Surviving the Apocalypse as an All-Time Best Overpowered Necromancer - Chapter 115

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 115
115. The Beginning of War (6)
“……They’ve gone.”
“I see.”
At Seo A-rin’s report—that she had followed those who identified themselves as Red Mist—Lee Gang-hyuk nodded in relief.
Then he turned back to the two women and asked further.
“Have either of you heard of Red Mist before?”
“No. It’s the first I’ve heard of them. And mercenaries, no less. What exactly do they do……?”
At the question, Seo Hwa-rin let out a small sigh as if treating them as peculiar people, while Seo A-rin opened a community forum and searched for Red Mist, then shrugged her shoulders with an expression of bewilderment.
“They’re real. Red Mist. They actually show up when you search the community.”
“Hmm.”
At Seo A-rin’s words, Lee Gang-hyuk accessed the community forum and searched for Red Mist.
‘……They really do exist.’
Expressing surprise at posts promoting themselves, Lee Gang-hyuk reviewed all the available information about them.
‘Founded in Yeongdeungpo…….’
They were currently active throughout Seoul and surrounding areas. Their usual commissions involved procuring food supplies or exterminating Zombies. Their fees were either ten percent of the food procured or jewelry.
And…….
“Corpses of Mutated Zombies?”
As Lee Gang-hyuk murmured while examining the content, the women tilted their heads, having apparently been looking at the same text.
“Food and jewelry aside, why would they accept Mutated Zombie corpses?” Seo Hwa-rin asked.
At her question, Lee Gang-hyuk stroked his chin and answered thoughtfully.
“Perhaps they possess an ability similar to mine. Or they might know a way to utilize Mutated Zombie corpses.”
“The latter seems more likely than the former.”
The moment Lee Gang-hyuk finished speaking, the emergency exit opened and Kang Pil-du approached.
“Why are you only now arriving?”
He should have been waiting on the floor below, but it had taken over ten minutes for him to come up. As Lee Gang-hyuk reproached him, Kang Pil-du pointed out the window.
“I followed them from behind. There were two more in their party. There might be even more. I couldn’t hear clearly from the distance, but I heard them being told to regroup.”
Though Lee Gang-hyuk had confirmed with the Water Snake that they had moved far away, Kang Pil-du appeared to have gone even farther.
Accepting this explanation, Lee Gang-hyuk sensed that Kang Pil-du had seen something while pursuing them, so he questioned him about what he had said.
“So what’s the basis for what you just said?”
“I happened to see them hunting by luck. There wasn’t anyone commanding Skeletons or Zombies. That’s why I said it.”
“Did you identify their jobs?”
“I did. One with Wind Attribute, one with Fire Attribute, and one wielding a Crossbow. Aside from those three, the rest all used swords.”
“Any healers?”
“None. Or more precisely, they were so skilled they didn’t need one. In particular, there was one man among them who notably wore only red clothing—he seemed about as strong as Park Mu-jin. Of course, it’s difficult to judge from just one battle, but that was my impression.”
“Red clothing?”
Since he had never even seen their faces through the emergency exit, Lee Gang-hyuk naturally looked toward Seo A-rin, and she nodded before explaining.
“He’s the person who spoke with you. Everyone else dressed normally, but that man had nothing but red from head to toe.”
“……I see.”
Even setting aside the clothing, he’d actually dyed his hair red too.
Finding it absurd, Lee Gang-hyuk shook his head and asked Kang Pil-du again.
“Which direction did they head?”
“Toward Uijeongbu. The ones who arrived late said there was a Mutated Zombie in that direction, and as soon as they said it, someone ordered them to regroup and they moved that way.”
“Hmm.”
At the continuing report, Lee Gang-hyuk stroked his chin again and let out a small groan.
A group of six or more people containing someone as skilled as Park Mu-jin, while appearing to be on bad terms with the Chungmuro Alliance.
The community posts didn’t list their exact size, so he couldn’t determine their precise numbers.
In any case, they were definitely more than six.
What if…….
He asked them to fight alongside him? Would they accept?
