{[31]} For Our Amusement

A day after Ryujin's birthday and the mini-concert at the settlement, everyone got a little bit busier, because the plan that Minhyuk and the others were trying to finish is finally complete.

Now, it only needed Ryujin's intel to finally cement it. Having adjusted to the settlement's way of living, and now feeling well-rested, Ryujin was invited for the final meeting to discuss the intel she has, and compare it to the plan at hand in order to finally rescue Sana.

April 18, 2023, 8:11 pm, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.

Ryujin arrives at Minhyuk's office after taking a long nap. She quietly knocks for a while, awaiting a response from the other side as she exhaled.

Miyeon opens the door slowly.

"Oh... Hi, Ryujin. Good evening."

"Hello, Miyeon-unnie. Sorry, I took a while." Ryujin said. "You all must've been waiting long, I overslept..."

"It's okay. I've been there. I sleep like an absolute log all the time and no one can wake me up. Hehe." Miyeon said as she giggled.

"Is everyone here?" Ryujin asked.

"Yes, yes. Jihyo-unnie and Minji just went out for a snack 30 minutes ago, while the rest of us stayed here, just listening to Hangyeol rant about K-pop." Miyeon replied.

"Must be an interesting conversation..." Ryujin replied.

"I wouldn't call it that, Ryujin. Come inside, please." Miyeon scooted away from the door and she allowed Ryujin to enter.

She sees Minhyuk busy drawing some blueprints, Hyungwon sleeping on the corner, and Hangyeol was talking to Zeke, not noticing Ryujin enter the place.

"...a BANGTWICE collaboration would be nice. I mean, it will even improve the k-pop industry further as a whole! Think about it Zeke, if they did---"

Hangyeol has been rambling to Zeke about why would a BTS and TWICE collaboration be the best event in South Korea ever for the past fifteen minutes, non-stop. Zeke was just standing there, trying to endure the whole conversation as he just looks at him unenthusiastically. Sure, he was a K-pop fan, and he knows a lot of Korean idols and how the industry works, but he wasn't as invested as Hangyeol.

Especially when it comes to BTS and TWICE.

"Good freaking grief, the dedication this man holds discussing the benefits of a k-pop collab... I'm not even that interested, and it feels like he's been talking for hours." Zeke said to himself as he took a deep breath.

"Hi...?" Ryujin suddenly said.

Hangyeol, Zeke, and Minhyuk stopped at what they've been doing and looked at her.

"Oh... Ryujin-ssi! Hello, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there!" Hangyeol said.

"Hi." Zeke smiled and waved.

Jihyo and Minji enter the office, their hands full of assorted snacks.

"Oh, you're finally here!" Jihyo smiles as she sees Ryujin. "We can now officially start the meeting."

Hyungwon slowly wakes and stretches, hearing that the meeting was about to begin.

They all fixed themselves up as Minhyuk went upfront and placed the map of Daegu on the table. Everyone soon gathered around.

"I'm proud to inform you that the plan to save Sana and the other survivors, dubbed as Operation: Shiba, is now close to completion," Minhyuk said.

"Operation: Shiba?" Miyeon asked. "As in, the dog, Shiba Inu? Why?"

"Well, Minji suggested it because she said Miss Sana looks like a Shiba Inu. I mean, when I saw a screenshot of her in Minji's phone, she does look like one..." Minhyuk said as he tried to remember that particular screenshot:

"Hehe. True." Jihyo remarked.

"Anyway, Minji will discuss the final details of the plan, as well as know Ryujin's information regarding the amusement park," Minhyuk said as Minji went center and placed a drawn map of what seemed to be E-World Amusement Park.

"So... To begin... We finally have a map of the area! Well, sort of. You said that the fog was giving you limited visibility, right?" Minji said.

"Approximately 50% visibility. We can still see at least 10 feet around us, but further ahead is just all fog." Hyungwon replied.

"And it's a few blocks away from the actual park," Hangyeol added.

