The White Porter and the Wizard's Gun (4)
“Why?”
Cho Cheol-ung turned to Jinwoo with an intrigued expression.
“You’re planning to rescue them?”
“Is there a problem with that?”
Jinwoo countered in a flat tone. Logically, staying out of it was the wiser choice. He wasn’t immortal, and even if they saved the soldiers, a host of complications would remain—especially anything involving Hwang Nayeon. Yet…
The thought of those soldiers huddled in the cold, pitch-black building, trembling with fear as they clung to one another, left a heavy weight on his chest. It was a shared sense of dread he hadn’t felt during the frantic standoffs where guns were already drawn.
These men had been abandoned in this remote place through no fault of their own. They were no different from his own squadmates who had fought desperately to escape the nuclear power plant that stormy night. All of them were young men in their early twenties, full of dreams, far too young to die. With their ammunition nearly gone, surviving the night would be nearly impossible.
“You’re serious?”
Cho Cheol-ung studied Sheriff and Yubin in turn. The fact that neither of them seemed to disagree with Jinwoo struck him as oddly out of place.
“You’re a strange bunch. Have you forgotten those soldiers were sent to capture you?”
Cho Cheol-ung asked, his tone serious. Jinwoo answered stubbornly, his face still calm.
“I don’t believe those soldiers volunteered to come here.”
He had been wary enough of their presence to consider relocating at dawn, but the situation had changed. The real enemy wasn’t the soldiers—it was the high-ranking officers who had given them orders.
Or, more precisely, the generals above those officers. Any concerns about what to do after the rescue or how to negotiate with Cho Cheol-ung could wait until after the soldiers were safe.
“We’re going to save them. What about the 707 Special Mission Group? Don’t tell me you’re only interested in the nuclear missile key.”
“Look at this guy.”
Cho Cheol-ung’s lips curled into a smirk at Jinwoo’s provocation.
“You’ve got some nerve. I don’t know where you heard that rumor, but you’d better watch your mouth. That goes for all of you who were there that day.”
“They’re all… dead.”
Jinwoo clenched his teeth and spoke quietly. In that moment, a memory flashed through Cho Cheol-ung’s mind—the story he had once heard from General Chae.
‘Ah, you didn’t know? The defense unit at Samcheok Power Plant was wiped out.’
He had assumed this young private had been pulled from the same platoon or squad, but that wasn’t the case. This boy was the sole survivor from that mountain of corpses. Cho Cheol-ung nodded slowly, as if finally understanding.
“I see… So that’s how it is. Then…”
He didn’t know the details of how this rookie had survived that night. But one thing was clear: this boy would spend the rest of his life wrestling with the debt he felt from that night—just as Cho Cheol-ung himself still suffered from what happened on Jeju Island.
“Fine. I’ll at least explain the situation. So you understand how difficult this mission is and why you shouldn’t rush in recklessly.”
Cho Cheol-ung extended his hand to the side, and Master Sergeant Hong quickly handed over a map.
“The soldiers are hiding here.”
Cho Cheol-ung pointed to a spot on the map.
“It’s a building on Gwangnaru-ro, right in front of Children’s Grand Park. They managed to escape the open structure, but they didn’t get far. Their movement is restricted. They also fired too many rounds and drew the zombies’ attention. It’s a three-story building, correct?”
Cho Cheol-ung glanced at Master Sergeant Hong, who nodded.
“Yes, sir. It’s a three-story billiard hall.”
Jinwoo, Yubin, and Sheriff exchanged silent glances. That area was part of the open road near the Konkuk University shelter, where they had pushed the vehicles aside.
“According to our observer’s latest report, the building is surrounded by roughly four hundred zombies. In short, the roads in this district are packed with them. Their numbers will keep growing as other hordes pass through. …Now do you see how much of a headache this is?”
“Thank you for the information. Will you come with us? Or… will you wait here?”
Jinwoo skipped several steps ahead with his question. A dry laugh escaped Cho Cheol-ung.
“What are you talking about, kid? Over a thousand zombies are surrounding those soldiers. Charging in blindly won’t solve anything—you’ll just die with them!”
