Chapter 15: Don’t Die.
*
“They’re gone.”
The fifteen who chose to stay on the 6th floor gathered again only after the lights in the elevator that Han Gang-ho and his group took went out.
“What a bunch of idiots. That’s why they’re stuck doing security detail.”
“Right? Why follow those guys around?”
“Seriously. Lisa, that woman is quite the genius, though.”
After sharing some brief chit-chat, they began to discuss how to pass the time until the rescue team arrived.
“Dr. Terry’s idea is good. We can just think of this as a vacation spot.”
“Ha-ha. I agree. After all, there are no dangers here, plenty of supplies, and even service robots at our disposal.”
They figured it wouldn’t take long for them to be rescued.
So rather than trying to do something special, they decided to treat it like a holiday.
Four days passed, and they were satisfied with their choice.
“What do you think those morons are up to?”
“Do you think they’re still alive?”
Every mealtime, discussions about Gang-ho’s group became a topic of conversation.
“What the heck? Where’s the rarity in this?! Bring it back!”
Thud.
Cling-
One of the doctors began to torment a humanoid again.
“This piece of junk needs to be disposed of. Why wasn’t it replaced?!”
He punched the robot’s head repeatedly, spitting out curses.
Thud.
Thud-thud.
The other doctors shook their heads disapprovingly at the sight.
Even though they shared the same space, his rough and eccentric behavior was uncomfortable.
‘I really hope the rescue team arrives soon. Ugh.’
In every group, there’s usually that one person who brings the mood down.
Among the fifteen left on the 6th floor, Dr. Becker, an expert in nuclear fusion, was that person.
But then, suddenly, the humanoid exhibited a different reaction for the first time in four days.
[Warning Excess]
[Defense Activation]
[Restraint Approved]
[Physical Force Active]
A pleasant-sounding system voice chimed reassuringly, like that of a voice actor.
Instantly, other humanoids also gathered around the table.
Click.
Flick.
[Regulation No. 12 – Eliminate Excess Supplied Elements within Production Facilities.]
[Activating security rights to restore productivity and order. Immediate implementation.]
“What, what’s happening?”
“What does that mean?”
The startled doctors gripping their knives and forks felt the humanoids line up behind them, placing their hands like they were going for a massage.
Thud.
The atmosphere turned serious as one doctor tried to ignore it.
“I’m good. Do we really need a massage during dinner…?”
But it seemed the humanoids didn’t appreciate jokes.
Crack.
…
Without a sound, they twisted their heads around.
“This, this is insane!”
Crunch!
Snap.
“Crack.”
“Ahhhh!”
“What’s going on?! Help!”
The dining room, set up like a banquet hall, began to echo with screams mixed in with serene classical music.
*
Gang-ho and the rest of the group were momentarily at a loss for words.
[Ahhhhhhh!]
On the CCTV screen, they saw the final survivor being torn apart limb from limb.
Some individuals turned away, unable to watch.
“…”
“How horrific.”
It was truly chilling.
The sight of a human head resting alongside steak on the table was genuinely gruesome.
How they ended up in such a state was a bittersweet mystery.
“Let’s move.”
Han Gang-ho turned first and exited the situation room.
He then gathered those who were still alive to head to the next floor.
Luckily, the 4th floor was in good condition.
Thanks to the members’ effective responses after the emergency siren, damages were minimized.
“I never thought there would be survivors coming up from the 10th basement.”
Dr. Inder Kumar, who was in charge of the 4th floor, greeted Gang-ho and his group warmly.
Gang-ho recognized him.
[Name]: Inder Kumar.
[Affiliation]: Evolution Gene Research Institute.
[Position]: PM (Project Manager).
[Species]: Human / Pure
[Traits]: Unawakened.
[Level]: Unawakened.
[Major]: Biology. Genetic Engineering.
Dr. Inder, an Indian-British figure with a dark complexion, curly hair, and a bushy beard, was a prominent scientist among global scholars and was featured primarily in the disaster manual.
Lisa shared a personal relationship with him.
“Oh, Professor Lisa from Strathclyde University. An honor.”
