episode_0262

“Elders. Please calm down.”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Kim Jihyeok. I live with Seonghan.”

It was Jihyeok hyung who calmed down the two fussing old men.

“As you can see, Seonghan needs rest right now.”

“Ahem!”

“Hm hm.”

“We will take good care of him, so please calm down and wait.”

‘Oh…’

Hyung calmly, and without being offensive, shut down the two old men in one go.

Even Secretary Seong seemed slightly surprised to see Hyung.

His clear, distinct voice clearly played a part.

Anyway, thanks to Hyung, the two old men left, saying they would see us later.

Only after changing into the clothes and shoes brought by a young soldier were we able to leave the clinic.

“What about Representative Choi?”

“He’s with Representative Pyo and the other representatives.”

“Then let’s go there.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Hyung and Dong-woo looked at me worriedly.

But there wasn’t really anything to worry about.

I wasn’t particularly hurt or tired.

If I was going to rest anyway, it would be better to do it back home.

With that thought, we boarded our Porter, which Captain Lee had prepared for us.

“Is there any damage to the car?”

“It’s fine.”

“What a shame.”

“Hehehe.”

I had planned to bill him immediately if there was even a scratch, but it seemed Captain Lee had been more careful than I expected.

Dong-woo, gripping the steering wheel, immediately drove the car to the administration building where the conference room was located.

“……”

“It’s eerily quiet, like a lie.”

“Indeed.”

Hyung couldn’t take his eyes off the view outside the window.

The attack was over, but only soldiers and a few other people were moving around the grounds.

Whether they were being cautious or were afraid, I didn’t know.

No gunshots or monstrous roars could be heard, and only a few shelter residents had ventured outside.

Thus, the vast grounds were simply quiet.

The Porter carrying us smoothly drove along the road.

I casually spoke to Dong-woo, who was driving leisurely.

“Dong-woo. You’re a good driver.”

“Really?”

“You were amazing earlier. I thought we were shooting a movie, you know?”

“Khuh-hehet~”

“Dong-woo was?”

“Yes. You should have been there earlier, Hyung.”

Although it was a short distance, when I described Dong-woo’s driving as he navigated around the chaotic crowds, Hyung greatly regretted not having seen it himself.

By then, we had arrived at the administration building, where people were busily running around.

Running in and running out.

Feeling the renewed busy atmosphere, we entered the conference room.

“Seonghan!”

Representative Choi, who had been engaged in a heated discussion with the leadership inside, sprang from his seat and approached me.

“I heard the story. Are you really alright?”

Representative Choi, scanning my entire body, including my bandaged hand, seemed very worried.

‘Honestly…’

I gave a bitter laugh at his fussing, like someone watching over a child left by the water’s edge.

As I waved my hand to reassure him that I was fine, Representative Pyo and Representative Kim approached.

“We just received the report. We heard you played a major role.”

“You worked hard. And… thank you very much.”

Representative Kim placed a hand on her chest and bowed slightly.

It felt like she was becoming more demure after going through the turmoil.

“Please take a seat.”

Representative Pyo, wearing a look of utter relief, gestured for us to sit.

The moment we sat down, Captain Lee and the two old men burst into the conference room.

“Don’t mind us, just proceed.”

“Understood.”

‘Why are they here?’

The two old men, as if it were natural, came and plopped down next to me.

“Old Man. Why are you here?”

“I’m a consultant.”

“We need to know how things are going so we can assign tasks, don’t we?”

I blinked at the old men’s words.

“Elder Park Cheolsu is leading the workers.”

Secretary Seong’s additional explanation was unexpected.

“Oh… Old Man… you were a foreman?”

“This rascal… Heh heh~ Well, it’s not wrong.”

Old Man Park nodded, chuckling softly, as if he didn’t dislike being called a foreman.

“Are your hands alright?”

“Yeah. This much will heal quickly.”

“Good. That’s a relief.”

Chairman Kim’s excessive interest was burdensome.

I could see they were itching to speak, but the two old men managed to hold it in.

Should I consider this a good thing…?

After Director Jang, who joined during a momentary easing of the atmosphere, everyone else arrived, and the discussion immediately proceeded.

“First, thank you for being here amidst your busy and difficult schedules.”

Representative Pyo’s polite words indicated that this was not just a conversation, but a full-fledged meeting.

As expected.

Starting with Captain Lee’s status report, it truly became a meeting.

An emergency meeting held under the guise of preparing countermeasures.

However, the atmosphere was quite positive.

Especially Captain Lee’s report.

“To start with the conclusion, there are no casualties among the combat personnel.”

“Hmph…”

“Hmm…!”

Each person expressed their emotions by nodding or letting out a long sigh.

“There are lightly injured individuals, but their injuries are not from zombies. Therefore, there is no concern about infection.”

“That’s truly… a relief. A great relief.”

“Immediately after the battle ended, we formed teams and are thoroughly searching the perimeter, but no additional problems have been found. Going forward, we plan to reinforce patrols and vigilance with a one-day grace period.”

