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Chapter 228: War with Monsters

“It’s a term that might seem a bit unfamiliar to the modern generation, including Yeon-woo, but it used to be that large-scale battles worthy of being called wars were quite common just a few decades ago.”

Textbooks merely state that fierce battles occurred one after another, with countless wars noted. In the mountains, the seas, the plains, and the rivers…. Countless people were lost in the midst of war.

“It was hell.”

Kim Hang-po’s assessment was exceedingly simple and clear. The battlefield the old man had crossed over was hell in every sense. The old man, who had casually thrown out those words, stopped speaking entirely.

Seeing the child beside him listen attentively with a serious expression, the old man shook his head and cautiously began to speak again.

“I wonder if it’s okay to tell such stories to a young child.”

“Uh-huh, I want to hear! Will you tell me?”

The old man let out a nervous laugh at the girl’s insistently clear request and brushed his face with both hands.

“I was a soldier. I awakened to magic power, but I couldn’t handle it well like others; at best, I knew how to use a gun. Do you know? It’s hard to kill monsters with ordinary firearms?”

“Yes, I know. I’ve heard that while low-level monsters can be killed, mid-level monsters that skillfully use magic can regenerate quickly.”

“Indeed, that’s true. Nowadays, a magic gun is common, but back then, we had none of that. When we shot old-fashioned machine guns at a swarm of monsters, about half of them would still cling to the ship alive. Then, we had to engage in hand-to-hand combat right there on the deck.”

The old man’s gaze drifted far away. With a look as if he left something beyond the horizon, Shar unconsciously followed the direction where the old man was staring.

Naturally, there was nothing there. But to the old man, something must have been visible.

“It was such a time. It was tough, but I had faith. Behind me was the fleet, and in front were my reliable superiors. I thought that no matter the hardship, we wouldn’t lose.”

Until that day came, he murmured in a voice that seemed to be filled with resignation.

“What happened…?”

“A monster appeared.”

“…Ah.”

That word reminded Shar of a video she had seen once. She recalled the massive tentacles of a gigantic octopus rising up from the depths of the ocean. The grainy quality of the footage made it hard to see, but its dense presence was unforgettable.

“The tentacles thrashed around, and when I opened my eyes, I found myself washed ashore with no idea how I got there. It was nothing short of a miracle. Even though the tentacles flew at me, I was still alive, and somehow I managed to reach the beach despite losing consciousness.”

The sea monsters were truly akin to hungry ghosts. To be swept to shore without being devoured by the monsters swimming in the sea, that was something akin to a joke in those times.

“At first, I was happy, but soon I felt sad.”

In the blink of an eye, while he had lost consciousness, he had left behind everything at that beautiful horizon. His comrades, the promises he made with them, even the small dream of wanting to be remembered as someone who protected the East Sea.

“I’m waiting for them, not knowing when they might return. That’s all I can do.”

The naval officer of the First Fleet was still waiting for them today. For the 22nd Battle Fleet, which had sunk long ago and was now raised and displayed in a war museum, to return.

*

A group led by a woman with red hair dressed in stylish casual clothes stepped into the city. Despite being a generally bustling city filled with chaotic happenings, their arrival was bound to draw attention.

No matter how much you hide it, some things cannot be concealed. The good nature of people, and the gold buried in the sand, come to mind.

In that sense, the woman leading the way and even among the six or seven people behind her, there were two who were hidden treasures.

One was a child with dark skin wearing a cool-colored shirt and sunglasses.

Despite being a child, they exuded an unusual energy. Even at this young age, they seemed to possess the charm that could pull at the hearts of many in a few years.

The other person wore loose-fitting shorts and a roomy t-shirt. It was an ordinary fashion but looked like it wasn’t chosen by her, as she desperately pulled down her shorts to avoid an accidental exposure of her legs.

“Nea, you’re sticking out more at this rate!”

“But what am I supposed to do when I’m embarrassed…!”

“Mom, you got this…!”

Seeing that, Riley gently stepped closer and remarked, while Nea looked like she was about to cry in response. It was indeed deserving of embarrassment.

The outfit she wore only hinted at her body lines, and revealing her thighs was definitely not a part of her fashion sense.

“What possessed you to recommend something like this, Riley…!!”

“It’s not fair to blame me now, Nea. You’re the one who changed into it in an instant after I said Yeon-woo would like it.”

“Well, but I didn’t know it would be this daring….”

“Do you understand now, Nea?”

Riley sighed softly as she watched Nea walk ahead in a fluster. She hadn’t planned to say this much, but it seemed this girl needed a little shock therapy.

