episode_0074

The shelter.

It’s a place where one can hide and protect themselves from external threats, disasters, and other dangers.

The vague image that comes to mind when thinking of a shelter is one of sturdiness and a confined space.

A characteristic of being cut off from the outside, leading to a certain degree of isolation.

Is it because it’s often depicted in movies and various media?

It was perceived as a space with a dual nature: restrictive and uncomfortable, but at least safe.

At least, that was the case until we entered the shelter owned by CEO Choi.

The inside of the building, which we all entered together, was dark.

From it emanated a quiet, awkward atmosphere, devoid of any signs of daily life.

CEO Choi, who had been accustomed to fumbling along the wall in the dark, soon turned on the lights.

Flick!

“……Oh.”

“Please come in. This way.”

The interior of the building was simultaneously illuminated.

The visible interior was very different from the shelter I had imagined.

‘It’s like I’ve stepped into a luxurious home?’

The interior decor exuded an air of luxury and expense.

Although slightly different from a typical residential building, it clearly felt well-decorated.

Though it lacked a lived-in feel, CEO Choi, seemingly accustomed to the space, guided us to a spacious reception room.

We were naturally drawn to CEO Choi’s demeanor, which resembled that of a generous landlord. In fact, CEO Choi had visibly regained a significant degree of composure.

After seating us on a very expensive-looking and comfortable sofa, he began bustling about by himself.

“Haaah…”

I sank into the comfort of the plush sofa that supported my hips and back.

Up until now, we had been sleeping on cold, hard floors, laying down blankets or cardboard boxes.

It was a relief just to block even a little of the chill rising from the floor.

Now, having suddenly regained the comforts of civilization that I had lost, this familiar ease felt paramount.

The others, silently zoning out, burrowed their weary bodies into the sofa.

Each of them had a relaxed expression, as if their bodies were finally registering the safety of the situation.

Some closed their eyes, reveling in the comfort, while others looked around, expressing curiosity. Each person was trying to get used to the new space in their own way.

Amidst them, I simply sat there, staring blankly.

‘I’m sleepy and hungry…’

As the tension released, hunger hit me all at once.

I could go without sleep for days, but drowsiness poured over me.

It seemed I, too, like the others, felt awkward in this unfamiliar space, yet unconsciously accepted its safety.

Just as everyone was relaxing comfortably.

Whirrr—

At the sudden soft sound, everyone flinched.

A quiet mechanical hum, like a low-noise engine, could be heard.

I even felt a faint vibration beneath my feet.

The others didn’t seem to notice, though.

Soon after, CEO Choi approached us.

“I just went to activate some of the facilities.”

Sitting on the sofa with a smile on his face, CEO Choi looked slightly different from his initial impression.

While his dominant impression had been that of an aristocratic and shrewd businessman, now he exuded the strong aura of a vibrant middle-aged man instead.

“I have something to tell you, but first, how about a hot shower?”

…It seemed he had transformed from a businessman into a warm, hospitable landlord.

The others, seemingly unfazed by CEO Choi’s changed demeanor, responded with great enthusiasm.

Throughout their long journey, they had only washed with cold water once or twice, mostly just wiping off sweat and dust with wet wipes.

Now, the words “hot shower” sounded incredibly sweet.

“There’s hot water here?”

“Of course. Every room is equipped with a shower, so pick any room you like.”

“Wow… CEO-nim, you’re truly…”

Shia wasn’t the only one rendered speechless by deep admiration.

Everyone in the group smiled at the mention of hot water.

“Let’s talk after you’ve all had a refreshing wash. Is that alright, Seonghan?”

Though unexpectedly singled out, there was no reason to refuse.

We were immediately guided to our rooms by CEO Choi.

Even if room assignments came later, a shower was the priority.

‘Luxurious, isn’t it?’

The room we were guided to felt like a spacious, high-end studio apartment.

It had a simple layout, with just a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe, but the color scheme was pleasing.

I put off exploring and decided to wash up first.

Tossing off my heavily soiled clothes, I headed to the bathroom.

“Huh… He really splurged on this place.”

Despite my crude assessment, I was satisfied.

The bathroom, even to my untrained eye, looked luxurious.

It was evident that great care had been put into everything, right down to the floor tiles.