He looked toward the darkened Neungdong-ro. Moving more than a kilometer along that dangerous road, where zombies could appear at any moment, then finding a position to eliminate over a thousand of them with only the eight men here was an impossible task.
Even with night scopes on their helmets, and even if they added the five men waiting at the Jungnang Stream, the difficulty wouldn’t drop much. Night was when zombies saw best. This was nothing like crossing the stream in rubber boats.
Even if they miraculously succeeded without casualties, more zombies would soon replace those they killed. Gunfire and body heat were irresistible lures.
“We need a plan first. I’ll call in my men and have them approach via the stream. Even by straight-line distance, that route is closer.”
Cho Cheol-ung pointed at the map. Traveling down the Jungnang Stream and taking the left route would be faster and safer than moving along the roads from Gunja Station to Children’s Grand Park.
“We’ll set up a position in a suitable building around here, draw the zombies on Gwangnaru-ro toward us, and eliminate them. Once most of them have cleared out, we’ll circle around from the right. But first, we need to inform those soldiers that we’re a rescue force. We can’t have them doing anything stupid out of panic when they hear the shooting.”
While Cho Cheol-ung traced lines on the map and explained the plan, Master Sergeant Hong, who had been illuminating it with a red light, added a comment.
“We also need to deal with the uniforms. It would be problematic if our affiliation became obvious.”
The 707 Special Mission Group’s distinctive uniforms and eagle patches, along with the large 707 markings on the backs of their tactical vests, were far too conspicuous. Even in the dark, they would stand out under any passing light. Until they fully understood the bizarre situation these boys were involved in, they had no choice but to conceal the 707’s involvement. It could easily escalate into open conflict between Lieutenant General Shin and Lieutenant General Park.
“Hmm!”
Cho Cheol-ung nodded in agreement with Master Sergeant Hong and turned to Jinwoo.
“You heard him. There are many factors we have to consider. Even if we do this, it’s far from a safe operation. A small force will have to escort nearly twenty men to safety. But as you know, finding a safe place in Seoul is extremely difficult.”
“There are buildings that used to house the Konkuk University shelter. They’re within seven hundred meters of the building where the soldiers are trapped. The fences are down, but the buildings themselves are solid. If we lock the doors and follow basic rules, we could hold out for several days.”
Jinwoo pointed at the map and drew a short line with his finger. Buying even a few days would give them breathing room to figure out the next steps.
“Even so, you’d still have to run six hundred meters without any prior intel. There’s no guarantee the Konkuk University shelter—or any other building—isn’t already overrun. We have no idea what surprises we might encounter. There will almost certainly be significant casualties, on both sides. Are you prepared for that?”
Prepared? At this point…
Jinwoo felt a hollow sensation at Cho Cheol-ung’s question. No one had asked the soldiers whether they were ready when they were loaded onto the massive Chinook helicopter bound for the Samcheok nuclear plant. No one had asked when they were ordered to hold the fence while gunning down hundreds of zombies every day. No one had asked when they were sent to support the city. Not even on the day they first shaved their heads and put on uniforms had anyone asked if they were prepared to become soldiers. They had simply been thrown into their missions.
The soldiers now trapped at Children’s Grand Park—and those who had died fighting them yesterday—were no different. Unlike these elite 707 operators who had volunteered, they had never been given a choice.
“We’re prepared, but our plan is different from yours. Four people will carry out the rescue—two from our side, two from yours. And we won’t go around via the Jungnang Stream.”
Jinwoo pointed to the area near Gunja Station on the map. Cho Cheol-ung’s plan was solid, but he was missing one crucial variable: the cars.
“We’ll take a car from here and drive straight to the target. Fortunately, that stretch of road has been cleared, so vehicles can move through.”
“What are you driving?”
Cho Cheol-ung blinked in disbelief.
“Where did you even get a car?”
A car would certainly help, but where were they supposed to find one now? Searching stopped cars for keys could take hours.
“Haa~ We’ve got one, mister. So don’t worry about that.”
