“Huh, uh… So, you’re saying that Sosik is there?”
[It’s somewhat embarrassing to say… but yes.]
“Uh….”
Upon hearing the somewhat uncertain report that Sosik was at the Edge Laboratory, Han Seori pressed her temples. Had she been needing to press them more frequently these days? Her temples seemed to have taken on a faint reddish hue. This throbbing headache was starting to feel chronic.
As much as Han Seori was feeling the headache, Lee Yoo-jin seemed equally disconcerted.
After all, when asked for help and assistance was given, it turned out the helper had brought along a derivative entity – Sosik, no less? And Yoo-jin had even inquired if Sosik was around. What nerve! Truly… truly…
Or, couldn’t it have been anticipated?
[What should we do then?]
Lost in thought, Han Seori felt a chill creep through her mind at the uneasy tone in Yoo-jin’s voice.
Admittedly, though she had considered the possibility, she didn’t expect it to really happen… Even with the forewarning, she couldn’t help but feel the chill.
Massaging her chilled neck with a slightly trembling hand, she muttered quietly. The situation was what it was, and it had already unfolded.
“It seems like we’ve dealt with the issue for now, so it’d be best to head back as soon as possible.”
[Would that be alright?]
“We’ve done our part already, haven’t we?”
[I understand.]
If things at the lab had been mostly taken care of… then there was no longer any reason or obligation for Lime and the group to stay. In fact, there was none.
Though, Han Seori thought, wouldn’t it be sensible to figure out why Sosik was brought along in the first place? But she figured the reasons were likely the same old ones. She had her guesses.
It wasn’t surprising, considering how alluring the Singularity was, not to mention how useful Sosik had been in minimizing damage.
“It’s not like saying it would stop us from letting you go.”
This was the second time. They often say you endure three times, but with the thought alone being sinful, practically speaking, it’s not just two—it likely happened many times over.
Even so, she had no plans to take immediate action, but anger was hard to suppress. After all, this involved human lives. What could she do?
And if she seized this as an pretext to not send them, then how would she be any different from those she despised?
“Living a good life is such a tiresome thing…”
“Pardon?”
“Ah, it’s just me talking to myself…”
Unconsciously muttering, Han Seori flushed slightly when Kim Cheon-soo voiced his confusion. Indeed, upon reflection, it was rather embarrassing.
Could it be that she was experiencing a resurgence of the notorious eighth-grade syndrome (aka “middle school disease”)? Or had some group sent this unique Singularity here?
“Phew.”
Taking a deep breath, Han Seori sorted through the situation.
First, the good news: Sosik had been found safe. Having seen how worried Lime had been about Sosik’s disappearance, she was genuinely relieved. It felt akin to learning that her lost nephew had been found, a certain gnawing worry finally easing.
That said, with the pressing matter handled, the real issue now was how to address what remained behind.
With the urgent crisis handled, calling the group back was a natural step. Whether those who sought to secretly take Sosik had survived or not was unclear, but if they were still lurking, there was no guarantee they wouldn’t attempt such maneuvers again. On the contrary, they might even become more obsessive, believing their issue had been resolved in part by the group.
It was also important to summon them before the perpetrators fully understood the situation. There was no reason to believe the entire research team was involved, hence these measures should be sufficient as countermeasures for now.
Once they returned, she could hear Lime’s account and reflect further without immediate pressure.
Checking the outside through the modified panel after pushing the matter in the Edge Laboratory aside for now,
Han Seori couldn’t help but sigh. In front of her were the modest buildings that had been constructed according to the carefully devised plan. Too small to call a city but big enough to form a village of sorts.
Even this modest settlement wouldn’t have been possible without Electric Scent’s help. Normally, they would just be organizing zones and solidifying the ground now—this wasn’t typical development by any means.
Han Seori still wasn’t sure if her choices were the right ones. Given that no one had walked this path before, it was natural. Still, her head already pounding from all the new responsibilities, this latest development with Sosik had her feeling close to a breakdown.
It would be a lot easier if research was simply enjoyable…
Still, there was no going back. The calamity she herself invited couldn’t be denied. There was nothing to do but accept it.
“Perhaps you should eat this and regain your strength.”
“Ah… Thank you.”
As Han Seori accepted the pudding passed to her by Kim Cheon-soo, she cracked a faint smile. Isn’t this exactly what one should eat when their head aches?
