Stagnant Water of Apocalypse

Fortunately, Da-jeong’s words didn’t mean what I thought it would be. She just wants to venture around with me.

-This place is full of people wearing masks, smiling around like dolls. They all want to do something about me. it’s just hell. So take me out before I end up killing them all.

She must have been under a lot of stress…

-I want to tell you to leave now, but please wait a little bit. At least until I meet the president.

-Didn’t you say that you won’t meet him?

-You have to make him believe so…

– Ahh. I got it. Actually, Rapwi is more problematic than me. If I didn’t stop him, he would have attacked those people. We and the government people just don’t match at all.

Well, he’s Seokhyun after all… By the looks of things, It seems like after the corrosive disease subsided, things would turn to be pretty hectic.

Once I wrapped up the conversation with Da-jeong by saying I would serve her a tuna if she waited a bit longer, I left the Auction House.

“Sigh…” To be honest, I know the reason why the president wants to meet me: He wants to bring people together. His goal was to gather talented people to increase the government shelter’s power and finally build a brand new civilization.

Let’s say the plan went well, then what? What comes after that?

Jang Won-taek was someone who had experienced holding the highest authority in a nation, so, he shouldn’t bother himself fighting for a small seat, like the leader of a brand new nation.

But I couldn’t be sure.

“His telepathic abilities could develop into a skill to control others…” I did not think that he would quietly retire and live a mundane life.

“You can’t just trust politicians…” Humans were fundamentally full of lies, especially in an apocalyptic world. But politicians were even more so. But still, I should take a wait and see approach right now before making my decision about him. After all, Jang Won-taek was way better than any clan leaders he had met, as he was concerned about the well-being of his shelter.

I entered my shelter after writing the location Da-jeong told me on the map. By the way, I have something to worry about these days. A few stone monkeys were roaming around the shelter. As soon as they saw me, they giggled and jumped towards other branches. Their size was also bigger than their normal size. On top of it, it was an annoying monster to deal with, as their attacking method, as their name implied, was throwing stones at their target, and it was very annoying to deal with.

At their first appearance, I thought that they were just passing by. However, their numbers were gradually increasing. And now, it has turned into a large group of 30, or maybe even 40, and they keep throwing stones at my shelter.

Of course, I didn’t just stand still. I retaliated and successfully killed a few of them. However, they responded swiftly. When I pulled the bow string, they immediately jumped down from the tree and hid. It was not easy to match how fast their movement was.

I also succeeded in killing one guy with a ballista, but there was no more result after that.

The guys were obviously learning. They learn from their fallen comrade that bows and ballistas were dangerous.

Those fucking bastards…

“How do I kill them all effectively…”

Even at this moment, they were throwing stones at the shelter. Since the warehouse was strong, it suffered no big damage. However, stress has accumulated in me, the scarabs, and the two wolf lovers since we could not even go out to the empty lot in front of the cave.

Those monkeys were not classified as an animal, but a monster, so its throwing power was strong. If their stone hits you, it would clearly break a few bones.

“Why did those bastards come to my house?”

Is it their migration time since spring has come?

If that was the case, it would be better to just kill them all.

“If I fight, I certainly will win, but I want to avoid that route…”

I’m not good at climbing trees, so I thought I would just wait for them to disappear. But now as I decide to fight, I have to do it right.

“155 shots left… I have to be thrifty with my shot.”

So, what’s the best way to beat those bastards?

“Let’s start with the leader.”

Stone monkeys were led by a large and strong alpha. If those alpha just stay behind his group, it will not be respected by other monkeys, so it will come forward and attack aggressively. I have to kill that guy first.

I came out with the K2 rifle, which I cherished so much. I have to aim carefully and kill the leader in one shot. If it was killed, the group would be thrown into chaos. Once that happens, I will destroy their nest. Since they were monkeys, there should be nothing worthwhile to loot in their nest, so I can just set it on fire.

I got my gear and hid behind the warehouse.

Bang-!! Bang-!! Bang-!!

Stones thrown by the stone monkeys hit the warehouse and bounced off while making a loud sound.

When the stone stopped ,I quickly held out my gun and fired at the leader.

Bang-!!

The birds sitting on the trees flew away in droves as the sound echoed. And a beat later, a large monkey fell and shook the ground. It suffered a puncture wound to its forehead and died a miserable but painless death.

Kieeekkk-!!

