Chapter 364 – Exile (6)
It didn’t take long before the warning bells ringing loudly in the mining town stopped, and the doors opened.
There are three reasons.
The first is because of the great popularity of Pyotr and the crew from the mining town, and the second is because of the refugees who followed.
Common sense tells us that there is no possibility for them to get along well with monsters.
The third was the logical argument of the guard captain who came running.
“You idiot, where is the wight carrying the gun? That’s a correctional security robot!”
After saying that, he also hesitated for a moment.
“It looks very different, but…”
The first and second generation robots, which were made only from inorganic materials such as steel and plastic, often ended up causing fear.
On the other hand, the Stalker series that mimics the muscles of infectious agents is often treated as a monster.
Do we smell danger instinctively as an animal before as a human?
Of course, the misunderstanding is quickly resolved when you see the sturdy heavy weapon in your hand.
Some people see it as meaning that they belong to the same human civilization, while others interpret it differently.
“Do not shoot! “I’ll open the door right away!”
The guard captain shouted from above the village gate.
“Captain, don’t let anyone enter the village meeting without permission…”
“Even if we don’t open it, if that minigun spins, the door itself will disappear! “He’s even holding a grenade machine gun.”
The guard commander seems to have misunderstood that we would break through by force.
“You have a good sense of humor. “I can’t believe I went through all the weapons in that short period of time.”
I was honestly impressed.
The guard captain came up to the gate and looked at the stalkers mixed with the refugees for just 5 seconds before making his decision.
“The author, like me, is a former soldier. To be exact, I was conscripted during the war.”
Pyotr added from the side.
“Then that nobleman must have deserted too?”
“Yes. Otherwise, he would have died protecting the capital in western Russia. Or they went to subway camp.”
The subway in western Russia is not just a means of transportation. It was designed to serve as air defense during the former Soviet Union, so it can also be used as a base for survival in times of emergency.
Thanks to this, in some ways, Russia has preserved pre-war materials and civilization better than the United States.
“Furthermore, unlike me, that guard captain was caught for desertion and was sent to the gulag. “If it’s a security robot, you’ll be familiar with it since you’ve seen it quite a bit.”
“Well, not everyone can desert.”
The gate to the mining village opened with the loud sound of a moving pulley.
Unlike ordinary camps, it is equipped with defenses equivalent to a castle, perhaps because it is easy to obtain materials from a huge amount of waste.
We watched the refugees entering the country with joy.
“But from the mining town’s perspective, will they be able to handle the sudden increase in the number of customers?”
Just looking at it, this is not a place to grow anything. Most food would have been obtained through hunting or trade.
“There is an agreement between the alliances to abandon the village in case of emergency and accept people when they escape.”
Peter said.
“How long will that last? “If there is a food shortage right away, there will be talk of kicking them out.”
Isaac’s face darkened at my words. There is no answer to the future of neighbors who have been through hardships and hardships together.
When the agreement was made in the first place, a threat like Exile would not have been considered. At most, they would have thought about the sudden formation of an infectious agent colony.
All you have to do is counterattack and recapture it thanks to the cold of Siberia, or build a new home somewhere else.
But if you try to do that now, you’ll be throwing a feast for the Exiles.
“How about we all come under me?”
Pyotr looked at me with a surprised face.
The subordinates who were pretending to watch the refugees and listening to our conversation also prick up their ears.
“Rather come to the Korean Peninsula than wither and die in the midst of insufficient food and widespread danger. “I can barely make a living by digging in the ground.”
“There is no place more difficult to live in than Siberia.”
Peter said with a bitter smile.
Now that the cycle of civilization had stopped, Siberia had nothing to boast about except that it was home.
“Right now, our population has decreased drastically, so we don’t have enough people to sow seeds and cast nets.”
I said as I watched the last refugee disappear beyond the dump.
The gate is not closed yet. Since Pyotr and I didn’t move, his men and stalkers also waited.
“My army is strong, but it’s too far from here. In the first place, we came here to fight Exile and investigate them. The situation of the refugees is poor, but we cannot afford to take care of them all.”
“I am just grateful that you saved my life.”
Pyotr bowed his head to me.
“I like you guys. Not only was he able to judge the situation well and survive in Exile’s territory, but his loyalty in risking his life to stay in the rear and fight was also admirable.”
From the moment I saw their desperate fight, I was planning to scout for the police guard.
Or the person in charge of the Russian refugee camp that is currently under construction.
“I can confidently say that my city is the safest and best place to live in the world. It wouldn’t be a bad choice for my subordinates and their families.”
Pyotr, who had been thinking carefully, opened his mouth.
“First, I have to listen to the opinions of my subordinates…”
“Let’s go now!”
“Why are you worrying about this? “You have to accept it unconditionally!”
“Honestly, I’m scared of going to a foreign country, but no matter what I do, it’ll be better than living here.”
There was no need to coordinate opinions.
