episode_0107

A change of pace is a very important factor for people. Is there anything that isn’t important, really? But I feel it’s what our group needs right now. The heavy atmosphere had everyone’s shoulders slumped. Their words were few, and though they didn’t show it, a dark mood settled in. ‘…We’ll get sick even if we weren’t already.’ The air inside the shelter felt stale.

Adding to this were Private Kang and Lieutenant Lee. They had broken through enemy lines to get here, just to survive. Stepping over bitter tragedy and sacrifice. Such sad pain wouldn’t be appeased by merely shedding a few tears.

“Time is medicine [a proverb meaning time heals all wounds].” It’s a philosophical, implicit, and true statement. But they look like they might collapse any moment; we can’t just wait indefinitely.

‘Should I try to lighten the mood a bit…?’ It might be a crude method, but it’s an effective one. Pushing them relentlessly so they can’t think of anything else. A typical example would be someone heartbroken burying themselves madly in work. Of course, the specifics are different, but pain is pain. If you just sit there blankly, you’ll sink past the bottom. I know this well from experience. Time is also needed, but now is the time to get their bodies moving. And since we’re going to be using our bodies anyway, I plan to use them productively.

“…Hyung-nim. Why are you looking at me like that…?” Private Kang, his eyes swollen, had a face full of undisguisable sorrow. Just then, Dong-woo also sauntered closer.

“Hyung-nim. Grandma said dinner would be ready soon—” “Dong-woo and Private Kang.” “Yes?” “Let’s do some work together today.” “???” “First, let’s eat.”

I led the two, who were looking bewildered and saying, ‘Huh? Huh?’, towards the dining room. They say even the Diamond Mountains are best viewed after a meal [a proverb meaning enjoyment is best when one is well-fed]. These two should eat well. Because they’ll need to use a fair bit of strength soon.

* * *

After finishing my meal a little quickly, I got up from my seat first. There was something I wanted to do before putting Dong-woo and Private Kang to work. First, I had to take items out of my inventory, and to do that, I needed a bit of an act. I placed a few boxes, taken from the corner of the underground storage, neatly. Pretending to retrieve items hidden underground, I came up carrying a full load of goods. The wide, flat cart, precariously loaded with items, groaned and squeaked, crying out.

As I pushed the cart towards the reception room, everyone’s gaze gathered on me. “Seonghan-ssi. Is that…?” Instead of answering, I placed a large military crate on the floor. When I opened the lid, those who saw the contents let out exclamations of surprise. “No, what, this is…?” “Oh…” “Where on earth did you get these?”

What I had taken out were five rifles and some ammunition boxes that I had previously kept. As people looked on, bewildered yet with with sparkling eyes, I entrusted these to Lieutenant Lee. “Don’t just stand there, at least load the magazines. And clean the guns too.” “…I’m curious how you obtained these…?” “Oh, just picked them up while I was out and about.” “Haha…” Lieutenant Lee let out a hollow laugh at my absurd remark. But it was true that I had picked them up while I was out and about. I just couldn’t tell the full truth, so it only seemed like a joke.

I subtly spoke to Lieutenant Lee, who was silently looking down at the pile of bullets. “It’ll be much better than just sitting still.” “Ah…” Understanding my intention, Lieutenant Lee nodded slightly. Then, making sure her injured thigh was comfortable, she began to move her hands. The simple task of removing clips and loading rounds was just the right kind of diversion to clear her head. Unexpectedly, extra work had been given, but people realized the reason and one by one began to stick around and help Lieutenant Lee. Seeing that, I immediately sought understanding from the two elders.

“I’m planning to go out for a bit, and I’ll take Dong-woo with me.” “Dong-woo?” “Yes. There won’t be any danger. And he won’t get hurt either.” “B-but still…” I wasn’t unaware of the grandmother’s feelings, as she trailed off her words with a deeply worried expression. It was natural that she wouldn’t want to send her only grandson out into the dangers beyond.

But they couldn’t keep him sheltered forever. The two of them couldn’t protect Dong-woo indefinitely. And Dong-woo wasn’t just a young child anymore.

“Grandma. Don’t worry. It’ll be fine as long as I stick with Hyung-nim, won’t it?” “…” “Honey, what’s there to worry about when Seonghan is with him? He said there wouldn’t be any danger, right?” “Of course. We’re just going out for a quick trip.” “…” The grandmother didn’t answer in the end, her expression firm. But when the grandfather gently coaxed her, saying, “It’s for Dong-woo’s sake,” she reluctantly showed her consent.

Even though he spoke that way, it was unavoidable that the grandfather also felt worried. But it seemed the grandfather recognized that simply protecting Dong-woo wouldn’t solve everything. Unlike the two anxious elders, Dong-woo himself was carefree. Yet, perhaps thanks to having accompanied me before, he wasn’t overly excited. He was a perceptive kid.