The stone monkeys, who had just lost their leader, fell into chaos. They quarreled among themselves and at some places, some monkeys even attacked the monkey next to them.

Without delay, I switched the gun with the bow and fired at them. After a couple of them fell by my arrow, the stone monkeys started to run away one by one.

WOOF-!! WOOF-!! AUUUUUU-!!!

Ding-soon and Dingo came out to the vacant lot and performed a wonderful howling.

Isn’t there a saying that the greatest loss came not when war is ongoing, but when it was done?

Therefore, it’s time for us to realize those sayings.

“Let’s go.”

When the barbed wire fence was opened, the two wolves rushed out and pursued the stone monkeys. Even though it’s impossible for the two wolves to catch those monkeys which jump from tree to tree, I can help them.

When I stopped and fired some arrows, a monkey that had been playing with the wolf by throwing stones fell down.

Ding-soon, obviously angry, ran and bit the monkey’s head and shook it violently.

Crack-!!

There was a terrible sound of a broken neck moments later.

The three of us hunted down a group of stone monkeys in that way and hunted more than ten. We chased them down to the nest and caught 20 of them by the end.

Dingo and Ding-soon looked at me after rounding up the monkey cubs in front of me.

It’s cute because they were still babies. But in the end, they’re nothing but monsters. If we let them go, one day they might return as enemies and attack me again.

“Kill them all.”

King-!!

I looted the nest while the two wolves killed the cubs.

“Where did they get this?”

An old leather backpack could be found in the nest. However, it didn’t look good as a lot of bite marks could be seen on it. Probably, the monkey cubs used this leather backpack as a biting practice.

When I untied the knot, things like knives, a pot, cloak, and a map could be seen inside. Judging from those objects, it was clear that the original owner of the backpack was a traveler.

When I opened the map, it was full of unknown alphabets. However, I could understand that the alphabet was written in order to mark some places.

“This place was nearby.”

It was clear from the fact that the place was situated on the north of a mountain covered in white and lake. The map also explained in detail the various topography, vegetation, and distribution of animals. When I compared it with the book I got from the dungeon, it matched perfectly.

“Who the hell made this?” With this proof, I was certain that there was also a civilization here in this dimension.

When I was busy checking the maps, Ding-soon and Dingo came to me with their bloodied snouts, proof that they had finished their job. Now, we must burn the nest quickly before the other stone monkeys arrive.

I pour some gasoline on the nest and set it on fire. With this, the other stone monkeys should give up this nest and go somewhere else.

Had there still been a leader in their midst, they would have attacked me again with a burning desire for revenge, but since the leader is no more, the remaining stone monkeys wouldn’t even think of that.

When I returned to the shelter and launched the drone, I could see that the stone monkeys were moving westward.

“Huh… it’s over.”

The stone monkey threat, which would have been quite dangerous if handled incorrectly, is over. Moreover, now Ding-soon completely trusted me and followed me just like Dingo.

It wasn’t bad to feel a large silver wolf rubbing its body on me.

“Let’s get along well.”

When I showed the scarabs the map, they just stood still without telling me anything.

“You guys really don’t know, do you? Did you know anything?”

The scarab leader looked carefully at the map, then pointed to a spot and made an overhead swinging motion.

“Ignition stone or black charcoal? Is this place an ore field?”

Nod nod.

He made a very exaggerated gesture with his front legs spread out.

It’s not too far away, so it’s better to pay a visit to that place. Though, I need to get some gasoline before that. The mini fork crane used too much gasoline so much to the point that my stockpile was now in dire situation.

I called Ding-soon as well as Dingo and then fed them the wild boar meat I cured. I hope you both eat well and give birth to a baby soon.

.

.

.

The next evening, I infiltrated Wolmido and settled down near the marina.

I could go straight to the mansion where government officials were staying, but somehow, I wanted to see the president first.

I’ve seen him back in the farming dungeon, but he probably wouldn’t have recognized me as I Love Gimbap at that time. Da-jeong said that his unique skill was telepathy, but from that alone, it was difficult to figure out exactly what kind of ability he had. I’m sure it wasn’t only an ability to simply talk to someone without opening his mouth.

