Chapter 87
Chapter 87
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: Bunny Duo - 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
< 토끼공듀 - 2 >
One of the ways to survive right now was to thoroughly avoid fights.
No matter how powerful your combat abilities were, you couldn't win every time.
A single moment of carelessness or a mistake could cost you your life.
To avoid that, quite a few people steered clear of combat altogether.
Now, over 70 days into the apocalypse...
There were even stories of people who had kept their levels and points at the initial state.
―If you don't fight, you won't die, right?
Well, obvious logic.
But there were others who survived in a completely different way.
The murderer from Changwon was one of them.
The moment the apocalypse began, he committed murder.
On the very first day, a murderer event popped up, and numerous survivors became his points.
His nearly 4,000 hours of playtime and meticulous preparation had elevated his abilities to the extreme.
A prepared killer.
That was Kim Cheol-seong from Changwon.
Unlike Sung-ho, he didn't exploit system loopholes.
He committed murder openly and boldly, and as a result, survivors around him vanished.
Naturally so.
No one would stick around with a formidable killer lurking nearby.
But Kim Cheol-seong acquired an astonishing skill.
Affinity.
A skill any Survival Life player dreamed of obtaining.
Yet few kept it due to the burden of remaining a murderer.
This incredible skill prevented monsters from attacking him.
After acquiring it, Cheol-seong approached a few people and laid down the law.
―Be my subordinate.
―A-Aren't you going to kill me?
The man whose collar was grabbed trembled violently.
He could hear the loud thumping of the man's heart.
Proof that the giant holding him up was a murderer.
He'd experienced murderer events before, but this kind of direct contact was a first.
Cheol-seong gave him a faint smile.
―If I wanted to kill you, wouldn't it be easier to do it right now? Listen well. I need subordinates... ones who obey me completely.
―...
The man fell silent for a moment.
He seemed confused about Cheol-seong's intentions.
Cheol-seong shoved him against the wall, and a stifled groan escaped the man's lips.
―Urk!
The grip on his collar was immense; he couldn't even dream of breaking free.
Even with his physical enhancement trait, he was helpless.
Cheol-seong leaned in close.
Like all murderers, his pale skin was expressionless.
―I want subordinates who don't hesitate. If I say do it, you do it. In return, I'll grant you dominion over this area. As long as you obey me, do whatever you want. Got it?
―A-Anything?
―Anything. Looting, rape... whatever. Just leave the killing to me. Wouldn't that be easier for you? You don't want to become a murderer yourself.
This was a safety guarantee in exchange for loyalty.
Loyalty to a murderer gave absolute superiority in conflicts with other survivors.
The man tried to think it over, but the murderer didn't give him time.
―Refuse, and you die here and now. Why are you even thinking?
―I-I'll obey!
―Good.
The murderer released him immediately.
―What's your name?
―Jo Kyung... uh, Kyung-soo.
―I'm Kim Cheol-seong. Just call me Boss.
Surprisingly, the murderer left Kyung-soo alone and walked off with heavy steps.
Kyung-soo glared at his back.
That broad back felt like a perfect target.
The moment he drew his long knife, the murderer's voice rang out.
―The price for attacking me is your death. Is that what you want?
―Ugh...
What kind of skill let him see behind him?
As Kyung-soo trembled with humiliation, the murderer spoke bluntly.
―No second chances. Follow me.
Forgiven, then.
Kyung-soo trailed powerlessly a few steps behind.
―I want a massive force. For that, I need survivors. You find their locations.
―Then... Boss, you'll go and make them kneel like this?
―Yes.
―If numbers grow, zombie raids will happen. And deathmatches too...
―Like the Gimhae Clan, keep a reasonable distance. You think they're idiots enough to trigger deathmatches? Two people relaying my words should suffice. You can manage that, right?
―N-No...
The murderer asked.
―Are monsters scary? Or humans?
No need to think.
―Humans scare me more.
Monsters, no matter how strong, were still monsters.
Their alien forms meant countermeasures existed.
That might change later, but for now, it held true.
Humans were different.
You couldn't tell if someone was a raider or survivor just by looks.
They'd act friendly, get close, then stab you—no chance to respond.
The murderer placed a hand on his shoulder.
A chill ran down his spine, but Kyung-soo barely held it together.
―I'll handle fights with other humans. You focus on expanding the force. I'll kill them for you.
Kyung-soo mulled it over and reached a conclusion.
Following this murderer had little downside.
At worst, enduring a pounding heart.
In return, the gains were huge.
