Chapter 72: Chapter 72

00073 --- The Little Prince in the Ossuary----=

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# After the Rain, black Mountain (2)**

"I don't dislike Leader Yura."

In the spot chosen for patrol, where they had been called out separately, Park Jin-seok shared his thoughts.

"Of course, I don't particularly like her either, but I see her as one of the few whom we can definitely trust. She's a hundred. No, a thousand times better than those cowards who only care about themselves. I've seen her train—her shooting skills are impressive. She is a completely different person from the Pa saw Robles incident. Doesn't it prove her dedication?" Content orıginally comes from novel✦fire.net

Gyeo-ul silently nodded in agreement. It was a conversation intended to prevent unwanted embers when putting out a fire. Allocating time to Jin-seok was a great way to stave off the suspicion that Gyeo-ul was playing favorites with Yura.

"I'm just concerned. There's a lack of awareness about the crisis situation. Honestly, it's true for others as well. Everyone's too relaxed just because life has gotten a little stable, even though we should be on edge."

Gyeo-ul suspected that Jin-seok might not have approved of the generally optimistic atmosphere within the alliance. Perhaps that was why he had attempted to drag his team members to the training grounds even on Christmas Eve—to separate them from such an atmosphere.

His question seemed to expect a response. Gyeo-ul pondered a suitable reply.

"I agree about the need for tension. But I don't think the current atmosphere of the alliance is necessarily a bad thing. Life can't always be stretched to its limits, can it?"

"Why not? We're in an apocalypse. If you want to survive, you should be like that."

Jin-seok argued, expressing his fear.

"To be honest, I'm scared! I have nightmares every day! I wake up just as I'm getting chased or devoured by those half-dead monsters. And then, I'm scared again, thinking that nightmare might become reality one day. Is this really a groundless fear? No, not at all!"

His rising voice was rather emotional.

"Thanks to the captain, we got through the last attack safely, but how can we expect to be lucky every time? To increase our chances of survival when a crisis hits, we can't allow for any small amount of complacency or laziness. Everyone needs to push themselves to their limits! To the point where they feel like they might die from exhaustion! Even if it's hard, it's far better than actually dying, isn't it? That's how I feel! I want to live, no matter what!"

In the end, it seemed that Jin-seok's rigid attitude was his way of confronting fear. Gyeo-ul shook his head.

"I understand. But not everyone is as strong as Leader Park. Truly. How many people could face their fear like that? Everyone has different limits, right? I think of mental ease as something like lubricant. Just like a machine without lubrication wears down and breaks easily, people without mental liberty might collide and crumble against one another."

"An individual's best interests and a community's best interests differ significantly. That's how I perceive it. Just because one person can handle it, doesn't mean those standards can be forced onto everyone."

Jin-seok's brow twitched.

"Then, what if those who can do it don't?"

"I mean Leader Yura. After watching her, I'm sure of it. Regardless of others, leader Yura can manage it. She has the capabilities. And yet, she's not doing it. That's lacking conscience!"

Gyeo-ul found his words insightful but was confused by the latter part.

"Conscience? Did you perhaps misspeak?"

"No, I said it correctly. The alliance has grown this big, yet people still rely solely on the captain. Where did all those who felt sorry for appointing a minor as a leader go? Someone always takes on the most dangerous tasks, while others shamelessly look for leisure. I cannot accept that."

Though well-intentioned, Jin-seok's demeanor was considerably confrontational. His expression revealed intense dislike. Gyeo-ul mustered a difficult smile.

"Just calm down a bit first. You're too excited."

Since this time was nominally for a patrol, walking allowed for plenty of time to catch their breath. When Jin-seok calmed down a bit, Gyeo-ul spoke again.

"Perhaps thinking more long-term would help. Leader Park... no, Jin-seok, you seem to think that you're fine and can continue as you are, but I see that you're under immense mental pressure. I won't dispute it if you claim it's unavoidable due to our current reality. However, if you continue , I won't be able to trust and leave others in your care. You dislike that, don't you?"

Jin-seok wavered visibly.

"That's a separate issue."

"Do you really think so?"

Gyeo-ul shook his head.

"Wouldn't it be difficult to sincerely protect people whom you despise? I understand your position. That makes it even more difficult for me to entrust them to you. For their sake and yours."

"Stop. I'm not proposing to change anything immediately. You've managed well up to now. Give yourself some breathing room. You'll be able to take responsibility for more people."

Jin-seok clamped his mouth shut. Gyeo-ul feigned ignorance, looking in a different direction. He wondered if he had been too blunt.

But this should work. He hadn't said anything with bad intentions.

