A trapped tourist, a slapstick security guard, a dilapidated vehicle, and a dream.
Zeke and Hangyeol immediately rushed through the groves of frozen and barren trees, trying to make their way to the aforementioned building---which is a history museum--- located near the entrance of the park. Only Hangyeol's flashlight lit up the path, and they aren't taking any chances of stopping until they get there.
They pass by an open court and encounter several snowmen. Hangyeol just shot them on their legs and feet to incapacitate them. They have no time to fight these monsters, especially now that the place is growing darker and darker by the minute.
They continued sprinting for several minutes, and soon, they finally made it to the side of the museum.
It was a horizontally long two-story building, and a few parts of the roof and the second floor have already collapsed. Some lights inside were still on, illuminating parts of the fallen building. Around it were parts of what used to be a barricade, as well as broken bottles of beer, broken guns, and destroyed cars, all buried in the snow.
Zeke and Hangyeol proceeded to enter the museum through a hole in the wall. They see nothing but even more destruction inside--- The floor was riddled with debris and broken artifacts, displays were beyond recognition, and most of the ceiling has caved in.
They continued to walk further into the museum, and soon, they see destroyed snowmen, a fallen Scraper, and several lifeless bodies of dead men among the piles of rubble.
Clearly, there was a struggle. And it turned real ugly.
Hangyeol shook his head and held his temples in dismay. "I knew we all wouldn't make it... I knew it. We didn't stand a chance. That idiot should've listened to me."
"What do you mean?" Zeke said.
Hangyeol let out an exasperated sigh.
"You see... This settlement is only two weeks old. People flocked here at this place to seek refuge because it's one of the few remaining buildings in this place that was nearly intact after the icy bombs dropped. It was the perfect place to establish a settlement--- the place was spacious enough to handle the survivors. We had barricades, food supplies, weapons... y'know. Post-apocalypse stuff. But we needed a leader."
"Mhm, go on," Zeke said.
"Someone who went by the name of Gimhae took that initiative, and lead this place, promising absolute safety for those residing here. It turned out pretty well... At least, for a week." Hangyeol said as he frowned.
"What happened, then?" Zeke asked.
"This Gimhae guy became lenient in protecting the place. Said this place was already okay without the barricades because, the fences around the park were still as sturdy as before, and how easy it is to blast the living hell out of these snowmen and giant snow things because we have guns, we have baseball bats, stuff like that."
Zeke just listened intently.
"And you know the worst part? Most of the people loved him. Because he reminds everyone of life before the apocalypse. Y'know, the feeling of comfort. The feeling of not needing to worry about anything. They went partying, reveling in looted resources... It was a messy sight."
"Did someone even raise their concerns about the safety in this area?" Zeke asked.
"Well, some survivors who didn't like to party and all--- including me, myself--- tried to tell him countless of times that we should be prepared, but he just shrugged it off. He kept saying he'll work around it, but he never got to. While he was slacking away, some of us tried to use the radio to tune in different frequencies, hoping that there is someone out there that can help us with the situation. Sadly, we didn't pick up anything... Until... y'know, this whole thing happened." Hangyeol looks down.
"The snowmen and Scrapers..." Zeke said.
"Yep. The damned things just came without warning while he was again partying with the other survivors. The fences easily broke, and the guns were all lacking ammo. The survivors here were nearly defenseless. Soon, they all fled for their lives, while the others stood behind and tried to protect this area as much as they can. I tried to find Gimhae but the survivors said he also fled for his life. That coward, leaving us like that..." Hangyeol gritted his teeth in anger.
"I... have no words," Zeke said.
"It's okay. I don't care about him anymore. What matters right now is to save as many as we could. L-let's go." Hangyeol said.
They suddenly started to hear rustling and faint growls coming from outside.
"Hangyeol.." Zeke said as he looked at the destroyed part of the building. "We've got some museum visitors."
Hangyeol looks as a few snowmen started appearing one by one, entering the fallen building. They soon attack, baring their ice-tipped claws towards Zeke and Hangyeol.
"Yikes..!" Hangyeol said as he brings out his gun. One of the snowmen lunges at Hangyeol, but Zeke immediately tackles the snowy creature away from him.
"Cover me!" Zeke said as he swung his pipe wrench upward, knocking another snowman down on the ground. He then sweeps a low kick on another one and smashes its head as Hangyeol shoots more of the incoming creatures. Hangyeol was impressed at how Zeke moved--- he was agile and quick in dispatching the snowmen. Surely, he must be something special.
The battle was quick, and after just a few minutes, Zeke and Hangyeol finally got rid of the attackers. Zeke sat down in exhaustion while Hangyeol tried to catch his breath.
"You fight like a professional.. how?" Hangyeol suddenly said. "Are you an action star of some sort? A martial artist?"
"I wish I was," Zeke said. "But sadly, no. I just underwent combat training for two months under Mr. Seojun, the old man you saw earlier. Jihyo underwent the same training as well alongside me to help her wield her Manifest, so... Yeah."
"Manifest..?" Hangyeol replied.
Zeke tells him all about Manifests in a quick summary.
"So... that the glowing cane she used to light up her palms? That's a Manifest?" Hangyeol asked.
"Yep," Zeke replied.
Hangyeol fell silent, trying to process this information as he walked further.
"You must be an extremely lucky man..." Hangyeol suddenly speaks. "Being friends with someone as famous as Park Jihyo WITH POWERS... and training in combat next her for two months, even?! That's really unreal. You should be freaking out right now."
"Well... " Zeke scratched his head. "Normally I would've freaked out, yes. But... you know. It's complicated. We are in an apocalypse and all, and being happy about meeting an idol at this time of hardship isn't really the type of energy I want to exude... But yes, we're friends now and I still can't believe it. I guess that's a positive thing."
"I see. How does it feel, then?" Hangyeol asked. "I mean, to be Jihyo's friend."
"Honestly..." Zeke began. "I didn't even know we were friends till I asked, but you know, the feelings were already there. It's this warm aura that she gives off... it feels like I've known her all my life. That's how friendly she is, I think."
"Alright, it's confirmed: you're really a lucky man. I want to be her friend, too!" Hangyeol exclaimed. "That would probably be the only notable achievement in my life." Hangyeol chuckled.
"I'm sure she'd love to have you as a friend, Hangyeol." Zeke smiled.
Suddenly, they hear a rattle from a nearby room covered in rubble and debris. They slowly approached the room with caution.
A faint and muffled voice suddenly emanated from the rubble.
"I..is anyone there..? Help us.." It said.
Hangyeol's eyes suddenly widen. "There's someone here!" He said as he rushed to the front door of the room and begun digging out the rubble. Zeke helped as they slowly reveal at least a few people inside---four men three women--- all huddled on the corner of the intact room. They all looked weak, and some of them have visible injuries.
"Hangyeol... is that you..? Oh, thank heavens... you're here.. We can't go by any longer... I'm glad..." A woman in the group said.
"Are you alright? Are you all that's left..?" Hangyeol said.
A man in the group nodded.
Hangyeol took a deep breath. "Alright. Now, let us just check y'all for injuries.."