The Birth of Our Shelter
"Seeing as you're a young customer, you seem to be looking for a PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) model that's easy to maintain. In that case, this one is perfect." The owner of the gun shop gestured to a sporty-looking air rifle as he explained. "It's called the Viper 635, a Chinese OEM model. It features an aluminum receiver and a basic polymer stock. It's great for beginners and solid for intermediate users, too."
"I see." When Jun-ho responded with a lukewarm reaction, the owner quickly pulled out another model. "I suppose a Chinese-made one might not be to your taste? Then you should go with the Korean-made Sable Pro. If you add the matte wood stock and the semi-auto kit option, you get a 10-round capacity. It looks dignified and stable, doesn't it? The bolt handle and trigger guard are finished in metal, so the durability is top-notch. The caliber is excellent, and the 480cc air tank capacity meets every condition you mentioned."
"May I take a closer look?"
"Of course, go right ahead."
Jun-ho carefully examined the air rifle handed to him by the owner. While he had read online that even Chinese air rifles were performing well these days, Korean-made ones were known to be world-class. The model he was looking at now was one he had already shortlisted during his online research.
Seeing Jun-ho’s interest, the owner quickly continued his pitch. "That model has an effective range of 80 meters with a 25-grain pellet. Birds like pheasants, magpies, and crows, or small pests like squirrels—they’re all one-shot kills. The durability is number one, and since it’s domestic, parts compatibility is excellent. The only downside is that it’s a bit heavy... but oh my, looking at your build, that won't be a problem at all."
The owner clicked his tongue in admiration as he scanned Jun-ho’s physique. "Plus, you can attach a Picatinny rail to that model to mount a dot sight."
"A Picatinny rail?"
"Ah, yes. Picatinny. Anyway, it came certified with accessory equipment from the start, so it’s not illegal. It’s a model designed to take a dedicated scope, so you’re all set."
"That’s great. I like it. How much is it?"
"It’s 2.2 million won, but since you’re buying several, I’ll knock off 200,000."
"Thank you. Do you have any other recommendations?"
"Ah, of course! This one is British. Britain is a powerhouse for air rifles, isn't it? This one is..."
After receiving recommendations and examining various models for about 30 minutes, Jun-ho chose two Korean rifles and one British one. The Korean models were superior in durability, balance, and versatility, while the British model—true to its 5-million-won price tag—was a masterpiece boasting extreme accuracy with almost zero noise or residual vibration.
After purchasing the three air rifles on a 36-month installment plan, Jun-ho decided to head to a private shooting range with the shop owner for a test fire. Even while moving by car, he kept them in dedicated, lockable gun cases, with the ammunition stored separately. Jun-ho realized once again just how incredibly strict South Korea’s gun laws were.
Upon arriving at the range, Jun-ho followed the owner’s guidance to learn the bolt operation, air injection points, and scope adjustment methods for all three models. He then conducted test fires at a 50-meter target. He was quite pleased with the Korean models; the grouping was clean, the noise was low, and the recoil was manageable. However, the British masterpiece was on another level.
"Wow, even if the gun is a masterpiece, you’re a hell of a shot." The shop owner marveled at Jun-ho, who had performed a feat of hitting 9s and 10s with all 10 shots.
"It’s just because the gun is good," Jun-ho replied modestly. He continued shooting, and over the course of an hour, he managed to grasp the characteristics of all three models.
"By the way, sir, about these air rifles... I assume I can disassemble and inspect them here at the range, right?"
"Of course. It’s for measurement and inspection purposes, so that’s perfectly fine. And..." The owner glanced around before whispering in a low voice. "You can also do 3D modeling design and CAD drafting. It’s legal as long as you don’t manufacture the actual item. There are quite a few folks interested in guns, so if you’re discreet, it’s fine."
The shop owner was extremely kind and cooperative toward Jun-ho, who had brought in 10 million won in sales in a single go. In a shrinking domestic hunting market, a young man who looked like he had money and was taking up hunting seriously was a huge boon to the owner. It was obvious that if he could secure Jun-ho as a regular, his sales would change, as people rarely visited other shops once they established a relationship with their first gun dealer.
"I see. Anyway, thank you very much, sir."
"Oh, don't mention it. Come by to shoot often. Since you’re into fitness, you probably know, but you have to shoot often to keep your edge. I’ll take good care of you."
"Yes, I understand."
After finishing the test fire, Jun-ho headed to the local police station’s firearms management department, where he submitted his possession permit, test fire certificate, and purchase receipt to place the air rifles into custody.
"Yes, I’ve confirmed the three air rifles. These firearms are now registered for custodial storage. When you want to withdraw them, you’ll need a hunting permit or prior notification proving related activities. Remember that using them outside the permitted scope is illegal," the police officer, a sergeant, said in a business-like tone after giving the brand-new air rifles a cursory glance.
"Yes."
After signing the documents, Jun-ho left the station, parted ways with the shop owner, and climbed into the driver’s seat.
"A big gain."
Purchasing air rifles for the apocalypse and grasping their features and performance through live fire was a gain, but the biggest gain Jun-ho had in mind was something else entirely. It was the fact that he could disassemble the firearms at the range, and...
"The police barely checked them."
The officer had looked over the air rifles as casually and bureaucratically as his bored expression suggested. This was great news for Jun-ho, who needed to find a way to replicate the air rifles to prepare for the impending apocalypse.
"It might be easier than I thought..." Jun-ho muttered under his breath as he drove off. He had another important task today.
* * *
"I’ve heard about it. You’re planning to start a private security firm after completing the Zero Sign Tactical School program?"