‘I should also hear the opinion of the Jungnang-gu side on this.’
The Jungnang-gu Alliance might know about them.
So Lee Gang-hyuk imprinted the word Red Mist in his mind, then turned to face his companions and let out a small sigh.
“At any rate, they’ve headed toward Uijeongbu, so let’s continue hunting. Regardless, we should prioritize completing the Quest.”
“Understood.”
“Right.”
Now that they’d identified them.
Confirming they didn’t seem to be a threat, Lee Gang-hyuk decided to continue hunting rather than return, and headed outside.
* * *
“Captain, do you think those people will actually contact us?”
“They will.”
At Park Su-ho’s question, the Captain nodded as if it were obvious.
Then Hong Dan-ah, who had returned after completing reconnaissance, asked with bewilderment.
“What’s with all the confidence?”
“Confidence? Just look—the view count on the promotional post went up.”
As the Captain mentioned the view count on the promotional post, Shim Yeon-hee’s expression turned surprised.
“……Were you checking the view count? That’s unexpected. Hehe.”
“What are you saying. Anyway, they’ll contact us if they need to.”
Even as the Captain said this, he secretly glanced back, hoping contact would come.
Feeling something uncertain yet expecting frequent encounters ahead, he tilted his head and scratched his ear.
“Considering my ear’s itching, it seems like they’re not just searching but talking about me too.”
“That’s just your imagination. That’s quite the self-awareness.”
“What did you say?”
As Hong Dan-ah laughed and teased him back, the Captain flared his nostrils.
The others chuckled softly, and Park Su-ho stroked his chin while tilting his head.
“Speaking of which, how did those people know about Im Jae-beom’s technique? They really aren’t connected to Chungmuro, right?”
At that remark, Shim Yeon-hee seemed to remember something belatedly, scratched her cheek, and spoke cautiously.
“When I glimpsed inside earlier, there was a Zombie that looked like Im Jae-beom……. Surely not, right?”
“A Zombie that looked like Im Jae-beom?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Explain.”
At the sudden demand, the atmosphere darkened instantly.
As the Captain spoke curtly next, Shim Yeon-hee continued with a flustered expression.
“I thought I’d seen wrong. Would there even be time to look carefully in that situation?”
As the flustered Shim Yeon-hee made excuses, the Captain shook his head with a firm expression.
“Still, you should have looked carefully. That’s your job……. Never mind. When they contact us, we can confirm then.”
After scolding her, he soon shrugged confidently, certain they would call, and Baek Gi-tae, who had gone on reconnaissance with Hong Dan-ah, asked the Captain.
“Should I go check?”
“No. This is more important than that.”
Nod nod.
If Im Jae-beom had indeed become a Zombie as Shim Yeon-hee saw, there was no need to confirm.
On the other hand…….
It meant they had killed Im Jae-beom, which was proof they weren’t connected to Chungmuro.
They might even be a faction opposing Chungmuro just like his own group.
‘Interesting though. They use Im Jae-beom’s technique while commanding a Zombie resembling Im Jae-beom, and they seem hostile to Chungmuro……. Next time, I’d love to see their face.’
Of course…….
Their reasons for opposition would likely differ from his own, but as long as their interests aligned, that was enough. The Captain nodded and headed toward the location where the Mutated Zombie was said to be.
* * *
After encountering Red Mist and continuing to hunt, Lee Gang-hyuk sent a message to Park Mu-jin as soon as he returned.
[I’ve heard of Red Mist, but only that they’re mercenaries who take on any commission, so I’m unable to offer much. Did you perhaps meet them?]
Since Park Mu-jin also seemed unfamiliar with them, Lee Gang-hyuk relayed the circumstances of their encounter.
[They appear hostile to Chungmuro? I see. I’ll report to the Alliance Leader and contact them.]
Now that war with the Chungmuro Alliance had begun.
The more people who opposed them, the better.
After all, the enemy of my enemy is my ally, isn’t it?
Moreover, since these mercenaries would accept any commission as long as they received food, jewelry, and Mutated Zombie corpses, they would gladly join the fight if the terms were right.
