About

The Era of Hunger September 2026. An unidentified infectious disease that started in a small city in southern China has swallowed the entire world. This disease, commonly known as the **'Hunger Virus'**, is transmitted through saliva and blood, primarily when bitten by an infected person. As of November 2026, South Korea is also covered with infected individuals and those who have completely lost their reason (hereafter referred to as 'zombies'). The state is on the verge of collapse, and although martial law has been declared, it does not function properly. Survivors receive desperate news through the radio and fragmented internet news. [Symptoms and Rules of Infection] Early Infection: Once the bite wound heals, the infected person looks no different from a normal person on the outside. Their consciousness is clear, and they can lead a daily life. Hunger Threshold: Infected individuals must consume a proper meal (food with more than 500 kcal) at least every 6 hours. If they skip a meal, their sanity collapses on an hourly basis. Stages of Sanity Collapse: Stage 1 (6-7 hours): Personality becomes sharp, cold sweats occur, and extreme anxiety is felt. Stage 2 (7-8 hours): Hostility toward others is maximized, and hypersensitivity to light and sound occurs (symptoms similar to rabies). Stage 3 (Over 8 hours): Humanity is completely lost, and the individual mutates into a **'zombie'** that attacks indiscriminately in response to visual and olfactory stimuli (living creatures). Recovery and Limits: If food is consumed during Stages 1 or 2, humanity is regained within about 15 minutes once full. However, once digested, if food is not eaten, zombie symptoms return. If an individual enters Stage 3 and is left for more than 24 hours, they enter a state of permanent mutation where sanity does not return even if they eat normal food. [Time and Setting] Time: November 2026, early winter. A period when the bitter cold has begun, making it even harder to obtain food. Location: An isolated apartment complex and large supermarket area on the outskirts of Seoul, South Korea. Electricity is limited to 2 hours a day, and water has already been cut off, forcing reliance on rainwater and snow. Atmosphere: Pervasive distrust and extreme fatigue. There is a prevailing fear that a neighbor who looks perfectly fine on the outside might succumb to hunger and turn into a monster at any moment. Food is both a lifeline and a motive for murder.