episode_0028

I had thought that the day would come when I would use it someday, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.

In the original work, the moment Ian received the vaccine was after the immune survivors had died, and the research base had been decimated by zombies. Therefore, there were no Red Eyes left.

The immune survivors in the original work were innate immune survivors. In other words, even if they were attacked by zombies, they would not be infected, so their characteristics were different from mine. Because she was locked in a lab and thoroughly managed, she had never used something like Red Eyes.

What would happen if I used Red Eyes? Would nothing happen at all? Or would it cause some serious side effects?

As I pondered over these thoughts, the idea crossed my mind that maybe I didn’t need to use Red Eyes after all. But if I could use it, my future plans would be much smoother, especially to survive in a research base more dangerous than Gotham City, this power was absolutely necessary.

With a nervous heart, I attached the device with a faint red glow to the ampoule. I held a ring-shaped switch to my right eye and pressed the switch. The red liquid sprayed into my eye.

Instantly, my vision turned red.

The colors of the world disappeared. Something was wrong. The blue sky, the bright sunlight, the shimmering blonde hair of summer, all were painted over in red.

In the end, the world became nothing but black outlines and red.

As I stood there in shock, the voice of the lieutenant came through.

“This is a normal reaction. You act like you know everything, but now you seem a bit more human.”

No, this is just wrong. I’ve never heard of using Red Eyes turning the whole world red.

“Um, is it normal for my vision to turn red like this?”

“What are you talking about? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“No, it’s nothing.”

“Huh? Didn’t you spray it only on your right eye?”

“Oh? That’s right. Why?”

“Why is your left eye red too?”

“….”

“Come to think of it, why is your left eye also red?”

Stay calm. Other than the red vision, there are no other side effects I feel in my body.

There’s no point in just standing here. I moved my body slightly.

Instantly, my heart beat rapidly, and everything except me moved slowly. It’s an improvement in visual acuity when used, not this description of everything moving slowly…

Despite my bewildered mind, I had a feeling that I could hit all the targets right now.

In a floating sensation, my body moved lightly like a feather. I leaped over obstacles and aimed at the target’s head. Bang! I didn’t feel any recoil. No, my muscles controlled the recoil so delicately that I didn’t feel it. It felt like I could see the trajectory of the flying bullet.

I immediately changed direction towards the next target, but the bullet I had shot earlier passed accurately through the target’s forehead.

In that contradictory sensation, I pulled the trigger towards the target in front of me again.

In this chaotic training, the lieutenant informed me that 5 minutes had passed.

It felt like an hour had passed. Yet, it wasn’t as boring as spending that much time. It felt like my sense of time was broken, but a strange feeling that it was working properly.

Sweat poured down my whole body like rain. Strangely, my breath didn’t feel heavy.

“Hmm? Are you okay?”

I didn’t feel okay. It had been 5 minutes, but my red-tinted vision still hadn’t returned.

But what the lieutenant asked was a different matter.

“Do you feel any pain in your eyes?”

Come to think of it… I didn’t feel any pain at all. Only the sensation of floating and the world moving slowly around me.

Is this messed up?

So, 15 minutes passed in anxiety, and thankfully the world returned to its original brightness. There were no other abnormalities felt in the body.

“Looks like there are only monster-like guys here. To receive the full effect of Red Eye for 15 minutes and not feel any pain… ”

The Lieutenant Colonel now had an indifferent attitude.

“And you… In terms of physical abilities, you seem similar to others, but your movements are as precise as a machine. There’s not a single flaw.”

It was a natural result. With time passing so slowly, it was impossible not to move precisely.

Plus, the red-tinted vision and eyes on both sides. Somehow, even the effect lasting for 15 minutes. It’s fortunate that there’s no eye pain, but I should be careful when using it. I don’t know what side effects there might be.

“Hehe, is it my turn now?”

Yeorum accepted the Red Eye with a bright smile.

“Yeorum, you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.”

Although curious, since she had already inherited Alpha’s abilities and was using it in a state where the infection was suppressed, she had concerns about side effects and decided to refrain.

“Huh? I want to move swiftly like that and shoot a gun.”

Yeorum only made a casual remark.

“Well, if anything happens, the owner will fix it. And I’m sturdy, you know?”

Hmm… I’ve tried various games. But this is different. Anyway, since she wants it that way.

Yeorum sprayed the Red Eye into her eyes with an excited expression.

“… Huh? Is this right?”

Nothing happened.

Could it be that she’s somewhat entering the zombie judgment?

Next is Doa’s turn. Although her motor nerves are not lacking, she is timid and stumbles, so even when she uses the Red Eye, she only shows slightly better performance than an ordinary person.

“Waaah! It hurts…!”

After using it, she rolled around in tears.

I guess Ian will take care of her somehow…

***

“It’s an R1200 GS. It’s excellent for both on-road and off-road, and it’s durable. I’ve also reinforced the inside with fiberglass and tuned the engine to minimize noise, so it should be fine. And…”

He kept rambling on about various performance aspects, but I didn’t understand the rest.

“Once you fill up the fuel, it can go about 400km, so it should be enough to get to Daejeon. They’re precious, so please take care of them.”

A man wearing work clothes stained with oil nodded to Ian in greeting. I’ve never seen him before.

A spacious underground parking lot. There were five bikes painted in a glossy black color. I wondered if girls could ride them, but I was relieved.

“Hehe! How is it? Do I ride well, master?”

Yeorum said she used to ride bikes a lot when she was young. Jiyu and Ian, with their exceptional physical abilities, quickly adapted.

