Chapter 114

Chapter 114Old Steel Great Line(12)

Mile 787 1 degree of freedom, Last Mountain Range

Jeong-woo was flying a drone towards the southern pass within a forest dense with trees.

It was a calm day with a breeze, and mist rose along the mountain slopes. Due to the warmer weather than yesterday, sweat formed even inside his outerwear.

Once I get past this hardship, itll be over.

On the screen transmitted by the drone, a bear was seen engaged in minor light-shading work on the hillside.

Thats a brown bear digging to catch ground squirrels.

Now, even without looking, Jeong-woo could naturally follow Kayas explanation.

Not far from there, other brown bears and three cubs were visible on the land. The chubby cubs were freely jumping into a pond beneath a waterfall, engaging in playful activities.

Theyre a bear family. Should we warn them?

Ill handle it.

This is the Yujin Chemical drone team. Rust Guard situation room, respond.

After sending the warning, the loud cawing of large crows flying over the snowy field on the hillside could be heard.

They seem to have a lot to say.

Be careful with the equipment. They might steal out of curiosity.

If that happens, well have to show them the might of a chemist.

Just make sure not to blow anything up.

The drone proceeded, capturing footage of deer grazing, rams running on high-altitude rocky fields, and the wild landscapes of the Chugach Mountains, eventually arriving at a picturesque meadow full of small flowers.

Wow!

Jeong-woo, along with Kaya and Shin Seong-beom, all expressed their admiration while looking at the monitor. But that was it. In less than five seconds, they all shifted their attention back to their tasks.

Watching them, Jeong-woo chuckled inwardly.

When he first arrived, this pristine land didnt feel this way. The towering trees, glaciers enveloping mountains, and sudden appearances of wild animals once felt intimidating. Now, it all seemed peaceful.

Amidst the stunning scenery, the monotonous and tedious inspection continued, making Jeong-woo feel like he might doze off. Turning to Shin Seong-beom, he said.

Ill make a satellite call.

Shin Seong-beom set down the communication device hed been carrying on his back.

Dialing the number, Jeong-woo patiently waited for a response.

-Whos this? Whats with this strange number?

Hey, Soo-chan, its me.

-Jeong-woo? Crazy guy. Still in Alaska?

Im still here. Just wanted you to feel the atmosphere. Wont you ever come to a place this cold? Hear the crow sounds?

-Woah, Im tearing up at the mention of my buddy Jeong-woo. Dont make such calls. When are you coming back? Laura misses you terribly.

Are you driving? Still havent junked that crappy car?

-Shut up! Laura, were not talking about you. Hurry up and come back. Im bored.

I might come this Friday.

Shortly after ending the call, a signal came indicating the drone had completed its inspection.

Alright, now we just need to explore backward from Valdez.

Upon Jeong-woos declaration, essentially announcing the end of the inspection, Shin Seong-beom cheered towards the sky.

While waiting for the drones return, Jeong-woo pulled out his phone to listen to a song hed been enjoying whenever he found time over the past two days.

Plugging in his earphones, he played Yoon Yi-seols unreleased track, Frozen accompanied by lively guitar accompaniment, her sweet voice warmly resonated in his ears.

-Hello, Alaska. Hello, cold wind. Cant you just let today pass by without any trouble?

Within the transmitted footage from the drone, a cowboy appeared. He took off his shoes and dipped his feet into the river under the gentle sunlight, looking up to the sky with a pleasant smile as he felt the not-so-cold wind.

-Hello, Mr. Bear. Someone I care about is passing over there. Please send my regards.

The brown bear family was in the middle of lunch. The mother bear lay partially reclined, nursing her cubs, while the father bear, having had his fill, lay on the ground with his head resting on his front paws, asleep.

-Or meet an astonishing iceberg.

The river flowing under the glacier curved angrily, producing an overwhelming and dreadful roar.

-Or face something so terrifying it freezes the heart.

Wolverine, sipping water nonchalantly, started to run away as the wolfs howl echoed.

-Dont forget. The person who will blow warmth into your frozen hands is here.

At mile marker 207 on the pipeline route, an artic fox standing atop a mountain peak looked at the sky tinged with orange hues and hopped back to its sanctuary. A wooden sign reading [I LIKE YOU] still firmly clung to the spot.

-When winter arrives, spring awaits. When love comes, what awaits?

As they tidied up the landed drone and shouldered their belongings, Jeong-woo, Kaya, and Shin Seong-beom caught the attention of an eagle soaring in the distant sky.

-How about you? Is your closed heart still in the midst of winter?

At [Pump Station 12] base camp, as Wolf set up tents sweating profusely, his gaze turned toward the darkening sky. Holding a radio, Wolf began calling all team members for a safety check.