First, avoiding pointless fights with humans.
Committing murder without the risks.
And the accompanying benefits went without saying...
Play it right, and he might enjoy a life of luxury amid the apocalypse.
Kyung-soo bowed his head.
―I'll follow you, Boss.
―Smart choice. From now on, you're my right-hand man.
The murderer rapidly expanded his forces.
Any survivors he found were coerced into subordinates; refusers died.
All the while, he grew stronger.
By October, even groups couldn't stand against him.
Kyung-soo abandoned any thoughts of rebellion.
Life under him was better.
Not quite luxury, but he had a girlfriend and lived comfortably.
What more could he want?
Occasionally tossing the boss food and women kept him satisfied.
They'd even reached a point where light jokes were tolerated.
Around this time, he learned the boss was a Survival Life veteran.
Over 4,000 hours played.
And mostly as a murderer.
A real monster of a man.
One day, the boss summoned him.
―Something came up. Top Gong's coming from Jinju. Stall him if you spot him.
As always, no need for questions.
The boss only gave orders minions could handle.
So Kyung-soo gathered his men and ambushed Top Gong.
Overconfident with the boss's backing, he taunted excessively.
Like he wasn't scared at all.
Top Gong stopped talking.
He just moved.
And Kyung-soo learned how terrifying veterans truly were.
.
.
.
Snip, snip.
The ceramic scissors trimmed my hair.
Mi-kyung always carried them, even while moving safehouses.
She wanted to style others' hair.
Now leaving Dogdo Island, I entrusted my head to her too.
Closing my eyes, she whispered in my ear.
"Oppa, you've let me cut your hair before, right?"
"Yeah. June, was it?"
"June 20th. I gave you a sporty cut for a fresh start."
Over three months already.
Back then, I never imagined Mi-kyung surviving this long.
Even with Blink, she was small and weak—odd if she lasted.
But she thrived with Blink, hunting effectively.
Hyung-jun said she was indispensable now.
She tidied my sideburns with a razor.
"Oppa, you're close with Da-jeong unnie, right?"
What was this about? As I listened, she glanced around and whispered low.
"Da-jeong unnie talks about you a lot. It's weird. We met her in Gimhae, but you left right after she arrived."
She's been obvious.
Can't be helped.
At least I hadn't outright said I was Kimbap Lover.
"Must like you as a sturdy slave. You look tough."
Mi-kyung stepped in front to fix my bangs.
In just a tank top and dolphin pants, her figure showed.
No monsters in the safehouse, so relaxed attire.
Her lines were pretty, as I'd noticed before.
"Didn't seem like just that. I overheard her drunk talk. Were you in contact before?"
In the game, yeah.
I stayed silent, and she chattered on.
"Su-yeon unnie and Yu-hyun said the same... and my feeling too... Ajusshi, you seem like you've played Survival Life. A lot."
No hiding past this point.
But better warn her it'll hurt if she digs deeper.
"Only you think that, Mi-kyung? Or everyone?"
"Gym owner probably suspects too. Da-jeong unnie mentions you constantly."
"So I'm some Survival Life veteran?"
"Not that much... but everyone figures you've played some."
"Makes me a liar, huh?"
My tone darkened; she panicked, acting cute.
"Oppa, not that... Eeeeng. Don't scare me. Cheer up."
She rubbed my shoulders, but my guard stayed up.
"What now? I said I only saw one video..."
I hoped those around me would shut up.
Even if they sensed oddities in my actions, overlooking was best for everyone.
Su-yeon and Yu-hyun wisely stayed quiet, but Mi-kyung struggled.
Her bubbly, curious nature?
Suddenly, she hugged my neck.
"Ajusshi, I don't know anything, really. I'll pretend I don't."
Back to ajusshi.
Not bad.
I placed a hand on her arm around my neck.
"Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Right?"
"Y-Yes."
"I want to stay on good terms with you long-term, Mi-kyung. You don't?"
"I do..."
"Nothing else. Just keep that, and we're good."
"Th-Then... I can treat you casually like before?"
She asked cautiously; I nodded.
No need to ruin the mood if she'll drop it.
Mi-kyung beamed, chattering away again.
Quick recovery type.
Hair done, I was back to June prep mode.
Mirror showed massive weight loss.
Considering forest-built muscles, slightly overweight.
"Looks good."
"Oppa, I'll wash your hair too."
"No need for that."
"Lie down here."
Why refuse if offered?
She washed, toweled; she paced around.
"Oppa, you didn't get mad over that, right?"
