The Cook of a Perished World - Chapter 44

Episode 44: Deserter (2)

“What business do other deserters have for us?”

A deserter.

I opened my mouth without even thinking about hiding my dissatisfaction.

“Is that the first thing you say to the person who saved your life?”

“…ah. Huh.”

It was only then that they realized that we had saved them.

A middle-aged man clearing his throat.

“Yeah, that wasn’t polite. I apologize. “I just made a mistake, so I hope you don’t misunderstand.”

“You’re mistaken.”

Was there any misunderstanding on my part? want.

Rather, I wonder if they are misunderstanding something.

How did I accept the words I muttered while thinking like that?

“…Thank you so much for saving my life! Express your gratitude. But… what I said earlier wasn’t really a lie. “We have nothing to give you.”

“No, I think you are making a misunderstanding.”

I have nothing to give.

‘I had no intention of receiving anything in the first place. ‘You idiot.’

I tried to explain it that way.

“we are-.”

“Please let me go just this once….”

“….”

This guy.

It seems like he clearly wanted to talk.

Am I the only one who feels like there is no conversation taking place at all?

I sighed and then shouted loudly.

“We!”

“Hee hee!”

“…not a deserter.”

A man who is so stuffy that he shrinks when he slightly raises his voice.

Although I feel a little sorry.

If you don’t do this, I don’t think the conversation will continue.

Although I have left the barracks now.

I am also in contact with the unit members remaining in the barracks and with Lieutenant Kim, the nominal unit commander.

The discipline of a military unit also remains.

It’s a bit unfair to call him a deserter.

“that. I apologize if the word deserter was offensive. Then what should I call it? “Elderly people?”

“No, it’s not that the word is offensive or anything. “I didn’t really desert.”

The conversation is not making any progress.

at that time.

“Everything that soldier said is true. Please trust me just this once.”

A man came out from among the troops and said.

Lieutenant Kim.

He was the current top commander of the 423rd Battalion.

“you are…?”

“hello. “My name is Lieutenant Kim Hyun-seok.”

“What?”

“To be a little more precise.”

Lieutenant Kim continued speaking while showing off the rank insignia attached to his military uniform.

“A unit directly under the 12th Corps under the Ground Operations Command of the Republic of Korea Army. Lieutenant of the 423rd Air Defense Battalion. “My name is Kim Hyun-seok.”

“medium? no way. “You mean an executive?”

“yes. “My original position was a company commander, but now I am nominally acting as the battalion commander.”

The unit members’ evaluation was that he was a retired officer.

At first glance, Lieutenant Kim seems like a person who could appear in a video for educational purposes.

He had the appearance of a true soldier.

First of all, the position of lieutenant corresponds to an executive rather than just a soldier.

Although he is a man who was looked down on in the military, his eloquence and political skills are at a high level.

Let various elements come together.

“Are you really saying I’m a regular soldier?”

“oh my god.”

“Were you really a soldier? “Not a deserter?”

I think it was only then that I began to believe that we were not deserters.

Survivors looking at us with unfamiliar eyes.

‘…It’s quite a different flow from when I’m talking.’

Come to think of it.

Even when I talked to siblings Suyeon and Suhyuk, they were really scared of me.

I actually became friends with leader Lee Sang-ah quite quickly.

There must be a good impression of Lieutenant Kim.

This can’t be right.

‘Is my first impression not good?’

Now that I think about it, I’ve sometimes heard that I have a sharp expression.

Standing still with my delicate heart slightly hurt.

I saw Lieutenant Kim slowly turning his head to look at me.

Nod.

When our eyes met, he nodded slightly.

‘Leave this to me, Youngjun.’

I guess that’s what it means.

‘thinking about it. ‘There was a purpose in recruiting Lieutenant Kim.’

Considering his position as commander.

If I awaken it, wouldn’t I be able to get a decent job?

That thought was the top priority.

When I think about it, I think about it.

Being able to act as a representative of the unit in times of emergency like that was also one of the main purposes of keeping Lieutenant Kim alive.

I also nodded towards him.

I’ll trust you and leave it to you.

Please give it a try.

“It’s rather doubtful.”

Once I got my permission.

Lieutenant Kim immediately entered into conversation with the man.

