Chapter 29
Fortunately, the first survivors’ base wasn’t far from the forest.
Sylvester, who was leading the way, suddenly stopped and pointed at the tents ahead.
“There are people over there!”
Just as he said, hundreds—no, thousands—of people were bustling around near the tents, which appeared to be the survivors’ base.
The tents, all similar in size, were lined up like a string of sausages.
It looked like a small marketplace, and for the first time in a while, the group regained some vitality.
There were people. And quite a lot of them.
Some worked together to transport supplies, others leaned against trees to treat their wounds.
A few gathered around campfires, chatting amicably.
Seeing them so carefree, it made the long battle earlier feel like a distant memory.
<Survivors’ Base>
Combat is not permitted here.
Any form of harm or actions that could hurt others is strictly prohibited.
It meant that, at least in this place, there was no need to be wary or suspicious of others.
So, it was safe.
I let out a sigh of relief, but my mind quickly filled with concerns.
‘How will I encounter the main characters of the original story here?’
Following the flow, it was certain that I would meet them at some point.
But where and how that meeting would occur was the key question.
If they were allies who helped Lyria’s group, it would be a welcome encounter.
But if they were on the opposite side, it would be problematic.
Given that the original story was a survival narrative, there were many villains with cruel and brutal personalities.
Honestly, someone like me, Wendy Porcelain, would be considered a cute villain by comparison.
‘The problem is that my actions tend to rub people the wrong way….’
If I were to encounter any villains from the original story, I’d need to avoid them as much as possible.
‘It’s not fear, just avoiding the mess.’
Just as I made up my mind, a small voice came from beside me.
“They did say there would be survivors from other regions, and it looks like it’s true.”
Celestine’s long, silky hair brushed against my left cheek.
Her smooth black hair felt pleasant against my skin.
“They all look strong.”
She met my gaze, her voice carrying a hint of resignation.
“If I were stronger, I could have protected the people I care about….”
Her bright eyes glistened with unshed tears.
It seemed the betrayal she experienced from Carl’s group hadn’t healed easily.
She might seem mature for her age, but she was still just a child.
It was natural for her to be wary and fearful of strangers.
Especially since she had seen so much, both good and bad, during her time there….
Maybe this child just wanted some comfort.
To hear that she wasn’t at fault.
“It’s okay.”
I patted her stiff back.
I might not be the kind of person who could heal all her wounds.
But I wanted to offer her a little bit of comfort.
To be honest, Celestine’s reaction was perfectly normal.
For her age, she was quite mature.
The world fell apart overnight.
And she was one of those who had to watch, right in front of her, as her family and friends died.
They had to kill strangers to survive, run away from those trying to kill them—a living nightmare.
That she hadn’t lost her mind was already a blessing.
“It’s okay to complain. You’re at the age for it.”
It was actually more unusual that Sylvester or Eden didn’t complain at all.
“It’s not your fault.”
None of it was her fault.
All the blame lay with those who put us in this situation.
But Celestine’s expression remained somber.
She fidgeted with her fingers for a moment before cautiously speaking.
“…Is it really okay for me to stay with you?”
Perhaps she was recalling the moment she had been left behind, her voice hesitant.
It must have been the guilt of feeling useless.
Or maybe she thought that, like her former teammates, we might abandon her.
In this place, those deemed useless are often left behind.
And most children lack strength and are seen as weak.
So, she probably saw herself as useless and unnecessary.
That she understood this reality was both tragic and sad.
This is why children who grow up too quickly suffer.
It’s not my burden to bear, but it’s painful to see their hearts weighed down.
Their hearts slowly decaying without anyone knowing.
‘At this age, kids should be playing, not wondering about their worth.’
But instead, they carry unwarranted guilt due to the actions of adults.
No matter where you are, kids should be allowed to act like kids.
It might be harder in a broken world like this….
“Don’t think like that.”
At least, that’s what I thought now.
I gently patted Celestine’s head, hoping she could find some peace, and continued.
“What matters is what comes next.”
