Chapter 27: Unexpected Windfall (2)

Unique Skill, Temporary Base.

Han-seong stared at the skillbook before him with a dumbfounded expression. It took him quite some time to come to his senses.

“…I can’t believe this actually appeared.”

Wasn’t the base establishment skill something that could only be obtained by overcoming trials in the Mage’s Tower?

A look of doubt crossed Han-seong’s face.

But he soon dismissed it. It was a question that couldn’t be resolved at this point anyway. Shaking off his idle thoughts, Han-seong immediately learned the skill.

[You have used the skillbook.]

[Unique Skill: ‘Temporary Base’ acquired]

[Unique: Temporary Base (Lv.4)]

-Establishes a temporary base within a certain range centered on all possessed bases. When entering the temporary base’s area, all blessings are activated.

▷Installation range: 5km radius

▷Base area: 5m radius

▷Duration: 12 hours

▷Cooldown: 42 hours

▶Grade: 3rd Tier

The cooldown had decreased by 6 hours compared to the information seen in the skillbook. It was probably due to the influence of the skill level.

Well then, shall we try using it?

“Open Map.”

Han-seong unfolded the map.

His gaze turned to Ttukseom Hangang Park.

The place where the Vampiric Tree resided.

‘Until now, I could only watch from afar.’

After all, he didn’t have a single attack skill that could reach the Vampiric Tree. And it was difficult to just send the Collector to fight alone.

But now the situation had changed.

If he created a temporary base within a 1km radius of the Vampiric Tree and moved there, he could unleash attack skills to his heart’s content.

Han-seong stared at the map with an excited expression.

‘There are three optimal conditions.’

First, it should be less than 1km away from the Vampiric Tree.

Second, it should preferably be a high-rise building.

Third, the surrounding environment should be relatively safe.

The first candidate that came to his mind based on these criteria was Kangil Girls’ High School. However, the tallest building at Kangil Girls’ High School was just a 6-story clock tower.

‘Moreover…’

The direction where the Vampiric Tree was located was full of high-rise buildings, blocking the view. And the fact that there were over 300 survivors also bothered him.

There was a possibility that someone might witness his appearance. He might even have his photo taken or his identity exposed.

‘Let’s look around a bit more.’

Preferably somewhere without people.

As he carefully examined the map, a suitable candidate caught Han-seong’s eye.

A luxury residence building between Konkuk University Station and Ttukseom Resort Station. It was only 800 meters away from the Vampiric Tree, and the top floor was an impressive 24 stories high.

‘This looks good.’

Moreover, the view towards the Han River was wide open, so the location of the Vampiric Tree was clearly visible.

There were no survivors visible in the vicinity either.

Han-seong’s eyes sparkled as he was about to use the skill. But at that moment.

“Ah, wait a second.”

Something concerning came to mind.

What if using the skill caused him to instantly teleport to those coordinates? It might be an exaggeration, but the possibility couldn’t be ruled out completely.

Han-seong used Precise Observation to examine the top floor of the residence. He soon discovered that numerous zombies were wandering around.

“I should send the Collector first.”

Let’s dispatch the Collector to the location where the temporary base will be created, and eliminate all potential dangers. That way it can be secured safely.

However, the Collector was currently escorting Ji-hye. So it could only move to the residence after that task was completed.

At that moment.

Ji-hye arrived at Jamsil Station.

A little past 2 PM.

Following the Mage’s instructions, Ji-hye arrived at Jamsil Station. Looking around with the Collector, she soon found familiar faces.

“Hello, everyone.”

“Ah! The Mage’s…”

“I heard you wanted to talk with me. Is there something you’d like to say?”

Ji-hye got straight to the point.

At this, the employees looked towards Young-cheol, who immediately approached Ji-hye.

“There’s something I’d like to ask the Representative.”

“Me? What is it?”

“By any chance, do you know of any survivor groups in this area that we could join? I thought perhaps the Mage or the Representative might know…”

“Huh? Are you planning to leave here?”

“That’s right. While I appreciate the safety here without zombies, I feel we might become a burden to the Mage if we stay like this.”

Young-cheol smiled awkwardly.

But this wasn’t his true intention. There was another real reason why he wanted to leave this place.

“And I also want to check on my family’s well-being.”

“Family…”

“So if you have any information, please let us know. I beg you.”

Young-cheol bowed his head politely.

