Infected - Chapter 553



Only Noblemtl

Side story episode 40

“The understanding is over.”

Outdoor tables near the East Gate, where soldiers are busy repairing.

Jae-jae muttered indifferently, throwing away the familiar hook.

The group surrounding them, Gaon, Seonwoo, and the newly appointed Safe Zone manager wait for their next words.

“There is no specific name for them. Their predecessor was the Nameless Church. I think they started 10 years ago at the stadium, gathering the remaining believers after the war.”

The faces of the group suddenly turned at the word ‘nameless church.’

A name I had forgotten for a very long time.

A group that threw the group into a whirlpool of a war for survival and took many lives.

The group’s eyes, recalling the nameless church, glanced at Youngman’s face.

The two were inseparable.

Jae-jae continued speaking, sweeping his hair back.

“It seems like they are operating as a sect, since I don’t know the leader’s name. It’s a system where they gather information through the lower organizations that are active, and then move forward from the center based on that information.”

He tapped a hook lying on the table.

“This kid is the representative of that subordinate organization. There must be countless of these guys. What we were dealing with was not the main force.”

“Then what is this safe zone that guy called the governor led?”

Beomsik asked with a puzzled face.

“It’s a tool. A tool used by the lower organization. But what I don’t understand is the two guys who died after being tortured by Hyun-soo. The unidentified drug is one thing, but I don’t understand why they’re keeping their mouths shut like that. In the past, even the believers weren’t like this.”

“Could it be that I’ve been brainwashed?”

Gaon, who had been listening, gave his opinion.

“Brainwashing… … .”

“10 years ago, they would have been my age. If they picked up those kids and raised them, it’s possible. Even in the safe zone here, they didn’t rebel even though they knew it was being run wrong. If they were raised in a more oppressive environment, it’s possible.”

“That makes sense. Anyway, when I think about it, it seems like it would be difficult for us to do it alone. Hyunsoo, you should go to Seoul for a bit.”

“In Seoul?”

“Go and tell my story, but keep the spy story a secret. When the time comes, I’ll take action on my own, so it won’t be too late to deal with it then. It’s impossible to find out now anyway.”

“Is there anything else you need?”

“Call the doctor.”

“Do you really need a doctor? Wouldn’t the Marine Corps be better?”

“The Marines are busy with other issues. You are the one who is best suited to those who operate in a tactical manner. Let’s take this opportunity to root them out for sure, Anonymous.”

Hyunsoo nodded slowly.

“Listen up, everyone. Until the war is over, don’t look for spies or touch them. You can’t turn over the whole field to catch a few moles. When the time comes, they’ll show their heads, and then you’ll catch them. I’ll take care of this problem.”

“So, those nameless bastards are planning to get rid of you in a moose-like way?”

Lee Tae-seong asked while looking at the map spread out on the table.

“First, block their eyes and ears. I don’t know the details of their power, but their individual abilities are overwhelming. When support begins in Seoul, we will also disperse into guerrilla organizations and operate. If we cut them off one by one, the main body will be revealed. Then, we will all at once end them. Anyone have any questions?”

“But where did the priest go?”

Hyunsoo looked around the room and asked.

“I’m praying in the torture chamber.”

“Here we go again… … .”

“Who can stop you, Priest? If there are no more questions, let’s proceed like this. I’ll relay the details of the operation as soon as support arrives from Seoul. As for the rest, try to persuade the captured troops as much as possible. Gongdu will stay for a moment. That’s all.”

After everyone left to go about their own business, only Finance and Public Works remained in the room.

Jae-jae stands by the window and lights a cigarette.

Then he muttered while looking at the cigarette from which smoke was rising.

“Oh, I really have to quit… … .”

“The dog stops pooping.”

Gongdu said with a sly smile.

In the span of 10 years, the two became closer than family.

Jae-jae turns his head, shaking his cigarette ash out the window.

Gongdu’s expression was dark ever since he mentioned the anonymous religion.

I had something to say to him separately.

“Why did you tell me to stay?”

“It’s an anonymous religion… … .”

Just by mentioning it, Gongdu’s face already darkened.

