New journey to Gimhae

Their car glided slowly along the snow-covered roads of Geumjeong-Gu. Tae Kyung gazed out of the window, contemplating the journey they had embarked upon. He knew this wouldn't be an easy journey, and they had to prepare for it as best as they could.

Hye Rin sat beside him, holding the map attentively. "Bro, we need to head towards Jungang-Daero Road," she said, pointing at the map. "It's a major road right in the heart of Geumjeong-Gu. I think it's a safe route for us to take towards Seoul."

Tae Kyung nodded in agreement. He understood that choosing a safe route was a wise move, given the harsh weather conditions and the uncertainties they might encounter out there. He steered the car in the direction of Jungang-Daero Road, hoping they would reach the nearest city soon.

As they drove along Jungang-Daero Road, they witnessed a bleak sight. Once bustling buildings now stood abandoned, covered in a thick layer of snow. There were no signs of human life around them, and the bitterly cold temperature made them feel increasingly isolated.

After some time on the road, they finally reached the nearest town to Geumjeong-Gu. They entered the town cautiously, searching for any signs of life or information they could find. However, throughout the area, they found no one in sight. The town appeared desolate and eerily quiet.

Tae Kyung looked at his sister with a questioning gaze. "So, where do we go from here, Rin?"

Hye Rin double-checked the map before replying, "We need to head to Gimhae District, Bro. It's the nearest town from here, and perhaps we can gather more information about the current world there."

Tae Kyung nodded in agreement with his sister's plan. Although they hadn't found much information yet, they knew that their journey was far from over. With unwavering determination, Tae Kyung accelerated the car towards Gimhae District, ready to face whatever they might encounter on this journey. In their solidarity, they would continue to search for answers and clues about the world that had changed so drastically.

Their journey to Gimhae-Si continued with caution. The car glided through the snow-covered road, and the surroundings grew eerily quiet. Hye Rin held onto the map, trying to navigate their way.

Tae Kyung gazed out the window, observing the darkness that blanketed South Korea. Once-thriving buildings now stood as ruins, shrouded in snow.

"This is truly grim, Rin," Tae Kyung remarked with concern. "It's like a ghost town."

Hye Rin nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the desolate scene. "Yes, big brother. There doesn't seem to be any sign of life here. It's all so quiet."

Tae Kyung turned his gaze towards his sister. "What do we know about the current state of South Korea, Rin? Have there been any clues from our parents' journals?"

Hye Rin pondered for a moment before replying, "From those journals, I could gather only limited information. They, too, didn't know what happened after 'The Falling Sun.' But there are notes about efforts by some countries to survive, like South Korea trying to establish settlements in places with natural resources."

Tae Kyung nodded in understanding. "So, there might be other places in South Korea we don't know about. We have to keep searching."

Their journey continued, navigating through roads littered with obstacles like fallen trees and thick snow. They could feel the harshness of survival in a world as dark and cold as this.

As they approached the border of Gimhae-Si, Tae Kyung spotted the neglected border signs. He reduced the car's speed and finally stopped near the sign. They both stared at the border with mixed emotions.

Hye Rin broke the silence. "Big brother, we've arrived at the border of Gimhae-Si. What should we do next?"

Tae Kyung contemplated for a moment before responding. "We have to be cautious, Rin. Keep looking for signs of life or any information we might come across here. Gimhae-Si might hold more clues about the current state of South Korea."

They both got out of the car, facing the biting cold. They walked towards the border, trying to find any clues that might be around.

Tae Kyung and Hye Rin stepped out of their car right at the Gimhae-Si border. The cold wind cut through their skin instantly, reminding them of the discomfort that always lurked in this outside world.

Tae Kyung gazed at his younger sister with seriousness. "Rin, I want to do a check first before we venture too far into Gimhae-Si. I know you want to come along, but it's dangerous. Please, listen to me."

Hye Rin stared back at her brother with determination. "Bro, I don't want to stay in the car without knowing what's happening outside. I know we have to be cautious, but we also need to learn more about this world."

Tae Kyung felt worried, but he understood his sister's desire. In the end, he gave in. "Alright, you can come along. But you have to follow every command I give, and your gun needs to be kept at the ready. Understand?"

Hye Rin nodded seriously. She knew that this was a chance to contribute to their journey. They checked their weapons and supplies, making sure everything was in good condition before they began their inspection.

They started walking along the left side of the Gimhae-Si border, moving slowly to ensure no dangers lurked. Initially, they passed by some upscale residential buildings, but now they appeared abandoned and covered in layers of snow.

As they approached one of the houses, Hye Rin heard the cry of a woman. She immediately pulled her brother's arm and signaled to stop. Both of them listened attentively.

The cries grew louder, and they could hear the desperate pleas for help. Tae Kyung exchanged a glance with his sister, and without words, they both decided to approach the house.

They walked cautiously, their weapons always at the ready. As they neared the front door, they heard the sounds of blows and crashes, making them even more certain that someone needed help.

Tae Kyung tried to open the front door slowly, and with care, they entered. They soon saw a woman trapped under a fallen piece of wood from the house's ceiling.

The woman looked weak and frightened, her eyes filled with hope as she gazed at them.

"Please, please help me!" she pleaded with a trembling voice.

Tae Kyung and Hye Rin immediately moved towards the woman. They worked together to lift the piece of wood that was pinning her down. Once successfully freed, the woman lay on the floor, breathing heavily, but she was alive.

Hye Rin quickly took a water bottle from her bag and handed it to the woman. "Drink this, we'll assist you."

The woman drank the water rapidly, and gradually, she seemed to recover. She could finally speak more calmly.

"Thank you, thank you so much. I've been trapped here for days. Everyone left, and I didn't have the strength to get out on my own."

Tae Kyung inquired, "What happened here? Why did everyone leave?"

The woman looked at them with an anxious expression.

"This used to be a bustling town, but then came the ruthless raiders. They looted and destroyed everything. They made us all flee and abandon our homes."

Tae Kyung and Hye Rin exchanged glances. They knew that the outside world was not only cold and desolate but also filled with dangers.