Chapter 109

Chapter 109Old Steel Great Line(7)

Mile 197 24 Celsius degrees below zero, Atigun Pass

The reconnaissance plane, having soared over the mountain range, descended over the valley of the Brooks Range spread with glaciers.

While Jeong-woo, whose face had turned pale from the intense turbulence, Kaya continuously exclaiming in awe at the scenery below.

The reconnaissance plane gradually lowered its altitude over a flat glacier region.

Click, whirrr

The skilled pilot safely landed the plane on the snow-covered ground.

After setting down the black case, Jeong-woo glanced around.

A landscape entirely blanketed in white beneath the towering peaks laden with perennial snow. Although picturesque, there was no time for admiration due to the pressing schedule.

They needed to quickly fly the drone around this vicinity for a 10-mile inspection before meeting Shin Seong-beom, who had been waiting approximately 4 miles away on the glacier.

Good Luck.

With a wave from Rust Guards three mountaineering experts, Jeong-woo and Kaya began heading north. They had heard that these experts had received specialized mountain training and were here for a two-day inspection.

Mr. Han, start with these.

Kaya said, handing Jeong-woo spikes for his shoes. After securing the drone case around his waist with a rope, he attached the spikes.

Though they could carry the items, Wolf had advised that pulling them like a sled would be much more convenient.

Are you ready?

Kaya, wearing silver goggles, looked back at Jeong-woo. To prevent corneal damage from sunlight reflection, he also wore goggles.

Im ready.

Ill go ahead. Let me know if you have trouble breathing.

With favorable weather conditions and almost no wind.

Jeong-woo earnestly hoped that the journey would conclude as Kaya had wished: a trip with barely enough time to experience the happiness it promised.

Huff, huff.

Walking for an hour on the icy surface reflecting warm light made Jeong-woo breathe heavily, sweat drenching him despite the cold.

When Jeong-woo attempted to unzip his winter gear, Kaya immediately raised a hand.

If the inside frosts up, itll stick to your skin. Keep it zipped until it dries, even if it feels damp.

Heeding the warning, Jeong-woo refrained from unzipping.

Kaya, be honest here.

Whats up?

Where are we supposed to find happiness on this trek?

In response to Jeong-woos somewhat frustrated question, Kaya smirked.

Even after seeing such a beautiful landscape, you say that?

It loses its charm after staring at it for so long.

Facing a landscape rarely touched by human presence, although it seemed like a difficult statement to make, Jeong-woo maintained a serious expression.

Kaya halted and asked.

So what does Mr. Han consider happiness?

Its simple. Buying things I want, eating delicious food, watching entertaining movies.

Do you know what most people want to do most before they die?

Travel, perhaps?

With a smile that seemed to confirm the correct answer, Kaya spoke.

You can do what you mentioned anytime.

Even so, indulging in this physical discomfort for a scenic view isnt exactly my cup of tea.

Enough chatter; lets keep going. Were almost there.

Upon reaching the end of a snowy hill, a steep valley embraced by a silvery pipeline came into view.

At 11 AM.

Jeong-woo, who had just finished a quick inspection of the northern 5-mile stretch with the drone, replaced its battery and turned his head towards Kaya.

This will be over soon

She was filming this side with her action cam.

But why do you keep focusing on me?

To capture the moment you find happiness.

Whooosh

The drone ascended and began moving southward along an oil pipeline.

Click.

-Mr. Jeong-woo, video transmission is proceeding as usual.

Through the radio, the voice of Shin Seong-beom, about 4 miles to the west, reached them. Jeong-woo, keeping an eye on the direction of the transmission, spoke to Kaya.

Perhaps Mr. Shins face will be the key to finding that happiness.

Shortly after, about 15 minutes after completing the southern reconnaissance, the drone began its return.

Quicker than expected.

The journey here was challenging, but inspecting just 10 miles wasnt overly difficult.

Jeong-woo finally found the leisure to admire the surroundings.

The pipeline extending like a roller coaster from one peak to another was breathtaking.

Impressive

Noticing Kayas action cam still pointed at him, Jeong-woo focused intently on the controls.

Its on autopilot; why are you so engrossed?

Preparing for any rare dangers. Remember the day it hit minus 40 degrees? If we lose this drone, our team is doomed.

So, no room for errors?

Youve got it.

After Kaya gave him a brief look implying he should focus on enjoying the trek, she began scanning the binoculars in the direction they were heading.

Alright, pride preserved.

Just as he was feeling relaxed waiting for the drones automated return, the monitor screen on the controller suddenly went black.

Huh?

