Misunderstandings Breed More Misunderstandings
“We should break up.”
“Yuna.”
Han-gyeol looked at Yuna with sorrowful eyes, but her expression was resolute. The warmth they once shared, holding hands and smiling at each other, was nowhere to be found. As Han-gyeol tried to approach her, Yuna stepped back, matching his every move. Eventually, he had no choice but to stop.
“I’m tired, Han-gyeol.”
“I’m sorry, but—”
“I don’t want to hear it!”
“Yuna…”
His faint words reached out to her, but Yuna turned away coldly. She began to walk slowly down the empty hallway. When Han-gyeol didn’t follow, she paused and half-turned her head. Her eyes caught his, still watching her.
“I know you don’t mean it. You wouldn’t do that to me.”
“Han-gyeol, don’t you trust me?”
“I trust you, but I don’t trust Park Hwan-hee. And I never will. I’ll find a way to get you away from him.”
“That’s not fair. I’ve accepted what Park Hwan-hee said. Doesn’t that mean you don’t trust me? Do you even know what my days are like lately?”
Yuna’s voice trembled with emotion. When Han-gyeol remained still, she bit her lip.
“This isn’t the modern world, Han-gyeol. We’re in Hall Plain.”
“Exactly. That’s why Park Hwan-hee is dangerous. We both know what he’s capable of.”
“Let’s stop. I don’t want to keep having the same argument. I wish you’d face reality.”
”…”
“You want to save me? I’ll be waiting. Please, don’t disappoint me anymore.”
With those words, Yuna walked away, her pace quicker than before, disappearing around the corner.
“Face reality, huh…”
Han-gyeol sighed deeply, the sound echoing in the empty hallway. He stood there for a moment, looking in the direction Yuna had gone, before turning and walking the opposite way.
Two weeks had passed since Go Yeon-ju left. During that time, I focused on recruiting Han-gyeol. I was determined to bring him into the Mercenary Clan, even if it meant giving up on other new recruits.
Fortunately, my efforts weren’t in vain. Han-gyeol finally showed interest in the Mercenary Clan. I had been waiting for the right moment to bring it up, and he made it easier by asking first.
“How are things with your girlfriend?”
“She said we should break up.”
“What? And?”
“She didn’t mean it. I know that. But she told me to face reality.”
Reality. In a way, she wasn’t wrong. In my first run, I couldn’t get a clan offer from the academy. I remember feeling anxious as the training weeks came to an end.
As I pondered, Han-gyeol’s determined voice broke through my thoughts.
“Hyung.”
“Yeah?”
“What kind of clan is the Mercenary Clan? Are there any requirements to join?”
“It’s an elite clan. Of course, there are.”
Han-gyeol tilted his head, not quite understanding my brief explanation. I stubbed out my cigarette and continued.
“We don’t accept just anyone. As the name suggests, we’re a mercenary clan, which means we’re neutral in Hall Plain.”
“Neutral…”
“Right, neutral. To maintain neutrality, skill is the most important trait. We can’t just take anyone. We’re looking for top-tier users or those with the potential to become top-tier.”
“Then I can’t join, can I?”
Han-gyeol looked downcast, but he was watching me out of the corner of his eye, curious about my reaction. I gently ruffled his hair and smiled.
“Why do you think that?”
“You know my academy grades aren’t that great…”
“True, grades are important for new recruits. But that’s not all.”
“Then what?”
“I said it before, didn’t I? We’re also looking for those with the potential to become top-tier. When I taught you briefly, I saw that potential in you. With a bit of effort, you can reach great heights. If you’re interested in joining, the Mercenary Clan would welcome you.”
Han-gyeol lifted his head, a bright smile spreading across his face. He hadn’t told me about his secret class yet, but he seemed touched by my unwavering belief in him despite his current lack of recognition.
‘He probably overheard my conversation with Kim Han-byeol.’
Han-gyeol began asking questions with newfound enthusiasm, including some about his girlfriend. I had already thought about that, so I answered without hesitation. (Honestly, I wasn’t keen on recruiting Yuna.)
