After leaving the apartment building, Byul wandered around the street to quite some time. He was contemplating whether the group had left the building by now as he was to call out his army. But it would be troublesome if they are to shoot at his puppets again. Somehow, Byul felt funny inside. It should be easy for him to do as he please since everything here is from a game, the only difference is that he was one of the characters inside.
It would be much easier if he was the one who’s sitting in front of a computer but. Now that he was also aware that the initial plan was just to be a player, he somehow felt a bit conflicted because of his new status as a character. When he thought about the first time he discovered the game ‘Arc of Shion’ his mood felt better.
Arc of Shion, it gave him a place where he belongs. Without looking at other people, without having felt the wretched feeling and hating himself. It rewarded him a new life. Not just a life but also a mission. Such a thing, he still felt that maybe everything was just a beautiful dream.
Considering the circumstances that they’ve confronted with, who is there to even blame? The Creator, no it was themselves for playing the game to begin with. As the thought crossed his mind, Byul thinks that the Creator’s reason was justified.
“Still, to be this quiet at times like this? Am I starting to get lucky?”
On his long way on the road he didn’t encounter any zombie and somehow Byul was grateful that the odds didn’t completely forsaken him. To be honest, he felt strange. Even if he was lucky, shouldn’t zombies go wandering all over the street? So, why is that he didn’t spot at least one at all?
After walking for an hour, he finally saw a group of people. Byul instinctively hid behind the corner, his instincts told him that the people are wary of their surrounding and just from that attitude, Byul couldn’t help but become suspicious. Watching them aside, Byul reached out to his backpack and sneakily took a piece of chocolate bar as he slowly munched on it.
In that building, the group start gathering some people inside. Judging by their appearance, they bring bad news. Their clothes had vest and they are armed with rifles. Although, they seems like soldiers or a part of special force, looking from the building they are guarding. It’s reeks of dirty air, and why are they escorting people to a bar?
Byul wondered for a while and finally come out of his hiding spot. If he passed by, they would probably approach him. After a while, a person noticed him and immediately called out to him in a loud voice and with the invitation handed out, Byul approached them with no hesitation.
After inspecting his body, they handed him a card, a flashy business card. Byul wrinkled his brow, not knowing whether he should be amused or mad. They f*cking handed him a ticket to gay bar!
Byul gripped the card on his fingers and just let himself inside. His curiosity and suspicion won’t let him back off just because he got shaken by a little card. And thus, Byul made his way into the hall. It was conspicuous since the whole corridor smells of alcohol and his guess already made him cranky enough to not be able to keep his posture at all.
He wasn’t gay nor was he even interested in blending with the society to begin with but now that he’s facing a situation he never expected to happen at all, he was completely shaken to the core. How on Earth did he found himself here in the middle of the apocalypse? He must be out of his mind.
With his thoughts aside, Byul finally reached the bar and the sound of disco music immediately welcome him along with the brazen environment. There were guys flirting all over the place and the only safe spot was next to the bartender. Thinking that he came all the way here, then he might as well blend in right?
‘Damn’
Byul touched his head furious and irritated, he’s starting to regret himself being curious about the place. With his flushed cheeks, Byul lowered his head as the brain seems to hurt just thinking about the issue he has to deal with. He’s been into parties but those are all straight ones. Not to mention it was his first time to step in such a place. This is really embarrassing and humiliating.
Afterwards, with no regards on the environment, he finally ordered a drink to fill himself and also for him to relax. After finishing a glass of vodka, Byul curiously asked the bartender. Even though he’s not interested in this kind of place. Byul is not that innocent. “What’s on tonight?”
“You’re a newbie?”
He was a bit speechless after hearing that. He didn’t even expected that his cover was easily blown. Sensing that he already messed up first-hand, Byul just let out an awkward laugh but the straight-laced bartender didn’t seem to mind. Instead, he offer him another drink.