“Likewise. I wasn’t aware you were here, Doctor.”
After the brief greetings, Gang-ho explained everything he had experienced up until now.
“That’s quite a story. Very intriguing.”
Once Dr. Inder finished listening to Gang-ho’s tale, he stroked his beard, his eyes shining with interest.
Then he made a sudden realization.
“Oh, it’s rather rude to call it ‘intriguing’ for those who’ve crossed life and death. My apologies.”
He briefly shared his perspective on the phenomena Gang-ho witnessed.
As a scientist and the core PM for humanity’s genetic evolution research project at the World Species Repository, he emphasized his astonishment.
“So, does that mean we are a successful case of research?”
Satoshi, who had been quietly listening, blurted out a question.
He wasn’t questioning, just checking his comprehension.
“We can only determine that through precise examinations. But from the description alone, it’s certainly plausible.”
Gang-ho, who had some understanding of biology and biotechnology, felt unsettled.
And Lisa, being a major in the subject, naturally felt the same.
‘So, it’s saying we’re no different from mutants.’
Gang-ho believed that dwelling on the past and things he could not change was pointless.
So, he switched the topic to their future plans.
“So, the conclusion is that we need to escape.”
It seemed he needed stronger persuasion.
He thought it would be a difficult decision to abandon the research, to pack up everything he had put his heart and soul into as a scientist.
But it was a surprise.
“There are currently a total of 58 survivors on the 4th floor. Among them, 50 are researchers, and the remaining 8 are security personnel.”
After hearing all of Gang-ho’s explanation, Dr. Inder eagerly volunteered to accompany them, introducing the survivors.
“Are you sure it’s alright?”
“Thanks for your concern. But I, as a scientist, am most confident in my experience. Haven’t I seen and experienced all of this? The theoretical arrangements can be made outside.”
Gang-ho nodded silently.
He had no reason to reject that.
The more people he could save, the better.
“One thing you should know is that safety cannot be guaranteed.”
“That’s a decision we’re fully aware of.”
“In that case, thank you for your assistance.”
“We are the ones indebted to you.”
So ultimately, all of the 4th floor survivors became part of a new group.
The 3rd floor situation was reminiscent of the 10th floor.
The only difference was that they found themselves being chased not by zombies, but by creatures.
“Run as fast as you can!”
“There are too many monsters up ahead!”
“Ability users need to prioritize protecting civilians!”
Gang-ho’s group had to battle the endless waves of mutants from all sides.
‘There are too many.’
It was strange to think that this many exceeded the normal population for one floor.
“Do those mutants breed or something?”
Blood-soaked and panting, Satoshi quietly asked Gang-ho as he approached.
He seemed to be suggesting that the enemy just wouldn’t thin out.
Gang-ho was making one deduction behind that.
He had found it odd that there were no corpses from the previous floor.
At that moment, he worried that the missing people—or their corpses—might have been used as subjects.
As they had witnessed several times, all could have transformed into creatures showing signs of infection.
‘That concern seems to have become reality.’
But after a mighty struggle, they managed to reach the 2nd floor.
Of course, it wasn’t without casualties.
“Our dear friends, Donil, Brad, Oscar, Wang-woo, rest easy.”
After blasting the exit to block the creatures coming up from the 3rd basement, a brief moment of silence was observed at Inder’s request.
But the issue was that the 2nd floor was no better than the 3rd.
In fact, it was worse.
The 2nd floor had long since turned into a habitat for creatures.
“Who would have thought the 2nd basement would have ended up like this…?”
Everyone shared the same sentiment and thoughts.
There was an expectation that being closer to the surface would mean things weren’t too bad, so the shock hit harder.
Moreover, the types and capabilities of the creatures were unlike anything seen before.
Grrrrr.
Huff.
A tall, scrawny creature swung its fist at Gang-ho, who doubled his arms to block.
Boom!
Slap!
Blood gathered at the corner of Gang-ho’s mouth as he was pushed back.
“Cough!”
Han Gang-ho was being pushed back?
That was a sight rarely seen, so it was quite shocking for not just Satoshi but the entire group.
