Chapter 141: CPF (1) |
Everyone has dreams.
There was a time when everyone poured their passion into achieving those dreams, sacrificing sleep and enduring hardship.
Such was the case for Kang Si-hyuk, a junior police officer at Gangnam Police Station.
In his youth, he scrimped on even his meal times, dedicating himself to passing the police officer examination.
His unwavering determination, despite repeated failures, was rooted in his childhood dream of becoming a detective.
“I dreamed of becoming a righteous police officer who, like the cool detectives in movies, would go out to catch bad criminals.”
With such a dream, he finally passed the exam after two failures and climbed up to his current position.
However, what awaited him was not the detective role he yearned for but a traffic division officer handling DUI checks.
That was the norm.
“But my opportunity finally came.”
On January 1st, he was selected to participate in the Angel’s Game, referred to as either a great upheaval or disaster, leaving him with no choice but to despair.
“I thought it was all over.”
However, talent often shines in unexpected moments.
Surprisingly adept at hunting monsters and utilizing skills and runes for strategizing, Kang Si-hyuk survived up to the 9th round.
Now, he was selected as a member of the newly established CPF (Counter Player Force), under the government’s initiative.
A mere traffic officer, who used to shove breathalyzers at drivers.
“It’s said that opportunities come to those who don’t give up. The disaster turned out to be a blessing in disguise for me.”
For Kang Si-hyuk, at least, this was the golden age.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to realize his dream.
Ding-
Entering CPF’s temporary gathering spot, Kang Si-hyuk saw five people sitting and looking at their phones.
“Ah, hello! I’m Kang Si-hyuk, a 28-year-old junior officer transferred from Gangnam Police Station!”
“You don’t need to be so formal. We’re all junior officers here.”
“Is that so?”
Kang Si-hyuk awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Min Tae-su from Daegu Central Police Station. I’m 29.”
“I’m Hwang Man-gi from Guri Inchang Police Station. I’m 28.”
“I’m Ko Nam-chul from Busan Southern Police Station. 29, sir. Do we need to mention our levels and professions too?”
“Wow, Busan?”
From the introductions, it was clear they came from all over the country.
Some, having received a hasty transfer notice, were staying in hotels, unable to find accommodations.
Though it was urgent, no one expressed dissatisfaction.
They weren’t content with just being junior officers.
“This is an opportunity for us. When else would we get to work in such a special unit?”
“Exactly. I was complaining when will I ever do some proper police work, and then this opportunity came out of nowhere.”
“It’s ironically fortunate to have become a player, isn’t it?”
Despite their sudden ascension, everyone was aware of what CPF represented.
“A unit to eliminate criminal players. Wow, isn’t that just cool?”
“I heard we only kill when it’s dangerous, not outright elimination?”
“Well, it’s practically the same.”
“The world has changed so much. To think that conservative government officials would allow summary execution.”
“That must mean the world has become extremely dangerous, right?”
“But players will be halved anyway, right? Why bother creating such a unit if they’re going to disappear on their own?”
“Threat remains a threat, even if the number of players decreases.”
“Hey, you said your name was Kang Si-hyuk, right? Since we’re all the same rank, feel free to speak casually. We’re basically of similar age in our late 20s, after all.”
“Ah, should I? Haha.”
The six police players quickly bonded over their common ground and shared interest in catching criminals.
“Hello. Is this the CPF temporary gathering place?”
“Hello.”
More prospective members arrived.
They, too, were among the few remaining police officer players nationwide, with similar intentions and interests.
“Seems like we’re all on the same page? The desire to take down criminals.”
“To be honest, as public officers, I shouldn’t say this, but seeing those inhuman acts makes me, how should I say, feel a surge of murderous intent?”
“You feel that way too? I saw victims wailing at the station, and it really made my blood boil.”
“With those f*king players acting like monsters, it’s no wonder this unit was formed.”
“By the way, who will our commander be?”
“Anyone heard anything?”
“Nothing.”
“Do we even have a commander?”
“Well, there has to be, since we’re a unit.”
“I thought we were going to elect one among us?”
“How? By playing rock-paper-scissors? Chuckle.”
“Probably a commissioned officer from the police academy.”
“Then it must be someone of inspector rank. But are there any surviving commissioned officers among the players?”
The members were curious about who would lead them.
They were only told to gather here by 8 p.m., without further details.
“I hope it’s not some old fart.”
“It won’t be. If it’s a player, they’ll be under 29, just like us.”
“Ah, right.”
“Why are you guys assuming the commander is a player? It could be a civilian.”
“Nah, that doesn’t make sense. The members are players, but the commander a civilian?”
“How would they manage to control us then?”
While they correctly assumed their commander would be a player, they knew nothing beyond that.
“How many police players have survived nationwide?”
“Surely this can’t be all of us?”
“Nah, there must be more.”
As the 10 players pondered this,
“You all are it.”
Heads turned at the voice of a newcomer.
Swish-
A man appeared out of thin air, wearing a white mask, and looked at them.
I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!