LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 19
Chapter 19: Temporary Assignment
‘This seems a bit different from other quests?’
With the experience of having completed various quests so far, Si-hyun sensed some differences.
Aside from the quest that had allowed Po-ahim to repeatedly eat while in a state of Ki and thereby increase his abilities, all other quests had been temporary.
Temporary quests would disappear after completing them while recovering a certain amount of abilities. Then, at some point, the next quest would pop up.
However, this quest was stated as “Every time you gain a high position and fame.”
It carried a repetitive meaning.
The more promoted, the stronger you became.
The more famous, the stronger you became.
That’s how it felt.
To prove this, a window labeled [Your Current Status] suddenly popped up at the top right corner of the status window. It felt like a profile had been plastered on the status window screen.
But it was emphasizing that you’re currently at the bottom—”Thoroughly Unknown” with “Grade 9 Correctional Officer.”
If it bothered you, it was a sign to focus on quest completion, perhaps.
But this seemed like a long-term project.
It wasn’t something that could be accomplished overnight.
Was it that great a reward?
Just as Si-hyun was lost in his thoughts, someone shook his shoulder.
“Chief Lee Si-hyun, I’ve been calling, why aren’t you responding?”
It was the voice of the Duty Chief.
Gasp.
Lost in thought, he hadn’t heard the call, and it seemed another correctional officer had shaken him to notify him.
“Ah, yes! I’m sorry.”
Si-hyun apologized and got up from his seat.
“Hmm, can a young person be so dazed from morning? Anyway, when the Security Department Head arrives later, there will be contact. Make sure to speak well with the Duty Chief, and when you get a call, come down to the Security Department Office to meet the Security Department Head.”
“Yes… understood.”
Si-hyun replied with a puzzled look.
Suddenly, why the call from the Security Department Head?
Could it be about the documentary that’s being filmed?
It felt particularly burdensome since the main filming location was 5th Floor, Unit 2.
“Then everyone, have a good day.”
The inspection was over.
◈ ◈ ◈
Ding-dong.
“Yes, thank you. 5th Floor, Unit 2, Correctional Officer Lee Si-hyun speaking.”
“Yes, this is Park Tae-jong from the Security Department. Chief Lee Si-hyun, please come down to the Security Department right now. The Security Department Head is looking for you.”
“Yes, I’ll head down immediately.”
After hanging up the phone, Si-hyun adjusted his uniform cap neatly.
He also checked the state of his work attire.
“Did the Security Department contact you?” Duty Chief Park Young-hwan asked.
“Yes, it’s my first time having a personal meeting with the Security Department Head, and I’m feeling quite awkward about it.”
“Haha, don’t worry; it will probably just be a few words and over before you know it.”
“Guess so?”
Si-hyun chuckled as he exited the ward.
He took the elevator down to the Security Department Office and headed straight to the Security Chief’s Office.
“Greetings.”
Si-hyun saluted.
“Ah, is this Officer Lee?”
The Security Department Head nodded and returned his greeting.
Thank goodness he didn’t suggest sitting on the sofa, which meant the conversation might not drag on too long.
“The thing is, you’ve heard that we’re filming a documentary in our department, right?”
“Yes, I’ve heard.”
“And that the filming will take place mainly in 5th Floor, Unit 2?”
“Yes.”
“But you see, I requested this, and the Warden approved it….”
The Security Department Head wore a mysterious smile and took a sip of his elevated tea.
Si-hyun eagerly waited for the Security Department Head to continue.
“During the filming period, I need you to temporarily work as CRPT.”
“Excuse me?”
Si-hyun looked shocked at the sudden and random request.
Though it was temporary, being told to change positions, especially to CRPT, left him bewildered.
CRPT was the department that intervened to subdue inmates during emergencies, such as riots.
“Why? Isn’t the order in 5th Floor, Unit 2 well-maintained? Can’t things manage well without you for a bit?”
“Well, that’s true but… why the sudden reassignment?”
It was a valid question.
“I thought about it. Even during filming, the troublemakers will still stir up trouble, right? Those guys aren’t the sort to restrain just because there’s a camera around.”
“Yes.”
“Then the filming team might eagerly capture that scene, right?”
“Yes.”
It seemed they would want to capture something worthy of a broadcast.
“When that happens, if we’re unable to capture the troublesome inmates easily on camera, where would the correctional officers’ pride be? What would the public think? They’d probably see correctional officers living off taxpayer money while helpless before inmates, which is a negative outlook. Therefore…”
The Security Department Head cast a hopeful glance at Si-hyun.
“What if you were to demonstrate strong restraint over those unruly inmates during filming? Wouldn’t that create quite a captivating scene? It might even improve the public’s perception of correctional officers.”
“Ah… I think I understand what you’re saying.”
Si-hyun nodded, his expression indicating comprehension.
Among the troublemakers, some inmates were exceptionally difficult to calm down, even for CRPT.
Most were quick-tempered and didn’t know how to manage their anger.
So, it meant he was being asked to showcased how correctional officers could assertively manage such inmates and elevate their reputation on-screen.
“Haha, you get what I’m saying, right? You just need to report to the CRPT office starting Wednesday. I’m counting on you.”
The Security Department Head seemed pleased, as if he had come up with a brilliant idea.
◈ ◈ ◈
“CRPT?”
“Yes, they want me to work there during the filming period.”
“Wow, so they’re asking you to keep an eye on the troublemakers during filming? Looks like you’re getting quite the recognition up there.”
“Oh dear, I hope they don’t think I’m some strange person suddenly arriving at CRPT.”
Even though it was a request from the Security Department Head, it was still making him anxious.
Young-hwan chuckled as if he found it amusing.
“Don’t worry at all. The CRPT team leader is my peer; he’s been singing praises wanting to recruit you somehow for CRPT.”
“Really?”
That was news to him.
Just the other day, he had received advice from the CRPT team leader that he needed to work out more to handle the inmates effectively, and now it felt like a different era altogether.
It seemed the contributions made over the past few months were being recognized by CRPT as well.
“That’s right. But don’t let your guard down.”
“Don’t worry, Duty Chief.”
Si-hyun smiled.
By the way, before heading to the CRPT office, there was something important he had to do in the ward.
Something very crucial.
◈ ◈ ◈
The next day, Si-hyun arrived 30 minutes earlier than Duty Chief Park Young-hwan and pressed the intercom after selecting all rooms.
Now, all inmates on the block would hear the broadcast.
“Uh, um. Can you hear me? Did you sleep well last night? Let’s start the day with lots of energy!”
Starting with a greeting, Si-hyun continued speaking.
“First, I have an announcement. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be filming a documentary in 5th Floor, Unit 2. Try not to pay too much attention to the camera and behave normally. Just act as you usually do; nothing more, nothing less. Since you’ve all been doing great, I’m not going to worry too much.”
Up to that point, everything seemed fine.
He had no concerns about the inmates acting out just because of the cameras.
However, one thing was bothering him.
There were murderers among the inmates on this block, as well as others who had committed serious crimes.
The filming team would undoubtedly interview them.
While he hoped the victims wouldn’t watch the broadcast, he also wanted to minimize any potential harm if they did.
Moreover, he wished for viewers not to feel any anger from watching those interviews of inmates displaying a nonchalant, brazen demeanor.
That was indeed a problem.
So then.
“And one more thing I strongly urge you is this. Some of you may receive interview requests from the filming team. That’s only natural. If you happen to do an interview, please keep in mind that…”
Si-hyun pressed on to convey the important message he had prepared.