“Even Shar wears clothes like this sometimes.”

“Wh-what…!?”

At that, Nea recoiled as if struck. Those watching from behind thought, ‘Well, she’s still a kid, so she probably finds it easier to wear.’

Had it been in her usual state, Nea might have understood this fact, but the high exposure of her outfit had left her head in a confused whirl, preventing her from noticing even that.

“Don’t be embarrassed, Nea. It’s your embarrassment that draws people’s gazes. If you walk with confidence, no one will look. Just see that person.”

Like a cult leader, Riley draped her arm over Nea’s shoulder and pointed at one of the researchers.

The targeted researcher showed no signs of shock. If that little amount were enough to throw them off, they wouldn’t have started their graduate program in the first place.

“They’re wearing sunglasses and a Hawaiian shirt, yet no one finds it odd. Do you know why?”

“B-because they’re confident…!?”

“Excellent.”

Riley pronounced the word ‘excellent’ with an extremely fluent accent. She seemed pleased with Nea’s perfectly correct answer.

“Now, do you know how to act? Let’s go, Nea. You need to meet your beloved Yeon-woo.”

“Okay, I’ll show him!”

As Nea walked uncharacteristically and boldly down the street while Riley kept pace beside her, the researchers whispered among themselves.

“If the professor is good at gaslighting… note that down.”

“Seriously, Dr. Riley is amazing. She does what others can’t with ease. It’s so admirable!”

Despite their meaningless chatter, considering that they were all students of the magical tower who had fallen for Riley’s eloquence, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the laboratory attached to the magic tower was somewhat of a support group for Riley’s gaslighting victims.

Upon hearing the arrival report from Riley and Tae-oh, Yeon-woo quickly dashed out. As he approached from a distance confidently, he spotted Nea walking with a flushed face, unable to hide her reddish skin from the heat.

One… two… three.

“Angel…?”

“Ugh.”

“Could you not stab me straight in my heart? It hurts, you know?”

Yeon-woo’s dazed expression was broken by Baek In-hwa.

As expected from someone who could wield ice, she seemed outstanding even when it came to breaking the ice.

As three of them swept in close, the moment Yeon-woo met Nea’s gaze, she became shy and fumbled.

“You look great, Nea!!”

“Why are you shouting something like that on the street, you fool!!”

Despite ticking moments, the two moved closer and exchanged light hugs, which was a beautiful sight. Watching that, Riley clicked her tongue.

“I appreciate the praise, but why am I the one suffering here, giving treats to dogs?”

I dressed up nicely too, and yet no one’s complimenting me. As she sighed, gazing at the sky, “Aha,” a voice chimed in.

“Sister, you look great.”

“Thank you, In-hwa. You look wonderful too.”

Two lonely beasts were licking each other’s wounds. Nobody paid them any mind.

*

After a passionate reunion with Yeon-woo, Shar’s first words revolved around her.

“Speaking of which, where did Shar go? I don’t see her around?”

“Right, Nea! Shar already went ahead to see if she could help out!”

“Is that true? That child has already grown up… I haven’t done anything for her…”

“Don’t say such sorrowful things, Nea! If you did nothing, then I…”

Thump, thump, as they became emotional in the middle of the street, Shar appeared, walking towards them with a glum expression.

“W-what’s up? Did things not go well…?”

“What task did you assign her, Yeon-woo?”

“I asked her to persuade an old man who really wanted to talk. I told her to take her time since we have a few days, but why does she look like that…?”

“First, let’s go give her a big hug and see what’s on her mind. Have you booked a hotel?”

“Of course. I reserved two double rooms.”

“Oh, I see. Good job.”

What’s up with Nea being so quiet? But right now, what mattered most was comforting the moody Shar. Yeon-woo dashed off with Nea and Tae-oh, lifting Shar high.

“Why the long face, Shar? What happened?”

“Yeah, if you’ve got a worry, spill it. We’re here for you.”

“Sister looks upset, so Ta-oh feels down too….”

As the three charged in with those exclamations, Shar looked startled, her eyes wide as she faced them. After a moment of hesitation, her low voice broke through.

“I can’t begin to fathom the sorrow my grandfather must have gone through…. How can I help him get back on his feet…?”

If she were to learn that all her family had died while she was unconscious, could Shar go on living? She thought not.

Being a dragon who understands people with her heart, Shar found herself too pressed and fell into a terrifying imagination.

“Mom, Dad, don’t leave me behind….”

Tears welled as Shar dropped a single tear. The three of them, seeing the child speak thus, simply patted her back with no words to spare.

(To be continued in the next episode)

 

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