"Cursed Dawn"

Morning arrived, and the group set out to hunt the necroflora without Agent Ji Woon. In Yul led the operation, with the team of 14 dressed in school training uniforms and black vests, all squeezed into one large vehicle for easier coordination and monitoring by In Yul.

As they drove, In Yul's mind lingered on the secretive meeting from the previous night. The unease in his thoughts was hard to shake, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the mission ahead.

When they reached their destination, the team disembarked and prepared to divide into smaller groups for the hunt:

Group 1: Jae Hyun, Daesung, Darian, and Min Joon, led by Jae Hyun, moved to the right side of the area.

Group 2: Haera, Haeun, Taejin, Ji Woo, and Soren, led by Taejin, headed toward the left.

Group 3: Yumi, Aria, Seok Woo, Ji Hoon, and Jinho stayed in the center with In Yul to monitor the surroundings and provide backup.

Group 1: Jae Hyun's Team

Equipped with flame rifles, Jae Hyun's group cautiously walked through the eerily silent area. Their steps echoed as they scanned for signs of movement. Despite their readiness, the lack of any necroflora left them puzzled.

"This doesn't make sense," Daesung muttered, lowering his rifle slightly. "Where are they? It's too quiet."

"Stay alert," Jae Hyun warned, gripping his weapon tightly. "This could be a trap."

As they ventured further, Jae Hyun suddenly looked over his shoulder, sensing movement. His heart raced when he spotted several necroflora emerging from the shadows, their grotesque figures advancing slowly toward the group.

"Behind us!" Jae Hyun shouted, raising his weapon.

Group 2: Taejin's Team

On the left side, Taejin's group moved silently, staying low as they approached a cluster of abandoned police cars and vehicles. The sight of the scene raised suspicions.

Haera, always vigilant, motioned for the group to stop. "This isn't random," she whispered. "The vehicles are positioned too strategically."

Taejin nodded. "A tactic," he muttered. "The police must have set this up."

Suddenly, the faint sound of groaning reached their ears. They turned to see a group of necroflora staggering toward the cars. Taejin signaled the group to take cover and prepare to engage.

"Wait for my signal," he ordered, gripping his blade tightly.

Group 3: In Yul's Team

Back at the center, In Yul's group remained stationary, surveying the area. As they scanned their surroundings, Yumi noticed something unusual.

"There's something buried over there," she said, pointing to a spot near the vehicles.

In Yul narrowed his eyes and approached cautiously. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a bomb. "This is a trap," he muttered under his breath.

Seok Woo furrowed his brows. "What do we do? Disarm it?"

"No," In Yul replied. "We'll mark its location and stay away. This could be a chain reaction."

As In Yul and his team marked the area, the distant sound of gunfire and growls reached their ears.

"Group 1," In Yul muttered, reaching for his radio.

Back with Jae Hyun's group, the necroflora had closed the distance, forcing the team to engage. Flames erupted from their rifles as they tried to hold the creatures back.

"Stay together!" Jae Hyun commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Daesung fired wildly, panic creeping into his movements. "There's too many!"

"Keep it together!" Jae Hyun barked, stepping in front of him to protect the group.

Meanwhile, on the left side, Taejin's group launched a surprise attack on the necroflora near the police cars. Their strategy paid off, and they managed to take down several creatures with minimal effort.

"Good work," Taejin said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Let's regroup with the others."

In the center, In Yul's team prepared to move toward Jae Hyun's location. "Stay sharp," In Yul said as they advanced cautiously.

The hunt was far from over, and the team's resolve would soon be tested like never before.

Despite Taejin's best efforts, everything the group did turned out to be in vain. Unbeknownst to them, the abandoned police vehicles and strategically placed traps were part of a larger scheme by the authorities.

Taejin's group soon realized they had walked right into a trap—a cruel tactic designed to lure necroflora toward them. They were meant to act as bait, drawing the infected away so that the police and military could carry out their operation with minimal risk to their own forces.

Haera's eyes darted around the vehicles, spotting hidden explosives and motion sensors. "This isn't random," she muttered, her voice trembling.

Taejin clenched his fists in frustration, realization dawning on him. "They set this up... They planned for us to be here."

Haeun, pale with fear, whispered, "So, we're just bait?"

Soren glanced nervously at Taejin. "What do we do now?"

Taejin exhaled sharply, his mind racing. "We can't stay here. We'll find a way out. Everyone, stay calm and follow my lead."

