Chapter 41

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Ace

Chapter: 41

Chapter Title: Apocalypse, But It's Too Easy for Me Alone

-----------------------------------------------------------------

"Then, today, just stay put and don't do anything. Don't go out hunting zombies and risk getting hurt more. Hole up here safely. I'll bring the people I want you to treat tomorrow."

"Yes, thank you!"

How much should I charge for treatment? Since it's a skill no one else can offer, I could probably jack up the price without issue.

That said, looking at these guys' situation, if I set it too high, they might not even be able to pay in coins.

"Treatment fee: 50 coins per person. Sound fair? Should be affordable enough."

"Fifty coins? I'm sorry, but could you maybe lower it a bit..."

"Hey! You wanna die? Don't try bargaining with me. This is already a discount for your sake. Take it or leave it."

Kang Jin's face darkened at my words. There were over ten visible wounded just from a glance—if they all got treated, that'd be 500 coins straight to me. Not an easy call. They already owe me 400 next month, so I get why they don't want to burn through coins here.

Still, they can't just leave the injured to rot. These guys are the workers keeping the organization afloat—one slacks off from injury, and everyone else picks up the slack, or the whole thing crumbles.

But one sweet word from me, and they won't say no, right?

"We're not total strangers, though, are we? So, first-time service discount: I said 50 per head, but make it 40. How's that?"

Kang Jin's face lit up like a kid on Christmas. Ten coins off per person adds up to a hundred saved total—who could complain?

"Yes, please! We appreciate it!"

"Good. Have the coins ready by tomorrow. I'll swing back."

I left the Haedong Faction building with Kang Jin nodding behind me.

Instead of heading straight home, I roamed farther than usual, farming zombies as much as I could. The announcement nailed it—no more spawns tomorrow. Had to rack up coins before others cleared the rest.

Venturing into new areas and grouping them up like today ate up the hours fast.

Passed a house that looked like it'd been swarmed and launched into the air. Probably got spotted hiding. Harsh reminder: the weak don't survive.

Me? Black magic lets me thrive way beyond anyone else.

Can't imagine the mess if I'd trusted Mir and skipped bringing it back. Best damn move the gods handed me.

Checked my status window for today's zombie count and coin haul.

Damn, crushed a ton today. No one's keeping up.

Curious about the competition, so I pulled up the rankings too.

The gap's insane.

Second place, Shin Jeonghyeon? No shot at catching me.

At this kill rate, I could sit out the rest of the wave and still hold first.

Sohee's clinging to third. Wanna tease her to step it up, but no clue where she is. Meant to check today, but Haedong called me over. Next time.

Thinking of Sohee brings her mom to mind. Married, yet somehow outshines Yejin? Wonder how she stays that hot.

Not into married women, but damn, she'd be fair game for a one-off.

Lost in thought, I reached home.

Morning sweep cleared zombies nearby—none respawned. Normals refresh daily; wave follows the same.

"I'm back."

"Oh, you're home? Huh, you look... clean today?"

Yejin greeted me at the door, eyeing my spotless state curiously.

"Handled zombies different today. No close-ups with Mana Drain or blades—just magic. No guts, just some dust."

Magic's the best. If only it didn't guzzle demonic energy.

Quick shower, then dinner while I recapped the day.

"Haedong Faction? The gang you shook down last time?"

"Hey, shook down? I agreed to help for pay. Accurate."

"Same diff... Ow!"

Flicked her forehead for the sass.

"Anyway, you'll tag along tomorrow."

"Me? Why?"

"Tons of wounded. Taking your coin to heal 'em with your skill."

Yejin's eyes went wide.

"Me? Can I even handle it..."

"Upgrading your skill with today's coins. We'll see the effects as we go."

I've got 3,345 coins now. Plenty.

Last time, leveled her skill to 3. Push to 5?

Handed Yejin 900 coins. She upgraded and shared her status.

"What do you think, oppa? Huge upgrade!"

"Huge? This makes doctors obsolete worldwide."

Scratches heal instantly, fractures too, shattered bones faster. Denying this is nuts.

"Here, 600 more coins. Upgrade again."

Down to 2,445 after the first 900. After this, 600 left for my base reinforcement.

"Done, oppa! Wow, this is insane!"

Her updated skill blew my mind.

"Fatal wounds" means punctures or arterial slices—emergency treatment that buys time by sealing on-site, boosting survival odds.

No clue on mechanics, but against mutant zombies like today's Smasher or past Lacer, who aim to kill not ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠just bite, this saves lives on the brink.

Mutants focus lethality, not simple bites. Haedong's wounded? This covers them all.

"This is god-tier now. Perfect for tomorrow's payday."

"Glad I could help, oppa!"

She beamed and clapped, her chest jiggling right in my view. Hard not to stare.

Noticing, she glanced down, then sidled closer.

"Skip one shot with these today?"

She ditched her top, lifting those tits with a sly grin.

"Yeah, show me what they can do."

I pressed her breast with my finger.

"With my tits? Mmm... I'll give it a shot!"