The Cook of a Perished World - Chapter 37

Episode 37: Empty supermarkets (1)

‘Are you talking about Xex?’

Vehicles with horns and thorn blades here and there.

It’s an overly turn-of-the-century design.

I was dumbfounded looking at that.

“Loyalty! “Sergeant Shin, are you here?”

Corporal Lee Gong-woo approached.

The guy asks proudly, shrugging his shoulders.

“How is it. “Our work.”

“that. “What should I say?”

It looks amazing.

In many ways.

“haha. “The design is a bit like that, isn’t it?”

The guy glanced at me and smiled.

It’s a bit unfair to criticize something that was made with great effort.

I didn’t know he would mention this design first.

“To be honest, yes. “Do you like it?”

“No way. “It’s about performance.”

After hearing that, I turn my gaze towards the vehicle.

The vehicle is still plastered with horns and thorns.

…is this about performance?

“what. “Please listen.”

A guy who touches something that looks like a thorn on a car.

“Before modifying the vehicles, we had a brief meeting with the engineers. “At that point, we concluded that these vehicles were not intended to be driven on the road.”

“What if it’s not for road driving?”

“hmm? “Of course it’s not for combat.”

ah.

“We also had to take into account that the situation was different in many ways from previous wars, which were mainly gunfights. Because the enemies have changed from soldiers with guns to monsters with claws. If so, shouldn’t we also respond to that?”

After listening to the explanation up to that point, I understood one thing.

If it is designed to deal with monsters with claws.

“These thorns. “Is it for the purpose of preventing monsters from approaching?”

“You are correct.”

It reminded me of something like a medieval battlefield.

They say they formed a square with sharp spears and such to block the enemy’s approach.

There are similarities when compared to modern warfare.

Something like barbed wire surrounding a unit border fence.

I guess that’s what these thorns and spear blades are for.

“It will also function as an offense. Take a look. If you drive through the monsters in this vehicle… Can you see the window blades on the side? “That kills the enemies.”

Corporal Lee Gong-woo, making a gesture as if he is cutting something with his hand.

These days certainly look pretty sharp.

If you get caught there, even a mere swipe will be fatal.

“what. “It won’t work against a tough monster like a lizard.”

Isn’t it up to …?

There are many monsters that are very strong.

“But if it’s just zombies, it’s enough to make them ‘zombie/bee.’ Even if it’s not, it’s probably enough to be annoying.”

“It sure looks like it’s difficult to deal with.”

“You can think of it as both a barricade and a tank.”

At first, I thought it was a promotional vehicle for a movie.

But when I thought about it, the vehicles of ‘MaeX Axe’ were also modified for combat.

The fact that it is a performance-oriented design is not an empty statement.

“It’s not just that. “We have completed all soundproofing work as much as possible.”

“If it’s an X-axis vehicle, shouldn’t you be screaming?”

“yes?”

“ah. never mind.”

Inadvertently, my true feelings.

“Hmm, anyway. Even if it’s impossible to achieve silence, we’ve reduced the noise considerably, so you’ll have less to worry about monster aggro. “Protection is basic.”

“that. “It’s definitely great.”

After that, Corporal Gongwoo Lee continued his explanation.

“So this part-.”

“You even took that into consideration?”

Details that I could never have imagined.

Each and every one of them was filled with careful thought that took practical consideration into account.

A vehicle that just seemed ridiculous before hearing the explanation.

But after listening to the explanation.

I wondered if there were any vehicles this reliable.

“In the end, it was all possible because the materials were good. “Thank you for making the decision to secure materials.”

“What is virtue?”

Come to think of it.

When we talk about materials, something comes to mind.

“What happened to that guy?”

“Oh, would you like to take a look?”

Who strengthened these materials.

I knew that the engineers had taken him, but I still didn’t know how they handled it.

“This way.”

Let’s move along with the sappers.

I saw a small wooden building in the corner of the official residence.

For a hastily constructed building, it looks quite sturdy.

“Be careful. It’s pretty fierce.”

Squeak.

Let’s open that door.

-Kyaaaaaaaaa!

A sharp roar was heard from inside.

That monster we caught a while ago.

-Kyaaak! Kyaaaaaah!!!

