Chapter 17: Chapter 11 Part 1
"Always stepping up, huh? If you just stayed quiet, we might be in the middle ground."
When Park Dong-Gul received this immediate criticism, he frowned at the talkative woman but didn't counter it. Instead, he spoke in a voice that was softer than before.
"Didn't you hear what this lady said earlier? She asked us not to fight among ourselves."
"Why don't you reflect on your own actions up to now before talking?"
"Well, that's true. Still, since we gathered to exchange opinions, how about we at least listen to each other?"
Seeing Park Dong-Gul's willingness to admit his faults, everyone swallowed their breath. The talkative woman slightly furrowed her brows, wondering if the guy had eaten something strange.
"I apologize for my actions in the open space earlier. And even if my tone is rough, I hope you won't take it too personally. I've always spoken like this, so it's not that I have any bad feelings towards you."
Park Dong-Gul glanced around and lowered his head slightly. Although there were still traces of dissatisfaction, it was much milder than before. He gradually moved to the center of the group and observed the reactions around him. Thinking it was a good time to speak, Park Dong-Gul got straight to the point.
"I agree with some of what the bank clerk lady said. Yes, arguing right now isn't right. Let's put aside our bad feelings and focus on escaping from these monsters and figuring out how to survive. What do you think?"
"…Then please go ahead."
"Like I said, I agree with some points but have issues with others. To conclude, I hope everyone realizes their own situations."
"What parts are you dissatisfied with?"
When Bo-Rim asked with a slight grumble, Park Dong-Gul answered with a gRim smile.
"Finding a way to survive is natural, but I don't think I can cooperate. Cooperation? It sounds nice, but given the current situation and my feelings, it just seems like empty talk."
"What are you saying? Then go. Go out, escape alone, and live alone."
The talkative woman sneered and snapped, but Park Dong-Gul didn't flinch. Instead, he nodded as if in agreement.
"Of course, I've considered that option too."
"Then go already."
"Just hear me out first. Listen to the end, okay? Don't interrupt."
As An Hyun gave a warning glance, the talkative woman huffed but stayed quiet. Park Dong-Gul continued calmly, under the gaze of everyone.
"I'm ignorant and rough, but I don't lie because I'm simple. I felt and thought a lot after almost losing my life fleeing from the open space. Since then, the idea of cooperation has been quite bothersome."
Everyone shuddered as they recalled the events in the open space. As if expecting this reaction, Park Dong-Gul's adam's apple moved slightly.
"To be honest, I wasn't just anxious; I was really scared. Embarrassing as it is, I was so scared I nearly wet myself. Think about it—those monsters we only saw in movies or TV are right in front of us. If we hadn't moved quickly, most of us would have been a meal for those creatures. So, I thought deeply. This isn't to brag or threaten, so don't misunderstand. I've had my share of dangerous situations. I'm ready to kill if necessary—whether it's a person or an animal—because I don't want to die. I was shocked and disoriented by the sudden danger, but I want to live. So, if we face a similar situation again, I'll use this weapon to survive."
Park Dong-Gul's speech was lengthy and still ongoing. Despite some skepticism, people began to focus more on his words. I clicked my tongue inwardly, but decided to wait and see. He continued, addressing each person individually.
"Even if others aren't reliable, that scummy parasite's brother over there seems like he's done some training. He brought a weapon and has dealt with monsters before… And you—if you can act as well as you talk, you might be of some help. And the guy with the crossbow goes without saying. Yes, these four can definitely assist each other. This means there's a possibility for cooperation. Don't you think so?"
Hearing Park Dong-Gul's words, An Sol, Lee Shin-Woo, and Bo-Rim's faces darkened, implying they were considered unhelpful. Finally, Bo-Rim mustered the courage to speak up.
"So, are you saying we can't cooperate with those who aren't helpful?"
"Whoa, calm down. I'm not done yet."
"What on earth…"
"Can you do what that guy or the crossbow-wielder can do? Do you think you can stab monsters with rocks or knives? I don't think so. Especially you and the girl clinging to him, who just screamed every time those things appeared. The woman over there at least kept quiet and didn't hinder us. If you had done just that, I wouldn't have said anything."
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