, who rushed to work.


    ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    On his way to work, he asked back while looking at therge screen in the center of the front seat in the control room.


    ¡°Yes, it sailed from divostok on a northeasterly course. And the expected route analysis identifies it as Ishikari.¡±


    ¡°Ishikari? Isn¡¯t it the closest port city to Sapporo?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s just training. What about the fleet size?¡±


    Colonel Yoo Sang-rok, bit his lower lip and asked more questions because he had an uneasy feeling. Lt. Col. Na Tae-il, who was preparing ahead of time, sent an autograph to the lieutenant operator next to him. As a result, information on all of the suspicious ships in the Far East fleet appeared one by one on the first screen.


    ¡°It¡¯s unusual to have sevenbat cruisers weighing more than 10,000 tons, eight destroyers weighing 7,000 tons, sixnding ships, and three military support ships... It¡¯s not just training or a show of force, as expected. Do you think they¡¯llnd in Hokkaido?¡±


    Colonel Yoo Sang-rok swiped sweat from his brow with his sleeve as he scanned every piece of information on the screen with his eyes carefully.


    ¡°Rather than a suspicious submarine, the problem is it appears to be a Russian submarine.¡±


    ¡°Yes! There were 20 nuclear submarines that always operated alongside the Far East fleet....¡±


    ¡°Did you make a report to the boss?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I contacted the controller and reported it to the integration center right away.¡±


    ¡°Well, then, we should look into the submarine¡¯s power.¡±


    ¡°Yes, two Ares patrol satellites are urgently deployed.¡±


    ¡°All right! Then we¡¯ll just have to keep an eye on that suspicious Far East fleet.¡±


    While discussions were taking ce in the control room, the Far East fleet¡¯s water ships continued to march toward Ishikari, Hokkaido, at a steady pace.


    <hr />


    November 24, 2023, 07:25,


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (the situation room of the Joint Command Control Center).


    After receiving the report from overseas reconnaissance bureau director Yoo Dong-hoon, each militarymander arrived at the B2 bunker jointmand control center early in the morning to monitor the situation in the operation room.


    Each county¡¯s information was linked and disyed in real time on all screens in the operation room. Among them, screen 1 depicted the suspicious nature of the Far East Fleet, which was captured in real time bybining data from Apollo 11.


    Even though in the recent years, the Far East fleet has conducted severalrge-scale exercises. All of themanders gathered in the operation room wore worried and ominous expressions, as if they weren¡¯t feeling well today.


    However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had long been prepared to defend the Far Eastern Fleet¡¯s invasion of Hokkaido in the event of an emergency.


    The 7th Air Force, anchored in Hakodate Port, headed north to form a first line of defense by blocking the Far Eastern Fleet¡¯s route, while the 1st Fleet departed to attack the Far Eastern Fleet¡¯s rear.


    If the defense line failed, the 3rd Marine Mechanization Division, which is in charge of the entire Hokkaido region, was tasked with dealing with ground or airborne forces as soon as theynded.


    The 7th Air Force departed from Hakodate Port and sailed to Seojin across Hokkaido as soon as the basic Hokkaido defense n was established.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel very good today,¡±


    ¡°Chairman, too? I have bad thoughts as well.¡±


    Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Yong-hyun, who was watching various screens together with him, responded.


    ¡°You were feeling the same way, Bay One, If the Far East fleet ventures beyond their territorial waters toward Hokkaido, the 7th Air Force shouldunch an immediate blocking operation!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, who was waiting for the vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s instructions, replied.


    ¡°Can the 1st Fleet proceed with the existing n without a hitch?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you can call a destroyer squadron from the fleet¡¯s east coast of security operations into action. The rest of the patrol ships and military support ships are sailing from Pohang right now.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon answered the question without hesitation.


    ¡°what about the troops stationed in Hokkaido?¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun responded to the question as well, after sending an autograph to the operator in charge of screen number 2.


    ¡°Please take a look at the second screen. The 12th Mechanized Brigade of the 3rd Marine Corps Division is currently stationed in Sapporo, Hokkaido. In addition, the 11th Panzer Brigade, which is stationed in Chitose, is preparing to relocate.¡±


    ¡°What about the rest?¡±


    ¡°The division headquarters and the 10th Panzer Brigade in Hakodate have been told to be ready to move at any time.¡±


    ¡°Good! Now, the 12th Brigade of the Satporeu should be stationed at the expectednding point, and the 11th Brigade should also heading to Satporeu to support them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Did you find the submarine from the Russian Far East fleet?¡±


    Afterpleting his instructions, Vice-Marshal Shin Sung-yong turned his attention to the Russian submarine, which is the most concerning issue this time.


    ¡°two patrol the current Ares moon northeast region with a fine-toothb, but there is no submarine to track yet.¡±


    ¡°Well, Isn¡¯t there a fleet of 20 nuclear submarines?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°in charge of patrolling the west and south toward the northeast by sea to move the two Ares moons Also, fly all of the Navy¡¯s current maritime patrol aircraft!¡±


    At that time, Chief of Naval Operations General Lee Ki-hyung, presented his opinion.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit much? The Far East fleet is still operating within its territorial waters. It may result in a military misunderstanding in which Russia overreacts. Beside ....¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being careful in war?¡±


    Vice-Marshal Shin Sung-yong interrupted Lee Ki- hyung¡¯s speech with a chastising tone.


    ¡°Ha ha, yes, but I¡¯m saying this because I¡¯ve been through a lot of this type of training.¡±


    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying, and I¡¯ll keep it in mind. Finally, what is the current status of our submarines?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the 11th Submarine Fleet¡¯s four Hoc submarines and the 92nd Submarine Fleet¡¯s five submarines are on anti-submarine alert.¡±


    ¡°All the rest of the 11th submarine fleet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    30 each in the current Northeast sea¡¯s depths to find other secretly diving.

 Chapter 382: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 4-4 Buzzle Solved

    <h4>Chapter 382: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 4-4 Buzzle Solved</h4>


    November 24, 2023 at 08:00.


    Underground bunker (NSC conference room) at Cheong Wa Dae National Crisis Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    The National Security Council (NSC) meeting, which had been scheduled for 9:00 p.m., was held one hour earlier at the National Crisis Center due to reports that the Russian Far Eastern Fleet was on its way to Hokkaido.


    The purpose of the NSC¡¯s convocation was originally to discussst night¡¯s report, but the meeting began with the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s report that the Far East fleet¡¯s movements were unusual.


    ¡°Was there any notice from the Russian side regarding the Far East fleet?¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who has returned from his brief hiatus after being terrorized in Tehran, said.


    ¡°Yes, President! We have not received any notification from the Far East fleet.¡±


    ¡°Previously, they also did not give a brief notification when they had training?¡±


    In most cases, it was customary for countries to simply notify each other in the event of extensive training.


    ¡°Sometimes, if the training area is far away from our country, they don¡¯t notify us.¡±


    Minister Kang Yi-sik, added.


    ¡°Then, Minister Kang, what do you think the Far East fleet¡¯s intent is?¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon asked.


    ¡°To keep an eye on things, the Joint Chiefs of Staff are employing all avable reconnaissance instruments. We have also prepared a defense strategy. I¡¯ll give you a quick overview.¡±


    Minister Kang Yi-sik was standing next to arge screen that had been installed on one side of the wall where he was standing. Then arge digital map appeared on the screen, with lights on and views of parts of North China, Hokkaido, and Usuri, Russia with various colors and writing styles.


    ¡°The current location of the Far East fleet is here.¡±


    Minister Kang Yi-sik pointed to a section of the digital map with aser point.


    ¡°The Far East fleet is now sailing northeast along the southeast coast of Usuji.¡±


    As minister Kang Yi-sik exined, the digital map drew a red line indicating the expected route of the Far East fleet.


    ¡°If the Far East fleet¡¯s final destination is Hokkaido, they will change course here andnd in Ishikari as the coastline of Ishikari is ideal fornding.¡±


    Minister Kang Yi-sik circled the upper coast of Ishikari with theser point.


    ¡°As for now there are six Hoc destroyers moving north at the highest speed at 20 kilometers west of Matsuma County.¡±


    Minister Kang Yi-sik pointed out the 7th fleet¡¯s current location and expected route.


    ¡°If the Far East fleet moves north and changes course toward Ishikari, it will encounter our 7th fleet about 250 kilometers away. If a sh with the Far Eastern fleet urs, destroyers from the 1st Fleet will attack the Far Eastern fleet¡¯s rear at seven o¡¯clock.¡±


    At the end of the brief briefing, National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo, asked a question.


    ¡°I believe we are at a disadvantage in that area where we are expected to have a sh. Is there any countermeasure if there is a sea war and the air force of the Third Air Force is deployed in the geographically close superior area? ¡±


    As a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kang Hyun-soo¡¯s question was sharp.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not just a sea battle, it¡¯s clear that the Far East fleet will be supported by the 3rd Air Force¡¯s fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons in Primorsky. If this urs, fighter jets from the 18th Fighter Squadron in Sakata, Honshu, willunch Primorsky hypersonic anti-ship missiles, and Zeus 1 and 2 will intercept the attack.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a skirmish that goes beyond the scope of a local war?¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon asked with a worried look.


    ¡°Yes, as I¡¯m also hoping that the fighting will not escte to this level. We can¡¯t help but expecting everything in this situation, Prime Minister. ¡±


    ¡°I see. I see.¡±


    ¡°For the time being, we¡¯ll keep an eye on the Far East fleet and we¡¯ll proceed with the original agenda.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee convened the NSC meeting and directed it to the next agenda item. This time, National Intelligence Service Director Lee Young-jin stood up and moved to the seat where Minister Kang Yi-sik was briefing.


    ¡°The data I¡¯m showing you now is a summary of what happened to Kim Jong-un until he died after waking up from hisa following the bombing.¡±


    After director Lee Young-jin¡¯s words, several secretaries entered the conference room and handed out a document with a top secret mark.


    ¡°I did my best to exin it as simply as possible, but because it is aplicated situation, it may not bepletely clear. As a result, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin delivered the official statement prior to the briefing, and the briefing began in earnest.


    ¡°Please look at the screen first.¡±


    On the screen, many characters were shown in facial photographs and wereplicatedly connected to each other. There were figures, but there were organizational organizations in Russia and China.


    The briefing, which exined every situation rted to Kim Jong- un¡¯s awakening, initially ended two hourster, but it took an additional hour to exin the additional questions.


    Three hourster, each member of the NSC¡¯smittee was taken aback by the incredible and unimaginable facts. That¡¯s how surprised everyone was.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Russia was involved in all of this. Do those jerks think we¡¯ll leave them alone? This is excellent work. We must wipe Russia off the face of the earth at this time under the guise of the Far East fleet. Isn¡¯t that, right?¡±


    North Korea¡¯s Minister of Unification Policy Kim Young-chul, hit the table and expressed his indignation.


    To express their feelings, the other members nodded or sighed.


    ¡°Russia is Russia, but dealing with those who are guilty of subversion is also important.¡±


    ¡°They should be sentenced to death. Isn¡¯t it possible in the state of emergency?¡±


    Minister Kim Young-chul responded with bright eyes to Chief Secretary Lim Jong- won¡¯s words.


    ¡°Dealing with those involved in the state¡¯s overthrow, as stated by Chief Secretary Lim, is critical. As their attempts to destabilize the entire country could have had a negative impact on unified Korea.... Minister Park! What do you believe we should do next?¡±


    The president sought the advice of Minister of Justice Park Bum-tae because he was aware of the gravity of those whomitted the crime of overthrowing the state.


    ¡°The death penalty has been abolished in South Korea. Even though dering a state of emergency in the country would allow us to reintroduce the death penalty, doing so would pit not only domestic public opinion against us, but also national public opinion against us.¡±


    ¡°Minister Park! The entire country has been turned upside down, and you¡¯re worried about foreign public opinion?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the way things are. Situation ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    Minister Park Beom-tae shrugged off one eye and avoided looking at Minister Kim Young- chul¡¯s displeased response.


    ¡°All participants detained by the National Intelligence Service will be transferred to the prosecution soon, so please keep that in your mind Minister Park. And I¡¯ll contact the Attorney General to exin the situation.¡±


    Although the president¡¯s remarks could have been misinterpreted, they should be interpreted as a strong desire for such idents to never ur again in a unified Korea.


    ¡°Yes ¡±


    ¡°One more thing, Director Kang Hyuk!¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    Kang Hyuk, who was embarrassed to see the president because of his involvement in the ident, attended the meeting quietly and responded to the president¡¯s call in a depressed tone.


    ¡°Alternatively, there might be surviving members in our organization, such as Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul and Special Investigator Woo Byung-hoo. Take advantage of this opportunity to conduct an internal investigation and get rid of all of them.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yes. I will definitely conduct an internal investigation.¡±


    Director Kang Hyuk felt a little relieved by the words of the president.


    ¡°We will also use all intelligence from the National Intelligence Service and the National Security Agency to order external inspections of the Cab, as well as the federal government, Congress, and Senate in each state. ¡±


    The NSC members were surprised by the president¡¯s unconventional remarks and shook their heads and nodded, believing it was an appropriate order.


    While the NSC meeting where almost over, a secretary came in with a report from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the Chairman of the Joint Staff has given me a critical report. I¡¯ll make contact with him through video call.¡±


    The video was shown on the main screen by the secretary. Then Chairman of the Joint Staff Shin Sung-yong appeared on it.


    ¡°Loyalty! This is the Chairman of the Joint Staff. President!¡±


    ¡°Yes, get straight to the point.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Far East fleet is now sailing at its highest speed, changing its course from 43¡ã 49¡¯59.99¡å northtitude to 136¡ã 6¡¯9.76 east longitude.¡±


    The point of change in course was marked as red on the digital map of the divided screen, which was apanied by a report from the Joint Chief of Staff.


    ¡°As expected!¡±


    The Minister of Defense said, narrowing the gap between his eyebrows.


    ¡°Are these crazy Russians really trying to take Hokkaido by force?¡±


    The chairman of the Joint Staff answered the Prime Minister¡¯s urgent question in a powerful voice.


    ¡°In the current situation, it¡¯s exactly as we predicted, so I¡¯d like to request your permission to proceed with our military operations as nned.¡±


    ¡°Well, Proceed with the pre-arranged n.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee firmly and unequivocally responded to chairman of the Joint Staff¡¯s request to approve the final operation.


    ¡°And there¡¯s one more thing. President!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°We have detected suspicious movements of Russian troops on the border, and we are currently checking them.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean the eastern border?¡±


    ¡°The entire border with Russia.¡±


    ¡°The entire border line? ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. The it isn¡¯t just a sea war for Hokkaido, but a war between countries?¡±


    Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs Kim Soo-gyeom was very surprised and asked the chairman of the Staff.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to jump to conclusions, but one possibility is to put pressure on our navy against the Far East. Second, if there is a sh between the Far Eastern Fleet and our Navy, they might have an invasion n.¡±


    As the chairman of the Joint Staff stated, all of themittee members¡¯ gazes were drawn to the president. President Choo Un-hee stated confidently, as she was fully aware of this case.


    ¡°Chairman of the Joint Staff! I am also a pacifist who does not want to leave the scars of war in our Republic of Korea. But if we can¡¯t avoid it, then we must confront it. ¡±


    Even though she was a female president, her firm and determined remarkpletely dispelled the notion that there would be some fear of war.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s take this opportunity to blow up those crazy Russians.¡±


    While everyone else was silent and solemn, Minister Kim Young-chul spoke with a smile on his lips.


    The president interrupted Minister Kim Soo- gyeom¡¯s attempt to make a dissuasive statement by raising her hand and speaking loudly once more.


    ¡°President! Still, ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve been patient with Russia recently. I despise Russia because they were responsible for the terrorist attacks on Minister Kang, the assassination of Kim Jong Un, and the current state overthrow we are facing.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee finally rose from her seat, looked at themittee members and gave instructions as themander-in-chief of the South Korean military.


    ¡°In the event of a fight with the Far East fleet, we will dere war on Russia, deeming it to be illegal military action. But first, I¡¯ll speak with President Putin on the phone. Please connect me with the Embassy in Russia, Minister Kang.¡±


    In response to the president¡¯s ultimatum, themittee members nodded, expressing their inability to disagree.

 Chapter 383: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 5-1 Siberian Wind Blade

    <h4>Chapter 383: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 5-1 Siberian Wind de</h4>


    November 24, 2023, 13:30,


    Cheong Wa Dae (Presidential Office) in Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    President Choo Un-hee, who has been waiting for a hotline call with president Putin through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after losing contact for more than two years, told the interpreter who was waiting with her chief of staff.


    ¡± Interpreter Lee So-hee.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    ¡°During my phone conversation with President Putin, please provide a literal trantion.¡±


    In telephone conversations between two presidents, interpreters from each country frequently do not trante words that may offend either president¡¯s sensibilities.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll trante it literally.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please do.¡±


    After some time, the hotline phone lit up and a bell rang, indicating that the hotline between the two countries had been connected.


    In response, President Choo Eun-hee confidently answered the phone.


    ¡°Hello, President Putin!¡±


    ¨C Good afternoon. President Choo!


    ¡°I can¡¯t say good. Because of Russia.¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee was determined and pushed hard from the start.


    -Haha, we haven¡¯t talked in a long time, and yet you seem to have a lot ofints about Russia? Okay. Let us hear yourints that urged you to request a hotline.


    ¡°You¡¯re not asking because you don¡¯t know, are you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t know, I¡¯ll exin it to you as if I was teaching an elementary school student.¡±


    -Oh, my God, that¡¯s harsh. I¡¯m an elementary school student.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it elementary school student psychology to turn a blind eye to what they know?¡±


    ¨C Well, Let¡¯s hear it.


    ¡°President Putin! Putting aside Kang¡¯s terrorist attacks, you did a lot for our country after Kim Jong-un awoke.¡±


    -What do you mean? I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.


    ¡°Oh! I see.¡±


    -What did Russia do to your country?


    ¡°You asked Kim Hyung-won, the National Labor Party¡¯s leader, to assassinate formal chairman Kim Jong-un, right? Then you used Jo Myung-rok to assassinate both Kim Jong-un and Kim Hyung-won.¡±


    -Oh, you¡¯re still talking nonsense.


    ¡°My story isn¡¯t over yet. You also used assassination terrorism to manipte the state¡¯s overthrow protests behind the scenes through the far-right group. So, what did Russia expect to gain from this? ¡±


    -President Choo! Don¡¯t set Russia up.


    ¡°Did you say set up?¡±


    Enraged by President Putin¡¯s constant denial, President Choo Un-hee rose from her seat and spoke confidently into the phone.


    ¡°We have gathered all of the evidence, as well as confessions from domestic participants contacted by Russia. But you¡¯re still going to refer to it as a setup.¡±


    -Heh heh heh, that¡¯s right, President Choo! The evidence and the confessions of people called aplices who do I not know who they are... I¡¯m feeling curious as well about it. But, as I said before, it has absolutely nothing to do with Russia.


    President Putin kept his denial.


    ¡°Alright, I wasn¡¯t expecting much when I asked for a hotline. However, please keep in mind that we are not going to let this go.¡±


    -How dare you threaten Russia?


    ¡°If you heard it as a threat, then it¡¯s a threat. Change the course of the Far East fleet and bring it back home immediately.¡±


    ¨C Oh, my God, you¡¯re telling me what to do with my country¡¯s fleet now?


    ¡°I¡¯m aware that the Far East fleet is now headed straight to Hokkaido. So change its direction right away.¡±


    ¡°President Choo! I¡¯m not going to talk very long. Please do not obstruct the Far East Fleet. And put an end to the ridiculous nder and intimidation. Aside from that, two years ago, after the end of the Northeast Asian War, Korea decided to hand over Hokkaido to Russia. Therefore, I don¡¯t want to hear anything else from South Korea¡¯s president, who doesn¡¯t even respect international treaties. Now, our Russian forces will retake Hokkaido.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who had reached the conclusion that the conversation could no longer be held, lowered her tone with a slightly cold voice.


    ¡°Actually, President Putin, seems you don¡¯t hear what I¡¯m saying. I knew from the start that you will not admit it and I expect it. I just requested the hotline to convey this information.¡±


    -So what is it?


    ¡°You¡¯ll soon be bowing your head in front of me, regretting today¡¯s conversation.¡±


    -Hahaha, will that day evere? On the contrary, I believe that will be the day when you will be held responsible for framing me.


    ¡°I swear to you. Today we¡¯ll see who will bow his head to whom..... Finally, if the Far East Fleet approaches Hokkaido without changing course within the next hour, it will be considered as an illegal military operation, and the Far East Fleet will be buried in the cold East Sea.¡±


    -You¡¯re dreaming too much. How dare you threaten the Far East Fleet? You don¡¯t even stand a chance. So don¡¯t turn our young Korean friends into food for fish. As we are only attempting to get back ournd.


    ¡°You¡¯ll really regret saying this. Then I¡¯ll hang up now.¡±


    ¨C Hahaha, yes, thank you.


    President Choo Un-hee, who hung up the phone, narrowed her brow and yelled obscenities.


    ¡°Sly boy!¡±


    When the call was over, interpreter Lee So-hee, who had sweated because of the conversation, sighed with relief.


    ¡°Interpreter Lee So-hee!¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    ¡°What do you think of Putin¡¯s mental state?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Based on my feelings, I think he was trying not to be enraged.¡±


    ¡°Okay, good work. You can leave now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    A littleter after the interpreter left, the chief of staff, who was waiting next to her, asked.


    ¡°President, are you really willing to go to war with Russia?¡±


    ¡°Did you not hear the call? Even though I set up the hotline with a bit of hope, it didn¡¯t work, right? He demonstrates the high point of his shamelessness... Didn¡¯t you hear him as well?¡±


    Chief of staff Lim Jong-won, responded by nodding his head.


    ¡°Chief of staff Lim! I am going to contact the Speaker of the National Assembly right now to submit a motion for war, so please ask him for cooperation.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll contact him right away.¡±


    When Chief of Staff Lim Jong-won left the office, President Choo Un-hee, who was alone, sighed deeply after burying herself on the sofa, possibly due to exhaustion.


    ¡®Is this a wise decision for Korea¡¯s future? Should we take a step back and try to resolve it peacefully? Does it justice or people¡¯s safety that is prioritized?¡±


    While all sorts of thoughts crossed the president¡¯s mind, her hand was holding the inte phone.


    ¨C Yes, President!


    she heard the secretary¡¯s voice over the phone.


    ¡°Please connect me to the Ministry of National Defense.¡±


    ¨C Yes, I got it.


    * * *


    November 24, 2023, at 13:45 Russian time,


    The Kremlin Pce in Moscow, Russia.


    President Putin, who had pretended to be rxed on the phone with President Choo Un-hee, was actually suppressing his rage. As soon as the call ended, he threw the phone to the floor.


    ¡°How dare a woman speak to me in this manner without being afraid of Russia?¡±


    President Putin, with his fiery personality, finally rose from his seat and stepped on the half-broken phone without remorse.


    Paak! Paak!


    President Putin, who had been stepping on the phone for quite some time, exhaled a long, deep breath to relieve his rage before turning around to sit in his chair. He then pulled out a Cuban cigarette and lit it.


    Phew~


    Cigarettes¡¯ distinctive white and dark smoke spread everywhere. At that moment, the sound of general secretary Run Pimenov knocking was heard


    ¡°Mr. President! All department officials and militarymanders have arrived.¡±


    ¡°Really? good. Let¡¯s go then.¡±


    ¡± I will guide you.¡±


    * * *


    November 24, 2023, 14:30.


    East Sea at 43 ¡ã northtitude 18 ¡® 32.34 ¡°136 degrees 8 ¡® east longitude 58.63¡± (the Far East Fleet) international waters.


    Sevenrge nuclear-powered battle cruisers and eight destroyers escorted sixnding ships in a triangle formation, while the Kirov-ss 2nd and Far Eastern Fleet¡¯s gship were at the center, Admiral Valerie Karpin, briefly rested and headed back to the bridge.


    Captain Marat Izmailov approached him at that moment and handed him a small piece of paper. It was a security detail sent by the Moscow Navy a short time ago.


    ¡± Admiral, what is it about?¡±


    Captain Marat Izmailov asked, and Admiral Valerie Carpin quickly read it and returned it to him, asking him to check it by himself.


    ¡°At the end, we¡¯re going with the original n.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Are you asking about the Hokkaido?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°As a soldier, I have never thought deeply about following orders from my superiors.¡±


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re a very upright soldier, indeed.¡±


    Admiral Valerie Karpin patted Captain Marat Izmilov on the shoulder before moving toward the Naval Instructor and giving the officer direct instructions.


    ¡°Connect the entire fleet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did it.¡±


    ¡°From now on, the entire fleet will apply abat posture!¡±


    ¡°From now on, the entire fleet will apply abat posture!¡±


    Themander delivered Admiral Valerie Carpin¡¯s order to the entire fleet.


    After a while, about 20 ships, including the gship Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181), were ready for battle, and the crew were busy with preparations.


    At the same time, six Hoc destroyers from the 7th task force were approaching from the east, 300 kilometers away, blocking the Far East Fleet¡¯s path.


    A naval battle between the Far Eastern Fleet, which possesses the most powerful punch of the twenty-first century, and the 7th Air Force, which has yed outstanding roles in maritime warfare with China, Japan, and the United States, was approaching as a known fact.


    * * *


    November 24, 2023, 14:30.


    East Sea at 43 ¡ã northtitude 1 ¡® 50.32 ¡°31 ¡ã east longitude 139 ¡® 42.26¡± (the coin the term) international waters.


    ¡°Currently, the Far East Fleet is rapidly moving forward at a speed of 25 knots at 43¡ã18¡¯32.34¡å Ntitude 136¡ã 8¡¯58.63¡å East longitude, and the distance from the main ship is 312km, and it will reach the engagement range after a while.¡±


    When the Naval Operations Command finally approved engagement with the Russian Far East Fleet five minutes ago. Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun was given a briefing on the Far East fleet by the operation officer on the bridge of the 7th Fleet¡¯s gship Gwanghae (DDG-1001),


    ¡°Are we sailing in international waters?¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun, the 7th leader of the Dong-dong fleet, asked.


    Two years ago, Ahn Hyeong-gyun , the brother of Brigadier General Ahn Hyung-woo, the 7th Commander of the 7th Panzer Division during the Northeast Asian War, was appointed as the Commander of the 7th Panzer after his brother.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been about five minutes since we entered international waters.¡±


    ¡°I see, Captain Oh!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral!¡±


    ¡°You takemand of the bridge. And I¡¯m heading down to the battlemand room.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Captain Oh Dong-cheol, captain of the Gwanghae warship (DDG-1001) and deputy captain of the 71st Dong Warfare, saluted Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun, who returned the salute, and proceeded to the battlemand room with several lieutenants.


    ¡°Loyalty!¡±


    Tactical Controller Kim Hyuk-min saluted the Admiral as he entered the battlemand room, which had many disy lights shining inside a slightly dark room.


    ¡°Good work.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun entered thebatmand room and turned to arge screen that marked the Far East fleet on a digital map.


    Approximately 20 watercrafts were sailing inexorably along the blue line, which had been chosen as the expected route.


    ¡°What¡¯s the status of the current submarine?¡±


    ¡°Eleven Russian submarines have been identified by Ares patrol satellites and various maritime patrol aircraft, and they are submerged outside the dangerous location. A Russian submarine that has been identified so far is marked with a red triangle. Six nuclear submarines and five conventional submarines are on the way.¡±


    A blue triangle was blinking on the digital map as tactical controller Kim Hyuk-min was exining.

 Chapter 384: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology – 5-2 Siberian Wind Blade

    <h4>Chapter 384: Season 2 Book 15, Justice and Ideology ¨C 5-2 Siberian Wind de</h4>


    November 24, 2023, at 15:00


    International waters, East Sea, 43¡ã 20¡ä 20.37¡å north 136¡ã 19¡ä 47.79¡å east (the location of the Far East fleet)


    ¡°This is amunication from the intelligence satellite indicating that the current course is in the 0-9-2 direction, the distance is 258 kilometers, and six watercraft from the seventh maneuver fleet are blocking the route of our main fleet in a transverse formation.¡±


    ¡°Has it not appeared on our radar yet?¡±


    The fleetmander, who was reporting to Admiral Valerie Karpin, appeared embarrassed and hesitated before replying, ¡°Well, it looks like it hasn¡¯t been caught by our fleet radar yet.¡±


    ¡°This is not going to be an easy battle. Shouldn¡¯t it be caught on the radar first so that we can decide whether or not to attack?¡±


    Dagchi answered Admiral Valerie Karpin¡¯s question by squeezing his head. ¡°Now that the approximate location has been confirmed, if we reduce the distance a little more, it will be detected by our radar.¡±


    ¡°Oh, how many spy satellites are currently operating in the East Sea?¡±


    ¡°Three spy satellites were mobilized.¡±


    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, if our radar can¡¯t detect it until the end, we¡¯re just going to be buried in this ocean. Ask the spy satellite to install a high-powered radar guidance link. How are we supposed to fight in such circumstances?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°The stealth capabilities of the Corean Navy¡¯s destroyers exceeded my imagination,¡± Admiral Valerie Karpin muttered to himself as he stared at the nk screen of the radar disy linked from thebat information control office.


    At the same time, themunications officer reported that a request formunications from the Corean Navy had been received.


    ¡°Openmunicator!¡±


    Shortly afterward, the voice of Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun of the 7th Maritime Task Floti resounded in the bridge of Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181).


    ¡°Good morning. I¡¯m Ahn Hyung Gyun, Captain of the 7th Maritime Task Floti.¡±


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Valerie Karpin, Captain of the Far East Fleet.¡±


    The two heads exchanged greetings via simultaneous interpretation.


    ¡°Currently, the Far East Fleet is approaching Hokkaido beyond international waters. Therefore, I will ask you politely, is it a simple training? Or is it an operation against Hokkaido?¡±


    Admiral Valerie Karpin answered without hesitation when he received the direct question of Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun. Under the current situation, the battle with the Corean Navy was a foregone conclusion, thus there was nothing to hide.


    ¡°Under themand of my superiors, the Far East fleet is now conducting an amphibious operation in Hokkaido.¡±


    ¡°Japanese territories, including Hokkaido, are currently protected by the Corean military, under the Corea-Japan Treaty.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are aware of that.¡±


    ¡°We can then conclude that the Far East Fleet¡¯s voyage is an illegal military action and we will respond ordingly.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, respond... If you want to do so, there is nothing we can do. We will also respond ordingly.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand what you mean. Admiral Valerie Karpin, good luck.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Have a nice day.¡±


    Ahead of a massive naval battle, when the conversation ended with gentle greetings from the two admirals, the Far East Fleet operator reported, ¡°Rough detection has been made with the spy satellite and the data is linked to our fleet¡¯s radar.¡±


    Hearing this, Admiral Valerie Karpin turned to the radar disy where six red spots were shing at sea, 251 kilometers away from the Far East fleet.


    ¡°Do you want to order an attack?¡± Fleet Operations Commander Colonel Alexander Kerzakov asked.


    The crew of the fleet had been waiting for Admiral Valerie Karpin¡¯s orders for a long time after switching tobat positions.


    Admiral Valerie Karpin, who was looking out the bridge window at the horizon toward the Seventh Wing, asked the captain next to him, ¡°What do you think the oue of this fight will be?¡±


    ¡°Even though they surpassed the American Aegis destroyers in terms of performance, there are only six of them. So, if we attack early with a sufficient number of missiles, it will be a simple mission.¡±


    Currently, the Far East Fleet had the capability ofunching over 1,000 supersonic anti-ship missiles. It was an unimaginable number.


    ¡°Do you think so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we couldunch 200 supersonic anti-ship missiles.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you think.¡±


    ¡°What? Then, what do you think, Admiral?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I think you are right.¡±


    Admiral Valerie Karpin, who had been worried since sailing from divostok, closed his eyes for a moment to think and then instructed the operational officer, ¡°Assign targets 1 to 6! Prepare tounch 20 supersonic and ten hypersonic anti-ship missiles at each target!¡±


    Before the fighting, Admiral Valerie Karpin gathered and analyzed arge amount of information about the Corean Navy, particrly the Seventh Wing Fleet. The Hoc operated as an unknown system, and he had no choice but to be amazed by the performance of the 7th Maritime Task Floti, which had destroyed more than 100 Chinese anti-ship troops as well as Japanese guards during the Northeast Asian War. The destroyer of the 7th Flyer, ording to the analysis, was not an easy target.


    Despite this inconvenience, Admiral Valerie Karpin had to carry out his duties as a Russian Navy admiral regardless of the oue of the battle.


    Cooooooooing~ Cooing~ Cooing~


    As soon as the attack orders had been delivered, dozens of white smoke trails soared into the sky with a tremendous roar from theunch pad on both sides of the Kirov-ss battlecruiser of the Far East fleet. They were long-range hypersonic anti-ship missiles called the P-800 Onyx missiles.


    In addition, Rider-ss cruisers, Sobremenny-ss destroyers, and Udaloi-ss destroyers also fired P-700 Granit supersonic anti-ship missiles at their designated targets.


    The 100 white smoke trails that shot into the sky in an instant broke through the altitude cut-off point, gradually lowered their altitude, and entered the sea-skimming mode.


    <hr />


    November 24, 2023, 15:05


    International waters, East Sea at 43¡ã 1¡ä 17.06¡å north, 139¡ã 23¡ä 53.69¡å east (the location of the 7th Maritime Task Floti).


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    ¡°Currently, the Far East Fleet hasunched 120 supersonic anti-ship missiles and 60 hypersonic anti-ship missiles, for a total of 180! The missiles have entered Sea Skimming Mode and are en route to the main ship. Anti-ship hypersonic missiles will arrive in 2 minutes and 19 seconds! Supersonic anti-ship missiles will arrive in 3 minutes and 16 seconds!¡±


    ¡°Activate the automatic interception system!¡± Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun maintained hisposure and gave instructions to defend against this ignorant anti-ship missile attack.


    ¡°180 intercept targets set in the Hoc system to intercept target¡¯s automatic order.¡±


    On therge screen of thebatmand room, intercept numbers were sequentially followed by red dots flying rapidly toward the 7th Maritime Task Floti. In addition, the radar detector informed the arrival time in real-time.


    ¡°Hypersonic missiles will arrive in two minutes and two seconds! Supersonic anti-ship missiles will arrive in two minutes and 59 seconds!¡±


    ¡°We only have one minute before the first shot is intercepted. What is the status of the Aerospace Forces?¡± Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun, who was focusing his attention on the big screen, turned his head and asked the correspondence officer.


    ¡°At the moment, we have prepared all interception preparations and we are ready.¡±


    ¡°Good! We¡¯ll save our missiles!¡±


    In modern times, the standard method of engagement in fleet warfare is tounch anti-ship missiles and then intercept the enemy¡¯sunched missiles. Even though anti-ship missiles were apparently heading towards them, the 7th Maritime Task Floti remained silent and did not fire retaliatory anti-ship missiles or intercept anti-aircraft missiles.


    <hr />


    November 24, 2023, 15:06


    East Sea, 325km the air.


    Shoooooosh!


    Two CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighters flew at Mach 20 in pursuit of something emitting ck light.


    The true identity of the ck light was Bars-M 3, a spy satellite known as the Russian eye that Russia hadunched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in 2015. Russia currently operated a total of 12 Bars-M spy satellites that performed reconnaissance missions at an altitude of 350 kilometers above the Earth.


    The Republic of Corea Aerospace Forces discovered a few days ago that three Bars-M spy satellites were passing over the Northeast Sea 18 times per day after changing their orbits toward the region. Thus, for the past 24 hours, the Three-toed Crow space fighter flew in the exosphere of the Northeast Sea to precisely determine the orbit of the Bars-M spy satellites and when they passed over the sea.


    As the battle between the 7th Maritime Task Floti and the Far East Fleet began in the Northeast Sea, the two CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighters belonging to the Alpha Squadron were following the Bars-M 3 at great speed and they were ready to intercept Bars-M 3 at any time after receiving the orders.


    ¡°What aboutser power?¡± Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho, Alpha One pilot, asked Captain Cho Eun-bin, the avionics operation controller, who was sitting in the back seat.


    ¡°There is no issue, the currentser output state is 100%.¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha One! Alpha Two, check the situation!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Two, ready for target pursuit and intercept procedures without any problems,¡± a reply came from Alpha Two, which was 20 km away from Alpha One.


    ¡°Great! The intercept will begin immediately after the interceptmand is issued. It¡¯s a race against time, so make sure to not make any mistakes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I got it.¡±


    During thismunication, an order to intercept was issued from the control tower of the 1st Space Fighter Wing¡¯s Seongnam Base. ¡°This is the headquarters! Hit the target immediately! Hit the target!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha One! Order epted! Fire!¡±


    The two Three-toed Crow fighters fired 50mmser cannons without any hesitation in response to the orders. The redser instantly prated the Bars-M 3, shattering it with an explosion and turning it into space garbage.


    ¡°This is Alpha One! Target hitpleted!¡±


    The two Three-toed Crow space fighters flew by quickly and then directed their focus to another Russian spy satellite, Bars-M 6, which was attempting to enter space.


    <hr />


    November 24, 2023, 15:07


    International waters, East Sea at 43¡ã 20¡ä 20.37¡å north, 136¡ã 19¡ä 47.79¡å east (the location of the Far East Fleet)


    The radar operator of the General Lazarev (CGSN-181) screamed and reported when the Bars-M 3, which was linked to the Far East Fleet radar as guidance to detect the 7th Maritime Task Floti, exploded, resulting in data cut off, ¡°Aaak! Target information has disappeared!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, the target information is gone?¡± thebat information controller, who had dashed towards the radar console in response to the sudden report, was taken aback by the clear, nk disy.


    ¡°What about the missiles?¡±


    ¡°They lost sight of our current goal and hence resorted to self-destruction procedures.¡±


    If it was a normal destroyer, the anti-ship missiles would have their own active radar that allowed them to sufficiently fly to and strike the target, but it was impossible to hit the Hoc destroyer because it was equipped with the stealth-type ultra-strong SECM (Radio Disruption System).


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    180 supersonic and hypersonic anti-ship missiles changed their route as they self-destructed and fell into the sea with only one minute left before they reached their target.


    The bridge of Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181), which received such a report from the Combat Information Center, was in great shock.


    ¡°What the hell happened?¡± Captain Marat Izmailov asked directly through themunicationwork.


    <ul>


    There seems to be a problem with Bars-M 3, which was linked to the radar.


    </ul>


    ¡°Bars-M 3?¡±


    -Yes, even though we are still trying to connect to it, we couldn¡¯t.


    The Far East fleet crew, who were unaware that the Bars-M 3 had been intercepted by the Alpha Squadron, were frustrated.


    ¡°When will the next satellite enter the Northeast Sea?¡± Admiral Valerie Karpin, who was listening next to them, asked.


    <ul>


    In the next 10 minutes.


    </ul>


    ¡°After 10 minutes? Huh, then we¡¯re stuck in a situation where we can¡¯t attack for more than ten minutes.¡±


    At that moment, an operator reported another shocking report, ¡°Admiral! 50 unidentified missiles confirmed! 3 minutes and 18 seconds to reach! Ah, they seem to be supersonic anti-ship missilesunched by the 7th Maritime Task Floti.¡±


    The bridge crew was once again frozen by the report.

 Chapter 385: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 5-3 Siberian wind blade

    <h4>Chapter 385: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 5-3 Siberian wind de</h4>


    November 24, 2023, 15: 08.


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (the situation room of the Joint Command Control Center).


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong and other military chiefs andmanders were holding their breath as they watched the main screen in the center.


    The screen disyed the current engagement status of the 7th Fleet and the Russian Far East Fleet in the Northeast Sea in various symbols and colors on its digital map.


    The 100 red dots that appeared from the red triangle symbol representing the Far East fleet, flew in the direction of the blue triangle symbol representing the 7th fleet and vanished from the screen one by one until theypletely vanished from the digital map after a short time.


    ¡°Alpha squadron intercepted at the right time, good timing.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong said while nodding his head. In response, Chief of Staff of the Aerospace Force Choi Jin-gook shrugged with an easy smile.


    ¡°The Alpha Squadron, which is currently conducting the satellite interception mission, is one of the anti-fighter force¡¯s top five veterans. Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho is inmand of that Squadron.¡±


    ¡± Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho? ¡±


    ¡°Yes, He is a pilot who received two medals for his service in thest Northeast Asian War.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a familiar name........ Oh, I remember him now; is he the pilot who destroyed the Japanese Aegis ship using only Laser Vulcan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, when did he make the transition from the Air Force to the Aerospace Force?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m saying. All the talented people in our Air Force were taken away by the Aerospace Force. ¡±


    The conversation was interrupted by Air Force Chief of Staff Kim Eun-ho.


    ¡°Chief of Staff Kim! What kind of depressing words are you saying? When did we take away your talented people? They all applied for the transfer because they wanted to... hahaha.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you really going to be like this, senior?¡±


    ¡°Did I say something wrong? Hahaha.¡±


    Even in the midst of a naval battle with the Far East Fleet, which could have a significant impact on the future situation in Northeast Asia, themanders of the Joint Command and Control Center were rxed enough tough rather than worry. To that extent, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had long understood all of the Russian army¡¯s movements and had put in ce all necessary countermeasures.


    ¡°Just now, the 7th fleet fired an anti-ship missile at the Far Eastern Fleet.¡±


    The voice of an operator wearing a lieutenant rank insignia resounded throughout the control room. Themanders ceased speaking, and their eyes were drawn to the main screen.


    Fifty blue dots appeared from the blue triangle symbol and flew in the direction of the Far East fleet, drawing a line.


    ¡°What type of missile?¡±


    ¡°SSM-700S Haesung A missile.¡±


    Following the operator¡¯s report, missile information for each blue dot flying was disyed on the screen.


    ¡°Will the Far East be able to stop them all?¡±


    When Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong patted his chin and asked, Chief of Naval Operations General Lee Ki-hyung reyed.


    ¡°I think the four Rider-ss air defense cruisers outfitted with the S-500 stationary active AESA phased array radar will block about 80% of them.¡±


    ¡°80%, so you mean we have only 10 shots.¡±


    ¡°I think it will be less than 50%.¡±


    General Lee Eun-hyeong, Chief of Army Staff, joined the conversation and stated his opinion as if they were betting on it.


    ¡°Heh heh, these people are acting as if they¡¯re betting! Okay, I¡¯ll keep watching. ¡±


    With all themanders eyes fixed on the main screen, the operators continued their reports.


    ¡°Two minutes and 58 seconds for the SSM-700S Haesong A Missile to reach the enemy fleet!¡±


    ¡°Enemy fleetunches intercepting anti-aircraft missiles.¡±


    November 24, 2023, 1508,


    East Sea at 43 ¡ã northtitude 20 ¡®136 ¡ã 19 Tokyo 20.37¡ä 47.79 international waters (the Far East Fleet).


    In thebat intelligence room of the second Rider-ss ship Marshall Vasilyevsky (CGN-901), which is responsible for the whole air defense of the Far East Fleet, fire control officer Aleksandr Filimonov gave the instructions to intercept the supersonic anti-ship missiles that are currently flying toward them.


    ¡°Seeing! Provide 1 to 10 target settings! Specify the goal numbers 11 to 20 for the Spiridonov! Assign the Otchiyani with target numbers from 21 to 30! Allocate the Bezprisnis targets of 31 to 40! Set targets for Lazarev, Nakimov and Velikii from 41 to 49! Finally, Assign thest target number 50 to the Boyevoy! ¡±


    The operators initiated the interception operation at the fire control officer¡¯smands. After all the interception procedures werepleted, a white smoke with a roar from the Marshall Vasilyevsky verticalunching pad (CGN-901) came out due to the automatedunch of the interception missiles.


    Fifty S-300FM surface-to-air missiles with a range of 300 km pierced through the cloud and disappeared from view, leaving behind only thick smoke.


    Thus, for now, all that left was to watch the screen impatiently in thebat intelligence room and eagerly wait for the enemy anti-ship missile symbol to disappear from it.


    ¡°One minute and ten seconds to the first target interception!¡±


    ¡°One minute and eight seconds to the second target interception!¡±


    With the real-time report of the operator in charge of the interception situation, two colored lines were drawn and appeared on the screen in thebat intelligence room . He could just watch at leisure during their attack but now watching from defense position made him sweated a cold sweat.


    ¡°30 seconds to intercept the first target!¡±


    The worried operator could speak only clearly and concisely as time went by.


    ¡°It¡¯s crashing. three seconds! Two seconds! One second!


    ¡°Oh! failed to intercept the first target! The second target interception was sessful! We sessfully intercepted the third target! failed to intercept the fourth target! The intercept of the fifth, sixth, and seventh targets was sessful! Intercept eighth and ninth targets failed! Sessfully intercepted the tenth target! ¡±


    The operator reported the results of the interception in a scream.


    ¡°Damn! Only 60% intercept rate ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. Check out the others!¡±


    Combat Intelligence Commander Dmitry Sichov said as he pounded his fist against the wall, outraged by the low interception rate.


    ¡°Otchiyani! Intercepts of targets 23, 24, and 29 were failures. Bezprisnis! failed to intercept 31 and 33 targets! As for the rest, they failed to intercept targets 42, 44, and 49! As well as target 50! Thirteen interceptions were failed in total. ¡±


    ¡°One minute and five seconds to reach the main fleet!¡±


    ¡°Fire control officer, proceed with the second interception!¡±


    As soon as the report was finished, thebat intelligence officer gave themands to the Fire control officer while looking at him. Consequently, the fire control officer issued a second intercept order to the anti-aircraft defense ministers.


    ¡°The second interception mission has begun. The second interception is aimed at four targets for Ottschaini and five for Bezpritzni!¡±


    ¡°Target assignmentplete!¡±


    As soon as the fire control officer gave the order, white smoke from the three Rider-ss cruisers again rose from the modifiedunch pad.


    Coaaaaa~ Coaaaaa~ Coaaaaa~


    The S-300FM surface-to-air missile, emitting a red light with white smoke, vanished through the clouds in an instant, and as soon as it arrived at the altitude takeover point, it immediately lowered its ridar and switched to sea skimming mode and fell at an astonishing speed toward the SSM-700S Haesong A missile that swooped across the ocean.


    ¡°Target number one is crashing! sess! Target number one interception, sess! Target number two ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤!¡±


    With the operator¡¯s report, the anti-ship missile symbols set as targets disappeared one by one from the screen.


    ¡°Intercept of targets five, eight, and fourteen failed!


    ¡°Confirm enemy missile targets!¡±


    ¡°number five and eight survived! Their goal ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    ¡°Be clear! Radar technician!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Target 14 is headed toward Admiral Lazarev¡¯s gship. It is in the 1-8-9, direction at distance of 52 from the destination! Arriving in 44 seconds!¡±


    The operator¡¯s desperate scream rang out in thebat intelligence control room.


    The three SSM-700S Haesung A missiles that survived the two interceptions began to approach their target steadily.


    ¡°What the hell! Damn! Switch to active defense system right now!¡±


    ¡°Change to a close defense system. Again, assign targets one, two, and three!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯munching a short-range missile.¡±


    As the close defense system was activated, about 20 short-range missiles of various kinds roared into the sky as if they werepeting.


    Swoosh~ Swoosh~ Swoosh~ Swoosh~ Swoosh~ Swoosh!


    Two short-range OSA-MA (SA-N-4) anti-aircraft missiles left theuncher and flew off with white smoke.


    Kwaang!


    An explosion of colorful fireworks could be seen across the horizon. Only one SSM-700S Haesung A missile was intercepted by about 20 short-range missiles.


    ¡°Failed to intercept target number one! Sessfully intercepted target number two! Failed to intercept target number three! From now on, every ship will activate its own Azark Railgun!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Both OSA-MA units failed the intercept! A five seconds left before target number one reach the main ship! Azac Railgun is activated.¡±.


    At this time, a captain¡¯s order came out.


    ¡°All Azark Railguns on this ship will be aimed at missile number one.¡±


    ¡°Captain, what about target number three?¡±


    When the Combat Information Controller asked the captain, he received the same orders as before.


    ¡°The safety of this gship shipes first. This ship¡¯s railgun should be aiming at tracking target number one unconditionally. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The captain and the crew of thebat information control room, who were listening to themunication, all looked at thebat information controller at the same time. The fire officer then asked cautiously.


    ¡°Combat controller! Are you really not going to assign a railgun to target number 3?¡±


    ¡°You, too, heard it! It¡¯s the captain¡¯smand. All of the railguns on this ship should be aimed at target number one to track it! In any case, other ships will take care of the third target. ¡±


    The Marshall Vasilyevsky¡¯s three Azark railguns (CGN-901) entrusted their fate to the other ships¡¯ close defense systems to deal with target number three, and began tracking target number one, which was performing a pop-up maneuver to hit the bridge of the Far East Fleet¡¯s gship, the General Lazarev (CGN-181), and after tracking it, they sprayed metal bullets as fast as the speed of light.


    Bababababang! Babababababang! Baba baba baba bang!


    Dozens of light beams of metal bullets adorned the sky splendidly. The metal bullet, which flew at close to Mach 8, performed a pop-up maneuver and sessfully intercepted target number one, which was aiming for Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181).


    Coooo!


    Red mes spread out like a flower bud bursting out at 150m above the sky, andrge and small fragments soared.


    ¡°Target number one! Sessful intercept!¡±


    Target number three, on the other hand,pleted the pop-up maneuver and fell violently towards the Marshall Vasilyevsky (CGN-901).


    ¡°Function Port Shock Preparedness! Shock preparedness!¡±


    The operator closed his eyes after shouting thest report as if he had given up.


    Kwaang! Kwaang!


    The Haesong SSM-700S A missile tore through the bowman¡¯s armor and dug into it, prating to the hull¡¯s core and causing a massive explosion.


    Koo kung~ Koo wang!


    As the bow flew away with the huge explosion, the red mes melted everything around it. Furthermore, the Marshall Vasilyevsky (CGN-901), whose function part was blown away, was slowly tilted forward and sunk into the sea.


    ¡°Report the damage!¡±


    Captain Aleksandr Filimonov of the USS Marshall Vasilyevsky (CGN-901), who put the safety of the gship before the safety of this ship, endured the rushing chest pain, and none of the crew immediately responded to the words that were uttered. After some time, a response came from thebat intelligence room.


    <ul>


    I¡¯m a Combat intelligence officer. We¡¯ve got a lot of injuries, and it is difficult to determine the exact number because it is dark inside.


    </ul>


    -This is the boatswain. The entire function is currently disabled and slowly leaning forward. Flooding is less of a concern than the internal damage that might be caused by the explosion of the missile mounted on the verticalunch pad. You must immediately give the order for evacuation.


    -This is the engine room! There is no problem with the reactor, but many of the crew members are injured.


    Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaang!


    The damage report by the head of the engine was buried in a huge explosion. Huge explosions urred one after another at the verticalunch pad of the bow, and then a huge me engulfed the entire Marshall Vasilyevsky (CGN-901).


    Then slowly disappeared into the sea.

 Chapter 386: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 5-4 Siberian wind blade

    <h4>Chapter 386: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 5-4 Siberian wind de</h4>


    The Marshall Vasilyevsky (CGN-901), which was engulfed in red mes and emitting ck smoke, sunk into the cold waters of the Northeast Sea by tilting 50 degrees toward the bow after half of the bow was severed because of the internal explosion.


    Admiral Valerie Carpin, who was watching such a horrible scene on the bridge of the Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181), turned his head and bit his lower lip.


    ¡®Vasilyevsky had been sacrificed in order to protect the main vessel.¡¯


    However, that was the only way.


    While they were unable to receive data about the 7th Fleet, the Far East Fleet¡¯sbat information and control rooms were stunned when the 7th Fleet¡¯s anti-ship missiles were fired again. Of course, more anti-ship missile attacks were expected, but the speed with which these missiles were now flying was unbelievable.


    The ship-to-ship missilesunched by six Hoc destroyers were hypersonic SSM-1000K Avaris missiles with a range of 450 km and a speed of Mach ten.


    In early 2022, the Navy began operating SSM-1000K Avaris missiles, which were operated only by Chungmu Gong¡¯s mid-range warships, with two additionalunch tforms in the Hoc destroyer.


    ¡°18 unidentified missiles! Speed ¡¤¡¤¡¤ 57 seconds to reach the main fleet!¡±


    The operator of the Spiridonov (CGN-902), who now leads the anti-aircraft defense instead of Marshall Vasilyevsky (CGN-901), eximed as he reported.


    Mach ten was a terrifying speed that would travel 250 kilometers in only 70 seconds. As a result, the Far East fleet had only one chance to intercept.


    ¡°How long has it been detected? 57 seconds? Assign four anti-aircraft missiles per target andunch the anti-aircraft missiles as soon as the preparation ispleted!¡±


    Due to theck of time, thebat intelligence officer gave a simple and straightforward order. Consequently, each Far East Fleet shipunched four S-300FM anti-aircraft missiles per target to intercept the anti-ship missiles.


    Dozens of white smoke roared into the sky from the watershed of the Far East fleet.


    The SM-1000K Avaris missile, which flew across the sea surface at an incredible speed of mach ten, split the calm sea surface in half, causing raging waves.


    Simultaneously, S-300FM anti-aircraft missiles appeared one by one through the white clouds, and soon began to hit the SM-1000K Avaris missile, which was flying past the water¡¯s surface.


    The S-300FM anti-aircraft missile, which targeted the SM-1000K Avaris missiles, lost its target and crashed into the sea.


    Boo! Boo!


    Because the S-300FM anti-aircraft missiles were significantly slower than the SM-1000K Avaris missiles, they failed to intercept the SM-1000K Avaris missiles.


    Out of a total of 64 missiles, only eight S-300FM anti-aircraft missiles seeded in being intercepted. The ten surviving SM-1000K Avaris missiles are still flying at an rming speed toward the Far East.


    When the interception rate was less than 50% of the one-time interception opportunity, themanders and crew members of the Far East Fleet were frozen. However, they immediatelyunched a close-defense system due to their instinct for survival.


    Short-range anti-aircraft missiles were ruled out because of ack of time, and the Azark Railgun was activated immediately.


    babaang! babaang! babaang!


    Numerous metal bullets flew toward the approaching SM-1000K Avaris missile with a light firing sound.


    However, the SM-1000K Avaris missile, which was faster than the Azak Railgun, prated the Far East fleet.


    ¡°Crash! It¡¯s copsing. Get ready for a collision! ¡±


    Such warnings were heard from all of the ships targeted by the Avaris missile.


    Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaang!


    The massive SM-1000K Avaris missile, weighing one ton, with a diameter of 700 millimeters and a length of seven meters, flew at Mach ten and struck the lower part of Admiral Nakimov¡¯s bridge (GSN-182).


    Mach ten¡¯s incredible speed demonstrated tremendous destructive power. Admiral Nakimov¡¯s (GSN-182) bridge, which had a full drainage capacity of 24,300 tons, as well as her upper structures, waspletely blown away.


    The SM-1000K Avaris missile, which had dug deep inside, exploded not long after prating. The 252-meter-long ADMIRAL Nakimov (GSN-182) bent briefly before splitting in two with a massive explosion.


    The two parts of the Admiral Nakimov (GSN-182) leaned sharply and were sucked into the sea as dark-red mes scorched from all directions, apanied by a continuous explosion sound.


    This fate befell the other vessels as well.


    The Sobremenny-ss Boyeboy (DDG-770) and Bistry (DDG-676) were sunk due to the collision, as were the Udaloi-ss Marshall Shaposhnikov (BPK-543), Admiral Triboots, which specialized in anti-submarine warfare, and Ham (BPK-564) became water ghostpanions.


    In addition, the Rider-ss cruiser Otchayani (CGN-903) and the Pater-ss amphibious assault ship Ovia (LST-066) were both hit by two SM-1000K Avaris missiles and vanished without a trace. A few minutes ago, they were sailing at 20 knots. and now there are only countless pieces of debris floating on the sea.


    Fortunately, the fourth Kirov-ss ship, the Pyotr Velikii (CGSN-183), intercepted the anti-ship missile with its Azark railgun just before colliding, allowing it to avoid sinking. The SM-1000K Avaris missile, however, exploded too close. As a result, the Pyotr Velikii (CGSN-183 ) radar and other equipment were damaged.


    The Far East Fleet lost 60% of its power with only two anti-ship missile attacks by the 7th Fleet. It was like being beaten arbitrarily by a blind man.


    Admiral Valery Carpin, who had kept his calm even when the Marshall Vasilyevsky (CGN-901) went down, was overwhelmed by a surge of anger, as well as a great sense of fear.


    ¡°When will the next satellite be connected, for God¡¯s sake? I can¡¯t keep getting these kinds of hits!¡±


    Admiral Valery Carpin, who struck themander¡¯s disy console with his fist, said while looking at the officer next to him. To this, Operational officer Alexander Kerzakov checked the time on his wristwatch and answered.


    ¡°It should have been connected by now.¡±


    ¡°Damn! Then what happened to the third Air Force? Haven¡¯t they made it out yet?¡±


    Prior to the start of the naval battle, the Far East Fleet was promised that Su-35 fighter-bombers armed with anti-ship missiles would take off from the 3rd Air Force¡¯s Tynda Base.


    ¡°There are currently 12 Su-35 fighter bombers in sortie status. However, they also failed to detect the Korean Navy fleet. Therefore, they are currently on standby over Primorsky Krai. Besides, six patrol aircraft of the Korean Navy are currently flying over our skies. ¡±


    ¡°Flight on standby? Waiting for the patrol ne to arrive? If they couldn¡¯t detect it, weren¡¯t they supposed to fly to an approximate location and try to detect it in some way and then firing an anti-ship missile? pathetic Air Force bastards.......¡±


    Admiral Valery Carpin raised one eye in response to Operation Alexander Kerzakov¡¯s response and asked more questions.


    Meanwhile, at that time, six IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft belonging to the Russian Navy were sorting out and passing over the Far East Fleet.


    ording to the current n, it was decided to engage in naval warfare with the South Korean navy using radar data provided by the intelligence satellite Bars-M. However, as the connection with the three intelligence satellites was lost for unknown reasons, and reports surfaced that the Far East Fleet was being attacked unterally by the Korean navy, the Russian Navy dispatched six IL-39 Sarakov patrol aircraft.


    The IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft, which has a superior engine and radar performance inparison with the existing IL-38N May maritime patrol aircraft, emitted powerful radar waves in the direction of the 7th Fleet at an altitude of 10 km.


    Following that, 12 Su-35 fighter-bombers, which were flying in the air with two KH-22S Burya, the final version of the long-range air-to-ship missile, on both wings, immediately turned to the Northeast Sea direction and increased its engine power.


    * * *


    November 24, 2023, 15:10,


    East Sea at 43 ¡ã northtitude 1 ¡® 17.06 ¡°Tokyo 139 ¡ã 23 ¡® 53.69¡± (the coin the term) international waters.


    In thebatmand office of the Gwanghae warship (DDG-1001), the reports on the current state of damage to the Russian Far East Fleet were in full swing.


    ¡°Well, the Russian anti-aircraft defense system is better than I thought, with a 40% intercept rate against our Avaris missiles.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun expressed disappointment as he read the various graphs and figures on the small screen on the left side of therge screen. Tactical controller Kim Hyuk-min replied to him.


    ¡°Yes, I was surprised as well. I thought we¡¯d be able to bury them all in the sea.¡±


    ¡°Haha, do you think it¡¯s just us who are developing military weapons? Russia has also made significant progress in recent years. You should be pleased with the results. ¡±


    ¡°Do you want us to continue the next attack with Avaris?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a bit of a waste to use that expensive missile on a fleet that has already lost more than 50 percent of its power. Let¡¯s go with the Haesung missile. Set two Haesung missiles per target. ¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The 7th fleet slowly tried tounch the 3rd anti-ship missile attack, after receivingmunication that the Alpha Squadron of the first Space Fighter Squadron had shot down all three Russian spy satellites, Bars-M.


    At that moment, a new report was received.


    ¡°Currently, an unidentified aircraft is detected 320 kilometers behind the Far East Fleet in the northwest! The analysis begins.¡±


    ¡°Is it a fighter?¡±


    In response to the question from the Tactical Control Division, the radar technician tapped the keyboard without mercy. Then he turned his head and answered.


    ¡°Because of itsrge radar cross-section, it does not seem like a fighter. currently beingpared with peer identification data! Ah! ording to the analysis, it is the IL-39 Sarakov, the most recent Russian maritime patrol aircraft. ¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess they found out there¡¯s a problem with their satellite!¡±


    ¡°Then we should postpone the anti-ship missile attack and deal with this first.¡±


    After some consideration, Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun decided that the Russian maritime patrol aircraft as his top priority.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll go into intercept preparations.¡±


    ¡°A total of six aircraft, two anti-aircraft missiles from each ship!¡±


    ¡°Since it is over 300 kilometers long, we will use the Sea Dragon missile.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll do that.¡±


    As soon as Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gun¡¯s final approval was given, tactical controller Kim Hyuk-min delivered the instructions to the Cab.


    Twelve GTAS-300 naval anti-aircraft missiles burst into the sky with blue mes, flying to an altitude of 30 kilometers, with a range of 420 kilometers and a speed of Mach ten.


    Coooooooooooooooosh! Coooooooooooooooosh! Coooooooosh!


    The Haecheonryong surface-to-air missile, which instantly disappeared from sight with a roaring sound, quickly flew at a speed close to Mach ten, drawing arge parab at an altitude of ten kilometers.

 Chapter 387: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice – 5-5 Siberian wind blade

    <h4>Chapter 387: Season 2 Book 15, Ideology and Justice ¨C 5-5 Siberian wind de</h4>


    November 24, 2023 15:20 (Russian time 09:20),


    Russia Moscow bunker state R-13.


    ¡± The battle had only begun and yet we lost 60% of our power. How can this happen?¡±


    President Putin, who was watching the naval battle against the 7th Fleet at State R-13 with officials from various departments and General Staffmanders, expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation.


    ¡°Because they lose their connection to the intelligence satellite, they couldn¡¯t detect the enemy fleet, so ..... ¡±


    General Igor Gromov, the Naval Commander-in-Chief, made an apparent excuse while looking sideways at Udolf Miahi, the Aerospace Defense Force Commander-in-Chief.


    ¡°Are you saying that without the spy satellite, the Russian Navy cannot do anything? Is it just a paper boat? Shouldn¡¯t we use all the avable means? ¡±


    President Putin became even more enraged as a result of General Igor Gromovthe¡¯s frustrating response, which he expressed by getting up from his chair and pointing his finger at him before directing his rage at Chief of General Staff dimir Beshastnich.


    ¡± Chief of General Staff Beshastnich! If the Far East Fleet is defeated this time, you will have to take off your clothes first.¡±


    President Putin red at him angrily before turning his head and walking over to defense minister Mikhail Ivanov.


    ¡°Minister Ivanov! The same goes for you. We must destroy the 7th fleet at all costs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President! Even though it¡¯ste, we¡¯ve now switched to n B. As the President wishes, we will bury all of them in the Northeast Sea without missing a single step.¡±


    ¡°Minister! You will be responsible for your words.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll take responsibility. Please believe me. Mr. President! ¡±


    Minister Mikhail Ivanov¡¯s words calmed President Putin, who sat andined.


    ¡°It went wrong from the start! 60% loss ........ Anyway, Minister Ivanov! By any chance if the Far East Fleet is defeated, proceed to the next step immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The operation room of the bunker state R-13, which had been frozen for a while, once again participated in by ministers andmanders from each department, and all eyes were on the screen to monitor the current status of the n B operation, which had just started.


    When the Far East Fleet, which did not receive the detection information from the intelligence satellite, suffered unteral damage from the 7th fleet the Chief of General Staff immediately switched to n B.


    First, six IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft were dispatched to detect the 7th Fleet. In fact, the IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft did not only have a simple anti-ship and anti-submarine patrol mission.


    KhL-100 has been developed, a mobile radar missile that virtually prepares for naval battles with excellent stealth performance, such as the Zumwalt-ss destroyer, thetest stealth destroyer of the US Navy.


    At the time of the initial research, Russia was attempting topensate for its somewhat inferior maritime radar when dealing with destroyers with excellent stealth capabilities, such as the US Navy¡¯stest stealth destroyer, the Zumwalt-ss destroyer.


    The KHL-100 warhead is equipped with a miniature version of the S-500 stationary active AESA phased array radar mounted on the Rider-ss air defense cruiser, which can fly to the vicinity of the enemy fleet and detect all surface ships within 200 km for maximum 24 hours. In order to detect all suspicious activity.


    The only drawback was the absurdly high price. which costs $100 million per unit.


    Even though The Russian Federation Council opposed the development¡¯s budget, the Putin¡¯s administration insisted that even if only one-billion-dor destroyer was built, the business would be tens of times more profitable. Therefore, there were a total of 12 units deployed.


    The KhL-100 mobile radar missiles were deployed in the bottom center of the six IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft that are currently flying over the Far East Fleet.


    If the KhL-100 mobile radar missile is fired and safelynds in the sea near the Korean Navy¡¯s 7th Fleet, the detection information will be transmitted not only to the Far East Fleet, but also to the 3rd Air Force¡¯s SU-35, which is flying at top speed from the Primorsky Sea to the Northeast Sea. The unfavorable naval battle could be reversed at once if the 12 fighter-bombers were normally data-linked.


    In addition, there were three more changes in n B.


    First, there were 12 MiG-31BM fighter-bombers armed with KH-47M2 Kinzal air-to-ship missiles at the Zelesnogorsk Air Base in Kurskaya Ost.


    The KH-47M2 Kinzal Air-to-Ship Missile, which was deployed in December 2017, was the first hypersonic air-to-ship missile to be equipped with a small nuclear propulsion engine, with a speed of Mach ten and a range of 2,000 kilometers.


    At the time of actual deployment, Russia imed that the U.S.¡¯s proud MD system has be useless due to its radar detection avoidance function as well as the KH-47M2 Kinzal missile, which is highly mobile.


    Despite the fact that the US denied those ims, Russia¡¯s high-tech weapons made a significant sense of the crisis in the Pentagon, regardless of the fact that they showed little external response.


    Second, four Tu-22M Tupolev strategic bombers armed with as many as four KH-47M2 Kinzal air-to-ship missiles wereunched from the Krasnoyarsk Air Base.


    Third, the surface-to-surface warship K-300P Bastion was hiding behind various camouge membranes.


    There are four mobileunchers, each with two P-800 Onyx missiles. The range of Mach 4.5 speed is 600 kilometers, which is enough to reach the 7th fleet. The K-300P Bastion surface-to-surface fleet currently deployed off the coast of Usuri.


    As such, Russia¡¯s n B operation coulde as a disaster for the autonomous 7th Fleet. First, there were 40 hypersonic KH-47M2 Kinzal air-to-ship missiles, 24 supersonic KH-22S long-range air-to-ship missiles, 24 P-800 Onyx missiles, and unpredictable number of surface-to-ship missiles to beunched from the Far East Fleet.


    If they had dealt with the 7th Fleet with Operation B from the beginning, the damage to the Far East would have been less than now. This was purely a mistake by the General Staff for overestimating the power of the Far East fleet and underestimating the 7th fleet¡¯s power.


    * * *


    November 24, 2023, 15:20.


    A bunker under the National Crisis Center in Cheong Wa Dae, Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    President Choo Un-hee sat in the operation room of the National Crisis Center with the Minister of National Defense and other ministers, watching the naval battle between the two countries in the Northeast Sea, with her eyes fixed on the screen.


    asionally, some of the aides eximed and cheered involuntarily when they saw scenes of the Far East Fleet¡¯s surface ships being hit by anti-ship missiles or sinking.


    In response, they were scolded by the Chief Secretary


    Because it was transmitted in real time from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite and the 7th Fleet, they could watch it.


    ¡°I think we had a chance to win.¡±


    When Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon said this with a pleased expression, National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo, who sat next to him, shook his head from side to side and responded with a vague expression.


    ¡°Prime Minister! We don¡¯t know yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so? I don¡¯t know anything about this thing.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon was flushed with embarrassment at his hasty decision.


    ¡°As can be seen, an early victory was achieved, but the Far East Fleet will not continue to suffer in this way. There must be something hidden with the newlyunched maritime patrol aircraft.¡±


    National Security Director Kang Hyun-soo, a former minister of defense, did not appear bright, as if he felt something was cautious.


    ¡°Do you think so? I think that if our fleet attacks with anti-ship missiles one more time, we¡¯ll definitely end the Far East fleet. ¡±


    Unification Policy Minister Kim Young-chul said with a smile on his face.


    ¡°I hope so.¡±


    When National Security Director Kang Ui-sik, answered, President Choo Un-hee looked at the minister of defense and asked.


    ¡°From President Putin¡¯s character, he won¡¯t stop by the end of the Far East Fleet. Are you sure you¡¯re ready for the border? ¡±


    Even though President Choo Un-hee spoke with determination during the hotline call with Putin, she was concerned as the naval war with Russia¡¯s Far East Fleet began.


    ¡°Yes, you don¡¯t have to worry. President! The border has been under alert for nearly a month now. In addition, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have prepared a countermeasure for all the cases that might happen. You can trust our Republic of Korea Armed Forces.¡±


    Even though minister Kang Ui-sik had a worried expression on his face, he spoke clearly.


    ¡°Of course I trust you. Then I¡¯d like to ask you a favor.¡±


    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s your request?¡±


    ¡°If there is an all-out war with Russia as a result of this naval battle, please ensure that the sacrifices of our soldiers who are someone¡¯s son, father, or husband are as low as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will do my best.¡±


    When Minister Kang responded with a loud voice, National Security Director Kang Hyun-sooughed loudly and told the president.


    ¡°Hahaha, was it a coincidence? During thest Northeast Asian War, former President Suh Hyun-woo just said the same thing as you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so? I guess that¡¯s how everyone would think when they¡¯re here.¡±


    While many talks were going on, six Hoc destroyers were flying in the sky one after the other.


    * * *


    September 24, 2023, 17:20 Russian time,


    Russia¡¯s Freyrorsky Kray Danegorsk, 15 kilometers south of the country.


    Six IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft had just left the coastline of the Primordial Coast and were slowly entering the airspace of the Far East Fleet with a distance of 30 km from each other.


    Bee bee bee! Bee bee!


    At this moment, the missile detection sensor was activated on the six IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft and an rm sounded in the cockpit.


    The airspace over which the maritime patrol aircraft was flying was, of course, Russian airspace. In other words, it could be a starting point for an all-out war, as opposed to the war that is currently happening between the two countries on the seas.


    -Rea..! 55 seconds to reach! The missile is too fast.


    Through the pilot and co-pilot¡¯s headphones, a voice close to screams of the Unit one avionics operator rang through the radio waves.


    Yuri Gazski, the pilot and squadronmander of Unit 1, opened up all maritime patrol aircraft andmunications and gave urgent instructions.


    ¡°This is unit one! There is no time. Drop ¡®Aion Glum¡¯ from the current location to the specified coordinates and immediately start evasive maneuvers. Repeat. Drop ¡®Aion Glum¡¯ at the designated coordinates and immediately start evasive maneuvers.¡±


    -Number two, received!


    -Number three, received!


    -Number four, received!


    -Number five, received!


    -Number six, received!


    Simultaneously with the response, the heavy missiles mounted at the bottom center of each maritime patrol aircraft were separated one by one, and then a powerful propent exploded and flew forward.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The KHL-100 mobile radar missile, dubbed the ¡°Ion Glum¡± because of its sleek design and four auxiliary jet engines, flew at an rming speed toward the set coordinate.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do our own evasive maneuver!¡±


    As the urgent instruction was issued from themander of the Unit one squadron, the IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft turned left and right while maximizing the output of their jet engines.


    However, it was impossible to avoid the GTAS-300 Haecheonryong surface-to-air missile flying down at an altitude of 50 kilometers and flying at Mach ten.


    Whoosh!


    First of all, Number three maritime patrol ne collided with the GTAS-300 Sea-Cheonryong Surface-to-Air missile, and exploded in the mid-air and shattered into pieces.


    Subsequently, number two and four had the same fate.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Like the teeth of a beast that preys on its prey, the GTAS-300 Sea Cheonryong surface-to-air missile urately and reliably caught its prey.


    In an instant, three maritime patrol nes turned intorge and small fireballs and fell to the ground. Despite avoiding the first missile, ne number 5 was shot down by the second GTAS-300 Sea Dragon Surface-to-Air Missile.


    Finally, a missile struck the first ne¡¯s left wing. It eventually crashed to the ground after spinning around.


    However, not long after, the second GTAS-300 Sea Cheonryong surface-to-air missile wasunched and collided with the surviving aircrafts, resulting in the loss of all six IL-39 Sarakov patrol aircraft crew members.


    Meanwhile, theunched KHL-100 mobile radar missile, called the ¡°Ion Glum,¡± quickly approached the 7th fleet, using four auxiliary jet engines.


    The 7th fleet naturally detected the KHL-100 mobile radar missile and began intercepting it, but the intercept procedure was halted because the estimated strike point analyzed was 120 kilometers away from the 7th fleet. The crew members of the 7th fleet had no idea it was a mobile radar missile.

 Chapter 388

    <h4>Chapter 388</h4>


    :30, 24th of November, 2023


    International waters, East Sea, 43¡ã 1¡ä 17.06¡å north, 139¡ã 23¡ä 53.69¡å east (the location of the 7th Maritime Task Floti)


    <ul>


    Target one! Crasnding at 155 km northeast of the sea.


    Target two! Crasnding at 180km north of the sea.


    Target three! Crasnding at 121km northwest of the sea.


    Target four! Crasnding at 143km west of the sea.


    Target five! Crasnding at 189km west of the sea.


    Target six! Crasnding at 123 kilometers southwest of the sea.


    </ul>


    The operator, who was tracking each given target, rushed to report.


    ¡°Turns out it¡¯s not a missile in the DB identification of friend or foe (IFF).¡±


    ¡°What the hell? What about that missile? It¡¯s not even a few kilometers¡¯ error, each one of these hit points has over 100km error, right?¡± the operator mumbled with a look on his face that mirrored his bewilderment.


    And then the other operator next to him replied yfully, ¡°What do you mean? At least he tried to shoot it once before he died. Whether it¡¯s right or not. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Well, is that so? It makes sense. Haha.¡±


    The operators all over the battlemand room joked andughed sarcastically because of the maritime patrol aircraft (MPA)¡¯s missile that had fallen out of the hitting error range by an absurd degree.


    At this time, tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min rebuked the operators, ¡°You¡¯re not quiet even when the admiral is here? We are in the middle of a battle. Stay focused until the end!¡±


    The tactical control officer, who warned the operators lightly, went to Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun and spoke apologetically, ¡°We¡¯re sorry, Admiral. When the battle is over, we¡¯ll train hard.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. It can happen. Anyway, aren¡¯t you suspicious of these missiles?¡± The unidentified missile kept bothering the admiral¡¯s mind.


    ¡°What? The missiles that just fell?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a little suspicious to just easily fail like this.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got a bad feeling, too, but I¡¯m not really sure...,¡± Kim Hyuk-min, the tactical control officer who had nothing to say, evaded speaking.


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun approached the identification of friend or foe (IFF)¡¯s analyst and asked, ¡°We can¡¯t identify the missile yet?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s... I kept trying to search, but I couldn¡¯t find it.¡±


    The identification of friend or foe (IFF)¡¯s analyst tapped on the keyboard and controlled the console, but couldn¡¯t find any information about the missile.


    ¡°We¡¯ve checked it three times, but it looks like it¡¯s not in the DB identification of friend or foe (IFF).¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? When was the DB updated?¡± tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min also approached and asked additional questions.


    ¡°It was updated before sailing from Jeju Ind, nearly a month ago.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s a month, is it thetest version?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. It is thetest version.¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s a Russian missile that we don¡¯t know about. I want you to send the missile information you¡¯ve detected to the marine officers immediately!


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun, who was constantly concerned about the unidentified missiles that were not even in the DB identification of friend or foe (IFF), wanted to make sure that the detected missile information was found.


    Meanwhile, the KHL-100 mobile radar missile, which had fallen into the sea near the 7th Maritime Task Floti, opened its parachute and was slowly sucked into the sea as it separated its warhead from its body just before colliding with the surface.


    And not long after that, four buoyant bags were spread out on the side of the long warhead that had sunk into the water, and it slowly rose to the surface.


    Whoosh!


    In the center of the upper part of the warhead, which appeared above the surface, a small loop opened with a mechanical sound, and then a long square-shaped radar popped out and rose to about 10 meters.


    All sides of the square were full of numerous devices (radar modules).


    Each device was independently transmitting beams unequally, and ultra-small active electron scanning phase array radar (AESAR: Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar), which was worth $100 million per unit, received independently reflected signals and had begun to operate in the sea around the 7th Maritime Task Floti.


    As soon as the Ion Glum, which detects everything at sea and above the sea up to 200 kilometers in the surrounding area, had detected the Hoc destroyer, the detection information was immediately data-linked to the Far East fleet, which consisted of the MiG-31BM fighter Bomber, the Tu-22M Tupolev Strategic Bomber, and waiting on the coast of the Maritime Province, the great artillery K-300P Bastion.


    <hr />


    :33, 24th of November, 2023


    International waters, East Sea, 43¡ã 20¡ä 20.37¡å north, 136¡ã 19¡ä 47.79¡å east (the location of the Far East Fleet)


    The atmosphere at the navigating tform was a bit rxed thanks to the reports that six naval IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft which would be the eye of the Far East Fleet, had been shot down by ship-to-air missiles of the 7th Maritime Task Floti.


    Even before sailing, Admiral Valerie Karpin, who had been having ominous thoughts about the mission, looked at the visible horizon beyond the bridge window, thinking that his ominous thoughts hade to reality.


    As themander of the Far East Fleet, he felt ufortable because he had pushed his men into hell¡¯s furnace.


    ¡°Captain Izmailov, I¡¯m sorry. You have met a stupidmander.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯ll be proud to lose my life for my mothend, Russia.¡±


    Understanding Admiral Valerie Karpin¡¯s feelings to some extent, Captain Marat Izmailov blurted out some consoling words that he didn¡¯t even believe to ease the admiral¡¯s burden.


    ¡°It gives me a littlefort to think this way. Let¡¯s have vodka together in hell.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, there is vodka in hell?¡±


    In the meantime, and while joking around, they were waiting for the third ship-to-air missiles attack by the 7th Maritime Task Floti. At that time, the news of the knight¡¯s sacrifice came from the Combat Intelligence Control Room.


    ¡°Commander! All destroyers of by the 7th Maritime Task Floti have now been detected.¡±


    Captain Marat Izmailov approached the telmunication console and confirmed it again, ¡°Really? Were they detected?¡±


    ¡°Yes, all six Ion Glum¡¯s IL-39 Sarakov maritime patrol aircraft that wereunched before were shot down safely into the sea around the 7th Maritime Task Floti, and the radar worked just fine.¡±


    ¡°The Ion Glum?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an ultra-small phased array radar system.¡±


    Admiral Valerie Karpin nodded slightly as Captain Marat Izmailov tilted his head.


    ¡°The General Staff Department mobilized a very expensive weapon for the Far East fleet.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Admiral, you know about the Ion Glum?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve only heard of it too, as it¡¯s probably first-ss confidentiality. I understand that only tacticalmanders know about it.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I see. Then we have to fight back.¡±


    ¡°Yes! We can¡¯t let them get away with it! Operators!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral!¡±


    ¡°All the anti-ship missiles are avable to the entire fleet! Why don¡¯t we make them pay for what they¡¯ve done with extra interest?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will end it with a single attack.¡±


    <hr />


    :34, 24th of November, 2023


    International waters, East Sea, 43¡ã 1¡ä 17.06¡å north, 139¡ã 23¡ä 53.69¡å east (the location of the 7th Maritime Task Floti)


    Once he had dismissed his suspicions about the unidentified missile, Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun walked to the top of the battlemand room to attack the Far East fleet again and kept his eyes on the screen.


    A red triangle that marked the suspiciousness of the surviving Far East fleet was still sailing toward Hokkaido.


    ¡°Tactical control officers! Fire four Haeseong A anti-ship missiles per target! Exclude thending ship from the targets!¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re going to fire four Haeseong A anti-ship missiles per target, but we will exclude thending ship. Targeting 2 goals on this ship! The remaining targets are allocated and targeted by each box.¡±


    At the order of Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun, tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min gave orders for the allocation of targets to the remaining Hoc destroyers.


    Rat-a-tat-tat! Rat-a-tat-tat!


    As soon as the detailed orders from tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-Min were issued, the hands of the arms operator and themunication officers became busy.


    At this time, the senior investigator took off his headphones and shouted, ¡°Argh! Many air-to-ship missiles have emerged against our fleet! 1,100 kilometers from the northwest direction and two points north. Many missiles have been detected! 19 missiles! Oh, there are more.¡±


    As soon as the six Ion Glums data-linked the information of the detected the Hoc destroyer in the 7th Maritime Task Floti, all hypersonic anti-ship missiles, KH-47M2 Kinzhal air-to-ship missiles, were poured out; the 12 MiG-31BM warnes from Zhelesnogorsk Air Base, were fired from furthest distance, and also the Tu-22M Tupolev Strategic Bomber Squadrons from Krasnoyarsk airbase were fired too.


    On the center screen of the battlemand room, several red lines moving at great speeds and in different directions were shown moving toward the 7th Maritime Task Floti.


    ¡°A total of 40 aircraft! They¡¯re very fast. I assume they¡¯re at the speed of Mach 10! 312 seconds until they arrive at the front!¡±


    Unlike a while ago when the operators were making a fuss, they moved around the battlemand room calmly.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to do missile identification of friend or foe.¡±


    As the identification of friend or foe analyst quickly tapped the keyboard, the results of the analysis came out on the monitor.


    ¡°It¡¯s confirmed, these are KH-47M2 Kinzhal air-to-ship missiles with nuclearunched engines. The range is 2,000 km and the speed is around Mach 10!¡±


    ¡°It is a hypersonic anti-ship missile equipped with a nuclearunched engine... Russia too has a lot of advanced military technology.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun had his hands sped behind his back while observing the situation, when tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min directly approached the former investigator¡¯s console and asked while looking at the monitor directly, ¡°Was our floti detected?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is flying exactly towards our floti destroyer. I¡¯m sure it was targeted.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it was just suddenly detected... Damn it!¡±


    Due to powerful SECM (wave disturbance system) and excellent stealth performance, the dominance of the 7th Maritime Task Floti, which had not been detected, had ended.


    ¡°We won¡¯t be able to always fight in an advantageous position! Anyway, there is enough time for intercepting.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun peeked at his watch, turned his eyes to the central screen, and ordered an attack on the Far East fleet.


    ¡°First, weunch anti-ship missiles at the Far East Fleet and then intercept the air-to-ship missiles. Launch anti-ship missiles from the ready destroyers!¡±


    As soon as Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun¡¯sst firing order was issued, fiery mes and smoke rose from the functional 48-cell K-VLS2 of the six Hoc destroyers and the Haeseong A anti-ship missile burst.


    When a total of 28 Haeseong A anti-ship missiles escaped the K-VLS2 (verticaluncher) and reached the altitude handover limit, the Far East Fleet also fired 150 anti-ship missiles toward the 7th Maritime Task Floti.


    ¡°The Far East has also fired anti-ship missiles at the fleet. ording to missile analysis, there are 24 P-800 Onyx supersonic anti-ship missiles! 66 P-700 Granite supersonic anti-ship missiles! And 60 KH-35 Uran subsonic anti-ship missiles!¡±


    The Far East Fleet, which blew away more than $1 billion in supersonic and hypersonic anti-ship missiles in the first attack, fired anti-ship missiles that were equivalent to the first attack as if it did not want to miss the opportunity that came at the expense of a knight. It seemed to have fired all the anti-ship missiles that could be fired at the same time.


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun, who was frowning when he fired anti-ship missiles at the Far East Fleet, ordered tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min, ¡°There are too many missiles to intercept! Activate the Hoc¡¯s automatic interception system!¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re running the Hoc Automatic Interception System.¡±


    Six Hoc destroyers converted to automatic interception systems after the restatement of tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min. Six Hoc artificial intelligenceputers calcted an optimum guaranteed target interception whilemunicating with each other.


    With nearly 200 anti-ship missiles from both countries flying low in the sky and above sea level, ship-to-air missiles aiming to intercept the anti-ship missiles flew off, each drawing a white line of smoke heading toward its target.


    It was the middle of a horrible battlefield, but if you were looking at it from a third-person perspective, your jaw would¡¯ve dropped and you would¡¯ve thought that it was a wonderful sight.

 Chapter 389

    <h4>Chapter 389</h4>


    :35, 24th of November, 2023 (Iraqi time 09:35)


    The square in front of the Kirkuk city hall, at Kirkuk city, Iraq


    When the battle of the Golden Division began on the afternoon of the 21st, they did not receive a stable supply of coal for a day and a half but seeded miraculously in defending under bad conditions. And then, after the 112th Marine Battalion and 113th Marine Task Forcepletely upied the Kirkuk oil field, and as soon as joining the 111th Marine Battalion, the battle was turned around. The six armored brigades of the Golden Division suffered and the division itself nearly destructed, with only some remaining troops retreating from Kirkuk.


    The 111th Marine Battalion, which had faced the six armored brigades of the Golden Division for a day and a half, lost around 50 percent of its military power and about 20 soldiers, but facing six armored brigades and smashing two of them were marked as a milestone in the history of war and a great achievement.


    When the Golden Division retreated from Kirkuk city, Iranian troops were no longer seen to block the 11th Marine Corps Brigade (Gwangryong).


    In response, the 11th Marine Corps Brigade (Gwangryong) immediately evacuated the city of Kirkuk, and during a day-long street war, the Iranian military guerri unit stationed in the city waspletely wiped out.


    Kirkuk City, thest upied city in the Kurdish Republic¡¯s war of independence, had been ended by the 11th Marine Corps Brigade (Gwangryong).


    In front of Kirkuk City Hall Square, where endless gunfire finally subsided, the 111th Marine Battalion¡¯s tanks, marines, and Kurdistan Republican guards lined up to prepare for the hoisting ceremony of the national gs of Corea and the Republic of Kurdistan.


    The 11th Marine Corps Brigade (Gwangryong)¡¯smander gave the honor of raising the national g of Corea to the Marines who had made the greatest contribution among the 111th Marine Battalion.


    This honor of heroes was for Sergeant Kim Yoon-Sung, who was the tankmander and member of the tank 312 crew, Corporal Lee Hae-Sung who was the gunner, and Sergeant Gil Min-Joon who was the driver.


    The three had smiles on their faces that they didn¡¯t seem to be able to hide, and stood in front of two hoisting tables wearing white gloves. Next to them stood three Republican guards originally from Kirkuk, who represented the Republic of Kurdistan.


    After a while, the Corean national anthem went off at the signal of Officer Jeong Hoon-byeong of the battalion, and three members of the 312 tank crew raised the Corean g to the beat in a disciplined manner.


    The camera shutter of the battalion and the war correspondent went off, and crowds of reporters of the public broadcaster KBS, who had rushed to the areast night, filmed the hoisting ceremony.


    ¡°He he it is, it is worthing to the Middle East for this show,¡± with a smile that he couldn¡¯t hide, Corporal Lee Hae-Sung opened his mouth a little bit and mumbled.


    ¡°Oh! The right side of my face is handsome, but they¡¯re only filming from one side. Damn it, I¡¯ll change seats before it starts,¡± Sergeant Gil Min-Joong, the driver, also murmured with a smile.


    ¡°Shh! Won¡¯t you be quiet? Shut up and keep up the beat!¡± Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung had been ring at them, a look that didn¡¯t match his strong personality, but it was probably because he was nervous.


    ¡°Oh, Deputy Manager! Don¡¯t frown. It¡¯s on air all over the country.¡±


    ¡°Be quiet!¡±


    With the end of the national anthem, the g hoisting ceremony of the Corean g was over.


    Then, as the national anthem of the Republic of Kurdistan was yed, the republic¡¯s g that had several paintings on a green background slowly began to rise.


    The eyes of more than 200 Kurdistan Republic guards who were lined up next to the Marines, did not miss the g and their tears were falling like a broken ne of pearls.


    The Coreans were proud people with a long history of five thousand years. However, the feeling of the Kurds would not have been different from what the people felt on August 15, 1945, when 36 years of Japanese colonial rule ended and the Koreans were liberated from the upation that brutally stamped on their history of brilliant cultural traditions and cut off the stem of Korean history.


    At the end of the hoisting ceremony, the Kurdistan Republican guards hugged each other and shed tears, and some of them rushed to the Marines and shook hands with them and raised their thumbs. In this amicable atmosphere, everyone had a break except for some exploratory missions.


    ¡°Wow! It¡¯s a win! Will my face be on the news tonight for sure? If I knew this would happen, I would have put on some face masks; my face ispletely ck.¡± Sergeant Gil Min-Joon was lying on a makeshift bed and examining his face with a small hand mirror, sighing as he looked at his burnt face.


    ¡°Oi! Mr. Gil Bang! Don¡¯t you think soldiers need to be ck-faced to look manly?¡± Corporal Lee Hae-Sung, who was fiddling with a portable game console, scolded him with a look of iprehension.


    ¡°Hey, you! I¡¯ll be a model as soon as I¡¯m discharged. I am only two months away from discharge, son!¡±


    Sergeant Gil Min-Joon, who was 183 centimeters tall and had a good appearance, was an aspiring model even before joining the military.


    ¡°Hahaha, who¡¯s going to make you a model?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, I was wondering if Corporal Naburintang wasing or not, you know he is dog crap? Do you want to die?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Do I want to die? You¡¯re so mean to yourrades who have risked their lives to fight next to you.¡±


    ¡°Fellow soldier! What nonsense is this! You¡¯re a corporal, Naburintang! I¡¯m a sergeant, which is higher than a captain, jerk!¡±


    ¡°A sergeant! I¡¯ll be a sergeant next month.¡±


    At that time, Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung, the deputy manager of staff, entered the barracks.


    ¡°Hey! Who is a higher sergeant than a captain? You sons of bitches! Eat this and rest!¡± Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung threw a stic bag to Corporal Lee Hae-sung.


    ¡°What is this? Oh, it¡¯s cold!¡± Corporal Lee Hae-sung, who, without thinking, caught the stic bag, was surprised by the coldness on his palms. Then he opened the stic bag and checked the content.


    ¡°Wow! This is tank girl! How did you find this?¡±


    ¡°What? Jjujuba? Tank girl?¡±


    Sergeant Gil Min-joon flew to Private Lee Hae-sung¡¯s bed like he was diving and snatched a tank girl.


    ¡°Wow! Mr. Deputy Manager! Where did you get this?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯te from anywhere! The supplies... I begged the administrator for two more,¡± Sergeant Kim Yoon-sung shrugged his shoulders and said proudly.


    ¡°Wow! Our angel, Deputy Manager! We love you.¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung and Sergeant Gil Min-joon with unbing eyes picked the tank girl sticks and put them in their mouths.


    ¡°Wow! It¡¯s so delicious. I feel the cold all over my body.¡±


    ¡°How long has it been since you had one? Hahaha.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just the delicious tank girls that they liked so much. It was because they were grateful for the relief that they had survived the horrific battle and tears welling up when they heard the news of their closerades¡¯ deaths, and that they were able to joke around andugh with each other like this.


    <hr />


    :36, November 24th, 2023


    International waters, East Sea, 43¡ã 1¡ä 17.06¡å north, 139¡ã 23¡ä 53.69¡å east (the location of the 7th Maritime Task Floti)


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun and tactical controller Kim Hyuk-min had nothing to do on the Gwanghae warship (DDG-1001), which was converted into an automatic interception system. They only listened to each operator¡¯s report and watched the main tactical screen.


    Artificial intelligence supeputer Hoc had targeted andunched suitable ship-to-air missiles from the most dangerous anti-ship missiles.


    In response, various anti-aircraft missiles soared into the sky at the function and the stern of the Gwanghaeham (DDG-1001) and several other K-VSL (verticalunchers) installed in the middle, as well as other Hoc destroyers.


    The status was disyed in real time on the tactical screen of the battlemand room. Colorful models, symbols, and several colorful lines made the digital map of the tactical screen chaotic.


    Bam! Coo! Bang!


    A hypersonic anti-ship missileunched from the Far East fleet collided with the GTAS-300 Sea-Dragon ship-to-air missile, creating a spectacr fireworks show. These fireworks continued to happen from one ce to another.


    ¡°Target number one! Sessfully intercepted! Target number two sessfully intercepted!¡±


    In fact, even if there was no report from the operator, a close look at the tactical screen showed whether the intercept was sessful or not.


    It was a sessful intercept if the lines of different colors met, blinked a few times, and then disappeared, and a failed one if one line was drawn to the 7th Maritime Task Floti.


    However, the operator was obligated to report it.


    And like a hotteok restaurant that is hot everywhere, the air in the battlemand room where rted information was being reported, was both heavy and hot.


    In no time, they were trying to intercept all of the hypersonic P-800 Onyx and supersonic P-700 Granites from the Far East fleet, when one of the radar technicians reported, nearly screaming with a face as if he had seen a ghost.


    ¡°A new missile has appeared at a point 298 kilometers northward! Presumably a surface-to-ship missile! The speed is about Mach 2.5! There are 19 now! It keeps increasing. 22 now! Its final count is a confirmed 24!¡±


    The radar technician reported the increasing number of red remote points on the monitor screen and the detected missiles information was identified on the monitor of the Identification Analyst across the DB identification of friend or foe.


    ¡°The supersonic surface-to-ship missile, P-800 Onyx, turned out to be an export type, P-800 Yahont! 300km range and Mach 2.5.¡±


    Russia developed the P-800 by upgrading the P-500 Bazalt. There were two versions of the P-800; the P-800 Onyx for local use and the P-800 Yahont for exporting. The P-800 Onyx, which is for local use, has a speed of Mach 4.5 and a range of 600 kilometers, while the exported version is a downgraded version with a speed of Mach 2.5 and a range of only 300 kilometers.


    The K-330P Bastion anti-ship artillery, which was deployed on the southwest coast of Ussuri, Primorsky Province to support the Far East Fleet, was originally designed to be exported. However, as the war with Corea approached, Russia deployed all weapons, even the ones designed to be exported.


    ¡°Is it surface-to-ship?


    ¡°Yes, three K-330P Bastion surface-to-ship artilleries are identified.¡±


    ¡°I will hit the starting point. If you could fire an anti-ship missile at this fleet, you will pay for it.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun wanted tounch a starting point attack on theunching system that fired the KH-47M2 Kinzal air-to-ship missiles, but he had no choice but to clench his teeth and get over it because it was over 1,200 kilometers away.


    However, the K-330P Bastion surface-to-ship battery was close enough to hit the starting point.


    ¡°Manual preparation for 12 Cheollong B surface-to-surface missiles!¡±


    ¡°Yes, we target 12 Cheollong B surface-to-surface missiles, 4 for each target.¡±


    Unlike the existing Cheollong A surface-to-surface missiles, the Cheollong B surface-to-surface missiles, equipped with 50 small sma-diffused ammunition, were specialized in starting points attacks on armored units or mobileunching vehicles that could burn 20 ser fields to the ground per unit.


    Kim Hyuk-min, a tactical control officer, reported again saying that the officer in charge of surface-to-surface missiles had begun theunch process manually.


    ¡°Set up 4 Cheollong B missiles per target! Ready to fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡± Kim Hyuk-min, the tactical control officer, immediately approved theunch once he heard the officer¡¯s report.


    In the second 48-cell K-VLS2 (verticaluncher), a silver-colored Cheollong B surface-to-surface missile burst into the sky, appearing through white smoke. A total of 12 Cheollong B surface-to-surface missiles disappeared from sight in an instant, drawing arge arc behind them.


    The Cheollong B surface-to-surface missile, which flies to the starting point target, will follow the moving target through its own active radar before the finalunch and spray 50 bomblets when it¡¯s at 100 meters above the ground. Even if the K-330P Bastion surface-to-ship artillery moved immediately after firing the P-800 Yahont missile, there was a high chance that it would be well-tracked and destroyed.


    ¡°What is the current status of the Haesung A missiles?¡±


    Since Russia¡¯s anti-ship missiles flying toward the 7th Maritime Task Floti were being handled by the Hoc Automatic Interception System, Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun now turned his attention to the Haesung A anti-ship missiles flying toward the Far East fleet and asked questions.


    ¡°Yes, out of the 28 missiles, 7 missiles have been intercepted. We¡¯re on the verge of a collision with the remaining 21 Russian anti-aircraft missiles.¡±


    ¡°Well, the primary interception rate is up to 25 percent!¡±


    Kim Hyuk-min, a tactical control officer who heard Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun talking to himself, said, ¡°Except for the proximity defense system, this will be thest interception.¡±


    ¡°I suppose so!¡±


    ¡°7 missiles in this second interception! Assuming that two missiles are intercepted by the proximity defense system, at least 10 to 14 missiles will be able to hit the Far East fleet.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun also epted the remarks of the confident tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min by nodding his head.


    At this time, the voice of the radar technician rang in the battlemand room again. Now, he was neither surprised nor reporting this in a voice that was nearly screaming. They were now calmly epting the reality of being in the worst situation.


    ¡°Oh, several new air-to-ship missiles have emerged! It is an air-to-ship, 385 kilometers west, with 10 kilometers altitude, and theunching vehicle is a Su-35 fighter-bomber. Total 24 missiles confirmed! 250 seconds to reach the front!¡±


    ¡°KH-22S Burya, a long-range air-to-ship missile, has been identified!¡±


    When the radar technician reported it, the identification of friend or foe (IFF) immediately knew and reported it, ¡°KH-22S Burya, the air-to-ship missile ranges from 600 kilometers to 1,000 kilometers, and its speed is from Mach 3.5 to 4.5.¡±


    As the number of missilesunched at them increased, Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun questioned Russia¡¯s decisions in the current situation, ¡°What the hell are the Russians thinking to fire more than 200 missiles at just six destroyers?¡±


    Russia¡¯s total number of anti-ship missiles fired to the 7th Maritime Task Floti was up to 248 missiles. So far, 88 Russian anti-ship missiles have been intercepted!


    There were still 160 left.


    The biggest problem here was that the arrival time of up to 100 out of 160 anti-ship missiles was at the same time slot. It also included the 40 most dangerous KH-47M2 Kinzal aircraft.

 Chapter 390

    <h4>Chapter 390</h4>


    :40, November 24th, 2023,


    The East Sea, northtitude 43¡ã20¡¯20.37¡å, east longitude 136¡ã19¡¯47.79, international waters (the Far East Fleet)


    Following the words of Lt. Colonel Kim Hyuk-min, the tactical control officer, a total of 11 Haesung A anti-ship missiles broke through the Far East fleet¡¯s mid-range anti-aircraftwork and prated into the proximity defense system,


    Afterpleting the pop-up maneuver, one Haesung A anti-ship missile, which fell at a frightening speed towards a definite target, struck the center of the Sobremenni-ss Vestrasini (DDG-434) as it was.


    Coo! Bang!


    In a momentary explosion, the Vestrasini (DDG-434) with a full discement of 7,940 tons was bent into a V shape, and then a strange roar that twisted the keel rang throughout the whole ship. Then ck smoke rose everywhere with the soaring red mes.


    Cooo! Bang!


    The explosion did not stop and took ce on both sides of the ship. The anti-ship missiles, which was waiting to beunched, seemed to have exploded.


    And like this, as soon as the continuous hitting was all over the width of the Vestrasini (DDG-434), it was tattered to the point of being unrecognizable, and soon after a second Haesung A anti-ship missile flew towards it, it was quickly sucked into the sea.


    Meanwhile, the Udaloy-ss Admiral Panteleyev (BPK-548), which had been advancing at sea about a kilometer away, it had a huge cloud of mes that rose like a mushroom cloud with sounds of loud explosion. The sailors who survived the first st jumped into the sea by instinct to live without receiving any orders to leave.


    Captain Marat Izmilov, who was watching from the ship¡¯s bridge, clenched his teeth.


    ¡°We can¡¯t be the only ones who die like this. Tell them to fire anything that has finished reloading!¡±


    Unlike Captain Marat Izmilov, who expresses his anger, Admiral Valerie Carpin gently closed his eyes and spoke quietly.


    ¡°What happened to the anti-ship missile weunched?¡±


    At Admiral Valerie Carpin¡¯s words, Captain Marat Izmilov approached the telmunications console and snatched up themunication gear connected to the battle information control office.


    ¡°What is going on with our anti-ship missile? Why isn¡¯t there a report?¡±


    The angry captain¡¯s voice was heard in the battle information control room, which was busy intercepting the Haesung A missile flying toward the ship, when the startledbat information control officer immediately replied.


    I¡¯m s- I¡¯m sorry. The report waste because of the interception situation. Currently, 121 missiles have been intercepted, and only 29 missiles have reached the close range. The types of missiles are 12 Granite supersonic anti-ship missiles! and 17 KH-35 Uran subsonic anti-ship missiles


    Bam!


    In response to something below expectations, Captain Marat Izmilov punched the top of themunication console.


    ¡°Damn it! I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s only 29 missiles out of 150 missiles. You said there are 17 subsonic missiles?¡±


    The current Hok destroyer¡¯s proximity defense system was more than 100% intercepting in the case of subsonic anti-ship missiles. That is why we should have expected 12 Granite supersonic anti-ship missiles, but the probability was not very high.


    At that time, the operation officer Alexander Kerzakov, who was only looking at what is happening in the situation, made positive remarks for the morale of the crew members in the bridge.


    ¡°Captain! Even if all of our fleet¡¯s missiles are intercepted, there are still 98 missiles left, including Kinzal¡¯s hypersonic missiles and there is the Maritime Task Floti Seven. That is enough missile volume for destruction.¡±


    Captain Marat Izmilov, who briefly calmed down at the operator¡¯s words, and while watching the Admiral Panteleyev (BPK-548), which shows now only a part of the mast through the bridge¡¯s window, He sighed and said.


    ¡°Whoo~ Our fleet¡¯s revenge should be ended with our fleet¡¯s missiles, right?¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t that there¡¯s nothing we can do about it, right? So...¡±


    Operations officer Alexander Kerzakov soon closed his mouth, blurring the end of what he was saying to see if he understood the captain¡¯s feelings.


    In the middle of this conversation, the destruction of the Far East Fleet continued. Even thest Sobremenni-ss Bezvoyazenenny (DDG-672), which was advancing from the right side of the Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181), exploded after being hit by two Haesung A missiles.


    When the sound of waves tearing the air along with the sound of explosion hit the bridge of the Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181), various objects in the bridge was shaking.


    <ul>


    Bezboeyaznenyham attack! Bezboeyaznenyham attack!


    </ul>


    The operator¡¯s voice screaming from thebat information control office rang throughout the bridge on themunicationwork.


    In the meantime, when Alexander Kerzakov ordered a second anti-ship missile attack, itunched supersonic anti-ship missiles reloaded from the Kirov-ss and gship Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181), the Lider-ss cruiser Spiridonov (CGN-902), and the Bezpritzni (CGN-904).


    And as soon as the Udaloy-ss Civil Vinogradov ship (BPK-572), which waste to reload, was about tounch an anti-ship missile, when the entire bridge was blown away by the Haesung A missile that broke through the proximity defense system and exploded. As a result, the anti-ship missile just beforeunching was stopped without and did not aplish its mission.


    Bba- bba- bba- bba- bba- bba- bang! Bba- bba- bba- bba- bba- bba- bba- bang!


    Numerous metal bullets fired by Azak Rail gun from the Lider-ss cruisers, the Spiridonov (CGN-902) and the Bezpritzny (CGN-904), decorated the cloudless blue sky.


    Several red metal bullets beams were being constantly bent like taffy, it followed everything. And soon something exploded in the air.


    It was one of the two Haesung A missiles aimed at the Bezfritzni (CGN-904). However, the remaining one eventually exploded by hitting the helicopter hangar on the ship¡¯s side of the Bezfritzni (CGN-904). Two KA-28 anti-submarine helicopters flew mercilessly as they were caught up in the explosion¡¯s power.


    Numerous fragments flew in, and the ship was horribly torn that sea water came in rapidly. As a result, the Bezfritzni (CGN-904) slowly began to tilt toward the ship.


    And the speaker inside the ship either with the captain¡¯s order or anothermander¡¯s order, but a pressing voice rang out the order to retreat. As a result, many sailors rushed into the sea from the left and right sides of the ship.


    But November¡¯s north-east sea water is cold. It hasn¡¯t even been a few minutes, when all the sailors showed symptoms of hypothermia and their death became clear.


    While the sailors struggled to live on the rough waves, the air defense cruiser, the 3rd Lider-ss ship Spiridonov (CGN-903), alsounched a dodging maneuver from the left and the right sides, and sprayed Azak Rail gun¡¯s metal bullets while intercepting the Haesung A anti-ship missiles. However, unfortunately, it finally hit the bridge and the function simultaneously.


    When the huge explosion broke out at the same time in both ces, the 18,000-ton at full-scale Spiridonov ship (CGN-903) was shaking up and down. Then, a zing high-temperature red me wrapped around the entire ship. As a result, the crew could not even scream and were burned into a lump of ck charcoal, and even the hard steel softly melted in.


    Hundreds of crew members miserable lives ended like this at some moment, just like those whomitted crimes in their previous lives and fell into the fire of hell, and the Spiridonov ship (CGN-903) followed them.


    And like this, thest air defense cruiser, the Spiridonov (CGN-903), sank into the sea with a series of explosions and rising ck smoke, and all what was left was the gship of the Far East Fleet and the second Kirov-ss ship, Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181).


    As his fleet turned into fire pits one after the other, and sank into the cold Northeast Sea, Admiral Valerie Carpin called Operation officer Kerzakov in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Operation officer!¡±


    ¡°Yes, admiral!¡±


    ¡°Contact thending ship and ask them to change their route immediately and surrender.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± We surrender?¡±


    Surprised by the word of surrender, Alexander Kerzakov asked back, but Admiral Valerie Carpin nodded instead of answering. Then, he fixated his eyes on the captain¡¯s disy.


    Currently on the captain¡¯s disy, anti-ship missiles fired from the Far East Fleet appeared to be marked with a symbol of a blue triangr point.


    ¡°I hope to see a South Korean destroyer sink by our fleet¡¯s anti-ship missiles before I die¡±.


    Captain Marat Izmilov spoke with emphasis at the words of Admiral Valerie Carpin, who wasining.


    ¡°Admiral! What do you mean one destroyer? All six ships can be buried.¡±


    The captain¡¯s words were nothing more than just wishful thinking.


    After switching to the pop-up engine, three Haesung A anti-ship missiles, rising above in the sky, rushed toward thestbat cruiser of the Far East Fleet, the Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181).


    A report was urgently posted from the battle information control office.


    <ul>


    Brace for impact! Brace for impact!


    </ul>


    At the fourth gate of the Hazard Rail gun, metal bullets were sprayed at a speedparable to the speed of light, but only one seeded in interception just before the collision, and whether it was bad luck or the performance of the weapon fire control system, as for the remaining two, they hit the function and the ship.


    Bang! Bang!


    The Admiral Lazarev ship (CGSN-181) was severely shaken by the impact of the first explosion. And so, the crew members in the bridge tried to hold on to all kinds of structures in preparation for the impact, but they were blown in all directions, and rolled on the floor at the instant of impact.


    Admiral Valerie Carpin also fell on the floor and hit his head against the wall, and Captain Marat Izmilov and Operation Officer Alexander Kerzakov were also in the same conditions.


    The floor of the bridge was littered with fragments of broken windows scattered chaotically on it, and from which the crew¡¯s moans and crying could be heard.


    Uugh!


    Save, save me!


    Arrrgh~


    Operator Alexander Kerzakov grabbed the console in front of him and struggled to get up to find the admiral. Admiral Valerie Carpin had his head hit into the wall at the back of the bridge and then he copsed.


    ¡°Are you okay, Admiral?¡±


    Operation officer Alexander Kerzakov, who struggled to walk, looked at Admiral Valerie Carpin. It looked fine except that a part of his head was broken and some blood was flowing out.


    ¡°Ugh! I, I¡¯m fine. What about the Captain?¡±


    Admiral Valerie Carpin looked for the captain as if he wasing back to his senses.


    ¡°Please wait a moment.¡±


    Operation officer Alexander Kerzakov turned his head around and found the captain among the fallen crew members.


    Captain Marat Izmilov was lying on his face in front of themunication console.


    ¡°Captain, are you okay?¡±


    The operational officer, who approached and tried to make the captain lie down correctly, was surprised and fell back.


    The fragments from the bridge¡¯s window were embedded not only in the captain¡¯s face but also all over his chest, turning into a hideous look. At the time of the explosion, it seemed that he received the fragments of the window intact.


    ¡°Damn, Damn it! Admiral! The captain was killed.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Admiral Valerie Carpin, who regained his senses, lowered his head when he saw Captain Marat Izmilov, who crawled slowly and turned into a hideous look.


    <ul>


    This is the battle information control room! I am a military officer. Please respond to the bridge. Please respond to the bridge.


    </ul>


    Amunication came from the battle information control office.


    ¡°What, what? The controller, h- h, did the officer contact you?


    <ul>


    The controller has been killed. Are you retreating?


    </ul>


    ¡°What do you mean retreat? We have to fight until the end¡±


    The operation officer yelled at themunicator.


    <ul>


    But, some systems in the control room are currently out of order. It is impossible to fight back.


    </ul>


    ¡°Damn, damn it, wait¡±


    Operator Alexander Kerzakov turned his head and looked at the ship over the broken window.


    The zing red me soared as if dancing, and the width of the VSL (verticalunch pad) in the ship was worrisome.


    It was only retirement. However, only the highestmander in the ship could issue the retreating order. That is why, he approached Admiral Valerie Carpin, who was sitting with his head down without saying a word, and said urgently.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look promising anymore. I think it would be a good idea to give the order to retreat before there is a verticaluncher destroyer for the ship.¡±


    ¡°Yes, retreat, order the entire ship to retreat.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Retreat! Retreat! It¡¯s an order to retreat.¡±


    The crew members of the bridge got up one by one at themander¡¯s shouts and tried to get out of the bridge, and themunications officer opened the entiremunicationwork of the ship and spread the retreat order to the whole ship.


    ¡°It¡¯s the admiral¡¯s order. All crew members should retreat! Retreat! Retreat immediately!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Admiral!¡±


    Operators Alexander Kerzakov tried to help Admiral Valerie Carpin up.


    Admiral Valerie Carpin shook hands with the operations officer and spoke in a sincere voice.


    ¡°I want to share my destiny with the ship¡¯s family. In fact, I would rather see the result of the enemy ship¡¯s sinking.¡±


    Admiral Valerie Carpin, who was speaking a lot of iprehensible words, walked slowly, sat on the captain¡¯s chair, and fixed his eyes on the captain¡¯s disy. Fortunately, the screen of the disy was still working normally.


    ¡°Admiral! You have to leave now.¡±


    ¡°Did you not understand what I said? Hurry up and leave with yourself and the other crew members.¡±


    ¡°Admiral!¡±


    ¡°Heavens! This person, it is an order. Just leave quickly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m s, I¡¯m sorry. Admiral!¡±


    Chock!


    Operation Officer Alexander Kerzakov, who made a military salute with his hand, swiped the flowing tears with his sleeves and left the bridge.


    ¡°Yeah, you too will go back alive.¡±


    He said with difficulty as he watched the back of the operation officer who was leaving the bridge. Then, he turned his eyes to the captain¡¯s disy again. On the screen, several blue triangr symbols reached close range towards the red square dot representing the Maritime Task Floti Seven destroyer.


    ¡°Cheer up a little bit.¡±


    Admiral Valerie Carpin was killed eventually without seeing the results of whether the Far East Fleet¡¯s anti-ship missile attacked the Maritime Task Floti Seven¡¯s Hok destroyer or not.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Various missiles mounted on the verticalunch pad of the ship causing an explosion, and the formidable explosive force blew away the entire bridge.

 Chapter 391

    <h4>Chapter 391</h4>


    :40, 24th of November, 2023,


    The East Sea, northtitude 43¡ã 1¡¯17.06¡å, east longitude 139¡ã23¡¯53.69¡å, international waters (The Maritime Task Floti Seven)


    ¡°The Far East Fleet gship! Confirm the attack on Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181)! Confirm the attack on Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181)!¡±¡±


    when the symbol of the Admiral Lazarev (CGSN-181) shed several times on the monitor and then disappeared from the screen, an operator at the Gwanghae Ship (DDG-1001) battlemand room shouted ¡°Hooray!¡±.


    Then the other crew members burst out cheering. But the cheers of joy soon ended.


    The anti-ship missiles of the Far East Fleet, which broke through the long-distance anti-aircraft defense line of the Maritime Task Floti Seven and broke through into the close defense system range, this was because about 90 various anti-ship missiles and about 10 additional anti-ship missiles from the Far East Fleet, which were still flying at 400 kilometers away.


    ¡°The ship of king Myeongjong the Great, the ship of king Hyojong the Great, and the ship of king Yeongjo the Great will be turned into a proximity defense system.¡±


    The operator in charge of the situation of the automatic interception system reported.


    The supeputer of the Hok destroyer created the best interception environment by exchanging data between the ships. ordingly, three Hok destroyers were in charge of the proximity defense system and the other three were in charge of long-distance interceptions.


    Several Shield-M short-range anti-aircraft missiles from three Hok destroyers got out of theunching tube with a sound of fire.


    The Shield-M short-range anti-aircraft missile, 120mm in diameter and 2m in length, soared into the sky making a U shape and colliding head-on with the anti-ship missile of the Far East Fleet, making a pop-up maneuver.


    Bang! Baaang! Boom! Bang!


    A series of colorful fireworks blew up in the sky.


    ¡°KH-35 Uran anti-ship missiles are all intercepted sessfully! six P-700 Granite anti-ship missiles are intercepted sessfully!¡±


    ¡°Now what is left are six P-700 Granite supersonic anti-ship missiles!¡±


    The operator who reported the interception result, swallowed his saliva nervously.


    Clink clink clink clink clink ~! Clink clink clink clink clink ~!


    When the short-range anti-aircraft missile broke through the anti-aircraft defense line, thest defense measure of the proximity defense system, the 22mmst shot Vulcan six cannonsser, automatically operated.


    The 22mmst shot Vulcanser, with one each installed at the top of the center of both sides of each Hok destroyer, aimed for the anti-ship missile, it went flying ording to the supeputer¡¯s error-free navigation calctions.


    A total of sixser beams poured non-stop as if they were cutting through the sky on the P-700 Granite anti-ship missile, which was just aiming for the bridge of the ship of king Myeongjong the Great (DDG-1002), and it exploded in the air.


    And the remaining five P-700 Onyx anti-ship missiles were also all intercepted withoutpleting their final mission.


    If Admiral Valerie Carpin of the Far East Fleet knew this result before he dies, he would not have been able tofortably leave our world.


    Meanwhile, as for the remaining three Hok destroyers, the KH-47M2 Kinzal air-to-ship missile, which ranked first in interception ording to its level of danger, flew at Mach 10 and entered the long-distance anti-aircraft range of 400 km, and at the 68-cell K-VLS (verticalunch pad), GTAS-300 Haecheonryong surface-to-air missiles soared into the sky, igniting blue lights one after another.


    ¡°The most dangerous one, KH-47M2 Kinzal! They are 40 missiles! 120 seconds until they reach their target!¡±


    ¡°The second most dangerous one, KH-22S Burya!¡± They are 24 missiles! 125 seconds until they reach its target!¡±


    ¡°The third most dangerous one, P-800 Yakhont!¡± They are 24 missiles! 142 seconds until they reach their target!¡±


    ¡°The fourth most dangerous one, P-800 Oniks!¡± They are 11 missiles! 131 seconds until they reach their target!¡±


    The four missiles had different speeds and ranges as well asunching points, but the arrival time was almost at the same time slot.


    ¡®Well, why are these missiles detected when the Far East Fleet has beenpletely destroyed?¡¯


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun was lost in thought as he was watching the operators¡¯ constant reports and dizzying tactical screens.


    At that moment, the unidentified missile came to his mind.


    ¡®Is it that? The missile¡¯s purpose is to be used for a something other than the normal attacking....¡¯


    When his thoughts got to this point, Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun rushed toward themunication console and asked themunication officer.


    ¡°Did you send the unidentified missile detection information to naval operationsmand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I sent it as soon as you ordered.¡±


    ¡°Did you get an answer?¡±


    It was greedy to expect an answer within a few minutes of sending it, but Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun asked just in case.


    ¡°There¡¯s no answer yet. It will take time to be analyzed even in the naval operationsmand...¡±


    ¡°Right, I guess so!¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun, who was being slowly convinced, immediately turned around and instructed the tactical control officer.


    ¡°Tactical control officer!¡±


    ¡°Yes, admiral!¡±


    ¡°Can you check where exactly was impact point of that unidentified missile that was fired from the marine patrol?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s possible.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun, who got lost in his thoughts once again at the response of tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min, thought of something while going back and forth from and into the battlemand room.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right. I¡¯ll have to check it out myself.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun flicking his fingers came up with a way, and immediately gave instructions to the tactical control officer.


    ¡°Is the spy satellite that supports our ship Apollo 5?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. It is Apollo 5.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± You have to send me the coordinates of the impact points right now and also send me the footage; I mean of all six ces.¡±


    ¡°Why is that? Admiral! If it had impacted with the sea, it would have fallen into the inside of the sea or would have exploded.¡±


    As the tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min tilted his head at the iprehensible instructions, Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun looked with a serious look at a small screen showing the point of impact.


    ¡°That¡¯s possible. I don¡¯t know if our destroyer is being detected because of that unidentified missile or not.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Since this missile has fell and our ship is being detected. Why didn¡¯t I think about this before? ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That is possible.¡±


    Only then did tactical controller Kim Hyuk-min understand, and he immediately gave orders to themunicator.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time! Tell them to send me the video as soon as possible!¡±


    In the meantime, reports on the interception status from the battlemand room operators continued, and the remaining three Hok destroyers that had switched to a close-defense system switched to long-range interception defense, and six Hok destroyers aimed at the anti-ship missiles that survived the first interception. And once again, the GTAS-300 Haecheonryong surface-to-air missiles flew off, emitting white smoke.


    It¡¯s a battle with time now. If all intercepts were sessful at a one-on-one ratio to enemy anti-ship missiles, it would be possible to defend with the anti-air defense system of the Hok destroyer. However, no matter how much the artificial intelligence of Hok¡¯s supeputer calctes everything without any error and performs the interception missions with the automatic interception system, the difference is that themand system and procedural time ording to themander¡¯s decisions in an emergency situation are quickly performed by arbitrary calctions of the supeputer, and the interception performance of existing anti-aircraft missiles did not increase.


    Moreover, all anti-ship missiles flying toward the Maritime Task Floti Seven were flying at a tremendous speed exceeding supersonic speed. It was very different from the era when subsonic anti-ship missiles were unrivaled a few years ago.


    Anyway, Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun was more confident and proud of the performance of the Hok automatic interception system than anyone else, but he did not want to even think about being hit because of even one Hok destroyer due to a failure to interception.


    While waiting impatiently in front of the tactical screen imagining this happening, a happy report came from the operator.


    ¡°Screen no.3! The video was sent from Apollo 5.¡±


    As a result, all eyes in the battlemand room were focused on screen 3.


    Screen 3 showed a HUD-ss high-resolution video.


    ¡°What, what is that?¡±


    An operator who was watching with them pointed his finger and muttered.


    There was something flying above the sea with a wave height of 2m. It was roughly estimated at a length of about 10 m, and was a pir with a width of about 20 cm on one side of the quadrangle.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why is that thing floating on the ocean?¡±


    ¡°This is the first time you see this?¡±


    ¡°Russian guys make all sorts of weird things.¡±


    Everyone threw a word out of doubt.


    ¡°Admiral! Wouldn¡¯t that act as a radar?¡±


    Tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min inadvertently dug into the core of Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun¡¯s suspicions.


    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s definitely a radar. It detects our ships and sends the detected information to the Russian army. Is the other video ready?¡±


    When Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun asked, the third screen was immediately turned into a split screen, and the remaining five videos lit up.


    It was the same thing they saw in the first video.


    ¡°Of course! It¡¯s because of them.¡±


    ¡°Then how do we deal with this¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. We will prepare anti-ship missiles.¡±


    ¡°No, no. It¡¯s not efficient to shoot with an anti-ship missile! Naval artillery! Set up the warhead with cluster bombs to solve it with the naval artillery!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min said it so loudly that the battlemand room rang at the moment he answered.


    ¡°Assign one target to each ship of the six coordinates, numbered from 1 to 6. Tell them to take care of it and shoot!¡±


    Due to simple and clear orders, operators started using their hands faster.


    Meanwhile, the anti-aircraft operator¡¯s report on the interception status continued.


    <hr />


    :45, 24th of November, 2023,


    Downtown at Siam, Bangkok, Thand.


    A middle-aged man wearing rimless sses was looking around nearby shops on the streets of downtown at Siam District, Bangkok.


    The middle-aged man¡¯s name was Woo Jin-gil, 53 years old, has been widowed for 10 years and has an only daughter, who lives in Hong Kong with her Korean husband. He had a son and a daughter.


    Professor Woo Jin-gil from KAIS, who was in charge of sma research for many years at the X-19boratory at the time, which is now called the Parthenon Research Center but was formerly only called the 17th Fighter Wing¡¯s underground researchb, contributed greatly to the development of sma amplified bombs by helping Professor Park Jin-woo while conducting sma research. He is currently working as a senior researcher in sma-rted research in the X-19boratory and as a full professor at the Academy of Space Sciences.


    Professor Woo Jin-gil, who traveled alone to Bangkok to cool off after achieving the first results on the research he had been immersed in for the past year, had to buy various gifts for his rtives, fellow professors, and his only daughter, which is why he was walking around shopping malls in downtown Bangkok.


    And behind Professor Woo Jin-gil, there were two bulky men who kept a distance enough not to disturb him.


    They were bodyguards that belonged to the Secret Service, who were in charge of guarding the Parthenon Research Center for the personal safety and confidentiality of Professor Woo Jin-gil, who is a first-ss national security target. In the past, agents of the National Intelligence Service performed bodyguard duties, but two years ago, the Secret Service was established unofficially, performing 24-hour close security missions for all subjects of National Security Level 2 or higher.


    Currently, Professor Woo Jin-gil is a first-degree national security target, and two bodyguards quietly followed him anywhere in the world to provide close security.


    Whether he found the store he was looking for or not, Professor Woo Jin-gil entered the world-famous luxury bag store that anyone could recognize just by saying his name. Then, he took a red bag out of several bags in the disy case and asked the clerk in English.


    ¡°How much is this?¡±


    ¡°This one is $2,800.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, isn¡¯t there a different color for the same model?¡±


    ¡°Yes, there is. There are green and blue colors. Which one would you like?¡±


    ¡°The blue would be nice.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, please wait a moment and we¡¯ll bring it.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    Professor Woo Jin-gil, who had a lot of sweat on his forehead despite the cool air-conditioned store, pretended to look at another bag and then looked at the bodyguards who kept him safe.


    And then, avoiding the guards¡¯ eyes, he put something in the red luxurious bag.


    It was a small case that contains microchips the sizes of little nails.


    After a while, the clerk brought the blue luxurious bag of the same model and held it out.


    ¡°Sir! How about this? Do you like it?¡±


    The clerk handed professor Woo Jin-gil the blue luxurious bag with a friendly tone, but he received the red one from the professor whoughed in a friendly way.


    ¡°Well, this is okay. Let¡¯s go with this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, I¡¯ll help you pay.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Here¡¯s the card.¡±


    Professor Woo Jin-gil said, taking the credit card from his wallet and handing it out to the clerk.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do a 3-month installment n.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I¡¯ll pack your bag. Sir!¡±


    After a while, Professor Woo Jin-gil, who bought a luxurious bag in a natural way, approached the bodyguards and spoke to them.


    ¡°Deputy Kim, Chief Oh! I¡¯m done shopping today. Let¡¯s go to the hotel right away. You suffer so much because of me, so let¡¯s have a cold beer at the hotel. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor, we¡¯ll take the lead.¡±


    The security guards of the Secret Service, who did not notice Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s suspicious behavior, left the store keeping their eyes on the surrounding situation as usual.

 Chapter 392

    <h4>Chapter 392</h4>


    :40, 24th of November, 2023


    The East Sea, 43¡ã 1¡ä 17.06¡å north, 139¡ã 23¡ä 53.69¡å east, international waters (The Maritime Task Floti Seven)


    ¡°Sessfully intercepted target 14! Failed to intercept number 25! Sessfully intercepted number 17! Sessfully intercepted 9 out of a total of 17 anti-ship missiles currently targeting the main ship! Among these, there are five Kinzal missiles.¡±


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    After the first interception failure, the GTAS-300 Sea Dragon surface-to-air missiles flew once again from the K-VLS3 (verticalunch pad) of the remaining five Hoc destroyers including the Gwanghae warship (DDG-1001) by the automatic interception system.


    ¡°For now, you just have to catch the Kinzals. There is a strong sense of pressure that I had never felt before,¡± Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun kept muttering these words in his mind.


    Both his ears were focused on the operator¡¯s voice that was giving reports, and his eyes were fixed on the tactical screen as if they were nailed to it.


    Various lines were frantically drawn towards each other, and then they flickered a few times and disappeared. As new lines were drawn again, the corresponding details appeared and disappeared as well, and the tactical screen was showing all the information in real-time.


    With the exception of the Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin ss heavy cruisers, the Hoc destroyers, which are revered as the strongest destroyers of this era, were facing a crisis that they had never experienced before even in the Northeast Asian War two years ago, due to Russia firing an astronomical amount of various anti-ship missiles.


    Whoooosh~ Bang!


    The KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile and the GTAS-300 Haecheonryong anti-aircraft missile were both flying towards each other at the speed of Mach 10. They then collided with each other mid-air. Aside from the explosives in the warheads, the missiles on both sides shattered to pieces, exploding due to the collision with each other ording to their rtive speed.


    Another GTAS-300 Sea Dragon anti-aircraft missile had failed to intercept the KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile and missed it entirely. They tried to do it once more and attempted a second interception, but there was no hope for a sessful interception since the missiles had simr speeds. Even if they had made a big turn and tried to intercept it again, the missile targeted to be intercepted would have already disappeared.


    In this situation, it was not easy to intercept anti-ship missiles flying at Mach 10.


    ¡°Reporting the results of the second interception. Out of 9 missiles targeting the main ship, we have sessfully intercepted 5 missiles! Failed to intercept two Kinzal missiles! One Burya missile! And one Onyx missile.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun clenched his fists when he heard the report that there were two Kinzal missiles among the missiles that they had failed to intercept.


    ¡°Report the situation of the other ships.¡±


    ¡°5 out of 10 missiles targeting Myeongjong the Great were sessfully intercepted! The remaining 5 missiles include 2 Kinzal missiles and 1 Burya missile! And 1 Onyx missile! 7 out of 11 missiles targeting Hyojong the Great were sessfully intercepted! The remaining 4 missiles are 1 Kinzal missile and 3 Onyx missiles! 6 out of 8 missiles targeting Sukjong the Great were sessfully intercepted! The remaining missiles are 1 Kinzal missile, 2 Burya missiles, and 1 Onyx missile! For Yeongjo the Great, out of 9 missiles targeting the ship, 6 missiles were sessfully intercepted! The remaining missiles are 2 Burya missiles and 1 Onyx missile! 6 out of 10 missiles targeting Jeongjo the Great were sessfully intercepted. The remaining missiles are 1 Kinzal missile and 3 Burya missiles.¡±


    As though he was rapping, the operator spat out the results of the second interception like a machine gun.


    ¡°So, 7 Kinzal missiles have managed to survive the interception.¡±


    ¡°We have switched from automatic interception system to proximity defense system. Oh! 1 Kinzal missile targeting Jeongjo the Great, 1 Kinzal missile targeting Myeongjong the Great, and 1 Kinzal missile targeting Sukjong the Great were all sessfully intercepted.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± the tactical control officer asked with a confused look on his face because of the sudden additional interception report. ¡°Where was it intercepted? Who intercepted them?¡±


    ¡°It is... Oh! The interception wasunched by Taejo the Great.¡±


    ¡°The 3rd fleet, Taejo the Great?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it seems that the interception was from Taejo the Great.¡±


    An operational n was established in advance for the 3rd Fleet, Taejo the Great, which was waiting 535km east of the city of Cheongjin located in the northern area, to advance northward and attack the Far East Fleet from the right side when the Maritime Task Floti Seven and the Far East Fleet start a sea battle. However, the role of the 3rd Fleet disappeared as the Far East Fleet was destroyed in a short time by the Maritime Task Floti Seven.


    But, when Russia fired arge number of anti-ship missiles at the Maritime Task Floti Seven using various ways, 12 Sea Dragon missiles wereunched from the Hoc destroyer Taejo the Great, which was the only 3rd Fleet¡¯s ship armed with Sea Dragon missiles with a range of 320km, thus, these 12 missiles supported the interception.


    And the distance was so great that there was only one interception support. That was why a total of 20 Sea Dragon missiles were fired only at the Kinzal missiles, which were the most dangerous.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief! Then, there are only 4 Kinzal missiles now.¡±


    At this moment, the six Hoc destroyers simultaneously fired sma cluster bombs with a range of up to 150 km from the 155mm Harper K-1 artillery.


    Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!


    A sma cluster bomb worth 5 million won per shot flew over the target, making an arc in the sky.


    sma cluster bombs flying at Mach 8 or higher take about 50 seconds to reach depending on the distance. The time it took for a Russian anti-ship missile to hit the Maritime Task Floti Seven was simr.


    Whether it was uncertain if there was time left for a third interception, the Hoc supeputer decided to switch to a proximity defense system and extend the interception time of the Shield-M short-range anti-aircraft missile.


    All six Hoc destroyers set up the time value for the Shield-M short range anti-aircraft missiles and fired them one after the other from the 16unching tubes at the top of each bridge.


    Concerned with a failure in interception, three Shield-M short-range anti-aircraft missiles were fired per target and they flew in a row at 5-second intervals.


    Coo! Bang! Bang!


    Another fireworks party showed up in the sky.


    ¡°Report the interception resultsprehensively!¡±


    Tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min shed cold sweat and watched the screen, stressed. In his heart he hoped that all the red dots would disappear from the screen.


    However, the operator¡¯s report and the red dots on the screen squashed his wishes.


    ¡°Out of the total of 19 missiles, 17 missiles were sessfully intercepted!¡±


    ¡°What are the remaining 2 missiles?¡±


    ¡°They are Kinzal missiles.¡±


    As expected, the KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile was able to break through a triple Shield-M short-range anti-aircraft missile interception. Once again, Shield-M short-range anti-aircraft missiles wereunched from the 16unching tubes.


    Baaang~ Baaang~ Baaang~ Baaang~


    ¡°A total of 16 Shield-M missiles have beenunched.¡±


    ¡°26 seconds until they reach their target!¡±


    ¡°What is the target?¡±


    ¡°Oh! It¡¯s the main ship and Hyojong the Great.¡±


    For a moment, the crew members of the Gwanghae ship (DDG-1001) battlemand room sighed with a look as if they had seen the Grim Reaper. Probably the crew members of Hyojong the Great (DDG-1003), the other target, looked the same as well.


    ¡°23 seconds until they reach the main ship! 22 seconds! 21 seconds! 20 seconds! 19 seconds! 18 seconds!¡±


    ¡°First interception missile failed at interception! Second interception missile failed at interception! Third one failed at interception! Fourth interception missile fai- Seed! Seed! Sessfully intercepted!¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    ¡°What about the Hyojong?¡± in an urgent voice, tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min asked.


    ¡°Ah! All Shield-M interception missiles failed. Last shot will beunched.¡±


    At the same time as the operator¡¯s unfortunate report, a total of 12 cannons of 22mmst shot Vulcanser emittedser beams on thest KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile.


    Twelve beams of light were concentrated on the KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile, which was flying in at a frightening speed.


    ¡°13 seconds until it reaches the Hyojong! 12 seconds! 11 seconds!¡±


    The death countdown began.


    At that time, six sma cluster bombs which were fired from the Harper K-1 artillery flew exactly over the target and exploded.


    Boom!


    Fragments the size of an adult¡¯s thumb hit the sea, covering a 25-meter radius.


    Papapat! Papat!


    As a result, the ¡®Ion Glum¡¯ which was used to detect the Maritime Task Floti Seven destroyer with a long radar over the sea, was also destroyed by the falling fragments. Although it was not an explosion, the device that transmitted and received electromaic waves on each side of the radar was damaged, and it no longer functioned as a radar.


    ¡°8 seconds until it reaches the Hyojong!¡±


    The KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile gradually lowered its altitude and rushed toward Hyojong the Great (DDG-1003).


    ¡°7 seconds until it reaches the Hyojong!¡±


    A heart-stopping pressure weighed on the battlemand room of the Gwanghae ship (DDG-1001). They wanted to hear the operator¡¯s report that the interception was sessful, but the operator who was currently observing the interception status had his mouth firmly closed.


    ¡°6 seconds until it reaches the Hyojong!¡±


    ¡°Is the SECM interference radio on maximum power?¡±


    The Hoc supeputer must have raised the output to the maximum on its own, but Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun was asking out of caution.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s currently disturbing the radio wave with a 100% output.¡±


    At that time, Hyojong the Great (DDG-1003), which was having the most nightmare-like time, urgently changed its course.


    Hyojong the Great¡¯s (DDG-1003) Hoc supeputer seemed to be trying everything it could.


    Due to the sudden change of course, Hyojong (DDG-1003) leaned sharply while turning to the right.


    ¡°4 seconds until it reaches the Hyojong! 3 seconds! 2 seconds!¡±


    In the end, thest shot Vulcanser failed to intercept the KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile.


    ¡°1 second left!¡±


    Booom! Baang!


    With a sound of explosion that almost tore the ears, a huge column of water rose a few dozen meters into the sky.


    <hr />


    :55, 24th of November, 2023


    Downtown Siam, Bangkok, Thand


    Ten minutes after Professor Woo Jin-gil had bought the luxurious bag and left the store with the two bodyguards, a man with a sports cut dressed in a ck suit entered the luxurious bags store.


    His outfit, hair style, and harsh expressions showed that he was an unusual person.


    The man immediately approached the clerk and said something in a low voice. It was in Mandarin, not Thai.


    The clerk understood him and nodded his head, and then he went inside the office and immediately came out with a red luxurious bag. Then the clerk pointed to the inside of the bag with a wink.


    10 minutes ago, Professor Woo Jin-gil took out that bag that was on disy and put a microchip case in it, avoiding the eyes of the bodyguards.


    Even though the store had no customers, the man looked around cautiously before looking inside the bag. Then he nodded his head.


    The clerk put the red bag in a shopping bag and handed it back to the man. The man left the store with the shopping bag without paying. Then, he headed towards a ck tinted silver sedan across the road.


    The man crossed the road, carefully looking around him, and soon got into the backseat of the silver sedan. Then, he took the red bag out of his shopping bag and searched inside it.


    What came out in the man¡¯s hand was a small microchip case. When he opened the microchip case, there was a smartphone SIM card.


    The man immediately threw away the existing SIM card from his smart phone and inserted the SIM card retrieved from the microchip case.


    After a while, he turned on the smart phone and then skillfully did something. He then smiled awkwardly as he checked on a few things on the phone. It was a smile that didn¡¯t match his appearance.


    It was then that another man in the front passenger seat asked, ¡°Are the things secured?¡±


    The man responded by nodding his head. Then, the man in the front passenger seat called someone and spoke briefly, ¡°The items are secured!¡±


    While the man in the passenger seat spoke on the phone, the man in the back seat put his smartphone into his inner pocket and said in Mandarin, ¡°To the airport!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When the man in the passenger seat answered, the man in the driver¡¯s seat immediately started the engine, and the silver sedan rode on the road leading to Don Mueang International Airport.


    The men were agents of the ck Tiger Corps, a secret intelligence service department in New China.

 Chapter 393

    <h4>Chapter 393</h4>


    November 24th, 2023, 15:50


    East Sea at 43¡ã North Latitude 1¡¯17.06¡å East Latitude 139¡ã23¡¯53.69¡å International Waters (7th Task Floti).


    ¡°Wow! Hurray!¡±


    The crew members of the battlemand room of Gwanghae(DDG-1001) cheered and hugged each other and enjoyed the joy. Some of the crew members held onto their cross nes and shouted God with tearful expressions.


    A few minutes ago, when water columns and ck smoke rose to several meters, Hyosung the Great, which was thought to have been hit by the KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile was brutally torn to the left of the function, avoiding being shot or to sink.


    Immediately before the crash, six ¡®Ion Glum¡¯ the data linking detection information were damaged by the sma diffuse shells fired from the Harper K-1 warship.


    The KM47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile, which lost its data link, tried to detect Hyosung the Great(DDG-1001) again by its own active radar but failed to detect the target due to a strong SECM disturbance.


    In response, the KH-47M2 Kinzal anti-ship missile flew based on thest location information before the target signal was cut and crashed into the sea as it grazed the left side of the function of the orbiting Hyosung the Great (DDG-1001).


    Although the left side of the function was torn apart by the power of the explosion, only 11 people were injured without any casualties, and the captain of the Hyosung the Great (DDG-1003) reported that there was no problem sailing.


    It was a stroke of luck. Aside from the power of the warhead¡¯s formidable 500-kilogram conventional bomb, it was a disaster in itself when an object as high as Mach 10 collided.


    While the crew members were shaking with joy, Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun sat helplessly in a chair and breathed a deep sigh of relief looking at his happy crew members.


    The voice of Colonel Cho Tae-hyun, the captain of the 71st Battalion and the captain of the Gwanghaeham (DDG-1001), who had been listening to all the situations in thebatmand room so far, flew on thework.


    ¡± Admiral! Stoping to the bridge. If you stay there, you¡¯ll be 10 years older.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun waved his hands and smirked at the captain¡¯s joke.


    At that time, tactical control officer Kim Hyuk-min approached and spoke to him.


    ¡°What would you do with the Russiannding ship?¡±


    Currently, the three *fighter-ss (alligator) ships had changed course and were returning to divostok.


    ¡°With all the Far East fleet warships buried, I don¡¯t think we need to attack a strong ship.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I get what you mean.¡±


    ¡°The problem is Russian nuclear submarine. There¡¯s a good chance that he¡¯ll be able to go submersion for revenge on the Far East fleet with their eyes open blue. Tell all destroyers to strengthen their anti-sleep vignce.¡±


    The ten nuclear submarines that were deep diving in the Northeast deep sea by the words of Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun were currently gathering in the sea where the 7th Task Floti was located.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going up to the bridge now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work. Everybody, attention!¡±


    Kim Hyuk-min, the tactical control officer, saluted as a representative, with all the crew members of thebatmand room taking a floating position.


    ¡°Yeah, you guys did a great job. Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun, who saluted back, tapped the tactical control officer on the shoulder and left thebatmand room.


    <hr />


    November 24th, 2023 16:30 (15:30 New China time),


    New China¡¯s Beijing ck Panther Gang Headquarters.


    ¡°Are you sure about the goods?¡±


    Shin Bai-ching, the boss of the ck panther gang, a man with unusual eyes, asked a man wearing a ck uniform and reporting in a straight posture.


    ¡°Yes, team leader Jjangcheon has surely confirmed it.¡±


    ¡°Hoohoo, we are finally seeing the result of the fruit.¡±


    After the birth of the New People¡¯s Republic of China, President Wang Jing-Wei gathered former members of the special forces to form a secret service under the president¡¯s office, the ck panther gang.


    In the early days of its establishment, it was mainly responsible for hacking and gathering confidential information about the Eastern Republic and the Republic of China for the independence of China, but the target became South Korea, which is growing more and more superpowers over time and engaged in intelligence gathering activities that correspond to state secrets.


    So, what do we do with the children?¡±


    ¡°We have to let them go as promised!¡±


    ¡°Do you really have to send them?¡±


    ¡°They are just young and inexperienced children. What do you want them to do? What if I don¡¯t send them and he decides to report me? As much as it¡¯s an item, it¡¯s troublesome for Korean intelligence to move!¡±


    Shin Bai-ching gestured, to get out of here since it¡¯s annoying.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Shin Baiqing, who was left alone after the man in the ck uniform left, picked up the phone on his desk and called somewhere.


    ¡°It¡¯s Xin Baiqing.¡±


    So, how¡¯s everything going?


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be in Beijing in four hours.¡±


    Well done, I¡¯ll remember this!¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    As soon as you arrive in Beijing, send it to the General Equipment Research Institute!


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After the call, Xin Baiqing put his legs on the desk and smiled pleased. This was because he took advantage of his previous record and now he has a tform to jump into politics. Just thinking about it made him smile.


    <hr />


    November 24th, 2023 17:00 (11:00 Russian Time),


    Moscow, Russia, bunker state R-13(Conference room)


    Putin¡¯s eyes, who were exhibiting extreme anger and with his lip shut tight which looked at high-ranking officials sitting on the left and right sides of a long desk, seemed to show an invisibleser.


    The high-ranking officials who received his stinging gaze were to die for. It¡¯s been a thousand times better to just get angry or get yelled at.


    The defeat of the Far Eastern fleet was not just a defeat. The total amount of weapons poured into the war was a whopping 30 billion dors. It is more important that the Northern Fleet or Baltic Fleet is unless, through the Arctic Ocean from here to the East Sea, Russia¡¯s naval power cannot be administered for the time being.


    There were still more than 30 nuclear submarines and conventional submarines in the Pacific fleet, but it was still a submarine power.


    It can secretly still dive underwater and stir up the East Sea but it was not the force that Putin wanted to carry out thending operation in Hokkaido.


    The result of such a severe economic and military blow was a chill in the conference room here at State R-13.


    Beshastnich Chief of General Staff, who remembered Putin¡¯s words at the previous meeting, slowly rose from his seat and spoke to President Putin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take full responsibility for this defeat and step down from the Chief of general staff.¡±


    The atmosphere in the conference room has be even heavier due to the remarks made by Chief of General Stuff Beschastnich,


    ¡°Chief of General Staff! As the important time that the war is about to begin with Korea, and to resign? It¡¯s not the time yet.¡±


    They say as difficult times like this, they would be on your side? Defense Minister Ivanov dissuaded.


    Other senior officials also nodded and expressed opposition. President Putin, who was watching such officials, said, nting up one side of his chin.


    ¡°Chief of General Staff! Yes! You¡¯ll have to take off your clothes, but as the defense minister said, if the general chief of staff of the Russian army changes at a critical time, neither will the morale of the military. Beschastnich, Chief of General Staff! I¡¯ll give you one more chance. A chance to revenge those damn Koreans.¡±


    At President Putin¡¯s small physique but charismatic remarks, Beschastnich, the chief of general staff, bowed and shouted in a restrained salute.


    ¡°Beschastnich Chief of General Staff of Russia! I will do my best with the opportunity given by the president.


    In the eyes of others, the Chief of General Staff¡¯s behavior seemed a little exaggerated. But Beshastnich, the party involved, was sincere about what he has spoken.


    ¡°From now on, carry out all operations in the judgment of the Chief of General Staff. You don¡¯t have to be approved by me one by one.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    At President Putin¡¯s remark, Beschastnich, the Chief of General staff, was filled with loyalty and confidence.


    At the same time, President Putin called for a foreign minister after when Beshastnich, the Chief of General Staff, sat down.


    Foreign Minister Valeri Karpin who has the same name as themander of the Far Eastern Fleet, replied.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°When the Eastern Army moves, the Foreign Minister immediately ask New China for assistance under mutual military treaties.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    President Putin turned his head and called the Director-General of SVR(Foreign Intelligence).


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all set for Kurdistan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, It is on standby after all the preparations. All you have to do is give me an order.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Minister Igor Semshov!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°How are we preparing to switch to a munitions nt after dering a state of emergency?¡±


    ¡°Yes, from daily necessities to heavy equipment, all factories andpanies are ready to switch to a munitions nt system in less than 24 hours..¡±


    In the event of a state of emergency being dered due to the outbreak of war, all Russianpanies and factories are in the process of converting to a munitions nt that was being prepared a month ago within 24 hours.


    ¡°All right, I think all preparations have been set.¡±


    President Putin, who checked with various officials one by one, got up from his seat and shouted, looking at a map of the entire Siberian region as well as the Korean Penins hanging on one wall of the conference room.


    ¡°As of 24:00 today,unch the offensive on Manchuria area in Korea¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    November 24th 19:30 (17:30 Thand time),


    Silom Hotel in Bangkok, Thand (No. 1022)


    Professor Woo Jin-gil, who returned to the hotel after shopping, stayed in his room all the time, and two bodyguards were spending time watching TV in the living room.


    Then a littleter, the voice of the hotel staff was heard through the inte.


    ¡°Room service.¡±


    When a bodyguard opened the hotel door, two female employees dressed in hotel clothes brought food and red wine to the mobile table.


    ¡°Professor, did you order room service?¡±


    Another bodyguard approached the door and spoke to him.


    ¡°Oh, is it here? Yes, I ordered it. Get it inside.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After a while, luxurious food and red wine were served on the living room table.


    ¡°Come on! Everyone, sit down. I feel like you¡¯re having a hard time here because of me and since I thought that wine would be better than beer, so I ordered it.¡±


    Woo Jin-gil, a professor with a warm impression, gestured to the two bodyguards to sit down.


    ¡°Professor! I¡¯m sorry, but no alcohol is allowed during security.¡±


    Kim Dong-jin Assistant manager, who was a senior assistant secretary among the bodyguards, said as he showed disapproval.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m not going out today. I¡¯ll be going out tomorrow, so don¡¯t worry and let¡¯s have a drink. I¡¯m staying at the hotel. What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    At Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s continued request, the two bodyguards sat on the sofa countless times.


    ¡°Haha, yes. Just one ss of wine and help yourself with a lot of food.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. Thank you for the food.¡±


    Oh Sang-tae, the Chief bowed his head to express his gratitude and put a fork on the food that looked delicious.


    ¡°Even if I travel alone, I don¡¯t feel like I¡¯m here alone because of you two. You two are having a hard time because of me hahaha¡±


    Professor Woo Jin-gil spoke more kindly than usual. It was like a pattern of behavior that appears when you do something sorry.


    ¡°Haha, what are you talking about? We¡¯re just performing our duties. You don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡±


    It felt different from usual, but Kim Dong-jin Assistant manager thought it would be because he was sorry.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a drink.¡±


    Professor Woo Jin-gil handed over a ss of red wine to the two bodyguards.


    Clink!


    When the three of them bumped into each other and tried to drink wine sses, the bell rang on Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s smartphone.


    ¡°Oh! It¡¯s my daughter. Wait a minute.¡±


    Professor Woo Jin-gil, who confirmed that the call number was his daughter¡¯s number, entered the room and talked on the phone.


    <ul>


    Oh, Dad!


    </ul>


    ¡°Well, yeah, what happened? What about the kids?


    He asked in asked back in a silent voice so the security in the living room can¡¯t hear him.


    ¡°Are the kids there? Are they there?


    <ul>


    Yeah, They just got here.


    </ul>


    ¡°How are your kids doing?¡±


    <ul>


    It¡¯s okay.


    </ul>


    ¡°Oh! Thank God.¡±


    Professor Woo Jin-gil held onto his smartphone and said as if he was praying. He had thick tears in his eyes.


    ¡°Eunseo, listen up! Take your husband and the kids right now and go to Korea with the ticket I gave you! Okay?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, I will. What about you?


    </ul>


    ¡°I will go back to Korea tomorrow. Wait at my house.¡±


    <ul>


    Come today as well, Dad. I¡¯m so scared.


    </ul>


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid! It¡¯s gonna be okay. Go ahead and wait. Okay?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, I got it. See you tomorrow.


    </ul>


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s hang up!¡±


    After finishing the call, Professor Woo Jin-gil covered his mouth and sobbed. Professor Woo Jin-gil, who couldn¡¯t even cry because he was afraid that the security guard in the living room would hear him, sobbed for a few more minutes.


    ¡®I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m gonna hurt you. I¡¯m sorry¡¯


    Professor Woo Jin-gil muttered, thinking of the bodyguard in the living room over the wall. Then he took something out of his bag.


    One was a thick letter and the other was a pill.


    Professor Woo Jin-gil, who put the letter on the bed, looked at the pill in his right hand for a long time.


    ¡°This will not wash away my sin of betraying my country, but at least this is the only thing I can do.¡±


    Professor Woo Jin-gil, who was lost in thought for a while, poured the pill into his mouth at once.


    Then, with a severe amount of pain he had, the veins burst in both eyes, and white bubbles flowed out of his mouth, and soon copsed on the bed, feeling weak.

 Chapter 394

    <h4>Chapter 394</h4>


    November 24th, 2023 20:30,


    Namjoo Seoul Metropolitan Gangbuk-gu Secret Service Building


    Kim Dong-jin was seen reporting to a video call in the first room of the Secret Service Security Service, where an emergency meeting was convened after receiving a phone call from Bangkok.


    Fifty minutes ago, Professor Woo Jin-gil, who entered the room for a phone call with his daughter, reported after broke the locked door, and was lying on the bed because he did note out for more than 20 minutes and could not hear any signs of any noise.


    The two guards were rushed to a nearby general hospital, but he had already died before arriving at the hospital, the doctor said.


    Currently, Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s body is under discussion with the Bureau of Investigation in Thand about the procedure for transportation to his country and was scheduled to be escorted home as soon as the consultation waspleted. In addition, the original letter, the suicide note which would be an important clue to the suicide of the tragedy, was to be brought home by the two bodyguards themselves, and instead converted the contents of the letter into digital information and sent it to the Secret Service.


    The security officials, who received a brief report on Woo Jin-gil¡¯s suicide, were shocked to see the contents of the suicide letter, which was converted into digital information shortly after a while.


    The contents of the suicide note that Professor Woo Jin-gil left after taking his life were like this.


    Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s suicide note, which began with ¡°First of all, I will rece the sin of betraying my country by death for the sake of the safety of my family,¡± was beyond imagination.


    On June 22nd, 2021, I got a call from my daughter in Hong Kong. Unidentified men broke into the apartment and kidnapped herself and the children, imprisoned them in an unknown ce for a day, and only she was just released.


    I was surprised and told to report to the Hong Kong police, but the kidnappers threatened to kill the two children immediately. I heard a shocking story from my daughter when I couldn¡¯t report it.


    They were not ordinary kidnappers for money. The kidnappers knew exactly who I was.


    The kidnappers asked through her was if I do not provide the key sma technology information they threatened me to kill my grandson and granddaughter and scatter the body in the waters of Hong Kong.


    I had to choose to live in an unforgettable pain every day. After days of agonizing over whether it was my country or my family, I ended up choosing my family.


    I was able to store all of the sma core technologies of my ss that I could ess in a smartphone USIM chip and trick theboratory¡¯s security system and bring them out.


    I have provided the kidnappers with a total of four times key sma-rted technical information untilst month. And one of sma¡¯s core technology information, which was not essible at an out-of-authority level, was able to be captured three weeks ago by the promotion of the lead researcher, and today I delivered thest information of the core technology to the kidnappers.


    When I provided thest key sma technology information, the kidnappers returned my grandchildren and grandchildren to my daughter¡¯s arms, as a promise for those who were taken hostage for two years,


    I, who betrayed my country for the sake of my family¡¯s safety, will repay my sin by dying like this. I would appreciate it if you could protect my daughter¡¯s family, who are going back to Korea.


    And the list of information provided to the kidnapper is on my personalputer D drive in theb, and all the information provided to them is a password that can be traced over after connecting to the Inte. Please capture the kidnappers who have suffered for me and my daughter¡¯s family for more than two years.


    Lastly, I¡¯m really sorry for the two bodyguards who guarded me day and night. I¡¯m so sorry.


    . 24, 2013 Woo Jin-gil


    The executives in security office 1 who read all of Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s suicide note felt choked up.


    As the heavy air weighed heavily on the meeting room of security room 1, Oh Hyun-hoon, the first chief of the department, opened his mouth.


    ¡°Professor Woo must have been very distressed. Has Professor Woo¡¯s daughter¡¯s family been identified?


    ¡°Yes, They will be arriving in Korea with a 21:00 Korean time flight.¡±


    Security room 1 Intelligence Division Manager Heo Seung-tae answered.


    We will take personal protection measures from arrival at Incheon Airport. Which department can volunteer for?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Team Four and Team Three.¡±


    ¡°All right! Professor Woo¡¯s daughter¡¯s family should be dedicated to Division 4 and 3. If you¡¯re short of people, section 4 will tell you right away! I¡¯ll get you other personnel somehow.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see. Chief¡±


    ¡°By the way, sir! Shouldn¡¯t we let the NIS know this right now? SSS ssified confidentiality, which is not ss-S ssified and is the highest ssified ss of state has been handed over to an unidentified group.¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯ll have to let it know. After meeting with the Director first.¡±


    Oh Hyun-hoon, the first chief of the department, was about to lose his head thinking about what was going to happen. He grabbed the back of his neck and turned his head wide*.


    ¡°This is going to be a huge after storm for the country. Damn it!¡±


    Officials in the first security office also looked at the first Chief of staff Oh Hyun-hoon with worried expressions.


    ¡°What are you doing? The meeting is over! Team 4 immediately send Team 3 to Incheon Airport, and the rest of the managers tell each team leader to strengthen the security for the person you¡¯re currently guarding.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    At the same time, officials in the first security office hurriedly got up from their seats and left the conference room or called somewhere urgently.


    It was the highest emergency since the establishment of the Secret Service.


    <hr />


    November 24th, 2023, 22:30,


    Namjoo Seoul Metropolitan Gangnam-gu National Intelligence Service (Conference room of Foreign Intelligence).


    The Foreign Intelligence Service immediatelyunched a case of confidential leaks after the National Intelligence Service informed the National Intelligence Service of the confidential leaks of sma. First of all, the Foreign Intelligence Service naturally took charge of the case because it happened overseas and confidentiality was required.


    The confidential information leaked is said to be a key sma-rted technology. I¡¯ll stop here because you won¡¯t know the details. For more information, the most urgent situation is to track down the kidnappers who kidnapped Woo Eun-seo, the daughter of thete professor Woo Jin-gil, and the two children. The information confirmed so far is that the kidnappers are familiar with Hong Kong, fluent in English, and one of the kidnappers spoke Mandarin.¡±


    With given the situation, Director Kang Ki-won himself briefly exined how the incident happened.


    In the next two hours, the Woo Eun-seo¡¯s family will arrive at Incheon Airport. The Secret Service has been ced under security as a personal protection measure. South Korea¡¯s Foreign Intelligence Agency should recruit one team to secure as much information as possible from Woo Eun-seo. With the current information, it is dredge for finding a needle in the sea.¡±


    While Director Kang Ki-won exined, the conference room screen showed various personal information as well as the faces of Woo Eun-seo and her family.


    The first division immediately flies to Hong Kong tounch an on-site investigation. One team from Division 2 will be transferred to Incheon Airport and the rest of the team will investigate all criminal organizations in Hong Kong without missing any. Division 3 should investigate overall criminal organizations outside of Hong Kong, including Southeast Asia and Macau. Divisions 4 and 5 are required to take over the duties currently being undertaken in Divisions 1 through 3. Do you have any questions?¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won, who gave directions continuously, looked around at senior executives.


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    It was Section 1 Manager Lee Ja-sung


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°As in the suicide note, the information provided to the kidnappers is said to have a traceable code inserted, and is that part taken by another department?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Cyber Security Bureau has decided to investigate it.¡±


    ¡°Director, shouldn¡¯t we maximize efficiency as it¡¯s a serious matter? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to have the cyber security bureau agents transfer in our department for a joint investigation?¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won had a moment to think about Manager Lee Ja-sung¡¯s opinion.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea, I¡¯ll discuss it with Director Chuck and let you know. Let¡¯s start with our own agency. Again, the leaked information is state-ssified SSS. Currently, Blue House is said to have turned upside down. You know what I mean?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°All right, I always say, take care of yourself.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who returned to his office in Division 1, gathered team leaders to the conference room. Four team leaders sat down, except for Kim Ki-ho, the Chief of the fifth team who is currently overseas.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ve all heard about it roughly. SSS ss information, the highest ss of state secrets, has been leaked. It is said to be a key technology rted to sma. I will give you detailed information and exnation on Skybus. To get to the point, all four teams will move to Hong Kong in the next two hours except for the team five.¡±.


    ¡°Do you mean everybody?¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong raised his hand and asked a question.


    ¡°What did you hear? Didn¡¯t I say everyone?¡±


    ¡°Woah! Hong Kong all of a sudden. It¡¯s my first vacation in a year starting next Monday..¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who had a teary face, spoke in a crawling voice and finally blurred the end of his speech.


    ¡°Hey! Chief Park! That¡¯s great, Why don¡¯t you think Hong Kong as a vacation spot?¡±


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    When Yoon Tae-jin, a colleague of the National Intelligence Service, and Park Gi-oong, a Chief, quarreled, Lee Ja-sung, a manager of the division, narrowed the gap between their eyes and said,


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there are one or two people who¡¯s neck will fly away with this case. It¡¯s such a serious case. Don¡¯t take it easy and listen to it seriously. I am sorry about Chief Park¡¯s vacation, but it is postponed indefintely. The same is true of other agents. Until this case is settled, there will be no vacation with us.¡±


    While Chief Yoon Tae-jin was smiling with a mischievous face, Chief Park Gi-oong¡¯s face, who had to return his vacation after a year, had turned into the face of the Grim Reaper. Shin Eun-ha, the team leader of the third team, who founded that face funny, added oil to the burning fire.


    ¡°Chief. Park? Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to go to Hong Kong before? It¡¯s a special sale period right now in Hong Kong, so go shopping at the shopping center. Won¡¯t the Manager take that much time out?¡±


    ¡°Ha! Team leader Shin is really..¡±


    ¡°Ho ho ho¡±


    At this time, Park Gi-oong, the first team Chief, focused on Sung Sang-yoon, the fourth team Chief. At the Chief level, Sung Sang-yoon, the youngest of the team, said with a puzzled look at Park Ki-woong¡¯s sudden stare, pretending to open both hands.


    ¡°Chief Park! Why do you look at me like that when I am standing still ¡®


    ¡°You were gonna say something, too, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Eh? How can I joke around with a senior who is like heaven?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! It¡¯s written on your face. Son of a b*tch!¡±


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    Sung Sang-yoon, the 4th team chief who was cursed like a bolt out of the blue, looked at Yoon Tae-jin, the 2nd team chief, with an unfair look on his face. Then Yoon Tae-jin, the team chief, smiled and said.


    ¡°Hey! I think it¡¯s written on your face. Your lips are itchy like you wanting to tease Chief Park.¡±


    ¡°Wow! Calling these people seniors, I don¡¯t even have work luck!¡±


    ¡°Come on! We don¡¯t have time. Stop talking nonsense and we don¡¯t have time. Tell your team members to get ready for their business trip to Hong Kong right away! They gather at the rooftopnding site of the main building at exactly 24:00. Move.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Chapter 395

    <h4>Chapter 395</h4>


    November 24th,2023 23:40,


    Namjoo Seoul Metropolitan Yongsan-gu B2 Bunker(ROK Armed Forces Jointmand and control center Situation room)


    However, in the Joint Control Center, which destroyed the Far East fleet with only the Maritime Task Floti Seven, was looking at the movement of a single ant cub by mobilizing five Apollo reconnaissance satellites throughout the 3,200-kilometer border with Russia in anticipation of additional provocations.


    This reconnaissance information video was seen as dozens of split screens on the screen of the Joint Command Control Center¡¯s situation room in real-time.


    ¡°As expected, the Russians are trying to cross the line that shouldn¡¯t be crossed.¡±.¡±


    Amented voice was heard from the mouth of Chairman of the Joint Staffs Shin Sung-yong, who looked through the videos that were seen on the split-screen.


    All troops in the Eastern Army, currently stationed around the border, have made suspicious moves.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to explode one day. That¡¯s tonight. Why don¡¯t we take this opportunity to sweep it away?¡±


    Contrary to the chairman of the Joint Staffs, Youn Gi-youn, a North Korean-born Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, said confident words with a meaningful smile with his arms crossed. Vice-Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn seemed to be enjoying the situation more than anyone else.


    ¡± Chairman of the Joint Staffs! Since we¡¯vee to this! How about a preemptive strike from our side? No matter how prepared we are, the initial damage is self-evident. We¡¯d rather have a good fight on our side.¡±


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t wrong. No matter how prepared they were in the war, damage to the sudden attack was inevitable.


    At Youn Gi-youn¡¯s words, the situation room was buzzing for an instant. It was the roar of themander in favor of the preemptive strike and themander in opposition.


    ¡°I agree with Deputy Minister Youn, too! However, a preemptive strike requires the president¡¯s approval.¡±


    ¡°The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff should strongly ask the president.¡±


    ¡°It seems that the current international situation in the U.S. is going strangely. Blue House seems to have be cautious about the war against Russia.¡±


    ¡°This, this, this is frustrating until how long do I have to pay attention to the foreigners.¡±


    Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn confessed his frustration.


    ¡°Captain Youn, aren¡¯t we soldiers? Let¡¯s leave the politics to our superiors and stick to our duties.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to. Otherwise, I¡¯m going to die of anger.¡±


    At this time, Brigadier General Yang Min-choon, the Operations Director approached the twomanders and intervened in the conversation.


    ¡°They say they¡¯ve made all the arrangements for the movement of troops from the Rapid Response Army Command.¡±


    Due to the South Korean territory, which has expanded more than seven times as much as before due to the unification of the South and North Korea with the war in Northeast Asia, the Ministry of National Defense felt the need for a new military reshuffle and carried out a major reorganization from the Army.


    First, to protect the borders with New China, Mongolia, and Russia over 5,000 km, an additional corps was added to the 5th Guard Command, which had been organized into two corps and six mechanized vignce divisions. further organized.


    As a result, the 5th Guard Command was deployed along the 3,100km-long Russian border, and some divisions were reorganized and deployed into mechanized Guard Divisions with the 1st Field Army as the main focus on the border between New China and Mongolia.


    In addition, the Ministry of National Defense, feeling the need to quickly dispatch troops to vast territories in case of emergency, reorganized the existing 2nd Operations Army Headquarters into the 2nd Rapid Response Army Command.


    The 2nd Rapid Response Command abolished the corps system and organized it into eight independent divisions modeled on the American Stryker Brigade. Four of the eight divisions had an Airborne Strike Division that deployed all the division¡¯s troops as well as all equipment by air to areas wherend routes were cut off, such as those in Dongju, Seoju, and Japan. There was a rapid response team that quickly dispatched Eden to respond.


    As a new conceptual unit, eight divisions of the Second Rapid Response Army Command were deployed with thetest weapons of the new concept from the Olympus base.


    For that reason, there may be legitimate units in war depending on the characteristics of the battlefield, but in general, thebat power of the 8 rapid response divisions is not inferior to that of the 20th Panzer Division (decisive battle) or the Capital Panzer Division (Fierce Tiger) of the Maritime Task Floti Seven There were also exnations from military officials. Unlike other units, it is not certain that they do not have hands-on experience, but it is not wrong as it is a unit that operates futuristic weapon equipment in the 21st century.


    For example, the K-27P-M Kirin Marine Combat Armored Vehicle of the 11th Marine Mobile Brigade currently dispatched to the Peace Unit was a derivative of the K-27P-A Kirin Mobile Combat Armored Vehicle operated by the Rapid Response Division. It was to measurebat power in actualbat by joining the K-27P-M Kirin Marine Combat Armored Vehicle, a derivative of the peace unit at the time of dispatching the Peace Unit, to the contingent unit because there was no experience inbat.


    As expected, the derivative K-27P-M Kirin Marine Combat Vehicle showed strong fighting power regardless of whether the opponent was infantry or armored forces, thanks to its strong flight maneuverability of the anti-gravity hover system, regardless of the location whether it was a rugged mountain or t ground.


    As such, the 8 divisions of the 2nd Rapid Response Army Command, which can be considered to have strongbat power with only the armored vehicle power in operation, were packed with new-conceptual weapons that we could not even imagine.


    The 8 divisions under the direct control of the 2nd Rapid Response Army Command, which were stationed in the main strongholds of Namjoo during peacetime and could be dispatched to the operational area quickly in case of emergency,pleted all preparations for movement and were waiting only for orders to be put into operation.


    ¡°Well, you finished sooner than I thought, you seem to have a good training as usual¡±


    It was seven hours before the naval battle between the Maritime Task Floti Seven and the Far East Fleet took ce to give the 2nd Rapid Response Force Command an order to operate. In other words, the 8 divisions had taken all the tissues they used in 7 hours, and all the divisions were ready to move.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this your usual training?¡±


    Captain Youn Gi-youn responded with a happy expression.


    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s right. All preparations are nowplete, and now all that remains is the Russian provocation.¡±


    Some screens showed a night view of the border, captured by the camera of a C-1000 Haitai robot deployed around the border. The night scenery along the border, where the bitter Siberian winter wind blows to the bone, was as if nothing had happened, it was just calm.


    But this was like the eve of the storm.


    <hr />


    November 24th, 2023 23:40,


    Namjoo Seoul Metropolitan Gangnam-gu National Intelligence Service(Cybersecurity Bureau Conference Room).


    The Parthenon Lab, where the news of Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s suicide and, of course, the leak of confidential sma information, was reported, was in a state of shock.


    Dr. Sujin Lee, who has served as the head of the research institute for 7 years from the time the underground research institute was called only as a simple name to the current name of the Parthenon, Jinwoo Park, one of Korea¡¯s leading sma academics and the first president of the Academy of Space Sciences, and several others The chief researcher took Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s personalputer and participated in the current National Intelligence Service Cyber Security Bureau meeting.


    When the meeting started, Director Park Jin-woo first exined the sma-rted information leaked by Professor Woo Jin-gil using terms that are easy to understand even for ordinary people, not by the academic terms.


    About 20 minutester, when Director Jin-Woo Park gave a brief exnation, the first question was asked by Director Chuck Hyuk-Jun of the Cybersecurity Bureau


    ¡°Then, do you mean that if all the information leaked by thete Professor Woo Jin-Gil is connected, we can create not only a sma super photon power nt but also a sma amplified bomb with the power of a nuclear bomb?¡±


    ¡°Yes, in theory, it is possible. If applied a little, even weapons like theser beam used by our military will take time, but if we start researching, we can develop it.¡±


    As Director Park Jin-woo continued to answer, the atmosphere in the conference room grew darker.


    ¡°This is a really big deal.¡±


    Director Cheok Hyuk-jun wiped his forehead and made a serious expression. Director Sujin Lee intervened in the conversation.


    ¡°Anyway, you have to take it back or, if that doesn¡¯t work, ¡°This is a really big deal.¡±


    Director Cheok Hyuk-jun wiped his forehead and made a serious expression. Director Sujin Lee intervened in the conversation.


    ¡°Anyway, you have to take it back or, if that doesn¡¯t work, It should definitely be discarded. Fortunately, Professor Woo has nted a traceable password code, so that will be a clue for tracking.¡±


    After speaking, Dr. Sujin Lee sent a sign with a wink to a senior researcher who was waiting next to him with aptop. Then the chief researcher put theptop on the conference table, turned it on, and ran something.


    ¡°Ah! This is Dr. Lee Hyun, a senior researcher in the field of information andmunication.¡±


    When Dr. Sujin Lee has introduced, Dr. Lee Hyun greeted with a light nod and immediately concentrated on executing the program.


    ¡°The program that Dr. Lee Hyun is currently running is a tracking program that can trace the encryption code left by Professor Woo Jin-gil.¡±


    An additional exnation was followed by Director Sujin Lee.


    ¡°The problem is that the tracker can only check the leaked information in an inte-connected environment.¡±


    ¡°It should be connected to the Inte..¡±


    Unless the kidnappers were idiots, the probability of checking sma confidential information while connected to the Inte was low.


    ¡°Currently, we have created a total of 12 tracking programs. Ourb cannot run such programs for security reasons. So we brought in all 12ptops running only the tracing program.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Thank you. Thank you for your support.¡±


    When Director Chuck Hyuk-jun expressed his gratitude, Director Lee Su-jin shook his head and replied with a rather sorry expression.


    ¡°No. As the General Director of the Parthenon Institute, I have unlimited responsibility for this incident. I will do anything I can to help.¡±


    The meeting continued until dawn the next day amid various opinions. However, they couldn¡¯t find any other way other than checking the location with a tracking program.


    <hr />


    November 25th, 2023 00:00,


    Northern Manchuria Bukgang Province 38th Mechanized Guard Division (Geumgang) Northeast border GOP 5-13 sector.


    In Siberia¡¯s winter that began in October, the C-1000 Haitai 513, an unmanned alert robot in charge of the GOP 5-13 sector belonging to the 38th Mechanized Guard Division, which came earlier than anywhere else, steadfastly has four legs despite the harsh weather that drops to minus 20 degrees Celsius. He was guarding the area in front of him by changing various surveince camera modes.


    Currently, as well as the Reinforcement 1 and Defcon 1 were issued, the 3rd toon of 5th Company, which operates Units 513 through 518, was also on standby.


    Currently, the sky for sector 5-13 was full of dark clouds, and even the moonlight was not visible, and the white snow was fluttering with the bitter wind, and the whole world was dyed white.


    Since the weather was not so bad and the first alert was issued, each toon patrols its toon¡¯s alert sector every two hours to check for any abnormalities in the unmanned alert robot.


    As the 3rd toon also approached 24 o¡¯clock, Sgt. Dongil Oh, the leader of the light armored mobile squadron, and his squadmates boarded the C-23P Hyunmoo mobilebat vehicle and went on patrol.


    The total length of the border sectors covered by the 3rd toon was 4.8 km. The C-1000 Haitai Unmanned Alert Robot, which can spread out a distance of up to 1km and perform alert missions, was currently on an alert mission with a distance of 800m between Haitai robots.


    When the 3rd toon Light Armored Mobile Squadron armored car ran through the snowy field and was about to check the appearance of the 513 Haitai Robot, the upper body of Haitai Robot No. 513 moved swiftly, and a 40mm rocket shot from a 16-barrel canister flew forward in a parabolic shape with a light firing sound.


    And the urgent voice of the 3rd toonmander,manded by the C-1100 console armored car, echoed through themunicationwork and echoed inside the light armored mobile squadron¡¯s armored car.


    ¡°This is Paradise! Large Russian troops were captured at 5km in front of all sectors! Phuket on patrol! Return to the toon headquarters immediately.¡±

 Chapter 396

    <h4>Chapter 396</h4>


    November 25th, 2023, 00:20 (Iraq time 18:20)


    The temporary garrison of the 111th Marine Tank Battalion in Kirkuk, Kirkuk Province, Iraq


    ¡°Sergeant Gil! Haven¡¯t ite out yet?¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung, who had returned from eating at apany restaurant, patted his inted stomach and said, ¡°Damn, only the naval battle with the Far East Fleet came out on the news day and night, and our news came out briefly earlier.¡±


    ¡°How the hell was that reported news? It was only a briefment from a female anchor.¡±


    Sergeant Gil Min-joon, who had been watching only KBS news in front of a satellite-connected TV without moving in the temporary dormitory all afternoon,id down on the bed and started kicking the nket.


    ¡°Ah! So, didn¡¯t I tell you to watch it after eating? It was juicy chicken soup, ah! I¡¯m full...¡±


    At this time, other squads also entered the dormitory one by one.


    ¡°Hey! Gil Min-joon... That is satisfying. Super satisfying.¡±


    Gunner No. 131, Sergeant Gil Min-joon, and hisrade, Sergeant Oh Deok-gyun, made fun of him with flowers blooming on his face as if he had heard the conversation.


    ¡°Ah! That duckling bastard.¡±


    ¡°You! You said you called home? Asking them to watch the news when the newses out? Wakakaka.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Duck! Please shut up.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that. Hahaha¡±


    ¡°Then you would be a corpse behind the folding screen.¡±


    ¡°That would be you.¡±


    It started again.


    The otherrades say they are close friends, but whenever they met, they exchanged nonsense words like that and quarreled. It was a daily routine for over a year. Now, even in the toon, no one could stop the high ss most experienced, soldier.


    ¡°Ah, those two sergeants are starting it again!¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-sung was lying on the bed with his head shaking and watching TV. At this time, the 12 o¡¯clock night news started, and the first words of the anchor came out that they had sessfully upied Kirkuk City, thest upied territory in the war for independence of the Kurdistan Republic, and there was a ceremony to raise the national g and the g of the Republic of Kurdistan.


    ¡°Ah! Chief Gil! It is starting.e out!¡±


    At the moment when Corporal Lee Hae-sung said, the eyes of the two sergeants who were growling as they looked at each other¡¯s faces were focused on the TV all at once.


    In the news on the TV screen, the video of the Taegeukgi raising ceremony during the day began to appear as a close-up.


    ¡°Yes! That is it! That is it!!¡±


    Sgt. Gil Min-joon pulled the cheeks of hisrade, Sgt. Oh Deok-gyun, and flew straight to his bed and nailed his gaze to the TV screen.


    ¡°Ah!es outes out Look! Sergeant Duck! The handsome figure of this brother.. Hahaha¡±


    When the face of the crew member of Tank 312 was slowly erged and was about to be seen during the hoisting ceremony, a caption of the breaking news suddenly appeared, and the video changed.


    ¡°It¡¯s breaking news. It is said that arge-scale invasion of the Russian army has begun in the area around the current northeastern border, and the fighting has begun.¡±


    As the anchor¡¯s urgent voice came out and the video screen changed, Sgt. Gil Min-joon¡¯s face was distorted in an instant.


    ¡°Ha, why there is breaking news at this time, damn it!¡±


    When the golden opportunity to show his wonderful appearance through the airwaves to all the world just turned into breaking news, Sgt. Gil Min-joon hugged the bed and screamed.


    ¡°Aww! no!¡±


    ¡°Kyakyakya, what¡¯s wrong? It¡¯s not all over.¡±


    Sergeant Oh Deok-gyun approached with a smile on his belly button and whispered into Sgt. Gil Min-joon¡¯s ear. At this, Sgt. Gil Min-jun swung his fist in the air and shouted.


    ¡°F*ck off, you duckling!¡±


    ¡°Ha! Kk Quack Quack! Quack Quack!¡±


    While Sgt. Oh Deok-gyun made a duck noise along with pretending a sound of the duck, the rest of the toon members listened to the breaking news.


    ¡°What, what? Is there a war with Russia?¡±


    ¡°Ah! F*ck! Is there another war on the Korean Penins?¡±


    ¡°It is fucked up. My uncle is in Russia..¡±


    While the two immature sergeants muttered, the toon members recognized the seriousness of the current situation and threw out a word each.


    <hr />


    November 25th, 2023 00:30,


    Northern Manchuria Bukgang Province 38th Mechanized Guard Division (Geumgang) Northeast Border GOP 5-13 Sector.


    As the numerous res fired by the Russian army shone brightly, the sky, which had been dark with dark clouds and snow, became as bright as broad daylight.


    Then, the endless gunfire echoed across the sky, and faint lights flickered through the snow in various ces across the border.


    Boom! Kapaaw!


    Numerous cannonballs fell on the spot where the 513 Haitai robots were located. Numerous fragments soared in all directions with a deafening explosion sound. asionally, it flew and collided with the outer armor te of the #513 Haitai Robot, but the strong armor was only scratched.


    Currently, the Russian Army pushing in the direction of the 5th-13th sector of the GOP was the 57th Motorized Infantry Division belonging to the 5th Army.


    Two years ago, during the First Northeast Asian War, some troops of the 57th Automated Rifle Division crossed the border, engaged in a brief battle, and retreated after suffering catastrophic damage. It is now newly organized as the 57th Motorized Infantry Division. Speaking of the Republic of Korea Army, it was the same concept as the Mechanized Infantry Division.


    The 57th Motorized Infantry Division, equipped with thetest armored vehicles as well as various next-generation weapons, has beenpletely transformed into a modern mechanized unit and has risen significantly in terms ofbat power to the extent that it cannot bepared with before.


    While the 233 Motorized Infantry Regiment and the 234 Motorized Infantry Regiment, subordinate units of the 57th Motorized Infantry Division, attempted to break through the border with the vanguard, 6 C-1000 Haitai robots from the 3rd toon of the 5th Company were performing guard missions along the way. Using avable weapons, they were blocking the border crossing.


    However, there were only six C-1000 Haitai robots along the 4.8km border. Although the guard mission in peacetime could be performed well, it was limited to only six guard robots to block the concentration of division-level troops in one ce. However, it was impossible to see the Russian army breaking through the border, so the operators of the 3rd toon of the 5th Company did their best in the C-1100 console armored vehicle and actively responded by controlling the C-1000 Haitai robot.


    Joong Joong Joong Joong~ Joong Joong Joong Joong~


    The 12mmser Vulcan beam was constantly scattering red rays in the sky as it intercepted various shells fired by Russian artillery.


    Each time a streak of red light was scattered across the dark sky, the lights shed with loud and small explosions.


    The air defense interception system of the C-1000 Haitai robot capable of simultaneously tracking and intercepting 20 iing targets was showing 100% of its performance.


    If it had not been for intercepting numerous bombs fired from various artillery units of the Russian Artillery Division across the border, the area around the Korean border would have be a swampy field.


    At that time, inside the 3rd toon C-1100 console armored car, the screams of the operators continued.


    ¡°Ah! There are too many numbers.¡±


    The operator controlling the No. 513 Haitai robot clicked his tongue when he saw various luminous objects reflected in various vision modes on his monitor.


    Various armored vehicles and dolls were rushing to the bottom of the water, and shells were falling non-stop in the surrounding area.


    ¡°Ah! #516 attacked! hit! Vision mode sensor failure!¡±


    When the No. 516 Haitai Robot in charge was hit by bomb fragments, he sighed and reported as he looked at the glitching monitor.


    ¡°Just look in the eye and shoot!¡±


    The toonmander was also nervous about the current situation, so he gave an order with a trembling voice that was different from usual. ordingly, the operator of No. 516 checked the normal vision mode with the vision mode broken and aimed at the approaching Russian army and fired various weapons.


    ¡°Captain! This is a call from thepany headquarters.¡±


    The signal operator of the C-1100 console armored car disseminated an order from thepany headquarters.


    ¡°What, what did they say?¡±


    ¡°As of the present time, the 5th Company retreats to the coordinates they sent!¡±


    The coordinates transmitted from thepany headquarters were located 40 km rearward from the borderline.


    ¡°Are we retreating?¡±


    The toon leader registered the coordinate points on the digital map and instructed the robot-controlled operators.


    ¡°Enter coordinates for all Haitai! Switch to autonomous mode.¡±


    At themand of the toonmander, the piloting operators entered the coordinates to move and switched to autonomous mode.


    Then, the C-1000 Haitai robot, which had been projecting various weapons forward until just before, folded its quadruped legs inward and lowered its posture immediately. And when the wheeled wheel attached to the middle of the quadrupedal leg turned, it started to maneuver like an armored car.


    In battle, they engage by moving their four-legged legs, but in such an emergency, they could move using wheeled wheels.


    The six Haitai robots belonging to the 3rd toon started to move to the entered coordinates after switching to the autonomous operation mode in this way. The C-1100 console armored vehicle also hurriedly escaped to the rear along with the armored vehicles belonging to the toon.


    Currently, all subordinate units belonging to the 5th Army of the Eastern Military District were simultaneously participating in the invasion operation on the border area around the eastern border.


    Centering on the 57th Motorized Infantry Division, the 59th Motorized Infantry Division and the 60th Motorized Infantry Division are breaking through the border at a distance of 30km from each other on the left and right. It was followed by the 121st Panzer Division, which was part of the 10th Mechanized Army, which consisted of the T-14B Armata tank, Russia¡¯s best railgun tank.


    Hundreds of T-14B Armata tanks of the 70th Motorized Infantry Division and the 81st SS Panzer Division, which can be said to be the strongest units in the 5th Army, were breaking through the border around the Dalnerechensk border.


    In addition, various artillery units of the 127th Machine Gun Artillery Brigade, the 129th Machine Gun Artillery Brigade, and the 130th Machine Gun Artillery Brigade in Rigo, in charge of supporting the rear artillery, provided non-stop support for artillery fire. In addition, the 719th Multiple Rocket Regiment in charge of long-range strike support and the 20th Guards Rocket Brigade operating the OTR-21 Tochka SSM Iskander-M were also waiting for a request for support canon balls.


    Currently, in addition to the 5th Army, the 35th Army on the northern border and the 29th Army on the western border were evacuating the border with simr strength to the 5th Army. Also, behind the 29th Army was the 36th Army.


    The total number of troops amounted to 300,000, and the number of tanks, armored vehicles, and various self-propelled artillery and multipleunchers amounted to as little as 10,000. The important thing was that even within the Russian army, it was deployed with thetest weapons.


    Rumble!


    Shh~ Boom!


    Suddenly, a loud sound of bombs sounded just above the C-1100 console armored car with a battlefield of more than 10m, which was urgently maneuvered to the coordinate point transmitted from thepany headquarters. A friendly battery on the move was firing after rapid heat dissipation for artillery fire.


    It was the Alpha Battery belonging to the 88th Artillery Battalion, division artillery under the direct control of the 38th Mechanized Guard Division.


    Alpha Battery¡¯s six K-9A1 Lightning self-propelled howitzers poured out bombs at a staggering rate of fire of 16 rounds per minute for 3 minutes and then started preparing for departure. In addition to the Alpha battery, the Burabo battery and the Charlie battery also moved across the wide in, and when the coordinates for the bombardment fell, they immediately radiated heat and bombarded the Russian artillery units by bombarding them for 3 minutes and then leaving again.


    As a result, the Russian artillery units, which initially bombarded the entire border with a considerable amount of artillery bombs, were not able to fire as quickly as in the beginning as the damage increased by the artillery bombardment of the Korean artillery units within a minute of starting the bombardment.


    After dissipating the heat for a few minutes, they fired two or three cannonballs at most and left the camp. As a result, the firing efficiency was reduced and the physical fatigue of the artillery was only umted. Some batterymanders were afraid of artillery fire and hesitated even when artillery support came.


    This was one example of the importance of immediate artillery fire and the rate of fire per minute for an artillery unit.

 Chapter 397

    <h4>Chapter 397</h4>


    November 25th, 2023, 01:00


    th Mechanized Guard Division (Geumgang), Bukgang Province, North Manchuria, 30km southwest of the Northeast Border Line GOP 5-13 Sector


    At the point where they retreated 40km to the rear due to an emergency maneuver in response to the retreat order from the superior units, not only the 3rd toon of the 5th Company but also the entire 100th Guards Battalion were gathering.


    The ce where the 100th Guards Battalion was sent to for guard mission was geographically protruding like a triangr pyramid, and the Bukcheong River (Amur River) was split in all directions and looked like an ind. If there was a dy in such a ce, it could have been surrounded by Russian forces that had crossed the border from the other self-governed.


    ordingly, the 27th Watch Regiment Headquarters gave the 100th Watch Battalion an emergency retreat order and gave them a task to stop the 57th Motorized Infantry Division of the Russian 5th Army from vacuuming by switching to battalion defense tactics at the rear point.


    In the initial battle, a total of 51 C-1000 Haitai robots, excluding the robots that were put in the battalion maintenance team due to the failure of various optical sensors, were seated in two semicircr rows with an interval of 20m from each other and were preparing for therge-scale battle to follow.


    The fighting ability of the battalion defense tactical concept, in which all the Haitai robots operated by the battalion were gathered in one ce to respond, was iparably superior when conducting an independent battle between the Haitai robots at a distance of 800m during the alert mission.


    Although it had the disadvantage of lower mobility inbat due to its four legs, it was a C-1000 Haitai robot that possessed anti-aircraft capabilities and firepower beyond imagination in anti-personnel and anti-tank engagements.


    Theoretically, one Haitai robot was said to have more than apany-level force. In other words, the 51 units had 51pany-level troops gathered. In terms of the size of the advanced units, it was a division-level force with 12 battalions.


    Nine C-1100 console armored vehicles and battalionmand armored vehicles were lined up nicely behind the semicircr line of Haitai robots. And around them, various armored vehicles belonging to the battalion andpany were building the secondary defense line in the form of a four-way boundary.


    Among them, there was an invisible tension in the console armored car of the 3rd toon of the 5th Company.


    The six Haitai robot-controlled operators stared at their monitors with all their nerves on edge.


    Meanwhile, in the sky, several Spider-II drones from the 100th Boundary Battalion flew to the border area to thoroughly reconnaissance the ground conditions which were as dark as mud.


    Currently, at the Bukcheong River border, the 233rd Motorized Infantry Regiment, out of the two regiments that did 1st Doha despite the asional falling shells, opened a tight guard around the surrounding area to support the 12th Tank Regiment¡¯s Doha.


    Due to the artillery engagement with arge Russian artillery unit, it was not possible to open fire on the Russian troops who were actively crossing the border.


    In this situation, the 234th Motorized Infantry Regiment went to action, leaving various caterpir marks on the vast snowfield.


    At least 10 minutester, they were close enough to meet the 100th Boundary Regiment.


    The video reconnaissance from the Spider-II drone was disyed on a split-screen inside themand vehicle of the 100th Guards Battalion.


    Numerous luminous objects were crossing the Bukcheong River (Amur River), which was shown in blue.


    ¡°When will the reinforcements arrive?¡± Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Na Sang-won asked the operation staff.


    ¡°Currently, the 33rd Armored Brigade of the 82nd Panzer Division has reached a point 121km behind.¡±


    ¡°Um, 121 km. They¡¯ll be here in two hours.¡±


    ¡°Yes, considering the speed of the 33rd Armored Brigade¡¯s out-of-field maneuvers, it seems that they will indeed arrive within two hours.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Na Sang-won set a stopwatch on his wrist and eximed in a confident voice, ¡°Great! We only have to hold out for two hours.¡±


    However, the faces of the battalion staff, including the operational staff, hardened.


    ¡°Check the leading armored vehicle of the 234 Motorized Infantry Regiment 22 km ahead!¡±


    A report came from the reconnaissance drone operation operator through themunicationwork.


    ¡°They are approaching faster than you think!¡±


    After checking the video on the screen, Lieutenant Colonel Na Sang-won opened the battalionmunicationwork and gave themand directly to themunication receiver. ¡°All troops! Engagement begins at a distance of 10 km. Take responsibility and defend your assigned area! And make sure that the mobile troops are also on standby.¡±


    <hr />


    November 25th, 2023, 01:10


    Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, GOP 22-3 Sector adjacent to Mongolia


    Due to diplomatic rtions with Mongolia, which had a friendly policy, there were no barriers on the border, let alone barbed wire. However, signboards were stating the borderline at intervals of 100m, and the army in charge of the security mission deployed to the border was also the Autonomous Federation Army of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Province.


    Most of the soldiers of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region¡¯s upied Federation Army were Korean-Chinese, Chinese, and some Mongolians who were naturalized to Corea after the Northeast Asian War. In the case of officers and nonmissioned officers, they were traditionally Korean, but in terms of the overall ratio, it was 1:20.


    That was why, with the stigma of being the most disgruntled unit in the Corean army, some young people called it the Tang Federation Army. The provided weapons were also thetest.


    While the entire area of the Russian border was in the vortex of war, the Mongolian border was quiet under the twinkling stars.


    In front of the GOP 22-3 Sector Post, there was tnd that was wide enough to be seen up to several kilometers at a nce. Even though it was t, it was barren. Although the Mongolian tribesmen could live as nomads, it was not and where they could settle on and live in.


    ¡°Ha-phm, did you hear about it?¡±


    Korean-Chinese Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol, who was assigned the night guard mission, asked the sergeant.


    ¡°What? What is it?¡±


    ¡°I heard the news on the radio for a while in the dormitory before I was sent here. They were saying that there¡¯s a war with Russia right now?¡±


    Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol, who enlisted in the military at the age of 30, brought up a story he had heard on the news to share with his younger counterpart, the sergeant.


    ¡°Is that for real?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I heard it right.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this going to affect us too?¡±


    Sergeant Kwon Seong-dong, who couldn¡¯t find any loyalty to the country, was concerned about how the war with Russia would affect him.


    Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol was the same as he said, ¡°I mean. Come on, don¡¯t you think I should just run home now after hearing that news?¡±


    ¡°But wouldn¡¯t it be a pain if you deserted? No wonder. Lately, it¡¯s all Defcon, Boundary Reinforcement No. 1! There must have been a reason for everything we were told to do.¡±


    ¡°I only applied because it was a job cement after being discharged that pays a lot of sries, but I didn¡¯t know what it was until six months before I was discharged.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, we should be safe and quiet here.¡±


    While squatting in the second-floor post of the GOP 22-3 sector and exchanging useless words, suspicious shadows moving through the darkness were approaching from several kilometers ahead.


    Beep! Beep!


    ¡°Come in,e in again, two, two, three! This is two, two dash zero!¡± Amunication came from thepany headquarters.


    ¡°Why do they keep on sendingmunications? It¡¯s annoying.¡±


    Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol, who was already annoyed by the secondmunication, got up from his seat angrily, picked up the receiver of themunicator, and answered, ¡°This is two, two dash three!¡±


    ¡°What is the forward situation?¡±


    Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol roughly answered the night watch officer over themunicator, ¡°Good! Good!¡±


    ¡°Defcon 1 has been dispatched, so please be faithful to the alert mission.¡±


    ¡°This is two, two dash three! I got it.¡±


    Even though one of them had to keep an eye on the front with a night vision telescope during the guard post, the two soldiers, who were troubled by the news of the war, squatted down again and continued a meaningless conversation.


    ¡°I¡¯m annoyed, but I need to smoke a cigarette. Corporal Yeom, will you smoke one too?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I should smoke one, too.¡±


    In the end, as if he was even going to smoke inside the post, he put a cigarette in his mouth and blocked the flicker of fire from the lighter with his body in the corner as much as possible to prevent the lighter from being put out by the wind. All of a sudden, the surrounding area lit up.


    ¡°What! What is it?¡±


    Sergeant Kwon Seong-dong, whose cigarette dropped from his mouth when he opened it in surprise, got up and looked ahead.


    Dozens of res were illuminating the dark sky like broad daylight.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol also raised his upper body and looked through the window of the guard post.


    ¡°Is this perhaps the Russian army?¡±


    At the words of Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol, Sergeant Kwon Seong-dong¡¯s face changed to a fearful expression, and for an instant, a light shed in front of the outpost and a sh of light exploded.


    Kuang!


    Ahh!


    With a sh of light, a huge explosion struck the second-floor guard post. With a shriek, Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol and Sergeant Kwon Seong-dong were caught up in the explosive power and were flung away by the impact.


    Ouch!


    Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol, who was lying on the ground with the remains of the explosion at the checkpoint, felt his body heat up.


    When he checked his body, which looked blurry, red blood gushed out from all over his body as if he had been struck by shards. Then he screamed, shaking his limbs in pain.


    ¡°Ahh! Sa, save me!¡±


    As Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol struggled in excruciating pain, the faceless body of Sergeant Kwon Seong-dong was lying on the ground about 5 meters away, drooping. At the time of the explosion, his throat seemed to have been cut by sharp shards.


    On the other hand, several kilometers ahead of the GOP 22-3 Sector Post, which had been blown away without a trace, rough tanks and armored vehicles were rapidly approaching with harsh engine sounds.


    They were the 36th Motorized Infantry Division, one of the subordinate units of the 29th Army of the Eastern Military District of Russia.


    ording to the pre-invasion n, the 36th Motorized Infantry Division, which illegally invaded the Mongolian Dornot region and bypassed it, evacuated the Mongolian border area under the jurisdiction of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    In international rtions, this was an illegal military action akin to dering war on Mongolia. The units belonging to the Eastern Military District of Russia currently detouring to the Dornot region of Mongolia were followed by the 18th Machine Gun Artillery Division and the 305th Artillery Brigade in addition to the 36th Motorized Infantry Division.


    Rumble!


    Shortly thereafter, T-14 Armata tanks of the 551st Armored Brigade of the 36th Motorized Infantry Division, the vanguard unit, conducted a 60km-long maneuver and broke through the border one by one without any restrictions.


    A T-14 Armata tank passing near GOP¡¯s 22-3 Sector Post, which had been blown away without a trace, rolled on the ground and over Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol who was struggling in extreme pain.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Corporal Yeom Dong-yeol, who was crushed by the tank¡¯s heavy caterpir, died instantly with a shrill scream. In the ce where the T-14 Armata tank had passed, there was no human form, only squashed and bloody bones and flesh. Some of the bloody human flesh were caught on the caterpir and rolled with the chain.


    Meanwhile, the troops of the 8th Battalion, 33rd Regiment of the 122nd Infantry Division of the Autonomous National Guard Army, responsible for guarding the GOP¡¯s 22-1 to 12 sectors, each started running towards the temporary defensive position with their firearms.


    ¡°Listen carefully! We have to hold out for only 30 minutes. That means that the support units areing now. If you do what you were trained to, you can survive.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Oh Soong-gil, who was sleeping in his residence and arrived at the battalion headquarters building in a hurry to the sound of an emergency siren, opened allmunicationworks of the battalion and delivered a message to raise morale, thinking that desertions might ur out of fear.


    Even so, Lieutenant Colonel Oh Soong-gil knew in his heart that the loyalty and discipline of the battalion soldiers were absent.


    At this time, an urgent voice was heard from someone through themunicationwork.


    ¡°The enemy ising from Sector 3, Sector 4, and Sector 5. Don¡¯t be swayed, keep everyone in ce! Defend your position until the very end! We have to hold out until reinforcements arrive.¡±


    It was the voice of Captain Nam Gil-won, the 8thpanymander who was famous for being upright and fiercely loyal in the 88th Battalion. However, the Russian army that the 88th Battalion is currently dealing with was an armored brigade using T-14 Armata tanks, not regr infantry.


    Although there were anti-tank weapons, dealing with thetest T-14 Armata tank with battalion-level infantry was a suicide mission.


    Boom! Boom!


    The main gun of the T-14 Armata tank, which was operated by an unmanned turret system, emitted a roaring sound and fierce mes.


    The high-explosive bombs of the formidable T-14 Armata tank struck the temporary posts of the soldiers. As a result, the soldiers who were shooting with their heads bowed and their guns held out from their temporary positions flew in all directions.


    The soldiers of the 88th Battalion, armed with C2C1 rifles rather than C2ser rifles, were massacred like falling leaves.


    asionally, Hyeongung anti-tank guided missiles flew and aimed at the T-14 Armata tank, which moved at a frightening speed, but could not prate the frontal armor of the T-14 Armata tank coated with reactive armor. On the contrary, the soldiers who fired the Hyeongung anti-tank guided missiles suffered so tremendously that their bodies could not even be found.


    Some soldiers engaged in passive battles out of fear or ran away without looking back, but most of them responded bravely than expected.


    As the 88th Battalion engaged in a difficult battle like throwing eggs on rocks, the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset) and the 5th Panzer Division (key) of the 6th Corps belonging to the 3rd Field Army, which was stationed in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture, quickly moved in the direction of the 88th Battalion.

 Chapter 398

    <h4>Chapter 398</h4>


    November 25th, 2023 01:20,


    th Mechanized Guard Division (Geumgang), Bukgang Province, North Manchuria, 30km southwest from the northeastern border line GOP 5-13 sector.


    The C-1000 Haitai robot, which is centered on its quadruped legs, spreads the ck Dragon missileunchers on both sides and watches the assigned monitoring direction, lifted its upper body to the sky when the anti-aircraft rm sounded.


    Then, a beam of light was sprayed from the 12mmser Vulcan.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!*


    51 units of C-1000 Haitai robots intercepted iing enemy shells while connected in a multiwork state.


    It seems that the 100 Guards Battalion reconnaissance and bombardment of a defensive position had been established.


    As soon as each artillery battalion belonging to the 57th Motorized Infantry Division opened fire, the artillery unit under the direct control of the 38th Mechanized Guard Division also fired artillery fire.


    There were gunfire sounds everywhere, and then the sound of thunder piercing the sky resounded.


    In addition to the 12mmser Vulcan beam of the C-1000 Haitai robot, two 6-rowser Vulcan beams from the K-30A2 Biho, the anti-aircraft officer of thepany headquarters, embroidered colorful beams of light in the sky. was only a few feet away.


    The anti-aircraft fire of theser Vulcan beam, which was about 60 doors, was very sophisticated and hard.


    In addition, the Russian artillery unit, which fired concentrated fire for a few minutes, was engulfed in shells by the Korean artillery unit¡¯s immediate artillery fire.


    As the ROK Army¡¯s rapid and urate artillery fire failed to produce any significant results, the 57th Motorized Infantry Divisionmand headquarters issued an emergency vacuum order to the 234th Motorized Infantry Regiment toward the 100th Guard Battalion.


    The tanks and armored vehicles of the 234th Motorized Infantry Regiment, which slowly appeared over the snow, were running at the highest possible speed in the open field, narrowing the distance with the 100th Guards Battalion.


    The number of armored vehicles and tanks of the 234th Motorized Infantry Regiment, and various armored vehicles following from the rear, reflected on the monitor with various illuminators, the control operators of the C-1100 console armored vehicle swallowed their saliva and entered the target designation one by one.


    As the tanks and armored vehicles of the 234th Motorized Infantry Regiment approached 10km, themand to attack was issued by Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Na Sang-won.


    The C-1000 Haitai robot, which had been scattering numerous beams of light toward the sky until just now, immediately fired 40mm rockets in front of it.


    Bang Bang Bang! Bang Bang bang! bang! Bang Bang Bang!*


    A 40mm rocket shot flew in a parab with a light sound. In the first attack, the C-1000 Haitai robot fired a whopping 816 rounds of 40mm rockets. The 16 tubeuncher waspletely emptied.


    The C-1000 Haitai robot, which can be reloaded by itself without supplying ammunition up to 2 times, started reloading the 16-tubeuncher with a distinctive mechanical sound, and the reloading waspleted in less than 20 seconds.


    Meanwhile, hundreds of 40mm rocket bombsnded on the tanks and armored vehicles of the mobile 234th Motorized Infantry Regiment.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The subordinate units of the 234th Motorized Infantry Regiment, which maneuver from the rear, also had self-propelled anti-aircraft guns such as thetest 2S6M-II Tunguska and ZSU-23-4 Silka capable of intercepting enemy shells, but they had a caliber of only 40 mm and were the size of a child¡¯s forearm. It had no ability to intercept rockets.


    As if hundreds of bombs were dropped from the sky, an area the size of ten ser fields was turned into a ce where the stench of gunpowder smelled.


    Several BMP-3M Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), the main armored vehicles of the 57th Motorized Infantry Division, stopped maneuvering and fell to the ground, emitting thick smoke. In general, it seemed that he was hit when he was hit directly by the thin upper part of the armor.


    However,pared to the number of rockets thatnded, only 10 of the 120 armored vehicles were hit.


    Shoo woong~ Shoo woong~


    Another 40mm rocket was fired.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Pirs of soil sprung up from all sides and sparks flew out. Again, 12 BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) were hit, and one T-90AM tank belonging to the tankpany under the direct control of the regiment stopped moving when various optical equipment was damaged.


    However, the remaining 53 T-90AM tanks and 93 BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) continued toe.


    The C-1000 Haitai Robot, which fired two 40mm rocket rounds, now has a 9-barrel (3*3)uncher spread out left and right tounch a 50mm multi-purpose missile, the ck Dragon Missile.


    Whirl! Whirl!


    The appearance of the C-1000 Haitai robot, which is very simr to the ED-209 from the Robocop movie, was that it was a quadruped rather than just a two-legged weapon.


    When the Russian T-90AM tanks entered within 5 km of the effective range of the tank guns, they moved their long barrels and tried to fire the tank guns at the 100th Guard Battalion.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    mm ck Dragon missiles were fired one after another from the 9 tubeunch tubes. Three ck Dragon missiles per Haitai robot escaped theunch tube and flew to the T-90AM tank.


    The 153 ck Dragon missiles flew in an instant and attempted to attack the T-90AM tank. However, the T-90AM tank detected an anti-tank missile and immediately emitted powerful infrared light through an infrared radiation device. Several ck dragon missiles, which were disturbed by this, lost their targets and exploded when theynded in the snow.


    Bang! Boom!


    However, it was not possible to disrupt all ck Dragon missiles. The ck Dragon missile, which survived the strong infrared rays, was stuck in the turret of the targeted T-90AM tank.


    Bang! Boom!


    Two explosions sounded. The T-90AM tank, which was hit in the face of the turret by the ck Dragon missile, continued to maneuver as if nothing had happened.


    The T-90AM tank, which was equipped with a doubleplex armor structure and reactive armor, deflected a prator of the ck Dragon missile.


    The T-90AM tank, thetest improved version of the T-90 tank, has been reced with the 2A82-1M gun, which is the same main gun mounted on the T-14 Armata tank so that it can hit all IV-ss tanks. There were times that Mhit reactive armor was even advertised as being able to deflect depleted uranium bullets.


    The propaganda was not an exaggeration, considering that it had just deflected the Prator of the ck Dragon missile.


    The 153 ck Dragon missiles destroyed 11 T-90AM tanks and 50 BMP-3M Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) moving from the rear.


    Armored vehicles emitting thick smoke and dancing red mes were left as abominable ornaments on the snow.


    The counterattack of the 234th Motorized Infantry Regiment began. The T-90AM tanks, approaching an effective range of 5 km, fired fire from their main guns in unison.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Each time the 125mm smoothbore guns fired fire, the T-90AM tank shook between maneuvers.


    Ping! Ping!


    An anti-tank high explosive (HEAT) flying in a straight line through the air at a muzzle velocity of 1,980 m/s hit the Haitai robot.


    Boom!


    The Haitai robot, whose one leg was blown off with a huge explosion, lost its center and threw its upper body to the floor.


    ¡°Number 705, s, shoot!¡±


    ¡°Is it out of control?¡±


    ¡°Please wait a moment.¡±


    The 705 pilot operator grabbed the two remote controllers and pulled and pushed them around. However, the 705 Haitai did not budge.


    ¡°Ah! It seems that the posture control device has gone out. It is not operational.¡±


    The 705 operator hit the console with his fist and tilted his head.


    It seemed a little angry that his Haitai robot, which was his favorite, had his upper body barren to the ground.


    ¡°Can¡¯t help it then! 705 operators move to mobilebat vehicles.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    There were a total of 4 operators TO of the C-1000 Haitai robot. During the normal security mission, four people took turns monitoring and manually switching to monitoring missions for 6 hours a day. As it is now, during wartime battles, the highest-ranking gunner and assistant gunner took turns piloting, and the other two were incorporated into the mobile light armored squadron.


    A full-fledged T-90AM tank counterattack began. In addition to the 125mm smoothbore gun, the 9K225 Proshnachno, an improved version of the 9K123 Hryzantema, fired from the twin ATGMunch tube mounted on the right side of the turret.


    With a weight of 20 kg and a range of 4,000 to 5,000 m, the 9K225 Proshnachno has improved range and uracypared to its predecessor, and it is rtively small and light, making it easy to transport. ording to the induction method, it can be divided into manual wired induction, semi-automatic wired induction, and automatic wireless induction.


    The 30 or so 9K225 Proshnachnos that flew in an automatic radio-guided method pushed in even after receiving jamming waves from the powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) and exploded several Haitai robots.


    No. 611 Haitai Robot, whose entire upper body flew away, and slowly slumped down with only four legs sloppy, spitting out dark red mes! Luckily, the 603 Haitai robots that only the right Heilong missileuncher flew and was partially working while spraying a 12mmser Vulcan! No. 511 Haitai Robot that has all four legs destroyed and only the upper body is lying on the floor!


    The performance of the 9K225 Proshnachno anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) fired from the T-90AM tank was very good.


    Lieutenant Colonel Na Sang-won¡¯s face hardened seriously as reports of the attack of the Haitai robot from each toon¡¯s console armored vehicles continued through themunicationwork.


    In the case of battalion defense tactics operated only by Haitai robots, Lieutenant Colonel Na Sang-won thought that it was somewhat insufficient to deal with armored forces with strong offensive and protective powers, so he picked up themunicationwork receiver.


    ¡°From now on, Haitai Operators will target enemy tanks by toon and target reactive armor with 12mmser Vulcans. Mobilepanies and toon mobile strike battalions also sorting over. Over.¡±


    Upon receiving themand of the battalionmander, the toon operators concentrated fire on one T-90AM tank with a 12mmser Vulcan.


    At least 4 to 6 red beams of red light were thrown at the oing T-90AM tanks, firing tank guns at the forefront.


    Papapa! Papapat! Papat! Papapapat!


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Sparks bounced in all directions, causingrge and small explosions. The 12mmser Vulcan beam could not prate the doubleplex armor of the T-90AM tank, but it was enough to make the reactive armor a mop.


    In an instant, several T-90AM tanks exploded in tattered reaction gloves, and C-23P basaltbat armored vehicles, which started maneuvering from the left and right, fired 50mm photons based on their fast mobility.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    It was weaker than the 100mm photon cannon of the C-3 White Tiger tank, but it was enough to hit the side or caterpir without reactive armor.


    Several photon cannon particles were leveled with the ground, pierced the side armor of the T-90AM tank in an instant, and exploded.


    Boom! Bang!


    The T-90AM tanks of the leading group, which were charging without hesitation, causedrge and small explosions, and then they dropped a long barrel of smoke and dropped their long barrels to the ground and stopped moving.


    There are about 20 Russian tanks left now!


    When several Haitai robots concentrated a 12mmser Vulcan beam on an enemy tank and fired a 50mm photon cannon in response to the C-23P Hyunmoo mobilebat vehicle, the fighting style changed quickly. The number of T-90AM tanks, which initially threatened the 100 Guards Battalion, rapidly declined.


    Now, there are only nine T-90AM tanks left, which used to be fired from downhill guns, making evasive movements from side to side. Having struggled in the early stages, the 100th Battalion slowly grabbed the victory.


    As our tanks, which used to act as the main body, stopped moving in red mes one by one, the following BMP-3M Infantry Combat Vehicles slowed down and panicked. Thirty-nine Haitai robots survived in case they missed this opportunity and poured out all their firepower.


    In addition, more than a dozen C-23P basaltbat armored vehicles also made mboyant maneuvers, presenting red particles of photons to the sides of enemy armored vehicles urately and quickly.

 Chapter 399: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 3-1 Difficult!

    <h4>Chapter 399: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 3-1 Difficult!</h4>


    November 24, 2023 02:30,


    Secrecy Bureau, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Namju (Safe House).


    Teams 4 and 3 of the Security Bureau of Secrecy Bureau waiting at Incheon Airport and Team 2 and 1 of the External Intelligence Agency from the National Intelligence Service took Woo Eun-seo¡¯s family, who hadpleted immigration procedures through the VIP passage, to see if they had spoken with the immigration officials beforehand. We arrived at a safe house in Gangseo-gu.


    Eunseo Woo, who hurriedly left Hong Kong and flew to Korea by ne, fainted when she heard the news of her father¡¯s death.


    ¡°The first father-inw tried to report it. He said he could never give the state¡¯s top secret science and technology to the kidnappers.¡±


    Ahn Min-cheol, with tears in his eyes, poured out the details of what had happened.


    ¡°However, my wife and I told the father-inw that we should never report children¡¯s concerns. The father-inw, who had been struggling for three days, finally listened to us, saying that his grandchildren were trampled on every night.¡±


    ¡°Well, who was the middle contact?¡±


    Kim Jin-joong, 2nd Division Director of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Foreign Intelligence Bureau, asked a question.


    ¡°Yes, the kidnappers made their demands on the wife, and the wife passed them on to the father-inw.¡±


    ¡°Um, that¡¯s weird. All phone calls from Professor Woo Jin-gil are intercepted by our security team. But so far, we have not been able to secure anything rted to him while talking on the phone.¡±


    Park Kang-won, team leader of Team 4 and Team 3 of the Secret Service Guard Room 1 asked while coughing.


    In rtion to state secrets, the wiretapping was done for security reasons, but in retrospect, it was a rather illegal act.


    ¡°The phone calls were in the form of encrypted conversations informed by the hijackers.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s right.¡±


    Team leader Park Kang-won nodded his head.


    ¡°Have you seen the faces of the kidnappers?¡±


    ¡°no. He said that he couldn¡¯t see him because he had covered his face since the first time he was kidnapped. They said they spoke to each other in fluent English and only faintly heard someone talking on the phone in Mandarin.¡±


    So far, Ahn Min-cheol¡¯s statements have been consistent with the contents of Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s will.


    ¡°Then did your wife record conversations with the kidnappers as an intermediary contact?¡±


    He thought about something for a moment in response to the question from Section 2, Kim Jin-joong, and then immediately pped his knee and got up from his seat.


    ¡°Yes, there is. Wait.¡±


    Ahn Min-cheol rummaged through his suitcase and pulled out one of his smart phones.


    ¡°This is it. It¡¯s an unused phone now, but the first time I talked to the hijackers, I recorded several calls.¡±


    ¡°Five! That¡¯s great.¡±


    Ahn Min-cheol¡¯s expression was not so bright when the second manager, Jin-joong Kim, handed the phone with a bright smile.


    ¡°By the way, I don¡¯t know if it would be helpful to talk on their phone with a tampered voice.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. We will be able to restore it to the original sound.¡±


    ¡°Ah, then I¡¯m d. I saved the first few calls and kept calling with a tampered voice so my wife didn¡¯t record after that.¡±


    ¡°Fine. This will help the investigation.¡±


    ¡°I wish it were. By the way, when will the father-inw be able toe to Korea?¡±


    ¡°Ah! That part is currently being coordinated with the Hong Kong investigative authorities. We will do our best to escort them back to their home country as much as possible tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Ah! thank you.¡±


    After that, the first survey waspleted and ended two more hourster. First of all, since we secured a smartphone with the hijackers¡¯ forged phone calls, we were able to uncover the identities of the hijackers.


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 02:30 (Kurdistan time 24, 20:30),


    The new government building in Doubayajyut, Ari province, Republic of Kurdistan.


    The city of Doubaayajw, the capital of the Republic of Kurdistan, was in a festive mood all day. This was because the Taegeukgi and the Kurdistan Republic g were hoisted at the Kirkuk City Hall, thest upied territory of Kurdistan around 9:30 am local time.


    As if the War of Independence had ended, thousands of citizens of the Kurdistan Republic flocked to the streets, waving the Republic g and shouting for independence. It was a festival, not a festival.


    With so many people upying the roads and streets that a car could not pass, there were shouts and processions of citizens in the square in front of the new government building of the Kurdistan Republic.


    bang! Baba Baba!


    A truck jumped out of nowhere and honked its horn and drove towards the square. Citizens in the square tried to avoid themselves due to the sudden appearance of the truck, but the citizens, who were crowded enough to have no time to step, were blocked by a human barrier and, unable to escape, collided with the truck.


    The truck, which ran at random, hitting the citizens, finally crossed the square and reached the front of the new government building, and then exploded with a huge explosion sound.


    Quang! Aaaaaaah!


    A small mushroom cloud erupted in mes and engulfed the surrounding area. A huge aftermath spread at an instantaneous speed, blowing up not only the citizens but also the buildings of the new government.


    Ahh! Cool! Aww!


    Screams of pain resounded from here and there as white dust that could not be seen even an inch ahead swallowed the surroundings. The new government building za, which had a festive atmosphere for up to a few minutes, turned into a hellish affair.


    As the dust settled to some extent, the view was terrifying. Ripped limbs and bloody corpses were strewn through the rubble of broken buildings, and the lucky survivors unconsciously screamed for help.


    One mother cried as she looked up at the sky as she screamed as she hugged her bloody, stretched baby. It was a castle that resented the sky.


    Beep beep beep!


    On that day, the siren of an ambnce rang continuously in the city of Doubayajyu.


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 02:30 (Kurdistan time 24, 20:30),


    Bashkale State Capitol, Banju, Republic of Kurdistan.


    In all cities of Banju, which dered the first independence along with Ariju, tens of thousands of citizens came out on the road, just like Doubayaya, in a festive atmosphere.


    A procession of citizens continued in front of the Bashkale State Capitol, the capital of Banju, as well as various signposts and gs of the Republic.


    ¡°Independence of the Kurdistan Republic! Independence of Kurdistan Republic! Independence of the Kurdistan Republic!¡±


    Everyoneughed and the whole family came out to enjoy the festival. Big and small performances were held in various ces, and food was served to citizens for free inrge restaurants.


    The state security forces in charge of security in the city also joined them with their guns on their backs in a festive mood. Today, it was a momentum to unravel all the core of the Kurdish people who had lost their country for over 100 years and suffered a lot ording to the profit and loss of other countries.


    Children and adults, men and women alike, let your voices explode. Among the shouting marching citizens, several men in all-ck Arab robes suddenly took off their cloaks and shouted.


    ¡°Ahu Akbar (Ah is great)¡±


    Their bodies were stripped of their outer garments, and IEDs (homemade bombs) were hung all over their bodies.


    Several nearby citizens were startled and shouted for damage, but they were buried by the cries of the citizens.


    Kuang! Bang! Aww!


    A deafening explosion resounded throughout Bashkalesi, and huge mes shot up into the sky. A total of six such explosions urred.


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 02:30 (Kurdistan time 24, 20:30),


    Kirkuk City Hall, Kirkuk Ost, Kurdistan Republic.


    The square in front of Kirkuk City Hall, which marked a mark in the history of Kurdistan¡¯s independence!


    The members of the 3rd Tank toon of the 111th Marine Tank Battalion, who had a sweet rest in the temporary barracks all day, went out after getting permission from thepanymander to go out to experience the festive atmosphere in the middle of a cool night.


    Every time the 3rd Tank toon members passed by, the citizens expressed their sincere thanks. An old man shed heavy tears and hugged him recklessly.


    ¡°Hey! If it¡¯s this popr, can I live here?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yun-seong, who made eye contact with the two beautiful women and greeted them, said with tears in his mouth and ears.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just marry the woman here? You see, those two women, as well as the Kurdistan women, are generally pretty, don¡¯t they?¡±


    When Corporal Lee Hae-seong spoke with an expression that was not sure if he was teasing or sincere, Sgt. Kim Yun-seong¡¯s expression became serious and responded.


    ¡°mind! Bok-soon in Seoul is waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Ugh! Bok-soon? What a name!¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah? What?¡±


    ¡°Ah! You are beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Child! The name is still, but the face is prettier than the two women before!¡±


    ¡°Not at all! Are you?¡±


    At this time, Sgt. Gil Min-jun interrupted the conversation.


    ¡°By the way, haven¡¯t you shown me a picture until now? Commander-in-Chief?¡±


    ¡°picture? Did you ask me to show you?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Of course, I knew it wasn¡¯t there...¡±


    Sergeant Gil Min-jun flinched at the hand of Sgt. Kim Yun-seong, who suddenly climbed up, and, unable to continue his words, pulled his body back.


    ¡°Cook! this child! ruler! Look! look!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yun-seong moved his hand, which had reached his head, into his chest pocket and pulled out his small notebook. There were several photos in the notebook.


    ¡°Wow! Are you really showing me?¡±


    When they saw the picture of Corporal Hae-seong Lee and Sgt. Gil Min-jun sticking their heads out, they immediately looked disappointed.


    ¡°Ah really! Isn¡¯t that a picture of a dog?¡±


    ¡°Huh! right! It¡¯s our room.¡±


    ¡°Ah! also! There was none.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha, children! look at the faces? If you¡¯re so disappointed, you guys can introduce yourself. Go! That food looks delicious.¡±


    Sgt. Kim Yun-seong, who was disappointed with Corporal Lee Hae-seong and Sgt. Gil Min-jun, shoulder-to-shoulder, and dragged him to a small vending machine selling food on the street.


    ¡°Are you shooting?¡±


    ¡°carrot! I wonder if you guys will call me out?¡±


    ¡°Shhh! You are the invincible Deputy Chief of Staff No. 132.¡±


    ¡°Now you know? haha¡±


    Various performances were held under bright lights in the wide city hall square, and there were a long line of vending machines selling various foods with Arab spices.


    ¡°What would you like to eat?¡±


    When I was about to look around and choose a variety of food that made my mouth water just by looking at it, a shock wave came with a huge explosion in the za near the entrance to the city hall.


    Kuah! Aww!


    Then, a huge aftershock swept the square along with the thick dust.


    ¡°Ah! What, what?¡±


    People caught in the aftermath flew away without mercy. Of course, Sgt. Kim Yun-seong and his party, who were choosing food at the vending machine, also threw all kinds of food on the ground.


    Fortunately, thanks to the protective suit, he was not injured, but his head was nk and his eyes were not visible in the cloud of dust.


    ¡°Ouch! head Are you guys okay?¡±


    Sgt. Kim Yun-seong crawled around the ground to find Corporal Hae-seong Lee and Sgt. Gil Min-jun.


    ¡°I! I¡¯m here.¡±


    Corporal Lee Hae-seong¡¯s face bulged out from among the broken vending machines.


    ¡°What about Sergeant Gil?¡±


    ¡°Ah, me too.¡±


    Sergeant Gil Min-jun, who had collided with the wall behind him and copsed, was approaching, removing food from his clothes.


    ¡°What the hell is this?¡±


    ¡°Wow, it seems like a bomb attack.¡±


    ¡°Terror?¡±


    Surprised by the word terror, Corporal Lee Hae-seong lowered the shield ss and looked around. There was still a cloud of dust all around me, so I couldn¡¯t see even an inch ahead, but the inverter mode of the shield ss broke through the cloud of dust and allowed me to see the surroundings in detail.


    ¡°Ah! Are you serious?¡±


    The sight seen through the shield ss was terrifying. In particr, an estimated 300 people were lying in the square near the entrance to the city hall.


    Lieutenant Kim Gyu-hwan, toon leader of the 3rd toon, who was watching the performance far from the source of the explosion, came running.


    ¡°Is everyone okay?¡±


    Lieutenant Kim Gyu-hwan, who was urately looking for and inspecting the toon members through the shield ss, received a wirelessmunication from the main unit.


    ¡°all right. I will return right away.¡±


    It seemed that this explosion was an order to return from thepany.


    ¡°Third toon! it¡¯s an emergency Return to the unit immediately. Hurry!¡±


    When themand to return to the toonmander was given, he went out after a long time, brushed off his heart that had been soaked in the festive atmosphere, and started running recklessly to the battalion garrison.


    The screams of the moring citizens behind them as they were running made their footsteps heavy.

 Chapter 400: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 3-2 Difficult!

    <h4>Chapter 400: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 3-2 Difficult!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 03:00,


    The basement bunker (conference room) of the Blue House National Crisis Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Namju.


    Immediately after Russia¡¯s massive invasion, President Chu Eun-hee, as if waiting for it, issued a public statement condemning Russia¡¯s illegal military actions and formally dering war.


    Despite thete hour, many people watched the President¡¯s speech presentation. The people were deeply moved by the naval battle with the Far East Fleet from the afternoon and the continuous delivery of information from a Blue House spokesperson saying that Russia¡¯s military movements are not serious. Most of them calmly epted whether they were aware of the danger of war in advance and prepared their minds in advance.


    There are many reasons for this, but the biggest reason was trust and trust in the ROK Armed Forces.This atmosphere would not have been created if it had not been for the trust of the ROK Armed Forces, which unterally defeated China and even upied Japan in the Northeast Asian War two years ago.


    President Chu Eun-hee immediately after the announcement of his address to the public, watched the current state of war at the National Crisis Center here one by one, and then briefly moved to the conference room to report on Professor Woo Jin-Gil¡¯s case.


    President Chu Eun-hee, who received a 30-minute rough report from the Director of the National Intelligence Service, asked with a sad expression on his face.


    ¡°Okay. Professor Woo Jin-gil, when can the bodye to Korea?¡±


    ¡°I think I will be able toe to Korea this morning by requesting the Thai investigative authorities.¡±


    ¡°Good. It must have been very heartbreaking for the bereaved family, but I am d that I was able to bring them back to Korea as soon as possible.¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee nodded and said, Director Lee Young-jin said cautiously.


    ¡°The problem is that the bereaved families are also involved in this confidential leak, so arrest seems inevitable.¡±


    ¡°Are you imprisoned?¡±


    ¡°Under the currentw, in the case of SSS-level confidential documents, all those involved are sentenced to life imprisonment or longer. In the case of the current state of national emergency, even the death penalty.¡±


    ¡°Director Lee!¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee cut off Director Lee Young-jin¡¯s words with a firm tone.


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    ¡°Professor Jin-Gil Woo has sacrificed the lives of himself and his family over the years for the country. Why does he and his family have to suffer like this?¡±


    ¡°Yes? What do you mean?¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin, embarrassed by the iprehensible question, asked carefully.


    ¡°It is the responsibility of the state. State Responsibility! Prof. Woo Jin-Gil devoted all his abilities and efforts for the country to his sma research, and his achievements have made the Republic of Korea we are today. If Professor Woo Jin-gil had not done such a thing, there would have been no extreme choice of suicide, and his daughter, Woo Jin-seo, was also held hostage to the vicious kidnappers for two years, a one-year-old child and a three-year-old child who would not hurt even if they saw it in their eyes. He would not have been caught and lived in pain every day. Who can tell them they are the criminals who leaked their secrets?¡±


    Unlike his usual kind expression, when Director Lee Young-jin was unable to answer the president¡¯s angry face, Kang Hyeon-soo, head of the security office, spoke on his behalf.


    ¡°President! The sma core technology leaked this time is the current sum of Korean science and technology. If the hijackers hand over their secrets to other countries, the problem gets worse.¡±


    ¡°great. What can a country that acquired the leaked sma core technology make?¡±


    When President Choo Eun-hee cleared his hardened expression and asked a question, Director Lee Su-jin, the general manager of the Parthenon Research Center, who sat still at the end of the seat like a criminal, opened his mouth.


    ¡°First of all, as the head of the institute, I am very sorry for this incident.¡±


    ¡°no. It¡¯s not the doctor¡¯s fault. Rather than that, please exin easily what other countries can make with the leaked core sma technology.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President! I¡¯ll tell you in an easy way without technical terms. The first thing that can be made with sma core technology is a sma superphoton generator. In addition, countries with a high level of science and technology can make advanced weapons such as photon cannons and various sma bombs based on applied technology. Laser weapons are also included.¡±


    The power nts and advanced weapons that Dr. Sujin Lee briefly solved and enumerated could only be made by the Republic of Korea at present.


    ¡°You said that it is a country with a high level of science and technology. Can you give me a country name for example?¡±


    ¡°Yes, President! By today¡¯s standards, the former China, India, Japan, Russia, the United States, and most of the European countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany.¡±


    ¡°great. Even if those countries acquired the core technology, how many years would it take to build a super-photon power nt or various advanced weapons?¡±


    ¡°The level of science and technology will be different for each country I mentioned, but I expect it to take two to three years for the United States and Russia, and two to three years for other countries.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s faster than I thought.¡±


    Recognizing that the problem was more serious than expected, President Chu Eun-hee leaned back in his chair and shook his head with a sigh.


    ¡°President! If you think of the sma core technology as a building blueprint this time, you will understand it faster.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a blueprint for a building.... i See. It is easy to understand if you exin it in an easy way. So, by the way, are you checking the identities of those kidnappers?¡±


    ¡°Yes, all departments are mobilized and are currently investigating.¡±


    At the same time as Director Young-jin Lee¡¯s answer, Chief of Staff Lim Jong-won looked worried andmented.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried that I will have to catch it before selling the technical information to other countries.¡±


    ¡°Do you think the chief of staff did this for simple money?¡±


    Kang Hyeon-soo, head of the security office, asked a question out of the blue with a face that said, ¡®Isn¡¯t that so?¡¯


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t think so. Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s identity is an S-ss security in Korea. A typical kidnapper would never know such information. So, at least, I wonder if those kidnappers are special agents of the state who are jealous of our Republic of Korea. What do others think?¡±


    The president and other officials nodded their heads at the words of Kang Hyeon-soo, head of the security office.


    ¡°Yeah, the chief security officer is right. The intelligence analysis room also made an analysis that the hijackers are highly likely to be intelligence agents of a country.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin helped with the words of Kang Hyeon-soo, head of the Security Office.


    ¡°Currently, the Foreign Intelligence Agency agents dispatched to Hong Kong have been instructed to investigate the intelligence organizations of all countries operating in Hong Kong.¡±


    ¡°If, as the two of you said, it was organized by an intelligence organization in another country, the problem could be more serious.¡±


    All eyes were focused on Dr. Sujin Lee, who was interrupted in the conversation. And the question of Director Youngjin Lee continued.


    ¡°Is it more serious?¡±


    ¡°If the kidnappers were an international criminal organization, they would have kept the information stolen from Professor Woo Jin-gil and tried to sell thepleted information to other countries. However, if the intelligence organization of a country had made up the two powders, they would have continued to conduct research and development with the stolen information.¡±


    ¡°Doctor Lee! Then, if the research that took two to three years in other countries was started based on the first stolen information, would it be possible to produce something in less than a year?¡±


    Director Youngjin Lee made a surprised expression even as he spoke.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. At least a sma bomb can be made in three months or even before that.¡±


    At Dr. Sujin Lee¡¯s words, everyone in the conference room was astonished.


    ¡°Director Lee!¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    ¡°Make sure you catch the vicious kidnapper or the intelligence organization of another country. You have to catch it by all means and methods. In addition. Core technology must also be recovered.¡±


    As the situation became more serious than expected, President Chu Eun-hee gave his eyes strength and said as if instructing Director Lee Young-jin.


    ¡°All right. I will definitely fix it.¡±


    At this time, the conference room inte rang and the secretary¡¯s voice came out.


    Beep! Beep!


    President! The Minister of Defense asks to see you. ¡°Tell me toe in.¡± All right. After a while, the door to the conference room opened and Minister Kang Yi-sik entered. Minister Kang I-sik, who seemed to have hurriedly ran from the situation room, took a rough breath and approached the presidents. Everyone looked at Minister Kang Yi-sik, wondering if there was something wrong with the war with Russia.


    ¡°Did the war with Russia cause any major problems?¡±


    Kang Hyeon-soo, head of the National Security Office, stood up in an awkward position and asked. ¡°Oh, no. It¡¯s not on the Russian side, it¡¯s on the Kurdistan side.¡± ¡°Are you Kurdistan? What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±


    ¡°Currently, there have been simultaneous suicide bombings in about 30 Kurdistan cities.¡±


    The president, startled by the word suicide bombing, jumped up from his seat and asked additional questions.


    ¡°No, suicide bombing? Any casualties?¡±


    ¡°It is not certain at this time, but the information we have provided is a report from themander of the Peace Unit that there were more than 5,000 casualties.¡± ¡°Oh, five thousand? Is there any damage to the Peace Corps?¡± ¡°Fortunately, there was no damage to the Peace Corps. Most of them are Kurdistan citizens. Tomemorate the upation of Kirkuk, arge number of people came out on the square and on the streets to hold various events and processions.


    The president took a long sigh as he sat down on the sofa and said.


    ¡°Oh my God, I thought that Kurdistan independence was not far away, but this is happening.¡± While the presidentmented, Kang Hyun-soo, head of the security office, asked an additional question.


    ¡°Is the terrorist behind the scenes revealed?¡±


    ¡°Currently, the peace unit intelligence unit hasunched an investigation together with the Kurdistan investigative authorities. It is forbidden to make hasty judgments, but in terms of terrorism, it appears to be the work of IS or an armed group. However, the Kurdistan government is suspicious of the Iranian and Iraqi governments.¡±


    ¡°Iran and Iraq?¡± ¡°Yes, Iran and Iraq are currently on a hiatus from external military activities. In other words, we decided that we could no longer defeat our Peace Forces with a military threat. However, that does not mean that the independence of the Kurdistan Republic was recognized. Therefore, we are wondering whether this hopeless war is not intended to cause internal turmoil by dying the war and instead triggering continuous terrorism.¡± ¡°But it must be today, when the war with Russia broke out....¡±


    Lim Jong-won, chief of the secretary¡¯s office, blurted the end of his speech and made an impression, and Director Lee Young-jin spit out the words without knowing it. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the owner of Russia?¡±


    In an instant, all eyes were focused on Director Lee Young-jin. Then he exined why he thought so.¡±Ah! I said it because the war with Russia started and the suicide bombings urred as if it was a promise.¡±


    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, Russia may be behind it.¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee nodded his head to see if there was any truth to Lee Young-jin¡¯s words and continued his words.


    ¡°In particr, did Russia not interfere with the independence of the Kurdistan Republic by providing Iran with various new weapons? This is with the intention of causing chaos in Kurdistan externally, so as not to focus on the war with Russia.¡±Director Youngjin Lee¡¯s additional exnation followed, and everyone seemed to agree.


    ¡°If the Russian government is behind it, it seems like they are preparing a lot for today. By the way, I even think that the leak of sma core technology may have been a Russian thing.¡±


    Kang Hyeon-soo, head of the National Security Office, inferred that Russia might be involved in all cases. ¡°Is it sma core technology? What does that mean?¡± When Minister Kang Yi-sik, who had not yet shared information, asked with his curious face, Kang Hyeon-soo, the chief of security, answered. ¡°Oh, Minister Kang! We¡¯ll talk about it at the NSC meeting in the morning.¡± ¡°Oh, yes, I see.¡±


    ¡°It feels like a lot of difficulties are piled up when we are going to focus on the war with Russia. First of all, let¡¯s assume that the sma core technology and Kurdistan issue will be prepared at the NSC meeting this morning. Any other reports?¡± ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    ¡°like. When ites to sma guns, small things are good, so please keep reporting them. Let¡¯s finish this and go up to the situation room.¡±


    When President Choo Eun-hee rose from his seat again, the rest of the officials and Dr. Lee Su-jin also rose from their seats.


    ¡°Ah! And when Minister Kang goes up to the situation room, please briefly exin the current situation with Russia.¡±


    At this time, the chief of staff, worried about the president¡¯s health, interrupted and said,¡±President! Leave the war with Russia to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and rest for a while. For an NSC meeting in the morning.¡± ¡°Secretary! Even the people can¡¯t sleep because of the outbreak of war, are you resting? You won¡¯t die if you don¡¯t sleep for a few days. Do not worry.¡±

 Chapter 401: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 3-3 Difficult!

    <h4>Chapter 401: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 3-3 Difficult!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 03:30 (02:30 New China Time),


    Party of the Communist Party of Beijing, New China (President¡¯s Office).


    President Wang Jing-yu¡¯sughter filled the tin room. It had been a long time since President Wang Jingyu had such a wildugh.


    Chongqing, which was expected to be easily upied, had been in a war like civil war for three months in response to the relentless response of the Republic of China. As it suffered economic and military losses, the Communist Party Committee even spoke of ending the war.


    In addition, the People¡¯s Liberation Army Special Forces (PLA) dispatched in connection with the case of former National Defense Chairman Kim Jong-un did not produce any results, but instead was caught by the National Intelligence Service and provided only an excuse for the Republic of Korea to be caught.


    ¡°Hahaha! The ten-year-old congestion seems to be going down.¡±


    Wang Jing-wei, who showed a wacky smile that took his breath away, read his report and put on a satisfied expression on his face.


    ¡°great! Good! I like it very much! That¡¯s enough, you¡¯ve worked hard.¡±


    ¡°no. Note! I was just being faithful to my job.¡±


    In front of Wang Jingyu, the person who trembled with Abu and Ayang was Pudi Huqiao, the head of the general equipment department. Pudi Huqiao, who was the head of the general equipment department in China when Xi Jinping was president, was one of the few Chinese officials who maintained the position despite the change of state to a new country.


    The report that President Wang Jingyu is reading contains a list of advanced weapons to be developed and the progress of research and development so far ording to thepleted version of the sma core technology that arrived in Beijing through the ck Tiger.


    ¡°It was worth leaving you there, hahaha, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°It is all the wise decision of the President.¡±


    There was a man with a sarcastic expression on his face as he listened to their conversation. He was the captain of the ck Tigers, Shin Baiqing. To put it another way, it was like a bear with talent and money received from the royal seobang.


    It was the ck Tigers that risked their lives in Hong Kong for two years to abduct South Korea¡¯s SSS-ss documents while risking their lives in Hong Kong, but the president praises them for returning to the department that researches the confidential documents.


    In response, President Wang Jing-yu saw Xin Bai-qing¡¯s expression with his eyes wide open, and moved the object of praise to the thought of hesitating.


    ¡°Right! All these achievements are thanks to the performance of the ck Tigers!¡±¡±Yes, that¡¯s right. Note! Without the ck Tiger, such research and development would not have been possible.¡±


    When Xin Baiqing, who was full of dissatisfaction, suddenly received praise for his ck Tiger squad, he quickly rxed his impression and took a modest stance and answered.


    ¡°It is all for the sake of the President and the country. We will do our best to obey your orders wherever we are.¡±


    It was Xin Baiqing, a stereotypical opportunist.


    ¡°okay! You are so reliable! Now, why don¡¯t you leave the ck Tiger to your sessors and work together in the tin?¡±


    ¡°Huh! It is an honour. Note!¡± ¡°To the glory. Vice President! Can you make a seat for me?¡± ¡°Yes, I will make a seat for the president¡¯s secretary.¡± The president¡¯s secretary¡¯s office, a popr trend in New China, was a group of talents made up only of powerful people in power. In other words, as a result, the path to sess was the same as the winning election. While Captain Xin Baiqing showed an invisible smile, President Wang Jingyu turned his head and asked a question to General Equipment Manager Pudihuqiao.


    ¡°More than anything. I want to see the sma bomb first.¡±


    In thest Northeast Asian war, he was helpless by the sma amplified bombs of the Republic of Korea and tasted the bitter taste of defeat. President Wang Jing-wei had the greatest desire for the sma bomb above all else. ¡°In the case of a sma bomb, you can see a prototype in the next three months. Note!¡±


    ¡°3 months? Isn¡¯t that too long? Try pulling it out as much as possible. within one month Is it possible?¡± ¡°Yes? Ah! One month seems a little tight.¡± ¡°I will give you any support. Money is money, people are people, so the head of the general equipment department will unconditionallyplete the sma bomb within one month.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    Pudihuqiao, head of the equipment department, answered reluctantly with a troubled expression on his face. ¡°Great! Good! Now, not only the unification of China, but also the restoration of Goto to Manchuria and Gando is not far away, hahaha¡± President Wang Jing Yu, who dreams of reunification of China and restoration of Manchuria, was filled withughter just thinking about it. In a situation where all nuclear weapons in China have been abolished due to the defeat of the war, if at least the nuclear weapons-level sma bomb ispleted, regardless of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the war with the Republic of China over Chongqing, which has been dragging for three months, will end in an instant. could He also thought that it was worth fighting Manchuria on an equal footing with the Republic of Korea.


    At this time, the inte bell rang and the voice of his secretary-general was heard.- Tin! Minister of National Defense Jang Ye-heung visited. ¡°This time?¡± ¨C Yes, I¡¯m waiting outside now.¡± ¡°Tell me toe in.¡± All right. Shudder!The door to the president¡¯s room opened and Defense Minister Jang Ye-heung entered.


    ¡°Sorry. It was a bit urgent, so I camete.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s okay? Because I was in a meeting. So what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°We have just received a formal request from Russia to invade the Republic of Korea under a mutual military treaty.¡±


    ¡°From Russia?¡± ¡°Yes, Tin!¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to ask for it so quickly.¡± President Wang Jingyu knew in advance about the Russian invasion of Korea in 24 hours. He also knew that he would make a request for an invasion of the Republic of Korea under the pretext of a military mutual protection treaty, but he had no idea he would do so so quickly.


    ¡°Is the fighting situation in Russia not good?¡± ¡°Probably in the beginning, it seems to be an operation to use our new country to shake the Western Front and pressurize it from all sides of Korea.¡±


    ¡°Russians are strict too. Well!¡± President Wang Jingyu took a moment to think. The situation in New China at the time of the Mutual Military Protection Treaty with Russia was clearly different. This was because, of course, the sma bombs, as well as various high-tech weapons operated only by Korea, could be acquired in a few months by the new China. ¡°Sir! After all, it is an interstate treaty, so why not give Russia a confirmation right away?¡± Vice President Chen Weiting expressed his opinion. Then, President Wang Jing-wei looked at Vice President Chen Weiting with a nk look and asked. ¡°What kind of assurance are you talking about?¡± ¡°Of course, shouldn¡¯t we showrge-scale military action along the Korean border?¡± ¡°Twitch! Yes, I knew you would say that.¡±


    ¡°Yes? What do you mean?¡± Vice President Chen Weiting, who did not understand President Wang Jingyu¡¯s callous remarks, asked with a bewildered expression, and Captain Xin Baiqing, who was watching closely, intervened.¡±Russia seems to be trying to spread the two. In other words, they see our new country simply for waving wires.¡±


    ¡°Right! How can the vice-president be less able to judge the situation than Shin Baiqing?¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°I¡¯m an idiot who yed a friend like that as the vice-chairman, hehe~!¡± Vice-Chairman Chen Wei-ting, who was openly greeted at a ce where there were many people, quickly turned a blush. ¡°Captain Shin Baiqing! What would you like to do?¡± President Wang Jingyu asked General Xin Baiqing, who said only the words he liked because he belonged to him. ¡°I would like to know how it would be like to make a massive invasion of Western Manchuria in the Republic of Korea by taking the time and seeing the opportunity, rather than making a military move right now at the request of Russia. Also, I think Shandong Penins (Dongju) is worth a shot if the situation arises.¡± ¡°Right! right! That¡¯s exactly what I think. But what should I say to Russia to take the time?¡±


    President Wang Jing Yu rubbed his chin and looked for an excuse. ¡°Invasion of at least one country requires at least several to tens of days of preparation time. It would be a good idea to turn off time in Russia for the same reason.¡± All of the words of Captain Xin Baiqing were the answers that President Wang Jingyu wanted and liked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. answer! New Baiqing Captain! I like you very much.¡±


    With a satisfied expression on his face, President Wang Jingyu gave final instructions to Defense Minister Zhang Yeheung. ¡°Tell Russia, I want to take immediate military action ording to the treaty, but I need time to prepare for internal warfare. Also, let them know that we don¡¯t know the exact date when the preparations will be finished.¡± ¡°All right. But will Russia really believe it?¡±¡±Minister of Defense! It doesn¡¯t matter if the Russians believe it or not!¡± ¡°All right.¡± Again, Captain Xin Baiqing intervened in the conversation.


    ¡°Sir! If we make good use of this opportunity, we will be able to reverse Russia and weaken the national power of both countries.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Reverse Lee Jae-yi (Ò×ÒÔÒÄÖÆÒÄ) is a good word. Hahaha! you mean From today on, just act as my chief aide.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you. Note!¡±


    Captain Xin Baiqing, who at one time became President Wang Jingyu¡¯s chief aide with the sound of his mouth, was outwardly proud, but inwardly eximed.


    <ul>


    <ul>


    November 25, 2023 03:30, B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room).


    </ul> </ul>


    All the engagements currently taking ce along the border with Russia were proceeding without any problems in ordance with the countermeasures prepared by the Joint Chiefs of Staff in advance.


    However, unless the Joint Chiefs of Staff was a god, it could not predict and defend everything. It was the 29th Army of the Eastern Military District that invaded through the Mongolian border. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately confirmed the above facts to the Mongolian government. The response from the Mongolian government was that they illegally crossed the border without their own approval and then deployed it to the Korean border. He said he had sent a formal protest letter to the Russian government. In the past, during the First Northeast Asian War, several divisions of the Chinese army, who were on the defensive, retreated to Mongolian territory without the approval of the Mongolian government. In a word, it was the woe of a weak country, and it was an atrocity of a powerful country that without hesitation even forced illegal acts against other countries for its own benefit. Mongolia, whichcks an army to guard its borders with its meager military power, was an environment in which any country could move in and out of its territory at will in such a war situation. ¡°There must have been a reason why the 36th Army was behind the 29th Army.¡± Yoongi Yoon, deputymander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saw the screen showing the vacuum status of all units of the Russian army at a nce and sharpened his teeth. Before the invasion, when the movements of the Russian army were confirmed one by one, there were some suspicions about the part of the 36th Army behind the 29th Army in the Eastern Military District, but they did not care much. However, at present, the two motorized infantry divisions, the main units of the 29th Army that illegally infiltrated Mongolian territory and bypassed them, finally broke through the border and were rapidly deploying to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    As a result, the units of the Autonomous Federation Army, which were vignt around the border area, suffered a lot of damage.


    ¡°It is the responsibility of the Operations Center for missing that part.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, the head of the operations division, shook his head as if he felt responsible. ¡°No. No. I don¡¯t mean to discuss responsibility with Lieutenant General Yang. It seems like I just said it for nothing. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Captain Yoongi-yoon said, waving his hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Can you say that it is your responsibility? Everything is my responsibility as chairman.¡± When Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was also told that it was his responsibility, General Yoon Yoon-yoon was at a loss for what to do. ¡°Ah! Why is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff doing that? to be sorry¡± ¡°Captain Yoon! I didn¡¯t mean to say sorry. Isn¡¯t that true?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know this. I¡¯ll just shut my mouth. Anyway, you have prepared a second countermeasure.¡± In order to block the 29th Army of the Eastern Military District of Russia, which is currently rapidly advancing to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture, the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset) of the 6th Corps at the top and the 5th Armored Division (the key) of the 6th Corps at the bottom at the highest speed possible in the field. There was a vacuum to the west. Sooner orter, arge-scale engagement was about to take ce with two motorized infantry divisions, including the 11th Panzer Division, which ranked first among the 29th Army. In addition, if you look at the formation of the 29th Army, the missile power and artillery power were considerablepared to other armies. In other words, the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division and the 5th Panzer Division were at great risk of receiving arge amount of missiles and artillery fire before the engagement.

 Chapter 402: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 3-4 Difficult!

    <h4>Chapter 402: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 3-4 Difficult!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 04:00,


    Bukpyeong (Hongchikun) City, Bukgang Province, North Manchuria, five km north of the city. An hour ago, the 100th Guards Battalion, which had won a fierce battle with the 234 Motorized Infantry Regiment, immediately started retreating in the southwest direction ording to the orders of the senior units.This was because immediately after the destruction of the 234 Motorized Infantry Regiment, the remaining subordinate units of the 57th Motorized Infantry Division, the 233 Motorized Infantry Regiment and the 12th Tank Regiment, appeared from the front. The 100 Guard Battalion was not strong enough to face the above two units again with only the C-1000 Haitai robots and about 10 armored vehicles. And since the 33rd Armored Brigade of the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae), which was urgently maneuvered from the Jangbuk garrison, arrived at the northern tip of Bukpyeong, the superior units immediately ordered the retreat for the safety of the 100th Watch Battalion. The 100th Guards Battalion suffered a loss of power as 13 Haitai robots and four Hyunmoo mobilebat vehicles were hit, but it was a great achievement for the Guard Mission Special Forces to defeat the regiment-level mechanized units with a newly designed battalion defense tactic. The soldiers of the 100th Guards Battalion were on the way to retreat, but they were victorious, not defeated.


    Curl rumble! Puff! Whoops! Whoops! Kuang! Bang! Quang!


    The vast snowfield that stretched for tens of kilometers in all directions has now be muddy with numerous caterpir tracks. Like an angry bison running around, 300 tanks and armored vehicles fired various tank guns and anti-tank guided missiles at each other in a feast of death.The C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks of the 33rd Armored Brigade of the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae), ssified as four and half generation, fired sma bombs at the three and half generation T-90AM tanks of the 12th Tank Regiment, which came like ants with excellent mobility.


    However, the T-90AM tanks, which showed excellent performance in engagements with the 100th Guards Battalion, were not so easy.


    It maneuvered fiercely as if numerically covering the disadvantages of theck of protection and tank gun power, and fired a counter shot from a 125mm smoothbore cannon.


    Whoops! Whoops! Puff! Cuckoo! Aww! Aww!


    When one sma bullet flew, five or six de bullets were poured into the C-2A1 ck Tiger tank. Missiles that fired sub-munitions fell into the sky of the 33rd Armored Brigade in a devastating attack.


    Worried about the immediate anti-artillery fire of the Korean artillery unit, the 20th Guards Rocket Brigade, which was waiting outside the range, not the general artillery unit, fired an Iskander-M missile.


    Some Iskander-M missiles were intercepted by the ck Dragon missile, an anti-aircraft system of the C-2A1 ck Tiger tank, beforeunching submunitions, but they were not able to intercept 100% because they focused on engaging enemy tanks.


    Hundreds of submunitions from several Iskander-M missiles were sprayed in the air and aimed at the top of the turret of the C-2A1 ck Tiger tank, which was in an evasive maneuver.


    Quang! Aww! Quang! As if it were a fireworks festival,rge and small fireworks urred simultaneously in dozens of ser fields. In an instant, a thick smoke of gunpowder swept the surrounding area.


    <ul>


    Tank No. 521 hit! No problem starting!


    Tank 614 is attacked! Damaged gunner sight optics! Nothing more than a maneuver!- Tank 605 is attacked! Damage to the driver¡¯s optical camera! Nothing more than a maneuver! ¨C No. 511 Tank Blood, Hit! Damaged sight and SECM sensor! Nothing more than a maneuver!


    </ul>


    The 33rd Armored Brigade¡¯smunicationwork continued to report attacks, but fortunately there were no reports of beingpletely shot except for damage to external optical equipment.