Whoosh—

Not long after turning on the water, warm water began to flow.

I stood under the stream, washing away the grime that clung stubbornly to my body.

“……Mmm.”

The feeling of washing away foreign matter and the warm sensation enveloping my body felt incredibly good. Ever since leaving the goshiwon, it had been a continuous cycle of not being able to properly wash.

Now, after a truly long time, I was living like a civilized person again.

I felt a strange sense of satisfaction seeping into my body.

Suddenly, I faced my reflection in the mirror.

Scars covered my entire body.

“……”

For a man, a scar or two can be a mark of coolness and a lifelong conversation starter.

But if they covered my body to this extent…

“Still, they’ve gotten a lot better.”

The scars had faded a bit compared to when I first returned to the modern era.

Nevertheless, there were still too many, and it was a bit much even for me to look at.

The only comfort, perhaps, was that my face and ‘junior’ were unharmed.

If even these parts were covered in scars, I might have gone into seclusion deep in the mountains.

I chuckled at my pointless fantasy and finished my shower.

I roughly dried myself and put on some clean clothes.

Doing this made me feel as if I had finished work and was heading home.

I piled the laundry in one corner, then came out to the reception room and sat on the sofa.

I was still the only one out.

Leaning back on the sofa, I looked around.

The three-story shelter had several rooms on each floor.

Judging by their appearance, they all seemed to have the same design and layout.

‘It’s almost like a miniature hotel.’

That was my impression after a slow inspection.

A safe and luxurious living space.

It was a place that truly fit the description of a shelter.

“…Now what?”

I didn’t know the building’s specifications, but it looked incredibly sturdy.

It was suitably far from populated areas, and there was nothing else around.

It even felt like a secret base, not easily visible.

My companions could live here without worry.

I had impulsively helped Dong-woo, whom I met by chance.

And then, I met everyone else, up until now.

In a way, I had completed the request I had initially accepted as a joke.

Quest clear.

Receive payment and go our separate ways.

I couldn’t get paid right now, but I intended to get everything back eventually.

In any case, the conditions tying us together had now disappeared.

I sank into the plush sofa, lost in thought.

Originally, my life had no grand goals, as I was too busy just trying to survive.

I simply wanted to live with a full stomach and a warm back.

…In the past, I had even wanted to quit my job if possible.

Now, such thoughts were meaningless; the world had changed.

If it were filled with monsters, I might have even gone on an adventure.

But outside, only worthless zombies swarmed.

Currently, going outside only guaranteed hardship.

It seemed I had lived quite faithfully for the past month or so.

Since meeting Dong-woo, I had made many impulsive decisions.

…It was a little bothersome, but not bad.

I also didn’t dislike how my companions relied on me and genuinely worried about me.

‘Should I stay with them a bit longer?’

Though not like a reed swaying in the wind, my heart wavered back and forth.

“Hyung-nim. You came out quickly?”

“……”

The 22-year-old bear cub, Dong-woo, appeared.

When he first fell from the bathroom ceiling, he was in a terrible state.

Now, having washed clean, he looked like a gentle young man befitting his age.

I stopped Dong-woo as he approached, grinning.

“Stop. Sit there.”

“Oh, why~”

A grown man was acting cutesy.

His excessive cuteness almost made me punch him.

“…Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Huh? Of course not. It just aches here and there.”

“That’s because you lack exercise.”

“Is that so? Hehe.”

Seeing his innocent laugh, he was a guy you couldn’t hate.

He seemed timid, but then again, not entirely so.

I couldn’t quite figure him out, but I liked him.

“Hyung-nim. I have something I’m curious about.”

Perhaps finding my silent gaze awkward, Dong-woo cautiously began to speak. I subtly tilted my chin towards him.

“Um, that… it might sound strange, but…”

“Then don’t.”

“Ah…”

“…What is it then?”

Hesitating at my unenthusiastic response, Dong-woo got to the point.

Being a simple guy, his firm resolve was clear on his face.

“…Hyung-nim, are you perhaps a h-hero?”

“……What?”

“You know, like Superman or Captain USA, those kinds of heroes.”

The absurd question left me dumbfounded, yet a laugh escaped me.

“I’ve never worn a tight suit, though?”

“Oh, Hyung-nim. That’s not what I meant.”

