Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World-Chapter 333 : Testing the Theory

"We've traveled quite a distance without detecting anything unusual," Moon Baein explained. "Everyone thought it'd be wise to stop and reassess our approach. Considering the possibility that the creature may be skilled at concealment, we've also decided to adjust our formation for safety. Moving forward, you'll stay in the middle of the group."

Kim Haru hesitated briefly before shaking his head.

"Let me take the lead for a while," he suggested, a bold decision brewing in his mind.

He wanted to test his theory—was the creature truly not hostile toward him?

His faith in the system's judgment gave him confidence.

The moment Kim Haru spoke, the surrounding group was stunned.

Moon Baein, in particular, was visibly opposed to the idea. "Mr. Kim, you're vital to Pyeongseong Safe Zone. Even bringing you on this mission was a gamble. If something were to happen to you, how would I explain it to everyone back at the Safe Zone?"

The others nodded in agreement, vehemently rejecting the suggestion.

"Exactly! Mr. Kim, you can't possibly go to the front. No one knows where that cunning threat might be hiding."

"For your safety, you must stay in the middle of the formation. Only then can we feel reassured."

"Don't worry, Mr. Kim. I, Chung Hwangeun, will protect you! Please, stay behind us."

"Mr. Kim, this isn't the time to be stubborn. We'll follow your lead on everything else, but your safety is non-negotiable. How could we rest easy otherwise?"

Surrounded by unanimous opposition, Kim Haru sighed in resignation. "Do you think I would gamble with my life?"

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"Then why do you want to go to the front?" Moon Baein asked, puzzled.

"I have a theory," Kim Haru admitted, albeit vaguely. "It's not confirmed yet, so I need to test it."

Of course, he wasn't about to disclose the existence of his farming system, leaving his reasoning intentionally unclear.

Fortunately, the others didn't press for specifics.

Only Moon Baein hesitated, casting a doubtful look at Kim Haru. "But if... what if something happens?"

"There won't be any 'what ifs,'" Kim Haru said firmly. "Trust me, I won't let anything happen to myself. Even if my theory turns out to be wrong, I have the means to protect myself. And besides, I trust all of you to protect me too, don't I?"

"When have I ever let you down?"

"Never!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Kim, we'll protect you no matter what."

"If you're set on this, just promise to be cautious," someone finally conceded.

It was clear to everyone that Kim Haru had made up his mind.

Moon Baein sighed, relenting at last. "If Mr. Kim says he can protect himself, I'll trust him on that. And no matter what, the rest of us will shield you, even at the cost of our lives."

Of course, Moon Baein hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Thus, the team set out again, this time with a change in formation.

Kim Haru walked at the forefront, flanked closely by Chung Hwangeun and others for protection.

Moon Baein took the middle position, while the rest of the ability users spread out evenly around the group to guard against potential enemies skilled in concealment from suddenly attacking from any hidden corner.

It was impossible for Kim Haru to say he wasn't nervous.

However, as he continued moving forward, seeing that Farm's Blessing still showed no signs of activation, Kim Haru felt increasingly confident that he had made the right gamble.

As the team ventured farther southwest, moving further from the safety zone, Chung Hwangeun suddenly called out, "Everyone, stay alert! There's a lifeform ahead!"

As a Level 4 ability user, Chung Hwangeun's sensitivity to lifeforms was sharper than others.

Shortly after he issued the warning, the rest of the group also began to sense the presence of another being, distinct from their own.

The owner of this presence was slowly approaching, its movements calm and measured

It didn't seem to be making much noise, suggesting it wasn't a large creature.

Its aura was steady and unhurried, like that of a creature taking a leisurely stroll.

This serene aura dispelled any suspicion that it might be a desperate animal fleeing from danger.

If it wasn't an escapee, the only plausible explanation was that it was the same entity whose presence had agitated the animals at the central animal research facility from so far away.

The realization sent a wave of tension through everyone.

Moon Baein who is protected in the middle by the ability users, wanted to call Kim Haru back immediately.

Yet, observing the intense vigilance of those around him, Kim Haru felt a growing sense of calm instead.

Although he couldn't personally sense any approaching lifeform, the reactions of others confirmed for him that the entity wasn't far from their current location.

Given their proximity, and with Farm's Blessing still inactive, Kim Haru was now fully convinced that the approaching creature posed no threat to him whatsoever.

He even began speculating whether this creature had wandered here by coincidence or had been driven in this direction by some unknown force.

If it was the latter, then whatever was capable of commanding such a dangerous creature made Kim Haru even more curious about its true nature.

At the same time, he pondered what kind of creature was coming.

Judging by the absence of any significant disturbance ahead, it likely wasn't a massive mutant like a snow dog.

But what could it be?

Something furry, perhaps, considering the cold weather?

Could it be something like a polar bear?

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Kim Haru heard Moon Baein calling out to him.

Instead of retreating, he stepped forward a few more paces.

This action caused the hearts of everyone nearby to tighten with fear.

Kim Haru wasn't certain if the creature was harmless only to him or to all humans in general.

Concerned that the sheer number of people in their group might alarm it, Kim Haru patted Chung Hwangeun on the arm and instructed the others, "Stay here. Captain Chung can accompany me."

"Mr. Kim!"