"I see. Hold on. Miss Ryujin has gotten inside, right? So she might have an idea on what the enemy base looks like." Minhyuk said as he turns to Ryujin.

"Um... well... The park isn't the actual base. It's just the outskirts of it where a few Koul'ins are, scavenging for resources and things to use, like water The real base lies within the E-World Observatory Tower."

"The observatory tower... That place is one of the most advanced buildings in the city, plus, it has a vantage point that has an overlooking view of the park itself for monitoring supply caravans and scavenging supplies. Of course they would use that to their advantage..." Minhyuk said. "What's it like in their base, then?"

"Well... There was no fog in the area.. but I only caught a glimpse of the place. The Koul'ins are primarily stationed out on the rides, collecting stuff like metal and other things..." Ryujin said.

"Hold on. There weren't any fancy walls or stuff that protects the observatory tower building?" Hyungwon asked.

"None at all," Ryujin replied. "Which surprised me. I guess the fog was a good enough of a wall?"

"But why would they try to hide like that?" Jihyo asked. "Surely, putting solid walls would be most ideal as it protects them from outside threats, right?"

"That's true, or maybe... they could be hiding something more important than what we've intended for," Zeke said.

They all look at Zeke.

"That makes sense, Zeke. Because when you're trying to hide something important, you don't want to stand out. It all comes down to detectability." Minhyuk said. "If you want to show off and assert yourself to a particular area, you try to be as visible as possible. Like, you know. Turning a destroyed park into a lavish base. But if you don't want to be seen, you try to blend into your environment. Like, keeping the architecture of what you're planning to make as a base, and using a thick fog to shroud it. This makes it easier for them to keep enemies out because they'll think that the area is too dangerous to enter because of the fog, and when they get in, it's just a destroyed park. It's not worth the trouble."

"It's also probably because they might just be starting to build their base," Ryujin said. "When I raided a caravan, there were high-tech construction materials in there, too."

"It seems that we are in luck, then. We should strike them before they build up." Minhyuk said. "Since there are no walls to hinder us, we could go in quietly, just like Minji planned."

"Whoa, Minji?!" Zeke widened his eyes. "You planned for this?"

"I'm not a self-proclaimed events organizer for nothing, Zeke-nim. I can also apply my planning skills elsewhere, you know! Even in times of disaster." Minji grinned.

"Care to fill us with it, then?" Hangyeol asked.

"ABSOLUTELY! Ok ok ok ok ok.... so naturally, I thought we'd be going head-on frontal assault inside the base trying to rescue Sana-ssi and the others... This would be a huge disadvantage since we could lose a lot of men if we did. But then, with Ryujin-ssi's info, we can do a quieter rescue with a few people."

"How are we going to do that?"

"We'll divide ourselves into two groups," Minji replied.

"....wouldn't that be detrimental to us if we split?" Zeke said. "I mean... Remember what happened in Dalseong Park, right?"

"It's different. We are extremely prepared this time." Minhyuk said. "And besides. You aren't going alone. It's all of us against them."

"All... of us...?" Jihyo exclaimed in confusion. "And by that, you mean..."

"You, me, Zeke, Seojun-nim, Minji, Miyeon, Hangyeol, Hyungwon, and at least a few armed men who will be driving and monitoring the outside of the park. I've saved our finest guards here at the settlement in case something happens while we are gone." Minhyuk replied.

"Understood..." Jihyo replied.

"Now.. We'll be divided into two groups. One group will search the rides area... and the other group will go for the tower. Minji, the groupings?"

"Uh... Okay... The ones that will scan the rides area are... Me, Seojun-nim, Ryujin-ssi, and Miyeon-ssi."

"Ooooh. I'm excited to know how your mentor fights!" Ryujin exclaimed.

"Honestly, us too," Jihyo replied. "It's been so long since Seojun-nim fought, and it didn't end well... I wonder how he will fight this time..."

