The moment everyone took their seats in the conference room, the atmosphere fell into an almost unnatural silence, as if on cue.
Yu Hyun-ah, Cha Seung-hyun, Ban Da-hee, Jegal Hae-sol, Gong Chan-ho, Cha So-rim, Baek Han-gyeol.
Opposite them sat Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Soo-yeon, Jegal Hae-sol, Kim Yoo-hyun, and Kim Yoo-yeon.
The longer the silence stretched, the heavier the air in the room became.
It was like the tense stillness before a life-or-death surgery.
Of course, no one needed to be told how crucial this meeting was.
Finally, the silence was broken by a voice.
“As expected.”
It was the original world’s Jegal Hae-sol, staring directly at the otherworldly Jegal Hae-sol.
“So it was you—the one who pulled that ridiculous stunt between the East and the North.”
Though it sounded like an accusation, it was really a strategic move to seize control of the conversation.
Realizing this, the otherworldly Jegal Hae-sol couldn’t just stay silent.
“That’s right. But?”
She answered brightly on purpose, causing the original Jegal Hae-sol’s eyes to narrow sharply.
“Hmph… but?”
“Yes. I do think the victim’s an idiot… but are you seriously going to argue? Me? Or you?”
She deliberately changed her words mid-sentence.
Because “you” meant herself.
When the other side’s pride was poked, the original Jegal Hae-sol smirked faintly.
“Heh. Is that the attitude of someone who came here to talk?”
“And you—are you the type to recognize when you’re losing?”
“What did you say?”
“Why raise your voice? If you think I’m wrong, then prove it.”
Watching the otherworldly Jegal Hae-sol respond so smoothly, shrugging her shoulders, Kim Soo-yeon and Kim Yoo-yeon felt awkward.
It was strange to see the same person talking back and forth with herself, but since Jegal Hae-sol had always been a thorn in their sides during past talks, it was oddly satisfying to see her on their team now.
They wanted to watch more, but the reason for forcing this meeting today was clear.
Judging Jegal Hae-sol’s influence on the opposing side, Kim Soo-yeon decided it was pointless to prolong the mind games and raised her hand to stop the otherworldly Jegal Hae-sol.
“This isn’t a place for petty arguments. Let’s get straight to the point.”
The original Jegal Hae-sol, who had been grinding her teeth, suddenly scoffed and looked away as if nothing had happened.
“No need to get into it. You already know. In the end, you just want us to bow down, right?”
“Is that how my words came across?”
“We’re allies in name, but still…”
“…Fine. It’s not unreasonable to think that way.”
Her tone was openly sarcastic.
Still, Kim Soo-yeon took a step back and continued.
“That’s why I called for this talk. I thought at least some kind of answer would come.”
“What are you saying? It’s only been a few days.”
“What?”
“Oh my. We weren’t exactly on friendly terms before you suddenly proposed an alliance. And in the middle of this unexpected crisis, did you even consider the burden on our leadership to make a decision?”
The original Jegal Hae-sol raised both hands in mock surprise.
Kim Soo-yeon fell silent.
“And, to be honest, there are quite a few users in our camp who hate you.”
“…I know.”
“That’s an open secret. So why didn’t we respond immediately? Didn’t you think we’d be trying to gauge the Northern Alliance’s stance and figure out what to do?”
“…”
“We never outright rejected you. We’re trying to smooth over a series of inexplicable events and convince our people. Do you really think barging in like this helps the alliance?”
“…”
Her words flowed like a clear stream.
Meanwhile, the otherworldly Jegal Hae-sol had been gently tapping Kim Soo-yeon’s shoulder, signaling she wanted to speak.
Kim Soo-yeon felt the urge but stayed silent.
“Or maybe…”
The original Jegal Hae-sol pressed on.
“Did you really think we’d just accept your proposal without question?”
Kim Soo-yeon took a deep breath to steady herself.
For some reason, the original Jegal Hae-sol kept steering the conversation around the word “force.”
It was frustrating, but there was little she could say in this situation.
For the dialogue to work, she had to clear up the misunderstanding.
What should she do?
Kim Soo-yeon glanced sideways.
Kim Soo-hyun watched the exchange with interest, like a detached observer.
Finally, Kim Soo-yeon decided to play her trump card.
