episode_0037

It’s May.

That day, the sky had been clear without a single cloud except for the spring rain, but then dark clouds gathered, lightning struck, and large raindrops soaked the entire ground.

The rainstorm increased in intensity and decreased three or four times before finally stopping after a day.

The clouds cleared and the sun came out.

Shihyuk climbed up the ladder and carefully inspected the chimney and roof to see if there was any part that needed repair.

Although he had been living here for over a year, he would always check on the house like this after a thunderstorm passed. Before it was his home, it was his teacher’s legacy and gift.

Fortunately, there were no cracks or rust this time either. There were no apparent problems with the chimney’s rain cap or waterproof sill.

There were some spots where the paint he had repainted had peeled off, but they were very minor and only a few places. Since the pigment remained, it was a problem that could be solved by repainting once the moisture had evaporated.

‘Summer will come soon.’

Shihyuk didn’t know much about the weather, but he realized that after one or two days of heavy rain, the change in seasons was often felt more drastically.

Since my house is located on a hillside, the seasonal and temperature differences are very noticeable, so this was something I learned naturally through experience while living here.

As expected, soon the warmth of spring was gradually blending with the heat of summer. Now, if you go outside, it is quite common to see people walking around in just one outfit without a coat after noon, and the clothes of mountaineers have become simpler.

The insects on the mountain became very active. The croaking of frogs at night was a very pleasant lullaby to listen to.

Sihyuk took an axe and climbed the mountain to get firewood.

After wandering around here and there, far from the hiking trail, he was finally able to find a fallen, dead tree.

It was a big pine tree.

The tree had been trying to block the landslide caused by the heavy rain from falling down, and it had ended up flipping over. The roots exposed above the surface were rotten, and the trunk, which lay askew, seemed lifeless.

The fallen soil spread widely and thinly thanks to the pine trees, so there was no significant damage to other small trees or grass underneath.

Shihyuk somehow thought that the appearance was lonely and miserable.

But what can you do? This was also a natural cycle. He shook off his lingering emotions and lifted his axe. There was no need to cut down a live tree. If he cut down this large tree and dried it well, it would make good firewood.

The reason Shihyuk suddenly prepared firewood was simple.

Old Man Gong, Galaxy, and the Space Sisters are coming to his house this weekend. They promised to go camping.

During that time, the old man and his sister often came to visit his house.

It was the biggest change in his house. At best, when he ordered a large quantity of low-grade magic stones, the quiet house that he rarely visited, or the courier, began to smell like people living there.

They didn’t come very often, but they would often come on a day off or when they had nothing else to do and would stay for a day or half a day.

Because of this, there were quite a few situations where Shihyuk had to stop his work at the blacksmith shop to greet them. However, he did not bother them or treat them with contempt, saying that they were a nuisance to him when he was working.

Sometimes, it was quite a fun and pleasant feeling for him to welcome them separately, or together when their schedules overlapped.

Just like his master who used to come to his workshop, the fact that there were people who remembered him and came to see him was a much happier thing than Si-hyuk had imagined.

That day, there were three rare guests visiting his house. While they were all gathered in the yard chatting away, Eunha boldly shouted.

“I want to try camping!”

“Camping, you say?”

When Shihyuk asked about the unexpected story, Eunha nodded repeatedly.

The eyes of the cute girl who was snorting breath from her smart and cute nose sparkled. The universe sighed as if pretending to sigh.

“Sorry, Sihyuk. I saw Eunha doing a documentary recently and I got really into it.”

“Ugh.”

I never thought that a girl who only liked helping others and sweets would think of something like that. As Shihyuk nodded slightly, an old man who didn’t understand the story intervened.

“Space sheep, what is a bull?”

“Ah, it’s an abbreviation for ‘staring blankly at the fire’. These days, healing camps are a mainstream trend among those targeting people in their 20s, sir. I understand since this group is tough to begin with.”

Woo-joo answered Gong No-nim’s question with a cheerful attitude. Perhaps because they had met often, there was no awkwardness between the two.

Rather, when they teased Eunha, the two of them became close friends.

“That’s right, you’re saying that you want to light a fire in the middle of nature and enjoy it leisurely while looking at the fire.”

“Yes. Anyway, Eunha and I are both busy because we are planning to re-establish our business. I know it is hard, but finding a campsite, preparing for it, and going back and forth to it is not an easy task.”

“Heeeek… .”

Galaxy’s shoulders slumped in shock at her sister’s negative answer. The universe felt sorry for her younger sister, but there was nothing it could do.

Not long after becoming an adult, Eunha was promoted to A-class attack type Awakener and was a promising newcomer. There were many places looking for her and many requests.

You have to row when the water comes in. This will all serve as a foundation for reestablishing the business and laying the foundation for the future, but… No matter what, I was too busy! It wasn’t just the galaxy that was tired, it was the universe as well.