“Ah, the Major….”
The sheer strength of the attack left everyone feeling shocked.
But there was no room for any of them to care for each other.
Grrrrr!
Grrr!
They were protecting 70 civilians while only five of them had abilities; there was hardly anything they could plan.
Eleven casualties occurred just to break through two shelters.
There were many injuries.
The 2nd basement had a total of 20 shelters.
Undoubtedly, it was a significant scale.
In other words, they had every reason to worry about how many more would survive as they moved forward.
“Shouldn’t we make a choice?”
After a brutal fight, Dr. Inder gently suggested to the weary Gang-ho.
The scientist’s expression carried a lonely smile.
“No matter what decision you make, we won’t hold it against you.”
Gang-ho could sense what he was trying to convey.
So, he jumped in first.
“I’ve already made my choice.”
“What does that mean…?”
“I’ll take command of everyone.”
“Ah, I have no objections to that decision. But what I meant was…”
Gang-ho cut him off.
“I hope you’ll trust me until the end.”
No need for further discussion.
He looked deeply into Inder’s eyes.
……….
Inder’s gaze gradually turned resolute.
He bit his lip and nodded.
“Then, I shall count on you.”
He clapped Gang-ho on the shoulder and stepped back.
“Lisa, Reina, Satoshi, Wolf, and everyone else.”
Everyone turned to look at Gang-ho.
The other ordinary researchers also focused on him.
Gang-ho carefully locked eyes with each of them.
Then he spoke softly.
“Don’t die.”
That was all he said.
……!
…….
Everyone’s discomfort swept over the space, as if they felt a voiceless outcry.
Especially those who had joined with Inder felt a shiver at his words and gaze.
They had witnessed firsthand how Gang-ho and his group risked their lives to protect them.
“Whatever you say, we’ll follow without question.”
A cheer of agreement erupted in different corners in response to someone’s shout.
Waahh!
Gang-ho found himself grinning at the sight.
“Then, let’s run again; try to keep up without lagging behind.”
He charged toward the door leading to the third shelter.
Bang.
*
Next Chapter Preview
15: Don’t Die.
*
“They’re gone.”
The fifteen who chose to stay on the 6th floor gathered again only after the lights in the elevator that Han Gang-ho and his group took went out.
“What a bunch of idiots. That’s why they’re stuck doing security detail.”
“Right? Why follow those guys around?”
“Seriously. Lisa, that woman is quite the genius, though.”
After sharing some brief chit-chat, they began to discuss how to pass the time until the rescue team arrived.
“Dr. Terry’s idea is good. We can just think of this as a vacation spot.”
“Ha-ha. I agree. After all, there are no dangers here, plenty of supplies, and even service robots at our disposal.”
They figured it wouldn’t take long for them to be rescued.
So rather than trying to do something special, they decided to treat it like a holiday.
Four days passed, and they were satisfied with their choice.
“What do you think those morons are up to?”
“Do you think they’re still alive?”
Every mealtime, discussions about Gang-ho’s group became a topic of conversation.
“What the heck? Where’s the rarity in this?! Bring it back!”
Thud.
Cling-
One of the doctors began to torment a humanoid again.
“This piece of junk needs to be disposed of. Why wasn’t it replaced?!”
He punched the robot’s head repeatedly, spitting out curses.
Thud.
Thud-thud.
The other doctors shook their heads disapprovingly at the sight.
Even though they shared the same space, his rough and eccentric behavior was uncomfortable.
‘I really hope the rescue team arrives soon. Ugh.’
In every group, there’s usually that one person who brings the mood down.
Among the fifteen left on the 6th floor, Dr. Becker, an expert in nuclear fusion, was that person.
But then, suddenly, the humanoid exhibited a different reaction for the first time in four days.
[Warning Excess]
[Defense Activation]
[Restraint Approved]
[Physical Force Active]
A pleasant-sounding system voice chimed reassuringly, like that of a voice actor.
Instantly, other humanoids also gathered around the table.
Click.
Flick.
[Regulation No. 12 – Eliminate Excess Supplied Elements within Production Facilities.]
