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A room with shattered windows, now a ruin. Sitting on a chair in the middle of the mess, surrounded by rainwater, bugs, and trash, I blankly stared at the ceiling.

This is my go-to spot for sorting out my thoughts, but no good ideas were coming to me.

“Rider Zero…”

It had been a few days since we finished our business in the market street. Rider Zero had more than enough time to assess the situation, yet there was still no response.

There’s no way she wouldn’t react.

To prevent our sponsors’ efforts from going to waste, to reclaim the resources we pillaged, or to keep dangerous elements like us in check—she should’ve taken some action by now.

“Do they not know it was us? That can’t be. Just by checking the bullet casings, they’d figure it out.”

I tapped my thigh with my fingers.

The silence of a potential enemy made me uneasy. Isn’t it true that the truly scary ones hide their knives behind smiles?

Rider Zero might be planning our annihilation in silence. She could have plenty of oil to set Villa Street ablaze, lure a zombie horde with motorcycles, or rally the Alliance’s resources.

Then a thought struck me.

‘Why should I wait passively?’

Waiting for the enemy to attack isn’t my style. I’d rather make the first move. Even if it ends in disaster, I’d prefer to write my own scenario than be dragged along by someone else’s.

I stood up. I needed to see Rider Zero.

***

“I’m heading to the Alliance. Anyone who’s free, gear up and come down.”

It didn’t take long after I shouted into the street for a few comrades to slowly descend, armed with gear and firearms. A hint of tension flickered across their faces.

“Is this… because of what happened last time?”

They couldn’t bring themselves to articulate the incident where we killed children. Among them was a deceptive mercenary who had been blacklisted.

With a calm expression, he slowly raised his hand and spoke.

“There’s conflict… Wouldn’t it be better not to go? If things go wrong, we might have to face the Alliance. At their headquarters, no less.”

What’s this? Why are they opposing me? Are they trying to undermine my influence? Or is it because they see me as a target, coloring their every word and action with suspicion?

I brushed it off lightly.

“We’re going to avoid that confrontation. Nothing changes if we just sit here.”

Honestly, we could take on the Delivery Vigilante Group. But fighting them would mean facing the Alliance, and even if we miraculously brought down the Alliance, the military they’re keeping in check would be waiting.

To wipe them all out, we can’t fight now. We need to walk a tightrope and wait for them to reveal their weaknesses.

‘For now, the tightrope seems manageable.’

I smirked and tapped the combat cart.

“Don’t worry too much. They’re seasoned survivors too. They won’t escalate the damage unnecessarily.”

The combat cart, armed with a machine gun and clad in bulletproof armor, could easily take down dozens alone. For the Alliance, which is keeping the military in check, it would be a devastating loss.

The comrades gradually calmed down and slung their rifles over their shoulders.

“We’ll follow.”

And so, with the combat cart and comrades in tow, we arrived at the Survivor Zone.

The Survivor Zone had changed significantly. The Tower of Life, which provided medical services to survivors for a fee, was operational, but the area near the general hospital had become a bustling village.

Alliance members busily moving about. Solar panels installed on every rooftop. Windows intact, roads clean.

What stood out most were the neatly arranged hoses along the streets.

‘Are they pumping water from the river? Did they get an electric pump?’

Looking around, there was no sign of smoke. If they were using fire due to a gas shortage, there should be smoke, but it seemed they were using induction cooktops instead.

“It’s prosperous here.”

“Right? It’s like a different world…”

Is this magic or what? Using sunlight as an energy source to pump water and generate heat.

As I pondered, I felt the gaze of Alliance members glancing at us. Our attire alone made us stand out, and they were clearly on guard.

A patrolling police officer approached. Holding a shotgun, he looked at the combat cart and spoke with difficulty.

“You’re the ones who were active as mercenaries last time, right? What brings you here?”

“We’re here to inquire about solar panel installation and, incidentally, to see Rider Zero. Where should we go?”

The officer pointed to two buildings.

“The electricians are in that building, and the Delivery Vigilante Group is over there, by the gas station.”

“Thanks.”