The other employees also bowed towards Ji-hye and the Collector. Meanwhile, Ji-hye seemed moved by the mention of family and soon nodded.

“Alright. I’ll tell you.”

“R-really? Thank you so much!”

His face brightened.

Ji-hye cleared her throat and began explaining.

“There are mainly two survivor groups in this area. One is the shopping mall I mentioned yesterday, and the other is at Kangil Girls’ High School.”

“Which one has a larger scale…”

“Kangil Girls’ High School is much bigger. The shopping mall has about 20 people, but Kangil Girls’ High School has a scale of 300 people, according to what the Mage said.”

“Th-three hundred people?!”

Young-cheol was startled.

“Yes, but there’s also a downside. There’s an elite monster called the Vampiric Tree nearby.”

“The Vampiric Tree…”

“It’s the monster in Ttukseom Hangang Park. Thanks to the Han River, it hasn’t crossed over to this side yet, but they’re probably fighting hard over there.”

A large-scale group of over 300 people.

But the surrounding environment is worse than here.

On the other hand, the shopping mall is a small group of about 20 people, but safety is guaranteed since it’s near the Mage’s area of activity.

Each has its own pros and cons.

After pondering, Young-cheol turned to Ji-hye.

“If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask for your opinion?”

“Hmm? My opinion?”

“Yes. I’m curious which group you would choose if you were in our position.”

An unexpected question.

Ji-hye tilted her head.

“I’m going to stay by the Mage’s side though?”

“W-well, of course, but if you only had those two choices, which one would you pick…”

“Hmm, if there were only two choices…”

Her brow furrowed.

But her deliberation didn’t last long. An answer came back in less than a few seconds.

“I don’t know about Kangil Girls’ High School since I’ve never been there, but I would absolutely not go to the shopping mall.”

“What? You absolutely wouldn’t go?”

“May I ask why?”

Intrigued by her strong rejection, not only Young-cheol but the other employees also showed curiosity. Ji-hye sighed and calmly explained what she had experienced.

Being confined by the Necromancer Tae-min and exploited without rest time. Furthermore, being monitored in every move by zombies.

“Just as I was contemplating whether to give up on life or not, the Mage appeared before me. And he rescued me without hesitation.”

Ji-hye clasped her hands together and her eyes sparkled as she finished her story. With eyes full of strong faith, she smiled brightly.

“The reason I’m alive today is all thanks to the Mage. So I have no intention of leaving the Mage’s side until I’ve repaid all his kindness, but…”

“But?”

“If I had to choose only one of the two, I would pick Kangil Girls’ High School.”

“I-I see. Understood.”

Young-cheol smiled awkwardly.

He called the employees together and exchanged a few words. The discussion ended shortly, and Ji-hye asked curiously:

“Have you decided where to go?”

“Yes, we’ll go to Kangil Girls’ High School.”

Young-cheol answered without hesitation.

He said with a grin:

“It seems that having larger numbers would be more advantageous for survival than a smaller group, and above all, the Representative’s words were decisive.”

“My words…”

“I think that confining and monitoring people for whatever reason or purpose is no different from what the Poison Master did.”

Ji-hye nodded at those words.

As if agreeing with Young-cheol’s thoughts.

“Then when do you plan to depart?”

“We intend to leave as soon as we secure vehicles.”

“Ah, you’re going to travel by car?”

“We saw quite a lot of zombies on Jamsil Bridge when we were looking around yesterday. So it seems we absolutely need cars.”

It was a reasonable answer.

Ji-hye closed her mouth without any particular objection, and Young-cheol turned to the Collector and said:

“Mage, if you have any message you’d like to convey to the Kangil Girls’ High School side, please let us know. We’ll make sure to deliver it responsibly.”

The Collector shook its large body from side to side.

It clearly looked like it was saying there was no particular message to convey, so Young-cheol smiled awkwardly.

Meanwhile, the employees who had gone to secure vehicles returned.

“Manager! We’ve got the vehicles!”

One truck and one van.

Both vehicles looked sturdy enough to easily withstand zombie attacks.

“Then we’ll be on our way now.”

“Alright, I hope you arrive safely.”

“Haha, thank you for your kind words.”

After a brief farewell, Young-cheol and the employees got into the vehicles. But at that moment, the Collector suddenly spread its palm and tapped the ground.

“Mage?”