She was exhausted both physically and mentally from traveling around the area with her younger brother, so she wanted to rest a bit. She also felt the need for healing. However, the campsite was too much.

“Hehe, what’s so difficult? Get permission from Sihyuk and do it here.”

The elder gave a clear answer to such a sister. Old man Gong winked briefly at Si-hyeok and pointed with his finger to his rather large yard.

His yard was a great place to view the natural scenery and also to light a fire. The universe blinked.

“Ah, in Sihyuk’s yard? No matter what, that would be too much trouble.”

“I don’t mind. The yard was already full of weeds, so it was difficult to pull them out. I’m thinking of turning the soil over and leveling it once, but before that, I think it would be okay to go camping once.”

It’s not like they’re acting like slash-and-burn farmers, and no one would stop a mountain dweller from lighting a small fire in their yard once in a while.

When Shihyuk readily agreed, Eunha, who had been shrunken, straightened up and her face brightened. The old man laughed heartily.

“If it’s okay with you, Mr. Sihyuk, I’m grateful.”

“Thank you, Sihyuk!”

“Galaxy baby will get her wish!”

“Not a baby! A full-fledged adult!”

“That’s good. There must be a few adults around so that we don’t feel safe even if this little kid starts a fire.”

“I’m not young! I can light a fire by myself!”

“But don’t play with fire too long. You’ll pee at night.”

“Eeee! I can’t take it anymore!”

The eyes of Eunha, who had been stamping her feet as she watched the old man teasing her, flashed fiercely. The girl kicked the ground and jumped up, running towards the old man.

The galaxy hanging on the thick wrist that reminded her of the bear’s paw laughed.

The Galaxy’s ultimate skill, tickling, mercilessly attacks Old Man Gong!!

“Huh?”

But it didn’t work.

Galaxy’s fingers caressed the old man’s skin, but the girl felt only a strange sensation, like rubbing tree bark or the surface of a rock, rather than the feeling of flesh touching flesh.

“Oh my, how can an old man stay still when he’s begging me to play with him like this? Hold on tight.”

The old man’s arms tightened as he laughed, and his veins spread out like spider webs. The galaxy dangled from his wrists as his arms rose into the air.

And as the old man began to vigorously twist his wrists, the galaxy also began to spin around like a windmill.

“Hiyooo-!!”

The galaxy screamed in excitement. There was no other ride.

The old man was spinning the galaxy, which was small but had the weight of an adult, with just a snap of his wrist, without using any mana and only using his body’s strength, to the point where it felt like the wind was blowing.

At first, the universe was shocked by the old man’s unbelievable physical abilities and his concern for the galaxy, but seeing this sight so often that it became familiar made the universe smile calmly.

She, an ordinary person stuck between three monsters, poked Shi-hyuk’s waist with her elbow with a look of resignation.

“It seems like only strange people gather around Sihyuk.”

“… … .”

Sihyuk, who was at a loss for words, kept his mouth shut and remained silent.

After a few minutes, Eunha, whose hair was disheveled, laughed and clung to the old man. The old man laughed and lifted Eunha up and placed her on his shoulder.

Because of the difference in size, it looked like a sparrow hanging from a tall tree.

“If you go camping, I don’t mind anytime. But if you’re going to do it, it’s better to enjoy it together, so when the three of you decide on a date, please let me know. I’ll make room for you.”

“Then, I want to stay overnight when I go camping!”

“Well, one night should be fine. It’s a little tight, but I’ll try to clear my schedule. Sir, how about this weekend?”

“Hehe, old man, it’s always okay. Wait, I can’t come empty-handed. I’ll bring some alcohol when I come.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll prepare the firewood and meat.”

“Then I can’t prepare for just the two of us, so I should buy some camping supplies. And some Galaxy snacks.”

“Wow!”

A warm and friendly atmosphere spread throughout the room. In the space where everyone was laughing together, Sihyuk closed his eyes. A small smile spread across his lips without him knowing.

Days like this-

“It’s decided. Then, I’ll see you on the weekend.”

-.-.-

Over the weekend, Sihyuk diligently swept the yard, cleaned it up, and even made a makeshift fireplace in the corner by kneading mud.

And just as I was about to chop the firewood that had been dried during the week into small pieces, there was a guest knocking on the door.

“Sihyuk, I’m here!”

The first person to arrive at his house was the old man. In his arms was an icebox, and even without looking at its contents, it was easy to guess that it was all alcohol.

“Oh my, you prepared a lot. Oh, I didn’t know you even made a place to put the cauldron. Did you buy the cauldron too?”

“Because he’s a craftsman, he made that quickly. If you make it with [Magic Iron], there’s no chance of extradimensional particles coming out, and it’s strong and unbreakable.”

Even without the equipment, it was a piece of cake for him as a blacksmith. When the clay had hardened, Sihyuk planned to place a pot on top and make boiled chicken like last time.

“I caught some ducks at the market. I’ll make soup with them later.”