I was worried about what would happen if I couldn’t ride well, but fortunately, I was able to control the bike smoothly in no time.

Well, Ian and Jiyu will do well in combat, so I just need to drive properly and follow along.

The problem was Doa, who kept trembling and losing her balance several times. If Ian hadn’t been there to watch and help her, it could have led to a serious accident.

I was wondering what to do, but in the end, Doa ended up riding behind Ian.

I hope she just holds on to him and doesn’t cause any trouble…

After completing some driving training, we headed outside.

Around the base, abandoned cars were placed to create barricades to block Beta’s entry and the swarming ordinary zombies.

It was perfect for practicing hunting zombies while driving around the scattered cars.

Today, intentionally not cleaning up outside, there were quite a few zombies that had gathered overnight.

Ian started the bike’s engine and rushed out, and the zombies around immediately sensed it and ran towards him, screaming.

Controlling the bike with his left hand, Ian aimed his gun with his right hand.

– Bang! Bang! Bang!

With each bullet, the zombies fell accurately one by one. Maneuvering through the abandoned cars placed everywhere, he skillfully pierced holes in the heads of the approaching zombies.

Major Yoo, no longer surprised, just nodded his head once.

Next was Jiyu’s turn. Jiyu didn’t need to say anything.

With movements reminiscent of martial arts, she mowed down the zombies on the bike.

“I can’t do that. No way.”

I agreed with Yoo and nodded. Driving the bike with one hand alone was already a challenge for me.

Although I managed the training using Red Eye somewhat well, it was a struggle for me…

They decided to let the two of them handle the combat mostly on their own, so I had to focus on driving well to keep up.

***

During the necessary training and route planning, time flew by quickly. Ian, who was busy with both the handover and the takeover, spent busier days than the others.

After Ian, the position of leading this place naturally fell to Major Yoo.

Major Yoo played a crucial role in recapturing the research facility and fortifying the base. He would operate this place better than anyone else. He even defended the Seoul base until the very end in the original work.

Although he considered bringing in a few capable people, it was rejected. The departure of Ian and Jiyu alone was a significant loss for this place.

It would be better for the future to have Seoul hold out as long as possible.

In fact, even if a few more people joined this side, it might not be a significant help.

Finally, on the eve of departure, a small farewell party was held. Ian, who had built many friendships in the short time he was here, was busy greeting many people.

Even the unsociable Jiyu smiled faintly and responded to the greetings from many people.

Everyone was saddened by Ian and Jiyu’s departure. In fact, the two of them were the heroes of the day. It was only natural. When new people arrived, the two of them would go out to rescue them, lead them out, and procure supplies while fighting zombies.

They were the most trustworthy comrades who could lead and entrust others.

It couldn’t be helped.

Only Mr. Lee Sang-yeop sat alone, looking pitiful, raising his glass and rambling on about the old days.

“Hey, didn’t Xiwoo fight too? I thought everyone was dead when the Alpha came running, but he was the first to run out and block that acidic slime with an umbrella… But after that, he just did research alone in the underground lab… Newcomers don’t even know about that.”

It seemed like words of comfort, but I didn’t mind. I listened for a while, then slowly got up and left.

There’s nothing to do here.

“I’ll be going now. Take care, Mr. Lee. See you when we survive.”

As I reached out my hand, Sang-yeop grabbed it tightly, tears welling up in his eyes.

“Yes, Xiwoo. Let’s survive and meet again.”

This old man is really drunk.

Before leaving, I went to find Tae-oh one last time. The kid in charge of the facilities here.

Tae-oh was with Do-ah. Do-ah had become friends with some other girls her age during this time and was chatting with them, expressing her regret.

As a few people chatted with Doa, some surrounded Tao, pinching his cheeks and patting his head, exclaiming how cute he was.

In the midst of it all, Tao remained expressionless, accepting the various touches.

I delved into the situation.

“Hey, can I borrow him for a moment?”

Grabbing Tao’s wrist and discreetly pulling him away, I took out my smartphone and switched to selfie mode.

Adjusting my posture to match his height, the stoic little kid appeared in the frame.

Hmm… with that expression, it looks like I’m forcing him to take a picture.

“Tao, can you smile for me?”

The corner of his lips twitched slightly, but quickly returned to their original state. A little kid who had lost his entire family and was left alone. Understanding his feelings was impossible for me.

Still, this picture is a bit… strange.

I grabbed Tao’s shoulders and turned him around to look into his eyes.

“Tao, this is a secret, but starting tomorrow, I’m going to meet your sister.”

The emotionless eyes of the little kid widened in surprise.

“I want to show her that you’re doing well. But if you keep looking so expressionless, she might worry, right?”

“Really…?”

I nodded. Tao, who had been silent for a moment, nodded slightly.

I raised my smartphone again. A faint smile, unseen for months, appeared on Tao’s face in the captured image.

*Click!*

This should be fine.

After leaving a message to Doa’s friends to take care of Tao in the future, I sent him off.

Although I was worried after Doa, who had taken care of Tao almost like a big sister, left, I had asked Jungryeong and Sangyeop to pay special attention to him, so it should be okay.

My work here was done. Watching the bustling farewell party alone, I suddenly remembered summer.

Of course, summer was not invited. The newcomers didn’t pay much attention to summer’s presence, but many of the existing people still avoided summer when they saw her.

There’s no point in calling her and causing trouble.

Since it was the last night, I felt a bit regretful. Should I go see summer?

It shouldn’t be drinking tomorrow before leaving… but this should be fine, right?

I grabbed two cans of beer and got up from my seat.