Murim Login - Chapter 408

“Suicide Squad.”

The moment that phrase slipped from Jin Tae-Kyung’s lips, Wu Haixing almost shouted, forgetting his simmering anger.

‘What is this crazy bastard talking about?!’

**Suicide Squad.**

It meant charging forward with the expectation of dying.

Even if they somehow managed to break through the monster legion, the real monster waiting for them behind it was the Arch Lich. Just the thought of it made his hair stand on end.

‘This is… this is madness.’

It didn’t matter to Wu Haixing how many casualties there would be.

After all, China was a country with over a billion people. Even if a hundred thousand or a million people were lost, it would be a drop in the ocean. In fact, if that accursed fool, Jin Tae-Kyung, were to lead the Suicide Squad and die in battle, Wu Haixing would gladly celebrate with both hands raised high.

But…

“We’ll gather our best and aim for the head.”

That statement implied that Wu Haixing himself would be included in this so-called ‘Suicide Squad.’ And he had absolutely no intention of putting his life at risk.

“Cut the nonsense! There’s no way I’m…!”

Wu Haixing had just risen from his seat, unable to suppress his frustration, when another voice cut through.

“Oh, that’s an excellent idea.”

“…!”

Wu Haixing couldn’t finish his sentence and stared wide-eyed.

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

It wasn’t just anyone supporting Jin Tae-Kyung’s suggestion—it was Lee Jeong-ryong.

“W-what did you just say?”

“I said it’s a good idea.”

Lee Jeong-ryong smiled softly as he continued.

“This battle needs to end swiftly. The Arch Lich is likely creating more undead as we speak. If the S-rank hunters take the lead and eliminate him, the monster army—mostly composed of undead—will collapse, and casualties will decrease.”

“Mr. Lee…”

“I think you probably agree with me, as do the others here. Isn’t that right, Wu Haixing?”

“The others? What do you…?”

Finally noticing the uncomfortable glances from around the room, Wu Haixing quickly scanned the faces of those present.

From Defense Minister Wei Feng-hu to Pai Chen, Magic Johnson, and even Prince Felix, all were nodding in agreement as they exchanged words.

“Hmm… I suppose so.”

“Even if we bolster our forces, so will the Arch Lich. Dragging this out will only increase the scale of the battle.”

“If we deploy A-rank hunters and veterans to hold the front line and have the S-rank hunters break through…”

“It’s risky, but it’s a feasible plan.”

“No matter how powerful the Arch Lich is, if the S-rank hunters combine forces, we have a good chance of winning.”

As the murmurs of agreement echoed around him, Wu Haixing’s face turned pale.

‘Have they all lost their minds?!’

How could they view such a suicidal plan in a positive light? It was as if they had all collectively gone mad.

Even Lee Jeong-ryong, whom he had trusted, had, for some reason, taken Jin Tae-Kyung’s side.

Desperately trying to avoid being included in the Suicide Squad, Wu Haixing turned to Jin Tae-Kyung.

“Wait a minute! If all the S-rank hunters leave the front line, won’t that create a massive gap in our defense?”

Jin Tae-Kyung inhaled sharply, his expression one of mock surprise.

“Wow, you actually thought for once?”

“You’re right. It would be wise to leave a few behind.”

That damned bastard.

But now wasn’t the time for anger. Swallowing his fury, Wu Haixing continued.

“Yes, exactly. So, to be prepared for any eventuality, I should…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Jin Tae-Kyung cut him off and turned to Magic Johnson.

“You should stay behind, Mr. Johnson. What do you think?”

“Me?”

Desperate to interject, Wu Haixing quickly chimed in.

“Shouldn’t Magic Johnson come along? Having a mage on the team would be beneficial.”

“Of course, it would. But…”

Jin Tae-Kyung flashed him a grin before continuing.

“Who’s going to protect the rear?” (TL Note: LoL, I see what you did there. hahaha)

“Huh?”

“What if the Arch Lich teleports and attacks from behind? Are you going to stop him?”

“As powerful as the Arch Lich is, he wouldn’t be able to teleport if a great mage were to interfere with his magic. And with Magic Johnson’s area-wide spells, we could turn the tide of the battle.”

He had a point. As Wu Haixing found himself momentarily speechless, Jin Tae-Kyung clicked his tongue.

“Think before you speak. Stop watching meme videos about protecting the rear and start thinking about the real rear in actual warfare.”