“Ah, I remember last time. It was delicious.”

Old Man Gong licked his lips as he recalled the taste of the duck stew he had eaten that day, and then something suddenly occurred to him and he looked at Si-hyuk and asked.

“Is there a separate lid for the pot? It would be great to grill meat and kimchi on top of it.”

“Excellent.”

The old man, smiling broadly, stopped Shihyuk from chopping down the axe.

“I’ll split the firewood, you go in and prepare the duck and the cooking ingredients.”

“Thank you for doing that. Then, I’ll give you the hatchet,”

“No, it’s okay.”

The old man picked up the firewood and split it with his bare hands, as easily as breaking a pair of wooden chopsticks or tearing a rolled up piece of paper.

If you can see other people’s [status windows], how much physical strength and stamina do the elderly have? A thought occurred to me for a moment.

Shihyuk smiled bitterly and shook his head to clear his mind.

“Then please do it.”

“We’re here!”

“Sorry, I’m a little late. The elders are here too. Sorry I’m late.”

“Hehe, don’t worry about it. Come on in.”

Woo-joo, who had brought a torch, a tent, a grill, and a parasol, and Eun-ha, who had brought a box of side dishes, snacks, and drinks, entered. The old man came out before Si-hyuk, who was in the kitchen, and opened the door gently.

“Oh my, everyone prepared so much, but I only brought alcohol, so embarrassing.”

“No, sir. Mr. Shihyuk, you even made a stove? Take your time, I’ll change my outerwear and help you right away.”

“Thank you.”

“Grandpa, can I help you?”

“Then move this firewood over there. Hey, don’t run!”

The quiet weekend suddenly became hectic. Woojoo helped prepare the materials, and the old man who had finished chopping the firewood helped Eunha set up the tent.

He lit a fire in the stove with a torch, placed a cauldron on top of it, and boiled water. While Shihyuk drained the duck’s blood and removed the gamey parts, Woojoo prepared rice.

After a series of steps, we were finally ready to go camping.

“Oh my, but since there were many people doing it, we finished it quickly. This isn’t easy either.”

“Of course, it’s a good thing Sihyuk gave us his seat. It would have been a pain to prepare like this at the campsite.”

“What, that’s too much praise.”

“Come on, let’s have a drink early.”

The old man who had brought out the alcohol poured the glasses for Sihyuk and Woojoo.

While they were passing the glass around, Eun-ha was squatting in front of the fire, fanning herself for no reason.

“I guess the wood fire is amazing.”

“I guess it’s my first time staying outside like this, not at the gate, so I guess Eunha is curious too.”

Oh, the universe, having emptied its glass of alcohol, smiled brightly.

“Thank you, Sihyuk. For creating this place. Thanks to you, I think I will have good memories. Thank you, too.”

“Hehe, I’m more grateful that you didn’t leave me out because I’m old and hung out with me. Come on, have another drink. Let’s drink it to the fullest today.”

“I won’t give up. … Galaxy! Don’t stir up the firewood! You’ll make ashes fly! ”

“Yonsuk, the food is spoiling!”

Eunha, who had been secretly poking the firewood, was startled by the scolding and quickly stepped back. Meat was a serious matter.

A smile bloomed among the three of them as they watched.

Shihyuk poured himself a glass of wine and thought for a moment.

I hope these days will continue forever.

The universe clapped its hands and cheered the surroundings.

“Okay, shall we take a picture? I don’t have a camera, but I guess we can take one with my phone.”

“That sounds good.”

“The memories have increased. Eunha, come here. Let’s take a picture.”

“Let’s go now!”

Each of us took our seats. Woo-joo, who had leaned his phone against the wall and pressed the timer, quickly approached us.

“Okay, laugh!”

“Kimchi!”

Click, the sound of a happy moment being recorded rang out.

It was now lunchtime. The sun was shining and everyone was hungry from the rush to get ready. The meal was ready.

“Now let’s grill the meat.”

“It looks delicious. Hehe, now let’s eat… .”

at that time.

It was at that moment that the old man Gong’s smiling face hardened and he suddenly turned his gaze far away to the south.

Shi-hyuk and Eun-ha’s gaze, who noticed ‘something’ belatedly, also focused on one place.

south.

The universe was bewildered by the suddenly frozen atmosphere.

“Hey, what’s wrong with you all? What’s going on?”

Beep, whoosh, each of their phones rang with a text message. Leaving the three frozen and staring at one spot, Woojoo checked his phone.

“Huh?”

[Emergency Disaster Text]

[Gate Safety Headquarters of the Republic of Korea] Today at 11:38, an earthquake occurred in the Jeju area, causing a gate expansion. New Gate #51 has deteriorated into a national disaster.

[Assembly Order Issued] Awakened players of Class B or higher must quickly prepare and gather in front of the Awakened HQ within 12 hours of receiving the text.

The peace was broken.