Ch.3131. Subjugation Order (2)

In response to Jeong Dong-geon’s mobilization order, the expedition teams that had been deployed outside returned to Gyeongju.

After assigning some Awakened to maintain security and safety in the liberated farming villages, the remaining expedition members were organized into the North Gyeongju Subjugation Force.

The number was an impressive 500 people.

With additional reconnaissance and special operations teams to support the subjugation force, the exact number of soldiers participating in this operation came to 512.

Each one was an elite agent cultivated through massive investment by the Balhut Cult and the military bureaucrat Jeong Dong-geon’s best efforts, with abundant combat experience gained through various expeditions.

‘The soldiers have no fear of war.’

What pleased Jeong Dong-geon most was the uniforms the soldiers were wearing.

The march of soldiers in identical combat uniforms, standing in perfect formation, reminded him of the pre-apocalypse military of the Republic of Korea.

‘Of course, it’s nowhere near the level of the past.’

Upon closer inspection, the clothes they wore weren’t the digital-patterned combat uniforms commonly known as battle dress, but rather something closer to navy blue formal uniforms.

However, they had successfully supplied all the minimum equipment necessary for the soldiers’ safety, including bulletproof vests, helmets, and protective gear for arms and knees.

Above all, each of these soldiers was an Awakened who had successfully achieved enlightenment, so they were expected to be worth a hundred regular fighters on the battlefield.

“You’ve arrived?”

“Yes. I’m counting on you, Dong-geon.”

“Understood.”

At Yu-na’s appearance, the soldiers’ stern faces instantly broke into silly grins.

It was partly because they were captivated by Yu-na’s gallant appearance, but knowingly or unknowingly, most of the subjugation force members owed their lives to Yu-na many times over.

Among the soldiers, Yu-na was essentially treated as an idol… a saint, so they couldn’t help but be genuinely happy at her appearance.

Jeong Dong-geon understood the soldiers’ feelings, but…

“Focus! Do you intend to show such unseemly behavior in front of our leader?”

“”””No, sir!!!””””

He disciplined them strictly and restored military order.

Soon, they would be marching to North Gyeongju, the enemy’s stronghold.

Not the safe South Gyeongju, but North Gyeongju, which was full of outlaws and looters.

So even if they were injured, as long as it wasn’t instant death, caution was essential, even with a healing mage nearby who could ensure their survival.

“Well then. Let’s begin the march.”

“Everyone, march as you’ve been trained!”

When Yu-na ordered the advance, at Jeong Dong-geon’s signal, the soldiers began marching in perfect formation.

Starting from the Balhut Cult’s main hall and heading toward the streets, the subjugation force soon encountered large crowds of people.

Many spectators appeared to watch or take pictures of the soldiers’ parade-like, magnificent departure.

Some were worried about their loved ones in the subjugation force, while others tried to distribute food to express gratitude to the troops.

“Everyone seems supportive.”

“The soldiers will be pleased as well.”

Under the blessings of many people, the soldiers gained pride in the righteousness of their actions, which directly translated into morale.

These soldiers had no fear in their hearts.

Justice and the greater cause were on the side of the Balhut Cult!

“Have you arrived, Lady Yu-na?”

The subjugation force reached Gyeongju Bridge, the border area separating North and South Gyeongju.

Upon arrival, an Awakened who was on duty at the outpost monitoring raiders coming from the north approached Yu-na to report on the current situation.

“The movements in North Gyeongju are concerning.”

“It seems they’ve detected our movements. There must be spies in South Gyeongju.”

The other side wasn’t foolish either, and they seemed to have noticed that a subjugation force had been raised in South Gyeongju.

Jeong Dong-geon judged that there were spies within South Gyeongju, and that judgment was likely correct.

“That’s what we expected, isn’t it?”

“Yes. The North Gyeongju border guards look ready to shoot at any moment. Of course, our advance team is planning to subdue them before we move.”

This was indeed an expected situation.

North Gyeongju wasn’t stupid, and they would naturally be monitoring the movements of South Gyeongju, their rival.

Of course, just as North Gyeongju was monitoring South Gyeongju, South Gyeongju was also keeping tabs on North Gyeongju.

“It doesn’t matter. We intend to punish the tyrant of North Gyeongju and deal with his accomplices according to their crimes. So subdue them all.”

“Understood.”

Whether North Gyeongju was on alert or not, today they intended to have a final showdown.

If they could judge Jo Sun-do, the ruler of North Gyeongju, the rest of the looters would be mere small fry.

If there was anything unusual to note…

“Who are those people? That one seems to be Tae-hyun.”

