FRAP 08

Chapter 08

The Law of Military Tales

In the hands of the hardware store owner was a black iron bar that looked heavy and solid at first glance.

“What’s this?”

“Ah, this is called a crowbar.”

To me, who had little interest in tools, it was somewhat unfamiliar.

But one thing was certain: it was much sturdier than a golf club or even rebar.

Moreover, the tip was pointed, making it look suitable for stabbing if needed. The other end resembled a lever of a hammer, capable of delivering powerful swings.

“This is something workers use a lot on construction sites. They use it to remove pavement blocks, or even cops and firefighters use it to pry open doors.”

Hearing its uses made this ‘crowbar’ all the more appealing.

“Thank you so much. This will be really useful.”

The cold of the metal running through my palm sent a strong premonition through my mind.

With this in hand, I could do it—I had that feeling.

“Heh, but officer… you really plan to go through all those monsters by yourself?”

While weighing and checking the balance of the crowbar, the hardware store owner cautiously spoke.

“Of course I have to.”

After hesitating for a long while, he finally asked a difficult question.

“Hmm, but… is what you said earlier true?”

“Huh?”

“The thing about the poison gas or chemical weapon.”

Wait, why is this guy suddenly asking this?

“I like to read web novels as a hobby. There’s a site called Dalpia, pretty well-known among readers….”

Huh?

“No matter how I look at it… that’s just the cliché from apocalypse stories.”

What’s with this guy?

“The infected creatures too… they’re just monsters from an apocalypse story. But you, officer, said it was some chemical weapon or poison gas….”

I realized that every time he looked at me, he wasn’t being cautious out of fear—he was suspicious.

“Oh, I’m not doubting you… I just wondered if the higher-ups might be lying.”

What the heck, this guy is suddenly sharp.

“Did anything seem strange? Maybe the system window or special abilities were ignored by your superiors, right?”

I felt strangely amused. I had lied because I didn’t think anyone would believe me… and yet here was someone actually believing the absurd story and interrogating me.

‘Ah, so this is the principle of military tales. The stories no one believes are true, and the believable ones are lies…!’

But I still wasn’t sure if I should tell him the truth. Just because this Dalpia-reading guy believes it doesn’t mean others will.

‘Normally, someone like Officer Hwang would just think I’m crazy.’

After a brief pause, I half-agreed with the old man.

“I don’t know either. Honestly, in this situation, I find what you’re saying more believable.”

“See? North Koreans don’t have the scientific ability to make those weird weapons!”

Wait, why does the conversation drift like this…?

“Even the US can’t make it, so it’s weird for North Korea to!”

True, technically, but the assumption is strange—why assume North Korea released chemical weapons?

‘Well… thinking about it, there’s hardly any other country that would release chemical weapons…’

No, that’s not the point.

I felt like he was stopping me from focusing. Let’s get back on track.

“Either way, the infected and zombies are dangerous, so it’s best to stay cautious. And telling people it’s a chemical weapon might be more convincing, right?”

“Hmm… yeah, that’s true. I got laughed at by those old folks when I mentioned a status window anyway, like, ‘Has the kid already gone senile?’”

…Wait, he already said that? And people didn’t believe it?

“But when you said chemical weapon, they just believed it… Yeah, it’s better to explain it that way.”

This is oddly refreshing—proving my lie was correct through this kind of logic.

“Oh, come to think of it, I heard something strange.”

Since this old man is sharp, I think I can give him a hint.

“One guy killed an infected using a police gun and was caught for murder. They said everyone should be quarantined until a status window appears. People without a status window might get infected anytime. That status window proves you’re not infected… or something like that.”

Anyone would dismiss that as nonsense, but the man clapped his knee in realization.

“That’s it! That guy’s a ‘Returnee’!”

A returnee, indeed.

“He already has a status window! He might even have abilities already! I’m sure of it!”

