episode_0037

Food, clothing, and shelter. The three most basic necessities for sustaining human life. To continue living, one must eat and swallow something that was once alive. It is a fundamental and supremely important desire. What if this desire cannot be satisfied? You slowly die. From ancient times, it was said that when one is hungry, there is no conscience or patriotism. Humans driven mad by hunger are capable of anything. We don’t need to look far; we are on the verge of death right now. Let alone civilians, even the soldiers, facing zombies in constant tension, are starving. It would be a blessing if the muzzles of the soldiers, driven mad by hunger, didn’t turn towards us. So, we decided to feed them something first. Thanks to the still-working water supply, they said they were surviving by filling their stomachs with water, but I thought putting some proper food in their mouths would be more effective.

As a result, I am currently stirring a large pot of soup with my companions. “Alright. Keep stirring slowly so it doesn’t stick.” “It would be fine even if we just boiled it roughly-” “Keep stirring.” “Yes, sir….”

Now, having borrowed the school cafeteria, we were stirring a large pot. We were making soup to feed the soldiers. When I asked Lieutenant Park for a pot, I was dumbfounded when he said they didn’t have one. I couldn’t really blame him; they had lost their supplies while retreating from the zombies. It wasn’t that they hadn’t tried to retrieve them, but it was difficult to even get past the main gate right now. Honestly, it was amazing that the gate hadn’t been breached. They had abandoned everything and just escaped with their lives, so what could be done? While pondering if there was another way, I thought of the cafeteria, and now we were vigorously cooking. Originally, I had planned to simply boil the large soup powder I had pretended to take out of my duffel bag. Since I couldn’t immediately produce enough ingredients to feed dozens of soldiers, I intended to make something simple, but…

“People are going to eat this, so we have to do it properly.” Grandma and Grandpa both rolled up their sleeves and stepped forward. It wasn’t much, really. I had just planned to dissolve the soup powder, slice some ham for ingredients, and boil it. But the two grandmasters of the culinary world had different ideas. Especially when they heard it was for the soldiers, they insisted it had to be made with utmost care, making a fuss about it.

Thanks to the still-working gas and water, the work was smooth. Dong-woo and the other companions also helped Grandma. Stirring the large pot, nearly filled with over 50 servings, was no easy task. Moreover, doing it in front of a hot fire made sweat pour down. ‘If we had done this in the summer, we’d be ruined, wouldn’t we?’ It was fortunate that it was a cool autumn day. If it had been summer… I didn’t even want to imagine it.

Jihyeok hyung, Young-cheol, and I were doing that work. The remaining companions were diligently slicing ham and sausages, preparing them. “Ugh… This is no ordinary task….” “Y-yeah. It’s surprisingly hard.” “What do you mean ‘hard,’ you young people? You’ve barely done anything!” Young-cheol and Jihyeok hyung, who had been muttering beside me, shut their mouths at Grandma’s scolding.

The moment Grandma and Grandpa entered the kitchen, it felt as if they had transformed into different people. Especially Grandma’s gaze, it was like that of a veteran knight encountered on a battlefield. ‘That’s a true master…!’ Under Grandma’s guidance, a surprisingly edible soup was completed, simple as it was. When I tasted it, I felt like scooping up more for myself. ‘This should be good enough to avoid complaints, right?’

We immediately prepared to serve, informing Lieutenant Park that the meal was ready. The soldiers entered the cooking area in shifts and began ravenously scooping up the soup. Fortunately, the reaction was good. Some soldiers even had red-rimmed eyes or shed tears. Grandma walked among them, generously serving a ladleful to each. Jihyeok hyung, Shia, and Bomi were a great help here. The combination of a top actor, a popular idol, and a young woman. It was perfect for comforting their exhausted minds.

‘That, that hyung is really using his looks.’ Jihyeok hyung, comforting the soldiers with warm words, flashed a charming smile. Shia smiled sweetly, and the soldiers went absolutely wild. Even Bomi, an ordinary civilian, made the soldiers dazed with admiration, which said it all. Thanks to the efforts of the three, the soldiers, whose bodies and minds had been soothed, seemed to have regained some energy, and the atmosphere began to improve. After the meal for about 60 soldiers was finished, it was the turn of the two lieutenants.

“This is Lieutenant Kim, my classmate.” “Nice to meet you. I am Lieutenant Kim Daesoon.” He was the sturdy-looking officer I had seen when passing the main gate. If Lieutenant Park gave off a dependable, large impression, Lieutenant Kim had a firm, solid feel. He didn’t seem to have a warm personality, but he exuded a trustworthy aura. Even the way he ate felt formal. …In some ways, he seemed a bit stiff.