I explained the roles of non-combat members within the clan, assuring him they were much safer than combat roles. After hearing my promotional pitch disguised as a conversation, Han-gyeol seemed relieved to have resolved one of his worries.
“Hyung, are you serious? You’re not lying, right? Yuna and I can really join your clan?”
“Of course. I’m the clan leader, after all.”
“Wow! Thank you!”
Han-gyeol hugged me tightly, overjoyed. Despite being a guy, his appearance was quite feminine, so it didn’t feel too strange… Anyway, Han-gyeol genuinely cared for his girlfriend. He must have thought about life after the academy and considered me first.
After repeatedly thanking me, Han-gyeol finally ran off towards the women’s dormitory, leaving me to light another cigarette. I realized I’d need to restock soon, given how light my pack felt.
The academy was now in its 11th week, nearing the halfway point. The graduation ceremony was fast approaching. As a result, the atmosphere had become more relaxed, and it wasn’t uncommon for clans to promote themselves during training.
Meanwhile, tensions between clans, which had been quiet, were starting to resurface. Just because things had been calm didn’t mean the conflicts were resolved. Initially, there were heated arguments in front of new recruits, but over time, they ignored each other by withdrawing support for instructor duties.
However, with promotions underway, clashes due to differing clan interests were inevitable. The failed expedition of the Golden Lion and its allied clan, the Steel Mountain, was a particularly juicy piece of gossip, well-known even among new recruits.
‘From what I see, most of them are wasting their time.’
That was the truth. I wasn’t sure how much influence Park Hwan-hee had over the 252 new recruits, but I suspected he had already secured the promising ones.
Regardless of their actions, it wasn’t my place to interfere, so I quietly prepared to recruit Han-gyeol. My only hope was that Han-gyeol and Yuna would drift apart, allowing Park Hwan-hee to take her.
As the 11th week began, my instructor duties expanded to include more educational sessions. I frequently found myself leading mental training sessions, sharing my experiences as a first-year user contributing to the Northern Continent. I had to embellish my stories a bit, as I couldn’t reveal everything.
“There’s a saying that beginner’s luck is always followed by a harsh test. I believe my clan and I were fortunate, but we won’t rest on our laurels. We aim to contribute to the stability and development of the Northern Continent with humility. It seems like you’re getting bored, so let’s take a 10-minute break.”
“Okay~.”
Today’s morning session was a mental training class. I had shared a brief story about exploring the Dungeon of the Ancient Alchemist Vivian and beginner’s luck before announcing a break. Next, I planned to talk about encountering vagrants.
Some students looked disappointed (Han-gyeol, in particular, seemed overly so), while others seemed relieved. The stories, based on real experiences, weren’t as dull as typical lectures.
But no one liked a drawn-out session, and I wanted a smoke break, so I took the opportunity to pause. Just as I was about to leave the classroom, a familiar voice echoed through the room.
“Instructor Kim Su-hyun, may I ask a question if it’s not too much trouble?”
I stopped and turned to see Park Hwan-hee standing, hand raised. His expression was polite, and his demeanor respectful. But knowing it was all an act, I regarded him with a cold gaze.
“Is your question related to the training?”
“No, but it’s something I’ve been wanting to ask.”
”…Alright. Go ahead.”
As soon as I gave my permission, Park Hwanhee scanned the room, then flashed a faint smile and asked, “I’d like to know more about the Mercenary Clan, where you’re the Clan Lord.”
“The Mercenary Clan?”
“Yes. Starting this week, various instructors have been promoting their clans and sharing information. I heard Instructor Kim Suhyun is a user like us, in our first year. Since you’re in a similar position, I’m curious about how your clan differs from the established ones.”
‘This guy…’
On the surface, there was nothing wrong with his words, but his tone suggested they were evaluating and choosing clans. Knowing his true intentions, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“It sounds like you’re interested in the Mercenary Clan.”
“Haha, of course. Several instructors have mentioned it multiple times.”
