Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: D-10
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—President Jang Won-taek has convened a National Security Council meeting. The opposition party is pushing back, insisting that the president must stop retreating to the underground bunker whenever something happens and that all processes need to be transparent. This is reporter Kim Ho-jong.
The lineup of attendees in the underground bunker's conference room carried serious weight.
It looked like the goblin corpse had already been thoroughly dissected.
Every channel was busy flashing red breaking news banners and airing related footage.
"They've mosaiced it."
Maybe because the goblin corpse on the surgical table was so gruesome...
The screen switched to an interview with a doctor and a reporter.
—Dr. Lee Hyung-tae, what kind of species is this green creature?
—It's an undiscovered species at present. Based on this specimen, it's 136 cm tall, weighs 37 kg...
A bunch of incomprehensible explanations dragged on.
The announcer cut off the doctor midway.
—Rumors are circulating online that this monster is called a goblin. Many say its appearance matches the classic depiction perfectly. What are your thoughts?
—Until now, we've dismissed it as pranks from some imaginative folks... but seeing it up close, I get it. This isn't a creature from Earth. It's from another world. Looks like we need to prepare.
—Prepare how?
—I mean, prepare for the end times.
Hearing words like that from a doctor with graying hair...
"It's only a matter of time before the world finds out."
Of course, some would dismiss it as Korea fabricating propaganda or stirring things up.
But no government would ignore evidence like this.
Major figures from various countries were sure to visit Korea.
"...At this point, things are getting dangerous for me too."
The situation had spiraled too far.
If the government wasn't incompetent, they'd grasp it quickly.
They'd go after the Survival Life developers.
And scrutinize the Awakener communities closely.
Up until now, they'd focused only on superpowers...
"With a goblin popping out, it's all out in the open now."
...Maybe even about me.
"In that case..."
Just blow it all wide open?
What if I revealed I was Kimbap Lover and had videos about the coming apocalypse?
A few days ago, only a handful of Awakeners would have cared.
They wouldn't have even sensed the end times approaching.
But now a goblin had appeared.
The claims of Awakeners were becoming reality.
The government would prioritize securing me.
"They'll take an interest in the world beyond the dimension gate."
Maybe even demand photos, videos, and evidence from there.
Then what?
No one but me can enter that other world.
The apocalypse was as good as confirmed.
Even after a few days, there'd be no way to save people.
What choices would cornered people make?
"Protests... riots... terrorism..."
Nothing but negative thoughts came to mind.
The actual outcome wouldn't be much different.
What wouldn't people do with death just days away?
Turning to Awakeners, they'd initially rejoice at securing the videos.
But with the Metal Plague spreading, good luck finding working electronics to play them.
In the end, bloody conflicts to stay by my side, and I'd get dragged in too.
It'd be nice if everyone could stick together.
"But more than five people is risky..."
Decision made.
Even spreading the videos was dangerous now.
Share strategies anonymously?
With all the fake info flying around, it'd get buried.
Reveal myself as Kimbap Lover and post strategies? Government would track me down.
These thoughts intensified after Kwon tracked my location.
If individuals could trace my IP, imagine a government agency.
"No can do."
This was selfishness disguised as force majeure.
But for safety, no choice.
Stick to the plan so far.
Doubtful if the government would even find the Survival Life devs.
These guys hadn't said a word even now; something secretive was at play.
"They're hiding tight."
Mountains of questions, but no answers.
Hope my info stays hidden too.
I rubbed my eyes and searched the internet.
Chaos here too.
"Yeah, I'm watching."
But you guys shouldn't be messing around like this?
Prosecutors will get a warrant and seize the servers soon. Delete your posts?
Regardless, people kept frantically sharing goblin pics.
Someone brought translated overseas reactions.
Pretty lively overseas too.
They might've brushed off Korea's Awakener and superpower buzz as rumors.
But with the goblin's reality exposed, things changed.
—Hard to believe, but president's tweeting about it.
Why send them to Korea now?
Probably the green monster...
President blabbing on Twitter says it all.
So, gates opening, monsters invading our land?
Something like that. Korean friends say zombie apocalypse incoming.
Did they take a .22 to the head?
This ain't a joke. Heard of the Silver Spore meteor breaking up in Jupiter's gravity? It's raining toward Earth.
Still falling right now.
That meteor's different. Got something that'll turn us into zombies. Virus, spores, bacteria... whatever, most of us turn.
