episode_0171

The cold, slightly damp morning signaled the start of work.

I got up from the uncomfortable bed and pushed away the dirty blanket to wake myself.

A habitual warm-up.

Crack-crack-crack-crack-

From my neck to my ankles, my bones screamed.

Even putting aside the unfamiliar location, the bed itself was uncomfortable.

Dust-covered bedding and a cold sleeping spot.

But no one voiced a single complaint.

They considered it fortunate enough just to have a space to hide and rest.

I shook off the dried, powdery bloodstains after waking up.

My mood was awful because I had only roughly rinsed myself with water before falling asleep.

After quickly getting dressed, I headed to the living room.

The soldiers were already up, completing their personal upkeep.

‘……’

Last night.

The room we had made our overnight dwelling was, for once, full of life.

The start had been tough, but by the end of the day, we had grasped a glimmer of possibility.

Adding to that, Jo Junwi, who had been unconscious for a long time, safely opened his eyes.

He complained of a slight headache and full-body muscle aches, but otherwise, he was fine.

Jo Junwi, upon opening his eyes, dramatically exaggerated his pain, reassuring everyone.

And he offered a deep apology.

“…I am ashamed. I apologize.”

“That was inevitable. I was the one who pushed too hard. You only did your best, so don’t dwell on it.”

Jo Junwi considered the helicopter’s emergency landing his own responsibility.

However, after hearing Captain Lee’s explanation, it wasn’t his fault.

It wasn’t a problem with fuel or the pilot, but rather an operation that disregarded the aircraft’s limits.

Captain Lee took responsibility for the incident that endangered everyone’s lives.

Given the circumstances, we decided to overlook the minor details.

It was dangerous, but everyone is alive.

It was something I had prepared for anyway, and I also expected it wouldn’t be smooth sailing.

Though I certainly didn’t expect to experience such extreme action.

Anyway.

To further uplift the revived atmosphere, I unpacked the food from my backpack, and we all feasted, spending the night together.

Like proper soldiers, they stood watch, but I was exempt.

I received consideration for having moved my body all day.

I didn’t refuse the rare goodwill and accepted their favor.

And so, after that rest, came this morning.

“Seonghan. Did you get any sleep?”

“Thanks to you, I rested well.”

Captain Lee, who greeted me with a faint smile and a nod, seemed not to have slept properly.

“Captain Lee-nim, it seems you had a restless night.”

“…Is it that obvious?”

“Yes.”

“Oh dear…”

Captain Lee, looking embarrassed, still showed signs of fatigue.

As the commanding officer leading the team, he seems to be under great pressure.

I glanced at Captain Lee and the soldiers, observing them.

None of them showed it, but their condition didn’t look good.

Their movements while cleaning their firearms also seemed unnatural.

‘It seems it’s here.’

The aftershocks of yesterday’s helicopter accident seemed to have set in overnight.

Lieutenant Lee, in particular, who had been so shocked that her eyes were half-glazed, seemed to be heavily affected.

Her face was pale.

She kept her lips pressed tightly together, enduring to not show it.

Having confirmed the soldiers’ resolute appearance and mindset, I picked up my backpack and headed to the kitchen.

‘If they fill their stomachs with something warm, they might feel a bit better.’

I rummaged through the kitchen, found a large pot, roughly washed it, and boiled water.

Ramen, one of the breakfast menus Koreans love.

It’s quick, simple, and easy to eat casually.

Plus, hot broth.

It’s perfect for eating when you’re cold and lack appetite outdoors, like now.

The container burner, performing its role perfectly on site, was admirable.

The highly developed camping gear was very satisfying.

I wonder if this taste isn’t one of the elements that makes camping enjoyable.

“…May I help…?”

At the small voice, I turned around to see two female soldiers standing there.

They were a little awkward, but any discomfort or resistance had vanished.

It was as if the feeling of territoriality had disappeared.

Especially Staff Sergeant Park’s eyes, which previously seemed like a delinquent, were extremely friendly.

“…Could you just help prepare the food?”

Anyway, it only needed boiling, so there wasn’t much to prepare.

After a slight flurry of activity, the meal preparations were complete.

It was a simple menu under unsanitary conditions, but no one complained about such things.

Gulp-!

Drawn by the spicy scent, the soldiers continuously swallowed their saliva.

Encouraged by their excellent reaction, I invited them to eat, and a battle-like meal ensued.

Even though I made a generous amount, the ramen quickly disappeared.

