By Zephyria 
Side Story: Return – Episode 1
I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades followed close behind.
They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
_-Revelation 6:8- From the birth of the Zombie virus to the administration of the vaccine… Looking back on five years of fierce struggle.
By Victor Nava
Published Feb. 22, 20XX, 11:39 p.m. ET
Five years have passed since the first confirmed case of Zombie virus infection was reported outside the country. First appearing in Sudan, Africa, this new virus has been recorded as the worst plague in human history.
According to the “Annual Report on Global Zombie Virus Notifications” published by the UN, the number of deaths caused by the infectious disease is 3,142,428,232. When combined with nearly 2 billion unidentified and missing persons, the figure far exceeds 5 billion. In effect, two-thirds of humanity were wiped out.
However, thanks to the active cooperation of medical professionals and soldiers worldwide, the Zombie virus—which had been under total surveillance—was transitioned to a Category 4 infectious disease under sentinel surveillance (20XX.2.3) after three years, and five years later, it was downgraded to the lowest crisis level, “Interest” (20XX.4.15).
…
With the completion of vaccinations developed through research cooperation between AB Bio and the WHO last month, the complete eradication of the virus has essentially been declared.
On the 15th, the Director-General of the WHO expressed his joy, stating, “A year has passed since the vaccine was developed, and it was only this January that distribution and vaccination were completed in every country worldwide. This will be recorded as the greatest victory in human history.”
He continued regarding the origin of the virus, “While conspiracy theories circulate like ghost stories that someone intentionally unleashed a lethal virus, as previously stated, the virus originated from the African wild dog known as the ‘Lycaon.’ More precisely, it is believed that a new form of rabies virus was born in a bat bitten by a Lycaon. If we continue research on this cruel zoonotic disease, which evolved to cause specific mutations only in humans and not animals, we may be able to anticipate and respond to the direction of any future occurrences.”
From lockdown to vigilance, and finally to full opening… A new start for Asian nations.
By Isabel Vincent
Published May. 12, 20XX, 4:39 p.m. ET
At the UN plenary session held today, May 12, the end of the disaster was officially declared for South Korea, Japan, and China. This is a great achievement coming five years after the lockdown alerts were issued for East and Central Asia.
Accordingly, the U.S. government officially announced a statement expressing its willingness to participate in the reconstruction of five countries, including South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, and that it would seek ways to support the deployment of necessary specialized personnel. As early as the beginning of next month, the overseas dispatch of specialized professions—including agricultural workers, medical staff, construction technicians, and some high-ranking officials—is expected to begin in earnest.
…
In relation to this, the UN investigation team stated, “The revival of major nations is just around the corner. Now is the most critical time of all. Since the view that it is still premature cannot be ignored, we are carefully considering the establishment of ‘MDCC (Military Disease Control Center)’ worldwide to streamline the collection and management of infectious disease data.”
Some predict that if the MDCC, which can also serve as a temporary military facility, is newly established, the convenience of reporting will increase, and active crisis response will become possible.
Side Story: Return Episode 1
1. Red Bird
Six years after the outbreak of the Zombie crisis, at the clay shooting range within the Blue Works Advanced Technology Research Institute grounds.
Ha-jin, with a long shotgun slung over his shoulder, held his breath. The surroundings were silent, and a faint breeze brushed the tip of his nose. As it was the final round, a determined will to hit the target gathered in his narrow brow.
Because he was wearing ear protection, his heartbeat thundered loudly in his ears, pulsing through his veins.
“Full!”
As he called out powerfully, an orange disc leaped into the air from the launcher. He quickly aimed the muzzle at the target flying in the distance. Bang—! As the lingering echo filled the silence, a short sigh escaped his lips.
“Ugh, seriously…”
Having failed to hit the target once again, Ha-jin looked down at the numerous shells scattered at his feet. Facing the traces of countless failures, irritation and emptiness surged within him. This was already the 50th round.
While he was ignoring the number displayed on the counter, a soft touch landed on his shoulder.
“Let’s postpone the bet and focus on practicing first.”
Ha-jin took off his ear protection and looked back at Eden, who was massaging his shoulder.
“Ah, sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
“I said let’s start with proper practice.”
“…….”
“Your posture is perfect, but there’s too much tension in your shoulders. It’s hard to keep up with a moving target like that. This is the most common mistake made by those who’ve served in the military.”
Then, he felt a ticklish breath near the crown of his head.
“Relax your upper body as much as possible.”