The distant growls of necroflora began to grow louder, a chilling reminder of the danger closing in. Taejin's group had no choice but to brace themselves for the inevitable. The trust they placed in the authorities had been shattered, and now their survival depended on their ability to outwit not only the infected but also the betrayal of those meant to protect them.

In Yul, after assessing the situation, drove towards Jae Hyun and his group, rallying everyone back to the starting point. With urgency mounting, they all piled into the massive transport vehicle, preparing to head toward Taejin's group to provide assistance.

As the large vehicle rumbled down the road, Jae Hyun's eyes locked onto a sleek sports car parked nearby. Curiosity and a spark of mischief lit his face. "This might be faster," he muttered, stepping out of the truck and heading towards the car.

The group watched anxiously as Jae Hyun attempted to start the vehicle. After several failed attempts, the engine finally roared to life. A sense of hope rippled through them as all eyes turned to him. "You're pinning all your hopes on me, huh?" he said with a smirk before speeding off toward Taejin's location.

At group,Taejin and his team were cornered, firing desperately at the advancing necroflora. Their resources were dwindling, and the odds looked grim until the deafening sound of a car horn echoed through the chaos.

Jae Hyun arrived, flooring the gas pedal and barreling through the horde of necroflora, crushing them under the car's wheels. "Move aside!" he shouted, using the vehicle as a battering ram. The team, momentarily stunned, watched in awe as the tide of enemies thinned out.

Reversing the car with precision, Jae Hyun pulled up to the group. "Get in!" he yelled. Without hesitation, they scrambled into the vehicle.

Meanwhile, In Yul sped away from their initial location, regrouping with the rest of the team to ensure everyone's safety.

Back in the sports car, Jae Hyun gripped the wheel tightly, navigating through narrow alleyways and sharp turns. Explosions erupted in the distance, forcing him to swerve through debris and avoid collapsing structures. The tension in the air was palpable, but Jae Hyun's focus never wavered.

As they finally emerged from the danger zone, leaving the burning chaos behind, Jae Hyun slowed the car just enough to glance at the group. With a cocky grin, he quipped, "Cool, huh? Admit it, I saved the day."

The others glared at him, clearly unimpressed. "Cool? We almost died back there!" snapped Taejin, still catching his breath.

Taejin used the radio to contact In Yul, reporting their safe escape. On the other end, relief was evident in In Yul's voice.

Inside the transport truck, those with In Yul reacted with a mix of emotions. Some cheered, their spirits lifted by the news, while others broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the near-death experience.

Jae Hyun, hearing the commotion over the radio, chuckled to himself. "They'll thank me later," he murmured, focusing on the road ahead as the group finally began to regroup.

In Yul's vehicle finally arrived at the rendezvous point, where Eun Seul and Ji Woon stood waiting. Their poised yet commanding presence was hard to miss, and the team noticed them immediately.

As everyone exited the vehicle, Seok Woo, Ji Hoon, and Min Joon exchanged glances, a spark of recognition in their eyes. They quickly realized who she was—Eun Seul, Jae Hyun's older sister.

"That's his sister," Min Joon whispered.

Gathering their composure, they approached her with polite greetings. Eun Seul, radiating warmth and charisma, smiled kindly and greeted them in return. She ruffled Ji Hoon's hair, making him groan, and gave Seok Woo's shoulder a firm pat.

Min Joon, noticing the interaction, glanced at Ji Woon with a knowing look, as if to say, She's just like Jae Hyun—bossy but likable.

"Where's Jae Hyun?" Eun Seul asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of concern.

In Yul, who had been watching quietly, approached Ji Woon to update him on the earlier events. The gravity of the situation made Ji Woon's expression harden.

Before they could dwell further on the conversation, the distinct roar of the sports car's engine echoed in the distance. The group turned to see the car speeding toward them.

Yumi and Aria erupted in cheers as the car came to a screeching halt. "Jae Hyun, you're a hero!" they yelled, their voices filled with relief and admiration.

The rest of the group exited the car, one by one, visibly exhausted but grateful to have made it out alive. Jae Hyun, however, lingered inside the vehicle, leaning back in his seat with a weary expression.

Finally, he opened the door and stepped out, shielding his eyes from the sun before locking eyes with Eun Seul. Without a word, he broke into a run, dashing toward her with an urgency that caught everyone off guard.

"Eun Seul!" he called out, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and irritation as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.