Is he trying to make a threat of his own?

A monster that inflates its cotton-like body with all its might.

but.

‘It’s not a threat at all.’

That’s right, its body is small and fragile.

It only felt like a threat, similar to a kitten barking.

“Are you raising them in here?”

“yep. “He’s not a very strong guy, so I don’t think he’ll be able to escape as long as he locks the door well.”

I ignored the monster that kept yelling at me and looked around inside the wooden building.

Basically an empty little kiosk.

Aside from that monster, there were only a few iron plates rolling around inside.

“Is it okay to leave those iron plates like that? “This guy seems to have a lot of hostility.”

“yes. We also did our own research. “It didn’t seem like there was much of a threat with that much steel plate.”

“hmm.”

This monster.

[Mac] has the power to strengthen hardware.

Moreover, the stock is also hardware.

“As long as you put in a non-threatening level of hardware. Some of it appears to be consumed through meals. “If you look at this one here, you can see the gnawing marks, right?”

“I see.”

“But I don’t think I’m eating much. And this is the important point.”

A guy banging on the hardware he was holding.

I felt like I knew what I wanted to say.

[Strengthened with Mac’s magic power-.]

“The remaining iron plates that were left over were strengthened with magic power like this.”

“So if I just put it away like that, I can get reinforced materials periodically?”

“yes. “I think it’s probably an instinctive area.”

The reinforced materials are strong enough to withstand attacks from awakened people.

It’s possible to secure such materials just by building a simple wooden building and adding reinforcement materials.

“That’s ridiculous efficiency.”

“Yes. The strengthening speed is not fast right now, but we are trying to optimize it. “I thought that if we started accumulating a certain amount of materials, we might be able to build something like a wall.”

“It’s a barrier.”

“yes. Even now, soldiers stand guard 24 hours a day to deal with the monsters that are flowing in. “If we build a wall, the hardships of the soldiers will be much reduced.”

Engineers speaking triumphantly.

While listening to their explanation, I slowly shifted my gaze towards the monster.

-Krrim ….

Still inflate and hostility.

The current methods of the engineers are not bad.

But one thought comes to mind.

‘Uhm. ‘I think there might be a better way.’

That monster showing its intent to kill.

A form in which we unilaterally exploit this guy.

From his perspective, it’s understandable to be angry.

In any case, we are in a situation where we benefit.

It’s still not bad though.

It makes me wonder if there might be a better way.

Actually, there is one specific method that comes to mind.

‘…what. ‘It’s still going well enough.’

I don’t think there’s any need for me to touch it.

‘If you decide to touch it later.’

When a situation arises where you need to try a new method, it won’t be too late to do so.

* * *

While the engineers were utilizing the materials.

Other unit members weren’t just idle either.

“We constantly scout the surrounding area. “I tried to secure supplies in my own way, but…”

But.

What should I say?

“There was nothing special about it.”

“What can I do?”

The official residence we settled in is Inje-gun, which is already a small county-level city.

There, too, it is built in a very remote place.

It means an area where there were no people to begin with.

It is not without its advantages.

As there were no people, there were fewer zombies.

The point is that the number of monsters roaming around looking for prey seems to be relatively small.

Now I can’t use ‘Mobile Fortress’.

In terms of safety, it’s a pretty good temporary base for now, right?

‘The problem is resources.’

Food or oil.

In addition to various medicines.

Items essential for survival.

Such items are naturally in demand…

that is.

They tend to be concentrated in places where there are a lot of people.

‘It means that I have no connection with this official residence.’

However, traveling long distances is also risky.

Thanks to this, only operations aimed at ensuring the safety of the surrounding area have been carried out so far.

“The engineers’ vehicle modifications have been completed.”

Not anymore.

“Performance is better than expected. “To the point where I can start working more actively.”

“I can finally try something.”

The reason for rushing to secure materials was to facilitate future activities.

Now that the engineers’ vehicle modifications have been completed.

It was now possible to begin full-fledged activities.

“If it’s around here. “There’s probably a supermarket.”

It was Lee Sang-ah, the representative of the survivors, who spoke.

She is a local who actually lived around here.

They probably have more accurate information than those of us who used to go out or come out occasionally.

