Chapter 19

The two men patrolled slowly along the alley. Statistically, the likelihood of encountering a Variant was low.

Especially in this area, no cases had been reported recently. There was even speculation that the Variant outbreak might be entering a lull.

However, Kang Yu-han didn’t let his guard down. Variants had been appearing even within the highly secure confines of the Center.

Moreover, these new Variants retained some semblance of human will and moved much faster than their sluggish predecessors. There was no telling what dangers might arise.

And his prediction proved accurate. As they turned into the third alley, a large object fell from the rooftop to the ground.

Seo Ji-hyuk, who was walking ahead, reacted faster than Kang Yu-han. Without hesitation, he aimed his gun at the object and fired.

The gunshot echoed through the silent street, a deafening sound that seemed to shake the earth. Kang Yu-han stopped behind Seo Ji-hyuk.

The creature had discolored skin, twisted limbs, and hollow eyes—undoubtedly a Variant.

“Quick,” Kang Yu-han muttered to himself. Seo Ji-hyuk turned to look at him, uncertain of what exactly Kang Yu-han meant. Was he referring to Seo Ji-hyuk’s swift reaction or the fact that they had already encountered a Variant so soon into their patrol?

Seo Ji-hyuk shrugged instead of responding, then nudged the Variant’s corpse with his foot.

“Well, looks like we’re done for the day.”

“Not yet.”

“Man, you’re diligent.”

The sarcasm was unmistakable. Kang Yu-han glared at Seo Ji-hyuk, who stared back just as intently. In the end, it was Kang Yu-han who looked away first. He took out the messenger device from his belt and contacted headquarters.

[Variant eliminated. Awaiting further orders.]

[Continue patrol. Retrieve the body.]

Kang Yu-han glanced at the Variant’s body. Fortunately or unfortunately, it wasn’t large. He figured he could transport it to the vehicle by himself. Sliding his gun back into its holster, he approached the corpse.

“Planning to move it?”

“We’re ordered to retrieve it.”

Kang Yu-han added pointedly, “I don’t need your help. I can handle it.”

“Who said I’d help?” Seo Ji-hyuk scoffed, almost incredulous. Kang Yu-han ignored the response and pulled the body toward him. As he’d guessed, the weight was manageable on his own.

Dragging the corpse near the vehicle, Kang Yu-han pulled out a body bag and stuffed it inside. This part was trickier to do alone, but he had no intention of asking Seo Ji-hyuk for assistance.

That’s how Kang Yu-han had always been. Around Seo Ji-hyuk, he wanted to appear composed and never pitiful. He didn’t want to beg for his sympathy or affection.

“Let’s head back, then.”

The sun had set before they realized it. Taking their time on patrol had taken longer than expected.

Since Variants became more active at night, it was wise to hurry back to the Center. Seo Ji-hyuk was already stashing his equipment—helmets, weapons, and search tools—in the back seat.

Kang Yu-han didn’t object to returning to the Center, but leaving like this felt wrong. He called out to Seo Ji-hyuk.

“Wait. We need to take the Variant’s body.”

“Can’t the cleanup team handle that later?”

“I told you earlier. We were ordered to retrieve it. We have to take it now.”

“Ah, seriously.”

Seo Ji-hyuk scratched his head in frustration. Patrol duty was tiring enough. The only consolation was that he’d used firearms instead of telekinesis to take down the Variant, sparing him the usual throbbing headache.

When he felt decent, nothing beat returning to his quarters for a drink and some rest. But Kang Yu-han’s insistence on retrieving the body was grating.

“Do what you want.”

Seo Ji-hyuk decided to let it go. Kang Yu-han probably wouldn’t ask for his help anyway. If there was one thing Kang Yu-han had, it was pride. Sure enough, Kang Yu-han slung the body bag over his shoulder and walked toward the trunk.

But no matter how tall Kang Yu-han was, carrying a limp corpse proved challenging. While dragging it earlier had been manageable, lifting it was a different story.

