episode_0201

Just a few months ago, lottery winnings were in the billions of won. As a result, people had become accustomed to “hundreds of millions.” But could a mere tens of thousands surprise people? Today, it seems it can. Absolutely. CEO Kim, with wide eyes, was the proof. In the current situation, the number 40,000 was quite significant. By simple calculation, it was more than 20 times the size of this Konkuk University shelter. The moment I heard that number, I understood. ‘They couldn’t handle it.’

A troop count of a thousand might seem like a lot, but it’s not necessarily so. Or perhaps their armament was poor. Even if they had heavy weapons, ammunition might have been the problem. Even here, there was a history of only loading 10 rounds per magazine. It seemed likely they lacked the power to manage and sustain such a large number. The answer soon came.

“Perhaps… the situation was dire?” At Captain Lee’s low voice, Sergeant Kang nodded heavily.

“Survivors gathered by the tens, by the hundreds, every day, and everything was in short supply.” “……” “And we couldn’t turn away the people who flocked to us begging for their lives…” “Ah…” “It wasn’t that large-scale at first. We gradually rescued people and procured supplies, but at some point, the scale just grew too large…”

Sergeant Kang explained that the original plan was to leave the city center once a certain number of people had gathered. Too many people were being rescued and flocking in. The quickly procured supplies couldn’t keep up with the influx. As a result, the rapidly growing shelter began to shake from within. Moreover, they missed their timing to move. A series of situations naturally formed in my mind.

“We missed our chance to move because the zombies suddenly started acting strangely.” “Strange behavior, you mean…?” “Are you perhaps referring to them gathering in groups?” “Ah, you know about that?” Sergeant Kang was slightly surprised by Captain Lee’s pointed question.

“And then the number of zombies swelled, so we couldn’t move recklessly.” “Hmm… I think I know what it was like. I doubted my eyes when I first saw it too.” “…Still, there was a chance, but because of the crazy bastards inciting trouble inside…”

‘Oh my goodness…’ It was common for hungry people to lose their reason. The Jamsil shelter’s scale was certainly impressive, but it failed to stabilize its interior. Distrust of the military, dissatisfaction, obstruction, agitation. People began to wield political power based on hunger and physical discomfort, threatening the military’s command. And after that…

“What a mess. Ah, sorry…” I mumbled without realizing it. I bowed my head slightly to apologize, but no one seemed to mind.

“It’s true. The Commander, realizing that it was impossible both outside and inside, intended to force an escape. But then… the zombies started rushing in.” “The zombies?? Was there a reason?” “…Because civilians who went out to find food on their own were chased back…”

‘Wow…’ Sergeant Kang gritted his teeth as he recounted more of the story. Having heard the tale, the commander of the Jamsil shelter was clearly a capable person. The fact that he saved over 40,000 people was undoubtedly a great achievement. However, his inability to manage the side effects became his downfall. Although I don’t know the full details, I’m sure he had a soft spot. A thousand armed troops. That alone was intimidating, yet they ignored it and caused division? Either Commander Choi lacked political acumen, or his influence didn’t reach far enough. Or he was simply too soft-hearted as a person. If not, there wouldn’t have been a situation where civilians went out and caused trouble.

People are the most common resource, yet also a source of instability. If you cannot control people, the existence of a group cannot be sustained. What would have been the outcome if Commander Choi had been a good ‘soldier’ instead of a good ‘person’? Though I can’t say for sure, they might not have met with such an ending of annihilation. If it were me, I would have suppressed the crowd, even if it meant setting an example. People who have lost their minds evolve into beings that cannot be governed by words alone. I know this well from experience. Sweet talk, appeasement, good conditions — none of it matters. A sharp blade and a blood-soaked blunt weapon are a free pass.

I didn’t bother to ask about Commander Choi’s character. It seemed Captain Lee had also roughly caught on. So, he didn’t ask Sergeant Kang any more questions. CEO Kim couldn’t hide his somber expression. Assemblyman Pyo listened to the story with a somewhat composed look.

The rest of the story was a series of perilous adventures. Even while under attack, violence erupted as people fought to survive. Uncontrollable, exploding selfishness was a given. Taking advantage of the chaos, Sergeant Kang led those who belonged to his group and attempted an escape. After many twists and turns, they made it to the streets and ran, but they drew the attention of the zombies. The action they took to try and divert attention while being chased, running, and fleeing was firing a flare. And Heize was the one who found it. Even amidst the swirling snowflakes that obscured their vision.

‘…Should I grill her some meat?’ Though it was by chance, I decided to reward Heize for her significant contribution.

Soon after finishing his story, Sergeant Kang shut his mouth tightly. It seemed recalling the past events brought up emotions. To him, Assemblyman Pyo offered warm words.

“You really… went through a lot.” “…It’s nothing.” “It seems Sergeant Kang-nim is the leader of these people…” “Ah, that’s…” The answers came from behind. He’s the leader, alright. He is the leader. A true leader. He is indeed the one who leads us. At the confirming words from behind, Sergeant Kang gently closed his eyes.