"And I'm excited about Miyeon-unnie too. I wanna see how she fights!" Ryujin said.

"Ah, well, don't bet on it..." Miyeon nervously chuckled. "I'm not as good as you guys. But I swear, I'll try my best. For Sana-unnie." Miyeon said.

"....Which leaves the remaining people not mentioned as the team that will go to the observation tower. Me, Zeke, Jihyo, Hyungwon, and Hangyeol."

"This is going to be interesting." Zeke smiled.

"Indeed... I'm perhaps even more interested in Hangyeol's combat abilities. He did absolutely nothing the last time we went out." Hyungwon said as he looks a Hangyeol.

"Hey! You did nothing too!" Hangyeol protested.

"I analyzed the battle so I know how to assist Zeke-nim and Jihyo-ssi well next time," Hyungwon replied.

"...and that should make it any different?! It's a lame explanation at best! You know, you're unbeli---" Hangyeol continued ranting as Hyungwon just gave him the stink-eye.

"I look forward to seeing you in battle, Miss Jihyo, Mister Zeke," Minhyuk said as Jihyo looks at him.

"You too, Minhyuk-nim. We'll show you my best!" Jihyo said as she brings out a thumbs-up and smiles. Zeke nods in agreement as well.

"Okay. Now, for the actual plan. Seojun's team will enter the rides area, while our team will go for the tower so we could cover more area quickly."

All of them nodded.

"Also, when we enter the park premises, we'll have to stick together because chances are, there's still fog in the area. But once the fog dissipates, we split as soon as possible." Minhyuk continued. "That's all."

"I have a question..." Jihyo suddenly asked. "What if that General Khera they've been telling us about is there...? How do we deal with her?"

"...We... have no idea, Jihyo-ssi," Minji said.

"You didn't plan for this particular situation?" Hangyeol asked.

"As much as Minhyuk-nim and I are amazing organizers, we're no combat experts," Minji said. "We don't even know what she's capable of. Added to the fact that she might still have one or two subordinates left in there: The Koul'in who took Sana-ssi, and the other one that sends you guys the creepy modified Scrapers, it's everybody's guess."

"If there isn't any plan, then we make one when we find them. At this point, we don't have time to make heads or tails of who we are fighting. Just leave the fighting to Zeke, Seojun-nim, and I." Jihyo spoke with a determined look on her face.

"Okay then, it's settled... We attack at sunrise. The preparations are already on the way as we speak. Get a good night's rest."

"So... tomorrow is finally the day, huh..." Jihyo said to herself.

April 19, 2023, 3:01 am, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.

Jihyo was wide awake, and outside, leaning on a metal pole. Despite her being told to have a long, good night's rest, she couldn't. She kept thinking about what will unfold today. What dangers await them. What risks do they have to take?

"You're awfully early, Jihyo..."

She turns behind her and sees Zeke coming out from their apartment in his sleepwear, yawning.

"I can't sleep. The anticipation... it's getting into me." Jihyo replied.

"You too, Jihyo-unnie...?"

They look toward the direction of the voice and see both Miyeon and Ryujin walking toward them, awake as well. They seem to have gotten no sleep, either.

"Guess that makes four of us, huh," Zeke added. "I assume everyone is worried about the mission at hand?"

The three girls nodded.

"....you girls wanna go grab some Americano? You know... just to help ease the pressure," Zeke suggested.

"Yeah, sure," Ryujin replied.

"Will probably need it," Miyeon replied.

"I'd like that." Jihyo smiled as she stands, and they went on their way to an open food stall.

As they were taking their morning coffee, the other settlers start to rise from their slumber, and soon, the final preparations have begun.

Zeke and Jihyo went back to their makeshift apartment to pack up when they suddenly see a sleepy Glendale at their doorstep.

"Glendale...? Why are you here?" Jihyo asked.

"I couldn't sleep because of all the noise... Why is it noisy anyway this early, Miss Jihyo...?"

