“Are you ready to move?”

I went outside and asked, and a few busy companions nodded their heads.

“We’ve always been prepared to flee, and the essentials are already packed in boxes. It’s just a matter of moving them. The real time-consuming part was fixing the motorcycle.”

The clumsily modified motorcycle. A cart or handcart was tied to the back with rope or cable ties. It was probably Jeondohyeong’s handiwork.

A quick glance at the contents revealed mostly food and tools. Above all, there was a lot of water. Boxes were filled to the brim with PET bottles full of water.

It seemed they were preparing for the possibility of not being able to cross a river on the move, so they packed the minimum amount of water needed for survival.

Then, the Deceptive Mercenary put down a heavy bag and suddenly spoke up.

“Thinking about it, now seems like the perfect time to escape. It’ll only get harder to move once it gets colder and snow starts falling.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

I quietly observed the Deceptive Mercenary. Clearly, they’re human like me, but strangely, they have no presence, like water diluted in water.

There were several opportunities to cause chaos, but they stayed quiet. I couldn’t tell if they were just good at blending in or if they had no life goals.

The Deceptive Mercenary seemed to sense my gaze and continued sharing their thoughts.

“In the end, it’s a survival competition over limited resources. Fighting is inevitable, so our best bet is to strike first and escape the city.”

An analysis purely from the perspective of loss and gain.

‘They really are like me…’

And if they’re like me, they should be taking some action by now. Maybe they’re trying to gain trust first, only to betray us at the most critical moment?

…Whether they betray us or not, it doesn’t matter. As long as the fireworks show we’re starting tonight goes well.

I patted the Deceptive Mercenary on the shoulder and looked around.

“If the packing is done, let’s send the luggage to the rally point first. With the motorcycle, it’ll be quick.”

Looking at the sky, the sun was slowly setting. If we move fast, we can finish preparations before nightfall.

I cleared my throat a few times to gather everyone’s attention, then spoke slowly.

“We’re changing the plan. The raid is happening tonight.”

“Huh?”

The people bustling around with their luggage stopped and looked at me. Their gazes seemed mixed with confusion. They probably didn’t expect the attack to happen this soon.

Then the Alliance definitely didn’t see it coming. Even we’re caught off guard.

I smirked.

“I interrogated the Rider. They’re preparing to attack us, so we’ll strike while their preparations are incomplete. Plus, they haven’t fully realized the Rider’s been captured. Now’s the best time.”

If we’ve decided to ambush, we need to move fast. Even I’m surprised by how quickly we’re acting—it’ll shock the enemy.

The companions scratched their heads or glanced at the luggage, reacting ambiguously.

“Moving the luggage is tiring…”

“When we’re in good condition, no. No, there’s no benefit in delaying.”

But in the end, they followed my lead.

They were pillagers who had already decided to attack tomorrow anyway. Since the decision to attack was already made, they didn’t strongly oppose moving it up by a day.

I glanced at the companions and their families and said,

“Those who can drive the motorcycle and those not participating in the raid will head to the rally point first.”

There are only two or three people not participating, and they can hitch a ride on the motorcycle. They can reach the rally point at Villa Street faster than expected.

I handed a map to the person assigned to drive the motorcycle.

“After dropping off the cart at the rally point, immediately ride the motorcycle back here. There’s a park on the marked route—set it on fire and keep starting fires sporadically. Then, return here by 7 PM.”

I briefed everyone on the operation details.

The families armed with handguns will infiltrate the Alliance under the guise of trading, while the combat personnel with rifles will attack from the south of the Survivor Zone.

“The main attack begins at 7 PM. Let’s move in sync with that time.”

And the people nodded.

Finally, I sought out the Criminal Companions.

“We’re heading to the north of the Survivor Zone to start fires. We’ll also change into Alliance uniforms and gear. Get ready.”

“Disguise is good… but isn’t it too dangerous?”

Park Yang-gun grumbled with a reluctant expression, Sajihyeok adjusted his outfit slowly, and Jeondohyeong had a dark look on his face, slightly bowing his head.

***

The people began to leave.

The companions on motorcycles left first, followed by the families pretending to trade as they slowly walked out, and the combat personnel, armed with rifles and machine guns loaded on carts, got on their bicycles and bid me farewell.

“Then we’ll wait at the rally point. Please come back alive.”

“Yes. Let’s meet again alive.”

I held the Rider’s helmet under my arm and watched them. The clattering sound of the carts grew distant, and the helmeted heads of the combat personnel disappeared downhill.

Silence fell over the townhouse. Only the sound of the chilly wind could be heard.

Closing my eyes, I felt as if I were the only one left in the world. A world without the sounds of animals, machines, or people. It felt as if the world had died, and it was oddly comforting.

I took a deep breath and steeled my resolve.

‘I might live, or I might die. If I think I’m going to die, I’ll cause chaos without regrets.’

