Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World

After all, this was normal food from before the apocalypse. Even if it was a bit old, could it possibly be more toxic than the mutated ingredients that turn you into a zombie?

"And how about now?" Kim Haru was intrigued by Ryu Hyunwoo's description of Gochang County.

If this were a game, it would definitely be a boss-level area inside. Even if it wasn't the biggest one, it would at least be a mini-boss zone for the protagonist's advancement. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire

Ryu Hyunwoo shook his head. "Now? No one can get in, so no one knows what's inside."

Ra Jinho, who was standing nearby, joined in on the conversation. "There has to be something special inside Gokmul County. Who knows what kind of treasure is keeping all those zombies there? They've never even bothered attacking Pyeongseong Safe Zone, even though it's so close to them. It's like they're fixated on staying there."

"Didn't they say a bunch of zombies suddenly left the county this time? Could it be that whatever treasure was inside has lost its effect?" Ryu Hyunwoo speculated.

Ra Jinho shook his head. He didn't know either, and even the authorities hadn't figured it out yet.

Kim Haru heightened his vigilance during their conversation about the upcoming trip. No matter what was in Gokmul County, his priority was ensuring his own safety.

To that end, Kim Haru carefully compared several items in the system's marketplace, ensuring that he could quickly purchase and use the right tool in case of an emergency.

Soon, the searching team set out.

Ryu Hyunwoo was responsible for driving, and the vehicle of Delta Squad followed closely behind the official convoy, which was a very safe position. Shin Woncheon, along with Kim Haru and Ryu Hyunwoo, sat in the back seat, while Ra Jinho took the front passenger seat.

"Sir, here's your identification badge for this mission. Keep it safe and don't lose it." Shin Woncheon handed Kim Haru a small round badge that looked like a glass fragment, and everyone else received one as well.

Kim Haru examined the badge but couldn't figure out its purpose, so he shot Shin Woncheon a questioning look.

Before Shin Woncheon could answer, Ryu Hyunwoo eagerly jumped in with an explanation: "With a group this big, it's impossible for the higher-ups to recognize everyone, right? There was a case in the past where the team leader got scammed badly. After that, the research institute developed these badges. They're not just for identification.

I heard the material contains crystal nucleus powder or something, and it could tracks the number of zombies you kill by carrying it. When we get back, the rewards will be distributed based on contribution points, which are tallied using these badges."

Kim Haru found the small round badge fascinating.

How should he describe it? The apocalypse had wiped out so much technology, reducing many things to a near-primitive state. But despite the regression, advanced tech like this kept popping up in unexpected ways.

It was truly amazing.

Knowing that the badge would be useless if it was stored in his inventory space, Kim Haru slipped it into the inner lining of his jacket.

The searching team consisted of about two hundred people, including several large trucks, along with vehicles brought by the scattered squads. Along the way, they didn't encounter many zombies, as a scattered squad was responsible for clearing the path, efficiently dealing with any zombies they came across.

The convoy moved at a rapid pace, and when Kim Haru noticed the vehicle slowing down, he realized they were nearing their destination.

Sure enough, Ryu Hyunwoo rolled down the window, allowing outside sounds to filter into the car: "We're about to reach the destination. The convoy will enter a rest phase."

"That's a speed-type ability user sending the message. They can run from the front to the back of the convoy in seconds," Shin Woncheon explained to Kim Haru. As he spoke, he was reminded of his fallen comrade from their squad who also had speed-type abilities, and a trace of sorrow flickered in his eyes.

But Shin Woncheon quickly suppressed the grief. In this apocalypse world, how many had lost loved ones? Grief was pointless.

"Sir, we're about to enter Gokmul County. Let's get out, eat something, and restore our energy. Once we're inside, there may not be another opportunity."

Kim Haru nodded in understanding and followed them out of the vehicle.

...

"Squad One, break through from the left! Watch the wind direction."

"Have the Earth-type ability users finished digging the traps?"

"How long has the zombie-luring team been gone? Someone responsible for communications, report the situation."

"Everyone get ready, they're coming!"

On both sides of the desolate street, humans lay in wait, holding their breath, hidden in the shadows of buildings. The seemingly empty street was teeming with concealed danger, and the air above was thick with the stench of blood, lingering and inescapable.

Kim Haru crouched with the four members of Delta Squad, following orders to suppress his breathing and remain quiet, patiently waiting for the zombies to arrive.

It was the second day since the search team had reached Gokmul County, and this was the third wave of zombies they were clearing out.

Soon, a strong vibration approached from the distance, growing more intense, accompanied by the continuous sounds of battle. Everyone, biding their time, finally caught sight of the enemy.

It was a large horde of zombies, their faces still twisted in grotesque expressions, vicious and menacing.

The zombie-luring team consisted of twenty people, their abilities firing non-stop at the approaching horde. Even if their aim wasn't perfect, in this situation, they could hit a few targets even with their eyes closed.

As they unleashed their abilities, they didn't dare to slow down for even a second. The slightest lapse in concentration would result in being caught by the relentless zombies right behind them!

Almost there! They were so close!

The runners, now in an all-out sprint, spotted the ground markers and picked up even more speed!