    ¡°Destroy the enemy¡¯s power at once. There is no time! Another armored division and a motorized infantry division areing in behind. Battalionmanders should not back down and break through!¡±


    Themand to break through was issued through the brigadework. If they engaged in battle at a distance, they would continue to be targeted by enemy artillery, so themand of the brigademander was appropriate in judging the situation. However, it was possible because of the strong protective power of the C-2A1 ck Tiger tank and the reliable active destruction system.


    The 33rd Armored Brigade C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks, which were attacked by a hellish enemy missile once, ran into the middle of the enemy formation with explosive engine sounds.


    Without the strong protection and active destruction system of the C-2A1 ck Tiger tank, such an order would not have been possible.


    The sixth Tank Battalion, third toon, and four ck Tiger Tanks entered the enemy¡¯s formation, avoiding the bulletsing from all directions.


    ¡°Wow, who should I catch this from?¡±


    Step 632 was in a happy thought as he looked at the panoramic microscope. Enemy tanks and armored vehicles swarmed everywhere.


    Even with this thought, the hands of the Deputy Manager #632 had already assigned five targets ording to the risk ranking.


    Simultaneously with target assignment, the turret automatically turned towards target one. Wow!


    ¡°From the first target, Sergeant Kang shoots himself!¡±


    The turret, which rotates smoothly and rapidly even during off-road maneuvers, urately aimed the gunner¡¯s aim at the nk of the T-90AM tank, which maneuvered in a diagonal line two km ahead.


    ¡°Fire target number one!¡±


    At the same time as themander¡¯smand was issued, the gunner, Sgt. Kang Tae-won, pulled the fire button.


    Kuang! sma bullets flew in a straight line with a heavy firing sound and were urately pierced into the side turret of the T-90AM tank.


    Quang! The T-90AM tank, which was shaken enough to flip sideways with a cool explosion sound, erupted in dark red mes and thick smoke billowed through them.


    ¡°The first target hit! Two targets.¡±


    Simultaneously with the attack, the turret of Tank 632 turned toward target number two. The gunner¡¯s aiming point was aimed at the bottom of the T-90AM tank going up a small hill 3200m ahead, and at the same time, another 120mm smoothbore gun fired fire.


    Kuang! Peeing~ Aww! Bang!


    The T-90AM tank, which was going up the hill and trying to go down again, had no luck even though it had reactive armor attached.


    The tank 632, which cooked two enemy tanks in session in less than 10 seconds, shook the inside of the tank 632 when the turret rotated toward the third target. Cuckoo! It was as if a de bullet was fired from a T-90AM tank moving at three o¡¯clock. ¡°What, what! There were no dangerous tanks in that direction?¡±


    Themander, who was tossed and turned for a moment by the strong shock, quickly turned his microscope to find the enemy tank that was just targeting his horse.


    At 4,800m at three o¡¯clock, it seemed that the train was moving along a small ridge that was long and could not be identified. ¡°Sergeant Kang! Let¡¯s catch that guy first than target number three! Set an urgent target!¡± ¡°Yeah, just leave it to me.¡±


    As themander set an emergency target, the turret facing the 3rd target quickly rotated in the opposite direction and maneuvered, and the cross-shaped aiming point reached the center of the enemy tank¡¯s turret, which was aimed only at the 632 gun barrel.


    Whoops! Kuang!


    sma bullets and de bullets were fired at the same time.


    Cheyene!~ The two tank shells that cut through the air flew in a straight line with the ground, crossed each other, and thennded on the targeted tank.


    Bang! Quang! The de and sma bullets arrived at the same time, but the results were different. The de bullet fired from the T-90AM tank was deceived this time by the powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) and passed through the top of Tank 632.


    Despite the presence of the doubleposite armor and reactive armor, the formidable sma bomb undoubtedly blew up the turret of the T-90AM tank. The body of the T-90AM tank, from which the turret flew, slowly slowed down and then stopped moving.


    ¡°Defeat! Defeat. Sgt. Kang Tae-won cheered as he raised his right hand. ¡°Hey! Sergeant Kang! If you survive today, like it and target it three times now!¡± ¡°Ouch! All right.¡± * * * November 25, 2023 04:20,


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room).


    Four hours after the outbreak of the war, the analysis of the main and rear air units of each Russian army was roughly confirmed around the border. The area where the fiercest battle is currently taking ce is the snowfield in the northeastern part of Bukpyeong, where the 33rd Armored Brigade is fighting in ce of the retreating 100th Guards Battalion. The 57th Motorized Infantry Division, the 59th Motorized Infantry Division, the 60th Motorized Infantry Division, and the 212th Panzer Division, the leading forces of the 5th Army, were rushing in. Considering the organization of the Korean army, it wasrger than the corps level. Currently, the 33rd Armored Brigade effectively engaged the 57th Motorized Infantry Division ording to the existing n despite the disadvantage in numbers. However, if the remaining three divisions came together, the 33rd Armored Brigade¡¯s power alone would not only be able to avoid hardship, but it could also lead to destruction. However, countermeasures for this have been prepared. Currently, the remaining subordinate units of the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae), the 34th Panzer Division and the 35th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, were scheduled to join the battle soon after moving 20 km southwest of Bukpyeong. In addition, the 4 airborne strike divisions belonging to the 2nd Rapid Response Force Command were nning to conduct an airlift operation in the Khabarovsk area, disrupting the rear of the 5th Army¡¯s main unit, as well as upying major base cities and intercepting supply units. After that, it was nned to annihte the 5th Army¡¯s main characters at once by mobilizing all strategic weapons that had been waiting only for orders. Strategic-ss weapons referred to here were fighter-bomber air strikes belonging to the Air Force and Aerospace Forces and various surface-to-surface missiles of the Strategic Missile Forces. In this way, not only the countermeasures against the 5th Army in the Eastern Military District of Russia, but also the countermeasures against the rest of the 35th and 36th Army were prepared, but the 29th Army was the problem. Although the 29th Army had already prepared countermeasures in advance, the existing countermeasures became useless as they detoured and invaded Mongolian territory that they had never expected. ordingly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff hastily prepared a new countermeasure. As in the Chinese war in thest Northeast Asian War, as much as possible, the principle of engagement was not in one¡¯s own territory, but in the territory of the other country. However, in the current situation, it became an inevitable situation as long as the 29th Army had to be engaged after dragging the 29th Army into the territory of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture to some extent.


    As a result, evacuation orders were issued to all citizens of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture. ordingly, on the roads connected to South and Central Manchuria, lines of evacuated citizens lined up. Some highways were controlled for the maneuvering of the ROK Army, but it was a big problem due to the reckless influx of refugees.


    Due to this problem, the staff of the Operation Headquarters suggested that the Airborne Strike Division be deployed into Mongolian territory behind the 29th Army. However, in that case, Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff did not listen to the proposal on the grounds that a major revision of the response n for the fifth Army would be inevitable. Instead, it was decided to urgently deploy the seventh Armored Division (Chilseong) of the 2nd Corps to face the 36th Army and the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung) of the 7th Mobile Corps, which will advance to Primorsky Krai in the future. In fact, the Joint Chiefs of Staff was even nning a n to upy the entire vast area of Russia¡¯s Siberia through this war. He had not yet reported the n to the president, and he was going to post a n for a vacuum operation to Siberia when all the brunts of the Russian army were broken. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong, who is devising such arge-scale operation n, he judged that it would be too much to revise the existing response n for each military.


    The current limit of the upied Siberian territory that the Joint Chiefs of Staff thinks is from Lake Baikal to the lower reaches of the Anabar River. In other words, it was a huge area, ounting for one-third of the territory of Russia..

 Chapter 403: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 3-5 Difficult!

    <h4>Chapter 403: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 3-5 Difficult!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 09:00 (Republic of China time 08:00),


    New Territory, Hong Kong Special District, Republic of China (National Intelligence Service Hong Kong Branch Safe House).


    The agents of the Foreign Intelligence Agency one, who arrived in Hong Kong on the CMV-100 Sky Bus at dawn, slept for a while in the safe house of the Hong Kong branch, and then gathered in the living room to have a brief meeting about their future missions.


    ¡°The mission instructions were changed at dawn. Therefore, I will forget all the briefings on the Sky Bus and briefly brief them again.¡±


    A while ago, Manager Ja-seong Lee came out of the living room wall with a security document from the foreign intelligence agency in his home country. Then, the eyes of the agents sitting on the sofa, the floor and the armrests of the sofa automatically turned to Manager Ja-seong. ¡°Criminal gangs in Hong Kong, which we were trying to investigate as the top priority, will instead investigate the intelligence agencies of all countries operating in Hong Kong to put it in the second ce. Oh, give me the list of deputies!¡± Deputy Director Oh Seok-jin, who was standing by at the direction of Manager Ja-seong Lee, handed out a handful of documents to each team. ¡°These documents are rted to the intelligence organizations of all countries operating in Hong Kong, which have been investigated andpiled overnight by agents of Division three of the Foreign Intelligence Agency.¡±


    ¡°Woah! There are many. No, Hong Kong is such a great city, kids are flocking to it.¡± Team leader Park Ki-woong turned over a few papers and sighed and said. ¡°Are you going to investigate all these organizations? We don¡¯t seem to have any jaws.¡± Team two team leader Yoon Tae-jin also cried after seeing the documents. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a lot? As Team Leader Yoon said, it would be difficult to investigate all information organizations in a situation where there is no time. That¡¯s why, I would like to select only about 10 and conduct the first investigation.¡± ¡°What is the standard?¡± Team leader Sung Sang-yoon, the youngest in the team leader level, raised his hand and asked a question. ¡°What is the standard?¡± When Manager Ja-seong Lee answered with a question, Team two team leader Eun-ha Shin stabbed the core.


    ¡°You said that you speak English and Mandarin, so it must be an English-speaking country and a Chinese-speaking country.¡± ¡°Yes. The new manager is the correct answer. You might think it¡¯s simple, but when you think about it inplexity, it¡¯s hard to approach.¡±


    Tae-jin Yoon, the second team leader, seemed to think deeply, and listed the names of several countries. ¡°If it¡¯s English-speaking and Mandarin-speaking, would it be like the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of China, the Eastern Republic and New China, which were split into three countries?¡± ¡°Yes. In addition to that country, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and everyone else must have heard it on the morning news. The war with Russia started around midnight yesterday, so Russia is included.¡± ¡°Ah! Russians, can¡¯t we live in peace? What do you believe in going to war with our country?¡±


    Team two team leader Yoon Tae-jin seemed to be angry at the word Russia, making all kinds of impressions and cheering.


    ¡°Leave the war to our armed forces and let us focus on our assigned missions! ¡°Yes! All right.¡± The team members responded in unison.


    ¡°First of all, we will start investigating the 10 countries listed so far. On thest page of the document handed out, the name of the country to be investigated by each team is written. Take note.¡±


    ¡°Woah! America and Taiwan.¡± Tae-jin Yoon, the second team leader who checked thest page of the document, shook his head and said. Then, Shin Eun-ha, the third team leader, checked thest one right away. ¡°Our team is Ennd and the Eastern Republic¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why is our first team three countries? Republic of China, Japan, Russia¡± ¡°Are you dissatisfied? Aren¡¯t we the spearheading team of Division one? We put three countries in it because of our ability.¡±


    ¡°Woah! What kind of spearhead team and only when this is the case?¡±


    ¡°I am from three countries. Are you dissatisfied and no cigarettes?¡± ¡°Ugh! Oh gag!¡± Some of the team members giggled andughed at the sudden gag that popped out. ¡°ruler! ruler! Noisy and sweaty from today, I say it again, it¡¯s a battle with time. If it iste, the leaked confidential information cannot be recovered or destroyed. Did you know?¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± ¡°great! dissolution! Pack your gear and go!¡±


    When Manager Ja-seong Lee pped his hand to announce the end of the meeting, Team two¡¯s Assistant Manager Oh Hyuk-soo raised his hand and asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you eating breakfast?¡± ¡°Ask your team leader about that!¡± ¡°You!¡± As Assistant Manager Oh Hyuk-soo, who protruded like a duck¡¯s mouth, was about to get up, Team Leader Yoon Tae-jin pulled his ear and whispered from behind. ¡°Are you thinking about Jim¡¯s breakfast?¡± ¡°Ouch! So, don¡¯t you eat it? It¡¯s all about eating and living. If I don¡¯t eat breakfast and night, I won¡¯t work for a day.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I haven¡¯t eaten breakfast since the army, so if I eat it, it won¡¯t be digested.¡± ¡°Then I will eat a hamburger by myself.¡± ¡°Mine!¡± ¡°Mine?¡± ¡°Me too!¡± ¡°Leave it. Oh sir!¡± ¡°Are you all going to die? Anyway, no one likes me, whether it¡¯s a sessor, a ssmate, or a senior!¡±


    ¡°Kuk Kuk Kuk¡±


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    November 25, 2023 12:30, Funeral home of National Intelligence Service Safe House Hospital, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Namju.


    </ul> </ul> </ul>


    Despite the war with Russia, downtown Seoul was as peaceful as usual. The only difference was that fully-armed soldiers, organized as mobilization reserve forces, were located in various ces on the streets, performing guard and patrol missions.


    At the Songpa-gu Bokjeong Intersection, following Road 342 in the direction of Sanseong Station, the road leading to the left at the Changgok Intersection had more soldiers than anywhere else. Also, he was a special forces soldier belonging to the third Airborne Special Forces Brigade, who had a white eagle mark and an airborne mark on his left chest, not a regr mobilization reserve force. As if all the troops of the brigade had been deployed, the two-person team spread the border on the long road, extending up to 500m in the rear. And on the road that bends toward Namsan, there was even a barricade and a precise search was carried out for vehiclesing and going.


    There was no special military instation here. However, there was a reason that all the troops of the brigade were put in and spread the strict vignce. At the end of the road, there was a three-story building that was no different from a normal building. However, the inside of the building consisted of 10 underground floors and was the National Intelligence Service Safe House Hospital, equipped with various advanced medical facilities. However, this was not to the point where all the troops of the Airborne Special Forces Brigade were sent to warn them, but this morning, Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s body was ced in a safe house hospital and a funeral was being held at a temporary funeral home. Currently, the sma core technology leak was under strict security and media control. As a result, Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s funeral was not a normal funeral, but a secret funeral for security concerns. Naturally, mourners could not pay their condolences to the general public, and only researchers who were the first-ss bodyguards who worked together at the Parthenon Research Institute could pay their condolences. As such, the first-ss bodyguards were outside the research institute, and even during the war, dozens of people gathered at once, so there was no choice but to be very vignt.


    The bodyguards who followed to protect the mourners also mourned together because they were in a rtionship to greet each other at the institute. And after the condolences, he continued his security activities around the funeral with a firm expression.


    After a while, someone finished his condolences and looked at Eunseo Woo and wept loudly. It was Dr. Jin-Woo Park, a teacher of thete Professor Jin-Gil Woo and a researchpanion for sma. Dr. Park Jin-woo, who is also the first director of the Academy of Space Sciences, which is currently located in the Korea Space Science Center, immediately ran to the funeral after hearing the news.


    Dr. Park Jin-woo, who treated Eun-seo Woo like his daughter since she was a child, was crying. Eunseo Woo also hugged Dr. Jinwoo Park and wept without stopping. Someone was watching this in front of the dining room door. It was Namgungwon.


    She had also been close friends with Namgungwon for several years in the past at an underground research institute. She became an orphan in heaven and earth in an instant, and while Nam Gung-won was working as her researcher, she was kind to thete Professor Woo Jin-gil, sometimes like her uncle, sometimes like her father.


    ¡°Wonah! I need to ask you!¡± At the entrance, Manager Lee Hye-jin wiped away the tears and said to Namgung-won, who was weeping at the scene of Dr. Park Jin-woo and Woo Eun-seo hugging each other and crying. ¡°Ah! That¡¯s right!¡± Nam Gung-won, who roughly wiped tears with his sleeve, went into the ceremony with Manager Lee Hye-jin, burned her incense and bowed. Nam Gung-won and Lee Hye-jin, who offered their condolences to her husband, Nam Min-cheol, on behalf of her crying Sangju Woo Eun-seo, moved to a ce where they could dine. ¡°You really treated Won like a son...¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he was a really nice guy. But is he okay with his legs? I just want to rest at home.¡± Manager Hyejin Lee was eventually discharged from the hospital saying she was tired of her food. Thanks to her advanced medical technology, her pierced thigh was recovering quickly, but it was still too much to go out. However, Manager Lee Hye-jin also had an acquaintance with Professor Woo Jin-gil while serving as a security guard at the underground researchb for two years, so he came with them. ¡°it¡¯s okay. Moving like this,¡± At this time, a group of mourners appeared from the entrance. Namgoongwon was also a researcher at the X-19 sma Lab with whom she once became close.


    ¡°Ah! Baby, I¡¯lle and say hello to them. You¡¯re just eating here!¡±


    ¡°yea, I got it. Say hello ande back!¡±


    ¡°Ok, thanks!¡± Nam Gung-won greeted the researchers who came out after the condolences. ¡°Hello. This is Namgungwon.¡±


    ¡°uh! Senior Namgungwon! It¡¯s been a really long time.¡±


    Senior Researcher Kim Gyu-seok, who was the closest member of her group, weed him warmly.


    ¡°Oh! Namgungwon, it¡¯s been a while.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief Oh, how have you been?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°Senior Male! If you had been to the institutest time, would you have stopped by and just left?¡±


    ¡°Ah! sorry. Senior man! At that time, I was out of my mind.¡±


    ¡°I was sad.¡± ¡°Sorry.¡± ¡°Okay. How is your married life these days?¡± ¡°Haha, that¡¯s good. It¡¯s nice that my pretty wife prepares breakfast every day.¡± ¡°Are you lying? Does the head of the National Intelligence Service have time to cook for you?¡± ¡°Oh my gosh, I got it.¡±


    ¡°When you lie, you get it all over your face. Is your wife here too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are eating over there.¡± ¡°Oh, then, let¡¯s go over there and eat. I also see Hyejin, the chief poet of Namgungwon.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Ah! Why are you?¡± ¡°Why? It¡¯s nice to see you!¡± It¡¯s been a while since we¡¯ve seen each other, so I forgot the sadness for a while and the story blossomed. And after some time, Manager Lee Hye-jin, who had not yet recovered, returned to her house, and Namgung-won spent time greeting mourners from the undergroundboratory, whom most of them knew. And while she was chatting with the researchers in the otherb two more times, middle-aged gentlemen in neat ck suits came rushing in. They were cadres belonging to the National Intelligence Service. And among them was Ahn Yeon-woo, director of her favorite counter-terrorism bureau, her favorite bureaucrat Nam Gung-won. ¡°Ah! Chief! Hello.¡± ¡°uh? President Namgung!¡± ¡°Ah! Why is everyone like that?¡± ¡°Oh right. Say hello! Hyuk-Jun Cheok, Director of the Cyber Security Bureau, and Oh! Do you know this friend? Director Yoon!¡± ¡°sure. Director Yoon knows this very well. How have you been?¡± ¡°Yeah, you¡¯ve been fine. are you?¡±


    ¡°How are you. Well, by the way, this is the first time I¡¯ve met Director Chuck Hyuk-jun. I know everything about the NIS staff.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes! It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen it. He was scouted from there in America.¡± Director Cheok Hyuk-jun was a Korean-American who was famous for security in the CIA (the Central Intelligence Agency). Shortly after Namgung-won left the National Intelligence Service, she was scouted by the National Intelligence Service. ¡°Oh, I see. My name is Namgungwon, who once worked with the Cyber Security Agency from time to time.¡± When Namgung-won greeted him politely, Director Cheok Hyuk-jun responded with a bright smile. ¡°I heard a lot about it. Was he once the best hacker in the NIS?¡± ¡°Yes? no. It¡¯s just a skill that¡¯s just good enough.¡± ¡°now! Let¡¯s sit over there and talk.¡± As the number of mourners increased over time, the quiet funeral hall filled with people..

 Chapter 404: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 4-1 Overcome!

    <h4>Chapter 404: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 4-1 Ovee!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 13:30,


    Funeral home of National Intelligence Service Safe House Hospital, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Namju. Namgung-won, who was in full swing with stories from the past, moved to the resting room upstairs for a while at the request of Director Ahn Yeon-woo. She was also apanied by the head of the Cyber Security Bureau, Cheok Hyuk-jun.


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯vee to ask. I have something to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s okay. Director, by the way, what happened to your seat...¡±


    ¡°Actually, Director Chuck has something to say to you here rather than me.¡± ¡°Ah! Yes, you are.¡± ¡°Haha, sorry. Mr. Namgungwon, I asked Director Ahn.¡± Director Cheok Hyuk-jun, who gave a warm impression like the uncle next door, said with an apologetic expression. Namgung-won pped her hand and smiled broadly.


    ¡°no. haha, that¡¯s fine. So what are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Nothing else, I heard that Nam Gung-won developed a voice call tracking system, ording to Director Ahn.¡± At the words of Director Cheok Hyuk-jun, Nam Gung-won¡¯s gaze turned to Director Ahn Yeon-woo. At this, she made an apologetic expression to Director Ahn Yeon-woo. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s a situation that I have no choice but to say.¡±


    When she pursued two Scorpion agents, she received informal assistance several times from Director Ahn Yeon-woo. For that reason, Director Ahn Yeon-woo also knew a little about a device called a voice call tracking system. ¡°Haha, no. During that time, I received a lot of help from Director Ahn.¡± He showed a bright smile to Director Ahn Yeon-woo, who was sorry, and immediately answered the question of Director Cheok Hyuk-jun. ¡°Yes! In the past, I had made such a device with the help of Hoc.¡± ¡°I See. Could you possibly provide us with that device?¡± Namgung-won readily agreed to the direct request of Director Cheok Hyuk-jun. ¡°Sure. of course. If you need it.¡± ¡°Ah! thank you.¡±


    ¡°Actually, since it is an illegal device, I was thinking of disposing of it, but just in case I kept it at home, it worked out. Would it help?¡±


    ¡°It will be of great help.¡± ¡°Yes, I will deliver it to Sabo-guk through my wife tomorrow. Before leaving thepany, thest department was Division 2 of the Cyber Security Bureau. It feels good to be of help to the department I worked for and not to other departments.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, that¡¯s right. There is one more thing.¡± Director Cheok Hyuk-jun nced at Director Ahn Yeon-woo next to him and continued talking ¡°Do you have any intention of reinstating your job as a security bureau again?¡± ¡°Yes? Reinstatement? Ah!¡± ¡°Is this a difficult question?¡±


    ¡°Haha, I just started a business...¡± Namgung-won, who had a perplexed expression on his face, nced at Director Ahn Yeon-woo. Director Ahn Yeon-woo opened his mouth to this.


    ¡°Chief Chuck! I will talk with Namgungwon for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Please.¡± After giving a short answer, Director Cheok Hyuk-jun left the break room, followed by questions like the rapid-fire guns of Namgungwon. ¡°Woah! Chief Ahn! What the hell are you asking me to reinstate?¡± ¡°Well, now the entire NIS is upside down.¡±


    ¡°You see what happened?¡± ¡°Right! It has to do with thete Professor Woo Jin-gil.¡± ¡°Ah! i See.¡± ¡°More than that, you, remember this ce?¡±


    Director Ahn Yeon-woo slightly changed the topic.


    ¡°Sure. Can I forget that day?¡± The National Intelligence Service Safe House Hospital was the first point that changed Namgungwon¡¯s life. Eight years ago, after her family and friends were assassinated by Scorpion agents and copsed due to the shock, this was the ce where she first met Director Ahn Yeon-woo and Manager Lee Hye-jin.


    When Namgung-won came here, sad memories of her came to mind, and she deliberately did not talk about the past with Manager Lee Hye-jin. Of course, Manager Lee Hye-jin also did not deliberately tell about her old memories. ¡°Right. This is the ce where I first met you and the ce that changed your life forever.¡± Director Ahn Yeon-woo seemed to be talking to Nam Gung-won on purpose, even though he knew it was a painful memory. ¡°Haha, now that I think about it, it¡¯s the ce where I first met my wife, so it¡¯s also a meaningful ce in a way.¡±


    Namgung-won deliberately said in a good way.¡±Is that so? Thinking positively makes me feel a little morefortable.¡±


    ¡°Haha, am I not a positive person?¡± ¡°Do you know why I say this?¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe it¡¯s because of the reinstatement, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°right! It¡¯s your reinstatement issue.¡± Director Ahn Yeon-woo looked around the break room where there were only the two of them, then made a serious expression and opened his mouth. And she told him in detail about Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s suicide and the leak of sma core technology. ¡°Ugh! Is that really?¡± Namgoong-won, who learned of the great truth, opened her eyes wide and gave a look of disbelief.


    ¡°As I said before, this case is an emergency for the entire NIS. We need to retrieve or destroy the core technical data as soon as possible, and of course we will catch the hijackers as well.¡± ¡°No, how could you kidnap those babies and do such a thing? I am really angry.¡±


    Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s suicide was truly an unfair death itself. Professor Woo Jin-gil, who devoted his life to sma research for the sake of the nation, ended in an infamous death for betraying the nation. There was nothing he could do for his family, but that didn¡¯t change.


    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re heinous bastards. Shouldn¡¯t we find those guys?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It must be found and brought to justice. no. I have to catch him and make him live in pain for the rest of his life.¡±


    Namgung-won¡¯s anger surged momentarily when her family and friends, who had been unfairly killed in the past, crossed her mind.


    ¡°That¡¯s why your reinstatement is so important! You help me catch them.¡± ¡°Um, that¡¯s, wouldn¡¯t it be possible to find the voice call tracker without me?¡± ¡°It is important to catch the kidnapper, but it is also important to recover the core technology orpletely destroy it. That¡¯s why you need your skills.¡± ¡°i See.¡±


    Nam Gung-won gave a short answer and fell into deep thought. Director Ahn Yeon-woo waited quietly for this.


    ¡°Hey, Chief!¡± ¡°Okay, have you decided?¡±


    ¡°It is difficult to make a decision right now. I¡¯ll go home and talk to Hyejin. There is a lot of business that I have made, and there are a lot of things that are at stake.¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s going to be difficult to make a decision right now. In any case, discuss it with this manager as soon as possible and make a decision.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Thank ¡°No. what sorry? We are asking too much.¡±


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 14:00,


    The male protagonist B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (a conference room at the Joint Command and Control Center of the Armed Forces).


    Thirteen hours after the outbreak of the war with Russia, they were effectively defending against the remaining 35th Army, 36th Army, and 5th Army, except for the 29th Army, which was attacking the Mongolian border. In particr, the route of the invasion of the main units of the 35th and 36th Army was mainly a difficult mountainous area. For this reason, the speed of the invasion was not fast even after arge-scale invasion. ordingly, several Gyeonggap Mountain Divisions specialized in fighting in the mountains were firmly defending the main invasion route. As a result, the Northern Front did not have to worry too much. In addition, in the case of the fifth Army, the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯, which would be the starting point of the advance of the Primorsky Sea, was in full swing.


    The sess of the ¡®Operation to annihte the Samgakji,¡¯ in which several main units of the 5th Army were gathered in one ce on the protruding Samgakji in of the Northeast Front, the Airborne Strike Division was deployed to the rear of the enemy by air, and then defeated at once while surrounded in all directions. It could be said that this was the prelude to arge-scale counterattack by the Korean army.


    The problem was the 29th Army, which was invading through the Mongolian border. The 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset), which moved from the Garrison Garrison in Gangjin (Hulun Bayer), bypassed Lake Horun and intercepted the 36th Motorized Infantry Division, the leading unit of the 29th Army, advancing upward.


    Although it received intensive artillery fire from artillery units of various calibers, it was partially bombarded by Russian artillery units due to artillery support from the 86th Mechanized Guard Division (Iron Tong) Division Artillery belonging to the 13th Corps, which is responsible for the division artillery and the upper border. was able to put to sleep However, it suffered considerable damage from the intensive missile attacks of the missile brigade outside the range of the Korean artillery¡¯s artillery. ordingly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had no choice but to issue an order to retreat to the rear of the Immigration River.


    Meanwhile, the 11th Armored Division and 39th Motorized Infantry Division, which were ranked first in the 29th Army¡¯s battle ranks, detoured and advanced to the bottom of Lake Horun. About 300 T-14B Armata tanks of the 11th Panzer Division equipped with an unmanned turret system and 16MJ railguns were like a gale.


    But there was something stopping them. It was the Wu Chun River that led to the Horun Lakes and the Bour Lakes.


    Because it was a mirror, there was no flowing water and the width of the river was not very wide, but it was impossible for a heavy tank to move at high speed because of the water that splits into several branches. Because of this topographical advantage, the 5th Panzer Division (the key), who had time to spare, arrived here first and ambushed it. When the 11th Panzer Division attempted to cross the Wuuchun River, itunched a surprise attack. The 11th Panzer Division¡¯smand department hastily ordered the subordinate units to cross without first understanding the situation on the other side of the river through a search tank or reconnaissance drone before Doha. He seemed to have forgotten the basics of the Doha Field Manual. The 11th Panzer Division¡¯s T-14B Armata tanks, crossing at a markedly slowing maneuver speed, were embarrassed by the sudden attack of the 5th Panzer Division¡¯s C-2A1 ck Tiger tank and suffered unteral damage at first. However, the 5th Panzer Division (the key) also retreated to the rear after receiving an order to retreat from the Joint Chiefs of Staff due to the attacks of various artillery forces and missile brigades waiting in the rear. ¡°It¡¯s a shame. If only that 11th Panzer Division had done a good job, the 29th Army would have been able to slow down the overall advance.¡± Captain Yoongi-yoon kicked his tongue and felt sorry for him. ¡°Will there be another chance? Then you have to cut it out for sure.¡± Captain Kim Yong-hyun crossed his arms and spoke calmly, but he was also saddened in his heart. Lieutenant General Kim Yong-hyeon, the head of the operations division, said confidently.


    ¡°Once the seventh and 30th Divisions join the Immigration River as a defense line, the 29th Army¡¯s vacuum will be over.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, isn¡¯t the problem with those missile brigades? Those guys should definitely get it.¡± ¡°ruler! A littleter, the Minister arrives. Let¡¯s all go to the conference room.¡± Shin Yong-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was silently staring at the screen of the control room, looked at the digital clock on the wall and said:


    After a while, Minister Kang Yi-sik, who attended the National Security Council (NSC) in the basement bunker of the National Crisis Center all morning, appeared in the conference room where high-ranking generals were sitting. Yeye All the high-ranking generals rose from their seats.


    ¡°Ruler! We don¡¯t have much time, so the meeting starts right away.¡± Minister Kang Yi-sik took his seat and immediately began briefing about the contents of the NSC meeting this morning. And 20 minutester, the atmosphere in the conference room wasn¡¯t very good.


    ¡°Under the current circumstances, we cannot send a corps-level force to Kurdistan.¡± These were the first words spoken by Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff right after Minister Kang Yi-sik finished his exnation.


    ¡°I know it will be difficult. We are at war with Russia.¡± ¡°How do you know how to give such an order?¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked with an upright expression. ¡°I couldn¡¯t help it. It¡¯s the president¡¯s firm will. independence of Kurdistan.¡± ¡°Are you saying that the independence of other countries takes precedence over your own safety?¡±


    ¡°Heh heh, what are you talking about? Could the President have given this order with such a thought in mind?¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, how do you order a corps-level dispatch? Didn¡¯t I report to the Minister of the future ns for the upation of Siberia?¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not back down and expressed dissenting opinions. Whileing here, he had guessed that the opposition of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would be severe, but Kang Yi-sik, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was perplexed by the stronger reaction than he had expected.


    ¡°Well, I know it¡¯s difficult because it¡¯s the beginning of the war. Still, it¡¯s the president¡¯s order, so select the avable forces and hurry up to prepare for the deployment..¡±

 Chapter 405: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 4-2 Overcome!

    <h4>Chapter 405: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 4-2 Ovee!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 15:00,


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Republic of Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Office Conference Room).


    After Minister Kang Yi-sik returned to the Ministry of National Defense, the meeting was held in a heavy atmosphere in the conference room where only the staff had gathered.


    Although Chairman Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, objected to the president¡¯s order to send additional troops to Kurdistan, it was only an opinion and could not disobey the orders of themander-in-chief of the ROK Armed Forces.


    For this reason, Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was deeply troubled, had been looking at the virtual window before. Here, several tens of meters underground, virtual windows made of screens showing beautiful natural scenery were installed on each wall.


    ¡°Chairman! First of all, shouldn¡¯t we select the military units to be dispatched to?¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang, the head of the operational nning division, a former Marine Corpsmander, opened the door. This was because Minister Kang Yi-sik urged that before leaving the B2 bunker, it should somehow decide on a dispatched unit within today and report it to the Blue House.


    ¡°It¡¯s really not that easy. We have to have avable troops to make a decision.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, head of the operation headquarters, shook his head.


    Currently, there were no units avable to send additional troops to Kurdistan at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With the exception ofbat units to be used for future operations, there were currently only 28 mobilization reserve divisions that mobilized reserve forces from each state as a reserve force. However, it was not possible to dispatch the Dongwon Reserve Army Division.


    Compared to the territory that was more than seven timesrger than before unification, there was no special increase inbat units except for the 5th Border Forces Command, which was established to guard the border, and the 3 newly created marine divisions to be stationed on the Japanese maind.


    In addition, the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division (Biryong) and the 9th Mechanized Infantry Division (White Horse) belonging to the 1st Corps in Dongju-e, the 2nd Marine Division in Namju, the 6th Marine Division in Shikoku among the three inds of Japan, and the 1st Marine Division in the southwestern part of Honshu. , the 1st Marine Division was stationed in northeastern Honshu, and finally the 3rd Marine Mobile Division was stationed in Hokkaido. In other words, there were only seven division-level units stationed outside the maind, and it was impossible to use in the war with the Russian army.


    If we were to list the avablebat units, the 11th Panzer Division (Hwarang), the 36th Mechanized Infantry Division (Baekho), the 3rd Corps 2nd Light Armored Mountain Division (Nodo), and the 2nd Light Armored Mountain Division (Nodo), which were the units under the direct control of the 1st Field Army defending northern northern provinces It was about the 12th Gyeonggap Mountain Division (Eulji). However, these units were thest line of defense protecting the Korean Penins along the Yalu River and the Tuman River border, and they were also an emergency support unit to Manchuria in case of emergency.


    In addition, there were 4 airborne strike divisions and 4 rapid response divisions belonging to the 2nd Rapid Response Army Command, which defended the entire southern part of southern provinces during peacetime, but these units were not included in the dispatch list because they were key units to be deployed in the future ¡®Operation for Siberia¡¯.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we make changes to the n for the upation of Siberia?¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang even brought up the suggestion to revise the n that had been devised by long-distance and research in his department.


    ¡°As far as the operation to upy Siberia? Wasn¡¯t the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division removedst time for the 29th Army? That would be unreasonable, but if we even make corrections, it would be better to just cancel the Siberian operation.¡±


    Lieutenant General Ahn Gil-won, the head of the information division, expressed his opinion coldly. Yoon Yoon-yoon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented his opinion.


    ¡°Yes, the n for the upation of Siberia should never be amended. So, how about this one? It is difficult for the generalbat unit to immediately join the contingent unit, so they are afraid to send four airborne groundbatants to Kurdistan. Looking at the existing n, isn¡¯t there still enough time to put those units into operation? In the meantime, after sending troops to Kurdistan and achieving a certain degree of stabilization, depending on the situation, we will send it back to the operation to upy Siberia.¡±


    Yoongi Yoon, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed his opinion and secretly looked at the expression of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a good way. However, wouldn¡¯t the fatigue be considerable if the operation in Siberia followed by Kurdistan was also put into operation? I wonder if it will lead to a decrease inbat power.¡±


    Another deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Kim Yong-hyeon, said he was a little concerned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. What kind of son is the current Airborne Army Corps¡¯ son? Aren¡¯t they from the strongest aviation andnd brigades optimized for special missions after going through everything before birth? Exercising that much doesn¡¯t reduce fatigue orbat power. Say goodbye.¡±


    Like a former North Korean soldier, General Yoongi-yun was very proud of the Hwanggong Land Brigade, which was the best special forces unit in North Korea. At this, General Kim Yong-hyun said with a smile.


    ¡°Haha, is that so?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nagging to say two things.¡±


    Captain Yoongi-yoon raised his chin and gave a slightly arrogant expression.


    ¡°It seems to be the best way in the current situation.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m fine too.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun and Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang also responded positively.


    ¡°Um, is that the only way? Then how many divisions should we send?¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong, who had been contemting for a while, also nodded his head and asked if he liked it in more detail.


    ¡°In the future, I think it will be about four divisions.¡±


    ¡°How are the troops in one division?¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who heads the operations headquarters, immediately answered the question of Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°It is 4,800 men per division. With four divisions, a total of about 19,200 men.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    Yoon Yoon-yoon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, answered the question of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s enough. Isn¡¯t the purpose of this dispatch to the terrorism alert mission of each city? Special forces members who have received special training do more than double the role of generalbat units. Isn¡¯t it perfect? haha¡±


    ¡°Well, it could be. great. So, let¡¯s decide that this contingent will send 4 airborne groundbatants. Lieutenant General Yang should contact the Special Forces Command right away to coordinate the dispatch preparations.¡±


    ¡°all right. Chairman¡±


    When the dispatch of troops was resolved more easily than expected in the opinion of General Yoon Yoon-yoon, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong stood up and said:


    ¡°ruler! Let¡¯s go back to the situation room then.¡±


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 15:30,


    km south end of Bukpyeong (Hongchikun) City, Bukgang Province, North Manchuria.


    Curl rumble!


    About 160 C-2A1 tanks belonging to the 34th Armored Brigade, who joined during the engagement with the 33rd Armored Brigade of the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae), 100 K-23P Hyeonmoo Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and various models of armored vehicles on a snowy field It passed Bukpyeong (Hongchikun) city and was rapidly retreating in the southwest direction, leaving a trace of Ketterpir.


    This was because the order to retreat was issued from the division headquarters immediately after defeating the 233 Motorized Infantry Regiment and the 12th Tank Regiment, subordinate units of the 57th Motorized Infantry Division.


    On the other hand, as the 57th Motorized Infantry Division, the vanguard unit of the Eastern Military District, engaged in a series of battles and suffered losses close to destruction, the remaining units of the 5th Army, the 59th Motorized Infantry Division, the 121st Panzer Division, and the 60th Motorized Infantry Division The units under direct control of the 5th Army, including Dan, were rushing through the snowy field in the shape of a triangle, perhaps for revenge.


    In fact, the retreat of the 33rd and 34th Armored Brigade was also a strategy to lure the enemy¡¯s main unit. In other words, it was said that the ¡®prelude operation of the counterattack¡¯ and the ¡®opposition to annihte the Triangle¡¯, which will be the cornerstone of the ¡®operation to upy Siberia,¡¯ were being worked out.


    And at the 90km point behind the retreat, the 35th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae) and the units under direct control were moving forward to join, and immediately behind it, the 20th Panzer Division belonging to the 7th Mobile Squadron, the strongest unit in the world, in Korea. The decisive battle) and the Capital Armored Division were following at the highest speed they could achieve in the field.


    In addition, the four airborne strike divisions belonging to the 2nd Rapid Response Army stationed in various parts of Namju were also waiting for orders to sortie with all heavy equipment on their dedicated transport aircraft.


    The CC-1000TSP, a dedicated transport aircraft of the Airborne Strike Division equipped with four sma engines, boasts a speed of Mach 2, and includes eight unmanned 6th-generation C-5 Garion tanks equipped with a hover system, two operating console armored vehicles, and armed forces. It is thergest military transport aircraft in existence capable of carrying 100 people at the same time, and the Air Force currently has 120 aircraft.


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 16:30 (10:30 Russian time),


    Russia Moscow Bunker State R-13 (meeting room).


    After the report by Defense Minister Mikhail Ivanov was over, profanity erupted from Putin¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Damn Chinese, why are these people who were begging for a while all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°That, that, is currently under investigation.¡±


    Defense Minister Mikhail Ivanov also hesitated because the cause was unknown.


    ¡°Even though we have signed a mutual military protection treaty, do we need a preparation period? Are you telling me to believe it? Didn¡¯t they know that we were going to invade Korea on the 24th at midnight Korean time?¡±


    ¡°You seem to have something on your mind. I see it as a simple excuse.¡±


    Foreign Minister Valery Carpin, as an expert on foreign affairs, grasped China¡¯s intentions at once.


    ¡°You mean? What do you mean? You dare to use a scheme against Russia. Is this this?


    Angry, Putin looked at his officials from a crooked position and said: Then, dimir Beshastnich, the head of the department, gave a cautious reply.


    ¡°After watching the fierce fighting between Russia and Korea, I think that if our two countries lose their strength after that, we are going to eat the Manchuria next time.¡±


    ¡°So, does this mean that the Chinese have noticed our Russian intention to use it to shake the Western Front?¡±


    ¡°For now, that seems to be the case.¡±


    ¡°Cunning Chinese! Foreign Minister!¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    ¡°Right now, request through the diplomatic line to once again formally attack Korea in ordance with the Treaty of Mutual Military Protection. If you use this as an excuse for nonsensical reasons, immediately stop economic and military aid, and protest strongly that you will be fullypensated for viting the treaty.¡±


    ¡°all right. President!¡±


    At midnight on the 24th, the Eastern Military District of Russia, which had a massive invasion of Korea, did not carry out arge-scale missile attack and a carpet bombing using air force power, which were the basis of the initial engagement. It attempted to break through the border with the main units of the four military forces only with army power.


    Military experts thought it was ironic. Also, it was the same in Korea. At present, the two countries only struggled with their military power in the area along the border.


    In fact, the reason the war unfolded was that both sides were waiting for the right time.


    In the case of Russia, first, the 35th and 36th Army aimed to solidify the northern front, and the 5th Army was the bait to hold Korea¡¯s main units. Therefore, the 29th Army was the main force among the main forces in the Eastern Military District of Russia.


    Currently, in the 29th Army, the Red Panzer Corps, which even the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff had not been able to grasp, was holding their breath. The 27th Panzer Division, the 28th Panzer Division, and the 58th Air Defense Artillery Division were formed for a long time under strict security for this war.


    It was nned to mobilize all these hidden forces to make an emergency detour to Mongolian territory, break through the weak Mongolian border, and quickly vacuum the interior, and in ordance with this time, arge-scale missile and air force were to be administered. In addition, if New China had immediately applied military force to the western border in response to Russia¡¯s request for an attack, this operation would have paid off.


    In any case, the 35th and 36th Army, which had established a fixed front on the assumption that the 29th Army had sessfully broken through the border and advanced to the depths of Manchuria and sessfully shaken the interior, received the support of the 41st and 2nd Army in the Central Military District and supported the southern edge of the Army. It was a n to hit and go down. Second, it was judged that it would be unreasonable to administer missiles and air force, that is, strategic-grade weapons, in a situation where the exact location could not be determined because the main units of the Republic of Korea had moved away from the garrison before the invasion.


    For these two reasons, it was to refrain from using strategic-grade weapons until now. Next, in the case of South Korea, the first reason was that Russia invaded with army power alone, and the second reason was that it had an operation to upy Siberia in mind.


    It was necessary to use arge-scale strategic-grade weapon in the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯ against the 5th Army, and then reserve it for use when upying the entire vast Siberia region. If the Joint Chiefs of Staff had not established a n for the upation of Siberian, it would have mobilized arge-scale strategic-ss weapon from the beginning like in thest Chinese war.


    For these different reasons, the Republic of Korea and Russia, which did not use strategic-grade weapons at the beginning, continued to struggle with each other only with their army power around the border..

 Chapter 406: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 4-3 Overcome!

    <h4>Chapter 406: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 4-3 Ovee!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 21:00,


    Imin River (65th Light Armored Infantry Division (Sunset) Defense Line) at the southern end of Gangjin (Hulunbeyer) City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture. The river, which flows from south to north, looks like small blood vessels spreading out from the aorta because of the small water streams that fork in all directions. The characteristic of this river was that it was frozen solid due to the cold weather, but it was too much for tanks or armored vehicles weighing tens of tons to pass safely. Autonomy fell into a huge mud puddle and was unable to maneuver. In addition, to the north, the long horizontal Hyra River stretched out in numerous S-shaped bends, making it impossible to Doha itself, and a 140km-long C-shaped swamp was formed in front. Therefore, the 29th Army had no choice but to detour the C-shaped swamp in two ces, the upper and lower ones. In other words, the defending Korean army was able to fully anticipate the vacuum path of the 29th Army. For this reason, the Imine River was the best ce for the defenders. ordingly, the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset) was in charge of defending the upper vacuum path, and the 5th Armored Division (Key) was in charge of defending the lower vacuum path. Without this geographical advantage, it would have been impossible to defend the 160km-long defense line with only two divisions. Time passed, and as night fell, the blizzard blew harder and the outside temperature dropped to minus 15 degrees Celsius. And as time went on, the temperature dropped even more. ording to today¡¯s weather forecast, it will drop to -30 degrees below zero at 5 am.


    Indeed, it was the weather that properly showed how cold Siberia was.


    As the 5th Panzer Division was an armored unit, most of them were in tanks and armored vehicles, so there was no worry about the cold, but the soldiers of the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division were a problem. Thanks to the protective suit, I was able to manage to keep my body temperature in sub-zero weather, but since it was a job where I had to fight outside, I had to be physically and mentally exhausted in this kind of weather. In response, the division headquarters ordered the subordinate units to take turns and to rest in the armored personnel carrier. The Second Squadron, First toon, Third Squadron, 101st Battalion, 37th Regiment, equipped with light armored suits all over the body, entered as an armored personnel carrier. Sgt. Park Won-young, the divisionmander and the highest senior among the enlisted men, took off his light armored helmet that covered his entire head, and grunted as he sat down on a chair.


    ¡°Wow! brutal It¡¯s brutal! Is there a particrly severe blizzard today?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it. It was fine during the day, but at night the temperature was 16 degrees below zero because of the blizzard.¡±


    Corporal Shin Myung-ho, who was seated next to him, looked at the temperature disyed on the LCD of the terminal mounted on his left wrist and stuck out his tongue.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. It¡¯s totally windy. But that¡¯s it. Sergeant Park! Will you brown bearse over today? No matter how cold it is, I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll attack in this kind of weather.¡±


    Sgt. Oh Seong-wan, who was sitting opposite him, crossed his arms and asked Sgt. Park Won-young, who was grumbling.


    ¡°It¡¯s not you. The brown bears must have the mind of themander.¡±


    ¡°Jegilson, you must have been assigned to a ce like this out of many, many hardships. You will be discharged in four months, eight¡±


    ¡°Oh Sergeant! Do you wrinkle in front of the pupa? Where is the water sergeant discussing the military service in front of ater sergeant?¡± At this, Sgt. Oh Seong-wan smiled and said with a yful expression on his face. ¡°Ah! Why are you like this with the same sergeant? I¡¯m looking at the puppets.¡± ¡°what! same sergeant? You are still swimming in the jjambab soup after I ate, you bastard! Where are you trying to match? ??????!¡± At this time, Sgt. Oh Dong-gil, who had the rank of sergeant, came inst, sat down, looked around and gave a pint ss.


    ¡°Let¡¯s be quiet when we have a break! Our two sergeants! And these two bottles!¡± ¡°Lee Byung-gyu Kim Byung-gyu¡± ¡°Lee Byung Sang Hyun-cheol¡± ¡°Did you check your battery capacity?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I did. It is now 80%.¡± ¡°Yes, I just did. I am 75%.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t forget to check the battery whenever you have free time and rece it immediately when it drops to 20%! Do you have enough spare time?¡± ¡°Yes, it is.¡± ¡°Yes, it is.¡± The two soldiers responded vigorously with a standing posture. ¡°great! And when resting, answer quietly and rest in peace¡± ¡°all right.¡± ¡°all right.¡± ¡°As expected, I like one of our soldiers¡¯ gs.¡± Sgt. Oh Seong-wan gave a thumbs up and was delighted with the answer of the two modest soldiers.


    ¡°It¡¯s all because I¡¯ve been educated.¡± When Corporal Shin Myung-ho shrugged his shoulders and made a proud expression on his face, Sgt. Oh Seong-wan opened his eyes and pretended to stab his eyes with two fingers. ¡°Cook! New Corporal! It¡¯s not because you educated them, they don¡¯t! You know how to serve in the military.¡± ¡°It is because of my education that I was able to do my military service properly.¡± ¡°Yeah, just keep your mouth alive.¡± ¡°Hey! Oh Sergeant! Did your mouth not live? Isn¡¯t that why Corporal Shin is following you? If you cheat on your senior, you will be treated the same by your sessor. Kiki¡± ¡°It is not. It¡¯s different from corporals of the same rank and rank.¡± ¡°Ugh! Even if you die soon, you¡¯re still the same soldier. let¡¯s not talk I am fine.¡± Quang! Quang! bang! Aww! Simultaneous explosions reverberated across the sky, and the smell of powdered gunpowder began to vibrate. ¡°What, what! Are youing over already?¡±


    At this time, thepanymander¡¯s voice erupted from the Turkion-Xamunicator mounted on the squad leader¡¯s light armored helmet. ¨C Jijik! Here¡¯s the water sprinkler! It appears to be the Russian military¡¯smunist (preparatory fire for attack). All sprinklers stick to their current location! All squads currently resting on armored vehicles will also move to their respective positions. ¡°Huh~ If it¡¯s Gongjunsa, you mean the Russians are going to start Doha in earnest?¡±


    As the Russian bombardment began while he was about to rest, Sgt. Park Won-young sighed heavily and put on a light armored helmet.


    JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJUPJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJUJJINGING


    The sound of a 20mmser vulcan beam firing from the rear was audible. It was the C-30 Biho A3, thetest model belonging to the headquarters in charge of air defense of the 101st Battalion.


    The C-30 Biho A3, which reced the existing 12mmser vulcan beam with a 20mm vulcan beam, was said to have sprayed a powerful red light beam into the sky without mercy. bang! Aww! Quang!


    Each time a ray of light passed by, multicolored firecrackers exploded in the sky. ¡°Prepare to go out! Check out each suit!¡±


    ¡°Check the suit equipment!¡± At themand of Sergeant Oh Dong-gil, the squad leader, the squad members who wore light armored helmets checked each other¡¯s light armor suits together with Bokmyeongbokchang. The light armor suit, called C-LA, was a lightweight armor made by mixing hydrinium alloy and liquid metal alloy appropriately. Although it was expensive at about 10 million won per pair, it was able to protect any number of shells, so it was called an angel¡¯s gift among infantrymen. ¡°No more than power!¡± ¡°Nothing more than gear operation!¡± ¡°Nothing more than the front disy!¡±


    ording to the suit confirmation procedure, the crew members who shouted nothing more finally checked the CS11poundser rifle, a personal weapon. ¡°No more than CS11!¡±


    ¡°great! get off.¡± At the same time as the squad leader¡¯s final order, the rear hatch of the armored personnel carrier opened, and the squad members quickly disembarked. Quang! Aww!


    The C-30 Biho A3¡¯s twin 20mmser vulcan beam intercepted the shells that hit it, but the number of flying shells was considerable, sorge and small explosions urred.


    Squad 2 arrived at Sector 312, the assigned area of responsibility, avoiding the rain of shells that fell like a shower, and looked ahead from their respective positions. On the front disy of the light armored helmet, over a small ridge, tanks and armored vehicles, represented by various luminous points, were seen through a blizzard.


    ¡°They are fucking bastards. All of a sudden, everyone will be dong-tae and let it go!¡± Sgt. Park Won-young, the divisionmander, showed a nervous reaction to the Russian army who interrupted the break. ¡°Keuk, aren¡¯t we more dynamic than those guys?¡±


    Sgt. Oh Seong-wan, the sub-major, jokingly looked at Sergeant Park Won-young with the CS11positeser rifle oriented forward.


    ¡°Bing a Dong-tae is a burden. Redva is gushing out in my heart!¡± ¡°Ah yes!¡± ¨C Jijik! Hold on to your current position and charge when an attack order is issued from thepany. Themand of the squad leader was issued through the squadwork. At this, the youngest member of Squad 2, Byung-gyu Kim, swallowed his saliva with a loud gulp. He was a new recruit, not a new recruit, who had only been assigned to his own squadron for a month.


    ¡°mind! Okay. There is no weapon in Russia that can break through your light suit! So, fight with confidence. Understand?¡±


    Corporal Shin Myung-ho, who is in charge of recruit management and education, lightly patted Kim Byung-gyu¡¯s light armor helmet and encouraged him. ¡°Illness! Byung-gyu Kim! Al, I see. We will fight hard.¡± ¡°Graze! And don¡¯t use the official name in the event of a fight!¡±


    ¡°all right.¡± Suddenly, the sound of shells falling without mercy in the surrounding area also subsided. It seemed that the artillery fire of the division¡¯s artillery units stopped the fire and left the camp.


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    November 25, 2023 22:00,


    </ul> </ul> </ul>


    Five km from the southern end of Soyangsan (Limenmin) City, Namgang Province, North Manchuria. When the 5th Army¡¯s main units from three directions rushed in to capture the two armored brigades of the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae), the Joint Chiefs of Staffunched the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯. At 70km south of North Pyeong, the 82nd Panzer Division switched to defensive tactics, and the Capital Panzer Division, which was maneuvering from the rear, detoured to the upper left and joined. The 20th Panzer Division (decisive battle) was also scheduled to join, but after a report from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite that two division-level armored units were detected in the Dalenechensk region, they hurriedly turned and headed south. They were the 5th Army¡¯s 81st SS Panzer Division and the 70th Motorized Infantry Division. It appeared to have made a major detour down to attack the rear of the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae).


    The 20th Panzer Division (decisive battle) was removed from the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯ to prevent unexpected additional forces from the 5th Army, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff determined that the Capital Panzer Division and the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae) alone were sufficient to defend. did. Meanwhile, with all subordinate units of the 23rd Mechanized Guard Division belonging to the 8th Corps retreating to the rear and entering the area defense with the concept of battalion defense tactics in various ces, the 81st SS Armored Division and 70th Motorized Infantry Division, which broke through the border, had a long line of fire. He was maneuvering quickly toward a small farnd cut between two connected mountains. If this entrance was blocked, we had to detour another 80km towards the southwest end. For this reason, I tried to pass quickly and quickly. However, on both ridges here, the four-legged legs are fully folded to lower the posture as much as possible, and a powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) is emitted while covering a special camouge film that changes color to the surrounding terrain to deceive the reconnaissance drones and reconnaissance tankpanies of the Russian armored forces. There were troops in ambush. They were the fifth Guards Battalion, 58th Guards Regiment, belonging to the 23rd Mechanized Guard Division.


    The C-1000 Haitai unmanned robots, which were deployed 24 each along both ridges, held their breath and waited for the Russian armored units to pass..

 Chapter 407: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 4-4 Overcome!

    <h4>Chapter 407: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 4-4 Ovee!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 22:30, Over the northeastern border of Bukgang Province in northern Manchuria (60 km southwest of Khabarovsk).


    The 60 CC-1000TSP transport nes that took off first from the southern provinces passed through the northern provinces at a speed of Mach 2 and entered the skies of the northern provinces of northern Manchuria. Naturally, 20 CF-21P Zhujak fighters were escorted in the air around the CC-1000TSP transport ne, and 24 CEA-27PS Bungsae Electronic Electrics, recently developed exclusively for electronics, flew together in four directions, emitting powerful electromaic waves to the air defense of the Russian Air Force and Ground Forces. The radarwork was disabled.


    Currently, there are a total of 24 CEA-27P electronic warfare units operated by the ROK Air Force. In other words, it can be seen that all electronic electricity was put into operation for this operation.


    The reason for doing this was because of Russia¡¯s air defense power, which is no less than the US and South Korea.


    Currently, Russia has the S-400 Triumph, which is said to be capable of intercepting various S-300 grumble series and stealth fighters, as well as low-altitude cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles, and the S-500 Triumpater, which has been deployed inbat in 2020, in all directions. defended the Russian airspace. Also, ording to Hyanggan¡¯s intelligence news, a next-generation anti-aircraft missile under the model name of S-600 was developed and deployed to several air defense units. The Joint Chiefs of Staff was equipped with the CC-1000TSP transport aircraft¡¯s stealth function and SECM (Radio Disruption System), but it was intended to ensure safety as much as possible. Eight CEA-27P electronic and electric aircraft, which emit quantum waves powerful enough to temporarily disable South Korean anti-aircraft radar, reached the airspace target of Khabarovsk.


    Fortunately, the Russian air defense unit stationed in Khabarovsk was affected by quantum waves and the anti-aircraft radar was cut off. In response, a red light was turned on inside the CC-1000TSP military transport aircraft and an in-flight broadcast was yed.


    <ul>


    After the next 10 minutes, airborne. All crew members and paratroopers of the Airborne Strike Division should be checked for thest time! The transport ne crew repeated the same words over and over again over the air. The soldiers of the Airborne Strike Division, who boarded various armored vehicles and console armored vehicles, waited with a nervous expression, perhaps because of the actual situation rather than training. After a while, the voice of the crew member airlifting officer came again over the in-flight broadcastingwork. ¨C Forward five minutes to airlift, five minutes to airlift, rear hatch open! The tank operators of the First toon, Second Company, Third Tank Battalion, who control C-five Gaion tanks belonging to the 31st Airborne Strike Division, sat in the chairs of the 211 Console Armored Vehicle, wore the X Penins belt, and listened to the in-flight broadcast with an anxious expression. was standing upright.


    </ul>


    ¡°Ah! I really hate this time!¡± Sergeant Lee Jeong-hyeon, the highest senior in the First toon, clenched the X Penins belt with both hands and swore. ¡°Me too. Doesn¡¯t this make you feel bad?¡±


    His immediate sessor, Sgt. Kim Jin-han, shed.


    The waiting time between the airlift preliminary broadcast and the actual airlift was the most tense and anxious time for them.


    ¡°I feel it all the time, but is it the kind of tension that stands at the starting line for the 100m run at an athletic meet when you were young and waits for the starting gunshot? Isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Kiki, that¡¯s how I feel. Oh right. Private Yu!¡± ¡°Private! Yoo Sang-rok!¡± ¡°Likest time training, if youe down to the ground and overtime, you will die. okay?¡±


    ¡°all right.¡± ¡°Oh! When I think of the trouble with the smell...¡± ¡°What? In the past, after training in karate and doing overtime, the kids crave for it¡± ¡°Oh, isn¡¯t that the time when the young chicks were private, only a month after being assigned to the squadron?¡± ¡°Whether it¡¯s a private or a private, you did one thing! Anyway, don¡¯t crave the kids! Don¡¯t you know that this isn¡¯t even a military weapon?¡± At this time, the final announcement of the in-flight broadcast came from the airlift operator.


    <ul>


    1 minute before the airlift... 30 seconds before the airlift... 10 seconds before the airlift... The rear hatch of the 112th CC-1000TSP military transport aircraft carrying tank operators of the 1st toon began to slowly open. And when the hatch was fully opened, the locking device began to disengage from the tank closest to the soft hatch. shudder! shudder! ¨C Unlock! Airborne start!


    </ul>


    At the cry of the Airlift Management Officer, the gear-shaped rails at the bottom of the transport ne turned all at once. Then it slowly moved backwards from the first Gaion tank that had unlocked. Then the hatches began to fall one after another into the open air.


    As all eight Gaion unmanned tanks fell, this time the Console Armored Vehicle No. 211 moved along the rail to the hatch, and soon separated from the rail of the transport ne and fell to the ground at a frightening speed. ¡°Ahh!¡± ¡°Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°help me!¡± From the inside of the console armored car No. 211, strange screams came from here and there. Falling on something was literally dozens of times more frightening than jumping off a ne with a real parachute. Tanks falling from transport nes like candy one after another began to deployrge parachutes. Naturally, the console armored car No. 211 also screamed once again as the speed of the fall momentarily decreased as therge parachute was unfolded.


    ¡°Ningiri!¡± ¡°Ughhhhh¡± ¡°Agh!¡± A few minutester, various armored vehicles and unmanned tanks belonging to the 31st Airborne Strike Division spreadrge parachutes and descended over Khabarovsk, where there was no moonlight or even a single starlight due to thick dark clouds. Even though it was arge parachute, the fall speed was faster than expected because of the weight of several tens of tons.


    But speed was no problem. All armored vehicles and unmanned tanks of the 31st Airborne Strike Division were equipped with a hover system.


    After falling to a certain altitude from the ground, the hover engines of the armored vehicles and unmanned tanks were automatically activated, which resulted in a sharp drop in the speed of their fall. And when it came down to the bottom, the four lower hover engines raised their maximum output. Then, the giraffe armored car started flying in hover mode while smoothly transitioning from vertical to horizontal.


    Although such a stable airlift waspleted, in fact, the crew members andbat crews in the armored car were to the point of getting motion sickness due to the roaring noise and nausea even after repeated training. It was like riding on a multi-kilometer free-drop ride.


    The 31st Airborne Strike Division, whichpleted the first airlift, entered into a strike mission against major targets by battalion.


    The main tasks of the 31st Airborne Strike Division were to upy the main government offices of Khabarovsk and to clear out the reserve forces stationed there. As a result, giraffe armored vehicles flying several meters high flew along the road spread out in all directions. Cars and other facilities on the road could not be a hindrance to the Giran armored vehicle flying several meters above the ground.


    Woo woo woo woo! Woo woo woo woo!


    At the appearance of an unidentified figure flying along the road from a few meters in the sky with a slightly magnificent engine sound, the citizens of Khabarovsk were doing something at first, but when they saw the Taegeukgi g, they realized that they were Korean soldiers, and they started running away in confusion.


    However, some masculine-style Russian men fired their pistols or rifles at passing giraffe armored vehicles. But it was closer to courage than courage. What returned to them was the suppressive fire of the fierce 12mmser vulcan beam. Theser beam that flew for several seconds turned it into an abominable chunk of meat that could not be considered a human form. The 31st Airborne Strike Division¡¯s armored vehicles fired twice or three times more retaliatory fire against targets that were even the slightest threat. As a result, gunfire continued throughout the city of Khabarovsk, andrge and small explosions urred in session. The signal for ¡°Operation Three Extermination¡± has just begun in Khabarovsk.


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 22:30,


    Mingang River (65th Light Armored Infantry Division (Sunset) Defense Line) at the southern end of Gangjin (Hulunbeyer) City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    Despite the murderous weather, down to minus 20 degrees Celsius, about 100 armored vehicles belonging to the 550 Armored Vehicle Brigade of the 36th Motorized Infantry Division of Russia performed zigzag maneuvers through a blizzard that was hard to see even an inch ahead. Every time a heavy armored car passed by, the frozen riverbed cracked and cracked. As a result, the armored vehicles stumbled and fell into the mud, but they quickly escaped and continued to maneuver.


    Kurung! Curry! Cuckoo Cuckoo!


    As about 100 550 armored vehicles brigade entered Doha with harsh engine noises, the 101st Battalion light armored infantrymen waiting for orders to attack from superior units across the Min River watched with breath. At this time, themand of the battalionmander was issued to eachpanymander.


    <ul>


    It¡¯s the battalionmander. Enemy armored vehicles are currently crossing the river. Even the tanks in the rear will attack when they enter Doha. ording to themand of the regimentmander, thepanymanders are instructed to check the charge line once again for each toon. ¨C third Company! Notice that you have been admitted! ¨C Fourth Company! Notice that you have been admitted!


    th Company! Notice that you have been admitted!


    Medium Company! Notice of admission!


    </ul>


    As the 550th Armored Vehicle Brigade entered the middle of the river, the 551th Armored Brigade, following from the rear, slowly began preparing for Doha, and a search tankpany directly discounted by the brigade quickly entered Doha. Kuah! Curry!


    Twelve T-14 Arma Tanks from the Reconnaissance Tank Company entered the Min River at high speed, breaking the frozen ice and moving forward. However, it jumped forward without a problem because of the frozen mud due to the cold down to minus 20 degrees Celsius. As the tanks of the Reconnaissance Tank Company crossed without any problems, the tanks of the 551 Armored Brigade, who were watching from the riverbank, also entered Doha one after the other.


    ording to the Russian General Staff, in the operation of the 29th Army¡¯s crossing of Lee Min-gang, due to the sudden cold weather, some of the staff said that they had to suspend the operation today due to the health problems of various equipment and soldiers, and to cross the river again when the weather is good tomorrow. had paid However, Chief of the General Staff, dimir Beshastnich, on the contrary, immediately issued the order to cross the river.


    The reason was that it was determined that riverbeds frozen by the cold weather could help them to pass quickly. The judgment was excellent. Although some tanks and armored vehicles had problems with the cold, it was an excellent opportunity for the entire unit to cross quickly. In fact, when the Russian General Staff established the invasion operation to bypass the 29th Army into Mongolian territory, there was a major concern. There were several rivers blocking the front of each vacuum furnace. However, the biggest worry has been resolved in this sudden, severe cold.


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 23:00,


    LF Apartment (#1103), Jamsilbon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Namju.


    Nam Gung-Won, who returned from her funeral home only after her midnight, was tired, washed up andid down next to Lee Hye-Jin, who was sleeping on the bed. ¡°uh! I¡¯m here?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t slept?¡±


    Awakened by the rustling sound, Manager Lee Hye-jin hugged Namgung-won, who was lying next to her, and whispered.


    ¡°You did a good job today!¡± ¡°Is there anything to say? Are your legs okay anyway? I was busy today.¡± ¡°it¡¯s okay. As soon as I got home, I put ice on it.¡± ¡°great job. now¡± ¡°Huh¡±


    Namgung-won, with his eyes closed, remembered the conversation he had with Director Ahn Yeon-woo during the day. That is why she couldn¡¯t sleep easily. She tossed and turned a few times, but she called Hyejin Lee just in case. ¡°self. ruler?¡± ¡°Huh? Why?¡± ¡°Ah. I have something to say.¡± ¡°Say it¡± ¡°Oh, no. Let¡¯s talk in the morning.¡±


    ¡°What? Let¡¯s not talk now.¡± ¡°that is¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    Namgung-won talked in detail about Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s suicide, the leak of sma core technology, and his reinstatement.


    ¡°Jeong, really?¡± ¡°Yeah, I thought he died in a simple ident, but that¡¯s what happened...¡± With the exception of some, those who heard the news of Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s death knew that the cause of death was a sudden heart attack while traveling in Thand.


    ¡°So I mean. Shall I go back to work?¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t care, what about your business?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m worried about. It¡¯s apany that¡¯s just growing, so it¡¯s about folding. That¡¯s why I said I¡¯d give you enough answers.¡± ¡°self! Get back to work! Thepany will have a professional CEO and I will participate in the management of thepany by my side.¡± ¡°Huh? himself?¡± ¡°I was hurt this time and I was quite worried. I think now is not the time to rest. Also, should we get a second generation too?¡± Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s face turned red.


    ¡°Ah! our 2 year old! right. Haha, but will you not regret leaving the NIS, which you think is your calling?¡± ¡°Yeah, who retired? It¡¯s a long leave...¡± ¡°Ah! Long leave! But if I¡¯m not pregnant yet, could this be a reason for a long-term leave?¡± ¡°Well, you can make a deal with Director Ahn for your reinstatement!¡± ¡°Haha, after all, our own heads are really extraordinary!¡± ¡°So tell me you¡¯re going back to work tomorrow! You have to pay for Professor Woo¡¯s unfair death, right?¡± ¡°Yeah, just like he said, we need to catch those heinous men who tormented Professor Wu.¡± In an instant, her troubles were resolved, and Namgung-won looked down at Manager Lee Hye-jin, who was burying her face in her chest. She then hugged her tightly with her arms, she said. ¡°self! Shall we definitely start from today for our 2nd generation?¡±


    ¡°Ah! what! Disgusting?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s have a baby!¡± ¡°I do not know!¡±

 Chapter 408: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 4-5 Overcome!

    <h4>Chapter 408: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 4-5 Ovee!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 23:00, Five km from the southern end of Soyangsan (Limenmin) City, Namgang Province, North Manchuria.


    Baba Bang! Baba Baba Baba Bang! bang! Baba Baba!


    A light firing sound from the C-1000 Haitai unmanned robot of the 5th Guard Battalion echoed in session from both sides of the mountain range. A 40mm rocket flew in an oblique parab and pierced the side of a T-14B Armata tank of the 81st SS Panzer Division, maneuvering a small farnd between the two ridges, 800m wide and 2.5km long.


    Hundreds of simultaneously fired 40mm rockets hit the Caterpir, the weakest of the T-14B Armata tanks, and exploded.


    phut! bang! Kwakwaang! bang! The T-14B Armata tanks of the 81st SS Panzer Division, which were rapidly maneuvering in apany unit in response to a surprise attack, all switched to a zig-zag evasive maneuver, and the railgun of the unmanned turret was directed in the direction of the flying hills on both sides. However, despite raising the unmanned turret to the maximum due to the height of the ridgeline, the angle was slightly less than the point at which the 40mm rocket was fired. The T-14B Armata tanks immediately fired 3UBK21 Sprinter anti-tank guided missiles. Shoo woo-woong. 3UBK21 Sprinter anti-tank guided missiles from twinunch tubes for each tank blew white smoke and flew in the direction of the mountain range on both sides.


    Some C-1000 Haitai unmanned robots immediately intercepted the iing Russian anti-tank missiles with a 12mmser vulcan beam.


    Quang! Quang! Quang! As a ray of light was scattered over the two mountain ridges,rge and small explosions urred one after another. However, several sprinter anti-tank guided missiles flew towards the Haitai robot through the beam of light like thetest fourth generation ss. However, just before the collision, it was blocked by the powerful shield maic field of the Haitai unmanned robot that was momentarily unfolded and exploded without much profit.


    Quang! Quang! In 2021, the Olympus base started the improvement project of the C-1000 Haitai unmanned robot. However, the National Assembly opposed the formation of an additional budget for one border guard robot. It was judged that the current performance of the Haitai unmanned robot alone was sufficient to carry out border border missions. For this reason, the Olympus base selected one battalion with its own budget and promoted the improvement project. Existing 12mmser vulcans were reced with 20mmser vulcans, and 40mm rockets were reced with 16 rounds of 60mm sma intensifiers to increase firepower and, most importantly, to equip their own Shield Shielding System (SSS) to provide strong protection. However, even this was tried to stop the government audit, saying that the budget was being used recklessly. ordingly, the Olympus base is a test castle improvement project promoted by its own budget, and persuaded the National Defense Standing Committee, and the existing n was greatly revised and the improvement project waspleted by developing an improved model name X-1001 equipped with only the Shield Shielding System (SSS). Afterwards, the improved X-1001 Haitai was deployed to the 5th Guard Battalion among the mechanized guard units on a trial basis. In order to operate the Shield Shielding System (SSS), arge-capacity sma storage battery was required. However, Olympus had to use the existing high-capacity storage battery instead of the next-generation high-efficiency new sma storage battery due tock of budget ording to its own budget.


    In any case, the Haitai Unmanned Robots of the 5th Guard Battalion equipped with a shield shielding system sessfully blocked the attack of the Sprinter anti-tank missile with the shield maic field and thenunched an attack again. Meanwhile, other tanks of the 81st SS Panzer Division, waiting at a distance from the rear, fired 16MJ railgun metal bullets all at once when the Haitai Unmanned Robots of the 5th Guard Battalion entered the aiming point within Pogakdo. Tuang! Tuang! Tuang! The sound of a railgun firing, which is quite different from the sound of a normal tank gun firing, sounded from dozens of tanks at once. A metal bullet, which flew at a speed of eight times the speed of sound, fell on the Haitai unmanned robot.


    Quang! Quang! Aww! Quang! Once again, the shield maic field spread and deflected the metal bullet to be processed. With a powerful fricative sound, the impact shook the transparent shield maic field.


    When the railgun attack was neutralized by the advanced defense system, themand of the 81st SS Panzer Division issued an attack order to all tanks and armored vehicles, as well as the artillery units under the direct control of the rear division. Meanwhile, the leading tanks that were attacked by the Haitai unmanned robot¡¯s rocket bomb and 12mmser vulcan beam suffered heavy blows as their caterpirs were released and they were unable to move or various optical equipment was damaged. Some tanks were attacked by multiple ck Dragon missiles, and the entire unmanned turret was blown off, emitting dark red mes and smoke. The Haitai unmanned robot ambush attack at Yangsanneung Line had a significant effect. Not a single vehicle could pass through the narrow farnd and all of them sat down. The 5th Guard Battalion alone could not destroy the 81st SS Panzer Division, but at least for a period of time it was able to stop the maneuver and make the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯ to an advantage. Until there is a simultaneous attack of the entire dictionary.


    The two battalion-sized T-14B Armata tanks continuously fired railguns, and the unmanned turret of the Kurgs-25 armored vehicle, the new IFV of the Russian Army, fired 30mm machine guns and Ko anti-tank guided missiles in session. In addition, 36 Koalichiya-SV self-propelled howitzers of the artillery unit, which rapidly radiated heat from the rear, fired TOT fire at the location of the Haitai unmanned robot.


    As various shells, railgun metal bullets, and various types of anti-tank guided missiles continued to pour on Yangsanneung Line, the Haitai unmanned robot had to give up its attack to spread its shield maic field. Some Haitai unmanned robots were overloaded with sma storage batteries due to the continuous attack, so they could not develop the shield maic field in time, and they were hit with a railgun metal bullet and exploded so big that they were shattered.


    ¡°Captain! It seems like a bunch more. Why don¡¯t we retreat from this point before we make a bigger loss?¡± Major Na Sang-gil, head of the battalion¡¯s operations department, said while looking at the monitor reflecting the damage status of his allies with his forehead narrowed.


    ¡°I can¡¯t retreat! If they detour and attack the rear of the 82nd Division or the Capital Division, the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯, which depends on the direction of the Eastern Front, may fail!¡±


    ¡°Captain! Isn¡¯t the 20th Divisioning to stop the 82nd Division¡¯s vacuum now?¡± ¡°It is not! But we have to stop them as much as possible from here until the 20th Division gets here! Do you think that is the biggest task our battalion has to do?¡± Lieutenant Colonel Oh Pil-seung,mander of the fifth border battalion, was resolute. Major Na Sang-gil did not say anything further. ¡°I¡¯ll loosen up your face. Fortunately, isn¡¯t Haitai an unmanned robot?¡± Currently, the operating console armored vehicles of eachpany operating the C-1000 Haitai unmanned robot were being operated with a special camouge covering them deep in the mountain range.


    ¡°Contact eachpany. Fight to the end! When all the Haitai robots are destroyed, then we will retreat.¡± ¡°Ah! The battalionmander is responsible for thister...¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the fieldmander¡¯s judgment first? I think I¡¯m right now. If you ask me to take responsibility, there is nothing I can do about it.¡± ¡°Ah! all right.¡±


    <hr />


    November 25, 2023 23:00,


    km south of Bukpyeong (Hongchikun) City, Bukgang Province, North Manchuria.


    The 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae), which all subordinate units joined, realized that the three divisions of the Russian fifth Army had moved to the manned area, and immediately switched to an offensive posture for a counterattack. In addition, the capital armored division, which arrivedte, also had a brief maintenance time to prepare for the uingrge-scale engagement. ¡°Captain! The order is to counterattack after 30 minutes from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.¡± Brigadier General Kim Seong-yoon, the division¡¯s operatives officer, read the handouts that had just been delivered. ¡°It¡¯s finally starting! Issue the above orders to themand of each brigade and tell the artillery units to check each coordinate once again.¡± ¡°all right.¡± ¡°Are you even preparing for a water knight?¡± Major General Kim Min-jung,mander of the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae), said while looking at the north end, which was being maintained for a while with the Capital Panzer Division deployed.


    ¡°Yeah, they arrived in the area 10 minutes ago, and they say they are being repaired for future engagements.¡± ¡°Um, it¡¯s a pity that the 20th Division missed out on this battle in the middle, but the power of the machinists will be enough.¡± ¡°Captain! It is information that two squadrons of Blue Dragon strategic bombers were additionally deployed to this engagement on behalf of the 20th Division.¡±


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s great! That would be enough to rece the 20th Division!¡±


    As the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯ began in earnest, which will determine the victory or defeat of the Eastern Front in the future, the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae) was busy moving from themand center to the lower toon of subordinate units. And 20 minutester, the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae) and Sudo Panzer Division began a full-scale counterattack. Meanwhile, the 59th Motorized Infantry Division, the 121st Armored Division, and the 60th Motorized Infantry Division formed a triangle in the front and maneuvered in a triangr shape, and the four Mobilized Infantry Divisions and the fifth Army¡¯s direct units were swiftly flowing in the rear. was approaching If you count it as a pure force, it was a great force of about 100,000.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023 00:00 (01:00 Russian time), Khabarovsk, Khabarovsky Territory, Russia. In the city of Khabarovsk, the fifth Army¡¯s forward base and the main base of the supply units, a street battle that started an hour ago was in full swing. The attack power of the Republic of Korea¡¯s 31st Airborne Strike Division, which suddenly appeared, overcame the garrison in charge of defending the city beyond imagination. The troops currently in charge of the defense of Khabarovsk were the Mobilized Panzer Division and the General Mobilized Infantry Division, which consisted of T-90 tanks and various old armored vehicles. As a result, the 31st Airborne Strike Division, which operates only thetest weapons, was not apetitor. First, on the outskirts of the city, the sixth-generation C-five Gaion tank, operated by eachpany¡¯s operating console armored vehicle, escorted by the battalion headquarters¡¯ troops, charged into the center of the enemy¡¯s formation and annihted the enemy¡¯s tanks at will. . And the C-27P-A Kirin Rapid Combat Armored Vehicles, flying along the road at great speed, subdued major government offices and military facilities with various firepower, andbat crews equipped with special light armor were deployed to quickly and urately capture the target facilities.


    As of an hour after the street fighting, 35 government offices and 58 temporary military bases in Khabarovsk have beenpletely captured. It was faster than expected. Meanwhile, while the 31st Airborne Strike Division stirred the city of Khabarovsk, the 32nd Airborne Strike Division attacked the fifth Army¡¯s logistics base, which was identified as a temporary supply base around Khabarovsk. The military base, which was secretly stored to supply various ammunition, food, and fuel for the 5th Army, was attacked by the 32nd Airborne Strike Division that day and turned to ck ashes.


    In addition, the 35th Airborne Strike Division and the 37th Airborne Strike Division, which made their second sortie, airlifted to Birobijan and Vyazemsky, the main cities along the eastern and southwestern borders from Khabarovsk, to carry out the rear siege mission as part of the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯. went in


    So far, the airborne operations of the Airborne Strike Division have been very sessful. The airlift operation in the rear area, centered on tanks and armored vehicles, rather than general infantry, was an operation that was not expected at all by the Russian General Staff, and literally staggered. In response, the Russian General Staff gave urgent instructions to the main main force of the fifth Army advancing in the delta to stop the vacuum and switch to defensive tactics from its current position, and ordered the 121st Panzer Division and two mobilization divisions to defend Khabarovsk..

 Chapter 409: Season 2 – Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! – 4-6 Overcome!

    <h4>Chapter 409: Season 2 ¨C Part 16 The Second Northeast Asian War! ¨C 4-6 Ovee!</h4>


    November 25, 2023 00:30,


    Soyangsan (Limenmin) City, Namgang Province, North Manchuria, 5km south of the city (5th border battalion main base).


    thud! An operator, looking at a monitor with a signal cut off to see if his Haitai unmanned robot had been hit, mmed the console with his fist and scoffed. ¡°Ah! damn! I had to catch that guy...¡±Disappointed, the operator, who had nothing more to do, got up and looked at the monitor of the other operator. The 5th Guards Battalion, which faced one armored division and one motorized infantry division with about 60 Haitai unmanned robots for one hour and 30 minutes, was slowly reaching the defensive limit. The ambush and topographical advantage inflicted considerable damage in the beginning and prevented a single Russian tank from passing on the farnd road between the two mountain ridges, but the formidable attacks of the T-14B Armata tank, which secured an open angle from the rear, and the constant The number of Haitai unmanned robots from the 5th Guard Battalion was now in the wake of the artillery fire, and about 10 Taiwanese were engaged in a fierce battle. Although there was a strong shielding maic field, the sma energy of therge-capacity storage battery was rapidly consumed by the continuous attack, which is the reason why the number of unmanned HAITAI robots that were attacked increased because they could not spread the shield maic field smoothly.


    Kukang! Kukang! Bang! Kukang! One of the unmanned Haitai robots exploded and fell to the floor by a series of railgun metal bullets that were flying in session. Ki ye ing kung ang! Even in the copsed situation, the Haitai unmanned robot sprayed a 12mmser vulcan beam towards the target it had aimed until the end.


    JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJUPJJJJJINGINGING


    A T-14B Armata tank that was firing a railgun at its maximum angle while performing an evasive maneuver four km away was hit by a beam ofser light, and a series ofrge and small explosions urred in the unmanned turret.The Haitai unmanned robot, which had fallen down, fired thest remaining S-LLAM 40 ck Dragon missile.


    Phuong! Wow! The ck Dragon missile, which soared into the sky emitting blue light, quickly lowered its altitude and hit the top of the Armata unmanned turret, whose reactive armor was tattered.! Quang!


    The Armata tank¡¯s unmanned turret railgun, which was hit by a powerful ck Dragon missile, fell and flew away. However, the crew members inside the double bulkhead inside the car body were safe, and the scene where the Armata tank continued to perform evasive maneuvers and moved forward was clearly visible on the operator¡¯s monitor screen. Whoa hey hey!


    Several kilometers from the Haitai unmanned robot along the mountain range, in the sky where the battalion headquarters and the operating console armored vehicles of eachpany are gathered, unfolding a special camouge film and controlling the Haitai unmanned robots, several reconnaissance Cossar UAVsunched by the 81st SS Panzer Division are at high altitude. It flew quietly at six km and was reconnaissance. An aircraft with an altitude of about six km was sufficiently detectable by the anti-aircraft toon of the battalion headquarters, but all the C-30 Biho A3s of the current anti-aircraft toon were in a state of frenzy intercepting numerous shells falling on the Haitai unmanned robot. After a while, a sound of breaking through the sky was heard, and then a number of shells fell to the area where the battalion headquarters and thepany¡¯s operating console armored vehicles were gathered. Quang! Quang!


    It seemed that the main base of the battalion was reconnaissanced even with a special camouge shield being deployed.


    The 12mmser vulcan mounted on the top of the console-operated armored vehicle automatically rotated and intercepted the falling shells.


    A total of 18ser beams spread out toward the sky. However, the number of falling shells was more than expected.


    Eventually, a shell hit the top of the operating console armored car belonging to the third Company and exploded.


    quaang. The 152 mm high explosive power of the 2S35 Koalichiya-SV self-propelled howitzer was considerable. The top of the console-operated armored vehicle, which reached 12 meters in length, was horribly torn apart, and a huge me and a noisy ce erupted through it. Ahh! Various screams came from inside the armored car, and after a while the rear hatch door opened, and several crew members covered in white powder ran out screaming. Fortunately, the upper armor was double armored, and the inside of the armored car was not hit, only the fire suppression system was activated.


    Surprised by the strong shock, the crew instinctively opened the hatch door and came out. ¡°Hey kids! Come inside!¡±


    The toon leader who only showed his face through the hatch door to the crew members struggling outside, burst out in their voices. shouted


    It was like hell outside. Large and small explosions resounded in session from all directions, and the heavens and the earth vibrated, and thick smoke and pirs of fire were rising. The crew, awakened only at the cry of the toonmander, wiped the white powder off their faces and ran into the operating console armored car with all their might. This damage status was reported to the battalionmand armored vehicle in real time. ¡°Captain! This can lead to casualties.¡±


    Major Na Kang-gil, the head of the operations department, who had requested the retreat order from the beginning, once again said as if pleading with the battalionmander. Lieutenant Colonel Oh Pil-seung, who was silently watching the various monitors, nodded his head and spoke quietly. ¡°Has the current location of the 20th Division been identified?¡± ¡°Yeah, five minutes ago, I got a call saying that I was approaching 42km.¡± ¡°45 km! It¡¯s still not enough.¡± ¡°The battalionmander!¡± ¡°Okay. okay! Battalion is retreating at the present time.¡±


    Upon receiving themand of the battalionmander, Major Na Sang-gil immediately opened the battalionmunicationwork and gave the order to retreat. The fifth Guard Battalion, which had been fighting a bad battle, immediately retreated. But the retreat was not so easy. Shells continued to fall from the sky, and various anti-tank guided missiles and railgun metal bullets were also poured from tanks and armored vehicles of the 81st SS Panzer Division.


    It was an urgent situation that could be annihted while retreating.


    A while ago, a Haitai unmanned robot that had folded its four-legged legs and switched to rapid maneuver mode was hit by several metal bullets and exploded, and its shape was unrecognizable.


    Currently, there are eight C-1000 Haitai unmanned robots capable of maneuvering, and they were at the level of destruction. However, fighting for an hour and a half against the two armored divisions was a remarkable achievement.The surviving Haitai unmanned robots and various armored vehicles changed their noses and started maneuvering in the opposite direction from the Yangsanneung Line. However, in the sky, various shells were aimed at the fifth Guard Battalion without stopping. At this time, a strange echo was heard from the other side of the sky, and it passed the fifth Guard Battalion, and in an instant, a series of explosions sounded over the 81st SS Panzer Division. Quang! Quang! Aww! Quang! Aww! It was a 300mm sma cluster bomb fired from the K271 Thunder, the MRLS of the artillery brigade subordinate to the 20th Panzer Division (decisive battle).


    About 100 rounds of 300mm sma cluster bombs gave fire to the 81st SS Panzer Division as well as the artillery units that fired mercilessly against the fifth Guard Battalion from the rear.


    The Russian artillery unit stopped firing for a while due to the sudden artillery attack by the Korean artillery unit.


    About 30 various armored vehicles and surviving Haitai unmanned robots descended down the hills on both sides and ran into the snowy field of the northeast. Conversely, the 20th Panzer Division (decisive battle), the strongest unit in Northeast Asia,posed of about 500 various tanks and armored vehicles, was running in the snowy field of the northeastern end at the maximum speed it could achieve in the open field.


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    November 26, 2023 01:00,


    </ul> </ul> </ul>


    Mingang River (5th Armored Division (key) defense line) 123km south of Gangjin (Hulunbeir) City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    On the wide snowfield on the upstream side of the Min River, which stretched for 90 km, the fifth Panzer Division (Key)¡¯s armored forces formed a long line and were engaged in fierce battles with the 11th Panzer Division, the leading unit of the 29th Army.


    As a vanguard unit, the 11th Panzer Division, organized as Russia¡¯s next-generation weapon, made a major detour and rushed into the upper reaches of the Min River.


    ordingly, the 27th Panzer Brigade, which operated the C-3 Baekho tank, was the first to encounter among the three armored brigades of the 5th Armored Division (Key) and entered a bloody engagement.


    Before reunification, the fifth Infantry Division (Key), which was a GOP guard unit, was reorganized into a Panzer Division after unification ording to the n to expand the armored force. At the beginning of the reorganization, the C-two ck Panther tank was operated, and it was gradually converted to thetest C-three White Tiger tank. Therefore, out of the three armored brigades, the 27th Panzer Brigade operated thetest tank, the C-three White Tiger, while the rest of the 35th Armored Brigade and the 36th Mechanized Infantry Brigade were operating the C-2A1 ck Tiger Tank. The fifth Panzer Division (Key) had ns to convert all tanks to C-three White Tiger tanks by the end of 2024.


    A powerful 16MJ railgun metal bullet, which reached eight times the speed of sound, was mercilessly rained on the C-three Baekho tank.


    In terms of effective range, the T-14B Armata tanks, which had no significant difference from the C-three Baekho tank, fired while maneuvering at the highest possible speed in the open field with a numerical advantage. However, the metal railgun bullets flying from a distance of 10 km could not hit urately because of the influence of the powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) of the C-three Backhoe. Conversely, the 100mm photon cannon particles of the C-three Baekho tank blew up the unmanned turret of the T-14B Armata tank without mercy. No matter how hard the titanium double armor, reactive armor and active defense devices were mounted, it was of no use in front of the photon cannon in the form of particte matter.


    The Afghanit (Russian: §¡§æ§Ô§Ñ§ß§Ú§ä), an active defense system that can intercept not only anti-tank guided missiles but also various tank projectiles, did not work at all. In addition, the formidable destructive power of the photon cannon destroyed the reactive armor itself, and the titanium double armor was also easily pierced like a piece of paper. As a result, the entire unmanned railgun turret of the T-14B Armata was blown away or arge hole was left, and fluorescent mes danced.


    The 11th Panzer Division tanks, which first encountered Korea¡¯s newest tank, the Baekho Tank, tried to escape from the photon gun¡¯s aiming point by performing evasive maneuvers in unison.


    However, due to the amazing performance of the automated fire control system, where the turret rotates ording to the target when arge number of targets are set, thetest Russian tank, the T-14B Armata tank, oxidized in a blizzard one by one in a fireworks show.


    However, the 11th Panzer Division was not pushed unterally. The attack power of nearly 300 T-14B Armata tanks was considerable.


    When the photon cannon was fired from the C-three Baekho tank, several air-slicing metal bullets were fired from the opposite side. It was simr to the tactics of the CCP during the Korean War.


    This has also resulted in C-three Backhoe tanks asionally being hit by railgun metal bullets despite emitting a powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System). It was notpletely hit, but the optical equipment was damaged. In addition to the 11th Panzer Division, the 39th Motorized Infantry Division was pushing in from above, and the 200th Artillery Brigade, 338 Multiple Rocket Brigade, 49 Machine Gun Artillery Regiment, and 46 Machine Gun Artillery Regimentunched full-scale bombardment from the rear. In addition, the 29th Army¡¯s Independent Corps, organized into the 27th Panzer Division, the 55th Motorized Infantry Division, and the 56th Motorized Infantry Division, made a major detour to the bottom of the Mongolian territory and was maneuvering aiming at the left side of the fifth Panzer Division.


    Finally, the three divisions belonging to the Red Panzer Corps, the strongest direct control unit in the Eastern Military District, which the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff has not yet identified, also started full-fledged maneuvers. In other words, if the support of the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung) of the seventh Mobile Corps was dyed, the fifth Panzer Division (the key) could face a dangerous situation where it would face eight divisions, most of which were organized as armored forces..

 Chapter 413: Season 2 – Part 17 Advance and Defense – 1-1 Advance!

    <h4>Chapter 413: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 1-1 Advance!</h4>


    November 26, 2023 02:40,


    km above the northern tip of Soyangsan (Limenmin), Namgang Province, North Manchuria. 24 CF-21P Zhujak fighters belonging to the 115th Fighter Squadron of the 16th Fighter Wing, running at a hypersonic speed of Mach 8, approached within 300 km of the enemy fighter, and themand of the squadronmander was issued to each squadron. ¨C ck Rose, North Point, Su-57 Park Par 24 units, Su-34 Fallback 24 units, check! check! Each squadron line abreast! And One Cobra Standby for each assigned target! ¨C Sunflower, Capidet.


    <ul>


    Paikilhong, Capidet.


    Marigolds, Capidot.


    Windflower, Capidet.


    Morning glory, Capidet.


    </ul>


    When themand of the battalionmander was issued, the flightmanders immediately responded.


    <ul>


    Fire each squadron cobra! . At the same time as the final firing order of the battalionmander was issued, each squadron shouted ¡°Fox Three¡± and pressed the fire button. Whoa whoa! Whoa whoa! Whoa whoa! Whoa whoa!


    </ul>


    48 S-AAM-500 Cobra missiles with a range of 500 km protruding from the internal armament chamber exploded blue mes all at once and flew forward. Then, it quickly rose to a phenomenal speed of Mach 20 and disappeared beyond the clouds. Meanwhile, the Su-34 Fallback fighter-bomber, which quickly entered 50 km north of Khabarovsk after receiving control information from the A-50 Aerial Early Warning and Control Unit 200 km from the rear, was escorted by Su-57 Parkpa fighters and gradually entered the bombing procedure against the Korean armored units. it was covered. Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!


    However, the Russian pilots were immediately taken aback by the sudden sound of a radar warning receiver (RWR) warning. In addition, the ECM was released in a fight, and chaff and re were sprayed without mercy. The fifth-generation Su-57 Parkpa fighter jets that were on a sortie mission on an escort mission were equally perplexed. The Su-57 Parkpa fighter, which was advertised as having more stealth performance than the US F-22 Raptor after deployment inbat, also received an unexpected missile attack from an unknown, undetected radar. He pulled and performed a high maneuvering evasive maneuver.


    In response, Victor Anovka, the squadronmander of the Su-57 Parkpa fighter unit, shouted at the A-50 Aerial Early Warning and Control Unit that transmits control information from the rear. ¡°This is Cross Squadron Captain Anopkaka. Where are the missilesing from? What are you guys doing?¡± Squadronmander Viktor Anopka, who was oppressed by evil, received only absurd replies when Lieutenant Colonel Viktor Anopka criticized the radar detection operator of the A-50 Aerial Early Warning and Control System. -This is the N1B-1 Airborne Early Warning and Control System! Enemy vehicles detected by radar are currently unconfirmed. Repeat. Enemy vehicles detected by radar are currently unconfirmed. ¡°What kind of enemy missiles are flying right now?¡± ¨C It suddenly appeared at azimuth 1-8-5, distance 455. Just focus on avoidance. I will try to detect it as much as possible.¡±Damn! It¡¯s not like someone sent you a call to hear that.¡±


    Even whenmunication was exchanged, the RWR (Rader Warning Receiver) warning sound continued to sound in the cockpit. Lieutenant Viktor Anop Kaga,mander of the squadron, who had not received much ie, bit his lower lip and naturally looked at the dark clouds over the canopy. Shue eh!


    Aww! For a moment, I wondered if something shed between the clouds, and then the aircraft of Lieutenant Viktor Anovka exploded and split in two at the same time. The aircraft split in two and crashed to the ground with dark red mes.


    Kuru lu lu lulu~


    The S-AAM-500 Cobra missiles, which reached a distance of 300 km in 44 seconds, urately aimed andnded at two types of fighters, which were dizzyingly evasive maneuvers by spraying chaff and res.


    The explosions of Russian fighter jets continued like fireworks exploding everywhere in the dark sky. All 24 Su-34 Fallback fighters responsible for ground bombing in the first Cobra missile attack by the Suzak fighter were shot down, and only 11 Su-57 Parkpa fighters survived. However, 11 Su-57 Parkpa fighters, which could not continuously acquire detection information about the enemy fighter, maneuvered in the surrounding air and waited for detection information from the A-50 early warning and control unit to be data-linked.


    Normally, in this kind of situation, they would return to the base immediately, but the surviving Parkpa pilots wanted to get an attacking opportunity, perhaps because of their unique Russian grit. In addition, the 3rd Air Force Command ordered an additional fighter sortie.


    At several other civilian airfields with underground containment facilities, 24 Mig-29A/C Fulgum fighters, 48 Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters, and A-50 airborne multi-role front-line fighters Two additional early warning and control units wereunched. The Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighter is a fifth-generation twin-engine single-left fighter with a maximum speed of Mach 2.6 and a stealth function. Russia started the initiative in 1981 to respond to the US ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter) n, and developed it ording to the MFI n in 1986. Mapo MiG took charge of the development, produced two first prototype Mig-1.44, and carried out high-speed glide tests from early 1994 to December. However, development was halted in 1995 due tock of funds, and in March 1997, the Russian Ministry of Defense canceled the MFI n.


    After that, Mapo MiG first disclosed the Mig-1.44 to Russian military generals, foreign officials, and the media at the Zhukovsky Air Test Center near Moscow on January 12, 1999 to attract the government¡¯s attention. The first flight was sessful on May 29, but business faltered as it failed to attract the attention of the Russian government and foreign countries because it was too expensive. However, as the Russian economy has been booming since 2015, Mapo MiG has begun to develop a more improved Mig-1.44. In addition, the Mig-1.46 prototype was re-released in 2020 as a major improvement project that grafted cutting-edge technology to surpass itspetitor Sukhoi¡¯s Parkpa stealth fighter, which drew attention from the Russian government. Mig-1.46, which is iparably different from the existing Mig-1.44, employs two Yulka AL-45F super turbofan engines equipped with two-dimensional thrust deflection nozzles. Throughout the design, it came to have a form simr to that of the American Raptor fighter.


    The radar detection rate of the enemy was minimized by operating an advanced 3D phased array radar as well as a powerful 30mm rail gun and an internal armament. Although the development period has been long, the Mig-1.46, another main stealth fighter of the Russian Air Force, which is less known in the West than the Su-57 Parkpa fighter, entered full-scale production from 2022 under the official name of the Mig-37 MFI Siberia, and is currently deployed inbat. The number of fighters is known to be top secret.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023 02:50,


    km west of Soyangsan (Rimenmin), Namgang Province, North Manchuria (20th Panzer Division (decisive battle)).


    A helicopter-specific engine sound rang out in the sky of the 20th Panzer Division as the tanks of the two countries began their first battle from a distance of about 10 kilometers. It was a FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopter of the 171st Air Squadron belonging to the 17th Air Division, a unit under the direct control of the 7th Mobile Squadron. 16 FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters of the 171st Air Squadron, which flew in flight mode at a distance of 150 km with their rotors folded, switched to helicopter mode and poured various firepower toward the ground as soon as they entered the fighting sky.


    Numerous multi-purposeplex rounds, S-ALAM 60 ck Dragon missiles and 50mm sma activated bombs, flooded the heads of the 81st SS Panzer Division. One after another, tanks and armored vehicles were destroyed by the strong firepower. However, the 81st Panzer Division did not stand still. A 30mm cannon and a 9M311 short-range surface-to-air missile were fired one after another from the 2S6M Tunguska armored personnel carrier responsible for air defense.

 Chapter 414: Season 2 – Part 17 Advance and Defense – 1-2 Advance!

    <h4>Chapter 414: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 1-2 Advance!</h4>


    November 26, 2023, 02:50 (Russian time 20:50),


    Russia Moscow bunker state R-13 (Operation Room).


    As time passes, President Putin¡¯s expressions get darker as he watches the battlefield situation around the border on various screens in real time.


    This was due to the Russian military¡¯s unfavorable situation on the eastern front inparison to the western and northern fronts.


    The main forces of the Eastern Front were on the verge of beingpletely destroyed by the tactical weapons of the South Korean Army, and the 81st Armored Division and the 70th Motorized Infantry Division, which were advancing from the southern end, were also blocked by the 20th Armored Division.


    President Putin, who would be criticizing themanders of the General Staff at other times, quietly got up and left the operation room, his brow furrowed, and a dark expression appeared on his face.


    Following the annihtion of the Far East Fleet, President Putin delegated all powers to the Chief of the General Staff in order to boost Russian army morale.


    ¡°Make a hotline call to the president of New China right now.¡±


    President Putin, who entered the presidential office of the underground bunker, shouted at the secretary..


    ¡°Oh, Mr. President! It¡¯s one a.m. in China.¡±


    ¡°Does it make a difference? When the world leaders decide to make a decision, time is irrelevant. Connect it right now!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Secretary Hoel Agur, who is on duty today, took a rigid stance due to the criticism and replied.


    ¡°Keep trying until you get connected to that freaking president¡±.


    After giving the order, President Putin entered his office, sat down on the sofa, and put a cigarette in his mouth.


    Pooh!


    President Putin focused his gaze on the hotline phone while smoking his cigarette.


    After a while, the secretary¡¯s voice came out through the inte.


    ¡°Well, Mr. President! Their response was that the President had gone to bed, thus they would not be able to connect right away. ¡±


    Typically, secretaries from both countries would schedule a time in advance and then connect to the hotline to request a hotline. However, ignoring the customs and requesting a direct connection shows how urgent this situation was.


    From the perspective of Russia, the situation was urgent enough to disregard customs, but from the perspective of New China, this was not the case.


    ¡°Keep asking until it¡¯s connected!¡±


    President Putin, who had expected this response, screamed at the inte before hanging up.


    Annoyance was evident on the face of Secretary Hoel Agur.


    ¡°Ha! That is right! What are you doing? Try contacting the presidential office again, and if that fails, try contacting our embassy in New China. Whatever method we use, we must connect the hotline as soon as possible.¡±


    Secretary Hoel Agur gave instructions to the staff who were looking at him.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023, at 03:00,


    km west end of Soyangsan Mountain (Limenmin) in Namgang-do, Bukmanju (The 20th Armored Division)


    The 26th Tank Battalion has received the charge order! The 26th Tank Battalion¡¯s C-3A1 White Tiger tanks, which had not been hit yet, had sprinted forward while maximizing their engine output. And they then trampled on enemy tanks, armored vehicles, and Russian infantry who were attempting to fire anti-tank guided missiles.


    The intercepting 25mmser, which was not avable during the First Northeast Asian War, performed admirably, charging even into the core of the enemy formation. It was capable of intercepting not only 16MJ railgun metal bullets, but also a variety of anti-tank guided missiles and artillery shells.


    Besides, the FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack chopper, which is equipped with DIRCM (Directional Infrared Countermeasures) that could neutralize various anti-aircraft weapons and throws several heavy weapons on the ground, also yed a significant role.


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo,mander of the 712th tank of the 26th tank battalion, moved into the middle of the enemy armored unit, set the target with a microscope, and spoke excitedly..


    ¡°Hey! This is totally filled with targets. Destroy them mercilessly! Sergeant Yeom!¡±


    The 712 main gun tower continued to rotate around without stopping, aiming for enemy tanks and armored vehicles, in ordance with Sergeant Kim Young- joo¡¯s target setting.


    Bark! Bark!


    The Kurgs-25 armored vehicle was turned over to the side with a huge me after being hit on the side by a single photon shot that had just been fired. The power of photons to be processed remained even after the armored vehicle was turned over at a close distance of less than 300 meters.


    ¡°Yes! Target 3!¡±


    ¡°Good!¡±


    At that moment, aser warning receiver (LWR) rm rang in Tank 712¡¯s interior.


    Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep!


    ¡± Corporal Kim! Turn left towards that little hill!¡±


    At Sergeant Kim Young- joo¡¯smand, the driver, Corporal Kim Il-su, pulled the driving lever to the left.


    Kiiiiiing!


    The 712 Baekho tank executed a sharp evasive maneuver nearing 90 degrees. As a result, the crew¡¯s members leaned to one side.


    ¡°Hey! Be gentle! I missed the target.¡±


    Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, who was concentrating on the next target, took his gaze away from the field of vision.


    ¡°Battalion snipers shouldn¡¯tin about the moves like this.¡±


    Corporal Kim Il-soo joked while moving the steering lever from side to side.


    ¡°Hey! What do you mean by battalion snipers? It should be brigade Sniper.¡±


    ¡°Stop nagging and focus!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo fired a ck dragon missile after confirming theser aiming transmission point on the monitor¡¯s digital map.


    Whoosh!


    The S-LLAM 40 ck Dragon missile soared into the sky with a coolunch sound, and quickly lost its altitude and flew to theser aiming transmission point.


    Whoosh!


    S-LLAM 40 ck Dragon missiles exploded above the heads of infantrymen, who were firing anti-tank guided missiles from behind the stopped tanks, causing thick smoke to be released.


    Debris capable of transforming a 10-meter radius into a mug wort field fell on the ground all at once. The Russian infantrymen, who were trying to escape after firing the anti-tank guided missiles, copsed and vomited blood after being engulfed in it. One of the soldiers was pierced by the ck Dragon missile¡¯s hydrinium bullet and vanished without a trace, like a rag torn.


    In addition, theunched anti-tank guided missiles lost their targets because of the powerful radio disturbance system (SECM), spun around in the sky, and finally were intercepted by a 25mm interceptorser and exploded in the air.


    Kwaaang!


    As such, the 712 Baekho Tank, with significantly improved active defense system performance, fired photon cannons mercilessly at the next targets.


    Jjyuung! Jjyuung!


    Two enemy tanks moving in the direction of 11 o¡¯clock ahead were hit with the simultaneous fire.


    As a result, all of the medium-sized tanks 2.2 kilometers away in a 2 o¡¯clock direction were directed at the 712 tank.


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo, who confirmed thiste, used smoke bombs. That exploded in the sky and climbed up in a cloud of smoke.


    Thebined smoke bomb, which blocks Radio waves, infrared rays, and visible light, quickly covered the tram 712¡¯s surroundings. Furthermore, by increasing the output of the powerful SECM (Radio disturbance system), the T-14B Armata tanks, which were aiming at the 712 tank, lost their target and were unable to shoot immediately as a result.


    And, in order not to waste time, Sergeant Kim Young-joo reset the preset target setting and began targeting enemy tanks that were targeting his tank using the microscope.


    The inverter vision mode of the microscope for the 712 tank was able to clearly detect enemy tanks and set targets despite obstruction of the field of view results from theplex smoke bomb.


    ¡°Corporal Kim! Turn quickly to the left. And Sergeant Yeom! As soon as we get out from the smoke bomb area, automatically hit target One!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo, who set five targets instantaneously, gave instructions.


    <ul>


    Yes, okay.


    </ul>


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡±.


    Corporal Kim Il-soo and Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi responded at the same time, and the 712 tank, which had been temporarily hidden by thebined smoke bomb, moved quickly to the left. And the photon gun, which had been aimed at the enemy tank from the start, exited the smoke bomb zone and began automatic shooting.


    Every two seconds, photons were fired on targets from 1 to 5. The photons¡¯ red particles shed and smashed the enemy tanks one after the other. The enemy tanks, on the other hand, did not stand still. They were also firing rail gun metal bullets at the 712 Tank at the time.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    ¡°Move into the smoke bomb area again!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo issued an urgent order, and the 712 Tank reversed back into the smoke bomb area. After being hit by several pouring metal bullets.


    Clink! Clink! Clink!


    the 25mmser beams for intercepting mounted on three main turrets was automatically fired.


    Three metal bullets were intercepted by the threeser beams. Large and small explosions erupted over the 712 tank¡¯s and the enemy tank¡¯s midpoint. The remaining three metal bullets also missed the 712 Tank, possibly due to the powerful SECM¡¯s influence (Radio disturbance system).


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯m setting it up again. We will Proceed in the same way as before.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo, who set five targets again with quickly, swallowed his saliva and gave instructions.


    At the same time, a loud engine sound roared from the sky, and a slew ofser beams poured down on the enemy tank.


    Two FAH-91SP peregrine falcon attack helicopters with 30 millimeterser Vulcan batteries turned around and participated in supporting as they were about to return to the base after pouring out all the air-ground firearms they had installed.


    The unmanned turret of the T-14B Armata tanks was turned into a mop by the 30mmser vulcan. Even though there were no casualties because it was an unmanned turret, the rail gun¡¯s shooting ability was lost as a result of the destruction of various external optical and electronic equipment.


    ck smoke billowed from the shattered optical equipment and pierced areas. Some tanks could not move as if they had lost their mobility.


    When allser bulkhead cells on the two FAH-91SP peregrine falcon attack helicopters were exhausted, they stopped attacking and gradually increased their altitude. Soon after, they switched to flight mode and flew quickly in the west direction.


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡±


    Tank 712 escaped the smoke grenade zone and fired at the enemy tanks, which had already lost their attack ability after being shot by the unexpected helicopter attacks.


    Jjyuung! Jjyuung! Jjyuung! Jjyuung! Jjyuung!


    As if it were a practice shot, the 712 tank began shooting at the enemy¡¯s tank, which was unable to counterattack.


    ¡°Is that included in our attack?¡±


    Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi asked cheerfully after confirming that thest target had been shattered by a massive explosion.


    ¡°Of course! The helicopter attacks were just supportive shots! Those are all ours.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Hahaha¡±.


    The monitor showed that tank 712 had hit 21 tanks and 18 armored vehicles. Seeing this, Sergeant Kim Young-joo eximed with a big smile.


    ¡°So far, we are number one in the brigade! Cheer up! Cheer up! let¡¯s go!¡±


    At this moment, an order has been received through themunication.


    <ul>


    I¡¯m Companymander! Bombing support was assigned from friendly fighters. Retreat three kilometers to the rear from your current position. I¡¯ll say it again. Currently, there will be bombing support from allies. Allpany tanks should retreat up to three kilometers rear from their current location. That¡¯s it!


    </ul>


    ¡°What do you mean by retreat, all of a sudden? I just came up. ¡¤ ¡¤ ¡¤ ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. I think we can get rid of all of them without any support.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo expressed his dissatisfaction with thepanymander¡¯s order, and then he directed corporal Kim Il-soo to retreat through the tank¡¯smunicationwork.


    ¡°Corporal Kim! Do you see the blue marker on the digital map? Retreat to that point. Hurry up¡±.


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±

 Chapter 415: Season 2 – Part 17 Advance and Defense – 1-3 Advance!

    <h4>Chapter 415: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 1-3 Advance!</h4>


    Within minutes of the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s tanks and armored vehicles, including the 712th Tank, went into the emergency retreat, something was falling from the sky at high speed. It was a C-PSB (sma cluster bomb) dropped from an altitude of 10 km by eight CF-21P Zuzak fighters belonging to the 16th Fighter Wing.


    The C-PSB (sma cluster bomb), which exploded first at 500m above the ground, sprayed submunitions into the sky in session. Dozens of submunitions then spread to the surrounding area, and as soon as they reached an altitude of 15m, a second explosion urred.


    sma bombs exploded simultaneously and in an instant, illuminating the surrounding area as bright as broad daylight. In addition, the hydrinium fragments that fell on the ground with a strong explosive force devoured everything on the ground.


    T-14B Armatas covered in fragments made of hydrinium, the hardest on the, exploded and stopped their movements. Even though it was a T-14B Armata tank with strong protection and reactive armor, it could not avoid the steel rain from 15m above the sky.


    As such, even the T-14B Armata tank was engulfed in hellfire, so various armored vehicles and transport trucks were engulfed in mes with terrifying and unrecognizable explosions.


    16 C-PSBs (sma cluster bombs) destroyed the 5th Army¡¯s 81st SS Panzer Division and 70th Motorized Infantry Division in an instant. asionally, there were tanks and armored vehicles that luckily survived the fires of hell, but they were not in a state where they would function normally.. Sgt. Kim Young-joo, who was watching this scene through the current sight from three km away, kicked the tip of his tongue and burst into exmations.¡±Hey! That¡¯s great! Theypletely ughtered the children with a dozen bombs.¡±


    ¡°So. It¡¯s the result of an hour to risking our lives fighting in one shot.¡±


    ¡°Ah, this feels shabby.¡± ¡°Hey, Commander! Does that even make you miserable?¡± ¡°It just feels that way. Jegilson!¡±


    In the midst of nutritious conversations, orders were once again issued from the maindmunicationswork.


    <ul>


    It¡¯s apanymander! Aplete suppression maneuver was issued from the brigade. Since ourpany is the spearhead, we will start a rapid maneuver from now on to the transmitted coordinates.


    </ul>


    When themand of thepanymander was given, Sgt. Kim Young-ju gave instructions to the pilot, Corporal Kim Il-su, through his headset. ¡°It¡¯s cleaning time. Sang Byeong-ah Kim! Push all the way from the digital map to the blue marker!¡± ¡°all right.¡± After answering, Corporal Kim Il-su pulled the control lever hard. Then, Tank 712 roared forward with a harsh engine sound like a white tiger roaring.


    Curlleung~! Curlleung~! Curlleung~! Curlleung~! Following the 712 tank, the tanks of the 7th Company also shed and jumped forward.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023 03:10,120km above the northern tip of Soyangsan (Limenmin), Namgang Province, North Manchuria.


    The CF-21P Suzuk fighter belonging to the 16th Fighter Wing, which simply destroyed both the Su-57 Spark fighter, Russia¡¯s best fighter, and the Su-34 Fallback fighter in charge of ground artillery, with the S-AAM-500 Cobra missile, is newly on the radar. Prepared for engagement with detected enemy fighters. Two squadrons of CF-21P fighter jets, which are interceptors and equipped with two K-PSB (sma cluster bombs) in the internal arming room, are engaged in a battle with the 20th Panzer Division (decisive battle) with the 81st SS Panzer Division and the 70th vehicle picture. With the remaining four squadrons of the 16 CF-21P main fighter jets in the squadron waiting for the final order of the squadronmander, each squadron formed a formation while leaving the flight formation for a short time to bomb the corps. After a while, as the missile entered the range of the medium-range air-to-air missile, themand of the squadronmander tounch the missile was finally issued. 16 CF-21P Jujak fighters simultaneously fired S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles with a range of 200 km. The S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missiles, which appeared from both interior arming rooms at the bottom, were fired one after another, and in an instant they fired blue light and disappeared from view.


    Shoo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo


    A total of 32 S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missiles, fired two per fighter, each flew towards their designated target at a phenomenal speed of Mach eight. The speed of Mach eight was a very high speed that could cover a distance of 200 km in 73 seconds. Meanwhile, 24 Mig-29A/C Fulgrum fighters and 12 Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters flying in the lead, which were targeted by the Rattlesnake missile of the Suzak fighter, immediately emitted ECM when the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) rm sounded abruptly. and started an evasive maneuver.


    Meanwhile, the remaining 36 Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters that escaped the primary target intercepted the flying rattlesnake missile after receiving missile detection information from three A-50 air early warning and control aircraft flying from the rear.


    Thirty-six Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters, each assigned a missile to intercept, fired R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missiles from the lower internal armament room. The R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missile, also known as Amramsky, is an air-to-air missile with a reputation for superior performance than the US AIM-120 Amram system. It has a range of 170 km and a speed of Mach five.


    Thirty-six R-77M1 Bimpel air-to-air missiles, which flew forward with white smoke, encountered the S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile in about 20 seconds due to their rtive speed.


    Eight nozzles mounted on the front of the S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile acted as the R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missile emitting white smoke and the missiles of both countries emitting blue light were about to collide in the air. Then, it went into a momentary evasive maneuver andunched an R-77M1 Beampel air-to-air missile.


    The R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missile, which momentarily lost the target to intercept, tried to chase after it by turning itrge to intercept the target again ording to the end of the active radar guidance method, but it could not catch up with the speed of the rattlesnake missile so fast, and soon self-destructed in the air. .


    However, not all R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missiles failed to intercept. Of the 36 missiles, nine seeded in intercepting the S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missile. It was a 25% interception sess rate.


    As thetest air-to-air missiles boasted by the Russian Air Force had a sess rate of 25%, two R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missiles were fired per unit this time. It was thest chance to intercept from distance.


    Meanwhile, the CF-21P Zuzak fighter also fired two S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missiles at the other 36 Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters each.


    A total of 72 S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missiles emitted blue light and colored the dark sky. Thirty-six Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters, which became secondary targets for the appearance of additional rattlesnake missiles, also went into evasive maneuvers to survive and released powerful ECM. And then, he was chasing chaff and res in the air.


    Meanwhile, the rattlesnake missile that survived the first intercept prated the fusge of the targeted Mig-29A/C Fulgrum fighter.


    Quang! Aww! Quang! Despite the powerful ECM emission as well as the shy evasive maneuvers unique to the Mig by spraying chaff and res, the Mig-29A/C Fulgrum fighters fell one by one to an aerial detonation in the sky. Some pilots made an emergency escape with the canopy opened just before being intercepted. A second S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missile flew through the second intercept as a series of explosions took ce in various ces in the sky over which Russian fighter jets were flying.Dozens of Russian fighter jets struggled to survive by performing shy evasive maneuvers in the dark sky, but the S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile, which flew at an incredible speed of Mach 8, activated eight nozzles to make a sudden nose change. and aimed at the fusge of the target until the end.


    Only 23 Russian fighters were fortunate enough to survive the unteral missile attack. All of the Mig-29A/C Fulgrum fighters were blown up in the air, leaving them with ming debris, and only 23 Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters survived and began to re-establishbat flight formations. They were Russian pilots worthy of praise for their tenacity. And as if to repay their hard work, the CF-21P main fighter began to be detected slowly on the radar instrument panel of the surviving Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighter.This was because the three A-50 early warning and control aircraft flying at 200 km rear risked their lives and flew up to 30 km rear, illuminating the powerful radar waves with maximum output. It was detectable because it was a very short distance of less than 100 km from the Zhujak fighter. The squadronmander of the Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters immediately issued an order to strike missiles against the Zuzak fighters. Beep, beep, beep! Beep!


    RWR (Rader Warning Receiver) rms of R-77M1 Amramsky missiles beeping intermittently from the CF-21P Suzak fighters of the 115th Fighter Squadron belonging to the 16th Fighter Wing, which were trying topletely annihte Russian fighters by closing the distance with only one rattlesnake missile left. I was momentarily perplexed.


    ¡°What? You mean our fighter is locked on?¡±


    Not wanting to miss the golden opportunity, the Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters poured all their medium-range missiles, the R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missile, into the air. A total of 72 R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missiles flew towards the Zuzak fighter. Four to five missiles were set per main fighter. The 115th Fighter Squadron, which was ustomed to the tactic of turning around and firing missile attacks leisurely from a vantage point like a secret assassin, could not help but panic when it was detected by the enemy¡¯s radar for the first time and received 4 to 5 missile attacks. As a result, some pilots were confused even on evasive maneuvers, and only chaff and res were scattered in the air. The squadronmander of the 115th Fighter Squadron, who confirmed this beyond the canopy,shed out through themunicationwork.


    <ul>


    It¡¯s a ck rose. Wake! children! Do what you train! Just like training! The Sunflower, Lily of the Valley, and Geumjandi squadrons begin evasive maneuvers after firing thest rattlesnake missile at the enemy fighter. Our ck Rose squadron attacks North Point 95 and 3 enemy controllers. ¨C Sunflower, Capidet. ¨C Paikilhong, Capidet.


    Marigolds, Capidot. ¨C ck Rose! Contact ck Rose Squadron! Rattlesnake missileunch! ¨C ck Rose Two, Fox Three! ¨C Three ck Roses, Three Foxes! ¨C ck Rose Four, Fox Three. The 115th Fighter Squadron also fired thest remaining S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake missile. Whoa whoa! Whoa whoa! Whoa whoa! Whoa whoa!


    </ul>


    The distance between the two fighters was now 60 km, and supersonic missiles of Mach 5 or higher were poured into each other¡¯s formation in a minute. Quang! Quang! Quang!


    Once again, there was a series of explosions of shing lights in the dark sky.The S-AAM-200 rattlesnake missile, which has excellent steering ability even at a speed of Mach eight showed a sharp turn of close to 90 degrees and shot down the Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighter, Russia¡¯stest stealth fighter, which was first put into service for the first time.


    In addition, two A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft flying 30 km from the rear slowly fell to the ground while being enveloped in dark red mes with an explosion. The A-50 airborne early warning controller was hit by two rattlesnake missiles in a row and exploded in the air. On the other hand, the Zhujak fighter, which has been targeted by multiple R-77M1 Bimpel air-to-air missiles, also uses a powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) to not only attempt jamming, but also perform unique geometric evasive maneuvers to evade iing missiles. Unlike the initial bewilderment, the pilots tried to get out of the underworld by properly using the supeputer¡¯s automatic evasion system as they trained. Unfortunately, however, one of the main fighter jets exploded the proximity fuse of the fifth missile, and some fragments collided with the wing. The damage was not so great that it was shot down, but the sin wing trail edge, which is an important part of flight maneuverability, was damaged. It was fatal in a dogfight engagement that required a sharp turning maneuver like now. As a result, the pilot reported to the flightmander and immediately turned the nose and started a return maneuver.

 Chapter 416: Season 2 – Part 17 Advance and Defense – 1-4 Advance!

    <h4>Chapter 416: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 1-4 Advance!</h4>


    At that time, while one fighter jet was in the recovery maneuver, all the medium-range missiles were exhausted. The remaining Jet fighters flew quickly to within the effective range of 50 km to fire the S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper missile, a short-range missile equipped with two each. went out


    <ul>


    This is ck rose. When entering the effective range of the Magpie Viper, each squadron fires missiles and immediately switch to TCS mode, and engages in dogfightbat.


    Sunflower, Copy that.


    Zinnia, Copy that.


    Marigold, Copy that.


    </ul>


    The squadronmander gave the order and assigned a target to each squadron.


    ordingly, 15 CF-21P Jetfighter jets flying rapidly at an altitude of 20 km at a speed of Mach 5 entered the procedure tounch the S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper missile, each sailing to a given target. . Meanwhile, 23 Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters were also flying towards the Jetfighter at a frightening speed. All three A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft that supported the data link by flying from the rear were shot down, so instead of being blinded and being attacked unterally, somehow narrow the distance as much as possible and detect it with its own radar. wanted to attack. It was literally all or none.


    But it wasn¡¯t easy. As soon as the Jetfighter was detected by its own radar by reducing the distance, the RWR rm sounded loudly on the avionics instrument panel of all Siberian fighters.


    <ul>


    We attack too as well. This might be ourst chance, so fire all the missiles based on the detected information.


    </ul>


    Upon receiving an order from the top of the surviving pilots, the Russian pilots ignored the iing missiles and fired all missiles at each radar-detected Jetfighter.


    Shoosh~ Shoosh~ Shoosh~ Shoosh~


    The Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters, who hadpletely emptied their internal armaments in a matter of seconds, began an evasive maneuver to avoid the missiles flying towards them.


    Each of them made arge left and right turn and released a powerful ECM. Then, through the dark clouds, he made a sharp maneuver once again to the rear, spraying chaff and res.


    Pat pat pat pat! Pat pat pat pat!


    As res emitting powerful light were fired one after another, the shape of a phoenix spreading its wings was created from the left and right sides of the fighter. In addition, pieces of aluminum foil formed a cloud cover and deceived the S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper missile that flew with its tail.


    Bang!


    Maybe it was luck, or the pilot was a professional, or the S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper missile was just affected by the chaff, and it exploded when it collided with a powerful glowing re.


    However, only a few pilots have had this kind of luck. Although each of them did their best to evade, unfortunately, only 8 of the 23 Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters survived the S-AAM-50 Magpie Viper missile.


    Eight Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighter jets barely surviving the Hell Pit began maneuvering to close the distance once more, leaving behind fellow pilots who were shot down withrge and small explosions.


    On the other hand, the Jet fighters, which were trying to switch to dogfight engagements after firing the Magpie Serpents, started to evade the missile attack by squadrons. And, on the same asion, the RWR rm that the ground defense unit was detected by radar and locked-on started sounding all at once.


    It seems that the Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighter¡¯s own radar, which had narrowed the distance, detected the main fighter and data-linked this information to the air defense unit on the ground.


    The 111th Air Defense Regiment was responsible for the airspace over the Khabarovsk region among the 3rd Air Defense Forces belonging to the Space Air Force.


    The 111th Air Defense Regiment is a unit that operates S-300 Fabarite missiles called the NATO name SA-10 Grumble, and its base was near Khabarovsk. When the 31st Airborne Strike Division belonging to the Rapid Response Force upied Khabarovsk in an instant with airborne input, the 111th Air Defense Regiment had to abandon its garrison and move quickly to the northern tip. For this reason, it was excluded from intercept missions when the Korean military attacked with tactical ballistic missiles. In a way, it was able to conserve its power until now by being excluded from the intercept mission.


    Their fellow units, the 112th Air Defense Regiment, and the 113th Air Defense Regiment, were engaged in intercepting missions but were destroyed by a surprise attack by South Korean cruise missiles.


    A heavy missile fusge escaped from theunch pad with simultaneous firing sounds from 6unch vehicles of 12 batteries belonging to the 111th Air Defense Regiment, which had fourunchers set up vertically in the thick forest and prepared forunch. Then, a powerful propent exploded, and with a roar that seemed to tear the eardrums, a st of smoke billowed into the sky.


    Shoong~ Shoong~ Shoong~Shoong~


    The missiles, which flew up with several kilometers of white smoke tailing their tails, disappeared into the dark sky in an instant.


    The 12 batteries of the 111th Air Defense Regiment, which fired a total of 15 S-300 Fabarite surface-to-air missiles, immediately began the process of leaving their positions.


    <ul>


    This is ck rose. Contact marigold and White crimson squadrons attack the ground after evading. The sunflower squadron turns into a dogfight!


    Sunflower, Copy that.


    Zinnia, Copy that.


    Marigolds, Copy that.


    </ul>


    When themand of the squadronmander was issued, the zinnia squadron and the marigold squadron, which were carrying out various evasive maneuvers, split left and right and raised their altitude as hard as they could.


    The rest of the ck Rose Squadron and the Sunflower Squadron performed an evasive maneuver while moving forward at high speed for a dogfight with the Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighter.


    Shooang~


    R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missiles, each sprinting at a speed of Mach 4 or higher through the twinkling stars, flew towards their targets.


    Shoong~


    One by one, the R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missiles were overtaken by fighter jets that emit powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) and perform shy high maneuverability that cannot bepared with regr fighters.


    The R-77M1 Bimpel air-to-air missiles, which had primarily lost their targets due to their shy evasive maneuvers ignoring gravity, turned again and tried to enter the second intercept, but their active radar was blocked as the powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) was released. As a result, the R-77M1 Vimpel air-to-air missiles that lost their target exploded in the air and self-destructed. Some missiles were deceived by the chaff deception, collided, and exploded. In addition, the S-300 Fabarite missile that soared from the ground also self-destructed in the air without being able to shoot down a single main fighter.


    On the other hand, the Zinnia Squadron and Marigold Squadron, which greatly detoured left and right while raising their altitude for a ground attack, also seeded in evading all of the S-300 Fabarite missiles on the ground without losing any chills. After all the primary risk factors were eliminated, the two squadrons lowered their altitude at a frightening speed and began the ground attack procedure.


    In contrast to the previous one, the main fighter, which suffered some damage and entered a return maneuver, in this attack, it seeded in evading all missiles without losing a single shot.


    While dodging various missiles for a while, eight Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters that survived the magpie viper missile approached up to a distance of 20 km. At a distance of 20 km, even the CF-21P main fighter, which exhibits strong stealth performance, was able to reliably detect it with its own radar enough. In other words, it was the indomitable will of Russian pilots to reach a distance that could neutralize the stealth performance and end it somehow.


    Dogfight-style dogfights were now 8-8. However, unlike the Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighter, which was equipped with two short-range missiles, the CF-21P Suzaku fighter, which exhausted all missiles and only had a 12mmser Vulcan, could be at a disadvantage.


    However, the CF-21P main fighter was a fighter specialized for dogfight airbat despite being thetest fighter. It was capable of multiple high maneuvers that defy gravity that even the American F-22 Raptor fighter cannot mimic, and moreover had a state-of-the-art TCS (Transparent Concealment System) mode.


    While the fighters of both countries were clearly detected by their own radars, Russian fighters first started the procedure tounch the Vympel R-73M missile, an infrared short-range missile called the NATO name AA-11 Archer.


    As a result, the radar warning receiver (RWR) rm sounded from the ck rose squadron and the sunflower squadron fighters.


    Beep, beep, beep! Beep!


    <ul>


    This is ck rose. From now on, the use of TCS mode is permitted. Engage inbat under autonomous judgment.


    </ul>


    When themand of the squadronmander was issued at the same time as the RWR (Rader Warning Receiver) rm sounded, the eight main fighter jets switched to a full-scale dogfight with their partners. Then, all at once, TCS mode was activated.


    A phenomenon urred as if the space around it was momentarily distorted, and the Jet fighters disappeared from view. The Jetfighter, which had been converted to invisibility, jumped forward while maximizing its engine output to shoot down the enemy fighter with a 12mmser Vulcan beam.


    Meanwhile, the pilots who detected the target with the pilot¡¯s helmet mount site (HMS) linked to their own radar and entered the lock-on were all at a loss. It was because the target suddenly disappeared.


    For a moment of embarrassment, something suddenly appeared 5 km ahead. It was a fighter jet. With the TCS mode turned off, the Jetfighter quickly maneuvered at an angle of about 15 degrees and sprayed a 12mmser Vulcan.


    Jjjuung~


    The blue light flew in the blink of an eye and struck a straight line from the top canopy of the Siberian fighter to the aft engine area.


    Pat pat pat pat pat pat Boom~


    The Siberian fighter, which had be a beehive by dozens ofser vulcan beams without a chance to escape, caused a huge explosion in the engine area. As a result, the pilot could not even eject for an emergency escape and fell to the ground with dark red mes.


    Looking over the canopy from the 7 o¡¯clock position, the partner pilot was furious and fired the Vympel R-73M short-range missile, an infrared short-range missile called the NATO AA-11 Archer. Missiles with a range of 30 km at Mach 2.5 erupted from the internal armament and flew wildly towards the main fighter that had just rained a 12mmser Vulcan.


    Something appeared from the side of the Siberian fighter that fired a Vympel R-73M missile and quickly ascended to altitude, and then countless rays of light flew in.


    The rays of light scattered in a curved shape intensively hit the side of the fusge of the Siberian fighter, and eventually, the fusge split back and forth and exploded. The Siberian fighter pilot, who fired the Vympel R-73M short-range missile to avenge his partner¡¯s pilot, failed to see the results of the missile he fired and eventually crashed to the ground in dark red mes.


    The Vympel R-73M short-range missile, which was equipped with a thrust deflection nozzle and flew with high mobility, collided with the re and exploded when the target Jetfighter fired several res with a sharp turning maneuver alternately left and right.


    In this way, the 8 on 8 dogfight ended in the form of a one-sided massacre of the main fighters that actively utilized the TCS mode.


    Meanwhile, the 111th Air Defense Regiment, which fired an S-300 Fabarite missile and immediately went out of position, was maneuvering through the lush forest when lightning fell from the sky.


    Shooong~ Shoong~


    The 12mmser Vulcan beams sprayed from a total of 7 main jet fighters are urately and without mercy on the leading armored personnel carrier, which is quickly maneuvering through the lush forest road, followed by the fire control and detection radar armored vehicles, and theunch vehicles moving in a long line. lost.


    Several armored vehicles andunch vehicles, which were not equipped with very strong protection, became honebs from the superheated 12mmser Vulcan beam, and dark-red mes spurted out one by one from the holes they had drilled. Then, perhaps because of the bombing, the entire armored car soared into the sky and exploded.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Theunch vehicle¡¯sunch pad also detonated with a huge explosion of the S-300 Fabarite missile, which was installed in the pouringser Vulcan beam. Then, red mes shot up into the sky through the lush trees and spread more and more to the surrounding area.

 Chapter 417: Season 2 – Part 17 Advance and Defense – 2-1 Defense!

    <h4>Chapter 417: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 2-1 Defense!</h4>


    November 26h, 2026 03:35,


    Mingang River (65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset) defense line) at the southern end of Gangjin (Hulunbuir) City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    Unlike the Eastern Front, which destroyed the Russian 5th Army, the situation on the Western Front was not very good for the Korean Army. The Northern 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset), which was able to defend the 29th Army¡¯s power several times due to its geographical advantage at the time of the initial engagement, steadfastly defending the defense line despite the bitter snowstorm in Siberia and the freezing cold of negative 20 degrees Celsius, continued various shells and tactical ballistic missiles, Ys. It suffered considerable damage from the Kanda-M missile attack.


    Although several air defense units within the division started intercepting procedures in real-time, they were unable to intercept 100% of the thousands of shells and Iskandar-M missiles that came at the same time as TOT firing.


    Moreover, the Iskandar-M missile, which flew through an anti-aircraftwork spread like a spider¡¯s web, was a cluster bomb capable of inflicting considerable damage to armored units.


    Hundreds of submunitions exploded all at once in the air, sending numerous fragments to the ground. Then, in the snow-covered area, small pirs of soil sprung up to waist-high on steel shards.


    Fortunately, thanks to the hard light armor suit and protective suit, there were only a few casualties of light armor infantry despite the concentrated fire. However, after the devastating explosion, a number of injured people were caught up in the storm.. In addition to the medics, the number ofbat fighters decreased rapidly as the fighters moved the wounded to a safe ce in the rear. This meant that the firepower for interception of going down had decreased.


    The forces of the 36th Motorized Infantry Division, who had a hard time crossing Lee Min-gang* from the beginning of the battle, did not want to miss this time as the stoppage offensive decreased. went on the offensive


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The lightly armored infantrymen, who were lying on the cold ground in the harsh early morning, when the cold wind blew through and dropped to minus 25 degrees Celsius, were hit by various shells and cluster bomb shrapnel and engaged in battle, it was like a death in itself.


    <ul>


    Forward! At 1 o¡¯clock! We are going down. Concentrate on the firepower.


    </ul>


    After the skirmish began, orders from the squadronmander and toon leader continued to flow on the Turkish on-Xamunicator mounted on the armored helmet.


    As a result, the armored infantry focused their firepower on the order and wiped out the Russian troops.


    Boom!


    A bullet exploded over the 101st Battalion, 3rd Battalion, 1st Battalion, 2nd Battalion of the 37th Regiment, which was lying on the frozen snowfield floor, which felt like solid iron, and sprayed debris.


    Fortunately, it was far from the explosion site, so it was not caught up in the aftermath, but several debris flew to the back and crashed or bounced off the cervical deck.


    Pat Pat Pat Pak! Kang! Kang! Kang!


    As the squad members momentarily flinched and stopped shooting, Sergeant Oh Dong-gil, the squad leader, shouted with a big frown.


    ¡°Hey, hey, keep on shooting! Let¡¯s go down at 1 o¡¯clock in front of us. Don¡¯t hesitate and focus on the fire, boys!¡±


    As the squad leader shouted in themunication rail, the members of the 2nd Squad suddenly came to their senses and began shooting again after confirming that Russian armored vehicles and soldiers were crossing the long river.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Peeeeeeew~


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Several streams of light poured down on the Russian armored vehicles and soldiers. Also, a 30mm smart grenade exploded exactly 5m above the ground, drawing a parab.


    ¡°Oh! Grenade shooters, nice!¡±


    Sergeant Oh Dong-gil gave a thumbs-up to Corporal Shin Myung-ho and Private Kim Kyu-chul, who is the squad¡¯s stray bullets.


    ¡°Oh! This is a piece of cake.¡±


    Corporal Shin Myung-ho, who is firing a smart grenade again, replied with an arrogant look on his face. Seargent Oh Sung-wan, who was flying aser beam next to him,mentedly.


    ¡°Oh, you son of a b*tch has no modesty! Let¡¯s live with the concept of modesty.¡±


    ¡°What are you upset about Sergeant Oh? If you talk about Corporal Shin it is modesty! If you talk about modesty, it is Corporal Shin.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just not talk! Let¡¯s just not talk! Just get the bull bears!¡±


    ¡°Ha Ha Ha, look at that armored car with your eyes wide open.¡±


    Corporal Shin Myung-ho smiled and pulled a smart irond out of the waistband and immediately loaded it and stuck it on his shoulder. He then aimed at the center of his target Russian armored vehicle.


    He took a deep breath and pulled the grenade trigger.


    Toosh!


    With a cool firing sound, a smart irond struck a parab and hit the front of a Russian armored vehicle 800 meters ahead.


    Bang! Boom!


    When the smart armor-piercing round that prated the frontal armor of the armored car exploded, the armored car shook once, stopped in the middle of the Immin River, and thick smoke poured out through the hole.


    ¡°Yay! Caught one!¡±


    Corporal Shin Myung-ho clenched his fists and cheered. At this time, there was a whistling sound from the sky, and the ground in all directions rose up in session. And the explosive power attacked the 2nd squad members without mercy.


    Unfortunately, several 122mm rocketunchers fired from the artillery battalion of the 305th Artillery Brigade, which operates the BM-21 Grad MLRS, were fired near the second minute.


    Explosions and echoes of the earth¡¯s crustal fluctuations continued for some time. Each time, the 2nd-minute crew flew in all directions, caught up in the force of the explosion.


    Just as a rugby ball bounced around without a certain direction, members of the second-minute squad also bounced around due to the explosive power that exploded everywhere.


    ¡°What are the antiaircraft b*stards doing without even intercepting them?¡±


    Sergent Park Won-young, the divisionmander, poured out mixedints even in a situation where it was thrown in all directions to the point where it was difficult toe to his senses.


    If Squad 2 had been an ordinary infantryman, 100% would have been killed in a state of disrepute so that even the shape could not be recognized. But he was spared his life thanks to his light armor suit and protective suit. But he was lying on the ground, and if he was unlucky, he could suffer a fracture or severe bruise.


    Suddenly, the sound of an explosion that seemed to tear the eardrums and the raging explosion disappeared, and the surrounding area became quiet. In various ces where Squad 2 was, there were puddlesrge enough for even one person to enter. It was the spot where the rocket hit.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    ¡°Ah! I can¡¯t hear the f*cking sound! Did this blow up my eardrums?¡±


    ¡°Ah! my legs!¡±


    The members of the 2nd Squad who flew to the surrounding area without mercy and were lying on the ground groaned and struggled.


    Sergeant Oh Dong-gil, the squad leader who put on the light armor helmet and checked the surrounding area through the visor, shouted at the squad members who could see through the pleasant smell of gunpowder and rising smoke.


    He unconsciously spoke loudly because he was deaf to what he could say through themunicator.


    ¡°Everyone, get back to your senses! Are there people with any injuries? Sergeant Park! Check them out!¡±


    ¡°Yes! All right.¡±


    Sergeant Park Won-young, who had copsed in a crouched position after being bounced about 10 meters from where he was, checked his head left and right to check the squad members. Then he crawled towards the nearest squad member.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    The first member he looked at was Sergeant Oh Seong-wan.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I just take a little break like this? Sergeant Park?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Aren¡¯t you hurt?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I think I¡¯m fine, but I think I¡¯m mentally injured.¡±


    ¡°Sh*t! Get some rest and move on!¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    Sergeant Park Won-young, who lightly tapped Sergeant Oh¡¯s back, crawled to the other crew member next to him.


    In this way, Sergeant. Park Won-young went around looking at all the crew and reported it through Turkeyon-Xa.


    ¡°Everyone is fine except for Hyuncheol.¡±


    <ul>


    Where did Hyuncheol get hurt?


    </ul>


    ¡°It looks like a fractured rib. As a result of the self-diagnosis, the diagnosis came out that two ribs were broken.¡±


    <ul>


    Ah! damn! okay, wait!


    </ul>


    After a while, squad leader Sergeant Oh Dong-gil approached Private Sang Hyun-cheol and saw the screen of the control X-K02 terminal mounted on his arm today and clicked his tongue.


    ¡°I think that we should transfer him.¡±


    On the screen of the X-K02 terminal, it was confirmed through self-diagnosis that two of the right ribs of Private Sang Hyun-cheol were fractured.


    ¡°Now?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t help it? What if we leave it like this and it gets worse? First, Myeong-ho and Gyu-cheol take Hyun-cheol to the armored car! From there, ask him to transfer him to the battalion infirmary or the brigade infirmary!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    At the direction of Sergeant Oh Dong-gil, Corporal Myung-ho Park and Private Kim Kyu-cheol supported Private Sang Hyeon-cheol from both sides, who could not even move from theing pain and walked to the rear.


    ¡°The rest will engage again.¡±


    Sergeant Oh Dong-gil left Private Sang Hyun-cheol, who was moving away at the words of Sergeant Oh, andid back on the floor, took a stance, and entered the battle.


    As the entire squad escaped the threat of destruction and continued fierce fighting again, thepanymander ordered a retreat.


    This was because the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset) had been ordered to retreat from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Currently, more than 50% of the troops of the 36th Motorized Infantry Division sessfully crossed the border, so heavy damage was expected to be done with light armored infantry alone.


    ordingly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff ordered the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division to quickly retreat to the city of Gangjin (Hulunbuir) and prepare for urban battle.


    The city of Gangjin (Hulunbuir) was located just above the road heading to the northern end of the Min River. If they headed to the east without upying it during Gangjin (Hulunbuir), the supply route could be blocked or the rear of the heading unit could be exposed.


    For this reason, the 36th Motorized Infantry Division had to unconditionally capture the city of Gangjin (Hulunbuir) in order to carry out the next operation.


    The light armored infantry ss of the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division was very advantageous in street fighting. It was the judgment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that, if a guerri-style battle was waged in aplex city center with various buildings as cover, it could not only defend the city of Hurunbeier but alsopletely destroy the unit it was trying to evade.


    The 3rd Squadron, including the 2nd Squadron, which was ordered to retreat from thepanymander, started running as an armored personnel carrier waiting in the rear.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023 3:50,


    Mingang River (5th Armored Division (key) defense line) 123km south of Gangjin (Hulunbuir) City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    After the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset) was ordered to retreat, the 5th Panzer Division (Key), which was defending at the southern end of the Mingang River, was also ordered to retreat. Despite the pouring of missiles and various shells, the 5th Armored Division (the key), which was responsible for and defending the defense line for two hours, was also ordered to retreat from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    The reason why the 5th Panzer Division (key) was ordered to retreat was quite different from that of the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset).


    The reason why the Joint Chiefs of Staff ordered the retreat was because the Independence Corps, a unit directly under the control of the 29th Army, had newly appeared in the area around the Mongolian border, 58 km southwest of the 5th Panzer Division (Key).


    The 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung), which was rushing north along the border, made an emergency detour and intercepted the movement, but it was not possible to block all the independence corps consisting of three divisions. The independence corpsunched a massive bombardment from the artillery units belonging to the independence corps, which had been radiating heat from the rear zone in advance, as they expected the 30th mechanized infantry division (Pilseung) to block the maneuver. Thousands of shells were poured on the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division, which disrupted the formation of the mobile blocking unit. In addition, the 55th Motorized Infantry Division and the 56th Motorized Infantry Division attempted to bypass the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung) and attack the nks of the 5th Panzer Division (Key).


    If the two motorized infantry divisions seeded in the detour and attacked the nks of the 5th Panzer Division (Key), of course, the defense line would copse and the 5th Panzer Division (Key) could receive a heavy blow.


    ordingly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff urgently retreated the 5th Panzer Division (Key) to the southeastern end and quickly joined the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung) to defeat the 27th Panzer Division.


    It was a clever deception operation in which they quickly evaded in the form of a tail bit and then dealt with the dispersed enemy.


    In addition, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had ordered the air force and aerospace forces tounch arge-scale strategic bomber sortie as a retaliatory measure against the wave offensive of the Russian strategic missile force.


    Currently, there are eight CFS/A-31SP three-legged five space fighters and C-PSBs (sma cluster bombs) per unit that were sortied by the 2nd Space Fighter Wing from Suncheon Base in Pyeongan-do 30 minutes ago in the thermosphereyer at 210 km south of Gangjin (Hulun Bayer). Twelve CB-30P Blue Dragon strategic bombers armed with 80 rounds and 16 CF-21P Zhujak fighter jets serving as escort missions were flying quietly and secretly at an altitude of 25 km.

 Chapter 418: Season 2 – Part 17 Advance and Defense – 2-2 Defense!

    <h4>Chapter 418: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 2-2 Defense!</h4>


    November 26th, 2023 03:35,


    169 km above the southern tip of Gangjin (Hulunbuir), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    In the midst of a full-fledged engagement with the 27th Panzer Division, which was attacked by a wave attack from an artillery unit belonging to the Independence Corps, and advanced in a depth-breaking maneuver, 10 CB-30P Blue Dragon strategic bombers were rapidly lowered to an altitude of 20 km in the sky at the southern tip 30 km flew away


    The targets of the 10 CB-30P Blue Dragon strategic bombers were the 55th Motorized Infantry Division and the 56th Motorized Infantry Division, whichrgely bypassed the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung) to the left.


    With the leading T-14B Armata tank racing through the snowy field and hundreds of various armored vehicles and transport trucks following the endless procession, six CB-30P Blue Dragon strategic bombers reached the point of the bombing.


    Shortly thereafter, the final bombing order was issued from the Aerospace Forces Command. ordingly, 10 CB-30P Blue Dragon strategic bombers opened a pairing of the internal armament room.


    Then, the cogwheel-type conrod turned toward the target on the ground to hit, and the C-PSB (sma cluster bomb) began to fall to the ground one after another.


    The C-PSB (sma cluster bomb), conventional artillery, and self-guided projectile fell rapidly by correcting the location of the drop point with the aft wing.


    And after a few minutes, 80 C-PSB (sma cluster bombs) with formidable explosive power were fired from 500m above the target point, and the scattered submunitions exploded all at once from a height of 20m, giving a rain of steel to the ground..


    A total of 800 C-PSBs (sma cluster bombs) made everything on the ground like a honeb. The fragments that flew like daggers with an explosion sound that could rip through the ears prated the upper armor of the general armored vehicle and exploded. Armored vehicles spewed dark red smoke and mes from all over the ce. Even the transport trucks, which had very weak protection, suffered damage that could not be recognized.


    The T-14B Armata tanks, which have rtively strong protection, also became impossible to maneuver as the optical equipment mounted on the unmanned turret was destroyed.


    800 rounds of C-PSB (sma cluster bomb), whichnded silently like an assassin, erased 70% of the power of the two motorized infantry divisions from the map.


    On the other hand, several self-propelled artillery batteries and multiple battery batteries belonging to the Independence Corps, which were bombarding the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung) of various calibers, also received C-PSB (sma cluster bombs) and 24 C-PSB (sma cluster bombs) fired from six CF-21P main fighter jets in charge of the escort mission caused close to annihtion. There were some surviving self-propelled artillery or multi-barreled vehicles, but the core of the artillery unit, FDP armored vehicles, artillery radar armored vehicles, and ammunition transport trucks, suffered serious damage and could no longer continue as an artillery unit.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023 03:40,


    Atmosphere 152 km southeast of Gangjin (Hulunbuir) City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    ordingly, the 4th Delta Squadron of CFS/A-31SP three-legged space fighters from the 2nd Space Fighter Wing was leisurely flying in the thermosphere at an altitude of 100 km waiting for an attackmand from the Aerospace Command.


    <ul>


    Nest two here! Start hitting the ground at the coordinates sent from now on.


    </ul>


    ¡°This is the three-legged w Delta One! Roger that!¡±


    When the final bombing order was issued from the 2nd Space Fighter Wing, the Delta flightmander opened themunicationwork and issued the order to each flight member.


    ¡°This ismander-in-chief. The final attack order was issued from the nest two. Move to the transmitted ground strike coordinates and bombard them immediately at themander¡¯s discretion. Over!¡±


    <ul>


    Delta Two! Roger that!


    Delta Three! Roger that!


    Delta Four! Roger that!


    </ul>


    In response to the flightmander¡¯smand, the flight members turned their noses in the direction of the transmitted bombing coordinates and began to slowly lower their altitude. Then, when it was lowered to an altitude of 80 km below the atmosphere, the fairings of the internal weaponspartment were opened.


    The four C-SH zigno (sma amplified bombs) missiles installed in the internal weapons room fell to the ground as if they were free-falling one by one as the C-shaped conrod lock was released. And as we descended to a certain altitude, the self-propelled propents started working.


    16 C-SH Zigno (sma amplified bombs) missiles that flew toward the ground with the blue light of a sma jet engine started to produce a frightening speed of Mach 20. The speed of Mach 20 was the blink of an eye to reaching the ground in 10 seconds.


    The C-SH Zigno (sma amplified bomb) missile, which flew to a specific ground strike point, emitted blue light, hit the ground and exploded.


    The ground strike targets of the Delta Squadron were various artillery brigades, multiple rocket brigades, and machine gun artillery regiments belonging to the 29th Army that supported the 11th Panzer Division from behind.


    As if a tactical nuclear bomb exploded, huge mushroom clouds appeared in various ces. In addition, a huge shock wave hit a radius of several kilometers. As if a tectonic shift urred with the explosion, the calm crust soared all at once, and dark red mes rose between them.


    Various artillery units of the 29th Army, which continued to bombard while moving their positions, were sucked in by the soaring tectonic fluctuations from all directions, and the artillery units in the vicinity of the source of the explosion were destroyed beyond recognition.


    With 16 C-SH Zigno (sma amplified bombs) missiles with more power than a tactical nuclear bomb, 150 km southwest of Gangjin (Hulunbeyer) turned into hell.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023 03:40,


    Atmosphere 140 km west of Gangjin (Hulunbuir), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture.


    While the Delta Squadron was inflicting incredible ground strikes, the Echo squadron of CFS/A-31SP three-legged space fighters also entered the atmosphere and entered the ground strike procedure in the atmosphere at the western end of Gangjin (Hulun Bayer).


    The ground strike targets of the Echo Squadron were the 18th Machine Gun Artillery Division and the 305th Artillery Brigade, which supported the 36th Motorized Infantry Division from the rear.


    Because the size of the ground target was smaller than that of the Delta Squadron, the Echo Squadron only fired two C-SH Zigno (sma-amplified bombs) missiles each.


    Eight C-SH Zigno (sma amplified bombs) missiles that flew to their respective ground strike points with their own propelling systems operating after free fall alsonded on the ground in 10 seconds and caused a huge explosion.


    Due to the nature of the terrain, the 18th Machine Gun Artillery Division, which was stationed in a narrow area and poured various firepower, was annihted by the C-SH Zigno (sma amplified bomb) missiles thatnded in session. In addition, the 305th Artillery Brigade, which was bombarded with a wider spread than the 18th Machine Gun Artillery Division, also suffered disastrous damage. The C-SH Zigno missile, whichnded urately without a single error, erased 8 artillery battalions of the 305th Artillery Brigade from the map.


    The Russian 29th Army, which was pushing ahead with the initial volume battle and leading the Western Front to an advantage, lost more than 50% of its power in the joint strike of the Republic of Korea Air Force and Aerospace Forces.


    In particr, most of the soldiers that were hit this time were various artillery units supporting powerful firepower from the rear. In other words, the 29th Russian Army had to engage the South Korean army only with various armored forces that had survived without fire support from the rear for the time being.


    Losing the twin guns on the chessboard, it fell into a very unfavorable situation where you had to fight only with a car.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023 03:50, (Russian time 21:50),


    Bunker State R-13, Moscow, Russia (Temporary Office of the President).


    Although it had been an hour since President Putin issued an order to request a hotline with the President of the People¡¯s Republic of China, but there was nomunication from the People¡¯s Republic of China.


    Waiting in the makeshift office of Bunker State R-13, President Putin was on the verge of an explosion, feeling the limits of his patience.


    ¡°You son of a pig Wang Jing-wei! How dare he ignore the hotline request for an hour?¡±


    After checking the time on the wall clock in front of him, President Putin spat out abusivenguage against President Wang Jing-wei of New China, and finally got up and walked around the office.


    He seemed to cool off his burning anger.


    Secretary Oel Agur, who was waiting outside for this situation, was about to die.


    ¡®I am seeing blood because I am on duty today


    Secretary Oel Agur continued to make a hotline request to the New China President¡¯s Office to establish a hotline connection, and also contacted the Russian Embassy in New China and instructed to go directly to the New China President¡¯s Office to make a hotline request. Even so, New China¡¯s President¡¯s office has remained silent since the first reply.


    One hour felt like a day, and a soldier rushed up to talk to Secretary Oel Agur, who was being quite nervous. It was Latori Vishiota, deputy chief of the General Staff.


    ¡°Is the president there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is in the office.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I see.¡±


    After hearing the answer from Secretary Oel Agur, Chief Latori Viciota opened the door to the office and entered.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    President Putin, who had been quivering in his anger as he moved from office to office with his face red, said as he stared at the Chief Latori Viciota that came in without knocking.


    Chief Latori Viciota, who was momentarily nervous about this, reported stuttering his words.


    ¡°Well, that is, the 5th Army on the Eastern Front was destroyed and destroyed, and 60% of the 29th Army¡¯s power on the Western Front suffered significant damage.¡±


    ¡°Wh, what?¡±


    The anger he had endured until now exploded in an instant, and harsh swear words flowed out of President Putin¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Hey, what the hell are you guys doing? Even if the 5th Army is like that, why is it that 60% of the 29th Army¡¯s power is damaged? Do you know that just wearing a badge of rank can do anything? Is the brain an ornament?¡±


    President Putin, who uttered humiliating swear words in a moment of anger, finally picked up an ashtray from the table and threw it at the wall with all his might.


    grasp! nk!


    The ashtray smashed against the wall with a light sound was shattered and scattered in all directions.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    The listing of Latori Viciota, who was not in a position to protest despite the humiliating remarks, simply waited for the enraged President Putin to calm down.


    President Putin, who was shuddering to the shoulder, was small in stature but had the charisma that made him freeze to the bone.


    ¡°What is the Chief of Staff doing?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are currently preparing tounch a strategic missile.¡±


    ¡°You mean nuclear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, President! We ask for approval tounch strategic nuclear missiles.¡±


    ¡°Approving is not that difficult! The problem is the interception ability of Koreans. As you know, didn¡¯t we intercept all of China¡¯s strategic missiles in the Northeast Asian War two years ago?¡±


    President Putin, somewhat agitated, sat cross-legged on the hospitality sofa.


    ¡°Our strategic missiles are iparable in performance to copied Chinese-made missiles. President! No matter how excellent South Korea¡¯s intercepting capabilities are, even if one or two nuclear missiles are dropped on the Korean Penins, an anti-war movement will ur. Especially if it falls in Pyung yang or in Seoul.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡±


    At the words of Chief Latori Viciota, President Putin put his chin on his chin and pondered for a moment.


    It was self-evident that if Russia operated a nuclear force, South Korea would also use an equivalent weapon. Then the face of war would be very different. Until now, the war had been a local war in the border area, but from now on, it can be said that it is a nuclear war in the form of an all-out war with the fate of the nation without distinction between the front and the rear.


    Of course, President Putin also started this war with the intention of finallymitting to a nuclear war. But when ites to nuclear war, he had a lot of worries. ¡®What if we lose the war at any time?¡¯ It wouldn¡¯t happen, but he kept thinking ominously.


    After some time had passed, President Putin put his thoughts together, patted his knee, stood up, and spoke in a cautious tone.


    ¡°I approve. If you ever have a nuclear war, be sure to it. Unleash all avable power at the same time. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, President! Thank you.¡±


    At this time, the door to the office opened with a knock, and Secretary Oel Agur rushed in.


    ¡°President! It is a call from China. After 5 minutes, a hotline with President Wang Jing-wei will be connected.


    ¡°How dare he connect after more than an hour? Those damn b*stards... Deputy Chief of Staff, please leave.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President, I will leave now.¡±


    After taking a few steps back, Latori Viciota gave a modest salute.


    ¡°Deputy Chief of Staff! Again, there is no second chance in using nuclear power. Be sure to do it at once. I¡¯m going to the Situation Room after talking to the damn president.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±

 Chapter 419: Season 2 – Part 17 Advance and Defense – 2-3 Defense!

    <h4>Chapter 419: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 2-3 Defense!</h4>


    November 26, 2023 04:00 (New China time 03:00),


    Party of the Communist Party of Beijing, New China (President¡¯s Office).


    Even the Russian ambassador to New China visited the president¡¯s office at night to request a hotline with President Putin. President Wang Jing Wei woke up at 3 a.m., showing signs of difort, wearing only a robe and sipping coffee in the office of the residence as he sat down in front of the hotline video call machine.


    Momentster, when the clock on the wall pointed to 3 am, the hotline was connected, and a video screen showed President Putin in anger.


    ¡°President Putin! What the hell is this? It¡¯s three in the morning now.¡±


    President Wang Jing Wei also skipped greetings andined because he felt bad about waking up from his sleep.


    ¡°President Wang Jing Wei! Where are your day and night on national affairs? With suchcency, didn¡¯t China split into three countries?¡±


    ¡°What? Are you being arrogant about asking for a hotline thiste at night?¡± . ¡°Isn¡¯t that true, me not being arrogant?¡±


    At different times, I thought that President Wang Jing Wei, who would have connected immediately when he requested the hotline, was ignoring himself for spending more than an hour differently than he had thought, and for this reason, no good words coulde out of President Putin¡¯s angry mouth.


    Meanwhile, President Wang Jing Wei was also offended by the early morning hotline request as well as President Putin¡¯s sarcastic remarks from the beginning.


    In this way, the heads of the two countries engaged in a war of nerves and spit bitter voices at each other.


    ¡°I have no intention of haggling with president Putin at this time. Tell us about your hotline request.¡±


    In response to President Wang Jing Wei¡¯s cynical tone, President Putin also wanted to cut off the hotline with only the main point.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll just tell you the gist. Currently, there is a war with Korea. Naturally, I requested military intervention from New China, which has signed a mutual military protection treaty, but it is still not moving. For what reason?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Is that why you requested the Hotline in a rush at such ate hour?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    ¡°President Putin! Of course, because the Russian army prepared in advance, they could immediately begin their military action, but it has only been 15 days since we received a request to intervene. The preparation period of 15 days is very short. Now, if our new state is to intervene in the war with Korea, shouldn¡¯t we be prepared and intervene more carefully? If we lose again like before, then our new china will be ruined.¡±


    ¡°How short is fifteen days? Unless it¡¯s the Dang Dynasty, isn¡¯t 15 days enough?¡±


    When it came out of President Putin¡¯s mouth where he had picked up the word Tang dynasty army whenparing the disgraceful army, President Wang Jing Wei was struck by the thought of spheming the ancestral nation.


    ¡°What? Dang dynasty?¡±


    ¡°Am I wrong? For a country with a systematic military, 15 days is enough time to finish preparing for war.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how to do it all?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need anything else. In ordance with the mutual military protection treaty concluded between countries, New China must immediately begin military action against the Korean border.¡±


    ¡°Whoa! That¡¯s reckless. President Putin!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a formal request under the treaty, what is reckless?¡±


    ¡°Well alright? In ordance with that treaty, our new china will engage in military action. However, whenplete preparations are made, we will enter into military action.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s frustrating, so when is that?¡±


    ¡°Well, I think it will take about a month.¡±


    ¡°Huh, one month? After the war is over?¡±


    ¡°Will the war be over in one month? In other words, you mean you can beat Korea in a month? That¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what it means. How can the war be over in one month?¡± ¡°Then, President Putin will just have to wait a little bit for the perfect preparation.¡±


    President Putin did not answer for a while to the tone of the request, but the nuance that somehow seemed to raise the other side. Even on the monitor screen, Putin was staring at the camera with his mouth firmly shut.


    ¡°President Putin! We are not breaking the treaty, we¡¯re asking for a little more time to prepare. As arge country, you don¡¯t understand one thing?¡±


    President Putin opened his mouth at the smirk of President Wang Jing Wei.


    ¡°Good! Just one month from now. After one month, unconditionally enter into military action. I see.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Thank you. President Putin! I will definitely prepare and crush the Koreans.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Then I will hang up.¡±


    President Putin, who did not earn much ie, disappeared from the screen with greetings. In response, President Wang Jing Wei, who continued videomunication with a smirk on his face, spread his shoulders, leaned on the sofa, and uttered a phoneme.


    ¡°Putin! It¡¯s not the new china it used to be. One month from now, our new country will also have a sma bomb that is more powerful than nuclear power. Hahaha¡±


    President Wang Jing Wei had absolutely no intention of intervening in the Korean-Russia war until the sma bomb waspleted.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023 05:00, (Russian time 23:00),


    Russia Moscow Bunker State R-13 (Situation Room).


    The General Staff, which received approval from President Putin for nuclear power, also discussed with themander of the Strategic Rocket Forces, reconciliation of differences of opinion on key targets to attack and granting justification for the use of nuclear power.


    In modern warfare, the use of nuclear power against non-nuclear states coulde back like a boomerang. It was a serious event that could receive criticism from the internationalmunity and military and economic sanctions. No matter how much Russia is called a gangster state in the internationalmunity, if it turns its back on the internationalmunity in the context of a war with the emerging power of Korea, Russia could find itself in a very difficult situation.


    ordingly, the General Staff searched for the justification for the use of nuclear power in the sma amplified bombs used by the South Korean military.


    Two years ago, after the end of the Northeast Asian War, the superpowers with nuclear power brought up the agenda to the UN Security Council meeting of the need for an international regtory treaty on sma-amplified bombs with more power than nuclear bombs. It was a treaty to not onlypletely abolish all of the sma ammunition that the Republic of Korea possesses, but also thoroughly regte future research and development. In a nutshell, it was the absurdity of a nuclear-weapon state.


    ordingly, the Republic of Korea counterattacked with the opinion that no other country could possess sma amplified bombs in the future by prohibiting the research and development of sma amplified bombs other than the countries currently possessing it,paring the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that came into force on March 5, 1970.


    The nuclear powers pushing for the regtory treaty opposed it, saying it was nonsense. However, the precedent of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty gave strength to the opinion of the Republic of Korea, and the regtory treaty faced difficulties. In this regard, the Republic of Korea offered another opinion.


    It was of the opinion that if all nuclear powers that currently possess nuclear powerpletely dismantle their nuclear power and receive thorough private iron every year from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Republic of Korea would alsopletely dismantle sma amplified bombs.


    However, there was never any chance that nuclear powers would ept South Korea¡¯s opinion. As a result, the sma Amplified Bomb Regtion Treaty was rejected without any significant results after wasting time.


    As such, as the regtory treaty agenda was proposed at the UN Security Council, the reason that the Korean military used arge amount of sma-amplified bombs, which had more power than nuclear bombs, in this war, Russia is also expected to spread its legitimacy to the internationalmunity that it will use nuclear power appropriate to its power. It was.


    Having secured the legitimacy of using nuclear power in this way, the Russian General Staff was going to mobilize all avable means of nuclear power, as President Putin said.


    The first power mentioned was an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). Currently, Russia has a variety of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) with ranges ranging from 7,000 km to 16,000 km. There are two types ofunch tforms: a silo that can defend against nuclear attacks and a mobileunch vehicle.


    The second is SLBM (submarineunched ballistic missile). The strategic nuclear submarines of the Russian Navy possess several types of nuclear missiles. 54 Club (NATO name: SS-N-27 Sizzler) possessed sub-surface cruise missiles. Thetest improved version has a range of 1,500 km and is a Mach 2.5 supersonic cruise missile capable of carrying a 500 kt nuclear warhead.


    Finally, the third is the Kh-32 missile (NATO name: AS-6 Kingfish) and Kh-15P missile (NATO name: AS-16 Kickback) that the Tu-22M3 Tupolev strategic bomber can be armed with. Both types of Masil could be equipped with a 350Kt nuclear warhead. In addition, even a fighter capable of a ground bombardment mission could attack with one of the two types of missiles listed above.


    As a result, Russia was the strongest among nuclear powers capable of projecting nuclear power with a variety of nuclear weapons and multipleunch tforms.


    After an hour-long meeting in the conference room with the staff of the General Staff and Strategic Rocket Command, they made a final decision on the nuclear warhead delivery area and contacted all relevant units.


    The nuclear attack was of such a huge scale that it used 70% of the Russian military¡¯s nuclear power. Commanders of the General Staff and Strategic Rocket Command were also very nervous about thergest nuclear attack attempt in history, which could even destroy the Earth¡¯s ecosystem.


    The control room sent a confidential, encrypted message of the determined nuclear warhead delivery target information to each military. A strategic missile brigadeposed of a silo nuclear base and a mobileunch vehicle belonging to the Strategic Rocket Forces, a bombing wing belonging to the Space Aviation Army operating a Tu-22M3 Tupolev strategic bomber, and a naval battle in the Northeast Sea on the 24th. It was sent to a strategic nuclear submarine belonging to the Far East Fleet, which is holding its breath.


    The attack time corresponded to 12-midnight in Russian time and 6 am in Korean time.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023 05:30,


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (ROK Army Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room).


    The situation room of the Joint Command and Control Center was inspired even more by the Blue Dragon strategic bombers and the three-legged five space fighters that yed a major role in the Eastern Front.


    An hour and a half ago, the Eastern Front was in danger of being annihted because of the newly emerged 29th Army¡¯s independence corps, which caused the defense line to copse and even the 5th Panzer Division (key) to be surrounded and annihted. After much consideration, the Joint Chiefs of Staff ordered a joint bombing mission using the CB-30P Blue Dragon strategic bomber and the CFS/A-31SP three-legged five space fighter as a counter-strategy.


    What the Joint Chiefs of Staff thought about for a while in response strategy was that Russia was the world¡¯s strongest in air defense. The Russian anti-aircraft defense system was equipped with the best-performing anti-aircraft defense system, ranging from the S-300 (Glumble) to the S-400 (Triumph), and the recently deployed S-500 (Trium Parter), ranging from intercept heights and ranges. It was because


    However, contrary to concerns, both the CB-30P Blue Dragon strategic bomber and the CFS/A-31SP three-legged five space fighter returned safely afterpleting the bombing mission.


    This could prove that Russia¡¯s anti-aircraft defense system was not as good as it had been to the West, and on the contrary, it could prove that the stealth ability of the Blue Dragon bomber and the three-legged space fighter was excellent.


    Although the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division withdrew to Gangjin (Hulunbuir) and the 5th Panzer Division also (the key) withdrew from the defensive line, itpletely ignored the Russian air defense system and destroyed 60% of the 29th Army¡¯s force at any time. Defensive lines can now be restored.


    The 27th Panzer Division belonging to the Independence Corps, which was advancing with a deep breakthrough maneuver to the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung), which was currently blocking the movement, stopped fighting and slowly retreated. In addition, the 36th Motorized Infantry Division, which sessfully crossed the Mingang River and pursued the retreating 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset), was also slowing down the vacuum.


    As numerous division-level units supporting from the rear were destroyed in an instant, the 29th Army Command ordered all units under its subordinates to stop the evasion and switch to defensive tactics in order to properly understand the current situation.

 Chapter 420: Season 2 – Part 17 Advance and Defense – 2-4 Defense!

    <h4>Chapter 420: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 2-4 Defense!</h4>


    November 26th, 2023 05:30 (Russian time 23:30),


    25 km south of Kansk City, Krasnoyarsk Ost, Russia (23rd Strategic Missile Division, Strategic Rocket Army).


    A Russian strategic rocket that has a history of firing 55 RT-2PM TOEFL (NATO name: SS-25 Sickle), an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile), in all areas of Japan in ordance with a secret agreement signed with the Republic of Korea during the Second Northeast Asian War. In the 23rd Strategic Missile Division, 30 minutes ago, each missile regiment left each garrison and started maneuvering into a wide in 22 km south of Kansk.


    Ten mobileunch vehicles, 25m in length and moving on 16 wheels, made a rough engine sound and took their seats one by one in the lead position ording to the signal of the leading armored vehicle and stopped maneuvering. Then, one by one, they began to erect theunch tubes containing the RT-2PM Topul (NATO name: SS-25 Sickle), each 1.9m in diameter, 21.9m in length, and equipped with three 550kt MIRV nuclear warheads.


    A bright mechanical sound resounded, and a 23-meter longunch tube pointed to the dark sky where the only starlight was shining.


    From the sky, 10 mobileunchers were located in two rows, 50 meters apart from each other.


    Out of the six missile regiments, the 11th Missile Regiment¡¯swork, which was the first toplete theunch process, was ordered to do so, and the operators were also tasked with tension following the orders.. A short timeter, the 23rd Strategic Missile Divisionmand headquarters sent specifications of the strike point.


    <ul>


    This is the Regimentmander. Send eachunch vehicle the specifications of the strike point. The password release number is 331478 and each vehicle¡¯s password is entered to release it.


    artillery one check is confirmed!


    artillery two check is confirmed


    </ul>


    The 10 mobileunch vehicle operators began to enter the strike point specifications by deciphering the ciphertext using the release number provided by the regimentalmander and the unique number possessed by themander of eachunch vehicle. As a result, the 11th Missile Regiment reported itspletion to the division headquarters afterpleting all preparations to immediatelyunch missiles in ordance with the finalunch order. The remaining five missile regiments also reported their readiness to the division headquarters.


    As a result, the 23rd Strategic Missile Division, which operates 60 RT-2PM TOEFL (NATO name: SS-25 Sickle) ICBMs, with five more missiles than two years ago, is preparing to turn the entire Republic of Korea into a sea of hellfire and finally was waiting for theunch order.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023 05:30,


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (ROK Army Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room).


    After drinking a tumbler full of the scent of ck coffee, like it was draft beer, Deputy General of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Youn Gi-youn, opened his mouth while looking at the main screen showing the status of the Eastern Front in various symbols.


    ¡°I am relievednow.¡±


    The Russian side of the Western Front, which was hit by dozens of sma amplifiers to be processed by Blue Dragon bombers and Three-toed Crow space fighters, quickly retreated to the Mongolian border to live in a state of chaos. And the only Russian forces that were excluded from the bombing range were the 36th Vehicle Infantry Division, the 11th Panzer Division, the 27th Panzer Division of the Independence Army, and the 39th Vehicle Infantry Division, which lost 40 percent of its power.


    As the 29th Army, which consisted of about a dozen, in the beginning, had been evacuating with triumphant power, the momentum was broken at once, and until a new order was issued from the 29th Army Command, it was in a state of transition from the existing upied area to defensive tactics.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. It could have been more difficult than expected.¡±


    Vice-Admiral Yang Min-choon, who formtes all operations and assists the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, answered with a long sigh. Then, Vice-Admiral Yang Min-choon¡¯s shoulders were tapped once, Captain Youn Gi-youn smiled and continued with a subtle expression of ease and concern.


    ¡°Anyway, the urgent fire on the Western Front has been put out and we havepletely taken control of the Eastern Front. I hoped that the thing that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who went to the Blue House, goes well.¡±


    ¡°Will the president approve?¡±


    ¡°Um, well, didn¡¯t we just have to wait and see? Look. It¡¯s been a while since he went to the Blue House, didn¡¯t it? It doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s a good thing that he hasn¡¯te back yet.¡±


    ¡°Because the war can be long, shouldn¡¯t the president also make a prudent decision? Anyway, Minister Kang also went as well, so it will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Okay, it will be fine just as Director Yang said.¡±


    After the sessful bombing of the Western Front, the Chairman of the Joint Staffs Shin Sung-yong headed to the Blue House with the Minister of National Defense. The purpose of the visit to the Blue House was to obtain approval for the operation to conquer Siberia, starting with divostok, an extension of the operation to annihte the triangle.


    Tik! Tik!


    This is the videomunication of the director of overseas reconnaissance on screen 10.


    At the same time as the operator in charge ofmunications shouted, on screen 10, Director Yoo Dong-hoon, the director of the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau, appeared.


    <ul>


    Salute! It¡¯s an emergency situation.


    </ul>


    Director Yoo Dong-hoon opened his mouth with a serious expression with a salute.


    ¡°Emergency? What is it?¡±


    General Kim Yong-hyun, the current chief of staff at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asked the question.


    <ul>


    Yes, this is a video screen searched by Apollo 22.


    </ul>


    When Major General Yoo Dong-hoon finished speaking, the waiting operator manipted the console and projected the video transmitted from the overseas reconnaissance bureau on the second screen.


    On screen 2, 10 long mobileunchers were ced in two rows at intervals. Then, when the deployment waspleted, theunch tubes were erected vertically one by one.


    <ul>


    Two years ago, it was identified as the 11th Missile Regiment, one of the subordinate units of the 23rd Strategic Missile Division of the Russian Strategic Rocket Army, which had a history of firing all over Japan. In addition, the other five missile regiments are in the same situation.


    </ul>


    Major General Yoo Dong-hoon gave a briefing directly through the screen, and the second screen was a split-screen, showing the rest of the missile regiments.


    ¡°What about the 23rd Strategic Missile Division?¡±


    General Kim Yong-hyun opened his eyes wide and asked a question, but when information about the 23rd Strategic Missile Division appeared on the screen in detail, his words were blurred.


    ¡°I mean, these guys are really crazy. Are you saying that you are finally going to use a strategic weapon against us?¡±


    Captain Youn Gi-youn fixed his gaze on the second screen and spoke with an angry expression.


    ¡°Is this a sign of an actual attack?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, it looks like an actual attack sign.


    </ul>


    ¡°Is the nuclear warhead arming confirmed?¡±


    <ul>


    As a result of ultra-high frequency scans from the Ares 5 patrol satellite, it was confirmed that all 60 were equipped with three nuclear warheads.


    </ul>


    ¡°Haha, all 60 nuclear warheads? Does this mean aplete nuclear war?¡±


    ¡°By the way, the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau is amazing. Pre-reconnaissance troops made up of mobileunch vehicles.¡±


    In fact, there was a reason why the overseas reconnaissance bureau was able to reconnaissance signs of an attack by the 23rd Strategic Missile Division in advance beforeunching the missile.


    Two years ago, when a missile wasunched toward Japan, the location was exposed, and the overseas reconnaissance bureau was closely monitoring the area around the 23rd Strategic Missile Division 24 hours after the war with Russia broke out.


    <ul>


    Vice-Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff! This is not the only problem. After detecting the signs of an attack by the 23rd Strategic Missile Division, all avable reconnaissance forces were mobilized throughout Russia, and as a result, two strategic missile divisions and three nuclear bases with open silo doors were detected.


    </ul>


    At the same time as Major General Yoo Dong-hoon finished his speech, the central screen shed triangr red dots all over Russia.


    <ul>


    The 21st Strategic Missile Division, 16th Strategic Missile Division, 341 Nuclear Base, 505 Nuclear Base, and 102 Nuclear Base. In addition, it is judged that there are more strategic-level units that have not yet been scouted yet.


    </ul>


    ¡°Hey, this isn¡¯t unusual, it¡¯s like these bastards are trying to turn the Korean Penins into a radioactive hell. Aren¡¯t you supposed to report to the chairman right away?¡±


    Captain Youn Gi-youn, who was looking at several screens alternately with an angry expression, expressed his anger by punching the bottom of his left hand.


    ¡°Yes, I should.¡±


    Captain Kim Yong-hyun also answered unconsciously while keeping his gaze fixed on the screen.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023 05:40,


    An underground bunker at the Blue House National Crisis Center, Jongro-gu, Seoul, Namju.


    ¡°President! Please think over it again. This is a great opportunity to bring Siberia, a treasure trove of natural resources.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Staffs Shin Sung-yong strongly expressed his opinion. Then, Minister Kang Yi-sik, who was next to him, also fired support.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. President! If we have Siberia, the future of Korea will be more prosperous. It is a pre-emptive attack by Russia, so even if we have Siberia, there will be no problem at all.¡±


    ¡°Even so, I do not want to escte the war. Didn¡¯t you tell Minister Kang in the first ce? In this war, we want a war of defense concept.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you said so. However¡¤¡¤.¡±


    ¡°Stop. Looks like it¡¯ll be nothing more than haggling. Stop and go back.¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee opened her palms and gestured for him to stop, then cut off Minister Kang Yi-sik with a firm voice.


    ¡°Ha! All right. President¡±


    After persuading for more than an hour, citing various reasons, President Choo Eun-hee finally refused to approve the operation to conquer Siberian.


    In fact, President Choo Eun-hee approved the war after a phone call with Putin before the outbreak of the war but demanded a defensive war from the Ministry of National Defense. In other words, it was intended to block the attack of the Russian army and demand a peaceful end to the war by approaching it diplomatically from an advantageous position.


    The reason for this was that there was a lot of work to be solved at home and abroad. The first was the death of Kim Jong-un from a terrorist attack, and there were still many problems to be resolved. The second was the Kurdistan War of Independence. And the third was a serious SSS-ss secret leak that could have a profound impact on the future of the Republic of Korea.


    ¡°Then I will head out of here now.¡±


    At the time when the two middle-aged men were about to stand up at the words of Minister Kang Yi-sik, the door to the office opened and the chief of staff came in with a recalled expression.


    ¡°President! This is an urgent report from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.¡±


    For some reason, the report was reported directly to the president without going through the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chairman Shin Sung-yong.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    When President Choo Eun-hee, who had been suffering for over an hour, asked a tired question, Chief of Staff Lim Jong-won turned on therge TV mounted on the wall instead of answering.


    On the TV screen turned on, the figure of General Kim Yong-hyun, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was reflected.


    <ul>


    Salute! This is Kim Yong-hyun, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    </ul>


    After finishing the salute, General Kim Yong-hyun turned his gaze to Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was sitting next to the president and said.


    <ul>


    It was an emergency, so I contacted the president directly. Chairman!


    </ul>


    ¡°Okay. An emergency situation? What is it?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, we are currently seeing signs of a nuclear missile attack in Russia. From what we know so far, there are a total of 300 delivery means, and the amount of power that has not yet been detected is expected to be significant.


    </ul>


    ¡°Did you say nuclear missile?¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee, who was relieved for a moment by the report that he had won all the battles along the border an hour ago, was quite shocked by the word of Russia¡¯s nuclear missile attack.


    <ul>


    Yes, all missiles have been confirmed to be equipped with nuclear warheads.


    </ul>


    ¡°So you mean 300 missiles with nuclear warheads, and possibly more?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, it is. President!


    </ul>


    ¡°Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! Has the nuclear force response procedure been carried out?¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asked a question on behalf of the president, who was surprised and could not ask any more questions.


    <ul>


    Yes, Chairman! The nuclear force response procedure was immediately initiated. It is an urgent matter, so we apologize for reporting it after taking action in advance.


    </ul>


    ¡°No. Great job! I¡¯ll go back to the situation room right away, so let¡¯s check the response procedure in real-time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right. Then I will end this report. Salute!¡±


    Captain Kim Kim Yong-hyun, who once again saluted, disappeared from the TV screen. Then Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also got up wearing a hat and said to the president.


    ¡°President! We will head out too.¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee said with a serious expression whether there was a change of heart when Chairman Shin Sung-yong, who rose from his seat, was about to take the gesture of salute.


    ¡°The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Yes, President¡±


    ¡°Can we stop all Russian nuclear missiles?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. Don¡¯t worry too much. President! Currently, South Korea¡¯s CAMD system can prevent all countries with ICBMs fromunching them at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right.¡±


    When President Choo Eun-hee, who gave a powerless answer, took an action as if hesitating for a moment, then Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was about to go out with a salute, waited in an awkward position.


    ¡°The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    ¡°If you block all of Russia¡¯s nuclear missiles this time, conduct the Siberian conquest operation.¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had given up and was discouraged, his expression brightened at the unexpected approval.


    ¡°Th, thank you. President!¡±


    ¡°To do that, you must block all Russian nuclear missiles. Not even one g should fall on the territory of the Republic of Korea.¡±


    ¡°All right. We will do our best to make sure that never happens.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Head out.¡±

 Chapter 421 - Season 2 Book 17, Chapter 3-1 Russias self-sufficiency.

    <h4>Chapter 421: Season 2 Book 17, Chapter 3-1 Russia¡¯s self-sufficiency.</h4>


    November 26th, 2023, 05:45,


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Situation room of the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center).


    Chairman of the Joint Staff Shin Sung-yong arrived at the Joint Command Control Center¡¯s operation room a few minutes ago and immediately received reports on MIMRA (Missile Interception and Massive Retaliation Attacks) from the head of the anti-nuclear force response headquarters.


    ¡°From now on, I will report the preparations for MIMRA ording to the Russian nuclear power. First, please look at screen number three.¡±


    All eyes in all operation rooms were focused on screen 3 as Lieutenant General Oh Jong-won, the head of the anti-nuclear force response headquarters, spoke. Screen 3 disyed a digital map of Russia, with blue circr symbols blinking in several locations east of Siberia.


    ¡°As you can see on the screen, four Zeus strategic interception satellites are currently on standby for interception and retaliatory attacks on the origin in geostationary orbit on the eastern end of Siberia. Furthermore, 32 three-legged five space fighters dispatched from the first and second Space Combat Wings are in flight throughout Russia for intercept and retaliation attacks in the thermosphereyer of the atmosphere.¡±


    Following Lieutenant General Oh Jong-won¡¯s exnation, blue triangr symbols appeared one by one on the digital map of screen 3. . ¡°Also, all preparations for intercepting enemy nuclear missiles from very high altitudes are on standby at the CS-LD Hades Base, which consists of eight ground defense satellites built in South, North, and Central Manchuria. Besides, the final stage of the CAMD system, the high-altitude interception procedure using naval power, is also on standby. Two Hoc cruisers, eight Hoc destroyers, and four Aegis destroyers will take part, all of which wereunched on the 19th. Furthermore, the Air Force and Strategic Missile Forces have prepared approximately 500 surface-to-air missiles capable of intercepting targets at high to medium altitudes.¡±


    The digital map on the screen expanded so that only the East Asian part appeared to fill the screen, and a new color symbol shed.


    Following the first Northeast Asian War, the unified Republic of Korea established the MIMRA system, which integrated the Korean three-axis system (3K: Kill Chain, KAMD, KMPR), which had been in use since the days of North and South Korea. In other words, MIMRA was an integrated system that carried out pre-emptive strikes beforeunching a missile, then intercepted the missile and carried out arge-scale retaliatory attack at the same time.


    <ul>


    Kill Chain: Preemptive strike in the original area


    Korea Air and Missile Defense (CAMD): Korean-style missile defense system


    Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR): massive retaliatory attacks.


    Intercept and Massive Retaliation Attack After Preemptive Attack (IMRAPA): Interception and massive retaliatory attacks after preemptive attacks.


    </ul>


    Thanks to an increase in the number of strategic interceptor satellites and three-legged five space fighters, it was possible not only tounch a preemptive attack, but also to intercept missiles andunchrge-scale retaliatory attacks at the same time, as opposed to two years ago.


    ¡°Let me briefly exin the Russian nuclear submarine, which might be one of the variables.¡±


    Currently, all submarines belonging to the Far East Fleet have disappeared from naval warfare in the Northeast Sea. In response, the Navy dispatched the 7th Fleet¡¯s Hog destroyer, various maritime patrol aircraft, and even Hoc submarines and CH-SH Ares patrol satellites to scour the Northeast Sea area, detecting and attacking five Kilo-ss submarines.


    Submarines of the Far East Fleet operating in the depths of the Northeast Sea, aside from other fleets, include four Borei-ss 955A III SSBNs and two Delta-ss IIIs, which operate intercontinental ballistic missiles using verticalunch tubes, and supersonic submarines equipped with high explosives or nuclear warheads from verticalunch tubes. These included three Antei-ss SSGNs capable ofunching anti-ship missiles, three nuclear-powered submarines Shuka B/Bas-ss I SSNs thatunch various cruise missiles through torpedo tubes, and six Kilo-ss SSK conventional submarines. Among these, the most vulnerable submarines were four Borei-ss 955A III ballistic missile-firing submarines and one Delta-ss III.


    The Borei-ss 955A III is armed with as many as 20 R-30 (RSM-56) Bva nuclear missiles equipped with 10 150Kt re-entry warheads (MIRVs) with a range of 15,000 kilometers, while the Delta-ss III has a range of 11,500 kilometers and a 100Kt ss. It was a strategic nuclear submarine armed with 16 R-29RUM Sineva (NATO name: SS-N-23 Skiff) nuclear missiles equipped with 10 re-entry warheads (MIRV).


    ¡°The most dangerous submarines are SSBN-5. Because we haven¡¯t been able to identify their exact location, Ares 3 is on an all-around patrol mission in the East Sea, and Zeus 7 is on standby in case of an emergency.¡±


    When only the key parts were rified, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong, asked an additional question.


    ¡°If Russia¡¯s SSBN-ss Hamjamunches a nuclear missile underwater, will our Kill Chain be able to correspond to that?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It could. If the SSBN-ss nuclear submarine is within range of our Aegis or Hoc destroyers¡¯ Hong Shark A, or within range of the Hoc cruiser¡¯s S-SSFM-500B Trident, we willunch an immediate counterattack.¡±


    ¡°That, I believe, will be enough. Great job. My question appears to be a waste of your time. Let¡¯s wrap up the briefing and get started on the preemptive strike.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong finished the briefing with a light p, stood up from his seat, and approached the second screen, which would depict the situation of a preemptive strike. Then, Lieutenant General Oh Jong-won, who had just finished briefing, stood in the main center of the operation room, put on a mini headset, and shouted confidently.


    ¡°From now on, we will proceed with the preemptive strike against the nuclear power provocation. Are all the control rooms of the aerospace forces involved in this mission connected to the spacebat wing¡¯s information room?¡±


    When themand was issued via the headset, the controllers in charge of the Zeus Strategic Interceptor Satellite responded by disying their faces on the screen divided into the videomunication screen. In addition, the two heads of the operationmand room of the two spacebat wings appeared on the screen and responded.


    ¡°Okay! In the next three minutes, we willunch the preemptive attack on the pre-allocated hitting point. Finally, check the location and specifications of the hitting point! Start the countdown.¡±


    Coincidentally, the preemptive strike time in South Korea was 5:55 a.m. and the time of Russia¡¯s nuclear missile attack was 6 a.m. Korean time.


    After the three minutes had passed, A12 CFS/A-31SP three legged space fighters, which had been flying at a low altitude to the stratosphere, dropped one X-2 (sma multiple round bomb) missile, a derivative of the X-1 (sma amplified bomb), toward the point where they would hit.


    Usually, two X-1 (sma Amplified bombs) could be mounted in the internal armed room of the CFS/A-31SP three-legged Space Fighter. However, the derivative X-2 (sma multiple round bomb) was 1.5 timesrger in diameter than X-1. Therefore, only one unit could be mounted in the internal armed room.


    In the same way as the cluster bomb, the X-2 (sma multiple round bomb) was loaded with eight 100Kt ss sma rounds inside the bomb. In addition, in order to increase its fall speed, a powerful sma jet propulsion system was mounted at the rear to achieve a speed of up to Mach 20. For example, if itunched from an altitude of 50 kilometers, it would reach the ground within nine seconds.


    The X-2 (sma multiple bomb)unched from Unit One of Alpha Squadron of the first Space Fighter Wing on a sortie from Seongnam Base fell to the ground as soon as the propent exploded with tremendous eleration. The target of was the 23rd Strategic Missile Division, the first to be reconnoitered by a foreign reconnaissance agency.


    The six missile regiments were stationed in a circr formation 5 kilometers apart in the ins of Kansk¡¯s southern tip. The division headquarters and various units directly under direct control were located in the center of the circle.


    Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~


    The X-2 (sma multiple bomb), which was falling at a terrifying speed of Mach 25, split and opened, and when the front fairing was opened, the eight sub-munitions loaded inside were separated while maintaining the speed of the falling eleration and hitting each set point urately.


    The 100Kt-level submunitions hit six missile regiments, and the other two hit the division headquarters and units under direct control in the center.


    Seven massive explosions urred at the same time, as if a sunflower in full bloom had met the sun, and a massive mushroom cloud soared high into the sky. Consequently, the dark, which had been deeplyid at dawn, vanished for a brief moment, and the light that shone brighter than daylight spread. These weren¡¯t just any bright lights. It was apanied by heat radiation reaching 5,000 degrees. Everything was burned to two kilometers radius from the depth of the bomb and evaporated in an instant.


    Everything were burnt in an instant. And as if that wasn¡¯t enough, it even sucked all the surroundings. As a result, mobileunch vehicles and various armored vehicles, which were far from the depth of the bomb, were absorbed into also.


    Cak! Cak! Cak! Cak! Cracky! Quang!


    The ground shook as if a major earthquake had urred near ten degrees Celsius in the midst of a massive fire. A dark red me wriggled through the gap.


    The area where the 23rd Strategic Missile Division was located has turned into a ce where hell¡¯s mes dance, and they are unlikely to be inhibited even after thousands of years.


    hwa ro ro ~ Quang!


    The 23rd Strategic Missile Division was destroyed by one X-2 (sma multiple bomb). More urately, it evaporated cleanly without any trace. The power of 100Kt was truly great.


    In addition, there were more six ces across Russia that faced the same fate as the 23rd Strategic Missile Division. They were the 14th and the 7th Rocket Division that operate RT-2PM Topul (NATO Name: SS-25 Sickle) missiles.


    And there were four divisions in which theunch tform was silo-fixed. The 28th Royal Rocket Division, which operates 29 UR-100NUTH (Nato name: SS-19 Stileto) at Koselsk Air Base, has 50 UR-100NUTH (Nato name: SS-19 Stiletto) and 52 UR-2UTKh Topol-M, boasting thergest air force among other rocket divisions.


    Due to the preemptive strike of the aerospace force, the Russian strategic rocket force suffered a huge loss of 35% of its nuclear power. 255 nuclear missiles, which cost millions to tens of millions of dors each, exploded without even beingunched.

 Chapter 422 - Season 2 Book 17 Chapter 3-2 Russias self-sufficiency.

    <h4>Chapter 422: Season 2 Book 17 Chapter 3-2 Russia¡¯s self-sufficiency.</h4>


    November 26, 2023, 05:58 (Russian time 23:58),


    33km east of Ost Tegovashi, Ivanovskaya, Russia (54th proximal rocket division).


    The 54th Guards Rocket Division, located closest to Moscow, lunched two types of ICBM with a loud sound shaking the ground at 33 kilometers east of Teikova. Theunch urred three minutes earlier than nned because some rocket divisions had suffered significant damage as a result of the South Korean military¡¯s preemptive strike, and thus the General Staff ordered an emergencyunch.


    18 RT-2UTTKh Topol-M (NATO name: SS-27 Sickle) and 12 RS-24 Yars (NATO name: SS-27 Mod 2), thetest models in the RT-2 ss, departed from their respective mobileunch vehicleunch tubes. flew away after soaring high in the sky. Soon after, the missiles disappearedpletely, leaving only a trail of white smoke in behind


    Soon after the sound of theunch faded from the ears, an unknown light shed from the sky, followed by a powerful explosion in the 54th Guards Rocket Division.


    Even if the operators of the 54th Guards Rocket Division did not check the radar, they could intuitively know that theirunched missiles had been intercepted.


    ¡± Eight Topol-M intercepted at an altitude of 58 kilometers! Seven Yars were also intercepted at an altitude of 68 kilometers.¡±


    The radar operator screamed while looking at the radar screen mounted on the console..


    ¡°What¡¯s the hell going on? How could they be intercepted before even breaking through the atmosphere?¡±


    When reports of interceptions from various rocket regiments arrived, Division Commander Georgie Gev mercilessly punched the console box in front of him.


    kwang! kwang! kwang!


    As a result, his right hand tore apart and blood sttered.


    ¡°Div, Division Commander, stay calm .¡±


    Deputy General dimir Beschastnich held Division Commander¡¯s hand and stopped him.


    ¡°Do you think I can stay calm right now?¡±


    Following that, he turned his gaze to themunications operator, who was receiving various reports from here and there.


    ¡°Ah! Division Commander! ording to the reports, our division¡¯sunched missiles were all intercepted.¡±


    ¡°What? Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it has just been reported that all missiles fired from each regiment have been intercepted¡­¡±


    When he saw the Divisionmander¡¯s glum expression, the telmunications operator closed his mouth.


    ¡°Argh! Screw them¡­¡­¡­ Hey! Call the Central Control Office and check again!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    The operator quickly contacted the central control office, which monitors and oversees theunch status. After that, he was uncertain about whether or not to report what he had heard.


    ¡°What is it? Hey, you punk! Don¡¯t procrastinate. Hurry up and report it!¡±


    ¡°Well, the central control room also confirmed that all our missiles were intercepted¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my¡±.


    Divisionmander Gyev, who was enraged to the point of fury, eventually opened the hatch and exited to cool his head. While taking a deep breath of the cold morning air outside, he noticed something rapidly falling from the dark sky. As a consequence, he raised his head to look at it.


    A white light appeared to fall from the thick darkness, and then a bright light shed, blinding both of his eyes.


    Pat!


    With a huge explosion, a massive mushroom cloud rose from a distance of one kilometer. And the immense heat of thousands of degrees seemed to thank Georgi Gyev before transforming him into white ashes, after which he was engulfed and faded away.


    The white light seen by Georgie Gev before his death was a C-SH Zinog-II missileunched by Zeus Strategic Interceptor Satellite two. Zeus Strategic Interception Satellite twounched a massive retaliatory attack after intercepting all nuclear missiles fired by the 54th Gurds Rocket Division from the atmosphere.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023, 06:01, (Russian time 00:01),


    Ost Dombarowski Air Base in Orenburgskaya, Russia (the 13th Order of Merit, Merit and Merit Rocket Division).


    A huge RS-20V Boyeboda with a diameter of 3.05 meter and a length of 32.2 meter appeared from the open silo, with a circr roof door over 4 meter in diameter. And the RS-20V Boyeboda ICBM, which quickly escaped from the silo, was separated from the lower auxiliary tank, and a powerful propent exploded from the first stage rocket.


    The RS-20V Boyeboda ICBM, which emits orange mes along with a massiveunch sound enough to shake the earth, slowly soared into the sky, oveing gravity.


    The massive S-20V Boyeboda ICBM, which would have overwhelmed simply by its size, vanished into the sky beyond at a slight angle, trailing a tail of white smoke. Theseunches took ce all over Russia. Within minutes, 28 S-20V Boyeboda ICBMs separated from the first-stage rocket and entered the atmosphere using the power of the second-stage propent.


    There was one thing to point out here.


    The 13th Red g Medal of Merit Rocket Division was one of the divisions that escaped the preemptive strike of the Republic of Korea Aerospace Forces. This did not mean, however, that the overseas reconnaissance bureau was unable to reconnaissance in advance to avoid a preemptive strike.


    No matter how careful they are with security and thorough disguise, silo tform-type missile bases are prone to leaking a lot of information in advance through military espionage. Of course, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Aerospace Force had detailed information about the 13th Red g Medal of Merit Rocket Division.


    It was based at Dombarowski Air Force Base and had 28 silos, each with a 4th-generation RS-20V Voyevoda (NATO name: SS-18 Satan) ICBM, the world¡¯srgest nuclear missile, and a special camouge shield. They were aware of the precise GPS coordinates of that silo¡¯s location.


    Despite having such detailed information, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to exclude them from the preemptive strike because a small city called Yaadi was only five kilometers away from Dombarowski Air Force Base. As a result, if the base is attacked, it may sustain significant damage. In fact, there was a deep divide among the staff in the Joint Chiefs of Staff over this point.


    Some staff members who were opposed to the exclusion of preemptive strikes stated that ICBMs should be included in the preemptive strike because they pose the greatest threat to South Korea among nuclear forces and that civilian damage is unavoidable in wars between countries. When the pros and cons were presented, it was noisy for a while, but the uproar was quickly silenced when Kim Yong-hyun, the second-ranking deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, voted in favor of the exclusion of it from the first strike on behalf of Chairman of the Joint Staffs Shin Sung-yong, who was visiting the Blue House at the time.


    As a result, the 13th Red g Medal of Merit Rocket Divisionunched the world¡¯s strongest ICBM in the territory of the Republic of Korea.


    Half an hour ago, Nine Hyunmoo 3E2-C type supersonic cruise missilesunched by the 22nd Missile Artillery Brigade of the Army¡¯s First Field Army Headquarters were flying towards the 13th Red g Medal of Merit Rocket Division.


    The basalt 3E2-C type supersonic cruise missile was a supersonic cruise missile with a range of 5,500 kilometers and a speed of Mach three, and 20 diffuse sma bomb were mounted inside the fusge, avoiding enemy radarworks, minimizing detection and interceptive threats.


    The Hyunmu 3E2-C type supersonic cruise missile was set to ignite the entire Dombarowski Air Base as well as the 13th Red g Medal of Merit Rocket Division in the next 40 minutes.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023, 06:25,


    Latitude 25 ¡ã 42 ¡® to Northeast 18.76 ¡°Tokyo, 133 ¡ã 31 ¡® 28.04¡± the depth of the sea (keunyajeu ollegeuam ¨C 553 (k)).


    With a few minutes left before the ICBMunch, the Russian Strategic Rocket Command, which suffered an unexpected blow from the South Korean Aerospace Force¡¯s three-legged space fighter and a Zeus satellite, immediately ordered the missile to be fired.


    In response, a total of 10 rocket divisions that were not get hit by the first preemptive attack fired several types of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles).


    Countless intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)unched into the sky from across Russia. The number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)unched, however, fell far short of the initial nned number of missiles and only to half.


    Besides, the General Staff issued an order to the Far East Fleet Command to fire nuclear missiles at the SSBN nuclear submarine, which is currently submerged at the bottom of the deep sea in the Northeast Sea, in order to increase the number of ICBMs.


    As a sequence, the Far East Fleet Command dispatched six SDS-Surrogat, an unmanned drone submarine recently developed and tested with encryption, to delivermands to SSBN nuclear submarines that are silently submerged at a depth of several hundred meters.


    The SDS-Surrogot, an unmanned drone submarine, was developed on the basis that friendly nuclear submarines secretly use them as enemy traps or deceptive incentives to attract submarines and operate unmanned submarines to reduce training costs.


    The SDS-Surrogat weighed 40 tons, traveled at 40 knots, and had a submersible range of up to 965 kilometers. The Far East Fleet Command attempted to send an order to the silently submerged SSBN submarine by sending an encrypted secret message rather than the submarine¡¯s voicemail.


    The six SDS-Surrogat, which started submerging into the deep sea of the Northeast Sea, each dived in a set route and began to emit encrypted secret messages.


    Ding~ Ding~ Ding~


    The crew of the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) were about to perish because they had been silently submerged for two days at a depth of 600 meters prior to the naval battle in the Northeast Sea. Under the red lighting that resembled a butcher¡¯s shop, the crew members who had a lot of restrictions on all of their actions were testing the limits of their patience.


    In particr, while eating, they were strictly forbidden from making sounds such as the sound of the metal hitting. Therefore, they had to use their hands to pick up the food and eat it.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m going to die. It¡¯s better to just fight and die. I¡¯ll go crazy if I do this for one more day!¡±


    Torpedo armament solider Andrei Kumanchov expressed his displeasure to his colleague who was sitting next to him in hushed tones.


    ¡°Shh! Hey, don¡¯t say that! Do you want to go to the guardhouseter?¡±


    His colleague Pavel Yashkopra hurriedly put his index finger on his mouth and said in response.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s better to go to the guardhouse. I¡¯m going crazy here¡±.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. It¡¯s better to just go to fight. I don¡¯t know what are we doing ¡­.. Or just surrender to the base.¡±


    Pavel Yashkopra died in agony as well. These two were not alone in their dissatisfaction. The majority of the crew felt the same way.


    While the crew¡¯sints piled up, unknown noises began to be heard from somewhere in the headsets of the quiet munchies.


    Murod Zuhurov, who had no idea about what he heard because it was a very small noise, asked Anjur Ismailov who was next to him.


    ¡°What is it? Anjureu! Do you know what vulture it is?¡±


    ¡°wait, wait a minute.¡±


    Anjur Ismailov, who also won first ce in the sonar analysispetition, gave a brief answer, then he focused on the headset to see if he could understand something.


    ¡°This! I don¡¯t think it¡¯s submarine shade.¡±


    Anjur Ismailov, who analyzed the wavelength and sound of the sonar monitor, spoke quietly with a confident voice.


    ¡°Right? I think it¡¯s very different from the submarine shadow.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I got it.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°This seems like an encrypted secret message.¡±


    ¡°An encrypted secret message? Is it ours?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the encryption wavelength of our Far East fleet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call sonar operator.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±.


    After a while, Sonar operator Vitali Denisov, who woke up, entered the sonar room while rubbing his eyes.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Listen, sonar operator!¡±


    Anjur Ismailov handed his headset to the sonar operator, Vitali Denisov, who put it on his head, heard the sound for about a minute, and showed a hand signal to turn the recording around.


    Then Anzur Ismailov manipted the sonic console and started recording the sound he heard.


    ¡± Murod !¡±


    ¡°Yes, sonar operator.¡±


    ¡°Go to the control room and bring the on dutymander!¡±


    ¡°On duty?¡±¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a serious situation.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yes, okay.¡±

 Chapter 423 - Russias self-sufficiency.

    <h4>Chapter 423: Season 2 Book 17 Chapter 3-3 Russia¡¯s self-sufficiency.</h4>


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023, 06:25. (04:25 Russia time),


    Above Hakasia in Russia (outside air)


    A total of 109 ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) survived the Zeus Strategic Interceptor Satellite¡¯s first interception, resulting in a total of 146 ICBMs intercepted without even breaking through the atmosphere.


    That was not what the Russian General Staff and strategic rocket forces expected. As a result, he couldn¡¯t help but be embarrassed right away.


    Anyway, the surviving ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) continued to rise in altitude as they broke through the atmosphere by separating and operating the first or second stage rockets.


    In particr, they were RS-24 Yars (NATO name: SS-27 Mod 2), which wereunched by the 16th Guards missile division and had a range of 11,000 kilometers and a maximum entry altitude of 1,250 kilometers.


    Coo, coo, coo, coo, coo, coo, coo, coo, coo.


    In the exosphere, 100 kilometers away from the 22 survived ICBMs that were attempting to separate up to the second stage rocket before they reached their maximum altitude, there were flying objects travelling at a speed close to Mach 30.. Those flying objects were nothing more than the Second Space Fighter Wing squadron and the Indian squadron¡¯s CFS/A-31SP three-legged space fighters.


    The Second Space Fighter Wing squadron, which was flying at tremendous speed with a transverse formation at an altitude of 1,300 kilometers, has begun a procedure to intercept RS-24 Yars (Nato Myung: SS-27 Mod2), which is soaring at a slope close to 45 degrees with the force of a booster of a three-stage rocket.


    Following the instructions of the senior squadmander, the avionicsmanders were assigned the targets to intercept and soon began to set up interceptions.


    Currently, the ICBM to be intercepted was more than 150 kilometers away; however, that distance can be considered so close in outer space that it could be reached in the blink of an eye. Therefore, the eight CFS/A-31SP three-legged Space Fighter jets switched jockeys by slowing down in their respective target directions and executing full-fledged interceptor maneuvers.


    As targets to be intercepted were set ording to the calction of the supeputer, the four CFS/A-31SP three-legged space fighters flew toward the target and began to shoot powerful 50 millimeters ultra-powerser beams.


    Jureung! Jureung! Jureung!


    Theser beams shed and poured toward RS-24 Yars (Nato Name: SS-27 Mod 2). Whenever theser red light was drawn in space¡¯s quiet outer atmosphere, an explosion urred without mistake.


    Consequently, the 22 RS-24 Yars (Nato name: SS-27 Mod2) crashed to the ground before even finishing the final stage of nuclear warhead separation.


    Currently, the three-legged five space fighters intercepting Russian ICBMs are being flying in various locations in the exosphere over central Russia.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023, 06:25,


    Latitude 25 ¡ã 42 ¡® to Northeast 18.76 ¡°Tokyo, 133 ¡ã 31 ¡® 28.04¡± the depth of the sea (keunyajeu ollegeuam ¨C 553 (k)).


    The strategic ballistic missile submarine Knyaz Oleg (K-553), which received encrypted secret texts from the Far East Fleet through SDS-Surrogat, was slowly emerging to the surface to follow the orders for decryption.


    When the Knyaz Oleg (K-553), which began surfacing at a depth of 600 meters, reaches the depth where the verticalunch tube can be used, it immediately fires R-30 (RSM-56) Bva (NATO name: SS-NX-30). Strategic Minister Shakob Zuraev was already at the CIC (Combat Information Center), holding one nuclear key in each hand.


    The two nuclear keys he carries were given to him by the Troop Information and Education Officer, and they were used to unlock the safeguards of ballistic missiles.


    ¡°Enter the targeted coordinates. Set 2 va for each target.¡±


    ¡°Currently, it is surfacing at a depth of 290 and a speed of 10 knots per hour! it will arrive in 1 minute!¡±


    ¡°No suspicious noise up to 10 kilometers radius from the ship!¡±


    Reports have been continuously posted from various operators at the CIC.


    As the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) arrived at its desired altitude after floating vertically at 10 knots. Captain Maxim Shatskih nodded his head to the Minister of Strategy.


    As a consequence, strategic minister Shakob Zuraev took a deep breath and carefully inserted the nuclear keys one by one into the console¡¯s hole. and then switched them to the left.


    Click! Beep! Beep!


    A small rm rang twice and went back with sirens everywhere inside the submarine.


    It was a signal to the entire crew that the Bva (NATO designation: SS-NX-30)unch limiter had been released. Recognizing this, the crew members¡¯ reactions varied greatly. Andrei Kumanchov and Pavel Yashkopra, who were dissatisfied with the silent submersion, greeted each other with fists, while other crew members put their crosses to their mouths and muttered prayers in fear of a nuclear war.


    The orders was given to the fire controller by Captain Maxim Shatskih.


    ¡°Open the roof doors from number one to twenty and lunch them all at once!¡±


    ¡°Open the roof doors fromunch tube one tounch tube twenty.¡±


    Theunch tube roof doors on the upper deck of the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) started to open one by one, and all 20 roofs were opened soon after.


    ¡°All the roof doors are open¡±.


    Captain Maxim Shatskih, who had been waiting for the operator¡¯spletion report with bated breath, finally ordered theunch.


    ¡°From the firstunch tube to the 20unch tube,unch missiles one by one!¡±


    ¡°Fire missiles sequentially from tube one to tube twenty!¡±


    Following the order, the operator pressed theunch button one by one.


    Tour-ung!


    The lunched heavy R-30 (RSM-56) Bva (Nato Name: SS-NX-30) escaped from the firstunch tube with vibration and underwater explosion sound, and soon after, it appeared on the surface with a spray of water after breaking through the water.


    Then it soared to about 10 meters before bursting the first-stage rocket¡¯s booster, spraying red mes and white smoke. And soon soared into the southwest sky and flew away. For a few seconds, these scenes repeated.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023, 06:25,


    Latitude 40 ¡ã 41 ¡® to Northeast 51.08 ¡°39.17 132 ¡ã 56 ¡® east longitude¡± the depth of the sea (Dosan anchanghoam (ssp 089)).


    Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SSP-089), thetest Hok submarine,missioned in 2022 afterunching in 2021 and assigned to the 11th Aircraft Submarine Fleet, has been working for two days to remove Russian submarine power from the depths of the Northeast Sea. Last night, it also shot down two kilo-ss conventional submarines.


    For a brief moment, the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SSP-089) IUSW-B.L¡¯s 02 sonar-type radar, which had been conducting anti-submarine alert operations at a depth of 200 meters in the Northeast Sea in a three-shift mission method for the previous 24 hours, began to make a slight loud noise.


    Therefore, sonar operator First Lieutenant Hong Kwon-gil manipted the sonar console to locate the source of the noise, and the location of the unknown noise site which was marked with a red dot on the battle control room¡¯srge screen.


    It was exactly 0-1-5 in azimuth, 98 kilometers in distance, and 280 meters in depth from the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SSP-089).


    ¡°What? Is it a Russian submarine?¡±


    Tactical control officer Kim Won-hyun, who were checking the red mark on the screen, came into the radar room and asked.


    ¡°We are not sure yet. We¡¯re currently analyzing it with a 3D scan.¡±


    At the words of First Lieutenant Hong Kwon-gil, He waited for a while.


    ¡°Ah! Analyses have beenpleted. It was identified as a Borey-ss nuclear submarine, and based on the amount of air bubbles it must be floating!¡±


    The supeputer of the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SSP-089) selected exactly the sound from the submarine out of the various noises detected and disyed the type of submarine in 3D format on the console monitor.


    ¡± Borey-ss?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the result of theputer analysis.¡±


    ¡°Done! Finally, we¡¯re going to catch a big fish!¡±


    ¡± First Lieutenant Hong! Keep spying and connect all the information to thebat control room in real time!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Hearing the confirmation from the sonar operator, tactical control officer Kim Won-hyun returned to thebat control room and dispatched a deputy officer to wake up Captain Lee Doo-won, who was sleeping after workingte at night.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain! We are spying on a Russian submarine.¡±


    ¡°Re.., really? What its type?


    ¡°It¡¯s like a Boray-ss.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s Boray-ss, then it is the Russia¡¯stest nuclear submarine. Good, let¡¯s go!¡±


    Captain Lee Doo-won, who rushed into the tactical control room wearing only a rough top, was given a brief overview of the situation by the tactical controller officer.


    ¡°Done! Done! Since we don¡¯t have time, let¡¯s start preparing for the attack right away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the attack weapon?¡±


    ¡± For now, there is only ck Shark B. Captain¡±.


    The improved ck Shark B super-joint Dartan torpedo had a range of 100 kilometers, which was double that of the existing ck Shark B super-joint Dartan torpedo¡¯s range of 55 kilometers. And it was only Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SSP-089) of the naval submarine force who had it. As a result, if it had been another submarine, the attacks would have been useless.


    In other words, the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SSP-089) detection of the Russian nuclear submarine was fortunate for the South Korean navy and bad luck for the Russian submarine.


    ¡°Great! There can be only one reason for a nuclear submarine armed with ballistic missiles to float! We¡¯ll attack immediately.¡±


    ¡°Load the ck Shark B into the first and secondunch tubes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ck shark B was loaded intounch tubes one and two.¡±


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023, 06:25,


    Latitude 40 ¡ã 53 ¡® to Northeast 57.88 ¡°136 ¡ã 4 ¡® east longitude 58.62¡± the depth of the sea (the coin the term).


    The 7th Fleet, which led the great victory over the Far East Fleet, was on high alert to find the Russian submarines, as was the 11th Aircraft Submarine Fleet two days ago. However, for the time being, all anti-aircraft radarworks have been activated, and the system has been converted to an anti-aircraft reinforced alert in order to intercept Russian ICBM missiles heading toward Korean territory.


    While all crew members waited impatiently for an anti-aircraft rm to sound, an unknown noise was spreading in the sonar room of the Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005), simr to the one heard at Dosan Ahn Changho (SSP-089)¡¯s sonar room.


    The sonar operator started analyzing the noise and soon reported that it was a Russian Boray-ss strategic ballistic missile submarine. As a result, Captain Na Dong-hyun left the deputy captain¡¯s bridge and went straight to thebat control room.


    ¡°The analysis confirmed the presence of a nuclear submarine of the Boray ss! The distance is 126 kilometers in the northwest and the depth is estimated to be 200, but it continues to rise.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Ahn Hyun-dong, a tactical controller, reported the confirmed information so far.


    ¡°Submarine?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sonar analysis revealed that there were numerous air bubbles around the submarine as a result of its vertical movement.¡±


    ¡°Then it can¡¯t be! Is it floating in order tounch missiles?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I think in the same way as the captain.¡±


    ¡°Can we use the cannon to attack it right now?¡±¡±


    ¡°I believe cannons attacking will be difficult because they are currently submerged. Instead, the missile torpedo Trident is a viable option.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Let us proceed to the Tridentunch procedure. I hope you calm down beforeunching the missile¡±.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hurry up.¡±


    After a while, when the setting for the target waspleted, an S-SSSFM-500B Trident ultra-joint missile torpedo, which could attack with 660 knots underwater and a range of 150 kilometers, fired a blue me at C-VLS4A (verticaluncher).

 Chapter 424 - Chapter 3-4 Russias self-sufficiency.

    <h4>Chapter 424: Season 2 Book 17 Chapter 3-4 Russia¡¯s self-sufficiency.</h4>


    November 26th, 2023, 6:30p.m.


    25¡ã 42¡ä 18.76¡å N 133¡ã 31¡ä 28.04¡å E (Knyaz Oleg [K-553])


    In less than two minutes and as soon as the R-30 (RSM-56) Bba (Nato name: SS-NX-30)unched from thestunch tube and soared to the surface of the water, the sonar¡¯s rm went off in the sonar room.


    ¡°Argh! At 1-7-5 azimuth, distance 5,300, object estimated to be a torpedo and it is approaching very quickly!¡±


    ¡°Torpedo? What are you talking about?¡±


    Sonar operator, Vitaly Denisov, the head of the Sonar Room, ced the sonar¡¯s headset on. Not longter, he was able to identify the noise he had heard through the headset. He confirmed his suspicions by checking the wavelength analysis information on the sonar¡¯s console, then ran to the CIC (Combat Information Room).


    ¡°Captain! We must go underwater immediately. An object, presumed to be a torpedo, is at a distance of 5,500 meters away from us and it is approaching fast.¡±


    In response to the sudden report, the crew members of the CIC froze.


    ¡°What do you mean torpedo? Nothing was detected within a ten-kilometer radius¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Oh my goodness. How long will it be before it reaches us?¡±


    ¡°In about 20 seconds.¡±


    ¡°Are you insane? You said it¡¯s 5 kilometers away, but you are saying it¡¯ll only take 20 seconds to get here? Even if it were a supercavitating torpedo, it doesn¡¯t make sense!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the truth. We must go underwater immediately.¡±


    At this moment, the worst report came from the sonar room.


    ¡°Tor¡­torpedo! Ten seconds to reach!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an emergency dive. Maximum dive angle! Output Max!¡±


    ¡°Arms operator! Four VIST-2s1 shots!¡±


    VIST-2: A small hydroacoustic countermeasure device developed recently in Russia and mounted on a nuclear-powered submarine. It outperforms the existing self-propelled nixina or decoy, which disrupts the target detection system of torpedoesunched by enemy submarines orpletely paralyzes the sonar. It is a deception device that has advanced far beyond its level.


    Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Maxim Shatskih issued an emergency submergence order to avoid the torpedo. As a result, the upper deck¡¯s roof doors were closed all at once, and the Knyaz Oleg (K-553), with a discement of 24,000 tons and a total length of 170 meters, began to fill its four bast tanks with seawater.


    In addition, four VIST-2s were ejected from the two dispensers one after the other, submerging in all directions and emitting a powerful underwater disturbance.


    ¡°Submerge.¡±


    The captain increased the engine¡¯s power to its maximum and pulled the start lever all the way up.


    The submarine became heavier as the bast tank filled with seawater, and when therge screw rotated at its maximum output, the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) submerged as if being sucked in at an inclination of nearly 45 degrees.


    However, the speed of the approaching unidentified torpedo was so rapid that it was unlikely that they could avoid it. Furthermore, it was unclear whether VIST-2, which was being used for the first time, would perform as expected.


    ¡°Five seconds to get here! Distance 980! 4 seconds. Argh!¡±


    The sonar operator screamed and threw off his headset while reporting the arrival time. The sound of the super-joint torpedo running through his headset made him feel like the Grim Reaper was chasing him.


    The torpedo that was approaching at a terrifying speed toward the Knyaz Oleg ship (K-553) was the S-SSSFM-500B Trident missile torpedounched by Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005).


    The S-SSSFM-500B Trident super-cavity missile torpedo, which flew at Mach three, prated the water at a point, five kilometers away from the target and immediately switched to submergence mode, creating a super cavity that allowed it to reach speeds of up to 660 knots.


    All of the submarine crew, who were trembling in fear while holding on to a fixed object, cried or closed their eyes as they became more terrified due to the screams in the sonar room.


    Coo! Crack! Crack!


    Because of the massive explosion, the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) was engulfed in a massive underwater tornado and began to shake violently. As a result, the crew members were thrown in all directions.


    Cying! Cooak! Crack! Crack!


    Strange noises and the sounds of the external armor breaking could be heard from all corners of the submarine. Despite this, Knyaz Oleg (K-553) continued to submerge into the deep sea.


    ¡°What is that? Did we avoid it?¡±


    After some time had passed and the interior of the submarine had quieted down, the crew members who were on the floor, sat up one after another and looked at the others around, unsure whether it was a dream or reality.


    At that moment, someone raised both of his hands and shouted.


    ¡°I survived. Hurray!¡±


    The crew¡¯s cheers erupted everywhere.


    Captain Maxim Shatskih, who had been thrown to one corner of the CIC, awoke as well, thanks to the help of his subordinates.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Captain Maxim Shatskih struggled to sit in his chair, wiped the blood from his face with his sleeves, and asked the tactical controller, Yasur Hassanov.


    ¡°It seems that it lost its target due to interference from VIST-2 and exploded on its own.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s extremely lucky. Check the damage status of each department.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    As the captain said, it was luck.


    The S-SSSFM-500B Trident Ultra-Joint Missile Torpedo exploded about 200m away when it lost its target due to the disturbance caused by VIST-2, which was injected just before colliding with the Knyaz Oleg (K-553).


    Even though therge nuclear submarine Knyaz Oleg (K-553) had some external armor damage, and a strong tornado underwater storm wave was raging, it was able to submerge without any problems.


    Unfortunately, their good luck didn¡¯tst very long.


    A new super-joint torpedo was approaching from 38 kilometers away at a speed of 660 knots in the deep sea. The new torpedo was the ck shark B super-joint multi-tan torpedo, which wasunched by the Dosan An Chang-ho (SSP-089).


    Each department was reporting on the damage status to the CIC of the Knyaz Oleg (K-553), which was stable once again.


    ¡°This is the engine room. There are abnormalities in the reactor and the power transmission engine. That¡¯s it!¡±


    ¡°This is the armed forces room. All the six torpedounch tubes are not damaged and the 20 upper deckunch tubes are also intact. That¡¯s it!¡±


    ¡°This is the hull management office. The outer walls of the port and rear bast tanks have been damaged, resulting in a loss of function. Even though we took emergency measures, it still needs to be repaired. There are only two remaining bast tanks. That¡¯s all!¡±


    ¡°This is the sonar room. Active and passive sonar¡¯s systems are both abnormal¡­Huh?¡±


    While reporting the damage, the sonar operator in the sonar room abruptly stopped speaking. In response, the tactical controller nervously asked back.


    ¡°Vitaly! What? What are you doing instead of finishing your report?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m sorry. Wait a minute¡­Oh! A new torpedo has appeared! A new torpedo has appeared! The distance is 25,400, and the torpedo is estimated to be super-joint! Its speed is over 600 knots. 74 seconds to reach its target!¡±


    Sonar operator, Vitaly Denisov, who was reporting the damage status, reported to the tactical controller through themunicationwork that a new torpedo had been detected.


    ¡°A new torpedo? Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure. And it¡¯s extremely fast.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Please ry the information to thebat controller room.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Report on the damage status of all departments have been temporarily suspended.¡±


    Afterpleting themunication, the tactical controller, Yasur Hassanov motioned that the captain should join him. Captain Maxim Shatskih was receiving treatment for his head injury in the infirmary at that time.


    After a while, Captain Maxim Shatskih ran in with his head in a white bandage.


    ¡°You¡¯re not giving me a break, you punks.¡±


    With a gasp, the captain entered the CIC and looked at therge screen. Based on the information sent from the sonar room, the location of the submarine and a newly emerging torpedo were marked.


    ¡°The distance is 19,800! 58 seconds to reach!¡±


    ¡°Do Koreans only use supercavitating torpedoes? Damn! Anyway, we have plenty of time to solve this. Load heavy torpedoes tounch tubes one and two, and get ready to inject four VIST-2!¡±


    Captain Maxim Shatskih, who had brieflyined, calmly ordered.


    ¡°Yes. Loading heavy torpedoes in theunch tubes one and two and preparing to fire four VIST-2s!¡±


    ¡°Port with 3-4-5 azimuth! Change the submerge angle to 20 and keep the output as it is.¡±


    ¡°Porting with 3-4-5 azimuth! The submerge angle is 20! The output remains the same.¡±


    The Knyaz Oleg (K-553) remained perfectly aligned. In addition, the twounch tubes were loaded with 633mm VA-111 Schyk-valley supercavitating torpedoes. The VIST-2, which had a great effect previously, were also ready for injection.


    In fact, the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) was thetest submarineunched in 2021 and it was a Borei-ss 955A IV, not the existing Borei-ss 955A III. Despite having the same basic specifications and performance as the previous model, the torpedo was reced with a 633mm schick-footed joint torpedo, and two additionalunch tubes were also installed at the rear.


    ¡°Torpedoes one and two have been loaded!¡±


    The captain ordered theunch based on the officer¡¯s report.


    ¡°Launch torpedo number one! Launch torpedo number two as well in case of any failure.¡±


    Following that, a pair of Schikbal supercavitating torpedoes wereunched from theunch tubes. The torpedoes were moving at speeds of up to 200 knots. Also, four VIST-2s were ejected from the two dispensers in quick session.


    Even if the Schikbal supercavitating torpedoes failed to intercept, the VIST-2, which had previously demonstrated excellent performance, could also be relied upon.


    Both countries¡¯ super-joint torpedoes approached each other quickly deep in the sea. After a while, a report from the sonar room stated that a massive explosion had urred.


    As a result, the crew of the CIC (Combat Information Room) and the sonar room continued to cheer. However, their cheers onlysted a few seconds.


    The Schikbal supercavitating torpedo, which wasunched from the firstunch tube, clearly intercepted the Korean Torpedo. What they didn¡¯t realize was that the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SSP-089)unched not one, but two ck shark B super-joints.


    Since the two torpedoes were traveling at the same time at a close distance, the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) was unable to detect both torpedoes.


    Captain Maxim Shatskih, who had received the sonar room¡¯s report, realized this and ordered a second torpedounch.


    Tuang!


    The Schikbal supercavity torpedo,unched from the secondunch tube, self-propelled toward the ck Shark B Cho Joint Torpedo.


    ¡°12 seconds, 11 seconds¡­ 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, 1 second, collision!¡±


    Boo!


    As the sonar room was about to report that the interception had been confirmed, the two sonar detectors and the sonar inspector looked at each other with puzzled expressions, as if they couldn¡¯t figure out what had happened.


    ¡°Did the interception work? Why aren¡¯t you reporting it?¡±


    As the tactical intelligence officer continued to chide the sonar officer through themunicationwork, the sonar detector who was almost in tears, replied.


    ¡°The interception was confirmed, but another eight torpedoes are heading toward us.¡±


    ¡°How far away are they and when will it reach us?¡±


    ¡°It¡­The distance is 3,720, and 11 seconds before it reaches us!¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? 11 seconds?¡±


    Just before colliding with the Schikbal supercavitating torpedo, the ck Shark B torpedo¡¯s pairing was separated, and eight small coal torpedoes which were inside rotated clockwise and popped out. What that means is that only the shell of the ck Shark B torpedo, from which the small-sized coal torpedo escaped, exploded when it collided with the Schikbal supercavitating torpedo.


    Captain Maxim Shatskih, who had been calm while being in charge so far, quietly closed his eyes as the unexpected situation unfolded, hoping that the VIST-2 would save them once more.


    Despite the captain¡¯s wishes, only two of the eight small self-propelled torpedoes were deceived by VIST-2 and exploded, while the remaining six collided with the Knyaz Oleg (K-553).


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Despite each submunition torpedo being small and weak, being detonated at the same time caused such an explosive force that it broke the outer armor of the Knyaz Oleg (K-553), and the shock wave that wrapped around the fusge mercilessly blew up the crew members in the room.


    The entire submarine was fortunately protected due to the triple outer wall and multiple bulkhead systems, but the weight of the submarine increased dramatically as seawater was sucked into the damaged area of the outer wall.


    To make matters worse, two of the submarine¡¯s bast tanks were damaged during the first torpedo attack, reducing the submarine¡¯s buoyancy significantly. As a result, although there were crew members who had survived, the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) gradually sank to the bottom of the deep sea after losing its ability to submerge itself..

 Chapter 425 - Season 2 Book 17 Chapter 3-5 Russias self-sufficiency.

    <h4>Chapter 425: Season 2 Book 17 Chapter 3-5 Russia¡¯s self-sufficiency.</h4>


    November 26, 2023, 06:33 (Russian time 04:35),


    Above Hakasia in Russia (outside air)


    Alpha, Burabo, and Charlie fleets from the 1st Space Fighter Wing carried out preemptive strikes andrge-scale retribution attacks, while hotels, India, Juliet, Kilo, and Lima Fleet¡¯s CFS/A-31SP triangr missions were on the way to the end of the CAMD phase.


    There were currently only 31 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) of Russian strategic rocket forces remaining. The number of missiles continued to fall as the Juliet, Kilo, and Lima Fleet of the 2nd Space Fighter Wing intercepted them.


    The survived missiles could be divided into three types, the first was four RT-2PM Topol (Nato Name: 4 SS-25 Sickle)unched by the 39th Guards Rocket Division, which is nowpletely destroyed by the massive retaliation attack, the second was nine RS-24 Yars (Nato Name: SS-27 Mod2) and finally 18 RS-28 Sarmat (NATO name: SS- 30 Satan II).


    Jureung! Jingle!


    Four CFS/A-31SP three-legged five space fighters belonged to Kilo Squadron intercepted thest remaining RT-2PM Topol¡¯s missiles.


    The four RT-2PM Topol exploded in the atmosphere while disying spectacr fireworks, and the lit pieces fell to the ground.


    <ul>


    Kilo One! I¡¯m the squadron leader. Since the mission has beenpleted, please return as soon as possible.


    </ul>


    -Kilo two! Notice!


    -Kilo three! Notice!


    -Kilo four! Will you treat us a cold beer when wee back? Notice!


    <ul>


    Kilo One! Is it only beer? Because youpleted your mission sessfully, I will also treat you to fried chicken.


    </ul>


    -Kilo four! Oh yeah!


    The kilo squadron, who hadpleted their mission without any problems, were joking to relieve their tension on their way back.


    In addition, the Lima Squadron, whose mission was to intercept the remaining RS-24 Yars,pleted their mission sessfully as well.


    As a result, the Lima Squadron¡¯s four CFS/A-31SP three-legged five space fighters begin their return, leaving behind various fragments of the exploded missiles.


    On the other hand, Juliet Squadron was only able to intercept eight of the 18 RS-28 Sarmat. And received an absurd order which is issued from the control information office of the 2nd Space Fighter Wing before starting the second intercept procedure.


    ¡°Juliette One! I¡¯m the squadronmander. Intelligence officer! What are you talking about? Are you telling me to leave four missiles when I can intercept them all?¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Oh Sung-chul, who was enraged by the absurd order, argued through themunicator.


    <ul>


    Juliet squadron, follow the order, and return after leaving four missiles behind!


    </ul>


    ¡°Juliette one! I can¡¯t understand. Please reconsider the order to keep four nuclear missiles.¡±


    <ul>


    Lieutenant Commander Oh! It¡¯s amand from the headquarters. Perhaps they are trying to intercept them during their third stage of CAMD. So, stop arguing and follow the orders.


    </ul>


    ¡°Juliette one! All right. confirm!¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Oh Sung-chul sighed deeply after speaking with the control information room.


    Whew~


    ¡°What kind of order is this? Why should we leave a nuclear missile instead of intercepting it on purpose?¡±


    Co-pilot captain Na Dae-wan shook his head as he couldn¡¯t understand the orders as well.


    ¡°He said they would intercept them in the third stage! F*ck! Captain Kang!¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Oh Seong-cheol grumbled, then he turned his head and called the avionics control officer.


    ¡°Yes, squadronmander!¡±


    ¡°Exclude one intercept target from each one!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Lieutenant Commander Oh Seong-cheol gave the instructions, and then he opened the squadronmunicationwork and ordered the squadron members.


    ¡°Juliette Number One! I¡¯m themander of the squadron. It¡¯s a directive from the top. Currently, four of the eight targets are excluded from being intercepted. Each unit should designate one of the targets and should be exempt from interception; please confirm order receipt without muchint as it is an upper¡¯s order.¡±


    -Juliette two! receive!


    -Juliette three! receive!


    -Juliet Four! receive!


    After noticing that the squadron leader¡¯s voice was tinged with anger, the squadron members only confirmed order receive without asking any further questions.


    As a result, Juliet Squadron confirmed that four RS-28 Sarmat (NATO name: SS-30 Satan II) rockets had reached its highest altitude, opened their fairings, and separated arge number of nuclear warheads before turning and returning back.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023, 06:40,


    Latitude 25 ¡ã 42 ¡® to Northeast 18.76 of ¡°Tokyo, 133 ¡ã 31 ¡® 28.04¡± (atmosphere).


    While the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) was sinking into the deep sea, its previouslyunched R-30 (RSM-56) Bva (NATO name: SS-NX) soars up from the Northeast Sea¡¯s atmosphere. As a result, Delta Squadron and Echo Squadron from the 1st Space Fighter Wing at Seongnam Base made an emergency sortie.


    In fact, when the Knyaz Oleg (K-553) floated close to the surface andunched the R-30 (RSM-56) Bva (NATO name: SS-NX), it was detected by the CS-SH Ares patrol satellite three. However, because the Sukjong the Great (DDG-1005) and Dosan Anchangho (SSP-089) attacked quickly, this additional information was not linked to thier data base.


    Instead, their database was linked based on the detection information of the Knyaz Oleg (K-553), a Borei-ss 955A III that received an encryptedmunication message from the Far East Fleet and fired an R-30 (RSM-56) Bva (NATO name: SS-NX-30)..


    In addition, the Borei-ss 955A III dimir Monomah (K-551) was also hit by two supercavitary torpedoes while firing the R-30 (RSM-56) Bva (NATO name: SS-NX-30). The result was that its hull sank after the explosion that split it in half.


    Despite the fact that the fellow ship, Knias dimir (K-552), confirmed that there was a Korean navy ship in the waters, and tried to escape by submerging in a hurry, it was caught by Lee Bong-chang (SSP-081), who was ambushed at depth 185, and attacked it with a white Shark A (k-744A) torpedo.


    This tragic situation affected not only the ships of the Far East Fleet, but also the submarines, and 32 R-30 (RSM-56) Bva (NATO name: SS-NX-30) missilesunched in the Northeast Sea were intercepted by Strategic Interceptor Satellite Seven, and the remaining ten were all intercepted in the exosphere by Delta and Echo squadrons.


    <hr />


    November 26th, 2023, 06:45,


    The peak of Buksubaeksan Mountain in Yanggang-do, Bukju (CS-LD Hades Ground Defense Dome No. 5).


    At 2,250m above sea level, on the peak of Buksubaeksan Mountain in Yanggang Province, the third highest in Bukju, there is arge dome equipped with a camouge element that changes color to match the surrounding topography throughout the year. It is split in half and has a barrel length of 10 meters. There was also a triple 100mmser cannon aimed at the northeast sky.


    It was the S-LD Hades Ground Defense Dome No. 5. This base looked very different from the existing Hades 1, 2 and 3 ground defense satellite bases.


    Because of the expanding territory following the end of the First Northeast Asian War, it was critical to construct a new Hades that would be in charge of the CAMD¡¯s third phase. Unexpected noise arose as the base construction project was promoted.


    The existing Hades base was costly to construct because it included 20 silos and an underground base for reloading missiles, and the site needed to be secured is three time the size of Yeouido. In addition, securing 20 S-LSM-600 bident interceptor missiles worth 50 billion won each base as spare supplies was also a big financial burden.


    Because of this, at the beginning of the project, opposition members of the Military Committee of the House of Representatives all opposed the additional construction, calling it a waste of money. ordingly, the Ministry of National Defense and the National Defense Strategy Agency proposed a new concept for the Hades base.


    The proposal included constructing a small ultra-photon sma power nt in the basement and using the energy generated by it to power a triple 100mmser cannon.


    Following the proposal, construction costs could be cut in half whenpared to the original costs. Furthermore, the size of the site to be secured could be reduced to the size of one ser field. Moreover, there was no need to own exorbitantly expensive missiles, and it could be operated for free for the next 100 years. Besides that, small sma power nts could provide electricity to the surrounding area during regr time. It was a case of killing five birds with one stone.


    But there was one problem.


    The key was to develop aser gun with a diameter of 100mm. The existing CFS/A-31SP three-legged Space Fighter or CS-AD Zeus Strategic Interceptor satellites¡¯ 50mmser gun was mostly used in space where there is little resistance material, so it was enough to be used as an interception weapon.


    However, if a 50mmser cannon was used on the ground, the destructive power to intercept could be reduced due to air resistance. As a result, the development of 100mmser cannon was required. Therefore, the construction of Hades bases began in two northern provinces, southern Manchuria, Central Manchuria, and northern Manchuria, with all five sitespleted by November 2022. And it was not until May 2023, six monthster, that a 100mmser gun was developed, and the CS-LD Hades Ground Defense Dome Base 5 was the first ce to be equipped with thatser cannon.


    Bbiing! Bbiing! Beep!


    Emergency sirens rang throughout Hades Ground Defense Dome No. 5. Then, about 50 agents working in the underground control room beneath the dome began to move quickly.


    ¡°The targets have been detected! ording to the data received from Hermes one. The total number is estimated to be 190, including arge number of decoys.¡±


    The operator looked toward the control station and reported.


    Currently, the targets to be intercepted at Hades Ground Defense Base 5 were the four RS-28 Sarmat (Nato Name: SS-30 Satan II) warheads and decoys, which were not intercepted by the 2nd Space Fighter Squadron Juliet after receiving the orders from the top.


    Sixty 500kt nuclear warheads (MIRV) and 120 decoys deployed together for disturbance were flying toward South Korean territory, drawing parabolic lines.


    On the central screen, the altitude, eleration, and falling angle were calcted and the expected hit point was marked with a blue dotted line. Currently, the areas that Hades Ground Defense Dome No. 5 will defend are the southern and northern regions, and the nuclear warheads drawn with dotted lines in the corresponding areas have a rectangr targeting symbol.


    Currently, there are a total of 68 targets that flicker with square targeting symbols, and most of them were military bases, including Seoul and Pyongyang.


    Station controller Kim Min-woo, who was silently watching the central screen, exhaled loudly and lowered his mouth.


    ¡°Set the interception ranking ording to the risk!¡±


    ¡°Yes, we set the interception ranking ording to the risk.¡±


    The operator in charge quickly knocked on the console keyboard.


    Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep!


    ording toputer calctions, the most dangerous nuclear warheads were numbered one by one. The first was two nuclear warheads headed toward Seoul, and the second was Pyongyang. While the numbering continued, control manager Kim Min-woo continued to give instructions.


    ¡°Check the current status¡±.


    ¡°Currently, we can shoot up to 300 shots in a row with 100% output.¡±


    ¡± Setting the ranking had beenpleted!¡±


    ¡°Ask the integrated control room to approve the interception!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I request interception approval from the integrated control room.¡±


    ¡°After a while, the interception was approved.¡±


    ¡°Okay! We are going to intercept from now on. Starting from the first target!¡±


    ¡°Shoot!¡±


    In ordance with themand of Kim Min-woo, theser gun operator lightly pulled theunch handle.


    At a slope close to 70 degrees, a huge red light flew away with a cheerful balsam from the triangr three-extension 100mmser gun pointing to the northwest end.


    Biting! Biting! Biting! Biting!


    Then, as if turning around, the three-extension artillery rotated clockwise and poured out red light one after another..

 Chapter 426 - Season 2 - Part 17 Advance and Defense - 4-1 Conquest

    <h4>Chapter 426: Season 2 ¨C Part 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 4-1 Conquest</h4>


    November 26, 2023 06:50,


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room).


    All eyes were on screen number two.


    On the second screen, there was a video showing arge number of nuclear warheads and decoys entering the atmosphere from the exosphere of the Republic of Korea, exploding one by one in the red light of aser cannon pouring from the ground.


    The destructive power of the red light reaching 100mm was amazing. The red light, which flew at the speed of light, melted the nuclear warhead that fell at a speed of Mach 20 and exploded.


    Every time that happened, exmations came out of the mouths of the situation room workers. And when thest nuclear warhead exploded withrge and small sparks, all the workers in the control room stood up and cheered for hurray. Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the staff, pped hands or shook hands to congratte each other. General Yoon Yoon-yoon also shook hands with themanders around him and said a lot.


    ¡°This, this, this, isn¡¯t it better than expected? You¡¯re done in a minute after you¡¯re intercepted? Hahaha¡± The situation room instantly turned into a festive atmosphere, but a general with a tense expression in one corner sat down with a sigh of relief. It was Captain Kim Eun-ho, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who gave the opinion that the interception performance should be tested with the CS-LD Hades Ground Defense Dome base operating theser gun, which is the core of the newly deployed CAMD stage 3. Chief of Staff Kim Eun-ho, who made an opinion that could be dangerous by putting the lives and property of the people as coteral, was always nervous at the thought of what might happen. General Yoon Yoon-yoon, who noticed early, approached with a bright smile. ¡°This one. I thought he was a general manager, but he was a janitor with a liver the size of a pea? President Kim! Get up!¡±


    General Yoon Yoon-yoon, who approached him with a joke as if teasing him, asked for a handshake. ¡°haha! That¡¯s it. It¡¯s like a gangster among gangsters.¡± Admiral Lee Ki-hyung, chief of the Naval Staff, also approached and joked with him.


    ¡°actually! I trusted Hades¡¯ performance 100%, but I¡¯m a human too¡­¡±


    After shaking hands with General Yoon Yoon-yoon who got up from the chair, Captain Kim Eun-ho took the cold sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and answered the joke with a bright face.


    ¡°Okay, weren¡¯t everyone here surprised when President Kim first made an opinion?¡± ¡°Yes. What¡¯s more, the chairman even approved it, so I can¡¯t tell you how surprised I was inside.¡±


    As a result, the intercept test in the actual battle ended with great sess, so we could exchange jokes like this, but if this incident was discovered in the media and published as an article, the public¡¯s usation and criticism would have been considerable. Also, some officers could even take off their clothes. It was a risky gamble against the people. The Republic of Korea, equipped with a missile defense system capable of intercepting all of the world¡¯s secondrgest nuclear powers in the second phase of the CAMD, and several CS-LD Hades ground defense dome bases that are now more powerful, is now no longer 100 in the delivery of nuclear power from any country. % It is no exaggeration to say that it is safe. In addition, most of the units under the direct control of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces, as well as their subordinate units, lost 80% of their power due torge-scale retaliatory attacks. All the bases of the rocket division operating as silos were destroyed, and only some rocket divisions operating with mobileunch vehicles survived, but all the garrison bases were also in ruins. Far East Fleet¡¯s five nuclear-powered submarines, two of which were hit and sunk, and one surrendered to the Navy and delivered. Now, only one Borey-ss 955A III and one Delta-ss III were left in the Northeast Sea. Perhaps they will either disappear forever from the depths of the Northeast Sea until the end of the war, or there will be only two rising to surrender. Because at sea, there are eight Hoc submarines belonging to the 11th Mobile Submarine Group and five submarines belonging to the 12th Functional Fleet, and five ships Conquest of the first Fleet Destroyer Squadron and eight Hoc Destroyers of the seventh Task Group at sea. In search of the Russian nuclear ballistic missile submarines, they began to scour the sea depths of the Northeast Sea, further narrowing their siege. Moreover, following CS-SH Ares patrol satellite three, a maritime patrol satellite, CS-SH Ares patrol satellite two has decided to be additionally deployed in the Northeast Sea.


    The Korea-Russia War, which continued for two days without a break, developed into apletely favorable situation for the ROK military due to the neutralization of the Russian nuclear force.


    Russia hastily used nuclear power at the beginning of the war, but now it ispletely neutralized, and the hidden card that threatened the Republic of Korea no longer exists for Russia.


    If Russia had led the war with nuclear power, the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff would have established the operation with considerable restrictions in all operations against Russia. However, now that such restrictions have been lifted, the Joint Chiefs of Staff can modify the previously established operational n into a bold and aggressive offensive operation. Anyway, now that Russia¡¯s nuclear power has beenpletely neutralized, the Korea-Russia war has fallen into a lull for a while. Russia was engulfed in shock and put off its vacuum posture for a while, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff also ordered all units participating in the fighting to switch from their current positions to a state of enhanced vignce and have maintenance time. Although the war was not over, themanders and soldiers of each unit, who had not slept for two days and fought fiercely, were able to have a sweet time.


    The Korean people, unaware that Russia¡¯s nuclear power was projected all over the Republic of Korea and thenpletely neutralized, started their ordinary day today, just like any other day.


    <hr />


    November 26, 2023 09:30,


    National Intelligence Service (Cyber Security Bureau meeting room), Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Namju. Namgung-won woke up early in the morning and went to work as the National Intelligence Service after packing some of the equipment needed by the Cyber Security Agency, extra clothes and various necessities enough to stay for a long time just in case. And Namgung-won, who went to work as the National Intelligence Service, visited various departments and shook hands and greeted with employees he knew. Namgung-won, who was alone in the conference room and looked out the window, smirked as he saw the outside scenery that had not changed at all. It was because she had unwittingly remembered something interesting she had done before.


    shudder! ¡°Hey! one! What¡¯s so good that the corners of her lips are raised?¡± He was now Kang Pil-ho, the first head of the Cyber Security Bureau. Kang Pil-ho, who was promoted together when Namgungwon was the second head of department, had just finished an executive meeting and came straight to the conference room to see Namgungwon.¡±uh? Manager Kang! How are you?¡±


    ¡°Haha, if you¡¯re doing well, you¡¯re going to die. I haven¡¯t seen my wife for over a week.¡± The men who had not seen each other in a long time shook hands vigorously and patted each other¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°What if Manager Kang, who is reputed to be a family member, hasn¡¯t seen his wife for a week?¡± Kang Pil-ho looked sideways at Namgung-won¡¯s teasing tone and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You¡¯ll be mine now too hahaha¡± ¡°okay? I haven¡¯t applied for reinstatement yet?¡±


    ¡°Haha, are you finished with your reinstatement documents? From now on, you¡¯re a security officer. Let¡¯s see this~¡±


    From the bag he was carrying on his shoulder, Kang Pil-ho poured Namgung-won¡¯s ID, pistol, and all equipment used by the agents on the table. ¡°what. It¡¯s already over on paper¡­¡±


    ¡°Director Ahn and our director made a fuss saying that you are going to work from today, start with the paperwork and finish it all, so the employees went to work early in the morning and had a hard time.


    Namgung-won put her hand on her forehead at the words of Manager Kang Pil-ho and shook her head left and right. ¡°Wow! Before I even heard the answer¡­¡± ¡°What before I get an answer? Are you here to return to work? is not it?¡± ¡°Ha ha, yes. Anyway, great, great.¡±


    ¡°Hey! get some more rest It¡¯s going to be a littlete because our director ising to the director¡¯s meeting. I also want to talk to you a little more, but there is a lot of work I have to do. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°no. are you okay. Look!¡± ¡°Okebari! Then I go out. Let¡¯s have lunch togetherter ¡°okay!¡± Manager Kang Pil-ho left and Nam Gung-won looked at his ID card on her table. She was no different from her ID before leaving thepany. Just like her engraved picture, her department name was written as Special Security Division in Division two of the Cyber Security Bureau. ¡°Special Security Division? Were there any departments like this?¡± Nam Gung-won, who tilted her head at the name of her department, the first time she saw her, didn¡¯t mind her, and this time she picked up a CS5A oneser pistol. She likes the CS5A oneser pistol, which is smaller in weight and size than the existing CS five, with a subtle silver color and smooth appearance.


    As she listened back and forth, with a satisfied expression on her face, Nam Goong-won took out a shield ss for an agent called SG-TAR contained in her case. It looks like regr Boeing sunsses, but it is a state-of-the-art shielded ss equipped with various functions, and it was also Namgoongwon¡¯s favorite item. She immediately wrote her down and looked around the conference room. She then almost rolled over behind her chair when she was startled. ¡°Ahh! What, what!¡±


    It was because one of her dolls was standing when she looked to one side of her conference room through the shielded ss.


    ¡°you. what? What is your identity?¡± In an emergency, Nam Goong-won held her CS5A 1ser pistol and pointed her gun at an unidentified doll. ¡°Hey! to calm down¡± ¡°What kind of bullshit? Won¡¯t you show up right now?¡± ¡°Kick-kick, okay, okay.¡± She revealed her identity as she giggled as if she was going to dieughing at the unidentified doll.


    An unidentified doll appeared in the transparent state in TCS (Transparent Concealment System) mode.


    Lee Ja-seong, a member of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s collective education, grabbed the boat and caused a riot to the point of leaving the conference room.


    ¡°Hey, you child! are you having fun? fun?¡± ¡°Hahaha, isn¡¯t it fun then?¡±


    ¡°Ana. Since when have you been?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been here since you came into the conference room¡± ¡°OMG! So you¡¯ve been watching me in TCS for ten minutes? Like a pervert?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you know I was a pervert? Hahaha¡± ¡°Yes, child! didn¡¯t know sudden¡±


    The two hugged each other warmly while exchanging harsh jokes.


    ¡°Did you say that you went on a business trip to Hong Kong when you went to the Foreign Intelligence Agency?¡± ¡°I went. But it came this morning. Because of you¡± Lee Ja-seong, who was sitting on the other side of the table, yawned and stretched at the same time saying he was tired. ¡°because of me? Did youe to see me because I was going to return to work while on a business trip?¡± ¡°Hey, look at this guy. Do you think he knows what¡¯s great? Do I have enough time toe to see you on a business trip to Hong Kong?¡± ¡°right. There is no such thing as a perverted personality like you. But why me?¡±


    ¡°I havee to pick you up.¡± At Lee Ja-sung¡¯s words, Namgung-won raised his eyes and clicked her tongue. ¡°What are you talking about?ing to pick you up I¡¯m at work for the first time today. And I¡¯m an insider? tttttt¡± ¡°Haha, I don¡¯t know about that, but anyway, I came to pick you up. After a while, the seniors wille and find out.¡±


    I wonder if the taste of being teased sounded fun?


    ¡°Ah! Seed! Is this terrifying from the start? Are you going to go home?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me earlier? You have been reinstated on paper. You can¡¯t go home on your own. Namgungwon-sama!¡±


    ¡°Noisy!¡± At this moment, the door to the conference room opened and a middle-aged man entered. They were the heads of the Bureau of Foreign Intelligence, the Bureau of Counterterrorism Investigation, and the Bureau of Cyber Security..

 Chapter 427 - Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense - 4-2 Conquest

    <h4>Chapter 427: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 4-2 Conquest</h4>


    November 26, 2023 22:00,


    Over the high seas of the West Sea (in the CMV-100 Sky Bus).


    Namgungwon, looking at the scenery outside the window with an expression of chewing poop like a yellow cow being dragged to the ughterhouse, a lot happened as soon as she went to work on the first day. Throughout the morning, she listened to various department heads exining the details of the confidential leak incident rted to Professor Woo Jin-Gil, and in the afternoon, Nam Gung-Won, who trained the Cyber Security Bureau staff on how to operate the voice call tracking system. went on a business trip. Currently, the crew on the CMV-100 Sky Bus heading to Hong Kong was apanied by Manager Ja-Seong Lee, who was smiling like a squirrel, and two employees from the Special Security Division, a department that he had never encountered while working at the Cyber Security Bureau.


