Kang Chan returned to base with five boxes of instant coffee packets, ramyeon, cup noodles, and thin noodles. He could still remember the joy he felt when he first discovered instant coffee and ramyeon during his first leave in France.0

The journey to Kilima in the Democratic Republic of Congo was long and arduous. It involved a commercial flight to Kinshasa, a transport helicopter to Manamana, and finally a jeep ride to Kilima. When they arrived, covered in dust, the soldiers came down to greet him.0

“Ramyeon? Is that ramyeon?” Smithen's eyes shone as he licked his lips.0

In a previous life, this guy must have been a dog that survived on nothing but ramyeon. Maybe a mutt that followed a female dog around all day, living off a single packet of ramyeon that his owner threw to him every night. 0

The thought made Kang Chan feel oddly sympathetic.0

While three soldiers carried the boxes inside, Kang Chan headed straight to his quarters. He stripped off his cotton T-shirt, which didn’t even match his jeans, and changed into military pants and a short-sleeved shirt. Strangely, wearing the uniform always made him feel at ease.0

Laughter echoed from outside. It was probably Smithen, rubbing his belly and joking about eating five packets of ramyeon for dinner.0

Kang Chan pushed aside the flap of his tent...0