Kangmin was about to press the YES button but stopped.
‘that’s right! hearthstone!’
Kangmin recalled how he got a special effect thanks to the magic stone when he last leveled up.
Kangmin looked down. There happened to be a decapitated body of a ‘muscle zombie’.
Kangmin looked around.
There were still a lot of zombies, but people were killing them easily.
Kang Min took out a great sword from his waist and cut open the muscle zombie’s chest.
Although they must have once been humans, the insides of muscle zombies were very different from humans. Something like white spiderwebs filled the inside.
‘But the locations of major organs are the same as in humans.’
Kangmin reached out his hand, took out his heart, and exploded it with his fist. He was gross, but he didn’t have time.
‘there is!’
A ‘magic stone’ the size of a little fingernail emerged from the heart.
Kangmin held the magic stone and immediately pressed the YES button.
The function appeared in the skill description, and the message Kangmin had been waiting for appeared.
There was no reason to hesitate. I immediately pressed the YES button.
Kangmin’s eyes opened wide.
‘It’s 3m!’
As the distance of use increases, the number of ways to use it increases.
Kangmin immediately summoned his shield. Four shields appeared in front of the party.
‘Great! Now it’s time to start again!’
* * *
‘oh my god!’
Minjoo was the first to notice that the shield had changed.
‘Four shields? And the distance has gotten further!’
While Minju was surprised, the four shields began to rotate.
Although the distance has increased, the number of shields has increased from 3 to 4, increasing the destructive power.
– Pugh.
Blood spurted like a fountain everywhere.
“Oh my god, what is this?”
People spoke with their eyes wide open at the phenomenon in front of them.
“Zombies… “It’s going to be different, right?”
A little while ago, it felt like it was being quickly cut with a knife, but now it felt like it was being completely blended.
Everyone looked back at Kangmin. I was worried that Kangmin might be overdoing it.
But that was unfounded. Kangmin spoke to everyone in a more powerful voice than ever before.
“Let’s go to the apartment quickly!”
Kangmin started moving quickly.
Kangmin no longer went to the rooftop. He passed the main road and climbed Opaesan Mountain.
“It’s crazy, I think I killed 1,000 zombies after leaving the gas station.”
“Have we ever killed so many zombies?”
“Did we kill him? What killed the majority… … .”
Everyone looked at Kangmin. There was awe and envy in their eyes.
Kang Min looked at the status window without knowing the look in their eyes.
‘The remaining durability is 200. That’s enough.’
I earned 400 points. It seemed like I got more points after leveling up.
‘With this point, you can level up your world line movement.’
Of course, I wanted to level up my shield if I could, but I needed 1,000 points to raise it to level 8.
That was still too big a shame.
‘I’ve done everything I could this time.’
Now all that was left was to go back.
Kangmin walked faster. When we reached the top of Mt. Opae, the number of zombies had been reduced by more than half.
All of them were killed by Kang Min. So we passed the top of Mt. Opae and arrived at the container blocking the apartment complex.
* * *
There were many people standing on the container.
At first glance, there seemed to be about 20 people, but they were waiting to rescue them when the 1 trillion won team arrived.
“Representative, they’re coming!”
Kangmin and his group came into view. Everyone’s eyes widened when they saw them.
‘Oh my God, weren’t you being chased? ‘That looks like hunting zombies, doesn’t it?’
I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.
To Hocheol, zombies were a disaster, sadness, and anger. It was like a disaster that constantly appeared no matter how many times it was killed.
But the zombies were cut down before my eyes.
‘It seems like the positions of hunter and prey have changed!’
My heart was racing.
Hocheol looked around. It seemed she wasn’t the only one who felt that way.
Each person was holding a weapon and looking at Kangmin with passionate eyes.
Something hot rose up in my chest.
“Everyone ready!”
Hocheol screamed at everyone.
Everyone on the container held their weapons tightly and took a stance.
“We welcome our colleagues.”
“and!”
With Hocheol’s hand gesture, about a dozen people jumped out of the container.
Those remaining on top of the container shot arrows or used long spears to stab the zombies underneath the container.
Some people created fire to attack zombies.