    Before boarding, I found out that the Special Security Division is an unlicensed department of the Cyber Security Bureau, whose job is to travel around foreign countries ording to the information they need, to hack and steal information, which is somewhat illegal. Therefore, the Special Security Division was an unlicensed department, and their identities were also those with unofficial disguised identities that were thoroughly veiled by the National Intelligence Service. The reason why Nam Gung-won is currently following Lee Ja-seong with two agents from the Special Security Division is that the criminal organization in this confidential leak is not a general criminal organization but another national intelligence organization. It was inferred that it could show a research prowess. If so, she would have had topletely dispose of research that went beyond uncovering the identity of a criminal organization and disposing of confidential leaked information. In rtion to hacking, Namgungwon, who can be said to be the unofficially number one in the country, needed the skills of Namgungwon, and she was apanied by the Foreign Intelligence Agency one, led by Manager Ja-seong Lee, along with two special security officers to help her. ¡°Hey Won! Why is your expression like this? straighten your face How do you make such a rotten look because you haven¡¯t seen your wife for a long time? Think bachelor? Hahaha¡± ¡°It¡¯s crazy. Lee Ja-seong¡­¡± ¡°If you go to Hong Kong, I will buy you something delicious, so let¡¯s go with a happy heart¡± At the words of Lee Ja-seong, who continued to tease him, Nam Gung-won turned her head to the other side of her as if annoyed, and closed her eyes. She was worried about her wife, Hyejin Lee, who had not fully recovered, as well as her ownpany, which is currently at the most critical point in her hot topic around the world. This was the reason why she closed her eyes to sleep when Ja-sung teased her while she couldn¡¯t concentrate on these thoughts.


    <hr />


    November 27, 2023 15:00, (Russian time 09:00),


    Russia Moscow Bunker State R-08 (Situation Room).


    After arge-scale nuclear project, when the South Korean military was subjected to arge-scale retaliatory attack at the same time, President Putin, government officials, and the General Staff moved theirmand headquarters to the new State R-08. This was because there were concerns about a Korean retaliatory attack on the existing State R-13 bunker. Currently, there are a total of 20 state bunkers equipped with amand center system in Moscow. In addition to the ambitiously prepared nuclear power projectile attack, most of the rocket divisions belonging to the Strategic Rocket Army suffered close to annihtion. In order to find a way to break through the current crisis situation, the staff put their heads together and held a long meeting. However, in the current situation, it was impossible toe up with a sharp trick or an innovative solution. So, the final solution was to fix the entire area of the currently formed front lines. In particr, the Western Front, which was built by crossing several rivers despite being severely hit, was important. If they retreated over the river, they would have to attempt to cross again to recapture, which could result in repeated power losses. Therefore, it was decided that the Red Panzer Corps, which had been secretly on standby in Mongolian territory, and a part of the 36th Army, which was currently engaged in a back-and-forth battle with the ROK forces on the northern front, would be urgently detoured to the southern end to secure the front line. In addition, after joining the 41st and 2nd Army of the Jungbu Military District into the 29th Army differently from the previous n, the n was tounch a major counterattack when New China began full-fledged military action against Korea in ordance with the Mutual Military Protection Treaty. established. However, the General Staff did note up with any countermeasures or ns for the Eastern Front. Only 20% of the 5th Army, the main force of the Eastern Front, survived, and the third Air Force belonging to the Space Aviation Army also shot down all thetest models. As all the low-ss fighters stored in the airfield were destroyed by fighter-bombers and cruise missile attacks, it had to be seen that there was no more Russian air force in the area of the Eastern Front. And the Far East Fleet¡¯s forces were no longer any more or less than two nuclear ballistic missile submarines and three conventional submarines running away from the South Korean Navy¡¯s anti-submarine pursuit in the deep sea of the Northeast Sea.


    As a result, the Eastern Front was like Mujumunism for the ROK military. Starting with divostok, the home port of the Far East Fleet and the gateway to the Pacific Ocean, the Primorsky Territory and Sakhalin Ind were all in danger of being upied by Korea. But there was no Russian army to stop it. As a result, the General Staff made an extreme choice. The n was to retreat the remaining 5th Army to the 35th Army, thereby opening the way for the upation of Primorsky Krai. In other words, it was to make sure that the Korean military¡¯s eyes were focused on the upation of Primorsky Krai and Sakhalin Ind as much as possible to ensure the fixation of the Western Front. It was not to give the bones to take the flesh, but to heal the wounded flesh. ¡°Can I have an interview now?¡±


    General Chief of Staff dimir Beshastnich, who visited the infirmary set up in the bunker to report on the n developed over the course of a full-day meeting, asked the president¡¯s doctor.


    ¡°It seems difficult now. The shock was so severe that he is now sleeping on sedatives.¡± ¡°Are you still talking?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± ¡°Then when will you get up?¡±


    ¡°Well, if you look at the amount of stabilizer administered, around four or five pm¡­¡± ¡°Okay, okay, let mee back then. I will take good care of you¡± ¡°all right.¡± Turning back with a heavy heart, Chief of the General Staff dimir Besha Stnich took a deep breath and moved to the situation room. * * *


    November 27, 2023 16:00,


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Operation Briefing Room, Joint Command and Control Center, ROK Armed Forces). In the midst of the Korean-Russian victory and defeat trending rapidly toward the Republic of Korea, the operational briefing room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is more friendly than ever, held a final check on the operation to upy Siberia in order to continue this atmosphere.


    The first step in the upation of Siberia was the upation of divostok. divostok, the home port of the Far East Fleet and the storage of various war supplies, was the number one target for upation. In addition, conventional submarines, except for nuclear submarines, had the weakness of being unable to engage in long-term warfare without this port. In other words, the divostok home port was very important for conventional submarines.


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, standing next to therge screen, was briefing, pointing to various ces on the digital map to theser point. ¡°From what we know so far, divostok is being defended by the 33rd Guards Tank Brigade, a unit under the direct control of the 5th Army, and four mobilization divisions.¡± ording to the words of Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, the head of the operation division, divostok was selected as a circle symbol on the digital map and blinked, and detailed information appeared in the form of a footer. In addition, even the garrison units identified so far were marked in detail.


    ¡°The mobilization division doesn¡¯t have to worry about it, they just say that only one tank regiment is enough. How is the strength of the 33rd Regiment?¡± Captain Yoongi Yoon asked a question with his upper body buried deep in his chair. ¡°Yes, the 33rd Guards Tank Brigade isposed of two tank battalions and two-vehicle battalions. The tank battalion operates T-90 tanks, and the vehicle battalion operates thetest armored vehicle, the Kurgs-25 Armored Vehicle (IFV). are doing.¡± At the same time as the exnation, pictures and detailed specifications of the T-90 tank and the Kurgs-25 armored vehicle (IFV) were shown on the screen. ¡°What is a T-90 tank?, this is divostok, I¡¯ll just eat it. Not just the white tiger tank, but the ck panther tank was enough. ¡°Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! It seems that divostok is mainly going to be a street fight. In urban warfare, the role of armored vehicles is more important than tanks, and the Russian Kurgs-25 armored car is thetest Russian armored vehicle, and thebatants are also equipped with thetest equipment, so it seems difficult to think about it. Although they are mobilized divisions, they will also use arge number of portable anti-tank firearms.¡± ¡°okay? Then what?¡± ¡°For a quick and secure upation, it is an urgent proposal to add the first Heavy Armored Assault Brigade belonging to the first Field Army to divostok.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun made additionalments that were not in the existing operational n, Chairman Shin Sung-yong turned his head to themander of the first Field Army and asked his intentions. ¡°Oh chief! Are you okay?¡±


    To the question of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Oh Seong-deok answered with a big smile. ¡°Haha, are you okay? It is an honor. It would be an honor to have the heavily armored assault force of our field forces take over the first upation of Russian territory. Just leave it to me and I will do it for sure.¡± Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun bowed his head once at the words of General Oh Seong-deok and said: ¡°thank you.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it an honor to be thankful? I¡¯ll write it down for sure.¡± ¡°all right.¡± During the warm conversation between the two generals, General Seo Yun-il,mander of the third Field Army, coughed and interrupted the conversation. ¡°this! I¡¯m sorry, but shouldn¡¯t we give something to our third Field Army to raise our major? General Yang!¡± At the joke of Captain Seo Yoon-il, the operation briefing room burst intoughter. After a while, in a friendly atmosphere, the final review meeting of the operation to upy Siberia was over. The n for the upation of divostok, which will be the beginning of the operation to upy Siberia, was as follows. First, it neutralizes enemy air defense facilities with a precision strike using air force and disposes of the remaining troops in the outskirts. Second, the first Heavy Armored Assault Brigade, which was added as an emergency proposal by Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, by air infiltrated divostok, destroyed and stationed military facilities. The third, the 81st Mechanized Infantry Division (Haemosu) crossed the border and evacuated the southern and western ends of divostok to annihte andplete the upation of the 33rd Guards Tank Regiment.


    There was no change in the existing operation except for the addition of the first Heavy Armored Assault Battalion.


    After the two-hour meeting, as they each left their seats to rest for a while, General Seo Yun-il,mander of the third Field Army, approached and talked to Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun.


    ¡°General Manager Yang¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander!¡± ¡°I was joking earlier, but there is also a serious side to it, so let¡¯s allow our field troops to participate in the upation operationter.¡± ¡°Ah! all right.¡¯


    ¡°Haha, did you promise?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will actively reflect it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Captain Seo Yoon-il, who lightly tapped Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun¡¯s shoulder, smiled and left.


    In fact, during the First Northeast Asian War, all major operations were centered on the seventh Task Force. As a result, themanders and soldiers of the seventh Mobile Corps swept away all kinds of decorations from first-ss special promotions due to numerous majors.


    The first Field Army and third Field Army also suffered blood and sweat together, but they were behind the scenes in terms of establishing their major as they were put into the role of reinforcements or the battle of the second front. He seemed to be a little worried that his troops andmanders would be treated like that in the Second Northeast Asian War..

 Chapter 428 - Advance and Defense – 4-3 Conquest

    <h4>Chapter 428: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 4-3 Conquest</h4>


    November 28, 2023 11:00 (Hong Kong time 10:00),


    New Territory, Hong Kong Special District, Republic of China (National Intelligence Service Hong Kong Branch Safe House).


    On the third day after the investigation into each country¡¯s spy organizations andrge-scale criminal organizations in Hong Kong began, an important clue was received from the Republic of China intelligence agency, which has friendly political and economic rtions with the Republic of Korea. It was information that an espionage organization called the ck Tiger had been secretly operating in Hong Kong, the center of the economic city, after China was divided into three countries. The ck Tiger said that the office of President Shin Jin-guk, a secret intelligence agency under the direct control of Hong Kong, had been performing secretly and quietly illegal missions in Hong Kong, such as gathering intelligence and assassination of high-ranking officials in the Eastern Republic of the opposing country.


    The intelligence agency of the Eastern Republic was also told that the Hong Kong mayor, who was killed in a mysterious manner a year ago, presumed to have assassinated when the ck Tigers failed to capture it, and mobilized considerable manpower to investigate.


    Director Lee Ja-seong, who believes that the ck Tiger Corps, who do not hesitate tomit such illegal acts in cities of other countries, has enough relevance to this secret leak, suspends the current mission to all agents and collects information about the ck Tiger Corps as the first priority. instructed to do. It was an order to collect a wide range of information, including all the details of the ck Tiger Corps activities in Hong Kong over the past two years and all the information of the active agents. Namgungwon¡¯s first mission was given.


    It was an attempt to hack the ck Tiger spy organization through the President¡¯s Office of the New Zend State with two agents of the Special Security Division. ordingly, Namgungwon decided to move to Beijing with Division two of the Foreign Intelligence Agency. The server operated by thement room was an independent server operated only through the internal intrwork. In other words, for hacking, it was necessary to directly prate the tin room and hack through the internal intrwork. In the order of work, we first identified the reality of the ck Tiger and then investigated the identity of the agents of the ck Tiger in Hong Kong and the details of their activities over the past two years, but we started at the same time to save time as much as possible. Nam Gung-won, who had to move to Beijing again two days after she came to Hong Kong, was packing her various equipment, realizing that her mission in front of her would not melt away. Currently, Shin-Guk is having a very bad rtionship with the Republic of Korea. New China, which inherited the existingmunist regime of China, was cut off politically, economically and diplomatically with the Republic of Korea, and it could be said that it was no different than an adversary by crossing its borders.


    In such a situation, infiltrating Beijing, the center of New China, was a very dangerous mission, and moreover, the risk was more than doubled because it was a hacking of the tin room server for the purpose of infiltration. Namgoong-won, who she had never dreamed of performing such a mission until a few days ago, epted the reality and checked her luggage once again to make sure that the equipment needed to hack in Beijing was not missing. At this moment, her door opened and one of her face poked out. ¡°Hey! friend! I¡¯m sorry. I couldn¡¯t buy you a good Hong Kong food, but I had to go to Beijing.¡±


    Lee Ja-sung, with only her face protruding, said with a smirk. ¡°Hey! Alright, shoot the pizza! Hungry.¡± Nam Goong-won, having checked all of her luggage, sat down on her floor. ¡°Is it time for lunch?¡± ¡°At that time, go buy some pizza!¡± ¡°I got it, I go. wait! Don¡¯t buy it yourself!¡±


    * * *


    November 30, 2023 18:00 (Russian time 19:00),


    Russia Primorsky Krai divostok. A number of urate ground strikes by the Republic of Korea Air Force fighter-bombers since yesterday have severely damaged major military facilities in divostok. In particr, various radar units and air defense units that were stationed in the outskirts and were in charge of anti-aircraftworks were almostpletely destroyed.


    When the Russians learned that they were not attacking civilian buildings, they moved surviving anti-aircraft forces into the city, and built and deployed temporary positions along the roads. As a result, the wide roads with more than fournes were lined with Russian anti-aircraft guns and armored vehicles equipped with various anti-aircraft missiles. And here, on Arbat Street, the biggest shopping street in divostok, four ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were in charge of air defense with their four-row barrels pointed toward the sky between the closed shops. And these anti-aircraft positions were guarded by toon-level troops 24 hours a day. After a while, heavily armed squad-level troops were scouting at the entrance of Arbat through the lights of street lights. Among the four mobilization divisions protecting divostok, they were members of the 11th Mobilization Division. The squad belonged to the third Battalion of the 155th Regiment of the 11th Mobilization Division, which was responsible for the Revolution Square and the western part of Arbat Street. Amid public rumors that there will be an infiltration operation by the South Korean army soon, the reconnaissance squadrons thoroughly checked the ces and reached the end of Arbat Street. At this time, I wondered if several red lights would shine from the alley on one side, and aser beam that cuts the air suddenly fell, and the reconnaissance squad copsed one after another on the cold floor with shrieking screams.


    ¡°This is Alpha Two! Defeat enemy squad-level troops while moving to Sectors 1-3! more!¡± In the blink of an eye, a horde of Russian squadrons emerged from a dark alleyway. A man, each wearing a thick heavy armor suit, sent amunication somewhere. ¨C This is Alpha Zero! There is no time. Move to the responsible sector and deal with it quickly. There are 18 minutes left until the big airlift. more!


    ¡°This is Alpha Two! Move to the next sector. more!¡± Aftermunicating with his group, calling his group Alpha Two, the man issued a movementmand through his hand signal. Then, the three people who were spreading the four-week boundary from behind moved quickly. Their identity was the reconnaissance strike and assault squadron, the most elite group among the 1st Heavy Armored Assault Brigade, a unit under the direct control of the 1st Field Army. Currently, here in divostok, about 100 reconnaissance strike fighters who attacked in the dark in the state of TCS mode were secretly moving to surprise the air defense artillery and themand headquarters of each mobilization division, which were found to be a risk factor in therge-scale assault of the main base in the future.


    Alpha Two Squadron was secretly moving down the alley in TCS mode to attack the enemy anti-aircraft batteries deployed on Arbat Street, and when they encountered the enemy reconnaissance squad, they dealt with it in an instant. The Alpha Two Squad passed the bodies of the fallen Russian soldiers and ran towards the four ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. When the booster mounted on the ankle operated instantaneously, it jumped several meters as if flying and ran quickly. And after a while, when they arrived at the Imji air defense battery camp, the four Alpha Two squads started to pour their firearms with their various firearms. Numerousser beams emanated from the CS8 Laser Mini Vulcan with six 8mm barrels. A ray of light swept across the floor fell on the Russian infantry who was about to counterattack. Cuckoo! Whoops! Whoops! Although wearing bulletproof vests, the Russian infantry was pierced by a beam of light and fell to the floor.


    bang! Tatata Tatang! Tatang! Tatata Tang! Leaving their fallenrades behind and hiding in position cover, the Russian infantry thrust out the AK-74¡¯s barrel and pulled the trigger.


    Bullets fired recklessly without aiming always flew to the wrong ce. asionally, the AK-74¡¯s 5.45mm bullet that flew urately was blocked by the solid heavy armored suit and bounced off without causing any major damage. As such, the Alpha Two Squad, which deflects AK-74 bullets and pours out an insane amount ofser light, rushed forward and fired a salvo at the now ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.


    At the same time, four red beams of light fell on the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, and the outer armor began to pierce one by one, and the continuous concentrated firepower turned into a honeb and exploded. The quadruple cannon turret soared high into the sky. Kuang! After the first self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was shattered, the remaining three ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns deployed behind them, despite being anti-aircraft guns, moved their quadruple cannons to attack Alpha Two Squadron, and then immediately fired from the 23mm 2A7 cannons toward Alpha Two Squadron. spewed out. Bread! Baba Baba Bread! Bread! Baba Baba Bread! When bullets as thick as an adult¡¯s thumb rained down with a deafening sound, the Alpha Two squad members each activated their boosters to evade. Even with a heavy armor suit with strong protection, the 23mm cannon could be quite dangerous. Peeing! Peeing! Peeing!


    The Alpha Two squad members, who escaped by spilling heavy 23mm bullets flying with a st sound, firedser beams at the second and third anti-aircraft guns in session, and the squad member in charge of the squad¡¯s heavy weapons fired a double 30mm smart grenade mounted on the shoulder. Tuang! Tuang! The 30mm smart grenade, which flew in a parabolic line, hit the turret and hull of thest anti-aircraft gun precisely. Quang! bang! It exploded with colorful sparks. Then, a dark red me engulfed the entire anti-aircraft gun and burned. And the gunshots that had been roaring soon subsided.


    After destroying the toon-level troops and four anti-aircraft guns in a short time, the Alpha Two squad members checked the surrounding area to see if there were any remaining troops at themand of the squad leader. ¡°There are no troops left.¡± ¡°Neither here.¡±


    ¡°Check two wounded here! What should I do?¡±


    ¡°Leave it! We don¡¯t have time to care about the wounded.¡± ¡°Yep¡±


    The squad leader, who received a report of the surrounding situation from the squad members, posted a report to thepany through themunicationwork. ¡°This is Alpha Two! Alpha Two! Come on Alpha Zero. more!¡± ¨C Here¡¯s Alpha Zero, Alpha Two Say More!


    ¡°Sector 1-3 missionplete! more!¡± ¨C Alpha Zero! I get it. Move to the next sector. more! ¡°Alpha two! Let¡¯s move on to the next sector, sectors 1-7. more!¡± While Alpha Two Squad was active, air defense artillery installed in other parts of the city exploded and shattered, and fragments were blown in all directions. And small buildings copsed helplessly at the smart grenade that flew in a parab with smoke tails in all directions as if dancing. And at the southern end of the city, a huge me of several tens of meters erupted. Then, one after another, explosions continued. Quang! bang! Aww! bang! Whoa, whoa, whoa!


    It was a supply warehouse where various missiles used by the Far East Fleet as well as various ammunition used in wartime by the Dongwon Division were stored. Explosions continued to sound as if the loaded rounds were detonating, and the splendid mes spread more and more in all directions, encroaching not only the warehouse but also the entire base. The fire brigade and civilian firefighters within the base that were dispatched to the emergency shelter were chased away by the rapidly spreading mes rather than extinguishing the fire.


    As time passed, various gunshots, artillery, and shy explosions in downtown divostok got worse, and in the end, the mobilization divisionmand headquarters was also attacked by surprise.


    Air raid warning sirens sounded throughout the city, where a surprise attack was in full swing. Suddenly, 2,000 members of the first Heavy Armored Assault Brigade were falling over divostok, embroidering the dark night sky. And when they reached a certain altitude, the members of the first Heavy Armored Assault Brigade switched to autonomous flight mode by detonating the boosters mounted on their backs. The crew members who flew freely like Iron Man flew with their splendid flying skills to gather at a designated ce for each battalion.


    The operation to upy divostok, which can be said to be the starting point of the operation to upy Siberia, was starting in earnest..

 Chapter 429 - Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense - 4-4 Conquest

    <h4>Chapter 429: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 4-4 Conquest</h4>


    On December 1st, 2023, 11:30 (10:30 Hong Kong time),


    The Guryong Penins (near ck Tigers Secret hideout) in Hong Kong, Republic of China.


    On the third day after the investigation into the ck Tigers, a New China spy organization operating in Hong Kong, began, they discovered several locations thought to be the ck Tigers¡¯ hiding ces. As a result, the remaining three teams, with the exception of the Foreign Intelligence Agency division one team that traveled to Beijing with Namgoong-won, moved to their respective locations and conducted a thorough investigation. The first team led by Team Leader Park Gi-oong, watched a building little outside the Guryong Penins¡¯s center.


    Despite being the world¡¯s best financial city, the outskirts of the Guryong Penins were lined with shabby buildings, with several electric wires dangling between them. The team agents watched the opposite building with care, using a variety of equipment.


    ¡°Team leader! I think this is there hiding ce.¡±


    Assistant manager Yang Jung-suk said while lying on his stomach and checking the area with his VR-M2 scope. Then, as he approached the side, team leader Park Gi-oong responded.


    ¡°That¡¯s great; I thought we¡¯d be looking for a few more days.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Team Leader! I think braking in would be difficult.¡±


    ¡°Why!¡±


    ¡°The equipment they use is extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°What do they have?¡±


    ¡°Check it yourself.¡±


    Yang Jung-suk handed over the VR-M2 scope to team leader Park Gi-oong, who used it to inspect the entire building from the ground floor to the roof. He discovered eight doll emitters in the four-story building, as well as a variety of equipment installed throughout.


    ¡°Oh! Look at these guys! Every corner of the building is filled with action recognition detectors, infrared cameras, and vibration wave detectors.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t know about anything else, but the vibration wave detector bothers me the most.¡±


    When they operate in TCS mode, action recognition detectors and infrared cameras could be tricked, but not vibration detectors, which can detect all fine vibration waves.


    ¡°I`ll give it a try.¡±


    Chief Youn Gil-soo, the youngest member of the team, approached them and spoke quietly.


    ¡°No, we<code>ll wait; If you move hastily and they noticed you, it</code>ll be a troublesome.¡±


    ¡°Then, Are we just going to sit here and wait?¡±


    Assistant manager Yang Jung-suk asked.


    ¡°Is that so? If we can¡¯t get in, we¡¯ll just have to wait outside and catch those whoes out.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°Me and the youngest are going downstairs to the first floor and will wait in the car, so Assistant Manager Yang and chief Kang keep an eye on them and let us know as soon as you see any signs that someone ising out! Also, tell Team 4 to be prepared! Do you understand what I am saying?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. Who am I? Where am I? Isn¡¯t that a strategy?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! You¡¯re quick at catching things. Chief Youn! Bring your equipment! Let¡¯s go down!¡±


    ¡°Yes, team leader!¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong and chief Youn Gil-soo descended to the first floor through the stairs, went into a ck van parked in the alley, and their battle with time has begun.


    <hr />


    December 1st, 2023 at 12:00 (11:00 New China Time),


    Changping-gu, Beijing, New China (temporary residence of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s special security department).


    Three days ago, Namgoong-won and his team arrived outside Beijing, safely entered downtown Beijing as ordinary tourists, and were now staying at a temporary motel in Changping-gu.


    The high-tech equipment brought in the suitcase was arranged in one room, and the two special security agents, as well as Namgoong-won, were busy working on something while staring at theirptop screens.


    And the agents of Team Three, who were in charge of their safety, were checking up out for suspicious people outside the motel, in the lobby, and in the living room.


    Namgoong-Won was currently absorbed in the server of the President¡¯s Office of New China, which is connected to the externalwork, while looking at theptop screen and tapping the keyboard. Later, he would have to directly infiltrate and hack the server that only operates as an internalwork, but for the time being, he was attempting to hack the server connected to the externalwork.


    In the small room, the asional mechanical sound of high-tech equipment and the tapping of keyboards continued until lunchtime.


    ¡°Oh! I haven¡¯t done this in a long time, so I¡¯ve lost my skills. ¡±


    Namgoong-won stopped tapping on the keyboard andined.


    In fact, Namgoong-won¡¯s hacking abilities were at their peak when he was at college. But after joining the National Intelligence Service, he has never used all of his hacking skills because he usually gets help from Hoc. As a result, his hacking abilities had deteriorated rather than improved.


    ¡°Manager Namgoong! What we¡¯ve obtained so far is also great.¡±


    Assistant manager Na Sung-hyun, member of the special security department, smiled with a thumbs up.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I am saying. In this world, Manager Namgoong is a legend. Haha.¡±


    After taking his hand off the keyboard for a moment, Chief Kim Young-kyun, the other member of the special security department, said proudly.


    ¡°Legend? No way! It was because Hoc helped me then¡­¡­¡±


    Namgoong-won waved his hands with a bitter look.


    ¡°No way~ Isn¡¯t it true that you pierced Area 51?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct! You are a legend who will be remembered only as a myth in our world in the future. Hahaha.¡±


    The special security guard regarded him as a hero.


    ¡°Stop it, guys! Awkwardly¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. That¡¯s all exaggeration. It¡¯s already lunch time, so should we go out and eat?¡±


    ¡°Oh, time flies so fast¡±.¡±


    ¡°But isn¡¯t it kind of weird to go outside? Our identity¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    ¡°As a tourist, you should go out and eat something delicious. If you¡¯re intimidated by having to hide your identity, won¡¯t you be more suspicious? Don¡¯t you think so? Team leader Shin?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. At times like this, you have to act more naturally and boldly so that you won¡¯t be suspected.¡±


    Team leader Shin Eun-ha of the third team replied with a bright smile.


    ¡°You heard that, right? Let¡¯s all go out. I¡¯ll treat you to lunch¡±.


    ¡°Yes, I see. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    <hr />


    On December 1, 2023, at 14:00 (15:00 Russia time),


    Outside divostok, Kray, Primorsky, Russia.


    After the 5th army was disbanded, Two days ago, and following the Siberian upation operation, the 102nd Armored Brigade, a unit under the directmand of the 8th Corps stationed in Hyeongsan (Unmanned Commander), broke through the eastern border and was maneuvering at maximum speed on the A-370 bridge connecting to divostok.


    It was impossible for the entire brigade to maneuver on the long bridge in normal situation. This is due to the possibility of the bridge copsing or being attacked by enemies, both of which would result in significant damage.


    However, because there was no Russian air force or missile power in the Maritime Provinces at this time, the 102nd Armored Brigade took the risks.


    Moving in the vanguard, the armored vehicles of the 131st Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the 102nd Armored Brigade upied all sixnes and moved quickly on the bridge in two lines. The 58th Tank Battalion, on the other hand, was heading to divostok via the Ussuri Highway, which bypassed the coast entirely, rather than the A-370 road.


    Meanwhile, the 33rd SS Armored Brigade, the only armored force among the units defending divostok, formed a line outside the city to block the 102nd Armored Brigade. The original n was to bring the enemy into the city and fight in the streets with the four mobilizing divisions. However, in response to the surprise attack by the First Heavy Armored Brigade, which infiltratedst night via airlift, the 33rd SS Armored Brigade quickly changed its defensive strategy to defending outside the city while entrusting street fighting to the mobilization division.


    About a hundred older T-90 tanks formed a long nk toward the A-379 road in preparation for arge-scale armored battle in the near future.


    <hr />


    On December 1, 2023, 14:50 (Hong Kong time: 13:50),


    The Guryong Penins (near ck Tigers Secret hideout) in Hong Kong, Republic of China.


    Amunication arrived after three hours of waiting in the cramped van.


    -Team leader!


    ¡°yes! What? Is something wrong?¡±¡±


    <ul>


    I think they¡¯re going out.


    </ul>


    ¡°How many are they?¡±


    <ul>


    I¡¯m not sure, but I think they are two.


    </ul>


    Yang Jeong-suk, assistant manager, replied after noticing two people wearing thick coats inside the building.


    ¡°Okay! We¡¯ll go after them, so you and chief Kang keep watching the rest.¡±


    -Yes, okay. Be careful.


    ¡°Okay~¡±


    Following thepletion of themunication, team leader Park Gi-oong instructed chief Youn Gil-soo, who was sitting in the driver¡¯s seat, to start the engine with his finger.


    Vroom! Vroom!


    While the quiet engine sound of the ck van spreads through the alley, the two ck Tiger agents who emerged from the building made their way to the ck sedan parked on the roadside and boarded.


    ¡°Chase them while keeping the distance until they get a little too far away from the hideout.¡±


    ¡°Yes, team leader!¡±


    The ck sedan moved. And after exiting the alley, the ck van followed from a short distance behind.


    20 minutester, they left theplex downtown of the Guryong Penins and were now driving on a quiet road.


    ¡°Team Leader! I think we can do it here.¡±


    ¡°Well, you are right. Chief Youn, narrow the distance.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±.


    As soon as he replied, chief Youn Gil-soo stepped on the elerator with his right foot. The ck van then elerated, closing the gap with the ck sedan running 100 meters ahead.


    nk nk! nk!


    Team leader Park Gi-oong drew something looked like a gun out from the back seat equipment bag and opened the right window.


    ¡°Get in the firstne!¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±.


    The ck van entered the firstne and soon ran side by side with the ck sedan. And team leader Park Gi-oong shot something through the open window.


    The flying projectile became stuck between the ck sedan¡¯s bo and the left front fender and immediately emitted a powerful electromaic wave. As a result of the damage to the ECU and other electronicponents, the ck sedan lost its control ability and hence, the agent who was driving the ck sedan freaked out and tried to turn the steering wheel, but nothing worked.


    Kiiiiik! Kwaaang!


    As a result, the ck sedan, which was moving at high speeds, was unable to turn on the curve, collided with a guard rail, bounced, overturned, slid up to ten meters, and then stopped.


    As white smoke rose through the dented bo and the cont, the ck van followed the ck sedan and they got out of the van right away, opened the overturned ck sedan door, and checked on the passengers. Because of the crash, the driver appeared to have lost his mind and was struggling with the exploding airbag. The ambnce, which seemed as if it was waiting had sounded a siren, ran and stood up at a frightening speed. Then two men dressed in white robes exited the ambnce and dashed towards the ck sedan.


    They silently nodded when they saw team leader Park Gi-oong, opened the door of the overturned ck sedan, dragged out the two unconscious ck Tigers agents, and ced them on the stretchers.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong and chief Youn Gil-soo assisted the white gown men in loading them into the ambnce.


    Drivers passing by slowly watched the traffic ident blocking the twones, but Hong Kong drivers who didn¡¯t care about others simply watched and passed by.


    It was a natural urrence following a car ident, so there were no doubts.


    When the ambnce left with a siren again, team leader Park Gi-oong and chief Youn Gil-soo recovered something stuck in the ck sedan and immediately followed the ambnce in their ck van..

 Chapter 430 - Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense - 4-5 Conquest

    <h4>Chapter 430: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 4-5 Conquest</h4>


    On December 1, 2023, 15:10 (Hong Kong time 14:10)


    The Hong Kong Special District of the Republic of China (Safety House of the Hong Kong Branch of the National Intelligence Service)


    Team Four leader, Seong Sang-yoon, who was dressed in a white gown, took the two ck Tiger agents to the safe house in a semi-conscious state and interrogated them while they were still lying on the stretcher in what looked like an emergency room.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Guotao.¡±


    ¡°Riwigang.¡±


    The ck Tiger agents, who were lying with their half-closed eyes, answered the team leader`s question in a slightly dim tone.


    ¡°Oh, Team Leader Seong, you¡¯re so good at talking.¡±


    Team leader, Park Gi-oong, who was watching through the monitor in the other room, said as he was a little surprised.


    ¡°He studied abroad at Peking University.¡±


    The Second team leader, Youn Tae-jin, said while looking at the monitor.


    ¡°Peking National University! Our team leader, Seong, has a talent!¡±


    ¡°Be quiet and focus on the monitor!¡±


    Director Lee Ja-sung quietly reprimanded him for continuing to speak during an important moment.


    ¡°What¡¯s your real job?¡±


    ¡°ck Tiger, Hong Kong branch intelligence agent.¡±


    ¡°ck Tiger, Hong Kong branch intelligence agent.¡±


    ¡°What do you do in Hong Kong?¡±


    ¡°Collect information ording to the instructions of our superiors!¡±


    ¡°Take care of the Hong Kong intelligence agents.¡±


    The second person to answer seemed to be the senior.


    ¡°Is your rank higher than his?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your rank?¡±


    ¡°Second team leader.¡±


    ¡°Team leader Seong! We don¡¯t have much time, so just start interrogating him!¡±


    Director Lee Ja-sung gave instructions through the inte during the interrogation.


    ¡°Riwigang! What have you done in Hong Kong so far? Tell me in detail.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only been four days since I came to Hong Kong, so I haven¡¯t done anything special.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? What do you mean it¡¯s only been four days?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I said. I¡¯ve only been in Hong Kong for four days.¡±


    In response to Riwigang`s absurd answer, team leader, Seong Sang-yoon asked Guotao the same question.


    ¡°It¡¯s been four days since I came to Hong Kong.¡±


    ¡°Then, what about the other agents besides you?¡±


    ¡°Everyone has only been in Hong Kong for four days.¡±


    ¡°Whoa! What about the previous agents?¡±


    ¡°They all went somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know that.¡±


    ¡°Then, did you hear about what they did in Hong Kong while you were taking over?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear anything.¡±


    ¡°Do you know the identity of the agents you took over from?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know a name?¡±


    Riwigang¡¯s face and body flinched and wriggled at that moment. This reaction was the result of his attempt to lie. Team leader Seong Sang-yoon, who was aware of this, asked again, this time more powerfully.


    ¡°Riwigang! Tell me a name that you know!¡±


    ¡°I only know the name, Jjang Chun.¡±


    ¡°Jjang Chun?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the team leader of previous agents.¡±


    ¡°Where did he go?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. ck Tiger corps move as a team and know nothing about other teams.¡±


    ¡°Good! Where are the headquarters? Are they in Beijing?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know the location? Where did youe from?¡±


    ¡°I came from Tenjin.¡±


    ¡°Tenjin? Are the headquarters there?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s where prospective ck Tiger agents from all over the country go to train.¡±


    ¡°They are worthless. We don¡¯t have much time left, so give them the medication, and send them to the hospital! We¡¯ll be suspected if we¡¯rete.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Following director Lee Ja-sung¡¯s instructions, team leader, Seong Sang-yoon, nodded slightly to the Team Four agents waiting behind him and approached the ck Tiger agents who were lying down. He then opened their mouths, tilted their tongues upward, and stabbed them with a syringe needle.


    In less than a few seconds, the ck Tiger agents lost consciousness.


    ¡°There¡¯s a city hospital nearby, right? Send them there as car ident victims!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    As the Team Four agents replied, they removed their white gowns, revealing the paramedic uniforms they wore inside, and they rushed to the ambnce with the ck Tiger agents who were lying on the stretcher, immediately heading to the hospital. Following their departure, team leader, Seong Sang-yoon, entered the next room.


    ¡°Damn! I was looking forward to it, but it¡¯s aplete mess. Are they telling the truth?¡±


    When team leader Park Gi-oong, who had kidnapped the agents, said something ridiculous out of rage, Director Lee Ja-sung tapped him on the shoulder and said.


    ¡°When you get that drug injected into you, you¡¯ll reveal everything, starting with your childhood habit of peeing in nkets. Anyway, we now know about Jjang Chun.¡±


    ¡°The problem is that we don¡¯t know where he went or any of his personal information, do we?¡±


    Team leader, Youn Tae-jin, buried himself on the sofa and responded with a desperate expression.


    ¡°We have to find out that now. Why are you all so gullible? Have you only been doing this for a day or two? Everyone, gather around!¡±


    As much as the expectations were high, the disappointment was great, but it was fortunate to know about Jjang Chun, who became their first clue.


    Meanwhile, after arriving at the emergency room by ambnce, the Team Four agents pretended to be paramedics and handed the agents over to the doctors as naturally as possible.


    <hr />


    December 01st, 2023, 15:30 (Kurdistan time 09:30)


    Doubayazat Airport, Ariju, Republic of Kuristan


    At the airport, the southern end of Dowbayaz, the headquarters of the Peace Unit and the base of the 30th Aviation Corps, various Korean military carriers and dispatched civilian aircraft had been taking off andnding nonstop since that morning.


    Whenever military carriers and civilian aircraftnded, numerous troops poured out. These were the troops of the Airborne Ground Fighter Division, who had been urgently dispatched to carry out the mission of suppressing and policing the various horrors that were currently urring in various cities around the Republic of Kurdistan.


    They boarded the transport armored vehicles that had been waiting for each battalion and each departed for the city where they would carry out their security missions. Following the transport armored vehicles, several transport trucks were carryingpletely sealed boxes.


    The transport truck boxes were full of identification chips the size of a grain of rice that could be imnted directly into the human body.


    The Peace Corpsmand center had been considering how to prevent the constant terrorist attacks in the various cities around the Republic of Kurdistan. The proposed n was to imnt an identification information chip in every Republic of Kurdistan citizen. This would help to differentiate citizens and foreigners instantly and to prevent terrorist acts in advance by strengthening foreigner monitoring.


    Currently, the Republic of Kurdistan had been provided with an identity card. However, terrorists or enemy forces could easily steal them. For example, in the case of the car bombing in Soran, terrorists tricked the Republic¡¯s garrison with identification cards that were stolen during the war and carried out terrorist attacks in the crowded market.


    As a result, it was decided to directly imnt an identification chip into each citizen, rather than use an identity card. When the idea of the identification chip was proposed to the government of the Republic of Kurdistan, it was met with fierce opposition. It was argued that it was religiously iprehensible. In response, the Peace unit stated that the imntation of identification chips could be removed at the end of the war of independence. Besides, if terrorism could not be prevented in advance, the damage to citizens would increase and hence prolong the war of independence.


    Under the persistent persuasion of the Peace Command Headquarters, the government of the Republic of Kurdistan, which had been struggling with the decision, finally epted the proposal.


    Thanks to the identification chips, the Peace Unit and soldiers from the Airborne Army Division would be able to identify locals and foreigners instantly through the shield ss optical equipment mounted on their helmets.


    Currently, deportation orders had been issued for all foreigners except Koreans in all territories upied by the Kurdistan Republic. The same was for recently upied Iranian and Iraqi territories, however, Iranian and Iraqi nationals could still be found in many cities.


    The process of imnting identification chips into all 40 million citizens of the Republic of Kurdistan would be difficult, but if the transnt is sessful, it would be possible to prevent terrorism by easily identifying suspected terrorists.


    <hr />


    December 1st, 2023, 17:30 (16:30 Russia time)


    Outside divostok, Kray, Primorsky, Russia


    When the 103rd Armored Brigade arrived on the outskirts of divostok after crossing the A-370 bridge safely, the 131st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, which had been maneuvering in front, gradually fell behind, and the 33rd Tank Battalion jumped forward and quickly spread out into a horizontal formation. Furthermore, the 536th Artillery Battalion¡¯s C-9 Thunderbolt self-propelled howitzersunched 155-millimeter cluster bombs at the 33rd SS Armored Brigade, which was in an emergency outside the northern end of divostok.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Along with the loud roar, the long barrel continued to move and fire the artillery guns. After the first shot, each self-propelled artillery fired at a rate of six rounds per minute for three minutes. In the span of three minutes, 324 shells were fired.


    A 155-millimeter cluster bomb fell over the T-90 tank belonging to the 33rd Anti-Crisis Brigade, which was preparing to perform a maneuver.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Earthen pirs rose several meters tall with the sound of a thunderbolt. A whileter, flying fragments collided with the T-90 tank, which was maneuvering with the sound of a harsh engine.


    Papak! Papak! Papak! Papak!


    The T-90 tank, which was hit by the fragments, had been damaged as a variety of optical equipment mounted on the outside became faulty, and its tank performance deteriorated. The turret shattered and flew everywhere, and massive mes erupted from the hull. Then, it exploded once more.


    The 577th Artillery Battalion, which was stationed behind a building, attempted to save the tanks from the 33rd SS Armored Brigade, which was in danger of being severely damaged before the full-scale armored battle began.


    The 536th Artillery Battalion fired the artillery guns, as did the 577th Artillery Battalion, which consisted of 2S3M Acacia self-propelled howitzers. Although it could notpete with the C-9 Thunderbolt self-propelled howitzer in terms of performance, the 2S3M Acacia self-propelled howitzer, was thetest improved version of the 2S3 ss.


    The 536th Artillery Battalion stopped firing and immediately moved out of the camp as the 577th Artillery Battalion fired its artillery guns at the highest angle possible, using the building as a shield.


    The T-90 tank of the 33rd SS Armored Brigade, who escaped the threat of artillery for a short time, increased their speed and entered a full-fledged armored battle with the C-2 ck Panther tank of the 33rd Tank Battalion, which was approaching quickly from the opposite side.


    The tanks on both sides spewed fire from their muzzles as they got closer to within four kilometers of each other.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    ¡°Sgt. Kim! Dodge to the right.¡±


    Captain Oh Young-heon, themander of the 33rd tank battalion, which was maneuvering at the vanguard, saw the tank aiming its barrel at his tank and shouted at the driver, Sergeant Kim Tae-wan.


    At the same time, shells were being fired at Captain Oh Young- heon¡¯s 301 tank. It may have been due to the avoidance maneuver or pure luck, but the bullet missed andnded on the ground. In retaliation, Captain Oh Young-heon, who sighed briefly in relief, set the Russian tank as his target.


    ¡°Toward 2 o¡¯clock! Distance 4,200, set target number 1! Sergeant Yoon! It¡¯s our revenge. You know what I¡¯m saying, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Tankmander! Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be sure to smash it.¡±


    Staff sergeant, Yoon Dong-won, aimed between the turret and hull of the T-90 tank, which had fired a de bullet from 4.2 kilometers away. The other parts were covered in reactive armors, lowering the chances of being hit, so he aimed for that gap. It was a difficult area if one didn¡¯t have shooting skills.


    Boom!


    The de bullets that fired from the 125-millimeter gun prated between the hull and the turret.


    Kwaaang!


    The entire turret flew backwards as a result of the explosion. A dark red me erupted through the opening. The T-90 Tank appeared to slow down and eventually stopped. Soon after, the control room hatch opened, and the pilot, whose back was on fire, screamed and jumped out..

 Chapter 431 - Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense - 4-6 Conquest

    <h4>Chapter 431: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 4-6 Conquest</h4>


    On December 1st, 2023, 21:00 (Russian time 22:30),


    The city of Primorsky Kray divostok, Russia.


    Two hours after the artillery units of the two countries started firing at each other, the 3.5th generation C-2 ck Panther tank gradually overwhelmed the 100 T-90 tanks, which were ssified as third-generation tanks with excellent performance. And the 33rd SS Armored Brigade¡¯s T-90 tank, which was hit by the formidable firepower of the 8th Corps¡¯ FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopter, was forced to retreat to the divostok city area.


    As a result, the 33rd tank battalion moved to the city area to pursue the retreating T-90 tank, and the 131st Mechanized Infantry Battalion C-21 infantry armored vehicle, which had been waiting in the rear, rushed into the city and dropped off the fighters as soon as they arrived. In addition, the 58th tank battalion, which was moving on the southern end of the Ussuri Expressway, was attempting to enter the city center.


    The troops of the First Heavy Armored Brigade have been engaged in nonstop battles all over the city sincest night, and the Russian four mobilization divisions have been under attack from the 11 o¡¯clock and 2 o¡¯clock directions. The Russian forces started to copse quickly, and a number of troops from the main camp surrendered to the South Korean army, apparently having lost their will to fight.


    Despite the fact that, unlike in other cities, it took a long time to locate and apprehend the Russian army, which was carrying out a surprise attack and hiding in the maze-like streets and various buildings, the First Heavy Armored Brigade was able to take over the majority of the city center and the southernmost areas.


    Thebat infantry squad that got off from the infantry armored vehicles went forward on a one-way threene road leading to the city center, searching the buildings on both sides one after the other, followed by two C-2 Panther tanks and the two C-21 infantry armored vehicles.


    Roar! Crack!


    The C-2 ck Panther tank, which was moving at the lead, stepped on the parked cars, and passed by. Under the heavy weight of the tank, the cars were crushed t and turned into scrap metal. Cars that obstruct toon movement were randomly parked all over the road.


    ¡°Move to the next building!¡±


    The voice of the squad leader was heard through the Turkion-Xamunicator mounted on the squad member¡¯s helmet. As a result, the squad members quickly made their way to the front door of the next building.


    The members of the squad who entered the four-story building built in Russia¡¯s distinct style began searching one floor at a time. On the third floor, several luminous objects that resembled humans were identified through the shield ss.


    After finishing their search on the second floor, they stood in front of the stairs leading to the third floor under the cover of their colleagues.


    ¡°Lily Zero, here¡¯s Lily Two, we¡¯ve identified six luminous bodies, and no personal weapons have been identified. That¡¯s all!


    Before starting the operation, squad leader Sergeant Oh Won-jun informed the toon leader of their current situation.


    <ul>


    Lily Two, this is Lily zero, they could be Russian troops disguised as civilians, so be careful when overpowering them, and if they were civilians, be careful not to hurt them as much as possible. That¡¯s all!


    </ul>


    ¡°Lily Zero, Lily Two, checks!¡±


    Sergeant Oh Won-joon raised his palm and pointed forward after finishing themunication. As a result, the squad members climbed the stairs to the third floor. Then, as they walked down the hall, they leaned against both sides of the front door, where they noticed the luminous bodies.


    Sergeant Kim Joon-il, captain assistant, counted with his fingers, and at the count of three, Corporal Na Myung-joon kicked the front door with all his might.


    Bang!


    With the powerful kick, the front door opened and the squad members moved quickly inside, shouting while pointing their weapons.


    ¡°Everyone, raise your hands! If you rebel, we`ll shoot you. Don¡¯t move! Stay still!¡±


    The squad members shouted in Korean and pointed their guns; whether they understood it or not, the Russians, who appeared to be family members, raised their hands high and looked terrified.


    After a while, Sergeant Oh Won-joon, who returned after searching the rooftop, looked at the Russian family who were raising their hands and asked the captain assistant.


    ¡°What about weapons?¡±


    ¡°There are none. They appear to be a normal civilian family living in this house.¡±


    The Russians shaking and raising their hands appeared to be a typical Russian family, which consisted of a grandmother, a middle-aged man, a middle-aged woman who appeared to be his wife, and three children who appeared to be their children.


    ¡°Put your guns down!¡±


    Sergeant Oh Won-joon ordered the squad members as if he was sorry for the trembling Russian family.


    ¡°Leader! Shall we move to the next building?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Sergeant Oh Won-joon, who was giving the orders, noticed that the middle-aged man¡¯s face was more tense than he expected.


    ¡°Hey! You! Get up!¡±


    Sergeant Oh Won-joon activated the function of interpreting Korean into Russian by operating the control X-K02 terminal mounted on his left arm. His words were heard as neutral Russian.


    The middle-aged man who was raising his hand was taken aback when he heard this.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he appear suspicious? His clothes appear to be too big for him.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s true.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Joon-il, captain¡¯s assistant, was also suspicious of the middle-aged man.


    ¡°You, get up.¡±


    The middle-aged man, who hesitated even after understanding, did not get up at first, and when he was asked again in a strong tone to get up, he pretended to get up slowly before suddenly grabbing something from under the sofa, pulling it, and throwing it at the squad, before dashing towards the window. Everything happened in the blink of an eye.


    Jjuung! Jjuung!


    The members of the squad reacted instinctively by firingser beams at the sudden action. Severalser beams pierced the man¡¯s back as he attempted to run through the window. And Sergeant Oh Won- joon¡¯s voice rang in the living room.


    ¡°It¡¯s a grenade. Avoid it!¡±


    Sergeant Oh Won-joon, who saw the grenade spinning around after falling on the floor, threw himself toward it without thinking and wrapped it.


    Boom!


    Sergeant Oh Won-joon¡¯s body was shaken by the explosion, and smoke slowly rose up from his body.


    ¡°Oh, shit! Squad leader!¡±


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Damn!¡±


    Sergeant Oh Won-joon, who blocked the grenade with his body in a split second, said nothing and lost consciousness.


    <ul>


    Lily Two, this is Lily Zero, what was that? What¡¯s going on? What exploded?


    </ul>


    When the explosion on the third floor urred, the toon leader, who was waiting for thebat infantry to finish the search, immediately sent outmunication.


    ¡°Lily Zero, here is Lily Two, ah! The squad leader blocked the grenade with his body.¡±


    <ul>


    Grenade? Are they Russian troops?


    </ul>


    ¡°We think so.¡±


    <ul>


    Sergeant Oh, is he okay?


    </ul>


    ¡°We are checking right now.¡±


    While captain assistantmunicated with the toon leader, another squad member examined Sergeant Oh Won-joon, who was lying on his back, facing the ceiling, and smoke rose from him with the smell of gunpowder.


    ¡°Cough! Cough!¡±


    When he was about to self-diagnose Sergeant Oh Won-joon with the control X-K02 terminal, the Sergeant woke up coughing.


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s good! I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Sergeant Oh Won-jin, who was unconscious because of the instant shock, woke up with the help of the squad member.


    ¡°Oh! I don¡¯t want to experience this again¡±.


    He joked with the squad members who were looking at him with worry after removing his bulletproof vest.


    ¡°Ah! The squad leader just woke up. Fortunately, I don¡¯t think he got hurt anywhere.¡±


    -Is that true? That¡¯s a relief. Slowlyplete your mission ande down! That¡¯s it!


    ¡°Lily Zero, Lily two checks!¡±


    Afterpleting themunication, the captain assistant approached Sergeant Oh Won-jin and said.


    ¡°Oh, I was worried. Squad leader!¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! I almost went to the other world with only two months left before my discharge. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Woah! Are youughing now?¡±


    ¡°Then, should I cry? I shouldugh as I am still alive.¡±


    Sergeant Oh Won- joon¡¯s body could have turned into a honeb if he hadn¡¯t been wearing a protective suit and a bulletproof vest.


    ¡°What the hell is this bastard? This crazy bastard was trying to kill everyone here.¡±


    Corporal Na Myung-joon expressed his anger by tapping the middle-aged man lying upside down with his military feet. Then the middle-aged woman, who was trembling, said something in Russian.


    ¡°What did thisdy say?¡±


    Private Kim Gil-soo, the youngest member of the quick-witted squad, turned on the trantion function on the control X-K02 terminal. Then, what the middle-aged woman said was written in Korean on the terminal screen.


    ¡°Oh! This guy, he¡¯s not a member of my family. He¡¯s a deserter who broke into our house this morning, threatened the children, and hid here.¡±


    Private Kim Gil-soo read the tranted text.


    ¡°That crazy bastard, does he have the right to kill anyone since he is a Russian soldier? This little brat ¡­. Search! Even though there would be nothing since he is a deserter.¡±


    ¡°Yes, squad leader!¡±


    After a while, Corporal Na Myung-joon shook his head and said.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I thought so. Let¡¯s wrap it up here and get out of here because there aren¡¯t just one or two buildings left to search and we¡¯re wasting our time here.¡±


    Leaving the trembling Russian family behind, Sergeant Oh Won-joon¡¯s squad moved to search the next building.


    <hr />


    On December 2, 2023, at 07:00 (Russian time 08:00),


    Watching Primorsky Kray divostok, Russia.


    The street fight, which took ce all night, did not end until 5 a.m. About 50 soldiers from the 102nd Armored Brigade and the First Heavy Armored Brigade deployed in the city battle were injured, but fortunately, there were no casualties.


    The city hall and neighboring buildings were lined with Russian troops who had surrendered or been captured during the battle. The majority of them were soldiers from the mobilization division, and the total number of them was around 5,000.


    Because there were more prisoners than expected, themand of the 102nd Armored Brigade and the First Heavy Armored Brigade, which were currently deployed in the divostok upation operation, found themselves in a difficult situation. Because there was no suitable prisoner camp, they were temporarily housed in the city hall and neighboring buildings and were monitored, but this will be a problem in the future.


    In addition to food procurement, they had to feed up to 5,000 inmates. And when the first Heavy Armored Brigade returned to home country, the 102nd Armored Brigade had to carry out the surveince missions.


    The proposal to solve this was to release the criminals from divostok prison and hold them there instead, but this was rejected due to concerns that releasing the criminals would make it difficult to keep the city safe.


    ordingly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff issued an order releasing all general soldiers except those at the executive level. This was due to the fact that it was not a regr force, but rather a mobilization division force that was mobilized during the war, and thus did not pose a significant threat in the current situation.


    Currently, over 5,000 prisoners with their hands tied stood in the square in front of the city hall. Then, using the badge of rank attached to their chests, they were divided into two lines: soldiers with a sergeant-level or higher executives and general soldiers. There were approximately 800 a sergeant-level or higher executive, and the remaining 4,000 soldiers were general soldiers.


    After a while, the sergeant-level or higher executives returned to the building next to the city hall, and the remaining soldiers were released. As a result, the prisoners caressed the tied wrist and gazed at the South Korean military official holding a loudspeaker in front of them.


    ¡°Ah, test, test, you guys are now free. Return to your home on your own. And don¡¯t point a gun at our Korean army again; if we see you again on the battlefield, you won¡¯t have the same luck as you do now. Everyone, please go home.¡±


    When the South Korean military official announced that they would be released after being apprehended just hours before, the captives looked puzzled.


    ¡°I am saying you are free. Go home and have a warm rice meal. Oh! Is it bread, not rice? Anyway, you guys are free. Go home.¡±


    After several shouts into the loudspeaker, the prisoners finally understood the situation and slowly turned away..

 Chapter 432 - Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense - 5-1 Step on the Tail

    <h4>Chapter 432: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 5-1 Step on the Tail</h4>


    December 2nd, 2023, at 10:00,


    Underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    This morning, in the underground bunker, the president and other high-ranking officials gathered to watch the g hoisting ceremony currently being held at divostok City Hall.


    The Korean-Russian War, the Second Northeast Asian War, began. After Khabarovsk city, divostok was the second Russian territory to be upied. Because the Triangle annihtion operation was in full swing at the time of the Khabarovsk upation, and for the sake of the military operation¡¯s security, there was no publicity about the upation.


    However, the upation of divostok, the second upied city, was announced to the world this time, through a live streaming of the g hoisting ceremony.


    In fact, divostok was a vital and significant city for Russia. In terms of entering the Pacific Ocean, it was the only floating port that could keep its port open all year by using icebreakers in the winter, as well as being the home port of the Far East Fleet. To put it another way, losing divostok means losing the bridgehead to the vast Pacific Ocean.


    Nothing mattered more to Russia than this. In fact, the reason for Russia¡¯s demand from the Korean government to hand over Hokkaido, which triggered the Korea-Russia war, was to increase their influence in the Pacific Ocean.


    Troops of the First Heavy Armored Brigade, wearing futuristic heavy armors, and various tanks and armored vehicles of the 103rd armored brigade, as well asbat infantry of armored vehicle, lined up nicely in the spacious square, singing in a powerful voice to the melody of the national anthem spreading from the speaker.


    In front of City Hall, the 30-meter-high hoisting pole was prepared by the engineers in advance and installed. Following the chanting of the national anthem, the hoisting crew slowly hoisted therge Korean g with modest movements.


    The g hoisting ceremony is currently being broadcast live to all media outlets around the world, as well as South Korea. Any country interested in the Korean-Russian war, regardless of the time zone, followed it via the breaking news. Russia attempted to obstruct not only domestic broadcasts but also breaking news from other countries. They couldn¡¯t, however,pletely stop it.


    This was because there was a broadbandwork called the Inte in the 21st century.


    ¡± Great Korean People, stay true to the Great Korean way.¡±


    When the fourth verse of the national anthem waspleted, the soldiers in the square raised their hands and cheered.


    They each hugged and shouted with a big smile, and the exaggerated soldiers¡¯ actions as they directed a festive mood were broadcast live through the broadcast camera.


    ¡°Hahaha, it seems that the Joint Chiefs of Staff paid attention to this.¡±


    Minister of Justice Park Bum-tae, who was watching the hoisting broadcast, smiled at the soldiers¡¯ actions that seemed a little excessive.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m saying. Our soldiers are skilled fighters, but their acting abilities are limited. Haha.¡±


    Even Minister of Unification and Policy Kim Young-chul responded with a smile.


    ¡°Do you think the soldiers¡¯ expressions are exaggerated? I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    Unlike other high-ranking officials, President Choo Un-hee said while watching the broadcast with a pleased look.


    ¡°If I had been there, I would have cheered even louder than the soldiers. Patriotism is something thates out without knowing it. It is an insult to suspect the sincerity of our soldiers and consider it an act. ¡±


    The two ministers¡¯ faces flushed with embarrassment as President Choo Un-hee scolded them.


    ¡°I share the president¡¯s sentiments. Since the national g of our country is hoisted in a ce where lives are at stake, I believe it is an act performed from the heart without realizing it. It¡¯s a truly heartbreaking performance.¡±


    When Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hee agreed with the president, Ministers Kim Young-chul and Park Bum-tae both patted their hair in embarrassment.


    ¡°This! I didn`t think properly. I¡¯m sorry, President!¡±


    ¡°It appeared that I spoke hastily. I¡¯m ashamed of myself.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize for anything. Each person may have a different perspective. Don¡¯t be too concerned about it.¡±


    The event associated with the national g hoisting ceremony has already concluded during the president¡¯s conversation with high-ranking officials.


    Following the broadcast, the president and other high-ranking officials went to the conference room to receive updates on the Korea-Russia war.


    The meeting began with a question from the president.


    ¡°Before the status report, is it true that none of our soldiers died during the upation of divostok? Even though I had received a report from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I found it difficult to believe.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. President! There are no fatalities, but 57 solider have been injured. The majority of the injuries are minor. As a result, the soldiers can still carry out the battle.¡±


    Minister of National Defense Kang Ui-sik proudly replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. There were a lot of casualties on the Western Front at the start of the war, which has been very mentally difficult, but hearing that there are no more casualties during the various battles, including divostok, makes me feel better.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I and the Joint Chiefs of Staff made a mistake in our judgment during the battle on the Western Front, and as a result, our soldiers paid a high price.¡±


    Minister Kang Ui-sik, who had just responded proudly, bowed his head slightly this time.


    ¡°Minister Kang! I didn¡¯t mean to reprimand you for that. You are not a god, so is it possible that all of your decisions are 100 percent correct? However, in the future, please make your decisions as carefully as possible in order to minimize the sacrifices of our young soldiers who will carry our future. I¡¯d ask you as a mother rather than as President.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President! I¡¯ll keep that in my mind.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Then! Let¡¯s start the meeting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    The one-star general, who had been sitting on the edge of the conference table the entire time, stood up and walked toward the conference room screen.


    He was Brigadier General Hwang Dae-hoon, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s Operations Division, came out to report the war status and future operations on behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Salute! I¡¯m the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s Operations Division! Brigadier General! Hwang Dae Hoon.¡±


    Brigadier General Hwang Dae-hoon introduced himself with a big salute and coughed nervously before beginning his briefing on the status of the war.


    After two hours of listening to Brigadier General Hwang Dae- hoon¡¯s briefing, someone quietly entered the conference room and whispered a few words to Lee Young-jin, director of the National Intelligence Service.


    Director Lee Young-jin appeared surprised and hurriedly unfolded the report he had received. His surprised expression hardened into a solemn one.


    At the end of his briefing, Brigadier General Hwang Dae-hoon saluted and returned to his seat. Then Director Lee Young-jin stood up and informed the president of the report he had just received.


    ¡°Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°This is what I just got. It has been reported that violence against Koreans and Asians presumed to be Koreans has urred throughout Russia.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? What do you mean by violence?¡±


    President Choo Un-hee asked back, pulling her upper body forward in response to the unexpected report.


    ¡°Russian citizens who witnessed today¡¯s g hoisting ceremony aremitting indiscriminate violence and arson against Koreans and Asians mistaken for Koreans, particrly in Bryansk and Kursk. The problem is that the Russian government and local governments do nothing tobat such violence, and the damage is growing.¡±


    ording to the 2020 Foreign Korean Inclusion Policy, many Koreans living abroad who faced humiliation and treatment returned to their homnd Korea with policy support, but there were still many Koreans called Goryeoin and their descendants throughout Russia.


    In addition, there were international students, businessmen who visited Russia for business, and many tourists, and due to the sudden outbreak of the Korean-Russian War, they were still there.


    During the early stages of the Korean-Russian War, the entire staff of the Korean Embassy in Russia was mobilized to seek refuge in neighboring countries, but they failed to do sopletely. This is due to the Russian government¡¯s closure of all borders.


    In response, they evacuated to the cities of Bryansk and Kursk, which are close to the Ukrainian border and have the lowest risk of war and gave some safety instructions. As that they should never leave their hotels or dormitories and should conceal their Korean citizenship as much as possible.


    However, when some Russian citizens discovered that therge national g hoisting ceremony was being held in the square in front of divostok¡¯s city hall this morning, the news spread throughout Russia, and Russian citizens, engulfed in uncontroble rage, began to engage in relentless violence against Asians. Naturally, the most violence urred in the cities of Bryansk and Kursk, where Koreans gathered in greater numbers than in any other city.


    Boom!


    In response to Director Lee Young-jin¡¯s report, Minister Kang Ui-sik hit the table. Because of his erroneous judgment, he overlooked the warlike nature of the majority of Russians. As a result, the g-raising ceremony in divostok, held to boost the morale of the Korean people and soldiers, has returned to a situation in which the harm outweighs the benefits.


    ¡°What do you mean when you say they¡¯re doing nothing tobat violence? Are you implying that the Russian government pretends to be unaware of the violence?¡±


    When asked again by the president, Director Lee Young-jin nodded and answered briefly.


    ¡°Yes, President¡±.


    President Choo Un-hee¡¯s facial expression was nk as a result of the Russian government¡¯s behavior, which defied logic andmon sense, and she was speechless.


    Currently, the Republic of Korea is making every effort to ensure the safety of Russian civilians in its country following the outbreak of the war. Various foods were procured for international students and long-term residents to stay at the amodation for an extended period of time, and tourists were also allowed to stay for an extended period of time through agreements with major hotels or to leave for Russia or other countries if possible.


    It was a very different measure than Russia¡¯s current violence against Koreans and Asians.


    This was the war partners¡¯ consideration for their own people, a reasonable andmon-sense measure, and an international custom.


    ¡°President! It seems that we overlooked the Russian<code>s nature. I should</code>ve seen thising, it is all my fault. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Minister Kang Ui-sik apologized while bowing his head deeply.


    ¡°Minister Kang is not to me for this. It is the Russian government¡¯s fault for ignoring internationalw and allowing the violence to continue.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who was taken aback by the unexpected situation, stated emphatically while looking at high-ranking officials.


    ¡± Minister Kang Kyung-hee!¡±


    ¡°Yes, President!¡±


    ¡°Call the Russian ambassador right now and warn him. If they didn¡¯t suppress the violence against the Korean people and Asians, we¡¯d erase Moscow from the map within an hour. Not only that, but we will locate and destroy all industrial facilities that support the Russian economy, as well as small factories. ¡±


    President Choi Eun- hee¡¯s remarks were not a slip of the tongue. If she gave the order, the Republic of Korea had the military power to wipe out not only Moscow, but all of Russia from the face of the Earth.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll take action right away.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee replied in a solemn tone to the president¡¯s instructions.


    ¡°Minister Kang Ui-sik directs the Joint Chiefs of Staff to immediately mobilize forces capable of annihting all of Moscow at once.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will..¡±

 Chapter 433 - Advance and Defense - 5-2 Step on the Tail

    <h4>Chapter 433: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 5-2 Step on the Tail</h4>


    On December 2, 2023, 13:00,


    Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    Ambassador Egor Tithov, who had been staying at the embassy since the outbreak of the Korean-Russian war, arrived at the Foreign Ministry building with a fazed expression in response to Minister Kang Kyung- hee¡¯s unexpected call.


    As he walked into the reception room, his face crumpled even more. This was due to the fact that the reception room was not a VIP room, but rather a general one.


    Even though this measure appeared to be possible because he was the ambassador of the war partner, it proved how strongly the Korean government currently opposes Russia.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I saw you.¡±


    Ambassador Egor Titov greeted him with a forced smile, leaving his ufortable feelings behind.


    ¡°Please have a seat.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who replied in a hushed tone, looked at Ambassador Egor Titov, who was sitting on the sofa opposite, with a nk expression.


    ¡°May I ask for the reason of the call?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get right to the point, shall we? Please suppress the violence against our people across Russia as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t clear whether the Ambassador was acting or genuinely didn¡¯t know because he hadn¡¯t received the information, as he replied with a look that he had never heard of such a thing.


    ¡°It makes no difference. Whether you¡¯re aware of it or not. All you have to do now is contact your home country and tell them that if they don¡¯t deal with the current violence properly, we¡¯llunch a massive retaliatory attack.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That is why I am asking. What exactly do you mean by ¡°violence¡±? Shouldn¡¯t you exin it, so I understand?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a devious act.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee immediately recognized that Ambassador Egor Titov had purposefully pretended not to know.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the need to exin it. Whether you are aware of it or not, just report what I said to your home country. ¡±


    ¡°Ha! You¡¯re so mean. Minister! You¡¯ve known me for years. Isn¡¯t it rude to lead the conversation like this? ¡±


    ¡°Will you keep up your act? Anyway, if my words aren¡¯t delivered to your country and actions aren¡¯t taken within an hour, Moscow will vanish from the.¡±


    Boom!


    Ambassador Egor Titov, who was attempting to steer the conversation deftly, appeared to be enraged by Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s threatening remarks, and he mmed his fist into the conference table.


    ¡°No! What does that mean? No matter how much powerful you are, you¡¯re going to erase Moscow, the capital of Russia, where millions of civilians live?¡±


    Do you think it will be Moscow only? All industrial facilities that support the Russian economy will be turned to ashes. ¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee conveyed President Choo Un-hee¡¯s anger to Ambassador Egor Titov.


    ¡°Huh! That<code>s really! Did you call me to make such a threat? It doesn</code>t even make any sense. You are keep talking as if Korea has already won the war. You¡¯d be unable to handle our massive attack sooner orter.¡±


    To avoid being pushed out of the conversation, Ambassador Egor Titov made absurd arguments.


    ¡°There are 58 minutes left.¡±


    Ambassador Egor Tithov looked at his watch and said.


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s 58 or 5 minutes, do whatever you want. Do you think we, Russia, will be scared?¡±


    ¡°Ambassador Titov! There are a total of 20 ces where President Putin is hiding in Moscow, right? R-01 through R-20 are the states. Right? They were at R-13 not long ago, right? Well, I am not sure where he is hiding now, but if we blow up a 100-kilometer radius around Moscow, does that even matter where President Putin and the General Staff are hiding? ¡±


    ¡°What? What did you just say? Are you saying that you¡¯ll ughter millions of civilians just to kill the president of another country?¡±


    ¡± ughter¡­¡­, I am not sure if it was appropriate for the ambassador to bring up the subject of ughter. As your country fired hundreds of strategic nuclear missiles at our Republic of Korea.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by nuclear missile? There was not even a single missile with nuclear warheads.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything that even elementary school students will find hard to believe. That¡¯s so naive. Titov, Ambassador! Time moves on. There are only 55 minutes left.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again: do whatever you want. However, keep in mind that if you do as you wish and cause any harm to Moscow, Korea will bebeled as a civilian ughter state by the internationalmunity and will face international restraint.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee changed his sitting position, crossed his legs, and smiled.


    ¡°Pfft! Do you think Korea is what it used to be? Since a while, the Republic of Korea, which is aware of the internationalmunity, has vanished.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee spread his hands and gestured that there was no problem.


    ¡°Hmph! We`ll see about this.¡±


    The heart of Egor Tithov was bubbling.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything else we could say. But wait, there¡¯s one more thing. We are currently preparing for a mission with two GOABs (Grandfather Of All Bombs) that the Aerospace Force will drop over Moscow.¡±


    GOAB (Grandfather of All Bombs), which Minister Kang Kyung-hee said, was actually a nickname, and that the official name was X-PSB (sma Super Bomb), a 100Mt bomb that was twice as powerful as Russia¡¯s 56Mt ss, the world¡¯s strongest. It was an annihtion weapon capable of influencing the Earth¡¯s rotation axis.


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee gave it this name in reference to the FOAB (Father of All Bombs), which Russia ims is the most powerful conventional bomb in the world. That is, the grandfather of all bombs was more powerful than the father of all bombs.


    ¡°Now! This is brief information about GOAB. Watch it on your way.¡±


    He got up from his seat and put the document down on the table.


    It meant that, ¡®just get the document and leave.¡¯


    ¡°I won¡¯t see you off.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your hospitality. Then I¡¯ll get going now.¡±


    Ambassador Egor Tithov spoke sarcastically, grabbed the document on the table, and walked out of the reception room without looking back.


    Russia¡¯s fate now rests on the decision of Ambassador Egor Titov. Whether he takes the current situation seriously and convinces the Russian government, or whether he dismisses it as a threat. In any case, his decision would be known in 45 minutes.


    <hr />


    On December 2, 2023, at 13:30,


    Namju Road, Sajamun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (in an official vehicle of the Russian Embassy in Korea).


    Ambassador Egor Tithov kept looking at his wristwatch, as if Minister Kang Kyung- hee¡¯s threats were bothering him. He was also bothered by the document in his right hand.


    The document included detailed specifications for the X-PSB (sma Super Boost Bomb) known as the GOAB. It was written that if just one bomb exploded in Moscow, the radius of 100 kilometers from the st center would be turned into an uninhabitable hell for many years. And there would be two of them flying to Moscow.


    It was difficult to dismiss it simply as a threat. Considering the Republic of Korea¡¯s military power in the Rusia-Korean Wars during both the First and Second Northeast Asian Wars, this is a sufficiently usible reality.


    ¡°Oh, damn. What should I do? Should I report it?¡±


    Because of theplexity, Egor Titov, which was looking out the window at the peaceful scenery of downtown Seoul, had a headache.


    ¡®If I don¡¯t report this and it goes wrongter, I can be the only one who can get punished. It would be better to report it first.¡¯ After organizing his thoughts, Ambassador Egor Tithov gave instructions to the secretary-general sitting in the passenger seat.


    ¡°Please contact the Foreign Minister as soon as we arrive at the embassy¡±.


    ¡°Yes, ambassador!¡±


    <hr />


    On December 2, 2023, 13:50 (Russian time 07:50),


    Russian Ivanovskaya Ost Ivanovo¡¯s outside air ticket.


    The first CFS/A-31SP three-legged space fighter of the First Space Fighter Wing Alpha Squadron, equipped with two X-PSBs (sma Super Booster Bombs) in the internal armament, was just passing over Ivanovo in the exosphere at a speed of Mach 20.


    It arrived in Moscow, the intended destination, in less than ten minutes.


    ¡°Ha! I never imagined I¡¯d be on a mission to Project GOAB.¡±


    Captain Oh Tae-bin, the co-pilot, smoothed his trembling chest and exhaled deeply.


    ¡°Me neither. I thought GOAB was just a symbolic weapon; I never imagined it would be used inbat.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho, the Alpha Squadron¡¯s flightmander and Alpha one pilot, also felt it was not realistic because he knew how powerful the bomb was.


    ¡°What should we do?¡±


    Captain Cho Eun-bin, who was listening to the conversation in the back seat with a tearful face, said something uncharacteristic for a soldier.


    ¡°You two are just flying around, but I¡¯m the one who will throw the bombs.¡±


    If the final drop order was approved by the aerospacemand, Captain Cho Eun-bin, an avionics management controller, had to press the drop button. A single bomb could have resulted in at least 10 million casualties. This would cause far more damage than the 1945 nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.


    In other words, Captain Cho Eun-bin was to be the final perpetrator in the detonation of a bomb that could result in massive casualties. It is natural to fight for your country as a soldier, but if you were the perpetrator of an attack that could result in more than 10 million casualties, the situation was different. Due to a trauma like this, he may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the future.


    ¡°Captain Cho! I¡¯ll press the button. Don¡¯t worry!¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho, who was well aware of what Captain Cho Eun-bin was worried about, turned his head and said.


    ¡°Are you really going to do it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! So don¡¯t worry too much!¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    After one minute of talking, they began lowering their altitude as they approached Moscow.


    ¡°Keep an altitude of 80 kilometers and fly at rotation speed.¡±


    ¡°The altitude of 80 kilometers was maintained. Speed is defined as rotational speed.¡±


    Captain Oh Tae-bin recited his confirmation and operated the control lever under themand of Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho. The first fighter is now flying at rotation speed, and all that remains is for the orders to be issued.


    ¡°How much time do you have until the bomb is dropped?¡±


    Captain Cho Eun-bin immediately replied to Lieutenant Choi Young-ho¡¯s question.


    ¡°It¡¯s 10 minutes and 22 seconds from now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, co-pilot! Check themunicationwork!¡±


    ¡°Currently, themunicationwork is normally connected to Seongnam base.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho switched to automatic flight mode after double-checking everything was in order and closed his eyes with his arms folded.


    Performing a mission that could result in more than 10 million casualties has been a significant burden for Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho. Furthermore, the pressure increased when he stated that he would press the bomb release button instead of Captain Cho Eun-bin.


    The 10 minutes of waiting and waiting have passed in the cockpit, where the silence flows. then, themunication from the headquarters of the First Space Fighter Wing came.


    <ul>


    Alpha One! This is the headquarters of the First Space Wing.


    </ul>


    ¡°This is Alpha One! We¡¯re all ready and waiting for the orders!¡±


    <ul>


    Alpha One! This is the headquarters of the First Space Wing! Order is issued from the headquarters of the Korean Air Force.


    </ul>


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho responded, swallowing his dry saliva, when he thought that moment had arrived.


    ¡°This is Alpha One! I¡¯m waiting for your order¡±.


    <ul>


    Alpha One! headquarters of the First Space Wing! The current time is 14:02:26!


    </ul>

 Chapter 434 - Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense - 5-3 Step on the Tail

    <h4>Chapter 434: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 5-3 Step on the Tail</h4>


    ¡°This is Alpha One! The current time is 14:02:26! Check!¡±


    <ul>


    Alpha One! This is the First Right Wing Headquarters! The bombing mission has been canceled. Come back.


    </ul>


    ¡°This is Alpha One! Confirm receipt of orders! I¡¯ll return immediately.¡±


    Afterpleting themunication, Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho exhaled so loudly that everyone in the control room could hear him clearly.


    ¡°Sigh¡±.


    ¡°Haha, Captain Oh! You were nervous.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a real relief. Captain!¡±


    Captain Oh Tae-bin and Captain Cho Eun-bin each said.


    ¡°Do you think that I have a Steel heart? It was not an easy task toplete. And, in order to maintain my mental health, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ept these kinds of missions in the future.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right; because it was an upper order, we had no choice but to follow, but this mission was a huge burden.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s hope we don¡¯t get this kind of mission again in the future, and let¡¯s get back home as soon as possible!¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain! We will ascend to the exosphere.¡±


    ¡°Yes, 1,200 degrees and maximum speed¡±.


    ¡°Laser, dead!¡±


    While they were waiting for the final order in the Moscow atmosphere, the Minister of Foreign Affairs sent a firm response to Ambassador Egor Titov five minutes ago.


    The response was that the Republic of Korea would take measures to protect Russian citizens who were staying in Korea. In response, public power has been ced in all areas where the violence has urred, and measures have been taken to ensure not only the safety of Koreans but also the safety of non-Koreans resident, and the injured will be treated free of charge at nearby hospitals, and those who wish to return to their home countries will be safely returned.


    When Ambassador Egor Titov informed Russian government officials of Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s response, they became enraged. But they quickly changed their minds after hearing the General Staff opinion, which stated that it was a possible solution. As a result, they were forced toply with the Republic of Korea¡¯s requirements. If the Russian government had heeded it even a little bitter, it could have resulted in disaster not only for Russia, but for the entire.


    If the Republic of Korea had dealt with it without using their extreme card that could cause a global catastrophe, it would not have received such a response from the Russian government.


    President Choo Un-hee, who saw through this, purposefully used the strongest of the strongest. As a result, it worked perfectly, and the damage caused by the violence was mitigated.


    <hr />


    On December 3rd, 2023, 14:30 (13:30 Hong Kong time),


    The Hong Kong Special District of the Republic of China is also Singyeji (Safety House of the Hong Kong Branch of the National Intelligence Service).


    On the eighth day after arriving in Hong Kong, the Foreign Intelligence Division one discovered that New China and the ck Tiger Corps were possibly behind the leak of confidential information, and Jjang Chun was a ck Tiger Corps agent. These were the only findings, which were disappointing because the Foreign Information Division One has yed a significant role in a number of countries in the past.


    Anyway, the Foreign Intelligence Division One had been on the move since dawn today in order to gather full-fledged information on Jjang Chun, the only clue to the incident.


    When they arrived in Hong Kong for the first time, theyunched an investigation into the criminal organizations based here. And recently, they received information from an executive of the Long Lai faction, a drug trafficking organization and a sub-organization of the Triad, that there is a Qingdao faction, an emerging drug trafficking organization that is rapidly gaining power in Hong Kong and that it is led by a man named Jjang Chun.


    The Foreign Intelligence Division one judged at the time of investigation that the information provided by the Long Lai faction was to check on the emerging organizations, but two days ago, the name Jjang Chun came out again during the investigation with Li Yu Kang, an agent of the ck Tiger Corps, so further investigation into the Qingdao faction was required.


    ording to information obtained again from the executive of the Long Lai faction, the Shandong Penins, including the West River (Qingdao), was incorporated into the federal government of the Republic of Korea under the name of Xuzhou with the end of the Korean Chinese War. All Han Chinese are being forced to naturalize through screening or leave their homes. The criminal gangs operating on the Shandong Penins had to be expelled as well. Some criminal gangs attempted to continue their operations by concealing their identities, but as a strict anti-crime policy was implemented, the majority were apprehended, imprisoned, or deported.


    When the majority of the gang¡¯s members were apprehended, they abandoned Qingdao, their main base of operations, and began to gradually expand their power in Hong Kong beginning fromst year.


    The Long Lai faction, a subordinate organization of the Triad with over 200 members, pushed back the Qingdao faction, which has only about 30 members, and 35 percent of Hong Kong¡¯s current drug business was transferred to the Qingdao faction.


    Knowing about the Qingdao faction, they attempted to discover more about that man named Jjang Chun, who was behind Qingdao¡¯s illegal weapons and business funds, but he waspletely veiled and no more clues about him could be recognized.


    ording to the information provided by the Long Lai executive, it should have been regarded as a forced confession. The Foreign Intelligence Division discovered that not only did this man have the same name as ¡°Jjang Chun,¡± but he also had a simr period of activity in Hong Kong.


    The man, whose arms and legs were tied to a chair and his mouth was gagged, looked around as if he had regained consciousness, then screamed through his gagged mouth.


    That man¡¯s name was Ryu Chingji, and he and two members of his gang were on their way home from a restaurant on the Guryong Penins two hours ago when they were hit by an unidentified group. He awoke in an unidentified room while the others were sound asleep due to drugs in one side of the room.


    ¡°You punks! What are you doing? Long Lai faction? Are you looking for a war? You¡¯re all going to die, you punks!¡±


    Ryu Chingji, who tilted his head and mumbled Mandarin, appeared to think that those who kidnapped them were the Long Lai faction, an opposing organization that was impeding their power expansion.


    This was due to frequent conflicts with them over their drug-rted interests when they first arrived in Hong Kong and entered the drug business.


    ¡°He is awake, are we going to start?¡±


    Chief Yoo Ha-yeon of team two, who was keeping an eye on Ryu Chingji, turned around and said. As a result, all the three team leaders were looking at manager Lee Ja-sung at the same time.


    ¡°Team Leader Sung should do it! We all cannot speak Chinese. Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°This is my specialty. Too bad. I wish I had known how to speak Chinese.¡±


    ¡°Right, our team leader Yoon had experience with such criminal organization. It is a pity he can¡¯t speak Chinese.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to die¡±?


    Youn Tae-jin raised his fist and shook his head when first team leader Park Gi-oong teased him.


    ¡°LOL, look at him! Look at his expression. He lookspletely like a member of an organized criminal.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you!¡±


    ¡°You two! Be quiet! Do the team leaders try to fight whenever they have time? Aren¡¯t you embarrassed that your subordinates could see you?¡±


    At manager Lee Ja-sung¡¯s words, the team members behind him covered their mouths andughed. While Park Gi-oong and Yoon Tae-jin exchanged growls and stopped speaking.


    For the time being! Team leader Seong Sang-yoon approached Ryu Chingji and sat on the front small chair, taking off his ck suit wearing a white shirt with his arms rolled up. Then Ryu Chingji, who couldn¡¯t see properly due to the lighting, screamed, and turned his head left and right.


    ¡°Oh, sorry! If you want to see my face, look! However, I won¡¯t take the responsibility.¡±


    Ryu Chingji turned his head and avoided eye contact when team leader Sung Sang-yoon, who spoke fluent Mandarin.


    In a situation like this, it was obvious what would happen next if you could see the face of the opposing organization¡¯s kidnapper. You could have been cut into several limbs to be fish food, or if you were lucky, they would only remove your eyes.


    ¡°Punk! Aren¡¯t you stupid?¡±


    ¡°What the hell do you want?¡±


    ¡°I will tell you that step by step from now on, so tell me everything you know; if you lie or conceal things from me, this will solve the problem. Because of the serious side effects of it, if something goes wrong, you won¡¯t be able to eat on your own until you die.¡±


    Team leader Seong Sang-yoon took a small syringe from his pocket and shook it in front of his eyes.


    ¡°Now! You know what I¡¯m saying, right?¡±


    In response, Ryu Chingji nodded while avoiding his gaze.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s the required attitude. Keep it till the end¡±.


    Team leader Seong Sang-yoon then returned to the small chair, sat down, and began a full-fledged interrogation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep it short. You know Jjang Chun, right?¡±


    ¡± Jjang Chun?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of him.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you changed your attitude very quickly. I told you to keep it until the end¡±.


    Ryu Chingji, who had been hit in the face by team leader Sung Sang- yoon¡¯s fist, groaned with his face tilted back.


    Hit!


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to say it again. If you act inappropriately in front of me again, I will use the syringe I showed you earlier. To be honest, it¡¯s alsofortable for us. I¡¯m treating you with courtesy because I don¡¯t have any ill will toward you, so please cooperate. Huh? I¡¯ll ask you once more.¡±


    Team leader Sung Sang-yoon, who sat on the chair again, continued to ask questions.


    ¡°Tell us what you know about Jjang Chun!¡±


    ¡°The boss knows Jjang Chun well. I only know the name.¡±


    ¡°Do you really only know the name?¡±


    Ryu Chingji, who flinched when team leader Sung Sang-yoon raised his fist while raising his voice, urgently continued.


    ¡°Oh, just I will tell you what I know, two years ago, when our organization lost its base in Qingdao and was on the verge of copse, a man named Jjang Chun appeared and met with our boss to discuss business. It was a proposal, ording to Boss, to increase the amount of business and illegal weapons so that Jjang Chun could run a drug business in Hong Kong. Jjang Chun has helped us since then, and we now run a drug trafficking business in Hong Kong, depositing money for drug sales once a month. Apart from that, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know his real name, age, where he lives, contact number, etc.¡±


    ¡°Even the boss doesn¡¯t know such information. that man has always contacted the boss first.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Are you that useless?¡±


    Team leader Sung Sang-yoon spat lightly, took the syringes from his pocket, and asked again.


    ¡°Do you still get calls from him?¡±


    ¡°Usually, we¡¯d get a call every two to three days, but we haven¡¯t heard from him in over a week.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°That, that¡¯s it. Me too I¡¯m not ¡­¡­. Oh, right. I heard from the Boss that he was leaving Hong Kong for Macau or Bangkok for the time being.¡±


    ¡°Macao? Bangkok? You will not speak urately?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like Macau¡±.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know why he went to Macau?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡±.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Really, I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll trust you. Give me the ount number where your boss deposited the funds, as well as the phone number from which he received Jjang Chun¡¯s call.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know that now¡±.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know the phone number too?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure because it¡¯s not the boss¡¯s regr number; he used a different one.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t going to work.¡±¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you the truth.¡±


    The tears that streamed down his cheeks did not appear to be a lie.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll give you one more chance!¡±


    Team leader Sung Sang-yoon stabbed Ryu Chingji¡¯s arm with the syringe he took out. Then, he administered the drug inside.


    ¡°Argh! Argh! What are you doing? I told you everything I knew, you punk!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t get too excited! Because you are not going to die. But if you don¡¯t take medicine within 2 days, you know what will happen, right? You will have to be fed by others for the rest of your life. ¡±


    ¡°You punk! I¡¯m going to kill you.¡±


    ¡°In the next three days, if you find out your boss¡¯ previous number, ount number, and where in Macau Jjang Chun is, I¡¯ll give you the cure.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the drug that you gave me?¡±


    The pain that erupted in Ryu Chingji¡¯s body as the poison flew through was strong enough to cause him to break down the chair he was tied to.


    ¡°If you¡¯re curious, go and see a doctor! And ask for treatment! Whether the treatment is possible. ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. I think they¡¯ll confine you right away. You¡¯re infected with a new virus. And for your knowledge, we have no interest in your organization or in the drug trafficking business. We simply want information about Jjang Chun. So, instead of thinking nonsense, you should work hard over the next two days. And the other two members were also given the same medication as you. I¡¯ll persuade them that there will be no problem.¡±


    While team leader Sung Sang-yoon was speking, Ryu Chingji had lost his conscious and fell down.


    ¡°Hey! Throw them away in an empty lot near!¡±

 Chapter 435 - Advance and Defense - 5-4 Step on the Tail

    <h4>Chapter 435: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 5-4 Step on the Tail</h4>


    On December 5, 2023, at 15:00 (New China time 14:00),


    Changping-gu, Beijing, New China (temporary residence of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s special security department).


    It was not difficult to hack the externalwork server in the president¡¯s room. However, the difficulty was in taking preventative measures to prevent the source of the hacking from being tracked even if it was discovered.


    So, during thest few days, Namgoong-won prated the president room¡¯s externalwork server across 50 countries to conceal the source of the hacking and infected the server with various malicious codes to avoid detection.


    They will not be able to know for the time being that the president¡¯s room externalwork server has been hacked, but they will definitely notice itter and will immediately begin tracking it down. However, the operation would have already ended by then, and even if they had tracked down the origin of the hacking to Beijing after tracking over 50 countries, he and his team would be already left.


    Afterpleting these preliminary procedures, he began hacking and worked tirelessly to obtain the information he desired from the DB server that had prated from the president room¡¯s externalwork server.


    Just as Namgoong-won, the other two special security agents searched the DB server to find the information they needed.


    ¡°We have ten minutes, and we must exit the server at least one minute before that.¡±


    Namgoong-won issued orders to the two special security agents next to him while tapping on the keyboard at the speed of light. Assistant manager Na Sung-hyun raised his hands and cheered at that moment.


    ¡°I found it, I found it. Number 12 DB, Data Files 16.¡±


    As a result, Nam Gung-won and chief Kim Young-kyun approached assistant manager Na Sung-hyun and looked at hisptop screen.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Na! Because we don¡¯t have time, only download the important information. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    At the request of Namgoong-won, assistant manager Na Sung-hyun used his mouse to select and check each folder before dragging the most important file into his USB folder.


    The remaining time until the download isplete was indicated as a percentage. And in terms of time, it will take 5 minutes toplete.


    ¡°Why is it taking too long?¡±


    The download time was longer than what he expected.


    ¡°It¡¯s because we had to download it through more than 50 countries. There¡¯s nothing we can do about this.¡±


    After five minutes the download waspleted.


    ¡°Chief Kim! Did you install the backdoor program?¡±


    ¡°Yes, manager!¡±


    ¡°Okay! Everyone, get out of the server!¡±


    Namgoong-won and his group, who seeded in hacking within only a week, decided to move their amodation in case they were tracked down.


    ¡°Did you all pack up¡±?


    ¡°Yes, we`ve done.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s move then!¡±


    Namgung-won and his group moved to the New World Beijing Hotel on this day, which is also well-known in Beijing. The intention was to stay in an unexpected ces in case of being pursued and to avoid the suspect, simr to the saying ¡°it¡¯s dark under themp.¡±


    Namgoong-won and his group began analyzing the information they discovered as soon as they arrived at their destination.


    <hr />


    On December 5th, 2023, 20:30 (Macao time: 19:30),


    Senado Square in Macau Special Zone, Republic of China.


    Macau, which was once known as a special administrative district, was directly influenced by President Xi Jinping¡¯s anti-corruption movement, and as a result, it was transformed into a cultural and recreational tourist destination, and the casino industry flourished again as the Republic of China gained independence. As a result, brilliant casino buildings were built around Senado Square in Macau¡¯s old city, and it became known by the Las Vegas of the East due to its 24-hour nightlife and colorful neon signs.


    Two days ago, the first, second, and third foreign intelligence teams who arrived in Macao from Hong Kong wandered around the casinos and famous hotel casinos looking for traces of Jjang Chun.


    ¡°There are numerous. Phew! When will I ever be able to visit a ce like this on vacation? ¡±


    Team Leader Yoon Tae-jin, who came out to the za for some fresh air after having ate dinner with the team, muttered as if bemoaning his luck. assistant manager Jeon Ki-won, who was resting next to him, smiled and said.


    ¡°kkkk. Don¡¯t say that in front of Team Leader Park. You will have another fight.¡±


    ¡°Team leader Park, why?¡±


    ¡°Team leader Park was on vacation when you came here on business tripst time, and he kept making fun of you. Don¡¯t you remember?¡±


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s right. Hahaha. By the way, where is our Park Gi-oong?¡±


    ¡°I talked to Assistant Manager Yang on the phone while we were having dinner, and he said they were going around the Vian Hotel casino.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then let us go as well! We need to go around two more ces today before returning to the dorm.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Assistant manager Oh, and chief Yoo. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    <hr />


    On December 5, 2023, 21:00 (20:00 Macau time),


    Macau Special District, Republic of China, a casino at the Sands Cotai Vian Hotel.


    The Vian Hotel¡¯s casino was packed with tourists from all over the world. who sat in front of hundreds of tables of various games, enjoying the game while arguing with the customer next to them and, on asion, with the dealers.


    If they hade here for a vacation, it would have appeared to be a real fun and enjoyable heaven, except for Team One of foreign intelligence agents who were wandering around the casino looking for a man named Jjang Chun. It felt like hell.


    As they didn¡¯t know anything about Jjang Chun other than his name, they couldn¡¯t tell how he looked, or even his age.


    <ul>


    Team leader! Isn¡¯t this just a suffering?


    </ul>


    Themunication was sent by assistant manager Yang Jung-suk, who was looking at the game room with over 1,000 slot machines.


    -For the time being, just take pictures of all the guys over the age of 20, don¡¯t miss anyone!


    <ul>


    I¡¯ll do that, but how about starting in earnest tomorrow, when detailed data from Hong Kong arrives? I don¡¯t think this is right, no matter how hard I think about it.


    </ul>


    -Okay. Let¡¯s look around for another 30 minutes and go back to the dorm!


    -Okay.


    While exchanging themunications, team leader Park Gi-oong naturally wandered around and captured the faces of male customers on a camera mounted on his sses.


    Half an hourter, the Team One of foreign intelligence agents who had been roaming in the floor gathered in the casino lobby.


    ¡°Assistant Manager Yang, go back to the dorm with the members. Organize the photos we took today and get some rest!¡±


    ¡°What about you, Team Leader?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll check the VIP floor before I leave.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Then let¡¯s do it together. You can¡¯t be the only one suffering, right?


    ¡°No, you should go first. Anyway, the VIP floor has a minimum amount that you should carry, so we won¡¯t all be able to enter. I¡¯ll go alone, and you should go to the dorm right away.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who was left alone after sending his teammates to the dorm, took a step forward.


    ¡°How much does it cost to use the VIP floor here?¡±


    ¡°Sir! It¡¯s over $3,000.¡±


    The employee informed him of the bare minimum of possession. As a result, he held out 30 $100 bills from his wallet. In response, the employee gave him an upward smile and a casual greeting with a small box of various colored coins.


    ¡°Guest! I wish you all the best. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I hope so. Haha.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong answered as if he was a tourist and headed to the VIP floor with the coin box.


    The various patterns and ornaments decorated in gold on the staircase leading up to the VIP floor piqued his interest. As he ascended the stairs, several huge bodyguards stood guard at the VIP floor entrance, and one of them stopped him and said,


    ¡°Guest! Let me check for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please.¡±


    He opened his hands after handing the coin box to the bodyguard standing next to him. The other bodyguard then scanned team leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s body with a portable metal detector.


    ¡°There is nothing wrong. I hope you have a great time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    When he passed the entrance, another new world unfolded in front of him. As expected, it was the VIP floor. Unlike the game rooms used by ordinary tourists, the interior decoration was luxurious, and the employees and dealers who served various drinks and whiskey looked somehow different. In addition, all the guests entering and exiting the VIP floor looked wealthy.


    ¡°Well, well.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who was overwhelmed by the unfolded sight for a while, coughed and began to look around slowly, unsure of what kind of game he should y.


    He wandered around every corner for about 30 minutes photographing all the faces of the VIP guests, and finally he sat down at the ck jack table, the only one he knew.


    It was to avoid suspicion from CC cameras and bodyguards mounted everywhere.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who sat at a table with five other people, including a middle-aged couple, a young Western man, and a Japanese man muttering in Japanese, took part in the game with his coin box on the table.


    He raised $100 worth of coins from the beginning before the dealer turned the card, ck Jack is a simple game in which the person who scores 21 points or the closest to that score wins.


    When he was walking around the VIP floor and looking closely, he noticed that the basic bet was at least $100.


    The rest of the guests followed suit, cing their bet coins one by one. The Chinese couple on the left, in particr, raised $1,000 in coins.


    After a while, when all the customers raised their betting amount, the dealer quickly turned the card to the left, and soon two cards went to the customer, and the dealer showed what his two cards were.


    Heart Queen was the first card, and Clover 8 was the second. It was an ambiguous score of 18 points. Team leader Park Gi-oong, who had been debating whether to hit or stand, looked at the dealer and lightly tapped the table, saying it is a hit. In terms of probability, there was a high chance of being burst for more than 21 points.


    ¡®Well, I didn¡¯te here to get money, so let`s just go for it.¡¯ With that thought he shouted.


    The rest of the customers said it was a stand, and the dealer also did not receive additional cards. In other words, the dealer scored more than 17 points. Anyway, team leader Park Gi-oong, who received one more card, carefully checked the third card. It was Clover 3. It was ck Jack with a total of 21 points.


    The dealer scored 20 points, the rich Chinese couple scored 18 points and 19 points, the Western men and women also scored 19 points and 17 points, the Japanese scored 16 points.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who received 1.5 times the bet amount, received apuse from several customers and began to rise from the first round.


    An hourter, while winning about $2,000 in ck jack for the first time at a casino in practice other than a PC game, team leader Park Gi-oong noticed several groups taking the elevator in the center of the hall, escorted by security guards.


    A total of four groups took the elevator, their essories and clothing indicating that they were unusual customs.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong asked the manager behind the dealer.


    ¡°Where does the elevator in the middle of that hall go?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the elevator to the VVIP room.¡±


    ¡°VVIP room?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a special game room that only our casino VVIP members use.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I see.¡±


    After 30 minutes, team leader Park Gi-oong said he would finish the game and stood up with his coin box.


    His original $3,000 coin had grown to $5,400. Team leader Park Gi-oong, who had received an unexpected bonus, walked straight to the elevator leading to the VVIP room.


    As he approached the elevator, the bodyguards on both sides raised their hands and stopped him, as expected.


    ¡°Guest, this elevator is only for our hotel¡¯s VVIP members.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry. Haha, out of curiosity.¡±


    A man passing by while rubbing his back approached at that moment, and the bodyguards politely greeted him and guided him to the elevator. The man, who is treated in the exact opposite manner as Park Gi-oong, turned his head slightly and looked at team leader Park Gi-oong before entering the elevator.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong could see that he was an unusual person, with a strong impression and a short haircut, and he could feel his powerful stare even though his eyes were covered by sunsses.


    Team leader Park Ki-woong had a strong impression of the man going upstairs and wanted to follow him, but he turned back to avoid unnecessary actions.


    After capturing the faces of the VIP guests who wandered around from time to time even during the ck jack game, he went to Exchange and exchanged his coins for dors.


    And after winning approximately 2.4 million won in Korean currency, he finally took a taxi and headed to the dorms where his team members were staying..

 Chapter 436 - Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense - 5-5 Step on the Tail

    <h4>Chapter 436: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 5-5 Step on the Tail</h4>


    December 6th, 2023 09:00 (Macao time 08:00),


    At an amodation in Macau Special Area, Republic of China.


    After three days, the Foreign Information 1 and agents gathered again at a cheap hotel in Macau, not in Hong Kong, and had a brief meeting in the living room early in the morning.


    Manager Lee Ja-seong, who arrived from Hong Kong at dawn, stood in front of a portable whiteboard in one side of the living room, looked around the agents, and started the meeting.


    ¡°Team 1 and Team 2 worked hard for a few days. I think you have probably performed your duties in the format of the membrane while working as an agent for the National Intelligence Service. So I have two pieces of good news.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung made a meaningful expression with a V-shape.


    ¡°The first is that our great Manager Namgoong-won has sessfully hacked the server in the president¡¯s office and is solving the encrypted documents, and the second is that we received information rted to Jjangchen from Qingdao¡¯s gang members.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-seong started writing something on the whiteboard.


    ¡°This is the Hong Kong bank ount that Jjangchen uses and the mobile phone number of the Qingdao¡¯s boss.¡±


    Early this morning, I received a begging call from Ryu Qing-ji. He got the information we need, so it was a call to exchange for a cure traetment. In response, Manager Lee Ja-seong met Ryu Qing-ji at a dock warehouse at dawn, gave him a cure treatment, and came to Macau right away after receiving the information.


    ¡°The current ount number and Qingdao boss¡¯s mobile phone number are being tracked by the Cyber Security Bureau of the headquarters. It is said that the Qingdao boss deposits money into this ount once every ten days. If we are lucky, we will be able to know where he is when he¡¯s looking for money, and his cell phone number has also been monitored in real time, so he¡¯ll be able to track his location when contacting him.¡±


    ¡°Manager! Well, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s good news.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who was very much looking forward to it, gave a shout out.


    ¡°I think this is enough¡­. Since when you were on a mission to feed your mouth? It seems that Chief Park has a lot ofints abouting here after returning his vacation?¡±


    ¡°Haha, that is not true. It is not. Manager¡±


    At the staring eyes of Lee Ja-sung, Park Gi-oong pped his hand and gave an awkward smile.


    ¡°As I said above, if Manager Namgoong releases the encrypted documents, we will be able to receive more informative information.¡±


    ¡°Manager, I have a question.¡±


    Chief Youn Tae-jin raised his hand high.


    ¡°Yeah, what?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the headquarters say they were monitoring the voice call tracking system or something? What happened to it?¡±


    Unfortunately, I don¡¯t think that we¡¯ve earned much yet. Still, the possibility of getting caught has increased by narrowing the surveince zone to this area and Southeast Asia. Let¡¯s wait.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Well, then, the Chief¡¯s don¡¯t starve the team members, feed them breakfast, and then get to work!¡±


    Lee Ja-sung, the manager of the department who talks while looking at Oh Hyuck-soo, gave a slight thumbs-up.


    ¡°Come on! I¡¯ll make sure to treat breakfast at a nearby hotel.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong shouted raising the dor he exchanged yesterday at the VIP floor.


    ¡°Woah! You¡¯ll be caught if you spend your special expenses on your own.¡±


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin, who tapped Chief Park Gi-oong¡¯s shoulder, and Chief Park Gi-oong smiled in front of a bunch of money.


    ¡°This is the money I won from the VIP floorst night. Hahaha¡±


    ¡°Hey! Did you gamble on special expenses?¡±


    ¡°Gambling, you son of a b*tch! I just did a little to check the VIP floor!¡±


    ¡°What did you do? Slot machine? ckJack? Poker? Trantecarant? Barat?


    ¡°ck Jack!¡±


    ¡°Oh! ckJack? How much did you win?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that and eat what I buy for you.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung snatched a bundle of money while the two chiefs were scrambling.


    ¡°Just spend this on special expenses and grab a quick bite for each team. If things go wellter, we¡¯ll have a get-together.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s too much.¡±


    When chief Park Gi-oong, who became empty-handed, made a tearful face, Chief Youn Tae-jin put out his tongue and made a joke.


    ¡°Come on! Get out of here! Chief of Team Four organize the photos of teams one and two.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    <hr />


    December 6th, 2023 11:00 (New China Time 10:00),


    New World Beijing Hotel, Dongcheng, Beijing, New China.


    After the sessful hacking, Nam Goong-won and his party, who had moved to the New World Beijing Hotel, were concentrating on deciphering the encrypted data among the downloaded data. All of the important data were encrypted.


    ¡°What kind of encryption module are these bastards are so delicate? This is so not like the Chinese? Is this also a mistake of China?¡±


    Assistant Manager Na Seong-hyeon, who was counting the nights, muttered as he stretched out.


    ¡°Huh, that¡¯s why. I was wondering if it would work out by hacking it, but what is this, what is this encryption module?¡±


    Director Kim Young-gyun, who was happily tapping the keyboard next to him, sighed deeply andmented.


    Tatatat! Tatatatat! Tatat!


    As the two agents grumbled, Nam Gung-won silently tapped the keyboard to unlock the encrypted data, concentrating on it.


    ¡°After all, Manager Namgoong is full of passion! great.¡±


    ¡°It is not passion! We should hurry up and go home. A foxy wife is waiting at home.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Manager Lee Hye-jin, who is said to be one of the most beautiful in the NIS? I am so envious. I even don¡¯t have a girlfriend that is waiting for me.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t there many female agents in the NIS?¡±


    ¡°Even though what do you do? Every day I go from country to country and do this in the corner of the room. I wish I could move to a full-time job at the Security Bureau. How can I, manager Namgoong, help me with a little bit of strength and give me an internal job?¡±


    ¡°Haha, I got it. I¡¯ll tell the director when this job goes well. So why don¡¯t you just go to work instead of ying?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I see. Hey! Chief Kim, what are you doing? You need to be focused.¡±


    ¡°I like the way now. Because I am still young~ I have a good future~¡±


    ¡°Sh*t! You too, try another two or three years. Would you sound like that?¡±


    ¡°haha¡±


    <hr />


    December 6th, 2023 14:00 (Macao time 13:00),


    The Sands Cotai Vian Hotel (Room 2015), Macau Special District, Republic of China.


    The man who gambled all night in the VVIP room, returned to his hotel room, drank whiskey and fell asleep, got out of bed, took a bottle of mineral water from the refrigerator, and gulped on it. This man was the man he and Park Gi-oong met the day before in front of the elevator that is connected to the VVIP room.


    burp~


    The man who let out a dirty burp sat down on the sofa and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°How much did I lose in the early morning? damn¡±


    Shaking his head in the spirit of alcohol that he hadn¡¯t woken up to yet, he recalled his memories.


    ¡°Twenty thousand dors? damn!¡±


    It was about 200 million won. This morning wasn¡¯t the only time this guy gambled such a huge sum of money. Since he came to Macau, he has been distributing it to the casino every day.


    Shaking his head in annoyance, the man went into the master bedroom, took out the 007 bag from the safe installed on the wall, and returned to the living room sofa.


    He put the 007 bag on the table and guessed the password right away. And when he opened the bag, there was a pistol, three magazines, and a transparent box containing passports of various countries and about 10 SIM chips.


    The man took a SIM chip out of her transparent box and swapped it with the SIM chip in his Xiaomi smartphone. And then he called somewhere.


    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s me! Send me $100,000 by 7 pm tonight!¡±


    <ul>


    Yes? suddenly¡¤¡¤¡¤. Don¡¯t we have 3 more days to collect the money?


    </ul>


    ¡°What are you so talkative? If I ask to send it, you will send it, send it now, okay?¡±


    -Alright. But, a few days ago¡­


    ¡°A few days ago, what? Why do you stop talking?¡±


    <ul>


    Oh, no it¡¯s nothing.


    </ul>


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    <ul>


    No. During the expansion of power, there was a minor problem with the men below¡­


    </ul>


    ¡°Hey! Shouldn¡¯t that be done by your own hands now? How long do I have to look after your back?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, that¡¯s right. So that¡¯s why I stopped saying.


    </ul>


    ¡°It¡¯s until seven o¡¯clock in the evening! Don¡¯t bete!¡±


    The man who finished the call before he heard an answer took out his SIM card and crumpled it up. Then he walked over to the living room window and tossed it through the small window at the top.


    The man, was naked and not wearing a thread, watched the Macau skyline spread out through the ss for a moment, then put a cigarette in his mouth, lit it, and took a deep breath.


    And through the white smoke, a mean smile seemed hazy.


    <hr />


    December 6th, 2023 14:00,


    National Intelligence Service (Cyber Security Agency), Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Namju.


    It is safe to say that all the departments of the Cyber Security Agency are currently hanging on to Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s confidentiality leak case. Cyber Security Division 1 operated the tracking program sent by the Parthenon Research Center, and Cyber Security Division 2 was in charge of a voice call tracking system that restores the hijacker¡¯s forged voice andpares and analyzes the voice callsing and going through allmunicationworks in the world to track their location. In addition, Cyber Security Division 3 was in charge of ount tracking and real-time call monitoring for specific numbers requested by Manager Lee Ja-sung. Lastly, Cyber Security Division 4 was ying a role in supporting Namgoong -won and his group¡¯s hacking mission.


    In this way, as all departments are operating 24 hours a day without a break, the 2 departments simultaneously searched for clues that could lead to tracking.


    Suddenly, Cyber Security 3 agents started to get busy. At dawn, a suspicious call was made to a specific number from Manager Lee Ja-sung, and as a result of tracking the location, the call was from Macau.


    ¡°Are you sure that the location is from Macau?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. chief!¡±


    ¡°Location! Find out as much detail as possible!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    The agent tapped the keyboard with quick hand movements. In an instant, the eyes of all agents were focused on therge screen that was installed on the onside of the wall.


    The red dot indicating the location flickered, and the digital map of Macau disyed on the screen was erged and finally stopped at the Vian Hotel in the Sands Cotai area.


    ¡°Vian Hotel?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the signal just ended, and the ce where thest signal was caught appears to be the Vian Hotel.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief¡±


    ¡°Great! Great job! I¡¯m going to report to the manager right away, so keep an eye on him!¡±


    ¡°Yes. All right.¡±


    Meanwhile, excited voices from Cybersecurity 2 and the office also erupted here and there.


    It was because there was a response from the voice call tracking system that had not reacted for more than 10 days.


    They tried to restore the altered voice, but it wasn¡¯t perfect. Perhaps that was the reason, the location was tracked along with theparative analysis data that it was about 90% simr in the voice call tracking system that had been silent.


    ¡°It¡¯s 90%. What are the odds of being this guy?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say for sure, but if it¡¯s a 90%parative analysis, there¡¯s a high probability that that guy is the culprit.¡±


    ¡°Are you recording the call?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we started recording right after the results of theparative analysis came out.¡±


    ¡°Great! How about the track of location?¡±


    ¡°We are tracking. Please wait a moment.¡±


    ¡°Hurry!¡±


    Manager Kim Gi-won urged with an excited tone.


    ¡°Ah! The location has been secured.¡±


    Cybersecurity 2 and therge-screen digital map also marked the Vian Hotel in the Sands Cotai area of Macau with a red dot.


    ¡°Macau Vian Hotel?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the tracking result is a Vian Hotel.¡±


    ¡°B*tch! Finally caught him, is he still on the phone?¡±


    ¡°Ah! He just hung up.¡±


    ¡°Great! We don¡¯t know if he will call again, so everyone waits for emergency standby and Chief Na!¡± ¡°Yes, manager!¡±


    ¡°Chief Na, check the recorded call file with Woo Eun-seo immediately! As in right now!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right..¡±

 Chapter 437 - Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense - 5-6 Step on the Tail

    <h4>Chapter 437: Season 2 Book 17 Advance and Defense ¨C 5-6 Step on the Tail</h4>


    December 6th, 2023 14:20,


    Namju National Intelligence Service, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Cyber Security Bureau Director¡¯s Office).


    When the long-awaited report came up, Director Cheok Hyuk-jun received the reports one after another from the two departments with a recalled expression on his face. In the meantime, it was Director Cheok Hyuk-jun, who was unable to straighten his shoulders like a criminal at the executive meeting because he had not shown any significant results in connection with the investigation of Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s confidentiality leak.


    ¡°ording to your report, the man named Jjangcheon of ck Panther gang, who was being chased by the Department of Foreign Intelligence, is the same person who kidnapped Woo Jin-gil¡¯s family?¡±


    ¡°I think so. It¡¯s possible, by chance, that two people may be calling at the same time, but if the originating location is the same, It seems to be unmistakable.¡±


    When Section 2 Manager Kim Ki-won spoke in a confident voice, Section 3 Manager Na Tae-hwan, who was next to him, nodded saying the same thing.


    ¡°I think it is the same person as well.¡±


    ¡°What did Woo Eun-seo say?¡±


    The External Information Division 3 had sent the recorded voice to Woo Eun-seo to confirm whether it was the same as the voice of the criminal.


    ¡°Yes, ording to Woo Eun-seo the voice of the criminal at that time was very simr.¡±


    ¡°Um, the Foreign Intelligence Division 1 was properly chasing the right culprit. Did you send any information there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are currently sharing the confirmed information.¡±


    ¡°What about Section three?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we forwarded it to them as soon as it was confirmed.¡±


    As soon as Section 3 finished with Na Tae-hwan¡¯s answer, Director Cheok Hyuk-jun lightly tapped the table, got up from his seat, looked around the managers, and spoke vigorously.


    ¡°Great! Section 2 and 3 continue to maintain the monitoring system, and Section 4!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Director¡±


    ¡°Find everything about Vian Hotels! Secure all information of guests staying 5 days or more and CCTV! It¡¯s Code Red. Don¡¯t miss a single ant in the Vian Hotel and search them all!¡±


    ¡°All right. We will get started right away.¡±


    At this time, Section 1 Manager Kang Pil-ho carefully spoke out.


    ¡°Chief, as long as it is revealed that the New China government is behind it, shouldn¡¯t we move nationally?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. If we want to catch Jjangcheon, secure the evidence, and destroy all leaked confidential data, shouldn¡¯t we continue to move secretly and carefully?¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess so. My thoughts were short.¡±


    ¡°What about situation in Beijing?


    ¡°Currently, we have been contacted that they are decrypting encrypted documents among the hacked documents. They seem to be having a hard time with the double encryption module that the Chinese b*stards put on.¡±


    Section 4, Manager Kim Ki-won, who supported Manager Nam Goong -won and his party answered.


    ¡°If it takes time, shouldn¡¯t we support it from our side?¡±


    ¡°Chief Director, Manager Namgoong, and the agents over there are far superior to the agents from the headquarters. I think it would be better to trust them on it.¡±


    ¡°Okay then, let¡¯s proceed with Section 4 as instructed! Let¡¯s work harder for our ck Agents who are struggling in Macau. I¡¯m going to report to the manager.¡±


    ¡°Yes. All right.¡±


    <hr />


    December 6th, 2023 16:10, (Macao time 15:10),


    Casino at the Sands Cotai Vian Hotel, Macau Special District, China


    In the lobby, cafes, and casinos of the Vian Hotel, external information 1 and agents hid their shing eyes and looked around, disguised as tourists.


    Two hours ago, urate location information about Jjangcheon was delivered from the headquarters, and all other agents, except for department 4, were deployed to the Vian Hotel.


    However, there was one problem. Location information was secured, but there was no clear information about the character Jjangcheon. In particr, the agents couldn¡¯t find it even after all these agents were deployed because the agent didn¡¯t know what Jjangcheon¡¯s face looked like. It was just that he was an Asian man in histe 30s, and the agents only looked closely at the people around them with the sense of intelligence of being a spy.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who was ying ckjack games again on the VIP floor, looked at the people ying games at various tables and the people walking around during the game. Perhaps that¡¯s why the coins changed from the special expenses were noticeably decreasing due to ack of concentration.


    <ul>


    Chief Park! Isn¡¯t there anything special about it?


    </ul>


    The voice of Manager Lee Ja-sung came out through silentmunication.


    ¡°Yeah, there is nothing special.¡±


    <ul>


    I get it. keep on doing your job


    </ul>


    ¡°Confirmed!¡±


    On the other hand, under the VIP floor, in the game room for the general public, various agents were enjoying various games in various ces and watching them with keen eyes.


    <hr />


    December 6th 18:00 (New China time 17:00),


    New World Beijing Hotel, Dongcheng, Beijing, New China.


    Namgoong-won and his party, who were in a hurry to secure the location of Jjangcheon, which were being pursued by the 1st Department of Foreign Information, solved the 1st encryption document, but devoted themselves to solving the 2nd encryption document without a short break due to the unexpected double encryption module.


    ¡°Ah! Damn these Chinese bastards, really, I¡¯m gonna vomit. I¡¯m gonna throw up.¡±


    Director Kim Young-gyun, whose eyes were red and bloodshot, spitting abusivenguage day and night and tapped on the keyboard.


    ¡°Hey! You are being too noisy! I can¡¯t concentrate because of you!¡±


    Assistant Manager Na Seong-hyeon, who was working next to him, frowned and scolded him.


    ¡°Have a pity on me. If I don¡¯t do this, I feel like I¡¯m going to fall asleep.¡±


    ¡°Then talk quietly and mumble.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I get it.¡±


    The two agents, who had been wrestling with a smallptop for more than 72 hours without sleeping, were nervous that they had slowly reached the limit of their physical strength.


    ¡°You guys take a break! I¡¯m going to finish thest of the job.¡±


    Namgoong-won who was also knocking on the keyboard, forcing himself to endure the rush of sleep.


    ¡°Oh! How can we rest when the manager is working?¡± We have to finish it together.¡±


    ¡°No! It¡¯s almost done. Send me the source that you worked on!


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Send it right away!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    After a while, Namgoong-won, who received the source from the two agents,bined it with his source andpleted a dismantling program that could unlock the encrypted module. And two hourster, after several trials and errors, the tightly closed folders finally began to be released one by one.


    ¡°It opened! It is done!¡±


    The two agents, who had been sleeping on the sofa like in the heaven for a while jumped up due to Namgoong-won¡¯s cheers, and reflected their faces on Namgoong-won¡¯sptop monitor.


    ¡°Wow! It¡¯s finally unlocked.¡±


    ¡°Wow! It¡¯s worth the trouble. Hahaha, Manager Namgung is surely our legend.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to keep saying things like that?¡±


    Namgoong-won, who seemed to be in an good mood at the word legend gave a awkward smile, and clicked on each folder where the encryption was unlocked with his mouse to see if there was any useful information. And the moment he clicked on the fourth folder, several documents with New China¡¯s annotation office sentences came out.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    Namgoong-won immediatelyunched a trantion program to understand the contents of the document written in Chinese.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right. I think I found the right one¡±.


    The title of the document tranted into the trantion program was like this. ¡®sma confidentiality report¡¯


    ¡°These motherf*ckers¡­¡±


    Namgoong-won, who was losing the tranted report while handing over the note, cursed without realizing it. The document contained details on how and how ck Panther agents stole sma confidentiality in Hong Kong.


    Assuming that Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s confidential leak, the New China government may have been behind the scenes, and carried out a dangerous missioning until to beijing, but when they saw such direct evidence, they suddenly burst their anger.


    ¡°These punks even after being like that two years ago, they still haven¡¯t get back to their senses. We have to catch all the people who is involved in this case and put them in jail until they die.¡±


    ¡°Chief Kim! Would that work? You should just erase them on the map! Very clean.¡±


    While the two agents were swearing in an excited tone, Namgoong-won continued to turn the note and checked. And when it was halfway over, the right hand holding the mouse stopped.


    It was personal information of ck Panther agents who participated in the confidential leak.


    It was finally the moment when the personal information of the gang who stole sma information by hostage and threatening Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s young grandchildren and granddaughter under the guise of a criminal organization was finally being revealed.


    A total of 12 ck Panther agents that were active in Hong Kong, were intelligence agency agents or special forces in China.


    ¡°Ah! But there¡¯s no one named as Jjangcheon.¡±¡±


    Deputy Na Sung-hyun, who was watching together, said with his head raised.


    ¡°Jjangcheon may not be his real name!¡± Anyway, since it said that he is the team leader, so wouldn¡¯t it be him?¡±


    Namgoong-won pointed to a man¡¯s profile that said he was the team leader among ck Panther agents as a mouse point.


    His name is Zhang Yixing, 182 centimeters tall and weighs 85 kilograms, and he is from PLA, a former Chinese special force, and in the photo, he was a strong impression of handsome type in histe 30s.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying that this could be Jjangcheon.¡±


    ¡°Deputy Na, send this picture to Manager Lee right now! He will be walking around with lights on hiseyes to find him even though he don¡¯t know his face¡±.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll send it right away.¡±


    <hr />


    December 6th, 2023 20:10, (Macao time 19:10),


    Sands Cotai Vian Hotel Casino, Macau SAR, Republic of China.


    As if heading to the bare ground, information such as wee rain arrived in Foreign Information Division 1, which was looking for Jjangcheon Stream only by the intuition of the intelligence agent. It was a picture of a person believed to be Jjangcheon.


    On all agents¡¯ smartphones, photos of people presumed to be Jjangcheon were sent from Beijing Namgoong-won and his party.


    ¡°Huh? I think I¡¯ve seen this face before.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong looked closely at the photos on his smartphone screen and nodded to refine his memory.


    That¡¯s right! He¡¯s simr to the one I saw in front of the VVIP elevator yesterday.¡¯


    Chief Park Gi-oong smiled without realizing it and gave a gesture to the dealer that he would stop ying the game, and quietly got up from his seat and moved to a quiet ce. Then, he sent a silentmunication to Chief Sung Sang-hyun in the amodation.


    ¡°Chief Sung!¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, Chief Park.


    </ul>


    ¡°Did you receive the picture too?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, we have started the photo-matching now.


    </ul>


    ¡°Then, start matching the photos that I took!¡±


    <ul>


    Yes?


    </ul>


    ¡°Hurry! It¡¯s simr to the one I saw yesterday.¡±


    <ul>


    Ah! All right. Then, I will check the picture of Chief Park.


    </ul>


    ¡°Hurry!¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, it may take a few minutes.


    </ul>


    ¡°okay. I¡¯ll wait¡±


    After a while, a silentmunication flew in from Chief Sung Sang-hyun.


    <ul>


    Chief Park! Among the photos taken by Chief Park, there is a photo in which the matching analysis result is 95%. Even though the picture was taken from a slightly diagonal angle, it is safe to say that 95% is 100%.


    </ul>


    ¡°What time was it?¡±


    <ul>


    It¡¯s 11:23.


    </ul>


    ¡°Right! It is that b*stard.¡±


    <ul>


    Yes?


    </ul>


    ¡°I met him briefly in the elevator going to the VVIP room. When I first saw him, I thought there was a feeling of something was off, but it was that b*stard.¡±


    <ul>


    Woah! That¡¯s awesome.


    </ul>


    ¡°Just in case we don¡¯t know, keep matching other photos! I will report this to manager Lee right away.¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, all right.


    </ul>


    Afterpleting themunication, Chief Park Gi-oong manipted the terminal and sent a silentmunication to Manager Lee Ja-seong this time.


    ¡°Chief! Did you get the picture?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes! Chief Park! I got it. Did you find anything?


    </ul>


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s why I called.¡±


    <ul>


    Yeah, what is it?


    </ul>


    ¡°That picture is the guy that I saw yesterday in front of the elevator going to the VVIP room.¡±


    <ul>


    Really? Are you sure?


    </ul>


    ¡°Yeah, I just got a picture from Chief Sung that matched 95% of the pictures I took. That¡¯s him.¡±


    <ul>


    Okay? That¡¯s good, things are starting to work out.


    </ul>


    ¡°Chief! Now that we have the photos, let¡¯s move on to Code ck.¡±


    <ul>


    Well, you have to be more careful at times like this! When it¡¯s a clear opportunity, you have to catch it without mistakes, so for now, your team will continue to monitor from your current location, and the rest of the team will be withdrawn to the dormitory to prepare for the arrest operation tonight. Okay?


    </ul>


    ¡°All right..¡±

 Chapter 438 - Trans-Siberia - 1-1 Execute One As a Warning to Others

    <h4>Chapter 438: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 1-1 Execute One As a Warning to Others</h4>


    December 6th, 2023 21:20 (Macao time 20:20),


    At an amodation in Macau Special Area, Republic of China.


    ¡°After checking all CC cameras at the Vian Hotel from the headquarters, we confirmed that Jjangcheon entered the VVIP room at the time we were monitoring two hours ago. In addition, information was confirmed that $100,000 transferred from Qingdao¡¯s Boss was withdrawn from the bank counter in the VVIP room. In other words, it was clear that Jjangcheon Stream is currently in the VVIP room.


    Cybersecurity Division 4 has secured control over guests personal information and various operating systems by hacking allputer systems of Vian hotels. Since then, as Jjangcheon¡¯s photos have been secured, the information that finally confirmed that Jjangcheon is staying in room 2015 and has left his room and moved to the VVIP room 20 minutes ago was sent to the Department 1 of External Information by analyzing CC camera images taken so far.


    ¡°Manager! If Jjangcheon is staying in room 2015, why don¡¯t we infiltrate and wait and arrest him quietly?¡±


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin, who was listening to a brief on Jjangcheon, raised his hand and expressed his opinion.


    ¡°Well, I think that¡¯s the easiest way, as Chief Yoon said, but ording to information from the headquarters, is that thest day that Jjangcheon is staying here at the Vian Hotel. What if Jjangcheon ys the game until dawn and checks out? Shouldn¡¯t we check up on unexpected situations like this?¡±


    ¡°He has yed the game until dawn. Shall he check out without a break?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who saw the wristwatch, nodded and answered Chief Yoon Tae-jin¡¯s additional question.


    ¡°Team 1 is infiltrating the room 2015, so let¡¯s check and decide¡±.


    After a few minutes,munication came from Yang Jung-seok, deputy manager of the first team who seeded in infiltrating the room 2015.


    ¨C This is Deputy Manager Yang. We¡¯ve currently infiltrated Room 2015!


    ¡°What¡¯s the result?¡±


    ¨C I¡¯ve been searching with Chief Kang, but there¡¯s nothing much. I think he has carried out the important luggage.


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯withdraw and move towards Chief Park Gi-oong!¡±


    ¨C A minimum amount of money is needed to enter the VIP floor. I just can¡¯t get in.


    ¡°Are you listening, Chief Park?¡±


    ¨C Yes. Manager!


    ¡°Unleash the special expenses!¡±


    ¨C Yes, all right.


    ¡°From now on, we will establish an operation against Jjangcheon, so Team 1 please listen in a silentmunication state.¡±


    ¨C Team 1 switch to transmission mode silentmunication.


    Afterpleting themunication, manager Lee Ja-sung turned to the team members sitting in the living room again and continued the meeting.


    ¡°ording to the results of team 1¡¯s confirmation of Jjangcheon¡¯s room, it seems difficult for Chief Yoon to make the n he wants.¡±


    ¡°Then how about waiting in the underground parking lot or lobby?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s one way, too, but it¡¯s also likely to miss it missed. I want to make this opportunity perfect. It is surely is dangerous, but I want to prate the VVIP room myself and catch him for sure.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin, who knew what Manager Lee Ja-seong¡¯s intentions were, immediately nodded and answered.


    ¡°Now then, I will tell you about the operation to arrest Jjangcheon. Deputy Na! Show up the hotel floor n!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Manager¡±


    When Na Sung-yul, deputy director of Team Four, knocked on the keyboard on theptop connected to the hotel TV, the hotel drawing appeared in 3D format on the TV screen.


    ¡°Now! As you can see from the format, there are a total of four passages to move to the VVIP room. One is an elevator in the main hall, another elevator connected to the sky lounge, and two emergency stairs on the left and right. ording to the headquarters¡¯ confirmation, the two emergency stairs werepletely closed unless a fire or emergency urred. In other words, it seems impossible to prate here.¡±


    ording to manager Lee Ja-sung¡¯s exnation, the two emergency stairs marked in the 3D format turned red.


    ¡°The route of pration is taken to the VVIP room using the central hall elevator, and after arresting Jjangcheon, immediately takes the elevator across the sky lounge to the rooftop and escape by Skybus. Then let¡¯s move on to the details. The team that will be prating into the VVIP room is...¡±


    * * *


    December 6th, 2023 23:30, (Macau time 22:30),


    Sands Cotai Vian Hotel Casino, Macau SAR, Republic of China.


    ¡°Alpha four! Have you secured the hotel control system?¡±


    ¨C This is Alpha Four! We have secured all control rights, including lighting, elevators, CC cameras, and doors. Also, I¡¯m looking at everyone through the CC camera, so just tell me.


    ¡°Okay, Alpha Four! Stand by! Alpha Zero! What¡¯s going on now?¡±


    ¨C This is Alpha Zero! We¡¯re always ready to go! It takes 5 minutes to reach the target point.


    ¡°Okay. If I hit standby, head out.¡±


    ¨C This is Alpha Zero. Okay.


    ¡°Alpha two! Did you get the location?¡±


    ¨C This is Alpha Two! ¨C All agents are monitoring from their positions!


    ¡°Okay! The strategy begins now. Don¡¯t let your guard down until youplete your mission.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who was looking around the VIP floor in special sses and a clean suit that looked like regr sses, checked the current situation of each team through voicelessmunication. And near the main hall elevator, Chief Park Gi-oong and his team members were waiting in TCS mode.


    Ding!


    The elevator connected to the VVIP room came down to the VIP floor. And a group of tourists got off the elevator. Manager Lee Ja-sung, who was watching this sideways, naturally headed to the elevator.


    ¡°Wait! Let me check your membership.¡±


    When a man who seemed to be first time approached then the VIP floor manager, blocked him with his hand and asked him to show his membership.


    ¡°Are you new?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung made a sly face and asked back in English.


    ¡°What? What do you mean by new employee?¡± I¡¯ve been working here for over five years.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I have asked because you didn¡¯t recognize me.¡±


    ¡°Sir! I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ve never seen you before. Please show me your membership.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I was on a business trip here in a hurry and forgot to bring my membership card..¡±


    ¡°Sorry. You can¡¯t go to the VVIP room without a membership.¡±


    At the manager¡¯s words, two other security staff next to him approached and blocked him.


    ¡°You are being too tight. Can¡¯t you just check my membership number? It¡¯s not just once or twice. Do you always treat the guest like this when I spend hundreds of thousands of dors every time Ie here?


    When he criticized with an angry look, the manager looked a little embarrassed and soon took out the tablet PC.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Can I have your membership number?¡±


    ¡°VVIP-20517M7¡±


    The manager, who entered the number called by manager Lee Ja-sung on the tablet PC, was surprised and soon smiled brightly.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry. James Hong! I¡¯m sorry that I didn¡¯t recognize you.¡±


    The manager bowed his head to greet him as a sign of apology.


    External Intelligence Team 1 and 4 had infiltrated the Vian VVIP memberputerwork and inserted a virtual person before starting the operation.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. It¡¯s your job, so it can happen. I can go, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, get in the elevator.¡±


    An elevator door opened when a security employee pressed a button on the terminal he was holding in his hand. Manager Lee Ja-sung, who was about to get in the elevator, turned around and called the manager. Then, he gave Alpha Four instructions through voicelessmunication.


    ¡°Excuse me, manager¡±.


    ¡°Alpha four! Control the elevator door!¡±


    ¨C Yes, controlling the elevator door.


    The manager approached when he answered upward.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Me too, I think I¡¯ve disengaged without a membership, so have dinner with this with other employeester.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung bounced a $1,000 coin with his finger.


    ¡°Oh! Thank you. I wish you all the best today.¡±


    ¡°Lucky? Haha, I am wasting an amount of an apartment every time Ie here.¡±


    The manager, who received the $1,000 coin, was in a good mood and trembled visibly.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to win a lot today. I guarantee it. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for even saying it. See youter.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong and his team members, who were waiting in TCS mode while the elevator door opened and manager Lee Ja-sung and the manager were talking for a while, quickly got into the elevator. After the conversation, Manager Lee Ja-sung also got on the elevator and instructed Alpha Four again through voicelessmunication.


    ¡°Alpha Four! Release the control!¡±


    ¨C This is Alpha Four! I¡¯ll release the control.


    The door closed and the elevator arrived at the VVIP room on the 15th floor.


    Ding!


    When the elevator door opened, manager Lee Ja-sung almost opened his mouth without realizing it with the splendid and stylish interior decoration that was iparable to the VIP floor.


    ¡°Wee.¡±


    Between both sides of the elevator door, 10 beautifuldies greeted in short dresses. It was ecstasy itself.He was so excited that he felt as if he was in a new world.


    ¡°It¡¯s different because it¡¯s a VVIP room.¡±


    It was a situation where exmations were likely toe out, but manager Lee Ja-sung, who was carrying out a mission to build the Armed Forces, walked forward with a calm look as much as possible. And Chief Park Gi-oong and his team members also carefully left the elevator and headed straight to the bathroom.


    ¡°Alpha for! There¡¯s no CC camera here, so listen and wait carefully.


    ¨C Yes, don¡¯t worry.


    To find Jjangcheon, manager Lee Ja-sung naturally walked around the VVIP room with a ss of whiskey that was provided free of charge.


    In the 300-acre VVIP room, more than 300 guests were enjoying the game in several game rooms. And since there are no CC cameras here, they don¡¯t know if it was for monitoring or for the safety of VVIP, but there seemed to be more than 100 men who appeared to be security staff.


    After a while, Chief Park Gi-oong and his teammates, who entered the bathroom, showed natural behavior in neat suits and walked around the VVIP room.


    ¨C Alpha One! We got out of the bathroom. From now on, we will be targeting the target.


    ¡°Alpha One! Don¡¯t act too hastily, slowly y the game and target while acting as naturally as possible.¡±


    ¨C Alpha One check!


    About 30 minutester, member of Alpha One, Gangwon Il, sent a voicelessmunication with a rather nervous voice.


    This is Alpha One again, three! I think I found it. This is the 5th roulette game room in the direction of 3 o¡¯clock from the main hall.


    ¡°Alpha One again, three!¡± Don¡¯t approach him and watch him while ying games at another table. Alpha One! Alpha One is approaching. Over!


    ¨C Alpha One again, three! Check!


    ¨C Alpha one! Check!


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who was looking for Jjangcheon at the ckjack game room, turned and headed towards the roulette game room. Manager Lee Ja-seong, who oversees this mission, also naturally went to the roulette game room.


    ¨C This is Alpha One! Targeting done!


    ¡°I am also done targeting.¡±


    ¨C This is Alpha One! Manager! Shall we start?


    ¡°Okay Alpha One, rest of the agents, prepare as well!¡±


    ¨C Alpha One Again Two! All right.


    ¨C Alpha One Again Three! Securing the location.


    ¨C Alpha One Back Four! All right.


    Jjangcheon ced a $1,000 coin on the red number 25 and ck number 10 on the betting board, and drank the whiskey ss he was holding, whether he was thirsty.


    When the other guests finished their bets, the roulette board started to turn.


    Torrrrrrrrreee~


    A small ball bounced off the spinning roulette and danced. Soon after, the roulette board stopped, and the small ball stopped at red No. 25.


    ¡°Ahaha! Yesterday¡¯s bad luck ising back today!¡±¡±


    In one round of roulette, Jjangcheon received 35 times the dividend and earned $34,000 excluding the money he lost.


    ¡°You punk! You make money so easily.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who doesn¡¯t know how much money Jjangcheon has lost, shed his eyes looking at Jjangcheon who was being happy from the side. Chief Park Gi-oong, who is standing opposite, also looked at Jjangcheon with a gloomy look.


    At the time when Jjangcheon put $1,000 coin on the betting board and took a deep breath, Manager Lee Ja-sung and Chief Park Gi-oong exchanged looks and nodded.

 Chapter 439 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 1-2 Execute One As a Warning to Others

    <h4>Chapter 439: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 1-2 Execute One As a Warning to Others</h4>


    December 6th, 2023 23:55 (Macau time 22:55)


    Sands Cotai Vian Hotel Casino (VVIP Room), Macau SAR, Republic of China


    Jjangcheon was so engrossed in gambling that he did not notice when Chief Park Gi-oong approached him. It was as if he had temporarily lost his secret agent senses.


    Ssshh! Pussh!


    Chief Park Gi-oong approached from the right and ced a bet on the roulette table. At the same time, he stabbed something into the side of Jjangcheon with his left hand.


    After being stabbed by a sharp needle, Jjangcheon who had felt something, turned his head to look at Chief Park Gi-oong, but before he had a chance to react, his mind became hazy and his legs began to buckle underneath him. Chief Park Gi-oong ced his bet on the table and pretended not to notice what was happening. Meanwhile, Manager Lee Ja-seong touched Jjangcheon¡¯s shoulder and talked to him as if he was a very close friend.


    ¡°Hey! Robert Jang! Hey, you¡¯re here! Did you earn some money?¡±


    As he turned to look at the manager, Lee Ja-sung, Jjangcheon copsed. Manager Lee Ja-sung, who spoke to him in a friendly manner, continued to pretend to be his friend.


    ¡°Oh! What¡¯s wrong with you? Oh! He drank too much.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    As some customers buzzed, security officers from the VVIP room approached and talked to them. They were all big-sized people.


    ¡°Oh! He¡¯s my friend. He won some money today but he seems to have drunk a little too much. I think I need we need a ce to rest for a while.¡±


    ¡°Yes,e this way.¡±


    The employee, who had an upturned look that did not fit his size, led him to the lounge.


    ¡°Oh, rather than there, the sky lounge would be better.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Do you want to go there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I think he¡¯ll wake up faster when he sees the night view. He is having some luck today, so he¡¯ll have to wake up quickly and win some money again. Hahaha.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who was watching next to Lee Ja-sung as if he knew nothing, smiled without realizing it.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll guide you to the sky lounge. Pleasee this way.¡±


    Just then, Jjangcheon struggled to say something but Lee Ja-seong held on to him tightly with both hands.


    ¡°Stay calm, you punk!¡±


    Then, he asked Chief Park Gi-oong for a helping hand.


    ¡°Hey! I know I don¡¯t know you but do you think you can help me? My friend ispletely drunk here. I¡¯d appreciate it if you could help me get to the sky lounge.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong pointed at himself with his finger and looked embarrassed.


    With Lee Ja-sung¡¯s meticulousness to take care of money following the kidnapping of Jjangcheon, Chief Park Gi-oong stuck his tongue inside and put Jjangcheon¡¯s money on the betting table in a box.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go!¡±


    At that moment, the manager, Lee Ja-seong, gave Alpha Four instructions through silentmunication.


    ¡°Alpha four! Take care of the elevator camera!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Four! Taking down the elevator camera.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, continued to assist Jjangcheon who had difficulty walking and got on the elevator heading to the sky lounge with the guidance of staff members.


    ¡°Do you want me to show you to the sky lounge?¡±


    ¡°Ah! It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve never been there. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please take good care of yourself ande back down to continue to enjoy the games.¡±


    The employee politely greeted Jjangcheon, was viewed with half-closed eyes and went back to his seat.


    In response, Jjangcheon tried to say something by waving his hand in the air but was immediately stopped by Chief Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°Stay quiet if you don¡¯t want to die!¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who snatched Jjangcheon¡¯s hand, whispered in his ear. At this, Jjangcheon tried to struggle more but his body did not listen.


    After a while, the elevator arrived at the sky lounge, which was located on the 24th floor, the highest floor of the Vian Hotel. A female employee was waiting in front of the elevator as the VVIP room staff had contacted her in advance.


    ¡°May I help you?¡±


    When asked by a friendly female employee, manager, Lee Ja-sung, smiled brightly and said.


    ¡°Yes. Can I get a room to take a break?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll guide you, sir! Follow me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Sa far, the n was going as they had hoped.


    The room they were given was arge room with a panoramic view of downtown Macau. It was a space where VVIP guests had spacious beds, sofas, and tables to rest at for a while.


    ¡°Please restfortably. If you need anything, you can press the call button. Thank you.¡±


    When the female employee left, they threw Jjangcheon, who they were still supporting, onto the bed.


    ¡°Hey! Why is this punk so heavy?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung sent all agents a silentmunication while Chief Park Gi-oong turned around while watching Jjangcheon lying on the bed.


    ¡°The target is at the sky lounge. It has been delivered safely! Let¡¯s move on to the next step. Alpha Zero!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave in 10 minutes!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Over!¡±


    The next step was to leave the rooftop of the sky lounge while avoiding being seen by the customers and employees.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who sat on the sofa to catch his breath for a while, smoothed the wig, mustache, and silicone attached to his face as a disguise. Chief Park Gi-oong also had a mask on that had be slightly twisted to one side when Jjangcheon struggled.


    ¡°Excuse me! Shouldn¡¯t we give him another shot? Most people usually stay still like corpses but he keeps tossing and turning.¡±


    In response, manager, Lee Ja-sung, waved his hands and responded.


    ¡°Then he will be dead. In a little while, he¡¯ll bepletely intoxicated on medicine.¡±


    ¡°Did you hear that? You punk! Stay still or you will be soon dead.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who looked down at Jjangcheon who was lying down, spoke.


    Jjangcheon¡¯s eyes, which had lost focus, showed a small tremor. He seemed to have unconsciously sensed that the current situation he was in was a threat to his safety.


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Let¡¯s go! It will arrive in exactly five minutes at 11:23 p.m.¡±


    ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll be waiting on the rooftop in five minutes.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung rose from the sofa after checking the time on his wristwatch.


    ¡°Chief Park, get ready!¡±


    ¡°Yes, manager!¡±


    ¡°Alpha four!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Four!¡±


    ¡°After a minute, move on to level two.¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Four! In a minute, we¡¯ll turn off all the power on the lounge on the 24th floor. It takes less than two minutes for the emergency generator to turn back. You have toe out to the rooftop within that time.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    * * *


    December 7th, 2023 00:18, (Macao time 6th 23:18)


    Sands Cotai Vian Hotel, Macau Special Region, Republic of China (VVIP Security Office)


    A strange signal was found in the VVIP security room of the Vian Hotel, which had a state-of-the-art security system for VVIP members.


    This was because the CC camera of the elevator that had gone up to the sky lounge with Jjangcheon was briefly out of order, and a face that had never been photographed by the CC camera at the casino for the general public was suddenly spotted in the sky lounge.


    The Vian Hotel did not have any CC cameras in the VVIP room and sky lounge for the safety of VVIP members. However, elevators moving between the VIP and VVIP floors, and elevators heading to the Sky Lounge were equipped with CC cameras for safety reasons. Furthermore, though illegal, small cameras were installed on the female employee¡¯s uniforms to monitor what was happening in real-time.


    All CC cameras inside the Vian Hotel could be controlled by the External Information Division 1, but the small camera illegally attached to the employee¡¯s uniform was an unexpected mistake.


    The security office¡¯s centralputer began aparative analysis of photos of the three photographed in-house by a small camera, of which one was detected that he had never been photographed by the elevator camera that moves between the VIP and VVIP floors and at the regr casino today. A member information inquiry was immediately entered.


    ¡°Manager! It is on monitor number three. The guy on the left! He is not on the VVIP membership list.¡±


    A security employee pointed his finger at monitor number three and exined.


    ¡°What? How did he get to the sky lounge when he is not a member of VVIP?¡±


    ¡°Something is suspicious. When that guy came up to the sky lounge, the elevator camera went down, too.¡±


    ¡°Really? Oh my god! It¡¯s an emergency. Post a picture of him and send his picture to the security officers!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see. I¡¯ll notify the staff on the emergency.¡±


    Following the spread of an emergency in the security office, a photo of the face of Chief Park Gi-oong, who had disguised himself, was sent to the security officers at the Vian Hotel. In no time at all, all security officers had swarmed the sky lounge.


    At that moment, all the power of the twenty-fourth-floor sky lounge went down and all the lights were turned off.


    * * *


    December 7th, 2023 00:20, (Macao time 6th 23:20)


    The Sky Lounge of Sands Cotai Vian Hotel, Macau Special District, Republic of China


    Guests in the sky lounge were panicking and making a fuss when the power had suddenly gone out.


    ¡°This is Alpha four! The 24th floor is all shut down. Again, it takes less than two minutes for the emergency generator to turn on.¡±


    ¡°Alpha four! Okay. We are moving. Chief Park! Let¡¯s go! We have to be on the rooftop in two minutes!¡±


    ¡°Yes, manager! Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The two men, who were supporting Jjangcheon, who had beenpletely stretched out after being drugged, opened the door to the rooftop. They were using special sses equipped with an infrared function.


    When they stepped out into the dark, they made their way through the crowd, When they reached the rooftop entrance, several shlights suddenly pointed at them, and soon a cry rang.


    ¡°Stop there! Who are you?¡±


    They were security officers.


    ¡°Chief Park, support him and go up to the rooftop. I¡¯ll dy them for a while and make my way up right after.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯ll do it. You take him up.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time! It¡¯s an order! Hurry up!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung forcibly pushed Jjangcheon onto Park Gi-oong for support and shoved them through the door.


    ¡°Oh, manager! Hurry ande on up.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Don¡¯t worry and go up!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Okay.¡±


    While the conversation was brief, the security officers equipped with shlights who were approaching Manager Lee Ja-sung were already just around the corner.


    Whoops! puck! puck!


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who could see as clear as day in the dark, was temporarily blinded by the shlight. Despite that, he managed to strike the eyes and chin of the security officers who had approached him.


    When one of the security officers had copsed due to a sudden jab, the other one who was with him pulled a pistol from his holster and aimed.


    Soon after, gunfire rang out throughout the sky lounge.


    bang! Tatatang! bang! bang!


    At the moment, VVIP members screamed and scattered in all directions, and some membersy t on the floor.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who flew himself toward the stand bar table on the left side of the door, took a deep breath and looked around.


    ¡°Did they notice?¡±


    If the security officer had fired the gun blindly even in the presence of VVIP members, it meant that they had noticed something. Manager, Lee Ja-sung, checked the time on his wristwatch and dashed through the shing lights, grabbing the neck of the nearest security officer.


    A technique that could only have been performed by a professional wrestler came from the hands of the manager, Lee Ja-sung. When he wrapped his right arm around the security officer¡¯s neck and broke it, therge security officer tumbled backwards, and the heavy sound of his head hitting the ground echoed on the floor.


    Tatang! Tang Tang! Tatata Tang!


    The beam of the shlight followed Lee Ja-sung and a gunshot rang once again.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who had pulled a pistol from the hands of a fallen security officer, rolled over andunched a counterattack.


    bang! bang! bang! bang!


    Four shots were fired from Lee Ja-sung¡¯s pistol. As a result, four security officers copsed grabbing their arms.


    Even as he fired the shots while on the move, he managed to urately aim only the arms of the security officers.


    At that time, Chief Park Gi-oong had reached the rooftop carrying Jjangcheon on his back. He grabbed the outer wall to catch his breath, then began to run toward the skybus, whichnded on the rooftop right on time.


    ¡°Oh? Chief Park! What about the manager?¡±


    ¡°The manager is holding off the security officers because we got unlucky!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Get him on the ride!¡±


    Agents from the skybus took over Jjangcheon, who was on the back of team leader Park Gi-woong, carried him and threw him inside. ordingly, Chief Park Gi-oong sent a silentmunication to manager Lee Ja-sung.


    ¡°This is Alpha One! Manager! Come up!! I have already put Jjangcheon on the skybus.¡±


    ¡°Get out first. I think I¡¯ll bete! Tell the other teams to withdraw, too!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Deputy Manager Oh! Do you have an electronic rod?¡±


    ¡°What? Here.¡±


    Deputy Manager Oh Seok-jin handed over a 10-centimeter electronic rod handle from his inner pocket. Upon receiving this, Chief Park Gi-oong shouted while running out of the rooftop door.


    ¡°If we don¡¯te back in the next three minutes, leave right away! Tell the other teams to withdraw, too!¡±


    ¡°Yes, okay.¡±

 Chapter 440 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 1-3 Execute One As a Warning to

    <h4>Chapter 440: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 1-3 Execute One As a Warning to Others</h4>


    December 7th, 2023 00:25, (Macao time 23:25)


    The Sky Lounge of the Sands Cotai Vian Hotel in Macau, Republic of China


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who rushed down to the sky lounge with only an electronic rod, checked the situation through the door with the help of a pair of special sses.


    The sky lounge lights were already on, and manager Lee Ja-sung was confronting the surrounding security staff with one wall behind him.


    ¡°Manager! This is Alpha One. Get out by using TCS mode. I¡¯m waiting at the exit.¡±


    Jijik! Jijik! JiJiJjiK!


    Only noise was heard. Something was wrong with the silentmunication device that had been used tomunicate with Manager Lee Ja-sung without any problems until now. Themunication transmitter seemed to have broken during the confrontation with the security staff.


    ¡°But since you reacted to what I said, the receiver seems to be okay.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me! I¡¯ll divert their attention with the TCS mode, so go up to the rooftop within that time. It starts in five seconds.¡±


    As if responding to Chief Park Gi-oong¡¯s silentmunication, another noise was heard.


    ¡°You heard it as I thought. Good! Shall we y the ghost game now and disappear?¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong pushed his left sleeve up to his elbow and operated the X-K02 terminal. The space seemed to distort and soon Chief Park Gi-oong became invisible.


    ¡°Whoa¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who took a long exhale, pressed the button on the electronic rod. The rod extended out from the handle of the electronic rod 10 centimeters at a time. The fully-extended 70-centimeter electronic rod generates enough voltage to shock anyone who touches it.


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who counted to ten in his head, opened the door while still invisible and ran toward the security staff who were aiming their pistols at manager, Lee Ja-sung. No, it should be said that he flew. Chief Park Gi-oong soared into the air and hit the head of one of the security staff with the electronic rod.


    Whoops!


    With a dull sound, the security staff screamed briefly and curled up.


    ¡°Did I hit too hard?¡±


    As Chief Park Gi-oong thought, even if it was not strong high-voltage electricity, he would faint from the shock of being hit hard.


    ¡°What? What?¡±


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    The security staff freaked out. They looked as if they had seen a ghost. In their eyes, a short silver rod less than a meter long was approaching them, moving as if dancing in the air.


    ¡°Go, go away!¡±


    A few frightened security staff stepped back and ran away, but a few brave ones tried firing at the moving rod.


    bang! bang! Tatang! Taang!


    However, the silver rod evaded the bullets as if it were alive and dug into the middle of the security staff who had fired the gun. He then mercilessly hit the security staff¡¯s heads and limbs.


    Several security staff were electrocuted by the high voltage just by touching it. One by one they passed out. Furthermore, everyone began to panic when they realised they couldn¡¯t fire any shots as they were afraid of getting hurt.


    Meanwhile, manager, Lee Ja-sung flew toward the door while Chief Park Gi-oong was still pretending to be a ghost.


    Tata ta tata that!


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who rolled over the floor and struck the leg of a security staff with the electronic rod, confirmed that manager Lee Ja-sung had jumped over the table from the other side and escaped through the door.


    ¡°He, he is running away. We need to catch him!¡±


    A security employee, who was hiding behind the wall because of the electronic rod, shot at the door and screamed.


    bang! bang!


    ¡°Where is this guy shooting at?¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong hit the torso of the two security staff in front of him with the electronic rod, jumped on several chairs, then reached out and hit the wrist of the security staff who was shooting at Lee Ja-sung.


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    The security staff, who dropped the pistol, eventually hunched over, foaming in his mouth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t shoot recklessly!¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong,nded on the floor and turned his head, wondering if Lee Ja-sung had reached the rooftop by then. Perhaps, he thought. He grunted and threw the electronic rod behind the security staff. As a result, all the security staff¡¯s eyes turned and headed for the flying silver rod.


    ¡°Ghost y is now over, kids¡±


    When the electronic rod, which had been flying in the air and hitting them recklessly until then, fell to the floor and stopped moving, the security staff stood there and watched as if they were possessed by something. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, Chief Park Gi-oong ran through the open door and climbed up the stairs to the rooftop to activate it in TCS mode.


    ¡°Good job!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who was waiting at the rooftop entrance, tapped his shoulder and smiled brightly when Chief Park Gi-oong appeared.


    ¡°Haha, let¡¯s go now.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    The two men boarded the sky bus, which was hovering 30 centimeters above the rooftop.


    ¡°Alpha Zero! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re leaving.¡±


    Whoasssh!


    The CMV-100 Sky bus activated its own TCS mode and swiftly soared high into the starlit sky.


    Only then did the security staff appear on the rooftop of the Vian hotel. They looked around the rooftop but there was nothing to be seen.


    ¡°You punks! You look like a dog chasing a chicken on the roof. Hahaha.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong, who watched the situation from the window, said with a smile.


    ¡°Then, are we chickens?¡±


    ¡°Haha, isn¡¯t it a proverb? Oh, that¡¯s right. Why did you not escape in TCS mode and make your subordinates suffer?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk! Look at this. Look at this!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung took off his torn suit and raised his left arm. There were cracks everywhere with bullet impact marks on the center of the screen of the X-K02 terminal mounted on the left arm.


    ¡°I wonder if I was shot here! The TCS mode ispletely messed up!¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you couldn¡¯t even receive the voicelessmunication?¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, the receiver didn¡¯t have a problem, so I was able to hear your voice, Chief Park.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯m d to hear that.¡±


    ¡°But why did youe down and not follow my orders?¡±


    ¡°Wow! You¡¯re asking for me to listen when I saved a drowning person?¡±


    ¡°An order is an order.¡±


    ¡°How can we leave without the manager? I won¡¯t listen to such orders in the future, so please understand.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I said that to make youugh. Anyway, thank you. Oh, right. You ordered the other team to withdraw, right?¡±


    Oh Seok-jin, who was guarding Jjangcheon next to him, replied instead.


    ¡°Yes, currently, Alpha One and Two! All the team members have been informed that they are moving out of the operational zone and into a new safe house.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Great job, everyone. There was amotion for a while, but this seems like a perfect mission.¡±


    ¡°Manager! What should we do about this?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung took a heavy pouch out of his suit and looked at the handful of dor coins inside.


    ¡°Chief Park! Did you fly around with that pouch on you?¡±


    ¡°For some reason, even if I missed Jjangcheon, I thought I should take this pouch. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Wow! How much is that?¡±


    He was surprised together with deputy manager, Oh Seok-jin, touching the dor coins.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think it¡¯s about $130,000.¡±


    When all the coins were poured out, several types of dor coins, ranging from $1,000 coins to $5,000 coins, piled up on the floor.


    ¡°That should be decided after we report it to our superior.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we spend it on special expenses instead of reporting it? Didn¡¯t we have a hard time?¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong twitched his mouth.


    ¡°All right. All right. Let¡¯s use it for special expenses!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung also nodded because he knew that his teammates had suffered from less than three hours of sleep a day sinceing to Hong Kong.


    ¡°As expected, Manager Lee you are a cool guy. Haha.¡±


    When Chief Park Gi-oong gave a thumbs up, manager Lee Ja-sung waved his hands as if to stop. When he saw Jjangcheon lying on the floor, drifting in and out of consciousness, he sat in the chair next to him. As he rxed, he closed his eyes to see if he could sleep. At this time, Oh Seok-jin asked a question.


    ¡°Are we going to Korea right away?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung replied with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep until I arrive, too.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong also yawned to the point where his mouth ached andid down on a long chair.


    In 11 days, Department 1 of Foreign Information had secured the first key to digging into the truth of Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s confidential leakage case.


    <hr />


    December 7th, 2023 07:00


    Underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center in Namju Jongno-gu, Seoul


    He hade to report the sessful arrest of Jjangcheon, the leader of a criminal organization. The organization was also involved in kidnapping the family of Lee Young-jin and Professor Woo Jin-gil, and had visited the Blue House early in the morning and secretly stole confidential documents for two years.


    In the underground bunker of the Blue House, which had no proper business hours since the outbreak of the Korean-Russian War, Blue House officials as well as employees dispatched from various government departments, including the Ministry of National Defense, were working day and night.


    ¡°Please wait for a moment. She is eating. By the way, your face has be very gaunt in thest few days.¡±


    Lim Jong-won, the chief of staff who had been working on amodation and meals here in the underground bunker, was the first to finish breakfast and greeted Lee Young-jin in the presidential conference room.


    ¡°Oh! Don¡¯t even talk. After the confidentiality leak, you should be able to sleep with your feet stretched out.¡±


    ¡°Is there any progress in the investigation?¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, I came early in the morning because I had something to report.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin smiled gently as he put the report on the table.


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s a relief. The president was also paying a lot of attention to the leak.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should have brought good news earlier¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that as easy as it sounds? It¡¯s great to bring an advanced investigation report in such a short time.¡±


    knock, knock


    ¡°Manager! I brought some tea.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on in.¡±


    For a while, the two men drank warm tea and talked. About ten minutester, President Choo Eun-hee hurriedly appeared in the conference room after finishing up her breakfast.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯mte, right?¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee sat in a chair in the conference room with a bright smile. Lee Young-jin, who stood up and greeted the president, bowed his head politely and said while sitting down.


    ¡°No, Mdm. President! I think I interrupted your breakfast.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean interrupted? No, it¡¯s alright. I¡¯m afraid that there will be a rumor that I kept you waiting for me while I continued to have breakfast. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Haha, is that so?¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee, who told a joke, looked very excited, and Director Lee Young-jin pointed to the report on the table and said.


    ¡°This is an investigation report on Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s confidential leak case.¡±


    ¡°Is there any progress?¡±


    The president picked up the report and read it slowly from the first page.


    ¡°Yes, as you can see from the report, we have uncovered the identity and arrested the general manager of the criminal group who kidnapped Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s family and tortured them. We have even confirmed the forces behind it.¡±


    ¡°Really? It¡¯s more than I expected.¡±


    The president read the report, slightly surprised by the progress of the investigation, which was beyond her expectation.


    ¡°ck Panther? Is the organization a new intelligence agency in New China?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s an intelligence agency directly under the President¡¯s office.¡±


    ¡°Then, does that mean that Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s family was kidnapped through a spy agency in New China¡¯s office, causing pain for two years, and stealing confidential data?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    Boom!


    ¡°Oh, my. These guys are being not fair.¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee expressed her anger by hitting the table as if she was excited.


    ¡°Currently, an agent, tentatively named Jjangcheon, who led the kidnapping case to the NIS, has been arrested and interrogated. The relevant information is on page four.¡±


    ¡°Jjangcheon! Is this the person in charge of what was done to Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s family in Hong Kong?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°All right. Please reveal everything about the confidential case. It doesn¡¯t matter what you do. Use this opportunity to take down New China¡¯s President Office! No, I need to let President Wang Jing-wei know what a punishment is.¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee¡¯s remarks just now meant that the National Intelligence Service would tolerate the use of illegal torture or drug administration against Jjangcheon. It could have been a very dangerous statement politically. However, President Choo Eun-hee was about to make more remarks, telling everyone just how angry she was.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do my best..¡±

 Chapter 441 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 2-1 Sakhalin Landing Operation

    <h4>Chapter 441: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 2-1 Sakhalin Landing Operation</h4>


    December 7th, 2023 11:00 (Russian time 12:00)


    183 kilometers southwest of Ost Poronaisk in Sakhalinskaya, Russia


    From the 87-kilometer wide C-type coast, 183 kilometers southwest of the sea, the 10th Landing Fleet, the 7th Fleet, the 3rd Fleet and the 11th Submarine Fleet were operating a cryogenic IUSW-B.L02 sonar at sea depth.


    Starting with the upation of divostok, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had alsounched anding operation on Sakhalin when a full-fledged invasion of coastal upation began.


    The Marine Corps, which will be participating in the Sakhalinnding operation, was the 3rd Marine Corps (Hwarong), a military force stationed in Hokkaido, to have boarded the 10thnding fleet after gathering at Hakodate Port in Hokkaido three days prior. In addition, some units of the 1st Marine Division (Haeryong) and the 6th Marine Division (Cheonryong) in Osaka were urgently moved to defend Hokkaido on behalf of the 3rd East Marine Division (Hwaryong).


    Currently, the 68th Corps belonging to the eastern Russian military district was stationed in Sakhalin. As the former Far East and Siberian military districts were merged and reorganized into a new eastern military district, the 68th Corps was disbanded. However, in early 2020, President Putin reorganized the 68th Corps, a defense force stationed in Sakhalin, into a fire-power-oriented corps. ordingly, the unit organization was the 18th Machine Gunner Division, the 39th Vehicle Rifle Brigade, the 312th Rocket Division, and the only twondbat unitsposed of infantry and the 39th Vehicle Firearms Brigade. If the 3rd Marine Corps (Hwarong)nded in Sakhalin, it was far from enough to stop it from the ground.


    Naturally, the 68th Corpsmand was also aware of this. ordingly, the 68th Corpsmand established an operation n to defend Sakhalin by thoroughly preventing it fromnding. It was possible because there were the 13th Machine Gunner Division and 312 Rockets, which boast of strong firepower, on the basis of being able to establish such an operation n.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to get started.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-woo, who looked at his watch from the bridge of the Dokdo (LPH-6111) bridge, muttered to himself and looked at thending site beyond the horizon.


    Two years ago, Admiral Hyeong-Woo Ahn, who led the Maritime Task Floti Seven and made remarkable achievements in naval battles against Chinese and Japanese fleets, was promoted to Major General and was appointed to the position ofmander of the 1st Fleet at the same time.


    ¡°If we had waited for this long, the Russians would have prepared everything as well?¡±


    Brigadier General Oh Dong-seok from Bukju, the deputymander of the 1st Fleet, also countered while looking at the blue horizon beyond the bridge window.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. I still didn¡¯t know the intention of the seafarer. It¡¯s an amphibious operation, but isn¡¯t it necessary to deceive the enemy¡¯s eyes and carry out it secretly? I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re doing it so openly.¡±


    Brigadier General Oh Dong-seok revealed his uneasy feelings about the orders he received from the seafarer.


    ¡°It was an operation n decided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, so even the pirates would have no choice but to do it. I hope you didn¡¯t establish an operation that harms our navy. We just need to execute the orders given to us without mistake.¡±


    Major General Ahn Hyeong-woo had a high rank but when talking to Brigadier General Oh Dong-seok, who was about 10 years older, he spoke respectfully.


    ¡°Even so, it is something I don¡¯t really like.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I know very well what Brigadier Oh is worried about. Trust me for once and follow me.¡±


    The 1st Fleet, Maritime Task Floti Seven, and Maritime Task Floti Eleven, in charge of escorting the 10th Landing Fleet, had arrived at the sea eight hours before and had been waiting. In other words, it gave time for the 68th Corps to know where the ROK Marines wouldnd and prepare for it.


    There was a reason for giving the other country time to detect thending point and prepare for it. Since the Joint Chiefs of Staff had secured air rights over the entire region of Sakhalin, including Primorsky Krai, the strategy was to gather all the forces of the 68th Corps in one ce and destroy them all at once with arge-scale attack.


    For this reason, the expectednding point was exposed to the 68th Corps and all forces had gathered in one ce and were waiting until the time came for them to prepare for thending. If the operation n established by the Joint Chiefs of Staff seeded and incapacitated all forces of the 68th Corps at once, it was safe to say that the entirety of Sakhalin fell into the hands of the Republic of Korea without further engagement after the sessfulnding.


    ¡°Commander! It is a call from the seafarer. This is an order tounch anding operation in the next 30 minutes.¡±


    Themunications officer of the Dokdo ship (LPH-6111) vigorously recited the order from the Naval Operations Command.


    ¡°In 30 minutes¡­openmunication to each fleetmander!¡±


    ¡°Yes, themunicationwork has been opened.¡±


    ¡°This is Major General Ahn Hyeong-woo,mander of the 1st Fleet. Thending operation will begin in the next 30 minutes. Commanders of each fleet, please check once again so that there is no disruption to the operation. Over.¡±


    <hr />


    December 7th, 2023 11:50 (Russian time 12:50)


    Themand center of the 68th Corps, 50 kilometers behind Ost Poronaisk Beach, Sakhalinskaya, Russia


    ¡°Captain! It is a report that the Korean Navy is once again sailing around Poronaisk Beach.¡±


    The 68th Corps Operations Officer, Major General Viktotz Carpen recited the report of the maritime patrol aircraft.


    Lieutenant General Islom Inomov, who only nodded slightly as if he had been waiting for this, turned his head to the staff and shouted so loudly that the temporarymand post rang.


    ¡°If the South Korean marines seed innding, Sakhalin is the same as being invaded. We have to stop thending somehow. Tell each subordinate unit, even at the risk of their lives, that not a single marine must ever set foot on Poronaisk Beach.¡±


    All subordinate units of the 68th Corps were deployed to the 89-kilometer-long C-type beach, and all preparations were made to stop the amphibiousnding. Various artillery units were encamped in camouge shields and waiting in the rear.


    The impressive artillery power of the 68th Corps was beyond one¡¯s imagination. In particr, the 312th Rocket Division was organized into BM-30 Smersi, and 72unch vehicles were equipped with 12 300-millimeter rocket rounds. Furthermore, using the GLONASS system, a ground-level precision attack was possible. It was one of the forces that would pose the greatest threat to the Republic of Korea Marine Corps uponnding.


    In addition, the 8th Machine Gun Artillery Division had artillery forces of various calibre. Among them, three were deployed as thetest Russian 2S35 Koalichiya-SV self-propelled artillery. There were 54 doors with self-propelled artillery and multiple rocketunchers of various calibre were lined up.


    In addition, numerous mines that could blow up the armored vehicles, as well as various X-shaped iron obstacles, were buried in the coastal area. Numerous heavy machine guns and armored vehicles only had their turrets sticking out of the temporarily constructed positions. For the 68th Corps, it was just a situation of waiting afterpleting all preparations to stop thending.


    <hr />


    December 7th, 2023 12:20 (Russian time 13:20)


    Russia, Sakhalinskaya Ost Poronaisk, 80 kilometers southwest


    The 10th Landing Fleet, which reached 80 kilometers southwest of Poronaisk Beach, began thending procedure in earnest. WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters, which faced the beach and would be able to support with firepower uponnding from the flight decks of Ganghwado LHD and LPH ss assault ships, arranged in a nk formation and were preparing for back-to-back take-off. However, more than 80 Eagle-II-M drones, an attack drone for marines, had already flown to the coast where they were nning tond and have begun to search the surroundings and get into attack positions.


    The Eagle-II-M drone, equipped with VR-M-ss irvoyance optics, 8-millimeterser Vulcans, and six 50-millimeter sma-activated carbons,unched an attack on previously identified positions and newly discovered positions.


    The 1-meter Eagle-II-M drone sprayed beams of light while dodging the anti-aircraft guns and machine guns from the ground.


    Even before the full-scalending took ce, the defense force of the 68th Corps, which defended thending from the attack of the Eagle-II-M drones, had a tough time.


    As the Eagle-II-M drones flew off the coast, the 1st Fleet and 7th Task Group destroyers, which were escorting the 10th Landing Fleet, fired surface-to-surface missiles and artillery fire.


    When several Cheonryong A cruise missiles soared simultaneously in the sky, leaving white contrails in their wake, they turned and headed towards the Poronaisk Coast when they reached a certain altitude. The Cheonryong A cruise missile, armed with dual-purpose amplified sma bombs, flew towards the beach at a speed of Mach 3.5, and as soon as it approached the target, numerous submunitions were sprayed on the shore.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! bang!


    The sub-munitions that exploded 10 meters aboveground hit the ground and exploded again.


    With the deafening second explosion, everything on the ground was mercilessly torn apart. In an instant, the surrounding area was engulfed in huge mes and smoke.


    The Russian soldier, who had fired at the Eagle-II-M drone flying in the air with a heavy machine gun was hiding out in a hole the size of a human face. As a huge me suddenly blew through the hole, he was burnt along with other soldiers hiding in the camp.


    Bang! Banng! Babang! bang!


    In addition, the shells fired from the destroyer were poured into various armored vehicles which were lying in wait. It was able to urately fire by receiving location information from the Eagle-II-M drone.


    ¡°This one, this one has a lot more firepower than I thought.¡±


    When Brigadier Oh Dong-seok, who was watching the video of the coast from the drones and Apollo satellites through the bridge screen, said with a satisfied expression, Admiral Ahn Hyeong-woo also nodded his head and responded with a look of satisfaction.


    ¡°Commander Oh! Didn¡¯t I tell you to trust me and follow me? Now, as long as the Air Force hit their target, this upstream operation will easily be over.¡±


    ¡°Come on, you seem to have been too easy on the Korean naval forces.¡±


    Brigadier General Oh Dong-seok was assigned a post as deputymander of the 1st Fleet at the Naval Logistics Command after the end of the First Northeast Asian War and did not know how much naval power he had in actualbat. However, seeing the naval firepower in action with his own two eyes, he was very surprised.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have worried earlier.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s possible.¡±


    At this time, the deputy chief of operations came and reported.


    ¡°It is said that in the next five minutes there will be a massive bombing of the air force.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s time to tell the 10th Fleet and the 3rd Marine Division that thending operation will begin in five minutes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    At themand of Admiral Ahn Hyeong-woo, the hatches of several amphibious assault ships were opened. Then, dozens of new K-27P-M Kirin Marine Combat Armored Vehicles equipped with a hover system flew forward one after another while floating on the surface of the water.


    Currently, all tanks and armored vehicles of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong) are equipped with a hovering system, enabling hover flight of up to 150 kilometers with a single sma condensed battery pack. In modernnding operations, the new concepts greatly exceed the currentnding concept.


    The WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters, which were also in charge of fire support missions from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship, began to take off vertically one by one, and dozens of WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters flew in formation in the sky.


    In addition, hatches were opened from the left and right sides of the hull of the new concept assault support ships, the Namju-ss No. 1 Namju (LHD-6201) and No. 2 Northern Ship (LHD-6202), and a long deck extended. Then, the world¡¯s first unmanned tank, the 6th-generation C-4 Garion tank*, appeared.


    *C-4 Garion tank


    Crew: 0 (unmanned vehicle)


    Weight: 25 tons


    Weight to horsepower ratio: 260hp/t


    Engine: KPP-200 (Hover System)


    Output: 6,500 horsepower


    Road maneuver: 120km/h


    Off-the-field maneuvering: 80 km/h


    Hover maneuver: 150km/h


    Range: 4,000 kilometers


    Main gun: 80-millimeter ultra-photon cannon


    Pration: 5,500-millimeter


    Frontal protection power (KE): 3,000-millimeter (hydronium alloy)


    Maximum angle of inclination: 65 degrees upward, 25 degrees downward


    Secondary armament 1: 8-millimeterser gun, 6 rows of Vulcans


    Anti-aircraft/anti-tank weapon: 40-millimeter GTGAS-40 ck Dragon (4 x 2 = 8)


    Active defense system: Super EMP shield system / Transparent protection function / Laser interception system


    The number of ammunition for the main gun: 30 rounds x 10 based on sma cell x 2 pack


    Price: 30 billion won

 Chapter 442 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 2-2 Amphibious Operation on

    <h4>Chapter 442: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 2-2 Amphibious Operation on Sakhalin</h4>


    The C-4 Gaion tank, which floated to a height of 1 m above the water surface,municated with the CS-PC Hera satellite equipped with the Turkion-X wirelessmunication system and was able to operate anywhere on the earth at any time withoutmunication interference.


    In particr, the C-4 Gaion tank was able to control all tanks in an integrated manner by an artificial intelligence Gaion supeputer, rather than being controlled individually by an individual operator in manual mode, like the C-1000 Haitai, an unmanned alert robot with an unmanned system for the first time. It was apletely unmanned automation system.


    The C-4 Gaion tram, which rose lightly to a height of 1m above the surface,municated with the CS-PC Hera satellite equipped with the Turkish-X wirelessmunication system and could be operated anywhere on the at any time without amunication failure.


    In particr, the C-4 Gaion tank was able to control all tanks integrally by artificial intelligence Gaion supeputers rather than individual operators in manual mode like the C-1000 Haitai, the first unmanned border robot to introduce an unmanned system. It was aplete unmanned automation system.


    Currently, the 21st and 22nd tank battalions of the 10th Armored Brigade were the only ones among the 3rd Marine Corps that deployed C-4 Gaion tanks. Since development, quality tests have beenpleted, and it has not been long since it was deployed in practice, and in particr, the price of 30 billion won per unit was a major obstacle to mass production.


    If it were a regr tram, it would have been possible to lower the production unit price by exporting to various countries, but C-4 Gaion tram was in the S ss among the list of prohibited exports, so it was impossible to lower the production unit price because it could only be ced in its own country.


    74 C-4 Gaion tanks, which had been floating about 1m from the calm water, gradually moved forward as the hover engine mounted on the rear operated ording to the instructions of the Gaion supeputer.


    Tuang! Shooosh! Tuang! Shooosh!


    The C-4 Gaion tanks flew over the sea at a maximum speed of 100 km / h, and the strong water broke into both sides and rose to several meters.


    As the C-4 Gaion tanks flew like a dreadful speed over the sea, this time the C-3A2 white tanks were loaded into a mobile esctor on the namju (LHD-6201) and the Bukju(LHD-6202) left and right decks.


    Whirrrl!


    As the blue light emitted with the soft mechanical sound from the four hover engines mounted at the bottom of the tram, the C-3A2 white tank slowly floated into the air and the rear hover engine was also operated, slowly flying over the sea.


    As even more than 100 C-3A2 white tiger tanks participated in the full-fledgednding operation, the number of tanks and armored vehicles heading toward Poronaisk Beach exceeded 400.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen such anding operation in training, but I¡¯m very proud of it that it¡¯s carried out without any problems in practice.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-woo made a series of exmations as he watched from the bridge over the Dokdo(LPH-6111). Ten minutes ago, Jo Gyu-hong, head of the 3rd Marine Corps¡¯ division, who moved to the Dokdo(LPH-6111) in the mobile helicopter , responded with a pleased look.


    ¡°Ha ha, I know. They are our subordinates, but they are very reliable.¡±


    Jo Kyu-hong, who is themander of the division, the most senior among the ranks of the generals in the bridge, showed a bright smile. ordingly, even General Oh Dong-seok helped with the prasing to the Marine corps.


    ¡°Nevertheless, I¡¯m so ecstatic about this view, and I was very concerned about it, in fact, that I was saying that before reunification, I was told that South Korean marines are very tough that they can even catch ghosts and I was very concerned about that. But now I think I know why you call them that.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it did. Among the South Korean troops, the Marine Corps is the bravest.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do with suchpliment.¡±


    Ahead of thending match, Colonel Lee Chul-gi, the operational officer of the 1st Fleet, reported to Admiral Ahn Hyung-woo in a modest manner while talking between generals at the Dokdo(LPH-6111) bridge.


    ¡± Admiral! Air Force bombing will begin in the next 5 minutes.¡±


    With Colonel Lee Chul-gi¡¯s report, the central screen of the bridge was changed to a Poronaisque beach video taken by the Apollo satellite.


    ¡°It¡¯s already that time.¡±


    On the central tactical screen of Hamgyo Bridge, 32 F-15K m Eagles belonging to the 102nd Fighter Squadron Kangmyeong (Harbin) Air Force Base and 16 CB-91P Goshawk Bombers from the 10th Fighter Squadron Mangyong (Jirin) Air Base were heading to Poronaisk Beach in time.


    ¡°How long do we have untilnding?¡±


    When Admiral Ahn Hyung-woo asked, Colonel Lee Chul-gi, who checked the central control monitor, replied.


    ¡°The berthnding units are the 21st and 22nd tank battalions belonging to the 10th Armored Brigade organized as C-4 Gaion tanks. We have 15km to the coast.¡±


    ¡°Well, it is going ording to the preliminary n.¡±


    At this time, Division Commander Cho Gyu-hong said while wearing a tactical helmet.


    ¡°I should slowly go to thending point.¡±


    ¡°What? You are saying that themander willnd, too?¡±


    When Oh Dong-seok, themander of the 1st Fleet¡¯s deputymander, was surprised and asked back, Cho Gyu-hong, themander of the division, finished fixing his helmet and answered politely.


    ¡°Well I can¡¯t send only my subordinates to die, right? Our invincible marine is one from a tiny material even up to the stars. Hahaha.¡±


    When Cho Gyu-hong, themander of the division, gave a big salute with a bright smile, Admiral Ahn Hyung-woo and General Oh Dong-seok also greeted each other with a salute.


    ¡°Be careful. Division Commander Jo!¡±


    ¡°As expected, the Marine Corps general is surely something different. Haha¡±


    ¡°Okay! Then you two can lead here and I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    After a brief greeting, Division Commander Cho Gyu-hong left the bridge with his staff and headed to the flight deck. On the flight deck, a CUM-M50 Super Surion mobile helicopter was waiting for Division Commander Cho Gyu-hong.


    ¡°Looking at the Division Commander Jo makes me feel ashamed of myself.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha. Admiral Ahn is like that, too? That¡¯s what I thought. Hahaha.¡±


    While the two generals admired the strong military spirit led by the divisionmander Cho Gyu-hong, the two generals of the Bridge, who watched the scene, each said something respectful as the CUM-M50 Super Surion mobile helicopter carrying the divisionmander Cho Gyu-hong and staff slowly climbed up the ne deck.


    On the other hand, dozens of kilometers of Poronaisk Beach was spreading hell due to the continued fire of the South Korea Navy destroyer and the Chunryong A cruise missile. The C-4 Gaion tank, which reached 10 km from the beach, was even faster and even fired 80 mm ultra-photon guns.


    Equipped with ultra-light chariot, which is several times more destructive than regr photons, the C-4 Gaion tanks blew off their coastal enemy positions and armored vehicle turrets with urate shots even in hover flight conditions reaching 100 kilometers per hour.


    <hr />


    December 7th, 2023 13:10 (Russian time 14:10),


    The 68th Corps Command Headquarters 50km behind Ost Poronaisk Beach in Sakhalinskaya, Russia.


    ¡°It is reported that the damage to the 23rd Regiment of the 11th Mobilization Division is severe.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s reported that 103 units of the 139th Vehicle Rifle Brigade were destroyed.¡±


    Reports of damage from each subordinate unit that was building a camp on the coast of the Poronaisk fornding stops were reported.


    Lieutenant General Im Inomov turned his head toward the screen indicating the tactical status board hanging on the wall.


    Operators were immediately marking reports flying in real time on the tactical status board screen.


    ¡°Captain, even at this rate, it is likely that all of us will be wiped out before that, even to let them prevent fromnding. and you¡¯ll have to order the troops in the rear of you to attack right now.¡±


    When Operation Officer Viktorz Carpen said with signs of anxiety, Lieutenant General Im Inomov, themander of the army, frowned and angry.


    ¡°We haven¡¯tnded yet. What attack order should we give?¡±¡±


    ¡°Then, allnd andnd power to prevent actualnding will be ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    Lieutenant General Im Inomov stopped by waving his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Lieutenant General Im Inomov had a moment to think. However, no matter how much he thought about it, there was no way.


    The support of the Korean Navy was more than I thought to endure in the state of losing the right to offer and the right to provide. The 39th Vehicle Fire Brigade, the only armored unit among the two Mobilization Division infantry and 68th Corps waiting in their position that could take some time, could be destroyed.


    Lieutenant General Im Inomov sighed heavily and opened his mouth in a low tone.


    ¡°Shoot! There¡¯s no other way, Operation Officer! Order the 312 Rocket Division and the 18th Artillery Division to attack.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    At the same time as the answer, Operation Officer Viktorz Carpen issued an order to the operator whomunicated with each subordinate.


    And after a few momentster¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.


    The 312th Rocket Division and the 18th Machine Gunner Division, which were ordered to attack from the corps¡¯mand headquarters, began a formidable artillery attack as if they were waiting.


    However, they did not know that this was a sign of death that would strike them.


    <hr />


    December 7th, 2023 13:15 (Russian time 14:15),


    85km behind Sakhalinskaya Ost Poronaisk Beach in Russia (312th Rocket Division).


    About 40 BM-30 Smerseyunch vehicles that had just removed the electric field special camouge fired rockets at the Foronaisk beach at 100m intervals. The BM-30s Merci¡¯s 300mm rocket, which operates with a glonass system thatmunicates with satellites and enables ground-level precision strikes, flew with a coolunch sound and parab.


    But then there were a sound of a flute in the sky, and then the snow and dirt fragments rose from all sides.This huge explosion gradually neared the 312th Rocket Division station, and several BM-30 Smerseyunch vehicles were destroyed by explosive power.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The ground was literally in chaos due to the bombs pouring every few meters. BM-30 Smerseyunch vehicles as well as various armored vehicles soared into the sky and exploded, and the division¡¯smand also failed to survive.


    Ten kilometers above the 312 rocket division, eight CB-91P Goshwak Bombers flew leisurely and continued to pour conventional bombs toward the ground.


    The 16 CB-91P Goshwak Bombers, which participated in the bombing mission, collected and dropped all the conventional bombs that had been umted in the ammunition warehouse. The Joint Chiefs of Staff took up only the space in the ammunition warehouse and tried to consume all the bombs that had to be discarded over time.


    While flying at an altitude of 10 km with a total of 80 conventional shells per CB-91P Goshawk bomber, he immediately dropped an intensive bomb after receiving information on the location detection of the 312 rocket division, which walked through the electric field¡¯s camouge and fired.


    A total of 480 conventional bombspletely neutralized most of the 312 rocket divisions. Some surviving armored vehicles or transport vehicles luckily survived and escaped from the massive bomb-drop mes, but that was the end of the 312 Rocket Division.


    In addition, these concentrated bombs also took ce in various ces in the 18th Machine Gunner Division. Within a few minutes of artillery fire, a firestorm fell from the sky.


    In particr, an artillery battalion organized by Russia¡¯stest artificial artillery, Koalichya-SV, suffered fatal damage.


    Despite being a conventional bomb, the CB-91P Goshwak Bombers, a Korean tactical bomber, dropped dozens of bombs exactly over the artillery unit and one by one caused fatal damage.


    The turret was shot directly by a bomb, and the ragged koalichiya-SV self-propelled guns were scattered all over the ce, and the battalion armored vehicles were also burning in mes, avoiding steel-fire rain from the sky.


    Meanwhile, 32 F-15K ms, which hid themselves in various positions on the coast of Poronaisk and flew aimed at Russian ground forces responsible for stoppingnding, sequentially dropped 26 integrated direct bullets Mark 82 along the long coast and fired C-VMRG bullets called vibration mine removal bullets.


    The 64 C-VMRG bullets, which wereunched twice each in 32 F-15K ms, flew to the sand at exactly 1km intervals. Unlike ordinary bombs, C-VMRG bullets, which did not explode and were embedded deep in the sand, soon spread powerful vibrations to the surrounding area. As a result, various mines buried all over the beach began to explode at once, perhaps due to vibration waves. At the same time, hundreds of sand pirs soared from all sides as if setting up a tent..

 Chapter 443 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 2-3 Amphibious Operation on

    <h4>Chapter 443: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 2-3 Amphibious Operation on Sakhalin</h4>


    December 7th, 2023 13:30


    External Intelligence Bureau, National Intelligence Service, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Namju (Section 2 Interrogation Room)


    puck! puck! puck!


    Chief Park Won-ho of the Foreign Intelligence Division 2, who had chained both the hands and feet of Jjang Chun on the wall rings and had been beating him for the past hour, approached his face and pulled up his hair. He whispered in Mandarin in his ear.


    ¡°Jjang Chun! No, Jang Yixng is your real name, right? Even if you want to blow it now, just hang in there! We still have a long way to go.¡±


    puck! puck! puck!


    Once again, Chief Park Won-ho¡¯s fists hit Jjang Chun¡¯s stomach over and over again.


    Whoops!


    Noodles that had not been digested flowed out of his gagged mouth.


    ¡°Hey, you! Why are you so weak for an intelligence agent named ck Panther in China.¡±


    ¡°Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!¡±


    Jjang Chun shook his whole body and tried to say something. However, because he was gagged, he couldn¡¯t speak properly.


    ¡°My my! There¡¯s still a long way to go! Don¡¯t even try to say something! I¡¯ll ask you when the timees, so for now, just deal with getting hit!¡±


    puck! puck! puck! puck! puck! puck!


    Kwok!


    Drip drip drip!


    Jjang Chun passed out as he vomited food mixed with blood.


    ¡°Oh, it is so dirty! Why did he eat so much?¡±


    Jjang Chun had been trained for situations like these but after being there eight hours, he had reached its limit, both mentally and physically.


    ¡°Hey, pour a bucket of water on him.¡±


    Chief Park Won-ho, who wiped his bloody hands with a handkerchief, beckoned to a team member waiting next to him. As a result, Deputy Na Han-sung picked up the cold bucket of water and immediately poured it on Jjang Chun¡¯s face.


    Shoosh!


    ¡°Ugh! Urrrgh!¡±


    Jjang Chun, who had been drenched in the cold water, slowly regained consciousness, opened his bruised eyes with difficulty and looked up at him. With its broken blood vessels, Jjang Chun¡¯s pitiful eyes looked as if they were asking for help.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that, you b*stard?¡±


    Chief Park Won-ho, who was wiping his blood-stained hands, flew at Jjang Chun and threw him a punch. The right fist swung wide and hit Jjangcheon right in his eyes.


    Pat!


    An unpleasant sound, as if something had been smashed, echoed throughout the interrogation room.


    ¡°Chief! He fainted again.¡±


    Jjang Chun, who had fainted with his head down and his body slouched, was only relying on the steel chain to hold him up. Jjangcheon was wracked with a convulsion, causing him to shake uncontrobly.


    ¡°Pour it!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Once again, cold water was poured on Jjang Chun¡¯s face. However, he showed no reaction this time and hadpletely passed out.


    ¡°Chief! This b*stard ispletely out of it.¡±


    Manager Na Han-sung, who turned around to look at Jjangcheon¡¯s face, said while cracking his knuckles.


    ¡°Pour it again!¡±


    ¡°Chief! Time¡¯s up. Let¡¯s transfer him on to the next team.¡±


    ¡°Is time already up?¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes. It¡¯s almost 2 o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°Okay let¡¯s do it! Consider yourself lucky. If it was still my turn, you¡¯ll be half dead.¡±


    So far, all teams had spent about an hour interrogating Jjang Chun, without any questions from the Foreign Information Division 2, which was in charge of Jjang Chun¡¯s interrogation. In a democratic country like South Korea, this behavior is deemed illegal due to human rights vitions, but an exception was made for Jjang Chun.


    This was because criminals from other countries who stole SSS-ss state secrets in a situation of national emergency due to the Korean-Russian War could be sentenced to death under the Confidential Leakage Act.


    <hr />


    December 7th, 2023 14:00 (Russian time 15:00)


    The 68th Corps Command Headquarters 50 kilometers behind Ost Poronaisk Beach in Sakhalinskaya, Russia


    ¡°Commander! We don¡¯t have time. You have to hurry up and avoid it.¡±


    Operator Viktor Carpen urgently said, while temporarymand posts and lieutenants, hidden in camouge, were hurriedly collecting various documents. However, Lieutenant General Im Inomov, themander of the army, remained unchanged, looking only at the tactical status screen.


    ¡°Commander!¡±


    Operator Viktor Carpen called once again.


    ¡°Where did you go from Sakhalin, which is an ind, when you failed to stop thending?¡±


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t you think we should move north first and defend ourselves after reorganization?¡±


    ¡°Can you contact the other units?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been out of touch for the past 20 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about the 312 Rocket Division as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my. Everything is a mess. The General Staff and the Eastern Military District has also abandoned Sakhalin, so obviously, they wouldn¡¯t let a single jet here even though the Korean Navy will bending in Sakhalin?¡±


    At this time, a huge explosion rang mercilessly at close range.


    Boom!


    The sound of an explosion that shook the heavens and earth meant that the Marine Corps, a Koreannding unit, was close to themand headquarters of the corps 50 kilometers away from the coast.


    Forty minutes earlier, the 68th Corps Command Headquarters, which survived the bombing with a special camouge in the electric field despite the massive bombing of the Korean Air Force, was in direct danger of the marines which were preparing for anding.


    ¡°But to give up like this, wouldn¡¯t the General Staff and the Eastern Military Command have their own ns as well?¡±


    Far from stopping thending, Lieutenant General Im Inomov, who was traumatized by the unteral ughter, seemed to have given up his will to live anymore.


    The operational officer nodded to the lieutenant officers before looking over to Lieutenant General Im Inomov, who continued to look at the tactical status screen even when all the tactical marks of the troops deployed on the coast had been destroyed. As a result, the lieutenants, who were preparing for the move, approached Lieutenant General Im Inomov and forcibly raised him and took him to themand armored car waiting outside.


    ¡°Let go of me! What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Commander!¡±


    The lieutenants forcibly put Lieutenant General Im Inomov in themand armored car.


    ¡°Great job! Hurry up and get in the armored car.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    Operator Viktor Carpen gave the lieutenants final instructions while boarding themand armored car.


    ¡°Yes, alright.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Light tanks painted in ck appeared one at a time in the distance as the 68th Corpsmand headquarters and direct guards were about to board their vehicles and depart.


    These were C-4 Garion tanks that had previously broken through thending defense line and flown into hover flight mode.


    The C-4 Garion tanks, which can fly while avoiding various obstacles and topographical characteristics on the ground in hover flight mode, flew immediately after receiving data links from various reconnaissance drones and Apollo satellites covering the 68th Corpsmand with special camouge.


    Unlike ordinary mobile movements, the C-4 Garion tanks, which were approaching rather quickly as if they were airnes, fired exactly 80-millimeter ultra-light cannons, even though they were nearly 100 kilometers high.


    Puuush! Puuush! Puuush! Puuush! Puuush! Puuush!


    At the same time, red particles poured out of the C-4 Garion tank battery, smashing the armored vehicles at themand headquarters of the corps, which were moving in a row at the speed of light.


    The power of the 80-millimeter ultra-light cannon was significant. The 40-ton armored vehicles were shattered with a huge explosion each time one was hit by red particles. Other armored vehicles that were operating close to the tremendously explosive force were also overturned as if they were hit by tactical ballistic bullets.


    As a result, the guards Kurgz-25 troops transport armored vehicles (IFVs), who were in charge of the security of the corps¡¯mand headquarters, turned their jockeys to block the C-4 Garion tanks approaching from the back.


    They fired at the 30-millimeter 2A42 automatic cannon mounted on the turret and the 7.62-millimeter PKT barrel gun.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Drrrip! Drip Duk Duk Duk!


    Dozens of magazine shells poured into the C-4 Garion tank, drawing a small parab.


    Takang! Ting tititing! Ting! Ting!


    Even though it was a 25-ton light tank, all gloves of the C-4 Garion tank were surrounded by hydronium alloys. Since it is a protective force that can easily prevent the flying bullet of the 125-millimeter downhill gun, the 30-millimeter cannon was hit.


    mes erupted throughout the front of the armor of the C-4 Garion tank. But that was not all. The C-4 Garion tanksunched a retaliatory attack on the Kurgs-25 troops transport armor that blocked them with more reckless movements.


    Shhosh! Shhosh! Shhosh! Shhosh! Shhosh!


    Boom! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    A red particle prated between the turret and the body of the Kurgz-25 troops transport armored car and exploded. The turret soared tens of meters above the ground and shattered, sending debris flying in all directions. The crew and eight disembarkers aboard were blown up to the point where even their bodies could not be identified.


    These terrible scenes took ce one after another everywhere. In a few minutes, more than 30 Kurgz-25 troops and armored vehicles disappeared from the ground without a trace. Only fragments ¨C bothrge and small ¨C were scattered everywhere.


    While the guards gave them some time, the 68th Corpsmand headquarters armored vehicles, which were quickly retreating to the north, stopped operating shortly after.


    Before they knew it, 16 WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters belonging to the 10th Landing Fleet were hovering with the rider slightly lowered at 100 meters at the front.


    Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo~


    As many as 100 types of armored vehicles and transport vehicles were frozen without even thinking of firing anti-aircraft weapons.


    ¡°Why did it stop moving?¡±


    Operators Viktor Carpen criticized the crew controlling themand armored vehicle.


    ¡°Th¡­that is, operations officer, check the monitor at the front¡­¡±


    Upon seeing the monitor, operational officer Viktor Carpen bit his lips.


    On the screen, the South Korean military¡¯s WAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters were seen hovering, ready to attack at any time.


    ¡°Is this it?¡±


    Operation Officer Viktor Carpen, who muttered to himself, turned to look at Lieutenant General Im Inomov. Lieutenant General Im Inomov, his superior, was sitting in a daze.


    ¡°Commander! Commander!¡±


    Despite calling out to the operational officer, Lieutenant General Im Inomov did not react. He simply continued staring nkly into space.


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad. He was once amander full of charisma.¡±


    ¡°Communication officer!¡±


    ¡°Yes, operations officer!¡±


    ¡°Openmunicationwork to all vehicles in themand center!¡±


    ¡°Yes, opening upmunication. Operator, we¡¯ve opened upmunication.¡±


    Judging that there was no hope anymore, Operation Officer Viktor Carpen took a long, deep breath, picked up themunication receiver, and put it to his mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m an operational officer. I order on behalf of themander of the army. Everyone get off and surrender. Don¡¯t resist unnecessarily. That¡¯s it!¡±


    Meanwhile, at that time, the marines who got off the C-3A2 white tiger tank and the K-27P-M Kirin marine armored vehicle hadpleted their deployment and hadpletely taken over the coast of 80 kilometers on the beach of Poronaisk, where the thick smell of gunpowder hung in the air.


    Most of the Russian troops who tried to stop thending on the beach area when theynded were destroyed due to massive bombing of the F-15K m Eagle, continuous firing of ships, and Cheonryong A cruise missile attacks.


    As the K-27P-M Kirin marine armored vehicle, which reached the beach without much resistance, the marines got off and deployed. The Sakhalinnding operation hade to an end..

 Chapter 444 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 3-1 The Truth Being Revealed

    <h4>Chapter 444: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 3-1 The Truth Being Revealed</h4>


    December 7th, 2023 20:30


    External Intelligence Bureau, National Intelligence Service, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Namju (Section 2 Interrogation Room)


    Jjang Chun, who had suffered yet another blow by Chief Park Won-ho and who will never forget the number of times he had passed out, was crouching on the floor and moaning.


    ¡°Start now!¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin entered the small room beyond the reflection mirror of the interrogation room to watch Jjang Chun being interrogated.


    Director Lee Young-jin was sitting in a chair under the guidance of a team member, while Kang Ki-won, director of the Foreign Intelligence Agency, gave instructions through a microphone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start.¡±


    Under the instruction of Director Kang Ki-won, agents from the second and third teams of External Information entered the interrogation room, helped Jjang Chun up, and sat him down on a chair. On the opposite chair, sat Chief Kim Sung-hyun, the Chief of the 3rd team who was fluent in Mandarin. He ced a document with questions written on it on the table. Then he sped his hands together and gave Jjang Chun a vicious look.


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯m going to start asking you questions now. It would be good for you to say everything you know without holding anything back. Otherwise, you will spend the whole day being beaten tomorrow. Do you understand what I mean?¡±


    Jjang Chun flinched at the words of Chief Kim Sung-hyun. He didn¡¯t want to have any more terrible experiences like today. As soon as fear came, he flinched without realizing it. The stronger his mental strength, the more likely he was to face a mental breakdown. If that were to happen, he could fall so far down that he would never be able to get back up. As such, this was the only thought in Jjang Chun¡¯s mind as he was helplessly beaten all day long.


    ¡°Well, ask me anything. I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±


    Jjang Chun, who struggled to open his mouth, seemed to have given up on everything.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯ll have to do that.¡±


    Chief Kim Sung-hyun, who looked at the first page of the list of questions, asked the first question.


    ¡°Affiliation?¡±


    ¡°The 2nd team of ck Tiger¡¯s overseas intelligence team.¡±


    ¡°Name?¡±


    ¡°Zhang Yixing. My nickname is Jjang Chun.¡±


    ¡°Jjang Chun! Where did you get the details regarding ssified information of the sma core technology?¡±


    ¡°I got it from ck Tiger¡¯s Director of overseas intelligence.¡±


    ¡°Hey! What I¡¯m saying is, from whom and how did ck Tiger get Woo Jin-gil and his family¡¯s information?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you want to tell me? Then, should I watch you get beaten again this time tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no never mind.¡±


    Jjang Chun waved his hand and panicked.


    ¡°Then tell me what you know. If you act like you don¡¯t know once more, today¡¯s interrogation will be over and you¡¯ll have a terrible experience again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I know that we received information about Professor Woo Jin-gil from the Korean Intelligence Agency two years ago.¡±


    Chief Kim Sung-hyun, who had been asking questions in a gloomy tone with a malicious look the whole time, was surprised on the inside.


    ¡°What? Korean Intelligence Agency?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I know.¡±


    ¡°If you are telling me that it¡¯s a member of the Korean Intelligence Agency, who exactly are you referring to?


    ¡°It¡¯s not the National Assembly, but I know it¡¯s a high-ranking official of the investigation.¡±


    ¡°A high-ranking official at the Federal Bureau of Investigation?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that. I¡¯m also a Chief of the field team, so I don¡¯t know much about the level above that.¡±


    Jjang Chun begged with a look asking for them to believe him.


    The National Intelligence Service (NIS) had a special potion called the medicine of truth that made criminals confess to their crimes. However, the NIS had refrained from using it due to fatal side effects. For fear of the side effects, the agent chose a conventional method for Jjang Chun, which seemed to be working perfectly.


    At that time, Director Lee Young-jin, who was watching everything that was going on from a small room across the interrogation room, asked Director Kang Ki-won with a firm look.


    ¡°Who do you think the high-ranking official in the Bureau of Investigation is?¡±


    ¡°Well, I think it¡¯s Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul who was imprisoned in a detention center for national overthrow this time.¡±


    ¡°You think the same way as well.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone but him would do this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, as you said, Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul is the most suspicious. It is pathetic to leak information to the enemy country that will lead to the leakage of state secrets following the terrible crimes against people and national overthrow. However, since we can¡¯t confirm that it is Kim Hyung-chul, we need an investigation into the Bureau of Investigation, and Director Kang Hyuk would be in trouble again.¡±


    While Director Lee Young-jin was flicking his tongue and looking at the dark ceiling, the interrogation in the room across from him continued.


    <hr />


    December 10th, 2023, 13:30


    The Foreign Intelligence Bureau of the National Intelligence Service in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Namju (Meeting Room).


    Department 2 of the Foreign Intelligence Agency, which had conducted an intensive interrogation of Jjang Chun for three days, prepared a statement based on the confessed information and had time to report it through a briefing at the director-level executive meeting.


    ¡°Well, well, from now on, I¡¯ll be briefing you on the information that Jjang Chun confessed to.¡±


    Standing in front of a screen installed on one wall of the conference room, Kang Ki-won, director of the Foreign Intelligence Agency, coughed twice and opened his mouth.


    ¡°In April 2021, ck Tiger Corps, a direct intelligence agency of the president of New China, received information on Professor Woo Jin-gil, a major researcher in sma source technology, and his children, from a high-ranking official of the Federal Bureau of Metropolitan Investigation. With that information, they carried out a full-fledged leak operation.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me! Did you find out who the high-ranking official from the Bureau of Investigation is?¡±


    Ahn Yeon-woo, director of the Counter-terrorism Investigation Bureau, raised his hand and asked a question.


    ¡°Currently, we are secretly investigating who the senior officials of the training bureau are, but nothing has been revealed yet. However, it has been narrowed down to former Deputy Director Kim Hyung-chul, who is currently in detention for overturning the state.¡±


    ¡°Who is in charge of the investigation for the Bureau of Investigation?¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin intervened Ahn Yeon-woo¡¯s additional question.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be able to answer your question. It is also the same government agency, so this time, the National Corruption Agency will be investigating it by themselves. It is highly ssified information for executives above the level of director, so keep it confidential.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won, whose briefing was put on hold due to questions for a while, continued once again. After obtaining Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s information, ck Tiger gave a detailed exnation on how they had managed to kidnap his children and grandchildren who were living in Hong Kong and how they had stolen key sma core technologies for two years.


    One interesting thing here was that Jjang chun attracted Qingdao, a drug trafficking organization, to Hong Kong to make some money on the side. He did this while stealing the confidential sma core technology from Hong Kong for two years and taking care of the gang.


    After the sessful sma core technology leak operation, he gambled at various casinos in Macau for a month, spending all the money he had made from Qingdao, and eventually, his personal information was discovered by the first division of foreign information.


    After a 30-minute briefing, Kang Ki-won, who received several additional questions from the directors, sat down.


    ¡°Good job, Director Kang! As the details of all the incidents have been revealed, from now on, I think it¡¯s a thorough disposal if it¡¯s not possible to recover the leaked sma core technology.¡±


    Finally, Director Lee Young-jin, who stood up from his seat, looked around at the various directors with a serious look and continued to talk again.


    ¡°This is why all executives above the director-general level are gathered to hold such meetings, even though it is an operation dedicated to the external intelligence agency. Under the name of our National Intelligence Service, we hope that all departments be one and will actively support the recovery and disposal of the leaked sma core technology.¡±


    <hr />


    December 10th, 2023, 17:30 (New China time 16:30)


    ck Tiger headquarters in Beijing City Hall, New China


    A gloomy report was posted to ck Tiger¡¯s Shin Baiqing, who had been happily posted to his new office after being promised a position in the secretary¡¯s office of President Wang Jing-wei.


    ¡°What does that mean? Zhang Yixing has disappeared?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he has not even been connected to the emergencywork for the past three days.¡±


    ¡°Why are you only telling me this now?¡±


    When Captain Shin Baiqing jumped from his seat and red at him, Commander Diao Yi-nan, who was standing and reporting, hesitated with an embarrassed look.


    Jjang Chun, whose real name is Zhang Yixing, was the site manager of the sma core technology leak operation. If there was a problem with his personal affairs, he was a major figure that could directly have a negative impact on Captain Shin Baiqing.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry. Because it was judged as a simple loss of contact¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re so silly. Didn¡¯t I say to make sure to manage the agents who worked in Hong Kong.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Commander Diao Yi-nan bowed his head again and again, as he continued to apologise. Shin Baiqing continued to ask questions while looking very displeased.


    ¡°Where¡¯s thest known location?¡±


    ¡°It is at the Vian Hotel in Macau.¡±


    ¡°So, was any action taken?¡±


    ¡°Yes, agents from the Hong Kong branch have been dispatched to investigate.¡±


    ¡°Has there been any progress?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s currently under investigation but four days ago, there was a bigmotion in the casino¡¯s VVIP room. I think it might be rted to Zhang Yixing.¡±


    ¡°VVIP room? What VVIP room would Zhang Yixing use? What money does he have? Andmotion? Whatmotion? Tell me what you know in detail!¡±


    When Captain Shin Baiqing continued to ask questions, Commander Diao Yi-nan¡¯s face became dark. He then reported in detail on the investigation that he had been researching for the past several days.


    ¡°What does that mean? He was in business with drug trafficking organizations during his time in Hong Kong? Was he out of his mind?¡±


    ¡°I think he did it to make money by exerting the influence of the ck Tiger Corps.¡±


    ¡°That crazy punk! Are you are saying that he was kidnapped in that VVIP room?¡±


    Out of excitement, Captain Shin Baiqing kicked the pot he had put on the table.


    ¡°By bribing the security staff, we managed to confirm that he was kidnapped from the VVIP room of the Vian Hotel¡­¡±


    ¡°Who did it?¡±


    ¡°It may have been the work of the Loni sectors of the Hong Kong branch of the Triad, a rival of Qingdao sectors, but¡­¡±


    Commander Diao Yi-nan couldn¡¯t speak and trailed off nervously.


    ¡°But? Is there something else?¡±


    ¡°I think it could be the Korean Intelligence Agency.¡±


    When he heard that it may have been the Korean Intelligence Agency, Captain Shin Baiqing copsed in a chair and briefly panicked.


    He had finally managed to get a spot in the secretary¡¯s office of the President, but if the South Korean government had discovered that the background of the sma core technology leak operation was due to the actions of the presidential office of New China, his dream of jumping into politics and fulfilling his ambition could have been ruined and all responsibility that came with his position would be halted.


    Commander Diao Yi-nan asked Captain Shin Baiqing, who was mesmerized with a look of dismay for a moment, in a concerned tone.


    ¡°Captain! Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Do, do I look okay now? Where is the evidence that the Korean Intelligence Service could be involved?¡±


    ¡°ording to the security staff, the equipment that the kidnappers used was unusual ¨C the fact that he disappeared without a trace after changing to a transparent state or moving to the rooftop of a hotel. Notably, the Korean Intelligence Agency is the only one with such equipment that can turn one transparent.¡±


    ¡°This jerk Zhang Yixing is destroying my dream. Commander!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°If the Korean Intelligence Agency kidnapped Zhang Yixing, as you said, this is a very big problem. Lives will be on the line.¡±


    Commander Diao Yi-nan also nodded as if he acknowledged it.


    ¡°As long as this has happened, the Korean Intelligence Service¡­what is it called? Is it the National Intelligence Service?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Try to find out what¡¯s going on over there! We need to find a way to live. Please contact Jackie Lee who¡¯s in Europe.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    After a while, Commander Diao Yi-nan left and when he was alone in his room, Shin Baiqing wrapped his head in both hands and felt as if he was in agony. Then he muttered to himself.


    ¡°Is this the only way to survive in this situation?¡±


    Captain Shin Baiqing took the USB memory stick from a small safe under his desk. The USB memory stick contained copies of the sma core technology that had been stolen from Professor Woo Jin-gil..

 Chapter 445 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 3-2 The Truth Being Revealed

    <h4>Chapter 445: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 3-2 The Truth Being Revealed</h4>


    December 11th, 2023 09:30,


    An underground bunker at the Blue House National Crisis Center, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Namju.


    Director Lee Young-jin and Director Kang Ki-won visited the underground bunker conference room with a final report based on Jjangcheon¡¯s statements and confessions for several days to attend the NSC (National Security Council) convened early this morning.


    The NSC (National Security Council) was frequently convened here in the underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center due to the Korean-Russia War, but today it was convened to receive an interim briefing from the National Intelligence Service on the leak of sma core technology rted to Professor Woo Jin-gil.


    With NSC members sitting at both tables, led by President Choo Eun-hee, Director Kang Ki-won just started briefing while standing on one wall equipped with a screen.


    Director Kang Ki-won, who held a microphone in one hand, continued his briefing for three days after the arrest of Jjangcheon, focusing on information obtained through intensive interrogation.


    During the briefing for about 20 minutes, standing members who attended the NSC (National Security Council) listened in a serious and heavy atmosphere.


    ¡°This concludes the interim of briefing on the sma core technology leak.¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won, who put the microphone down on the podium table, bowed his head to greet him and moved to the seat behind Director Lee Young-jin.


    ¡°Is it those Chinese again? These troublemakers always interfere with our country, not helping us. Shouldn¡¯t we take this opportunity to take action like Japan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we shouldn¡¯t just go over it, but we¡¯ll never do this again if we abolish the People¡¯s Liberation Army of the New China and our Armed Forces should be stationed, as we did to Japan two years ago.¡±


    Deputy Prime Minister Kim Young-chul of the Unification Policy Ministry, a conservative bureaucrat from North Korea, patted the table and looked around other topmittee members. Minister of Justice Park Bum-tae also did not hesitate to make a sympathetic statement.


    Two years ago, South Korea, which won a series of wars against Japan, China, and the United States, called the First Northeast Asian War, ended peacefully with peaceful previous consultations with the United States, but China and Japan were different.


    In the case of Japan, the historical national sentiment, which had been ruled by Japanese colonial rule for 36 years, starting with the Gyeongsul government in 1910, remained, so the Korean Armed Forces took a super-strong measure to defend Japanese territory for 100 years.


    In fact, even at the time of the end of the Korea-China War, there were opinions that the Chinese surrender use should include the abolition of the People¡¯s Liberation Army and the Korean Armed Forces stationed in Sangju. However, some bureaucrats opposed it. The reason was that it was not enough to be stationed only by the ROK Armed Forces in Chinese territory, which is dozens of timesrger than the Korean Penins, and instead, the opinion to separate the independence of minorities and Han tribe the China into at least two.


    As a result, the minority was independent and the Chinese-centered China was divided into three countries, and China, which was called the former G2, disappeared. However, the military power of New China, who inherited the former Chinese Communist Party, was more robust than expected than the other two countries.


    Minister Park Bum-tae pointed out this part. He wanted to say that if China¡¯s People¡¯s Liberation Army waspletely abolished at the time of the war and the ROK Armed Forces were stationed, he would not have thought of doing this.


    ¡°I also agree with Deputy Prime Minister Kim or Minister Park¡¯s opinion, but now we have to recover or discard the leaked sma core technology. I think we should take national measures after that.¡±


    In this unification regime, Minister Lim Tae-yeon, who was reappointed as the Minister of Next Generation Technology and Cooperation, cautiously expressed his opinion to calm down the heated conference room fever.


    ¡°Right. I think the recovery or disposal of key technologies leaked just by Minister Lim¡¯s wordses first. As the briefing said, isn¡¯t the NIS currently doing well? I hope you don¡¯t rush to mediate disagreements on the measures to be taken in the future in New China.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon added Minister Lim Tae-yeon¡¯s opinion in a calm tone. However, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, known as a conservative, vented with enthusiasm again. Seeing his expression twitching, he seemed excited.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the National Intelligence Service go by their ways and pressure the New China politically? We are not the Korea that we used to be/. We shouldn¡¯t look like a soft water tofu like it used to be.¡±


    What Minister Jung Tae-guk said while spitting out his saliva was never wrong. It was not a time when the Republic of Korea, which achieved the unification of the two Koreas and now reached an equal position with the United States, was surrounded by neighboring powers and could not express political influence. Whether politically, economically or militarily, the Republic of Korea was a powerhouse among the powers that could say what they wanted to say to any country.


    ¡°Let me tell you something.¡±


    Minister Kang Yi-sik of the Ministry of National Defense slightly raised his hand and opened his mouth.


    ¡°I feel the same way as Minister Jung, and I would also like to advise the president to put military pressure on the New China. However, the Republic of Korea is currently at war with Russia. The war pattern is going in favor of our Republic of Korea, but if there is a war with the New China, we can win, but I think our Armed Forces can also suffer considerable damage.¡±


    The president and other standingmittee members listened carefully to Minister Kang Yi-sik.


    ¡°I think we should officially take action against New China after the Korea-Russia match while waiting for the leakage of key technologies to be recovered or discarded.¡±


    ¡°Well, I see. This is why our Armed Forces fought so well that we sometimes forget that we are at war with Russia. Hahaha.¡±


    The atmosphere of the conference room quickly became friendly due to the calm opinions of Minister Cha and Minister Kang Yi-sik, who had conflicting opinions between the two sides, and Deputy Prime Minister Kim Young-chul¡¯s joking remarks. And President Choo Eun-hee, who had only been listening so far, opened her mouth.


    ¡°Thank you for that. Each and every one of your opinions is a good word. I also think recovery and disposal of leaked confidentiality is the top priority. Also, although it can put a lot of pressure on the New China, what if it continues to cover up the secrets stolen by the New China? I think our NIS agents working in Beijing would be difficult. What do you think about Director Lee?¡±


    President Choo Eun-hee, who was calmly speaking, turned her head toward Director Lee Young-jin and asked a question.


    ¡°Yes, President! As President said, we hope that we will not officially take any action against New China until we recover or discard confidentiality. Everyone knows how frustrating it is. If you wait for a moment, we¡¯ll get good results.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin looked around various standingmittee members and answered in a favor. Everyone nodded and epted it.


    <hr />


    December 13th, 2023 18:00 (New China Time 17:00),


    The Secret House of the Foreign Intelligence Bureau, Huairou District, Beijing City, New China.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who safely transported Jjangcheon to the Korea National Intelligence Service, and the rest of the teams remaining in Macau had all moved to Beijing.


    Foreign Information Division 1, which joined Namgoong-won in Beijing, immediately jumped into the operation to recover the leaked sma core technology.


    During the day, he disguised himself as a tourist to collect information on the ck Panther headquarters as well as the internalwork server room of the President¡¯s room, and at night, he established an operation n to proceed in the future based on information that was hacked and decrypted. However, even though it is almost a week, it has not been able to collect such information and has not reached the level that externalwork hacking data can be used.


    ordingly, Manager Namgoong-won convened a meeting with the Foreign Intelligence Division 1 and all agents to take special measures.


    When it became evening time, the foreign intelligence 1 agents who went out came into the secret safe house as if they were getting back from their work.


    Due to the convocation of the emergency meeting, the agents who came in two hours earlier than other days gathered in a firece installed on one wall of the living room, perhaps suffering from the increasingly cold Beijing weather.


    ¡°Ah, why is it so cold today? I thought my ears were about to fall off.¡±


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin held coffee cups in both hands and put them on his nose to smell the scent. Beijing¡¯s winter temperature in December averaged only minus 3 degrees Celsius, but perhaps due to abnormal temperatures, it has been going up to minus 10 degrees Celsius these days, and today it has been showing a strong cold that goes down to minus 13 degrees Celsius.


    The agents were able to maintain their body temperature thanks to the protective suit in their bodies, but their faces and ears had to endure the cold with the cold air.


    ¡°Chief! Please use this from tomorrow¡±.


    When Yoo Ha-yeon, the only female manager of the second team, prepared it, he took a cute earmuffs out of a paper box and shook it.


    ¡°What? Ear muffs?¡±


    ¡°Yes, isn¡¯t it cute? I bought it because I thought of you Chief while working out today.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m thankful, but if I wear things like this, I¡¯m an intelligence agent. Won¡¯t my looks fall off?¡±¡±


    ¡°Hmph! I bought it thinking about you.¡±


    At this time, when Chief Park Gi-woong came, Yhe snatched the ear muffs that Manager Yoo Hayeon was holding and put them on his head.


    ¡°Oh! It¡¯s warm! I like it! If you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll use it. Manager Yoo!¡±


    ¡°YHey! That¡¯s mine! Give it to me!


    When Yoon Tae-jin flew away and tried to take it away, Park Gi-woong turned around and avoided it.


    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t want to! You said you¡¯d lose your looks! Why? You don¡¯t want to use it and you don¡¯t want to give it to others?¡±¡±


    Chief Park Gi-woong, who clenched his ear muffs with both hands, even stuck out his tongue and teased him.


    ¡°Who told that I don¡¯t want use it? Give it to me!¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop it.Hahaha, I bought a lot to give to you all.¡±


    When the two Chief¡¯s scuffled like a child over one ear muffs, Chief Yoo Ha-yeon burst intoughter and took several ear muffs out of the paper box.


    ¡°Why is it so noisy? If you¡¯re all here, you should¡¯ve prepared for the meeting!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who came down from upstairs with manager Namgoong-won, sat on the sofa, scolding the two team chiefs who were scuffling.


    ¡°Not yet! Chief of team 4 and the team members haven¡¯te yet.¡±


    Chief Shin Eun-ha, the third team Chief, said when she saw the agents gathered in the living room.


    ¡°Team Four? Oh! Four teams will be a littlete. I ordered something else. So, everyone is here except for the team four, right?


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± We¡¯re all here.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s gather for a meeting!¡±


    ¡°Yes, alright.¡±


    About 10 agents looked at one wall and sat on the floor or chair in the living room.


    ¡°Then, shall we start?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    At the words of manager Lee Ja-sung, Namgoong-won stood in front of the agents and started the meeting.


    ¡°Why I asked for a sudden meeting was that the performance does note great as much asour agent suffer so I am gonna do a special way that could be a little dangerous.¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won took a nce at the agents looking at him, looked around, and continued to talk.


    As everyone knows, we tried to decrypt all the hacked data from the externalwork server in the president¡¯s office, but we could not find nutritious information. Also, the probability that agents can get the information we need through external activities is unknown. So if we can¡¯t find it, I think we should make sure that the information we need toe out on it¡¯s own.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? What do you mean you let ite out on its own?¡±


    Team 1 manager, Gangwon Il, raised his hand like an elementary school student and asked a question.


    ¡°That¡¯s literally what it says. If we can¡¯t find it, how to make the necessary information appear on our own! That¡¯s, this is it.¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won pointed to arge TV that just turned on. On the TV screen, several pictures and symbols were drawn and expressed.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t have to show you this kind of picture, but I¡¯m trying to make it as easy for you to understand as possible.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s?¡±


    As experts in the field ofputer hacking, Na Sung-hyun and Kim Young-kyun of the special security team pretended to know at the same time..

 Chapter 446 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 4-1 To Smoke on the Rabbits Den

    <h4>Chapter 446: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 4-1 To Smoke on the Rabbit¡¯s Den</h4>


    December 18th, 2023 15:00,


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namjoo (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room).


    On the 20th day after the outbreak of the Korean-Russian War, the operation to annihte the triangle seeded in blocking the evasion of the Russian army at the beginning of the war, leading to a full-scale upation of Siberian.


    First, the situation on the Western Front was a confrontation between the two countries at the border. First, the Russian army tried to establish a fixed front at the current location with the 29th Army forces surviving the battle centered on the Red Panzer Corps, which had not been engaged in direct engagement until now. Now, it could not stand until the reinforcements of the subordinate units of the 36th Army came, and after making great sacrifices, it crossed the Min River again, and it felt the humiliation of retreating to the other side of the border.


    However, the 29th Army Patriarch and the Red Armored Corps arrived with some reinforcements of the 36th Army and joined the 41st and 2nd armies of the Central Army, from the northern border of Mongolia to the northern front border, it has spread out in all directions and it were reorganized into arge army which was higher than military level.The ground forces alone were 200,000 troops. from the northern border of Mongolia to the northern front border, it has spread out in all directions.


    ordingly, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, to deal with therge Russian army of 200,000, centered on the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Pilseung) belonging to the 7th Mobile corps and the 5th Armored Division (Key) of the 6th Corps, the 28th Light Armored Infantry Division (Invincible Typhoon). ), the 7th Panzer Division (Chilseong) of the 2nd Corps, and the 81st Mechanized Infantry Division (Haemosu), a unit under the direct control of the 5th Army, joined the border defense line and reinforced their forces.


    And the 65th Light Armored Infantry Division (sunset), which had retreated to hulunbeier also quickly reorganized and re-entered the front line on December 5th.


    Although the first line of defense was established with two armored divisions, two mechanized infantry divisions, and two light armored infantry divisions, it tried to fill the gap in the ground forces with air force. ordingly, the 38th Fighter Wing from Liaodong (Shenyang), the 17th Fighter Wing from Ansi (Ansan), and the 16th Fighter Wing from Yecheon was designated as the first priority wing for air support on the Western Front so that air firepower could be provided 24 hours a day.


    The situation on the second northern front was not a situation in which either side had the upper hand as it was a front that had been struggling with strength in the border area since the beginning of the war. Due to the cold winter weather and difficult mountainous regions, the evasion of subordinate units of the 36th and 35th Army was slow, and on the contrary, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces protecting the northern front was mostly organized into the Gyeonggap Mountain Division, a specialized mountaineering unit. could be defended easily. However, it was possible to defend, but the evasion for counterattack was not strong enough, so it had been focused on defending the border until now.


    Finally, the Eastern Front ran very differently from the situation at the beginning of the engagement. At the beginning of the war, the 4 Airborne Strike Divisions of the 2nd Rapid Response Army upied Khabarovsk through covert airborne infiltration, followed by the sess of the ¡®Operation Triangle Annihtion¡¯ to annihte the 5th Army.


    On December 2nd, the 102nd Armored Brigade (Sunrise), a unit under the direct control of the 8th Corps, sessfully defeated and captured the garrison in divostok. ordingly, the 4 rapid response divisions of the 2nd Rapid Response Army, which started in Namjoo, one of the main forces of the upation of Siberia, quickly destroyed the 5th Army garrisoned in Primorsky Territory, in the vicinity of divostok, Artyom, Ussuriysk, and Spa. They upied Skdalny and Arseniev one after another, and after the upation of Arseniev, they changed the heading route toward the west coast of Primorsky Krai, and started the northward march of a long 2,000 km, starting with Kavalerovo.


    And now, it was being headed to the vicinity of Chumikan, a small city with a poption of 1,800, facing the Utsukaya Bay of the Sea of Okhotsk.


    In addition, the 4 airborne strike divisions, which were the cornerstones of the ¡®Operation to annihte the Triangle¡¯, took over Khabarovsk, Vyazemski and Birobijan, which they upied on December 10, to the 82nd Panzer Division (Balhae) and the North Manchurian National Guard. In order to be used in the n-Ude airlift operation, which will be the front line with Russia in the future, they briefly moved to Gangmyeong (Harbin) and had time to reorganize.


    On the other hand, on December 7, the 68th Corps of the eastern Russian army stationed with the sess of the Sakhalinnding operation was destroyed, and now it was in control of the entire Sakhalin ind.


    In addition, the 7th Operational Corps, which is the main division of the Siberian upation unit, and the subordinate unit, the Water Armored Division (Mengho), and the 77th Mechanized Infantry Division (Kukjin), which was additionally organized at the end of 2022, entered in the east, north, west, which was the three directions from Khabarovsk, and increased the upied area. The 20th Armored Division (battle) which raised the record of the great victory against the 81st Pro-Crisis Armored Division and the 70th Vehicle Infantry Division, crossed the border and upied Dalneretchensk.


    Afterward, it moved north along the border and upied cities along the border, such as Guberovo, Rochecrusk, and Vikin, in turn. After joining the 77th Mechanized Infantry Division (Kukjin) and upying Amursk and Komsomolskamure on December 15th, all units of the 7th Mobile Corps joined and crossed the Khabarovsky Frontier and blocked the front of Javatinsk. It was preparing to cross the Burya River.


    As the 5th Army, which was responsible for defending the Primorsky Territory and Khabarovsky Territory, had been destroyed, the 7th Mobile Corps was able to upy it without much resistance.


    At the time when the ¡®Operation of Siberian upation¡¯ had upied a quarter of the targeted territory, the 7th Mobile corps was preparing to cross the Burya River, which would be a watershed and the beginning of a full-scale engagement of the ¡®Operation of Siberia upation¡¯.


    In the snowy ins and hills beyond the Bureya River, the 21st SS and 67th Vehicle Fire and Rifle Division, the 265th Vehicle Fire and Rifle Division, the 266th Vehicle Fire and Rifle Division, the 128th Machine Gun Division and the 35th Army Direct Helicoptery Regiment, tried to attack the time of my attempt with opportunity.


    The power of the 35th Army, which was dealing with the 7th Mobile Corps, was more than a corps in terms of size, but it was enough for us to think that it would be insufficient to face the 7th Mobile Corps with the most powerful armored power in the world. No it could hurt their pride.


    The width of the Burya River was as wide as 200 m to 550 m. ordingly, the 7th Mobile Corps was scheduled to cross the river quickly by selecting the eight shortest rivers.


    All C-3A1 white tanks of the 20th Armoured Division bat) and the 7th Capital Armoured Division (Mengho) were in arge-scale formation and were deployed forward, and the 7th Artillery Brigade and each division artillery brigade were also released to emitrge-scale firepower.And after some time, various engineer armored vehicles of each division engineer battalion started maneuvering toward the Bureya River, mainly with the 7th Engineer Brigade (Taegeuk) which was in the rear.


    These scenes were captured from the Apollo satellite and projected on the Joint Chiefs of Staff screen in real-time.


    ¡°This is a report from the 7th Mobile Corps headquarters. Based on local time, it is a report that the Doha operation will start in the next three hours.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff checked his watch.


    ¡°If it is the local time, then it¡¯s 6 o¡¯clock in Korean time!¡±


    In winter in Siberia, the sun goes down even though it is 6 PM, and the surrounding area bes dark. It was natural to start at night because it was a Doha operation that had to take a considerable risk for the 7th Mobile Corps, which had superior night vision equipment, and had to do it under the most favorable conditions.


    ¡°Great! General Yang!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman!¡±


    ¡°Call the Air Force Command in advance and tell them to check it again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    The 201st Fighter Squadron of the 10th Fighter Wing of Mangyeong (Jirin) was currently on standby from day to day to cover the Doha operation of the 7th Mobilization Corps. In addition to air cover, eight goshawk bombers were waiting inrge eagles to fill the interior armed room with bombs to carry outrge-scale bombings.


    <hr />


    December 18th, 2023 17:00 (New China Time 16:00),


    Soap Hotel, City Hall District, Beijing, New China (501 rooms).


    In the room 501 of Soap Hotel, which is only 2.4 km away from the Central Office of the Communist Party of China, Nam Goong-won and Shin Eun-ha, who is the Chief of External Information Division 1 Team 3, pretended to be a young couple in disguise.


    Exuding a nuance as if they were on a honeymoon, they toured the surrounding area during the day and prepared something in Room 501 at night. And today was an important day to start the work they had been preparing for every night.


    ¡°This is Mandarin Bird Alpha Zero, everything is ready.¡±


    <ul>


    This is Alpha Zero, standing by at the current location! The rest of the alpha respond back. Over


    This is Alpha One, secured the current location! Over!


    This is Alpha Two, secured the current location! Over!


    This is Alpha Three, secured the current location! Over!


    This is Alpha Four, secured the current position! Over!


    </ul>


    ¡°This is a mandarin duck! Cue exactly after 1 minute! Over!


    Nam Goong-won, who finishedmunication with the Foreign Information 1 and the agents through silentmunication in the hotel room, approached Shin Eun-ha, the Chief, who was checking something in the living room.


    ¡°Are you done checking?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Manager!¡±


    ¡°It starts in a minute. Go out first and grab the elevator!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    At the same time as the answer, Chief Shin Eun-ha opened the door and went outside, and Manager Nam Goong-won sat on the sofa wearing his transparent stic gloves. On the table in front of him was a Chinese-branded Huaweiptop.


    Nam Goong-won, who interlocked and released his hand, looked at her wristwatch, waited for a moment, and then began to tap theptop keyboard quickly.


    Tatatatata! Tatatatatat! Tatatatat! Tatat!


    Nam Goong-won, who hit the keyboard with lightning-like movements, finally pressed the enter key, got up from the sofa, and left the hotel room. Then, he took the elevator held by Chief Shin Eun-ha in advance and came out to the lobby on the first floor, and immediately went out to the street outside the hotel.


    The two entered the alley behind the hotel as if they had already figured it out. This was a blind spot without a CC camera. The two people who looked around so that they could not notice their surroundings quickly activated the TCS (Transparent Concealment System) mode to hide, exited into the opposite alley, and boarded the previously opened ck van.


    And after a while, the ck van with the door closed quietly drove down the road.


    On the other hand, in the lobby coffee shop, Chief Park Gi-oong and agents of Alpha One were waiting in disguise, pretending to be businessmen, and outside the lobby, team leader Yoon Tae-jin of Alpha Two and agents were waiting in TCS mode, hiding in TCS mode. Finally, three Alpha Three agents were also waiting in TCS mode in an underground parking lot, and four Alpha Four were waiting in their vehicles across the hotel. They were tasked with chasing after ck Panther gang vehicles and security personnel vehicles.


    External Information Division 1 agents all looked around the frame to make sure they didn¡¯t miss a single thing with a look as if they were waiting for someone.


    At this time, a silentmunication from Nam Goong-won, who was in the ck van, came to all the agents.


    ¡°In 10 minutes at the earliest! 15 minutes ifte. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so please chase them carefully and carefully. Over¡±


    After boarding the ck van, Nam Goong-won, who took off his disguise wig and beard, blewmunication while looking at the screen of anotherptop in the van.


    The program, which Namgungwon ran on Huawei notebooks in the living room of Hotel 501, executed the backdoor that wasid down when hacking the president¡¯s office externalwork server. But today it worked to make sure that server security staff responsible for server security to know right away.


    Nam Goong-won looked at hisptop screen and smiled. Even if he didn¡¯t see it, he had an imagination. Currently, the security staff of the externalwork server in the president room were in a state of chaos when they detected a hacking attempt.


    ¡°They must be very busy!¡±


    Finally, Nam Goong-won carefully thought about it and prepared for five days, the ¡®Operation to Smoke the Rabbit¡¯s Den¡¯ began..

 Chapter 447 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 4-2 To smoke on the Rabbits Den

    <h4>Chapter 447: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 4-2 To smoke on the Rabbit¡¯s Den</h4>


    December 18th, 2023, 17:05 (New China Time 16:05)


    ck Tiger Headquarters, City Hall District, Beijing, New China


    Without knocking, Commander Diao Yi-nan opened the door of the Captain¡¯s office and entered.


    ¡°What? What is it?¡±


    Captain Shin Baiqing, who was distressed by the tantrum, suddenly opened the door and reacted in surprise.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry. It was too urgent.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s happened again?¡±


    Captain Shin Baiqing changed his tone to one that was full of worry and asked a question.


    ¡°A hacking attempt was detected in the server security room inside the president¡¯s office.¡±


    ¡°What? What else do I have to say? What does this have to do with us?¡±


    ¡°It is said that among the hacked information, the sma core technology¡¯s leak operation report conducted by the second Team of the ck Tiger Corps was included.¡±


    In an instant, Captain Shin Baiqing¡¯s eyes grew big.


    ¡°What does that mean? Do you mean that an external server contains such important documents? It¡¯s not an internalwork server, huh?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t figured it out yet¡­In any case, it has definitely been hacked.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Things are getting more and more problematic. Are you tracking the hackers?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, luckily we detected it right away and we¡¯re tracking it now. It¡¯s in Beijing.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re out of their mind. Are our agents in the security room?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to join the chase right now! Do you know who is in charge of the security room?¡±


    ¡°It is Nida Hong.¡±


    ¡°Call them right now! As information rting to the ck Tiger Corps are also included in the hacked materials, tell them that we would also want to be a part of this and not to report it to the President¡¯s office for the time being! No. I¡¯ll contact them directly, so you call the agents right away!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    When Battalion Commander Diao Yi-nan left, Captain Shin Baiqing pressed the inte button on the desk and picked up the receiver.


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡±


    ¡°Connect to the externalwork server security manager in the security room!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll connect you.¡±


    After a while, a signal was heard over the inte receiver, and then the voice of a middle-aged man came online.


    ¡°This is Nida Hong, the head of externalwork security.¡±


    ¡°Hello. I am Shin Baiqing, Captain of the ck Tiger.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy right now, so I can¡¯t talk for a long time. If it¡¯s not urgent, try calling againter.¡±


    ¡°Chief Nida Hong! I know everything about the current hacking attempt.¡±


    ¡°Ugh! That! How¡­¡±


    ¡°Then how are we are supposed to call ourselves espionage agents? Reports say that our ck Tiger¡¯s data is also included among the hacked data.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call to ask for an apology. Anyway, our department¡¯s data was also hacked, so this case will be resolved by the ck Tiger Corps. Our agents will work with the security staff to track down the hacker.¡±


    ¡°If you do, we will be grateful.¡±


    ¡°However, we have one condition.¡±


    ¡°What condition?¡±


    ¡°Please do not report this hack to the president¡¯s office until it is cleared up.¡±


    ¡°Yes? It¡¯ste, but I¡¯ll report backter.¡±


    ¡°Look. I mean, because of your neglect, important documents in our department have been hacked. Do you know how big of a deal it is? So, can¡¯t you just say that our department is moving to solve it quietly? Don¡¯t you know that your neck will be on the line just by reporting it before it is resolved?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see. Then I won¡¯t report it for now. Instead, please make sure it gets resolved.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Just know that and wait.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    After finishing the call, Captain Shin Baiqing put down the inte receiver carefully, took out his cell phone, and called themander.


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡±


    ¡°Did you manage to contact the agents there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the final confirmed location was confirmed to be the Soap Hotel, which is less than three kilometers away from here, so we made an emergency departure with the special task force.¡±


    ¡°Soap Hotel?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    ¡°You definitely have to get them. Our lives are at stake. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will mobilize all agents in Beijing to have them arrested.¡±


    ¡°I get it. If anything happens, call me right away!¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss!¡±


    <hr />


    December 18th, 2023, 17:11 (New China Time 16:11)


    Soap Hotel, City Hall District, Beijing, New China (Room 501)


    Just as Manager Namgoong-won said, about 10 minutester, several ck vans stopped in front of the Soap Hotel. Men in ck suits alighted from the vans and ran into the lobby. Some ck Tiger agents blocked the hotel entrances and started a checkpoint search for hotel guests entering and leaving the hotel. They used all the equipment they brought with them and thoroughly checked everyone.


    ¡°This is Alpha Two! Prey have been spotted entering the lobby. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Copy that. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha One! The lobby has also been spotted swarming with a lot of prey! Some are waiting in the lobby while others are taking the elevator up. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Copy that. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Three! Two ck vans have arrived in the underground parking lot! Multiple prey are controlling the entrance to the parking lot and everyone is going upstairs. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Alpha Three! Be careful not to get caught. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Three! Copy that. Over!¡±


    Meanwhile, two agents of the special security team hacked all theputerworks of the Soap Hotel in a secret house in Huairou District and were controlling the CC cameras. In the ck van in which Namgoong-won was riding, the ck Tiger agents and security staff, who were now called prey, were all looking at the CC camera through aptop.


    When the elevator carrying the ck Tiger agents and security personnel arrived on the fifth floor, they each pulled their pistols from their holster and ran down the hallway. Then, after stopping in front of room 501, they immediately kicked the hotel door open, held up their guns, and looked around the room.


    However, when they had confirmed that there was no one in the room but aptop ced on the table in the living room, a tall man who looked a little older than the other one made a call.


    He was the Chief of the Special Operations Team, Huang Xuen.


    ¡°This is Mandarin Duck! Alpha Four! Scan the face of that guy who¡¯s making a call now and turn up the volume a bit!¡±


    Namgoong-won, who was watching the situation in the living room through a micro camera installed in the living room, notified Alpha Four via voicelessmunication.


    ¡°This is Alpha Four! Scan done! Turning the volume up to maximum.¡±


    As soon as Alpha Four finished speaking, the voice of Chief Huang Xuen speaking on the phone could be heard.


    ¡°Captain! No one but aptop in the living room. It seems that he noticed that he was caught and ran away.¡±


    ¡°Security staff are checking theptop right now. Please wait a moment.¡±


    At this time, the security staff who was checking theptop saw Chief Huang Xuen and shook his head from side to side and said.


    ¡°Hoo! The hacked material remains as it is, and it seems that no copies have been taken. There appears to be no copy made.¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve checked it twice and that seems to be the case.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m relieved but why didn¡¯t they bring theptop with them?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I am not sure of. Maybe they forgot since they had to run away in a hurry? Anyway, we got the hackers¡¯ptop, so if you take it and inspect, I think something is bound toe up.¡±


    Chief Huang Xuen immediately wondered if he would have left aptop behind. It was not a heavy desktop and could be easily taken along. Realizing that he was still on the phone, he put the phone to his ear and reported.


    ¡°Captain! Fortunately, it has been confirmed that the hacked material is still on theptop and no copies have been made. They¡¯ve also said that further inspection of theptop back at the security room might lead us to uncover more information.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Yes!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    After receiving further instructions for something, team leader Huang Xuen immediately ended the call and ordered his subordinates to retrieve theptop. At this time,munication came from his subordinates.


    ¡°Soho 2. I have footage from the CC camera.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s great. Did you find anything suspicious?


    ¡°About 15 minutes ago, it was confirmed that a woman came out of room 501, and a minuteter, a man came out and took the elevator out of the hotel.


    ¡°Have you sent it to the tracking team? Yes, it was sent immediately after checking the CC camera but they have reported that the couplepletely disappeared behind the hotel.¡±


    ¡°Secure all information about the guests of Room 501 from the hotel!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    At the same time, agents of the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 were inspecting the ck Tiger agents and security staff from their respective locations. ck Tiger agents were requesting information of the guests staying in room 501 from hotel staff at the concierge, while other ck Tiger agents were checking all vehicle numbers in the underground parking lot, and were controlling the elevators and stairs going up to the parking lot entrance and upstairs. More ck Tiger agents were also looking around the area outside the hotel, and other agents were monitoring everyone, not even leaving out a single guard.


    About an hourter, 20 ck Tiger agents remained at the Soap Hotel and continued the checkpoint search, while the rest of the agents headed back to the ck vans they had arrived in.


    This was the moment when the highlight of smoking the rabbit hole began. Alpha Two Chief Yoon Tae-jin and his teammates, who had been in a transparent state for over an hour in TCS mode, sneaked onto the ck vans before the vehicles departed and were waiting for a free ride.


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin, who was lying t on the roof of one of the ck vans like Spider-Man, sent a silentmunication.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving now. Follow the vans closely.¡±


    After a long time ying as a spy, Chief Yoon Tae-jin seemed to be having fun. He could sense it as he sent a silentmunication.


    Just as they had arrived, the ck vans began to move in the same order out of the hotel grounds, and the agents of Team 2, each on the roof of four vehicles, held on as they traveled along the road in the middle of Beijing in a transparent state. Meanwhile, the cars of the Alpha Four agents who were waiting across from the hotel followed them one at a time.


    Shortly after turning onto the main road, at the intersection of Sidan Station, the three vehicles from the front turned left, while one vehicle continued straight. As a result, three of the four Alpha agents turned left and the other went straight.


    The three ck vans of the ck Tiger Corps who turned left drove on for about 20 meters, then turned left again and headed for the underground parking lot of the first big building. This building was a famous building called Beijing Capital. The three cars that were following them checked their location after turning left and passed on by.


    <hr />


    December 18th, 2023, 17:20 (New China Time 16:20)


    President¡¯s Office External Network Server Room Headquarters, City Hall District, Beijing, New China


    The fourth vehicle that went straight on from Sidan Station, drove about 600 meters and entered the underground parking lot on the right. This ce was unfamiliar from the start. Several cameras were running and the staff working at the entrance were in uniforms and carrying pistols.


    The Alpha Four agent¡¯s vehicle that was following them behind drove slowly, pinpointing its location, and began elerating again to avoid any suspicion.


    This is the building that operates the externalwork server room of the president¡¯s office, and the ck van drove down from the entrance of the underground parking lot to basement three, passing a total of three checkpoints before arriving at the spacious parking lot. Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who had been holding his breath while hanging t on the roof until then, got off the roof and walked towards the doorway.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who was alone, checked the CC cameras on the ceiling and everywhere andmitted them to his memory one by one.


    Then he headed to the door the security staff had walked through.


    Again, the door wasposed of a password and an iris recognition system.


    ¡°This is Alpha Two Again to Alpha Four! Can you hear Alpha Zero?¡±


    He searched for Manager Ja-Sung through silentmunication, but there was no response probably due tomunication interference.


    Facing a situation where he was left alone and unable tomunicate with anyone, Director Yoo Ha-yeon took a moment to think about a way toplete his task.


    Since he was in basement three of the security building, Director Yoo Ha-yeon thought that there might be amunication interference. He knew that he had to somehow make his way upstairs tomunicate with his team. At this time, the disy of the X-K02 terminal on his left arm flickered, indicating that the battery had 5 percent remaining.


    After moving to a blind spot where there were no CC cameras, Director Yoo Ha-yeon quickly turned off the TCS mode, reced the battery in the X-K02 terminal, and then activated the TCS mode again.


    There were two spare batteries brought for emergencies, but only one was fitted into the case. It seemed that one may have fallen when he was on the roof of the van. This was a disaster.


    Each battery could activate TCS mode for only one hour and 30 minutes. Director Yoo Ha-yeon had to get out of this ce within an hour and a half. Otherwise, the TCS mode would be shut off and he could be caught. Director Yoo Ha-yeon had many obstacles ahead of him.


    However, Director Yoo Ha-yeon was a ck agent for the Foreign Intelligence Service ¨C the toughest department in the National Intelligence Service. Like most elite ck agents, Yoo Ha-yeon made up his mind and moved toward the doorway, waiting for someone else to open the door so that he could make his way through..

 Chapter 448 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 4-3 To Smoke on the Rabbits Den

    <h4>Chapter 448: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 4-3 To Smoke on the Rabbit¡¯s Den</h4>


    December 18th, 2023 17:30 (Russian Time 18:30),


    55km west of Javitsk City, Amurskaya, Russia (the 7th Mobile corps).


    Half an hour ago, a dozen CF/A-25P ck jack from the 201st Fighter Squadron and eight goshawk CB-91P goshawk bombers were scrambled and stirred in the area where the 35th Army was deployed beyond the Bureya River, and 300 corps artillery units waiting after the heat were bombarded at once.


    At the time of the early bombing, the first air force of the Russian Aerospace Force responded to the emergencyunch of 36 SU-30MK nker fighters, but 31 aircraft were shot down and only 5 survived the battlefield on 12 CF/A-25P ck jack that entered the intercept procedure after bombardment.


    In the eastern part of Russia, where the units operating various surface-to-air missiles were deployed, the Republic of Korea certainly held the right to provide them unless it was arge number.


    Boom! Boom boom! Boom! Boom!


    The power of the 180-liter C-9A1 Lightning self-propelled gun was great, but the firepower of the K271 MRLS ceremonial brain using the 130mm C-137 200mm Hwaryong multibel and 300mm sma diffusion coal using the focused rocket was great.


    There was no specific reason why the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea was once called the Open country.


    After the tremendous firepowersted for about 20 minutes, the 128th Machine Gun Artillery Division also fired artillery fire in the formation of the 35th Army. However, the counterattack was not so strong as some artillery forces were destroyed during the first aerial bombardment. In particr, when the 12mmser Vulcan beam of the C-30 Biho A2 armored vehicle is organized in each armored division and the 8mmser Vulcan beam of the numerous C-3A1 Baekho tanksbined, the number of enemy shells falling into the 7th Mobile Corps terrain was noticeably less.


    Hundreds of rays of lightpose the mesh as if creating a that is so dense that a single ant cannot escape.


    The view was no spectacr as this did. A more splendid and wonderful spectacle than the fireworks festival held in Yeouido every year was unfolding in the sky above the Bureya River.


    By the time the enemy artillery unit was bombarded, the search tanks C-3A1 white tanks began to cross into the vanguard with four bridges installed by the engineer brigade and other divisions of each division.Then, various C-23P basal infantry battle armored vehicles operated tube-type support devices and jumped into the Bureya River at the same time.


    The K-23P Hyunmoo Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which can achieve a very high speed of 20 km/h even underwater by reducing water flow resistance during going down to the water was able to cross a 300m wide area in 1 minute in a very short time.


    The K-23P basal infantry battle armored vehicles, which can reduce water current resistance during the watering and achieve very fast speeds of 20 km / h in the water, were very short time to cross in a minute when the river width reached 300 meters.


    At the same time, when the four bridges and rivers began to be awarded in the four narrowest ces, 32 FAH-91SP peregrine attack helicopters belonging to the 17th Air Corps flew over the Bureya River and entered the air security.


    The 35th Army again fired punitive artillery fire from the reorganized artillery unit beforepleting Doha.


    Hundreds of shells fired at the same time, forming a huge parab, fell frighteningly towards the 7th Mobile Corps tanks and armored vehicles crossing the border. However, whenser beams were sprayed from tanks and Biho armored vehicles waiting for their turn on the floating bridge and water Doha, a wonderful spectacle unfolded again.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    While the second fireworks show was held in the sky, the search tank tanks of each division, which was first carried out through the bridge, stepped on the ground beyond the Bureya River and immediately entered the front search maneuver. At one point, when he seeded in heading down to the C-23P basal infantry battle armored car, he started a steep hill one by one, and at some point he was stered with the 7th maneuvering army tank and armored car over the Bureya River.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    From the beginning, they built temporary defensive positions here and there along the Buryeya River and overcame the pouring shells and bombs, led by about 100 T-90AM tanks of the 21st Guards Tank Division, which survived. About 90 T-14 Armata tanks belonging to the 2nd Guards Tank Regiment under the direct control of the military had just sessfully crossed the border with the C-3A1 White Tiger Tank and C-23P Hyeonmoo Infantry Fighting Vehicle (APFSDS) without mercy. Stable detachable armor-piercing rounds) were fired.


    In addition, each armed anti-tank guided missile was not spared and fired at once. Dozens of quadruple 9P148 Concus anti-tank guided missiles mounted on top were also fired from the BRBD-2 armored vehicle that followed the tank.


    It was a tactic of pouring out firepower, in the beginning, to annihte and eat the sessful forces in Doha before the forces in Doha joined.


    However, the 7th Mobile Corps tank, which is faced by various types of tanks belonging to the 35th Army, was the strongest white tank in the world. In addition, it was an improved C-3A1 backhoe tank equipped with a 25mmser interceptor system, one of the active defense systems that can intercept 100% of the 4th generation anti-tank guided ballistics.


    Three types of Russian tanks burst into powerful mes, vomiting APFSDS (wing stable separation armored shells), followed by two types of 3UBK21 ¡°sprinter¡± anti-tank guided bombs and 9K225 Proshnakno anti-tank guided bombs, spreading white smoke and digging into the whiteke tanks.


    However, from the beginning of theunch, the targeting of the White Tiger tank¡¯s powerful SECM¡¯s radio disturbance failed, and several anti-tank guided missiles lost their targets and rotated in the air, then either self-destructed or crashed into the ground and then exploded. And after oveing the radio disturbance, the anti-tank-guided missiles that flew towards the Baekho tank and the nearby Hyunmoo infantry fighting vehicle also exploded one after another by the 25mm interceptingser beam flying at an instantaneous speed.


    The Russian tanks¡¯ anti-tank guided missile attack ended in vain, and the photon cannons of the white tiger tanks with a certain size spit out red particles one by one.


    Jjoong! Jjoong! Jjoong! Jjoong! Jjoong!


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Hundreds of tanks from both sides closed their distance towards each other and engaged in battle, while FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters in charge of aerial cover tilted their nose down and fired 50mm sma-activated bombs mounted on both wings in session.


    pop! pop! pop! pop! pop! pop! pop! pop!


    pop! pop! pop! pop! pop! pop! pop! pop!


    At 100 meters above the sky, 32 FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters fired sma-activated bombs in unison, and dozens of T-90AM tanks belonging to the 21st Guards Tank Division were engulfed in mes and stopped moving.


    A quadruple 23 mm cannon fired from 32 ZSU-23-4 Silka self-propelled anti-aircraft armored vehicles that survived bombing and shelling from the rear.In addition, 15 2S6M Tonguska self-propelled anti-aircraft gunsunched 2-long 2A38 30mm cannons and 9M311 short-range surface-to-air missiles.


    In order to kill each other on the ground and in the air, numerous machine gun bullets and guided missiles flew alternately, and huge explosions and explosions sounded endlessly.


    But when looking closely at the battlefield, the tanks and armored vehicles that were attacked urred mostly in the 35th formation of the Russian Army, as if the lion from hell was opening the feast of death.


    When the armored car fired by the 50mm activated charcoal exploded, the lower-car soldiers screaming and screaming all over the rear hatch rolled on the snow-covered ground, and the crew, whose limbs were cut, crawled out with only his arms and stopped breathing.Some tanks were hit by a 100mm photon gun and exploded with a crew member and oxidized as it was.


    As time goes by, the horrors of the war have be more intense, and the number of deaths in both countries will increase like a snowball.


    Meanwhile, in the midst of fierce fighting from the front, tanks from the 26th Tank Battalion of the 60th Armored Brigade of the 20th Armored Division (decisive battle), which had made numerous achievements in the First Northeast Asian War, were submerged in the rear. The C-3A1 Baekho tank was able to dive submerged from a depth of 20 m to 1 km. The speed was only 10 km/h, but the ability to submerge in the water was a big advantage. The biggest obstacle to the cavalry was that it would not be affected by the numerous rivers of Siberia.


    ¡°Oh! When are we going to cross this? It is totally like a turtle.¡±


    The catcher, Yeom Hoon-ki, spoke out a word that was frustrating andmented by the sight that only water was seen.I have been training a few times in the meantime, but the frustration he felt because it was the first time in the field that he was in such a wide range of frustration came in double.


    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t you know that turtles are as fast as ghosts in the water?¡±


    Commander Kim Young-joo, sergeant major, teased him as it seemed that he felt bored.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what you mean, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Oh man. it is time to cross, Corporal Kim!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Corporal Kim Il-soo!¡±


    ¡°When are we going to cross?¡±


    ¡°It looks like there are ten meters left.¡±


    As the driver, Corporal Kim Il-su said, Tank 712 was maneuvering submerged with a slight upward tilt.


