Chapter 9: The Outstretched Hand Of Evil

Chapter 9: The Outstretched Hand Of Evil

The woman I saved from the convenience store was not of the commonplace appearance you could regularly see on the street. She was so pretty that you would turn around if you passed her.

Judging by her medium-length hair tied neatly into a ponytail, reaching down to her shoulders, and wearing a convenience store vest, it seemed like she had been working part-time during the zombie virus outbreak.

How could I not know if such a woman worked part-time at our apartment convenience store? Was she a new hire?

With that thought, I went into the convenience store storage room.

I naturally didnt even consider not entering as she might be hiding something.

And what I encountered in the storage room was

Her feces lay on the floor.

Ah.

I silently raised my hand to cover my nose.

Then, Serena followed me in and said,

Doha, it smells like poop in here!

.

Just as I admired Serenas frankness, I heard a faint groan-like voice from the woman behind.

Id rather you kill me.

Im sorry.

Its okay.

Im really sorry.

Its really okay. Theres no problem at all. Its actually my fault for stopping you from entering without any explanation. Theres no need for you to apologize.

She seemed a bit mentally shaken, but she quickly recovered. She was a woman with strong mental fortitude.

I thought to myself that I couldnt recover as quickly as she did if a woman saw me having defecated on the floor.

Especially if I heard that it smelled Ugh, lets stop imagining.

Thank you once again for saving my life. If you hadnt helped, I would have been bitten and become a zombie.

Dont mention it. We should help in times of crisis.

I will never forget this kindness. Also, to the other person behind you

Ah.

Serena, seeing someone other than me for the first time, was staring at the woman and was surprised when she heard her name.

Then, as if a button had been pressed, she introduced herself.

Ah, ah! Im Kim Rena! Although Im half British, Ive only lived in Korea, so I cant speak English! Also, I am Kim Dohas girlfriend! A fully qualified, real girlfriend!

I sighed deeply inside. Yes, Serena was like a blank slate.

She was so reliable when dealing with zombies that I had momentarily forgotten, but it was natural for her to be this clumsy at first.

The woman was obviously flustered. I interjected at an appropriate time.

I am Kim Doha. Rena is pleased to meet you.

Ah, ah Yes! Miss Rena, Mr. Doha. So, you two are in a relationship! Im Baek Seona. Im 21 years old.

Ah, Im 28 years old. And shes 20 years old.

What? 28? You look much younger than your age. You two really suit each other!

Baek Seona was 21 years old, but she knew how to socialize.

Passing marks.

But there was someone who was more pleased to hear that than me.

He, hehe. So, we suit each other, huh? Hehe.

Suddenly, Serena transformed into a woman laughing ominously by herself. Before Serena could go overboard, I quickly changed the subject.

But

Yes?

It seems like you were continuously holding up in that warehouse; why did you suddenly come out?

Ah.

Only a day has passed since the zombies appeared, and you couldve held up for quite a while inside the warehouse.

If helping her seemed dangerous, I could withdraw then.

I had planned to explore the outside world regularly anyway, so it wouldnt be a bad idea to visit the survivors shelter at this time.

And above all I liked Seona.

She was the type to definitely repay a favor.

Alright.

As soon as I finished my words, Rena, who was sitting next to me, promptly raised her hand.

If Doha likes it, of course, I do too! Because I am Dohas girlfriend!

She seemed to quite like her role as a girlfriend.

Seona, in response to our answers, smiled brightly with teary eyes. Her smile was so beautiful it felt like the room had lit up.

Thank you! Really, thank you! I will never, ever forget this kindness!

Yeah, yeah. I trust you. How about saying that again after we meet your family? You must be tired today, so wash up early and sleep. Well leave early tomorrow morning.

Thank you! Thank you!

Seona expressed her gratitude and went to take a shower.

Since she probably hadnt been able to wash since yesterday, I suggested she wash first.

Our home was a studio apartment. It was spacious for a studio apartment, but it was still a studio.

The clear sound filled the room as she turned on the water and began to wash.

The sound of brushing teeth, washing hair, and body wash being used.

And just when my imagination started to get the better of me due to these sounds

Ding- Ding-

I heard the sound of a text message coming in.

The sound came from Seonas phone.

The lock screen on Seonas phone was not active, and the contents of the newly received message were displayed directly on the screen.

This was what it said.

-Sis. I've been busy all day and couldn't contact you. Those awakened ones turned out to be really nice people. I must have been misunderstanding them. I'm doing well with Mom and Dad now.

-They said they would take you to the refuge when I told them about you. They are really strong, so you can be rescued within a day. But I can't exactly remember what you told me yesterday. Where did you say the convenience store you are trapped in is located?

As I read the text and frowned, another one came in.

Ding-

-Oh, and I can't call right now. I don't know why, but my calling feature has been broken since yesterday. That's why I couldn't answer. Anyway, send me the location of the convenience store quickly, and I'll go to rescue you soon!

Rena, who read the text with me, spoke with a bright expression.

Wow, thats great! Theyre coming to rescue Seona! You were so worried, but it seems like nothing happened!

Rena was fooled, as expected.

However, other than Rena, who was as innocent as a blank slate, it was a clumsy text that no one would likely fall for.

Even the wolf trying to eat Little Red Riding Hood would have made a more earnest attempt than this if he had to send a text.

There were too many suspicious elements in this text.

First, what were his doubts about the awakened ones, and what was his misunderstanding? Why did he gloss over that so quickly?

Second, what was so good about these people that they would make a way for Seona, who had no special abilities, to be rescued?

Third, her brother heard the location of the convenience store where his sister was trapped and even said he would go to rescue her, but he forgot the location in just one day? Was this teenage dementia?

Fourth, all the other features are fine, but the calling feature was broken?

Furthermore, even if he was really busy, he didnt have time to send a single text all day, and caused his sister to worry? After sending such a meaningful text at the end?

The answer was clear.

These bastards had taken her brothers phone and were targeting Seona.

They must have seen her picture in the album or something.

Hmm

Now it was time to consider it.

How should I handle these bastards?