Eun Seul returned the hug briefly but then pulled back, narrowing her eyes at him. "Why are you here, of all places? Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?" Jae Hyun began ranting about how she shouldn't be there, listing every possible reason why she needed to leave immediately.

With a roll of her eyes, Eun Seul smirked and tugged playfully at his hair. "Don't act like you're the only one allowed to take risks, little brother."

Jae Hyun grimaced, trying to dodge her hand. "Seriously, stop it. Do you know how many necroflora I just had to deal with?"

Eun Seul raised an eyebrow, amused. "I heard. That's why I'm here—to make sure you don't get yourself killed. Now, stop whining and come with me."

The rest of the group watched the sibling interaction, stifling their laughter. Min Joon leaned over to Ji Hoon and whispered, "Now I see where Jae Hyun gets his attitude."

Ji Hoon snorted, nodding in agreement as they all followed the siblings toward the rest of the team.

After regrouping, the team sat together, recounting the earlier events to Eun Seul. They described the necroflora ambush, the close calls, and Jae Hyun's daring escape in vivid detail. Eun Seul listened attentively, occasionally glancing at her younger brother, her expression shifting between pride and concern.

Yumi, however, seemed more interested in another topic. She leaned over to Eun Seul with a mischievous grin. "So...what's your relationship with Agent Ji Woon? I mean, he's so handsome and sweet—it's like he stepped out of a movie!"

Eun Seul raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the sudden question. She chuckled lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Agent Ji Woon? We're just colleagues. Don't let his charm fool you—he's tougher than he looks."

Yumi gasped, dramatically clutching her chest. "That makes him even more attractive!"

The group burst into laughter, lightening the mood for a moment before reality set in again.

Meanwhile, Ji Woon and In Yul stood a few feet away, engaged in a hushed conversation about the earlier events.

"I don't like this," Ji Woon said, his tone sharp. "That ambush felt too deliberate. Someone in the police is playing games."

In Yul nodded grimly. "Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised if they're testing how far they can push us."

Before they could discuss further, the sound of approaching vehicles caught their attention. A convoy of police cars pulled into the field, their flashing lights cutting through the dim evening.

The team stood as the Police General stepped out of one of the vehicles, his imposing presence immediately commanding attention. The soldiers instinctively straightened their postures, but their expressions betrayed their irritation.

Jae Hyun, however, had no intention of holding back. With a determined stride, he walked ahead of the group, stopping directly in front of the General.

"Do you have any idea what we just went through?" Jae Hyun's voice was sharp, filled with barely concealed anger. "We're not your pawns to be sacrificed for your schemes. If you think we're just going to stand by and let you treat us like disposable tools, you're wrong."

The General's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Careful with your words, young man. You're stepping into dangerous territory."

Jae Hyun took a step closer, his voice unwavering. "No, you're the one in dangerous territory if you think we'll keep quiet. My team barely made it out alive because of your so-called 'strategies.' If you can't do your job without risking innocent lives, then maybe you're the one who shouldn't be here."

The group watched in tense silence, their expressions a mix of surprise and admiration. Even Eun Seul, who had been standing at the back, couldn't hide a small, proud smile.

The General clenched his jaw, his gaze shifting to Ji Woon and In Yul. "Control your people," he ordered coldly before turning back toward his vehicle.

As the convoy drove away, Jae Hyun let out a frustrated sigh. "Coward," he muttered under his breath.

Eun Seul walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That was bold, even for you. But you're right—someone needs to hold them accountable."

Jae Hyun shrugged, still fuming. "I'm not going to let them gamble with our lives."

The team stood in solidarity, their resolve stronger than ever. They knew the battle ahead would be even tougher, but they also knew they could rely on each other to face it.

As the night deepened, the group gathered around a makeshift fire near their tents, sharing stories and trying to lighten the mood after the tense events of the day. Eun Seul sat with Yumi, Haera, Haeun, and Aria, who had formed a small circle around her. Ji Hoon, Seok Woo, Min Joon, Daesung, Soren, Darian, Taejin, Ji Woo, and Jinho sat nearby, listening and occasionally chiming in.

"So, Eun Seul," Yumi began, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, "what do you think about Jae Hyun's speech to the General? It was bold, don't you think?"

Eun Seul glanced at her brother, who was standing near the truck with Ji Woon and In Yul. A soft smile played on her lips. "It's typical Jae Hyun. He's always been bold, sometimes too much for his own good. But he means well, even if it makes me worry."

