Chapter 12
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Zombie Apocalypse (9)
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Na-eun leaned in close against me, trying to focus on the news I'd pulled up.
"The horde of zombies that began at this military base has grown uncontrollably. A tipster, Sergeant Lee, rammed his vehicle into the zombified soldiers and managed to thin their numbers somewhat, but even he is now missing in action. Word on the internet is that a lone zombie can be taken down by two or more people using long-reach weapons. But to explain how such a massive swarm formed in the first place, we've brought in expert Professor Seo."
I couldn't help but snort at the anchor's closing line.
"An expert on this?"
"Yeah, that feels a bit much. Still, let's hear him out."
In just half a day, this self-proclaimed zombie expert, Professor Seo, was decked out in full combat gear.
After exchanging greetings with the anchor, the professor's first point was his theory on why the military base had turned.
"Places packed with people? They're danger zones right now. In the past half day, you've all probably picked up the realistic intel on these 'Plague'-infected zombies. Once turned, their eyes go pitch black and flash red at the sight of humans. They react to sound but have weak smell detection. They hit harder than humans, but their limit caps at peak human potential. That's solid, practical info."
Sure, that matched what I'd learned scrapping with zombies myself.
But hearing a so-called expert sum it up? Made it feel more legit somehow.
Na-eun was all ears, nodding along to every word from the professor.
"Now for the unrealistic part—that's what matters. At midnight, we all heard the Plague Lord conversing with the world. Right, anchor?"
"Yes, exactly. Otherwise, it'd be impossible to wrap our heads around this so fast."
"This plague isn't a one-and-done deal—it's spawning nonstop. Doesn't care if it's crowded or empty; it pops up everywhere. But crowds? Once it hits, good luck containing it. That military base ahead? Blindsided by a sudden outbreak. Ten guys crammed in one barracks, and bam—plague shows up? Ten turns to a hundred in seconds flat."
"I see. We've got a flood of tips with footage, so we can show viewers a few cases right now."
The anchor said that, and moments later, a split-screen video popped up: zombies dropping out of thin air and lurching into action.
Tiny smartphone screen, so splitting it made details fuzzy, but every clip showed the same thing.
"Professor Seo, how do we survive this zombie crisis? In 30 days, we'll get modern firearms. We just have to hold out till then."
"Carry a personal weapon at all times, form small groups—no more than ten. And keep those groups spread out far apart. Temporary shelters? Disband 'em fast as you can—that's my take."
The professor spoke with total conviction, and I found myself nodding along.
If these plague zombies spawned randomly, even beefed-up forces guarding civilians could get wiped in a mass infection.
That explained why countries like Korea—where it hit at night—weren't as overrun as overseas spots.
I'd started skeptical about this guy's expert cred, but his points held water. I was hooked.
The anchor touched his earpiece and blinked hard.
Then swallowed and went dead serious.
"Breaking news: After today's outbreak, food company A's AA factory—where they urged gathering for defense—has suffered a mass infection. Most workers there are zombified, and zombies are spilling out, per an anonymous tipster."
The anchor looked gutted staring at Professor Seo, who could only muster a bitter smile at the fresh report.
Food factory? Plenty of raw stock, no meal worries—smart spot to rally staff. But the unreal factor tanked it.
No giant groups. Small elite crews only. And swarms like that? Makes knocking out my zombie quest a nightmare.
I was quietly brainstorming ways to clear the quest when Na-eun snatched my phone and killed the news.
"Just more bad vibes from here on."
"Yeah. Power and water are holding, but headcount's dropping."
Who knows when some zombified manager kills the grid.
Best enjoy it while it lasts—and prep for when it doesn't.
So we inventoried our haul again.
Weapons first: five baseball bats.
Grab Na-eun something longer-range she'd handle better.
Food, water? Overflowing for Yoo Sian's five-day survival quest.
Stick to our duo, no randos? Enough for over a month, easy.
Clothes: stuffed training gear and women's stuff from the department store. Laundry? Not for ages.
Our thriftily stocked pile was solid, but a few gaps screamed: armor. Tape-wrapped cardboard boxes? Limits incoming fast.
Rain hits? Soggy mush.
Lanterns for light. Streetlamps work while grid's up, but that'll end.
Phone charging? Stockpile power banks now.
Loot itch hit hard. I eyed Na-eun; she caught my look and shook her head.
"Heading out again? We need more?"
"Meds, lanterns? Power banks to stretch phones. Armor too, but drawing a blank there."
"If it was junk, I'd say stay put. But yeah, all essential."
"Today's our last loot run like this. Next time? Might be scrapping with people. Gotta defend our stash too."
To the underprepped, my room's a treasure vault.
Hot, fit girlfriend? Prime envy bait.
Na-eun grumbled but geared up: cardboard bracers on arms, bag slung, bat in hand.
I matched her, and we stepped out.
"Hey there? Out again?"
The neighbor guy called over.
He'd seen me yesterday—cardboard on his arms too. Weapon? Snagged a short, sturdy steel pipe somewhere.
"Yeah. Wait any longer, nothing left."
"Tell me about it. I hit spots already—barely scraps. What're you hunting?"
"Lanterns, power banks. Streetlights won't last forever."
"Ah, gotcha. Camping store maybe?"
Sounded right—lanterns for sure, probably fat power banks too.
Department store have one? Rifled through Lee Sian's memories and today's mall run. Nada.
"Mind if I tag along? Think there's one nearby."
Neighbor pitched in.
Close quarters amp risk, but could I lose to a normie?
Still, loot first—better let him join.
"Lee Sian. My girlfriend, Kim Na-eun."
"Hi. Kim Na-eun."
Na-eun gave a quiet nod.
"Jung Jun-ho. Let's roll."
Intros done, we hustled down from the officetel, chatting light as Jun-ho led.
"Tons bailed from here already. Convenience stores scraped bottom, so folks shifting to marts."
Unlike our museum loop-back, plenty who'd dipped out morning never returned.
Some who'd trailed us to the department store? Zombified on my blade—ain't coming home.
"News today says crowds are bad news."
"That Seo prof quack? Had solid points, though. People figure huddling works."
"Sian, mart crowd means nearby pharmacies are ghost towns."
"Huh, yeah—early mobbing sounds smart now."
Sharing loot bites later, but hoarding heavy early counts.
Jun-ho, scouting ahead, froze and threw up a halting hand—pipe hand free.
"Two zombies up front."
"Two's fine."
Quest fodder. I stepped up.
Zombies twitching, eyes down—sensed me, heads snapped up jerky-quick.
Black pupils bled red. Charge.
"Kweeeek!"
"Krrrararak!!"
Gripped the bat two-handed, powered forward.
Thwack!
Downward cleave smashed the lead zombie's skull like a homer swing.
Thwack! Thunk.
Finished retreating; upward cut launched its jaw—head sailed off.
"Whoa. Whoa...?"
Zombie Kills (6/10)
Four remaining.