The subordinates who were listening eagerly responded in case the captain said something else.
“Don’t you have any love for your hometown?”
Pyotr asked as if he were dumbfounded.
“You have to see how people live.”
“The leader has one child! I have three kids. Let’s raise three children! A neighborhood that is patriotic, crazy, warm, and full is the best.”
I think they immediately trusted me after seeing the machine army, helicopters, and combat supplies I led.
In particular, shelter-made cigarettes kept for wounded soldiers about to die played a significant role.
“What about that one?”
I looked at Mikhail. The original number of subordinates was now reduced to two.
Proportionally speaking, he died much more than Peter’s men, and this is because he was deployed in a dangerous area because he was carrying a high-power weapon such as a machine gun.
“We have family and friends in the unit, so we cannot make a decision right here. “I also have to report it.”
“It’s worth it if you’re part of the garrison army.”
I nodded at Mikhail’s words.
In this day and age, being a soldier in a garrison is the highest rank. We will not leave it alone.
It is impossible to get married at an early age or not have relatives or lovers who protect you under your influence.
“If you ever come down to the Korean Peninsula, come find us. Your faces are also registered in the database, so you will be welcome. “Being able to risk your life for others is the greatest qualification in itself.”
“Thank you!”
It seems that Mikhail and his subordinates were not without feelings. Seeing him salute rather than just greet me, it looks like he’s already ready to change jobs.
Meanwhile, the investigation team members were relieved that their immediate concerns were resolved. They were worried about the safety of their village.
They only looked relieved after seeing the image of the village taken from above by the drone.
“Looks like the south is still okay?”
The investigation team members spoke as if they were somewhat dissatisfied.
All the best places to live in Siberia already have owners.
Even though they settled in the north, where it is difficult to live due to their local nature, they endured with the comfort of knowing that they were at least safe from infectious agents.
However, he was dealt a cruel blow by Exile, which was more dangerous than the actual infection.
“We predict that the development of this new monster comes from the strong cold.”
“That’s ridiculous!”
“Otherwise, these guys would have been wreaking havoc all over the world, and then we wouldn’t have come up here, right?”
“…”
The investigation team members seemed to have nothing to say, so they just smoked cigarettes.
“I’ll put you on the helicopter that’s coming with additional reinforcements and send you back to your respective villages. Tell them what happened and raise our defense posture to maximum scale.”
“Isn’t it too much of a nuisance?”
Alexei, who had a hole in his chest, asked carefully.
Maybe it’s because he feels like he’s been saved twice, but he’s extremely polite, befitting his bear-like size.
“Exile’s damage is still concentrated in northern Siberia. Our goal is to exterminate them, so we have to explore this area anyway. “I’m just taking you there for the sake of it.”
“Is there anything we can help you with?”
I handed the satellite map to Pyotr, who was now treating me like a boss.
“Tell me everything you know about this area. “Everything, not a single word, whether it’s a rumor or anything else.”
All members of the investigation team were well versed in geography.
When preparing for external threats and patrolling, you are bound to obtain a variety of information that even natives do not know.
They put their heads together and started marking and taking notes in detail all over the place until additional helicopters arrived.
* * *
Our military traveled not only to the Korean Peninsula but also to Japan to acquire resources and technology.
Nevertheless, there are many secrets to maintaining the reputation of survivors, the most effective of which is air support fire.
The world is dangerous, so if you look down from the sky using a helicopter or drone carrier, you can often find people being chased by infected entities and predators.
The feeling of being saved by bullets raining down from the sky in a moment of desperate crisis is something you cannot understand unless you experience it.
It influenced people more surely than gold or heroic oratory.
Those who wander outside usually play an important role in their camp, such as hunting or trading, so by rescuing a few people, they received a good image from dozens of people.
The reason why Polis took over the position of the capital on the Korean Peninsula was because it was supported by this kind of network in addition to safety and infrastructure.
Of course, this method worked well in Russia as well.
“Oh my god! Those monsters!”
“I can’t believe you’ve already come to our village…”
The potato village seen from above was surrounded by a wooden fence. There are about 10 Exiles wandering around within a 200 m radius.
Naturally, the investigators dispatched from Potato Village were in an uproar.
Slam!
He even released the safety device on his personal firearm and was ready to shoot.
However, the reason why aerial fire is so powerful is that the bullets are machine gun bullets, not just because they are fired from above.
The caliber of submachine guns and fire extinguishers they are armed with is incredible.
“Calm down! Their backs are extremely strong. If you shoot here, you won’t hit, and even if you do, you’ll only get a scratch.”
Alexei roughly grabbed the muzzles of their guns and lowered them. Then he frowned, as if the wound on his chest hurt.
“But our village!”
“Are they rushing now?”
The excited crew found their composure after my words.
“I’m still standing…”
“If it were an infectious agent, it would have attacked without fire, regardless of whether there were a few or many people, and whether there was a barrier in front or not. But they are beasts. Look at me, that sneaky tail like a hyena.”
