I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

Chapter 243 – Glory and Honor

—

-[Notification: One-way reservation completed from JFK International Airport to WAS Ronald Reagan National Airport]

“Yoo Jin, you might be the only person to go to the U.S. capital after coming here for a match.”

“I think so too.”

-??????????

-Where is she off to again? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Is that massive tail and pouch her secret storage she’s been hiding all this time? Is that why she has so many secrets???????

-These people are so bold even after seeing Yoo Jin’s appearance ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-It’s funnier that she admits it so coolly ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Six hours.

That was the time it took for my first – or second – trip to the U.S. to change into a business trip. Although I didn’t tell Dice, Harmony, or any of the team members exactly where I was going, they seemed to have guessed.

It was easier for me that way, too.

Moreover, the fact that I wasn’t just visiting a simple tourist landmark added to the misunderstanding.

To put it simply, considering that the capital of the United States is a thoroughly planned city and the center of the world’s most powerful country, it’s not just a place filled with tourist attractions.

While there are indeed many museums and memorials, it’s not merely a place to visit for sightseeing.

Washington, D.C.

It was literally the heart of America, which also meant it was the place where numerous government offices that command the U.S. were gathered. To list a few: the White House, the

U.S. Capitol, the FBI, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, the Pentagon and DARPA, the Federal Courts, the IRS, the Department of Homeland Security headquarters, and the Department of Justice headquarters….

This place was literally the head and control tower of America. Visiting such a place at this point implied an important reason that the public could only speculate about.

Of course, there were always people who made strange remarks regardless of that.

“Is there any must-buy souvenir when visiting Washington, D.C.?”

“Should I buy a wooden gavel from the Capitol?”

“Ew, no.”

-What criteria does this person use to choose ‘souvenirs’?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Sir, a souvenir isn’t tomato ketchup from smashing someone’s head ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-This guy always does bizarre things in real life too wwwwwwwwwwwwww

-You said you’d stream a lot in America!!!! Aaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!

-You’ll upload a vlog from Washington too, right? Say you will!!!

Sigh, really.

I hadn’t even started streaming for long, and it was already this chaotic.

At this point, I figured it would be necessary to use the drone cam quickly to cause a distraction, so I launched the cam, which had been resting on the charger, capturing Dice, Harmony, and me.

It showed the surroundings as it flew around the room where the three of us were staying.

The room felt more like a classy office of a multinational corporation rather than just a room.

The hotel room, costing over a million won per night – though it was much cheaper thanks to some agreement with ICARUS – was luxurious yet simple. It didn’t feel like a place where people lived, which was understandable in a way.

The path covered the bathroom and toilet. Of course, it was confirmed twice that there were no private clothes or items in either place before entering.

-Oh

-Is that a New York building outside? The building view blocks Central Park ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-We need to demolish that building? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Bathroom view on

-Wow, the bathroom is huge!!!!!!!!

“This is the bathroom and toilet. There’s a shower, but water falls from the ceiling. Isn’t that amazing?”

“Yoo Jin, I don’t think you should make hotel review videos.”

-Are we cavemen? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Isn’t it amazing?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Sir, everything amazes you ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-One would expect to admire her appearance at least once, but she keeps saying strange things, making it hard to immerse ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Dice’s sharp remarkㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

…Why?

Even from my perspective, apart from the clean and simple feeling, I didn’t feel it was incredibly luxurious, so why was my opinion brutally crushed by tens of thousands of viewers? It’s a sad world.

Fortunately, the next target was a window with a Central Park view behind the bathtub, which received a generous response from the viewers – although I wasn’t here to rest.

Later, I could show the multipurpose room and dining facilities in the hotel basement that we rented for three weeks for debriefing.

I would also show Madison Square Garden, where the finals were set to take place….

But the important thing was whether the viewers listened when I emphasized such points. People always live thinking only about short-term fun.

“Then I guess I should show somewhere else. Since I’ll be heading out soon, there’s not much to show, but maybe I should show the fitness club briefly.”

Of course, everyone went crazy at this point, but there was no helping it.

The dining session and swimming pool were crowded with people, and whether it was the former or the latter – especially the latter – I had to get at least some permission.

I didn’t want to fly to America and get sued without even playing in the finals, so the viewers had to be reasonably satisfied. In other words, they had to take what they were given.

