LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 240
Chapter 240 – White Winter
“-With that, the briefing concludes. Any questions?”
“None.”
“Details will be further discussed during the first simulation in the U.S., so get ready to adjust to the time zone first.”
Two hours until arrival.
At this point, movies and dramas had become tedious, and it was time to get back to the primary duties of a pro-gamer. Everyone had been wildly running around in VR for months, so there was a palpable restlessness. The enthusiasm in the discussions was impressive.
Anyway, after the conversation ended, Dice sent a private message with a grin.
“Yoo Jin, you ate your snack so deliciously that even though everyone was full, they each had a bowl of ramen.”
“That’s unfortunate. I’m planning to have another one now.”
“Wow….”
“Nothing surprising.”
After placing the order, the food arrived in a few minutes.
The broth was refreshing, and the noodles were firm. As the warm sunlight gradually illuminated the vast land of America, the noodles were steaming. Given the relative speed, it might be the fastest-moving ramen in the world.
Fortunately, thanks to prior notice about my appetite, the airline had slightly reduced the number of first-class passengers and loaded a comparable weight of food supplies. Therefore, there was no unfortunate situation where meals couldn’t be provided.
New York was approaching. Though it had only been four years, it felt like a significant 4 years and 8 months. I had formed deep attachments to survive, making New York my second home.
It might sound funny to native New Yorkers.
Despite saying I was familiar with New York, there weren’t many places I remembered. The streets were probably more familiar. With no supermarkets, restaurants, or subways operating, there were no memories to make.
After enjoying my meal, I sipped the blueberry drink the stewardess brought and enjoyed the view outside. Though I had crossed the skies of America numerous times, it was always at a higher altitude in a pressurized suit, which was dreadful.
Fortunately, DARPA’s development team managed to develop a specialized pressure suit for stable operations… This was the first time I waited for arrival in such comfort.
The serene moment was interrupted by a loud remark.
“Do you think there will be a military band lined up when we get to the airport?”
“Of course not.”
What was he talking about?
Perhaps on Earth-473, where zombie Hitler resurrected Stalin with necromancy to invade America across the Atlantic, I, awakened as the Snake God, and Lorentina, the Sea Goddess, raised Atlantis to stop the 20 million Nazi zombie army….
…I must be out of my mind as we near New York. Enough nonsense, time to prepare for landing. Considering the announcement from the ceiling, there wasn’t much time left before disembarking.
I retrieved my clothes from the compartment, packed souvenirs and complimentary first-class toiletries into my carry-on, and gazed at the view of Kennedy International Airport as the plane began its descent.
Inertia, engine reverse thrust, and stop.
“To think I’d come back here.”
Ignoring Dice’s muttering, it was time to disembark from the now familiar first-class seat. As the plane docked completely, I stood up.
Unlike the sunny Midwest from above, the Northeast was hit with heavy snowfall. The weather was gloomy, evoking unpleasant memories. During winter operations in New York, the weather was always like this.
At least it wasn’t the desolate, nature-engulfed Kennedy International Airport.
Before entering the immigration gate, I patted Dice and Harmony on their shoulders.
“Do well.”
“Huh, Yoo Jin? Where are you going!?”
“I’m a domestic traveler, so I have to go through the domestic gate.”
They were speechless.
We had practiced speaking English on the plane and studied a bit, so they should manage. I told them I’d see them at baggage claim and joined the already busy gate. My turn came quickly.
When I met the stern, bald immigration officer’s eyes, his stern look softened into a friendly smile.
“Oh, a rare guest. Passport received… EM-level certification confirmed. It’s been a while since you came to the U.S.?”
“Yes, indeed. This time, I’m here as a representative of Korea for the VRFPS game Dark Zone. I’ll be staying for three weeks and returning on January 1st. I have to see the New Year in Times Square.”
“Spending Christmas and New Year’s in the most interesting way. Which hotel are you staying at?”
After showing him the invoices provided beforehand, he nodded with a smile.
“Have a pleasant stay.”
“Thank you. Have a good day.”
The short immigration process ended like that.
While waiting for my luggage, two familiar faces approached confidently, looking proud. I didn’t know what they were so happy about, but I let them be.
After retrieving my luggage, the supporter and guide assigned by ICARUS International informed us of our next destination, mentioning that a bus was also chartered.
Having stuffed ourselves on the plane, we didn’t think about breakfast and headed out with our luggage.
But then,
“…Do you know those people…?”
“…Yes.”
They were people I knew better than anyone.
As they smiled and held up a
—
“The schedule has changed a bit. I apologize for not informing you earlier. It’s a measure due to the unique nature of Yoo Jin’s past experience.”
“I’ll give a positive response if I can confirm and accept it.”
—
On the limousine bus heading from Kennedy International Airport to Manhattan, the snow from the dark clouds continued to fall over New York.
In the back seat of the bus, the manager coordinating the schedules of the Korean representatives was on the phone with the U.S. team manager. Knowing it was likely related to me, I used the listening function to grasp the situation.
The initial tone suggested a polite refusal from the Korean manager.
However, as they received more information, their expression changed significantly.
