STJ_12
"Just as it takes the hard work and effort of many people working behind the scenes for a show to be enjoyed by the audience, so it is in combat."
In the fabled classroom, there were prospective Guides who had just appeared to receive an education.
The average age of those manifesting as Guides was 15.6. It seemed that the people here were in that range.
And Doyoung, who was sitting in the back seat and whose age did not seem to be in that average range, caught their eye.
"Of course, it's the Esper who gets the spotlight on the battlefield, but they can't fight without a Guide."
As the instructor continued his lesson, a student in a school uniform raised his hand. He looked like a junior high school student.
"What's wrong?"
"Do the Guides also get weapons?"
It was a question a girl her age might ask.
"Guns are given when you turn 18 and get a license and gun permit. Now let's move on."
The child who asked the question looked a little disappointed. The instructor went on with his lesson.
"Guides also go wherever Esper goes. They provide support on the battlefield and emergency guiding when needed. If the Esper is the weapon, then the Guide is the one who loads the bullets. The Esper's accomplishments are not only his own, but also those of the Guide.
Few would question the wisdom of the saying that praise even makes whales dance*.
*t/n: 칭찬은 고래도 춤추게 한다; This is the same meaning as "Whale done" → "Well done", which usually refers to the fact that praise makes you feel good.
However, the sweetness of praise can also be a trap. It can also be seen as a form of gaslighting to maintain compliance and dominate the subject to make them doubt.
Doyoung grinned as he looked down at his textbook.
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History of UEFC (Unified Esper-guide Force Command)
1. Foundation of UEFC
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The argument of those who demand equality between Esper and Guide is flawed.
When the UEFC was founded 30 years ago, the word ‘Guide’ was not in the name of the organization. Only the Esper were admired, and the Guide was looked down upon as a mere appendage to the Esper.
As a result, the Guides chose to hide their appearance, which also had the negative effect of increasing the risk of Esper rampages.
In response, the military government launched a campaign to promote the human rights of the Guides ten years ago, adding the word ‘Guide’ to the organization's name.
But public opinion hasn't changed much. Even Doyoung once wrote an article about the negative prejudice against Guides.
But now he was becoming ‘that’ Guide.
Feeling sick to his stomach, Doyoung took the elevator to the 45th floor as soon as the break was over.
The 70-story building had a rooftop with a small garden on the 45th floor.
This was a place where people rarely went. Hyeju, who had quit smoking, once said that he often went there when he wanted to smoke.
A cool breeze hit Doyoung's hair as soon as he stepped through the door.
Doyoung took out his cell phone and smoked a cigarette. He found Seungjae's name in his favorite call list and pressed the call button.
Doyoung took a bite of his cigarette as he took out his cell phone. He found Seungjae's name in his favorites list and pressed the call button, then clamped the phone between his neck and shoulder before lighting the cigarette.
Since the introduction of the Gate, the prices of basic commodities such as cigarettes and alcohol have skyrocketed. But the kind of stress experienced by public reporters is not the kind that can be relieved by healthy means such as exercise or vacation.
Seungjae answered the call immediately. He was the only one of Doyoung's friends who still called him by his elementary school nickname.
—Oh, Dodo. What's up?
"Hey, do you want me to tell you something funny?"
—If it's not funny, you'll be sentenced to death.
Seungjae, who knew Doyoung's sense of humor, replied with a dry voice that didn't hold much hope.
"I’ve become a Guide."
—Pfft. How long have you been a guide? Such a directionless person became a guide? No way. After they spent a lot of money recruiting you, did they tell you to take a bunch of kids around and guide them?
Maybe Seungjae is interpreting Guide in a different direction. He should be. He couldn't imagine anything else.
UEFC was also a place where kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students went on picnics and field trips. There was a very large Esper exhibition hall on the first floor of the main building, and a lush garden in front of the building. There is nothing better than gradually instilling a sense of aspiration for the military from a young age.
"....not that guide, but Guide. You know, a Guide for guiding an Esper."
—Are you crazy? I'm saying this because I'm really worried about you, but have your bullshit skills improved lately? Not long ago, you said that you were Kangho's secret soldier.
"You don't believe me? This is real. I've become a Guide and I'm training with thirteen-year-old kids right now."
—What?
Doyoung sighed, combing his wind-blown hair and tickling his forehead, but hearing that familiar voice made the uncomfortable feeling a little easier.
"Haa... I don't know. It's just that here... it's so annoying. Everything they say is like gaslighting, and the people are weird, it's like everyone is crazy."
