Chapter 104
Upon reaching the Bahamut Shrine and concluding his conversation with the great God Bahamut residing there, Han Seong-geun made his decision.
“I will cooperate.”
Having resolved all the doubts and suspicions he had harbored until just moments ago, Han Seong-geun decided that Ulsan Airport would form an alliance with the Balhut Cult.
To be honest, religion had never been able to perfectly prove the existence of God, which was why atheists often doubted its authenticity.
However, the Balhut Cult demonstrated that their God truly existed in reality. Not only could one converse with the deity, but God Bahamut also provided answers to followers that were relatable and empathetic—a deity with whom true interaction and connection were possible.
“You’ve made your decision.”
“Yes. But the decision itself wasn’t difficult. In fact… when you’re presented with such clear evidence, you can’t help but believe, even if you don’t want to.”
Even from a purely practical standpoint, after touring the domain of the Balhut Cult, Han Seong-geun saw that the current trend on the Korean Peninsula was clearly tilting in the cult’s favor.
From the recognition of the White House to being the only force in Korea to reclaim cities and establish a functioning government—
And on top of all that, the existence of a real, great deity.
After witnessing all this firsthand, there was no room left for the option of not cooperating—it had been erased entirely.
“Here and now, I declare the alliance between the Balhut Cult and Ulsan Airport. Any objections?”
“None.”
“Then, we shall provisionally name this alliance the Anti-Immortal Alliance. We’ll finalize the name later.”
Thus, the alliance between Ulsan Airport and the Balhut Cult was swiftly established.
Returning to the main hall of the Balhut Cult, Jung Dong-gun and Han Seong-geun, under the notarization of Choi Yuna, the leader of the Balhut Cult, officially inaugurated the Anti-Immortal Alliance.
The name signified the alliance between the Balhut Cult and Ulsan Airport to oppose the Immortal Cult, and both Jung Dong-gun and Han Seong-geun nodded in agreement without objection.
“However, the position of alliance leader will be held by the Balhut Cult.”
“I have no objections to that. Ulsan Airport does not have the qualifications to claim such a position.”
With the alliance finalized, Jung Dong-gun immediately declared that the Balhut Cult would assume the role of the alliance leader, and Han Seong-geun readily acknowledged the cult’s superiority and showed respect by accepting their leadership.
This arrangement ensured that even if new allies joined the alliance in the future, the Balhut Cult would retain its authority as the leader. At the same time…
‘It also means they’re willing to treat other camps as equals.’
This declaration symbolized a willingness to acknowledge survivor camps that might join the alliance in the future as equals, at least in formality, without provoking them unnecessarily.
‘They’re acknowledging alliances, but not conceding the position of leader. Still… it’s not truly an equal relationship, is it? Just the act of showing respect is already treating us quite generously.’
Han Seong-geun understood the intentions of the Balhut Cult but chose not to comment on them.
The power disparity between the Balhut Cult and Ulsan Airport was overwhelming, and he was well aware that the relationship was far from equal. Instead, he felt reassured by the cult’s formal recognition and respect for Ulsan Airport as an equal ally.
At the very least, it gave the impression that they were being treated and respected.
“We need to organize forces to defend Ulsan Airport. In addition, we’ll need ample supplies and food to endure the situation there. And those unable to fight at Ulsan Airport must be evacuated to a safe location.”
“Yes, Ulsan Airport has many children and elderly who cannot fight. Ensuring their safety will allow us to fight with peace of mind.”
With the formal alliance declared, it was time to address practical matters.
The first issue Jung Dong-gun and Han Seong-geun discussed was the evacuation of civilians residing at Ulsan Airport.
If Ulsan became a battlefield, the civilians would likely be the first to suffer casualties. Therefore, it was deemed best to guide them to safety before the fighting began.
To this end, Jung Dong-gun mentioned the need for forces and supplies to defend Ulsan Airport, while Han Seong-geun emphasized the presence of children and the elderly who would need evacuation.
“In that case, our cult will dispatch transport vehicles and escort forces to assist with the evacuation. Once preparations are complete, we’ll help guide the evacuees to a safe location.”
“Thank you.”
With Yuna agreeing to their proposal, preparations for the evacuation progressed smoothly.
