Chapter 14

At Kang Yu-han’s question, the Center Chief seemed relieved. Handling Seo Ji-hyuk was no easy task, even for someone of his authority.

The Chief finally got to the point.

“As you know, the reason the operation to identify Variants within the Center has been assigned to you two is not without reason.”

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“Yes, sir,” Kang Yu-han replied, waiting for the explanation.

“The T/F task force may have only just launched officially, but there was groundwork laid beforehand. Take a look at this list.”

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He handed over a document. When Seo Ji-hyuk didn’t bother to take it, Kang Yu-han reached for it instead. As his eyes scanned the title, he froze.

[Suspects.]

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Before he could ask, the Chief continued.

“It’s just as the title suggests. The names on this list belong to those whose recent behavior has been suspicious. This information was compiled by our internal audit team.”

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As Kang Yu-han read down the list, his eyes widened when a familiar name appeared: Kim Joo-ho. He had once worked with the sergeant in the same department.

*What is this? Why is Sergeant Kim’s name here? This must be a mistake.*

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From what Kang Yu-han remembered, Kim Joo-ho was an ordinary individual. His records showed no signs of abnormal behavior, his interpersonal relationships were average, and his performance reviews were standard, rated around a B-.

“This is absurd. How can you expect us to handle such a dangerous mission?”

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Seo Ji-hyuk was quick to voice his disapproval, his expression full of irritation. The Chief sighed, speaking in a placating tone.

“Unfortunately, there’s no choice. We can’t go broadcasting that we’re hunting Variants. The only way is to observe quietly, identify the threat, and eliminate it.”

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“And what if we’re killed by a Variant in the process? Are you going to take responsibility for that? I said I wanted to retire, not die.”

“Calm down, Major.”

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“What’s your take on this, Major Kang?”

Seo Ji-hyuk suddenly turned the spotlight on Kang Yu-han, who hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond.

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“Well…”

Kang Yu-han found the Chief’s plan incredibly risky. Even with the list of a thousand employees, a single misstep in identifying the wrong person could spell disaster. And even if they correctly identified a Variant, the danger of confronting one with just the two of them was immense.

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Still, Kang Yu-han decided to accept the Chief’s orders. His motivation wasn’t loyalty or confidence—it was urgency. The sooner this mission was completed, the sooner he could send Seo Ji-hyuk out of this war-torn world and into retirement, just as Seo Ji-hyuk dreamed. Achieving that goal required finishing this task, no matter the cost.

“I’ll follow the Chief’s orders.”

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“What?”

“I said I’ll follow them.”

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“Ha… Major Kang, are you opposing me just for the sake of it? How can you—”

“This is a military operation, isn’t it? Following orders is standard protocol.”

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Seo Ji-hyuk clicked his tongue in frustration, waving his hand dismissively. Sensing the rising tension, the Chief decided to end the meeting, instructing the two to leave.

* * *

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“This is your fault. If I die, it’s on you.”

Seo Ji-hyuk grumbled, his expression sharp as he changed into his workout gear.

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“Take care of your own life,” Kang Yu-han replied coolly.

“Ha, you just can’t keep your mouth shut, can you?”

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“We don’t have time for this. Sergeant Kim will be here for his workout soon.”

“Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

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The Center had several training facilities, but this one, located furthest from the dorms, was sparsely used. Sergeant Kim was known to come here alone every evening at 7 PM, which had placed him on the list of suspects.

Recent records of his dining habits had raised flags. At the Center, every meal required ID card verification for entry and tracking food distribution. Yet, Sergeant Kim’s records showed he rarely collected meals, despite being present in the cafeteria.

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Unless he was secretly hoarding food in his room, such behavior made no sense. And if that were the case, it would have quickly drawn attention in an era where resources were scarce and every action was scrutinized.

This left one logical explanation: Kim had undergone a mutation, eliminating the need for regular food.

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One of the key traits of Variants was their lack of appetite. They craved human flesh and blood but had no interest in typical human food. While Kim’s records showed he ate lunch with his team, his lack of activity during solo evening meals made him a suspect.

Seo Ji-hyuk had hypothesized that Kim hid in the training facility during dinner hours to avoid raising suspicion.

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“When he shows up, just use that ampoule of yours. Generously,” Seo Ji-hyuk suggested.

“I can’t do that. We’re not certain he’s a Variant yet.”

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“If he’s not a Variant, nothing happens, right? The substance only works on Variant skin. Just spray him and find out.”

“It’s not that simple. The ampoule hasn’t undergone full safety testing.”

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“Says who?”

“Dr. Yoon.”

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The ampoule was only a first-stage prototype. Its efficacy and potential side effects were still unclear. Researchers had warned repeatedly that the ampoule couldn’t be relied upon completely and needed further refinement through trial and error.

Dr. Yoon, in particular, had emphasized caution, warning against placing blind faith in the substance.

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“Then why did you even bring it out?” Seo Ji-hyuk scoffed.

“Not bringing it wasn’t an option,” Kang Yu-han replied calmly.

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“Doesn’t matter. I’ll be the one doing the killing anyway.”

“Killing? Haven’t you heard the orders? We’re supposed to capture it alive.”

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“Hah, ridiculous. So what? Are we going to let ourselves get chewed up while trying to capture it?”

“We follow orders.”

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The directive to capture any identified Variant alive had been clear. Even Kang Yu-han agreed it was better to apprehend and investigate the suspect thoroughly than to kill them outright.

“Shh. He’s here.”

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Footsteps echoed beyond the door. Kang Yu-han and Seo Ji-hyuk stepped out of the locker room together. As expected, Sergeant Kim had arrived.

“Good evening. It’s been a while,” Kang Yu-han greeted politely.

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“Ah, uh… yes,” Sergeant Kim stammered, visibly startled by their sudden presence. His pale complexion and hesitant response were reminiscent of someone caught in the act of theft. Without another word, he retreated hastily into the locker room.

‘Suspicious?’

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‘Definitely.’

Exchanging a glance, Kang Yu-han and Seo Ji-hyuk silently acknowledged the strange behavior. They each moved to different pieces of exercise equipment, keeping their movements casual. While nothing could yet be confirmed, Kang Yu-han wanted to proceed cautiously, observing every detail. He pretended to exercise, all the while keeping an ear on any sounds coming from the locker room.

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Seo Ji-hyuk, on the other hand, actually worked out. Though it was unnecessary for the situation, he had already settled on the bench press, lifting a heavy barbell. His shirt, mysteriously discarded, was nowhere to be seen.

Sweat glistened on his sharply defined abs, catching the dim light. Watching him, Kang Yu-han’s throat suddenly felt dry. Unbidden, memories of the previous night surfaced—the warmth of Seo Ji-hyuk’s skin, the faint masculine scent, and the lingering heat of his touch.

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“What are you staring at?”

“Nothing. Just…”

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“You were staring. Admit it.”

“Why would I? It was a coincidence.”

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Their playful bickering was cut short when Sergeant Kim suddenly burst out of the locker room. His pallor had worsened, leaving his face devoid of any color, and his eyes were hollow and lifeless.

The only sign of vitality came from his mouth, foaming at the corners as he drooled uncontrollably. His tongue flicked out like a snake’s as he swallowed thickly, giving him the appearance of a ravenous beast.

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Even without further evidence, it was clear what they were dealing with. But Kang Yu-han saw an opportunity. Variants were notoriously hard to detect due to the natural shielding abilities of Espers and Guides. However, in their unhinged state, that barrier might falter.

Focusing intently, Kang Yu-han activated his scanning ability and began examining Sergeant Kim’s entire body.

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