If they didn’t like it, Harmony could stream.

So, ignoring the numerous complaints, I briefly showed the fitness club.

“Oh, it’s quite impressive.”

It wasn’t the typical image of a fitness club that came to mind.

The floor was clean and beautifully finished with rubber, and the full-length glass windows showed New York’s night view with endless falling snow in the background.

Several treadmills lined up against this backdrop. On the opposite side were various exercise machines, numerous weights, dumbbells, and the serene, snow-covered Central Park. It was mostly darkness outside.

Fortunately or unfortunately, there were no users, which meant I could show myself working out freely.

Let’s see. It was almost 6 PM, and there was about an hour and a half left until dinner time.

“I’ll do a quick workout.”

-Oh

-Development? Exercise???????

-Wow, awesome ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-What’s the first thing she does in New York? Not a game, but anaerobic exercise ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I really can’t understand this person’s thinkingㅋㅋ

Before starting, I wanted to use the treadmill, but unfortunately, I decided not to because I weighed too much.

Even the fitness club I frequented in Korea recommended the cycle or rowing machine instead of the treadmill.

Maybe the treadmill would break before I did a full sprint.

So, the first choice was the cycle. I wore quite a simple outfit. It wasn’t tight-fitting clothing; it was loose, ordinary clothes that didn’t show my body curves.

Fortunately, when I carefully got on the cycle machine, it endured my weight better than I expected. After warming up for about five minutes at a breath-catching intensity, I quickly stretched using the bands around.

I should do a bit of back exercise, too.

-

-That hotteok lady recently hit a three-lift total of 1200. What’s your total, Nunna? I’m curious.

“Me? Well, I haven’t worked out very hard.”

Gathering all the weights available, I roughly checked the weight and added.

“When I did it moderately for about three months, I think I hit a three-lift total of around 2200.”

-??????????????????????????

-What?

-??

-2 tons? Seriously? What?

-I think I misheard something ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Of course, it wasn’t a joke.

Moreover, there was a misconception even among those who knew some information about me – my max of 2.2T was correct, but that was when I measured it casually while juggling operations and without proper equipment or trainers.

Even I don’t know my maximum weight.

Come to think of it, Logan’s max was 3600.

“Alright, let’s go.”

And that day, viewers witnessed me deadlift 750kg, and before heading to a restaurant, I had to compensate the hotel lobby for the cost of the bent elastic bar.

—

“Welcome. Do you have a reservation?”

“For four under the name TFD, Panic Room. Please check.”

“…Confirmed. We will be conducting a temporary CCTV check, so please wait in the hallway for a moment.”

The friendly yet professional tone turned dry and firm.

As soon as the staff assisting with the reservation at the restaurant’s center disappeared, a person popped out of nowhere, guiding us precisely back the way we came.

How long had they been waiting?

The carefully hidden door on the side of the elevator hall, barely noticeable if not closely examined, cautiously opened.

It was not an emergency exit but a kind of backup passage leading into the restaurant.

It didn’t take long for the four of us to see bright light again after passing through the dark, narrow path.

As the door connecting to the hidden room inside the restaurant cautiously opened, a table for five was revealed.

And there, a preoccupied guest.

It was a familiar face.

The door closed completely, cutting off external noise.

“Come in

. It’s quite cold outside.”

“I didn’t expect the next presidential candidate to like such a shady place. If you start liking these secret rooms now, your existing support might slip away.”

“Haha, speaks like someone who used to rush into bullet-riddled zones for rescue missions.”

However, the atmosphere was far from cold or tense; it was purely pleasant.

Thanks to the thorough soundproofing, no noise would leak out regardless of how loud it got, and as soon as the four who followed in sat down, a conversation ensued.

Naturally, the main focus was on Yoo Jin.

“…Henry Brayton, Mr. President.”

“Yoo Jin. Sergeant Yoo Jin Lee.”

A seemingly endless short silence.

But the next moment, Senator Henry burst into laughter and spoke first.

“Haha, we finally meet! Yoo Jin!”

“…Uh, yes?”

“If I had the chance, I’d show you the remaining gunshot wounds, but unfortunately, there isn’t a single bullet mark on me now. Sit down.”

“Oh, um, alright.”

“No need to be so formal. Or am I being too forward?”