“Is that so? Then you must have heard enough. In that case, I’ll decline.”
“Wha… what?”
Park Hwanhee stammered, clearly not expecting my refusal. Watching his smile vanish, I continued in a low voice.
“The Mercenary Clan doesn’t plan to promote itself at the User Academy. We approach individuals who meet our standards, engage them in conversation, and recruit them with their consent.”
“Oh… I see.”
“I’m sorry to say, but User Park Hwanhee doesn’t meet our clan’s criteria. In fact, ‘below standard’ would be more accurate. Nonetheless, thank you for your interest. I hope that answers your question.”
Park Hwanhee didn’t respond. Instead, he slumped back into his seat with a sour expression. The classroom soon buzzed with murmurs. As I listened closely, I caught snippets like, “Wow, isn’t Park Hwanhee almost guaranteed to be top of the class? But he’s below their standards?” and “I heard that instructor graduated top of the academy too. Their cut-off must be really high.”
I tilted my head, inviting more questions, but Park Hwanhee avoided my gaze, his face rigid. Glancing to the left, I saw Baek Hangyeol chuckling with a smug expression.
Just as I was about to leave the chaotic classroom, the door swung open, and several users filed in. They all exuded an unusual aura, wearing matching dark plate mail with a golden lion emblem on their right chests.
‘These guys are from the Black Lion. Why is a subsidiary force barging in here?’
While I pondered, they bowed slightly and spoke in gruff voices. “Mercenary Lord, we’re from the Black Lion under the Golden Lion. We apologize for the sudden request, but we need you to come with us.”
“That’s quite abrupt. I still have class time left.”
“We’re sorry. The class can end here. All other instructors have been summoned, and one of us will oversee the class. It’s an urgent matter.”
“I’d like to know why I need to go.”
The users, identifying themselves as part of the Black Lion, exchanged uneasy glances. The classroom had fallen silent, and the newcomers were watching us intently. The man at the front approached me and whispered in my ear, “A message from Executive Park Hyunwoo. The Shadow Queen has returned.”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Royujin.
Ah, today is truly satisfying. I’ve always been on the receiving end, but today I finally got to repay the favor. Ahahaha! (Though who knows if that person will read this.) So I’m in a great mood. Haha. Everyone! The end of the academy is in sight! We’ve come 1/10 of the way, so only 9/10 to go! Now Kim Suhyun can breathe, take a step, turn his head, and I’ll describe each action in detail… (Thwack! Thwack thwack thwack! Thwack thwack thwack thwack thwack thwack!) Sorry, just kidding. ㅜ.ㅠ
PS. Thank you to all the readers who gave recommendations, comments, and coupons! :D
『 Reader Replies 』
eres: Congratulations on being first. Haha. :) I’m getting used to seeing new faces in first place. Enjoy this chapter!
Arine: Welcome to your first comment! Thank you for always reading. :)
gkgngh: I recently met my first love and thought about marrying her. I want to live happily. Haha. But my fantasy about marriage has been shattered. ㅜ.ㅠ
HumanLife: Oh no, you’re sick again. It’s been a while. (__) Take care of yourself!
Hawthorn: Yes, there probably won’t be any issues with Go Yeonju. The female characters around the protagonist won’t be involved in NTR. Hahaha.
hgkdrgv: Thank you. Fortunately, Hanbyeol’s special move can be written while progressing the story. Please wait a little longer. :) It’s time to shake things up and start wrapping up.
Rakren: We’ll start wrapping things up from the next chapter. :) Just a hint, one of them can’t be resolved right now. Haha.
ElfKai: Ah! So that’s what it meant! I laughed a lot at your comment, ElfKai. I didn’t realize “skip” had that meaning. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ.
Warrior: It’s part of the protagonist’s charm, but it can also be off-putting. Haha. He’s not aware of it yet, but I’ve dropped hints several times, so I’ll gradually address it. :)
Hwiya: The special move (?) will be featured. It’s necessary for that part. Hehe!
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