“It’s here. “I don’t go there often, but I’ve seen a lot of small marts here while passing by.”

“It’s relatively out of town. “I would say it’s safe, though.”

“It’s better than entering the military, right?”

She says, pointing to a corner of the map.

Regardless of distance or risk, it seemed like a good destination.

“If there’s one problem…”

“Hmm?”

She blurted her words as if she was worried.

I wondered if there were any dangerous elements around.

“’Are we going to have what we need left?’ “I do it.”

“ah.”

“That too.”

Almost two months have passed since the monsters began to appear.

Survivors on the ground must have also been engaged in a fierce struggle for survival.

“This mart may not be well-known, but it is probably still used by people who live nearby.”

“It is highly likely that other survivors have already passed through. “Is that so?”

“Yes.”

This means that even if you try hard to find it, there is a high possibility that it will be empty.

but.

“Because the possibility is not zero.”

It means that you have to make the most of it.

The unit began preparations for the expedition.

* * *

A small supermarket in the suburbs.

Although it is relatively close, it is an awkward distance to just walk.

Because we need it to move supplies anyway.

It was decided to immediately deploy the vehicle that had been remodeled.

Traveling to your destination by car.

I encountered hordes of zombies several times.

“Hold on tight!”

bang!

Two zombies standing on the road.

The zombies were torn apart by the window blades on the front of the modified vehicle.

“oh my god.”

“haha. “I feel a bit cold sweating.”

The soldier driving said.

Looking at the soldier’s face, his complexion was slightly pale.

The act of charging at a human figure on the road.

‘Because it is something that must be done by denying existing common sense.’

I guess I was pretty nervous.

Anyway, the important thing is.

‘The vehicle’s performance is certain.’

Even though I had just killed a zombie, there was no sign of any monsters coming around.

This probably means that what the engineers said was that the noise was reduced is certain.

The road condition is not as good as it was in the past.

The catch is that the story may be different if you encounter a group of monsters.

It can be said that restrictions on movement have been largely eliminated.

“It’s over there.”

How long has it been since the movement started?

We were able to reach our destination.

“The front of the car is messed up.”

“Oh, that’s gross.”

The front of the car where the zombies had been destroyed was stained with bizarre pieces of meat and rotten blood.

A pretty shocking visual.

“no. “It doesn’t matter if it’s gross when you see it.”

“What’s really gross is that you have to wipe that thing off.”

Fortunately, the soldiers have also become quite accustomed to the cruel scenery.

Rather, I was reminded of the inconvenience it would be like when I had to clean it.

‘Is it a good thing or a bad thing to get used to something like that?’

It’s just a headache to think about.

Soldiers get off their vehicles and check their equipment.

I looked at them and said:

“You all brought the combat rations we were issued, right?”

“yep.”

“To number three. let’s eat.”

The beef jerky I made is provided to the soldiers as combat rations.

Among them, I categorized them according to their cooking effect.

I have already experienced the effects of cooking number 3.

[The magic power contained in the dish has an effect.]

[Temporarily acquires the attribute – ‘Sensitive Hearing (Deterioration)’.]

“Ugh, my ears already seem to be hurting.”

“Everyone, let’s refrain from making loud noises.”

This is the dish of ‘Big-Eared Alaur’.

A dish that has the effect of greatly improving hearing.

If you utilize this ability, you will be able to determine the enemy’s location even if you enter a narrow space.

After confirming that all soldiers put the beef jerky in their mouths.

“Entering.”

Squeak –

I entered the inside of the supermarket, gently pushing the half-broken glass door.

I was prepared in case a monster or zombie came out from inside.

“Hmm.”

“This.”

Inside the supermarket I opened the door and entered.

There were no monsters or zombies to worry about.

the problem is.

“It’s neat.”

“what. “You expected it to some extent, right?”

It wasn’t just monsters or zombies.

“her. Look over there. In the meantime, there are still some toys left.”

“Survival is urgent. “There is no reason to take care of such things.”

Toys, home appliances, etc.

All items except those not essential for survival had already been taken away.

Meanwhile, a soldier pointed to a corner of the supermarket and said.

“Look over there. “The pet food section was also empty.”

“yes? “Why pet food?”

“Isn’t that really essential for survival?”