Are they not living together? I nodded, and the officer glanced at the combat cart, adjusting his shotgun.

“This is a warning to all visitors: don’t cause trouble. You’ll pay with your lives.”

“Haha. With the Alliance this strong, why would we cause trouble?”

Facing a powerful Alliance, charging in guns blazing isn’t the way.

We pushed the combat cart toward the gas station. Several motorcycles were haphazardly parked, and a few riders were outside, polishing their bikes to a shine.

“What happens when the oil runs out? You won’t be able to ride anymore.”

“That’s why everyone’s looking into electric bikes.”

“Ugh. That’s just a bicycle.”

I aimed the machine gun at them and walked straight over. The riders turned their heads at the sound of the cart being dragged.

“…What’s this? Why are you here?”

The rejection and hostility in their eyes were clear. They definitely knew about the market street incident. I laughed. My voice was casual.

“We’re here because you didn’t come to deliver. Is Rider Zero inside?”

I came because the attackers didn’t show up.

***

On the way to meet Rider Zero on the second floor of the gas station, I observed the place. Oil barrels were stacked even on the stairs and corridors, and from one room, the chirping of chicks could be heard.

‘Fire safety measures…’

Fire extinguishers were placed between the oil barrels. Someone was on watch for fires, like a night watchman. Not easy.

“Coming in.”

After knocking, I entered the room on the second floor. Rider Zero, who had been scribbling in a notebook, looked up at me. Her movements paused briefly as she sat by the brightly lit window.

She brushed her short hair and spoke.

“I wish you hadn’t come. I never imagined you’d seek me out.”

“Thieves can’t sleep soundly, right?”

“I’ve been sleeping just fine.”

Of course, I sleep well. Lack of sleep ruins your health. In the apocalypse, health is a precious asset, so sleeping well is essential.

I casually sat across from Rider Zero.

“Turns out I messed with the people you sponsor.”

“Not people, children. Not messed with, killed. Be precise.”

“That sounds a bit criminal. When have you seen criminals explain in detail to their victims? To make them suffer.”

Despite my consideration, Rider Zero sighed deeply and leaned back in her chair. She pointed her pen at me.

“From the moment you appeared before me. No, forget it. You came to fight us, right? We have no intention of doing so for now, so leave.”

For now. She’s postponing it. Holding onto resentment and murderous intent, sharpening it.

The most dangerous kind of enemy. The type who, even with someone they want to kill right in front of them, patiently plans their utter destruction.

“If it’s for now, when do you plan to attack?”

“When you fall.”

Rider Zero, who had been writing in her notebook again, looked straight into my eyes.

“Of course, I know. That I, the Alliance, live luxuriously. That others struggle without food. But you crossed a line.”

“In this world, everyone’s crossed a line.”

Zombies are people too. Like the police told me on the first day of the outbreak, killing zombies is still murder.

Who knows, maybe one day those zombies will overcome the virus and recover.

Rider Zero twirled her pen.

“That’s not the line I’m talking about. A person’s greatest strength is connection. Family, friends, organizations, society. The power to protect each other. But you’re the kind who severs those lines.”

Her voice was confident. Had she been investigating my actions for days? The pen sliced through the air like a dagger.

“If you’re in crisis, who will help you? When your bullets run out, will people approach you with goodwill?”

“Not a chance.”

I smirked. Survivors like wild dogs will come for our stockpiled resources. My karma will catch up to me.

Sajihyeok said something about seeing what’s in your eyes. Further, the world changes as I see it. That’s how I’ve lived.

Rider Zero lowered her head again.

“That’s why I have no intention of fighting you. If I wait, you’ll fall on your own. Like collecting dishes at a Chinese restaurant, just picking up your fallen corpse will be enough.”

“If that’s how it is, fine. Do what you want with the corpse. Just don’t fight me now.”

What happens to my corpse after I die doesn’t matter. What’s important is that my fun pillaging life isn’t disrupted.

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

I got up lightly and walked into the shadowed corridor. Rider Zero left me with words that could be a warning or advice.

“I won’t tell you to repent. But remember my words. Living like this will only lead to ruin.”

 

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