Chapter 147

Over the past few days, he had inspected more than ten front lines.

The results were profoundly disappointing.

Aside from the first front I saw, none of them are even worth reconsidering.

That left only the fronts he had visited alongside Myo Seol-rin.

Together, they had inspected a total of three fronts.

Lumbini, Pra, and Dodonbo.

After examining all three, Jin Crow's impression was remarkably simple.

Complacency.

He could think of no better word.

Despite the length of the front lines, the supplies, artillery batteries, and troop deployments were little more than displays for show.

Compared to the others, the Lumbini Front was practically exemplary.

The last one they visited, the Dodonbo Front, was beyond words.

There, he had been left dumbfounded upon seeing Ju civilians dressed as farmers freely wandering in and out of the military base.

“Instructor.”

“Yes.”

Even Obia had instinctively called his name in a quiet voice, blinking in surprise.

It was that far beyond common sense.

Of course, considering that every one of those fronts belonged to the Planetary Defense Force rather than the Governor-General's Office's direct command, it wasn't entirely incomprehensible.

Even so, this was excessive.

If I had my way, I'd replace the entire command structure.

However, Jin Crow was not someone who acted emotionally, so he made no move.

To begin with, he neither had the authority nor the influence.

He wasn't there as an Inspector.

Besides, if even Vice Governor Lecom Ging remained silent, what would change simply because some Federal Army instructor voiced his criticism?

It would only stir up unnecessary trouble.

His only concern was whether the front lines were suitable for an inspection exercise.

The conclusion was straightforward.

“I'll submit the paperwork again, recommending Ju Planet's Lumbini Front if possible.”

“So you've decided on this place after all?”

“It's the most suitable.”

The Dawn Church's influence had proven stronger than expected.

There was also a subtle sense of discord surrounding the Governor-General's Office, along with quite a few unsettling details he had noticed.

Even so...

Were all those issues significant enough to abandon Baek Hwi-young's future signature weapon and the OOPArt he himself needed?

Jin Crow shook his head.

The risks are acceptable. It may actually be better than the other Colony Planets.

Whatever Lecom Ging truly thought, the Vice Governor owed him a debt.

Unlike the Planetary Defense Force, whose condition left much to be desired, the Federal Army personnel under the Governor-General's Office—such as Lang Wei and Myo Seol-ah—were highly capable.

Furthermore, after ordering the Military Police to observe the area for several days, he found that public security and the local Ju people's attitude toward the Federal Army were not particularly hostile.

In other words, despite the numerous variables that had emerged, his conclusion was that this planet actually had fewer uncertainties than the alternatives.

“......So in the end, you've chosen the Lumbini Front as the destination for the front-line inspection.”

“Yes, Major General.”

“And you have no intention of reconsidering?”

“It satisfies every requirement. The local terrorist organization is a concern, but the Governor-General's Office Security Division squads are highly capable. I trust they'll willingly assist us.”

“Haa......”

Jin Crow immediately informed Lecom Ging of his decision.

The Vice Governor scratched his disheveled hair, ruined by endless paperwork and overtime, and awkwardly reached for a cigarette.

Or rather...

He was about to.

Until he realized the one he had just finished had been his last.

“......Oh dear.”

The moment Lecom Ging confirmed that fact, he let out a groan as though he had reached the greatest crisis of his life.

The three essential nutrients of mankind were, naturally, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.

And if he couldn't pump the most important one—nicotine—into his lungs...

Wouldn't he fall behind in the speedrun toward death?

Just then.

At the edge of Lecom Ging's despairing vision...

A black cigarette pack resting atop a black-gloved hand entered his sight.

“Th-This is...?”

Without saying a word, Jin Crow placed the cigarette pack onto his desk before lighting one for himself.

A subordinate smoking before a Major General?

Any retired soldier witnessing such a disgrace would probably cough up blood.

But neither of them had the luxury of caring.

They simply placed cigarettes between their lips and lit them.

“Hoo...”

With a brief exhale, thick smoke twisted through the air.

Looking visibly more relaxed, Lecom Ging gazed at Jin Crow before speaking.

“In any case, the final decision belongs to headquarters. Nothing I say will change anything now. Isn't that right?”

“Yes. That's correct.”

Although he would return to the Academy the following morning, a front-line inspection did not end with a simple survey.

It also required approval from the local Governor-General's Office and an evaluation of suitability by the Ministry of National Defense.

In other words, once Jin Crow submitted the documents, the matter would fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry and the Governor.

Knowing that, Lecom Ging bit down on the cigarette filter, already burned halfway, and rose from his seat.

“Then there's no point wasting more time talking about it. Let's see... It's gotten this late already.”

He casually threw on the black uniform lying among the paperwork before asking,

“Have you eaten dinner yet?”

“......Not yet.”

“Then let's go. My treat.”

Sweeping back his messy hair with pomade once more, Lecom Ging looked toward the black night beyond the window before grinning at Jin Crow.

“By the way, this was on my bucket list too. Buying a meal for my benefactor is reasonable enough, isn't it?”

“Yes. Tsk.”

“......Did you just click your tongue?”

What an annoying man.

Once he put it like that...

There was no way to refuse.

“No.”

“That definitely wasn't a no.”

Thinking exactly that, Jin Crow silently followed after him.

The entertainment district of Ju Planet...

Was far more dazzling and crowded than Jin Crow had imagined.

And despite its Eastern aesthetic...

