Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World

However, fireflies shouldn't exist in the freezing winter, not even mutated ones, let alone in such numbers.

Moreover, these lights were colorful and incredibly beautiful, completely unlike any mutated fireflies they'd seen before.

If this phenomenon had occurred in any other season, it would've been fully investigated by the second day. But it happened in the winter, and every survivor knew the dangers of lingering outside at night during this season. Since the lights didn't seem to pose any threat to the safe zone or harm anyone, the matter had been temporarily shelved.

So, should they go?

The members of the Delta Squad exchanged glances and broke into smiles. "Let's go."

Whether the glowing object turned out to be a plant, an animal, or something else entirely, its beautiful light alone made it worth the risk. Bringing something like that to Mr. Kim as a gift to brighten his evenings was sure to please him.

Kim Haru simply nodded, his quiet demeanor signaling his agreement.

With that, the group settled on their goal and began preparing for the nighttime excursion.

Winter nights were much colder than the daytime, with temperatures plummeting dramatically. If they had a thermometer, it would show that the nighttime temperature dropped exponentially lower than the daytime. The outdoors provided no shelter from the wind or snow, and anyone caught unprepared in the elements could easily become an ice statue by morning.

Survivors might be discovered the next day buried in the snow. If they were lucky, they might cling to life, but most didn't have that kind of luck.

Temperature and weather weren't the only dangers. Strange creatures often emerged during winter nights. The darkness offered them the perfect cover to hide, and the deep snow provided an ideal spot for ambushes.

When news of the group's plan reached the Pyeongseong Safe Zone Commander, he personally came to dissuade them.

But even the Safe Zone Commander's presence didn't sway the Delta Squad, Hwa Jian, or Han Gwonhee.

"The Safe Zone Commander was already planning to send someone to investigate the strange lights, wasn't he? This saves you the trouble. We'll not only bring back a beautiful gift for Mr. Kim but also eliminate any potential threats to the safe zone. It's a win-win, isn't it?" Shin Woncheon reasoned.

Looking at their resolute expressions, Moon Baein realized there was no convincing them otherwise. "Fine. The logistics department has some reliable equipment. Come with me and pick out whatever you might need."

Shin Woncheon grinned. "Thank you, Safe Zone Commander. Consider this your contribution to the effort. When we bring back the gift, we'll credit you, too."

"Whether I get credit or not doesn't matter. Just come back safely," Moon Baein said seriously. "If Mr. Kim finds out you hurt yourselves—or worse—for a gift, do you think he'd be happy? He wouldn't."

Hwa Jian and the others, of course, understood this point. That's why they hadn't planned on telling Mr. Kim at all.
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After all, Mr. Kim had been staying at the small farm lately. He hadn't visited the safe zone since the strange lights began appearing and had no idea about them.

The group selected thick, specially crafted silkworm frost-resistant combat suits, night-vision goggles, and each took a nutrient solution from the logistics department.

Since the safe zone began producing normal crops in greater quantities, nutrient solutions were no longer as rare. Ability user teams often purchased them for missions, as they were very convenient.

They also prepared a sufficient supply of energy-restoring crystals.

Once fully equipped, they watched the sun sink lower before stepping out of the safe zone's gates.

...

Kim Haru woke up and remembered that today was the day he'd invited his employees for a gathering. It was time to prepare the hotpot.

"Kim Haru-hyung, what do you need me to do?" Go Okrim, who always woke up much earlier than Kim Haru, had already warmed himself up with a morning walk. The moment he saw Kim Haru getting up, he eagerly approached.

He couldn't just sit still and wanted to be helpful.

Kim Haru pointed toward the granary. "Wash one portion of all the vegetables we have. Just make sure it's enough for today, and it's fine if there's a little extra."

Go Okrim eagerly set off.

Meanwhile, Kim Haru began preparing the meat.

As he passed by the chicken coop, he heard an unusual noise.

Besides the familiar sounds of Sir Peckington and Little Nugget, there was a smaller, softer sound, somewhat like… a duck?

Kim Haru froze for a moment before quickly lifting the insulated curtain over the coop's door to peek inside.

"Chirp!"

Sir Peckington immediately pecked him.

A red mark instantly appeared on his forehead.

Thanks to the farming system's protection, nothing on the farm could harm him significantly.

"Alright, alright, I'm just taking a look," Kim Haru said, exasperated, watching the cold-bothered Sir Peckington still intent on pecking him. He couldn't help but think Little Nugget was much more well-behaved.

After brushing off the encounter, he looked toward the source of the quacking sound.

The eggs had hatched!

Spotting several cracked eggshells scattered among the straw, Kim Haru's eyes lit up.

He moved carefully, inching toward the soft quacks, worried about accidentally stepping on one of the ducklings. Finally, behind Little Nugget, he found a tiny duckling.

The pale-yellow duckling was already much larger than Little Nugget had been as a chick. It had clearly just hatched, wobbling unsteadily as it tried to stand on its still-weak legs.

But it didn't take long for the duckling to find its balance. After a few tries, it was standing steadily.

Following Little Nugget, the little duckling toddled a few steps. With its movement, Kim Haru spotted two more ducklings.

In total, three ducklings had hatched, all pale yellow. Judging by how they clung closely to Little Nugget, Kim Haru was certain they'd already decided Little Nugget was their mother.

Thankfully, it was Little Nugget. Little Nugget was obedient and gentle. With Little Nugget as their "mom," the ducklings would likely grow up to be just as well-behaved.