By the time Han Seong-geun and Jung Dong-gun returned to Ulsan Airport, they were accompanied by over 200 awakened soldiers and military buses capable of transporting thousands at once, all provided by Yuna.
A total of 100 buses, each capable of carrying 30 to 40 people, were prepared and parked in the Ulsan Airport parking lot, waiting to board the evacuees.
“Wow. The Balhut Cult sure is more generous than I expected.”
Meanwhile, materials and builders for constructing defensive lines around Ulsan Airport began to arrive one after another. Watching this, Jina Ahn, with a casual posture, marveled at the Balhut Cult’s display of power, clicking her tongue in admiration.
Despite the defensive staff around her appearing on edge as transport vehicles arrived one after another at Ulsan Airport, her tension eased when a familiar figure appeared.
“Yeah. And now, they’re our allies.”
Han Seong-geun reassured her, confirming that the arrivals were now their equal allies.
When Han Seong-geun returned, Jina Ahn, though pleased to see him, seemed curious about the concept of “alliance” and asked with a skeptical tone.
“Alliance? Not subordinates? An equal alliance? Is that a bluff, or are they serious?”
“Of course, we’re not truly equals. But formally speaking, the Balhut Cult has recognized us as equal allies.”
“Fair enough. If they formally treat us as equals, that’s good enough.”
It was a formal gesture, yet it still conveyed respect for Ulsan Airport.
While the reality might be closer to Ulsan Airport being subordinate, Han Seong-geun was satisfied with the recognition and concluded that it was sufficient.
“If you put it that way, I’m fine with it. Still, I can’t believe we’ve formed an alliance. Honestly, considering how much you suffered under the Immortal Cult, I thought you’d just have a formal meeting and head back.”
“This time, it’s completely different.”
Jina Ahn remarked that she didn’t expect an alliance to be formed, given Han Seong-geun’s history of suffering under the Immortal Cult.
Despite his past aversion to suspicious religious groups, not only had he met with the Balhut Cult but also quickly forged an alliance with them.
Curious about the sudden shift, Jina Ahn asked what had happened, to which Han Seong-geun replied that this time, things were different.
“Uncle, you seem… different somehow? Don’t tell me you’ve been brainwashed?”
“You, as a mage, would know best about that, wouldn’t you?”
“Hmph. No traces of brainwashing. What exactly did you see?”
Jina Ahn jokingly mentioned brainwashing magic, but when Han Seong-geun countered that she should be the first to know if that were the case, she raised her hands in mock surrender and asked what he had seen.
What could he have possibly witnessed to make such a drastic shift in perspective?
Han Seong-geun gave a faint smile at Jina Ahn’s words and replied sincerely.
“I saw God Bahamut.”
“What? God Bahamut?”
“As the leader, you’ll need to confirm it for yourself too. Participate in the evacuation effort and see Bahamut in Gyeongju with your own eyes.”
He had seen God Bahamut.
Nothing more, nothing less.
The succinct and compressed statement left Jina Ahn puzzled. She looked at Han Seong-geun with confusion, but he seemed to think that showing her the truth would be faster than explaining further.
Taking advantage of the evacuation effort, he suggested she see God Bahamut directly in Gyeongju.
“By the way, are you planning to abandon Ulsan Airport? Can this place really be defended without me?”
At Han Seong-geun’s suggestion, Jina Ahn looked surprised and asked if he was thinking of giving up on Ulsan Airport.
After all, without Jina Ahn, the strongest awakened at Ulsan Airport, there weren’t many high-level awakened left to defend the place.
Aside from Jina Ahn, the only other high-level awakened were her colleagues who had come from Japan and Han Seong-geun himself, the leader of Ulsan Airport. Naturally, she voiced her concern about leaving Ulsan Airport defenseless if she departed.
“It’s not a problem. The Balhut Cult has sent reinforcements.”
“You mean those soldiers? Are they strong enough to trust?”
“I don’t know yet.”
In response to her concern, Han Seong-geun expressed his trust in the allied cult and prioritized the evacuation of civilians.
When she asked whether the soldiers were reliable, he simply replied that he didn’t know yet.
Uncertainty filled his words, causing Jina Ahn to sigh and respond.
“You know, at times like this, saying ‘It’s possible’ would suffice.”
“But I haven’t seen them fight yet.”
