Demonic || Seventeen

Demonic 2

The ship finally docked at the shore of the inner wall. As the gangplank lowered, Seokmin and his friends-Mingyu, Seungkwan, and Hansol-disembarked along with the other survivors. The scene was one of organized chaos. The wounded were being quickly attended to by medical teams, while others, many of whom were in shock or grief, wandered about looking lost. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and the murmur of worried voices.

Seokmin and his friends found a spot on the grass, sitting in a small circle. They were exhausted, both physically and emotionally, watching the flurry of activity around them. The enormity of their loss hung heavy in the air, a silent testament to the horror they had fled from.

As they sat there, a voice suddenly cut through the noise, demanding attention. "Attention, everyone!"

Seokmin looked up to see the figure from the ship-the soldier who had pushed him back and told him to stay put, also the one who comforted him. He was standing with a group of seven others, all in similar uniforms and carrying an air of authority. One them, that was in the middle steps forward.

"Attention, everyone!" the soldier called again. "I am Lieutenant Seungcheol. What happened just now was unforeseen and devastating. None of us expected such a breach. We all know that many of you have lost loved ones today, and I understand the depth of your grief."

Lieutenant Seungcheol's voice was steady and commanding, cutting through the murmur of the crowd. He had a presence that drew the eyes and demanded respect. Behind him, the soldiers he had arrived with stood at attention, ready to assist as needed.

"First, I want to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to manage the situation. Medical teams are working around the clock to treat the injured. We are setting up temporary shelters and ensuring that everyone has access to food and water. We will do everything possible to make sure that you are safe and cared for during this time."

He paused, allowing the words to sink in. Seokmin could see the weary but hopeful faces of the villagers as they listened. The promise of safety, however distant it seemed, was a small comfort in the face of such overwhelming loss.

"There's one more thing," Lieutenant Seungcheol continued, his tone shifting to one of determination. "In two days, we will begin searching for volunteers between the ages of 15 and 20 who wish to join us in serving and protecting everyone. We need individuals who are willing to stand up and fight for our safety and security."

A murmur spread through the crowd at the mention of volunteers. Seokmin's heart skipped a beat. The idea of fighting, of taking action in the face of the Demonic threat, stirred something deep inside him. It was a way to honor his family, to fight back against the horror that had taken everything from him.

Lieutenant Seungcheol raised his hand to quiet the crowd once more. "You will have one day to think about this decision. On the following day, those who are interested can gather here. We will provide more information about what the role entails, the training you will receive, and the commitments involved. We need brave souls to help us reclaim our safety and protect our future."

Seokmin exchanged glances with Mingyu, Seungkwan, and Hansol. The weight of the decision was palpable. The prospect of joining the fight was daunting, but it was also an opportunity to make a difference, to fight back against the Demonic that had ravaged their lives.

As Lieutenant Seungcheol concluded his announcement, the crowd began to disperse, some people heading to the makeshift medical tents, others simply finding a place to sit and rest. Seokmin and his friends remained where they were, the enormity of the decision weighing heavily on their minds.

Hansol finally broke the silence. "So, what do you guys think? Is this something we should consider?"

Seungkwan looked thoughtful, his eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and resolve. "It's a huge risk. But if we don't do something, if we don't fight back, what's going to stop them from coming after us again?"