LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 27
Chapter 27: Commotion
“As a friend, I must say, showing that you can handle inmates too well might not be good for you. Those above the Section Chief level only care about their own promotions, you know? So, the best thing for them is for no issues to arise while they’re around. In that regard, Si-hyun, you’re a really useful tool. No matter who comes to the higher-ups, there’s no way they’ll kick you out of the Security Department, right? You could end up rotting away there for life.”
“….”
“I mean, after working as long as you have, you understand how the officers in the Security Department are treated.”
Of course I know.
The Security Department was both the most crucial and the most avoided department because it dealt directly with inmates.
Moreover, there was an unspoken belief that anyone could handle the duty of monitoring inmates, so the correctional officers who stayed long in the Security Department were often considered lacking in ability.
It was a department that one had to pass through, yet it was treated as just a stepping stone.
“I understand what you mean.”
“Really? I’m glad to hear you grasped my advice.”
“But, you know.”
Si-hyun continued, looking directly into Woong-jae’s eyes.
“I actually like the Security Department. The work suits me, and it feels like something I can excel at.”
“…Oh, really? If you think that way, then there’s nothing more to say. Well, if you came in at the 9th grade, there’s no way you can reach the 7th or above, so if you just stay in the Security Department, it won’t be too hard, even if it’s a bit exhausting.”
Woong-jae also stared directly into Si-hyun’s eyes.
There was a significant disparity in treatment between 9th and 7th-grade positions in the correctional service.
Given how few were selected through the public examination, there were many who started at 7th grade and climbed to high positions. Of course, there were also many who ended at 6th grade or barely reached 5th grade, but anyone with ability and connections could land high-ranking positions.
In contrast, those from the 9th grade had clear limitations.
Although things have improved, in the past, it wasn’t uncommon for someone to resign at 7th grade. They would struggle without even attaining the position of Section Chief, suffering through until they retired.
“Woong-jae, aren’t you being too harsh?”
Jong-hyuk, who had been nearby, interjected.
All of the correctional officers here, except for Woong-jae, had passed the 9th grade exam, so it was quite an upsetting comment.
“Oh, my bad. Was that too harsh? I genuinely tried to give you some advice but ended up speaking without thinking. I apologize.”
After saying everything he wanted to, he stepped back while offering a half-hearted apology.
Si-hyun didn’t like that attitude but kept a composed expression, not wanting to ruin the gathering.
And despite the absurdity of his last remark, he thought that at least the initial advice was a valid point.
“Take a drink.”
Si-hyun poured liquor into Woong-jae’s cup.
“Thanks, it’s been a while since I’ve had a drink from you.”
“But why did you choose the correctional service when you got accepted into the administrative 7th grade? Normally, people prefer administrative jobs.”
“Well, maybe because my father is a correctional officer, I’ve grown up influenced by that, and I felt more drawn to the correctional service. I wanted to redeem my father who couldn’t reach a directorship and retired.”
“I see.”
As Woong-jae poured liquor into Si-hyun’s empty cup, he spoke.
“I recognize your skills. I was honestly surprised watching the broadcast.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
“But do you think those skills can be 100% linked to promotions?”
Woong-jae continued without waiting for a response.
“You know the ‘no’ reality. It’s dirty and unfair, but that’s how it is. A correctional officer known for maintaining order among inmates retires as Section Chief, while some clown who just does okay but licks the higher-ups’ boots climbs to a section head. That’s why I said what I did.”
Woong-jae spoke coldly about reality.
It seemed that everyone felt a similar understanding, as they had all experienced aspects of being a correctional officer.
Si-hyun nodded in agreement.
“I get what you’re saying. But do you always connect everything to promotions like that?”
“Is that bothersome to you? We’re not in college anymore. Haven’t you realized how important promotions are in the workforce? Sure, maybe public service jobs are a bit different. But if you lose out in promotions in the private sector and get your position taken by your junior, you might get real suicidal thoughts, you know?”
“I don’t deny that promotions are important. As a human, I undoubtedly have desires for advancement. But my efforts to maintain order among inmates… sure, that could be a part of it. But the biggest reason is that I can’t stand to see inmates who’ve committed crimes roaming around freely. If they’ve come to serve their sentences, they must uphold certain standards. How do you think the victims feel seeing that?”
Upon hearing Si-hyun’s answer, Woong-jae smirked slightly, as if mocking.
“Wow, what a sense of duty. You’re meant to be a correctional officer.”
“And I’m not planning on settling for 6th grade. I’m aiming for 5th. But I won’t be licking the higher-ups’ boots. I’ll rise based solely on my skills.”
Si-hyun spoke clearly, word for word, while looking at Woong-jae.