Surprised, Jeong-woo looked around, fearing a signal loss, but the drone had vanished into thin air.

Click.

However, it didnt show the same skin temperature as the first one. It had a much colder hue, resembling ice chunks rather than the temperature inside the den.

Its dead?

Another Arctic fox, this one not breathing like a snotty one. The one who had placed the sausage in front of him licked his face once, then went back out. He came running up to Jeong-woo, looking at him expectantly.

What

Jeong-woo unwrapped several sausages and placed them in front of the Arctic fox.

You should have some. Your friend cant eat.

The Arctic fox that had bitten five sausages vanished.

When it didnt reappear after a minute, Kaya turned off the action cam, disappointed.

What did you say at the end?

Considering theres no need to mention taking care of a dead friend, Jeong-woo vaguely gestured.

This is it. Lets eat and survive.

After finishing their meal, Jeong-woo tied the recovered drone with a rope and slung it over his back.

Lets go.

Once Jeong-woo finished his preparations, Kaya approached him.

Isnt it heavy?

Its fine.

She too was burdened with various cold-weather gear, carrying something heavy on her back just like Jeong-woo. In front of an eighteen-year-old girl, he was showcasing rather poor stamina today.

Current time: 2PM

If Kayas words were accurate, they should see Shin Seong-beom and the truck by 6PM, provided they maintained a normal pace.

As expected. This special journey was the former, not the latter.

Recalling the special hardships of their military days when they walked until nightfall, Jeong-woo clenched his teeth.

The two soon began moving westward.

It had been an indeterminate amount of time since they started walking.

Lost in thought, Jeong-woo was merely following Kayas footsteps when a faint, elusive presence caught his attention, repeatedly appearing and disappearing beside him.

Huh?

Turning his head, he met the black eyes of an Arctic fox, which responded with a quizzical Hmm?

Jeong-woo lifted his goggles and blinked. When he looked again, the Arctic fox was still walking alongside him.

The creature would walk a few steps, glance at him, then walk a few more steps before looking back at him again.

Whats up?

At Jeong-woos muttering, Kaya turned her head.

It seems to be following you, Mister Han.

Kaya too seemed intrigued upon spotting the Arctic fox.

With a questioning gaze, Jeong-woo looked at the fox as if asking, What are you doing here? The fox responded consistently with a nonchalant Hmm?

Kaya, earlier you mentioned something about a predator, right?

Yes. Foxes have a tendency to follow such creatures.

Jeong-woo waved his hand as if asking if the fox was expecting food to be given to a deceased friend.

I get your situation, but Im serious here. We need to descend before freezing to death.

The fox circled around, seemingly following Jeong-woos hand gesture.

Huh?

The fox, which had been blinking, circled around once more and then brushed against Jeong-woos leg.

Why is it doing this?

Its showing affection to Mister Han.

Jeong-woo looked down at the Arctic fox. There was no way this unique creature didnt know that its friend had died.

He pondered that leaving all the food in front of its deceased friend might be its own way of saying goodbye.

Dont keep staring at me like that. It makes me nervous.

The Arctic fox tilted its head, perhaps understanding Jeong-woos words, but responded with another Hmm?

Beep.

-Jeong-woo, can you hear me?

Hearing the radio sound, Jeong-woo instinctively reached for his hip.

Yes, I can hear you.

-Theres an update from the command center. Expect snowfall in some parts of the Brooks Range from 5PM. Whats the weather situation over there?

The Arctic fox looked curiously at the radio sound.

Jeong-woo turned to Kaya.

Did you hear that theyre expecting snow?

Snow?

Kayas gaze moved towards the fog-like clouds forming beyond the ridge.

I didnt realize that was a snow cloud.

What should we do?

Beep.

-Mr. Jeong-woo. This is Wolf Instructor. I need Kaya.

At the sound, Jeong-woo held out his radio to Kaya.

-Kaya. Are you there?

Yes, Dad.

-If you think you cant leave the mountain within 30 minutes, move to the temporary shelter Rust Guard is using. Youll see it on your way down.

Kaya scanned the plains through her binoculars.

I see it about 1.2 miles away.

-Ill notify Rust Guard. Lets avoid the snow and think about our next steps.

Turning to Kaya after finishing the radio conversation, Jeong-woo asked.

Is it too difficult to continue downhill?

-It seems Mister Han has reached his limit. Its a matter of physical endurance. We cant maintain full speed for another two hours. Its safer to rest and assess the situation before descending.

4:30PM.

The destination for the two abruptly changed to the temporary shelter. The Arctic fox seemed to have chosen its own destination, following Jeong-woo closely.