Chapter 37: Base camp
News began to spread that Yoo Soha of Hwanryeong was embarking on a North Korea expedition.
The destination was North Hwanghae Province, with plans to reclaim Pyongyang if feasible.
Since Shin Sungmin was the only one who had pioneered North Korean territory thus far, the media immediately turned its attention to her.
Articles flooded in, and online communities erupted.
Some questioned whether, despite defeating Shin Sungmin, tackling North Hwanghae and Pyongyang was too ambitious. Others speculated that with the guardian who overwhelmingly defeated Shin Sungmin, Yoo Soha and Eclipse alone could conquer North Hwanghae.
Experts expressed pessimism, noting that decades after North Korea’s collapse, no one could predict how strong the beasts in the heart of North Korea—Pyongyang—had become.
With no confirmed information about the region, many argued that Hwanryeong’s attempt to pioneer North Korea was reckless.
- Why are they sending Yoo Soha to North Korea? I don’t get it.
- Everyone knows she’s aiming for S-rank, but can’t she just take her time? Why risk going to North Korea?
- She probably wants to match Shin Sungmin’s achievements.
- She crushed Shin Sungmin, didn’t she? She could easily hit S-rank by clearing domestic gates safely.
- How would we know? Maybe she wants to outshine her sister. She’s only twenty, after all.
- Twenty and pioneering North Korea? That’s insane.
Amid the swirling questions, Hwanryeong held an official press conference.
Reporters fired sharp questions at Yoo Soha, who stood on the stage as flashes went off.
“Is it true you’re going to North Korea?”
“Yes, it’s true.”
Dressed in her usual black suit, Yoo Soha began answering the reporters’ questions with precision.
Her sharp golden eyes scanned the crowd.
“North Korea is so dangerous that even the government only maintains a perimeter and hasn’t formed an expedition team. Even the powerful S-rank awakener Shin Sungmin gave up on pioneering North Korea. Can you share details of your plan?”
A young female reporter at the front met Yoo Soha’s golden gaze without flinching and asked her question.
“The plan for pioneering North Korea is already fully prepared.”
Yoo Soha’s response was brief. The vague answer, lacking specifics, caused the reporters to furrow their brows.
“What exactly is the plan…?”
“Next question.”
Yoo Soha dodged the question for a simple reason.
To block potential competitors.
If she detailed her plan, another awakener team—like those from Akwol or Myeolma—might use the information to target North Korea.
“North Korea is heavily contaminated with radiation from fallout. Have you prepared measures for that?”
“Of course, we’ve prepared everything.”
Yoo Soha continued with short answers.
“What’s the reason for planning this expedition?”
“You all know I summoned a guardian, right?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve heard some talk. That I’m relying on my guardian’s power rather than my own to aim for S-rank.”
“Is this because of public opinion?”
“Yes. In this expedition, unless it’s an emergency, I plan to pioneer North Korea with only the strength of Hwanryeong Team 2, without Eclipse’s help.”
Her statement left the reporters momentarily speechless.
Why?
“…May we ask why?”
“To prove myself. My team members agreed as well. And as I said, it’s not that Eclipse won’t intervene at all. If a team member’s life is in danger, Eclipse will step in. But otherwise, he won’t.”
“Even so, countless variables can arise in combat. Someone could get seriously injured the moment a dangerous situation occurs. Are you saying the entire Hwanryeong Team 2 agreed to this reckless plan?”
“Yes.”
Yoo Soha deliberately omitted any mention of soul armaments.
In a setting like this, it was better to frame it as a bold team leader and team members voluntarily joining a daring challenge.
Mentioning soul armaments risked accusations of endangering her team with money, which would only invite baseless criticism.
“So how will you prove it? The battles in a dangerous place like North Korea won’t be public. Couldn’t you secretly summon your guardian to pioneer it? Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose?”
“We plan to record everything.”
“…What?”
The reporters looked at Yoo Soha in disbelief, as if questioning what they’d just heard.
“You’re saying you’ll leisurely film in such a dangerous place? Even exposing beast data?”
“Beast data is important, of course. But I care more about ensuring no unnecessary talk arises when I eventually reach S-rank. The title of S-rank awakener must not be tarnished.”
The reporters were stunned.
