episode_0063

The advantages of transportation are immeasurable.

Well-paved roads are fundamental, and it’s no exaggeration to say that the existence of various vehicles has drastically advanced human life.

I, who keenly feel the gratitude and necessity of public transportation deeply intertwined with modern life, am now racking my brain while looking at a map.

‘……’

The distance from Yeongdeungpo to our destination is considerable.

It takes over an hour by public transport alone.

Walking would require roughly 6 hours.

This is an estimate from when the world was normal.

This information was obtained through the internet, which is still functioning, as if to prove that its reputation as an IT powerhouse is not merely an empty name.

It’s also the result of discussions and exchanging opinions with the group.

In particular, I benefited greatly from the two managers’ long driving experience.

Their experience traveling not only within Seoul but also across the country is proving to be immensely helpful now.

However, as time passed, the group became less talkative.

This is because the more we cross-referenced the map and searched for routes, the more keenly we realized that our journey would be anything but easy.

Unable to take a car or use public transport, we must now proceed solely on foot.

Pushing through the rotting corpses that fill the streets.

That grim reality is choking the group.

It was the same for me.

Unlike when I could move comfortably alone, there was no clear solution.

Silently staring at the map, I pondered various methods in my head.

Should I follow the subway line, drive as far as possible, or push through by force? I mulled over various options.

Following the subway line carries the risk of being isolated in a tunnel or encountering large numbers of zombies at stations.

Driving reminds me of the dangers I faced with the soldiers previously.

Above all, the roads are a mess.

…If we push through by force, there’s no telling how long it would take.

Most importantly, I’m worried about whether I can keep the group safe.

A route that allows us to travel on foot while encountering as few zombies as possible.

This is what we need right now.

As I pondered deeply, puffing on a cigarette.

The Grandfather, who had been quietly sitting, unexpectedly spoke.

“Is there really a safe path now? As long as we’re going outside, we have to take risks.”

At his words, I raised my head and met the gaze of the group.

The Grandfather was right.

Though they might feel fear, the group had already prepared themselves for any eventuality.

Facing their determined eyes and steadfast resolve, I suddenly came to my senses.

‘…That’s right.’

I had only considered the group as people I needed to protect.

Of course, that fact hasn’t changed, but everyone is prepared even for death.

Looking only to me.

I could glimpse their willingness not to blame me, even if things went wrong.

Prioritizing the group’s safety, I had momentarily forgotten.

“There is no such thing as a safe path.”

That fact.

Remembering that fact cleared my mind.

A direction emerged through the map displayed on my smartphone.

I, too, firmed my resolve and looked around at the group.

The worries that had persisted since early morning ended in vain.

“We’ll move out. Get ready.”

At my single word, the classroom began to bustle.

There wasn’t much to prepare.

Packing remaining food and utensils, and putting on protective gear.

In CEO Choi’s case, he began to get strangely excited while putting on his protective gear.

I wondered if he was alright, but thought it was better than being scared.

Since we had backpacks that the group had shared, we distributed water and food appropriately. The two injured managers didn’t carry anything; instead, Shia, Ms. Bomi, and the Grandfather stepped forward.

Mr. Byeongsu and Mr. Young-cheol insisted they could do it, but…

“I’ll work you hard after you recover, so don’t fret.”

With that one sentence, we decided to put it off until later.

The three who were carrying the luggage didn’t mind at all.

On the contrary, they showed enthusiasm, asking to be entrusted with the task.

As expected, our group’s morale was top-notch.

While the group finished their preparations, I also completed my own.

One thing added was that I took out a bow that had been stored away.

Everyone was surprised to see the bow I pulled from my inventory, which I tried to pass off as having been secretly hidden among my belongings. Meanwhile, the Grandmother’s and Shia’s glances were meaningful…

‘…At this rate, I’ll be found out soon.’

Those two are exceptionally perceptive.

Shia, in particular, had seemed suspicious for a while.

It’s getting harder and harder to gloss over things.

…I need to be a little more careful.

Ignoring their sharp gazes, I strung the bow and adjusted it.

I filled the quiver that came with the set and slung it over my back, completing my preparations.

A slingshot isn’t bad for me, but now, when I need to be more efficient and aggressive, I have no intention of holding back.

Just as I had decided and was inspecting my gear, Private Kang entered the classroom.

“Uh… what are you all doing… are you leaving?”

Private Kang had been meeting with us frequently these past few days for firearms training.

He came today with the same schedule but seemed flustered seeing us preparing to leave.

As the representative, I quietly offered my greetings to Private Kang.

“Thank you for looking after us all this time.”

“…Uh, …well, I should be thanking you.”

Private Kang awkwardly returned the greeting and seemed to have something more to say, but I could see him swallowing it back.

“We’re moving to find a new base.”

“…I hope you stay safe.”

There were no long goodbyes.

I quietly whispered to Private Kang, who was hiding his regret and forcing a smile.

“If, for some unavoidable reason, you find yourself alone, come find us.”

“…Pardon?”

“It’s a secret from the others.”

I told Private Kang, who asked again, our destination.

Personally, I like Private Kang.

In terms of ability, and in terms of character.

It’s a somewhat impulsive offer, but if fate allows, we might reunite.

If that time comes, I’d like to live with Private Kang.

Of course, that comes with the prerequisite of surviving.

Leaving Private Kang standing blankly, I exited the classroom.

Perhaps thanks to a couple of past experiences, our group wasn’t bewildered.

They naturally formed a line, placing the injured and the women in the center.

As we stepped into the hallway, people’s gazes poured onto us.

The hall instantly grew noisy with murmurs, but the group remained calm.

They followed me with confident strides, as if completely unconcerned.

