On an enthralling journey in a Jeep driven by Park Dong-Su, they had countless encounters with flying zombies. "If I were the one driving, killing dozens of zombies by crushing their souls, would I still gain the experience?" whispered Kim Min-Ho, his eyes fixed on bloodstains and an eyeball stuck to the Jeep's window.
"We've finally arrived, Min-Ho," Dong-Su murmured, bringing the car to a halt in front of a haunted school.
"Let's see if they're all zombies," Dong-Su expressed his uneasy doubt, pointing towards the crowd of zombies gathering in the middle of the field.
"They are indeed zombies," Min-Ho replied with a serious expression, his gaze scanning the thousands of living dead creatures surrounding them in that field.
"How do we get to the infirmary?" Dong-Su asked with a grumpy tone, a look of worry etched on his face. He and Min-Ho were sure to be caught by those zombies. Min-Ho paused for a moment, then said, "I will divert their attention, and at the right moment, you can head to the infirmary."
"Ah, that's very dangerous, Min-Ho!" exclaimed Dong-Su, shocked by the suggestion Min-Ho made.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Min-Ho got out of the Jeep and confidently walked towards the school gate. Now, he opened the shopping app on his smartphone.
"I'm going to buy some grenades." Min-Ho observed the price of a hand grenade, which was equivalent to a coin. He had 99 coins in his possession. Without hesitation, Min-Ho purchased four hand grenades.
A white light emanated from the darkness of his smartphone, and four hand grenades appeared before him. Carefully, Min-Ho placed the four grenades inside his pocket.
"Come closer." Min-Ho signaled for Dong-Su to approach him. Dong-Su nodded his head tremblingly and hesitantly walked towards Min-Ho.
"Remember what I told you earlier," Min-Ho said firmly, reassuring Dong-Su.
"I will remember," Dong-Su replied with obvious nervousness. Min-Ho confidently opened the school gate and without hesitation, he shouted bravely, "Zombies, face me!"
"Woar!"
Dozens of zombies noticed him and immediately ran towards Min-Ho.
"Min-Ho has lost his mind!" muttered Dong-Su as he quickly disappeared behind the gate wall, hiding.
"Enjoy this!" exclaimed Min-Ho, throwing the hand grenades with a swift motion towards the crowd of zombies.
"Boom!" The sound of the explosion echoed, and the zombies were sent flying backward.
"Haha, feel the impact of that!" Min-Ho laughed joyfully and ran away. Witnessing Min-Ho's act of throwing hand grenades, Dong-Su couldn't hide his astonishment.
"Where did he get hand grenades? Did he take them from the soldiers' pockets?" Confusion filled Dong-Su's mind.
Kim Min-Ho, strong and determined, dashed forward with nimble steps. His eyes widened as he saw the zombies closing in, a sea of death converging from all directions.
"To face this menace, I need to increase my speed and endurance after leveling up," Kim Min-Ho whispered, his teeth eagerly nibbling on his lips. Amidst the chaotic situation, he suddenly decided to confront the zombies by hurling a grenade to the ground.
"Booomm."
A triumphant smile adorned Kim Min-Ho's face as he witnessed the staggering zombies being thrown away by the powerful explosion.
Continuing his sprint with unwavering resolve, Kim Min-Ho glanced back and observed a few relentless zombies still pursuing him with deadly determination. In an instant, he sighed when he discovered only two grenades remaining in his trouser pocket.
"No matter, I'll give my best with what I have," Kim Min-Ho declared firmly, taking a brief step backward. He confidently grasped the grenade's lever and forcefully threw it towards the approaching zombies.
"Booomm." The grenade detonated, shattering the silence of the night, and the echoes of the explosion sent several zombies stumbling towards an unavoidable fate.
"This is what I accept, the inevitable!" Kim Min-Ho exclaimed with fervor, looking at the five zombies that remained steadfast. Without a second thought, he continued his relentless run with unwavering spirit.
However, amidst the moments of darting between light and shadows, three zombies suddenly emerged before him, materializing from the lurking darkness.
"Oh no, I can't!" Kim Min-Ho cried out in panic, his eyes catching sight of the "emergency exit" sign nearby. With hurried steps, he rushed towards the emergency exit door.
"Hey, give me an open door!" Kim Min-Ho shouted loudly, his fists pounding the door urgently.
"Ah, Kim Min-Ho," a female voice resonated in Kim Min-Ho's ears, none other than the voice of Hung Ye-Hee, who was inside the emergency exit room.
"Is that you, Hung Ye-Hee? I've come to rescue you! Please, open the door quickly!" Kim Min-Ho almost panicked as he saw the horde of zombies getting closer.