    ¡°If we go out, we will have fun fighting?¡±


    ¡°Yes, shouldn¡¯t we? Our battalion was almost thest to enter Sub port.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯ve always been at the forefront, but this time in Doha, I was thest to be.. Sergeant Yeom. Isn¡¯t it difficult to be ranked number 1 in the division¡¯s attack major?¡±


    ¡°Ah! If you look closely, Sergeant Kim also resembles former Commander Oh Young-taek. Why are you so passionate about your job?¡±


    ¡°Damn, did I say it once or twice? If you receive a medal for a first-ss special promotion, your sry will increase, and you will be promoted faster than your age so isn¡¯t it killing two birds on one stone?¡±


    ¡°Ah okay!¡±


    Again today, while the jokes wereing and going, the 712 tank suddenly appeared out of the water.


    After a while, at themand of the battalionmander, the 26th Tank Battalion raised its maximum speed in the open field to support the friendly units engaged in fierce battles in the front and then jumped forward.


    <hr />


    December 18th, 2023 17:40 (New China Time 16:40),


    ck Panther Headquarters, City Hall District, Beijing, New China.


    Unlike Director Yoo Ha-yeon, Team 2 Chief Yoon Tae-jin and two team members entered the basement of the building that looked like the ck Panther Headquarters. They were also in TCS mode for more than an hour, so they reced them with new spare batteries and dispersed themselves to begin a full-fledged investigation of the inside of the ck Panther.


    As is well known, the ground of the ck Panther Headquarters has been disguised as Beijing Capital, and most of the ck Panther¡¯s offices use the 5th to 10th basement floors.


    ordingly, Chief Yoon Tae-jin and two team members went down to different floors, and filmed the inside of the building, andpleted the interior design through the SG-TAR shield sses they were wearing.


    asionally, in the case of a controlled area, the lock was released using the X-K02 terminal, and the CC camera caused a strong jamming wave to temporarily block it. However, if these obstacles continue to ur, the agents operating the CC cameras can notice it, so they exchanged silentmunication with each other and infiltrated the ess control area with minimal use.


    Team 2¡¯s destination was only the dedicated server room of the ck Panther.


    Shhush! Shhush!


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin, walking carefully so as not to hear footsteps as much as possible, stopped breathing momentarily and leaned against the wall when two men appeared from the hallway that had just been broken.


    Boob! Boob! Boob!


    When two men passed in the not-so-wide hallway, they gently brushed the chest of Chief Yoon Tae-jin.


    ¡®Hew! This isn¡¯t a submarine, and what made the hallways so narrow?¡¯


    Watching the backs of the men moving away from the other side, Chief Yoon Tae-jin clenched his fists with potatoes.


    At this time, while circling the 8th basement floor, a voicelessmunication came from Assistant Manager Jeon Ki-won who infiltrated the control area.


    <ul>


    Manager! It¡¯s in front of what looks like a server room.


    </ul>


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, looking through the window, it must be the server room.


    </ul>


    ¡°Ohh! Found this sooner than expected! Can we go in?¡±


    <ul>


    That¡¯s going to be tough.


    </ul>


    ¡°Why!¡±


    <ul>


    There are about 3 people guarding right inside the door to the server room.


    </ul>


    ¡°No, are they guarding some food to eat in the server room?¡±


    <ul>


    What should we do?


    </ul>


    ¡°Did you scan and took picture the route and design going to the server room?¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, I did.


    </ul>


    ¡°Great! We don¡¯t know if there is another server room, so let¡¯s look for another 30 minutes and get out!¡±


    <ul>


    Yes, all right.


    </ul>


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin, who finished silentmunication with Deputy Jeon Ki-won, operated the X-K02 terminal and tried silentmunication with Manager Lee Ja-seong, who was waiting outside.


    ¡°This is Alpha Two! Please check Alpha Zero. This is Alpha Two! Can¡¯t you hear me Alpha Zero?¡±


    ¡®Ah! Ismunication impaired due to the underground? Well, by the way, I¡¯m worried about Director Yoo who went to another ce alone. After all, what is it that Director Yoo is going to go somewhere else alone? damn!¡¯


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin was worried about Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who suddenly went to another ce alone..

 Chapter 449 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 4-4 To Smoke on the Rabbits Den

    <h4>Chapter 449: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 4-4 To Smoke on the Rabbit¡¯s Den</h4>


    December 18th, 2023, 18:00 (New China Time 17:00)


    Headquarters of the externalwork server room in the President¡¯s Office, City Hall District, Beijing, New China


    Contrary to the worries of Chief Yoon Tae-jin, Director Yoo Ha-yeon was carrying out his duties as any ck agent would. After waiting for a long time at the door to enter the room, a person who seemed to be an employee working there went through various procedures such as iris recognition and quietly entered the room while opening the door. Director Yoo Ha-yeon immediately headed to the emergency stairs, in an attempt to get a connection from upstairs.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who climbed up the stairs quickly so as not to let his footsteps be heard as much as possible, stood on the staircasending marked 3F on the wall and immediately attempted tomunicate with his team.


    ¡°This is Alpha Two Again to Alpha Four! Alpha Zero! This is Alpha Two Again to Alpha Four! Alpha Zero!¡±


    Unfortunately, there was no connection.


    When the silentmunication did not work even after going aboveground, Director Yoo Ha-yeon slightly bit his lip and began to think deeply.


    Manager Lee Ja-Sung had trained the second team, which was involved in dangerous operations, basic guidelines in case such a situation like this arises.


    If you are isted inside and cannotmunicate with those on the outside, scan the inside of the building as much as possible in TCS mode and find the internalwork server room. Afterward, if it is difficult to escape through the central entrance or emergency door, go up to the roof to resumemunication and wait for support for evacuation.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who had remembered the instructions in his head, began to search the inside of the building in earnest. At the door leading to the hallway, he used his SG-TAR shield sses to check for CC cameras along the corridor. This is because if he were to open the door without checking, he might be caught by the CC cameras and things might look suspicious.


    After confirming the location of the CC cameras and that no one was in the hallway, he immediately operated the X-K02 terminal to temporarily disable the CC camera, then quickly opened the door and entered the hallway.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon moved as carefully as possible along the wall. He then went to the windows on the doors on either side of the hallway to check them one at a time. The names of the offices were written on the door. However, it was all written in Chinese, making it was difficult to recognize.


    Continuing in this manner, Director Yoo Ha-yeon secretly moved to the seventh floor and spent about 30 minutes checking all the offices in the room one at a time.


    A middle-aged man appeared in the hallway and in his right hand was a Huawei-brandedptop.


    The middle-aged man stood in front of the elevator. Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who stood right behind him without a word, got on the elevator along with him without being noticed. Then he stopped breathing for fear his breaths could be heard.


    The elevator doors, which had traveled down for a while, opened and at a nce, a long hallway was visible. At the end of the hallway, two men standing guard. As the middle-aged man walked along the hallway, Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who had been holding his breath, got out just before the elevator doors closed and followed him quietly.


    The man, who made his way down the hallway by following the brightly shining light, showed his ID to the two men who were guarding the door, and then set his eyes on the iris recognition device next to the door.


    The door opened at the same time as a beep sound was heard from the iris recognition device. At that moment, Director Yoo Ha-yeon knew he was in trouble.


    Should he trick the two men and follow them secretly, or should he just escape with the internal scans of the building¡¯s interior that he had gotten so far? However, the distress he felt was soon over. While he was trying to deal with the conflict in his head, his body instinctively followed the middle-aged man.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who entered the room, was startled by the sight before his eyes. The wall barrier was made of transparent ss, and inside, hundreds of state-of-the-art servers on a tablet stand were spinning with various lights shing, each emitting a soft purring sound.


    Even to a nonputer user, this was undoubtedly a server room. Was this an externalwork server or was it the server for the internalwork? To find out, Director Yoo Ha-yeon continued to follow the middle-aged man walking along the ss wall.


    Another office space was located next to the central server room. When the middle-aged man scanned his eyes on the iris scanner, opened the door and entered, he followed in and stood against one wall.


    ¡°Uh! Why did youe here? Haha!¡±


    A man stood up and greeted the middle-aged man in an office spacerger than what he had expected.


    ¡°Yeah, I have something to talk about in private¡­¡±


    The middle-aged man seemed to be conscious of the other employees who were around and quietly whispered to the man who approached him to shake hands.


    ¡°Ah! Yes. Come this way.¡±


    The man guided the middle-aged man to the conference room.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who secretly followed them to the conference room in delight, focused on their conversation.


    ¡°Chief! What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ording to the man who asked as soon as he sat down, the middle-aged man had the title of manager.


    ¡°I need you to check thisptop in private!¡±


    ¡°Yes? Whatptop is this?¡±


    The man who put theptop on the table asked with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°This department hasn¡¯t heard it yet.¡±


    The middle-aged man who turned his head to ensure that they were alone in the meeting room, opened his mouth again.


    ¡°Our externalwork server room was hacked. Fortunately, it was detected early and we managed to track down the location. But it was very close, so our security staff and ck Tiger agents attacked the hacked area. We, unfortunately, missed them but I was able to secure thisptop, which we tried to hack.¡±


    ¡°Woah! Is that true? When?¡±


    The man, who had a surprised expression on his face, turned on the power while taking a closer look at theptop.


    ¡°The talented people in our department checked it but they couldn¡¯t find anything special. So I brought it here with the manager¡¯s approval. I was wondering if you could figure out something with your skills.¡±


    ¡°Ugh! Is it unofficial?¡±


    ¡°Right! This is unofficial. If it was, I would have sent an official letter to your superior and followed the rules. If I were to do that, it will be time-consuming. Xiaobing, please check it out!¡±


    ¡°Right now?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The man named Xiaobing was a researcher in the internalwork server room of the President¡¯s office. At the age of 24, he obtained a doctorate inputer science from the Beijing Graduate School. He was a gifted person with exceptionalputer skills and ranked among the top three in New China.


    ¡°It will take some time to check it.¡±


    ¡°How long will it take? About one week?¡±


    ¡°Haha, no. It will only take an hour or two.¡±


    ¡°Phew! You said it would take some time, so I thought it would take a few more days.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I have to work overtime because of the manager. If youe back in two hours, I will tell you the result.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Today¡¯s overtime pay will be specially taken care of by our department. So don¡¯t worry and check it carefully!¡±


    ¡°Who are you asking? Well alright, sir.¡±


    After checking the conversation between the two men through the X-K02 terminal screen from beginning to end, Director Yoo Ha-yeon raised an eyebrow and smiled.


    It was because he knew that there was no information on theptop that Manager Namgoong-won had left in the living room of the hotel. It was very funny to see the two men having a serious conversation in such a situation.


    After the conversation, the middle-aged man who got up from his seat patted the researcher named Xiaobing on the shoulder and walked out of the conference room. Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who had followed him out, was in trouble once again.


    Should he follow the middle-aged man out of this ce? Although now that he knows that this was an internalwork server room, should he carry out his final mission?


    However, in the head of Director Yoo Ha-yeon, his thoughts were inclined toward thetter. It was rare to be able to enter the internalwork server room so easily. This was an excellent opportunity.


    The screen of the X-K02 terminal indicated that he had 50 percent battery remaining. Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who thought that 45 minutes was enough time, immediately decided to carry out the final mission.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who began looking along the ss wall behind the middle-aged man who had initially led the way, found the entrance to the central server room.


    Fortunately, there were no guards and no iris recognition scanner at the entrance, which meant he didn¡¯t need to use the X-K02 terminal. In front of the door, which needed a password and an employee card to enter, Director Yoo Ha-yeon looked around the ceiling.


    A total of four CC cameras were facing the server room entrance.


    With the help of the X-K02 terminal, the four CC cameras could be disabled, but the short time it would take him to operate the door¡¯s security device again may not give him enough time to get inside.


    However, Director Yoo Ha-yeon decided to leave it up to luck, and immediately operated the X-K02 terminal to disable the four CC cameras, which took about 10 seconds. He then immediately attempted to open and close the door¡¯s security device.


    Because of his nervousness, a drop of sweat ran down his forehead and ran down his cheek and his jawline.


    In a situation where several seconds may have passed, as soon as the door opened, Director Yoo Ha-yeon went in immediately and hid behind the server without even breathing. Even though he was invisible, he was so nervous that he acted on instinct.


    As soon as the door was closed, Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who confirmed that the CC cameras were operating normally again, stood still, just in case.


    He was not wrong. Footsteps echoed throughout the floor, and soon he saw two security guards run past the clear ss wall toward the door.


    The team that were operating the CC cameras had noticed that the four CC cameras were out of order and gave the order to the security staff who was guarding the hallway to check if anything was amiss.


    The two security staff walked from the entrance door to both sides of the room, carefully examining the central server room through the transparent ss wall. After looking around for about five minutes, they sent amunication to see if there was anything unusual, and they then returned to their original positions.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who stood still for five minutes, selected one of the numerous servers and took out a small case from his pocket. Inside the case was a small USB device.


    It was a state-of-the-art USB that had a built-in Turkion-Ymunication system, which showed a transmission/reception rate that was several dozen times higher than that of the Turkion-X silentmunication system installed by Director Yoo Ha-yeon.


    It was an essential device to hack something like an internalwork server that waspletely blocked from the outside.


    He inserted the USB into the USB slot on the back of the server at the bottom to avoid being detected. Then the blue light on the USB shed three times and turned off, which meant that it had worked.


    All that was left now was to leave the server room undetected, and Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who wiped the sweat on his forehead with his sleeve, had already thought about how to get out.


    Yoo Ha-yeon, who had decided to head to the entrance by going through the central server room, took a deep breath and, as before, using the X-K02 terminal, disabled the four CC cameras in the same manner as he had previously done. Upon reaching the door, he could easily open it by pressing the yellow button.


    When the door opened, Director Yoo Ha-yeon quickly walked toward another door leading to the hallway. It was a door guarded by the two security guards in the hallway.


    When he approached the door as quickly as he could, without making as much noise as possible, the door opened as Director Yoo Ha-yeon had nned, revealing the security guards with dissatisfied looks on their faces.


    From the look on the faces of the security guards, it was clear that the CC camera operation team was instructed to check the room once again.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon managed to escape between the two approaching security personnel and through the door that was about to close and made it into the hallway.


    After a long sigh of relief, Director Yoo Ha-yeon headed down the long hallway to the elevator..

 Chapter 450 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 4-5 To Smoke on the Rabbits Den

    <h4>Chapter 450: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 4-5 To Smoke on the Rabbit¡¯s Den</h4>


    December 18th, 2023, 18:00 (New China Time 17:00)


    Back alley, City Hall district, Beijing, New China


    Namgoong-won and his party, who parked their car in the alley behind a building west of the Forbidden City tomunicate with the second team in TCS mode, were waiting anxiously when they could not contact the Alpha Two agents due to continuedmunication problems.


    It was the first time that the silentmunication operated by the Turkion-X wirelessmunication system was disconnected due to a failure.


    Manager Namgoong-won, who was waiting in embarrassment and nervousness, received a wee call from an unknown number.


    It reported that Director Yoo Ha-yeon¡¯s USB that was plugged into the server worked normally. He contacted the server inside the president¡¯s office through wirelessmunication.


    ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before they find the WCA. Select and download as much as you can of the ck Tiger¡¯s leaked confidential data! Do you understand?¡±


    WCA was the official name of the USB that Director Yoo Ha-yeon had plugged into the server.


    ¡°Yes, all right. Manager!¡±


    At this time, Manager Lee Ja-seong tapped Namgoong-won on the shoulder and to speak to him.


    ¡°Tell them to go to the Forbidden City by the Skybus! If he follows the instructions in the absence ofmunication, he might even try to escape from the rooftop.¡±


    Namgoong-won gestured okay with his fingers and then repeated what Manager Lee Ja-seong had said.


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll tell them to wait over at the Forbidden City and move to the coordinates they¡¯ve received.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Thank you for your effort!¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Chief Lee! Shall we go to the house too?¡±


    After finishing hismunication, Namgoong-won asked Manager Lee Ja-seong.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go where Chief Lee is instead of going to the house!¡±


    ¡°Chief Lee Jin-kyung?¡±


    Director Lee Jin-kyung was an agent named Alpha Four who followed Chief Yoo Ha-yeon.


    ¡°Yes! Chief Yoon Tae-jin is not worried about the three people, but he is worried about Director Yoo who has been separated from the rest.¡±


    ¡°Well, it surely is worrying.¡±


    Currently, Director Lee Jin-kyung was in a parked van on the side of the road 200 meters south of the building where the ck van had entered the underground parking lot. He had been looking carefully at the front of the building for over an hour to see if there was anymunication failure. Just then, the van that Manager Lee Ja-seong was in arrived.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t heard any news?¡±


    It was the first question of Manager Lee Ja-seong, who came in through the back door of the ck van. Director Lee Jin-Kyung answered her by nodding his head.


    ¡°Yes, not yet. So I am concerned.¡±


    ¡°No worries! I just got a call from the inner house. It seems that Director Yoo found the internalwork server and installed the WCA as well. You say that he contacted the internalwork server, which means that Director Yoo is performing his duties well. He¡¯s well aware of the instructions in casemunication fails, so he¡¯ll be able to escape.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    ¡°Is that the building?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-seong pointed to a building over the shoulder of Director Lee Jin-kyung, who answered in a serious tone. It was the very building that operated the internal and externalwork server of the president¡¯s office where Director Yoo Ha-yeon had entered.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. He went through the entrance to that underground parking lot over there.¡±


    ¡°In the worst case, if the escape fails, we are ready to go in and rescue him, so let¡¯s wait!¡±


    ¡°Yes, manager!¡±


    Before they knew it, a car and a ck van with the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 pulled up on the other side of the road and began waiting between other cars that were parked there as well.


    <hr />


    December 18th, 2023, 18:10 (New China Time 17:10)


    ck Tiger Headquarters, City Hall District, Beijing, New China


    Chief Huang Xuen and Commander Diao Yi-nan, who led a special task force team to the Soap Hotel to arrest the hacker, were reporting the situation rted to the hacker to their boss, Shin Baiqing.


    ¡°Currently, we lost them in the alley behind the Soap Hotel but we are checking all the CC cameras within a 50 kilometer radius around the hotel. The Central Intelligence Unit, as well as the special task force, are checking and searching all over the city.¡±


    ¡°We should have not missed it! You must understand why they were trying to steal information rted to the ck Tiger Corps. Bring in the Red Team too!¡±


    The ck Tiger Red Team was a department specializing in assassination, and they were selected as the elite among the elite who were also known as the ck Tiger.


    ¡°Yes? The Red Team as well?¡±


    ¡°Captain! Should I say it again? Don¡¯t you know how serious the situation is? Anyway, if the hacker carried out the hacking in Hong Kong to uncover the work our second team was doing, what do you think would happen in the future? I don¡¯t think the guy we are looking for is just another hacker. There is a high chance that they are f*cking Koreans.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s right. I hadn¡¯t even thought of that.¡±


    ¡°By the way, what happened to theptop that the hacker left behind?¡±


    After judging the current situation, General Shin Baiqing continued to ask questions again.


    ¡°I took it from the security room of the current externalwork server to see if I could uncover any clues that would point me to the hackers.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that no copies were made?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the security staff clearly said no.¡±


    ¡°Well, with the disappearance of Jjang Chun and this hacking case, only ominous things keep happening. Everyone stay alert and the Special Operations Team.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Chief Huang Xuen answered without moving. It was an act of moderation as a soldier. In fact, the department called the Special Task Force was nothing more than a private army operated by the ck Tiger Corps. Most of them were recruited from various special forces from each military, and their actual affiliation was the Ministry of National Defense. Team leader Huang Xuen was also a soldier with the rank of sergeant major dispatched from the PLA (Special Forces).


    In addition, although the department unit was a team, each group under the team had 20 people, and there was a total of 40 groups. In other words, it was a task force that operated on arge scale with a total of 800 people.


    ¡°Call all the team members currently dispatched to each city.¡±


    ¡°Yes. All right.¡±


    ¡°If there is a security breach or anything unusual, report it immediately. Leave now!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    After the salute and the two men left, Captain Shin Baiqing took out a flip phone from the desk drawer and made a call. A momentter, after the call connected, fluent English was heard over the receiver.


    ¡°I was just waiting for you, and you called.¡±


    ¡°How was it?¡±


    ¡°We had a good talk. I have several who are interested. I¡¯m seriously talking to the best caller of them all. Maybe we can gain some more money?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to hear that. Money is money but my safetyes first.¡±


    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s, don¡¯t worry. They are also government workers. Can youe here sooner than nned? I have to schedule an appointment with them.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll let you know on the next call.¡±


    ¡°All right. You must contact us as soon as you have a date and time so we can prepare things on our end too.¡±


    ¡°I see. Then I¡¯ll call you again next time.¡±


    The person who spoke briefly to Shin Baiqing was Jackie Lee, a well-known broker in Europe. He was a big broker with such a strong influence, particrly when it came to weapons that it was even said that there could be no cross-border arms trade without interest.


    When the call was over, Shin Baiqing turned off his flip phone and put it back in the drawer. His gaze then moved to the small safe under the desk.


    A smile spread across his face.


    <hr />


    December 18th, 2023, 18:30 (Russian Time 19:30)


    55 kilometers west end of Amurskaya Zavitinsk city, Russia (7th Mobile Corps)


    The 712 Tank, which entered and immersed in Doha afterpleting a cover-and-shooting mission for allies there, rushed to maneuver and annihte enemy tanks in the surrounding area when it was thrust into a fierce battle.


    Commander Sergeant Kim Young-joo and gunner Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, who had been working together since the First Northeast Asian War, were mobile and effective like a cannon and had already ughtered about 20 tanks, armored vehicles, and Russian infantry firing anti-tank guided missiles that were hiding.


    ¡°Pass Target 3! Go directly to the fourth target.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo, the head of the 712 Tank, shouted furrowing his eyebrows when an enemy tank of the third target was hit by a tank-guided bullet that flew out of nowhere.


    ¡°What kind of bastard eyes our prey¡­Oh sh*t!¡±


    ¡°Haha, looking at their faces, they look like the 109th Battalion of the 62nd Brigade.¡±


    Hyeonmoo armored vehicles from the 106th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 62nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, followed the 26th Tank Battalion from behind, firing 50-millimeter photon cannons and multi-purpose Heilong Missiles.


    ¡°Step on it, step on it! So they won¡¯t be able to keep up with us.¡±


    ¡°No matter how much you think about it, it seems like you have been possessed by Master sergeant Oh.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about the Master sergeant who used to be the 7th Company¡¯s administrative subcontractor?¡±


    Corporal Kim Il-su, who skilfully piloted the 712 Tank, even intervened in the interesting conversation tank rounds and anti-tank guided rained down missiles everywhere.


    ¡°How would you know? He got discharged before you even enlisted?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Young-ju, who was looking around for the next target, asked as if wondering.


    ¡°Before I enlisted, seniors warned me that there was a demon bulldozer guard in the 7th Company.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, what? The demon bulldozer?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Target hit four times! Total hit! Moving on to the next target. But I haven¡¯t heard it in a long time. The demon bulldozer! Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°What? Did Sergeant Kim know the nickname of Master sergeant Oh Young-taek?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Aren¡¯t I a soldier too? He was famous among our enlisted men. It was very difficult for the kids to be apany master sergeant after him! Some soldiers had been invited to Master sergeant Oh Young-taek¡¯s wedding when he got married. Was it those guys from 7th Company and 2nd toon? I¡¯m not too sure but they said they brought a tray of eggs back then. I think they threw it and tried to run away! Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°What? Eggs? Hahaha! It would have been a mess on his wedding day! Haha, to think, he was good with bullying the kids around.¡±


    There was a significant impact on the left side of the turret. A single APFSDS (Wing Stabilized Separable Armored Bullet) flew and seemed to be properly inserted into the left armor of the 712 Tank. Even with a strong SECM (Radio Disruption System), it would seem very close if it was properly hit on the left side of the turret.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Young-joo turned his microscope to the side where the unpleasant shock had sounded.


    He identified a T-14 Armata tank with only the barrel protruding in the form of a t turret in arge puddle at a distance of 150 meters at the 9 o¡¯clock position.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I see him? That rude kid! I¡¯ll be sure to punish them! Setting emergency target!¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡±


    ording to the emergency setting, the turret automatically and quickly turned to the left, and within a few seconds, the optical crosshairs of the gunner¡¯s sight were fixed precisely on the barrel of the T-14 Armata. Sgt Hoon-gi Yeom stepped on theunch te without hesitation.


    ¡°Oh yes! Enemy tanks are set as emergency targets! A hit!¡±


    At the same time as the shot, red particles pierced through the turret¡¯s armor right next to the barrel and stirred inside. Under the pressure, the hatch exploded into the sky and red particles gushed out from between them. After a few seconds, the loaded ammunition exploded, causing a series of explosions, shattering the enemy tank.


    ¡°Ah! I am the gunner for this reason¡­ I should have been the gunner from the start¡­I uselessly served for two years and was just a pilot.¡±


    ¡°Now do you know the true taste of the gunner¡¯s job?¡±


    ¡°Captain, you must have run out of adrenaline during thest war.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it. It definitely got my adrenaline pumped up.¡±


    At this time, the third toon 731 led by Sergeant Lee Kyung-seok, who was the eternal opponent of Sergeant Oh Young-taek, was pushing forward.


    ¡°Woah! Our great Sergeant has appeared.¡±


    Sergeant Oh Young-taek, who was discharged from the military, often called Sergeant Oh Kyung-seok a hard rock during his military service, so Sergeant Kim Young-joo unconsciously called him a stone when he was not there as if he was swearing.


    After being promoted to sergeant, Sergeant Oh Kyung-seok¡¯s 731 Tank, deputymander and tankmander of the 7th Company ignored enemy shells from the sky that poured down like rain and fired photon cannons without showing any mercy..

 Chapter 451 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 4-6 To Smoke on the Rabbits Den

    <h4>Chapter 451: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 4-6 To Smoke on the Rabbit¡¯s Den</h4>


    December 18th, 2023, 18:45 (New China Time 17:45)


    Headquarters of the externalwork server room, President¡¯s Office, City Hall District, Beijing, New China


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who cautiously reached the floor just below the roof through the emergency stairs, looked at the X-K02 terminal screen on his left arm anxiously. He had 10 percent of battery remaining to keep him in TCS mode.


    He had wasted a lot of time going up the emergency stairs to get to where he was. There were barrier gates installed throughout the stairwell and the staff here asionally used the stairs, which had caused him a lot of time.


    Now, thest obstacle Director Yoo Ha-yeon had to ovee was the elevator going up to the roof. Strangely, there were no stairs that led up to the roof, just an elevator, which was on the other side of the long hallway.


    Just in case, he once again observed the entire hallway by using the SG-TAR shield sses. However, the passage leading to the roof could not be seen.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who had no time to spare, made up his mind and immediately began to move. After opening the locked door using the X-K02 terminal, he put his back to the wall and stepped forward.


    Just as he was walking down the 15-meter long corridor while holding his breath, the door right in front opened and two staff appeared out of nowhere.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who stopped as his heart began pounding. Luckily, the two employees were talking among themselves and continued walking along the hallway to the other side, and then went into another office.


    It was a dizzying moment when he realised to could be caught at any time1.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who wiped the droplets of sweat on his forehead with his sleeve, hurriedly began walking again. When he finally arrived in front of the elevator, he faced the problem of opening the elevator door without being detected.


    If the elevator doors opened when no one was there, the elevator could be noticed by the security guards. However, there was no time to wait for people to use the elevator.


    After thinking about it for about a minute, Director Yoo Ha-yeon made up his mind to go up to the roof as quickly as possible and escape.


    He turned around and looked around the hallway again, then operated the X-K02 terminal with quick hand movements to call the elevator to the floor.


    The elevator that was on the third floor started heading up. After a while, the elevator arrived on the tenth floor and the doors opened. Director Yoo Ha-yeon quickly got onto the elevator and pressed the button that would take him to the roof.


    The doors closed and the elevator slowly moved up toward the roof. Suddenly, the elevator stopped and began shaking.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon sensed that something was wrong and tried to operate the elevator again using the X-K02 terminal. However, the elevator was turned off and from the hallway on the tenth floor, the sound of security guards running could be heard. They were evenmunicating in front of the elevator.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who thought he was stuck, immediately activated the vision mode of the SG-TAR shield sses and looked around the dark elevator.


    Laser monitoring devices were visible on all sides of the elevator. In other words, even when hiding in TCS mode, theser lights could easily detect him.


    There was a feeling of regret but it was already toote. An rm rang out from the X-K02 terminal to alert Director Yoo Ha-yeon that he had only about 5 percent of battery life left. He looked up at the ceiling of the elevator and figured that the only way to make it to the roof was to climb the cables in the elevator shaft directly up to the elevator ceiling.


    From below, he could hear the sound of security personnel forcing the elevator¡¯s exterior door open. He couldn¡¯t dy making a decision any longer. Director Yoo Ha-yeon jumped on the wall on one side of the elevator, pushed the small square emergency door open with both hands and squeezed through the small square gap. Then, with all his might, he climbed up the elevator. The elevator, which was not moving at this time, turned on and began making its way back down going to the 10th floor.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon grabbed one of the cables and hung on to it. Then, as the elevator went down, he was suspended in the air. Director Yoo Ha-yeon held on to the cable with all his might and started going up. When the elevator went back down to the 10th floor, the security guards shone their shlights through the ceiling¡¯s emergency door.


    However, all they could see were the swaying cables with no one in sight. At this, the security guards murmured one word at a time.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who groaned and held onto the swaying cables with all his strength, put his hand between the exterior doors of the rooftop elevator and tried to open it while his feet which were the gap between the inner walls kept him steady.


    The elevator¡¯s exterior door opened slowly, and perhaps because it was a life or death situation or the adrenaline rush, Director Yoo Ha-yeon managed to find the strength to open it wide enough for his body to pass through. Just then, as the battery power of the X-K02 terminal was exhausted, the figure of Director Yoo Ha-yeon was revealed.


    Then, the security guards, who were looking through the elevator ceiling¡¯s emergency door, automatically pulled out their pistols and began firing as soon as Director Yoo Ha-yeon appeared.


    Several gunshots echoed through the narrow elevator shaft. Fortunately, Director Yoo Ha-yeon was able to escape through the external doors that were opened just enough for him to pass through before the bullets could hit him.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who rolled out of harm¡¯s way andnded on the cold roof floor, hid behind a venttor and immediately attempted silentmunication.


    ¡°This is Alpha Two Again to Alpha Four! Come on Alpha Zero! Over! This is Alpha Two Again to Alpha Four! Come on Alpha Zero! Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Alpha Two Again Four! Are you okay? Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Two Again to Alpha Four! I¡¯m okay. However, as I climbed up to the roof, my identity was revealed. The current Location is the rooftop! Measures should be taken so that I can escape immediately. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! The Skybus will arrive in less than two minutes. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Two Again to Alpha Four! I will wait. Over!¡±


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who hastily finished the silentmunication, put his head out and looked at the external doors of the elevator. He heard the elevator working and it seemed that the security guards wereing up to the rooftop in the elevator.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon took out the CS5-C1ser pistol from his holster.


    It looked like that would be a gunfight before Director Yoo Ha-yeon could escape! After gently cocking the CS5-C1ser pistol, Director Yoo Ha-yeon turned the safety clip and got ready to shoot.


    At that moment, a fair strong wind blew from above the rooftop and a gentle mechanical sound could be heard.


    Then, as he turned his head and looked up at the rooftop, the face of Director Yoo Ha-yeon turned a bright color. The Skybus, which was in a transparent state through the shield sses, had the side hatch open and was slowly making its way down.


    Just then, gunshots rang out, sending sparks flying over the top of the venttor that Yoo Ha-yeon was hiding behind. Security staff who had made their way to the rooftop via the elevator got out and immediately opened fire while they quickly moved around the rooftop.


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who was about to counterattack, changed his mind and ran to the SkyBus to get them tond right away.


    Bullets rained down with a pounding sound that cut through the air and sparks sttered on the floor around Director Yoo Ha-yeon who was running toward the Skybus.


    About the same time that he had reached the sky bus, Director Yoo Ha-yeon felt a hammer-like impact on his back and the pain pierce right through him. It was as if one of his bullets had hit him in the back. However, Director Yoo Ha-yeon got back on his feet again after rolling forward, clenched his teeth, and ran to the Skybus. He then boarded the Skybus and got away. The Skybus, which was waiting for Director Yoo Ha-yeon to board, soared into the sky and flew away.


    On the other hand, the security guards who were shooting nced around the rooftops looking as if they had been possessed by a ghost when Chief Yoo Ha-yeon suddenly disappeared into thin air. The Skybus with Director Yoo Ha-yeon rose to an altitude of 1 kilometer in an instant, then turned toward the direction of the safe house and flew away.


    ¡°Wow! Our Director Yoo is amazing!¡±


    The Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 main team¡¯s Assistant Manager Oh Seok-jin, held out a bottle of water as he approached Director Yoo Ha-yeon, who was sitting on a chair breathing heavily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it. Anyway, what will we do since I got caught just before I could escape?¡±


    Director Yoo Ha-yeon seemed worried that this operation might have been ruined because of him.


    ¡°What can you do? They might not even know that you are affiliated with the National Intelligence Service. You did a great job. Do not worry!¡±


    At this time, the urgent voice of Chief Yoon Tae-jin was heard through silentmunication.


    ¡°This is Alpha Two! Director Yoo are you okay? Were you hurt?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief, I am fine. I don¡¯t have any injuries.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I worried a lot. Well done, Director Yoo! You performed a hundred times better than the three of us!¡±


    ¡°Did the rest escape safely as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes! We escaped safely. We are currently on our way to the safe house. See youter!


    ¡°Yes, alright. See youter then.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin and the other two team members who infiltrated the ck Tiger headquarters 20 minutes agopleted a scan of the interior of the building by walking around the building and then escaped safely through the front door. Although they did not achieve muchpared to Director Yoo Ha-yeon, if they had to infiltrate the building again, they could easily do so with the internal scan information they had captured.


    * * *


    December 18th, 2023, 19:30 (New China Time 18:30)


    Secret House of the Foreign Intelligence Bureau, Huairou District, Beijing City, New China


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin and Director Yoo Ha-yeon had escaped safely, and the special security team had stolen a significant amount of information from the internal security server of the president¡¯s office by using the WCA. Now it was time for a dinner party. It was all about drinking soju and eating pork belly.


    As the atmosphere reached its climax while they were seated in a circle in the living room, grilling pork belly, and clinking each other¡¯s soju sses, Manager Lee Ja-seong raised his soju ss high and shouted proudly.


    ¡°Everyone worked hard. In particr, a toast to our manager Namgoong-won, who nned this operation, and Director Yoo, who risked his life to carry out his mission perfectly!¡±


    ¡°Wow! Cheers!¡±


    At this, the agents cheered and drank soju while toasting, almost to the point of breaking a few sses. Then, Chief Yoon Tae-jin, who was chewing pork belly, raised his hand and shouted with an unjust expression on his face.


    ¡°Why are you not mentioning the rest of the team and me in your toast? Are you trying to make us sad?¡±


    ¡°Ah! okay! okay! Apuse to our Chief Yoon, the rest of the assistant managers, and Assistant Manager Oh, who infiltrated the ck Tiger¡¯s building!¡±


    ¡°Wow! p p p!¡±


    They were loud and happy! While they were out having a fun dinner to relieve the stress that had been umted over the years, Manager Lee Ja-seong poured Namgoong-won a ss of soju, tapped him on the shoulder, and said.


    ¡°Manager Namgoong-won! Say something!¡±


    Namgoong-won emptied his soju ss and shook his head, waving his hand as if embarrassed.


    ¡°Hey! Kid! Just say a word!¡±


    When Manager Lee Ja-seong urged him once again, Namgoong-won opened his mouth. All the agents¡¯ eyes were focused on him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything else and it was a very dangerous mission, but I am just grateful that everyone followed withoutints and made the mission a sess. We still have the final goal of recovering or disposing of the leaked sma core technology, so let¡¯s all unite to the end toplete our mission and return to our homnd.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Manager!¡±


    ¡°Haha! Our manager, Namgoong-won is so serious.¡±


    ¡°Oh! It is so cool.¡±


    Agents of the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 cheered and pped at Namgoong-won¡¯s words. In this way, their dinner continued in a friendly atmosphere untilte in the evening.


    Meanwhile, the headquarters of the server room dedicated to the president¡¯s office that operated the best security system was in a state of chaos due to the intruder.


    A search operation was carried out throughout the entire building, and all CC cameras in the building were analyzed in detail.. As this information was reported to President Wang Jing-wi, trouble began to brew.

 Chapter 452 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 5-1 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 452: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 5-1 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    December 20th, 2023, 10:30 (New China Time 09:30)


    Office of the Communist Party, Beijing, New China (President¡¯s Office)


    Amid a series of unfortunate incidents, General Shin Baiqing, who received a call from President Wang Jing-wi early in the morning, arrived at the Communist Party¡¯s office where the president¡¯s office was located. While he was sitting in the waiting room after being told by the secretary of the president to wait for a while, the president¡¯s office door opened and someone walked out.


    It was Diao Yi-nan, the deputymander of the ck Tiger gang.


    Unlike Captain Shin Baiqing, who was momentarily taken aback, Commander Diao Yi-nan¡¯s expression was natural. As if nothing was amiss, he bowed his head to say hello and walked out proudly.


    Captain Shin Baiqing, who had an ominous feeling about what was toe for some reason, looked at Diao Yi-nan¡¯s back as he walked away.


    He tried to summon the deputymander to ask about the purpose of the visit, but the secretary came right in front of him and motioned for him to enter the president¡¯s office. He had no choice but to open the door and go into the office.


    ¡°Did you call?¡±


    Captain Shin Baiqing saluted with a modest gesture as usual and stood at attention. He secretly looked into President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s face. His face, which had always been full of warmth ever since they sessfully obtained the sma core technology, looked quite different.


    Sitting on arge sofa in the middle of the spacious office, President Wang Jing-wi gestured with a firm expression on his face.


    ¡°Sit down there¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Captain Shin Baiqing, who felt the chill from the moment he entered the President¡¯s room, spected that it might have something to do with Commander Diao Yi-nan, who had just left. Captain Shin Baiqing, lost in thought for a moment, missed the words of President Wang Jing-wi.


    ¡°Hey, are you listening to me?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi reacted nervously, slightly offended by Shin Baiqing¡¯s refusal to listen to his thoughts for a moment.


    ¡°Ah! Sorry. I was thinking about something else for a while. I¡¯m really sorry. Could you tell me again?¡±


    ¡°I mean, do you have something going on right now?¡±


    President Wang Jing-Wi said with a smirk as if he knew something.


    ¡°Ah! No. There is no such thing.¡±


    ¡°There is no such thing. There has been a hacking as well as the intruder in the server headquarters dedicated to the president¡¯s office, but is nothing happening?¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not our business.¡±


    Sweat welled up in both of Captain Shin Baiqing¡¯s fists.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your business? But why did you ask Nida Hong not to report about the hacking incident?¡±


    ¡°That was, after receiving a report that our ck Tiger information was leaked in the hacking data, we had to investigate it ourselves and then report it. I didn¡¯t mean to not report it.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Is that so? This is different from what Director Nida Hong said. So does it mean that one of you is lying to me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. Who would dare lie to the president? It appears to have been caused by a mutual misunderstanding. I must have misrepresented my intentions, or Director Nida Hong must have heard it wrong.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡±


    With a look of disbelief, President Wang Jing-wi took a document from his filing cab and threw it on the table.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    Seeing the document thrown in front of him, Captain Shin Baiqing carefully picked it up and asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a report about Zhang Yixing!¡±


    For a moment, Captain Shin Baiqing remembered Commander Diao Yi-nan, whom he had just met at the door.


    Then, thick drops of sweat ran down his back.


    ¡°Sir! That¡­how?¡±


    ¡°Is that important now?¡±


    ¡°Sir! We also tried to provide a report after grasping the exact situation.¡±


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s an urate picture of the situation or whatever, shouldn¡¯t you report these important issues right away?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi made an expression and looked at him.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry. I was not thinking straight.¡±


    ¡°Zhang Yixing, yes. Did you say that the nickname for the operation was Jjang Chun? The person who led the operation in Hong Kong is missing¡­I mean, something isn¡¯t quite right. What if he was kidnapped by the Korean intelligence service, or if he voluntarily surrendered and leaked information about the operation? What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know it very well. We are currently monitoring the trends of the Korean National Intelligence Service.¡±


    ¡°So what did you find out?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re still checking through multiple avenues, so we¡¯ll be able to figure it out sooner orter.¡±


    ¡°You are being ipetent. It has been over two weeks since Zhang Yixing has disappeared, and you are still figuring it out!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi stood up from the sofa and walked behind the seated Captain Shin Baiqing and ced his hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°I think the server hacking and intruder cases are highly likely to be rted to Zhang Yixing. In other words, the Korean National Intelligence Service must have made a move! So that¡¯s what I mean¡­¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi, who had trailed off, held on to Captain Shin Baiqing¡¯s shoulder and continued his speech.


    ¡°Before the Korean National Intelligence Service raises this issue externally, we must first resolve it internally on our side!¡±


    It was the moment he realised what the chilly atmosphere he had felt from the time he entered the president¡¯s office meant. As the head of the Intelligence Bureau, Captain Shin Baiqing immediately grasped the intention of President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s words.


    If the Korean National Intelligence Service were involved, it meant that he, the head of the organization behind the operation, would be cut off to a certain extent before the problem arose externally.


    Captain Shin Baiqing, who knew exactly what the president meant, responded with the utmost determination to hit back at him.


    ¡°I will step down from my position as Captain of the ck Tiger Corps.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s surely like you. You¡¯ve got my intentions right but please don¡¯t ever think that you are a victim in this. Think of it as doing something great for our country.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right. But one thing ¨C when will I be able to return to the President¡¯s secretary¡¯s office?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Did I not make you a promise? I¡¯ll call you right away when everything goes well. Until then, think of it as a vacation for a while and restfortably.¡±


    ¡°All right. Mr. President. Thank you for your consideration.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I¡¯m only sorry. I mean¡­I¡¯m going to promote Diao Yi-nan to the rank of captain after you. He has worked for you for many years, so I think he is a good fit.¡±


    Shin Baiqing, who was instantly disgusted by the president¡¯s words to promote Diao Yi-nan to the position of captain, almost vomited.


    However, Captain Shin Baiqing, contrary to the thoughts in his head, said good things about Deputy Commander Diao Yi-nan.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anyone better as my sessor other thanmander Diao Yi-nan. He has been faithful and has always performed his duties responsibly.¡±


    ¡°Right. If you tell me that, I have to appoint him right away.¡±


    Wang Jing-Wi, who lightly tapped his table, returned to his desk, pulled out a gold-ted card, and handed it to Shin Baiqing.


    ¡°Think of this as a gold medal that you¡¯ve received as a sign of your hard work while serving as the captain of the ck Tiger Corps.¡±


    ¡°Ah! You don¡¯t even have to do this. Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Take it. This is the only thing I can do for you right now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Mr. President!¡±


    The gold-ted card given by the president was an unofficial national card, which would allow Shin Baiqing to withdraw up to 10 million yuan at any time, simply by presenting it to the central bank, a state-owned bank. Converted to Korean money, it was arge amount of money, amounting to 1.5 billion won.


    <hr />


    December 20th, 2023, 11:20 (New China Time 10:20)


    ck Tiger¡¯s Headquarters, City Hall District, Beijing, New China.


    After enduring the ridiculous and screwed up situation, Captain Shin Baiqing returned to the ck Tiger Headquarters Chief¡¯s office and immediately called Diao Yi-nan.


    ¡°Diao Yi-nan! How dare you report directly to the president without my permission?¡±


    These were the first words of Shin Baiqing to themander, Diao Yi-nan, who entered the captain¡¯s room.


    ¡°Sorry. Boss! There was nothing I could do about it.¡±


    Despite the fact that the superior he had served with for many years was fired due to his report, Commander Diao Yi-nan was feeling more confident than he thought.


    ¡°What do you mean that you had no choice? Huh?¡±


    Captain Shin Baiqing mmed the desk with all his might, and his lips trembled in anger.


    Captain Shin Baiqing was so angry that he didn¡¯t simply step down from his job as a captain. He had to say that although the president had promised a single seat in the president¡¯s secretary¡¯s office, he knew that a bridgehead to enter the political world was gone forever. In other words, he was told to take the 10 million yuan and leave.


    Diao Yi-nan¡¯s hatred and anger toward hismander were considerable, as his political career, which could ignite his ambitions, had ended. What¡¯s even crazier is that he has no way of doing it himself. Diao Yi-nan now said he was the new captain of the ck Tiger Corps, while he was like a jobless man who had lost all his connections.


    There was a way to eliminate Diao Yi-nan as captain by using his close associates in the ck Tiger Corps, but it seemed obvious that things might get risky for him. It was unclear whether the agents close to him would follow him.


    Captain Shin Baiqing, who had no other means of reconciliation other than shouting, motioned for Diao Yi-nan, who was standing proudly, to get out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you, so get out!¡±


    ¡°ck Tiger! You¡¯ve been through a lot during this time. I will work hard to lead the ck Tiger Corps well. Then I will leave.¡±


    Commander Diao Yi-nan said a few words as if to reassure the Captain, and he then went out of the chief¡¯s room after saluting. As a result, Captain Shin Baiqing, who was left alone in the chief¡¯s room, was immersed in deep thought for a while.


    How much time had passed? Shin Baiqing, who suddenly woke up, opened a small safe under his desk, took out various fake passports for going under disguise, personal items, and a USB containing copies of the sma core technology, and put them in a small bag.


    ¡°Now that even the opportunity to advance into politics haspletely disappeared, there is only one way to go.¡±


    Shin Baiqing, who had been preparing for such a situation, took out the flip phone from the safe and put it in the bag, and pressed button 1.


    The signal went on and after a while, someone picked it up. He was Jackie Lee, a famous broker in Europe.


    ¡°I was waiting. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Jackie Lee! In three days, I¡¯ll catch a flight from Bangkok to Paris. I will tell you the flight time by phone on the same day.¡±


    ¡°All right. We will take care of everything soe with no worries.¡±


    ¡°I see. Then I¡¯ll see you then.¡±


    After a brief call, Captain Shin Baiqing took a small bag and left the Chief¡¯s room.


    At the same time, Captain Diao Yi-nan, who was observing the actions of Captain Shin Baiqing on a monitor through a CC camera that was installed earlier in the Captain¡¯s room, had gone to watch the monitor right after he had left the captain¡¯s room.


    Deputymander, Diao Yi-nan, was a man as ambitious as Shin Baiqing. Diao Yi-nan, who was always on the lookout for opportunities, took advantage of the recent events as a shot to defeat Captain Shin Baiqing, who was in his way and ascend to the position of captain.


    For this reason, the disappearance of Zhang Yixing, the hacking that urred yesterday, and the intrusion of outsiders into the server headquarters were all reported to President Wang Jing-wi without exception. Also, Deputy Commander Diao Yi-nan did not stop at a simple report. In fact, ording to the contents of his report, even his position could be in jeopardy. Therefore, he had thought of a brilliant move.


    If the South Korean intelligence agency finds out that the operation of the ck Tiger Corps is in fact, real, it could be a national problem between the two countries and they could receive strong bacsh from the internationalmunity. But he convinced himself that there was one way out.


    The report had informed the president that Shin Baiqing was holding on to a copy of the sma core technology and had been in contact with Jackie Lee, an arms trafficking broker operating in Europe, whom he was now in personal contact with. Furthermore, he had said that he could reverse this and solve international problems.


    Should the Korean government officially raise an issue through diplomatic lines about the leak of the sma core technology, it would be stated that the ck Tigers was affected due to the personal greed of Captain Shin Baiqing. He was trying to make a lot of money through Jackie Lee in Europe. In other words, it had absolutely nothing to do with New China and was a personal criminal act of Shin Baiqing.


    In addition, the New China government was of the opinion that after learning of this fact, Shin Baiqing was immediately dismissed from the post and asserted that he had fled to Europe while under investigation. This seemed usible to President Wang Jing-wi. ordingly, all requests from Deputy Commander Diao Yi-nan were approved.


    This was the result of a covert deal between President Wang Jing-wi and Deputy Commander Diao Yi-nan before Captain Shin Baiqing had visited the president¡¯s office..

 Chapter 453 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans Siberia - 5-2 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 453: Season 2 Book 18 Trans Siberia ¨C 5-2 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    December 21st, 2023, 10:00


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (The Republic of Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Office Conference Room).


    The 7th Task Force, which crossed the Bureya River on the 18th and destroyed the 35th Army¡¯s main defense units, had to maintain their unit for a day at the temporary camp and began a full-scale operation to upy the surrounding city at 9 a.m. local time on December 20th.


    The 77th Mechanized Infantry Division (Gukjin) was headed to Bazatinsk, which was the supply base of the main defense unit, and the Water Armored Division (the Mengho) upied Novovureiski, Bureiah, Pragre, Throiki and Leichkinsk, which were formed along the Bureya River by the brigade.


    In addition, the 20th Panzer Division (decisive battle) quickly evacuated Belogorsk, 110 kilometers northwest of Javatinsk.


    Even in a geographically advantageous situation along the Bureya River, when the Doha Defense Forces suffered heavy damage that was close to destruction, the 35th Army¡¯s headquarters fell into a great shock. The 21st Guards Tank Division, the 67th Motorized Rifle Division, the 265th Motorized Rifle Division, the 266th Motorized Rifle Division, and the 128th Machine Gun Artillery Division were destroyed. Among the units under direct control, there were only 18 MI-28 Havok attack helicopters belonging to the 364th Independent Helicopter Regiment who returned alive after being sent to the first defensive operation.


    The rest were an artillery regiment supporting indirect firepower and two rocket brigades. The subordinate units were no different. Except for the 164th Guards Air Defense Rocket Regiment, only the 2nd Guards Tank Regiment, the 371st Tank Regiment, and the 192nd Motorized Rifle Division were able to participate in direct engagement.


    Even if the superiority of the equipment was excluded, the remaining power of the 35th Army was far behind in terms of the number of the 7th Mobile Corps and the surface area it covered. The 35th Army Command ordered the Jeya River, which flows between Belogorsk and Svovodney, to be thest line of defense and that all units be stationed across the river to establish temporary positions. In addition, the Pazan troops who had participated in the first defense operation and the mobilization divisions in the surrounding cities were supplemented topensate for the shorings.


    In such a situation where all the forces of the 35th Army moved beyond the Zeya River, in the snowy field where there was no enemy, the 20th Panzer Division (decisive battle) maneuvered like a gale and raged at the highest speed it could in the open field and headed for Belgorsk.


    Anti-tank guided fighters had appeared in the search for the armored battalion, which was sometimes driven by the vanguard, and had been intermittently attacked, but they were eliminated with powerful suppressive fire.


    The atmosphere of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was better than ever with the achievement of the upation of Siberia, which was conducted a lot easier than the Manchurian invasion operation during the Korean-Chinese War three years ago.


    Starting with divostok, it was very encouraging that there were no casualties during the upation of Zavitinsk and the surrounding cities following the operation of crossing the Bureya River, starting with the Primorsky Krai and Chumikan.


    There were many wounded, butpared to the Russian army, which suffered 47,000 casualties and had more than 80,000 wounded, it was a difference between heaven and earth.


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff had a briefing session on the information reconnaissance from the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau. The meeting, which had begun early in the morning, was on the detailed operation n in response to a series of satisfactory results.


    All CS-SS Apollo reconnaissance satellites belonging to the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau, which were affiliated with the Aerospace Force during peacetime and operated as a direct reconnaissance power of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in case of war or emergency, were performing reconnaissance and monitoring Russian territory 77 times the size of the Korean Penins in real-time.


    ¡°After the 2nd Guards Army and 41st Army, which are the army forces belonging to the current Jungbu Military District, the remaining units directly under the military district and strategic rocket forces, the 92nd Rocket Brigade and 119th Rocket Brigade, and the 950th Rocket Artillery Brigade, are the firepower of the 35th Army. Confirmed being deployed from the rear for support. Please see the screen for detailed information.¡±


    As exined by Brigadier General Park Jeong-gyu, deputy director of the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau, various tactical symbols were disyed on the central screen of the conference room.


    ¡°In addition, it has been confirmed that several assault brigades belonging to the Spetsnaz and Airborne Forces, called special forces of the Eastern and Central Military Districts, have gathered in the vicinity of Chita. It is expected that arge-scale air assault operation will be carried out soon, and the analysis shows that it is most likely to be Hurunbeyer.¡±


    ¡°Haha, is that possible? Are they going to attempt an assault after passing our airspace?¡±


    While listening to the exnation, Air Force Chief of Staff Kim Eun-ho said with a look of absurdity. Brigadier General Park Jung-gyu, who exined this, trailed off as he spoke. He had a look of intimidation on his face and sounded like he was saying something to himself.


    ¡°It is the result of analyzing the current situation through reconnaissance.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Okay. Keep going.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll go on with the exnation. The following is the status of reconnaissance in the Southern Military District.¡±


    Brigadier General Park Jeong-gyu used aser pointer to draw their attention to various parts of the digital map projected on the screen.


    ¡°Recently, the movement of units belonging to the Southern Military District is unusual. In particr, the 37th Independent Railroad Brigade and 39th Independent Railroad Brigade, which are railroad soldiers, confirmed five days ago that they were moving eastward along the Southern Transverse Railroad. It has been confirmed that they have departed and have moved to the east, and have nowpleted maneuvering to Kurganskaya Province.¡±


    ¡°You mean it moved to the Southern District?¡±


    Army Chief of Staff General Lee Eun-hyeong was startled and leaned forward. The Southern Military District, to which the 49th Army belongs, was a core force that took responsibility for and defended the disputed areas in the southwestern part of Russia.


    The unit was also engaged in fighting in the conflict zones of southern Java and western Abkacia in Georgia and in the provinces of Luhanska and Dsk, where Ukrainian rebels were active, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2013. As such, it was very surprising to the Joint Chiefs of Staff that even units that were conducting military activities in the conflict zone were mobilized and moved to the East.


    At the beginning of the war, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had expected that only the Central Military District of Russia¡¯s four military districts would be involved in the war.


    ¡°So far, it seems that only the 49th Army and Railroad Forces of the Southern Military District have been mobilized, but we expect that the air forces belonging to the 4th Air and Air Defense Forces will also move out. Please look at the screen.¡±


    During the exnation, Brigadier General Park Jeong-gyu pointed to the screen, and a video showing several Su-35 nker fighter-bombers were flying quickly east while maintaining very low altitudes from the ground.


    ¡°This is a video that was fortunately captured by Apollo 17st night while performing reconnaissance around Bashkortostan.¡±


    ¡°Is that a jet belonging to Air Force 4?¡±


    Captain Kim Eun-ho asked a question again.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure, but there is a high probability that it belongs to Air Force 4.¡±


    ¡°In any case, if Air Force 4 of the southern military district is mobilized in the Korean-Russian war, the second air force of the central military district will not be exceptional.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir, the second air force of the Central Army is also being deployed throughout the country to avoid our reconnaissance.¡±


    ¡°It seems that the Russians have risked their lives to win this war somehow.¡±


    When Yoongi-yoon, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, nodded and spoke, Chairman Shin Sung-yong, who had only listened until now, smiled slightly and made a meaningful remark.


    ¡°It seems that such unreasonable power deployment will be self-defeating.¡±


    ¡°Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! What does that mean? What you mean self-defeating?¡±


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯ll tell you about that after I go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Hey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is hiding something from us. I am curious, so just tell me.¡±


    ¡°Haha, nothing has been decided yet. I will tell you in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes. I got it.¡±


    After the reconnaissance briefing was over while the two generals exchanged a conversation, Brigadier General Park Jeong-gyu saluted and returned to his seat. Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stood up from his seat, and surrounded his staff and said:


    ¡°Based on the reconnaissance information, the chief of the operation headquarters will hold a meeting on the parts to be revised in the current operation n. Let¡¯s go back to the situation room, the workce, for the rest.¡±


    When the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was the first to leave the meeting room, the rest of the staff hurriedly left the meeting room except for the staff of the operation headquarters room.


    <hr />


    December 21st, 2023, 14:00


    Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Namju (reception room for distinguished guests)


    Upon arriving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the appointed time, Chairman Shin Sung-yong and his entourage entered the reception room for the distinguished guests, guided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff.


    Several people were sitting there and waiting, including Minister of National Defense Kang Yi-sik.


    ¡°Wee. I am sorry to have youe to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office like this.¡±


    Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-hee greeted them with a bright smile.


    ¡°No. Minister! Haha. Ah! It seems you have already arrived. Am Ite?¡±


    ¡°No. I came earlier than the scheduled time.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who greeted Defense Minister Kang Yi-sik as he sat down, turned his gaze to the two foreigners sitting opposite him.


    ¡°Please say hello. This is Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Vasil Marmazov, and this is Defense Minister Valery Heretei.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Shin Sung-yong, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.¡±


    Following Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s introduction, Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sat down to shake hands and greet each other in turn. Then, Minister Kang Kyung-hee gave a brief exnation about today¡¯s meeting.


    After the Euromaidan incident in 2013, the Crimean crisis in 2014, as well as the outbreak of the Donbas War in April 2014, the civil war in Ukraine, which began nine yearster, continued with gunfire in Luhansk and Dsk Osts.


    On February 18, 2017, the Ukrainian government and rebels agreed to enter a ceasefire in Munich from December 20th, and on December 27th, Ukrainian and rebels agreed to trade hundreds of prisoners, which the Russian and Ukrainian sides have agreed to.


    However, this peaceful agreement did notst long. On January 10, 2018, Ukrainian government forces resumed fighting with rebels near Zaycheve, Dsk Ost, Ukraine. On September 17, 2018, Ukrainian President Poroshenkopletely overturned the friendly treaty with Russia. In the context of Ukraine¡¯s invasion of Crimea and the Donbas War, it has already been dered to the internationalmunity that the old friendly treaty signed with Russia was just a piece of paper. Conversely, Russia had an excuse to attack Ukraine.


    In February 2019, the Russian militaryunched an outright military action in eastern Ukraine and pressuring Ukrainian forces together with rebels to expand the front.


    <ul>


    Euromaidan: On November 21, 2013, arge-scale protest took ce against the pro-Russian policy of former Ukrainian President Yanukovych. The incident in which the government eventually overthrew the government and established a new pro-Western transitional government despite the government¡¯s hard-line suppression.


    </ul>


    *2014 Crimean Crisis: After the Euromaidan incident, when former President Yanukovych was overthrown and pro-Western forces became members of the Provisional Government of Ukraine, Russia strongly protested, and the provisional government of Ukraine was wfully seized by a coup¡±. The Russian military intervened in Crimea under the pretext of protecting the Russians at the same time as ¡®the government that did not exist, and after that, a referendum was held, leading to independence from Ukraine and annexation by Russia. In other words, it was a forced annexation of Crimea into Russian territory.


    *Donbas War: In the aftermath of the Euromaidan incident, pro-Russian protests and anti-government groups were formed in eastern regions such as Dsk and Luhansk in Ukraine. Afterward, it escted into arge-scale pro-Russian protest in the wake of Russia¡¯s annexation of Crimea. Eventually, the Dsk People¡¯s Republic and Lugansk People¡¯s Republic, supported by the Russian army, advocated separatism and started a war of independence with the Ukrainian army centered on the Donbas region.


    After independence from the former Soviet Union, Ukraine was promised economic and military support from the United States and Europe for nuclear disarmament but did not receive economic and military support even after the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of civil war after nuclear disarmament. In a word, it was like being stabbed in the back.


    The Ukrainian government, which has suffered a hellish civil war for nine years with the rebels receiving continuous military support from Russia, had built up distrust in the United States and Europe, and a few days ago, when the Republic of Korea waged an all-out war with Russia and the battlefield situation unexpectedly turned in favor of the Republic of Korea. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko extended a helping hand to President Chu Eun-hee through a personal letter.


    The text of the letter of the President of Ukraine was as follows:


    It was a request for military cooperation to dispatch troops to subdue the rebels who were receiving military support from Russia, a public enemy. In addition, it was intended to support the road that led from Ukraine to Russia.


    The purpose of today¡¯s meeting was to coordinate the details ording to the letter..

 Chapter 454 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 5-3 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 454: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 5-3 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    December 21st, 2023, 16:00 (Kurdistan Time 10:00)


    Hussen-Abad, West Azerbaijan, Republic of Kurdistan (Garrison Base of 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company)


    On November 16th, the 75th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, which seeded in capturing Karachiyaden after battling for two days, entered the surrounding viges one after another. It eventually seeded in pushing Iranian troops out of West Azerbaijan on December 11, however, that wasn¡¯t the end of the war.


    At present, the 75th Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the 55th Guards belonging to the 3rd Guards Division of the Republic of Kurdistan were in a confrontation along the border between West Azerbaijan and the northern states of East Azerbaijan. In particr, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company of the 75th Mechanized Infantry Battalion was carrying out the front-line security mission with the vige of Hussen-Abad, 13 kilometers west of the main border, as an outpost.


    Hussen-Abad Vige was once a vige of about 200 people, and most of the residents were Kurdistan. When the war for independence of the Kurdistan Republic began, men volunteered to join the Kurdistan garrison, and the elderly, women, and children fled to a safe ce. Not long ago, when the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Companypletely upied Hussen-Abad, the evacuees began to return home one by one.


    Most of them were old men, women, and children, but the vige of Hussen-Abad was gradually revitalized. Although some buildings and public facilities were in ruins due to the fire of war, the vigers united themselves and began restoration work. The PEACE unit¡¯s engineering unit also supported them with various heavy equipment to help with the restoration work. As a result, Hussen-Abad vige was soon looking like its old self.


    Although their homes were devastated by the scars of war and families were grieving the death of their loved ones, their faces were always full of bright smiles. The independence of the Kurdistan Republic was the best thing for them as they had been living in poverty and treated as low-ss citizens in and that had be foreign territory under the influence of foreign powers for centuries.


    From the early hours of the morning, as residents began restoration work, four Hyeonmoo armored vehicles appeared on the other side of the Koi-Maku road that crossed the vige with loud engine noises. This was the garrison of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, and on the right was a long inverted C-shaped hill, which was like a natural fortress that could protect them from the Iranian forces¡¯ firepower.


    The Hyeonmoo armored vehicles that entered the road belonged to the 1st Reconnaissance toon, which hade out for reconnaissance around the state border and to police the vige.


    ¡°This is Steamed Corn, Bad Potatoes move to the square to carry out the vige security mission.¡±


    ¡°This is Bad Potato! Roger that!¡±


    While maneuvering along the road, the 312 armored cars, which had received orders from the toonmander, broke out of the procession and turned toward the town square. Then, as soon as they arrived at the za, the rear hatch opened, and the members of the 2nd squad got off one at a time, creating a boundary around the area.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    In an instant, the vige children who were ying at the nearby yground rushed in and surrounded the 2nd squad members who had gotten off and held out their hands with innocent faces.


    ¡°Mister! Chocte! Give me candy, please.¡±


    The kids shouted in Kurman and he couldn¡¯t understand them but the children continued to reach out their hands and cling to them. Not being able to move, the 2nd squad members turned to Private Kwak Young-hwan. Private Kwak Young-hwan also shouted with an embarrassed expression while being surrounded by children.


    ¡°Hey! Hey kids! I gave you everything I had thest time. No more! I¡¯m here for a mission today. I¡¯ll give you more next time, so everyone get out of the way! You will get hurt. Hurry!¡±


    But the children didn¡¯t care and kept reaching out, asking for choctes and candy.


    ¡°Kids, I don¡¯t have it!¡±


    Private Kwak Young-hwan, who was wounded in thest battle in Marku, was transferred to the Peace Corps headquarters, received treatment for a month, and returned on the 13th. Ever since that day, the vige children would reach out their hands whenever they saw Private Kwak Young-hwan or the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company.


    ¡°We are in pain because of that b*stard.¡±


    When Corporal Seong-ho Kim was also surrounded by the children and unable to move, he nced at Private Kwak Young-hwan.


    ¡°How would I have known that it would be like this? I just gave them what I had because they were cute and pretty. Seriously, why is Corporal Kim so dry and barren like thend here?¡±


    ¡°What! Barren?¡±


    ¡°I hope that you care about your Junior who has returned from treatment after being injured.¡±


    ¡°Hey! After being in the hospital, are you trying to be clingy? You have no discipline.¡±


    At this point, a rescuer appeared.


    ¡°Hey, guys! Come here!¡±


    When Sergeant Go Gi-jun, the head of 312, got off the armored car and took out a bunch of chocte bars from the paper box and shook it, the children flocked to him.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    ¡°Hey, guys! Slow down! You will get hurt. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll give it all away.¡±


    As Sergeant Go Gi-jun gave out the chocte bars, the 2nd squad members, who were freed from the children, were divided into two groups ¨C the squad leader and the sub-leader ¨C to begin the full-scale vige policing under the instructions of the squad leader, and moved on to their own routes.


    The troops of the four airbornebat divisions, which arrived in the Kurdistan Republic on December 1, were urgently dispatched to about 200rge and small cities excluding the war zone and started a full-fledged policing mission. Arrest rates for bombers had increased significantly. As a result, the number of bombing attacks in the Republic, which used to ur three to four times a day, had significantly decreased. However, certain cities had not yet managed to escape the risk of being attacked.


    ¡°Check carefully and, if you find anyone looking suspicious, subdue them immediately!¡±


    After thest of the instructions were given, Sergeant Hong Han-ho, the divisional major, moved up the vige and began scanning the residents who were working on the restoration work all over the ce.


    Each time they were scanned with the shield sses, the residents who had the identification chip imnted on them were marked with a green dot followed by a small beep, allowing for easy and simple identification.


    The current president of the Kurdistan Republic has issued an order to deport foreigners from all territories dered a republic, and the residents of the territory were to be arrested.


    <hr />


    December 21st, 2023, 17:00


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (The Republic of Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Office Conference Room)


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who returned from a two-hour meeting in the Foreign Ministry¡¯s VIP reception room, immediately convened only the high-ranking staff. Then, Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had a brief exnation of the contents of the meeting with the Ukrainian Defense Minister in the reception room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in front of the chief of staff of each military and about 10 other high-ranking staff. After 10 minutes of exnation of the key points, Shin Sung-yong returned to his seat, and Kim Yong-hyun, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asked the first question.


    ¡°Did the president formally approve it?¡±


    ¡°Well, not yet. But to tell you the truth, Minister Kang is saying that she is contemting it. If you have had such a meeting, I think that approval is only a matter of time.¡±


    ¡°Chairman! I wonder if intervening in the Ukrainian civil war will really help our country.¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang, head of the Strategic nning Division, who had been with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to the negative opinion of Kim Yong-hyun, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! Intervention in the Ukrainian civil war seems to be seen as an extension of the Korean-Russian war. As indicated in the reconnaissance report of the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau in the morning, the Russian Army has mobilized the 49th Army as well as the railway brigade of the Southern Military District to defend the Eastern Front. In other words, the fact that even the 49th Army, which had deeply intervened in Ukraine¡¯s civil war, was mobilized can be seen as a sign that we will somehow mobilize all our forces to stop the invasion of Siberia.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s right to get involved in the Ukrainian civil war when even in the United States or Europe have abandoned them.¡±


    ¡°The Ukrainian civil war is a civil war, but in reality, it can be seen as a proxy war for Russia supporting the rebels from behind. For the Republic of Korea, which is currently at war with Russia, intervening in the Ukrainian civil war will not be a problem at all.¡±


    Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who nodded at Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang¡¯s words, interrupted the conversation.


    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s right! It¡¯s a war between Ukraine and Russia. How about using this opportunity to help Ukraine end the civil war and even upy the southern regions?¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang further strengthened his voice and continued the exnation in support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Yoon Yoon-sang.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. As Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, if the Ukrainian rebels recapture the upied Dsk and Luhansk provinces and push forward as far as Volgogradskaya, Russia will not be able to focus on the Eastern Front. Ukraine has also promised to authorize the use of our troops in all territories of Ukraine until the end of the war with Russia. It is only 480 kilometers from the Ukrainian border to Moscow.¡±


    Kim Yong-hyun, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had objected to whether he partially agreed with the continued remarks of Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang, asked a question that made everyone take a step back.


    ¡°Um, is that so? Will our military be able to afford to fight in Ukraine?¡±


    ¡°I think that part will be decided through future meetings, but I think that two mechanized divisions will be enough to end the civil war in Ukraine and head up to Volgogradskaya. However, it is rumored that the 12th Carrier Group, which is currently in the Gulf of Oman, will move to the Persian Gulf to provide real-time fire support.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who nodded at Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang¡¯s words, said with a rather satisfied expression on his face.


    ¡°Haha, lieutenant general Lee has thought a lot before returning. I think that the Ukrainian civil war intervention was, in a way, an opportunity to hold Russia on a leash.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Wasn¡¯t this what the chairman said in the morning ¨C that he would be a self-reinforcing agent of Russia?¡±


    ¡°Haha, it was a wild guess this morning but look at how things have turned out. Now! In the future, we will set up an operation n together with the head of the operation headquarters!¡±


    <hr />


    December 21st, 2023, 18:00 (Kurdistan Time 12:00)


    Hussen-Abad, West Azerbaijan, Republic of Kurdistan


    After walking around the vige of Hussen-Abad for two hours and carrying out security missions, the divisionmander turned to the square where the armored car was waiting when the squad leader¡¯s assembly order was issued through wirelessmunication.


    ¡°Private Kwak! What¡¯s on today¡¯s lunch menu?¡±


    Corporal Kim Seong-ho, who was in a good mood at the thought of having lunch, asked Private Kwak Young-hwan, his best friend and right sessor.


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! Am I of that level to memorize such things?¡±


    ¡°Wow! Look at this kid! You arepletely out of your mind. You¡¯re surely not.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Get back to your senses! We are still on duty.¡±


    Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, the divisionmander who was going ahead, turned his head and rolled his eyes. The two, who had been arguing up until now, faced each other and exchanged whispers.


    ¡°Ah! He is being rigid, he is being too rigid again, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll probably be rigid until the time he gets discharged.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I mean it! Ahh! You are being so rigid!¡±


    At that time, Yoon Ho-jin, the youngest member of the squad who was following behind, looked carefully in the direction of 3 o¡¯clock and shouted urgently.


    ¡°Sergeant! 3 o¡¯clock! We¡¯ve found a suspicious person along the wall behind the yground 80 meters away.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they just got out of the building next door and have disappeared behind the wall, but they definitely weren¡¯t marked with a green dot.¡±


    In response to the additional exnation of Private Yoon Ho-jin, Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, the divisionmander, immediately switched the shield sses to inverter mode and checked the wall behind the yground.


    When the two people who were hiding behind the wall were identified, Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, the divisionmander, immediately gave instructions.


    ¡°Corporal Kim and Private Kwak approach each other from the 5 o¡¯clock position. Private Yoon and I will approach from the 12 o¡¯clock position. Children are ying in front of you, so approach them as carefully as possible!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right. Private Kwak, let¡¯s go!¡±


    When Corporal Kim Seong-ho ran forward, detoured to the right, aiming with a CS-2ser rifle equipped with a 30-millimeter smart grenade, Private Kwak Young-hwan followed behind..

 Chapter 455 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 5-4 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 455: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 5-4 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    ¡°Freeze! Put your hands in the air!¡±


    Corporal Kim Seong-ho, who quickly detoured and reached the front of the suspects, pointed the gun and shouted.


    They were crouched against the wall in the midst of doing something but were startled and turned their heads toward Corporal Kim Seong-ho.


    ¡°Hey! what are you guys? Don¡¯t move, just put your hands in the air and get up! Private Kwak! If these bastards do anything suspicious, shoot them right away!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    The suspicious-looking people couldn¡¯t understand Korean but they raised their hands hesitantly and tried to assess the situation.


    ¡°Scan them!¡±


    At the instruction of Corporal Kim Seong-ho, Private Kwak Young-hwan changed the vision mode of the shield sses to scan them.


    ¡°Huh! These b*stards have a bomb under their clothes.¡±


    ¡°Bomb?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, They have it on their body. They look like they¡¯re wearing a ssic bomber vest. What do we do about this?¡±


    Private Kwak Young-hwan¡¯s voice trembled as if he was nervous. He spent nearly ten days maintaining security here, but when he ran into the bombers, he felt quite ufortable.


    ¡°What how? We have to subdue it!¡±


    ¡°Then what if they explode it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say bad things and watch carefully!¡±


    At this time, Sergeant Lee Jin-tae and Yoon Ho-jin, who had detoured to the left, joined them. Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, the divisionmander, approached with his gun aimed at the suspicious men and asked.


    ¡°What is it? Who are these guys!¡±


    ¡°They look like terrorists. I¡¯ve checked them and there¡¯s a bomb vest under their clothes.¡±


    Corporal Kim Seong-ho reported the current situation. At this, Sergeant Lee Jin-tae slowly approached the terrorists and talked about them.


    ¡°Ha! Why did theye all the way here to bomb a vige as small as this? These b*stards¡­¡±


    At that moment, one of the bombers, who had his hand in an odd position, held up his top. There were improvised bombs connected to the green vest. Surprised by this, Sergeant Lee Jin-tae stopped walking.


    ¡°What is it! Who are these b*stards? Are they trying to blow it up? What are they doing? Sergeant Lee! Let¡¯s just shoot them at the same time and blow them away.¡±


    Corporal Kim Seong-ho shouted, pointing his gun at the face of the man who had his shirt held up. At this, Sergeant Lee Jin-tae hurriedly shed his palm at Corporal Kim Seong-ho to get him to stop.


    ¡°Wa¡­wait! If you make a mistake, the whole area will be blown away!¡±


    Sergeant Lee Jin-tae turned his gaze to the children ying in the yground across from them. It was the children of this vige who had asked for chocte in the morning. However, if the bomb exploded, the children ying on the yground could be injured.


    In the midst of a tense confrontation of silence, the children ying at the yground saw the Korean soldiers and started running, cheering and wondering if they could get chocte again just like in the morning.


    ¡°This is surely f*cked up. Stop the children froming this way!¡±


    At the direction of Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, Private Yun Ho-jin and Private Kwak Young-hwan quickly ran to the yground to stop the children.


    ¡°Give me some chocte, mister. Give me something to eat.¡±


    ¡°Hey, kids! I¡¯ll go over there and give it to you, so follow me, okay?¡±


    In a hurry, Private Kwak Young-hwan lied and lured the children over the yground to a safe ce. Meanwhile, the terrorist, who had exposed the bomb vest he was wearing, nced over and waved the bomb trigger. Then he slowly started to take a step back. Another man got up from his seat and followed him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move! You motherf*ckers!¡±


    Despite the shouts of Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, the terrorists continued to step back and then split up with one on each side as if they had this all nned.


    ¡°Should I shoot them? Sergeant Lee!¡±


    To the words of Corporal Seong-ho Kim who urgently asked, Sergeant Lee Jin-tae responded immediately after confirming that the children were moved away from the danger zone.


    ¡°Shoot them! I¡¯ll take the one that went to the left. You take the one on the right!¡±


    The sound of twoser beams firing was heard.


    Theser beam shot by Sergeant Lee Jin-tae pierced the head of the fleeing terrorist. However, as soon as Corporal Kim Seong-ho fired theser, the aiming point was diffused in the sandstorm.


    The redser beam missed the terrorist and went past his earlobe.


    ¡°Ah! damn! I missed.¡±


    Corporal Kim Seong-ho, who prided himself on being a special marksman in his own right, failed at the most critical moment, so he started chasing the terrorist who had disappeared behind the wall.


    ¡°There¡¯s a school in the direction that bastard is headed to! Somehow, I think that he wants to go there, so you have to stop him before he reaches the school! Otherwise, the students might be in danger!¡±


    Sergeant Lee Jin-tae, who checked the state of the terrorist who had been pierced by theser from the back of his head right through to his forehead, sent a message with a loud enough deafening noise.


    ¡°Yes, I will try to somehow.¡±


    At the same time as he answered, Corporal Kim Seong-ho, who clenched his teeth, looked through the buildings in inverter vision mode and chased the fled terrorist. As Sergeant Lee Jin-tae said, the terrorist was running to the school.


    ¡°B<i>tch! The target was the school? To kill the innocent children? That won¡¯t happen. You b</i>stard!¡±


    Corporal Kim Seong-ho, who had secured the back of the terrorist, which he had remembered when he walked around the alley, threw himself up and fired theser beam continuously.


    Corporal Kim Seong-ho, who fired theser beam until the terrorist had fallen to the floor, got on the ground and tried to fire theser beam again but he stopped.


    The bomber was lying motionless on the side of the road, with its head mangled by the multipleser beams.


    ¡°Phew! Squad Leader! I caught him.¡±


    ¡°Did anyone get hurt?¡±


    ¡°No, I caught him before he reached the school.¡±


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll dismantle this bomb vest and be right over, so be sure to dismantle that bomb vest carefully as well!¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    After ending themunication, Corporal Kim Seong-ho cautiously approached the terrorist who was lying on the floor. His head waspletely disfigured with brain fluid and blood flowing out. Corporal Kim Seong-ho carefully removed the bomb vest that was around him.


    <hr />


    December 22, 2023, 15:00 (New China Time 14:00)


    Communist Party, Beijing, New China (President¡¯s Office, Conference Room)


    Pudi Huqiao, head of the General Equipment Department, which started the development of the sma bomb, visited the Communist Party headquarters after 10 days and reported the development status of the sma bomb to President Wang Jing-wi, who was sitting with high-ranking officials in the conference room.


    ¡°Good job, good job!¡±


    When President Wang Jing-wi heard the report, he looked satisfied.


    ¡°No. Thanks to the generous support of the President, we were able to aplish this level of achievement within the period.¡±


    Director Pudi Huqiao responded with a humble tone despite such impressive achievements.


    ¡°Haha, you did a good job anyway. So when will we see a sma bomb that can be used in real life?¡±


    ¡°In the next three days, 10 20-kiloton sma bombs will bepleted. However, we can¡¯t guarantee 100 percent performance because we haven¡¯t actually tested it by exploding one. If you give me a little more time, I willplete the development by correcting even the smallest details through an actual explosion test.¡±


    ¡°Well, for that reason, the Russians threw a bunch of tantrums. Yesterday too, Putin called me and spoke like he was crazy. First, 10 20-kiloton bombs will bepleted in three days as nned and handed over to the Ministry of National Defense.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    ¡°Also, would it be possible to develop a sma bomb with more than 1 megaton of power in the next month or so?¡±


    ¡°That would be difficult, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Then how long would that take?¡±


    ¡°I think it will take at least two months or more.¡±


    ¡°At least two months¡­¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi seemed to think for a moment, and then he spoke.


    ¡°Great! The 1-megaton ss should be developed gradually, and the production should be increased from the 20-kiloton ss. No matter how many people, money, or anything else you might need, I will support you unconditionally.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Pudi Huqiao, general equipment manager, bowed his head deep enough to touch his floor.


    ¡°Director Pudi Huqiao! I will never forget your sess. Only now can we get all those damn Koreans out of Northeast Samsung and we can unify China again. Hahaha.¡±


    Upon hearing the news that he hadpleted the development of the sma bomb, President Wang Jing-wiughed out so loud as if he had everything in the world.


    However, as happy as President Wang Jing-wi was, Director Pudi Huqiao¡¯s expression darkened. He was running out of time. Even if he couldplete the 20-kiloton ss sma bomb, even he, who was in charge of development, could not guarantee the performance of the sma bomb. In a word, it was like an unfinished bomb that could not be inspected.


    In the past, there were Chinese products that were praised with ridicule, saying that there was a mistake in the continent it was made in because of its superior quality. However, sma bombs were not general products. Among cutting-edge technologies, it was not a weapon that could show off its innovative performance unless it functioned wlessly.


    Director Pudi Huqiao, who hid this ufortable fact and reported that he had developed andpleted a sma bomb that was unfinished for the moment, felt like he was sitting on a thorn bush. At this, he looked at him and said.


    ¡°Sir! Now that I havepleted the report, I would like to return to the General Equipment Department. There are still a lot of things that I need to check.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Right! Right! I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t keep you busy like this! Go ahead and continue what you are doing.¡±


    ¡°Then I will go back.¡±


    When Director Pudi Huqiao left, President Wang Jing-wi rose from his seat, ced both hands on the long meeting table, and spoke loudly as if in a speech.


    ¡°As long as our new country has 10 sma bombs that surpass nuclear bombs! I think it is time to make up for the defeat of thest Sino-Korean War, as well as the restoration of Northeast Samsung. In response, Minister of National Defense Jang Ye-Heung established and reported an operational n that included not just Dongbei but also an invasion of the Korean Penins, and Foreign Minister Li Bao Dung has immediately contacted Russia to tell them that the new China offensive against Northeast Samsung will continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±


    When the two managers bowed their heads and answered, President Wang Jing-wi addressed the meeting room in a firmer tone.


    ¡°After destroying Korea, our new country will achieve continental unification once again. Should we not betray the money-blind Eastern Republic or ourmunist regime and annihte the democratic Republic of China?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wise of you, Mr. President.¡±


    ¡°Unification of China and the Unification of New China.¡±


    High-ranking officials each shouted ttering remarks and pped their hands.


    <hr />


    December 23rd, 2023, 18:20 (Thand time 16:20)


    Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thand


    A man with short hair and dark sunsses walked to the immigration desk, secretly looking around. He was Shin Baiqing, the former captain of the ck Tigers Corp.


    After transferring the money he received from President Wang Jing-wi in the name of severance pay and all the money he had umted so far into a Swiss ount, Shin Baiqing, who had been secretly hiding in Bangkok, the capital of Thand, caught a flight from Suvarnabhumi airport to Parisst night with a fake ID. He had just passed through immigration.


    ¡°Chief! Target Tori! He has just passed through immigration.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Great job. Everyone withdraw! After this, another team in Paris will take care of it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right. Then we will be going back to Beijing.¡±


    After a brief conversation behind the pir, the man gestured to the other subordinates in the vicinity to withdraw.


    This man is Chief Ryujin of Team 12 of the ck Tiger Corps, one of the henchmen of General Diao Yi-nan, who had been secretly following and monitoring Shin Baiqing with his men all the way from New China to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok..

 Chapter 456 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 5-5 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 456: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 5-5 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    December 24th, 2023, 14:30 (France Time: 06:30)


    Charles-de-Gaulle International Airport, Paris, France


    The day before, Shin Baiqing, the former captain of the ck Tiger gang, arrived in Paris on a direct flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at 21:00, passed through immigration with a fake passport, and went down to the underground parking lot.


    As nned, a ck sedan slid over and stood in front of Shin Baiqing when he reached basement three of the underground parking lot. Then, a man opened the window halfway and greeted him in a friendly tone, as if he were a friend.


    ¡°Oh! We finally meet like this. I am Jackie Lee. Come on, hop in.¡±


    A well-built man got out of the passenger seat and immediately opened the back door.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I will introduce myself formally. I am Jackie Lee.¡±


    ¡°I am Shin Baiqing.¡±


    The two men who sat side by side in the back seat formally introduced themselves and shook hands.


    ¡°Was there any problem with security?¡±


    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t worry. Who am I? It¡¯s not like this is my first time doing this. Did you see anyone else in the underground parking lot?¡±


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t see anyone.¡±


    ¡°Look at that. The underground parking lot is controlled to prevent ess to even a single ant. The CC cameras installed in the parking lot are also blocked by our security team, so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    Jackie Lee raised his chin and said a little arrogantly, showing that he was not at all worried.


    ¡°Well, I like it.¡±


    When Shin Baiqing nodded and spoke, Jackie Lee looked at him with a smirk and said.


    ¡°By the way, you must have brought along that thing as well, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I brought it.¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes. Let¡¯s take a break at the hotel prepared by our side and talk about business.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    The ck sedan carrying the two men drove out of the underground parking lot and moved quickly through the roads leading to Paris.


    <hr />


    December 24th, 2023, 16:00 (Russian time: 10:00)


    Russia Bunker State R-08, Moscow (Meeting room)


    On November 27th, President Putin had copsed from shock due to the oue of the war as arge-scale nuclear force projectile from Russia waspletely blocked and intercepted by South Korea¡¯s CAMD. 80 percent of the force of the rocket was destroyed in the retaliatory attack. President Putin had been receiving treatment and was in a stable condition.


    Two days ago, the long-awaited news came from New China. ording to the mutual military protection treaty signed by the two countries, New China wouldunch a massive attack on the Republic of Korea at 02:00 on January 1, 2024.


    It was the news that President Putin had been waiting for. In response, President Putin, after delegating war authority to the General Staff in his absence and stepping down for a while to receive treatment, appeared in the State R-08 conference room after a month.


    In Russia, the entire Khabarovsky Frontier was handed over to the South Korean army, and the main force of the 35th Army, which had built a defensive line along the Bureya River, was defeated by the 7th Mobile corps and gave up the southern tip of Amurskaya along the border.


    The Russian army, which was in the northern front was currently blocking the invasion of the 7th Mobile corps. The 35th Army¡¯s direct unit, which had lost most of its main force in thest defense battle of the Bureya River, built a defense line over the Jeya River again. However, as most of the units belonged to fire support, the General Staff urgently sent the entire 36th Army to thest line of defense on the Jeya River.


    The Jeya River, which extends north from govesensk, which is adjacent to the border, is a much wider and deeper river than the Bureya River, so it can be very advantageous from a defense perspective. It was excellent, so it couldn¡¯t be a big variable. Also, due to the extremely cold weather, which averages down to minus 10 degrees Celsius even in broad daylight, the Jeya River was so frozen that dozens of armored vehicles could pass through it.


    ¡°We have to stop the invasion of the Korean Mobile Corps somehow! Defend the Jeya River defense line unconditionally.¡±


    While receiving aprehensive report from the Chief of Staff, President Putin, who attended the State R-08 conference room here after a long time, asked whether he thought thest line of defense on the Jeya River was important in the current situation. To this, Chief of the General Staff, dimir Beshastnikh, responded immediately.


    ¡°Currently, the entire 36th Army has been deployed to thest line of defense of the Jeya River.¡±


    ¡°Can you stop it? Didn¡¯t you say that the 35th Army had lost more than 50 percent of its power?¡±


    President Putin looked at him with scepticism and asked the question again.


    ¡°I think we can stop it. In addition, we intend to concentrate all remaining forces of the Strategic Rocket Forces here. We also n to support the 2nd Air Force and the 4th Air Force.¡±


    This is why President Putin cares so much about the Jeya River defense line. However, if the 7th Mobile Corps defeated the 35th Army and crossed the Jeya River to continue invading along the border, Russia could face a very difficult situation.


    The remaining units of the 29th, 41st and 2nd Army, which were preparing for arge-scale invasion in the western border area, carried out arge-scale attack at 00:00 on January 1, 2024, as promised by Shin-Guk, the Republic of Korea. This was because they could be exposed and attacked by the 7th Mobile Corps.


    If this happened, it could be impossible to conduct a simultaneousrge-scale attack operation with the New China Army. For this reason, in the current situation, the Jeya River defense line which was blocking the invasion of the 7th Mobile Corps was very important.


    ¡°If the circumstances allow for support, we will send additional troops to the Jeya River defense line.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will do as you have said. Then I will continue to keep you posted.¡±


    After a brief dy in response to President Putin¡¯s question, Chief of the General Staff dimir Beshastnikh continued the briefing again.


    ¡°Next, we will report on the input status of the southern and western military districts.¡±


    When dimir Beshastnikh, Chief of the General Staff, continued with his report, the big screen changed.


    The movement status of various units stationed in the Southern and Western Military Districts was disyed on the screen. In particr, there was a lot of movement of subordinate units in the Southern Military District located in the southwestern part of Russia.


    ¡°The recruitment of troops from the Southern Military District is greater than I thought!¡±


    President Putin, who looked at the screen, said with a slightly worried expression. To this, Chief of the General Staff, dimir Beshastnikh, responded immediately, as if this was to be expected.


    ¡°Yes, it is. It consists of the entire 49th Army and two railroad brigades in the Southern Military District but don¡¯t worry, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Is there a n anyway?¡±


    ¡°Yes, on behalf of the 49th Army and the two railway brigades, we are recovering all the military equipment we have provided to Iran and will restore it through mobilization.¡±


    ¡°Then, how about aggravating the Korean military through Kurdistan?¡±


    ¡°In the current situation, I think it has failed. Also, the Iranian government is making moves to recognize the independence of the Kurdistan Republic.


    Chief of the General Staff, dimir Beshastnikh, bowed his head slightly.


    ¡°Then did the internal bombing operation against Kurdistan fail as well?¡±


    ¡°In the current situation, that seems to be the case. At first, there was a lot ofmotion within Kurdistan, but the South Korean military has dealt with it better than expected.


    ¡°Haha, it¡¯s hopeless. It¡¯s hopeless! Nothing is going to happen!¡±


    President Putin, who would have issued a decree in the past, was feeling unsure about his health condition after the fall thest time and was more epting of the current situation.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it! If so, when will we be able to recover and restore the equipment we provided to Iran?¡±


    ¡°It will bepleted by December 31st.¡±


    ¡°Get it done faster. Maybe the Ukrainians might use this opportunity tounch a general offensive against the rebels that we support.¡±


    ¡°We are mobilizing all our reconnaissance forces to understand the movements of the Ukrainian army one by one.¡±


    <hr />


    December 24th, 2023, 18:00 (New China Time: 17:00)


    Secret House of the Foreign Intelligence Bureau, Huairou District, Beijing, New China


    With the valuable information obtained from the server room inside the President¡¯s room, thanks to the performance of Director Yoo Ha-yeon, the agents of the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1, Manager Namgoong-won and his men went out early today to carry out the mission for the safekeeping of the core sma technology.


    Based on the information obtained so far, the analysis was as follows.


    The current sma core technology was stored and being researched in a national department called the Ministry of General Equipment. In Korea, the Ministry of General Equipment was a national research institute such as ADD (Defense Science Research Institute).


    Manager Namgoong-won concentrated on securing a list of research institutes rted to the Ministry of General Equipment and had identified 12 research institutes so far. However, the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 and its agents had secretly infiltrated and checked all 12 research institutes only to find out that they were research institutes for general weapons and were not rted to sma core technology.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-seong, who had gone out to perform his mission early in the morning, came in with his wet top off. Then he approached Manager Namgoong-won and talked to him.


    ¡°Uh? You¡¯re here? But is it raining outside?¡±


    ¡°You did not know? Even though it¡¯s winter rain, it¡¯s pouring.¡±


    Namgoong-won didn¡¯t even know it was raining outside because he had been wrestling with aptop all day along with two special security agents.


    ¡°Good work. Take a shower right away!¡±


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll take a shower! It¡¯s not snowing on Christmas Eve. What the hell is with this rain?¡±


    As Manager Lee Ja-seong murmured and walked to his room, Director Kim Young-kyun, who was working next to him silently stared at theptop screen, stopped working for a moment and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Ha! Today is Christmas Eve! On the eve of Christmas during my youth, I was stuck in the corner of my room and just typing on myptop¡­I¡¯m so pitiful, I¡¯m pitiful.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t! Is Christmas Eve important now? You¡¯re a man who¡¯s carrying out a mission which the fate of the nation depends on!¡±


    Senior Assistant Manager Na Sung-hyun scolded him with tears in his eyes.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you mean, Manager Namgoong! Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Director Kim Young-kyun, who turned his head to look at Manager Namgoong-won, as if avoiding the ufortable gaze of his senior, said with a sad expression on his face.


    ¡°Yeah! I didn¡¯t even know today was Christmas Eve.¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won, who immediately thought of Manager Lee Hye-jin when he heard the word ¡®eve¡¯, took out his smartphone and looked at the picture they tookst Christmas Eve.


    ¡°Oh! Where is this? It looks great.¡±


    Director Kim Young-kyun, who turned his head to look at Manager Namgoong-won¡¯s smartphone, asked with a smile.


    ¡°Here? Probably Baekdu Ski Resort.¡±


    ¡°Woah! Have you been there?¡±


    Baekdu Ski Resort was built in 2018 at the foot of Baekdu Mountain and had the best facilities in Korea. Thanks to the high altitude and weather, it operates for six months a year and is equipped with a unique hot spring facility flowing from Baekdu Mountain, making it one of the most famous ces for both domestic and foreign tourists.


    ¡°I was looking for a special ce and I went there!¡±


    ¡°Wow! It would have been quite expensive if it was on Christmas Eve.¡±


    ¡°It must have cost 3 million won for three days and two nights!¡±


    ¡°Woah! That¡¯s half of my sry.¡±


    Director Kim Young-kyun stuck out his tongue and shook his head.


    ¡°Hey! Why are you so interested in the manager¡¯s personal affairs?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not much, I just asked because I was curious.¡±


    ¡°Shut up and do your work!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes, I understand.¡±


    Manager Kim Young-kyun, who had raised his lips at the constant scolding of Assistant Manager Na Sung-hyun, began to tap on theptop¡¯s keyboard again, and Manager Namgoong-won stood up and said.


    ¡°Today is Christmas Eve, so let¡¯s not work overtime today!¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    Director Kim Young-kyun asked with a bright smile for a moment.


    ¡°Okay! If youe to a foreign country and stay in the corner of your room as you¡¯ve done, until the day of Christmas Eve, and just work, you will be miserable, so let¡¯s get in the mood today!¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes!¡±


    ¡°Chief! Would you mind?¡±


    Deputy Na Sung-hyun asked with a slightly worried expression.


    ¡°We¡¯re not resting for the entire day. It¡¯s just for the night, so why do you look so worried? And look at this!¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won pointed his finger at hisptop screen.


    ¡°Ugh! This is!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s like a secret researchb belonging to the Ministry of General Equipment!¡±


    ¡°Wow! Did you find it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I think it seems like it! So, let¡¯s not work overtime tonight, and let¡¯s enjoy ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Haha!¡±


    Director Kim Young-kyun closed hisptop, spread his hands, and smiled brightly..

 Chapter 457 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 5-6 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 457: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 5-6 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    December 25th, 2023, 11:00


    Ministry of Foreign Affairs office building, Jongro-gu, Seoul, Namju (Reception room)


    The door to the reception room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs opened, and a middle-aged man came in, guided by the secretary. He had a full beard, and the man who must have been overly nervous had an ufortable expression on his face.


    ¡°Wee. Long-time no see.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who had been waiting in the reception room, greeted him with a charismatic smile. A little embarrassed by this, the middle-aged man greeted him with a forced smile.


    ¡°Yes. Minister Kang! I am finally seeing you again after a long time. By the way, are you all right?¡±


    The middle-aged man, who shook hands with Minister Kang Kyung-hee in an awkward posture, sat on the reception sofa and said hello, was ambassador Md Aghaei of the Iranian Embassy in Korea. He had been deported after being rebuked by First Vice Foreign Minister Oh Jin-myung two months ago.


    ¡°Yeah, everything is fine now.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee spread his hands and said in a rxed manner.


    ¡°That is a relief, Minister! I was very worried.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee responded with a warm smile to the words of Ambassador Md Aghaei, though he did not know if he was being sincere or not.


    ¡°Thanks to Ambassador Aghaei, I seem to have gotten better rather quickly.¡±


    This pricked at his conscience and Ambassador Md Aghaei chose his words carefully, rubbing his sweaty hands together.


    ¡°Thank you for allowing me toe back to Korea like this. With the previous work¡­¡±


    ¡°Ambassador Aghaei! Let¡¯s put aside the past for a moment and talk about what we are going to do now.¡±


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s right.¡±


    Two days ago, in response to a call from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea to allow the Iranian ambassador to Korea to enter Korea, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately dispatched Ambassador Md Aghaei.


    Iran is currently in a dilemma and is facing a very difficult situation, both militarily and economically. To block the independence of the Kurdistan Republic, it received military support from Russia and engaged in a close all-out war with the Peace Unit dispatched from the Republic of Korea. The missile attack destroyed the nuclear power nt and various industrial facilities that supported Iran¡¯s economy. As a result, Iran¡¯s domestic economy was deeply shaken, and as time went on, it faced economic copse.


    In addition, Iraq, with which it had a temporary alliance, had practically raised its hand without being able to take any military action after the Kirkuk oil field was taken over by the Peace Corps. Moreover, the Iranian government could no longer afford to continue the war with the Peace Corps as it had taken measures to recall thetest weapons provided by Russia.


    Under these circumstances, the first thing that Korean diplomacy reached out to was the hope to avoid the current crisis from the Iranian government.


    <hr />


    December 25th, 2023, 13:00


    Jangmun-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    Ambassador Md Aghaei, who was driving back to the official residence, was immersed in his thoughts for a while. He was recollecting the two-hour-long conversation he had with Minister Kang Kyung-hee in the reception room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs right from the beginning and organizing them one by one in his head.


    ¡°Will the top leader approve with the current situation? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that bad, though. No, it¡¯s not a bad condition, he has to agree unconditionally!¡±


    Ambassador Md Aghaei muttered to himself while thinking.


    The proposal that Minister Kang Kyung-hee made during the two-hour conversation was not too bad if Ambassador Md Aghaei thought about it. If Iran recognizes the independence of the Kurdistan Republic and suspends all current military actions, the South Korean government will provide financial support for the reconstruction of destroyed oil and industrial facilities, along with an actual investment of 30 trillion won per year for five years.


    It was a proposal that could be far short of aparison in terms of the amount of damage suffered by Iran, but in reality, Iran would ept the proposal without thinking.


    It was inconceivable for a country to make such a favorable offer to the other country, which was driven to the brink of defeat in the state of the assassination of its foreign minister and had even gone to war. The problem lies with the decision of Mustafa Hosseini Hamanei, Iran¡¯s de facto ruler.


    A little worried, Ambassador Md Aghaei urged his driving assistant.


    ¡°Step on it! I need to call my home country quickly.¡±


    Meanwhile, the biggest reason that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs first made this proposal to Iran was the dispatch of troops to Ukraine, which could be seen as an extension of the Korean-Russian war.


    As the war with Russia, which seemed to have ended in a month, prolonged all-out war and additional troops to Ukraine were discussed in earnest, the Ministry of National Defense submitted an opinion to the Blue House that the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s independence war should end early as a pre-emptive condition.


    In response, President Choo Eun-hee ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present an appropriate proposal and negotiate with Iran before approving the dispatch of troops to Ukraine.


    <hr />


    December 26th, 2023, 13:30


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (The Republic of Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Office Conference Room)


    In the morning, the Joint Chiefs of Staff received a call from President Choo Eun-hee from the Minister of National Defense that the n for dispatching troops rted to the Ukrainian civil war had been officially approved.


    After the first talk of sending troops to Ukraine, the staff of the Operations Headquarters of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spent the past few days being busier than ever before, establishing a n for the selection of dispatched troops and intervention in the civil war, as well as a detailed n for an invasion operation in southern Russia after suppressing the civil war.


    ¡°This morning, I heard that the Iranian government officially recognized the independence of the Kurdistan Republic. So, the president has approved the dispatch of troops to Ukraine.¡±


    Before the briefing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong delivered the news he had heard from Minister Kang Yi-sik to about 50 staff an hour earlier.


    ¡°What happened to Iraq?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Iraq seems to have recognized the independence of the Kurdistan Republic long ago. Guess I won¡¯t have to worry about it anymore! I was a little worried, but it seems to have been solved easier than I thought, Lieutenant General Yang! Let¡¯s begin the briefing now!¡±


    When Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff nodded to announce the start of the briefing, Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who had been standing on the left side of the podium for a long time, gave a short answer and started the briefing with a salute.


    ¡°From now on, I will start with a brief report on the dispatch of troops to Ukraine and in addition to a few units currently dispatched to the Republic of Kurdistan.¡±


    When Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun began the briefing, the central screen of the conference room lit up, indicating the names of several units.


    ¡°First, let me tell you about the Ukrainian civil war and the contingent units that will invade southern Russia in the future. As you can see on the screen, the first unit to be dispatched to Ukraine will be the 5th Marine Division.¡±


    The 5th Marine Division (jiryong) was a marine unit established in November 2021 and was an infantry-based marine unit that defended the entirety of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan¡¯s four representative inds. The staff of the Operations Headquarters had various opinions in the process of selecting the units to be dispatched, but in the end, they decided on the 5th Marine Division (jiryong) defending Shikoku, Japan.


    Currently, additional support units of the Russian army were joining one after another along the border in northern Manchuria, so it was not possible to determine the units stationed in Manchuria and the Korean Penins as the dispatched units. This was the reason why the 5th Marine Division (Earth Dragon) had been chosen to be the one defending Shikoku.


    ¡°Currently, the 5th Marine Division has been preparing for dispatch for the past three days and it is expected that all preparations will bepleted by the 28th. ordingly, various military transport nes are scheduled to arrive at Dockmark Military Airfield in Zaporizhia, which is right next to Dsk, at 11 p.m. local time on the 29th. The transportation of war materials and various heavy equipment is scheduled to begin at midnight today.¡±


    ording to Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun¡¯s exnation, the central screen showed a list of military equipment to be transported from that night in the order he mentioned.


    ¡°The main task of the 5th Marine Division, the first contingent unit, will be focusing on suppressing and retaking the rebels in Dsk and Luhanska, together with the Ukrainian Army. Next, the second contingent unit will begin dispatching preparations as soon as itpletes handing over Sakhalin, which is currently upied by the 3rd Marine Mobile Division, to the 63rd Marine Regiment of the 6th Marine Division, and will move to the Verdansk Civil Airport in Zaporizhia. The expected time for this to happen is at least mid-January next year.¡±


    ¡°Hey! It must be quite difficult for the entire mobile team to move such a long distance.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun made a rather strong statement and questioned Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°As soon as the handover procedure to Sakhalin ispleted, we will mobilize all military transport aircraft to transport them at once.¡±


    ¡°At the same time?¡±


    ¡°Yes. More than 300 medium-sized military transport aircraft currently in service will be mobilized.¡±


    ¡°If you move like that, won¡¯t you be caught in the Russian air defense?¡±


    ¡°The air route will bergely detoured to the south and will be approved in advance by the destination countries such as Vietnam, Thand, India et cetera.¡±


    ¡°What do we do if we don¡¯t receive their permission?¡±


    This time, Kim Yong-hyeon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asked a question.


    ¡°If a country does not approve use of their airspace, we will choose an air route across the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf, even if it will take some additional time.¡±


    ¡°Going over the Persian Gulf would mean going over Iraq. Would that be okay?¡±


    ¡°It has been said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will use pressure to get approval for that.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Keep going!¡±


    ¡°Yes, as I said before, the 3rd Marine Mobile Division, the second contingent unit, willplete its dispatch by at least January 10th next year, and then start moving along the northern coast of the Sea of Azov! After a swift passage through Dsk Ost, our primary mission will be the capture of Rostov-on-Don, one of the southern regions of Russia, Rostovskaya Ost.¡±


    After the exnation, Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun nced around at the generals and staff looking at him to see if anyone had any other questions for him.


    ¡°If there are no questions, I will continue.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun continued exining again when there were no other questions.


    ¡°At the time the 3rd Mobile Marine Division passes through Dsk, the 11th Marine Mobile Brigade, among the Peace Units stationed in the Kurdistan Republic, will quickly pass through Azerbaijan and then quickly move north to the Russian Dagestan Autonomous Republic.¡±


    ¡°Did you talk to Azerbaijan?¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had been silently listening to the exnation, asked a question.


    ¡°This is also under the control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s not beenpletely decided!¡±


    ¡°Yes, if Azerbaijan does not approve and the 11th Marine Mobile Brigade cannot move north, we will switch to n B. Instead of the 11th Marine Mobile Brigade, n B ns to infiltrate the main cities of the Autonomous Republic of Takestan by airborne assault divisions of two airbornendbat divisions, which are currently performing guard missions in various parts of Kurdistan, to shake them off the rear.¡±


    In preparation for such variables, the briefing on the n of the operation had already passed an hour.


    ¡°This concludes the briefing on the deployment of Ukrainian troops and civil war and the n for invasion into southern Russia.¡±


    ¡°Good job.¡±


    After Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun saluted, he returned to his seat and sat down. When he saw the expression on the face of Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he felt quite satisfied.


    ¡°Thank you. Chairman!¡±


    ¡°The chief of staff as well as the rest of the staff go home as soon as the meeting is over and rest until tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°No. We can¡¯t rest at home just because we haven¡¯t slept for three days due to this situation.¡±


    ¡°Heh heh, do you think only of yourself? Look at your staff. Their dark circles have reached their cheeks.¡±


    At the joke of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the conference room instantly burst intoughter.


    ¡°Hahaha, that¡¯s right, you have been overworked these past few days. After listening to what I was told, they said they hadn¡¯t slept in three days. As the chairman said, take a good rest. In war, physical strengthes first, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll take a break in the afternoon ande to work early tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Haha, look at that stubbornness..¡±

 Chapter 458 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 5-7 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 458: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 5-7 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    December 27th, 2023, 11:20 (New China Time: 10:20)


    ck Tiger Headquarters, City Hall District, Beijing, New China


    Diao Yi-nan, who betrayed his superior, Shin Baiqing, and became the leader of the ck Tiger Corps, sat on a chair in the Captain¡¯s office, which he had, until now, only been able to watch with envy. He was enjoying himself with an arrogant expression when he heard a knock on the door.


    ¡°Come in!¡±


    As Diao Yi-nan was promoted to captain, lieutenant general Shimbok Guwe, who filled Diao Yi-nan¡¯s former position, opened the door and entered.


    ¡°Have you been contacted?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I just got a call from Junpeng Nyu, the team leader of Team 15 who is in charge of Paris.¡±


    ¡°Yes. What is Shin Baiqing doing?¡±


    ¡°After arriving in Paris and meeting Jackie Lee, they had secretly contacted various national intelligence agents from France, Ennd, Germany, et cetera.¡±


    ¡°Huhu, that person is working very hard. What is the progress?¡±


    Diao Yi-nan, who once served his master with ttery, had a 180-degree change in appearance.


    ¡°Based on the information we have been monitoring so far, there is a high probability of them going into business with France. Perhaps it is because they have been offered a big amount of money as well as security in France.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it. It remains to be seen. Keep a close eye on them! Also, it would be a good idea to leak some information to the Korean National Intelligence Service by tomorrow or so.¡±


    ¡°Chief, which avenue should we use to leak the information?¡±


    ¡°What kind of avenue¡­¡±


    Captain Diao Yi-nan leaned back on his chair, as he rested his hand on his chin, and thought for a moment. Then he said as soon as he leaned forward in front of his desk.


    ¡°Leak all the information we currently have.¡±


    ¡°Yes? All the information?¡±


    ¡°Captain Guwe!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Why do you think we are leaking information to the Korean National Intelligence Service?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it. To disguise the unofficial work of our ck Tigers as the personal work of Shin Baiqing¡­¡±


    ¡°You know it and you¡¯re still behaving in this manner?¡±


    Commander Guwe stopped talking before he could even finish answering, and General Diao Yi-nan continued his speech with a mean expression on his face.


    ¡°The fact that Shin Baiqing is in contact with the intelligence agencies of various European countries in Paris with the sma core technology is a good thing. So shouldn¡¯t we leak all the information and use him as bait? Anyway, if Shin Baiqing hands over the sma core technology to France or the British intelligence service through a deal before the Korean NIS bastards can even get their hands on it, it won¡¯t be good from New China¡¯s point of view! Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Ah! I didn¡¯t even think about that part.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, secretly watch until next afternoon and leak all the information to the South Korean National Intelligence Service!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    <hr />


    December 27th, 2023, 18:30 (New China Time: 17:30)


    District 15, Industrial Park, Beician District, Tianjin City, New China


    Several shadows were secretly moving in the Beician District Industrial Park in Tianjin, which cause some of the worst pollutions on the.


    A few days ago, after identifying the approximate location of the suspected secretboratory of the Ministry of General Equipment, the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 hade to the site to investigate.


    ¡°Ah really! These crazy Chinese b*stards! What do we do about this fine dust?¡±


    Deputy head Yang Jeong-seok, who was carefully navigating the unseen transactions in the industrialplex and conducting on-site investigations, covered his mouth with his hand and spit out abusivenguage even while wearing a fine dust mask.


    Currently, in the Hebei District, the level of fine dust and ultrafine dust was at its worst.


    ¡°So that¡¯s why. We should have definitely wiped out this ce during thest Korean-Chinese war.¡±


    Chief Park Gi-oong also responded with abusivenguage showing his annoyance at this ce, which smelled like fine dust and filth.


    ¡°I mean because of these b*stards, the Korean Penins suffers from fine dust in winter.¡±


    ¡°It smells bad. I don¡¯t know how people work in a ce like this. Why not quit? I feel like I am going to get cancer.¡±


    Chief Gang Won-Il, who was following him, also grumbled, putting his hand on his forehead as if his head was aching from the smell of various chemicals that were stinging his nose.


    The Tianjin Beician District Industrial Park was thergest industrial park in China until 2021. However, after the outbreak of the Korean-Chinese War, it was attacked by the Republic of Korea and suffered considerable damage, with more than 50 percent of the area being destroyed.


    After the defeat, China, which was divided into several countries, and among them, New China, which includes Tianjin, had no industrialplexes aspared to other countries. It thus concentrated on the restoration of the Tianjin Beician District Industrial Park to revitalize the economy and was developed into arge industrialplex. However, to recover, the New China government rxed various regtions and granted random permits to numerouspanies.


    Due to the rxation of measures, many factory chimneys were filled with unstoppable thick ck smoke 24 hours a day, covering the sky, and a huge amount of wastewater flowed into the West Sea. In response, the Korean government has repeatedly protested and sent warnings to the new Chinese government through diplomatic lines. However, New China continued to stick to these imprudent policies for the sake of the country¡¯s economic development, which had fallen dramatically, and thus was turning a blind eye to environmental illegalities.


    ¡°Call Team 2! Let¡¯s withdraw.¡±


    At the direction of Chief Park Gi-oong, Assistant Manager Yang Jeong-seok took out his smartphone and immediately made a call.


    ¡°This is Yoon Taejin.¡±


    ¡°Captain Yoon! Deputy Yang from team 1. The manager is telling us to leave.¡±


    ¡°Really? I get it. See you at home!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    Agents of the Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 who disguised themselves as farmers who had juste up from the countryside to find a job and visited several ces suspected of being a secret research institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, moved to a nearby dormitory.


    Currently, there were a total of eight agents from Team 1 and Team 2, who had moved to Tianjin from the secret house in Beijing.


    <hr />


    December 28th, 2023, 10:30


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (The Republic of Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Office Conference Room)


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was monitoring the preparations rted to the dispatch of troops to Ukraine, and the operation status of the 7th Mobile Corps crossing New Year¡¯s Eve in about two hours, received a serious report from the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau.


    The movement of the New China Army was not unusual on the western border. In the area around the border of New China, which currently faces the Republic of Korea, in addition to the Border Guard Forces, all Army Group Forces belonging to the Northern Military District detected a movement along the border. In terms of scale, a total of 20 various divisions had entered the 50-kilometer borderline.


    Moreover, even the elite 38th and 27th Army Groups belonging to the Central Military District, which are responsible for the defense of Beijing, the capital of New China, left their existing garrison and moved to Zhunhua and Tangshan, respectively. It was a very short distance to the border, 57 kilometers, and 84 kilometers, respectively.


    ordingly, the Joint Chiefs of Staff began to analyze the movement of Shin-Guk, but could not make hasty judgments. Currently, the Republic of Korea and Russia were engaged in a war that was close to an all-out war. Naturally, from the perspective of the neighboring country, New China, it was possible not only to strengthen the area around the border but also to apply military force in case of an emergency. Especially if the capital, Beijing, was only 182 kilometers from the border.


    But there was one burning question. It was that the New China Army, which had not shown any significant military movement for over a month since the outbreak of the Korean-Russian War, showed such arge-scale military movement all of a sudden. Furthermore, they were suspicious that New China Army only moved at night to avoid reconnaissance.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t all the units belonging to this Northern Military District move? What are these b*stards up to?¡±


    Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was carefully examining the screen, frowned slightly, revealing a sense of pity.


    On the central screen of the current situation room, the movement status of the New China Army confirmed by the overseas reconnaissance bureau was marked on the screen with various tactical notations.


    ¡°It¡¯s such a sudden move.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also spoke with a firm expression, apparently feeling that it was not unusual.


    ¡°Did the intelligence agency have any unusual issues in the new country?¡±


    When asked again by Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lieutenant General Oh Jun-ho,mander of the Intelligence Command, took out a document and answered.


    ¡°This is the report we were going to talk about at the meeting this evening.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong, who received the report through his aide, read it slowly. After reading the report in minutes, Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, handed the report over to the Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Yoon Gi-yoon and continued the conversation.


    ¡°Um, was the general mobilization order issued a week ago?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the general military mobilization order was issued on the 22nd, and it has been confirmed that the actual execution of the general military mobilization order had been carried out since yesterday.


    As stated in the report, ording to President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s general mobilization order on the 22nd, at least three divisions and as many as seven divisions were being conscripted into the mobilization force in each province. The units of the mobile army mobilized from each province were one motorized infantry division and one infantry division.


    ¡°From yesterday¡­Wasn¡¯t it yesterday when the general mobilization order was executed and wasn¡¯t it also yesterday that each military moved in earnest? It is not a simple move to strengthen the border. Do I need to take any special measures for this?¡±


    When Yoon Gi-yoon, the deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, looked at the staff with a confident expression, another deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kim Yong-hyun, asked.


    ¡°Chief Yoon! Do you really think that New China is nning to go to war with us?¡±


    ¡°If not, what would it be? Obviously, they are coborating with the Russians behind your back and ying tricks against us.¡±


    In response to Yoon Gi-yoon, Kim Yong-hyun, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this time asked Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Do you think so too as well?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t make hasty decisions but, I don¡¯t think you can just ignore it. At the very least, it seems that we should consider the contingency n and take countermeasures. What do the others think?¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, looked at the other staff members sitting in the situation room and asked a question. It was not a meeting room, so it was not an orderly ce, but the chief of staff and staff members of each military were listening carefully to the current conversation from their respective seats.


    ¡°Me too! I have the same thoughts as the Chairman. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything wrong with being prepared.¡±


    Kim Eun-ho, Chief of the Air Force Chief of Staff, spoke first, and then Chief of the Naval Chief of Staff took over the baton.


    ¡°Yeah, I feel the same way. It¡¯s difficult to know what the Chinese are thinking. I think we need to take a proactive approach.¡±


    Army Chief of Staff Lee Eun-hyung kept his mouth shut while the two chiefs of staff expressed their opinions. In response, Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called Lee Eun-hyung, chief of staff, and asked a question.


    ¡°The Chief of Staff is being quiet, what do you think?¡±


    ¡°Ah! I am sorry. I was thinking of something else.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, tell me what you think.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I agree with everyone else, but I¡¯m worried that the problem is that it won¡¯t be easy to counteract the current situation at the New China border.¡±


    Currently, on the 1,100 kilometer-long border around New China, the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Qingcheng) of the 5th Corps was defending the area of Xian¡¯an (Qinhuangdao) city, and the 75th Mechanized Guard Division (Iron Horse) in the mountainous area adjacent to Chengde, China, and the 66th Mechanized Guard Division (Torchlight) in the border area at the apex of the Northwest. At the rest of the border area, there were only two 6th Corps¡¯ 7th Mechanized Guard Division (Chungil) and 26th Mechanized Infantry Division (Bulmuri).


    In the rear area, the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division (Biryong) of the 1st Corps was defending the city of Xuman (Chifeng), the 3rd Armored Division (Baegol) of the 5th Corps was guarding the city of Wushen (Jinzhou), and Taeseong (Panjin) was the 1st Armored Division (advance) of the 1st Corps defending the city. In other words, the only units that could be immediately supported were one light armored infantry division and two armored divisions, except for the guard units located around the border in case of an emergency..

 Chapter 459 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 5-8 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 459: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 5-8 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    December 28th, 2023, 17:30


    Namju, Seoul, Gangnam-gu, National Intelligence Service (Office of the Director of External Intelligence)


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    The door opened and Deputy Director Kwon Seong-woon came in with an urgent expression on his face.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Deputy Director?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s big trouble.¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won, who had an ominous thought at the first words of the deputy director, jumped up from his chair and asked.


    ¡°Big trouble? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°There is information that the sma core technology is currently being traded in Paris, France.¡±


    ¡°What? The sma core technology? How did that get to France¡­¡±


    ¡°It is said that Shin Baiqing, the captain of the ck Tiger Corps, is trying to make a covert transaction with the intelligence agencies of various countries, including France, Ennd, Germany, and Italy, with the help of a broker named Jackie Lee.¡±


    ¡°What the heck is that¡­How did you find out this information?¡±


    ¡°That is¡­it¡¯s the ck Tiger Corps.¡±


    ¡°Are you referring to the ck Tiger Corps, the intelligence agency of New China?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won, who was slightly embarrassed by the iprehensible situation, sat down again and thought about it. However, no matter how much he thought about it, he could not easilye to terms with the current situation.


    ¡°Are you sure? Did that informatione from the ck Tiger Corps?¡±


    ¡°Yes, this is the information that the ck Tiger Corps provided directly to our agent in the Beijing branch.¡±


    ¡°No, why did the ck Tiger Corps provide such information?¡±


    ¡°They said that Shin Baiqing used the position of captain to move the ck Tiger agents to fulfill his greed, and that was the reason why he stole the sma core technology from Professor Woo Jin-gil. Not long ago, in the President¡¯s office, he was questioned, and when he got caught, it seems he immediately fled to France with the sma core technology. Therefore, New China ising forward with the information as it fears that rtions with the Republic of Korea would deteriorate.¡±


    At the deputy director¡¯s words, Director Kang Ki-won made an absurd expression and wrinkled his face.


    ¡°I know it all, but these b*stards tend to write third-rate novels on their own at times! Anyway, aside from that, the most pressing issue is the sma core technology that Shin Baiqing intends to trade.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we also provided approximate location information of Shin Baiqing.¡±


    ¡°As far as the location?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Great! First, contact the Paris branch immediately. No matter what happens, we can¡¯t let the sma core technology be given to any of the Western countries! I will report to the head of the National Intelligence Service immediately, so you should contact the Paris branch and ask them to enter the surveince system, and if the transaction proceeds, somehow stop it!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will contact them right away.¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won put on his topcoat and draped it, then left his office and ran to the director¡¯s office.


    A minuteter, Director Kang Ki-won, who had run to the director¡¯s office, gestured for the secretary to open the door for him to enter.


    ¡°What¡¯s so urgent that made youe here in such a hurry?¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin, who saw Director Kang Ki-won holding his breath for a while in front of the door, said with a smile.


    ¡°Master! It is a Code ck.¡±


    The National Intelligence Service has set a total of five stages in case of an emergency. Code White for normal, Code Green for slight problems, Code Blue for the level above that, Code Red for emergencies, and Code ck for an extreme emergency.


    ¡°Code ck? What is so bad that we¡¯re experiencing a Code ck?¡±


    ¡°We have received information that the sma core technology is currently being traded secretly in Paris, France.¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won reported what he had heard to Lee Young-jin, director of the National Intelligence Service.


    ¡°Sh*t! It¡¯s really big trouble.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been in touch with the Paris branch and have instructed them to prevent surveince and transactions.¡±


    ¡°Chief Kang! Instruct the agents of the Paris branch to only monitor Shin Baiqing.¡±


    ¡°Yes? What does that mean? What if the transaction is made after just monitoring¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, but think about it. Isn¡¯t it the intelligence department of the European state that Shin Baiqing is dealing with? It can be difficult for the Paris branch agents!¡±


    ¡°Even so, why not give it a try?¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won said vigorously.


    ¡°Chief Kang! ck Mamba should handle this case!¡±


    ¡°Yes? You mean ck Mamba?¡±


    ¡°Okay! So tell the Paris branch agents to secure the exact location of Shin Baiqing until the ck Mamba arrives in Paris.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    The National Intelligence Service has been operating the ck Mamba, an unauthorized assassination organization, in secret since 2021. Their existence is ssified as a ss A secret and only the director-level or higher within the National Intelligence Service knows about them, and only the head of the National Intelligence Service and a few officials from the Blue House know how many people there are and where they are working.


    After a while, when Director Kang Ki-won left the director¡¯s office, Director Lee Young-jin, who took the inte, said quietly.


    ¡°This is ck Mamba 27.¡±


    ¡°Code ck urred! You have to go to Paris right now!¡±


    ¡°We will prepare for it.¡±


    <hr />


    December 29th, 2023, 15:00 (New China Time: 14:00)


    A motel in Hebei District, Tianjin City, New China (External Information Section 1 Temporary Residence)


    The day before, when Director Kang Ki-won informed of what was happening in Paris, France, Lee Ja-seong and Namgoong-won left Beijing immediately and gathered at a shabby motel in Hebei District, which is used by Team 1 and Team 2 as their lodgings.


    ¡°Things are getting weird!¡±


    Looking at his subordinates who had gathered in one ce after a few days, Director Lee Ja-seong exined about the Paris case that he had heard from the headquarters the night before.


    ¡°See if Shin Baiqing, who used to be the captain of the ck Tiger Corps, is currently in contact with the intelligence departments of various countries in Paris, France with the sma core technology data!¡±


    ¡°Yes? So are we going to Paris too?¡±


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin asked a question about Manager Lee Ja-seong¡¯s exnation.


    ¡°No! Another department will take over there, and we mustplete the original mission! That is why Manager Namgoong-won and the rest of the team came here in such a hurry.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    ¡°How about the information that you have gathered so far?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it. As you can see, the fine dust here is no joke. Inverter mode is also affected.¡±


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin sticks out his tongue and retches.


    ¡°So how much did you get?¡±


    ¡°Ah! You sure are impatient. I have scanned all the parts that Manager Namgoong-won asked me to check. Assistant manager Jeon! Show it to him.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    At the direction of Chief Yoon Tae-jin, Assistant Manager Jeon Ki-won booted up theptop. Then, the projected light seemed to radiate from a small terminal ced on the table, and a holographic screen appeared before them.


    ¡°Currently, this is Area 15 as directed by Manager Namgoong-won.¡±


    Chief Yoon Tae-jin pointed to a ce on the screen disyed in the form of a hologram.


    ¡°Um, was there anything suspicious?¡±


    When Manager Namgoong-won asked if he had seen the screen, Chief Yoon Tae-jin answered with a slight smile.


    ¡°Of course there is. Here it is. Here! Although it looks like a shabby factory from the outside, the security is more thorough than in other ces. There are more than 30 CC cameras confirmed from the outside, and there are about 10 strong security guards at the entrance.¡±


    ¡°What kind of factory is this?¡±


    This time, Manager Lee Ja-seong asked a question with his gaze fixed on the hologram.


    ¡°From what I checked on the Inte, it is a factory that makes PC cases. Thepany¡¯s name is Hisan.¡±


    ¡°For a factory that makes PC cases, the security is high. Something is suspicious! It is highly likely that it is disguised as a factory just as Manager Namgoong-won said. Is the information urate?¡±


    ¡°Thank God. I was worried about what to do. Chief Yoon! Or, has an externalputer or telephonework been confirmed?¡±


    ¡°Well, I couldn¡¯t find it. The team members tried several times to see if there was one, but they could not find it.¡±


    ¡°Well, it seems obvious that there are no externally connectedputerworks in such a shabby factory.¡±


    When Manager Namgoong-won nodded his head and gave him a confident expression, Manager Lee Ja-seong took his eyes off the hologram screen and asked.


    ¡°Manager Namgoong-won! What will we do? Shall we go inside and give it a sweep?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps so! But, I guess you have to be careful! If it is really the secretb of the Ministry of General Equipment, there will definitely be a security system that we are not aware of in ce.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Manager Namgoong-won! There¡¯s no ce we can¡¯t go! Are you aware of the skills of our agents?¡±


    ¡°Be careful! Is the Chief of team 1 monitoring right now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief Park Gi-oong and his team are secretly monitoring near the entrance.¡±


    Currently, Chief Park Gi-oong and his team members were taking turns monitoring the factory operated by Hisan one at a time.


    ¡°Tonight, when Chief Park returns, let¡¯s have a meeting about infiltration! I¡¯m going to join this infiltration too! It seems unreasonable to discard the sma core technology through an external hacking attempt!¡±


    At the words of Manager Namgoong-won, Manager Lee Ja-seong was surprised and tried to discourage him.


    ¡°Hey! Manager Namgoong-won! Infiltrating is what ck agents like us do. It¡¯s dangerous for aputer hacker like you. Just leave it to us!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t blow the whole ce over there, how are you going to discard the data on the server?¡±


    ¡°You can tell me!¡±


    ¡°Heww! Do you think that is possible?¡±


    ¡°Look at this b*stard! Are you ignoring me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that, b*stard!¡±


    Two managers arguing like children! Foreign Intelligence Unit 1 and the agents watched them as if they were having fun. Then, Manager Namgoong-won, who felt their gaze on them, said with a sullen expression on his face.


    ¡°What! Let¡¯s stop! All the staff can see us!¡±


    ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s go out and have a cup of coffee!¡±


    The two managers, who had grown tired, walked out of the living room, rubbing their shoulders as if they had just been in a fight.


    <hr />


    December 30th, 2023, 10:30 (Ukraine Time: 04:30)


    Dockmark Military Airfield, Zaporizhia Ost, Ukraine


    When thending gear of the CC-503 military transport aircraft, which was marked with the Republic of Korea Air Force insignia touched the runway of the Dockmark military airfield, it began to slow down as skid marks appeared and the tires screeched to a halt.


    As a result, the waiting guidance vehicle began to move in a hurry and guide the transport ne that had justnded to the boarding gate area. Currently, there were about 10 CC-503 military transport aircraft circling the sky while waiting tond at the Dockmark Military Airfield.


    When the rear lift of the CC-503 military transport aircraft that hadnded first and taxied to the boarding gate area opened, the Marines of the 5th Marine Division, fully armed and equipped with personal gear, walked out one after another.


    The CC-503 military transport is an aircraft that can carry 100 tons of war goods and 550 fully armed soldiers at the same time. In short, it was one of the best transport aircraft of this era that can transport battalion-level troops and equipment at a maximum speed of Mach 1.5.


    As the Marines disembarked from the CC-503 military transport aircraft, they moved to the parking lot behind the airfield building ording to the orders of eachpanymander. In the parking lot, about 300 K-24P-N amphibious assault vehicles and various armored vehicles, which had been airlifted by the CC-1000TSP superrge transport aircraft, were parked in an orderly manner.


    ¡°Come on, move! These children are as slow as slugs!¡±


    ¡°Hey! toon 3! Go over there with armored vehicles 5 and 6!¡±


    CC-503 military transport aircraft werending one after another on the runway, as the voices ofmanders echoed from all around.


    After two hours, the transportation of more than 10,000 marines and various equipment from the 5th Marine Division (jiryong) to the Dockmark military airfield waspleted, and now each battalion started maneuvering to move to the designated ce.


    Although there was only one 5th Marine Division (Earth Dragon) sent here to end the nine-year-old civil war in Ukraine, it was provided with thetest equipment developed at the Olympus base as a top priority. It could be seen that the strength surpassed the army.


    Another thing to note here is that although the Republic of Korea Armed Forces enlists men through conscription, 100 percent of the applicants sign up to be part of the Marine Corps. However, thepetition is fierce with only one in ten making it, which means that while one may have applied to join the Marines, it doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯ll make it.


    The Marine Corps has a fiercelypetitive recruitment system, whichmands a lot of respect and pride. As the men have been trained as hard as special forces they are known to be the best of the best.


    The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, unaware of this fact, wanted more troops, but if you see the 5th Marine Division in action in the future, you will feel that one Marine Division is more than capable..

 Chapter 460 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 5-9 The Source of Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 460: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 5-9 The Source of Disaster</h4>


    December 31st, 2023, 15:00 (Kurdistan Time: 09:00)


    Hussen-Abad, West Azerbaijan, Republic of Kurdistan


    The vige of Hussen-Abad, where about 200 people live, was out on the streets early in the morning to enjoy the New Year¡¯s celebrations, dancing traditional folk dances and sharing food. However, not all of the vigers came out on the streets to enjoy the ¡®Neuruz¡¯ event.


    It was because the independence of the Kurdistan Republic, which 40 million Kurdians had longed for, was dered an hourter.


    As a result, not only Hussen-Abad, but also all cities and towns of the Kurdistan Republic were holding a grand ¡®Neuruz¡¯ event and Independence Day celebrations.


    Two days ago, on the 29th, the governments of Iran and Iraq, which had been at war with each other while denying the independence of the Kurdistan Republic, issued a statement through their official channels that they hoped for the recognition of the independence of the Kurdistan Republic and the establishment of diplomatic ties between the countries. In addition, Turkey, which had been watching and had taken a step back through the mediation of the Republic of Korea, sent a message congratting the Kurdistan Republic on their independence. The Arab League also sent an intention to agree.


    ordingly, the government of the Kurdistan Republic designated December 31 as the official independence day of the Kurdistan Republic, and now only the deration of independence remains.


    ¡°Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one!¡±


    About 200 residents, who were looking at therge screen installed on one side of the town square, shouted the countdown in unison.


    Finally, the long-awaited broadcast of the deration of independence of the Kurdistan Republic began.


    Meanwhile, the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, which were guarding the border between Hussen-Abad and the surrounding area, gathered in the square to celebrate their independence day as well as to participate in the ¡®Neuruz¡¯ festival.


    ¡°Wow! It surely feels like the war is now over. Hahaha!¡±


    Private Kwak Young-hwan, who shouted the countdown together, waved the Taegeukgi and the Kurdistan Republic g in both hands and smiled.


    ¡°That is true. Hahaha!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Seong-ho was also happy, shaking Private Kwak Young-hwan¡¯s head andughing together.


    The screen shone brightly and Saed al-Jaber, the first president of the Kurdistan Republic, appeared. He was slightly nervous, his expression hardened and his mouth trembled.


    ¡°Dear citizens of the Kurdistan Republic!¡±


    This is how President Saed al-Jaber¡¯s deration of independence began with greetings.


    ¡°We, the 40 million Kurdians, had lost our national sovereignty and territory to world powers over the past hundreds of years and suffered like vagrants for 100 years. But today, we will restore our country¡¯s sovereignty, our territory, and our family, which we have longed for and hoped for. It has been done.¡±


    Suddenly, thick tears flowed from the eyes of President Saed al-Jaber. No, he wasn¡¯t the only one. Not only were the government officials who supported the president crying, but all citizens of the Kurdistan Republic watching on TV were shedding tears, regardless of gender or age. The soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, who were watching them at Hussen-Abad Square, were crying tears of joy as well as if it was their country that had achieved independence.


    President Saed al-Jaber continued to announce the deration of independence.


    ¡°We must not forget how many people lost their lives in the independence movement until today. We will have to work hard and educate the future generations so that their noble lives are not forgotten from generation to generation. Also, on behalf of the people, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea. This grace, I will never forget. Thank you very much. Thank you.¡±


    President Al Jaber gave a big bow in Korean style, as he had nned to do. When this scene was broadcast, the vigers of Hussen-Abad looked back and said ¡®Thank you¡¯ in Korean to the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company.


    At this point, even in the hearts of the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, there was a warm feeling. Who wouldn¡¯t be thrilled in such a situation?


    ¡°No. Thank you. We just did what we had to do.¡±


    ¡°Wow! Thank you. Haha!¡±


    ¡°I love Kurdistan!¡±


    The soldiers responded by waving their hands while smiling brightly.


    ¡°Wow, this is a touching moment. Hahaha! Huh? Kwak Young-hwan, are you still crying?¡±


    Corporal Kim Seong-ho also waved his hand in return, and when he turned his head to the sound of someone sniffling next to him, Private Kwak Young-hwan was crying and his nose was running.


    ¡°Weep Weep! Sergeant Kim! How will the tears stop in this situation?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, but aren¡¯t you overdoing it? Then you will cry out loud.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, just let me be. Don¡¯t be mean to your sessor who wants to cry.¡±


    ¡°I get it. Okay. Keep on crying! Hahaha.¡±


    The deration of independence by President Saed al-Jaber hade to an end.


    ¡°Dear citizens! Now, let us dere the independence of the Kurdistan Republic to the whole world. On December 31, 2023, we, the Kurdistan Republic, dere to the whole world our independence.¡±


    Upon President Saed al-Jaber¡¯s deration of independence, the vigers of Hussen-Abad stood up in unison, hugged each other, or raised their hands and cheered. The soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company also congratted them with apuse and cheers.


    With this, the Republic of Kurdistan officially announced that it was an independent state that had secured sovereignty to all countries in the world. When the announcement broadcast ended with President Saed al-Jaber expressing his thanks once again, Kurdish folk music began to y in the square, and residents held hands and began to dance.


    From children to the elderly, tears of joy were shed, and they seemed to enjoy happiness. Some of the members of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company seemed to have fun, so they danced like children in the crowd.


    ¡°Hey, guys! Let¡¯s unpack what we brought! The kids have arrived.¡±


    The children of the vige were running toward the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company with their eyes focused on them.


    When Sergeant Goh Ki-jun of the 1st Reconnaissance toon saw this and unpacked the backpack he was carrying, the other members of the 3rd squad also took out the children¡¯s favorite choctes and candy from their backpacks.


    ¡°Wow! It¡¯s chocte! Please give it to me first.¡±


    The members of the 1st reconnaissance toon, surrounded by the children who rushed in like bees, gave the children pieces of chocte and candy as if they were Santa us.


    ¡°Hey, guys! There are a lot! Slow down! You will get hurt.¡±


    The members of the 1st reconnaissance toon felt happy when they saw the children they liked holding a bundle of candy with their small hands like pebbles.


    ¡°Huh! Corporal Kim! No, Sergeant Kim, who will be promoted to sergeant tomorrow! Look there! Look over there.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s chaotic. Why?¡±


    While he was frantically handing out choctes and candy to the children, Corporal Seong-ho Kim saw where Private Kwak Young-hwan was pointing.


    ¡°It is our sister-inw.¡±


    Rosa Lin, a former Kurdish women¡¯s garrison, who was rescued by Corporal Kim Seong-ho from a mortar attack by Iranian militia during a security mission in downtown Marku in September, was standing with a K2 rifle provided by the South Korean military.


    ¡°What are you doing? Give me your backpack and go. Clear the roads kids! Our Sergeant Kim has some love business to attend to.¡±


    Private Kwak Young-hwanughed softly and pushed Corporal Kim Seong-ho¡¯s back.


    ¡°Hey! Why am I¡­hey!¡±


    ¡°Ah! It¡¯s our sister-inw that you haven¡¯t seen in a few months, so you should go over and say hello.¡±


    ¡°This kid keeps saying, sister-inw. Stop it!¡±


    ¡°Hey! You like it anyway!¡±


    Corporal Seong-ho Kim said that, but his expression didn¡¯t seem to dislike him.


    ¡°Please hurry and go. We will have to be back in the station in a little while.¡±


    When Private Kwak Young-hwan gave him a push, Corporal Kim Seong-ho pretended to be helpless and moved toward Rosa Lin.


    ¡°Look! You like it anyway. I will spread the rumors when we enter the army!¡±


    As Corporal Kim Seong-ho hesitated as he approached Rosa Lin, Private Kwak Young-hwan, who was looking at him from afar, shouted and shook his clenched right hand vigorously.


    ¡°Corporal Kim Seong-ho! Fighting!¡±


    <hr />


    December 31st, 2023, 21:30


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room).


    Although the 7th Mobile Corps, which sessfully crossed the Jeya River, was engaged in fierce fighting against the 35th and 36th Army of Russia, Yoon Gi-yoon, Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Situation Room, and the staff¡¯s interests were focused on the border area of New China.


    A few days ago, he had been aware of the suspicious movements of the new military and devised several measures to deal with them.


    First, all units along the border were instructed to strengthen the border. In addition, the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division (Biryong), the rear support unit, was ordered to block all roads connected to the national border, including the G111 and S206 roads, within the defense area. In addition, the 3rd Armored Division (Baegol) was transferred to a quasi-wartime system and deployed forward 50 kilometers to the rear of Xian¡¯an (Qinhuangdao) City, and the 1st Armored Division (Advanced) to Jinyuan (Lingyuan) City. In addition, the 5th Team¡¯s 8th Mechanized Infantry Division (Ottogi) and the 11th Armored Division (Hwarang), a unit under the direct control of the 1st Army, also issued an emergency order to move to Taeseong (Panjin) city.


    Compared to the size of the New China Army currently deployed around the border, the Republic of Korea Army may be a far cry from its strength, but modern warfare was more about how superior the equipment that they had rather than its apparent numerical superiority. For the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, which currently possesses all kinds of equipment that is generally two to three generations ahead of New China, it was full of confidence that it could block even an enemy many times the size of it. Also, the victory in the Korean-Chinese war three years ago yed a part in that confidence.


    However, this was because the prestige of the New China Army, which was deployed along the border, was not a joke. Although the government has established and developed countermeasures, the new Chinese army had flocked to the border in what seemed like an extreme extent.


    ¡°No matter how you look at it, if you look at the development of the New China Army, it feels like they are nning to go to war with our country.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who was looking at the central screen to analyze the development of the new military forces yesterday and today, said while stroking his chin as if he was nervous.


    ¡°I! I have the same thoughts as Lieutenant General Yang, these guys aren¡¯t just strengthening the border. Isn¡¯t this a development that will allow them to advance across the border right now?¡±


    ¡°Do you think so, too?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t help but think about that when you see it, can¡¯t you? I mean, I think. Just like thest time in the Korean-Chinese war, we just wanted to blow things up first and advance to Beijing. Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Haha, if we weren¡¯t at war with Russia, I would have thought the same as the deputy chief.¡±


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. If it weren¡¯t for that enemy, Russian, there would be nothing to worry about!¡±


    Someone interrupted from behind as the two generals had a conversation with their eyes fixed on the central screen.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    When Yoon Gi-yoon, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, turned his head, Kim Yong-hyeon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stood with his staff.


    ¡°How are you? Captain Kim! Why did youe so early?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean early? Haha, it¡¯s already past 22:00.¡±


    Kim Yong-hyeon, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, looked at his watch and smiled brightly.


    ¡°Is it already thatte? Time goes by so fast.¡±


    After the outbreak of the Korean War, the Joint Chiefs of Staff worked for three shifts of eight hours for the 24-hour centralmand. All of them continued to attend important engagements or meetings, but if there were no other special circumstances, they took the lead in three shifts.


    ¡°Did you have anything special today?¡±


    ¡°There is nothing special other than the deployment along the New Chinese Army¡¯s border.¡±


    Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, handed him a PC tablet and said. The PC tablet contained everything that happened during the eight-hourmand.


    ¡°Yes, it is. More troops than yesterday have been deployed along the border.¡±


    Kim Yong-hyeon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, checked the specifics with the PC tablet that was handed over to him and put his index finger on the fingerprint scanner to indicate that the handover had taken ce.


    ¡°The transfer isplete. Thank you. Just go in and rest. Lieutenant General Yang has also worked hard.¡±


    ¡°What trouble do you have? Captain Kim, who works the night shift, must work hard. Haha! Well then, we are leaving.¡±


    ¡°Salute! Good job, Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who served with Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, greeted him and saluted. At this time, Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who walked to the door of the situation room, turned his head and said,


    ¡°Captain Kim! I am speaking from experience. No matter how much I think about it, the movement of New China¡¯s army is not unusual. I might be an old man but I still have my instincts.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will keep a close eye on it.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Good job..¡±

 Chapter 461 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 6-1 Yellow Dust of the Dawn

    <h4>Chapter 461: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 6-1 Yellow Dust of the Dawn</h4>


    December 31st, 2023, 23:30 (New China time: 22:30)


    A motel in Hebei District, Tianjin City, New China (Foreign Intelligence Division 1 Temporary Residence)


    At midnight on the 31st, the Foreign Intelligence Division 1 and Manager Namgoong-won, who had been monitoring the area around the factory in Hisan for several days, established an internal infiltration n with the limited information they had.


    Their mission was topletely abolish the sma core technology and blow up important research facilities. In fact, to perform this mission perfectly, it was necessary to obtainplete information about the internal facilities in advance and establish an internal infiltration route. However, since they had heard the news that a copy of the sma core technology was being attempted to be handed over to one of the countries in Europe, they had no choice but to speed up the infiltration n.


    ¡°Babe! I am sorry that I have to leave you alone at the end of the year!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay! How about you? Aren¡¯t you hurt?¡±


    ¡°I work with aputer at the dorm every day. Is there a chance that I will get hurt?¡±


    ¡°Okay! Come back after quietly working on theputer at the dorm! Any ns on when you¡¯ll be back?¡±


    ¡°Not yet¡­I wonder if I would be able to head back by mid-January?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes! It has not been decided, but at the current moment it looks that way.¡±


    ¡°Great! Good! Until then, don¡¯t overdo it ande back healthy!¡±


    ¡°Okay! How is yourpany?¡±


    ¡°Hoho, I was wondering why you hadn¡¯t asked me about that. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s running fine! But I guess I have skills forpany management!¡±


    ¡°What can my sweetie not do? Why don¡¯t you just take this opportunity to resignpletely and join thepany as a director?¡±


    ¡°Unless it¡¯s for the CEO position, I won¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes, you be the CEO and as for me, I don¡¯t need anything¡­okay?¡±


    ¡°Oh my goodness! That seems so tempting. Let¡¯s talk about it when youe back!¡±


    ¡°Okay! Okay, babe! I have to go to a meeting, so let¡¯s hang up! I¡¯ll call you back.¡±


    ¡°What! What meeting is sote at night?¡±


    ¡°There is no difference between day and night on a business trip. I¡¯ll call you back. Happy New Year!¡±


    ¡°Happy New Year to you too!¡±


    Namgoong-won, who looked at his wristwatch during his call, ended the conversation in a hurry.


    ¡°Are you done with the call?¡±


    As if waiting for the call to end, Manager Lee Ja-sung leaned against the wall in the living room and spoke.


    ¡°Uh! Is it time? Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won put his smartphone in his inner pocket and zipped his coat up all the way.


    ¡°Hey, my friend. Do you have to go in yourself? Why don¡¯t you just leave it to our agents?¡±


    ¡°The conversation is already over! There isn¡¯t any time. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Oh, this b*stard! You are so stubborn.¡±


    Without internal information about the secretboratory of the General Equipment Department, it could be somewhat dangerous for Agent White, not Agent ck, to directly participate in the infiltration. Manager Lee Ja-sung tried to dissuade him several times but Namgoong-won insisted that he should be there until the end.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung had agreed to it because it was an important task but he still wanted Namgoong-won to change his mind.


    ¡°Hey! Since I¡¯m the one who killed the Scorpions, what¡¯s your problem?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who had a sad expression on his face, passed by and Manager Namgoong-won whispered in his ear.


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s because you did all the preparations in advance! The situation is different for this infiltration mission.¡±


    ¡°Shh! The team members might hear you. Speak softly! Anyway, don¡¯t be silly and follow me!¡±


    At this time, the special security team, Assistant Manager Na Sung-hyeon, Director Kim Young-kyun, and Team 4 agents showed up at the front door.


    ¡°Manager Namgoong-won! Please take care of yourself.¡±


    At Deputy Assistant Manager Na Sung-hyun¡¯s request, Manager Namgoong-won clenched his fists as he winked at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. You guys just make sure to support me from inside!¡±


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Director Kim Young-kyun answered with a strong voice.


    ¡°Great! Then see you next year!¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes, I understand. Also, be careful Manager Lee.¡±


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2023, 00:30 (New China time: December 3, 23:30)


    Zone 15, Industrial Park, Beician District, Tianjin City, New China (in front of the Hisan factory).


    At present, the northwestern tip of New China was engulfed in so much smog that it was impossible to even see an inch ahead. Here in Tianjin¡¯s Beician District Industrial Park, the hazy smog spread like a fog,pletely blocking the glow of the street lights as well as the buildings. It was really dark.


    ¡°What the! There are times when the useless smog actually helps!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who stopped the ck van about 100 meters from the entrance of the Hisan factory and finished some final preparations for the mission, whispered while looking out the heavily tinted windows, and manager Namgoong-won, who was checking his equipment, smiled broadly.


    ¡°So that¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. There are such days like this as well!¡±


    ¡°Won! Why are youughing as if you¡¯re enjoying it!¡±


    ¡°Then, should I cry then? You should have fun doing what you do.¡±


    ¡°Whew! I don¡¯t think you were like that in the past. Why did you change?¡±


    In fact, there was a reason why Manager Namgoong-won had a strangely happy expression on his face. He was well aware that his mission this time could be very dangerous. That was exactly the reason why he did his best to hide the fear and tension that was creeping in.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, unaware of this fact, thought that Manager Namgoong-won simply enjoyed this mission, shaking his head and clicking his tongue. He then called each team through a silentmunicator.


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Report the current situation from Alpha One!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha One! Everything is ready and waiting!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Two! Ready and waiting!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Three! Secured a way out and now on standby!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Four! Standing by and waiting!¡±


    ¡°Great! We begin infiltrating 10 minutes from the present time of 23:50. Over!¡±


    The infiltration mission was to go ording to the following n.


    Alpha Zero, Alpha One, and Alpha Two will be the ones invading the premises! Manager Namgoong-won and Alpha Zero will be on a mission topletely destroy any data on the sma core technology, and the mission of Alpha One and Two will be to blow up the research facilities rted to the sma core technology. Alpha Three was tasked with securing an escape route to the temporary dormitory and preparing for emergencies.


    Manager Namgoong-won and the Foreign Intelligence Division 1, who were waiting afterpleting all preparations, waited anxiously and nervously until midnight for the full-fledged infiltration to begin.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2023, 01:00 (New China Time: 00:00)


    20 kilometers southwest of Puning County, Hebei Province, New China (11th Artillery Brigade, 40th Army Group)


    Under the southwestern tip of Mountain Yesin, all the artillery power of the 11th Artillery Brigade, the 40th group direct artillery unit, was waiting for the heat to die down while turning their guns in one direction.


    The 11th Artillery Brigade was organized into four self-propelled artillery units and three multi rocketuncher battalions. The four self-propelled artillery units operated 36 PLZ-05 155-millimeter self-propelled guns and 36 85-type 122-millimeter self-propelled guns. The three multi rocketuncher battalions operated 122-millimeter self-propelled artillery and 18 83-type 273-millimeter type 8 MRLSs, which were very excellent in terms of firepower among various artillery brigades.


    Currently, the gunport of the 72 self-propelled guns of the 11th Artillery Brigade and the 54 guns were pointing to the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong) of the 5th Corps of Korea, which is responsible for the defense of Sunan (Qinhuangdao).


    Currently, the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong) had deployed all subordinate units to the border in preparation for the unusual movement of the New China army.


    The Sunan (Qinhuangdao) region was an important strategic hub for both Korea and New China. The reason is that most of the borders of both countries were made up of a wide in along the coast of Balhae Bay, along the border of the Manmyeon Sunan (Qinhuangdao), which is a tough mountainous area. This was the only ce where a unit with mobility could maneuver quickly.


    While a total of 126 gun barrels were directed towards the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong), which was being deployed to defend this strategically important position, the 71st Artillery Battalion, which operated the 273-millimeter MRLS, was apanied by the brigademander, Liu Jiahui, and his staff.


    This was because the current 18 273-millimeter MRLS of the 371st Artillery Battalion had two 20-kiloton-ss sma bombs secretly developed by the Ministry of General Affairs and Equipment mounted on the rocket warhead.


    As its firepower was capable of blowing up more than 50 percent of the power of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong) with just one sma bomb, Brigade Commander Liu Jiahui led the situation directly with his staff.


    ¡°Brigade Commander! It has been reported that the artillery units of each division and the artillery units of the 27th Army Group havepleted all preparations.¡±


    The operational staff Lieutenant Colonel Jin Wei-Chung reported the situation it had received from themunications officer. At this, Brigade Commander Liu Jiahui slightly bit his lower lip and checked his watch.


    ¡°Okay. It means everything is ready.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. Brigade Commander!¡±


    In precisely two hours, three years ago, the Great Offensive of the New China Army was scheduled to begin to repay the humiliation of losing three northeast provinces and part of Shandong Province to South Korea due to a bitter defeat. In the offensive, the task of his subordinate unit, the 71st Artillery Battalion, was significant.


    Currently, the air defense capabilities of the Republic of Korea Army were very good. It could intercept more than 90 percent of intercontinental ballistic missiles as well as small-calibre mortars.


    New China, well aware of this fact, devised a n to intensively fire the number of shells out of the intercept range so that the two sma bombs mounted on the MRLS of the 71st Artillery Battalion couldnd on the enemy formation without being intercepted.


    In other words, the 71st Artillery Battalion was going to fire arge number of shells that were to be intercepted, and when the intercept range limit was reached, the 71st Artillery Battalion was going to fire the two sma bombs. In addition, this concentrated fire operation was nned to be carried out simultaneously in all units of the New China Army deployed across the current borders.


    ¡°Give each battalionmander an order to check again. The key to the sess of this concentrated fire operation is that each subordinate unit continues to fire continuously.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will instruct them to do so.¡±


    The two eyes of Brigade Commander Liu Jiahui who had given the instructions were zing. His eyes zed brightly as if he had been waiting for this day for a long time. Liu Jiahui¡¯s older brother was killed in the Korean-Chinese war three years ago and it was finally time for revenge.


    Brigade Commander Liu Jiahui¡¯s older brother served at themand center of the 38th Army Group, which had disappeared without a trace in the attack of the Zinog missile, a sma-amplified bomb from Zeus 1, which began with the start of the Korean-Chinese War.


    It was sad that even the body of his brother could not be found. The man¡¯s parents tried to recover from their loss but they died a year apart from each other ¨Cst year and during the reoperation. With such a sad family history, Brigade Commander Liu Jiahui was always seeking revenge against Korea.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 01:20 (New China Time: 00:20)


    Zone 15, Industrial Park, Beician District, Tianjin City, New China (inside the Hisan factory)


    Namgoong-won and the agents of Foreign Intelligence Divisions 1 and 2, who escaped the gaze of external security guards and infiltrated the factory, thoroughly searched the inside of the factory for an hour and finally found a secret passageway connected to the secretboratory 10 minutes ago.


    Unlike the outside of the factory, which looked shabby, the inside was equipped with automated machinery to some extent. However, it was difficult to find the secret passage because the inside of the factory was moreplicated than they had anticipated and various security devices were installed.


    Fortunately, however, Alpha Team 1 found an iron door disguised as arge drawer on one side of the office, and behind it a secret passage. The agents who were separated gathered at the iron door.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    In front of the iron gate, in TCS mode, Manager Lee Ja-Sung asked Manager Namgoong-won through silentmunication.


    ¡°Probably, right. We¡¯ve been searching for an hour!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-Sung inspected the iron door hidden behind the drawer in shield sses inverter mode and looked around, but did not find any switch or button that could open the door.


    ¡°But how do we open this?¡±


    ¡°I guess there is a way to open it from inside?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung asked with a perplexed expression.


    ¡°So what? Is there any way to open it?¡±


    ¡°This is my first time doing this. Shall we wait for a while? Won¡¯t someonee out?¡±


    ¡°We just have to wait like this don¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no other way!¡±

 Chapter 462 - Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia - 6-2 Yellow Dust of the Dawn

    <h4>Chapter 462: Season 2 Book 18 Trans-Siberia ¨C 6-2 Yellow Dust of the Dawn</h4>


    Manager Lee Ja-sung put his hand on his forehead without being seen, sighed and said.


    ¡°First of all, Alpha One and Two, check if there are different passages! Watch out for security systems.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    Team 2, listening to the conversations of the two managers, carefully exited the office to see if there was another passage.


    <Well, what could be better?>


    As he leaned against one wall and looked around the office, Manager Namgoong-won checked the fire rm hanging from the ceiling. At that moment, an idea popped into his mind.


    ¡°Manager Lee!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Do you remember the ¡°Operation to Smoke the Rabbit¡¯s Den¡± in Beijingst time?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I remember!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s use that strategy here, too!¡±


    ¡°Oh! If you can¡¯t get in, you¡¯re saying we draw them out?¡±


    ¡°Right!¡±


    At this time, Park Gi-oong, the Alpha Two team leader, who was listening to the silentmunication, intervened.


    ¡°What about us? Shall we go over there again?¡±


    ¡°No, if there are a lot of people, the security guards might notice, so we¡¯ll go in first.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    ¡°First of all, everyone, try to take cover under the desk or hide somewhere!¡±


    They were invisible in TCS mode, but he had the agents retreat from around the drawer, thinking that they might not be found out. He also unplugged the LAN cable of theputer ced under the desk in the blind spot of the CC camera and connected it to hisptop.


    ¡°In a while, the fire rm will go off. So don¡¯t be surprised.¡±


    <Datdatdatdat! dadat! Datdatdatdat!>


    Manager Namgoong-won, who had alerted the agents by silentmunication, put away hisptop keyboard with a shy hand gesture. A few minutester, Manager Namgoong-won pressed the enter key, with a slight smile on his face.


    In an instant, the fire rm hanging from the ceiling of the office started to sound.


    <Tlilililililiring>


    ¡°What is it? Is it a fire?¡±


    In less than a minute, security guards came into the office, each with a fire extinguisher in their hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Where is it?¡±


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t there a fire? Is it broken?¡±


    The security guards, who looked around the office with fire extinguishers, saw the fire rm ringing and radioed someone.


    ¡°1-5, there isn¡¯t a fire in the office. Turn off the rm!¡±


    ¡°I was just surprised! Damn!¡±


    When the guards were chatting, a mechanical sound came from the camouged drawer, and then it split open in the center.


    <Wow!>


    When the drawer split open, the iron gate that was identified through the shield sses began to open slowly as well.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    A man with several heavily armed soldiers who were inside the opened iron door asked as he put his hands behind his back.


    ¡°Ah! The smoke rm seems to be malfunctioning.¡±


    The security guard reported to the man bewildered.


    ¡°Malfunction? Anything else suspicious?¡±


    ¡°No, nothing else.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever encountered this before? Call all the employees and search the factory! Something suspicious is going on here!¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right. Lieutenant Colonel DuChun.¡±


    A man called Lieutenant Colonel Duchun was an officer in charge of the security of the secretboratory.


    ¡°Manager Lee! It¡¯s time. Let¡¯s go in!¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won, who was holding his breath under the desk, spoke through silentmunication.


    ¡°Okay, there are a lot of people, so let¡¯s be careful inside. What about Alpha One and Two?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we get in and figure out how to open it and then let them in?¡±


    ¡°Great! I will go in first. Follow me!¡±


    When Manager Lee Ja-sung, who was hiding under the desk at the back of the office, began to move carefully so as not to make much noise, the Alpha Zero agents followed.


    Inside the iron gate was a long passageway. It was about 30 meters high and several rotating CC cameras were installed on the ceiling.


    Once inside the iron gate, he put his back to the wall as much as possible and held his breath while observing the situation. Lieutenant Colonel Duchun gave a few more instructions and then entered the gate with his subordinates. With a soft mechanical sound, the iron door closed firmly behind them.


    A few minutes passed, and Lieutenant Colonel Duchun¡¯s gang, who had walked through the other passageway, disappeared.


    ¡°You find a way for Alpha Two and Three to get in! We¡¯ll look for the sma core technology. Deputy Oh stay with Manager Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°No, there aren¡¯t enough people right now, so I¡¯ll go on my own.¡±


    ¡°Are you okay being alone?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, please don¡¯t worry about me and focus onpleting the mission.¡±


    ¡°I get it. Okay. Let¡¯s move!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung and the agents started moving secretly and quickly along the long passage that Lieutenant Colonel Duchun had walked down. Left alone, Manager Namgoong-won began to find a way to open the iron gate.


    <hr />


    January 01, 2024, 02:30


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room)


    The 7th Task Force, which crossed the Jeya River at midnight on the 29th, mobilized the full power of the corps, just as in Operation Bureya River.


    First, the 7th Heavy Armored Assault Brigade, a unit under the direct control of the corps, descended on goveshchensk, a city close to the border, andunched a surprise attack that caused chaos in the city. As a result, the 371st Tank Regiment, 921st Artillery Regiment, and 75th Rocket Brigade belonging to the 35th Army, which was trying to defend their areas of responsibility in various parts of the city, were helpless as they were not prepared for an aerial assault. As they were unable to do much and were thrown into great chaos, the Capital Armored Division (Mengho) quickly seeded in crossing the Jeya River using the gap and immediately entered the city of goveshchensk.


    There were four reserve divisions in goveshchensk. Except for the 35th Army, most of them were infantry, so they were no match for the 7th Heavy Armored Assault Brigade who were flying 10 meters from the ground and attacking them withser Vulcan beams. The mobilization reserve division of the infantry organization copsed without any resistance, and after exactly 28 hours, the Taegeukgi and the Capital Armored Division (Mengho) gs pped at the City Hall of goveshchensk, where 210,000 people lived. In addition,rge and small cities around the area were upied by the Capital Armored Division (Mengho).


    On the other hand, the 20th Armored Division (Decisive Battle), which had headed in the direction of Svovodni across Serishiva following Belogorsk, received fire support from 32 FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters belonging to the 17th Air Division and began crossing on arge scale. Unlike the Capital Armored Division (Mengho), the 20th Armored Division (Decisive Battle) suffered more than expected.


    Thirty-two FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters continued to go back and forth from the garrison base, pouring firepower towards the wounded, and the division artillery fire from the rear, but the response of the 35th and 36th Army across the Jeya River was also shown. It wasn¡¯t difficult.


    About 100 FAH-91SP Peregrine FAH-91SP C-3A1 White Tiger tanks and C-23P Hyunmoo Infantry Fighting Vehicles and T-14B Armata tanks belonging to the 2nd Guards Tank Regiment crossed the frozen Jeya River. It stopped them from attacking by firing a 16MJ-ss railgun without backing down despite the attack from the helicopter above.


    In addition, various armored vehicles belonging to the 192nd Motorized Rifle Division rained down machine guns and anti-tank missiles of various calibres. The 71st Air Defense Brigade and the 164th Air Defense Rocket Regiment also fired surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns against the FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack helicopters. In addition, the artillery units belonging to the 192nd Motorized Rifle Division and the 921st Artillery Regiment, which radiated heat from various ces 20 kilometers to the rear, and the 153rd Rocket Brigade from 50 kilometers behind fired non-stop surface-to-surface missiles.


    Even when the 20th Armored Division (Decisive Battle) had immediately fired the cannon, they maintained their position ording to artillery tactics and did not stop the saturated firepower, which continued to devastate everything it touched as if it was a battle till the end.


    It was probably because of the order issued by the General Staff. The General Staff had given the 35th and 36th Armymanders a special order to defend themselves, saying that the 29th, 41st and 2nd armies, which were preparing for a massive counterattack in the border of the Jabaikal region, could be exposed and defeated in the Korean-Russian War.


    As a result, themanders of the 35th and 36th Army were ordered to defend with their lives as there was no withdrawal or retreat from themanders of all subordinate units.


    For this reason, the 77th Mechanized Infantry Division (Gukjin), which subsequently began to cross, also encountered fierce resistance from subordinate units of the 36th Army, and the n of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which they thought would break through the defense line in one day, went wrong. It was only the afternoon before, the third day, that they upied everything beyond the northwestern end of the Jeya River.


    It was arge-scale engagement that took two more days than the established operation, but fortunately, the damage to the 7th Mobile Corps was less than expected. With the previous record ofpletely annihting two Russian armies, the damage to their allies was 11 killed and 89 wounded. Most of the casualties were from armored personnel carriers that had been under heavy fire by enemy artillery units.


    In this way, the 20th Armored Division (Decisive Battle), the leading unit, formed the M58 to break through the defense line of the Russian army. They had risked their lives and had spent three days attacking the nks of the three Russian armies that were expanding and increasing their power around the border of the Jabaikal region. It was just passing Novopokarovka along the road.


    ¡°Well, the 20th Division is invading faster than I thought!¡±


    Kim Yong-hyun, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who sat in the central seat of the situation room and crossed his arms while watching the central screen disying the real-time status of the movement of the 20th Armored Division (Decisive Battle), responded as if he was worried, then Lieutenant General Oh Dong-won, the deputymander of the intelligence division, who served as the deputymander of the situation room today, responded.


    ¡°It seems to be in a hurry since it has taken two days longer than the original operational n.¡±


    ¡°I know that but I was afraid that if they showed such a quick maneuver, they would be harmed by the ambush force.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I am also worried about our Deputy Chief of Staff. Isn¡¯t the Apollo 7 dedicated reconnaissance in front of the 20th Division? Also, the 20panies will mobilize all kinds of reconnaissance forces to check every single speck of dust.¡±


    As stated by Lieutenant General Oh Dong-won, the head of the intelligence division, CS-SS Apollo Reconnaissance Satellite No. 7 was dedicated to the 7th Mobile Corps and provided all reconnaissance information. In addition, the corps headquarters and division headquarters were also using unmanned reconnaissance drones to oversee all situations within a 100-kilometer radius in real-time. In other words, it was more difficult to ambush and attack the 7th Mobile Corps, including the 20th Armored Division, than picking a star in the sky.


    ¡°I am just an old man. The older I get, the more concerned I get as well.¡±


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re old! What are you saying¡­¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Yong-hyun and Lieutenant General Oh Dong-won were exceptionally close because they were seniors and juniors in the 3rd term of the Military Academy and had served together at the Army Headquarters for many years. In the midst of joke-filled conversations, the operators in charge ofmunication suddenly became busy.


    ¡°What is it? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Kim Yong-hyun, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, looked at the operators in charge ofmunications and asked, feeling that something was amiss at the sudden rush ofmunications. The senior operator answered in a loud voice.


    ¡°Currently, it has been reported that the general offensive of the Russian army is continuing even on the northwestern border.¡±


    ¡°Looks like Russia has finally started a counterattack.¡±


    ¡°Shall I make an emergency call?¡±


    ¡°No, didn¡¯t we expect the Russian offensive? Now that the defense line of the Jeya River has been breached, Russia must have counterattacked before it is toote!¡±


    Kim Yong-hyun, deputy general of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who acted as a gesture, ordered instead to call themander of the 6th Corps, who was currently defending against a Russian counterattack.


    After a while, while the operator, who had received themand was handling the console, the 6th Corpsmander Lieutenant General Choi Bae-geun appeared on screen three, wearing a bulletproof helmet.


    ¡°Salute! This is Choi Bae-geun, 6th Corpsmander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lieutenant General Choi! What is the situation?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Russian army¡¯s invasion began at the 250-kilometer-long unknown border. The time of the first attack was at 2 a.m. at the local time, and ording to the information obtained so far, the 27th Armored Division, the 55th Motorized Infantry Division, and the 11th Armored Division belonging to the 29th Army Independent Corps were identified as the primary attack, and the secondary attack was the Far East Military District. It is a direct attack of the Red Armored Corps.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Choi! Do you need any urgent support?¡±


    ¡°We do not. First of all, let¡¯s defend ording to the strategy we had nned.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, please block for 12 hours as nned. If the JCS can support in any way, please contact me right away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right. Salute!¡±


    ¡°Then, I will call you back.¡±


    ¡°Salute!¡±


    As soon as the videomunication with the 6th Corpsmander was over, the operator announced a shocking report.


    ¡°Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! It has been reported that arge-scale attack is currently being carried out along the border of New China. Reports areing from all fronts.¡±


    ¡°What! New China? Those f<i>cking Chinese b</i>stards¡­¡±

 Chapter 463 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 1-1 Close Battle

    <h4>Chapter 463: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 1-1 Close Battle</h4>


    January 01, 2024, 03:10 (New China time: 02:10)


    20 kilometers southwest of Puning County, Hebei Province, New China (11th Artillery Brigade, 40th Army Group)


    The New China Army began to fire arge-scale bombardment at the scheduled time of the attack, while, among them, the 11th Artillery Brigade belonging to the 40th Group Army, stood silently on standby.


    ¡°Is it ready?¡±


    Brigade Commander, Liu Jiahui, who had been waiting impatiently in themand armored vehicle at dawn, couldn¡¯t see more than ten meters ahead due to the most severe yellow and fine dust levels. He nced at his wristwatch and asked the operational staff Jin Wei- chung.


    ¡°No, the attack order has not yet been issued from the Army Group Command.¡±


    Speaking of them, an attack order was just then issued from the Army Group Command.


    ¡°This is an order from themand. This is an order to start bombardment at the present time with the specifications that had been entered in advance.¡±


    Themunications officer reported loudly.


    ¡°The time has finallye! In one minute, each battalion will start firing TOT (Time On Target) as per the pre-operational n.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    When Liu Jiahui¡¯smand was issued, the operational staff, Jin Wei-chung, gave an attack through the receiver connected to the subordinate artillery battalion.


    ordingly, the remaining six artillery battalions, except for the 71st Artillery Battalion, started firing simultaneous TOT after one minute. A gunshot that seemed to tear the eardrums began to resound all at once.


    TOT shooting is an artillery shooting tactic that hits arge number of shells at the same point at the same time.


    As a huge amount of shells flew in one direction in a parabolic pattern, the C-1000 Haitai Unmanned Alert Robot, which was performing guard missions around the border, entered the intercept procedure. However, it was impossible to intercept all shells of various calibres flying simultaneously. The artillery shells of the New China Army flying across the border were not the only shells fired by the 11th Artillery Brigade. All artillery units of Army Group 7 were firing shells of various calibres.


    Numerous shes of light shed continuously over the border. However, due to the yellow dust and fine dust, it could not be seen by the human eye. If it had been a clear night, it would have been like a spectacr fireworks show.


    The C-1000 Haitai unmanned robot belonging to the 355th Guards Battalion of the 75th Mechanized Guard Division, which was performing guard missions at a distance of several hundred meters, was busy intercepting iing enemy shells.


    The 12-millimeterser Vulcan beam sprayed a beam of light toward the sky while maintaining a high angle of up to 70 degrees, and the nine (3*3)unchers mounted on each side was also aimed toward the sky and fired 50-millimeter multi-purpose projectile ck Dragon missiles.


    Most of the ck Dragon missiles flying in blue light intercepted rockets fired by the MRLS artillery battalion, and the 12-millimeterser Vulcan beam intercepted self-propelled artillery shells.


    The problem was the number of enemy shells flying. The 18 ck Dragon missiles armed with one Haitai unmanned robot were quickly exhausted. Now, they were faced with a situation where they were intercepting the constantly flying enemy shells with only the 12-millimeterser Vulcan beam.


    In addition to the Haitai unmanned robots of the guardpany, the 355 guard battalion also had Biho and Chunma belonging to thepany headquarters, but they also raised their hands in the number of enemy shells that exceeded the intercept range. As a result, the shells that escaped the interception began tond on the impact formation one by one.


    The 11th Artillery Brigade, an artillery unit of the 40th Group Army, which started attacking with TOT firing, continued to fire without moving from their position. Finally, the 71st Artillery Battalion that was equipped with sma shells began firing as well.


    Rocket bombs were fired from 18 273-millimeter Type 8 MRLSs simultaneously, with a tremendous burst of firepower. In less than 10 seconds, a total of 144 273-millimeter rockets exited theunch tube and flew northeast with an inclination of close to 40 degrees. The 144 273-millimeter rockets werebined with two rockets equipped with sma bombs.


    <hr />


    January 01, 2024, 03:20


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (ROK Army Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room)


    All staff, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were present in the situation room of the Joint Command and Control Center to understand the current situation of the New China Army, which hadunched a surprise attack in line with the general offensive of the Russian Army.


    On the third screen, Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin,mander of the 5th Corps, who was in charge of the border area of New China, was projected via videomunication.


    ¡°I should have known this was going to happen. These New China b*stards have been acting strangetely but they have always behaved this way. This time, we definitely have to ensure that they start behaving the way they used to be.¡±


    A little while ago, Deputy General of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Yoon Gi-yoon, who had returned to the dormitory after changing getting off from hismander¡¯s duty, was fuming mad. The rest of the generals nodded their heads or greeted him in a soft voice.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Kim! What is the current military situation?¡±


    Meanwhile, Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who entered the situation room and gave the order to call themander of the 5th Corps first, posed a question to Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin. Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin, who was waiting in videomunication, said in a firm tone.


    ¡°Currently, simultaneous bombardment by the New China Army is being fired, but the mechanized security forces in charge of each area are intercepting them as much as possible. However, since the number of enemy shells isrger than expected, the damage seems inevitable. However, the damage is expected to be significantly reduced by applying artillery fire, and the units under the bombardment are also quickly leaving their current garrison.¡±


    In response to the ambitious reply of Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong nodded his head and asked additional questions with a satisfied expression.


    ¡°What is the enemy¡¯s main attack route?¡±


    Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin continued his answer without interruption.


    ¡°There are a total of three enemy main units currently identified, and the first main unit is 40th Army Group, which is expected to head in the direction of Xeonan (Qinhuangdao) close to the shores of Bohae Bay, where the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division will defend it. The second main unit is the 39th Army Group, which is expected to head to Seongwon (Qingrong) connected to the S252 road, so the 3rd Armored Division has entered into an emergency maneuver toward Seongwon. ordingly, the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division will rece the 3rd Armored Division¡¯s defensive base and will move from Wusun (Jinzhou) to the Wuseon-Seonan Expressway. Finally, the third is the main unit, the 16th Army Group, which is expected to invade using the current G45 highway and S253 road and has requested support from the 1st Armored Division of the 1st Corps.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s an appropriate response. The problem is that I am worried about the 38th Army and 27th Army Group, which can be seen as the rear air units. The Joint Chiefs of Staff wille up with a response strategy for that part but until then, Lieutenant General Kim please continue to work hard.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    After Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin¡¯s reply, Chairman Shin Sung-yong turned his attention to Major General Oh Jong-gil of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong) belonging to the 5th Corps.


    The 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong) was a very important unit that had to block the invasion of the 40th Army Group, which was the first main force of the New China Army, as mentioned by Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin.


    ¡°Warden Oh!¡±


    ¡°Yes, 6th Division Commander Oh Jong-gil!¡±


    ¡°I think the offensive of 40th Army Group is going to be very rough. In addition, it would be even more so if the 27th Army Group, the rear air unit, joins them as well. It is said that the 75th Mechanized Guard Division is blocking the border but it is absurd that the Guard Division in charge of 300 kilometers concentrates and blocks the iing units. This is why your division¡¯s mission is so important.¡±


    ¡°So that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is not worried, we will make sure to block the invading enemy units.¡±


    Director Oh Jong-gil answered with a confident voice.


    ¡°Yeah, I only believe in you. The Joint Chiefs of Staff will mobilize all forces to support it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±


    <Cheejik! Cheejik!>


    In an instant, the appearance of Director Oh Jong-gil disappeared from the split screen at the same time as it crackled. Embarrassed by this, the situation manager hurriedly approached the operator in charge ofmunication and asked.


    ¡°What happened? Communication problems?¡±


    The operator in charge ofmunication operated the console and answered with a tone of voice that was uncertain.


    ¡°A strong maic field appears to have caused us to losemunication.¡±


    ¡°Maic field? Does that meanmunication is lost?¡±


    At this time, following Major General Oh Jong-gil, the screens of othermanders also began to turn off one by one. As a result, the situation room became chaotic. This is because they¡¯ve never experienced videomunication problems before.


    The bewildered head of the situation office, Major General Na Kyung-hyeon, shouted at the operator of the lieutenant rank in a voice that almost sounded like he was scolding him.


    ¡°Try connecting it again! Hurry!¡±


    ¡°The current satellitemunication line does not appear to be a problem, so it appears to be a local issue.¡±


    He tried to reinstate the connection by operating the console several times but there was no response from the site wheremunication had been lost.


    At this time, Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin who was still on the screen had a serious expression on his face and made a grim report.


    ¡°It has been reported that a huge explosion simr to a nuclear bomb has urred in the area currently deployed by the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong jumped up from his seat and asked.


    ¡°A nuclear bomb? What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°Currently, the details are unknown, but ording to a report from a nearby subordinate unit, a huge mushroom cloud has risen with a huge explosion in the area where the 6th carrier has been deployed.¡±


    In response to the report, like a thunderbolt, Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, head of the operations headquarters, approached themunications officer and gave instructions.


    ¡°Connect the overseas reconnaissance bureau immediately! Have them film the area around by the 8th carrier and send it to the control room.¡±


    After a while, the scene filmed from the reconnaissance satellite unfolded on screen four. For a moment, everyone in the control room could not help but feel shocked.


    The sight on screen four was terrifying. Due to what could have been a huge explosion, a massive mushroom cloud rose several hundred meters toward the sky, and the ground around the explosion center rose like a tectonic shift, while red mes scorched like magma through the cracks.


    ¡°Hey, what is that? Doesn¡¯t it look like it was hit by a sma amplified bomb?¡±


    Director Yoon Gi-yoon was surprised and pointed his finger at screen number four and said. The situation room froze momentarily.


    ¡°What! What is this happening? Why was there such an explosion in the area where our forces are¡­¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also stood up from his seat at the horrific scene within an eight-kilometer radius that had almost devastated everything in its path. He was unable to speak and had a serious expression on his face. Then, as he remembered something, he sat down and covered his face with both hands.


    <I think that the ammunition with the sma core technology stolen by New China has been developed¡­>


    Professor Woo Jin-gil¡¯s leak of sma core technology was ssified as an S-ss matter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong was the only one from the Joint Chiefs of Staff who knew about it.


    ¡°Listen well! It seems that New China developed a bomb simr to a sma-amplified bomb.¡±


    ¡°Yes? Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! What do you mean? How could New China develop such a weapon?¡±


    When General Kim Yong-hyun, who had a bewildered expression on his face, asked a question, Chairman Shin Sung-yong sighed deeply and got up from his seat.


    ¡°I want to deny it too but as you can see on the screen, it¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it? Because of this, I think the current defense n needs to bepletely revised. Lieutenant General Kim!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡±


    ¡°You should check the situation of the 8th Guards as soon as possible and give the order to the rest of the subordinate units not to deploy on a scalerger than a battalion level.¡±


    ¡°Yes? In that case, it would be impossible to block the enemy¡¯s main attack.¡±


    ¡°The enemy¡¯s main unit will conduct a massive retaliatory attack primarily through the air force and aerospace force. So first, give that order to all units in the border area, and above all, check the damage situation of the 8th Corps.¡±


    ¡°All right. Salute!¡±


    As Lieutenant General Kim Il-jin disappeared from the screen, Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff turned his head toward his staff and said with force.


    ¡°Captain Yoon controls the situation room, and Captain Kim, along with all his staff, have to re-establish the defense n under the assumption that the New China Army has sma ammunition.¡±


    ¡°So, what about the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?¡±


    When asked by General Kim Yong-hyun, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong answered while adjusting his hat.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the Blue House..¡±

 Chapter 464 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 1-2 Close Battle

    <h4>Chapter 464: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 1-2 Close Battle</h4>


    January 1st, 2024, 03:15


    An underground bunker at the Blue House National Crisis Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Namju


    Despite being in the midst of a war with Russia, South Korea had a meeting at the National Security Council (NSC) at 11 p.m. the day before in the bunker of the National Crisis Center. The atmosphere was still filled with the year-end and New Year festivities as usual.


    However, when the officials heard the news of the invasion of New China from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, they changed the subject and switched to a countermeasure meeting rted to New China.


    The NSC meeting was to observe the situation of infiltration operations rted to the dismantlement of sma core technology currently in progress by the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Foreign Intelligence Division 1.


    ¡°Seriously, the people from New China cause trouble all the time.¡±


    When Justice Minister Park Bum-tae ground his teeth to convey his true feelings, Executive Minister Kim Soo-gyeom responded by hitting his knee with his fist.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. Shouldn¡¯t we take this opportunity to crush them?¡±


    ¡°Of course. We have to devastate Beijing as well as the other major cities.¡±


    Even Minister of Unification Policy Kim Young-chul showed a sign of difort and spoke out.


    Eventually, the members who attended the NSC meeting expressed their anger one by one.


    ¡°By the way, shouldn¡¯t we connect with the Joint Chiefs of Staff? Mdm. President!¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon calmed the members and asked the president.


    ¡°The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is said to be on his way here.¡±


    Lim Jong-won, Chief of Staff, responded immediately instead of the president.


    ¡°Is there still a need for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff toe here after New China has gotten involved in the war as well?¡±


    When Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon asked again with a puzzled expression, Chief of Staff Lim Jong-won answered with a firm expression.


    ¡°It seems that there is something he needs to report to the president in person.¡±


    ¡°Well, I see.¡±


    After the NSC meeting was convened, President Choo Un-hee, who had been quiet with a firm expression on her face, spoke quietly.


    ¡°Minister Kang!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°Was any action taken on the New China¡¯s ambassador in Korea?¡±


    ¡°Yes, 1st Vice Minister Oh Jin-myung has currently moved the Ambassador Wieungga Wanglinche to the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¡±


    ¡°Contact 1st Vice Minister Oh Jin-myung and tell him to convey what I have to say without changing a single word. This invasion is an illegal act of warfare and we will take corresponding retaliatory measures.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will contact him now.¡±


    Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hee quietly stood up from his seat, walked to one side of the conference room, and took out his smartphone.


    At this time, a knock was heard from the entrance of the door, and soon after, Chairman Shin Sung-yong entered the conference room.


    ¡°Wee Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! Please take a seat.¡±


    Lim Jong-seok, Chief of Staff, got up from his seat and pointed him to an empty seat on one side.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong, seated in his seat, took off his hat andid it neatly on the conference table.


    ¡°Okay. What do you have to report personally?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President! I¡¯ll begin right away. At exactly 03:17, a bomb that was very simr to a sma-amplified bomb hit the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division, which was defending the area of Xeonan (Qinhuangdao), causing great damage. Currently, the exact status of the damage has not been identified but considering thatmunication with the division¡¯s headquarters has been cut off, it is suspected to be serious.¡±


    In an instant, the conference room froze. Everyone was in shock, so no one was able to speak. Only Minister of National Defense Kang Yi-sik, who possessed a strong personality, continued to ask questions while maintaining his calmness.


    ¡°Did you just say that it was a bomb that resembled a sma-amplified ammunition?¡±


    ¡°Yes, after checking the afterimage of the current explosion with the Apollo reconnaissance satellite, it is judged to be a very simr bomb.¡±


    ¡°So, does that mean that New China developed a sma bomb?¡±


    ¡°Up to that point, I can¡¯t judge¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by development? Those b*stards, they have seeded in developing a sma bomb by stealing our technology.¡±


    Unification Policy Minister Kim Young-chul frowned andined.


    ¡°My, my, what should we do? We are in big trouble. In big trouble.¡±


    When Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Jeong Tae-guk clicked his tongue andmented, Minister of Unification Policy Kim Young-chul made a slightly dissatisfied expression and spoke as if he wasining.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be in trouble about. Even if New China has developed a sma bomb, given the time, they would only have as many as dozens of them. However, don¡¯t we have hundreds of bombs, and aren¡¯t there various means of fighting? If you¡¯re going to win in a firepower battle, it can¡¯t be a game.¡±


    Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Jeong Tae-guk, who was depressed at the tone of Minister of Unification Policy Kim Young-chul, who seemed to be ming himself, said in a low tone.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Sure, yes it is.¡±


    ¡°But the problem is that a single shot is more powerful than a nuclear bomb. Also, we don¡¯t know the exact number of bombs they have in their possession. This has made things very difficult.¡±


    As a former Minister of National Defense, Kang Hyun-soo, head of the security office, had an urate analysis.


    ¡°I also feel the same way as the Chief of Security. The difference between a New China with conventional weapons and a New China with sma bombs, though we don¡¯t know how many they possess, is a whole different ballgame. A single shot can cause a lot of casualties.¡±


    When the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Security, who were former military generals, gave their opinions which got the others to face reality, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong stood up. Then, the eyes of all the members of the NSC, including the president, turned to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°I also came to the Blue House in person for another reason. I would like to put in a request to Mdm. President.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the request?¡±


    When President Choo Un-hee responded, Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong looked around at themittee members and spoke in a determined voice.


    ¡°Please approve the unlimited retaliatory attack on New China.¡±


    ¡°Unlimited retaliation attack?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s an unrestricted attack on New China. In inevitable situations, we want to be able to use sma-amplified bullets even inrge cities.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean even in big cities as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°If that happens, wouldn¡¯t it cause a lot of damage to civilians?¡±


    ¡°As the Chief of Security and the Minister of National Defense said earlier, currently New China has simr strategic weapons to ours. In this situation, I think we have to y a bolder and more powerful firepower battle to win the game. If not, this Korean-Chinese war will face a lot of difficulties, and the damage to our side will be formidable.¡±


    In order to make such a request to the president, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong left the situation room even in important situations and came to the Blue House.


    ¡°Well, an unlimited retaliatory attack¡­¡±


    The president, who whispered a few words with a perplexed expression, was silent for a moment. Themittee members then urged her to approve.


    ¡°Mdm. President, why are you hesitating? Approve it right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Please approve.¡±


    ¡°Mdm. President, we have a good reason. There is no mercy for an enemy that has invaded one¡¯s own country. There must be clear retribution.¡±


    NSC members provoked the president as if ming her. Even so, President Choo Un-hee, who had been silent for a while, quietly opened her mouth.


    ¡°The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°I will approve unlimited retaliatory attacks. In addition, I delegate all powers to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding the future war with New China. In other words, report it after taking action.¡±


    At this time, Kang Hyeon-soo, head of the Security Office, intervened in the conversation.


    ¡°Delegating all the powers, Mdm. President¡­¡±


    ¡°No. It is alright.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee firmly restrained the opinion of the head of the security office. In fact, President Choo Un-hee was usually gentle as a female president but when making an important decision, she is known to show as much strength as a man. That was the situation right now.


    ¡°Tha¡­thank you Mdm. President!¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff bowed his head to express his gratitude for her approval.


    ¡°The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°I approved it because I trust the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. You know what I mean, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who had settled the issue with New China, turned her head to finish the call and called Minister Kang Kyung-hee again, who was seated in his seat.


    ¡°Minister Kang!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to bother you. Please forward it back to the 1st Vice Minister.


    ¡°Yes, what should I say?¡±


    In response to Minister Kang Kyung-hee¡¯s answer, President Choo Un-hee¡¯s face spoke with a voice full of determination.


    ¡°As of the present time, we will promptly deport the embassy and all conste staff members of the New China Embassy, including Ambassador Wieungga Wanglinche, and we are also ordering the citizens of New China to return to their home countries within 48 hours. If there is a New Chinese citizen who does not return to their home country within 48 hours, tell them that they will be ssified as illegal immigrants for whatever reason and will be detained.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee¡¯s actions were very tough.


    ¡°Yes, I will get your message across.¡±


    ¡°And please take care of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that all Korean nationals in New China can return to their home countries within 48 hours. Even if it means they have to make their way back by taking out all civil aircraft.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    The meeting on New China carried on for another ten minutes, and Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, returned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The NSC meeting had once again changed to a topic rted to the Foreign Intelligence Division 1, which was carrying out the mission of discarding core sma technologies.


    Lee Young-jin, director of the National Intelligence Service, who had not said a word at the previous meeting, apologized to the president in a sincere tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mdm. President! All this has urred because we couldn¡¯t handle things on time.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean you are sorry? What are you talking about all of a sudden? And what are you saying you couldn¡¯t handle things? Are you talking about New China¡¯s sma bomb?¡±


    To this, Director Lee Young-jin of the National Intelligence Service responded by nodding his head.


    ¡°Chief of National Intelligence Service! You shouldn¡¯t say that about the hard work of your subordinates who are suffering in other countries. Everyone here knows that the NIS staff are doing their best. Aren¡¯t they still risking their lives to infiltrate? Don¡¯t say that ever again.¡±


    ¡°Still¡­¡±


    ¡°My, my! Why do you keep doing this, unlike the NIS chief? If you keep doing that, I¡¯ll get angry.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee was genuinely pissed off. Director Lee Young-jin reluctantly replied that he knew.


    ¡°By the way, I am very curious about the current situation regarding the Foreign Intelligence Division 1.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s then connect to the Foreign Intelligence Agency.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Try to connect it.¡±


    Currently, the situation room of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Foreign Intelligence Service was watching the progress in real-time through a camera equipped with Foreign Intelligence Division 1 and agents who infiltrated the secretboratory of the Ministry of General Equipment.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 03:55 (New China time: 02:55)


    Zone 15, Industrial Park, Beician District, Tianjin City, New China (inside the Hisan factory)


    Now, an hour and a half after seeding in infiltrating the secretboratory of the Ministry of General Equipment, Manager Namgoong-won was the first to hack into the security system using the internal linework. Because of itsplex state-of-the-art security system, Manager Namgoong-won sessfully hacked in only after an hour. After that, he was able to obtain control over internal and external entrances.


    As a result, Alpha One and Two seeded in infiltrating the secretboratory at 2:10 local time, and Manager Namgoong-won essed the internal serverwork topletely discard all data rted to the sma core technology.


    Meanwhile, Lee Ja-sung and agents visited research institutes or rted facilities that study sma core technologies, and some research facilities installed bombs called M2-kill, which are 20 times more explosive than dynamite, but high-tech security sensors were installed everywhere. Due to the state-of-the-art behavioral recognition sensor that can detect not only the flow of air but also small vibrations, the movement of Foreign Intelligence Division 1 and agents were very slow, which consumed a lot of time.


    ¡°Pleasee out,e out!¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won, who had been struggling with aptop connected to an internal LAN connection for an hour against a dark wall in aboratory, murmured to himself as if he were chanting a spell, tapping the keyboard carefully so that it would not make any sound.


    He wandered around the interconnected internal serverwork which was in a form of a huge maze and checked each folder himself. He was in a state of extreme tension and was super nervous as he had to quickly hide because security staff were going on their rounds in pairs.


    ¡°This is not like a Shanghai Subway line, why did these b*stards make it soplicated?!¡±


    At this time, Assistant Manager Na Sung-hyun, a member of the special security team supporting Manager Namgoong-won at the dormitory, delivered the good news.


    ¡°This is Bravo One! Come out Bravo Zero. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Bravo Zero! Did you find anything?¡±


    ¡°Heh, heh, I found it. Server 13, drive D, folder 251AZXX, folder password is ChineseIdeology, and it is the sma folder among the folders inside. However, the sma folder is also double-encrypted. Bravo Zero, who is good at this part, please decrypt it. Over!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Well done, Deputy Na!¡±


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m not Deputy Na, I¡¯m Bravo One.¡±


    Deputy Na Sung-hyun, who was wrestling with theputer at the dorm, seemed to find it interesting and fun tomunicate with each other by their nicknames, just like the ck Agents.


    ¡°I get it. Bravo One! I¡¯ll unlock the password of the folder. Bravo One and Bravo Two, support the Alpha Team. Over!¡±


    ¡°Bravo One! Roger that!¡±

 Chapter 465 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 2-1 Assassination

    <h4>Chapter 465: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 2-1 Assassination</h4>


    January 01, 2024, 04:10 (France time: December 31st, 2023, 20:10)


    20 kilometers outside of Limousin in Haute Vienne, France (in the secret house of the National Intelligence Service [DCRI]).


    After arriving in Paris on the 24th, Shin Baiqing received protection from the French National Central Intelligence Agency (DCRI) and continued his meeting on the sma core technology with Jackie Lee.


    For the past week, under the guidance of Jackie Lee, he has had meetings with government representatives from various European countries. However, the countries that he was keen on making a deal with were France, which had offered him protection, and the United Kingdom, which had offered him the most amount of money.


    The day before therge transaction that wouldst him for the rest of his life was to take ce, Shin Baiqing, was lying downfortably on the sofa in the living room and watching TV. He was enjoying himself as if he had the whole world in his hands.


    Shin Baiqing had been promisedplete identity and national protection until death as well as US$200 million from France and US$500 million from the UK. He was so excited that he didn¡¯t know if he could get a good night¡¯s sleep.


    <Woah, 700 million dors¡­ That¡¯s an amount that I¡¯ve never even dreamed of in my lifetime.>


    Shin Baiqing, who was just happy thinking about the deal tomorrow, muttered to himself.


    In the secret house where Shin Baiqing was currently staying, there were about 30 DCRI agents standing guard. In addition, about 10 MI6 special agents were dispatched by the British government.


    Shin Baiqing, who was treated like a state guest and protected by both countries in this way, was favorably acimed when he was traveling around France for a few days.


    ¡°Hey, Shin Baiqing! Tomorrow¡¯s deal is set for 3 p.m. I¡¯ll let you know the location tomorrow morning. Get some rest.¡±


    Jackie Lee, who was Europe¡¯s top weapon broker, approached Shin Baiqing, who was lying on the couch drinking whiskey and said with a sinister smile.


    ¡°3 p.m.? We¡¯re proceeding with the deal in broad daylight?¡±


    ¡°What does that matter? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m doing business with a criminal organization. I¡¯m working with a Thalespany authorized by the French government.


    ¡°Well, it surely is.¡±


    Thales is a French defensepany that has developed various weapon systems based on IT such as equipment and software rted to electronicmunications such as radar technology.


    The French government intended to research cutting-edge sma technology with the Thales Defense Company, a privatepany, rather than a national research institute. Since the sma core technology was stolen and was obtained informally at the government level as an under-the-table transaction, it was determined that such inter-country problems or legal litigation may arise from Korea in the future. For those reasons, they were prepared in advance.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be back tomorrow morning. Last night of 2023, I hope you have a good time.¡±


    ¡°Okay. See you tomorrow!¡±


    As Jackie Lee left, Shin Baiqing rxed and closed his eyes and thought of the heavenly life thaty ahead for him, and a small smile crossed his lips.


    <I should buy a luxury boat right now and rest for about a year.>


    At that time, outside the secret room, several mysterious shadows were moving secretly through the darkness.


    <Tu-woong! Tu-woong! Tu-woong! Tu-woong!>


    Whenever a blunt gunshot rang from a pistol with a silencer, the agents of the National Central Intelligence Agency (DCRI), who were in charge of security outside the secret house, fell.


    ¡°This is the ck One! The four targets on the entrance are clear! I¡¯m going inside with the ck Two.¡±


    ¡°This is the ck Three! I¡¯m done suppressing the back door! I¡¯ll go straight with ck four to the 2nd floor.¡±


    ¡°This is ck Zero! Everyone be careful. The agents here are talented agents from France and the United Kingdom.¡±


    ¡°This is the ck One! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Two! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is the ck Three! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Four! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is the ck Five! Copy that!¡±


    The ck Mamba, an unlicensed assassination organization of the National Intelligence Service of the Republic of Korea, arrived in Paris on the 29th. As soon as they did, they immediatelyunched an operation to assassinate Shin Baiqing.


    The ck Team agents, who wore ck protective suits and ck masks that covered their faces, moved so swiftly that it was hard to believe that they were humans, and entered the inside of the house.


    First, Agents ck One and Two, who got rid of the four agents who were guarding at the front door, shot the heads of six other security agents who stood guard inside the front door, killing them instantly. As the ck Agents were in TCS mode, the special agents who were known to move like lightning, could not resist much and were thrown on the floor in the living room.


    Meanwhile, Agents ck Three and Four, who infiltrated through the back door, entered the second floor directly using the Skyrail and killed the four agents who were resting while chatting in the living room.


    Agent ck Five climbed a tall tree 100 meters away from the secret house, aimed the sniper rifle, and supported the ck Agents.


    The ck Agents, who had performed their missions without much trouble so far, started looking for Shin Baiqing on the first and second floors.


    The two-story secret inner house was a 150-acre wide building equipped with various facilities.


    ¡°This is the ck One! Five targets cleared in the living room on the first floor! I¡¯m going to search the first floor.¡±


    ¡°This is the ck Three! Five targets cleared on the second-floor living room side! I¡¯ll search the second floor with ck Four.¡±


    Just like that, the ck agents each followed the given route to destroy the target and reported the progress to the ck Zero team leader.


    <Tu-woong! Tu-woong! Tu-woong!>


    The door opened in front of ck One as he carefully walked down the hallway, revealing two strong looking agents. Without thinking, Agent ck One threw himself forward and hit the back of one of the agent¡¯s heads! He then rolled over and shot the center of the forehead of the other agent.


    Agent ck One dragged the two agents whom he had just killed into the room from which they came out. He then changed the magazine on his gun and continued his search of Shin Baiqing.


    As the ck agents shot and killed the DCRI agents on the first and second floors while they had been searching for Shin Baiqing for about 10 minutes, an Asian man who was wearing only a bathrobe was seen through a slightly open door.


    The only oriental men here are Shin Baiqing and Jackie Lee, but Jackie Lee had been shot in the head earlier and was dead.


    About 10 minutes ago, after saying goodbye to Shin Baiqing, Jackie Lee and his personal bodyguards got into the car and, as soon as they came out of the secret house, less than 100 meters away, they were shot and killed by Agent ck Five. Needless to say, the three bodyguards who were with them, were shot in their heads.


    ¡°This is the ck Three! Target found!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Zero! Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°This is the ck Three! I¡¯ll confirm after I kill him! ck four cover me.¡±


    ¡°This is ck Four! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Zero! Copy that!¡±


    Shin Baiqing entered the drawing-room, holding a whiskey ss in one hand, humming an unknown song, and was choosing a DVD in front of the DVD cab next to therge TV.


    Agent ck Four watched the hallway in front of the door leading into the drawing-room, while Agent ck Three carefully opened the door and crept in.


    <B*tch! Are you trying to watch moviesfortably? Too bad, it¡¯s time to die.>


    When Agent ck Three was about to shout abuse at him and thrust a pistol to the back of his head, the door on the other side opened and men with optical devices on their heads barged in and began firing mercilessly.


    <Tatang! Tatata tattatang! Taang! Tatatang!>


    Agent ck Three flew to the back of the sofa instantaneously and shot at the feet of the men that were visible under the sofa.


    <Tu-woong! Tu-woong! Tu-woong! Tu-woong!>


    The men screamed and fell when the bullets hit their ankles. They were MI6 special agents from Ennd.


    Like world-famous intelligence agents, they were equipped with optical devices to enable them to see those in TCS mode.


    Meanwhile, Shin Baiqing, who was lying on the floor, when the sound of the sudden gunshots rang out, quickly recognized the current situation as a former ck Tiger captain and threw himself toward the door the MI6 agents came in from.


    <Tatatang! Tatatang! Tatatang! Tatata Tang!>


    The MI6 agents, who continued to rain gunshots on the sofa that Agent ck Three was hiding behind was almost torn apart, supported their fallen colleague and hid in the room where Shin Baiqing had escaped to.


    ¡°This is ck Zero! ck three, what¡¯s going on? Were you discovered?¡±


    ¡°This is the ck Three! They had equipment that disabled TCS mode! There are about seven of them!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Zero! Proceed to n B. The rest of the agents support ck Three.¡±


    ¡°This is the ck One! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Two! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Four! Copy that!¡±


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 04:25


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namu (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room)


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who returned from the Blue House after receiving approval from the president for unlimited retaliatory strikes, had a very serious expression on his face after receiving several reports.


    The first was the damage count of the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong). Analyzing what had been reported so far, it was confirmed that the two subordinate squadrons were destroyed, and the division headquarters were also ruined. In other words, thest appearance of Major General Oh Jong-gil, the divisionmander was at the time of videomunication.


    Secondly, it was reported that the sma bombs of the Shin-Guk army fell on themand headquarters of the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division (Biryong) and the 75th Mechanized Vignce Division (Torchlight), in addition to the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong), which caused them to lose at least 50 percent of its power.


    These two reports alone filled him with excitement and anger, but there was one more thing. It was reported that a sma bomb was dropped on the border city of Rajin (Pingdu) in Xuzhou, resulting in at least 50,000 casualties.


    Rajin (Pingdu) was the city where the headquarters of the 9th Mechanized Infantry Division (White Horse) belonging to the 1st Corps were stationed. In other words, to attack the headquarters of the 9th Mechanized Infantry Division (White Horse), they bombarded civilian cities.


    As a result, the Republic of Korea engaged in arge-scale all-out war in three ces: the Northwestern Front with Russia, the Western Front, and the Southwestern Front with New China.


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, who had barely suppressed the rising anger, first reviewed and had a meeting with the newly established n.


    ¡°Since we do not know how many sma bombs the New China Army currently has, we have established a counter n by estimating it to be around 50.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, head of the operation headquarters, appeared in front of the podium and opened the door. As less than two hours had passed since the start of the war, the meeting on the response n ended briefly with only the main points being discussed.


    ¡°Great! Proceed ording to the n! However, I would like to add one more thing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, please tell me.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, raised his hand, got up from his seat and looked at the staff sitting in their seats at the long meeting table and said.


    ¡°The president has granted us the right to unrestricted retaliatory strikes. So I mean, instead of going with the current n, we want tounch an indiscriminate attack on all fronts in New China immediately.¡±


    ¡°Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! When you say indiscriminate attack, how much do you mean¡­¡±


    Even before Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun could finish asking his question, Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, answered.


    ¡°All the power of the 5th Army.¡±


    When the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff referred to the five Armed Forces, he was talking about the Army, Navy, Air Force, Aerospace Force, and Strategic Missile Force, which means all the power of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.


    ¡°Hey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is upset. That¡¯s right. If you are going to attack, you surely have to put all forces on it.¡±


    While everyone was surprised, only Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, nodded and expressed his approval.


    ¡°But why are you all so surprised? Lieutenant General Yang will immediately establish a targeted n for the border area and immediately contact the 5th Army and instruct them to prepare avable forces.¡±


    ¡°Ah! All right.¡±


    ¡°Currently, the damage to the troops defending the main base is serious, so we should strike before they cross the border.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will do it right away..¡±

 Chapter 466 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 2-2 Assassination

    <h4>Chapter 466: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 2-2 Assassination</h4>


    January 01, 2024, 04:25 (New China time: 03:25)


    Zone 15, Industrial Park, Beician District, Tianjin City, New China (inside the Hisan factory)


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    While looking for a sma-rted research facility, Chief Park Gi-oong, who thought it was a secretboratory, was surprised and was smiling ear to ear when he entered the factory that had arge manufacturing facility slightly smaller than a ser field.


    Inside the factory, about 20rge missiles were each ced on a frame, and something was mounted on it with the top fairing open. At first nce, it looked like a warhead. However, the size of the warhead was very smallpared to the size of the missile. Chief Park Gi-oong, who thought something was suspicious, immediately had a thoughte to mind.


    <These are not the nuclear warheads that these f*cking Chinese put in here?>


    Chief Park Gi-woong, feeling ominous at the thought, gently shook his head to calm himself down and checked all the missiles in the factory one at a time. A total of eight missiles equipped with warheads thought to be nuclear warheads were empty.


    <Um, since thest defeat in the Korean-Chinese War resulted in the abolition of all nuclear weapons, would it have been possible to develop nuclear weapons again? Shoot, what if it is a nuclear warhead or a bomb? We just have to get rid of all of them!>


    Chief Park Gi-oong was unaware of the fact that the New China Army had used sma bombs at the time of the outbreak of the Korean-Chinese War on that day. He went around installing M2-kill bombs one by one on the body of each missile, without even thinking that they could be sma bombs. However, a problem arose. It had to do with the number of the M2-kill bombs that he had brought.


    Chief Park Gi-oong only had a total number of 20 M2-kill bombs in his backpack, which was fewer than the number of missiles in the factory. He then called his teammates through non-voicemunication.


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Does anyone on the Alpha team have enough M2-kill bombs?¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Four! About six left.¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! I¡¯ll send you my location information, soe right here! When youe, be careful of the Chinese b*stards who are patrolling the area.¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Four! Copy that!¡±


    At the time when Chief Park Gi-oong and other agents from the Foreign Intelligence Division 1 Department had installed the M2-kill bombs while looking for facilities rted to the research institute, Manager Namgoong-won had been squatting in a darkened office for the past hour trying to unlock the double-encrypted folder. He was sweating.


    Despite the low temperature, Manager Namgoong-won¡¯s forehead was filled with thick sweat as that he couldn¡¯t focus on his work. It was perhaps due to the guards who would asionally patrol the area.


    Manager Namgoong-won, who had a habit of muttering to himself whenever things were not going his way, was busy mumbling as his fingers typed away on the keyboard.


    <Tiding!>


    ¡°Yes! Step one solved.¡±


    Namgoong-won, who had only managed to crack the first level code in an hour, clenched his fist and shook it. He then forced himself to focus once again and tapped at his keyboard with rapid hand movements to crack his two-step code.


    At this time, a silentmunication came from Manager Lee Ja-seong, who was Alpha Zero.


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! Bravo Zero! Are you not done yet? We¡¯re running out of TCS mode battery packs, we need to hurry!¡±


    ¡°This is Bravo Zero! I found the data but the folder has a double encryption password. Phase 1 is nowplete. Wait a minute!¡±


    ¡°Manager Namgoong-won! We have, at most, an hour left. If you count the time we need to retreat, it must be done in less than an hour! Understand? Otherwise, TCS mode will be disabled after that!¡±


    ¡°I know. I know it. Don¡¯t tell me! I need to focus!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see. Hurry up. Over!¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won looked at the screen of the X-K02 terminal on his wrist. The remaining battery pack was marked as 65 percent, which meant it wouldst about an hour.


    <Ah! Even you are not helping!>


    After biting his lower lip, Manager Namgoong-won lightly tapped his head with both palms and concentrated on his work again.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 04:30 (France time: December 31st, 2023, 20:30)


    20 kilometers outside of Lance Haute-Bienne Limousin, France (in the secret house of the National Intelligence Service [DCRI]).


    Even though Agent ck Three was in TCS mode, he was unsure if he could be identified due to the optical devices the MI6 special agents were wearing on their heads. He took the M4 that he was carrying on his back, took aim and pulled the trigger in burst mode, shooting toward the room where Shin Baiqing had fled.


    <Tick-tock-t-t~ Tick-tock-t-t~>


    Countless bullets poured out and passed by in a confrontation over the door. At this time, backup Agent ck Four fired a grenadeuncher mounted on the M416, and a 40-millimeter grenade flew andnded on the floor with a dull thud.


    <Bang!>


    With a deafening explosion, the room was filled with thick smoke. Not to miss this moment, Agent ck Three ran straight into the room and began to mercilessly shoot the MI6 agents lying on the floor.


    <Tuk-tuk-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-took>


    Without a single missed bullet, the bodies of the MI6 agents were riddled with bullet holes.


    As Agent ck Three scanned the room that was filled with thick smoke through the shield sses, a frown crossed his face.


    ¡°Damn it! He ran away!¡±


    He looked around the room for Shin Baiqing several times but there was no sign of him. It looked like he may have escaped through the emergency door that was left open on one side of the room.


    ¡°This is the ck Three, Shin Baiqing has escaped through the emergency door! It¡¯s in the northeast direction!¡±


    After reporting, Agent ck Three looked at Agent ck Four who had just entered and pointed at the emergency door. They then quickly went through it.


    As they moved about 20 meters down the passage that was so narrow that only one person could fit through at a time, they saw a small space that had adder that led down to the first floor.


    ¡°This is ck Three, the target went down to the first floor. ck one and ck two wait on the first floor!¡±


    At this time, a loud gunshot rang from the first floor, andmunication came from the ck One.


    ¡°This is the ck One! Encountered the target! Going to suppress the target.¡±


    <Tatatang! Tatata Tang! Tatatang! Tatang! Taang!>


    <Tu-woong! Tuktukttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt ttuk tuk-tuk! Tu-woong!>


    <Bang! Bang!>


    Finally, while the sound of a grenade explosion was heard, Agents ck Three and Four climbed onto thedder and made their way down to the first floor. Just as Agent ck Three was about to reach the ground floor, bullets rained down piercing the air. Sparks sttered on the irondder, and the walls were perforated with bullet holes.


    Agent ck Three, who was shot several times, clenched his teeth and tried to endure the pain. He turned slowly around andnded on the floor. Then, for the safety of Agent ck Four who was making his way down, he counterattacked while lying on the ground.


    <Tuk-tuk-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-took>


    <Tatatang! Tatang! Taang! Tatang!>s


    In an instant, Shin Baiqing and MI6 agents were surrounded in the middle of the hallway. One of them, who seemed to be the senior, handed him a pistol to break a nearby window. He then beckoned him to get out of there. When they reached outside, agents from the National Central Intelligence Agency (DCRI) were standing by with a vehicle.


    When Shin Baiqing threw himself out of the window, the MI6 agents provided suppressive fire to prevent them from approaching.


    ¡°This is the ck Three. The target escaped through the window. The second window facing northwest!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Zero! I¡¯ll stop him. Over!¡±


    ck Zero, who was leading the operation from the front door to secure an escape route, grabbed the M4 and ran to the back of the building. Even with various equipment on, ck Zero, who ran like Usain bolt, tried to stop Shin Baiqing who was running through the grounds at breakneck speed, trying to escape in a bulletproof car under the security of DCRI agents. Agent ck Zero rested the M4 on his shoulder and pulled the trigger.


    <Tuk-tuk-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-took~>


    Sparks flew as bullets hit the bulletproof vehicle, and two DCRI agents who were about to board after Shin Baiqing fell with blood spraying from their heads.


    <Kiki Kiki Kiki! Boo-woong!>


    After turning around a few times, he quickly jumped up and elerated toward the front door of the secret house. And just as he was about to go speed up even more and go through the front door, a dull gunshot rang out.


    <Boom!>


    When the left rear wheel was hit, the bulletproof car became unstable. It collided with a tree on the side of the road, overturned sideways, slid about 10 meters, and finallynded upside-down.


    ¡°This is the ck Five! Target sniper sess! Currently standing overturned on the side of the road at 250 meters ahead.¡±


    ¡°This is ck Zero. Great job! Agents who have gone in be sure to destroy the rest of the party. I will check the target myself. Over!¡±


    ¡°ck One! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°ck Two! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°ck three! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°ck Four! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°ck Five! Copy that!¡±


    Afterpleting the silentmunication, ck Zero sprinted for a distance of 300 meters. ck Zero, who arrived at the overturned bulletproof vehicle, was not panting or tired even though he had sprinted. His breathing was only slightly faster than usual.


    ¡°Phew!¡±


    With a sigh of relief, ck Zero shattered the rear window of the overturned bulletproof car with the butt of an M4, pulled out the injured Shin Baiqing in the back seat, andid him down in the middle of the road.


    ¡°Ugh! Ouch! Who, who the hell are you? Or, is it ck, ck, ck Tiger?¡±


    ¡°That, you don¡¯t have to know!¡±


    ck Zero scanned Shin Baiqing¡¯s entire body with the shield sses. A ne with a square pendant was detected inside the bathrobe he was wearing.


    ¡°This is it!¡±


    After taking off Shin Baiqing¡¯s bathrobe, ck Zero tugged on the ne. And when he grabbed both sides of the pendant and pulled it apart, a small USB memory drive was revealed.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not okay! No, No!¡±


    As Shin Baiqing began to struggle, ck Zero thoughtlessly pulled the trigger.


    <Tu-woong! Tu-woong! Tu-woong!>


    The distinctive sound of a gunshot with a silencer rang out, and Shin Baiqing flopped on the cold road. Three bullets pierced the center of his forehead, and dark red blood flowed out.


    ¡°This is ck Zero! Target checked and killpleted! Evidence was also obtained. What happened to the rest of the party?¡±


    ¡°This is the ck One! Missionplete!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Zero! Then the mission ends as of the present time! Retreat. Over!¡±


    ¡°ck One! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°ck Two! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°ck three! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°ck Four! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°ck Five! Copy that!¡±


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 05:10


    Over Balhae Bay, Korea


    About 200 fighter jets and bombers from South and North Korea had just entered the skies of Balhae Bay.


    72 C-21 jet fighters, Korea¡¯stest fighter jets, flew at the front to secure air supply, and 72 CF/A-25P ck jet fighter-bombers flew in session to perform air supremacy and bombing missions. Third in line were 20 strategic-ss bombers, CBS/A-30P Blue Dragon strategic bombers and 16 CB-91P Goshawk bombers, that flew as a squadron group. Finally, 24 CF-16Z Fighting Falcons flew as a bomber escort.


    These air force projections were not the only ones. A simr air force was currently flying in the air over Western Manchuria along the northwestern border, and 24 CF/A-50 Golden Eagles, 28 F-15k m Eagles, and CF-16Z sorties from the 20th Fighter Wing were also fighting in West Manchuria. 28 Falcons were in flight to bomb the 66th Army Group heading toward Xuzhou.


    Three years ago, the Korean-Chinese, Korean-Japanese, and Korean-American wars were fought with an enormous power equivalent to 60 percent of the Republic of Korea¡¯s air force.


    12 CF/A-25P ck jet fighter-bombers and CBS/A-30P Blue Dragon, which were tasked with bombing the first zone of the border connected to the coast of Balhae Bay, amidst hundreds of aircraft flying over the muddy area, where even a single star could not be seen due to the thick yellow dust. As the four strategic bombers approached within 100 kilometers of the target, they began to slowly enter the bombing procedure.


    *The border with New China is set up in a total of 10 districts, each with a length of 110 kilometers, divided into 100 sub-sectors.


    Flying in a group of hundreds of various aircraft like a wolf pack was very dangerous because they could be detected by anti-aircraft radar. In particr, the advantages of the jet fighters and ck jet fighters, which have excellent stealth functions, were not fully disyed. However, there was a reason why they were flying in such a manner.


    It was to instill fear in the new military. In a nutshell, it would take a rather daring act from New China¡¯s air force to stop it.


    After the defeat in the Korean-Chinese War, New China, which seeded the formermunist regime in China as it was, concentrated on strengthening its military power by tightening its national economic power. Three yearster, although it was not able to retain the military strength of the former Chinese capabilities, it was able to maintain about 80 percent..

 Chapter 467 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 2-3 Assassination

    <h4>Chapter 467: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 2-3 Assassination</h4>


    January 1st, 2024, 05:15 (New China time: 04:15)


    Zone 15, Industrial Park, Beician District, Tianjin City, New China (inside the Hisan factory)


    <Open. Open, open>


    <Tattattatat! Tattattatat!>


    As the time for retreat approached, Manager Namgoong-won, who was in a hurry, told himself to finish the mission fast and tapped the keyboard with lightning speed.


    He hit enter with a prayerful heart.


    <Tidy Dick!>


    <It, it¡¯s unlocked!>


    Namgoong-won, who almost burst out shouting for joy, covered his mouth.


    <Wow, it could have been big trouble.>


    Manager Namgoong-won turned his head to look around the office, took a long breath, put his hands together, and rxed his wrists. He had been at his keyboard non-stop for nearly two hours and his wrists and fingers were numb.


    Then, the deletion process began. To discard data that could never be recovered by digital forensics, Namgoong-won ran aputer virus program that he had prepared in advance.


    After a few minutes passed, the running program began to delete the data that was in the folder one after another.


    At that moment, he heard someone enter the office.


    <Damn it, at a time like this!>


    Manager Namgoong-won, who covered the runningptop with his body to make it transparent, took a breath and looked at the door.


    <Doob! Doob!>


    The door opened and two armed guards with shlights appeared, illuminating the office with their lights.


    After shining their shlights around the office for a while and seeing that there was nothing wrong, the two armed guards, who were about to leave, immediately turned to look again as the sound of theptop¡¯s fan grew louder. They walked toward Manager Namgoong-won.


    The program that was running had erased arge amount of data, which had put a lot of strain on the CPU, and caused the fan to be noisy.


    ¡°Hey! Can you hear something?¡±


    ¡°What do you hear?¡±


    ¡°Hey, over there! It sounds like some sort of mechanical sound!¡±


    ¡°You surely have very sharp ears!¡±


    The two soldiers shone their shlights and slowly approached the ce where Manager Namgoong-won was lying down.


    <Damn! I¡¯ll get caught with this! I can¡¯t help it! I need to attack them first!>


    As the two guards were less than five meters away, Manager Namgoong-won pulled the CS5A1ser pistol from his waist and pulled the trigger.


    <Mew! Mew!>


    When theser-firing sound rang out, the two guards copsed to the floor, unable to scream. However, a security guard, who was pierced through the abdomen by theser, instinctively pulled the trigger of his rifle.


    <Tatata tatata tang!>


    A roar of gunfire echoed outside the office.


    ¡°This is f*cked up.¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won, who uttered a short swear word, quickly checked hisptop after aiming at the head of a security guard who shot at him just as he was about to copse.


    About 50 percent of the data remained undeleted.


    <There isn¡¯t enough time!>


    Namgoong-won was deeply worried. He couldn¡¯t even bring hisptop out of the office when the deletion program was running. It was because it was connected by LAN.


    At this time, voicelessmunication came from Manager Lee Ja-sung.


    ¡°This is Alpha Zero! one! What the hell is going on? Have you been caught?¡±


    It seemed that he urgently sent a voicelessmunication after hearing the gunfire. If Manager Lee Ja-sung had heard the gunfire, the guards patrolling the area would have heard it as well. Manager Namgoong-won bit his lips and calmly sent a silentmunication.


    ¡°This is Bravo Zero! I killed two guards but unfortunately, one guard returned fire.¡±


    ¡°Then it can¡¯t be helped. Won! Get out of there right now!¡±


    ¡°No! There are still files left to delete!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Armed soldiers are flocking to that area. And there¡¯s not much battery left. If it¡¯s toote, it¡¯ll be hard to get out of there.¡±


    ¡°Then there is nothing you can do! Get out of here before it¡¯s toote for you guys!¡±


    ¡°What b*llshit are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not b*llshit. This is the only way for now. I have to finish the mission so I¡¯ll be cutting off themunication.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Namgoong-won!¡±


    <tow~>


    Manager Namgoong-won, who turned off the silentmunication, began running a new program. The program was a follow-up program created by Dr. Lee Hyun, which could track the code that Professor Woo Jin-gil nted in the sma core technology. The disadvantage was that it was impossible to track it because it did not work unless it was connected to the Inte and now it was connected to the secret research institute¡¯s internalwork. In other words, even if it did not have Inte ess, tracking was also possible if it was directly connected to the internalwork.


    This was Namgoong-won¡¯s intention ¨C for the tracking program to track the files nted with encryption codes andpletely discard them with deletion programs.


    When the two programs were running at the same time, theptop made an even louder humming sound.


    ¡°Dearputer! Let¡¯s finish this without making any mistakes!¡±


    Namgoong-won, who kissed hisptop in a prone position, made a solemn face and headed toward the door with his CS5A1ser pistol.


    Manager Namgoong-won seemed to be trying to maintain his position until the program was done running. Manager Namgoong-won, who lowered his posture taking cover at the drawers and desks toward the entrance door so he could be on the lookout, checked the X-K02 terminal.


    The remaining battery pack amount was 22 percent, which gave him about 15 minutes left. When he felt as if he only had 15 minutes left to live, manager Namgoong-won felt sad and suddenly remembered Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°If I knew this would happen, I would have been nicer to her.¡±


    A grateful woman who was supportive of him and his life when he had copsed mentally and physically. The old memories from the first day they had met passed like a shlight in his mind.


    While reminiscing about the old memories, he heard the sound of military boots from a distance and it grew louder and louder.


    ¡°Where is it? Is it his way?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s over there in the office.¡±


    When he slightly put his head out and checked the left hallway with his shield sses, he could see that about ten armed guards were heading his way.


    ¡°Good! I¡¯m the one who¡¯s killed the Scorpions, and those wieners are nothing.¡±


    Namgoong-won, who talked himself up to ovee the fear that was pouring in, put all his strength in his right hand that was holding the CS5A1ser pistol and got into a shooting stance.


    If he was in TCS mode, he could have done it with a few peopleing in. However, by the time theptop¡¯s program was expected to bepleted, TCS mode would have been disabled.


    Manager Namgoong-won, who let out a long sigh, took a stable posture as he took aim and fired at the first guard that was running along the hallway.


    <Whoops! Whoops! Whoops! Whoops! Whoops!>


    As several red rays flew at the speed of light, the security guard who was running ahead stumbled forward without even knowing what had happened.


    ¡°Ahh!¡±


    ¡°What, what is it?¡±


    Suddenly, when the guards stopped running and rolled on the floor. The guards that were behind scattered and ran for cover. They then instinctively fired toward the door where nothing could be seen.


    <Tatang! Tatata Tatang! Taang! Tatatang!>


    Manager Namgoong-won, who managed to avoid the bullets that were pouring into the wall, crossed the wall and using the inverter mode of his shield sses, he scanned the positions of the guards and then began firing once again.


    <Whoops! Whoops! Whoops!>


    <Arggh!>


    A guard who had been hiding behind a wall fell with a groan.


    ¡°What, what the hell, what is it? What is shooting at us?¡±


    A man who seemed to be the highest rank of the guards called for support troops when his subordinates copsed without knowing what was going on.


    ¡°This is Sector 3! Requesting troops for support in the 3rd sector is..¡±


    <Whoops! Whoops! Whoops! Whoops! Whoops! Whoops! Whoops!>


    At this time, a pile of light was shot from the rear, not from the front, and seven people, including a senior guard who was requesting support throughmunication, copsed with aser beam hole in the back of their heads.


    ¡°What, what is it? What? Ah, that b*stard¡­¡±


    The moment he was about to fire again when the guards copsed, Manager Namgoong-won, who was bewildered not knowing what was going on, noticed immediately.


    ¡°Hey! friend! What are you doing here?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who shot down seven people at once, ran in a transparent state.


    ¡°Are youughing now? Why are you here?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who ran next to Manager Namgoong-won, took a breath for a while and answered with a bright smile.


    ¡°Why did Ie here? I came to save my friend. Let¡¯s go! I¡¯ll cover you.¡±


    ¡°What the heck! If I could¡¯ve run away, I would¡¯ve gone earlier!¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time! TCS mode will be disabled in a few minutes!¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that?¡±


    Manager Namgoong-won took a moment to check hisptop. All of the sma core technology data in the folder were deleted, but the data found through the tracking program were still being deleted.


    ¡°There¡¯s still time left.¡±


    ¡°How long do we have left? If we don¡¯t get out now, we will die here.¡±


    ¡°I think there are about 10 minutes left.¡±


    ¡°You can leave yourptop behind!¡±


    ¡°What if they turn off theptop or destroy it? Then it would have all been for nothing. What about the other agents?¡±


    ¡°I ordered them to retreat earlier. I¡¯m sure they¡¯re all out by now. You and I are the only ones left here.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-seong responded by exchanging the magazine battery pack of the CS5A1ser pistol.


    ¡°Hey, you should go before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s funny. Do you think I¡¯ll leave you alone? Do I just have to keep thatptop running for ten minutes?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true!¡±


    ¡°Okay! Then I¡¯ll protect it. Won! You get out of here.¡±


    ¡°What? Computer illiterate who doesn¡¯t even know aboutputers.¡±


    ¡°You said I just have to protect it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    <Tatata Tang! Tatata Tang! Tatatang! Tatatang!>


    While they were bickering like children, a bunch of guards rushed in from both hallways and fired indiscriminately.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Our TCS mode has been disabled.¡±


    The two men, who did not know that the TCS mode had been disabled, had an exciting conversation andughed as if the current situation was absurd.


    <Tatatang! Tatatang!>


    ¡°It¡¯s those guys. Shoot! Hey! Throw a grenade, too!¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Duchun, who appeared during the malfunction of the fire rm, gave instructions to its subordinates.


    As the TCS mode was disabled and revealed, the guards who had been shooting aimlessly had be more aggressive when they saw their targets.


    <Boom! Boom!>


    A huge number of bullets and a grenade flew from both sides and exploded.


    The debris of the grenade could be blocked with a protective suit, but the sound of an explosion that almost burst their eardrums was deafening.


    ¡°Won! You take the left side! I¡¯ll take it on the right side.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    <Whoops! Whoops! Whoops! Whoops! Whoops!>


    <Tatatang! Tatatang! Tatatang!>


    ¡°Phew! There are so many guards. It¡¯s going to be too much to take them down with a pistol alone.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who once knocked down three guards with one shot, covered himself between the walls and sighed.


    ¡°We just need to stop them for a while longer!¡±


    At this time, a small sound rang from theptop. As a result, Namgoong-won ran to confirm that the program waspleted. His face brightened.


    ¡°Done, it¡¯s done! It¡¯s done! Missionpleted.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung also smiled at the appearance of Namgoong-won smiling at a time when he did not know when he could die.


    ¡°Dude! Why are you being happy about that?¡±


    ¡°Manager Lee!¡±


    ¡°Why!¡±


    ¡°Did you install all the bombs?¡±


    ¡°Yes! What about a remote controller?¡±


    ¡°I have it.¡±


    ¡°Then explode it!¡±


    ¡°What? Do you want us all to die?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung answered with a surprising look at Namgoong-won¡¯s casual tone.


    ¡°Then what should I do? Can we get out of here?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    <Rattling, rattling, rattling!>


    At this time, the heavy machine¡¯s consecutive shots rang, and the hidden wall was riddled with bullet holes. Hazy smoke and debris poured out.


    ¡°You punks! Did you use the heavy weapon just to catch two people?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who confirmed the situation beyond the wall with the inverter mode, covered his mouth due to the smoke.


    ¡°So, explode it.¡±


    ¡°Won! Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Would I joke around in this kind of situation?¡±


    ¡°Dude! That¡¯s cool.¡±


    When Namgoong-won tapped his shoulder, Lee Ja-sung took the remote controller out of the inner pocket. The two men looked at each other¡¯s faces for a while and smiled even though a lot of bullets were surrounding them.


    ¡°Dude! It was nice to know you as a friend.¡±


    ¡°Dude! Me too as well!¡±


    The two men, who joked with each other, shook hands firmly and manager Lee Ja-sung pressed the button of the remote controller he was holding in his left hand.


    <Boom! Boom boom!>


    A huge explosion rang simultaneously, and explosions continued everywhere. The entire underground building shook and debris poured from the ceiling. The explosions gradually reached the ce where the two men were.


    After a while, the Hisan factory, which exploded dozens of times underground, disappeared without a trace as if it had been sucked into the ground. Instead, only dark smoke and mes were rising through the cracks..

 Chapter 468 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas participation in War - 3-1 Sever Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 468: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s participation in War ¨C 3-1 Sever Punishment</h4>


    January 1st, 2024, 04:35 (New China time: 03:35)


    Outside Area 15 of Beichen District Industrial Complex, Tianjin, New China


    Among the Foreign Intelligence Team One agents who were checking the area amid the dark red mes and smoke that rose from the thick yellow dust, team leader Park Gi-oong continued to sendmunication to the two managers, but there was no response.


    ¡°No response yet?¡±


    Second Team leader Youn Tae-jin approached team leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s car to talk to him.


    ¡°Damn it, there¡¯s no response! And the location information is turned off!¡±


    Because the TCS mode consumed all of the battery capacity, the X-K02 terminal, which was providing them with the location information for the two managers, was turned off.


    ¡°No way! They didn¡¯t fail to escape, did they?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything that will bring bad luck!¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong reacted angrily, followed by team leader Youn Tae-jin, who responded with a vague look.


    ¡°I just said that in case, Team leader Park!¡±


    In fact, team leader Park Gi-oong was traumatized by an ident that urred three years ago in China in which he had lost his direct supervisor, Ji Dong-chul. For a time after his boss¡¯s death, he suffered greatly and even considered submitting his resignation letter.


    ¡°They won¡¯t die like this.¡±


    Team leader Ji Dong-chul came to his mind as he said this. As a result, he shook his head to dismiss those thoughts before attemptingmunication again.


    However, there was no response. This was simply becausemunication would not work if the location information sensor had been turned off.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. As team leader Park said, the two of them aren¡¯t going to die like this.¡±


    The Third Team Leader Shin Eun-ha said with a worried expression.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go back to the safe house! They¡¯ll definitelye back if we wait there.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong tapped team leader Youn on his shoulder, and then team leader Youn Tae-jin signaled the first team agents to return.


    ¡°Team leader Youn! Take our team members! I¡¯ll stay here and wait for the two managers.¡±


    ¡°Hey! That is not right. Anyway, do whatever you want. Wait here carefully ande with themter. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Team leader Youn Tae-jin changed his words because he thought it was pointless to try to persuade him, and he got into the car with the team one agents and ordered them to move. As a result, the three cars took off, leaving only team leader Park Gi-oong behind.


    ¡°Team leader! Pleasee back with our managers!¡±


    Assistant manager Oh Suk-jin, who came out of the window, waved his hand and shouted.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    With a heavy heart, team leader Park Gi-oong sat in the driver¡¯s seat after dispatching his team agents. He waited until the next morning, but neither of the managers showed up.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 05:35 (New China time: 04:35)


    30 kilometers above the southwestern tip of Seomanju Border 1 in Korea


    When the Korean Air Force aircrafts entered New China¡¯s airspace, the New China Air Forceunched various fighters to intercept them, and various army groups¡¯ air defense units fired various surface-to-air missiles against the Korean aircraft that they detected on radar.


    However, more than 100 CF-21P Zhujak fighters who were assigned to escort missions annihted the New China Air Force fighters sortied for interception like a child ying with his toys, and the surface-to-air missiles were neutralized with the upgraded powerful SECM (Radio Disturbance System).


    The 12 CF/A-25P ck Zhujak fighters belonging to the 237th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing of the Sunan Air Force Base in Bukju, which first reached the hitting point, gradually changed theirposition to the triangr flightposition, while the four CBS/A-30P Blue Dragon Strategic Bombers belonging to the 15th Special Mission Air Force Base, that were flying behind them, split up and flew to the side.


    Then, ording to the order of the squadronmander, 80 C-PSB (sma Spread Bombs) fired one after another from each of the CBS/A-30P Blue Dragon strategic bombers, which have an explosive capacity of nearly 200 tons per ne. They fired 320 bombs in total, which was a massive amount.


    The 320 C-PSB (sma Spread Bombs), which usually performs excellent performance against mechanized units, were fired and began falling on the 40th Group of the New Korean Army, which was stationed near the border, and soon produced a spectacr fireworks disy.


    The first explosion urred 50 meters above the ground, and a slew of submunitions were sprayed. A massive explosion engulfed the entire 40th Army Group, and the submunitions that hit the ground resulted in a second explosion, causing fire to envelop everything on the ground, whether they were tanks or armored vehicles.


    Countless pieces of debris flew in all directions, hitting all the subordinate units of the 40th Group. It was like hell. This series of explosions and shessted about ten minutes.


    When the four CBS/A-30P Blue Dragon strategic bomberspleted their bombing missions and switched to return, the 12 CF/A-25P ck Zhujak fighters, which had been on escort missions, turned back as well.


    Among them, the Acacia squadron turned in the direction of Yehinsan Mountain. Their intended target was the 11th Artillery Brigade, an artillery unit directly under themand of the 40th Army Group that fired sma bombs at the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong).


    Currently, the 11th Artillery Brigade detoured to the southern tip of Changli County to support the units from the 40th Army Group that were just breaking through the border under themand of the brigademander and were moving along the G206 road along the border.


    All of the upper and lower roads were upied by the brigade headquarters, observatory battalion, and seven artillery battalions, forming a long two-row line. Suddenly, a sh of light appeared 50 meters above them in the sky. Then, like a shower of rain, a slew of submunitions poured down on the artillery battalion in the foreground.


    <Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!>


    As soon as the submunitions hit them, a second explosion swept over the artillery battalion. As a result, the artillery battalion was unable to maneuver, and the turret, as well as the entire hull, exploded as if it had been hit by an anti-tank missile. They¡¯d turned into a hunk of scrap metal.


    These explosions continued and eventually spread throughout the 11th Artillery Brigade.


    A few minutester, on the S206 road, where cracks, breaks, andrge and small puddles were hollowed out, the moving vehicles could no longer be seen. Only various self-propelled guns, armored vehicles, and multi-extension vehicles that had turned into scrap metal emitting smoke appeared to be abominable.


    The 11th Artillery Brigade waspletely destroyed by 24 C-PSB (sma Spread Bombs) dropped by the Acacia squadron.


    Moreover, the annihtion of the 40th army Group, which included the 11th Artillery Brigade, was only the beginning. As the Air Force devastated the entire 1,100-kilometer border, it moved the Aerospace Force¡¯s CS-AD Zeus Strategic Interceptor Satellites 2, 3, and 8 tounch additional attacks. Furthermore, 12 CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jets from Mangsan Base¡¯s 2nd Space Fighter Wingunched attacks and erased the 27th Army Group from the map, which was sweeping behind the 40th Army Group.


    While the two aerial forces attacked the border region, there were ground attacks from the Republic of Korea¡¯s territory toward New China. It was the strategic missile force thatunched over 300 Hyunmoo-2E2 tactical ballistic missiles with a range of over 5000 kilometers and basins-PIP (IRBM) with a range of 1,500 kilometers from various mobileunch vehicles and ground bases, attacking the 71st Army Group, which was stationed in the mountainous area along the borderline.


    Furthermore, at sea, more than 200 Cheonryong A missiles (SLCM surface-to-surface cruise missiles) wereunched from six destroyers and eight frigates of the 3rd Fleet, which were stationed 55 kilometers northeast of Pukyong (Weihai) Port. The 200 Cheonryong A missiles (SLCMs), which flew ten meters above the ground, rained down on the 66th Army Group, which had been designated as their target.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 05:55 (New China time: 03:55)


    X-15 bunker in Beijing, New China


    President Wang Jing-wi, who had moved to the X-15 bunker ahead of the invasion of South Korea, received reports that the 11th Artillery Brigade of the 40th Group had sessfully destroyed the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong), their biggest obstacle during sweeping, as well as the 25th Light Armored Infantry Division (Biryong), which was blocking the 16th Army¡¯s sweeping road, and the 2nd Division responsible for the First, Second, and Third areas of the border had also inflicted significant damage. With those reports of the sessful sma bomb attacks on themand center of the 75th Mechanized Guard Division (Torchlight), the X-15 bunker was more than excited and festive.


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was determined to attack the Korean Penins as well as restore Northeast Samsung, was watching therge screen in the operation room with a smile on his face.


    However, this atmosphere did notst very long.


    All South Korean troops were mobilized tounch a retaliatory attack two and a half hours after the start of the New China invasion. As a result, the operators in charge ofmunication in the operation room were receiving the damage reports from the Army Group Commands continuously.


    In some units, instead of the Army Group Command, a higher-ranking officer reported the damage. It was because the whole army unit was annihted.


    President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s face was distorted for a moment by the report of the unimaginable damage, and Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung, who was next to him, couldn¡¯t hide his embarrassment.


    ¡°What the hell are you guys doing? Didn¡¯t you expect Korea¡¯s retaliatory attack? And yet, you suffer like this.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi directed his criticism at General Yuan Xiaoqiao, Chief of General Staff.


    ¡°I apologize. We expected and prepared, as the president stated, but the Korean military¡¯s retaliatory attacks exceeded our expectations.¡±


    Because South Korea was at war with Russia, General Yuan Xiaoqiao did not expect the South Korean military tounch such arge-scale retaliatory attack.


    Several operators seated around the control room¡¯s screen updated the symbols on the screen with the most recent reported information.


    The symbol of the units that had been sweeping across the border until a few minutes ago quickly changed one by one to a red X symbol.


    ¡°It¡¯s serious. Serious!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi became enraged as the symbols on the screen kept changing.


    ¡°Mr. President! Don¡¯t worry. Don¡¯t we have the sma bomb? Even though we suffered more damage than we expected, we can still ovee it.¡±


    Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung carefully said.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but the loss is too big, isn¡¯t it? Will we be able to restore Northeast Samsung after that?¡±


    ¡°Currently, all the defensepanies are switching to a wartime position and producing various weapons. Besides, our poption is much more than Korea, isn¡¯t it? Aren¡¯t there nearly three million reserve forces under the Emergency Action Mobilization Decree? We¡¯ll be able to make up for the power loss in no time.¡±


    After hearing Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung¡¯s usible words, President Wang Jing-wi calmed down and asked.


    ¡°Chief of Staff! How many sma bombs do we have left currently?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President! A total of six were used for the first attack. We have four left.¡±


    ¡°Not enough! Not enough! You should contact the General Equipment Department and tell them to mass-produce it faster!¡±


    However, the head of the equipment department, Pudi Huqiao, the only one who could fulfill President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s wish, was no longer around.


    The head of the equipment department, Pudi Huqiao, who had been researching and developing the sma bomb in an underground secretboratory disguised as a factory for several months, died in the explosion caused by the Foreign Intelligence Team One.


    Unaware of this fact, President Wang Jing-wi and the staff who were gathered in the operation room only heard of the tragic news at 9 a.m. and were engulfed in such a shock that it could not be described in words..

 Chapter 469 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas participation in War - 3-2 Sever Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 469: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s participation in War ¨C 3-2 Sever Punishment</h4>


    January 1st, 2024, 07:20


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (conference room of the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    The Joint Chiefs of Staffpleted the briefing on the results of the ¡®Eraser Operation,¡¯ the start of the unlimited retaliatory attack in which they deployed thergest force in history to devastate the entire region of New China¡¯s border, and the briefing on the second operation, ¡®ttening Operation,¡¯ was just about to begin.


    Brigadier General Lee Hun-sang, head of the Operations nning Division, who established the second phase of ¡®ttening Operation,¡¯ took the stage next to the screen, with a microphone ced near his mouth. They were in a meeting room that was packed withmanders and staff members from every army division.


    ¡°From now on, we will begin the briefing on ¡®ttening Operation,¡¯ the second stage of our unlimited retaliatory attacks.¡±


    As Brigadier General Lee Hun-sang announced that he was about to start the briefing, the screen automatically turned on, and a digital map showing the entire border between South Korea and New China appeared.


    While the first phase, ¡®Eraser Operation,¡¯ was a defensive attack to halt New China¡¯s advance, the second phase, ¡®ttening Operation,¡¯ was an aggressive attack on New China¡¯s major cities and industrial facilities.


    ¡°Please look at the screen first.¡±


    As a consequence of Brigadier General Lee Hun-sang¡¯s words, a digital map of not only the border but the entire New China appeared on the screen and numbers were assigned throughout the country.


    The numbered cities were mostlyrge cities with poptions in the millions, or industrialplexes, such as Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan, Datong, Changzhou, Shijiazhuang, Hengshui, and Binzhou.


    The ¡®ttening Operation¡¯ was established to end the war with New China at an early stage, and it was literally intended to tten the targeted cities, as the name suggests. Despite the fact that most of these cities were popted by arge number of civilians and military operations should have been limited, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, who was entrusted by the president with unrestricted retaliatory attacks and full control over all operations, ordered the operation to proceed regardless.


    Therefore, it was a simple operation in which they nned topletely tten the cities by conducting a massive attack after ordering residents of the targeted cities to evacuate through the use of various media and means for a week.


    Even though the operation was sensitive because it risked isting Korea from the UN and the internationalmunity as a result of the civilian massacre that might ur if the civilians did notply with the evacuation order and remained in the cities, the Ministry of National Defense and the government were not currently in a position to be concerned about this.


    This was because of New China¡¯s maniption over the years, which siphoned off-key sma technologies and used the sma bombs developed by them in their previous invasion, resulting in tens of thousands of civilian deaths in the civilian city of Najin.


    About 10 minutester¡­


    ¡°Finally, in seven days from now at 10 p.m., the second phase ¡®ttening Operation¡¯ will begin. We willunch attacks in those 32 cities. That concludes today¡¯s briefing.¡±


    At the end of the briefing, some of themanders and staff who were sitting looked worried.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 09:30


    The Central Military Manpower Administration in Guro-gu, Seoul


    South Korea, as usual, weed the new year in a festive atmosphere, but at 2 a.m., various media outlets reported the Russian military¡¯s massive counterattack and the surprise invasion of the New China Army. As a result, the South Korean military, which was defending the border area, suffered greater losses than expected.


    As a result, people trying to celebrate the holiday peacefully were filled with anxiety and fear, but the active response from government ministries and President Choo Un-hee¡¯s public statement helped to alleviate their concerns.


    The Republic of Korea, which nearly fell into great chaos as a result of the war¡¯s expansion due to New China¡¯s participation, was able to settle down without major disruptions and end the situation without much agitation. Furthermore, the Ministry of National Defense and the Military Manpower Administration received a flood of military support inquiries from young people in their twenties and office workers in their thirties who had heard the news, by either calling or visiting them in person.


    Amid the crowds of people who were flocking to the Central Military Manpower Administration, there were reporters from various broadcasting stations.


    ¡°Why did youe here today?¡±


    A beautiful female reporter asked a young man who appeared to be an office worker.


    ¡°I came here after hearing the news this morning.¡±


    ¡°Then, are you here to enlist in the military?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Haha, I only packed these simple things.¡±


    The young man smiled brightly, showing the backpack he was carrying.


    ¡°But how old are you?¡±


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯m 32 years old.¡±


    ¡°So you are not in the reserve forces as you¡¯ve turned 32, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s been two years since I¡¯vepleted my reserve service.¡±


    From 2022, the period of reserve forces had been reduced to six years and civil defense to four years.


    ¡°And you¡¯re still applying to the military?¡±


    ¡°How does that matter in a national crisis? Although it has been over eight years since I was discharged from the military, all the things I learned while serving in the military for two years are still in my NDA. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Oh! In DNA?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, here, here.¡±


    The man tapped his chest and looked confident.


    ¡°Oh, thank you for the interview. Would you like to say something before you go?¡±


    When the reporter asked him, the man coughed several times and looked at the camera.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mum and dad. I¡¯m sorry for surprising you with my re-enlistment in the army when you hadn¡¯t even had your breakfast. As a Korean man, I just couldn¡¯t stay. My parents let me go without saying anything! I¡¯ll be back in good health. Thank you. Salute!¡±


    After his modest salute, the other men who were standing in a long line cheered and apuded.


    ¡°You¡¯re really cool. If you re-enlist, I hope you will be able to discharge in good health. Thank you again for the interview.¡±


    At the end of the interview, the camera caught only the reporter in close-up, and the reporter¡¯s remarks continued.


    ¡°Patriotism appears to be soaring in the sky. Finally, let me conduct another interview with someone else.¡±


    The female reporter approached a man in line who appeared to be very young and asked him for an interview.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m reporter Nam Bo-ra of KBS. You look so young. How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Argh! I shouldn¡¯t have an interview. Can you blur my face?¡±


    The young man avoided the camera, covering his face with his hands.


    ¡°Yes, I see. We¡¯ll blur you. Why did youe here?¡±


    Hearing the reporter¡¯s question, the young man proudly looked at the camera and answered.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m here to join the army.¡±


    ¡°Well, how old are you?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, I¡¯m a sophomore in high school.¡±


    ¡°What? A sophomore in high school? That means you are 18 years old. You can¡¯t join the military at this age. Didn¡¯t you know?¡±


    ¡°That would be normal in normal times, but we are now at war, so I believe it is possible. Didn¡¯t the students perform admirably during the Korean War?¡±


    ¡°Oh! The situation was like that at the time, but now¡­¡±


    ¡°Reporter!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The young man, who stopped the reporter frompleting her sentence, put his hands on his waist and said proudly.


    ¡°Whether it was then or now, it¡¯s natural to sacrifice yourself for your family and country. Even if I can¡¯t go to the battlefield, there will be something I can do behind the scenes.¡±


    For a sophomore in high school, he had some sensible things to say.


    ¡°Yes, I understand. Do your parents know about this?¡±


    When asked by the female reporter, the young man flinched and replied in a hoarse voice, his bold appearance had disappeared.


    ¡°No, I came out secretly as soon as I had my breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Well, your courage and goals are admirable, but wouldn¡¯t it be better if you had first discussed it with your parents?¡±


    At that time, the men who were listening to the interviewughed and shouted.


    ¡°Student! Since we will be protecting our country, you shoulde back after passing your entrance exam!¡±


    ¡°Your brothers will be going first, so go and eat more! Haha.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be beaten to death by your parents. Hurry up and go home!¡±


    The teasing withugher was heard from all over the ce.


    ¡°Ah! This will be blurred, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it will be blurred when it¡¯s on air.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll tell my parents first ande back.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thank you for your consideration. Thank you for the interview.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    As soon as the interview was over, the young man turned away and shook his head. The camera director¡¯s cue sign was heard.


    ¡°HAHA, did you get a picture of that student?¡±


    Putting the camera on his shoulder, the camera director smiled and said, and the reporter responded with a smile as well.


    ¡°He is a great student. Seeing a high school sophomore who came all the way here at once to protect his country, I feel proud. Dang!¡±


    ¡°I know. He¡¯ll be a great personter.¡±


    <hr />


    On January 1st, 2024, 10:00


    LF Apartment (1103) in Jamsilbon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul


    <Ding dong! Ding dong!>


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who weed New Year¡¯s Day alone at home because of Manager Namgoong-won¡¯s business, was about to go to work when the interphone in her living room rang.


    ¡°Who are you? Huh? Director Kang?¡±


    She walked to the front door after being surprised to see the face of Kang Ki-won, director of the Foreign Intelligence Agency, on the interphone screen.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? My house?¡±


    When she opened the front door and saw Director Kang Ki-won standing with a serious expression on his face, she immediately had an ominous thought.


    It was certainly not normal for the director of the Foreign Intelligence Agency to be there on New Year¡¯s Day.


    <No way?>


    Her heart began to pound when Namgoong-won¡¯s name came to her mind.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry toe like this on the holidays.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. Come in, Director!¡±


    ¡°Okay, excuse me.¡±


    The expression on the face of Director Kang Ki-won, who sat on the sofa in the living room, remained unchanged. Manager Lee Hye-jin, who carefully examined this, handed him a coffee cup and said.


    ¡°Director General! Are you here because of my husband¡¯s business?¡±


    Director Lee Hye-jin asked.


    ¡°Right. I¡¯m here because of Namgoong.¡±


    At that moment, manager Lee Hye-jin copsed on the floor of the living room as her legs buckled beneath her.


    ¡°Manager Lee! Are you okay?¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won assisted her.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry. I am okay.¡± Manager Lee Hye-jin sat on the sofa across him, calmed down herself, and asked carefully.


    ¡°What happened to my husband?¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won took a sip from the cup of coffee and exined to her what had happened in Tianjinst night.


    ¡°What? My husband died?¡±


    Ominous thoughts were always right. As a result, manager Lee Hye-jin had tears flowing from her eyes.


    ¡°It is too early to confirm¡­He was wearing a protective suit at the time of the explosion, so the chances of him still being alive is high!¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won exaggerated the slim possibility of his survival to reassure her as much as possible. However, as a veteran of the National Intelligence Service, she understood that Director Kang Ki-won¡¯s words were only meant tofort her. Perhaps this is why she couldn¡¯t stop crying.


    ¡°Good news wille soon, so let¡¯s endure it for a while even if it¡¯s difficult. Got it, Manager Lee!¡±


    ¡°No, I should go there myself.¡±


    ¡°No! Didn¡¯t you watch the morning news?¡±


    ¡°What news?¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess you didn¡¯t see it. The New China Army began invading the border early this morning! Now that we¡¯re at war, it¡¯s too dangerous to go there!¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t wait like this. I¡¯ll have to go there and look for him by myself.¡±


    ¡°Manager Lee! Ipletely understand how you feel! But I can¡¯t let you go! Why don¡¯t we wait a couple of days? If you haven¡¯t heard from me by then, I¡¯ll be in charge of sending you there.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Director Kang!¡±


    After a while, Director Kang Ki-won left, leaving manager Lee Hye-jin alone in the living room, thinking about the phone call she had with Namgoong-won the day before. She could still hear his voice greeting her and talking to her as if nothing had happened. She covered her chest and cried incessantly..

 Chapter 470 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas participation in War - 3-3 Sever Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 470: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s participation in War ¨C 3-3 Sever Punishment</h4>


    January 1st, 2024, 11:30 (Ukraine time: 05:30)


    10 kilometers west of Spartak, Dsk, Ukraine


    On the 28th, the 5th Marine Division (Jiryong), which arrived at the Tokmok military airfield, met with Ukrainian military leaders to establish operations rted to the subjugation of the rebels, and three dayster, today, they began the sweeping operations to recover Dsk alongside the Ukrainian 65th Vehicle Infantry Division.


    Most of Dsk¡¯s viges and cities were greatly damaged by the nine-year civil war. In particr, the vige adjacent to the main border.


    There were no intact buildings to be seen; they were either half-destroyed orpletely copsed, leaving behind tracks that led one to believe that this was a construction site. There were also piles of debris from various buildings on the road, as well as rusted cars. Tanks and armored vehicles withrge holes could be seen everywhere because of the fierce battle.


    Spartak, where the cold wind blew fiercely in the near-freezing weather, appeared to be an uninhabited city of death. Because it was close to the border, the fire was fierce, and it appeared that all of the residents of this small vige had fled.


    The sound of the caterpir resonating on the ground became increasingly loud in such a small city, and soon after, a group of armored vehicles appeared outside Spartak.


    <Kurururung! Kurururung!>


    Dozens of K-24P-N amphibious assault vehicles from the 27th Marine Battalion, 51st Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division (Jiryong), with gold dragon symbols engraved on both sides and a long g fluttering in a long column, as well as various armored vehicles, were approaching the city, and they began to change to a horizontal formation as they got closer.


    Meanwhile, at a temporary post outside the city, the sentry saw the 27th Marines and hurriedly ran to thepany headquarters under the guard post.


    ¡°Captain! Arge-scale armored vehicle unit has appeared at the western entrance.¡±


    ¡°What? Armored unit?¡±


    An officer of the upper rank, who was resting while sitting on the stove drinking warm coffee, jumped up and ran to the guard post.


    He was Fagaz Gallioulin, themander of the first securitypany of the rebels in charge of the front area.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? It¡¯s an army vehicle unit, right? Damn, what were you doing until now?¡±


    He climbed up to the guard post, snatched the sentry¡¯s telescope, looked toward the western entrance, and screamed with a voice full of criticism.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    At thepanymander¡¯s rebuke, the sentry bowed his head like a sinner. Supervisor Fagaz Gallioulin, who red at the sentry, looked closely through the telescope again.