Each soldier pulled out the food they had prepared from their backpacks.

‘……’

Roughly clumped rice balls.

Even those were pressed and crushed, their shape not intact.

The soldiers had brought rice balls and hardtack as their provisions.

I hadn’t felt like taking them, but they had carefully accepted theirs.

No one cared about the humble appearance.

The soldiers filled their stomachs by drinking the hot broth.

The scent of hardship that started at Konkuk University Shelter had followed all the way here.

It seems I’ll have to grill some meat for them once this is over.

Their current state made me spontaneously think that.

I didn’t show it for now.

Forget a meat party; first, we need to survive.

Keeping that in mind, I finished my meal.

As for cleanup, there was nothing much to do besides packing up the burner.

Warmed by the hot food, the soldiers immediately sprang into action.

“Our first destination is the PX. We don’t know if anything’s there, but we’ll procure necessary supplies and vehicles. Seonghan. I’d like you to lead and guide us during the movement. Is that alright?”

“Yes. No problem.”

“Good. Any questions?”

“No, sir.”

“Alright. Everyone, move out.”

It was still early morning.

The soldiers and I left the complex.

We weren’t as tense or stiff as yesterday.

Due to the shock, the soldiers’ physical condition wasn’t normal.

But once they started moving, they walked without much difficulty.

I guided the soldiers, recalling my memories, and scanned our surroundings.

What I felt yesterday seemed not to be a mistake; the streets were quiet.

…It’s bothering me.

Captain Lee, who had fallen in beside me, spoke quietly.

“It’s so quiet that it feels even more unsettling.”

“It does seem that way.”

“…Seonghan. Do you really think there are no zombies?”

“Hmm…”

“When we first entered the base yesterday, I clearly heard a small sound.”

“…That’s bothering me too.”

When we entered the base yesterday, I hadn’t been nervous for no reason.

We all heard zombie sounds, but we haven’t seen any yet.

Of course, we haven’t thoroughly searched the main post.

So, I can’t definitively say it’s safe.

Hesitating due to the unease, I quietly said,

“Well, let’s think positively. If they appear, we’ll just wipe them out then.”

“Hmph… That certainly would be better.”

Captain Lee and I, having quickly organized our thoughts, chuckled softly and quickened our pace.

There’s no need to drain ourselves by worrying prematurely about what isn’t visible.

If they don’t appear, that’s good, and if they do, we’ll smash their heads.

A simple and clear course of action.

The soldiers and I moved along the path with slightly lighter hearts.

The travel speed, distinctly different from when I ran alone, felt slow.

But normally, this would be normal.

We passed through eerie streets and crossed several empty lots.

After walking for a long time, we arrived at that building from yesterday.

The PX we had turned back from at the entrance.

It looked exactly the same as yesterday.

“…It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this.”

“?? Have you been here before?”

“I’ve been here once, invited by an acquaintance. It looks like a large supermarket, but it’s definitely a PX. It’s incredibly cheap.”

Captain Lee, briefly reminiscing, told me that cola here cost less than half the domestic price.

And he earnestly hoped we’d find something inside.

Captain Lee, after surveying the PX’s exterior, divided the team.

“We’ll divide into two-person teams. Jo Junwi and Sergeant Kim will secure a vehicle.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Seonghan and Lieutenant Lee will be one team, and Staff Sergeant Park and I will move together.”

“Understood.”

“Do not overexert yourselves, and report immediately if anything suspicious is detected.”

“Yes, sir!”

Captain Lee quickly formed the teams.

The soldiers immediately sprang into action, but hesitated for a moment at the entrance.

‘……’

The stench.

From inside, a cool breeze carried the smell of decay.

“…Everyone focus and enter.”

They had only paused, quite literally.

Captain Lee and the soldiers didn’t hesitate.

We split into two and calmly searched the interior.

At the familiar sight, I licked my lips.

It would be difficult to call it just a PX; a large supermarket would be more fitting.

Spacious, full shelves and display counters.

It was a supermarket of impressive size.

Regardless of that, we moved.

I drew the knife from my waist and held it lightly.

Walking slowly, I carefully scanned all directions with Lieutenant Lee.

The floor was cluttered with spilled groceries and items.

The refrigerators had stopped working, and as a result, the food had spoiled.

Fresh vegetables had not only withered but were consumed by mold.

A feast of mold that would have horrified housewives and prompted them to file complaints.

But it wasn’t just the food ingredients that were rotting away.

“This is… a gunshot wound.”