At the low voice, Ha-jin forcibly gripped his slipping concentration and looked straight ahead.
“Once your posture is correct, the next step is adjusting your vision. Instead of aiming by looking at the muzzle, look at the target. Think of keeping your vision outward and slightly upward.”
“You mean I should look and shoot directly? It’s hard to see because the muzzle is in the way…”
“Try it like this.”
Eden demonstrated a few shots. His movements were agile as he lightly hit the discs leaping up in succession. Orange smoke spread blurrily through the air. It was a sight that looked as if droplets of Zombie blood were being embroidered across the sky.
As if thinking the same thing, Eden offered a timely piece of advice.
“Imagine those discs are moving Zombies and shoot. Concentrate.”
Ha-jin put his ear protection back on and corrected his posture.
“Full!”
Three clays leaped into the air in succession at regular intervals. Simultaneously, the sharp muzzle of the gun aimed for the sky.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Recalling Eden’s delicate advice and changing his posture, the final clay was shattered in a single blow. Ha-jin’s eyes, having succeeded in a hit for the first time, were filled with surprise and joy.
Having lost himself in clay shooting while skipping lunch, it was already 4 p.m. Perhaps thanks to three long hours of shooting practice, his accuracy had risen from 0% to nearly 70%.
“I think I’m finally good enough to bet with you now, right?”
Ha-jin, having set down his goggles and ear protection, asked while rotating his stiff shoulders. As if he had been waiting, Eden grabbed Ha-jin’s cheek. A moist sensation touched his dry lips. Ha-jin stepped away from Eden, who was kissing him deeply as if pressing down, and placed the gun on the table.
[Eden! Ha-jin! If you’re done, let’s go, hurry up!]
A familiar voice echoed from afar. Unlike the flinching Ha-jin, Eden didn’t care and greedily kissed Ha-jin’s eyelids, nose, philtrum, and cheeks. Only when Jeffrey, who had finally arrived nearby, stomped his feet in disgust did Eden finally let go of Ha-jin’s face.
[Geez, can’t you just do it in moderation?]
Eden tilted the empty muzzle toward the shouting Jeffrey.
[I have a gun.]
[Get that thing away from me!]
“Let’s go, Jeffrey. We’re finished.”
Ha-jin grabbed the hand of Jeffrey, who was glaring at Eden, and hurriedly left the tent.
Mi-so, who had been leaning against the car playing with her phone, waved her arm vigorously as soon as she spotted Ha-jin.
“I kept hearing gunshots. Who won?”
Ha-jin glanced back at Eden, who was walking leisurely behind him, and answered.
“We didn’t even start the bet; we just ended up practicing.”
“Just practicing? Didn’t you brag about shooting a bit back in the army?”
“…It was my first time shooting something that moves.”
Giggling, Mi-so opened the back door and squeezed herself into the car. Ha-jin followed her and took his seat in the passenger side.
“The Zombies are all dead now, so why are you practicing shooting?”
“I once bragged about shooting ten thousand rounds in the army, and Jeong Tae-geon remembered that. He just asked me to go on a date, that’s all.”
“Of course you lovebirds would.”
Knowing she would keep teasing him no matter what he replied, Ha-jin tried to ignore Mi-so’s words and fastened his seatbelt. While lowering the sun visor to check his messy hair in the mirror, an unexpected name popped up from behind.
“By the way, I heard Young-woon’s family is going too.”
“Where?”
“Where else? Korea.”
Ha-jin’s hand, which had been smoothing his hair, stopped abruptly. When he shifted his gaze to the rearview mirror and met Mi-so’s eyes, she made a pouting face.
“Young-woon hasn’t been coming to the junior program much this month. I contacted his mother to see if something was wrong, and she said they were frantic preparing for their migration to Korea. She said she was sorry for not telling you sooner.”
“…Really?”
Young-woon was a student in the magic class Ha-jin ran, a child he had been connected with for four whole years. He had noticed the boy’s attendance had been sparse lately, and it seemed they were considering reverse migration to their homeland.
“I expected it to some extent, but it’s still a shame.”
At Mi-so’s added comment, Ha-jin shrugged and smiled bitterly.
It wasn’t particularly surprising news. Last month, Ji-eun and Da-hoon from the elementary group had left the U.S. for Korea. It had been less than two months since the U.S. government’s decision on the forced repatriation of Special Refugees had been overturned.
It was a chaotic time, but the steps toward the motherland to find one’s roots and foundation were certainly meaningful. Ha-jin knew all too well the sorrows of immigrants who float through the air their whole lives, like souls dropped at the wrong coordinates.
