With people leading the way, we entered Geumho Station.
"Even so, he's the type to handle basic cleanup before leaving."
"Huh? What?"
"Oh, nothing."
Since I spoke suddenly, Kim Dokja must have thought I was talking to him.
It seems he thought Yoo Joonghyuk had left without doing anything after seeing the state of Geumho Station.
"By the way, Gang-hoon-ssi."
"..."
"Gang-hoon-ssi?"
"Ah, you were calling me this time."
I turned my head to look back at Kim Dokja.
"Can you see ahead? It must be impossible to see anything wearing sunglasses in this dark interior."
"My eyes are a bit good."
"...Can you see everything in the dark even with sunglasses just because your eyes are 'a bit good'?"
I smiled and nodded.
"I, I see..."
Well, it's a body hard to understand with common sense.
I understand.
"It's just ahead..."
The men from the Cheoldoo Group who were supporting each other came to a halt.
As we descended to the unlit platform, it seemed there was still electricity somewhere, as lights remained further inside.
And along with the light came the murmuring of people.
"It's the Cheoldoo Group! People are hurt!"
"Someone help support them...!"
People approached the Cheoldoo Group members who were leaning on each other and began to help them one by one.
Whether there was a system in place or their teamwork was just naturally good, I noticed they moved in perfect order.
"...Dokja-ssi?"
"Hm? Ah, Dokja-ssi. Over there."
I pointed with my finger toward where a voice was coming from, and Kim Dokja followed my fingertip to look at someone.
"Oh my god... Dokja-ssi!"
Thud-thud-thud.
Familiar faces soon approached us.
Thump. A child, Gilyoung, hugged Kim Dokja as if embracing his father.
"Everyone arrived safely."
"That's a relief."
I looked around the group and made eye contact with Lee Hyunsung.
"Dokja-ssi, Gang-hoon-ssi. You really were alive. What a relief."
"To think you'd mention me. Thanks, I guess?"
I was almost sad that neither Yoo Sangah nor Lee Gilyoung seemed happy to see me.
Thinking that, Yoo Sangah looked at me with a slightly apologetic expression, though I don't know about Lee Gilyoung.
"Haha, just kidding. I know how important a person Kim Dokja is to those two."
I turned my gaze back to Lee Hyunsung.
"No need to feel sorry. You had no choice but to leave us behind back then."
"Ah... Gang-hoon-ssi is very quick-witted."
"I hear that often."
It was likely to happen in the original story anyway.
"It's a huge relief that Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi was right."
"...?"
Kim Dokja stared at Lee Hyunsung for a long time, puzzled that Yoo Joonghyuk's name came out of his mouth.
At that gaze, Lee Hyunsung wondered if he had said something wrong and hesitated for a moment before finally opening his mouth to speak.
"Well, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi said Kim Dokja-ssi would probably be alive...?"
"...That bas—no. Where is Yoo Joonghyuk right now?"
"Well, he is not here right now."
Was the fact that Yoo Joonghyuk wasn't here that surprising? Kim Dokja looked at Lee Hyunsung with an even more dumbfounded expression.
"Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi left the station yesterday."
Kim Dokja nodded as if everything finally made sense.
"Come to think of it, there's another person missing."
"You're right. Where did the old fart go? Did he abandon you in the end?"
"No, that's not it..."
"Everyone move!!"
Just as Yoo Sangah was about to explain, it seemed an explanation would no longer be necessary.
People holding tools like pipes began to surround our group as if staging a protest.
And in the center, I saw a quite familiar face.
"Y-you are...!"
Still the same dumbfounded face as when he abandoned us. Han Myungoh.
"We have to kick him out! No, kick those guys out! They shouldn't be here! They're vicious bastards!"
Is he afraid we'll take revenge even though we haven't done anything? He started jumping up and down like a thief feeling guilty.
No, well. I really don't care that he abandoned us back then. Since both Kim Dokja and I could arrange our own way to survive anyway.
"Hmm..."
Well, knowing there's no need to be scared in this situation, nor any particular need to do anything, I stayed still.
"Haha, Han-hyung. Survivors should get along, why are you being like this?"
A man appeared from behind, patting Han Myungoh on the shoulder.
"I just heard the news that two new people have arrived. May I ask for your names?"
A slit-eyed character clearly pretending to be nice... no, clearly a villain no matter how you look at it, asked for our names.
Feeling unpleasant and sensing bad vibes, I glanced back to give Kim Dokja a hint.
"I'm Kim Dokja."
"Kim Dokja-ssi. I see. And you are?"
Because he has a face that looks like he'll scam me someday if I tell him my real name.
I pondered for a long time before opening my mouth.
"...Gojo Satoru."
"Are you Japanese?"
When I gave a different name, I felt a burning gaze from behind.
"Just kidding. I'm Choi Gang-hoon."
"...Haha, you're a funny person."
It's not entirely wrong. But being treated as a strange person for some reason makes me feel a bit wronged.