“Can you drive?” “Hyung-nim. I have a Class 1 ordinary license.” “What about Private Kang?” “I also have a Class 1 ordinary license.” “…Good. Private Kang, you’re coming too. No problem, right?” “No problem.” Private Kang, speaking firmly, seemed like he would do his part even amidst the difficulties. Seeing Private Kang’s reliable attitude, I also sought permission from Lieutenant Lee. After all, Lieutenant Lee was his superior; I couldn’t just take a soldier away without her consent.

“Lieutenant Lee-nim. Is this alright?” “If he says he’s okay, then… Ah! I’m not a soldier anymore.” “…What?” “I don’t want to die as expendable material. And I believe I’ve fulfilled my duty enough. So, consider me self-discharged.” Lieutenant Lee, speaking as if making an announcement, wore a subtly relieved expression. Private Kang, standing beside her, said the same thing. “Me too. So please call me by my name from now on, not Private Kang.”

“…Are you sure about this?” “Of course, Hyung-nim. Please call me comfortably.” “Alright. Then try to do something about that military way of speaking.” “…I can’t quite do it right away. Please give me some time.” “…Uh… right… Just keep doing what you’re doing for now.” When I pointed out his military speech, it turned into a very awkward way of speaking. Private Kang… no, Kang Incheol, seemed to need a little more time.

First, I tasked Dong-woo with having him wear civilian clothes instead of his tattered military uniform, then I asked Chief Choi and my brother. “It would be good to have a car, wouldn’t it?” “It would certainly be advantageous to have one. You never know when or how it might be used.” “Understood.” “Then I’ll also—” “No, Hyung, you stay here.” “What? Dong-woo is going out, but why not me?” “You’re a patient, Hyung.”

I stopped my brother, who was naturally trying to follow. He had gotten a bit better, but he was still a patient. His body wasn’t back to normal, and if he overexerted himself with just a slight improvement, it would all be for nothing. I asked for Dr. Jang Heeyeon’s opinion, and her answer matched my thoughts. “Jihyeok-ssi isn’t in a condition to move around. If he goes out now and catches a cold, he’ll get sick again. More than that, you know we’re short on facilities and medicine, right?” My brother shut his mouth at the professional doctor’s blunt truth. It seemed the expert’s firm words had hit home.

“You should listen to the doctor. Take care of yourself. We’re not going to do anything major.” “Hmm… alright…” “There’s plenty to do anyway. For now, just rest.” It wasn’t hard to soothe my brother, who was starting to get a little dejected. Because he knew what was right, he didn’t insist. It just seemed he didn’t like sending only his younger siblings out. As expected, this person would do his part no matter where he went.

I turned my gaze from my brother, who was quietly backing away, and asked Dr. Jang Heeyeon. “What will you and the two nurses do? If you wish, I can take you to the hospital.” Honestly, we had cleared out the zombies around here, and though there were people at the hospital, it wasn’t as safe as this place. Supplies were scarce, and electricity was cut off. It would just be a waste of breath to explain where it was more advantageous to survive. It would be great to have a doctor here, but I couldn’t force them. They were brought here with that understanding from the start.

However, Dr. Jang Heeyeon’s party answered immediately. “If it’s alright, we’d like to stay here longer. Would that be okay?” At the unhesitating answer, I looked at Chief Choi. Chief Choi smiled faintly and nodded. “We talked while Seonghan-ssi was out. For us, having a resident doctor would be ideal.” “And… outside is a bit scary…” “Understood.”

“Um, could I bring my uncle here?” “Your uncle?” “Ah, Director Jang Myeonghwan is my uncle.” “That would be difficult.” I refused without even thinking. I had no intention whatsoever of letting untrustworthy people into this space. It wasn’t just an acquaintance, but a relative, so even if it was awkward, I couldn’t accept. At my firm reply, Dr. Jang Heeyeon didn’t ask further. Chief Choi also moved on quietly without adding any unnecessary remarks. To leave a place like this behind would be foolish. In that sense, I considered Dr. Jang Heeyeon and the two nurses to be wise.

Dr. Jang Heeyeon said that if I met the director, I should just convey her regards, and then she stepped back. That much wouldn’t be difficult. I just needed to drop by on my way to and from. It looked good that Dr. Jang Heeyeon made her judgment without being swayed by the family relationship. Not pestering people and causing trouble was also a plus. I had told Director Jang that I would send her back soon, but since she wanted to stay, I felt I should convey that to him.

Once the conversation was roughly finished, I began to prepare to leave. Since there probably wouldn’t be any fighting, I only put on a neck warmer and a vest. And work gloves, essential for the task. It didn’t take long to gather even a large backpack. When I returned to the reception room, Incheol and Dong-woo, who had finished preparing, were waiting. I threw each of them a pair of gloves and a backpack.

“Incheol, you’ll drive.” “Oh? Is there a car?” “I brought a small truck.” “Wow~ it’s been a long time since I’ve driven a civilian car. No, it’s been a while.” “Pfft…” He was trying to get rid of his stiff military speech, and I was sorry, but his awkward way of speaking was funny. Just as we were about to depart, with everyone watching.

