episode_0266

Annihilation, decimation, extinction. All imply dying, being ruined, and disappearing. They are profoundly ominous words. And there are no other words as fitting to declare the end.

However, the story changes if the meaning of those words is directed at me.

‘We all die within three years…?’

For a warning, it’s brutal. Depending on the situation, it could be taken maliciously. Especially at a time like this, when I’m struggling to show some enthusiasm.

I subtly scanned the atmosphere. Everyone clearly looked quite flustered. In CEO Kim’s case, he didn’t hide his eyes trembling uncontrollably. The only one who showed no particular agitation here was Chairman Kim.

‘That wily old man.’

From the signs, it seemed he was the only one who knew.

“It’s… quite perplexing. Sudden annihilation…”

Representative Pyo’s voice, having barely recovered, sank deeply.

“I… understand. I even threw up the moment I confirmed the results.”

At Park Gyunam’s words, some stroked their necks.

Voices might have risen, shouting ‘Don’t talk nonsense!’, but the meeting room remained silent.

The one who broke the strange silence that lingered for a moment was Captain Lee.

“Is there any basis for such a conclusion?”

“Yes. Daesan provided manpower, and these are the results derived from the data I collected.”

“I-I’m hearing this for the first time?”

“I ordered it.”

Chairman Kim stepped forward, cutting off the slightly flustered CEO Kim’s words.

“Grandfather?”

“We needed to grasp the current situation and predict the future. So I had Investigator Park proceed quietly with the work.”

“You didn’t even tell me?”

“The content itself demanded caution.”

“…”

Disappointed emotions welled up in CEO Kim’s eyes as he pressed his lips together.

“Don’t be upset. Weren’t you busy beyond belief as well?”

“Even so… and your health isn’t fully recovered yet…”

“I’m not dead yet.”

Chairman Kim, bluffing, soothed his granddaughter’s complaint while simultaneously turning the conversation to Investigator Park. That seemingly insignificant action was remarkably natural.

As the chaotic atmosphere was brought under control, Investigator Park began to speak again.

“The directive I received was to identify the nature and infection pathways of the strange illness that occurred in Seoul.”

“Alone?”

“Ah, no. At that time, ten two-person teams were dispatched to Seoul alone. Simultaneous deployments also occurred in major cities in other regions. As far as I know, it was before six hours had passed since the signs of spread began to appear.”

“That’s… quite a rush, isn’t it?”

At Representative Pyo’s exclamation, Investigator Park smiled bitterly.

“Because there were many children of high-ranking officials among the victims…”

“Ah…”

“Anyway… the hastily formed epidemiological investigation teams scattered to various locations and immediately began their investigations. While maintaining close communication, they shared data for quick analysis, and what I’m about to present to you now is a compilation and organization of that information.”

“Hmm.”

While it sounds simple, in reality, it was no different from risking their lives and running. The data Investigator Park is referring to seems to carry considerable weight. Even if I don’t know, most of the epidemiological investigation teams must have died defenselessly.

‘…’

I asked for understanding and watched Investigator Park, who was preparing the beam projector with Manager Seong. He immediately finished preparations and darkened the room.

Beep.

On the wall of the darkened room, a map of Korea was displayed.

“This is the SIR model used in universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Among them, we compiled the models most similar to the current situation.”

Investigator Park slowly flipped through the screen, adding explanations.

“These red dots represent ‘infection’.”

A single red dot appeared on the clean map. Starting from Gangnam in Seoul, it slowly increased. Though there were slight differences, major cities in each region showed similar patterns.

“This is the point after 8 hours.”

“…”

The dots on the map increased. Each screen, set to specific time intervals, showed the dots rapidly increasing each time it was advanced. From the point of displaying 24-hour intervals, the dots increased exponentially. The growing dots began to form areas, and these areas gradually dyed the map of South Korea red. Not only major cities but also other regions. That is, rural areas, plains, and mountainous regions were also invariably marked with dots.

When most of South Korea was consumed by red dots. After a point exceeding 2 years, the dots gradually began to disappear. From a certain point, the rapidly disappearing dots were largely erased, almost vanishing from the map.

“This model concluded that, theoretically, the situation would end in the third year.”

“…”

“That’s different from what you said earlier.”

“Yes. This scenario is before the opinions of Director Jang Myeonghwan and Dr. Eom Jihoon were reflected. Please see the next one immediately.”

This time, a video was prepared.

“This was completed just yesterday and applies new variables to the information compiled so far.”