“die!”
Thanks to the efforts of people, space was created. Kangmin released the ‘whirlwind shield’ and jumped onto the container.
Hocheol said while holding Kangmin’s hand.
“welcome. welcome.”
* * *
7 pm. Inside the management office, Hocheol gathered the leaders and spoke.
“Thank you. For coming back safely. “It was really hard.”
The first team leader shook his head.
“no. Everyone with the CEO… … .”
The 1st team leader looked at Kang Min, who was sitting next to Minju, and said.
“Thanks to Choi Kang-min.”
Everyone nodded. Kangmin shook his head.
“no. “Because everyone fought as one.”
“Even that is thanks to Kang Min.”
The atmosphere inside the management office was warm for the first time in a long time.
Everyone in Group 1 returned safely. Moreover, I personally saw Kang Min’s incredible ability.
“Now, it shouldn’t be like this. Let’s celebrate today. “This is an order.”
Everyone’s eyes widened at Hocheol’s words.
“A festival?”
Hocheol smiled brightly and said at the words of the second team leader.
“I couldn’t sleep at all last night. Probably most people did that. “To be honest, many people have waited until now, but only a few have returned.”
Everyone nodded. People who went to get food, people who went to rescue people. Most of them never returned. Even when they returned, they saw severe damage.
“But today we came back without a single person dying. People are so tired now. “We must use this opportunity to remember that we too can do it.”
“That method is a festival.”
Hocheol nodded at what Team 2 leader said.
“you’re right. Of course, it won’t be like the old festival. But we have the ramen that Kang Min brought. “I also have about 50 bottles of soju that I’ve been saving.”
People opened their eyes wide. Among them, the first team commander could not stand it anymore and said:
“Ramen broth and soju!”
Hocheol answered with a happy expression.
“Yes, tell everyone to come to the yard. “We will also have a campfire to keep old memories alive.”
People began to move at Hocheol’s words. It was an unexpected festival.
Furniture was piled up in the yard. It was a substitute for logs. When the fire started there, it lit up the whole place.
“Wow!”
“It’s a really big fire!”
“Awesome!”
“It’s hot!”
The children responded first. There were many children who were seeing a campfire for the first time and looked at the fire with wonder.
In a furnace built in one corner of the yard, ramen was being boiled in pots and delivered to people.
“Is it that delicious?”
Hongyoung just nodded at Kangmin’s words and ate the ramen. After Hongyoung finished her ramen and regained her appetite, Kangmin handed her something.
“This!”
It was the cigarette Kangmin had promised.
“You said you like Marlboro, right? Now, smoke it quickly.”
Hongyoung opened the cigarette pack with trembling hands and put one cigarette in his mouth.
Kang Min took out a 50,000 won bill from his wallet, lit it, and lit a cigarette.
– Chi-ik.
The cigarette burned out. Hongyoung took a deep gulp and exhaled smoke.
“really… “I think I did well to survive.”
“Live for a long time. “I’ll get you all the cigarettes in the world.”
Hongyoung nodded silently.
Perhaps because soju was added, the festival became more and more mature. And then something completely unexpected happened to Kangmin.
The children ran to Minjoo and said something. Min-joo shook his head and refused at first, but eventually nodded to the children’s pleas.
“and!”
The children’s shouts were heard even by Kangmin.
‘what?’
The answer came quickly. Minjoo went into the apartment for a moment and came out carrying a guitar.
At that moment, everyone gathered in the yard looked at Minjoo.
Minju sat down on a chair in front of the children and started playing the guitar.
– Tiriring.
Soon a familiar melody appeared and Minju began to sing.
The children also started singing along to Minju.
“Playing is the best. “Gather together, friends!”
Kangmin was surprised. He had a wound on his neck and he thought he couldn’t sing anymore, but Minjoo was singing.
‘You sing well, right?’
It was a husky voice, but it gave off another charm.
As the Pororo song ended, the children clapped their hands and people began to gather at Minju.
“Chairman 3, if you’re singing a song, please sing a song for us too.”
“okay! okay! He said he often sang songs to the kids. “Sing a song for us today too!”