Sheriff pulled the Genesis Coupe key from his cargo pants pocket and jingled it. While Cho Cheol-ung, Master Sergeant Hong, and the wide-eyed 707 operators stared, Jinwoo continued.
“We’ll approach in the car to draw the zombies away, then circle the Konkuk University shelter area. While most of the zombies are following the car, the trapped soldiers can escape.”
“No, no. Hold on, Jinwoo!”
Yubin, who had been listening quietly until now, cut in.
“That’s too risky! Even if you lure the zombies away, how are you supposed to move that many people?”
He agreed with the goal of rescuing the soldiers, but the details of the plan were absurd. Running six hundred meters with twenty men was no different from suicide. Having once torn his calf open while climbing a mountain in the dark, he knew exactly how much the night narrowed a person’s vision.
“There’s no way that works. Unless we had a truck…”
Yubin shook his head firmly. A stable, fast vehicle like a one-ton truck would change everything, but they didn’t have one and couldn’t find one. Hunting for a working truck at this hour was no better than betting everything on a lottery ticket. And that didn’t even account for the new zombie hordes arriving every thirty minutes.
“Ah, well, about that…”
After exchanging a glance with Jinwoo, Sheriff finally admitted the truth.
“There is a truck nearby.”
“What are you talking about? You said there was only one usable car.”
Yubin’s eyes widened at the unexpected revelation.
“Agh, just…! That’s how it was, you bastard! I thought there was only the Genesis Coupe, but later I found out there’s a truck too! …Is that really important right now? Let’s go! You can lecture me later!”
Sheriff shut Yubin up and turned to Cho Cheol-ung.
“You and one more person can come with us! It’s a sports car, so we can’t fit more than four.”
He had already approved of the older man after seeing his marksmanship. He wasn’t as good as Jinwoo, but he was still quite accurate.
“Are you sure? Where exactly is this truck?”
Cho Cheol-ung asked Jinwoo again, still struggling to believe the string of absurd claims. Jinwoo pointed between Gunja Station and Children’s Grand Park on the map.
“If you turn left here, there’s an auto repair shop. There’s a one-ton Porter parked there that the shop used. We just need to grab a battery from the shop and swap it in.”
Though rated for a one-ton payload, the Porter was a monstrous vehicle capable of handling over two tons. If they packed it carefully, it could easily carry twenty men along with their gear and personal weapons.
“So four people take Sheriff’s car, then two switch to the truck? The truck maintains a two-hundred-meter distance while communicating via radio… Wait, hold on. We still need to let the trapped soldiers know we’re a rescue team. Should we find a megaphone?”
Yubin quickly reviewed the plan and thought of what they might need. Sheriff pointed at Cho Cheol-ung.
“A megaphone… We could look for one at a supermarket, but we don’t need it if this mister just yells. I heard him shouting back at Myeonmok Station—his voice is loud enough. Or I could do it.”
“We’ll go with shouting, then. The route is what matters most. Let me think—the south side of Children’s Grand Park, what does it look like again?”
Yubin pressed a hand to his forehead, trying to recall. He had clearly passed through that area while staying at the Konkuk University shelter, but the layout wouldn’t come into focus.
“There’s a grassy hill on this side of the road, and beyond that is the park.”
Sheriff, who had driven the Genesis Coupe through the area just yesterday, explained.
“If it’s a grassy hill, then it’s probably on fire. If we move over there and shout…”
Yubin muttered while tracing the route in the air. While he worked out the plan, Cho Cheol-ung gave Jinwoo the shared radio channel.
“Tune to channel six.”
That way they could share information and coordinate with the 707 operators in real time.
“I’ll volunteer.”
With the rescue operation suddenly gaining momentum, Master Sergeant Hong stepped forward first. The other three 707 operators raised their hands a beat later.
“Leave it to us!”
“Master Sergeant Hong stays. Someone needs to lead the covering fire team while I’m gone.”
Cho Cheol-ung stopped Master Sergeant Hong and pointed to the operator who had argued with Sheriff earlier.
