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 a few minutes of deliberation, Miss Park jisoo remained indecisive, ultimately choosing not to select anyone for her internal conflicts team. She deemed none of the candidates suitable for the demanding role. Lee Hae-in, on the other hand, chose only one student for her medic team— Choi Minji. Hae-in knew Minji well, as they had spent considerable time together, and Minji had always aspired to be a doctor, making her an obvious choice.
With the teams now set, the remaining students faced the difficult task of choosing their next roles. Both positions were fraught with danger, and many were reluctant. However, Min-su stepped in to offer reassurance. "High risk, high reward," he said, holding up a shimmering nexarion. The glint of the rare mineral caught everyone's eye. Thanks to Hana's earlier explanation, they all knew its significance. The promise of transformation into a stronger, more capable being was a powerful motivator, offering protection and strength against future threats.
From the remaining members, two girls and one boy joined the surveillance team, while two boys and one girl opted for the fighting team. The Fighting Team, led by Donghae, now included Park Seok, Yang Hyunsoo, and Choi Jiwon. The Surveillance Team, led by Yuna Jeong, comprised Lee Seoyeon, Cho ji-eun, and Park Jay-hyun.
After seeing that the teams were finalized, Min-su addressed the group. "Now that everyone has chosen their team and had a chance to rest, let's get started with our first mission: improving our base."
He scanned the group with a determined gaze. "Since there's still some daylight left, we'll set up campfires around the school's outer wall and two on the rooftop. We'll use the wood from the benches, chairs, and tables, and burn the zombie corpses. They burn surprisingly well, you might not know. Once you've lit all the campfires around the outer wall, meet me on the rooftop."
Min-su's orders were clear, and everyone dispersed to carry out the task. He signaled to Hana to keep watch over the group and then made his way to the rooftop, where he began to set up and light the two campfires.
On the school grounds, one member of the fighting team, clearly agitated, spoke up. "Hey Donghae, did you ever think we'd be stuck in an apocalypse and taking orders from a stranger?.... Why not rebel against him?"
Donghae's face tightened with both anger and fear. He turned to the dissenting member, Hyunsoo, and asked, "You were a science student, right, Hyunsoo?"
Hyunsoo replied, "Yes, why?"
"Then how can you be so foolish?" Donghae retorted through gritted teeth. "Have you forgotten that he took down that mutant zombie and how he moved in the classroom? He's stronger than any of us here. What do you mean by rebelling? That would be like signing our own death warrants. I've seen his true power up close, and it's terrifying. He's not a bad person; he's provided us with food and water. He's our leader, and we follow his orders because it's the smart choice. The sooner you understand that, the better. Now, do your job."
From the shadows, Hana observed the exchange and smirked before returning to Min-su to report what had transpired.
After hearing Hana's report, Min-su said, "I anticipated some dissent, but it's reassuring to see someone already standing up for me and emphasizing what's best for everyone. It seems I've chosen the right person for the captain of the fighting team."
He turned to Hana and asked, "Have you spoken with Min-ho and the others?"
Hana shook her head. "No, oppa."
Min-su replied, "That's alright. I've already checked on them; they're doing perfectly fine. I'll return tomorrow to bring them and all the essentials from our apartment."
A few minutes later, everyone gathered on the rooftop. The campfires cast a warm glow, illuminating the dark corners and making it easier to spot any potential threats.
"Good," Min-su announced. "You've all completed your first mission. As a reward, you'll receive food and water. Now, we'll begin our mandatory training. Each member must undergo four hours of training every day. The surveillance team will train for six hours daily, while the fighting team will train all day if they're not engaged in fending off zombies or protection duties. Specifically, if the fighting team has no immediate tasks, they will train continuously. After a total of 36 hours of training, you'll each receive a nexarion. Any questions?"
A girl from the surveillance team raised her hand. "What about us and everyone else? How will we earn a nexarion?"
Min-su responded, "You'll need to either achieve a significant contribution to the team or complete 72 hours of training to earn a nexarion. Now, let's start the training."
Min-su led the training session, which stretched on for hours. The intensity of the exercises, combined with the physical and mental strain, left everyone feeling utterly exhausted. By the end of the session, the members were visibly drained. Sweat dripped from their brows, their movements were sluggish, and their muscles ached with fatigue. Many struggled to keep their eyes open, and the weight of exhaustion was palpable in their heavy breathing and weary expressions.
Once the training concluded at 10 PM, Min-su instructed everyone to eat and rest, except for the members of the fighting and surveillance teams.
"Surveillance team," Min-su said, "your duties begin now. Your team consists of four members; form groups of two and take turns on two-hour shifts. Fighting team, you will be stationed here. You can sleep, but remain vigilant. If the surveillance team needs assistance, they'll call on you. All of you must be in top condition at all times. Understood?"
"Yes, leader," the group responded in unison, their voices lacking the usual energy but filled with resolve.
"Good!" Min-su said. "Do your jobs well, and you might receive your nexarion ahead of schedule."
With that, Min-su moved closer to the campfire and began to meditate. Hana, observing him, started her own meditation, while the fighting team rested near the other campfire and the surveillance team took turns on watch. The exhaustion was evident as the members settled into their roles, their bodies and minds aching from the rigorous training.
Min-su meditated through the night, his focus unwavering. The gentle warmth of the morning sun eventually nudged him awake, its rays casting a soft glow across his face. As he opened his eyes, he noticed that two members of the surveillance team were still diligently on duty.
Min-su stood up and approached them. "Wake up the fighting team and have them take over the watch so you can rest," he instructed. With a single command, the fighting team was roused from their sleep, quickly alert despite their exhaustion. Their mental resilience, honed over the past two weeks of the apocalypse, allowed them to adapt swiftly.
Min-su addressed the group. "Does anyone here know how to hotwire a car?"
A member of the fighting team raised his hand. " Yang Hyunsoo, right?" Min-su confirmed. "How did you learn to hotwire a car?"
Hyunsoo replied, "My father was a car mechanic. I worked in his garage for about a year, and he taught me how to hotwire vehicles."
Min-su nodded with approval. "Excellent. Follow me, Hyunsoo. The rest of you, stay here and follow my instructions. Hana will be with you. If you spot anything suspicious, report it to her immediately."
"Yes, leader," everyone responded in unison.
Min-su and Hyunsoo then set off together, heading towards their next task.
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Author's Note:
Dear readers, with this, the first volume of the novel "Two Weeks" comes to an end. Thank you for sticking with the story so far, and I hope you've enjoyed the journey!