episode_0160

Usually, when you go to work, the company provides lunch.

That was the norm until just before zombies appeared in the world.

Of course, not everything was like that.

Getting a free meal was good, but the taste was a roll of the dice.

“Do you eat for taste? You eat to work.”

It was a sad reality, but such cases were not uncommon.

In severe cases, I would throw down my spoon and buy food with my own money, which happened quite often.

So I hurried with preparations from dawn.

“This much should be enough.”

I looked down at my tactical backpack and duffel bag, bulging with crammed supplies. Everything inside was food and water, all to my liking.

It was a survival bag that looked reassuring just by looking at it… no, a lunch bag.

It felt like I was rushing too much, and I wondered if I really needed to pack it.

If I had to compare, it was like packing a lunchbox when they provide meals at work.

It was also ridiculous to complain about food when going to work.

However, no matter how much I thought about it, I didn’t believe they could provide decent food on their end.

Apart from taste, I had a premonition that the quantity would be insufficient, so I packed my own share.

Workers shouldn’t go hungry.

With that thought, I packed my bags and put on my clothes.

‘The warehouse is sufficiently stocked too…’

In the early hours when everyone was asleep, I stocked the underground warehouse with supplies.

Food, daily necessities, and so on.

It was an action taken purely in anticipation of a ‘what if’ scenario.

Considering the possibility that I might not return for a long time.

Thanks to the ample quantity that could last for a considerable time, I felt at ease.

They might find the sudden increase in quantity strange, but I expect they’ll quietly overlook it.

I didn’t want to tire myself out before even starting, so I postponed wearing armor. I also left my gun behind.

I could pick up and use tools on site.

Having completed my rough preparations, I shouldered my backpack and left the room.

“Shall we leave now?”

I met Representative Choi, who had finished his preparations and was waiting in the reception room.

Representative Choi, neatly dressed and with his hair combed back, looked dashing.

‘Is this the charm of a middle-aged man?’

I left the shelter with Representative Choi, who exuded confidence and dignity.

It was still morning, and a meeting time hadn’t been set, but I followed Representative Choi’s opinion that it was better to go early than late.

The difference between making someone wait and being the one who waits.

Something about an advantage in negotiations, or so they say.

Anyway.

We exchanged greetings with the shelter residents who had followed us out to the front door to see us off. I waved to Miri, who was staring blankly, and also greeted Shia, who was sticking close.

“Listen well to your grandmother’s words.”

“…I’m not a child, you know?”

“Heh…”

At her sulky expression, I instinctively patted her head.

Seeing her quietly still without much reaction, I turned around.

Some wanted to come along, but I dissuaded them.

There was the ‘what if’ factor, and we also needed people to protect the residents.

In the end, only Hyung, who volunteered to drive, came with us, and we got into the newly acquired delivery truck.

During the short travel time, we didn’t say a word.

We had talked and decided everything thoroughly last night.

Therefore, the atmosphere inside the car was calm.

I looked at the incredibly high sky visible through the car window.

The clear sky on a pleasant winter day contrasted sharply with the ground below.

“Seonghan, what are you thinking so deeply about?”

“Nothing in particular. Just thinking how high the sky is.”

“Hah~ Aren’t you too carefree?”

“Then what should I do?”

I chuckled and replied to Hyung.

He criticized me, though not harshly, for my nonchalant response, saying I lacked tension, but I could subtly feel his own tension.

Even though I was the one doing the physical work, he treated it as his own.

I reassured him not to worry needlessly and asked him to look after our family.

“And do some exercise.”

“Huh? Exercise?”

“Looking at you, Hyung, your stamina isn’t great. Get some training from Sohee too.”

“No, hey…”

“We’re here… Wait, they’re already here?”

Just as Hyung was about to retort, the vehicles of the Konkuk University Shelter group came into view.

More military trucks and cars than before were lined up.

And a greater number of armed soldiers were on guard.

Their expressions were very sharp and highly tense.

“…Did they come to fight?”

“Ah, no way.”

Saying it couldn’t be, Hyung slowly reduced speed and parked the car at a suitable distance.

After observing the atmosphere for a moment, I immediately got out of the car.

I leisurely approached the soldiers with the two others.

“Are you Shin Seonghan?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll inform them inside. Please wait a moment.”

The soldier, who had scrutinized me and the two others, immediately turned and ran.

Not into Dr. Jang’s hospital, but into the market.

In the meantime, I habitually scanned my surroundings.

‘…Was there a battle?’

Both the soldiers and the military trucks and vehicles were the same.

Every single one of them was a little dirty.

There were small, but familiar, smudges of liquid on their guns, uniforms, and faces.

The military truck parked as if hidden behind them was covered in dust, dark bluish bodily fluids, and bits of flesh.

It seemed their journey here hadn’t been smooth.

As I was observing the atmosphere, Captain Lee approached with the soldier who had run off.

“You’ve arrived. We were waiting.”

“…When did you arrive?”