"Yeah, reckless as always," Seok Woo said with a chuckle, shaking his head. "But you've got to admit, it took guts."

"Guts or sheer stupidity," Haera muttered, earning laughs from Haeun and Taejin.

Aria added thoughtfully, "Still, it was brave. Not many people would dare stand up to someone like the General."

Min Joon raised an eyebrow, glancing at Eun Seul. "Speaking of bravery, what about Agent Ji Woon? You two seemed... close."

Yumi's eyes lit up, and she grinned mischievously. "Yes! That's what I wanted to ask! He's so handsome and sweet—it's like he stepped right out of a movie."

Eun Seul raised an eyebrow, though this time, there was a slight blush on her cheeks. "You're all so curious. Ji Woon and I... Well, we're dating."

The group gasped collectively, and Yumi nearly spilled her drink. "What?! Since when?!"

"Not long," Eun Seul admitted, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "We've been working together for a while, and, well, it just happened."

Haera smirked. "Oh, it 'just happened,' huh? Come on, there's got to be more to the story."

Before Eun Seul could respond, Ji Woon approached the group, his expression calm but curious. "What's going on?" he asked, standing behind Eun Seul.

"Oh, nothing," Yumi said with a sly grin. "Just learning about you two."

Ji Woon raised an eyebrow, glancing at Eun Seul, who gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I see," he said simply, his tone even. "And what's the verdict?"

Yumi beamed. "The verdict is that you're officially the coolest person here. Congratulations!"

Ji Woon chuckled lightly, leaning down to whisper something in Eun Seul's ear, causing her to laugh softly. "We'll talk later," he murmured before walking back to In Yul.

As soon as he left, Yumi practically exploded with excitement. "You're so lucky, Eun Seul! He's perfect!"

"Let it go, Yumi," Ji Hoon said, smirking. "You're making it awkward."

Meanwhile, In Yul and Ji Woon stood a few meters away, discussing the events of the day in hushed tones.

"The ambush was deliberate," In Yul said, his tone grim. "The General knew exactly what he was doing, using the team as bait."

Ji Woon clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing. "This is unacceptable. If this continues, we'll lose someone. We need to come up with our own strategy and stop relying on their reckless plans."

Before they could continue, Jae Hyun approached, his expression serious but tinged with amusement. "Talking about me again?" he joked lightly.

Ji Woon smirked faintly. "Not everything is about you, hero. Go take a break."

Jae Hyun shrugged nonchalantly. "Not a chance. So, what's the plan?"

Before they could answer, a low, guttural growl echoed from the darkness. The entire group froze, the earlier cheerful atmosphere vanishing in an instant.

Eun Seul stood, her hand instinctively reaching for the small pistol strapped to her belt. "What was that?" she whispered.

Ji Woon exchanged a tense glance with In Yul, who responded in a low voice, "Necroflora."

The growls grew louder, accompanied by the sound of heavy footsteps. From the shadows, several necroflora emerged, their grotesque forms illuminated by the flickering firelight.

Jae Hyun grabbed his weapon, his voice calm despite the tension. "Alright, team. Let's show them what we're made of."

Ji Hoon, Seok Woo, Min Joon, Daesung, and Darian moved to form a defensive line, their weapons at the ready. Taejin, Ji Woo, and Jinho took positions near the fire, shielding Yumi, Haera, Haeun, and Aria.

"Stay in formation, and don't let anyone get separated," In Yul ordered, his voice firm and steady.

Eun Seul stood her ground, her sharp eyes scanning the darkness for more threats. Ji Woon stepped closer to her, his stance protective.

"Stay safe," Ji Woon murmured, his hand briefly brushing against hers.

"You too," Eun Seul replied, her voice resolute despite the tension.

The team sprang into action, their earlier exhaustion forgotten as adrenaline surged through their veins. Though fear lingered at the edges of their minds, they fought with everything they had, united by their determination to survive.

Suddenly, a loud gunshot rang out from a distance, and one of the necroflora collapsed to the ground, its body disintegrating on the spot. Everyone was taken by surprise, including Eun Seul and Ji Woon, who immediately turned toward the source of the shot.

A shadow swiftly moved through the trees, and before they could fully process what was happening, a figure appeared—a man dressed in camouflage. His silhouette clearly showed he was holding a sniper rifle, still slung over his shoulder.

"Who is that?" Ji Hoon whispered, his eyes sharply scanning the situation.

