14. Misunderstanding
"Haa..."
Sergeant Hyunwoo Park let out a deep sigh. He desperately wanted a cigarette, but as the one who'd committed the biggest blunder, it felt awkward to accept supplies.
A few days ago, he'd finally tracked down the deserters he'd been chasing. They were heading toward the massive mana surge that had been detected recently. It was his duty as a soldier to deal with those who'd plundered and killed countless people. Especially since if he hadn't let them go a month ago, none of this would have happened. He'd acted out of kindness, but what came back was a dagger to the heart.
So he'd steeled himself, hunted them down, and cleaned house. But who knew there'd be someone else there afterward?
It was so dark, the forest so deep that even moonlight didn't penetrate, so he hadn't spotted the girl. His eyes had been fixed only on the White Tiger, mistaking it for some nameless, dangerous monster.
"Have I been too tunnel-visioned lately?"
In his haste and ruthlessness, he'd attacked a civilian. And not just any civilian—a kid who looked like she was in middle or high school. Soldiers weren't supposed to attack civilians, no matter what. Even in the heat of the moment, failing to identify the target was inexcusable.
If he'd just subdued the White Tiger moderately and captured the girl, things wouldn't have escalated to the worst possible point.
Reflecting on his past mistakes, Hyunwoo let out another deep sigh.
"Sergeant Hyunwoo Park!! Preparations for departure are complete!!"
"Guess we have to go today too..."
Hyunwoo started walking. His destination... the girl's house. Another day began in his quest for forgiveness.
The girl's house had been fully repaired. The unit had an awakener carpenter, so it was fixed perfectly—no, even better than before. They'd even brought over a few spare electric batteries from the base.
"Where's Hayun?"
"Still won't open the door. Hasn't met anyone except Lieutenant Kwon from the start."
"...Can't blame her."
What person could easily forgive someone who'd attacked them? Hyunwoo took a deep breath and cautiously approached the door, knocking lightly.
"Sergeant Hyunwoo Park here. I've come to apologize for what happened two days ago. Could you open the door, please?"
But there was still no response.
He waited about five minutes. Taking up more of her time would be rude, so he turned to leave for the day. But this wasn't the end. Ever since that day, he'd visited at the same time every day. And he'd keep coming until she accepted him.
One day. Two days. Three. Four. Five.
He never stayed long, but he came every single day. Maybe it was that stubborn persistence. Exactly a week later, the firmly shut door finally creaked open.
A girl with mysterious green hair. Nothing like the wretched figure he'd glimpsed in the dark. No trace of that desperate look remained. Instead, a faintly sacred aura emanated from the girl as she greeted Hyunwoo.
"...Come in."
Hearing Hayun's words, Hyunwoo hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.
The modest house's interior came into view immediately. It was too spacious for a single girl living alone. It felt like a home for at least a family of four. Which probably meant she'd lost her parents in the apocalypse and was left by herself. She'd awakened late, no doubt.
Hyunwoo's heart grew heavy again. But oblivious or not to his feelings, Hayun led him to the dining table.
"......?"
"Eat it while it's hot."
French fries. Why were there french fries on the table? Despite the baff