I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

Chapter 229 – Her Past Memories

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– [……… (omitted) ………]

– [??? : ……Tell me the list of currently available ICARUS Task Force members.]

– [??? : We have Aricon, Violet, and Razor. The Elysium team is being reorganized after being deemed annihilated, and the Dagger team will be deployed on additional missions after handling the terrorists infiltrating Central Park HQ.]

– [??? : Leave that to me. I don’t know the details. Instead, thoroughly review each team’s fatigue. According to a recent report, I heard the Dagger team’s kill count has surpassed 40,000 in three years. Is this true?]

– [??? : …Yes, it is. The Dagger team has been acting as the firefighters in all regions, resulting in the highest rate of deployment in battle zones and operational risks. We are currently providing as much support and rest time as possible, but I will review it again in detail.]

– [??? : Please do. I hope to hear only good news in the future.]

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“What were you thinking about?”

“I was thinking about what to eat when I go to New York later.”

-Don’t lie. I know you’re reviewing training in your head.

-Not thinking about how to cook the enemy? Hahahaha

-Finally some PVE?????????? Awesome!

-I can’t be satisfied unless these two stream together, haha

-Aren’t they participating in the finals? Relaxed PVE gameplay, seriously haha

As expected, the reaction was predictable.

Some might think it wasn’t a particularly good time to run a mission. After all, from the outside, there were only about six weeks left until the finals. Even though we had continuously shown good results in the past, people’s worries were endless.

But, well, when did I ever care about that? Besides, there was a bigger reason.

– [Notification: Synchronization Progress // 0.03%]

Since I had completed the main mission of the Dark Zone, this peculiar trace had been displayed above the ICARUS Gear.

I had mentioned it before, but considering the fact that this main mission followed a linear path that was part of a process I had experienced at some point, this bizarre game, which seemed to be based on my past and that world, still hid many secrets.

Therefore, considering that during the final championship period, I planned to visit ICARUS International, headquartered in New York – which, in retrospect, I suspect was named after my past – now seemed like the perfect time to uncover this secret.

Of course, aside from that—

“It’s quite complicated.”

“Yeah, really. There’s even a part that’s all red… I did some research before playing today, and it’s really complex. From now on, it’s all about farming, modules, weapons, armor, and ammunition… I remember it being highly detailed.”

“If there’s something we absolutely need, wouldn’t it be better to ask the viewers before starting the mission?”

Strictly speaking, this game claimed to be a looter shooter. That’s what they said. Since I didn’t have the time or reason to delve deeply into PVE, I had only casually seen it while checking the rapidly scrolling chat at some point.

Anyway, the gist was simple. As we go higher, the enemies appear with all sorts of body armor and better weapons, so farming and equipping modules, ammunition, weapons, and armor would reduce the damage taken and make it easier to kill the enemies.

It’s not essential, but it seems to be a system that provides significant help.

‘…And this module system seems familiar too.’

The past Task Force team was designed to operate without support, running around for as long as possible while conducting operations, so it demanded roles and survivability beyond the expected value embedded in the traditional squad structure.

Consequently, many complex systems were incorporated into the armor.

Initially, it merely enhanced physical abilities to some extent and allowed relatively free management of fatigue and sleep….

If I remember correctly, it gradually enabled various capabilities, such as assisting with the ICARUS Gear’s tracking and aiming functions during combat, disarming grenades nearby, increasing the maximum amount and activation level of nanomachines, and even providing ammunition support through a 3D printer.

There were many other things, but the important part was that these system elements appeared here in the form of modules and armor.

Of course, the crucial part wasn’t that.

“Uh… I might need it, unlike you, teacher.”

“You never know. It might be a level design where you can’t progress without such things. Anyway, let’s just try whatever we can.”

At the same time, the map of New York popped up.

While a 3D holographic map of New York, with its considerably stabilized security, filled my view, several missions awaited resolution in the upper right corner of the UI. The main ones were actually just more challenging main missions.