In Yul, recognizing the figure, widened his eyes in disbelief. "That's... Haera's father!"

The man, moving with precision, scanned the surrounding area before aiming his rifle at another approaching necroflora. In a flash, another shot rang out, and once again, a necroflora dropped.

Haera, both stunned and relieved, whispered, "Dad..."

The man, unshaken by the tense situation around them, approached the group. As he got closer, they could see his face more clearly—sharp, experienced, with piercing eyes.

"I was ordered to ensure your safety," the man said in a calm, low voice, his rifle still trained on the remaining necroflora.

"Y-Your father...?" Aria asked in disbelief.

The man nodded briefly. "I'm an elite sniper and an agent in the Republic of Korea's special forces. I was deployed here to ensure your security." Then, he turned and looked at Haera with a serious expression. "And to ensure my daughter is safe."

Everyone fell silent for a moment, stunned by the revelation that Haera, usually composed and strong, had such a complex background.

"In yul, Ji Woon, you'll need to explain everything to me later," the man continued in a firm tone. "For now, let's finish this."

Meanwhile, the remaining necroflora moved closer, but they couldn't avoid the shots coming from an unexpected direction. With Haera's father on their side, the battle began to shift in their favor.

Jae Hyun, already poised with his weapon, spoke with confidence. "Alright, team. Get ready to strike!"

As Haera's father continued to take down the necroflora with deadly precision, the team sprang into action. The atmosphere was tense, but their focus sharpened, knowing they now had the upper hand with the unexpected sniper support.

Jae Hyun raised his hand, signaling for everyone to move in. "We've got them on the ropes now. Stay sharp!"

Eun Seul, unable to use firearms as she wasn't part of the police force, remained behind, her gaze drifting nervously over the battlefield. Ji Woon noticed her hesitation and stepped closer, positioning himself protectively in front of her. "Stay close," he whispered, his tone firm yet comforting.

Ji Woon's eyes scanned the area, ensuring no threat came too close. But then, without warning, a group of necroflora charged toward them. Jae Hyun's sharp orders rang out, and the team immediately responded, but one of the necroflora lunged too close to Eun Seul.

Her gaze shifted quickly to the sword lying next to her, a weapon she had kept for self-defense despite not being trained for combat. She hesitated for only a second before grabbing it, her fingers tightening around the hilt.

Eun Seul's heart raced as she took the sword, her eyes narrowing with resolve. "I can't just stand here," she muttered under her breath.

With swift movements, she swung the blade with precision, slicing through the necroflora that had approached too close. Her first strike was clean, and she immediately followed up with another, her fear turning into focus. The necroflora dropped to the ground with a heavy thud.

Ji Woon, seeing her action, couldn't help but be impressed but was still worried. "Eun Seul, be careful!" he called out, but his voice held no judgment, just concern.

Haera, watching her, gave a small but proud smile. "Nice one," she remarked, focusing on her own targets.

The battle continued as the necroflora kept advancing, but now, the team was even more united, with Eun Seul stepping into the fray, not as a passive observer, but as an active fighter. Her sword became an extension of her will to protect the team, and though she wasn't a professional, her determination was unwavering.

"Stay close, stay sharp!" Jae Hyun shouted as he engaged the nearest necroflora, the team moving as one unit.

Ji Woon kept his guard up around Eun Seul, ensuring no one could get too close to her as she fought with all her strength. "We're in this together," he muttered, more to himself than to her.

As the team continued their coordinated assault, the necroflora began to dwindle, but the fight was far from over. The team knew they couldn't let their guard down, but they also knew that together, they stood the best chance of surviving this relentless attack.

The necroflora that Eun Seul had cut down slowly began to rise, its head severed but its body still moving with disturbing persistence. Its grotesque, decaying form twitched violently, and its eyes glowed with a faint, malevolent light.

Jae Hyun, seeing the creature still alive despite the lethal blow, shouted urgently, "Stab its heart! Aim for the chest!"

Eun Seul, her heart pounding, quickly adjusted her stance, her hands still gripping the sword. With a determined look on her face, she stepped forward, her eyes locking onto the necroflora's chest. The creature let out a low, guttural growl, dragging itself toward her, but Eun Seul was ready.

In one swift motion, she thrust the blade into its chest, feeling the resistance as the sword met the creature's heart. There was a sickening crunch, and the necroflora's movements stilled immediately. Its body collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, finally defeated.

