The true effects of the erosion zone on humans remain a mystery, with no definitive research data available. The closest anyone has come to understanding it is the Chinese government''s studies, which involved thousands of unwilling human test subjects. The results were inconclusive: while people living in erosion zones displayed significantly higher rates of psychotic episodes, there was no evidence that the zones caused direct physical harm to the body.


    Still, as hunters who have spent years operating in these zones, we know one undeniable truth: no one living in an erosion zone remains mentally stable.


    There’s something in the air—something our science can’t explain—that drives people insane.@@@@


    “This place is safe,” the girl said.


    From a distance, she’d looked like a middle schooler, but up close, she seemed about the same age as Jeon Si-hoon or perhaps even younger. Her small frame—barely 150 cm tall, with a gaunt body—made her appear more childlike than she was.


    “See this? This is the talisman of Ma Jong-sa. As long as this talisman is here, no Spiderlings can come in.”


    Her speech carried a faint North Korean accent, though it was clear she had quickly picked up and adapted Seoul dialect. It wasn’t uncommon for young female refugees from the North to mimic Seoul speech patterns.


    Despite this, the girl displayed unwavering faith in the talisman.


    “You have nothing to worry about. You have no idea how strong the messengers’ subordinates’ sense of boundaries is,” she said, speaking with the certainty only a zealot could muster.


    Whether the talisman worked or not, one thing was clear: the Spiderlings had stopped pursuing us.


    I glanced out the window.


    The hundreds of Spiderlings that had been swarming us earlier were now retreating as if nothing had happened.


    “See? Do you understand now just how miraculous Ma Jong-sa’s talisman is?”


    King remained silent, simply observing.


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