A Peaceful Routine
“Heh. In the end, you and I aren’t so different. Don’t think you’ve won.”
“Kim Su-hyun, was it? You want to save them, don’t you? You might be able to. And those women probably want you to save them too. They’ll likely tempt you that way.”
“Sounds like the ramblings of a loser. Maybe it does. But remember this: in the end, you’re just playing into their hands… Argh!”
Suddenly, memories of my first run-through surged in my mind, stirring my emotions. I quickly pushed away thoughts of Seraph. There was a time I trusted her. But, as those guys said, nothing changed after I got my hands on the Zero Code. If anything, it was just as they predicted…
For now, there was nowhere else I needed to visit today. The delay in investigating the reported expeditions meant my stay in this city would be prolonged, but it seemed best to stick to the original plan. Any issues arising from the delay could be assessed after visiting the Cave of Wails. I intended to head straight back to the inn, but on second thought, I decided to stop by the library.
I remembered the way to the Cave of Wails clearly. Still, it was necessary to show my companions that I was researching the records. Even if it was just for show, it wouldn’t hurt to double-check, like testing a bridge before crossing it. You can never be too prepared.
Finding the records didn’t take long. After locating the documents on the Cave of Wails in the library, I headed straight to the inn.
The “Modest Lady” was still devoid of patrons. At this rate, it was bound to go under. After a brief moment of sympathy for Go Yeon-ju, who was sighing at the counter, I climbed the stairs to the third floor.
Upon entering the third floor, I opened the door to the central suite and found Vivian and Ahn Hyun sitting side by side at the table. On the table were the records of the ancient spearmaster we had obtained from the Ruined Laboratory, which Ahn Hyun had apparently asked Vivian to help decipher.
As I stepped into the room, both Vivian and Ahn Hyun looked up from their work.
“Huh?!”
Vivian quickly removed the glasses she was wearing as soon as she saw me. I never understood why she insisted on wearing those ill-fitting glasses, but I decided to respect her preferences. Ahn Hyun, who had been quietly studying the translated records, greeted me with a welcoming smile.
“Hyung.”
“Yeah. Is Vivian helping you with the translation?”
“Yes. There are some illustrations, but they’re not very clear.”
Ahn Hyun answered clearly. Since I didn’t comment on the glasses, Vivian seemed relieved and continued from where Ahn Hyun left off.
“Yeah. There’s quite a bit to go through. It looks like it’ll take some time to do it all at once, so we’re doing it bit by bit and moving on once we finish each section.”
“Sounds like a good plan. It’s better to thoroughly understand each part before moving on.”
Ahn Hyun nodded, seemingly in agreement. He leaned over to examine the records Vivian had translated, but his expression was troubled, as if things weren’t going as smoothly as he’d hoped. Realizing the difficulty, Ahn Hyun smacked his lips slightly and spoke to me.
“Hyung, there’s something I wanted to ask you. I’ve looked at some of these records, and they’re really tough. There are a lot of parts where I might get stuck. Could you guide me from time to time?”
“From time to time? Sure, I don’t see why not.”
When I agreed lightly, Ahn Hyun’s face brightened instantly. Despite having already obtained a rare class, it seemed he was still concerned about receiving guidance from me. Although I wouldn’t be teaching Ahn Hyun swordsmanship anymore, I had reached an EX rank in sword mastery, so I could handle a spear to some extent. Offering advice wouldn’t be too far off.
After gathering the items I needed for the work suite, I turned my attention to Vivian, who was preparing to dive back into the translation. I had an important task for her. I had meant to mention it before leaving in the morning, but I had forgotten after making her cry.
“Vivian, once you’ve translated a bit more, come to the suite I’m using.”
Vivian looked up at my call, her head still bowed.
“Huh? Why?”
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Okay… I’ll finish up here and come over.”
Vivian replied with a sullen face, likely recalling the morning’s events. Her eyes were still red and puffy, suggesting she had been genuinely upset. I offered a sheepish smile and headed to the work suite with my belongings.
