I stared blankly at the spot where the construction site had once stood.

A man in military uniform approached, his voice cold and stern.

"You there! What are you doing here?"

He glared at me.

"The government issued an emergency evacuation order. Don’t you know how dangerous it is to stay here?"

I paused for a moment, then quickly replied.

"I… I stayed home yesterday after getting the message. But I ran out of food and thought I could grab some from the convenience store nearby. Then… a monster appeared, and I barely escaped with my life."

I subtly moved my hand, hiding my sword in my inventory. I wasn’t about to reveal my awakening to some soldier I just met.

He let out a small sigh, his expression softening slightly.

"I see. I’m Sergeant Kim Seungwoo, assigned to patrol this area. My job is to get you to the evacuation center. Stay close and follow me."

I nodded silently. It was better to follow the soldier than wander aimlessly. Plus, this was a chance to learn more about what was really going on.

He spoke into his mini-radio.

"I found a civilian in the construction site near Gangnam District. I repeat, I found a civilian in the construction site near Gangnam District."

After receiving orders, Kim Seungwoo led me toward the evacuation center.

On the way, we encountered a bloodhound. He reacted quickly, taking it down with precise shots from his AKM assault rifle. The monster dropped to the ground without a fight.

"First time seeing a monster?" Kim Seungwoo asked, still holding the rifle.

I shook my head. I’d already fought monsters far stronger than that, but I kept it to myself.

"I see," Kim Seungwoo said, his face grim. "A huge tower suddenly appeared in the city. No one knows where it came from or why. Then monsters started attacking. So many people died, including my wife. She sacrificed herself to save our daughter. By the time I got there, it was too late. But my daughter survived. She’s in the hospital now."

I hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"I’m sorry for your loss. But I’ll avenge your wife."

Kim Seungwoo was stunned. He hadn’t expected such words from a stranger, especially not from a university student.

"Are you out of your mind? It's our job as soldiers to protect civilians like you. For now, focus on surviving and forget about fighting monsters.”

Finally, we arrived at the evacuation center.

"This is the evacuation center. I know you probably have questions, but for now, I need to report to the higher-ups."

Kim Seungwoo walked off without another word, heading toward the nearest station.

I watched him disappear into the crowd before turning my attention to my surroundings.

To my surprise, the evacuation center was located inside Gangnam Station.

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The area was packed with evacuees, and soldiers armed with rifles stood at the exits, keeping a watchful eye on everything.

"Ah…! Are you new here? I’m Baek Seolhwa, a doctor. Nice to meet you."

A woman in a white coat approached me with a warm smile and extended her hand.

"I’m Lee Han. Nice to meet you."

I shook her hand firmly, my expression calm.

"If it’s more comfortable for you, Han-ssi, you can just call me Seolhwa. I’d appreciate that," she said with a smile.

"As a doctor, I need to check for any injuries or abnormalities. It’s just a precaution, so don’t worry. I’m gentle. I won’t bite."

I nodded slowly. "Ah… okay.”

Baek Seolhwa led me to a small office that had been turned into a temporary clinic.

The faint scent of antiseptic filled the air.

My eyes wandered across the room, taking in the rows of patients lying on makeshift beds.

Many of them had visible injuries, some severe enough to reveal broken bones.

Despite their condition, most of them appeared to be resting peacefully.

"Are you sure it’s okay to waste time on me, Seolhwa-ssi? Don’t you have other patients to attend to? I’m not even injured."

Baek Seolhwa pouted slightly at my blunt words but quickly brushed it off. She motioned to a chair beside her.

"Just sit down. It won’t take long."

Reluctantly, I sat on the chair.

"Take off your clothes," she said casually.

"...Excuse me?"

I stared at her, my eyes wide.

"What? Are you embarrassed, Han-ssi? I’m a doctor. This is normal," Baek Seolhwa said with a lighthearted smile.

I sighed and reluctantly began unbuttoning my shirt. I removed my blazer and shirt, leaving only my undershirt.

Baek Seolhwa’s gaze lingered on my body longer than expected. She hadn’t imagined someone like me would have such a well-built frame. My muscles were defined, and my physique didn’t match what she would expect from a university student.

"For a student, your body is… impressive. Do you work out regularly?" she asked, her tone almost playful.

I wasn’t entirely sure why my body had become so muscular, but I suspected it was related to the hidden dungeon I’d discovered and the mysterious runes I had obtained.

The runes had increased my strength, but their effects seemed to have altered my body both physically and mentally. Still, I decided to keep that part to myself.