“True, but still…”
The ambiguity in his words was unsettling.
However, Han Seong-geun had not yet witnessed the cult soldiers in action, so he had no basis to evaluate their capabilities.
There was no reason to exaggerate their strength, so his compromise was a simple “I don’t know.” Hearing this, Jina Ahn sighed again but remarked.
“At least they look like real soldiers. Let’s trust them for now.”
“Do you see anything special about them?”
“The weapons they’re holding feel extraordinary. Compared to theirs, our weapons look like junk.”
To her, the Balhut Cult’s soldiers seemed reliable.
She specifically noted that their weapons radiated a unique energy, making the ones used at Ulsan Airport seem like garbage in comparison.
“That’s true. Our weapons are basically made from discarded scraps or improvised materials.”
“Shut up, Uncle.”
Indeed, the weapons currently used at Ulsan Airport were mostly crafted from industrial waste or discarded items found on the streets.
They couldn’t compare in quality to the weapons crafted from Pohang’s fine steel, forged through the precision and expertise of awakened craftsmen.
When Han Seong-geun pointed this out, Jina Ahn pouted and turned away, feeling the sting of reality.
Her posture seemed to say, “I’m not happy about it,” as she sulked, leaving Han Seong-geun scratching his head and sighing before steering the conversation back to the main topic.
“Let’s focus on the matter at hand. The conclusion I reached with the Balhut Cult is that Ulsan Airport will be defended jointly by both our forces and theirs. Those unable to fight—ordinary civilians, injured people, children, and the elderly—will be evacuated to Gyeongju first. That’s the plan.”
He emphasized dealing with the most urgent matters first.
While there were some awakened who could fight, the majority were unable to do so.
This included ordinary people who hadn’t awakened, those severely injured in battles with zombies, and vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
These people had no role to play on the frontlines, so they needed to be evacuated to the safer rear lines in Gyeongju.
This would allow the remaining awakened at Ulsan Airport to focus fully on the battle.
“That’s what we wanted all along. But what about the awakened here?”
Not all awakened were willing to fight.
Many were either too scared or simply not suited for combat, having awakened by chance.
“Those who wish to fight will stay here and follow our orders. Those who don’t will join the evacuation effort. Anything could happen during the evacuation process, especially with thousands of people involved.”
Han Seong-geun explained that he intended to keep only the willing fighters at Ulsan Airport and send the rest to Gyeongju.
There was no point in forcing people to fight if they weren’t committed to it. It was better to have them assist with the evacuation effort.
However, this meant that Ulsan Airport’s combat power would inevitably be reduced, causing Jina Ahn to sigh as she commented.
“Even if the Immortal Cult is stupid, do you really think they’d target evacuees?”
“Logically, they wouldn’t attack non-combatants. But is the Immortal Cult a logical group?”
“Hmm. I can’t argue with that.”
While it would be reasonable for the Immortal Cult to avoid targeting evacuees for the sake of reputation, Han Seong-geun pointed out that they were far from a rational or logical organization.
Hearing this, Jina Ahn scratched her head, unable to refute his point.
“Besides, few people would want to stay in such a dangerous place. If an escape route is provided and people aren’t given the chance to leave, that would only lead to more discontent.”
“So you’re saying only those willing to fight will stay?”
“Without the alliance, it would’ve been crazy. But with a trustworthy ally, it’s doable.”
Han Seong-geun recognized that most people wouldn’t want to remain in a place dominated by the Immortal Cult.
He was well aware of the growing sentiment among the survivors at Ulsan Airport to leave, and he understood the need to address these concerns to prevent further dissatisfaction.
Most survivors had suffered greatly under the Immortal Cult’s tyranny. Even if Ulsan was their home, many would prefer to find peace in a safer location.
“Haha. Then take care of the evacuees. Should I tell them to settle in Gyeongju if necessary?”
“After seeing the current situation, it’s hard to settle there with peace of mind. I’ll escort the evacuees to Gyeongju and return here to fight.”
“That’s reassuring. If the Hero of Fukuoka takes charge, I’ll be motivated to work harder too.”
Despite the challenges, Han Seong-geun and Jina Ahn seemed to have earned the trust of the survivors, as only a few awakened wished to leave everything behind and flee to Gyeongju.
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