Near the Gyeongju Bridge outpost, an unusual vehicle was parked.

And in front of that vehicle, two men were smiling and welcoming Yu-na and her army.

“The other one is a man named Kang Jae-wan. His occupation is…”

“I’m a war correspondent. Pleased to meet you, Lady Yu-na.”

“A war correspondent…”

A war correspondent refers to a journalist who follows the military to the battlefield to report on combat situations.

Given the environment, these individuals risk their lives during coverage, and many actually die while reporting.

However, their reports serve as important historical documents, so international law guarantees their safety.

“I’ve been accompanying your cult’s expedition teams to film situations outside Gyeongju and the cult’s battle scenes. It turns out to be surprisingly profitable work.”

“North Gyeongju is dangerous. We might not be able to protect you.”

Of course, with South Korea in chaos, international organizations couldn’t be functioning properly, so the only organization that could guarantee their safety was the Balhut Cult.

Moreover, the Balhut Cult was engaged in a battle with the tyrant of North Gyeongju.

They couldn’t guarantee the safety of Kang Jae-wan, who claimed to be a war correspondent.

“I appreciate your concern, Lady Yu-na. But this time, I’m not here for the battle. I want to cover the civilians of North Gyeongju.”

“Not the battle, but the civilian areas?”

“Yes. I actually used to live in the north, not the south. So… I know a bit about the internal situation.”

While thanking Yu-na for her concern, Kang Jae-wan said it wasn’t necessary.

What he wanted to cover wasn’t the battle with North Gyeongju but the civilian areas of North Gyeongju.

He was looking beyond Gyeongju Bridge with a bitter smile, as if he knew something.

Yu-na guessed that Jae-wan must have some personal circumstances, and she turned her gaze to Tae-hyun, who was checking the food truck behind him.

“Then what about you, Tae-hyun? I heard you were running a food stall with your parents…”

“Hehe. Now I’m using this good-looking food truck to provide cool drinks and snacks to the expedition teams in real-time.”

Kim Tae-hyun wanted to differentiate himself from other food businesses, and the method he chose was to sell cool drinks and snacks to expedition teams that frequently went on external missions.

While the interior of Gyeongju was safe, the outside was naturally filled with monsters and zombies.

Although the expedition teams cleared the paths in advance, there could still be stragglers, and naturally, there were times when he had to risk his life to do business.

Fortunately, since Kim Tae-hyun himself was an Awakened, he could fight off zombies that approached his food stall while selling food to the expedition teams… resulting in him becoming a successful self-employed businessman who pulled his own weight.

“Most of what the cult provides is emergency rations, but hot fish cakes and drinks on site are good for the soldiers’ morale and energy recovery…”

“Jeong Dong-geon is a regular customer too.”

“Ahem. There’s no need to mention that in front of Lady Yu-na!”

The reason for Kim Tae-hyun’s success was quite simple.

No matter how powerful the Balhut Cult was, all they could provide to soldiers on expeditions were emergency rations, high-calorie chocolates, or insulated healthy lunch boxes.

Naturally, they couldn’t guarantee the taste and warmth of the food distributed to each soldier.

“Here comes the PX soldier!”

“I’m not a PX soldier!? I have an official trademark!”

“But what you’re doing is exactly what a PX soldier does.”

So when warm, delicious food or cold drinks were being sold very nearby, how could soldiers who had just fought zombies resist such sweet, cool pleasure?

Moreover, he wasn’t price gouging but selling at reasonable prices, so his popularity among the soldiers soared, and even the commander, Jeong Dong-geon, became a regular customer.

He was essentially serving as a mobile PX, as commonly described.

“I’m glad to see Tae-hyun working hard too. So, are you doing business today as well?”

“No, today I’m volunteering. I’ve decided to collaborate with Jae-wan. We’ve even acquired expensive rice from the liberated farming villages.”

“Volunteering! That’s wonderful!”

“It’s… it’s not that impressive.”

But it’s natural to give back what you’ve received.

Today, he says, it’s not business but volunteer work.

At those words, Yu-na looked at Tae-hyun with sparkling eyes, genuinely impressed.

Feeling uncomfortable with her gaze, Tae-hyun glanced at Kang Jae-wan beside him, and Kang Jae-wan sighed and spoke up.

“In reality, it’s an act to increase the value of his own brand… but this kind of selfish altruism is needed by many people.”

“Hey! I’ve dedicated my life to the Balhut Cult!”

“Yes, yes.”

“But there are people who can be saved by that. I think Tae-hyun is a courageous person.”

