Chapter 153
“CQ, I repeat. CQ.”
From that day on, Yohan sent out call signals on HAM radio to the entire world.
But compared to the number of attempts, the response rate was extremely low.
Maybe it was because few people could operate HAM equipment, or maybe there were just that few survivors left.
Yohan hadn’t expected much, anyway. Maybe this plan was pointless from the start. Even if it was meaningful, perhaps the beings outside the game wouldn’t even bat an eye at it. Or maybe, they’d even be happy a new variable had appeared.
But Yohan didn’t stop. At the very least, he hoped they’d frown, that they’d see his almost-protest and scowl.
He set up shifts so that the calls continued 24 hours a day, waiting for a response.
And finally, a reply came.
“Boss, we’ve got a wireless station answering the call.”
“Connect us.”
Summoned by Jae-ho, Yohan moved to the situation room and had an interpreter sit down at the radio equipment. This was where it really began. Yohan spoke, and the interpreter held the transceiver.
“This is Camp Yohan.”
After Yohan’s message, a burst of static, and then a reply came.
-This is CANIN.
It was a young man’s voice. His voice wasn’t shaking, but it was low and quiet, and it was obvious he was nervous.
-I kept hearing repeated calls ignoring HAM regulations… Well, with the world as it is, what’s the use of rules now. Are you looking for someone?
“No. We’re not looking for anyone in particular, we’re looking for survivors.”
-……
The man fell silent. It was as if you could hear him thinking, trying to figure out their intentions on the other end of the line. But who among the survivors didn’t have a story by now?
Yohan checked for a moment if the connection had been lost. It was still there.
“Are you alone?”
-No, but I can’t tell you anything more.
“Alright. Is there any way you can come to New Zealand?”
-That’s impossible.
At least he could tell the other party was in a distant region. Yohan didn’t ask where—no need to increase the wariness.
Someone who’d survived this long and finally answered a call was bound to be cautious. In these cases, getting to the point quickly was better.
“I understand. Then I’m going to share some information with you.”
-Information?
“Yes. It’s information crucial for your survival, so please record and remember it well. And if you see any other survivors, or if you have others with you, make sure to spread it.”
-I don’t understand what you’re saying.
To be exact, he didn’t understand Yohan’s ‘intent.’ Yohan explained.
“We’re Camp Yohan, surviving in New Zealand. We have about two hundred survivors living together. We’ve restored military facilities, communications, agriculture, and livestock.”
-Oh, my God. That’s impossible!
“We’d like to share every piece of knowledge that helped us survive. We hope you’ll spread this knowledge far and wide, so more people can live.”
-But, we can’t give you anything in return.
“All I ask is that you pass on what you’ve learned. I trust your conscience and faith.”
A brief silence followed. A little kindness discovered in a world turned hellish. People unused to such kindness acted as if they’d found a poisoned chalice, prodding it rather than daring to drink.
He understood. He’d probably have been the same. The era of surviving on luck was over. Just making it this far was proof enough of talent and survival skills.
But Yohan was sure they’d take the bait. No matter their motive, there was little risk in radio contact. They could always decide what to do with the information later.
-Can I hear the information?
There was little to lose.
“Of course.”
Yohan handed the prepared script to the interpreter. It contained everything needed to survive: the habits of zombies, information on mutants, details on medicine, how to secure electricity and water—every bit of knowledge.
“There’s a lot. Please make sure the call doesn’t drop, and record everything. Let us know when you’re ready.”
-Yes. Go ahead.
“First, zombies’ weak points are the head and heart… Second, when a mutant is nearby, you can be infected through the air even without being bitten…”
As the transmission continued, at first the man just listened, but soon he was saying, “W-wait a minute!” and scrambling around in a hurry. Noisy sounds from his side came through the radio.
-Please, start again from the part about the first mutant. I’m sorry.
“It’s fine. If you have questions, feel free to interrupt at any time.”
It was a lot to cover. Nearly a few hours of transmission. Camp CANIN cut the call from time to time to change batteries, then urgently called Yohan back, afraid they might have lost contact.
Just sharing the trimmed-down essentials took several hours.
“That’s all. Is there anything else you want to know?”
The call had started when the sun was high, but now the sunset was beginning.
-Who… who are you people?
“I told you. We’re Camp Yohan, surviving in New Zealand.”
The straightforward answer left the man silent. But there was nothing else Yohan could say to that question. If they asked who he was, all he could do was answer honestly. Maybe they realized their own question was meaningless, for they said nothing more, only expressing gratitude.
-Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you…
“You might be in danger, so I won’t tell you to save others. But whether you broadcast this, print out newsletters, or just spread it to those nearby—make sure this information reaches as many survivors as possible.”
-Yes. I’ll do my best.
“Whether you believe it or not is up to you, but when the time comes, be sure to use it. Good luck.”
As Yohan was about to end the transmission, the man hurriedly spoke up.
—I believe you. Many of the things you shared match the information we’ve discovered. I wish we had something to offer you in return… But why are you helping us this much?
“As I said, I want you to survive.”
Yohan’s firm answer left the man speechless. Perhaps realizing he wouldn’t get a different answer if he kept asking, his question changed slightly.
—What are you doing right now?
Yohan paused briefly, then answered in a resolute tone.
“Rehabilitation.”
That was the end of the transmission.
Yohan immediately began using the HAM radio to search for other camps.
—
A few days later, a radio broadcast was airing in Auckland, New Zealand. It was a test broadcast for sound quality. After several tests, Jae-ho clapped his hands a few times to signal that preparations were complete. Yohan, returning from installing speakers atop the wall, asked Jae-ho,
“How’s the radio broadcast setup?”
“It’s done. How about the speakers?”
“No problem. Not that anyone’s really going to listen. Let’s just hope it doesn’t attract zombies.”
“You think there are still zombies left around here?”
Jae-ho’s joking remark didn’t change Yohan’s calm expression.
“How many are there?”
“Four. As long as you’re on the right frequency, you can broadcast all over New Zealand.”
“Good. From now on, broadcast six hours at a time, four times a day, twenty-four hours total. Only air the survival guide for now; hold off on survivor rescue broadcasts until the shelters are ready.”
Jae-ho nodded at Yohan’s instructions.
“When are you going to build the survivor rescue shelters?”
“Starting today.”
Yohan answered firmly.
It had to be done anyway.
The top priority was raising the survival rate of other survivors who heard the broadcasts, but ultimately, they would have to start direct rescue operations. Survivors who moved without understanding the risks could easily become prey for mutants.
They needed to secure enough food to feed a growing population and eliminate nearby mutants—especially the Piccolos.
“It’s going to get busy. Push yourself until you don’t have time to think. Being able to work is a blessing, Jae-ho.”
Jae-ho smiled. The sickly yellow of his complexion was gone, replaced by color.
“I keep that in mind, Boss.”
From that day, rescue broadcasts were aired from various homemade frequencies on equipment installed all around the situation room.
After finishing preparations, Yohan immediately called for the search teams. With only a minimum of guards left, all members gathered in one place.
The four search teams lined up in perfect rows and columns. Without any visible tension, they simply watched Yohan with determined faces. After scanning the teams, Yohan called the four team leaders forward.
“Is everyone here?”
“Yeah. What’s up, kid?”
“I have something to announce.”
“Why not just say it at the regular meeting?”
“It’s an important issue. Once I have your agreement, I’ll share it with the rest directly.”
The four nodded at Yohan’s words. Whatever it was, if Yohan was coming forward himself, it had to be something major. They waited in tense silence for him to continue.
“Until now, we’ve expanded the search range safely and slowly, but from now on, I plan to increase the pace. We’ll pair up the teams and conduct long-term searches up and down Auckland. Since a lot of time has passed since the apocalypse began, the survival rate is dropping sharply, so we need to find survivors as quickly as possible. At the same time, you’ll need to locate feral livestock and mutants.”
The team leaders agreed, but also felt confused. This was very different from Yohan’s previous approach.
Before, even if outsiders died, internal safety was the top priority. More people had died for the sake of Camp Yohan’s survival than had been saved in rescue operations.
It was difficult to understand why he was suddenly prioritizing the rescue of survivors. Hajin spoke up as their representative.
“This is a different direction than your previous orders.”
“It is. Because the goal has changed.”
“What’s the new goal?”
Yohan, like a player making a decisive move, stated the theme.
“The end of the apocalypse. And rehabilitation. Saving as many survivors as possible, and making sure the survivors repopulate.”
The team leaders sensed the time had come.
Throughout the struggle to survive, Yohan had constantly gathered, processed, and tested information.
This decision was the result of that process.
But people looked bewildered at his words.
Ending the apocalypse and rebuilding, sure—but repopulate?
“Repopulate… That’s an odd way to put it.”
Noah frowned, creasing his flawless skin.
Yohan paused for a moment, wondering what was wrong, then nodded as he realized.