Chapter 49
The Balhut Cult converted the factory area near the intersection into a forward base for the expedition team, using it as a foundation to reclaim Pohang.
With the help of local collaborator Son Sang-hui, they could identify the presence of mutant spider zombies, the number of survivor camps within the city, and the temperament of the survivor leaders, which proved to be invaluable information.
Based on this information, the Cult reached the following conclusion.
“Let’s try fighting first.”
“Is it for the growth of the Cult’s forces?”
The initial suggestion was to try fighting the new mutants.
Honestly, regardless of how many zombies were within, they wanted to use the Taunt spell to lure the zombies into one place, summon Bahamut, and sweep away all zombies in Pohang with a single blow.
After that, the Balhut Cult led by Jung Dong-gun would handle the internal subjugation, completing the reclamation of Pohang.
This was recognized as the most efficient and quickest way to reclaim Pohang.
However, if this method were used, the expedition forces of the Balhut Cult would have no room for growth.
Instead of gaining experience points by hunting zombies, immediately summoning Bahamut would reclaim Pohang instantly, but all the experience points from the zombies would vanish into thin air.
“Yes, that’s part of it, but I wasn’t planning to summon Bahamut from the start. Considering the threat of the new mutant, the Cult would need data on this mutant as well. It’s time to significantly raise the quality of the Cult’s forces. Also, to announce the Descent of Bahamut, we need to make contact with the survivor camps inside.”
“I agree.”
Thus, Yuna persuaded Jung Dong-gun with three reasons, and he nodded in agreement.
It was a reasonable proposal, accepted even by Jung Dong-gun, who was a military official, making it difficult to refute.
They needed data on combat with the newly emerged mutant zombies, and to improve the quality of the Awakened within the Balhut Cult, they needed to hunt strong zombies.
Furthermore, to gain voluntary cooperation from Pohang survivors, many people would have to witness Bahamut’s Descent.
Of course, this approach implied a prolonged battle.
“But with Yuna present, there’s no need to worry about injuries.”
The presence of Choi Yuna meant there was hardly any risk of death for the soldiers.
As long as they were alive, the presence of a powerful healer who could restore them quickly was a comfort on its own.
“However, it worries me that the new mutant kidnaps humans.”
“K-kidnaps, you say?”
“Yes. If a squad member is kidnapped by a mutant zombie, it would be a huge loss.”
According to Son Sang-hui, the new mutant was known to kidnap humans.
If someone were kidnapped, even Yuna couldn’t help, meaning that anyone captured was as good as dead.
The soldiers dispatched on this expedition were all Awakened painstakingly trained by the Balhut Cult, and each of their lives was incredibly precious.
A single mishap could result in significant losses, potentially causing a severe setback for the Balhut Cult.
“Upon hearing that, Bahamut was also concerned. Therefore, we plan to distribute this to the soldiers heading to Pohang.”
Bahamut, recognizing the importance of the dispatched soldiers, had made preparations for the expedition.
Yuna handed over a gift from Bahamut to Jung Dong-gun.
“What is this?”
It was a tag engraved with the dragon’s emblem.
When Jung Dong-gun touched the object, he felt an immense amount of mana emanating from the tag, quickly realizing that it was similar to the Cult’s coin.
“Bahamut says that if the bearer is in mortal danger, they will be teleported to the forward base through emergency teleportation.”
“Is that even possible?”
It was an extraordinary item.
If someone on the battlefield could be teleported to the forward base when in critical condition, the recovery magic circle set up at the base could alleviate their urgent symptoms, and with Yuna’s assistance, they could fully recover.
As it guaranteed the life of each soldier on the battlefield, Jung Dong-gun held the tag Yuna gave him with great reverence.
This was the lifeline for Jung Dong-gun and his soldiers, who would be fighting the mutant zombies.
“Yes, as long as the coordinates of the soldier are verified through the tag, they can be teleported remotely. However, you must keep the tag close to your heart. Think of it as your lifeline.”
“Understood, Yuna. But, the quantity seems limited.”
“It’s still in the early stages of research, so mass production or even practical application isn’t possible. It’s also the first time it’s being used in actual combat, so please don’t rely on it entirely.”
“That’s unfortunate. If mass production were possible, we could distribute it to all soldiers.”
Since it was still a prototype, the quantity was limited, and its performance wasn’t fully guaranteed.
Though he expressed regret, considering it as an extra lifeline was comforting, even if it wasn’t flawless.
“Oh, and it has another feature besides emergency teleportation. It also has a regular teleportation function. If you send the set signal, it will teleport you back to the forward base.”
“That will be extremely useful in reducing movement time.”
Another option allowed for teleporting back through a regular method.
This significantly reduced unnecessary movement, which was a substantial advantage.
Jung Dong-gun was thrilled with Yuna’s explanation.
If used well, it could serve as a lifeline and also a tool to minimize unnecessary travel.
“For the reclamation of Pohang, I will replenish my mana. The barrier and recovery magic circle consume a lot of energy.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
The Pohang operation had just begun.
Watching Yuna begin a quiet meditation within the tent prepared for the leader, Jung Dong-gun solemnly lowered his head and proceeded to his military tent.