Hoping no greater trouble would arise, she scooped the pudding with a spoon, savoring its rich and sweet flavor that spread throughout her mouth. Now it made sense why the jellies were so crazy about this pudding. Lost in the exquisite taste blossoming on her tongue, a thought began to creep into her mind.
‘Could the reason Lime or the jellies like humans… possibly…’
Be because of this pudding…?
Nah, surely not…
Even so, Han Seori couldn’t shake a lurking uncertainty.
After all, didn’t Lime initially avoid humans? Since it was still unclear why Lime showed such affinity towards them, it was natural for the question to arise.
But she judged it wouldn’t affect her much because she had sensed Lime’s goodwill even before the pudding had been consumed. Of course, it might be true that the jellies’ good behavior in Lime’s absence could be due to the pudding.
With a new perspective, Han Seori glanced at Kim Cheon-soo.
“Uh… Why are you staring at me like that?”
Kim Cheon-soo stiffened, sensing an icy chill. After all, her piercing looks usually presaged something unpleasant.
Seeing his reaction, Han Seori felt a fleeting sense of injustice but then chuckled, shaking her head.
“Nothing. I just said the pudding’s delicious.”
“Is that so? I’ve stocked the fridge full, so if you want more, feel free to ask!”
“…Ah, um… Thanks.”
Feeling a warm, fuzzy sensation, her head didn’t take long to start throbbing again.
*
“Order to return immediately.”
“Ah, can we… really go?”
“If they’re asking us to, I guess we have to follow, right?”
“A-ah…”
Lee Yoo-jin gave Yang Ha-na an incredulous look for asking such a question, then sheepishly scratched her head. Beyond her, people bustled around, having shaken off their earlier terror once the hostile Singularity stopped attacking.
Witnessing their professionalism brought a sense of admiration, though her curiosity grew as to how this whole situation had escalated. Perhaps only Sosik held that answer.
Looking at the busy figures, Yang Ha-na’s uneasiness became understandable. Even though her anxiety had somewhat dissipated, her inherent nature hadn’t changed. She likely itched to help in some way, with the hustle around her fueling her restlessness.
Somewhat similar to Sosik’s mindset, though I didn’t think it was necessary, I still sat on the floor, Sosik still on my back, unbothered by the complications. After all, I had fulfilled my duty by stopping the attacks.
Amid this, Lee Yoo-jin contacted Han Seori, who kindly gave the answer I wanted to hear. She really was different—had she read my mind? I felt grateful.
Although Yang Ha-na seemed a tad apologetic, it wouldn’t affect us returning home.
Still, saying this made it sound like we were leaving them in a somewhat regrettable state, but well…
Sharing glances with Yoo-jin and Ha-na, I promptly jumped onto Yang Ha-na’s back. To her credit, she seemed pleased with her assigned role, making me consider if she too had gone a little strange.
With that, Yang Ha-na carried me as the group, composed of Ha-na and Yoo-jin, prepared to leave the now chaotic lab. This time, near a checkpoint-like area, we saw individuals keeping vigil outside, making it clear the disturbance had indeed subsided.
“Are… are we leaving?”
“Yes.”
Though we managed to slip away while the others were distracted, passing through the checkpoint was harder. Without breaching the iron fences, we would have to confront the guards. They didn’t block our path per se, only casting moist, accusing stares our way.
It felt like they were questioning, “Are you abandoning us?”
But despite having received orders from Han Seori, Lee Yoo-jin resolutely led us out.
Through my rear view, I noticed their expressions filled with regret.
I understood why this had happened, yet I had no intention of staying out of pity.
After arriving back at our temporary quarters and boarding the carriage prepared, we carefully stowed Sosik in a spare carrier, packed up our belongings, and left the accommodation.
Upon starting the engine, we set off toward the House.
The vehicle, weaving through the alleys, didn’t reach high speeds. Perhaps due to this, the car screeched to a halt, encountering someone darting out from the shadows like a deer.
“Ugh?!”
“Kee-yaaaah?!”
As the brakes were applied, the car stopped, though the two passengers jolted, their bodies swaying. Through the glass of the carrier, we saw a familiar group of people who had stopped the vehicle.
A foreboding feeling crept into her mind.
Wouldn’t it be better to just drive through?
She hesitated…
