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 entered the apartment, Ji-yoon and Kang-min couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. The white walls were free from any bloodstains, and the room was clean and organized. Mineral water jugs lined the shelves, a rare sight in this post-apocalyptic world.
Hana gestured welcomingly. "Feel free to wash up and change into some spare clothes. We have plenty."
Kang-min's eyes widened. "You still have water? Ours ran out five days ago..."
Ji-yoon interrupted him, her expression cautious. "Wait, let's not get ahead of ourselves."
But the promise of a good shower was too enticing. Ji-yoon and Kang-min exchanged a look, and then nodded in unison.
As they freshened up, Min-su rested in his room, exhausted from his earlier exertion. Min-ho and Hana sat in the living room with their new companions, the silence between them palpable.
Hana broke the silence. "So, I'm Lee Hana, and this is Kim Min-ho. Our leader, Kim Min-su, is resting in the other room. We saved you because... well, Min-su will have to explain that part."
Ji-yoon's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean? Why are you helping us?"
Min-ho shrugged. "No ulterior motives here. Min-su just said we need more people to survive this apocalypse."
Ji-yoon pressed on. "But your building doesn't have any zombies. Those sword marks on the walls, the power that shook the whole building... that was your brother's, right? Why do you need us if you're this strong?"
Min-su opened his mouth to respond, but Hana cut him off with a subtle head gesture.
Ji-yoon's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You're hiding something. What is it?"
A voice came from behind them, firm and commanding. "That's confidential. You'll only know if you join us. So, choose wisely."
Ji-yoon pondered for a few minutes, weighing the pros and cons of joining Min-su's team. Finally, she nodded, accepting their proposal. "Alright, I'm in. But I want to know more about what's going on. What's this information you're talking about?"
Min-su leaned forward, his eyes serious. "Before I share that, let me tell you the rules of my team. First, no betrayal. Second, no disobeying my orders. And third, equal punishment for all. Got it?"
Ji-yoon and Kang-min exchanged a look, then nodded in unison.
Min-su continued, "Now, about those zombies... they can mutate and become much stronger than they are. The one I fought in the hallway, for example, could break walls with just five punches."
Ji-yoon's eyes widened in shock. "How did you defeat it, then? And those sword marks on the walls... they were yours, right?"
Min-su gazed at Ji-yoon for a few seconds before responding, "Hana, explain everything to them. I need to clean up, and Min-ho, check our water supply."
With that, Min-su disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Hana to explain everything about Nexarion, Erebus matter, mutation, and the rain. Ji-yoon and Kang-min listened intently, their minds racing with questions.
But when Ji-yoon asked Hana how they knew all this, Hana's expression turned enigmatic. "Sorry, you don't have the authority to know that. You're still newly joined members."
Ji-yoon's eyes narrowed, sensing that there was more to the story. But for now, she had to be content with the information she had.
Min-su emerged from the bathroom, his expression serene and his eyes gleaming with a hint of intensity. He wore a black leather jacket, gray t-shirt, and black jeans, his blue hair and black eyes exuding an air of quiet confidence.
"So, has Hana told you everything?" he asked, his voice low and even.
Ji-yoon and Kang-min nodded, their eyes fixed on him with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
Min-su's gaze turned to Min-ho. "What about our water supply?"
Min-ho replied, "We have around 15 20-litre mineral water jugs, all emergency water storages are full, and our main water tank holds about 100 litres."
Min-su nodded, his expression unreadable. "Okay, as expected. Now, let's move on to our long-awaited topic: the awakening."
Hana's eyes narrowed. "Are we really awakening now?"
Min-su's gaze was steady. "We are. Watch me carefully."
Ji-yoon and Kang-min exchanged a skeptical look, but Min-su's calm demeanor was unsettling. They nodded, and Min-su sat in a lotus position, ingesting a single Nexarion. He meditated for a few seconds, and a blue and black aura appeared around him, slowly entering his body.
As the mana was absorbed, Min-su's body radiated a faint glow, which eventually dissipated. He opened his eyes, and his gaze was filled with a quiet intensity. His body had grown a few centimeters, and his presence seemed more imposing.
Min-ho's eyes widened. "So this is awakening?"
Min-su's expression remained calm. "It is. And it's only the beginning."
Ji-yoon and Kang-min looked on in awe, their minds racing with questions. What had just happened? How did Min-su's body change? And what was this "awakening" that seemed to hold so much significance?
Min-su stood up, his movements fluid and graceful. Min-su said, "So, I am an Evolutionary Path Awakener." Then, he slowly whispered, "Just like my previous life."
Min-su continued, "Now, it's your turn, Min-ho. Do as I did, and take this." He threw a Nexarion towards Min-ho, similar to the previous one except for a distinctive red spot in the middle.
Min-ho asked, "Why is this one different?"
Min-su replied, "This one was from the Variable."
Min-ho looked at Min-su curiously. "Then why didn't you take it yourself, Hyung?"
Min-su's stare was piercing. "It will help you awaken, Min-ho, since you focus on Strength heavily... and..." His voice trailed off, but his gaze seemed to bore into Min-ho's eyes.
Min-ho's understanding dawned, and he nodded silently. He seemed to grasp that this was related to his past life, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes.
With a steady hand, Min-ho ingested the Nexarion, shutting his eyes as if preparing for the awakening process.