I Am the Only Non-Returner

13 – Specialized in Individual Combat

The next woman looked younger up close. She gives off a somewhat mysterious vibe. Come to think of it, she might be younger than me?

I touched the fingers of the woman who exuded a strange aura with slightly narrowed eyes.

Muso (Rare)

– Increases abilities by 100% in combat with players. Decreases abilities by 50% in combat with magic users.

Oh, surprise!

Did I put in the characters for Muso just because I’m Muso? Huh?

Anyway, I calmed my startled heart and looked back at the description of the ability.

Combat with players… But didn’t they say we couldn’t use skills in neutral zones? What’s this? Or do we use it when fighting inside the shelter?

Whatever it is, it’s fierce. Shouldn’t mess with its nature.

Yeah, whether it’s Muso or Muso (無雙), what’s the problem, hehehe.

How can such talented individuals be on the same team?

They’re almost comparable to our shelter.

I wanted to draw a palm and a heart, but as the leader of the shelter, I couldn’t easily show such a lighthearted side.

I took a step outside the shelter and spoke.

“First, please come in and let’s have a conversation.”

The mother and daughter, who were anxiously waiting for my words, hesitated for a moment, while the man and the girl with mismatched eyes nodded calmly.

After escorting the four of them, we entered the shelter.

“Oh, look at these people. They look like they could kill with just a glance.”

I received the gazes of the people outside one by one and then turned away.

Already, the man and Gahee were exchanging friendly greetings, and even the girl with mismatched eyes was touching Eunchae’s cheek and hugging her.

Even the mother and daughter, who were looking at the four of them with satisfaction.

hehehehe, is this the loneliness in the crowd that I only heard about?

Feeling a bit awkward, I sat down on a chair and drank barley tea, feeling like I should do something.

-1P

Well, getting rid of a bit of awkwardness is quite a benefit for -1P.

Nodding my head, I sat for a while, and only then did the people show interest in me.

“Huh, who said I want attention! Looking at me now won’t change anything!”

But eventually, under the continuous glances, I gave in and brought up the conversation.

“First, let me introduce myself. I’m Eun Gyeon. Just call me the captain.”

Clap, clap-

Eunchae, clapping awkwardly like that makes me look even more pathetic!

“There are a few guidelines. First, feel free to use points according to your contribution. If not, the contribution system might not be necessary.”

Hmm, nodding heads from the people.

“Secondly, my principle is not to inquire about the other person’s characteristics. I will keep the promise not to disclose it to others. Of course, naturally, you’ll come to know over time, but please be cautious in the beginning.”

Of course, these are guidelines created after hearing the old man’s story.

The old man smiles satisfactorily.

Did I do well? Please acknowledge me, sir, nodding approvingly.

“Thirdly, the combat strategy is basically to plan 1 in advance. I share plan 1 and finalize plan 2 by correcting any mistakes.”

This was something I came up with after hearing Gahee’s talk.

Gahee raises the corners of her mouth wickedly, oh, so scary…

Why are you so scary, Gahee? Do you plan to unleash divine wrath upon me? No way! Uncle will block it in advance!

After muttering nonsense alone for a moment, I returned to reality.

“Do you have any questions?”

“I have no questions, may I say a few words?”

Does it sound like “may I” only to me?

“Please go ahead.”

“Uh… as you may have seen, the six of us have spent time together in the same shelter during the first round.”

Hmm, I see… but were all six present? Including the mother and daughter?

Everyone, including the mother and daughter, seemed filled with trust in the old man’s gaze.

“Hmm, somehow it feels a bit chilly inside the shelter. Is it just me?”

As if my reaction was needed, I lightly nodded.

Upon that, the old man continued the story.

“After facing significant challenges at 21… although I managed to reach 25, that was the end of it.”

So, everyone at 25… Wait, does that mean the final team that made it to 51 were remarkable individuals?

Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind.

Were they all legendary or possessed some unique characteristics?

“How lucky we are to reunite in the same block, but many of our team members have parted ways. We are grateful for your hospitality.”

Bowing respectfully to the gentleman who was offering his greetings, I straightened up with a nod.

But hold on, I haven’t received your hospitality yet, sir! Well, I will, but not just yet! It’s not the right time!

“The most regrettable thing about the first round was trying to accommodate too many people. It was a huge ambition. I couldn’t even protect myself…”

He must have experienced the scenario I fear the most.

The increasing number of people, the depleting resources, the strengthening enemies, and people losing control.

Surviving for a year in Zone 21? Who would have thought such a thing was possible!

If you survive for a year in Zone 21, then what? Are you going to try to survive for 10 years after that?

That’s crossing the line, seriously, don’t even think about it.

“Uncle… It wasn’t your fault…”

Though Kahee and Eunchae offered words of comfort, tears welling up in their eyes, the uncle’s contorted face showed no sign of relaxing.

Hmm… Come to think of it, it hasn’t been long since these people returned, has it?

It’s only the second day.

It’s unbelievable, it feels like it’s been a month.