“…!”

Ignoring the now statuesque Wu Haixing, Jin Tae-Kyung looked at Magic Johnson again.

“What do you think?”

“You’re right, Jin. So, I’ll be the only one left behind?”

At that moment, Defense Minister Wei Feng-hu, who had been observing quietly, spoke up.

“The Arch Lich must have reserved many high-level monsters for the final battle. There are more of them than we have A-rank hunters. We’ll need at least two S-rank hunters to hold the line.”

It wasn’t over yet. There were still two spots left. Sensing hope, Wu Haixing cleared his throat.

“Then, I guess I’ll have to stay be…”

“If the others don’t mind, I’d prefer to exclude Prince Felix first.”

“Excuse me?”

“I apologize, but I can’t go into details. It’s a delicate matter.”

Felix wasn’t just an S-rank hunter; he was also a symbol of Britain—a prince, and not from a distant branch of the family, but third in line to the throne.

Everyone in the room understood that the ‘delicate matter’ Wei Feng-hu referred to was a diplomatic issue with Britain.

“Well, if your father is the king of England, I guess that makes sense. So, Prince, you’re out.”

Felix opened his mouth, looking uncomfortable.

“I’d like it to be clear that this wasn’t my decision. However, as a member of the royal family, I can’t disobey my father’s orders.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not bothered. In fact, it’s better this way. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to the third in line for the British throne during my operation.”

“It’s third in line! And I would appreciate it if you showed some respect when addressing me.”

“Sure. Congratulations on your bronze medal. Anyone object to the prince taking a pass because of his royal connections?”

Wu Haixing nearly raised his hand, but stopped when he heard Pai Chen and Lee Jeong-ryong respond.

“I have no objections.”

“I agree.”

Jin Tae-Kyung then slowly turned to Wu Haixing.

“And you?”

“Me?”

“Yeah, the last guy. Should I pick you, or should I pick between Tinky Winky, Dipsy, and Laa-Laa?” [1]

There was no way out. Magic Johnson and Prince Felix were both foreigners with legitimate reasons, and Pai Chen and Lee Jeong-ryong had already agreed.

Wu Haixing closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

“…I agree.”

“Say it clearly. You’re not Huh Joon from the *Donguibogam*; [2] how am I supposed to understand that weak response?”

“I… agree.”

“Okay.”

With that, it was decided in the blink of an eye. Though there was still one spot left, Wu Haixing felt a sense of foreboding.

And it didn’t take long for that foreboding to turn into reality.

“I’d like Pai Chen to fill the last spot.”

To Wu Haixing’s dismay, it wasn’t Jin Tae-Kyung who sealed his fate—it was Lee Jeong-ryong.

‘What is that old man thinking?’

Wu Haixing vividly remembered his conversation with Lee Jeong-ryong after being humiliated by Jin Tae-Kyung. Now, he felt a pang of betrayal.

‘He asked to work together, and now he stabs me in the back?’

Grinding his teeth, Wu Haixing cast a sidelong glance at Pai Chen, who simply sipped his drink.

“Well, Mr. Lee, I’m not one to enjoy danger. Wouldn’t it be better for the mission if I stayed behind and let this rookie take my place?”

“No, Pai Chen. To minimize casualties, it’s better if you go.”

“If you say so… Although, this kid’s nationalism really shines through. Watching him makes me feel more patriotic by the second.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be there.”

Lee Jeong-ryong’s calm but assured tone. Only someone like him could say something like that with such confidence.

And his words carried the weight of certainty that no one in the room could deny.

His gaze, filled with the unshakable confidence of an old hero, landed on one person.

“And Jin Tae-Kyung. You’ll be there too, won’t you?”

With an inscrutable look in his eyes, Jin Tae-Kyung met Lee Jeong-ryong’s gaze in silence before replying.

“You really have a talent for making the obvious sound profound.”

“So, I take it you’re also agreeing to join the Suicide Squad?”

“Of course.”

“Brave. Heroic. In that case, I’ll let you take the lead.”

“Sounds good. Maybe I’ll get to leave a quote as famous as Louis Armstrong. ‘It’s a small step for a man, but a giant leap for humanity.’ Something like that.”

“For a historical quote, it’s a bit rough around the edges. And the name’s wrong. It’s Neil Armstrong, not Louis.”