People were shouting. Min-joo looked awkward and turned his head to make eye contact with Kang-min.
As Kangmin smiled brightly, Minjoo lowered his head and started playing the guitar and singing.
“Yeosu night sea. There is a beautiful story behind this light. “I want to hear it from you.”
The sounds of bonfires, guitars, and songs rang out under a night sky full of stars.
Before we knew it, people were singing along to democracy songs one by one.
Kang Min captured the scene with his cell phone camera.
As I was here, I couldn’t tell if I was in the real world or a parallel world.
I just hoped and hoped that this happiness would continue.
* * *
The next morning, Kangmin woke up at 10 o’clock.
“Ugh, my head.”
My head was pounding. Last night, as the atmosphere warmed up, everyone gave Kangmin drinks.
Among them, the person who drank the most alcohol to Kangmin was Minjoo. Minjoo also ate that much.
– Hey, Choi Kang-min. 1 trillion You know what they say?
– what?
– They say you are more of a genius than Bang Kyung-ho of the Black Dragon faction.
– Bang Kyung-ho?
– Yeah, there’s this really unbelievable monster. It’s Bang Jin-ho… It’s really ridiculously strong. So much so that I don’t even dare to think about it. But you came. A guy who looks like he can beat Bang Kyung-ho. You may not know it, but you are already people’s hope.
– hope? Someone like me?
I think Minjoo said something in response to Kangmin’s words, but I couldn’t quite remember.
‘ah. There was one more.’
Min-joo was completely drunk and spoke while leaning on Kang-min’s shoulder.
– … I miss my mom and dad. I can’t help it. Just a video of mom and dad on your phone.
I think Minjoo said something important after that, but I couldn’t remember it.
“Let’s at least wash our faces. Then you’ll remember.”
He came down from his room on the 10th floor to the yard. He greeted everyone who saw Kang Min by whispering in a low voice that he was a savior.
‘what?’
Kangmin tilted his head in a strange mood and went to the communal washroom.
Yesterday, a hose was connected to the ‘Odong Mineral Spring’ in Opae Mountain and water was drawn to this place, and water was coming out.
Although only a little water came out, people said this was like a miracle.
It was said that there was a shortage of water due to the zombies, so much so that there was barely enough water to drink, let alone wash.
When Kangmin stood in line for the washroom, everyone made room for him.
‘It doesn’t matter.’
It was uncomfortable, but people never wanted to stand in front of Kang Min.
‘Let’s just take a quick shower and let’s go.’
Kangmin quickly finished washing his face and returned to the room. As I was thinking about what to do, I remembered what the gas station owner told me yesterday.
‘I told you to come alone because I had important information, right?’
I was really curious about what ‘important information’ the gas station owner was talking about.
Kang Min left for the ‘gas station’ without telling anyone.
Now that I am used to riding the shield, I arrived at the gas station yard in 20 minutes.
“I! “Are you there?”
At Kangmin’s words, the owner’s face appeared in the window of the gas station building. He came down with a surprised expression on his face.
“I really can’t get used to it. “Can you tell because it comes down from the sky?”
The gas station owner looked surprised but welcomed Kang Min warmly.
“hello.”
“Welcome. “Let’s go inside.”
Let Kang-min sit on the sofa. Amin, the daughter of the gas station owner, brought three colas on a tray.
It was cool to the touch.
‘You’re running the refrigerator!’
Apparently, there were only two people living here, but the use of electricity was different, perhaps because there was a lot of oil.
“What’s important to talk about?”
“This person is in a hurry. “Let’s have a cold drink first.”
Kangmin nodded and took a sip of cola. In real life, you could drink it until you get tired of it, but drinking it here was definitely a delicacy.
“thank you.”
“What is gratitude? I am more grateful. You probably don’t know how grateful I am for bringing you the medicine. By the way, Amin, I should say hello.”
Amin blushed and lowered his head at the words of the gas station owner.
“Thank you for saving my life. “This is Joo Ah-min.”
“I am… Choi Kang-min.”
It was my first time seeing Amin up close.
‘It’s pretty.’
