It was nothing more than an illusion.
“I’m Seong Hyun-min, representing a clan from the southeastern town of Dana. I’m the clan lord, and I’ve been in Hall Plain for about four years now.”
The moment Seong Hyun-min introduced himself, I finally understood why he had caught my attention. Seong Hyun-min, the clan lord of a prominent clan. In the first cycle, he was a figure who left a significant mark on the history of Hall Plain. Although he eventually stepped back, his influence on Hall Plain’s history was immense.
The matriarch, upon hearing his name, seemed to recall something and clapped her hands together.
“Ah, now I remember. Weren’t you called the rising star of the east? I’ve heard you’re quite the strategist.”
“Haha, I’m grateful for your kind words, Matriarch.”
“I’m just stating what I’ve heard. Anyway, you mentioned you had something to say.”
“Yes, if I may… Oh, it might take a while. The Matriarch asked for honesty, and given the recent events, everything that needed to be said has been laid bare. So, I’ll speak candidly. It might be uncomfortable for some of you, but it’s a matter that needs addressing, so I ask for your understanding in advance.”
Seong Hyun-min flashed a friendly smile and slowly stood up. The simple act of pushing back his chair and rising seemed inexplicably dignified. His gaze swept across the room, and then he began to speak with measured lips.
“Let me be direct. The representative clans and their affiliates in the east can no longer stand by and watch the tyranny of the Golden Lion.”
His words were succinct, but the impact was undeniable. The representatives from the Goryeo and Dalbam clans, who shared the same table, remained relatively composed, likely having discussed this beforehand. However, the other clans exchanged bewildered glances, and the room buzzed with murmurs.
The noise subsided only when the matriarch raised her hand to calm everyone.
“You can’t stand by and watch the tyranny of the Golden Lion… Tell me more. It’s okay if it takes a while.”
“I won’t dwell on how other clans were excluded during the Vagabond Eradication Plan, as that’s common knowledge. What I want to address is the loss of over 5,000 users in the recent expedition. Who were these users? While there were exceptions, most were elite members with an average of over four years of experience.”
“May I interject? While not incorrect, that alone doesn’t justify the eastern clans’ declaration, including Han’s clan. Non-participating clans suffered little damage. The justification is lacking.”
A user bearing the emblem of the Northern Clan interjected in a calm voice. Yet, his face showed no sign of disturbance. Instead, he continued with a gentle expression, like a teacher instructing a student.
“Lacking justification? No damage? That’s incorrect. After the conquest of Barbara, for four years, new users were monopolized by the Golden Lion and its allied clans. Clans that couldn’t participate in the User Academy had no choice but to recruit users who received no offers post-graduation. Until now, we’ve struggled to nurture users with relatively less talent and potential to reach this point. Meanwhile, your side has consistently strengthened your clans by recruiting users with great talent and potential. For example, while some had reached the top ten before, the ratio of top ten users before the expedition was only 7:3. Excluding the neutral ‘Shadow Queen,’ only two top ten users belonged to clans that couldn’t participate in the expedition.”
Seong Hyun-min emphasized the phrase “couldn’t participate in the expedition.” His point about the top ten users lent weight to his argument, highlighting the monopolistic issues surrounding the User Academy.
The Northern Clan representative and allied users fell silent. They seemed to want to say something but had nothing to counter with. In the past, they might have suppressed dissent by aligning with the dominant Golden Lion Clan, but the situation had reversed.
Throughout his speech, Seong Hyun-min remained composed, articulating his views clearly. I continued to focus on his words, impressed by his eloquence. He wasn’t finished yet.
“Over 5,000 users with an average of over four years of experience lost their lives. Consequently, the average experience and skill level of northern continent users have significantly declined. This isn’t just about clans. Breaking through the Iron Mountains and discovering new lands was a long-awaited large-scale project for all northern continent users. It was ruined by their reckless greed, causing widespread harm. Fortunately, the timely emergence of the Mercenary Clan has kept hope alive, but to advance on the Iron Mountains again, or to recover from the expedition’s damage, I can’t even begin to estimate how many more years it will take.”
When the Mercenary Clan was mentioned, I caught his eye. He nodded to me mid-speech, and I returned the gesture. A complex feeling stirred within me.
In the first cycle, he and I were adversaries. But we hadn’t started as enemies. Initially, we maintained a fairly good relationship. Our falling out was due to a trivial incident, as I recall.
“The Matriarch seems to be getting bored, so I’ll conclude with this. From the start of the expedition plan to its outcome, I believe the process was fundamentally flawed. In conclusion, the Golden Lion Clan is the main culprit of this crisis. We can no longer stand by and watch this corruption.”