“His unique skill has the potential to evolve into something to read minds…”

Jang Won-taek was the President of the Republic of South Korea. The process of meeting supporters and opponents to gain support and persuade them could be said as a battle. After decades of swimming in the political arena, he finally reached the apex. Therefore, it wasn’t far-fetched to say that he had the ability to read people’s minds even without a skill. So it would be problematic and scary at the same time if that quality of him turns into a skill.

“I have no choice but to hope that his level is low.”

According to Da-jeong, she had never seen him hunting, so his level should be low. No, wait, I don’t have to think like that. Jang Won-taek is a very good person. It was clear from things he did to prepare people for the apocalypse. Gathering people in the government shelter and experimenting wasn’t a problem.

After all, Isn’t it natural to fight monsters together?

“At least, on the surface…”

Da-jeong once said that if I had revealed my identity before the apocalypse, I would not have been alive. It was due to the fact that there were other forces besides the government. Poor Man, Ji-man also said something similar to Da-jeong. Therefore, there’s still this feeling of distrust in my heart towards Jang Won-taek even though he’s a good person.

I opened the portal and waited for him, looking out at the sea. Finally, when the werewolf first howl could be heard, an old gentleman appeared. Even though it was dark, I could clearly see his gray hair, shirt, and trousers.

He turned his back and said to someone.

“Leave. It seems that he has come.”

Maybe he noticed me?

Has he been hiding here since evening?

Once the footsteps volume died down, proof that whoever stood behind him earlier had walked away, Jang Won-taek said, “Is this our first time meeting each other? Or have you ever seen me?”

He’s talking about the farming dungeon. However, I waited without answering.

Jang Won-taek continued to speak while still turning his back against me.

“I will never turn my back to see your face. I can promise you this one thing.”

I see… I checked my backpack and went outside. Even though I’m sure he heard it, he didn’t look back at all. Once I stood behind the president, he mused.

“You have quite a build, contrary to your cute ID.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“I just thought that you would come. Because If I were you, I would surely come.”

“Even though I refused through Da-jeong?”

“Da-jeong? It seems like you are on really friendly terms with her. Do you have any special relationship going with her?”

“We are friends.”

“Haha…I don’t believe in friendship between a young man and a woman, but let’s leave it like that. After all, I thought you would come, and you did. So, I can’t complain about anything else, can I?”

Jang Won-taek sat cross-legged and invited me to sit as well. I accepted his invitation and sat down as well. However, he still kept his face opposite mine.

“I want to thank you again for letting us know the exact date of the apocalypse. Thanks to your information, I was able to spend time with my friends and children. It was a bit sad back then, but now that I think about it, I am so grateful towards you.”

From what I know about the actions of other high-ranking people in the government, who didn’t even bother trying to help the civilians and just trying to save their lives, the words Jang Won-taek just said wasn’t something a person such as him should’ve said.

“It’s nothing. I just did the bare minimum.”

“If that is the bare minimum? What is the maximum, then? Revealing all the information you have?”

“That’s right.”

“Perhaps, the reason you didn’t do that was because of your unique skill?”

“It is similar.”

“It’s as I expected. By the way, the reason Da-jeong was brought into the government shelter was probably because of the gun, right?”

As expected from the former President of the Republic of South Korea, his wits were quick. But it would only be right for me to deny his accusation here.

“Maybe?”

To be precise, what I wanted was live ammunition and the instructions on how to make it. With the help of the scarabs back in the shelter, making the metal shell was not a problem. But I need to know how to make the primer part to make a proper bullet.

Those guys even shook their heads when I showed them the bullet, indicating that just looking like that wouldn’t work.

After disassembling three ammo and blowing them up, the guys never touched the bullets again.

Jang Won-taek stroked his beard.

“Guns… are a very dangerous thing. In fact, if it wasn’t for the corrosive disease, we wouldn’t have been destroyed. The power of modern weapons is that great.”

“I think so too. And it’s a bit unfortunate that such a dangerous weapon falls into the hands of Geom-in.”

“Hahaha. As expected, it’s because of the guns! Our poor Geom-in was really hated, huh?”

He seemed to be on friendly terms with Geom-in. Heck, they lived right next to each other for several months, so of course they would be friendly.

Then, The president suddenly made an unexpected offer.

“For me, It was fine for Geom-in ssi to have power. His personality is a bit problematic, but he also has a lot of good points. He gave me all the information and I think that’s a good reason to have power.”

“I agree.”

