Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World

The swamp soil was already being used for construction purposes, and now, with the potential addition of a mine, that area could serve as a source of raw building materials.

As he planned, Kim Haru began to consider whether it was time to acquire a drone or some other flying device to survey the mountain forest's layout properly. The system-provided maps were all two-dimensional; while they prevented him from getting lost, they didn't offer much in the way of strategic insights.

While examining the box containing the Starlight Armored Bugs, Kim Haru noticed it held not only the insects but also a milky-white crystal core.

The crystal core had filament-like patterns at its center. Kim Haru recognized it immediately—it was a Psychic-type crystal core. Judging by its coloration, it was likely a Level 3 Crystal Core.

Since it was placed inside the gift box, the cryatal core was clearly a present for him.

Since he didn't yet have a use for it, Kim Haru stored it in his system backpack for now.

Meanwhile, deep in the igloo where it had been hiding all day to avoid the others, the ginseng spirit cautiously come out when it noticed the surroundings had finally quieted down.

"Hey, human, where's my food for today?" The ginseng spirit rushed to Kim Haru, demanding its meal with urgency, as if worried he might forget its share.

"Don't worry, I saved it for you," Kim Haru replied, bringing out the food he had set aside in the kitchen.

The ginseng spirit devoured the meal ravenously, savoring every bite.

While eating, it grumbled, "Why does it feel like your food tastes better than mine?" Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire

Kim Haru ignored the remark entirely.

His gaze shifted across the pond to the Cryo Wolf playing joyfully on the other side. Suddenly, he remembered something he'd been meaning to ask. With everyone present, now seemed like the perfect time.

"Hey, Ginseng, could you ask the Cryo Wolf about the drawings on their fur? Who painted them?"

He still remembered the striking and strangely fitting stick figure drawings on the Cryo Wolf's body. Anyone from Pyeongseong Safe Zone who saw them would immediately think of him, Kim Haru.

Between bites, the ginseng spirit responded, "It's not just the Cryo Wolf. Even the bugs you just got carry the same scent. I'll help you ask after I'm done eating."

At first, Kim Haru didn't quite grasp what the ginseng spirit meant.

Then it clicked.

"You're saying the Starlight Armored Bugs were sent by the same entity that drew on the Cryo Wolf? The same one?"

The ginseng spirit nodded and shook its head simultaneously. "Not a person, but it's definitely the same 'thing' that sent them."

Kim Haru was even more confused now.

What kind of being would send him both Cryo Wolf and Starlight Armored Bugs? And why did these gifts perfectly align with his needs?

Could it be that this entity had been watching him all along? But for what purpose?

After eating their fill, the Ginseng Spirit leisurely wandered over to the pack of Cryo Wolf to help Kim Haru inquire about the matter. Then it crawled into the box with the Starlight Armored Bugs, mumbling something with them for a long while before emerging. It spread its two root-like whiskers to either side as if shrugging and said, "Well, sorry to disappoint you."

"What happened?" Kim Haru frowned.

The Ginseng Spirit pointed toward the pack of dogs. "Those dumb mutts said they don't remember who painted on them. They just recall the person being really fierce, so much so they couldn't fight back. They all got knocked out cold, and when they woke up, the paintings were already on their bodies. Plus, something implanted the idea in their minds to head in a specific direction and look for the person depicted in the drawing."

So, someone had intentionally orchestrated this.

Kim Haru wasn't particularly satisfied with the answer. "Did they say what happens after they find the person in the drawing? Will they go back to report? Or is there some way for them to transmit a message?"

"Nope." The Ginseng Spirit shook its head. "What's strange is that the Cryo Wolf said nothing else happened after they were pointed in that direction and given the drawings. No instructions, no follow-ups. They chose to stay here because they like you."

"What about the Starlight Armored Bugs? Any information from them?"

"There's even less from them," the Ginseng Spirit replied, waving its root-like whiskers. "Those bugs have tiny bodies and even tinier brains. All they do is eat and excrete, so they don't remember much. I asked them for ages, and all I got was that they were also directed to come here. They were even told not to stay underground the whole time and should wait until a human caught them."

"As for whether they should escape or stay after being caught, there were no instructions about that either. It's all pretty casual. However, those bugs are huge gluttons. They said as long as there's food to eat, they wouldn't bother thinking about escaping. Oh, and they hope the latrine you prepare for them is as big as possible."

"What kind of situation are you dealing with, human?" The Ginseng Spirit found the whole thing odd.

Kim Haru wasn't sure what was going on, either. Ever since arriving in this world, he hadn't traveled to many places. Aside from the Pyeongseong Safe Zone, he had only been around his small farm.

Oh, right, there was that trip to Gokmul County, where he picked up Go Okrim.

But he wasn't the only one who had gone to Gokmul County. So what was so special about him?

Kim Haru suddenly thought of something and mentally asked: System, is this your doing?

The system didn't respond.

Kim Haru meticulously searched through every part of the system interface. He didn't find any new or hidden functions. Every button and description was laid out clearly, down to the tiniest font size.