"Not at all. I forgot, so you forget too. Never happened."
"Hehe."
Her innocent smile was cute.
I packed in my room.
Outside, Hyung-jun, Su-yeon, and high schoolers repaired nets and spears.
Prepping for werewolves.
Dogdo was great shelter, but couldn't hide forever.
Mainland farming needed, but werewolves were the big threat among monsters.
Acute sense of smell finds survivors fast.
Sloppy escapes fail.
Nets were last resort.
Da-jeong gave plenty of shop weapons; they'd manage.
Yeol-i, Yu-hyun, Ji-man fished outside.
Ji-man's trait? Constantly reeling in.
Mine big, yours small—chaos.
Backpack on, I bid temporary farewell.
All wistful but awaited my return.
"Dingo, let's go."
Mi-kyung Blinked us to mainland opposite.
So convenient.
I said goodbye.
"See you again."
"Oppa, you must come back."
"Of course."
She hesitated till goblins charged; then back to Dogdo.
Pfsh.
Knee buckled slightly.
Morning paralysis dart? Refreshing.
In return, you die.
Long knife out, I charged goblins.
Dingo barked, following.
.
.
.
"Haa, haa..."
Seok-hyun panted.
He gripped a man's collar.
Blockers weren't pushovers; took time.
Yoon-jeong already rescued, fled far.
"Hoo..."
Seok-hyun caught breath, released.
Thump, thump heart sounds.
Behind, giant watched from afar.
Huge.
Intimidating; seemed over 2m.
How many kills for that aura?
"Long time, Top Gong."
"...Who? Don't remember."
"Know me as the guy dying to kill you?"
"Nope. No clue."
Giant's lips twitched.
He was boss of Top Gong's blockers.
Murderer of dozens, Changwon ruler.
In game, active murderer for a year, fought many players.
But never properly vs veteran quartet.
They skipped deathmatches protecting "national treasures."
Insulting to prideful murderer Cheol-seong.
Who protects whom?
Come at me, delete your chars.
Did fight Kimbap Lover once—ended ridiculously.
Used system bug for one-sided stab, slipped via zombies.
Woke to message.
―Keep our rivers green.
Who was the treasure?
Utter humiliation.
Cheol-seong burned with hate for quartet.
Post-apocalypse, awaited meeting.
"I spent most time as murderer. Ring a bell?"
Seok-hyun realized.
Year-long murderer player.
"Ah, National Treasure!"
Cheol-seong approached steadily.
Capture him, find Kimbap Lover.
Or at least trail.
His eyes glowed red.
"Come at me."
"Nah."
Seok-hyun bolted.
He enjoyed fights, but this seemed hassle.
Cheol-seong faster.
Tackled from behind, pinned Seok-hyun.
Rolled over concrete debris.
Should wound, but too tough—no blood.
Cheol-seong positioned first.
"Hahaha! Waited for this!"
"You're too into the game!"
"Not from you, 5k-hour gamer!"
Cheol-seong lunged, swung fist.
Immense power; blocking arm shook.
"Infinite respawn means weak body, huh?"
"You're... strong."
Seok-hyun gasped; he smirked.
"My skill slots full at 10. Yours? 2-3 max!"
"How many people killed?"
"Remember every meal you've eaten?"
Ridiculous retort.
Grabbed fists, power struggle.
Cheol-seong clearly superior.
His calm vs Seok-hyun's strain.
"Heh, Top Gong's just this? Kimbap, Duck same."
"My... friends... stronger than me."
Confirmed in events.
Seok-hyun yielded, but Kimbap Lover didn't need to.
"Sure, you'd like to think!"
Cheol-seong tensed arm; Seok-hyun grimaced.
Meanwhile.
Sung-ho, entering Changwon, spotted giant's back afar.
Griffon's Eye boosted vision immensely.
Eagle-like sight now.
"Murderer standing, doing what?"
Killing someone?
No hesitation; Elderwood Longbow, Adamantine arrow out.
Don't touch survivors unless threatened—but murderers exception.
Kill on sight, no future trouble.
Points and skills bonus.
Aimed perfectly, released string.
Adamantine arrow crossed vast distance to murderer's back.
Cheol-seong heard whoosh, reached back.
Some vengeful survivor's arrow...
Tried casual catch—but pierced hand absurdly.
Incredible penetration.
"Kuk!"
Cheol-seong clutched bleeding hand.
Someone leaped, blocking sun.
Naked Top Gong.
"Falcon! Punch!"
< 토끼공듀 - 2 > End