Surprised by the sudden action, Ji-hye turned to the Collector. On the other hand, Young-cheol and the employees simultaneously sat down without anyone taking the lead.

“Why are you suddenly sitting down?”

“Huh? Well, of course…”

“Because the Mage told us to.”

Ji-hye wore a puzzled expression.

Then the Collector tapped her shoulder.

It then pointed towards the officetel, and Ji-hye soon understood the Collector’s intention.

Some time later, Ji-hye returned to the officetel escorted by the Collector.

After confirming that Ji-hye had entered the room.

Han-seong sent the Collector back to Jamsil Station.

The reason he had made Young-cheol and the employees wait was simple. It was to cross Jamsil Bridge together with them.

‘If I send them alone, they’ll be annihilated.’

The situation on Jamsil Bridge was the worst.

Even just looking at the map, there were over hundreds of red dots swarming. It was a quantity that would cause them to stop midway even if traveling by car. It would be difficult for them to handle with their average level below 10.

So he decided to help.

‘I need to cross over anyway.’

To clean up the area around the temporary base.

So he planned to get in the car with them and move together. While completely annihilating the zombies and minions of the Vampiric Tree that dominated Jamsil Bridge.

Fortunately, there wasn’t a single survivor near Jamsil Bridge.

‘In that case…’

Let’s do some initial work first.

There’s a skill that can cause mass destruction anyway.

Han-seong pinpointed the coordinates at the center of the entrance and activated the recently acquired attack skill.

[Skill activated.]

[Remote: Poison Fog]

A poison mist that devastates a 200-meter radius.

Having shown tremendous power when used yesterday, he had considerable expectations. And the poison mist did not betray Han-seong’s expectations.

[You have killed a Decaying Zombie.]

[You have killed a Wandering Zombie.]

[You have killed a Bloody Zombie…]

Zombies falling in an instant.

The red dots on the map quickly disappeared. However, there were exceptions. Zombies with their entire bodies wrapped in vines. The Vampiric Tree’s minions.

“They’re more resilient than regular zombies.”

Unlike the zombies that collapsed in just 10 seconds, these creatures struggled to break free from the poison mist’s effects for over a minute.

Of course, it was a futile effort.

Halt!

Their movements suddenly stopped all at once.

It was due to the special effect of the poison mist, paralysis. The minions slowly died off and soon met the same fate as the other zombies.

[You have killed a Parasitic Vine.]

[You have killed a Parasitic Vine…]

The Vampiric Tree’s minions yielded a high rate of 8 coins per individual.

Thanks to this, Han-seong earned a tidy sum of coins.

He waited for the poison mist spread over the entrance area to dissipate. Then he controlled the Collector to join Young-cheol’s group.

“Ah, Mage.”

“You’re back.”

Young-cheol’s group all stood up at the Collector’s appearance. Han-seong sent the Collector onto the truck’s cargo bed, and Young-cheol tilted his head.

“Huh? Why are you getting on there…”

The employees wore puzzled expressions.

Han-seong raised the Collector’s arm to point towards Jamsil Bridge. The others tilted their heads, but Young-cheol caught on to the intention.

“Ah! Are you perhaps going to cover for us?”

Since the destination is the same.

When the Collector’s body moved up and down, Young-cheol’s face lit up.

“To think you’d lend your strength even to the very end, after all the help you’ve given us so far… Thank you so much.”

After finishing his words of gratitude.

The group began preparations for departure.

The truck with the Collector on board took the lead, with the van following behind.

“Then we’re departing!”

The two vehicles began moving.

Turning left towards the Han River from Jamsil Station, the vehicles soon reached the entrance, and the scene Han-seong had created unfolded before everyone’s eyes.

“Th-that…!”

“They’re all dead, right?”

“Who on earth could have… Ah!”

At that moment, Young-cheol’s eyes widened.

There was only one being in this area capable of dealing with so many monsters.

“Could it be that the Mage…?”

Young-cheol asked, looking back at the cargo bed.

The Collector nodded, and Young-cheol gaped as he turned back to face forward. Then he inwardly let out a sigh of relief.

If such a large number of monsters had been roaming the road, they would have been quickly surrounded even if they tried to break through by car.

“We’re entering as is!”

Assistant Manager Kim, sitting in the driver’s seat, shouted.

The vehicles carrying the group entered Jamsil Bridge like that. Soon, about a dozen zombies wandering on the bridge came into view.