“You said you couldn’t stand by and watch the tyranny at the start. So that’s why. I understand your point.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Alright. You’ve been straightforward, and it’s refreshing. You’ve labeled the Golden Lion Clan’s actions as tyranny and said you can’t stand by. That implies you have a request, which I haven’t heard yet.”
Seong Hyun-min, who was about to sit down, hesitated and stood back up. He glanced around at the users seated nearby. Jo Seong-ho of the Goryeo Clan nodded, suggesting they had planned for the Goryeo Clan to present the main point, but given the favorable atmosphere, they decided to let Seong Hyun-min continue.
“While I respect the Golden Lion Clan for stabilizing the northern continent after conquering Barbara, and I personally admire them, when I said we couldn’t stand by, I meant we can’t trust them. What we want is for the Golden Lion not to unilaterally decide on large-scale plans that affect the fate of the northern continent. We hope all clans can have equal opportunities and participation. And the first step towards that is…”
Seong Hyun-min paused, scanning the room. Everyone, without exception, wore tense expressions, waiting for his next words. His throat moved as he swallowed, and then he slowly opened his lips.
“We believe it starts with equal participation in the upcoming User Academy.”
A long sigh escaped from one side, while a heavy silence fell over the other. Barbara’s value as a major city was significant, but its greatest asset was hosting the User Academy. Seong Hyun-min’s point was valid. However, the prospect of sharing the pie they had monopolized with their colleagues was undoubtedly painful for them.
“Hmm…”
Only after making his point did Seong Hyun-min sit down. The matriarch watched him with interest, exhaling a sound that seemed amused. She fiddled with the golden necklace around her neck, closing her eyes in deep thought.
The demands of Seong Hyun-min and the non-participating clans weren’t limited to the User Academy. They wanted a say in all future plans. From the Golden Lion’s perspective, this was far from welcome.
In Hall Plain, power equates to authority. While they might dress it up with noble words, if they lose power, they must concede rights. They called for equal participation among all clans, but they knew the internal workings well enough.
In any case, the eastern clans had cast their die. Now, it was up to the matriarch to decide.
An awkward silence filled the room while she kept her eyes closed. But it didn’t last long. Soon, she opened her eyes and beckoned Park Hyun-woo with a gentle wave of her index finger.
“Hyun-woo.”
“Yes, Matriarch.”
“When do you think the portal transfer for the User Academy will be completed?”
“If all goes well, it should be done by tonight, or at the latest, early tomorrow morning.”
Park Hyun-woo responded in an exceedingly polite voice, though it couldn’t mask the underlying anxiety. “We don’t have much time,” the matriarch sighed heavily, tapping her cane lightly on the table.
Tap, tap-tap…
“So, you’re asking for equal opportunities regarding the affairs of the Northern Continent?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“On the surface, there’s nothing wrong with that request…”
”…”
The matriarch pondered for a moment, her expression thoughtful. But soon, as if reaching a decision, she spoke with firm resolve.
“Very well. I, Son Bun-rye, entrusted with the full authority of the Golden Lion, hereby grant your request.”
“Matriarch!”
“Are you serious?”
“However, there is one condition.”
As soon as the matriarch spoke, Park Hyun-woo and Jo Sung-ho exclaimed simultaneously. But Son Bun-rye’s next words silenced them.
Jo Sung-ho looked more excited than ever. He had thought their demands were unreasonable and wouldn’t be easily accepted, so the unexpected turn of events left him anxious.
“A condition…?”
“It’s simple. I’ll ensure equal opportunities at the User Academy. Let’s see how you handle it. I’ll be watching.”
“Watching us?”
“Yes. To see if your words were just empty promises or if you truly meant them. Actions speak louder than words, and it’s better to see for myself. If you show satisfactory results at the User Academy, I promise the Golden Lion’s tyranny you’ve felt will no longer be an issue.”
She concluded her statement with a decisive thump on the table, signaling that there would be no further discussion. A formidable aura emanated from her, making it clear that defiance would not be tolerated. Those who had been about to confront the matriarch hesitated at the magical energy radiating from her cane.
The atmosphere shifted instantly. The Golden Lion and allied clans bit their lips in frustration, while the non-participating clans wore expressions of delight.
“Remember, there’s a condition. If you repeat the mistakes you’ve defined as flaws, we’ll have to find another way.”
“Of course. We won’t disappoint you.”
“Hmph. You talk a good game. We’ll see. Anyway, if anyone here has a different opinion, speak up now.”
