Chapter 1

Episode 1: Survival (Part 1)

Before I enlisted in the military, I was just your average guy, living life by the book.

I had a solid life plan mapped out, envisioning myself successfully entering Seoul University after acing my first college entrance exam. From there, I planned to enlist after completing my first year and returning to school for my second.

Everything seemed to be falling perfectly into place, without a hitch in sight. The training center, unit deployment, and adaptation were all flawless. It was almost too easy.

But was fate playing a cruel joke on me? Or perhaps the universe had it out for me? With the rapid escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, an all-out war erupted following a preemptive strike by the U.S. military on North Korea.

From that moment on, my life took a drastic turn. Gone were the routine days, replaced by chaos and uncertainty. It was impossible to see beyond the next moment, with explosions and casualties becoming the norm.

As I fought on the front lines, engaging in gunfire without flinching, I had no way of contacting my parents until my retirement. Exhausted both mentally and physically, I couldn't even fathom sending a letter home. Smartphones were confiscated for security reasons, leaving us feeling like modern-day cavemen armed with weapons.

After completing my five-year service in the Republic of Korea, I sought solace in Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, to heal my weary soul.

Gimhae was a city unlike any other, bustling with factory workers and merchants catering to their needs. Despite its population of over 500,000, land prices remained relatively low, creating an eco-friendly suburban haven amidst the surrounding mountains and rivers.

In this quaint southern city, I purchased a luxurious villa nestled at the foot of a gentle mountain. I longed for the tranquility of country life, away from the bustling city streets.

But even amidst the serenity, I found myself struggling. The trauma center provided by the military offered little solace, and I refused to rely on medication to help me sleep at night. All I craved was peace and quiet, away from the chaos of the world.

One fateful afternoon, I awoke to chaos on the television screen. Seoul, the city I had fled just a year ago, was engulfed in madness—a violent riot unlike anything I had ever seen. People covered in blood swarmed the streets, attacking anyone in their path with ruthless intent.

Despite the gravity of the situation, I found myself indifferent. Whether it was due to delayed wages or government policies gone awry, I couldn't muster the energy to care.

Deciding to lift my spirits with a comforting meal, I opted for chicken—my go-to remedy for any ailment. Ordering from the comfort of my home, I anticipated the arrival of my meal with eager anticipation.

But as the hours passed, my chicken failed to arrive. Checking the delivery app, I discovered a backlog of orders, leaving me hungry and frustrated. It seemed my comfort meal was not meant to be.

As I pondered my misfortune, the news broadcast painted a grim picture. An abnormal surge in traffic accidents, riots, and a deadly virus mutation sent shockwaves throughout the world. Martial law was declared, and chaos reigned supreme.

Realizing the fate of my chicken was the least of my worries, I resigned myself to a bowl of ramen—a far cry from the feast I had anticipated. In times of crisis, even the simplest comforts become a luxury.

But as the news continued to unfold, hinting at a sinister contagion spreading through violent tendencies, I couldn't shake the feeling that my troubles were far from over.