Chapter 44

Chapter 44Frozen(6)

At 5:30 PM, Central Fire Academy Outdoor Evaluation Ground.

Flames soared up the stacked dry wood, forming layers of squares. Employees from H-Innovation and students from the fire academy stood in front of the flames, holding compact fire pumps connected to small fire hoses.

Just before water was released, the student operating the two-stage switch nozzle flinched at the sudden gust of cold wind.

Lets go, times kicking!

The water stream, stretching out like a shower, veered to the left of its intended target, and the initial fire suppression began.

Hurry, hurry!

Under the urging of the employee, the student continued pouring water onto the smoky area. However, the fierce wind blowing caused the fire to surge instead of diminishing, leaving the student in a state of confusion.

Damn it. The weather isnt helping either.

The employee grumbled, and the students hands became even busier. After over two minutes had passed, the momentum of the flames finally subsided.

And then

A strong gust of wind swept through the entire evaluation ground, causing embers to scatter and reignite the dwindling flames. Desperately, the student directed a water stream at the new ignition point, but this only resulted in more time passing.

2 minutes and 37 seconds.

The wooden model, which had lost more than half of its structure, was nearly burnt down. If it had been an actual house, it would have been a complete loss of property.

The H-Innovation officials who were witnessing the grim outcome all had disappointed faces. Although it was originally a time-consuming test, this result was far off from the average record three years ago.

Park Il-seong, the second in line after the student, approached, his shoulders drooping.

On windy days, there are many things to be mindful of. Just now, the direction of the water stream was disrupted, failing to reach the core of the fire within the smoke.

Park Il-seong checked the fire hose connected to the pump, making sure it wasnt damaged, and spoke to the student.

When the fire is vigorous, if water suppression is ineffective, we should focus on preventing fire expansion. Fire defense. You learned that during tactical training, right? Discard what needs to be discarded, seize what needs to be seized. This is not a game of extinguishing fire, but rather a practice of rescuing people, isnt it?

I-Im sorry.

Well, you did your best.

Grateful for the advice from the experienced senior, the student bowed deeply and walked towards the H-Innovation area.

-Starting in 3 minutes.

Pushing the wooden model to one side, a new piece of timber was set up on the steel plate.

Jeong-woo felt a sense of unease as he observed the intermittent wind mixing with snowflakes right before the start of the final test. Was it due to the ongoing cloudy weather? He couldnt help but think about the possibility of snowfall.

Also, this wind is getting stronger.

With the addition of a new variable, Jeong-woos concerns grew. The current additives used by KG Chemical in the water were compounds designed to enhance freeze prevention and adhesive properties.

According to the managers explanation, a patented penetrating agent was mixed in, making it a reinforcement flame-retardant solution that was on par with global standards in terms of effectiveness.

However, as Jeong-woo observed the initial sequence, he realized that what was needed more was a straight trajectory that could penetrate through the wind and reach the focal point.

If we reduce the freeze prevention agents content and increase the viscosity

He had to consider reassembling the components.

-Ignition.

As the second order for Yujin Chemical began, Jeong-woo focused on Team Leader Park.

Hmm.

Jeong-woo was startled as he witnessed the water jet pouring out from the nozzle. The change in additives he had just contemplated was evident, as it was precisely reflected in that water stream.

Is everything okay?

Oh, its nothing.

Despite responding to Jeong Pil-dus question, Jeong-woo couldnt take his eyes off the water stream that Park was sending out.

Despite the cold winds and low temperature, the water jet extended vigorously, striking the flames that were once in full force.

Parks method of evolution differed from the previous student. To block the flames expanding in all directions, he extended the hose and moved it from side to side, conducting mobile firefighting.

It resembled the precision of aiming with a sight, recognizing that the water stream was weaker than the fierce blaze, and encircling the flames from the top.

All of this was achieved swiftly even amidst the harsh winds.

Not only Jeong Pil-du but also the currently active firefighters in emergency standby were astounded by this flawless evolution, evidenced by their impressed exclamations.