He nodded slowly, seemingly admiring his own insight. The terrifying thing was that, aside from minor details, his ridiculous deduction was mostly accurate.

“Still, he’s sneaking around outside without a shelter… he’s no typical protagonist. I like it.”

Honestly… it’s just me eating sundae soup, but okay, sir. I plan to make a base camp soon, if not a full shelter.

“Alright, whatever the case, it’s clear now. For a while, it’s best to stay alone. If you stay idle, you might starve, so keep moving.”

Believing the apocalypse theory over the chemical weapon theory, this absurd old man quickly made a plan.

“And spread rumors about chemical or poison gas.”

I nodded, pretending to be impressed.

“So the protagonist’s goal is definitely to stop the infection from spreading. People don’t believe it, so he lies.”

“Exactly. You and I can spread believable rumors and follow the protagonist’s plan. What do you think?”

Incredible. What kind of guy is this?

“Anyway, he’s the protagonist, so he must have some special ability. He’ll definitely escape, and eventually, he’ll meet us.”

He’s already escaped and met me… but this guy is amazing. If I finish my base camp, I’d definitely invite him.

“Good. Let’s keep this info between you and me for now.”

As he nodded solemnly,

• Growl…

My stomach signaled hunger. The original plan was to recharge at a small convenience store or chicken place, but with this guy, maybe I can fill my stomach here.

“Sir… do you have something to eat?”

“Huh?”

“Fighting monsters has made me a bit hungry…”

“Alright, wait here.”

Before I could finish, he pulled out a cup of instant ramen from under the counter.

“Can I just take this? Isn’t it normal to save food during an apocalypse?”

“Oh, you’re a lifesaver! Also, I think you might be the protagonist’s right-hand. If you die, the world-saving plan is in trouble.”

His focus was off, but it’s true—I can’t die.

Then, a few flickers from the fluorescent lights and darkness enveloped the hardware store.

“Seems like it’s really starting. Power’s out.”

He hurriedly filled a cup with hot water.

“The hot water will go soon too. Eat quickly.”

Placing chopsticks on the cup, I waited as the spicy, appetizing aroma hit my nose. In the dark, the scent was stronger than usual.

When my eyes adjusted, he lifted the lid. I followed and quickly grabbed my chopsticks.

“Haa…”

Ramen eaten in darkness tasted astonishing. The thin noodles and spicy flavor revitalized my body after continuous battles.

“Heh, eating well, huh? Were you really hungry?”

I devoured a cup in three bites, and he laughed warmly.

“Have another one.”

Before I could refuse, he handed me another cup and poured hot water.

“Sir…”

Feeling someone’s kindness for the first time in 200 years, I felt a lump in my nose.

“It’s not free. You saved my life, so I give it to you. When we meet again, treat me well. Now eat.”

I finished two cups completely, and as I checked my status window, something strange appeared.

[ Fullness increased. ]
[ Current fullness 100+10 ]

“Huh?”

What’s with 100+10, not 110?

‘Could it be that eating and using food all day stretched my stomach?’

Either way, this was welcome news. Survival depended on how much fullness I could store.

“Are you going to fight those monsters again?”

“Yes, of course.”

To prevent the infection from spreading and develop my abilities before mutants or monsters appear, I can’t waste time sleeping. I planned to move more today, and my body still seemed capable.

After finishing, I turned to the man with a question.

“Sir, do you have a battery-free warning light or something? Something for signaling that can be seen from afar?”

Daesik left the hardware store, crossing the streets under the cover of darkness.

Corpses littered the streets, and abandoned cars lined the roads. Although the apocalypse had only just begun, some areas were already dark as if the power had failed.

‘It’s progressing faster than I thought.’

I sighed deeply and moved toward areas with lights still on, unaware that messages I couldn’t even see were passing through my status window.

[ Hidden Message ]
[ Hidden traits are blossoming. ]
[ Trait Activation Rate: 1% ]