Barely reaching the trunk, Kang Yu-han heaved for breath, struggling to load the body bag inside. Seo Ji-hyuk, watching from a distance, finally stepped in. Taking the unlit cigarette from his mouth and tucking it into his pocket, he approached Kang Yu-han.

“Give it to me.”

“I can handle it.”

“Sure you can.”

Seo Ji-hyuk openly mocked Kang Yu-han. It was painfully obvious to anyone that Kang Yu-han was struggling, yet he acted as if everything was fine. That attitude annoyed Seo Ji-hyuk. If Kang Yu-han could just admit he was having trouble and ask for help, Seo Ji-hyuk might have—if he was in the mood—helped him out.

But no, this arrogant scholar-type wouldn’t allow even the slightest crack in his facade. That irked Seo Ji-hyuk to no end.

After telling Kang Yu-han to step aside, Seo Ji-hyuk easily lifted the body bag containing the corpse and tossed it into the trunk. Kang Yu-han opened his mouth to protest, but Seo Ji-hyuk ignored him and slammed the trunk shut.

“Such a weakling.”

“What did you just say?”

“Didn’t hear me? Guess your ears are bad too.”

Even Seo Ji-hyuk thought his retort was absurdly childish. But for the first time that day, Kang Yu-han’s expression showed some life. Specifically, his face turned red with anger—a marked improvement over his usual blank demeanor. For reasons he couldn’t quite place, Seo Ji-hyuk found the sight amusing.

“Let’s go.”

Seo Ji-hyuk patted Kang Yu-han on the shoulder as he spoke. Moments ago, he had felt fine, but now a sharp headache was setting in. He had planned to collapse into bed as soon as they returned to the Center, but it seemed he’d have to stop by the infirmary for some strong painkillers first.

As the two of them started toward the front of the vehicle, a large shadow suddenly emerged in front of Kang Yu-han.

“Kang Yu-han!”

The shadow lunged at Kang Yu-han in an instant. In that fleeting moment, his mind became a tangled mess of thoughts.

He had let his guard down.

Normally, he would have used his clairvoyant abilities to survey the surroundings and move cautiously. But he’d been too focused on Seo Ji-hyuk and had failed to stay alert—a fatal mistake. By the time he realized it, it was too late.

The Variant pinned Kang Yu-han down, its yellowed teeth bared. Drool dripped from its filthy mouth. Kang Yu-han squeezed his eyes shut as the Variant lunged for his neck.

At that moment, Seo Ji-hyuk delivered a powerful kick to the Variant’s head, reinforced with telekinesis.

Thwack!

With the sound of a water balloon bursting, the Variant’s head exploded. Luckily, Kang Yu-han had rolled away just in time to avoid being splattered by the blood and viscera.

“Hah… hah…”

“Shit.”

Seo Ji-hyuk muttered through gritted teeth as he kicked the already lifeless corpse. Each kick caused bits of flesh to scatter in all directions.

“Enough.”

“Shit. Where the hell did it come from?”

Kang Yu-han grabbed Seo Ji-hyuk and pulled him away from the corpse. If left unchecked, he looked ready to kick it into oblivion.

Kang Yu-han was worried Seo Ji-hyuk might have been exposed to the virus.

There was another reason Kang Yu-han had to stop him: the Variant’s corpse needed to be transported to the Center in as intact a condition as possible.

But Seo Ji-hyuk was not one to listen obediently. He continued to vent his anger on the body until he was satisfied. By the time he stopped, the second Variant’s corpse was unrecognizable—like it had been run over by a massive truck.

The first Variant’s body had been preserved enough for dissection and research, but this one was a total loss.

“I told you to take it easy.”

Kang Yu-han spoke in a reproachful tone, prompting Seo Ji-hyuk to scowl.

“Should’ve just let it bite you.”

The mocking remark dripped with sarcasm. Kang Yu-han let out a long sigh. Though they couldn’t transport the corpse, leaving it here was not an option. It would need to be cleaned up thoroughly, and disinfectant applied to prevent secondary infections.

…If they wanted to finish before nightfall, they’d have to move quickly.