“Staff Sergeant Choi, you’re coming with me. Master Sergeant Hong, take the boat south like I said and find a sniper position.”
While the 707 operators exchanged mission assignments, Jinwoo grabbed several spare magazines from the crate the 707 team had brought and stuffed them into his baggy pants. They weren’t pre-loaded, so reloading would take time, but it was still far better than having no extra ammunition at all.
“Here! Stick this on the back of your vest to cover it up!”
Yubin pulled blue tape from his backpack and handed it to Cho Cheol-ung. He had brought it to secure the radio to the overpass, but it would work well enough for an improvised solution.
“What about the uniforms…?”
Staff Sergeant Choi muttered uneasily as he taped over the back of Cho Cheol-ung’s tactical vest. The 707 uniforms were still far too conspicuous for covert action.
“Agh, why are you worrying about that? Just do this!”
Sheriff shrugged off his Gore-Tex jacket and tossed it to Staff Sergeant Choi. He then stripped Yubin’s jacket off and threw it to Cho Cheol-ung.
“If you wear that over your uniform, no one will know you’re soldiers! Come on, let’s move! We need to finish this before the zombies come back this way!”
“This is a bit big…”
Staff Sergeant Choi mumbled as he rolled up the sleeves. Conversely, Yubin’s jacket was too tight on Cho Cheol-ung—the zipper wouldn’t close all the way. But there was no time to worry about such trivial matters now.
Cho Cheol-ung and Staff Sergeant Choi quickly layered the Gore-Tex jackets over their uniforms and secured their tactical vests on top.
“Yes, yes! Mingu hyung! The situation changed suddenly, so we’re going to rescue those soldiers. Yeah! Jinwoo and Sheriff will head toward the soldiers and the cars soon. Yeah, I’m fine!”
With his jacket suddenly taken, Yubin crossed his arms and sent a radio message to Mingu to keep him from being startled by any sudden developments.
“If you need anything, radio me, Yubin! Keep your receiver on! Where are you going to be?”
Sheriff, his headlamp on, asked Yubin. Yubin patted Samsuk-i’s neck and pointed at the 707 operators behind them.
“There’s nothing to choose. I’ll just stay here with these guys and the dog.”
Returning to the theater now would be the same as revealing their hiding place. There was still a deal to finish, and more importantly… he didn’t want to hide alone in a corner while his friends risked their lives.
“Be careful!”
Yubin shouted. Even though they were exceptionally skilled, charging into the middle of thousands of zombies at this hour was incredibly dangerous. He never would have agreed to this if dozens of lives weren’t on the line.
“Woof!”
The moment Jinwoo and Sheriff showed signs of heading down the stairs, Samsuk-i bolted toward the door.
“No! You can’t come with us right now!”
Jinwoo quickly dropped to one knee and met Samsuk-i’s eyes.
“There’s no room in the car! Stay here and protect Yubin! Got it, Samsuk?”
Four men loaded with magazines and gear, each carrying two personal weapons, were already crammed into the Genesis Coupe. Adding this massive dog would make it impossible to move freely.
“Whine…”
After letting out a long, reluctant whine and flicking his tongue, Samsuk-i gave up and turned away.
“Let’s go!”
After the 707 operators grabbed their weapons, Jinwoo waved to Yubin and ran down the stairs.
“We’ll be right back!”
Sheriff called his farewell to Yubin, then glanced at Master Sergeant Hong.
“Mister, take care of him. Don’t drag him into anything dangerous.”
“Hey, you little punk! You watch yourself! Grab a weapon!”
Master Sergeant Hong shouted in alarm when he saw Sheriff holding only his sledgehammer. Doubt crashed over him like a wave. Could they really trust these boys? This was like a soldier heading into battle and forgetting his gun.
“Ah… I don’t use those, mister.”
Sheriff replied coolly and ran off with Cho Cheol-ung.
“……What do you mean, you don’t use those?”
While Master Sergeant Hong muttered in a daze, the rescue team had already reached the first floor. Four sets of footsteps echoed through the quiet evening streets.
Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-!