episode_0251

A consistently solid physique and a firm impression. A character unlikely to be promoted, but one who commanded deep trust. A man so inflexible he could be frustrating, yet keenly aware of his duties. Captain Lee, whose face was gaunt with dark circles and a growing beard I hadn’t seen before, but whose spirit remained unchanged, welcomed us.

“They are waiting inside.”

Captain Lee quickly signaled and opened the way. Then, he personally guided the car, taking it upon himself to lead us.

“…You could have just opened the door.”

“I had to go in anyway. Let’s go together.”

The stinging gazes, initially from what seemed like a natural production, turned to curiosity. We entered the shelter grounds, feeling a slightly ticklish scrutiny.

‘……’

It wasn’t just the shelter’s exterior that had changed. The interior we stepped into exuded the distinct impression of a bustling marketplace mixed with a construction site.

“Ah, it’s going to be a bit chaotic.”

“This?”

Calling it chaotic was an understatement. It was simply a bewildering, mind-numbing pandemonium. My eyes felt dizzy, and my ears throbbed with unfamiliar noise. To put it somewhat negatively, it was like a street where refugees escaping war had gathered en masse.

However, it overflowed with a passionate fervor rather than feelings of pain, sorrow, or despair. Despite the biting cold of late January, each person moved their bodies, sweating profusely. Their grubby appearance, stained with grime, could hardly be called pleasant, even as a compliment. Yet, it didn’t feel dirty or unsightly. The eyes of every person I glimpsed shone with a light.

Motivation, tenacity? Perhaps it was the human struggle to overcome reality and continue living.

“Isn’t the atmosphere very different from before?”

“…….”

At Captain Lee’s words, tinged with satisfaction, I unconsciously nodded.

It wasn’t just a different atmosphere. Even now, I could vividly recall the feeling I had when I first arrived. But now, it felt like being in a bustling 1980s marketplace. To that extent, the Konkuk University Shelter grounds were brimming with vibrant energy.

I hadn’t seen everything, just a little at the entrance. But the fervent warmth of the living people even gave me the illusion that the cold was receding. To that extent, the Konkuk University Shelter felt like a completely different genre. It was truly refreshing to witness a scene of people living, something I hadn’t encountered in a long time.

‘…Did he want to show me this?’ No wonder Captain Lee had insisted on getting in the car and driving slowly. I let out a small chuckle.

After a short drive, the car arrived in front of a building familiar to me. Even after everyone had disembarked, Captain Lee politely guided us.

“Hyung-nim. Isn’t that person a high-ranking official?”

“…He’s called the commander here.”

“Oh… the commander is escorting…”

“Why?”

“No reason.”

“How bland.”

Incheol seemed to be curious, perhaps because it was where he would soon reside. He whispered softly, but I didn’t know why I felt embarrassed.

Meanwhile, we arrived at Congressman Pyo’s office, which also served as a conference room. As we naturally entered, familiar faces came into view.

“Welcome, everyone.”

I lightly greeted the Konkuk University Shelter’s leadership, who welcomed us with a deep smile similar to Captain Lee’s.

“Long time no see.”

Representative Kim’s face, as he offered a cheerful greeting, also bore deep dark circles.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course. Aside from suddenly having a lot more work.”

‘He must be tired, huh?’ I felt sorry for Representative Kim, but… he seemed like a wilted seaweed stem. I wasn’t sure if he was wilting from exhaustion or simply softened, but he had become gentler.

Soon after, I exchanged light greetings with Director Jang, who was next to Representative Kim…

“Oh my, the conference room is packed. Haha~ Please, take a seat first.”

Only those who would converse around the table sat close. The rest, unfortunately, had no choice but to find separate chairs. It shouldn’t be compared, but it was nothing compared to Representative Choi’s study…

“Have you been well all this time?”

“Thanks to your concern. It’s a relief to see all of you looking well.”

“…….”

Had they been eyeing each other? Representative Choi and Congressman Pyo immediately began their conversation as soon as they sat down. Their voices and mannerisms were the same, but their gazes and the atmosphere had changed. Even their exchange of updates seemed like a mere warm-up before the main discussion.

