He is a legendary prison guard

Episode 19 
Temporary Position

“Does this quest seem a bit different from the others?”

Shi-Hyun sensed a difference based on his experiences from various quests he had completed so far.

Aside from the quest where he repeatedly consumed items during the critical state of Poahim to increase his abilities, all the quests until now had been temporary. Temporary quests would disappear after completion while recovering certain abilities, and then, at some point, the next quest would appear.

However, this quest stated, “You will grow stronger each time you gain a high position and fame.”

It had a repetitive meaning.

The more you get promoted, the stronger you become.

The more famous you become, the stronger you become.

It felt like that.

To prove this, a window labeled
<0x7E>

appeared and lodged itself at the top right of the status window. It felt like a profile was being displayed on the status screen.

But it emphasized that he was currently “thoroughly unknown” and “Grade 9 guard,” highlighting that he was at the bottom.

Was it suggesting that he should focus on completing the quest if he was bothered by it?

But this was a complete, long-term project.

It wasn’t something that could be done overnight.

Did that mean the rewards were significant?

While Shi-Hyun was lost in his thoughts, someone shook his shoulder.

“Chief Lee Shi-Hyun, we called you. Why didn’t you respond?”

It was the voice of the deputy chief.

“Oh!”

He hadn’t heard because he was lost in thought, and another guard had to shake him to get his attention.

“Ah, yes! I’m sorry.”

Shi-Hyun apologized and stood up.

“Hmm, a young person shouldn’t be daydreaming from the morning. Anyway, when the security department chief arrives later, there will be a call. Make sure to inform the head officer in advance, and when you get the call, come down to the security office to meet the chief.”

“Yes… understood.”

Shi-Hyun replied with a puzzled expression.

Why was the security chief calling him all of a sudden?

Could it be because of the documentary being filmed?

It was even more burdensome since the main filming location was 5th floor, Unit 2.

“Well then, everyone, have a good day.”

The inspection was over.

<0x18> <0xCD> ◈

*Ding-dong.*

“Yes, thank you.

This is Guard Lee Shi-Hyun from the 5th floor, Unit 2.”

“Yes, this is Park Taejong from the security department. Chief Lee Shi-Hyun, please come down to the security office right away. The chief is looking for you.”

“Yes, I’ll head down immediately.”

After hanging up, Shi-Hyun adjusted his uniform cap neatly.

He also checked the condition of his uniform.

“Did you get a call from the security department?”

Chief Park Young hwan asked.

“Yes, it’s my first time having a personal meeting with the security chief, and I feel like I’ll be awkward.”

“Haha, don’t worry. It’ll probably be just a few words and over quickly, so go with a relaxed mind.”

“That’s true, right?”

Shi-Hyun smiled as he headed to the duty room.

He took the elevator down to the security office and headed straight for the chief’s office.

“Hello.”

Shi-Hyun saluted.

“Ah, you’ve arrived, Guard?”

The security chief nodded and acknowledged him.

Since he wasn’t told to sit on the sofa, it seemed like the conversation wouldn’t be long.

“The reason I called you is that you heard we’re filming a documentary at our facility, right?”

“Yes, I have.”

“And that the main shooting will be on the 5th floor, Unit 2?”

“Yes.”

“But here’s the thing: I requested this, and the director approved it.”

The security chief wore a strange smile as he took a sip from the elevated cup in front of him.

Shi-Hyun waited with curious eyes for the chief’s next words.

“During the filming period, I need you to temporarily work as part of the CRPT.”

“Excuse me?”

Shi-Hyun was taken aback by the unexpected request.

Even if it was temporary, he couldn’t understand why he was being asked to change his position to CRPT.

CRPT was the department that responded to emergencies like inmate riots and enforced discipline.

“Why? Isn’t the order in Unit 2 well-maintained? Can’t it run well without you for a while?”

“That’s true, but why the sudden change in position?”

It was a valid question.

“I thought about it. Even during filming, inmates who cause trouble will still act out, right? They won’t hold back just because there’s a camera.”

“Yes.”

“Then the filming team will likely get excited and capture those scenes.”

“Yes.”

At least it would create visuals suitable for broadcasting, so they would likely film enthusiastically.

“At that time, if the footage shows guards struggling to control unruly inmates, how will that reflect on us? What will the public think? They might view guards as people who take taxpayer money while being helpless against inmates. So, you see…”

The security chief cast an expectant glance at Shi-Hyun.

“If, in such situations, you can show how effectively you handle the unruly inmates, wouldn’t that make for a great scene? It could improve the public’s image of guards.”

“Ah… I think I understand what you mean.”

Shi-Hyun nodded, now grasping the chief’s intention.

Among the unruly inmates, there were indeed some who were difficult to calm down, no matter how skilled the CRPT was.

Usually, these were inmates with quick tempers and poor self-control.

So, the chief wanted Shi-Hyun to showcase his ability to handle such inmates on camera to enhance the reputation of guards.

“Haha, you understand, right? Starting Wednesday, just report to the CRPT office. I’m counting on you.”

The security chief seemed pleased as if he had come up with a brilliant idea.

<0x18> <0xCD> ◈

“CRPT?”

“Yes, they asked me to work there during the filming period.”

“Wow, so they want you to keep the troublemakers in check during filming? You must be gaining a lot of recognition.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. But I hope they’re not going to give me a hard time for being a new face in CRPT.”

Even though it was the chief’s orders, Shi-Hyun couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Young hwan laughed as if to say Shi-Hyun was worrying for nothing.

“Don’t worry at all. The CRPT team leader is my classmate, and he’s been singing your praises, wanting to bring you onto the team.”

“Really?”

That was news to Shi-Hyun.

Just the other day, he received advice from the CRPT team leader about needing to train harder to manage inmates better, so it felt like a different world now.

“That’s right. Just don’t get too carried away.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

Shi-Hyun smiled.

Now, before heading to the CRPT office, he had one important task to complete in the duty room.

<0x18> <0xCD> ◈

The next day, Shi-Hyun arrived 30 minutes earlier than Chief Park Young hwan and pressed the intercom after selecting all the rooms.

Now, all the inmates in the unit would hear the announcement.

“Ah, can you hear me? Did you all sleep well last night? Let’s start the day with energy!”

Starting with a greeting, Shi-Hyun continued.

“First, I have an announcement. Starting tomorrow, there will be a documentary filming on our 5th floor, Unit 2. Please don’t be too conscious of the cameras and just act as you normally would. Just do what you usually do, and I won’t worry too much.”

Up to this point, there were no issues.

He didn’t have any concerns about the order being disrupted just because there were cameras.

However, one thing did weigh on his mind.

There were murderers and various serious offenders in this unit.

The filming team would surely want to interview them.

He hoped the victims wouldn’t see the broadcast, but if they did, he wanted to minimize their hurt as much as possible.

He also wished to avoid inciting anger from viewers who might feel rage after seeing the interviews with these serious offenders—especially with their brazen and nonchalant attitudes.

So, he thought:

“And one more thing I want to strongly emphasize. Some of you might receive requests for interviews from the filming team. That’s only natural. If you do get interviewed, there’s one thing you must keep in mind.”

Shi-Hyun firmly conveyed the message he had prepared.