episode_0062

It was as if the walls between them had thinned.

There was a sense of familiarity, a feeling that they had become a bit closer.

The camaraderie forged by facing death together could not be ignored.

It was as if the color of family had been layered over the name of ‘group’.

It was a very good feeling and a positive development.

Considering the journey ahead, a bond that unites them as one is essential.

The ability of a single person, an individual, is weak.

Without sticking together, they couldn’t break through outside.

In that sense, the current state of the group was quite positive.

Desperate days awaited them, but they would never give up.

They looked out for each other, led each other, and promised tomorrow.

And, beyond what I deserved, they trusted me deeply.

If one was a man, one had to live up to such profound trust.

‘…I will definitely bring everyone back alive.’

Today, too, the group moved their bodies, adjusting their condition.

Watching them, I quietly strengthened my resolve.

While the group took a short break, I gazed out the window.

The hazy sky outside the window was still raining.

The rain that had fallen for several days cleaned up the streets.

While washing away dust and filth, it also carried away the dried bloodstains that had decorated the streets.

The pungent stench that stung my nose had also noticeably diminished.

Instead, cold, refreshing air filled my lungs.

It was a scene one could enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, but…

‘This was precisely when a flood should have occurred.’

The terrible flooding I’d seen on the news.

That time when Gangnam was submerged should have been now.

Instead of people being sacrificed, all the zombies should have been swept away.

Watching the continuous rain, a useless regret welled up inside me.

For now, I should just be grateful that it had removed the terrible stench.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

“I was thinking it would be great if all the zombies were washed away by the rainwater.”

At my answer, Jihyeok Hyung, who had spoken to me, let out a hearty laugh.

“I really wish that were true….”

“How’s your condition?”

“Not bad. It seems I really need to keep moving my body steadily.”

Hearing that, I looked around at the group.

There were those who had worked up a good sweat, and two people sitting due to injuries.

All of our group had gathered.

“Perfect timing. I have something to tell you.”

At my words, everyone gathered in a circle, as always.

I shared my thoughts with the group, who looked at me with clear, focused eyes.

From the conversation I had with Representative Choi a few days ago about the shelter to the journey ahead. The content itself was simple and not difficult.

The reason I spoke at length like this was to respect the group’s ability to choose. Each person might have a different opinion, and there might be some who wanted to go with the army instead of me.

If they chose to come with me, I would do my best, but there was no reason to drag someone by the collar if they didn’t want to. After finishing my brief explanation, I waited for the group’s reaction.

And then, the unanimous decision to follow my opinion.

There were no complaints, no dissenting voices.

Silently impressed by their clean and swift decision, I shared my thoughts.

Details to add so there would be no misunderstanding about our movement.

“First, as you probably know from experience, the current army cannot be fully trusted, so I intend for us to move separately. And even if that weren’t the case, there’s a high possibility of problems arising later.”

“…Is there something that concerns you?”

Representative Choi cautiously asked a question, and I spoke frankly.

“The army has certainly messed up badly, but there will be units that haven’t. What if they successfully establish themselves, defend against zombies, and rescue and gather people?”

“……Wouldn’t people flock to them?”

Jihyeok Hyung quietly expressed his opinion.

My thoughts were the same, so I nodded.

“A massive shelter will probably be created. And there’s a high chance it will collapse from within.”

Even now, soldiers were diligently going out to procure supplies and rescue civilians. This place, which initially had a population of about 200, was now already exceeding 400 people.

It was certainly a good sign and a remarkable achievement, but there were problems.

“It will be difficult to handle the people. The rate at which the population grows is much faster than the rate at which supplies are gathered. And it’s not as if the government is providing supplies.”

Eventually, they wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Insufficient supplies easily create conflict and discord.

When hunger drives people mad, they see nothing else.

Ethics become paralyzed, and outrageous selfishness rears its head.

They give up on bothering to think.

And crucially, we had already witnessed that situation.

Ultimately, they might have to limit the number of occupants or expel some.

With production lines halted and logistics blocked.

In reality, saving everyone was impossible.

It would have been difficult even if they had prepared in advance.

If you try to solve problems as they arise, issues are bound to explode.

Even here, soldiers and people are enthusiastically stepping up, but it’s temporary. Due to insufficient food and supplies, discord will inevitably break through.

If that happens, only self-destruction awaits.

I had already experienced it in this other world.

