Chapter 125 - Memorize | Novel Seeker

A Subtle Rebellion

After a round of drinks, I began to explain my vision for the clan I intended to create. It would be characterized by two main features: an elite few and the flexibility of freelance mercenaries, operating on a system of requests. While the concept of an elite few needed no further explanation, Go Yeon-ju and Ha-yeon were particularly intrigued by the idea of freelance mercenaries.

The people listening to me weren’t naive; they understood the world well enough. Therefore, I felt it necessary to elaborate on how beneficial the status of a freelance mercenary could be.

I calmly laid out the sequence of events that were likely to unfold:

The partial success of the plan to eradicate the vagrants, though not completely successful, as some managed to escape.

The failed expedition of the Golden Lion Clan and its allied clans to the Iron Mountains, leading to a reduction in their power.

This, in turn, weakened the control over the northern continent, including the major city of Barbara.

The Golden Lion Clan issued a call to arms, but some cities declared independence, seizing the opportunity.

Vagrants took advantage of the chaos.

Some users from the Western Continent joined in, leading to the occupation of western cities and the major city of Barbara.

Eventually, the Golden Lion Clan was dissolved, and its allied clans either disbanded or fled.

This was the reality of the first cycle. After Barbara was occupied, other major city clans attempted to reclaim it but were defeated by the combined forces of Western Continent users and vagrants. It was only then that other clans realized the gravity of the situation and formed an alliance, eventually succeeding in reclaiming Barbara.

I explained this series of events to everyone, though I didn’t reveal everything. The focus was on the high likelihood of failure in the Iron Mountains expedition, the rise of the vagrants, and the consequences these events would bring.

My words left the group, including Go Yeon-ju, in deep contemplation. The initial excitement had vanished, replaced by a heavy silence that hung over the table. Even those familiar with the situation in Hall Plain found it hard to take my words at face value due to the many uncertainties. I acknowledged this myself. It was plausible, but there were essential events that made one wonder, “Could it really happen that way?”

However, having Go Yeon-ju present was a stroke of luck (though unintentional on my part). As a five-year veteran user and a member of the <Top 10>, known as the Shadow Queen with a secret class, her evaluation of my plan was crucial. Her judgment would determine whether my words held any real potential or were mere fantasy.

Shin Sang-yong tilted his head, looking puzzled. The scale of the discussion seemed beyond his grasp, which was understandable given his scholarly nature. Ha-yeon’s expression was also ambiguous. She understood my words but seemed hesitant to accept them outright, likely because it was me who had brought them up.

I had anticipated their reactions. I hadn’t planned to reveal so much, but with Go Yeon-ju present, I shared a bit more about the future. I turned my gaze to her, and seeing her serious expression, I couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

Go Yeon-ju frowned, took a bottle of liquor, and without hesitation, tipped it back, drinking it all in one go.

“Gulp, gulp.”

Shin Sang-yong watched her with a look of disbelief as the liquid spilled from her lips, trailing down her neck and soaking her chest. After emptying the bottle, she set it back on the table and let out a long, sweet sigh.

She chuckled dryly and looked at me, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation.

“I just came in for a chat out of boredom, and now this… User Kim Soo-hyun.”

“Yes.”

I nodded at her call. She spoke with a weary expression.

“You’re a terrifying user.”

Her first words were, “You’re terrifying.” It could be interpreted in many ways, but it seemed she didn’t dismiss my words as nonsense. Given her presence here, it was likely she wasn’t keen on the expedition either. Encouraged, I spoke quietly.

“In what way?”

“It’s astonishing that a zero-year user could predict such scenarios. Even I didn’t foresee these events. More than that, it’s frightening that you’re trying to exploit these gaps. You’re more of a strategist than a fighter, or perhaps you’re both.”

Go Yeon-ju, slightly tipsy, shook her head and slumped back in her chair. Ha-yeon cautiously spoke up.

“User Go Yeon-ju, how do you evaluate Soo-hyun’s words?”

Go Yeon-ju glanced at me with half-closed eyes and replied in a weak voice.