“…This needs… No, we need more time to review. A sudden meeting with the next U.S. presidential candidate?”
“You might see it as irresponsible, but politics moves like a living thing. Fortunately, the first half of the first week is for time zone adjustment, so there’s enough flexibility. Review it and let us know.”
“…Yes, we will check with the person involved and get back to you. We need to unpack first.”
Busy times.
Though the hotel wasn’t far, there was much to do. Preparing a curriculum in my absence was necessary. Though scrims would continue from tomorrow – not with the full 100 participants, just volunteers – to quickly regain any lost touch.
Unfortunately, for the manager, calls continued even after that. Besides our president (candidate) Henry, other inquiries kept coming. After about the fifth call, I received a quiet text.
-Yoo Jin, you’re free to act autonomously until the second week of formal match preparations. Just report your location periodically after unpacking at the hotel and catching up on your delayed schedule.
I replied.
-Thank you for understanding. There are quite a few people who want to see me. Sorry for the trouble.
A glance.
As I quickly checked my surroundings, I sensed a peculiar atmosphere. Everyone seemed to have something to say, and it appeared the schedule manager had already informed others about my absence for the week.
They seemed unsurprised, though a bit disappointed. While I felt a bit sorry, I couldn’t miss this opportunity.
As we continued west on Queens Boulevard after crossing the East River on Route 678, which bisects Brooklyn and Queens and passes through Kennedy International Airport, we entered Manhattan.
Passing several avenues, Central Park came into view.
A park that differed from my memories; devoid of helipads, underground HQ, optical camouflage, or hidden data centers… A truly barren park.
After passing it, the limousine bus carefully stopped in front of a large hotel.
“Receive your key cards at the lounge. We’ll brief you on the upcoming schedule in the briefing room, so rest in your rooms until then. Yoo Jin, what’s your plan?”
“I have lunch and dinner reservations nearby, so I’ll be out for a bit. I’ll probably wander around Baltimore and Washington D.C. for three days before returning.”
“Got it. Hope everything goes well.”
They visibly showed disappointment.
The remarks from two people who no longer needed names were even more amusing.
“Bring back Peter Luger steak-!”
“And Melona for me!”
“…I haven’t even unpacked yet, you guys.”
Did they want me to go or not?
After giving a nice shoulder massage to Michael, Gambit, and Ink, who were chuckling behind, I entered the lobby and pressed the elevator button to the lounge.
The hotel staff, who had come to greet us, provided detailed explanations in polite Korean.
The high-speed elevator transported six of us, including the staff, to the lounge. Many people were already sitting in plush chairs, chatting away. Each of us received a key card and walked down the corridor.
Reactions varied among those who had arrived today compared to those who came last year.
“Wow, this isn’t a museum, is it? Everything here is marble.”
“Who knew being good at games would bring us to such places.”
The clothes for advertisements would arrive from tomorrow, and various conveniences like power strips would be delivered as needed.
Leaving all conveniences behind, I carefully placed my minimally packed luggage in my designated spot.
Since three people were waiting for me outside, I didn’t want to keep them waiting long.
Exchanging brief words with two people who smiled wryly,
“Have a good trip.”
“Take care.”
“Enjoy yourself.”
That was it.
After a brief greeting to the schedule manager, I retraced my steps. As soon as I exited the elevator to the lobby, a matte-painted SUV was waiting for me outside.
Taking a deep breath, I passed through the revolving door and gulped.
I had pondered many times what to say if we
met again, but now I realized all those thoughts were useless.
When the door opened and familiar faces came into view,
My throat tightened, and I couldn’t help but smile.
The past welcomed me with open arms.
The first to speak was Lorentina, sitting in the back seat.
Holding my hands, she pinched my cheeks like she did on the first day of scrim and said,
“Our youngest, it’s so hard to meet you again.”
“…Indeed.”
“Have you been well?”
“…Yes.”
She looked around, choosing her words carefully.
Logan silently stepped on the accelerator, and the senior officer stared ahead with an inscrutable expression.
Though there was a brief silence, our destination wasn’t far from here.
She added with a smile,
“Let’s have a meal. We can catch up anytime now.”
“Anyone would think you were treating.”
“Who paid to refurbish this old car inside and out, Miss Bear?”
“Yeah, yeah, as if you wouldn’t.”
What to say.
Memories came flooding back. But unlike the past, where the white snow brought only death, now it showed people, cars, and lights… A living New York enduring the cold winter.
After the brief conversation, everyone burst into laughter.
Through the laughter, the lone male voice addressed me.
“Many people are waiting for you. Us too. But first, there’s something you need to say.”
“…I don’t know.”
“Your return report.”
Oh.
Haha.
I laughed.
Nodding, I spoke.
“Sergeant Lee Yoo Jin, Task Force Dagger. Reporting back as of December 10th, Senior Officer Owens.”
“…Master Sergeant Anthony Owens, Task Force Dagger Senior Officer. Welcome back.”
With that, a long sentence ended.
What remained was deciding how to start the new one.
Leaving a period amidst the heavy snow, the car drove through New York.
Though it was exceptionally cold, it didn’t feel cold at all.