“Then you must be here for that. Many are curious and of course, we are very welcoming to people like you. Don’t worry, you’ll know soon enough.” The bartender vaguely explained.
Hearing that statement, Byul felt uneasy. What is this unpleasant feeling? He felt as if something bad will happen afterwards. However, since his curiosity was piqued enough to contemplate over leaving and staying for a bit. Byul just gave in to his desire.
Or at least, he should’ve doubt the situation first before deciding right away. However, it was already too late. Byul just had his second fill of glass when the music suddenly stopped and the lighting was focused on the top of the stage. After a minute, a sexy looking guy on bunny costume waved his hand as the other one held the mic.
“Alright everyone! This is the moment we’ve been waiting for!”
After the announcement the people took out their cards which Byul simply imitated. In a while, the people on the corner stood up and went somewhere in the darkness. Curious about the situation, Byul took a drink and went to the farthest seat. Even if it’s inconspicuous and slightly blocked by the many other seats he could at least see the faint figures in the dark. The music was loud earlier so he didn’t have an idea what was going on, thankfully the announcer turned off the music and he finally heard a few topics.
With his brow wrinkled in deep confusion, Byul bend his ear a bit. They seem to be talking about some kind of drug? Just as he was about to hear the name of the drug, Byul was interrupted with a sudden scream.
“Ah! Help! Help me!”
Even before he could discern the situation, the rotten smell spread across the room making his insides tightened up. Byul, with a very fast reaction, dodged the attempted hug. He immediately jumped off his seat and back away without hesitation. Since he was the only person on the farthest seat, people didn’t notice him and Byul was thankful for that. Just what would it turned out if someone saw him with such intense reaction.
He peek back and saw a person clawing his previous seat. His stature was ruined and his clothes were in disarray. His face wasn’t seen because of the dark but just from his actions he’s completely insane. Byul watched the person attentively and finally he realized that it was the person who went inside the corner earlier.
After a moment, the man threw himself to a random person and started biting him off. The harsh scream of pain and agony filled the room as the very person struggled beneath the harsh grip. However, after a while, the person already lost consciousness. His flesh was torn and there were deep bite marks all over his neck. There’s also a bleeding next to his cheek making the person’s face partially bitten off.
After a while, those people stared at him with completely different eyes. The darkness covered their faces leaving their hideous eyes glinting and frightened Byul a little.
With a heavy feeling in his heart, Byul almost choke in his own saliva. After sensing the whole room was instantly filled with silence and murderous aura. He quickly realized that the situation was very dangerous.
All the people shifted their focus on him and in a second, they eventually walked towards him with their mouth stretched in a strange smile. In that very moment, Byul was completely horrified. The people looked partially sane but what will happen if they completely lost it? Byul don’t even want to think about the next part and quickly strode off. After he dashed away, they immediately chased after him.
In the hall, his heart was beating so loud and his face was covered with cold sweat. He should’ve obeyed his instincts. After he left the room, the hall was quiet and only the sound of his footsteps and his breath were heard. He’s already been in many turns on the hall but he can’t seem to get out. The people chasing him seems to be getting closer as he ran farther.
No matter where he turn he always turned back to the beginning driving him mad. Byul held his head, he seriously had no idea what’s going on! The situation was too overwhelming that he couldn’t help but burst into tears. What’s going on? He really can’t understand the point and he don’t even have a single clue.
After some time, Byul decided to stop. Running is pointless and the situation made him feel the déjà vu. He sat in the corner almost out of his breath and after steadying himself, he lowered his head, completely powerless.
In the second when he lifted his head, he saw a person grinning at him with a hideous face. He steps get closer and closer but Byul has completely lose his strength to move. With his life on the line, Byul finally knew fear. As the person eventually reached out his disfigured hand to him. Byul immediately break down and cried.
What fate?
What odds?
It’s not that he’s unlucky, he’s cursed!
Byul bit on his lower lip. This time, he realized that he completely overestimated himself…