“Impressive education. Not as impressive as my toilet paper roll education, but still.”

Everyone’s heads throbbed from Jin Tae-Kyung’s unpredictable responses, while Wu Haixing sank into despair.

Just a month ago, he had been surrounded by beautiful women, enjoying a luxurious yacht party. Now, he was part of a Suicide Squad, preparing to face death.

And then, a voice echoed inside his head.

– Do you think I betrayed you?

“…!”

– Accept it. I promise you, there will be no danger.

Wu Haixing turned slowly toward the source of the voice, his heart pounding.

Lee Jeong-ryong was speaking calmly, looking in his direction with a gentle smile.

“He’ll carry out his mission well. I guarantee it.”

Jin Tae-Kyung tapped the armrest of his chair slowly as he responded.

“I look forward to seeing just how well he’ll carry out his mission…”

* * *

After a somewhat lengthy meeting, the Suicide Squad was formed.

It would consist of S-rank hunters, top-tier A-rank hunters, and veteran B-rank hunters. The leadership team would now be busy selecting the personnel.

Back at my assigned tent on the western front, the Skeleton Warlord, who had remained silent throughout the meeting, suddenly spoke in a solemn voice.

– I will not be participating in this fight.

“Yeah, right.”

– At least ask why, you insolent human.

“Alright, why?”

– As the commander of an undead legion, it feels wrong to fight against my own kind.

I gave him an incredulous look.

“Are you serious? Who’s the one who’s been absorbing the energy of his fellow undead like a sponge up until now?”

– …Ah.

“Let’s be honest here. If you’re just scared of the Arch Lich, say so, and I’ll at least insult you for being honest.”

– You would insult me.

“Exactly.”

The Skeleton Warlord’s voice was filled with even deeper distrust as he grumbled.

– Anyway, I don’t wish to be involved in this war anymore. You promised me something that day.

“The promise?”

– You vile human! You said if I protected the two humans, you’d grant me a favor, didn’t you?

“Oh…”

For once, I was at a loss for words.

He was right. I had made that promise. Normally, I would have brushed it off as if I’d forgotten, but this time, I couldn’t in good conscience.

“Alright, what do you want?”

The Skeleton Warlord’s eyes gleamed with hope as he shouted.

– I want my freedom!

“Freedom?”

– Yes! You’ve insulted and mistreated me 408 times now!

“…Were you keeping count? Are you part of some animal rights organization?”

– Uphold your promise! Grant me my freedom!

Freedom. The thought caught me off guard, especially with my mind still filled with thoughts of Lee Jeong-ryong. I hadn’t expected something like this.

After a moment of consideration, I answered.

“Fine. You’ll have your freedom.”

– Oh? Really?

“Yup. Goodbye.”

Without hesitation, I pulled his skull out of my inventory and tossed it outside the tent.

Into the crowd of thousands of hunters milling about.

*Thunk!*

The sound of something being hit reverberated around the tent, followed by shouts and the clamor of spells being cast.

“Monsters! We’re under attack!”

“Kill it!”

*Boom! Crash!*

How long did it last? Five minutes? Ten?

Eventually, the bottom of the tent fluttered as a shiny black skull rolled back inside, stopping at my feet.

“Oh, look who it is.”

“The free spirit himself, Skeleton Warlord. What brings you here?”

The empty eye sockets of the skull glowed faintly, as though brimming with sorrow.

Was it possible for an undead to cry? The Skeleton Warlord’s voice trembled as he spoke.

– May I… cancel my wish?

“Of course.”

I replied cheerfully, as if I were a customer service representative.

“But you know you can’t exchange or refund wishes, right?”

“Come on, back into my arms, skull buddy.”

*Hop.*

The Skeleton Warlord jumped back into my arms, utterly defeated.

***

Footnotes:
[1] They are members of The Teletubbies.
[2] Huh Joon: A renowned physician of the Joseon Dynasty, best known for compiling the Donguibogam (Mirror of Eastern Medicine), a foundational text in traditional Korean medicine, published in 1613. The Donguibogam is highly regarded across East Asia for its comprehensive medical knowledge. The phrase “You’re not Huh Joon from the Donguibogam” is a playful jab, implying that the person being addressed is not some kind of genius doctor like Huh Joon, so they shouldn’t act as if they have expert knowledge or wisdom about the situation. It humorously suggests that they don’t need to be so pedantic or act like they know everything.