Even if tactics are one thing, having high-quality additives leaves me with no room for improvement.

As Jeong-woo glanced at Yujin Chemical, he noticed Yoon Jaegil standing confidently with his arms crossed.

He had forgotten. Three years ago, he was the one who secured the contract by providing the appropriate combination for the climate in the same position.

Time for contemplation was dwindling. As over 50 seconds passed, the flames had nearly disappeared.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, the extinguished part of the fire rekindled due to a gust of wind. Despite the unexpected variable, Team Leader Park remained composed and immediately redirected the water stream to continue extinguishing the fire.

However, this time the wind had persisted for quite a while, causing the fire to spread sideways once again.

Jeong-woos eyes flickered at that moment.

It was because he witnessed the sudden movement of dust particles.

When a fire occurs, it draws in the surrounding oxygen. The larger the fire, the more it consumes. Therefore, it is natural for a constant wind to blow in the direction of oxygen movement. The swirling dust particles were also sacrificed within the flame reaction and vanished as smoke.

If we cant gain an advantage with the additives

If we shoot the water stream according to this flow, there would be no need to change the additive composition for straight trajectory.

we just need to consider the focal point and the wind simultaneously.

The faint advantage that barely came to mind. It was a challenge worth trying.

1 minute 10 seconds!

Yujin Chemical finished the test with a difference of more than 1 minute 30 seconds compared to H Innovation.

Jeong Pil-du, who was walking toward the test site for the next setup, cautiously asked.

Jeong-woo, do we have a chance of winning?

Im not confident either. Team Leader Park is good, and their countermeasures are too perfect. Well just focus on extinguishing the fire. And when adjusting the nozzle direction, Ill also lend a hand.

Are you referring to assisting with the auixiliry nozzle?

The auxiliary nozzle?

Its not a problem since its small in size, but usually, we use multiple nozzles to control the water stream together. Its because of the strong recoil.

Ah.

Jeong-woo nodded, understanding that it was something similar. It seemed better to work together than to explain verbally if they wanted to precisely control the water stream to follow the winds pull.

Team Leader Park, who had organized the hose at the entrance of the test site, turned around. When their eyes met, Park opened his mouth to speak to Jeong-woo.

The wind is strong, so be careful. There are many sparks flying around.

Ill be cautious.

Well, youre good at finding fires better than me, but still, be careful.

No worries.

Jeong-woo smiled, lowered his head, and then shifted his gaze to the wooden model being set up.

He took a deep breath.

He swept away the trembling in his chest.

About a minute later, just before Jeong-woo put the microphone to his mouth, Miles winked at him.

This time, he made a gesture as if passing a glass for a drink, so Jeong-woo chuckled and nodded.

Having gone through that terrifying ordeal for a while, he had become somewhat accustomed to it.

-Ignite.

The wood soaked in volatile substance caught fire and quickly spread throughout. Jeong Pil-du adjusted the nozzle of the hose to a direct stream and took his stance.

After the waiting time for the fire to spread, the signal was given.

Jeong-woo observed as the dust particles were rapidly sucked in along with the oxygen at the point where the combustion reaction was most intense. The target was not the focal point but the side.

Shoot!

Jeong Pil-du pulled the handle. Jeong-woo, who was holding the nozzle together from the side, adjusted the streams direction subtly to allow it to catch the wind.

The water stream, which was flying straight, smoothly curved like an arch and directly hit the flames.

-Huh?

Miless exclamation, holding the microphone, resonated through the evaluation area. The gaze of Park Il-sung, who had been watching closely from behind, also sparkled.

However, Jeong-woo was not in his right mind. As soon as the water touched the flames, smoke billowed out, making it difficult to identify the focal point.

The fortunate thing was the performance of KG Chemicals fire extinguishing agent. The rapid cooling effect was far superior to the additives of the recombined Yujin Chemical.

To the upper left.

Yes!

No, a little higher.

Jeong Pil-du, following Jeong-woos gesture, was dumbfounded by the way the flames were effortlessly extinguished with each change in the water stream.