Unlike before, we have to march a long distance.

We must navigate a distance that is hard to walk even normally, risking our lives.

Nevertheless, not a single person hesitated.

The deep trust built up over a short period felt heavy.

‘…Even if my power is revealed in an emergency….’

Upon reflection, it might not matter.

I think our current group would just accept it.

Even if not, they probably wouldn’t go blabbing about it to others.

Just as my steps lightened with this somewhat baseless positive thought.

“Are you leaving?”

Turning at the voice from behind, I saw the two lieutenants standing there.

“…We intended to leave quietly.”

“…Is that so. Well, is there anything we can help with—”

“It’s alright.”

I cut Lieutenant Kim off, but it wasn’t out of any emotion.

“Don’t you all also have people to protect?”

Lieutenant Kim gave a bitter smile.

He seemed to have something more to say, but his lips merely parted.

In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Unable to watch further, Lieutenant Park stepped forward and spoke.

“For saving our people. For bringing them back to us. We are deeply grateful.”

With a firm voice, he gave me a crisp salute.

I received their greetings regarding the surviving and fallen soldiers.

Lieutenant Kim, who had been silent, also saluted and continued speaking.

“We are deeply grateful for your help. And… we sincerely apologize for causing you trouble.”

…It was a very polite greeting.

Their sincerity could be felt from their simple gestures and words.

After gazing at the two for a moment, I looked back at my group.

In everyone’s gaze directed at me, there was no ill will whatsoever.

I gave a slight nod and then bowed slightly towards the two lieutenants.

I didn’t say anything specific.

My gesture, too, was done with sincerity, so it would surely be enough for the two lieutenants.

We both relaxed our postures and looked at each other comfortably for a moment.

“…We wish you good luck.”

“I hope you all stay safe too.”

I lightly responded to Lieutenant Kim’s brief farewell.

With that, I was able to shake off any lingering uncomfortable feelings.

Thanks to that, I could turn away with a slightly lighter heart.

And so, we set off, seeing off by the two soldiers’ sincere farewells.

***

Perhaps because it was the morning right after the rain stopped, the weather was chilly.

A slight fishy smell of water could be felt from the damp streets.

The streets, devoid of the everyday noises that could no longer be heard, were blanketed in an awkward silence that didn’t suit the urban landscape.

That awkwardness must be due to the absence of sounds from living creatures.

All that could be heard were the footsteps and breathing of the group.

The illusion of being left alone in the middle of a desolate, cold desert naturally caused tension to rise.

The slightly ragged breathing of the group, already starting, was proof.

It would be troublesome if they got tired already, with such a long way to go.

Just then, there were no zombie roars or signs of movement nearby.

Just as I was about to strike up a conversation to ease the group’s tension.

Hyuk-hyung readily asked a question.

“Now that I think about it, where are we going?”

“I was just about to tell you. First, we’ll cross Mapo Bridge.”

The group perked up their ears at my words.

I didn’t turn around, but I could feel their gazes converging on me.

‘My scalp is tingling.’

I continued in a somewhat relaxed voice.

“We’ll follow the Gangbyeon Expressway and then the Dongbu Expressway.”

“Hmm. Following the road seems like a sure bet, but…”

“You’ll have to walk quite a long time, and we won’t arrive in a day or two. Think long-term and brace yourselves.”

At my resolute words, I heard dry swallows from behind me.

I tried to ease their tension, but this was their reaction.

I chuckled and turned around.

“Of course, we’ll take plenty of breaks. It’s true we need to hurry, but we still have time, and we need to go safely.”

“Mhm. I knew I could trust you, Oppa.”

“Honestly, I was a bit scared, thinking we’d just walk all day.”

“Me too. I was a little tense for a moment.”

The atmosphere lightened a bit with the remarks from the three entertainment industry members.

Also, perhaps thanks to past experiences, they didn’t become too rigid.

“Being too relaxed is troublesome, but being too stiff is also troublesome. If there’s anything, I’ll give you a signal, so stay appropriately tense.”

“…You know ‘appropriately’ is the hardest word, right?”

As voices from behind agreed with Hyuk-hyung’s words, we paused for a moment.

The place we had just arrived at was Yeongdeungpo Rotary.

Before our eyes, countless corpses lay strewn about.

“…Are all of these bodies?”

“They used to be zombies.”

I replied briefly to Shia, who seemed disgusted, and quickly scanned our surroundings.

Perhaps due to the prolonged rain, the terrible stench was less severe.

Aside from the corpses, the streets were clean.

‘I can’t read the traces.’

Clearly, bodies were strewn about, and there was nothing moving at all.

This should have been a place with a considerable number of zombies.

The zombies I saw the last time I broke through this place with the soldiers.

Not a single one is visible now.

Not even a small groan could be heard.

After concentrating and scanning my eyes for a moment, I found traces.

A little distance away, there were traces leading in a completely different direction, neither towards the school nor our intended path.

And below them lay corpses.

The remains of bodies that were once zombies and fragments of human flesh.

Rainwater hasn’t completely washed away the traces.

‘Did they flock after survivors they encountered outside?’

It’s not certain, but circumstantially, it seems so.

The fragments of corpses on the road indicate the direction.

Following the debris, the ruined buildings left deep traces.

First, I confirmed that there was no danger in our direction of travel.

“We’ll proceed.”

I led the group and began to pass between the corpses.

It was hard to tell if we were walking on a road or a field of corpses.

Looking back briefly, the group’s expressions seemed very uncomfortable.

However, they weren’t retching or panicking.

I couldn’t praise them for getting used to such a horrific sight.

However, in this situation, I could only consider it a relief.

And I hoped they would hold on just a little longer.

Because our journey has just begun.