The Druid Who Swallowed Mother Nature - Chapter 72



Only Noblemtl

Episode 72. Where do you try?

Dulkudung!

A light vehicle stopped at the intersection of 2nd Street, 3rd District.

A rumbling, old-fashioned pink compact car caught people’s attention.

Bam!

That was only for a moment, as I was forced to look away due to the ominous aura of the figures inside.

“Okay, it was a safe drive today.”

“… … Safe driving is like driving a dirty compact car like a racing car.”

“What the heck, you little punk?”

“Hic!”

They were a group of people wielding weapons.

They are usually contractors or mercenaries.

In District 3, where people are busy competing underwater, these are races that can be seen quite often.

The citizens hurriedly fled, hoping that the sparks would not fly from them.

“There? It’s a real mess.”

Hela cupped one hand into a ball and held it up to her eyes like a telescope.

The building at the end of that line of sight looked like it had been through several battles and was in a shabby state.

The windows on the lower floors were broken and shattered, and smoke was billowing out in places.

The dried blood on the road piled up in layers and gave off a strong, bloody smell.

This is the headquarters of Delight Confectionery.

That was our goal too.

“It looks like there have been several battles here already. But the security doesn’t seem particularly tight.”

“I guess that means come if you can.”

“That’s a lot of confidence. I wish our father-in-law had half as much spunk as that. Just because he’s old, he’s acting like an elite who’s been eating ink.”

The foolish fish that were caught by the bait will be the owners of that bloody water.

There was a clear basis for confidence.

“I, I’ll wait here and then go in once everything is done?”

Belle, tired of the ugly sight, tried to sneak away.

Hela struck straight at the trembling armor.

“Hey, come to your senses. You should come in with me, steal the ledgers, and destroy the blueprints.”

“No, it’s not that I don’t know… … .”

“I’ll help you as much as I can, but I can’t help you make stupid mistakes. If you lose focus, you’ll lose. Got it?”

“Yes, I will work hard.”

Although it was a small number, we divided the group into two again there.

I was in charge of the theft under the pretense of destroying the aircraft, while Hela and Bell were in charge of recovering the ledgers related to Director Berman and destroying the blueprints.

In addition, Bell had to carry out a disguise operation along the way.

After everything was over, I didn’t have the leisure to even participate.

“Damn, a promising engineer like me has to waste his time in a place like this… … .”

“Don’t say such unlucky things since you won’t die. My soulmate and the rising star of the industry said he would solve all the troubles.”

“… … .”

“Why are you looking at me like that? You’re not doing this on purpose. Your name is already being mentioned frequently on the network. Soon, you’ll probably have your own page.”

In this world, a network is more of a closed community than a public forum for exchanging information.

What companies use is an intranet that is physically disconnected from the outside world, while what the private sector uses is closer to the deep web.

Since it is basically only used by those who use it, the scope of its use is limited.

Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that the industry that benefits the most is the contracting industry.

It is rare for an individual contractor to interfere with a network.

Most of them were brokers who promoted contractors they were connected with.

If you have a personal page, it means you have built up some credibility in the industry.

‘Although the network development is somewhat behind that of Earth, it is not something to be underestimated.’

There are plenty of areas where you can leverage your skills if you can afford to hire good hackers.

‘I think it would be a good idea to contact the candidates later when I have time.’

Hackers are a near-essential resource for assignments that are intimately connected to a company.

If you knew, it wasn’t a network that would hurt you.

“This ignorant guy is going to have his own page? Does he not have any discernment about people?”

“I already have it. Shall I show you?”

“Oh, well. I guess that’s normal, since it’s an industry full of crazy people.”

“What did you just say?”

“quietly.”

I stopped the two bickering.

Unlike the lower floors, where the windows were broken, the upper floors had dark tinted windows that obscured their interiors.

It was a very rudimentary defense for superhumans with all sorts of strange abilities.

Peeeeek!

The watchman’s eagle’s vision cleared all obstacles.

The clock extends through the glass window, down the hallway and into a small keyhole.

The shared vision gave me detailed information that outsiders would not have known.

“… … We timed it right.”

And this was unexpected.

“Why? What is it?”

“Most of the personnel are gathered in one place. Perhaps today is the date for the aircraft’s test operation.”

I savored the interior view that was imprinted on my retina for a moment.

A large number of people moving around busily, talking to each other, tools whose workings were unknown, an unidentified liquid gushing out like a waterfall and wetting the floor…

Although I couldn’t see it clearly, there was something in the center of them that clearly had a human shape.

The bell immediately lit up.

“Test run? No, you crazy kids! If you touch that thing wrong, it’ll break!”

