Chapter 12: A New Threat??

Chapter 12: A New Threat??

As morning dawned, they resumed their journey through the city. After a vigilant check for any visible threats, they carefully packed their belongings and exited the building, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

They swiftly proceeded on their path, and before they long, they approached the next supermarket on their route. Ji-hoon gathered everyone around as they stared cautiously at the supermarket from a safe distance, making sure to scan the surroundings for any potential threats.

"Considering our limited space and the need for stealth, I suggest we don't all go in this time. We only need a specific amount of supplies, and it would be more manageable and safer if fewer people enter. Let's nominate three individuals to gather the necessary items," Ji-hoon proposed, mindful of the challenges they faced in the previous supermarket.

The idea resonated with everyone, but Miss Kim raised a practical concern, "How do we decide who gets to go inside?"

"I plan to go, and I believe Mr. Park should join as well. With our combined capacity, we can carry more supplies efficiently. That leaves one more spot. Any volunteers?" Ji-hoon asked, opening the floor for discussion.

I'll go," Soo Won volunteered herself before anyone else could answer.

"You're sure? It'll be dangerous," So Mi asked, expressing concern.

"Yeah, I know," Soo Won affirmed her decision to go. With three people chosen, they were set to proceed.

Carefully checking their surroundings for any potential threats and finding none, they emerged from their hiding spot and stealthily approached the supermarket's entrance.

After ensuring the coast was clear, they opened the door cautiously and entered.

Ji-hoon surveyed the surroundings upon entering, breathing a sigh of relief as no immediate threats emerged.

"Let's prioritize water, food, and batteries. Also, try to avoid making noise. We'll meet back here afterward," Ji-hoon instructed Mr. Park and Soo Won.

With that, they separated, each member focusing on gathering essential supplies while maintaining a vigilant awareness of their surroundings.

Meanwhile, with the others that were outside.

"Do you think there are infected inside?" Min-ji asked, concern etched on her face.

"I'm sure they'll be fine," So Mi answered, avoiding a direct response to the question.

The uncertainty of the situation lingered, and the risk of encountering infected individuals inside the supermarket remained a concern.

An abrupt sound from behind startled them. They turned quickly to identify the source, discovering a man in his late twenties.

Quickly huddling together, cautious of the newcomer, So Mi was the first to react. She asked, "Who are you?"

"Oh damn, can't believe I got caught," the man responded, avoiding a direct answer to her question.

Tension filled the air as So Mi asked again this time getting an answer to her question.

The newcomer cautiously approached the group, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.

"Hey, I'm Jae-ho," he introduced himself.

"Its been a while since I met other survivors so forgive my manners, I was out when the state of emergency was declared and since then, I've being trying my best to survive the chaos. Can't believe I got caught like this."

Giving more information than was asked made this newcomer who they now knew was Jae-ho feel weird to them.

So Mi, still on edge, asked, "What do you want from us?"

Jae-ho explained, "I saw you guys staring at the supermarket so I assumed you wanted to go inside and I thought I should warn you. You might want to reconsider. There's something inside – a special kind of infected. It's not like the others; it seem faster and more aggressive. I've seen a group of people go in and none came back out."

The group, now more receptive to his warning, listened intently. Miss Kim asked,

"Special infected? What's different about it?"

"It's not mindless like the others. It's like it retained some level of intelligence. And it's seems even more hostile to humans than the normal infected. If you make a racket, it'll come running," Jae-ho clarified.

As Jae-ho shared the unnerving details about the special infected, So Mi, Min-ji, and Min-jae exchanged worried glances.

The realization of a new, more dangerous threat added tension to their already precarious situation.

"So, what do we do now?" Min-jae asked, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

So Mi, contemplating the information, replied "We need to let Ji-hoon and the others know about this. They might be in danger inside."

Jae-ho, realizing the implication, asked, "Did someone already go inside?"

"Yes, my brother and the rest of our group" Min-jae replied.

"You have to give up on them then; there's no hope against the infected" Jae-ho said, almost emotionless.

The grim reality sank in as Jae-ho's words hung in the air. Min-jae, torn between hope and despair, looked at So Mi, who seemed determined to find a solution.

"We can't just give up on them," So Mi declared, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. "We need to act now. There's no time for a detailed plan. We'll go in, find Ji-hoon and the others, and get out as quickly as possible."

Jae-ho, though sceptical, observed their determination. "You don't understand. There's a special kind of infected inside. It's not like the ones you've encountered before. Going in there without a solid plan is suicide."

Min-jae, however, couldn't bear the thought of abandoning his brother and the others. "We can't just leave them behind. We'll be cautious, move quickly, and do our best to bring them out safely."

So Mi nodded in agreement. "He's right. We can't leave them without at least trying. Let's go in, locate Ji-hoon and the others, and get out as fast as we can."

Jae-ho, although still sceptical, saw the urgency in their eyes and decided to help them. The idea of leaving them to jump straight to their deaths didn't sit right with him.

"Fine, I'll help you," Jae-ho conceded. "Based on what I know, the infected are all attracted to sounds. We just need to distract them so the others can escape."

Surprised by Jae-ho's willingness to help, the group quickly huddled together to come up with a plan.

"So, we run in, find them, and all get out as fast as possible," Min-jae summarized, looking for confirmation from the group.

So Mi nodded, "Yes, we need to be quick and efficient. We'll trust Jae-ho to create a distraction from outside."

Jae-ho chimed in, "I'll make as much noise as possible to attract the infected, but I won't wait for you. It will also attract others that might be nearby. Don't worry about me; just focus on escaping."

With the plan set, they steeled themselves for what lay ahead.As they turned towards the entrance,

Min-ji turned to Jae-ho, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you for helping us. We truly appreciate it."

Jae-ho simply nodded, a solemn expression on his face. "Just make sure you all get out alive."

Miss Kim added with a firm tone "We'll do our best. Your assistance means a lot. Let's go, everyone."