Chapter 26
The cleanup work in the rear continued afterward.
The work, which also included a survey of the actual situation, was taking longer than expected.
“It seems like the more we learn about the monsters’ ecology, the more dangerous we realize it is.”
In the Holy Knights’ cafeteria, Sung Kijun, who was sitting across from Mason, spoke with a sigh.
“We should consider it an established fact now, not just a hypothesis… Monsters have begun to form their own ecosystem.”
The parasitic plant that infested the Treant was changing the surrounding soil. Other monsters were also transforming the ecosystem in their own ways.
“Time… might not be on our side.”
The grand strategy adopted by South Korea so far had been defense. It was to solidify the defenses and train players with the time earned.
The Korean peninsula had a terrain with many mountains and rugged areas, and this was even more so when considering North Korea.
Like it or not, it was a terrain where infantry combat would inevitably be the main focus.
Having lost most of the regular army, training players as reinforced infantry was an unavoidable choice.
However… what if the monsters were carrying out a kind of terraforming?
What if the reclaimed land was terraformed into an environment unsuitable for humans?
The grand strategy itself had to change.
From the strategy of minimizing casualties and buying time to train reinforced infantry players, to one where territory had to be recovered even at the risk of casualties.
“Mason, what are your thoughts?”
“I don’t think it’s that bad yet.”
Terraforming was commonplace in Mason’s time. Mason had a rough idea of the approximate process required for terraforming.
“The monsters’ terraforming isn’t at a worrisome pace yet. Of course… as long as their numbers don’t increase any further.”
“That might be because you haven’t seen all five Great Demon Gods.”
The Walking Thundercloud in the United States, which imprinted the fact that there are monsters that cannot be defeated with conventional forces.
The Laughing G*d, entrenched in Pyongyang, North Korea, whose identity remains unknown.
The Great Eater, the culprit that led to the use of nuclear weapons on the Mongolian grasslands.
The Bubble, still rampant in the Pacific Ocean, depriving humanity of shipping.
And… the Ghost Dragon, the natural enemy of humanity, emerging from the darkness at this very moment, causing mass slaughter, and then disappearing.
They were each affecting the ecosystem in different ways.
“They’re on a different level from other monsters. And… the impact they have on the environment is also on a different level.”
“That’s not good news…”
“I’m planning to send a report to the government soon, and it would be good to include your opinion.”
“Okay, I will.”
Mason, who had emptied his food tray, crossed his arms.
His thick forearms looked even thicker when folded.
“Now then, who do I get to fight today?”
“About that.”
Sung Kijun held out something.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a credit card with your name on it.”
“What am I supposed to do with this?”
“Today’s a vacation. Go take a rest.”
Mason tilted his head.
“Even if it’s a vacation… what am I supposed to do?”
“You need to take a break.”
Sung Kijun’s words carried a weight that could not be refused. It was because the time they had lived with responsibilities and duties was different.
“Those who protect others must also protect themselves…”
Mason, who was about to grumble, silently accepted the credit card.
“…But what should I do?”
“As for that…”
Sung Kijun glanced at the cafeteria entrance.
Eun Yuri, dressed in a pure white dress, stood beside Yoo Jinah, who had arrived unnoticed.
“Ta-da!”
Yoo Jinah pushed Eun Yuri forward with a bright smile. Eun Yuri looked at Mason with a face flushed with nervousness and shyness.
“Mason, are you… free today?”
Sung Kijun got up with a smile, holding his food tray.
“It seems like something to do has come looking for you?”
Mason smiled wryly.
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Mason looked at Eun Yuri.
“So, what’s up?”
“Jinah unnie said… it seems like it’s been too long since you’ve seen each other…”
“That’s true…”
Mason could contribute to a party’s strength on his own. When doing party-level quests like this, Mason was often sent alone.
It had been quite a while since he had seen Eun Yuri, a healer who had to be accompanied by others.
“So you came to see me?”
“Yes…”
Mason stared intently at Eun Yuri.
Eun Yuri’s face gradually turned redder.
“Wh-what are you doing?”
“I’m looking at you.”
Mason rested his chin on his hand and looked at Eun Yuri, who avoided his gaze.
“You know.”
“Yes?”
“…Does this have any meaning?”
“I wonder…”
Eun Yuri carefully asked.
“Is there anything you want to do, Mason?”
“I want to fight.”
“…Anything besides that?”
“Besides that, not really…”
Mason was a man without desires. It was Eun Yuri who felt disappointed. In other words, if they wanted to do something, Eun Yuri would have to take the lead.
Eun Yuri clenched her fists and said.
“Why don’t we go watch a movie together?”
“A movie?”
Mason thought for a moment and then nodded.
“Sure, why not.”
Eun Yuri opened the movie theater app.
“What movie do you want to watch?”
“What’s there?”
“Uh… the movie where a player party catches a giant monster is number one at the box office.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to actually fight monsters than to watch a movie about fighting monsters?”
“Then… there’s a movie called ‘Black Hole of Love’ recommended as a date movie…”
“What’s it about?”
“It’s a movie where a beautiful woman and a handsome man have a romance on a spaceship. They say the space depiction is incredibly beautiful and well-made.”
“I’ve been to space often…”
Originally lacking in enthusiasm, Mason seemed indifferent no matter what she suggested.
“Let’s just watch anything that fits the time.”
“Okay…”
Feeling disheartened, Eun Yuri got into the taxi with Mason.
Eun Yuri fiddled with her phone and booked the movie.
‘It’ll take about 30 minutes to get there…’
There was one movie that perfectly fit the time slot.