Places where people live are all similar, pretty much the same.

Modern times are no different.

If anything, they would do more, not less.

Someone might say this:

“The South Korean military must have considerable stockpiled supplies, right?”

I’d heard that exact line while doing manual labor.

They say our country’s reserve supplies are enough to wage war.

And I also heard the follow-up:

“With all sorts of corruption rampant, would those in high places have just left them untouched?”

Defense corruption far surpasses my meager imagination.

I felt it when I met Kang Ilbyeong’s unit before, seeing supplies that seemed fewer than expected.

Therefore, I didn’t hold high expectations for the army’s performance.

Hearing my somewhat negative opinion, the group fell silent.

One might expect opposing opinions, but they remained quiet.

Representative Choi, who had been listening silently, nodded.

“It’s certainly a highly probable scenario. A problem I hadn’t considered.”

“…So, we can’t increase our numbers then.”

Grandpa also muttered a remark, like a low sigh.

“Hyung-nim. So, from now on, will it just be us moving together?”

Perhaps due to the somber atmosphere, Dong-woo acted unlike his large build.

“Hands down. Is someone going to eat you? Why is your voice trailing off?”

“Ah, no, it’s just that.”

“This isn’t a place to argue or refute. It’s a place to voice opinions. Don’t be scared.”

“I’m not!”

Everyone chuckled at Dong-woo, who was acting like a frightened child.

Thanks to that, the atmosphere softened a bit, which was a relief.

…He really is a charming character.

“For now, that’s the plan, but it would be good to bring along essential people, depending on the situation.”

“People like engineers or doctors?”

I nodded at Jihyeok Hyung’s words but brought up something else.

“Your families.”

For a moment, the air stood still.

It felt as if the very space we were in had frozen.

But it was also a topic that had to be addressed.

Among the group, who had stiffened as if by a lie, some choked up.

A few swallowed their breaths and bowed their heads.

They hadn’t spoken about it, but they must have wanted to rush there immediately.

They had merely suppressed it and endured.

“On our way, if possible, we should go to pick them up—”

“…You don’t have to.”

It was Shia who spoke, uttering something unexpected.

“When I was trapped in Times Square, I called. At that time, they were already….”

Shia, unable to finish her sentence and shedding tears, bowed her head and began to heave her shoulders.

“They must have been outside then, because I heard screams. And then I couldn’t reach them again.”

Watching Jihyeok Hyung speak with a heavy tone, I roughly understood.

The group had witnessed the scene of their families being attacked over the phone on that very day.

The phone connection, which had cut off after screams, never reconnected.

Their families’ whereabouts unknown.

Everyone didn’t say it, but they thought their families were either dead or had become zombies.

I couldn’t offer any words of comfort.

What could I say to those who had experienced the attack live?

…Had I spoken needlessly?

“……I’m sorry. I spoke needlessly….”

At my sorrowful apology, the group shook their heads.

They stopped their sobbing and wiped their eyes.

The group, their faces a mess, instead thanked me.

“Still, thank you. In this situation, who else would care about our families?”

“Yes. Thank you, Oppa. Truly.”

The group, sniffling, expressed their gratitude.

The group, who had anticipated their families’ misfortune and half-accepted it, had desperately struggled to survive, suppressing their pain.

I nodded in the heavy, mournful atmosphere.

And then, as if making a vow, I spoke to the group.

“Then, from now on, we must surely survive.”

The group, looking at me with bloodshot eyes, seemed to have understood what I meant by my words.

“It will be difficult and hard, but I will surely lead you all to the shelter. And at the very least, I will try to ensure you don’t starve.”

“It’s truly a relief that we won’t go hungry. Hehe~”

Though unfitting for the situation, Grandpa’s jesting changed the heavy atmosphere.

As proof, the group chuckled and wiped away their tears.

“It won’t be a short journey like before, but a long march. Steel yourselves. Especially Byeongsu and Young-cheol.”

At my words, the two managers replied with vigorous voices, telling me not to worry.

“No. I mean I’ll drag you if I have to.”

Everyone burst into laughter at my words.

The atmosphere had briefly plummeted, but it shifted.

And once again, the group strengthened their resolve.

Just then, the sound of rain, which had been faintly tapping at their ears, began to thin.

The sky was still hazy, heavily overcast with dark clouds.

High in the sky, the clouds moved quickly, as if a strong wind was blowing.

Now, it was time for us to move as well.