    ¡°Those¡­I don¡¯t think they¡¯re Ukrainian soldiers. Who are they? No, it¡¯s not the time to be like this!¡±


    Thepanymander, who handed over the telescope to the sentry, ran downstairs again and picked up themunication receiver.


    ordingly, themunication console connected the call.


    ¡°It¡¯s connected to the Grand Headquarters.¡±


    At the words of themunication soldier, Supervisor Fagaz Gallioulin reported in an urgent voice.


    ¡°This is Gallioulin, themander of the 1st Security Company. Many armored vehicles have been spotted in front of the western gate! The approximate number is estimated to be about 30! Please apply immediately.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? What do you mean by armored vehicles? Are they Ukrainian?¡±


    A nervous reaction from the battalionmander came through themunication receiver.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they belong to the Ukrainian army. They looked like armored vehicles and I¡¯ve never seen the g before.¡±


    Fagaz Gallioulin, who did not recognize the Korean g, did not know that the armored vehicle unit belonged to the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.


    ¡°Send me the exact coordinates! I¡¯m going tounch a mortar attack.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think mortar will work. There are more people than you think.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? I¡¯m going to attack the regiment for emergency support so send me the coordinates.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the coordinates are 48¡ã24¡¯31.03¡åN 36¡ã40¡¯46.79¡åE.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Hold on there until the reinforcements arrive!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    After ending themunication, Fagaz Gallioulin was at a loss. The 1st Guard Company had approximately 160 troops at the time! While the number of enemy soldiers he saw exiting the unusual-armored vehicle was over 200.


    ¡°Damn! It¡¯s a battalion-level force. How can I defend against it with mypany force?¡±


    Supervisor Fagaz Gallioulin threw the receiver down and gave the orders to the staff with an annoyed expression.


    ¡°Everyone, get ready for the battle! Move to your respective positions, the battalion headquarters willunch a mortar attack. Furthermore, the battalion has stated that they will immediately send a support unit, so we must maintain the defense line until then. Do you understand?¡±


    Despite the fact that it was not a regr army, the staff, who had attained some level of veteran status after the nine years of civil war, moved quickly to their respective positions at thepanymander¡¯s orders.


    In February 2019, when the Russian army participated in the civil war, the Ukrainian troops had to withdraw from Dsk and Luhansk. As a result, Dsk and Luhansk werepletely handed over to the rebels, and five yearster, there had been no significant engagement.


    As time went by, Ukraine¡¯s influence on the two states fell significantly, and it was no exaggeration to say that the rebel victory solidified.


    Meanwhile, the marines who had exited the armored vehicle moved quickly along the road leading to the city¡¯s interior and began preparing for the war.


    The marines, who were wearing shield sses, a cutting-edge optical device, moved in squads. They were able to obtain real-time information about enemy soldiers, such as identifying their location and determining whether or not they possessed firearms.


    They also used the inverter mode to search the entire building for any enemy soldiers who might be hiding inside.


    The Marine Corps was able to quickly deal with the city battle, which is considered the most dangerous battle, thanks to their excellent performance and cutting-edge optical equipment.


    As they approached the city, they could hear a flute blowing from the sky, and pirs of dirt soared from all sides, with explosions everywhere.


    ¡°Get away! It¡¯s a mortar attack.¡±


    As someone shouted, the marines dashed to find cover.


    <jjyuung jjyuung jjyuung jjyuung~~ Kwang! Kwang!>


    The amphibious assault vehicle that was slowly following behind fired a 22-millimeterser beam toward the sky. In addition, the K-30A2 Biho belonging to the Battalion Headquarters, which was waiting outside, mercilessly fired twin 12-millimeter 6-row Vulcan beams toward the sky.


    Large and small explosions began to ur as the redsers flew at the speed of light.


    Mortars asionally pierced theser beam¡¯s fire and exploded near the marines¡¯ hiding ce.


    <Boo!>


    Bomb fragments and building debris flew in all directions as pirs of soil soared. The marines curled up as much as they could in their hiding ces, waiting for the mortar attacks to end.


    The 5th Artillery Regiment¡¯s 745th Artillery Battalion Alpha Pocket, which was waiting 10 kilometers behind, opened fire with retaliatory artillery less than two minutes after the mortar attack.


    Because the fire control system was fully automated, the six C-9A1 Lightning self-propelled howitzers, which were significantly improved over the existing C-9 Thunderbolt, fired sma bullets at a rate of close to 10 rounds per minute. Even though there were only six guns, the incredible rate of fire made it appear as if an entire artillery battalion was firing.


    A few minutes after the Alpha retaliatory artillery attacks, the mortar attack stopped.


    ¡°Everyone, move forward!¡±


    As soon as the motor attack stopped, 3rd Companymander, Captain Oh Sung-won, gave the order to advance. Subsequently, each toonmander ordered his toon members to advance.


    ¡°toon 1, move forward.¡±


    ¡°toon 2, move forward.¡±


    ¡°toon 3, move forward.¡±


    ¡°Fire toon! Support the front line!¡±


    It was the moment when the Republic of Korea Marines went all-in to end Ukraine¡¯s nine-year civil war.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 13:30 (New China time: 12:30)


    Outside Area 15 of Beichen District Industrial Complex, Tianjin, New China


    Team leader Park Gi-oong came back to the site where the factory, which was wider than a ser field, had copsed and only various concrete and steel structures were tangled in numerous ces. He looked at the remains of the building through the VR-M2 fluoroscope from the roof of a building two kilometers away.


    Numerous public security forces and armed soldiers installed double and triple control lines and strictly controlled civilian ess, and approximately 20 heavy machineries were constantly digging up the building¡¯s remains.


    Given that several ambnces were waiting, it appeared that they were attempting to rescue people who might still be alive, but this did not appear to be the case for team leader Park Gi-oong.


    He believed that they were somehow trying to find the server buried underground and secure the sma core technology.


    ¡°Those motherf*ckers are risking their lives.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who bit his lower lip, was more concerned about the lives of the two managers. He increased the magnification of the VR-M2 fluoroscope to its maximum setting and attempted to scan using the location information he had checkedst time, but there was no significant life response.


    ¡°Team leader Park! What happened?¡±


    Team leader Youn Tae-jin handed over a can of coffee and asked.


    ¡°Huh? You¡¯re here? I haven¡¯t found them yet.¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who was concentrating on scanning the area and didn¡¯t realise team leader Youn had arrived, set down the VR-M2 fluoroscope for a moment and drank the coffee all at once.


    ¡°Hey! Drink it slowly! It¡¯s hot.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think they might have managed to get out of there?¡±


    ¡°Then they would have already gone back to the dorm.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s true! Oh! I¡¯m really worried.¡±


    Team leader Youn Tae-jin took the VR-M2 fluoroscope and scanned where the heavy machineries was at work. As team leader Park Gi-oong said, there was no life response no matter where he looked.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t there any equipment that has better performance than this? Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    While scanning, he hit his knee.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m referring to the fire department. Don¡¯t they have equipment to locate people who have been buried in the rubble of buildings in earthquakes or idents?¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s right. I should find out right away.¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey! I¡¯ll tell my team members to find out, so let¡¯s withdraw! You can¡¯t do anything here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be able to find out by today, right?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I got it. I got it. Let¡¯s go now!¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong left with some hope at the words of team leader Youn Tae-jin.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 16:00 (New China time: 15:00)


    Above Beijing, New China


    Twenty minutes ago, Alpha Squadron CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet Unit 1, which was on a sortie from the 1st Space Fighter Wing at Seongnam Base, just entered the skies of Beijing in TCS mode.


    ¡°Wow! How can people live in such a ce? It¡¯s just like a hell.¡±


    Captain Oh Tae-bin, the co-pilot of Unit 1, shook his head when he couldn¡¯t see anything beyond the canopy.


    New China¡¯s yellow dust was severe all year but it was especially bad in the winter. Furthermore, to revitalize the economy, existing environmental regtions were repealed, and harmful smoke rose 24 hours a day from numerous factory chimneys.


    ¡°So, aren¡¯t we here?¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho,mander of the First Unit, said as he pulled on the control stick¡¯s lever.


    ¡°What do you mean we¡¯re here? Are they using a state-of-the-art spacecraft capable of going to the moon as a postman?¡±


    ¡°Postman?¡±


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, postman¡­That¡¯s funny.¡±


    While the two pilots exchanged small talks, Captain Cho Eun-bin, an avionics management controller, intervened in the conversation.


    ¡°In one minute, we will reach the target point.¡±


    ¡°Oh my! Captain Cho! What do you mean by target point? Are we going to blow away the city with a box full of flyers?¡±


    ¡°What? Then what should I say? This is also a mission, so we have to usebat terms. Hoho.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Okay, okay.¡±


    Captain Oh Tae-bin, who was not very happy with the mission of releasing flyers with a state-of-the-art space fighter, said.


    ¡°Captain Oh! What is the big deal of the mission? We should just do our missions faithfully.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    After a while, when the lower fairing of the Three-toed Crow space fighter jet Unit 1 was opened, transparent boxes, quite different from bombs, fell one after another toward the ground. And when it reached a certain altitude, with a small explosion, sheets of paper inside the box flew and spread all over Beijing.


    Written on the sheets of paper that were falling all over Beijing was the following:


    And the names of 32 cities were listed at the bottom.


    That afternoon, tens of millions of flyers urging people to evacuate from the 32 cities, including Beijing, filled the sky instead of winter snow..

 Chapter 471 - New Chinas Participation in War - 4-1 Battle of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 471: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 4-1 Battle of Strength</h4>


    On January 1st, 2024, 20:40 (New China time: 19:40)


    X-15 bunker in Beijing, New China


    ¡°Minister! This is an emergency call from Russia.¡±


    The assistant handed the full text that they urgently received from the Russian Ministry of Defense to Jang Yue Fung, Minister of National Defense.


    ¡°Hmm, this much power at once? Russia must be in a hurry, too.¡±


    Jang Yue Fung, Defense Minister, muttered while reading the full text, then went to the president¡¯s office to see Wang Jing-wi, who had not left the room since the morning.


    <Knock knock!>


    ¡°Who is there?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Jang Yue Fung.¡±


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Jang Yue Fung entered the room and frowned slightly.


    This was because the president¡¯s chambers smelled of alcohol, and president Wang Jing-wi was staring at him with half-opened eyes from the simple bed on the side.


    President Wang Jing-wi was enraged this morning as a result of the explosion at the Ministry of General Equipment¡¯s secretboratory and the death of the general equipment manager. As a result, he stayed in his room and drank all day.


    <I can¡¯t believe this person who calls himself a president behaves like this¡­>


    Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung was dissatisfied with the president¡¯s pathetic behavior and tried to hide his displeasure. He then approached President Wang Jing-wi and showed him the full text.


    ¡°Mr. President! Russia has requested a joint operation tounchrge-scale air attacks against Korea.¡±


    ¡°From Russia?¡±


    ¡°Yes, if both countriesunchrge-scale air attacks at the same time, Korea, no matter how strong it is, will not be ready for a full retaliatory response.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Do you believe in Russia?¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±


    He was perplexed by the question of whether he trusted their military allies in the context of a treaty of mutual military protection.


    ¡°Haha, it¡¯s just obtuse.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi said.


    ¡°I am saying to use our Air Force as bait.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What if we didn¡¯t send our air force in to fight and instead used the Russian air force to attack them? Wouldn¡¯t we be able to defeat them when they¡¯re at their lowest?¡±


    ¡°What? That¡¯s a little too much.¡±


    ¡°What? Too much? Oh my God!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi got out of bed and sat on the sofa with his bottle of alcohol. He then sighed, drank from the bottle, and shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m a fool to assign you as the Minister of National Defense! How pathetic! How pathetic!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi waspletely drunk. Even though he was the president of the country, it was still rude to openly swear at the Minister of National Defense. At this, Minister of Defense Jang Yue Fung bit his lower lip to relieve his rising rage.


    ¡°Mr. President! Will you reject Russia¡¯s request for a joint operation?¡±


    ¡°Is your brain still not working?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi turned his finger around his head.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Tsk tsk, first and foremost, inform Russia that we willply with their request. However, this is not something you should do. Simply prepare to mobilize the entire air force and wait for the Russians to attack the Koreans. We¡¯re going to take advantage of Russia¡¯s ns. Hahaha!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wiughed.


    ¡°Mr. President! If you¡¯re wrong, there will be a big problem in the future¡­¡±


    ¡°What? Are you looking down on my judgment?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that. It¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up and do as you told! Inform the Chief of Staff of the orders right away.¡±


    He was certain that President Wang Jing-wi was making the wrong decision under the influence of alcohol but all he could do was choose his words wisely and try to persuade the president, but eventually, all he could do was hurt his pride.


    It exemplified the ills of a one-man dictatorship, in which the dictator makes all decisions at his leisure.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 22:00 (New China time: 21:00)


    Outside Area 15 of Beichen District Industrial Complex, Tianjin, New China


    ¡°Team Leader Park! Something has arrived from our home country.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who only managed to fall asleep at 3 p.m., opened his eyes when he heard Director Youn Gil-soo call out to him and said.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Youn said you were looking for it?¡±


    At that moment, Team Leader Park Gi-oong jumped out of bed and went straight to the living room.


    ¡°Is this it?¡±


    ¡°Did you wake up?¡±


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin greeted him and then fixed his gaze on therge box in the center of the living room. Team Leader Park Gi-oong tore the box as soon as he saw it.


    ¡°Ah! Child! You¡¯ve returned! It is a multi-area ultrasound rescue device that outperforms the VR-M2 fluoroscope tenfold. Was it called CRB-330? Anyway, I heard it could detect and respond to bio-signals up to 50 meters underground.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who was listening to Team Leader Youn Tae-jin¡¯s exnation, took out equipment two or three timesrger than the VR-M2 fluoroscope and looked at it. He then said.


    ¡°Hey! Team Leader Youn! Great job.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it is toote? I¡¯ve been working so hard to get this.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay. When we go back home, I¡¯ll buy you a drink.¡±


    Youn Tae-jin made a joke with Park Gi-oong, who was reading the instructions with all of his anxiety focused on the device.


    ¡°Hey! Team Leader Park!¡±


    ¡°What? Tell meter! I¡¯m busy!¡±


    ¡°The director asked us to withdraw.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    At that moment, Team Leader Park Gi-oong stopped what he was doing and replied.


    ¡°What are we withdrawing from?¡±


    ¡°He asked us to go back home.¡±


    ¡°So, why did he send this to us when he was about to ask us to withdraw?¡±


    ¡°Actually, this isn¡¯t from him. Manager Lee Hye-jin asked the fire department for cooperation and urgently sent it to us.¡±


    ¡°What? Shit! When do we have to leave?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow? That¡¯s crazy. I¡¯m going to quit this job after this mission!¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Park! To our country, it appears that the two managers have died.¡±


    ¡°Do you think the same way?¡±


    When Team Leader Park Gi-oong asked him, Team Leader Youn Tae-jin took his time and replied carefully.


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s tough to have survived in that situation!¡±


    ¡°This guy, really? Do you want me to shake some sense into you?¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong grabbed Youn Tae-jin by his cor and shook him. As a result, Team Leader Lee Eun-ha of the third team intervened between the two team leaders and stopped them.


    ¡°Ah! What¡¯s wrong with you? Your subordinates are watching, Team Leader Park. Calm down.¡±


    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t understand you. I also wish that the two managers were still alive, too! But in reality, it just doesn¡¯t seem likely, right?¡±


    ¡°Still, you jerk!¡±


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin, who was hit in the face by Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s fist, lost his bnce and fell on the living room floor.


    ¡°Oh oh? Hold it in. Team Leader Park!¡±


    Fourth Team Leader Seong Sang-yoon rushed in and stopped Team Leader Park Gi-oong with the help of Team Leader Lee Eun-ha.


    ¡°Ya! Even so, jerks, you should confirm before making a decision.¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Park! You know we are at war with New China, right? They are asking us to withdraw soon because the strategic bombs will be falling here. We need to think about the safety of our employees, too!¡±


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin said as he wiped the blood from his burst lips. Team Leader Park Gi-oong then shouted while taking off his protective suit.


    ¡°Me! I¡¯m quitting my job today. I don¡¯t need to follow the orders now, right? Everyone, go back with Team Leader Youn! And because this equipment was delivered by Manager Lee through the fire department, it does not belong to the headquarters and thus I am free to use it. No objections, right? Everyone, get ready to withdraw!¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong said what he want to say and went into his room.


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin, who got up and sat on the sofa, sighed while looking at the ceiling.


    <hr />


    On January 1st, 2024, 23:00 (Russia time: 22:00)


    Over the Cheetahs in Russia¡¯s Zabaykalsky Krai.


    The northwest front of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where 400,000 Russian troopsunched a massive counterattack at 2 a.m., was a true firefighting hellhole. There had been nonstop gunfire for 20 hours.


    The defending Republic of Korea Armed Forces had only eight divisions and 100,000 troops but they were able to halt Russian advances with the help of air force support.


    Despite the Russian numerical advantage, the modern war was one in which mass destruction was greatly increased due to cutting-edge weapons. In other words, unlike World War II, it was not a war of quantity. The key had shifted to improving war equipment, specifically how much more advanced equipment and mass destruction power you possess than your counterparts.


    Amid this fierce battle over the border, the Russian armyunched an airlift operation with Spetsnaz and Airborne Forces to strike the Republic of Korea¡¯s rear.


    However, this move was previously scouted by the reconnaissance satellite of the overseas reconnaissance bureau, and they had prepared ordingly.


    As the 7th Mobile Corps (the vanguard) broke through the 36th Army defense line and quickly detoured along the border, hitting the rear area was critical to break through the Korean solid defense line and create an opportunity.


    If the side was given to the 7th Mobile Corps (the vanguard), which was bypassing around the border before, they could suffer great damage and they won¡¯t even be able to counterattack.


    For this reason, a rear blow was an essential operation that had to be done unconditionally.


    The Russian army finallyunched a full-fledged aerial assault operation at 10 p.m. Thousands of Spetsnaz, 12 assault brigades, and over 100 military transport aircraft ranging from the most recent to the oldest, including the IL-476 Ilyushin, a strategic carrier introduced in 2014, and the An-124 Run, which gathered near Cheetahs and took off from various airfields.


    Given the Republic of Korea Air Force¡¯s ongoing bombing and missile attacks, the transport nes, which were divided into six military airfields and took off all at once and the jockeys gradually turned their direction. The turning point was Hulunbuir, which the Joint Chiefs of Staff had anticipated as the point of air reinforcement.


    Around 400 fighters from the Southern Military District¡¯s 4th Air Force and the Central Military District¡¯s 2nd Air Army had already sortied in the air above the front, where 100rge-scale transport aircraft were flying in groups.


    Their duties were in addition to the escort mission of the military transport ne, they were nning ground attacks with the 24 Tu-22M3 Tupolev strategic bombers. In other words, rather than a simple ground attack, a strategic bombing mission was assigned.


    Eight A-100 Beriev Airborne Early Warning and Control were also flying at a distance of 300 kilometers behind. The A-100 Beriev Airborne Early Warning and Control was an airborne developed based on the IL-476 tform and was thetest model that has been deployed in practice since 2022. Originally, it was nned to be deployed in 2019, but it was dyed by three years to install a powerful radar capable of detecting stealth aircraft.


    Its performance was excellent. It is equipped with a data link system that includes ultra-high frequency (UHF) wireless signals, satellitemunication broadband transmission andrge-capacitymunication ry functions, enabling direct operation of fighter jets, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. In addition, data link functions had been developed that allow direct control and use of unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned weapons, unmanned ships, etc., which are increasingly utilized.


    In other words, it was called an all-weather airmand base capable of three-dimensional operations and real-time data links with various air defense units on the ground, reconnaissance satellites outside the atmosphere, and maritime destroyers.


    As New China had replied that they would join therge-scale air force operation, the Russian Chief of General Staff was confident. This is because if the Republic of Korea Air Force suffers a certain amount of damage as a result of this opportunity, they will be able to regain air supremacy, and if this urs, they will not be defeated unterally in all future battles.


    Meanwhile, the Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, which had a clear understanding of the Russian Air Force¡¯s movements, had established a response strategy in ordance.


    First of all, all avable fighters from airbases stationed in three Manchuria states were ready for sortie, and 24 CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jets and 12 CSRQ-100P Pegasus Space Reconnaissance aircraft were already leisurely flying in the atmosphere. In addition, three CS-AD Zeus Strategic Interceptor Satellites belonging to the Strategic Satellite Group were each preparing to attack and waiting in their orbit to participate in this battle..

 Chapter 472 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War- 4-2 Battle of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 472: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War- 4-2 Battle of Strength</h4>


    January 1st, 2024, 23:30 (Russian time: 17:30)


    Russia Moscow Bunker State R-13 (Situation Room)


    The Russian Air Force projected a massive power of two-thirds of the remaining air force. It was a big gamble because should they lose the battle, they would also lose air superiority, at least over the capital city of Moscow.


    There were two beliefs why Russia was able to jump into such a big gamble.


    One was the anti-aircraft force deployed around the border. Currently, the three military subordinate units deployed around the border had more ground-to-air missile power than expected, ranging from the S-300 Grumble with excellent anti-aircraft defense capabilities to the S-400 Triumph and the recently deployed S-500 Triumpartor.


    Another one was the X-350 As reconnaissance satellite, which was developed by NASA in the United States over many years.


    Three years ago, President Trump, who was humiliated after the U.S was attacked by Korea, quickly began to expand and transform various advanced weapons development projects to regain the prestige that was lost with Congress.


    In response, the United States invested an astronomical amount of money into its world-famous defensepany, and among them, it seeded in developing a radar capable of detecting some Korean stealth fighters in June 2022. The radar name was AN/SPY-11 radar (3D high-precision phased array radar), which was able to detect 100 percent of the fifth-generation stealth fighters within 200 kilometers, and the Korean stealth fighter, which was a state-of-the-art radar only had a 50 percent chance of detecting them.


    In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense had been operating the AN/SPY-11 radar on the As satellite recently developed by NASA, not the existing maritime destroyer, calling it a stealth-only radar satellite and an externally military satellite.


    Currently, the United States operates a total of 12 As reconnaissance satellites, which orbit at an altitude of 100 kilometers to 150 kilometers, and can enter and reconnaissance anywhere on Earth within 30 minutes.


    These four state-of-the-art U.S. As reconnaissance satellites entered the atmosphere of the northwestern border and were waiting for arge-scale air battle between Korea and Russia to take ce, and all detected information was data-linked not only to the U.S. but also to the Russian air force and ground forces.


    It was iprehensible. However, there was some sort of back-and-forth between the U.S. and Russia.


    On November 23, President Putin threatened President Trump with the USSC case and made several demands.


    First, in the event of a war between Russia and Korea, the United States was asked to gradually apply political pressure to Korea while maintaining neutrality with European countries. But the U.S. could not ept it. Other than the truth of the USSC, Korea was a country with various evidence as well.


    The second was financial support. It was obvious that a war with Korea would incur astronomical costs, so Russia demanded $100 billion from the United States. In response, the U.S. paid the Russian government $100 billion through a Swiss ount as coteral for theplete dissolution of the USSC case. It was a huge amount, but because President Trump and most members of Congress were rted to the USSC, they had no choice but to quickly issue government bonds and pay them in secret.


    The third was military support. However, this was also a request that the United States could notply with. If the U.S. provides military support to Russia, South Korea will know at once, and in retaliation, it was self-evident that South Korea would announce the truth of the USSC to the world.


    If so, it was self-evident that President Donald Trump would be impeached immediately and anyone connected with the USSC would face close to life in prison. In addition, the United States was to be a country that would no longer be recognized by the world due to an irreversible fall in trust.


    As a result, the United States, which granted only the second of Russia¡¯s three demands, was keeping an eye on the situation of the Korean-Russia war.


    The problem was that one month after the outbreak of the war, Russia, pushed back to Korea and persistently demanded the other two requirements from the United States.


    President Trump approved Russia¡¯s third demand after much consideration, after realising the fact that the U.S. could not do anything. The Pentagon had realised that if the two countries pushed South Korea and if South Korea were to win the war, there would be no chance for the U.S. to ever be the top country in the world again.


    However, external military support was impossible, so the idea of military support that South Korea would never notice was the provision of detection information from the As reconnaissance satellite that could detect stealth fighters.


    For this reason, the four As reconnaissance satellites were turning at a speed equal to the speed of rotation and were data-linking Russian troops with detection information on the border in northwest Korea.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ignore the Americans.¡±


    While sitting in the State R-13 control room watching therge-scale air battle that was to take ce a few minutester, President Putin muttered with a tone of envy or jealousy when the South Korean fighter jets were detected by the U.S. As reconnaissance satellite and was disyed as various tactical symbols on the screen through the data link.


    ¡°When this war is over. I need to get my hands on that technology from the Americans!¡±


    ¡°Will the Americans pass such technology to us?¡±


    When Minister Mikhail Ivanov asked with a hopeful expression, President Putin said in a confident voice, ¡°I¡¯m holding on to the leash for the rest of Trump¡¯s term, so what are you worried about?¡±


    Until the end of President Donald Trump¡¯s presidency, President Putin had the image of using the USSC as an excuse to take everything away.


    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°More than that, what about the situation in New China? They must have put in their air force too, right?¡±


    President Putin¡¯s question was answered by one of his staff hurriedly grasping the situation.


    ¡°Not yet! No significant air force has been confirmed in the airspace over New China.¡±


    ¡°No, what does that mean? The fight will start in the next few minutes, but you haven¡¯t started sortieing yet?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­a report that stealth was the only one that headed out which it is currently not being detected on our radar.¡±


    ¡°Not being detected on the radar? Are the stealth nes of the New China guys really stealth nes? A fake stealth base made by fake people just imitating them¡­Contact the authorities of New China immediately and tell them to implement as promised in advance. Damn those Chinese.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 23:30 (United States time: 10:30)


    The Pentagon, Ellington, Virginia, United States (Operation Situation Room, Joint Chiefs of Staff)


    President Trump personally visited the Ellington Pentagon to watch what was going to happen in therge-scale air battle between Korea, China, and Russia from the Operation Situation Room.


    In President Donald Trump¡¯s mind, seeing through the various tactical symbols disyed on therge screen in the Operation Situation Room, there was a great desire for Korea to be defeated. Like President Trump, with one year remaining in office and ame duck with a poor approval rating, he thought that if South Korea were to lose this war, it would face a major crisis or at least suffer a major economic blow.


    The crisis of apetitor country was a great opportunity for its own country. If the U.S. takes advantage of this opportunity to regain the top spot militarily and economically, his approval rating will rise and he would no longer be seen as ame duck.


    ¡°Secretary Williams! Aren¡¯t four satellites insufficient?¡± President Donald Trump, sitting on the plush sofa he had prepared for him, staring at the big screen, said with a distinctive expression to Defense Secretary Duke Williams, who was sitting next to him.


    ¡°More than that would be noticed even in Korea. A few days ago, I received a request from South Korea to refrain from operating our reconnaissance satellites over their country.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean that Korea knows everything about the movement of our satellites?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it does. South Korea is operating more advanced reconnaissance satellites than ours.¡±


    ¡°Heh heh, how did this happen¡­? How does the chairman view today¡¯s engagement?¡±


    President Donald Trump turned his head this time to his left and asked the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°I think we can win enough if we receive detection information from our reconnaissance satellite and add the air force of New China.¡±


    In response, President Donald Trump also asked Air Force Chief of Staff General Seth Moses, seated behind him. ¡°What about Chief of Staff Moses?¡±


    ¡°Yes, as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, it looks like we will win. However, I think it will be possible only if the air forces of both countries show the same movement at the same time and respond to the Korean Air Force.¡±


    As the Air Force Chief of Staff, Captain Seth Moses¡¯ judgment was urate.


    Even if the U.S. As reconnaissance satellite detects and provides stealth aircraft to Russia, the maximum detection capability would be 50 percent. The other 50 percent would not be detectable. In addition, more than 100 South Korean stealth aircraft had been detected by the As reconnaissance satellite so far. In other words, if you count even the undetected stealth aircraft, it meant that there were more than 200.


    Because of this situation, for Russia as well as New China to win, at the same time, they must first attack and destroy the Korean stealth aircraft detected as thergest amount of warfare and then deal with the rest of the stealth aircraft. Currently, there were 350 fighters and fighter-bombers of various sorts from Russia, and if the new China projects more than 300 powers as promised in advance, the possibility of victory for both countries are high. Moreover, the possibility was much greater than expected because various Russian anti-aircraft forces were on standby near the border area, receiving data-linked detection information from the As reconnaissance satellite.


    President Trump, with a satisfied expression on his face, asked a very interesting question. ¡°What would happen without the help of our reconnaissance satellites?¡±


    Captain Seth Moses replied immediately as if he did not need to think about it. ¡°Well, without the help of detection intelligence, both Russia and New China will certainly lose to Korea.¡±


    ¡°Is it to that level?¡±


    ¡°In modern dogfights, stealth is the key to winning or losing. If we receive a pre-emptive attack from 200 or so undetectable stealth aircraft, no matter how much volume we wager, in a word, it will be nothing but dozens of blind men attacking an adult man.¡±


    It was an answer that made use of his unique wit.


    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s an interesting answer, as the future of Northeast Asian wars will be decided. Arge-scale air battle will depend on our U.S. reconnaissance satellite. Okay, okay! Good! When do you think it will start?¡±


    In response to President Donald Trump¡¯s question, the head of the Situation Office, who oversees the current situation, turned his head and modestly said, ¡°It looks like a full-fledged dogfight will start in at least five minutes.¡±


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s watch it like a movie.¡±


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 22:30


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namu (ROK Army Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room)


    Those in the situation room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were also watching in a tense atmosphere ahead of arge-scale air battle that would take ce a few minutester.


    ¡°This! It¡¯s a pity that we were not able to use our remaining power because of the people of New China. How about giving an additional sortie order to the airbase in North Korea?¡±


    Currently, the Republic of Korea¡¯s air force against Russia¡¯srge-scale air force consists of the 38th Fighter Wing at Liaodong (Shenyang) Air Base, the 10th Fighter Wing at Mangyong (Jirin) Air Base, the 11th Fighter Wing at Hanju (Harbin) Air Base, and the 16th Fighter Wing at the Yecheon Air Base in Bukju. It was abat wing.


    Deputy General of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Yoon Gi-yoon expressed his disappointment because of the fighter power of the 17th Fighter Wing at Ansan (Ansi) Base and the 8th Fighter Wing at Sunan Base, Bukju, which were omitted from this sortie because of concerns about the New China.


    ¡°Haha, Deputy Manager Yoon! The current sortie power alone is enough. You don¡¯t have to worry too much.¡± Kim Eun-ho, chief of the Air Force Chief of Staff, said to Yoon Gi-yoon, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was deeply regretful.


    ¡°Come on, I know that it is enough. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to push firmly though?¡±


    ¡°Deputy Director Yoon makes sense, but wouldn¡¯t it be possible for New China tounch an airstrike on the border or directly on Pyongyang, North Korea?¡±


    ¡°Pyongyang? Weren¡¯t they all intercepted in the West Sea without being able to reach the shores of Pyeongan-do, let alone Pyongyang?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but doesn¡¯t New China have a sma bomb? Wouldn¡¯t it be a big deal if the bombersunch a surprise attack and dropped a sma bomb on the maind city?¡±


    ¡°Ah-ah! I forgot about the sma bomb!¡±


    While the high-ranking generals were having these conversations, the voice of Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, the head of the operations division, came out through the speaker of the situation room. ¡°It is now 23:35! The India Squadron and Juliet Squadron belonging to the 2nd Space Fighter Wing have just started the flies eradication operation.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun here refers to Russia¡¯s A-100 Premier Aerial Early Warning System, but to prevent friendly fighters from being detected, the Three-toed Crow space fighter jet tried to intercept it before the air battle..

 Chapter 473 - New Chinas Participation in War- 4-3 Battle of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 473: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War- 4-3 Battle of Strength</h4>


    January 1st, 2024, 23:30


    Underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    President Choo Un-hee and other ministers who had been sitting in the operation room of the Blue House National Crisis Center, also known as the VIP bunker, moved to the underground bunker office to receive the final report on the sma core technology leak from the Head of National Intelligence Service Director Lee Young-jin.


    Director Lee Young-jin took out a report from his briefcase and politely handed it over to them.


    ¡°You did an excellent job. I believe we should generously reward all of the National Intelligence Service agents assigned to this mission. I¡¯m hoping you¡¯ll take good care of it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do that.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you how relieved I am that one major worry has been alleviated.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It took me a long time to alleviate your anxiety.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? It doesn¡¯t even make sense. You have been working really hard during this time.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee was satisfied with the report she received. She read it slowly, one page at a time, but her face became stiff as she reached thest page.


    ¡°Director Lee?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    She asked while looking at the report and the director of the National Intelligence Service alternately. ¡°It appears that things weren¡¯t that clear when the information was verbally reported to me in the morning because I was busy with my Blue House tasks. Did the two agents die while doing their duties?¡±


    The president received a brief oral report from the director of the National Intelligence Service about the Tianjin case and the French case involving sma core technology in the morning. She was aware of a minor ident involving two agents on duty in Tianjin at the time, but she was taken aback when the report stated, ¡°Manager Lee Ja-sung and Manager Namgoong-won are presumed to have died.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, it seemed that they couldn¡¯t escape on time when the secretboratory exploded.¡±


    ¡°Oh this, this thing¡­But it¡¯s written in the report as presumed dead, so you couldn`t confirm their death yet?¡±


    ¡°We were unable to confirm this. However, the bomb used at the time of the explosion was very powerful and not a regr bomb. If they were still in the building at the time of the explosion, it would be difficult for them to survive even if they were wearing a protective suit.¡±


    ¡°So what is written in the report is just an assumption? You couldn¡¯t confirm their deaths because you couldn¡¯t find their bodies, right?¡±


    When asked by the President, director Lee Young-jin shook his head and answered, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we still have hope and try to save them at all costs?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I haven¡¯t considered it, but it¡¯s in the middle of the enemy camp, and ording to our agents, regiment-level troops and public security officers are working with heavy equipment 24 hours a day.¡±


    ¡°So you just want things to end like this¡ªas a ¡®presumptive death¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Director Lee Young-jin once again lowered his head and apologized.


    ¡°Even if they unfortunately died, we should somehow bring their bodies to our country. Director Lee!¡±


    Then she turned her head and called the Chief Secretary sitting next to her.


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°Connect the Joint Chiefs of Staff right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    At the same time as the response, Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won gave orders over the inte. After a while, arge screen hung on one of the office¡¯s walls was illuminated. The female secretary¡¯s voice then came through the inte. ¡°We are connected to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appeared on the bright screen. ¡°Salute! I¡¯m Shin Sung-yong, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. How can I help you, Mdm. President?¡±


    ¡°I apologize for calling you sote, but we are currently dealing with an emergent situation¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°Well, is there any special forcemander near you right now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, there is, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°Then, can you ask him to join us?¡±


    ¡°Please wait a moment.¡±


    After a while, someone appeared next to Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Salute! Captain of the Special Forces Command! Kang Jung Hyun.¡±


    An upright middle-aged man in a ck beret introduced himself with a polite salute.


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work, Captain Kang Jung Hyun!¡±


    ¡°No, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re busy, I¡¯ll get directly to the point.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee looked straight at the two generals on the screen and spoke in a strong tone, ¡°We must conduct a VIP rescue operation as soon as possible. The head of the National Intelligence Service will provide you with the specifics. Once again, it¡¯s VIP level. So please prepare for it ordingly.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President! We will establish the rescue n as soon as we receive the details from the head of the National Intelligence Service.¡±


    The VIP-level rescue was a code ssification that mobilized all national power to rescue only the top ten national ranking officials, including President Choo Un-hee.


    ¡°Yes, please. Since you¡¯re busy, let¡¯s end here.¡±


    ¡°Salute!¡±


    The video call was cut off after a big salute from the two generals.


    ¡°Thank, thank you, Mdm. President!¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin bowed his head wide so that his head touched the table.


    ¡°There is nothing you should be thankful for. Isn¡¯t it natural to show gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country? Besides is the manager Namgoong won mentioned here the same as the one mentioned by former President Suh Hyun-woo?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct. After quitting his job, he returned to the National Intelligence Service specifically to participate in this mission.¡±


    ¡°Oh my goodness! He is the one who has devoted himself to the development of the Republic of Korea to make it what it is today¡­¡±


    President Choo Un-hee sighed and looked at the ceiling. At this moment, the head of the security office Kang Hyun-soo, who received a call, quietly reported, ¡°Mdm. President! I just got a call from the operation room, and they said that the aerial war with Russia has just begun.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I see. Director Lee, please send the information to the Joint Chiefs of Staff as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes. We will also participate in the rescue operation as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do it that way then. Let¡¯s move to the operation room.¡±


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 23:40 (Russian time 23:40)


    The atmosphere of Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia.


    The eight three-toed crow space fighter jets belonging to the 2nd Space Fighter Wing, Indian and Juliet Squadron, which were flying quickly outside the terrestrial sphere, entered the stratosphere and soon reached the troposphere.


    Meanwhile, the eight A-100 Airborne early warning and control system aircraft were flying in a long transverse formation at an altitude of ten kilometers above.


    They were flying in a W-shape across the border at 50-kilometer intervals, attempting to detect the Korean Air Force fighters by maximizing their radar output as much as possible.


    Within a few seconds, the eight three-toed crow space fighter jets reached the interception range and the voices of the squadronmander could be heard in the remaining seven three-toed crow space fighter jets.


    ¡°From now on, we will start intercepting the allocated targets. It¡¯s not a difficult mission so let¡¯s finish it quickly ande back!¡±


    When the squadronmander¡¯s order to intercept was issued, the jockeys of the remaining seven space fighters fired at their allocated targets.


    <Jureung! Jureung! Jureung!>


    The Indian squadron continuously fired a powerful 50-millimeter ultra-high-poweredser beam. The ray of light that flew across the atmosphere prated the fusge of the three A-1000 Airborne early warning and control system aircraft, which was flying at the front, and soon after being hit they exploded into dark red mes, sendingrge and small fragments in all directions.


    The three A-1000 Airborne early warning and control system aircraft, which were hit from a distance of 100 kilometers, turned into a show of fireworks that embellished the night sky. Not long after, the remaining aircraft followed the same fate.


    Some of the airborne early warning and control system aircraft tried to escape this fate, but their efforts were in vain in front of the non-missileser beam.


    As they turned around and tried to escape, they faced the consecutiveser firing from the four Juliet Squadron.


    The four 50-millimeter ultra-high-poweredser beams that hit the rear of the airborne early warning and control systems went through the cabin and escaped through the cockpit window, and shortly after the ne exploded. About 20 crew members who were inside either vaporized instantly or part of their bodies turned as ck as charcoal and fell before disappearing after the ne exploded.


    In less than two minutes, the eight A-1000 airborne early warning and control system aircraft, which were the eyes and ears of the Russian fighter, disappeared without performing their original mission.


    At the same time, 24 CF-21P Zhujak fighters from the 111th Fighter Squadron, 38th Fighter Wing, were flying in fingertip formation and awaiting the battalionmander¡¯s attack order. They had long since finished preparing the intercept targets.


    ¡°Super Moon, begin the attack on the designated targets ording to yourmander.¡±


    ¡°ck Moon, copy!¡±


    ¡°New Moon, copy!¡±


    ¡°White Moon, copy!¡±


    ¡°Red Moon, copy!¡±


    ¡°Green Moon, copy!¡±


    When the long-awaited squadronmander¡¯s order to attack was issued, each squadron fired the S-AAM-500 cobra air-to-air missiles.


    The S-AAM-500 cobra air-to-air missiles extended from the internal armament chamber, emitted blue light in the dark sky, and took off in the direction of their targets.


    The 96 cobra air-to-air missiles emitted blue light like fireflies, appeared to be getting smaller in an instant, and soon disappeared.


    The 96 cobra air-to-air missiles, which can reach a range of 500 kilometers at a speed of Mach 20, flew toward the Su-50 Pakfa fighters which belonged to the Southern Military District¡¯s 4th Air Force, thetest stealth fighter of the Russian army.


    <Shoot and pocket!>


    Soon after, the 111th Fighter Squadron¡¯s main fighters boosted their engine output to maximum and increased their speed to begin the preparations forunching the intermediate-range air-to-air missiles.


    <Cooooo!>


    The most advanced squadron in the 111th Fighter Squadron was ck Moon Squadron, which was led by Major Oh Gil-seong, Major Choi Young-ho¡¯s former assistant. He was a captain at the time, but he has since been promoted to major and is now the flightmander of ck Moon Squadron.


    In particr, the ck Moon Squadron, which Major Oh Gil-sung rides, was the same that Major Choi Young-ho used to ride, and various kill marks of various models were engraved on both sides of the cockpit to the extent that the fusge length was insufficient.


    There was no other model simr to this. Even the former Chinese stealth fighters J-20 and J-30, Russia¡¯s Su-50 Parkfa and Su-34 Fallback, thetest Siberian stealth fighter Mig-37 MFI developed by Migsa, and the Korean Air Force¡¯s F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor couldn¡¯t be this versatile.


    However, despite all of this Major Oh Gil-sung was most proud of the kill mark of the Japanese Aegis destroyer Gonggo.


    He was quite proud of inheriting the squadronmander from Korea¡¯s best gunner, who was able to defeat the Gonggo destroyer using onlyser beams without any missiles.


    Perhaps, for this reason, Major Oh Gil-sung has always taken the front line in battalions. As a result, his squadron members were always ready to die.


    As the distance from the new target ne approached 300 kilometers, he gave his order to the ck Moon squadron.


    ¡°Be prepared to fire when we¡¯re 200 kilometers away from the bandit!¡±


    ¡°ck Moon 2, copy!¡±


    ¡°ck Moon 3, copy!¡±


    ¡°ck Moon 4, copy!¡±


    The Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) rm rang on the ck Moon 3 Aviation Instrument Panel as soon as they responded to Major Oh Gil-sung¡¯smand.


    ¡°What is it? What is it?¡±


    Lieutenant Kim Min-ju, taken aback by the sudden rm, checked the instrument panel, thinking there was a malfunction but was soon surprised. This was because she found two surface-to-air missiles advancing at speeds approaching Mach 12..

 Chapter 474 - Season 2 Part 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 4-4 Battle of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 474: Season 2 Part 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 4-4 Battle of Strength</h4>


    ¡°This is ck Moon One. Contact ck Moon Three! What are you doing? We still have plenty of time! Calm down!¡± shouted Major Oh Gil-sung, through themunicationwork when he saw the ck Moon Three aircraft flying from side to side.


    ¡°Do what you have learned! As you learned!¡±


    Lieutenant Kim Min-ju, who finally came to her senses, replied, ¡°ck Moon Three, copy that.¡±


    ¡°This is ck Moon Two, squadronmander! It¡¯s strange, that our aircraft were detected by radar from such a distance,¡± eximed deputymander of ck Moon Two, Captain Ha Young-ju, via themunicator. The ck Moon squadron was currently 250 kilometers away from the enemy aircraft and flying over the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which is Korean territory.


    Because of this impossible situation, he panicked. They were not only detected by Russian fighters but were attacked with missiles as well. Even though he had carried out dozens of different missions after the war began, he was never caught in such a ridiculous situation.


    The missile currently aimed at ck Moon Three is the most recent version of the 40N6 surface-to-air missileunched by the S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler). With a range of 400 kilometers, a speed of Mach 12, and a maximum altitude of 185 kilometers, it outperformed the US THAAD missile.


    As soon as Major Oh Gil-sung was able to confirm the identity of the missile, he issued an additional order.


    ¡°This is ck Moon One, contact ck Moon 3. Release SECM with maximum output and leave the formation and activate the afterburner!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Moon Three. What? Are you telling me to leave the formation during the mission?¡± questioned Lieutenant Kim Min-ju immediately as she was confused.


    ¡°This is ck Moon One, contact ck Moon Three. Shouldn¡¯t we first get rid of the missile? I¡¯m not sure why you¡¯re the only one being targeted, just leave for the time being!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Moon Three. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    As soon as she replied, the ck Moon Three fighter turned sharply, raised its altitude, and activated the afterburner upon reaching the desired altitude. The ck Moon Three fighter jet, which had reached the speed of Mach 9 in a heartbeat, disappeared.


    Thereafter, the remaining three fighter jets belonging to the ck Moon Squadron continued to perform their duties.


    The Republic of Korea Air Force fighters who were on a sortie were currently confused. They thought that only ck Moon Three was detected in the ck Moon Squadron. However, the other fighters were not as fortunate. Russian missiles have indeed been targeting all four squadron fighters and as they got closer to the Russian fighters, they were targeted by long-range air-to-air missile attacks.


    Although seventh-generation fighters such as the Red Phoenix and ck Scarlet Phoenix had been deployed in numerous aerial battles, this was the first time they were detected by enemy radar from the start of the battle and were subjected to such intense air and ground attacks.


    As such, under themand of each squadronmander, the Republic of Korea Air Force fighters, who began the fight at an unexpected disadvantage, entered into thergest aerial war in 21st-century history.


    Meanwhile, the interception rate of the S-AAM-500 cobra air-to-air missileunched recently by the ck Moon squadron was recorded on an avionics instrument panel.


    A total of 96 cobra air-to-air missiles were intercepted by Russia¡¯stest stealth fighter Su-50 Pak-Fa fighters, with an interception rate of more than 50 percent even at a distance of more than 400 kilometers.


    Currently, with the distance to the enemy fighters reduced to less than 200 kilometers, Major Oh Gil-seongmanded his squadron tounch the S-AAM-200 Rattlesnake, a mid-range air-to-air missile.


    As such, the fierce battle extended to the air in a 300-kilometer radius around the northwest border, as 800 fighters from both countries and various surface-to-air missiles from both air defense units soared from the ground, embroidering the dark sky.


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024, 23:50


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Operation room of the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    The unanticipated distress from the unforeseen situation in the aerial battle that resulted from their high-stealth Red Phoenix and ck Scarlet Phoenix fighters being detected by enemy radars as well as their stealth quality being disabled led to a heavy atmosphere in the Air Force Operations Command as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s operation room.


    It was fortunate that both models were outfitted with powerful SECM (Radio Disturbance System) and excellent high maneuverability that 5th-generation fighters could not match. It was also outfitted with TCS (Transparent Containment System), which could be used in an emergency.


    But the surface-to-air missiles soaring over 400 Russian fighters and mobileunch vehicles, which took ce 20 minutes after the air battle began, caused great damage to the fighters, although they were able to intercept several enemy fighters at the start.


    Fortunately, the pilots were able to save their lives by making an emergency escape, but this was just the beginning.


    The operators in the operation room were busy gathering information from the Air Force Operations Command and eachbat fleet, disying it on the central screen as tactical symbols, while some operators in charge ofmunications verbally reported important information in loud voices.


    As a result, the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s operation room was as noisy and cluttered as a rural marketce.


    Shin Sung-yong, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was looking at the central screen with his brow furrowed while asionally shaking his head, indicating that something was wrong.


    At that moment, Air Force Chief of Staff Kim Eun-ho approached the head of the operation room and asked, ¡°Check whether there are any Russian satellites near the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    As soon as he received a reply, the head of the operation room immediately connected to the Apollo Reconnaissance Satellite, which was scouting the area so that the reconnaissance status could be seen on screen two.


    ¡°Air Force Chief of Staff! The Apollo 5 reconnaissance is currently disyed on screen two.¡±


    ¡°Check all the satellites in the atmosphere.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    He then gave instructions to the Apollo 5 control manager belonging to the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau.


    ordingly, the Apollo 5, which operates at 35,800 kilometers in normal orbit, gradually reduced the filming screen and then switched to various detection modes to identify the satellites around it.


    After a while, several satellites were detected 120 kilometers outside the atmosphere where the aerial battle had taken ce.


    In fact, following the outbreak of the war with Russia, the Joint Chiefs of Staff detected and intercepted all Russian military satellites using aerospace forces. Even somemunication satellites or private satellites have been intercepted with the president¡¯s approval when necessary. At that point, Air Force Chief of Staff Kim Eun-ho tried once more to see if any Russian military satellites had been left there. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong and other staff members watched with interest as he checked.


    ¡°ording to the result of our analysis, it was confirmed that there were no Russian satellites,¡± reported the head of the operation room who received the information from the Apollo 5 control station.


    ¡°Then what are those?¡±


    ¡°Four out of eight are U.S. spy satellites! The rest are low-orbit civilian satellites.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a private satellite, and it moves in its order but why are the U.S. spy satellites there?¡± asked Air Force Chief of Staff Kim Eun-ho as he rubbed his chin.


    Army Chief of Staff Lee Eun-hyung, who was next to him, said, ¡°Don¡¯t you think they will be curious? They will definitely use this opportunity to spy on our Air Force.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so interesting that they¡¯ll use four spy satellites instead of one?¡±


    Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Joint Chiefs of Staff, frowned as he watched the U.S. reconnaissance satellite shown on screen two and cursed.


    ¡°Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! Shouldn¡¯t we call the US Department of Defense right now and ask them to take it away?¡±


    ¡°I wonder if we¡¯re exaggerating, after all, we¡¯re allies¡­¡±


    Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Joint Chiefs of Staff showed signs of difort and said, ¡°What kind of alliance is that? Didn¡¯t the outbreak of the Korean-U.S. war three years ago wake you up? If they were our ally, instead of sending spy satellites to spy on us like this, they should have supported us even if it was with just a single bullet, don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°Deputy Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn! Calm down.¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong approached behind Youn Gi-youn, who was enraged, and touched his shoulder slightly and added in a regretful tone, ¡°Even if we think so, politically, the United States is still our ally.¡±


    ¡°So, are you saying we cannot ask them?¡±


    ¡°The only thing we can do is to make a request, but it¡¯s just a request and there¡¯s no coercion, so wouldn¡¯t the US Department of Defense refuse our request?¡±


    ¡°This, this, I should havepletely devastated those sheepdogs three years ago.¡±


    Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Joint Chiefs of Staff, returned to his seat and closed his mouth. Shin Sung-yong, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tried tofort him and said, ¡°I feel the same as well! I¡¯m very concerned because of the U.S. spy satellites. Even if it is notpulsory, we should make the request. Lieutenant General Ahn!¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the head of the intelligence division.


    ¡°Yes, Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Whether through the Department of Defense or by directly contacting the U.S. Department of Defense, tell them to take out those freaking spy satellites right away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll contact them.¡±


    As Oh Dong-gwun, head of the intelligence division was on his way out of the operation room, the chairman¡¯s secretary entered the room and reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°The Director of the National Intelligence Service has recently arrived at the bunker.¡±


    ¡°Well, he was quick. Take him to the meeting room.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who checked the time on his wristwatch, called Kim Yong-hyun, Deputy Joint Chiefs of Staff. ¡°Deputy Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim!¡±


    ¡°Yes, chairman!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to have a meeting with the Director of the National Intelligence Service for a while so take themand here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    ¡°Deputy Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn and General Kang let¡¯s go together.¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left the operation room with Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Kang Jung-hyun,mander of the Special Warfare Command, and headed to the conference room.


    ¡°Yes, chairman!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    <hr />


    January 1st, 2024. 23:50 (New China time: 23:50)


    X-15 bunkers in Beijing, New China


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was very drunk, took a seat in the bunker operation room and checked the current situation of therge-scale air battle between the Russian and South Korean air forces through various reconnaissance forces.


    ¡°Mr. President! Russia is calling again. It is an emergency request to participate in the joint operation.¡±


    Minister of Defense Jang Yue Fung approached the president, who was watching from the top of the operation room with half-closed eyes and delivered the emergency text that had just arrived from Russia. This was the third time. Russia has put its life and death into this air war and desperately needed the help of the New China Air Force.


    ¡°Whoa! The Russians must be in a hurry.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! Contrary to your judgment, Russiaunched the attack at the time as promised. We signed a mutual military protection treaty and promised to join this operation, so we have to mobilize the air force we prepared right away.¡± Minister of Defense Jang Yue Fung gathered his courage and pointed out the president¡¯s wrong judgment and expressed his opinion.


    In response, President Wang Jing-wi seemed to be unpleasant but soon got up and called General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao. ¡°Chief of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡± General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao immediately nodded and replied.


    ¡°Send all the air force that we¡¯ve prepared in 20 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! It¡¯ll be toote after 20 minutes. Please send them right away.¡±


    ¡°Minister of Defense!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi spoke in a loud enough voice to echo throughout the entire operation room, then approached Minister of Defense Jang Yue Fung and whispered to him, ¡°Defense Minister! I¡¯m the Central Commander-in-Chief. I¡¯m better than anyone else in strategy and tactics. I¡¯m not just a politician like you! Do you know what I mean? So just shut up and watch from the side. That¡¯s what you should do if you want to keep your position as a minister.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi returned to his seat after making a disgraceful insult to Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung.


    <¡®You will soon regret bing a rabies-infected dog whenever you drink.¡¯> cursed Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung while biting his lower lip hard as he exited the operating room..

 Chapter 475 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 4-5 Battle of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 475: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 4-5 Battle of Strength</h4>


    January 1st, 2024, 23:50 (New China time: 22:50)


    Outside Area 15 of Beichen District Industrial Complex, Tianjin, New China


    Team leader Park Gi-oong left the safe house and returned to District 15. He was dressed as a civilian and carried a backpack containing the CRB-330 equipment.


    He took advantage of the darkness to get there and look around.


    ¡°Damn. I should¡¯ve brought my shield sses.¡±


    He was slightly remorseful that he had left his protective suits, shield sses, and various high-tech equipment at the safe house.


    He had no choice but to examine the ce with his naked eyes. To make matters worse, in addition to the darkness, the yellow dust was so dense that it was difficult to see more than 20 meters ahead.


    Fortunately, he was able to examine the area using the searchlight that could asionally shine through the dust.


    Another issue was the three-meter-high fence that wasn¡¯t there in the morning, and several heavily armed soldiers who stood guard at 20-meter intervals. Additionally, there were armored vehicles that patrolled the fence.


    Initially, he intended to go up in the surrounding high buildings and then scan the area with his CRB-330 equipment, but he was concerned that the dense yellow dust would prevent him from getting a proper reading, so he decided to break into the grounds.


    However, breaking through the three-meter-high fence and avoiding the heavily armed soldiers without any equipment was not an easy mission for him.


    As a start, he decided to approach the fence in the area where there were no soldiers in sight. Therefore, hey down and crawled little by little toward the fence.


    He couldn¡¯t move quickly because he was trying to hide hisrge backpack and avoid being seen by both soldiers. When he was about ten meters away from the fence, he felt vibrations and the ground began to shake.


    He turned his head in the direction of the vibration and saw a wheel-type armored vehicle moving with its light on.


    <Rumbling!>


    He wasn¡¯t yet within the range of the light, but he would be soon. It was only a matter of time before he was discovered.


    As a result, he hurriedly took off his backpack, threw it toward the fence, and start crawling as fast as possible.


    <Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!>


    Fortunately, the sound of the falling backpack was drowned out by the noise of the moving heavy armored vehicle, and Team Leader Park Gi-oong made it to the front of the fence without being caught. Team leader Park Gi-oong, who was lying in front of the fence, observed the movements of the soldiers on both sides. And because there was no response, he took a deep breath and felt relieved.


    <Now, if I can only cross this fence¡­>


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong cut off the backpack strap and linked them together to make it a meter long, and he used the link as a hook before throwing it over the fence. The hook caught on the top and he pulled it up.


    As he confirmed that the hook was holding well, all that remained was to avoid both soldiers¡¯ gazes and climb the fence quickly. For the time being, he waited for the armored vehicle to make a loud noise before tossing his backpack over to the other side of the fence, then he grabbed the hanging strap and easily crossed the fence.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who expected to be relieved after crossing the fence, frowned when he noticed that there were more soldiers deployed inside than outside the fence.


    <There¡¯s a lot. Damn bastards.>


    The increased number of soldiers irritated him.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who expressed his displeasure with a short swear word, looked at a half-copsed building 20 meters to the left. Even though it was a neighboring building, it may have been caught in the power of the st and copsed. As a result, he felt the power of M2-Kill, which was used by the Foreign Intelligence Division 1.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    He reasoned that if he got to the top of it, he could use it to scan the area. He moved quietly, picking up his backpack and looking left and right, front and back.


    <Whoo>


    A few minutester, Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who had climbed to the top of the copsed building, carefully took out the CRB-330 equipment from his backpack, which was wrapped in bubble wrap. As soon as he removed the bubble wrap, he began assembling it.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who stayed in the room all afternoon memorizing how to assemble the CRB-330 equipment and the operating instructions, expertlypleted the assembly even in the dark.


    The assembled CRB-330 equipment resembled arge DSLR camera. When he connected it and pressed the power button, the top LCD screen lit up.


    As hepleted his preparations, he looked down and checked his surroundings to see if there were any soldiers nearby.


    Fortunately, there was no one around him, Therefore, he slowly got up and made his way to the factory area, where the CRB-330¡¯s square lens copsed and began scanning. As a result, a sound rang out and a scan of what was going on underground appeared on the upper LCD screen.


    <Ddu-du! Ddu-du! Ddu-du!>


    As the scanning began on one side, which was expected to take some time due to therge scan area, he began praying to God with his hands together.


    After a while, another beep sound rang to indicate that something was detected 30 meters underground.


    <Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep!>


    Even though the shape was very small, it was certain that they were alive, and there were two gathered in that ce.


    <What are they? Based on their size, are they animals? >


    The living creatures detected on the screen was roughly the size of a human face. Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s face lit up and his eyes widened as he realized what was going on.


    <It¡¯s their faces! Their bodies were, of course, undetected due to the protective suit. So, only their faces were detected.>


    He then hurriedly tapped the CRB-330 console keyboard to store the exact location.


    ¡°Oh God, they are alive! Alive! Thank you.¡±


    Because of his overwhelming emotions at that moment, his hand was shaking as he tapped the CRB-330 console keyboard.


    ¡°Done! Done!¡±


    The rescue was now the problem. Several excavators had been mobilized and were digging downward 40 meters from where the two managers were discovered. In addition, there were armored vehicles and heavily armed soldiers on guard.


    <How to rescue them¡­They are 30 meters underground based on the detected information¡­>


    He tried to think of a way to save them while disassembling the CRB-330 equipment and packing it back into his backpack, but he couldn¡¯t think of anything.


    <Anyway, the first division agents will help me as soon as they find out the managers are still alive¡­I¡¯ll let them know after I get out of here.>


    Then, Team Leader Park Gi-oong moved secretly and quickly on the same path he came from.


    <hr />


    January 2nd, 2024, 00:10 (Russian time: 18:10)


    Russia Moscow bunker state R-13 (Operation Room)


    Until now, the Russians had had dozens of aerial battles with Korean fighters, but in every one of them, the Russian fighters had been ughtered unterally. As for today¡¯s battle, it was clear that things would be different.


    They had deployed three times as many fighters as Korean fighters, and numerous ground air defense units had applied for support. In addition, they had data-linked radar detection data from the US As Reconnaissance Satellite.


    Despite this, it was a neck-and-neck battle. Although many more Russian fighters were intercepted, Korean fighters were intercepted as well, and all of this was disyed on the tactical screen.


    Although the results were satisfactory. President Putin¡¯s expression was not very happy.


    This was because New China¡¯s fighters had notunched yet. Russian fighters would not have been intercepted to this extent if the New China fighters hadunched on time ording to the existing joint operation n.


    His desire to minimize damage to his fighters by sacrificing New China¡¯s fighters and receiving detection information while attacking Korean fighters was shattered.


    As a result, the two countries¡¯ mutual military protection treaty was meaningless. All they had were dark intentions to take advantage of each other by using their allies.


    <Crashing!>


    The U-shaped table shook violently as a dull sound rang.


    ¡°You mother*cker Wang Jing-wi! Is he saying he just sent them out now?¡±


    President Putin, who just received a report from his staff, grabbed the table and shook it.


    ¡°After this war with Korea, I must teach that filthy Wang Jing-wi how to fear our Russia.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a relief that they¡¯re joining now?¡±


    At the words of Finance Minister Yuri Nikiporov, President Putin stared at him.


    ¡°Relieved? Are you saying this because you don¡¯t know how many fighter jets were intercepted?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I thought it¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t know, just close your mouth and watch.¡±


    Finance Minister Yuri Nikiporov, who was scolded, bowed his head.


    At this moment, another report came from dimir Beshastnih, Chief of the General Staff, that made President Putin even more upset.


    The report¡¯s content was as follows. It was reported that the Korean Marine Corps and Ukrainian forces had captured Mariupol, a port city guarded by rebels and Russian pro-defense forces, 30 minutes ago.


    President Putin, who hit the table once again, was enraged to the point where his face turned red.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d send reinforcements to Mariupol?¡±


    When the South Korean Marine Corps were reported to have attacked Spartak earlier in the morning, the General Chief of Staff directed the Southern District Military Command to send reinforcements to protect Mariupol, a military hub in Dsk.


    The Southern District Military Command ordered the mobilization of the 587th Motorized Infantry Brigade of the 18th Motorized Infantry Division stationed in Rostov-on-Don, one of the units under their directmand, to Mariupol, but the 587th Motorized Infantry Brigade did not begin maneuvering toward Mariupol until 6 p.m.


    When the 587th Motorized Infantry Brigade arrived near Mariupol a few hourster, the street battle was already in full swing.


    Until now, street battles between the Ukrainian Army, rebels, and Russian Guardssted anywhere from a few days to more than a month. As a result, when entering a street battle, the rebels and Russian Guards were ustomed to being converted to a long-term battle.


    However, the Korean Marine Corps was different. The 27th Marine Battalion of the 51st Marine Regiment, of the 5th Marine Division, which began attacking Spartak from the 11 o¡¯clock direction, wiped out all rebels and Russian pro-defense forces in just three hours. And afterpleting the handover to the subordinate unit of the Ukrainian 65th Motorized Infantry Division, they quickly maneuvered to Mariupol, 45 kilometers away.


    When the civil war was in full swing in 2015, the Ukrainian army and the rebels fought a month-long street battle over Spartak, and in the end, the rebels and the Russian Guards were victorious and upied the small town.


    Knowing that the Russian army had been fighting a street battle for more than a month to upy Spartak, they had no idea that the Korean Marine Corps would upy it in three hours and move on to Mariupol.


    That¡¯s why themand of the 587th Motorized Infantry Brigade, which had been ordered to move, decided that there was enough time and began the operation at 6 p.m. when all movement preparations wereplete.


    Mariupol, a medium-sized city with a poption of 100,000, was one of Russia¡¯s most important military hubs. This was due to the presence of a naval military port where the ck Sea Fleet¡¯s escort fleet in charge of the Sea of Azov was anchored.


    It was critical for Russia to reim maritime supremacy in the Sea of Azov. It was because it would cause problems to the Crimean Penins.


    If Russia loses its maritime rights in the Sea of Azov, the Crimean Penins, which is currently a Russian territory, would be cut off from the Russian maind due to its geographical characteristics. Although the Kerch Strait Bridge exists, it can be easily blown up at any time by Ukrainian or South Korean forces.


    In other words, if the Azov Sea¡¯s sea rights are lost, the Crimean Penins, which would be cut off from Russia¡¯s maind, could be easily upied by Ukrainian forces.


    ¡°The Korean marines¡¯ maneuvering appears to have been faster than expected. My apologies, but the 587th Motorized Infantry Brigade, which has just arrived, will recover it.¡±


    ¡°If the restoration is dyed, we would have problems with the Crimean Penins¡­¡±


    President Putin, who was furious, sat down in his seat after trailing the end of his speech and wrapping the back of his head. For a moment, symptoms of hypertension seemed to recur.


    ¡°Mr. President, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about. What¡¯s your n?¡±


    ¡°We have now issued an order to dispatch reinforcements to the Crimean Penins through the Kerch Strait Bridge.¡±


    ¡°Tell them not to make any mistakes and to move as quickly as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve already informed themander of the Southern District about that..¡±

 Chapter 476 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 4-6 Battle of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 476: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 4-6 Battle of Strength</h4>


    January 2nd, 2024, 00:40 (Russia time: 00:40)


    Over the northwest end of Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia


    An hour after entering therge-scale aerial war, the New China¡¯s various types of fighters were sortieing in the air above the northwestern tip of Hulunbuir as they joined the battle.


    When the New China Air Force reached the northwest end of Hulunbuir half an hour earlier, the Korean Air Forceunched the 17th Fighter Wing from West Manchuria Anshan Air Base, the 8th Fighter Wing from Northern Zhou Sunan Air Base, the First Fighter Wing from Gwangju Air Base, and the 23rd Fighter Wing from Gimhae Air Base to greet the New China fighters.


    It is possible to say that the Republic of Korea¡¯s air forces mobilized approximately 7.5 percent of the total Korean Air Force¡¯s air power.


    The Korean Air Force fighters, which were dealing with nearly four times as many fighters from both countries, were busy handling various surface-to-air missiles soaring from the ground. It was a struggle because the stealth function was disabled as well.


    As a result, over 50 Korean fighters were shot down. Although the majority of the pilots were able to escape and avoid death, there were 13 confirmed deaths.


    In response, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Air Force Operations Command issued a strict order for pilots to unconditionally escape in the event of an emergency.


    Meanwhile, Russia¡¯s and New China¡¯s fighters suffered significant damage. Until now, the number of Russian fighters that have been grounded has topped 300 with the remaining power of the Air Force as follows: 28 Su-50 Pak-Fa fighters, 55 Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters, 42 Su-30MK nker fighters, 18 Mig-37 MFI Siberian fighters, and 32 Su-25 Frogfoot fighters.


    Moreover, New China¡¯s fighters, who only joined the battle 20 minutes ago, have already had over 250 fighter jets grounded.


    Even though they participatedter, they suffered significant damage from the start because, unlike Russian fighters, they did not receive detection information from the As reconnaissance satellites. Although they tried to detect using their radar by mobilizing all early aerial rms, it was a one-sided massacre, simr to what happened during the first Northeast Asian War. Theirtest stealth fighters, the J-20 and J-30, suffered the most, as the Republic of Korea Air Force prioritized them.


    Therefore, only 33 J-30 fighters survived out of 100, while all J-20 fighters were intercepted. Furthermore, only 123 J-8 fighter jets from the previous generation, 102 of the fourth generation J-10 fighter jets, and 54 J-11 fighter jets survived.


    When all fighters from Russia and New China, as well as the South Korean Air Force, ran out of mid- and long-range missiles, they engaged in full-fledged dogfights.


    More than 600 fighters from the three countries jumped into the fist of death, relying only on their armed guns and short-range missiles.


    It was just like during World War II when fighters attacked each other with their armed guns in a dogfight. Now, even though they were in the twenty-first century with different cutting-edge fighters involved in the battle, they had once again ended up in such a fight.


    The only difference was that they were struggling to hit each other due to the differences in speeds and unexpected high-level maneuvers resulting from the jets¡¯ engine.


    Even though Korean fighters sessfully shot down over 400 Russian and New China fighters, they were still outnumbered. As a result, they engaged in unfavorable battles, with at least three enemy fighters attempting to catch each Korean fighter.


    ¡°ck Moon, East Point at distance 20. Ten enemies were confirmed! Check! Dogfight ready.¡±


    The ck Moon squadron also joined the dogfight, and the voice of the squadron leader Major Oh Gil-sung was heard in the squadron¡¯s control room.


    They were up against ten Russian Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters, dubbed Mikoyan in Russian. Although they had no air-to-ground bombing capability, they had excellent aerial warfare performance, such as a high-performance interceptor with a maximum speed of Mach 2.83 and detection capability at a distance of 400 kilometers. It was also recently rumored that they now had air-to-ground bombing capability.


    As such, with their high performance in such a dogfight, they fiercely approached the ck Moon Squadron as soon as they detected them on their radars.


    Four of the ten Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters that arrived in less than a minute split up and flew to the ck Moon squadron¡¯s left and right sides and attempted to catch their rear, while the remaining six advanced to the front of the squadron.


    The ck Moon squadron had exhausted all of its short-range missiles, including the S-AAM-50 Magpie Viperine, a short-range missile with a range of 50 kilometers, and they were left with only their 12-millimeterser Vulcan beam. As a result, and under these circumstances, they were forced to make an emergency return to rearm, but unfortunately, they were caught in such a difficult situation.


    They were outnumbered and their stealth performance was disabled, causing them more damage than expected. Furthermore, because there were tactical bombers and strategic fighter-bombers deployed on the battlefield, they did not have time to leave and rearm.


    In such a situation, the ck Moon squadron could only ignore the four enemy fighters following them from behind and engage in a direct fight with the six fighters advancing toward them.


    <Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep!>


    The sudden rm from a Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range missile sounded throughout the ck Moon squadron. It was thetest infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile developed by Russia.


    ¡°This is ck Moon One! ck Moon Squadron Music On! After the evasive maneuver, start firing.¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Two! Copy.¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Three! Copy.¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Four! Copy.¡±


    The ck Moon squadron increased the output power of the SECM (radio disturbance system) to its maximum and began preparing for a high-speed evasive maneuver.


    <Chuwowowo~ Chuwowowo ~>


    Twelve Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer) missiles flew in a straight line, leaving a white smoke trail in the dark sky behind them. ordingly, the squadron¡¯s four fighters began the evasive maneuver and sprayed chaff and res. The Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer) missiles then collided with the res and exploded.


    The ck Moon squadron, which had sessfully avoided the first missile attack, increased their speed to the maximum to avoid any further missile attacks and reached the six enemy fighters in front of them. As soon as Major Oh Gil-sung issued the shooting order,ser beams were fired from the 12-millimeterser Vulcan.


    The four redser beams prated the canopy of the four Mig-31BM Foxhounds in front and reached the rear engine area, causing them to explode.


    In the blink of an eye, the four Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters fell to the ground as a huge fireball, while the two that survived passed by them.


    At the same time, the other four Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters, who were following from behind, caught the rear of the ck Moon squadron and fired using their 23-millimeter GSH-6-23 Autocannon.


    <Drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!>


    Tracer ammunition flew along the rear of the Back Moon squadron.


    In response, Major Oh Gil-sung issued an evasive maneuver order to the squadron crew, which on many asions, had previously been issued by Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho.


    ¡°This is ck Moon One! ck Moon Two, Three, and Four! Immediately catch the rear of the enemy with a straight rule-down maneuver.¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Two! Copy that.¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Three! Copy that.¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Four! Copy that.¡±


    The ck Moon squadron, which had been avoiding the tracer ammunitions that had been following them by shaking the aircraft from side to side, lowered their output, rotated, and plunged toward the ground at a terrifying speed. When they reached a certain altitude, they immediately increased to the maximum output to center the aircraft and raise their noses.


    While that was happening, the four Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters, who momentarily missed the rear of the ck Moon squadron, descended while turning at the narrowest possible angle. However, their tail was exposed to the ck Moon squadron.


    <Jjyu jjyu jjyuung~ Jjyu jjyu jjyuung ~>


    Then, the four ck Moon squadron fired their 12-millimeterser Vulcan beam again, directly prating the tail of the Mig-31BM Foxhound fighter.


    <Kwang! Kwang!>


    The fighters split into two and exploded into mes, almost like fireworks, and slowly fell toward the ground while emitting ck smoke.


    Soon after, the ck Moon squadron was able to shoot down eight of the ten Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters, and when it was about to turn toward the remaining two, a warning from the Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range missile rang again.


    Thest two Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters fired theirst two Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range missiles. Therefore, the only armament left was the 23-millimeter cannon.


    Despite this, they chose to fight until the end rather than retreat. They were ready to shoot depending on the oue of the missileunch.


    Meanwhile, the ck Moon squadron, which had been targeted by the Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range missile, sprayed chap and re once more and began the evasive maneuver. The Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range missiles, on the other hand, kept aiming for the ck Moon squadron.


    However, the ck Moon Squadron¡¯s CF-21P fighters were outfitted with a cutting-edge ACS system (anti-gravity control system). As a result, they were able to sessfully avoid the two missiles using extraordinary evasive maneuver techniques that ordinary fighters were unable to imitate.


    ck Moon One and Two, which had avoided the short-range missiles, spun around and fired a 12-millimeterser Vulcan beam on the two remaining Mig-31BM Foxhound fighters, which were attempting to follow the tail of ck Moon Three and Four.


    The canopy of the first Mig-31BM foxhound was prated by Major Oh Gil-sung¡¯s redser. As a result, the canopy frayed and only the body of the pilot, whose head had vanished, was left in the cockpit chair, causing the fighter to lose bnce, crash into the ground, and explode.


    The other one exploded as the side fusge was hit by theser beam fired by Captain Ha Young-ju, the deputymander of ck Moon Two.


    The ck Moon squadron, which unterally won the four to ten dogfight battle, received an emergencymunication from Lieutenant Colonel Lee Jin-kyun of the 111th Fighter Squadron.


    ¡°This is Super Moon Zero! Contact ck Moon! Multiple enemies and military transport nes confirmed at 3-0-5 azimuth, distance 77! Check! ck Moon Squadron! Go Fight!¡±


    Because the air battle was fiercer than expected, the military transport ne flying secretly from the rear was discoveredte.


    ¡°This is ck Moon One! Copy that!¡±


    <hr />


    January 2nd, 2024, 01:00 (New China time: 00:00)


    Outside Area 15 of Beichen District Industrial Complex, Tianjin, New China


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who had safely escaped to the safety zone, took his smartphone out and turned the power on. It was turned off to avoid any unfavorable situations that might arise as a result of any unexpected calls.


    As soon as the smartphone¡¯s screen turned on, there were notifications of missed calls and text messages.


    <Why are they calling me this much?>


    He checked his text messages first, and as he did so, his face turned gray, urging him to tap the call button.


    ¡°Hello, it¡¯s me. Is this for real?¡±


    ¡°Hey, you punk! Why did you turn your phone off? Where are you?¡± nagged Team Leader Youn Tae-jin over the phone.


    ¡°Stop nagging and answer me!¡±


    ¡°Would that be a lie?¡±


    ¡°Okay. Ah! Right. You! The two managers are alive.¡±


    ¡°Really? Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you punk! I was able to confirm that and their exact location.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Then there¡¯s a lot to discuss. Come in!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong waved his hands in delight after hanging up the phone. He felt like flying in the sky on his way back to the safe house after his worries about what would happen if he couldn¡¯t save them had faded.


    <¡®It is a VIP rescue, which means the mobilization of all country resources. This would be more than enough!¡¯> Team leader Park Gi-oong, who recalled the text from Team Leader Youn Tae-jin, walked faster..

 Chapter 477 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 4-7 Battle of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 477: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 4-7 Battle of Strength</h4>


    January 2nd, 2024, 01:00 (Russian time 00:00)


    Over the northwest end of Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia


    At a distance of 77 kilometers and an altitude of eight kilometers, the ck Moon squadron¡¯s radar detected approximately 100rge and small aircraft.


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Operations Command, and Aerospace Operations Command were able to detect and determine their identities with various reconnaissance satellites ahead of time. However, when the aerial warfare unexpectedly turned into a dogfight, it forced them to make changes to their current operational n.


    ording to the current operational n, the Space Fighter Wing should intercept the Russian tactical bomber, strategic bomber, and various military transport aircraft. However, when the aerial battle unexpectedly devolved into a dogfight, the Three-toed Crow space fighter jets were forced to join the dogfight and leave the military transport aircraft behind.


    But as the military transport aircraft were getting closer to Hulunbuir, which was 100 kilometers away, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided that they could no longer postpone the interception, and issued the order to the Air Force Operations Commands to begin the interception.


    ¡°This is ck Moon Two! Contact One! Too many enemy aircraft have been confirmed. They all appear to be new models.¡± Deputy Commander of ck Moon checked the number of enemy fighters escorting the aircraft and sent a concerningmunication.


    ¡°This is ck Moon One! Contact ck Moon squadron! There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of! The fact that we were able to get so close without being attacked indicates that we haven¡¯t been detected yet. So, keep it up, and let¡¯s do what we usually do!¡±


    ¡°This is ck Moon Two! That¡¯s true, but despite their numbers, our armed state is¡­¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t be the only ones here, right? The other squadrons will support us in a little while, so don¡¯t worry too much, okay?¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Two! Roger that!¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Three! Roger that!¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Four! Roger that!¡±


    As Major Oh Gil-sung said, thetest Russian fighters escorting the military transport nes were unable to detect them even though they were only 50 kilometers away.


    There was a limit as to how much radar detection information they could receive from the As reconnaissance satellite of the United States. As of now, there were approximately 900 different aircraft engaging in a tangled state within a 200-kilometer radius. ordingly, it was unable to detect 100 percent of Korean fighters. As a result, it was unable to detect the ck Moon squadron, which is now rushing toward the military transport nes.


    ¡°ck Moon One! Contact ck Moon Two! Three! Afterburner On! Buster and enemies, attack! Contact ck Moon three! Engage in the Offense.¡±


    ¡°This is ck Moon Two! Will that be okay?¡± At the order of Major Oh Gil-sung, the deputy manager asked with concern.


    ¡°ck Moon One! Contact ck Moon Two! That¡¯s all right!¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Two! Roger that!¡±


    As soon as they received the confirmation, the ck Moon Two and the other fighters activated the afterburner at the same time, increasing their speed to Mach 7, breaking through the escorting fighters and approaching the military transport aircraft.


    The sudden appearance of the Korean fighter forced the IL-476 Ilyushin transport aircraft to make a sharp turn to the right. However, it was impossible for the heavy aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 195 tons to escape from a fighter jet. So, it was clear that the pilot was only looking for the escorting fighters.


    <Jjuung Jjuung Jjuung>


    The ck Moon Fighters fired redser light that swept through the fusge side of the IL-476 Ilyushin transport aircraft. However, shooting down such arge aircraft with onlyser beams was proving to be difficult.


    Even though ck smoke began to arise, the IL-476 Ilyushin transport aircraft continued its attempt to escape. At the same moment,munication came from the deputymander,


    ¡°This is ck Moon Two! Contact Four! Fire at the control room or engine!¡±


    ¡°ck Moon Four! Roger that!¡±


    Lieutenant Park Min-tae pulled the steering wheel as hard as he could after receiving the order from the deputymander, made a sharp turn, and fired again toward the aircraft¡¯s left engine.


    <Jjuung Jjuung Jjuung>


    Theser beams hit the two engines on the left.


    <Kwang! Kwang!>


    The engines exploded simultaneously, erupting in red mes. As a result, the aircraft lost its bnce, tilted sharply to the left, and started falling.


    Leaving behind the IL-476 Ilyushin transport aircraft that was falling, Lieutenant Park Min-tae headed toward another transport ne.


    <hr />


    January 2nd, 2024, 01:10


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Operation room of the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    The tension in the Joint Command Control Center¡¯s operation room was high as usual. Except for the various reports and sounds of operators, everyone kept their mouths shut and watched carefully.


    It was clear that the current situation was far worse than anticipated.


    ¡°ording to the report, fighters from the 38th Fighter Corps¡¯ 110th squadron are currently attacking enemy transport aircraft that have crossed the border.¡±


    Among several reports, this was the one that caused Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong¡¯s expression to brighten.


    ¡°Can we check it out on the screen?¡±


    The request from the Joint Chiefs of Staff was immediately responded to by Nam Tae-kwon, the head of the operation room. ¡°I¡¯ll check.¡±


    After a while, Nam Tae-kwon, who was in a discussion with the operator, turned his head and spoke, ¡°Please look at the fifth screen.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡±


    A minuteter, footage from the Apollo reconnaissance satellite appeared on screen five, and small shouts erupted all at once.


    The Russian transport aircraft that appeared on the screen had either crashed to the ground, with red mes erupting from the engines mounted on their wings, or they were underser attacks and were falling one after another.


    They were ovee with emotions while watching this scene, with their mouths open, as if they were watching a war movie.


    ¡°How many transport aircraft are there left?¡±


    ¡°So far, we have shot down 44 transport aircraft. Because of the enemy¡¯s escort, it is taking longer than expected.¡±


    ¡°Well, it seems so. As they are only left with the 12-millimeter Vulcanser, it would be an obstacle for them¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Won¡¯t our ground forces anti-aircraft unit take care of them as soon as they enter our airspace?¡±


    ¡°It is true but I am worried that Russia might invade them early.¡±


    ¡°This, this. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must be very worried.¡±


    ¡°What will you do if you find yourself on a battlefield where neither the regr army nor special operations forces are present? Wouldn¡¯t at least more bullets be sufficient? No, do I have to call themsers?¡±


    When Deputy Chief of Staff Youn Gi-youn said it half-jokingly, Deputy Chief of Staff Kim Yong-hyun, who was looking at screen five with his arms folded next to him, interjected, ¡°Still, the Russian Spetsnaz are not easy to deal with.¡±


    ¡°I know that they are very skilled. Anyway, they will never be able to do anything like a rear-end disturbance.¡±


    ¡°I hope so, too.¡± Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong answered quietly as he tried not to frown.


    A few hourster, the Spetsnaz forces and airlift forces that attempted to prate Hulunbuir were mostly devastated with their transport nes in the air. Some attempted an emergency escape, but the location where they had been deployed was in the middle of a fierce battle between the two countries. As a result, they were attacked by various anti-aircraft guns before they even made it to the ground, and those who did make it to the ground were killed by the bombs that rained down on them.


    As such Spetsnaz and airlift forces, which were deployed to disrupt the rear, failed to carry out their mission. Furthermore, the Russian army, which lost nearly half of its military transport aircraft, faced a major setback in the future transport of war supplies.


    This loss, however, was significant. The 482 Russian fighters that were shot down, ounted for nearly 60 percent of the Russian air force. The remaining air force was only enough to protect Moscow and Eastern European airspace at best. To be precise they were insufficient. Despite the support of the US As reconnaissance satellite, they suffered a great loss.


    As a result, Russia could no longer afford to project air power against Korea in the war.


    New China¡¯s situation was no better¡ªonly 12 of the 450 fighters that they had sent, returned after surviving. They only made it because they fled as soon as theirmander fighter was intercepted.


    The Republic of Korea Air Force, on the other hand, went down in history as having suffered the most during air battles, including the First Northeast Asian War, they lost 1000 fighters in total.


    Their loss during this aerial warfare was as follows: 142 fighters were shot down, 32 pilots were killed, 11 went missing, and the remaining 99 were rescued by ground forces and safely returned to the base.


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Air Force Operations Command took the war¡¯s oue seriously, even though their loss was not as severe. Whenpared to Russia¡¯s and New China¡¯s losses, the majority of the fighters shot down were ssified as low-ss, such as the F-15k m Eagle, CF-35A Lighting, and CF-16Z Fighting Falcon.


    The reason was that their stealth performance, which they thought was invincible, was neutralized and detected by the radar, which could lead to some difficulties in future operations in enemy airspace.


    Because of this issue, it would be difficult to prevent the Russian military from conducting arge-scale sweep operation along the northwest front. So far, the air force¡¯s bombing support had kept the numerical disadvantages at bay. However, if the air force could no longer be deployed, it would be a setback.


    As a consequence, the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had been watching the aerial warfare all day long, entered an emergency meeting and were only able to establish the temporary countermeasures at 1 p.m.


    <hr />


    January 2nd, 2024, 13:30 (US time 00:30)


    Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, USA (Conference Room of Joint Staff Headquarters)


    President Trump and officials from the Ministry of National Defense, who were not parties to the war but had closely watched the second Northeast Asian War, were very pleased with the results, even if they did not show it on the surface.


    This was due to several factors. The first of which was that the radar performance of the As reconnaissance satellite was better than expected, and the second was that the Korean Air Force had a significant loss. Finally, their rivals, Russia and New China suffered significant losses as well.


    That was the result that the United States wanted the most.


    President Trump and themanders of the Ministry of National Defense, who had been watching the war in real-time for a long time, reconvened in the Joint Chiefs of Staff conference room to discuss the future of the war in Northeast Asia.


    This was because the oue of this war was critical to their desire to reim their position as the world¡¯s number one. So, for the results to be as desired, they needed to urately anticipate the aspects of the war and take the necessary measures.


    Their consent to apply the As reconnaissance satellite, a ss S military secret, seemed to be because of President Putin¡¯s threats to use the USSC cases, but in fact, it was to create a war result with no winners and only losers in the second Northeast Asian war..

 Chapter 478 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 4-8 Battle of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 478: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 4-8 Battle of Strength</h4>


    January 2nd, 2024, 16:00


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    Themanders and staff of the Joint Staff Headquarters, who had stayed up all night and held an operational meeting on the countermeasure n all morning, were resting except for a few officials.


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, took a shower in his room in the B2 bunker after finishing the meeting to relieve his tired body. He then had some coffee to keep him awake.


    Even though like any normal person, he wanted to sleep and forget everything, he couldn¡¯t because of his sense of responsibility and the burden that weighed down on him as the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    Therefore, he sat at his desk, holding the coffee cup in his left hand and the documents of the emergency countermeasure n in his right hand, slowly reading them.


    While reading the documents, he asionally stretched to rx the muscles in his shoulders and neck, which were feeling stiff. When he reached thest chapter of a 10-page document, darkness passed across his face. He didn¡¯t like the contents of the operational n.


    The contents of the countermeasure were as such. Firstly, to confront the Russian forces that were continuously deployed around the northwest front, they decided to urgently deploy four divisions. The 82nd Armored Division (Balhae) and the 29th Mechanized Infantry Division (Leading), which had been deployed on the eastern front, were ordered to redeploy to the 11th and 12th zones of the northwest front. While the 80th Mountain Division (Hammer) and 62nd Mountain Division (Chungryong) were deployed to the 13th and 14th regions, which were the borders of the rugged mountainous regions in the north.


    Furthermore, the 7th Mobile Corps was directed to move quickly and defend against Russian counterattacks. The 20th Armored Division, in particr, which served as the leader, had been ordered to move at full speed and attack the 2nd Guards army by that night.


    Secondly, the contents rted to New China were as follow:


    In Area One, the 3rd Armored Division (Baekol) was to take the ce of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong), which had suffered significant losses as a result of the sudden sma bombs. The 1st Armored Division (Advanced), which was in charge of the 2nd Area, was to quickly move to the northern end on behalf of the 25th Gyeonggap Infantry Division (Biryong), which had suffered severe damage and was on the verge of being destroyed. Finally, the area defended by the 1st Armored Division (Advanced) previously was to be taken over by the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division (Ottogi).


    Furthermore, the 11th Armored Division (Hwarang), a unit directly under themand of the 1st Army, was deployed in front of Jinzhou to block the G1 Expressway and G102 Road, two of New China¡¯s most important routes.


    Even though it was not perfect, it was considered a good countermeasure n under the current circumstances. However, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, had the feeling that something was missing from the n of the Russian side.


    ¡°Well, Russia¡¯s countermeasure n seems to becking by 2 percent,¡± he said as he put down the documents of the operation n at his desk and quickly drank the coffee that had already cooled down.


    Before the eruption of aerial warfare, they followed the existing operation n and therefore, they began to intervene in the Ukrainian civil war to prevent additional Russian reinforcement troops from being deployed to the northwest front. The 5th Marine Infantry Division was deployed in the entire Dsk state within four days of its initial dispatch, but contrary to expectations, the 49th Army of the Southern Military District, which was involved in the Ukrainian civil war, kept moving to n-Ude, 625 kilometers away, instead of recovering the area.


    The Russian General Chief of Staff determined that the power of one division of the Korean Marine Corps would not affect the civil war in Ukraine, so he ordered the 49th Army to continue its movement. Furthermore, some units of the 58th Army, which were in charge of the borders of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, were ordered to relocate to areas under themand of the 49th Army to prepare for any contingency.


    If the 3rd Mobile Marine Division (Hwaryong), which was the second unit dispatched in Ukraine, had been dispatched as early as the 5th Marine Division, the Russian General Staff would have felt a sense of crisis and returned the 49th Army of the Southern Military District. This was the most regrettable part of the existing operation n.


    During the countermeasure operational meeting at 10 a.m., the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau reported that there were movements from all subordinate units of the 51st Guards Army and 20th Guards Army in the Western Military District in charge of the south and east of Moscow.


    Even though they weren¡¯t sure if these movements were just simply eagerness or preparation for actual movement at the time, it was inconceivable that all units would disy such movements by just being eager. However, deploying even two units from the western county to the northwest front could have been extremely troubling for them.


    As a result, at the countermeasures n meeting, several staff members proposed subduing the Russian army in the Northwestern Front by simultaneously attacking it with strategic-level attack weapons such as sma amplified missiles, but the problem was that the number they had wasn¡¯t enough.


    In the case of the Zeus Strategic Interception Satellite, except for unit four, which is currently in charge of the Middle East, the remaining seven units had a total of 19 C-SH Zinog missiles, which ount for 34 percent of the total, and 41 C-SE Epirus missiles, which ount for only 37 percent. In addition, the various strategic weapons possessed by the Air Force were not enough as well.


    Although the Olympus base and various military factories were working 24 hours a day to print various weapons, the weapon suppliers were unable to keep up with the high demand because South Korea was now dealing with two countries at the same time.


    In other words, the avable weapons were insufficient to be used in Multirge-scale operations such as the ¡°ttening operation¡± that was established earlier for New China.


    Therefore, under these circumstances, they needed a clever strategy to halt the Russian army¡¯s continuous reinforcement troops. As previously reported, if the two military units of the Western Military District join the Northwestern Front, the total number of troops is expected to exceed 800,000, and 1.2 million if New China troops are included. It was a massive force that couldn¡¯t be ignored.


    With all of these thoughts racing through his mind, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, was finally able to clear his mind and quickly picked up the inte receiver¡±


    ¡°Yes, chairman!¡±


    ¡°Please connect me to the Minister of National Defense right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see. Please wait a moment.¡±


    <hr />


    January 2nd, 2024, 18:00


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju mittee of the Special Forces Command of the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    At the B2 bunker, there was amander who was reviewing tomorrow¡¯s rescue n without resting, just like Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong.


    He was General Kang Jung-hyun, themander of the special warfare who had previously received orders from the president to conduct a VIP ss rescue.


    He was conducting the final inspection of the rescue operation after receiving various information from the Foreign Intelligence Service and watching footage from the Overseas Reconnaissance Bureau of the 15th industrialplex in Beichen District.


    ¡°Have youpleted the selection of the personnel who will be participating in the rescue operation?¡±


    Brigadier General Kim Myung-won, the operational adviser who created the detailed n for the rescue operation, replied to General Kang Jung-hyun¡¯s question. ¡°Currently, 180 soldiers from the first battalion of the 707 Special Brigade, 80 soldiers from the first squadron belonging to the Capital Heavy Armor Assault Brigade, and 60 engineers belonging to the 111th Field Engineering Corps under the Capital Defense Command have all been confirmed to be recruited.¡±


    In addition to the Special Warfare Command, the engineering units and heavy armored assault units belonging to the Capital Defense Command participated in this rescue operation.


    As Brigadier General Kim Myung-won said, up to 320 troops were mobilized for the rescue of only two people. This was because the location to be rescued was in the middle of the enemy camp, and there was more than one regiment of New China troops stationed on the border. Furthermore, because they were trapped in the basement of a copsed building, it was not a simple rescue operation that could be carried out with only one or two special forces teams, as ismonly depicted in movies.


    General Kang Jung-hyun, who nodded at Brigadier General Kim Myung-won¡¯s answer, asked again, ¡°Will it be possible to get it done within two hours?¡±


    ¡°I believe it will be enough if we steal and use New China¡¯s heavy equipment,¡± responded Brigadier General Kim Myung-won confidently because he knew exactly how deep and where they were buried.


    ¡°In any case, it could be more dangerous if we took longer than two hours! Tianjin currently has three regr divisions and four mobilization divisions. We must rescue them and flee before reinforcements arrive.¡±


    Brigadier General Kim Myung-won once again replied confidently to the concerned words of General Kang Jung-hyun. ¡°That won¡¯t happen. Commander!¡±


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll trust you.¡±


    General Kang Jung-hyun packed the tablet PC that contained the rescue operation information in a small bag, patted Brigadier General Kim Myung-won on the shoulder, and walked to themand room¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°Check the rescue n once again and confirm it with each participated unit.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir. Salute!¡±


    He then opened the door and headed out to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    <hr />


    January 3rd, 2024, 13:00


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    Shin Sung-yong, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, returned to his office after dinner and smiled brightly when he received the call from Defense Minister Kang Ui-sik.


    ¡°Are you sure, Minister?¡±


    ¡°Minister Kang Kyung-hee made every effort to move. After hearing your request yesterday, it appears that the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs moved quickly.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯d like to thank Minister Kang Kyung Hee.¡±


    ¡°All right. Call him when you have time.¡±


    ¡°Haha. Yes, I should.¡±


    The previous afternoon, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, contacted Minister Kang Ui-sik after conceiving of one of the most feasible and expedient ways to prevent Russian troop reinforcement on the northwest front.


    It was with the use of the 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the 35th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, and the 11th Marine Cavalry Brigade (Gwangryong) that were currently stationed in the Republic of Kurdistan.


    If the above three brigades start sweeping through Azerbaijan to Dagestan and the Czech Republic in southern Russia, it would no longer be possible for the Russians to send reinforcements troops to the northwest front of Ukraine, the Crimean Penins.


    Although the three brigades were not capable of destroying the 58th Army in charge of the southern part and advancing northward, it was clear that they could at least put a halt to the additional reinforcements of the Northwestern Front, and the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong) would only have to win some time until the dispatch of Ukrainian troops.


    Simply put, it was a strategy for dealing with multiple problems at once. It was difficult to deploy those brigades at first because they were performing security missions in the Republic of Kurdistan. However, this problem was resolved today thanks to the quick action of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, recalled that several allies confirmedst year that they would send troops to the Republic of Kurdistan at any time if Korea requested it. As a result, he requested that Minister Kang Ui-sik contact them through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if they would be able to immediately dispatchbat units capable of carrying out the mission of maintaining the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s security.


    Within a day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a response from its African allies, Ethiopia, Sudan, and other countries, stating that they would immediately dispatch troops to the Republic of Kurdistan¡¯s security mission at the request of the South Korean government.


    Ethiopia, in particr, stated that if transportation was provided, it could dispatch 30,000 regr troops within a day.


    A few years ago, Ethiopia, which was the first to receive support from the ¡®June 25th Veterans Support Group¡¯ from the Republic of Korea, had grown into an emerging economy representing Africa thanks to various science and technology transfers andrge-scale economic support. it was leading the African Union..

 Chapter 479 - Season 2 Book 19 New China‘s Participation in War - 5-1 Stand By

    <h4>Chapter 479: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡®s Participation in War ¨C 5-1 Stand By</h4>


    January 3rd, 2024, 13:30


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Operational Meeting Room of the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    ¡°So, instead of leaving the rapid response division to do nothing, we should send them to the northwest front, or they should advance from the rear, just like the 7th Corps.¡±


    ¡°Deputy Chief of Staff Youn! The mission of the rapid response division is important too. Sending them to the Northwestern Front¡­¡±


    ¡°I know the significance of their mission. I¡¯m just saying it in case. Wouldn¡¯t the mission of the Rapid Response Division be useless if our troops were defeated? After all, we need to win the war so that their mission can see the light.¡±


    Youn Gi-youn and Kim Yong-hyun, Deputy Chiefs of Staff who had been ordered to convene an emergency meeting by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ten minutes ago, were engaged in a verbal quarrel.


    The Rapid Response Division, a division belonging to the 2nd Rapid Response Army, mentioned earlier by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Youn Gi-youn, was one of the best Korean forces that nevergged behind the forces of the 20th Armored Division (Confirmation), the Capital Division (Maengho), belonging to the 7th Mobile Corps, and the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong) of the Marine Corps.


    It was currently engaged in sweeping operations in the Siberian ins. Meanwhile, Russia¡¯s army continued to send reinforcements to the Northwestern Front. As a result, Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Chief of Staff, was dissatisfied with their mission in a ce where there was no enemy at all.


    ¡°Come on, I would never say such a thing if the situation on the northwest front was not as serious as it is now. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    At the words of Deputy Chief of Staff Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Chief of Staff Kim Yong-hyun turned his head and looked at Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon with a deep look.


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who nned the entire Siberian sweeping operation, was quietly listening without saying a word.


    So, he was looking at him because he wanted him to intervene. As a result, Lieutenant General Yang Min-chun, who had been sitting and listening from the other side of the table, coughed once and quietly intervened in the discussion.


    ¡°Ipletely agree with Deputy Chief of Staff Youn. The issue is, however, the distance. Currently, the 76 Rapid Response Division, which is 1,200 kilometers away, is the closest of the Rapid Response Divisions sweeping the Siberian field. Furthermore, the unit with the greatest distance is the 50th Rapid Response Division, which is 3,100 kilometers away. Furthermore, these divisions¡¯ subordinate units are scattered into battalions as small aspany units to carry out their duties. We¡¯d need at least a week to deploy all of these divisions to the northwest front. As a result, I believe it is best to consider alternative solutions for the time being.¡±


    ¡°And you wait until now to bring it up? Why didn¡¯t you say anything yesterday?¡±


    Deputy Chief of Staff Youn was irritated and tapped the table lightly with his fist. He then furrowed his brows, expressing his displeasure.


    There were numerous reasons for the selection of these four Rapid Response Divisions, one of the army¡¯s top forces, to conduct the Siberian sweeping operations two months ago.


    First of all, Siberia was three times as wide as the entire territory of the unified Republic of Korea. In addition, most of it was cold and barren terrain where no one could live, so it was not suitable for general infantry units to perform this mission.


    For these reasons, when Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon was establishing the n, he decided to choose them as he needed a unit that could upy this area as quickly as possible with the minimum number of people.


    The Rapid Response Division, which operates a K-27P-A Kirin Mobile Combat Armored Vehicle outfitted with a hover system, was able to maneuver quickly in rough terrain as well as in harsh climates and performs independent missions inpany units with the assistance of cutting-edge equipment.


    The only question now was whether it was necessary to mobilize the best forces in Korea to sweep the barren Siberian field where there were no enemies.


    There was one major reason that had not yet been revealed. The Overseas Resource Research Institute, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has confirmed that a considerable number of liquid rocks, the main material of liquid metal alloys, have been buried throughout Siberia. The reserves were at least five timesrger than those of Ararat in the Republic of Kurdistan. It was an enormous amount that could be used without worrying about defense weapons as well as industrial facilities for the next 50 years.


    The continuous production and retention of liquid metal alloys have always been very important for Korea¡¯s golden future, as they have absolute military and economic impact. As time goes by, demand will rise even more, so the Republic of Korea needs to secure as much liquid rock as possible while other countries are still uninterested.


    For this reason, they needed to quickly upy all areas where liquid rocks were buried before the war with Russia ended. As a result, they were forced to deploy the Rapid Response Division, one of the Korean Army¡¯s most powerful units.


    ¡°I have to convince the chairman today!¡±


    ¡°Deputy Chief of Staff Youn! Didn¡¯t we finish talking about this yesterday? Also, didn¡¯t we finish establishing the first temporary n? It¡¯s a waste of time to keep talking about things that have already been done.¡±


    When Deputy Chief of Staff Youn Gi-youn was not persuaded by Lieutenant General Yang Min- choon¡¯s words and continued to argue, Deputy Chief of Staff Kim Yong-hyun replied in a more forceful tone than usual. ¡°Over, what is over? I¡­¡±


    At that moment, the deputy secretary of staff opened the door of the conference room and announced, ¡°The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ising in.¡±


    At the words of the secretary, all the staff that were waiting stood up.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry for beingte after calling you! Please take a seat.¡±


    Unlike the conference room¡¯s atmosphere, which was tense due to the conflict between the two deputy chiefs of staff, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, who was sitting at the center of the table, had a very bright face.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the atmosphere in the meeting room?¡± Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, asked the head of the operations headquarters after noticing the glum expressions of the two deputy chiefs of staff sitting on either side of him.


    ¡°Before the chairman came, the two deputy chiefs were talking about the Northwest Front.¡±


    ¡°Haha. Judging by your expressions, you must have been arguing with each other! Okay! I¡¯ll tell you the agenda for this urgent meeting.¡±


    <hr />


    January 3rd, 2024, 15:00 (Russia time: 15:00)


    Russia¡¯s Zabaykalsky Krai (125 kilometers west end of the northwest front)


    The night before, the 20th Armored Division (Confirmation), which made a rapid maneuver along the M58 road in the pouring snowstorm, had its first engagement with the 51st Armored Tank Division of the 2nd Guard Corps, which was attempting to ambush it. It was to be an ambush, but the 20th Armored Division (confirmation) foresaw the situation with its various reconnaissance satellites andunched a pre-emptive attack on the ambush unit, engaging in a battle.


    The eighteen K-11 Thunder self-propelled howitzer from the Division Artillery¡¯s 69th Artillery Battalion, who were on standby 80 kilometers away, fired from their 200-millimeter barrels all at once.


    The K-11 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, which has been in battalions since 2022, has a unique double-barrelled caliber of 200 millimeters and a range of up to 120 kilometers. Furthermore, as the world¡¯s first particle cannon, its power was enormous. The killing radius per shot was an astounding 60 meters.


    Because it was a particle cannon, theunch speed reached 30 shots per minute, with a total of 60 shots possible due to the dual barrels. Moreover, thisunch speed could be maintained until the sma battery pack was depleted.


    In other words, the firepower of one artillery battalion was equivalent to that of more than normal four artillery battalions. Furthermore, because particle-type cannons cannot be detected by radars, the Russian army was hit while in an ambush and suffered severe damage.


    The blue mes pouring from the sky destroyed the surrounding area when they fell to the ground. The 20th Armored Division (Confirmation), which received rear firepower support, defeated not only the 51st Guard Tank Division but also the 27th Guard Motorized Rifle Division, in just five hours.


    The 20th Armored Division (Confirmation), which had finished its first battle smoothly, had a break and maintenance time until noon. At 2 p.m., it began maneuvering again toward the southern direction to deal with the elite of the 2nd Guards Army, the 16th Guards Tank Division and the 201st Motorized Rifle Division.


    If the 7th Mobile Corps was able topletely defeat the 2nd Guards Army with the 20th Armored Division (Confirmation) in the lead, they will be able to target the 29th, 41st, and 49th Armies of the Russian Army, all of which are currently maneuvering toward the northwest front.


    <hr />


    January 3rd, 2024, 23:45 (New China time: 22:45)


    Area 15 around the industrialplex in Beichen District, Tianjin, New China


    In Area 15, where the fence was built, various searchlights were shining brightly amid the strict vignce of the New China Army, and dozens of heavy equipment were working at night without a break.


    ck shadows were moving quickly and secretly around the area. They were foreign intelligence teams agents, who were trying to rescue manager Lee Ja-sung and manager Namgoong-won at midnight Korean time.


    Team One agents were currently waiting on a rooftop, while the other teams¡¯ agents were waiting at the location where the border appeared to be the weakest.


    ¡°Wow! Do they have more security guards on duty at night?¡± Chief Kang Won-il muttered as he looked at Area 15, which was surrounded by a fence, with only his head poking up from the rooftop.


    ¡°How many?¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who was inspecting the CRB-330 equipment, turned his head and asked.


    In response, chief Kang Won-il replied in a slightly nervous tone. ¡°It looks like one toon per sector.¡±


    ¡°One toon?¡±


    ¡°Yes, team leader! Do you think they are aware that we are conducting a rescue operation today?¡±


    ¡°What would they be aware of? They¡¯re probably increasing the number of guards because they¡¯re guarding something important!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°By the way, time is running out. Manager Yang, take care of this equipment!¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong checked his wristwatch and quickly handed over the CRB-330 equipment to Assistant manager Yang Jung-suk, who was standing next to him.


    ¡°Oh? What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m joining Team Three.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by what? When the timees, deliver urate location information. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Then I¡¯ll go down. You just have to move as nned! Good luck!¡±


    ¡°All right. Be careful, team leader.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Five minutester, Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who hade down from the rooftop, immediately moved to the ce where the agents of Team Three were gathered.


    ¡°Oh? Team Leader Park, why are you here? You were supposed to be on the rooftop, right?¡± asked the leader of Team Three Shin Eun-ha as she tilted her head.


    ¡°What do you mean by why? I came because I am worried.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Are you worried because we have two girls on our team?¡±


    ¡°Do you have to say it like that? Just ept my sincerity.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I will ept your sincerity.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. By the way, did you check all the team members¡¯ equipment?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    At this moment,munication flew through the control of the X-K02 terminal.


    ¡°This is Red Barn Swallow! Gangnam, please confirm. Over!¡±


    Red Barn Swallow was the codename of the units carrying out this VIP-ss rescue mission.


    ¡°This is Gangnam! The connection is good. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is the Red Barn Swallow! We will reach the strategic zone in 10 minutes! Is there anything else other than the prior n? Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Gangnam! There¡¯s nothing more. You can proceed as nned. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Red Barn Swallow! Okay.. Over!¡±

 Chapter 480 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 5-2 Stand By

    <h4>Chapter 480: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 5-2 Stand By</h4>


    January, 4th, 2024, 00:00 (New China time: January, 3rd, 2024, 23:00)


    Above the industrialplex, Area 15 in Beichen District, Tianjin, New China


    More than 20 CMV-100 sky buses were lowering their altitude in the sky above the factory area, where night work was in full swing, as they crossed the West Sea in TCS mode from Seongnam Base.


    At 23:00 local time, the hatches on both sides of the four CMV-100 sky buses flying in front opened, and dozens of Capital Heavy Armor Assault Corpspany members, who were wearing ck heavy armor, jumped and headed towards the ground without hesitation.


    When they reached a certain altitude, all the 80 members activated the propent on their backs immediately and flew toward their respective target points. In the night sky, where no stars could be seen due to the dense yellow dust, several bodies that illuminated blue light were flying in groups.


    When they were 50 meters from the ground, each member used their own armed personal firearms.


    The heavy armored assault fighters, which were outfitted with a variety of weapons ranging from a 12-millimeterser Vulcan beam to 40-millimeter portable activated carbonunchers, each attacked the New China Soldiers that were present in their targeted area.


    Several 40-millimeter activated bullets that were fired bent like guided missiles and hit their target.


    <Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!>


    With the sound of the explosions, colorful fireworks soared from all directions, and numerous light beams hit the ground.


    The New China guards who were on duty were caught in the sudden explosion and their bodies flew in all directions. The guards who survived the explosion were hit by the pouringser beams and their bodies were riddled with holes.


    ¡°There is an air attack! There is an air attack! Call the air defense department!¡± Even amid fire pirs soaring and debris flying everywhere, a high-ranking officer from the New China Army shouted into the radio. However, his voice was drowned out by a massive explosion.


    A 40-millimeter activated bomb fired by a member of the Capital Heavy Armored Assault Corps hit the guard post where the officer was located.


    A dark red me soared into the sky with a huge explosion and the officer who was inside the guard post disappeared without a trace.


    <Ta-da! Ta-da! Ta-ang! Ta-ang!>


    The searchlights illuminating the sky asionally shone on the Capital Heavy Armored Assault Corps members. The New China guards fired at them but it was difficult to shoot them because they were so fast. However, even if they shot them sessfully, they would not get hurt by rifle bullets. Eventually, the guards in charge of the searchlight were hit by the pouringser light.


    While members of the Capital Heavy Armored Assault Corps were annihting the heavily armed New China guards, the rest of the CMV-100 sky busesnded one by one. When both hatches opened, the 707 Special Brigade Forces exited quickly.


    The special forces of the 707 Special Brigade, which consisted of 180 people, attacked the New China guards who were stationed around the heavy equipment and then overpowered the engineering forces who were operating them.


    As soon as the special forces carried out their mission sessfully and urately, the CMV-100 sky bus that was carrying the 1111th Yazan Engineering Corpsnded on the vacant lot.


    So far, the Red Barn Swallow rescue operation had gone smoothly without any issues. Meanwhile, the agents from the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Foreign Intelligence Team One, who had confirmed the situation from a distance, were given the order to move by Team Leader Park Gi-oong. Their mission was to cause amotion on the outskirts.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, along with agents from Teams Two, Three, and Four, dashed forward at the same time, shootingser beams at the guards stationed on the border in front of the fence.


    <Argh! Argh!>


    The guards, who were struggling because of the chaotic situation inside the fence, were pierced by the suddenser beams and crumpled to the floor one by one.


    Just then, as theser beams and the gunshots sounded even outside the fence, two armored vehicles that were patrolling the outskirts hourly rushed over.


    ¡°They came so fast. Those bastards¡­¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who saw the armored vehicleing faster than expected, ordered Team Four, ¡°Team Leader Seong! Take care of them!¡±


    ¡°Copy. We¡¯ll take care of them.¡±


    Team Four¡¯s leader, Seong Sang-yoon, replied confidently and gave his team members instructions with a hand signal. Then, Assistant Manager Na Sung-yul and Chief Lee Jin-kyung removed the 30-millimeter smart grenade from their backs, ced it over their shoulders, and pulled the trigger and aimed at the approaching armored car.


    <Tuung! Tuung! Tuung!>


    Several 30-millimeter smart grenades fired in a row hit the front and top of the approaching armored vehicle.


    <Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!>


    The armored vehicle, which took the lead, exploded internally and then blew up with a huge explosion. The armored vehicle behind it lost its bnce and came to a halt.


    A mixture of red mes and ck smoke rose from the armored vehicle.


    <Dolkong!>


    The rear hatch of the armored vehicle opened, and the soldiers poured out with painful expressions on their faces. They rolled around on the floor and moaned.


    <Jjung~ Jjung~ Jjung~ Jjung~>


    Severalser beams fired at the crew members who had just stepped out of the armored vehicle and passed through their bodies. The soldiers who were moaning on the floor stopped moving and froze in ce.


    ¡°We¡¯re done dealing with the two patrol armored vehicles and their crew members!¡±


    ¡°Okay! Team Four, leave your current position, and Team Two and Three, enter the fence!¡±


    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    With Team Leader Youn Tae-jin¡¯s answer, the second team was the first to enter past the fence. Even though there were sporadic attacks by the guards inside and outside the fence, the foreign intelligence agents were able to sessfully enter the area.


    Meanwhile, special forces from the 707 Special Brigade Forces quickly knocked down and gathered all of the New China engineers who were working at night with heavy equipment such as excavators and bulldozers. Soon after, engineers from the 1111th Field Engineering Corps took their ce and boarded the heavy equipment.


    The engineers began full-fledged rescue work using the heavy equipment after receiving the exact location where manager Namgoong-won and manager Lee Ja-sung were buried.


    The engineers dug slowly and carefully as they were scared that a second copse might ur.


    ¡°You have only two hours. So, please be as careful as you can and hurry up,¡± said Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon, 5th Battalionmander of the 707 Special Brigade and the site manager of the rescue operation to Captain Ahn Sang-hee, thepanymander of the engineering corps.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll rescue them safely in time.¡±


    ¡°Okay! We¡¯ll make sure that you can do so.¡±


    Ferocious battles were taking ce on the ground and in the air, while they were talking.


    Even though the Capital Heavy Armor Assault Corps only had 80 members, they were able topletely neutralize the New China army from the air with their exceptional flying abilities, while on the ground inside the fence, the 707 Special Brigade Special Forces demonstrated incrediblebat power and overpowered New China Army soldiers one by one.


    About 30 minutester, one regiment of the New China army waspletely defeated, and the Foreign Intelligence Division agents, who had been engaged in disturbance operations outside the fence, arrived at the location where heavy equipment work was in full swing.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Team One¡¯s leader, Park Gi-oong, of the Foreign Intelligence Division.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon, 5th Battalionmander of the 707 Special Brigade. I heard a lot about you. You have been working so hard overseas.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Captain Ahn Sang-hee, Commander of the 1111th Field Engineering Corps.¡±


    ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Team Two¡¯s leader, Youn Tae-jin.¡±


    Foreign Intelligence Division agents greeted and shook hands with the variousmanders deployed in the rescue operation.


    After the greetings were over, Team Leader Park Gi-oong asked with a worried expression, ¡°How long do you think the rescue will take?¡±


    Captain Ahn Sang-hee, themander of the engineering corps, replied, ¡°If it goes as nned, it will be done within two hours.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Two hours? That¡¯s faster than I thought.¡±


    ¡°That is only possible because we have precise location information. Furthermore, the New China Army¡¯s heavy equipment ismon, so operating it is not difficult. We¡¯re moving at a slower pace only to avoid a secondary copse.¡±


    ¡°I see. Anyway, thank you. Please rescue them safely.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll do our best.¡±


    <hr />


    January 4th, 2024, 00:30 (Kurdistan time: January 3rd, 2024, 18:30)


    Husen Abad, West Azerbaijan, Republic of Kurdistan


    The Republic of Kurdistan, which dered independence on December 31st of the year before, was very peaceful. Husen Abad, a small border town, was also boringly peaceful when not only military threats from neighboring countries but also bombs, disappeared.


    For this reason, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, which carried out the outer security mission twice a day, was now deployed only once a day, and the vige¡¯s security mission was also deployed only once a day, increasing the idle time of soldiers. Therefore, on days when they didn¡¯t have any work to do, he was able to go out freely in Husen Abad.


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! You don¡¯t have work tomorrow. Are you going out?¡± Corporal Kwak Young-hwan asked Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who was waiting in front of the restaurant.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°No, I am just asking.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going out tomorrow afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Then shall we go out together?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°Haha, is that because you are going out to meet Sarin?¡±


    ¡°Hey, you! Please don¡¯t interfere!¡±


    ¡°Wow! Isn¡¯t it because of me that you¡¯ve found love in such a barren ce?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I got it. Okay! Let¡¯s have lunch and go out together!¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah! Buy me something delicious. Don¡¯t you get paid a lot?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going crazy. It¡¯s only been three days since I¡¯ve been promoted to sergeant, and I still have a long time until my payday.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. Haha.¡±


    At that moment, Sergeant Oh Sang-won, an administrative officer and seniorpany officer, passed by and said, ¡°There is no going out tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What does that mean? Sergeant Oh?¡±


    ¡°Everyone will find outter. An order to move the units has been issued from the superior.¡±


    ¡°Did you say it was an order to move the units?¡± asked Sergeant Kim Sung-ho who was surprised.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know what that means? I am not sure of the details but before I came here, I heard thepanymander and the executive officer talking.¡±


    ¡°Oh! You are here. What units are you talking about? Come on!¡±


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff, which needed to perform a sweep operation in southern Russia to prevent additional Russian reinforcements on the northwest front, dispatched more than 30 transport nes to Ethiopia and quickly ordered the Peace Command to preparebat troops to move.


    For this reason, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, abat dispatch unit, received such an order from the battalion headquarters an hour ago.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± asked Sergeant Kim Sung-ho again, putting force into his hand to stop them from trembling.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Sergeant Oh Sang-won waved his hand once and left.


    ¡°Oh, my! That is annoying!¡±


    Corporal Kwak Young-hwan, who looked at Sergeant Kim Sung-ho¡¯s expression with a sigh, whispered, ¡°Sergeant Kim! Cheer up! Even if we have to move, we won¡¯t go far. I, the cupid of love, will protect your love.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    After dinner, thepanymander of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company convened all executives above the squad leader and delivered the orders to them.


    The dispatch of troops in the Republic of Kurdistan will end at 1 p.m. tomorrow, and they will join the battalion headquarters by 5 p.m., before moving to Azerbaijan at midnight.


    Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who received the information from the squad leader, screamed.


    Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who avoided being with the other soldiers and asionally met Sarin outside the unit, was already in love. He was very ufortable with the sudden separation from his love and even considered returning to the Republic of Kurdistan after being discharged from the military..

 Chapter 481 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 5-3 Stand By

    <h4>Chapter 481: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 5-3 Stand By</h4>


    January 4th, 2024, 01:30 (New China time: 00:30)


    Hysan Factory Zone, 15th Industrial Complex, Beichen District, Tianjin, New China


    An hour had passed since the Red Barn Swallow rescue team, which hadpletely upied the factory area in Area 15 within 30 minutes, began the full-fledged rescue operation. Despite the engagements with the New China guards that were taking ce on the outskirts, the rescue operation was underway and the heavy equipment was safely working on it.


    Anyhow, rescuing people buried 30 meters underground was not an easy task. Furthermore, the probability of a second copse was extremely high, so they were cautious and had to work more carefully.


    Fortunately, the engineers from the New China Armed Forces had sessfully dug a wide area up to 20 meters underground, which was 40 kilometers away from where the two managers were buried. They were most likely digging in the area where the server room was located.


    Anyway, the Korean engineers were digging in the area where the two managers were believed to be buried without stopping. To increase work efficiency, the excavated building wreckage was carried off the ground by 15-ton trucks.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong watched them with anxiety and used the CRB-330 equipment to scan and check the bio-response status of the two managers several times in case anything went wrong.


    ¡°How are the two managers doing? Are they okay?¡± asked Team Leader Youn Tae-jin as he approached.


    ¡°Yes, I think so.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, but don¡¯t you think their speed is slow?¡±


    ¡°They are working slowly because they are afraid of a second copse.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    ¡°What about the agents?¡±


    ¡°They are on guard in their respective positions.¡±


    ¡°And what about Team Four?¡±


    ¡°Our escape route has been secured. Besides, the soldiers in the sky are covering us, so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    Team Leader Yoon Tae-jin smiled brightly as he pointed his finger at the members of the Capital Heavy Armored Assault Squadron, who were still flying in the sky and performing reconnaissance missions.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Park! Don¡¯t be worried and just focus on the rescue work here.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    At that moment, a special soldier with the rank of sergeant ran toward them.


    ¡°Are you Team Leader Park?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯vee to deliver the battalionmander¡¯s message. He wants to inform you that a brigade of the New China army is on its way from the northeast.¡±


    ¡°A brigade?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and we expect that the battle will begin within the next 20 minutes. So, before that, the NIS agent should move to a safe zone¡­¡±


    ¡°No. We can¡¯t do that. We will also participate in the battle.¡±


    ¡°What? So, you¡¯re saying you¡¯ll take part in the battle?¡± The member of the special forces asked, surprised.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be concerned about us because we have protective suits as well as personal firearms.¡±


    ¡°Oh! But the battalionmander said¡­¡± The special forces member gave an awkward look and trailed off the end of his reply.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go and talk to him directly. Let¡¯s go, Team Leader Youn!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    The two team leaders left the member of the special forces behind and headed to the sky bus, which was being used as a temporarymand base.


    <Knock, knock, knock.>


    ¡°I¡¯m Team Leader Park Gi-oong.¡±


    ¡°Yes,e in.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong and Team Leader Youn Tae-jin entered the sky bus.


    Unlike regr sky buses, there were various monitors andmunication equipment installed.


    ¡°Ah! Haven¡¯t you received the message yet?¡± Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon, who was checking various monitors, asked as soon as the two team leaders came in.


    ¡°Yes, we received it. We are here to talk to you about it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°We will also participate in the battle.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°From what we¡¯ve heard, it¡¯s the size of a brigade. As a result, there will be at least a few thousand soldiers, so we must unify our power.¡±


    ¡°Oh! But this is a military operation. You should leave the battle to us¡­¡±


    Hearing this, Team Leader Youn Tae-jin took a step forward and said, ¡°Haha! I know what the battalionmander is afraid of. Team Leader Park and I were both from the 13th Airborne Special Forces Brigade. So, trust us and give us a chance.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon, who had briefly gotten relieved after hearing that they were former members of the 13th Airborne Special Forces Brigade, nodded and replied, ¡°That¡¯s great. However, rather than fighting on the front line, you should take part in the battle from behind. Please keep this in mind.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Thank you.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon smiled brightly as the two team leaders thanked him with a big salute. Then he called the deputy.


    ¡°Captain Lee!¡±


    ¡°Yes, battalionmander!¡±


    ¡°Do we have extra protective and bulletproof suits?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have protective suits, but we do have 25 bulletproof suits.¡±


    ¡°Okay, give them to the Foreign Intelligence agents.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, battalionmander!¡±


    ¡°What are you thankful for? You didn¡¯t think I¡¯d let you participate in the battle without your suit, did you?¡±


    ¡°Haha, actually I¡¯m wearing a protective suit underneath it.¡± Team Leader Youn Tae-jin showed his protective suit by lifting his shirt.


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    At that moment, a deputy officer came in and reported to Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon. ¡°Commander! The car is ready outside.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I got it.¡± Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon removed his beret and reced it with a bulletproof cap as he replied. He then grabbed his weapon and attempted to leave, but he stopped and spoke to the two team leaders. ¡°I am leaving this ce to you. Please take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will.¡±


    As soon as Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon left, a man called Captain Lee approached and said, ¡°How many people are there in total?¡±


    ¡°There are 16 agents.¡±


    ¡°Yes, then I¡¯ll prepare 16 outfits.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. Team leader Youn! Call the rest of the team agents except for Team Four!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    <hr />


    January 4th, 2024, 02:00 (New China time: 01:00)


    Outside the northeast end of Industrial Complex 15, Beichen District, Tianjin, New China


    The New China Army moved quickly, contrary to the expectations of the Special Warfare Command, which nned the rescue operation. The 35th Motorized Infantry Brigade, in particr, was rapidly approaching along Tianjin¡¯s city road from the northeastern direction, leading various armored vehicles and tanks.


    ¡°Wow! It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve worn this.¡± Chief Youn Gil-soo of team one, wearing the supplied bulletproof cap and suit, knocked on the bulletproof suit and said.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go back to the military since you like it that much?¡±


    ¡°What? What a disappointing thing to say¡­I¡¯ve been on a run for two years. What do you mean by going back?¡±


    When his senior, Chief Kang Won-il, mocked him, Chief Yoon Gil-soo narrowed his eyes and looked at him.


    ¡°Look at you. Are you frowning at me?¡±


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯re in the military because you¡¯re wearing a bulletproof suit? Are you ying a soldier in cosy?¡±


    ¡°Oh, my.¡±


    <Kwang!>


    Not far away, a red me erupted with a huge explosion.


    ¡°It looks like it has started! Everyone, calm down and take care of yourselves! Okay? Especially Team Three!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Team Leader! Aren¡¯t you worried because there are two girls in Team Three?¡± said Assistant manager Yang Jung-suk jokingly whileughing.


    ¡°It¡¯s noisy! Everyone, take care of yourself! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    At the words of Team Leader Park Gi-oong, the team members nodded and began to run to their respective positions.


    At the same time, outside the northeast end of the industrialplex 15 in Beichen District.


    <Kwang! Kwang!>


    A member of the Heavy Armored Assault Squadron, who was flying along the road between ten-story buildings, fired a series of 40-millimeter portable activated carbon bombs.


    <Boom! Boom!>


    <Whoosh~ Whoosh~>


    The activated carbon bombs, which flew leaving a trail of white smoke, hit the upper part of the armored vehicles that were moving along the roads and exploded one after another.


    The activated bombs were only 40-millimeter in diameter, but they easily prated the upper armor of the older armored vehicle, which was not even a third-generation ss.


    The 35th Motorized Infantry Brigade¡¯s 85-type armored vehicles, which were moving in a line, lost their bnce due to the sudden attack and were thrown into the nearby buildings, or stopped in the middle of the road, emitting red mes and thick smoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s from the air. Up in the air!¡± An officer who appeared to be themander of the armored vehicle unit stepped out of the hatch, looked up at the sky, and shouted into themunication receiver in his left hand.


    It was difficult to see them due to the dense yellow dust, but they were asionally visible because of their reflection from the windows of the buildings.


    As a result, the 85-type armored vehicles raised their 25-millimeter Autocannon to their maximum elevation and fired.


    <Bba-bba-bang! Bba-bba-bang! Bba-bba-bang!>


    About 25 shells soared over the buildings after being fired from ten 85-type armored vehicles. Some shells smashed through building walls, causing debris fromrge and small buildings to fall to the ground.


    It couldn¡¯t, however, reach the heavily armored member who was flying at high speeds. The member who had just fired turned around, as if to tease them, and fired again at the armored vehicles.


    <Kwang! Kwang!>


    Several 85-type armored vehicles were hit and exploded helplessly. District 15, the factory area, was not in the city center, but it was still within the area. Naturally, the more you travel into the city, the moreplicated the road bes, and as such, fewer roads led to District 15. As a result of the bottleneck, various armored vehicles, tanks, and other types of vehicles belonging to the 35th Motorized Infantry Brigade merged at the intersection and had to reduce their speed.


    Themand of the Red Barn Swallow team took advantage of this. As such, the members of the Heavy Armored Assault Squadron flying in the sky attacked them at the intersection where the armored vehicles and tanks almost crawled.


    When the leading armored vehicles stopped and burst into mes, the armored vehicles following from the rear had no choice but to stop, adding to the damage.


    The stationary targets were nothing more than delicious prey for the Heavy Armored Assault Squadron members who were flying freely in the sky.


    They couldn¡¯t move forward, even though the recapture target was only a few kilometers away. As a result, the brigademand issued orders for the troops to get off and run directly to the location. In response to the orders, the infantry from the 80 or so armored vehicles descended and ran toward Area 15.


    A rescue tank began to move away from the damaged vehicles that were in mes and were blocking the road, paving the way.


    However, the Heavy Armored Assault Squadron members couldn¡¯t leave it alone.


    A member of the Heavy Armored Assault Squadron approached the rescue tank that was trying to move away from several 85-type armored vehicles that were overturned or burning at the intersection and soon fired a 12-millimeterser Vulcan into the top armor.


    Redser beams struck the top armor. The powerful 12-millimeterser beams prated the armor and stirred inside because it was fired from only 30 meters away. The rescue tank, which had turned red as if heated, could no longer move and came to a halt.


    When the road was now blocked by the rescue tank, themander¡¯s voice erupted through themunicationwork.


    At the same time, a red light was fired from somewhere toward the New China infantry, who had gotten off their armored vehicle and were running squad by squad to the factory area in District 15.


    <Jjuung Jjuung Jjuung ~>


    As a result, the infantry of New China copsed while screaming one after another.


    ¡°1-3 sector cut ispleted!¡±


    A special soldier, who had been hiding in TCS (Transparent Waste System) mode a while ago, fired when he saw the New China infantry running along the small road.


    At that moment, 180 special forces were waiting for the New China Army in TCS (Transparent Containment System) mode on all the roads leading to the factory..

 Chapter 482 - Season 2 Book 19 New China’s Participation in War – 5-4 Stand By

    <h4>Chapter 482: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 5-4 Stand By</h4>


    January 4th, 2024, 02:10 (New China time: 01:10)


    Outside the northeast end of Industrial Complex 15, Beichen District, Tianjin, New China


    The sounds of gunshots andser beams firing were constantly heard in the vicinity of Area 15 and asionally, huge explosions urred, brightening Tianjin¡¯s night sky.


    The less than 300 Red Barn Swallow members were defending the area outside the factory area, where rescue operations were in full swing, using their advantageous street fighting strategies and tactics.


    On the other hand, the Tianjin Defense Command Department seemed to gather all the troops of the mobilization division and they flocked to the factory area of District 15.


    Therefore, Lieutenant Colonel Kang Min-joon, who was receiving reports from the regionalmanders of the 707 Special Brigade engaged in the street fight about the appearance of the New China army, gave the order to sortie the MV-100 Skybus to join in the fight as well.


    If even one sky bus was to be shot down during the battle, a major problem could arise during the retreat, but that was a problem for the future. The top priority now was to ensure that the engineers could safely rescue the personnel who needed to be rescued.


    As such, the 20 CMV-100 sky buses, excluding themand and medical sky buses, took off one at a time, making loud whooshing sounds. They quickly activated TCS mode and flew over the city to join the fight.


    The main mission of the CMV-100 Sky bus, which was outfitted with a hover system, was to transport personnel and various equipment after infiltrating the enemy camp using TCS mode. However, it was also outfitted with several self-fighting weapons.


    There were about 20 tubeunchers armed with 50-millimeter activated carbon bombs equipped on both sides, and an 8-millimeter Vulcanser at the front of the lower end.


    With the CMV-100 sky buses being dispatched to assist in the street fight, the only forces left to defend the factory area were Foreign Intelligence agents and approximately 40 armed engineers, excluding the engineers operating the heavy equipment.


    They used the fence as a cover, it was theirst line of defense.


    <Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!>


    Aser light shed through the dense yellow dust, causing continuous explosions in the area where the CMV-100 sky buses flew.


    The CMV-100 sky buses that flew along the road between the buildings seemed to haveunched a full-fledged support attack.


    In thest hour, the Capital Heavy Armored Assault Squadron, which flew in the sky shing from east to west in the front line, and the 707 Special Task Force were performing ambush attacks while in TCS mode. Besides that, the CMV-100 Skybus Squadron, which spewed out powerful firepower, gave it their all in the street fight. However, due to their numerical limitations, they were unable topletely obstruct the New Chinese Army, which was swarming the small alleys.


    As a result, some of the New China soldiers were able to approach 50 meters from the fence, carrying AK-74 rifles.


    ¡°Many enemies have appeared at azimuth angle 0-8-5!¡± An engineer who identified the soldiers through his shield sses reported through themunicationwork.


    In response, the foreign intelligence agents and the armed engineers, who were waiting inside the fence, fired at once.


    <Jjuungjjuungjjuungjjuung~ Jjuungjjuungjjuungjjuung~>


    The redser beams poured out from the fence and toward the New China soldiers who had just escaped from the alley and were looking for cover.


    <Argh! Argh!>


    Each of them curled up on the floor, shrieking and covering their chest, abdomen, and face, which had been pierced by theser beam.


    <Tatatang! Tatatang! Ta-ang!>


    The New Korean infantry who were running in behind fired indiscriminately at the fence as they saw their colleagues in the lead rolling on the floor.


    ¡°Aha! There are a lot.¡±


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin, who was leaning under the partially ripped fence due to the gunshots, raised his face and looked through his shield sses at the situation ahead.


    There were clusters of brightly colored figures with various personal firearmsing from the various alleys connected to the main road in front of the fence.


    Bullets hit the top of the fence, where team leader Youn Tae-jin had raised his head.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    Team Leader Yoon Tae-jin, who bowed his head at that moment, breathed a sigh of relief and spoke through themunicationwork.


    ¡°Everyone, be careful! They are at least at an intermediate level!¡±


    ¡°I think the team leader should be more careful. Haha!¡±


    Assistant manager, Oh Hyuck-soo, who was shooting at a close distance, smiled and replied as if he had seen what had just happened.


    ¡°You! Instead of focusing on me, just take care of what¡¯s in front of you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. Even without your advice, I¡¯m still shooting.¡±


    Meanwhile, the excavator, which had dug 40 meters deep inside the factory area, came to a halt for a brief moment, and several rescue engineers rushed down. They had the impression that they had found something. And as such, the rescue work was nearing itspletion.


    ¡°What is it? Did you find them?¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong approached Captain Ahn Sang-hee and asked.


    ¡°Yes, it seems that they are just below the steel structure.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Please take a look at the video.¡±


    The engineer showed him the screen of the tablet he was holding. It was a video shot with a helmet camera by an engineer deployed at the scene.


    A doll-like shape was seen at the bottom of the tangled steel structure. Therefore, the rescue engineers began using sma cutters to cut through the steel structures.


    After a few minutes, all of the steel structures that were blocking the path were removed and the presence of the two managers was confirmed.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t conscious, but they¡¯re still alive. The issue now is that we must remove the building debris that is supporting the structure.¡± The engineer on the scene poked his head through the gap to assess the situation and reported what he saw via themunicationwork.


    ¡°How long will it take?¡±


    ¡°It will probably take about five minutes.¡±


    ¡°Five minutes¡­Please hurry up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    They didn¡¯t have much time. The gunshots that had been heard from afar were already ringing vigorously near the fence.


    After a while, all the remains of the building were removed and the two managers, covered with dirt and dust, appeared.


    ¡°Oh! There they are!¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong couldn¡¯t help himself and dashed down to the rescue site as soon as he saw the two managers on the screen.


    ¡°Team Leader Park! It¡¯s dangerous. Please wait here!¡±


    Despite Captain Ahn Sang-hee¡¯s objections, he dashed to the site and burst into tears as soon as he saw the two pitiful managers.


    ¡°Manager Lee! Manager Namgoong!¡±


    While one engineer, who appeared to be in charge of the medical care, was checking the two managers with various equipment, Team Leader Park Gi-oong wiped their faces with the wet tissues he had brought.


    ¡°Team Leader Park!¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung slightly opened his eyes and said at that moment.


    Surprised, Team Leader Park Gi-oong widened his eyes at the sound of a voice and asked, ¡°Oh, manager! Are you awake?¡±


    ¡°Why did you take so long? I almost died because I had to pee.¡±


    ¡°What? Is this the time to make such a joke¡­¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong had no choice but to shake his head at the strong mental power of Manager Lee Ja-sung, who was joking in such a situation.


    ¡°So! We have to move, please step back.¡±


    Their conversation came to an end with the words of the rescue engineer, and the two managers were ced on a mobile cot equipped with a hover system and immediately loaded onto a medical sky bus.


    * * *


    January 4th, 2024, 15:30


    Underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center, Jongno-gu, Seoul


    ¡°You did a great job.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who had been watching the Red Barn Swallow unit¡¯s rescue operation in the underground bunker for the past four hours, stood up from her seat and apuded her hands.


    In response, Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong and General Kang Jung-hyun, who appeared on the screen, replied with a salute.


    ¡°Both of them are in good health, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, Mdm. President! The local medical staff confirmed that they have no health issues.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Send them to the Central Medical Center as soon as they return home. Top-notch medical staff are waiting for them there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, okay.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Once again, thank you for your hard work. Oh! Is the second stage of the unlimited retaliation attack against New China going well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. We are currently preparing ording to our ns.¡±


    ¡°Well, even though I have given my approval, I hope there is as little damage to civilians as possible. Do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am fully aware of the President¡¯s concerns. We will inform you of the details before proceeding with the second stage of the operation.


    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll trust you and wait for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right. Salute!¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who sat down after the videomunication ended, told Director Lee Young-jin, head of the National Intelligence Service, who was sitting next to her. ¡°They¡¯ve done a lot for their country. So, please give them a vacation after treatment so that they can rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President. Thank you for your care.¡±


    ¡°No, of course, I have to pay attention. It¡¯s not something they should be grateful for. It¡¯s something we should be grateful for,¡± she replied in the most honorific manner possible, even though they were only public officers, to show how much she respected and appreciated Manager Namgoong-won and Manager Lee Ja-sung.


    ¡°Haha, is that so?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    At that moment, Chief Secretary Lim Jong-won intervened in the conversation. ¡°Mdm. President! You have a press conference tomorrow morning, so please take a rest. It¡¯s already four o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already thatte. Okay, then, everyone go home and rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you for your hard work.¡±


    * * *


    January 4th, 2024, 04:30 (New China time: 03:30)


    X-15 bunkers, Beijing, New China (President¡¯s Room)


    <Crashing!>


    President Wang Jing wi smirked and looked at Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who was standing in front of him, after throwing the orchid from his desk. Then he spat out swear words.


    He had received a report stating that four hours ago, Korean special forces appeared in the Tianjin factory area. As a result, they had lost arge number of troops and among them were the engineers and regimental guards who were working to locate the servers containing the sma core technology, as well as the 35th Motorized Infantry Brigade and the Mobilization Division who had been dispatched to stop them.


    However, the real reason for his rage was not the losses among the troops, but the fact that the server containing the core technology of the sma bomb had beenpletely destroyed.


    The Red Barn Swallow unit who rescued the two managers had dropped an amplified sma bomb onto the factory area before retreating. It wasn¡¯t the most powerful sma-amplified bomb, but it was enough to turn the entire factory area into a fiery hell.


    Currently, at Area 15, where the factory was located, everything on the ground was devoured as if a tectonic shift had urred, and red mes gushed out from the cracks in the ground.


    ¡°Are you saying this is a report? What were you doing from the beginning to the end? Do you believe it is sufficient to have stars on your shoulders? What? Please tell me! You¡¯re no better than a cockroach!¡±


    The term cockroach was a very big insult, but Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who bowed his head, silently epted it without saying anything.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I have nothing to say¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t! Didn¡¯t you realize how important that location was to us¡­How could we have been subjected to such a surprise attack on our territory? We couldn¡¯t even protect the sma core technology¡ªour only hope during our war with them¡­Damn!¡±


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. As a result, he muddled his words and drank the whiskey straight from the bottle.


    <Bolkok! Bolkok!>


    He drank about half of the bottle and then he threw it on the floor as he had done with the orchid earlier.


    As the whiskey bottle broke, small pieces of ss flew everywhere.


    President Wang Jing wi then red with his bloodshot eyes and began to walk until he approached the Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao and said with a mean smile, ¡°Right now! Use all the sma bombs that we have on those freaking b*stards!¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! We must employ them as strategically as possible!¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? Right now! Use them right now!¡±

 Chapter 483 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 5-5 Stand By

    <h4>Chapter 483: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 5-5 Stand By</h4>


    January 4th, 2024, 10:30 (New China Time: 09:30)


    X-15 bunkers, Beijing, New China (Operation Chamber)


    After thinking all morning, Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who received President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s order to attack the Koreans with all of their sma bombs, convened all of his staff and held a meeting about when and where to use the three remaining sma bombs.


    ¡°Chief of Staff! Using all the sma bombs that we have is a hasty decision given the unpredictable nature of the war situation in the future.¡±


    General Chief of Staff, Kao Wei-kwang, who has a powerful personality, took the lead in expressing his disapproval. As a result, a shadow was cast on General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao¡¯s face.


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? But isn¡¯t it the president¡¯s order?¡±


    ¡°Even though it is an order, if he entrusted the war to our chief of staff, shouldn¡¯t it go ording to the n we have established?¡± The words of General Chief of Staff Kao Wei-kwang caused Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao¡¯s brows to tremble slightly. This was because his words were not incorrect.


    ¡°The South Korean military has threatened us withrge-scale retaliation attacks on various major cities in three days, but as we all know, the South Korean military will never actually carry them out. However, if we use strategic weapons first, the Korean military willunch arge-scale attack on major cities for certain. Chief of Staff! I sincerely say this. Our sma bomb must only be used as a deterrent to the Korean military¡¯s use of strategic weapons.¡±


    Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao frowned slightly at General Chief of Staff Kao Wei-kwang¡¯s continued objections, sighed deeply, and replied quietly, ¡°I agree with you. But there is nothing I can do about that.¡±


    ¡°Chief of Staff! If you¡¯re a true soldier, you should not follow the wrong orders,¡± stated General Chief of Staff Kao Wei-kwang unequivocally.


    Chief of staff, Yuan Xiaoqiao, shook his head out of frustration.


    ¡°Phew! Then you should go and tell him yourself,¡± expressed General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao as he sighed in frustration.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go and tell him by myself,¡± replied General Chief of Staff Kao Wei-kwang as he stood up.


    The chief of Staff who was taken aback, approached and stopped him. ¡°You? Are you trying to go to the president? Stop it. Don¡¯t scratch it for nothing and just follow the order.¡±


    ¡°Chief of Staff!¡± General Chief of Staff Kao Wei-kwang said again powerfully.


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s wrong with you? Sit down right now!¡±


    He sat helplessly as the Chief of Staff reprimanded him, admitting that he couldn¡¯t do anything about it. After that, the Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao said, looking around at the staff sitting on both sides of the long table. ¡°Is there anyone else who thinks the same way as the General Chief of Staff?¡±


    When the Chief of Staff asked the question, no one from the staff dared to raise their hands or express their disapproval. As so, everyone appeared to ept President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s order.


    ¡°General Chief of Staff! As you can see, the rest of the staff appears to agree with the president¡¯s order. So, rather than continuing on your own, it is better to give up and join us.¡±


    General Chief of Staff Kao Wei-kwang bowed his head slightly as a reply.


    ¡°Good! The chief of operations will be in charge of the n for the use of sma bombs.¡±


    Instead of choosing General Chief of Staff Kao Wei-kwang, who had shown his disapproval, he chose the chief of operations, Guo Jingfei, to create the n.


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°The president has asked me to do it as soon as possible, so get the n ready and report it to me by 5 p.m. today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do that.¡±


    <hr />


    January 4th, 2024, 14:30 (New China Time: 13:30)


    X-15 bunkers, Beijing, New China (Operation Chamber)


    After lunchtime, Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who was in his office reviewing the documents that had been left unsettled, received a phone call on his personal smartphone.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Jang Yue Fung.¡±


    ¡°Minister of Defense! Where the hell are you?¡±


    Jang Yue Fung, the Minister of Defense, disappeared three days ago after being severely insulted by President Wang Jing-wi in the operation room where the staff were gathered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that. I heard that you¡¯ve been ordered by the president to use all of the sma bombs.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I tried to discuss it with you, but I couldn¡¯t reach you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. How did it happen?¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you, but are you really going to use all the sma bombs this time?¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing we can do about it, right? It is the order of the president¡­¡± General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao trailed off at the end of his sentence because he knew it was an unreasonable order.


    ¡°Chief of Staff! Do you believe that the president¡¯s mental state is stable right now?¡±


    When he was asked that out of the blue, General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao replied, slightly surprised, ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean it literally. We are currently at war with Korea, so it is not normal for a country¡¯s leader to just drink all day.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s normal, but I believe it¡¯s due to stress.¡±


    ¡°Stress? Who doesn¡¯t get stressed? Isn¡¯t he the country¡¯s leader? I believe his actions of drinking and speaking gibberish during the war will only endanger and jeopardize the entire New China. Am I mistaken?¡±


    General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao stayed silent for a while before replying, ¡°Well, I agree with you.¡±


    General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao was also quite dissatisfied with President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s recent actions. However, as a soldier, he turned a blind eye and faithfully performed his duties.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you think so, Chief of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡±


    The Minister of Defense Jang Yue Fung spoke in a low voice, ¡°I want to ask you for a difficult favor.¡±


    ¡°What? What kind of favor?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about¡­¡±


    Jang Yue Fung, the Minister of Defense, had finally brought up the purpose of his phone call. Their phone call went on for another 30 minutes.


    <hr />


    January 5th, 2024, 02:00 (Kurdistan time: January 4th, 2024, 20:00)


    Outside Husen Abad, Republic of Kurdistan


    On the outskirts of the northern tip of Husen Abad, where the thick darkness was covering the area, a dozen armored vehicles were moving with their lights turned off while dust sprayed from the wheels. They were the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, which had been in charge of guarding in Husen Abad for a while and were now on their way to join the battalion headquarter base ording to the unit movement order received from the superior unit the day before.


    <Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!>


    Hahajo infantry aboard the C-23P-M basalt mobilebat armored vehicle felt like dying as they quickly maneuvered through the bumpy unpaved road with a rough engine sound.


    ¡°Oh my god!¡± Private Yun Ho-jin, the 312 armored vehicle¡¯s youngest infantryman, continued to vomit due to motion sickness.


    ¡°Hey! Haven¡¯t you gotten used to it yet?¡± said Corporal Na Han-jin, who was sitting next to him and patted him on his back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Every time I get into a car, I get motion sickness. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you take motion sickness medication?¡±


    ¡°I had it before boarding.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re still like this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Ya! You were the same way when you were a private. You were dying every time you rode in an armored vehicle, didn¡¯t you? Sergeant Kim?¡± Corporals Na Han-jin and Gwak Young-hwan teased Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who was sitting next to them.


    Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, on the other hand, remained silent with a nk expression on his face.


    ¡°Huh? Sergeant Kim! Are your thoughts somewhere else?¡±


    Even though he patted Sergeant Kim Sung-ho on the shoulder, he couldn¡¯t get his attention. So, he waved his hand in front of Sergeant¡¯s face, and it was only then that Sergeant Kim Sung-ho came to his senses and shook his hand with a frown.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Even when we called out to you, you didn¡¯t reply. Just for God¡¯s sake, what are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it is just hurting my heart.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Sung-ho bowed his head and folded his arms as if everything bothered him.


    ¡°Oh! I see.¡±


    Corporal Gwak Young-hwan, who had only just noticed something, approached Sergeant Kim Sung-ho and spoke quietly, ¡°Didn¡¯t you meet her at lunch? I assumed you went out to meet her.¡±


    ¡°I told you not to worry about me.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m only asking because I¡¯m worried about you, but you¡¯re being so mean.¡±


    ¡°At times like this, just being beside me is helping me. You punk!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like this and just tell me. Did you say goodbye?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who went out for a short while at lunchtime with the toon leader¡¯s permission, met Sarin and said his goodbyes.


    They couldn¡¯t have a deep conversation because of thenguage barrier, but they were able to understand each other through bodynguage and a few English words.


    When he returned to his unit after talking with her for 30 minutes, he was depressed because he knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to see her again until he was discharged from the military.


    ¡°Hey, you! I¡¯m telling you I¡¯m not feeling well. Will you continue to question me in this manner?¡±


    ¡°Ugh! Got it. I am just asking because I am worried¡­¡±


    Corporal Gwak Young-hwan pouted his lips, avoiding the stare of Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who was staring at him as if firing aser beam. When Sergeant Kim Sung-ho felt he was being too harsh, he spoke quietly so that no one could hear him, ¡°I told her I would be back as soon as I was discharged.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Really?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡±


    ¡°Then what did she say?¡±


    ¡°She said she would be waiting for me.¡±


    ¡°Wow! Isn¡¯t this the birth of an international couple? Haha.¡±


    ¡°Hey, be quiet!¡±


    ¡°Haha, congrattions!¡±


    ¡°But it just made me feel worse.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I feel this way!¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Kim! Cheer up! Won¡¯t you be released in five months? You¡¯ll get to meet her again soon.¡± Corporal Kwak Young-hwan cheered him up.


    ¡°Is it just five months?¡± Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who was frustrated, smiled and joked with Corporal Kwak Young-hwan.


    ¡°Oh! Isn¡¯t it better than me who has a year left?¡±


    ¡°How can you keep track of the months when you¡¯re still a corporal?¡±


    Sergeant Hong Han-ho, the squad leader who was sitting across them, giggled and intervened in the conversation.


    Sergeant Hong Han-ho was supposed to be discharged this month. However, his discharge had been postponed indefinitely due to troop dispatch and the transition to the wartime system.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Squad leader!¡±


    <hr />


    January 5th, 2024, 09:00


    National Medical Center, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (VIP ward 305 Special Room)


    Managers Namgoong-won and Lee Ja-sung, who were rescued within four days and moved to the National Medical Center around 5 a.m., immediately had a thorough examination to check their health condition.


    The two managers, who had undergone a total of 300 detailed tests over the past two hours, were moved to the VIP special room to rest. Fortunately, the test results showed no abnormalities.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung was conscious at the time of rescue and thus allowed visitors after being transferred to the VIP special room. However, Manager Namgoong-won was not allowed visitors because he had not yet regained consciousness.


    Manager Lee Hye-jin, who had been waiting at the National Medical Center since the day before, was the first to visit Manager Lee Ja-sung.


    ¡°How are you doing? How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m feeling good. I¡¯ve always been strong. Haha.¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung replied with a slightly awkward smile, feeling sorry for manager Lee Hye-jin.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Get well soon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Won is still unconscious and that it is only me who¡¯s conscious¡­¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung expressed his apologies by sweeping his hair back.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t say that. It¡¯s a relief that you are fine.¡±


    ¡°But I really hoped that it was the opposite. It may have been two days after being buried¡ªjust before Won lost consciousness, he told me a lot about the things that he had done with you.¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung told her in detail about the situation at that time. After some time, a nurse opened the door and said in an urgent voice, ¡°Hey, Namgoong-won has regained consciousness..¡±

 Chapter 484 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 5-6 Stand By

    <h4>Chapter 484: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 5-6 Stand By</h4>


    January 5th, 2024, 21:30


    National Medical Center, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (VIP ward 308 Special Room)


    Manager Namgoong-won, who regained consciousness and was answering the doctor¡¯s questions, waved his hand when he saw Manager Lee Hye-jin¡¯s crying face in front of the door.


    ¡°Oh! You¡¯re here?¡±


    While lying on the bed, he smiled brightly with tears glistening in his eyes.


    ¡°Fool! Why did you only just wake up? I was so worried¡­¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin ran up to him, and hugged him, weeping.


    ¡°Sobbing.¡±


    Her tears ran down her cheeks and eventually soaked his hospital clothing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry! I¡¯m fine! I¡¯m fine. Honey!¡± The tears that had been umting in his eyes for some time began to fall as well.


    ¡°Ah! You punk! You¡¯re so easy! Hahaha!¡± Manager Lee Ja-sung, who followed manager Lee Hye-jin, leaned against the door and said smiling.


    ¡°Oh! You¡¯re here? When did you wake up?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t need to wake up! I never lost consciousness like you. I mean, I¡¯m not as weak as you are. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Really? Don¡¯t lie¡­¡±


    Manager Lee Hye-jin loosened her grip and stepped away from the bed after calming down, and Manager Namgoong-won looked at Manager Lee Ja-sung in disbelief. Manager Lee Ja-sung approached him with a smile on his face and continued teasing him, ¡°What would someone who didn¡¯t even attend the training think now? I¡¯m only hurting my mouth.¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯m envious that you¡¯re not weak. Dude, give me a hug.¡±


    <Hug!>


    Even though they were teasing each other, they hugged tightly.


    ¡°Won! You punk! I¡¯m d you¡¯re awake.¡±


    ¡°Punk! I¡¯m relieved that you weren¡¯t hurt. Haha.¡±


    The two managers hugged andforted each other.


    The two men, who were trapped tens of meters underground during the explosion, were prepared to die as they never expected to return alive and in such good health. Feeling overwhelmed, they continued hugging for a while.


    ¡°What? Whoa! What are you guys doing in the middle of the day? Hahaha.¡± The foreign intelligence division one agents stood in front of the door with bright smiles on their faces.


    Fortunately, they all retreated safely from the factory area without incident and returned unharmed from Tianjintest night.


    They had rushed into the hospital as soon as morning came because they were worried about the health condition of the two managers.


    ¡°We¡¯re here, too.¡±


    Two of the special security team agents, who were had apanied Manager Namgoong-won, waved their hands while peeking in at the door.


    ¡°Wee! You all did a great job.¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung shook hands with the agents and hugged them, and when he finally reached Team Leader Park Gi-oong, he expressed his gratitude with a sincere look.


    ¡°I heard from the director about what you did for us. You suffered a lot, Team Leader Park!¡±


    ¡°What exactly do you mean by ¡®suffering¡¯? You would have saved me sooner if it had been you. I¡¯m just sorry for taking too long.¡±


    ¡°No. I wouldn¡¯t have tried as hard as you did if it had been me.¡±


    At that moment, Team Leader Youn Tae-jin pped his hands to create a solemn atmosphere.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking and start partying. Party! What exactly are you doing? Let¡¯s get started!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡±


    At his word, foreign intelligence division one agents ced their food and fruits on the table.


    ¡°A little champagne would be okay, right?¡± Team Leader Youn Tae-jin shook the champagne and asked the doctor who was watching from aside. In response, the doctor smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the party started and celebrate the mission¡¯s sess as well as the safe return of the two managers!¡±


    ¡°Wah!¡±


    Their reunion party was extremely loud andsted until President Choo Un-hee and the head of the National Intelligence Service arrived in the afternoon.


    <hr />


    January 5th, 2024, 10:30 (New China time: 09:30)


    X-15 bunkers, Beijing, New China (General Staff Office)


    General Chief of Staff, Yuan Xiaoqiao, who was reviewing the documents on the sma bomb operation n established the day before, sighed deeply.


    <Whew~>


    Manyplicated thoughts were running through his mind, and he appeared to be troubled by them.


    Currently, the remaining four sma bombs of the New China Army were held by the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade belonging to the 38th Group Army waiting in Linfen, 100 kilometers behind the border.


    ording to the existing operation n, after breaking through the border and quickly crossing Jinzhou, the next step was to take over Liaodong (Shenyang), a key point in Northeast China. The remaining four sma bombs were originally nned to be used to prevent the South Korean military from breaching the borders.


    However, contrary to expectations, several Army Groups suffered significant damage at the start of the war as a result of the Korean military¡¯s indiscriminate retaliatory attack, and their operation n failed. As a result, the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade of the 38th Army Group was trapped in its current location indefinitely as the war turned into a push-and-pull battle around the border.


    How much time had passed?


    General Chief of Staff, Yuan Xiaoqiao, who ced the documents on the table, had a look that showed he had made a decision. Holding his smartphone, he then dialed a number.


    ¡°Fly!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief of Staff!¡±


    Wang Qing, themander of the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade, was on the other end of the line. He was also a distant rtive of General Chief of Staff, Yuan Xiaoqiao, making him one of the General Chief of Staff¡¯s few close aides.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve received the operation n documents, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I got them.¡±


    The operation n, which was officially approved by President Wang Jing-wi, had been delivered to allmanders of higher units and had been decided on internally.


    ¡°You need to help me!¡±


    ¡°Whatever you want, I will help you with it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you! My deputy will send you another operation n. So, disregard the n you just received and stick to my n.¡±


    ¡°Um, is it informal?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It is a n that the Minister of Defense and I are working on.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see. I¡¯ll follow it.¡±


    ¡°Good! Keep your staff on track and carry it out properly!¡±


    ¡°Haha, you don¡¯t have to worry about that, Chief of Staff.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you againter.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be waiting for your call.¡±


    After the call, Chief of Staff, Yuan Xiaoqiao, immediately connected to the inte and called the deputy.


    ¡°Yes, you called me?¡± The deputy, who was waiting outside, immediately opened the door and entered.


    ¡°Please send it to Wang Qing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    <hr />


    January 5th, 2024, 15:00 (Kurdistan time: 09:00)


    Oroi Mohammad, Republic of Kurdistan (the 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade)


    Armored vehicles, tanks, and other vehicles from the 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, one of the units in charge of sweeping operations in Russia¡¯s south, were resting on the ins of Oroi Mohammad, 15 kilometers south of the border with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.


    The 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, which departed from Husen Abad the previous day, also joined the battalion headquarters and arrived here at around 4 a.m. for maintenance and rest.


    While the soldiers were resting, the brigade staff andmanders of each subordinate unit met in the brigade headquarters¡¯ temporary barrack. The meeting had just begun.


    ¡°Just before the meeting begins, I¡¯d like to remind you that we¡¯ll be leaving Kurdistan and traveling through Armenia and Azerbaijan through the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a hard time persuading those three countries. So, I hope you will take extra precautions to avoid any idents while passing through those countries¡¯ territories and to avoid any conflicts with civilians. That¡¯s all!¡± Brigadier General Min Joon-won issued a warning before beginning the meeting, and after finishing his speech, he signaled the start of the meeting by nodding his head to the operational manager sitting next to him.


    Colonel Oh Seo-kyun, the head of the operation department, rose from his seat and approached the screen. ¡°Then, let¡¯s begin the briefing of the sweeping operation in Takestan, the first target of the 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade.¡±


    As he spoke, the screen turned on and a digital map appeared.


    ¡°As I said earlier, our 7th Brigade¡¯s primary target is here in Takestan, which is 288 kilometers away from our current location and 380 kilometers if we calcte the sweeping area as well.¡±


    After Colonel Oh Seo-kyun was done with his exnation, a blue line that appeared to be the actual sweeping path was drawn along the road from various tactical symbols on the digital map.


    ¡°At 1 p.m. today, the 75th Battalion will take the lead, followed by the 79th Tank Battalion, the 76th Tank Battalion, and the brigade headquarters and units directly under theirmand. The ultimate goal is to arrive at the Takestan border at 10 p.m. tomorrow, with four breaks in between maneuvers. We expect a tight schedule, so make sure you have everything ready before you leave.¡±


    Colonel Oh Seo- kyun¡¯s detailed briefing concluded after another 30 minutes, and questions from variousmanders poured in.


    ¡°I believe that to be able to finish by tomorrow will require a quick maneuver. Is a front-line reconnaissance mission required when maneuvering in the Republic of Nakhichevan Autonomous or Armenia?¡± asked Lieutenant Colonel Choi Eun-soo, battalionmander of the 75th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, raising his hand.


    ¡°Forward reconnaissance between maneuvers will most likely begin after Mingecevir, thest resting point before entering Azerbaijan. ording to what we know so far, there has not been any movement of pro-Russian civilians or Russian forces in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, Armenia, or the southern parts of Azerbaijan.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Another question!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Lee Yoon-won, themander of the 8th Infantry Battalion of the 76th Infantry Battalion. I¡¯d like to ask a question out of curiosity but it may be considered unusual for this meeting. What is the brigade¡¯s final mission?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer this question.¡± Brigadier General Min Joon-won, who was listening from his seat in the back, stood up and continued, ¡°For the time being, our mission is topletely upy Takestan. In the future, I believe our second mission would be to conduct an upation operation by sweeping from the Republic of Kalmykia to the Volgograd Ost.¡±


    ¡°Brigadier General! Is it possible to take control of all three states with only a brigade-sized army?¡±


    In response to the brigademander¡¯s words,panymander Captain Lee Yoon-won expressed a negative opinion. ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s absurd to upy three states with just that¡­In addition to us, there are the 35th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the 11th Marine Mobilization Brigade sweeping in southern Russia, right? Perhaps there would be a cooperative operation. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    The 35th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, which was on a security mission in Ariju, was the first to enter Armenia and was now passing through the western part of Armavir along the H-17 road, which had be Kurdish territory. The 11th Marine Mobilization Brigade, which had started its maneuvers in Kirkuk, was just passing through the western end of Khoi in West Azerbaijan. It began in the lower province and had a long maneuvering distance, but because it was a mobile brigade, it advanced quickly north.


    Russia was on the verge of expanding its war to include southern Russia following Dsk, Luhansk Ost, and the Crimean Penins, as even the three brigades of Peace troops dispatched to assist with the independence of the Kurdistan Republic entered a full-fledged sweep in southern Russia.


    Meanwhile, the continued expansion of the war in the south was bad news for Russia, which had deployed all of its forces to the northwestern front facing the Korean border..

 Chapter 485 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 5-7 Stand By

    <h4>Chapter 485: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 5-7 Stand By</h4>


    January 6th, 2024, 02:00 (U.S. time: January 5th, 2024, 13:00)


    The White House, Washington, D.C. (West Wing Security Assistant)


    President Trump, his security adviser, and several Pentagonmanders were in a meeting with solemn expressions on their faces.


    Their main concern at the moment was whether the South Korean military would actuallyunch arge-scale second retaliatory attack against New China. The evacuation procession was going on in therge cities of New China that were currently designated as the attack targets.


    The citizens initially ignored the evacuation warning flyers that fell from the sky, but as D-day approached, they became more anxious and began the evacuation on the third day of the notification.


    In this regard, the security adviser and militarymanders held opposing views.


    In the case of the White House security adviser, he thought that the South Korean military¡¯s second retaliatory attack was just a deceptive tactic.


    ording to him, with the outbreak of the war between Korea and Russia, the global economy had been slowly falling into a recession, and the pace had been elerated by New China¡¯s participation in the war. Even though China, which used to be known as the global market, had been divided into several countries and the size of their market had shrunk, New China¡¯s market, with a poption of over 500 million people, could not be ignored.


    If the South Korean military were tounch arge-scale second retaliatory attack in such circumstances, the global economic recession wouldst longer, and the South Korean government was fully aware of this.


    For this practical reason, the White House security adviser believed that the second retaliatory attack on New China was a bluff and a trick to turn the war in their favor.


    The Pentagon¡¯s U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the other hand, had apletely different viewpoint. He believed that no country fighting in a war would be concerned about the global recession. Furthermore, from the standpoint of Korea, which had the highest economic growth rate in history, it was reasonable to believe that they would be able to ovee the crisis even if the global economy were to go into a recession. Moreover, Korean citizens¡¯ anger against New China had reached a peak following the sma core technology theft ident.


    When the squabbles between the two sides reached a fever pitch, President Trump gave a subtle nod. ¡°I don¡¯t care if South Koreaunches a retaliatory attack or not. All I care about is which side is best for the United States.¡±


    All President Trump wanted was a clear answer about which option would be best for his country to rise to the top once again.


    ¡°Mr. President! We should help New China put more pressure on Korea in this war, just as we have helped Russia with our reconnaissance satellites,¡± said Clint Dempsey, Deputy National Security Adviser, who was also known for his brilliant mind in the Office of the National Security Adviser.


    ¡°To do so, it would be preferable to exert pressure on Korea through European countries to prevent retaliatory attacks on New China.¡±


    ¡°Would the European countries participate?¡±


    When Security Advisor Fabian Jones asked, Deputy Assistant Clint Dempsey continued to answer as if he had been waiting.


    ¡°European economies are also strongly intertwined with those of New China. If New China suffers a significant blow as a result of the massive retaliatory attack by the South Korean military, the economies of European countries will suffer significantly as well. As a result, we should take the initiative and ask them to join forces with us to put pressure on Korea.¡±


    ¡°All right, that sounds usible. Good! Is there any way for the State Department to contact the EU immediately after the meeting and convince them to coordinate and provide military support?¡± President Trump, who was satisfied with Deputy Assistant Clint Dempsey¡¯s answer, looked at Deputy Chief of Staff Austin Berry and sought his opinion this time.


    ¡°I believe it would be quite risky to provide New China with military assistance when providing reconnaissance satellites to Russia carries significant risk,¡± said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Austin Berry straightforwardly.


    ¡°I also agree with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Berry on that respect,¡± said Security adviser Fabian Jones.


    ¡°Well, I see.¡±


    President Trump crossed his legs and touched his chin with one hand, and appeared to be lost in his thought.


    Three years ago, President Trump, who had served as a puppet by a secret influential group called the USSC despite being the leader of the world¡¯s strongest power, sided with Japan when the Korea-China and Korea-Japan wars erupted, resulting in South Korea attacking the U.S. maind and forcing him to sign a peace agreement disguised as surrender after the unification of South and North Korea.


    However, it was only an external crisis for President Trump, as it could be viewed as a golden opportunity for him to concentrate all the power on himself.


    As at that time, the USSC members, who had the power to control not only President Trump but also the U.S. Senate and Congress, were detained deep underground by Korean special forces, which resulted in significant benefits for him.


    As a result, when the chains around his neck were released, he erased all traces of the USSC in the past three years, including the politicians, businessmen, and top militarymanders, who had been under the direction of the USSC.


    Now only Korea and Russia have information about the USSC. In other words, they are the only two countries with evidence on the biggest weakness that the U.S. wants to keep concealed. With this evidence, they can bring the U.S. down whenever they want. That was the biggest challenge that he had to ovee.


    To do so, he needed to actively use the fierce Korea-Russia and Korea-China wars to his advantage. That was the main reason for his unconditional support of the As reconnaissance satellite¡ªwhich is ssified as an S-ss military secret¡ªwhen President Putin had threatened him with the USSC case previously.


    President Trump thought that Russia could always be overpowered economically and militarily whenever he wanted. However, South Korea, which has now surpassed the United States as the world¡¯s leading economy, has reached an unsustainable level.


    Therefore, he wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to consume as much of Korea¡¯s national power as possible, bringing it back to the level where it could be controlled by the U.S. again and only then would he be able to ovee his great weakness.


    After a while, President Trump rxed and gazed at the influential figures seated on the left and right, such as the security advisor and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°The meeting will end now, and the security adviser, along with the Secretary of State, will immediately contact the EU and request cooperation. One more thing, I think it is time to use Japan!¡±


    ¡°Japan?¡± asked Foreign Minister Julian Green with a surprised look.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a video call to the Japanese Prime Minister without the Koreans¡¯ knowledge. At this point, it would be better to shake the interior of Korea through Japan.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll put in a request right away.¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Make sure to not be noticed by the Koreans.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    <hr />


    January 6th, 2024, 16:00


    Underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center, Jongno-gu, Seoul


    On the central screen of the conference room, there was a digital map showing the entire New China, and next to it stood the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong.


    With only twenty-three hours left before their second unlimited retaliatory attack on New China, he was briefing the president about the ¡°ttening Operation.¡±


    ¡°The damage to the private facilities appeared to be greater than I had expected.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who was looking at the data on the damage that the retaliatory attack would cause New China, appeared to be in a bad mood.


    She did not object to transferring all authority over the first and second retaliatory attacks to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but as the country¡¯s suprememander, she still felt the burden.


    ¡°I am well aware of the President¡¯s concerns, but we are currently engaged in a war for the fortune of our country. This is an unavoidable circumstance, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware of that. But¡­¡± She paused and trailed off at the end of her sentence because no matter what she thinks, she had to give her approval in such a situation.


    ¡°Mdm. President! Before weunch the second retaliatory attack, we will take every precaution to limit civilian casualties as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Please do that.¡±


    She gave a bitter smile. As she thought on how absurd she looked to be concerned about civilians from hostile countries in the midst of a war.


    After the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong obtained the president¡¯s approval to proceed with the operation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kang Kyung-hee, visited the National Crisis Operation Center¡¯s underground bunker.


    President Choo Un-hee, who had nned to go outside for a while and soak up some warm sunlight, had to cancel her ns and instead meet with Minister Kang Kyung-hee in the conference room.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry toe without prior notice.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be concerned. It is normal for such things to happen in an emergency. Anyway, since this is an urgent matter, let¡¯s get right to it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President! An hour ago, a letter of protest regarding the second retaliatory attacks on New China arrived from the EU Chairman, Latvia, and the U.S. Secretary of State.¡±


    *The chairman of the EU (European Union) was appointed for six months for each member, and the current chairman was Latvia.


    The unexpected remark made President Choo Un-hee feel ridiculous. ¡°What do you mean by letter of protest?¡±


    ¡°They are iming that the second retaliatory attacks on New China will send the global economy into aplete recession, especially since the global economy is already in trouble. As a result, they have requested for us to halt the attack.¡±


    ¡°However, the matter between us cannot be discussed with a third country, isn¡¯t that right?¡± President Choo Un-hee, who had an awkward expression after feeling ridiculous, knocked on the table, indicating that she couldn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°After receiving the letter, I immediately called the EU chairman and the U.S. Secretary of State to confirm the precise intention, but their response was as written in the letter. They im that it is a measure for the global economy and if weunch the second retaliatory attack, they will restrict all exports of the Republic of Korea.¡±


    It was a serious threat. Currently, the EU and the United States have been important exporters in Korea. In particr, electronics, semiconductors, and high value-added products such as ships and automobiles were a big market for which the EU and the U.S.peted.


    India and Southeast Asian countries, which appeared as new emerging markets as China split into more than ten countries, were major importers, but as previously stated, the EU and the United States were the major importers of expensive high-tech products. If one were to just take into ount the expensive products, the figure was around 40 percent.


    It was a number that couldn¡¯t be neglected. If the EU and the U.S. imposed restrictions on all export products, they would not only suffer a significant blow, but their imports would also be limited. As a result, Korea, which was currently at war with Russia and China, may lose its warfare capability.


    <Boom!>


    President Choo Un-hee pped the conference table and said angrily, ¡°I¡¯m curious why they¡¯ve been quiet all that time and they only decide to send this rude letter of protest a day before the attacks. President Trump of the United States, in particr, appears to have forgotten the past.¡±


    ¡°Me too! I believe it is impolite to send a protest letter in this manner, citing wars in other countries as a global economy.¡± Minister Kang Kyung-hee also expressed his displeasure. In response, President Choo Un-hee ordered to call the Chief of Policy and the Chief of Economy through the inte.


    ¡°Minister Kang!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°When is the deadline for replying to the letter?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no deadline. In other words, the EU and the U.S. State Secretary appeared to be certain that we would withdraw the retaliatory attacks unconditionally.¡±


    ¡°These people believe they are better than everyone else just as before. I have no ns to withdraw this retaliatory attack, and since there is no reply deadline, we don¡¯t have to inform them of our decision, don¡¯t you think so?¡± President Choo Un-hee spoke in a calm yet angry tone.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    At that moment, the secretary¡¯s voice was heard from the inte informing them that the Chief of Policy and the Chief of Economy had arrived.


    ¡°Tell them toe in.¡±


    The door opened, and Min Joon-won, Chief of Policy, and Na Sang-man, the Chief of Economy, entered and sat down. After a while, their expressions darkened as they learned about the current situation.


    President Choo Un-hee, who saw their expressions, asked, ¡°Can you estimate how much economic damage we will suffer if the EU and the U.S. restrict imports of our products?¡±


    ¡°It will take time, but a rough analysis is possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Pleasee up with measures ordingly. Can you do it? Director Min!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do my best..¡±

 Chapter 486 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 6-1 Astonishment

    <h4>Chapter 486: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 6-1 Astonishment</h4>


    January 6th, 2024, 20:30 (New China time: 19:30)


    X-15 bunkers, Beijing, New China


    ¡°I¡¯m now on the G4 highway. As can be seen, both the upper and lowernes are extremely congested with vehicles leaving Beijing. The string of vehicles began this morning, and as you can see on the screen, the People¡¯s Liberation Army armored vehicles have now blocked bothnes, causing traffic congestion.¡±


    A female reporter was reporting the current situation in real-time on the side of an eightne highway that was covered in thick yellow dust, and footage of the long lines of cars that were at a standstill were shown on the TV screen.


    <Bbaang! Bbaang! Beep beep! Beep!>


    Aside from the car horns, the voices of the drivers, who were sticking their heads out the window, swearing and shouting, could be heard, and it appeared that a riot could break out at any moment.


    <Dududududududu~>


    Several WZ-10 stealth attack helicopters flew over the highway, shining searchlights on the road and warning drivers to return to Beijing through external speakers.


    However, no one seemed to have changed their minds or wanted to go back to Beijing, all they wanted was to evacuate. Eventually, a citizen who was blinded by the searchlight couldn¡¯t contain his rage anymore and lost his temper. As a result, he picked up his hunting gun from the back seat and fired at a WZ-10 stealth attack helicopter that was hovering 40 meters above the ground.


    <Ta-ang! Ta-ang!>


    He was able to shoot the searchlight of the WZ-10 attack helicopter, which was shining down on the twones, and consequently, the light went out with a small burst of mes.


    <Whooing!>


    The unexpected attack startled the WZ-10 attack helicopter pilot, prompting him to instinctively pull the control lever and report the shooting ident throughmunication. Finally, the WZ-10 attack helicopter, which had lost its bnce due to the unexpected situation, began plummeting to the ground.


    After a while, the pilot came to his senses and attempted to gain altitude by pushing the lever forward. The WZ-10 attack helicopter was just about to rise, however, due to its low altitude, its tail fin collided with a streemp. Sparks flew as the tail fin shattered, and the entire WZ-10 attack helicopter, which had lost its ability to fly, rapidly rotated and crashed into the vehicles.


    <Kwang!>


    The WZ-10 attack helicopter that had crashed into the vehicles attempting to evacuate, exploded, causing dozens of vehicles to burst into mes as well.


    <Argh! Argh!>


    The highway turned into a fire zone as a result of this ridiculous ident. Countless people rushed out of their vehicles screaming and running in the opposite direction. Because the vehicles were located so close to one another, the ze that engulfed dozens of vehicles at a time gradually spread along the road.


    These scenes were captured by the camera that was covering the evacuation and were broadcast on TV screens, shocking the citizens of New China who were watching.


    Meanwhile, just before the crash, the other WZ-10 attack helicopter pilots, who had heard the voice of the helicopter pilot who screamed the words ¡°shooting¡± through themunicationwork, tilted their fusge toward the ground in a fit of rage and quickly pulled a button to fire from a 30-millimeter cannon.


    <Tototototo! Totototototototo! Tototototo!>


    The vehicles that were attempting to evacuate were riddled with bullets holes by the 30-millimeter shells. As the mes spread, the vehicles that were hit by the shells were covered in colorful mes, while a vehicle whose fuel tank was hit exploded into mes that soared in the air.


    Eventually, the other two WZ-10 attack helicopters participated in the attack, turning the G4 highway into hell.


    It was a preposterous situation that cannot even be described with words. The WZ-10 attack helicopters that flew out to support the armored vehicles blocking the road were transformed into incarnations of hell, casting lightning on the ground.


    <Totototo! Shoo!>


    <Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!>


    They eventually fired not only from their machine gun but also dropped 57-millimeter unguided rockets that were mounted on both wings.


    <Jjaengeurang!>


    ¡°What the hell are they doing?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi, who had been watching the absurd situation unfold on TV in the operation room since the beginning, jumped up from his seat and threw the ss he was holding to the floor. He then looked at General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who was standing nearby, watching with him.


    <Jjaengeurang!>


    ¡°We have issued the order to the superior units to stop the attack, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? You ordered to stop the attack?¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m not sure what you mean¡­¡± asked General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who was confused and thought that the president was criticizing him because the helicopter pilots were being ughtered by citizens.


    ¡°Who the hell would shoot at the New China Army¡¯s sacred helicopter? I¡¯m sure some jerks among the evacuees are attempting to manipte internal divisions among the evacuation vehicles! So, send in more helicopters and annihte them so that no one can escape.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao got goosebumps momentarily at the unexpected and absurd order.


    <¡®What on earth is going through this person¡¯s mind? Even if a Korean spy is hidden in the evacuation procession vehicles, how¡­Does he just think that people¡¯s lives are as insignificant as flies? That bloodless, tearless human.¡¯>


    General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who was so taken aback that he felt deep skepticism in his head, managed to contain his rage and spoke seriously. ¡°Mr. President, even if there are Korean spies or terrorists there, the citizens will suffer more harm. It¡¯s the same as going out of the frying pan into the fire.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi looked at General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who opposed him, up and down.


    ¡°Mr. President! People¡¯s rage have already risen as a result of the blockage of the evacuation procession. If we do that in this situation, public opinion will turn against us and it would be irreversible.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me with public opinion?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a threat, it¡¯s reality.¡±


    The atmosphere in the operating room became as cold as ice at that point. Themanders of the General Chief of Staff as well as the operators in the operation room looked at the two men.


    ¡°Ha! Okay, I got it. I was a bit too excited.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi showed a faint smile, poured whiskey into another ss, and drank it immediately.


    ¡°Then, I will consider that you have given your approval to stop the attack.¡±


    ¡°Okay, by the way, hasn¡¯t the East Wind Operation started by now?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi sat down, inhaled the whiskey, looked at the digital clock hanging in front of the situation room, and said, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the time to begin.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s connect to it.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    At the same time that General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao responded, the operator who was listening connected the operation room¡¯s screen to the unit that was currently conducting the East Wind Operation.


    ¡°We have connected to the headquarters of the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade.¡±


    Before thest four sma bombs were used, the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade fired arge amount of artillery at its targets alongside several other artillery brigades to reduce the possibility of interception.


    Thousands of artillery shells of various caliber flew over the head of the 3rd Armored Division (Baekgol) of the 5th Corps, which is being deployed in the rear of Seonan (Qinhuangdao).


    In a nutshell, it was a massive attack. However, the 3rd Armored Division (Baekgol) was a difficult opponent to defeat. The 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong), which had suffered significant damage in the previous sma bomb attack, intercepted as many anti-aircraft units as the Armored Division and also conducted an intercepting mission within Seonan (Qinhuangdao).


    In the dark sky, where there was no starlight, mes shed with loud and small explosions. It was as if thunder and lightning were ringing through the clouds.


    The 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade finally ordered the 285th Artillery Battalion loaded with sma bombs to fire after determining that the interceptor limit of the Korean army had been reached.


    The 285th artillery battalion, which was waiting inplete camouge in a small vige on the Yanghe River, came out of hiding as soon as the attack order was issued and immediately opened fire.


    Loud artillery sounds were heard from the 18 PLZ-45 self-propelled guns, as well as dozens of 155-millimeter high-explosives, which were fired in a parabolic arc, including those armed with sma bombs.


    ¡°It¡¯s a report of sma bombs being fired.¡± The operator in charge ofmunication, who just received a report from the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade, spoke so loudly that his voice rang out in the operation room.


    ¡°Only 25 seconds to the target! So far, there have been no interceptions!¡± The operator in charge ofmunication disseminated the report¡¯s contents as if rying it in real-time.


    ¡°Oh! The first! The first was intercepted!¡±


    There were exmations of regret throughout the operation room.


    ¡°13 seconds left! Ah, another one has been intercepted.¡±


    All of the soldiers in the operating room, including President Wang Jing-wi, were holding their breath. All, except for one individual¡ªYuan Xiaoqiao, General Chief of Staff.


    As the General Chief of Staff, Yuan Xiaoqiao should have felt the most tension considering the current situation. However, it was the opposite¡ªhe was watching with a calm expression on his face.


    ¡°Three seconds! Two seconds! One second! Landing!¡±


    Only two of the four sma bombs were intercepted, and thankfully, the others urately hit their targets. As a result, the operation room erupted in a festive mood.


    However, no significant reports of the explosion status were received following the attack by the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade.


    They initially assumed that the follow-up report would be dyed due to amunication breakdown caused by the explosion¡¯s formidable power. However, the reports from various reconnaissance forces stated that no explosionparable to a nuclear bomb urred in the rear of Seonan (Qinhuangdao).


    ¡°What happened? Why haven¡¯t there been any reports of the explosion?¡± President Wang Jing-wi lowered his head and asked.


    In response, General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao replied calmly, ¡°Mr. President! It seems we have been unsessful.¡±


    ¡°Unsessful, unsessful?¡± President Wang Jing-wi, who was trying to stand up, sat down again. ¡°What do you mean? Does that make any sense? Both were unsessful? Connect the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade right now!¡±


    ¡°Currently, we are unable to connect to the headquarters of the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade.¡± The operator in charge ofmunication reported with a look of fear.


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    ¡°Which unit is the closest to them?¡±


    When General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao asked, ignoring President Wang Jing-wi, who punched his armrests mercilessly, Guo Jingfei, who nned the East Wind Operation from beginning to end, replied in a trembling voice, ¡°It is the 75th Motorized Infantry Division of the 38th Army, located 22 kilometers to the south.¡±


    ¡°Then, give orders to themander of Army Group 38 to immediately check with the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade through the 75th Motorized Infantry Division.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°And send a drone to the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    After General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao calmly issued the orders, he approached President Wang Jing-wi, who was still punching his armrests.


    ¡°Mr.. President! Why don¡¯t you take a break and leave the follow-up measures to me?¡± Yuan Xiaoqiao, General Chief of Staff, pretended to be concerned about President Wang Jing-wi, and his smile went unnoticed.

 Chapter 487 - Season 2 Book 19 New Chinas Participation in War - 6-2 Astonishment

    <h4>Chapter 487: Season 2 Book 19 New China¡¯s Participation in War ¨C 6-2 Astonishment</h4>


    January 6th, 2024, 23:30 (Ukraine time: 17:30)


    Debaltseve, Dsk, Ukraine


    The 5th Marine Division and the Ukrainian Army¡¯s 65th Motorized Infantry Division, which began the full-scale restoration operation of Dsk Province on the 1st with Spartak, upied most of Dsk Ost in six days and were now facing thest resistance in Dsk¡¯s capital, Dsk, and here in Debaltseve.


    As the capital, it was strongly defended by two rebels and one infantry division of Russia¡¯s 46th Army of the Southern Military District. As a result, they had to call in three regiments of the 5th Marine Division (Jiryong) and one regiment of the 65th Motorized Infantry Division, which had been carrying out missions to maintain the upied area, to participate in the upation operation.


    With the majority of the forces of the 5th Marine Division (Jiryong) deployed in Dsk, the Sphinx Regiment, the rapid response regiment with the highestbat power among the other units of the 5th Marine Division (Jiryong), was deployed in Debaltseve.


    Debaltseve was a city linked to the Luhansk Ost and railroads, and it was a major military hub for delivering and supplying war materials. During the Donbas war in 2014, Ukrainian troops, rebels, and Russian troops fought the longest and bloodiest battle over it. However, the result was the defeat of the Ukrainian army, which cost them the most casualties.


    <Dudududududu~>


    Dozens of res lit up the entire southern tip of Debaltseve, and about ten CUM-M50 Super Surion helicopters approached with a low-altitude and distinct engine sound.


    <Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!>


    Surface-to-air missiles flew sporadically from all over the city toward them. They did, however, miss their targets because they were either intercepted by powerful radar jamming and forced to change course, or they self-destructed in the middle due to chaff and res.


    Moreover, because the CUM-M50 Super Surion helicopters¡¯ bottom armors were made of hydronium alloy, the countless bullets from the various weapons that embellished the night sky bounced off them and created sparks.


    While the ten CUM-M50 Super Surion helicopters were attempting to prate the center of the city, more than 70 C-23P-M mobilebat armored vehicles fired 50-millimeter sma-activated carbon artillery shells from the 32unchers mounted at the rear of the turret without any mercy.


    <Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!>


    The sma-activated carbon artillery shells, which flew with a light firing sound and a smooth parab, hit their targets urately and exploded.


    Even though they were only 50-millimeter in diameter and 300-millimeter in length, their explosive power was far greater than that of most 155-millimeter artillery shells.


    At that time, over 700 sma-activated carbon artillery shells were fired, sweeping away the surrounding area like a huge storm.


    As a result of the massive attack, the rebel squad¡¯s firearms, which had resisted fiercely at first, and the mortar shells, which were flying between the buildings, stopped.


    ¡°Go ahead!¡±


    At someone¡¯smand, the Marines, who had gotten out of their armored vehicles in advance, began to run altogether.


    <Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!>


    <Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!>


    The 70 C-23P-M mobilebat armored vehicles fired sma-activated carbon artillery shells again as well as 50-millimeter photons.


    With such strong firepower support, the Marines were able to quickly enter the city.


    <Bba-bba-bba-bba-bang! Bba-bba-bba-bba-bang!>


    As soon as they entered the city, 6P50 Kord 12.7-millimeter heavy machine guns began firing at them from the roof of a half-destroyed building from the direction of 11 o¡¯clock.


    <Ugh!>


    Several Marine Corps were hit by the medium-caliber bullets fired at a rate of 700 shots per minute, causing them to fall to the slightly frozen floor, rolling around.


    Fortunately, as they were wearing their protective and bulletproof suits, the bullets didn¡¯t prate. However, they lost their bnce due to the impact.


    ¡°It¡¯s 280 meters away. The rooftop of the building that¡¯s halfway down!¡± As soon as someone¡¯s voice was heard through themunication, the Marines fired at once.


    <Jjuung Jjuung Jjuung ~ Jjuung Jjuung Jjuung Jjuung~>


    As a result of their continuous firing at the roof of the building, the heads of the shooters and their assistants, who were firing the heavy machine guns, were shattered and their brain matter sttered all over the roof.


    In the meantime, the Marines who had fallen resumed their posture and jumped forward.


    The rebels¡¯ and Russian pro-defense forces¡¯ resistance was formidable.


    Despite the use of sma-activated carbon artillery shells and red photons, their resistance remained strong, as if they were prepared to die.


    ¡°They¡¯re a lot stronger than I expected.¡± Colonel Oh Sung-pil,mander of the Sphinx Regiment, who was watching the front engagement from the C-22-Mmand armored car, gently bit his lower lip as he realized that the resistance was formidable.


    ¡°It is only because the engagement has just begun. They will soon be divided as the air invasion ispleted, Commander-in-Chief!¡± said Lieutenant Colonel Na Myung-joon, head of the regiment¡¯s operations division, who was using another monitor to check on the situation of the 38th Aircraft Helicopter Squadron, which was currently invading the air.


    ¡°I hope so. When will it bepleted?¡±


    ¡°They have reached their target point, and they¡¯ll go down the rappel within the next minute.¡±


    ¡°Well, ask themander of the 38th Battalion to fly over here after they finish their mission and provide us with some firepower support.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    <Keureureureung! Keureureureung!>


    At the same time, the sound of tank engines could be heard from somewhere along with the sound of heavy caterpirs turning.


    ¡°Direction 9 o¡¯clock! 8.2 kilometers away, a swarm of enemy tanks has appeared! T-80U tanks have been confirmed!¡± The appearance of Russian tanks, as confirmed by the solidarity reconnaissancepany, was reported via themunicationwork.


    ¡°T-80U tanks. We are lucky that we hid them.¡±


    The tank battalion of the Russian Pro-Defense Force hid 33 T-80U tanks in various locations on the western outskirts of Debaltseve, waiting for an opportunity. Believing that the Marine Corpscked tanks, they emerged from their concealment.


    The 33 T-80U tanks, which had previously been used on arge scale in Korea, approached quickly with their distinctive gas turbine engine sounds, aiming at the 74th Battalion.


    ¡°Will the 74th Battalion be sufficient?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    ¡°Good! The 74th Battalion will then change course to deal with them, while the 56th Battalion will continue to advance toward the city as nned.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll deliver the order.¡±


    After a while, the 74th Battalion Armored Vehicles, which had received the regimentmander¡¯s order, immediately changed directions to deal with the approaching T-80U tanks. They then fired 50-millimeter photons in quick session.


    Photons with an effective range of 10 kilometers flew at light speed and smashed the front armor of the leading T-80U tanks.


    The T-80U tanks, which had been hit hard, came to a halt and red particle-shaped mes erupted from the holes.


    Unless it was a T-14B Armata tank with a 16MJ railgun, confronting the C-23P-M mobilebat armored vehicles equipped with the 50-millimeter photon cannon and hydronium alloy armor were like moths leaping into a fire pit.


    As a result, as many as ten T-80U tanks were covered in dark red mes as their long barrels hung on the floor, bringing the maneuver to a halt.


    After receiving an unexpected blow from an unforeseen distance, the remaining T-80U tanks performed evasive maneuvers to the left and right and fired smoke grenades.


    Their smoke grenades, however, were useless in the face of the C-23P-M mobilebat armored vehicles, which were outfitted with cutting-edge technology.


    Whenparing the First and Second Northeast Asian Wars, the Republic of Korea¡¯s armored fighting capability was much stronger, to the point where they could deal with third-generation tanks using only armored vehicles.


    In less than ten minutes, the tank battalion that attempted to seize the opportunity to win the war by unexpectedly attacking the side of the Sphinx Regiment was defeated.


    Just as Lieutenant Colonel Na Myung-joon had predicted, the rebels and friendly forces that had been fiercely resisting in the early stages of the war began to copse as a result of the sessful invasion of the city center by the Marines. Debaltseve, with a poption of 50,000, fell into the hands of the Sphinx Regiment four hours after the war began.


    At the same time, the battle in Dsk, the capital of Dsk, was called off six hours after Debaltseve fell, with the rebels and the remaining soldiers of the pro-defense forces surrendering.


    As such, the 5th Marine Corps (Jiryong) turned the entire Dsk Province into Ukrainian territory only seven days after starting the Dsk recovery operation. It was a tremendous record that would remain in wartime history.


    * * *


    January 7th, 2024, 22:00 (New China time: 21:00)


    X-15 bunkers, Beijing, New China


    With only an hour left before the massive retaliatory attack from South Korea, the General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, as well as several staff members who could be called his aides, were absent.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the General Chief of Staff?¡± asked President Wang Jing-wi, who had entered the operation room with his party official.


    However, none of them answered, as they didn¡¯t know about the whereabouts of the General Chief of Staff.


    ¡°Cat got your tongue?¡±


    When he criticized them angrily, Executive Chief Kao Wei-kwang reluctantly replied, ¡°An hour ago, he said he had something personal to attend to, and gave me themand of the operation room.¡±


    ¡°An hour ago?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°In this critical situation, what does he mean by ¡®personal business¡¯? Is he out of his mind?¡± He looked at him and then at the General Staffmanders who were standing still. ¡°Tell him toe to the operation room right now!¡±


    At this time, the operator in charge ofmunication with the rank of Colonel carefully spoke out. ¡°There was a report from the first guard post outside the main gate about 30 minutes ago that the General Chief of Staff has gone out.¡±


    ¡°What? Outside? Why didn¡¯t you report it to me then?¡± asked Executive Chief Kao Wei-kwang.


    ¡°That¡­¡± The operator in charge ofmunications was speechless, as he thought he had done something very wrong.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to answer?¡±


    When asked again, the operator in charge ofmunication replied truthfully in a hoarse voice. ¡°Because the Chief of Staff said he¡¯d be back soon, he told me to only inform the staff in the operating room and not to report it to the superiors...¡±


    The operator in charge ofmunication trailed off the end of his sentence again, and then he looked away.


    ¡°What does he think¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t say anything because subordinates must obey the orders of the military¡¯s topmander, so all Executive Chief Kao Wei-kwang could do was shake his head, indicating that he couldn¡¯t understand why he had to leave when the South Korean military was about tounch a massive attack.


    ¡°Secretary of the General Chief of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Executive Chief.¡±


    ¡°Try calling the General Chief of Staff on his cell phone.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll contact him right away.¡±


    At the same time as the answer, the secretary of the General Chief of Staff took out his smartphone and called him. After a while, he reported with a grim look, ¡°I think his cell phone has been turned off. There¡¯s no signal.¡±


    At that moment, President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s face was severely distorted and he screamed, ¡°Right now! Use the military police to find out where the General Chief of Staff is! Right now!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, who had turned the entire situation room upside down, had boarded a ne secretly arranged by Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung and his aides and was leisurely flying out of Beijing over the southern end. The four sma missiles that were reported to have either failed or been intercepted by the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigadest night were contained in a safety box in the ne¡¯s cargopartment.


    Themanders of the General Chief of Staff, who were not aware of this, used all avable means to find his location, but all their efforts were in vain.

 Chapter 488 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 1-1 The Fair Price

    <h4>Chapter 488: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 1-1 The Fair Price</h4>


    January 7th, 2024, 22:30 (New China time: 21:30)


    Henan Province and Nanyang City, New China


    An hour and a half ago, the General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaochao, who left the X-15 bunker with four of his close aides, headed straight for Beijing Nanyuan Airport, changed into regr clothes and boarded a private jet called the Dassault Falcon-8X, a Vietnamese model, with Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung.


    Now an hourter, the Dassault Falcon-8X, which traveled at 900 kilometers per hour, had just entered Hubei Province after flying over Nanyang, the southern end of Henan Province.


    Their destination was Shenzhen, the capital of the Republic of China, and they were due to arrive in an hour and a half.


    Minister of Defense Jang Yue Fung decided to defect after receiving a grave insult from President Wang Jing-wi. As a result, he reached out to the government of the Republic of China, which was at war with New China, to seek asylum for both his family and rtives, as well as himself. To do so he needed onerge gift, which was why he was considering using the four sma bombs for that purpose.


    In response, the Republic of China government not only weed him with open arms and granted him and his family asylum, but it also made a massive counterproposal topensate $100 million per sma bomb.


    However, while he was in the midst of talks with the government of the Republic of China and preparing for asylum, he learned about the ¡®East Wind Operation,¡¯ which was to use sma bombs following President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s orders. Therefore, he contacted the General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao and proposed a secret deal to him.


    After much deliberation, the General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao decided to support him. Therefore, he requested that his distant rtive, Major General Wang Qing, provides false reports on the sma bombs, while the real sma bombs were siphoned off and are now in the cargopartment of the Dassault Falcon-8X.


    Even though there wasn¡¯t much time to prepare, everything went off without a hitch, just as Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung had nned.


    ¡°Thank you, Chief of Staff.¡± Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung smiled brightly as he handed the General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao a ss of champagne.


    ¡°No, Minister of Defense! It was a decision that I made to have a new start.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s live a good life in a capitalist country. Hahaha. Cheers, everyone!¡±


    <Jjangang!>


    As Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung raised his ss in a toast, everyone, including the General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, clinked their sses and drank the toast.


    At that moment, one of the Commander-in-Chief¡¯s generals drank champagne and said, ¡°Brother! President Wang Jing-wi should be enraged and on fire by now. Hahaha.¡±


    The general whoughed loudly was Wang Qing, themander of the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade. Due to his distant rtionship with the General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao, he addressed him as his brother without hesitation.


    ¡°Why are youughing so hard?¡±


    ¡°Just imagining him makes meugh, brother! Didn¡¯t you know that Wang Jing-wi was the operationalmander at the Northern Military Operations Command when I was serving there ten years ago? I had to suffer so much as a result of his self-righteousness and selfishness. I would have given up a long time ago if it hadn¡¯t been for my brother who had me transferred to another unit. Just imagining his rage and frustration because he has been betrayed makes meugh. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Tsk tsk. More importantly, did your family and rtives safely cross over to the Republic of China?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my whole family is waiting for me in Shenzhen.¡±


    ¡°Okay, you did a good job.¡±


    ¡°Brother, is it true that the Republic of China will pay $100 million for each sma bomb? I still can¡¯t believe it.¡±


    When Wang Qing asked with a suspicious look, Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung replied with a meaningful smile instead of the General Chief of Staff. ¡°General Wang Qing! Don¡¯t you trust me?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t mean that, it¡¯s just that I still can¡¯t believe this is real.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable! The total cost of four bombs is $400 million, which when divided by 20 people equals $20 million each. Isn¡¯t it enough to live a good life, even if we share it?¡±


    ¡°Sure. That¡¯s enough. And since I have my own property, I will be able to livefortably.¡±


    While they were discussing the bright future that awaited them, President Wang Jing-wi was trembling in Beijing, just as Wang Qing had expected.


    <hr />


    January 7th, 2024 22:30 (New China time: 21:30)


    X-15 bunkers, Beijing, New China


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he took a private helicopter with four staff members from Beijing Nanyuan Airport an hour and a half ago and they left Beijing via an unauthorized aircraft. ording to reports, the Air Force is currently tracking the route of the unauthorized aircraft.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi jumped up from his seat after hearing inspector Nao Shaping¡¯s report, and his trembling body gave away just how angry he really was.


    ¡°Is he betraying me in such an important situation? Yuan Xiaoqiao, you motherf*cker!¡± A squeaky sound escaped his lips.


    ¡°And it was confirmed that he met with Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung several times in private.¡±


    ¡°Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung? Yes, that¡¯s right! Due to the war in Chongqing, this prat has also been absent for several days. Now that I think about it, that was just a pretext for him to plot something with the Chief of Staff.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi then turned his head and shouted at the staff.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Themander of the 200th Strategic Artillery Brigade has also been reported missing, along with three staff members. ording to one story, the actual sma bombs were not used in the ¡®East Wind Operation¡¯ yesterday. Inspectors have been dispatched and are conducting a thorough investigation.¡±


    ¡°Wait! That b*stard! Is he rted to the Chief of Staff?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is his 16th cousin.¡±


    ¡°These motherf*ckers! He most certainly stole them. He falsely reported that they had been intercepted or failed. Those who will shatter this world¡­¡±


    Because he had been deceived, President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s face turned as red as a persimmon, and his eyes swelled.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know?¡± At President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s sudden question, his staff were unable to say anything and were left bewildered. ¡°Did you know something?¡±


    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t know at all,¡± answered Executive General Kao Wei-kwang, as a representative of the staff.


    ¡°Haha! You would have run away with them or reported it already if you had known!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi cast aside his suspicions and once again expressed his anger. ¡°Track that ne immediately. And whether you use missiles or fighters, shoot it down! If they escape safely, you won¡¯t be safe either.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! I think countermeasures against the retaliatory attack of the South Korean military that will be in 30 minutes should be our priority.¡±


    ¡°Do them both.¡±


    <hr />


    January 7th, 2024, 22:55 (New China time: 21:55)


    New China Tianjin atmosphere


    12 C-SH Zinog-II missiles wereunched from CS-AD Zeus Strategic Interceptor Satellites 5 and 6 toward New China¡¯s major cities, and they were now falling to the ground at Mach 50. At the same time, 24 CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jets from the 1st Space Fighter Wing, which had been flying overrge cities and spraying flyers, each entered the atmosphere of their assigned target city, opened the doors of the internal armament, and awaited the final attackmand from the Aerospace Command.


    Among them, the space fighters belonging to Alpha Squadron, which had Tianjin as its target, were flying to their respective positions after activating TCS mode.


    ¡°This is Alpha One! Please report the current situation of Alpha Squadron.¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Two! We¡¯re waiting at 50 kilometers above the port stop! Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Three! Waiting at 39¡ã7¡¯26.85¡åN 117¡ã24¡¯27.94¡åE! Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Four! Hangzhou point. We¡¯re waiting in the air at Tianjin Port! Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha One! Three minutes until the attack! After checking the final attackmand code, start attacking ordingly. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Two! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Three! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is Alpha Four! Copy that!¡±


    Shortly after, at exactly 11 p.m., the final attackmand code came in from the aerospacemand. In response, Alpha Squadron captains checked it and fired two X-1 sma amplified bombs, one after another at their targets.


    <Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!>


    Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho¡¯s Space Fighter Oneunched two X-1 sma amplified bombs toward the factory area in Beichen District, and they flew to the ground at incredible speeds afterunching their propents one by one.


    The two X-1 sma amplified bombs, which were falling to the ground while emitting a blue light trail, hit the ground in seconds.


    <Kwang!>


    They exploded instantly as they prated tens of meters underground.


    The huge shock wave from the explosion shook the entire city, and a massive me broke through the ground and rose several kilometers into the sky, creating a dark red mushroom cloud.


    Furthermore, as the tectonic fluctuations of 10 degrees spread throughout the depths, the ground soared and split from all sides, swallowing cars, buildings, and everything in its path.


    Tianjin, which had be like a furnace with roaring mes and extreme heat, was transformed into a living hell where neither humans nor gods could live.


    Afterpleting their mission in Tianjin, which was colored dark red beneath a massive mushroom cloud, the Three-toed Crow space fighter jets of the Alpha Squadron increased their altitude to the maximum and headed back.


    <hr />


    December 7th, 2024, 23:00 (New China time: 22:00)


    Beijing, New China


    <Whooing! Whooing!>


    Missiles were constantly soaring into the sky, spraying white smoke, while air raid sirens had been sounding all over Beijing for the past 10 minutes.


    Surface-to-air missiles of various air defense units from the S-400 Triumph, which were imported from Russia in 2019, appeared as light spots in the dark Beijing sky and disappeared.


    However, the probability of intercepting C-SH Zinog-II missiles, which were smaller than surface-to-air missiles and traveled at speeds above Mach 50, was one in a thousand. While it may have been a very slight possibility, the New China army couldn¡¯t just stand still and attempted to mobilize all of their air defense forces to intercept them.


    To intercept the four C-SH Zinog-II missiles, the New China Armed Forces Air Defense Force used 200 different surface-to-air missiles.


    However, as expected, all intercepts failed.


    Even before the surface-to-air missile could approach, the C-SH Zinog-II missiles had already escaped them and had hit the ground. Because of the huge speed difference, the 200 surface-to-air missiles couldn¡¯t even get close and either exploded in the air or lost their target and flew to the wrong location.


    As a result, the first C-SH Zinog-II missile fell on the Pce Museum, formerly known as the Forbidden City.


    Because of its tremendous speed, it prated 100 meters underground and then exploded.


    As the huge shock wave spread to a radius of several kilometers, everything on the ground appeared to float for a brief moment before copsing and was destroyed. The high-rise buildings copsed as a result of the shock waves, and some buildings lost their center of gravity and tilted as a result, copsing into each other.


    Those who decided to stay despite the evacuation warnings all suffered internal ruptures because of the shock wave.


    A massive mushroom cloud soared high in the sky, apanied by a deafening explosion sound. Soon after, mes and immense heat that broke through the earth¡¯s crust spread around the explosion center.


    From then on, the true fear of the C-SH Zinog-II missile, which caused such massive damage solely through shock waves, began..

 Chapter 489 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 1-2 The Fair Price

    <h4>Chapter 489: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 1-2 The Fair Price</h4>


    <Kukakakang! Kwakwakang!>


    The earth¡¯s crust rose, dragging everything that was on the ground to the bottom¡ªjust like an enraged wave that devours everything in its path.


    After some time, Beijing, where 20 million people had lived, was gone, and only dark red mes could be seen. The area had turned into a wrigglingva zone.


    In addition to Beijing, all the big cities, including Tianjin, Baoding, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi¡¯an, and Wu¡¯an, were on fire as well.


    Even the X-15 bunker was affected by the attack.


    The ceiling, which was shaking at the time, began to crack, causing dust and debris to fall. Additionally, due to the external pressure, the steel walls curved inward, proving just how powerful the impact had been that it had affected the inside of the bunker as well.


    The various high-tech equipment turned off, and the lights in the bunker began to blink on and off repeatedly. Suddenly, the bunker was plunged intoplete darkness as the emergency generator, which was needed for situations like these, was not functioning properly.


    ¡°What? Turn on the light,¡± yelled President Wang Jing-wi, who had been hiding under the meeting table to avoid being hit by the dirt falling from the ceiling was feeling extremely stressed when the lights went out.


    ¡°Mr. President! Please wait a moment,¡± said the bunker officer who was crawling on the floor.


    ¡°Turn it on right now! Right now!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m going to get it done now.¡±


    After about 10 minutes of waiting in the darkness, the emergency red lights began to turn on one at a time, indicating that the emergency generator had begun to function properly. However, none of the high-tech equipment in the situation room turned on.


    As soon as the red lights illuminated the operation room, several General Staffmanders began checking the situation in Beijing and other metropolitan cities via variousmunication methods. However, all modes ofmunication¡ªfrom wired to wireless¡ªwere down.


    ¡°Tell me what happened!¡± When the shaking in the bunker had subsided, President Wang Jing-wi sat back down and inquired.


    ¡°Mr. President, please wait a moment. We are having a lot ofmunication problems because the situation does not seem to be good.¡±


    ¡°Is that all you can say?¡±


    Guo Jingfei, the head of the operation center, shook his head, looking unhappy at Wang Jing-wi¡¯s words.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even want to see you. I¡¯ll go to my room, so report it to me as soon as you clear it up!¡±


    ¡°Yes. Please give us a while.¡±


    ¡°Wait! Wait! Damn!¡±


    After that, he left the operation room with his secretaries.


    ¡°It¡¯s not connecting.¡±


    While themanders sighed and chatted with one another, Guo Jingfei, the second in rank after the current Chief of Staff, stepped forward and said, ¡°It seems thatmunication with the outside world is down for the time being. We¡¯ll have to go outside and assess the situation.¡±


    At the words of Guo Jingfei, the head of the operation center, the personnel of the General Staff nodded their heads in agreement.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go out,¡± said the head of the intelligence department, Dai Xiangyu, as he raised his hand.


    ¡°Okay. Then please go out and investigate the situation and find a solution to reestablishmunication.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°At the moment, all elevators connected to the ground are shut down, so you must use the emergency stairs.¡±


    The bunker officer intervened in the conversation. Then Guo Jingfei, the head of the operation center, asked, ¡°The emergency elevator, too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, even though the emergency generator is running, all power is connected to the lighting, so¡­¡±


    ¡°We will be able to operate the elevator if some lights are turned off.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Then, except for the situation room, the president¡¯s room, and corridors, turn off all lights and turn on the emergency elevator.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do that.¡±


    The bunker officer ran with his subordinates to the location of the emergency power generator. And after a while, Director Dai Xiangyu and his staff boarded the emergency elevator to go up to the ground level.


    Because the emergency elevator, which was carrying approximately 20 people,cked sufficient power, its speed was remarkably slow. A few minutester, the elevator door opened as they arrived at the ground level.


    Based on their experience during the war with South Korea three years ago, when they built several X-ss bunkers in Beijing, they made all external barriers of emergency elevators of ultra-high-strength armor that can withstand most nuclear bombs.


    Dai Xiangyu¡¯s group arrived in front of the iron door after exiting the emergency elevator via a stairwell, and several people worked together to manually open the iron door.


    The iron door, made of ultra-high-strength armor which had a thickness of one meter, made a strange sound and slowly began to open.


    At that moment, immense heat poured in through the open iron door. As a result, everyone screamed and stepped back covering their faces with their palms. People soon began muttering:


    ¡°What is it? What the hell?¡±


    ¡°Where am I?¡±


    ¡°Argh! It¡¯s hot!¡±


    Simply put, the view outside was horrendous.


    Before the attack, the iron gate and the ground were the same level, but now the ground was five meters lower, and it was filled with wriggling mes. There were even mes erupting high in the sky everywhere. In other words, it was like looking down at a furnace from five meters above.


    Director Dai Xiangyu covered his face with his clothes and headed back to the emergency elevator, as he could no longer endure the scorching heat.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± A subordinate apanying him asked with a disappointed look.


    ¡°What do we do? It¡¯s over!¡±


    ¡°Huh, what do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Are you still hopeful after seeing this?¡±


    ¡°Do you mean we lost the war to Korea again?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just about losing the war, but New China is ruined!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be able to go outside for a while, so we¡¯ll have to go back to the bunker and report it, Colonel Ryu!¡±


    ¡°Yes, intelligence director!¡±


    ¡°First of all, let¡¯s try tomunicate with the outside world.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go down first. Come down if you are unable to reestablishmunication within an hour.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then go down first.¡±


    * * *


    January 7, 2024, 23:30


    Underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center, Jongno-gu, Seoul


    President Choo Un-hee and several members of the State Council who were watching the situation in the operation room were taken aback when they saw the horrific scenes on the screen.


    It¡¯s not that they hadn¡¯t seen the destructive power of strategic weapons before, but this was their first time using them on such arge city, so the impact seemed to be greater than they had expected.


    As a result, they were unable to speak and silently watched the scenes being transmitted by the reconnaissance satellite.


    <Ring! Ring! Ring!>


    In the tense atmosphere, someone¡¯s cell phone rang.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Minister Kang Kyung-hee hurriedly answered the phone, fearful of causing a disturbance.


    ¡°This is Vice Minister Oh.¡±


    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Currently, protest calls from the U.S. and EU members are pouring in.¡±


    ¡°Is it because we attacked New China?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, Minister!¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not something we didn¡¯t expect, so as for now, Vice Minister Oh, respond ording to the manual.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee, who hung up the phone, sighed and approached president Choo Un-hee and whispered, ¡°They came earlier than I thought.¡±


    Upon receiving the information on the protest from Minister Kang Kyung-hee, President Choo Un-hee smiled bitterly while looking at her wristwatch.


    In the president¡¯s opinion, the U.S. and the EU were waiting for the attack on New China, and therefore, she expected there to be protests.


    ¡°Yes, I think it¡¯s faster than expected.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, it was something we considered, so we have to deal with it well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President. I¡¯ll go back to the Foreign Ministry building.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now.¡±


    When Minister Kang Kyung-hee hurriedly left the situation room, President Choo Un-hee asked Colonel Lee Min-ki, who had been dispatched from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. ¡°Has the damage been counted yet?¡±


    ¡°No, not yet.¡±


    Except for Beijing and Tianjin, the ¡®ttening operation¡¯ only targeted industrialplexes and factories in the other major cities. However, since most industrialplexes or factory areas were in or near the city, it was obvious that private residential areas and civilians would suffer damage as well.


    After some time, Colonel Lee Min-ki received a report on the status of damage from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and immediately reported it to the president.


    ¡°Mdm. President! This is the damage status report.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee epted the report with a nervous expression. Her lower brow muscles trembled shortly after turning the first page.


    ¡°Is this a report on the damage?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the precise amount will take another day or so. Consider the report you¡¯re reading as a preliminary report. You could estimate it to be around 80 percent urate.¡±


    ¡°Even 80 percent is serious. What does that mean¡­13 million casualties!¡±


    The total number was enormous. They were not even soldiers; they were civilians. It was a huge number that had never been seen before in the history of the war.


    ¡°It was inevitable,¡± said the Chief of Staff in the hopes offorting President Choo Un-hee, who was disappointed.


    ¡°Even so, this¡­Of the 13 million casualties, 9.5 million died! Isn¡¯t it vastly different from the expected damage report I received previously?¡±


    At that time, the expected damage status report listed approximately one million casualties. In response, President Choo Un-hee directed that active evacuation warning broadcasts and publicity for New China citizens be strengthened further to reduce the damage to as little as 300,000 people before the attack.


    However, contrary to president Choo Un-hee¡¯s wish, there were 13 million casualties and she was inplete shock.


    * * *


    January 7th, 2024, 23:50 (New China time: 22:50)


    X-15 bunkers, Beijing, New China


    Director Dai Xiangyu, who returned to the bunker, delivered the shocking report to President Wang Jing-wi and the other General Staffmanders.


    ¡°Does that mean we can¡¯t go out?¡±


    When asked by President Wang Jing-wi, Director Dai Xiangyu shook his head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think we can get out of here for a while. The surrounding area is like a furnace, so we won¡¯t be able to go out.¡±


    In response, Guo Jingfei, head of the operation center, asked, ¡°What about a helicopter?¡±


    ¡°It is also impossible for a helicopter to hover at such a low altitude. The rising heat is scorching, and the roaring mes could endanger the helicopter.¡±


    ¡°My my¡­Does that mean we¡¯repletely trapped here?¡±


    ¡°I believe the only solution we have now is to wait until the heat subsides and then leave by helicopter or other means of air power.¡±


    ¡°What happened to establishingmunication with the others?¡±


    ¡°Currently, several technicians from the Ministry of Intelligence are attempting to establish a connection.¡±


    While the two generals were talking, President Wang Jing-wi looked at the two generals and said with a pathetic expression, ¡°Things are not looking good.¡±

 Chapter 490 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 1-3 The Fair Price

    <h4>Chapter 490: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 1-3 The Fair Price</h4>


    ¡°What do you mean when you say we can¡¯tmunicate with the outside world and can¡¯t go outside? I can¡¯t stay here, you ipetent people, so call the helicopter right now!¡± President Wang Jing-wi yelled, believing he had been imprisoned. However, there was nothing that could be done because allmunication channels had been cut off, and there was no way to call a helicopter.


    ¡°Mr. President! I¡¯m afraid it is not possible as all means ofmunication are currently down. We will dispatch a helicopter as soon as we regainmunication,¡± replied Guo Jingfei, head of the operation center, reluctantly.


    ¡°Shit! Shit!¡± President Wang Jing-wi, who spat abusive words, frowned and returned to his office.


    In response, Director Dai Xiangyu approached Guo Jingfei, the head of the operation center, and whispered carefully, ¡°Operationmander! I think we¡¯ve already lost the war.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Director Dai Xiangyu looked around at the othermanders and showed them a picture that he took using his smartphone. ¡°This is the picture I took when I was trying to go outside.¡±


    ¡°Is this really a picture of Beijing?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    Guo Jingfei, the head of the operation center, was taken aback when he saw several pictures appear one after the other. The soaring buildings had vanished, and the ground had turned a dark red.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, I can¡¯t believe this is how Beijing looks now. What did the Koreans do?¡±


    Guo Jingfei, the head of the operation center, copsed helplessly after handing back the smartphone. He was inplete shock.


    ¡°If the capital city, Beijing, is like this, the other cities would have suffered far more damage.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a possibility. I can¡¯t believe theymitted genocide in such a densely popted area without being insane. Summon all of themanders to the operation meeting room now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    <hr />


    January 8th, 2024, 00:00


    Over Guangdong Province, Republic of China


    Jang Yue Fung and Yuan Xiaoqiao congratted each other and enjoyed the festive atmosphere as the Dassault Falcon-8X, which had just passed Hunan Province and entered Guangdong Province with the four sma bombs, safely entered Republic of China airspace.


    ¡°We¡¯ll arrive at Hong Kong International Airport in 10 minutes. Passengers should take their seats and fasten their seat belts.¡±


    ¡°We are finally arriving. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Minister of Defense! Let¡¯s all sit down. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you should avoid calling me ¡®Minister of Defense¡¯ from now on?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Is that so? Haha.¡±


    They were slightly drunk and talking nonsense, and this was thest conversation between them.


    A high-speed missile was flying toward them from 400 kilometers northwest. The identity of this missile flying at Mach 20 was the S-AAM-500 cobra missile, a long-range air-to-air missileunched from a CF-21P Zhujak fighter.


    The pilot of the Dassault Falcon-8X hurriedly turned to the sudden radar lock-on rm and attempted to avoid the unidentified missile, but the S-AAM-500 cobra missile had already reached the corner.


    <Shuuuuuuuuang! Kwang!>


    When the cobra missile collided with the fusge side of the Dassault Falcon-8X, it exploded. The shattered Dassault Falcon-8X turned intorge and small balls of fire and crashed to the ground.


    Jang Yue Fung and Yuan Xiaoqiao, as well as their associates, who betrayed their country by attempting to hand over the sma bombs to the Republic of China, died without even knowing how.


    ¡°This is Hawk Squadron¡¯s Hawk One! Missionplete! We¡¯re heading back. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is the nest! I have approved your return. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Hawk One! Copy that!¡±


    The CF-21P Zhujak fighters turned around and returned to the 20th Fighter Wing¡¯s Sanhan Air Base after reporting on theirpleted mission.


    <hr />


    January 8th, 2024, 00:00


    Underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center, Jongno-gu, Seoul


    An hour after the operation, the world¡¯s media outlets began reporting on the current situation of New China¡¯s major cities.


    The reports criticized the Republic of Korea formitting the worst civilian massacre in history against New China and requested that they cease their illegal acts against humanity.


    Furthermore, the leaders of Western countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, issued a joint statement criticizing the Republic of Korea. Naturally, Russia¡¯s President Putin took advantage of the opportunity to rally Western powers behind him, attacking Korea more forcefully than any other country andbeling it a country guilty of war crimes of inhumane acts.


    A split-screen on the operation room¡¯srge screen disyed news about the current situation in New China from all countries around the world. The news announcers all spoke negatively about Korea, and in some cases, they even referred to President Choo Un-hee as a war fanatic.


    In particr, CNN News from the U.S., which had received a video of Beijing from the U.S. Department of Defense, broadcasted the dreadful scene to the world and a group of war and economic experts came forward to criticize the negative effects of the second Northeast Asian War.


    Three years ago, South Korea, which participated in the first Northeast Asian War forplete unification, colonized Japan, the world¡¯s thirdrgest economy and dominated the Japanese market. And China, which used to be known as the world¡¯srgest market, was divided, causing the global economy to fall into an abyss for a moment, almost entering a recession.


    Furthermore, military experts unequivocally stated that South and North Korea deliberately started the First Northeast Asian War to unify, which was ridiculous and false information.


    In Korea, the foreigners who watched this absurdity would have believed it because it was broadcasted on such well-known news channels.


    Furthermore, the domestic opposition party, which had been silently supporting the war, announced that it would stage a protest condemning the current government for excessive warfare. The emergence of an unexpected situation both inside and out resulted in a very serious situation. When President Choo Un-hee received the report, she could only stare at the screen as if she was lost.


    ¡°Mdm. President, to be able to resolve such an issue, you must be firm at times like these.¡± When Kang Yi-sik, the head of the National Security Office, saw the president¡¯s pitiful expression, he offered words offort.


    ¡°Yes, I must. It¡¯s a war we fought for the fortunes of the Korean people, so we have to put up with it. I know exactly what I should do.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am confident that the president will prevail. We¡¯re also here for you. So, when you¡¯re having a difficult time, say so. You don¡¯t have to overburden yourself.¡± Chief Secretary Lim Jong-seok added words of constion as well.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll do that. Thanks to you, I am able to cheer up.¡± President Choo Un-hee, who had lost courage for a while, tookfort in the encouraging words of her aides.


    <hr />


    January 8th, 2024, 08:00


    Blue House (Press Center), Jongno-gu, Seoul


    Since early in the morning, the Blue House was filled with domestic as well as foreign reporters.


    After some time, the camera turned toward the entrance, and the sound of camera shutters flooded the room as soon as the senior presidential secretary for publicmunication announced the president¡¯s arrival.


    President Choo Un-hee, who used to enter the Blue House press center with a warm smile whenever she made a statement or a public speech, entered wearing a ck suit, and had a serious look on her face. She immediately headed for the podium in the middle of the press center.


    She then looked at the cameras in front of her and began issuing her statement without a script.


    ¡°Fellow citizens and mypatriots! I¡¯m going to talk about the use of strategic weapons against New Chinast night.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee, who started her statement with a greeting, continued to speak with a more serious expression. ¡°Three years ago, China was a country that surrendered after losing the war to Korea, and it was divided into three countries, but the country which inherited China¡¯s legitimacy was New China. Of course, I would like to say that the surrender use signed should be maintained once it is established. However, they took advantage of our war with Russia to steal Korea¡¯s confidential technology, the sma core technology, and to use sma bombs against our Korean troops.¡±


    Reporters were baffled as it was their first time hearing about the leakage of the sma core technology.


    ¡°Can the Republic of Korea forgive New China for viting the surrender use, seizing our war with Russia as an opportunity tounch a preemptive attack, and stealing and using Korea¡¯s core technologies against us?¡±


    Reporters were gradually overwhelmed by President Choo Un-hee¡¯s determined voice as she spoke enthusiastically.


    ¡°For seven days before usingrge-scale strategic weapons against New China, the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff broadcasted evacuation warnings through all media outlets, and even used strategic fighters to drop flyers to evacuate all targeted cities. Which country does something like this to the citizens of the country that they are at war with?¡±


    President Choo Un-hee slowly looked from the reporters in the front to the foreign reporters in the back row and continued to speak, ¡°Nheless, rather than assisting their citizens who wanted to evacuate, the New China government blocked all roads out of the city, preventing the citizens from leaving, giving them no choice but to return to the city. It is entirely the responsibility of the New China government that the damage to the civilians was so disastrous. But I¡¯m also saddened by therge number of civilian casualties. However, as the Republic of Korea¡¯smander-in-chief, I have a mission and a responsibility to win the war. As a result, I have authorized the use ofrge-scale strategic weapons in all cities in New China, and I will bear all international condemnation and live with the consequences for the rest of my life. I¡¯m determined.¡±


    It was a shocking remark for both the domestic and foreign reporters who had expected the president to apologize as a result of the internationalmunity¡¯s criticism. However, it was the opposite of what they expected. As a result, domestic and international reporters were taken aback and took down President Choo Un-hee¡¯s statement word for word.


    ¡°Dear citizens! Mypatriots abroad! What I have to endure, I have to endure, but I want to say something to the various countries that have criticized the Republic of Korea. Currently, many countries are calling the Republic of Korea a nation that engages in war crimes and I¡¯ve been used of being a war fanatic. I¡¯d like to ask them¡ªhow righteous and self-assured are they to criticize us? What a wonderful country they have.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee looked at the camera and lifted a ss of water as the speech had made her thirsty.


    ¡°I won¡¯t state the country¡¯s name exactly. But, before you criticize the Republic of Korea, please consider your history. Do you know about the past? And one more thing¡ªRussia! President Putin! Did you call me a war fanatic? There¡¯s a saying in Korean that goes, ¡®Don¡¯t me others when you¡¯re the one who¡¯s done wrong.¡¯ I want to get this across to President Putin. Which country was it that initiated the Second Northeast Asian War? Also, didn¡¯t youunch hundreds of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of destroying all Korean territories as well as the Korean Penins, dozens of times? It amounted to more than 500 intercontinental ballistic missiles. Are you going to deny it? And please keep it in mind that every city in Russia could be turned into New China if you keep behaving like this.¡±


    Both the domestic and foreign reporters eximed. It marked the turning point of her statement.


    President Choo Un-hee, who paused to take a breath, looked at the camera once again and spoke in a serious and powerful voice, ¡°Fellow citizens and mypatriots abroad! I¡¯m not afraid to say it. I¡¯m confident that New China will vanish into history, and that Russia will also be brought to its knees within a month. Please bear with me for a little longer, even if you are feeling anxious and finding things to be difficult. Thank you very much.¡±


    When President Choo Un-hee stepped out to the side of the podium and bowed, it wasn¡¯t just the Blue House officials, but the domestic reporters who stood up and apuded as well.


    Wasn¡¯t that exhrating? It was the first time in history that the Korean people¡¯s pride was portrayed so clearly toward the rest of the world.


    Even after President Choo Un-hee left, the apuse continued. And after some time, the senior presidential secretary for publicmunication took to the podium. ¡°This concludes the president¡¯s statement, and only five people will be able to ask questions. We will have two domestic reporters and three international reporters.¡±


    As soon as the senior presidential secretary for publicmunication finished speaking, the reporters raised their hands regardless of whether they were domestic or foreign reporters..

 Chapter 491 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 1-4 The Fair Price

    <h4>Chapter 491: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 1-4 The Fair Price</h4>


    ¡°The male reporter in the third row! Ask your question.¡±


    The Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication pointed his hand toward a male reporter in the third row. In response, the male reporter rose from his seat and asked the question that all the reporters were curious about.


    ¡°I¡¯m CCB reporter, Kim Jun-won. ording to CCTV reports in New China, the attack has resulted in at least 200 million casualties. So, does the Korean government have an urate casualty count? If statistics have beenpiled, please let us know.¡±


    After hearing the simple and direct question, the Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication put the microphone close to his mouth and answered the reporter¡¯s question. ¡°Yes, I am aware that various national media outlets, including those in our own country, are concerned about this. The damage status and casualties are currently being gathered, and the Ministry of National Defense will announce them at a press conference this afternoon. You can refer to the exact number of casualties at that time.¡±


    ¡°Then, don¡¯t you even have an approximate number?¡± Reporter Kim Jun-won asked an additional question.


    ¡°We would like to inform you that approximate casualties have been collected, but no official announcement has been made because the data are inurate.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll ask you one more question. What do you think of New China¡¯s announcement of 200 million casualties?¡±


    ¡°I believe it is an exaggerated number. Okay! I¡¯ll now take questions from other reporters.¡±


    After replying, the Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication pointed to a female reporter this time. ¡°That¡¯s right, the fifth female reporter on the left!¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m KBS reporter, Hong Kyung-mi. Quoting the statement the president had earlier dered¡ª¡¯New China will vanish into history forever.¡¯¡ªplease exin the precise meaning of this statement.¡±


    She sat down after asking her question, and the Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication took a moment to think of an answer.


    Since it was an impromptu statement from the president rather than a previously prepared manuscript, the Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication had to infer the president¡¯s speech and respond ordingly.


    ¡°New China was a defeated country that had signed a surrender use after losing to the Republic of Korea in the name of China three years ago, but they broke the surrender use and went to war with the Republic of Korea. As a result, the president believes that there are no more opportunities for New China, and she will no longer recognize the New Chinese state system.¡±


    ¡°Sir! Can we then interpret her words as getting rid of New China?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll exin that part in detail after the end of the war.¡±


    Reporters buzzed at the vague answer.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll choose thest question from among domestic reporters.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me. Excuse me!¡±


    ¡°Let me ask a question.¡±


    ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    Domestic reporters rushed to raise their hands in a frenzy, knowing that this was theirst chance to ask questions.


    ¡°This time, let¡¯s go with the male reporter in thest row on the right!¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. My name is Nam Tae-kwang, a reporter for The Shi Ilbo. ording to what is currently confirmed, the attack was viewed as an act of inhumane war in the United States as well as in Western countries represented by the EU, and they will impose severe punishment and economic restrictions on Korea. Please exin the president¡¯s and the government¡¯s stance on this matter, as well as your countermeasures.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s an excellent question. As reporter Nam stated, we are under intense pressure from a variety of countries, and we have already anticipated that they will use economic restrictions against us. The government¡¯s official position is as follows: It is normal for other countries to disagree with Korea, but if they try to escte things by imposing political and economic restrictions, we will make them pay and not remain silent.¡±


    ¡°Sir! Wouldn¡¯t Korea¡¯s economy be isted if we fought back like that? I believe that will cause us significant damage.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are aware of this. However, the other countries will suffer just as much economic damage as Korea. Okay then! Shall we move on to the foreign reporters?¡±


    The Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication turned his head toward the group of foreign reporters and pointed to a white reporter in his sixties with an impressive head of gray hair. In response, the white reporter asked his question in fluent Korean.


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m James Scaron, a reporter from BBF in the United States. I¡¯ll ask you my question right away, even though it oveps with the previous one. ording to the president¡¯s statement, I believe she dered war on the rest of the world. Are you really going to go to war with all the countries on the?¡±


    When James Scaron asked such a significant question, all the reporters turned their attention to him.


    ¡°A war against the world¡­Well, that¡¯s right. That¡¯s it.¡±


    ¡°Woah.¡±


    The Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication¡¯s response was so shocking that the entire Blue House press center was briefly shaken, and among the domestic reporters, there were either cries of exmation or exasperation.


    ¡°Currently, the unified Republic of Korea is at war with Russia and New China for the sake of the Korean people¡¯s national fortune. In other words, we are fighting a war with a willingness to die. As reporter James Scaron put it, if every country in the world wants a war with us, we will not avoid it. Even though the likelihood of this happening is low, I want you to know that the current government is prepared for anything.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you have a chance of winning if you go to war with all the countries in the world?¡±


    When asked by reporter James Scaron, the Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication smiled slightly and answered with a question, ¡°Reporter James Scaron, do you think all countries in the world will go to war with the Republic of Korea?¡±


    Reporter Scaron, who thought about the question for a while, shook his head and said frankly, ¡°Well, I think that it¡¯s unlikely.¡±


    ¡°Right? It¡¯s very unlikely. Therefore, I think this question is meaningless.¡± The Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication¡¯s witty response elicited a smallugh among the reporters.


    ¡°Okay! Then I¡¯ll pick the reporter for thest question. Um, the woman in the front row in the white coat!¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you for giving me a chance to ask thest question. I¡¯m a reporter for CCB Selmaherd from the EU. It may be a repeated question, but let me ask you again. As far as I know, the EU is preparing for all-round economic restrictions on the Republic of Korea. The EU is arge market that imports as many as 40 percent of high-value-added products from South Korea. As far as I know, Korea¡¯s economic driving force is the export of these products. In other words, if you lose 40 percent of the market due to economic pressure, wouldn¡¯t Korea fall into a very big economic crisis?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Of course, the economic crisis can have a significant impact on us. However, the EU will be hit just as hard. Wouldn¡¯t all of the factories ofpanies that use our semiconductors close? And even if they chose to rece our products to avoid closing, using semiconductors that are of three to four times lower performance would affect sales because it would not meet the needs of customers who have already used high-performance devices. For example, even if an electronics manufacturers were to survive, won¡¯t all defensepanies fail? The exact statistics are unknown, but I understand that Korean semiconductors are used in 80 percent of defense weapons. What are your thoughts? Based on this fact, both the Republic of Korea and the EU will have a significant economic impact. However, I would like to point out that the Republic of Korea, which is on a roll economically, has enough cash to weather the trade war for at least three years. So, the Republic of Korea will deal with any country that goes against us, whether it is a direct war with guns or an indirect trade war. This, I believe, will put an end to the questions.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me! Let me ask you one more question.¡±


    ¡°Give me a chance, too.¡±


    Reporters who couldn¡¯t ask questions hurriedly raised their hands and shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but as promised, we¡¯ve decided to limit the number of questions to five. I¡¯ll wrap it up here. If you have a question, please send it to us in writing, and we will respond. Thank you for your hard work.¡±


    Today¡¯s presentation of the president¡¯s public statement was concluded by the Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communicationing out next to the podium and greeting them.


    As such, after the statement, which was broadcasted live, ended, all countries around the world were in tremendous shock.


    In particr, the U.S. and EU members were more than twice as shocked as other countries because they were expecting to seed.


    <hr />


    January 8th, 2024, 14:00


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Situation room of the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff, whichpleted the ¡®ttening Operation¡¯ the previous night, issued an order to all units along the border with New China to begin the sweeping operation early that morning. They were only using defensive tactics up until now because they thought the New China army had sma bombs. However, as a result of unexpected information received from the Republic of China, they issued an all-out attack order today.


    The information that they had received from the Republic of China is as follows:


    A few days ago, the Republic of China received a secret contact from New China¡¯s Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung, who surprisingly told them that he would provide them with all four sma bombs held by the New China army in exchange for asylum.


    ordingly, the government of the Republic of China approved Jang Yue Fung¡¯s asylum after several days of consideration. They also provided the personal jet that was requested by him.


    They believed that by securing sma-rted technology through research and development based on the four sma bombs that would be received, they would be able to not only reim Chongqing from New China but also grow into a world power. However, there was one issue¡ªKorea.


    If the Korean government was aware of this, the rtionship between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of China, which had been financially supported by friendly rtions thus far, may bepromised, potentially leading to economic and military restrictions. As a result, they decided to inform the Republic of Korea.


    In response, the South Korean government devised countermeasures with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and told the Republic of China to provide all support to receive the four sma bombs by approving Jang Yue Fung¡¯s offer. They even obtained information about the exact number of sma bombs that the New China army had, and finally, requested information on the personal jets that Jang Yue Fung and the other rted persons would be flying in and permission to intercept them in the sky over the Republic of China in exchange for unofficially providing various support to the Republic of China. As such, the two countries signed a secret agreement.


    It was due to this ndestine agreement that Defense Minister Jang Yue Fung and General Chief of Staff Yuan Xiaoqiao were killed in the Dassault Falcon-8X while seeking asylum.


    Also, due to the same agreement, the Joint Chiefs of Staff were able to issue a full-fledged attack order on the New China Army without hesitation, as they were able to sessfully handle the four sma bombs held by the New China Army.


    ¡°I wish I could just drop one X-PSB, not even two,¡± said Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while watching the video on screen five.


    ¡°Hahaha, you had the same thought as me,¡± said Army Chief of Staff Lee Eun-hyung sarcastically.


    ¡°You had the same thought?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was just thinking about it.¡±


    ¡°Looks like we have something inmon.¡±


    The video the twomanders were watching while talking featured an area in Beijing, captured by the Apollo Reconnaissance Satellite.


    Through the dark red mes, they could see the entrance to a bunker made of thick concrete. From within, several people had appeared one at a time and numerousrge transport helicopters were hovering above after lowering a ropedder..

 Chapter 492 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 1-5 The Fair Price

    <h4>Chapter 492: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 1-5 The Fair Price</h4>


    Men wearing sunsses and ck suits were standing guard amid the helicopter¡¯s strong winds, while a plump man in a party uniform appeared. He was President Wang Jing-wi, New China¡¯s supreme leader.


    Ironically, the Joint Chiefs of Staff were watching President Wang Jing-wi ride a transport helicopter out of the X-15 bunker to another location in real-time with the help of the Apollo reconnaissance satellite.


    In fact, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had already identified the location of the X-15 bunker where President Wang Jing-wi had been hiding even before the ¡®ttening Operation¡¯ began. Additionally, the C-SH Zinog-II missile that wasunched from the Zeus satellite deviated considerably from the X-15 bunker. In other words, they had purposefully kept President Wang Jing-wi alive.


    In reality, when they had identified the location where he was hiding, there was one question that caused conflicting opinions among the staff when confirming the ns for the ¡®ttening Operation.¡¯ It was a choice between keeping him alive or assassinating him.


    One side wanted topletely destroy President Wang Jing-wi, while the other said that if that were to happen, the leaders in charge of each group or lower unit currently engaged in the war would vanish, potentially prolonging the war¡¯s end.


    As a result, thetter opinion was taken into ount, and President Wang Jing-wi was kept alive for the time being.


    At that moment, while several J-20 stealth fighters flew in formation and covered the sky above, President Wang Jing-wi and his General Staff escaped the hell that Beijing had turned into and headed south in arge transport helicopter.


    This was the reason for Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn¡¯s words, as he had voted to have President Wang Jing-wi killed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not toote now¡­¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, spoke quietly to Youn Gi-youn, who couldn¡¯t take his eyes away from the screen while touching his chin. ¡°Deputy Youn, you must be very disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Instead of being disappointed, I¡¯m angry, Chairman! It would be over in a sh with just one missile!¡±


    ¡°Haha, I understand your feelings. However, our decision will result in a better oue. So, let¡¯s wait a little while longer.¡±


    ¡°It will only take one word¡­Well, well, I can¡¯t help it.¡±


    Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, coughed several times and appeared dissatisfied. Then he paused for a few moments to reflect on the situation. <¡®South Koreanrades think in overlyplicated ways even though it is simple and easy. I¡¯m exhausted.¡¯>


    ¡°Deputy Youn! I feel the same way as you, but since it was decided by the majority, why don¡¯t we just follow them?¡± Army Chief of Staff Lee Eun-hyung also expressed regret and offered words of reassurance.


    ¡°Right. I have to follow them.¡±


    <hr />


    January 8th, 2024, 17:00


    The briefing room of the Ministry of National Defense, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    By 6 p.m., the statistics of casualties in New China werepiled. In response, the Ministry of National Defense decided to make an announcement to rectify the false casualty count being broadcasted in various countries, including New China.


    The ¡®ttening Operation,¡¯ which resulted in a massive number of casualties due to short-term attacks unprecedented in human history, piqued the world¡¯s interest. As a result, there was widespread condemnation that it was an act of war against humanity.


    At the podium in the briefing room, the spokesman from the Ministry of National Defense, Oh Jin-hwan, politely greeted the room and immediately began the briefing.


    ¡°As there has been a flood of criticism directed at the Republic of Korea as a result of unfounded and indiscriminate reports of casualties in various countries, I would like to provide you with urate information. Please take a look at the screen on the left.¡±


    Following the greeting, a map of New China was disyed on therge screen next to the podium. Then, various details about the city where strategic weapons were used were revealed.


    ¡°As you can see, the data is not exhaustive, but based on the statistics acquired, the number of civilian casualties has been confirmed at 9.2 million.¡±


    Although the number of casualties was 3.75 million lower than the primary statistics reported to the president, the total of 9.25 million was far from insignificant.


    Among the cities, Beijing suffered the most casualties. The total number of casualties reached 6.47 million, or 60 percent of the total casualties, with an estimated death toll of 6 million. Even though it was the most popted city whenpared to the others, the main cause of the high number of casualties was because of the control the New China government had over its citizens.


    As the central government was located in Beijing, their control over its people was the most intense, forcing at least 3 million citizens to return to Beijing.


    Following the release of the casualty statistics, the spokesman, Oh Jin-hwan, borated on the cause of such high casualties. He emphasized that the major casualties were caused by the poor judgment of New China¡¯s government. It was publicly announced that Korea had taken all precautionary measures, including broadcasting evacuation warnings and distributing flyers to civilians.


    In essence, it may have appeared to be a release of casualty statistics by a spokesman from the Ministry of National Defense, but their ultimate goal was to defend against the flood of external criticism.


    <hr />


    January 8th, 2024, 20:00 (Latvia time: 13:00)


    Office of the EU Chairman¡¯s Headquarters, Riga, Latvia


    U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson, who was aware of the gravity of the situation as a result of President Choo Un-hee¡¯s obstinate statement, immediately visited the EU headquarters in Riga, Latvia¡¯s capital.


    Following the unexpected visit of the U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson, representatives from the EU rushed to the EU Chairman¡¯s headquarters and began preparing for a meeting that was tomence in the next 30 minutes.


    Before the start of the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson met with Maris Felsix, the EU Presidency¡¯s representative, and handed her a letter from President Trump.


    ¡°Oh! I can¡¯t believe President Trump sent me a letter¡­¡± Chairman Maris Felsix¡¯s face lit up as she received a fancy-looking letter bearing the presidential seal of the United States.


    After reading the contents of the handwritten letter slowly, she shed a dark look at Maine Johnson. ¡°Is this really what President Trump wants?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not easy.¡±


    ¡°That is why the president wrote you this letter. He would appreciate it if you could make an effort with the representatives from the member countries.¡±


    Chairman Maris Felsix ced the letter on the table and took a moment to think while her chin rested on her hand.


    That was because the contents of the letter were more serious than she expected. Chairman Maris Felsix, who already watched President Choo Un-hee¡¯s public statement announcement, had the thought that if she agreed and carried out President Trump¡¯s request, the autonomous EU could be engulfed in war as well.


    ¡°True, I am the chairman of the EU, but I believe that the views of representatives from all member countries take precedence over my personal views. So I¡¯ll put it on the agenda for the meeting, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to persuade them.¡±


    ¡°Chairman, your authority is desperately needed at this time. Please don¡¯t think that way. Think positively instead.¡±


    ¡°No, I am unable to express my personal view on such a critical issue,¡± refused Chairman Maris Felsix firmly.


    ¡°Well, all right. Then, can you give me the right to speak at today¡¯s meeting?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can do that much.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Then I¡¯ll see you in the meeting room in a few minutes.¡± US Secretary of State, Maine Johnson, rose from her seat, bowed slightly, and left the chairman¡¯s office.


    <hr />


    January 8th, 2024, 20:00


    Office of the Prime Minister, Central Office, Tokyo, Japan


    While U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson was in Latvia, U.S. Foreign Minister Julian paid an unofficial visit to Japan and met with Prime Minister Uchida in secret, without the South Korean government¡¯s knowledge.


    Uchida, who had previously served as Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare during the Abe administration, was appointed as Prime Minister after South Koreapletely reorganized Japan¡¯s political board following the defeat.


    Japan, which experienced an economic crisisparable to a recession as a result of its defeat in the war, had maintained an annual economic growth rate of 2.2 percent as the world¡¯s former secondrgest economy. As the saying goes, ¡®The age of an old eagle is better than the youth of a sparrow.¡¯


    ¡°Prime Minister Uchida! How long will you rely on Korea to defend Japan?¡±


    Following a brief greeting, U.S. Foreign Minister Julian jumped right into the main reason he was there. Prime Minister Uchida paused for a moment with a teacup in his mouth.


    ¡°What are you talking about all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°It is an outdated idea to entrust the operation of one country to another. Japan should be protected by the power of the Japanese.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s natural, but the current situation in Japan is¡ª¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister Uchida! Circumstances change all the time. If you are willing, the United States can help.¡± U.S. Foreign Minister Julian threw the bait and looked at Prime Minister Uchida¡¯s face.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Are you asking me because you don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t understand.¡± Prime Minister Uchida looked like he really didn¡¯t know what U.S. Foreign Minister Julian meant.


    <¡®Oh, he is a frustrating person. Now I know why Korea put him as prime minister.¡¯>


    While pondering, U.S. Foreign Minister Julian took a thick stack of documents from his bag and handed it over to Prime Minister Uchida.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a new vision for Japan.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a lot, so take your time reading it. I¡¯m leaving by ne tomorrow afternoon, so you have until then to give me your answer. Prime Minister, it¡¯s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so take advantage of it.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure what it is, but I¡¯ll read it carefully and get back to you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯d appreciate that. Oh, and President Trump will make a trip to Japan before the end of his term.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Really? Please inform him that he is wee at any time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see. Then, this¡­Oh, right! Today¡¯s visit and the documents I gave you are not good for Korea, so please keep them secure.¡± Standing up from his seat, U.S. Foreign Minister Julian expressed its importance.


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry about that.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave now.¡±


    After a while, when Julian left the Prime Minister¡¯s office under the guidance of the Prime Minister¡¯s secretary, Prime Minister Uchida, picked up the thick stack of documents from the table.


    Prime Minister Uchida was appointed by South Korea and had been in office for three years, but this did not imply that he had a close rtionship with them. He is a politician with amon-sense mindset that Japanese politicians don¡¯t usually have, and he has served as prime minister solely for the sake of the Japanese people. As a result, even inst year¡¯s midterm elections, he received overwhelming public support.


    The current Japanese Prime Minister¡¯s office had been restructured so that a three-year term can only be re-elected once. This was a system that was altered to overthrow the previous Abe administration, which had been in power for four consecutive terms.


    Prime Minister Uchida¡¯s expressions changed numerous times as he read through the first chapter. At times, a faint smile would cross his face or his brows would furrow.


    After a while, Prime Minister Uchida, who had only skimmed the contents, sighed deeply as he ced the documents on the table.


    <Whew.>


    <¡®There could be a huge whirlwind in Japan again.¡¯>


    When this thought crossed his mind, he pressed the button on the inte.


    <Beep!>


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister! This is Secretary Nagamoto.¡±


    ¡°I would like to convene a security meeting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, so please call everyone.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister!¡±

 Chapter 493 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 2-1 Suspicious Movement

    <h4>Chapter 493: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 2-1 Suspicious Movement</h4>


    January 8th, 2024, 21:00 (Latvia time: 14:00)


    The meeting room of the representative board of the EU headquarters, Riga, Latvia


    Following the summit meeting, which establishes and decides on major policies, the representative board was now assembled in the meeting room of the EU headquarters. Among the 30 EU member states, the Foreign Ministers, who had been delegated authority by their respective presidents, sat around a round table, and U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson, who had been given the right to speak by Chairman Maris Felsix, took to the podium.


    ¡°Dear representatives of the EU member states! Nice to meet you. I¡¯m here today to deliver a message on behalf of President Trump.¡±


    Starting with the greeting, U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson¡¯s speech began. ¡°Currently, Northeast Asia appears to be in the grip of a severe crisis that could lead to the global economy copsing and the outbreak of World War III. In this situation, and because of its geographical nature, it appears that it has already passed the point where it can no longer be dismissed. Furthermore, President Choo Un-hee of the Republic of Korea issued a very aggressive and arrogant public statement yesterday, threatening all countries in the world with war.¡±


    U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson, who drew the attention of the foreign ministers by choosing to use only provocative words, paused and continued to speak again, ¡°For this reason, President Trump believes that our active involvement with the EU is necessary. As you are all aware, the global economy in the twenty-first century is linked, so if we are faced with an economic depression, many countries will go bankrupt, and neither the U.S. nor the EU members will be able to avoid it. In response, President Trump, along with the EU members, wants to move NATO forces to prevent the spread of the war, as well as impose economic sanctions on the Republic of Korea, which is currently leading the war.¡±


    When the word ¡®NATO¡¯ was mentioned, the eyes of the representatives of the EU member states changed. It came as a surprise to them. U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson, who was aware of this, continued with conviction in her voice, ¡°Dear representatives of EU member states! The Republic of Korea hasmitted a massacre of civilians in New China, which is unprecedented in the history of war. A single attack has resulted in the deaths of up to ten million civilians. This figure is only an estimate, and our intelligence agencies believe the number of casualties will likely exceed 20 million. Furthermore, the war that began in Northeast Asia has now spread to Ukraine and southern Russia, and the scale of the conflict is growing by the day. Isn¡¯t Ukraine, Europe¡¯s ¡®front yard¡¯? We don¡¯t know when the war will spread across Europe. As a result, we believe that active participation by NATO and the U.S. military is required before it is toote.¡±


    Maine Johnson, Secretary of State of the United States, concluded her speech solemnly, making eye contact with the foreign ministers of each country who were present as representatives. ¡°I don¡¯t think we can afford to wait any longer. Let us work together for global peace and coexistence.¡±


    After concluding her speech with an exaggerated gesture, she returned to her seat. A moment of silence passed. And then, one of the representatives of the EU member states raised his hand.


    He was Foreign Minister Pierre de Gaulle, a representative of France. ¡°Secretary Johnson! Are your proposed economic sanctions going to include all of the countries currently involved in the war, including Korea, Russia, and New China?¡±


    Surprised by the sudden question, U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson replied with an awkward smile, ¡°Well, no. The only country that will be subjected to economic sanctions is the Republic of Korea. As previously stated, the Republic of Koreamitted genocide and atrocities against civilians in New China. As a result, we believe those are good enough reasons for imposing economic sanctions on them.¡±


    ¡°But, didn¡¯t Russia start the second Northeast Asian War, and New China also took part in it byunching a preemptive attack in the middle of the war? In other words, given the origins of the conflict, I don¡¯t believe it makes sense to impose economic sanctions solely on the Republic of Korea because it ughtered civilians.¡±


    When Minister Pierre de Gaulle asked the key question, U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson shrugged, as if she had expected it, and immediately responded, ¡°A number of intangible internal circumstances between the other countries can lead to war. In other words, there could be a reason we don¡¯t know about. But isn¡¯t it true that in the name of the war, they ughtered ten million civilians? We believe that the internationalmunity should impose strict and severe sanctions on such countries. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    Minister Pierre de Gaulle nodded and did not ask any further questions.


    ¡°Even with economic sanctions, what do you mean by moving NATO forces? Do you want NATO to intervene in the war?¡± This time, it was German representative Minister Johan Hoffman who asked a question.


    ¡°That¡¯s correct. If something goes wrong, Europe could be engulfed in the mes of war. So, before that happens, shouldn¡¯t we mobilize NATO forces to fortify our defenses and take appropriate precautions to keep the war from spreading to Europe?¡±


    ¡°Appropriate precautions¡­In my opinion, that would merely ignite the war torch in Europe.¡±


    As Germany has always been consistent in its antagonistic attitude toward the United States, they were opposed this time as well.


    ¡°War does not break out after a warning. That¡¯s why we don¡¯t know for certain when sparks will ignite. Therefore, we want to start suppressing it in advance before it does break out.¡±


    ¡°How are you going to use NATO then?¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we issue warnings to all countries that cooperate militarily with the Republic of Korea, such as Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, in addition to using NATO forces to drive the Republic of Korea out?¡±


    ¡°What? Do you want to have a war with Korea?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so scary?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop, stop, Secretary Johnson, Minister Hoffman, stop.¡±


    Chairman Maris Felsix stepped in to put an end to the verbal brawl. Minister Johan Hoffman responded by looking out the window as if he wanted to look away, but U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson¡¯s gaze was fixed on Minister Johan Hoffman.


    This was because Minister Johan Hoffman, the German representative with significant clout within the EU, was dissatisfied and openly opposed the deal.


    After the heavy silence in the conference room, Chairman Maris Felsix said, ¡°Well, representatives! I will officially present what U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson said to the CEO¡¯s board of directors. The representatives should exercise their right to vote at the second meeting tomorrow afternoon after consulting with the leaders of their country.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Minister Johan Hoffman jumped up from his seat and cut off the chairman¡¯s words.


    ¡°Minister Hoffman! I¡¯m still talking,¡± Chairman Maris Felsix said, slightly offended, as her eyebrow twitched. Minister Johan Hoffman, on the other hand, carried on speaking without hesitating.


    ¡°What right does U.S. Secretary Johnson, who is not a member, have to formally submit the remarks to the CEO¡¯s board?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t think that¡¯s right,¡± said Minister Lushti Jenkin, Turkey¡¯s representative, who agreed with Minister Johan Hoffman that the proposal was unfair.


    *Turkey had be an EU member two years earlier.