[Activating security rights to restore productivity and order. Immediate implementation.]
“What, what’s happening?”
“What does that mean?”
The startled doctors gripping their knives and forks felt the humanoids line up behind them, placing their hands like they were going for a massage.
Thud.
The atmosphere turned serious as one doctor tried to ignore it.
“I’m good. Do we really need a massage during dinner…?”
But it seemed the humanoids didn’t appreciate jokes.
Crack.
…
Without a sound, they twisted their heads around.
“This, this is insane!”
Crunch!
Snap.
“Crack.”
“Ahhhh!”
“What’s going on?! Help!”
The dining room, set up like a banquet hall, began to echo with screams mixed in with serene classical music.
*
Gang-ho and the rest of the group were momentarily at a loss for words.
[Ahhhhhhh!]
On the CCTV screen, they saw the final survivor being torn apart limb from limb.
Some individuals turned away, unable to watch.
“…”
“How horrific.”
It was truly chilling.
The sight of a human head resting alongside steak on the table was genuinely gruesome.
How they ended up in such a state was a bittersweet mystery.
“Let’s move.”
Han Gang-ho turned first and exited the situation room.
He then gathered those who were still alive to head to the next floor.
Luckily, the 4th floor was in good condition.
Thanks to the members’ effective responses after the emergency siren, damages were minimized.
“I never thought there would be survivors coming up from the 10th basement.”
Dr. Inder Kumar, who was in charge of the 4th floor, greeted Gang-ho and his group warmly.
Gang-ho recognized him.
[Name]: Inder Kumar.
[Affiliation]: Evolution Gene Research Institute.
[Position]: PM (Project Manager).
[Species]: Human / Pure
[Traits]: Unawakened.
[Level]: Unawakened.
[Major]: Biology. Genetic Engineering.
Dr. Inder, an Indian-British figure with a dark complexion, curly hair, and a bushy beard, was a prominent scientist among global scholars and was featured primarily in the disaster manual.
Lisa shared a personal relationship with him.
“Oh, Professor Lisa from Strathclyde University. An honor.”
“Likewise. I wasn’t aware you were here, Doctor.”
After the brief greetings, Gang-ho explained everything he had experienced up until now.
“That’s quite a story. Very intriguing.”
Once Dr. Inder finished listening to Gang-ho’s tale, he stroked his beard, his eyes shining with interest.
Then he made a sudden realization.
“Oh, it’s rather rude to call it ‘intriguing’ for those who’ve crossed life and death. My apologies.”
He briefly shared his perspective on the phenomena Gang-ho witnessed.
As a scientist and the core PM for humanity’s genetic evolution research project at the World Species Repository, he emphasized his astonishment.
“So, does that mean we are a successful case of research?”
Satoshi, who had been quietly listening, blurted out a question.
He wasn’t questioning, just checking his comprehension.
“We can only determine that through precise examinations. But from the description alone, it’s certainly plausible.”
Gang-ho, who had some understanding of biology and biotechnology, felt unsettled.
And Lisa, being a major in the subject, naturally felt the same.
‘So, it’s saying we’re no different from mutants.’
Gang-ho believed that dwelling on the past and things he could not change was pointless.
So, he switched the topic to their future plans.
“So, the conclusion is that we need to escape.”
It seemed he needed stronger persuasion.
He thought it would be a difficult decision to abandon the research, to pack up everything he had put his heart and soul into as a scientist.
But it was a surprise.
“There are currently a total of 58 survivors on the 4th floor. Among them, 50 are researchers, and the remaining 8 are security personnel.”
After hearing all of Gang-ho’s explanation, Dr. Inder eagerly volunteered to accompany them, introducing the survivors.
“Are you sure it’s alright?”
“Thanks for your concern. But I, as a scientist, am most confident in my experience. Haven’t I seen and experienced all of this? The theoretical arrangements can be made outside.”
Gang-ho nodded silently.
He had no reason to reject that.
The more people he could save, the better.
“One thing you should know is that safety cannot be guaranteed.”
“That’s a decision we’re fully aware of.”
“In that case, thank you for your assistance.”
