Chereads / The Return of the End: Apocalypse Reborn / Chapter 5 - chapter 5: Clearing the way

Chapter 5 - chapter 5: Clearing the way

Author's note:

"Dear readers,

I want to start by saying how deeply sorry I am for not being able to post any chapters yesterday. Unfortunately, I was dealing with some personal issues that made it impossible for me to write and share new content with you all.

I know how much you love this story, and I'm grateful for your enthusiasm and support. I'm committed to making it up to you today! As a token of my apology, I will be posting not one, not two, but SIX new chapters for your reading pleasure.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support. I'm honored to have such a wonderful community of readers behind me.

Warm regards, [Devil_Yagami]"

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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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As they unloaded the items, Min-ho turned to Hana and said, "You know, when Hyung was reassuring you earlier, it reminded me of my past. After our parents died, Hyung took care of me, made sure I was safe and happy. He's always been there for me."

Hana's face brightened, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "He's a great brother, isn't he?"

Min-ho smiled, nodding in agreement. "The best."

Just then, Min-su called out from the kitchen, "Dinner's ready!"

Min-ho and Hana hurried to the table, washing their hands before sitting down. The simple Korean dish Min-su had cooked was flavorful and comforting.

They ate in silence, savoring the taste.

After dinner, they faced a new dilemma: who would sleep where? With only two rooms, decisions had to be made. Hana volunteered to sleep on the couch, but Min-su vetoed that idea.

"I'll take the couch," he said firmly. "I need to be vigilant, especially on our first night here. And I haven't set up any barricades yet."

Hana nodded understandingly, and Min-ho spoke up, "I'll take the smaller room, then."

Min-su nodded, his eyes already scanning the apartment, planning for the night ahead. "Get some rest, you two. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

Min-ho and Hana fell asleep quickly, exhausted from the day's events. But Min-su remained awake, his eyes fixed on the clock until it struck 12 AM. He cautiously approached the window and peeked down, his heart sinking at the sight of a large horde of zombies limping around the ground floor.

Despite the eerie scene, Min-su's training kicked in, and he forced himself to sleep, his senses still alert for any signs of danger. Throughout the night, he was jolted awake by every creak and groan from the floors above and below.

His eyes snapping open to scan the darkness before relaxing again.

Despite getting the least amount of sleep, Min-su was the first to wake up, his energy levels surprisingly high. Hana soon followed, and together they tackled the household chores with ease. Min-ho emerged last, bleary-eyed, to Min-su's teasing remark, "Late sleeper, eh?"

The tension was broken, and they shared a laugh before diving into breakfast. Min-su's ability to find humor in the dire situation was a balm to their frazzled nerves, and they began the day with a renewed sense of hope.

After breakfast, Min-su geared up, and Min-ho said, "Take care of yourself, Hyung." Min-su smiled and replied, "I'm not going alone. You're coming with me." Min-ho's face darkened, but before he could protest, Min-su threw a bulletproof vest and two machetes at him. Min-ho donned the gear, strapping the machetes to his back.

As they prepared to leave, Min-su instructed Hana, "Don't open the door unless I tell you to. No matter what happens." Hana nodded, her eyes wide with concern.

Min-su and Min-ho gathered the bodies from the staircase and dropped them through the gap in the railings, creating a distraction on the ground floor that drew the attention of a few zombies. But they didn't venture up.

Min-su searched the neighboring apartments, finally finding a nylon rope. With caution, they proceeded to the floor above, their weapons at the ready. The corridor was eerily similar to their own, with two zombies shuffling mindlessly at the far end. Upon spotting Min-su and Min-ho, they began to move towards them with a slow, ominous pace.

Min-su give a slight push on Min-ho's back and told him fight with them.

Min-ho was already half dead from seeing them but his brother is telling him to kill the zombies alone.

"What do you think who I am? John Wick?" Min-ho said in a voice barely audible.

"Did you said something?"

"N-No" then he took out one of his machetes and readied himself.

Then another order came from his brother.

"Dual wield those machete"

"What? Why?" A confusion on Min-ho's face. But he had no choice.

Now he is holding a machete on both hands.

"Now stop panicking and calm down, When those zombies came inside your weapon's range swing your machete and decapitate them"

When the zombies was 1 meter away from him Min-ho swing his machete right at the neck of that zombie but it stuck.

Seeing that he was unable to kill it in single swing and having the zombie so close his heart started to beat faster and when he saw that the other zombie is closing on him also, to save himself his reflexes kicked in, and he used the blunt side of the other machete to strike on the stuck machete and he was able to behead the zombie.

But it was too late. Other zombie has already reached him. Min-ho was trying everything he could to get away from him but he was powerless against him.

When the zombie was only few centimetres away from biting him did the zombie stopped.

That zombie's head fall behind Min-ho and the body slide down on him.

When Min-ho looked behind he saw that his brother is sheathing his katana.

Seeing Min-ho turned towards him Min-su said "A long way to go" to brighten the mood.

Min-ho grumbled for few seconds before going silent.

"Now we will enter ever apartment here one by one eliminating every zombie on the floor and scavenging everything. Got that?"

"Yes"

Now both of them are standing outside of the apartment 701. The door to the appartment is slightly open, and from there sound of inhumane groans was coming out.

Both of them looked eachother and nodded in affirmation.

Min-su took the lead and opened the door, Infront of him is a gruesome scene.

As they stood outside of the apartment 701, the gruesome scene was a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked in every corner of the building. Min-su's eyes looked on the zombie in the living room, his grip on his katana tightening, "stay close, Min-ho" he whispered, his voice low and steady.

"We don't know what's waiting for us inside" with a deep breath Min-su entered the appartment.