Whoosh

Wow, its really snowing.

Perhaps due to the elevated body temperature from the shower, it didnt feel as cold as before.

When Jeong-woo arrived at the main building where people had gathered earlier, his head was already covered in a considerable amount of snow.

As he climbed the stairs of the main building and brushed off the snow from his head, he felt a presence behind him.

Mr. Jeong-woo.

He turned his head and saw Yoon Jaegil.

Oh, Director Yoon. Its snowing heavily all of a sudden, isnt it?

Today is the bid evaluation. You seemed determined to shine.

Jeong-woo scratched his chin, as if disappointed.

I did my best in the position where I received the expectations of the Basic Materials Center.

To be honest, I didnt expect us to be pushed this far. Even Team Leader Park got penalized for interfering. We should have considered the strong bond among firefighters.

Yoon Jaegil sighed as he brushed the snow off Jeong-woos shoulder and spoke.

Well, the results are the results. Jeong-woo, do you know what I mean?

What do you mean?

That there are encounters in life that can change everything for anyone. I want to be that kind of presence to you, Jeong-woo. From now on, the scout conditions Im going to talk about will be applied only in this moment, as a one-time opportunity. First, a salary equivalent to a doctorate

Um, Im sorry. I already have that kind of encounter.

With AF-12.

At Jeong-woos firm attitude, Yoon Jaegil sighed in frustration.

Its almost 7 oclock. Lets go inside.

Jeong-woo pointed roughly towards the auditorium and walked briskly.

As he walked inside the auditorium and approached the KG Chemical seat, Song Boyeong immediately turned her head. The section chief, Lee, and Assistant Manager Gong, who were in conversation, also turned their gaze towards Jeong-woo.

Jeong-woo greeted them with a nod and took his seat.

Are you okay?

Jeong-woo smiled faintly at Boyeong, who was full of concern.

Its just a little water, nothing to worry about. Anyway, did you see outside? It was snowing heavily.

Even without that, Im worried. Senior Jong-chans car is old, I wonder if it will run well.

We should leave quickly.

After hearing the results, we should go right away.

Park Il-sung, who was sitting in the front row, turned around to look at Jeong-woo and greeted him with a bow. Jeong-woo also gave a friendly nod and observed the people coming up to the podium.

Yum Yong-nam, the director of the Fire Industry Technology Institute, took hold of the microphone.

I appreciate your hard work in this cold weather. As the weather is not favorable, lets proceed with the announcement of the results.

As Yum Yong-nam looked down at the document in his hand, everyone involved held their breath.

Respiratory equipment set by Namyoung Industries. Safety gloves, rescue gloves by Namyoung Industries. Firefighting ropes by Sammyung Industries

With each announcement of the companies following the list, sighs could be heard. On the screen in the back, the selected companies were displayed together.

Upon reading it, the representatives of the unsuccessful companies in the bidding process stood up and began to leave the room.

The announcement for the selection of equipment companies continued for five minutes. Then, it was time for the announcement of chemicals.

Before the announcement, we would like to express our gratitude for the excellent performance of the chemicals presented by each company, which was superior to the previous results. Especially to KG Chemical and Yujin Chemical, who have been competing until the end since three years ago, for their great contribution to the development of firefighting chemicals.

In response to Yum Yong-nams words, Jeong-cheol, the section chief, and Jaegil, the center director, bowed their heads in acknowledgment.

Jeong-woo anxiously waited for the next words. Song Boyeong, sitting next to him, seemed to be tense as she swallowed nervously.

The evaluation results from current firefighters judgment were diverse, reflecting their careful considerations. Therefore, we have decided to individually award the outstanding chemicals among the 28 products instead of monopolization. The representatives of the four companies have agreed to this.

Is that so?

As Jeong-woo arrived late, he could only look at Jeong-cheol.

We will now announce the results.

At the same time, the screen displayed the individual awarded results.

The crowd murmured in excitement.

As the items were numerous and couldnt be displayed all at once, they had to wait, counting the numbers and anticipating the next screen.