It seemed like Glendale doesn't know about the upcoming mission at E-World. Jihyo kneels in front of him.

"We are going outside to rescue Sana. She's my best friend." Jihyo said. "It's gonna be a bit tough, and we are in for a very wild ride... so we have to prepare this early. I'm sorry for the noise that we are all making."

"It... it's okay." Glendale yawns and closes his eyes but suddenly opens them again. He was fighting his sleepiness.

"....Miss Jihyo... Can you describe Miss Sana for me? What's she like..?" Glendale suddenly asked.

Zeke and Jihyo looked at each other for a while, and then they look back at Glendale.

"Well, Glendale... Sana is a great person to be with, and I know that because I've been with her for nearly a decade." Jihyo smiled. "She's cute, loveable, absolutely funny, and she brings joy to everyone around her. I could go a day describing to you how amazing she is. She's an S+ tier best friend in my book."

Glendale then looks at Zeke. "How about you, Mister Zeke? What do you think of Miss Sana...?"

Zeke was unable to answer for a brief moment. Jihyo looked at him as well, seemingly interested in what his answer will be.

"Uhm. Uh... Sana... she's an amazing ball of winter sunshine. She has this glimmer of radiant glitter in her eyes that when you look at it, you'll feel happy and blissful... Also, she's cute as cotton candy. S-sorry, that's all I can think of for now." Zeke finally replied.

"Oh... I see..." Glendale replied.

Jihyo grinned at Zeke's reply and turns back to Glendale. "So... there. Why did you ask, by the way?"

"...because I wanna know if she could be my friend, too..." Glendale replied. "And I just wanted to get an opinion from... my two strongest friends... here..." Glendale said.

"Hmm... She can be your friend. Definitely. I'm sure of it." Jihyo smiled.

"O...kay..." Glendale said as he let out a huge yawn.

"You're really sleepy now, aren't you...? You can stay in our apartment to rest. Minji and Hyungwon's place isn't the proper place to have a peaceful slumber right now, it's really noisy there." Jihyo said.

Glendale just nodded, and with his eyes closed, he hugs Jihyo and quickly falls asleep. She carries him inside, where he tucks him in her cot with a thick comforter.

Jihyo looks at Zeke.

"I love your description of Sana, by the way," Jihyo said.

"I... have a way with words. Besides, I think it's nice if we describe great people with great adjectives. Right?"

"Yeah. Tee-hee~ I can only imagine you saying magnificent adjectives to---"

"Not. Another. Word. About. My bias." Zeke said as he raised his hand to stop Jihyo from uttering another word.

"Whatever, Clum-Zeke." Jihyo giggled as they both prepared for the battle ahead.

April 19, 2023, 4:27 am, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.

Two trucks and a small, six-seater van were stationed outside the settlement, filled with weapons, tents, medical supplies, and some radio equipment that will help the team connect with each other.

Zeke and Jihyo came out of their apartment, sporting the same clothes they wore when they fought Vesper.

Seojun follows outside as well, refreshed and ready for combat.

"Seojun-nim, you're coming!" Jihyo exclaimed. "Are you going to be okay...?"

"Of course. I'm in better shape than before. I've realized that now I don't have my Manifest, I have to play smart, and fight smart. I still may be stronger because of the permanent physical boost of being a wielder, and my light abilities... but that's all. I could still be vulnerable to threats."

"Make sure you don't push yourself, Seojun-nim. Call us if you need assistance." Jihyo said.

"Yeah. We got your back, Mr. Seojun." Zeke added.

"You young ones are too kind. But I'm going to be fine. Focus on the mission at hand, okay?"

Zeke and Jihyo nodded as they smiled.

In the distance, Hyungwon rushes towards Ryujin and gave her the armor he reassembled and modified, as well as her icy guns.

