Chapter 49

Yohan’s expression became complicated. Certainly, the sharp instincts he felt that day and the heightened awareness when dodging arrows had surprised even himself, but he had dismissed it as nothing more than desperate movements spurred by the imminent threat of death.

‘To an outsider, it might seem strange.’

As Yohan wore a troubled expression, Hajin gave him a pat on the shoulder. Though, to be precise, what Hajin intended as a light pat caused Yohan’s upper body to sway noticeably. Hajin’s strength was truly ridiculous.

“Don’t read too much into it. I’m just telling you so you can assess our full strength as the leader.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

After sending Hajin off, Yohan received a three-day report from Sweeper. It included their location, team composition, resource status, and incidents they had encountered, including the biker gang’s ambush on their return.

Yohan struggled to focus on Sweeper’s account. Hajin’s words lingered in his mind, floating aimlessly. Yet when he saw Sweeper smiling innocently, all seriousness seemed to fade, leaving Yohan’s thoughts a tangled mess.

“How did you deal with them?”

“Just wham! And bam! Took them out. They were weaklings. I ended it quickly to prevent them from taking hostages.”

“Hmm…”

“Why? Is there a problem? You don’t look so good.”

“No, it’s nothing. Good work. You can go.”

Sweeper tilted his head in confusion but left the infirmary. He was undeniably a standout among their group—lighthearted in demeanor yet sharp-minded. Even while Yohan was unconscious, Sweeper had kept things running smoothly.

As for combat ability, Yohan couldn’t confidently say he’d win against him. Sweeper’s past might have been murky, but his value was undeniable.

‘He’s someone to keep an eye on.’

Yohan gathered his thoughts, pulled out his notebook and pen, and began organizing the survivor list. With their numbers increasing rapidly, it was essential to restructure the alliance.

For now, people would stay with familiar groups, as they had during the hospital camp days. However, a member from the reserve battalion survivors would be added to the reconnaissance team.

Jung-hwan would be reassigned to the reconnaissance team. Though he had been the leader of the mart camp, his role was more ceremonial, with Seo-jun handling most of the actual responsibilities. There was no need to maintain a symbolic leader.

Yohan looked at the finalized organizational chart.

—

Alliance Camp Organization Chart

[Recon Camp – 16 Members]

– Recon Team 1 (7 Members)
Leader: Yohan
Members: Dong-seok, Seri, Sweeper, Hajin, Jung-hwan, 1 Soldier (TBD)

– Recon Team 2 (9 Members)
Leader: Hyuk
Members: 8 others who joined with Hyuk

[Mart Camp – 11 Members]
– Leader: Seo-jun and 10 members

[Hospital Camp – 12 Members]
– Leader: Gap-soo and 11 members

[Reserve Camp – 12 Members]
– Leader: Lieutenant Ahn and 11 members (from the reserve battalion survivors)

—

Looking at the chart, Yohan realized that they had already formed four camps with a total of nearly fifty members.

To be honest, the alliance was still hollow. Their unity was weak, and their members’ physical and mental capabilities varied greatly.

Although external threats had been dealt with for now, Yohan now had a new challenge: strengthening the foundation of the alliance. Sustained interaction between camps, shared experiences, and member training were essential. It was a matter of time and effort.

It was a refreshing concern amidst relative stability.

—

Having finalized the camp structure and future plans, Yohan asked Seo-jun to draft survival guidelines to distribute to each camp. These would include eight key principles and Yohan’s insights into zombie behavior gained from his survival experiences.

The newly joined members would learn why their previous camps had fallen and understand what precautions to take. When crises arose, they would realize how valuable this information was.

There was no intention to hoard information or assert dominance. The real enemy lay outside, not within.

The Seoul Survival Union.

Killing even one of their executives in the last battle was a stroke of luck. Had Yohan not encountered Baek Jong-soo, he would have led 60 elite survivors from Bucheon, Mokdong, and Sangam to join the union.

What kind of storm this small ripple might cause was unpredictable. If the chance arose, Yohan wanted to root out the Seoul Survival Union entirely before they could fully emerge.

But he hesitated. The union was both the target of his vengeance and the enemy he most wanted to avoid.

The methods Yohan used now—camp separation, organizational structures, and resource circulation—were inspired by the union’s strategies.

Their leader, Gae Baek-jeong, had early on identified the conditions that triggered zombie waves and formed a camp alliance.

The union operated under a rigid class system.

Survivors were ranked strictly by merit, creating a chain-of-command hierarchy. Those in higher ranks could issue any command or make any demand of those below, and the latter had no choice but to comply.

The penalty for defiance was death.

In the union, there were no parents, siblings, spouses, or lovers—only rank, orders, and obedience.

One’s rank—single-digit, double-digit, or triple-digit—determined their privileges.

Outsiders were considered unranked. Whether they sought to join or flee from the union, without Gae Baek-jeong’s approval and a rank, they were treated as subhuman—beasts or insects.

Gae Baek-jeong, the union’s leader, enforced absolute fear and obedience. If an unranked survivor so much as looked at a ranked member, their eyes were gouged out. Speaking to one warranted the loss of their tongue.

Absolute fear, absolute obedience, and unchecked indulgence.