Beast data is a guild’s asset. To think she’d reveal it to the public for the sake of her reputation when she achieves S-rank…
Her statement baffled them.
“Guardians are currently considered part of an awakener’s strength. Why go out of your way to not use yours?”
“Because some people don’t see it that way. As I said, I don’t want any noise mixed into my S-rank achievement. Does that make sense now?”
The reporters nodded, though their faces showed they were far from convinced.
Right after the press conference, Yoo Soha and Hwanryeong Team 2 headed straight to Cheorwon in Gangwon Province.
“You really dropped a bombshell at the press conference, Team Leader.”
“It just happened.”
Yoo Soha responded to Cha Hyunseong’s comment, gazing out the window.
“Are we really filming everything?”
“The recording equipment is all set. Your protective suits have personal cameras attached. Turn them on when combat starts.”
“…Is it really okay to reveal beast data?”
“It’s fine. The data shown in the footage can’t be fully analyzed anyway.”
“What about the chairman…?”
“Dad said it’s okay. He also said it’s better to avoid unnecessary talk when I reach S-rank.”
“…I see.”
“Anyway, I’ll explain the route to North Hwanghae as soon as we reach the base camp, so rest while you can. No one knows what the environment in North Hwanghae is like.”
“Got it!”
Upon arriving in Cheorwon, Hwanryeong Team 2 was greeted by soldiers newly stationed in the unrecovered Gangwon region.
“Stop, stop, stop!”
“This is a restricted area for civilians. Please turn back.”
“We’re from Hwanryeong. You should’ve received a directive from the Korea Awakener Association.”
“…One moment, we’ll verify.”
“Security clearance…”
While the soldiers at the guard post were on the phone, Cha Hyunseong quietly spoke to Yoo Soha.
“Team Leader.”
“What?”
“When did you request cooperation from the Korea Awakener Association?”
“At the banquet, I had a chance to talk with the chairman. I asked him then.”
“Did the government say anything?”
“They just told us to pay taxes if we succeed.”
“…I see.”
“Verification complete. Yoo Soha, you’re cleared for entry.”
Since the unrecovered Gangwon region had been purified and military bases established only a few years ago, modern buildings stood out.
“Where to now?”
“Keep going. We need to reach the edge of Cheorwon, so those who can sleep should get some rest. I’ve already arranged a building for the base camp with the military, so we just need to get there.”
“Got it.”
They arrived at the base camp some time after entering Cheorwon.
The team members couldn’t help but be impressed by the unexpectedly pristine condition of the base camp.
“This is practically hotel-level! What was this building originally used for?”
“I don’t know. They said it was just a building thrown up during military expansion, but it was left standing, so we can use it for now. Let’s head in.”
The team quickly unpacked and gathered in what Yoo Soha dubbed the command center.
“Command center…”
“Ugh, my head.”
Those with military experience cringed at the name.
“…Everyone, focus.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll explain the plan first. We’ll start with reconnaissance. The entry route begins with Tosan County, right in front of us. After scouting the outer parts of North Hwanghae, we’ll proceed with a full advance.”
“This whole area? Recon alone will be a lot of work.”
Yoo Soha nodded.
“We came prepared for a long-term mission. Of course, we’ll take measures to replenish supplies as needed.”
“Got it.”
“Recon targets include the distribution of beasts and those that have absorbed gate cores. Report any beasts with unusual mana immediately.”
“Yes!”
“And always wear your protective suits.”
“Understood!”
“Are we splitting into teams?”
Yoo Soha shook her head at Cha Hyunseong’s question.
“No. Since we don’t know what threats lurk, I won’t divide the team. Even if it slows reconnaissance, we’ll stick with this approach.”
“Understood.”
“One last thing to note: even with soul armaments, don’t waste mana recklessly. Use soul armaments only against powerful beasts. And those on the front line, make sure to carry firearms. If a beast is vulnerable to guns, it’ll make reconnaissance much easier.”
“Yes!”
“Then, change into your protective suits, and we’ll start tomorrow. It’s getting late, so we’ll begin full reconnaissance in the morning.”
With the team nodding in agreement, all preparations were complete.
Watching the scene, Eclipse and Shin Sungmin hoped their involvement wouldn’t be necessary.