“It appears so.”

What Lieutenant Lee pointed out was the cause of death for a corpse presumed to be a Caucasian woman.

She seemed to have recognized it from the penetrating wound on the chest.

Beginning with the corpse killed by a gunshot wound, we found several other bodies.

People who had died at the hands of other humans, not zombies.

Bodies of all ages, genders, and races – elderly, Black individuals, and more.

Instead of zombies, only intact corpses greeted us.

Beside them, various items lay scattered and abandoned.

“It seems there might have been a conflict.”

I thought differently about Lieutenant Lee’s words.

‘Could this really be described as a conflict?’

It would be more accurate to call it violence rather than a mere dispute.

Passing between the corpses, we continued to survey the interior.

The display shelves were quite empty, giving the area a desolate appearance.

Nevertheless, a considerable amount remained.

Even if limited to canned goods and sealed items, there was quite a lot.

It seemed the U.S. soldiers had cleared out all the weapons but hadn’t touched the PX.

This was a reasonable thought, considering the armory where only dust remained.

‘…It seems there are enough supplies, so why did they fight?’

What had spoiled couldn’t be helped.

But a significant amount of beverages, water, daily necessities, and food remained.

Even basic medicines were present.

After a wide circuit of the market, I met up with Captain Lee, and we thoroughly scanned everything.

Inside the PX, there were definitely only corpses instead of zombies.

“This place seems safe for now.”

At Captain Lee’s words, I quietly pointed in one direction with the tip of my knife.

『Staff only』

Confirming the direction of my gaze, we moved quietly.

From experience, it’s always best to be tense when passing through this door.

With that in mind, I leaned in.

No zombie groans could be heard.

Nor was there any sign of something being there.

Leaving Captain Lee and the armed soldiers behind me, I reached out and gently pushed the door.

A cold gust of wind swept through the softly opening door.

There was no lighting except for sunlight seeping in from somewhere.

The hallway was dark, but not so dark that we couldn’t make things out.

There was nothing unusual in the staff corridor.

There was a musty smell, but no stench that hurt the nose.

Click-

A click sounded, and a small light shone forth.

I glanced back and saw that the soldiers had turned on the tactical lights attached to their firearms.

And immediately, they moved their muzzles, beginning a rough assessment.

On the floor, faint brown bloodstains were visible here and there.

Nothing was particularly damaged or broken.

Nor were there any corpses.

In the overly quiet situation, the soldiers were extremely tense.

I realized it when I heard the faint sound of them swallowing dryly.

Knowing that there was no sign of zombies, I stepped forward purposefully.

Captain Lee and the soldiers flinched but immediately matched my pace.

The area that appeared to be the staff lounge and the supply room both had no issues.

The space that looked like a warehouse was filled with all sorts of miscellaneous items.

Eventually, we exited through the end of the passage and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Phew… There seem to be no issues.”

Captain Lee, speaking of safety, radioed Sergeant Kim.

“Sergeant Kim, transmit.”

“Transmitting.”

“Any issues on your end?”

“No issues. We are currently securing a vehicle.”

“We’ll be there soon. Don’t let your guard down.”

While Captain Lee exchanged the brief radio message, I, who had been looking around, walked toward a nearby building.

A temporary warehouse-style building with its shutters down.

I approached the entrance designed for people.

Clank-clank-

The door was locked.

The soldiers approached, seeing me lingering in front of the door.

Captain Lee was puzzled by my actions.

“Seonghan. What’s going on?”

“From what I see, this is the loading dock, and that appears to be the warehouse.”

At my words, Captain Lee looked around.

It was clearly a parking area, but not for visitors.

In any supermarket or store, goods are handled in a way that doesn’t obstruct customer flow.

Crack!

“Huh?!”

I twisted the doorknob with force and went inside.

“…….”

“…….”

“Wow…”

Staff Sergeant Park’s quiet exclamation.

This reaction wasn’t unreasonable.

“My goodness…”

“Today’s start is good.”

Captain Lee nodded blankly at my words.

The large warehouse was filled with supplies as good as new.

High ceilings, tall metal shelving, and goods.

Only the scale was different; it was a familiar sight.

We confirmed the supply-packed warehouse and came outside.

Captain Lee soon composed himself and regained his composure.

“…First, we will clear out the PX interior.”

“You mean the corpses?”

“Yes. It seems we’ll be coming and going from this place regularly.”

Even if we don’t make it a base, we’ll use it for supplies.