And those people, they were dead just a few days ago. They must have regained their senses after dying.

Looking at the people in the shelter once again, it’s amazing how they’ve managed to hold themselves together.

‘Perhaps it’s a decent combination…’

Since the characters don’t seem like those immersed in the past, let’s give it a little more time.

If we don’t break here, it seems like a family drama-like scenario will continue, so I hurriedly interrupted.

“As you feel a sense of regret, have you come to any conclusions on what should be done?”

Even to my somewhat cold-toned question, the gentleman answered without any sign of discomfort.

“I haven’t found an answer yet. However, the choice before that was wrong. At least for us to survive…”

“Well… there might not necessarily be a definite answer.”

ㅡ!

“Let’s slowly look for it together. Until then, I’ll be a bit selective about who we accept. How would you like to merge the shelters right now?”

Let’s proceed with the tasks first, and the rest can be resolved by the remaining people.

“Ah… I apologize. I made a mistake. Of course, I want to merge.”

[Integral·Yoo In-soon·Kang Ha-eun·Kim Hyeon-ah] Shelter has requested a merger with [Lump] Shelter. Will you merge? Y/N

Yes.

Kugugugugugungㅡ!

Now, passing through the somewhat familiar sound,

The shelter merger is complete.

Shelter (Intermediate+++)

– Durability 4300/4300

– 290m²

– Concrete slots 36/36

– Bathroom Slot 1/5

– Toilet Slot 1/3

– Bedroom Slot 0/10

– Kitchen Slot 1/2

– Resident Population 6/165

Wow~~ Do you play this game for this taste?

It has become incredibly spacious, of course, looking more empty as a result.

Resident population registration is complete.

With only 6 people, it does feel a bit too small compared to the scale.

+2043P

Received points as well.

Let’s check the unlocked store list.

Bedroom (Intermediate), Chocolate Milk, Bottoms Purchase Voucher, Pay-as-you-throw Bag 50, Shaving Kit, Onion, Potion (Low-grade), Big Lid, Soju, Crayons 12, Laundry Detergent for Drum, Hand Sanitizer 62, aaa Batteries, Maxim, Refrigerator 900, Notepad

Looking at the previous and current ones, the items do seem a bit scarce. Could it be due to overlapping items?

Anyway, having a bedroom is a great thing.

Sleeping outside while people stare is not an option! Although, I did get a good night’s sleep!

Let’s see what else… a potion? Really? There’s something like this too···

The price?

Potion (Low-grade)

– Restores health 3 times and mildly heals injuries.

(Once per stage)

Price: 100P

Woah, woah, woah—

To recover 3 health, it costs 100P… Will there ever be a day when I laugh at 100P? Anyway, got something good.

Bedroom (Intermediate)

Price: 120P

Huh? The kitchen was 50P, why is this so expensive?

But I can’t just not buy it.

Let’s just get one for now.

-120P

Ziiiiing—

– Oh, what is it, sir?

– Bought a bedroom.

The two high school girls and the mother-daughter pair stare at me with twinkling eyes.

As expected, Mr. Jung Soo, also known as Uncle, and Ms. Kim Hyeon-a, look at me calmly.

The completed bedroom was, of course, a closed space, not visible from the outside.

It’s a bit narrow, but if it’s just for sleeping, it’s not bad.

And there was a bed, a size between single and double, enough for the mother and daughter, and probably okay for the two high school girls too… There are pillows and blankets, is that why it’s expensive?

Interestingly, the soundproofing seems good.

This should be fine. Let’s purchase 5 more.

Sleep is a serious matter.

Eunchae and Gahee should each have their own rooms, right?

-600P

Points balance: 780,941

Bzzz-

Bedrooms rising simultaneously. Along the edges, they were systematically constructed along the walls.

Let’s buy potions one by one.

It’s right not to spare money on things like this.

-700P

Points balance: 780,241

“Get a potion each here.”

······

‘Huh? Why does the reaction seem a bit cold? Am I spending too much? Worried about using all the points? The point status is a bit tricky to share yet···’

The point information coming in after fusion is shared, but the points I had before are not shared, so there might be some dissatisfaction.

“Sir··· really ···”

“······”

“Well··· um, I bought it with the points I had when I was alone, so you don’t have to worry. Just make sure to discuss and decide on the expenses from now on.”

People’s eyes widened more at my words.

‘Hmm··· Can’t read people’s minds or anything like that, can I? I don’t know what they’re thinking. If I were alone, I wouldn’t have these worries.’

Feeling a bit absurd, I sipped barley drink, carried my thoughts, and looked outside.

＜02:44:09＞

There’s still plenty of time.

Should I take a nap in the bedroom~

I hear people murmuring behind me.

A slight chill of sweat forms on my back.

I wonder if I really did something wrong earlier in this democratic society, splurging points all by myself. It feels a bit off.

But my points are overwhelmingly high.

And considering it was for the welfare of everyone, I assume they would understand.

‘Hmm… Being a representative is not an easy task.’

However, to my surprise, people come one by one and express their gratitude, contrary to my worries.