And below that, the party recruitment screen. It was bustling with people looking for parties. Most of them were very difficult missions that could accommodate four to a maximum of eight people, and the room titles were quite diverse.

-[21st day challenge] Omega rank today, must happen, need you, 7/8 (1/8)

– Welcome to the DMR initial armor penetration module farming van! Abandon hope already, the van has already started! (5/8)

– No quitting~ Without you, this game dies~ If you don’t farm, our party fails~ (3/8)

-Under Armor Concept Party, 3rd Rank 500 and below not allowed (8/8)

-Our game is in regular operation~ (5/8)

“What a mess.”

“It’s dizzying, seriously….”

– Room titles are hilarious, hahaha

– Initial armor penetration modules are hot these days, but the room titles, geez, hahaha

– 7/8 (1/8), hahahaha

– This should be captured and given a Pulitzer Prize, haha

– Feels like I’m going to get dizzy, for real

My gaze shifted.

While checking the missions scattered throughout New York, I saw the word ‘raid’ turning one side of Central Park blood red.

Pushing aside the déjà vu, I cautiously touched the blood-red glowing mission. I had inadvertently met Harmony’s gaze, but she seemed indifferent to whatever I was doing.

However, the reaction in the chat was far from what I expected.

-What???????????

-Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion? Incursion?

-Going into True Scenario? No way, going in???

-An ultra-large mission that takes eight people 10 hours, with just two people? Seriously, hahaha

– Hey, everyone shut up!!!!! Keep your mouths shut!!!!!!!!!!!!!

– Just my opinion, but these two might actually pull it off, for real

“Uh… Teacher? The chat is going absolutely wild right now. It feels like we might be heading in a direction we shouldn’t…”

“Well, nothing’s impossible in this world. If it gets too tough, we can always switch to something else. Let’s just dive in for now.”

Of course, Harmony agreed as well.

Ignoring the myriad of opinions, I clicked on the mission. After navigating through several warning messages and pressing the accept button, the mission activation began, and ISO’s urgent voice rang in my ear.

Something felt familiar.

– [ISO: Is there any operator listening? A top-priority issue has come up. If anyone is receiving this transmission, please respond immediately.]

Beep.

As soon as I answered the call, a tense voice started speaking.

– [ISO: Operator authentication code confirmed. This is urgent, so I’m sending the data right away. According to information received a few minutes ago, the surveillance department has detected suspicious movements across New York. Taking advantage of the recent influx of refugees and the resulting shortage of inspection personnel, it seems some kind of conspiracy is brewing beneath the surface.]

– [ISO: Additionally, there have been reports that several anti-aircraft posts along the Long Island coastline have been neutralized. As soon as more detailed information is available, please proceed to the designated area. I’ll have an MH-60L DAP prepared, so contact me as soon as you’re ready. The target is an outpost on Long Island, so be prepared.]

The inventory screen appeared at that moment. The UI allowed for a clean, quick check of equipped weapons and armor. However, newly added slots for what seemed to be modules were scattered everywhere.

I didn’t bother with them and ignored them entirely. I still had the HK337 I picked up from the prohibited zone and the Mk.18 Mod.1 Mjölnir. All rounds were green tips. These were rewards I subtly acquired upon achieving Omega Rank in the main mission.

After securing over 1000 rounds of ammunition and giving Harmony some tips, I boarded the Blackhawk. After checking the weapons, I also inspected the minigun mounted on the side.

As the multi-ton metal mass soared into the sky, various voices crossed paths.

– [Pilot: We’re taking off. Everyone, buckle up.]

“How rough do you think this trip will be?”

The scenery seemed familiar.

Memories of a certain winter overlapped with the scorching summer sunlight. Turning my head slightly and naturally opening my lips.

We were in for one of the most challenging times ever.

“Well, it’s going to be quite a tough day.”

“Sorry?”

