[ Parong – Guardian ]
A Guardian born from a green onion.
He uses the green onion like a spear, harrying enemies or piercing to pin down their movements.
- Active Skill: ??
- Passive Skill: ??
Active Skill – ??
: ??
Passive Skill – ??
: ??
- As there has been no trigger, no skills have manifested yet.
“Huh? Everything’s a question mark?”
Among them, the last sentence stands out.
‘No trigger, so no skills have manifested yet?’
Frustrated, I poked at Parong and fiddled with him, but the information window didn’t change at all.
‘If it needs a trigger… it means your moment to shine will come someday? But it’s better if such dangerous moments never happen at all.’
For a Guardian to take action, it would have to be a moment to fight someone or protect something.
The thought of the Black Moon Sect flashed through my mind for an instant, but I forced myself not to dwell on it.
‘Right now, all I know is their name, so there’s nothing I can do anyway.’
The Association of Superhumans is probably working hard to track down clues.
That’s the job of the Association of Superhumans, so I should just tend to my own work—farming.
Maybe I should start keeping a growth diary for these guys?
I pulled out my smartphone, and just then, a message from Kim Sang-hyun popped up.
[ Many groups and citizens have agreed to join the ‘East Sea Revival’ project. ]
East Sea Revival project, huh…
Nice name.
Apparently, this project will be carried out together with the Environmental Ministry, and as they led public opinion, environmental citizens’ organizations have begun to announce their participation.
On top of that, quite a few volunteers have gathered, so the scale of the project has grown considerably.
[ Date and Time: 00 Month 00 Day 00:00, Location: Chilcheon-ri, Chilcheon Beach ]
The project is scheduled to take place in a week.
I replied, saying I’d see them then, and requested the Association of Superhumans to provide support on the specified date.
They clearly promised to help last time.
A week later.
From early morning, all kinds of vehicles began to gather in the peaceful and quiet Chilcheon-ri.
Already, police cars sent from nearby villages were stationed and standing by.
“It’s really bustling. I never thought this many people would show up to help.”
- Indeed, it seems there are more good-hearted humans than I thought.
“Hyung, let’s go too. Looks like it’s about to start.”
As the event host climbed onto the platform, people started gathering around.
As I got closer, I could gradually see the host’s face.
A familiar face.
It was Kim Sang-hyun.
He briefly explained the purpose, goals, and order of the ‘East Sea Revival’ volunteer activity.
“We’ve gathered here to save the East Sea, which is suffering from all kinds of trash and pollutants. Collecting every piece of trash in this area, from the shoreline to the deep sea—that’s our goal for today’s volunteer work. First, after a simple breakfast…”
The main point was that ordinary people would focus on the shore, while Hunters would be split up according to their abilities to cover both the shore and the sea.
As I waited near the platform, Sang-hyun finished his explanation, spotted us, and came over.
“Sang-hyun, you look impressive up there. You really seem like an expert.”
“Minho, haha. You saw that? Luckily, the volunteers listened well so it ended quickly.”
“I don’t think Kanghan Group can function without you now.”
“That’s not true. Hahaha. I’m only the special general manager for things related to you, Minho.”
After a bit of small talk, Sang-hyun got to the main point.
“See that big tent over there? Let’s head there. The Chairman and the President are both inside.”
On the way to the tent, I heard something surprising.
Not only citizens, but Kanghan Group had even brought their employees in a workshop format.
“Is it okay to just do things like that?”
“Hahaha, they’re all volunteers. Isn’t it amazing? The Chairman said anyone who volunteers for this will get an extra day off tacked onto their vacation.”
“So that’s why it’s on Thursday. That way, they get a day off and can rest Friday through Sunday.”
Inside the tent, Kang Daehan and the Association President were drawing up detailed plans.
“Minho. Welcome. In fact, I have a favor to ask you.”
“Have a seat, first.”
There was a reason why Chairman Kang Daehan used the word ‘favor.’
They needed someone to notify the Merfolk in advance that people would be coming into their territory to clean the sea, and to check how far their territory stretched. It turned out, I was the only one suited for the job.
“Of course. I should’ve coordinated in advance, but… I’ll go right away.”
I headed to the spot where I’d met the Merfolk before, while fishing.
Balancing myself on the breakwater, I crouched and called out softly.
“How should I call them… Merfolk?”
Afraid of attracting attention from people nearby, I couldn’t call out loudly and just mumbled. Not even an ant appeared.
I moved closer to the water, dipped my hand in, and swirled it around as I called out again.
“Squid Prince~?”
After a moment, as if a fish had bitten, ripples spread on the surface and a squid poked its head out.
Then, growing larger, it transformed into the figure of an adult man.
- Ah! Minho, is that you? It’s been a while.
“Long time no see. But how did you know I was here? I called very quietly.”
- Unlike usual, a lot of humans gathered here early in the morning, so I was watching near the surface to see what was happening.
He must have wondered what was going on.
Chilcheon Beach is in a remote area, rarely visited even by travelers, so it’s natural he was surprised to see this many people gathered.
“I have something to tell you. You know that marine pollution issue you mentioned before? All these people are here to help solve it.”
- Is that true!? You really… really kept your promise. Thank you. Thank you so much…!
“We’re just getting started, so save the thanks until we’ve actually finished the job.”
- Of course. To gather so many people… Minho, you’re truly remarkable.
He admitted he’d worried I’d forgotten, since there had been no news for a while.
Hey, what do you take me for!
“By the way, it might be better for you all to stay out of sight until we finish cleaning up the nearby trash. Otherwise, you might get spotted.”