    ¡°Hehe, isn¡¯t it the chairman¡¯s authority to approve the proposal? Are you two disregarding the CEO¡¯s authority?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not questioning your authority, but aren¡¯t these remarks from a country that isn¡¯t a member?¡±


    Minister Johan Hoffman did not back down until the end. In response, Chairman Maris Felsix said with a cold look, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you again. It is the chairman¡¯s authority, so please refrain from speaking or acting in any way that contradicts the chairman¡¯s authority. And that concludes today¡¯s first representative meeting. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow at 2 p.m. for the second meeting.¡±


    <Tang! Tang! Tang! Tang!>


    Chairman Maris Felsix rapped her gavel after she was done speaking.


    ¡°Uh, what are you doing right now? To make a unteral decision like this¡­¡±


    Minister Johan Hoffman criticized the chairman, Maris Felsix, who had left her seat! Maine Johnson, U.S. Secretary of State, who was standing next to her, smiled meaningfully and quietly said, ¡°Minister Hoffman! The tide has shifted. I hope you don¡¯t confront the U.S. too directly.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Haha! See you tomorrow.¡± U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson left the conference room, leaving Minister Johan Hoffman behind.


    <hr />


    January 9th, 2024, 09:00


    Central Office (National Security Council), Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan


    Japan, which lost to South Korea three years ago, had undergone a major constitutional amendment. In particr, the bicameral legiture, which was divided into two separate assemblies, was changed to Unicameralism based on the parliamentary cab system and the total number of council members was 600, with 400 local council members and 200 proportional representatives.


    Furthermore, the prime minister¡¯s term was three years, and he could be reappointed once, allowing him to serve as prime minister for a total of six years. As with the previous method, the election method was chosen by a vote of the councilors from among the former members of the council.


    However,pared to the previous Abe administration, the prime minister¡¯s power had been significantly reduced. The majority of the reduced powers were delegated to ministers from each ministry, with the Prime Minister of the Cab having only domestic administrative authority. However, in the event of a serious situation in the country, the Prime Minister, who is also the head of the administration, has the authority to convene ministers from each ministry in case of a critical situation in the country, and this is called the Security Council.


    The ministers from each ministry, who have the same authority as the prime minister, sat on both sides of the long table, and Prime Minister Uchida, who sat in the center, began exining why he had called the security council.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you why we convened this security council today.¡±


    When Prime Minister Uchida¡¯s voice rang throughout the Council room, two Prime Minister¡¯s Office secretaries who had been waiting behind him ced documents in front of the ministers from each ministry.


    ¡°Please read them slowly.¡±


    At the words of Prime Minister Uchida, the ministers began to read the documents in front of them.


    In the meantime, Prime Minister Uchida watched each of the 20 ministers¡¯ expressions one by one.


    ¡°Is this true? Is it really a document presented by the United States?¡±


    Just after the surrender and abolition of the Self-Defense Forces following World War II, and the deployment of U.S. troops, the newly established security force of the National Security Agency Act passed in 1952 was to ensure the country¡¯s security. It did, however, only havend forces and no maritime or aviation capabilities. It had a total of 60,000 soldiers and was equipped with only personal weapons and basic equipment. The majority of transportation were transportation trucks, with some armored vehicles used for urban battles.


    The security minister, who can be seen as the former Ministry of Defense that manages and controls these security forces, was the first to ask a question without closing his mouth.


    ¡°Minister Mike Takashi! It¡¯s exactly as you read.¡±


    ¡°Ha! It¡¯s a very dangerous suggestion.¡±


    Foreign Minister Kurosawa Kiyoshi also shook his head and expressed deep concern. ¡°That¡¯s right. You have to reject these suggestions.¡±


    Even Minister Konno Yasuyuki of the Ministry of Labor and Welfare stood up and voiced his strong opposition. At this point, a person¡¯s voice was heard in the room as someone hit the table and said, ¡°Huh. What do you mean no? How can you reject such a golden opportunity? How long are you going to beg for, Josenjin?¡±


    He was Ishihara Shintaro, Minister of Economy, Industry and Energy, and was the only far-right politician to reach the ministerial level..

 Chapter 494 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 2-2 Suspicious Movement

    <h4>Chapter 494 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 2-2 Suspicious Movement</h4>


    ¡°Minister Shintaro! What are you saying? Did you forget what happened three years ago?¡± Foreign Minister Kurosawa Kiyoshi frowned and criticized him.


    ¡°Minister Kiyoshi! Don¡¯t you think I said this because I can¡¯t forget? Which country relies on other countries¡¯ forces to defend its territory?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a restriction imposed by the internationalmunity on a state that hasmitted war crimes? It is something we must endure as a result of our poor decisions and politics.¡±


    ¡°Should we endure it? Until when? Until thousands of yearster? Three years is long enough. Now, we have to be reborn as a country and defend ourselves,¡± Minister Ishihara Shintaro said determinedly.


    ¡°That should be acknowledged by the internationalmunity, not by us.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Internationalmunity? It should be the recognition of the Josenjin instead, but do you think that day wille? Everyone looks stupid because you are so naive.¡±


    ¡°Minister Shintaro! Isn¡¯t that too harsh?¡±


    Minister Konno Yasuyuki joined forces to criticize Minister Ishihara Shintaro. Minister Ishihara Shintaro jumped up from his seat, pointed his finger, shouted, and exited the conference room in response, ¡°Foolish humans¡­How did our great Japan end up like this?¡±


    When Prime Minister Uchida and the other ministers in the conference room observed his behavior, they remarked:


    ¡°Haha! That person has no manners at all.¡±


    ¡°Just ignore him and leave him alone.¡±


    ¡°How did such a person be a minister¡­¡±


    After the meeting was disrupted by Minister Shintaro¡¯s reckless behavior and several ministers gossiped about him, Prime Minister Uchida, who chaired the meeting, cleared his throat and said, ¡°Um! Um! Well! Everyone, please be quiet. First and foremost, today¡¯s meeting will be adjourned for a short period before resuming at 3 p.m. I¡¯ll inform Minister Shintaro through the secretary. Please consider carefully and make your decisions by then.¡±


    When he attempted to end the meeting with such a closing remark, Minister Kurosawa Kiyoshi raised his hand urgently and asked a question, ¡°Prime Minister! Is the Korean government aware of this?¡±


    The question may appear absurd, but as a foreign minister, he feltpelled to point this issue out clearly.


    ¡°Of course, they aren¡¯t, and they shouldn¡¯t. Minister Kiyoshi should pay close attention to ensure that there are no future diplomatic issues.¡±


    <¡®Damn! He does what he wants and expects me to deal with the consequences¡­How pathetic.¡¯>


    Minister Kurosawa Kiyoshi, slightly annoyed by Prime Minister Uchida¡¯s irresponsible attitude, answer with a slight nod.


    <hr>


    January 9th, 2024, 11:00


    Office of Minister of Economy and Industry, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan


    Minister Ishihara Shintaro, who returned to his office after the shambles he caused at the security meeting, was in a secret meeting with someone. He was U.S. Foreign Minister Julian, whom he had met with Prime Minister Uchida earlier.


    Their meeting looked suspicious. If it had been between the foreign ministers from the two countries, it would have been understandable, but a meeting between the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Foreign Minister seemed out of ce. In any case, they continued their in-depth discussion with solemn expressions on their faces throughout the meeting.


    ¡°Those three are close enough that there won¡¯t be any problems with them. The only problem is with the Minister of Security.¡±


    Minister Julian stroked his chin after hearing the details of the security meeting from Minister Shintaro Ishihara as he had concerns. Minister Shintaro Ishihara responded with a slightly mean smile and said, pushing his sses back up his nose with his index finger, ¡°Minister Takashi was a little surprised, but I don¡¯t think he is very opposed to the change.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s a relief. In any case, Minister Takashi is critical to the sess of our ns. We¡¯ll have to persuade him.¡±


    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t worry about him. He¡¯s a little cautious but not demanding. I¡¯ll persuade him before the vote.¡±


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll trust you, Minister Shintaro.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be concerned about. If Minister Takashi is on our side, we will have our way.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, you should. For the future of Japan and the United States.¡±


    In fact, it was nned for Minister Ishihara Shintaro to be enraged and leave the conference room during the morning security meeting.


    The n was that after Prime Minister Uchida presented the convocation agenda at the security meeting, he would leave during the meeting in order to grasp the responses of the ministers and suspend the decision-making vote.


    And their n worked because the decision-making vote was postponed to 3 p.m., and they were able to gauge the reactions of the ministers. If the few ministers with neutral attitudes, including Minister Mike Takashi, the most important part of the n, came to their side, Minister Julian would be able to do whatever he wanted.


    ¡°Now! We don¡¯t have much time left, so I¡¯ll leave Minister Takashi to you, and I¡¯ll go meet the rest of the ministers.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do that.¡±


    <hr>


    January 9th, 2024, 14:00


    Around the security office building in Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan


    The Defense Ministry¡¯s government office which was destroyed by the massive bombing during the Korea-Japan war was rebuilt and established as the Ministry of Security. Although it was not as tall or asrge as before, it was rebuilt as a modern building.


    A dark tinted ck van was parked by the side of Road 319, 350 meters west of the Ministry of Security.


    The ck van belonged to the headquarters of the National Intelligence Service in Tokyo. It had been parked on the road for an hour and inside of it, several agents were in the midst of a task using various advanced equipment.


    ¡°It¡¯s easier to just break in and check,¡± grumbled a young agent in his twenties as he removed his headphones. He was Lee Hyun-ho, the Tokyo branch¡¯s youngest agent.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you concentrate on your work? Won¡¯t you do it right?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    As assistant manager, Kim Eun-ho, red at him, Agent Lee put his headphones on again.


    ¡°Is it because you¡¯re young that you¡¯re attempting to solve every problem with your body? If you were older, I could understand how difficult it would be for you to use this equipment.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Assistant manager Kim! Didn¡¯t you watch Mission Impossible? As a spy agent, you must infiltrate and risk your life.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Only a young man is pretentious¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not even that much older than I am. Why do you keep referring to me as a young man?¡±


    ¡°Is a five-year gap not a significant difference? Instead of arguing, just listen carefully!¡±


    ¡°Since I¡¯m already recording, do I really have to listen to it?¡±


    ¡°Hit!¡±


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m listening,¡± Lee Hyun-ho, who had taken a defensive stance after being hit by the assistant manager, mumbled once again.


    At that moment, a car parked near the ck van and a man alighted and headed for the ck van.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here, Team Leader!¡±


    He was Hwang Jin-kyu, branch manager of the Tokyo branch.


    ¡°Yes, did you get anything?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we got some useful information.¡±


    ¡°Really? Good! As soon as you finish, bring the recorded file to the branch!¡±


    ¡°Yes, we will.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll then go to team one¡¯s leader, who is in the midst of preparation.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Good luck.¡±


    After Team Leader Hwang Jin-kyu left, agent Lee Hyun-ho, who had been listening through his headphones, smiled and hit his knee. ¡°Yes! I got a proper one. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Assistant Manager Kim Eun-ho then controlled a few dials on the console equipment, and the conversation that was being intercepted and ying on the headphones could now be heard in the ck van.


    ¡°If you agree, we will take all the necessary steps to ensure that your entire family can livefortably in the United States following your political retirement, as well as provide you with ten million USD.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s far too dangerous. Isn¡¯t it true that we only have 60,000 troops armed with personal weapons, all of whom are dispersed across three inds?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be concerned about that. The United States Marine Corps and special forces will assist you, and the Pacific Fleet will move as well. The Minister should only bring as many security forces that are stationed on Honshu, to Tokyo under the training cover.¡±


    ¡°I mentioned earlier, there are only 30,000 security forces stationed in Honshu. What can you do with that?¡±


    ¡°The security forces are just a symbol, and everything will be handled by the United States.¡±


    ¡°Whoo.¡± A deep sigh flowed out from the speaker.


    ¡°What do you think? You got it, right?¡±


    ¡°Right, that would be enough.¡±


    ¡°Then, shall we leave now?¡±


    ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s wrap this up and go to the headquarters!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The conversation they had intercepted was between Minister Mike Takashi and the U.S. Foreign Minister Julian, who were currently in the security minister¡¯s office.


    The Tokyo branch of the Foreign Intelligence Agency had known about Julian¡¯s top-secret visit to Japan for a long time, and all agents in team one have been closely monitoring him since he stepped into Haneda International Airport.


    <hr>


    January 9, 2024, 15:00


    Office of the National Security Council of the Central Office, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan


    By 3 p.m., the 22 ministers, including the prime minister, were seated in the National Security Council room of the Central Office and resumed the meeting that began in the morning.


    Unlike the morning security meeting, which had a heated exchange of words, the atmosphere of the afternoon security meeting was rtively calm.


    ¡°Even though it was only a short time, I believe everyone gave it their full consideration. This agenda is critical for the future of Japan. Please consider this carefully while voting.¡±


    Before the decision-making vote, Prime Minister Uchida delivered his request by looking at the ministers in a serious tone.


    ¡°So! Then, we will begin the decision-making process on the issue of the ¡®deration of independence,¡¯ through which Japan can be reborn as a self-defense state. Please press the blue button for approval and the red button for denial from among the buttons in front of you.¡±


    After some time, each of the 22 ministers pressed one of the two buttons in front of them. The approval and opposition statuses were then disyed on therge screen at the front of the conference room. There were 11 votes for and 11 votes against.


    Then all eyes turned to Prime Minister Uchida. This was because, if the decision-making votes were tied, the prime minister could use his right to vote to break the tie.


    The prime minister then quietly closed his eyes and pressed a button. The number in favor then shifted from 11 to 12.


    ¡°Huh! How can the Prime Minister vote in favor¡­¡±


    Foreign Minister Kurosawa Kiyoshi, who strongly opposed it, was shocked and speechless.


    When the score was tied, he expected Prime Minister Uchida, who was always concerned about Japanese citizens, to vote against it. But, contrary to his expectations Prime Minister Uchida voted in favor of the change.


    ¡°As a result, I dere that Japan¡¯s ¡®deration of independence¡¯ has been passed with 12 votes in favor and 11 votes against.¡±


    <tang! tang!=""></tang!>


    ¡°Prime Minister Uchida! Why did you vote in favor of the change?¡± Minister Konno Yasuyuki jumped up from his seat and pointed his finger at Prime Minister Uchida. However, Prime Minister Uchida quietly got up and left the conference room after striking the gavel and dering the results.


    ¡°Stand there. How can you just leave?¡±


    ¡°Hoho! Minister Yasuyuki! Whether the prime minister voted in favor or opposes it how can you question him? Keep your dignity,¡± teased Minister Ishihara Shintaro after the results revealed his preferred oue.


    ¡°What? You? This person?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Calm down.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it is over?¡±


    The National Security Council¡¯s office quickly devolved into a total mess..

 Chapter 495 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 2-3 Suspicious Movement

    <h4>Chapter 495: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 2-3 Suspicious Movement</h4>


    January 9, 2024 at 17:00 (16:00 New China Time),


    On the outskirts of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary residence of the Central Military Headquarters).


    President Wang Jing wi, party officials, andmanders of the General Staff, who escaped Beijing by transport helicopter, moved to the temporary residence of the Central Military Command outside Langfang and set up the General Staff Command Office.


    They then attempted toprehend the battlefield situation, but due to continuousmunication failures, the existingmunication equipment became useless. As a result, even though it was an outdated concept, they were directly sending liaison soldiers to each collective militarymand to understand the battlefield situation.


    So the situation was simr to a market, with liaison soldiers from each uniting and going to deliver information, and operators manually collecting information and marking it on the various screens.


    Guo Jingfei, who took the position of Chief of Staff, shook his head and said as he was afraid that this situation will be keep continuing,


    ¡°When willmunication be restored? This isn¡¯t the Qing Dynasty. I¡¯m exhausted.¡±


    ¡°We are in the process of mobilizing all avablemunication units. We will have a normalmunication system as soon as possible, we expect that it will be within today.¡±


    Lieutenant General Mark, amander of the central military district who has been promoted to the head of the operational status of the General Staff, replied.


    ¡°Within today¡­. Okay. Anyway, our situation in the battlefield is not good. Most of our troops are being pushed back from all the fronts¡­..¡±


    Battlefield information gathered thus far has been marked with various tactical symbols on arge screen hung on one wall of themand room, with the majority of the tactical symbols representing the New China Army pushed down from the border and descending toward the southern end. And, because the information is notplete, it is impossible to judge the overall battlefield situation based on the current statics, but Guo Jingfei, the general chief of staff, felt heavy watching it as if his ominous premonition was always correct.


    ¡°Special precautions are required. At this rate, the Korean military will seize not only Beijing, but also Tianjin.¡±


    Then, Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei looked at Lieutenant General Mark and asked him,


    ¡°That¡¯s what I think; how about you? Do you have any good ideas?¡±


    ¡°ording to my understanding, the South Korean military appeared to have used up the majority of its strategic weapons in yesterday¡¯s attack. Even if they have any remaining, they will be unable to use them against our New China Army in order to deal with the Russian army. As a result, shouldn¡¯t we concentrate our front-line forces in Beijing and Tianjin as much as possible on defending the area and seizing the opportunity to push them back with the full offensive?¡±


    Guo Jingfei¡¯s dark face began to lighten as he heard Lieutenant General Mark¡¯s analyzing.


    ¡°Well, based on our current situation, it appears to be an appropriate response.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I believe so as well. However,munication is critical during wartime, but due to our current situation, we won¡¯t be able to give orders to each unit.¡±


    Chief Executive Officer Kao Wei-kwang initially nodded and epted positively, but soon shook his head as he remembered their currentmunication problems.


    In response, chief of staff Guo Jingfei was lost in his thoughts for a while then he said,


    ¡± If you don¡¯t have teeth, then use your gums, shouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I should! After establishing defensive operations with the staff, Lieutenant General Mark immediately contacts all subordinate units in the northern and central military districts.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll establish a defense operation right away.¡±


    Lieutenant General Mark moved to the operational meeting room at the same time as the answer, where he met with not only the General Staff but also the staff of the Central Military Headquarters. Then, in order to ovee the current unfavorable battlefield situation, they convened a countermeasure operational meeting.


    <hr />


    On January 9, 2024, 20:30 (New China time 19:30),


    17km in at the southern end of Puning County, Hebei Province, New China.


    The 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong), which had lost more than half of its power due to a sma bomb attack by the New China Army while deploying on the border of Xianan (Qinhuangdao), exchanged positions with the 3rd Panzer Division (Baekgol), retreated to the rear, and began an emergency reorganization.


    The reorganization waspleted bybining the remaining troops from the 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the 19th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, which had suffered the most damage during the sma attacks, as well as two artillery battalions from the Division Artillery with the 22nd Armored Brigade. In other words, division-level power was effectively reduced to brigade-level power. Anyway, as of yesterday, the 22nd Armored Brigade of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong), which was reborn as a brigade level, has been deployed in earnest into the ¡°Great Offensive Operation.¡±


    After reorganizing for a week, themanders and soldiers of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong) sharpened their teeth in order to avenge the death of their colleagues and set a record of defeating a motorized infantry division belonging to the 38th Group Army within only one day of entering the engagement, after which they split up into battalions and marched south.


    The spearhead unit, the 1st Tank Battalion, maneuvered along the S364 road and began crossing the 450-meter-long Fuhe Bridge. And about halfway there, a New China army ambush appeared.


    As soon as theser warning receiver (LWR) rm went on, the C-2A1 ck-Tiger tanks, which were in the lead, automatically fired several smoke grenades and emitted SECM (Super Electronic Counter Measures), an electronic defense technology, and entered avoidance maneuver.


    As a result, the several anti-tank missiles with white tails flying over the bridge toward them either self-destructed or spun around and fell into the river.


    Quang! Quang! Quang!


    <ul>


    What is this? Couldn¡¯t you detect them with the reconnaissance drone?


    </ul>


    The battalionmander¡¯s reprimand erupted through themunicationwork.


    <ul>


    I¡¯m sorry. We failed to detect them.


    For the time being, the leading toon advances! It is a very unfavorable location.


    </ul>


    Upon receiving themand from the battalionmander, mes erupted from the 120mm smoothbore gun of the C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks, which were covered in a smoke cloud.


    Boom boom boom!


    Three C-2A1 ck-tiger tanks maneuvering in a threene one-way shoot at the same time and moved forward after their first artillery attack.


    Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!


    The C-2A1 ck-Tiger tanks, which were moving at top speed with a loud engine sound, kept firing.


    Piuuuuung! Piuuuuung!


    A whistle was heard at some point, and soon after mortar shells were dropping all over the Fuhe Bridge.


    <ul>


    Mortar Batteries have been discovered throughout the golf course at the southern end of the rear 8km! 36 in total! There¡¯s also a lot of infantries! It is estimated to be approximately one regiment level. Oh! Furthermore, many people who seemed to be civilians are confirmed.


    Civilian? Please, zoom in on the filmed video and let me check.


    </ul>


    ordingly, the battalionmander, who wasmanding the C-22mand armored vehicle, checked the transmitted video.


    In front of a regiment-level force, numerous people who appeared to be civilians were ced as if they were shields.


    <ul>


    I¡¯ve never seen such bastards. Are they using the civilians as shields?


    </ul>


    In front of this absurd scene, the battalionmander unknowingly uttered abusivenguage through themunicationwork.


    Meanwhile, several C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks trampled the New China Army infantry in front of them as they crossed the Fuhe Bridge while avoiding the mortar shells.


    Kwaaaaang! Kwang!


    A spark erupted from the side of the lead C-2A1 ck Tiger tank, apanied by an explosion that nearly tore the ears.


    The momentarily tilted C-2A1 ck Tiger tank maneuvered as if nothing had happened, turned its barrel toward the attackers, and fired a high-explosive shell from its smoothbore cannon.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The soldiers of the New China Army, who were hiding not far away with only their upper bodies visible and fired the anti-tank missiles at the leading tank, were swept by the explosion.


    As such, the power of the New China Army ambusher was reduced, and the number of ck Tiger tanks crossing the Fuhe Bridge increased.


    Meanwhile, the battalionmander, concerned about the New China army¡¯s use of civilians as shields, sought advice from the Battalion Operation Division.


    There were currently two artillery battalions 15 kilometers behind the first tank battalion. In other words, they could easily sweep off the New China army and turn them to ashes by requesting firepower from the two friendly artillery battalions, but the New China built their second defense using civilians as shields. As a result, he had no choice but to be cautious.


    He couldn¡¯t easily decide to ignore the civilians andunch an attack when they were already facing international condemnation for the massacre of civilians.


    Anyway, it was a fortune that the soldiers who built the defense line were infantry, and it was possible to breach their defense by attacking them from the sides without causing any harm to civilians.


    Therefore, after consulting with the operational chief, the battalionmander directly issued an order through the Turkion-Xamunicator mounted on his helmet.


    <ul>


    The leading 5th Company and the headquarterspany focus on eliminating the remaining ambushers from their current location, while the 6th and 7th Companies bypass left and right, respectively, and destroy the enemy defense unit designated as Target A. If at all possible, avoid causing any harm to the civilians who are being used as shields by destroying them without the use of artillery.


    </ul>


    At the same time as the battalionmander¡¯s order was issued, eachpany¡¯s tanks began to move in unison.


    With a fierce momentum, the tanks of the 6th and 7th Company moved forward at high speed, and the remaining 5th Company tanks and various armored vehicles of the Company Headquarters dealt with the ambush of the New China Army.


    After a few minutes, when the mortars that were falling from the sky mercilessly became less frequent, and the ambushed New China army was nearly cleared, amander¡¯s voice, close to a scream, was transmitted over themunicationwork.


    <ul>


    9 o¡¯clock direction. A lot of punctures appeared!


    </ul>


    As soon as the report ended, multiple gunshots rang out, shaking the surrounding air. They were a tank battalion from the 38th Army Group, operating thetest Type 99 A2 tanks.


    Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark!


    A shattering sound that could rip through the air was heard, and then several ded ammunitions fell on the tanks of the 5th Company, which had just cleared the ambush.


    Kwang! Kwang! Kwang! Kwang!


    As a result, several C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks violently shook. There were, however, no tanks that were hit or sustained irreparable damage. Even if they were the New China Army¡¯s most recent tanks, equipped with a 125mm smoothbore cannon, hitting the C-2A1 ck Tiger tank with only ded ammunition was excessively greedy move.


    Soon after, the tanks of the 5thpany, which were being attacked,unched a counterattack.


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Because the distance was less than one kilometer, the sma bullet caused significant damage to the New China Army¡¯s Type 99 A2 tank.


    The tank¡¯s turret, which was in the lead, sshed into the air, and red mes erupted inside the vehicle, and soon ck smoke spewed from all sides.


    As a result, nine 99-type A2 tanks caught fire with only one shot and were turned into scrap metal. The New China Tank Battalion, which hadunched the preemptive attack, fired a smoke grenade and began evading maneuvers from side to side.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!


    While numerous ded and sma bullets were flying toward each other on the in. Tank 511, the most active in the 5th Company, maneuvered in a zigzag pattern and defeated the approaching enemy tanks one after another.


    ¡°Next target! bullet! Load.¡±


    ¡°Loading! Ready!


    ¡°Shoot¡±.


    Boom!


    sma bullets with a prating power of 1,200 mm flew through the frontal armor of the targeted enemy tank¡¯s turret in the blink of an eye.


    Kwang!


    When it dug into the tank¡¯s interior, it exploded, shaking the 58-ton Type 99 A2 tank and spewing red mes in all directions.


    ¡°Hit! Give me the next target!¡±


    ¡°Nothing!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The battle is over¡±.


    ¡°Already?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°Phew~ Anyway, I¡¯m d it ended well.¡±


    Corporal Hong Il-joon then sighed in relief..

 Chapter 496 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 2-4 Suspicious Movement

    <h4>Chapter 496: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 2-4 Suspicious Movement</h4>


    January 9th, 2024 at 21:00 (14:00 Latvia time),


    The meeting room of the representative board of the EU headquarters in Latvia Riga.


    Chairman Maris Felsix, chairman of the representative board, announced the start of the meeting by hitting the gavel once in a tense atmosphere with representatives from EU member states seated at a round table.


    Tack!


    ¡°From now on, before voting on the economic sanctions against the Republic of Korea and NATO military participation, which were raised yesterday, we will allow member country representatives to speak freely in this regard. Representatives of Member States are invited to speak; please do so freely.¡±


    As soon as Chairman Maris Felsix finished talking, German representative Minister Johan Hoffman was the first to raise his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡±


    ¡°Minister Hoffman! Please speak up.¡±


    Then Minister Johan Hoffman stood up, looked at the representatives of the Member States, and spoke,


    ¡°Thank you very much, Chairman! Representatives from member states! In fact, I do not believe that this proposal can be decided after only one day of discussion with our countries. Our prime minister, of course, stated that this proposal is so important and serious that it should be decided by the summit board. In response, Germany officially requests that the chairman forward this proposal to the normal board of directors.¡±


    Chairman Maris Felsix nodded as if she knew this,


    ¡°Minister Hoffman! You are aware that more than one-third of the member states must agree to move the proposal to a regr board of directors, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know that well.¡±


    ¡°Then, Will you make an official request?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Is there anyone else who wants to speak?¡±


    At this moment, the Secretary of State Main Johnson, who was sitting on one side, slightly crumpled and muttered to herself.


    ¡°That Damn bastard Hoffman is messing things up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to say something.¡±


    This time, Turkish representative Minister Rushti Jenkin raised his hand.


    ¡°Please speak.¡±


    ¡°The Turkish president also thinks that this proposal is a serious matter that should only be addressed by the normal board of directors .As such, Turkey as well agrees with Minister Hoffman request.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to say something as well.¡±


    This time, Spanish representative Minister Pablo Sanchez raised his hand.


    ¡°Minister Sanchez, please speak.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Chairman! I agree that it is a serious matter, but I do not believe it is necessary to transfer it to the normal board of directors as one day is more than enough to reach an agreement with the country¡¯s leader. As a result, I oppose the transfer to the regr board of directors and ask that the votes be held as scheduled.¡±


    ¡°Italy agrees with that as well. Do we have to go to the normal board? What is the CEO board for if it cannot decide on issues like this?¡±


    The Spanish and Italian representatives openly expressed their opposition to the transfer even before the official vote on the motion. Minister John Hoffman responded by raising his voice and saying,


    ¡°No! Do you realize the significance of this proposal? It is extremely serious, and it has the potential to escte into World War III. Is there anything more serious than this?¡±


    ¡°Minister Hoffman! Isn¡¯t that an overly extreme way of thinking? It¡¯s not like many countries will sh; only Korea will have to face off against the others.¡±


    Minister Pablo Sanchez responded indifferently, as if nothing could happen.


    ¡°Three years ago, the Republic of Korea emerged victorious from wars with China, Japan, and the United States. It is not a country to be underestimated.¡±


    Secretary of State Maine Johnson, who had only been listening, quietly opened her mouth at this moment,


    ¡°May I say something? Chairman!¡±


    ¡°Well, if it¡¯s rted to the proposal, please speak.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    After bowing slightly, she turned her head and looked at Minister Johann Hoffman and said,


    ¡°A few moments ago, Minister Hoffman stated that the United States also lost the war against the Republic of Korea, which is incorrect. In advance of world peace, the United States signed a peace treaty with the Republic of Korea to prevent the war from spreading. As a result, I¡¯d like to go over this section thoroughly. Despite the fact that our country suffered significant damage on the maind, we only agreed to sign the peace treaty for the sake of world peace. Three yearster, however, the Republic of Korea is at war with neighboring countries once more. As a result, the Republic of Korea can be regarded as a protozoic country that endangers global peace and causes war. For this reason, my dear EU member states I¡¯m proposing the same proposal as yesterday.¡±


    As soon as she sat down after finishing her words, Turkish representative Minister Rushti Jenkin immediately raised an objection,


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t China the cause of the war three years ago? Furthermore, it was Japan that formed an alliance with China and attacked the Republic of Korea. The same way that Russia started this war. The same is true for New China. Isn¡¯t that correct? Please refrain from stating misleading facts. Maine Johnson, Secretary!¡±


    ¡°Did you say misleading facts?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you shouldn¡¯t mislead something that is too obvious.¡±


    ¡°Haha, Turkey appears to have gotten a lot from South Korea. Seeing how you¡¯re defending them to the point where blood vessels appear on your face.¡±


    ¡°What? You should not say words that doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡±


    ¡°Looking at your rage, I¡¯m guessing you¡¯ve got a lot?¡±


    In the past, Turkey could not even talk with the United States, but it is now a proud member of the EU, and it has recently grown significantly economically and militarily with the help of various subsidies from the Republic of Korea.


    ¡°Well, it is not good to be arrogant. Secretary of State!¡±


    ¡°Arrogant? What exactly do you mean? On the contrary, Turkey appears to have be arrogant?¡±


    Tack! Tack! Tack!


    ¡°Stop! Stop! Stop, please.¡±


    Chairman Maris Felsix knocked on the gavel and stopped the conversation when the words between them became too harsh.


    ¡°Two of you! Calm down. We¡¯re in the middle of the meeting. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Chairperson! Before the meeting¡¯s atmosphere deteriorates, I would like to request that the motion on the proposed transfer be voted on first.¡±


    Chairman Maris Felsix secretly directed her gaze to Secretary of State Maine Johnson and shook her head as if there was nothing she could do in response to Minister Johan Hoffman¡¯s words.


    As a result, Minister Maine Johnson¡¯s expression darkened.


    ¡°Now! First of all, we will vote on the motion to transfer the proposed case to the normal board of directors. Raise your hand if you agree with this.¡±


    As soon as Chairman Maris Felsix finished speaking, the ministers started raising their hands here and there. Watching this, Secretary of State Maine Johnson shook her head.


    There were ten representatives raised their hands out of the thirty representatives, so the motion was passed in less than three minute.


    ¡°I announce the results of the motion. There is a total of 10 people voted in favor of the transfer of the proposed agenda into the normal board of directors, so I dere that the motion has been passed.¡±


    Tack! Tack! Tack!


    As soon as Chairman Maris Felsix hit the gavel three times, Secretary of State Maine Johnson kicked her seat and left the room.


    ¡°Now that the proposal has been transferred to the normal board of directors, representatives of member states please deliver the results.¡±


    ording to EU regtions, a normal board of directors was supposed to be convened within a month if the proposal was transferred to the normal board.


    ¡°After checking the schedules of the leaders of each country, the normal board of directors will announce the date of the event tomorrow afternoon. If you don¡¯t have anything else, I¡¯ll wrap up the CEO¡¯s board¡¯s second meeting.¡±


    Tack! Tack! Tack!


    <hr />


    January 9th, 2024 at 22:00 (15:00 Latvia time),


    Latvia Riga EU headquarters VIP reception room.


    Secretary of State Maine Johnson, who left the conference room in anger, was on the phone with someone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I did my best, but Germany interfered with it¡­.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll hang up now.¡±


    Secretary of State Maine Johnson, who was on the phone with her head bowed as if speaking with a superior, threw her smartphone to the table and buried herself on the sofa when the call ended.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe my nose run in the finished rice.¡±


    The more she thought about it, the more angry she get. In fact, at today¡¯s second meeting of the CEO¡¯s board of directors, it would have been passed by more than half of the votes.


    With the exception of Germany, France, and Turkey, she had already worked on all of the other countries. They were naturally appeased after receiving an irresistible bribe.


    After the meeting, Chairman Maris Felsix entered the VIP reception room.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Secretary of State Maine Johnson became enraged as soon as she saw the chairman, Maris Felsix, who sat on the sofa and responded,


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I never thought that the German representative would take that measure.¡±


    ¡°As chairman, you should have expected that much.¡±


    ¡°So far, the CEO¡¯s board has never submitted an agreement to transfer the proposal to the normal board.¡±


    In fact, it was. No matter how serious the proposals were, the CEO¡¯s board has made all decisions so far. Because transferring the proposed case to the normal board of directors could be interpreted as renunciation of the authority and rights granted to the position of representative. Who among politicians would give up the powers and rights that have been bestowed upon them?


    For that reason, all EU policies and decisions have been made by the CEO¡¯s board unless they are proposed by the normal board from the beginning.


    ¡°Chairman! When will you hold the summit meeting?¡±


    ¡°Nothing has yet been decided. ording to the rules, it can only be held within one month. We will decide and announce the date tomorrow afternoon after checking the schedules of the leaders of each country by tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Please hold it as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°when you want it?¡±


    ¡°The sooner, the better. I hope it will be held within a week.¡±


    ¡°A week? Secretary of State Johnson! There are 30 countries that are members. And because the heads of the 30 countries have busy schedules, it is difficult to hold the event in a week.¡±


    ¡°No. You must hold the normal board meeting within a week and pass the proposal.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my.¡±


    ¡°Chairman, shouldn¡¯t you do your best when you¡¯re given something?¡±


    ¡°What? Hmm.¡±


    Chairman Maris Felsix, who coughed several times after Secretary of State Maine Johnson¡¯s threatening remarks, took out her smartphone and called somewhere.


    Yes, chairman!


    ¡°Check the schedules of the leaders of the member countries and adjust the schedule so that the summit can be held within a week.¡±


    What? A week? With the sudden summit meeting, even if I kill myself, it will be held within 20 days¡­..¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? Isn¡¯t it because it¡¯s urgent? Administrative Secretary! Coordinate it somehow!¡±


    Oh, okay..

 Chapter 497 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 3-1 Smashing Operation

    <h4>Chapter 497: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 3-1 Smashing Operation</h4>


    January 09, 2024, 22:05


    Office of the Director of the National Intelligence Service, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Namju


    ¡°A deration of independence? Heh heh, the delusions of those Japanese politicians are endless,¡± said Director Lee Young-jin, clicking his tongue. He had been reading a report from the Tokyo branch of the Japan Headquarters, under the National Intelligence Service, which had arrived an hour ago.


    At this, the 2nd Vice Minister Huh Young-joon, who had been reading the report alongside the director, asked with a serious expression, ¡°The Japanese aren¡¯t ones to be purified. Shouldn¡¯t we report it to the Blue House right away and take immediate action?¡±


    ¡°Mm, it looks like we should! I trusted Uchida, but as it is with most people, you can¡¯t know what he¡¯s truly thinking.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin had mixed feelings about the fact that Prime Minister Uchida, whom he had believed to be putting the Japanese citizens first above everything else, had voted in favor of the deration of independence.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for these Japanese monkeys to be anything else. They¡¯re people who try to reveal their imperialist colors whenever they see a chance. We should have sent Uchida to prison as a war criminal three years ago, as well.¡±


    Three years ago, when Japan had lost the war, numerous politicians¡ªboth from the cab and the opposition party¡ªwere ssified as war criminals and sentenced to at least five years or even as long as life in prison.


    But Uchida, who had been the only minister of the Ministry of Labor and Welfare, avoided this storm, and instead became the first Prime Minister after the constitution had been amended.


    Of course, Uchida bing the Prime Minister was due to the influence of the Korean government.


    Concerned that Japan¡¯s political world would be in great chaos after many far-right politicians were imprisoned at the same time, the Korean government had chosen Uchida, who, at the time of the Abe administration, was a minister of the opposition party, to try to solve the issue.


    Even so, the Korean government didn¡¯t intend to control Uchida as a puppet prime minister. It had only hoped that the war-ravaged Japan would make an effort to restore itself from war, and transform itself into a true democratic country.


    However, as today¡¯s report stated, the result was that Japanese politicians were the same all around. It seemed that even if these politicians cared deeply about the citizens, their DNA was deeply ingrained with imperialism or rightist tendencies.


    ¡°What point is there to talk about the past? At that time, it wasn¡¯t a bad idea to have Uchida as the Prime Minister. The problem is America¡­They still haven¡¯t learned their lesson, and they¡¯re still going behind the scenes with these nasty plots.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we should give America a taste of their own medicine this time.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll discuss that part after we report it to the Blue House. I need you to call for a meeting for 9 a.m. tomorrow, for everyone who¡¯s director-level or higher.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ncing at the clock on the wall after he had put the report away in his briefcase, Director Lee Young-jin asked 2nd Vice Minister Huh Young-joon, ¡°Ah! Isn¡¯t it about time for something to be wrapped up on the EU side?¡±


    2nd Vice Minister Huh Young-joon turned, looked at the clock on the wall, and nodded. ¡°Yes, sir. By now they probably¡ª¡±


    At that moment, the inte rang, and they heard the secretary¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Director! Director Kang Ki-won of the Foreign Intelligence Agency has arrived.¡±


    ¡°Tell him toe in.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Haha. That guy¡¯s rushed here to report about it already.¡±


    ¡°Looks like it.¡±


    As they exchanged a few jokes, Director Kang Ki-won opened the door and came into the room. Even before he had a chance to sit down, 2nd Vice Minister Huh Young-joon asked, ¡°Has it been decided?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It is as we wanted. The proposal¡¯s been transferred to the Board of Directors meeting.¡±


    ¡°Phew! We¡¯ve bought some time for now.¡±


    In response to Director Kang Ki-won¡¯s answer, 2nd Vice Minister Huh Young-joon sighed in relief. He looked at Director Lee Young-jin and said, ¡°Phew! It seems like we¡¯ve bought ourselves some time.¡±


    ¡°It seems so. I was worried about what would happen if the EU representative board meeting resulted in the wrong decision. Director Kang! How many votes was the transfer of the proposal supported by?¡± asked Director Lee Young-jin, with a relieved expression on his face.


    ¡°Ten votes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Heh heh, ten votes? Barely passed one third.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The lobbying by America toward the EU member states wasn¡¯t something to beughed at. We expected, even up until the morning, that 13 countries would support the transfer of the proposal, but three of them ended up standing on the side of America.¡±


    At Director Kang¡¯s answer, 2nd Vice Minister Huh pped his knee and shouted, ¡°Isn¡¯t it said that birds of a feather flock together? It was fortunate that 10 countries voted in favor of the transfer, at least.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is true,¡± Director Kang Ki-won bowed his head slightly and answered.


    Director Lee Young-jin, thinking they had ovee an obstacle for now, rxed and started talking to the 2nd Vice Minister and Director Kang. ¡°From now on, this is a battle of diplomacy handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The information we gather will be a great help to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2nd Vice Minister Huh, make sure that we can get the necessary support from all avable departments, as well as the Foreign Intelligence Service. Send a few of our workers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that they can send us information in real-time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will. In this situation, though, it seems that what¡¯s crucial is when the Board of Directors meeting will be held.¡±


    Director Kang Ki-won immediately answered 2nd Vice Minister Huh Young-joon¡¯s question. ¡°Since this is the first time that a proposal has been transferred from the Representative Board meeting, we can¡¯t expect it to be too fast. We did find that there are rules that say the meeting is usually scheduled within 20 to 30 days since they take into ount the schedules of the heads of each member state.¡±


    ¡°Between 20 and 30 days¡­¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin checked the schedule on his tablet immediately. There were various military operation schedules, provided by the Ministry of National Defense, on the screen. In other words, this was an S-ss schedule.


    ¡°Mm, that¡¯s around the time when the contingent forces will be having military activities in southern Russia, beyond Ukraine. Good, we have some spare time.¡±


    2nd Vice Minister Huh Young-joon raised another question with a worried expression. ¡°Director! Would America not do anything about this? Considering how they¡¯ve acted until now, wouldn¡¯t they try to schedule the Board of Directors meeting as soon as possible to pass the proposal there?¡±


    ¡°Mm, it¡¯s possible they might do that as you¡¯ve said. But this is also something the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should handle. We don¡¯t have much of a choice other than to help them as much as possible to aplish what we¡¯ve nned.¡±


    At that moment, the inte buzzed again, and the secretary spoke. ¡°Director! It¡¯s time to go to the Blue House.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already time. Okay. I¡¯ll be leaving soon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Director Lee Young-jin got up from his seat and put his coat on. Grabbing his briefcase, he reminded the 2nd Vice Minister and Director Kang of their tasks. ¡°I¡¯ll be going to the Blue House to report in. 2nd Vice Minister Huh and Director Kang, look into the status of the departments to see which ones are avable to support us, and schedule the meeting for tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Yes. sir.¡±


    ¡°Okay, and when you¡¯re done with that, you can go home!¡±


    ¡°Haha! How can we go home if you give us a mountain of work?¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Haha, I¡¯m sorry about that. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Take care.¡±


    After Director Lee Young-jin had left, 2nd Vice Minister Huh Young-joon and Director Kang Ki-won discussed the work that needed to be done, which would likely have them working till midnight.


    <hr />


    January 09, 2024, 22:10 (New China Time: 21:10)


    ins 24 kilometers from the southern end of Puning County, Hebei Province, New China


    As the 5thpany and thepany from the headquarters were neutralizing the first line of defense, the 6th and the 7thpanies had reached the second line of defense in rapid maneuvers through the rain of mortar shells. They split up to the right and left sides, avoiding the civilians that were being used as human shields, maneuvering to surround the remaining defenses.


    The 6thpany turned to the left, entering the secondne quickly. The 7thpany turned to the right, changing directions toward the 1.5-kilometer wide farnd, and sped up to the maximum speed it could travel on nds.


    But the tanks of the 7thpany began to gradually slow down. The ground, which was thought to be as hard as ice in below-freezing temperature, strangely became muddy as the heavy tanks passed by on it, slowing the speed of the C-2A1 ck Tiger tanks.


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s wrong with the speed? Step on it more!¡± shouted Sergeant Nam Sang-hyeon, themander of Tank 732, into his headset.


    ¡°Ah! Commander! I¡¯m flooring it. The ground is muddy.¡± The voice of Sergeant Kim Min-jin, driving the tank, protested through the headset.


    ¡°What do you mean, man? In this temperature¡­The ground is muddy?¡±


    ¡°Oh, look at the ground through the scope!¡± At Sergeant Kim Min-jin¡¯s frustrated protest, Sergeant Nam Sang-hyeon immediately turned the scope and checked the path they had passed.


    There were two knee-deep caterpir marks, trailing behind them.


    ¡°What the hell is this? It¡¯s negative 10 degrees right now¡­It doesn¡¯t feel right. Damn it! Just step on it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    With his answer, the roar of the engine was heard from Tank 732, but the speed didn¡¯t pick up. The caterpir tracks rotated without picking up any additional traction.


    As the 14 tanks and armored cars of the 7thpany moved, sliding around on the muddy ground, unidentified armed forces started to appear from the small town to the right of them.


    They were another tank battalion operating the Type 99 A2 tanks that had also previously engaged the 5thpany. Around 30 of these Type 99 A2 tanks hadn¡¯t been picked up by the reconnaissance drones, as they had hiddenpletely inside the vige buildings.


    Then, as the 7thpany tanks were stuck in the knee-deep mud, they didn¡¯t miss the opportunity to reveal themselves and open fire, and from a distance of less than 500 meters.


    <Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!>


    The sound of the bombs shook the ground, and many sharp arrow-type bullets were fired at the ck Tiger tanks.


    Because it was so close, some of these bullets hit the side of the gun turret of the ck Tiger tanks directly.


    <ng!>


    With the sound of metal hitting metal, the shock of being hit by the bullet was felt from the inside of the ck Tiger tanks. Fortunately, the bullets bounced off the tank and flew into the air.


    Although the C-2A1 ck Tiger tank was of the 4th generation ss, its protection power (KE) was as good as the 5th generation tanks. The frontal protection power was around 2,000 millimeters and theteral protection power was around 1,500 millimeters. This was enough protective force to defend against any modern anti-tank missiles. The probability of being hit by the American M4 Wardog tanks or the Russian T-14B Armata tanks using 16MJ-ss railguns from the nks, however, was high.


    The C-2A1 tanks, with their considerable protection power, either deflected all the 125-millimeters bullets or emitted a powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) to deflect the aim of the shots.


    ¡°This is thepanymander! All tankmanders, move quickly toward dry ground after counterattacking.¡±


    Even before thepanymander¡¯s order was issued, the 7th Company tankmanders were already on standby, prepared for a counterattack.


    At that moment, the urgent voice of themander of Tank 711 andmander of the 1st toon rang throughout thepany¡¯smunicationswork.


    ¡°The vige! There are many civilians in the vige. Please confirm with inverter mode.¡±


    It was true. Just like civilians were used as human shields for the mortar battery and one of the infantry units, the tank battalion of the New China Army was also using civilians as human shields by putting them inside of the houses and buildings that they were hiding behind.


    ¡°These f<i>cking b</i>stards! Everyone stop counterattacking! Stop the counterattack! Move quickly up to the small hill 500 meters ahead! Quickly!¡±


    With these orders issued from thepanymander, the 7thpany¡¯s ck Tiger tanks that were about to counterattack turned and moved forward at maximum speed. Having them trappedpletely, the Type 99 A2 tanks fired at them while hiding behind civilian houses and buildings. Infantry units of the New China Army appeared everywhere, shooting anti-tank missiles at the 7thpany tanks. In addition to this, the mortar bombs that had stopped in the air momentarily rained down on the 7thpany tanks with a whistling sound.


    <Boom! Boom! Pew!>


    As the mortar bombs fell to the ground, pirs of earth sprung up in all directions. The only way to get out of the mortar bombs¡¯ impact zone was to maneuver out of the area quickly. But there was considerable difficulty in the 7thpany tanks exiting the area, as the speed of the tanks was hindered by the mud.


    As a result of this, the mortar bombs exploded on the upper part of the gun turret of the ck Tiger tanks.


    <Boom!>


    The armor on the upper part of the gun turret had the protective power of 700 millimeters, so it was able to defend against any mortar bombs, as long as they were less than the 155-millimeter medium-sized bombs. These bombs were 100 millimeters in size, so the upper part of the gun turret didn¡¯t suffer from any damage while defending against these bombs. The actual problem was that these bombs were damaging the various optical equipment, mounted on the outside of the gun turret.


    Unsurprisingly, a damage report from themander of Tank 724, with the upper part of its gun turret hit by a mortar bomb, came in through themunicationswork.


    ¡°This is Bulldog 4! The gunner has lost vision from the mortar explosion just now! We¡¯ve lost theser meter as well!¡±


    Unfortunately, the optical equipment was damaged by the shooting and reports of such damage began to increase one by one..

 Chapter 498 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War – 3-2 Crushing Operation

    <h4>Chapter 498: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 3-2 Crushing Operation</h4>


    ¡°Ignore the enemy tanks and move forward!¡±


    As reports of damage from various tankmanders continued, thepanymander¡¯s shouts rang out through themunicationwork.


    It was unlikely for the 7thpany¡¯s ck Tiger tanks to be hit with shots from the tanks behind the vige unless the caterpir tracks were hit and damaged. However, mortar bombs raining down like hailstones and this was making defense technologies like SECM (Radio Disruption System) useless.


    In short, it wasn¡¯t anything other than luck if you didn¡¯t get hit with a mortar bomb.


    <Bang! Bang! Bang!>


    The ck Tiger tanks moved forward in short zigzag motions in an attempt to dodge the bombs. In between each of the tanks moving forward, pirs of dirt shot up. Stters of thick mud covered ck Tiger Tank 732, which was moving in the front of all of the tanks.


    ¡°Ack! What? I can¡¯t see ahead!¡± Sergeant Kim Min-jin, who was driving the tank, shouted, looking at the dark screen. A lump of mud the size of a watermelon had flown into the camera that was disying the path ahead for the driver.


    ¡°What? You can¡¯t see?¡±


    ¡°Mud or whatever it is¡ªit¡¯s covered the front cameras,¡± said Sergeant Kim Min-jin, who replied Sergeant Na Sang-hyun¡¯s urgent question while relying on the side camera to drive.


    ¡°Is it bad?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s impossible to see through both of the front cameras.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, f*ck that! It¡¯s not like we can go out to clean it.¡±


    The tankmander yelled, biting his lower lip. He turned the scope towards the vige.


    ¡°Sergeant Na! I¡¯ll guide you, so drive in the direction I tell you!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Turn 20 degrees to the left in 10 meters!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Suddenly, there was a dull impact on the right side.


    <Doongkang! Rumble~>


    At that moment, Tank 732 lost its bnce and swerved to the right.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Commander! There¡¯s big trouble. The right caterpir track has been shot.¡±


    It was like one misfortune after another. The right caterpir, hit by a dart bullet, broke away from the bogie wheel and hung limp. Tank 732 had lost one of its axes for maneuvering. It could no longer move forward, and could only rotate to the right in ce.


    As the mortar bombs fell from the sky and with around 30 125-millimeter smoothbore guns aimed at them from a vige 500 meters away, Tank 732, having lost its ability to move became the perfect prey.


    ¡°This is Hwanggu 3! This is Hwanggu 3! No longer able to move, the right caterpir has been shot!¡± After urgently reporting to the Company Commander, Sergeant Na Sang-hyun turned his scope and searched for the enemy tank that shot them.


    He was able to identify the barrel of a Type 99 A2 tank, spewing white smoke, between the two-storey buildings located in the direction of 9 o¡¯clock. It seemed to be reloading so that it could fire again.


    ¡°It¡¯s that b*stard, Corporal Hong!¡±


    ¡°Copy that.¡±


    ¡°Designated target 1! Shoot as soon as you¡¯re able to aim at it!¡±


    ¡°Sir? Aren¡¯t we banned from shooting because of civilians?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to f*cking die here then? I¡¯m telling you to shoot! B*stard!¡± Sergeant Na Sang-hyun yelled, his face scrunched up in anger. At this, Corporal Hong Min-ho, slightly scared, moved the turret.


    <Kkiiiing!>


    The body of the tank continued to rotate in ce to the right. The gun turret, located at the center of the tank, rotated rapidly. The aiming point of the gunner was aimed precisely at the center of the enemy tank that Sergeant Na had just indicated as a target.


    ¡°Click!¡±


    Corporal Hong Min-ho bent his index finger on the trigger of the controls.


    <Boom!>


    Dark red mes seemed toe out of the 120-millimeter smoothbore cannon. Soon after, the sma bullet flew as if it was a clothesline and pierced precisely in between the enemy tank¡¯s body and its turret.


    <Bang!>


    With an explosion, the entire turret flew into the sky. Dancing ck mes erupted from the body of the enemy tank.


    ¡°One hit kill! Enemy tank hit!¡± Corporal Hong Min-ho shouted, pumping his fists in the cramped tank.


    But the urgent voice of Sergeant Na Sang-hyun rang inside the tank, interrupting his celebration. ¡°Hey! Corporal Hong! This isn¡¯t the time.¡±


    After their fellow tank had been shot, the turrets of the other Type 99 A2 tanks that were in the area aimed toward Tank 732 at the same time.


    ¡°Target 2, Target 3, Target 4! Shoot automatically as targeted!¡± Sergeant Na Sang-hyun issued orders once more. Corporal Hong Min-ho immediately moved the controls, cing the aiming point at the bottom part of the turret of the tank designated as target 2.


    <Boom!>


    <Bang! Boom! Bang! Boom!>


    Gunshots rang out simultaneously from Tank 732 and the enemy tank. The sma and dart bullets crossed over each other and each flew to their destination.


    <Bang!>


    The Type 99 A2 tank that had been designated as target 2 shook and exploded. A huge pir of fire swallowed everything around it, and ck smoke shot out of the fire.


    Meanwhile, out of the four dart bullets that had been shot at Tank 732, two of them hit the frontal armor of the tank and bounced off. The other two bullets shot through thin air, missing their target.


    <Tung!>


    <Tung!>


    <Shiiiing Shiiiing>


    An unpleasant noise rang through Tank 732 in session. Just then, the Company Commander issued an order to the entirepany to open fire.


    ¡°7th Company, open fire to suppress the enemy while performing evasive maneuvers from now on.¡± The Company Commander, who had ordered an evasive maneuver in fear of civilian harm, gave the order to open fire. He had taken on the risk of being put on military trial in the future, to reduce ally damage.


    At the Company Commander¡¯s orders to open fire, the 7th Company tanks simultaneously opened fire at the enemy tanks as if they had been waiting for the order to attack.


    <Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!>


    The front of a Type 99 A2 tank that had been firing from behind the building with only its barrel sticking out from behind the buildings was shot with a sma bullet that pierced through a wall and a house. It exploded, engulfing and destroying the houses surrounding it.


    The remaining Type 99 A2 tanks that had previously aimed for Tank 732 were either engulfed in mes or had their gun barrels hanging limply as the shots of ally tanks continued.


    Meanwhile, the 6th Company had detoured to the left and was moving forward in the secondne. The tanks started to slow down in order, starting from the leading tank, 1 kilometer from the target of the strike.


    ¡°This is Red Fox 1! Ahead! 200 meters away, detected anti-tank mines! About 30 have been detected so far!¡± From the leading tank, Lieutenant Min Ki-cheol,mander of the 1st toon and Commander of Tank 611, informed the Company through themunicationwork.


    ¡°This is ck pig 1! Is it impossible to break through?¡± The Company Commander¡¯s question followed.


    ¡°This is Red Fox 1! It¡¯s not impossible, but it might take some time.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Be alert of all sides from the current location!¡±


    The ck Tiger tanks that had stopped in a line turned their barrels to the right and left alternately and stood on alert. Soon after, the Company Commander issued more orders after he had observed the situation ahead with a reconnaissance drone.


    ¡°This is ck Pig 1! Red Fox 1, start getting rid of the anti-tank mines in the current location. Gray Bear 1, start moving on the coastal road to the right. White Tiger 1, cover and guard Red Fox 1. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Red Fox 1! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is Gray Bear 1! Copy that!¡±


    ¡°This is White Tiger 1! Copy that!¡±


    While the Red Fox toon tanks moved into a zigzag position in the secondne, preparing to fire, in order to get rid of the anti-tank mines ahead, four of the Gray Bear toon tanks drove over the railing of the road toward the direction of the coastal road. The White Tiger toon tanks, assigned to the duty of covering and guarding the Red Fox toon, swiveled each of their barrels to their designated directions and checked the situation through various modes.


    <Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!>


    Four minesweeping bombs flew along the road, scattering small debris on the ground. Along with the sound of arge explosion,rge puddles were created in the ground.


    There were still a dozen camouged anti-tank mines left on the road. While the ck Tiger tanks of the Red Fox toon were reloading, suspicious shadows were moving in secret around the surrounding houses and buildings.


    They were the special forces infantry of the 38th Army Group, the equivalent of a special attack infantry in the Korean army.


    The special infantry soldiers, each carryingrge firearms, moved inconspicuously and swiftly through the buildings. They were soon 400 meters from the Red Fox toon tanks.


    ¡°Forward at 7 o¡¯clock! 400 meters away, unidentified units have appeared! Their weapons look like anti-tank missiles! Confirmed as an enemy! Confirmed as an enemy!¡±


    Themander of Tank 632 informed the Company Commander through themunicationwork. Tank 632, among the White Tiger toon tanks that had been on guard, had been monitoring movements from the directions of 6 o¡¯clock to 8 o¡¯clock. At this, the Company Commander immediately issued an order to open fire.


    ¡°Open suppressing fire! Open suppressing fire!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Arge number of people that appear to be civilians inside the buildings are at fire target locations!¡± An additional report came in from themander of Tank 632.


    ¡°Civilians? Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, there are children as well.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    The enemy here had also ced civilians inside several houses and were using them as a human shield.


    ¡°These crazy b*stards are f*cking using their own people as a shield!¡± While the Company Commander was swearing, questions from several tankmanders flooded in.


    ¡°Are we going through with suppressive fire?¡±


    ¡°Commander?¡±


    ¡°Do we attack? Please speak.¡±


    Thepanymander could not reach a decision easily. But he wasn¡¯t in a dilemma for too long. The battalionmander had been informed of the 7thpany¡¯s situation, and he had thought that the same situation would be happening to the 6thpany. The battalionmander¡¯s orders couldn¡¯t have been issued at a better time.


    ¡°This is North Star 1! From now on, ignore civilians and enter normal engagement procedures. Repeat. Ignore civilians and enter normal engagement procedures!¡±


    Right as the battalionmander¡¯s order was issued, the White Tiger toon tanks opened fire all at once. The two-story building that was designated as a target, exploded, with debris flying in all directions. The special infantry soldiers and several civilians, who had been inside of the building, were swallowed up in mes.


    <Kwaaaang!>


    Buildings around the area copsed one after another from the force of the explosion.


    <Kurururung~>


    The special infantrymen, sensing that their identities had been revealed, started to attack with the anti-tank missiles they had in possession. The portable anti-tank missile that they were carrying was thetest model of the 3rd generation anti-tank missile, the HJ-12. This was the first model of New China that had the ¡®Fire and Forget¡¯ function, using infrared homing technology.


    As soon as thest anti-tank mine was removed from the road, aser detection warning rang out from the LWR (Laser Warning Receiver) in the Red Fox toon tanks.


    <Shuuuuhwaaaa~ Shuuuuhwaaaa~ Shuuuuhwaaaa~>


    The special infantry soldiers, like the special force they were, quickly fired their anti-tank missiles. Several missiles, which had trails of white smoke, flew toward the Red Fox toon tanks.


    <Bang! Bang!>


    Two out of the several anti-tank missiles hit the turret of the Red Fox toon tanks that were standing still¡ªTank 611 and Tank 613. The other four missiles were neutralized by the SECM (Radio Disruption System). They lost their targets, flew through the air and exploded.


    Tank 611, hit directly on the frontal armor of the turret, was shaken by the strong impact for a moment. However, there was no serious damage. Only themander¡¯s scope and the 12.7-millimeter machine gun were destroyed.


    But the damage to Tank 613 was serious. This was because the anti-tank missile soared in pop-up form and hit the upper armor of the turret hard. The HJ-12 anti-tank missile was small enough to be portable, but its pration power was simr to that of the HJ-10 missile, which was usually mounted and fired on an armored car.


    It wasn¡¯t aplete blow, but the impact shook the inside of Tank 613. Dark red mes and smoke shot up through the cracks that were created in one half of the tank. All of the external optical equipment was destroyed.


    It could still be moved, but it was no longer able to fight! It was like a death sentence.


    ¡°This is Red Fox 1! Red Fox 3 fall back. Red Fox 4, fire consecutive suppression shots! Red Fox 2, move together with 3 and cover for 3.¡± As the toon Commander calmly gave orders, the tanks of the Red Fox toon moved ordingly. Tank 613, still puffing out ck smoke, retreated backward slowly. Tank 614 fired a series of suppressive shots forward. Tank 612 moved in front of Tank 613, moving backward while covering for Tank 613.


    On that day, the 1st Tank Battalion suffered many difficulties from the New China Army that used its people as human shields while fighting. The result was a victory, but ally damage was severe and civilian harm was much greater than expected. Although it wasn¡¯t in an official announcement, a document that was sent to the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported 876 casualties and 395 deaths among civilians.. And among the civilian deaths, 59 of them were children.

 Chapter 499 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 3-3 Smashing Operation

    <h4>Chapter 499: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 3-3 Smashing Operation</h4>


    January 10, 2024, 11:00


    B2 bunker (Operation Briefing Room, Joint Command and Control Center, ROK Armed Forces), Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    In the basement bunker of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong, allmanders and staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Minister of National Defense Kang Yi-sik, who had just arrived, were seated in the operation meeting room. After themanders of the 1st Field Army and the 2nd Rapid Reactions Corps had been connected through video call, Director Kang Ki-won of the Foreign Intelligence Service came up to the podium and began the briefing.


    Director of the National Intelligence Service, Lee Young-jin had reported to the president yesterday regarding the Japanese cab¡¯s national security meeting and the serious situation taking ce in the EU. The next morning, he called the high-ranking officials at the director level together for a meeting about what should be done in response to what had happened. After the meeting was over, a director-level official was dispatched to share this information with the relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense.


    This was the reason why Director Kang Ki-won of the Foreign Intelligence Department was to visit both the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of staff in person for a briefing.


    ¡°This is the information collected by the National Intelligence Service so far. This concludes the briefing.¡±


    After finishing, Director Kang Ki-won went back to his seat aftering out to the side of the podium and giving a light bow. Director Yang Min-choon went up to the podium soon after.


    ¡°Thank you for your work, Director Kang!¡± Director Yang Min-choon took the microphone and first said a word of thanks to Director Kang before beginning the full-fledged meeting.


    ¡°As you all have heard, something that we didn¡¯t expect happened in Japan and Europe. In addition, we are currently facing difficulties in battles with New China because they are using their own people as human shields. Therefore, today¡¯s meeting will be divided into these three main parts.¡± Head of Operations Yang Min-choon briefly exined the outline of today¡¯s meeting. He turned to look at the screen and continued.


    ¡°First, we¡¯ll start with the situation regarding Japan. Currently, Japan has a total of 60,000 security forces that are inferior in powerpared to the general infantry. Of these men, 40,000 are in Honshu, and 20,000 are in Tokyo, the location where the Japanese activists will be promoting the Deration of Independence for Japan.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s only 20,000 men, aren¡¯t the 1st Marine Division forces garrisoned in Tokyo enough to suppress them?¡± Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn blurted out with an expression that suggested this wasn¡¯t that big of a deal.


    ¡°Yes, as the Vice Chairman has said, even if all 60,000 security forces were to gather in Tokyo, the 1st Marine Division would be sufficient enough to take care of them. But the problem here is America. The key here is how big of a force America will be providing to Japan.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but will the Americans openly support them with arge force?¡±


    ¡°Rather than deciding that they won¡¯t, I believe it¡¯ll be necessary to anticipate and prepare for the worst-case scenario.¡±


    ¡°Mm, I see. Got it,¡± nodded Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn in agreement.


    Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong, who had been listening until now, looked over to the right at Lieutenant General Lim Kyung-soo, also the Commander of the Marine Corps, and opened his mouth to speak. ¡°Ipletely agree with what the head of operations has said. What do you think, Lieutenant General Lim?¡±


    ¡°Currently the 5th Marine Division that was stationed in Osaka, Honshu, and the 3rd Regiment of the 1st Marine Division that was garrisoned in Tokyo, has been sent to Hokkaido as supporting forces. Even so, I don¡¯t think there will be any issues in taking care of Japanese security forces, even if there are 100,000 of them. But as the head of operations has said, if the chance of the American Army being involved is 100 percent, we must prepare careful countermeasures.¡± Although he was a three-star general, Lieutenant General Lim Kyung-soo replied with a polite and confident manner that couldmonly be seen from Marines.


    ¡°Great! Then to what extent of intervention of the American Army can the current 1st and 5th divisions handle?¡±


    Lieutenant General Lim Kyung-soo took some time to think before answering the key question of Chairman Shin Sung-yong. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say urately at this moment, but I believe up to four divisions.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the standard?¡±


    ¡°American Marine divisions.¡±


    ¡°What if mechanized divisions are included?¡±


    ¡°If mechanized divisions are included, our two divisions will be overwhelmed.¡±


    ¡°I see. Thanks for your insight. Lieutenant General Oh!¡± This time, Chairman Shin Sung-yong called for the Head of the Intelligence Division.


    ¡°Yes, Chairman!¡±


    ¡°Mobilize all forces avable and gather information of the movements of the Pacific Fleet, Guam, and Hawaii. Share that information in real-time with Brigadier General Yang and Lieutenant General Lim.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong then turned his head to the left, and this time looked at Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, the head of operations, and continued to speak without hesitation. ¡°Lieutenant General Yang and Lieutenant General Lim, establish a defense n for Honshu together based on the information Lieutenant General Oh collects and provides. As you¡¯ve stated before, take the worst-case scenario into ount and prepare additional troops. Above anything else, we¡¯ll need to cooperate secretly with Director Kang. Always keep yourmunication channels open so you can be in touch at any given moment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Then can we prepare for the situation in Japan in real-time and move on to the next topic?¡±


    As the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff took the lead in the meeting, everyone responded with an agreeing look to their eyes.


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s move on to the EU case then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We will be moving on to the EU case then. As Director Kang briefed, the EU member states have proposed the economic sanctions against the Republic of Korea and the involvement of NATO forces. Currently, these cases have been transferred to the Summit Board meeting. The date of the Summit Board meeting hasn¡¯t been decided yet, but if American influence affects it more than we expect, then the date could be as fast as less than 10 days away. If those cases are passed in the Summit Board meeting, then we might be looking at a new war with the NATO forces, at least 10 days from now.¡± Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon summarized the EU case briefly and clearly. For a moment, the operation meeting room was silent.


    The NATO forces, which were allied forces under the North Antic Treaty Organization, were not a part of the EU (the European Union). The NATO forces were a multinational army with thergest force and greatest history in the world. The leader of this force, of course, was the United States of America. However, most of the NATO nations were EU member states as well, so the Summit Board meeting often decided on policies and important matters regarding the NATO forces.


    ¡°If the NATO forces do go to war with the Republic of Korea, the war will be escted to World War III. No matter how strong America¡¯s influence is, would the heads of the EU member states make such an erroneous decision?¡± Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Yong-hyun, who had been silent all this time, opened his mouth.


    ¡°I also think that it¡¯s something that could never happen.¡± Chief of Staff of the Aerospace Defence Forces, Captain Choi Jin-gook, also shook his head in denial.


    ¡°I also think that it isn¡¯t likely, but I don¡¯t think we should judge so quickly. We shoulde up with at least some kind of countermeasure,¡± Captain Kim Eun-ho, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, expressed his opinion in a worried voice.


    Director Kang Ki-won, who was listening in the back, raised his hand, saying, ¡°May I add something?¡±


    ¡°Sure, of course. Please go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Thank you, Lieutenant General Yang! I didn¡¯t mention it in the briefing a few moments back, but currently, the U.S. has done a lot of work on the EU member states behind the scenes, using the power of various intelligence agencies, including the CIA. Just yesterday, three countries turned over to the side of America. Our National Intelligence Service is also working on it. They¡¯ve predicted that, but most of the EU member states, who are friendly towards America, will eventually side with America.¡±


    ¡°Then are you expecting the proposal to be passed at the Summit Board meeting?¡± asked Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Yong-hyun with a look of disbelief.


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    ¡°Heh heh, it¡¯s like everyone¡¯s gone crazy¡­¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t need anything else. Regardless of whether it¡¯s the NATO forces or the American Army, if they try to attack us unknowing of what they should be afraid of, we need to teach them to be afraid of us. We should take this opportunity to correct international order,¡± yelled Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn as he pounded the table.


    At this, Chairman Shin Sung-yong, continued with the meeting¡¯s topic as if he had made a decision. ¡°Mm, if the National Intelligence Service is predicting that, we need to think about countermeasures. Okay, let¡¯s share some of our opinions assuming that NATO forces will intervene in the war.¡±


    ¡°I think there isn¡¯t much to worry about even if NATO forces do intervene in the war against us.¡±


    The current head of the Strategic nning Division, Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang, stood up and opened his mouth. He was previously themander of the Marine Corps and had been listening silently during the meeting.


    ¡°What is your rationale?


    ¡°The NATO forces have been continuing to undergo disarmament due to the decrease of funds. There are several headquarters in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, but most of them aren¡¯t in operation. In addition, the front lines we¡¯ll have to face against NATO forces will only be a small fraction. NATO isn¡¯t in a situation to form arge fleet to reach our territory. War is money. Who, among the NATO member states, would spend the astronomical amount of war costs to build thatrge fleet? For these reasons, we can expect that the area of engagement with NATO forces will be in southern Russia.¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang continued his exnation without hesitation as if he had prepared what to say beforehand.


    ¡°But it won¡¯t be easy to send NATO troops here, as well. If NATO forces do decide to attack southern Russia, there are only threend routes. One is through Ukraine. Ukraine doesn¡¯t have that good of a rtionship with the EU, and because they¡¯re currently waging war against Russia with us, they¡¯ll never allow NATO forces to pass through to attack. Another is Turkey. Turkey is our ally. Even though they¡¯re an EU member state, they¡¯re on the side of the opposition regarding the proposed case of NATO intervening in the war, so they, too, won¡¯t allow NATO forces to attack through this route. Thestnd route is west Russia. Thisnd route, however, is very close to Russia¡¯s capital, Moscow. Even if, in the Korean-Russian war, NATO forces are there to help Russia, would Russia allow NATO forces to pass under their capital, Moscow? Knowing Putin, he will not allow it. Therefore, there is nond route for NATO forces to pass through. The only option they have is to pass through the ck Sea to ce NATO troops in southern Russia.¡±


    All of themanders and staff in the operating room were surprised by his considerable analytical ability.


    ¡°It is very difficult to transportbat troops using just naval power. As a result, even if NATO wants to send arge troop to southern Russia, it¡¯ll be difficult due to the circumstances. Thus, even if we calcte the maximum amount of troops they can send, five divisions would be the limit. And even so, they would be unable to transport those five divisions all at once, and would have to send them over several transporting operations.¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang paused exining for a moment, cleared his throat a few times, and continued with his exnation. ¡°To organize what I¡¯ve exined so far, the time when NATO forces can be dispatched to southern Russia is after the decision has been made at the Summit Board meeting. If counting the 10 days until the meeting, plus preparation time, it¡¯ll take them at least one month. A month is enough time for us to finish dispatching the 3rd Marine Mobile Division in Ukraine and upy the entirety of southern Russia together with the three brigades of the Peace Units. If we were to look at it in a more positive light, the time may even be enough for the Korean-Russian war to end. For these reasons, I believe that we don¡¯t have to worry as much about the intervention of NATO in the war.¡±


    After finishing his exnation, Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang sat down in his seat. Apuse erupted from everywhere.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Lee! That was an in-depth analysis of your own. Thank you for your exnation.¡± Chairman Shin Sung-yong pped lightly. He seemed to also have enjoyed the exnation.


    ¡°Right. I see you in a new light now, Lieutenant General Lee!¡±


    ¡°Haha, it wasn¡¯t much.¡± Upon receiving praise from his superior, Lieutenant General Lee Hoon-sang rubbed the back of his head, smiling shyly.


    ¡°Now! What do all the others think?¡± Chairman Shin Sung-yong asked, in case there were any other opinions. He looked around at themanders and staff sitting in the room.


    At this, Captain Lee Gi-hyung, the Chief of Naval Operations, expressed his doubt. ¡°I agree with the previous opinion. However, I think it is still an unknown whether Turkey will not allownd routes, as Lieutenant General Lee has said.¡±


    ¡°That is true! We¡¯ll have to make some effort regarding that from our end, as well,¡± said Chairman Shin Sung-yong with a slightly concerned expression on his face..

 Chapter 500 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 3-4 Smashing Operation

    <h4>Chapter 500: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 3-4 Smashing Operation</h4>


    At Chairman Shin Sung-yong¡¯s remark, Director Kang Ki-won spoke, his tone showing his firm will. ¡°The National Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will try to take aggressive action on that part.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I would appreciate it if you could do that.¡± Chairman Shin Sung-yong nodded toward Director Kang in thanks. He then turned his head toward the staff, continuing to speak.


    ¡°Anyway, as Lieutenant General Lee has said, the NATO case doesn¡¯t seem to be a big concern if our military can prepare well in advance. But for that, I think it is necessary to advance the dispatch date for the 3rd Marine Mobile Division. How is the preparation for the dispatch going?¡±


    At the Chairman¡¯s question, Lieutenant General Lim Kyung-soo politely answered, ¡°Currently, the 3rd Marine Mobile Division, up to the front line troops, haspleted their dispatch preparation. War supplies are scheduled to be loaded into the prepared transport aircraft starting tomorrow afternoon.¡±


    ¡°You said the decided dispatch date is on the 14th, at 11 p.m.?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Mm, who¡¯s in charge of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division transport operation?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Major General Min Jun-seok, the Litigation Officer of the Air Force Transportation Command,¡± answered the Deputy Chief of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Min Hyung-guk.


    ¡°Is it possible to connect to him now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s possible. Please wait for just a moment.¡±


    Soon after, Major General Min Jun-seok, the Litigation Officer at the Air Force Transportation Command, appeared on the screen.


    ¡°Salute! This is Min Jun-seok, the Air Force Transportation Officer.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your work. I have a rather difficult request to ask of you, Major General Min¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Please go ahead.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to expedite the dispatch of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division to tomorrow night. Will it be possible?¡±


    Major General Min Jun-seok¡¯s expression wavered slightly.


    ¡°Tomorrow is difficult. And along with the existing transportation schedule¡­¡± Major General Min hung his head slightly as if he was apologetic.


    The Air Force Transport Command, which was in charge of transporting various war supplies, was as busy as it could be in the current situation with battles urring in various ces. Major General Min Jun-seok, in charge of managing the transportation schedule, was especially busy.


    In the past, the transportation of war materials for the Korean Penins could be covered viand transportation. But now that the Republic of Korea had expanded to ten times the territory of the Korean Penins, it meant that the transport distance from the front line, where the current fighting was taking ce, was muchrger than before.


    If you were to take a look at the history of every war, the ability to quickly supply necessary war materials to the front line was a crucial factor in deciding victory or defeat. Moreover, in modern warfare, transporting war materials has be even more important. Along with the diversity of weapons used, the amount of ammunition consumed per day due to the more advanced technology of the weapons was unimaginable. To quickly re-supply such rapid consumption of ammunitions, fast air transport was an absolute necessity over slownd transport.


    As a result, the Air Force Transport Command had to, throughout all hours of the day, mobilize all transport aircraft to transport war materials to eachbat unit. There was absolutely no time to spare, even for just a moment. Under these circumstances, the dispatch of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division, which required as many as 150rge-scale military transport aircraft, was a dispatch that Major General Min, as well as all the staff of the Transport Command, had worked so hard together to n into their packed schedule. In addition to this, the aircraft had to be prepared at least 24 hours ahead of time in order to transport around 700 tanks, armored cars, and more.


    ¡°Mm, is that so? It seems that I asked for too much.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not so, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff! But it might not be entirely impossible.¡±


    The Chairman¡¯s eyes lit up slightly just after he had been discouraged. ¡°Is that so? Are there any other options?¡±


    ¡°Please wait for a moment.¡±


    Major General Min Jun-seok talked for a moment with a staff beyond the screen, then looked at his tablet, and continued speaking to the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff. ¡°Well, if the schedule is adjusted except for the most urgent transport aircraft, around 50 percent of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division can be transported tomorrow night.¡±


    At the favorable response, Chairman Shin Sung-yong looked around at the Marine Corpsmander as well as the other generals that were involved. They nodded as one, showing that this was good to go on their ends as well.


    ¡°Great! Then, coordinate with themander of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division and start preparing right away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°If the dispatch of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division is faster by two days than the original n, it looks like the results of the Ukraine civil war and the attack operation in south Russia will be elerated.¡±


    Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn looked satisfied as well.


    ¡°Head of Operations, as soon as the meeting is over, contact themander of the Peace Corps and exin the current situation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will ry the news to them.¡±


    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff rxed slightly and moved on to the next topic of the meeting. ¡°Now! Since it looks like the NATO forces case has mostly been handled, let¡¯s move on to thest case regarding New China!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The New China Army is currently engaging in battle with us while using its own people as human shields on all fronts. Due to this, the progress of the invasion is slower than expected, as our forces are fatigued and are unable to aggressively attack the New China Army. The damage to our troops is considerable.¡± As Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, the Head of the Operations Division, started exining, a digital map of all the fronts, where the current fighting was taking ce, was projected on the big screen. Various tactical notations showed the current situation in detail.


    <Bang!>


    Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn mmed the long table with all his strength. At this, all eyes turned to Vice Chairman Youn. Regardless of everyone looking at him, Vice Chairman Youn began to curse and swear. ¡°Won¡¯t these b*stards do worse than that? Shouldn¡¯t you, as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, officially give orders to disregard whatever gets in the way of war¡ªcivilians or not¡ªand fight?¡±


    Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn didn¡¯t hesitate to blurt out slightly dangerous remarks. He raised his voice even higher and continued to yell. ¡°How much longer must we go to war thinking about this and that? We¡¯re soldiers who should be killing the enemy. Human rights and whatnot¡ªthose are things we should be thinking about after our victory.¡±


    Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn¡¯s voice roared throughout the operation meeting room. At this, the voices of the few who agreed with Vice Chairman Youn also spoke out. Most of them were generals whose backgrounds were from the Northern Zhou.


    As the atmosphere in the operation meeting room suddenly got heated, another Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Captain Kim Yong-hyun, spoke out cautiously. ¡°It seems you¡¯re a bit too excited, Captain Youn. Please refrain from being too excited. I¡¯m sure that everyone here is feeling the same way as you. However, isn¡¯t it also part of our duty, as soldiers, to care about things that may be a major problem in the international society after the wares to an end?¡±


    ¡°But what are we going to do if the damage to our troops bes greater while caring about that kind of stuff? Are you saying there¡¯s more to think about even after we¡¯ve bombed therge cities with strategic-ss weapons? Are you still saying this after looking at the report we received from each unitst night? For example, just look at the 6th division. They were the only division out of all the units on all fronts that went into battle without approval from higher-ups to attack despite the enemy using civilians as human shields. They came out victorious in the end but suffered great damage. How would the other units be faring if the 6th division ended up like this? They¡¯re all having to retreat or suffer great damage. In such situations, themanders need to make bold decisions. If not, we won¡¯t be able to get results.¡± Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn¡¯s statement didn¡¯t have a single wrong word in it.


    ¡°Ha¡­yes,¡± Vice Chairman Kim Yong-hyun was about to rebut after taking a deep breath but paused when he saw Chairman Shin Sung-yong gesturing him to stop.


    ¡°Yes, I fully agree with what Captain Youn has said, but Captain Kim is not wrong. I believe that both of your opinions are sincere opinions for the sake of the Republic of Korea. But anyway, as General Youn has said, I will have toe up with some kind of decision as the highestmander in the military.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong slowly looked around at themanders of each army who were seated on either side of him, and those that were on the video screen. He continued in a slightly rigid tone, seeming as if he had made a decision. ¡°It was expected that the subordinate units of the New China Army would use this kind of tactic. This is why, during the ¡®ttening operation,¡¯ the President of New China and his general staff were kept alive, despite the requests of severalmanders, including Captain Youn.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    At Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn¡¯s question, the head of operations interjected cautiously. ¡°Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff! May I exin this part?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, Lieutenant General Yang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, as the Chairman said, during the ¡®ttening operation,¡¯ we were more than capable of eliminating the President of New China and his general staff. The reason why we kept them alive, despite the requests of severalmanders, is as such. We predicted that, even if the leadership of the New China Army was removed, themanders of subordinate units will choose to fight over surrendering in order to live and use civilians as a defense tactic as well. This is why we¡¯ve kept them alive.¡±


    ¡°So what does that have to do with the reason you kept him alive?¡±


    ¡°Haha, let me exin the rest.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon smiled slightly at the impatient questions of Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn, and continued with his exnation. ¡°If all the subordinate units of the New China Army continue to use defensive tactics of using civilians as human shields¡ªagainst the intentions of the leadership¡ªthe people¡¯s anger will be directed toward President Wang Jing-wi and his general staff. What if President Wang Jing-wi and his general staff, where all the anger is directed, were to be suddenly removed by our strategic-ss weapons and disappear? That anger will be directed towards our troops and our government, and the pressure from the international society will also worsen.¡±


    ¡°Mm, I see the bigger picture now. You¡¯re saying that you¡¯re going to keep the thing that they¡¯re angry at alive so that they can self-destruct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. President Wang Jing-wi and the General Staff, who have lost the people¡¯s trust, will copse on their own due to internal factors. It is clear that the general staff will abolish such defensive tactics of using civilians as a human shield for all subordinate units to quell the anger of the people. From then, we, on all fronts, can enter into the second full offensive operation against New China.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I see that we¡¯re keeping President Wang Jing-wi and his general staff alive so that they¡¯ll have no other option.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is correct, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s an excellent tactic. Why didn¡¯t you exin that to me then? You don¡¯t know how much I¡¯ve cursed at you.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for theck of exnation back then.¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s a really cool tactic. Hahaha.¡±


    Like Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn¡¯sughter, the tension in the operation meeting room eased.


    ¡°Now! It seems that things have been sorted out to some extent in regards to New China. Commander of the 1st Field Army responsible for the war with the New China Army, go ahead and authorize all front-line units to stay in their current locations and allow intermittent engagements. Once we¡¯re done observing the situation afterward, we¡¯ll start the second full offensive operation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± answered 1st Field Commander Lee Min-ho on the screen.


    On that day, the operation meeting room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff held a meeting with three main topics on the agenda. After the three topics had been discussed, the meeting ended only after receiving a briefing on the battlefield situation from themanders of every location of battle, including the Peace Corps.


    <hr />


    January 10, 2024, 15:00 (Russian time: 09:00)


    35 kilometers south of Mahachik, Dagestan Ost, Russia


    The 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, which had arrived near the border of Dagestan¡¯s eastern coast on the 6th, took two days to rest and perform maintenance so that it could match its invasion speed with the 35th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the 11th Marine Mobility Brigade. At midnight on the 8th, it began its operation to upy the state of Dagestan, located in the south of Russia. The so-called ¡®Smashing Operation¡¯ had begun.


    The 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade that had started its invasion across the border easily broke through the defenses of the Autonomous Republic of Dagestan. It moved to the north on the M29 road, and in the afternoon of that day, upied the first eastern coastal city near the Caspian Sea, Derbent. The next day, on the 9th, it moved further north on the M29 road and upied small andrge viges along the way. It was a very fast, rapid, and unstoppable invasion. It seemed that the experience of fighting in real-life battles for several months for the independence of the Kurdistan Republic was evident in this invasion.


    And on the 10th, today, was an important day¡ªit was to invade both Makhachk, the second eastern coastal city near the Caspian Sea, and Buynaksk, the capital of both the Autonomous Republic of Dagestan and the Dagestan province. Themanders of the 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade decided to send the 75th Mechanized Infantry Battalion to the upation operation of Makhachk, and send the 76th and 79th Mechanized Infantry Battalion to the upation operation of Buynaksk. The 75th Mechanized Infantry Battalion was to be supported by the brigade¡¯s direct control units.


    The 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, which had camped a little behind the mountain range, got ready to move at 9:00 a.m. The engine sounds of tanks and armored cars simultaneously roared to life. Soon after, the brigademander gave the order to move. The 75th Mechanized Infantry Battalion started moving first, and soon, a long line of around 200 vehicles moved forward on the M29 road..

 Chapter 501 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War -3-5- Smashing Operation

    <h4>Chapter 501: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War -3-5- Smashing Operation</h4>


    <Whooosh ~ Whooosh ~>


    As the entire 75th Mechanized Infantry Brigade entered the maneuver, several Spider-II drones, which are unmanned reconnaissance drones, soared high into the sky making a motor sound and flying in each direction.


    The morning temperature in Dagestan was simr to that in Korea, it was minus three degrees Celsius, but the wind was blowing so hard that it felt like the temperature was 15 degrees below zero instead.


    The reconnaissance drones that went up to 500 meters in the sky was vibrating in the strong winds.


    ¡°Ah! This is not good. I¡¯m annoyed.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Seok-je, the deputy director of the drone reconnaissance team of the 75th Mechanized Battalion¡¯s headquarters, frowned and grumbled as he watched the monitor on the controller.


    From the squad to the squadron, normal soldiers controlled the SI-Q Super Eye drone, which is an ultra-light drone, but in the battalion and above, nonmissioned officers controlled the Spider-II drone. At the division level,missioned officers who had received formal training were also allowed to control it.


    ¡°Is it too much? Sergeant Kim!¡±


    Sergeant Na Dong-won, a nonmissioned officer at the drone management department, was watching from the side and grasping on the handle inside a rattling armored vehicle, and he asked.


    ¡°The higher the altitude, the worse the wind gets. It¡¯s not like there¡¯s a typhoon. Why the hell is it like this! Check the weather!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Sergeant Na Dong-won operated the control X-K02 device on his left wrist and disyed the current weather information on the liquid crystal screen.


    ¡°Ah! Sergeant Kim! The wind is not messing around today. It will be blowing up to 15 meters per second in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°How much is it now? It¡¯s at 10 meters per second.¡±


    ¡°Ningi-ri, F*ck! I just wanted to do some scoutingfortably.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Seok-je continued to spit out profanities.


    ¡°With that much wind, wouldn¡¯t it be unsafe?¡±


    ¡°Unsafe! It will run out of battery quickly instead!¡±


    ¡°Oh well! Sergeant Kim is also...Even so. It¡¯s a sma battery, so it¡¯llst for an hour.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Do you know how annoying that is? If you fly it once, it stays for three hours, but try to fly it and change the batteries every hour! How annoying!!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Then I¡¯ll control it. Hand it to me please.¡±


    ¡°Be quiet! They said that the battalionmander has ordered the chief to control it. So, tell them to check the battery¡¯s charge and check the crew¡¯s drones too!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    In the headquarters the reconnaissance drone crew has eight people, every team of two people has a shooter and a nonmissioned officer and they operate a total of four Spider-II drones, one for each group.


    Currently, not only the brigade headquarters but all three battalions hadunched a reconnaissance drone. This was the reason why each battalionunched only one. Later, if the brigade¡¯s forces were to split into two, the battalion was going tounch additional reconnaissance drones.


    * * *


    January 10th, 2024, 22:00 (Ukraine time: 16:00)


    Severodsk, Luhansk Ost, Ukraine


    On the night of the 6th, the Sphinx regiment which is a quick response regiment of the 5th Marine corps (The Earthworms), who put up the Korean g and a regimental g in Dvalchev City Hall in Dsk Province, took a break and did maintenance while waiting on the arrival of several war supplies. At midnight on the 8th, Peace units had gone into an empty area in southern Russia and entered the Luhansk province.


    After upying the first area, they moved on to invade small cities in the surrounding area, centering on the Crimea area. On the second day which is the 9th of that month, they turned to the southern end of the empty areas and went through Rubizhne. They had a huge aplishment and managed to upy up to Dnipro, Petrovsky.


    Currently, it has been engaged in a fierce city war since morning trying to upy Severodsk, which had a poption of 120,000 people.


    Exactly nine hours have passed since the battle began. The situation has been very different from when Dvalchev was upied. The city had more than twice the poption, and the contrast between the rebel army stationed in the city and the Russian Allying Army has not been easy.


    At the moment, the number of rebels alone exceeded one division. In addition, in the Russian Allying Army, the ones who were defending Severodsk, were the allying 321st truck mobile division of the 51st Allying Army belonging to the Western Military District, which are the elites of the Russian Army, and not the Guards belonging to the Southern Military District.


    Russia whose economy had gradually been revived since 2018, had spurred out defense reform and expanded the size of the western military district to defend Moscow, which is close to Europe. Two additional armored divisions were established in the existing first allying tank group. Operating equipment was also organized into some top-of-the-line tanks and armored vehicles. In addition, the 50th and the 51st Allying Armies were newly established at a military level, taking the responsibility for defending the southern and eastern ends, and being centered around Moscow.


    The existing Russian Guards in Dsk Ost and Luhansk Ost were mostly subordinate units belonging to the Southern Military District and were stationed in defense missions. However, when the Korean Marine Corps intervened with the Ukrainian army and recaptured it seven days after it intervened in Dsk, the Russian General Staff had no choice but to send additional troops to Luhansk. As a result, the Southern Military District tried to recruit additional troops to the Luhansk region, but as two troops were supporting the northwestern front, it was difficult to defend the Crimea Penins as well as to stop the Peace Units advancing from the south.


    For this reason, the Russian General Staff sent several subordinate units belonging to the 51st Allying Army of the Western Military District, who is the best of the best, to the defense of Luhansk, and among them, the 321st Motorized Infantry Division was tasked with defending Severodsk, which is close to the Dsk Ost border.


    Unlike the existing Vehicle Fire Infantry Division, the vehicle boarding the infantry was the new BMP-3 Dragon Infantry Armored Vehicle (IFV), not a general tactical vehicle.


    MP-3 Dragon Infantry Armored Vehicles have been improved in many ways and began production inte 2016, it was distributed starting from the newly established units. One of the few improvements was the armor. The additional armors have improved the protection, and in particr, the side scouts were reinforced withposite armors. In addition, electronic optical equipment was also reced with thetest model and equipped with a UTD-32T diesel engine that can generate 660 horsepower.


    Armed with a remote unmanned turret (RCWS) equipped with a 100-millimeter calibre main gun, and equipped with a 30-millimeter machine gun and a 7.62-millimeter Kshnikov coaxial machine gun, the BMP-3 Dragon Infantry Fighting Vehicle was thetest armored vehicle with both firing and protection power.


    Hundreds of these BMP-3 Dragon Infantry Fighting Vehicles had responded using various obstacles and shelters all over the city of Severodsk, and among the rebels and Russian Allying Army, anti-tank firearms hid in various parts of the building and aimed at the top of the Sphinx Regiment¡¯s armored vehicle passing by.


    In the inverter vision mode, they detected anti-tank gunners hiding in the building and fired suppressive fire at them at that same time, but asionally they did not detect them and became under attack instead.


    The Sphinx Regiment, which had been fighting for nine hours under these unfavorable conditions, retreated from the front-line fighting area and retreated to the back to relieve the umted fatigue.


    From the rebels and the Allying Army, it was as if the Sphinx Regiment had lost their fighting spirit and retreated. However, the leaders of the rebels and the 321st Vehicle Fire Infantry Division did not chase the retreating Sphinx Regiment or order an overpowering attack against them. They also suffered a considerable amount of damage during the battle,


    and it was decided that most probably if they switch to attack tactics unwillingly, they could fall into a trap. And one more thing was that it was more urgent to overpower the 300 marines of the 38th Aircraft Helicopter Corps, who were prating the air from the rear performing guerri tactics.


    ¡°What is the situation like in the 38th Battalion?¡±


    Colonel Oh Seung-pil, themander of the regiment, who gave the order to retreat from the current fighting area to the rear checkpoint, looked at the several monitors mounted inside the C-22-Mmand vehicle and asked lieutenant colonel Na Myung-joon, the chief of operations department.


    ¡°Now! The battalion is moving in units, we¡¯re in the battle with no damages.¡±


    ¡°Since our armored vehicle battalion retreated from the fighting area, we will take this opportunity to conduct a sweeping operation with the 38th Battalion, so please refrain from engaging as much as possible and order them to take cover until nightfall.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will give orders to the 38th battalionmander.¡±


    ¡°No! Open thework to the 38th Battalion toon and give them the orders directly.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    If the Sphinx regiment fought against the rebels and the Allying Army in open areas and not in the city, they would have stood still for about three hours after defeating the Rebel Infantry Division and the Russian Allying Army Infantry Division. However, in aplex and varied urban battle with various types of covers, it was not possible to subdue the enemy¡¯s power in a short period despite having military strength that was six times stronger than them.


    ordingly, Colonel Oh Seung-pil, the regiment¡¯s leader, thought of having a street battle at night.


    The most tragic deaths in modern wars are those caused by a misfire among allies. In particr, the stronger the firepower of the operating firearm is, the greater a disaster the friendly fire is. As such, in modern warfare, how quickly it is possible to identify your opponents has be the biggest issue there is.


    The U.S. military, as the world¡¯s global police, has dispatched troops to various countries and fought in numerous ces. It has also suffered considerable difficulties in identifying its opponents, even though it is the only military that had the most advanced tactical systems and uses integrated battling tactics.


    There was a time when the Pentagon suffered an embarrassment when a report came up saying that the number of Americans killed by friendly fire or fire of their supporting allies was twice as high as the number of Americans killed by enemy attacks. That is why, in modern warfare, especially inplex urban warfare, the identification of friend or foe (IFF) was the most important thing. It was especially important in night battles.


    This was the reason why Colonel Oh Seung-pil ordered a retreat and decided to wait until night to take advantage of this.


    The Korean Armed Forces, including the Sphinx Regiment, were provided with Control X-K01 or Control X-K02 devices equipped with an enemy identification chip to everyone from soldiers to generals, making it possible to easily identify the allies through the shield sses. In addition, for the figures identified as allies, there was a safety function that prevented them from operating personal weapons.


    As such, for the Sphinx Regiment, which possesses many advanced functions rted to the identification of friend or foe (IFF), street fighting at night was the only tactic that could reverse the battlefield at once.


    ¡°Tell the helicoptermander of the 38th Battalion to rest and maintain the vehicles until the order is out.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be hard to take a rest in the helicopter unit?¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Na Myung-joon, who was handed over amunication device from amunication officer while giving out orders, looked puzzled and immediately asked back.


    ¡°Looks like there¡¯s plenty of room for that.¡±


    Colonel Oh Seung-pil tilted his head towards the monitor. As a result, Lieutenant Colonel Na Myung-joon¡¯s gaze naturally moved to the monitor.


    The monitor showed images transmitted from several Spider-II reconnaissance drones from the regiment¡¯s headquarters.


    The 22-inch OLED monitor showed several scenes on a split-screen. The first split-screen showed the retreating allying armored vehicles, and in the second split-screen, the opposite side of the retreating allying armored vehicles was seen where the rebels and the Allying Army were deployed. Whether or not they could see the retreating armored car clearly, they didn¡¯t strike them aggressively.


    They probably were very tired too from the nine-hour street battle and must have been very happy to see the allying armored vehicles retreating. However, such a scene could not be confirmed on the monitor.


    As Colonel Oh Seung-pil predicted, the Sphinx Regiment¡¯s armored vehicles and infantry stepped down from the battle zone, at themand of the rebels and allying army. That¡¯s when the Marine Corps of the 38th Air Force Helicopter battalion were deployed to do a sweep-up operation and carry out guerri tactics. In addition to the troops deployed in the operation, all the remaining troops were ordered to take a rest and be alert in their current positions.


    At that moment, Lieutenant Colonel Na Myung-joon realized the regimentalmander¡¯s intentions, sealed his lips, and nodded his head.


    After the nine-hour fierce street battle, the loud gunfire stopped in Severodsk and it was just like the silence before the storm.

 Chapter 502 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-3-6 – Smashing Operation

    <h4>Chapter 502: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-3-6 ¨C Smashing Operation</h4>


    22:30, 10th of January, 2024 (Russia time 16:30)


    Russia Moscow bunker state R-13 (Situation Room)


    The head of General Staff dimir Beschastnich who had gray hair on his head, who was the top Russian military chief, was looking at several screens in the situation room. As such, the war situation that took ce at several locations in a few days had be unfavorable and was showing that he was having a hard time.


    Despite the additional support of military-level forces belonging to the central and western military districts on the northwest front, which is the border between South Korea and Russia, they had not been able to make any significant military achievements. Currently, the number of regr Russian troops alone reached 500,000 on the northwest front, and 700,000 if the number of irregr troops was added too. With such a great force, the Korean military, which only consisted of 150,000 soldiers, gave up on fierce battles after more than two weeks. A few days ago, after allowing the 7th Mobile corps to attack from the side, the front lines copsed in an instant, and casualties were happening at a rapid rate.


    To judge realistically and objectively, the Northwest Front War was a defeat for the Russian army. However, as many troops were being deployed, they were holding out.


    That is why the General Staff Department needed to make a decision. The question was whether all units should retreat to the rear, reorganize the army lines, set up operations again, and continue their active ones, or should the front line be defended to the end until all units were destroyed.


    The General Staff, who decided to put these critical decisions on hold for a while and watch the situation, had other concerns closing in on them. These concerns were the Second Dsk-Luhansk War in Ukraine, which was called the Donbas Civil War, the defending of the Crimea Penins, and another Korean military force moving northward in earnest to southern Russia.


    Even so, the military strength of the southern district was greatly reduced as even the two counties belonging to the southern district were forced to send support to the northwestern front. However, to leave behind Dsk, which had already been taken, and to protect the Luhansk Bay, several units that belonged to the Western Military District were dispatched as a temporary measure, but the defense of the Crimea Penins and southern defense were very dangerous. However, they were worried since it was not possible to return the two troops sent to the northwest front, which is located far away by a straight line distance of 5,000 kilometers.


    A few days ago, the peace units dispatched to the Republic of Kurdistan were advancing north from the direction of Azerbaijan and Armenia using various reconnaissance forces, but they did not think much of it at first.


    Even if there were three brigades, they were at the level of one division, and if garrisons from various self-governing countries in Russia engage in defensive battles to buy time, and also at the same time n a defense strategy by the 58th Army in the southern military district, it was because of the judgment that it could be easily destroyed before it even reached Russian territory.


    However, it was a misjudgement. These three brigades were responsible for the independence of the Republic of Kurdistan. Not to mention that they were units that won the war against Iraq as well as Iran. Iran, that provided various advanced weapons in its own country.


    In addition, arrogance yed a part in the reason why the General Staff made such a misjudgement. It was analyzed that Iran¡¯s and Iraq¡¯s military power was worse than expected, and the state-of-the-art weapons provided by their own countries were also defeated because the Iranian military¡¯s training and equipment management skills were so far behind that they couldn¡¯t use these weapons properly.


    There was one more thing. The 12th Carrier Strike Group was stationed in the Persian Gulf, 100 kilometers east of Kuwait.


    The power of the 12th Carrier Strike Group was truly great, during the war of independence in Kurdistan, and with the power of one carrier strike group, it had an excellent performance putting down the Iranian and Iraqimand over the sea as well as theirmand over the international water, in addition to sess in the ground attack missions.


    Although the 12th Carrier Strike Group was more than 1,400 kilometers away from southern Russia, the world¡¯s first unmanned fighter CUF/A-22NP Phoenix arrived in about 10 minutes, securing air superiority and unleashing tremendous firepower on the ground.


    And because of these several misjudgements, the three brigades of the Peace Unit, which began their evacuations in earnest, moved northward with crushing power.


    Firstly, present-day Georgia, which was called Gruziya, and shares a border with Russia, was still suffering from territorial disputes with Russia at two locations. Currently, at the northern end of the ck Sea, the 35th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Peace Corps had taken over manyrge and small cities, and at the end, it had reached the vicinity of Suhomi, which was considered to be a major city.


    At the second territorial dispute area, which is the northwestern part of Shida Kartli, the 11th Marine Corps Brigade (Gwangryong) was sweeping as fast as lightning and pushing the rebels and the Russian Allying Army out of the border.


    The 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, which moved north alongside the west coast of the third andst Caspian Sea, spread across Derbent, and now they were going to split the brigade¡¯s power into two and was going to upy the two capitals Buynaksk and Makhachk, at the same time.


    Thanks to the great firepower support from the unmanned fighter of the 12th Carrier Strike Group, they made more progress than expected. That is why the General Staff decided to actively utilize the special forces that belong to the Southern Military District in urban warfare to slow down one of the sweeps.


    Usually, special forces infiltrating the rear of the enemy had a mission of causing a rear disturbance by assassinating the major people and destroying the important facilities, but this time, they tried to put them in allying cities and stall for as much time as possible using guerri tactics.


    ordingly, the 33rd Search Brigade was deployed at Suhomi, the 100th Search Brigade and the 10th Spetsnaz Brigade were deployed at Buynaksk, and the 22nd Spetsnaz Brigade was deployed at Makhachk, making the street battles difficult.


    Although it was a temporary measure, unlike other cities that were upied, it seemed clear that the Peace Corps was having a hard time.


    * * *


    23:00, 10th of January, 2024 (Russia time: 17:00)


    Makhachk city, Dagestan Ost, Russia


    <Ta ta tang! Ta ta tang!>


    Numerous bullets andser beams passed through the square in front of City Hall, the center of Makhachk.


    On the southern side of the building, Korean infantry who got off their armored vehicles fired back, while on the opposite side, on the northern side, mes erupted from various fire extinguishers in several buildings, including the City Hall building.


    ¡°Ah, these b*stards aren¡¯t easy.¡±


    Corporal Kwak Young-hwan, who was leaning closely behind the half-tattered car with holes in it from various bullets, and was trying to take cover, slightly raised his head and was about to check the front using the shield sses, but he quickly bowed his head at the pouring bullets and spat out swear words.


    The 75th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, which entered the city battle in the afternoon after fighting with one Russian Vehicle Fire Infantry Brigade on the southern ins of Makhachk in the morning, faced fierce resistance that they have never felt before.


    The 75th Mechanized Battalion thought it would easily upy Makhachk when it defeated the Vehicle Fire Infantry Brigade in the morning. However, the movements of enemy infantry facing each other in a street fight were not ordinary. As if flying, their movements were quick, and their shooting skills were excellent.


    It was rare to be killed or injured by the personal weapons of Russian infantrymen, but it was true that they were slightly startled.


    However, C-23P-M Hyeonmoo mobilebat armored vehicles provided firepower support, so there was a neck-and-neck battle between them.


    ¡°Hey! These guys are not ordinary. They¡¯ve got military uniforms too; these guys seem like they¡¯re special forces.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Seong-ho, who lift the personal firearm CS-2¡¯s muzzle at a 30-degree angle and fired some 30-millimeter smart grenades in a row, immediately flew toward Corporal Kwak Young-hwan and whispered.


    ¡°Ah, these are small. However, why did youe here?¡±


    ¡°This jerk? I Didn¡¯te to protect you!¡±


    At this time, the toon leader¡¯s voice was transmitted through the toonmunicationwork.


    ¡°It is the toon leader. Inside the several buildings in front of us, a lot of snipers appeared! Everyone, be careful when you¡¯re fighting back!


    ¡°Damn! Even snipers? Sergeant Kim! If these are sniper guns, will our protective suits be prated?¡±


    ¡°Try getting hit! See if it will be prated or not!¡±


    ¡°Are you joking?¡±


    ¡°No? This is no joke?¡±


    ¡°Oh my!¡±


    Corporal Kwak Young-hwan had in his eyes a destructive look! However, Sergeant Kim Seong-ho, who was being gazed at, stuck his head out from the top of the car and checked out the front.


    <Ta ta ta tang! Ta ta tang! Ta ang! Ta tang!>


    As expected, bullet cases were spread all around the ce.


    ¡°Gosh! There are a lot of guys!¡±


    ¡°What are you so surprised about? Bullets with such calibre won¡¯t prate your helmet.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Ha ha ha! Is that a way to talk? Ha ha!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Corporal Kim! Let¡¯s catch the snipers!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not telling me to be bait, are you?¡±


    ¡°Man! How can I tell my recement to be bait?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve just checked, there are five people on the second floor of the second building that is on the left from the City Hall building. And there are eight people on the third floor and two people on the eighth floor.¡±


    ¡°Woah! You spotted them this well in such a short time?¡±


    ¡°Am I a sergeant for nothing? Indeed, I couldn¡¯t even impersonate corporal Naburintang.¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Yes!¡±


    ¡°Anyway, run over there. I don¡¯t care about the people downstairs, just get rid of the two on the eighth floor! You got it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah? They¡¯re dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make a noise! Get ready!¡±


    After a while, Sergeant Kim Seong-ho took a few deep breaths and started running towards a new cover point.


    <Da da da da da da dat!>


    <Ta ta tang! Ta ta tang! Ta ta ta tang!>


    Bullets were fired at Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who was running in zigzags as if it were showering him, and as the missed bullets hit the ground, sparks sttered.


    <Ta ang~>


    Sergeant Kim Sung-ho, who was running when gunfire was shot from the eighth floor, lost his bnce. Soon, however, he managed to bnce himself with an animal instinct and jumped again, spitting abusive words.


    ¡°Ah, that hurts! F*ck!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Seong-ho felt the burning pain from his thighs and had a hunch that it was a sniper¡¯s bullet, not a regr bullet, so he raised his middle finger toward the eighth floor and flew himself to a safe cover.


    Meanwhile, Corporal Kwak Young-hwan, who was checking out the eighth floor from behind the car, when a bright figure that looked like a sniper stuck a gun out of the crack in the window, so Corporal Kwak Young-hwan put a CS3 on the roof of the car and pulled the trigger.


    From the squad weapon CS3, an 8-millimeterser beam was drawn like a line that was sucked into the cracks in the window of the eighth floor. In a short time, numerous red rays that flew in a row swept out a radius of 1 meter. Naturally, both the sniper and the spotter were riddled withser rays that tore them into pieces so that their shapes could not even be recognized.


    ¡°Oh yeah!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Seong-ho, who hid in a small cover diagonally from the front, gave a thumbs up and smiled brightly.


    ¡°Hey! Corporal Kwak! The protective suit is fine even with a sniper gun. Haha!¡±


    ¡°That is really incredible. But if you want to meet your wife after the war, don¡¯t take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Is this reminding me in case I forget? Damn!¡±


    ¡°Haha, I mean think about your Sergeant Kim and take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Let¡¯s get rid of the rest of them quickly!¡±


    ¡°If other squad memberse, don¡¯t kill them.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time! Let¡¯s just finish up with the two of us! If I keep shooting stray bullets in a row and you know it, try to rain them with bullets! Why don¡¯t we send some guys on the path to death?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Seong-ho took out several grenades from the grenade shack attached to his waist and loaded them into the grenadeuncher.


    <Click!>


    Sergeant Kim Seong-ho, who pushed the loading handle with his left hand, sent a signal to Corporal Kwak Young-hwan with his eyes, then took a deep breath and in a quick motion sprayed some smart grenades toward the building.


    <Ta ta ta tang! Ta ta ta tang! Ta ta ta tang!>


    The smart grenade, which flew up to 200 meters drawing an arc, exploded immediately after hitting the second and third floors. It wasn¡¯t a huge explosion, but it was an explosion of enough power to turn the infantry on the inside into a beehive.


    <Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!>


    With the explosion, thick smoke rose from all directions. Not to miss this moment, Corporal Kwak Young-hwan also pulled the trigger of the CS3 and shot them with a coolser beam.


    In the building where a cloud of dust was rising, a ray of red light pierced straight forward through most of the walls, so that the inside of the building was crushed onto itself.


    Corporal Kwak Young-hwan, who had used one battery pack in the blink of an eye, took a breath and in a quick motion reced it with a new battery pack. And then he got into shooting position again. Meanwhile, sergeant Kim Seong-ho was also firing smart grenades at the enemy troops, which was checked out through the shield sses by sergeant Kim Seong-ho to see if they had reloaded the smart grenades again or not.


    At some point, the two soldiers, who mobilized all the avable firepower for several minutes, stopped shooting. Then the thick dust and ck smoke slowly subsided.


    ¡°Oh! This seems clear. Haha!¡±


    Corporal Kwak Young-hwan, who looked all over the building through the shield ss, said with a big smile. And ordingly, Sergeant Kim Seong-ho put the personal weapon CS2 on his shoulder and grabbed the weapon with a grumpy look as if it was natural.


    ¡°This is just the power of a sergeant in the Korean Army!¡±


    ¡°Oh~ yeah!¡±


    And for a brief moment, sergeant Kim Seong-ho, who overpowered squad-level troops, and corporal Kwak Young-hwan could no longer detect any more brightly colored figures in the building that has been hideously changed.

 Chapter 503 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of war - 4-1 Disputes

    <h4>Chapter 503: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of war ¨C 4-1 Disputes</h4>


    Season 2 Book 20, Shadow of war ¨C 4-1 Disputes.


    January 11th, 2024, 10:00 (New China Time: 09:00)


    Outskirts of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary residence of the Central Military Headquarters)


    Due to the severemunication problems, the general staff was forced to send soldiers directly to all subordinate units to deliver orders and obtain information.


    However, there have been several irreversible idents for the general staff in thest few days because of theck ofmunication.


    Several front-linebat units, which had not received orders for three days due to themunication breakdown, used defensive tactics to block the aggressively converted South Korean forces by using the people as a shield.


    Even though they were citizens of the enemy¡¯s country, some South Korean soldiers were unable tounch a passive offensive and preferred to withdraw from the fighting zone. However, not all frontline units were thinking the same way. The units that were heavily damaged by the sma bomb attacks, such as the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong),unched an aggressive offensive, whether out of vengeance for theirrades or themander¡¯s strong spirit. As a result, the sacrifices of the people who had be a shield in the fighting area were great.


    As these things happened simultaneously everywhere,ints from victims, their families, and other people who heard the news piled up and finally eruptedst night. People¡¯s dissatisfaction had turned into anger, which erupted all at once, resulting in demonstrations. The issue here was that the protesters¡¯ targets of rage were the New China Army rather than the Korean Army.


    This was because the New China Army was using the people as a shield rather than protecting them. They were only concerned about their own safety.


    Ironically, these protests arose from resentment towards their own troops. This resentment also spread to the internationalmunity, who criticized and mocked the army for using their own people as a shield.


    The protests in the war zone gradually spread across the country, and as many as 50,000 protesters flocked to the temporary residence of the Central Military Headquarters.


    ¡°Go away! Go away! The party and Army that treated their people like dogs, step down!¡±


    When the protesters who were wearing masks and holding various signs rushed into the temporary residence¡¯s main gate, medium-sized guards armed with QBZ-95G rifles stepped forward to block them.


    Among the guards who were blocking the demonstrator¡¯s path, an officer stepped forward.


    ¡°Stop! Stop the protests! How dare you protest? I¡¯ll fire at you if you take one more step.¡±


    The officer, who took out the QBZ-92 pistol from the holster on his waist and spoke arrogantly, was the chief guard of the Central Military District Command, Feng Zhenyu.


    This was when the problem urred. The protesters who were in the lead stopped walking because they had seen the soldiers who were holding their guns and blocking them, but the tens of thousands of protesters who followed were unaware of that and began to push the people in front of them, causing the protesters to advance as a whole.


    ¡°Calm down! Don¡¯t push! There are soldiers in front of us that blocking our way.¡±


    ¡°Stop moving! Stop moving! People in the back, stop moving!¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you moving? Keep going. Keep going.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s show them our power!¡±


    Yelling erupted among the protesters. They were, however, unable to stop. The front row of protesters persisted, and the entire protest group moved forward as if they were marching again.


    <Tang!>


    Colonel Feng Zhenyu mercilessly pressed the trigger against the man in front of him and the man who now had a hole in the middle of his forehead, copsed.


    ¡°Kiyak!¡±


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°Run away!¡±


    ¡°Soldiers are shooting at us. Run away.¡±


    The protesters were startled by the sound of gunfire and began to flee in all directions, while Colonel Feng Zhenyu raised his left hand and quickly made a shooting gesture.


    As a result, the guards, who had been waiting in line in a shooting position for quite some time, began firing at the same time.


    <Tang! Tatatatang! Tatatang! Tatatang!>


    The shooting continued for a while. After some time, the colonel, Feng Zhenyu, raised his hand. Then the gunfire, which seemed as if it would never end, stopped.


    The road around the temporary residence¡¯s main gate had turned into a literal sea of blood. The 50,000 protesters vanished, leaving behind only hundreds of copsed bodies.


    ¡°It smells.¡±


    Colonel Feng Zhenyu, who wrapped his nose with a handkerchief because of the bloody smell, instructed his lieutenant on a few things with an indifferent look and entered the camp. After a while, several transport trucks arrived, and the lieutenant gestured for the guards to load the bodies into them. In response, the guards put their guns on their shoulders and threw the bodies into the loading boxes. Even though some people were still moaning, they threw them randomly over the stacked bodies as if those that were injured were bothering them.


    It proved how little regard they had for the people¡¯s human rights.


    <Click! Click! Click!>


    The sound of a camera shutter repeatedly sounded somewhere in the distance. On a small mountain ridge one kilometer away from where the current events urred, someone was lying close to the ground and capturing all of this with a camera that had a telephoto lens.


    <hr />


    January 11th, 2024, 22:00


    Shinchitose Airport, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan


    About 150 military carriersnded at Shinchitose Airport the previous morning. These military carriers opened their rear hatches in the loading area, and various tanks, armored vehicles, and vehicles were loaded.


    ording to the soldier¡¯s instructions, the military carriers¡¯ nes, which were fully loaded with various heavy equipment up to their maximum take-off weight, moved to the take-off waiting area.


    ¡°Just like this!¡±


    When the transport team leader guided the transport process with his nightsticks that he held in both hands, the C-3A2 White Tiger tank with a gorgeous dragon, the division mark of the 3rd Marine Corps Division, moved along the hatch tform while floating 30 centimeters off the floor thanks to the hover system.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s great. Just like this! Slowly. Slowly!¡±


    When the C-3A2 White Tiger tanknded safely in the transport ne¡¯s cargopartment, the transport leader immediately made an X-shape with his night sticks. As a result, the C-3A2 White Tiger tank came to a halt andnded on the floor. The operating soldiers who were waiting next to it then attached the binding and fixed safety devices as soon as the engine was turned off.


    ¡°The Two front parts are tied up! Safety device is installed!¡±


    ¡°The two rear parts are tied up! Safety device is installed!¡±


    As the operational soldiers continued to report, the hatch of the White Tiger tank opened, and sergeant Kim Kyung-soon came out from the cockpit and politely greeted the transport team leader.


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡±


    ¡°No. It is not that big a deal; just take care of yourself there.¡±


    The transport team leader, who appeared to be in his mid-forties, spoke in a Gyeongsang-do dialect.


    ¡°Yes, I will be careful. Haha, then I¡¯ll get going now. Salute!¡±


    ¡°Salute!¡±


    During the First Northeast Asian War, sergeant Kim Kyung-soon served as a tank driver on various battlefields. At the time of discharge after the war, the Ministry of National Defense promoted a project to trial-train all troops of the Third Marine Corps East Division (Hwaryong). As a result, he received an application for long-term active-duty service.


    The conditions were great.


    The retirement age was guaranteed, and the two-year military service period was calcted, allowing him to be recognized as a sergeant of the third degree in addition to the 10 million won he would receive as a nonmissioned officer.


    Nothing could be any better. He would be able to get a job in the military at the age of 23, and his sry as a nonmissioned officer wasparable to that of arge corporation.


    Therefore, without any hesitation, Sergeant Kim Kyung-soon applied for the long-term service, and three yearster, he was promoted to sergeant, and he is now working hard as a tank driver in the existing unit.


    The reason for the Ministry of National Defenseunching the Third Marine Corps East Division (Hwaryong) project on a trial basis was to deal with all troops of the rank of nonmissioned officer or above.


    As time passed, expensive equipment incorporating cutting-edge technology became popr, and armored units were forced to operate equipment that demanded professional skills to an extent unmatched in the past.


    For example, in the case of an upgraded C-3A2 white tiger tank, a hover engine is installed to enable it to float around the ground, unlike previously when it was caterpir-powered. In other words, it was simr to being an airne pilot in some ways.


    Although it is a simple flying technology, tank control requires skills unrivaled in the past, so the project focused on active soldiers at the level of nonmissioned officers who had served for a long time rather than active soldiers who had only been serving for two years. Furthermore, officers must serve in the division for five years before being transferred to other units. As a result, Major General Jo Gyu-hong, whomanded the division three years ago, remained inmand of the Third Marine Corps East Division (Hwarong).


    Three yearster, the Third Marine Corps East Division (Hwaryong), which waspletely organized at the nonmissioned officer level or higher, had surpassed the 20th Armored Division, which had been called the world¡¯s strongest power.


    They were executives above the level of nonmissioned officers with more skills than any other unit, and they also used the most advanced equipment. Finally, it was the Marine Corps who was known to be so tough that they could even catch ghosts.


    The loading process was finished with the White Tiger tank controlled by Sergeant Kim Byung-soon. Meanwhile, in the boarding area, marines of the rank of nonmissioned officers or above from Third Marine Corps East Division (Hwarong) were boarding the military carrier through the tform passage, carrying heavy armor that appeared heavy just by looking at it.


    There seemed to be 3,400 marines from the First and Third Marine Corps East Division (Hwarong) who had left two days earlier. They were divided into seven CC-503 military carriers of therge ss, each carrying 500 people. In addition to the military carriers that were loaded with various heavy equipment. They were speeding up and flying into the sky for 30 minutes.


    <hr />


    January 12th, 2024, 02:00 (New China time: 01:00)


    The border area of Honghu City, Hubei Province, New China


    A group that consisted of about 50 people moved quietly, relying on the moonlight. They carefully stepped on the night dew while following a young man¡¯s instructions, which were given through gestures rather than words. They were just on the outskirts of the southwest end of Honghu, where the Changgang River, which is used as a canal, flows.


    It was only 400 kilometers away from Chongqing, where the three-year civil war with the Republic of China took ce. Since one month ago, the border controls between the two countries have loosened quite a bit.


    The reason for this was that when the war with the Republic of Korea re-emerged, the General Staff deployed border guard troops to the battlefield. As a result, the guard post, which used to be 100 meters apart, could now be found after every one kilometer.


    ¡°Everyone, be quiet! Sit down.¡±


    The young man, who spoke to the people following him in hushed tones and gestured with his hand, thrust his face through the reed forest and looked left and right along the Yangtze River.


    They were exactly in the middle of the guard posts. In other words, it was exactly 500 meters away from the guard posts on the left and right.


    The young man turned around and approached the people who were staring at him and whispered to them.


    ¡°It¡¯s important from now on, so listen carefully. Although it¡¯s winter, the ice hasn¡¯tpletely frozen yet. Therefore, you¡¯ll need to be mentally prepared before crossing the river. We¡¯ll be swimming to the ind in the middle. The distance will be approximately 650 meters. You all know that, right?


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡±


    At this moment, a woman in her fifties raised her hand and asked a question.


    ¡°I¡¯m not good at swimming. Will it be okay?¡±


    ¡°Did you bring your tube?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I brought it.¡±


    The woman took out from her bag a tube that was meant for the beach.


    ¡°Inte it. Hurry! We don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    As soon as she replied, she ced her mouth on the tube and began blowing into it.


    ¡°Please excuse me! Is this road really safe, Jeong-gwang?¡±


    A man in the back asked.


    ¡°This is the safest route I know, so don¡¯t be impatient.¡±


    This young man, called Jeong-gwang, is of Korean-Chinese origin and was once famous as a broker specializing in North Korean defectors. He was now working as a broker helping those trying to illegally cross the border into the Republic of China..

 Chapter 504 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 4-2 Disputes

    <h4>Chapter 504: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 4-2 Disputes</h4>


    Before the war with South Korea broke out, there were not as many people who were trying to illegally cross the border to the Republic of China, because it was extremely dangerous. However, after the war broke out, as many as 50 attempts urred on a single day.


    At 5,000 yuan per person and a total of 50 people per day, he could get more than 40 million won in Korean money. Since he had to split the profits with his colleagues who were waiting on the other side of the border, in addition to the fake ID cards he had to make so they could live there, and the fact that he was endangering his own life, it wasn¡¯t considered a lot of money. So, even if he received 100,000 yuan, it would not be very beneficial to him.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s winter, the current is not severe, so we¡¯ll go slowly, relying on the rope we tied together.¡±


    When Jeong-gwang arrived at the river, he checked the water temperature with his hand and was the first to get in, followed by those who had been waiting behind him.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s cold!¡±


    Someone yelled as the coldness seemed to freeze his bones.


    ¡°Shh! Be quiet!¡±


    Jeong-gwang put his index finger on his mouth and frowned.


    Like this, about 50 people began to cross the river under the cover of the moonlight as quietly as possible.


    The Janggang River was too wide to cross all at once. Even the smallest width measured 1.2 kilometers. It was for this reason that the small ind was chosen as an intermediate base. Otherwise, no matter how strong the person was, if he tried to cross it all at once, he would be washed away by the current, and if one person made a mistake, everyone would be washed away and turned into a water ghost.


    In about 30 minutes, they reached the small ind.


    As soon as everyone arrived on the ind, they fell to the floor and exhaled heavily. Swimming the 650-meter distance was not easy.


    ¡°You will be frozen to death like that. Take out your nkets from your luggage and cover yourselves. We¡¯ll take a short break of about 10 minutes.¡±


    Jeong-gwang approached the people one by one, covering them with nkets, before sitting on the floor and covering himself with a small nket while looking around the ind.


    Since it was an ind made of sand piled up in the middle of the river, it was not popr, but there was nothing bad about being careful.


    ¡°I need to go to the bathroom, please.¡±


    <Toilet in such a dangerous situation?> Jeong-gwang criticized with a low voice.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve gone in the water when we were crossing the river. What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s the big one.¡±


    A woman in her forties looked as if she desperately needed to use the bathroom and didn¡¯t know what to do. As a result, Jeong-gwang pointed to one side of the ind.


    ¡°Hurry up. We can¡¯t stay here for long.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    The woman in her forties ran in the direction he pointed at, holding her butt.


    Ten minutes passed.


    ¡°Get ready to go. Put the nkets back in your bags and make sure that water isn¡¯t able to enter your bags.¡±


    Jeong-gwang gave the people instructions before turning his head and looking in the direction where the women had gone a while ago.


    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t shee back?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll go to look for her.¡±


    Her husband bowed to him and walked in the same direction as her, fearful that they would be dyed because of his wife.


    At that moment, mes erupted from not far away, and the sound of an explosion rang.


    <Kwaang!>


    ¡°Argh! It¡¯s andmine.¡±


    Jeong-gwang shouted urgently as he realised it was andmine.


    ¡°Everyone swim in that direction. Hurry up!¡±


    ¡°Oh, my. My wife. What should I do?¡±


    The man, who was on his way to find his wife, was startled by the sound of the explosion and ran to Jeong-gwang to ask.


    ¡°It¡¯ste. Hurry up and run if you want to live.¡±


    ¡°Jeong-gwang! Please, she is my wife.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my!¡±


    Jeong-gwang, who couldn¡¯t do anything because of the man who was holding on to his pants, scratched the back of his head and yelled.


    ¡°Okay. You can go first. I¡¯ll bring your wife with me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up, pack up and run. If you¡¯rete, you¡¯ll get shot and you¡¯ll die.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡±


    Several lighting bullets fired from the New China¡¯s guard post were falling slowly, shining a bright light.


    Jeong-gwang, who clenched his teeth, ran to the ce where thendmine exploded.


    The ind, which was getting brighter and brighter, gradually became clear in shape.


    <Tatatatang! Tatatatang!>


    The New China guard post fired without hesitation. They were firing at the people crossing the river. This attempt at smuggling them out of the country was a failure.


    Soon after, Jeong-gwang witnessed a horrific scene. As expected, the woman had stepped on andmine, resulting in the loss of her right leg and she was suffering from severe bleeding. Furthermore, her left leg had been hit by debris and she did not appear to be in a good condition.


    ¡°Save me, save me!¡±


    The woman struggled to raise her hand and ask Jeong-gwang for help as blood poured out of her mouth while she tried to speak.


    Jeong-gwang paused. He would carry her on his back if she had a chance of survival. Her injuries, however, were far too severe.


    At this time, sand sttered everywhere along with the gunfire.


    <Tatatang! Tatatang! Tatang!>


    ¡°Oh, my!¡±


    Jeong-gwang ran toward the Republic of China, carrying the woman on his back. It was incredible that she felt lighter than he had anticipated due to the loss of her leg.


    <Euaaaaa!>


    Jeong-gwang, who screamed to calm himself, finally made it to the other side of the water and jumped in.


    <Ssh!>


    He supported the woman with one hand while stirring the current with the other.


    They continued to fire at him. He did not, however, give up. He finally crossed the river and arrived in the Republic of China, wondering where this superhuman strength came from.


    ¡°Put your hands up!¡±


    Several border guards from the Republic of China appeared in the dark and pointed guns toward him.


    After he had ced the women on the floor, he raised his hand, turned his head, and looked back in the direction he hade from. In the light of themp, he could clearly see it.


    ¡°Go!¡±


    With his own eyes, he witnessed several bodies being washed away by the water. In the end, they were unable to cross the river, and they had all been shot to death. The colleague who was waiting for them must have fled.


    ¡°What? She¡¯s dead. Did you carry her body up to here?¡±


    A soldier shook his head when he saw the dead woman who was lying on the floor. She seemed to have died from excessive bleeding after spending a long time in the water.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    A soldier who appeared to be senior asked while pointing his gun at him. Only then did Jeong-gwang copse on the floor and mumble helplessly, as if everything was bothering him.


    ¡°Oh! I don¡¯t know. A broker! I¡¯m just a broker!¡±


    People from New China were currently fleeing across the border to the Republic of China or the Eastern Republic. Unofficial rumors have circted that the number of people who have fled New China has surpassed 500,000.


    As if before the reunification of the Republic of Korea, the situation of North Korean defectors escaping from North Korea was taking ce here in New China.


    * * *


    January 12, 2024, 10:20 (New China time: 09:20)


    In front of the Central Public Security Building in Hubishi, Henan Province, New China


    <Boo!>


    A Molotov cocktail that flew through the window exploded, and the fire soared inside the public security building.


    ¡°Throw it! There! Throw it over there, too!¡±


    A group of men wearing motorcycle helmets and other safety gear threw Molotov cocktails at the public security building without showing any mercy.


    Public security vehicles parked outside of public security buildings were already on fire, and dark smoke had engulfed the surrounding area.


    ¡°Shoot them! Shoot them!¡±


    On the fourth floor, someone opened the window and shouted. Then windows opened in various ces and the sound of shooting began to ring.


    <Tang! Tang! Tang! Tang! Tang! Tang! Tang! Tang! Tang!>


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    A man, who was just about to throw the Molotov cocktail, was shot in the chest and fell forward. As the Molotov cocktail that he was holding dropped to the floor and exploded, the mes wrapped around the man.


    ¡°Euaaaaaaaa.¡±


    The man who had been surrounded by the fire screamed in agony as he rolled around on the floor, while other men who were nearby removed their coats and covered him with them to put the fire out.


    However, the bullets fired from public security buildings did not leave them alone.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    ¡°Gasp!¡±


    The men who were removing their coats to put out the fire were shot as well and copsed on the floor.


    ¡°Hey! Throw it there!¡±


    When someone yelled, a man hiding behind the wall took a grenade from his bag that he had no idea where he had got from and pulled out the safety lever. He then threw it toward the window on the third floor.


    <Kwaang!>


    The grenade, which flew in a parabolic line, shattered one of the windows on the third floor. After a while, there was a loud explosion, and a tattered-looking police officer was thrown out the window and fell to the ground.


    <Boom!>


    The public security who saw this continued to fire mercilessly at them as if they were possessed with some evil power.


    This riot was not only happening here, but it was also happening simultaneously throughout the city.


    Eventually, people had gotten their hands on public security arsenal, so ordinary citizens roamed the city with heavy weapons, attacking only public security and government buildings. The gunshots, explosions, and screams of the citizens continued unabated.


    * * *


    January 12th, 2024, 11:00 (New China Time: 10:00)


    5 kilometers southeast of Yongcheong-si, Henan Province, New China


    Yongcheong in Henan Province was an intermediate city with a poption of 1.2 million, one of the cities geographically close to the Eastern Republic¡¯s border, and geographically surrounded by borders on three sides. In other words, it was surrounded by the Eastern Republic.


    After China was divided into three major countries, New China did not have ties with the Eastern Republic unlike the Republic of China, which had other political ideologies, but managed to maintain diplomatic rtions.


    For that reason, the border controls have loosened, and getting in was also possible with simple procedures. However, as New China waged a full-fledged war with the Republic of Korea, the borders of the Eastern Republic were closed.


    Therefore, on all the roads from Yongcheng to the border of the Eastern Republic, there was a long line of vehicles. The roads were full of cars for as far as the eye could see.


    These were people attempting to flee from New China as rumors circted that the New China military was using civilians as a shield. Aside from the evidence, photos of the brutal massacre of protesters protesting in front of the Central Military District headquarters the day before were widely circted.


    In response, the border guards closed all the border entrances and ordered them to return while pointing their guns at them.


    People, however, got out of their cars and protested because the road was so congested that they couldn¡¯t even pull out. As time passed, the intensity of their protests grew, and the atmosphere was getting tense.


    Atst, Lieutenant Colonel Gui Cheon, themander of the border guard at the entrance, used heavy weapons to disperse the protesters. Lieutenant Colonel Gui Cheon¡¯s expression was uneasy, as he was aware that people were rioting in various parts of the country.


    Even in the cold winter, thick drops of sweat flowed down from his forehead.


    ¡°Open the border. We can¡¯t live here any longer because we¡¯re afraid.¡±


    ¡°Open! Open!¡±


    Citizens flocked in massive numbers, their faces scowling like raging bulls, and some wielding iron tools resembling monkey spanners.


    ¡°Go back. The border is closed, and you cannot pass. This is the order, so I can¡¯t help you.¡±


    He screamed into the loudspeaker, but his voice was drowned out by the citizens¡¯ yells.


    ¡°That is not working, Everyone, let¡¯s push ahead.¡±


    Fights started breaking out all over the ce. When someone yelled, the citizens then jumped into their cars and started the engines all at once.


    <Roar! Roar!>


    The cars in front made a loud engine noise and began to move forward at the same time.


    <Kiiing!>


    Even though Lieutenant Colonel Gui Cheon had not given the order to fire, one of the heavy weapons gunners was startled and flinched, and unknowingly pulled the trigger.


    <Tatatatatang! Tatatatatatang!>

 Chapter 505 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 4-3 Disputes

    <h4>Chapter 505: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 4-3 Disputes</h4>


    When fire erupted from the 85-type heavy machine gun, 12.7 millimeters bullets were sprayed.


    <Bam! Bam! Bam!>


    The cars, which were rushing ahead of the pouring bullets, were riddled with bullet holes and were thrown into the left railing.


    Because the other cars were taken by surprise by the sudden shooting, they turned the steering wheel, resulting in a chain collision and aplete mess in front of the border entrance.


    <Quang! Quack, quack, quack!>


    Cars were mangled, and white smoke was billowing from the bos. Some cars were thrown over after driving straight up to the entrance barrier. From behind, many cars had crossed the railing and were driving toward the border fence. The ground was farnd and the winter weather had frozen it sufficiently to allow the cars to move faster.


    ¡°Stop them! Stop them!¡±


    When Major Gae-cheon shouted, the border guards began to fire at the cars that had scattered left and right.


    Even though bullets were being fired from all sides, some cars were able to drive into the Eastern Republic after driving through the iron fence. Soldiers from the Eastern Republic attempted to restrain them as well but were unsessful.


    The so-called ¡°Yongcheng Great Escape¡± made headlines all over the world. Where the twist came from was unknown for certain, but New China began to riot from within in this manner. In fact, it was already underway.


    <hr />


    January 12th, 2024, 13:00 (New China time: 12:00)


    The outskirts of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary residence of the Central Military Headquarters)


    Despite the battlefield situation, the Central Military Headquartersmand room had the atmosphere of a portrait house, thanks to reports from all over the country.


    All subordinate units were currently ordered not to use civilians in their tactics, but the spark of the division had already spread across the country.


    As rumors spread throughout the country, people¡¯s outrage grew, especially after seeing vivid photos of the scene where shooting at protesters at the temporary resident base had urred, causing irreversible disruption.


    Currently, protests have taken ce in thousands of locations, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties, to the point where it is safe to say that there have been popr uprisings in all cities and viges, except forrge cities devastated by the leveling operation.


    The party and military officers at the protest site tried to forcefully suppress the situation, but they made the situation even worse since they couldn¡¯tmunicate with the officials of the Central Party who had been evacuated to the central military district.


    ¡°What the hell did you do to make these kinds of photos go around?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was holding several photos, shook his head and criticized. He eventually threw the photos in his hands at the party officials and general staffmanders who were looking at him.


    Several pictures flew and fell on the floor. The photos that President Wang Jing-wi threw out in such fury were vividly captured scenes of subduing protesters with gunshots that took ce at the main gate of the headquarters¡¯ temporary resident yesterday.


    In particr, the scene in the picture was horrendous. Dozens of people were shot and left bleeding on the floor, surrounded by guards who beat them with a suppression rod. A man who was asking for help was grabbed by the neck and had been beaten to a pulp. The pictures appeared to have been taken intentionally.


    ¡°Who is the senseless security officer who made this happen?¡±


    Mark, the generalmander of the Central Military District and the current operational status director of the General Staff, replied with a nce at President Wang Jing-wi, who criticized him with a rough breath.


    ¡°The person in charge of security is Major General Du Yu-ru, themander of the headquarters guard, and the fieldmander is sergeant Feng Zhenyu.¡±


    At this moment, Major General Du Yu-ru, who was standing behind him, stepped forward and saluted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. After this war, I¡¯ll take responsibility for this ident.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi gave Major General Du Yu-ru a stern look.


    ¡°Have you ever seen such an idiot? Responsibility? Hmph! What do you mean by taking responsibility? It¡¯s already spilt water. What¡¯s the name of the on-sitemander?¡±


    ¡°His name is Feng Zhenyu.¡±


    ¡°Arrest him and the guard captain right away!¡±


    ¡°Huh? You mean the guard captain?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi reacted nervously when Mark asked back,


    ¡°Can¡¯t you understand?¡±


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Mark, who slightly bowed his head, approached Major General Du Yu-ru and grabbed his arms and then he nodded to the soldiers behind him and dragged him out of themand room.


    President Wang Jing-wi looked around, then returned to his chair and sat down. He then ced his hands on his brow and thought for a moment before speaking in a weak voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there. Give me some solutions.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! I think it would be better for you to present the People¡¯s Statement yourself to calm the current situation down.¡±


    Shaoyang, chairman of the Standing Committee of Jeong In-dae, replied. As a result, President Wang Jing-wi, who raised one eye, asked again.


    ¡°Would I be able to put an end to this riot if I did this?¡±


    ¡°I think it might stop depending on the presentation.¡±


    ¡°What should the presentation be about?¡±


    When President Wang Jing-wi responded, Shaoyang replied carefully.


    ¡°Apologize. I think you should sincerely apologize to the people, saying that you are responsible for everything that has happened.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi shouted, but Chairman Shaoyang did not stop talking.


    ¡°Under the current situation, other than this, there is no way to turn back the public sentiment. Also, there is no time. You should announce the People¡¯s Statement immediately.¡±


    <Kwang!>


    President Wang Jing-wi smashed the table and sarcastically replied.


    ¡°Are you telling me to apologize to the people? Huh? How dare you?¡±


    ¡°Based on the current situation.¡±


    <Boom!>


    President Wang Jing-wi smashed the table once again.


    ¡°This guy is really¡­¡±


    ¡°I think in the same way as the chairman of the standingmittee.¡±


    Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong courageously spoke out.


    ¡°My my! Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong is asking me to apologize to the people?¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! You¡¯ve heard the report, haven¡¯t you? Riots are currently taking ce all across the country. If something goes wrong, we might lose because of internal divisions rather than the war.¡±


    ¡°Huh! If you¡¯re so worried, why don¡¯t you do it Prime Minister?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi spoke sarcastically to Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong.


    ¡°If you ask me to, I¡¯ll do it. But aren¡¯t you the head of New China? What you do will have a greater impact than me.¡±


    Even though he felt upset, he tried to persuade the president by enduring the assault. Then, he looked at the other bureaucrats standing next to him for help.


    However, none of the other bureaucrats stepped forward. Consequently, he was afraid of being marked by the president, which would put his position at risk.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. The Prime Minister will issue the People¡¯s Statement. If the riots still do note to an end, I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll announce the People¡¯s Statement right away.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong turned his head and instructed his secretary.


    ¡°Make the necessary preparations so that I can present the People¡¯s Statement as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Yes. What time exactly?¡±


    When asked by the secretary who had approached, Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong looked at his watch.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it at 3 p.m.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see. I¡¯ll get ready.¡±


    Perhaps he was dissatisfied with that, President Wang Jing-wi stood up, said something and walked out of themand room without looking back.


    ¡°Since the prime minister is doing something big, the bureaucrats should sincerely help, and the general staff should do so as well.¡±


    It seemed to be something one would like to hear, but the way he felt it didn¡¯t seem like that.


    ¡°Ha! It¡¯s really a problem. Problem!¡±


    Chairman Shaoyang of the Standing Committee shook his head from side to side and sighed.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I am saying. Would be there any chance for New China¡­¡±


    Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong¡¯s voice trailed off as he watched President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s back.


    <hr />


    January 12th, 2024, 15:00 (Ukraine time: 08:00)


    Vergansk Civil Airport in Japoriza, Ukraine


    Marines from the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong), escorted by CUF-22P Phoenix, and military transport nes carrying various war supplies entered Ukrainian airspace one by one.


    It had been a fifteen-hour flight. Even though the flight distance from the take-off point in Primorsky Krai to Verdansk was only 7,377 kilometers, they had to fly over the East Sea, South Korea Sea, and the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf, covering a total of 17,854 kilometers. It would have been even shorter if the transport flight had taken off on the previously scheduled date. However, because the troops¡¯ dispatch had been dyed by two days, they were forced to fly over the high seas.


    Due to the long flight route, six CF-21P Zusak fighters from the 206th Fighter Squadron were in charge of air escort missions from the 1st Fighter Wing Air Base in Gwangju to the Bay of Bengal, the southeastern tip of Sri Lanka, and 24 CUF-22P Phoenix UAVster carried out air escort missions to Verdansk.


    The first military carrier to appear over Verdansk was a CC-503 military carrier carrying 500 marines and 250 tons of war supplies.


    As thending gear of the CC-503 military carrier, which slowly lowered its altitude ording to the control tower¡¯s instructions and skimmed along the runway, itnded safely as the tires screeched to a halt on thending strip.


    Soon after, as the CC-503 military carriersnded one after another, the operators in the not-sorge Verdansk Civil Airport began to get busy.


    When the rear hatch of the first CC-503 military carrier, which had moved to the boarding area along with a guided car, opened, soldiers above the nonmissioned officer level disembarked. They walked in a row carryingrge military heads and various personal firearms.


    After getting off from the carrier, the nonmissioned officers and officer soldiers deposited their guns and personal firearms in a secure area of the airport before rushing to the military carriers. They were the soldiers who served as the main battlefield¡¯smander and driver.


    Soon after, the world¡¯s strongest tank, the C-3A2 white tiger tanks appeared on the ground one at a time at Verdansk Private Airport, and the K-27P-M Kirin Marine Combat Armor equipped with a hover system and various armored vehicles such as the KSMA-1 and KSMA-2 Thunder Dragon armored car, an upgraded bourbon of the 1 Cheonma A2, appeared one after another and lined up in a wide parking lot on the other side of the airport.


    This day¡¯s unloading work would not bepleted until three hourster. During the unloading process, operational soldiers and Ukrainian soldiers involved in support and transportation to private airports were awfully quiet.


    They were taken aback when they saw such vehicles for the first time in their lives. They were especially astounded when the armored equipment hovered dozens of centimeters above the ground like a floating cloud.


    Minister of Home Affairs Arsene Abakov, who attended the weing ceremony as a representative of the Ukrainian government, and General Andri Russol, themander of the military, also widened their eyes and eximed.


    Even those who had previously used and operated several cutting-edge weapons in Russia expressed surprise, saying they didn¡¯t know if this was a dream or a reality.


    In the parking lot of Verdansk Private Airport, where it had gotten dark and was illuminated by various lighting devices, tanks, various armored vehicles, 3,000 soldiers had a weing ceremony..

 Chapter 506 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War - 4-4 Disputes

    <h4>Chapter 506: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War ¨C 4-4 Disputes</h4>


    January 12th, 2024, 16:00 (New China Time: 15:00)


    The outskirts of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary residence of the Central Military Headquarters)


    The People¡¯s Statement was prepared in a hurry. Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong arrived at the Jungang-gun press center, where cameras from various TV stations and arge number of reporters awaited his arrival. Soon, the press center began ringing with the sound of camera shutters bursting in unison.


    Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong approached the podium and exhaled deeply before cing the document on the podium and reading the first sentence.


    ¡°Dear New China citizens! I¡¯m Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong. The purpose of today¡¯s announcement of the People¡¯s Statement is to say something about the current nationwide disturbances.¡±


    To avoid inciting people¡¯s emotions, Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong used the word disturbance rather than riots.


    ¡°Ipletely understand how people are feeling right now. Also, I¡¯d like you to know that not only the party but also the General Staff, are deliberating over the root cause of the current crisis.¡±


    After that, Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong walked to the side of the podium and made a deep bow. It was very unfamiliar to see the second-ranked, the prime minister, bowing to the people and apologizing to them.


    ¡°We will conduct a thorough investigation after the end of the war and severely punish themanders of all front-line units who have engaged with the Korean military using the people as shields. In addition, the person responsible for ordering the use of gun force against the protesters has been arrested and we will put him on trial. Our respected citizens! Currently, our New China is having a war against the Korean military.¡±


    Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong, who had apologized with a sincere expression, now had a serious expression on his face and said powerfully, looking at the broadcast camera.


    ¡°People exist only when there is a country, and when there is a country, there are people. To put it in another way, the people and the country are the same things. If one goes missing, everything is over.¡±


    After reading the prepared manuscript, Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong continued to issue the People¡¯s Statement for 30 minutes.


    ¡°Lastly, I hope you trust our party once again and endure the anger that rises in your heart for a moment. Please go back home and watch and support our party and the General Staff who are going through the current difficulties.¡±


    Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong, who came out to the side of the podium and bowed once again, left with a big round of apuse from reporters.


    ¡°Whoohoo, Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong prepared well. Hmph!¡±


    After visiting the press center where the People¡¯s Statement was held, President Wang Jing-wi remarked sarcastically.


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was sitting on the sofa in his room, drinking a ss of wine, watched the TV and spat out vague words that even he couldn¡¯t tell if they werepliments or sarcasm.


    His expression was solemn. He was also aware that the current situation was deteriorating rapidly. However, because of his self-righteous and selfish personality, he did not ept it as a rational judgment and instead drank every day while denying reality.


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was holding a wine ss in one hand and a cigarette in the other, waddled to his seat and sat down with half-open eyes.


    ¡°Damn it, where did it go wrong...¡±


    Meanwhile, when Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong¡¯s statement was broadcast across the country, some citizens stopped protesting and returned to their homes.


    Those who were living in temporary shelters without a ce to go to continued toin and took even more drastic measures. The reason for this was that, even in this situation, President Wang Jing-wi, the country¡¯s number one leader, chose not to show his face and instead had the prime minister deliver the statement on his behalf.


    This was what Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong was concerned about.


    As a result, despite Prime Minister Shu Xiaolong issuing the People¡¯s Statement, the riot grew uncontroblyrger, as if adding fuel to a fire.


    * * *


    January 13th, 2024, 10:00


    Namju National Intelligence Service (Director¡¯s Office) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul


    The head of the National Intelligence Service, Lee Young-jin, read the report with a happy expression, and across from him sat a middle-aged man who gave a slightly sharp impression.


    His name was Kim Won-jun, and he was the director of the Special Operations Bureau.


    The Special Operations Bureau, which looks like a military organization, was a secret department under the National Intelligence Service created after the first Northeast Asian War in 2021 when the war broke out and a paramilitary organization was raised. It runs a total of six departments, and most of the agents were from famous special forces such as the 707 Special Brigade or UDT/SEAL, and there were several from the Reconnaissance Bureau of the General Staff, the best special forces during the North Korean regime.


    In peacetime, the Special Operations Bureau receives various high-level trainingparable to that of special forces in the country, but when war breaks out or irregr warfare is necessary, it infiltrates the area and performs tasks such as collecting information, aggravating the enemy, and inducing riots.


    Even when the Korean-Russian War broke out this time, special departments one and two infiltrated Moscow and other important cities to perform their missions, while agents from departments three and four were secretly infiltrated and were carrying out various missions in New China. It¡¯s been a few days since their hard work has been noticed.


    They were behind all of the riots that were currently taking ce throughout New China. They also spread rumors that the New China army was using their own people as shields on the battlefield, and they were the ones who took and distributed photos of the indiscriminate use of firearms against protesters in front of the Central Military Headquarters, which was what had initiated the nationwide riot.


    In addition, it was the Special third Division agents who pioneered a smuggling route to the Republic of China or the Eastern Republic through the border.


    ¡°Well, you did much better than I thought!¡±


    After reading the report, Lee Young-jin, head of the National Intelligence Service, said.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. In fact, we didn¡¯t expect it to spread this fast either.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, I think it¡¯s a great thing for us.¡±


    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Take care of the agents who are putting their lives in danger in enemy territory so they can return safely. Aren¡¯t they the most significant contributors to the Korean-Chinese war?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I didn¡¯t mention it in the report, but one agent was apprehended by the Republic of China border guard early yesterday while trying to bring illegal immigrants into the country.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t get hurt?¡±


    ¡°One of the illegal immigrants stepped on andmine, but fortunately, the agent seems to have safely reached the Republic of China.¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, the Republic of China is currently in a close rtionship with us, so there won¡¯t be much difficulty, but instead of handling it ourselves, why don¡¯t we ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist us?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I have already asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for cooperation. Perhaps tomorrow, we will be working behind the scenes at the Korean Embassy in the Republic of China.¡±


    ¡°Well, I got it. Please report to me immediately if any unusual situation urs concerning that case.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s it going in Russia?¡±


    ¡°The Russian side will summarize and report the progress within a few days.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The inte rang at that moment, and the beautiful voice of the female secretary emerged.


    ¡°Director! You have a lunch appointment with the president. You have to leave now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll leave in five minutes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll get ready.¡±


    ¡°I should get going now.¡±


    Director Kim Won-jun stood up from his seat.


    ¡°I hope the Russian side will have good results as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it will be up to your expectation.¡±


    ¡°But don¡¯t push the agents who are risking their lives.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I see. Then I¡¯ll get going now.¡±


    Director Kim Won-jun left. The head of the National Intelligence Service, Lee Young-jin, rose from his seat, put his coat on, packed a briefcase containing the report, and pressed the button of the inte receiver.


    ¡°I¡¯m going out now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re ready.¡±


    * * *


    January 13th, 2024, 22:00 (Russia time: 16:00)


    Moscow bunker state R-13 (conference room) in Russia


    The general staff, who finally noticed that a division-level Korean Marine Corps had been dispatched to Ukraine¡¯s Verdansk private airport the previous day, was on alert.


    It was not strange to say that Russia¡¯s current air reconnaissance capability fell to the ground, even though hundreds of military carriers flew 17,000 kilometers.


    The appearance of Korean Air Force fighters in Russian airspace had significantly decreased as a result of the As reconnaissance satellite, which the US secretly supported; however, Russian Air Force fighters were also unable to sortie at will, despite being in their airspace. It only obtained air rights in the western region centered on Moscow, and various aircraft sortied and performed reconnaissance and air defense missions.


    But now even this had be difficult.


    CUF-22P Phoenix unmanned fighters from the 12th Carrier Group at the northern tip of the Persian Gulf extended their operational radius to Ukraine and southern Russia, threatening the air superiority of the Russian Air Force.


    In response, the Russian General Staff mobilized all avable air defense units, including S-300 Grumble and S-400 Triumph and S-500 Triumfator, to various parts of Ukraine¡¯s northern and southern regions, but the problem was that no radar could detect the CUF-22P Phoenix unmanned fighter which is ssified as the seventh-generation stealth.


    In other words, it was air defense power. No matter what, it was one air defense power.


    ¡°Right now! You have to ask the U.S.?¡±


    Air Force General Commander Aziz Ibrahimov, who pointed to the round table and spoke urgently, soon turned his head and looked at Minister Mikhail Ivanov, who had the authority to make the decision.


    He looked desperate.


    ¡°Well, that part is...¡±


    Minister Mikhail Ivanov¡¯s voice trailed off and did not exin what was wrong.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the time to argue about that. If the Korean Air Force is given the right to the western region, not just Moscow but here won¡¯t be safe either.¡±


    Minister Mikhail Ivanov nodded as if he knew, but he did not respond coolly.


    ¡°Excuse me!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know! I know! However, when the U.S. reconnaissance satellite enters orbit in the western part of the country, isn¡¯t it like giving up our home turf to the U.S.? The president doesn¡¯t like that either.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you earlier? We don¡¯t have time to think about that. Undetected drones on the Triumfator radar could fly in and bomb Moscow right away. If we give up like this, the newly deployed Marine Armored Army in Ukraine will freely sweep and advance to Moscow. In addition, the United States would have been already obtained all the reconnaissance information of our troops in the western region as well as the Moscow air defensework using their As reconnaissance satellite.¡±


    Following General Aziz Ibrahimov¡¯s continued persuasion, the Moscow Capital Defense Commander Sanjar Tursunov intervened in the conversation.


    ¡°For now, I think General Ibrahimov is of the right opinion. The United States must have already obtained all the information of our Russian troops from the time it operated the As Reconnaissance Satellite. So, before it¡¯s toote, we¡¯d better ask them to cooperate with the reconnaissance satellite.¡±


    When the head of the Capital Defense Command expressed his opinion, Minister Mikhail Ivanov asked othermanders.


    ¡°What do the other generals think?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I agree with Captain Ibrahimov. Why don¡¯t we put out the fire that is right in front of us?¡±


    When the generalmander of the Western Military District, Pagaz Galileen, agreed, the generalmander of the third Army, Navy, and Air Force also voted in favor.


    ¡°Well, I see. I¡¯ll seek the president¡¯s approval and the cooperation of the United States. However, I¡¯m not sure if the president will agree. The United States is now assisting us strategically, but isn¡¯t the United States our eternal enemy?¡±


    Minister Mikhail Ivanov said with a bitter look.


    ¡°Thene with me, Minister!¡±


    General Chief of Staff dimir Beschastnich, who had only been listening to them, spoke.


    ¡°Will you do that for me?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? Let¡¯s go together as soon as the meeting is over.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Minister Mikhail Ivanov¡¯s expression brightened up a little when the Chief of Staff said he would go with him.

 Chapter 507 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-1 New Chinas Defeat

    <h4>Chapter 507: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-1 New China¡¯s Defeat</h4>


    January 14th, 2024, 11:00 (Ukraine time: 11:00)


    15 kilometers south of Communarsk, Luhanska, Ukraine


    The first detachment of the third Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong), which arrived in Verdansk two days ago, traveled to Mariupul through the M14 highway and then overnight along the H20 highway, arriving at the northern tip of Dsk at dawn on the 13th. They spent the first day of their arrival doing maintenance and resting.


    At 9 a.m. on the 14th, they resumed their trip, passing through Dewalcep along the M04 highway before finally breaking through the Luhanska main border, 19 kilometers southwest of Kommunarsk. They managed to move quickly when the ground was smooth and t.


    The mission of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong) was to head toward southern Russia. ording to the original route, which was moving from Verdansk to Mariupol and then along the E68 main road to Rostov-on-Don in the Russian Rostovskaya Ost, which became the first upied territory.


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff, however, confirmed through reconnaissance that all forces of the 51st Guards Army from the Western Military District defending southern Moscow had been diverted to the defense of Luhanska Ost. As a result, the power of the fifth Marine Division (Earth Dragon) alone was insufficient to deal with the entire 51st Guards Army. Therefore, the existing operational n was urgently revised, and the 3rd Marine Mobile Division¡¯s (Hwaryong) first dispatch force was chosen.


    Currently, the 88th Guards Tank Division, the most elite division of the 51st Guards Army, was blocking the road in the direction of 8 o¡¯clock from the center of Luhansk. The 620th Guards Motorized Infantry Division was stationed in a strategically advantageous location to defend the Sphinx Regiment of the Marine Division (Jiryong). In addition, the 36th Guards Air Defense Brigade, 79th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, and 550th Guards Artillery Brigade were on standby to support the two mainbat units.


    The decision to send the 51st Guards Army of the Western Military District, which was in charge of southern Moscow, to Luhanska and rece them with the 20th Guards Army was unavoidable for the General Staff, which had moved up to the 20th Guards Army, Moscow¡¯sst defensive unit.


    It was obvious that Moscow would be the next target if they lost the southern part or even lost Ukraine¡¯s Luhanska. Therefore, even if the power of the capital defense dropped a little bit, Luhanska¡¯s defense was critical and could never be neglected.


    <Whoosh! Whoosh!>


    Thirty-six C-4 Gaion tanks from the 10th Armored Brigade, which are operating at the forefront, had been flying at speeds close to 100km/h for thest two hours with a magnificent flight sound.


    The unmanned light tank C-4 Gaion, weighing only 25 tons, moved as quickly as possible. Furthermore, because it is an unmanned tank system, the enemy risk burden is low, allowing it to perform both lead and forward reconnaissance missions at the same time.


    In addition, eight second-generation Eagle-II-M drones flew ahead of them at one kilometer altitude with reconnaissance up to 10 kilometers, and the data collected by them was linked in real-time with the C-4 Gaion tanks.


    At the same time, six C-1300 console armored vehicles from the 101st Tank Battalion were following at top speed at a point 10 kilometers behind the brigade headquarters. Six operators in the C-1300 console armored vehicle were in charge of monitoring the C-4 Gaion tank.


    Although the supeputer was controlling the six C-4 tanks in real-time, each operator could manually control them as well in case of an emergency.


    Unlike the previous arrangement, the 101st tank battalion, which operates the C-4 Gaion tank, was organized into six toon units, and each toon operated six C-4 Gaion tanks.


    <Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep! Beep beep!>


    The rm sounded from the console armored vehicle of the 1st toon, and several tactical symbols appeared on the various monitors that turned out to be enemies. It was detected by the Eagle-II-M drone.


    The Eagle-II-M drone, which delivered the detected information in real-time, immediately entered the attack mode.


    Currently, the areas where the enemy was detected were Soshiska, a small city in the direction of 10 o¡¯clock in front, and Comisraniska, a city in the direction of five o¡¯clock.


    The enemy was at the regimental level, most likely as a subordinate unit of the division defending Kommunarsk.


    The operators, as well as nonmissioned officers and officers, were disappointed with the previous amphibious assault on Sakhalin because the C-4 Gaion tanks did not y a significant role. As a result, they were unable to demonstrate its practical abilities.


    As the eight Eagle-II-M drones flew into two groups, four in each group, the 36 C-4 Gaion tanks were also divided into 18 units and flew to attack the targets.


    <Whoosh~>


    Sixteen C-4 Gaion tanks, which hovered above the ground and flew, turned left, and headed to Shostka at the same time.


    <Kwaaaang! Kwaaaaaang!>


    Shostka was rocked by a loud explosion, and mes erupted from every direction, which could be caused by the explosion of tanks or armored vehicles in cover throughout the city after being pierced by the Eagle-II-M drone¡¯s 20-millimeter ultra-high-powerser beam.


    The portable anti-aircraft missiles and various firearms were naturally hurled at the drones from all over the city. However, the Eagle-II-M drone simply neutralized the approaching anti-aircraft missile by emitting a powerful SECM (Radio Disruption System) like thetest model, while also avoiding bullets of various calibres with precise evasion maneuvers.


    During this time, the 16 C-4 Gaion tanks finally entered Shostka¡¯s downtown and immediately began an automatic battle based on all of the enemy¡¯s information.


    The engagement was at a different level as not only the operators but also themanders who were watching the war on the monitor had their mouths wide open until it was over.


    <hr />


    January 15, 2024, 14:00 (New China time: 13:00)


    Wuhan City, Hubei Province, New China


    Several protests following the riots were taking ce in the Hubei province and the most populous city of Wuhan.


    Despite the People¡¯s Statement issued by Prime Minister Shi Xiaolong two days ago, the protests worsened as time went on. The arson and looting of public offices continued indiscriminately, but there was only one difference.


    That difference was the response of the public security and the New China Army to the violent protesters. Until the People¡¯s Statement was issued, they fired firearms and suppressed the protesters violently, but now they kept a safe distance and just watched. They seemed to be more concerned about the conflict with the violent protesters.


    As the New China suppression forces responses were less violent, the protesters turned even more violent.


    It was simply disying the characteristics of Chinese people who would push harder when the other person lowered its guard.


    Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators marched along the streets all day in downtown Wuhan, the onlyrge city in New China that was not targeted by the ¡°nning operation¡± attack. They smashed the public offices operated by the state. The public security building, which had more public authority than any other country, became a top target for protesters and was set on fire.


    ¡°Overthrow Wang Jing-wi! Overthrow Wang Jing-wi!¡±


    Protesters, who upied all 16nes on the highway and marched for a long time, clearly demonstrated how angry they were now by adding the word ¡°overthrow¡± before President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s name, which had never been used so impetuously before.


    There were approximately 300,000 protesters gathered there alone, and among them was someone who was moving forward amid the never-ending sea of people. Although his face was covered with a ck cloth and only his eyes were noticeable, they were sharp, and he had the built of a man.


    That man who was able to reach the front line quickly stopped and studied the situation before him for a moment.


    Currently, 50 meters in front of the crowd of protestors, the dispatched public security and the New China suppression forces had stepped back while keeping their shields raised high. They observed the protesters without stimting them as much as possible.


    Realizing what was going on, he quickly took something from his backpack. It was about the size of a fist, resembled a potato, and had a yellow button.


    He pressed the yellow button, then jumped out in front, and with an borate hand action threw it forward.


    It was as if he had thrown a grenade. After throwing it, he threw nine more in the same manner before disappearing back into the crowd of protestors.


    The things that he had thrown flew in a parabolic line but did not reach the security and suppression forces at first. They instead fell on the road and rolled around. Until finally, they got close to one of the suppression force¡¯s feet.


    He saw a round object that reached his feet but did not bother about it at first, thinking it was just a stone. However, upon a closer look, he noticed a small blinking light and the moment he attempted to pick it up with his hands, a powerful storm erupted around him.


    <Bang!>


    The nearby suppression forces ran away. Then the remaining nine exploded one after the other.


    <Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaang!>


    Even though it was smaller than a grenade, its explosive power was several times higher.


    The suppression forces in the front row were so badly ripped that it was difficult to recognize their shapes, even though they were wearing shields and various safety gear. Their pieces of flesh had exploded everywhere.


    At the same time, the protesters on the other side were shocked by the sudden explosion and came to a halt. They were looking around, unsure of what was going on. They also appeared to be embarrassed.


    ¡°What? What?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Although they marched and smashed various government offices and put them on fire, they were not violent toward the suppression forces in front of them.


    The suppression forces in the back, whose lives had been saved by the fellow suppression forces in the front row, on the other hand, lost their minds for a moment when they saw the terrible scene. As a result, they all loaded their QBZ-95G rifles, which they were carrying on their shoulders, and began firing randomly at the protesters in front of them.


    <Ta-da! Ta-da! Ta-da! Ta-da! Ta-da, ta-da, ta-da, ta-da, ta-da!>


    Some suppression forces quickly depleted the ammunition by stacking it in a row and pulling the trigger.


    ¡°No! Stop shooting! Stop shooting! Don¡¯t shoot, kids!¡±


    The officer with the rank of sergeant major, who had fallen and momentarily lost consciousness due to the power of the explosion, managed to get up and waved his hand.


    However, his voice was buried by continuous gunfire.


    Because they had lost their senses, the suppression forces were unable to hear themander¡¯s order. Even though all of the officers had shouted to them to stop shooting, it was ineffective.


    Several suppression soldiers, who emptied all five ammunition rounds they had in a short time, finally slung their rifles back on their shoulders and began inspecting themselves.


    Meanwhile, in the midst of hundreds of protesters lying on the floor and those running away, someone shouted through a loudspeaker.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not go back! Let¡¯s not let them shoot at us again. Don¡¯t go back and keep going forward. Everyone! Let¡¯s keep going!¡±


    He was the one who had thrown the bombs a while earlier. Listening to his words, the protesters who were running away turned around as if they were awakened, and soon stared at the suppression forces and shouted. They then began to throw stones they had collected from the ground or ran forward with various wood, steel pipes, and baseball bats they had brought with them.


    On the other side, the suppression forces soldiers were exhausted after firing.


    Oh my god!


    Both sides shed, with shouts bing increasingly loud.


    Even though the suppression forces were armed with rifles, they were at a disadvantage in this fight since there were as many as 200,000 protesters. Even though thousands of protesters were shot and killed earlier, it is still a small numberpared to 200,000 people.


    While the two sides collided on the 16ne highway, the man who had just shouted in the loudspeaker removed the ck cloth that had covered his face and quietly escaped behind the protesters.


    Then he sent out a secret message to someone.


    ¡°This is ckbird Two! Missionpleted. Heading to the new hunting ground. Over!¡±


    ¡°This is the ckbird¡¯s nest! Got it. Move carefully!¡±


    The man was the head of the third division of the Special Operations Bureau, a secret department of the National Intelligence Service, Cha Dae-il, who until recently used the name Jeong-gwang as a Korean-Chinese.


    Three days ago, Team leader Cha Dae-il was apprehended by Chinese border guards after crossing the Zhang River with more than 50 illegal immigrants, only to be released safely in the afternoon thanks to the previous day¡¯s efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He hadpleted his new mission sessfully.


    Among the protesters currently taking ce in all cities in New China, numerous agents from the Special Operations Bureau, like Team Leader Cha Dae-il, were on missions that put their lives at risk..

 Chapter 508 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-2 New Chinas Defeat

    <h4>Chapter 508: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-2 New China¡¯s Defeat</h4>


    January 16, 2024, 00:20 (Russian time: 06:20)


    The Strait of Kerch, Republic of Crimea, Russia


    Following the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russiamenced construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge, which passes through Tu Ind, in May 2015 for ovend development, and it was opened in December 2018 as a double-track, fourne highway.


    Therefore, the Crimean Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which has been burdened by the time and expense of receiving various goods by sea as a result of Ukraine¡¯s blockade ofnd routes, is now connected to the Russian maind and, to some extent, relieved in that aspect.


    Arge number of vehicles were moving along that bridge. These were the vehicles belonging to the 31st Motorized Infantry Brigade of the 49th Army of the Southern Military District of Russia.


    The Crimean Autonomous Army currently has three divisions, two brigades, and one missile battalion stationed in Crimea, and the 49th Army¡¯s 30th Motorized Infantry Brigade from the Southern Military District had already been providing support. Even so, they were afraid that they would be taken over by Ukrainian forces, so President Putin ordered additional reinforcements to be sent, and the General Staff moved the 31st Motorized Infantry Brigade of the 49th Army, which defends the ck Sea Fleet¡¯s garrison.


    As a result, the 58th Army of the Southern Military District was left to defend the southern section of Russia. However, the peace units that came up from the southern edge of the south, the 35th Mechanized Vase Brigade, 11th Marine Mobilization Brigade (Gwangryong) and 7th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, were less powerful than a division in terms of organizational scale.


    In response, the General Staff made a careful judgment that the 58th Army, a military level or higher, could be prevented by the autonomous forces of the Republic of Kabardinobalkar, the Republic of Karacha Yeboczekskaya, the Republic of Chechen and the Republic of Severosetia.


    <Kureureung! Kureureung!>


    Despite the darkness, the T-90M Pro-Leaf III tanks, which were moving in fournes, turned on their lights and continued maneuvering after being rearranged into two lines and began crossing Tu Ind, the middle bridge. Behind them, various armored vehicles and cars followed one at a time.


    The Kerch Strait Bridge has a total length of 19 kilometers, which is 700 meters longer than Korea¡¯s Incheon Bridge, and it is considered one of the longest bridges in the world. As soon as the entire force of the 31st Motorized Infantry Brigade crossed the Kerch Strait Bridge in a long procession, two sleek aircraft approached at a frightening speed from 300 kilometers away. It was a CUF/A-29NP Phoenix unmanned fighter that was transferred from the 12th Carrier Squadron belonging to the Republic of Korea Navy.


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff regretted that the reconnaissance was dyed thest time when the 30th Motorized Infantry Division crossed the Kerch Strait Bridge, and thus they were unable to attack. As a result, this time he ordered the Aerospace Force¡¯s reconnaissance satellite group to conduct an intensive reconnaissance mission. A brigade-level force was discovered during 24-hour reconnaissance by the CS-SS Apollo Reconnaissance Satellite No. 12 and was immediately reported to the Aerospace Forces Command and the 12th Carrier Group.


    ordingly, two of the four CUF/A-29NP Phoenix nes of the Bravo Squadron, which were flying on standby over the Republic of Kurdistan, immediately turned and headed to the Kerch Strait Bridge.


    The 880 kilometers distance from the Republic of Kurdistan to the Kerch Strait Bridge couldn¡¯t be considered as a long distance for the CUF/A-29NP Phoenix aircraft, as they could fly at a hypersonic speed of 20 Mach.


    They arrived at the Kerch Strait bridge in less than three minutes, switched into attack mode, and began firing.


    <Keying~>


    Eight C-SDB-10 (sma coagted bombs) mounted on the cogwheel conrod appeared as the arming room fairings opened on both sides, and then began to descend toward the earth.


    They descended toward the earth at a horrifying speed as soon as they were freed from the conrod, precisely aiming the target sites thanks to the delicate movement of its projecting tail wings.


    At that time, the T-90M Pro-leaf III tanks, which had taken the lead, were currently approaching the western end of the Crimean Penins. Following that, additional armored vehicles and trucks gently maneuvered and followed them maintaining a distance of 15 kilometers to ensure the bridge¡¯s safety.


    Moreover, eight Su-57 Parkpa fighters from the 4th Air Force provided air protection over that region. In addition, because of the importance of the Kerch Strait Bridge, the General Staff deployed all avable anti-aircraft units to prepare for possible strikes.


    Despite their best efforts, they were unable to detect the CUF/A-29NP Phoenix, a 7th generation unmanned bomber, and only discovered it after the bombs had been dropped. As a result, there was insufficient time to intercept the descending bomb from a height of 10 kilometers while they were traveling.


    Despite theck of time, they couldn¡¯t just sit there and do nothing, so the Anti-Squadron, which was waiting near Temluk,unched six S-300 Grumble missiles to intercept the C-SDB-10 (sma Coagted Coal).


    However, due to theck of time, the 16 C-SDB-10 (sma coagted bullets) hit their designated targets one by one, triggering a massive explosion before the S-300 Grumble missiles could even reach them.


    <Quaaaaaaang! Qua Qua Quaaaaaaang!>


    As a result, both bridges, spanning several kilometers, were cut off, except for the road passing through Tu Ind. In other words, two-thirds of the brigade¡¯s strength was lost to the water.


    Furthermore, the rest of the brigade¡¯s force, which was maneuvering on Tu Ind¡¯s route, was not spared.


    As the two CUF/A-29NP Phoenix, which had dropped the 16 C-SDB-10 (sma coagted bullets), they moved on to immediately drop another two C-SDB-20 (sma cluster bullets) onto Tu Ind.


    A total of four C-SDB-20s (sma cluster bombs) were dropped from the side internal armament chamber. Each fired submunitions when it reached a certain altitude, resulting in covering the entire length of Tu Ind with hundreds of submunitions.


    <Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!>


    As soon as it touched the ground, it engulfed the surrounding area with tremendous explosive power. It destroyed everything in its path, whether it was a tank, an armored vehicle, or an ordinary vehicle.


    Because of these two CUF/A-29NP Phoenixes, not only the 31st Motorized Infantry Brigade but the Kerch Strait Bridge as well, the onlynd route in Crimea, disappeared into history forever.


    In addition, the two CUF/A-29NP Phoenix aircraft sessfully intercepted the eight Su-57 Parkpa fighters that were flying at an altitude of 100 kilometers. They then returned safely to Gu-Ham Baek (CV-001).


    All the eight Su-57 Parkpa fighters were shot down without a fight, as they were overwhelmed by the alien fighter¡¯s incredible speed and high-flying abilities, which they had only seen in science-fiction movies.


    <hr />


    January 16th, 2024, 12:00 (New China time: 11:00)


    22 kilometers west of Tangshan, Hebei Province, New China


    On the 9th, the 22nd Armored Brigade of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong), which hadpleted its reorganization from division to brigade level and had entered full-fledged engagement,unched a fierce attack against the New China Army, which had used the people as a shield and employed defensive tactics, as it did during the Battle of Puding County.


    They were resting for a while today after scouring the area from Tangshan to the west end, which was about 32 kilometers away, and waited for the arrival of the 23rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, a 3rd Armored Division subordinate force (Baegol).


    ¡°How¡¯s the viewer?¡±


    First Lieutenant Na Tae-kyung,mander of the 1st toon and Tank 511, approached Corporal Hong Il-joon while carrying a cauldron in his hands and asked.


    Corporal Hong Il-joon turned his head, frowned and shook his head in response.


    ¡°The maintenance manager says some parts need to be reced. However, as there are no spare parts right now, it seems that we cannot have them reced right away.¡±


    ¡°When can it be done?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly but it¡¯ll probably take a week.¡±


    Hearing this the first lieutenant Na Tae-kyung came out of the tank and looked at the viewer.


    It was hit by an anti-tank fragment during the battle the day before, and as a result, the rotation motor broke and it could no longer turn properly.


    The division¡¯s maintenance staff was currently unable to intervene because they were also being attacked by the sma bombs, which had damaged the recement part.


    Furthermore, if the nearby 3rd Armored Division (Baekgol) had been using the C-2A1 ck tank, they could have received supply parts from them but as they were operating the C-3 white tiger tank, the parts did not fit.


    Just like this, the unfavorable situations merged, creating an even more unfavorable situation in which even basic recement parts could not be provided at this time.


    ¡°Il-joon, turn left!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    <Giing! Kikikikik! Kikiiing!>


    The sight camera, which had been working normally earlier, suddenly rotated oddly, as if it had be stuck in something, and stopped working.


    ¡°Oh, we can¡¯t use this anymore?¡±


    ¡°Nothing we can do. Why don¡¯t we use the microscope instead for the time being?¡±


    ¡°Well, we should do that.¡±


    First lieutenant Na Tae-kyung, hit the sight camera and went back into the tram, took out the cauldron he had brought earlier and asked Corporal Hong Il-joon.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Sergeant Kim?¡±


    ¡°He went to the battalion for training.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then have your lunch first!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Hamburger!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Is it today¡¯s meal¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t it be lunchtime soon?¡±


    Corporal Hong Il-joon, who was biting the hamburger, stopped eating and asked.


    ¡°Today¡¯s battle has been rescheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. We¡¯ll have to move quickly since enemies are flocking to Tangshan. So go ahead and eat it right now. Once the battle starts, you¡¯ll never know when you¡¯ll be able to eat again.¡±


    ¡°toonmander, you¡¯re not going to eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to the toon¡¯s tank managers. Just finish your meal!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    As soon as the first lieutenant Na Tae-kyung left, someone suddenly appeared in the seat of the gunnery tower and showed an insidious smile.


    ¡°What? What are you eating?¡±


    It was Sergeant Kim Ki-il, the pilot of the 511¡¯s tank.


    ¡°Huh? Are you done with the training?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but what are you eating?¡±


    ¡°Come here quickly, we¡¯re having a hamburger instead of lunch today.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Hamburger! But why is it instead of lunch? Is it not time to eat yet?¡±


    ¡°The time of the engagement has been shifted from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. So now, instead of lunch, we¡¯re having a hamburger.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Ki-il opened the hamburger package immediately after entering the tram and took a big bite. While chewing he asked.


    ¡°Why did the engagement time change all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°ording to the toonmander, the enemies are flocking toward Tangshan. So, we will need to quickly go after them.¡±


    ¡°Gasp! Gasp! Ah! I¡¯m thirsty. Water, water!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Ki-il, who had drunk the water from the bottle, took another mouthful of the hamburger and muttered.


    ¡°Since we¡¯ve brought the battle forward, this battle must be tough.¡±


    ¡°Even though, wouldn¡¯t it be easier this time since we have the 3rd Division Brigade?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true!¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Kim, what kind of training did you have?¡±


    ¡°Training? Oh! I received training on the anti-tank.¡±


    Sergeant Kim Ki-il, who had finished his hamburger before he knew it, answered while lying down on the narrow tram.


    ¡°Woah, evenndmines¡­I couldn¡¯t even fix the microscope. Oh! This is kind of ufortable.¡±


    Corporal Hong Il-joon frowned as he ate the hamburger.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t fix that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we don¡¯t have any spare parts.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, how did our division end up like this?¡±


    At that moment, several tanks and armored vehicles approached from the east-end direction. It was the 23rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Armored Division (Baekgol) who was joining the Tangshan upation operation alongside the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong)..

 Chapter 509 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-3 New Chinas Defeat

    <h4>Chapter 509: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-3 New China¡¯s Defeat</h4>


    January 16, 2024, 20:00 (New China time: 19:00)


    On the outskirts of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary residence of the Central Military Headquarters).


    The 22nd Armored Infantry Division of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Cheongseong) and the 23rd Armored Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Armored Division (Baegol), which joined the operation to upy Tangshan at 12:30, quickly crossed the anti-tank minefieldid by the New China Army and took a major detour. As a result, they attacked Tangshan from two locations at the same time.


    On the other hand, the 112th Mechanized Infantry Division of the 38th Group and the 21st Armored Regiment of the 6th Armored Division, which was in charge of defending Tangshan, used thetest tank 99-H and defensive tactics on the ins west of Tangshan, but they were severely damaged. As a result, they retreated to Tangshan¡¯s downtown area.


    As a result, the downtown of Tangshan was facing hell. Hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles, and infantry from both sides were engaged in fierce battles throughout the city. However, as time went by, the New China Army was being pushed toward the eastern end of Tangshan.


    Moreover, the 340th Mechanized Infantry Regiment of the 114th Mechanized Infantry Division, which was reinforcing Tangshan urgently, was spotted and sted by South Korean military aerial reconnaissance, and was unable to provide any significant support and therefore, retreated.


    ¡°They couldn¡¯t make any difference.¡±


    Guo Jingfei, General Chief of Staff of the 114th Mechanized Infantry Division, said while biting his lower lip after receiving a report that the 340 Mechanized Infantry Regiment had retreated after sustaining a severe loss. The Lieutenant General, who was watching together, also responded with a gloomy expression.


    ¡°We have to give an urgent order to send the 6th Armored Division¡¯s 21st Armored Regiment to Tangshan.¡±


    ¡°I think it will be difficult to change the situation with only them¡­Is there any other unit to support?¡±


    ¡°Well, the Central Military District, which is currently guarding this ce, also suffered a great loss, so except for the defense units here¡­¡±


    The Lieutenant General¡¯s voice trailed off into silence as there was no proper way to say that.


    ¡°Okay. Instead, if there are any units with whom we are still inmunication, order them to move to Tangshan immediately.¡±


    ¡°Okay. There¡¯s one more thing.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Looking at the current situation, I think it will be difficult to defend Tangshan.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Why don¡¯t we move our base to the rear right now?¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to retreat?¡±


    General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei asked after hearing the unexpected remark.


    ¡°Langfang is only 130 kilometers from Tangshan Mountain. If the Korean military decides toe here after the takeover of Tangshan, it will only take them less than three hours.¡±


    General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei nodded slightly and turned his head toward the Chief Executive Officer Kao Wei-kwang, and asked.


    ¡°Chief Executive Officer, do you feel the same way?¡±


    He spoke formally to the Chief Executive Officer.


    ¡°Yes, I feel the same way as the Lieutenant General.¡±


    Chief Executive Officer Kao Wei-kwang briefly replied in a serious tone.


    ¡°Hmm, is there any other way?¡±


    ¡°General Chief of Staff! The most serious issue in our army right now is that lower-level units cannot get fast orders as we were only able to partially restore themunication system at the moment. In other words, I believe that in a case where we are unable to respond quickly, we should have allbat troops retreat and thenunch a counterattack after fully repairing themunication system.¡±


    He urately pointed out the current problems of the New China Army.


    ¡°How far do we have to retreat?¡±


    He replied to General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei¡¯s question after a little thought.


    ¡°Currently, all of this area is tnd. In other words, it is very advantageous for the Korean military rather than our defending army. ordingly, why don¡¯t we set the Baytiding Mountains as our final defense line and start from there when ourmunication system is 100 percent restored?¡±


    As the South Korean military began the Great War operation, the General Chief of Staff adopted a defensive strategy of concentrating the forces of the 16th, 39th, and 38th Army Groups between Beijing and Tianjin. However, the problem was the unstablemunication system, which led to the defeat of many of the lower units since orders were not sent in a consistent and timely manner, preventing the General Chief of Staff¡¯s intensive defense strategy.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it like giving up most of the territory of New China to the Korean army?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about it. Isn¡¯t it better to preserve our power till themunication system is restored? That way, we would have a chance to counterattack. Besides, the two Army Groups that were evacuated to the Shandong Penins from the Western Military District and the Southern Military District should be used as counterattack forces.¡±


    General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei thought carefully and soon nodded and epted.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s move the headquarters to the rear right now.¡±


    The Lieutenant General thought it was time so he intervened.


    ¡°Let¡¯s report that part first, and while we¡¯re at it, let¡¯s gather all of the central military district¡¯s units to the Chao Bai River to form a defensive line.¡±


    The Chao Bai River is arge river that flows from Beijing¡¯s eastern end to Tianjin¡¯s northeastern tip, with the widest section reaching 800 meters and the narrowest section reaching 180 meters, making it the most geographically suitable location for a defense line on the Daepyeongwon, which extends hundreds of kilometers without the mountain.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll pass on your instructions right away.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and pleasee up with a n regarding the retreat with your staff right now, ording to the Chief Executive Officer¡¯s opinion.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be back after meeting the president.¡±


    General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei rose from his seat and headed to the operating room¡¯s entrance after staying what he needed to say.


    <hr />


    January 16, 2024, 21:00 (US time 08:00)


    Pentagon, Allington, Virginia, USA (Joint Staff Headquarters Operation Briefing Room)


    President Trump and other ministries, White House executives, and Joint Chiefs of Staff militarymanders have been sitting in the Pentagon¡¯s operational briefing room since early that morning.


    There were approximately 150 persons present, including about 30 generals with four stars among the military chiefs. It would not be an exaggeration to state that all of the military¡¯s top leaders had gathered, demonstrating the significance of this meeting.


    Nick Lehmando, chief of operational staff at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, walked up to the stage in his khaki conquest and instantly spoke into the microphone.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s begin the briefing on the ¡®2024 Pacific Joint training¡¯.¡±


    ¡°The Pacific Fleet¡¯s 3rd Fleet, which gathered in Hawaii two days ago, is fully organized and is currently sailing at a maximum speed. It will take roughly five days to reach the training sea. Furthermore, the 7th Fleet will finish all preparations at the Guam base and begin sailing at the same speed as the 3rd Fleet.¡±


    The location of each fleet was depicted on the digital map, which covered the whole North Pacific Ocean and was marked with numerous tactical symbols, ording to Operation Staff Chief Nick Lehmando¡¯s briefing.


    The 7th and 3rd fleets of the Pacific Fleet, which suffered great damage after participating in the Northeast Asian War in 2021, werepletely withdrawn from Japan and three yearster they hadpleted their reorganization.


    In the case of the 7th Fleet, the sinking Nimitz-ss Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) was re-established as the Ford-ss Ronald Reagan (CVN-79) and was reorganized into thetest Zumwalt-ss destroyer and the new Arleigh Burke-ss destroyer.


    The 3rd Fleet also reced the entire damaged electronic equipment with SEMP waves, and non-recoverable destroyers also served as newly built Zumwalt -ss destroyers, as well as positioning one more Ford-ss aircraft carrier in ce.


    As a result, the Pacific Fleet has acquired tremendous power in thest three years, with three Ford-ss aircraft carriers, 12 Zumwalt-ss destroyers, 24 Arleigh Burke-ss destroyers, and a total of 12 nuclear submarines. In other words, it was the result of excessive spending.


    Under the guise of the ¡®2024 Pacific Joint Training,¡¯ the Pacific Fleet, which possesses enormous force, gathered 400 kilometers east of Katsura, Japan.


    It was arge-scale independent maritime exercise by the United States Navy, simr to the RIMPAC exercise, a biennial multinational naval joint maneuver exercise aimed at ensuring the safety of the Pacific maritime traffic route and strengthening thebined operational capability between the navies of Pacific coastal countries in the case of an emergency.


    However, for training, something was unusual as all the ships of the 3rd Fleet departing from Hawaii or the 7th Fleet waiting to depart from Guam were loaded with various bullets, missiles, and numerous supplies, and 60,000 United States Marines were on board several aircraft carriers and raid ships.


    ¡°As mentioned earlier, the 3rd and 7th fleets will gather on the training sea on the 21st, and the training will begin at 11 p.m. local time on the 22nd. We¡¯ll then move on to the detailed training situation.¡±


    The briefing by Operation Staff Chief Nick Lehmandosted for four hours.


    <hr />


    January 16, 2024, 21:00 (New China Time: 20:00)


    Outside Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary presidential office of the Central Military Headquarters).


    General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei, who had been waiting outside for a while, entered the presidential office after the secretary opened the door and led him inside.


    When he entered the presidential office, he frowned slightly due to the strong smell of alcohol that filled the room.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was sitting on the sofa and pouring whiskey into his mouth, turned his head slightly and asked while gesturing him to sit down.


    ¡°It looks like we would have to relocate our camp.¡±


    ¡°Are we relocating again?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi looked at him with half-open eyes and replied.


    ¡°At the moment, the 6th Division, the Korean military¡¯s spearhead, had advanced to Tangshan and they are about to upy it.¡±


    ¡°Tangshan? You mean Tangshan, which is right next to us?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s only 130 kilometers away from here.¡±


    At that moment, President Wang Jing-wi hit the table.


    <Boom!>


    The whiskey ss on the table rolled on the floor and fell.


    ¡°What were you doing while the Koreans were advancing?¡±


    ¡°Currently, themunication system is not working properly, so we had difficultymunicating with our units.¡±


    ¡°Are you using that as an excuse?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei dropped his head.


    ¡°So, where are we going to go?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi took the whiskey ss that had previously fallen on the floor and poured whiskey into it until it overflowed, then began to drink it.


    ¡°To Yangquan.¡±


    ¡°Yangquan?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will soon establish and report a full operation n, but for the time being, I¡¯ll briefly let you in on it. We¡¯ll establish the final defense line and restore themunication system once we¡¯ve retreated all fighting forces to the western end of the Baytiding Mountains, and then the two groups, Western and Southern countries, will join us tounch a counterattack.¡±


    ¡°At the west end of the Baytiding Mountains, you¡¯ll hand over all the eastern regions to the Korean army?¡±


    ¡°Under the current situation, it¡¯s an unavoidable choice. We must buy some time and reorganize our force. So, please give us your approval!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s eyes were trembling at this point. He couldn¡¯t tell if this was due to the president¡¯s rage or his dissatisfaction with having to retreat again. Only the President was aware of this fact.


    ¡°When are we going to move?¡±


    ¡°Early tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do that!¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll get ready then.¡±


    General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei, who hade in with a heavy heart, expected the president to be angry or even frustrated.. However, he had easily given his approval, although he did notice that President Wang Jing-wi seemed afraid¡­

 Chapter 510 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-4 New Chinas Defeat

    <h4>Chapter 510: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-4 New China¡¯s Defeat</h4>


    January 17, 2024, 04:00 (New China time: 03:00)


    Outside Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary presidential office of the Central Military Headquarters)


    <Kung! Kung! Kung!>


    President Wang Jing-wi, who had been drinking whiskey like water tillte at night, frowned and shouted when he heard the knocking at the door.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s the fuss about?¡±


    <nk!>


    The general secretary of the presidential office, who was knocking on the door, opened it with a nervous look on his face.


    ¡°Mr. President! We have to leave this ce right now!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi opened one eye and peeked at the clock on the wall.


    ¡°What? It¡¯s still three o¡¯clock. Weren¡¯t we supposed to leave at five o¡¯clock?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve received an urgent call from the general staff office, and they have informed me that the Korean military has crossed the Chao Bai River and will soon arrive in Langfang.¡±


    ¡°The Koreans have crossed the Chao Bai River? How? We were going to build a defense line there. What the heck are you talking about? Talk in a way that I can understand?¡±


    ¡°The details of it are¡­They just told me to prepare to move right now¡­¡±


    The general secretary shook his head as he was only trying to deliver the information that he had received from the general staff office.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi, who hade out from under the covers, entered the General Staff operation room wearing just a robe.


    There were several soldiers busy carrying various equipment around the hallway.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi opened the door of the operation room and asked. In response, General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei, who was having a serious conversation with the staff, replied in an urgent voice.


    ¡°Please get ready to leave this ce for now. There isn¡¯t a lot of time left. I¡¯ll tell you about the details on our way.¡±


    ¡°Is it true that the Koreans have crossed the Chao Bai River?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°Two hours ago.¡±


    <Boo!>


    From a short distance away, a huge explosion was heard. As a result, the ceiling lights trembled, and dust fell from the ceiling.


    ¡°Two hours ago? And you only just found out?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but it seems that the Korean military used EMP bullets around the Chao Bai River defense line. So, themunication was lost, and I could only report it to you now.¡±


    <Kwaang! Kwawawang!>


    The sounds of explosions could be heard from the operating room once again, and it seemed to be getting closer by the minute. As a result, President Wang Jing-wi felt the situation was bing serious, so he turned around without asking any more questions.


    ¡°Mr. President! We have the helicopter ready. Since we don¡¯t have much time left, please only pack the important things. The rest will be packed by the soldierster. I¡¯lle to pick you up as soon as the preparation ispleted.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi shook his hand and left the operation room.


    ¡°We also need to move now.¡±


    Chief Executive Officer Kao Wei-kwang said while holding a briefcase in one hand, which contained documents from the overnight counterattack operation.


    ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll go to the helicopter with President Wang Jing-wi.¡±


    ¡°Yes, then I¡¯ll go first and wait.¡±


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 04:15 (New China time: 03:15)


    On the outskirts of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary residence of the Central Military Headquarters)


    In the helicopter hangar of the temporary residence, 16 Z-9 armed helicopters, four Z-8rge transport helicopters and 20 Russian-made Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters were on standby on the modified runway.


    The Z-8rge transport helicopter was a helicopter for President Wang Jing-wi, and the rest of the Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters were to be boarded by several party officials and general staffmanders.


    Since this was a temporary residence in the Central Military District, there was no airne runway. Therefore, they had to go to Gao Beidian Airport, 50 kilometers southwest by helicopter, and then take a ne from there to Yangquan.


    Because of the unexpected arrival of the Korean military, the temporary residence was in chaos as they prepared for an emergency evacuation. It looked like a hotteok restaurant that was on fire.


    After a short time, President Wang Jing-wi and General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei rushed to the modified runway, apanied by an escort.


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was out of breath, boarded the Z-8 big transport helicopter with the help of the guards. Then the officials and general staffmanders who had been waiting in front of the helicopters hurriedly boarded as well.


    <Dududududududududu~>


    The Z-9 armed helicopters in charge of the escort mission slowly ascended as President Wang Jing-wi boarded, creating an incredible sound as the engines roared to life. They then constructed an air cover by hovering in the air.


    As the Z-8rge transport helicopter was about to take off vertically and the rotor began to spin, something was falling from the eastern sky outside the garrison.


    When it reached a certain height, it exploded, emitting a tremendous light.


    Inparison to the amount of light emitted, the explosive sound was not that loud. However, it didn¡¯t appear to be a normal explosion. The tremendous light emitted sent shock waves that spread in a circr pattern in all directions. The temporary residence was also within the range of the shock waves.


    Like a momentary typhoon, the shock waves vertically swept through the runway.


    As a result, the engines of the Z-9 armed helicopters that were hovering in the sky stopped all at once. The sudden loss of power caused them to fall to the ground.


    <Kkiiing! Keukeukeuk!>


    Meanwhile, the engines of the Z-8 heavy transport helicopter and the Mil Mi-17 transport helicopter, which were preparing for take-off, stopped. Additionally, sparks flew from the different instrument panels, causing a fire.


    <Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaaaang!>


    Explosions erupted in all directions as the Z-9 armed helicopters crashed to the ground, sending pirs of fire and debris soaring. The high-ranking officials and general staffmanders on board began leaping from the numerous transport helicopters that had caught fire.


    The dashboard of the control room of the Z-8rge transport helicopter, which had President Wang Jing-wi onboard had also caught fire. The president jumped out of the helicopter with the help of the escort captain and ran away without looking back.


    <Boo!>


    As soon as he had run away, the Z-8 big transport helicopter exploded and split into two. The fire raged on and debris flew into the air. As a result, the vertical runway area immediately turned into a zing fire.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi, who managed to escape death, gasped and asked, pointing to the railing of the helicopter hangar. In response, the escort captain, who ran carrying President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s bag, replied with a short breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure but I think the Koreans have attacked.¡±


    At this time, Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei who had safely alighted from another transport helicopter approached with several staff members.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Whatever it is, what happened?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi asked nervously.


    ¡°I think they dropped the EMP bomb.¡±


    ¡°EMP?¡±


    ¡°Yes, this situation wouldn¡¯t ur unless it is an EMP bomb.¡±


    <Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaang!>


    A sound that rang out like thunder could be heard in the sky, followed by a series of explosions that urred simultaneously on all sides of the temporary residence. It appeared to be an artillery attack using time-on-target (TOP) technology.


    <Uaaaak!>


    Soldiers caught in the explosion yelled and scurried away in all directions. Several buildings copsed, generating dust clouds. In addition, the mes of death carried away other automobiles parked on the ground, creating a hellish ind.


    The problem was that these explosions continued unceasingly. Fortunately, the helicopter hangar was strong enough, so President Wang Jing-wi and his party were able to survive.


    ¡°Strategy Manager!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Get your subordinates to prepare a vehicle so that we can get out of here right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I wanted to but all of the vehicles are getting damaged as well¡­¡±


    ¡°What? Does that mean that we can¡¯t get out of here?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was listening to the conversation between the two generals, asked with a fearful look.


    ¡°No, we¡¯ll find a way out somehow.¡±


    ¡°General Chief of Staff! Because the connection with the outside is currently down, it appears that the best option is to escape and obtain a car from the outside.¡±


    When Chief Executive Officer Kao Wei-kwang gave the most realistic option in the current situation, General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei nodded and called the Strategy Manager.


    ¡°Strategy Manager!¡±


    ¡°Yes, General Chief of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Right now, all of the guards will be mobilized to provide escort to the city. Choose speedy subordinates and prepare the vehicles in advance! We¡¯ll have to save him no matter what.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll get it at any cost.¡±


    ¡°Good! Have everything prepared so that we can leave in 20 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    The Strategy manager Major General Du Yu-ru, immediately issued the orders. As a result, 1,000 guards and troops were transferred from the direct infantry unit and moved through the continuously falling shells to form an escort line from the main gate of the temporary residence to the city.


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 04:20 (New China time: 03:20)


    Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    ¡°Everyone! If we stay like this, we¡¯ll be dead. We must end this war by killing President Wang Jing-wi and hisrades, who think the lives of the people are inferior. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    A man wearing a red t-shirt was giving a speech through a loudspeaker in front of demonstrators filling the eightne road in downtown Langfang.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s get rid of him! Let¡¯s get rid of him! Let¡¯s get rid of him!¡±


    Although the majority of Langfang¡¯s residents had evacuated, more than 100,000 people remained in the city and continued to demonstrate. The majority of the demonstrators were from the lower sses, who were unable to escape due to ack of money and food.


    ¡°Right now! Let us go to the location where the sinner Wang Jing-wi is currently residing and punish him.¡±


    When the man in the red t-shirt screamed once again into the loudspeaker, the protesters raised their weapons and shouted.


    They even had rifles, pistols, and heavy machine guns stolen from soldiers during the protests.


    <Ji ji jik! Ji ji jik!>


    ¡°Beehive two here! Beehive two here! Currently, the worker bees are moving. Over!¡±


    The man who was leading the demonstrators and shouting through the loudspeaker turned his head and blocked the loudspeaker for a few moments, then whispered into themunicator, and then a Korean voice came out of a small machine ced in his ear.


    ¡°Beehive one here! I¡¯ll move right away. Beehive two, three, and four, get ready, too!¡±


    ¡°Beehive two here! Check! Over!¡±


    ¡°Beehive three here! Check! Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Beehive four! Check! Over!¡±


    Agents of the Special Operations Bureau of the National Intelligence Service, who were currently operating in various parts of New China, weremunicating with each other without the protesters¡¯ knowledge even aftermunication was cut off due to the EMP bomb.


    One such person was Manager Na Min-won of Special Operations Bureau three. He was the one who had given the speech to the demonstrators. He was as fluent in Chinese as a native speaker because he had studied overseas in Beijing for four years when he was younger.


    ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s show them our power.¡±


    After ending themunication, Manager Na Min-won got off the podium and walked in the direction of the current temporary residence. Then more than 100,000 protesters began to follow him while shouting.


    At the same time, guards and some troops were entering the city on the other side of the road. In a matter of minutes, a sh between the two teams would most certainly ur.


    ¡°Beehive three here! The worker bees are approaching 500 meters!¡±


    At the entrance to the city, Beehive three who was observing the situation sent out the message.


    ¡°Beehive one here! Please keep a lookout and report back. And Beehive four! Come out! Over!¡±


    ¡°This is Beehive four! Over!¡±


    ¡°Are you ready to harvest honey?¡±


    ¡°Beehive four here! It¡¯s possible right away.. Over!¡±

 Chapter 511 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-5 New Chinas Defeat

    <h4>Chapter 511: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-5 New China¡¯s Defeat</h4>


    January 17, 2024, 04:20 (New China time: 03:20)


    The outskirts of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    Major General Du Yu-ru, who had deployed all forces from the temporary residence to the outskirts of Langfang, had summoned themanders of each unit and had given them orders.


    ¡°The 1st Battalion Commander, secure vehicles that can move immediately. Because there will be around 500 people traveling, find vehicles that are bigger than a van!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°The 2nd Battalionmander, secure the boundaries of the area where the cars will be gathered! Don¡¯t even let an ante close!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°The 57th Regiment¡¯s third, fourth, and 22ndmanders go around and inspect to make sure there are no problems.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Time is running out, so get started as soon as possible.¡±


    When the orders were given by the major general on the scene, themanders replied in a military voice and went ahead to perform their respective duties.


    ¡°Security guard!¡±


    Major General Du Yu-ru summoned the security guard after the battalion leaders had returned to their respective positions.


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve sent some of my men to the station right now to secure the way, you can start moving!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    Until now, Major General Du Yu-ru was unaware about the protesters who were approaching were armed with various weapons.


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 04:40 (New China time: 03:40)


    Outside Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (temporary presidential office of the Central Military Headquarters)


    ¡°President, it¡¯s time to get going.¡±


    It was because of the report from the messenger officer sent by Major General Du Yu-ru a while ago.


    ¡°Are you still urging me to move while the shells are dropping like hailstones?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about it. It is riskier to remain here. The route leading to downtown Langfang has been secured, and mobile vehicles have been secured as well. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Argh! Damn! Take the lead!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Let¡¯s start moving.¡±


    As many as 500 people moved in unison.


    While shells continued to fly and burst, those who took the safest way eventually found themselves on the road leading to Langfang City.


    Soldiers from the guards were stationed at regr intervals on both sides of the fourne road, each looking outward and taking precautions.


    ¡°How far do we need to go?¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi, who was escorted by security officers, asked with a variety of emotions.


    ¡°It¡¯s less than two kilometers. You just have to go a little bit more.¡±


    The security captain Ryu Ha-oran replied.


    ¡°Two kilometers? You want me to walk for two kilometers?¡±


    ¡°You just need to be a little more patient.¡±


    ¡°Ugh! How did I end up doing this?¡±


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 04:55 (New China time: 03:55)


    Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    Soldiers from the first battalion who were on the search for vehicles were making their way toward the city center.


    There were vehicles parked on the side of the road everywhere but the majority of them were broken or had all four tires punctured or were unusable.


    Finally, they were able to locate a vehicle that could work in the underground parking lot of arge building that looked like a hotel.


    ¡°This looks good.¡±


    A soldier, who appeared to be a senior, said.


    ¡°The interior appears to be in good shape as well. If we had the key, I think we could drive it.¡±


    The sergeant major, who was seated in the driver¡¯s seat as the doors were open, said with an enthusiastic expression.


    ¡°Hey! Corporal Dong-yung!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Squad leader!¡±


    ¡°I think this car belongs to the hotel. Go to the lobby and bring the key! Hurry up!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    At the squad leader¡¯s instruction, he ran toward the emergency exit.


    ¡°Squad leader! Do you think we¡¯ll be able to get a special promotion if we obtain this van?¡±


    The sergeant major who was inside the car asked excitedly while turning the steering wheel around.


    ¡°What? At least it¡¯s a special promotion!¡±


    The squad leader also smiled at the thought of the special promotion.


    Corporal Dong-yung, who had gone to the lobby a few minutes ago,e back carrying a rifle on his shoulder and remote-control keys in both hands.


    ¡°Captain! There were too many keys so I brought everything.¡±


    ¡°Good job! To begin, press all the remote-control key¡¯s buttons.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Corporal Dong-yung put all the remote-control keys on the floor and pressed the buttons one at a time.


    Even though about ten key¡¯s buttons had been pressed, no sound was heard from the vehicle parked underground. Only after the button on thest key was pressed, the vehicle indicator light turned on in the van where the sergeant major was sitting, and the rm rang briefly.


    <Bee beep!>


    ¡°Yay! Hey! Corporal Dong-yung! Bring the key!¡±


    The sergeant major in the driver¡¯s seat opened the door and made a gesture.


    ¡°Here it is.¡±


    The sergeant major took the key, inserted it into the ignition, and turned it.


    <Burr!>


    ¡°It¡¯s working! Hahaha, it¡¯s a special promotion! Special promotion! Squad leader, get in!¡±


    ¡°Okay! Get in Corporal!¡±


    As soon as they got in the back seat, the sergeant major turned the steering wheel and stepped on the elerator.


    <Ki gi gi!>


    The tires squealed because as they moved off.


    Those who were fortunate enough to obtain a vehicle for the president to travel in exited the underground parking lot and were thinking about the awards and special promotions that awaited them. However, just when they were about to enter the main road, they saw a group of people marching along the eightne road and stopped.


    <Kiiiik!>


    <Kung!>


    The squad leader, who hit the front seat due to the car suddenly stopping, hit the sergeant major¡¯s helmet with anger.


    ¡°Why did you stop all of a sudden, you punk!¡±


    ¡°Well, look over there.¡±


    The squad leader opened his eyes wide when he saw what was in front of them.


    ¡°What is this? Are there still people who haven¡¯t escaped?¡±


    ¡°What should we do? They are blocking the road¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? That¡¯s the fastest road, so just go ahead!¡±


    ¡°What? Even if we hit people¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, brat! We have to get there before the others do so we can get the reward, right? Just step on it! They will have to move out of the way!¡±


    Under the instruction of the squad leader, the sergeant major stepped on the elerator.


    <Whoosh!>


    The van sped forward, shing its lights and honking its horns.


    <Bbang! Bbang! Bbang!>


    At that moment, the sound of gunfire was heard.


    <Tang! Tatatatang! Tatang!>


    <Keuok!>


    The sergeant major, who was driving, was hit by multiple bullets and was coughing up blood. He turned the steering wheel, causing the van to veer off course and hit the next building, bounce off, ande to a halt when it collided with the opposite building¡¯s wall.


    <Ugh!>


    After being thrown around in several directions, the squad leader and Corporal Dong-yung, who were in the back seats, groaned.


    ¡°Ugh! What happened?¡±


    The squad leader, who had just regained consciousness, stood up by gripping the front seat and could see plenty of people running through the smoke that was rising from the bo.


    ¡°Those brats! Did they shoot at us?¡±


    The squadmander became enraged and opened the car door, pointing a gun at the people approaching them.


    ¡°Hey! Corporal, what are you doing? You get off and shoot, too!¡±


    Just as he was about to pull the trigger, shouting at Corporal Dong-yung, who seemed to have lost consciousness, several gunshots rang out among the crowd.


    The squad leader, who had blood dripping from his chest, screamed and stepped back.


    Meanwhile, the first battalionmander and staff, who were in charge of the search of vehicles, turned their heads toward the sound of gunfire.


    ¡°What? Have the Korean army already reached here?¡±


    Unconsciously, the first battalionmander attempted to send a radio transmission, but it was disrupted. So he faced reality and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to die of frustration because I can¡¯t send anymunication out. Damn it!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a few people ande back.¡±


    One of the battalion staff said.


    ¡°Yes, do that!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    As he was about to run to the ce where the gunfire rang with a few subordinates, he stopped when he saw the crowd of people approaching the eightne road.


    ¡°What is this? Are they protesters?¡±


    An officer who was looking at them through his small telescope opened his mouth in surprise.


    ¡°Captain! There are protests in the city.¡±


    ¡°Protests? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Look ahead.¡±


    The officer returned quickly and passed the telescope to themander, who snatched it and immediately realised what he had meant.


    ¡°Have you seen those crazy guys? What do they mean by protesting at thiste hour? Aren¡¯t they crazy?¡±


    For a brief while, the 1st battalionmander was bewildered at the irrational situation ahead.


    ¡°Captain! Shouldn¡¯t we retreat to the gathering area first? It seems that there are too many protesters here.¡±


    Currently, there were only five battalion staff and about 20 armed forces with the first battalionmander. The rest were on a search mission for vehicles.


    ¡°No, first of all, we need to block them for as long as we can. Everyone, get in line!¡±


    The captain took out a QSZ92 pistol from his holster and shouted proudly.


    ordingly, about 20 soldiers stood in a line and immediately assumed a shooting stance. As a result, the officers also pulled out their pistols and stood behind the soldiers.


    ¡°Communication officer!¡±


    ¡°Yes, battalionmander!¡±


    ¡°Send the quickest guy here to notify the 2nd battalionmander of the current situation!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Themunication officer chose the fastest soldier among them and gave him the instructions. As a result, themunication soldier started running without looking back. That shows how importantmunication is in war times.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared! Protesters are just protesters! If we shoot at them a couple of times, they will scatter, so stay in your position!¡±


    The operational officer, who was holding a pistol and was ready to shoot, ordered the soldiers on behalf of the first battalionmander.


    However, there was something they were unaware of. About five percent of the protesters had 87-type rifles used by the New Korean Army. There were approximately 100,000 protesters, so five percent were 5,000.


    The Chinese military was unaware of the dangerous situation where the demonstrators had robbed an ammo storage on Langfang¡¯s southern coast. Themander of the 37th Ammunition Depot Battalion, who was in charge of the location, did not report the ident to higher levels as he was frightened of being held guilty and sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison or even executed under militaryw.


    For that reason, themanders and officers began to run away, and lower-level officials and ordinary soldiers had also fled the military.


    Senior units and the General Staff in charge of the 37th Ammunition Depot Battalion werepletely unaware of this and assumed it was due to the temporary loss of contact due to themunication problem. When all of the troops defending the 37th Ammunition station left, the demonstrators robbed the depot, with up to 5,000 people armed with the Type 87 rifle, which was a standard rifle.


    Protesters slowly appeared under the moonlight, shouting all kinds of threats, approaching quickly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t shoot until I order you to fire.¡±


    With a slightly trembling voice, the chief of operations led the squad. The soldiers who were waiting for the order to shoot swallowed dry saliva and had strained looks on their faces. Regardless of the number of guns they had, more protesters were arriving.


    Gunshots began to ring out all over the city as the distance between them narrowed to 400 meters. The first battalionmander thought that soldiers who went to search for vehicles had fired at the protesters.


    In fact, it was the opposite. The first battalion soldiers who were searching for vehicles were under surprise attacks by the protesters everywhere..

 Chapter 512 - Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-6 New Chinas Defeat

    <h4>Chapter 512: Season 2 Book 20 Shadow of War-5-6 New China¡¯s Defeat</h4>


    ¡°Wait! When they get a little bit closer, shoot. Wait! Wait!¡±


    When the gap between them and the protesters narrowed, the operation manager, who was trying to give a firing order, ended up as a cold corpse on the road.


    Unexpectedly, the protesters haveunched a pre-emptive attack first.


    <Tatatang! Tatang! Tatang! Tatang!>


    The soldiers of the first battalion, who had been waiting in a horizontal formation in the middle of the road without any protective equipment, were helpless in the face of the gunshots. Everything happened in the blink of an eye.


    Around 200 front-line protesters opened fire at the same time, causing roughly 20 first battalion soldiers to copse while screaming.


    They were careless as they did not expect that the protesters had guns. Besides that, there were several people with considerable shooting skills among the protesters. They were agents of teams one, two, and three of the Special Operations Bureau led by Manager Na Min-won.


    They were the ones who killed the soldiers from the first battalion, As, all of the gunshots fired by ordinary protesters were missed.


    Under the leadership of Manager Na Min-won, who simply annihted a small number of the first battalion, they continued to advance at a faster pace. And soon, they were 400 meters away from the vehicle assembly area guarded by the second battalion.


    Meanwhile, the second battalion, which did not receive any messages from the first battalion and had no idea what was going on, was surprised by the number of the protesters who had suddenly appeared.


    ¡°Who are they?¡±


    The second battalionmander, who had been looking through his night vision telescope because he was concerned about the continuous shots he had heard earlier, rubbed his eyes and checked once again.


    ¡°What kind of protests are they having at this hour? Are the gunshots because of them? But the president will be here in a little while¡­¡±


    As a result, the second battalionmander ordered the heavy machine gunners who were deployed in various areas.


    ¡°Heavy machine gunners, be ready to shoot! Arge number of protesters are confirmed ahead.¡±


    <Chol kok! Chol kok!>


    The heavy machine guns that had been retrieved from the damaged armored vehicles were ced in various locations, and their operators were waiting for the protesters.


    ¡°Front! Start shooting when they reach the bus stop on the left. Do you get it?¡±


    After double-checking the protesters¡¯ location, themander designated the bus stop as a firing location.


    Although it was impossible to know for sure, it seemed that each of the protesters in the lead had guns in their hands.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong with them.¡±


    <Tang!>


    Before he could finish his sentence, he fell to the floor as a bullet pierced his head, and dark red blood and white brain matter dripped out everywhere. It was a terrible moment.


    ¡°Battalionmander!¡±


    A staff member ran toward the fallen battalionmander.


    <Tang!>


    When the light gunfire rang out once again, the staff, who was trying to check on the battalionmander, rolled down while covering his head.


    ¡°There¡¯s a sniper. Everyone, take cover!¡±


    As someone shouted, the soldiers of the 2nd Battalion flew to the other side of the gunfire and took cover. However, the protesters were approaching from the 3 o¡¯clock direction, while the gunshots were fired from the direction of 12 o¡¯clock. Therefore, they couldn¡¯t be entirely covered.


    The soldiers of the 2nd Battalion decided to take cover on the other side of the shooter¡¯s direction because they believed that the sniper posed a greater threat than the protesters.


    ¡°Has the sniper¡¯s location been confirmed?¡±


    The officer who had warned the others of the sniper hid behind a flowerpot stand and asked the people around him.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t check.¡±


    ¡°Damn! Hey you! Run over there!¡±


    He pointed at a soldier, who was lying close to the road. The soldier opened his eyes wide in disbelief and asked back.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Run in that direction.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die.¡±


    The soldier, who was lying on the floor, shook his head and appeared as if he was about to cry.


    ¡°You punk! If you run fast, you won¡¯t die. Hurry up and run! If you disobey my order, you¡¯ll be shot immediately. Do you want to die by my gun?¡±


    The officer wanted to locate the sniper¡¯s location using the soldier as bait.


    ¡°Deputymander! Please.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t start running on the count of three, get ready to die by my hands. One! Two! Three!¡±


    The soldier closed his eyes tightly, opened them, stood up, and began to run. As gunfire rang out once again, he crumbled forward as the bullet pierced his chest.


    As soon as the officer stuck his head out to check the location of the sniper, a series of gunshots rang once again.


    The sniper bullet prated through the middle of his eyebrows. As a result, his head was shattered to the point where it was difficult to recognize him.


    While everyone had their attention on the unidentified sniper, the protesters quickly crossed the bus stop and began shooting.


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 05:25 (New China time: 04:25)


    The rooftop of an apartment outside Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    Several ck shadows were carefully examining the ground on the roof of the 12th-floor apartment, which did not have any lights. They were agents of the Special Operations Division three, called Beehive three.


    Their duties were reconnaissance and shooting.


    Among them were two snipers who had identified the location of the 2nd Battalion. The two snipers were able to sessfully shoot the New China soldiers who were seen in the 16-fold zoom scope.


    ¡°They¡¯re so scared.¡±


    Team leader Lee Jin-hoo, who was checking the forward movement with a VR-M perspective, smiled while raising one corner of his mouth.


    While the two snipers were taking out the soldiers of the 2nd battalion, the protesters from the other side approached and engaged in a full-fledged gunfight. Confounded, the soldiers of the 2nd Battalion either fled or shivered behind cover, despite their professional military training.


    A heavy machine gunner bravely exposed his body and fired a series of shots, but he eventually copsed after being shot by the sniper. When the rest of the gunners saw this, they appeared to be terrified and huddled in a corner.


    As a result, the soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, who were unable to strike back at the two snipers, began fleeing or surrendering to the protesters within 30 minutes since the start of the battle.


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 05:40 (New China time: 04:30)


    Outside Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (2 kilometers west end from the vehicle gathering ce)


    The temporary garrison in the central military district was engulfed in huge mes and continued to burn as the bombardment persisted. President Wang Jing-wi and his party stopped in the middle of the road when they heard the gunshots and explosions.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I can¡¯t walk anymore, so bring your car here right now!¡±


    He issued orders to the General Staffmanders in his distinctive bitter tone but it was clear from his trembling voice and eyes that he was afraid.


    ¡°Mr. President, please wait a moment. We have sent a messenger to check the current situation in Langfang city.¡±


    The Chief of Staff, Guo Jingfei, said.


    ¡°How the hell did it end up like this¡­¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi looked at the temporary base, which was rife withrge and small explosions and erupting massive mes.


    The entire temporary residence was being swept away by the huge fire.


    ¡°Ha! I could¡¯ve been roasted if I had been a little bitte.¡±


    President Wang Jing-wi slumped down on the cold floor muttering to himself. While the 1,000 people waited in the middle of the road, the messenger officer sent by the General Staff to investigate the situation in Langfang returned with several subordinates.


    ¡°Gasp! Gasp! I¡¯m back!¡±


    Even though the temperature was below freezing, the sweat of those who ran for two kilometers without stopping was dripping down them like a waterfall, and white steam was slowly rising from their heads.


    Despite the cold weather, President Wang Jing-wi sat down and took a deep breath as his legs began to buckle beneath him due to the rising tension.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    A general with the rank ofmander-in-chief among the Chief of Staff asked urgently.


    ¡°Oh, my! Oh, my! There is currently a fierce battle around Langfang.¡±


    With a rough breath, the messenger officer reported.


    ¡°Battle? Does that mean the Korean army has entered Langfang?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it. It¡¯s not the Korean army, it¡¯s the protesters who started the riot.¡±


    ¡°Protesters?¡±


    The Chief of Staff, Guo Jingfei, and President Wang Jing-wi approached the messenger officer and questioned him.


    ¡°What kind of battle are we going to have with the protesters?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not just protesters. Several of them appear to be armed with rifles.¡±


    ¡°What does that imply? How did the protesters get their hands on rifles?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know that¡­Anyway, it will be difficult to go to Langfang.¡±


    ¡°Haha! They are just protesters, no matter how many rifles they have; how will they be able to fight against our soldiers who have undergone military training? Have you met Major General Du Yu-ru?¡±


    This time, Chief Executive Officer Kao Wei-kwang asked.


    ¡°Well, Major General Du Yu-ru was killed.¡±


    ¡°What? Why? How?¡±


    ¡°I was told that he was killed by a sniper.¡±


    ¡°Sniper? Are there snipers among the protesters?¡±


    Everyone looked disappointed at the messenger officer¡¯s words, and a serious atmosphere fell upon them.


    ¡°Well, it is not the time to be like this.¡±


    Guo Jingfei, the Chief of Staff, was attempting to find an alternate way and immediately called the operation status chief.


    ¡°Lieutenant general!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chief of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Please consult with your staff members and determine the shortest route to Gao Beidian Airport!¡±


    ¡°What? Are you saying the shortest distance is 50 kilometers?¡±


    ¡°There is no other way? Because there are armed protesters in Langfang. We might be lucky and be able to find a vehicle that we can use to drive us out of here. If we dy more, we will be caught by the Korean army! Hurry up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    The Lieutenant General convened the staff of the Central Military District Headquarters at the same time as the chief of staff responded. He then spread out arge map on the floor and talked about the safest and shortest route to Gao Beidian Airport.


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 05:40 (New China time: 04:30)


    Outside Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (Calling name: Beoltong Net Operation Area)


    <Whooing!>


    A CMV-101 trailer was floating on farnd one kilometer south of the road where President Wang Jing-wi and his party were gathered, with the TCS mode (transparent concealment system) activated.


    The special operation team Beehive four were riding inside the trailer.


    They had been keeping a close eye on President Wang Jing-wi since he emerged from the temporary residence. In addition, a weapon with lethal firepower was aimed at President Wang Jing-wi while they awaited orders from their home country.


    For now, they were only monitoring the situation.


    ¡°I just want to crush him right away. Hahaha.¡±


    Deputy Kang Man-houghed loudly while sitting in the chair of the Dragon Gun¡¯s truck, which had six rows of artillery that emit invisibleser light.


    Dragon Gun is a specially manufactured heavy machine at Olympus base, and it was a prototype 30-millimeterser 6-row Vulcan to be armed with armored vehicles in the future.


    Currently, two dragon guns were installed inside the CMV-101 trailer.


    ¡°Ah! Does Deputy Kang feel the same way? Haha, am itching to do it too.¡±


    Chief Lee Sung-min, who was sitting in the chair of the other Dragon Gun¡¯s truck, smiled broadly and responded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why the above people are overthinking the situation. If we grab that pig by the cor right now, the war against New China will be over.¡±


    ¡°What a foolish bear! That¡¯s why I called you a foolish bear.¡±


    Deputy Oh Sung-hoon, his Special Operations Bureau colleague and one of his best friends when he was in the Special Forces, kicked and scolded him as if he was pathetic.


    ¡°Foolish bear? I¡¯m going to smash you.¡±


    ¡°Hey! If the war would end simply by killing that pig, we would¡¯ve done it already! The above don¡¯t think so and that¡¯s why they¡¯ve kept him alive! Please use your brain a little bit. Foolish bear!¡±


    ¡°So, what¡¯s that, punk!¡±


    The two kept quarrelling, which indicated just how close they were.


    ¡°Why are you¡¯ll being so noisy during the operation? Be quiet and stick to your mission!¡±


    Team leader Kim Young-ho, who was watching the current situation through various monitors, turned his head slightly and red at them. At that moment, Deputy Kang Man-ho asked him curiously.


    ¡°Do you know why, team leader?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The reason why we¡¯re keeping that pig alive.¡±


    The pig referred to by Deputy Kang Man-ho was the nickname of President Wang Jing-wi.


    ¡°I don¡¯t exactly know why but maybe they are thinking of getting rid of New China through this war.¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean by getting rid of it?¡±


    ¡°Hey! How did you get in here? It¡¯s amazing. It¡¯s amazing! It literally means that New China will bepletely removed from the Earth!¡±


    Once again, Deputy Oh Sung-hoon chuckled in a quarrelsome tone, causing Deputy Kang Man-ho to clench his fists and open his eyes wide.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you, rascal!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, be quiet and focus! I think it¡¯s time to start!¡±


    At that moment,munication came from Manager Na Min-won, who was leading the protesters.


    ¡°Beehive One is here! So far, everything is going ording to n. In ten minutes, I¡¯ll be meeting the queen bee! Should an unusual situation ur, the three beehivesmunicate with one another immediately, and beehive four continue to wait and attack as soon as the order is issued. There isn¡¯t a lot of time left. Let us give it our all until the end so that everything we¡¯ve worked for so far doesn¡¯t go to waste. Over!¡±


    ¡°Beehive three is here! Roger that! Over!¡±


    ¡°Beehive four is here! Roger that! Over!¡±

 Chapter 513 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 – 1-1 Perfect Victory!

    <h4>Chapter 513: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 1-1 Perfect Victory!</h4>


    January 17, 2024, 06:00


    The B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (The Situation Room of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces¡¯ Joint Command & Control Center)


    Putting aside the current breakout of war everywhere around the world, the Chief of Staff and officers of each force, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, fixed their eyes on screen five and continued watching.


    On screen five, a video of President Wang Jing-wi and his partypletely surrounded by protesters¡ªbeing attacked in the middle of the road was being screened. The CS-IS Athens 3, with resolution so high that even the ants on the ground could be seen in 4K, was one of the most advanced intelligence satellites operated by the Special Operations Bureau of the National Intelligence Service.


    ¡°This one has better picture quality than our reconnaissance satellite. Yes, look at that! Do you see how agonized that bastard Wang Jing-wi seems? Hahaha.¡±


    The video quality was excellent, even though it was nighttime. At this, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn repeatedly shook his head, impressed.


    ¡°It seems to be because it¡¯s a recently developed and deployed intelligence satellite,¡± replied Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, head of the operation headquarters, who was watching silently.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t our reconnaissance satellite be upgraded to achieve that level of quality right now?¡±


    ¡°Haha, You seem so juvenile sometimes, sir. There are upgrades nned for the Apollo reconnaissance satellites toward the end of this year, too,¡± responded Chief of the Aerospace Forces Chief of Staff Choi Jin-gook responded, chuckling to Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn¡¯s innocent excitement.


    ¡°I guess I didn¡¯t act like my age and was too happy about it?¡±


    In an instant, the situation room became a sea ofughter.


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, who had been observing the situation in the rxed atmosphere, nced at his watch and approached the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and said quietly, ¡°Chairman, shouldn¡¯t we be wrapping up now?¡±


    ¡°Mm, is it time?¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong, who had been watching expressionlessly with his arms crossed, replied with a slight nod of his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s too bad I can¡¯t keep watching that bastard Wang Jing-wi tremble!¡± While Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn expressed his disappointment, Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon issued orders to the relevant staff. With these orders, the operators in charge ofmunication soon moved about busily.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. Head of Operations!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman!¡±


    ¡°Ry my thanks to the head of the National Intelligence Service. The National Intelligence Service did a great job in making this operation a sess.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will ry the message to him.¡±


    The video they were currently watching was also being viewed in the operation situation room of the National Intelligence Service.


    After arge-scale ¡®ttening operation¡¯ was carried out on the maind of New China on the 1st, the New Chinese Armed forces hadunched a defensive tactic using its citizens as a shield. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, after much discussion, hade up with an emergency strategy and had immediately put it into action.


    This n, none other than the ¡°use barbarians to control and manage other barbarians¡± by operation, was to use enraged citizens to capture President Wang Jing-wi.


    At first, they had nned to send special forces throughout New China to incite riots for the internal division, but after hearing that the agents of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Special Operations Bureau had already infiltrated New China¡¯s cities and were performing various missions, they coborated with the Special Operations Bureau to carry out the n.


    As a result, the Special Operations Bureau agents had performed their mission far better than expected. They hid among citizens, leading protests. As hatred against the Center Party and President Wang Jing-wi had peaked, the protests had escted into riots and spread rapidly across the country.


    The riots eased momentarily when Chairman Shaoyang of the Politburo Standing Committee announced a People¡¯s Statement in ce of President Wang Jing-wi, but this was only a temporary solution. The videos and photos of brutally suppressing the citizen protests with various military equipment and firearms spread once again, which led to protesters attacking, plundering the arsenal, and arming themselves with the weapons they stole. And now the situation had escted and protesters were attacking President Wang Jing-wi and his party.


    * * *


    January 17, 2024, 06:10 (New China Time: 05:10)


    Outside Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China (Operation Area Beehive 4)


    The CMV-101 trailer, which had been watching the fierce battle between the armed protesters and the Center Military security guards with TCS mode (transparent concealment system) activated, suddenly increased its altitude. This was just moments after receiving an attack order from its home country.


    After climbing to a certain altitude, the CMV-101 trailer switched to hover mode. Soon after, the left fairing slowly opened.


    One of the next-generation weapons, the double-barreled dragon gun appeared and a glint of silver was seen. At this, a smile spread across the faces of Associate Kang Man-ho and Lee Sung-min, sitting on the top chair.


    They seemed excited after the boring wait. Team Leader Kim Young-ho gave the order in an urgent tone. ¡°You all know, right? You only need to secure a route to attack the protesters. Don¡¯t overdo it.¡±


    ¡°Haha! Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯m Kang Man-ho, the pir of Department 3!¡±


    ¡°Listen to the team leader and do it right! Don¡¯t be a cocky fool and mess it up! You buffoon!¡±


    ¡°Are you going to keep calling me a buffoon? Son of a b*tch!¡±


    ¡°Huh? What else am I supposed to call you when you are a buffoon? You buffoon!¡±


    ¡°Ugh, this guy!¡±


    ¡°You two fight every chance you get, huh? I¡¯m going to send you both to Department 1 when you¡¯re finished with this mission.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Department 1? I would rather resign than be sent to Department Head Kim Sang-joong¡¯s Department 1.¡±


    ¡°Leader! I¡¯ll work hard. Please not Department 1. Haha.¡±


    Oh Sung-hoon and Kang Man-ho shook their heads and shivered at the same moment, as if they had nned to do so. The infamous Department Head Kim Sang-joong, who they had spoken of, was a former Command Sergeant Major of the 707th Special Task Force. He was notorious for being intense, even in the Special Operations Bureau, where the most extreme among all agents were gathered.


    ¡°Bicker one more time during a mission and you can expect to be sent there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start. Associate Oh, turn on the data link for the information scan!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Data link is on.¡±


    ¡°Good! Area 2-11! Most of the weapons are concentrated there, so it¡¯s the best. Focus your shooting on that area! When the protesters approach, hold your fire!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    With Team Leader Kim Young-ho¡¯s final order, Kang Man-ho and Lee Sung-min pointed the dragon gun precisely toward area 2-11.


    With a distinct mechanical sound, the six-row barrel of the dragon gun pointed to area 2-11. Then, as Kang Man-ho and Lee Sung-min pulled the trigger, a wide beam of light rained on the ground and a booming sound was heard.


    The ray of light, strong enough to easily pierce through the front of an armored vehicle, swept away everything on the ground.


    The soldiers of the Central Military District Guards, armed with many weapons, had built a defense line on the upper part of the road and were engaged in fierce battles with protesters. They were helpless to theser beams suddenly raining down from the sky.


    Whenever the 30-millimeterser beam touched any part of the head or body, blood and flesh sttered everywhere, as if someone had sted open a watermelon with brute force.


    The sight of this was truly brutal.


    A single ray skimmed past the gunner and his assistant, located below the rails of the road, that had continued to fire at the protest with a type 04 automatic grenadeuncher.


    The gunner, hit by multiple beams in less than a second, was reduced to handfuls of blood and flesh, which flew everywhere. His assistant¡¯s head was blown off, his body copsing to the ground.


    Kang Man-ho, in his scope monitor, caught sight of themander pointing towards himself and yelling at his men.


    ¡°Huh? Has that bastard lost his mind?¡±


    Kang Man-ho immediately grabbed the control lever and pointed the six-row barrel at themander of the New China Army, who was still screaming his head off.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you hell!¡±


    Severalser rays skimmed themander, separating his blood and flesh and sting it everywhere. A few soldiers who were engaged in battle a few steps away vomited their guts out.


    The defense at the top of the road was destroyed in an instant by the two rays of light beaming from the CMV-101 trailer with TCS (transparent concealment system) mode activated, 50 meters high above the road.


    At this, the protesters gathered in the area andunched a concentrated attack.


    ¡°Stop! Cease fire!¡±


    Team Leader Kim Young-ho gave the order to stop firing as soon as he judged that the mission had beenpleted to a certain extent. Kang Man-ho and Lee Sung-min had been firing excitedly but took their hands off the control lever when the order was given.


    ¡°Ah! Too bad! We were just about to have fun, right? Lee?¡±


    ¡°Not me. How could you be so excited about doing this, Kang? Uh-huh, you are merciless.¡±


    ¡°You only realize this now? Man-ho¡¯s nickname is¡­¡± Oh Sung-hoon stopped what he was saying and nced at Team Leader Kim Young-ho. He had just remembered that if they started to argue again, the lead had promised to send them to Department 1.


    A few moments after the mission waspleted, the CMV-101 trailer closed all fairings it had opened, increased its altitude, and disappeared into the clouds.


    * * *


    January 17, 2024, 06:40 (New China Time: 05:40)


    25 kilometers east of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    The quiet ins were disturbed by the loud sounds of armored cars and tank engines. A few hundred tanks and cars passed through the ins in a line, each of them leaving behind caterpir-like tracks on the muddy snow.


    Three hours ago, the 22nd Armored Brigade of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Blue Star) had made a rapid maneuver to the east, breaking through the Chaobai river defense line, moving 25 kilometers east of the city. It was on standby, only firing at the temporary Central Army base from a few of the artillery units.


    If they had pushed in with the 22nd Armored Brigade of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Blue Star), they could have killed most of the general staff, as well as President Wang Jing-wi, or they could have gotten them to surrender¡ªsimr to how they could have destroyed the leadership of the general staff and President Wang Jing-wi during the ¡®ttening operation.¡¯ If that had happened, the war could have ended easily.


    However, through this war, the Blue House and the Joint Chiefs of Staff intended to erase New China forever.


    To achieve this, it was required to pressure President Wang Jing-wi internally, as well as externally. This was the nature of the ¡°use barbarians to control and manage other barbarians¡± operation. If President Wang Jing-wi had surrendered to the Republic of Korea simply from military defeat, it could have been a general end to the war in the form ofpensation for war damage, just like how the first Northeast Asian War had ended.


    If that had happened, President Wang Jing-wi and others involved could have been legally punished as war criminals, but the country, New China, would have remained. For this reason, pressuring President Wang Jing-wi internally was essential.


    If it was determined that President Wang Jing-wi could no longer maintain his power over New China due to internal pressure, this would naturally lead to him surrendering to the Republic of Korea. Then, the Republic of Korea would be able to have a very advantageous negotiation, using the guarantee of President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s safety. The result of the negotiation that the Republic of Korea wanted was to officially have the country of New China in the possession of the Republic of Korea forever..

 Chapter 514 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 - 1-2 Perfect Victory!

    <h4>Chapter 514: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 1-2 Perfect Victory!</h4>


    January 17, 2024, 07:00 (New China Time: 06:00)


    25 kilometers southwest of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    <Huff Huff!>


    With his face scrunched up while breathing heavily, President Wang Jing-wi was being pulled across the snow by his guards as if he was a pig being dragged off to the ughterhouse.


    A few moments earlier after hearing that the protesters had broken through the defense line, President Wang Jing-wi and themanders of the general staff had begun their escape to the west.


    ¡°How far do we have to go like this?¡± asked President Wang Jing-wi, breathing out white, misty clouds in the cold. He had stopped momentarily from exhaustion.


    At this, Chief of the General Staff Guo Jingfei, who had been running in front came back and replied, ¡°Mr. President! We have to keep going. It might be hard, but keep trying.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t go a step further!¡± President Wang Jing-wi flopped down in the snow.


    ¡°Mr. President! The armed protesters are close.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I know that? Even so, I can¡¯t go on. I¡¯m too tired.¡±


    Of course, part of it was not enough exercise, but it was too difficult of a task for someone over 100 kilograms to keep running in ankle-deep snow.


    Currently, only about 100 people were guarding President Wang Jing-wi¡ªhis high-ranking officials, and the leaders of his general staff. The rest of his armed guards were in battle with the protesters.


    ¡°Still, try a little bit more. Even if it¡¯s only as far as the vige over there.¡± Chief Guo Jingfei pointed to a small vige of more than 30 houses, faintly visible in the darkness beyond the field of snow.


    ¡°F-fine. But let me rest for five minutes!¡±


    ¡°Yes, do as you like,¡± replied Chief Guo Jingfei, who bowed, and walked to where the general staff were gathered.


    ¡°Mr. President!¡± Vice President Chan Wei Ting approached President Wang Jing-wi, seemingly out of nowhere, speaking quietly.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Sir! The current situation is hopeless. Armed mobs are chasing us from behind, and the general staff has lost contact with all subordinate units, so we¡¯re unable to give orders¡ª¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± President Wang Jing-wi, slightly annoyed at Vice President Chan Wei Ting¡¯s drawn-outments, red at him and cut him off.


    ¡°That is¡­¡± Vice President Chan Wei Ting nced around and whispered into President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s ear. ¡°How about we surrender to Korea?¡±


    Suddenly, President Wang Jing-wi looked up with his eyes wide open. ¡°Did you just say surrender?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I did.¡±


    It seemed from Vice President Chan Wei Ting¡¯s immediate response that all the high-ranking officials of the Center party had already discussed this topic carefully¡ªand hade to the conclusion of surrendering to Korea¡ªwithout President Wang Jing-wi.


    ¡°Surrender? The New China Army is still in good shape, and all we need to do is get out of here. And you want to surrender? Are you crazy?¡±


    ¡°Sir! The Korean Army is not the problem here.¡±


    ¡°Then what are you saying is the problem?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the people. As you¡¯ve said, we can somehow find a way to fight against the Korean Army to the end. But because the citizens have turned against us, even if we get out of here safely, there is no guarantee other locations won¡¯t have protesters who have turned into angry mobs.¡±


    ¡°Surrender to Korea because of that? The riots are only a temporary situation.¡±


    ¡°Sir! You have to face reality. We need to start to ensure our safety,¡± interjected Chairman of the Standing Committee Xiaoyang who had popped up out of nowhere.


    ¡°Face reality? Our safety?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The protesters have no intention of evacuating, even here, in the middle of the battlefield. Instead, they¡¯re attacking us with arge number of weapons. From this, we can assume just how angered the protesters have be. Also, the scale of the protests has grown sorge that we can¡¯t just assume that this is a temporary situation.¡±


    ¡°So you want to surrender? Do all of you want to be executed as war criminals?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. If we actively show our intention to surrender to Korea now, we¡¯ll at least be able to secure our safety. If we¡¯re ever captured by the protesters, then¡­¡± Chairman Xiaoyang was unable to finish his sentence. A moment of heavy silence passed.


    President Wang Jing-wi was able to fully guess what Chairman Xiaoyang was trying to say and he took a bit of time to think.


    ¡°Sir! This is the only way that we can live.¡± prompted Vice President Chen Wei Ting, breaking the silence after a few minutes.


    President Wang Jing-wi, his thoughts sorted out, stroked his chin once, and began to announce what he had decided. ¡°We can¡¯t surrender to Korea! We¡¯re fully capable of suppressing those mobs. Do not talk about surrendering ever again. Got it?¡±


    It was a disappointing answer.


    The two high-ranking officials, thinking it would be meaningless to say more, nodded in response and moved toward the other officials.


    ¡°Heh heh, looks like everyone will die.¡±


    Vice President Chen Wei-ting clicked his tongue and sighed as he turned and walked.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to see about persuading him again when the opportunity arises.¡±


    ¡°I do wish we¡¯ll have time for that.¡±


    Right at that moment, a man came running from a distance, panting. Judging by his attire, he seemed like an officer of the Security Force. ¡°Hurry! Evacuate. The protesters have reached the vicinity. You have to get out of here.¡±


    At this, the Head of the Security Force, Liu Hao-ran and asked, ¡°How close?¡±


    ¡°Less than 1 kilometer. You must evacuate quickly.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Upon hearing that the armed mobs were right around the corner, all the high-ranking officials and the General Staff, who were resting until now, instinctively began running to the east¡ªincluding President Wang Jing-wi. All of his exhaustion from just moments ago was seemingly gone. He bolted up like lighting and was quickly escorted by the security force.


    Meanwhile, the 1st tank battalion and the 5th tankpany of the 22nd 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Blue Star), had started up 20 kilometers east of Langfang city. Unlike the rest of the units, they moved at maximum speed, making a detour in an upward direction from Langfang City, and soon turned toward the south.


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 07:30 (New China Time: 06:30)


    30 kilometers southwest of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    Behind the small hill, around 30 C-2A1 ck Panther tanks from the 5thpany of the 1st tank battalion, lined up horizontally and were put in a lowered position using the kneeling function. Far away in the dark, in the snow covered field, were 100 dark figures running toward the tanks, puffing small, misty clouds into the air.


    It was President Wang Jing-wi and his party, being chased by the protesters who had turned into mobs.


    ¡°These Chinese b*stards are finally walking into the mousetrap on their own!¡± Themander of tank number 511 and toon leader Lieutenant Na Tae-kyung muttered, smiling faintly. He had been watching the situation unfold in front of them.


    ¡°I wish I could shoot just once to avenge my fallenrades,¡± added Sergeant Kim Ki-il, who had been watching through the same lens as the Lieutenant in ce of his broken scope.


    ¡°I do too. But what can we do? The higher-ups have given orders just to scare them¡­ tsk!¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant! Should we just blow them away with the shots that are only meant to threaten them, and pretend that we didn¡¯t know they were there?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to be sent to Namhansanseong?¡±


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯m just joking. I keep thinking of that because that President Wang whatchamacallit is walking around in my line of sight.¡±


    ¡°Beep! It¡¯s thepanymander. It is 06:35 local time! Right now, we will only fire warning shots ording to zone as notified beforehand. Do not fire shots at them for revenge or anything else! Keep that in mind. Over!¡±


    As soon as the order to fire warning shots was given from thepanymander, the C-2A1 ck Panther tanks rose simultaneously and fired 120-millimeter sma shots in the areas assigned to them by toon.


    <Boom! Boom! Boom!>


    Simultaneous explosions echoed throughout the skies and the earth.


    <Boom! Booooom!>


    Fragments, mixed with snow and dirt, soared up high. The explosions created a red storm that raged in all directions. The dark figures, assumed to be President Wang Jing-wi and his party, instinctively lowered their bodies and pressed their noses to the ground.


    ¡°Look at those b*stards. Haha,¡± Lieutenant Na Tae-kyung burst outughing.


    <hr />


    January 17th, 2024, 07:00 (New China Time: 06:00)


    28 kilometers southwest of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    <Bang! Bang! Baaang!>


    Pirs of dirt rose everywhere with deafening explosion sounds vibrating along the ground. Commander of operation status, General Ma-ker, who had instinctively fallen forward in the snow, wrapped his hands around his head and shouted as he looked ahead. ¡°Where the hell are they attacking from?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s from ahead. We¡¯ve received reports that state sightings of multiple tanks ahead.¡± An officer of the Security Force, who had been running in the front, reported with his body to the ground.


    ¡°Tanks? Korean Army tanks? Damn! What were the scouts doing while the tanks appeared in front? Sons of b*tches!¡± General Ma-ker swore at the scouts, not knowing that they had already disappeared from the face of the earth.


    ¡°Commander! I think this path is done for. I¡¯ll look for another route.¡±


    ¡°Find it this moment!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The officer gave instructions to the security guards nearby. Upon his orders, they split into groups and spread out in different directions.


    <Bang!>


    Not long after, the security guards that were running in the direction of 2 o¡¯clock fell to the floor all at once. Several pirs of fire had erupted from 20 meters ahead.


    Those running in the other directions were experiencing the same. sma bombs flew in front of the guards running to find a new escape route, creating dirt storms.


    Currently, President Wang Jing-wi and his party were blocked off in the front by the warning shots from the 1st tank battalion¡¯s 5thpany. In addition to this, in each of the 9 o¡¯clock and 3 o¡¯clock directions, the 6th and 7thpanies had formed a horizontal line and had blocked off all paths.


    ¡°W-we¡¯re in trouble. It seems that we¡¯re surrounded,¡± said the officer of the Security Force to General Ma-ker with a discouraged expression on his face. He had just received reports from returning subordinates.


    ¡°Surrounded? Damn it¡­¡±


    Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, General Ma-ker crawled to Chief of General Staff Guo Jingfei, who was with President Wang Jing-wi. ¡°Chief! We¡¯re surrounded by these Korean b*stards.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We tried to look for an opening with some men, but they came back without sess.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± At the hopeless report, Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei let out a deep sigh.


    ¡°What? We¡¯re surrounded by Korean b*stards?¡± President Wang Jing-wi, who was lying t on the floor surrounded by his guards, jumped up and asked when he heard the general¡¯s report.


    ¡°Probably¡­¡± General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei trailed off, and President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s face changed to one that was filled with fear.


    ¡°W-well, what can we do then?¡±


    General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei couldn¡¯t readily respond. Armed mobs were chasing them from behind, and they were blocked off in the front and on the sides by Korean tanks. The reality was depressing.


    ¡°Chief of Staff! Say something! We can¡¯t just die here without doing anything!¡± President Wang Jing-wi grabbed and shook General Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei by the cor, shouting in anger.


    ¡°I apologize, sir.¡±


    ¡°Stop saying you¡¯re sorry. Instead, I need you to call somewhere, anywhere, and tell them to send reinforcements here.¡± President Wang Jing-wi¡¯s voice resounded amidst the continued explosion sounds. At this, others gathered around.


    At that moment, Vice President Chen Wei Ting saw his opportunity. He approached the president and spoke in a low voice so that the others could not overhear, ¡°Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The situation has worsened! As I suggested earlier, don¡¯t you think that surrendering to Korea is¡ª¡±


    ¡°That again!¡± he shouted, grabbing Vice President Chen Wei Ting by the cor, pushing his face into his. It was almost like President Wang Jing-wi had lost his sanity in the current situation. Vice President Chen Wei Ting wasn¡¯t fazed. He continued with a stiff expression on his face.


    ¡°Sir! We must surrender before it is toote. That way we can at least ensure our safety. We can¡¯t just die here like this! Do you think we¡¯ll be able to save our lives when we¡¯re caught by the armed mobs?¡±


    ¡°W-well, then, do you think Korea will keep us alive?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do. If we surrender to them now.¡±


    ¡°Do you guarantee?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take responsibility and negotiate with the Korean government.¡±


    ¡°D-damn it!¡±


    At the sincere words of the Vice President, President Wang Jing-wi loosened his grip on him. He looked around at the generals and officials surrounding him. ¡°Do you all think so too?¡±


    But no one could answer, and they kept their mouths firmly shut. Chief of Staff Guo Jingfei shut his eyes as well and didn¡¯t say anything.


    <¡®Does it end here? How can it be so miserable?¡¯>


    In the dark dawn, President Wang Jing-wi looked up at the starless sky, as if he was sad for his inability to do anything on the snow covered ground..

 Chapter 515 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 - 1-3 Perfect Victory!

    <h4>Chapter 515: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 1-3 Perfect Victory!</h4>


    January 17, 2024, 09:00


    B2 bunker, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Operation Briefing Room, Joint Command and Control Center of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces)


    It had been a while since the atmosphere was this cheerful. The generals of each section of the army and staff attending the meeting were congratting each other.


    30 minutes ago, the Central Party of New China had officially announced their intention to surrender. Following this announcement, the representatives of the two countries met in a building in a small vige 30 kilometers southwest of Langfang City and began the preparations for negotiations following the surrender.


    The representatives of Korea sent to the negotiation table were Brigadier General Min Won-sik and his staff, who wasmissioned to serve as the brigademander of the 22nd Armored Brigade and as the temporary divisionmander of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division (Blue Star) by President Choo Un-hee. As for New China, representatives, Vice President Chen Wei Ting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Bao Dung, and Chief of the General Staff Guo Jingfei were sent to the negotiating table.


    Initially, after the negotiation location and time were set, Korea¡¯s representative, Min Won-sik, had nominated President Wang Jing-wi as the head negotiator, but he had declined, giving the excuse that he was not in a state to travel anywhere due to shock. As a result, the Vice President, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of the General Staff were to be the three co-representatives at the negotiation table.


    Despite the good news and happy atmosphere, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong¡¯s expression didn¡¯t look too pleased as he sat at the middle of the long table.


    The early end to the war with New China was good news for sure, but there were still many things to think about. Fierce fighting with Russia was still ongoing in many ces and it was uncertain that NATO forces would be joining the war. More importantly, there was also the issues of the Japanese cab¡¯s secret project of ¡®the deration of independence,¡¯ as well as the American Pacific Fleet¡¯s movements.


    He seemed unable topletely enjoy their sess because of the weight of responsibility he felt as the highest-rankingmander of the Korean Armed Forces.


    ¡°Chairman! In times like these, you shouldugh and smile a little,¡± said Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Youn Gi-youn, lightheartedly, as he approached. He had been exchanging handshakes with the other generals and was excited by the celebration-like atmosphere.


    The Chairman smiled a bit stiffly and replied, ¡°Haha! All right.¡±


    At that moment, the screens in the meeting room lit up. A field officer announced into the microphone, ¡°The negotiating meeting regarding the surrender will begin soon. Please be seated.¡±


    The generals and staff that had been walking around and congratting each other hurried back to their seats and sat down.


    The brightly lit screen showed long tables and the representatives of both countries sitting between them.


    <hr />


    January 17, 2024, 09:15 (New China Time: 08:15)


    A small town 30 kilometers southwest of Langfang City, Hebei Province, New China


    In the living room on the first floor of a shabby building that seemed like a town hall, the representatives of both countries were sitting on opposite sides between the long tables, with serious expressions on their faces.


    In contrast to Brigadier General Min Won-sik, who had a fiery look in his eyes, New China¡¯s Vice President Chen Wei Ting and Foreign Minister Li Bao Dung, who were sitting across from Brigadier General Min, hung their heads like they were prisoners. Only the Chief of the General Staff, Guo Jingfei, was able to look General Brigadier Min in the eye.


    ¡°Well, without further ado, let¡¯s get to the point. The Korean government wants unconditional surrender from New China.¡±


    Chief of the General Staff Guo Jingfei raised an eyebrow at the frank remarks. ¡°What? An unconditional surrender?¡±


    ¡°What! This shouldn¡¯t be the first time you¡¯ve experienced this?¡± replied Brigadier General Min Won-sik sarcastically, bringing up what had happened during the first Northeast Asian War.


    ¡°Yes, but back then the country was China¡ª¡±


    ¡°Heh heh, isn¡¯t New China the sessor of the country that was China back then? Wasn¡¯t President Wang Jing-wi also the Commander General of the Central Military district back then?¡±


    ¡°Well¡ª¡±


    ¡°Well, as I¡¯ve just said, I won¡¯t waste any time. I mean what I said¡ªunconditional surrender. If New China is willing to ept everything the Korean government wants, we will ept your surrender.¡±


    Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Bao Dung had been silent, trying to read the atmosphere up to that moment. He looked up and said, ¡°Everything as you want¡ªwhat conditions would ¡®everything¡¯ be referring to?¡±


    ¡°Why do you ask? Are you trying to decide whether or not you¡¯ll surrender, depending on the conditions we give?¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we at least know what the conditions are so that we can see if we can endure it?¡± said Minister Li Bao Dung. He was trying to approach it logically like a good Foreign Minister should.


    ¡°You said you¡¯re the Foreign Minister?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    ¡°Listen carefully. This meeting is taking ce because New China has shown its intention to surrender. We¡¯re calling it a negotiation, but we have no intention of negotiating with you on any terms regarding your surrender. So if you want to talk about any terms or conditions at all, let¡¯s just call this off.¡± Brigadier General Min Won-sik leaped out of his seat.


    ¡°Ha! Don¡¯t you think this is too much? Sure, we¡¯re sitting here as the defeated nation at this meeting, but this is too rude¡ª¡±


    <Thud!>


    ¡°Look, Minister Li Bao Dung! Do you not see the reality here?¡± Brigadier General Min Won-sik said, mming the table with both hands and ring at Foreign Minister Li Bao Dung with wide eyes.


    ¡°Minister Li Bao Dung! I can still see vivid images of myrades, dying in battle while shedding tears of blood. You sons of b<i>tches! I want to tie all of you on the train tracks and f</i>cking crush all of you, including the piglet that refused to show his face even once. So if you don¡¯t want an unconditional surrender, get the f*ck out of here!¡±


    An interpreter robot, equipped with an AI system that could convey even emotions urately, tranted Brigadier General Min¡¯s speech into Chinese without missing a word. The three representatives hesitated, unable to respond as if they were frozen.


    ¡°If you understand, surrender immediately or just get the f*ck out of here!¡±


    ¡°Really! Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being too rude? Shouldn¡¯t you at least show some courtesy if you¡¯vee out to this meeting as the representative of the victorious nation?¡± Chief of the General Staff Guo Jingfei couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. He jumped up from his seat and red back at Brigadier General Min.


    ¡°Hey, Chief of the General Staff! Did you just talk about courtesy? It¡¯s so shameless for you all to be bringing courtesy up. You, who kidnapped family members of a citizen of the country you were trying to steal military technology from, so that you could use them to steal that technology for you? Also, you made sma bombs from that stolen military technology andmitted murder on a massive scale. Do you have no shame, Chief Guo Jingfei?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that an act of inter-state conflict that¡¯s done secretly by any country?¡± Chief Guo Jingfei shot back, suppressing his anger from within. He refused to back down.