“Why, if it breaks, it’s okay. We don’t have to suffer.”

“… … Ugh, if you go wild, it’ll be a disaster, so do it! That’s the really scary thing.”

Belle stamped her foot awkwardly, making excuses.

It seemed true that I was worried that it might break.

Belle signaled for me to move quickly, but I shrugged my shoulders leisurely.

Judging by the mood, there was still some time left.

“There is no visible military force to guard the interior or exterior.”

“Why is that? It’s a delicate task, so you want to be careful?”

“… … .”

Consideration for the lawbreakers.

It was a joke that didn’t even make me laugh.

Rather than that.

‘It must be a plot conspired with a business partner.’

It was a familiar development to me.

The Shadow Empress’ theft from the world’s greatest corporations.

This was not a feat she accomplished on her own.

There were several companies that helped her.

It all starts with the abandonment of a commissioned security duty.

Soon, several companies that had been secretly dealing with her were suddenly attacked and caused chaos.

Now it seemed like the timing was just around the corner.

‘Things got easier.’

I didn’t plan it, but that’s what happened.

It was the perfect moment to intervene.

“When the signal is given, we will enter immediately.”

According to my will, the World Tree moved through every corner of the building.

***

“Um, I’m suddenly tired.”

“You too? Is it because you worked all night?”

“Take a deep breath… … .”

“Ugh.”

dump!

One by one, the researchers whose eyes had opened collapsed.

They all had tired faces with shadows hanging down to their cheekbones.

Even so, overwork and all-nighters are lifelong companions for researchers.

The strange thing happened to everyone at the same time, so much so that they passed out due to fatigue.

Saaaah!

The air that came in through the vent had a different density and was layered with the internal air, accumulating on the floor.

It was colorless and odorless, but when touched by human hands and feet, it bloomed like a mist.

If you look closely, you will be able to sense a sense of discomfort.

The researchers, already asleep, could not notice this.

“It must have cost a lot of money to prepare such an effective poison in large quantities.”

Hela’s pronunciation was muffled and slurred because she was wearing a gas mask.

It was equipment that Bell had hastily put together and distributed.

What was sprayed through the fan was a sleeping scent made by collecting spores of poisonous plants from the garden.

It was manufactured with the goal of disabling researchers from the beginning, and it worked effectively.

“But do you really need a gas mask?”

“If I just have this, I don’t need my share.”

I took the red fruit out of my bosom and chewed it.

The sour and bitter flavor really woke me up.

It was an antidote that paired with sleeping scent.

This is also something I harvested.

“… … .”

And all the hard work leading up to the harvest was Belle’s job.

I ignored Belle’s gaze, which was full of love and hate.

‘It’s completely uninhabited now.’

Since there was no commotion or conflict, the hyenas waiting outside would not be able to make a move rashly.

Even the internal security has disappeared for some reason, so it has become a truly no man’s land.

“Then, when everything is finished as planned, let’s meet at the gathering place.”

I parted ways with the group and headed to a room full of researchers.

Beep!

I opened the door with the security card I stole from the researcher who had fallen on the floor.

The experiment had been started rather hastily, so there were documents with all sorts of formulas scattered around in a messy manner.

I didn’t really like the strong scent of disinfectant, similar to that of a hospital.

Researchers who were snoring and sleeping served as signposts guiding my feet to my destination.

‘It’s like a spider web.’

Numerous cables were connected into tanks containing a murky-colored culture solution, like stagnant water with green algae.

The ice, which was continuously supplied through the glass tube, quickly melted as soon as it came into contact with the liquid in the tank.

The liquid quickly overflowed and soaked the hem of my trousers.

I approached the tank, enduring the dampness and discomfort.

Bubbling!

A human body was lying down with electrodes implanted in its limbs.

It didn’t feel lifelike, like looking at a corpse.

Still, the guy kept blowing bubbles of air from his nose, as if he was insisting he was breathing.

Phagec!

If it weren’t for the occasional flash of sparks, I would have mistaken it for a real person.

An android that has gone beyond the humanoid imitating humans and entered the realm of artificial humans.

The pinnacle of modern technology lies dormant here.

Pushik!

I powered off all the machines and unplugged the long cable attached to the back of the aircraft.

Forced booting should be avoided as it can negatively affect the lifespan of your computer.

But it is foolish to treat Android as a mere computer.

Even though it was sensitive, the pinnacle of cutting-edge technology couldn’t possibly break down to that extent.

I carried the guy on my back and climbed the stairs.

And then I entered the lab of the guy Bell had told me about.

The secret door in the shape of a bookshelf was wide open as promised, as if the bell had passed by first.