“I won’t deny it. But that’s not the main reason.”
“Oh?”
“It’s urgent.”
“Urgent?”
Jegal Hae-sol’s eyes sparkled, inviting her to explain further.
“Yes. I need you, the Sacred Queen Yu Hyun-ah. If this goes well, we might even be able to deal a blow to the demon.”
Kim Soo-yeon finally revealed the secret behind the Terra campaign.
The Northern Alliance was stunned.
If what she said was true, they could solve the massive demon problem in one fell swoop.
“You probably already know, but this man is a user who reached the top earlier in a world that shares our worldview. You can trust him.”
All eyes turned to Kim Soo-hyun.
He smiled quietly and nodded in response to their questioning looks.
“Yeah. Definitely…”
Jegal Hae-sol muttered, absentmindedly touching her lips.
Seeing her serious expression, Kim Soo-yeon felt a flicker of hope.
“From now on, it’s a race against time. We have to act fast before Satan can make his move.”
“That’s right. If it’s true.”
“Then…”
“But—”
Suddenly, Jegal Hae-sol changed her tone, a faint smile tugging at one corner of her mouth.
“That alone isn’t a reason for us to form an alliance.”
“What? Why not?”
Her long, glossy hair swayed as Kim Soo-yeon slammed her hand on the table and stood up sharply.
Still, Jegal Hae-sol kept smiling as she continued.
“Your situation and the need for an alliance are two very different things.”
Kim Yoo-yeon sighed inwardly at the condescending tone.
The South Alliance’s greatest advantage was that the North Alliance was stuck, unable to move.
Though the secret about Terra was important, it was too soon to bring it up.
This only gave the other side a reason to think the alliance was necessary—or more precisely, that they couldn’t be trifled with.
“You guys—what exactly—do you expect me to—”
Her words were sharp, each syllable dripping with anger.
“I appreciate you sharing such an important secret without holding back.”
As tension rose, Cha Seung-hyun calmly stepped in.
“But when it comes to the alliance proposal, I share Jegal Hae-sol’s opinion.”
Kim Soo-yeon glared at him as if ready to tear him apart.
“Why? Are you still hung up on the Western Continent incident?”
“Well, back then, we didn’t understand the Mercenary Road. But now that we know what the demon really is, I think I understand why things happened the way they did. At least, for now.”
Kim Soo-yeon blinked a few times, then opened her eyes.
“But what I want to talk about is your behavior back then.”
“Behavior?”
“Pretending to agree reluctantly. Acting like you’d follow our lead, only to betray us in the end.”
“Th-That’s…”
“You even sacrificed us, those of us who trusted you at the time.”
“…”
Her words were polite but cutting.
Kim Soo-yeon stammered, as if struck dumb.
“If that were all, I wouldn’t say anything.”
At that moment, Ban Da-hee’s cold voice joined in.
“Do you want me to tell you why you’re called a tyrant?”
“More than once.”
“I have something to say too. Your actions were—”
“Not actions, atrocities.”
Once the finger-pointing started, the accusations poured out like a flood.
Condemnation turned to blame.
Blame turned to resentment.
Resentment turned to shouting.
And it didn’t take long for the shouting to become chaos.
Under the relentless barrage, Kim Soo-yeon’s face went pale.
Her head drooped slightly.
Why?
She wanted to shout back, to defend herself, but no words came.
She knew all of this, yet suddenly felt as if she were being stripped bare.
More than anything, she felt ashamed in front of these two men.
But she had nothing to say.
She just trembled faintly, clenching her fists until her knuckles whitened.
Just as the atmosphere grew hostile and the situation threatened to explode—
“Enough!”
To everyone’s surprise, Yu Hyun-ah instantly restored order.
“I apologize for the heated atmosphere… I’m sorry.”
She glanced around, then bowed her head slowly.
Then, with a calm expression, she faced Kim Soo-yeon.
“I understand. Following the Mercenary Road’s lead is the right choice in this situation.”
At last, the Sacred Queen spoke.
“Honestly, I’m a bit surprised. I’ve never seen you stay so quiet after such harsh criticism.”
She smiled gently and continued softly.
“It’s out of necessity.”
Kim Soo-yeon sank back into her chair and replied.
“Yes. Necessity.”