    ¡°Haha, a secret act of inter-state conflict? That¡¯s why you all are called the primitive Chinese. If you were a normal nation and if you were a rational person, shouldn¡¯t you be apologizing for your wrongdoings first? Do you really want to give such ridiculous excuses?¡±


    ¡°These aren¡¯t excuses. I¡¯m talking about facts.¡±


    ¡°Enough, talking to you seems like a waste of time. Colonel Kim!¡± Brigadier General Min Won-sik turned his head, remaining in the position he was already in, and called for Colonel Kim Min-wook, the division operative who had been sitting next to him.


    ¡°Yes, General!¡±


    ¡°Contact the artillery unit right now! Give orders to fire all the bombs on hand at the set coordinates in 10 minutes!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    As Colonel Kim got up from his seat, another general of the Brigadier General rank sitting to the left, Brigadier General Oh Dong-gyun, opened his mouth to speak. He was themander of the 19th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the 22nd Armored Brigade, one of the brigades that had suffered damage close to annihtion. ¡°Using bombs sounds a little wasteful, don¡¯t you think? If we just keep them trapped, the armed protesters will clean them up nicely.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I didn¡¯t think of that. That sounds like a good idea. Haha.¡±


    The representatives of New China felt their faces burning up and throbbing at the yful conversation between the two generals. Even though they were furious, they couldn¡¯t express it openly. This was indeed the reality they were facing at the moment.


    ¡°Excuse me! Brigadier Commander Min!¡± Vice President Chen Wei Ting, who had been listening without a word, started speaking quietly.


    ¡°What is it? I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything else to do here. If you¡¯re going to say something useless, just go back now.¡±


    ¡°We will do as you say.¡±


    At Vice President Chen Wei Ting¡¯s words, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of the General Staff looked at him in surprise. ¡°Vice President! We can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right. The president won¡¯t ept that.¡±


    ¡°Stop. Is there any other way out of this situation besides doing as he says? Or do you want to go back and die for nothing?¡±


    He had a good point. The Foreign Minister and the Chief of the General Staff snapped their mouths shut.


    ¡°As of the present time, New China will unconditionally surrender to the Republic of Korea.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You must, however, ensure our safety.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. From now on, Korea will guarantee the safety of all of you. Now, the Republic of Korea will ept unconditional surrender at the request of the Central Party of New China. Deputy General!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commander!¡± One of the deputy generals answered as he put down the two documents that were prepared on the table.


    ¡°Sign here.¡± Brigadier General Min Won-sik crossed his arms and pointed to the document with his chin.


    It was an official document of surrender used internationally. Vice President Chen Wei Ting had made the decision, so Foreign Minister Li Bao Dung and Chief of the General Staff Guo Jingfei silently signed the surrender document. With this, New China had officially unconditionally surrendered to the Republic of Korea.


    This was a major event that will go down in history¡ªChina and New China had been defeated twice in three years, both losses ending with an unconditional surrender.


    ¡°Now! These are the official requests from the Republic of Korea to the defeated and surrendered New China.¡±


    Brigadier General Min Won-sik shook the heavy document that he had just received from the Deputy General. Regardless of what was in the document, New China had to ept it without any conditions. Vice President Chen Wei Ting¡¯s face fell as he was handed the document.


    ¡°Take some time to read thatter. For now, let¡¯s announce your surrender in Hong Kong.¡±


    ¡°Why Hong Kong?¡± Vice President Chen Wei Ting, who was just about to read the document, asked with a confused face.


    ¡°Does the ce matter?¡±


    ¡°No, but wouldn¡¯t announcing it in New China¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh heh, you signed the official surrender document, didn¡¯t you? From now on, you must follow the instructions that we give you,¡± said Brigadier General Min Won-sik in a slightly irritated manner. He immediately turned and gave orders to the armed soldiers using his hand.


    Armed soldiers surrounded the representatives of New China.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Chief of the General Staff Guo Jingfei protested, offended by the treatment.


    ¡°What do you think? We¡¯re protecting your lives! From now on, our soldiers will keep you safe, so please bring President Wang Jing-wi in the armored car we have prepared for you.¡±


    ¡°Even so, how could you treat us like criminals?¡±


    ¡°Treat you like criminals? It¡¯s not that we¡¯re treating you like criminals¡ªaren¡¯t you actually criminals? War criminals! Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    ¡°What? Weren¡¯t we guaranteed our safety?¡±


    ¡°Who said anything about your safety being forfeited? We will keep you safe, so stop objecting and follow the instructions. You¡¯re making me tired. Lieutenant Colonel Lee! Move out!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant Colonel Lee Hyung-won,mander of the 151st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, answered and gave instructions to the soldiers right away. Soon after, the representatives of New China were escorted towards the prepared armored car by the soldiers.


    ¡°Haha, Commander! You should quit here and work as an actor full-time,¡± said Brigadier General Oh Dong-gyun, amused.


    ¡°What do you mean, work as an actor full-time? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Your acting was so believable just now. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Haha, I was actually a bit pissed off. You could say I was half sincere, half acting.¡±


    ¡°Regardless, I¡¯m d that your excellent acting helped us get to where we wanted.¡±


    ¡°That is true. But they wouldn¡¯t have had a choice. The thing they valued the most was their lives.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it does seem like that.¡±


    The two generals lingered and continued their conversation as the representatives of New China departed..

 Chapter 516 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 – 1-4 Perfect Victory!

    <h4>Chapter 516: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 1-4 Perfect Victory!</h4>


    January 17, 2024, 18:00 (Hongkong Time: 17:00)


    Hotel Icon, Yuzhenwang District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Republic of China


    At Hotel Icon in the Yuzhenwang District, one of the banquet halls were crowded with reporters from all over the world, as well as Korean government officials and several high-ranking generals.


    Intelligence agents dressed in ck suits and ck sunsses from Korea and the Republic of China stood guard in all areas outside the hotel and in the banquet hall that had been turned into a press conference room.


    The world had been informed earlier that morning that New China would be making an important announcement regarding the war between Korea and New China. As a result of this, the banquet hall, which was about 330 square meters in size, was set up as a press conference room, and almost 500 reporters from all around the world sat in their prepared seats, with faces red from excitement.


    The reporters were curious about why New China was making an announcement in a city of another country, rather than on its ownnd. Moreover, Hong Kong was a city in which there was something close to a civil war that had been ongoing for three years. As there were many questions to be asked regarding even the location of the announcement, the reporters were hoping to fulfill their curiosity soon.


    A whileter, just before the long-awaited press conference was about to begin, the main characters appeared from the back of the stage.


    They were Vice President Chen Wei Ting, Foreign Minister Li Bao Dung, and Chief of the General Staff Guo Jingfei again. They took their ces one at a time on the chairs that were prepared on the stage. The room was filled with the sounds of camera shutters clicking as the cameras began shing repeatedly.


    It looked as if all of this was part of New China¡¯s nned presentation to others that weren¡¯t aware of what had happened before this. Everything was, however, nned and prepared by the Korean government.


    Each of them was surrounded by a flood of camera shes as they entered. They then sat down in the seats prepared for them on stage. Vice President Chen Wei Ting, who was seated in the middle, pulled a small document out from his suit pocket and moved the microphone toward his mouth.


    ¡°Hello, I am Vice President Chen Wei Ting of New China. Firstly, let me tell you the reason why we¡¯ve invited reporters from all over the world for this press conference.¡±


    Vice President Chen Wei Ting looked slowly around the room at the hundreds of reporters who were staring at him. His throat dried up. Grabbing the ss of water on the table, he gulped it down quickly. He cleared his throat and continued with a slight tremble in his voice. ¡°As of this moment, New China will officially announce its surrender to the Republic of Korea. In addition to this, New China will be annexed to the Republic of Korea following the necessary annexation procedures.¡±


    The press conference hall instantly turned to chaos due to the unexpected announcement. The reporters were aware of how the war was going, so they had expected New China to surrender to Korea, but the news of New China being split into three and annexed by Korea was news so shocking that no one could¡¯ve imagined anything close to it.


    The press conference room calmed after the momentary murmurs and exmations of surprise. Vice President Chen Wei Ting continued reading the contents of the document calmly. ¡°New China will now disappear forever into the back streets of history. Sovereignty, as well as the people and thend of this country, will be transferred to the Republic of Korea. In addition to this, if any sections of the New China Army could not be contacted due tomunication loss, you are now ordered to disarm voluntarily and follow the orders of the Republic of Korea Army upon hearing this announcement. That is all.¡±


    Vice President Chen Wei Ting hung his head in shame as he finished reading the humiliating announcement to the end. He stood up from his seat, and the others who were sitting beside him followed suit.


    They bowed and walked toward the back of the stage, trying to skip the question and answer segment. Realizing this, the reporters raised their hands and questioned them in an uproar, but they hurriedly disappeared to the back of the stage without a word.


    Their exit as the puppets of the Korean government due to the unconditional surrender was a lonely one.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just walk in like that after announcing that. This is a press conference!¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we get some answers to our questions?¡±


    The reporters, dissatisfied, raised their hands and mored. An official of the government of the Republic of China in charge of the event hurried to calm the crowd.


    ¡°Ah ah! We will give ample time for questions with reporters. Please wait just a little while.¡±


    As the presenter finished speaking, a gentleman in a royal blue suit came up to the stage. It was Lee Yoon-yeon, the Prime Minister of Korea.


    Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon gave off a benevolent aura. He greeted the reporters, giving them a bright smile as he stood at the podium. The reporters who had been making a fuss up until now became quiet.


    ¡°Hello, reporters from all over the world! I am Lee Yoon-yeon, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea. Just as Vice President Chen Wei Ting has said, as of this time, New China has been officially annexed to the Republic of Korea in ordance with internationalw. However, the Republic of Korea has no intention of annexing the entirety of New China. Therefore, the government of the Republic of Korea ns to split and merge New China with two other countries¡ªthe Republic of China and the Eastern Republic.¡±


    Once again, reporters whispered at the shocking remarks. Some of the quick-witted reporters were able to notice why the announcement of surrender was made in Hong Kong of the Republic of China instead of in New China.


    ¡°Please take a look at the screen behind the podium.¡±


    As Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon spoke, the screen behind the podium turned on and arge digital map of the whole of New China appeared. New China was divided into three colors.


    ¡°As you can see here, New China will now be ruled by three countries after division and annexation.¡±


    First, the blue sections that were ssified as Korean territory, included Hebei Province, Henan Province, Beijing and Tianjin, as well as parts of the northern Shandong Province. It also included the northern parts of the two Shanxi Provinces. The two provinces were separate provinces, although they were spelled the same way in Korean.


    The second section, which was green, was ssified as the territory of the Republic of China and included the southern part of Shanxi Province and the western part of Hubei Province. Thest section¡ªorange¡ªwas ssified as the territory of the Eastern Republic and was the eastern part of Hubei Province.


    In terms of the size of the territories, Korea had thergest portion, followed by the Republic of China, then by the Eastern Republic.


    Some of the chief executives of the Blue House had expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the distribution of some of thend to the Republic of China and the Eastern Republic. There was, however, a reason why things were decided this way.


    The public sentiment of Korea was unfavorable so they could not afford to take on New China¡¯s 500 million citizens, even if thend that was to be taken was vast. They could not implement the colonial policy that existed in the 19th century to early 20th century. As a result, it had been agreed that the two countries¡ªthe Republic of China and the Eastern Republic¡ªwould be responsible for the 500 million people of New China in return for some of thend.


    It was indeed a wise choice for Korea. There were also several advantages that could not be seen on the surface.


    The annexation further deepened diplomatic rtions with the Republic of China and the Eastern Republic, eliminating risks of war, and allowed for the two countries, with a significant increase in poption, to serve as geographically close domestic markets for Korea.


    Meanwhile, the Republic of China and the Eastern Republic also recognized that the old China had previously been able to develop its economy at a rapid speed due to the poption of 1.4 billion people serving as the domestic market. Thend they had received from Korea was not very big, but they each saw the migration of almost 500 million people as a chance to create a cornerstone for their economies¡¯ growth.


    Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon¡¯s presentation hade to an end, and it was now time for the question and answer segment. At this, each of the 500 reporters raised their hands, shouting and trying to get their questions in first.


    Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon pointed to a reporter.


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m James Scud, a reporter for the BBC. If the Republic of Korea takes most of New China¡¯s territory, but forces the 500 million residents into the two countries, wouldn¡¯t there be a huge social reaction? Also, for what purpose will you be using the vastnds?¡±


    It was a pointed question from reporter James Scud, but Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon answered him without hesitation. ¡°Mm, a big social reaction¡­It¡¯s possible. In the perspective of each person, they would be losing their property. We fully sympathize with this, and we will recognize as many personal possessions or assets as possible, and actively take measures so that each person may take it with them upon moving to the Republic of China or the Eastern Republic. Real estate, however, isn¡¯t it originally a national asset of New China? Therefore, as this agreement was made in ordance with internationalw between countries, real estate is inevitably owned by the Republic of Korea.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon seemed as though he had expected these types of questions, and had nned ordingly. He continued to talk without hesitation:


    ¡°This seems to have answered the first question. Now I will give you an answer to the second question. We see the United States with hugend 50 times the size of the Korean Penins, but its poption is only about 300 million. Even if we do not specifically talk about the United States, we can see that Russia is simr. What do you think? Large poptions in a small amount ofnd can be a problem, but a small poption in arge amount ofnd doesn¡¯t generate many problems. Most of thend we¡¯ve gained from New China consists ofrge grasnds. The Republic of Korea is nning on creatingrge agriculturalplexes here as a state-run business and will provide free food to countries suffering from food shortages worldwide.¡±


    When the question had been answered, the reporters raised their hands again, trying to ask their question.


    Yes, the female reporter in the back, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Prime Minister! I¡¯m reporter Liang Xiang of EDTV of the Republic of China. First of all, I was impressed that you promised to create agriculturalplexes and provide food for countries suffering from food shortages. Here is my question¡ªmanyrge cities, including Beijing, are currently in ruins. Do you have any ns for the restoration of those cities? There are many historical buildings and relics of the Han Chinese there. Do you have any ns for that?¡±


    Reporter Liang Xiang sat down after finishing her question. Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon immediately began to answer.


    ¡°You must have asked this question because you are also of the Hans. I understandpletely. There will definitely be a major restoration project. However, we are nning a restoration project in the form of arge-scale park focusing on buildings with historical significance. In fact, New China used to be thergest cause of fine dust. The Republic of Korea has suffered from fine dust for years. Well, they never did admit to it, but it was scientifically proven. This is not a ce to discuss fine dust, however, so I won¡¯t go into the details. To solve the fine dust problem, the Republic of Korea will not conduct any urban restoration projects in any territory of New China and will only construct parks with as much lush vegetation as possible. Also, if the Republic of China or the Eastern Republic requests delivery of historical buildings or various relics in New China, we¡¯ll deliver them without missing a single thing. Did that answer your questions? Then I¡¯ll take someone else¡¯s question.¡±


    Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon answered, rxed, and pointed to a male reporter in the front this time.


    ¡°I¡¯m reporter Jermaine Jones of Fox News. I¡¯ll ask a slightly different question. Currently, the Republic of Korea is at war with Russia. Also, rumor has it that the EU will move NATO forces to intervene in the Korean-Russian war. The United States is also very concerned that this war may escte to World War III. Do you have any intention to make peace with Russia?¡±


    ¡°Mm, escte to world war¡­The war with New China has ended at this point, so is war with Russia really seen as something that could expand into a world war? I personally think that these worriese from countries that are a bit biased. Same with the NATO forces. What is the purpose of keeping a separate NATO force? Wasn¡¯t the purpose of this inter-nation force to protect Europe from Russia? But in reality, as the Republic of Korea went to war with Russia and is now in a more advantageous state, the EU is trying to use the NATO forces, meant to keep Russia in check, to keep the Republic of Korea in check. Isn¡¯t it ironic? Well, the EU must have its reasons. Something like the silent influence of the United States that the EU can¡¯t deny..¡±

 Chapter 517 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 - 1-5 Perfect Victory!

    <h4>Chapter 517: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 1-5 Perfect Victory!</h4>


    Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon¡¯s tone was gentle, but there was an undeniable fact in every word he spoke. ¡°I would also like to express that the Republic of Korea is willing to end the war peacefully if Russia ever wants it.¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister! Are you saying that the EU, under the influence of the United States, is trying to keep the Republic of Korea in check with NATO?¡±


    ¡°I think reporter Jermaine Jones might know better about that, isn¡¯t that correct? Ever since the U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson¡¯s remarks at thest Board of Representative Directors meeting, the EU has started acting suspiciously. Did you not know about this?¡±


    ¡°Th-that¡¯s¡­.¡± Reporter Jermaine Jones hesitated, unable to answer. Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon pushed harder.


    ¡°Heh heh, if you¡¯re an American journalist, shouldn¡¯t you at least be aware of the direction your country¡¯s government is leading the international state of affairs?¡±


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re a journalist, you won¡¯t know every single detail of what your government is doing.¡±


    The press conference room was suddenly turned into a war of words between Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon and reporter Jermaine Jones.


    ¡°Everyone knew it, but Jones, a political reporter, failed to notice.¡±


    Reporter Jermaine Jones¡¯ face burned red. Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon was a master of speech. His tone was always calm, but there was a certain type of strength in his words that was able to pressure his opponent.


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been set in stone yet, so there¡¯s no need to argue. Ah! Is the EU summit taking ce tomorrow? Reporter Jones, shall we watch what decision is made at the EU summit together?¡± Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon finished speaking with aid-back smile on his lips.


    After the agenda of economic sanctions on the Republic of Korea and NATO¡¯s intervention had been moved from the Board of Representative Directors to the EU summit, Maris Felsix, the Chairman of the summit, had been bribed by Secretary Maine Johnson. He had tried, with all his power, to schedule the summit within a week.


    However, the leaders of friendly countries, such as Germany and Turkey, who had been opposed to putting those topics on the agenda, were able to dy the date of the summit by using their national schedules as an excuse. As a result, the summit date was scheduled three days after the day Minister Maine Johnson had nned for ¨C the 18th at 4 p.m. Latvia local time.


    They were able to dy the summit by three days, even though Korea had been at a disadvantage, due to the help of the leaders of friendly countries, but it was also a result achieved by the continuous unseen diplomatic battles that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been fighting.


    It was also a stroke of luck for Korea to have the summit dyed by three days, as the Korea-New China war had ended in victory for Korea just before the EU summit was held.


    The victory was a very important oue that could have a profound impact on the heads of EU member states at the EU summit the next day.


    The unexpected surrender of New China meant that Korea could focus on the Korea-Russia war, giving a significant advantage to the Republic of Korea. The leaders of the EU member states, who had nned to agree to economic sanctions and NATO intervention on the side of America, had no choice but to be troubled by this news. As a result, the chances of the topics regarding the Republic of Korea being dismissed at the summit became likely.


    It was for this reason Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon had smiled when he spoke of the EU summit.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the im that the United States is trying to keep the Republic of Korea in check using the EU and NATO a rather one-sided im?¡± Reporter Jermaine Jones asked as thest resort. Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon had been preparing to wrap things up, but at Reporter Jones¡¯ statement, his face turned stern.


    ¡°You say it¡¯s a one-sided im? I¡¯m sure that most of the reporters here know of Secretary of State Maine Johnson¡¯s statement at the Board of Representative Directors meeting. Isn¡¯t that evident in itself?¡±


    ¡°No. That seemed to me like a normal political action that the United States, as the leader of world order, should be taking for the safety of Europe.¡±


    ¡°Political activity for the safety of Europe¡­I would like to ask one thing¡ªIs it for Europe¡¯s safety that the EU and NATO are keeping the Republic of Korea in check instead of Russia?¡±


    Reporter Jermaine Jones, whose role had now changed to an interviewee from an interviewer, could not readily respond. Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon dug a bit deeper into the hesitation he showed.


    ¡°What do you think? Be honest, it doesn¡¯t quite make sense to you either, does it?¡±


    ¡°W-well, the war is in the vicinity of Europe, so wouldn¡¯t the intervention of NATO be something on a defensive level, to stop the spread of war in Europe?¡± Reporter Jones responded, after thinking long and hard about it.


    ¡°The location of where the Korea-Russia war is currently taking ce is nowhere close to the European border. And you¡¯re still thinking that the Republic of Korea might attack Europe? Even if we do assume that this was the case, NATO should be keeping both Russia and the Republic of Korea in check. The observed movement of NATO forces seems to be that of keeping the Republic of Korea¡¯s Armed forces, dispatched to southern Russia and eastern Ukraine, in check. Even though there has yet to be a decision made at the uing summit.¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister, as I¡¯ve stated earlier, NATO is only moving on a defensive level.¡±


    ¡°Defensive level¡­If it is as you say, on a defensive level, then NATO forces should be setting up their defenses in the countries that are bordering Russia, like Find, Estonia, Latvia, Brus, Pnd, and the coastal areas of the ck Sea of Bulgaria and Romania, but ording to recent reports, it has been confirmed that some of the NATO units are preparing for a military operation using the ck Sea. Well, it is currently just the American troops that belong to NATO that are moving.¡± Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon attacked with the facts, even using the military information that he had recentlye to know.


    ¡°I, I am not a military journalist.¡± Reporter Jones eventually fell to his knees, overwhelmed by Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon.


    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll say just one more thing to summarize what we¡¯ve just talked about. As I said earlier, those countries with the fearful delusion that the war will expand into a world war, please take a look at the reason why the Korea-Russia war started in the first ce. I hope that you avoid making decisions you¡¯ll regret.¡± Prime Minister Lee Yoon-yeon¡¯s statement was a warning to the EU member states that were standing on the side of the United States, as well as the United States itself.


    <hr />


    January 17th, 2024, 18:30 (Russian Time: 12:30)


    Bunker State R-13 (meeting room), Moscow, Russia


    The atmosphere was tense in the meeting room where the high-ranking government officials andmanders of the General staff, as well as President Putin, all held their breaths, their eyes fixed to therge TV installed on the wall.


    The TV was currently showing Vice President Chen Wei Ting reading the announcement document with a gloomy face, ncing repeatedly at the reporters.


    President Putin started to scowl when Vice President Chen Wei Ting announced New China¡¯s surrender to the Republic of Korea. He clicked his tongue and muttered, ¡°As expected, they were of no help.¡±


    Seeing him leaving behind the stage with a grim expression on his face, President Putin waved his hand as if he didn¡¯t need to look any further. ¡°Turn it off.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When the secretary turned the TV off with the remote, the conference room became deathly silent. Everyone knew that President Putin was greatly annoyed. All of the high-ranking officials andmanders who had attended the meeting looked around the room at each other nervously, not one of them able to speak up.


    At that moment, a loud voice rang throughout the conference room. It was dimir Beshastnich, Chief of the General Staff. ¡°Sir, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°You may speak.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, I believe that it is time for us to make our decision.¡±


    ¡°Make our decision about what?¡±


    ¡°Since New China has surrendered to the Republic of Korea, the situation at the northwest front will only get worse from here on. Shouldn¡¯t we give up on that front and focus all our efforts on the southern front?¡±


    ¡°Is what you¡¯re suggesting even a n?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I have to say this as themander of the Russian Army. But we¡¯re in a situation where we now have to face reality, sir.¡±


    ¡°No! You must protect both fronts. We can¡¯t have the Korean b*stards steal away even a single piece of territory from us.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President!¡± Chief of General Staff dimir Beshastnich called the president with as much strength as he could muster up, but President Putin didn¡¯t look at him. He remained firm.


    ¡°Minister of Foreign Affairs!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Contact the EU presidency right now.¡±


    ¡°What should I tell them?¡±


    ¡°Tell them that we approve for NATO forces to advance into our territory.¡±


    ¡°Sir? Regarding NATO, the EU summit has not yet been held¡­¡±


    ¡°Contact them regardless of whether or not it¡¯s been held! Contact the United States as well, and let them know that we¡¯ll ept U.S. reconnaissance satellites throughout all of Russia!¡±


    Just a few days ago, President Putin had been opposed to the entry of the U.S. As reconnaissance satellite in the sky above Moscow. However, given the circumstances, President Putin seemed like he was, by any means, doing everything he could to set up military defenses against the Republic of Korea.


    <hr />


    January 18, 2024, 09:30


    B2 bunker (Korea Armed Forces Joint Command and Control Center Situation Room), Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    It was the morning of the official end to the Korea-New China war. A digital map showing the entirety of New China was disyed on screen number two in the Situation Room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On various parts of the digital map, tactical symbols indicated the battle areas.


    There were still New China Army units, not yet aware of the surrender, engaging in battle with the Korean Army. These battles weren¡¯trge, but there were more than 100 locations where battles were taking ce. The cause of this wasmunication loss, and as a result, the clean-up period after the end of the war was expected to be longer than anticipated.


    In most areas, the New China Army disarmed voluntarily and surrendered ording to surrender procedure, but in mountainous areas or in fronts wheremunication had yet to be restored, the units were still attacking the forces of the Korean Army.


    ¡°Haha, this is an unexpected problem.¡±


    Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Yong-hyun looked at screen number two with a lonesome smile.


    Themander in chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff this morning was Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn, but because of the inspection meeting regarding the response operation n rted to the American Navy¡¯s Pacific Fleet, scheduled at 10 a.m., manymanders and generals had gathered in the Situation Room, to watch the current situation.


    ¡°It¡¯s no joke. Themunicationwork has been on fire, saying they were being attacked by the New China Army from all over the country since dawn.¡±


    ¡°Oh my, is that so? What did you tell them?¡±


    ¡°You know my personality! I told them to step on them. It¡¯s their fault if they attack without knowing the war¡¯s over, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m not someone to let them get away with things so easily.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do agree. It¡¯s not possible to let them know that the war is over during battle.¡±


    ¡°Right, eh, what was that again? I wonder if I need to drop some fliers as we did for the ¡®ttening operation¡¯st time.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, maybe. You could discuss that with the chairman.¡±


    While they were joking, the entrance to the situation room opened. Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong appeared along with his assistant generals.


    At this, all the soldiers in the room stood still. The highest-ranking soldier among the group, Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, saluted as the representative.


    ¡°Salute!¡±


    ¡°Salute!¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work asmander since dawn today.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not much, sir.¡±


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong hade into the Situation Room to check in on the current situation before the meeting. He sat down in his seat, looking at the various screens and asked themander of this morning, Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn, ¡°Haha, did anything special happen?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything specific to report, but there have been several sporadic engagements with the New China Army since dawn.¡± Vice Chairman Youn Gi-Youn handed him a tablet that had a neatly organized report of everything that had happened during his shift, giving him the oral version of the report at the same time.


    ¡°Mm, the damage from these engagements are small, but there are many locations where these engagements have been happening. This is unexpected.¡±


    As he tilted his head slightly, flipping through the tablet, Vice Chairman Kim Yong-hyun suggested, ¡°Vice Chairman Youn and I spoke about this jokingly just a few moments ago, but shouldn¡¯t we drop some fliers in the areas where engagements have been happening, and in the areas upied by the New China Army that have yet to hear the news of the surrender?¡±


    ¡°Flyers?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It seems these engagements may keep happening, causing more casualties, if we don¡¯t take measures simr to that.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that, then. We should use any method to avoid unnecessary attrition warfare. Let¡¯s leave that part to the head of the Strategic nning Division and head to the conference room for now.¡±


    Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong nced at his watch and got up from his seat..

 Chapter 518 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 - 2-1 Perspective of Individuals

    <h4>Chapter 518: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 2-1 Perspective of Individuals</h4>


    January 18, 2024, 10:10


    B2 bunker (Operation Conference Room, Joint Command and Control Center of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces), Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    Themanders and staff of each army were seated in the operation meeting room. On the screen, a clip that looked like it was taken from a war movie was ying.


    Around 40 ships were sailing at high speed through the open waters while surrounding two Ford-ss aircraft carriers. Each of the ships had arge American g flying on it.


    This was a video of the 3rd Fleet of the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy that had departed from Hawaii a few days ago.


    As an additional Ford-ss aircraft carrier was added to the 3rd Fleet, the number of frigates and various logistic support ships had naturally increased as well. Because of its size, the 3rd Fleet alone could almost be mistaken for the entire Pacific Fleet. Adding to this were the ships that the 3rd Fleet wasposed up of¡ªthe Bougainville-ss amphibious assault ships, said to be the sessor of the Wasp-ss amphibious assault ships that could also be used as aircraft carriers.


    They had finished setting the USS Bougainville (LHA-8) ships¡ªthe new amphibious assault ships that the U.S. Navy would be operating in the near future¡ªup for actual battle just six years after HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries) had presented the blueprint for it at the Sea-Air-Space 2017 Fair.


    The USS Bougainville-ss, beginning with LHA-8, was thergest amphibious assault ship included in the operations of the U.S. Navy (USN), operations of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), as well as joint operations. It was a ship optimized for surface and air operations in ce of the older LHA.


    The Bougainville-ss amphibious assault ship had capabilities maximized for expeditionarybat. The ship was equipped with the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, and the F-35B JSF fighter jets in the joint air and naval assaults (amphibious operations), a Well Deck for LCU operations, as well as SSC (Ship to Shore Connector) as a recement for the older LCAC.


    In other words, the Bougainville-ss amphibious assault ship could serve not only as an amphibious assault ship but also as an auxiliary aircraft carrier. It was having as many as 10 aircraft carriers in the 3rd Fleet.


    When the video on the screen showed a full shot of the warships belonging to the 3rd Fleet, each of them sailing a few kilometers apart from one another, Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn clicked his tongue and cursed, ¡°Those American b*stards have been pouring money into this for three years.¡±


    ¡°They probably didn¡¯t want to lose naval supremacy,¡± responded the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lee Ki-hyung, who was themander of naval operations at the time of the First Northeast Asian War.


    ¡°Naval supremacy? Wasn¡¯t that already transferred to us? Are they still dreaming, or what?¡±


    In contrast to Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn, who seemed to think that it wasn¡¯t a big deal, the Chief of Naval Operations Lee Ki-hyung didn¡¯t look too optimistic.


    This was because eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers had damaged the 1st Fleet in the East Sea three years ago. If the Zumwalt-ss destroyers of the 7th Fleet were included, there would be as many as 12 of them.


    Of course, the Korean Navy also had in their possession, destroyers and cruisers that had more or less the same amount of power. However, as the Chief of Naval Operations, it was natural for Admiral Lee to be concerned.


    ¡°Next, we¡¯ll watch the video of the 7th Fleet,¡± announced Head of the Operation Division, Yang Min-choon, who was in charge of the meeting. The video on the screen was changed to one showing the 7th Fleet sailing.


    The weather was a bit cloudy, so the video was not as sharp as it could have been. However, the full shot of the 7th Fleet revealed that they, too, were a force to be reckoned with.


    With the Ford-ss Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), that had inherited the name of the sunken Nimitz-ss Ronald Reagan, in the center, four Zumwalt-ss destroyers, eight Arleigh Burke-ss Aegis destroyers, and four LHA-6 America-ss amphibious assault ships, one ss below the Bougainville-ss amphibious assault ship, were being followed by 10 fastbat support ships.


    In addition, although it couldn¡¯t be confirmed on video, it was obvious that numerous nuclear submarines were underwater, with anti-submarine boundaries activated.


    ¡°Heh heh, it¡¯ll surely be quite a sight when the 3rd Fleet joins the 7th Fleet.¡± Vice Chairman of the Chief of Staff Kim Yong-hyun sighed with concern when he saw the U.S. Navy¡¯s Pacific Fleet, greatly improved in powerpared to three years ago.


    ¡°Captain Kim, you worry too much. Don¡¯t we also have Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss destroyers in our Navy? Just one of them can give all of the U.S. Navy b*stards a water burial.¡±


    During the First Northeast Asian War, just one Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss destroyer had crushed the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces and the Zumwalt-ss Aegis destroyers in battle. Currently, in 2024, a total of five Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss destroyers were built. Three of them were deployed in the 12th Carrier Strike Group and were performing military operations in the Persian Gulf. The other two cruisers, the Charisuk (CG-1105) and the Gangwoogyu (CG-1106) were currently being tested while various finishing works were being performed on them.


    Afterpleting the test operations, they were to be assigned to the 12th Carrier Strike Group.


    ¡°Well, as Commander Youn has mentioned, what is the current test operation status?¡± the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong asked Chief of Naval Operations Lee Ki-hyung, while they were on the topic of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss Hoc cruisers.


    ¡°The finishing works have already beenpleted, and the test operation is about 80 percentplete. As of now, they¡¯ve been supplied with various ammunition and war materials, and are on standby at the Busan Military Port.¡±


    ¡°Both ships, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Mm, the test operation is progressing faster than I expected.¡±


    ¡°All the crew members train through simtion before theunch, which shortens the days required for test operations.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, 80 percent is sufficient for actual use in battle!¡± Chairman Shin Sung-yong nodded, looking satisfied.


    ¡°We¡¯ll now move on to an interim check on the response n regarding the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy.¡± Head of Operations Yang Min-choon interjected amidst casual conversation. The screen changed to a digital map that showed the entire North Pacific Ocean.


    ¡°As you can see, the two red dots are the locations of the 3rd and 7th Fleets that we just saw in the videos. The red dotted line is their expected routes by sea.¡±


    As exined by Head of Operations Yang Min-choon, the 3rd and 7th Fleet, tactically marked with red dots, were following the red dotted lines marked as expected routes. The location where the two dotted lines met was 400 kilometers east of Katsuura, Japan.


    The movement of the U.S. Navy was urately predicted.


    ¡°Then this means they¡¯ll join at sea where the red dotted lines meet and immediatelynd on the eastern coast of Chiba Prefecture,¡± said Chairman Shin Yong-yong, rubbing his chin.


    ¡°Yes, sir. That is correct.


    ¡°What is the current state of our response?¡±


    ¡°This part will be briefed by the Naval Operations Commander himself.¡±


    As soon as Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon finished his speech, Lieutenant General Park Soo-il, the Naval Operations Commander, raised his hand and saluted on a different screen. Three years ago, Lieutenant General Park Soo-il had served as themander of the 3rd Naval Fleet, but after his senior,mander of the 1st Naval Fleet, Gil Un-suk, had died in battle, he had been the first one in line for the promotion. Currently, he had been promoted to the position of Lieutenant General and was serving as the Naval Operations Commander.


    ¡°Salute! This is Naval Operations Commander Park Soo-il. I will now give an interim briefing on the response n regarding the Pacific Fleet. Please take a look at the map.¡±


    The digital map that had shown the entire North Pacific Ocean previously was now erged and disyed a map showing the entire Korean penins and Japan.


    ¡°At the location where the Pacific Fleet is expected to join, there are eight Hoc submarines of the 11th Mobile Submarine Group and nine submarines of the 91st Submarine Group already patrolling the 500-kilometer radius from the coast of Chiba. As of now, there haven¡¯t been any submarines detected that appear to belong to the U.S. Navy.


    Various tactical symbols were marked on the digital map ording to Lieutenant General Park Soo-il¡¯s exnation.


    ¡°Also, the supply of war materials to the 7th Mobile Squadron has beenpleted. They will sail to the eastern coast of Chiba on the 19th at 10 a.m. In addition, the two Hoc cruisers and the 2nd Fleet currently on standby at the Busan Military Port will sail to the eastern coast of Chiba, using the southernmost route at 2 p.m. today.¡±


    Once again, on the digital map, blue tactical symbols representing the 7th Mobile Squadron and the 2nd Fleet were disyed, as well as the movement route, which was marked with blue dotted lines.


    ¡°Besides this, we will be receiving air support from the 18th Fighter Wing, the 23rd Fighter Wing, and the 1st Fighter Wing.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your work, but the 1st Fleet, the 7th Mobile Squadron, and two Hoc cruisers¡­I¡¯m not too worried, but I can¡¯t help thinking that our Navy will suffer great damage if the difference in power isn¡¯t overwhelming. It¡¯s a pity that the 12th Carrier Group is in the Persian Gulf at a time like this.¡±


    ¡°Comrade Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff! Isn¡¯t this good enough?¡± Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn asked with a slightly bitter expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s not too bad. But since we¡¯re dealing with the U.S. Navy, I want to create a force that minimizes damage to our forces as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you think so, then you might be right,¡± agreed Vice Chairman Youn Gi-youn, rxing his expression.


    ¡°Commander Park!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡±


    ¡°Pleasee up with additional reinforcements.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will report the n right away.¡±


    ¡°Let the 1st and 3rd Fleet reinforce the avable forces, and if necessary, request backup from the Air Force, as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, deciding that the situation with the Pacific Fleet had mostly been settled, moved on to the next meeting.


    ¡°The next topic is the response n regarding Japan¡¯s deration of independence. This part will be briefed by the Marine Corps Commander himself.¡±


    Lieutenant General Lim Kyung-soo got up from his seat and walked to the front of the screen. ¡°I will now give a briefing on the response n of the 1st Marine Division and the 6th Marine Division stationed in Honshu, Japan, regarding the ¡®deration of independence.¡¯ Currently, the 1st Marine Division is¡­¡±


    Lieutenant General Lim Kyung-soo spoke for the next 20 minutes in detail. During the question and answer session that came after he was done with the briefing, Major General Nam Tae-kwon, the Head of the Situation Office, entered the operation meeting room and delivered good news.


    ¡°We have just received a report from the Peace Corps Headquarters that they¡¯vepletely recaptured the Luhansk Ost.¡±


    In an instant, the atmosphere in the operation meeting room heated up. The Ukrainian civil war, which had begun with the War in Donbas, had ended with the help of the Korean Army.


    On the 15th, the 1st dispatch force of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong) had upied Luhansk, the capital of the Luhansk Ost, and, together with the 5th Marine Division (Jiryong), had recaptured the entire Luhansk Ost in only three days.


    Unlike during the recapture of Dsk Ost, the entire 51st Imperial Guards Army of the Western Military District of Russia was sent to defend against the recapture of the Luhansk Ost, and a hard battle had been expected. But the power of the 1st dispatch force, which was only half the size of the entire division, was far greater than imagined.


    As all the armored equipment was maneuvered through a hover system, it wasn¡¯t restricted at all by terrain, making the speed of the 1st dispatch force unimaginably fast. In addition, thanks to its ability to see the entire Russian Army¡¯s movements as clearly as if they were in the palm of its hands, it never fell victim to ambushes or surprise attacks. Due to the formidable firepower of the various advanced weapons that the 1st dispatch force possessed, the 51st Imperial Guards Army, titled the most elite out of the Western Military District, had lost consecutively in battles with the 1st dispatch force and had finally given up on Luhansk Ost.


    The 2nd dispatch force of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong), which had set foot in Berdyans¡¯k, Ukraine, on the 14th, had immediately begun the operation to upy the Rostov Ost.


    Because the 20th Guards Army, which had performed regional defense missions on behalf of the 51st Imperial Guards Army, was ordered by the Russian General Staff to defend the Rostov Ost along with the subordinate units of the Southern Military District, the 2nd dispatch force had initially met with violent resistance. However, the 2nd dispatch force of the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong) expanded its upation area a lot faster than expected.


    Now, if the Luhansk Ost was to be handed over to the 5th Marine Division (Jiryong), and the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong), joined by the 1st and 2nd dispatch force, upied the Volgograd Ost, thest area to be upied beyond the Rostov Ost, it was to be the end of southern Russia.


    This was because thend route, through which various war supplies and support units could be sent over from Russia, would be blocked off from the Russian maind, while the three brigades from the Peace Corps wereing up from the southern end, smashing through all defense lines.


    The bad decisions of President Putin of Russia had yed a role in these results. Despite the need to give up on either the Northwestern Front or the Southern Front, as the Russian General Staff had advised, President Putin had chosen not to, out of greed. As a result, the shadow of defeat was approaching them, closer than ever..

 Chapter 519 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 2-2 Perspective of Individuals

    <h4>Chapter 519: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 2-2 Perspective of Individuals</h4>


    January 19, 2024, 01:00 (Latvia Time: January 18, 2024, 18:00)


    In front of the European Union headquarters building, Riga, Latvia


    As the leaders of 30 nations were gathered at the European Union (EU) building, it became the focal point for many media and presspanies around the world. For that reason, the EU building was under strict security measures, and many reporters from around the world were crowding around it.


    In previous EU Summits, there has never been this many reporters and media personnel flocking to the EU building. It seemed like the agenda of today¡¯s Summit, and Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon¡¯s statement at Icon Hotel in Hong Kong helped make today¡¯s EU Summit the subject of attention all around the world.


    Despite the freezing cold, the reporters were on standby outside, wearing thick overcoats and with various safety coverings on their equipment. After a couple of hours when it was almost time for the meeting to end, they began checking their interview equipment, such as their cameras.


    Even though there was no official press conference about the oue of the agenda following the Summit, with the event being one of heightened interest, the reporters¡¯ determination to acquire even just a small statement was extraordinary.


    Soon after, the front door of the EU building opened, and armed soldiers rushed out, forming a row on each side of the front door. A ck vehicle stopped in front of the entrance, and the president of Italy, Giuseppe Cossiga, appeared, surrounded by bodyguards in ck suits. He got in the vehicle immediately. His face that was partially seen by the reporters, looked gloomy.


    At this, a few reporters tried to get past the security line to ask questions, but they were unable to do so, as the armed soldiers had restrained them.


    Much like the first, the leaders of each country boarded their vehicles and left the EU headquarters building one by one. When thest leader, the president of Turkey, left without saying a word, the reporters began behaving aggressively. They had waited all this while in the shivering cold and hadn¡¯t gotten any information. The air started to be tense outside the building.


    At this, the EU¡¯s administrative office decided to hold an unnned press conference to appease this uproar.


    Because the press conference was scheduled at such short notice, arge drawing room in the EU building had to be set up as a press conference room. Over the course of 30 minutes, reporters filed into the room, filling it up entirely.


    A whileter, Rudelusk Sepio, the spokesman for the Chairman of the EU, went up to the temporary podium with a flushed face.


    He then pulled out a small piece of paper that had the contents of the announcement from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and ced it on the table.


    Wearing thick reading sses on the bridge of his nose, spokesman Rudelusk Sepio nced at the reporters, put his mouth near the microphone, and spoke into it. ¡°It¡¯s good to see all of you here in the press conference room prepared just a little while ago. I would like to speak about the topic you all must be curious about¡ªthe decisions made of the agenda that was discussed at the Summit today.¡±


    Spokesman Rudelusk Sepio jumped straight to the point, and the buzzing press conference room became quiet for a moment.


    ¡°Today¡¯s discussion was about economic sanctions against the Republic of Korea, ravaging the world with war, and whether the NATO forces will engage in military operations to prevent the spread of war. These topics at the Summit meeting were voted down, with 14 votes in favor, 15 votes against, and 1 vote that abstained.¡±


    At the statement that those topics had been voted down, all of the reporters eximed in shock. Most reporters had predicted that the proposals of today¡¯s Summit meeting would be approved and that the EU would also participate in the Korean-Russian war. The reason for this prediction was because it was the United States, with much influence over Europe, that pushed for these proposals to be put on the agenda.


    The real reason for the reporters¡¯ exmation, however, was that the country that the economic sanctions would be against, was not Russia but the Republic of Korea, and that the NATO forces would be moving against the Republic of Korea.


    As Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon said, it was the moment when it became clear that the EU targeting the Republic of Korea and not Russia.


    ¡°Reporters! I will only be answering questions from three of you. Those of you that have questions, please raise your hand.¡±


    Soon after, every reporter raised their hands, while some was even waving.


    ¡°Yes, the male reporter in the back and center!¡± Spokesperson Rudelusk Sepio pointed a finger at a reporter.


    ¡°I¡¯m Florien Giroud, a reporter for the French 2nd station. Currently, there are rumors that the EU is being controlled by the influence of the United States. Judging from the contents of the proposals made at the Summit, the rumors seem to be true. Please tell us about why such a proposal was made at the Summit regarding measures against the Republic of Korea, rather than Russia.¡±


    One of the eyebrows of Spokesman Rudelusk Sepio shook severely at the words of Reporter Florien Giroud, who had gotten straight to the heart of the matter.


    ¡°How could the EU be controlled by a single country? That¡¯s not true at all. Please keep in mind that these proposals have been brought up at the Summit for the safety of the EU after great deliberation.¡±


    ¡°Spokesman! Please don¡¯t give such an ambiguous answer. Tell us the reason these absurd proposals have been brought up at the Summit meeting.¡±


    Reporter Florien Giroud reminded him of his question, asking him the same question again, but the spokesman turned his head towards another reporter. He had no intention to answer the question.


    ¡°There! The reporter in the front row on the left! Ask your question.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Manuel Cherczi, a reporter for Rai 3 in Italy. I also would like to ask about the proposals. Looking at the contents of the proposals, it could have very well lit the fires of war. Also, as the French reporter had previously asked, please answer why such an absurd case was brought up at the Summit meeting.¡±


    Spokesman Rudelusk Sepio felt like he was going to die on the inside, with each of the reporters asking questions about what he could not openly talk about.


    ¡°Mm, that part was answered in my previous reply.¡±


    ¡°What? What kind of answer is that? Please answer so that we can understand.¡±


    ¡°Next reporter¡¯s question, please.¡±


    Seemingly wanting to take a favorable question, Spokesman Rudelusk Sepio shamelessly ignored Reporter Manuel Cherczi¡¯s question and looked around at the buzzing crowd of reporters for a reporter to ask the third question.


    Among them, he found an American journalist that he had met several times and pointed at her. ¡°Female reporter in the third row, center, please ask your question.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m Reporter Dina Ryan, from Fox News.¡±


    Fox News was a major right-wing mediapany in the United States. Jermaine Jones, who had beenpletely defeated in the argument yesterday with Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon, was also part of Fox News.


    ¡°It¡¯s truly shocking to see that the proposals were voted down at the Summit meeting. It¡¯s questionable whether the EU leaders were thinking of the safety of Europe when they made this decision. Could you tell us which countries were against the proposals during the vote?¡±


    The question was tantly pointed toward the side that the decision of the Summit meeting was a threat to the safety of Europe.


    ¡°I apologize. We cannot know which countries voted for or against the proposals, as voting is done by secret ballot.¡±


    ¡°Then, please tell us why this is the result of the meeting, and if there will be any responsibility taken if the war spreads to Europe because of this bad decision.¡±


    At Reporter Dina Ryan¡¯s questions, asked under the premise that the proposals being voted down was a bad decision, the reporters around her booed her.


    This was a scene rarely seen at a press conference, but it was happening right there.


    ¡°I¡¯m just a spokesman, so I¡¯m not in a position to say anything about the proposals being voted down, but personally, I¡¯m truly sorry about what has happened.¡± Spokesman Rudelusk Sepio, who sessfully passed through the reporters¡¯ questions by ambiguously answering them, sighed in relief on the inside.


    ¡°Now! This will be the end of the question and answer session. I apologize for the wait outside in the cold weather. Thank you.¡± Spokesman Rudelusk Sepio made a hasty closing remark and disappeared behind the stage without looking back.


    But the reportersined. The only thing worth writing about was that the proposal was voted down by 14 to 15 votes. There was nothing about why the proposal was voted down, or why the proposal was brought up to the Summit¡ªnothing that could serve as the framework of an article. It was like serving red bean bread without the red bean filling.


    * * *


    January 19, 2024, 01:20 (Latvia Time: January 18th, 2024, 8:20)


    European Union Headquarters in Riga, Latvia


    ¡°How could this be? What happened?¡±


    While Spokesman Rudelusk Sepio was holding a press conference outside with the reporters, U.S. Secretary of State, Maine Johnson, her face burning red, was reproaching Chairman Maris Felsix in the chairman¡¯s room.


    Chairman Maris Felsix had received a hefty bribe from the American government through Secretary Maine Jones. She hung his head, unable to say anything.


    ¡°Say something. Until yesterday, at least 18 votes were expected to be in favor of the proposal, but there were only 14 votes? We put in so much money for the proposal to pass¡­ damn.¡± Secretary Maine Johnson hit the chairman¡¯s desk with her fist, then flung herself down on the sofa. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to calm down, as this incident could have a very big impact on her political career.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, but I did my best too. But, it wasn¡¯t even a representatives meeting, it was a meeting of leaders of each country.¡±


    ¡°Are you giving that as an excuse right now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to give excuses, I¡¯m saying there are limits to what I can do.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. Give me the list of the leaders who voted against the proposal.¡±


    ¡°About that¡­It¡¯s a secret ballot, so we don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Chairman Felsix! I¡¯m not in a mood to joke around.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking, the votes for and against are anonymously recorded. So¡­¡±


    ¡°Look, Chairman! Shouldn¡¯t you be telling me that you¡¯ll figure it out no matter what it takes, instead of just telling me that you don¡¯t know? Are you really going to act this way?¡±


    Even as Secretary Johnson scolded Chairman Felsix, the chairman of the EU, Chairman Felsix could not do anything about it. The bribe she had received had be a prison cell to her.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll talk to the Head of Administration and find out,¡± answered Chairman Maris Felsix reluctantly.


    ¡°Find it out by tomorrow morning at least.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Upon hearing his answer, Secretary Maine Johnson yanked the door open and left. Chairman Maris Felsix, left alone in the room, sighed deeply and pressed a button on the inte system in her room.


    ¡°Tell the Head of Administration toe here right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡±


    In a few minutes, the called-for Head of Administration opened the door and entered the room.


    ¡°Did you call?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Sit down.¡±


    Upon entering the chairman¡¯s office, Chief Executive Officer Pavals Chauna greeted her politely. Chairperson Maris Felsix pointed to the reception chair for him to sit down in.


    Soon after Chief Executive Officer Pavals Chauna had sat down on the chair, Chairman Maris Felsix lowered her voice and whispered, although only the two of them were in the room.


    ¡°Can I get a list of the countries that had voted against and abstained from today¡¯s Summit meeting vote on whether the proposals would be passed?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? That¡¯s illegal.¡±


    ¡°I know! I know! It¡¯s illegal, but the problem is serious now! America won¡¯t leave us alone.¡±


    ¡°Even so, ma¡¯am, that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you understand? Do you not remember the time when I helped you out? Have you already forgotten?¡±


    Two years ago, the Head of Administration, Pavals Chauna, had caused a car ident while driving drunk. Chairman Felsix had used her authority as chairman to cover up what could have be a big problem. Chairman Felsix had now presented that as bait.


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s true, but I¡­I see.¡±


    The chairman also had a hold on the Head of Administration, Pavals Chauna, so he had to answer her request.


    ¡°Yes, thank you. Shouldn¡¯t we help each other out when one of us is in trouble? Find out at least by tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am..¡±

 Chapter 520 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 – 2-3 Perspective of Individuals

    <h4>Chapter 520: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 2-3 Perspective of Individuals</h4>


    Exactly six hours before the start of the summit.


    The night before, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan was appointed special envoy by President Choo Un-hee and was sent to Riga, Latvia by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also, as a special envoy, he was given an important mission.


    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea tried to hold talks with the leaders of pro-American countries who had flown to Riga from all over Europe for the EU summit a week ago, but they did not show any willingness to meet despite informal requests for talks.


    As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested an urgent amendment to a secret meeting with foreign ministers rather than a summit meeting. Fortunately, they had expressed their intention to ept requests for secret meetings at the ministerial level from five countries.


    Italy, Spain, Austria, Sweden and Find have expressed their willingness to ept it. In addition, six countries simultaneously epted the form of a multinational meeting, and now, at the secret meeting ce of the Radisson Blue Regenne Hotel, five diplomats were seated at a round table looking a little ufortable.


    ¡°Thank you for epting this request for a meeting.¡±


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan politely bowed his head and bowed to the five foreign chiefs. He was under the rank of ministers sitting at the round table, but he was entitled to be treated on the same level as the head of state because he had been appointed as a special presidential envoy.


    However, Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan humbly showed courtesy to the diplomatic heads of the five countries.


    ¡°I am very grateful to all of you for taking such a difficult step. Today, I will tell you why I¡¯ve requested this informal, confidential interview.¡±


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who gave his thanks once more, went straight to the main topic. In addition, the gentle expression up until now was nowhere to be seen, and he gave them a serious look.


    ¡°In five hours, at the summit, before your leaders make any decision, I would like to share with you a few things from our president. As you all know, yesterday New China was forever lost to history due to the annexation along with the official surrender to our Republic of Korea.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me! Deputy Minister Kim! I don¡¯t have much time because of the summit. Just briefly tell us what you would like to say,¡± Italian Foreign Minister De Vedova interrupted the conversation, showing just how uneasy he felt.


    ¡°Ah! You misunderstood. This is the brief.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Now that you¡¯re already here, won¡¯t you stay and listen?¡±


    After speaking in a firm tone, Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan turned his gaze to the rest of the ministers and continued his speech.


    ¡°I am talking about the current international situation. Currently, the Republic of Korea has overtaken the United States to be the number one country in GDP. That¡¯s a whopping of 32 trillion dors.¡±


    The Republic of Korea entered the rapid growth phase from 2018, reaching $2.69 trillion in GDP, ranking sixth in the world. They then reached the top with $25.55 trillion in GDP in 2022, surpassing the United States. As of 2023, their GDP was $322 trillion, allowing them to maintain the top spot. It was a huge high-speed growth that was 11 times more than 2018, which was unprecedented in history.


    Speaking of economic issues, Foreign Minister De Vedova¡¯s expression contorted even more.


    In the case of Italy, as the financial and economic crisis urred in 2008, it entered a phase of stagnation, and in 2009, the financial situation deteriorated, and until now, it was struggling in a recession. Behind the scenes, the corruption of politicians was ying a strong role, and the economic situation in Italy could not be easily improved without major political reforms.


    ¡°Did you create this meeting to brag that you are a prosperous country?¡± At the words of Foreign Minister De Vedova, who stopped talking once again with a displeased expression, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan spread his hands with an unexined smile.


    ¡°Did you think I meant it that way? Well, in a way, it might sound like I did.¡± Kim Myung-hwan, the second vice minister who replied in a tone that seemed to be sarcastic, looked at Foreign Minister De Vedova as if he was going to make Italy the first target.


    ¡°Minister Vedova! As of 2023, the amount exported to Korea is about 6 billion dors, right? Conversely, the amount imported from Korea is 5 billion dors. As Korea, we have a trade deficit of about 1 billion dors.¡±


    ¡°What do you want to say?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are going to stop all trade with Italy.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    In the end, the angry Minister of Foreign Affairs De Vedova jumped up from his seat. But Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan didn¡¯t seem to care, and he continued what he wanted to say. ¡°On the premise that economic sanctions will be imposed on the Republic of Korea at the summit. Besides Italy, we will stop trading with all EU countries.¡±


    The expressions of the rest of the ministers who had been listening to the slightly radical remarks changed little by little.


    ¡°Ministers, will the EU¡¯s economic sanctions only harm the Republic of Korea? Naturally, the EU will also suffer huge economic losses. So which one will do more damage? Data has emerged that South Korea will suffer a little more damage if it is Korea versus the EU. However, the Republic of Korea has entered into economic alliances with more than 40 countries, including the Republic of China, the Eastern Republic, Southeast Asia, India, South America, and Africa. Thebined poption of all these countries is over four billion. It¡¯s half of the world¡¯s poption. Do you know what I mean?¡±


    After finishing his speech, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan looked around at the various ministers with a rather serious expression.


    ¡°Do you mean to say that you will use the Economic Alliance to reverse the economic retaliation against our EU?¡±


    Austria¡¯s Foreign Minister, Heinz Berg, urately summarized what Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan was trying to say.


    ¡°Yeah, you got it right. If so, which side will suffer the most financially? Perhaps within a year, a fiercely contested exit from the EU will ur. In other words, the EU will be disassembled.¡±


    ¡°Would that be all? In most European countries, tourism is one of the main importing businesses right? Currently, the Korean people are the most frequent travelers overseas, with an average of 1.5 times or more per person per year, with Europe being their number one destination. Now, what if we take a year-long travel ban on Europe and send a letter of cooperation to the Economic Alliance?¡±


    In any European country, tourism has been one of the main projects of the country. If the tourism industry suffered a recession following economic retaliatory measures, it was obvious that it would lead to an unimaginable situation.


    ¡°Are you even threatening me now?¡±


    When Foreign Minister De Vedova, who was standing still without a seat, smirked, looked up, and spoke, Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan replied with a tilted head. ¡°I hope it¡¯s not a threat. I don¡¯t think so. I am here to give you a present.¡±


    ¡°A gift, not a threat?¡± asked Minister of Foreign Affairs De Vedova again nervously.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about the adverse effects that wille to all EU countries in the future if economic sanctions are imposed on South Korea at the EU summit.¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me now?¡±


    Finally, Foreign Minister De Vedova mmed his table once and walked straight to the door.


    ¡°Minister Vedova! I won¡¯t stop you but don¡¯t forget that Italy is the next target after the destruction of Russia.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you going to war with Italy now?¡±


    ¡°Heh heh, this is true, I haveid the premise, that is if the EU imposes economic sanctions on South Korea at the summit. Also, will NATO forces participate in the Korean-Russia War? Standing on the Russian side. Wouldn¡¯t that naturally lead to a war with Italy? Not only Italy but the other countries here as well.¡±


    At the words of Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who continued to make sweeping statements, the rest of the ministers were also severely shaken.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that too radical?¡± The Swedish foreign minister intervened in the middle of the conversation, seemingly impatient.


    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s an extreme statement? Just a few hours before you decide to impose economic sanctions and join NATO forces against our country ¨C who is making radical remarks and actions now?¡±


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan red at various ministers, who were seated, including Minister De Vedova. As a result, the atmosphere in the hotel room became cold enough to chill, and silence fell upon them.


    Minister De Vedova, who was holding the doorknob, couldn¡¯t take another step and stood in an awkward position. It was because he had said something wrong.


    ¡°Vice Minister Kim! So what do you want from us?¡± David Alba, head of foreign affairs in the Spanish Prime Minister¡¯s Office, asked cautiously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you all know? All you have to do is vote against the agenda items at this summit.¡±


    ¡°How will we benefit from doing so?¡±


    Even in this situation, David Alba, the chief of foreign affairs and diplomat, seemed to have a vocation to take care of the profits that would be returned to his country.


    ¡°A profit¡­. First of all, it can be seen that the Republic of Korea does not be a hostile country. Second, we promise financial support. In particr, in the case of Italy, its light industry, which was the center of the economy, is experiencing an economic downturn due to the pursuit of emerging and developing countries. We promise to provide technical support for each country to solve these problems. Currently, Korea has a myriad of products that have not been released to the world even after developing new technologies to maintain the flow of the global economy. I just want you to know that.¡±


    ¡°Can you make such a promise as the Deputy Minister?¡± David Alba, the chief of foreign affairs, asked once again.


    ¡°I hold the position of Deputy Minister, but now I am meeting you as a special envoy on behalf of the President. In other words, I want you to know that what I am saying would be the same if the President of the Republic of Korea was speaking to you herself.¡±


    ¡°Great. Rather than a verbal promise, it seems that a written promise is needed so that there will not be any problems in the future.¡± Again, David Alba, the chief of foreign affairs, was as sly as a fox when it came to foreign affairs.


    ¡°Of course. We already have it prepared.¡±


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan took out a few documents from his briefcase and ced them in front of the heads of foreign affairs. Minister De Vedova, who was standing around in front of the door, also sneaked up and sat down at his seat.


    ¡°Please read it slowly. Read it and you will be satisfied.¡±


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan¡¯s softened expression and Minister De Vedova showed a bright smile. At this, Minister De Vedova gave an awkward smile and read the document in front of him.


    After some time passed, the heads of diplomacy of each country put down the documents they had read on the table with a satisfied expression on their faces.


    ¡°How is it?¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°I am satisfied.¡±


    ¡°I am satisfied too.¡±


    ¡°You were better prepared than I expected.¡±


    But Minister De Vedova said nothing. Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, noticing this, said, ¡°It seems that Minister Vedova is not very happy with it.¡±


    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s not it. It¡¯s just that there¡¯s something promised by the U.S.¡­¡±


    Minister De Vedova, conscious of other countries¡¯ heads of foreign affairs, blurted out his words. Italy, which was in a very poor economic situation, had received promises of trillions of dors in economic aid from the United States.


    ¡°Well, think about it. Which country will be responsible for the world order in the future? For reference, the Republic of Korea has surpassed the United States militarily and economically for a long time now. The situation will be the same in the future too. I hope you think about it carefully.¡±


    It may seem like Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan¡¯s statement was meant to intimidate. That may have been the case but Minister De Vedova did not ask questions with anger as before but listened silently.


    ¡°Now, if you like it, you can sign the document.¡±


    When Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan pointed to the document with both palms, the foreign chiefs of each country took out their fountain pens and signed their respective signatures.


    Because these events were carried out in secret, the leaders of Italy, Spain, Austria, Sweden, and Find, who were the most pro-American, voted against the EU summit five hours after receiving the same report from the head of foreign affairs. Only Italy had voted in support of it.


    This was the reason why the United States, which had believed that it would be passed by releasing arge amount of money, was hit in the back of the head..

 Chapter 521 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 - 3-1 The Eve of the Storm

    <h4>Chapter 521: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 3-1 The Eve of the Storm</h4>


    January 19th, 2024, 03:30 (Russian time January 18th, 2024, 21:30)


    Russia Moscow Bunker State R-13 (Situation Room)


    The situation room, gloomy with the news that President Putin¡¯s anticipation for NATO troops¡¯ participation in the war had been rejected at the summit, was stunned when he received one more unpleasant report.


    <Shudder!>


    Captain dimir Beshastnich, who put the receiver down, looked up at the ceiling and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Chief Odil Akmedov asked in a cautious tone.


    ¡°It was reported that Crimea has been handed over to the Korean army.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Deputy Chief of Staff Odil Akmedov¡¯s eyes widened.


    Crimea was a very important territory for President Putin.


    ¡°This is a really big deal.¡±


    After years of observing Ukraine¡¯s two provinces, Crimea was also handed over to the South Korean military, and President Putin¡¯s political position declined considerably. This was because all ns to continue to serve as president through the constitutional amendment were in vain.


    However, given the current situation, the Crimean Penins issue was not a problem but if they were to lose this war, that would be the end of everything.


    After a while, a video appeared on the screen of the control room.


    It was a video of several soldiers who appeared to be South Korean marines raising the Korean g at the City Hall in the semi-copsed Crimean Penins.


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡±


    After a brief swear word, Captain dimir Beshastnich let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Chief of the General Staff! Report to the President.¡±


    General dimir Beshastnich jumped up from his seat, as Chief Odil Akmedov kept mumbling.


    It was obvious that theter the report, the more insults he would hear, so General dimir Beshastnich left the situation room to go to the Oval Office and Chief Odile Akmedov followed after.


    ¡°You stay here, I¡¯m going to get cursed at. Do you need to go as well?¡±


    ¡°But still¡­¡±


    ¡°After an hour, convene a meeting with all members of the General Staff. Ensure allmanders above the rank of the Major General on the battlefield are connected by videomunication.


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    After giving brief instructions, Captain dimir Beshastnich adjusted his hat and immediately exited the control room.


    <hr />


    January 19, 2024, 03:30 (Russian time: January 18, 2024, 21:30)


    Russia Moscow Bunker State R-13 (Oval Office)


    <Knock knock knock>


    Captain dimir Beshastnich, who entered the office as he knocked, raised his hand and saluted at a modest angle.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    President Putin was also saddened by the news that NATO forces were not participating in the EU summit.


    ¡°Crimea has been upied by South Korean forces.¡±


    ¡°Hoo! The Crimean Penins as well.¡±


    President Putin¡¯s response was baffling and not what Captain dimir Beshastnich had expected. He was very nervous about the possibility of being badly scolded but was surprised by his reaction.


    ¡°At this point, there is only the United States.¡±


    At President Putin¡¯s words, which did not make sense, General dimir Beshastnich stepped forward and asked, ¡°Mr. President, what do you mean there is only the United States?¡±


    ¡°Literally as I said. From now on, we have to openly unite with the United States to suppress Korea.¡±


    ¡°Will America do what we want?¡±


    When General dimir Beshastnich cautiously asked the question, Putin grinned and made some meaningful remarks.


    ¡°It should, don¡¯t we have a hidden card?¡±


    ¡°What hidden card?¡±


    ¡°USSC.¡±


    ¡°That, that.¡±


    ¡°Now that that¡¯s all we have left, we need to press the U.S. as much as possible to wipe out damn Korea from the face of the earth!¡±


    A spark of anger zed in president Putin¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Mr. President! As themander of the Russian army, I would like to make a statement to the president.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±


    As if he had roughly guessed what Captain dimir Beshastnich was going to say, he showed the vignce with his expression.


    ¡°As I said before, I want you to give up on the Northwest Front and focus all your power on the Southern Front.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about that again?¡±


    ¡°If we take any longer, we might lose on all of the fronts, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°How far do you think it is from the Northwest Front to the Southern Front?¡±


    ¡°About 5,300 kilometers.¡±


    ¡°Then, how long do you think it will take for all units currently deployed in the Northwestern Front to retreat to the Southern Front?¡±


    ¡°About ten days.¡±


    ¡°Ten days? If so, will you be able to block the Southern Front for ten days?¡± President Putin¡¯s questions continued.


    ¡°I think it will be sufficient if all the forces of the central and western military districts are mobilized following the existing southern military districts.¡±


    ¡°Huh! Then leave the power on the Northwest Front as it is.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean leave it as it is?¡± In response to the absurd answer, Captain dimir Beshastnich questioned with an absurd expression on his face.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that if you mobilize all the powers of the Western and Central Military Districts, you will survive ten days on the Southern Front?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Isn¡¯t that on the premise that the power of the Northwest Front wille to support here?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you can block it for about ten days whether or not supportes?¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! What are you going to do after ten days? Please listen to me.¡± With a desperate expression on his face, General dimir Beshastnich tried to persuade President Putin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. There is a way!¡±


    ¡°Is it America?¡±


    ¡°Right!¡±


    ¡°Believing in America, our Russia¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    President Putin spread his palm out as if he didn¡¯t want to hear it.


    ¡°You know, don¡¯t you? The U.S. Pacific Fleet is sailing in the waters of Japan.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the extent to which Japan is trying to keep its country inmand for the sake of its interests?¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? But the U.S. will attack not only Japan but also the Korean Penins. Didn¡¯t I say that there is a hidden card called USSC? Hu hu hu!¡±


    President Putin leisurely lit the cigarette in his mouth. Then he took a long drag and blew the smoke into the air.


    As General dimir Beshastnih was watching him, President Putin said, ¡°You should take measures to defend the Southern Front for at least ten days right now. With all your might, I mean.¡±


    After speaking, Putin turned his chair indicating for dimir Beshastnich to leave.


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Captain dimir Beshastnich, realizing that there was no other way, turned around and saluted Putin, who had been seated. As he was about to leave the office, he heard something suspicious.


    ¡°Chief of Staff! We authorized the use of unlimited tactical nukes. Let us actively use tactical nukes for all future operations.¡±


    ¡°Mr. President! Here in Moscow might be a ce where not even a single ant can live too.¡±


    ¡°You have to wait and see! What would you be afraid of when you¡¯ve even extended your hands to the Americans? So just know that.¡±


    Captain dimir Beshastnich left the office without answering. Instead, he mumbled a few words from his mouth.


    <hr />


    January 19th, 2024, 04:00 (Russian time: January 18th, 2024, 22:00)


    Moscow, Russia Bunker State R-13 (Operation Conference Room)


    Even after Crimea was handed over to the South Korean military, the atmosphere in the operation meeting room was really heavy. The Northwestern Front, which had been engaged in fierce fighting with the South Korean army for a month and a half, was also seen as defeated, though the staff did not say anything.


    The Russian army in the Northwestern Front, thergest force on the ground, began to copse rapidly on January 3, when the 20th Armored Division (decisive battle) belonging to the 7th Mobile Corps allowed a nk attack. As a result, the Russian army, which had a total of 700,000 regr and irregr troops, was now significantly reduced to 420,000 regr troops and was being pushed toward its territory by tens of kilometers a day.


    The 2nd Guards Army in Jungbu Military District, which was the first to face the 7th Mobile Corps trying to break through the nk, responded with all their mobilization forces but was removed from the army after suffering close to annihtion within eight days. Against this backdrop, the 41st Army, another support force in the Jungbu Military District, built the second line of defense and responded, but to no avail. After seeing a power loss of 40 percent in five days, they retreated to the rear.


    However, thanks to the 2nd Guards Army and 41st Army slowing down the invasion of the 7th Mobile Corps until they suffered close to annihtion, the 29th Army in Dongbu Military District, which yed a key role and engaged in fierce battles with the Korean forces on the front line, was the 36th Army. Only the Motorized Infantry Division, the 56th Motorized Infantry Division, and the 55th Motorized Infantry Division belonging to the Independence Corps suffered catastrophic damage. The Motorized Infantry Division and the 11th Armored Division were able to retreat 248 kilometers to the rear without suffering any damage.


    If the 2nd Guards Army and 41st Army had not been able to slow down the 7th Mobile Corps¡¯ invasion at their own expense, the 29th Army would not have survived either.


    In any case, they retreated to the rear, but they were preparing for an all-out war with the South Korean army, including the 7th Mobile Corps, once again with 60 percent of their forces preserved.


    General dimir Beshastnich, who was trying to block the southern front by moving all the forces put into the northwestern front somehow, failed to achieve his goal, and now the Peace Corps and the marines are pushing for at least ten days into the western military district, the central military district, and the southern military district. He had toe up with a n of operation to block the troops.


    ¡°The president wants to keep both fronts. I think that the Northwestern Front should establish an operation n that mobilizes all avable forces to reliably defend the current defense, and the Southern Front should be isted so that the entire South does not fall over to the South Korean Army. Therefore, even if Rostovskaya Ost is handed over to the Korean military, Volgogradskaya Ost is an area that must be defended. Let the meeting begin.¡±


    General dimir Beshastnich, who said a few words before the operational n meeting that began that day, did not hesitate to discuss the use of tactical nuclear weapons. Although it was a matter of disobeying orders in the future, it was a matter of taking off his uniform and resigning from his position, but it is well known that allrge cities were attacked and ruined by the Korean army after New China used weapons simr to tactical nuclear weapons. He didn¡¯t want to use tactical nukes.


    Perhaps in the future, the Russian people may be grateful for this courageous judgment of Captain dimir Beshastnich.


    ¡°Then, first, let¡¯s start with the n for the defense of the Northwest Front.¡±


    When General Odil Akmedov, who was in charge of the meeting, spoke on the topic of the first operation n, General Staniv Cherchesov,mander-in-chief of the Eastern Military District, attended the meeting via videomunication, gave a briefing in person.


    ¡°Currently, the 41st Army of Dongbu County and Jungbu County has built a defense line along the Onon River. In particr, the entire power of the Red Armored Corps, a unit under the direct control of the 29th Army, is on standby to prevent the 20th Armored Division belonging to the 7th Mobile Corps from heading along the R431 road.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m concentrating too much power on one side because of one armored division.¡±


    After listening to the exnation, General Marat Vikmaev, themander in chief of the army, said, ¡°You may think so, but the 20th Armored Division of the Republic of Korea Army is an armored unit with power that ranks in the top threebat ranks in the Republic of Korea military, both in name and reality. In addition, the 2nd Guards Army was immediately annihted by the 20th Armored Division.¡±


    For a moment, the operation meeting room roared. In fact, the 20th Armored Division (decisive battle) alone did not defeat the 2nd Guards Army in the Central Military District. However, since he was more active in the vanguard than the Capital Armored Division (Fierce Tiger) or the 77th Mechanized Infantry Division (Kukjin), General Marat Vikmaev was a little exaggerated.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that better thancking? Keep going.¡±


    After the meeting was interrupted for a while, General dimir Beshastnich directly resumed the meeting.


    ¡°Yes, Chief of Staff! Then I will continue to exin. Based on the aforementioned Red Armored Corps, below the west end of the Onon River, the 32nd Independent Motorized Rifle Division, 74th Independent Motorized Rifle Division, 84th Independent Motorized Rifle Division belonging to the 41st Army in the Central Military District, and the 27th Independent Motorized Rifle Division belonging to the Dongbu Military District Independence Corps. The Armored Division, its subordinate units, the 39th Motorized Infantry Division, and the 11th Armored Division, will be in charge of the defense front. In addition, five mobilization reserve vehicle divisions have been deployed as support units. In addition, the Dongbu Military District Headquarters and six mobilization reserve infantry divisions are on standby in the mountainous area behind. Finally, the 36th Motorized Infantry Division, which consolidated all units that reached the level of annihtion, is also scheduled to be deployed to the front line within two days after reorganization. That is it.¡±


    It was a simple and clear briefing.


    ¡°Then what is the size of the South Korean army¡¯s invasion units so far?¡±


    Again, when General Marat Vikmaev, themander-in-chief of the army, asked a question, General Marat Vikmaev immediately answered.


    The invasion units of the enemy forces identified so far are heading along the ins of the Mongolian borderline, including the 20th Armored Division, the Water Armored Division, the 77th Mechanized Infantry Division, and five mechanized divisions that are not yet identified..

 Chapter 522 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-2 The Eve of the Storm

    <h4>Chapter 522: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-2 The Eve of the Storm</h4>


    January 19th, 2024, 06:00 (U.S. time: 18:00)


    The White House (Presidential Office) in Washington, D.C. in the United States


    With all the attention focused on the Pacific Fleet sailing over the East Sea of Japan, President Trump took a moment to rest, burying his tired body on the sofa after receiving a report from the Pentagon¡¯s Joint Chiefs of Staff on the progress of the ¡®2024 Pacific Joint Training.¡¯


    But his sweet rest didn¡¯tst very long.


    That was due to a report from the secretary¡¯s office that a video call request from President Putin of Russia had been received via the inte.


    ¡°This guy doesn¡¯t even sleep? No, of course, he can¡¯t sleep because of Korea. Hoho.¡±


    President Trumpughed as he looked at the clock on the office wall, picturing how President Putin, who was restless and unable to sleep well, must have felt in his head.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it in 10 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Russia is in a hurry and requests an immediate connection.¡±


    ¡°I think they¡¯re pressed for time.¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s ept the request.¡±


    Previously, when leaders from different countries made video calls through hotlines, they would use interpreters tomunicate, but thanks to technological advances, subtitles can now be created in real-time, just like in movies. In other words, the other person¡¯s words were interpreted as subtitles, allowing the conversation to continue uninterrupted. Furthermore, the content of important security-rted conversations between the two countries¡¯ leaders is unlikely to be ryed to the interpreter.


    While both countries¡¯ secretaries were connecting the video call, President Trump sat on the sofa, his gaze fixed on the screen. After a while, the screen brightened, and President Putin appeared a little tired.


    ¡°Pff! It¡¯s been a while, President Putin!¡±


    President Trump, who almost made an impolite mistake with hisughter, smiled brightly, unlike other times, and greeted him right away. However, President Putin was aware of this. Normally, he would have refuted or disconnected the call, but he pretended not to notice as this was not the time to do so. Instead, he said, ¡°What makes you feel so good? You seem quite happy, unlike your usual self.¡±


    ¡°Is that what it appears to be? Haha, they say that if you smile a lot, you never grow old. So, I¡¯m working on it these days.¡±


    The leaders of the two countries were acting a little childish during the video call.


    ¡°No matter how long you live, you will die and go to the next life. Why are you attempting so hard to live for so long?¡±


    ¡°President Putin! I couldn¡¯t rest all day and was only getting some shut-eye after work. So, simply tell us what you require from us.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll tell you the matter right away. We want the United States military to intervene in our war with Korea.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Out of the blue?¡±


    When President Trump made an expression and pretended not to know, President Putin¡¯s eyebrows narrowed.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know about the current situation of our war with Korea?¡±


    ¡°Haha, I know it well.¡±


    ¡°Since you know, why is there a need to pretend?¡±


    ¡°No, my knowledge, what does it have to do with our US intervening militarily in Korea?¡±


    ¡°President Trump! Did you already forget?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Do you remember about the USSC?¡±


    President Trump¡¯s expression, which was full of smiles a while ago, distorted for a moment. It was a taboo word for President Trump, to the point that if there is a word he wanted to erase from the world, it would¡¯ve been the USSC.


    ¡°President Putin! Isn¡¯t that something we settled in the past?¡±


    President Trump, who wasn¡¯t serious previously, spoke with a stern voice.


    ¡°Settled...Can such an important matter be settled so easily?¡±


    The situation had been reversed.


    President Putin¡¯s expression brightened, while President Trump¡¯s expression was getting darker and darker.


    ¡°It would be really difficult if you keep behaving like this.¡±


    ¡°I know that. It¡¯s very difficult.¡±


    ¡°No, it won¡¯t be difficult for me but you.¡±


    President Trump¡¯s voice rose slightly as he spoke, and he used the word ¡®you¡¯ to refer to the president rather than addressing him more politely, indicating that he had be enraged. However, instead of feeling bad, President Putin felt happy because it demonstrated the value of his hidden card, the USSC, which irritated President Trump.


    ¡°President Trump! Calm down. What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°President Putin! This is thest warning. Please don¡¯t bring up the word USSC again.¡±


    ¡°Haha, what do you mean by ¡®warning¡¯? Do I appear to be like the presidents of European and Middle Eastern countries who tremble at every word President Trump says? In any case, as previously stated, please apply practical military pressure on Korea. The sooner you start, the better...within a week.


    President Trump did not respond immediately after President Putin finished speaking because he was lost in his thoughts for a moment, stroking his chin with his hands. As a result, silence filled the videomunication. President Putin, too, sat and waited.


    ¡°Okay, I willply with President Putin¡¯s request. But I no longer trust President Putin because you made a promise thest time and now you are threatening me again with the USSC. That¡¯s why.¡±


    President Trump, who raised one eyebrow, smiled.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°We should tie up the USSC case this time in order to grant President Putin¡¯s request.¡±


    ¡°How can we do that?¡±


    President Trump leaned forward and said, keeping an eye on President Putin, who was on the screen.


    ¡°President Putin should also show me your weaknessparable to the USSC case. So, there won¡¯t be any more unteral incidents like this, right?¡±


    The table turned around once more. As such, the videomunication between the two leaders proceeded in a tense atmosphere.


    ¡°What? Does that make any sense?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it makes sense. Am I the one who broke the promise? How can I continue to trust President Putin in such a situation?¡±


    President Trump, who was leaning forward, rxed and leaned back in afortable position on the sofa. As a result, there was another moment of silence, and President Trump waited this time. President Putin then spoke quietly a few minutester.


    ¡°All right, if President Trump wants to. Instead, we need to ensure the military pressure on Korea.¡±


    ¡°Of course. You don¡¯t have to worry about that. We will mobilize all our United States forces to apply military pressure on Korea.¡±


    Videomunication with President Putin could be of unexpected great benefit to President Trump. Even if President Putin did not request military pressure on South Korea, the Pacific Fleet was currently conducting a military operation to retake Japan under the guise of ¡®2024 Pacific Joint Training.¡¯ It only meant that the military action radius had to be slightly expanded to include the Korean Penins.


    Under these circumstances, this opportunity had presented itself as a golden opportunity for President Trump to eliminate his weak point, the USSC case, which was discovered by Russia, their hostile and rival country for decades, but not by any other country.


    ¡°President Trump, before I reveal my weakness, could you please tell me briefly about your ns for putting military pressure on Korea?¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll let you know. Do you know that the third and seventh fleets belonging to the Pacific Fleet are currently sailing over the East Sea of Japan?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°It is because of the current ¡®2024 Pacific Joint Training.¡¯ However, the two fleets are equipped with various weapons and war supplies, and six divisions of the U.S. Marine Corps, enough to be put into action at any time. What do you think? If we use this amount of power, will we be able to put enough pressure on Korea?¡±


    ¡°Not just pressure, I¡¯m asking for a real military action.¡±


    ¡°I know that. Don¡¯t rush me. We will change the route of the Pacific Fleet to Jeju and Namjoo. Is that good?¡±


    ¡°Very good.¡±


    ¡°I will then base my decision on the data that President Putin will send to me.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Of course. I¡¯ll send it to you as soon as it¡¯s ready, hopefully by tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°All right, then, let me go over the data and see if we cane to an agreement.¡±


    ¡°All right. Then, let¡¯s wrap this up.¡±


    President Trump¡¯s face lit up after the videomunication, and he felt ten years younger.


    The following day, at 2 a.m., President Trump, who had made another video call on the hotline, signed a top-secret military alliance after receiving data revealing President Putin¡¯s weaknesses. In addition to the Pacific Fleet, President Trump directed the deployment of the 5th Fleet of the Central Army Command, which is in charge of the Middle East. As a result, the 5th Fleet,prised of one aircraft carrier, four nuclear submarines, and twenty various surface ships immediately changed course to the Indian Ocean and began the voyage at full speed.


    * * *


    January 19, 2024, 07:30 (Latvia time: 00:30)


    Some building in Latvia-ri (a secret house in the Lithuanian branch of the CIA European headquarters)


    Secretary of State Maine Jones was tossing and turning in bed because he couldn¡¯t sleep after going to bed at the CIA¡¯s safe house after receiving a barrage of criticism from President Trump. Perhaps this was due to his fears that he would be removed from his uniform when he returned to his home country as a result of this case.


    Maine Jones, the Secretary of State, got out of bed, took a bottle of whiskey from the cab, and filled his ss. He attempted to sleep with the aid of alcohol.


    As Secretary of State, Maine Jones approached the window with the ss of whiskey and was about to take a sip of the ss as he drew the curtains and looked out the window, a knock was heard.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Louis.¡±


    It was Eddie Louis, the head of the CIA¡¯s Latvia branch.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    <nk nk.>


    The door opened and Eddie Louis entered.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I have an urgent report to make. I¡¯ve already notified the European headquarters.¡±


    ¡°Really? Have a seat.¡±


    State Secretary Maine Jones sat on a chair, holding the ss of whiskey in one hand and pointing toward another chair with the other hand.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll report it right away. I confirmed that yesterday morning the heads of foreign affairs from five of the EU countries had a meeting with diplomatic envoys from South Korea.¡±


    ¡°What? And you just find out now?¡±


    Not sure if it is because of the whiskey or because of the anger, but Secretary of State Maine Jones stared at him with bloodshot eyes and scolded him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. All of the agents were only focused on the leaders of each country.¡±


    ¡°Is that even an excuse?¡±


    State Secretary Maine Jones rose from his seat, and pointed at Eddie Louis, the branch manager, as he got angry.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my! Which countries are they?¡±


    ¡°Italy, Find, Austria, Spain and Sweden.¡±


    <Clink!>


    The whiskey ss flew, hit the wall, and broke into pieces.


    ¡°This was it! This was the reason for the summit rejection!¡±


    Secretary of State Maine Jones looked out the window trembling.


    ¡°Who was that diplomatic envoy from Korea? Did you find out?¡±


    ¡°Yes, He is Kim Myung-hwan, the second vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¡±


    ¡°Kim Myung-hwan?¡±


    Maine Jones soon remembered who Kim Myung-hwan was. When he visited Korea a year ago, he saw him two or three times with Minister Kang Kyung-hee. At the time of his first meeting with him, Minister Kang Kyung-hee boasted that second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan was a valuable talent indispensable to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by demonstrating outstanding diplomatic skills despite his young age. He was 38 years old at the time, very young for a deputy minister.


    ¡°He was that guy.¡±


    Maine Jones, who bit his lower lip, turned his head toward the branch manager and asked, ¡°Did you check his location?¡±


    ¡°Yes! He is currently staying at the Radison Blue Regenne Hotel.¡±


    ¡°Really? We can¡¯t just leave him alone! How many agents can you call now?¡±


    ¡°There are 18 agents including me right now.¡±


    ¡°18? That¡¯s enough. Call in all of the agents to assassinate Kim Myung-hwan.¡±


    ¡°What? It¡¯s an assassination?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ll take responsibility for it, so carry out the mission quietly! I¡¯ll inform the CIA director, too.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±

 Chapter 523 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-3 The Eve of the Storm

    <h4>Chapter 523: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-3 The Eve of the Storm</h4>


    January 19th, 2024, 12:00 (Latvia time: 05:00)


    15th floor of Latvia Liga Radison Blue Regenne Hotel


    There was an ominous feeling on the 15th floor of the Radison Blue Regenne Hotel, where Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan went to bed in order to board the CMV-100 sky bus to London, Ennd, early the next morning afterpleting the mission assigned to him the day before.


    Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan was staying in room 1511, while the room on the left, 1512 and the opposite room, 1520 were upied by agents dispatched from the National Intelligence Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs security guards. Room 1513, which was on the right, was upied by an elderly Swedish couple.


    Before staying at the hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs security guards had asked the hotel front desk if they could move the elderly couple staying in room 1513 to another room. However, they said they had no choice but to decline because the elderly couple refused to move as the room held a special meaning for them because they stayed in it when they were newlyweds.


    Currently, Room 1520, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs security guards were staying, was outfitted with a variety of equipment containing hotel security information derived from various CCTV images connected via the hotel¡¯sputerwork.


    <Ding!>


    An elevator with a luxurious interior arrived on the 15th floor and the door opened. In the elevator, a strong man and a woman as beautiful as a model were kissing each other.


    ¡°Oh, my. Look at them! Just shooting an erotic movie. Shoot it!¡±


    One of the security guards, Lee Min-kyu, saw the scene on the monitor screen and said, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Senior security guard Na Sang-hyun snuck a look at the monitor.


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re killing me!¡±


    ¡°Right? Wow, isn¡¯t she really pretty? All Western women are like models.¡±


    ¡°Then since you¡¯re here, take care of one girl!¡±


    ¡°Ah! How great would be that? However, will I be able to find time while working for the country?¡±


    ¡°Sick!¡±


    While the two bodyguards were having an unusual conversation, the man and the woman who emerged from the elevator staggered down the hallway and stood in front of Room 1513.


    ¡°Huh? That¡¯s the room where the old couple is staying.¡±


    Security guard Lee Min-kyu, who was looking closely at the man and the woman on the monitor, shook his head.


    ¡°Senior! Room 1513! The old couple is still staying there, right?¡±


    ¡°Right! When I checked the datast night, it said they¡¯ll be staying until the day after tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s weird. They¡¯re going into room 1513.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    On the monitor screen, the man and the woman were opening the door to Room 1513. After confirming this, bodyguard Na Sang-hyun immediately knocked on hisptop keyboard.


    In the file connected to the hotel¡¯sputerwork, Room 1513 was supposed to be upied by an elderly couple.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Feeling suspicious, bodyguard Na Sang-hyun immediately called the front desk with the hotel phone.


    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in room 1520. Isn¡¯t the old couple staying in room 1513 Infront of us?¡±


    ¡°Sir! I can¡¯t tell you anything about the customer in the other rooms. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s not it! The old couple never came out, but a strange man and woman just went in.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir! I can¡¯t exin that to you.¡±


    Without even looking at the customer information, the front desk staff continued to make excuses for not being able to assist.


    ¡°Oh, my! Something¡¯s suspicious!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a first-degree emergency. Wake up the team leader and the other staff members!¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    Under the instructions, Lee Min-kyu rushed to wake up the bodyguards sleeping in each room.


    Meanwhile, in room 1513¡­


    As soon as the man and woman entered Room 1513, their eyes changed. The man headed toward the wall facing Room 1512, and the woman took a small pistol with a silencer from her handbag and walked to the bedroom.


    A whileter, the woman who opened the big bedroom door pulled the pistol trigger while aiming at the old couple who were sleeping in the bed without hesitation.


    The woman, who shot exactly three shots in the head, chest, and stomach of the couple, turned around and headed to the living room. In the meantime, the man put something t and square on the wall and activate it.


    The red lights disyed the number ten, which quickly turned into a countdown. The man and woman then left the room.


    When the number reached zero, it triggered a massive explosion, destroying the wall that separated the two rooms. Even before the hazy smoke cleared, the man and woman entered the living room of Room 1512, holding their pistols in their hands, and moved to their respective rooms to find the target.


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who woke up to the sound of the explosion and sat up saw a strange man who had opened the door and walked in.


    Several shots rang out and Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan copsed helplessly on the bed.


    The man, who had emptied the magazine of eight rounds with one shot, exchanged the magazine again and was about to walk toward the Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, to confirm if he was dead when he heard a loud knocking on the door.


    <Boo!>


    The door, which looked luxurious, fell to the floor of the living room, and shortly after, the armed foreign ministry security guards rushed into the living room.


    The woman who came out after checking the other room fired at them.


    <Oh my God.>


    Bodyguard Lee Min-kyu was shot in the left shoulder, screamed briefly, and fell to the ground. Ironically, he was shot by the same woman whom he hadplimented for her beauty.


    <Jjuung! Jjuung! Jjuung! Jjuung! Jjuung!>


    Security guards fired back. Senior security guard, Na Sang-hyun, let out a long breath after approaching the opposite side of the wall covered by the woman.


    When the woman appeared through the door to fire a second shot, bodyguard Na Sang-hyun kicked the wall from a crouching position on the side, slipped into the living room, and fired severalser beams at her.


    The surprised woman hurriedly pulled back and hid behind the wall, but theser beam that flew along the woman¡¯s moving path prated the wall and hit her.


    It was easy for theser beam to prate the wall at this close range.


    The beautiful woman, who had been hit by severalser beams, copsed without closing her eyes, leaving dark red blood stters on the wall.


    Meanwhile, the man who was attempting to confirm the death of Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan in the big room opened fire on the security guards in the living room. Perhaps he had changed his mind after his female colleague had died.


    <Jjuung! Jjuung! Jjuung! Jjuung! Jjuung!>


    In an instant, the living room became a mess and debris flew over the bullets.


    Security guard Lee Min-kyu, who was in pain after falling on the floor, quietly hid under the sofa and fired at the man.


    The Western man, who appeared to be a veteran, fired back at the security guards and refused to surrender. When the intelligence agent in room 2011 joined the battle, he threw something from his pocket into the living room and ran straight toward the big room¡¯s window.


    The small metal barrel thrown by the man emitted a white gas. It was the most recent tear gas with smoke bomb effects.


    The security guards who inhaled the gas coughed, covering their mouths and noses, and the man who smashed the window and jumped from the 15th floor fired something from his left wrist while falling.


    An awl, connected to a thin wire, flew out and pierced into the exterior wall of the hotel. The man then descended to the ground with the help of the wire.


    In response, one of the agents of the Foreign Intelligence Department made it through the tear gas, opened the living room window, and fired at the man who was descending using the wire. He was the section chief of Foreign Information Division 1, Lee Ja-sung.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who returned from the brink of death with Namgoong-won, returned to work after being discharged from the hospital after five weeks, possibly due to his naturally strong body.


    ¡°Damn!¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung cursed as his tears obscured his vision, causing him to miss the target. Then he yelled at his subordinates who were still trying to make it out of the tear gas.


    ¡°What are you doing! Is it the first time that you inhaled the tear gas? Don¡¯t you need to check the status of the Second Vice Minister?¡±


    Only then did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs¡¯ security guards and foreign intelligence agentse to their senses. They covered their faces with wet towels and went over to the main room to examine the condition of Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who was lying on the bed.


    ¡°Manager! There are no issues with the Second Vice Minister¡¯s life.¡±


    Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk examined the physical condition of Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan with his portable diagnostic device and reported it.


    ¡°Okay! Move the Second Vice Minister to another room!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°Team Leader Park! Where are you?¡±


    Manager Lee Ja-sung immediately looked for the first team leader Park Gi-oong.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading down to the first-floor lobby right now.¡±


    While Manager Lee Ja-sung and some of his subordinates entered Room 1511, Team Leader Park Gi-oong headed to the first floor to prevent the assassin from leaving.


    ¡°He is in the back of the building! You have to catch him!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Do you know who I am?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Arge-calibre bullet flying from somewhere in the building opposite the hotel hit manager Lee Ja-sung¡¯s right shoulder.


    At that moment, Manager Ja-sung felt a tremendous pain in his shoulder that he had never felt before, and flew through the living room as if gravity was pulling him, rolled a fewps on the floor and crashed into the wall.


    It wasn¡¯t a typical sniper rifle. No matter how powerful therge-calibre sniper rifle was, it could never leave such an impact.


    ¡°Manager! Cough! It¡¯s okay!¡±


    Anotherrge-calibre bullet flew in when Chief Youn Gil-soo, the youngest member of the first team, tried to take a look at manager Lee Ja-sung, who was unconscious.


    Fortunately, therge-calibre sniper bullet hit the wall just above Chief Youn Gil-soo.


    If it had hit him in the face, it could have resulted in a terrible situation that he doesn¡¯t want to even think about.


    <Whew!>


    With that, Chief Youn Gil-soo exhaled a short sigh of relief and moved Manager Lee Ja-sung to the hallway with the help of another security guard.


    When the tear gas triggered the fire rm, the sprinkler mounted on the ceiling began to function. When a cool stream of water sprayed down, the tear gas, which burned even the lungs, dissipated.


    ¡°Team leader, where are you?¡±


    Chief Yang Jung-suk, who safely brought Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan to the hallway, contacted the team leader Park Gi-oong through themunication.


    ¡°I am at the back of the hotel.¡±


    ¡°Team leader! I¡¯ming.¡±


    ¡°No! You don¡¯t have toe!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already caught him. However, I was talking with the manager and suddenly themunication was cut off. What happened?¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. Be careful, team leader. There¡¯s a sniper in the opposite building.¡±


    ¡°Say it quickly. Dude! What happened to the manager?¡±


    ¡°He was shot by a sniper and appears to have suffered serious injuries.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what? Was he shot in the head?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the head, but his shoulder but it doesn¡¯t seem to be a regr sniper gun.¡±


    ¡°Wait! I aming.¡±


    ¡°Okay..¡±

 Chapter 524 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-4 The Eve of the Storm

    <h4>Chapter 524: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-4 The Eve of the Storm</h4>


    January 19th, 2024, 13:00


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Joint Chief of Staff at the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center)


    Following the briefing from themander of the first Army in charge of the northwest front in the operational conference room, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong returned to his office, sank his heavy body into the sofa, and drank the hot coffee brought by his assistant.


    He was physically and mentally exhausted after two months of being unable to sleep for more than three or four hours per day.


    Not only his family, but also severalmanders, advised him to get enough rest to keep his health in check, but as the top militarymander in charge of the Republic of Korea¡¯s Armed Forces, he had to ovee such adversity. He had been doing his best day and night with the desire to do as well as Kang Ui-sik, the current defense minister and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.


    ¡°Assistant! Please call the head of the intelligence department.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman!¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong, ced the coffee cup on the table and gave his instructions to his assistant through the inte.


    After a while, Lieutenant General Oh Dong-gwun, head of the intelligence division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, came in.


    ¡°Salute!¡±


    After his modest big salute, Lieutenant General Oh Dong-gwon took off his hat and sat on the sofa opposite the chairman.


    ¡°Have you called me, Chairman?¡±


    ¡°I apologize. You must be preupied with things but I called you here.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? You¡¯re busier than I am.¡±


    ¡°Haha, is that so? Anyway, what happened to the thing that I asked you to look intost time?¡±


    ¡°Oh! You mean the US reconnaissance satellite?¡±


    ¡°Has there been any progress?¡±


    South Korea, which was engaged in an unprecedentedrge-scale air war with two countries, Russia and New China, suffered more damage than expected and determined that the cause could be due to the US reconnaissance satellite. As a result, they officially requested that the US Department of Defense withdraw its reconnaissance satellite mission over Russia.


    However, as expected, the US Department of Defense denied the request, iming that it was a routine reconnaissance mission. As a result, Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong directed Oh Dong-gwon, head of the intelligence division, to find information on the U.S. reconnaissance satellite through the military intelligence department.


    So far, the only information avable is that it was developed in February 2023 under the model name X-350 As Reconnaissance Satellite and wasunched into space in March, with a total of 12 units currently operating in low orbit. In fact, it was impossible to determine the capabilities of the X-350 As reconnaissance satellite.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. There has been no progress since thest time. We are currently mobilizing all of the resources of the Intelligence Command, Security Command, and all intelligence departments within each military to investigate, but NASA is obstructing us.¡±


    Currently, NASA has a moreprehensive security system against external hacking than the Pentagon in the United States or the White House in Washington. Following the Area 51 hacking incident in 2015, NASA has spent astronomical amounts of money to create a security system that can never be hacked from the outside.


    As a result, all attempts by intelligence officers and soldiers to hack NASA¡¯sputerwork and obtain information on the X-350 As reconnaissance satellite were futile.


    ¡°Well, NASA¡­Is there no way?¡±


    ¡°50 people are attempting to hack NASA¡¯sputerwork but we have yet to find a way to do so. I apologize.¡±


    ¡°There is nothing to be sorry for, and¡­Ask the National Intelligence Service for support.¡±


    ¡°NIS?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, aren¡¯t there a lot of talented people in the National Intelligence Service? What about Namgoong?¡±


    Shin Sung-yong, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, couldn¡¯t recall his full name.


    ¡°Chairman! Are you talking about Namgoong-won?¡±


    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s right! I heard that he is the best in Korea.¡±


    ¡°Namgoong-won is no longer a member of the National Intelligence Service. It¡¯s been a while since he left, and he was one of the people that was rescued during thest Tianjin VIP rescue.¡±


    Although detailed information on the VIP-ss rescue in Tianjin was received from the National Intelligence Service, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, was unaware of the information about the rescued personnel.


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I learned about it after a brief conversation with Director Chuk Hyuk-joon of the Cyber Security Bureau at the National Intelligence Service.¡±


    ¡°Well, I see. By the way¡­ How did he get involved in the Tianjin ident if he had retired?¡±


    ¡°It seems that the National Intelligence Service needed his help. So, as far as I know, he temporarily returned to work and resumed his duties.¡±


    ¡°Oh! He¡¯s a saint. Do you know how he is doing now?¡±


    ¡°I heard that he was receiving treatment at the National Medical Center and was discharged a few days ago.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then you must confirm Namgoong-won¡¯s exact condition with Director Chuk Hyuk-joon and check whether he will be willing to assist us so that I can make an official request to the Director of National Intelligence Service.¡±


    ¡°Chairman, he has just returned from the verge of death, asking him once more¡­¡±


    Lieutenant General Lee Dong-gwon appeared embarrassed and trailed off at the end of his sentence, at which Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong looked at him with serious eyes and said, ¡°We are currently at war. In a few days, there could be a naval war with the US Navy. I understand what¡¯s on your mind but we have to do our best. I¡¯ve never met Namgoong-won, but I believe he¡¯ll do us this favor.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    <hr />


    January 19th, 2024, 17:00


    LF Apartment (1103) in Jamsilbon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul


    Namgoong-won, who was discharged from the National Medical Center three days ago, was eating, sleeping, and watching television in his home as if he was unemployed.


    Only the follow-up measures of the merged New China and the battlefield situation of the Korean-Russian war were broadcasting on TV these days, rather than fun entertainment programs or dramas. In particr, as all the territory of New China belonged to Korea now, real estate spection was on fire.


    Today, on the TV channel, a real estate expert and an overweight man appeared and discussed whether he could make a lot of money after the city restoration project was carried out if he boughtnd now.


    ¡°Sigh! I¡¯m bored to death. Instead of entertaining shows, there are only programs like this that cause citizens to exaggerate!¡±


    Namgoong-won threw the remote and sat on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. His wife, Lee Hye-jin, was away at work, leaving him at home alone.


    At the time of discharge, the doctor in charge asked him to rest well without doing anything for at least 10 days and then resume his normal activities. ordingly, Lee Hye-jin had given him an order to rest at home without doing anything. As a result, Namgoong-won, who was stuck at home, was in a zombie state, wandering around obediently.


    ¡°What should I do? Shall I y a game? My lovely wife is about to get off work, so should I go out to the mart to buy food for dinner?¡±


    While he was looking at the ceiling, thinking, the doorbell rang.


    <Ring! Ring!>


    ¡°What is it? Is it a package? I didn¡¯t order anything.¡±


    Looking at the front door monitor, he could see Director Chuk Hyuk-joon and a soldier in a military uniform standing right behind him.


    ¡°Huh? What happened to Director Chuk?¡±


    Namgoong-won ran to the front door wearing a white t-shirt and colorful sleeping pants and opened the door.


    ¡°Are you feeling okay?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Director Chuk! Wee. Haha, my body is fine.¡±


    Namgoong-won spread his hands and made a gesture that he was okay and opened the front door wide.


    ¡°Oh! This is Colonel Kim Tae-seok from the intelligence headquarters of the Joint Chiefs of Staff!¡± Director Chuk Hyuk-joon introduced the soldier standing behind him.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Kim Tae-seok.¡±


    ¡°Hello, nice to meet you. Oh my! Come on in. Haha.¡±


    When Director Chuk Hyuk-joon and Colonel Kim Tae-seok sat down on the living room sofa, Namgoong-won dashed to the kitchen and served them two cups of Americano coffee.


    ¡°Do you like coffee? Haha, I should`ve asked you before bringing it but I¡¯m so distracted. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I like coffee. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    Colonel Kim Tae-seok drank a sip of coffee from his cup.


    ¡°Well, it smells good and tastes great.¡±


    ¡°Haha, my wife is a coffee maniac¡­so, she only uses Ghanaian coffee.¡±


    Namgoong-won sat on the sofa opposite them during this awkward conversation, and then Director Chuk Hyuk-joon exined the purpose of their visit to his house.


    ¡°Manager Namgoong-won! I¡¯m sorry toe to your house all of sudden.¡±


    ¡°No, Director! I was so bored.¡±


    ¡°Without further dy, we¡¯vee because the Joint Chiefs of Staff want you to hack into NASA¡¯sputerwork.¡±


    ¡°What? NASA?¡±


    ¡°Colonel Kim Tae-seok will fill you in on all the details.¡±


    Colonel Kim Tae-seok began his exnation with several documents and photos as soon as Director Chuk Hyuk-joon finished talking.


    Namgoong-won was puzzled when he heard Colonel Kim Tae-seok¡¯s exnation.


    ¡°We think your skills will be enough to hack it. Will you help us?¡± Director Chuk Hyuk-joon asked on behalf of Colonel Kim Tae-seok. This was also the purpose of Director Chuk Hyuk-joon¡¯s visit in person.


    ¡°Oh! I know what I am saying might be childish to you but I think my wife would oppose it.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about Manager Lee? I¡¯ll try to persuade her.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Namgoong-won! I know you did a dangerous mission that nearly cost you your life thest time. As a result, Ipletely understand your wife¡¯s objection. However, this is a safe mission within the intelligencemand.¡±


    Colonel Kim Tae-seok said in a calm tone.


    ¡°First of all, I¡¯ll speak with my wife when she returns. I apologize for not being able to give you a reply right away, even though you came to see me in person while you were busy with work.¡±


    ¡°Oh, never mind. Please discuss it with your wife. We hope you can respond to us today because we don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll let you know my decision tonight.¡±


    Namgoong-won smiled as he looked at the business card given to him by Colonel Kim Tae-seok.


    ¡°Haha, I look forward to hearing from you.¡±


    They talked for another 20 minutes before leaving, and Lee Hye-jin, whose entire body was exhausted, arrived home at 7 p.m.


    ¡°Honey! I am here!¡±


    Lee Hye-jin, who opened the front door and entered their house, buried herself on the sofa and copsed. However, she couldn¡¯t feel Namgoong-won¡¯s presence at home.


    Lee Hye-jin sat up, looked around, and shouted.


    ¡°Honey! I am home!¡±


    However, there was only silence.


    ¡°Namgoong-won! Won! Hey! Where are you?¡±


    Lee Hye-jin finally got up from the sofa and looked around the house, room by room. Finally, she looked in the most suspicious small room, his studio, where he works on various programs.


    <Bolkok!>


    She banged the door open! She noticed Namgoong-won was excitedly working on something on the mainputer.


    ¡°Hey! Namgoong-won!¡±


    When Lee Hye-jin shouted, Namgoong-won, who had been working on something in a trance-like state until then, was startled, and eventually fell off the chair.


    ¡°What are you doing? Your wife is here. Can¡¯t you hear me? Huh? Namgoong-won!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Is the queen here? I¡¯m sorry. I was working on something¡­¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to touch yourputer for a while and just take a good rest? I¡¯m going to destroy everything.¡±


    Lee Hye-jin held a small hand hammer in her right hand.


    ¡°Queen, please don¡¯t.¡±


    Namgoong-won knelt, pretending to pray with both hands together.


    ¡°Get out of my way! I¡¯m going to destroy everything!¡±


    ¡°No! Honey! Don¡¯t you know how expensive they are? Please forgive me!¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way!¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Namgoong-won and Lee Hye-jin, who had dinner at the table after the argument, looked at each other with loving eyes.


    Namgoong-won then cautiously mentioned Director Chuk Hyuk-joon¡¯s visit and Lee Hye-jin¡¯s response was as expected.


    ¡°No! You almost made your wife a widow. How can you go back?¡±


    ¡°Honey, it is safe this time! I¡¯m not going abroad. I will be working at the informationmand for a while.¡±


    ¡°No! Didn¡¯t you hear what the doctor said? He told you not to do anything and to rest well for 10 days after discharge! It¡¯s only been three days since you were discharged from the hospital!¡± Lee Hye-jin red at him with her eyes wide open and said firmly.


    ¡°You are saying this since you don¡¯t know, but staying at home and doing nothing isn¡¯t a break; it¡¯s living as a corpse. If I continue in this manner for ten days, my body may feel better, but I will lose my mind. I assure you of it! I guarantee it.¡±


    Namgoong-won put down his spoon, crossed his arms, and pouted like a child.


    ¡°Are you a kid?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡±


    ¡°Oh! You¡¯re bing a kid!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I will be raising two kids or one.¡±


    Lee Hye-jin shook her head as she stroked her eight-week-pregnant stomach..

 Chapter 525 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-5 The Eve of the Storm

    <h4>Chapter 525: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-5 The Eve of the Storm</h4>


    January 19th, 2024, 18:00 (Russia time: 18:00)


    11 kilometers southwest of Bysi, Jabaikal, Russia


    When the 7th East Corps, which had contacted the border sweep operations and had aplished remarkable feats on the Northern Front, entered the Northwestern Front and defeated the 20th Guards Army and the 41st Army in the Central Military District, resulting in all Russian troops retreating to the western Onon River, the corps headquarters issued orders to all subordinate units to rest and reorganize at their current positions until further orders were given.


    ordingly, the 20th Armored Division (decisive battle), which was sweeping along the Unda River¡¯s water stream, set up arge-scale campsite on agriculturalnd in northern Bali, a small city with a poption of 18,000, and began rest and reorganization.


    Major General Kim Joo-myung,mander of the 20th Armored Division, even allowed them to go out under the toon leader¡¯smand. As a result, all subordinate units of the division split into morning and afternoon groups and went to explore the city.


    They went to the city¡¯s tourist attractions and shopped for their daily necessities, just like tourists. Normally, soldiers dispatched to the battlefield did not receive such preferential treatment, but this was an exception. The weather, on the other hand, was an issue.


    Since a few days ago, the northeast wind of Siberia seemed to be strong, but today the wind was apanied by a snowstorm, and as a result, snowfall increased over time. At night, white snow piled up to the height of adults¡¯ knees and covered the entire area. As a result, the soldiers¡¯ permission to leave had been revoked.


    ¡°No! It was our toon¡¯s turn tomorrow morning¡­ f**king weather!¡±


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, a gunner of 712 of the 7th Company of the 26th Tank Battalion of the 60th Armored Brigade, emerged from the barracks and cursed the sky.


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi nned to go downtown tomorrow and eat whatever he wanted while admiring the beautiful Russian girls. Anyway, his ns were shattered when his trip was canceled due to the unexpected heavy snowfall. As a result, he ran out of the barracks like a crazy dog and screamed, ¡°Nigiri F**k! How can this happen?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Stop barking like a dog! You¡¯re too loud!¡± Sergeant Kim Young-joo emerged from the four-man barracks, made a harsh remark, and screamed at him.


    ¡°Do I appear to be able to be quiet now?¡±


    ¡°If thepanymander catches you, you¡¯ll be sent to military training college.¡±


    ¡°I think the military training college would be better than here.¡±


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi entered the barracks, his face expressionless.


    ¡°You didn`t even do that when you were a private soldier. Are you behaving like this now that you¡¯re a nonmissioned officer? Corporal Kim will be ashamed because of you.¡±


    ¡°Are you ashamed of me, Corporal Kim?¡±


    ¡°Haha, would that ever happen? I¡¯m not ashamed of you at all.¡± Corporal Kim Il-soo, who was preparing to go to thepany restaurant to have his dinner, covered his mouth and replied with a smirk.


    ¡°Oh! I should have just gotten out of the military¡­I should not have applied for the position of nonmissioned officer. What is this?¡±


    ¡°Look at this child! Didn¡¯t you like it because they gave you a big sry? And now, if you add the war allowance and the life allowance, won¡¯t you be able to buy an apartment outside of Seoul after being discharged from the military?¡± Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi murmured


    ¡°That¡¯s not important right now. Going out! Going out tomorrow! Going out tomorrow is the most important thing right now.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Due to the heavy snow, no one will be out tomorrow, so all stores will be closed. Even if you n to go out tomorrow. You won¡¯t be able to do anything! Come on, you punk.¡±


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-giy on the bed and covered his face with his sleeping bag.


    ¡°Hey! We should go to have our dinner!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat.¡±


    ¡°Il-soo, it seems that he doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s on today¡¯s menu?¡±


    ¡°I think so. Sergeant Kim! Today¡¯s menu is braised kimchi pork.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Braised pork with kimchi?¡±


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi jumped up like a robot, put his beret in a lightning-like motion, and smiled.


    ¡°Child! Let¡¯s go eat!¡±


    <hr />


    January 19, 2024, 20:00 (Latvia time: 13:00)


    Latvian city


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who had only minor abrasions thanks to the protective suit he was wearing, was now resting after being treated by the apanying medical personnel. The problem was with manager Lee Ja-sung¡¯s injuries.


    Even though he wore a protective suit that could stop mostrge-calibre bullets, manager Lee Ja-sung¡¯s right shoulder bone waspletely dislocated, and therefore he was taken to arge hospital nearby for emergency surgery.


    Manager Lee Ja-sung, who was hospitalized again a few days aftering back alive from the brink of death in Tianjin, ended his surgeryter than expected. It took a long time to locate not only the dislocation but also the shattered bone pieces and to reassemble them.


    Due to his schedule in London, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan had to move to the outskirts apanied by foreign ministry bodyguards and was secretly transferred to the CMV-100 Skybus by activating the TCS mode, while Team Leader Park Gi-oong remained to identify the assassins.


    As a result, Team One was divided into two teams, one in charge of guarding the hospital and the other of leading the investigation.


    During the investigation, they encountered a slightly strange situation. Despite the bomb explosion and the gunfight at the hotel, public broadcasters in Riga or Latvia reported that a fire broke out, resulting in several casualties. It was a ridiculous report, but they could guess it.


    The assassins couldn¡¯t be behind Latvian media outlets.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong and Chief Kang Won-il, who had spent the entire morning investigating the hotel where the incident urred and the building on the other side where the sniper was located, entered the cafe for lunch and some rest.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong and Chief Kang Won-il sat at a table by the window and discussed their investigation throughout the morning, after ordering a brunch set with an Americano from a cafe employee.


    Despite the strange appearance and interference of the local police whenever they tried to investigate, they were able to find some important clues.


    The first one was information about a front desk employee who turned a blind eye to the assassination in Room 1513, where the elderly couple stayed.


    His name was John Halfdale and he was 42 years old. He was a regr employee who had been with the Radison Blue Regenne Hotel for 11 years. There was nothing out of the ordinary about him. However, security footage of the hotel lobby revealed that the assassins appeared around 2 a.m. in the middle of the night. They spoke to him for a considerable amount of time before they exchanged something.


    When they zoomed in on the security footage, they were able to confirm that John Halfdale gave the assassins the room key in exchange for a bag. It wasn¡¯t particrlyrge, and it was assumed to be a bag full of money. Currently, Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk and Chief Youn Gil-soo were in charge of John Halfdale.


    Thereafter the man and woman who received the smart key of the room took the elevator, got off at the 12th floor, and entered room 1205.


    In other words, the assassins stayed in Room 1205 until 5 a.m., took the elevator back to Room 1513, staged the kiss scene in the elevator, and then they used the smart key to enter the room where the old couple was staying.


    The second one came from the building across the street where the sniper was stationed and shot manager Lee Ja-sung. ording to the investigation, the adjacent building was an office-style structure. Among the offices, there was an office on the 18th floor where interior construction was in full swing.


    Because construction was only done during the day, the door to that office was locked at night. However, the lock was broken when Team Leader Park Gi-oong and Chief Kang Won-il arrived. It was reasonable to assume that the sniper was staying there at the time of the shooting.


    Therefore, they carefully searched the area for any evidence that the sniper might have left behind, but they couldn¡¯t find any.


    Thest one was to use pupil and fingerprint information to identify the two assassins who have be underworld figures. It may be dyed because they had currently handed over the two pieces of information to their home country and requested that they be identified. If the data with all of the information is already in the secured database, identifying the assassins would be much easier.


    ¡°When we will be able to get the information?¡± Team Leader Park Gi-oong asked while looking outside the window.


    ¡°It takes about a day to check in all existing databases.¡±


    ¡°A day? It¡¯s too long. It¡¯s not like they¡¯ll check on their own; theputers will do all of the work.¡±


    ¡°Team Leader! Don¡¯t be impatient.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not impatient, I¡¯m just upset.¡±


    <Boom!>


    Team leader Park Gi-oong put the coffee cup down harshly on the table, making a loud noise.


    <¡®If I could only find those b*stards behind this. I¡¯d show them what hell is.¡¯> Team leader Park Gi-oong continued to mutter as he looked out the window. He kept looking out the window because among the vehicles parked on the road, an SUV with dark tinted windows was looking especially suspicious because usually when someone parks their car, they shoulde out. However, no one got out of the SUV for the entire time he was watching.


    ¡°Is something there?¡± Chief Kang Won-il turned to look outside the window.


    ¡°Chief Kang, Don¡¯t look at them; instead, pretend to use the restroom and exit through the back door to check the fourth SUV!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Chief Kang Won-il stood up from his chair as soon as he answered and asked the staff for the restroom location. He pretended to walk toward it, then exited through the back door. Soon after, he put on his shield sses and examined the SUV pointed out by Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    Since the shield sses was switched to the inverter mode, he could easily see through the dark tinting and checked the inside of the car.


    <¡®Oh! Is there a total of four people inside? I can see the pistols in their holsters under their back waist and left armpit.¡¯>


    <¡®These punks got caught!¡¯>


    ¡°Team leader! There are four people and all armed with pistols.¡±


    ¡°Really? Well, they could be local police officers, so keep looking!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Afterpleting themunication, Chief Kang Won-il scanned the bodies of those in the car one at a time.


    If they were cops, they should have a metallic police badge inside their wallets or pockets. However, no matter how hard he looked, he couldn¡¯t find any. It was likely that they were not cops.


    ¡°Team leader! I don¡¯t believe they¡¯re cops. I couldn¡¯t find any badges indicating their identity, no matter how hard I looked.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Get the car number ande back in as naturally as possible!¡±


    ¡°Will we leave them?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? We¡¯ll track them down and figure out who¡¯s behind them and what they are up to!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Okay. I¡¯lle in.¡±


    After a while, Chief Kang Won-il returned to the table and sat down, pretending to dry his hands with tissues as if he had gone to the restroom.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave in 10 minutes and go to the taxi stand. We¡¯ll be taking different taxis. You¡¯ll go to the hotel, while I¡¯ll go anywhere. Let¡¯s see who they¡¯re following, and whoever they¡¯re not following, let¡¯s follow them instead!¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°If they follow your taxi, just go to the hotel and rest!¡±


    ¡°What if they follow you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go around the city before heading to the hotel. Then, you should get the taxi to turn around and follow the SUV!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who set up a simple operation, and Chief Kang Won-il intentionally continued their brunch pretending to be rxed..

 Chapter 526 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-6 The Eve of the Storm

    <h4>Chapter 526: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-6 The Eve of the Storm</h4>


    January 20, 2024, 01:00 (local time 02:00)


    120 kilometers offshore (Taejong the Great Ship of King Taejong [DDG-996] of Katsura City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan)


    Unlike the northwest front, where heavy snowfall was apanied by a Siberian northeast wind, the Pacific Ocean 120 kilometers east of Katsura, where the Mariana Trench passes, was calm with no winds, and the moon was reflected on the calm waves. It was a stunning scene that will leave anyone who saw it speechless with admiration.


    Admiral Kim I-won, who had been admiring this magnificent sight from the railing on the Taejong Great Ship (DDG-996) for some time, returned his gaze to the direction of Yo Myung-hoon, the captain of the Taejong Great Ship (DDG-996).


    ¡°Admiral! In a little while, the 7th Mobile Fleet will also enter the operational waters.¡±


    At this area in the sea were six destroyers belonging to the 2nd Destroyer Squadron of the 2nd Fleet, nine frigate belonging to the 2nd frigate Fleet and two Hoc cruisers, the Charisok (CG-1105) and Kang Woo-kyu (CG-1106), that were sailing at the forefront. It looked reliable just by looking at it.


    ¡°Really? They¡¯re just on time.¡±


    Admiral Kim I-won checked the watch on his left hand and took a deep breath once again before entering the bridge.


    ¡°Haha, Admiral, it¡¯s cold. Let¡¯s go in.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Admiral Kim I-won entered the bridge and confirmed that the 7th mobile fleet was approaching, as indicated by the tactical symbols on the monitor screen, and that the 2nd fleet was currently aligned.


    ¡°Captain Yo!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral.¡±


    ¡°Tell Admiral Ahn to deploy in tripod formation behind the Charisok and Kang Woo-kyu cruisers.¡±


    ¡°Yes, okay.¡±


    At the same time that Captain Yo Myung-hoon responded, an officer in charge ofmunication, who was listening to the conversation between the two superiors on the bridge, issued orders to the 7th Mobile Fleet on his own, even though no additional instructions were given.


    After a while, the six Hoc destroyers of the 7th Mobile Fleet, which had received the order, were seen sailing in three different directions on the screen.


    After a while, another screen on the bridge lit up and an upstanding looking man appeared.


    He was Ahn Hyeong-gyun, the Admiral of the 7th Mobile Fleet.


    ¡°Salute! It¡¯s been a while, Admiral!¡±


    ¡°Long time no see. How have you been?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing quite well. What about you, Admiral?¡±


    ¡°What will happen to me? While you were battling the Russian Navy, I was pleasantly licking my fingers.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha.¡±


    Admiral Kim I- won¡¯s joke made the entire bridge crewugh for a brief moment. The crew on the bridge of the 7th Mobile Fleet felt the same way. Among Navy admirals, he was known for making old man jokes and other popr jokes without hesitation, earning him the title of ¡®most pleasant admiral.¡¯


    ¡°Admiral, can I just lick my fingers this time?¡±


    Admiral Kim I-won waved his hands in response to Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun¡¯s joke and said, ¡°Hey, that¡¯s my specialty. I¡¯m sorry but you must work hard in the lead this time as well!¡±


    ¡°What? Hahaha. Okay. Admiral, see you tomorrow morning at the meeting.¡±


    ¡°You must be exhausted from the long journey. Have some rest.¡±


    ¡°Salute!¡±


    As soon as Admiral Ahn Hyeong-gyun¡¯s face disappeared from the screen, Captain Yo Myung-hoon approached and said, ¡°Admiral, will you be going to the Eulji Mundeok ship after the meeting tomorrow morning?¡±


    ¡°Why? Do you hate that?¡±


    ¡°Haha, how could that be? Wouldn¡¯t it be better tomand the Allied Fleets from the newest and most powerful ship, the Eulji Mundeok, rather than ours? Its defense has also improved.¡±


    Following the first Northeast Asian War, all three outdated KD-1 ss destroyers were dmissioned. Instead, three more Hoc destroyers of the ss KD-4 were built and serviced under the same name. Eulji Mundeok (DDG-1013) inherited its name and served as a gship of the 2nd Fleet and the 2nd destroyer fleet in February 2023.


    The Hoc destroyer, Eulji Mundeok (DDG-1013), of the KD-4 ss, outperforms the original Gwanghae warship (DDG-1001).


    ¡°Do you also feel the same way, Captain Lee?¡± Admiral Kim I-won asked Lee Deok-kyung, the captain of Eulji Mundeok (DDG-1013).


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Think about it¡ªhow would you feel if the entire 3rd Fleet Staff, including myself, the 7th Fleet Commander, and the rest of the crew, were gathered on the bridge of the Eulji Mundeok?¡±


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s...¡±


    ¡°Besides, I like this ce. So, I will be here chasing you until the war is over, don¡¯t pretend to be surprisedter. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, I see, Admiral.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Then, shall we check on the location of the Caucasians?¡±


    After hearing the conversation, the officers on the bridge projected the Pacific Fleet¡¯s position on the screen.


    ¡°Well, we will be having fun.¡±


    The 3rd and 7th Fleets, denoted by red tactical symbols on the screen, were sailing through the expected routes from east and south, toward the direction of the blue tactical symbol which indicated the meeting point. The 3rd Fleet was located 980 kilometers away, while the 7th Fleet was located 880 kilometers away.


    ¡°We¡¯ll meet them at the expected maritime point tomorrow night, as nned.¡±


    Captain Yo Myung-hoon, took a closer look at the screen and said, ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. I think we can still have a peaceful night. Good! I¡¯m going to take a rest. Let¡¯s switch to the on-call system so that you can rest as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, have a good rest, Admiral!¡±


    ¡°Captain of the Fleet is leaving the bridge.¡± When Admiral Kim I-won left the bridge, amunication line opened throughout the ship, conveying the fleetmander¡¯s movement status.


    * * *


    January 20th, 2024, 03:00 (Latvia time: 19:00)


    Latvian city


    Six hours ago, as nned by Team Leader Park Gi-oong, the two left the cafe and walked toward a location where several taxis were waiting. They then hurriedly boarded the taxis and went off in different directions.


    Soon, the parked SUV¡¯s engine started. However, two people quickly exited the car and took another taxi to chase the one that Team Leader Park Gi-oong had taken. At the same time, the SUV began pursuing the taxi that Chief Kang Won-il had driven off in.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong frowned as he saw this take ce from the back seat.


    <¡®They¡¯re not amateurs.¡¯>


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong felt troubled as his n didn¡¯t go well.


    ¡°Team Leader! They have split into two.¡± Chief Kang Won-il had also seen what had happened andmunicated with the Team Leader.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. Chief Kang, go to the hotel as nned!¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong began to consider another n while keeping an eye on the taxi chasing him in the rearview mirror. He then took two 100-euro bills from his wallet and handed them to the taxi driver.


    ¡°What? We haven¡¯t arrived yet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just paying you in advance. Please go around the city.¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do that.¡±


    The taxi driver, who appeared to be around 60 years old, eagerly took the 200 euros and continued driving with a smile on his face.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong kept an eye on the road until he found a suitable location, 500 meters ahead, where arge intersection was located.


    ¡°Excuse me, driver! Please turn left at the intersection 500 meters ahead and then keep to the fourthne.¡±


    ¡°But, if a car turns right, there will be an ident.¡±


    ¡°Please do it depending on the situation.¡±


    ¡°Well, let me try. Haha.¡±


    ¡°Could you please turn the volume of the music up?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you like ssical music.¡±


    ¡°Yes, haha.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who answered nervously, looked at the traffic lights ahead of them. As soon as the taxi driver turned left, they were stuck in the firstne, and the taxi that was following him was in the samene as well.


    When the taxi that had just entered the intersection became caught in the firstne, Team Leader Park Gi-oong reached for the control X-K02 terminal screen mounted on his left wrist.


    He then turned transparent and disappeared. Since the taxi he was in had made a left turn, he was in a blind spot and the taxi that was chasing him couldn¡¯t see him.


    In an instant, while in TCS mode, he opened the taxi door, jumped off onto the side of the road, and closed the taxi door with his left hand.


    He took off in an instant, rolled a few times, and soon came to a stop.


    As it happened in a blink of an eye, the taxi driver continued to drive without knowing that Team Leader Park Gi-oong had disappeared, and the taxi that was chasing him also followed the taxi without noticing his absence.


    He then looked around, and when he was certain that no one was nearby, he turned off the TCS mode. Team Leader Park Gi-oong then appeared in an instant and immediately hailed a passing taxi and followed the taxi that had been chasing him.


    About 10 minutester, the taxi that had initially picked up Team Leader Park Gi-oong stopped on a side road, and the taxi driver looked back with a scared expression on his face when he realised that Team Leader Park Gi-oong had disappeared. No matter how hard he thought about it, what happened was unusual.


    The taxi driver looked up at the sky and murmured something, then looked inside and outside the taxi once more. At that point, the taxi that had been chasing them came to a halt, and the two white people inside approached and spoke with the taxi driver.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who was watching this scene from a taxi a distance away, smiled.


    At that moment, hours after the chaos that had happened in broad daylight in the city had quieted down, Team Leader Park Gi-oong was watching the hotel entrance from a taxi parked on the side of the road.


    Those who had followed Team Leader Park Gi-oong looked for him for a while in the city, gave up and returned to the SUV. They were currently watching the three-star hotel where Chief Kang Won-il was staying.


    <¡®How long have they been following us? It¡¯s certain that it won¡¯t be easy dealing with them. How long are they nning to stay here? Go away, bastards.¡¯>


    When he was spitting swear words in his heart, the taxi driver turned his head and spoke to him in a slightly angry tone.


    ¡°Hey! How long are you going to stay? Will you pay for it? I have wasted the day because of you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay.¡±


    The taxi driver was speaking in Latvian, not English, but he could make out what he was saying based on his expression and tone. In response, Team Leader Park Gi-oong signed okay with his fingers and immediately took out all of the euro bills from his wallet and ced them in the taxi driver¡¯s hand.


    It looked like it was 800 euros. The taxi driver¡¯s irritated expression brightened upon seeing this.


    ¡°Is it good now? I will rent the taxi for the whole day. Do you get it?¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong spoke in English whether the taxi driver understood him or not and his boring wait continued.


    After some time, two people got off from the SUV and went to the hotel lobby and the SUV started once again.


    ¡°Hey! Hey! That car! That car! Chase it!¡±


    Strangely, the taxi driver winked as if he understood and stepped on the elerator.


    <Vroom!>


    ¡°Chief Kang! I¡¯m chasing the SUV right now. Two people got off from it at the hotel and walked to the lobby, so be careful! I¡¯ll send you their pictures right away.¡±


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong snapped a photo of those exiting the SUV with his shield sses and immediately transmitted it to Chief Kang Won-il via the control X-K02 terminal.


    ¡°Now, shall we find out who you are?¡±


    The SUV, which had been driving on the city road for some time, drove into the quiet suburbs and into the basement parking lot of a shabby, old building.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! I finally caught you. You punks!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Stop! Stop!¡±


    <Squeak!>


    When the taxi came to a stop in front of the old building, Team Leader Park Gi-oong gave the taxi driver a thumbs up and jumped out. The taxi driver then gave him a thumbs up and quickly drove away.


    The surrounding area was dark because there were no streetlights on the side of the road, but he switched the shield sses vision mode to infrared mode, allowing him to see as if it was daylight.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who had been in the taxi for hours, warmed up with a simple stretch and immediately began his investigation.


    He first entered the underground parking lot where he saw several luxury SUV vehicles parked, so he knew he was in the right ce.


    He then carefully ascended the stairs and heard voices speaking English all around him. At least ten people appeared to be present. When Team Leader Park Gi-oong discovered that there were more people than he expected, he immediately activated TCS mode andunched a full-fledged investigation.


    While walking carefully along the hallway, he approached a room where light leaked through the open door.


    For a brief moment, his expression was distorted. Several men in bulletproof vests with CIA written on them were checking their firearms or watching monitors installed on the tables in the room.


    ¡°CIA? You punks.¡±

 Chapter 527 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-7 The Eve of the Storm

    <h4>Chapter 527: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-7 The Eve of the Storm</h4>


    Park Gi-oong, swearing briefly, carefully adjusted the shield sses¡¯ view to check the monitors the CIA agents were watching.


    He could see the hotel where his teammate was staying, the hospital where Manager Lee Ja-sung was hospitalized after the surgery, and the movements of assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk¡¯s team by looking at the scene on the screen.


    In other words, the CIA kept an eye on both teams. Thankfully, there was nothing of second vice minister Kim Myung-hwan and his bodyguards being watched.


    He pondered for a long time after seeing this.


    ¡°What should I do? Should I face all of them by myself?¡±


    He reasoned that if he waited until all of the agents had gathered here, he could catch them all at once.


    ¡°Yeah, we can¡¯t miss even one guy.¡±


    At that moment, there was a glimmer of suspicion in his eyes.


    Then he noticed a two-meter-long sniper rifle being disassembled on the table. He could tell it wasn¡¯t a standard sniper rifle at first nce.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    He tried to check the rifle information through his shield sses to rify his doubts, but there was no matching rifle information on the control X-K02 terminal¡¯s screen.


    ¡°I see, that¡¯s the thing that was used to shoot Manager Lee.¡±


    When his thoughts reached this point, he decided to take an overall look.


    After 10 minutes


    He started fiddling with his control X-K02 terminal as he wanted to send the information that he had collected so far to the other teams.


    ¨C Team leader, are you okay?


    ¨C Team leader, shall we join you?


    A call came to him through themunication device.


    ¨C I¡¯m fine. And wait in your current location. We are all being watched by CIA agents. Just act as natural as possible.


    ¨C Yes, I see.


    ¨C Yes, team leader.


    ¨C Chief Kang!


    ¨C Yes, team leader?


    ¨C When will Team Two arrive?


    ¨C I contacted them an hour ago, and they said they would arrive here after 30 minutes.


    ¨C Then tell them not toe to the original location, but toe here instead. I¡¯ll send the coordinates to you.


    ¨C Yes, I will inform them.


    ¨C Assistant Manager Yang!


    ¨C Yes, team leader?


    ¨C I think that at least three agents are keeping an eye on you. ording to the angle of the surveince camera, they appear to be stationed at 12 o¡¯clock, 9 o¡¯clock, and 6 o¡¯clock.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong analyzed the surveince camera footage and informed assistant Manager Yang Jung- suk¡¯s team about the angles of the surveince cameras that the CIA agents are watching from.


    ¨C Yes, I¡¯ll check.


    ¨C You can handle them quietly, right?


    ¨C Yes, of course.


    ¨C Good! Then, as soon as team two arrives, we will proceed immediately. I¡¯ll send you the location.


    ¨C Okay. Take care of yourself.


    ¨C Okay. Chief Kang, after contacting team two bring your equipment ande here as well. I`m going to wipe out the people who are watching from the hotel as well.


    ¨C Can¡¯t I just take care of them here?


    ¨C No! If you make a fuss now, they¡¯ll all be dispatched to the hotel.


    ¨C Oh, okay.


    ¨C What should we do?


    Assistant Manager Oh Suk-jin from the main team, who was listening to themunications, asked.


    ¨C The main team should protect Manager Lee. I think there should be three or four people over there. And since it¡¯s a hospital, a gunfight would only worsen the problem, so just stay inside the room and watch carefully.


    ¨C Okay.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong gave orders to his subordinates through themunication device as fast as possible before checking the battery through the control X-K02 terminal screen. The screen disy showed 68%.


    ¡°68%... I think it¡¯ll be enough.¡±


    If Team Two reached on time as chief Kang Won-il said, the battery power would be sufficient.


    ¡°Then, should I just wait?¡±


    After some time, somethingnded with a soft engine whir in the forest 500 meters away from the building where team leader Park Gi-oong was staying.


    They were the Team Two led by team leader Youn Tae-jin. When the TCS mode was turned off, the CMV-100 Skybus appeared and as soon as the side door was opened, Team Leader Youn Tae-jin and his team members, armed with various equipment, got off one by one.


    ¨C Team Two is here to save Team Leader Park. Team Leader Park,e out!


    After getting off, Team Leader Youn Tae-jin matched themunication frequency that he previously received from his control X-K02 terminal and called Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    ¨C Are you kidding me?


    ¨C Your child¡¯s friend is here, but your answer isme. Haha.


    ¨C Be quiet. Come here.


    ¨C Okay, you punk. Wait a minute. We¡¯ll be there in 3 minutes.


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who confirmed that the second team arrived on time, gave his orders to the other two teams.


    ¨C Team Two has arrived, so let¡¯s get started. Manager Yang, have you confirmed their location?


    ¨C Yes, Team Leader! There are three people, and the locations of all of them have been confirmed.


    ¨C Okay, main team?


    ¨C Yes, Team Leader! Don¡¯t try to catch them and just pay attention on protecting the Manager.


    ¨C Okay.


    ¨C Chief Kang!


    ¨C Yes, team leader?


    ¨C Chief Kang, bring your equipment and lure them toe here.


    ¨C Okay.


    ¨C Okay. Then, get ready!


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong came out from the underground parking lot to meet Team Two after themunications ended.


    Several blue figures moving in the activated TCS mode from a distance were seen through his shield sses.


    ¡°Hey! Team Leader Park! You came out!¡±


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin ran ahead and greeted him happily after deactivating the TCS mode.


    ¡°You did a good job.¡±


    ¡°How many are there?¡±


    ¡°About 10¡±.


    ¡°What? Only 10 people? Hey! Couldn`t you have just dealt with them yourself?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to try?¡±


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re so cranky.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! I¡¯m going to beat up the people who hurt Manager Lee.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    ¨C Main team. Be on guard and Manager Yang start acting. Chief Kang, have you left the hotel?


    ¨C Yes, I see.


    ¨C I¡¯m on my way in the car and the CIA guys are following me as well.


    ¨C Okay. We¡¯re moving off, too.


    Following themunication, Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who had received the KS2ser rifle from Team Two¡¯s Assistant Manager Oh Hyuck-soo, checked the battery and motioned to move.


    Then, the five agents activated the TCS mode at once and entered the underground parking lot.


    ¨C Let¡¯s finish it quickly and have our dinner. I¡¯m hungry.


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin took the lead and entered excitedly.


    Ddu-ddu! Ddu-ddu!


    In the inverted mode, the opponent wearing an object suspected of possessing a personal weapon was marked with a red figure.


    ¨C Two in the hallway, three in the left room, two in the right room!


    Team leader Youn Tae-jin confirmed the location of the opponent agents and informed his mates through themunication.


    ¨C Simultaneous suppression. One, two, three!


    Woosh! Woosh! Woosh! Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!


    First, Team Leaders Youn Tae-jin and Park Gi-oong took care of the people in the hallway before splitting off into the two rooms.


    The CIA agents in the room stopped walking at the sudden shooting and soon responded the gunfire.


    Tang! Tattatang! Tattatang!


    Team Leader Youn Tae-jin, who came into the room in the TCS mode, rolled sideways and was surprised by the shower of bullets on him.


    ¨C I guess they can see us. Everyone, be careful!


    Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who entered the other room, also stepped back, surprised by the downpour of bullets in his exact direction.


    At that moment, they realized that the CIA agents were wearing something like a VR drift. It seemed that the agents could detect them even though they were in TCS mode.


    ¨C Guys, don¡¯t just trust the TCS mode and be careful!


    Tatatang! Tatatang! Tatatatang!


    Team leader Park Gi-oong, who was inmunication, rolled forward. However, a bullet hit the wall near him.


    Pad Pad Pad!


    ¡°Look at these kids!¡±


    Due to the unexpected counterattack, Team Leader Park Gi-oong crawled to the end of the hallway and hid himself under the stairs. The TCS mode had be useless.


    Ting!


    Something seemed to roll along the floor of the hallway, and with the sound of something separating, there was a huge explosion, with mes hitting Team Leader Park Gi-oong.


    Kwang!


    Due to therge explosion, Team Leader Park Gi-oong rolled down the stairs.


    Pop, pop, pop!


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Team leader Park Gi-oong curled up in pain as he rolled down the stairs. Then, through the hazy smoke, a person appeared and pointed his gun at Team Leader Park Gi-oong¡¯s chest.


    With the device worn by CIA agents on their faces, they seemed to be able to see the invisible foreign intelligence agents.


    Team leader Park Gi-oong momentarily swung his right foot and tripped up the CIA agent who was about to pull the trigger. Then, he drew a small knife out from his waist and stabbed the CIA agent in the neck.


    Slip!


    ck blood poured out from the agent`s neck like a waterfall. Team Leader Park Gi-oong, who was covered by blood, took off the VR goggles that the CIA agent was wearing on his face and reced his shield goggles.


    Even though the shapes were more blurry than the shield ss, he could clearly see when he looked at his arm.


    ¡®Have the Americans made such progress? Since the U.S. Intelligence department has been suffering so much, they must have been preparing the countermeasures...¡¯


    In the midst of the fierce battles between the CIA agents, Team Leader Park Gi-oong and the other foreign intelligence agents from Team Two in such an old building, Assistant Manager Yang Jung-suk managed to conquer the CIA agents following him.


    Assistant Manager Yang Jung-seok and his partner chief Youn Gil-soo lured the CIA agents to a deserted park, activated TCS mode, and then turned around to attack them from behind, making it easy to overpower them.


    Meanwhile, the CIA agents at the hospital where Manager Lee Ja-sung was hospitalized withdrew after being informed that their hideout had been attacked. Perhaps the location was not far away, so they decided to defend their hideout.


    In addition, Chief Kang Won-il, who was heading to the CIA hideout with various equipment, was attacked by the CIA agents who were chasing him. As a result, a gunfight took ce in the middle of the road.


    The CIA agents noticed that the enemy that they were chasing was heading to their hideout, so when they were informed that the hideout had been attacked, they started shooting at him.


    With a turn of the steering wheel, Chief Kang Won-il was able to avoid the rain of bullets and save himself from certain death. His extensive experience also allowed him to turn down a narrow alley after avoiding the bullets.


    ¨C Team leader! They¡¯ve noticed me. I¡¯ll just end it here.


    ¨C Can you do it?


    ¨C They are only two, isn`t easy as eating rice cake?


    ¨C All right. Be careful!


    ¨C Yes, sir!


    About 10 minutester, the endless gunfire stopped. The smell of smoke and gunpowder wafted throughout the old building.


    Team Leaders Park Gi-oong and Youn Tae-jin, who thought the mission would be simple but instead had to suffer, giggled like crazy after lighting each other¡¯s cigarettes.


    ¡°Hey! I think it¡¯s time to quit.¡±


    Team leader Youn Tae-jinmented about his condition as he took a long drag of the cigarette. Team leader Park Gi-oong responded by touching the bruises on his body.


    ¡°Let¡¯s quit our job and open a chicken restaurant! We¡¯re going to get a headache!¡±


    ¡°Chicken restaurant? Don`t! It¡¯s never tasted like this before. Is it galbi? Tongdak? Didn¡¯t you watch the movie?¡±


    ¡°Oh! That movie?¡±


    At that moment, Assistant Manager Oh Hyuck-soo approached them and said, ¡°Team leader! There is one still alive. What should we do with him?¡±


    Team leader Youn Tae-jin waved his hand annoyedly and said, ¡°Just leave him alone! Let¡¯s only pack the things that we need! The police will be arriving soon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    ¡°What happened to the other ces?¡± Team Leader Youn Tae-jin, the smoker, asked as he threw the butt out of the window.


    ¡°When we were still in the middle of this, it was already over there.¡±


    ¡°Manager Kang too?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Your kids are fast.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go if you¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    After gathering the necessary materials, Team Leaders Park Gi-oong and Youn Tae-jin, who had dealt with even the CIA agents who rushed from the hospital to support the hideout, rushed out of the old building.

 Chapter 528 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-8 The Eve of the Storm

    <h4>Chapter 528: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 -3-8 The Eve of the Storm</h4>


    January 20th, 2024, 09:00


    B2 bunker in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju (Joint Chief of Staff at the Armed Forces Joint Command Control Center).


    The Joint Chiefs of Staff, trying tounch a massive offensive starting at the Onon River at 1:00 pm tomorrow, were deeply troubled after receiving a report from themander of the 1st Army in charge of the northwest front.


    ording to the report, there was enough snow to break the all-time record, making it impossible to continue with the nned operation, and it had to be halted. Furthermore, the weather forecast for the foreseeable future was not promising, as it predicted continued heavy snowfall in the Javaikal region.


    ¡°If the 7th Mobile Corps had the same hover system as the Panzer Corps, they would have been unaffected by the weather.¡± Deputy Joint Chief of Staff Youn Gi-youn said regretfully.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I was thinking. The 20th Armored Division should have been the first to be introduced...¡±


    When even Army Chief of Staff Lee Eun-hyung expressed his regret, head of the Operations nning Division Brigadier General Lee Hun-sang, who was sitting on the other side, ran his hand through his hair and looked sorry.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Brigadier General Lee! I`m not ming you.¡±


    ¡°But still, I feel sorry.¡±


    ¡°Then I shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡±


    When the hover system was first introduced, the Ministry of National Defense began the task of determining which units would be equipped with it. At the time, the 20th Panzer Division (Decisive Battle) and the 3rd Marine Mobile Division were put up as the final candidates. However, Brigadier General Lee Hun-sang, the thenmander of the Marine Corps, strongly requested that the 3rd Marine Mobile Division (Hwaryong) be equipped with the hover system instead.


    That was the reason why Brigadier General Lee Hun-sang felt sorry.


    After a while, the screen in the operation conference room showed a reconnaissance satellite video of the South Korean military camp deployed in Javaikal region.


    There was nothing but white, as if the entire world had been painted with white paint. Soldiers from different camps attempted to sweep the snow off the tops of tanks and armored vehicles, revealing the vehicles¡¯ distinctive color, but they were quickly covered due to heavy snowfall.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been serving in the military camp near Paektu Mountain, but I¡¯ve never witnessed such heavy snowfall.¡±


    Even though the heavy snowfall in North Korea was simr to that of Siberia, the heavy snowfall that was currently falling was a rare sight even for Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Joint Chief of Staff.


    Only the turrets of all tanks and armored vehicles were visible at the time. In other words, the snow had reached up to the waist.


    ¡°Then as requested by the 1st Army, we will have to postpone the operation tomorrow.¡±


    Finally, when chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong made the conclusion, militarymanders and staff nodded in agreement.


    ¡°We can¡¯t, however, just postpone it. Theter the operation starts, the more time the Russian troops will have to n their defence strategies.¡±


    Upon hearing his opinion, themanders and staff nodded again. Then, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yon replied,


    ¡°Deputy manager Kim is right. Beingte won`t be good for us. However, let¡¯s trust the decision of our first armymander, as there is a significant difference between watching the situation on the field and watching it on video.¡±


    Once again, Shin Sung-yong, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, went over the current situation.


    ¡°The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is right. The fieldmander¡¯s judgment is the most urate of all.¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant General Yang, please inform the Commander of the 1st army of our decision. Also, make it clear to him that his assessment of the situation is of top priority.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°Also ask if the soldiers require any supplies, and if so, send it to them right away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s end talk of the Northwest Front with this and move on to the Pacific Fleet¡±.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The image on the screen changed at the same time as the head of the operation division, Lieutenant General Yang Min-choon, responded.


    ¡°Based on the current routes of the Pacific Fleet¡¯s 3rd and 7th fleets, it appears to be sailing 200 kilometers southeast of the sea rather than the joint point at sea we expected earlier.¡±


    The 3rd and 7th fleets¡¯ expected and newly changed expected routes were marked with red dotted lines and green lines, respectively.


    The 3rd Fleet changed its expected route from the 9 o¡¯clock to 8 o¡¯clock direction, and the 7th Fleet changed its expected route from12 o¡¯clock to 1 o¡¯clock direction.


    ¡°It seems that they have grasped the movement of our Allied Fleet and have changed their course.¡±


    ¡°Well, how far they are from our Allied fleet?¡±


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong asked, shifting in his seat.


    ¡°Expected to be 600 kilometers away.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s 600 kilometers away, that means they¡¯re 200 kilometers closer than they were before. I¡¯m wondering why.¡±


    ¡°We are currently figuring that out.¡±


    ¡°Because of our allied fleet, the American people must have been scared. Don¡¯t you agree? Hahaha.¡±


    Deputy Joint Chief of Staff Youn Gi-youn said with a sly smile.


    ¡°That may be the reason, but we still have to figure out their definite intention.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the strategic analysis team is currently analyzing the Pacific Fleet.¡±


    ¡°Have you confirmed their submarine¡¯s power?¡±


    ¡°At the moment, two Ares patrol satellites and 12 different patrol reconnaissance aircraft are patrolling a radius of 400 kilometers, but we have yet to detect any evidence of a US Navy nuclear submarine.¡±


    ¡°Detecting the US Navy nuclear submarine is more important than anything else, so I want themander of the aerospace force to deploy more patrol forces.¡±


    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll add two more patrol satellites.¡±


    Captain Choi Jin-gook, the Chief of Staff of the Aerospace Forces, nodded and answered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. In addition, there was a message from Minister Kang stating that a special order had been issued by the Blue House.¡±


    When the Blue House was mentioned, all eyes turned to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, who was speaking.


    ¡°What¡¯s the order?¡±


    The Head of the Operations Division asked.


    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, motioned to his assistant after checking themanders and staffs of each military unit, who were seated in two long lines. The assistant then started handing out the documents he was carrying.


    After a while, the facial expressions of each militarymander and staff member who read the documents distributed changed.


    ¡°Oh, my! This, this! This is a very good order. Haha.¡±


    Unlike Deputy Chief of Staff Youn Gi-youn, who gave a smirk, the othermanders¡¯ faces were filled with disbelief.


    ¡°Is this an order from the Blue House?¡±


    Deputy Chief of Staff Kim Yong-hyun held the document and asked again. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, nodded quietly as his answer.


    ¡°It seems that the Blue House has finally picked up the sword.¡±


    Commander of the Marine Corps Lieutenant General Lim Kyung-soo, who read the document to the end with a serious look, muttered as if talking to himself.


    ¡°We should¡¯ve done that before.¡±


    Deputy Chief of Staff Youn Gi-youn, who still had a smile on his face, tapped the document on the table and said.


    ¡°Lieutenant General Lim. I think we need topletely revise the existing countermeasures n.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we should.¡±


    ¡°In ordance with this order, you must develop a new operation n with Lieutenant General Yang.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    When Lieutenant Generals Yang Min-chun and Lim Kyung-soo answered at the same time, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, turned his head and looked at the screen.


    Themanders of each military operation appeared on divided segments on the screen. Lieutenant General Ahn Sang-hee, the Commander of Air Force Operations, was seen among them.


    ¡°I believe we require air power the most; how many bombs do our air forces currently have on hand?¡±


    Blue House order documents were also scanned and sent to allmanders who took part in the video conference.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to consult with the logisticsmander for specifics, but I believe we have more than enough.¡±


    ¡°Okay. We can use this opportunity to clear out our bomb stock.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will report the detailed inventory quantity separately.¡±


    The Blue House order documents were so shocking that even the bombs piled up in the warehouse were discussed at the meeting.


    Japan, which lost the Korea-Japan war that erupted in 2021, was engulfed in a war that destroyed numerous industrial facilities and resulted in an astronomical war damagepensation. In order to use Japan as a second domestic market, the Republic of Korea had taken steps to help them ovee the economic crisis by promotingrge-scale restoration projects of basic industrial facilities and various infrastructure.


    Anyway, Japan¡¯s dream of bing a great economic power was once again in vain.


    The contents of the order document from the Blue House was as follows:


    It was theplete abolition of the Japanese reconstruction project and the demolition of industrial and infrastructure facilities that had been promoted in Japan for free. In other words, the Blue House intended to return them to the defeated Japan of 2021.


    The word demolition was used in the document, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff interpreted it as permission tounch a massive attack on Japan.


    The reason for the Blue House to draw its sword and take such harsh measures was the sudden attack on the second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, in Riga, Latvia by CIA agents. As a result of the attack, President Choo Un-hee dered that Japan could no longer be trusted.


    Under the ¡°deration of an independent state, the Japanese cab was secretly colluding with the United States.


    * * *


    On January 20, 2024, at 15:00 (17:00 local time),


    Pacific Ocean (Third Fleet).


    The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and the Ford-ss Carl Vinson (CVN-80), which inherited the retired Calvin¡¯s name, were centered on approximately ten frigates as well as various amphibious assault ships and support ships. They were speeding through the sea.


    A few hours ago, after hearing from the various reconnaissance forces that South Korean naval ships were entering the East Sea of Japan one after another, they modified the point of confluence with the 7th Fleet and changed their course to 2-5-0 azimuth.


    On the bridge on the third floor of the aircraft carrier and the gship of the 3rd Fleet, Gerald R. Ford ship (CVN-78), Admiral Jimmy Dous, the Commander of the 3rd fleet, leaned backward and looked at the far horizon.


    ¡°What¡¯s the current location of the 7th Fleet?¡±


    As soon as Admiral Jimmy Dous asked, Operational Officer Nick Leeman who was standing next to him responded immediately.


    ¡°We are currently sailing at 20 knots in the sea, 440 kilometers southwest. We expect to join the 7th Fleet by tomorrow morning.¡±


    The joining with the 7th Fleet was hastened because the expected point of confluence at the sea was moved back 200 kilometers to the southeast.


    ¡°It¡¯s sooner than I expected. Operational Officer?¡±


    ¡°Yes, admiral.¡±


    ¡°What do you think of the Korean Navy forces that are blocking our way?¡±


    Despite the sudden question, operational officer Nick Leeman answered without hesitation.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t know much three years ago but based on the current situation I think it is worth a try.¡±


    ¡°Really? On What basis?¡±


    ¡°Haha. Don¡¯t you know, Admiral? It¡¯s not the 3rd Fleet from three years ago.¡±


    ¡°Keep talking.¡±¡±


    ¡°We suffered greatly three years ago as a result of Korea¡¯s EMP bomb, but the situation has changed, and we will not suffer in the same way again. All Pacific Fleet ships have been outfitted with EMP defense systems. In addition, they can intercept various ballistic weapons with speeds less than Mach 30. Furthermore, all ships are outfitted with 128MJ-ss railguns with significantly increased range.¡±


    Operational Officer Nick Leeman showed off the 3rd Fleet capabilities.


    ¡°Operational officer?¡±


    ¡°Yes, admiral¡±


    ¡°What do you think Korea was doing while we were developing technologies over thest three years? Do you think they were sucking their thumbs in the meantime?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, they must have made some progress, but I believe the difference in military technology between the two countries is minute.¡±


    Admiral Jimmy Dous wore a glum expression, in contrast to Operational Officer Nick Leeman who exuded confidence.


    ¡°Yes, it may be a small difference, but in modern warfare, small differences y a significant role in determining whether the war is won or lost.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Anyway, when did Admiral Rubin Scott say he¡¯de?¡±


    ¡°His arrival had been dyed to tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Well, he will arrive when we join the 7th Fleet. Okay.¡±


    Captain Rubin Scott, the Pacific Fleetmander, decided to fly to the 3rd Fleet this afternoon after attending an operational meeting at the Pentagon.. Due to the emergence of the South Korean Navy on Japan¡¯s eastern coast however, operational meetings were held for longer than expected, dying his arrival.

 Chapter 529 - 9: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 4-1 Follow-up Measures for New China

    <h4>Chapter 529: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 4-1 Follow-up Measures for New China</h4>


    On January 20, 2024, at 20:00 (local time: 21:00),


    120km east end of Katsura City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan (North (LHD-6202) Operation Meeting Room).


    The sun had set over the horizon, and several maritime helicopter were hovering around the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, which resembled a medium-sized aircraft carrier, and they were making a distinctive engine sound over the dark sea.


    These maritime helicopter were carrying captains and operational staff aboard from the two Hoc cruises belonging to the 2nd and 7th Fleet.


    The Navy`s Mk. 99A Super Lynx and MH-101 Surion II helicoptersnded on the ne deck of the North (LHD-6202) ship, a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship belonging to the 10th Amphibious Fleet`s 56th Amphibious Division, ording to the instructions of the guide.


    * Ganghwa Ind had an amphibious assault ship with a full discement of 60,000 tons, but it was an amphibious assault ship specialized in amphibious warfare. Furthermore, the Republic of Korea Navy requested a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship that can also serve as an aircraft carrier in an emergency from the Ministry of National Defense. As a result, the two shipyards began construction in 2021 and were given the names South (LHD-6201) and North (LHD-6202) ships in February 2023. They were deployed and officiallymissioned in May by the 10th Amphibious Fleet¡¯s 53rd and 56th Amphibious Divisions, respectively.


    The North Ship (LHD-6202), with a full discement of 100,000 tons, had a very wide ne deck. Following thending of several maritime helicopters on the ship, the captain and operational staff headed to the bridge under the guidance of soldiers wearing yellow vests.


    The captains andmanders had gathered at the Eulji Mundok (DDG-1013), the gship of the 2nd Fleet, for the operational meeting until the morning, but because more than 20 maritime helicopters flocked at the same time and there was a lot of dying due tonding procedures, Admiral Kim I-won decided to hold the operational meeting at the North ship (LHD-6202) an hour ago.


    Following the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s Shin Sung- yong¡¯s orders to reinforce the allied fleet during the Joint Chiefs of Staff¡¯s Meeting on the 18th, the Navy Operations Command decided to dispatch the North (LHD-6202) ship from the 10th Amphibious Fleet¡¯s 56th Amphibious Division for amphibious operations. In addition to additional destroyers, including Geojedo (LHD-5112), Jindo (LHD-5114) of the Third Destroyer fleet belonging to the Third Fleet.


    At that time, the North ship (LHD-6202) wasmissioned as an aircraft carrier rather than an amphibious ship.


    ordingly, the North ship (LHD-6202) was equipped with 48 CWA-11P Phoenix attack aircraft and a variety of aviation forces armed with anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft missiles. Whereas the Geojedo (LHD-5112) and Jindo (LHD-5114) destroyers were each outfitted with 16 CWA-11P phoenix attack aircraft.


    The CWA-11P Phoenix attack aircraft, whose primary mission was ground attack during amphibious operations, is now responsible for attacking ships as well as air warfare with US Navy ships. in addition to the 3rd Fleet¡¯s 3rd Destroyer Division. As a result, the Allied Fleet was able to wield greater power.


    In fact, the 3rd destroyer fleet of the 3rd Fleet was the 2nd most powerful destroyer fleet after the 7th Fleet.


    After one year of repairs and upgrades, Sejong the Great destroyer(DDG-997), Kang Gam-chan destroyer (DDH-979), and Choe Yeong destroyer (DDH-981), which were partially destroyed during the First Northeast Asian War, were re-deployed. Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong destroyer (DDG-993) and Yeon Jeong-to destroyer (DDH-985), which were sunk after being attacked by the U.S. Navy Zoom-based destroyer, were newly built and rmissioned under the same names, Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong destroyer (DDG-1009) and Yeon Jeong-to destroyer (DDG-716), as CC-4 and CD-5 sses, respectively.


    In particr, the Yeon Jeong-to destroyer (DDG-716), also called the mini-Hoc destroyer, is the next-generation destroyer to cope with the KD-2 ss destroyer and Daegu-ss frigate with a discement of 5,500 tons.


    Finally, the KD-1 ss Yang Manchun (DDH-973), which suffered more severe damage, was dmissioned rather than repaired, and, like the Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong destroyer (DDG-1009), it was rmissioned as a KD-4 ss Hoc destroyer with the destroyer number DDG-1012.


    As a result, the 3rd Destroyer Division of the 3rd Fleet`s power, which had been newly constructed or reorganized through repairs and upgrades, was iparable to the previous power.


    The captains who entered the North ship (LHD-6202), the most recent multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, couldn¡¯t keep their mouths shut and looked around with curious eyes and eximed. However, only the two captains and the ship¡¯s operational staff appeared to be calm.


    After a while, the operational meeting room on the third floor was packed with captains and staff members. Even with about 50 soldiers gathered in it, it was adequate. Admiral Kim I-won, themander of the 2nd Fleet and the currentmander inmand of the Allied fleet, cracked jokes to lighten the mood, with captains and operational staff seated on both sides of the 8m long table.


    ¡°After all, at our age, it is much better to have a face-to-face meeting rather than a video conference! Don¡¯t you think so?


    As a result, the captains and operational staff wore easy-going smiles, and the tense atmosphere dissipated quickly.


    ¡°Now! Because we have new people joining us today. Let us reintroduce ourselves, beginning from the left.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll go first. Hello. I¡¯m Brigadier General Ahn Hyeong-gyun, the 7th Fleet Commander. Nice to meet you all.¡±


    Admiral Ahn Hyung-kyun rose from his seat, introduced himself briefly, saluted, and sat down. The others then began introducing themselves clockwise.


    After introducing themselves to the new arrivals of the amphibious assault shipmanders of the 56th Amphibious Group and themanders of the 3rd Destroyer Group, the operational conference room held in-depth operational meetings over two hours regarding the navel war that could take ce with the U.S. Navy.


    By the end of the meeting, The atmosphere was very positive. This was due to the fact that, in addition to the existing destroyers, there was an air force capable of engaging with the US Navy¡¯s aircraft.


    Despite the fact that air force support was expected from air bases in Japan and Namju, the fact that the Allied Fleet could now directly administer air force depending on the situation of the war made a huge strategic difference.


    With the 78 CWA-11P phoenix attack aircraft, 46 in the North (LHD-6202) and 16 in each of the Geojedo (LHD-5112) and Jindo (LHD-5114) ships, they had now valuable aerial power to deal with the US Navy aircraft carrier.


    Currently, the three Ford-ss aircraft carriers belonging to the U.S. Navy¡¯s Pacific Fleet are operating 64 stealth fighters, the F-35C Lightning II, on each, and in the various amphibious assault ships, 12 to 24 F-35B Lightning II are in service on each.


    As a result, the Pacific Fleet air force reached up to 350 attackers, while the number of the CWA-11P Phoenix attackers was only 78, which might be insignificant. It was a 5:1 ratio, which shows an overwhelming power.


    * * *


    January 21st, 2024, 09:00,


    Underground bunker of the Blue House National Crisis Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul.


    On the fourth day after the war with New China had ended, the Blue House held an important meeting today to decide on a number of decisions that were piling up.


    First and foremost, the management of New China¡¯s territorial and people¡¯s migration ns were given top priority.


    Although the rted departments primarily established their own ns, but of the ovepping tasks in various departments, it was critical not only to coordinate tasks through the cab meeting, but also to identify the tasks for which each department should take responsibility and carry out.


    Under internationalw, the territory of New China officially became the territory of the Republic of Korea, but some people and a small number of militarymanders resisted forcefully, iming that the agreement between the two legitimate countries were invalid. ordingly, the Ministry of National Defense ordered the south Korean troops who were deployed there for a massive sweeping operation in various parts of New China, and it was almost done with only the western part of Shaanxi Province was left.


    They were confronted with a problem due to civilian resistance, and unlike the New China Army, they were unable to overpower the civilians with firearms and force.


    In response to that, the Ministry of Security and Public Administration used police to arrest and detain people who participated in the illegal demonstrations and then quickly transferred them to the Republic of China and the Eastern Republic of China.


    They were, however, met with fierce opposition. The people threatened to inform the world about human rights vitions if the police used even a small amount of force. In the past, when Xi Jinping or Wang Jing-wi was in charge of themunist regime, the police felt absurd when they heard people discussing ¡°human rights¡± or ¡°suppressing human rights¡±.


    Anyway, the Central Police Agency, which had to arrest hundreds of people every day who fiercely resisted by using public power as much as possible internationally, had deployed all police officers to New China¡¯s territory except for a small number of security personnel.


    Therefore, the Central Police Agency has begun arge-scale recruitment of new police personnel, as the police¡¯s duties will be more demanding as the n progresses over the next several years.


    Despite the fact that it was a popr upation with sriesparable torge corporations and various welfare benefits, Korea was currently experiencing an unprecedented shortage of manpower. There were more jobs than there were job seekers looking for a job. In the past, such a thing was unimaginable.


    There was a long line ofpanies that wanted to hire the student as soon as they graduated from high school or university. This resolved one social issue. As thepetition for entrance exams faded, so did private education, which had be a socially divisive issue. As a result, students had more free time because there was no alternative to basic school education, and the old term ¡°hell of the entrance exams¡± vanished.


    ¡± Hiring 20,000 police personnel¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. It won¡¯t be easy.¡±


    After Minister Kim Soo-gyeom of the Department of Administrative Affairs finished his remarks, Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon nodded and said.


    ¡°Yes, you may think that is too much manpower, but if you calcte the manpower required for the current migration n, 20,000 will not even be sufficient, and at least 100,000 officer will be required to maintain the security in New China¡¯s territories.¡±


    Minister Kim Soo-gyeom made additional remarks in aining tone.


    ¡°Okay, as for now, how about getting support from the Ministry of Disaster and Safety temporarily until the Central Police Agency recruits the necessary personnel? ¡±


    With the inauguration of President Choo Un- hee¡¯s administration, the Ministry of Disaster and Safety was established as a department that supervised and prevented all disasters in Korea.


    ¡°Yes, we will actively give our support. Prime Minister!¡±


    Minister Oh Soo-dong, who became the first minister after the establishment of the Ministry of Disaster and Safety, replied with a smile.

 Chapter 530 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 - 4-2 Follow-up Measures for New China

    <h4>Chapter 530: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 4-2 Follow-up Measures for New China</h4>


    ¡°Thank you. There are three months left before the migration begins, so if you need any support from other ministries, please approach them,¡± said Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon, looking at the ministers around him. At this, each of the ministers nodded in reply.


    The migration n for the people of New China that Minister Kim Soo-gyeom had mentioned earlier was a long term project. It was to start in three months and would continue to be implemented over the next three years. The reason why this project was to start three months after prior preparations had been made was that some issues had to be solved beforehand.


    The current number of people that were to move was 530 million, which was six times the poption of the Republic of Korea. Until now, there has never been such arge number of people migrating in the history of mankind. The Republic of Korea, which had a poption of 90 million, 530 million was a number that was hard to imagine.


    Since the people migrating were to be split into two different countries, they were able to choose the country they wanted to move to. This would prevent families from being separated and allowed the Republic of Korea to n the poption migrating to each country ordingly so that they could prevent the situation of one country receiving more people than they could hold.


    Currently, the agreed number of people that was to move to each of the two countries was 320 million to the Republic of China and 210 million to the Eastern Republic.


    Because of the huge number of migrants, the three countries¡ªthe Republic of Korea, the Republic of China, and the Eastern Republic¡ªformed a Migration Promotion Committee consisting of representatives from each country. Thismittee nned the migration, as well as took on the responsibilities and duties rted to it.


    The first phase of the n that the Migration Promotion Committee had, was to select 48 million people over the next three months, find out the country they wish to migrate to, and start a project to secure housing for them to live in after relocation.


    It was truly a relief that the Republic of China and the Eastern Republic had 42 million vacant houses lying around. This was because, in thest decade, the two countries¡¯ growth had skyrocketed and the enthusiasm for investment in real estate peaked. As a result, various apartments and living spaces were built indiscriminately. In the end, there were more houses than people that needed them, which resulted in vacant houses both in therge cities and small to medium cities alike.


    Even so, the investment interest in real estate continued to rise. People, regardless of their financial status, bought the constructed houses with bank loans and waited for the real estate prices to rise. However, when China was defeated in the war against the Republic of Korea, three years ago, it was divided into 13 countries and the economy of China that had previously been growing rapidly, copsed.


    As a result, the bank¡¯s interest rate rose sharply and the people that had loaned money from the bank to invest in real estate were suddenly unable to pay even the interest on the loans. They all scrambled to sell the houses they had bought, which resulted in the real estate bubble popping. The prices of the houses were about half the price they had been before and continued to decrease.


    And now, three yearster, the Republic of China and the Eastern Republic were having difficulty with the copse of the real estate market. This was because no matter how much the prices of the houses decreased, more people were trying to sell houses rather than buying them.


    At this, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Korea came to a quick agreement with the Migration Promotion Committee to buy all the vacant houses in the real estate market and to put them under the state ownership of the Republic of Korea. The total number of houses that the Ministry of Finance and Economy would be buying was about 20 million houses, with a total purchase cost of 1.3 billion dors.


    Even though the Republic of Korea had the world¡¯srgest economy, 1.3 billion dors was a huge amount of money. Because of this, the government of the Republic of Korea paid 800 million dors with investments from 1,200rgepanies, and 500 million dors by issuing supplementary budgets and government bonds.


    These houses that they had bought were to be given to the migrants for free for the next five years. Starting from the sixth year, the migrants were to pay 10 percent of the dered value of the house as a yearly payment. In the five years following that, they would be given priority for purchasing the house at the market price at that time. For those migrants that mightck the financial ability to buy their houses, the two countries had agreed to support them by allowing them to purchase them through loans.


    When the Ministry of Finance and Economy had first nned for this, some economists raised their objections, stating that the use of an enormous amount of the national finances could cause an economic crisis in Korea. However, most economists predicted that in 10 years the economy of the two countries would grow rapidly, causing the real estate market to do the same as well. This meant that the houses that were currently being purchased at a steal would return huge profits. In the long term, acquiring real estate in both countries would provide a great economic advantage for the Republic of Korea.


    While housing, the most immediate need for the migration was resolved, various infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and other necessary facilities had to be provided along with housing as well. In addition to this, jobs had to be created for the migrants as well, so that they could earn a living.


    It was foreseeable that, if they didn¡¯t prepare for these problems ahead of time, and went through with the migration, the Republic of China and the Eastern Republic could be a time bomb in international society. In other words, they could, in the future, bring great social chaos internationally because of the unprepared migration.


    The Republic of China and the Eastern Republic, well aware of these issues, have publicly stated that their reasons for epting the Han Chinese migrants was to expand the domestic market and economic growth. However, they weren¡¯t foolish enough to invest astronomical capital to ept migrants, even going to the extent of participating in the Migration Promotion Committee. But this was only until they had received sugarcoated proposals from the Republic of Korea that was too good to pass up.


    First, the Republic of Korea proposed that the war damagepensation that they had to pay for 20 years following the first Korean-Chinese war would be written off. When China of the Han-Chinese had broken up into three countries, New China, the Republic of China, and the Eastern Republic each had to pay 21 billion dors to the Republic of Korea aspensation for war damage. Indemnifying them of such a huge amount of money would be weed with open arms. Second, the Republic of Korea proposed the investment of around 1,000 Koreanpanies as well as the construction of various factories in both countries. If this was the case, not only would the economic growth of the two countries benefit, but there would also be jobs for the migrants.


    Ministers of various ministries presented the contents of what they had prepared concerning the migration. In the midst of this, it was time for Minister Kim Young-chul of the Ministry of Unification Policies to present on the administrative division regarding the newnd that was asrge as the current territory of the Republic of Korea.


    After the North and South Koreas had been Unified, the Ministry of Unification had changed its name to the Ministry of Unification Policies and had taken on the job of establishing all of the northern state¡¯s administration and its policies. Afterward, it had taken on establishing policies for the three Manchurian states, as well as the eastern and the western states. Because of this, the Ministry of Unification Policies was the ministry to take charge of therge frame of policies for the New Chinese territories that had been absorbed into the territories of the Republic of Korea recently.


    Minister Kim Young-chul put his mouth close to the microphone and spread the thickly stacked documents that contained not only the administrative regions, but the policies of those administrative regions that thousands of government workers had worked several days and nights to establish.


    ¡°First, please take a look at the screen.¡±


    As Minister Kim spoke, therge screen at the center of the meeting room lit up. Disyed on the screen was the map of thend that had previously belonged to New China, which was now a part of the Republic of Korea.


    ¡°I¡¯ll present as we look at the screen. As you can see, we¡¯ve split the newndrgely into five administrative regions.¡±


    The newnd of the Republic of Korea, colored blue on the map, wasrgely split into five. First, the north region, previously the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, that was touching the Mongolian border, was transferred into the Republic of Korea¡¯s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Second, the north of Heibei, Beijing and the entirety of Tianjin, touching western Manchuria, was grouped into one state and named Buyeo.


    Beijing had been the capital starting from the Yan dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasty. This meant that naming the north region of Heibei and Beijing, Buyeo, which had been one of the old Han Chinese countries, symbolically held a lot of meaning.


    Third, the south of Heibei and the entirety of Shandong Sheng was designated as Seoju, which was previously the size of Jeo-do. With this, Seoju became the state to have the most ins within the Republic of Korea. The ins were so wide that it was impossible to see the end of them, and it was bigger than the state of Namju. These ins were to be developed into a specialized farm business to distribute food to the countries suffering from food shortages for free.


    Fourth, the north part of the other Shaanxi Sheng wasbined with Shaanxi Sheng into a state named Yu.


    Lastly, as the fifth state, the southern part of Shaanxi Sheng and Henan Sheng werebined into a state named DongYi. Ancient China had not referred to DongYi as a specific race or culture but rather had made that word into a regional title of their own culture and rtive cultural concepts. Thus, since the northeast DongYi included foreign people and towns among the Han Chinese, DongYi was something that could be described as ancient Korean culture.


    Giving the central part of China the name of DongYi was simr to giving north Heibei and Beijing the name Buyeo¡ªsomething symbolically meaningful to the citizens of the Republic of Korea.


    Minister Kim Young-chul spoke in detail about the new names of the newly created states for 30 minutes. President Choo Un-hee and the other Ministers nodded while listening to his exnation, expressing their affirmation at the meaningful state names.


    ¡°Ah! There is one more thing. Some wanted to change the current Middle Manchuria to Balhae, while we were discussing the region of the states and state names. Please consider this as well.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the first time that the name Balhae was brought up. It was a name that came up three years ago when the Dongbei region had been transferred to the Republic of Korea.


    ¡°Mm, Balhae¡­I agree. It¡¯s a good name,¡± said President Choo Un-hee first.


    ¡°I also think that this is a good chance to change the name to that,¡± agreed Prime Minister Lee Youn-yeon as well. All of the Ministers, some even apuding, agreed to the suggestion as well.


    Minister Kim Young-chul, his face bright, smiled and continued. ¡°Thank you. Then I will work on establishing the name of Middle Manchuria to Balhae.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please do. I like the other states¡¯ names, as well. You¡¯ll need to work closely with other Ministries regarding this, but please do go ahead with the names that we¡¯ve decided on today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡± Minister Kim Young-chul bowed his head, thanking the president.


    ¡°So! Whose turn is it next?¡±


    ¡°It seems like it¡¯s my turn, Mdm. President!¡± Minister Lee Du-won from the Ministry of Environment stood up, raising his hand slightly. He walked to the screen.


    It seemed like he was going to present while looking at the screen.


    ¡°The dust from China has been a problem for us until now. If we take down all of the existing industrialplexes and make arge farm instead, I expect the dust problem to be solved without any further issues. I will exin more of this in detail when the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs presents. Putting that aside, I will first speak about countermeasures against the dust storms that have always urred at our penins with the western winds during spring.¡±


    Minister Lee Du-won spoke briefly about the topics he would be presenting and turned his gaze towards the screen. Out of nowhere, the screen disyed the regions that were affected by the dust storms on a digital map.


    ¡°As you can see on the map, the current regions causing the dust storms are here, the desert regions of China and Mongolia: the Tamakan, Badain Jaran, Tengger, Ordos, and Gobi desert regions, as well as the Loess teau located near the middle of the Yellow River.¡±


    Whenever Minister Lee Du-won spoke of a region, the parts of the digital map flickered in various colors indicating the severity of dust pollution and showed the west winds¡¯ travel route with red arrows.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you all know, but the Manchurian teau has been crossed out from the list of the regions causing dust storms, as it has been turned into a lush forest.¡±


    Three years ago, the united Republic of Korea had expanded its territories to Manchuria. The first thing the Ministry of Environment did was to stop the desertification of the Manchurian teau. There, they nted 300,000 trees that were gically modified to adapt to dry soil and temperatures. Through these efforts, the Manchurian teau had turned into a green forest area in just a matter of three years. Gic research was also being carried out so that trees could be nted and made to adapt in other regions, as well.


    ¡°Based on the sess we¡¯ve seen from the Manchurian teau, we are nning to initially nt 1 million trees in the Inner Mongolian Hignds and the Loess teau, which are the regions that are harming us the most. The researchers have already developed trees that are fit to adapt to the environment of these regions.¡±


    Along with Minister Lee Du-won¡¯s exnation, the screen showed the type of trees and the exnation about the trees that would be nted in the Inner Mongolian Hignds and the Loess teau.


    It was a wide range of trees, some seen from tropical environments and some seen from cold environments. It seemed like this was possible because the trees had been gically modified.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? There are palm trees, too?¡±


    A few ministers asked with a surprised face. Unlike the desert, the hignds were usually cold regions. They were surprised because palm trees, which were usually only seen in tropical environments, were to be nted in that area, as well.


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s a type of tree that our researchers worked very hard to develop. Haha.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing! It seems like we can now see palm trees that were originally only seen in ces like Jeju-do in the hignds, as well?¡±


    ¡°Not just the hignds! We can probably change the trees along the roads in Seoul to palm trees too.¡±


    ¡°Oh! That would be very exotic. Hahaha..¡±

 Chapter 531 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 5-1 Wits Game

    <h4>Chapter 531: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 5-1 Wits Game</h4>


    January 20th, 2024, 18:00 (UK time: 10:00)


    Westminster Foreign Ministry building in London, Ennd


    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office, located at the western end of the River Thames, was one of the buildings that had a stylish and old-fashioned fa?ade that was characteristic of a medieval building.


    *Shortly after the end of the First Northeast Asian War, the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth, which was established in 1968, was divided into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the British Commonwealth. The reason for this was that they felt the need to concentrate their diplomatic power to actively respond to the rapidly changing international situation, as well as thorough management of the Commonwealth¡¯s member countries.


    The building, which had red brick walls that were adorned with rose vines spreading out in all directions, was heavily guarded by armed British troops.


    At least 200 well-armed British troops and bodyguards surrounded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. It was clear that an important person demanding safety was paying a visit to the Ministry.


    This important person was Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who was almost assassinated by CIA agents two days ago in Riga, Latvia.


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who was transferred to a safe house following the assassination attempt to receive intensive treatment, was not seriously injured due to the protective suit he was wearing at the time. However, because he was shot multiple times from close range, his chest and other parts of his body were bruised. He was fortunate not to have been shot in the head.


    Despite the bruises that covered his body and made his movements ufortable, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan insisted on returning home only afterpleting the special mission assigned to him by Minister Kang Kyung-hee.


    Several orders were issued for him to return home, but in the end, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan dragged his injured self to London at 2 p.m. that day and immediately went to the British Foreign Ministry building to attend a secret meeting with Minister Enders. The meeting, which was initially scheduled for the day before, was postponed by a day due to the assassination attempt. After learning about the circumstances, the British Foreign Ministry became more concerned about his safety.


    The reception room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with its colorful sculptures and antique picture frames hanging from the ceiling and walls, created an ambience of the past that made it seem like it was a scene from a movie that was set in the Middle Ages.


    In the center of the reception room, two men sat facing each other on soft chairs with a wide square table carved in the shape of a flower between them.


    Ten minutes earlier, they had greeted each other and drank the coffee served by the assistant and had entered into an invisible fight.


    ¡°Mr. Enders! Wouldn¡¯t it be better to see a lush forest than to see a few trees in the garden?¡± Kim Myung-hwan, the Second Vice Minister, began the conversation with a figurative expression.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re getting too esoteric.¡± Minister Enders, who took a sip of the coffee, put his coffee cup down on the table and shrugged his shoulders.


    As expected, the head of the British Foreign Ministry was quick to act. In response, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan took advantage of the situation and attacked him first.


    ¡°Haha, even elementary school students can understand what I¡¯m saying.¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t mean to imply that I didn¡¯t understand Vice Minister Kim¡¯s words. It¡¯s just difficult to tell which part the garden is and which part the forest is.¡±


    Minister Enders was indeed a formidable figure. He was trained in Britain¡¯s unique parliamentary debate politics, and he was also a narrator who had served in parliament for over 30 years and asionally had quarrels with the Prime Minister, cornering him.


    Even though the Prime Minister had a difficult time in Congress every Wednesday due to the 30-minute free question period because he didn¡¯t have time to prepare answers in advance, it wasn¡¯t simple to force him into the corner with the questions.


    He not only possessed a wealth of knowledge, but he also had brilliant eloquence and the ability to respond quickly to a situation.


    ¡°Oh! I see. Minister Enders, where do you see the garden trees and the forest?¡± The Second Vice Minister, Kim Myung-hwan, was slightly perplexed but he quickly resumed his question, trying not to show it.


    ¡°Well, as I said earlier, it¡¯s difficult to decide.¡±


    At that moment, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Oh! Is that so? So, you¡¯re saying it¡¯s difficult to tell whether Korea or the United States is the forest?¡±


    Unlike the sparkling eyes of the Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, Minister Enders¡¯ expression hardened at that moment¡ªan expression that showed he didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    ¡°Hahaha, that¡¯s...¡±


    Minister Enders, who tried hard to smile, lifted the coffee cup and drank from it again.


    ¡°Minister! Then I¡¯ll help you to decide where the lush forest is.¡± Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who spoke in a slightly firm tone, took some documents from his briefcase, put them on the table, and pushed them toward Minister Enders.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Please take a moment to read the document at the top, which is a summary and then read the rest slowly.¡±


    Minister Enders quickly took the thin document on top and began reading it, while Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan observed Minister Enders¡¯ expression.


    After a few minutes, Minister Enders, who put the document down on the table, gave Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan a firm look.


    <¡®Haha! As expected, Minister Enders is not a person to be taken lightly!¡¯>


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan was taken aback by Minister Enders¡¯ appearance, who remained expressionless despite having read a huge secret. If he were a regr person, he would have been shocked after reading this.


    ¡°What do you think? Did you change your mind?¡± Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan inquired about his intentions but Minister Enders remained expressionless and did not reply immediately. Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan responded by rxing his posture, leaning back, and deciding to wait for his answer without asking any further questions.


    As time went by, the air in the reception room became heavier, and finally, Minister Enders began to open his tightly closed mouth.


    ¡°Actually, I am more than surprised. However, I wonder if this document is true,¡± said Minister Enders, tapping his finger on the document he had just read.


    ¡°It¡¯s reliable...I understand. If I were you, I would have had the same thoughts. But Minister, even though this is an informal secret meeting, would the envoy, to whom the president has delegated all powers, bring false information? It has the possibility of bing an international issue involving not just the United Kingdom but the United States as well. You¡¯ll find more information in the rest of the document, but I¡¯ll tell you one thing. Three years ago, the Republic of Korea attacked the United States, causing significant damage. Instead ofunching a massive retaliatory attack, the United States abruptly switched to peace mode, concluding with the signing of a peace treaty with the Republic of Korea. Is the United States a country like that? Allow me to give you an example. During World War II, they immediately entered the war after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, which was not even on their maind. Since that time. the United States has be an unrivaled superpower.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Wasn¡¯t it because the United States wanted to prevent the spread of war?¡±


    ¡°Haha, how can Minister Enders be as innocent as a child when speaking about an international situation, despite being the head of a country¡¯s foreign ministry?¡±


    The remark of Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan caused Minister Enders¡¯ face to crumple. Without realizing it, he made a ridiculous move to defend the United States.


    <¡®Oh, my! I was fooled by that young guy!¡¯> Minister Enders, who clenched his lower lip at the thought of his mistake, murmured in his head, twitching one eyebrow.


    On the other hand, Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan took a rxed posture and softly said, ¡°If you read the rest of the documents that I gave to you, you¡¯ll fully believe it.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let me read them slowly. But why you are showing us these documents?¡± Minister Enders eased his expression and asked about the agenda for today¡¯s secret meeting.


    In response, Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan smiled brightly and said straightforwardly, ¡°We have heard that the United States is currently working hard on pursuing the British cab to mobilize British troops belonging to the NATO forces. Well, it would be more realistic to say that you already know that.¡±


    When NATO¡¯s participation in the war was rejected at the European Union (EU) summit, the United States immediately made some sweet offers to Britain.


    The United Kingdom is currently a member of the North Antic Treaty Organization, which manages NATO forces but because they withdrew from the EU (European Union) in 2020, they had no obligation in following the decision of the summit. In other words, the British army was the only army capable of moving at the request of the United States.


    In addition, within the NATO army, the British army had extraordinary power in terms of size and equipment. As of now, 50 percent of the NATO troops stationed in Europe and Africa were U.S. troops and 15 percent were British troops. The remaining 35 percent were troops dispatched from the rest of the EU (European Union) countries, including France.


    In other words, thebined power of the U.S. and British forces alone was 65 percent of the existing NATO forces. Therefore, under the current circumstances, the U.S. needed British troops. In fact, they were desperate to have them.


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯m not sure where you get such information because we¡¯ve never received such a request from the United States,¡± said Minister Enders at once.


    Historically, alliances were formed based on ideology, but modern alliances are motivated by the logic of power and their interests. The current alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States is based on the logic of power and the calction of their interests.


    In other words, the current United Kingdom would prefer to choose the United States if they had to choose between South Korea and the United States.


    Because Britain still believed that the United States was a superpower capable of controlling the international order, it refused to believe that South Korea, a small country in the East, could surpass Western civilization and be a superpower. It was safe to say that this was one of the factors that led them to choose the United States.


    ¡°Oh! Is that so? What a relief. Then, what would you do if you received such requests from the United States in the future?¡±


    ¡°Haha, do I have to answer regarding something that might not happen in the future?¡±


    The meaning of those words was esoteric¡ªthat it may or may not be the case.


    ¡°You¡¯re avoiding answering me.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. It¡¯s just not right to give an answer in advance based on assumptions in diplomatic rtions between countries.¡±


    As expected, it was Minister Enders, who escaped like a sly snake.


    ¡°Good, Minister! Then, read the rest of the documents and let¡¯s talk again tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Could I?¡±


    ¡°Yes, can Ie back at 2 p.m. tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do that.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll go now.¡±


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who had been in the meeting for about an hour, stood up from his seat. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you to the lobby. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who endured the pain in his chest throughout the secret meeting, followed Minister Enders with a smile on his face.

 Chapter 532 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 5-2 Wits Game

    <h4>Chapter 532: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 5-2 Wits Game</h4>


    January 20th, 2024, 21:20 (UK time: 13:20)


    Westminster Foreign Ministry building, London, Ennd


    In another reception room at the British Foreign Ministry, U.S. Secretary of State, Maine Johnson, who had arrived in London on a private ne the previous day, sat on a chair while various expressions crossed her face.


    It was because she had just received a report from her assistant that the Latvian CIA branch¡¯s hideout had been attacked by unidentified assants, resulting in casualties and, most importantly, the seizure of important documents.


    <¡®Damn Koreans¡­¡¯>


    The report said they were attacked by unidentified assants, but Secretary Maine Johnson was convinced they were sent by the South Korean Intelligence Agency.


    <¡®How can we get beaten up?¡¯>


    Following their failed assassination attempt, CIA agents switched to 24-hour surveince of Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, his bodyguards, and Korean intelligence agents. Therefore, Secretary Maine Johnson was very concerned that their hideout had been attacked in such a situation.


    Moreover, she was concerned that the information about the attempted assassination of Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan would now be in the hands of the South Korean intelligence service.


    <nk!>


    As all sorts of thoughts were churning through her head, the door to the reception room opened and Minister Enders entered the room.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry. I had an unexpected lunch meeting with the Prime Minister.¡±


    Minister Enders, who arrived 20 minutester than expected, extended his hand with an apologetic expression. Secretary Maine Johnson responded by lightly shaking his hand with a firm expression as she cursed in her head. <¡®You fox!¡¯>


    She had guessed why Minister Enders had a sudden lunch meeting with the Prime Minister.


    ¡°Is that so! May I ask what happened during your sudden lunch meeting with the Prime Minister?¡±


    ¡°What? Haha, it¡¯s a domestic political issue.¡±


    Once again, Minister Enders lied slyly! At this, Secretary Maine Johnson raised one eye and said, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it because of the meeting with the Korean special envoy?¡±


    ¡°What? Haha, how did you know about that?¡±


    Minister Enders immediately disclosed this fact. Because she spoke in this manner, it implied that she already knew everything. As a result, he determined that it would be better to speak truthfully.


    ¡°This is a piece of cake for us.¡±


    ¡°Haha, as expected from the country that leads the world, they have a lot of information.¡± Minister Enders took a sip from the cup of coffee and uttered some ambiguous words, without being clear if it was praise or sarcasm.


    ¡°Minister Enders! Let¡¯s go straight to the point as we both don¡¯t have much free time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do that.¡±


    ¡°As you previously promised, please hand over themander of the British troops currently deployed to NATO forces.¡±


    ¡°Well, it is¡­¡±


    Minister Enders looked embarrassed, ced the coffee cup down on the table, and sighed for a long time.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise in advance that you would cooperate with us?¡± asked Secretary Maine Johnson, raising her voice.


    ¡°At the lunch meeting, the Prime Minister expressed his disapproval of this.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°As you know, the EU rejected this agenda, right? We think it would be an international problem for the UK to intervene in such a situation.¡±


    ¡°Minister Enders! Isn¡¯t Britain an ally with the United States? How could you refuse to assist your allies in such a way?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. There¡¯s nothing I can do about this because it¡¯s an order from Prime Minister,¡± said Minister Enders firmly.


    ¡°Huh! Are you afraid of Korea?¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? Of course not. How could you say that?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by no?¡±


    <Boom! Boom!>


    Secretary Maine Johnson vented her rage by mming her fist on the table. Minister Enders¡¯ expression, on the other hand, remained consistent, and he eventually leaned forward and quietly asked, ¡°Excuse me! Secretary Johnson! Did you happen to have a big ident in Latvian Riga?¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± asked Secretary Maine Johnson who was surprised but was trying hard to hide her expression.


    ¡°Our intelligence agency can find out information, too.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°An attempt to assassinate Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan.¡±


    Secretary Maine Johnson made an unpleasant look and pretended not to know. ¡°What do you mean, an attempt to assassinate someone? Please clearly tell me what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Haha, even though I knew everything, you continue to defy me. I¡¯m referring to the CIA agents in Riga who attempted to assassinate Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan, who had arrived here as a Korean envoy the day before.¡±


    ¡°Minister Enders! What you¡¯re saying doesn¡¯t make sense. Are you trying to get rid of us with such nonsense because you have no reason to reject our U.S. request?¡±


    Eventually, Secretary Maine Johnson stood up.


    She was deliberately bing more enraged because she believed she would suffer as a result of their assassination attempt if she sat there any longer. Besides the British military¡¯s transition to NATOmand had already been disrupted.


    ¡°Oh! Don¡¯t get too angry and sit down.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t think there¡¯ll be any difference if I sit down anymore.¡± Secretary Maine Johnson, who had thest word, immediately headed to the door.


    ¡°Secretary Maine Johnson! What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    When Minister Enders, who reluctantly stood up, tried to catch her, Secretary Maine Johnson, who had already opened the door, threw a threatening remark and left. ¡°In the future, there will be no international coordination with Britain. I hope you are aware of this.¡±


    ¡°Hoho. This is¡­¡±


    Minister Enders standing slumped, looked at the door.


    The documents received from Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan in the morning included not only a USSC case but also evidence of the assassination attempt on Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan the day before, as well as evidence that the assassins were U.S. CIA agents.


    After receiving the documents on the actions of the United States, which was willing tomit any illegal act for its own interests, Secretary Anders and Prime Minister Ryan concluded that it was no longer in Britain¡¯s interest to engage with the United States.


    In addition, there was one more thing that led them to make this decision.


    It was that the Republic of Korea was already aware of the UK¡¯s MI6 involvement in the sma core technology that was stolen by New China.


    Shin Baiqing was attempting to sell the sma core technology for $500 million after stealing it, but he disappeared after the attack in Haute Vienne Limousin, France, on January first. Following this, the British cab deleted all evidence of MI6¡¯s involvement.


    Unfortunately, the Korean government was well aware of everything. As a result of being caught, the British cab had no choice but to listen to the wishes of Second Vice Minister Kim Myung-hwan. In other words, they had to maintain their distance for the time being while also denying the request of their most important ally, the United States.


    In fact, this was the main reason Minister Enders and Prime Minister Ryan made this decision, and France, which actively supported South Korea alongside Turkey at the previous EU (European Union) representative meeting to the summit, was also caught up in Shin Baiqing¡¯s sma core technology leak and had no choice but to take Korea¡¯s side unconditionally.


    From ancient times to the present, the world situation has moved ording to the logic of power, with each hitting the calctor to determine their profit.


    <hr />


    January 20th, 2024, 22:30 (UK time: 14:30)


    May Fair Amma Hotel, London, Ennd


    Secretary Maine Johnson, who returned to Amma Hotel without getting any results, immediately received a detailed report from the head of the CIA¡¯s London branch regarding the Riga case.


    The report revealed that the unidentified assants who attacked the CIA Riga¡¯s hideout, as Secretary Maine Johnson predicted, were South Korean intelligence agents.


    ¡°How many people died?¡± asked Secretary Maine Johnson in a tone of disbelief.


    ¡°There were 17 casualties, and only one survived. He is currently being treated in a hospital due to severe injuries.¡±


    In other words, all CIA agents working in Riga`s branch were dead.


    ¡°Did branch manager Eddie Louis die as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we found him dead in the alley behind Rodison.¡±


    At that moment, Secretary Maine Johnson was furious and threw her topcoat on the floor.


    ¡°Currently, our agents in Pnd and Find have been mobilized to investigate this.¡±


    ¡°Damn, what are the missing documents?¡±


    ¡°We are checking, but what is currently confirmed is documents rted to the EU Representative Council agenda, the list of countries we have contacted and the policy of conciliation for the heads of the summits.¡±


    <Whoo!>


    Secretary Maine Johnson sat on the sofa with a long sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s over. It¡¯s over!¡±


    She waved her hand and motioned for him to stop as if she didn¡¯t want to hear anything more.


    ¡°This is the end of my 30-year political career. It¡¯s over!¡±


    At this time, her smartphone rang.


    ¡°Ha! It¡¯s finallye!¡±


    Upon seeing the president¡¯s name appear on her smartphone¡¯s screen, she answered the phone helplessly.


    ¡°I¡¯m Maine Johnson.¡±


    ¡°What happened? Are you still in the meeting?¡±


    ¡°No, I just finished and am back at the hotel.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you then immediately report the results to me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll just tell you the conclusion. Britain has rejected our request.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? Weren¡¯t you certain about it until the morning?¡±


    ¡°I believe Korea had a hand in this.¡±


    ¡°What? Then what were you doing in the meantime?¡± President Trump¡¯s angry voice erupted through her smartphone.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­After the failure of the EU summit, I ordered Kim Myung-hwan¡¯s assassination, but we failed.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by an assassination attempt?¡±


    Until then, President Trump did not know about the assassination attempt.


    ¡°After the rejection of our agenda at the EU Summit, I was certain that our n to request UK¡¯s NATO forces would be jeopardized, so I ordered the assassination.¡±


    ¡°Have you lost your mind? What on earth were you thinking when you gave such instructions?¡±


    He would have moved on quietly if she had seeded in the assassination, but as long as she failed, President Trump held her responsible.


    ¡°Yes, all right.¡±


    ¡°Damn! You are not doing anything right! It¡¯s my fault to put you as the Secretary of State.¡±


    Although her pride was hurt by the insulting remarks, Secretary Maine Johnson listened silently, unable to make any excuses under the circumstances.


    ¡°Come back and resign!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will resign as soon as I get back. One more thing. Did you get a report from CIA¡¯s Director General?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Tha¡­that yesterday morning, the Riga branch¡¯s hideout was attacked by Korean intelligence agents. 17 people were killed, with only one seriously injured. In addition, several top-secret EU documents have been transferred to Korea.¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Other agents have been mobilized to deal with this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, dear!


    President Trump¡¯s mouth erupted with a slew of curse words at that moment. These were not words that could be uttered by a country¡¯s president.


    After a while, President Trump, who had calmed down after swearing, spoke quietly.


    ¡°You should handle things there ande back.¡±


    <hr />


    January 21st, 2024, 16:00 (local time: 17:00)


    610 kilometers east of Katsura City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan (Pacific Fleet)


    The Pacific Fleet¡¯s forces finally gathered on the Pacific Ocean. The majesty of these Pacific Fleet ships sailing to Japan¡¯s East Sea with a 500-meter interval between them was truly amazing.


    The 7th Fleet¡¯s Ford-ss aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-79) was in the lead and the two aircraft carriers from the 3rd Fleet were sailing alongside it. There were also 30 Zumwalt-ss destroyers and 30 Arleigh Burke-ss Aegis Destroyers in escort formation at about 200-meter intervals, followed by eight Bougainville-ss LHA amphibious assault ships, four Wasp-ss amphibious assault ships, and 20 various Logistics support ships.


    Deep in the sea, various nuclear submarines were quietly and secretly diving, while in the air, the Navy¡¯s E-55N stealth detection and intelligence system, as well as one E-2FN AHE Hawkeye, thetest model of the airborne early warning and control system, and three Navy P-3N maritime patrol aircraft and four F-35C Lightning II squadrons were flying together over the fleet.


    Given that they were on a normal voyage and not in a state of war, it seemed to be somewhat excessive military activity.


    The Pacific Fleetmanders arrived at the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) before 2 p.m. on a transport ne from the Pentagon and immediately convened amanders¡¯ plenary meeting, and the ¡®2024 Pacific Joint Training¡¯ meetingsted approximately an hour.


    At that moment, the captains, who were themanders who returned to their respective vessels, had begun the ¡®2024 Pacific Joint Training.¡¯


    First of all, six Zumwalt-ss destroyers belonging to the 3rd Fleet and two Zumwalt-ss destroyers belonging to the 7th Fleet, for a total of eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers, were ced in the role of a hypothetical enemy, the Blue Army.


    The eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers that formed the Blue Army, left the Pacific Fleet formation and sailed at full speed toward the east of Japan..

 Chapter 533 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 - 6-1 Volatile

    <h4>Chapter 533: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2 ¨C 6-1 Vtile</h4>


    January 21, 2024, 17:30


    At sea, (Combat Information Center [CIC] of the Republic of Korea¡¯s Taejong the Great [DDG-996]) 120 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba prefecture, Japan


    The day the Pacific Fleet went into naval training, thebined fleet of the Republic of Korea that had been on standby at sea nearby since the day before began to move little by little, ording to the counter operation as nned.


    Thebined fleet was as enormous as the size of the Pacific Fleet. The six Hoc Destroyers of the 7th Task Floti that were responsible for anti-submarine operations and the frontal defense began forming a line, keeping a distance of 300 meters from each other.


    As thetest destroyer model, these destroyers were able to form an iron wall of defense that was able to neutralize around 300 anti-warship missiles at once.


    While the destroyers of the 7th Task Floti were defending the front, Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss Hoc cruisers were nking thebined fleet¡ªthe Cha Ri-suk (CG-1105) and the Kang Woo-gyu (CG-1106). They were slowly putting distance between them and the centerline of thebined fleet so that they could protect the sides as well as conduct attack operations. The six destroyers of the 3rd Carrier Strike Group of the 3rd fleet responsible for defending the back slowed down, putting distance between the centerline of thebined fleet as well.


    While thetest-model destroyers and cruisers formed a defense line around thebined fleet, at the center was a diamond formation, formed from six destroyers of the 2nd Carrier Strike Group of the 2nd Fleet, nine frigates of the 2nd Frigate Floti, and three multipurpose amphibious assault ships of the 56th Amphibious Floti at the center.


    The destroyers and the frigates of the 2nd Fleet were to be the second line of defense against air attacks and to provide support for any attack operations.


    Thebined fleet that had been moving ording to the counter operation nned was in a perfect formation in under 30 minutes.


    ¡°Admiral! We¡¯ve received a report that all of the subordinate flotis have gotten into their ces in the formation,¡± reported Operations Commander Hong Seung-tae of the 2nd Fleet Command group to Admiral Kim Lee-won, after gathering all of the reports that hade in. He had been watching the operation status from the CIC of Taejong the Great (DDG-996) instead of the gship of the 2nd Fleet, the Eulji Mundeok (DDG-1013).


    ¡°Mm, faster than expected.¡± At Operations Commander Hong Seung-tae¡¯s report, Admiral Kim Lee-won checked the time on his watch and smiled, looking contented.


    ¡°It seems like they¡¯ve been trained very well.¡±


    ¡°It seems so. This isn¡¯t training done at the fleet levels. There have been warships brought in from other fleets, yet they¡¯re working very well together.¡±


    ¡°Admiral! Will you be ordering for TCS mode to be enabled?¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead. From now onward, tell all warships that have TCS mode to enable it until further orders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°There won¡¯t be anything to do for a while. Maybe I¡¯ll go to the captain¡¯s office and y a game of chess with Captain Yoo!¡± said Admiral Kim Lee-won, fixing his hat on straight and getting up from his seat.


    ¡°Admiral, you still want to y when you always lose?¡±


    ¡°Since when do I always lose? I won once yesterday!¡± Admiral Kim Lee-won¡¯s eyes opened wide as if he was a child.


    ¡°Haha, I see.¡±


    ¡°Heh, heh, you don¡¯t seem to believe me! If you don¡¯t believe me, you cane with me to watch for yourself.¡±


    ¡°No, Admiral! What do you mean I don¡¯t believe you? I believe.¡±


    ¡°No. Follow me!¡±


    ¡°Have a good time. I¡¯ll be here a bit longer to keep an eye on the situation.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to have to win today for sure because of you! Just you see.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll be waiting for your victory.¡±


    Just a few moments after Admiral Kim Lee-won left the CIC, Operations Commander Hong Seung-tae opened up themunicationswork and ryed orders.


    ¡°This is the 2nd Fleet¡¯s Operations Commander. From this point on, the speed of all warships should be fixed at the sailing speed of 3 knots, keeping the formation. All warships that have TCS should enable it and keep it enabled until further orders. Over!¡±


    Immediately after Operations Commander Hong Seung-tae had given the order, the warships that were equipped with TCS (transparent concealment system) enabled TCS mode. One by one, they disappeared, each leaving behind a twisted afterimage.


    The first warship to be equipped with TCS (transparent concealment system) was the 1st Hoc destroyer, the Gwang-hae (DDG-1001). All of the warships were equipped with TCS as one of the requirements. In addition, all of the warships partially destroyed during the 1st Northeast Asian War that were repaired and upgraded had also been equipped with TCS.


    There were only 12 warships that could be seen with the naked eye out of the dozens of warships that were sailing 120 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura. The ships that could be seen were the Ganghwado-ss multipurpose amphibious assault ships, the Ganghwado (LHD-5111) and the Yeonpyeongdo (LHD-5113), as well as three destroyers and seven frigates from the 2nd Fleet.


    The rest of the warships¡ªall 18 of them¡ªhad enabled TCS (transparent concealment system) mode and had disappeared. The only thing that could be seen was the white foam that the ship¡¯s tail created as they sailed. But this trail disappeared very quickly into the waves of the sea. In a blink of an eye, thebined fleet that was originally 30 warships big had shrunk to only 12 ships.


    The reason that thebined fleet had decided to hide its power, about 400 kilometers away from the Pacific Fleet, was not just that they didn¡¯t want to be detected by the U.S. reconnaissance force. The biggest reason was to make the Pacific Fleet underestimate the power of thebined fleet so that they would misjudge the situation.


    If thebined fleet had wanted to solve things peacefully with the Pacific Fleet, they would have shown off the power of the fleet so that they would back off. But this was not the case. Thebined fleet knew that the battle with the Pacific Fleet was unavoidable.


    * * *


    January 21, 2024, 18:00


    The B2 Bunker (the Digital Information Center of the Intelligence Headquarters of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    Namgoong-won, who had barely gotten permission from Lee Hye-jin, showed up at the Digital Information Center of the Intelligence Headquarters of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the B2 Bunker early in the morning.


    The Digital Information Center was a department simr to that of the National Intelligence Service in the Army. It collected, organized, and analyzed the 1st ss military information of other countries, as well as the military information of the Republic of Korea.


    Also, the Digital Information Center had cutting edge equipment,parable to that of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s cybersecurity department. In the space that was around 50 acres, there were about 100missioned and nomissioned officers all moving busily around to fulfill the tasks assigned to each of them.


    As soon as Namgoong-won arrived at the center, he was guided around the center by the Deputy Center Director, Colonel Kim Tae-suk. He then exchanged greetings with the project team attempting to hack into NASA and went straight into the meeting he was there for.


    The morning¡¯s meeting was specially arranged for Namgoong-won, who was attending the meeting for the first time. The meeting was generally about the reasons why the prior hacking methods had failed, in the form of reports. When Namgoong-won saw that the hacking attempts had failed even when using new technologies he hadn¡¯t heard about during the meeting, he couldn¡¯t help but be surprised that the attempts failed.


    For two hours, the morning meeting continued on the same topic. The afternoon meeting was on finding a new hacking method that hadn¡¯t been attempted before. But it was safe to say that the hacking methods that were talked about during the morning meeting were all that was avable.


    This also meant that the project team had tried every hacking method there was to attempt. Thus, the afternoon meeting only took up time, with no further developments in the project.


    Nine years ago, when the NASA server had been hacked by Namgoong-won, NASA had invested an astronomical amount of money to build a perfect security system for their server.


    First, the NASA main server was ced in a vacuum 100 meters underground. This was a ce unreachable by anyone in person unless they were an unmanned robot. In addition to that, there were threeyers of maic field shields installed around the main server so that nothing could hack it from the outside, using wirelessmunication. These defenses weren¡¯t prable by any sort of high-frequencymunication device.


    There was, as a result, only one way to hack into it. It was for someone to prate the main server of NASA in person. But this method was impossible in the current situation as well.


    In other words, there was no way to prate the NASA server, as well as the internal serverwork from the outside, wireless or not. Because of this, the meeting that had been going on for five hours became more tiresome as time passed.


    The meeting was held as a free discussion, and at first, it was very active with many people speaking up and discussing their ideas. But soon enough, the meeting room fell silent as no one spoke up.


    Each person in the room had a face of deep distress. Some officers shook their heads repeatedly. The mental toll of this meeting was immense. Namgoong-won had been thinking deeply, while watching the state of the meeting room with his arms crossed. He needed a change of pace in his thoughts.


    [¡®What could it be? Anything outside connected to NASA¡¯s main server...¡¯]


    Suddenly, there was a thought that shed in Namgoong-won¡¯s mind. [¡®It¡¯s a satellite.¡¯]


    NASA uses numerous types of satellites.


    [¡®Wouldn¡¯t it be possible to get through to the main server of NASA through themunicationwork of the satellite?¡¯]


    When he had thought this much, Namgoong-won quietly raised his hand and spoke about the method he had just thought about.


    Moments after Namgoong-won finished speaking, there was an exmation of amazement, and even apuse. Everyoneplimented Namgoong-won with their thumbs up, saying that his idea was innovative. At this, Namgoong-won scratched the back of his head as if he was shy.


    ¡°This is an idea that we could never have thought up. You¡¯re amazing,¡± said Deputy Center Director Colonel Kim Tae-suk as he got up from his chair while pping andplimenting him.


    ¡°Haha! But there is one problem.¡±


    Suddenly, the meeting room became silent.


    ¡°We need to hack the satellite to ess the NASA serverwork through the satellite¡¯s wirelessmunicationwork. Is there a way to do this? The satellites aren¡¯t objects that are on the ground, but they¡¯re up in the sky, outside of Earth¡¯s atmosphere,¡± Namgoong-won¡¯s voice got smaller as he spoke. He seemed sorry that there was a problem with the idea he had proposed.


    ¡°We won¡¯t need to worry about that,¡± said an officer with a Lieutenant Colonel rank, smiling brightly. All eyes focused on him.


    ¡°Before I was assigned here, I was at the Intelligence Command of the Aerospace Force. There was a seminar about the extraction of data from enemy satellites. In other words, it was about attaching a piece of equipment that had the program to extract data from enemy satellites and using the data from that satellite as if it was one of ours. At the time, it was only a seminar about the concept, but I feel like it would be more than possible with current technologies. If we could attach a piece of equipment that had the hacking program to something like a weather satellite that NASA operates, with a low security system, couldn¡¯t we get through to the main server of NASA that way?¡±


    ¡°When was that seminar held?¡± asked Colonel Kim Tae-suk urgently.


    ¡°Mm, it was around March, so 10 months ago.¡±


    ¡°10 months ago... Was that project ever further developed?¡±


    ¡°At the time, it was only a demonstrative seminar, and there wasn¡¯t any special development in the project up until June, when I was transferred here. I¡¯ll confirm this with my colleague.¡±


    ¡°Good, contact him now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Please wait for just a moment,¡± replied the officer, immediately getting up from his seat and going to the corner to make a call.


    Meanwhile, Colonel Kim Tae-suk, who was a bit excited, asked Namgoong-won a question. ¡°Would it be possible to get through to the main server of NASA if we could use that method?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s not impossible. The only thing is that it has to be a satellite connected to the main server... But any satellite connected to the main server of NASA probably has its own security system that would be able to detect attachments on the outside. I feel that it¡¯ll be a hard task to figure out those satellites that are important to NASA but don¡¯t have their own security system.¡±


    Just then, the officer with a Lieutenant Colonel rank, who had finished his short call, added to the conversation as he sat down.


    ¡°That might not be difficult. At the time when the seminar was going on, I was able to see all the information about each satellite from every country. Among those, there was a list of satellites operated by NASA that didn¡¯t have their own security system. I think we¡¯ll just need to figure out the satellites that NASA thinks are important from that list of satellites.¡±


    ¡°I see. What about the information I asked about?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Apologies. I forgot for a moment because I was focused on answering Namgoong-won¡¯s question. There is a prototype of it developed at the Parthenon research facility.¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It was developed as a pilot project after I was transferred here.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Great!¡±


    Colonel Kim Tae-suk smiled brightly as if a sore spot had been healed after years of pain.. He seemed to have been under a lot of pressure from the higher-ups regarding this case.

 Chapter 534 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 6-2 Volatile

    Chapter 534: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2- 6-2 Vtile


    January 21st, 2024 at 22:00,


    The Security Service government building of Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan.


    Late in the day, the Minister of the Security Service, Miike Takashi, the Minister of Economy and Industry, Ishihara Shintaro, and 3 big white men were sitting at a round table in the basement of the Security Service government building of Shinjuku City, discussing something.


    It was obvious that what they were discussing wasn¡¯t about a very good thing, since they were in a secret room and discussing it as if they were conspiring something.


    The topic they were discussing was rted to the ¡®Deration of Autonomy¡¯ that would be happening 36 hourster, at Tokyo.


    ¡°How much reinforcements will we be getting from America?¡±


    Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Industry Ishihara Shintaro questioned in a low voice, looking at the white men with a dark glint in his eye. One of the 3 white men, the one with his sideburns stylishly reaching his jaws, replied with a deep voice.


    ¡°Currently, it¡¯s about 700 men. If we were to count the men that are to arrive today, it¡¯ll be around 1,000 men.¡±


    ¡°What? only around 1,000 men?¡±


    Minister Ishihara Shintaro asked again, a scowl on his face. One of the other white men, who was sitting on the left, smirked, and replied.


    ¡°There hasn¡¯t ever been 1,000 men of the special force rounded up at one location since the US was founded. Each one of the men are worth 100 normal men, so you don¡¯t have to worry too much about how many men we¡¯ll have.¡±


    He was smiling, but his tone had some kind of charisma that overwhelmed the other person.


    ¡°Ah! Even so, only 1,000 men? The Korean marines that are currently garrisoned in Tokyo have over 5,000 men.¡±


    Minister Ishihara Shintaro trailed off, a bit timidly.


    ¡°You won¡¯t have to worry, Minister Ishihara! The special force that will be joining this operation is one of the most powerful force, and the pro of pros.¡±


    ¡®The white man that had first spoke replied in a soft tone, after seeing that the mood had turned heavy.


    This was true. As the white man had said, the US special forces that were on standby after secretly infiltrating Tokyo were a famous special force that even people that weren¡¯t military experts would have heard of at least once.


    The special forces that the US had provided was 320 men from the US Marines¡¯ only special force, the Radar Force, 20 teams of the Delta Force, which was the special force of the Army, and another special force of the Army, the Green Berets. In the case of the Green Berets, only the 3rd and the 10th


    special forces group were included in the operation. Lastly, there were 30 teams of the Navy Seal, the special force of the US Navy that was frequently used as movie topics, supposed to be arriving today.


    As the white man had said, the US had been in wars in various ces in the world, but there had never been close to 1,000 men of the special force gathered in one location. This was something that would go down in the history of the US.


    ¡°Ah, is that so? Ha ha I was impatient because I thought this operation might fail. I apologize.¡±


    Minister Ishihara apologized, scratching his head after hearing names like Delta Force and Navy Seal that he¡¯d heard a few times before in movies.


    The Japanese cab and US had painted a big picture, putting the ¡®Deration of Autonomy at the forefront. As part of that n, there were special force soldiersing in to Japan through the Narita International Airport, disguised as normal people, starting fromst week.


    Of course, the personal firearms, as well as the personal equipment and various bombs needed for battle, passed through the immigration checkpoint without any restraint. This was because the Japanese cab had already exerted influence on the immigration office. This was indeed something that


    couldn¡¯t ever be done without the government intervention.


    With both countries turning a blind eye to the illegal methods of smuggling various firearms for war, the US special forces had finished deploying in various locations in Tokyo after arriving there. They were now preparing for a cooperation with the security service in the future.


    ¡°Besides that, how are the movements of the Korean Marine force that are garrisoned in Tokyo?¡±


    This time, the white man on the right asked a question. At this, Minister Miike Takashi replied.


    ¡°We¡¯re keeping watch every 24 hours, but their movements aren¡¯t too different from 4 days ago. The Korean Marines are strangely quiet.¡±


    4, days ago, Minister Miike Takashi had already sent theman¨¦d line of the US special forces all of the deployment statuses of the Korean Marines garrisoned in the Honshu area.


    ¡°I see. How are the preparations for the security service going?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t have to worry about that part. As you¡¯ve requested, 20,000 men of the South and North Honshu security service will join with the Tokyo security service by tomorrow night. The total will be 42,000 men.¡±


    ¡°Lsee. Please take care of the nned transfer until tomorrow night.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sure thing.¡±


    keK


    January 22nd, 2024 at 00:30 (local time 01:30),


    At sea batmand center of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)), 480km from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba prefecture, Japan.


    Even though it was so cloudy that there wasn¡¯t any starlight seen in the sky, the US Navy was in the middle of the ¡®2024 Pacific united training.¡¯ However, thebatmand center of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) was thinking about somethingpletely different from the training that was currently


    ongoing.


    They were thinking about the power of the Korean Navy, out at the East Sea.


    As soon as the Pacific Fleet¡¯s 3rd and 7th fleet started sailing to the East Sea, the US had mobilized all of the reconnaissance power that they had to figure out how powerful the Republic of Korea Navy was. Amongst that, they had detected destroyers and frigates of the 2nd fleet sailing towards the East


    Sea, and other useful information.


    But it was impossible to track it in real time because of the sporadic electromaic waves jamming the detection. So it was just a back and forth of detection and losing track.


    In the skies of the East Sea, 4 of thetest model of the As reconnaissance satellites were observing every inch of the empty Pacific Ocean without resting.


    ¡°Still not detected yet?¡±


    Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Rubin Scott asked with an unsatisfied expression, sitting on the stylish chair made with red leather. He had attended the maritime operations meeting rted to the ¡®Deration of Autonomy¡¯ held at the Pentagon for a few days.


    ¡®There were a few conditions that were prerequisite to have the operation ofnding 6 marine divisions at the coast of Chiba, the expectednding location, seed.


    Even if various equipment had advanced in technology,nding 6 marine divisions at the same time was not an easy task. They had to identify what the dangers were ahead of time perfectly, and also create a n to get rid of all of those dangers in order for the operation to seed, before they went


    through with the operation. In order to do that, it was of utmost importance to know how powerful the Republic of Korea Navy was.


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re currently searching inside out at the expected location, but there hasn¡¯t been any report of detection. But we¡¯ve found the general location of a few warships 3 hours ago.¡±


    Pacific Fleet¡¯s Command Line Operations Officer Jimmy Lopez replied, pointing to therge screen. Therge screen at the front was showing, with red dots, where the destroyer of the 2nd fleet was when they had detected it 3 hours ago with the reconnaissance forces.


    ¡°If it was 3 hours ago, they must have moved dozens of kilometers, this is insufficient information!¡±


    Admiral Rubin Scott made a face, stroking his beard. Operator Nick Rimando of the 3rd fleet, who had been standing in the back, stepped forward and presented his opinion.


    ¡°Commander! What do you think about sending out a maritime reconnaissance aircraft?¡±


    Admiral Rubin Scott nced at Operator Nick Rimando, then shook his head.


    ¡°If our maritime reconnaissance aircraft flies toward the East Sea, won¡¯t the Korean Navy or the Air Force take notice of it instantly? It¡¯s not good to do things that might cause them to notice that we¡¯re up to something!¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. Since 4 of the As reconnaissance satellites that were able to detect Korea¡¯s 6th generation stealth fighter jets have been mobilized, it might be better to wait a bit longer.¡±


    At Operations Officer Jimmy Lopez¡¯s additional suggestion, Admiral Rubin Scott nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Okay! We¡¯ll wait and see. Since it¡¯s gettingte, finish up the night training and order everyone to switch to a watch system.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Admiral Rubin Scott gave a short order, and left thebatmand center.


    7 hourster, when the sun was inching up from the east horizon, one of the As reconnaissance satellites reported that it had detected warships assumed to be part of the Korean Navy, 130km from the east end of Katsura, Chiba. Along with the report, it immediately projected the data that it had


    detected on the screen of thebatmand center.


    Excepting those on watch duty, the emptybatmand center was filled up quickly withmanders and staff, including Admiral Rubin Scott.


    ¡°Really! Is that all?¡±


    The scale of the Korean Naval force, projected on the screen, looked smaller than expected. There were only 12 ships, and of those, 2 were multipurpose amphibious assault ships and 7 were frigates. Thus, the ships that were thought to be destroyers were only 3 ships out of the 12.


    ¡°This information is from the 4 additional As reconnaissance satellites that were mobilized to help detection of the enemy fleet. It seems like that¡¯s the entirety of the Korean Naval force here at the East Sea.¡±


    Operations Officer Jimmy Lopez,100% trustful of the performance of the As reconnaissance satellites, answered in a convincing tone.


    ¡°Mm, that means Korea isn¡¯t doubtful at all about the Pacific Fleet¡¯s trainin


    ¡°Tt could be thought that way, but I also think that it could be because they don¡¯t want to create friction with us by overreacting to a normal training session.¡±


    At Operations Officer Jimmy Lopez¡¯s additional statement, Admiral Rubin Scott, who had been a bit doubtful, nodded and agreed.


    ¡°Good! If it¡¯s just that many ships, we can probably destroy them in one go. Present the detailed information about the confirmed Korean Naval warships.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, presenting.¡±


    As soon as Admiral Rubin Scott gave the order, the Battle Information officer, who was the head of thebatmand center, ryed the orders to the operators operating the equipment in the front.


    Soon after, the screen was full with various detailed information about the 12 warships.


    First, the 3 destroyers were KD-3 the Yulgok Yi Yi (DDG-992), KD-2 the Dae Jo-yeong (DDH-977) and the Wang Geon (DDH-978), with each ship¡¯s details shown. Second, the 7 ships ssified as frigates were the Daegu-ss frigates, the Daegu (FF-818), the Seoul (FF-823), the Busan (FF-827), and the


    Kim Joon-ss frigates, the Gowoochoong (FF-832), the Seong Chung (FF-835), the Jisoo-shin (FF-837), and the Gang Su (FF-839). Lastly, the Ganghwado-ss multipurpose amphibious assault ship, the Geojedo (LHD-5112) and the Jindo (LHD-5114), which were as good as medium-sized aircraft


    carriers, were shown in order.


    ¡°Admiral! Mm, if it¡¯s that many ships, it¡¯s probable that the Korean force could be destroyed only with the 8 destroyers currently designated as the blue team.¡±


    Operations Officer Jimmy Lopez concluded after reading all of the various details in order.


    ¡°Mm, that¡¯s true, What do you think, Admiral Rimando?¡±


    Admiral Rubin Scott asked the 3rd fleet¡¯smander, Admiral Nick Rimando, who had been sitting in his seat silently.


    ¡°Tm suspicious because the information we¡¯d gotten beforehand doesn¡¯t match up to this.¡±


    Looking at the screen carefully, Admiral Nick Rimando tilted his head, making wrinkles on his forehead. He seemed to feel that something was off.


    ¡°This does seem suspicious to me, as well. But as Operations Officer Jimmy Lopez has said, the reason why they mobilized such a small force might be because they don¡¯t want to create friction with us by overreacting to a normal training session.¡±


    ¡°Admiral! That¡¯s just what we think. I think it would be good to watch on a bit more.¡±


    Admiral Nick Rimando continued his suspicions.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but there¡¯s only an hour left until thending operation. We should establish a response n with those forces in mind for now. Gather all of the warship captains to the operation meeting room after 2 hours..¡±

 Chapter 535 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2-6-3 Volatile

    <strong>Chapter 535: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2-6-3 Vtile</strong>


    January 22nd, 2024 at 09:00,


    The 1st Marine division headquarters base at Midori Ward, Saitama City,


    Saitama Prefecture, Japan.


    The ist Marine divisionmand line had prepared and established a


    suppressing operation rted to Japan¡¯s ¡®Deration of Autonomy. However,


    they were now busy with preparing, ording to the new orders of the Marine


    mand line, to throw away all of the prior operation ns, and to establish


    and prepare to go into action with a new operation n.


    Staying true to the changed operation n, the ist Marine division didn¡¯t show


    any movements different from before. They were going about their normal


    procedures as always, but some marines, namely the explosives specialty marines, were moving secretly, following the orders they had been given.


    They had also gotten information from the National Intelligence Service that


    American special forces had entered the countrya few days ago through the


    Narita International Airport, and that they were deployed throughout Tokyo.


    Most of the focus was around tracking these special force agents down.


    Even just nmoments ago, they had gotten a call from the National Intelligence


    Service that hundreds of the US Navy Seal soldiers had entered the country


    through civil aircrafts and Narita International Airport.


    ¡°How many teams¡±


    ¡°ording to the information we currently have, that would be 5 men per


    team, so a total of 250 men.¡±


    Colonel Kim Jin-wook answered quickly at the 1st Marine divisionmander


    Major General Min Tae-hwan¡¯s question.


    ¡°So those American bastards must definitely be prepared this time,¡±


    ¡°It seems so. If we count the Navy Seal soldiers, the current number of


    American special forces men deployed at Tokyo is about 1,000 men.¡±


    Colonel Kim Jin-wook borated, looking into his tablet carefully.


    ¡°Mm, it¡¯s not a problem for the Security Service toe at us with tens of


    thousands, but it¡¯s a bit worrying that there are more than 1,000 American


    special forces soldiers.¡±


    Major General Min Tae-hwan stroked his chin, making a worried face. It was a


    sticky situation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there will be much of a problem if we take care to get information


    about their locations beforehand. Also, this isn¡¯t a suppressing operation, so


    wouldn¡¯t it be okay?¡± It was true. If they had to, as Colonel Kim Jin-wook had said, move ording


    to the suppressing operation n they had previously, they would have had to


    bring over the 2nd marine division, currently in charge of defending the east,


    here at Tokyo already.


    But out of the entire 21nd marine division, only 2 regiments were deployed at


    Shikoku in ce of the 5th marine division that had been dispatched to


    Ukraine.


    The problem here was the American special forces¡¯ main task. Their goal was


    to, in ordance with the ¡®Deration of Autonomy,¡¯ cooperate with the


    Security Service forces and take down the ist nmarine division deployed in


    Tokyo.


    In other words, even if the ist marine division did


    show movementS


    different from the norm, it was confirmed that the Security Service of Japan


    and the special forces of the US would attack the ist marine division.


    At this, the situation had changed to one that required excellent self defense,


    as well as fighting with the American special forces, in order to have the


    operation n seed.


    ¡°Commander! If there isn¡¯t enough time, what do you think about requesting


    airborne forces from the Joint Chiefs of Staff?¡±


    Colonel Kim Jin-wook read the Division Commander¡¯s expression and


    suggested additionally.


    ¡°Airborne forces? Even so, how can we, as the invincible marines, ask for help


    from the army?¡±


    Major General Min Tae-hwan had been an officer for more than 30 years now,


    and had great pride in being a marine.


    ¡°Ha ha, I must have said too much because of your expression.¡±


    ¡°Was my face really like that?¡±


    Yes sir, it was a face full of worry.¡± ¡°Ha ha ha, I must have looked scared in front of you, when it¡¯s really nothing at


    all.¡±


    Major General Min Tae-hwan joked, smiling brightly. He then gave additional


    orders, as if he had made up his mind about something, lookirng at the screen


    on the wall that was showing the development status of the US special forces


    and the Security Service of Japan.


    ¡°The entire Spartan 3k should take care of thhe American special forces!¡±


    Spartan 3K, a rapid response regiment, was originally given tasks with the 2nd


    marine division to spy on Japan¡¯s Security Service that had been gathering in


    Tokyo, or to fight, depending on the situation.


    ¡°Then, wouldn¡¯t we have a shortage of the 7th regiment troops that were going


    to take care of Japan¡¯s Security Service?¡±


    The newly modified operation n of the ist marine division was as follows. It


    was to, excepting the 3rd marine regiment that had moved along Hokkaido, have the 2nd marine regiment, along with the explosives specialty marines, go


    into given tasks in Tokyo as well as the surrounding industrialplexes


    within 200km. The 7th marine regiment and the 2 mobile strike squads of the


    Spartan 3K would be facing off against Japan¡¯s Security Service, which had


    around 40,000 men.


    In other words, Major General Min Tae-hwan was trying to, as the special


    forces gotrger in number, change the n from having only one of the


    Spartan 3K mobile strike squads go against the American special forces, to


    having the entire Spartan 3K force go against the American special forces.


    Operations Officer! In this situation, it¡¯s better to have a shortage of troops for


    facing the Japanese Security Service rather than for facing the American


    special forces! Isn¡¯t that so?¡±


    ¡°That is true, but I was wondering if it was okay to leave 1 mobile strike squad,


    at least, to help out with the Japanese Security Service.¡±


    Colonel Kim Jin-wook seemed worried about facing 40,000 of the security


    service with only 1 regiment that was around 1,500 men, even if the Japanese


    security service was an intantry force that only possessed normal personalT


    firearms.


    ¡°Mm, we can decide on that part after we see how the American bastards move!


    What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, that sounds good.¡±


    ¡°Good! Then ry the details to subordinate units.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.


    January 22nd, 2024 at 12:00 (US time 21st at 23:00),


    The Pentagon (the situation room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters),


    Arlington, Virginia, USA.


    The spacious, 200 acre big situation room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was busy


    with manymanders and staff, but the atmosphere of the room was very


    rxed.


    This was because they had been tense when they had gotten infornmation about


    the Republic of Korea noticing their movements and mobilizing various naval


    forces to the East Sea, but they had rxed upon further confirmation with all


    of the reconnaissance force that they had, when it was confirmed that there


    were only 2 multipurpose amphibious assault ships and destroyers and


    frigates, only totaling up to 12 ships.


    It was a point of slight concern that the 2 multipurpose amphibious assault


    ships each had 16 6th-generation CWA-11P Phoenix fighter jets, but these jets


    were developed more for ground attacks than other attacks.


    Furthermore, the Pacific Fleet had 300 F-35C and F-35B Lightning II fighter


    jets. These fighter jets didn¡¯t lose in terms of number or performance


    pared to the opponent fighter jets.


    At this, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Austin Berry, who was also


    themander of naval operations, was watching the situation personally


    before doing anything else. This showed how important the Pacific Fleet¡¯s


    nding operation, rted to the Deration of Autonomy, was to the US.


    Even just 3 years ago, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff hadn¡¯t had


    military power. Unlike the Republic of Korea, which had a specific operation


    region, the US considered the whole world as its operating region. Because of


    this, the US had Unified Force Commands deployed in each region of the world,


    and themander of the Unified Force Command of that region had all of the


    manding power for any operation of that region. But currently, as


    work-based technology advanced, it became possible to ry orders and


    know the status of the operation from anywhere in the world in real time. So,


    after the 1st Northeast Asian War had ended, President Trump had given all of


    themanding power, including thenmanding power of the Unified Force


    Commands of each region, to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff


    ¡°Are you really sure that the Korean naval force is only that big?¡±


    Chairman Austin Berry asked repeatedly.


    ¡°Yes sir, whenbining all of the military satellites¡¯ data, including the As


    reconnaissance satellites and the satellites that pass through the skies above


    those seas, there isn¡¯t any other naval force within a radius of 50okm.¡±


    The head of the Reconnaissance Military Command of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,


    Captain Julian Green personally answered.


    The Reconnaissance Military Command was a department that collected,


    bined, andmanded all data of the US Army, Navy, Air Force, as well as


    the Marines and the Coast Guard when there was ongoing war or when the


    country was undera state of emergency.


    Captain Julian Green answered in a confident tone. He was slightly annoyed at


    the repeated questions of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but he


    didn¡¯t show it. Chairman Berry¡¯s rigid expression didn¡¯t get any softer, however. It was because continuous suspicions were wandering in his mind.


    ¡°Ha ha, Chairman! It seems your nerves are too sensitive.¡±


    Chief of Operations Nick Rimando, who had exactly the same name as the 3rd


    fleet¡¯s Operations Officer, Nick Rimando, interjected.


    Chairman Berry got up from his seat, crossed his arms, and shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t believe in our reconnaissance force, but recently the


    Korean navy has been showing up with numerous new technologies that we


    can¡¯t even imagine. Don¡¯t you know as well? The result of the naval warfare we


    had with the Korean navy 3 years ago.¡±


    ¡°3 years ago? We didn¡¯t have too much information about Korea back then, but


    this time it¡¯s different, Chairman¡±


    Chief of Operations Nick Rimando, much like Captain Julian Green, replied in a


    confident voice. The surroundingmanders also started to agree, nodding


    their heads.


    ¡°I understand. Even so, please continue to be alert and perform your job to the


    fullest in the reconnaissance tasks and operations, Commander Green.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.


    As Captain Green replied, nodding slightly, Chairman Austin Berry turned his


    head to ask one of the Unified Force Commandmanders, the Central


    Commandmander, Captain Kyle Scott, a question.


    ¡°Commander Scott!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman!¡±


    ¡°Early morning tomorrow, when, after the Pacific Fleet carries out thending operation, can the 5th fleet get to the operation region?¡±


    Last week, the 5th fleet, at President Trump¡¯s urgent orders, had sailed from


    the Middle East through the Strait of a, and currently, it was at the seas


    previously called the South China Sea. The distance was 3,700km, a distance


    that could be covered in at least 8o hours if all ships sailed at 25 knots from


    Namju to Jeju-do of the Republic of Korea.


    ¡°There¡¯s exactly 73 hours left, so ipm on the 25 at local time.¡±


    Captain Kyle Scott answered immediately with a hint fronm his aide.


    ¡°73 hours¡­ Not too bad. That¡¯ll be when the 7th fleet will be carrying out its


    operation at Dongju after thending operation finishes.¡±


    Chairman Austin Berry muttered as if he was reflecting on the previously


    established operation n.


    ¡°Yes sir, there won¡¯t be any issues with getting there on time.¡±


    It was called the ¡®Deration of Autonomy¡¯ operation in Japan, but the US Joint


    Chiefs of Staff¡¯s official operation name of this operation was the ¡°Revtion


    of destruction¡± operation.


    As the name of the operation suggested, making Japan, which had be


    simply a small nation, an autonomous country was only an excuse. The actual


    intention of the US was to prove to every country in the world that the US was


    the one leading world order.


    The US special forces deployed on the 23rd at 5am (local time) will work


    together with Japan¡¯s security service to attack the 1st marine division of the


    Republic of Korea while the Pacific Fleet carries out anding operation on the


    Kujukuri Beach of Chiba at the same time.


    Thending operation must be finished in one day. When 6 US marine


    divisions havended within the day, the 7th fleet must sail around Japan¡¯s


    south coast and near the seas of Dongju, and attack the 2nd marine division¡¯s


    military facilities. At the same time, the 5th fleet thates from the previously-called South China Sea must also sail towards the operation sea


    area of the northern Korea Sea and attack Jeju-do¡¯s military facilities.


    This was the general gist of the ¡®Revtion of destruction¡¯ operation.


    This was arge-scale military operation, even including the attack of the


    Republic of Korea territories, that was widely different from the information


    rted to the ¡®Deration of Autonomy¡¯ that the Tokyo agents of the Foreign


    Intelligence Service had been able to acquire this past September..

 Chapter 536 - Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2-6-4 Volatile

    <h4>Chapter 536: Season 2 Book 21 Shadow of War 2-6-4 Vtile</h4>


    January 22nd, 2024, 20:00


    The B2 Bunker (the Digital Information Center of the Intelligence Headquarters of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    Behind the man who was on theputer were soldiers and researchers withb coats on. With serious expressions on each of them, they watched the progress the man was making. Now and then, they advised the man on theputer about whatever he was working on.


    The man who was surrounded by the soldiers and researchers, while typing away on the keyboard without stopping, was none other than Namgoong-won.


    His face was one of deep exhaustion. His eyes were bloodshot, and his dark circles looked like they might reach his jaw at any moment.


    This wasn¡¯t surprising, since Namgoong-won hadn¡¯t slept a wink for the past 24 hours while working on this project. His meals were also reced with bread and milk instead of the usual, so that he wouldn¡¯t waste time eating.


    But Namgoong-won was happy. Even though his body was exhausted from doing the work that he was the best at and wanted to do, his mind was rejoicing. If his wife, Lee Hye-jin, was next to him, she would¡¯ve stopped him at any cost, but he was pumped up to the point that he was thinking it was a relief that she wasn¡¯t here.


    <ck-ck-ck! ck-ck-ck-ck-ck-ck! ck-ck-ck-ck-ck-ck-ck-ck!>


    Namgoong-won thought that the sounds generated from the mechanical keyboard every time he pressed a key, were the most beautiful in the world. As the clock on the wall pointed to exactly 22:10, Namgoong-won raised his hands and cheered.


    ¡°Yes! Complete!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Is that true? You¡¯re amazing, making this in one day¡­¡±


    ¡°Wow, those rumors about you were true.¡±


    ¡°A genius! Genius!¡±


    The soldiers and researchers who were watching from behind him eximed one by one. These people were also those that were famed for their work withputers, but they couldn¡¯t help but exim in admiration at the ability of Namgoong-won with their own eyes.


    Namgoong-won, who had raised his arms, suddenly felt his head spin. At the same time, he was ovee with exhaustion, and he fell back into his chair.


    ¡°Oh my! I¡¯m dizzy.¡±


    Namgoong-won realized now, after touching his forehead, that he was sick.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Hey! Bring coffee! Never mind, bring water instead!¡±


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m just a little dizzy because I got up suddenly. Haha.¡±


    As several people bustled around him, Namgoong-won managed to make a face to prove that he was okay.


    ¡°Besides, Colonel Kim Tae-suk!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Director Namgoong-won!¡±


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m not a director. I¡¯m no longer a part of the National Intelligence Service either. Just call me Namgoong-won.¡±


    ¡°But isn¡¯t it better to call you ¡®director¡¯ than to just call you by name?¡±


    ¡°I know. What¡¯s so important about calling someone a certain title? I think it¡¯s more important that the software is finished. I¡¯m counting on you to test it. That¡¯s okay, right, Colonel Kim Tae-suk?¡±


    Namgoong-won scratched the back of his head while pointing to the monitor with his other hand.


    ¡°Ah! Of course, thank you so much for your hard work. Please have a good rest. We¡¯ll finish the testing by then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, then I¡¯lle back in four hours. Ah! That¡¯s right, when will the equipment that¡¯ll be carrying this softwaree from the Parthenon research center?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already arrived and is on standby at the moment.¡± Colonel Kim Tae-suk pointed to therge silver case that was on one side of the table.


    ¡°Ah! I see. Haha! Then I¡¯ll be going!¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead. Go and rest. One of our men will lead you to the resting area.¡±


    Namgoong-won nodded in reply. It seemed like he didn¡¯t even have the strength to speak anymore. He followed the man who was supposed to guide him to the rest area and left the Digital Information Center.


    The hacking software that Namgoong-won had spent 24 hours nonstop making was to be put into the long equipment called X-119, which was in the case that Colonel Kim Tae-suk had pointed to. It was to be loaded onto the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet, which would fly out into space. Then, they would shoot the X-119 at the 2nd satellite of NASA¡¯s Hubble Space Telescope, which is the current designated target.


    If they seeded in attaching the X-119P to the 2nd satellite of the Hubble Space Telescope and seeded in hacking its internal system, they would be able to get through to the internal serverwork of NASA.


    The CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet, a strategic level ship, used for hacking NASA, was possible because, since this operation was ordered by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there was a huge amount of support for it.


    *


    *


    *


    January 23rd, 2024, 02:00


    The Konosu industrial region, Konosu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan


    The Konosu industrial region in Konosu, 45 kilometers away from Tokyo, was one of the three biggest industrial regions in Japan. This area had gotten much financial support from the Republic of Korea¡¯s government and had been renewed since Japan¡¯s defeat in the Korean-Japanese war, when most of the industrial facilities had turned into ruins. The area that this region covered was about 18 times the size of Yeouido, and, regarding size, wasn¡¯t one to be bested by the Republic of Korea¡¯s industrial regions.


    In addition, the Konosu industrial region had many automobile-rted factories. Cars were, even from before, an industrial strong point in Japan, and since the Konosu industrial region was responsible for the production of cars, it was a very important industrial region that made up 15 percent of Japan¡¯s economy.


    On the many roads within the Konosu industrial region, which was as big as most cities, there were numerous C-161PT Small Strategic Cars with their TCS (transparent concealment system) turned on, secretly and quickly moving to the destination location given to each of them.


    The C-161PT Small Strategic Car was the upgraded version of the previous C-161P Small Strategic Car that had TCS mode and hovering system capabilities.


    The C-161PT Small Strategic Cars, traveling along the road as if they were sliding, made minimal engine sounds with their TCS modes turned on. Like assassins, they were able to slip through the security service¡¯s monitors as well as the surveince cameras that were everywhere.


    As the C-161PT Small Strategic Cars arrived at each of their destinations, without anything holding them back, the marines that were wearing the ES-C1 exosuits, wearable exoskeleton robots, showed themselves one by one. They also had their TCS modes turned on.


    The ES-C1 exosuits were wearable suits that were able to make the user stronger or control the operation movements more intricately, ording to what the user wanted. It was abination of ¡®Exo,¡¯ standing for devices that were wearable on the outside of the user¡¯s body, and ¡®Suit,¡¯ standing for clothing


    Currently, equipment such as exosuits is used in many areas, such as industrial fieldwork, rescue work, and medical rehabilitation. Of these exosuits, the ES-C1 exosuits were perfectly made for military use. They were upgraded to be lighter and enable the user to move freely as well as quickly.


    Any soldier that had the ES-C1 exosuit on was able to run for an hour at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, and was able to lift up to 500 kilograms. Moreover, it was sofortable that the ability to move freely and quickly wasn¡¯t hindered by wearing it.


    Each marine that was equipped with the ES-C1 exosuit, lifted boxes that looked heavy. They were marines of the 1st Marine Division who were assigned as explosive specialists.


    Each group of the Small Strategic Cars had three marines with exosuits on, and three others that were keeping watch for them.


    ¡°This is Corn One! Two, three, and four should just listen. Over! Make sure you get back in time! Unless you want to say hi to the Jade Emperor down in hell after being hit with lightning.¡± The orders of the higher-ranked marine traveled through themunicationwork to many of the lower-ranked marines.


    Teams were formed, with each team having two marines: one wearing the exosuit and one keeping watch for the one with the exosuit on. The teams moved quickly to each of their designated locations.


    Soon after, each team neutralized the internal security system of the factories, and freely moved inside. They then took out bombs that looked like lunchboxes from the boxes they had brought using the exosuits.


    These bombs were the PP7-XAM instation bombs, with highly concentrated sma, which were usually used for sma cohesive bombs.


    The bombs were able to create an explosion of around 10 TNT bombs. A con of using these bombs, however, was that, as good as they were at creating explosions, they were heavier. If anyone was to try to carry these in a backpack without an exosuit on, they would probably only be able to carry three or four.


    The marines had deployed 98 men with exosuits to the Konos industrial region. Each man was given two hours to install 80 PP7-XAM bombs.


    **


    *


    January 23rd, 2024, 04:30


    The situation room of the Security Service Headquarters Bunker, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan


    The air was heavy in the situation room of the Security Service Headquarters Bunker. All of the executives of the security service, as well as the Minister of Security forces, Mike Takashi and the general manager of the security service, Superintendent Yoshida Maya, were gathered.


    Seemingly pressured by the tension, the faces of those gathered weren¡¯t too happy. It was because they were afraid that their lives would be ruined because of the ns of the right-wing politicians supporting the ¡®Deration of Independence.¡¯


    Because of Japan¡¯s top-down decision-making culture, those gathered were unable to even give an opposing opinion. Some executives were even considering giving up their ces so as not to be involved.


    ¡°Still no contact from the American forces?¡± asked Minister of Security Forces Mike Takashi, frustrated.


    ¡°No, sir. Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Hah! Sh*t, there are only 30 minutes left! How is it that they have yet to contact us? Minister Mike Takashi turned his anger toward Superintendent Yoshida Maya.


    ¡°We¡¯ve finished preparations, so why wouldn¡¯t they call in any time now?¡± Superintendent Yoshida Maya managed to make a casual face and replied.


    Commander Sasaki Sho, who was next to the superintendent, carefully opened his mouth to talk. ¡°Perhaps! Could it be canceled?¡±


    ¡°What? You say canceled, when there are only 30 minutes left before the operation goes into action? You want it to be canceled?¡± scolded Minister Mike Takashi.


    Commander Sasaki Sho bowed his head and shrank into a corner.


    Just then, the emergency phone rang, breaking the silence. It was the call they had been waiting for, from the American forces.


    ¡°Yes, this is the Security Service Headquarters. Yes, yes, I understand. Yes, yes.¡± Inspector Osako Yuya finished the call and reported the contents loudly so that everyone in the situation room could hear it.


    ¡°Minister Mike Takashi! It¡¯s a call from themander of the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy. They¡¯ll be going through with thending operation at the time we agreed on, and that we should go through with the ¡®Deration of Independence¡¯ operation as well.¡±


    As soon as Inspector Osako Yuya finished his report, some of the executives in the situation room, who had hoped that this operation would be canceled, made a discouraged face and hung their heads.


    ¡°The water¡¯s already been spilled. We need to make this operation a sess. The future of Japan depends on it! Everyone take responsibility and stay true to the tasks assigned! Over!¡± shouted Minister Mike Takashi as he stood up from his chair.


    He was trying to boost the morale of the executives before the big operation, but the reaction of the executives wasn¡¯t as good as he expected. All of them, with expressionless faces, got up from their seats, saluted, and, with heavy footsteps, walked to the locations where each of the forces they were supposed tomand were..

 Chapter 537 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 1-1 Disintegration

    <h4>Chapter 537: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 1-1 Disintegration</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 5:00 (Local time: 06:00)


    At sea (bridge of the Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) warship), 388 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    Captain Landen Donovan, feeling furious after he had ended themunication with Admiral Kim Lee-won 10 minutes ago, immediately reported to themand ship of the Pacific Fleet about themunication and its contents. He also requested rights tomand the eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers that had been assigned to the blue team.


    This was because he wanted to wash away his frustration by defeating Korea¡¯s 2nd Fleet with just the Destroyers of the blue team, once the naval warfare began.


    At this, the Pacific Fleet¡¯smander¡¯s staff gave its approval as the Pacific Fleet¡¯smander¡¯s staff had already analyzed the power of the 2nd Fleet, and had decided that just the Destroyers of the blue team would be more than enough to defeat the 2nd fleet.


    With this, Captain Landen Donovan had the right tomand the eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers. He left the bridge to the deputy captain and went down to the battlemand room.


    At that very moment, Prime Minister Uchida was dering Japan¡¯s autonomy by announcing it through a public speech. They had sent the United States government, their ally, an official draft of the request. At this, President Trump immediately signed the draft and submitted the document to Congress. As the House of Representatives and the Senate had been waiting on the draft, it passed through both parts of Congress easily and smoothly.


    It was all a well-nned out game.


    This meant that President Trump, who had gotten an official request draft from Japan, had received a justification for military intervention. He immediately gave an order to the Pentagon, and the Pentagon ryed the order to the Pacificmand center, which in turn gave the orders to the Pacific Fleet to carry out thending operation in Japan.


    It only took three minutes for President Trump¡¯s order to reach the Pacific Fleet. This would have been impossible without prior preparation.


    Captain Donovan, who had received attack orders directly from Admiral Rubin Scott, immediately gave orders to themanders of the eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers.


    At this, the eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers that had been sailing towards the northwest started to separate slowly, moving into a diamond formation.


    10 minutester, when the eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers had gotten into formation, Captain Donovan gave direct orders to the tactical control officer. ¡°Report the current situation!¡±


    ¡°Reporting current situation. Enemy warship! Azimuth 2-9-5, distance 210K! Staying at the current location! Within the range of all anti-warship missiles and railguns.¡±


    After the short briefing on the current situation from the tactical control officer, Captain Donovan nced at the watch on his wrist and thought for a moment.


    He was deciding if they shouldunch an all-out attack at the distance they were currently at or if they should attack when they were a bit closer.


    Captain Donovan concluded that it wasn¡¯t worth using the expensive anti-warship missiles against the 2nd Fleet of the Korean Navy, with only one Aegis Destroyer, and decided to destroy the 2nd Fleet with just the cost-effective railguns.


    Thus, he decided tounch a surprise attack after getting closer to the 2nd Fleet and ordered the captains of the warships to sail at maximum speed. The eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers sped up to the maximum speed, which was 30 knots. The weather was in their favor¡ªthe waves were low and there was no wind.


    Only the moon and the stars glimmered on the dark early morning horizon. On the sea, the eight warships sailed, cutting through the water, creating seafoam, which quickly disappeared as the waves carried them away.


    ¡°All warships, maic fields at max.¡±


    Built from the 7th warship, the Zumwalt-ss Destroyers had cutting-edge radar jammers-a maic field pulse system.


    With this system, a maic field pulse is formed over the entire Zumwalt-ss Destroyer, preventing the enemy¡¯s radar detection. In this case, they wouldn¡¯t be seen on the fire control radar, which meant that they were able to defend well against radar-based weapons unless they were manually aimed and fired.


    The Zumwalt-ss Destroyers, with their extraordinary appearance, formed maic field pulse systems around themselves and sailed rapidly, while preparing one of the powerful weapons it carried, the railgun.


    The fairing on the front deck of the warships was drawn back on each side, revealing enormous turrets, slowly rising upward. The front of the turret then opened on each side, revealing a railgun barrel. It was not very long, but it was unusually shaped. It was a scene simr to something seen in a science fiction movie.


    In addition, among the Zumwalt-ss Destroyers, the warships Raybom (DDG-1012) and Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) were built from Flight II blueprints. They had, unlike the other Destroyers, two railguns on their decks.


    Also, the previous railguns had an output of 128MJ. Starting from Flight II, the output was now 256MJ


    -an almost twofold increase. While the range was increased, the maximum speed of the metal bullets was increased to Mach 10 as well. They were the same Zumwalt-ss, but the new Destroyers were iparable to the early form of the Zumwalt-ss Destroyers that were created three years ago.


    **


    *


    January 23rd, 2024, 05:10


    At sea (the battlemand room of the Republic of Korea¡¯s Taejong the Great [DDG-1014]), 100 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    While the eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers of the U.S. Navy sailed smoothly, Admiral Kim Lee-won, with his arms crossed and sitting on his chair, was watching their movements on the tactical screen as if he was Buddha.


    ¡°Admiral, will you bemanding the fleet to be on standby?¡± Operations officer Hong Seung-tae asked repeatedly out of worry. Admiral Kim Lee-won hadn¡¯t given any orders even though the U.S. Navy¡¯s Destroyers had gotten into battle formation.


    ¡°Operations officer! There¡¯s no need to be impatient! If I¡¯m right, they won¡¯t attack right away.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t clear where he was getting his confidence, but it seemed like Admiral Kim Lee-won had already figured out the intentions of the U.S. Navy¡¯s Destroyers.


    ¡°Admiral! Numerous confirmation requests areing in from squadron leaders. I feel that it¡¯ll be better to prepare ahead of time, as well.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, okay. Okay! Order the fleet to get ready for battle. Tell the ships that are in TCS mode to stay in the current position until a separate order is given to them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Admiral Kim Lee-won ordered the fleet to get ready for battle following the persistent request of the operations officer. He started humming, seemingly happy. At this, the operators and staff of the battlemand room were puzzled.


    His rxed attitude, even when there was an uing fight with the most powerful navy in the world¡ªthe U.S. Navy-in a life or death situation, was indeed something that would certainly warrant such a reaction.


    Soon after, the orders from the operations officer to get ready for battle was broadcasted to thebined fleet. However, not much movement was seen from ships of the fleet as they were already getting ready for battle.


    Needless to say, the captain of Taejong the Great (DDG-1014) had already ordered the ship to get ready for battle, as well. Only a few members of the crew moved, while most of the crew stayed where they were, as they were ready for battle and were on standby. Admiral Kim Lee-won had been showing such a rxed attitude because he knew that all the ships would already be getting ready for battle.