After roughly organizing my things, I sat at the large table and pulled out a book. It was a record from the dungeon of the ancient alchemist Vivian, which could be used to inherit the rare class of Chimera Alchemist. I pondered over the book.
The best choice would be to give this record to Shin Sang-yong. It had a unique skill that synergized well with his class, the Circle of Harmony, and he was one of the few mages who had learned alchemy magic. His stats as a user were decent. In terms of pure ability, he met the criteria I had set, but I still felt uneasy about giving it to him just like that.
Rare classes were incredibly valuable. Giving this record to Shin Sang-yong would mean he would be with us for the long haul. The question was whether I could trust him with it, and that was still uncertain.
So far, Shin Sang-yong had left a mostly positive impression on me and had shown dedication to the group. His disposition wasn’t bad. But the value of a rare class was immense, and I couldn’t just hand it over lightly.
However, hesitating wasn’t a good option either. If I decided to give it to him, it would be best to do so quickly to aid his growth. As a second-year user, Shin Sang-yong’s stats were nearly fully developed, but meeting Vivian had raised his potential. If he inherited the rare class now, he could push his limits even further. He would gain new special abilities, and if his magic stat could reach the low 90s, he would be a tremendous asset.
“I originally planned to find a promising candidate and give it to them… This is quite the happy dilemma.”
I chuckled to myself at the thought of this happy dilemma. Just then, I heard a knock at the door.
While I was weighing the pros and cons of giving the record to Shin Sang-yong, someone knocked. I looked up and called out for them to enter, and soon a voice filled with unease came from outside the door.
“Kim Su-hyun. I’m really coming in.”
”…Huh? Yeah, I said you could come in.”
After receiving my second confirmation, the door opened cautiously, and as expected, Vivian entered the room hesitantly. It seemed the morning’s teasing had left a lingering bitterness.
“Why are you coming in like that? Anyway, come over and sit down.”
“N-no, I’ll just stand here and listen.”
I chuckled at Vivian’s immediate refusal to sit. But I wasn’t in the mood for more teasing, so I quickly got to the point.
“Alright, then. I have a favor to ask you.”
“Okay.”
“Before that… It looks like I’ll be guiding Shin Sang-yong more often. What do you think of him?”
At first, Vivian seemed puzzled by my question, tilting her head. But seeing my serious expression, she soon fell into thought. She had spent more time with Shin Sang-yong than I had, so she might know him better.
However, Vivian eventually shook her head.
“I’m not sure. It seems important, so I don’t want to speak carelessly. But he seems like a decent person. Polite, kind, though his speech is a bit awkward.”
“Hmm… So it’s hard to judge right now.”
“Yeah. I’ve been focusing on teaching him, so if you ask me based on that, I’d say he’s a good person. But why are you asking all of a sudden?”
I sighed and nodded, then pushed the record on the table toward her. As Vivian leaned in to take a closer look, her eyes widened.
“This is…”
“Users who can handle blessings can gain power beyond their current class with this. For now, keep it safe. When the time is right, give it to Shin Sang-yong.”
“Give this to Shin Sang-yong? Just like that?”
“Of course not just like that. Let me explain the conditions.”
Seeing Vivian’s startled expression, I added a few conditions. First, if he agreed to join the clan after our talk tonight, that would meet the first condition. Then, as Vivian continued to guide Shin Sang-yong, she would assess his character, and if she deemed him worthy, that would be the second condition. Finally, the third condition would be for me to have a direct conversation with him for a final evaluation.
After explaining the three-step process, Vivian seemed to understand and nodded in agreement.
“So, in the end, it needs your final approval before he can have it?”
“Pretty much. It’s too valuable to just hand over.”
“This is valuable? Heh. I’m flattered. Should I write a few more?”
I chuckled softly at her naive comment and shook my head. Vivian might not know, but that book had the angels’ “settings” embedded in it. Honestly, when I met Seraph, I expected her to mention something about Vivian, but she didn’t say anything, which was surprising. Maybe I left before she could. In any case, unless the angels had collectively lost their minds, there was no way they would grant the same “settings” to any book Vivian produced.