“Why did you think we were deserters?”

“huh? “Are you asking because you really don’t know?”

“yes. Rather, I thought the survivors would ask for protection when they found the soldiers.”

“iced coffee. but. “Under normal circumstances, such a reaction would have been normal.”

“It sounds like these are not normal circumstances. “Can you explain why?”

“Hmm. “It’s not difficult.”

Lieutenant Kim’s question was something I was also wondering about.

Since he is wearing a military uniform, it would be natural to think he is a soldier.

‘You’re a deserter. ‘You’ve gone too far.’

The man opened his mouth in response to the lieutenant’s question.

“As you know, the world is like this and many people have died.”

“Yes. “It’s a shame.”

“I agree. But the dead are the dead, and there were people like us who somehow survived. And those who survived had one question.”

He speaks while looking at the military uniforms we wear.

“The question is, where on earth are the soldiers and what are they doing?”

“….”

It’s natural.

A situation where a monster appears in the world and slaughters people.

This is a situation where soldiers who are supposed to protect the people should be active.

I glanced at Captain Lee Sang-ah.

When our eyes met, she shrugged her shoulders.

She was one of those who had such doubts right away.

This was a case where I decided to lead a group and move to a military base.

“And then I found out.”

however.

It seems that cases like hers were rare.

“That all military units were annihilated.”

“…What did you just say?”

“The military unit was wiped out. At least all military bases in this area.”

Of course, Lieutenant Kim, who was having a conversation.

The eyes of all members of the unit who stood back and listened to this widened.

Total annihilation.

“Is that true?”

“no. Do you really not know? Or you can pretend not to know.”

“First of all, it’s the former. Please continue.”

The attitude of asking why you don’t know when you are the one involved.

However, as this was our first time hearing this, we had no choice but to rush to the next story.

“Hmm. After somehow adapting to this environment. Some people went to a military base they knew. Isn’t Gangwon-do overflowing with military bases? “There were one or two units that everyone knew about, and we succeeded in finding them.”

I understand up to this point.

Lee Sang-ah’s group was also one of them.

however.

“But what they found were not resisting soldiers.”

The man continued speaking while sighing.

“The soldiers are wiped out. “It was just units that were taken over by monsters.”

“…what is that?”

“I don’t know why, but they say there were particularly powerful monsters in the military base. And not just one or two, but dozens or hundreds.”

A man rubbing his arms as if he had goosebumps.

“Our group also visited a unit. Each and every monster appears to be more powerful than any monster I have ever seen. “The sight of hundreds of such monsters gathered together….”

“….”

“If the soldiers were suddenly attacked like us, it was understandable that they couldn’t survive.”

Destruction of all military units.

When I heard that story, I wondered what it was talking about.

There was something about what I just said that made sense.

I guess it wasn’t just me.

One of the soldiers listening to the story next to him muttered with a frown on his face.

“…Lizards.”

For some reason.

Monsters that have been attacking our troops intensively.

Day of destruction.

Less than half a day after their attack began, more than half of the unit members were dead.

If you think about it.

Lizard was a fairly powerful monster.

This fact can be seen just by looking at the fact that there were no monsters other than Lizards near the unit in the mountains.

They must have been controlling that area.

actually.

Among the monsters I met after coming down to earth, there were very few monsters that were stronger than the Lizard.

At least it was ‘Mac’ who was guarding the hardware warehouse.

‘Identify your weaknesses. I barely survived thanks to the fight while increasing the number of awakened people.’

If you didn’t know your weaknesses.

Even if you knew, what if you didn’t quickly figure out how to increase awakened people?

A monster that requires dozens of bullets to fight just one monster.

Within a few days, ammunition would have been depleted and the unit would have been wiped out.

“If it weren’t for Youngjun, we too would have been included in the ‘annihilated military unit.’”

Minjae muttered in a low voice.

The soldiers’ eyes turned to me.

“Well, I learned how to awaken the lizard by hunting it with my bare body…” “

It was Sergeant Shin who figured out the lizard’s weakness. Considering the Lizards’ hard scales, even the Awakened would not have been able to penetrate the Lizards’ defense. In fact, except for their weak points, they were more threatening than any monster I encountered on earth.”