“Oh, you’re here, Jung Dong-gun.”
“Yes, there’s good news.”
At that moment, local collaborator Son Sang-hui was present, and she greeted Jung Dong-gun warmly.
Dressed in a military uniform prepared by the Balhut Cult instead of her tattered clothes, she looked like Jung Dong-gun’s aide. With a somewhat awkward smile, likely due to the unfamiliar uniform, Jung Dong-gun shared the recent developments with her, mentioning the good news.
“…He’s much better than I expected.”
“What did you think he would be like?”
“Well, according to descriptions on internet communities, the Cult leader is depicted as an old man who loves women, hoards massive wealth in a warehouse, and is portrayed as a greedy person.”
Jung Dong-gun gave a bitter smile at the portrayal of the self-proclaimed leader of the Balhut Cult on the internet.
In truth, he had expected such criticism from the moment they called themselves a cult, but this seemed a bit too extreme.
Far from being an old man, the leader was a young woman who hadn’t even reached the age of maturity. She had no interest in women, was likely still unfamiliar with love, and her only “greed” was to spread the faith in Bahamut further. Although not entirely pure, she was a courageous person who had risen to bring about change in the world.
Thus, upon hearing about the internet’s depiction of the Balhut Cult, Jung Dong-gun responded to Son Sang-hui.
“Ha-ha, they’re all wrong. Although, if there’s one truth, the Cult’s warehouse does contain a considerable amount of precious metals. If that’s considered wealth, then yes, it is.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Of course. But it’s an emergency reserve for unforeseen situations.”
He admitted there was one truth in the depiction.
Although he confirmed it as true, the wealth had primarily been accumulated through contributions from Do Josoon and his warehouse.
He was somewhat grateful for that, as it enabled them to complete the currency reform.
“Then, Ms. Son Sang-hui, we’ll soon be advancing into Pohang. It’s a dangerous battlefield, so if you prefer, you may stay here.”
“Aren’t you scared?”
Upon hearing his plan to advance into Pohang, Son Sang-hui asked if he was frightened.
Fear.
Jung Dong-gun understood Son Sang-hui’s feelings well.
Currently, Pohang was not safe, as it was a dangerous hellscape filled with zombies.
“Fortunately, with the blessing of the Dragon God, I have another chance at life. While I do feel fear, I can still move forward.”
“But if you lose it, you won’t be able to use it again, right?”
“As long as I don’t lose it, that’s enough. Besides, someone has to do it.”
Understanding that someone had to fulfill this duty, Jung Dong-gun resolved to move forward with courage.
Fortunately, with Bahamut’s blessing, he would have one opportunity to save his life in a critical moment.
Although Yuna had warned him not to rely on it too much, in this apocalyptic reality, he was willing to accept such minor risks and use it.
“I will fight to fulfill that duty.”
“I’ll follow you.”
“Thank you for your bravery.”
As he declared his intent to fight for his duty, Son Sang-hui, seemingly inspired by Jung Dong-gun’s determination, expressed her willingness to accompany him.
Believing that her assistance as a local collaborator would be highly beneficial, Jung Dong-gun sincerely appreciated Son Sang-hui’s courage.
“Then, I’ll give you this. Please hold onto it as if it were your lifeline.”
“Understood.”
And so, he handed her a tag that could be considered a lifeline, then led Son Sang-hui and a small reconnaissance team into Pohang.
Using their knives, they cut through the webs blocking the road, and the reconnaissance team accompanying them sighed as they saw the webs obstructing their path.
“These webs are stronger than I expected.”
“It’s easier to use knives imbued with a cutting enchantment.”
Not only were the webs blocking the intersection difficult to cut, but the webs scattered throughout Pohang couldn’t be easily severed with regular knives.
With knives imbued with a cutting enchantment, the webs could be cut more easily, but even then, a certain amount of force was required.
At the same time, they confirmed that these webs were much larger than regular spider webs and were durable, flexible, and highly resistant.
“These webs seem to have traces of mana infused in them.”
“Let’s collect some for the research team to analyze.”
“Understood.”
Additionally, according to Son Sang-hui, the webs contained faint traces of mana.
Sensing the potential for these webs to be crafted into new protective gear, Jung Dong-gun instructed his soldiers to retrieve some of the webs and store them in auxiliary bags.
Collecting the webs was essential for obtaining data on the new mutants anyway.
“Do you think they burn easily?”
“It seems unlikely with ordinary fire. I tried lighting it with my lighter, but the web didn’t catch fire.”
“That’s quite interesting information. What about flames produced by magic?”
Jung Dong-gun, intrigued by the soldier’s comment, asked if flames produced by magic would work.
“They’re not very effective. If I push my mana to the limit, I can burn it, but it’s more efficient to cut it with an enchanted sword.”
“Resistant to magic, too.”
The webs, while resistant to regular flames, were also resistant to the magic used by Awakened individuals.
“A mutant specifically designed to target magic users.”
Recognizing that this mutant was designed to target magic-wielding Awakened individuals, Jung Dong-gun grew even more tense.
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