While Kang Jae-wan dismissed Kim Tae-hyun’s actions as selfish altruism, Yu-na shook her head and called it a courageous act.

However, it seems this small moment of peace was about to end.

“Lady Yu-na. The suppression of the North Gyeongju outpost is complete.”

“Then please proceed as planned.”

“Understood.”

When the advance team reported that they had neutralized the North Gyeongju outpost, they could no longer delay.

Yu-na bowed apologetically to Tae-hyun and Jae-wan, then slowly stood in front of the soldiers.

“This is the most important march for us! This battle is being watched by Lord Bahamut!”

“Yes, you all heard that? This is our chance to show our worth to Lord Bahamut!”

She then informed the soldiers that Bahamut would be watching this battle.

It was the most important battle for the Balhut Cult and an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their value to the cult’s deity.

At Yu-na’s declaration, Jeong Dong-geon looked at the soldiers and shouted that Bahamut was watching this battle, so they should demonstrate their worth.

Correcting the somewhat relaxed discipline of the soldiers, the cult’s troops began to cross Gyeongju Bridge with tense expressions.

There was no resistance from the enemy.

The advance team had already subdued the border outpost and cleared the way.

Now the subjugation force just needed to cross Gyeongju Bridge like victorious generals and march down the roads of North Gyeongju.

Yes, it was a march.

“It looks like the subjugation force is conducting a formal military parade.”

“That was the intention, wasn’t it?”

“You’re not wrong. The operation is proceeding more or less according to plan.”

It was closer to a military parade that a nation’s army would hold to display its military might.

The subjugation force was holding a splendid parade on the roads of North Gyeongju, just like a national army.

Marching in perfect formation, the subjugation force even sang military songs during their march, truly flaunting their might toward North Gyeongju as if they were the official army of a country.

“The spirit of Baekdu Mountain spreads across the three thousand ri of our land”

“The Mugunghwa of Korea is the light of the world”

“We who grew up with the blood of Hwarang…”

The military song that the subjugation force was singing was none other than the military song of the Republic of Korea, which was like a nightmare for those who had served as active-duty soldiers, but also evoked nostalgia.

“Has the country’s army arrived?”

“Is it a real army?”

Although military stories might still trigger trauma or PTSD, the lessons learned by active-duty soldiers were unforgettable.

The men living in North Gyeongju, both Awakened and ordinary citizens, thought that the Republic of Korea’s army had finally arrived here, hearing the now-nostalgic military songs.

In fact, there was reason to believe so.

“They all have the same uniforms and weapons!”

Their appearance—marching vigorously with identical uniforms and identical weapons—could easily be mistaken for a national army.

Of course, the scale was small, the number of marching soldiers was only 500, they weren’t wearing the commonly known digital-patterned combat uniforms, and they weren’t armed with powerful modern armored weapons.

However, observers couldn’t accurately count the number of marching soldiers, and the navy blue uniforms substituted for military uniforms, so it didn’t matter.

Rather, those secretly watching were overwhelmed by the momentum of the soldiers marching in perfect formation, making it seem like there were well over a thousand soldiers in the subjugation force.

“These crazy bastards!”

This was also true for Jo Sun-do’s faction, who were preparing to intercept after seeing the invasion from South Gyeongju.

Even when they should be infiltrating stealthily, they were boldly conducting a parade in enemy territory?!

At first, they thought it was a useless and crazy act, but after seeing the commotion among the slaves and survivor camps in North Gyeongju, they cursed it as an insidiously clever strategy.

“Boss, are you sure about this? Aren’t they really soldiers sent by the country?”

“Shut up! This is just a sinister plot by those South Gyeongju bastards!”

In fact, even his own subordinates began to waver after seeing the parade.

He managed to stop their wavering by shouting at them, but deep down, even Jo Sun-do himself thought that this army might be deployed by the Republic of Korea.

‘What the hell? Identical uniforms and identical weapons? Is that even possible in the current situation?’

He believed that only a nation could supply identical standard equipment to each soldier—something difficult to achieve in an apocalyptic disaster.

Nice military uniforms, military boots, and well-maintained firearms.

If this wasn’t the country’s army, whose army could it be?

‘What should I do? It’s too late to flee to another region, and I’d hate to give up all the wealth and power I’ve accumulated.’

Jo Sun-do tried to calm his confused mind at the appearance of what seemed like a real army.

Fleeing was out of the question.

His headquarters in North Gyeongju contained the vast wealth that Jo Sun-do had looted and accumulated.

Abandoning that wealth and fleeing would essentially be suicide.

