Chapter 38
Chapter 38
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: Constellation Gallery EP.37
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I crossed the street with Harin and Dohan.
‘That Crafter, though...’
It was subtly nowhere to be seen.
Whether there were just few of them or they moved slowly, I hadn't spotted a single one yet.
I needed to catch more of them, if only to quickly build the fortress or for the achievements.
As I was thinking that,
"Excuse me?"
An unfamiliar voice called out to us.
I reflexively gripped my warhammer tightly.
But they showed no hostility.
They were dressed neatly, and friendly smiles adorned their faces.
Standing beside him were people with similar vibes.
Four in total. Their gear looked better than ours, and their expressions were relaxed.
"Are you lost? It's dangerous around here. Why don't you come to our safe zone?"
I scanned their faces one by one.
The world was too treacherous to trust just friendly smiles.
Still, part of me was tempted.
What if they were a trustworthy community gathered for safety?
‘We might even find talented people worth bringing along.’
And if it was a solid group, they could become a light for the orphanage folks.
In other words, an opportunity for me to build my own power and for Dohan to build his.
‘Should I just check them out lightly?’
The moment I was about to reply,
"We have things we need to do."
Dohan's response came a bit too quickly.
"Oh, are you out gathering supplies? Do you have your own group?"
"No."
This time, I cut in before Harin or Dohan could speak.
‘No need to let them sniff out the orphanage we're reinforcing.’
Verification came first if they were trustworthy.
"If it's not too much trouble, could we ask what you're doing?"
"We're heading out to scavenge food."
Their expressions softened even more.
"Oh, if that's it, don't worry. We distribute food too."
"We don't have anything to offer in return. Is it okay to just take some?"
"Of course. We have to help each other to survive."
"Come with us. Follow slowly."
They took the lead.
I watched their steps closely and whispered to Dohan just loud enough for him to hear.
"For future survival, we'll need more people we can cooperate with. They might fill that role, so we're just checking."
And I added one more thing.
"But never trust just anyone. Absolutely."
Dohan nodded with determined eyes, feeling the weight of that final advice.
*
The place we arrived at was far more systematically run than expected.
In the wide open lot, people were seated in orderly fashion, with tents and containers arranged into neat temporary buildings.
‘Is this really just two days in?’
No matter how much everyone believed in the apocalypse and prepared in this twisted world, the atmosphere felt suspiciously good.
We even saw people sharing food, waiting for medical treatment, and voluntarily patrolling.
"New guests, I see."
The one greeting us was different from our escorts.
A friendly smile hung on his face, but there was a trained air about him.
"Glad you made it here safely."
He extended his hand.
I shook it lightly while glancing around.
This wasn't just a simple refuge.
It looked like a small society, complete with its own system to maintain it.
"Yes, thanks to these folks."
"I see. They deserve a reward."
He gave a meaningful smile.
"Survival odds go up with good company. First, for security reasons, we'd appreciate if you handed over your weapons."
‘Hand over weapons?’
It sounded reasonable.
In conflicts among survivors, having weapons directly affected casualties.
But surrendering them wasn't simple.
Unless it was a truly trustworthy group, disarming before confirming was reckless.
I quietly moved my arm behind my back.
‘Warhammer, store in inventory.’
The heavy weight in my hand vanished.
Until now, storage required looking and thinking, but not this time.
‘So as long as I'm touching the target, it works.’
I realized that clear recognition of the item allowed storage without looking or verbalizing.
I brought my now-light hand forward.
"No weapons."
The air around us shifted subtly.
Some stared at my hand in confusion.
"Wasn't he holding something?"
"I thought I saw..."
Dohan widened his eyes beside me.
Then he quietly asked Harin.
"Didn't he have a hammer earlier?"
"I don't know what happened either."
Harin shrugged innocently.
Meanwhile, our greeter kept his friendly face, but his eyebrow twitched faintly.
"We don't doubt you, sir. But many people live here together, and safety comes first."
The man added in a softer tone.
"With that in mind, could we do a quick search of your belongings?"
Searching belongings too.
Honestly, no need to feel offended.
‘Better to be thorough.’
If they were truly good people, this meticulous care was advantageous for survival and unity.
So cooperating was best.
Resisting would just breed suspicion, an unnecessary risk. Nothing to find anyway, all stored.
"Sure, go ahead."
I spread my arms and let him pat me down.
Waist, pockets, arms, legs.
I felt his hands growing rougher.
He was getting anxious.
"What...? Nothing?"
He muttered lowly.
Nearby people whispered in suspicion.
‘Search all you want, find nothing.’
It would just build mutual discomfort.
"Yes... all clear."
His face was uneasy.
Only then did I smile and speak.
"Same for the women?"
He flinched. Others exchanged glances.
Searching women the same way would sour the mood.
Skimping on women would mean sloppiness, hinting at ulterior motives.
‘So, what now.’
Then I saw him fetch a woman.
‘Men won't search women freely, but they won't skip it either.’
This thoroughness suggested a rigorous group, which made me more suspicious.
For good people, it'd make them more reliable, but if not...
‘This level of rigor is a bit dangerous.’
My nerves sharpened.
Needed to test more firmly.
"Could we just take some food and head back?"
I omitted any nuance of forgotten luggage.
If they thought we had stuff, they'd let us go nicely to extract something later.
‘The vibe I'm throwing: we're just grabbing necessities and leaving.’
Take benefits and never return.
Plant that impression.
‘Now, will they suddenly say food's short?’
As I anticipated their reaction,
"Sure, do as you like. This is a shelter, not the army."
They let it go so easily?
This was way off my expectations.
‘If they're truly trustworthy, great... but isn't this too easy?’
Even with goodwill, I knew to always guard against superficial kindness, so I stayed alert.
But they really shared food with us.
"Not much, but eat well."
A woman distributing food with a kind face.
Everyone looked peaceful.
But why this nagging unease?
‘No way... poison or sleeping pills mixed in?’
If Tulip were here, she'd spot it instantly...
I warned my group quietly.
"Don't eat yet."
Dohan and Harin nodded.
As I slowly scanned the place,
"Not eating the food?"
The man's voice was gentle.
"Oh, saving it for emergencies."
"I understand. You have to be cautious now. Rationing food makes sense. But eat when you can."
He added in a soft, coaxing tone.
"What we're facing isn't just a simple crisis. 'Tomorrow' is no longer guaranteed. Skipping a meal now isn't wise—surviving today matters more. So..."
"...!"
My mind cleared in an instant.
His warm, gentle words now sounded like cold, sharp whispers of a serpent.
At the same time, realization hit.
‘This bastard... was an Incarnation.’