Chapter 29: Ch 29: A-Squad Recruitment
A new hire scouted to the elite team after only a month on the job.
Sounds like the title of some self-help book designed to get attention.
But this is actually happening for real.
’What is even going on here?’
Me, in A-squad?
"Let’s see. Soleum-ssi, you joined D-squad last month, right?"
"Yes. Let’s get in touch with HR and handle it as a temporary assignment,
then make it official in five months."
"Right. Then, Assistant Manager Jin..."
A-squad’s leader turned to me with a satisfied smile.
"For starters, Soleum-ssi should be promoted to supervisor right away."
"..."
"The official announcement should be out by next week."
Oh, my god.
"This company may not care much about seniority, but there’s still a
minimum requirement, you know. This is insanely fast-tracked."
Of course it is!
They’re even offering a promotion? This level of pull in the company?
No, that’s not it exactly.
Typically, a potential elite team member would have to go through a couple
of promotions, proving themselves in each role before officially getting into
the team.
The usual practice would be that you need to be at least a supervisor to even
start in the elite team.
Since they want me in A-squad, I need to be promoted, so management is
just fast-tracking it.
’A-squad used to start at the assistant manager level...’
This is genuinely an extraordinary deal.
But I mean, why?
Why would they suddenly make this offer to me...
Ah.
The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning when I looked at the
supremely pleased expression on the squad leader’s face.
’I picked all the "right" answers today!’
I’d tried so hard, mistaking it for workplace harassment!
No complaints with unjust tasks, working within their framework, and
eagerly generating ideas to produce results—behaving like the ideal
employee.
A newbie with no ego. A yes-man while trying to show creativity!
Exactly the type of subordinate any boss dreams of...
"Soleum-ssi? Go ahead and clock out. Be prepared for the official
announcement, which could come as soon as next week."
"..."
No way.
’This is a disaster.’
I’m... I’m the last person who should be going to A-squad!
’Their procedures are so rigid here.’
If I stay in this role, where I have to follow orders to the letter, there’s a
90% chance my true cowardice will be exposed.
’Then the wish ticket will drift farther away, and my chances of survival
will plunge.’
I’d really, actually die. My mouth went dry at the chilling thought.
"..."
"Hey, wait a sec."
Assistant Manager Jin looked at me with a doubtful expression.
"You’re... seriously thinking it over?"
I lowered my head slightly.
"Why? Are you out of your mind? Are you worried about becoming like the
shield-bearers on the Round-Off Team? Don’t worry, we won’t be sending
you there..."
"Assistant Manager Jin, hold on."
A-squad’s leader held her back, then turned to me with a reassuring
expression.
"You’re only a month into the job, so it must be a lot to take in all of a
sudden. It’s natural to have some doubts."
"..."
"But a wise person knows how to seize a bold opportunity when it comes.
That’s the key to success in society."
It’s a trap, not an opportunity!
’Oh, what do I do now?’
How could I get out of this without offending this senior boss?
Rejecting this poorly might end up putting me on their bad side, which
could mean real workplace harassment would start.
’I don’t see a way out of this...’
But then, at that moment.
Ding.
The elevator’s chime.
The doors opened, revealing a familiar face—or rather, a familiar lizard.
’Squad Leader!’
Section Chief Lee Jaheon, who’d been called to see the Team Leader,
stepped out.
The slits of his lizard eyes met the gaze of A-squad’s leader.
"...Section Chief Lee Jaheon."
"Section Chief Baek Seokjoo."
Lee stared blankly at A-squad’s leader.
"I was told to apologize to you. So, I apologize."
"..."
A-squad’s leader... was clearly holding back from cursing.
"Hah... no, forget it. I’m the only one who’s going to end up angry here.
Just me."
"?"
"I said, forget it. Anyway, I’ve already scouted someone to fill the
vacancy."
A-squad’s leader shook her head and patted me on the shoulder.
"Look, here’s the new recruit who’s going to be our squad’s rookie."
Quite a shocker of an announcement, but...
"I see."
The lizard nodded.
"It’s true that A-squad has better working conditions."
"..."
Could you, please, pretend like I might have other options to explore...?
Fine. I’ll handle this myself!
I deliberately looked back and forth between the two squad leaders,
pretending to be overwhelmed, then bowed my head slightly to A-squad’s
leader.
’First, let’s think this through...’
From what I’ve observed of her personality so far...
’She’s a stickler for rules.’
She divides tasks strictly by rank, doesn’t tolerate insubordination, and
values loyalty.
