The Scavenger of the Ruined World (4)

Ahhh, its so bright I cant even open my eyes!

I want to go back underground!

Ahhhhh! We have to go there, but I dont want to!

The Mole tribe couldnt have imagined the hellish days that their ancestors had gone through, losing their claws in the peace they had known since birth. They were beginning to barely adapt to their instincts they had ignored so far, however.

I was wondering how to reform them, but its good that I no longer need to. Since the beginning, Kang Shin-hyuk was dissatisfied with the moles who had entrusted everything to the Jijoo King, but now he was happy at the sight of them. He still wanted them to stop screaming, however.

Okay, Ill make your claws, so go inside a building thats not so bright.

I cant stand being on the ground! The memories of our ancestors are calling out to us!

If all of those things died

Youre noisy. As Kang Shin-hyuk complained, Shin Eunah waved a finger in the air as she approached them. The thousands of moles floated in the air at once, thrown into the open entrance of a nearby building.

Thank you.

I just put them away because they were in the way of my grandfather. Shin Eunah then turned to hug Kang Shin-hyuk, whose consciousness was nearly blown away by how voluptuous she was.

Wow, shes grown so much you can see the difference through her clothesstop, dont think. Lets not think Looking around, Claire was nowhere nearby.

Wheres Claire?

She found something she liked and started doing some research. Shin Eunah said that with a proud expression. She possessed all the dignity in the world at that moment.

Grandpa.

No. The twenty-five-year-old granddaughter clung to him with a harsh voice. Kang Shin-hyuk hesitated for a moment, but soon resolved himself and pushed her away.

Now, stop that. A grown-up shouldnt stick to their grandpa like that.

But grandpa said that if we meet in person, we could hug all the time. He wished it were a lie, but now with his synchronization at 20%, he certainly had a vague memory of something like that. It didnt weaken his resolve, however.

That was twenty years ago, how long will you act like a child?

Ugh Shin Eunah pulled back at his cold words. She let out a teary voice as she talked quietly to herself.

It wouldve been nice if you visited Eunah when she was young.

Ugh This time, it was Kang Shin-hyuks turn to be rebuked. If he hadnt felt he was Anvil, he wouldnt need to feel guilty about his actions. But now that the rate had increased and the memories were becoming clearer, it was hard not to feel a bit responsible for them.

That damn man making promises he cant keep. No, rather, my previous life is. If I had really viewed her as my own child, wouldnt I have gone to her at least once instead of falling asleep with the world? At least once before dying! But, in the end, I had died cleanly like I had no regrets. What, then, of Eunah, who had heavily depended on me until then? She never had the chance to say a proper goodbye. It feels like Im talking about someone else, but its me in the end! Kang Shin-hyuk felt confused as he tried to untangle the threads in his head. However, he couldnt leave Shin Eunah alone as she stood there all gloomy. He hugged her gently, causing her eyes to go wide.

Ah.

Ill only make up for what you missed when you were young.

Huh! Grandpa. Shin Eunah let out a voice filled with joy as she hugged him back.

I cant last long though. Kang Shin-hyuk thought so while smiling as casually as possible. Shin Eunah may view him as her grandfather, but it was a harsh ordeal for him to endure. He only hoped she could regain some of her mental composure.

There its nice to have a good relationship.

Huh? Turning his head, there was once more the figure of the Jijoo King holding onto his leg.

Now I really want you to make my claws Watching the half-crying Jijoo King, Kang Shin-hyuk whispered to Shin Eunah.

Senior, didnt you kick everyone out?

Its embarrassing. Still, I guess hes a member of the Hero Universe! Shin Eunah trembled slightly upon discovering the king, trying to return to her cool mode.

Its like this in the end, so Ill start working on it. He let out a sigh of defeat.

Yesthis still seems a little insufficient, but you can think of it as an advance payment. Shin Eunah let go of him.

Payment?

Yes, an advance payment.

So theres still a balance left to pay for? Shin Eunah moved back from the confused Kang Shin-hyuk with a smile.

Ill go find Claire, cheer up.

Yes, yesdown payment? He tilted his head as he watched the back of his foster granddaughter, who left without answering. The Jijoo King was staring up at him. He seemed to have learned a bit, as he was no longer asking about his claws, but it was almost more annoying as he quietly looked up at Shin-hyuk.

Ill really make it, so stop watching me.

Oh, oh! Wonderful! I found a place like the workshop with an oven, too!

Three hours later, Kang Shin-hyuk had finally met the kings expectations by creating another A-rank claw-shaped artifact using the worlds metal (of course, it was a metal other than benadelite). The problem was the thousands of moles that followed, all asking for claws. It was the start of two months of backbreaking labor.

***

Claire? Shin Eunah found her friend squatting on some nearby grass, gathering rare plants unseen on Earth.

What is that?

I figured it would be better to focus on what can only be studied here. Look at this. Claire tore at the grass with purple petals with an expression of excitement.

The magical ritual that drove mankind to destruction was terrible, but there were some positives. Like these plants that were subject to magic.

Did they mutate after being exposed to the particles?

Exactly. These grasses have evolved into a form that stores and maintains mana without letting it be taken away. Its an interesting by-product of its evolution. Claire began discussing the changes in the Gromas ecosystem, every bit the image of an excited alchemist. Shin Eunah felt the sight of her friend who was immersed in the things she liked really dazzling.

But Claire, whatever youre working on, youll have to finish it early.

Ahyes, I predicted as much. She had an odd expression as she put the grass in her inventory.

Its not over yet right?

The opposite; we havent started. We confirmed earlier that the evil of Jormungand had reached this world. Shin Eunah let out a sigh as she sat beside Claire. The two werent just wandering around to explore the magical civilization of a bygone era; they had a more important purpose.

What about Shin-hyuk?

My junior isnt ready yet. Its great to see he has grown this much already, it might even be faster than me. Did you see him create an SS-rank artifact? The miracle of All Craft added with the talent of a fighter, I cant wait

What a fool. Act with some moderation. Youve been lucky before. Shin Eunahs eyes twinkled as she recalled Kang Shin-hyuks actions. She had no clue that he looked at her with that same expression when she had been dealing with the Fungus. Claire decided to leave it be. Telling her would just be pouring oil onto the fire.

Anyway, I was fortunate to follow you both. My juniors were really in danger

Have you gotten used to the changes in your body? Shin Eunahs body, which had evolved instantly by absorbing the magical techniques left behind, continued to bother her with a sense of incongruity. But nowshe twisted her lips and nodded.

The tuning is over. Im completely used to it.

Oh, was that tuning? I thought you were trying to mark Shin-hyuk.

You saw? Shin Eunah blushed, but Claire nodded without hesitation.

If someone saw you, theyd think you two were lovers.

What lovers were just a grandfather and granddaughter.

Hmm. Claires eyes became narrower as she stared at the red Shin Eunah. The thought that had been in her mind was only gaining intensity as she watched the two.

You really think so, Eunah?

Of course isnt it true?

Only

Okay. Claire nodded. Is it unconscious then?

Unconscious?

Yes. But conscious or unconscious its not good.

Huh? Eunah tilted her head, unable to understand, but Claire stood up and flicked her forehead.

Ouch!

A fox either way.

Huh? What?

In any case, the crisis threatening Gromas was resolved. However, the excursion to another world had just begun.