Otherworld Constellation Gallery
Chapter 37
I crossed the street with Ha-rin and Do-han.
‘About those Craftlae…’
They’re oddly not very visible.
Whether there are few of them or they move slowly, I still haven’t seen a single one.
For building the fortress quickly, and for achievements too, I need to catch as many as possible.
While thinking this.
“Excuse me?”
An unfamiliar voice called out to us.
I reflexively gripped my War Hammer tightly.
But they didn’t show any hostility.
They were wearing clean clothes, and friendly smiles adorned their faces.
Similar-looking people stood beside him.
Four in total.
They seemed better equipped than us, and their expressions were relaxed.
“Are you lost? It’s dangerous here, how about coming to our safe zone?”
I examined their faces one by one.
The world is too rough to trust just a kind smile.
Yet part of me was intrigued.
What if they really were a trustworthy community gathered for safety?
‘Maybe we could find talents worth recruiting.’
Moreover, if they were genuinely a decent group, they could be a beacon of hope for the people at the orphanage.
That is, an opportunity for me to build power my way, and Do-han his way. ‘Should I quickly scout them out?’ Just as I was about to answer.
“We have things to do.”
Do-han’s response was slightly faster.
“Oh, are you gathering supplies? Do you have a separate group somewhere?”
“No.”
This time I cut in before Ha-rin or Do-han could respond.
‘If we accidentally reveal too much, we might lose the orphanage we’re reinforcing.’
Verification must come before trust.
“If I may ask, what are the things you need to do?”
“We were on our way to get food.”
Their expressions softened even more.
“Oh, if that’s the case, don’t worry. We distribute food as well.”
“We have nothing to offer in return, is it still okay for us to receive?”
“Of course. We need to help each other survive.”
“Come with us. Follow slowly.”
They took the lead. As I traced their footsteps with my eyes, I whispered quietly so only Do-han could hear.
“For future survival, we’ll need more people who can cooperate with each other. These people might fulfill that role, so I want to check.”
And I added one more thing.
“But never trust just anyone. Never.”
Do-han, sensing the weight of the final advice, nodded with determined eyes.
The place we arrived at was much more systematically operated than expected. People were orderly situated in a wide open space, and temporary buildings made of tents and containers were arranged in an organized layout.
‘Is this really just day two?’
Even in this twisted world where everyone believed and prepared for the end, the atmosphere was surprisingly good to the point of feeling dissonant. People were receiving food, waiting for medical care, and even voluntarily patrolling.
“New guests, I see.”
The person greeting us was different from those who guided us here. A kind smile was on his face, but there was something trained about his demeanor.
“I’m glad you arrived safely.”
He extended his hand. I lightly accepted the handshake while glancing around.
It didn’t seem like a simple shelter. This place looked like a small society, and there must be a system maintaining it.
“Yes, we arrived safely thanks to these people.”
“I see. They deserve a reward.”
He smiled meaningfully.
“Survival rates increase when you’re with good people. First, for security reasons, I’d appreciate if you would hand over your weapons.”
‘Hand over weapons?’
It was a plausible request.
When conflicts arise among survivors, the presence of weapons directly correlates with the extent of damage.
But handing over weapons isn’t a simple matter.
Unless it’s truly a trustworthy group, disarming before confirmation would be reckless.
I quietly moved my arm behind my back.
‘War Hammer, store in inventory.’
The heavy weight that had been wrapped around my hand disappeared. Until now I had stored items by looking and thinking, but this time was different.
‘I see, I just need to be in contact with the object.’
It was a moment of realization that I didn’t necessarily have to see and think, as long as I clearly recognized the target. With my hands now lightened, I brought them forward.
“I have no weapons.”
The atmosphere subtly changed. Some looked at my hands in confusion.
“Didn’t he have something in his hand?”
“I thought I saw it too…”
Beside me, Do-han’s eyes widened. Then he quietly asked Ha-rin.
“Didn’t he have a hammer just now?”
“I don’t know what happened either.”
Ha-rin shrugged, feigning ignorance. Meanwhile, the man who greeted us maintained his friendly face, but his eyebrow twitched slightly.
“I’m not doubting you, sir. But many people stay here together, and safety is our top priority.”
The man added in a softer tone.
“For that reason, may I conduct a simple belongings check?”
Checking belongings too.
Honestly, there’s no need to be offended.
‘It’s better to be certain.’
If they’re truly a benevolent group, being this thorough and attentive would be more advantageous for survival and cohesion.
So cooperation is the best option for me too.
Unnecessarily resisting would create unneeded suspicion.
Besides, I’ve stored everything away, so there’s nothing to find.
“Yes, that’s fine.”
I spread my arms and submitted to the search.
The man carefully patted me down.
Waist, pockets, forearms, legs.
I felt his touch becoming increasingly rough.
He seemed to be growing more anxious.
“What…? There’s really nothing?”
He muttered quietly.
Some of those nearby whispered as if something was strange.
‘Search all you want, what will you find?’
This is just increasing mutual discomfort.
“Yes… well, confirmed.”
His face was full of suspicion. Only then did I smile and speak.
“Is it the same procedure for women?”
At those words, the man flinched.
And the others around exchanged glances.
If they searched women the same way here, the atmosphere would deteriorate.
But if they were careless and just let women pass, it would mean this group had ulterior motives.
‘Well, what will you do?’
At that moment, I saw the man bringing a woman over.
‘So they don’t let men search women arbitrarily, but they don’t just let them pass either.’
That meant this group was quite thorough, and that thoroughness made me more suspicious. If they were good people, they would be a more trustworthy group, but if not…
‘This thoroughness is a bit dangerous.’
My nerves sharpened. I needed to be more certain.
“Would it be possible to just receive some food and then leave?”
I deliberately excluded any hint that we had just come out temporarily and hadn’t brought our belongings.
If it seemed like we had something to bring back, they would let us go nicely, thinking there might be something to exploit.
‘The nuance I need to convey now is clear.’
We just want to take what we need and go back. We’ll take advantage and never return.
Creating that impression.
‘Now will they suddenly say they’re out of food?’
As I was anticipating what response would come.
“Yes, as you wish. This is a shelter, not the military.”
They’re going along with this so easily? Honestly, this reaction was very different from what I expected.
‘It would be nice if this place was as trustworthy as it is… but isn’t this too easy?’
Knowing that one should always be wary of superficial kindness, no matter how benevolent, I remained vigilant. But they really did distribute food to us.
“It’s not much, but please enjoy.”
A woman distributing food with a kind face. Everyone has peaceful expressions. But why do I feel so uneasy?
‘Could it be… poisoned or drugged?’
If Tulip were here, she could have immediately identified such things…
I warned my companions quietly so only they could hear.
“Don’t eat it for now.”
Do-han and Ha-rin nodded. As I was slowly looking around this place.
“Aren’t you going to eat the food?”
The man’s voice was gentle.
“Ah, I’m saving it for emergencies.”
“I understand. You can’t help but be cautious in this situation. And it’s right to conserve food. But you should eat when you can.”
He added in a soft voice.
“What we’re facing isn’t a simple crisis. ‘Tomorrow’ is no longer guaranteed. We’ve entered an era where surviving today is more important than saving a meal for tomorrow. So…”
DING!
[‘Yu Ju-han’s ‘Constellation’s Spirit’ activates automatically!]
[‘Constellation’s Spirit’ neutralizes ‘Instigation’!]
“…!”
Instantly, my mind cleared.
His warm and gentle words now sounded like the cold, sharp whispers of a snake.
At the same time, I realized.
‘This bastard… was an Incarnation all along.’
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