After the two lieutenants finished their meal, we had a brief conversation. “We are deeply grateful to all of you.” With a greeting, the two men gently bowed their heads. After some customary greetings and the atmosphere had eased appropriately, a few topics began to be discussed.

“There are 61 soldiers. 138 civilians. A total of 199 people.” “Everyone is armed, but ammunition is scarce.” “They are severely fatigued from continuous combat and tension.” “The civilians are also experiencing extreme stress from fear and tension.”

The two men poured out the current situation as if they had been waiting. All of my companions also looked slightly flustered. Somehow, these felt like things we shouldn’t be hearing. “…I also mentioned it to Lieutenant Park, but isn’t that military classified information?” “It’s true that it shouldn’t be disclosed carelessly, but it’s not classified information.” “Have you told anyone else?” “No. You are the first.”

‘Why are these people doing this?’ As if understanding my expression, Lieutenant Kim Daesoon added, “I heard from Lieutenant Park. Is it Seonghan?” “Yes. That’s me.” “I would like to request your cooperation.” “Lieutenant Kim!!” I didn’t react, but my companions and Lieutenant Park reacted strongly. I raised my hand briefly to calm them down and nodded as if to tell him to speak further.

“When I first saw you, I could tell you weren’t an ordinary person. Have you received some kind of training?” “No. I was just a manual laborer doing odd jobs.” “…Is that so.” Lieutenant Kim, who had been staring at me for a moment, brought up the main point with an unchanging expression. “Based on what I heard from Lieutenant Park, I judged that you have the ability to go to and from where the supplies are. So…” Lieutenant Kim paused for a moment, then made a heavy proposition. “I ask you to guide us.” “Hey! Lieutenant Kim!! That’s not what we discussed!” “……”

Lieutenant Park was furious, and my companions jumped up. Shia and Jihyeok hyung, in particular, shot gazes that seemed ready to explode. “W-wait a minute! Seonghan Oppa is a civilian. It’s too dangerous!” “That’s right. It’s a miracle that he brought all eight of us here. It’s too dangerous. We can certainly help the soldiers in ways like now. But Seonghan is a civilian. I will consider your request as something I didn’t hear.”

Jihyeok hyung’s calm but firm demeanor was fierce. His words were polite, but his expression was clearly enraged. “S-sorry. I never intended to do this.” In contrast to Lieutenant Park’s hurried apology, Lieutenant Kim continued to stare at me without change. “…I will not apologize. Nor will I withdraw my request.” “Kim Daesoon!! What’s wrong with you!”

I could feel the air around us turn chilly. “…Many soldiers have already died.” “……” “An countless number died even during the escape to this place. The remaining personnel are few, and the situation is the worst.” “…Lieutenant Kim, you…” Lieutenant Kim’s face was expressionless, but his eyelids twitched uncontrollably. Lieutenant Park also seemed choked up.

“We are soldiers. We will do our best for the nation and its people. But in our current state, we can do nothing and die-. …We will merely be annihilated.” Lieutenant Kim took a breath, seemingly suppressing the emotions that had surged up. “For the sake of the soldiers who died without knowing anything, we cannot collapse like this. If it’s possible, I will stop at nothing.”

Lieutenant Kim, speaking calmly, seemed to be spitting out festering wounds. “I’ve heard the story. I’ve also heard about the process of rescuing eight people and coming all the way here. Seonghan. I believe you have excellent reconnaissance abilities and initiative. Will you help me and the soldiers with material procurement?” “…Hmm.” Honestly, it wasn’t my business. And somehow, I had a feeling this wouldn’t be a one-time thing. It felt a little ominous…

But after hearing Lieutenant Kim’s words, it wasn’t that I couldn’t understand. It touched me in a way that made it hard to flat-out refuse. I had no interest in patriotism or a spirit of sacrifice for the nation and its citizens. However, seeing the eyes filled with grief, contrasting with his expressionless face, it felt a bit wrong to pour cold water on a man’s resolve for a great cause. Lieutenant Park was caught in the middle, unable to do anything. He probably hadn’t expected Lieutenant Kim to say such things. He seemed a bit soft for a soldier, so to speak.

I looked around at my companions for a moment. Everyone was shooting me looks that screamed, ‘Absolutely not!’ Only Dong-woo’s eyes were sparkling with bright expectation. *Hyung-nim! I trust you!* If eyes could speak, that’s exactly what they’d say. Seeing him like that made a laugh escape me. After gathering my thoughts for a bit,

“Alright.” “S-Seonghan!” “Oppa?!” Lieutenant Kim’s expression remained unchanged. “However, I have conditions.” “Please state them. We will cooperate with anything possible.” Of course, they would have to.

“My companions are out of the question.” “…Are you referring to your companions?” “Not only must there be no forced conscription, but they must not be mobilized for any dangerous tasks.” “I promise.” “Please guarantee their personal safety. The zombies outside are a given, but please protect them from any unpleasant incidents within this place. As you can see, the child is quite pretty.”

