1. Kim Soo-hyun: 542/600~

[Strength 96(+2)] [Endurance 92] [Agility 98] [Stamina 72] [Magic 96] [Luck 90(+2)]

(12 stat points remaining.)

2. Son Bun-rye: 233/600~

[Strength 20(-10)] [Endurance 18(-10)] [Agility 22(-10)] [Stamina 38(-10)] [Magic 95(+4)] [Luck 72(-10)]

(No stat points remaining.)

The moment I saw the Grandmother’s player status, I was taken aback. Her physical condition was dire. On top of the expected decline due to aging, her magic circuit was in disarray.

I wasn’t entirely sure what powers the rare class held. But judging by her true name and abilities, it seemed she was forcing her circuit to function with her powers. What on earth had happened to leave her in such a state?

As I pondered, her figure slowly disappeared behind the closing doors of the central hall. I was still staring blankly at the floating messages when the lively chatter around me finally registered.

“Now that the Grandmother has left, shouldn’t we discuss the Academy matter?”

“Indeed. We need to finalize the details quickly before the portal closes. Hoho.”

The representatives of the non-participating clans looked excited, while the allied clan representatives wore somber expressions, some even casting resentful glances at Park Hyun-woo and Sung Yoo-bin.

Park Hyun-woo, with a resigned look, sighed deeply and took a seat at the now-empty head table.

“Alright. Following the Grandmother’s wishes, we’ll adjust the details regarding the User Academy. But before that, we need to select the clans that will participate in training the new users and controlling the instructors.”

Though the allied clans were still frowning, they seemed to snap to attention as Park Hyun-woo spoke. With the Grandmother’s firm stance, they had no choice but to comply. Realizing they needed to secure whatever they could, they began to participate in the meeting.

The discussion about the Academy turned surprisingly lively. Those who had been at each other’s throats moments ago now seemed to work together seamlessly.

“Time is not on our side. We need to secure participating clans as soon as possible. Given the current situation, it might be best to form the group with the clans present here. What do you all think?”

“I agree. Frankly, everyone here represents a city. In terms of qualifications, we’re more than sufficient.”

“But if only the representative clans participate, won’t there be criticism about it being a power grab?”

“That’s been a concern for a while… Ahem, anyway, there are well-known clans here that aren’t representative clans. Including them should alleviate such worries.”

Despite the diplomatic language, the conclusion was clear: they had no intention of including other clans. They wanted to keep the pie as large as possible for themselves. It was self-justification at its finest, but given the urgency, it was understandable. Still, it wasn’t without its issues.

“But would the Grandmother approve of this?”

”…”

The room fell silent at the cautious question. They seemed to realize that their current approach was merely an extension of what the Golden Lion Clan had been doing.

<Yes. Whether your words are just for show or sincere, it’s hard to judge without seeing for myself.>

<This time, you may do as you please, but remember that the outcome is what matters. If nothing changes by the time I return, as I said, I’ll have to consider other options.>

The Grandmother’s parting words echoed in my mind. Others seemed to recall her words too, their expressions turning uneasy. They had promised change, and now they seemed to feel the weight of that promise.

Since it wasn’t my concern, I yawned quietly, waiting for the meeting to end. Just as I was about to lower my head, I caught the gaze of Sung Hyun-min, who was looking at me with clear eyes. For a moment, I thought I saw a glint in his eyes.

I dismissed it as a trick of the light, but when his lips parted, I realized it wasn’t an illusion.

“Regarding that matter, I’d like to say something.”

“Ah, it sounds like you have a good idea. Please, go ahead.”

With Park Hyun-woo’s permission, all eyes turned to Sung Hyun-min. He looked at me with his usual pleasant expression, then cleared his throat and spoke.

“I believe the Grandmother understands the current situation. There’s no time to inform other clans and gather applicants. However, her parting words suggest she was considering the Mercenary Clan.”

Most of those present were high-ranking representatives of their respective cities, people with sharp minds. Just mentioning my clan’s name elicited murmurs of realization. They began to voice their opinions.

“But it’s a new clan, isn’t it? Oh, I didn’t mean to dismiss it. Still, a clan that’s only a week old joining the User Academy seems a bit…”

“Hmm. I think it’s a good idea. It could mitigate the impression of a power grab, and we have Go Yeon-ju, one of the top ten. She could certainly serve as an instructor.”

“Ah, indeed…”

“Sorry to interrupt.”

I cut into the conversation, drawing the attention of Sung Hyun-min and the others. Their gazes were filled with curiosity. They had been focused on the pressing issue, but now that it was resolved, their interest turned to the Mercenary Clan.

I met their eyes and spoke calmly.

“Clan member Go Yeon-ju cannot participate in the User Academy. She has other responsibilities following the summons, tasks only she can handle. Therefore, she cannot be involved in the Academy matter.”

“Ah, I see. We got ahead of ourselves.”

Despite my words, Sung Hyun-min maintained his smile. In fact, he seemed even more at ease as he asked me again.

“Then, is there anyone else in your clan you could recommend as an instructor?”

“Well… No, I don’t have anyone to recommend.”