“We are the ones indebted to you.”
So ultimately, all of the 4th floor survivors became part of a new group.
The 3rd floor situation was reminiscent of the 10th floor.
The only difference was that they found themselves being chased not by zombies, but by creatures.
“Run as fast as you can!”
“There are too many monsters up ahead!”
“Ability users need to prioritize protecting civilians!”
Gang-ho’s group had to battle the endless waves of mutants from all sides.
‘There are too many.’
It was strange to think that this many exceeded the normal population for one floor.
“Do those mutants breed or something?”
Blood-soaked and panting, Satoshi quietly asked Gang-ho as he approached.
He seemed to be suggesting that the enemy just wouldn’t thin out.
Gang-ho was making one deduction behind that.
He had found it odd that there were no corpses from the previous floor.
At that moment, he worried that the missing people—or their corpses—might have been used as subjects.
As they had witnessed several times, all could have transformed into creatures showing signs of infection.
‘That concern seems to have become reality.’
But after a mighty struggle, they managed to reach the 2nd floor.
Of course, it wasn’t without casualties.
“Our dear friends, Donil, Brad, Oscar, Wang-woo, rest easy.”
After blasting the exit to block the creatures coming up from the 3rd basement, a brief moment of silence was observed at Inder’s request.
But the issue was that the 2nd floor was no better than the 3rd.
In fact, it was worse.
The 2nd floor had long since turned into a habitat for creatures.
“Who would have thought the 2nd basement would have ended up like this…?”
Everyone shared the same sentiment and thoughts.
There was an expectation that being closer to the surface would mean things weren’t too bad, so the shock hit harder.
Moreover, the types and capabilities of the creatures were unlike anything seen before.
Grrrrr.
Huff.
A tall, scrawny creature swung its fist at Gang-ho, who doubled his arms to block.
Boom!
Slap!
Blood gathered at the corner of Gang-ho’s mouth as he was pushed back.
“Cough!”
Han Gang-ho was being pushed back?
That was a sight rarely seen, so it was quite shocking for not just Satoshi but the entire group.
“Ah, the Major….”
The sheer strength of the attack left everyone feeling shocked.
But there was no room for any of them to care for each other.
Grrrrr!
Grrr!
They were protecting 70 civilians while only five of them had abilities; there was hardly anything they could plan.
Eleven casualties occurred just to break through two shelters.
There were many injuries.
The 2nd basement had a total of 20 shelters.
Undoubtedly, it was a significant scale.
In other words, they had every reason to worry about how many more would survive as they moved forward.
“Shouldn’t we make a choice?”
After a brutal fight, Dr. Inder gently suggested to the weary Gang-ho.
The scientist’s expression carried a lonely smile.
“No matter what decision you make, we won’t hold it against you.”
Gang-ho could sense what he was trying to convey.
So, he jumped in first.
“I’ve already made my choice.”
“What does that mean…?”
“I’ll take command of everyone.”
“Ah, I have no objections to that decision. But what I meant was…”
Gang-ho cut him off.
“I hope you’ll trust me until the end.”
No need for further discussion.
He looked deeply into Inder’s eyes.
……….
Inder’s gaze gradually turned resolute.
He bit his lip and nodded.
“Then, I shall count on you.”
He clapped Gang-ho on the shoulder and stepped back.
“Lisa, Reina, Satoshi, Wolf, and everyone else.”
Everyone turned to look at Gang-ho.
The other ordinary researchers also focused on him.
Gang-ho carefully locked eyes with each of them.
Then he spoke softly.
“Don’t die.”
That was all he said.
……!
…….
Everyone’s discomfort swept over the space, as if they felt a voiceless outcry.
Especially those who had joined with Inder felt a shiver at his words and gaze.
They had witnessed firsthand how Gang-ho and his group risked their lives to protect them.
“Whatever you say, we’ll follow without question.”
A cheer of agreement erupted in different corners in response to someone’s shout.
Waahh!
Gang-ho found himself grinning at the sight.
“Then, let’s run again; try to keep up without lagging behind.”
He charged toward the door leading to the third shelter.
Bang.
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