Even though they escaped in a hurry and couldn’t have cleaned up, it felt neat and tidy.

It seems that he has been managing himself thoroughly since his sensitive personality.

Thanks to this, I was able to easily find what I was looking for among the scattered junk, inventions, and wads of paper.

Dalgrak!

When I lifted my leg to check, the area below the joint separated and flowed out like liquid.

The condition that it should be moderately damaged was satisfied.

When I glanced at it, it looked quite similar to the android I was carrying.

He said that the most recent creation was a hidden failure.

“I wonder which of the two World Trees is real.”

The World Tree, which has poor eyesight, was fooled by Holadang and alternately attacked the two machines.

I stopped the world tree, which believes in the truth that machines can be fixed by hitting them, from causing any more accidents.

‘They said it wouldn’t be possible to tell the difference just by looking at the blueprints.’

Even though I am an outsider, it seemed plausible to me.

I moved it to the lower tank and went out into the hallway.

It was then that a suspicious loud noise occurred.

Aaaah!

The sky began to darken with a loud alarm sound.

Upon checking around, we noticed that what appeared to be a firewall installed inside the window frame was beginning to cover the exterior walls of the building.

Clang!

The fluorescent lights broke one after another, scattering shards of glass as if a storm was brewing on the stairs.

It didn’t take long for the interior of the building to be plunged into complete darkness.

“… … .”

I stopped walking.

A desolate silence and the air weighing heavily on my shoulders.

It’s not an accident.

It was an artificial event.

Soon, a sharp, reflective voice proved this.

“I thought it was a signal because you barged in neatly without making a fuss.”

It was the sound of clacking shoes.

A sharp, pointed sound like a nail echoed through the hallway.

The sound that slowly approached through the darkness licked my eardrums wetly like a sly snake.

“What the heck, they were rats?”

I said, unfazed and calmly releasing my hand.

“… … If everything goes according to plan, shouldn’t you be out and about?”

My voice fell powerlessly, as if it were buried in the darkness, unlike the other person’s.

It’s not like I intentionally made my voice lower, it’s someone’s trick.

I clicked my tongue internally so as not to be heard.

“oh.”

The sound of footsteps stopped with a playful exclamation.

A footstep blocked the end of the hallway, the stairs that were the escape route.

“I guess I was mistaken. It wasn’t a rat, but a servant sent by our business partner?”

The silhouette of a woman with voluptuous curves appeared in my vision after dark adaptation.

‘Is it Bianca?’

At this point, she is the only person who can make such an impressive appearance.

‘As expected.’

Bianca deliberately let down her guard.

The lax security was a conspiracy with his associates to hit Delight Conquer in the back of the head.

“But it’s strange.”

A seductive laugh followed the end of her voice.

“The time I was promised to my partner is not now.”

Gulp!

Her silhouette flowed like liquid.

Shadows were pouring down in irregular shapes, multiplying.

“It’s one of two things. Either your cute partner dreamed of betrayal, or he lied.”

The slimy thing fell to the floor with a dull noise and formed a shape as it sloshed.

“But it doesn’t matter either way.”

“Of course. You were planning to betray me anyway.”

“Correct answer.”

It was none other than her reappearance, despite having to leave the place at the signal.

It was foolish to expect credit from someone who had already betrayed you.

Once, once, twice, each time, it is the same betrayal.

As in the future, she tried to take care of everything herself.

“The gift is… … Let’s take fame. I’ll give you all the work you did. The contractor who toyed with the Shadow Empress of Madhouse and completed the commission. Isn’t that great?”

I pushed the android into the next room and closed the door.

It’s a security door, so it should be able to withstand a certain amount of impact.

“Of course, unfortunately, I will never be able to enjoy that fame while I am still alive.”

“What a pity. I was thinking of being kind to you.”

The falcon’s tattoo, which responded to his will, glowed blue.

Although it couldn’t completely dispel the thick darkness, it was enough light to make out the shape of the beast that filled the hallway.

“You are an expensive body that will be chased by Megacorp in my place, so I will spare your life.”

The mission I received was to destroy the androids.

It would have been something only an immature child would have said to expect that all the commotion would die down immediately after reporting the success of the commission.

The astronomical value of the androids was so great that even seeing the destroyed real thing caused people to doubt their authenticity and gave rise to conspiracy theories.

The bait I’m going to use there is Bianca’s presence.

Everyone who knew her would project all their suspicions onto her, not me or Sylvester.

“… … Hohoho!”

Bianca, who understood my intentions through a short question and answer, smiled lightly.

“What a cute story.”

And the moment the laughter stopped.

“Try it somewhere.”

Darkness came crashing down on me like a wave.