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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After using the One Mind technique to eliminate the zombies on the 7th floor, Min-su was hit with a severe backlash. He coughed up blood and knelt on the ground, vomiting blood. Min-ho rushed to his side, concern etched on his face. "Hyung, what's wrong?"
Min-su weakly waved his hand. "Later, Min-ho. First, gather everything essential from the apartments on this floor. We need to move quickly."
Min-ho nodded and helped Min-su to his feet. Together, they scoured the floor, collecting useful items. Once they had everything, they made their way back to their own floor. As they approached their apartment, Min-ho knocked on the door. Hana's voice came from the other side, cautious. "Who is it?"
Min-ho replied, "It's us, Min-su and Min-ho."
The door opened, and Hana's face fell as she took in Min-su's condition. Blood stained his mouth and clothes, and he leaned heavily on Min-ho for support. She stepped aside, allowing them to enter.
Min-ho helped Min-su to his room and settled him into bed. Then, he returned to the living room, where Hana was waiting. Together, they unpacked their loot, finding a bounty of vegetables, meat, and eggs. However, Min-su had warned them that these perishable items would be useless soon, as the power supply in Seoul was expected to be cut off tomorrow. They focused on stockpiling canned food instead.
Their haul also included two flashlights and extra batteries, which would be crucial when the electricity went out. As they worked, Min-ho couldn't help but worry about his brother's condition. What had caused the backlash, and how could they help him recover?
After sorting their loot, Min-ho and Hana headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch, since Min-su was still unconscious. Min-ho turned to Hana and asked, "Do you know how to cook? I have no idea where to start."
Hana shook her head, "I don't know how to cook either."
Min-ho smiled wryly, "Then we can only try."
Together, they attempted to make lunch, also preparing a chicken stew for Min-su, hoping he would wake up soon. Just as they were finishing up, Min-su stirred, regaining consciousness.
He looked around, disoriented, before his memories came flooding back. He remembered using the One Mind technique and the subsequent backlash.
Min-su got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to clean up and remove the bloodstains. Hana saw him walking towards the bathroom and rushed to tell Min-ho, "Min-su's awake! He's going to the bathroom."
Min-ho asked, concerned, "How did Hyung look? Was he okay?"
Hana's expression was worried, "He looked weak and pale. His skin was really white."
Min-ho's concern deepened, hoping his brother would recover soon.
Then, Min-ho instructed Hana to wait near the bathroom and assist Min-su if he needed anything after his bath. In the bathroom, Min-su reflected on his weakened state, concerned that he could only manage 20 slashes before suffering a severe backlash.
A few minutes later, Min-su emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. Hana's face turned bright red as she gazed at his body, her eyes fixed on his face. Min-su's physique wasn't muscular, but it had a unique appeal. Noticing Hana's gaze, he asked, "Why are you standing there?"
Hana stammered, "D-dinner is ready...if you need help with anything..." Her face remained red as she avoided eye contact.
Min-su's brow furrowed, "Who prepared lunch?"
Hana replied, "W-we both did."
Min-su nodded, "Okay, I'll join you at the dinner table after I dress."
Hana nodded shyly and quickly excused herself, her behavior striking Min-su as peculiar, but he didn't pursue it.
Few minutes later,
Min-su joined the dinner table, wearing a black t-shirt and white trousers, and teased Min-ho, "Will I survive to see tomorrow's sun after eating the food you prepared?"
Min-ho chuckled, "Come on, Hyung, I had to cook because I had no choice at that time! And also at that time I didn't know anything about cooking!"
Min-su playfully jabbed, "You still don't know anything about cooking!"
Hana, curious, asked, "What's going on?"
Min-su shared a humorous anecdote, "Last year, I was late coming home, and I told Min-ho to cook. When I returned, the smell was worse than those disgusting zombies! The food had turned into an invitation to hell!" Min-su exaggerated to lift everyone's spirits, as the mood had been gloomy due to his health concerns.
After finishing lunch, Min-su admitted, "Min-ho, your cooking has improved significantly."
Min-ho modestly denied, "Most of it was Hana's help!"
Hana blushed at the compliment, trying to hide her embarrassment. Min-ho turned to Min-su, eager to learn more about his extraordinary abilities. "Hyung, please explain what happened earlier. How did you kill those zombies so quickly?"
Hana's eyes widened in shock as Min-ho revealed, "Min-su killed eleven zombies in one second."
Min-su gestured for them to follow him, leading them to their room. "Sit down," he said, placing a small leather pouch on the bed. Everyone's eyes fixed on the pouch as Min-su opened it, revealing a small, hexagonal crystal about an inch long and half an inch wide.
Min-ho and Hana asked in unison, "What is this strange material?"
Before explaining, Min-su turned to Hana and began, "I've shared this with Min-ho, but I'll tell you too. In my past life, we uncovered the secrets of the black rain's substance, which we called Erebus Matter. If it didn't find a host within two minutes, it would die and turn into pure mineral water. But if it found a host, it would awaken slowly after the rain stopped. After awaking it would slowly started to turn solid before taking this crystal shape called Nexarion."
Min-ho asked, "When did you find this crystal, Hyung?"
Min-su replied, "When I told you to guard the gate, I was searching the brain of that blue zombie and found it."
Hana's confusion was evident, so Min-su explained their encounter with the Blue Variable zombie. Min-ho asked, "So, this crystal was the reason the zombie changed?"
Min-su's response only piqued their curiosity, "You've figured it out to some extent, but there's more to the story." Their attention was now fully focused on Min-su's explanation.