A few soldiers expressed doubts.

But that only applies to our unit, where we never went hungry.

“It’s about the taste, but people can eat it, right?”

“ah.”

“Because you could die of starvation. “If you can eat something, whether it’s for humans or animals, it’s a blessing.”

Actually, we are similar.

Pet food or monster meat.

Because normal people wouldn’t think about saying it.

“There might still be something you need left. “I search thoroughly.”

“yep.”

Still, you never know.

There might be something useful among the remaining items.

The soldiers dispersed and began searching.

“here. “It’s a zombie corpse.”

One of the soldiers found a zombie lying in a corner.

Was he a supermarket employee?

A zombie wearing an apron with a supermarket logo.

“uh. “I don’t know if it’s right to say that zombies are corpses.”

“…It’s not important, so let’s skip it. “Is there anything else unusual?”

“hmm. “I have a scar on my head where it was hit with something like an axe.”

“An axe. “Has it been handled by a survivor who has already been there?”

It was just as Lee Sang-ah had feared.

Because time passed by so quickly.

It seems that others have already come and killed the zombies and stolen the items.

“They stole it all away.”

“Because the survivors on the ground wouldn’t have been idle while we were protesting at the base. “I can’t help it.”

It’s a little disappointing, though.

As I was researching, I thought there might be nothing left.

I am thinking about giving an order to return soon.

It was then.

…Rustling

‘sound!’

A small sound came

from somewhere .

A small sound, not that loud.

Originally, I would have passed over without hearing it.

You cannot avoid the senses enhanced by your characteristics.

‘Sergeant Shin.’

‘okay. ‘I heard that too.’

All the soldiers who were looking around stopped and stood.

Soldiers talking in very low voices from afar.

This conversation is possible because everyone understands that they have acquired the same characteristics.

‘What would you like to do?’

I couldn’t help but be a little troubled by that question.

The power of characteristics is powerful.

It was a small sound, but its origin had already been identified.

‘Inside the butcher corner.’

A small iron gate there.

The sound came from inside.

The problem is…

I’m sure there’s something there.

The question is, do I really need to touch that?

‘That guy. Looks like he’s muting the sound on purpose?’

‘I think so.’

After that sound, no other sounds were heard.

It would be correct to think that they are deliberately killing the presence.

A being that makes no sound and hides its presence.

It might be the type of monster that attacks unsuspecting prey even though there is no enemy.

A monster that acts while hiding its presence.

There must be a reason to hide his presence.

‘There is a high possibility that it is a monster that is vulnerable to an all-out war rather than a surprise attack.’

If not, he would have proudly gone hunting from the front.

‘Let’s take care of it and let’s go.’

‘yes.’

If you just pass by and pretend not to see it, there won’t be any major problems.

But this monster may cause other problems later.

It would be advantageous to deal with it while you can.

A few soldiers who heard what he said came nearby.

A warrior with a hammer raised looked at me.

I took out a kitchen knife from my waist.

‘Destroy it.’

I nodded towards the guy.

OK.

“Sigh!”

Kwaaaaang!

A strong hammer hit broke the door.

Soldiers quickly rushed inside the broken door.

It was that moment.

Shoo!

Something in the room hit me.

‘topside!’

But I was also prepared.

I swung the kitchen knife towards the object that hit me.

Suddenly.

The sound and sensation of an object with a wood-like texture being cut.

After deciding that I had blocked the attack, I turned my attention to the direction from which the attack came.

‘I don’t know what kind of monster it is, but if I figure out its weaknesses, I can beat it.’

As soon as I turned my gaze towards the figure that had attacked.

The skill [Chef’s Eyes] was activated.

however.

[This is an ingredient whose preparation method has already been learned.]

[This is an ingredient whose recipe has already been learned.]

[The chef’s eyes do not activate.]

‘…What?’

The expected skill did not activate.

Instead, what was activated was the other side.

[Food Ingredients Identification]

[Primates – Humans]

“…Primates – Humans?”

A message appears before your eyes.

Let’s look behind it.

Two figures were visible.

A pair of man and woman who appear to be still young.

Among them, the woman who attacked me opened her mouth.

“Please don’t eat my younger brother.”

What are you talking about?