[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' says that Japanese name seems to suit you as well.]
"I am Cheon Inho. Pleased to meet you."
Kim Dokja, sensing something was off, gripped the... anyway, the spine he was holding tightly, staying on guard.
Well, it's natural. We came in after half-killing the Cheoldoo Group under his command. So he must be thinking that guy will harm us.
But that guy is cunning.
"I heard the story from those who came with you. That you fought monsters and saved our group members."
Cheon Inho turned his eyes toward the six bags of food Kim Dokja was holding.
"Everyone, please gather around! Here, our brave new group member has personally brought food for us!"
At Cheon Inho's incitement, people swarmed toward us.
Rushing in shouting 'It's food...!' is a bit unsightly to watch.
"Welcome to Geumho Station. Kim Dokja-ssi, Choi Gang-hoon-ssi."
...
After some time passed, Kim Dokja approached Lee Hyunsung and spoke to him.
"Lee Hyunsung-ssi. I want to hear about the situation."
I immediately got up and sneakily approached Kim Dokja from behind.
Unless I have the ability to read books anywhere like someone who reads books well, I don't remember the early parts of the webtoon and web novel precisely.
So listening to this kind of situation explanation is a must.
"Ah, currently there are a total of 86 people gathered at Geumho Station. Now that Dokja-ssi and Gang-hoon-ssi are here, it must be 88."
"Fewer than I thought."
"...Yes. It seems only the people who were near the station and passengers on the train survived when the scenario broke out."
Lee Hyunsung tried to continue, but his expression hardened and he shut his mouth.
And after a short while. He opened his mouth again and began explaining the situation.
"Currently, Geumho Station is divided into the 'Mainstream Group' and the 'Marginalized Group'. Strictly speaking, it's safe to say it's one group and the rest of the people."
Well, this was blatant enough to understand without explanation. Those sitting powerlessly here and there being protected. And those protecting them would be the Mainstream Group like Han Myungoh and Cheon Inho.
In reality, their goal is probably to manipulate people as they please under the guise of protection.
"Even the name is blatant."
"Yes. And... food distribution is decided by the Mainstream Group. Convenience stores and restaurants inside the station were looted long ago, and immediate food supplies are almost running out."
"So that's why he blatantly drew aggro as soon as the food arrived."
"I expected it, but it seems so."
Kim Dokja nodded and looked at the food on one side.
He must be thinking about what to do.
"Because of that, starting yesterday, the Mainstream Group began selecting a few people to send to the surface for food exploration. Heewon-ssi, who was with us, was also a target for selection."
"Heewon-ssi?"
"Ah, it's the name of the lady Dokja-ssi saved."
At Yoo Sangah's words, Kim Dokja reacted with an 'Ah' and looked toward the bench.
"Actually, a few more went out... but for some reason. Only the people from the Marginalized Group didn't return."
"Didn't return, huh."
Looks like they disposed of them outside. I sighed and shook my head.
"Damn bastards."
"Indeed. To treat people like that..."
"It's impressive that Lee Hyunsung-ssi didn't go over to that side in such a situation. You must have received love calls many times."
Lee Hyunsung brushed the back of his neck and lowered his head.
"Just... I felt I should do that. I don't know much about grand morals or ethics, but I felt that side wasn't 'right'. Thinking about 'right and wrong' now might be hypocrisy, but..."
Kim Dokja chuckled and lightly tapped Lee Hyunsung's chest. Tap.
"Don't forget that feeling."
Lee Hyunsung looked at Kim Dokja with a face like he was about to cry.
And at that sight, I smirked, approached Dokja's side, and looked at Lee Hyunsung.
"Yeah. Hypocrisy is still good (Sun), after all."
I tapped Lee Hyunsung's chest twice—tap tap—then put my arm around Kim Dokja's shoulder and pointed forward with my finger.
"Here they come."
"...I see."
At the end of my finger stood Cheon Inho.
"You seem to get along well. Could we talk for a moment?"
Kim Dokja and I looked at him.
"Sure. Let's talk."
At Kim Dokja's words, Cheon Inho smiled with satisfaction and nodded.
"I'd like to talk with just the two of you for a moment. Could the others please leave..."
"Ah, if that's the case..."
I looked at Lee Hyunsung.
"Stay still."
"Yes...?"
Twitch. Cheon Inho's eye twitched severely at my words. Naturally, Lee Hyunsung and the group, who were about to back away at my single remark, awkwardly stopped in their tracks.
"Gang-hoon-ssi means there's no need for everyone to leave. He means listen together."
"It's not cool otherwise."
"...Ha, haha. It doesn't really matter. Yes."
I deliberately grinned and looked at Cheon Inho.
"So, what's the business? Keep it brief, please."
A crooked posture and crooked tone, enough for someone to think I was picking a fight.
That's right.
I decided to deliberately scratch Cheon Inho's nerves.