There was no one. The Eastern clan users had taken the lead and succeeded. The Southern clan users gave them approving looks, acknowledging that if Jo Sung-ho and Seong Hyun-min hadn’t succeeded, the Southern representative clans would have stepped in. But everything had gone surprisingly well.
“Alright, let’s wrap up the User Academy discussion here.”
“Matriarch.”
“I’ve made it clear, I won’t change my mind. Even if I wanted to favor you, their logic was sound. If they had come in demanding Barbara’s withdrawal, it might have been different, but they made reasonable concessions. What choice did I have but to agree?”
”…”
Park Hyun-woo, desperate to hold onto the matriarch, clenched his teeth upon hearing her firm declaration. She chuckled dryly and continued.
“Grinding your teeth after being dragged here against your will? I told you before we came. In exchange for resolving this, I would be granted full authority over the Golden Lion. Are you going to backtrack now?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Poor thing, can’t see an inch ahead. Remember, our deal isn’t over. If you break your promise, I won’t fulfill your request.”
”…Understood.”
Park Hyun-woo finally stepped back, his face sullen. Seeing this, Son Bun-rye chuckled and stood up. As she tapped her cane and crossed the room, Go Yeon-ju called out in her sweet voice.
“Matriarch, where are you going?”
“Where else? The assembly is over. My role is done. With new users arriving soon, shouldn’t you be coordinating the User Academy? Surely you don’t expect me to handle that too?”
“Oh, right. So you’re going back?”
“Back? Hardly. I need to save that old man who’s on the brink of death. He’s always been a handful.”
The matriarch smacked her lips and resumed walking. This time, Seong Yu-bin stopped her again.
“Matriarch, you can’t leave already.”
“What do you mean, can’t leave?”
“But you’re not well… At least let us escort you…”
“Seong Yu-bin!”
As Seong Yu-bin cautiously continued, Park Hyun-woo’s loud shout echoed through the room, startling her into covering her mouth. But Son Bun-rye replied nonchalantly.
“You’re going to burst my eardrums. Anyway, don’t worry about me. I have something to check out in the Eastern Mountains. Now that I’m out, I need to move quickly. Besides, you don’t have time to celebrate just yet, do you?”
“Of course. We’ll ensure the User Academy provides equal opportunities based on principles. You won’t be disappointed.”
To Jo Sung-ho’s words, the matriarch snorted. “This time, you can do as you please, but remember, the results are what matter. If nothing changes by the time I return, as I said, we’ll have to find another way.”
From one side came cheerful voices thanking her, while from the other, somber farewells.
At that moment, I watched her leave, seemingly indifferent to the farewells, and quickly activated my third eye. Something about Seong Yu-bin’s earlier words had struck me as odd.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yu-jin.
Phew, we’ve managed to wrap up the assembly, which I thought would be a major hurdle. We might completely tie it up in the next chapter. Lately, I’ve been feeling sluggish, probably due to the aftermath of reserve training. A little encouragement from readers would be a great boost. By the way, my hair is open to pats from anyone, regardless of age or gender. Haha. :D
『 Reader Comments 』
MythReenactor: Oh, I think you’ve been first before. Congratulations on being first again! I hope you enjoy this chapter.
BrokenFan: Haha, I can’t be first with midnight releases either. It’s hell, hell I tell you. So don’t be too disappointed. ㅜ.ㅠ
Crami: Thank you for the coupon. (__) I’ve been feeling oddly drained lately, but I’ll try harder. Oh, and if you pat my head, I get a buff. Just saying. (Ahem.)
rlatjdwn512: The capable male user you wanted has appeared. Haha. More male characters will be added soon (and some females too), so please look forward to it. :)
BadGuy: Wow, you read through it all in a day? Impressive. Well done. (__)
NoColorNoSmell: Hahaha. I’ve fixed parts that might have felt awkward. But since she’s a grandmother, her basic speech will remain the same. She’s older than Grandpa Lee Man-sung.
Iteration: I love you. Oh, no, I misspoke. Yes, thank you. I was looking for that. ㅜ.ㅠ
BlackWhirlwindGyu2: Thank you. Haha. Even if I catch a cold, I won’t stop writing. Though it’s best not to catch one. Have a great day and stay healthy!
Cheetos: Kekeke. This is a cliffhanger technique. Kekeke. The matriarch’s abilities will be revealed in the next chapter. Kekeke! (Thud! Ouch!)
LoveTherefore + UrDREAM: Indeed, it might have been better to emphasize the matriarch’s presence more. For your information, she’s older than Lee Man-sung. In Whole Plain, there’s a penalty for aging, but it can be offset by exceptional abilities or equipment.
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