While Ha-jin was lost in thought, Mi-so’s clear voice flowed into his ears again.
“Well, if they’re going anyway, it’s better to apply for migration and go quickly. I heard they’re giving out rental housing rights if you go now, so isn’t that a real win?”
“Didn’t they say it would take at least two more years for the buildings to be completed? Where is everyone staying in the meantime?”
“Probably shelters? I heard they built large temporary villages. They’ll probably get room and board there. Anyway, it seems Korea really is coming back to life.”
As Mi-so chattered in a voice full of emotion, Ha-jin felt a strange sensation. He blinked slowly.
Since he had Eden by his side and had already moved his younger brother Jun-seok’s grave to the U.S., returning to Korea was not an option he had considered from the start. Nevertheless, the news that his destroyed motherland was being rebuilt brought considerable comfort. It felt as if he had a family home he could return to at any time.
With a faint smile on his lips, Ha-jin looked out the window. Eden and Jeffrey were standing about 50 meters away, talking. Seeing Eden’s annoyed, expressionless face, a silent laugh escaped him.
Just then, Mi-so suddenly reached her hand toward the passenger window. Tap, tap. Her firm fingertips knocked on the glass.
“So, about that. I’m thinking of visiting Korea for a bit too.”
For a moment, Ha-jin thought he had misheard and asked, “What?” When he looked back, Mi-so answered while scratching her chin.
“I want to go to my grandmother’s house and look for my dad’s remains. I didn’t have time to bury him. While I’m there, I want to reorganize my family’s graves.”
At those words, Ha-jin immediately unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped outside. Resting both arms on the open rear window frame, he leaned down to meet Mi-so’s eyes.
“Are you serious? How are you going to get to Korea?”
“I looked into it, and it says entry and exit are possible even for those who aren’t migrants. There’s a separate program for finding family remains, so if you apply, shelter support is provided.”
“…….”
“I just hope my dad’s remains are still there.”
Ha-jin rubbed his face with a complex expression. The virus had been extinct for a long time and vaccinations were complete, so visiting Korea wasn’t that dangerous, but the thought of sending Mi-so alone filled him with worry.
“How long will you be there?”
“I don’t know. I’m expecting at least a month… but then I won’t be able to act as your manager, so that might be a problem, right?”
“The manager isn’t the problem right now.”
Ha-jin lowered his voice intentionally.
“Don’t worry about work. The magic class is almost on break anyway, and there are no performances scheduled right now. Even if there were, I can handle it on my own.”
“I appreciate you saying that.”
Mi-so, who was unusually cautious of his reaction, poked the back of Ha-jin’s hand.
“Or… do you want to come with me?”
Ha-jin’s eyes widened at the sudden proposal.
“I heard they’re recruiting shelter volunteers in Korea too. They even support the airfare.”
“…….”
“You’ve always missed Korea. If a month is too long, you can return to the U.S. first.”
“Should I?”
Ha-jin nodded without realizing it. At the answer given without a shred of hesitation, Mi-so burst into laughter as if it were absurd.
“I’m glad you agreed without even thinking about it, but I wonder if Jeong Tae-geon will let you go easily.”
She cast a glance behind Ha-jin. Naturally, his body turned following her gaze. Eden, who had approached them, placed a hand on Ha-jin’s shoulder.
“What are you doing standing here?”
Eden narrowed his eyes as if asking what kind of scheme was being plotted.
“I was just talking to Mi-so.”
“Talking about what—”
[Eden! I told you the Chairman heard you came to the research institute and came from the headquarters to meet you personally! You idiot! Even if you’re going to refuse, you should at least do it to his face!]
At Jeffrey’s shout from a distance, a crease formed on Eden’s smooth brow. Catching his displeased expression, Ha-jin pushed his back.
“I don’t know what it’s about, but hurry back. It sounded like you were arguing with the company on the phone last night too.”
“Forget it. We’re done talking. Let’s go.”
“I’m just saying it because Jeffrey seems to be struggling in the middle. I’ll stay and talk with Mi-so a bit more, so go ahead.”
Eden looked down at Ha-jin’s hand firmly pushing him away and let out a deep sigh, “Ha…” After staring briefly into the air as if contemplating, he parted his tightly closed lips.
“Then wait just a little. I’ll be back quickly so we’re not late for the dinner reservation.”
After asking for Mi-so’s understanding as well, he walked with heavy steps toward Jeffrey, who was calling out to him.