If Minju was a Western-style beauty with distinct features, Amin was an Oriental beauty.
The gas station owner looked at Kang Min looking at Amin with satisfaction and continued speaking.
“Isn’t my Amin pretty?”
“dad!”
When Amin hit the gas station owner with his arm, the gas station owner began to hum and speak.
“Look at me. I said I was going to talk about something important, but I ended up talking about something else.”
“it’s okay.”
“It’s strange too. “You probably guess that the important thing to talk about is survival, right?”
Kangmin nodded. The greatest virtue in this world was survival. Everything had to be linked to survival.
“But your expression doesn’t seem very interested.”
Kangmin paused.
‘It must have seemed that way.’
He had no choice but to always be a stranger to this parallel world. They were desperate to survive, but he was returning after only a week.
“Is that possible?”
“Good, but you won’t be able to sit still if you hear this.”
“I’m more curious.”
The gas station owner’s expression turned cautious.
“You know that this world is ruined, right?”
“Is there anyone who doesn’t know that?”
“yes. “There are still people like us alive here and there, but they are very few.”
This was something that Kang Min also knew to some extent from Minjoo.
“But what does that have to do with survival?”
The landlord spoke in a low voice.
“by the way. “Would you believe if there was a city in Korea with a population of 50,000?”
Kangmin opened his eyes wide.
In the real world, a population of 50,000 was a small city, but in a parallel world, it was not.
“Is there still a place like that?”
“There is. It’s Kowloon City. You know that too, right? Kowloon Group. “There are rumors that the Kowloon Group has a city built in a remote location.”
Kangmin’s eyes were shaking and his body was shaking.
“As expected, you can’t sit still either. And you know what? Wasn’t there solar energy among the Kowloon Group’s products? So they say that in Kowloon City, you can use electricity as much as you want. how is it? Aren’t you just starting to get interested? Hmm, and by the way, I know where Kowloon City is.”
* * *
‘yet! There’s a Kowloon group!’
Kangmin clenched his fists.
I thought it was a name I would never hear again in a parallel world. Of course I thought everyone was dead.
But he was alive. It seemed like he was living well with solar energy technology, like his father’s legacy.
Kangmin’s face was distorted horribly. He couldn’t bear it. I wanted to run right away and destroy them all.
“Where is that place!”
The owner of the gas station said in bewilderment at Kangmin’s mood.
“If I’m going to tell you that, you’ll have to promise me one too.”
“What is that?”
“that… … .”
It was just when the gas station owner was speaking.
– Clang.
The window broke and something came inside.
A small, dark green ball-like thing. It was a grenade.
“Bow!”
The gas station owner telekinetically threw the grenade again. But at that moment, a grenade exploded.
It was at that moment that Kang Min hugged the gas station owner and Amin and summoned a shield.
– Boom!
The grenade exploded and numerous fragments rained down in all directions. But Kangmin was fine.
– Tong tang tang tang!
This was because the four shields blocked Kang Min’s front without any gaps.
The power of the grenade was so strong that the durability of all shields was reduced by 50 at once.
When no more debris flew, Kang-min and the gas station owner stood up and looked out the window.
Amin also trembled and looked out the window.
“uh! “Are you alive?”
There were two men on a container outside the window. Among them, a man with short hair said.
Kangmin made a serious expression. This was because their waists were full of grenades.
A middle-aged man with short hair shouted at the short-haired man.
“What if I throw a grenade carelessly? The boss told you to bring the girl! “I almost got in big trouble because of you.”
“Ha, that kind of stuff is none of my business.”
The short-haired man took out a grenade from his waist and started throwing it. One, two, three. A total of three were thrown.
“Avoid!”
The gas station man shouted, but Kangmin jumped out the window instead.
Kangmin stood on the shield summoned in the air and ran towards the flying grenade.
Then, he summoned a shield and placed it at an angle of about 45 degrees towards the incoming grenade, causing it to collide with it.
The three incoming grenades hit the shield and bounced into the sky. In the opposite direction from which they were flying.
The eyes of the short-haired man and the middle-aged man widened.
“Huh?”
Immediately afterwards, a huge explosion sounded.
