episode_0033

At the end of the conversation, everyone decided to move to the school where the soldiers were located.

The decision itself wasn’t dragged out.

They had great lingering faith in the military as an organization.

They believed that just as the military protected the nation, it would protect them too.

My thoughts weren’t much different.

Assuming things went well, considering the future, it was naturally correct to choose that option.

If things went well.

The mere fact that trained soldiers were armed with real weapons and defending made a huge difference in terms of reassurance. Also, it was a group, not an individual like me.

An organization like the military truly shines in a situation like this.

However, my honest feeling was that I wished they would postpone that choice.

I trusted the military personnel, but not the higher-ups.

They were closer to politicians than soldiers.

I had seen articles about their involvement in various corruptions since long ago, and for personal reasons, I didn’t like the military.

Of course, it was just my personal feeling.

But putting those things aside, the reason they solidified their decision to move was because of me.

Their concern was that the burden I was carrying was too great.

These kind-hearted people made that decision out of worry for me.

“No amount of thanks could ever be enough for Seonghan-ssi.”

The person who always took the lead in speaking was Jihyeok-ssi.

“Despite everything, you brought us here, and you’re still providing us with food and supplies. We’re not fools. We know how dangerous it is outside. To be honest, part of us wants to just keep hiding here. But we can’t burden Seonghan-ssi any further than this.”

“Hmm…”

If I put it that way, I just pulled out what I had stocked in my inventory, and it made me feel a bit guilty.

There’s no danger from the zombies themselves as long as I can just repel them…

“We could put aside our shame and rely on Seonghan-ssi. But we can’t keep pushing someone who stepped forward out of goodwill, without expecting anything in return, into dangerous situations.”

“Uh… we did make a contract, even if it was just verbal, didn’t we?”

“It’s not just Sunbae-nim, everyone feels the same way.”

Shia-ssi even chimed in from the side.

It seemed they had some kind of talk while I was out.

It’s a special situation, so I can overlook minor things, but this is a bit much…

The atmosphere was one where affection was through the roof.

It was a little embarrassing.

“We know how dangerous the things you do are, young man. We all saw it on the broadcast.”

The grandmother, who had been quietly listening, added a word.

“Broadcast?”

“After you left, the broadcast kept playing. It’s cut off now, though.”

According to Jihyeok-ssi, who helped explain, it had periodically repeated the same content. The content was no different from before.

Stockpile water and food.

Do not leave your home.

If you cannot go home, endure in a school or large building.

Unlike before, the warnings were firm and grave, he said.

“Hmm… the broadcast content isn’t much different, then.”

“No. There is something that’s changed.”

“?”

“They stopped mentioning deadlines and countermeasures.”

‘Ah…!’

Before, they had specifically stated a deadline of half a month to a month and made conventional remarks about doing their best to find a solution.

“And the broadcast was just repeating recorded content. Even that isn’t playing now, though.”

‘These bastards… they got pushed back and ran away.’

Reality is different from movies.

In disaster situations in movies, presidents always say this:

“…I will not leave.”

“Mr. President! What are you saying?!”

“The people are afraid. I will stay in my place until the very end.”

“But Mr. President! You must go!”

The head of state, reluctantly leaving as if dragged away.

These were cringey scenes often seen in old movies.

When I was young, I thought all high-ranking people like presidents were like that.

Movies are movies, and reality is reality.

It didn’t take long to realize that.

The people who survived and made a “panty run” [ran away like cowards].

“I merely evacuated temporarily to plan for the nation’s future!”

Those who quickly fled would probably be saying something like that.

It would be a relief if they weren’t just holed up somewhere, veins bulging in their necks, arguing to shift blame.

‘If the broadcast is cut off, does that mean the defense of major facilities has failed…?’

Whether it’s important announcements or hopeful speeches, there are few means of communication as efficient as broadcasting.

They must have tried to protect and maintain it somehow, so if they failed, it’s fair to assume other national facilities won’t last much longer either.

I had expected it, but as it became a reality, the atmosphere grew heavy.

If we join the shelters protected by the military, our lives will be controlled, but for now, it will be safe. It’s also worth hoping that they might quickly adapt and respond to national guidelines.

Both large and small groups have clear advantages and disadvantages.

No matter which I choose, I am confident I can survive.

There isn’t much time until the coming winter, but leading eight people to find a safe place right now is somewhat difficult.

Joining the military for now and observing the situation is also one option.

If things go wrong, we can just leave.

I can’t force these people to make a choice just because I dislike the military.

Then, I suppose we’ll have to go there and experience it ourselves to know.

They might do better than I think.

“We will move when it gets light tomorrow. Is everyone okay with that?”

At my words, everyone nodded firmly.

“Good. Then, let’s prepare in advance.”

Immediately, I took items out of the duffel bag and spread them out.

Shoes, simple protective gear, and a firefighter’s axe.

Shia-ssi, seeing them, asked:

“Was there an axe in there too? I don’t think I saw it earlier…”

“I had it well-tucked away in case anyone got hurt.”

“Oh… it takes skill to put things in a bag, too.”