“Variables, you say…”

“This is based on the refined and combined content, including what the two of you discovered, as well as the testimonies of some survivors.”

Investigator Park hesitated for a moment, then looked at me.

“Variants are also included as variables.”

“…”

“Take a look.”

This time, the screen displayed a timer. The map, where time flowed quickly, showed the same pattern as before. However, it was slightly different from the point after one day. The dots that had been slowly increasing hesitated. This happened simultaneously in Seoul and other regions. But from the third day, it changed dramatically. As if to make up for the hesitation, the red dots rapidly increased. Unlike before, each major city was covered in dots by the second month. As time passed, the scope widened, and the red dots became more densely marked. The dots spread widely along the roads, extending and connecting. The sight gave the impression of a contrast agent flowing through blood vessels. The red dots, spreading as if tracing the blood vessels across the Korean peninsula, appeared throughout the entire territory. Meticulously, as if scanning every nook and cranny. There was no place where red dots were not marked. And once a dot was marked, it inevitably grew larger, clearer, and darker. The dots, growing in size, became areas and, just like before, dyed South Korea red. By the first year, most of the map of South Korea was painted a light red.

“…”

It was different from before. Dots were marked over the red, as if being painted over. The second year, when there was a twist. Even after the second year passed, the dots did not decrease. By the 2 years and 6 months mark, the map of Korea was dyed even redder. Only a few white dots were marked in a few places. Even those soon disappeared entirely.

2 years, 10 months, 13 days.

That was the date when the timer stopped. Simultaneously, the video stopped, and the lights in the meeting room came on. No one spoke while Investigator Park tidied up the beam projector and laptop. Just as the silence was about to drag on, CEO Kim spoke in a cold voice.

“It’s difficult to accept.”

To this, Investigator Park neither affirmed nor denied. I felt sorry for Investigator Park, but I also found it a bit difficult to accept that hypothetical scenario. I’m busy just trying to save my own life right now, and the confirmed ending is the annihilation of Korea. It’s a conclusion that would render one speechless even if pelted with eggs.

“A hypothetical scenario. Is that correct?”

“It’s closer to reality.”

“…”

“Because it’s a hypothetical scenario, there are actually aspects that are understated.”

“Hoo…”

Representative Pyo, who asked a foolish question, gained nothing from it.

“There’s a part that aligns with what Dr. Eom Jihoon said.”

The point when the infection explosion definitively occurred. CEO Choi pointed out the changes within one to two months. To this, Dr. Eom nodded.

“Oral infection is certain, and zombies also exhibit monstrous strength.”

“…”

Dr. Eom continued with various minor explanations, but his words didn’t register in my ears.

‘They’re definitely killing them off.’

Airborne infection is clearly a great unseen danger. I don’t know how it spread nationwide. But perhaps not everyone was infected. No, there were definitely people who were not infected. The changes Dr. Eom discovered and asserted. The changes in the virus and zombies seem like actions to definitively eliminate living humans. Not through uncertain airborne infection, but surely through oral infection, like a confirmed kill. The mutated zombies are more dangerous in another sense. That was the impression I got after seeing the prepared screen.

While I was lost in thought for a moment, the meeting room grew noisy. Voices were raised over the results of the hypothetical scenario, but the conclusion was that it was difficult to accept. Everyone wanted to deny the results. But they couldn’t openly do so. The people present knew how those results were produced. Therefore, they couldn’t directly deny it.

“Enough—”

Chairman Kim, who had been savoring the situation with his eyes closed, stepped forward.

“I understand that everyone is confused. But this isn’t the time for that.”

“…”

“Time passes even while we’re doing this. We have no time to waste. Everyone, straighten up.”

At the old man’s words, which exuded resolute dignity, everyone seemed to collect themselves and lowered their gaze.

“Alright. Everyone, calm down… What do you think?”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

“Just… if that’s the result, then I guess it is.”

Chairman Kim didn’t react to the indifferent reply. He just stared silently, so I clicked my tongue and spoke.

“I don’t like the result, but considering the data Investigator Park prepared, I can’t ignore it.”

At my words, Investigator Park’s eyes widened.

“Hmm.”

“More than that, I’d like to hear the rest first.”

“What?”

Chairman Kim, asking again, his eyes gleaming.

“There must be a reason why you showed two results, right? It seems like you have something more to say?”

“That’s right.”

The fear in Investigator Park’s gaze towards me vanished, replaced by a faint hint of goodwill. Sending a somewhat burdensome gaze, he began to speak the words he hadn’t finished.