‘Damn it, if I flee now, even my subordinates will doubt my strength.’

Moreover, if he fled without doing anything, his subordinates would strongly doubt Jo Sun-do’s strength.

The justification for Jo Sun-do to act as the king of North Gyeongju was his overwhelming power that no one could oppose.

But if someone who ruled by force became frightened of an army deployed by South Gyeongju and fled without doing anything, who would dare trust and follow Jo Sun-do?

‘Who would follow such a coward? No one.’

Even Jo Sun-do, who didn’t care about others’ opinions and lacked tact in general, knew this much.

If he fled without doing anything, he would be finished completely.

“That woman! Boss! It’s the leader of the Balhut Cult!”

“What?!”

While his heart had already judged that there was no chance of winning and he wanted to flee immediately, he hesitated, stomping his feet, knowing that fleeing would end his current power.

Then, at his subordinate’s report, Jo Sun-do looked at where the subordinate was pointing with a bright expression, as if he saw hope.

There, none other than Choi Yu-na, the leader of the Balhut Cult, was proudly marching among the soldiers.

The most important figure in the Balhut Cult was there, seemingly defenseless.

‘Is it bait?’

At first, he thought she was bait to lure him in.

Wasn’t she too tempting a bait, even at first glance?

‘If I could capture her, I could turn the tide. But it’s suspiciously obvious.’

If he could capture Yu-na, it was true that he could reverse this unfavorable situation.

So he couldn’t help but be suspicious.

“Wait, if we capture that woman, we could get everything from the Balhut Cult, right?”

“Boss?”

But at the same time, a primal desire arose in a corner of his mind.

If he could really capture Yu-na, couldn’t he obtain everything from the Balhut Cult?

He could do whatever he wanted with that damn dragon and those annoying Balhut Cult executives.

It was an extremely base fantasy, but the fact remained that Yu-na was a fragrant and sweet bait.

“Right. Just once. If we succeed just once, it’s over.”

Setting aside all his base fantasies and thinking only realistically, it was an undeniable fact that capturing Yu-na would give Jo Sun-do the upper hand in subsequent negotiations.

It was a golden opportunity to strengthen his control over North Gyeongju with just one victory.

Crisis was indeed opportunity.

“Boss, do you think that’s possible?”

“Think about it. There aren’t that many soldiers. We don’t need to fight them all. If we can target just that woman, we win!”

There was no need to fight that entire army.

Just one person.

If they could capture Yu-na alone, they could declare their victory.

Jo Sun-do tried to convince his gang with these words, but…

“I don’t want to. Let’s just qui—”

“Quit? You? To me?”

That was Jo Sun-do’s logic, but to others, it was essentially suicide.

One of his subordinates shouted that he didn’t want to and tried to suggest fleeing, when Jo Sun-do’s fierce hand grabbed the subordinate’s neck.

“Keh?!”

“Shut up. The king—me—makes the decisions.”

A sound like a pig being slaughtered echoed through the room.

Jo Sun-do’s face was terrifyingly savage as he choked his subordinate with strength that couldn’t be resisted.

“We will fight! Think about it! Do you think you’ll be treated well elsewhere if you flee from here?”

Above all, he knew well that if they fled from here, the wealth and power they currently enjoyed would end.

At his statement that they wouldn’t be treated as well as now, the subordinate’s face gradually turned blue.

While they were currently well-treated in Gyeongju as Jo Sun-do’s subordinates, could they receive the same treatment elsewhere?

“No! Here we are kings, but in other places, we can’t act as kings!”

They might even face discrimination for being outsiders.

Here they could act like kings and discriminate against others, but elsewhere it would be completely different.

“You know, consciously or unconsciously, that there’s no hope in any city except Gyeongju. Do you want to fight zombies every day outside?”

“No, sir!”

Moreover, regions other than Gyeongju were still under threat from zombies.

They could spend their days fighting zombies with their lives at stake every day.

Whatever else, the gang’s sentiment was that they wanted to avoid days of life-threatening battles with zombies.

“Just one person. If we can capture just one person, we become kings ruling not just North Gyeongju, but all of Gyeongju. We can finally properly enjoy what we’ve been able to enjoy inadequately until now! We can obtain the rightful privileges we deserve!”

So if they could capture just one person, they could gain even more wealth and power.

It wasn’t completely impossible.

Yes, betting on a gamble with some possibility was not bad compared to losing everything and falling into ruin.

“Surely there are no fools who would run away from this fun party?”

“Ooooh!”

The gang members shouted with faces stained by desire at Jo Sun-do’s persuasion.

Like leader, like followers.