Ch.250Epilogue – The World After Destruction (2)

It had been a little over half a year since the world collapsed.

If you asked what happened during that time… well, I’d have to say I spent it busier than I could handle.

Whenever we found land we could set foot on, it would often crumble away, and even the relatively stable places were usually crawling with monsters or hostile groups.

I hoped that survivors would join forces to overcome this situation, but since everyone had different values in accepting the current circumstances, persuasion wasn’t an easy task.

Some became bandits with the mindset of living recklessly since the world had collapsed, others created cults to preach madness, some excavated ancient weapons to exercise their desire for domination, and others transformed into irreversible monstrosities after accepting substances that fell from outer space…

“Having a chance to survive isn’t always a good thing.”

“Well, it can’t be helped. Just as opportunities were given to us, they’re given to others as well.”

As I voiced such skepticism while standing on the airship’s deck, Garam matched my tone with a bitter smile beside me.

Though we’d been through countless dangers together since that day, her face showed only composure as she looked down at the base in the distance.

As if she, like everyone else aboard this airship including myself, had fully adapted to this collapsed world.

“Still, isn’t it something that we’ve managed to band together this much in such a world? Let’s not be too hasty and take things slowly.”

“…Right, you’re correct.”

Indeed, with so much left to do, how could I be discouraged by something like this?

We somehow managed to rescue survivors who had been captured and tormented by cultists, so it wasn’t without some success.

Satisfied with that, the airship docked at an island floating in the sky, and everyone working at the makeshift port turned their attention toward us.

“Oh, look everyone. The Hero has returned.”

“Oh, Hero. Did you complete your mission successfully?”

Attention gathered as soon as we disembarked. The title “Hero” coming from their lips had now solidified as the designation referring to me.

It’s still a burdensome title considering I was once just a foreign laborer, but… I suppose I should try to get used to it rather than having to hear them call me “Hyoseong” all the time.

“I’ve brought survivors, so prepare meals and places for them to sleep.”

“That’s already been prepared. We believed you would succeed, of course.”

So they believed I would definitely succeed, is that it?

Well, I suppose it would be difficult to survive in this world without that kind of faith.

Conversely, it means the responsibility I bear has grown heavier, as I need to maintain that faith to keep this group together.

“Is the construction progressing well?”

“Yes, we’re proceeding smoothly as you instructed.”

“There’s still a lot to handle, but we have to do our best.”

The workers looked around at the island’s landscape as they spoke confidently.

Their gaze fell upon a scene where large and small land masses floating in the air were being pulled by ropes and bound together by all sorts of complex devices.

It was a construction method utilizing the technology of different races, along with ancient dormant arcane knowledge and materials from outer space, all applied in the right places.

The work involved reinforcing the cracks in the gradually collapsing island and connecting suitable floating lands nearby to increase the stability of our settlement.

If successful, we could establish a permanent base without having to relocate elsewhere.

Although accidents were frequent since the work took place in midair rather than on solid ground, the avian race who could fly through the sky helped with rescues, allowing us to continue without fatalities.

“Well, Hero, you don’t need to worry. Just focus on your duties.”

“Trust us! We’ll finish the construction somehow and secure safe land for everyone to live on!”

The workers declared confidently, pounding their chests.

Feeling reassured by their ambition, I exchanged appropriate greetings and prepared to head toward the residential area of the island.

That’s when Garam departed from my side.

“I’ll take care of the remaining work, so you should get some rest, oppa.”

“You still have work left? Then I should help…”

“No, take a break today. As a leader, you shouldn’t be reaching for every little task—it diminishes your dignity.”

Garam said glibly with a chuckle.

She patted my back and waved, to which I reluctantly waved back in response.

So a leader should focus on the big picture rather than minor tasks…

I understand it intellectually, but given my nature as a laborer, I sometimes doubt my current position.

Whether I can properly fulfill the role of leader that I’ve ended up with by chance…

Of course, unlike other groups that have united through religion, madness, evil deeds, or alien powers that abandon human ethics, the group I lead is somehow maintaining the order inherited from civilized society.

This is the result of everyone remembering me first through my ability, thereby preventing conflicts that might cause division within the group.

I realize more than anyone that my ability is exceptionally effective at binding survivors together.

And that the weight of this responsibility is by no means light.

“…Is this really the best way.”

Though I understand it intellectually, I can’t help feeling intimidated.

