Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World

Unlike other rampaging ant species, Antharion Giant Ant preferred staying in one place and slowly constructing elaborate underground palaces.

The moment Moon Baein learned about the Antharion Giant Ant, he immediately thought of Kim Haru.

The mutated creatures such as the Hamster Tribe, the Unmelted Frost Bamboo Tree, and th Cryo Wolf had already established cooperative relationships with the Pyeongseong Safe Zone.

Over time, Moon Baein had gradually shifted his perspective.

When encountering mutated creatures, his first thought was no longer about eliminating them but considering whether a mutually beneficial relationship could be established.

The Antharion Giant Ant, for example, were precisely the kind of species that fit this vision.

If the Antharion Giant Ant settled in a specific area, it meant they genuinely cherished that place as their home.

Now that this group of Antharion Giant Ant had chosen Gokmul County, it presented a unique opportunity for the Pyeongseong Safe Zone—a chance to collaborate with a collective of master architects.

Kim Haru soon arrived.

When he entered the Safe Zone Commander's building and saw the Caeruleus Draco Squad gathered there, he immediately understood that their team had become entirely loyal to the Pyeongseong Safe Zone.

Upon seeing Kim Haru, the Caeruleus Draco Squad members all bowed their heads in respect.

The accomplishments of this "Mr. Kim" in Pyeongseong Safe Zone were well-known to everyone in the Caeruleus Draco Squad.

Their understanding of his contributions only deepened their admiration for him and intensified their regret for their previous attempts to harm him.

Yoon Soeon in particular, expressed her heartfelt apology to Kim Haru, looking visibly distressed.

She solemnly swore never, ever to defy any of his orders again.

Kim Haru, however, had long moved past their past transgressions.

After all, he had already taken measures to assert himself when their actions had made him uncomfortable.

Since they hadn't crossed any unforgivable lines, what was there not to forgive?

They were all part of the same safe zone now.

"Mr. Kim, you're here. Please, take a seat," Moon Baein said, vacating a nearby chair.

Kim Haru then sat down.

"What's going on?" Kim Haru asked, his gaze sweeping over the room.

Jang Dojang had mentioned over the voice-transmitting snail that something was amiss in Gokmul County, but due to time constraints, he hadn't been able to explain the details.

Even now, as Kim Haru sat here, he was still unclear about the situation.

During his journey, Kim Haru had used the system to check the status of the Starlight Armored Bug Breeding Facility.

Since it was still running normally, the issue clearly wasn't related to the Starlight Armored Bug.

Yes, even though the Starlight Armored Bug Breeding Facility was built in Gokmul County, the Starlight Armored Bug themselves belonged to Kim Haru.

Furthermore, he owned half the shares of the Breeding Facility, and the system counted it as part of his farm's production.

Just like the vegetable shop in the safe zone, the system allowed him to monitor the basic status of the shop remotely.

Since the issue wasn't with the Starlight Armored Bug Breeding Facility, and the Caeruleus Draco Squad members were present, it had to involve the other half of Gokmul County.

Sure enough, after listening to Moon Baein's explanation, Kim Haru's assumption was correct.

"The other half of Gokmul County is entirely occupied by these ants?" Kim Haru asked, scrutinizing the data on the intelligence report.

Although he wasn't particularly familiar with the destructive potential of ants, he could tell that the situation was going to be tricky.

Yoon Jongju nodded. "Yes, these Antharion Giant Ant have taken over most of the intact buildings in that part of the county. Only the ones that are completely dilapidated are untouched. All the walls of the standing structures have become their nests. Additionally, my Aerial Vision ability revealed that most of Gokmul County's underground area has been hollowed out."

It was all the work of these Antharion Giant Ant.

On the back of the intelligence sheet, the Caeruleus Draco Squad had sketched a simple diagram of the underground palace they had managed to uncover.

Just from this rough illustration, Kim Haru could see how intricate and complex this subterranean world was.

Kim Haru suddenly thought the system's decision to place the Starlight Armored Bug Breeding Facility in Gokmul County was unexpectedly spot-on.

The Starlight Armored Bug preferred underground environments, just like these ants.

They were, in a sense, kindred spirits.

Of course, this was just a random thought in Kim Haru's mind.

Even though the Starlight Armored Bug were underground creatures, allowing them to roam freely underground would make it more challenging to harvest their products efficiently.

The Pyeongseong Safe Zone couldn't permit them to dig without restraint.

"What's this line?" Kim Haru pointed to a peculiar feature on the map.

There was a straight line drawn on the edge of the underground diagram, beyond which there was nothing depicted.

"This is the boundary line," Yoon Jongju explained. "Beyond this line lies the other half of Gokmul County. Not a single ant has crossed over into that area."

"Why?" Kim Haru found it puzzling. "Is there something on this line?"

The Caeruleus Draco Squad members all shook their heads. "We found it strange too and specifically investigated the line. But visually, there's no difference. Whether it's above ground or underground, even if buildings are directly on the line, the ants only occupy the other side."

That was odd.

"Alright, I'll go take a look," Kim Haru said, recalling Go Okrim's mention of his zombie brother.

If these ants were deterred by territory demarcations, then Go Okrim's brother should have long ceased to exist.

Even if some lingering aura remained, it wouldn't persist for this long.

Regardless, Kim Haru's curiosity was piqued.

Moon Baein had invited Kim Haru here with the intention of having him investigate, but he certainly wouldn't allow him to go alone.

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Kim. I'll ask Chung Hwangeun to gather a team and go there with you."