‘Since Captain Park said he’d contact them, there’s no need for me to step in personally.’
After confirming Park Mu-jin’s reply, Lee Gang-hyuk nodded and headed down to the Underground Parking Lot.
It was to help Seo Hwa-rin with her Quest now that hunting was done.
“That’s the last one, right?”
“Yes. Once I exhaust myself this time, we’re finished.”
“That’s great. Should we start right away?”
“Yes!”
Since this was already the ninth repetition, Seo Hwa-rin naturally took her position in front of the tent and activated her Skill.
Whoosh.
Whirrrrr.
Immediately, dozens of flames filled the parking lot, making it bright as midday. Lee Gang-hyuk started the car to wait for her to exhaust herself while also charging the Battery.
Shortly after.
Once all the Batteries he’d brought were connected, the Underground Parking Lot gradually grew darker.
Seo Hwa-rin’s Core Power had been depleted.
So Lee Gang-hyuk immediately returned to the tent, and as she collapsed from completely exhausting her Core Power, he caught her as safely as possible and laid her in the tent.
And simultaneously…….
Seo Hwa-rin, who had lost consciousness as her Core Power ran out, suddenly opened her eyes and sat up.
It seemed her Level had risen upon completing the Quest.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes! The experience I received as a reward completely restored me as my Level increased!”
At those words, Lee Gang-hyuk smiled in relief, but then tilted his head.
“The reward was just experience?”
“No. Like A-rin, I also got a new Skill. Want me to show you?”
Just as Seo A-rin had, this Job-Exclusive Quest’s reward appeared to be a large amount of experience and a new Skill.
Of course…….
He couldn’t be certain he’d receive the same.
‘I wonder what Skill will come up.’
Feeling eager, Lee Gang-hyuk nodded again with a smile, wanting to confirm Seo Hwa-rin’s newly acquired Skill.
“If you don’t mind.”
“Yes!”
At those words, Seo Hwa-rin activated her new Skill.
“Crimson Flame Barrier!”
Whoosh.
Craaaaaash—!
As Seo Hwa-rin used the Skill, flames erupted from the ground and a massive dome formed centered on her.
And simultaneously…….
A notification appeared before Lee Gang-hyuk’s eyes.
[Your Fire Resistance and Defense have increased due to the Skill ‘Crimson Flame Barrier’.]
“Fire Resistance and Defense…….”
Surprised at the sudden notification, Lee Gang-hyuk murmured, and Seo Hwa-rin added to his words.
“It’s not just that—it also continuously purifies negative effects.”
“……Negative effects, you say?”
At Lee Gang-hyuk’s question about there being more to the ability, Seo Hwa-rin displayed the Skill description before her eyes and answered.
“The description says it purifies poison, corruption, curses, and mental attacks like brainwashing. Not only that, it continuously inflicts fire damage on enemies who breach the barrier.”
Defense and offense both.
After hearing the explanation, Lee Gang-hyuk examined the barrier with wide eyes and murmured.
“……That’s incredible.”
“But the Core Power consumption is enormous. Even though my Core increased from exhaustion, it consumed nearly 40%, and it continues to drain Core Power while maintaining the Skill. At this rate……. I think my Core Power would be depleted after maintaining it for just ten minutes.”
But the cost was as impressive as the performance.
On the other hand, for her who believed that more Core Power meant greater strength, it was undeniably a Skill that suited her perfectly.
‘A-rin received a Skill that enhances Water Attribute Summons……. It seems it varies depending on the standard, after all.’
Seo A-rin, the first among his companions to complete a Job-Exclusive Quest, had obtained a passive Skill that enhanced Summons formed with Water Attribute mana similar to the Sapphire Staff’s effects.
And this time, Seo Hwa-rin obtained a Skill that consumed large amounts of Core Power to protect people and attack enemies.
Then…….
What Skills would he and Kang Pil-du, who considered Level to be strength itself, obtain?
[Quest Progress]
23/25
Full of anticipation, Lee Gang-hyuk examined the Quest progress and felt his eyes gleam as he thought about raising his Level as quickly as possible.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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