“The numbers are small, so I’ll push through.”

Assistant Manager Kim increased the speed.

But the truck didn’t end up ramming into the zombies. Suddenly, shining arrows that sprang up from thin air pierced the zombies’ heads.

“Huh…?”

Five Magic Arrows.

Additionally, the Magic Arrows stored in the bracelet penetrated the zombies’ heads. Thanks to this, the truck crossed the bridge without taking any damage.

As they moved about halfway across.

Han-seong, who was controlling the Collector while observing the map, furrowed his brow.

‘That’s…!’

An enormous number of red dots suddenly appeared on the map where there had been nothing just moments ago.

The Vampiric Tree’s minions, the Vine Zombies.

Han-seong turned the Collector’s gaze in that direction and realized where they had appeared from.

It was the Han River itself.

‘They appeared from underwater?’

Could it be that someone had deployed troops underwater in advance, anticipating that someone might cross the bridge?

As he was pondering this likely possibility.

The creatures that had now climbed onto the bridge blocked the way ahead. Their number was a staggering hundred or so. Young-cheol’s group was taken aback by the sheer quantity.

“What? Where did so many…”

“W-we should stop for now, I think!”

Eun-hee shouted urgently.

After all, if they charged forward like this, they would soon be surrounded. As the truck stopped, the minions immediately launched their charge.

At the same time, Han-seong’s countermeasures began.

[Remote: Decoy Dummy]

A dummy that appeared towards the exit of Jamsil Bridge.

The long-absent creature made an eerie sound, drawing the minions’ attention.

Kigigik! Kigik!

The Vine Zombies’ movements slowed at the unpleasant noise, and they soon halted in place.

The creatures that had been charging at the truck with killing intent changed direction and swarmed towards the dummy doll.

They quickly became so entangled that the conditions Han-seong wanted were met. So he immediately used the next skill.

[Remote: Tinder]

The spark engulfed the body of the nearest Vine Zombie. Even though they were soaked with water, the flames showed no signs of dying down.

Hwareureureuk! Hwareuk!

The minion was instantly enveloped in flames.

It didn’t even last 10 seconds before collapsing, and the flames quickly spread in all directions.

The minions tried to move towards the Han River to fall in, but it was impossible. They couldn’t move freely because of the Decoy Dummy.

‘As expected, fire attributes are quite effective.’

Come to think of it, wasn’t fire also the Vampiric Tree’s weakness?

It seems learning more fire attribute skills would be a good idea. Han-seong inwardly resolved this while marveling at Tinder’s powerful effect.

Some time later.

In just a few minutes, all the Vine Zombies had turned to ashes. The employees who had watched this scene from start to finish gaped in astonishment.

“My, my goodness…”

“All those monsters, in one go…”

It was the same for Young-cheol.

He had thought it was impressive when the elite monster was defeated alone, but to wipe out this many monsters so instantly.

At this point, even doubts arose.

‘Just what on earth is the Mage?’

Surely he must have survived and grown in the changed world just like everyone else, so why does he alone possess such overwhelming power?

Questions arose in Young-cheol’s mind.

But there was no time to ponder on these speculations.

Boom boom!

The Collector was knocking on the truck.

Startled back to his senses, Assistant Manager Kim hurriedly placed his hands on the steering wheel. The truck resumed moving, and the van following behind also increased its speed.

Meanwhile, perhaps realizing the power of Tinder?

The Vine Zombies at the end of Jamsil Bridge slowly backed away. Then they turned and headed back towards where the Vampiric Tree was.

“The monsters are retreating!”

“Good, now’s our chance. Step on it!”

The truck increased its speed.

The van following closely behind also caught up quickly, and the group was soon able to cross Jamsil Bridge.

After navigating through narrow alleyways, the group finally arrived at their destination, Kangil Girls’ High School.

“I can see the main gate over there!”

A main gate with barricades installed.

Beyond it, signs of life could be sensed.

People. Just as they were about to let their guard down, thinking they had finally made it.

Bang!

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out.

The bullet penetrated the truck’s license plate, and the startled Assistant Manager Kim hurriedly slammed on the brakes.

“Wh-what?”

“Suddenly, a bullet…”

The van following behind also came to a stop.

Then the group realized. That the bullet had come from the direction of Kangil Girls’ High School. At that moment, people armed with pistols came out.

‘Those people are…’

Men in familiar uniforms.

They were police officers.