-Itll be alright. Spring, love. Theyll open up your closed heart completely.

As dusk approached, riding on a one-ton truck on the road, Jeong-woo glanced at the face of Yoon Yi-seol on his phone. Her eyes, sparkling beautifully, seemed to enter and embed themselves like stars in Jeong-woos chest.

A full moon hangs high over Alaskas mountain range.

As the mountains wrapped in glaciers slowly sank into darkness, night fell, and stars appeared.

Mile 800 2 degree of freedom, Valdez Port

Neogi sat at the terminal office of the port, reviewing reports from three companies.

-What kind of experience was that to speak so haphazardly Wait, what did you just say?

You didnt hear that?

-I did!

Shall we go on a date? As soon as possible?

-Excuse me?

A gasp was audible on the other end. She seemed quite flustered.

-The- huh. Thing isugh!

Click. The call ended abruptly, followed by a text.

[Ill clear my schedule somehow, so no excuses!!]

A smile appeared on Jeong-woos lips.

Yes, sir. If I make the deposit, itll be processed immediately, right? If my mother asks, please just tell her that my father took care of it for now.

Jeong-woo lowered his phone in front of Ji-sook restaurant.

The voice that used to constantly disturb his thoughts, when he was leaving for the Arctic, was his mothers saying adult problems.

The will of his mother, who insisted that her sons happiness was all that mattered, came as a shocking demand for Jeong-woo, who demanded a different treatment as the eldest.

Being grown in stature didnt necessarily mean one had matured.

Though the path to becoming a son that his mother could be proud of was still long and treacherous, Jeong-woo felt invigorated internally. He believed that his heart had grown at least as much as the tip of his fingernail compared to a month ago, after enduring hardships on unfamiliar soil and returning.

Im here!

With a creaky and familiar sound, he pushed open the door and entered.

Hong Ji-sook, wiping the dining table, turned her head. Seeing her son, who had just returned after a three-week camping life that looked like a vagabond, she furrowed her brows.

Walking around the neighborhood like that, making a spectacle of yourself. Just go home.

Mom, I was craving your bean paste stew, so I came straight here.

You rascal. Go home and eat.

Im really hungry. Please cook it quickly.

Silently observing Jeong-woo, whose weight seemed to have dwindled and who sported a shaggy beard, Hong Ji-sook headed into the kitchen without saying a word.

Chan is at home, right? I should call him to eat with us.

Having received a message to have dinner, Jeong-chan entered the restaurant and smirked at the sight of Jeong-woo.

So youve been traveling abroad? How jealous.

Chan, Ive never met anyone worth envying. Wild animals dont judge by appearance.

Whatever.

Having tasted a spoonful of the bubbling stew, Jeong-woos face brightened with contentment. Hong Ji-sook, who had set the side dishes beside him, looked at Jeong-woo and asked.

Youre having soju?

Yeah.

Just one bottle.

Got it.

As Jeong-woo began to open the soju bottle, he looked up to see that Jeong-chan had nearly finished his bowl of rice.

Why are you eating so well? Youve gained some weight. Youd be wolf food if you ventured into the wild with that body.

Stop with the nonsense. Ive been studying for the college entrance exams, and Ive gained some weight. Making Su-jin uncomfortable seeing me like this.

After pouring a shot of soju and taking a sip, Jeong-woo said to Jeong-chan.

By years end, Ill be confirmed for a position. If you get into college, come back after finishing there.

Where?

Its cold, really cold.

As the bottom of the stew became visible, so did the end of the soju bottle.

Do you want more? If so, Ill prepare more side dishes.

Jeong-woo chuckled and shook his head.

Mom, whats gotten into you? Pressuring us to drink. Is it because you havent seen your sons face in a month?

You look like youve been starving.

Ive been eating well.

After glancing at his mother and younger brother, Jeong-woo declared.

Look, I might become a chemist.

Jeong-chan and Hong Ji-sook exchanged puzzled looks.

You were already working in a chemical research lab, werent you?

Just take good care of yourself.

Jeong-woo grinned at their reactions.

Understanding the chemistry reactions around him had changed his life. The resolve now was to maintain this altered path of life due to the effects of the pill.

I have at least seven months of incredible abilities. Whether its omnipotence or whatever, I just have to discover it myself.

With newfound knowledge, not from Cheon Seung-guk but from the transformed Jeong-woo, he felt a burning passion and confidence that he could accomplish any research.

Code: Molecular formula

Case: White crystals that melt the ground

Research: Designed for probe operations at minus 30 degrees Celsius, its effectiveness has been proven even in the extreme conditions of Alaska.