“I don’t know… It’s ambiguous. Objectively, everything he said that can be verified is correct. There are many clans dissatisfied with the Golden Lion Clan, so if they fail the expedition, there will be plenty who will celebrate. Yes, if the Golden Lion Clan’s control weakens, some clans might show rebellious tendencies. But…”

She acknowledged part of my words. A user of her caliber, especially one known for her information-gathering skills, lent some weight to my opinion. Ha-yeon and Shin Sang-yong widened their eyes at her acknowledgment. But Go Yeon-ju wasn’t finished.

“The part about the vagrants is something we can’t judge right now. For User Kim Soo-hyun’s words and the clan you’re planning to create to have any impact, the vagrants need to act without a single misstep… Do you think that’s possible?”

“It almost certainly will be.”

“As far as I know, the vagrants are gathering in large numbers this time. But if you ask me to predict the outcome, it’s 100% in favor of the existing users. It’s an eradication plan, so they’ll try to wipe out the vagrants. And you say they’ll cross to the Western Continent, rally them, and invade?”

I grinned at her words. To conclude, the vagrant eradication plan ends in the first phase. They achieve a significant victory in the initial battle but become complacent and shift their focus to preparing for the expedition. Of course, the users also suffer considerable losses. One of the allied clans of the Golden Lion Clan, the representative clan of the western city of Halo, SSUN, takes a massive hit.

The remaining vagrants gather and cross to the Western Continent, gaining support and attempting an invasion through the western route.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking.

“With their eyes on the Iron Mountains expedition, do you think they’ll bother to completely wipe out the fleeing vagrants? They’re not easy to catch, and they’re experts at survival.”

”…Alright. But what about the Western Continent’s support? I know what they’re like, but will they really risk crossing the continent?”

“With Halo as the battleground, their only escape is to the Western Continent. Crawling back into the northern continent would be suicide. Crossing once is difficult, but I don’t think the vagrants will just run away. I believe they’ll be driven by revenge and find a way to connect the continents… or create a route. It’s not unprecedented, and if they secure a route through the sacrifices of the northern continent vagrants, some might think it’s worth a try.”

“Hmm…”

Go Yeon-ju nodded, seemingly convinced, and tapped her lips. I promptly handed her a cigarette, and naturally, I lit one for myself as well.

With a flick and a puff, she exhaled a cloud of smoke and spoke again.

“So, the key to your prediction about the vagrants’ movements is the early conclusion of the vagrant eradication plan. Given their nature… Haha, a user who calculates even the traits of users and vagrants. You’re becoming more terrifying. But there’s certainly some logic, some possibility. Then the northern continent would descend into chaos, and a clan with the characteristics of freelance mercenaries would have a much wider scope of activity… I’m really curious to see what kind of user you’ll become. But I have a few more questions.”

She spoke quickly, her words slightly disorganized, indicating that her mind was racing.

Honestly, I hadn’t calculated anything; I was merely recounting future events. In any case, she seemed to accept one part and reserve judgment on another. I waited quietly for her next words.

“Can that clan really build a reputation? Even if you’ve achieved remarkable results for your years, joining a newly formed clan is bound to have its uncertainties.”

“That’s why I said from the start, it’s an elite few. We have no intention of taking in just anyone.”

“That’s quite arrogant.”

“Things change when you have the elements to back up that arrogance. One secret class, two rare classes, and skilled or promising users. Who could ignore such a formidable and independent force?”

At the mention of one secret and two rare classes, I noticed Go Yeon-ju’s eyes waver. She quickly composed herself and fell silent.

By the time Go Yeon-ju spoke again, I had already finished my cigarette. She muttered to herself, “Secret… Rare Class…” and then, with a slightly complicated expression, she asked, “I’ve listened to everything. Can I ask one more question?”

“Of course.”

“Why are you telling me all these important things? Those two are your companions, so I get it, but I’m just an unrelated user.”

I didn’t answer her immediately. Instead, I turned to look at Shin Sang-yong and Ha-yeon. Understanding my silent cue, they hesitated for a moment before slowly standing up. Shin Sang-yong was the first to speak.