Considering she’s recruiting someone who’s only been here a month, she’s
willing to take big risks when she decides, but only within her established
guidelines.
’And she’s the type who can’t stand people going against her.’
In other words, the quintessential elite middle manager of a traditional,
hierarchical conglomerate.
’If that’s the case...’
I bowed my head.
"Section Chief Baek, thank you so much for offering me this generous
position and seeing potential in a new hire like me."
"Hmm."
"However... I still lack experience. I believe, as a new employee, I need to
focus on foundational skills and knowledge."
A-squad’s leader, staring intently at me, finally spoke up.
"...Soleum-ssi, do you happen to know the starting base salary for the elite
team?"
Not really.
"It’s 80 million won." (Approx. 57,000 USD)
"...!"
"And once you add the hazard pay, the annual take-home usually starts
around 150 million." (Approx. 107,000 USD)
Hot damn.
"We’re also planning to designate you as a primary contributor for the C-
Class Darkness you cleared. You managed to clear it so quickly using an
innovative approach."
I, I guess?
"Moreover, you’ve found a method that others might want to try, too. Do
you know what that implies?"
What does it mean?
"It means the manual might need a complete overhaul."
"..."
"Yes, not just an addition—a full revision."
A-squad’s leader smiled gently.
"And when a manual is revised, there’s a bonus payout."
"...!"
"The amount isn’t small. Normally, management isn’t keen on handling
revisions... but for the elite team, this is an exception."
Oh.
"If you join the A-squad, the process will be much smoother and quicker.
You could say it’s a matter of trustworthiness."
"..."
"Let’s see... the C-Class manual revision fee..."
With a deliberate pause, A-squad’s leader finally revealed the amount.
"Fifty million won." (Approx. 35,000 USD)
"...!!"
"Today alone, Soleum-ssi, that’s your additional pay."
Fifty million won.
"You sure you want to pass up a chance to keep earning this?"
Wow.
Of course not.
’But I can’t die for money...’
Tears welled up in my eyes. This is nuts.
’No, Soleum. Let’s remember—all the money in this world is just like game
money for me... game money, game money...!’
Right!
I made my eyes shine with a bit of melancholy and began talking nonsense.
"I believe, more important than immediate money, I first need to hone my
skills and value."
This was insanity.
’The reason we hone skills and value is to earn more money, so why am I
rejecting it?’
But I kept rambling in a way that perfectly aligned with a 30-years-ago
corporate manager’s mentality.
"Our ancestors used to say that it’s worth even buying hardship when
you’re young. While I don’t fully agree, I think there’s a reason that saying
exists."
Assistant Manager Jin from A-squad looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.
But it seemed to resonate with the top boss.
"Hmm."
A-squad’s leader looked thoughtful. She narrowed her eyes at me, then
sighed and nodded.
"Fine. If that’s really how you feel... I suppose we can’t push it."
Wahoo!
"I thought you were a smart guy, Soleum-ssi, but maybe you’re a bit more
naive than I’d assumed. How are you going to make it in this harsh world?"
Perfect.
The tone was slightly chiding, but since it’s coming from her, it was
practically a compliment!
...Even though she just couldn’t resist adding a bit more.
"It’s good to work hard. But being too pure-hearted isn’t great for corporate
life."
Yes, yes.
"If I may give you some advice... remember, you don’t get through work
by clinging to emotions. Especially don’t get attached to people who don’t
understand you."
She glanced pointedly at a particular someone, her expression darkening.
"Don’t do it. It’s not worth it."
"...Understood."
Ah, she’s talking about the ’stubborn psycho’ Lizard Chief, isn’t she? Got
it.
"Did you hear that, Section Chief Lee Jaheon?"
"? Yes."
The lizard replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I understand perfectly."
"..."
"..."
Please stop with the ’Is this guy for real?’ look, A-squad leader...
"Anyway."
With a deep breath, A-squad’s leader brought the conversation to a close.
"Good work today. Head on home."
"...! Yes, ma’am!!"
Sweet, sweet freedom.
"Thank you. I’ll head out now."
Finally, I can escape...!
I eagerly pressed the elevator button. Assistant Manager Jin quickly came
up and whispered to me.
"You idiot. You’re going to regret this."
"..."
"D-squad’s Section Chief hasn’t even seen a wish ticket yet. Our Section
Chief has already received one."
That’s fine. I know that lizard guy will eventually make it to Team Leader.
Of course, I couldn’t say that, so I went with a compliment.