Everyone was greatly relieved by Captain Lee’s words.

His statement implied that today’s battle was definitively over.

It was estimated that over a thousand zombies had breached only the closed back gate.

The number of zombies that attacked the main gate, where even variants openly appeared, was immeasurable.

Despite Captain Lee’s explanation, the leadership merely maintained serious expressions; they did not show shock or horror.

They had already heard the situation through radio communications, so the leadership was aware of the approximate circumstances.

Everyone showered praise on the personnel who had fought risking their lives and managed to repel the large-scale attack without any casualties, despite the sudden assault.

As the atmosphere grew lively, Captain Lee casually spoke.

“Your companions are all safe. Sergeant Kang… no, they are safely with Kang Incheol-ssi, so you don’t need to worry.”

He told me what I wanted to ask at just the right time, so I simply nodded.

‘I can go see them later.’

The good news ended right there.

“The damaged barricades can be repaired. The problem is… the attrition is severe.”

“Hmm… as expected…”

“We consumed a significant amount in today’s battle. If additional supplies aren’t provided…”

Captain Lee’s voice trailed off.

The attrition wasn’t limited to ammunition.

For example, it included the firearms themselves.

Maintenance, repairs, and spare parts were the issue.

For machine guns alone, problems like barrels bending due to being fired past their limits came to light.

It meant zombie attacks had been frequent, and today had been a major crisis.

“As long as we’re alive, we’ll find a way.”

Even as the grim reality set in, Representative Pyo forced a smile.

Perhaps that was why the Konkuk University leadership was even more pleased that there were no casualties.

“…We will do our best to defend. But if another attack like today’s occurs…”

I spoke calmly to Captain Lee, whose face was losing color.

“For now, it should be fine.”

“…Huh?”

“What do you mean by that…?”

Everyone stared at me with wide eyes, but my own companions remained calm.

“You rascal. What are you talking about? Explain it so we can understand.”

I glared at Chairman Kim, who was urging me to answer, then continued.

“Captain Lee-nim. Have you ever been outside?”

“No. Even just cleaning up inside, time was too tight, so I didn’t go out.”

“Hmm. Then you might not know.”

“Know… what?”

I elaborated on the situation, basing my explanation on what I saw in Sagajeong.

The possibility that if zombies are pushed back once, the area can become somewhat safe.

The reaction to this was not just enthusiastic, but fervent.

“So… this vicinity will be safe?”

I nodded to Chairman Kim, who cautiously repeated the question.

“Of course, I can’t be certain. But at least an attack like today’s won’t happen immediately.”

“No, if I listen to Seonghan-ssi’s explanation, it’s a plausible statement. That is, if zombies aren’t springing up from the ground.”

I agreed with Captain Lee, who was furrowing his brow and pondering.

“Even though they look like monsters, they are still humans who have transformed, after all.”

“……”

“Once an area is cleared, you can consider it somewhat safe. Unless more of them are drawn in from somewhere else.”

“Hmmmm…!”

“Come to think of it… when I went to meet Seonghan, that vicinity was quiet too.”

Representative Kim, who had been deep in thought, opened her eyes wide and clapped her hands in admiration.

“When we drove here today, we drove the same way, but we didn’t encounter any zombies.”

“W-why didn’t we realize this before?”

Captain Lee, who had been silent, picked up on Representative Kim’s words.

“That’s because… zombies were overflowing everywhere.”

“Ah…!”

“It might also be due to zombies wandering a certain distance or behaving unusually, but we’ve never carried out a large-scale sweep like today.”

“Hmph…”

“Consider the refugees. Most of them are people who fled from zombies. While there have been unavoidable confrontations, there has never been a situation like today’s.”

While people expressed their admiration based on their own experiences, Chairman Kim narrowed his eyes.

“Why are you only telling us this now?”

“Because I wasn’t certain.”

“Hmm?”

“I didn’t observe it for days on end, you know.”

Chairman Kim was taken aback by my unruffled reply.

“R-right?”

“I’ve only spoken about what I saw and felt while coming and going. So it’s not concrete evidence.”

“…You mean you’re only saying this now after confirming it multiple times, right?”

“Exactly. I can’t just blabber nonsense after eating an expensive meal, can I? If I just saw it once and went ‘It was like this! It was like that~,’ wouldn’t the listener get annoyed?”

“Tsk, kuhahahaha!”

“Hilarious.”

As Chairman Kim started laughing, Old Man Park also burst into laughter.

“Oh my, oh my! This fellow is truly cautious, isn’t he? Uh-ha-ha!”

The two old men laughed so hard their uvulas were visible, finding something incredibly amusing.

After laughing for a long time, Chairman Kim belatedly composed himself.

“You there, Kim Jihyeok.”

“Yes, Chairman-nim.”

“No, why Hyung suddenly?”

“You rascal. Just be quiet for a moment.”