“Leader, I don’t know how you’ll take this, but I really like your caravan. And I don’t want to miss the chance to learn from you. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to continue traveling with you.”

“Su-hyeon, I’ve already told you how I feel. I can’t quite grasp everything you said today, but… I’ve decided to trust you, so I’ll continue to do so.”

After confirming their intentions to join, I nodded with a gentle expression.

“I had hoped to discuss things more slowly, but it seems we need to wrap this up sooner. If I hadn’t intended to accept you both, I wouldn’t have shared these things. Let’s work well together from now on. And thank you for your hard work today.”

“Hard work? Every day is a joy.”

Every day is a joy, huh? Watching Shin Sang-yong’s easygoing smile, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Then, I’ll see you both in the morning.”

“Yes, we’ll be off now.”

They bowed slightly to me and slowly made their way out. Just before leaving, Ha-yeon glanced back at me and Go Yeon-ju with a worried look. I gave her a reassuring nod, but she mouthed, “Be careful,” before gently closing the door.

Now, it was just Go Yeon-ju and me left in the room. She had been listening quietly, and now she moved closer with a warm smile.

“Finally, just the two of us?”

“Seems so. But could you stick to one way of speaking? You switch between formal and informal, and it’s confusing.”

Go Yeon-ju giggled at my comment and leaned in playfully.

“I can’t help it. My personality is all over the place. It’s just how I am, so bear with it. And do you think I act like this with just anyone? Guys seem to like it when I speak formally when we’re alone.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Isn’t it nice for you too? Having a user as strong as me being playful and speaking formally to you. It’s kind of flattering, right?”

Her expression had softened from earlier, but I instinctively felt the need to be cautious with my words. So, I gently pushed her away and adjusted my posture. She pouted slightly and glanced at the door.

“That bold young lady had quite the intense look in her eyes. It was touching to watch.”

”…We’re getting off track. Let’s get back to the main topic.”

Sensing that I might get swept up in her pace, I decided to steer the conversation back. At my firm tone, Go Yeon-ju sighed and spoke in a low voice.

“Fine, you’re no fun. So, why did you tell me all that?”

“That’s because…”

I paused, looking at her chest where a dagger was still deeply embedded.

---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=

Hello, this is Ro Yujin.

The weather is fantastic today. It’s so nice that I feel like going on a picnic with a packed lunch. I was feeling sluggish and couldn’t write at first, but after a shower, I feel invigorated. :)

Go Yeon-ju seems to be unexpectedly popular. Tsk. (?!)

For the next chapter, I’ll think about how to make readers dislike her. Haha.

I’ll take my leave now. Have a happy day!

PS. Please evaluate my cliffhanger skills.

『 Reader Comments 』

lDl: Congratulations on being first. Such a concise comment. Haha. Please enjoy chapter 125 as well. :)
Gold Medal: Indeed, being the first to comment at midnight is a battle. It’s a war! Hahaha! (Thud thud!)
Warrior Hunter T: To be honest, the initial plan was to kill them off. But even after setting it up, I was torn. Should I keep them alive or not? That dilemma is ongoing. It’s 50/50 right now. :)
Human Life: Haha. Ha-yeon is rational, but she’s human too. Everyone has their breaking point. If the protagonist weren’t there, she might have just held it in. :)
pen36: I plan to use it only when absolutely necessary. The main character is still contemplating it in the story. And with the current stats, most things can be handled. Because the stat points aren’t completely stagnant.
Bear Liz: Come forth, Memorize! The content of chapter 125, which is part of the “Small Rebellion” series! (Sorry, I just wanted to try it once.) Haha. Thank you for the coupon. (__)
black44: Ahem. How do you find my cliffhanger skills? Hehehe.
Broken Fan: Oh, thank you for the excessive praise. Haha. I’ll continue to work hard to provide good content. :)
gkgngh: Yes, someone pointed it out back then. I think I made the correction, but is it still not fixed? If you could let me know which chapter, I’d appreciate it.
Blami: Yes, that’s correct. There is a “10th level,” but it can be replaced or pushed out. However, it’s not that easy. :)

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