“Think about it. “If it weren’t for Sergeant Shin’s cooking, we would have been annihilated the day the Chieftain invaded.”

“Now that I think about it, it’s a miracle we didn’t become a meal for the lizards. “If you think Sergeant Shin wasn’t there, ugh.”

Huh.

There’s nothing wrong with what I said, but it’s still somewhat embarrassing.

“I don’t know why such powerful monsters only appear at military bases. From what I heard, it seems that the larger the unit, the more powerful monsters are stationed there… Thanks to this, recent survivors basically don’t even approach places where military units are located.”

We also barely survived due to many factors coming together.

If only all other military units were in a similar situation to us.

Unless, like us, you are lucky enough to have many factors in place.

It must have been difficult to survive.

“The annihilation of the military unit was entirely possible. In fact, it was expected to some extent since it was quiet even when the monsters appeared.”

“That’s what you said.”

“The real problem is something else.”

He stopped talking and looked at our unit members again with anxious eyes.

“They are deserters.”

This is where they started thinking we were deserters.

“Honestly, I still have a hard time believing you.”

“If we were planning on attacking, wouldn’t we have done it a long time ago? “Keep talking.”

“Hmm, that’s not really wrong. While military units were being annihilated by monster attacks, there were soldiers who somehow managed to abandon their units and run away. Since he was a soldier, he naturally had powerful weapons like guns. “I wish I had put that gun to good use.”

“I guess not.”

“Unfortunately. “I think it’s more often directed at humans rather than monsters or zombies.”

Soldiers who somehow escaped from a monster attack.

Unlike us, where there is still a semblance of discipline as a military unit.

Those who abandoned their unit and ran away would have nothing to worry about.

What if you have a gun in your hand?

Isn’t there a certain thing to do in order to survive?

plunder.

The man shook his head and continued speaking.

“There are many survivors whose goods were looted by gun-toting deserters. No, it would be better if only the goods were looted. Sometimes, they even take people with them….”

“….”

“Actually, there was a rumor that deserters were seen around here as well. We also tried to go back as much as possible. “The other path was blocked by a group of zombies, so I had no choice but to pass by this area.”

In the meantime, we ran into each other.

“Just by looking at the military uniforms, I thought they were most likely deserters. “I’m sorry.”

“No, I completely understand.”

After the man’s explanation was over.

Lieutenant Kim spoke in a coy tone.

“Like I said. We are not deserters. And…”

There was room for supplies.

Work is also underway to transform survivors into awakened people.

If you listen to the story, they seem like a group that doesn’t have any major problems.

“We are looking for a force that can fight together.”

Those who can be of help.

In the current situation, it is acceptable.

Lieutenant Kim seemed to have decided that way.

“If we fight together, doesn’t that mean we’re protecting you?”

“Originally, we would have done that, but we also don’t have the luxury of time after losing connection with other units. “It would be like recruiting civilians during wartime.”

“It’s a recruited army…”

“It’s okay to call it a substitute, but if you join us, you will definitely gain the strength to protect yourself.”

Although we say this with awareness in mind.

“Are you saying they will at least provide firearms?”

“It’s similar.”

It would be a natural progression to understand that side with a gun.

Well, it doesn’t matter either way.

The man who heard the suggestion seemed to be lost in thought for a moment.

He thought for a while and finally opened his mouth.

“First of all, I want to ask you something. “If it’s recruiting, do we have a choice?”

“of course. “I have no intention of forcing it.”

“Then I’m sorry, but the answer is no.”

It was a little surprising, though.

After listening to what he said next, I understood.

“You may not be deserters. Even so, it’s still the same as seeing this group for the first time. “I think it’s too big of a gamble to suddenly entrust yourself to those people.”

“I have no intention of harming you.”

“Please understand. It is difficult for us to trust you. The probability that he is not a deserter is not 100%… Honestly, perhaps it is because of those deserters, but the perception of soldiers themselves is not that good. “We don’t want to take the risk.”

“I see.”

Did you think that persuasion was no longer meaningful?

Lieutenant Kim nods with a heavy face.

These are people who have survived in this world.

It is not strange if they have their own rules for survival.

It would be difficult to reverse what was decided based on that rule through persuasion.

“I’m sorry. “I hope you don’t bear any grudges over this.”