"All set, like I promised. Reassembled, welded a few cracks, and scrubbed the marks. Also increased the integrity of the armor by adding thin steel plates to your vital areas. Oh, and these guns... There was a modifier inside that can change the firepower of the bullets. So... now... they work like regular bullets. That can kill."

"Oh. These are amazing! Let me try them..." Ryujin wears the otherwordly armor, presses the button, and it fits her perfectly.

"Cool... Thank you so much for this, Hyungwon! Hold on! I have a way to repay you, but let's do it when we get back after we rescue Sana-ssi, okay?" Ryujin smiled.

"O-oh, you don't have to do anything. Fixing and making things is my job." Hyungwon said.

"Just go take whatever she has to offer, you tsundere-ass mechanic," Minji said as she suddenly walks past the two, bringing in some supplies towards the truck.

"I... please... Don't mind my sister. She's just like that to me." Hyungwon said.

"Oh, don't worry. It's fine, it's fine." Ryujin smiled. "I'll keep my promise. When we get back, I'll give you something, and, please, take it, okay?"

"If that's what you wish." Hyungwon smiled a bit.

In another part of the settlement, Hangyeol and Miyeon were talking.

Hangyeol was wearing his museum guard uniform with a reinforced police vest, loading his pistol and carbine rifle. Miyeon was wearing a dark polo shirt with a bulletproof vest as well.

She was trying to assess the gun she was holding. It was a Heckler & Koch MP5--- one of the guns that the Korean military uses in combat.

Hangyeol noticed her seemingly disturbed look as she continues to observe the gun from different sides.

"What's wrong?" Hangyeol asked.

"Well... I was just trying to get the twists and turns of this gun. I do know how to shoot guns like these thanks to the experience given to me by our settlement in Busan... but I'm scared that I wouldn't be able to fire this properly." Miyeon said.

"Relax, Miyeon-ssi. Don't worry about anything at all! You can go wild with these guns. Think of it as stress relievers or something. Just keep shooting and shooting and shooting and shooting and shooti...."

"....You sound like you just shoot your way out of everything," Miyeon said.

"Noooot really. I've rarely shot a gun in my time as a museum night guard. Most conflicts I've had working in Dalseong Park were quite negotiable, you know. Things are different now. We gotta... shoot our way out of it this time."

"I guess so," Miyeon said as she took a deep breath. "This is very very far from what I've been used to as an idol, so..."

"It's close... Just think of the battlefield as a League of Legends map... and you're Ahri or something. Hehe." Hangyeol replied with a grin and a smug stance.

"Wow. Referencing my role as a K/DA member?" Miyeon said as she chuckles.

"Well, that, and... I just thought of the similarities between this apocalypse and a typical LoL match. Toxic, cold, and downright annoying." Hangyeol said. Miyeon laughs.

"Team! Ready up! We are leaving in 10 minutes!" Minhyuk declared.

"Oh, we are being called by Minhyuk-nim. Come on!" Hangyeol said as they walked towards the entrance, and they meet up with the rest of the team. Zeke, Jihyo, Minhyuk, Seojun, Miyeon, Minji, Hyungwon, and Hangyeol were all standing in line, in front of the vehicles they were about to board in, absorbing the reality of the dangers of the mission ahead of them.

They stood in silence for a while... and slowly, they all look at Minhyuk.

"...are you guys seriously waiting for a motivational speech from me before we board the vehicles?" Minhyuk said. "I'm not good at those things."

".....There isn't any? Usually, there is. You know. Like, "In the midst of an icy hell, we stand ready, hearts out, guns out, swords out... or something of that sorts." Zeke said.

"I honestly don't know why would I say that, but if you really want a motivational speech, well... just... do your best, try to rescue everyone, and don't die."

They all stifled a laugh.

"That was straightforward..." Jihyo said. "I like it."

"Yep, no dramatic moments, no extra lines... That's motivational enough for me." Zeke replied as he twirled his fiery Manifest around his fingers. "Alright then..."

"...Operation: Shiba begins!"