Whether there might be someone more suitable as a leader than me, whether we should continue with the current system when many aspects are still precarious, or whether those following me might be doing so excessively…

“Oh, Hero!”

While I was lost in my usual worries, voices called out from all directions.

Looking around, I saw people from the residential area recognizing me and rushing out of their dwellings.

All with expressions of joy on their faces.

“Hero! Did you return safely this time? Are you injured anywhere?”

“Don’t be silly, the Hero couldn’t possibly be injured. The Hero is invincible! Invincible!”

“Thanks to you, we’re able to sleep soundly and live comfortably!”

“Could you tell us where you went today?”

“Heroic tales! We want to hear your heroic tales!”

The atmosphere instantly became lively as they recognized me.

Facing them, I hesitated for a moment before breaking into a smile.

Because I realized something that made my previous doubts seem foolish.

Without me, all these people would have died somewhere or would still be living in pain.

Although we haven’t secured complete safety yet, at least they can smile now.

And if I don’t falter, we can continue toward such a future.

“Everyone, gather around. It’s not grand enough to call a heroic tale, but…”

Yes, isn’t this reason enough to take pride in my efforts?

****

A desperate crowd needs an idol, and hope arises simply by appearing before them and sharing stories.

After spending considerable time meeting with survivors throughout the residential area for this purpose, I finally found time to head to my personal quarters on the ark.

No matter how central I am to this group, I too have personal matters and routines.

It’s natural to want to tend to family and enjoy daily life after returning.

On my way back to my quarters, I took a moment to focus on something that suddenly came to mind.

“Come to think of it, didn’t they say Iris was starting to take her first steps?”

Iris Haven. My daughter born between Irie and me, and my most precious treasure.

Virtually everything I’m doing now is for her sake, no exaggeration.

For her to grow up properly, I need to cultivate the right environment, and if I want her to mingle with people, I need to gather enough people.

Although I have little time to spend with her due to my busy schedule, seeing her growth each time we meet fills me with pride.

“I’m sure she’s doing well.”

How much would she have grown today?

As I headed toward the room where she would be, my body suddenly froze at a sound echoing through the corridor.

“Waaaaaaaahhh!”

Crying…

Yes, someone was sobbing bitterly.

Could something have happened to Iris?

Feeling my reason slipping away, I quickened my pace and hastily opened the door to the room where the sound was coming from.

The room where Irie should have been taking care of Iris.

“Iris! Are you alr… Huh?”

And as soon as I entered, an exclamation escaped my lips.

It was because an unexpected scene was unfolding before me.

The one crying wasn’t Iris, but Irie, who should have been taking care of her.

“Waaaaahhh, waaaaaaaaahhh!”

Irie Haven. My first wife, who always showed a dignified and intelligent demeanor.

But right now, she was sitting there, sobbing bitterly like a child who had lost her parents.

Meanwhile, Iris was sitting down, blankly staring at Irie.

“Ah?”

Iris’s gaze soon turned toward me as I opened the door, and a broad smile began to spread across her face.

“Nyaa! Nyaaa!”

Still babbling, Iris stood up from her spot.

She toddled toward me one step at a time, and I felt my heart swell.

I’d heard about it, but she really is walking. Well done, my daughter.

“Yes, Iris, it’s daddy. You didn’t forget me while I was gone, did you?”

“Hyoseong!!”

…Yes, you remember well.

I’m not sure whether to appreciate this ability or not.

“Anyway, what on earth happened… Hmm?”

Why is Irie sitting there crying so bitterly?

As I tried to figure this out, my attention was suddenly drawn to a presence I detected in the corner of the room.

Beyond the childcare items prepared for Iris, in the corner, was what looked like a black bundle…

No, a woman crouching with a cloak draped over her.

I immediately guessed who she was.

“…Meri.”

Merilyn Sutherland. Meri for short.

My second wife and the biggest troublemaker I know.

“Uh, um. Hello, Hyoseong-ssi.”

As she turned her head toward me with an awkward smile at my call, I felt a headache coming on and pinched the bridge of my nose with a frown.

“What kind of trouble did you cause this time?”

“No, I didn’t exactly cause trouble…”

Deciding to at least hear her reason, I asked, but Merilyn avoided my gaze.

Her eyes were directed toward Irie, who was still sitting and crying.

“Waaaaaaaaahhh!”

And Irie burst into tears again, not even noticing that I had arrived.

As I regarded her with sympathy, Merilyn began to sweat profusely and laugh nervously.

“Umm, I guess I did cause trouble after all?”

“…”