“No way. The choice is theirs. “I don’t plan on making an issue of this, so don’t worry.”

“That’s a good thing.”

The man sighs in relief.

It seems he was seriously worried that we might harbor a grudge.

“then. “How do you plan to act in the future?”

“ah? “Didn’t you tell me that?”

I thought it might be a sensitive question.

He opened his mouth lightly, as if it wasn’t difficult to say.

“Actually, there is a reason why we went this way, where there is information about sightings of deserters.”

“yes? “For what reason?”

“There are rumors that there is a group here that has secured a huge amount of supplies.”

rumor?

“I heard that a group of survivors had robbed a secret government bunker and had plenty of food and weapons. Instead, I think the problem is that there aren’t enough people. There are limits to hiding from monsters. “The rumor is that they are looking for survivors to join them instead of distributing weapons and food.”

There is a lot of food and a lot of weapons.

Are you just giving it away?

Whether it’s good or not, it’s so sweet that it melts your tongue.

“The terms seem suspiciously good, but… are those rumors trustworthy?”

“well. In fact, where in the world can you find 100% reliable information? Maybe joining you guys would be a better option. But as I said, survivors looking for comrades are more trustworthy than soldiers. “This rumor is quite famous among survivors.”

“…All right.”

“I’m sorry. I am truly grateful that you saved my life. “If we meet again someday, I will definitely repay this favor.”

at last.

The conversation with the first large group of survivors I encountered on the ground ended here.

“Take a look. I hope you achieve your goal of going well.”

“You too. “I hope you survive well.”

People who glance back even on their way out.

They’re probably worried that we might change their mind and attack us.

That kind of vigilance is necessary for survival.

After the survivors left.

“How was it, Youngjun?”

“Well done. “If there is a situation like this in the future, it would be better for Lieutenant Kim to step forward.”

“Haha, I’m confident in the role of Boss Baji, so leave it to me as much as you want. Instead of that. “What should I say?”

Lieutenant Kim is very hesitant, unlike when talking to survivors.

I felt like I knew what he was trying to say.

“…I will provide Lieutenant Kim with one more meal for the next three days.”

“33 days each? thanks! thank you so much!”

The reason Lieutenant Kim obeys me is because of [Happy Emotion] cooking.

To be more precise, I should say that I am addicted to the happy feelings that my cooking gives me.

I did a good job this time, so I guess I could give him a reward.

“by the way.”

“It could be more serious than I thought.”

The soldiers’ expressions were not very good.

The awakening work of the survivors is nearing completion.

It will be over in two days at the latest.

‘but. The main purpose of our coming down to earth is to increase our power.’

I thought there would be more survivors on the ground.

The original plan was to accept them and turn them into awakeners.

‘I thought there were already a lot of survivors out there. It wasn’t like that.’

Surprisingly, most of the survivors were not that large.

The reason was simple.

‘Because the monsters are too strong.’

To increase scale, the number of awakened people must increase.

Because ordinary survivors are not of much help in survival.

However, the monsters were too strong to increase the number of awakened people.

It is said that it is possible to awaken through zombies, but the probability seems to be random.

The number of people who captured zombies and awakened was not large.

Naturally, survivors had no choice but to work in small groups.

‘We have to somehow accommodate that small number of survivors and make them bigger. This is it.’

Until recently, I had no worries about this.

This is because it was thought that the image of a soldier would be helpful when persuading survivors.

however.

“There are people who have completely forgotten that precious image. “That’s it?”

In fact, it seems like the survivors we need to absorb are being drawn in that direction by other rumors.

For those of us whose goal is to expand our power, this is a pretty big problem.

“Youngjun, I think this problem needs to be resolved as quickly as possible.”

“It is just as Sergeant Lee Min-jae said. The perception of soldiers is getting worse by the minute. “It wouldn’t be any good for us either.”

“I know, I know.”

the problem is.

“Wouldn’t you like to know where those deserters are before you can solve it or not?”

It must be difficult to solve it right now.

But the problem itself was clearly understood.

As soon as we figure out their location.

We need to resolve this as quickly as possible.

* * *

however.

“Hey! You guys over there!”

“…?”

“It looks like there are a lot of people. If you have anything, give it all and go.”

That moment.

It came sooner than expected.