“How is it? I think it would be good for you to reveal your identity like Geom-in-ssi. Although you have several clashes with people in the events, if you are capable enough…”

“I’m sorry, but if I reveal my identity, there will be at least a hundred people who will come running to me.”

“…I heard that story too. The Auction House is full of people swearing at you. I think I’ve given them enough information, but why are they still…”

“They want information about the events, not monsters. It is some kind of jealousy because I am the only one who knows everything.”

“Hmmm… indeed…”

“And I don’t fully trust you, ‘Mr. President’…To be precise, about those hidden forces behind you.”

Jang Won-taek sighed when I talked about the topic.

“Now that I have the opportunity, I will tell you. Do you remember the incident that took place in Yeouido at the end of June? If you ever watched any news channel, or heard about it, you should know which incident I’m talking about.”

Ah… that.

There was a time when there was news about a gunfight caused by army deserters. But that piece of news only lasted for several minutes before disappearing as if it had never happened.

Well, as always, I thought it was covered up by the government…

“The truth is, it wasn’t caused by army deserters. I already ordered the commanders of the entire army to reign the army tight, after all. Which means, it’s not the army who caused it.”

“Then you mean someone else brought guns and started a shootout? In South Korea?”

“Are you curious? I suspect it was the doing of someone inside the government shelter.”

Is he perhaps talking about Joo Seung-cheol?

A heir of the Daehyun Group and a man who invested in the production company of Survival Life.

“Does anyone come to mind? It seems that Da-jeong gave you a lot of information, heh heh.”

“Well, she was sent there to precisely do that.”

“I see. Anyway, that man has his own shelter. Its size might be bigger than a government shelter since he already knew about the apocalypse long before the government knew about it. On top of it, he had Daehyun Construction under his command. Would it be helpful if I could give you the rough outline of where the shelter is located?”

“Nope. I will figure it out myself.”

I got all the necessary information, so I declined and stood up. At that moment, Jang Won-taek said in a stern tone.

“I admit that you have lived well on your own until now. But in the future, you will need authority. If you come to our shelter, you can save a lot of time.”

“I don’t believe that force dictates fighting strength. For me, it’s enough to be on friendly terms only with a few people.”

“I see you are the type of person who doesn’t trust people very well. But I still believe in my own words. Do you know who is on Yeongjong Island over there?”

“Hundreds of Chinese people, right?”

“That’s right. However, even now, the number of those people continues to increase. They are looking for land that has not been damaged by radiation.”

If so, it means that while Korea is safe, the land of China was contaminated by radioactive contamination.

Jang Won-taek said vigorously. “The murderer system limits how many people you can kill. Even though they chose to communicate with us, since the culture and customs between us are different, there will be a lot of clashes. Looking at your disposition, you will stand for the Koreans rather than the Chinese, right?”

“Maybe?” I shrugged. “Mister President, do you know how many Koreans I killed yesterday?”

Jang Won-taek’s body twitched at my question.

“…you mean you made them die rather than killing them yourself, right?”

“Same thing, Mister President. I killed four Koreans. They tried to bait me and attack me. In that situation, what is the difference between them and the Chinese?”

“That…”

The answer didn’t come.

I raised my voice. “It is foolish to differentiate people simply by their nationality in the apocalypse. Anyone you meet will either be friends or foe. I have lived that way so far, and I plan to continue to live that way.”

“Hmm.” The president was silent. Seems like he’s contemplating my words.

At that time, through the dark night sea, I could see several boats approaching the marina.

“There are boats coming here.”

In my words, Jang Won-taek narrowed his eyes.

“I can’t see anything…”

“There are five boats in total. Everyone abroad was armed.”

“It doesn’t seem like they come with good intentions…”

I walked backwards slowly and entered the portal.

Jang Won-taek then looked back.

“Your unique skill is really great.. You don’t even feel a sense of urgency after seeing 5 boats. By the way, I’ve given you a lot of information, so, can you do me a favor in return?”

Instead of answering, I hung a firework on the ballista arrow and fired it.

Piuuuu-!! Bam-!!

When the fireworks exploded, light shone on the five boats.

Jang Won-taek went silent and shook his head.

“Thinking about a countermeasure for this kind of thing will be a headache… Anyway, thank you very much. We will take care of the rest ourselves.”

I’m sorry, but I don’t intend to just stand still.

Afterall, when someone comes to my house with a weapon without any permission whatsoever, they will have to pay the price.

(E/n Hypeeeee)