episode_0183

Heize was very curious about my strength.

But knowing I didn’t want to talk about it, she didn’t pester me.

At least she had some common sense, which was a relief.

I smacked my lips in disappointment, hoping she’d finally shut up, but she hadn’t.

“Seonghan. Aren’t you a soldier?”

“No.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Then what’s your job?”

“Manual labor.”

“No?”

“Hard labor. You don’t know hard labor?”

I explained it to Heize, who tilted her head, using a mix of hand gestures and body language. She laughed and understood.

“Oh! Hard labor.”

“Yeah. It’s certainly hard.”

“Hmm~”

Since we couldn’t communicate well, there was an undeniable sense of frustration.

It was like trying to have a conversation with a child.

And it felt subtly cute, too…

“…Are you sleeping?”

“……”

I thought she was quiet for a moment, but she had already fallen asleep.

Hugging her knees, in that uncomfortable position.

It seemed the sight of so many dead zombies had made her finally relax.

Her sleeping face, glimpsed briefly, looked almost like a doll…

Snoring softly-

“…Pfft.”

I covered her, who was even making cute little snores, with a blanket and moved away.

I didn’t go far, just lit a cigarette a little distance from the pickup truck.

It felt a bit off to just wander around with two defenseless women sleeping nearby.

‘…….’

The soldiers were busily moving.

They were checking supplies, exchanging words, and rummaging through luggage.

The two people on the helicopter were also moving busily.

I calmly watched the busy people.

I had already done a big job and there was nothing specific for me to help with.

So, I let my body rest a bit.

Still, I didn’t completely slack off.

I didn’t let down my guard, preparing for any potential ambush.

For now, it was fine, but you never know what might happen.

‘Nothing visible makes me more nervous.’

My body was at ease, but my mind was restless.

Even though I knew it wasn’t the case, just standing still by myself made me feel a bit self-conscious.

As I was awkwardly killing time.

Finally, the work began to progress in earnest.

They found a pallet truck and a hand cart from somewhere and began moving the cargo.

And then a fuel tanker appeared that I hadn’t seen before.

‘…Why didn’t I see that?’

It was much larger than the ones I’d seen at the construction sites.

It was a relief that the soldiers found what I missed.

I learned on site to always keep my eyes wide open, and it’s true.

Indeed, it’s important to heed the advice of veterans.

While I pondered the old lesson for a moment, the soldiers’ hands got busy.

First, they began fueling the helicopter and prepared their defenses.

They moved the parked military trucks to form a wall.

And they carefully took out and arranged various weapons.

‘Oh…’

I don’t know much about them, but I can see some rather large ones.

Machine guns, the kind seen in movies, capable of powerful continuous firing from a fixed position on a mount, were set up.

The sight of rifles placed everywhere and plenty of ammo boxes prepared looked quite plausible.

Judging by the somewhat established setup, it seemed they had the breached wall and gate directions in mind.

If they just had enough numbers, it felt like they could somehow hold out.

The power of such diverse and large firearms was reassuring.

On top of that, plenty of live ammunition.

It was understandable why the people from Konkuk University Shelter had pinned their hopes on this place.

Indeed, human courage often comes from good armament.

I watched the soldiers, stroking the knife at my waist.

Even now, the work was steadily progressing.

Captain Lee, who had been sweating profusely for a while, approached the helicopter.

Curious about how things were going, I also quietly approached.

Warrant Officer Jo and Warrant Officer Lee must have finished their conversation before I even got there, as they boarded the helicopter.

“Ah, Seonghan-ssi.”

“Is there anything I can help with?”

“It’s fine for now. We’ve managed to prepare some defenses, however crude, and the helicopter is in good order.”

“Then…?”

“They’re going to start it up now. Let’s step back.”

Captain Lee led me to a spot a little distance from the helicopter.

Since Captain Lee didn’t mention any immediate problems, it seemed there was nothing to worry about.

More than anything, a lively expression flowed across Captain Lee’s face.

“Do you see that cargo?”

“Mm. Yes.”

“They’re all wrapped in nets, so all we need to do is connect them to the helicopter with the magic ropes and binding equipment.”

“Oh…”

“Normally, the preparation process would have taken a long time. But we’ve significantly shortened it.”

“That’s good, right?”

Captain Lee, explaining, wore a deep smile.

“That’s right. The current situation is slightly in our favor.”

That’s good news.

One needs moments like this.

If every time was full of hardship and adversity, it would be boring.

Seriously.

“Then, how long will it take?”

“That depends on those two people.”

At his words, I looked at the two people sitting in the cockpit.

“Considering the distance isn’t far, I don’t think it will take too long.”

That sounds familiar.

To me, it sounded like he meant we’d only know once the helicopter was airborne.