During that time, Secretary Choi and an attendant from Representative Kim’s side placed simple refreshments on the table. It wasn’t particularly significant, but it was a great improvement from instant coffee. Once everyone had lightly quenched their thirst with a drink, Congressman Pyo brought up the main topic.

“Seonghan-ssi.”

“Yes.”

“I believe you already know, having heard from Representative Choi, but…”

Seeing Congressman Pyo straighten his posture, I put down the glass I was holding.

“Please speak comfortably.”

“……We would like to receive the supplies we were promised.”

Instantly, the conference room fell silent as if by magic. It was a direct statement, unlike what one would expect from a politician. But from my perspective, it was preferable, as it made things easier.

“Of course, we are not asking without reason.”

“Continue.”

“We would appreciate it if you could understand, even if it’s in the form of ‘lending’ the supplies to us.”

“Hmm…”

I subtly shifted my gaze to Representative Choi. Seeing him maintain a serene expression without a flicker of movement, I remained silent for now.

“The quantity is sufficient, but the rate of consumption is too fast. Especially for items related to daily life.”

“It’s not because we’re consuming them recklessly.”

Representative Kim abruptly interjected. Judging by his slightly changed expression, he seemed to think I might misunderstand.

“It’s because survivors are gathering quickly.”

“…Are there survivors in the vicinity?”

“Yes. There were quite a few people who had been hiding and holding out. And the number of people coming from long distances, somehow, is increasing. We are accommodating as many as possible, but our original plan has been disrupted because…”

Gaining time with a single decisive blow at Yongsan Base. Using that time to forge self-sufficiency and open a new path. The simple, clear grand premise was steadily progressing. However, the problem was that the unforeseen variables were unexpected. According to Representative Kim’s explanation, it was a reasonable justification.

“We have enough weapons and ammunition. Thanks to that, we’ve even been able to recruit combat personnel. But food is the problem.”

“Soldiers need to eat too, after all.”

“Both the soldiers and the families who came along with them.”

‘Families, huh….’ Looking at the scene outside, I asked what I had been curious about. “So, what’s the current number of people being accommodated?”

“As of yesterday, it exceeded 3,000 people.”

“…What?”

I was surprised, but Representative Choi was startled too.

“No, are you saying it increased by a thousand in a week?”

“Surprisingly… yes. That’s right.”

“Hoh…”

Representative Choi let out an exclamation of awe, but his expression was complex. And so was mine. An increase in survivors was certainly welcome news. And though it wasn’t my concern, I couldn’t help but ask.

“Can you manage it?”

“We can, barely.”

“Until when?”

“By economizing to some extent, we’re looking at until mid-May.”

“Three months.”

After hearing Congressman Pyo’s explanation, Representative Choi cautiously asked, “Perhaps… you haven’t made any announcement broadcasts from the shelter, have you?”

“No. We are not doing so currently.”

It might sound heartless, but for now, we also need to survive and solidify our internal foundations. Therefore, we’ve temporarily stopped broadcasting for aid. This was a decision made before I even made contact with the Konkuk University Shelter, they said. But then…

“…It seems the previous broadcast spread more than we expected.”

“So people just came looking for it without hesitation.”

Congressman Pyo and Representative Kim nodded heavily.

“We couldn’t turn away those who had come all this way, clinging to hope…”

“…….”

“As they accumulated, the situation… became like this.”

“So that’s why you contacted me.”

“It’s not a situation to stand on ceremony.”

Congressman Pyo smiled bitterly and sipped his drink. Representative Choi also lightly moistened his lips before speaking. “For all that, the fervor outside is extraordinary.”

“Did you see it?”

“It was very impressive. I felt the scent of human life for the first time in a very long time.”

At Representative Choi’s honest impression, the shelter leaders smiled subtly. “Everyone knows the situation isn’t easy. Yet, they are all doing their absolute best. We are also working hard to build a close cooperative relationship.”

“That’s… truly fortunate.”

“It is our resolve to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

‘…So they cast aside their pride and everything else?’ I gazed slowly at the Konkuk University Shelter’s leadership. It was a combination of politicians who couldn’t even secure their own positions well and a large corporation that couldn’t earn much money. These were exactly the kind of people Representative Choi had described. If there had been more people like this, wouldn’t South Korea have been among the top 5 in the world?