“Nothing is certain. It’s just that their roots are in the Anonymous Sect. It’s possible that they’re not led by Mr. Kyeon.”

“… … .”

“Even if that happens, nothing will change. It’s not your fault either.”

“I’m too deeply involved to say it wasn’t my fault. I was the one who sent Kyeon-hyung there in the first place.”

“If you think about it that way, there’s no end to it. If you think about it that way, isn’t it my fault for not being able to handle things properly? Because of my poor judgment, my uncle passed away, and Min-young lost her father.”

“That’s true, but… … .”

“If you know, don’t think like that. Even if all of this is Mr. Kyeon’s work, it’s not your fault. Even if it weren’t for him, the nameless religion would have been revived at any time.”

“Ha, I don’t know.”

The corners of Gongdu’s eyes narrowed as he became lost in thought.

In fact, I haven’t been able to live a single day in peace since that day.

The fierce war the survivors experienced 10 years ago, and the situation that brought the group to the brink of death.

It felt like it was all my fault.

What if we had abandoned the pretense of mediation and intervened a little more actively?

If that were the case, the power of the anonymous religion would not have grown so much.

“Lee Gong-du.”

Gongdu, who had been lost in thought, came to his senses.

Finance was looking at the cigarette butt with a grin.

“If you hadn’t intervened and had fought against the Myeonggyo from the beginning, we would have had another enemy. Don’t question your choice. If it hadn’t been for you, we wouldn’t have won in the first place. I’m not just saying this. From the moment you saved Beomsik and Gaon, you’ve already changed a lot of things.”

“…Thank you for even saying those words.”

“It’s a crisis that hasn’t come in a long time. I was worried that I might lose my touch because I rested too much, but it turned out well. Gongdu, you have to trust me just as I trust you. That’s the only way to get through this crisis. I’m not just saying that.”

Gongdu nodded with unfocused eyes.

Jaejae, who approached with a smile, extended his hand.

“Do you remember when we first shook hands?”

“I remember. Kay was with me too.”

“Let’s do our best like we did back then.”

A sly smile escaped from Gongdu’s stiff lips.

“There’s no other way.”

“You little brat. How blunt.”

Two hands, covered in scars, held each other.

* * *

It was past noon and the sun was beginning to set in the west.

A banner appeared at the entrance to Gangnam’s safe zone.

An outer wall so sturdy that it could be considered an ancient castle wall.

The sentry guarding the entrance greets you.

He was a young man who looked to be in his mid-twenties.

“Huh? Teacher, you’re here already?”

“I’m going back. Radio the leadership channel. Tell them to meet at the hotel.”

The person who called Hyun-soo teacher was one of the people Hyun-soo had raised for the past 10 years.

“Okay, I’ll tell you right away.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Chijijik!

Hyunsoo headed straight to the hotel, leaving the radio behind.

A high-rise hotel where an unknown religious figure once stayed.

The building that had completely burned down had long since been demolished, and the surrounding area was as bare as an empty lot.

There was no one in front of the hotel.

It wasn’t just here, it was the entire safe zone.

Once you pass the outer wall, there is no one to guard it and no reason to guard it.

Seoul was that kind of place.

When we arrived at the conference room on the second floor, there was no one inside.

I’m sitting alone on a chair, thinking about this and that.

Suddenly, the door opened.

The first to arrive was Hayeon.

“Hey, Lee Hyun-soo. When you arrive, you should come home first. Do you want me to listen to the radio and chase you here?”

“What about the kids?”

“Aren’t you going to answer?”

Ha-yeon grumbled with her hands on her waist.

At first glance, it looked like he had run all the way here in one go.

“Sorry.”

When Hyunsoo smiled awkwardly, Hayeon’s distorted face relaxed as if nothing had happened.

She came closer, grabbed Hyun-soo’s face, and kissed him.

Even though a long time had passed, the two still had affection for each other.

“… Are you hurt?”

“When have you ever seen me get hurt?”

“I told you not to say that. Hurry up and say it.”

Instead of answering, Hyunsoo just smiled brightly.

“… He’s handsome. Oh my, my baby.”

“Okay, wait a minute. Footsteps… … .”