After sending Jin-seok off, Gyeo-ul went to find Yura. Along the way, he noticed that the soldiers in Yura's company were standing more alertly. They were no longer leaning or sitting anywhere.

As soon as Yura saw Gyeo-ul, she made a distressed face.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I showed you an embarrassing side of me. I shouldn't have acted like that."

"It's okay. I noticed your team members standing at attention through the way here. Was that your instruction?"

"Oh, yes! That's right!"

She nodded vigorously, showing signs of anxiety.

"When I cooled down and thought about it, I realized Jin-seok had some valid points."

"Yes, yes. The part about needing to present a diligent image to the people doing the logging. We're here to protect them, right? And to ensure they can work safely is another part of our responsibility, isn't it? It dawned on me that while Jin-seok was correct about that, I was getting angry just because of my residual grievances with him. When I thought about it further, I felt embarrassed. I'm such a fool. It should have been obvious."

She looked genuinely mortified, speaking at a rapid pace. She must have been repeating these words in her head to say them once they met. The embarrassment of having Gyeo-ul witness her argument with Jin-seok likely also played a role.

It was amusing. Gyeo-ul let out a genuine laugh.

"You're truly impressive."

"Impressive? You're teasing me, right?"

"No, it's genuine. What reason would I have to tease you, Yura?"

Still, Yura appeared doubtful.

There was no need to persuade her. If he told her about the conversation with Jin-seok, she might believe him, but that would be reckless. Jin-seok hadn't expected their conversation to leak out indiscriminately.

Though there was only one shot, the entire worksite froze. Gyeo-ul signaled with his hand to reassure the refugees and other forces. Since there was hardly any warning from 「Survival Sense」, it was probably nothing severe. Meanwhile, a radio report about taking action before reporting came through.

"This is Boundary Point 16. We just took down a ghoul!"

Ironically, the shot was fired by Jang Han-byeol, the same person who had informed Gyeo-ul about Yura and Jin-seok's fight. And with her impressive zero-distance shot-making, she had impressed Sergeant Pierce, who considered her marksman material. When Yura and Gyeo-ul arrived together, Han-byeol was highly excited.

"Captain! Look over there! A ghoul appeared, and I got it in one shot!"

She pointed to a spot quite far away, nearly 200 meters. It's almost unbelievable she hit it with a single shot since ghouls don't typically stand still. Also, for it to die from just one shot meant it was a headshot or another vital point, which was even more impressive.

"You're amazing. It seems like your skills improve daily."

"It's not about my skills. The scope helped a lot. I really ."

Now a regular soldier, Han-byeol received equipment according to standard military regulations, including the 4x scope as one. It wasn't given to her specifically because she shoots well, but is part of the basic accessories for US infantry.

"No need for modesty. Factoring that in, your skills have still improved. Judging by how the ghoul fell, it looks like it was running when you hit it. You led the shot and got a headshot with just one shot. Not every skilled shooter can do that."

Feeling pleased, Han-byeol chuckled strangely.

Praise serves as motivation for anyone. Initially terrified of pulling the trigger, Han-byeol grew to love shooting more than anyone after receiving continuous praise during training.

Nowadays, the American instructors even call her Miss Trigger Happy.

Her laughter, however... Yura seemed less than impressed.

"Was there anything else besides that?"

"No, there was only one. Isn't that odd?"

Han-byeol's voice trembled as she answered. Her hands holding the gun trembled as well, an effect of combat adrenaline. It's somewhat related to fear, but it's a completely different concept overall.

"It's not strange. It might have been a scout."

Yura flinched at Gyeo-ul's deduction.

"Yes. We've been following the same schedule, on the same path, and returning to the same place daily. It's not surprising that they'd learn this pattern. Especially since ghouls are as smart as a reasonably intelligent dog or wolf and probably wouldn't wander alone without reason."

"This suddenly feels scarier..."

"As long as we don't let those scouting ones slip by, we should be okay for now. They seem to have a plan to attack us. Plus, we thinned out a lot of special mutants during Christmas."

Gyeo-ul's gauge of insight confirmed his suspicion.

"In that regard, one more time. Great job, Han-byeol."

Heehee. Han-byeol hugged her rifle and smiled brightly.

After that, there were no further incidents until the logging work was completed.

The work was set to end at 3:30 p.m. Since it was winter, the days were short, and the schedule was made to ensure they returned before nightfall.

Today's sunset was 5:13 p.m. With twilight lingering after the sun sets, there was plenty of time.