“As you said, there’s something I want to tell you. Recall the first scenario. Do you remember the point when the red dots were disappearing?”

Those who had calmed down nodded.

“That point was the estimated time when ‘results’ would emerge through research.”

“…”

“It could be a cure or a vaccine. Or it could be a weakness of the zombies or a means to neutralize them.”

“That’s…”

“I’m aware that it’s an optimistic interpretation. However.”

Investigator Park, cutting off Representative Pyo, affirmed.

“If we pass that point, it will be difficult to endure any longer.”

“…”

“At most, five years. And that’s only if a very small number of survivors hide themselves in a safe place.”

“For humanity to exist as humans and survive, we must produce results in some form within that timeframe. Otherwise, we will be definitively annihilated.”

Perhaps it was because I had just seen it with my own eyes. His words, affirming once more, carried weight.

“Then why did such a result appear in the second scenario?”

CEO Kim’s question was plausible.

“Because we can’t guarantee it.”

“What?”

“The first scenario estimated the case where not only we but also international health organizations would lead research on the current situation, and the world would unite.”

“Ah…”

“Does that mean the entire world is in the same situation right now?”

To my hyung’s carefully interjected question, Investigator Park nodded.

“China has already fallen, and Japan is on the verge of annihilation.”

Chairman Kim casually dropped a bombshell.

“Old man. Are you sure?”

“Certain. Not only America but Europe has also suffered severe damage. They are probably in a similar or worse state than us by now.”

“How do you know?”

“A man who runs a business naturally has many connections.”

“I see.”

Still, for a chaebol and the chairman of a large group, it’s not strange to have such things. But that’s not what’s important now. CEO Choi, who had been quietly staying in his seat, faced the situation squarely.

“So… we have to do everything ourselves.”

“That’s right. It’s a harsh environment and an unpredictable situation. We can’t expect any help either.”

“So you had the annihilation of South Korea in mind. I understand.”

CEO Choi stroked his mouth and exhaled softly.

“It’s too much to strike the zombies with direct military force.”

Captain Lee, sensitive to weapon consumption, nodded.

“Even if we try to endure, with all production lines halted now, we can’t last long. Even if we scavenge from the streets, it won’t meet the demand.”

CEO Kim and Representative Pyo also nodded.

“Above all, the existence of variants is a major problem. If it’s one or two, we could manage somehow, but more than that…”

“And there’s another problem.”

Dr. Eom’s expression, as he subtly interjected, was rigid.

“There’s a possibility that everyone alive is a potential carrier.”

A collective gasp.

“Because the virus that initially spread wouldn’t have disappeared.”

“W-Well, that might certainly be true…”

“It’s highly likely that the absence of symptoms is due to an incubation period.”

People finally clasped their foreheads.

“Does that mean even if they look fine, they’ll rise again as zombies if they die?”

“We’re… speculating that.”

“…”

‘That might not be true.’

Dr. Eom’s words might be correct. But there’s also a high probability that they’re not. There’s a reason I’m thinking this. At the very least, I haven’t seen those who died by my hand rise again. And the victims left on the rooftop of the Red Hospital. They also didn’t turn into zombies. I’ve personally seen hundreds of corpses. Nevertheless, I can’t confidently say no either. Because Dr. Eom’s words also hold a possibility. Nothing can be concluded clearly. A stifling feeling, like wandering through a hazy fog.

‘Damn it.’

My brow furrowed instinctively. I don’t like the current situation. When it comes down to it, those Taesung guys are the problem. My situation, being dragged along by the current circumstances that arose from their massive blunders, is just laughable.

‘I really want to twist all those bastards.’

My bones creaked.

“…”

“Ah, sorry.”

“Calm your temper.”

“It’s not that, actually?”

“Ahem. To summarize, when we objectively analyze the current situation, we cannot be particular about the means and methods for survival.”

“Hmm.”

“For our own survival, we must understand those things, find countermeasures, and apply them practically.”

“There’s a need to hurry.”

Dr. Eom and Investigator Park looked around at everyone in the meeting room as they spoke, then fixed their gaze on me. And Chairman Kim gently spoke.

“We will definitely succeed.”

“…”

“And we will take a different path from those damned guys.”

“What if we fail? How do we know if you’ll betray us in the end?”

Suddenly, Chairman Kim’s eyes flashed, and a powerful aura erupted.

“Then, strike my neck yourself.”

“Grandfather!”

“Are you serious?”

“I swear to you on Daesan’s name and my own neck.”

All-in—

That damned old man made me a deal. And a very intense one at that.