Chapter 10
To be honest, not much research has been done on the Infected yet. The reason is simple. We haven’t even figured out the mechanism by which they are created. Why do the Infected eat humans? Why don’t they attack other animals besides humans? What is the ultimate goal of the virus in the first place? Is their goal to increase the number of hosts? If so, what will be the end result for the virus when all of humanity becomes hosts? No, even before that, Is it really true that the virus spread as the glaciers melted?
Considering the experiments I underwent, that seems unlikely. And in fact, I have a close connection to this virus myself. Recalling the past, I turned to the next page of the document.
Request for Securing Mutant Infected Samples
1. Sample Information
a. Type: Mutant Infected tissue/fluid
b. Characteristics and Description: Physical traits, body parts, and physiological changes of the Mutant Infected, etc.
c. Acquisition Method: Capture of Mutant Infected or collection from carcass
2. Research Purpose
a. Objective and Importance: To understand the characteristics and mutation mechanisms of the Mutant Infected, develop a vaccine or countermeasures, etc.
b. Purpose of Sample Use: To study viral mutation patterns, etc.
c. Expected Outcome of Research: Development of countermeasures, improvement of humanity’s survival probability, etc.
3. Sample Utilization Plan
a. Acquisition Time and Method: Secure Mutant Infected samples through safe search and exploration operations
b. Storage and Handling Method: Store and handle samples in compliance with biosafety regulations
c. Application of Sample: Viral analysis, immunological research, antibody development, etc.
After scanning the lines of text, I briefly looked away at the distant sky before turning back to Shin Haejun.
“This seems to be saying that a Mutant Infected has appeared. Am I understanding this correctly?”
“You read it right.”
He shrugged and continued, “It came from the US. I haven’t seen a Mutant Infected myself yet, but according to them, it’s incredible. They contacted us to let us know that we’ll soon have them too, so we should be aware and secure samples in advance.”
“What kind of mutations have occurred?”
It was a natural question for anyone who had read this document and heard the explanation. But for some reason, Shin Haejun’s expression was strange.
“Do you know that the US has a new president?”
“I heard on the satellite radio.”
“He’s a Republican. It’s amazing that there are still guys holding onto their seats in Congress. No, the fact that voting is even possible is amazing. Did they really even vote?”
He chuckled, then scowled slightly and clicked his tongue. “So, the US has now swung conservative. They’ve declared they won’t share information, even with allied nations.”
In other words, they hadn’t told us about the details of the mutation. But that statement raised a question. I pointed to the request form.
“Then what is this?”
“It’s them saying, ‘A Mutant Infected has appeared, many samples are needed for sufficient research, and if you gather and share samples, we will share our information with you.’ That’s what it is.”
It was similar to the deals Western countries had offered to affected nations in the past. A sigh escaped me automatically.
“They’re pulling the same old tricks.”
“When have they ever not?”
Shin Haejun laughed lightly, and I asked again, “So, are you planning to hire me for this job?”
“Hire?”
Slowing down the car, he narrowed his eyes and looked at me. Back when I was his subordinate, I would have meekly submitted to that gaze, but now I was just a civilian with no connection to the military. So I replied nonchalantly.
“Yes. I’m not a soldier anymore.”
“You do realize I could throw you in the stockade for desertion, don’t you?”
“And the reason you don’t is because you need me, isn’t it?”
He let out a low sigh, taking his left hand off the steering wheel to press it against his forehead. The bones of his fingers came into view as he tapped his brow. “You’ll move with me to secure a Mutant specimen. Your payment will be information on your brother. Is that acceptable?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Min Ahyeon.” His low voice, calling my name, was now laced with a palpable anger I hadn’t sensed before. It was as if each syllable was loaded with aggression. “You said it yourself. You’re just some mercenary hack. Correct?”
“Yes. That’s correct,” I answered.
“You’re well aware that civilians who disobey military orders are authorized to be shot on sight.”
“Yes.”
“So why are you acting like this?”
“Because I have no desire to be on the same team as you, General.”
Shin Haejun’s eyes widened. He asked again, a look of genuine bewilderment on his face as if he were hearing something for the very first time. “Why is that?”
“…Are you really asking because you don’t know?”
“I don’t.”
I was somewhat dumbfounded that he might actually be clueless, but I didn’t let it show. I knew all too well that trying to explain anything to a mad dog like him would just be a waste of my breath. “Then you can spend the rest of your life not knowing.”
Shin Haejun’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. He stomped on the accelerator, the action a clear conduit for the fierce emotions churning inside him. But I knew. Our noble brigadier general would never display such barbaric behavior, no matter the situation. He’d sooner just blow my head off with his gun. After some time had passed and we’d crossed the Mapo Bridge via the Gangbyeon Expressway, he spoke again. “I’ll be at Shelter Base A. Come find me when you’ve made your decision.”
I jutted my chin out and replied, “I’ll consider it.”
“Come find me,” he repeated, unlocking the car door. “Because I’d rather not blow the head off my favorite former subordinate.”
Ooooh, I’m so scared.
* * *
A bar in the Seoul Shelter.
This bar, with a sign bearing a large dragon, was Yongcheol’s home and shop.
“Hey. Min Ahyeon.” He slammed a mug of beer down in front of me, his brow furrowed. “What the hell were you thinking? Can you really talk back to a brigadier general like that?”
It seemed he hadn’t been asleep in the back seat, but had only pretended to be, eavesdropping on my entire conversation with Shin Haejun. I took a swig of the lukewarm beer—if you could even call it that, with its sour taste—and answered, “What’s the problem? I’m a deserter anyway.”
“Even so!”
“Where are the kids?”
I cut him off, asking about Jun and Yeon. Yongcheol jerked his chin toward the outside. “I left them with Jiwoo. They need to get their shelter resident IDs issued.”
“Good. Make sure they’re well-fed.”
“I will, you don’t have to tell me. But that’s not what’s important right now!”
Yongcheol raised his voice. Just when I thought he’d let it go, he stubbornly brought up that bastard again. “Isn’t Shin Haejun the son of one of the top military brass?”
“The son of the Four-Star General, to be exact.”
“And you can talk back to a guy like that?”
“Yep. I’ve always talked to him like that.”
“Ha.”
Yongcheol looked completely dumbfounded, but my brazen attitude seemed to make him too embarrassed to press the issue. He finally changed the subject. “By the way, you were a second lieutenant?”
“Yeah.”
“A second lieutenant… isn’t that pretty high up?”
“A single diamond.”
I made a diamond shape with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands. Yongcheol’s eyes went wide. “Whoa, how on earth? I mean, I’m not looking down on you or anything. It’s just, considering your age and all, it doesn’t make any sense. Did being on the national team help?”
“Get real.”
“Hey, I’m curious!”
I scratched my chin and squinted one eye. There was no need to reveal the fact that I’d enlisted under special conditions. In fact, I couldn’t. “Then you can wonder for the rest of your life. I’m not telling.”
“Agh, hey! You’re being so cheap…!”
Just as the petty Yongcheol was glaring at me, the bar door opened and a group of people came pouring in.
* * *