These were the foundations that made the Seoul Survival Union the most horrifyingly violent organization in history.

During the three months he was first captured and defeated by the Seoul Survival Union, Yohan observed countless individuals while enduring endless torment from Gae Baek-jeong, memorizing every single face he encountered.

Faces he could never forget.

There were those who preyed on others regardless of gender, the debauched who assaulted anyone ranked lower than themselves. The officers who tortured him mercilessly. The female members who tried to seduce him. A minor survivor who slaughtered a hundred people. Even the old officer he bludgeoned to death during his escape.

Not a single face escaped his memory.

Yohan laid out his plan clearly: Avoid conflict with the Seoul Survival Union whenever possible. If unavoidable, ensure that his group was always prepared to fight and win against them.

If they encountered the union before being fully prepared, they would immediately relocate to the second shelter, even if it meant retreating while underprepared.

However, any former members of the Seoul Survival Union they met along the way, even at great risk, must be eliminated without exception. Even if they no longer posed a threat, Yohan resolved that there would be no mercy.

Yohan stood up, brushing aside the concerns of his companions, who insisted he should rest more. He was already feeling close to his peak condition. Sitting idly simply wasn’t in his nature.

Before assembling the reconnaissance team, he went to see Mr. Kim, the camp’s electrician.

“Hey, do you think you could dismantle and reinstall solar panels?”

“Solar panels?”

Mr. Kim was a jack-of-all-trades. He wasn’t just capable of lighting up lightbulbs; he had experience with radios, walkie-talkies, and other communication devices. Having previously worked subcontracting jobs for Korea Electric Power Corporation, he had brought numerous ingenious tools and resources to the camp.

“Yes, I’ve found some solar panels, and I’d like to move them to another location.”

“Hm…”

Though Mr. Kim looked hesitant, he eventually nodded.

“I’ve never done it before, so I can’t guarantee anything, but given enough time, it should be doable.”

“Great. Then I’ll need you to prepare to join the reconnaissance team for a short outing.”

Hearing the word “outing,” Mr. Kim looked a bit tense, but Yohan quickly reassured him.

“Don’t worry. It’s not far, and I’ll make sure you get back safely.”

“Alright, I’ll trust you on that.”

“Thank you.”

Yohan immediately picked up his walkie-talkie and pressed the transmission button.

“Recon team, let’s get to work. Meet at the parking lot in ten minutes.”

Shortly after, the reconnaissance team gathered one by one. Seri, as usual, was grumbling as she came down.

“Seriously, you never take a break, do you?”

“We’re heading out to take a proper break this time.”

The mention of a “proper break” left the team puzzled. Calling them to work only to promise rest seemed contradictory.

Yohan glanced around at the team. Everyone’s expressions were bright, likely because they had recently survived a significant threat.

“Today, we’re heading to Sangil Middle School to meet up with Recon Team 2. Then, we’ll settle into a new reconnaissance camp for some real relaxation.”

“A new camp?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”

They were in for a surprise.

Yohan smiled faintly. Deciding to reveal the first shelter to them had largely been influenced by his fight with Baek Jong-soo.

The shelter still held an abundance of supplies, enough to fill its storage rooms to the brim. If something happened to him, he didn’t want the supplies to go unused.

Moreover, the reconnaissance camp would serve as an excellent incentive for the allied survivors, motivating them further.

—

At the Reserve Camp, Yohan met with Lieutenant Ahn, who reviewed the camp rules and zombie behavior guides he had drafted.

“These guidelines explain why soldiers in the barracks suddenly started turning into zombies back then…”

Lieutenant Ahn nodded as he recalled the battles fought during the early days of the apocalypse.

“So… if we maintain this alliance, you’ll continue providing support and even assign someone to your reconnaissance team?”

“Yes, I ask for your cooperation.”

The lieutenant hesitated. Although the chain of command had completely broken down, he still represented a government organization. While the arrangement was labeled an alliance, the camp’s superior resources and influence effectively placed them under Yohan’s leadership.

However, there wasn’t a better alternative. The lieutenant had felt the overwhelming strength of Yohan’s camp, and it inspired both fear and respect.

“Could I join your team instead? It feels inadequate to send only a single soldier without any officers.”

“I’m sorry, but we need you to remain in charge here. A single capable and brave soldier will suffice.”

“Then, I’d like a few assurances.”

Yohan nodded for him to continue.

“First, the alliance must operate as a partnership, not a hierarchy. Second, I wish to maintain the current chain of command within my unit. Finally, if contact is made with our superiors, we will prioritize following national orders. Should that mean leaving the camp to rejoin the military, I ask for your understanding.”

Even in such dire circumstances, the lieutenant’s intentions and goals were clear. There was no reason to refuse his requests. Yohan silently raised his evaluation of him, realizing that his survival over six months wasn’t just due to luck.

“Agreed. However, I ask for your understanding that some of your members may occasionally stay with other camps to foster cooperation.”

“Understood. Corporal Ong, you’ll be joining the recon team.”

With that, the alliance was sealed smoothly. Yohan shook hands with Corporal Ong, who was then assigned to Recon Team 1.

The team members showed interest in their new companion.

“Your name’s Ong?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Man, that’s a unique surname.”

“I hear that a lot, sir…”