"In an instant," the woman's voice replied. And, as if by magic, the door swung open, allowing Kim Min-Ho to swiftly enter the emergency exit room before it was promptly locked.
"Whoa." "Thunk." "Thunk." Loud thuds reverberated on the door, strong knocks from the zombies attempting to breach their last fortress.
"Phew, that was close," Kim Min-Ho breathed heavily, his eyes meeting Hung Ye-Hee, a woman with fair skin and cascading long hair, along with three other female figures. "Hung Ye-Hee, who are these standing before us?" a young woman in her twenties with short brown hair and wearing a brown uniform asked, staring sharply at Hung Ye-Hee.
"Introduce him, Kim Min-Ho, my neighbor and friend," Hung Ye-Hee said with a smile, proudly introducing Kim Min-Ho's figure.
"Hello, world that greets me! I am Kim Min-Ho. A neighbor who is also friends with Hung Ye-Hee," Kim Min-Ho greeted with a gentle smile, extending his hand warmly.
"I am Hwan Mi-Yong, Hung Ye-Hee's teacher," Hwan Mi-Yong said, not missing the chance to feel the touch of Kim Min-Ho's hand.
"Hung Ye-Hee, guide me to these enchanting friends of yours," Kim Min-Ho said, glancing at the two beautiful girls who were the same age as Hung Ye-Hee.
"They are Ah Yun-Ji and Ye Eun-Seo, our classmates," Hung Ye-Hee answered, introducing the two figures to Kim Min-Ho. "Hello, world that tries to greet me, my name is Kim Min-Ho," Kim Min-Ho greeted with familiarity, offering a sincere smile.
"Ah Yun-Ji."
"Ye Eun-Seo." And so, Kim Min-Ho got acquainted with Hung Ye-Hee's two captivating friends.
"Kim Min-Ho, where is your sibling?" Hung Ye-Hee asked, her voice filled with concern.
"We got separated when I diverted the zombies' attention on the battlefield. I saw your sibling, Park Dong-Su, still hiding at the gate," Kim Min-Ho said with a wistful smile on his face, patting Hung Ye-Hee's shoulder with enthusiasm.
"It seems like he hasn't changed, never daring to face reality," Hung Ye-Hee sighed with a wounded expression.
"That's how it is. Now, is there a restroom here? I need to relieve myself a bit," Kim Min-Ho said, touching his slightly reddened nose. Hearing those words, the four women blushed, taken aback by the peculiarity of the situation.
"The restroom is at the back," Hung Ye-Hee cautiously replied.
"Thank you, but please don't open the door while I'm in there," Kim Min-Ho said seriously.
"Don't worry, we're not that foolish," Hung Ye-Hee teased. Kim Min-Ho laughed, then with determined steps, he walked towards the back, heading for the restroom.
Upon reaching the restroom, Kim Min-Ho stared at his smartphone, feeling a sense of admiration. The screen displayed a flood of messages in his inbox.
"Congratulations! You have vanquished the zombies."
"Experience +2, coins +20."
"Congratulations! You have vanquished the zombies."
"Experience +1, coins +10."
"Not bad. I gained a total of 30 experience points and 300 coins. With this, my level is sure to rise," Kim Min-Ho murmured with a radiant smile. Filled with enthusiasm, he opened the status application.
Name: Kim Min-Ho
Age: 23 years old
Level: 3
Experience: 10/30
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Endurance: 4
Stamina: 7
Reflexes: 5
Points: 4
Gazing at his status, Kim Min-Ho said, "I will add 1 point to strength, 1 point to agility, 1 point to endurance, and 1 point to stamina."
"Ah!" Kim Min-Ho shouted, slightly startled as his smartphone suddenly emitted an electric surge after adding those points.
In a hidden corner, Kim Min-Ho unleashed his piercing cry with a melodic beauty. It was as if the sound blended with the enigmatic night's mystery. Hung Ye-Hee, captivated by the unexpected expression, couldn't shake off her astonishment.
"Nothing happened, just a fleeting shadow," said Kim Min-Ho, a deceptive smile playing on his lips. However, within that manipulative smile, an inevitable failure was implied.
Inevitably, a deep sigh filled the air, leaving Hung Ye-Hee shaking her head weakly, allowing relief to flow through her veins. But relief could never erase the doubts gnawing at her heart.
"What's the point of getting stung every time a point is added?" murmured Kim Min-Ho, his eyes fixed on the fading smartphone screen. As if obstructed by an unseen disappointment, his thoughts danced and swirled within his clear mind.
"Yet, I gained strength and agility after each sting," he whispered, a smile lingering on his lips. The sensation of change permeated his body, surging waves of boundless courage.