‘Kim Jeomrye, Born in ’21?’
It was a movie that depicted the eventful and sorrowful life of a grandmother born in 1921 during the Japanese colonial period.
It was the kind of movie people called a tearjerker.
‘I don’t think Mason will like this kind of movie…’
While Eun Yuri was contemplating, the merciless taxi sped along the empty road.
Eun Yuri had no choice but to book ‘Kim Jeomrye, Born in ’21.’
Fortunately or unfortunately, they were the only two people in the theater.
Mason grumbled.
“This doesn’t look very interesting.”
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After the movie ended.
Walking out of the theater, Mason was shedding tears.
“Boksuni… Boksuni is… Sob…”
The day the grandmother decided to sell her beloved cow to pay for her eldest son’s college tuition. The back of the grandmother who could only add extra beans to the last straw she fed her.
Mason, who had barely held back his tears, burst into tears at that scene and was still sobbing even after the movie ended.
“…”
Eun Yuri had a puzzled expression on her face.
It was a sad movie, yes. However…
‘I don’t think it was sad enough to cry like this.’
Eun Yuri comforted Mason.
“There, there, Mason. People are looking.”
Mason was already a person who stood out in a crowd. With him crying so openly, people were whispering as they passed by.
‘He said it didn’t look interesting…’
Eun Yuri sighed.
“Let’s stop crying now and go somewhere fun. Okay?”
“…Where?”
Mason asked, his eyes swollen.
“Um… like a cafe…”
Eun Yuri felt herself struggling to speak.
What kind of fun would a superhuman from the future find in the present?
She mentioned a place she knew.
“Uh… um… how about an animal cafe?”
“Animal cafe?”
“Yes, a place where you can have tea while playing with animals.”
“Why would anyone go to a place like that?”
Mason grumbled.
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“Ahahaha, haha, hahahaha.”
A large Golden Retriever was licking Mason’s cheek. A Maltese was perched on Mason’s thigh. A Bichon Frise was scratching its front paws, trying to climb onto Mason’s lap.
“…”
Eun Yuri looked at Mason with a puzzled expression.
‘Did he put honey on himself?’
Not only the dogs but even the cats were circling around Mason, wagging their tails.
The people around them, including the cafe owner, had surprised expressions.
“…Did you rub catnip on yourself or something?”
“Huh? No, but for some reason, animals seem to like me.”
“Is it future science?”
“Even before I had the Barbarian Procedure.”
Mason stroked the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever, its tongue lolling out, wagged its tail with an adoring look.
Mason was also wearing a contented expression.
‘He said why would anyone go to an animal cafe…’
Eun Yuri muttered.
It was a relief that he seemed to be enjoying himself.
It was a relief, but… he wasn’t paying any attention to Eun Yuri herself.
‘I went through all the trouble of dressing up…’
She had been encouraged to plan this date because of Yoo Jinah’s advice.
He risks his life for the cause he believes in… He was a rare breed of human in this era. Sung Kijun and Mason were the same kind of people, just looking in different directions.
When she heard Yoo Jinah’s words, Seo Yeonhee came to mind.
Seo Yeonhee was the complete opposite of Mason. She was a person who would risk her life for evil, a person sinking into a swamp.
Seo Yeonhee’s goal was to drag Mason in, so if Mason took her hand, he would also sink into the swamp.
That was why Eun Yuri had mustered up her courage.
Mason, a stranger in a foreign land, who could only find passion in fighting and killing. If someone had to hold him back, she would be that someone, with that mindset.
But…
‘…He’s having fun.’
Eun Yuri had mixed feelings.
Seeing him enjoy himself made her feel relieved, but also a bit disappointed that he might not need her.
Just then, Mason beckoned to Eun Yuri.
“Come here. Sit next to me.”
She, who had been sitting across from him, sat down next to Mason.
Then, Mason picked up a small puppy and placed it on Eun Yuri’s lap.
The puppy wagged its tail and looked up at Eun Yuri.
It wagged its tail even more excitedly and panted when Mason stroked it.
‘Oh well, whatever.’
Eun Yuri smiled and petted the puppy.
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The last stop of their date was dinner.
The place Eun Yuri chose was a restaurant that served Texas-style barbecue. It seemed to fit Mason’s image, and the portions were generous.
“Mmm, this is my kind of food.”
Mason guffawed as he drank beer and tore into the meat.
Eun Yuri was happy to see him enjoying himself.
‘What, he’s having fun despite all his grumbling.’
It had been a rather enjoyable date.
‘…Though I don’t know if he considers it a date.’
After casually consuming about 20 servings, Mason smiled and said, leaving behind the waiter with a trembling gaze.
“Thank you for today.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
“Yes.”
Mason gave a pure smile.
“You took me out because you were worried about me, right?”
“…Yes.”
“I’m sorry for worrying you. And once again… thank you for showing me a good time.”
“Are you just going to thank me with words?”
“Then?”
Eun Yuri said with a deliberately sullen expression.
“Next time, Mason should ask me out on a date.”
“Who would dare disobey the Lady’s command?”
Mason chuckled.
That was when it happened.
“Eun Yuri? Is that you, Eun Yuri?”
Someone’s voice came from behind Mason. Eun Yuri flinched, her already pale face turning even whiter.
“It is you, our Cripple.”
A blunt and unpleasant voice. As Eun Yuri’s head dropped, footsteps approached.
When Mason turned to the side, a young man with a cunning look stood there.
He asked with his arms crossed.
“You, you’re still alive?”