The team stood frozen for a moment, catching their breath, as the lifeless necroflora lay in front of them. Jae Hyun approached Eun Seul, his eyes filled with both admiration and concern. "That was too close," he said, his voice a mix of relief and worry.

Eun Seul, still panting from the fight, gave him a small nod. "I couldn't just stand back and do nothing."

Ji Woon stepped forward, his protective instinct kicking in. "Eun Seul, you should be more careful. You're not trained for this."

Eun Seul gave him a sharp look. "Neither are you. But we all did what we had to."

The team, now with fewer threats to worry about, took a moment to regroup, the adrenaline of the battle slowly fading. But they all knew the danger was far from over. More necroflora could be out there, and they needed to stay vigilant.

"We're not done yet," Jae Hyun said, his voice steady. "Let's stay alert. We've made it this far, but we can't let our guard down."

With that, they continued their march through the dark, knowing that the fight for survival wasn't over.

As the team stood over the fallen necroflora, catching their breath and assessing the situation, the sound of approaching vehicles reached their ears. A convoy of police cars, flashing their lights, pulled up to the scene. The officers quickly disembarked and moved with efficient precision, recognizing the severity of the situation.

The leader of the police squad, a seasoned officer, approached the team. "Good work," he said, nodding at the group. "We'll take it from here."

Ji Woon, who had been keeping a close eye on Eun Seul, stepped forward. "What's the plan for the necroflora?"

The officer nodded grimly. "We'll be transporting them to the incineration site. It's the safest way to ensure they don't regenerate or cause more damage."

The officers swiftly moved to collect the bodies of the necroflora, using specialized equipment to secure and contain the creatures. Their grotesque forms were loaded into large containers, which were then placed into armored trucks designed for hazardous material transport.

Eun Seul watched as the creatures were taken away, the tension slowly beginning to drain from her body. She felt a sense of relief, but she knew this was just one battle in a much larger war.

Jae Hyun walked up to her, offering a small, appreciative smile. "You did well," he said, his voice low.

Eun Seul met his gaze, her expression serious but grateful. "We all did."

The police squad worked quickly, ensuring that no trace of the necroflora remained. As the last of the bodies were loaded onto the trucks, the officer in charge turned to the group. "We'll need to take a statement from all of you. But for now, you're free to go. Be safe out there."

Ji Woon nodded in acknowledgment. "We'll be ready if anything else comes up."

The team began to gather their things, preparing to leave the site. The air was thick with the weight of what they had just faced, but there was a sense of camaraderie among them. They had survived together, and they knew that they could face whatever came next—together.

As the convoy of police vehicles drove away, the team stood in silence for a moment, taking in the aftermath of the battle.

"We've made it this far," Jae Hyun said, breaking the silence. "But we need to stay prepared. There's more to come."

Eun Seul nodded, her gaze focused on the horizon. "We'll be ready."

With that, the team began their journey back, knowing that they would have to remain vigilant, always prepared for the next threat that loomed on the horizon.

In Yul, who had been quiet for a moment, finally spoke up, his voice steady but filled with urgency. "We need to relocate to a safer location. There's a police camp set up at the school field. It's the safest place for now."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in before continuing, "But for tonight, we'll rest here. We'll need to recover before moving out."

The team exchanged looks, nodding in agreement. They had been through a lot, and the thought of moving again so soon wasn't ideal. But safety was their priority, and the school field with its police presence would provide more security.

Eun Seul, still catching her breath from the intense fight, nodded. "It's the best option for now."

Yumi stretched, her body sore from the battle but still alert. "At least we won't have to sleep in the open after all that."

"True," Jae Hyun agreed, his tone light but his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We'll take what we can get."

In Yul made a quick check of the perimeter, ensuring there were no immediate threats. "We'll stay on high alert, but we're all exhausted. Let's get some rest while we can."

The group began to settle around the campfire once more. They had already secured the area, and though the night was far from peaceful, the sense of solidarity was strong. There was comfort in knowing they were in this together, no matter how dangerous the world around them had become.

As the stars above flickered through the scattered clouds, the team, though weary, found some semblance of peace in their temporary safety. They knew tomorrow would bring more challenges, but for now, they could rest, prepare, and regroup.

The sound of crackling wood from the fire and the distant hum of the night were the only noises that filled the air as they all settled into a guarded but necessary silence, each person deep in their thoughts, ready for whatever the coming days would bring.