Captain Lee’s words meant he was taking a long-term view of this mission.

I agreed with that opinion.

We need to go to South Post soon.

There’s no guarantee there won’t be zombies there, unlike here.

No rushing.

Focusing on success, not preserving oneself.

If they fail, Konkuk University Shelter is finished.

Captain Lee seems to understand that well.

Above all, these are the supplies we need to use right now.

There’s nothing to gain from having rotting corpses in the middle of it all.

Captain Lee, not getting excited despite the vast supplies, immediately moved into action.

At their superior’s command, the subordinates controlled their elevated emotions.

We removed the corpses from inside the PX and gathered them in one place outside.

Though inappropriate, we used supermarket carts to move the bodies.

…Given the circumstances, it couldn’t be helped.

Instead, the soldiers showed the corpses the minimum respect.

Everyone retrieved a few items from inside.

We laid a tarp in a corner and placed the bodies on it.

Each body was carefully covered.

It didn’t take long, but the soldiers were exhausted.

Limp corpses are heavy and difficult to move.

Especially human corpses, not zombies.

It was a mentally taxing task as well.

Captain Lee and the soldiers paid their full respects with a brief moment of silence.

Looking at me, who was watching from behind, Captain Lee spoke calmly.

“Thinking of them as people who died in a foreign land…”

“Hmm…”

It was true that we were in a hurry.

But I didn’t think it was a meaningless waste of time.

I said nothing in response to his humane words.

Captain Lee also added no further remarks.

An awkward silence settled for a moment.

“Captain, transmit.”

“Transmitting. What is it?”

“Vehicle secured.”

“We’re coming now.”

Good news came through the radio.

“Seonghan, let’s go.”

Captain Lee, back to his usual self, walked ahead.

In the parking lot we all arrived at, a U.S. military truck, appearing to be American, was powerfully rumbling. Beside it, a bright red pickup truck was also idling, waiting.

Jo Junwi was smiling, his hands and clothes covered in oil and dust.

“I apologize. It took some time.”

“No. You did well. Good work.”

With a brief commendation, Captain Lee immediately gave orders.

We’re going to resupply necessary items and gather ammunition.

At the simple command, the soldiers moved without pause.

Each of them pulled carts, diligently moving back and forth.

I received the items being loaded onto the truck and organized them.

Primarily, important water and food supplies were loaded.

In preparation for unforeseen circumstances, I packed some bedding and clothes.

Staff Sergeant Park busily packed disinfectants, bandages, and medicines.

Jo Junwi and Lieutenant Lee packed some tools and similar items.

“Both the vehicles and the firearms need maintenance.”

Apparently, they were gun cleaning tools.

They probably wanted to take everything, but they only took what they deemed absolutely necessary.

After filling the truck appropriately, everyone boarded the vehicles.

They had moved frantically, but everyone’s expressions were bright.

They seemed encouraged by the visible results they had achieved.

The two vehicles carrying us headed to the ammunition depot.

The road was empty, allowing us to drive without obstruction.

A speed completely different from when we traveled on foot.

Following the route I had provided beforehand, the vehicles quickly arrived.

Captain Lee, who dismounted in front, had shining eyes.

“…I can’t believe you actually found it…”

“But you said we had to find it.”

“I did, but… you’ve truly done a great job.”

Captain Lee’s praise seemed sincere.

“First, the vehicle needs to get inside…”

Captain Lee, who tried pushing and pulling the iron gate, seemed troubled.

I approached the unmoving iron gate and silently solved the problem for him.

Thud! Screeching-

I forced open the unmoving iron gate wide.

“…….”

“…….”

“Inside, there’s a pile of rubble and one corpse pinned down. You’ll need to clear that.”

“What? Ah!”

Captain Lee, momentarily stunned, cleared away the debris with the soldiers.

They only removed the large boulders, just enough for the vehicles to pass.

The pinned corpse was removed and laid to rest a short distance away.

“It seems they committed suicide.”

“Suicide?”

“Yes. It looks like they detonated a grenade.”

That was Captain Lee’s impression after seeing the mangled corpse and the scene.

The mention of suicide didn’t particularly affect me.

Captain Lee also didn’t attach much significance to it.

Everyone, having lost a little time due to the rubble, immediately headed underground.

Fortunately, the military truck descended safely without getting caught anywhere.

And finally, the soldiers were greeted by countless rounds of ammunition.

“Alright!”

Captain Lee and the soldiers cheered, forgetting all propriety.