While finalizing checks on materials and personnel before leaving, a group of Chinese refugee workers approached Gyeo-ul. The combat team members nearby showed signs of nervousness, but Gyeo-ul raised a hand to reassure them. No group would be reckless enough to harm Gyeo-ul in his position now.

'Then again, there is one.'

The "Full Gospel Believers," evolving into a more severe cult, lacked rationality, making it hard to predict their actions. They even had their reasons to dislike Gyeo-ul.

A large-scale mutant attack happened to occur on Christmas, which Gyeo-ul had warned about in advance. For them, it seemed like a prophecy.

Gyeo-ul recalled one of them holding a Bible in one hand and wagging a finger with the other while shouting scornful references.

"You are a false prophet! A trumpeter of disaster conjuring demons!"

"Listen to the words of the Bible! I will strike down the prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded or even speaks in the name of other gods!"

"Listen to the words of the Bible! Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! Your prophets are like foxes in the deserts. They see false visions and lying divinations who think the word will come true! The Lord has not sent them!"

"Listen to the words of the Bible! The prophet who has a dream may relay it, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?' declares the Lord. 'Is not my word like fire,' declares the Lord, 'and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" declares the Lord. 'Therefore, behold! I am against the prophets who steal my words from one another,' declares the Lord."

Gyeo-ul thought, there must be many good verses in the Bible too, yet they see only what they want to see.

The time lost in thought was brief, but sufficient for the Chinese laborers to approach.

On the surface, it seemed like they approached without any specific intent, merely to express gratitude for being protected. The combat team members relaxed. Yet Gyeo-ul remained skeptical. Unlike the prior half month of ongoing work, this had never happened before.

"Great brother! Thank you for today as well!"

"Thanks to you, we can work with peace of mind!"

While exchanging these greetings, one of them extended a handshake. As they clasped hands, Gyeo-ul felt the jagged texture of folded paper. A letter? He discreetly pocketed it, acting as though he noticed nothing.

The escort formation for the convoy's return was robust. Besides the Humvees, numerous Light Strike Vehicles (LSV) patrolled the flanks, scanning a broad area.

In the Humvee, Gyeo-ul opened the letter.

--- **Author's Notes** ---

1. I still receive requests for a premium conversion nowadays. Each time, I spend much time contemplating how to respond. Given that requests still come despite my previous explanations, it implies my explanation was insufficient, indicating a need for additional clarification.

Therefore, I'll excerpt part of the response I gave one reader yesterday to clarify my stance again.

As long as there is even one reader hoping for the novel to remain on Noblesse, there will be no change in my decision.

An inquiry about how this leaves many readers at a disadvantage due to the interests of a few arises naturally. However, describing this as a 'loss' is inappropriate. More accurately, it eliminates the 'expected profits' anticipated by switching to a premium format.

When pursuing benefits through a change, if even one person suffers as a result, the change and the benefit cannot be justified.

I've also relinquished substantial expected profits by choosing to stay with Noblesse. My regret exceeds that of the readers. Thus, I ask for your understanding and patience.

I will expedite the publication contract to enable per-chapter payments on another platform as soon as possible.

Q. Reader Mr. NoFlutter: @It's getting posted later each day. Are you plotting to keep us awake? You're wicked.

A. I wouldn't! The writer can't sleep either?

The reason for skipping a day was due to prior commitments during the day. I was accompanying my mother to the hospital... Besides, an old friend also visited for the first time in ages, tempting me to skip another day's posting. But then I thought, I can't do that, and stayed up all night to write and publish this chapter.

Q. Reader Mr. Ca: Although writing is important, maintaining a regular sleep schedule would be nice. It causes me headaches when you suffer from lack of sleep. While I'm composing a review in Korean, I'd be happy to write in English if you'd prefer. I'm delighted by the inclusion of the refugee storyline, which captivates me the most. Take care of your health and thank you for producing such excellent work. ^^

A. No, no! I cherish the Korean language! Although English reviews are readable... truthfully, any review is welcome. Even North Korean dialect is fine. :)

Q. Reader Ms. Dohanyuan: @Isn't the chairman's daughter's name Eun-seol? Username 은ㄴ빛여우!

A. Nope! The chairman's daughter is Go Ah-yeong!

Q. Reader Mr. Ronaf: @How is narcotics circulation sustained despite the shortage of essential goods? There's no visible supply channel.

A. Unfortunately, this is a spoiler-laden question, thus I'm unable to provide an answer. I hope you understand.

Q. Reader Ms. Aphos: @Is this work constructed with the relentless logic of the left brain or with the warm sentiment of the right brain?

A. This novel contains neither logic nor sentiment but only the innocence of a child's heart.