55. Conference (1)
Returning to Pohang, Jeong Dong-gun informed the Pohang University camp of the industrial complex's successful recapture. Upon seeing the photos taken by Son Sang-hee, the camp side naturally voiced their suspicions. But when they personally scouted and verified the site themselves, they confirmed that the Balhut Cult had thoroughly exterminated the variant spider zombies inside. What's more, among those treated by Gyeongju's hospital director Han Jun-woo were people from the university camp, so they finally realized Jeong Dong-gun's promise was genuine. In response to his summons, they held another conference at the steel mill three-way intersection.
"…Didn't you resolve it too quickly?"
"In the apocalypse, time is gold. In any case, the Balhut Cult has fulfilled every condition you demanded. Now it's the Pohang University camp's turn to uphold the promise we required."
Of course, this was less a dialogue on equal terms and more a demand to honor the Balhut Cult's fulfillment. The cult had perfectly met the university camp's demands, leaving them no pretext to ignore it.
In fact, beyond mere pretext, the cult's swift satisfaction of their conditions had instilled…
"Ugh. Understood."
"We pray good news arrives before our patience runs out."
"Agh, I get it!"
…a measure of fear and dread. Confronted by the cult's suspiciously overwhelming presence, the university camp responded to Jeong Dong-gun in trembling voices. He decided to leverage their fear for the next conference.
Either way, it was a mutually beneficial deal. The university camp secured perimeter safety using the cult as a blade, while the cult gained contact with other survivor camps in exchange.
"Relatively speaking, isn't your task easier than ours, who must fight those variant spider zombies head-on? Contacting other camps and rallying Pohang's factions for a conference."
"Do you think gathering people while evading zombie eyes is easy?"
"Yes. After all, you have your internal network to communicate with each other."
Moreover, the cult hadn't demanded anything difficult from the Pohang University camp. They merely asked for help arranging meetings with Pohang's remaining two major factions—a task easily handled via the camp's internal network.
"Ha. Knowing that makes excuses about contact difficulties untenable now."
"Haha. We've recruited plenty of collaborators on the ground. We know far more than you imagine."
"Hoo. You're quite capable."
Pohang's three major camps had always maintained close ties, cooperating tightly due to zombies overrunning the city. Unlike Gyeongju's divisions between north and south, they had no internal rivalries; from the apocalypse's outset, they'd united against this external foe. Thus, they had an internal network for easy communication—which Jeong Dong-gun had simply referenced.
In any case, with the university camp's mediation, Jeong Dong-gun successfully contacted the other two major survivor camps.
"…We'll set the conference time ourselves."
"Doesn't matter to us."
The conference between the Balhut Cult and Pohang's three major camps proceeded smoothly, but the camps seemed intent on salvaging some pride through petty power plays. Perhaps to claim negotiation high ground or dilute the cult's newfound dominance.
Jeong Dong-gun could have sharply rebuked Ha Jin-woo on the spot, but his authority had limits, so he refrained from condemning their attitude. Instead, he reported the conference's success to Yu-na.
Judgment on what followed would be hers anyway.
"Desperate flailing to seize initiative?"
"Or asserting future rights in Pohang."
Yu-na assessed it as the three camps' tantrum to claim Pohang's leadership. Jeong Dong-gun nodded in agreement, judging it an act to stake claims there.
"A form of power struggle, in other words."
"Yes."
Simply put, a power play. A prelude to vying for Pohang's control—or asserting rights therein.
It put the Balhut Cult in a bind. Smooth governance of Pohang required cooperation from its local powers, the three major camps.
"Troublesome. We lack the capacity to rule Pohang outright."
"Indeed."
Above all, neither the cult nor Gyeongju had the resources to administer vast Pohang. The city's scale was double Gyeongju's, and local administrators knew nothing of its internals—inevitable errors would arise. Even exploiting the targeted steel mills and industrial complexes required technicians and skilled workers under the three camps' sway.
Was this power play deliberate, knowing that? Or born of distrust toward the cult?
"Likely many still doubt the cult's power."
Jeong Dong-gun judged it half and half: posturing for dominance while distrusting the cult. With Pohang's reclamation seeming hopeless, perhaps the posturing felt futile.
"Then we'll advance via Yeongilman-daero, absorbing small-to-medium camps near Pohang Airport into our fold… No, incorporating them as subordinates. If they doubt our strength, we'll prove it ourselves."
"Wise command."
Thus, Yu-na's choice was straightforward. If the three majors wouldn't cooperate, methodically target Pohang's smaller camps to demonstrate the cult's might across the city. They already held the route to Pohang Airport—untouched by the majors—via Yeongilman-daero. The plan: reclaim the airport, establishing a firm cult foothold within Pohang.
It would showcase their confidence in solo reclamation while signaling resolve to conquer without major-camp aid—a clear demonstration.
"I hope they drag out the power play."
"It won't last. Once we prove ourselves through action, they'll decide in days."
Yu-na wished for prolonged stalling, but Jeong Dong-gun shook his head, certain of a swift resolution.
As he mobilized troops per her orders to reclaim Pohang Airport via Yeongilman-daero, Yu-na used the Mirror of Foresight to report to Bahamut.
Pohang differs greatly from Gyeongju. No internal divisions. Their factions formed through mutual cooperation.
"Yes. Probably possible only because zombies provide a clear enemy. Unlike us."
Bahamut remarked how unlike Gyeongju's north-south split, Pohang united tightly. Yu-na attributed it to zombies as a definite foe.
With a grave voice, nodding in agreement,
Zombies united them. When ruling Pohang later, beware their solidarity. We might become the formidable foe replacing zombies.
…he voiced concern that post-reclamation, they might reunite against the cult.
Yu-na questioned him quizzically.
"Can't they truly follow the Balhut Cult? If they witness your descent, my lord."
They'll follow. But Park Cheol-gon and Hwang Geun-chul explained Pohang folk will squabble over rice bowls by my rules.
If Bahamut descended, Pohang would obey without dissent. But true loyalty to the cult? Doubtful.
Struggles for Pohang's leadership and rights. Since the cult can't rule directly.
"True, we're too small for that."
As noted earlier, Gyeongju lacked capacity for Pohang—double the scale, with its own anti-zombie forces. Direct rule impossible; cooperation with local influencers essential.
A city twice Gyeongju's size from the start. Must afford some respect. While reserving minimal leverage for negotiations.
Bahamut affirmed maximum respect alongside prepared bargaining chips. Yu-na gazed at him expectantly.
"As expected of my lord. May we hear them?"
Pohang's safety.
"Like Gyeongju, you'll protect Pohang too?"
Safety guarantees—irresistible in the apocalypse. She asked if direct protection.
That, and contracting a new priestess from Pohang. As proof of my vow to safeguard it.
Including that, he'd contract a new one from there.
"Brilliant idea! They'll surely follow you. No one would dare refuse!"
Yu-na praised it lavishly, certain Pohang would obey. Gaining a Dragon God contract was unparalleled honor. Gyeongju folk would envy while coveting it. Considering her own vast power from contracting Bahamut, she figured Pohang couldn't reject.
No. Can't guarantee that.
That was Gyeongju's view; unaware of the offer's gravity, Pohang might refuse.
"No! It will happen!"
'Oh, mistake.'
But once Yu-na's zeal ignited, even Bahamut couldn't quell it.