“The wind is blowing hard, will it be alright?”

“They say this much isn’t a problem.”

“Oh…”

“Warrant Officer Jo and Warrant Officer Lee are capable pilots. You can have high expectations.”

He spoke calmly, but deep inside, trust and pride for the two men radiated.

As for me, if only I could finish quickly and go back.

To me, already thinking about leaving for the day, Captain Lee continued.

“I plan to send those two ladies first during the second transport.”

I nodded at his words.

Both of them were very tired, and Lawrence didn’t look to be in good condition.

If possible, sending them first to get medical attention would be…

“That…”

“?”

“Those two said something. They asked if they couldn’t go with Seonghan-ssi.”

I have no idea what these two women are thinking, as a pair.

“…Tell them no, and to leave quickly.”

Captain Lee burst out laughing at my sharp answer, given without a moment’s hesitation.

Even so, he hinted that I shouldn’t worry about the follow-up measures.

He didn’t really need to tell me that, but I just kept my mouth shut.

‘What is this, they’re not even kindergarteners throwing a tantrum.’

There’s nothing good about staying here for long.

If they crawled out of a stuffy hotel room, they should be thinking about getting out quickly, not whatever else they’re thinking.

“It looks like they’re about to start.”

At Captain Lee’s words, I looked at the cockpit and saw hand signals being exchanged.

And a moment later.

Whirrrrrrrrrrr-

Thump- thump- thump- thump-

With a powerful sound, the rotor blades began to spin.

The sound, heavy with weight, gradually began to pick up speed.

And soon, they began to draw large circles.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh-

With a loud noise, strong winds began to rise.

And finally, the helicopter’s large body floated upwards.

‘…Hmm.’

I also began to focus.

Captain Lee, as if he had been waiting, approached the soldiers.

Soon after, the helicopter lifted into the air, and the soldiers each began to move.

Guiding the helicopter, preparing to connect the binding equipment, and scanning the surroundings.

They acted naturally, as if accustomed to it.

The helicopter aligned its position, connected the equipment, and sent a signal.

‘…Wow.’

I was impressed by the seemingly simple process.

Watching from the side, it looked like nothing special?

That’s proof that the person is doing an incredibly good job.

From the people on the ground to the helicopter in the air.

The entire process flowed as naturally as water.

It gave the impression that they had worked together for a long time.

That’s why members are important, whether it’s a group project or a team battle.

In a short moment, everything was done, and the highly airborne helicopter soon began to fly towards Konkuk University Shelter.

I silently watched the helicopter as it flew away.

Suddenly, I turned my gaze and saw the soldiers also staring blankly at the helicopter.

Their gaze remained fixed until it disappeared into the distance, becoming a mere dot.

‘…I think I know how they must feel.’

This one time.

They risked their lives and went through all that chaos for this very moment.

Perhaps they were immersed in a vague, strange feeling.

But this is just the beginning.

The hope for tomorrow has just taken its first step.

They had to hold out here until they could collect everything they had marked within the base.

There’s still a lot to do.

It’s too early to just get lost in sentiment.

Clap-!

“Alright. It’s time to start. While the helicopter makes its round trip, move immediately as I instructed earlier.”

You could say that’s typical of Captain Lee.

The way he immediately cleared the atmosphere and continued with the work was reassuring.

That man seems like he’ll always pull his weight, no matter where he goes.

And the same goes for me.

From the moment the helicopter lifted off, I sharpened my senses.

The zombie aggro I had in mind from the beginning.

Fortunately, no particular problems arose this time.

There’s no sign of trouble, and now that the helicopter has left, it’s just quiet.

It’s a good start.

I hoped this quietness would last until the end.

I wished for that humble, small hope.

It was a moment to seriously and briefly adopt a solemn attitude.

“Seonghan-ssi.”

Captain Lee approached, leaving the now busy soldiers behind him.

He was carrying a backpack on his back.

‘Is he planning to go somewhere?’

“…Could you come with me for a moment? There’s something I need to tell you.”

“? Of course.”

I followed without much thought at his slightly stiff words.

Captain Lee and I walked in silence.

After walking for a while, we arrived at the place where I had fought.

A wide expanse where zombies had been burned to death.

“…Why here?”

“Please listen without misunderstanding.”

Captain Lee hesitated, which was unlike him.

What is he trying to say that makes him beat around the bush like this?

And what’s this about misunderstanding?

…This guy, surely not…?

“…Seonghan-ssi.”

“…Go on.”

I tensed up slightly, wondering what he would say next.

Captain Lee, his lips twitching, confessed quietly.

“…I want to collect zombie samples.”

At his completely unexpected words, my brow twitched unconsciously.

Captain Lee, who was oddly watching my reaction, spoke again.

“Would that be alright?”

…Look at this?