“Excuse me, over here.” A young mother called out from behind me. She still held her child precious in her arms. When our eyes met, she conveyed her greetings to me. “Thank you for saving us. I’m only just getting to say it now.” “Oh. It’s alright, don’t worry about it too much.” “But you saved us twice.” “…?” “That, in front of Yeongdeungpo School…” “Ah!!” I remembered.

The well-built married woman who almost ran into serious trouble back then. The ferocious click-clack of its teeth vividly came to mind. I hadn’t thought much about it since then, but that mother and child were these people. “So the child back then was Miri.” “Yes. Thank you so much. Miri~ Say hello to uncle?” “…” My gaze involuntarily went to the child. I remembered the child, paralyzed with fear, unable to make a sound, only shedding tears. Back then, she could at least cry out, but now… “…Hmm.”

The child had lost both her voice and her vitality. She would have been very pretty originally, but her emaciated and lifeless appearance was simply heartbreaking. Still, I never imagined I’d meet those people from back then here. ‘…She seemed to have a husband…’ Just as Incheol had lost his unit members, it seemed the child’s mother had also lost her husband. I wasn’t so insensitive as to bring up that fact in front of a child who had just barely calmed down. I considered stroking the child, who had even developed aphasia from the shock, but I dismissed the thought. If I accidentally scared her, it would just cause trouble. More than anything, I didn’t have the kind of aura or appearance that children would like.

“…Please take good care of yourself and the child.” “Yes, I will.” “Shia, stay with Grandma, okay?” “Okay. Will it take long?” “That…” At Shia’s question, I looked at Dong-woo and Incheol. “Depends on these two?” “Huh??” With that, I ended the conversation. Even with my reassurance, I lightly tapped Shia’s shoulder, whose eyes were still worried, and then moved on.

Immediately after leaving the shelter, we got into the small truck parked to one side and departed without delay. The sky was a deep blue, without a single cloud, matching the cold weather. Somehow, the sky also seemed higher. It was clear to see that winter had arrived with a sudden chill. Incheol, driving slowly and smoothly through the quiet streets, certainly seemed to have good driving skills. He probably hadn’t had many opportunities to drive in the unit, yet he was completely at ease.

“I should pick a day to clean the car. The dust is just ugh~” Kang Incheol grumbled as he lowered the window due to the dust swirling inside the car, despite the cold weather. I completely agreed with that sentiment. Those dead gangster bastards seemed to have no concept of hygiene. Dong-woo waved his hand through the fluttering dust and asked. “Hyung-nim. But where are we going?” “The gangsters’ hideout.” “What?!” “Just keep going straight.”

The two were startled when I said we were heading to the hideout. I calmed them down. “I’ve already taken care of all the gangsters.” “Oh… then why are we going there?” “…To scavenge.” “Scavenge?” “There’s a lot of stuff we left behind. You’ll have to put in some effort today.” “Whoa~!!” At the explanation that there were quite a few supplies, the two young men’s expressions brightened dramatically. Seeing their good reaction, I also smiled faintly. ‘It wasn’t a bad choice after all.’

At the time, there were too many people watching, so I had no choice but to leave them behind. Anyway, my inventory was overflowing with supplies. Even if I slowly started using these, I definitely intended to retrieve the remaining supplies. ‘Having them directly gather supplies from outside like this would be good too.’ There’s no need to overthink it. They’ll experience moving on their own and procuring supplies. This seemingly minor routine would make them stronger through experience. That’s what experience points are.

Furthermore, I had no intention of keeping them cooped up and huddled inside the shelter forever. ‘Once they recover, I’ll make them exercise.’ This was the situation we were in anyway. There was absolutely no loss in building up their physical strength and training their bodies. Eat well, sleep well, rest deeply. And work hard. My companions and I had the conditions to maintain such a daily routine. Of course, there would be quite a few people complaining.

Whether they knew my thoughts or not, Dong-woo and Incheol were very excited. Driving through the quiet streets on a sunny day, out in the open. It was the kind of time anyone with a car would enjoy. I subtly glanced at Incheol’s expression as he drove. Fortunately, it seemed he had gotten a change of pace. His swollen eyes were still there, but the shadow that had been on his face had considerably faded.

‘…That’s a relief.’ Hang in there. The living must live. Live for the sake of others too. Any words might sound presumptuous. I wasn’t good with words, nor did I intend to offer awkward comfort. I would just watch over them from behind and wait. For them to overcome it on their own.

Right now, they were clearly smiling. But there were deep, hidden wounds that weren’t visible. I sincerely hoped those wounds wouldn’t fester and worsen. I hoped good memories would be laid over the healing scars. The manual labor event, prepared as the first step towards that. Incheol, whose spirits had lifted a little, and Dong-woo, who was excited. The small truck, carrying me, who silently watched them, leisurely sped down the deserted road.