“Sergeant Kang-nim. No, Kang Incheol-ssi.” “Yes.” “It seems you don’t have a clear objective, but…” “……” “I’d like to make a cautious suggestion.” “A suggestion? What kind…?” Assemblyman Pyo met CEO Kim’s and Captain Lee’s gazes once, then opened his mouth.

“How about joining us?” Sergeant Kang showed no reaction to Assemblyman Pyo’s suggestion.

“I believe there’s always a reason why people follow someone. I think Kang Incheol-ssi has sufficient reason and ability.” “But we…” “Of course, we’re not forcing you. This is merely a suggestion.” “……” Assemblyman Pyo did not rush at all. CEO Kim, who was standing by, quietly chimed in.

“There are two thousand survivors gathered here. But we are severely lacking in people.” It seemed Sergeant Kang understood what CEO Kim meant by ‘people’. Sergeant Kang gently wiped his face with a dry hand as he listened.

“Forgive my bluntness, but it seems you lack both food and weapons…” “……” “We can resolve those concerns for you.”

“…What?” “At the very least, you won’t go hungry, and you can be sufficiently armed.” At Assemblyman Pyo’s words, Sergeant Kang’s eyes widened.

“Um… excuse me, but does this place have enough supplies for that…?” “It does.” CEO Kim replied with a fresh smile, full of confidence. “We were practically paupers just half a month ago too.” “C-CEO Kim-nim. Please mind your words…” “Oh, come on. It’s the truth, isn’t it?” “Ha, ha ha…” “The Commander here and Seonghan-ssi solved our supply issues.”

“…Hyung-nim?” I nodded at Sergeant Kang, who was asking ‘Really?’ with his eyes.

“Captain Lee-nim and his team, with Seonghan-ssi’s help, raided Yongsan Base.” “Yo-Yongsan Base?!” “Really? Seriously?” “No, how on earth did you get there?” Knowing about the supplies at Yongsan Base, a commotion broke out behind them.

“That was something Hyung-nim did?” “Yes. We spent a full half-month sending deliveries and just returned today.” “Ah, no… Jamsil gave up, saying it was impossible, but how on earth did you manage…?” “Didn’t we find it even when Yeongdeungpo said it was impossible?” “Ahhh…!!” Recalling that moment, Sergeant Kang clapped his hands, his mouth agape.

“Sergeant Kang.” “Yes, Hyung-nim.” “You have no intention of separating from those behind you, do you?” At my words, everyone fell silent. Sergeant Kang, having been asked the question, didn’t hesitate.

“Of course not.” “Then joining this place wouldn’t be a bad idea.” “Hmm…” “If you’re still hesitant, it’s also an option to reconsider after at least getting through winter.” “Yes. If you do that, we would welcome it as well.” With Assemblyman Pyo chiming in at just the right time, Sergeant Kang wavered.

“Winter is a harsher and more cruel season than you might think.” “……” “I’m not against your plan of leaving the city. However, the timing isn’t good. As CEO Kim-nim said… it’s reckless.” When recklessness was mentioned once more, his expression of deliberation deepened.

“…I’d like to discuss it with my comrades.” “By all means.” Assemblyman Pyo replied with a generous smile, saying he would wait as long as needed. Sergeant Kang put his head together with the members standing right behind him.

I quietly asked Assemblyman Pyo. “Isn’t the offer to join us impulsive?” “It is.” I blinked at his immediate admission.

“It’s a good decision. Sergeant Kang will be a great help to the shelter.” At my words, the three leaders nodded. CEO Kim, who had been quiet, subtly asked.

“What if that Sergeant Kang person were alone?” “I would have taken him without question.” “Hmm~” “Why do you ask that?” “It’s nothing.” I tuned out CEO Kim, who had given such a strange reaction.

I exited the tent, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. ‘…I hope they don’t make an unreasonable decision.’ Whatever Sergeant Kang decides, I will respect it. It’s just… I hope he makes a slightly better choice. Whether they know this elder brother’s heart or not. The oblivious, heavily falling snow just kept piling up.

‘……’ Looking at the snowflakes reminded me of my companions. What would happen if Sergeant Kang found out Miri’s dad was alive?

‘…Now that I think about it…’ Christmas, which I’d forgotten about, had already passed. More than that, I’d lost my sense of date… I couldn’t even tell what day it was today. …I’ll have Dong-woo handle the date calculations…

‘If I bring back news of Sergeant Kang and Miri’s dad… that would be a good present, right?’ It seemed like a pretty good plan. But for now, the immediate problem.

Once again, voices began to be heard from inside the tent. I stubbed out my cigarette and went inside. My body, which had cooled down somewhat, merged with the warmth filling the tent. And immediately, I could confirm the result.

“We look forward to working with you.” “We welcome all of you.” Sergeant Kang and his companions’ joining was decided.