This is the most dangerous pillaging yet. That’s what makes it worthwhile. Don’t we feel a sense of accomplishment when we accomplish something difficult? And even if we fail, I’m confident we can inflict some damage, which makes it even more exciting.

I placed my hand on my chest, but I couldn’t feel my heartbeat. I was wearing the Police Bulletproof Vest and the Rider’s suit.

Then, footsteps approached from behind, and Jeondohyeong’s voice rang out.

“Are you really going to start a fire?”

A low, subdued voice. I glanced at Jeondohyeong’s shadow cast over me, wondering if he might shoot or stab me from behind, but there was nothing unusual about the shadow.

Just a figure with arms hanging loosely.

I slowly turned to face Jeondohyeong.

“We have to start a fire. There are multiple benefits. It’ll cause chaos for the Alliance, and the smoke and heat will make it hard for drones to track us.”

Whether we escape or go down fighting, a wildfire is the best choice.

Jeondohyeong hesitated, fidgeting as if he wanted to say something, then finally spoke.

“But the losses could be huge. If the Alliance takes a serious hit, they might come seeking revenge.”

“They won’t know where we’ve gone. If we set the fire while escaping, the flames will block their pursuit.”

“What if the fire spreads faster than we can escape? What if it doesn’t stop and spreads to other cities?”

That’s something I hadn’t considered. The possibility of the flames spreading beyond this city.

I thought for a moment, then chuckled.

‘Even better.’

But I didn’t voice that thought. Instead, I referenced Professor Kim’s data.

“Remember Professor Kim? The one who advocated for the massacre of a million people.”

“No, calling him that makes him sound like a madman. He seemed like a good person.”

“Anyway. According to his data, wildfires spread at about 4 km/h. We’re much faster on motorcycles or bicycles.”

That’s not entirely accurate. Even if it were true, wildfires don’t sleep, so they’d still be dangerous.

I pulled out a lighter from my pocket.

“Where are the others? We need to leave soon.”

“They went to the bathroom one last time. …Is there really no other way?”

Was he feeling some kind of moral conflict? Jeondohyeong stood still, staring at his feet. He looked utterly drained.

I chuckled.

“Conflict and strife are inevitable in this world. It’s a world where you can’t survive without killing. Why do you think the city’s resources are still here? It’s because people died for them.”

“…”

As we stood there, helmeted figures began to emerge from the house. The shorter one was Park Yang-gun, and the taller one was Sajihyeok.

Sajihyeok stretched his limbs, looked over the Rider suit he was wearing, and spoke in a tense voice.

“I’ve never gambled like this in my life. I hope it goes well.”

“I feel the same. If you’re ready, let’s get moving.”

Park Yang-gun suddenly took off his helmet and let out a frustrated sigh.

“The helmet’s too restrictive. I can’t see my surroundings well.”

“Then take it off. You only need to wear it when we’re fully on the move. I’ll go set the fire over there.”

“Alright. …But are you really going to start a fire?”

I brushed past Park Yang-gun and stopped.

“Yes.”

“Well… I know this is a good strategy, but I’m not sure if it’s the right thing to do.”

Even Park Yang-gun is expressing reluctance? I pondered for a moment, then finally figured out why.

“Are you worried about your wife and daughter?”

Park Yang-gun’s family. He has an ex-wife and a daughter. Whether they’re dead or alive, he doesn’t know, and that’s why he’s worried. If the fire spreads, they might get hurt.

“Why worry about people who left on their own? The world’s like this—they’re probably already dead.”

Park Yang-gun muttered to himself, then let out a deep sigh.

“But what if they’re still alive somewhere in the city? What if they die because of this fire?”

I slowly turned around, conscious of the handgun hidden in my coat.

Two people opposed to arson. That’s half of the four here. It wouldn’t be strange if Park Yang-gun and Jeondohyeong joined forces to attack me. The fact that Sajihyeok is the only ally left is particularly concerning.

Effectively, it’s a 3 vs. 1 situation. I had no choice but to speak up.

“You should’ve said something earlier. The plan’s already in motion. The companions who left earlier are going to start the fires.”

“I know. It’s strange to give up my own survival for people who might already be dead. It’s just that, being older, I’m having unnecessary thoughts.”

Fortunately, Park Yang-gun didn’t seem to be actively opposing it. He just stood there, staring blankly at the sky, lost in thought.

Without a word, I turned and headed up the slope toward the townhouse.

The slope where I had set up a fuse-like rope. I had specifically chosen this spot because it was ideal for starting a fire.

‘Light the rope. Just in case, set more fires nearby.’

Click. The lighter sparked, and flames shot up. I crouched down and held the lighter to the rope and a pile of dry leaves. A small fire began to spread across the dry leaves and rope.

I stared blankly at the flames. Hazy smoke rose, and the red fire slowly spread like a sunset.

Somehow, a laugh escaped me.

“Burn fiercely.”

Grow and consume the entire city.

The beginning of winter. The world, turned into kindling, caught fire. A fire I had started.