Jeong-woo quickly organized the information, counting the number of awarded products for KG Chemical.

KG Chemical: 8, Yujin Chemical: 11, H Innovation: 1, Taejin Precision Chemical: 2.

In the additives category

Yum Yong-nam announced the results with the highest volume of awarded products.

KG Chemical.

To secure the vital core of the extensive fire protection system, including fire pumps, reservoirs, and water supply towers installed nationwide, Manager Lee Jeong-cheol stood up abruptly, raising both hands in triumph.

The final result: 13 awarded items for KG Chemical.

Despite not achieving a monopoly, all KG Chemical representatives enjoyed the feeling of being winners and celebrated joyfully.

On the other hand, Yoon Jaegil and the nearby staff members stood up with a bitter expression, shaking their heads in disappointment, catching Jeong-woos attention.

In a competitive bidding process Its nerve-wracking, but also exciting.

Jeong-woo couldnt be sure of how much his contribution had helped, but he believed that he had fulfilled some of Jang Tae-suns expectations.

Jeong-woo!

Manager Lee Jeong-cheol rushed over, tightly gripping Jeong-woos hand and shaking it vigorously.

See you in Seoul, Jeong-woo.

You did well, Jeong-woo. I felt really proud earlier.

Song Boyeong and Oh Seung-ju, sitting in the backseat of Kim Jong-chans car, waved their hands at Jeong-woo.

Won Jin-soo, the co-pilot, lowered the window and looked at Jeong-woo.

When will you be dispatched to the Material Science Center?

I dont know either.

I hope you come soon. We have a lot of pending challenges as well.

But its the first day of Basic Materials.

Right, Jeong-woo chuckled and exchanged a nod with Kim Jong-chan before he pressed the accelerator.

Take care on your way up.

After waving goodbye, Jeong-woo boarded the KG Chemical bus parked in the parking lot.

Jeong-woo!

Assistant Manager Gong Gyeong-ho and the drug developers surrounded Jeong-woo as they boarded the bus.

Thank you so much today. We wouldnt have achieved these results without you and all those tests.

The announcement earlier, after three years of stagnation, just

A single meal wont be enough, so well keep treating you as we go.

Unlike during lunch when he felt lonely on the bus, Jeong-woo now felt comfortably surrounded by people.

As the vehicles crowded at the main gate began to leave one by one, the KG Chemical bus and trucks also started moving.

7:30 PM, on a northern national highway near the Central Fire Academy.

Under the sudden heavy snowfall, a vehicle moved along a narrow road where it was impossible to distinguish between the road and the field.

As the vehicle climbed the hill, it slid and ended up with one wheel on the field. The following vehicle also spun its wheels in vain and came to a stop in place.

One after another, approaching vehicles couldnt ascend the narrow road and all pulled over to the side of the road with their emergency lights on. Even an SUV equipped with chains confidently attempted to climb but ended up sliding sideways, aligning itself next to the vehicle that had one wheel on the field, forming a friendly wheel-over-wheel configuration.

Miles licked his lips as he watched the windshield wipers tirelessly moving back and forth in the pouring snow.

Isnt it common decency to provide a forecast for this kind of heavy snowfall?

Driving at a turtles pace in the midst of a snowstorm, the number of headlights on the opposite lane gradually increased. As he moved forward a bit more, he saw cars passing by one after another, barely skimming past his vehicle.

Why are they turning back?

The wipers swept across the windshield once. Miles was astonished by the scene that unfolded before him.

The frozen road surface, gripped by intense cold.

The relentless snowfall.

The accumulating layers of ice forming an impenetrable barrier, blocking the entrance to the narrow road.

As more vehicles continued to approach, someone opened their window and shouted for others to turn around.

Screeeech!

However, as a village bus passing on the opposite lane slid and its wheels got stuck in a drain, the narrow road quickly became congested with vehicles unable to move forward or backward.

It was a snowy prison, a display of the power of mid-winters chill.

Silently descending from the sky, the white snowflakes covered the world, seemingly mocking everything around in their serene stillness.