One side was bewildered, and the other delighted. Amid the crossing emotions, Yoo Jin cautiously, but naturally, sat next to Henry.

But as time passed, the common ground began to take effect, gradually easing the psychological barrier between them.

While the politician’s unique slyness and friendly impression played a role, the key was the sincerity above all.

After about three minutes of conversation, he cautiously spoke.

“Sorry if it sounds like I’m speaking ill, but it might take some time to prepare. Considering your unique conditions, we’ve significantly increased the portions of all the courses. We might run out of the restaurant’s stocked ingredients today.”

“That sounds good. I thought I’d leave here starving.”

“Haha, glad you like it. So… Specter. Code name Specter, right? I remember you covering from the rear of the helicopter.”

“You have a good memory, Senator.”

“I remember what’s important. Especially in settings like this.”

Knock, knock.

At that moment, the sound of knocking was heard, and a large amount of bread, butter, hors d’oeuvres, and several bottles of wine and wine glasses were placed in front of each person.

As the golden champagne was poured into the glasses marked ‘Zalto,’ the variable transmission glass that lined the walls activated, revealing the outside view.

Dozens of cars slowly circling Columbus Circle and the snow falling above. It had been snowing continuously since yesterday.

The story of a record-breaking cold wave and snowstorm hitting New York had been circulating among New Yorkers for the past few days.

After confirming that the variable glass worked well, the guide spoke.

“The people in this place can see outside, but the inside will not be visible from the outside. It’s adjusted that way.”

“Thank you.”

“Enjoy your dinner.”

Three salmon tartare cones, resembling small ice creams, were placed in front of everyone. They crunched as they bit into them. Next to them was pimiento Ritz cracker.

As they tasted the simple appetizers, they continued the conversation.

“Was that an Osprey that crashed over there? I remember seeing it in an operation plan report once.”

“Yes. Whether to call it lucky or unlucky, we were in quite a predicament as armed convicts swarmed like a pack of dogs.”

“Every place you look at seems to bear the scars of a past that has vanished from the world.”

Whew.

With a small sigh, after everyone had sufficiently enjoyed their aperitif and hors d’oeuvres, the soup was served.

Coconut squash soup with pear and truffle.

After everyone had swallowed the generously served soup in a much larger bowl than usual, the next dish was served.

Oysters, caviar, chives – a dish that was somewhere between jelly and soup – followed by a supplementary dish with tuna, caviar, and cilantro oil. Then came chips and potato soup as a palate cleanser.

An endless stream of dishes continued to pour out. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, the plates in front of the manifested ones were all main course-sized, while those in front of the senior officer and Senator Henry were of normal size.

After about three or four more dishes, a brief rest was granted.

A small knock.

At the same time, something on a fairly large plate was brought out.

Instead of opening the lid, the server quickly exited, and Henry carefully cleared his throat.

“Before the main course is served, may I ask for a moment?”

“Of course.”

“Then, I’ll take that consideration.”

*Ahem.*

With a brief sound spreading through the space, he opened his mouth.

And at that moment, the room was filled with light.

“Emergency code issued. FTPOUSA-01-CB-NEE, authorized by Henry Michael Brayton.”

Buzz!

As the watch tied to Yoo Jin’s left wrist emitted a splendid hologram, ICARUS Gear quickly processed the command, changing from a red warning to a green notification, with a monotonous synthesized voice.

-[Notification: Code received // Voice modulation measured // Body scan // Unique biometric code recognized — Emergency code verified. Biometrics stable – Code automatically cleared.]

-[Notification: ICARUS protocol issuer / 48th President Henry Michael Brayton… recognized.]

“Wait, Henry! What on earth are you doing?”

“It’s time to put an end to what we, Task Force Dagger, and the Pentagon have been involved in. ICARUS, please prepare a neat electronic form suitable for awarding a medal.”

-[Notification: Request approved.]

Click.

At that moment, the yet unopened plate revealed an item that was otherworldly and majestic, yet simple.

M, O, and H.

Medal of Honor.

As soon as she saw it, Yoo Jin’s eyes widened.

“If not now, there may never be another opportunity, so let’s proceed quickly.”

As the box opened, a simple medal was revealed.

Henry’s solemn voice pierced Yoo Jin’s stunned ears.

“We will now begin the Medal of Honor awarding ceremony.”