As I made the suggestion with a slight smile, both lieutenants’ gazes turned towards Shia. Shia, taken by surprise and muttering “Huh? Huh?” was quite cute. “I don’t care if people complain about preferential treatment behind your backs. You can figure that out yourselves. If you accept it, I will cooperate to the fullest.” I added this as the two lieutenants exchanged glances.

“I haven’t completed my military service. Although I am a South Korean man, I have no duty to the nation like the soldiers. I have even less patriotism. Furthermore, I personally don’t like the military. Despite all this, I am accepting Lieutenant Kim’s proposal.” “Understood. We will fulfill all your requests.” The deal was immediately struck, as if there was nothing more to say.

I nodded and casually asked, “Are you two currently in charge here?” “For now, yes.” “Then, if we leave here later or higher-ups intervene, this agreement ends.” “……Understood.” “Then I’ll get ready and head to the situation room we were in earlier.” With this, the conversation with the two lieutenants concluded.

As soon as the two left, my companions went into a frenzy. “Oppa! Why did you listen to those people?! Are you crazy!” “Crazy about what? What are you, a girl, saying-” “Oppa-ak!” “Ow! My ears hurt!” Are women strong creatures? It hadn’t even been a few days, but they were already treating me very casually.

“Seonghan. If it’s because of us, you don’t have to. Tell them you can’t do it, even now.” “That’s right, Seonghan. Jihyeok is right. It’s too dangerous.” “Young man…. Are you doing this because of us?” Everyone tried to dissuade me. Seeing their gazes full of worry and apology, I felt… A tickling sensation in my chest. The fluffy feeling wasn’t bad.

I smiled subtly and calmed my boisterous companions. In a way, it was true that it was because of them. I had said I’d take them to a safe place, but this wasn’t it. There was an undeniable sense of unease in many ways. The moment I entered, I instinctively knew I had drawn the short straw. I would gather information here and buy time. Later, I planned to leave this group and go somewhere else. I had hoped for the military’s firepower, but it didn’t seem right. Most of all, I empathized a little with Lieutenant Kim’s feelings. So, I couldn’t coldly refuse. I calmly shared my thoughts to reassure my companions.

“Hyung. Just in case, don’t even dream of volunteering for military service.” “…Don’t worry.” Ah… this man. If I hadn’t said anything, he would have caused trouble.

“Right now, we need to do what we’re good at. You fighting with a gun isn’t an option, Hyung. The same goes for everyone else. Young-cheol, keep a close eye on Jihyeok hyung.” “B-but!” “Hyung. I’m doing this because I can. If you enlist, all the trouble I’ve gone through so far will be for nothing. I’m sorry to the soldiers, but enlisting in the military now is a suicidal act. So drop that idea.” I looked around at everyone and said,

“I promise I won’t overdo it, so don’t feel burdened. I’m just going to scout a bit. You know how nimble I am, right, Dong-woo?” Dong-woo nodded, reassuring everyone. He’s usually so careful with his words, but I like him in situations like this. I added a warning for everyone to be careful of other people.

“Especially Shia and Bomi, never go to the bathroom alone.” “Surely… people wouldn’t cause trouble at a time like this?” “It’s precisely at a time like this that you need to be more careful.” I gave a strong warning to the two young women.

“Hyung, you two, please take good care of the companions together.” “…Alright. Don’t worry.” “I’m not going to die, so why the glum faces?” “Ugh~” At my easygoing words, the handsome man finally relaxed his rigid expression.

“Dong-woo, listen well to Jihyeok hyung.” “Yes, Hyung-nim.” “…Funny guy.” I didn’t dislike the guy who was grinning widely.

“I’ll go find something delicious, so please cook it.” “Alright. Just come back safe and sound.” “Young man. I’ll wait. Be sure to return.” I headed to the classroom we had taken over with my companions.

I put on the protective gear I had taken off and pulled up my neck warmer. Then I put on one of the few remaining hats. I handed Jihyeok hyung and Dong-woo slingshots and steel balls. “If any humans rush at you, shoot them.” “Won’t they get hurt?” “If they don’t want to get hurt, they shouldn’t attack.” “Heh. You’re right.” I chuckled softly, then erased the smile.

“Then, I’ll be going.” With that brief farewell, I left the classroom, accompanied by my companions’ send-off. I was fine, but they were very worried.

Entering the faculty office, which was being used as a temporary situation room, I found the two lieutenants waiting. To the two who once again expressed their deep gratitude, I simply said, “I’ll go alone.” No sooner had I finished speaking than exclamations of shock burst from their mouths. “No!” “Absolutely not!” “……” …I guess I’ll have to talk some more before I leave.