I nearly got caught taking the axe out of my inventory while pretending to reach into the bag and pull it out. I nonchalantly brushed off Shia-ssi’s rather sharp question.

It felt natural.

‘Pointlessly good eyesight…’

First, I had them put on athletic shoes so they could run if necessary.

Except for Dong-woo, everyone had uncomfortable shoes like dress shoes.

Shia-ssi, in particular, had even broken the heel of her shoe.

They must have been very uncomfortable with dress shoes.

Then I showed them how to wear gaiters.

If that wasn’t enough, it seemed good to wrap some denim scraps around too.

“Ah, Jihyeok-ssi, you wear that.”

“Th-this?”

It was the rider armor that Jihyeok-ssi happened to be holding.

It was made of leather, which was difficult to pull off, and had some protective gear attached. Jihyeok-ssi hesitated for a moment, then soon began to put it on over his clothes.

“Oh…”

“Ooh~”

“Oh… Sunbae-nim, it suits you well.”

“R-really?”

‘…It really suits him.’

Everyone burst into exclamations of admiration. It suited him unbelievably well.

It felt like a character from a game had appeared.

Perhaps an actor truly is an actor for a reason.

“Uh, excuse me, what about this?”

“Ah, Shia-ssi, would you like to wear that?”

“……”

Shia-ssi was holding a one-piece women’s rider armor.

At my words to put it on, her face began to turn bright red.

She hesitated, unable to do one thing or the other.

…Looking closely, she was cute.

‘Is it really a bit much?’

It’s probably a bit too much to wear openly—

“Isn’t that too scandalous?”

The grandmother stepped forward at a good time.

Perhaps it looked a bit much from a woman’s perspective.

“B-but still…”

“I just picked it up in case, so don’t feel pressured.”

I took the rider armor instead and put it away, then handed her the gaiters.

Thinking about it, having her wear something like that might just needlessly attract attention.

With the world like this, various crazy people will soon pop up simultaneously. There might be no need to deliberately draw aggro.

I showed Shia-ssi, who was stammering while holding the gaiters, how to put them on.

Perhaps the rider armor was so shocking, her face was still flushed red.

“Even if it’s uncomfortable, you need to tighten them well and wear them properly.”

“……”

“Shia-ssi?”

“……Yes.”

Unlike the initial assertiveness she showed, she seemed like an innocent country girl.

I should refrain from playing mischievous jokes in the future.

After helping with the equipment and turning around, people’s gazes were fixed on me.

Everyone had a somewhat pleased expression.

Dong-woo’s gaze, in particular, looked not just pleased, but also sly.

“…What’s the meaning of that expression?”

“Heh. Nothing, Hyung-nim.”

He was young, but with a face that looked older than Jihyeok-ssi, making such an expression, he looked like an old man.

As I looked at Dong-woo with a sympathetic gaze, everyone finished putting on their gear.

Everyone checked the fit, moving their bodies and rotating their arms.

Their reactions suggested the protective gear was fascinating.

‘I used to be like that too.’

When I first started as an an adventurer.

Back then, I was innocent, like a rookie.

Now, I guess I’m more like a worn-out, retired veteran.

The glorious past days I had briefly forgotten came to mind.

“It might be a bit uncomfortable, but try to get used to it. I’ll check on you again when we leave tomorrow.”

“Um, Seonghan-ssi, aren’t you putting anything on?”

Shia-ssi asked worriedly, seeing that I was the only one bare.

“I’ve prepared my own separately.”

I smiled lightly and gave her a look that said not to worry.

Then, I had everyone, who were slightly excited, sit down.

“First, our destination is the girls’ high school. It’s not far.”

As I spoke about tomorrow’s objective, everyone in the group began to focus.

“The distance would take about 40 minutes on foot, but as you know, the situation outside isn’t good. So, you should expect it to take a bit longer.”

The difference between walking knowing the end and walking not knowing it is very significant.

Even considering physical stamina, it’s good to have a rough idea.

“Surely, you didn’t go all the way there and back?”

“Yes. I secretly followed behind the survivors and soldiers back then.”

At my words, Jihyeok-ssi made a complicated expression.

“As I said before, I hardly encountered any zombies. However, there could be variables, and there were zombies in the alley in front of the motel even now.”

“I see. Zombies…”

At the mention of zombies, the group didn’t startle as much as before.

Their faces hardened a bit, but they seemed mostly accustomed to it.

It was truly fortunate as we prepared for tomorrow’s departure.

“First, I’ve cleared the path ahead. Don’t worry about it during tomorrow’s move.”

I looked around at everyone and spoke with a nuance that told them not to worry.

The people nodded and firmly closed their mouths.

It’s good to build tension, but it’s too early.

“We’re not moving right away, so relax and get a good night’s sleep.”

After saying that, I stood up and dismissed the gathering.

My words were quite dry, but there was nothing else to say.

Since I was up, I headed to the rooftop to have a cigarette.

I felt like having a cigarette for no particular reason.

Right now, I couldn’t think of anything.

I just wished that everyone would be safe tomorrow.