I looked at Dong-woo silently.

I had carried Dong-woo on my back and leaped over buildings.

He had also directly witnessed the traces of zombies destroyed by a single crowbar.

It was understandable for Dong-woo to have such questions, especially since he had often seen me fighting after that.

‘I did have to address this at some point.’

I had made him promise not to tell anyone.

And Dong-woo had kept that promise well until now.

…Though he showed it quite a lot.

He was the kind of guy who trusted me and remained calm even in moments of crisis.

Just as I was wondering how to answer.

“I am curious as well.”

CEO Choi, looking neat and well-groomed, subtly appeared.

Gasp!

Dong-woo, quickly closing his mouth, had a truly surprised expression.

His appearance was so comical that I let out a chuckle.

CEO Choi, having joined the conversation, wore a gentle expression.

His eyes were shining brightly.

It was pure curiosity, not suspicion or calculation of gain.

He displayed a pure emotion unbefitting his age.

“……”

“Oh. I apologize for the interruption.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s alright.”

CEO Choi, still maintaining a gentle expression, remained silent for a moment.

“I read in a novel that when asking for someone’s name, one should introduce themselves first. May I speak first, Seonghan?”

“…As you wish. But what are you going to say—”

“I am the illegitimate child of Chairman Bokseonggwan.”

“……”

Whoa.

At CEO Choi’s sudden confession, Dong-woo and I were speechless.

“B-but your surnames are different, aren’t they?”

“Ah. That’s because I took my mother’s surname.”

Answering Dong-woo’s question kindly, CEO Choi seemed completely unfazed.

“No, why suddenly?”

“It might be a bit out of the blue, but shouldn’t I reveal at least this much?”

“……Are you really okay with stating something like that so plainly?”

“Why wouldn’t I be? To hear someone else’s secret, I need to reveal a secret of my own, wouldn’t that balance things?”

“Well… I’ll be…”

I was simply dumbfounded by this completely unexpected turn of events.

According to CEO Choi’s words, to gain one thing, you must give up another.

While I wondered what this man’s birth had to do with the current situation, it was certainly not something easily disclosed.

Especially in Korea, a country steeped in Confucian values.

CEO Choi Junseong, who was already on a successful career path in society.

This man had just confessed a fatal weakness, a vulnerability.

Of course, in the current situation, it didn’t hold much significance.

However, I could feel the weight of those words, spoken so calmly.

“No wonder you seemed so distinguished.”

“Haha. So you felt that way. Thank you.”

“…There’s no need to thank me for that.”

CEO Choi, his smile fading slightly as he adopted a serious expression, quietly began to speak.

“The reason I’m bringing this up is actually—”

“Before that, shall we move somewhere else? Everyone else will be coming out soon.”

I subtly suggested, cutting off CEO Choi’s words.

Dong-woo aside, I could tell why CEO Choi was doing this.

“…You, come along too.”

“M-me too?”

“If you don’t want to, then don’t.”

“Ah, no! I want to listen too!”

Taking Dong-woo, who scrambled to his feet and followed, I trailed behind CEO Choi as he led the way.

The room he guided us to was much larger and more sophisticated than the others.

A magnificent bookshelf adorned one wall, filled with books.

A dignified desk and chair were elegantly placed in front of the window frame.

Besides those, it was filled with various meticulously arranged decorations.

“What do you think? This is the room where I keep my collections.”

“I’m not an expert, but it’s certainly pleasing to the eye.”

As I looked around and explored the interior, there were quite a few curious items.

Things like antique scrolls with elegant calligraphy and porcelain.

A mannequin dressed in medieval plate armor.

Everywhere I looked was filled with antiques.

“Please sit this way.”

CEO Choi led us to a table that looked expensive and impressive.

The two of us and I took our seats at the round wooden table.

After a brief pause, CEO Choi got to the point.

“…Seonghan, are you a special ability user, or as Dong-woo puts it, a hero?”

CEO Choi’s words, gestures, and overall demeanor were utterly serious.

He naturally delivered a line that would perfectly brand someone as a lunatic.

Dong-woo, who had asked the same question, was also listening intently.

“…I am….”

I also spoke seriously, and the two of them listened attentively.

With Dong-woo between us, CEO Choi and I began our confessions to each other.