Suddenly, the memories he had spent in this place flashed through Doyoung's mind in an instant, from his meeting with Sa Kangjun and Sa Iijun to the scene he saw in the lab.
"Seungjae, you said that Sa Kangjun is cool, right? But did you know? He has an assistant who carries hand sanitizer like a keychain and follows Sa Kangjun everywhere. He's also the kind of person who uses fancy handkerchiefs once and then throws them in the trash. As for his younger brother, he's a crazy person who kisses new people immediately.”
―Heol...
"When you see what happens in the lab, you are even more shocked. The human rights violations there are like everyday food, and the people don't seem to feel guilty even when they do. It's really not a place for humans."
—But who kissed who?
"Hey, out of everything I told you, is that all you wanted to hear?"
Seungjae, who was a programmer, sounded very sleepy on the phone, probably because he had worked all night.
He wanted to chat until he ran out of cigarettes, but with an unsatisfied feeling he finally hung up. When he turned around…
“Ahh!”
Sa Kangjun was right behind him. Doyoung, who had forgotten to put out his cigarette, jumped out of his seat again.
"Ouch, it's hot!"
Sa Kangjun slowly approached and stood in front of Doyoung.
"I'm not sure how many articles of the National Security Law have been violated in this conversation."
"......!"
Doyoung's eyes widened. His pupils twitched to decide how to proceed. At a time like this, it was best to feign ignorance and show nonchalance, because admitting it meant being willing to take responsibility for the consequences.
“Wh, what did I say? Haha... I don't remember."
As if he knew it would be like this, Sa Kangjun smiled and operated the watch he was wearing. A familiar voice sounded from the device.
―But did you know? He has an assistant who carries hand sanitizer like a keychain and follows Sa Kangjun everywhere. He's also the kind of person who uses fancy handkerchiefs once and then throws them in the trash. As for his younger brother, he's a crazy person who kisses new people immediately.
After the sound ended, there was silence.
"......."
"Shall I play the next part?"
"No... that's enough, I'm sorry."
Doyoung apologized sincerely while bowing deeply. Kangjun, who seemed to have no intention of blaming him from the beginning, smiled softly and stood forward.
"It is not easy to have your identity change overnight. Especially when you end up in a place that is not in line with your thinking, it must be even harder."
Sa Kangjun looked like a person who had never fallen in his life. Although he never seemed to have any crises or difficulties, the words of comfort he uttered made Doyoung feel comforted.
"This... is a little confusing."
"There are times when it's better not to fight things you can't fight."
"....I understand.”
Once the door is open, whatever is behind it must be accepted. That was the way forward.
There was no way around the fact that he had become a Guide. So it had to be accepted.
"Haa...."
After realizing this, the confusion in his heart eased a bit.
Doyoung suddenly looked at Kangjun with doubt. He wondered if this guy was using his abilities to make him feel comfortable, just like he had done on the plane.
"Are you using abilities on me?"
"No."
Kangjun smiled bitterly when he saw Doyoung tilt his head.
"Why. Are you afraid?"
"What?"
"Maybe I read your mind.”
Doyoung chuckled as if he heard nonsense.
"What is there to be afraid of? You've probably read many people's minds, haven't you?"
"Then?"
"I also have thoughts of dirty, evil, and cruel things, but I think those are the kinds of thoughts other people might have."
"......."
"I don't think reading my thoughts will give you anything new."
"...ha."
Kangjun's expression changed strangely. He looked like he was laughing, but he also looked like he was stunned.
"Not afraid, huh?"
"Yes. I'm not afraid of anything in this world except ghosts. No, I mean my mom."
"......."
"Poverty is a bit scary too."
"...Can you prove it?"
"Yeah? What?”
Kangjun, who was quietly looking at Doyoung, spoke in a low voice as if he wanted to confirm something.
"Look into my eyes."
Doyoung raised his head and looked at Kangjun. Those brown eyes stared straight ahead without wavering or dodging. Except for Haesu and Iijun, no one could see him (KJ) like that.
Doyoung looked into Kangjun's eyes and chuckled.
"Pfft..."
".....laughing?"
"No, sorry. The line 'Look into my eyes' made me think of an old song. It's probably not a song Lieutenant Colonel Sa knows.”
"......."
Kangjun narrowed his eyes. Doyoung bowed in greeting.
"Thank you for today. It was very helpful."
"Helpful?"
"Yes. Then.... see you soon."
Doyoung's steps passing by his side felt lighter, as if his heart was relieved. Kangjun muttered to himself as he watched Doyoung's back as he walked away.
"You'll see him. Soon.”
–
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