- Ah, yes. We’ll do that.
“Is there a way to identify the Merfolk’s territory? We’re planning to expand the cleaning radius, so it’d be good to know in advance so there are no mishaps.”
- Then we’ll spray ink into the water. Consider any dark areas outside the territory; please only work within the boundary marked by the ink.
I asked if all Merfolk could only transform into squids, but apparently not.
Normally they live in whatever form they prefer, but since they need ink today, they’ve decided to all transform into squids for now.
“Understood. I’ll come back here once it’s all over.”
- Thank you once again.
The Merfolk bowed their head and slowly disappeared beneath the water.
‘Come to think of it, I still don’t know his name. I can’t keep calling him Squid Prince or Merfolk, so I should ask him later.’
I returned straight to the tent and reported my conversation with the Merfolk.
“So there’s quite a few Merfolk, huh? Ink… That’s a good idea. As long as we can see the boundary, it’ll be much easier.”
Chairman Kang Daehan gave additional orders to his secretary and Sang-hyun.
“While the ‘East Sea Revival’ is underway, prohibit all capture or hunting of marine creatures. We’re here to protect the sea today. Not even a single minnow.”
Behind Chairman Kang Daehan’s order was probably his intention to protect the Merfolk, who might be in marine creature form.
He’s a thoughtful person.
Sang-hyun left to make the announcement and help with the project.
‘He really is a good person. You can trust him.’
The President also seemed to be gathering the Hunters he brought to deliver the same instructions.
Outside, with Sang-hyun leading, the volunteers shouted out in unison as the ‘East Sea Revival’ project officially kicked off.
The ordinary volunteer citizens on the sandy beach began collecting trash using various methods.
Some picked up metal debris hidden in the sand with metal detectors, others used rakes to sift the sand for garbage.
All these tools had been lent out free of charge by Kanghan Group.
Sang-hyun, who was discussing supervision and management with a supervisor from the Environmental Ministry, came over.
“Even though this is a beach rarely visited, there’s still a lot of trash just from skimming the surface of the sand. Seems like there’s more litter than we can see.”
“So that’s probably why the Merfolk asked for help. It must be tough for them.”
“Probably. Oh, can I have a word in your ear…?”
Sang-hyun whispered to me that there’s actually a machine for filtering beach trash.
But to fulfill one of the project’s hidden goals, they were keeping it a secret for now.
It was so people could see the trash with their own eyes and realize how serious the problem is.
That was the hidden objective.
So, the machines would only be brought out after the volunteer schedule was finished.
“So those machines exist… But you know, I’m a bit worried. What if, because of me, Kanghan Group ends up having to clean every beach in the country?”
“Hahaha, Minho. No need to worry about that. I heard while preparing for this project: as long as we thoroughly clean this beach, others will handle the rest.”
Sang-hyun explained it like this.
The news that Kanghan Group, the nation’s number one, was leading the ocean clean-up, had already spread online.
As a bonus, Kanghan Group’s image improved greatly.
So now other companies, for the sake of their own image, are expected to launch marine clean-up activities and other such projects too.
“I see…”
“Of course, that prediction might not come true. But if it doesn’t, Kanghan Group can always step up again for a better image, and in the end, it’ll pay off for the group.”
The idea of corporate image is a bit abstract, but I get the gist.
If there are two products of equal use and quality, people will buy from the company doing more good deeds.
“Oh! Looks like the Hunters are ready too.”
Following Sang-hyun’s gaze, I saw Minjun approaching from afar.
I’d heard he was acting as the representative for all the Hunters participating in the project, and it looked like preparations were finished.
“Oh, you’re here?”
“Seriously, hyung, you’re always the first to get involved in stuff like this.”
“What? Didn’t the President scold you enough last time?”
“Phew. You’re going too, right?”
“Of course.”
Boarding the boat, I saw some famous Hunters I’d seen on TV.
“Hello! I’m Kim Daehyun, known as ‘Aqua Master’ in the Association! Looking forward to working with you!”
With a wink and a click of his tongue, Kim Daehyun put on a cool expression.
He’s the central figure for the Hunters diving into the sea for this project.
He’ll be directly leading all the Hunters underwater.
“Hello, nice to meet you.”
“Hyung, you heard, right? Be careful not to hurt any marine life while working.”
“Yeah. I’ll be careful.”
Even Kim Daehyun, with his cool and upbeat personality, became meek in front of Minjun, the top unofficial Hunter in the country.
‘I knew he was strong, but to see such a famous guy… That’s impressive.’
Seeing a new side of Do Minjun—not just as family, but as the only S-rank Hunter in the country—felt strange.
After anchoring in deep water, the Hunters each put on their equipment.
For those who manipulate water but can’t breathe underwater, they had Underwater Oxygen Respirators and Lightweight Water Jet Jackets to move freely beneath the surface.
And in case the jacket failed, there were Fins and Tewak Netsari1) for gathering trash.
“Alright, Hunters! Go!”
At Minjun’s command, the Hunters grabbed their gear and leapt into the sea all at once.
Minjun identified the boundaries marked by the squids’ ink and signaled Kim Daehyun, who then made sure the other Hunters didn’t cross into those areas.
Meanwhile, I operated a Waste Collection Robot, gathering trash floating on the water into one spot.
Kasia also worked hard for nature, using Spirits to lift trash hauled up from the deep sea onto the boat.
With everyone united in their care for nature, the work progressed rapidly, and the nearby coast was cleaned up in no time.
1) Tewak Netsari: A netted work tool, like a bag, used by haenyeo (female divers) to hold harvested seafood.