“Come take a look! A catalog of bio-implants modeled after every clan's unique traits! At least stop by for a consultation! The procedures are completely legal and performed by a doctor certified in Mercato!”

“Hey, brother! What's with that tail? Come over here and pick out a tattoo!”

...It was far more open than he had expected.

The towering trees and floating islands overhead created a dreamlike atmosphere unique to Ju Planet.

Yet once he stepped into the streets, what he saw most was a familiar scent of civilization no different from any other bustling commercial district.

“Human Maid Café!”

“Android Butler Café!”

The only real difference...

Was that everything had been localized to suit Ju tastes.

Watching the dazzling neon lights and the strange blend of Human Composite State modern fashion with Ju Planet's traditional attire, Jin Crow took out a hip flask that contained no stimulants and raised it to his lips.

He had never liked noisy places.

Especially not entertainment districts like this.

Unlike him, however...

Obia and Lang Wei, who had somehow already begun speaking casually with one another, looked like dogs happily running through fresh snow.

“What's that, Lang Wei?”

“Ah, that? That's called Tanghulu. It's perfect as dessert after eating Miratang.”

“Ooh!”

Of course...

Standing a step behind them, Lecom Ging and Myo Seol-ah exchanged glances after noticing the sharp look in her eyes.

At the exact same moment, both reached nearly identical conclusions.

He's definitely not making it home in one piece.

Looks like it's Dog Days.

After walking for some time...

They entered an alley tucked between the bustling streets.

Soon, an old tavern with a weathered signboard came into view.

Pointing toward it, Lecom Ging spoke proudly in an unpretentious tone.

“I've been coming here ever since I was first assigned to this planet. It may not look like much, but it's one of the five best local restaurants around.”

“I see.”

Jin Crow nodded indifferently.

He wasn't someone who particularly pursued gourmet food.

Still, if someone was buying him a meal, he certainly wouldn't refuse something delicious.

“Hehe. You can look forward to it.”

With that, Lecom Ging casually placed a hand on the tavern door.

The moment he opened it—

“For the Dawn!”

Three shadows descended from above the alley.

Click—

Along with the faint sound of detonators activating.

Everyone present, including Jin Crow, instinctively sensed the overwhelming danger and immediately drew upon their Psionic Energy.

“Well, shit—”

For the first time since they had met, Lecom Ging swallowed a curse.

Closing his eyes as the explosion instantly swallowed his vision.

Then, the brief silence shattered.

KWAaaaaaaaaAANG!

A terrifying wave of explosive heat surged through the narrow alley and engulfed them all.

The body is nothing more than a lump of flesh briefly brushed by the Dawn. Through this martyrdom, we shall attain eternal salvation.

He repeated the Immortal-class High Priest's words within his mind.

Ung Kang of the Bear Clan forcibly suppressed the survival instinct possessed by every living creature as he continued walking.

Everything had already left his hands.

For one who believed in the Dawn Church and walked the path of a priest...

Submitting to the Human Composite State's rule was more disgraceful than anything else.

Fifty comrades walk beside me. Beyond martyrdom awaits the Dawn.

Steeling his weakening resolve, he quickened his pace while feeling the bomb vest concealed beneath the filthy, uncomfortable Human Composite State military uniform.

Passing through the crowds, cold sweat dripped down his body.

At last, he crossed the wall surrounding his destination and headed toward the building.

“Loyalty.”

Ignoring the salutes occasionally directed his way, he arrived before the hideous concrete structure that stood as undeniable proof of exploitation.

Then, the moment he entered the lobby...

Without the slightest hesitation, he pressed the detonator on his vest and shouted,

“For the Dawn!”

Dozens of explosives wrapped around his body instantly distorted.

Together with a blinding flash, the Governor-General's Office lobby became utter chaos.

“Ahhh!”

“S-Save me!”

“GAAAAAH!”

More than eighty percent of those working at the Governor-General's Office were civilians.

Naturally, the pitiful protection offered by their uniforms could never withstand explosives meant for construction work.

Those who died instantly were arguably the fortunate ones.

Most were hurled across the floor like shredded rags.

However...

Not everyone inside the Governor-General's Office remained helpless.

“For the Dawn...! Kuhk!”

When the Governor-General's Office building failed to collapse after the first terrorist attack, another Dawn Church believer rushed inside, intending to trigger another explosion.

But just then—

「Bind (束)」

Charging forward at full speed, Saun lowered the black turtleneck covering his mouth as turquoise light gleamed from his eyes and quietly uttered the incantation.

At that very instant, space distorted.

Serpentine forms materialized, instantly coiling around the Dawn Church believer and binding him.

“Kuhk! Kgh!”

Unable even to press the detonator, the believer twisted desperately while gasping for breath.

The objective of subduing him had already been accomplished.

Yet Saun whispered without the slightest hesitation.

「Crush (壓)」

His incantation carried both an overwhelming desire...

And a fury he could no longer suppress.

His summoned spirit and Guardian Spirit—the serpent—never treated the emotions of its master and child lightly.

KWADDDDDDK!

The believer's body instantly twisted apart before shattering together with the explosives.

Looking toward Squad C, which had arrived moments later, Saun spoke in a voice that was both calm and filled with barely restrained rage.

“......The Dawn Church.”

And at that very moment—

KWAAAAAAAAANG!

BOOOOOOM!

Violent explosions and desperate screams erupted throughout every corner of Pure Land.