On the other side, Yoo Hyun slowly rose from her seat.
“That’s the essence of this proposal—and the true intention of the Missionary Road.”
“We form alliances because we need them. What’s wrong with that?”
Yoo Hyun, who had been walking forward at a leisurely pace, shook her head.
“No, I never said it was wrong.”
“Then?”
“But it’s not perfect either.”
“What else do you need?”
At the sharp retort, Yoo Hyun stopped in the center of the room.
She gently placed her hand over her left chest.
“That’s… sincerity.”
“Sincerity, huh.”
Kim Soo-yeon scoffed.
“Useless in this world.”
“You haven’t changed. Still clinging to the idea that because you’re from the Whole Plain, you can act without honor.”
“Save the sermon. I’m not here to argue.”
“Same here.”
The two rulers’ values were completely opposed.
No matter the circumstances, there was no chance they’d find common ground.
“So, just one question.”
Yoo Hyun’s voice dropped low.
“Is there any guarantee that this time, the Missionary Road won’t use us?”
Her direct emphasis on “this time” left Kim Soo-yeon momentarily speechless.
Yoo Hyun looked at her with a faintly sad expression.
“Of course not. Alliances formed out of necessity lose their meaning the moment that need disappears.”
In other words:
“I want to believe, but I can’t.”
At that moment, as Kim Soo-yeon relaxed her shoulders in resignation, a quiet chuckle echoed softly through the still room.
The culprit was easy to find.
Kim Soo-hyun, sitting right beside her, was stifling a laugh.
Clap, clap, clap, clap…
She even lightly applauded.
Though it was an awkward gesture in the tense atmosphere, Kim Soo-hyun’s face showed genuine admiration.
“Indeed. Should I call you Seong-hu after all?”
At the muttered words, Yoo Hyun’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said. Ah, I’ve wanted to hear it at least once—the words of the sacred queen awakened.”
Kim Soo-hyun spoke calmly, then immediately averted her gaze to scan the room.
“Well, I’ve heard your opinions in this short time. I don’t think continuing this discussion will get us anywhere…”
Then, with a light stomp, Kim Soo-hyun planted herself firmly.
She placed both hands on the table, leaned forward slightly, and stared directly at her opponent.
“Anyway, can I take it that you have no intention of forming an alliance?”
Her voice was like a whisper in the ear, and Yoo Hyun instinctively hesitated, stepping back.
Though she’d only stood up, her entire demeanor had shifted.
Seeing Yoo Hyun’s tense expression, Je-gal Hae-sol quickly stepped forward from across the table.
“And if that’s the case?”
Though feigning calm, his response was provocatively sharp.
At the same time, Kim Yoo-hyun, who had been quietly observing until now, felt a tightening in her chest for the first time.
Her heart pounded and fluttered.
This exchange had only confirmed how deep the divide between them was—no progress had been made.
In fact, Kim Soo-yeon looked almost resigned.
So then.
How would Kim Soo-hyun untangle this knot?
She had tried dialogue, but it was rejected.
There was an easier way.
Even without Ko Yeon-ju, if Kim Soo-hyun moved just a little, she could easily dismantle the Northern Alliance.
After all, she had already toppled the powerful Koran Alliance without lifting a finger.
No.
There was no need to go that far.
Yoo Hyun was necessary, but not someone who absolutely had to be persuaded.
Frankly, she could just wipe out all the Northern Alliance users here, then take the sacred queen—left neither alive nor dead.
Yes.
The old Kim Soo-hyun would have chosen that path without hesitation.
But now… now was different.
Believe.
She must believe.
Muttering the words under her breath, Kim Yoo-hyun wiped the sweat from her palms on her robe and focused all her attention on her younger sister.
How much time had passed?
Suddenly, Kim Soo-hyun smiled faintly.
“Very well.”
Then, in the next moment—
“If that’s what you say…”
Her previously indifferent expression turned icy in an instant.
Her eyes gleamed wildly, like a beast’s.
And she said:
“Then let’s go to war.”
Kim Yoo-hyun squeezed her eyes shut.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
Only about three chapters left now.
Today’s content might have felt a bit dull, but I hope you can enjoy it at a relaxed pace.
I’ll be back in two days with a refreshing, strong soda in hand.
Wishing all my readers a peaceful night. :)