Chairman Kim tapped my arm with his elbow and spoke to Hyung.

“You also acted with this fellow, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I did.”

“What did you feel about it?”

Chairman Kim’s gaze sharpened.

“It’s not that I don’t trust what this rascal says. I want to hear the impressions of an ordinary person.”

“This old man, really.”

As I growled slightly, Old Man Park reined me in.

“Just be quiet.”

The two old men, heedless of my glare, focused on Hyung.

Hyung straightened his posture and gave a clear, distinct answer.

“Dong-woo, a few others, and I went outside together, but we didn’t encounter any danger.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Of course, we were extremely tense.”

“Alright. Thank you. I’ve heard enough.”

“And Seonghan is also ordinary.”

“…What?”

“He just fights a bit well and is a bit strong, that’s all.”

Though polite, Hyung emphasized his words and gave a slight bow to the two old men.

Old Man Park chuckled broadly and said to Chairman Kim, whose eyes were wide.

“You got hit square.”

“Oh, dear… I misspoke. My apologies.”

I immediately scolded Chairman Kim, who was offering an apology.

“Of course. You should be sorry. With a person right in front of you.”

“You rascal. Didn’t I just say sorry?”

“Only with words?”

“Khuh-uh… My blood pressure is rising.”

I averted my gaze from Chairman Kim, who was needlessly rubbing the back of his neck.

“Anyway. Observe carefully. It’ll be quiet tonight, so you’ll sleep well.”

“Haha. Understood.”

I casually spoke to Captain Lee, whose expression was brightening.

“And… you mentioned you had a plan prepared in advance, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Try starting with the immediate surroundings.”

“Ah.”

“If you have to go far, try it with the feeling of forging a path.”

“Hmm… I understand what you mean.”

As the atmosphere gradually loosened up, everyone’s expressions began to brighten.

“Ah, Representative Choi-nim.”

“Yes, speak.”

“I’m sorry to say this, but it seems difficult to leave right away.”

Representative Choi was slightly flustered by Captain Lee’s words.

“What do you mean by that…?”

“The… iron gate installed at the main entrance was damaged… And there are too many corpses on the road, so we can’t go outside.”

“Ah…”

As Representative Choi nodded, resigned, Old Man Park stepped forward.

“I sent some skilled kids over there.”

“You did?”

“I’ll go check it out myself in a bit. So don’t worry.”

“Old Man. Aren’t you going to injure yourself if you overdo it?”

“You fool. I’m active duty until I die.”

Old Man Park, rolling up his sleeves to show he shouldn’t be underestimated, had quite developed muscles on his forearms.

Thanks to the small old man’s bluster, the atmosphere became lively again.

And the emergency meeting proceeded quickly.

They worked on what could be done immediately, solving issues one by one.

Additionally, a corroborating investigation into the safe zone was also conducted.

It was simple, but once the main premise was established, detailed matters proliferated like bamboo shoots after rain [a proverb about rapid and abundant appearance] in an instant.

As the meeting room became noisy, Representative Choi subtly approached and shared some news.

“The negotiations concluded on a good note.”

“Oh…”

“The terms Seonghan-ssi requested were welcomed by their side as well.”

“That’s a relief.”

He explained that the supplies I was supposed to receive were transferred as a loan, with a clear agreement that they would definitely be repaid in some form later.

Giving the Konkuk University shelter breathing room with a single operation, the common enemy of Taeseong, and today’s unexpected event—

The distance between us had significantly narrowed, and as a result, we were able to establish a more amicable relationship.

In fact, the leadership’s gaze towards us was filled with such strong trust that it felt palpable.

However, Director Jang seemed a bit tense.

He also seemed to be reading the room…

Tap- tap-

Everyone’s attention was drawn to the sound of drumming on the table.

“I apologize for interrupting your busy schedules, but I have something to say.”

“Old Man. Read the room.”

“It’s important.”

“…Is it?”

As the murmuring subsided, Representative Kim cautiously asked.

“Um, Grandfather. What you wanted to say is…”

“Hmm. Secretary Seong.”

“Yes.”

Secretary Seong immediately approached the door and let several people in.

“Hieek?!”

“Oh-ho!”

One woman and three men.

The woman and the burly man, in particular, recognized me, and their faces turned pale.

As I drew a deep smile, a welcome of a different kind, Chairman Kim grimaced.

“…Please stop smiling like that.”

“No, why are you complaining about me smiling?”

“Don’t you look in a mirror, you rascal? You look like a criminal.”

“Honestly…”

“More importantly… I heard something through Sugyeong.”

“What?”

At my unenthusiastic question, Chairman Kim wiped the playful expression from his face.

“Monsters, I mean, the zombies.”

Chairman Kim’s gaze was fixed squarely on me.

…He paused for a moment, then spoke gravely.

“You opposed researching them, didn’t you?”

“……”

“I’d like to discuss that matter.”

This time, the expression was wiped from my face.