My mouth moved differently from my thoughts. “Setting aside food and daily necessities, what about weapons?”

“Ah, that…”

“It’s because the consumption rate is unexpectedly high.”

Captain Lee, who was in charge of the Konkuk University Shelter’s armed forces, stepped forward. “Looking at the overall quantity of supplies, ammunition is the most abundant, followed by weapons.”

“What do you mean by a high consumption rate?”

“It’s due to the large number of people volunteering for combat teams, and the zombie attacks.”

“…Attacks?”

“That’s right. There have been quite a few zombie hordes drawn by fleeing survivors.”

“Ah.”

“Of course, we repelled them all without fail.”

“Oh, really.”

Captain Lee’s explanation was mixed with confidence. Reporting that they had successfully repelled large and small zombie hordes, Captain Lee emphasized the necessity of the consumed ammunition.

“It hasn’t been a major burden so far, but we don’t know how many more zombies will attack. We are trying our best to use them as efficiently as possible.”

“Still not enough?”

“Because not everyone is skilled, you see.”

Minimal training, repeated rapid deployment. Not everyone is a sharpshooter who can hit every shot. And aside from living people, everything standing upright can be considered a zombie.

‘Certainly…’ They can’t fight in close quarters like me. Normally, it’s right to counter with firearms as much as possible. Especially against hordes of zombies charging at you, that’s even more necessary. Unless you can wield a blade like me.

They tried to fulfill their responsibilities, duties, and the flood of expectations. But now, that very effort had become a noose around their necks. ‘What a pain.’ It was a moment when the efforts of the leadership somehow felt pitiful.

“Especially when dealing with mutated beings, both firepower and sheer quantity are necessary.”

I was slightly surprised by Captain Lee’s next words. “Have you encountered variants?”

“Yes. Only two, but confirmed. They were exactly as Seonghan-ssi described. It was truly a struggle to deal with them. If we had encountered them without knowing… I don’t even want to think about it.” Perhaps pleased with my reaction, Captain Lee smiled faintly.

“The moment we encountered them, we unleashed everything we had.”

“Oh…”

“We barely managed to eliminate them, even deploying anti-tank rockets.”

“Anti-tank rockets.”

At my lukewarm response, Captain Lee remembered something and continued his explanation. “Uh, to put it simply, RPGs.”

“…You have those?”

“Yes. However, two units were damaged during combat, so only two remain.”

“Ah…”

“They were not easy opponents, to that extent.”

The variants Captain Lee mentioned they had caught, unable to hide his bitterness, were a Command Variant and a Giant Zombie. In particular, the Giant Zombie was presumed to be the one that had destroyed the bus when Sergeant Kang escaped. The reason was simple: It appeared from the direction they had encountered it. They hoped there wouldn’t be another one besides that particular variant. Whether their wish came true, they hadn’t encountered any more variants since, but it had also been an opportunity to confirm the reality that fighting zombies involved significant consumption in various ways. Therefore, the decision reached after repeated meetings and deep deliberation was today’s agenda.

‘No wonder they were burning through their reserves.’ Representative Choi and I exchanged glances. ‘It seems they’ve finally woken up.’ Nod-nod.

“Do you have any plans with your current supplies?”

At Representative Choi’s question, Congressman Pyo and Representative Kim began to speak, which soon led to a heated discussion. Captain Lee and Director Jang remained silent. It seemed they had something they wanted to say… Regardless, what I heard sounded plausible.

They had devised realistic methods, and from my perspective, the content seemed quite feasible. The core issue was whether consumption could keep pace with the plan. If I transferred the quantity I was supposed to receive, their plan would gain realism. Congressman Pyo and Representative Kim clearly emphasized this point as they appealed, while Representative Choi mostly just listened to their opinions.

‘Isn’t this… that?’ It felt like watching a sales representative passionately pitching to a company CEO. As evidence, Representative Choi’s expression was serious, yet he seemed perfectly at ease. In contrast, Congressman Pyo and Representative Kim were slightly flushed, and beads of sweat were forming on their brows.