    ¡°Operations officer!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral!¡±


    ¡°When do you think those b*stards will be attacking?¡±


    ¡°Well, seeing that they¡¯ve gone past the expected attack time, I¡¯m thinking they might attack soon.¡±


    ¡°No, I believe it¡¯ll be at least 20 minutes before they start attacking.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re joking. It¡¯s already passed 10 minutes since their expected attack time.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when you see it.¡±


    Admiral Kim Lee-won, with his unknown confidence, winked and closed his eyes. At this, Officer Hong Seung-tae tilted his head with a puzzled look on his face.


    *


    *


    *


    January 23rd, 2024, 05:30


    At sea (bridge of the Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) warship), 358 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    They were now about 200 kilometers away from the 2nd Fleet of the Korean Navy and it was approaching 30 minutes past the expected attack time.


    ¡°Captain! I think you should order an attack now. We¡¯ve just received orders from the fleetmand staff to attack since President Trump has announced the eptance of Japan¡¯s requests regarding the request for a deration of autonomy.¡±


    ¡°Damn! Can¡¯t they wait just a little longer?¡±


    Captain Landen Donovan, after checking the time, had wanted to continue sailing fast for a further 20 minutes to get closer to the 2nd Fleet, but he had to follow the orders given to him by the fleetmand staff. If he actedte and got hismand rights taken away, all of this would have been for nothing.


    ¡°Operations officer! Give my orders to all the ships. The first wave of attack will only be with railguns, and the target will be designated by this ship. After the data link has connected, I will be expecting a report from each ship when they¡¯re ready. After that, I will order the exact attack time!¡± Captain Landen Donovan gave a clear and simple order. He was soon expecting to be promoted to the Group Leader of the 1st Carrier Strike Group.


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will convey your orders to them.¡±


    The operations officer immediately ryed Captain Donovan¡¯s orders to all the ships. Meanwhile, Captain Donovan picked up his receiver and called thebat information center. ¡°Combat information center.¡±


    ¡°Yes, this is the tactical control officer of thebat information center.¡±


    ¡°Set the enemy ships as targets, and distribute targets to each ship on our side!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Soon after, a report came in from the tactical control officer. ¡°Currently, we have finished distributing targets to each ship, and have gotten reports from each ship that they have connected to the data link.¡±


    ¡°Roger.¡±


    Captain Donovan gave a short answer, looked at the clock on the wall, and gave another order. ¡°Current time is 05:38. At 05:40, exactly two minutes from now, all shipsunch attacks!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will ry your order.¡±


    After the order had been given, each of the eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers turned their 512)-ss railgun turrets toward the targets they were given.


    Two minutester, metal bullets were fired with shelling sounds that could hardly be heard.


    The metal bullets, with their speed of Mach 10, were specialpound bullets with such amazing speed that they could hit targets that were around 200 kilometers away in just 79 seconds.


    The size of these bullets was tiny inparison to the anti-warship missiles, so unless there were intercepting systems that could stop these tiny bullets, this attack was expected to be impossible to intercept. Because of this, Captain Donovan had nned to destroy the 2nd Fleet¡¯s warshipspletely with just this attack.


    ¡°44 seconds until impact!¡± Reports came in from thebat information center in real-time.


    Usually, in battles, the captain would be down at thebat information center (CIC), watching the battle situation. However, the current battle was seen to be a one-sided ughter, so the captain hadn¡¯t even thought of heading down there. Instead, he stared at the tactical symbols that represented the bullets that were flying toward the enemy ships, which were provided by the data link from the CIC.


    The blue dots, which represented the bullets that were flying in a downward arc after reaching maximum altitude, began disappearing from the screen one by one.


    ¡°Wh-What¡¯s going on?¡± At the sudden urrence, Captain Donovan picked his receiver up and forcefully asked thebat information center.


    ¡°Th-they seem to have been intercepted.¡±


    ¡°Tactical control officer! Don¡¯t joke with me! What do you mean, they¡¯ve been intercepted?¡±


    While he was furiously talking with the tactical control officer, the dozens of blue dots suddenly disappeared from the screen without a trace.


    ¡°Is it true? An interception? D-damn! Launch a second wave of attack right away. Have each ship shoot at its designated target until the target is hit,¡± shouted Captain Donovan frustratedly into the headset of themunications operator that he had grabbed when he stomped toward themunication console.


    At that moment, an unbelievable report came in from the CIC.


    20 new warships had appeared and were surrounding the 12 warships of the 2nd Fleet.


    This information was from the As satellite, which had been scouting the area from above. Currently, in the sky above the seas east of Japan, four As reconnaissance satellites were scouting the seas so closely that they could even spot a flea within a 500-kilometer radius. If they didn¡¯t have the As reconnaissance satellites, they probably couldn¡¯t have realized the presence of the ships that were in TCS (Transparent Camouge System) mode so quickly.


    Captain Donovan had already been surprised, but he was even more astonished due to the information of the report that had just followed the previous one.


    Three years ago, four Zumwalt-ss Destroyers were devastated at sea by just one of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss destroyers, the most powerful cruiser of the Republic of Korea. The contents of the report that followed the previous one stated that two of these Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss destroyers were confirmed to be among the new ships that had appeared, ording to the DB they had used to analyze these ships.


    The results of the analysis of the defeat, at the time, were confirmed to be because of the clumsy operations of the Japanese Navy. However, the fact that four of the most powerful Destroyers of the U.S. Navy, which had taken 3 billion to build, was defeated by just one ship, was a humiliating memory that the U.S. Navy would remember for a long time toe.


    Captain Donovan¡¯s brain froze as if he was hit with a hammer. The blue dots shown on the tactical symbols screen continued to disappear.


    ¡°This is an order from the Pacific Fleet¡¯smand staff. It¡¯s an order to immediately flee from this area and retreat.¡±


    The tactical control officer shouted urgently but his shouts didn¡¯t reach Captain Donovan¡¯s ears. However, Captain Donovan couldn¡¯t contain astonishment at the additional report..

 Chapter 538 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 1-2 Disintegration

    <h4>Chapter 538: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 1-2 Disintegration</h4>


    The chance that these destroyers, only able to travel at 30 knots, would be able to flee from the path of the Korean Navy warships was low. The ships of the Korean Navy possessed various anti-warship missiles that could travel hundreds of kilometers at supersonic speed. The only thing the U.S.


    destroyers could do was to face the Korean Navy head to head until they could get reinforcements from the Pacific Fleet.


    Captain Landen Donovan sorted out his thoughts


    calmly, even though he was still surprised.


    He shouted into the headset that he was holding. ¡°From now on, I¡¯m giving each ship¡¯s captain themanding rights. Regarding target designation, make sure to keep using the datalink to attack different targets.¡±


    Even though several troubling events were happening at once, Captain Donovan tried his best to stay calm and made the best decision he could have made in the current situation.


    ¡°O-objects expected to be b-bullets detected from the enemy fleet! A total of 44, no, the number keeps increasing. 56 bullets, confirmed 67 bullets! From those, 21 of them are flying toward this ship! Activating the automatic interception system.¡± As the battle information officer reported, he decided to


    convert the system to an automatic interception system. The situation was that urgent.


    ¡°Deputy captain!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°Take charge of the bridge. I¡¯m going down to thebat information center.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Currently, the objects flying toward the eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers werepact sma cohesive bombs that were fired from the 100-millimeter Squitte C-2 gun. They were flying at great speeds,parable to the metal bullets fired from the 256MJ railgun¡ªa terrifying speed of almost Mach 10.


    The eight new-generation Zumwalt-ss destroyers had a higher interception rate and unlike the older destroyer models, it was equipped with the 8MJ-ss railgun for CIWS (Close-In Weapons System) purposes. The problem, however, was the number of bullets that needed to be intercepted. It didn¡¯t


    matter how powerful the anti-air defenses were, it was impossible to intercept 100 percent of the 22pact sma cohesive bombs that had a diameter of 100 millimeters and a length of 1,500 millimeters.


    If there were other destroyers of the Pacific Fleet nearby, with their support, it would have been possible to have an interception rate of close to 100 percent. However, the distance between the rest of the Pacific Fleet was around 88 kilometers¡ªthe result of going at full speed for a whole 20 minutes to get


    closer to the 2nd Fleet.


    In other words, because of Captain Donovan¡¯s recklessness, the only option the eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers had to survive was gone.


    Captain Donovan ran through the narrow hallway and the stairs, and arrived at thebat information center. He walked toward the battle information officer, who was busy giving orders.


    Because of the urgent situation, the battle information officer didn¡¯t even nce at him, much less salute. He continued to concentrate on his given task. Captain Donovan, who was well aware of the situation, was careful not to be a distraction. He watched, standing at the side.


    The first thing that was to be done in this situation was to intercept the enemy bullets flying toward the ship under the battle information officer¡¯smand.


    ¡°11th, 12th, targets seeded! 13th failed! 14th failed! 15th seeded in intercepting!¡± The fire control officer reported the situation in real-time, looking at all the information being disyed.


    </papapapapang!>


    The two 8MJ-ss railguns on the Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) sprayed intercepting metal bullets toward the dark sky, to the point of overheating.


    Momentster, beyond the horizon, in the dark sky, dark red dots, seemingly made from air friction due to the high speed appeared one by one. They soon flew toward the Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) as if they were being sucked in by gravity.


    <boom!></boom!>


    The Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) had be a target in just a few minutes. A few kilometers away, the first dark red dot exploded in the air. It had been shot down by the metal intercept bullets sprayed by the 8MJ-ss railgun.


    But one by one, more dark red dots appeared. They soon overtook the Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) warship.


    The Son Byong-hi (CG-1103) and the Cha Yi-suk (CG-1104), both Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss destroyers, were continuously firingpact sma cohesive bombs from the two Squitte C-2 cannons. It was revenge for the metal bullets from the railguns that had attacked them a few moments ago.


    The Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) warship¡¯s battle information officer tried his best to fight back, but as expected, it was impossible to intercept all 22 small shells in such a short amount of time.


    <boom!></boom!>


    Apact sma cohesive bomb, shaped like a triangr pole, flew in from the right and hit the bridge of the Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014), shaking the entire ship.


    The shock of the impact, created by just eleration, was truly huge. The bridge area, made from spaced armor, was ripped into pieces as if it was just a piece of paper, andrge mes erupted everywhere. The misfortune didn¡¯t end here, however. As the timer ran out on the bomb, thepact sma


    cohesive bomb that had buried itself deeply in the ship revealed its true power.


    An enormous explosion urred from inside, and heat that could instantly melt metal moved throughout the interior of the ship. The battle information officer, who had tried his best to intercept the bullets, as well as Captain Landen Donovan, who was unable to do anything, but pull ally captains and


    subordinates into the depths of hell, were burned to death from the sudden burst of heat. It was an absurd way to die.


    While the heat of the first bomb swept through the ship, the secondpact sma cohesive bomb hit the stern of the ship through the fire.


    This time, it seemed that the timer went off at the point of impact. Explosions followed the shock of the impact, and the bomb exploded at the same time. The stern of the ship ripped into two pieces and flew into the air.


    At this, the stern side of the Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) suddenly started to tilt, and soon the whole ship was being pulled into the sea.


    ¡®The members of the crew who were lucky enough to survive opened the exit that led outside, and jumped straight into the sea without a second thought. However, only a small amount of crew members were able to jump out into the sea using the exits. Unlike normal warships, the side of the


    Zumwalt-ss destroyer was made up of a solid wall, which meant it didn¡¯t have many exits.


    In no time, the Paul Hamilton (DDG-1014) sank into the sea, leaving just its front protruding. The situation for the other destroyers was also pretty much the same.


    The Dous MacArthur (DDG-1006), which had been in charge of the right corner of the diamond formation, was directly hit by fourpact sma cohesive bombs. It was destroyed into a shapeless heap of metal and sank into the ocean without a trace. The te II-ss Rayburn (DDG-1012), which


    had been in charge of defending the front, had vanished as well, only leaving behind numerous parts floating on the sea.


    Besides this, the Barry (DDG-1007) and the Stout (DDG-1009) and the Fitzgerald (DDG-1016), which had been in the center, spewed out huge mes, leaving just a mass of ruins, floating on the waves without any ability to sail on their own.


    Only the Curtis Wilbur (DDG-1008) and the Mitscher (DDG-1011) seeded in intercepting 100 percent of the sma cohesive bombs. Even though allied destroyers around them were shot down and were either engulfed by mes or were sinking into the ocean, they expressed their relief and happiness


    when the bombs were intercepted sessfully. This happiness didn¡¯tst long, however¡ª4o bullets shot from the Squitte cannons were flying toward them with their death just moments away.


    This entire ughter happened in less than 10 minutes. When the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and the F-35C Lightning II fighter jets that were urgently dispatched from the Calvinson (CVN-80) had arrived at the area, the eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers had already sunk into the ocean, only leaving behind


    numerous broken parts.


    When the Pacific Fleet was told of the situation, they were filled with shock. 32 out of the 64 dispatched F-35C Lightning II fighter jets, equipped with the supersonic-speed AGM-158S SRASM airship missiles on both sides of the lower internal armory, lowered their altitudes sharply while releasing radar


    jamming waves. When they had reached a certain altitude, they opened the fairing of the internal armory, and using the target information they received from the As reconnaissance satellite, fired AGM-158S SRASM missiles one by one.


    *SRASM: Short-Range Anti-Ship Missile


    ¡®The AGM-158S SRASM was based on the previous AGM-158D LRASM but was newly developed to fit into the small internal armory of the F-35C model while being able to travel at supersonic speed. This SRASM had been jointly developed by Lockheed Martin and NASA, and it had only been a few months


    since it had been put into use in actual battle. It was a shiny new supersonic-speed airship missile dedicated for the F-35B and C¡¯s use.


    <shooowaaa~ shooowaaa~=¡±¡±>


    ¡®The AGM-158S SRASMs exited the internal armory, creating red sparks in unison. They soon left the sight of the pilot, leaving behind a trail of white smoke.


    ¡®The AGM-158S SRASM had been developed to be a smaller missile due to the small internal armory space. Its speed was close to Mach 5, but its range was only 250 kilometers, much shorter than expected.</shooowaaa~>


    It was because of these reasons that the making of these missiles faced objections from the Air Force, and even cancetion. However, Lockheed Martin and NASA had persistently persuaded those in opposition and finally seeded in putting them to use in actual battle. They had reasoned that it was a


    weapon that had its merits since the fighter jets that would be carrying them would be stealth fighter jets, which would allow them to approach within the missiles¡¯ range, as well as avoid the enemy ships¡¯ radar.


    There was, however, one more top-secret reason why those in opposition of this missile had finally been persuaded. The AGM-158S SRASM¡¯s range had been considerably shortened due to the small internal armory spacepared to other supersonic-speed missiles, but the speed of these missiles could


    be increased up to Mach 8 using the supplementary engines attached to four locations of its body.


    This feature could also be used as a propelling force to evade intercepting missiles. These two modes were a very big merit, as they could choose between them freely depending on the battle situation.


    Currently, the location that the F-35C Lightning II fighter jets had fired the AGM-158S SRASM was 250 kilometers away from the 2nd Fleet, which was the maximum range of the missiles. This distance meant that out of the two modes, the mode that boosted speed couldn¡¯t be used.


    ¡®The 64 AGM-158S SRASMs flew above the ocean, skimming the water at the speed of Mach 5. The waves that had been calm without any wind blowing over them, immediately began to move, soaring up toward the sky..

 Chapter 539 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 1-3 Disintegration

    <h4>Chapter 539: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 1-3 Disintegration</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 05:55


    At sea, (battlemand center of the Taejong the Great(DDG-996)) 100 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba prefecture, Japan


    Admiral Kim Lee-won had used his great tactics to destroy the eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers. He now focused on the big match¡ªthe fight against the main body of the Pacific Fleet.


    40 CA-11P Phoenix fighter jets had taken off from the Bukju (LHD-6202) and two Ganghwado-ss multipurpose amphibious assault ships that had tumed off their TCS (Transparent Camouge System). They had been dispatched just moments ago to face off against the dozens of F-35C fighter jets


    flying toward this fleet from 330 kilometers away.


    Also, the AI of the Cha Yi-suk (CG-1105), Hoc M21, had calcted the risk levels of the AGM-158S SRASM flying toward the fleet and had given each ship its designated targets. The Cha Yi-suk (CG-1105) was the cruiser assigned to the left, out of the two Hoc cruisers ced on each side of the


    formation.


    As a cutting-edge AI should, the Hoc M21 finished analyzing the missiles in only a few seconds and assigned targets to each ship. Blue light scattered as dozens of anti-aircraft missiles rose from 20 warships¡¯ verticalunching system.


    The sight of dozens of anti-aircraft missiles being fired all at once was a scene to behold.


    ¡°Admiral! We¡¯vepletedunching the first wave of anti-aircraft missiles at the intercept targets. We¡¯re expecting tounch the second wave of missiles after confirming the results of the interception.¡±


    The procedures of fighting were all taken care of by the Hoc M21 AI. Because of this, there wasn¡¯t much to do in thebat information center (CIC). All they had to do was to receive reports about the current situation in real-time and only intervene to give orders when decisions needed to be made.


    ¡°Admiral! Anti-warship missiles have been fired from the Pacific Fleet, as well. Currently 55, and increasing as we speak! Assigning targets to the missiles that have been fired first!¡±


    Admiral Kim Lee-won, who was watching the various tactic symbols that were appearing and disappearing on the widescreen monitor, answered with a nod at the tactical control officer¡¯s report.


    It was true that this was the same terrible war as three years ago, with everyone¡¯s life on the line, but asputers took over a lot of the procedures, it became a rather boring fight.


    ¡°Admiral! Attempting intercept of the first target in five seconds.¡±


    The tactics screen in the CIC showed dozens of red dots heading toward the fleet, creating red trails behind them. From the opposite side, a blue dot, with a blue line trailing behind it, headed straight for the red dots and was about to make contact with one of them. At that moment, the red dot suddenly


    sped up. The blue and red dots had crossed each other, but both were intact.


    At the failure of the first attempt to intercept, the tactical control officer¡¯s trembling voice rang in the CIC. ¡°1st target! Failed to intercept!¡±


    The first attempt to intercept had failed, but Admiral Kim Lee-won wasn¡¯t surprised, as the interception rate couldn¡¯t be a hundred percent. When it was reported that the second attempt had failed, however, Admiral Kim-Lee won sprang up from his chair.


    It was because he felt that something was wrong. One failure could have been a coincidence, but he couldn¡¯t stop thinking that something was wrong when two failures urred in a row.


    ¡°Has the reason for interception failure been analyzed?¡±


    At the surprise question of Admiral Kim, the tactical control officer, who was just about to report the sess of the third attempt to intercept, ran to the other side of the console and briefly spoke to the operator in charge before going back to Admiral Kim to report. ¡°ording to the analysis, the reason


    that the intercept missiles missed their timing to strike the targets was that the target¡¯s speed suddenly increased to Mach 2 or more.¡±


    It was a report that was hard to believe.


    ¡°You mean that the target anti-warship missile suddenly increased its speed to more than Mach 2?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. The current results of the analysis say so.¡±


    Just then, the tactical status operator, in ce of the tactical control officer, announced the dyed reports.


    ¡°Targets 3, and 4, interception sess! Target 5 interception failure! Target 6 interception failure! Target 7 interception sess¡­!¡±


    While there were unexpected interception sesses reported, it was a relief that the interception sess rates kept increasing as the intercepting operation continued.


    The reason for this was that the anti-aircraft missiles that had missed their first targets had been set to the next target, which meant that the anti-aircraft missiles that had initially failed were directed at theter targets. With this, the chance of a sessful interception had gone up.


    Usually, if the anti-aircraft missiles were faster than the target, it would turn around and immediately attempt to intercept the same missile once again. However, in the current situation, the target and the anti-aircraft missiles were going at simr speeds. Thus, the Hoc M21 AI selected the second


    option of directing the missiles to the next target at a speed of 0.0001 seconds. If the operators had to set the targets manually, the second option wouldn¡¯t even have been attempted.


    While each side¡¯s missiles connected and exploded in the dark sky, the 32 F-35C Lightning II fighter jets that had been dispatched on a guarding operation met up with the 62 F-35C Lightning II fighter jets from the Navy and 46 F-35B Lightning Il fighter jets from the Marines. In no time, a total of 140


    F-35B and C Lightning II fighter jets began a spectacr dogfight with the CA-11P Phoenix fighter jets.


    In addition to this, naval warfare at the Pacific Ocean had begun with both sides firing the massive amounts of weapons they had on hand. It was a battle that would be remembered for a long time toe.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 06:00


    Inner-city, Tokyo, Japan


    Sounds of explosions and gunshots started at 5 a.m. 40,000 soldiers from the security force and around a thousand American special force soldiers gathered in Tokyo. As nned, they struck public facilities, infrastructure, and the garrison of the 1st marine division¡¯s subordinate units in a surprise attack.


    ¡°Move faster! Faster!¡± Otto Hideyoshi, who had a security officer badge on him, shouted at the security force soldiersing out of the transport truck.


    Their task was to suppress the garrison of the 1st marine division¡¯s subordinate unit in the center of Tokyo.


    Around 200 soldiers from the security forces, armed with personal firearms, exited from dozens of transport trucks and surrounded the garrison.


    But strangely enough, there was no reaction from the Marine garrison. There wasn¡¯t a guard at the front entrance and it was strangely silent.


    It seemed like a vacant garrison with no one in it.


    ¡°Why¡¯s it so silent?¡± muttered themander in charge, Otto Hideyoshi, as he looked over at the entrance. There was no sign of anyone or anything inside the base, even though they were surrounding it.


    But they were mistaken. The marines had already activated TCS mode and were waiting outside the garrison. In actuality, the marines were the ones surrounding the security forces that surrounded the marine base.


    ¡°Suppress them first. Move forward, toon 1!¡±


    Looking around, Otto Hideyoshi raised his hand and waved the soldiers forward. A group of soldiers from the security forces ran toward the front entrance. As they were about to enter,ser beams started raining on them from behind.


    ording to the surrender agreement, the ces where the Korean Army was garrisoned were Korean territories and was equivalent to an embassy. Therefore, when they invaded, armed with personal firearms, it was a forceful provocation toward the territory of the Republic of Korea. Naturally,


    ording to the specifics of the agreement, the Marines were given the right to fire.


    <urgh! urgh!=¡±¡±></urgh!>


    At the sudden attack from behind, dozens of security force soldiers that were only looking at the front each screamed and fell to the ground.


    ¡°They¡¯re behind us! Behind us!¡±


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 06:00


    ¡®The Blue House (Chunchugwan ¨C Press Center), Jongno-gu, Seoul, Namju


    The entire world¡¯s attention was focused on Japan since they had announced the ¡®Deration of Independence.¡¯ In the midst of this, the Blue House of the Republic of Korea announced its position regarding Japan¡¯s deration.


    President Choo Un-hee came up to the podium, spread the documents she had brought with her, fixed her gaze on the broadcast camera, and began reading with an expressionless face.


    ¡°Citizens whom we respect, and citizens who are living overseas, just one hour ago, Prime Minister Uchida of Japan has attacked our proud Marine force base in Tokyo, Japan, without provocation, under the excuse of the ¡®Deration of Independence.¡¯ In addition to this, the cab of Japan has requested


    cooperation from America regarding the ¡®Deration of Independence.¡¯ The American government has epted this, and the Pacific Fleet, which was training at the Pacific Ocean near the east end of Japan, has attacked our Navy. It was a truly disastrous and preposterous military provocation.¡±


    The contents of the announcement were so shocking that the reporters at the Chunchugwan Press Center eximed in surprise.


    ¡°Twould like to earnestly speak to the leaders of both countries. First, Prime Minister Uchida! Have we, the Republic of Korea, suppressed Japan using politics or the economy? Or have we forced you to merge and colonized you to the point that you felt a deration of independence was necessary? Or do


    you just not understand the meaning of the word ¡®colony¡¯? We, the Republic of Korea, know very well about colonies. In the past, we were forced to merge and forced into colonization for 35 years by you, Japan. Young girls, who were just beginning to bloom, were dragged to the battlefield to be made into


    sex ves for your soldiers. Numerous Koreans were lied to and forced intobor. In addition to this, historically significant cultural heritages were destroyed or plundered. You exploited everything from ournd¡ªfrom humans to resources. This is when you can use and dere the word ¡®colony,¡¯ Prime


    Minister Uchida!¡±


    President Choo Un-hee red furiously at the camera as if she was speaking to Prime Minister Uchida face to face.


    ¡°Next, the president of the United States, President Trump! You seem to have prepared many things ahead of time, seeing that you¡¯ve attacked our Navy with the Pacific Fleet right when Japan announced its deration of independence. I won¡¯t speak long. You¡¯re prepared to put your life on the line,


    right?¡±


    <whoa!></whoa!>


    The reporters started buzzing all at once.


    It was because President Choo Un-hee¡¯s statement was extremely provocative. Which country would dare to threaten the president of the United States? Considering the current state of affairs, it was only Korea that could openly provoke the president of the United States.


    ¡°You seem to have forgotten your memories from three years ago. I¡¯ll do my best to have you relive that memory.¡± President Choo Un-hee spoke indirectly about when the U.S. maind had been attacked three years ago.


    ¡°Lastly, Japan has announced a deration of independence with a ridiculous reason. Thus, we announce that the surrender agreements have been nullified, and therefore will revert to three years ago, to when the surrender agreements didn¡¯t exist.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee strengthened her voice and finished herst statement. She nced at her watch and fixed her gaze on the camera once again. ¡°The time now is 06:12, 8 minutes left until Japan will revert to how it was three years ago. I hope there are no innocent sacrifices. That is all.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee ended her speech and disappeared behind the stage. The reporters, confused at thest statement, muttered among themselves. At this, the Presidential Secretary for Public Affairs Kim Jun-hong came up beside the podium and calmed the reporters.


    ¡°Reporters, as you can see how the current situation is, we¡¯ll only be epting three questions.¡±


    As soon as Secretary Kim finished speaking, all the reporters raised their hands in unison. Secretary Kim pointed to a reporter among the crowd. ¡°The reporter at the far back in blue!¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m Reporter Oh Eun-min of Kookje Daily News. Others are probably curious about this as well, but I would like to know what exactly the president meant by her statement that Japan will revert to three years ago.¡±


    ¡°Yes, this part is rted to ssified military information, so I can¡¯t speak about the specifics, but the president intends to make Japan into the state it was three years ago, just before the end of the Korean-Japanese war.¡±


    ¡°Then, should I understand it asunching a military attack on Japan?¡±


    ¡°Til leave it at that for that question. I¡¯ll be answering the next reporter¡¯s question. There, the third reporter wearing a royal blue sui


    ¡°Tm Reporter Lee Won-sam of SCN News. It was said that the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. has attacked our naval fleet. Does this mean that we¡¯re going into a full-scale war with America?¡±


    ¡°That kind of tragedy shouldn¡¯t happen again. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently contacting the U.S. government first to see if we can resolve this peacefully. However, if the issue is not effectively resolved, we are prepared to go into an all-out war with America.¡±


    ¡°Then, has the damage to our Navy been confirmed?¡± asked Lee Won-sam in a follow-up question.


    ¡°T¡¯ve heard that the fight is going on as we speak. There hasn¡¯t been a consolidation of all of the damage or battle statuses. We will furnish all reporters with the details in the future.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we, the current Republic of Korea, not the old Republic of Korea anymore? Even if war with America moves ahead, I believe that we, the Republic of Korea, will be able to ovee it. Now for thest question.¡±


    Thest reporter that the Presidential Secretary for Public Affairs Kim Jun-hong pointed to was one of the foreign reporters, an American reporter at that.


    ¡°Tm Reporter Robert Chandler of CCB News. You say that you¡¯re prepared to go into an all-out war with the United States, but isn¡¯t the Republic of Korea currently at war with Russia? If you go into an all-out war with the U.S. in this situation, wouldn¡¯t that lead to a national crisis? Do you really think that


    you can win against the U.S.?¡±


    ¡°Haha! You¡¯re an American reporter, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is correct.¡±


    ¡°Mm, did you happen to forget the events from three years ago, as well?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re speaking about the events from three years ago, are you referring to the incident when Korea attacked the United States maind?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct. I¡¯ll simply answer with that.¡±


    ¡°But that was three years ago. Wouldn¡¯t the situation be different now?¡±


    ¡°Could the situation be different? Yes, it could be different. Three years ago, it was only a part of the United States maind, but this time, it could be the entire are:

 Chapter 540 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 1-4 Disintegration

    Chapter 540: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 1-4 Disintegration


    January 23rd, 2024, 06:10


    The bunker situation room, Shinjuku City Security Force Central Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan


    ¡°Hahaha. It¡¯s a sess. Sess! Reports of sessful suppression of Marine bases areing in.¡± Superintendent Yoshida Mayaughed loudly as his smile stretched from ear to ear. The atmosphere in the bunker situation room was very much like the superintendent¡¯s happy face. The tension that was


    lingering heavily in the air before the big event was gone with no trace of it to be found.


    ¡°There¡¯s also a report that the base of the 1st Marine division headquarters has also been suppressed.¡± Senior Superintendent Nagatomo Yuto, who was in charge of situation propagation, ryed a report that had juste in.


    ¡°Good! Good! We¡¯re doing well. As expected, it seems that the U.S. Special Forces are a great help to us,¡± said Superintendent Yoshida Maya. Satisfied, Minister of Security Forces Mike Takashi also had a content look on his face.


    ¡°Right. Now if the U.S. arrives on ournd, we, Japan, can be an autonomous country like before!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. The past three years were hell. They dismissed our self-defense force and imed to protect us, but all they did was hinder us in anything we tried to do.¡±


    Three years ago, during the war with China, Japan took the opportunity tounch a pre-emptive attack and go into war with Korea in which they were defeated. They seemed to have forgotten the rtionship between Korea and Japan that had been formed ording to the surrender agreement after they


    had been defeated in war, and jabbered on as if Korea was the aggressor nation.


    However, they were hugely mistaken. Though they had received reports from themanders of the security forces currently performing the operation, these reports were made based solely from their perspective.


    Currently, the ist Marine division had already finished preparations to move back to its homnd, and it was deliberately avoiding excessive engagements. If the 1st Marine division had tried to stop Japan¡¯s ¡®Deration of Independence¡¯ beforehand, they wouldn¡¯t have used this tactic.


    They would have blocked off the paths of the security forces advancing from various parts of Honshu and would have performed counter surprise attacks on the camps of the security forces located in various ces in Tokyo beforehand. They were also aware that the American Special Forces were


    deployed in Tokyo, so they would have reacted ordingly and responded with appropriate engagement strategies.


    ¡®The 1st Marine division had, in actuality,pletely established these response strategies and was fully prepared for what was going to happen in the future, when orders from President Choo Un-hee eventually came in.


    ¡®While the Japanese were spewing nonsense, an aide from the security forces quietly went up to the Minister of Security Forces Mike Takashi to speak to him. ¡°Minister! The president of Korea has made an announcement regarding the recent events. It has just ended, but there is a recording of it.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Turn it on!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡®The screen in the situation room turned on, and the video of President Choo Un-hee¡¯s announcement began ying. A few minutes into the video, Superintendent Yoshida Maya scoffed, ¡°Ha! How that woman talks¡­¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t like that woman from the start.¡±


    ¡°Right. This is what happens when a woman bes a politician.¡±


    Each of them mocked President Choo Un-hee, while watching the announcement.


    ¡°She¡¯s saying that in eight minutes, we¡¯ll go back to three years ago, but I have no idea what she¡¯s trying to say. Haha, will all of us be traveling back in time to three years ago in five minutes? Is the president of Korea a woman who can control time? Hahaha.¡± Even Superintendent Yoshida Maya mocked


    President Choo Un-hee, and the situation room became a sea ofughter. Soon after, the video ended.


    ¡°Hmph, that video¡¯s just full of nonsense. I¡¯m just going to go now!¡± said Minister Mike Takashi, getting up from his seat as the video ended.


    ¡°Ah! You¡¯re going to meet the prime minister?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s at the Center Hall bunker right now. Shouldn¡¯t we be going in person to report this good news?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes. Of course, Minister! Don¡¯t worry about things here and have a good trip.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Superintendent Maya will be in charge here. Contact me right away if there are any changes in the situation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I will.¡±


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 06:20


    The Keihin industrial region, Japan


    The Keihin industrial region, which had developed around Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kawasaki, was known as the number one industrial area in Japan. It was a region developed especially for the heavy chemical, steel and petrochemical, automobile, electronics, and precision machinery industries. However,


    because of the war three years ago, it had been destroyed, but considering its geographical characteristics, it had been selected as the first region to be rebuilt. With the continuous restoration operation performed in this region, it was currently restored to around 60 percent of what it used to be three


    years ago.


    This region was especially important because it was very close to Tokyo. It was a region where many people came to work at while living in Tokyo. In other words, this was a region in which most of the people in Tokyo made a living.


    Dozens of suspicious airnes appeared through the darkness in the skies over Gunma, which was at the border of the Keihin industrial area and known as the center of Japan¡¯s economic industry. These nes, shaped differently from other nes, were triangr with long rear wings. They were the


    CB-91P Goshawk bomber jets belonging to the 36th Strategic Bomber Wing of the Air Force of the Republic of Korea.


    The CB-91P Goshawk bomber jets had left the Suwon Airbase 30 minutes ago, their sma engines whirring softly. They had passed the skies of the East Sea at maximum speed and had arrived in the skies over Gunma. They began to slowly decrease their altitude to bomb the regions they had been


    assigned to. When they reached a specific altitude, the three fairings for the internal armory opened all at once.


    The conventional bombs and then began raining down¡ªone after another they were separated from the internal armory as if they were a row of sausages. The conventional bombs, also called blind bombs, directly hit the designated target region. Upon impact, a dark red tornado was formed on the


    ground along with a loud explosion sound.


    ¡®The damage was a lot worse when the conventional bombsnded and exploded onrge tanks that held heavy chemicals. Large mushroom-shaped clouds, bigger than most basketball courts, were created¡ªas if an atomic bomb had exploded. The aftermath of the explosion reached tens of kilometers


    away. In addition,rge mes covered several kilometers around the region, even spreading to areas where the conventional bombs didn¡¯tnd, turning everything it touched into a wastnd.


    The 22 CB-91P Goshawk bomber jets had arrived at the targets carrying the maximum capacity of 50 tons of bombs. They attacked eight times that day, flying hundreds of kilometers above Gunma, Chiba, and Kanagawa. After burning for two weeks with ck smoke rising from the mes, the Keihin


    industrial region which was hit by thousands of conventional bombs turned into a pile of gray ashes.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 06:20


    ¡®The Chukyo industrial region, Japan


    The Chukyo industrial region was critical in Japan¡¯s economic recovery, as it suffered less damage than the other industrial regions during the Korean-Japanese war. It was a region that was centered around the area surrounding Nagoya, and it had most of the automobile, machinery, and steel industries


    central to the Japanese economy.


    But the CB-91P Goshawk bomber jets, much like the grim reaper, had quietly visited in the early hours of the morning and turned the area into a thing of the past.


    The Chukyo industrial region, arge region 100 times bigger than Yeouido, sawrge explosions and was filled with dancing mes strong enough to melt steel with ck smoke reaching up to the skies.


    As this region was filled with Japan¡¯s car factories, tens of thousands ofpleted cars that were waiting to be exported or moved to other areas to be sold were engulfed in mes, leaving behind only their bare steel frames.


    After 10 hours of bombing, all of the fire trucks from Nagoya and the regions surrounding it were urgently dispatched, but they didn¡¯t even attempt to put out the tsunami-like fire, which was erupting several meters high and was still spreading. All they could do was to help evacuate the surrounding


    region¡¯s citizens and watch from a distance.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 06:20


    ¡®The Hanshin industrial region, Japan


    The Hanshin industrial region of Kobe, Osaka, was one of the four main industrial regions of Japan. It had first started as a fiber industrial region, but it hadter developed into a steel and petrochemical industrial region.


    Of course, this region was also one of the areas affected by the Korean-Japanese war. The semiconductor and fiber industries that had been previously well-known in the area had moved to the new Konosu industrial region. Currently, the center of this industrial region was made up of the steel and


    petrochemical industry.


    The region ind of the coastal industrial zone was usually filled with light industries such as machinery and other small to medium-sized factories, The Senshu region of the southern regions was an industrial region centered around the fiber industry. After the use of underground water had been


    prohibited from the waterfront, the sinking of the ground had stopped, but air pollution caused by smoke emissions had also be a problem. As the industrial regions expanded to the west, the Harima district, and the region to the south, the Wakayama region, the steel and petrochemical industries


    grew evenrger.


    Because of these reasons, this region had morerge tanks filled with various chemicals than other industrial regions. There were more than 200 cylinder-shaped tanks that were bigger than most buildings.


    Thus, when the CB-91P Goshawk bomber jets appeared and bombed this area with conventional bombs, these huge cylinder tanks exploded, causing damage that was ten times greater than what it should have been.


    Every time one of therge tanks exploded, the ground shook as if the world was ending. The sound was so loud that the eardrums of the people nearby ruptured. There were more than 200 explosions which turned the area into arge melting furnace.


    The chemicals also created poisonous gases that were carried dozens of kilometers by the wind, causing considerable damage to the citizens of Kobe and Osaka. Many of the children and the aged that had weak lungs, especially, were dead. This was a mistake on the part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They


    didn¡¯t expect so many innocent citizens to die because of poisonous gases when they had nned the bombing.


    On a side note, as post-war investigations into the deaths of the civilian victims in Nagoya and Kobe were conducted at the end of the war, the head of operations and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that had nned the bombing took responsibility and retired.


    In this bombing operation, the Korean Air Force had used up all of their conventional bombs. This was extremely puzzling¡ªwhy did Korea use up all of the bombs they had stored up, especially when there was an ongoing war with Russia as well as a possible war with America in the future?


    The reason for that was that both Russia and America were located far away from Korea. Also, Korea did not have hundreds of bombing jets like America did, so travelling thousands of kilometers just to bomb them once with conventional bombs was not a very good method. In addition to this, many


    escorting jets would also have to be mobilized as well, as they would be flying long distances.


    And unlike Japan, the industrial regions and the regions with factories weren¡¯t clustered together, since these countries hadrgernd. For countries like Russia or America that possessed atomic bombs, it was logical to respond with a strategic-level bombing instead of conducting arge-scale bombing.


    This was why, ording to President Choo Un-hee¡¯s orders, they had used up all of the conventional bombs for the bombing of Japan.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 06:20


    The Konosu industrial region, Konosu, Saitama, Japan


    The Konosu industrial region, the driving force behind Japan¡¯s new economic renewal, which was separated from the previous Keihin industrial region, burst into mes everywhere.


    In the early hours of the morning, Marines wearing exosuits had gone around the Konosu industrial region and had installed PP7-XAMs before setting them off by remote.


    ¡®As the PP7-XAM was an install-type sma cohesive bomb, its explosive power was great. Every time a PP7-XAM bomb exploded, a radius of 300 meters around it was tured into a wastnd.


    The Konosu industrial region, which was newly formed after the defeat of the Korean-Japanese war, was a highly valued industrial region with many industries needed for the future, including electric cars, semiconductors, and other technological industries. This region made up 15 percent of Japan¡¯s


    economy, even though the scale of it was smaller than those of the other industrial regions.


    Within just a few minutes, the Konosu industrial region disappeared behind huge fires. The big and small factories around Tokyo were swallowed up byrge explosions and mes, as well.


    As many as 328 locations¡ªmost of which were factories, even those of medium-sized enterprises of Japan¡ªhad be a target of the 1st Marine division¡­

 Chapter 541 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 1-5 Disintegration

    <strong>Chapter 541: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 1-5 Disintegration</strong>


    January 23rd, 2024, 06:40 (Local time: 07:40)


    At sea (the unifiedbatmand center of the Gerald R. Ford [CVN-78]), 385 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba, Japan


    It was close to one hour from when the naval warfare had started against thebined fleets of the Republic of Korea. The sun had begun to appear from the eastern horizon, and the surrounding region started getting brighter. In the skies, both countries¡¯ fighter jets were just about to go into the second


    wave of dogfightbat.


    The Pacific Fleet, which had an advantage with arger number of units in the first wave of dogfightbat, won the battle but they struggled more than expected. The ratio of F-35B and C Lightning II fighter jets that were shot down in the fight was 1:2 in favor of Korea, but the Pacific Fleet still had


    292 F-35B and C Lightning Il fighter jets in perfect condition. Compared to this, thebined fleet of Korea had 22 out of 80 fighter jets shot down, leaving them with only 58 jets.


    If there were to be two more waves of dogfights, then the expected result using simple math, with the assumption that a simr number of jets would be shot down, would be that the Korean Navy would only have 9 CWA-11P Phoenix fighter jets left.


    In addition to this, 140 F-35B and C Lightning II fighter jets had participated in the first wave of dogfightbat. If in the second wave, more than 200 jets participated in the battle, it was expected that the ratio of the jets that would be shot down would be less than 1:2. This meant that in the third wave


    of dogfightbat, they would be able to eliminate the CWA-1P Phoenix fighter jets.


    But this was, in any case, only the hopes of themand staff of the Pacific Fleet. The seas they were fighting at was very close to Korea, and currently, there had been 28 CF/A-25P ck Zhujak fighter jets that had been dispatched from the 18th Fighter Wing based at the Sakata Airbase in Honshu, as


    well as 24 CF-21P Zhujak jets and 24 CF/A-25P ck Zhujak jets, armed with anti-warship missiles, dispatched from the 25th Fighter Wing based at the Jejudo Airbase.


    Even if the CWA-11P Phoenix fighter jets weren¡¯t counted, the number of CF-21P Zhujak and CF/A-25P ck Zhujak fighter jets that would participate in the dogfights were as many as 52 jets.


    The whole world had seen how terrifying these two models of fighter jets were during the first Northeast Asian War. Thus, even if the Pacific Fleet sent out all of their F-35B and C Lightning Il fighter jets just to fight off the Korean fighter jets, leaving none for fighting against the warships, it was


    possible that they would not be able to win this battle.


    However, the Pacific Fleet had something up its sleeves, as well. They secretly had four As reconnaissance satellites, in low orbit, over the seas where they were to neutralize the powerful stealth function of the CF-21P Zhujak and CF/A-25P ck Zhujak fighter jets.


    These As reconnaissance satellites¡¯ appearance was different from the ones given to Russia. They each had the British g painted on them and the use of these satellites was also dered to be for weather observation purposes. Furthermore, the satellites¡¯ country of origin was set as Ennd. This was


    something that Korea would never notice.


    This was a countermeasure to the past painful memory of when all of the American military satellites were attacked by Korea. They were able to shoot down 22 of the 6th generation CWA-11P Phoenix fighter jets with the help of the As reconnaissance satellites, as well.


    Each country hid its cards and entered into the second wave of dogfightbat. On the seas, dozens of destroyers and cruisers fired supersonic-speed anti-warship missiles at each other without rest, with each ship firing anti-aircraft missiles to intercept the anti-warship missiles flying toward each


    ship.


    <boooooom!>


    ¡®The SSM-1000K Avaris¡¯s anti-warship missile flew through the spiderweb-like interception fire and struck below the bridge, on the phased array radar panel of the Pacific Fleet¡¯s ist warship group¡ªthe Higgins (DDG-76).</boooooom!>


    ¡®The SSM-1000K Avaris¡¯s anti-warship missile, with a diameter of 5.2 millimeters and a length of 8.05 meters, moved at a supersonic speed of Mach 10. It shook the interior of the ship and was just about to exit through the helicopter hangar past the stack area, when the timer went off, blowing up the


    missile.


    The Higgins (DDG-76), with a length of 150 meters, was pushed back due to the supersonic speed, and the top part of the ship ripped into pieces and blew away. When the timer went off, blowing up the SSM-1000K Avaris¡¯s anti-warship missile, the Higgins (DDG-76) split into two and flew upward


    toward the sky before heading back down straight into the sea.


    Through the monitor, Commander Rubin Scott sighed deeply, watching the Higgins (DDG-76) being rapidly swallowed by the ocean after it had been ripped in two by one anti-warship missile.


    This was the terrible result of losing the eight Zumwalt-ss Destroyers in the previous fight. If those destroyers hadn¡¯t been annihted and had participated in the fight along with the main fleet of the Pacific Fleet, defense against air attacks would¡¯ve been two times stronger. Even if the SSM-1000K


    Avaris¡¯s anti-warship missiles could travel at the supersonic speed of Mach 10, there would have been a chance to defend against it.


    It wasn¡¯t a 100 percent guarantee, but if the defense against air attacks had been strengthened, the chance of ally destroyers being hit would have been lowered. The Zumwalt-ss destroyers, especially, were equipped with two 8MJ-ss railguns intended for interception, which meant that thest


    close-quarters defense was much more powerful than the Arleigh Burke-ss cruisers. Losing them was something that they would regret forever.


    As he watched the Higgins (DDG-76) being rapidly swallowed by the ocean after it had been ripped in two by one anti-warship missile through the monitor, Commander Rubin Scott sighed so loudly that even the staff in thebatmand center of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) could hear it.


    Commander Rubin Scott was also very sorry about the eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers that were buried deep in the ocean. It was a well-known fact that he would be the one taking the responsibility and retiring, regardless of whether they won this war or not. Because of the many thoughts going through


    his mind, including what would happen to him after the war, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    ¡°Admiral! Captain Donovan was indeed being a bit greedy, but anyone would have lost in that situation.¡± Only Strategic Officer Jimmy Lopez understood the feelings of Admiral Rubin Scott, who was sighing excessively.


    ¡°No. I tried to use a strategy that was too greedy! Even if the opponent seemed weak, I should¡¯ve done everything that I could have and attacked!¡±


    Admiral Rubin Scott, who did not hesitate to criticise himself, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off of the monitor showing the sea where the Higgins (DDG-76) had nowpletely disappeared into.


    Meanwhile, there were both bad and good news.


    The bad news was that, along with the Higgins (DDG-76), another ally destroyer had been hit with an anti-warship missile.


    ¡®That destroyer was unfortunately the Jeremiah A. Denton (DDG-129), which was an Arleigh Burke-ss destroyer, and at that, a Flight IIB, which was very close to the newest generation.


    Just a few momentster, the monitor switched to show the Jeremiah A. Denton (DDG-129), which was engulfed in ck mes andpletely destroyed.


    It was a relief that, unlike the Higgins (DDG-76), the Jeremiah A. Denton (DDG-129) only tilted a bit toward the left, and it didn¡¯t seem as if it was sinking. That could be why no crew members were appearing outside of the ship. It also seemed that the fire control system was working fine¡ªanti-warship


    missiles were being fired regrly from the VLS (verticalunching system) at the front of the ship. Not counting the eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers that were previously shot down, the Jeremiah A. Denton (DDG-129) was the fifth destroyer hit.


    ¡®The good news was that for the first time, a destroyer from thebined fleet of the Republic of Korea was hit. It was the WangGeon (DDH-978) of the 2nd destroyer group of the 2nd Fleet.


    Since it was an enemy destroyer, it wasn¡¯t possible to watch it through the monitor, but it was truly happy news indeed.


    This was a chance to bring up the morale that had plummeted. The loss of morale had followed the decrease in confidence, which was because five destroyers on the side of the ally had been shot down, while none of the destroyers on the enemy side was damaged, even when not taking into ount the


    eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers.


    keK


    January 24th, 2024, 07:00


    The atmosphere of the North Pole, Earth


    Namgoong-won had pulled an all-nighter working on the hacking program. It was tested for eight hours, then, after a few modifications and corrections, inserted into the X-119P.


    ¡®The X-119P was then moved to SungNam Base, where the ist Space Fighter Wing was located, and attached to the internal armory of the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet of the Alpha squadron.


    At that moment, the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet that had the X-119P attached, was in mid-flight in space after breaking through the atmosphere.


    ¡°The current distance to the target is 1833K. It¡¯ll reach its target five minutes from now.¡± Resistance Operational Control Officer Jo Eun-bin reported briefly. The object they had currently designated as the target was the Hubble Space Telescope, which was orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 610 kilometers,


    performing photometric and spectral observations.


    ¡°What¡¯s the speed of the target?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s 1 space velocity.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t an easy task to trace a satellite orbiting at the speed of 1 space velocity outside of the earth¡¯s atmosphere. If it was an operation to destroy it, it would¡¯ve been as simple as attacking it with aser gun after tracking it generally, but the operation given to them wasn¡¯t to destroy the satellite. Rather,


    it was to attach the X-119P from the internal armory to the outside wall of the second satellite of the Hubble Space Telescope.


    In other words, they had to get as close as possible to the second satellite of the Hubble Space Telescope, orbiting at the speed of 1 space velocity and fire the X-119P.


    It was a very dangerous operation, as a simple mistake could cause them to collide with the Hubble Space Telescope since there was also rtive speed to consider. This was the reason why Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho, who was a veteran even within the 1st Space Fighter Wing, was in charge of this


    operation.


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s get closer to it until we¡¯re 1 kilometer away!¡±


    ¡°Sir? Captain! Isn¡¯t 1 kilometer too dangerous? What if we collide¡­¡± Officer Lee Tae-bin, the co-pilot, asked with a slightly worried expression.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice. Do you think the weapon we¡¯re using is aser?¡±


    ¡°But 1 kilometer¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up, I¡¯ll be doing the controlling so you take care to monitor our surroundings, Officer Lee!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡®A few momentster, the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet, which had been flying at a speed of Mach 30, slowly got closer, keeping its speed simr to the speed of the target, and finally got to within 1 kilometer of the target.


    Normally, on the ground, 1 kilometer would be considered a safe distance, but in space, and at the speed of 1 space velocity, which was around 7.9 kilometers per second, 1 kilometer was a very close distance. Just a small mistake could cause them to collide and turn into space dust.


    ¡°Keeping current distance! The speed is also the same as the target.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s start.¡±


    The center bottom fairings of the internal armory opened, and the X-119P, which was attached to the connecting rod, appeared.


    ¡°Targetingpleted! Standing by to fire!¡± Officer Jo Eun-bin reported afterpleting fire procedures. Officer Lee Tae-bin reported regarding the surrounding environment soon after.


    ¡°Current surrounding state good!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡± ordered Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho. Officer Jo Eun-bin pressed the button to fire and with propentsunching it ahead, the X-119P shot forward, much like a missile.


    <shoowaaaaang~></shoowaaaaang~>


    ¡®The X-119P momentarily went above the speed of 1 space velocity when the propent¡¯s force was added to the original eleration of the CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet, but it looked very slow because of the target¡¯s rtive speed.


    A few minutester, the X-119P arrived at the second satellite of the Hubble Space Telescope, flying at a simr speed as the target¡¯s, andnded on the exterior wall without much impact.


    In the case of the second satellite of the Hubble Space Telescope, going at the speed of 1 space velocity, it was possible to deviate from orbit and fall to Earth or explode with just a slight impact.


    As soon as the X-119P touched the exterior wall, four pin rods protruded from the front of it, allowing it to fix itself to the second satellite of the Hubble Space Telescope so that it wouldn¡¯t fall off. Then, from the center of the front of it, the control rod pack came out, piercing through the exterior wall,


    entering the interior.


    ¡°Su-sess,¡± shouted Officer Jo Eun-bin in a high pitched voice. He had been watching through the monitor with much tension.


    ¡°Phew! Good work, everyone!¡± said Lieutenant Colonel Choi Young-ho, letting out a deep sigh of relief. He had also been tense inside, as this was an operation he hadn¡¯t done before, as well.


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯ve worked the hardest, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Then, you drive on the way back!¡±


    ¡°Sure. Leave it to me and rest well, Captain!¡±


    ¡®The CFS/A-31SP Three-toed Crow space fighter jet, having sessfullypleted a potentially dangerous mission, switched pilots, entered the atmosphere, and began its return flight..

 Chapter 542 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 1-6 Disintegration

    <h4>Chapter 542: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 1-6 Disintegration</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 07:10


    At sea (battlemand center of the Taejong the Great (DDG-996]), 105 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba prefecture, Japan


    ¡°It¡¯s been reported that all of the crew of the Wang Geon have abandoned ship,¡± Operations Commander Hong Seung-tae ryed the report that hade in from the 2nd Carrier Strike Group.


    The Wang Geon had been hit by an anti-warship missile and was rendered immobile 20 minutes ago. Fortunately, it hadn¡¯t been damaged enough to sink,


    so the crew had gone into an ¡®abandon ship¡¯ process after retreating to the back.


    ¡°Have the casualties been counted?¡± asked Admiral Kim Lee-won with a slightly red face. His gaze was fixed on the screen, which disyed various strategic symbols and lines that were drawn like spider webs.


    ¡°The missile got stuck on the side of the ship, so the damage done to the men on deck was quite great. One is dead, three are seriously injured, and five have minor injuries. They¡¯re done recovering the body.¡±


    ¡°Mm. One dead¡­ huh¡­¡± Admiral Kim Lee-won sighed deeply and didn¡¯t say a word.


    Complex thoughts put his mind in chaos. Before the fight started with the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Kim Lee-won had been full of confidence. It was because he had two Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss cruisers, which were the most powerful in the world, as well as the 7th Task Floti.


    However, an hour and a halfter, the situation was quite different from the tactical situation Admiral Kim Lee-won had imagined.


    Something was off. Even if it wasn¡¯t overwhelming domination over the Pacific Fleet, he had thought that they were fully capable of facing off against the air power of the Pacific Fleet. However, even if he was only considering the dogfights, they weren¡¯t at an absolute advantage, even though the Zhujak and the ck Zhujak fighter jets hade as reinforcements. Even though, ording to the simtion they had run beforehand with just the Phoenix fighter jets, they had predicted a result of a win, at a 5:1 ratio.


    The naval warfare should also have been over by now. The SECM (Radio Disruption System) from the two Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss cruisers that were on either side, defending the air, was strong enough to cover the entirebined fleet, but the destroyers of the Pacific Fleet were shooting anti-warship missiles after detecting and aiming urately with radar.


    In other words, stealth, SECM (Radio Disruption System), and other functions were rendered useless against the Pacific Fleet¡¯s radar.


    ¡°Admiral! Admiral!¡±


    Suddenly, Admiral Kim Lee-won snapped back to reality from his deep thoughts as a voice called for him.


    ¡°Wh, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Three frigates have been shot¡ªthe Daegu, the Seoul, and the Busan.¡±


    ¡°How bad is the damage?¡±


    ¡°The Daegu has beenpletely destroyed, and the Seoul and the Busan are partially destroyed.¡±


    ¡°Call for a video.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The split-screen showed the three frigates. The Daegu (FF-818) had its bridgepletely blown off and was leaning far to the left, surrounded by mes. The Seoul and the Busan were covered in dancing mes on the side, but they weren¡¯t in a state to sink.


    <Bang!>


    Admiral Kim Lee-won hit the armrest of his chair hard and leaped up.


    ¡°Order the crew of the Daegu to abandon ship, and order the Seoul and the Busan to retreat to the back immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. And Admiral!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The anti-warship missiles on the ships are running out.¡±


    The meaning of this statement was a suggestion to retreat from the fight momentarily so that they could reload the anti-warship missiles. Because the naval warfare had been going on for one and a half hours, the anti-warship missiles that had been loaded on the VLS (verticalunching system) were close to being used uppletely. Some frigates and destroyers had already used up all the loaded anti-warship missiles and were only defending against air attacks.


    At this, Admiral Kim Lee-won turned his gaze toward the upper part of therge screen.


    The upper part of the screen had all of thebined fleet¡¯s warships¡¯ missile quantities, sorted into types, recorded in detail. Most of them only had anti-aircraft missiles left, and there were only eight ships with a small number of anti-warship missiles left, except for the two Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss Hoc cruisers. It was an amount that they could easily use up in just a few minutes, depending on the situation.


    The air defense capability of the Pacific Fleet was more powerful than expected, a widely different scenario from the naval warfare three years ago. This was what Admiral Kim Lee-won was continually questioning, as well.


    ¡°Admiral! Should we prepare to retreat?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t just retreat recklessly, can we?¡± Admiral Kim Lee-won thought for a moment about Operations Commander Hong Seung-tae¡¯s repeated requests. He soon gave an order, as if he was determined, his arms crossed.


    ¡°Operations Commander! Call for the captains of the Son Byong-hi and the Cha Yi-suk.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After just a few moments, both captains appeared on the screen that was used to disy the Dae Jo-yeong (DDH-977). ¡°Salute! This is Seo Gil-soo, the captain of the Son Byong-hi.¡±


    ¡°Salute! This is Ahn Won-suk, the captain of the Cha Yi-suk.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work. Our fleet will now retreat 50 kilometers. I¡¯d like to ask your ships to urgently advance toward the enemy fleet and to attack them when you¡¯re in range using the Squitte cannons. If the enemy fleet notices our intentions and retreats, advance to just outside of the anti-warship missile range and return.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will do as you ordered.¡±


    This was an order for only two ships to drive forward toward the Pacific Fleet, but both captains immediately replied without objecting. This meant that they both had a firm belief in the anti-aircraft defense of the ships they were captains of. Part of the belief was because both ships had the maic field barrier, the SSS (Shield Cover System). Even if they were hit with an attack so big that it was over the anti-aircraft defenses of their ships, they were able to utilize SSS to neutralize arge attack once or twice.


    What Admiral Kim Lee-won ordered for the retreat was excellent. If they retreated recklessly, they would be under the threat of indiscriminate attacks from the Pacific Fleet, which could put other additional destroyers in danger of being shot again. But Admiral Kim Lee-won judged that, if the two cruisers, both with attack and defense capabilities that were the most powerful in the world, were to dash toward the Pacific Fleet, the Pacific Fleet would see the intention of the advancement and retreat as well, unless themander of the Pacific Fleet was dumb.


    The reason for this judgment was that, in the previous fight, the eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers had been obliterated by the Extended Squitte C-22 cannon of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss cruiser.


    The sma cohesive bombs that would rain out from the Squitte cannon were smaller than the anti-warship missiles and flew at a speed of Mach 10. The chance that they would be intercepted was very low.


    In addition to this, if the Pacific Fleet didn¡¯t retreat and continued to attack, contrary to the prediction of Admiral Kim Lee-won, then there could be another destroyer shot down on the side of the Pacific Fleet as well.


    Currently, thebined fleet¡¯s number of destroyers is less than that of the Pacific Fleet. However, because of about 300 fighter jets firing anti-warship missiles, the quantity of anti-warship missiles left on the side of the Pacific Fleet was less than thebined fleet¡¯s quantity of missiles.


    If they refused to retreat and continued to attack, they would allow the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss cruisers to get close enough to use the Squitte guns. If that ever happened, the damage to the Pacific Fleet would be great. The result of either choice, regardless of what themander of the Pacific Fleet decided on, would be beneficial to thebined fleet.


    Soon after, the two Hoc cruisers that had gotten orders from Admiral Kim Lee-won to advance toward the Pacific Fleet at maximum speed broke out of the formation, splitting blue waves as if they were sprinting.


    The Hoc cruisers were enormous, their length reaching 235.5 meters, but they were able to move at the speed of 70 knots on the sea with the power of the four sma photon Mod-D-ss engines that were equipped on the ships. If that speed was to be calcted in km/h, it would be a speed of 129.64 km/h. This was a speed many times faster than high-speed boats equipped with jet water turbines.


    The current distance from the Pacific Fleet is 280 kilometers. If they were to get 100 kilometers further, they would be out of the range of the anti-warship missiles they had.


    ¡°Check on the status of the abandoned ship for the crew of the Daegu. Order the Seoul and the Busan to decide if they need to abandon ship as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll ry your order.¡±


    Soon after, Operations Commander Hong Seung-tae, who had ryed orders through themunications officer, returned. ¡°Admiral! The Daegu is continuing to abandon ship, and the Seoul and the Busan say that they¡¯re still able to sail.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Then the only thing we need to do is abandon ship on the Daegu quickly.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ve ordered them to hurry.¡±


    10 minutester, when the two Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss cruisers had sailed about 20 kilometers ahead of the fleet formation, Kim Lee-won ordered all fleets to retreat.


    *


    *


    *


    January 23rd, 2024, 07:30 (Local time: 08:30)


    At sea batmand center of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78]), 385 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba prefecture, Japan


    The Pacific Fleet had received information from the report of the As reconnaissance satellite that the Son Byong-hi (CG-1103) and the Cha Yi-suk (CG-1104) had broken away from their original ces in the formation and were advancing toward them quickly. In this situation, where they had lost 17 different destroyers, this information was very worrying.


    The main worry was about the intentions of the two cruisers that were advancing at a high speed.


    ¡°Admiral! Why don¡¯t we take this chance to get rid of those two cruisers?¡± proposed Operations Officer, Jimmy Lopez. It seemed that he thought this was a good chance to get rid of the most powerful cruisers of the Republic of Korea Navy.


    ¡°Do you f*cking think they¡¯re idiots?¡±


    ¡°Sir? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°They have some other intention.¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s another intention¡­¡±


    ¡°Haha. As the Operations Officer of the Pacific Fleet, you¡¯re asking me about that¡­¡± Admiral Rubin Scott clicked his tongue, looking at the operations officer as if he was a bit pathetic.


    ¡°Ah! I apologize, Admiral!¡±


    ¡°Do you think that we¡¯d be able to sink those cruisers when we only have 20 ships left and with all of the aircraft engaged in dogfights with Korean fighter


    jets?¡±


    ¡°Even so, if it¡¯s just those two ships¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re forgetting that.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°The barrier!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± Operations Officer Jimmy Lopez eximed, pping his forehead.


    The U.S. had been collecting and analyzing information about all of the weapons that Korea had. They, of course, had general information about the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss cruisers, as well.


    ¡°I apologize. That never crossed my mind.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not all. What were the eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers obliterated by?¡±


    ¡°C-cannons.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Cannons! The cannons are much more powerful than our 256MJ-ss rail guns. Don¡¯t those cruisers look like they¡¯re advancing quickly toward us so that they could put us inside the range of the cannon?¡±


    Admiral Rubin Scott had seen through to the intent behind the fast advancement of the cruisers.


    ¡°That could be so. Then, what will you be¡­¡±


    Just then, a report came in from the Situations Officer.


    ¡°Enemy fleet retreating! The enemy fleet is retreating.¡±


    ¡°That was it.¡±


    Admiral Rubin Scott got up from his seat, walked toward the screen, and peered at thebined fleet¡¯s warships.


    ¡°They¡¯ve advanced the two cruisers with powerful defenses to have the main fleet retreat. As a message to us to retreat as well. We¡¯ll do as they want! But we won¡¯t let them go just like that!¡± Admiral Rubin Scott muttered. He came back to his seat, and after sitting down, gave orders.


    ¡°Operations Officer Lopez!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be retreating as well. Ry this to the fleetmander and the flotimander, and order each fighter wingmander of each carrier to return as well, depending on the situation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°And prepare a security specialist!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The Pacific Fleet went into retreat following Admiral Rubin Scott¡¯s orders. The naval warfare that both countries had engaged in for almost two hours came to an end.


    The 1st naval warfare could be seen as a victory for thebined fleet of the Republic of Korea Navy, seen from the damage on both sides. However, the naval warfare hadn¡¯t quite ended.


    Deep under the surface of the sea, so deep that sunlight couldn¡¯t reach, three Columbia-ss nuclear submarines had never shown themselves until now, crawling along the floor of the sea. Above them, thebined fleet¡¯s destroyers and multipurpose amphibious assault ships were turning wide to


    retreat..

 Chapter 543 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-1 The 2nd Round

    Chapter 543: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-1 The 2nd Round


    January 23rd, 2024, 07:35


    ¡®The Chiyoda Ward Central Hall¡¯s Underground Bunker (the National Security Conference Room), Tokyo, Japan


    An hour ago, Minister of Security Forces, Mike Takashi, arrived at the Central Hall underground bunker while grinning from ear to ear with the good news that the security service force and the special forces of the U.S. had seeded in taking control of the Tokyo region. Currently, however, he was


    sitting at the side of the underground bunker, which was filled with a gloomy atmosphere as if the sky had fallen, without being able to say anything.


    This was because news that the industrial regions in the Shikoku region had been destroyed had been reported while he was moving to the Central Hall bunker from the situation room of the Central Headquarters bunker.


    ¡°W-what should we do? Japan is done for. It¡¯s done for,¡± Minister of Welfare Labor, Konno Yasuyuki denounced, tapping the table.


    ¡°Speak, Minister Ishihara! Speak with your own mouth. What is the current state of the industrial regions?¡± Minister Konno Yasuyuki shouted, ring at the Minister of Economy and Industry, Ishihara Shintaro with bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°Stop, stop, Minister Konno!¡±


    ¡°aren¡¯t you being too rude here?¡±


    Some of the ministers that voted for the ¡®Deration of Independence ¡® tried to stop him. But Minister Konno Yasuyuki, his anger reaching its peak, turned to them to point his finger and shout.


    ¡°You are all the same! You¡¯ve ruined Japan.¡±


    ¡°Haha! What a sight. Is that the only way you can speak?¡±


    Minister Ishihara Shintaro, who couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, sprang up from his chair and flung his jacket off as if he was getting ready to fight.


    ¡°Yeah! Bring it on! You idiot!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, please stop. This isn¡¯t the time. We need to n countermeasures. Shouldn¡¯t the ¡®Deration of Independence¡¯ end as a sess?¡±


    Prime Minister Uchida, who had been sitting silently, opened his mouth when the National Security Conference Room of the underground bunker was on the verge of bing a fighting arena.


    ¡°Prime Minister! How can we n countermeasures in this situation?¡± asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kurosawa Kiyoshi. He was on the side of the Minister of Welfare Labor, Konno Yasuyuki.


    ¡°What do you mean? What countermeasures? We need to make Japan an autonomous country together with the U.S. and the direction of Japan in the future¡­¡±


    The long table vibrated for a moment, then stopped, along with a dull thud. It was because Minister of Foreign Affairs Kurosawa Kiyoshi had hit the table hard with his fists. At this, the two ministers who had been grabbing each other¡¯s cors and fighting, as well as Prime Minister Uchida and all the


    other ministers, looked toward him.


    ¡°What countermeasure? Our economy has been destroyed. The Korean Air Force has been bombing our middle-sizedpanies¡¯ factories indiscriminately. What countermeasures are you saying we can n? All 120 million of our citizens are about to starve to death! Will we be magically able to provide


    for them if we just be an autonomous country?¡±


    Kurosawa Kiyoshi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, shouted loudly enough that his voice rang throughout the whole meeting room. He sprang up from his chair and said one more thing to Prime Minister Uchida.


    ¡°Tm resigning from the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs from this moment forward.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Minister Kurosawa! What can we do if you step down so irresponsibly? We need to keep our rtionship with the US¡­¡±


    ¡°Find someone else.¡±


    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kurosawa Kiyoshi, spoke onest word, as if he had no more regrets, and left the room, mming the door hard behind him. At this, some of the ministers who had stood on the other side together with Minister Kurosawa and the Minister of Welfare Labor, Konno Yasuyuki,


    followed suit.


    At that point, the atmosphere in the National Security Conference Room became heavier. The ministers that were left also kept their mouths shut.


    <¡®Did I have to veto that then?¡¯> Prime Minister Uchida, who was momentarily filled with regret, knew that regrets after the situation had passed, were futile. He shook his head and snapped out of it.


    ¡°Minister Mike Takashi!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister!¡±


    ¡°Are you able tomunicate in real-time with themander of the U.S. special forces?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. We have amunication line open. We canmunicate with them at any time.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Then, please contact them now so that we can know the status of thending operation before the Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrives.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister!¡±


    Regardless of what was happening, they had to try their best to protect the industrial regions that held Japan¡¯s economy up from the U.S. forces that were tond.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 07:40


    ¡®The B2 Bunker (the Digital Information Center of the Intelligence Headquarters of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    About 30 minutes ago, after the X-119P had been sessfully mounted on the second satellite of the Hubble Telescope, Namgoong-won and other members of the Digital Information Center had moved busily. In addition, the specialists of the Aerospace Force Information Command, who had been in


    charge of the data extraction project, along with the satellite researchers of the Olympus base, totaling up to 100 researchers, were working hard to connect to the second satellite of the Hubble Telescope.


    Easily put, since they had seeded in attaching the backdoor software equipment to the second satellite of the Hubble Telescope. The only thing that was left to do now was to connect to it. However, this wasn¡¯t an easy task.


    Because the attaching of the equipment had happened through the outer shell and connected with an unknown electronic board and not the main electronic board of the second satellite, there wasn¡¯t a 100 percent chance that they would seed.


    If the operation that they were working on were to seed, and if technology moved a step further in the future, then the Republic of Korea would be able to develop this into a fearsome military technology that could take any satellite in the world and control it or get rid of it by breaking the system, not


    to mention steal the satellite¡¯s data.


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy.¡±


    Colonel Lee Yeon-jae, who was the head of the project and the one to bring up the idea of data extraction, moved the remote control lever this way and that, shaking his head.


    It seemed that the part that the X-119P was attached to the second satellite wasn¡¯t stuck together with the internal electronic board.


    Because it was possible to break the sensitive electronic board with movements from the control load pack, which was shaped like an endoscope, it required cautious control.


    Looking at the video provided by the tiny camera, they looked around the inside of the satellite, looking for the electronic board that had the main CPU attached.


    After a bit of time had passed, one of the researchers from the Olympus base who had been monitoring pointed at the monitor and shouted, ¡°I-It¡¯s that! The part that¡¯s lit up with blue LED light. If we attach to that, we¡¯ll be able to connect to the internalwork.¡±


    At the researcher¡¯s hurried exnation, Colonel Lee Yeon-jae moved the control lever carefully, moving the control load pack.


    Everyone in the Digital Information Center watched, holding their breath. Soon after, the edge of the control load pack touched the part that the researcher had pointed to, and a strange transparent substance trickled out. The substance hardened, and the control load pack was sessfully fastened to the


    part.


    ¡°Phew!¡± Colonel Lee Yeon-jae sighed in relief as he took his hands off the control lever.


    ¡°Thank you for your work, Colonel Lee!¡±


    While there were encouraging words going about everywhere, Namgoong-won stretched his hands forward. Now, it was time for Namgoong-won to do his job.


    ¡®The sound of the keyboard keys rang out. About 10 members of the Digital Information Center also went through the same connecting attempt that Namgoong-won was working on.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 07:40


    ¡®The B2 Bunker (the Operations Meeting room of the Headquarters of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju


    The situation room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had gotten a report from thebined fleet that they had retreated to reload. The results of the battle seemed slightly disappointingpared to what they had expected.


    However, thebined fleet¡¯s main mission was to keep the Pacific Fleet fromnding until the bombing of Japan¡¯s industrial regions had been finished, so if they were to look at the current situation, they were doing their job well enough.


    But some hard-linermanders had hoped, since the fight had already started, to crush the cheeky U.S., so the atmosphere in the situation room was a bit tense.


    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be helped since they ran out of missiles. But, once we¡¯re done reloading, shouldn¡¯t we attack them without hesitation once again?¡± said one of the hard-liners, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn, balling his hands into fists.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. We need to make the Pacific Fleet unable toe back with this chance so that they won¡¯t act only based on what they want for 10 years into the future in the Pacific Ocean.¡± Army Chief of Staff Lee Eun-hyung added to Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn¡¯s opinion.


    ¡°We¡¯re currently still at war with Russia, so there isn¡¯t anything to gain from an all-out war with the Pacific Fleet. I believe we should, following the ns established before, stop thending and pull out of Japanpletely.¡± Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Yong-hyun, one of the moderates


    of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave an opposing opinion.


    ¡°Talso believe the same as Vice Chairman Kim,¡± added Chief of Space Operations Choi Jin-guk to the opposing side.


    Suddenly, there was a lot of tension in the operation meeting room. But even though the chiefs of each part of the military had rights to state affairs, they didn¡¯t have the right to order forces. In other words, their opinions were something to refer to, but they weren¡¯t able to directly affect what orders


    would be given to the forces.


    ¡°We¡¯ll decide that after we look at the Pacific Fleet¡¯s movements when we¡¯re done reloading!¡±


    In an attempt to lighten the mood of the meeting, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shin Sung-yong intervened. Each of the chiefs of each part of the military epted this decision and nodded.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 07:45


    Underwater (the battle information center of the Columbia (SSBN-901), 99 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba prefecture, Japan


    The captain of the Columbia (SSBN-901), Captain Emerson Hyndman¡¯s gaze wavered. He had gotten a security telegram from the vice-captain.


    The contents of the security telegram were as follows: It was a simple order to rise and attack thebined fleet as soon as the telegram was received. In addition to this, it was learned that the two Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin-ss cruisers, which were the trickiest to face, had broken out of the


    formation and that their anti-submarine defenses were low because of this.


    Captain Emerson Hyndman read the contents of the security telegram quickly. He folded it and handed it back to the vice-captain, giving him orders, ¡°Maintain the silent submerge and rise to 800 feet!¡±


    At the simple order, the vice-captain replied with a nod instead of repeating the orders back and personally ryed the orders after walking to the pilothouse.


    The Columbia-ss nuclear submarine had three times as much submergence capability with its fouryered wall system and with its maximum safe diving depth of 2,000 meters. Three of these Columbia-ss nuclear submarines were silently moving along the Mariana Trench to the north of the


    Chichi-jima ind at the maximum depth of destruction, 3,000 meters underwater, a week ago.


    The crew were in a state of fear from the extreme environment of the outer wall being crushed, as well as the silent submerge. Even though the crew were experienced in life on the submarine, they were trembling from the fear and anxiety that they had never experienced before. When the submarine


    slowly rose from the sea, the color in their faces returned.


    Meanwhile, the remaining two Columbia-ss nuclear submarines, the Henrique (SSBN-902) and the William Penn (SSBN-903) began rising underwater with the Columbia (SSBN-901). It seemed that they too had gotten a security telegram from Admiral Rubin Scott.


    On the Columbia-ss nuclear submarine¡¯s upper VSL (verticalunching system), which was as big as 200 meters, there were not only strategic-level nuclear missiles, but also 20 super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes loaded on it..

 Chapter 544 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-2 The 2nd Round

    <h4>Chapter 544: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-2 The 2nd Round</h4>


    This was a torpedo mount system different from previous submarine models. It could be seen from this that the Columbia-ss nuclear submarine¡¯s attack strategy was widely different from previously existing submarines.


    With its safe diving depth of 2,000 meters and a cutting-edge system that absorbed sound waves, it made most sonar detection equipment useless against it. This was why the Columbia-ss nuclear submarine was called a stealth submarine. Built to weather any climate as well as be able toplete


    operations that were both strategic and tactical at the same time, the cost of building each submarine amounted to 10 billion dors.


    In other words, they were able to fire strategic weapons near the enemy by crossing the seas deep underwater or by standing by while submerged deep under the sea to capture enemy submarines or warships and attack them when they passed by above them.


    In these attacking methods, firing torpedoes with the upper VLS (verticalunching system) was more effective against enemy submarines or warships than submarine torpedo tubes. When the torpedoes were super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes, which were able to be fired at a speed of 50 knots


    and could fly at a maximum speed of 200 knots, the VLS was even more effective.


    For the opponent, it would be as hard as plucking a star out of the sky to dodge or intercept the super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes flying at them from a short distance at a speed of 200 knots, even if they were aware of the torpedoes being fired at them ahead of time. With this terrifying attack


    method, the Columbia-ss nuclear submarines had a 100 percent chance of hitting the enemy as long as they were sessful in firing the torpedoes.


    The ability to develop these remarkable attacking methods was one of the U.S¡¯s greatest strengths. It was the know-how they had umted by researching and developing various weapons for dozens of years based on extra-terrestrial science,bined with their ability to think of new ideas


    regarding weapons or engagement techniques.


    Currently, the Republic of Korea possesses the best technology and scientific skills, but without the know-how the U.S. has, it would be impossible for them to catch up to the U.S. regarding various weapon developments.


    The US. continued to, using their ability to their advantage, develop original and remarkable weapons, and the Columbia-ss nuclear submarine that they developed was also a nuclear submarine with engagement and attack capabilities that grew outside of the previous frame of capabilities that other


    nuclear submarines had.


    20 minutester, the three Columbia-ss nuclear submarines that were in the middle of rising, still in a silent submerge state, were in a perpendicr position in the water. They had tricked the anti-submarine border of thebined fleet and only had 200 meters left until the designated depth.


    As thebat information center¡¯s strategic screen pointed to a depth of 1,000 meters, Captain Emerson Hyndman gestured for the submarines to stop rising.


    The Columbia (SSBN-901) stopped rising and went into standby at a depth of 1,000 meters. The Enrique (SSBN-902) and the William Penn (SSBN-903) also stopped rising at the same depth as if they¡¯d nned to do so beforehand.


    The three Columbia-ss nuclear submarines, on standby at a depth of 1,000 meters right below thebined fleet, soon began opening the roof door of their internal VLS (verticalunching system) in order.


    The only procedure left was to use sonar to detect thebined fleet urately and each designated target so that they could fire the super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes. However, even though the distance from thebined fleet was only 900 meters, it was impossible to detect thebined


    fleet urately without activating the passive sonar because of the strong sonar jamming system of thebined fleet. At this, Captain Emerson Hyndman decided to use passive sonar, even if there was the danger of the submarine¡¯s identity being revealed.


    Captain Emerson Hyndman judged that a little bit of risk was something that they had to undertake to have the chance to destroy the entirebined fleet in just one attack. He immediately ordered the sonar operator to use the passive sonar.


    </ping!>


    The sonar operator immediately tumed on the BQQ-11 passive sonar as if he was waiting for the order. The sound waves moved throughout the sea underwater.


    ¡°Confirmed enemy warship! Designating target.¡±


    The BQQ-11 sonar that they were using with their lives on the line detected thebined fleet¡¯s ships one by one. There was no need for a silent submerge, either, so the tactical officer reported the current situation out loud.


    ¡°Torpedo arming officer! Fire as soon as targets are set! Report back after all torpedoes are fired!¡±


    ¡°Captain! The open fire will start from the firstunch tube.¡± A report from the torpedo arming officer came from theunch control center.


    ¡®The MK101 super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes shot up from the air pressure one by one from the inside of the VLS, which had its roof doors already open.


    Simr to the sight of anti-aircraft missiles being fired from the VLS, the 20 MK101 super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes created a white trail of bubbles behind them.


    eeK


    January 23rd, 2024, 07:55


    ¡®At sea (thebatmand center of the Taejong [DDG-996]), 91 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba prefecture, Japan


    While the Son Byong-hi (CG-1103) and the Cha Yi-suk (CG-1103) were sailing to the east at high speeds to keep the Pacific Fleet at bay, thebined fleet had turned toward 50 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, its destination for retreat.


    The Pacific Fleet had realized thebined fleet¡¯s intentions and had gone into retreat as well, on a Carrier Strike Group level. The range of the two fleets was currently 300 kilometers apart, which meant that both fleets were out of the range of anti-warship missiles.


    In addition, both fleets¡¯ fighter jets, which had been in fierce dogfights for two waves on arge scale, stopped fighting and retreated to their bases.


    ¡®There was no agreement between them, but in the situation that seemed like an unspoken agreement, thebined fleet slowly raised its speed toward the seas that were designated as a retreat point, which had various auxiliary ships on standby.


    ¡°Admiral! It¡¯s a report from the Fleet Command that auxiliary ships have arrived at the seas designated as the retreat point.¡±


    ¡°How many ships?¡±


    ¡°22 ships, Admiral.¡±


    ¡°Mm, 22 ships¡­ The reload time will be even less.¡±


    ¡®The Navy Fleet Command had already put various auxiliary ships belonging to two fleets near the Katsuura coast on standby just in case.


    ¡°Yes, Admiral! I believe we can finish reloading in an hour.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! First, once we arrive at the retreat point, tell the second fleet¡¯s warships to undergo reloading procedures.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Just then, a scream came from the sonar room of thebatmand center.


    ¡°Ack! Appearance of enemy submarines! Enemy submarines, currently emitting passive sonar! There are a total of three submarines. Their directions¡­¡±


    The sonar operation officer who had paused for a second while reporting the direction of the submarines gripped his headphones hard, looked at the monitor, opened his eyes so wide that it looked like his eyes might pop out, and continued his report.


    ¡°Ri-right underneath us at a depth of 1020.¡±


    Everyone in thebatmand center froze when they heard the shocking news. Only Admiral Kim Lee-won gave orders in a calm voice. ¡°Issue all the fleets a status of anti-submarine alert 1, and go into preparations to shoot down the enemy submarines immediately!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Before the order was given, torpedo attacks began from the unidentified submarines.


    ¡°aah! M-multiple torpedoes have appeared! Ah! The number of torpedoes is increasing.¡±


    ¡®These were the MK101 super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes fired by the three Columbia-ss nuclear submarines.


    In the urgent situation, even before Admiral Kim Lee-won¡¯s orders had not yet been ryed, thebined fleet¡¯s Hoc destroyers¡¯ Hoc Al detected the torpedoes and began their response procedure against them automatically.


    But even if it was the supeputer of AI, the Hoc, there wasn¡¯t enough time to stop the super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes flying at them at a short distance of 1,000 meters at a speed of 100 knots.


    ¡®The Hoc destroyers¡¯ C-VLS (verticalunching system) fired Red Shark A anti-submarine missiles mercilessly, controlled by the automatic response system, and the missiles turned toward the sea, plunging into it.


    The 100 Red Shark A anti-submarine missiles that were fired immediately separated from their propents right after going underwater, and swam toward the designated targets. But since this was the only chance they would be able to intercept the enemy missiles, the Red Shark A torpedoes put


    distance between each other to create waves of interception so that they had a second wave to rely on in case the first wave failed to intercept all of the torpedoes and swam on.


    While this was happening, the 60 MK101 super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes had already risen to a depth of 300 meters. Even if thebined fleet intercepted 100 percent of the torpedoes, they were likely to be damaged from the explosions.


    <booom! booom!=¡±¡±></booom!>


    Only a few seconds had passed, but there was already a shock passing through the entire destroyer. The sonar operation officers scowled at the loud soundsing through their headphones and reported the current interception status.


    ¡°Sess in intercepting 17 of the enemy¡¯s torpedoes! But there are still 12 torpedoes that have dodged the first wave of intercepting torpedoes and are traveling toward us. Distributing targets for the second wave of interception! Going into the second wave of interception now.¡±


    The Red Shark A anti-submarine torpedoes that had separated from their propents moments after the first wave shot forward in an attempt to intercept the super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes that had survived the first interception wave. In a short time, Hoc had provided a second wave of


    interception torpedoes through the best response possible in this situation.


    Admiral Kim Lee-won scowled and hit the armrest of his chair with his fist. There was nothing he could do in the current situation.


    ¡°Ah! 12th torpedo! The second wave of interception has failed as well! Colliding with the Dae Jo-yeong of the second fleet.¡±


    With the report of the sonar operation officer, an explosion sounded far away, reaching the battlemand center inside the ship.


    Admiral Kim Lee-won¡¯s monitor changed and soon showed the horrifying scene.


    The Dae Jo-yeong¡¯s (DDH-977) entire body shook, and it split in half. Through the split, enormous sprays of water shot up tens of meters into the air.


    The explosion power was even worse than expected. The Dae Jo-yeong (DDH-977), which had been split front to back, sank into the sea.


    Admiral Kim Lee-won furrowed his brows and shouted at the operations officer, ¡°We need to leave the response procedure up to the Hoc and get that f*cking submarine. Tell the Cha Yi-suk and the Son Byong-hi to attack as soon as they get the sonar information on them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Admiral!¡±


    Even though thebined fleet boasted the greatest anti-submarine capabilities, Admiral Kim Lee-won wanted to get rid of the enemy submarines at any cost, estimating that they would be under threat of another surprise attack from the unidentified enemy submarines that had appeared out of


    nowhere and attacked with numerous torpedoes.


    <booom!>


    There was another explosion that shook the seas around thebined fleet. The explosion hade from the Jeongjo (DDG-1007) of the 7th Task Floti.


    The Jeongjo (DDG-1007) had taken the torpedo at the front of the ship. The front part of the ship bent 70 degrees along with the helicopter storage part and shot up into the air. In a word, the front part of the ship had sted off.</booom!>


    It was a relief that the Jeongjo (DDG-1007), even though the entire front part had been sted off, didn¡¯t sink immediately as the Dae Jo-yeong (DDH-977) did. It had a threeyer wall system that enabled it to only tilt slowly and not sink. It seemed like there would be enough time for the crew to


    abandon ship.


    But thebined fleet¡¯s tragedies didn¡¯t end with the Jeongjo (DDG-1007). The Hoc system tried its best to respond, but with 60 MK101 super-cavitation Heavy Weight Torpedoes, the Gang Gam-chan (DDH-979), the Dae Joong-sam (DDH-983), the Ji Soo-shin (FF-837), and the Gangsoo (FF-839)


    were damaged almost to the point of destruction and sank into the sea.


    Thebined fleet had lost four ships in the first half of the fight, but it had lost six additional destroyers and frigates with this wave of torpedo attacks from its avable force.


    Meanwhile, there were threerge anti-submarine high-cavitation torpedoes, the S-SSFM-500B Tridents, fired from each of the eight extension torpedo tubes of the Son Byong-hi (CG-1103) and the Cha Yi-suk (CG-1103), which were about 30 kilometers away from thebined fleet. The S~SSFM-500B


    Trident, which traveled at the extraordinary speed of 660 knots underwater, sped up to 600 knots just a few seconds after it had gone underwater. It swam into the deep sea as if it were being sucked inside..

 Chapter 545 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-3 The 2nd Round

    <h4>Chapter 545: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-3 The 2nd Round</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 08:00


    At sea (the Combat Intelligence Center of the Columbia [SSBN-901]), 99 kilometers from the east end of Katsura, Chiba prefecture, Japan


    The report of the first impact on thebined fleet came in from thebat information officer. At this, Captain Emerson Hyndman made a contented face and gave an order. ¡°Deputy Captain! We¡¯re swimming to the maximum depths, and switching to silent submersion mode.¡±


    He wanted to confirm the results of the impact on thebined fleet, but had judged that, for safety reasons, it was time to retreat.


    ¡°Swimming back to the maximum depth, submarine switching to silent submersion mode.¡± The Deputy Captain repeated the order and ryed it to the pilot. The Enrique (SSBN-902) and the William Penn (SSBN-903), along with the Columbia (SSBN-901), immediately submerged.


    Just then, the sonar officer¡¯s urgent voice rang out through the Combat Intelligence Center, even though they were in silent submersion mode. ¡°Two to-torpedoes areing toward us! Distance 12,000! Azimuth 0-9-8! It¡¯s v-very fast.¡±


    ¡°are you saying they attacked us while defending? When will it arrive?¡±


    ¡°38 seconds left.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean there are only 38 seconds left until it arrives even though the distance is 12,000?¡± The Deputy Captain asked again, noticing that the time to respond was so short.


    ¡°The speed of the torpedo is almost 600 knots.¡±


    ¡°600 knots?¡±


    The faces of the people in the Combat Intelligence Center hardened simultaneously at the sonar officer¡¯s unbelievable report. A speed of 600 knots was even faster than a cruise missile, and it was a speed that was close to the speed of Mach 1. A speed like that underwater was something you could only see


    in science-fiction movies.


    ¡°Immediately! Expel all the possible nixies and swim at maximum speed. And insert the information of the stern¡¯s first and secondunch tubes, loaded torpedoes, and the information detected from sonar.¡± Captain Emerson Hyndman stayed calm in the Combat Intelligence Center and gave the best


    possible order.


    Kooooooooong!


    ¡®The five S-SSFM-500B Tridents were flying at an extraordinary speed, creating a hypercavity nearby. It was quickly heading closer to each of their targeted submarines.


    ¡°ah! The first nixie¡¯s jamming failed! The second nixie has failed as well. Distance 2800!¡±


    Only reports that were too awful to believe rang throughout the Combat Intelligence Center.


    ¡°Fire from the first and secondunch tubes as soon as they open!¡± As soon as Captain Emerson Hyndman gave the order, the stern¡¯s muzzle doors that were on standby opened and fired two Heavy Weight Torpedoes.


    Krururuurung! Krururuurung!


    The two Heavy Weight Torpedoes, fired from pressured air, swam toward the S-SSFM-500B Tridents that were approaching at frightening speeds ording to their designated targets.


    ¡°First torpedo! Five seconds until impact! Four, three, two, and one! Interception has seeded!¡± The sonar officer happily shouted with his hands up in the air. But soon he had to adjust his crooked headphones and concentrate to confirm the results of the second interception.


    ¡°Three seconds until the second torpedo impacts! Two! One! Interception has failed!¡±


    Just then, there was a shock, along with a huge explosion sound, that shook the entire body of the Columbia (SSBN-901). It was such a great shock that it threw the crew members that were standing in the room onto the floor.


    ¡°¡±Wh-what was that?¡±


    ¡°ah! It seems that the Enrique and the William Penn have been shot down,¡± reported the sonar officer in despair. But the report didn¡¯t reach Captain Emerson Hyndman¡¯s ears. It was because they could be in the same situation at any moment.


    ¡°Steer the submarine downward as much as it can go!¡± Captain Emerson Hyndman shouted, expecting a miracle in a short amount of time. Suddenly, the Columbia (SSBN-901) turned wide to the left, plummeting toward the bottom of the sea.


    Kiiiiiiiing!


    Asound rang through the entire submarine that sent chills down everyone¡¯s back.


    ¡°How long until the enemy torpedo gets here?¡±


    ¡°Three seconds.¡±


    ¡°D-damn!¡±


    ¡®There was no hope. There was no time to dodge.


    ¡°Two seconds until impact! One second! Impacting.¡±


    ¡°Prepare for the impact!¡±


    Screams rang out from everywhere. But the Columbia (SSBN-901) swam on without any problem, even after those seconds had passed.


    ¡°Wh-What¡¯s going on?¡± When nothing happened, even after a few seconds had passed, Captain Emerson Hyndman, who had grabbed a firm structure and shut his eyes, opened his eyes and looked around.


    ¡°We¡¯re saved. The enemy torpedo has passed us by.¡±


    It was a miracle. All of the Columbia¡¯s (SSBN-901) crew threw their hands up and shouted in happiness.


    Captain Emerson Hyndman was dumbfounded at the unbelievable reality, but soon found hisposure and gave orders. ¡°Quiet! We¡¯re going into silent submersion mode right now. Pilot! Get down to the maximum depth and standby there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Ca-captain, how did this happen?¡± The Deputy Captain approached the Captain awkwardly and asked.


    ¡°How should I know? The important thing is that we¡¯re saved!¡±


    ¡®The second S-SSEM-500B Trident, which had been approaching at a terrifying speed of 660 knots, had suddenly turned to the left and missed the Columbia (SSBN-901), which had been swimming almost perpendicr to the sea bed.


    ¡®The S-SSEM-500B Trident, unable to turn directions easily because it was moving at such a high speed, had missed its target because the targeted submarine had suddenly moved. It crashed on the sea bed, causing an enormous explosion.


    Boooom! Kururururumuuung!


    ¡®The pressure from the explosion wrapped around the Columbia (SSBN-901) once again.


    Kruk! Kruk! Kiiiiiiing!


    A strange sound rang out as if the outer wall of the submarine might split. But the color wasing back to the faces of the crew of the Columbia (SSBN-901). They had juste back from the entrance of hell, so it was understandable.


    Soon, the Columbia (SSBN-901) went down to a depth of 2,000 meters and went into silent submersion mode. They nned to move after things had calmed down in the region, whether that took a day or even two days.


    But what they had nned didn¡¯t happen. In the nearby seas underwater, the Jang Bogo (SS-061) of the 9th Submarine Force Command, was waiting.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 08:20


    The underground bunker of the Blue House¡¯s National Emergency Situation Center, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Namju


    From very early in the morning, President Choo Un-hee, with Minister Kang Yi-sik, had been watching the evacuation of Tokyo as well as the bombing operation currently underway in Japan. They had been getting real-time reports about the naval warfare against the Pacific Fleet, as well.


    A little while ago, the report about the results of the first naval battle came in from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The damage done to thebined fleet by the anti-warship missiles was one destroyer and three frigates, and they could no longer be included as part of the force. Six were dead, 15 were injured,


    and 41 were lightly wounded. The report also stated that the Pacific Fleet had lost 15 warships, including the Zumwalt-ss destroyers, to thebined fleet¡¯s attacks, and that both sides were currently in the process of retreating from battle.


    Besides this, 43 CA-11P Phoenix fighter jets, nine CF-21P Zhujak fighter jets, as well as eight ck Zhujak fighter jets were shot down in dogfights with the enemy, and among the fighter jets of the Pacific Fleet, 165 F-35B and C Lightning II fighter jets have been shot down. If they were to focus only on


    the ratio of the fighter jets that were shot down, it would be a resounding victory on the side of the Republic of Korea, but if they were to consider the dogfights that had happened, the Republic of Korea had suffered a great loss.


    Because of this, the Joint Chiefs of Staff also added that they would deploy two more fighter jet wings so that they could dominate the enemy in future dogfights.


    ¡°As we thought, the U.S. isn¡¯t an easy opponent,¡± said Secretary of National Security Kang Hyun-soo with a bitter expression. He thought that the damage was even greater than expected.


    ¡°Tt seems that the U.S. has prepared many things in thest three years without us knowing,¡± added Minister Kang Yi-sik, also looking at the report as if he couldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°Even if we worried here, it wouldn¡¯t be of any help. We need to trust our men and wait. Instead, let¡¯s keep monitoring the retreat status of our marines that were garrisoned in Japan. Ah, and isn¡¯t Ambassador Oh Dong-jin currently in the middle of negotiating with the U.S. State Department?¡±


    Ambassador Oh Dong-jin was an ambassador for the Korean embassy in the U.S. He was in the middle of his visit to the State Department in an attempt to resolve the naval warfare with the Pacific Fleet peacefully.


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President! He¡¯s currently discussing it with Assistant Secretary Julian Green at the State Department building,¡± replied Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-hee.


    ¡°Not Secretary Maine Johnson?¡± asked President Choo Un-hee, surprised.


    ¡°Tt seems like they¡¯ve been trying to minimize contact with him because of the incident back in Latvia.¡±


    ¡°Trying to hide the stench, I see. Well, I hope that the discussion ends in favor of what we want.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee especially hated Secretary of State Maine Johnson out of all of the American politicians. It was because he was a scoundrel who traveled around the world and used all sorts of backhanded tactics to drive wedges between countries.


    Arge scale bombing operation was underway to return Japan back to the state it was in three years ago, when it was defeated in war. Along with this, the 1st troop (Haeryong), and the 6th Marine Division (Chunryong), all men garrisoned in Honshu, excepting Hokkaido, were to retreat toward Maizuru


    and Joetsu to be sent back to Korea on the multipurpose amphibious assault ships and transport ships of the 53rd Floti, under the escort of the ist fleet. The 5th Marine Division, which was garrisoned in Shikoku, was to be sent back to Korea on transport nes.


    With this, the Republic of Korea would be pulling all military forces out of Japan. In the situation of being in a full-out war with Russia, there was no need to continue to have military friction with Japan, regardless of what the U.S. intended, But of course, this was all considering that the prerequisite for


    these decisions was that the industrial regions of Japan would bepletely destroyed.


    Because of this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been attempting to end things peacefully with the U.S. government through Ambassador Oh Dong-jin.


    But, because of the real-time reports that they received from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, President Choo Un-hee¡¯s heart had changed.


    Four destroyers and two frigates of thebined fleet had been destroyed, in addition to the previous ships, because of the American nuclear submarines¡¯ torpedo attack. Casualties were being rounded up, but the content of the report estimated around 200 casualties.


    As soon as she was told of the report, President Choo Un-hee¡¯s face burned red. It was apparent how angry she was just from the color of her face.


    Therge screen that had been showing the jets bombing Japan changed to the video of thebined fleet, taken by a reconnaissance satellite, along with the report.


    While 30 warships sailed toward the seas of Japan, several destroyers and frigates sank into the cold sea, covered by red mes. The surroundings were filled with helicopters that were deployed from multipurpose amphibious assault ships to rescue the crews of the sinking ships that had jumped into the


    sea.


    Among the ships that were attacked, the Jeongjo (DDG-1007) caught everyone¡¯s eyes. It had lost its entire stern, including the helicopter storage, and was in such a state that it wouldn¡¯t have been surprising if it sank at any moment, but it only leaned to the left slightly. However, it had lost the ability to


    move and was depending on the sea current to move along.


    President Choo Un-hee turned her head when the screen showed a sight that she hadn¡¯t even wanted to imagine.


    She then looked at Minister Kang Kyung-hee and spoke in a cold voice, ¡°Tell Ambassador Oh to stop his discussion with the U.S. government.¡±


    ¡°Mdm. President? What do you mean?¡± asked Minister Kang, surprised.


    ¡°The peaceful solution that we had nned with the U.S. ispletely canceled from this point on. So tell Ambassador Oh to stop his discussion and return to the embassy.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure, Mdm. President?¡±


    ¡°Yes, there is no change in my decision.¡±


    President Choo Un-hee was firm. At this, the ministers and secretaries, including Minister Kang Kyung-hee, were no longer opposed.

 Chapter 546 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-4 The 2nd Round

    <h4>Chapter 546: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-4 The 2nd Round</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 08:25


    Under the sea (the Combat Intelligence Center of the Columbia [SSBN-901]), 101 kilometers from the east end of Katsuura, Chiba prefecture, Japan.


    ¡®The Columbia (SSBN-901) had seeded in escaping death. It had gone into silent submersion mode and traveled to the maximum depth. In the sonar operation room of the Columbia (SSBN-901), they were also looking for ally submarines with the passive sonar turned on all the way.


    ¡®There was a report a few minutes ago that the ally submarines had been shot down, along with the two shock waves they had felt, but for an urate assessment of the current situation, the Columbia (SSBN-901) was slowly circling the region, looking around.


    ¡°Captain, shouldn¡¯t we get out of here first? Even if the ally submarines were able to live, they¡¯d be hard to find with just our passive sonar because of the TQQ-3M system,¡± whispered the Deputy Captain in Captain Emerson Hyndman¡¯s ear. He was right.


    *The TQQ-3M system was a cutting-edge technology that was able to absorb sounds and detect waves from the outside, neutralizing both passive and active sonar.


    At this, Captain Emerson Hyndman nodded and gestured to the next target region. The Columbia (SSBN-901) was 200 meters long and swam toward the north, along the Mariana trench.


    But right at that moment, there were dull sounds that knocked on the outer wall of the Columbia (SSBN-901).


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Surprised, Captain Emerson Hyndman looked at thebat information officer. Thebat information officer, who urgently went into the sonar room, reported in. He seemed to have found out what the source of the unidentified sound was.


    ¡°It seems like the fragments that were made from the torpedo explosion fell and hit us.¡±


    ¡®A few minutes ago, the S-SSFM-500B Trident that had passed by the Columbia (SSBN-901) had collided with the sea bed, causing an enormous explosion. At that point, fragments had flown hundreds of meters and were falling back to the floor.


    The sounds that continued, hitting the entire body of the Columbia (SSBN-901) for 10 seconds, soon stopped. But this was very fatal for submarines that had to travel in secret with their silent submersion mode on. This was because if there were enemy submarines nearby, the location of the submarine


    would be exposed.


    ¡°Captain! Why don¡¯t we change the path we were going to take?¡± The Deputy Captain said, thinking that they might be exposed due to the sounds the submarine had created just moments before.


    ¡°Deputy Captain! We would never be exposed to just that amount of sound!¡±


    ¡°Captain! There will be around 10 destroyers creating an anti-submarine boundary to find us in the next 5 kilometers. There will be Korean submarines gathering here, as well.


    ¡°The current depth is 2,000. The Korean destroyers and submarines won¡¯t even imagine that we¡¯ll be traveling at this depth. Move quickly to the designated travel route. It¡¯s going to be fine.¡±


    ¡°At the current depth, keep the same azimuth and only raise the speed to 15.¡± Captain Emerson Hyndman quietly ordered the pilot, ignoring the Deputy Captain¡¯s advice.


    eeK


    January 23rd, 2024, 08:25


    Under the sea (the battle control room of the Jang Bogo [SS-061]), 105 kilometers from the east end of Katsura, Chiba prefecture, Japan


    The Jang Bogo ($S-061) had traveled here at maximum speed after finding out, from its low-frequencymunication system, that the destroyers and the frigates of thebined fleet were being surprise attacked by torpedoes from an unidentified submarine. It had detected the general location of the


    submarine through therge and small explosion sound waves, and it was following it silently at a depth of 250 meters.


    But it was impossible to know the exact location of the enemy submarine. While it was traveling, along with the general location information and the predicted path of movement, the sonar operations officer seeded in picking up continuous sounds that were urring at a depth of 2,000 meters.


    At first, the sonar operations officer was confused as to what this sound was, but from the experience that he had umted during his three years of working at the Jang Bogo (SS-061), he became certain that these sounds were made from something hitting the outside of a submarine.


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. This is a sound created by the submarine¡¯s outer wall.¡±


    ¡°But the depth is 2,000 meters?¡±


    ¡°That is, that part is a bit weird to me as well, but I¡¯m certain that this is a submarine.¡±


    ¡°A submarine that can travel at a depth of 2,000 meters¡­¡±


    At the report of the sonar operations officer, not easily understood in the currentmon sense, Captain Oh Sung-won shook his head. At this, the battle control officer added to the im of the sonar operations officer.


    ¡°Captain! There may be an American submarine that can travel at 2,000 meters. If they developed it for that purpose, that is.¡±


    ¡°Mm, that¡¯s true! Distance! Confirm the azimuth!¡± Captain Oh Sung-won, who had fallen into his thoughts while petting his chin, gave his orders to the battle control officer.


    ¡°The target is assumed to be a submarine! The distance is 5,300. The azimuth is 3-0-4. It¡¯s currently traveling at a speed of 10 knots.¡±


    ¡°Good! Sonar operations officer, make sure you don¡¯t lose the location of that b*stard.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    At the confident voice of the sonar operations officer, Captain Oh gave additional orders. ¡°From this point on, go into silent submersion mode. Pilot, move right to the azimuth of 3-0-4! Travel at the speed of 13 knots until we get to maximum depth, traveling down at an angle of 10.¡±


    At Captain Oh¡¯s orders, the Jang Bogo (SS-061) seemed to be turning slightly right but soon tilted toward the sea bed, traveling to a deeper part of the sea.


    ¡®The underwater pursuit of the Jang Bogo (SS-061), the oldest and smallest submarine of the Republic of Korea Navy, toward the newest model of the U.S. strategic nuclear submarine has begun.


    eeK


    January 23rd, 2024, 08:40 (Time in the U.S. January 22nd, 19:35)


    Building of the Harry S. Truman State Department building, Washington D.C, USA


    Ambassador Oh Dong-jin, who had waited for 30 minutes in the reception room after he arrived at the State Department building, had gone into a discussion with Assistant Secretary Julian Green about the contents that the Blue House wanted to ry. But Assistant Secretary Julian Green, who was


    listening, was very cold about it.


    As if he had been forced toe out, Assistant Secretary Julian Green¡¯s expression and tone of voice, as well as the atmosphere he created, seemed to suggest that he was implying that he wouldn¡¯t listen to anything the Republic of Korea would say. But because of his attitude, Ambassador Oh Dong-jin


    wanted even more, from his sense of duty, to persuade him by supporting his words with even more reasons than he thought up on the spot.


    ¡°Assistant Secretary Green! Aren¡¯t we, the Republic of Korea and the United States, originally allies? It¡¯s true that we drifted apart a bit in politics, but President Choo wants the rtionship with the U.S. to be reformed. She wants a peaceful resolution to the naval battle that happened just like three years


    ago.¡±


    ¡°Mm, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea were once allies. By sending the most men to help out, we have protected you from North Korea during the 6/25 war, as well as made you an independent country from under Japanese rule. But it seems like Korea has long since forgotten these favors that the U.S.


    has done for it. In addition, to calling us allies¡­¡±


    Assistant Secretary Julian Green made a slightly bitter face. Suddenly, Ambassador Oh Dong-jin felt an urge to punch him.


    Ambassador Oh Dong-jin, who wanted to grab his cor and argue, kept his calmposure and asked quietly, ¡°Forget? How could that be? Isn¡¯t that why I¡¯m here to ry President Choo¡¯s intentions?¡±


    Unlike Ambassador Oh Dong-jin, who was lowering himself and speaking in the most polite tone possible to negotiate, Assistant Secretary Julian Green, with his uninterested attitude, began to act haughtily.


    ¡°Good. Since the President of the Republic of Korea wants a peaceful resolution, let me say one thing. We have engaged in battle with the Korean fleet at Japan¡¯s request as their allies, keeping internationalws in mind. Therefore, we can¡¯t go into negotiation with the Republic of Korea just like that. So, to


    move the White House¡­¡± Assistant Secretary Julian Green trailed off after he skirted around the topic by bringing up that the first strike against thebined fleet of the Republic of Korea waspletely legal ording to internationalw.


    ¡°Yes, please go on.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t there be something of cost from the Republic of Korea?¡±


    ¡°Cost? We¡¯re trying to resolve something that could expand to be World War III, and you¡¯re talking about cost?¡± Ambassador Oh Dong-jin raised his voice and asked in an unhappy tone. It seemed like he had reached thest straw in his patience.


    ¡°Lmean, isn¡¯t it customary that the side that wants to resolve things peacefully offers up something of value that corresponds to it?¡±


    ¡°Assistant Secretary Green! Isn¡¯t that only done when one side is unable to fight anymore? Currently, both sides are equallypetent, so wanting something of value is going too far.¡±


    ¡°Haha! Really? You pleaded so much that I told you how you could make this work, but you¡¯re reacting like that?¡±


    The inside of Ambassador Oh Dong-jin boiled. He wanted to flip the table, but he continued to keep it together and attempted to continue the conversation.


    ¡°Assistant Secretary Green! Then, what is it that you want?¡± Assistant Secretary Julian Greeny down in afortable position on the sofa and spread his palms as Ambassador Oh Dong-jin asked patiently.


    ¡°Mm, all the technology rted to sma.¡±


    ¡°What? Did you say all of the technology rted to sma?¡±


    Right at that moment, there was a vibration. It was Ambassador Oh Dong-jin¡¯s smartphone. This was an important meeting, but the smartphone that was vibrating was the one that he used tomunicate with the Republic of Korea, so he had to pick it up.


    ¡°Lapologize. I need to take this call.¡±


    Even knowing that it wasn¡¯t polite, Ambassador Oh Dong-jin turned around and picked up the call.


    ¡°Yes, this is Oh Dong-jin. Yes, yes? Yes, I understand.¡±


    Ambassador Oh Dong-jin finished the short call and loosened the tie that was tied tight. He said, with a rxed expression, ¡°Haha! It was an urgent call, so please forgive my impoliteness. Then, should we continue our conversation? You said all of the technology rted to sma just now, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Assistant Secretary Julian Green replied, pulling himself upright upon noticing that Ambassador Oh Dong-jin¡¯s expression had changed after taking the call.


    ¡°Hahaha, no matter how I think about it, the U.S. is too greedy.¡±


    As Assistant Secretary Julian Green had felt, Ambassador Oh Dong-jin¡¯s expression and tone of voice had changed 180 degrees.


    ¡°What? Greedy? Are you done?¡±


    ¡°Ah! No, I¡¯m not done yet. What do you want from us, the Republic of Korea, even when we¡¯re trying to resolve things peacefully after you¡¯ve attacked us first without notice? I¡¯m amazed. Have you still not broken the habits you formed when you started wars all over the world under the guise of


    maintaining world order?¡±


    At Ambassador Oh Dong-jin¡¯s frank statement, Assistant Secretary Julian Green got up from his seat and shouted, ¡°Look here, Ambassador Oh! Did you just say that? You¡¯ll regret saying that!¡±


    At Assistant Secretary Julian Green¡¯s threat, Ambassador Oh Dong-jin showed his rxed attitude and replied, ¡°Sure, one country, out of the Republic of Korea and the U.S., will regret it sorely. But let me tell you that the Republic of Korea will not be the one to regret anything. I¡¯ll be going now since there


    are orders from the President for me to return.¡±


    Assistant Secretary Julian Green was stunned at the changed attitude of Ambassador Oh Dong-jin. As he passed by, Ambassador Oh Dong-jin said one more thing, ¡°It was only a short time, but it was beneficial. Ah! Would you ry my message to Minister Maine Johnson¡ªthat we¡¯ll have him take the


    responsibility for what happened at Riga, Latvia.¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±


    Ambassador Oh Dong-jin walked toward the reception room¡¯s door without looking back at Assistant Secretary Julian Green, who was pointing at him and asking. Right in front of the door, Ambassador Oh Dong-jin turned around, smiled widely, waved, opened the door, and left..

 Chapter 547 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-5 The 2nd Round

    Chapter 547: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-5 The 2nd Round


    January 23rd, 2024, 08:55


    155 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    The battleships Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) and Cha Ri-suk (CG-1104), which sailed in the southeast direction at maximum speed for thebined fleet¡¯s retreat, maintained an anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and anti-ship defense perimeter from their current positions as the Pacific Fleet withdrew as


    nned.


    However, after receiving an emergency order from the Naval Operations Command, they started their powerful sma engines again and set course in the southeast direction.


    The order given to them was to sail at maximum speed and sink at least one enemy aircraft carrier belonging to the Pacific Fleet.


    Themanders of the two Lee Sun-shin-ss battlecruisers considered the mission to be quite dangerous. Nevertheless, they ordered the crew to set the course at full speed without hesitation. The twomanders also knew that the torpedoes from American nuclear submarines would cause great


    damage to their hulls and even possibly sink them. They couldn¡¯t be underestimated.


    ¡°Currently, we are 290 kilometers away from the Pacific Fleet and expect to enter their attack range within 30 minutes.¡±


    Captain Seo Gil-soo of the CG-1103, who had entrusted the bridge to the deputymander before the battle started and was observing the engagement from themand room, nodded with a firm expression when presented with the report from the tactical controller.


    ¡°Comms! Establish the connection.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Shortly, the face of Captain Ahn Won-seok of the Cha Ri-suk appeared on the big screen in themand room.


    ¡°Greetings! I was just about to call you.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s great. What would you like to do, Captain Ahn? It is a bit foolhardy to sail in without any intel.¡±


    ¡°We are tasked with the intel. Are you at full speed? The engine may be able to withstand the output.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s do that. Take the lead. We¡¯ll follow.¡±


    ¡°You should lead the way. You are my senior.¡± Ahn Won-seok wanted to concede to his senior in the Naval Academy the honor of sinking an American aircraft carrier and making history.


    ¡°Can I?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir.¡±


    ¡°all right, then.¡±


    ¡°Give them the feistiest torpedo you have.¡±


    ¡°Lwill do my best not to let you down.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel pressured, though.¡±


    ¡°all right.¡±


    The two captains thus set out a strategy to deal with the Pacific Fleet. Then they set the course for their assigned mission.


    The Cha Ri-suk (CG-1105), which was to fulfill the defensive mission first, raised all outputs to the maximum and entered the omni-directional defense mission as it maintained the anti-aircraft and anti-ship defense perimeter with a radius of 1,000 kilometers and the anti-submarine perimeter with a


    radius of 300 kilometers. To save fuel, the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) minimized the operation of its various electronic devices and routed the excess power to the engine to sail at a maximum speed of 60 knots.


    Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) wanted to reduce their power consumption for the following reasons:


    The distance between Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) and the Pacific Fleet was about 290 kilometers. To use the anti-naval rifle, the target had to be within a range of 250 kilometers. The Pacific Fleet would identify the fast-approaching Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) as the imminent threat and would attack on


    arge scale by mobilizing the destroyers and submarines around it.


    In other words, to approach the target, even with the help of the omnidirectional defense system of the Cha Ri-suk (CG-1105), the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) had to somehow maintain the maximum engine output.


    eee


    January 23rd, 2024, 09:00


    445 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    As the Pacific Fleet retreated to the southeast end of the sea, Admiral Rubin Scott and his staff cheered in themand room of Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78).


    The footage from the As recon satellite had been transmitted along with reports that several destroyers of the enemy fleet were sunk by Columbia-ss nuclear submarines.


    It wasn¡¯t as much damage as expected, but they were happy because the biggest enemy submarines were also sunk among the many vessels.


    Their Zumwalt-ss destroyers couldn¡¯t do much and were subsequently destroyed. Two of the enemy vessels were decimated, and four were escorted back to the shipyard. It was a great setback for them.


    Without knowing that two Columbia-ss nuclear submarines of their own were also sunk, Admiral Rubin Scott decided that he would be able to destroy the enemy fleet if heunched an all-out offensive against them after reorganizing their forces.


    ¡°When we retreat to the designated waters, we will have the entire fleet repaired and replenished.¡± Watching the Korean destroyer sinking into the sea amid white foam, Admiral Rubin Scott gave instructions to Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Lopez.


    However, at this time, a report from the As recon satellite came up with urgent footage.


    The footage yed on the screen with a report that the two cruisers of the enemy fleet, which had stopped moving at a certain distance 20 minutes ago, had resumed advancing toward their main fleet at full speed again.


    Two cruisers the size of battleships, which hadst been seen in World War II, were sailing through the white waves at great speed.


    ¡°How fast are they?¡± Admiral Rubin Scott shook his head and asked because the sailing speed seemed so fast even though the footage was taken from a long distance.


    ¡°ording to the recon satellite, it seems to be about 55 knots or more.¡±


    ¡°55 knots? Does that make sense? How could such a giant vessel be capable of such speed?¡±


    Before joining the operation, Admiral Rubin Scott had a general knowledge of the specifications of Korean warships. Of course, the Lee Sun-shin-ss cruiser was also vaguely familiar, and he knew its max speed was 60 knots.


    As a marine who had served in the Navy for more than 30 years, it seemed absurd to him that a 250-meter-long ship could achieve a speed of 60 knots. However, when he saw it in the video, he felt as if he had been hit in the back of the head.


    ¡°How far away are they from us?¡±


    ¡°They are 288 kilometers away from our leading vessels.¡±


    Currently, their two cruisers were sailing in a column formation at a distance of 5 kilometers from each other.


    ¡°Admiral! It seems to be a retaliatory attack for our submarine ambush on their vessels,¡± shouted the chief controller of themand room.


    ¡°Yes, but that means they are trying to fight the entire Pacific Fleet with just two ships. It is understandable that they first tried to make us retreat.¡±


    ¡°They read us like an open book,¡± added Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Lopez.


    ¡°Still, they can¡¯t be ignored. Does their rifle have a range of 250 kilometers?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it does.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let them approach us within 250 kilometers. Page allmanders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    eee


    January 23, 2024, 09:10


    ¡®The underground bunker of the Cab Office in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, Japan (officially the National Security Conference Room)


    Minister Mike Takashi, who had gone out to check on the status of the U.S. naval operation, entered the conference room without tarrying. It had only been an hour since he had left the ce.


    ¡°What are you doing now?¡± Minister Ishihara Shintaro told him off. Mike Takashi hade in, panting and out of breath. Then he looked around the room with wide eyes.


    Mr. Takashi, who had a puzzled look on his face, immediately red at Minister Ishihara Shintaro, who responded simrly.


    ¡°Mr. Takashi! What happened?¡±


    In response to Prime Minister Uchida¡¯s question, Minister Ishihara Shintaro averted his eyes and sat down in the chair to answer.


    ¡°They say they are fiercely battling the Korean navy.¡±


    ¡°So, when do you expect them to send help?¡± Prime Minister Uchida leaned forward and asked again, seemingly interrogating him.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know for sure¡­¡±


    ¡°Then ask them to send the air force. Aren¡¯t industrial zones all over Japan being devastated right now?¡±


    ¡°They say that they cannot afford to send the air force due to the current engagement with the Korean navy.¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    As his hopes were shattered, Prime Minister Uchida leaned against his chair and buried himself in the backrest. At this time, Cab Minister Sei Muroya looked at the other ministers and called out to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Uchida responded with hand gestures, as if he couldn¡¯t be bothered


    to respond properly to them.


    ¡°Prime Minister! We could contact the Korean government with the statement that we will give up the ¡®deration of independence¡¯


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡®As Cab Minister Sei Muroya finished speaking, Minister Ishihara Shintaro jumped up from his seat furiously. ¡°What are you talking about? Minister Muroya! We will never bow to them.¡±


    ¡°Is there any other way out of our predicament?¡±


    ¡°although the U.S. Navy will arrivete, once they are here, Japan will be sovereign again.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    At that moment, another piece of grim news came up. Several international airports across Japan, which were rebuilt through post-war restoration projects, had just been bombed.


    The photos of Narita International Airport and several other regional airports, including Osaka Kansai International Airport, were shown one after another.


    ¡°Now they have bombed our airports! This is an illegal military action that will be criticized by the internationalmunity. Massive bombings of civilian airports. We must immediately report Korea¡¯s illegal military activities to the United Nations.¡±


    Minister Ishihara Shintaro rose from his seat and shouted at the many ministers, but no one backed his proposal. They were well aware that naming Korea in the UN Security Council would have no effect. There was a heavy ambiance of desperation looming over them.


    Prime Minister Uchida decided on something and spoke quietly to the man who had just entered the room.


    ¡°Mr. Miura!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Prime Minister?¡± answered Deputy Foreign Minister Kenta Miura, who entered the conference room. He had taken the ce of Minister Kurosawa Kiyoshi, who had just resigned from his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs.


    ¡°Contact the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs right this moment.¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister!¡±


    Before Miura could answer, Ishihara Shintaro¡¯s shout reverberated throughout the room..

 Chapter 548 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-6 The 2nd Round

    <h4>Chapter 548: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-6 The 2nd Round</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 09:20


    184 kilometers off the city¡¯s eastern shore, Katsura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    Numerous anti-vessel missiles flew tail-to-tail toward the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), which advanced at full speed into the waters 260 kilometers away from the Pacific Fleet. In addition, the F-35C and F-35B fighter jets transferred from the three aircraft carriers flew at high speeds to narrow the


    distance. They then each fired an AGM-158S SRASM air-to-vessel missile with a range of 250 kilometers.


    Although the Pacific Fleet had fired an astounding number of 120 anti-vessel missiles in retaliation, their target, the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), did not make use of any defense systems. Instead, as promised in advance, Char Ri-suk (CG-1104), who was in charge of defense in all directions, activated


    their automatic defense system and got ready to intercept the iing missiles.


    The GTAS-300 surface-to-air missiles soared one after another, bursting with blue mes from the 68-extended verticalunch pad of the Char Ri-suk (CG-1104) that followed in the sea 5 kilometers behind the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103). As soon as they reached their designated altitude, they tuned


    southeast and disappeared through the white clouds.


    Within minutes, firework-like explosions were seen in the air between the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) and the Pacific Fleet.


    Even though the naked eye could not see that far, the interceptor operators saw it with their equipment and shouted in themand rooms of the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) and Char Ri-suk (CG-1104) and their tactical disys showed their visions in real-time.


    ¡°Captain! Shall we activate the defense system?¡± Operations Officer Min Yeong-hun asked with a slightly worried expression on his face.


    ¡°Mr. Min! Is that worry I hear in your voice?¡± Captain Seo Gil-su, who was looking at the screen that showed Min¡¯s intercepting operations in real-time with various tactical symbols, asked with a calm expression on his face that seemed to say nothing was going wrong.


    ¡°It is not fear but practicality. We are running out of ammunition. I figured it would be better for this ship to also fortify herself in defense.¡±


    ¡°You are right! But a little bit of effort can ovee anything! First of all, let¡¯s advance further as nned.¡±


    Captain Seo Gil-su rose from his seat and tapped Min Yeong-hun¡¯s shoulder. He then approached the tactical screen and read the number indicating the distance from the Pacific Fleet. At that moment, the Pacific Fleet was 257 kilometers away.


    ¡°What is the status of the SSS output?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s now at 100 percent.¡± The operator in charge answered in a voice so loud that it resounded in the entiremand room.


    ¡°How often will we be able to use it?¡±


    ¡°It will depend on how much damage the shield will sustain once activated. At least three times, I think.¡±


    <¡®In that case, we can use hyper-propulsion at least once!¡¯> Captain Seo Gil-su pondered for a moment.


    Captain Seo Gil-su, who had made up his mind, gave instructions in a loud voice while holding thems receiver connected to the vessel¡¯s bridge.


    ¡°Bridge!¡±


    ¡°Yes, this is the deputy captain.¡±


    ¡°prepare for hyper-propulsion! Make sure it works right away when I give an order!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will prepare hyper-propulsion.¡±


    ¡°Report as soon as it is ready!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After registering the deputy captain¡¯s response, Captain Seo Gil-su handed thems receiver to the operation officer, looked around at the tactical controller and other operators, and immediately shouted.


    ¡°Our primary target is the enemy aircraft carriers. Ignore the destroyers escorting it. Hit the nearest carrier first. Weapons!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°When they enter the range of our rifles, set them as their primary target so that they can fire immediately without further orders!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Comms!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°If this attack is fended off, the Pacific Fleet will definitely retaliate with more vessels. Therefore, this ship will defend itself against their retaliation in SSS mode. Inform the crew so that there are no unnecessary attempts at interception.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Tactical Commander!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°After defending against their retaliation in the SSS mode, immediately get them within the range of our rifles with hyper-propulsion! Afterward, our missiles will home in on each of their three aircraft carriers.¡±


    Captain Seo Gil-su instructed the crew clearly and sinctly. Then he returned to his seat and sat down.


    At that time, the anti-aircraft operator who was watching the interception of missiles said in an urgent voice.


    ¡°Now! A total of 24 enemy anti-vessel missiles that survived the interception are 50 kilometers away from the main ship! They are expected to hit us in 50 seconds!¡±


    Those were the AGM-158S SRASM air-to-vessel missiles that had shown excellent interception and evasive capability in the first battle.


    ¡°Tactical Commander!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Captain!¡±


    ¡°Immediately switch to Melee Defense System!¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are switching to a close-range defense system.¡±


    ¡®When Captain Seo Gil-su immediately ordered the use of the close-range defense system, deciding that there was insufficient time to devote to the Char Ri-suk (CG-1104), even for close-range defense, 22-millimeter rifles were mounted on the bow and stern, and two more on the left and right strings.


    They fired rounds automatically toward the sky, which soared through the clouds and sought their targets.


    In addition, the Shield-M2 short-range anti-aircraft missiles, which boasted a range of 50 kilometers and a speed of Mach 6, were fired consecutively from the 16-tube missileuncher.


    Shortly after the Shield-M2 short-range anti-aircraft missiles disappeared through the clouds, red explosions were seen in the sky.


    The AGM-158S SRASM air-to-ship missiles had been neutralized as they were intercepted by both the Shield-M2 short-range anti-aircraft missiles and the 22-millimeter Vulcan beams.


    However, it was only the beginning of the retaliation from the Pacific Fleet.


    ¡®The 52 F-35C Lightning II jets that were transferred each still had one AGM-158S SRASM air-to-ship missile left, and 70 additional F-35C Lightning IIs and F-35B Lightning IIs soared from several amphibious ships and aircraft carriers and approached them.


    The countless white-smoke trails of anti-ship missiles, fired from Zumwalt-ss and Arleigh-Burke-ss destroyers crisscrossed the sky as the missiles themselves lit up the sky above the Pacific Fleet.


    ¡°An additional 70 fighter jets have beenunched from the enemy aircraft carrier! A total of 132 fighter jets are swarming toward us!¡±


    ¡°28 anti-vessel missiles were fired from an enemy destroyer. Just now, 29! The number continues to grow.¡±


    ¡°Enemy fighters also fired anti-ship missiles. They are all targeting us.¡±


    Amid urgent reports from the operators, Captain Seo Gil-su was overseeing all of it with a calm expression on his face.


    ¡°A total of 88 anti-ship missiles were fired from their destroyers! We have 132 seconds until impact!¡±


    ¡°A total of 52 primary air-to-ship missiles! 140 secondary air-to-ship missiles, 125 seconds until impact! 117 seconds!¡±


    Finally, a whopping 280 anti-ship missiles were fired toward the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103). The United States, the most powerful country in the world, was overkilling it with 280 anti-ship missiles in a single attack against one cruiser.


    Although it is impossible to urately calcte it, the total cost of the 280 anti-ship missiles is estimated to amount to 800 million dors. By crude calction, it may have been worth all that if they managed to sink the cruiser worth close to four billion dors, but taking into ount the previously


    unched anti-ship missiles, it was bing less and less cost-efficient.


    ¡°Things are going as the captain expected.¡±


    ¡°Indeed! I hope this attack will deplete all the anti-ship weaponry of the Americans.¡±


    Showing a satisfied smile, Captain Seo Gil-su watched the numerous red lines crisscrossing on his tactical screen.


    A few minutester, 280 anti-ship missiles honed in on the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103). Captain Seo Gil-su gave his order just then. A pale-blue maic field enveloped the entire hull of the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103).


    Numerous anti-ship missiles collided with the maic shield surrounding the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), creating a spectacr disy akin to a fireworks show as the missiles exploded in mid-air.


    However, a small vibration was transmitted to the body of the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) due to the explosive momentum of all the missiles exploding at once.


    ¡°What is the current output?¡±


    ¡°Current maic field output is 81 percent, but it is falling. 79 percent, 77¡­¡±


    ¡®When all the anti-ship missiles poured in with a short timeg were blocked by the maic shield and exploded, it led to Captain Seo Gil-su¡¯s question.


    ¡°The current output is 52 percent.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not as bad as I thought. Great! Bridge!¡±


    ¡°Bridge here.¡±


    ¡°Initiate hyper-propulsion right this moment!¡±


    ¡°Yes, hyper-propulsion is operative. Ten seconds until activation! Nine!¡±


    ¡®The hyper-propulsion countdown was initiated.


    Two huge sma water propellers protruded from the bottoms of the left and right strings of the stern of the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103).


    The hyper-propulsion feature had never been used before ever since it was first introduced in the prototypical vessel, the Lee Sun-shin (CG-1103).


    ¡®When the rm sounded to notify the crew of the hyper-propulsion throughout the ship and the counting began at the same time, Sohn Byung-hee¡¯s guaranteed win was certain.


    Everyone on the ship grabbed something nearby to anchor themselves in ce.


    ¡°Five! Four! Three!¡±


    As the count went on, the sma water propeller emitted a deafening noise.


    ¡°One! Hyper-propulsion initiated!¡±


    Instantaneously, a huge amount of seawater was pushed out from the sma water propellers. Then, the giant Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) rushed forward, breaking through huge waves just like a racing car leaping forward at the start signal.


    Its speed was close to 100 knots. It was equivalent to a staggering 185 kilometers per hour.


    keK


    January 23rd, 2024, 09:30 (local time: 10:30)


    450 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


    When the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) refused to sink even after receiving nearly 120 anti-vessel missiles, Admiral Rubin Scott was fuming and ordered even more anti-vessel missiles to be used in the second attack.


    The destroyer had fired all the anti-vessel missiles loaded on its verticaluncher. Each carrier¡¯s air wing was also armed, and it fired 70 percent of the anti-ship missiles used in this battle.


    As such, the Pacific Fleet, which poured out all of their avable anti-vessel missiles, had to see the Sohn Byung-hee stand intact after all the missiles were intercepted by the Char Ri-suk.


    Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Lopez said that the Korean cruisers must have also exhausted their anti-aircraft missiles and their ability to intercept their missiles was no longer viable. However, when about 280 anti-ship missiles mmed into the maic field to no avail, he became silent and only


    came to his senses when Admiral Rubin Scott pped his thigh in frustration.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Admiral Rubin Scott bit his lower lip and closed his eyes as he sighed deeply.


    In the footage filmed and transmitted by the As recon satellite, numerous anti-vessel missiles that were poured toward the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) were futilely blocked by some mysterious membrane and exploded in the air almost at once.


    They couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. But what they saw then astonished them further. The Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), which had blocked all of their anti-vessel missiles with its maic shield, began sailing at a momentous speed and approached them, soon getting them within the range of its long-range


    rifles.

 Chapter 549 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-7 The 2nd Round

    <h4>Chapter 549 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-7 The 2nd Round</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 09:35


    The underground bunker of the Central Government Office (National Security Conference Room), Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, Japan


    ¡°What do you mean they are not responding?¡± Prime Minister Uchida jumped out of his chair as soon as he heard the absurd report.


    ¡°It seems like the Koreans have cut off all the hotlines.¡±


    ¡°Cut off the hotlines? What about the emergency line?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the same goes for all the emergency hotlines in thems department.¡±


    ¡°What about the phone number of their office? They must have a few work phones.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already tried that, but no one is picking up.¡±


    ¡°Oh my, are they really about to cut off all ties with Japan?¡±


    Uchida¡¯s face, as he sat powerlessly in his chair, was full of embarrassment. After a while, Uchida, stroking his hair, visited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who had run out of the conference room in the hopes of finding


    a solution.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right! Mr. Miura! Call Mr. Kurosawa immediately.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes! That fe must know the South Korean Foreign Minister¡¯s cell phone number! Ask him right this moment.¡±


    ¡°Sir, I already contacted Mr. Kurosawa before the briefing, but he said the Korean¡¯s cell phone was turned off.¡±


    ¡°If his phone has been turned off, you should be calling his home. No! We do not have time! Mr. Miura! Contact the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately!¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to do that?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a representative number on their website? Call them right now and ask them to ry the call to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Korea! Tell them that the Japanese Prime Minister is seeking him urgently.¡±


    ¡°Prime Minister! It is quite shameful for me to call a number on their website.¡±


    As Miura blurted out with an embarrassed expression on his face, Uchida, who had always had a gentle expression, turned and shouted, ¡°Now is not the time to pick and choose! What are you waiting for?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I see.¡±


    Startled by the sudden shouting, Deputy Minister Kenta Miura searched for the representative phone number of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his smartphone and immediately pressed the call button.


    After a few beeps, a gentle female voice weed him.


    ¡°This is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¡±


    In his poor excuse for Korean, Miura began speaking, ¡°Ah, this is the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I would like to converse with Minister Kang Kyung-hee on an urgent matter.¡±


    ¡°Did you say the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did. It¡¯s an urgent matter, so I hope you can ry the call right away.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs¡¯ domestic representative number. For diplomatic matters, we would appreciate it if you could contact the relevant department directly through the hotlines.¡±


    ¡°All the hotlines are cut off! The Japanese Prime Minister wants to speak to Minister Kang Kyung-hee on a very urgent matter right now, so please contact him for me.¡±


    ¡°I apologize. There is no line in our department avable to connect you to the Minister. For diplomatic matters, please make a request through the hotlines.¡±


    ¡°There is no time! It is an international diplomatic issue, so please patch us through immediately.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t make prank calls to us.¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me? This is the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We don¡¯t have time, so please connect us.¡±


    ¡°Il am warning you again. This is a public institution. You can¡¯t make prank calls to us. I¡¯ll hang up now.¡±


    Hello! Hello!¡± Miura, who blurted out in Japanese, looked at Uchida with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°They thought it was a prank call and hung up.¡±


    ¡°Call them again!¡±


    ¡°Sir, we cannot get to the Korean minister with this representative number.¡±


    They would have reacted the same. What diplomat evermunicated through official representative numbers?


    ¡°The fate of Japan is at stake! Try again! No! Give me the phone! I will call them myself!¡±


    Uchida snatched Miura¡¯s smartphone and pressed the call button.


    ¡°The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¡±


    ¡°I am the Japanese Prime Minister, Uchida. Currently, the hotline with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea has been cut off, so I have inevitably called you. I would like to speak with Minister Kang


    Kyung-hee on an urgent matter. Please patch me through.¡±


    Uchida spoke Japanese. There was no response for a while, as he waited, panicking.


    ¡°Can you hear me? I am Japanese Prime Minister Uchida. I would like to speak with Minister Kang Kyung-hee. Please connect me.¡±


    When he spoke in Japanese again, someone else, a man, responded. He must have been handed the call by the female employee who clearly didn¡¯t understand Japanese.


    ¡°Why do you keep calling us? You will be fined for prank-calling a government institution.¡±


    ¡°This is not a prank call. | really am the Japanese Prime Minister, Uchida.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even sound like a kid. Last warning. If you call us again, I will call the police.¡±


    ¡°This is not a prank call. I really am the Prime Minister of Japan. Hello! Hello!¡±


    Even under the pressing circumstances, the humiliation struck a chord. It was the moment when the Prime Minister, who could be said to be the number one in Japanese politics, was reduced to a prank caller.


    The male voice over the handset just knew that the call was not a prank, but an actual call from the Japanese government. An official letter was sent to the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this morning.


    As of nine a.m., the Republic of Korea officially cut off diplomatic ties with Japan, thereby suspending allmunication channels with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Japanese Embassy in Korea.


    Uchida¡¯s hand holding the smartphone trembled. He was not sure if it was because of the humiliation he had just experienced or of his hopelessness about the reality Japan faced. The entire country was going down


    the road, but he couldn¡¯t see the two Kanji characters meaning ¡®hope¡¯ anywhere.


    KeK


    January 23rd, 2024, 09:40 (local time: 10:40)


    450 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan (Pacific Fleet)


    Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), who charged through 250 kilometers of rough waves at an unimaginable speed, immediately deployed all of its avable means of attack.


    First, its rifle fired a bullet every two seconds. Then it unleashed sma cohesive bombsparable to anti-ship missiles. On the verticalunch pads were mounted the hypersonic anti-ship missiles, which


    subsequently soared into the sky.


    The anti-ship missiles, which boasted a range of 450 kilometers and a flight speed of Mach ten, were able to reach the Pacific Fleet, which was roughly 245 kilometers away, in exactly 74 seconds.


    Their targets were destroyers belonging to the First Carrier Squadron, escorting the Calvins (CVN-80).


    They were flying at hypersonic speed toward the remaining Zumwalt-ss destroyers, John S. McCain (DDG-1010), the only surviving Zumwalt-ss destroyer in the First Carrier Squadron (DDG-1010), and the


    remaining four Arleigh Burke-ss destroyers.


    In addition, the Calvins (CVN-80), which could be said to be their main target, were targeted by the sma-cluster rounds of 30 K-2 rifles and two SSM-1000Ks.


    All but a few multi-purpose helicopters have been moved to the flight deck of the Calvins (CVN-80). When the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) approached them at an incredible speed, like a racing car, Admiral Rubin Scott


    urgently ordered the crew to move all the aircraft that had been stowed on her flight deck.


    Among the transferred aircraft, the F-35C Lightning II fighter jets were armed with outdated anti-ship missiles and flew to a certain altitude to attempt to sink the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) again.


    And on the sea, the Russell (DDG-1013) and Ramage (DDG-1015) Zumwalt-ss destroyers also fired 256MJ-ss rail guns mercilessly toward the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103).


    For attack and defense, 20 destroyers belonging to the Pacific Fleet fired SM-7C surface-to-air missiles with high interception capabilities to defend against the iing attacks.


    The anti-aircraft missiles, with their white smoke trails crisscrossing at the same time, which was soon followed by a huge explosion, produced an impressive spectacle that made one feel as if one was watching a


    blockbuster war movie.


    Three years ago, in a naval battle with the Republic of Korea Navy, the SM-7 and the improved SM-7B surface-to-air missiles did not show any significant interception capability and showed a very low interception


    rate. Since then, they have been sessful in developing more advanced and improved SM-7S surface-to-air missiles. The range stayed the same, but the speed, angle-turning ability, and impact of the explosion were


    all improved to make it a more viable weapon.


    Due to the continuous improvement work, the price of the SM-7S doubled to $29 million from the price of the SM-7, which was the basic model at $15 million. When converted to Korean won, it came to a whopping


    amount of 29 billion won.


    The now-costly SM-7S surface-to-air missiles, which boasted an astronomical amount of momentum and speed worthy of their new price tag, flew toward and over the horizon.


    After a short period, the interception data of the SM-7 surface-to-air missile, which was intercepted, was transmitted in real-time from each destroyer to the Gerald R. Ford¡¯s (CVN-78) battlemand room.


    On its first attempt, it seeded in intercepting six out of a total of 11 SSM-1000K enemy missiles. Compared to their performance three years ago, it was remarkable. Cheers erupted from the rows of operators, but


    they soon died down.


    Admiral Rubin Scott was caught up in some kind of funky mood.


    Although he did not express it, he clenched his right fist as if rallying some morale from within.


    For three years, they had spent an astronomical amount on research, and valuable results had just been obtained. But that wasn¡¯t always a relief. Due to the relentless flight speed, there was not enough time for the


    second intercept, and more than 30 rounds of sma-cluster bombs, which reached an altitude of 100 kilometers at a speed of Mach 10, were homing in on the Calvins (CVN-80).


    From now on, they had to pin all their hopes on the 8MJ-ss rail gun, which was one of theponents of the vessel¡¯s close-range defense systems. Now Admiral Rubin Scott and themanders of the Pacific Fleet


    could only pray and wait.


    Thest bastion of the close-range defense system weaponry was capable of unleashing metal bullets the size of a child¡¯s fist in one second with a powerful momentum of eight megajoules, twice that of the M-3


    Wardog tank equipped with the first 4MJ-ss rail gun. Four Zumwalt-ss destroyers and 11 Arleigh Burke-ss destroyers of Flight IIB-ss or higher, each equipped with an eight-megajoule rail gun, mounted their


    guns and identified their targets through a datalink.


    Metal bullets poured out from the barrels of a total of 20 eight-megajoule railguns. Metal bullets stretched out like a beam ofser light in the air. The sight embroidered the sky above the northwest end of the


    battlefield.


    Like metal scraps attracted by a strong ma, numerous metal bullets gathered toward the iing SSM-1000K enemy missile.


    Three explosions sounded in session. A huge column of water soared 20 meters high. However, the two SSM-1000K missiles inevitably escaped the web of bullets and headed toward their targeted destroyer.


    The Pacific Fleet operated the close-range defense measures in hopes of mitigating some of the damage, and a huge number of shells instantly covered the sky.


    The SSM-1000K missile buried itself into the hull of the Arleigh Burke-ss Michael Murphy (DDG-112) and then exploded.


    The entire 155-meter long body of Michael Murphy (DDG-112) exploded and shattered. Countless fragments of shrapnel flew several kilometers around. .

 Chapter 550 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-8 The 2nd Round

    <h4>Chapter 550 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-8 The 2nd Round</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 09:40


    212 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsuura, Chiba, Japan


    The Char Ri-seok (CG-1104)¡¯s battlemand room was full of shouts from various operators reporting ever since they were tasked with defending the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), which was advancing toward the


    Pacific Fleet with sma hypercharge.


    Any mistake could prove fatal for the mission and immediately jeopardize the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103). In the end, the Sohn Byung-hee¡¯s fate depended on the Char Ri-seok (CG-1104).


    Currently, the Pacific Fleet was barraging away with all they had to sink the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), which had entered within 250 kilometers of their location. The 256-megajoule railguns were firing dozens of X-35


    anti-armor bullets, drawing smooth parabs in the skies, prowling for their prey. The fighter jets, F-35C and F-35B Lightning IIs, unleashed all of their AGM-158S SRASM air-to-ship missiles.


    The Char Ri-seok (CG-1104) also mobilized all six of their 22-millimeter Last Shots and GTAS-300 ship-to-air missiles. All of them exploded in the sky above the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) in a fiery disy of light and


    mes.


    Within a minute, multiple explosions were seen in the space between the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) and the Pacific Fleet.


    ¡°33 of the 68 enemy missiles have been intercepted. The second interception phase has been initiated.¡±


    ¡°22 metallic bullets blocked! 37! They are still targeting the Sohn Byung-hee. The Sohn Byung-hee has also activated its melee defense system. The number of targets is increasing. 28! 24!¡±


    The operators who analyzed and reported on their operations had their voices imbued with anxiety. The fists of Commander An Won-seok were clenched as he speechlessly heeded all the reports.


    ¡°The Sohn Byung-hee is charging toward the enemy, trusting us. I expect everyone to wlessly maintain their positions and continue to intercept the projectiles.¡±


    With a stern voice, Commander An Won-seok raised the morale of his crew. The operator in charge of reporting on the offensive aspect of the mission brought in some good news.


    ¡°The Michael Murphy was hit by one of our missiles! It is sinking rapidly right now.¡±


    Every crewmate in the battlemand room eximed at once.


    ¡°We need more focus. Defend the Sohn Byung-hee at all cost for it to sweep them all away!¡±


    Commander An Won-seok, raising the morale once again, turned his head to the tactical officer and asked, ¡°Can you verify the SSS output of the Sohn Byung-hee?¡±


    ¡°Yes, after using the hyper thrust, it is currently sitting at 35 percent.¡±


    ¡°That should be sufficient for one more SSS.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be dangerous, Commander?¡± Kim Min-jin, one of the tactical officers, budged in.


    ¡°It must be so. That is why our role in this mission is important.¡±


    ¡°All of their air-to-sea missiles have been intercepted!¡±


    ¡°We have intercepted all of their 59 railgun rounds, but they have fired more. 34 currently! The number of bullets is expected to increase with time.¡±


    Unlike the various missiles that could cost up to 10 million dors per charge, the 256-megajoule railguns, backed by the ship¡¯s engine, boasted unlimited ammunition. The X-35 metal bullets also cost less than $100


    each. They were all very cost-efficient.


    The Zumwalt-ss vessels equipped with the 256-megajoule railguns continued to barrage the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) with the X-35 metal bullets.


    These high-speed bullets were hard to intercept. If a single one of them hit the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), the vessel faced possible sinking, and if not, it was still going to sustain heavy damage.


    The Char Ri-seok (CG-1104) continued to defend its friend with the 22-millimeter rifles until their barrels glowed.


    KeK


    January 23rd, 09:45 (Local Time: 10:45)


    450 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsuura, Chiba, Japan (Pacific Fleet)


    While the Michael Murphy (DDG-112) was broken into several pieces and was sinking rapidly, the only survivor from the Third Fleet, the Zumwalt-ss John S. McCain (DDG-1010), saw a great explosion in the two


    o¡¯clock direction.


    Fortunately, its eight-megajoule railgun seeded in intercepting the missile before itnded. The remaining distance was one mere kilometer.


    Despite the sessful interception, due to the proximity and the velocity surpassing Mach 8, countless shrapnel showered the John S. McCain, flying in the same direction the missile had.


    Each piece of shrapnel buried itself into the hull of the John S. McCain (DDG-1010). Explosions of various sizes ensued. Even a small piece of shrapnel, with Mach-level speed, proved to be a fatal weapon.


    Each piece of shrapnel tore apart the hull as if it were paper and decimated the interior of the ship. Many crewmates were sacrificed, and fires spread across the ship.


    The John S. McCain (DDG-1010), sustaining heavy damage, saw great pirs of smoke and me rising from itself. The inside of the ship was abject chaos. Fire rms sounded and red lights shone in the corridors.


    ording to their training, the crewmates put out the fires one by one around their respective posts. But with dozens of fires raging at once across the ship, they were not going to be extinguished anytime soon.


    The John S. McCain, with such damage, had its electronic equipment and Aegis radar impaired and was excluded from the active force of the Pacific Fleet.


    With two vessels excluded from the Pacific Fleet¡¯s forces, the eleven concentrated-sma bullets from the C-2 rifle braced through the cloud of interception bullets from the eight-megajoule railguns and found their


    target: the Calvins (CVN-80).


    The deck of the Calvins (CVN-80), made of super-alloy that could withstand the heat from the fighter jet engines, once encountered with the concentrated sma bullet, was torn like paper and a great hole was made.


    When the bullet buried deep inside the hull exploded, an enormous pir of me soared like water from a fountain.


    In a short amount of time, a scene like this was repeated eight times. Dancing mes and great heat covered the deck. The fighter jets that were justnding, like F-35C Lightning IIs and Seahawk helicopters, exploded


    one after another.


    It was hell itself. The dark red mes spread everywhere like the Grim Reaper and engulfed everything in extremely high heat. Many explosions were heard in the hull of the Calvins (CVN-80),.


    Of the three shots fired, one fell into the sea, missing its target. The other two found their targets and buried themselves in the upper and middle parts of the ind. The ind, a structure as tall as amon building,


    waspletely decimated by a measly two concentrated sma bullets.


    The ind was gone, and only bony frames and torn iron tes were vaguely seen in its ce.


    It was a death sentence for the Calvins (CVN-80). Due to the ensuing internal explosions, the Ford-ss vessel, once called the ¡®Fortress in the Waters¡¯ for its vast size, lost its bnce and tilted to the left. The various


    pieces of equipment mounted on the deck slid into the sea one by one.


    It was a catastrophe. In the history of the United States navy, few aircraft carriers have ever been sunk.


    The crewmates on the ships that had been escorting the Calvins stared at the bubbles with empty eyes. A few shed tears. It was a scene drastically revealing the atrocious aspect of the war.


    The Calvins (CVN-80) was sinking into the waters at 70 degrees. Surviving crewmates wearing lifesaving vests were floating and sshing around the fallen carrier. Countless helicopters took off from the surrounding


    vessels to rescue them. Many rescue boats followed suit.


    Admiral Rubin Scott, seeing all this on the screen, muttered to himself. ¡°A single cruiser sank an aircraft carrier. And they did it when the entire Pacific Fleet was right here.¡±


    KeK


    January 23rd, 09:45


    The Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), 212 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsuura, Chiba, Japan


    The battlemand room of the Sohn Byung-hee was full of cheers and exmations. An operator had just reported that the Calvins (CVN-80) had just been hit and was sinking rapidly right at that moment.


    The deputymander, O Seok-yeong, spoke through thems, ¡°Commander! We havepleted our mission. What do you say about retreating?¡±


    Commander Seo Gil-su turned his head without answering to look at Min Yeong-hun, the tactical officer. Min Yeong-hun, discerning his intent, responded in a voice that sounded a bit excited. ¡°Commander! It may be


    testing our luck, but if we sink another of their carriers, we may be able to put an end to this war. Since we have an opportunity now, I¡¯d like to give it a try.¡±


    ¡°My thoughts exactly.¡±


    Commander Seo Gil-su nodded. He ordered the deputy captain through thems. ¡°Keep advancing at the current speed.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not retreating?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. We need another win.¡±


    ¡°Roger.¡±


    Commander Seo Gil-su, finishing the order, spread his shoulders wide and raised his voice to address his crew, ¡°What¡¯s the current output?¡±


    ¡°At 32 percent.¡±


    ¡°Great. We¡¯ll keep the current output and aim for the Ford this time. You are tasked with rying the order to the crew.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The tactical officer manipted many parameters on his console and ryed the order ship-wide to the various officers and operators.


    ¡°Weapons! Fire the rifle in the general direction of the Ford for two minutes!¡±


    ¡°Launch a missile at each of the destroyers escorting the Ford. The rest will be fired at the Ford itself. Let¡¯s show them the final taste of our weaponry.¡±


    The roaring rifles fired sma bullets, and the verticalunchers were loaded with missiles, which soared into the sky one by one, leaving trails of white smoke in their wake as they approached their enemies across


    the waters.


    A total of nine SSM-1000K missiles wereunched. Seven were targeting the destroyers, and the rest were homing in on the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). With thisunch, the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) had depleted all of


    its missile reserves. For a vessel of its size to deplete its ammunition was tantamount to the severity of this neverending war.


    With the retreat postponed, the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) and the Char Ri-seok (CG-1103) were once again embroidering the sky with their weaponry, all the while intercepting iing enemy fire. It was a wrestle


    between a spear and a shield. The battle continued, with the weaponry from each side raging and roaring across the skies between the various vessels. .

 Chapter 551 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-9 The 2nd Round

    <h4>Chapter 551: Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-9 The 2nd Round</h4>


    <h4></h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 09:50


    B2 Bunker, Digital Information Center for JCS¡¯s intelligence department, Yongsan District, Seoul, Southern Territory


    Two hours have passed since they attempted to connect internally with the Hubble 2 telescope satellite. It took time, but they ended up sessfully connecting to the intricate innerwork of the sophisticated telescope satellite.


    But they ran into an unexpected problem. Namgoong-won and the agents of the intelligence center had nned to infiltrate NASA¡¯swork right after connecting to the satellite, but they found out that Hubble 2 was not connected to NASA¡¯s servers in real-time.


    That meant a long-range wireless connection could only be made from NASA¡¯s side.


    ¡°We worked hard for two hours for nothing!¡± Namgoong-won muttered as he rested his head on the chair¡¯s headrest. His attempt to ess NASA¡¯swork via long-range wirelessmunication had failed. Other agents of the center muttered in frustration as well.


    The bigger problem was that didn¡¯t know when exactly NASA would make the next connection. They just had to wait, and that didn¡¯t help their mood.


    Then, Namgoong-won snapped his fingers and called the deputy director of the center with a wide grin. ¡°Colonel Kim Tae-seok! Rather than simply waiting, we can nudge NASA to ess the satellite.¡±


    ¡®I What do you mean?¡± Colonel Kim Tae-seok, frowning at the unexpected obstacle, asked with a voice full of anticipation.


    ¡°If the satellite malfunctions, NASA will notice it right away and ess it to figure out the problem.¡±


    ¡°They would.¡±


    ¡°Then we can simply mess with the satellite a bit. For example, we can tweak its orbit so it falls to Earth.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Namgoong-won, that¡¯s a great idea! But can we modify its orbit?¡± ¡°Of course, that satellite is as good as ours.¡±


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s modify the orbit as Mr. Namgoong-won suggested.¡±


    A whileter, Namgoong-won and a few soldiers from the aviation-space force began the operation to skew Hubble 2¡¯s orbit just a bit.


    Hubble 2, orbiting in outer space 610 kilometers away from Earth¡¯s atmosphere at a stable speed of 7.9 kilometers per second, began to fall toward Earth when its orbit was slightly skewed and the bnce between the centrifugal force and the gravitational pull was disturbed.


    Now they only have to await NASA¡¯s reaction. Suspense filled the monitoring room of the intelligence center. They were concerned that if NASA did not respond quickly enough, the satellite would fall to the ground.


    But the worry was unwarranted. Within a minute of the orbital maniption, NASA essed Hubble 2 and immediately proceeded to correct its orbit.


    ¡°NASA has essed the satellite!¡± One of the employees of the intelligence center noticed it and shouted. With his fingers dancing frantically on the keyboard, Namgoong-won infiltrated NASA¡¯s servers, essing the satellite through the wide-range wirelessmunicationwork.


    Now they only have to fight time itself. They didn¡¯t know when NASA would disconnect from the satellite. That¡¯s why the soldiers from the aviation-space force kept causing minor problems. It was to ensure NASA maintained its connection to the satellite.


    January 23rd, 10:00, 2024 (22nd, 21:00 EST)


    The West Wing, The White House, Washington D.C., United States of America


    The President Trump, who had just been briefed by the Pentagon about the situation on the Pacific coast of Japan, looked grim.


    For three years, ?? United States researched weaponry used by Korea, devised countermeasures, and deployed them. Despite their endeavors, the Pacific Fleet was sustaining heavy damage. He was especially shocked by the report that one of their aircraft carriers had sunk.


    It was a great mistake by the Pacific Fleet to lose eight Zumwalt-ss destroyers in the early phase of the battle.


    ¡°Mr. President, I ask for your permission to deploy the tactical-grade weapon.¡± After much deliberation, Duke Williams, the minister of defense, opened his mouth.


    ¡°I agree. If we tarry, we may risk losing the entire Pacific Fleet.¡±


    Fabian Jones, the defense advisor, supported the minister¡¯s take. But President Trump was being sensible when it came to the use of the tactical-grade weapon.


    Three years ago, when they deployed one of such weapons, continental America attacked in retaliation. If they used such weaponry, Korea could use them in retaliation as well. It would give them an excuse to shell the continental United States mercilessly. That was why President Trump was reluctant to grant such permission.


    ¡°I am aware of what you are worried about. But things now are different from three years ago. We now have a much more advanced missile defense system.


    We will not be shelled helplessly like in the past,¡± added Duke Williams, the


    minister of Defense, reading the president¡¯s concerns.


    ¡°He¡¯s right. We have poured two trillion dors over three years to prepare for this precise moment.¡±


    The Pentagon, NASA, and private militarypanies have advanced their missile defense systems further to establish the Super Missile Defense system. The public funds poured into the project almost jeopardized the stability of the country¡¯s economy.


    The previous missile defense system targetedmunist countries like Russia, China, and North Korea before reunification. The newly developed SMD was almost entirely dedicated to countering the various offensive weaponry of Korea.


    The Minister of Defense and ??? defense advisor asked for permission, but President Trump was still feeling hesitant.


    The inte rang. It was from the secretary¡¯s office.


    ¡°An urgent message from the Pentagon.¡±


    ¡°Patch them through.¡±


    The chairman of the JCS, Austin Berry, appeared on the screen as soon as he was connected. His countenance looked deeply worried.


    ¡°What is it?


    ¡°The Gerald R. Ford was just hit. It has sustained heavy damage.¡±


    As the president¡¯s face hardened, the Minister of Defense asked hurriedly, ¡°Is the Ford hit too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it evaded sinking, but the deck was decimated. The aircraft are obliterated, and the carrier has just been excluded from active duty.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Admiral Scott on the Ford?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is. He sustained a light injury and was transferred to the Thomas S. Gates.¡±


    ¡°Good. But how could we lose two carriers?¡±


    ¡°We have no excuse.¡± Austin Berry lowered his head, downtrodden.


    The war was just about wrapped up if they lost two carriers, the central pirs of the Pacific Fleet.


    ¡°Mr. Williams! I grant you permission to use the tactical weaponry.¡± In the grim ambiance, President Trump¡¯s calm voice sounded.


    President Trump¡¯s hesitation seemed to have evaporated at the news of the Ford¡¯s ordeal.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President!¡±


    ¡°Report thoroughly as to which weapons are used.¡±


    ¡®Yes, sir.¡±


    Minister Duke Williams lowered his head and responded. Then he addressed the chairman on the screen right away. ¡°Mr. Berry! You heard the president. Confer on which tactical weapons to use and report right away. And don¡¯t ever let loose that Korean cruiser that got our carrier. They have to go down, no matter what it takes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The United States chose to y the risky card known as ¡®tactical weaponry,¡¯ which has the potential to rekindle the mes of World War Ill. The war against Korea that began with Japan¡¯s deration of independence was spreading its mes over the waters between the countries, testing their fates.


    January 23rd, 10:05


    Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), 215 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsuura, Chiba, Japan


    The Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), after decimating the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and sinking two Arleigh-Burke-ss destroyers into the depths of the waters, retreated immediately following Commander Seo Gil-su¡¯s orders.


    But along with the X-35 metal bullets that rained down on them, the F-35C Lightning Il and F-35B Lightning Il fighter jets from the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and the escorting vessels chased them down in close proximity, risking being gunned down. They were fully armed with all the remaining missiles on the ships.


    The Char Ri-seok (CG-1104)¡¯s water-to-air long-range missiles, GTAS-300s, were all depleted. Now they only had 22 GTAS-150s, which had a range of 200 kilometers. They were far too few for the enemy fighter jets that numbered 84. The Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), aware of the situation, activated its automatic defense system.


    ¡°Target 48, intercepted! Target 49, intercepted! Target 50, missed!¡±


    ¡°Enemy fighter, 169 kilometers from us!¡±


    ¡°All enemy jets have been targeted. Automatic intercepting system activated.¡±


    The Al supeputer prioritized the targets that posed the most risks first. Then it selected the most appropriate weapons and dealt with them.


    The two kinds of anti-air missiles soared into the sky, leaving trails of white smoke. Then they turned another direction and flew southeast. The targets of these missiles were the F-35B and F-35C Lightning Il fighter jets that were chasing the ships like a swarm of wasps.


    The targeted jets, afterunching their missiles, went into evasive maneuvers immediately to evade the countless interception projectilesing their way from the ships.


    One of the F-35Bs that had just entered an evasive maneuver couldn¡¯t evade one of the GTAS-300s and was disintegrated in mid-air, sending shrapnel and debris shooting in all directions and then falling into the azure sea below.


    Such a scene repeated itself in various ces. Many fighter jets that were overextended to sink the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) exploded in the air. Only 31 of the 84 survived and returned to their forces. The rest were shot down, and their debris fell into the sea. Thus, the Pacific Fleet¡¯s air forces were reduced to 35 percent of what they were. It was a tremendous loss for the once magnificent fleet of the most powerful country in the world.


    On the other hand, the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) had sustained heavy damage too. Before they were shot down, the numerous AGM-158S SRASM air-to-sea missilesunched from the fighter jets numbered 158.


    The Char Ri-seok (CG-1104) had used up all of its anti-air missiles. The Sohn


    Byung-hee (CG-1103) only had 22 GTAS-300s and 31 GTAS-150s remaining. It was not sufficient at all. If it were ordinarybat, the anti-air missiles would have been the first line of interception, then the CIWS, which wasposed of Shield-M2 short-range missiles and 22-millimeter bullets, would have taken care of the rest. But they had no Shield-M2 left and the bullets were all being used to intercept the X-35 metal bullets from the enemy.


    ¡°New targets acquired. 158 in total! Initiating interception beginning with the first target. Commander! We have insufficient anti-air missiles.¡±


    It was a grim report. On the tactical screen, it disyed 15 GTAS-300 and 31 GTAS-150 remaining. Commander Seo Gil-su finally opened his mouth, which had been firmly closed so far.


    ¡°Tactical officer!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°After firing the anti-air missiles, we will switch to manual defense system from the automatic defense system.¡± ¡®Yes, sir.¡± ¡°What is the current SSS output?¡±


    ¡°25 percent.¡±


    ¡°As soon as the interception reportes up, we will activate the SSS.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When they did not have enough anti-air missiles, they had to fall back to theirst resort, the SSS. Commander Seo Gil-su¡¯s gaze was fixated upon the tactical screen where the report would be disyed. When it did, the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) used up all its remaining output to activate the maic shield around its hull and over its deck. .

 Chapter 552 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death – 2-10 The 2nd Round

    <h4>Chapter 552 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death ¨C 2-10 The 2nd Round</h4>


    January 23rd, 2024, 11:15


    Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), 185 kilometers off the eastern shore of Katsuura, Chiba, Japan


    One hour after the start of the historic fierce battle, in the limitless waters filled with nothing but gentle waves, the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) was being pulled by the Char Ri-seok (CG-1104) with strong steel chains.


    The Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), which had fended off the various offensive measures of the Pacific Fleet, such as the barrage of anti-vessel missiles from the various ships and aircraft, with its SSS-mode maic shield, had unfortunately been hit by one anti-vessel missile and two X-35 metal shells. The output of the SSS mode had faltered in the middle of the battle.


    Precisely speaking, the anti-vessel missile had been sessfully intercepted, but the proximity to the hull meant some shrapnel ended up raining down on the bow of the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103). However, the two X-35 metal shells proved disastrous.


    The Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), struck by the two X-35 metal shells, saw three of its four sma hyperphoton Mod-D engines shut down. The engines could be said to be the vessel¡¯s heart. The ship immediately retreated with the remaining functioning engine, but it soon shut down. Therefore, the Char Ri-seok (CG-1104) went in for emergency rescue and was at that moment pulling the vessel.


    Fortunately, when the vessel was struck, there were no casualties. All 12 of the engine crew have been injured. Two who sustained heavy injuries were transferred to the medical vessel docked near Katsuura via the helicopters from the Char Ri-seok (CG-1104).


    On the other hand, the Pacific Fleet, which risked heavy casualties in their attempt to sink the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103), didn¡¯t achieve their goal despite sustaining heavy casualties. Then they retreated altogether.


    The Pacific Fleet, which lost two aircraft carriers, nine Zumwalt-ss destroyers, and 10 Arleigh-Burke-ss destroyers, had lost all of their high morale and turned their bows toward Saipan, tasting bitter defeat.


    In particr, the loss of aircraft, which could be said to be the source of the power of the Pacific Fleet, was severe. They had set sail with 390 F-35 fighter jets in total, loaded on three aircraft carriers and eight amphibious assault ships, but currently, they only had 71 F-35Cs and 55 F-35Bs left.


    The F-35C Lightning II fighter jets especially saw a heavy loss. When their mothership was sunk, they had nowhere to return to andnd. Admiral Rubin Scott had ordered the pilots to abandon their jets to save their lives.


    It was a tremendous loss of key military assets, but it was unavoidable. With their remaining fuel, the jets could havended on the airstrip in Japan, but the Pacific Fleet couldn¡¯t risk it when they had no idea of the current situation in the country. If the airstrips had been taken by the Korean navy, they could have just handed over the pilots and fighter jets to the enemy. They didn¡¯t have sufficient fuel to fly to the airbase in Saipan. Admiral Rubin Scott¡¯s decision was for the best.


    The Ronald Reagan (CVN-79), their only remaining carrier, had taken in as many fighter jets as possible. The remaining jets had their pilots ejected and drowned in the sea.


    cen


    The fighter jets cost 150 million dors per unit. Therefore, the total loss came to a staggering 4.8 billion dors, which converted into 5.7 trillion won.


    ¡°You did great, sir.¡±


    Commander An Won-seok came aboard the Sohn Byung-hee (CG-1103) on a helicopter. Then he approached Commander Seo Gil-su, saluted him, and greeted him.


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here. You did great, not me. You did a great job protecting us.¡±


    Giving words of encouragement to his injured crew one by one, Commander Seo Gil-su dropped his affected hopeful countenance as soon as he got out of the emergency room.


    ¡°Sir, you seem concerned.¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be? My crew were injured and hospitalized. I need some air. Let¡¯s go outside.¡±


    ¡°Shall we?¡±


    A momentter, Commander Seo Gil-su, standing on the deck near the bow, took out a cigarette and bit it.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you stop smoking?¡±


    ¡°I did. But I need this today. I borrowed it from the deputymander.¡±


    Commander Seo Gil-su, lighting the cigarette with a lighter, drew in a long one and exhaled it.


    ¡°Sir, no war is without casualties. Don¡¯t mind it too much.¡±


    ¡°They would have been fine if I hadn¡¯t pushed


    it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you pushed it. Thanks to your courage, the Pacific Fleet lost two aircraft carriers andpletely retreated. If those two aircraft carriers had been spared, they would have replenished their strength and provoked us again. I think it was an apt decision of yours, considering everything at the moment.¡±


    Commander Seo Gil-su smiled faintly at the words of his academy alumnus.


    ¡°Thank you for yourforting words, Commander An. But I still feel like a part of my heart died.¡±


    ¡°There were no deaths. The severely injured had quickly been transferred to the medical vessel. Why are you like this? It isn¡¯t like you to sulk. Could you spare one for me, by the


    way?¡±


    ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t think you were a smoker.¡±


    ¡°Since you started again, I shall too.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. It is bad for your health, especially at our age.¡±


    Commander An Won-seok snatched the pack of cigarettes from Seo¡¯s hand and took out a cigarette, biting it.


    ¡°Lighter, please.¡±


    ¡°Huh. Look at you.¡±


    Commander An Won-seok, who had snatched the lighter too, lit his cigarette and took a long draw, only to end up coughing.


    ¡°I told you not to. You weren¡¯t a smoker anyway.¡±


    ¡°Why is it so acrid?¡±


    Commander Seo Gil-su, smiling at Commander An Won-seok, threw the pack of cigarettes with the deepest grimace, and smoked his cigarette without saying a word, looking at the blue waves in the waters.


    Commander Seo Gil-su wished for his worries to dissipate just like the cigarette smoke fading in the sea breeze.


    *


    *


    *


    January 23rd, 2024, 12:30


    The battlemand room of the Jang Bo-go (SS-061), 14 kilometers below the sea surface, north of Miyake Ind, Tokyo, Japan


    Four hours had passed since the Jang Bo-go (SS-061) began chasing the minute noise with maximum sonar output. The target of the chase, the Columbia (SSBN-901), had been sailing covertly along the Marianas Trench and had just turned southwest to sail between Kozu Ind and Miyake Ind along the Pacific coast of Japan.


    They sometimes lost track of the noise and felt anxious, but the sonar operators of the Jang Bo-go (SS-061), as experienced personnel, retraced the minute noise and continued the chase, quietly gliding along the currents toward their target.


    The crew of the Jang Bo-go (SS-061) were on their toes not to make any noise to maintain their cover and not be detected by their target.


    For several hours, not knowing when it would end, they couldn¡¯t even move within the ship or talk to each other so as not to make any noise. Even in the battlemand room,munication was done with hand gestures or text messages on their phones in silent mode.


    Commander Oh Sung-won used his phone to give several orders to the tactical officers across the vessel.


    *


    *


    *


    January 23rd, 2024, 13:30


    B2 Bunker (Tactical Briefing Room of the Joint Command Control Center of the Korean Armed Forces), Yongsan District, Seoul, Southern Territory


    Chairman Shin Sung-yong and variousmanders and advisors of the Joint Command Control Center were conferring regarding the current situation of the war before theyposed a report to be sent to the president.


    First, they addressed the battle against the Pacific Fleet, which ended up victorious, albeit with heavy casualties.


    There was a heavy mood when they discussed the casualties of the United Fleet that had prepared for many scenarios yet was struck heavily by the newly designed nuclear submarines of the United States.


    In particr, the Navy Chief of Staff and the tacticalmander of the navy, who were tasked with the actual implementation of the strategies, kept their heads lowered as if they were sinners. The unfortunate oue wasn¡¯t due to their ipetence, but they still took responsibility for what happened as leaders.


    ¡°We did our best. We sustained heavy damage, but the entire Pacific Fleet is retreating. It is good news, in my opinion.¡± Chairman Shin Sung-yong tried to cheer up the Navy Chief of Staff, Lee Gi-hyeong, and the navy tacticalmander, Kim Min-ho.


    ¡°Yes, it is. No need to be let down. We sank two of the world-renowned Ford-ss aircraft carriers. It is very good news. There is no need to be downtrodden about what happened, and there is no need to focus on the bad like that.¡± The vice-chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Youn Gi-youn, agreed with what the chairman said.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault, Mr. Chairman. I misjudged the situation, and that led to heavy casualties despite the avable resources. After the war, I will take responsibility for it,¡± said Captain Kim Min-ho on the screen, with a sincere face.


    ¡°Captain Kim! All responsibilities ultimately fall on me. I will take responsibility for it. You won¡¯t. Also, the war is still ongoing. Such a burden on your heart will affect your performance. Let it go and just do your best. I won¡¯t say this again. Do you understand my take on the situation?¡±


    ¡°I do, Mr. Chairman.¡±


    ¡°Good. This will conclude that matter. When will we get the damage report?¡±.


    ¡°We have attained precise data. As soon as we organize it, we will send it your way. It will take roughly 30 minutes.¡±


    ¡°I see. Now, how is the northwestern front?¡±


    The First Field Military Commander, Oh Seong-deok, answered Chairman Shin in a loud voice. He was the generalmander for the entire northwestern front. ¡°Due to the unexpected snow, all pre-established strategies have been modified. The snow has let up, but the waist-high piled-up snow has immobilized everything. The snow removal operation was ongoing until today, and everything in the bases is now back to normal.¡±


    ¡°When can the forces be mobilized?¡± The Army Chief of Staff, Lee Eun-hyeong, asked.


    ¡°In two days, considering the current circumstances.¡±


    ¡°Two days! We hadn¡¯t expected this unexpected enemy called snow. If it were not for it, we would have concluded the war by now.¡± Youn Gi-youn mmed the conference table with his palm and expressed great regret. As he said, if it were not for the heavy snowfall, the entire mobilized Korean army forces would have decimated the Russians on the northwestern and southern fronts. At the very least, they would havepletely retreated from the front.


    However, regretfully, the heavy snowfall has postponed such an operation. The Russians, meeting defeat after defeat, had retreated hurriedly. Now they had time to establish defensive bases along the Onon River. The Russians who were hiding have an advantage over the Koreans who are moving in the snow-white world.


    ¡°For them to be mobilized, the road must be cleared of snow. It couldn¡¯t have been helped.¡±


    ¡°Since it is already postponed, we are counting on your leadership as the localmander.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the encouragement.¡±

 Chapter 553 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-1 The White Warfar

    <h4>Chapter 553 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-1 The White Warfar</h4>


    ¡°Well, then. Shall we move on to the next agenda?¡± Now that the matter regarding the north-west front was concluded, the Chairman of the Joint Staffs shifted his attention to a different monitor.


    The monitor receiving his gaze disyed the confidence-inspiring figure of Lieutenant General Kim Sung-ho, themander of the peacekeeping force who oversaw all facets of war currently taking ce in the south of Ukraine and Russia.


    ¨C May I be permitted to omit the contents of the report I made this morning and focus on a newly-uncovered special information?


    ¡°Yes, please go ahead!¡±


    ¨C Thank you. The battle situation on all fronts are proceeding smoothly ording to the n. However, several unidentified armored units were spotted east of Volga River and our scouts are monitoring them as we speak. We suspect them to be a unifiedbat force consisting of various Southern Front forces rallying under one umbre. Their size currently exceeds at least one division. After we perform a thorough recon, we¡¯ll proceed with the n to cross Volga.


    ¡°I see! Proceed ording to what you think is the best! Honestly, I owe you an apology for not paying much attention to your side, Lieutenant General!¡±


    ¨C No, sir. That¡¯s not necessary, Chairman! I should be thanking you for providing timely support whenever we ask for one.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve been neglecting your side, so at the very least, we should try to give you all the materiel you need! Hahaha!¡±


    ¨C Aha, so that was your intention, sir? Hahaha!


    ¡°Hahaha!¡±


    Vice Chairman of Joint Staff Kim Yong-hyun¡¯s reply turned the operation briefing room into a sea ofughter in an instant. Only Chairman of Joint Staff Shin Sung-yong remainedposed and serious within the festive atmosphere as he called out to Lieutenant General Kim Sung-ho. ¡°Lieutenant General Kim!¡±


    ¨C Yes, Chairman!


    ¡°In two days¡¯ time, the full-scale offensive willmence on the north-west front. The heavy snowfall will slow down our marching speed, but we still believe we can push back the Russian forces to the west of Lake Baikal and upy the city of Irkutsk before the end of January at thetest.


    ¡°On the other hand, the southern front you¡¯re in charge of covers a much wider groundpared to the scale of our deployed forces. And when the American-led NATO forces join in, we anticipate the war effort to be that much trickier for you. However, we¡¯d like you to persevere and, just as we nned, upy the southern region of Russia and the frontlines that will be our borders in the future. We will leave this task in your capable hands, Lieutenant General.¡±


    ¨C Yes, Chairman! I shall do my best not to disappoint you, sir.


    ¡°Thank you. Well, then. Is there anything else, Lieutenant General?¡±


    -No, sir. The situation has remainedrgely the same from the morning¡¯s report.


    ¡°Very good! Well, then. Let us conclude the briefing on the southern Russian front. Until the reports are finalized,manders and officers of various forces are free to speak what they have on their minds.¡±


    Chairman of Joint Staff Shin Sung-yong announced the start of the free-form discussion, prompting many of the field-grade officers to raise their hands and voice their opinions. The previously inflexiblemand structure of the army was changing considerably through Chairman of Joint Staff, Shin Sung-yong¡¯s efforts.


    *


    *


    *


    January 23rd, 2024 19:00 (American time, Jan 22nd 06:00),


    The U.S. State Department located in the Harry S. Truman building, Washington D.C. The Pacific Fleet¡¯s naval battle against Korea¡¯sbined fleet ended in a virtual defeat, necessitating the current President, Donald Trump, to visit the Pentagon in the early hours. He called for a short briefing session, attended by the White House advisers and top management of the Pentagon.


    Therge screen in the conference chamber currently disyed various vessels belonging to the United States Pacific Fleet in full retreat toward Saipan.


    The Pacific Fleet initially boasted thebined scale of three fleets and one assault fleet, but now¡­ It had shrunk below 50% of its former glory as its current scale was no better than one fleet and one assault fleet. Its previous triumphant atmosphere was long gone by now. If the cost of all the destroyed vessels and deployed weapons were to be counted, it should be over $200 billion. 200 billion went down the drain, like some dust being blown around in the winds.


    The problemy beyond the money, however, as nearly 3,800 were thought to have died. KIAs alone numbered 1,900 while the remains of 1,239 sailors couldn¡¯t even be recovered anymore. A situation like this would easily be the most fatal for any politicians that lived or died from the continued support of the voting public.


    If the anti-war media gained momentum via reporting on the families of the KIA, then it didn¡¯t take a genius to imagine how all the arrows of criticism would fall on President Donald Trump for ordering the pre-emptive strike on the Korean navy for the sake of an allied nation¡¯s ¡®deration of sovereignty¡¯. As a matter of fact, the situation could devolve into one where he¡¯d face impeachment from the office with only one more year left in his term.


    However, this was only one of the reasons why he chose to vacate the White House to personally visit the Pentagon.


    ¡°Regardless of how, we need to recover the bodies of those killed in action, gentlemen!¡±


    Those were the first words toe out of President Trump after Operations Chief of Staff Nick Leeman finished his briefing.


    ¡°Sir. We¡¯ve urgently deployed rescue teams consisting of civilian vessels to the relevant part of the ocean to rescue and recover the remains of our sailors. We should recover the remains adrift on the surface as well as trapped within the sunken vessels given enough time, but those damaged by fire and explosions are¡­¡± Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Austin Berry, replied to his president instead of the Operations Chief. But the end of his sentence gradually blurred as he knew this wasn¡¯t the answer President Trump wanted to hear.


    ¡°Chairman! I don¡¯t care what method you use, just find them all! Do you understand me?! This is an executive order!¡± President Trump made his trademark scowl and ruthlessly pressured the Chairman.


    Unfortunately, reality wasn¡¯t that simple. Chairman Austin Berry was only too aware of this and could not readily say yes. Secretary of Defense Duke Williams next to him stepped in just then. ¡°Mister President! We¡¯ll do our utmost best to recover every one of our sailors no matter how long it takes.¡± ¡°Are you giving me your word, Secretary?¡± ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll take full responsibility,¡± said Duke Williams as he nodded slightly.


    ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll leave this matter to you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    Political Adviser, George Cameron, cautiously butted in. ¡°Mister President. With the entirety of Japan bombed to hell and back by Korea, I believe there¡¯s no more merit in supporting Japan, now that all of its industrial facilities have been destroyed.¡±


    ¡°George, what are you trying to say?¡± President Trump furrowed the brow on one eye in frustration and cut his adviser off in the middle when thetter tried to beat around the bush.


    ¡°Mister President, how about¡­ cutting our losses and moving on, sir?¡±


    ¡°Move on? Did you say I should move on? After suffering such huge losses?¡± President Trump looked clearly taken aback just then.


    ¡°Mister President, as you said earlier, our current priority is with recovering our sailors. We¡¯re still at the beginning stage and have managed keep the media quiet about this, but sooner rather thanter, the reports on this naval battle will trend in the news, sir. We need to recover the bodies as quickly as possible before that happens, but that task will be made so much harder if we are still at war with Korea. Don¡¯t you agree, Mister President?¡±


    ¡°Even if that¡¯s the case, I cannot let this end like that!¡±


    President Trump¡¯s loud yell prompted George Cameron to speak much quieter than before while trying to keep an eye out on his boss¡¯s mood. ¡°Sir¡­ is it because of ¡®that¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh, watch what you say, George! That¡¯s enough from you. I fully understand what you¡¯re trying to say, but don¡¯t bring this up again. Japan is no longer a factor in this war. This war with Korea is about determining who is the real hegemony of the world.¡± President Trump finally revealed his true intentions with these words.


    Indeed, the true intention of this war with Korea that began with the Pacific Fleet was to avenge the humiliation of three years ago and also to reim the position as the global superpower. And as an added bonus, it was also to hide the USSC (United States Supreme Security Council) within the chaos of the conflict, which could be seen as President Trump¡¯s weakness.


    As such, he simply could not stop this war at this point in time. He had to end this war favorably as the President to secure his safety after leaving the office.


    ¡°Mm, Mister President! There¡¯s an old Korean proverb about trying too hard to catch a bed bug only to burn down the house in the end, sir.¡±


    ¡°I told you to stop, didn¡¯t I!¡±


    Political Adviser George Cameron tried to give his boss a counsel from his heart but was forced to stop when President Trump got angry.


    Once the adviser closed his eyes and stopped talking, President Trump shifted his attention to Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to start roaring loudly. ¡°The Pacific Fleet will not participate in the recovery of the lost sailors. Instead, it¡¯ll join with the Fifth Fleet as soon as its reorganization isplete. Forget about Japan, ande up with a n for an all-out assault on the Korean penins! Also, deploy all avable asset of the United States airforce and redirect tactical nuke-carrying submarines over there! If necessary, you can even consider deploying the Antic Fleet, too!¡±


    President Trump was ruthless and driven enough to permit the usage of tactical-grade weapons ahead of time. His unhesitant orders were epted by the generals and the White House advisers making various expressions.


    Notably, a faint smile was spreading on the face of Secretary Maine Johnson while deep worries dominated George Cameron¡¯s expression.


    If the Pacific Fleet was an early-round jab to keep the opponent in check, then this move was like readying a spicy counter aimed at the chin of said opponent.


    *


    *


    *


    January 24th, 2024, 09:00 (Russian time 09:00)


    11km south-west of the town of Baley, located in Zabaykalsky, Russia. (Temporary base for the 26th Tank Battalion of the 60th Armored Brigade, 20th Armored Division.)


    The military personnel of the 20th Division started yet another day by hurling all sorts of abuses at the sky above for trapping them here for a week with an unexpected heavy snowfall. Even though their major offensive had ground to a halt, at least they got enough time to rest and maintain their equipment, so there was that.


    This was all the fault of white trash, AKA snow, falling non-stop as if there were big holes in the heavens. If the war hadn¡¯tmenced yet and this location had been the regr operations base, the army could have mobilized civilian contractors to start arge-scale snow removal operation, but s. It was supposed to be a war, but the soldiers had to roll their sleeves up and wage another kind of war with snow that kept piling up no matter how much they shoveled it away.


    Post-First North-East Asian War, the Ministry of National Defense chose to delegate the winter-time snow removal as well as Spring/Autumn¡¯s weeding and base-building operations to civilianpanies. This decision came about because there simply wasn¡¯t enough time to improve the military personnel¡¯sbat ability and proficiency of highly-advanced equipment at hand.


    ¡°Aaaargh! Sir, this is bulls*it!¡± Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, the gunner number 712 of 7th Company of the 26th Tank Battalion grumbled unhappily as he stepped on theyer of snow high enough to reach his knees. He was mobilized yet again for the snow removal operation around the temporary base, with the shovel distributed by the division slung around on his back.


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo following behind him retorted, ¡°Still, the snow stopped falling, right? And I hear the higher-ups are bringing civilian snowplowster in the afternoon today, too. So, stop pouting and let¡¯s do our best with this hopefully thest snow shoveling job!¡±


    ¡°If they were going to hire somebody, they should¡¯ve done that earlier! What¡¯s the point of mobilizing them now, sir? I mean, how many days has it been since we had to do this nonsense?¡±


    ¡°Come now, Sergeant Yeom! At least they areing, so that¡¯s something, sir.¡± Even Corporal Kim Il-soo decided to join the conversation.


    ¡°Shut up, dude! How dare a lowly corporal butt in when officers are talking!¡±


    ¡°Wow, seriously?! I¡¯ll be promoted to sergeant next month, you know! Besides, sir! Since you¡¯re an officer that rose through the ranks, shouldn¡¯t you be more understanding of your fellow enlisted soldierspared to other officers? Aren¡¯t you being too much by calling us lowly and whatever, sir!¡±


    ¡°What the hell?! You dare get smart with me?!¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I¡¯m just saying, please be more understanding of us enlisted folks since you also rose through the ranks, sir!¡±


    ¡°Hey, you two! Both of you are too damn noisy! Mm, now that I think about it, why does Corporal Kim sound exactly like you, Staff Sergeant?¡±


    ¡°Eeeehk? Sergeant First ss Kim! What a terrible thing to say, sir!¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s such a scary sentiment¡­¡±


    Both Yeom Hoon-gi and Kim Il-soo made dumbfounded faces and threw retorts at Kim Young-joo at the same time. While exchanging dumb banters, they spotted the figure of the administrative quartermaster in the distance shoveling snow away. This man was First Sergeant Park Gwang-tae, who was in his mid-thirties but cursed with a face of a forty-year-old dude. He was transferred in from another battalion after the previous quartermaster, First Sergeant Oh Young-taek, was discharged.


    ¡°You two are exactly the same in my eyes! In any case! Look, the quartermaster is here!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Loyalty!¡±


    ¡°Loyalty can¡¯t even feed the dogs, fes. Besides, why are you all sote?¡± Quartermaster Park Gwang-tae, who was ranked First Sergeant, stood before Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo¡¯s group. Even though it was still early in the morning, he began grilling the trio with a deeply crumpled face, his hands by the waist.


    ¡°But, sir! We came exactly on time.¡± Kim Young-joo replied while pointing at his wristwatch, his expression a bit bbergasted.


    ¡°What was that?! When I say you¡¯rete, you arete! How dare a lowly sergeant first ss talk back to me?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry? Urgh!¡±


    ¡°Kekeke!¡±


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-ju made an even more bbergasted face, while Yeom Hoon-gi and Kim Il-soo behind him turned around to cackle away. Kim Young-ju shot a sharp re at the two of them right away!


    ¡°If you have time to waste by talking back, hurry the hell up to your assigned positions, now!¡± The quartermaster scolded the trio with an ent that no one could tell where he hade from.


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo sneaked up, covered his mouth slightly and whispered to the quartermaster. ¡°Argh, First Sergeant, please listen! This is why others call you a boomer, sir!¡±


    ¡°What was that?! You punk!¡±


    ¡°H-hey, run! Run away!¡± Kim Young-joo picked up his snow removal equipment lightning-fast when First Sergeant¡¯s clenched fist rose up in the air, then hurriedly dashed across the snow. ¡°Ah! Commander, wait for us! Oh, right. Loyalty! Thank you for your hard work, First Sergeant!¡±


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi and Corporal Kim Il-soo sloppily saluted and hurriedly ran after Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo. The soldiers from theirpany were already waiting with their own equipment at the destination. Surrounding them were a considerable quantity of white trash gleefully weing them.

 Chapter 554 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-2 The White Warfar

    <h4>Chapter 554 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-2 The White Warfar</h4>


    January 24, 2024, 15:00 (Russian time: 15:00)


    11 kilometers southwest of the town of Baley, Zabaikalsky, Russia (temporary base of the 26th Tank Battalion of the 60th Armored Brigade, the 20th Armored Division)


    The military personnel of the 26th Tank Battalion spent the whole morning shoveling snow. However, they enjoyed some sweet, sweet R & R time in the afternoon. Even during the downtime, though, some of the higher-ups of the battalion could be seen making suspicious movements. They seemed to be urgently gathering in the tent, serving as the battalion¡¯s headquarters, to get briefed on the new order issued by the brass. As an enlisted soldier, Corporal Kim Il-soo couldn¡¯t care much about what the higher-ups were doing just then. He was currently lying on a makeshift bed, lost to the warmth created by a small heater powered by a sma battery. A trickle of drool oozed down his face as he imagined going out on a date with his girlfriend to watch a movie and drink caramel mhiato in some lovely cafe.


    As he swam inside this pleasant imagination, something suddenly mmed into his forehead.


    <Smack!>


    ¡°Ouch! That hurts!¡±


    ¡°Wake up! It¡¯s an emergency!¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-soo had returned to the barracks from the briefing, and before anyone noticed, he delivered a light blow to Kim Il-soo¡¯s forehead, breaking up thetter¡¯s stupid-grin-inducing daydream. He then moved on to packing his military gear. ¡°Sir? What emergency is it?¡± ¡°We got orders to move out. Where¡¯s Staff Sergeant Yeom?¡±


    ¡°Sir, he went to the battalion¡¯s cafeteria to get some grub.¡± ¡°Get his ass over here! We don¡¯t have time for that! We¡¯ll be moving out in one hour.¡±


    ¡°Argh, why the sudden order to move out?! We still have mountains of snow out there, sir.¡±


    ¡°Shut up and call Staff Sergeant Yeom already! And don¡¯t forget to pack your stuff up!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    A short whileter, Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi entered the barracks with an armful of grub. ¡°Come on! Why did you call me?¡±


    Kim Young-Soo sharply replied, ¡°Why do you think?! We have orders to move out.¡±


    ¡°Urgh, dang it! So after that week shoveling snow disguised as a so-called week-long rest, it¡¯s now this,¡± Yeom Hoon-gi grumbled unhappily while dumping the food on his bed.


    ¡°Son of a¡­ I told you there¡¯s no time! Hurry up and get ready!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes! I got it, sir!¡±


    ¡°All of you, listen while you get ready! The division¡¯s main force willmence with the assault at nine o¡¯clock tomorrow morning, on the dot! Meanwhile, our battalion will join the division¡¯s reconnaissance battalion and carry out recon operations. So the travel time will be exactly 16 hours and 20 minutes! Got it?¡±


    ¡°But sir, why are we doing recon as if we¡¯re an armored recon unit?¡± Yeom Hoon-gi, shoving the food inside a huge rucksack, pouted andined again.


    Kim Il-soo butted in. ¡°Isn¡¯t it because of all the snow? Maybe the higher-ups want to strengthen the recon team¡¯sbat power due to higher odds of ambush?¡±.


    ¡°Oh? Corporal Kim, your situational judgement has gotten faster after getting some experience under your belt, eh? You¡¯re right. The divisionmand thinks the snow has increased the odds of the Russian forces ambushing us. So they gave us the order to perform a thorough recon of the attack route we¡¯ve previously established.¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­ I¡¯ll be a sergeant next month, so something like this is a cakewalk, sir. But, on the other hand, Sergeant First ss Yeom is¡­ other than his higher rank, he¡¯s still nowhere good enough.¡± Yeom Hoon-gi shot back, ¡°Want me to kick your ass?!¡±


    ¡°Ah, ah! Wait, I¡¯m just kidding! Wait, Sergeant Yeom!¡±


    ¡°Stop running your mouths and get a move on! The administrative quartermaster is threatening to wreck any toon that takes its sweet ass time!¡±


    ¡°Argh, that quartermaster! He¡¯s so damn inflexible! Honestly speaking, it was so much nicer when First Sergeant Oh Young-taek was our quartermaster, sir. Urgh, I¡¯m already missing him. I still remember that huge grin on his face on his wedding day. Hahaha!¡± ¡°Yeah, I can remember it, too. I wonder what he¡¯s doing these days.¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo chuckled after Yeom Hoon-gi¡¯s words triggered his memories.


    One hourter¡­


    <Ruuumble! Ruuuumble! Ruuuuuuuumble!>


    The snow on the ground was shoveled away to reveal theyer of soil underneath. Except for two tanks sent to the brigade¡¯s maintenance division, 44 C-3A1 White Tiger tanks and various other armored vehicles lined up in an organized column on this uncovered ground. Meanwhile, Spider-II recon drones and Eagle-I attack drones flew above them toward the battlefront.


    ¡°Battalion, move out! Over!¡±


    The battalionmander finally gave his order. That signaled the tanks belonging to the 7thpany, now acting as the spearhead of the 26th Tank Battalion, to lead the pack forward in an orderly fashion.


    The military personnel who wasted a week shoveling snow instead of resting were all grinning away. They seemed to think that, no matter what, a battlefield of life and death was preferable to removing snow. That¡¯s how much they hated doing that job.


    Before long, the 26th Tank Battalion had formed a lengthy column. The two C-600A1 Bull tanks, the ¡®Counter Obstacle Vehicle¡¯ (COV) fitted with mine plows dispatched by the brigade, took the lead and plowed the waist-high snow aside to clear the path. Right after them, the White Tiger tanks following closely behind.


    The Bull tanks didn¡¯te equipped with fearsome weapons, as their primary role as a COV was to eliminate various mines. However, they still boasted double the defensive capabilities of a White Tiger tank as they needed to take the lead. The Bull tanks also came with the new KPP-200 sma motors, capable of producing massive horsepower to ovee any obstacle with ease.


    ¡°So long, Baley! D*mn it! I¡¯m leaving before I even had the chance to experience young and pretty Russian girls!¡± Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi muttered while looking through the scope to take in the sight of Baley¡¯s downtown onest time.


    Sergeant First ss, Kim Young-joo, listening in, began teasing him as if his mischievous streak had been activated. ¡°Oh, my dear Yeom, there¡¯s no need to feel so disappointed, my boy! Which sane Russian girl would give you the time of day, anyway? You should consider yourself lucky that your daydream wasn¡¯t shattered by the cruel reality, which would have resulted in a heartbreak!¡±


    ¡°Huh-huh! You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, sir. I¡¯ll have you know that many girls were interested in me during my university days.¡±


    ¡°Stop making things up just because there¡¯s no proof!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m being honest, though!¡±


    ¡°Honest or not, you¡¯re unbelievable. Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°Hey, Corporal Kim! You better stopughing!¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything, so why are you chewing me out, sir? I didn¡¯t evenugh, you know!¡± ¡°Stop lying! I could hear yourughter all the way here!¡±


    ¡°But sir! Why are you venting on me when it¡¯s the tankmander hitting you with facts?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I agree, Corporal Kim. But, unfortunately, I didn¡¯t hear youughing, so it seems our Staff Sergeant is steadily losing his marblestely!¡±


    ¡°Urgh! Please stop,mander!¡±


    ¡°Whoa, whoa! Okay, okay. I got. I¡¯ll stop. Kekeke.¡±


    *


    *


    *


    January 24, 2024, 16:00


    The National Emergency Situation Center¡¯s underground bunker (NSC Conference venue) below the Blue House, Jongno-gu, Seoul Special City, Southern State


    President Choo Un-hee, who had received the report on the result of the previous day¡¯s naval battle against the United States Pacific Fleet, called for the National Security Council meeting that afternoon. All the high-ranking officials, including the prime minister, gathered at the conference venue and began an in-depth discussion on the overall situation.


    ¡°How are the Americans reacting?¡± asked President Choo, curious as to how the Americans would respond to the considerable loss suffered by their Pacific Fleet.


    Minister Kang Kyung-hee replied, ¡°Mdm. President, they haven¡¯t openly announced anything so far. It¡¯s likely they don¡¯t want to reveal the details of their defeat despite attacking us first.¡±


    ¡°Mm, that sounds usible. In that case, have they tried to bargain through diplomatic channels yet?¡±


    ¡°No, Mdm. President. Our diplomatic lines are still open, but nothing of note hase through.¡±


    ¡°I see. Then¡­ Minister Kang, what is your opinion on America¡¯s current thought process?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s impossible to figure out what the White House is nning exactly. ording to the Foreign Affairs¡¯ analysis, the Americans preemptively attacked our navy on the pretext of their allied nation, Japan¡¯s promation of sovereignty. However, such a pretext was nothing more than sophistry, leading us to question their true motives.


    ¡°I trust that everyone here is aware of how the USSC is President Trump¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel. Also, most American politicians are somehow rted to the USSC, whether they are affiliated with the ruling party or not. But unfortunately, President Trump, with only one year left in office, tried to inversely exploit that very weakness, binding him to everyone, and waged war with Korea.


    ¡°Everyone, we should notplicate this. President Trump must be trying to liquidate Korea, which knows the USSC¡¯s secret, before his term ends. As such, the Pacific Fleet is just the beginning. I believe the White House is either preparing or has already finished the preparations for an all-out offensive on our nation.¡±


    That was an urate analysis. The high-ranking officials attending nodded in agreement. ¡°Excuse me, Minister Kang! If that¡¯s true, how about exposing the secrets rted to the USSC to the internationalmunity before a frontal war breaks out with the United States? That should prevent an unnecessary conflict with the Americans, don¡¯t you think?¡± The minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs, Kim Soo-gyeom, threw that suggestion out there while making a face that asked, ¡®What¡¯s there to think about?¡¯


    ¡°My thought on this is that¡­ President Trump may be waiting for the truth to be exposed during his term in office when he still has enough power to withstand any fallout. In other words, he¡¯s fearful of being exposed after his term ends. He won¡¯t have any power to respond by then.¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­ Now that I hear you, Minister Kang¡­ that does sound usible.¡±


    Just then, the Minister of Next-generation Technology, Lim Tae-yeon, butted into the conversation. ¡°Does that mean the United States is willing to risk the fate of their nation to wage a full-on war with Korea?¡±


    ¡°Allow me to exin that part,¡± said the Minister of National Defense, Kang Yi-sik. ¡°Currently, several of America¡¯s Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, previously part of NATO, have finished advancing to Russia¡¯s Tolskaya Ost. We¡¯ve confirmed that they are getting ready to move south along with Russia¡¯s Western Army.


    ¡°In other words, America will soon officially announce its military alliance with Russia and join the Russo-Korea war. This fact alone means that frontal warfare with the United States has already begun. But, honestly speaking, I¡¯m quite stunned by the excellent analysis by Minister Kang. It¡¯s truly impressive.¡±


    For some reason, Minister Kang Yi-sik concluded his exnation by praising Minister Kang Kyung-hee. Thetter smiled faintly and nodded as a sign of her gratitude.


    President Choo also nodded. ¡°Indeed. I fully agree that we shouldn¡¯t let our guard down just because the United States Pacific Fleet has retreated to Saipan, and there hasn¡¯t been any response from them yet. As such¡­ Minister of National Defense?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mdm. President!¡±


    ¡°Please dere the Level One Mobilization Order for the reserve forces that the National Defense Ministry has been holding back until now.¡±


    After the start of the Russo-Korea War, the Korean government resorted to Level Two Mobilization Order only in the actual conflict zones. It relied on its pool of enlisted soldiers to fight the war in other ces. As such, the first-year reservists, to their fifth-year counterparts, got to live normal lives.


    When the National Defense Ministry officially issues the Level One Mobilization Order for the reserve forces, one million first- and second-year reservists will receive military equipment simr to enlisted soldiers. As a result, they will be immediately deployed to conflict zones. As for the two million third- to fifth-year reservists, they would be incorporated into the Homnd Reservist Division and stationed throughout various locations in the country.


    Losing millions from the workforce could lead to economic problems, which is why the Level One Mobilization Order has been deferred until now. However, President Choo was left with no choice but to make this difficult decision to prepare for the frontal battle against the United States of America.


    *


    *


    *


    January 24, 2024, 16:50 (Russia time: 16:50)


    3 kilometers northwest of Andino Poselira, Zabaikalsky, Russia. (Temporary location of the 26th Tank Battalion of the 60th Armored Brigade, the 20th Armored Division.)


    The 26th Tank Battalion, marching forward on the snow-covered ins while relying on the digital map linked with the GPS data, found themselves needing to detour around a vige named Andino Poselira. Recon drones were sent in ahead of time to search the surroundings, but they couldn¡¯t find any suspicious activity, forcing themander to issue an order to ignore the ce and carry on.


    In the east of Andino Poselira, 11 kilometers in a straight line, was the Onon river, running northwest, which was the endpoint for the Unda river as well. In other words, the snowy ins west of the Onon yed home to the subordinate units of Russia¡¯s Eastern and Central Army that tasted defeat in the Northwest Conflict zone. Having finished reorganizing and regrouping, they stationed themselves there and set up a defensive line to stop the river crossing operations of the enemy.


    Notably, the river bank the 26th Tank Battalion was heading toward while creating the path for the rest was exactly the opposite of where the elite of Russia¡¯s Eastern Army, the Red Armored Corps., was lying in wait. If the 20th Armored Brigade sessfully crossed the river there after a deciding battle, then traveled south along the Onon river, other Russian forces setting up a defensive position would fall prey to a rear attack and fail the operation to protect the region, which was seen as the final defensive line. The strategic importance of this area was undeniable. As a result, the Red Armored Corps., the Eastern Army¡¯s elite of the elite, was tasked with defending it.


    Also, heeding President Putin¡¯s demand, the General Staff Department issued a special order to the Red Armored Corps¡¯ higher-ups¡ªthat they should ¡®defend this area at the cost of your lives¡¯. This meant that there was no room to retreat for these soldiers. Losing the battle meant this ce would be their grave. As such, their desperate determination to win the uing engagement was noticeably different from that of other Russian troops.


    That was the current situation. Perhaps sensing this, the crew of the 26th Tank Battalion were also slowly getting tenser and tenser as they kept shoving the snow aside and forging ahead toward the river crossing spot.


    Even the crew of vehicle no.713¡ªthe tankmander, Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo, the gunner, Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi, and the tank pilot, Corporal Kim Il-soo-stopped bantering and focused on operating their respective equipment while remaining vignt of their surroundings.


    ¡°Holy cow! I can¡¯t even tell where the river ends, and solid ground begins!¡± Yeom Hoon-gi shook his head after scanning the surroundings through his scope.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me. The digital map at least tells us where the river is, so there¡¯s that! Hey, Corporal Kim!¡±


    ¡°Yes,mander!¡±


    ¡°When crossing the river, refer to the digital map. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Understood.¡±


    When viewed from the sky, the entirety of the region of Zabaikalsky was covered in white. Whether they were viges, forests or rivers, everything was covered in snow, making it practically impossible to figure out what was what. The Spider-II drone flying in the air snapped a picture of the ground and sent it to the units below.


    You could say that such a view was umon and quite spectacr in a certain sense. But it was also far too white and bleached, giving off an air of eeriness in the process.

 Chapter 555 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-3 The White Warfar

    <h4>Chapter 555 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-3 The White Warfar</h4>


    January 24th, 2024, 20:30


    The B2 Bunker, Yongsan District, Seoul, Southern Territories. (The Digital Information Center of the Intelligence Headquarters of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)


    Namgoong-won, who had seeded in infiltrating the NASA server through the Hubble 2 telescope-satellite that had essed NASA¡¯s wide-range wirelessmunication, scoured the vast intr of the space agency for any information rted to the X-350 As intel satellite. Eight hourster, he sessfully found several triple-encrypted files from suspicious databases. However, he couldn¡¯t read their content due to the encryption. So Namgoong-won immediately nted a virus that neutralized any tracking measures for hacking attempts. Then he attempted to download the file right away.


    Namgoong-won was nowbating sleep and fatigue to crack the encryption of the downloaded files on hisputer. Other agents of the center were in the same shoes as Namgoong-won. They were typing away at their keyboards to crack the encryption program. Just then, someone put a can of a cold beverage on his cheek out of the blue.


    ¡°That¡¯s cold!¡±


    Namgoong-won, jolted awake by the unexpected cold sensation, looked back to find his wife, Lee Hye-jin, shaking her head and expressing her concern.


    ¡°You asked for more work, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°How are you here? This is a First Restricted area.¡±


    ¡°She came with me, Director Namgoong!¡± Colonel Kim Tae-seok, the vice-director of the center, grinned.


    ¡°Would that be all right, Colonel?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it is within my power. Also, Director Lee has the NIS director¡¯s clearance. It is fine.¡±


    ¡°Is it so? Haha.¡± Namgoong-won, with a still-confused face, scratched the back of his head as he smiled. ¡°It must be a dreame true for you to y with yourputers all day here, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I prefer being with you. But it is so fulfilling for me to benefit the national interest with what I am good at!¡±


    ¡°Then this could be your new home. You cane home once or twice a year during your vacations.¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t so!¡±


    When Namgoong-won feigned dismay at Lee Hye-jin¡¯s mean joke, Colonel Kim Tae-seok chimed in. ¡°Director Namgoong, you should catch up with Director Lee in the resting room. You have worked hard for the past few days and nights.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t the only one. Everyone worked equally hard!¡±


    ¡°Namgoong-won, keep your mouth shut and follow me!¡± Lee Hye-jin dragged Namgoong-won to the resting room by the scruff.


    ¡°Hye-jin, everyone is watching! Come on.¡± ¡°Be quiet.¡±


    Every agent or soldier in the Digital Information Center stole a glimpse and burst outughing at Namgoong-won, who was helplessly pulled away like a cow being dragged to a ughterhouse. Once they were in the resting room, Lee Hye-jin mmed the door shut. ¡°I lost face there! Come on.¡±


    Namgoong-won was pushed onto the sofa and was about toin when Lee Hye-jin¡¯s moist lips met his.


    After a while, the two sets of lips parted. Namgoong-won felt as though his clouded head was cleared up and the fatigue weighing down on his shoulders vanished. Lee Hye-jin grinned.


    ¡°Do you feel better?¡±


    ¡°I would need another session to healpletely-¡°


    Before Namgoong-won could finish his sentence, their lips met again.


    *


    *


    *


    The Russian Army, the sessor of the Soviet military during the Second World War, still retained the knack for how to crush the enemy in freezing temperatures and on snowy grounds. They had a vast repertoire of on-snow strategies.


    *


    *


    *


    January 25th, 2024, 08:00 (Russian Time: 01:00)


    15 kilometers west of the Volga, Astrakhan, Russia (The 75th Machinery Infantry Battalion)


    The first and second reinforcements from the 3rd Marine Corps hadpletely reimed Luhansk. They finally put an end to the ongoing civil war in Ukraine after nine years. Furthermore, they reimed Rostov and Voronezh and handled what remained of the 51st Guard Army of the Western Army and the 20th Guard Army of the Western Army hailing from Volgograd. Meanwhile, in southernmost Ukraine, the three brigades from the Peace Corps rapidly moved north along their allocated paths.


    The 35th Machinery Infantry Brigade, moving north along the shore of the ck Sea, through the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and the Adyghe Republic, had gone on a full-on suppressive operation on Krasnoyarsk. The 11th Marine Corps,ing up north in the midst of all that, had entered Stavropol Krai via the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and had upied the capital and various small cities. They were now rapidly marching north toward Rostov to support the 3rd Marine Corps, just 15 kilometers away from Volgodonsk in the southern direction.


    Lastly, the 75th Machinery Infantry Battalion of the 7th Machinery Infantry Brigade, which had gone through street battles in Makhachk, Dagestan, and sessfully upied the capital, was mobilized to Kalmykia and had just begun the operation to upy Astrakhan along the Kazakh border.


    Even considering their advanced machinery, moving 450 kilometers in 12 days while upying small cities around the target was a tremendous speed.


    Their original n was to go through the Chechen Republic and Ingushetia, but the two republics had shrewdly judged the circumstances of the war and had surrendered to Korea early on. The 7th Machinery Infantry Brigade, initially tasked with conquering the two republics, could have saved time and energy and moved up to the north much earlier.


    The 75th Machinery Infantry Battalion of the 7th Machinery Infantry Brigade, which had advanced a distance greater than that between Seoul and Busan in 12 days, took some time for replenishment before they entered Astrakhan, on the western bank of the Volga. The soldiers were severely exhausted after going through several battles in a short time. The bullets and batteries had to be replenished. Moreover, they had toe from the Peace Corps main base on a military transport aircraft.


    The 75th Machinery Infantry Battalion, which had some time for rest in the midday heat, had entered a full-on operation on Astrakhan at midnight as the temperature started to fall rapidly.


    In the streets of Astrakhan, the headquarters unit and the direct unit of the southern army, who had retreated from Stavropol, had established their final defense front and were awaiting their enemy. The 18th Vehicle Infantry Division had been decimated, so none of them specialized in this kind ofbat, but the 544 Vehicle Fire Rifle Brigade belonging to the 58th Army hade as emergency reinforcement. Also, the 901st Mobilized Division, which was mainlyposed of lightly armored soldiers, was hiding in various spots in the streets of Astrakhan.


    The total headcount was 12,000, but it was still a lot for a single Machinery Infantry Battalion to handle. As a result, the ratio was close to one to 30.


    For this reason, the leaders of the 75th Machinery Infantry Battalion had decided to go for a nighttime ambush to ovee this disadvantage. In modern warfare, friendly fires are to be avoided at all costs. If they could dupe the Russians to fire at themselves, they could aim for more significant damage and also the loss of the enemy¡¯s morale. The likelihood of friendly fires and subsequent casualties increased at night and corrted with the size of the ambushed party. The soldiers of the 75th Machinery Infantry Battalion were each equipped with a personalwork system. They could tell enemies from allies thanks to their shield sses, which allowed them to see as clear as day at night with their optical features. When it came to nighttime street battles, the Koreans had an advantage thanks to their technological expertise.


    They also had C-23P-M armored vehicles that could withstandmon shell strikes and even RPG-7 or guided missiles. Their only disadvantage was that they had wheels like jeeps instead of belts like tanks.


    Astrakhan was a city located far downstream of the Volga, on a delta amongst countless rivulets. It was connected to the eastern side of the Volga by tworge bridges. However, the southern bridge was demolished by the Russians, and the Astrakhan Bridge, which stretched above an in-river ind like many bridges in Seoul, was the only way into the city.


    Earlier in the day, in the afternoon, the leaders converged on a strategy in which they promptly crossed the Astrakhan Bridge since they would surely receive heavy fire from the Russian forces hiding in the city if they decided to swim across the Volga. It was a pretty wide river, 660 meters on average. But by going through the bridge, they also risked receiving fire from the Russian forces in hiding.


    They were worried that the Russians might decide to demolish the bridge when they were crossing it. If they misjudge the situation, they could be decimated by the bridge even before they enter the battle in the streets.


    After much deliberation, Lieutenant Colonel Choi Eun-su decided to cross the bridge despite all the risks. One single reason contributed to the decision.


    He was sure that the Southern Army would not decide to demolish the Astrakhan Bridge, the only passage to the eastern side of the Volga. If the Russians had designated Astrakhan as the final defense front and even dispatched the headquarters unit of the Southern Army, that would have meant they needed the bridge for future strategies. The Southern Army was currently devoid of air transport. They had no choice but to keep the Astrakhan Bridge alive and intact.


    But nothing ensured that Lieutenant Colonel Choi Eun-su¡¯s decision would prevail. Therefore, they decided to cross the bridge brigade by brigade. The 3rd Brigade would cross it first, covered by the 5th and 6th Brigades. When the 3rd Brigade gets to the other side, the 4th Brigade will follow suit.


    This way, they didn¡¯t risk being obliterated even if the Southern Army decides to demolish the bridge. The 3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, with all of their vehicle headlights off, prepared to enter the bridge with their engines rumbling. In the sky, four Spider-II scout drones flew toward and over the Astrakhan Bridge, providing intelligence.


    The 75th Machinery Infantry Battalion, once on the western side of the city, promptly entered the streets and scanned every building with their shield sses as soon as they got off the armored transport vehicles with cart wheels.


    Most Russians were hiding in the eastern part of the city. So the western part of the city was a cinch to take over. Only a few male citizens resisted, shooting at them with their pistols and shotguns, but they were soon neutralized by the soldiers and taken to the local police station, which was to be used as the hostage holding facility during the operation.


    Other than that, no problem posed itself. The 75th Machinery Infantry Battalion, thanks to this, hadpletely upied the western part of the city. The C-23P-M armored transport vehicles, loaded with armed soldiers, set off to cross the Astrakhan Bridge along Road A154, one at a time.

 Chapter 556 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-4 The White Warfar

    <h4>Chapter 556 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-4 The White Warfar</h4>


    January 25th, 2024, 08:30 (Russia Time: 08:30)


    Eight-point-seven kilometers from the western edge of Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia. (The 20th Armored Division, 60th Armored Regiment, 26th Squadron.) The 26th Tank Squadron, who had finished scouting the nned advance path and the spot the troops will stay after crossing the river, was waiting in a parallel position a few kilometers from the Onon. In the back, countless tanks and armored vehicles were approaching in a caravan.


    It was the 60th Armored Brigade, where the 26th Tank Squadron belonged. Currently, the 20th Armored Division was going to be divided into three brigades: the 60th Armored Brigade in the north of the Unda, a contributing stream to the Onon, the 61th Armored Brigade and the 26th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in the south, and the artillery brigade and division headquarters as well.


    The spot where the 60th Armored Brigade was going tond was a rather narrow ce, less than one kilometer wide. Perhaps the brigade needed to be divided tond in installments. Nheless, the 60th Armored Brigade chose the spot for the following reason. The 20th Armored Division, beforeing up with a n to cross the river, had employed all of their avable reconnaissance resources to scout the various spots along the Onon. They had confirmed that several of them could prove to be the vulnerabilities in the Russian defense. However, on the other hand, they could also be said to be difficult spots for the 20th Armored Division to cross the river andnd.


    The entire span of the Onon could never be defended at the same time. The Russians, having figured that, had ced a skeleton crew for each of the difficult-tond spots, considering their topography. The 60th Armored Brigade, exploiting that, had decided tond on those precise spots. Secondly, if they manage to infiltrate those spots, they could rapidly undermine the Russian defense front set up along the Onon. Then, other brigades could move to the other side of the river easily.


    Thus, the 60th Armored Brigade was the core element in the current river-crossing operation. Among them, the role of the 26th Tank Squadron was especially crucial.


    When the entire world was covered in white snow, erasing the boundaries between the river andnd and making roads invisible, the C-3A1 tanks belonging to the 26th Tank Squadron had to rely on the previously taken digital maps and the domestically developed C-GPS. Waiting with the low rumble of their engines, they started sprinting forward, dividing white snow, as soon as the squad leader gave them a go sign.


    In the sky, the Spider-II recon drones and 30 or so Eagle-I assault drones, in ce of assault helicopters, began floating toward the Onon to provide a supportive airstrike.


    ¡°Il-su! Refer closely to the digital map. D¡¯you


    get it?¡±


    Three kilometers away from the Onon, the tank leader, Sergeant Kim Yeong-ju, said again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry. I have read it so many times. It¡¯s practically engraved in my head.¡± Private Kim Il-su, steering his beloved Tank 712 with a skilled flourish, answered in a voice full of confidence through the in-vehiclems.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let your guard down. Keep alert! If we get stuck in a ditch and be immobilized, the enemy artilleries will have a field day shelling us.¡±


    ¡°You should have more faith in my driving skills.¡±


    ¡°That baseless confidence is what worries me.¡±


    ¡°I am the best driver in the brigade. I deserve your blind trust. Haha!¡± ¡°When I was his rank, no one spoke like that. These days, there is something wrong with the new recruits.¡±


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hun-gi said, incredulous. ¡°From my point of view, you acted just the same.¡±


    ¡°Sir? You must be joking. I never acted up like that.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    Just then, with a whistling sound from the sky, snow erupted here and there around them after being struck by shells.


    ¡°No more talks! It begins! Everyone must stay alert.¡±


    Theser intercept system mounted on the rear side of the C-3A1 tank against anti-tank missile attacks was activated. A splendid disy of ¡°fireworks¡± was seen in the sky.


    Also, the Eagle-I assault drones, flown in advance for air support, showered the Russians with retaliatory fire after flying above them. That marked the beginning of Operation Onon, which would decide the future of the northwestern front.


    In a situation where the boundary to the river was not discernible to the naked eye, Private Kim Il-su depended on the C-GPS to locate and steer their vehicle. He shouted through the in-vehiclems.


    ¡°We are entering the river. Just so you know.¡±


    The Onon was currently frozen but days of heavy snowfall have blocked some of the cold. The temperature see-sawed between minus five degrees to two degrees above zero Celsius. It made it impossible for the tanks to roll on the ice. The weight of the snow on the ice was also considerable. They risked falling into the water if the ice broke.


    The C-3A1 tanks were capable of underwater maneuvers but if they had to go that way, it posed a problem because the slower speed meant more aiming precision for the Russians.


    Unlike the uneven topography so far, the ice of the Onon provided a level ground for the tank to raise its speed up to 30 kilometers per hour.


    If it were not for the snow, they could even go faster but now they couldn¡¯t. The current river-crossing operation was being done in the worst of the conditions.


    They had a space of 20 meters between each tank but they could still hear the ice being cracked by other tanks from inside their tanks.


    ¡°It¡¯s chilling!¡±


    But something unexpected happened. When the tanks of the 26th Tank Squadron were halfway across the Onon, massive shell strikes came raining down upon them from the eastern side of the river.


    The squad headquarters provided defensive fire with C-30 Flying Tiger A2s and CSMA Heavenly Horse A2s but some shells came through the interception fire and fell onto the Onon.


    With the explosions, the White Tiger tanks fell into the broken ice and water one by one.


    The same fate fell upon Tank 712. It was tilted left and then was promptly submerged in water.


    ¡°Going into underwater maneuvers!¡±


    From the four corners of the drowning tank 712, bubbles emerged then the vehicle gained bnce and buoyancy. It floated to the surface and resumed its march, breaking ice on its


    path.


    The new method of advance significantly reduced the speed of the tanks¡¯ march. Moreover, the shelling roars from both sides rumbled in the atmosphere and splendid mes embroidered the sky above the snowy ground.


    In the fierce offensive-defensive battle, eight FAH-91SP Falcon assault helicopters, in high-speed flight, appeared from the southeastern sky. They belonged to the 17th Air Corps of the 7th Mobile Corps of the Air Force.


    The FAH-91SP Falcon assault helicopters, after approaching the Onon promptly, showered the ground with all kinds of weaponry as soon as they were in position.


    One of the Falcon assault helicopters evaded a ground-to-air missile with evasive maneuvers. Then it mercilessly showered the spot where the ground-to-air missile came from with 50-mm sma rounds.


    The anti-air artilleries, hidden behind white camouge barriers, soared to the sky as torn-up bodies with the explosive-made columns of snow. When theynded, they dyed the snow around with the dark red of their blood.


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hun-gi, seeing all that with his in-vehicle telescope, bit on his lower lip. He was a seasoned soldier but still felt nauseous at such scenes. The atrocities of war rarely seeded to weather any human with their very reality.


    The 26th Tank Squadron, when they were about to arrive at the eastern end of the Onon, which seemed so distant moments ago, saw the 28th Armored Division of the Red Army, who had just removed their camouge barriers. These were the cutting-edge T-14B Armata tanks of Russia. The size of the troop was that of two tank squadrons.


    These T-14B Armata tanks had been waiting in the white camouge barriers with bated breath so far. The white barriers they had been using were made of special material using aluminum boards, rendering most of the Koreans¡¯ recon efforts useless.


    The Red Army¡¯s 28th Armored Division tanks, appearing suddenly 400 meters away, aimed their 16-megajoule railguns at the 26th Tank Squadron which was just about tond.


    The White Tiger tanks of the 26th Tank Squadron, trudging through the frozen river as they made their way through the thick ice, approached the eastern bank of the Onon and prepared to fire in retaliation but the T-14B Armata tanks had a head start, for they had been waiting and had all preparations done.


    The 70 or so Russian tanks simultaneously fired their railguns.


    Countless metal rounds that spread in the air likeundry lines aimed for the armored tes of the C-3A1 White Tiger tanks.


    Due to the close proximity, some White Tiger tanks were struck by the metal rounds in their barrels and lower vehicle bodies but most were sessful in their attempt to intercept all the metal rounds. But the shelling was just beginning


    The T-14B Armata tanks kept unleashing the metal rounds, unting their automatic reloading system that allowed for continuous firing. The C-3A1 White Tiger tanks also kept firing their 100-mm photon cannons.


    In close proximity, the battle between metal and photon didn¡¯tst long. ¡°We can resume advancing!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yeong-ju, the head of Tank 712, ordered the driver, Private Kim Il-su, right after hitting his first target and aiming for the second, third, and fourth targets with his scope. ¡°Sir, the left steering camera is hit! I have no vision.¡±


    se


    ¡°Keep the wheel steady and hit the gas! You can do that even with no vision. If we cede here, that will be the end for all of our squad!¡±


    Staff Sergeant Yeom Hun-gi, aiming for the second target with his crosshair, stepped on the Fire pad.


    The red particles of the photon cannon rapidly approached and pierced the spot between the body and the cannon of the T-14B Armata tank that fired at them, half-buried in snow.


    The cannon turret soared to the sky with a great explosion. The body, separated from the turret, had a column of me dance in its ce.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great shot! Go to the third target!¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yeong-ju, confirming the demise of their second target with the sting-off of their turret, gave his next order.


    The Tank 712, after finally reaching the riverbank and attempting to roll up the slope, had its turret turn to the nine o¡¯clock direction to the left to aim for their third target. But the tank slipped on the slippery slope and failed to acquire its next target.


    Even though the C-3A1 White Tiger tanks had great engine output, the slope with an angle of more than 27 degrees with waist-high snow proved to be quite an obstacle. The tank slipped repeatedly and the next shot tarried as a consequence. Their fifth target, a T-14B Armata tank, fired its railgun metal rounds repeatedly at the Tank 712. ¡°What are you doing? Go up!¡± ¡°We can¡¯t. I have to take a diagonal path, sir.¡±


    Boom!


    Just then, the Tank 712 received a considerable shock, and the whole vehicle vibrated through.


    Argh! The metal round, striking at close range, had a tremendous impact. Fortunately, they evaded a direct hit. But the crew inside the Tank 712 had a temporary hearing loss for a while. The impact was that great. ¡°Is everyone all right?¡±


    Sergeant Kim Yeong-ju, shaking his head toe to his senses and shake himself out of the confusion, asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± ¡°Private Kim! Take the diagonal path as you said. Staff Sergeant Yeom! We will skip the fourth target. Aim for the fifth right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The Tank 712, withstanding the considerable impact, turned slightly right and started hiking up the slope diagonally. The turret aimed its photon cannon toward the fifth enemy target that had just fired the railgun metal round toward them.


    The area surrounding the Onon, which had been covered in white snow moments ago, was now starkly covered with burning remnants of tanks and various debris and also with mutted, grotesque bodies. The area was increasingly getting soaked with the bloodshed.

 Chapter 557 - Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-5 The White Warfare

    <h4>Chapter 557 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-3-5 The White Warfare</h4>


    January 25, 2024, 09:40 (Russian time: 09:40)


    A snowy field west of the Onon River, Zabaykalsky, Russia (The current location of the 26th Tank Battalion, the 60th Armored Brigade, the 20th Armored Division)


    The 26th Tank Battalion was the first to cross the river sessfully. It crept forward while exchanging fierce cannon fire with the enemy, ambushing units popping out of various low-lying hilly areas. One by one, the battalion suppressed the enemy positions as the other two battalions of the 60th Brigade, and the mobile headquarters also managed to cross the river. Thetter group immediately got ready to participate in the battle up ahead, as well. Several White Tiger tanks of the 26th Battalion were damaged by the attacks of enemy ambushing units that escaped earlier scouting efforts. But the fire supporting from FAH-91SP Peregrine Falcon attack choppers helped them ovee this critical situation. In addition, the 58th Air Defense Artillery Division¡¯s rear portion, which was unleashing indiscriminate shelling, was raided by Eagle-1 attack drones, effectively silencing their noisy cannon fire.


    Soon, the 60th Armored Brigade¡¯s remaining tank battalions joined the exchange of fire while ascending the hilly terrain, signaling that the river crossing operation was a sess.


    On the other hand, the main units of the 20th Armored Division (decisive battle) performing the Unda River crossing operation were met with fierce resistance by the Red Armored Corps¡¯ 29th Armored Division. As a result, they suffered considerable damage, but befitting the reputation of Korea¡¯s top threebat divisions, they eventually seeded in crossing the river. Currently, they were engaged in an intense firefight while traversing low-lying, hilly terrain.


    ¡°This is the battalionmander! Allpanies, report your damage situation!¡±


    Once the fight entered a temporary lull, the battalionmander¡¯s voice traveled through the battalion¡¯smunicationwork to reach his fellow soldiers. Soon, thepanymanders began submitting their reports. ¡°7th Company! Three tanks damaged! The rest nine, mobility andbat capability, unaffected!¡±


    ¡°8th Company! Four tanks damaged! One tank out ofmission, the rest seven, mobility andbat capability, unaffected!¡±


    ¡°9th Company! Two tanks damaged! Two tanks out ofmission. The rest eight, mobility andbat capability, unaffected!¡± ¡°HQspany! One tank damaged! Two tanks immobilized, one tank out ofmission. The rest fourteen tanks, unaffected!¡±


    Thepanymanders confirmed the damage they had suffered as their reports came in without confusion or dy. Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo listened to themunication, frowned deeply, and then tapped on the console. ¡°Ourpany lost three units. And they all belong to the third toon! They must¡¯ve been done in by the earlier ambush. Damn it!¡± ¡°Was there any KIA, sir?¡± asked Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi.


    Kim Young-joo, tapping on the console¡¯s keyboard, sighed in relief. ¡°Whew. No. Other than several injured, no one has died.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good news, sir. I mean, we¡¯re taking the lead, so this level of damage is negligible,


    no?¡±


    ¡°We just got lucky, that¡¯s all! But, honestly, I got sh*t-scared when enemy tanks popped out of the snow earlier.¡±


    ¡°Even you, sir? Yeah, me too! I¡¯ve never been that surprised before, sir. We sure got lucky with the small scale of the enemy ambush units back then. We probably would¡¯ve been wiped out for good if we were facing brigade-level resistance.¡±


    ¡°Stop jinxing us, will you? What do you mean that we would¡¯ve been wiped out?¡±


    ¡°But sir, didn¡¯t you get scared, too?¡±


    ¡°Uh, that? I was just saying that it took me by surprise, that¡¯s all!¡±


    ¡°Ah? You¡¯re doing it again! Sir, you¡¯re weaseling out of it again!¡± As Yeom Hoon-gi cried out, the battalionmander¡¯s emergency order came over the radio. ¡°This is the battalionmander. Confirm the intel added to your digital map transmitted to you just now. The ess password is 3348P.¡±


    ¡°1st toon, confirmed!¡±


    ¡°2nd toon, confirmed!¡±


    ¡°3rd toon, confirmed!¡±


    ¡°HQs toon, confirmed!¡±


    The toonmanders immediately inputted themunication and battalion passwords into the console to receive the updated digital map, which was distributed to all the tanks in the toon. ¡°Our battalion will move out from the current location, travel past Target C, and reach Target F. Our ultimate goal is to provide rear support to the division¡¯s main forces.¡± ¡°Urgh! It looks like our battalion will have to go through the most dangerous zone¡­ again!¡± Sergeant First ss Kim red at the digital map and tutted unhappily. The courseid out for the 7th Company was to travel south along the bank of the Onon River, which mainly consisted of hilly terrain. In other words, it was an extremely dangerous route with ufortably high odds of the hidden Russian units ambushing them. ¡°Give me a break! Sir, I would love ourpany to stop taking the lead now,¡± grumbled Staff Sergeant Yeom while scanning their surroundings via the scope.


    Corporal Kim Il-soo suddenly joined in the conversation through the in-vehiclemunication system. Judging from his big boy talk, he seemed to be suffering from yet another bout of baseless confidence.


    ¡°No need to worry, sirs! I¡¯m here to save the day! I shall use my unmatched movement skills to ensure our safety.¡±


    Yeom Hoon-gi cried out. ¡°Hey, Corporal Kim! When this war is over, you better head to the white building up the hill and get your head checked out!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough banter! We received the orders to move out. So, Corporal Kim, get going!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Corporal Kim meshed the elerator on the right, along with that spirited reply. 712 White Tiger tank¡¯s engine bellowed into life like a real tiger¡¯s roar, and then it began charging ahead.


    <Rumble! Rumble! Ruuuumble!> The nine White Tiger tanks of the 7th Company, buried half in the snow, slowly increased their pace. They spread out and entered a crab formation while maintaining a steady distance.


    After twenty minutes of travel, their digital map indicated that they had gone past Target C. The distant roars of shelling and explosions grew louder and louder as they approached Target F.


    Tank 712 reached the peak of a small hill. The spectacle viewable through the tank¡¯s scope and the wide-angled cameras reminded them once more of the horrors of the war.


    In the distant snowy fields, countless tanks, armored vehicles, and infantry were tangled up in a chaotic mess to wage an intense firefight. The battle between tanks on the division scale was so visceral and cruel that not even a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster could replicate it.


    Over a hundred tanks and armored vehicles were crushed and engulfed in reddish-ck mes. Meanwhile, countless corpses were strewn about over the snow like crimson paint blobs smeared across a white canvas.


    ¡°7th Company! We¡¯re to perform suppression on the enemy¡¯s rear immediately! Move out! As you enter the range, you have permission to fire at will! Destroy as many enemy armored vehicles as possible!¡± The crew of the 7th Company¡¯s White Tiger tanks, momentarily stupefied by the spectacle unfolding on the battlefield, quickly sobered up at thepanymander¡¯s yelling through themunication equipment. They cranked their machines up and began dashing forward.


    The vast amount of snow was shoved to the left and right as the tanks charged ahead. The snow trails, resembling pure-white pollen of some flower, danced in the wake of the heavy tanks before scattering in the air.


    ¡°First target, set! Fire at will at the targets I set as soon as we enter the firing range!¡± Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo roared. Even though they hadn¡¯t entered the firing range, he had already marked different enemy targets visible through the cameras. ¡°Understood!¡± Staff Sergeant Yeom energetically replied while lining up the aiming reticle of the cannon on the first target, an enemy tank. But then, a massive explosion went off right next to their tank. The explosion¡¯s kic energy was so great that the 45-ton Tank 712 was briefly rocked by the impact. ¡°What was that?!¡± Kim Young-joo hurriedly changed the camera angle toward the sudden explosion. His jaw soon fell to the floor at the unbelievable sight before him.


    Tank 713, right next to their White Tiger tank, which belonged to the samepany, had gone airborne from the powerful explosion below the vehicle. It soon crashed down to the snowy field below with a loud bang.


    The power of the explosion must¡¯ve been incredible to lift a 45-ton tank that high into the air.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Sergeant First ss Kim?!¡± Yeom Hoon-gi asked, his eyes still glued to the aiming scope. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet. No shells came flying in, so what the h-?¡±


    Before Kim Young-joo could finish his sentence, another loud explosion went off from a different direction. He witnessed another White Tiger tank flip onto its roof from that powerful st.


    Only then did the urgent voice of thepanymander burst through themunication device.


    ¡°Goddamn it! Anti-tank mines! Stop right where you are! You¡¯re all prohibited from advancing any further!¡± ¡°Out of nine tanks, two were critically damaged by the anti-tank mines. The rest came to an immediate stop.¡± The undercarriage of a C-3 White Tiger tank was constructed out of Hydranium alloy, which boasted a considerable defense against anti-tank mines. However, mines capable of flinging a tank so high into the air had never been seen before. As a result, the damage to the vehicles must¡¯ve been extensive. ¡°Tank 713 and Tank 722, I want damage reports now!¡± Thepanymander¡¯s urgent calls continued, but the two tanks didn¡¯t respond. There was a reasonable possibility of the crew members in both vehicles suffering from critical injuries from the twin impact forces of the explosion andnding back on the ground. The condition of Tank 722 seemed especially urgent, as the mine-created explosion had flipped the vehicle onto its roof, effectively burying it in the thick pile of snow. It¡¯d not be surprising to see casualties in a situation like this. So the toon leader of the nearest tank, Tank 721, personally jumped out of his vehicle to rush toward Tank 722.


    ¡°Tankmander! Shouldn¡¯t we also go outside and check?¡± Yeom Hoon-gi asked, sounding worried about the unresponsive Tank 713.


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo quickly opened the hatch and jumped outside. He madly waded his way through the waist-deep snow as if he was swimming and eventually managed to climb up Tank 713¡¯s turret.


    In an emergency, the hatch of a White Tiger tank could be essed via a password. Kim Young-joo quickly inputted the code on the number pad and yanked the hatch open.


    The grey smoke exploded out from the open hatch. All this smoke must¡¯vee from the console and other equipment heavily damaged from two consecutive impacts.


    <Cough, cough!>


    Kim Young-joo covered his mouth and slipped inside the tank through the hatch. He soon discovered the unmoving figures of the tankmander and the gunner, thrown out of their respective seats. They were all unconscious.


    ¡°Hey, Yeom! Youe here, too! Everyone here has cked out. They might asphyxiate from all this smoke, so hurry!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    A short whileter, Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi hurriedly ran toward Tank 713. ¡°Staff Sergeant Yeom! Stay up there! I¡¯ll lift the tankmander¡¯s hand through the hatch, so you pull him outside!¡± ¡°Understood!¡±


    Right at that moment, thepanymander¡¯s urgent order came over the radio to signal that things had just gotten worse. ¡°Up ahead, 3500 meters! Several enemy units have been spotted! Other than Tank 712 and Tank 721, everyone else,mence suppression fire! Hurry and rescue the crew, you lot!¡±


    The hiding Russian armored corps units heard the anti-mines going off and began rushing toward the location of the 7th Company. To make matters worse, their armored vehicles were thetest Kurgs-25 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) fitted with Ko-EM guided anti-tank missiles.


    <Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!>


    The White Tiger tanks of the 7th Company, trapped by the anti-tank mines, heeded themander¡¯s order and initiated the first strike. The photon cannons fired one after the other; the crimson particles flying near the speed of light mmed into several Kurgs-25, about to reach the distant hill¡¯s


    peak.


    However, the enemy was obviously not nning to sit back and do nothing. The twin missile tubes mounted on either side of the turrets fired their loads of Ko-EM guided anti-tank missiles. At the same time, the 30-millimeter 2A42 automatic heavy machinegun spat out armor-piercing (AP) rounds with a series of thunderous roars.


    <mmmmm! mmmmm!>


    <Fshoooowooosh-!>


    Excluding the IFVs that got hit by the photon cannons¡¯ crimson particles and turned into balls of mes, around 30 Kurgs-25s still in operation initiated their attacks on the stranded 7th Company, setting off many raucous explosions and sparks of all sizes to dance in the air.


    Corporal Kim Il-soo, now left alone in Tank 712 without the tankmander or the gunner, hurriedly maneuvered his vehicle to the front of Tank 713. He was nning to use his vehicle to serve as a shield against enemy shelling during the rescue operation.


    ¡°Pull him outside!¡±


    Despite the harsh explosion noises going off everywhere while 30-millimeter AP rounds whizzed by nonstop, Kim Young-joo and Yeom Hoon-gi managed to drag the tankmander and the gunner out of the tank andy them down behind the tank. Their next destination was the driver¡¯s hatch, but then¡­


    <KA-BOOM!>


    ¡°Wuaaahk?!¡±


    A pir of snow exploded right in front of their eyes. Kim Young-joo, about to open the hatch, was thrown back violently from the shockwave. One of the Ko-EM missiles aiming for Tank 712 missed and exploded in the nearby snowy field.


    ¡°Uwaaahk?!¡±


    ¡°Ouch! Sergeant Kim! You okay, sir?!¡± The shocked Yeom Hoon-gi hurriedly rushed to Kim Young-joo, buried in the snow, spread-eagled and shook him. Thankfully, thetter regained consciousness with a weak grunt, his protective suit sparing him from the shrapnel injuries.


    ¡°Yeom, is that you? Y-yeah, I¡¯m okay! I¡¯m just dazed right now. Don¡¯t worry about me, and pull the driver out instead!¡± ¡°Got it, sir!¡±


    30-millimeter AP rounds rained down ceaselessly, only to hit the side armor on Tank 712¡¯s turret and ricochet everywhere. Amid the chaos, Yeom Hoon-gi finally managed to yank open Tank 713¡¯s hatch and reach in to grab the back of the cor of the tank driver, Private First ss Lee Hyun-ho. Yeom Hoon-gi gritted his teeth and summoned all the strength he could muster to drag the unconscious Lee Hyun-ho out¡­ but then, a stray bullet brushed past his thigh! ¡°Ouch!¡± Intense pain ripped through his senses instantly, but Yeom Hoon-gi didn¡¯t let go and sessfully pulled Private Lee Hyun-ho out through the hatch¡¯s opening. ¡°Huff, huff!¡± Yeom Hoon-gi dragged the unconscious driver to the rear of the tank. He leaned against the caterpir, huffing and panting breathlessly after his stamina had depletedpletely.


    Sergeant First ss Kim Young-joo ungainly crawled over to him and worriedly asked, ¡°You okay, Yeom?¡±


    Yeom Hoon-gi examined his thigh, then nodded. ¡°Looks like it just brushed past me,


    sir.¡±


    No matter how good the protection offered by the suit was, bad luck could still lead to a stray 30-millimeter AP round going straight through the armor.


    Yeom Hoon-gi massaged his numb-feeling thigh, then shifted his attention over to the three crew members of Tank 713. After using X-K01 terminals attached to the left wrists of the unconscious trio to diagnose their current injuries¡­ Other than losing their consciousness from the impact force, the tankmander and the gunner suffered broken ribs but no other significant injuries. However, Lee Hyun-ho¡¯s situation was more severe after traces of cerebral hemorrhage were discovered in his skull.


    For now, he was given on-field first aid, but he needed to be transferred to the nonbat zone in the rear immediately to receive an emergency operation. ¡°Companymander! All three crewmen were rescued, but we discovered traces of cerebral hemorrhage in Private Lee Hyun-ho, the driver. He needs an immediate evac, sir!¡±


    ¡°Did you at least perform first aid?¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Got it! I¡¯ll lodge the request for an evac right now, so protect him until the end of the firefight!¡±


    <Boom! Bang! Ka-boom!>


    Another round of explosions went off in the surroundings, forcing Kim Young-joo and Yeom Hoon-gi to instinctively react and shield their unmovingrades with their bodies. ¡°Ah?! 11 o¡¯clock! Enemy infantry to your left!¡± Corporal Kim Il-soo cried out from inside the tank.


    Kim Young-joo looked at Yeom Hoon-gi. ¡°I¡¯ll remain here, so you go back inside and start shooting them down! At this rate, our tank will get destroyed, too!¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Yeom Hoon-gi replied and hurriedly hobbled toward Tank 712¡¯s hatch before slipping inside.


    <Whiiiiirrrr!>


    The turret of the White Tiger tank, which had been acting as a shield until now, finally whirred back to life, spinning around to face the direction that Corporal Kim had pointed out.


    Yeom Hoon-gi checked the situation through the scope and confirmed that dozens of enemy infantry armed with anti-tank weaponry had disembarked from their armored vehicles and were cautiously making their way over to them.


    ¡°You bunch of rat b*stards!¡±


    Yeom Hoon-gi slipped out of the photon cannon gunner¡¯s seat and settled down in the tankmander¡¯s position, then raised a long lever to his side to a vertical position. It was the remote control stick for the six-barrel, 8-millimeter Laser Vulcan. His right hand quickly manipted the control stick to take aim. Then, he used his thumb to flick open the safety cover and depressed the red button! The six-barrel, 8-millimeter Laser Vulcan issued a cheerful tune as its barrels began spinning rapidly. Countless rays of light mercilessly rained down on the Russian infantry.


    <Bzzzzzz~! Vzzzzzt-!>


    Yeom Hoon-gi pressed the button for a few seconds before releasing it, then pressed it again. The crimson rays of light hacked and shredded the hapless Russian soldiers apart.


    <Kuwaaahk! Keuh-huk!>


    Cries and screams rang out assers tore through the soft human bodies, turning their victims into wretched chunks of meat. It was a disgusting and sickening sight that was quite hard to stomach.

 Chapter 558 - 8 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-4-1 Iron Mace

    <h4>Chapter 558 Season 2 Book 22 Battle of Life or Death-4-1 Iron Mace</h4>


    When the six-row, 8-millimeter Laser Vulcan stopped turning and shooting beams of red light, the toon of Russianbat infantry who approached in white camouge suits had been scattered across the snowfield; limbs were torn off and dyeing the snow red with their blood.


    ¡°The enemy infantrymen are gone!¡±


    Just then, Tank 711, the leader of the 1st toon, approached Tank 712 promptly from the side of the formation and defended it along with Tank 713, rolling just behind them.


    ¡°This is the toon leader. First, the injured in Tank 713 are to be transferred to our vehicle. Then the leader of Tank 713 is to operate the vehicle again. The battalion headquarters have dispatched an armored medical vehicle.¡±


    ¡°Roger. The injured are being transferred to 711. Then I will get aboard again,¡± responded Sergeant Kim Yeong-joo, through the wirelessmswork installed in his helmet, gazed at his lying-down colleagues, and ran to his tank.


    A momentter, Sergeant Kim Yeong-joo, opening the tank¡¯s hatch and seating himself in the seat of the tank leader, breathed heavily from exhaustion.


    ¡°Are you all right, sir?¡± asked Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi hastily when he saw his superior was back onboard. ¡°I¡¯m all right! Private Kim, do you detect any mines?¡±


    ¡°Several types of vision failed to detect anything.¡±


    ¡°What are theirndmines made from? Why can¡¯t they be detected?¡± Sergeant Kim Yeong-joo suppressed his fear of being isted here and pped the side of his scope.


    As Private Kim Il-su said, the many vision modes in his scope didn¡¯t detect anything mine-like as he scoured the various spots in the snowy field. Feeling frustrated, he vented his anger.


    Their technology was able to detect any small anti-manndmines made of stic or wood, discerning the chemicals in their gunpowder.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi asked cautiously. ¡°The only way out is through!¡±


    ¡°Do you mean we should keep moving forward?¡±


    ¡°The alternative is being a fish in a barrel here.¡±


    ¡°You saw the magnitude of theirndmine explosion. They are capable of blowing up an entire tank. If we move now, it would be like driving into our graves.¡±


    Even though Sergeant Kim Yeong-joo said so, just like Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi said, moving on a field ofndmines covered with snow was indeed a suicidal act. He did feel fear, even though he didn¡¯t show it. Then a good idea shed in his head.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Flicking his finger, Sergeant Kim Yeong-joo opened the squad-widems and shouted, ¡°This is Sergeant Kim Yeong-joo from Tank 712. Since we cannot detect thendmines, how about we scorch the path ahead with photon cannons and Laser Vulcans? If their armored vehicles approached within 400 meters, the area of the mine-covered field must not be that


    great.¡±


    ¡°This is the squad leader. That¡¯s a great idea. Except for the vehicles engaged in rescue missions, all other vehicles must secure the path ahead, as Sergeant Kim has said, and get out of this minefield as soon as possible.¡±


    With the squad leader¡¯s permission granted, Private Kim Il-su hit the gas as if waiting for the go-ahead. With that, Tank 712 sprinted forward again with a rough rumble of its engine.


    ¡°Yeom! Fire the photon cannon with a 10-meter interval.¡±


    ¡°Roger.¡±


    As ordered, Staff Sergeant Yeom Hoon-gi kept the barrel of the turret¡¯s cannon as low as possible and began firing photon rounds at a 10-meter interval. Sergeant Kim Yeong-joo showered the space within the interval with 8-millimeter Laser Vulcans.


    With each tank firing toward their path ahead, great columns of snow appeared all around them, following the asional explosions. Meanwhile, Tank 711 and Tank 721 loaded the injured crewmates and retreated to the backside, where the medical vehicle was headed.


    A whistling sound was heard in the sky, and the spot where the tanks of the 7th Squad found themselves moments ago was relentlessly shelled by mortar and bombs. Countless pirs of snow rose into the air.


    Had they tarried a bit longer, they would have been showered by all those shell strikes.


    The tanks of the 7th Squad, encountering an unexpected setback called anti-tankndmines, pledged to avenge their injuredrades. The session of tanks marched on furiously toward the Kurgs-25 armored vehicle that was hiding 400 meters ahead on the slope.


    *


    *


    *


    January 25th, 2024, 11:00 (Russia time: 04:00)


    Astrakhan, Astrakhan Ost, Russia. Near the Astrakhan Bridge (The 75th Machine Infantry Battalion)


    Three hours have passed since the beginning of the street fighting. The 75th Machine Infantry Battalion hadpletely upied the satellite city of Astrakhan, situated on the western bank of the Volga. They were now mobilizing themselves to upy Astrakhan proper before dawn. Spearheading the operation, the 3rd Machine Infantry Squadron began traversing the Astrakhan Bridge.


    It was by far the most dangerous moment in the span of the whole operation. However, as the street fighting began in the eastern part, several Spider-II recon drones flew over the area and identified the hiding spots of the Russians.


    On the side east of the Astrakhan Bridge, various armored vehicles from the 6th Squadron and the headquarters were lined up in a long queue, prepared to provide shelling support.


    When the 3rd Machine Squadron¡¯s armored vehicles were halfway across the bridge, the fierce, explosive sound of the 50-millimeter photon cannon shells beingunched was heard from the rear. Several dozens of red photon particle shells flew past the Volga and began striking the buildings along the riverbank.


    They have urately struck the hiding spots of the Russians detected by the Spider-II recon drones. Dark red mes rose between the buildings hit by the red particle shells. Some of the buildings ended up copsing.


    Even though the shells were only 50 millimeters, they had incredible destructive power.


    The hiding Russians immediately began their retaliatory shelling. The self-propelled artillery and mortar cannons that were being cooled in the rear of the city started their strikes. The infantrymen and the soldiers manning the anti-tank weaponry, who had been peeking from behind walls and corners so far, began shooting as well.


    The heated battle began with the Volga dividing the two sides. The armored vehicles of the 3rd Machine Squadron halfway across the bridge, just past the in-river ind, also received focused target firing by the Russians.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°We may all end up falling here.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Vehicle 311, spearheading the caravan crossing the bridge, belonging to the 1st Scout toon, was suddenly filled with the anguished screams of the crewmates. The whole vehicle was being shaken, and the sounds of various explosions kept ringing in the outer carapace of the armored vehicle.


    Vehicle 311, belonging to the 1st Scout toon in the 3rd Machine Squadron, continued to be filled with the frantic mor of the crew as it marched on.


    ¡°Are we all going to end up as barbecued humans in this tin can?¡± In his fearful state, Private Gwak Young-hwan uttered a half-joke, half-wail. He had been keeping quiet with his head lowered until now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say such a terrible thing!¡± Kim Seong-ho, Private 1st ss, also the direct superior to Gwak, smacked the back of his head. ¡°Ouch! Hostile work environment! The situation is hostile enough as it is!¡±


    ¡°Hostile my a*s! I did that to get you toe to your senses. You were babbling nonsense.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    At that moment, an incredible impact was inflicted on the left side of the vehicle. As a result, vehicle 311 lost bnce, skidded, and stopped when it hit the guardrail of the bridge.


    The inside of the vehicle was a jumbled mess.


    Sergeant Go Gi-jun, the vice-chief, shouted through thems, his voice resounding in the metallic interior of the armored vehicle. ¡°Everyone get off! The vehicle is immobilized.¡±


    An enemy anti-tank missile had unfortunately struck the left wheels of Vehicle 311. As a result, two of them ruptured and were now basically torn-up rags.


    ¡°Are you sure, sir?¡± asked Private Hong Han-ho, the squad leader.


    ¡°I said, we¡¯re immobilized! Do you really want to end up as burnt meat in this tin can? But, if we receive target fire, that will be our reality! So first, we will get off, then take cover behind the vehicle.¡±


    ¡°Roger. Get off! Everyone get off!¡±


    With the squad leader¡¯s order, the infantrymen tasked with the unloading procedures got off the tank at once and immediately took cover behind the vehicle. They then threw several smoke bombs in front of the vehicle.


    The dark grey smoke from the smoke bombs concealed Vehicle 311 from enemy sight.


    ¡°That was close! Just moments ago, we were all on the threshold of the afterlife.¡± Private Gwak Young-hwan shook his head as he looked at the armored vehicle stopped over the edge of the bridge.


    Vehicle 311 had the front third of its vehicle protruding from the bridge surface. They could have fallen several dozens of meters below the bridge if it slid a bit further. They had lucked out.


    ¡°F*ck! Why did they have to hit the wheels?¡± Sergeant Go Gi-jun, getting off the vehiclest, swore exuberantly.


    ¡°What shall we do now, sir?¡± asked Private Hong Han-ho.


    Sergeant Go Gi-jun scouted the area ahead of them with the various vision modes of hisbat suit.


    ¡°We will run!¡±


    ¡°It must be more than 300 meters to the end of the bridge. Will it be feasible?¡±


    ¡°We have cars behind us from which we can take cover! You¡¯ll have to wait here. Our squad will clear the area in front of us. Then you move with the 5th Squad.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Using smoke bombs and taking cover behind the armored vehicle, they could still hear the various explosions from the bridge¡¯s eastern side, indicating that the battle was still fiercely ongoing. Just then, the sound of a jet engine was heard in the eastern sky; then, something swooped by very quickly. The crew and the passenger infantrymen of Vehicle 311 all tensed up.


    They feared it might be a Russian fighter jet. However, fortunately, the object was from their side: a CUF/A-22NP Phoenix unmanned fighter jet hurriedly dispatched from the Baekbum Gim Gu (CV-001).


    The CUF/A-22NP Phoenixes, which had been deployed dozens of times in a day to take control of the skies above Ukraine and southern Russia, were now being deployed to provide air support for the 75th Machine Infantry Battalion.


    Wordlesslyughing at the Russians¡¯ anti-air weaponry, the six CUF/A-22NP Phoenixes dropped several bombs at their targets¡¯ precise locations, then promptly soared into the sky and disappeared.


    It all happened in an instant.


    With massive explosions, an impact sufficient to copse a building echoed across Astrakhan. The Russians were mainly hiding on the side east of the bridge. The bombingspletely disarmed the Russians¡¯ defensive front.


    vert


    The 3rd Machine Squadron and the 5th Machine Squadron didn¡¯t lose their moment to mobilize.


    The infantrymen taking cover behind Vehicle 311 sprinted forward with all of their might as soon as the armored vehicles of the 5th Machine Squadron began moving. ¡°Don¡¯t overextend! Take cover frequently as


    you run!¡±


    With the squad leader, Hong Han-ho¡¯s orders, the crewmates made their way, dodging between and behind the various cars on the bridge.


    Even though their defensive perimeter was neutralized, the Russian soldiers hiding along the Volga kept shooting at them.


    Thanks to the armored vehicles of the 5th Machine Squadron providing retaliatory fire or shielding them from the raining bullets, the crewmates of Vehicle 311 all made their way across the bridge to its end.


    ¡°Now, we will separate into two groups and enter the city! We will keep each other within 100 meters. Don¡¯t overdo it! Everyone, stay alert!¡±


    At the squad leader, Hong Han-ho¡¯s order, the squad members, all winded against the half-copsed walls of a building, separated into two groups, one headed by the squad leader and the other led by the vice-leader, entered the streets of Astrakhan.


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