Chapter 50

Chapter 50

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It goes without saying, but Kang Mina had never handled a hammer enough to get used to it.

Like any typical office worker in South Korea, she had rarely dealt with tools directly. Occasionally, she had climbed up on a chair to change a light bulb at home, but she never had occasion to use a blunt tool like the hammer she was holding now.

Especially not using the hammer as a weapon like she was doing now.

Thunk.

Ha.

Her breath trembled as it escaped.

Was there more ivy?

Yes, its hard to see because it blends in with the grass and leaves.

We need to move as quickly as possible.

At Yoon Garams words, Kang Mina nodded silently.

Although it was still daylight, based on yesterdays experience, there was a high probability that even this would darken quickly. It was like adding black paint to murky water, turning evening into night in an instant. Today wouldnt be much different.

How much farther do we have to go? Im not familiar with the way, so I keep having to ask.

Its okay. The park itself is big, and many people dont know their way around, especially since its changed so much. We would have arrived at the small lake within three minutes in the past, but.

.

As I mentioned earlier, the park has changed a lot.

In response to her words, Kang Mina replied in a soft voice.

Yes.

Kang Mina was timid and easily frightened, but she wasnt stupid.

She was curious and often observed her surroundings. Kang Mina had a decent level of perceptiveness, and she wouldnt have made it to the position of a team leader in a large corporation if she had a poor ability to assess situations. Taking care of difficult bosses and naive employees required a certain level of judgment.

To her, the current situation was filled with a deep sense of unease.

How does she know the way?

She hoped this wasnt just suspicion but a genuine question.

Its strange. Even thoughshe knows the park has changed a lot, can she confidently guide us like this? Does that make sense?

It was odd.

In her view, Yoon Garam was displaying contradictory behavior.

She had already mentioned that the park had changed significantly. She clearly knew it wasnt the same park she remembered, so why could she guide us so confidently?

There should have been at least some hesitation or unease on his part, but there wasnt. It wasnt like she was acting absent-mindedly or mechanically leading the way like a guide robot, but there was definitely a sense of unease as she led us to the lake, even though she seemed to be finding her way with ease. Suddenly, there was a chilling unease.

But the problem wasnt the unease emanating from Yoon Garam herself.

.

Oh, there it is. Just cross this wooden bridge, and youll reach the small lake.

Thats a relief.

The question was whether the origin of that unease was conscious or unconscious.

Of course, if that unease arose consciously, then what the outcome of that would be, or if it was unconscious, what value calculation should come out of it, was unknown. There was no time to figure out such things. Already, my head was spinning and I was panting.

But instinctively, and at the same time almost absent-mindedly, such a thought came to me.

Monsters.

Surely not?

Watch your step. I remember there were some rotten parts.

Oh, thank you.

Kang Mina forced herself to look away and glanced at the intern who was following behind them.

Yeonseok, be careful too.

Yes.

I should have let you take a break if you were feeling really uncomfortable. Im sorry.

As she expressed unnecessary remorse and offered a small apology, he shook his head with a pale face.

No, no, no! How could I just let you go alone, Team Leader!

Its not just me

Oh, anyway. But Im the strongest, so

Awkwardly, Kang Mina chuckled at his words, as if making excuses.

Yeah, thanks.

When someones emotions were so transparent, it was always embarrassing and awkward, no matter when it happened. Especially when that person was a student much younger than oneself.

Noh Yeonseok was an intern who came through the connection between our company and the university. Of course, we were told that this was an exceptional trial because our company wasnt your average company, and if it didnt have any significant effect, it would be discontinued within one or two tries. But still, he was sent to our department as an intern. Kang Mina couldnt help but pay attention.

There were times when it was awkward and confusing at the company, but the truth was, in situations like this, she found strength in him and his demeanor.Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com

I also.

It meant having the responsibility to protect and lead someone.

Well, good things are good, right?

Yoon Garam concluded their speculation.

After all, in a yard where crawling ivy exists, this isnt too surprising.

Yes, its not really that strange.

As Kang Mina and the intern nodded, Yoon Garam smiled somewhat awkwardly and said, Thats right. Besides, cans can be a bit worrisome.

Why?

Because theyre so thin, Im afraid they might melt in the fire.

I dont think it would be that bad, though?

A doubtful expression automatically formed.

How strong would the heat of a campfire have to be for an aluminum can to melt? Even if you tried, it would be impossible to melt it. At most, it might get a little wrinkled or soft.

When they sent him a questioning look for his worry, Yoon Garam gave an awkward smile.

Well, when you boil water, sometimes it can taste like metal, right?

Thats true.

That was a bit worrying.

While nodding, Kang Mina gestured to the intern, and Noh Yeonseok followed her to the lake. Soon, Yoon Garam joined them as well.

.

The water of the lake rippled calmly, but there was no sign of any monsters nearby.

Didnt they say there were fish here?

Yes, although were not sure about the bigger lake due to algae, but there should be some in the small lake.

But theres nothing here.

Only the sparkling water of the lake was there.

Upon hearing that, Yoon Garam remained silent, and Noh Yeonseok, the intern, looked back at her, but there was no particular plan. Whatever the case, they couldnt just leave without filling the water.

Kang Mina looked at the intern while adjusting her grip on the hammer.

Yeonseok, could you fill the water?

Yes, sure.

He carefully submerged the mouth of the bottle into the lake.

.

As the water filled the bottle, it was as silent as if transparent pebbles were rolling into it. There was not even the usual gurgling sound when filling a narrow-necked bottle with water.

Perhaps due to the mood, the clattering sound of his own utensil could be heard, and within the transparent bottle, the flow of water came in like blossoming flowers. Along with the flow, water droplets lightly sparkled.

Carefully lifting the bottle filled with water, Ah.

The shimmer of the lake disappeared.

A bit disappointing.

Yes, it was beautiful.

The intern Noh Yeonseok set the bottle aside and received another bottle from Yoon Garam. Since they were already there, they wanted to take as much water as possible, so they intended to fill both the empty water bottle they had and the glass bottle they had just picked up.

As the empty water bottle was filled with clear lake water, and after rinsing the glass bottle once and filling it with water again, they had already fulfilled their purpose of coming to the lake.

Kang Mina nodded and stepped back.

Then lets go back before it gets dark.

Well, its also difficult to make a campfire here.

And we dont even know how to make a portable fire.

Before coming here, they had received a lighter from Director Lee Jaehun, but it was more of a precautionary measure, not something they hoped to use. They had to return before evening came.

They gathered their containers filled with water and quickly left the spot, but just before stepping onto the wooden bridge.

Kang Mina turned around once to look at the small lake.

.

It was strangely transparent and white.

Underneath the lake, which was brightly illuminated, were countless pebbles, giving it a glassy appearance with the color of the grass leaves. The trees surrounding such a lake drew the gaze like a painting on the surface of the water.

It was indescribably beautiful, but.

.

Team Leader?

Lets go, Yeonseok.

It was unnaturally clean.

A little bit frightening.

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