"Now is the time for weapons to accompany my steps," Kim Min-Ho whispered earnestly. His eyes stared at the app store, observing towering firearms. However, in his lucid train of thought, he knew that a firearm would be an empty void in his inexperienced hands.
With a dismissive shake of his head, Kim Min-Ho redirected his gaze to something else. Among the treasure trove adorning the screen, a katana caught his attention. Priced at ten coins, the katana held a captivating story behind its blade.
"Katana, a single-eyed sword from the land of the rising sun. Its unquestionable sharpness, slicing through wood and bamboo like tearing thin fabric," Kim Min-Ho glanced at the enticing information.
"I checked my savings; there are still 395 coins left. Sacrificing ten coins is not a problem. Moreover, this sword will become a loyal companion by my side," Kim Min-Ho whispered, pressing the 'Buy' button.
A white light emanated from his smartphone screen, exuding infinite abundance. And before him, a sword slid into his hands, wrapped in a sheath that showcased its towering greatness. Kim Min-Ho grasped the katana firmly, smearing his hand with genuine enthusiasm.
"It's time to crawl towards the zombie massacre party. The more heads I swing, the higher my level soars. However, when confronted with more than three undead bodies, the only choice is to escape," Kim Min-Ho laughed, curling his body with agility.
Securing the katana in its sheath, Kim Min-Ho strode confidently out of the silent restroom. Hung Ye-Hee and the other three women suddenly turned their heads, witnessing the approaching surprise. The sword whispered its presence, caressing their doubts with unexpected fervor.
"Where did you get that sword from?" Hung Ye-Hee asked urgently, her eyes trapped in its mysterious gleam.
"Oh, I had it tucked inside my clothes," Kim Min-Ho lied. Hung Ye-Hee and the three women couldn't shake off the growing doubt deep within their hearts, a thousand questions crawling within them.
However, Kim Min-Ho paid no attention to the suspicions creeping in their eyes. He approached the window, peered through the gap, and was startled to see five zombies standing outside the door. "They're frozen, unwilling to leave," Kim Min-Ho smiled with deep concern.
"Shall we take shelter here, waiting for military and police assistance?" Ah Yun-Ji, the fair-skinned girl with her hair in a ponytail, asked. Judging her beauty on a scale of one to ten, she undeniably reached a seven.
Kim Min-Ho's eyes captured the women around him, then spoke with unwavering determination, "You all retreat. Let me immerse myself in this zombie mess." He took a deep breath, inhaling the empty space that bolstered his spirit.
"Kim Min-Ho, don't open the door!" Hung Ye-Hee exclaimed. But it was already too late. Kim Min-Ho opened the door.
"Huah!" The zombies stared into the open space, and they ran, charging towards Kim Min-Ho, who challenged fate with a katana in his hand.
"Accept the strikes of this sword, you undead creatures!" Kim Min-Ho's body trembled as he separated the first zombie's head from its body.
"Crash!" The head rolled, no longer in its place.
"One down." Kim Min-Ho didn't stop; his hand continued to move, beheading the approaching bodies.
"Roar!" Two down. Kim Min-Ho decapitated those heads again.
"Never come near me!" Kim Min-Ho shouted, thrusting his sword with force, piercing two heads simultaneously. "Huah!" He saw the remaining zombies leap forward with an insatiable thirst.
"Oh no!" Kim Min-Ho quickly dodged to the side, avoiding their attack. In an instant, the katana sliced through two zombie heads, consuming the lives already lost.
"Leave this place!" Kim Min-Ho yelled, bloodied hand gripping the katana, and in a flash, the zombie heads separated from their bodies.
Kim Min-Ho looked at the fallen zombie corpses, then suddenly felt nauseous.
"Bleeurgh!" "Bleeurgh!"
"I'm still not used to seeing these bodies," Kim Min-Ho held the katana with a wavering heart. Hung Ye-Hee and the three women were captivated, surrendering to the fear that gripped them.
"Kim Min-Ho, did you kill those five zombies?" Hung Ye-Hee asked, bewildered.
"Yes," Kim Min-Ho nodded, accidentally tapping something beside him.
"Plak!" Kim Min-Ho realized his hand had exposed a living creature, blood flowing from the contact.
"A mosquito as big as an adult's thumb." Kim Min-Ho smiled nervously, looking at the lifeless mosquito in his hand.
"If a mosquito that big were to suck our blood, it would quickly drain us dry," Hwan Mi-Yong whispered, shivering at the sight of the dead mosquito lying in Kim Min-Ho's hand.
"It's still fortunate to lose only blood, rather than getting infected with dengue fever," Kim Min-Ho pressed his lips with concern.