Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World

Kim Haru remembered that when Do Seungjin had gone to retrieve the core from pigweed, he'd had to kill two pigs, which he'd sent to the animal research institute. Logically, they shouldn't have fully processed them yet. With some luck, he might even manage to get a pig's trotter.

With such a large mutated black pig, even half—no, a quarter of a pig's trotter would be enough.

"Mr. Kim!"

"Mr. Kim, you're here!"

"Mr. Kim, are you looking for the director?"

"Mr. Kim, Director Do, and Director Jang went to the fields. Shall I call them back?"

As he walked into the animal research institute, various researchers greeted Kim Haru along the way.

He quickened his steps. "No need; I'm just picking up something quickly. Where's the pig they killed earlier?"

"It's in the fresh meat processing room, number two. I'll take you there, Mr. Kim."

It seemed Kim Haru's luck was in; most of the pig had already been processed, leaving only a few trotters and some broth stock. He selected a fatty piece, packed it into his system backpack, and said, "Let Director Do know I'm heading back."

The researchers didn't stop him.

In fact, in the entire safe zone, if Kim Haru wanted something, he was free to take it. No one would object.

When he returned with the pig's trotter, a large pile of lotus roots had already accumulated by the pond.

Go Okrim looked at the mountain of lotus roots and scratched his head. "Kim Haru-hyung, do we really have to dig all of this out?"

"Let's dig it all."

This particular variety of lotus grew exceptionally fast. If they harvested it all now, the next crop would likely sprout soon after.@@novelbin@@

Haru wasn't worried about having too many lotus roots; if he couldn't eat them all, he could always send some to the safe zone. Plus, he could grind them into lotus root powder. Even though it looked like a lot of lotus roots now, they'd be gone in no time if he processed them into powder; it took a lot to make just a small amount of finished product.

Go Okrim continued leading the zombies in digging up lotus roots, while Kim Haru headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the evening.

The trade team that was sent from Pyeongseong Safe Zone to Haneulsae Safe Zone was led by an official, and although it wasn't a large team, consisting of only twenty people, it was still formidable. Aside from one space-type ability user, the rest of the team members were all skilled in combat, and the Delta Squad was one of them.

Everyone in the team knew that Haneulsae Safe Zone had recently appointed a new Safe Zone Commander and that this new Safe Zone Commander didn't think highly of their Pyeongseong Safe Zone. As soon as they entered the Haneulsae Safe Zone's territory, everyone was on high alert.

"Captain, we've been in Haneulsae for over ten minutes now. Why hasn't anyone come out to greet us?" asked Han Geng, a team member with previous experience in trade missions.

Normally, when a team from another safe zone entered, the people in charge of checking entry would report it to the authorities, and Haneulsae's people couldn't possibly not know about them. Since they had clearly stated their purpose was to carry out a trade between the safe zones, they should have sent someone to welcome them.

Before the captain, Jo Sungmo, could answer, Ryu Hyunwoo from the Delta Squad rolled his eyes and replied, "What else could it be? They probably think we don't deserve a greeting."

"Hyunwoo." Shin Woncheon shot Ryu Hyunwoo a glare. "Be mindful when entering someone else's safe zone. Don't cause trouble and fail to complete the mission the Safe Zone Commander and Mr. Kim assigned to us."

Jo Sungmo looked at the team members and said, "I know everyone's dissatisfied with Haneulsae, but let's remember why we're here. We need to hold back for now. I believe that once we get through this crisis, with Mr. Kim's help, next winter, Haneulsae will be the one who begging us for support." Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

"Hey, that future sounds good," the team members cheered, their spirits lifting. Just thinking about the role reversal next winter, the resentment they had carried during the journey seemed to dissipate almost entirely.

They hadn't walked far when the people sent by Haneulsae finally arrived, a little late.

"Ah, sorry about that. Recently, we've been busy clearing out a mutated plant nest, and we've got a huge haul of edible mutated plants. Everyone's busy sorting the supplies, so we couldn't spare anyone to come greet you. My apologies again."

Listen to that—wasn't it just a subtle boast about the abundance of food in their safe zone? As if no one could tell.

The trade team from Pyeongseong Safe Zone exchanged looks, their thoughts were clear, but their faces still wore smiles.

Captain Jo Sungmo extended his hand to shake. "It's fine. Anyway, your safe zone's entrance is close to the Safe Zone Commander's office. We'll walk there and be right there."

Upon hearing Jo Sungmo's words, the team members behind him almost laughed aloud.

When he said "close," he didn't mean Haneulsae's safe zone was small in size; it was more about the fact that the entrance wasn't far from the Safe Zone Commander's office.

The people from Haneulsae understood the underlying meaning and their expressions immediately soured. It was clear they weren't pleased.

Jo Sungmo was not at all afraid. "Since you've come, I won't waste time. This time, we brought a batch of food that we'd like to trade with you. It's all virus-free food. Please take us to the Safe Zone Commander."

Although Jo Sungmo had advised his team to hold back, that didn't mean they should tolerate being bullied by the other side.

Jo Sungmo was confident that once he mentioned the virus-free food, no matter how displeased the Haneulsae people were, they would have to suppress their feelings and lead them to the Safe Zone Commander. A matter this big couldn't be delayed just because of a small issue like greeting them.