At that time, a series of breathtaking kisses continued.

“Please do that in moderation. Are you old bachelors going to live in sorrow?”

Choi Hoon, dressed in combat fatigues, entered, shaking his head.

Chanyeol was also behind him.

“I’m not a bachelor.”

“This kid is using informal language again… … .”

“Oh, come on! How can humans not change as they age!”

“What? This guy is really crazy!”

Two people who have grown up considerably over the past 10 years are playing tag like children.

A blonde white woman entered with a fur coat.

“Oh my, they never change. Who called them both?”

It was Elena and Jake.

“Jake, they’re a bit… … .”

“okay.”

Jake strides towards them and grabs them both at the same time.

It was an overwhelming force.

Then he started to coax me in awkward Korean.

“Stop it. You’re going to get in trouble. Elena, your head hurts. Migraines. Ever since you gave birth.”

“No, what’s wrong with this guy? His Korean isn’t improving.”

“We look the same age. Same age.”

“So, bring your ID. Don’t just say it. Who would believe that?”

“… die.”

At those words, Choi Hoon backed away in surprise, and Chanyeol pushed him from behind and ran away.

The friendly faces kept appearing.

In the meantime, General Ko, whose wrinkles had increased significantly, his younger brother Ko Jun-seo, and the platoon leader, whose atmosphere had changed significantly, entered one after another.

The platoon leader shouted with an annoyed look on his face.

“Oh, you’re crazy! Why don’t you be quiet? These kids really don’t deserve to be treated this way.”

“Commander, that’s not it. Even though we have the same rank, you keep calling me… … .”

“It’s noisy.”

When Chanyeol responded with a look of injustice, Go Junseo noticed and sat the two of them down.

The platoon leader who took charge of a battalion was noticeably different.

From his eyes to his speech, he was a completely different person.

What made him change like this?

Anyway, thanks to that, the room became as quiet as a mouse.

It seemed like no one else was coming.

Since we all received the call while going about our daily lives, it was inevitable that it would take some time for us to get together.

Hyunsoo, who had taken off Hayeon, stood in front of a large whiteboard.

“Let’s meet the rest of the people separately. Then, I will now convey the orders.”

Those words completely changed the atmosphere in the room.

Any remaining playfulness was completely gone.

Hyunsoo began to relay Jaeyui’s words slowly, without missing a single one.

From the process Gaon and Seonwoo were brought in to, to information about the current situation and enemies, and even future plans.

At that time, he would give orders as if Jae-jae was right next to him with his unique memory.

The conference room door opened wide with the sound of footsteps.

“What, it started already?”

The person peeking out was none other than Anna.

Hyunsoo blinks when he sees her.

“Huh? Sister. What about the kids?”

“Where are the people who can look after the child?”

“My brothers said I couldn’t be your sister.”

“Who said that? Is it you?”

When Anna frowned, Hyunsoo tried to say something but then closed his mouth.

“No, I have to take care of the kids… … .”

“My husband is dying right now, so what’s the problem with the kids?”

“Okay. You’re welcome. Sit down. Since you’re here too, I’ll start over.”

“Wait a minute. We’re not there yet.”

“Who else is coming?”

Hyunsoo asked, looking at the door that was not yet closed.

As expected.

Step by step!

A woman appears with the sound of heavy boots.

Yeonhee, carrying a long sniper rifle and wearing a black uniform, entered.

Oh Se-yoon was behind him.

He smiles awkwardly and keeps lowering his head.

“Oh, sorry I’m late. It took me a while to find this guy, haha.”

While Oh Se-yoon was apologizing.

Yeonhee, who had put the rifle down on the conference room wall, turned around with fierce eyes.

“I’ll stand and listen. Tell me. What kind of bastards are messing with us?”

The once white and pretty face was nowhere to be found.

Yeonhee, with only sharp eyes and snake-like pupils left, asks while sweeping back her long hair.

“Honey, calm down for a moment… … .”

“I can’t calm down. Not until I tear them all apart.”

Hyunsoo smiles when he sees her.

Who do you trust the most out of anyone here?

When I looked into those eyes, I felt like I could accomplish anything.

Infected people