He was watching the village from afar, maintaining a low posture like a cat.
Some look up at us approaching from the sky.
“It certainly doesn’t look like they’re going to attack right away.”
“Yes? “It’s different from the sawmill village, which has no fences and lacks combat capabilities.”
The investigation team had issued a state of emergency in the village before departure, so their vigilance was stricter than usual.
“Then is it safe?”
“No. You’ve already seen them flocking in groups of 100, right? That must be the role of a scouting party. Even when wasps attack a bee nest, at first a few come and take a look.”
“Then you must kill him! “Not a single one is left behind!”
The investigation team member lowered his head with an embarrassed expression, feeling like he had committed rudeness by shouting.
If you think about it, it would be like a soldier confronting a general.
“That’s what I came here to do in the first place.”
But I also had the same thoughts.
“Wipe them out.”
[Roger.]
Out of consideration for the investigation team, I gave the command in a voice command, and the helicopter controlled by artificial intelligence also answered through the speaker.
And heavenly punishment falls from the sky.
After one Exile was cut to pieces by a chain gun bullet, they all scattered and began to run away.
But it’s meaningless. When the Exiles hit the ground to their deaths, the helicopter cannons only has to tilt its head a few centimeters.
“Asleep! Everyone is dead!”
Everyone on the investigation team shouts with excitement.
There is a pleasure that causes a burst of dopamine when one-sidedly slaughtering the monster that terrified them in the air.
Likewise, the potato village guards below also shouted from the wooden fence.
The situation was similar when I dropped off my members and went to another village.
Fortunately, the villages further south were well-defended due to threats from infected agents and marauders, so none of them had yet fallen.
“Look over there! “Over there!”
While passing through the mountain range, one of the investigation team members shouted.
There were several mountain goats running away from a cliff with few trees as if walking a tightrope, and an Exile chasing after them.
“It’s spread all over the world, right?”
“You guys are good at climbing mountains too.”
Kwaaaaa!
After the sound of the chain gun spinning for a moment, the blood-covered body of Exile rolled over, scattering stone dust.
Passengers cheer as they see the train collide with rocks and slopes and tumble for a long time.
Pyotr and two other crew members were dropped off at the last village they arrived at.
“We will help as much as we can.”
“Just accept that feeling.”
I shook my head at Pyotr’s words.
“Seeing you embracing your family, how can you take me away?”
The crew heard the sound of the helicopter and were exchanging warm hugs with the families who came to meet them.
“And we are accustomed to fighting in inhumane ways. It will be difficult for you to keep up.”
I handed the communicator to Pyotr.
“Prepare your defenses thoroughly and be prepared to leave if the situation arises. “It’s not right now because it’s dangerous because of the guys wandering around outside, but the opportunity will come.”
“The preparations have already been completed. “Our village declared a state of emergency from the moment we left.”
“Is this the feeling of an old man?”
“All that’s left is to convince people. It won’t be very difficult. There are almost no natives here anyway.”
Pyotr and his research crew saluted me as I emerged from the helicopter.
I imagined them settling down and farming in the land of former North Korea.
“Is this a reversal between the Koryo people and the Soviet people?”
When this situation is resolved, I think the Korean Peninsula will be quite interesting.
No, in about 5 years, a new expression may be needed instead of the Korean Peninsula.
From Busan down to Manchuria and beyond, people may be living under one system.
* * *
After sending everyone down, we did additional scouting from above, but couldn’t easily find them.
It appears to have returned to its lair somewhere or temporarily stopped hunting.
People may be being slaughtered in other places that we haven’t seen.
[Jinsu, are you listening?]
Artemis has sent a message.
“What’s going on?”
[We conducted minimal tests on the Exile corpses and captured individuals you recovered.]
“Did you get something?”
[Which would you rather hear first, bad news or worse news?]
I expected it to tell me about weaknesses or ecological characteristics, but I got a completely different answer.
“Starting with the bad news.”
[You sent a small object and a large object at the same time for comparison, right?]
“Okay. Pyotr and his group classified them into subadults and adults. The main characteristic is whether there are two tentacles on the back or not.”
Some have hooks to use for attack, while others have shields to defend against rifle bullets while charging.
Especially in the case of the latter, it is a monster for which there is no solution at the civilian level.
[Neither of them are Eucharistic bodies.]
“What?”
[Cell analysis showed that the growth plate of the larger tentacle-bearing side was also rapidly dividing. These are individuals that have not yet grown.]
Aside from their size, there was a significant difference in combat power between small Exiles and large Exiles due to their tentacles that functioned as spears or shields.
But neither of them are mature individuals.
“… More bad news?”
[Both the small and large individuals are pregnant. The fetus itself appears to be biologically frozen.]
“I’m going back. “I wondered why he was so obsessed with securing food.”
The more I heard about them, the more I became determined to eradicate them.
Even though I had a slight feeling of being discouraged before that.
