When We All Died

Chapter Three

What?

There was a hush spread everywhere.

What do you mean we'd have to join the military?

Then there was chaos. Everyone started to panic, speaking loudly over one another and some even started shouting in frustration. Suddenly the Commander shouted, successfully garnering their attention before a teacher switched on the T.V.
It was the Minister of Defense on the screen.

"... ago an unknown fungus started plaguing several parts of the world. The situation has escalated in many parts of our country too, especially towards Busan, UIlsan, South Gyeongsang and South Jeolla but are catching up to the rest of the country as well. As a result, all able bodied adults from the age of 19 to 25 are requested to serve in the military to protect the country, not out of compulsion but out of love and respect towards their country. The day after tomorrow, a partial lockdown will be imposed all over the country for a week to curb the spread of the disease and accordingly, a full lockdown will be imposed later on. Therefore, consent forms will be distributed in workplaces and schools. We hope—"

The television was suddenly switched off and all attention went to the company commander who cleared his throat. "The military is enlisting people from the age range of 19 to 25, for a sudden spike at the spread of this disease since most of the people in this age range are more likely to be students and less likely to be settled in a marriage. Therefore, we have discussed awarding the ones who sign the consent form with extra credit points which will be beneficial to go to college, or higher studies, or job opportunities. For the 3rd grade, your early college admissions are currently cancelled but fortunately, your CSATs are not."

"Wait, there's a fungus going on for which the government apparently has to draft students but our exams are not cancelled?" Someone from the back shouted. One of the teachers was about to shut her up but the Commander stopped him.

"The exams will be taking place so that you get your credits—"

"But like, isn't it more practical to draft people who are older and have experience? We are literally students," she shouted again. "You said that people of our age range are most likely students and not settled into marriage but you're supposed to protect us since we're kinda the youth of this generation. I mean—"

"What is your name, Miss?" The Commander suddenly interrupted her, voice stern.

"Huh Yunjin! I'm from USA and—"

"If you don't want your extra credits, your parents do not have to sign your consent form."

Ms. Im raised her hand to grab the Commander's attention. "The student isn't wrong, Commander. I think we need to go in greater details before distributing the consent forms. We really need to know what our students would be getting into before they say yes to the enlistment."

Many teachers agreed with her. It was quite a dangerous ordeal with little to no time for the children to think. With the nearing CSATs, teachers knew that students and parents were desperate for extra credit points but so did the government. These students were just kids who barely took school seriously and it was honestly nuts to bribe them with points for doing something risky. The Company Commander called the rest of the soldiers and with some discussion, he faced everyone once again.

"So," he coughed out. "We have decided to hold a meeting with the teaching staff to discuss everything. Class Presidents, please come forward to receive the consent forms for your class. Refrain from writing anything on those papers for now since we will be taking them back tomorrow, regardless of the signatures."

He nodded and walked out of the gym. The school Principal then came forward and dismissed everyone to their classes. The Class Presidents once again took them back to class in an order.