"I’m not exactly trying to start a private security firm. Actually, I..." Jun-ho briefly explained the 'Our Shelter' project and handed over his gun possession permit, hunting license, and the private security business registration he had created through Lee Dong-cheol.
"Since it’s a place that only VVIPs will use, I plan to have trained guards stationed there. I also plan to operate two or three vehicles for private disaster training and to monitor wildfires in the mountains surrounding the pension."
"Ah, I see." Park Jae-hyun, a former Army Lieutenant Colonel and the CEO of a specialty vehicle company, nodded.
When the head of the Tactical School, a former military officer he’d known since his service days, told him that one of his students—a young, wealthy man with a powerful background—wanted to start a private security firm and buy an armored vehicle, he hadn’t known what to think. He’d decided to meet him just because of the recommendation, and because the person’s identity was certain.
'A villa used by the top 1%? There’s bound to be a politician’s or a judge’s kid or two in there.'
For a reason like that, it was perfectly reasonable to commission a special vehicle.
"Actually, at first, I thought about importing directly from the US or Germany. But those companies only recommended executive-style models, mostly mid-to-large sedans. And the prices... whew, they were just too high."
"They’re like that. Basic armored vehicles don’t require incredible technology, but it’s their habit to gouge prices for Asian clients they think are easy and don’t know any better," Park Jae-hyun said, sounding disgruntled, as if he had a grudge.
"Yes. I was dumbfounded when they quoted 600 or 700 million won for a single armored SUV. But then, I happened to hear about your company. You have a long track record, and I heard your skills are incredible."
"Yes. Since our founding in 2015, ADT Mobil has been producing perfectly customized armored vehicles from NIJ levels 2 to 4. We meet all Korean, US, and European standards, and recently, we even succeeded in developing modular armored units for electric vehicle platforms. Battery cell protection, EMP shielding response..."
Park Jae-hyun puffed out his chest as he continued, clearly confident in his company’s technology. Although Jun-ho already knew all this, he listened patiently to the company’s boast, then smiled and said, "Yes. I was impressed when I heard about it, and hearing it directly from you, I have complete trust. Anyway, as long as the vehicle structural modification is approved, there’s no problem commissioning your company, right?"
"We handle everything from the structural modification application to the vehicle inspection. It’s smoother if we handle it to avoid any noise. Of course, that means the cost will be a bit..."
"I’ve budgeted 300 million won per vehicle for NIJ Level 3, plus 700 million won total including the agency fee. For options, wireless communication and drone integration are a must, and please install infrared thermal imaging cameras."
"Leave it to us. You should be able to take delivery within 15 or 16 weeks, give or take."
The recession caused by the long pandemic hadn't spared the specialty vehicle industry, so Park Jae-hyun smiled broadly, his wrinkles deepening.
* * *
Time passed quickly. Jun-ho and Jun-hyuk completed the Krav Maga and Tactical School training programs, and thanks to his physical abilities, which had evolved to an elite athlete’s level, Jun-ho was able to master parkour to an intermediate level within a few months. During this time, Jun-ho’s body underwent another transformation. His height reached 179 centimeters, and while his weight dropped slightly to 76 kilograms, he had become a sharp, human weapon.
Baek Ha-il successfully liquidated his Selene Coin, investing 1.2 billion won and netting a profit of over 800 million won. He 'went all-in' with 1.5 billion won of the total 2 billion into Nvidia. Interestingly, he was able to buy in at a lower price than Jun-ho had, so if he sold around March 2024 as planned, he could expect a final payout of a whopping 8 billion won. This was because Jun-ho only knew from Han Yeong-jung that Nvidia would eventually rise, but didn't know it would drop to near $15 in 2022, so he had bought in when it was near $30. Regardless, Jun-ho and Baek Ha-il were satisfied that they would be able to earn nearly 20 billion won in additional funds combined by March or April 2024.
And the 'Our Shelter' site underwent a massive transformation, just like its owner. The Urim office, hungry for their bonuses, launched into construction under Baek Ha-il’s supervision with a militant fervor. Before summer, they finished the ground work, water and sewage systems, and even managed the feat of nearly completing the main building. Because Baek Ha-il was there to supervise and participate in the construction himself, there was absolutely no shoddy work. The workers were a bit bored living in converted containers, but they were allowed to go out on weekends, and the pay wasn't bad, so they seemed reasonably satisfied.
Thus, the hot summer passed, autumn arrived quietly, and by the promised mid-October, 'Our Shelter' was on the verge of completion.
"Thank you for your hard work, Director, and CEO Hwang."
"Oh, don't mention it. My chief and the workers did all the hard work, I didn't do much..."
"Same here. My Team Leader Yoon and the staff worked hard day and night."
Park Young-chan waved his hand, and Hwang Se-jun modestly gave the credit to his employees. However, Jun-ho knew that both men had paid close attention to ensure this large project, which they had secured after a long time, was perfect. Even if it was driven by the desire for a 250 million won bonus per company, doing one's best for a fair reward in a capitalist society was worthy of applause.
"The bonus should have been deposited a moment ago. Why don't you check?"
"Ah... w-well then."
The two company representatives carefully took out their phones and operated the screens, and soon, both had wide smiles plastered on their faces.
"Thank you so much, President Lee Jun-ho."
"I wish all our clients were like President Lee Jun-ho. Thank you very much."
"Not at all. It’s all because you worked hard."
Expressing his gratitude once more, Jun-ho looked around with deep emotion. 'Our Shelter'—which had cost a total of 10.3 billion won, slightly over budget—stood in a dignified manner, welcoming its owner.