Shin Sang-yong and Vivian were busy with their respective rare class and potion research tasks. Even if they were sent, I had my reservations. That left only Jung Ha-yeon, but given her strained relationship with the Golden Lion, I was reluctant to involve her in the Academy.

“Hmm~. This is a bit troublesome. We really need the Mercenary Clan to participate so we can report back to the Matriarch.”

I didn’t respond. There was something about his tone that made me feel like he was trying to pull me into something. It wasn’t just the Mercenary Clan he wanted; it was me, Kim Su-hyun, specifically. I wasn’t sure what he was plotting, but I decided to hear him out. Soon, he continued in a calm voice.

“To be honest, I’d like the Mercenary Lord to personally join the User Academy.”

“What? Excuse me?”

“Han Lord, that’s unreasonable. We’re a new clan, and we don’t have enough squads to send. If the clan lord leaves at such a crucial time, what are we supposed to do?”

“Exactly. Plus, he’s a zero-year user. Unless it’s someone like the Shadow Queen, Go Yeon-ju, I’ve never heard of a zero-year user taking on the academy.”

As soon as Seong Hyun-min spoke, the room erupted in a flurry of objections. Even representatives from other eastern clans were shaking their heads. But he remained unfazed, shaking his head slightly before confidently laying out his reasoning.

“Your points are valid, but here’s my perspective. Regarding the lack of personnel, this could actually be a great opportunity for the Mercenary Clan. Yes, you’re busy establishing yourselves, but participating in the User Academy could be a chance to promote your clan to new users. Investing three months might attract new recruits eager to join the Mercenary Clan. It’s a chance to bolster your numbers.”

“Hmm. New users, you say… I see your point. But having a zero-year user as an instructor is still… I mean no disrespect to the Mercenary Lord, but everyone here likely shares the same concern. It’s unprecedented.”

The Northern Clan representative finished speaking and bowed politely to me. I returned a gentle smile, more for appearances than anything. Objectively, it was true that a zero-year user taking on the academy was unheard of. It wasn’t something to be upset about, just unexpected.

Yet again, Seong Hyun-min’s words flowed smoothly.

“We promised the Matriarch we wouldn’t repeat past mistakes. I agree that instructors should have experience, but consider this: there are plenty of experienced users here. Not every instructor role requires extensive experience.”

“Even so…”

“It’s time for change. Having a zero-year user as an instructor could inspire new users. Imagine hearing about a fellow zero-year user who founded a clan, discovered numerous relics, and stood on equal footing with veteran users in less than six months. If I were a new user, I’d find that story motivating.”

Mentioning the zero-year user seemed to calm the initial uproar. Faces that had been filled with doubt now showed signs of considering Seong Hyun-min’s argument. He scanned the room, satisfied with the shift in mood, and spoke once more to tie up his points.

“As you all know, the Mercenary Clan may be small, but its potential is immense. With two secret classes and three rare classes, their achievements in the small town of Mule have revitalized the atmosphere. With the Shadow Queen among them, their future influence on the northern continent is undeniable. Building relationships here while fulfilling the academy role could be beneficial for everyone, including the Mercenary Lord.”

This final argument seemed to sway the room. Users who had been uncertain now looked at me with a newfound interest.

Outwardly, I maintained a calm demeanor, but inside, I sighed. Rather than being swept away by these well-crafted arguments, it seemed wiser to analyze the situation and make a decision.

Just as I was about to think things through, I noticed Han So-young, who had been quietly observing, slowly part her lips to speak.

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

Hello, this is Ro Yujin.

As I write this note, it’s 11:55 PM. Lately, I’ve been finishing my writing later and later. I used to have 10 or 20 minutes to spare for writing notes and replies, but now it’s a real struggle. Sometimes I miss February, when I had the luxury of posting two chapters a day.

I apologize for the scene transitions. I’ll wrap up the current arc by the next chapter. I sincerely apologize once again. Bowing deeply. (__)

『 Reader Replies 』

1. MythReenactor: Wow. Unbelievable. With your continuous wins, it seems like a new champion has emerged. Congratulations on consistently taking first place. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

2. EyeSeeYou: Me too. I want to be first in the midnight release and praise myself. (?)

3. SisyphusFlare: Wait a minute. Petting is fine, but what’s with the “lick” at the end?

4. Kavram: Hehe. Yujin is a good kid. Here’s a rare Ansol version for you. (Whack! If it was distasteful, I apologize. Haha.)

5. AvidReaderC + MTBear: Why are you trying to kidnap me! Kidnapping is bad. Please don’t suggest it again. I remember someone once said they’d give me a meat dish if I wrote continuously after being kidnapped. Ugh.

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8. DevilShrine: Wait a minute. I just asked for a head pat, so why are you calling the police? And trying to make me write in prison with food as bait? Wow. And your username?!

9. Toranoanal: Hehe. Thank you. Hehehe. You can pet me more. More, more, more. (?)

10. YusuWolhyang: I’m sorry. I tried to increase the content as much as possible, but there were so many stories I wanted to include, and it was an important part, so the content expanded. I’ll definitely wrap it up in the next chapter. (__)

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I always read all the comments repeatedly.

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