“You could write it again, but it wouldn’t have the same impact as the record right in front of us. Sure, those interested in alchemy might use it as a reference, but that’s about it. This record holds a certain power that’s been dormant for ages. It’s similar to what Ahn Hyun experienced back at the lab.”
“Hmm, I see.”
Vivian listened to me with a slightly pouty expression, but a soft smile soon appeared on her lips. She seemed pleased to receive such high praise for a book she had personally recorded. I thought to myself how simple her personality was, but decided it was best to keep the mood going. So, I continued in a gentler tone.
“That’s why it’s better for you to keep it for now. I’ll discuss the clan matter tonight and let you know the outcome tomorrow. But you can be pretty sure it’ll go through. Anyway, the most important thing right now is what I’ve asked you to do. Don’t just focus on teaching; take a closer look at who Shin Sang-yong really is.”
“Got it! I’ll keep a close eye on him. If Shin Sang-yong passes, that means I’ll have an official disciple, right? Haha.”
“Something like that. Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say… you can go now.”
Vivian’s face lit up with confidence and enthusiasm. Seeing her so fired up made me feel satisfied, and I promptly signaled for her to leave. I planned to organize my thoughts on what to tell them about the clan next.
However, Vivian’s expression quickly turned sour at my suggestion for her to leave.
“Huh? You want me to go?”
“Uh, yes.”
What else did you expect? Vivian looked at me with a face full of dissatisfaction. I, too, felt a mix of emotions as I watched her. She went from sulking to being happy, and then back to showing displeasure. It’s rare to see someone express such a range of emotions in such a short time. But that was part of Vivian’s charm—her inability to hide her feelings.
Yet, her next words took me by surprise.
“You’re not going to bother me anymore?”
”…?”
“I mean, aren’t you going to tease me more today? I came prepared, you know.”
It took me exactly two seconds to process her words. I tapped my fingers on the table for a moment before firmly pointing to the door. It was a clear signal for her to leave. She pouted for some reason and turned away.
As I kept my finger pointed at the door, she kept glancing back at me with a lingering look. She’d take a step or two, then look back at me, repeating the process like a puppy needing to go out. Watching her sneak glances at me stirred something strange within me.
It felt like both Vivian and I had awakened some dangerous emotions.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Royujin.
It’s finally Friday night. I came home all cheerful, only to find out there’s a family ritual on Saturday. ㅜ.ㅠ
I might not be able to post tomorrow, but I’ll do my best.
Have a peaceful night, everyone. :)
『 Reader Comments 』
Repil: Congratulations on being first, Repil! I think this is the first time I’ve seen you in the top spot. Haha.
Narodake: Thank you for the overwhelming support. I’ll continue to deliver even more enriching content. :)
wnstngndk: Hmm. Well, Seraph was initially set up as a rather tragic character. There’s a chance for changes in the future, though.
Akleo: Northwood’s “I Am a Supernatural Being,” Jabet’s “Beast,” and Soijeong’s “Lobelia” are all having a weekend writing marathon. Haha.
Miwolya: That’s a good question. However, it’s related to upcoming episodes, so I can’t answer it right now. ㅜ.ㅠ
Gahanna: Correct. You could say it’s quite pretentious. The reason the protagonist dislikes angels is because they discovered their secret in the first round. And that secret is far from beautiful.
Devil’s Shrine: Yes, there are so many theories in the comments. Reading them is a joy in itself. Some are spot on, while others are way off. :)
Heavenly Blood God: Hahaha. What does “Ahenghaeng” even mean? I burst out laughing reading that. Hahaha.
neosky1383: Haha. Well, is Seraph really a “good angel”?
Toranoanal: Thank you for pointing out the typo. :) Once you pick up a bad habit, it’s hard to shake it off. ㅜ.ㅠ
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I’ll take my leave for now.
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