Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World-Chapter 120: Authority Established

That day, the team set up camp directly in the granary. The supplies inside would take quite some time to fully sort through, and the smaller storerooms made for convenient resting spots. Even if zombies attacked, this location would be easy to defend.

Since they weren’t pressed for time, Kim Haru took the opportunity to lead a small group of people to search the sweet potato storage room for any viable seeds. It wasn’t long before he found what he was looking for among the bags piled in the middle of the room.

However, there weren’t many sweet potatoes that was still in decent condition. After carefully selecting, Kim Haru only managed to gather about one and a half bags’ worth.

As night fell, with zombies becoming more active, Kim Haru decided to avoid any unusual behavior and followed Delta Squad back to the resting area in the granary.

The logistics staff were preparing dinner in a small storeroom next door, while Kim Haru as always staying go to the corner of the room.

Following behind him, in addition to the Delta Squad, was Go Okrim.

When Kim Haru reached the corner, he noticed a chair there. Judging by the design, it must have been taken from the guard post, and the thick layer of dust on it had been thoroughly wiped clean.

Kim Haru glanced around but didn’t see anyone claiming it.

Shin Woncheon, however, took a quick look around, seemed to confirm something, and then said to Kim Haru, "Go ahead and sit, Mr. Kim. They saved it especially for you. They’re hoping you’ll be generous and share some of your vegetables with them."

Kim Haru raised an eyebrow but didn’t refuse. He sat down without further hesitation.

He really didn’t want to sit directly on the ground. If the chair hadn’t been there, he would have either laid his jacket down as a seat or simply just stood up.

Maybe he should start carrying a chair in his system backpack for future trips. Or should he go all out and bring his rocking chair? Would that be a bit too flashy?

Just as Kim Haru was lost in thought, a row of people suddenly knelt in front of him.

It was the four members of the Delta Squad.

"What are you all doing?" Kim Haru frowned.

"It was our failure to protect you today and putting you in danger. Fortunately, you are skilled enough to return unharmed, but a mistake is still a mistake. Please, Mr. Kim, punish us as you see want!"

Shin Woncheon kept his head lowered as he spoke.

Kim Haru sighed.

Only later did he find out that the reason he’d been abruptly transported to a different location was due to a space-type zombie under Go Okrim’s control. This kind of space transfer ability, unlike typical space storage, was incredibly hard to guard against. Even he hadn’t sensed it in time; how could he blame others?

Kim Haru was about to dismiss the matter and tell them to stand up when Go Okrim suddenly took a step forward. Enjoy new tales from novelbuddy

"There should be a punishment! Do you guys know how many zombies were in the area where he was sent? It was packed, hordes of them, even including many ability users zombies! If Mr. Kim didn’t have the skills, he wouldn’t have made it back at all! Hit yourselves—slap yourselves in the face, and make sure it’s loud.

If you can’t do it yourself, then help each other until Mr. Kim is satisfied."

Without a word, the Delta Squad raised their hands and began slapping themselves.

The sharp sound of hands striking skin echoed, one slap after another, making even the onlookers wince.

Kim Haru’s expression immediately darkened.

"Stop."

The Delta Squad obeyed and ceased immediately.

Kim Haru shot a displeased glance at Go Okrim.

What was this kid’s deal?

Go Okrim was also looking his way, and when their eyes met, Go Okrim blinked.

Kim Haru exhaled, understanding the kid’s intent.

He was helping him establish authority.

It was also a gesture of favor.

By ordering the punishment on Kim Haru’s behalf, then allowing Kim Haru to intervene, dismiss it, or replace it with something lighter, Go Okrim ensured that Kim Haru’s standing with the Delta Squad would only grow. The outcome was clear: Kim Haru’s authority would be even more respected.

And the beauty of it was that a lesson was still delivered, even without a full punishment.

Seeing this side of Go Okrim, Kim Haru couldn’t stay mad.

"Forget it, it’s fine." Kim Haru decided to let the matter go and motioned for Shin Woncheon and the others to get up.

Respect and authority were things he didn’t need to strive for. With the farming system at his disposal, as long as he could continue to produce rare food, he’d never be short of followers.

Since their leader had spoken, Go Okrim had no further objections. As the Delta Squad stood up, he muttered just loud enough to hear, "If there’s no physical punishment, a little fine wouldn’t hurt."

The next moment, a huge pile of crystal cores was laid out in front of Kim Haru. Judging by the amount, this was likely the Delta Squad’s entire haul from the past few days.

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"You must accept these, Mr. Kim. We failed in our duties, and yet you still forgave us. If you don’t take them, we’ll feel truly ashamed," Shin Woncheon said, speaking on behalf of the team as he pushed the crystal cores toward Kim Haru.

Gang Yuwon, Ryu Hyunwoo, and Ra Jinho all nodded their heads solemnly, adding their support.

With no other choice, Kim Haru accepted the apologetic gift.

And as soon as he did, the leader of the search team arrived in front of him, carrying another large bag of crystal cores.

"Mr. Kim, I’ll make sure the negligent team member faces punishment when we return. I’ll reassign him to a sub-team as a disciplinary measure. These are a token of apology for the shock you had today."