“A little over two hours ago. Representative Pyo said we should hurry, just in case.”

“…”

“Now, this way.”

The three of us headed into the market, guided by Captain Lee.

Representative Choi, whom I glanced at, seemed a little embarrassed.

It seemed to be because of what he’d said about the advantage in negotiations, but I just let it be.

I didn’t feel particularly moved.

Representative Choi’s negotiation theories were applicable when society was normal, but now, well.

Thinking ‘it’ll work out somehow,’ I followed them to a large market at the entrance of the main market.

『Koa Mart』

‘…’

The inside of the market was neatly organized.

The space, cleared of all stands and stalls, was now occupied by desks and furniture instead. A whiteboard covered in scribbles and a map, visible among miscellaneous items, were a bonus.

Judging by the signs of everyday life, it seemed to be a space used by the market residents.

In the center, people were seated at crudely joined desks.

There was the market representative I knew, a few others, and Dr. Jang with his family.

On the opposite side were people who appeared to be delegates from the Konkuk University Shelter.

Among them, two people stood up and approached me.

“Welcome. We’ve been waiting.”

A middle-aged man extended his hand with a pleasant smile.

“I am Pyo Sangsu. I inadequately represent the citizens at Konkuk University.”

“I am Shin Seonghan.”

I lightly grasped his hand and returned the greeting.

‘A national assembly member, huh…’

He seemed to have prepared to look neat.

His hair was combed, and his clothes were relatively clean.

But the visible exhaustion couldn’t be hidden.

His eyes were sunken, and his cheekbones slightly protruded.

Prominent wrinkles, perhaps due to his dry and flaky skin.

Dark circles and a gaunt body showed just how exhausted he was.

The sensation felt from his hand was no different.

But the keenness in his eyes was still clear.

‘…He hasn’t given up.’

Though his appearance was haggard, his demeanor was entirely different.

He felt completely different from the ‘golden badge’ politicians depicted in various media and seen on the news.

Even compared to Lee Deokgyu, there’s no need to look far; this one felt real.

As I sized up and compared him, he seemed to be doing the same, and a peculiar glint appeared in his eyes.

“…This is Representative Kim of Daesan Group, who is accompanying us.”

“I’m Kim Sookyung.”

‘…She wasn’t a secretary.’

Was she perhaps in her late twenties?

The young woman was surprisingly a representative herself.

It didn’t matter for now, so I merely felt ‘whatever.’

“These are Representative Choi and Kim Jihyuk, who are with me.”

“Nice to meet you. I am Choi Junseong.”

“I am Kim Jihyuk.”

We briefly introduced ourselves and took our seats.

On my side, only the three of us were seated, but on their side, there were people from the Konkuk University Shelter and even the market merchant representative.

Noticing my gaze, the merchant representative smiled faintly.

“We have decided to merge with the Konkuk University Shelter.”

I gave a slight nod, seeing the merchant representative explain briefly that they had decided after discussions with the surviving residents.

It might be better than dying helplessly without being able to do anything.

A moment of silence fell, but it was broken by Representative Pyo.

“I heard you agreed to help us.”

“No. I said I’d *talk* about it, not that I’d *do* it.”

“…”

At my words, a stir went through the room.

Especially the woman named Representative Kim, who stared at me almost glaringly.

“It seems there’s been a misunderstanding in the communication. Captain Lee Kanghoon?”

“No, well, that…”

“It seems I misunderstood. My haste got the better of me. My apologies.”

Contrary to his words, there was no hint of urgency in Representative Pyo’s tone.

Even his faint smile and apology felt somewhat relaxed.

‘Interesting.’

I maintained my nonchalant and relaxed demeanor.

They might have the leisure for wordplay, but how long would that last?

I wasn’t the one who stood to lose.

“I haven’t heard anything about when, where, what, why, or how it will be done or received. I only listened because Captain Lee pleaded so desperately. And since he hesitated about what to offer, I asked to see someone who could make a decision. So, please don’t be mistaken.”

I spoke in a dry tone.

“Nothing has been promised between us.”

I conveyed my meaning in my usual tone, as if it were nothing.

After I finished speaking, silence hung over the table.

“You’re right. Then I should explain the full circumstances.”

Representative Pyo cleared his throat briefly, organized his thoughts, and then spoke seriously.

“We are currently facing a difficult situation. With the unannounced disaster that struck—”

“Representative Pyo.”

I cut him off and interrupted.

“You seem to have a lot of time.”

“…”

“But I am in a hurry every minute and second of every day.”

“…The same goes for us.”

“Then get to the point.”

I met Representative Pyo’s gaze head-on.

“Briefly, concisely, and only the essentials.”

“You are rude.”

The woman who was a representative beside Representative Pyo revealed her displeasure.

I chuckled at her reaction, which was like a cat hissing.

I had no ill intent, but it seemed my laughter displeased her.

“We came all this way with difficulty, but your attitude is too—”

“You’re the rude ones.”

“…What?”