"I don’t, actually," I said calmly. "I’m always busy studying and working my part-time job at the convenience store. There’s barely time for anything else."

Baek Seolhwa tilted her head slightly, a sly smile forming on her lips.

"Really? With a body like this, I’d think you were secretly doing some intense training or something."

Her teasing tone made my brow twitch, but I kept my composure. I wasn’t about to explain the truth about the runes.

"Well, no injuries, and your condition is perfect," she said, her tone turning professional again. "You’re healthier than most people I’ve seen today."

She pulled out a small piece of paper, scribbled something on it, and handed it to me.

"Here’s my contact number, Han-ssi. If you notice anything unusual—or if you just need someone to talk to—give me a call. Let’s keep this between us, alright?”

Baek Seolhwa smiled as she turned back to her desk, humming softly.

For a doctor, she was certainly… unique.

After leaving the office, I made my way through the evacuation center.

I walked around the station for a while before sitting down on a bench to rest. The exhaustion from more than eight hours in the dungeon weighed on me.

I leaned back and took a short nap, falling asleep on the bench.

Meanwhile, Kim Seungwoo knocked on the door and entered the room. He saluted and introduced himself.

"Sergeant Kim Seungwoo. I have business here in the battalion commander's office."

The battalion commander, Lieutenant Major Choi Minseok, sat behind his desk.

"Is it true, soldier, that you disobeyed my orders and prioritized civilian safety over your mission?" Choi Minseok’s voice was sharp as he asked.

"Yes, sir!" Kim Seungwoo saluted and replied. "I disobeyed your orders to protect the civilians. I’m ready to accept any consequences, but I have a question, sir."

A young officer near Choi Minseok stepped forward, glaring at Kim Seungwoo.

"You dare question the lieutenant major?" he snapped. "A soldier like you doesn’t deserve to stay in the military!"

Choi Minseok raised a hand, silencing the officer. He fixed his gaze on Kim Seungwoo. "Go ahead."

Kim Seungwoo took a deep breath.

"During the ceremony, you said that our duty as soldiers is to protect the citizens first. If we can’t defend them from the monsters, then what’s the point of serving this country? If we abandon the people, the vows we swore mean nothing."

He paused for a moment, lowering his voice.

"I understand that following orders is part of being a soldier, but I’ve already lost my wife because of your orders to defend Gangnam. I can’t lose my daughter too."

The room fell silent.

Choi Minseok’s expression remained calm. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice cold.

"Sergeant Kim, I respect your commitment to protecting the people. But as a commander, my duty is to ensure the survival of this nation, even if it requires sacrifices.

"Do you think you’re the only one who’s lost someone? I lost my wife during the monster outbreak. She was at the airport, about to leave for vacation, but when the attack happened, I had to choose... my wife, or my country."

Kim Seungwoo’s eyes widened slightly.

"You... chose your duty?”

Choi Minseok nodded. "Yes. And I will carry that regret for the rest of my life. But as a soldier, I swore an oath to protect this country. And I will not stop until every last monster is eradicated."

"I’m sorry, Lieutenant Major. I thought you were just after your own ambition, but I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

"It’s fine," Choi Minseok said. "I expected this. Some will call me a monster for choosing my country over my wife, but I’m prepared to do whatever it takes for revenge. But for that, I need allies who will support me. Sergeant Kim Seungwoo, will you join me?"

Choi Minseok extended his hand, hoping for Kim Seungwoo’s support. To his surprise, Sergeant Kim shook his head.

"I’m sorry, Lieutenant Major, but I must decline. My wife didn’t die for that reason. The only thing that matters to me now is my daughter. I think my wife would hate me if I lived my life seeking revenge instead of living for our daughter."

Sergeant Kim bowed deeply and turned to leave the office.

Before walking out, he placed his military badge on the table.

He was surprised by his own decision, but his thoughts shifted to a young man around his daughter’s age.

"Are you just going to let him leave like that, Lieutenant Major? Didn’t you do everything to convince him?" the young officer asked.

Choi Minseok’s face hardened.

"What a shame. Sergeant Kim Seungwoo, you're more capable than your peers, but you chose to stay behind. You’ll regret this decision."

He leaned back, his eyes cold.

"Forget him. There are countless others who would gladly join my faction. The day will come when I rule this country as its monarch. Tell my people to prepare the runes, gather resources, and strengthen the army. Failure is not an option."

The officer bowed deeply.

"Yes, Commander. Your command is my honor. I’ll make sure no one stands in your way when you become our monarch."