Just as I had changed my life for the better.
“You can change yourself too.”
“…….”
Celestine’s previously gloomy eyes showed a bit of light at my words.
She fidgeted with her fingers, then spoke shyly.
“Then… does that mean you’ll accept me as a teammate?”
“Of course.”
My answer came without a moment’s hesitation.
“Even if you didn’t want to, I’d have pestered you until you agreed.”
Half of it was a joke, half serious, but it made the child smile brightly.
“Yes! I’ll do my best!”
“What about Lyria?”
Lyria, who was watching us two being so friendly, called out to me.
“I want head pats too.”
“…Me too.”
The first voice was Lyria’s, and the second was Eden’s.
Both of them leaned their heads toward me at the same time.
Smiling, I patted both of their heads.
‘Haha, they’re like puppies.’
Just as I was about to move from patting Lyria’s head to Eden’s—
“…You’re mine.”
Lyria, with a sweet smile, gently pulled my arm toward herself and mumbled softly.
“No more.”
“…Huh?”
Did I hear that right? Did Lyria just sound serious?
And did she just say, “No more”?
‘…Maybe I misheard.’
Lyria was such a sweet and gentle child.
“Alright, that’s enough for now.”
This should do.
Looking at the much-improved children, I turned my attention to the comment window.
—ReflectingDeeply(eirxxx): More considerate than I expected.
ㄴViiEL(youxxx): Agreed. Feels different from before.
—WaitForPayment(kimxxx): You’ve grown a lot, Wendy.
—LyriaWendyShipStart(wetxxx): Day 1 of LyriaWendy ship.
ㄴOhWen(dowxxx): ?? Weren’t you rooting for YerielWendy last time?
ㄴLyriaWendyShipStart(wetxxx): That stock crashed. One became a tree.
ㄴWantToSleep(pipxxx): It’s okay, they’ll be back soon.
[You have gained the favor of 10 Observers.]
[Total Favor: 45]
Gaining favor is… not bad.
It wasn’t intentional, but hey, I’ll take the favor!
‘There’s someone wishing for something strange, though….’
Feeling satisfied, I glanced toward the tents and checked the quest window.
[Before moving to the next stage, ‘Black and White War,’ gather supplies from the first survivors’ base.]
—There are new survivors who have come from other regions.
—Supplies will be distributed based on each team’s contributions.
—If a team has been disbanded, the supplies will be distributed based on individual contributions.]
Whatever the case, I needed to claim my rewards.
“Let’s move.”
Until now, I hadn’t been able to reform or disband a team freely.
However, there was a small detail that bothered me.
The note about disbanded teams receiving supplies based on individual contributions….
‘It might be fine for others, but.’
…I’m doomed!
In a team setting, rewards are shared evenly, even if my contributions were low.
But if evaluated as an individual… I….
“Come on, XenonMon!”
“Hohoho! Work, my slaves!”
“I told you hurry up and heal, you blockhead!”
*This is Wendy’s imagination.
‘I haven’t done anything helpful….’
All I did was take arrows for my teammates or rush forward to gain new skills.
In terms of actual combat contributions or major accomplishments, I haven’t done much… yet.
‘…Get it together, Wendy.’
It’s still early, but when the third stage, <Western Fields>, begins, those who make significant contributions are selected.
The ‘Chosen Ones’ who directly influence the world’s course are sent to a hidden dungeon.
‘The total number of them was 44, right?’
I don’t know why the number 44 feels ominous, but….
Anyway! I had to make it in no matter what.
That place was filled with S-grade items and treasures.
Not to mention valuable skills and riches.
‘In the original, Wendy also got the Peace Stone there.’
Wendy in the original story had to rely on her teammates and barely made it to 44th place by luck.
But this time, things will be different.
As I quietly resolved myself—
“Excuse me.”
A soft voice tickled my ears.
“Are you here to receive your rewards?”
…Wait, hold on.
“Yes?”
This voice doesn’t belong to any of our team members, does it?
—
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