The atmosphere in the Konkuk University Shelter’s camp suddenly grew cold.

“You’re the ones who came unannounced and pleaded.”

“W-When did we ever!”

“I don’t care what kind of people you are. I only gave an opening because Captain Lee put aside his pride and everything else and made an honest request.”

I looked at the woman who was a representative.

Her face was somewhat dumbfounded, as if she’d lost her composure, but I said what I needed to say.

“I resent wasting time like this with you. In this time, I could search the streets and find at least one can of tuna. If I’m lucky, I might even save a beauty on the verge of death.”

I slowly rose from my seat.

At that, Representative Choi and Hyung also stood up without hesitation.

“Whether you’re testing the waters or spouting nonsense, do it among yourselves. Don’t bother me any further.”

“Wait! Seonghan!”

“Captain Lee. We are people who begrudge even wasting time and effort on such matters. I will consider your sincere request fulfilled by our presence here.”

I turned my back on this place, seeing nothing more to gain.

It would be far more productive to spend this time playing with Miri or being with my companions in the warm shelter.

As for those who tried petty tricks from the start, they could die for all I cared.

From their actions, it seemed they weren’t hungry enough yet.

Thinking I’d come for nothing, I strode away quickly.

Captain Lee rushed over and blocked the entrance with his body.

“Wait! You can’t just leave like this!”

“I can. So move.”

“No! This isn’t it!”

The moment I lightly pushed aside Captain Lee, who was desperately blocking the way.

“My apologies.”

A soft apology came from right behind me.

“Everyone is utterly exhausted, and we went through quite a turmoil on the way here, so everyone is sensitive. We absolutely did not intend to deceive Seonghan or hurt your feelings.”

“That’s your situation, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. It’s our oversight.”

Immediately after, Representative Pyo bowed deeply without hesitation.

“Shamelessly, I implore you. Please listen to what we have to say.”

“…”

I looked down at Representative Pyo, who spoke with his actions rather than adding any more superfluous words.

I glanced at Representative Choi, who whispered softly.

“He seems sincere. It might be worth listening to what he has to say.”

Hearing that, I spoke to Representative Pyo.

“I will listen to what you have to say. But nothing more.”

“Thank you.”

Representative Pyo, who had risen, truly seemed unfazed.

Bending at the waist seemed like nothing to him.

He was a person whose inner thoughts were impossible to gauge just by looking at him.

Trusting Representative Choi’s judgment, I wearily took my seat again.

Only after everyone was seated did the commotion subside.

The woman named Representative Kim no longer showed signs of displeasure.

Seeing her maintain her composure as if nothing had happened, she didn’t seem completely foolish.

‘I don’t like her.’

That woman was definitely a beauty, but I found her annoying.

It felt like I was starting with a negative first impression.

Someone who was kind, innocent, pretty, and sometimes overly cheerful…

I shook my head vigorously.

As I pushed away the one person who almost surfaced in my mind, Representative Pyo began to speak.

“I apologize once again.”

“It’s fine. More importantly, were there many zombies on your way here?”

“…You knew?”

“With bits of them splattered everywhere, how could I not know?”

“You have keen observation skills.”

Representative Pyo, chuckling faintly, no longer elaborated on his words.

Instead, he briefly explained what they had experienced on their way.

They had departed quite early from the Konkuk University Shelter but were attacked by zombies midway.

Fortunately, the numbers weren’t severe enough, so they were able to repel them without significant damage and arrived here. However, there was another problem.

“There isn’t enough live ammunition…”

“It’s a difficult situation in many respects.”

I subtly observed Captain Lee’s expression.

Seeing his expression harden at the mention of live ammunition, it seemed he wasn’t lying.

And this matched the bad situation Representative Choi and I had anticipated.

If it were just food, they might have managed somehow, but their weapons were also in poor condition.

They lacked the capacity to protect not only themselves but also the refugees who had sought shelter with them.

The people who had come here were in immediate trouble.

“Those soldiers only have ten rounds each in their guns?”

“…That’s correct.”

“Whew…”

I was dumbfounded by the hesitant answers from Representative Pyo and Captain Lee.

They said there had been an unexpected attack, but the fact that they were rationing their ammunition, not even having full magazines, made my head spin.

‘Damn it all…’

In a situation that made me curse instinctively, they had truly risked their lives to crawl all the way here. It was a show of sincerity, pledging their lives.

‘This isn’t a situation to fuss over details, then.’

Representative Choi, sitting next to me, also had a rigid expression.

He seemed to fully grasp the severity arising from their dire circumstances.

I turned my gaze and swept over the people from the Konkuk University Shelter.

I had thought they seemed subtly on edge, and there was a reason.

I asked Representative Pyo.

“So, what do you want from me?”

“We request your participation and assistance in an operation led by us.”

“An operation?”

Representative Pyo nodded heavily.

And then, he uttered a weighty statement.

“We are going to search the USFK base.”

I blinked at Representative Pyo’s serious reply.