"I’m sure you’ll get one soon too, Assistant Manager."
"What?"
"I’ll be sure to ask you all about it when that time comes."
"..."
Assistant Manager Jin looked momentarily startled, then scoffed.
"You do seem to have some sense."
"You’ll answer, right?"
"Yes."
Though it was a verbal promise, from what I could tell of her personality—
gruff, yes, but not one to lie or go back on her word.
"Section Chief, Assistant Manager, thank you both very much for today."
"Sure, head on home."
After expressing my thanks, I pressed the elevator button and quickly got
inside before I could get dragged into anything further.
But right on cue, Lizard Chief slipped in right behind me.
So he really did come here just to deliver that soulless apology...
– Going down...
As the elevator carried the two of us in silence, Lizard Chief unexpectedly
started talking.
"Kim Soleum-ssi."
"Yes?"
"Is there something you want in D-squad?"
Huh.
"...Are you implying, with that question, that you assume I stayed with D-
squad despite having a chance to join A-squad because I want something
specific?"
"Yes."
Good grief.
After ruffling the back of my head a bit, I sighed and replied.
"There’s nothing like that, Section Chief."
"?"
"I didn’t choose to stay for any advantage."
I stayed because I want to stay alive!
Lizard Chief narrowed his slit pupils, looking puzzled.
"Staying in a regular team rather than an elite one results in a points loss.
It’ll take longer to get a wish ticket."
"That may be true."
I shrugged.
"But even if I do want a wish ticket, I also want to stay alive long enough to
use it."
"..."
"Until then, I’d rather be somewhere I can work with a bit more peace of
mind."
I’d rather not live in constant fear of being outed as a coward, you know...
"I see."
Lizard Chief fell silent.
Finally, some quiet as we rode dow—
"What is your wish, Kim Soleum-ssi?"
More questions today than usual.
"...Are you asking what I’d wish for if I got the ticket?"
"Yes."
"In that case, I’d like to know yours first, Section Chief."
It was my polite way of saying, ’Why ask me such a one-sided question?’
But the Lizard only blinked his vertical pupils and gazed into space, as if
pondering. After a moment, he replied.
"It’s not my wish."
"Pardon?"
"I work here because I was assigned to, not by choice."
This was something I never expected.
I turned, reflexively, to look at him. Light glinted off the scales of his
distinctly non-human head...
"...Can I ask whose will it is?"
"You may not."
Oh. Right.
It didn’t really hurt my feelings, knowing this lizard.
’Seems there’s a story there.’
Since he’d answered, it felt like I should say something, too. After a
moment’s thought, I chose my words.
"I... just want to go home."
In reality, Section Chief Lee could have followed up with countless
questions. Where is ’home’? Why is that your wish? Is it a place or more of
a metaphor?
But instead, he simply said,
"I see."
And that was that.
In the quiet, the elevator continued its peaceful descent.
"..."
I have to admit now that, in a certain way, Lizard Chief is quite an easy
conversation partner.
Oddly enough.
* * *
Back at my dorm unit—
watch out for serial killers –
After sending Baek Saheon another friendly disaster-warning text, I lay
down to rest.
’Another day packed with twists and turns...’
I seriously feel like this job’s going to cut my lifespan in half. My heart can
barely take it. Still, I can’t deny there were some decent gains today.
Extra points, networking with elite team superiors.
And a hefty bonus.
"...Five million won, huh." (Approx. 3,500 USD)
I wonder when it’ll hit my account.
I’ve said it’s just ’game money’, but to be fair, that just makes it all the
more useful.
I’ll need it to increase my stats.
’I could really use more cash for the Alien Shop.’
With all these surprise emergencies, I felt the need for more defensive
equipment—especially something for mental protection.
’And the Alien Shop has exclusive VIP items if you reach that level...’
Still thinking of today’s earnings, I found myself speechless.
Five million won.
"...Hoh."
Legit, that’s the bonus they’re putting in a corporate employee’s account.
It’s enough to mess with your sense of monetary value.
And yet it still didn’t feel like quite enough to get all the items I needed.
"Any other way to make some cash—"
Bzzzt!
My phone vibrated, a new popup flashing on the screen.
’Baek Saheon?’
No, not this time.
Unexpectedly, I’d been invited to a new open chatroom.
"...?!"
[K.LEE]
The profile was set to a bright Hawaiian beach and displayed an English
name.
This feels suspicious...
– K.LEE : Oh hello, Mr. Employee lolol
– K.LEE : Need some extra cash?
"...??"
Who?