Wow, sounds fun.
Time for my shotgun to roar.
So when do us survivalists shine?
No one knows. No guarantee survivalists won't zombify. Nothing's certain.
Fantastic.
Yeah, fantastic.
Surprisingly informed too.
Thought they'd be clueless, but they know this much...
"They know about the Metal Plague too?"
Wanted more foreign reactions, but I had work.
Time to buy seeds, stock books for a primitive era.
Med supplies, supplements, clothes, blankets—piles to get.
And a moat to store them safely!
"Damn."
Head throbbed.
Teaspoon construction, but progress matters.
Awakeners still goofing, laughing at foreign reactions.
Mocking Japanese 3ch users calling it Korean hoax, as usual.
"Won't be able to do that soon..."
Then someone dropped truth.
Finally panicking to delete.
Probably just "raid somewhere" posts everywhere.
I ignored, updated shopping list, ordered.
Then call from Hyung-jun hyung.
—Sung-ho, you see the TV?
"Yeah... total shock."
—People gathered at the gym. Come over?
"Can't go in there."
—Not about that. Just chat. You know... I'm frustrated.
Awakeners nearby, but info lacking.
"Grab something on the way."
Heading to Jongmyo Shrine this time.
Looting possible post-apoc, but prep now's fine.
Planned life, how nice.
Drove SUV to fitness center.
4th floor: no music, group by TV.
Hyung-jun hyung waved.
"You're here. Everyone knows Sung-ho, right? The snack bar guy."
"Ah, the delivery dude from before."
"I'm Kim Bora."
"Nice to meet you."
The man nodded; I exchanged names with Kim Bora.
Mi-kyung rushed over from machines.
"Uncle, where you working out?"
"Nah... was home."
"You look so pale."
"Do I?"
Full mirror: even I was shocked.
When did I change like this?
Hyung-jun hyung eyed intensely, stood behind.
"Sung-ho, you look suspicious. Take off your shirt."
"C'mon, shirt here?"
"Don't know gym rules? Newbies strip top for check. Hurry."
"Rules change daily."
Griped, stripped upper.
Month ago, too embarrassed.
Everyone sees my flab.
But after forest hell, body changed.
Shirt off, Mi-kyung inspected.
"Oh..."
"..."
Hyung-jun hyung scanned seriously.
"...Where'd you fight?"
"Pardon?"
Oh crap.
Forest roll marks lingered.
Scratches basic, Bone Creeper bone in wrist, lots of bruises.
Looking down: abstract painting.
"Nah, tripped running a few times."
"Tripping at your age? And that's not a bruise."
Grabbed forearm.
Bone Creeper blast scar...
Hurt bad, still healing—hurt my heart too.
Coughed, bullshitted.
"No biggie. Carrying stuff a lot. Stairs at home, y'know."
Young guy tumbling down stairs with goods—would they buy it?
Luckily, Hyung-jun didn't dig.
"Be careful."
TV switched.
Blue House spokesperson prepping presser.
"Owner, press conference."
Man spoke; hyung rushed TV.
Dressing; Mi-kyung grinned.
"Uncle looks cool."
"...Huh?"
"Shoulders and arms. So manly, sturdy... broad, surprised."
Still pig-level.
Watched TV with group.
NSC conclusion out quick.
Spokesperson licked lips, reviewed script.
Mouth opened.
Long-winded intro.
Explaining goblins to total noobs.
—...Based on these facts, Awakeners' claims need checking.
President issued two orders. First, confirm Survival Life devs.
Second, heed Awakeners in the know. For quick resolution, public and agencies' cooperation vital. That's it.
Spokesperson ended, no Q&A—reporters stunned.
What, over?
Sighs erupted in press room.
Hyung spoke.
"Chaos. Kyung-hoon, you getting nabbed? You're an Awakener."
Unnamed man shrugged.
"No one can catch me."
Confident grin.
Bora subtly asked.
"Why not go to Gayasan? Heard goblins drop items."
"Pfft, items? Just points."
They drop items and skills.
Gym's bad info guy: Kyung-hoon.
Community search yields info—where'd he hear this?
Mi-kyung swung legs on bench.
"Goblin slayer... leveled up, right?"
"Lv 1 or 2 max. Can catch up. Trust me."
"Okay..."
Sorry, Lv 6.
Acted oblivious, focused TV.
D-10 End