Chapter 7: Zombie Wave
When Han Gang-ho casually inquired, Satoshi immediately answered as if there was no need for thought.
“Of course!”
Indeed, it was clear that what Satoshi was drooling over wasn’t the Energy Core.
However, Lisa, who had been listening to their conversation, rejected that decision.
“If it’s just to help my recovery, then it should be you, Gang-ho.”
Her lack of understanding about the usefulness of the Energy Core made her say that.
Of course, it was true that aiding her recovery was important.
“We need to move immediately without rest. Who knows what kind of monsters might appear at the next shelter?”
This was a kind of persuasion, not just for her sake but for all of them.
Fortunately, Lisa was able to make that basic sensible judgment.
“Alright. I can’t be a burden.”
With that, she still awkwardly moved her hand toward the Energy Core.
Shhrrr.
“Hmm.”
Lisa closed her eyes and began to inhale and exhale deeply in a repetitive manner.
Surprisingly, it took quite some time.
To confirm that absorption was successful, she released a deep breath in the end.
“Hahh.”
At the same time, Satoshi flinched, and Gang-ho could see the changes happening in her.
[Name]: Lisa Azbel.
[…]: …….
[Rank]: (Increased) Lv. 2
[Enhancement]: 2%
[Attribute]: …….
[Special Skill]: …….
[Basic Effect]: (New) Insulation Membrane (絶緣膜).
[Support Skill]: …….
Gang-ho was startled inwardly for two reasons.
‘One Energy Core raised her rank by one.’
Considering that the Energy Cores obtained from killing zombies only gave a 2% increase per piece, the gap was astoundingly vast.
Naturally, Gang-ho began contemplating the cause.
‘What factors determine the value and experience gained from Energy Cores?’
He had roughly two guesses: the difference in the nature of the powers possessed and the enhancement state of those powers.
However, such vague speculation required more samples and various analyses to become accurate information.
‘What a pointless thought. I can only hope we won’t face any more of those monsters.’
Another surprise for Gang-ho was the new item and ability that had appeared for her.
Coincidentally, there was an updated explanation for it in the newly revised Disaster Manual.
– Insulation Membrane (絶緣膜: Insulation).
A membrane that prevents the passage of electricity or heat.
Electrical and thermal conductivity share homogenous elements.
For instance, electrical insulators are also thermal insulators.
This naturally explained how the ragged golem could withstand the heat from Lisa and yet negate its own magnetic field.
And he learned one important fact.
‘The properties are preserved within the Energy Core.’
The original Energy Core retains its properties, and absorbing it allows for the transfer of those qualities.
Gang-ho quietly observed Lisa.
Aside from the information, he could see no other signs or symptoms.
‘If it’s a basic effect, then the Insulation Membrane is most likely a passive characteristic.’
Come to think of it, the weariness that had shown on her face was gone.
It seemed the Energy Core indeed had recovery functions.
“Are you both okay?”
While Lisa was recovering from absorbing the Energy Core, Gang-ho was still deep in thought as he opened an emergency supply box found midway down the corridor.
He took out bottled water from inside and handed it to Lisa and Satoshi.
“Oh, how did you know there would be a box like this in the middle of the corridor?”
Satoshi, seemingly thirsty, looked pleased as he accepted the water and then asked.
“The Disaster Manual.”
Lisa let out a gasp at that short reply.
“Oh.”
After a moment of contemplation, she realized how that information or knowledge was being employed in such a way.
‘Given that it’s a disaster situation right now, it’s probably critical information.’
At that moment, Han Gang-ho stepped close to her and draped an aviation jacket over her.
“Ah, thank you.”
Lisa knew her front was completely open.
Yet, she didn’t really care that much.
It wasn’t like her chest was exposed; it was underwear after all.
However, for a brief moment, her heart raced at Gang-ho’s gesture.
She felt her face heating up for no reason.
‘What’s wrong with me? Am I going crazy?’
She fanned herself with her hand.
Looking away, she made eye contact with Satoshi.
He had a strangely disappointed expression.
After that, the three of them took a moment to catch their breath and lightly exchanged necessary updates about their conditions.
They also discussed strategies to prepare for the remaining three shelters.
“I wonder what happened to the others?”
Satoshi’s question came as their conversation was wrapping up.
