Chapter 23

> Even Javier, who was usually always calm, shouted with the rest. Everyone felt it. They could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
>
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**Beasts of the Underground (1)** is the twenty-third chapter of *The Greatest Estate Developer* novel. For the Webtoon, see Episode 23.

In this chapter, Ppodong takes a well-deserved break from construction and instead accepts a mission from Marbella Frontera. Excavation of the Black Coal Mine continues with Lloyd and Bangul at the helm until their efforts finally begin to show results.

## Characters in order of appearance

* Frontera County townsfolk
* Bangul
* Lloyd Frontera
* Ppodong
* Marbella Frontera
* Suho Kim
* Javier Asrahan

## Long Summary

The chapter begins during a bright, sunny spring, one warmer than any other year. Construction in the Frontera Barony continues smoothly, with ondol floors having been added to about 30% of homes and the Black Coal Mine excavation continuing smoothly. Workers on the latter project were initially wary of the mine's safety, though have since gained confidence and are able to focus on their work due to the reliable leadership of Lloyd Frontera. The barony itself seems to in a comfortable, lively atmosphere.

While the adults are busy working, the children linger around the mouth of the mine in order to catch a glimpse of the impressive and adorable Bangul. Not one to disappoint her fans, she will often take a chunk of earth nearby and launch steel dung simply to fuel their excitement. Many of the mine's workers are less pleased with this behavior, warning the children that ants as large as wolves will come and get them if they don't listen to adults, only for the children to swiftly disregard this as nothing but a lie meant to scare them.

Amidst all of the excitement, a certain hamster is faced with an unprecedented amount of time on his hands. Ppodong, having been given a break from construction work, is both bored and tired without anything to do. Lloyd has not been taking him to the mine for the past few days, explaining that he does not have enough sunflower seeds to feed both him and Bangul and comforting him by explaining that he also does not want to risk him getting hurt. While still slightly upset, Ppodong knows that he cannot complain, as his master's words were entirely sincere. He lazily rolls around for the next few weeks, lamenting his boredom and loneliness before taking it upon himself to find something to do on his own.

Slowly and steadily making his way across the room, Ppodong successfully waddles to the door and clicks it open to explore the estate. Rather than fear, he is curious and excited to embark on an adventure without Lloyd for the first time. He eventually finds himself in the courtyard of the estate, enjoying the warm sunlight, soft wind, and clean air, following the scent of flowers before coming across somebody else. Hearing the surprised voice of Marbella Frontera, who initially mistakes him for a mouse, Ppodong swiftly corrects her and enjoys a short conversation despite her not being able to understand his words. She wonders if he intentionally came to the garden to offer his help, smiling kindly and expressing her gratitude before requesting that he relay a message to the local mice to keep them from ruining her garden. Confused, yet taken in by her endless warmth, Ppodong proudly puffs out his chest and agrees to fulfill her request before dashing away into the grass.

Meanwhile, the workers in the mine are diligently continuing their work despite the sweltering heat and stifling lack of air. They express their concern for Lloyd, who has been working in the mine for longer than anyone due to his lack of breaks, though he only smiles and waves away their worry despite his rampant discomfort. He rationalizes his suffering as being no worse than the conditions he used to face in Korea and is determined to personally see the project through as the man in charge. He is acutely aware of every little thing that could potentially go wrong, from groundwater flooding to methane gas combustion to the mine collapsing altogether, and is focused on ensuring that everything proceeds exactly as planned.

At last, after several weeks of grueling work, Lloyd is able to detect the coalbed with the use of his surveying skill. The workers, including Javier and Bangul, shout in excitement as Bangul continued chomping forward.