At first, Woong-jae seemed to struggle to comprehend Si-hyun’s words, showing no immediate reaction.
Then, his face twisted in disbelief.
“What? Are you serious right now?”
“Is it a joke?”
“Wow… I didn’t see you as this kind of guy.”
“Think whatever you want.”
“Hey, hey, why are we both so heated after not seeing each other for a while? At this rate, we’re gonna end up fighting.”
Noticing the conversation was getting intense, Seung-min stepped in to defuse the tension between the two.
The other classmates exchanged glances, signaling to separate them.
“Si-hyun, come here for a second. I want to chat with you too.”
“Yeah, Si-hyun. I’m curious about how you’re doing.”
Recognizing the cue, Si-hyun willingly stood up from his seat.
Only then did the atmosphere transition back to the lively and cheerful gathering of old classmates.
Si-hyun also set aside what had just occurred and focused on the pleasant conversations with several classmates.
Just when it seemed the reunion would end on a high note—
“Ah, those damn guards are so noisy.”
A man at the next table, who had been drinking, spoke up with annoyance.
At first, Si-hyun’s group didn’t realize he was directing his words at them, as they hadn’t expected such open provocation in a place like this.
But then the man shouted even louder.
“Shut it, you damn guards!”
“….”
The atmosphere instantly turned cold.
Seung-min, Jong-hyuk, and Woong-jae all stiffened.
The female classmates looked frightened.
Si-hyun calmly scanned the opponent first. It was a habit he had acquired during raids.
Some inmates released from prison often harbored ill feelings toward correctional officers. Thus, cautious seniors advised not to reveal their occupation outside since they never knew when they might run into a released inmate.
While he wasn’t certain his opponent was an ex-inmate, he certainly looked like a thug. The man with snake-like eyes shouted to be quiet while a man with scars on his face rolled up his sleeves, revealing a clearly writhing dragon tattoo.
“Don’t take pictures, you damn bastards! Ever heard of the Nam-ryong gang? If you don’t get that messed-up camera away, I’ll kill every last one of you!”
As the sudden commotion erupted, other guests at different tables, who had been filming with their phones, flinched when they realized the man was from a gang and hurriedly put their phones away.
Having read the room, some guests began packing up and leaving in a hurry.
“Get the hell out of here quickly. We’ll take care of things ourselves.”
Si-hyun urged the female classmates to leave.
Nam-ryong gang.
Ordinary citizens might not know them, but they were a familiar name among correctional officers working in the capital region.
The Nam-ryong gang was one of the major organizations dividing Seoul into four regions.
Correctional officers were able to handle gangsters only because they were inside correctional facilities.
Outside, it was an entirely different matter. There was no reason for gangsters to bow to correctional officers who were not even inmates.
‘What a small fry.’
Si-hyun narrowed his eyes.
From experience, lower-ranking gang members were often more troublesome than higher-ups.
Lower-level members didn’t care if their sentences increased for disobeying orders from their superiors. Incidents of assaulting correctional officers were often perpetrated by low-ranking thugs rather than the higher-ups.
Of course, upon digging deeper, it was often found that such assaults stemmed from a higher-up feeling disrespected when the correctional officer failed to uphold their status in front of other inmates.
One of the working methods taught to new correctional officers was to maintain the pride of higher-ups when dealing with gangsters.
After all, what power did a mere correctional officer have to treat a gang boss disrespectfully?
“Why are you picking a fight all of a sudden?”
Jong-hyuk, who had been in the special forces and was no stranger to confrontations, stepped forward.
“What are you looking at, you bastard!”
The man with snake-like eyes glared back.
“Calm down.”
Si-hyun grabbed Jong-hyuk’s arm.
If a fight broke out, the only one to bear the consequences would be the public servant. Thugs had no qualms about fighting.
Jong-hyuk seemed to understand well, shooting Si-hyun a look that said not to worry.
He opened his mouth again.
“What’s the reason for this?”
“Huh, reason? Fine, I’ll tell you. My bro is coming here soon, so there’s no way I can let you guards drink next to me and ruin my mood, right? So you better scram, you bastards!”
The man with snake-like eyes shouted.
The scarred man also pointed toward the stairs with his chin, as if to urge them to leave.
“Let’s just go down.”
Woong-jae said.
As public servants, it was best to avoid escalating the situation further.
Of course, the biggest reason was concern that any trouble might impact their promotions.
Si-hyun also agreed with Woong-jae’s judgment this time.
Not only was he a public servant, but also an Awakened Being. Even if they were gangsters, they were still non-awakened civilians. It would be troublesome to get entangled in a fight with regular civilians.
Just as Si-hyun was about to speak, someone began climbing the stairs.
‘Who is that?’
Si-hyun recognized the face.