And at that moment,

────BOOM!!!

The eastern barricade of Central Park HQ exploded, sending hundreds of kilograms of dirt and debris flying dozens of meters into the air.

An IED loaded with a large amount of explosives self-detonated, turning into a roar of flames and a massive shockwave that shattered everything within range. Harmony’s mouth hung open at the unexpected turn of events.

In an instant, communication traffic spiked, and support requests to resolve the situation pierced the eardrums of all nearby agents, but unfortunately, the situation continued to worsen.

– [ISO: Damn it, what’s happening?]

“The southeast barricade of HQ exploded, and approximately 10 meters of the defense line has been damaged. Additionally, two mechanized infantry battalions of unknown affiliation have been identified moving from East 60th Street to 62nd Street, approaching Central Park.”

– [ISO: After neutralizing the outposts, they came straight up along the Long Island road, these bastards. Are you in the helicopter now? If possible, please conduct a delaying action as much as you can.]

Harmony and I exchanged glances. Not completely bewildered but unsure of what to do, I tapped her on the back and opened the side hatch.

Despite the strong winds that didn’t seem like summer, I mounted the minigun and seated Harmony in front of it, then spoke.

“Have you ever fired a minigun?”

“Of course not!”

“Well, now’s your chance.”

As the two pilots busily checked the weapon control system and gave the OK sign, I lifted Mjölnir and hooked it to the mount next to the minigun.

Memories from the past surged back.

It was a total mess from the start.

“Flare, flare!”

“We’re evading between buildings! Hold on tight!”

Screech!

The Blackhawk scattered flares in all directions, bucking like a wild horse. However, unlike a horse, this black beast in the sky was armed with multiple rocket pods, a 30mm chain gun, and miniguns.

In reality, if you weren’t holding onto something – or even if you were, you might be tossed around the cabin like a madman – but Harmony and I could still identify and shoot at enemies through the side windows.

In such situations, the most dangerous threat was the MANPADS. Portable surface-to-air missiles. These were more troublesome than BMP armored vehicles.

In short, they were my targets.

───Bang! Bang! Bang!

The aircraft vibrated and rotated crazily, and the changing air pressure below the helicopter threw off my aim, but I still hit the targets. I had plenty of real combat opportunities to make it possible.

Harmony’s eyes widened at the sight of enemies collapsing from single shots of Lapua Magnum rounds to their upper bodies, but there was no time to focus on that. All I could do was push the person next to me as hard as I could.

“Suppressive fire, suppressive fire! Why hesitate when you have a weapon that can mow down infantry! Just look through the scope and shoot!”

“Alright, fine!”

Brrrrrrr!

The sky above New York was decorated with dozens of bullet casings per second. The red trails left by the bullets stretched like long whips, lashing the ground.

As the enemies caught in the lead storm melted like ice cream, the pilots, realizing the situation was better, skillfully rotated the helicopter and requested that the integrated UI mark the BMP armored vehicles and other combat vehicles.

Of course, that was done, and a few seconds later, the two pilots, who bragged about their Night Stalker backgrounds and told us not to worry, raced between buildings, raining fire, lightning, and 30mm lead onto all hostile forces along the main road.

Naturally, the vortices formed by passing through multiple buildings were not their concern.

“Ahhh, it feels like we’re going to crash into a building!”

– ??????????????

– What’s going on? Why aren’t they making an emergency landing?

– This is why they always dominate the Omega Rank, hahaha

– So you’re telling me we have to kill all the enemies with MANPADS while flying in this crazy helicopter? Are you nuts?

– Please stop!!!! How long do you plan to keep impressing us!!!! At this rate, we won’t be able to watch any other Dark Zone streamers!!!!!!

– The helicopter isn’t crashing?????? Are they really going into the True Scenario on the first try???

It was a storm in the viewers’ eyes, but for those two, this was normal operation.

It was the beginning of yet another legendary broadcast.