chapter 20:- Teams and Position

Disclaimer: This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real events, people, or places is coincidental. The author does not endorse or promote any harmful or illegal activities, including violence, discrimination, or harmful survival practices. The novel's content is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as a guide for real-life survival or preparedness. Always prioritize safety, respect, and well-being in your actions and decisions.

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Min-su's calm and collected expression belied the tension in the room as he thought for a moment. Finally, he spoke, his voice firm but measured. "Miss Lee Hae-in , please take a few students and clean the classrooms on this floor and the one below."

Hae-in Lee's eyes widened in confusion and shock. "What do you mean by cleaning?"

Min-su's expression remained serene. "I've already cleared the zombies from these floors, but their bodies remain. I want you to throw them out the window and tidy up the classrooms."

Lee Hae-in's face paled, but she nodded reluctantly. She chose three female students, who exchanged nervous glances. The students not selected for Lee Hae-in's team looked relieved, but those chosen were terrified.

Min-su continued, "Donghae Lee and the person with the best eyesight, please stand behind me." Lee Donghae and Jeong Yuna stepped forward, their eyes fixed on Min-su.

"Hana, please escort Miss Park Jisoo and the others outside the building. Gather all the zombies' bodies that Miss Lee Hae-in's team will throw out near the wall." The students who had been relieved to avoid Lee Hae-in's team now looked frightened, while those in Lee Hae-in's team seemed to find some comfort in their task.

Min-su's voice was firm. "Go and do your job." The students filed out of the room, their footsteps echoing in the silence.

"And both of you, follow me." Min-su led Lee Donghae and Jeong Yuna out of the room, leaving the others to their tasks.

Min-su led them to the third floor, his eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity. "Watch closely, I'll show you how to clear this floor." He paused, his voice dripping with confidence. "You know about the Mutation, right? All the zombies in this building are Level One Awakened but don't worry, I'm the strongest."

With that, Min-su charged forward, his movements a blur as he effortlessly dispatched the zombies. His speed and strength left Lee Donghae and Jeong Yuna agog, their eyes wide with shock. The floor was cleared in mere minutes, the silence that followed punctuated only by the sound of heavy breathing.

Yuna turned to Donghae, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're the best athlete in our school, the strongest and fastest. What do you think about him?"

Donghae's face contorted in a mix of disbelief and confusion. "What do you mean by what do I think about him? He's stronger than any human! Hell! He's surpassed all human limits. Comparing him to me would be like comparing an ant to a god!" His voice trailed off, leaving the two to ponder the enormity of Min-su's abilities.

Min-su approached them, his clothes drenched in black blood, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. "Now you've seen the power of an Awakener. Tonight, I'll hold a meeting to assign roles and explain our rules. But I'll give you a heads up: Lee Donghae, you'll lead our fighting team, and Jeong Yuna, you'll lead our surveillance team." He paused, his gaze piercing. "Alright?"

Both nodded eagerly, thrilled to have secured key positions in Min-su's team.

Min-su led them to the rooftop, the cityscape stretching out before them like a desolate canvas. "To lead these teams, you need to possess certain qualities. The most basic one is the ability to fight. So, I'll train both of you until the others finish their tasks." He eyed them appraisingly. "I know you haven't eaten in days, but I need to assess your core abilities. The best way to do that is when you're in a weakened state. Because in this time you can't find food all the time so I want to see how much strong you are in your weakened state"

Lee Donghae and Jeong Yuna exchanged annoyed glances at the mention of training. But Min-su's next words sparked a new flame of motivation within them. "Don't worry, I've brought enough food to sustain you all for two days. You can eat to your heart's content after training."

Their fatigue momentarily forgotten, they steeled themselves for the challenges ahead, ready to prove their worth to Min-su and secure their place in his team.

Half an hour later, the group returned, their faces etched with exhaustion. But none looked as drained as Lee Donghae and Jeong Yuna, who stumbled back, their eyes sunken, their movements labored. The others gazed at them with a mix of concern and relief, grateful they weren't in their shoes.

Min-su's voice cut through the silence, a single word: "Hana."

Hana vanished, only to reappear with bags overflowing with food and water. The aroma of nourishing meals wafted through the air, teasing their senses.

Min-su's voice was like a starting gun. "Eat to your heart's content!"

The group descended upon the food like ravenous beasts, their hunger finally sated. Lee Donghae and Jeong Yuna, the apex predators, led the charge, devouring their share with reckless abandon. The sound of tearing wrappers, crunching bites, and satisfied sighs filled the air as they feasted, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the face of culinary bliss.

As the last morsels of food disappeared, the group's faces transformed from gaunt to satisfied, their eyes sparkling with renewed energy. The atmosphere lightened, with a few starting to gossip about their surreal journey, from hopeless survivors to united team members. However, the warmth was short-lived, as Min-su's commanding voice cut through the chatter.

"I need everyone's attention now!" Min-su ordered, his gaze sweeping across the group.

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Min-su.

"Now that we're a team, we need to establish rules to maintain order," Min-su began, his tone firm but measured. "First rule: no betrayal. In times of chaos, you can't abandon fellow members to save yourself. If you do, you're out of the camp!, second rule maintain hierarchy: you have to give proper respect to someone higher in position and if you don't want to then you have to go for a higher position than him"

The group nodded in unison, their faces solemn.

Min-su continued, "I'll assign roles to each of you. Miss Park jisoo, you're in charge of internal conflicts. Resolve them or report to me. Punishments will range from no food for a day and harsh labor to... more severe consequences."

As Min-su's eyes narrowed, his voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "The highest punishment will be expulsion, but not before facing my... persuasion."

The group exchanged terrified glances, their faces pale, as the weight of Min-su's words sank in. The air was heavy with tension, the silence oppressive, as they realized the true extent of Min-su's authority.

Min-su continued, his voice clear and authoritative. "Miss Park jisoo, you'll lead internal conflicts. Next, Miss Lee Hae-in, as a nurse, you'll lead our medic group. Lee Donghae, you'll be the captain of our fighter group, training all members. Since you're inexperienced, I'll train this batch, but after that, new members will undergo mandatory training by you."

Min-su's gaze shifted to Jeong Yuna. "You'll lead our surveillance team, watching for dangers. You and Lee Donghae will select the best members for our scavenger team, which I'll lead."

Yuna Jeong spoke up, "Is there a difference between leader and captain?"

Min-su nodded. "Yes, there is. Our hierarchy is leader, captain, then members. For now, I'll use these titles, but as our group grows, titles will be upgraded, and new ones will be added."

Donghae asked, "Who leads the fighter and surveillance groups?"

Min-su replied, "Hana leads surveillance, and my brother leads fighters."

Donghae and Yuna nodded, their faces serious. Yuna glanced at Hana, standing behind Min-su, her expression unreadable.

Min-su concluded, "Miss Park jisoo and Miss Lee Hae-in, choose your team members. The rest will decide which team to join: fighters or surveillance."

The group nodded, their minds racing with the new roles and responsibilities. The air was thick with anticipation, as they prepared to embark on their new journey together.