It seemed the sight of the golem-like giant and all those corpses weighed heavily on his mind.
Lisa felt the same.
‘Honestly, I’m curious about that too.’
Most of the people in the hospital had likely turned into zombies.
But that was assumed to only be part of it.
Since there had been alarms and announcements, she thought they would have all gone to the platform.
However, they had seen a mountain of corpses in front of the Herb Shelter.
What on earth was that giant? Why did it kill innocent people there? Only questions remained.
Until now, they hadn’t been given the time to think about it.
“We’ve been moving for 15 hours without sleep since the siren went off, and we’ve had battles, big and small.”
As Gang-ho empathized with how difficult it was, he pointed out a grim reality.
“As you can see, it’s tough just to stay alive until we reach the platform.”
He also made sure to provide some motivation to enable positive thinking.
“Fortunately, we’re uninjured and have gained special abilities instead of turning into zombies. That is our hope.”
Then he simplified and reminded them of their objective.
“I know it’s complicated, but don’t think about anything. We have 9 hours left until the 10th floor is sealed. Let’s just make it to the platform for now.”
Having said that, Gang-ho made eye contact with each of them in turn.
Then he extended his fist.
Thump.
Following the fist bump, Gang-ho rose to his feet.
‘Huh. Makes me nostalgic.’
His memories of dangerous operations during his special forces days resurfaced.
And now, he thought it was time to draw upon that experience and pride.
*
Contrary to worries, the Herb Shelter posed no significant threat.
They couldn’t find any signs of dead people.
It appeared the giant had slaughtered the evacuees as it blocked the entrance to the Herb Shelter.
Of course, they didn’t know the reason.
Gang-ho navigated straight to the platform using the structure and map of the shelters provided in the Disaster Manual.
Thanks to that, he saved time and reached the central platform with 2 hours remaining.
But then, they faced an unexpected problem.
“Looks like everyone on the 10th floor has turned into zombies.”
Satoshi groaned as if in pain.
It made sense, considering he had witnessed a desperate scene just when it felt like they had survived.
“Stand back to back at the entrance of the shelter we just exited, and spread out in line.”
Gang-ho quickly issued the command as he swallowed hard at the sight of hundreds of zombies.
Gulp.
It was just astonishing.
What appeared to be a swarm of ants was actually all people, no, zombies.
Moreover, without exception, they were all walking towards Gang-ho and his group.
Their movement resembled that of a gigantic wave.
‘They don’t call it a Zombie Wave for nothing.’
Differently from before, Gang-ho positioned Wolf beside him.
Growl! Bark! Bark!
Perhaps because Wolf had grown bigger, his barking echoed nicely.
It was quite helpful in provoking and intimidating the enemy.
‘Must increase density as much as possible.’
From his previous encounters with zombies, he found them not particularly powerful.
There had been some different or special ability zombies, but Gang-ho, Lisa, Wolf, and Satoshi could handle them just fine.
However, the wriggling mass before them was something they couldn’t even begin to fathom dealing with.
It was grotesque, like a swarm of cockroaches.
‘Now I see why human wave tactics are terrifying.’
Gang-ho shook his head and steadied his mind.
Then he shared his thoughts.
“Lisa. When Wolf and I charge in and commence the first clash, unleash a wide-area attack behind them. But maintain appropriate power.”
This meant he didn’t want her to pour all her strength into the assault as before.
“Got it.”
As Lisa responded, he also assigned a task to Satoshi.
“Under no circumstances leave this spot. Your priority is to protect Lisa. When I give the signal, follow right behind me.”
“Understood.”
Having quickly distributed roles, the zombies had come alarmingly close.
‘Let’s do this.’
A small tremor ran through Gang-ho’s shoulders, and dazzling silver lightning cascaded down his arms.
Crackle! Skzzzt!
Powerful electricity, never seen before, enveloped him in an instant.
Then suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck down from the sky.
Flash!
The moment the lightning connected with Gang-ho, who had effectively become a conductor, thousands of lightning strands rapidly spread across the ground.
Crash! Boom!
The roar of thunder erupted from all directions.
Rumble!
Gang-ho began to rush toward the Zombie Wave.
Boom boom boom!
Wolf also charged alongside him.
Growl! Bark!
And soon enough, they collided with the first wave.
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