I turned my gaze away from the battle of the leaders and looked behind me. ‘…Cute…’ Seeing Miri nodding off in her mother’s arms was simply adorable. Observing the heartwarming sight, I quietly spoke.

“Miri’s Father-nim.”

“Yes?”

“You heard all the talk, right?”

“Uh, yes. For now.”

At the sudden address, Miri’s father seemed a little flustered. “What do you think?”

“What?”

“I’m curious how the current situation looks to you, compared to the Jamsil Shelter.”

At my words, the table grew quiet, and all eyes turned to him. “Uh, well…”

“Speak freely.”

“…To be honest… I think it’s possible.”

“Is that so?”

Miri’s father seemed to understand what I wanted to ask. “I don’t know much, but I’d want to trust people like this. If it doesn’t work out, then it can’t be helped. That’s what I felt.”

“Thank you. Dong-woo?”

“I think they’ll succeed. They’re working so hard, so won’t it go well?”

…That’s a very Dong-woo-like answer.

“Incheol and Sohee-ssi?”

“…It will be difficult, but I don’t think it’s impossible.”

“Me too, Hyung-nim.”

“Hmm… Hyung?”

At my words, my hyung didn’t answer immediately. “…I think it will take time, but they will succeed.”

“Hmm.”

“If this atmosphere continues, won’t they be able to achieve significant results in the future? And it would be even better if we could cooperate with them.”

Nod-nod.

“Seonghan-ssi.”

“Yes.”

“Usually, such questions are kept quietly among ourselves, but…”

Representative Choi shook his head with an awkward smile. The Konkuk University side’s representatives had bewildered expressions, but they didn’t seem displeased. “I’ll be more careful next time.”

“Oh dear…”

I shifted my gaze from Representative Choi, who was pressing his forehead, to Congressman Pyo. “I will comply with your wishes.”

“!!”

“However, we also have something we want.”

“Please state it.”

Congressman Pyo and Representative Kim exuded an atmosphere of “just name it.” I subtly gestured to Representative Choi and spoke first. “First… regarding this.” I pulled a bullet from my pocket.

“…It’s a 7.62mm round.”

“Yes. I’d like to receive some of these.”

Captain Lee’s eyes showed doubt, while Representative Kim expressed curiosity. “How much do you need?”

“For now… 40,000 rounds.”

“Oh my?”

“That’s a considerable amount.”

…I wasn’t sure if that was a lot or a little for practical use. Still, with a rate of fire of 3,000 rounds per minute, wouldn’t it be gone in 2 minutes? I thought I had asked for a small amount…

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. But the quantity is sufficient.”

I nodded at Captain Lee’s words. Indeed, the amount of ammunition we had airlifted was immense.

“Then 40,000 rounds. We’ll prepare them.”

“Ah, I’d like them to be made into ammunition belts.”

“……What? All of them?”

“Long, connected belts, at least a thousand rounds each. Is that possible?”

“Y-yes, it’s possible, but…”

“And…”

“…….”

Ignoring Captain Lee’s bewildered expression, I placed a few more orders. They weren’t unreasonable requests. Just a suitable amount of grenades and rounds for grenade launchers. Grenades, in particular, had been consumed more than expected. If we hadn’t raided Sangil-dong, we would have run out of grenades. This was a good opportunity to stock up generously, and…

“The rest, you can coordinate with Representative Choi.”

“…Ah! Yes, yes.”

Congressman Pyo, who needlessly wiped his forehead with a handkerchief, soon began a conversation with Representative Choi. The first topic Representative Choi brought up was, as expected, that.

“…Are you referring to Taeseong?”

“That’s right. This is something Seonghan-ssi strongly requested.”

“Hmm…”

“Excuse me, may I ask why the two of you need that?”

“That is…”

The moment Representative Choi was about to hand the baton to me. Knock knock knock- Click- Whether it was a polite knock or not, someone abruptly entered without the room owner’s permission.

Everyone’s gaze turned to the intruder in the conference room. “I’d like to hear it too. Will you tell me?”

“…….”

“Please do.”

The intruder stared straight at me, a deep smile on his lips. ‘What is it?’ It seems the conversation is about to get a bit longer.