Inanima - English version

1.3 Dust

When Yeonjun left Soobin's tent, he suddenly found himself surrounded by the rest of the team, led by Beomgyu.

"I have no intention of assuming the role of the leader- the boy began even before Yeonjun could say something- it's you who deserve to fill that role, it's clear to all of us". Yeonjun noticed that Beomgyu spoke faster than usual, settling his longer strands of hair. He was visibly uncomfortable and certainly the cause wasn't the role he was given, since there was no more competitive and ambitious person in the world than him. No, Yeonjun realized that somehow Beomgyu was taking a step back to give him space. He was worried about hurting his pride and he was willing to give up that role. Yeonjun almost felt moved to have found such a loyal friend.

"No,- he firmly replied to Beomgyu- the argument between me and Soobin doesn't concern you in any way, you deserve to be a leader, you have all the qualities and capabilities". The other boy, however, shook his head firmly, "No, Yeonjun. I don't think that's the right role for me. Thank you because I know you really value me, but it's better if you become the leader". The archaeologist rejected those words with a nod of his head, "Beomgyu, you are the best friend ever I could find, but you don't have to give up a major assignment just because you're afraid to argue with me. Of course, it pisses me off that Soobin doesn't recognize my merits, but I do know how to evaluate your abilities and you're the right person". "Enough,- concluded Beomgyu, taking the boy under his arm and leading him in the middle of the team of archaeologists- we already discussed it all together and we came to the unanimous conclusion that we want only you at the head of the group". Yeonjun opened his mouth to reply, but a gaze from his friend stopped him. He turned to look at the rest of the archaeologists around them.

Everyone nodded with their heads, trying to get him to agree. This wasn't a kind of rebellion against Soobin, but it's a way to reward Yeonjun, who had distinguished himself among them, changing the fate of the expedition. The boy lowered his head slightly, as a sign of thanks. "I promise I will do my best" he pronounced. Then he turned to Beomgyu, who smiled widely at his side. "But you will have to help me, don't think of dumping all the work on me!" exclaimed, threatening him with his finger pointed at him.

Two weeks later...

"Further to the right... Still a little... Perfect!".

Yeonjun nodded to the truck driver to stop at exactly one spot to unload the new material that had arrived. As he directed the operation, he whistled happily. Since his intuition turned out to be correct, the excavations proceeded well. Immediately, a new team of archaeologists came to Ordos and although they had lost that atmosphere of familiarity that united them when they were few individuals, now surely the work had gained seriousness. Not to mention that the materials provided were totally cutting-edge, probably Soobin's father was richer than they might think.

"If I would know that to get all of this was necessary only to find a few stones, I would have scattered them around by myself," Beomgyu mumbled as he approached him, chewing on his sandwich. "Where did you get that?" Yeonjun replied pointing to the foil wrapper. Beomgyu pointed to a building not far from them. "They brought a real camp canteen. I'm completely surprised. Maybe the newcomers have a weaker stomach than us." "Or they're probably smarter," replied Yeonjun, checking on the print list if everything had been downloaded.

"Amazing how this site now looks almost like a professional expedition," Beomgyu chuckled, continuing to bite into the sandwich.Yeonjun raised his amused gaze, observing the numerous archaeologists swarming like ants in the sand. "We were completely stupid to decide to leave without the slightest information- he whispered softly- now that I realize how a real archaeological excavation works, I feel an idiot to have accepted this work so unconsciously". "No, we were just naive and inexperienced fresh graduates- replied Beomgyu, throwing away the wrapper in the nearest trash bin- and they took advantage of us". Yeonjun nodded his head. It was true, for many months they were at the service of one of the richest men in Korea who was probably not interested in historical research but who hoped to find who knows what riches. Yeonjun avoided thinking about it, otherwise he was sure that nausea would reach his stomach.