Twisted Beliefs

Week 13 had been so intense that Week 14 felt like a breath of fresh air. And today, with the afternoon session, the academy officially announced the end of all regular training. The only thing left on the schedule was tomorrow morning’s graduation ceremony.

“Open wide, oppa.”

“Ah.”

“Is it good?”

“Yeah, it’s delicious.”

“Oh my! Mercenary Road? This is a shared dining area, you know!”

As I swallowed the food Hanbyeol fed me, a high-pitched voice rang in my ears. Turning towards the sound, I saw Seong Yubin smiling at us with a satisfied expression.

“Cough, cough.”

“Oppa, have some water.”

“No, I’ll drink it myself. Hand it over.”

Seong Yubin burst into laughter, clearly amused by my flustered reaction.

“Hoho! Oh, come on. I was just joking. No need to get so worked up~.”

“Haha, my apologies.”

“I said it was a joke, really. But why did you two suddenly get so close? You look like a couple.”

“Se-Seong Yubin, ma’am!”

“Why so formal? Just call me unnie.”

Avoiding Seong Yubin’s gaze, I glanced at Hanbyeol, who had her head bowed low. I had told her not to make eye contact if she wasn’t confident, and thankfully, she was following my advice.

“Geez, the way you two look at each other makes me feel like a third wheel. Fine, I’ll leave you alone.”

“Oh, Yubin, wait a moment.”

“Yes?”

“I attended a meeting with the Northern Clan last night. I heard there are some vacant lands in Barbara after the expedition. If it’s not too much trouble, could I get some information on that?”

Seong Yubin tilted her head, then clapped her hands as if she remembered something.

“Oh! Yes, I have it. I’ll send the details to you through Hanbyeol. Don’t worry.”

“Thank you.”

“I just want to be prepared for tomorrow’s ceremony,” I thought, but decided not to say it out loud. Seong Yubin waved us off with a cheerful “Have fun!” and left the dining hall. As soon as she was out of sight, Hanbyeol, who had been staring at the floor, finally looked up.

“Phew.”

She let out a breath like a deflating balloon, as if she’d been holding it in. I took the spoon from her and resumed eating.

After scanning the room, Hanbyeol leaned in and whispered.

“Did you really need to mention the Northern meeting?”

“She’s a suspicious type. You have to show her enough to make her believe. Just take the documents if she gives them to you.”

“Yes, I think I’ll get them today.”

“Why?”

“She sent me a signal just before she left.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at Hanbyeol’s words. So that’s why her reaction seemed over the top. I nodded a couple of times and continued.

“That’s perfect. I have a meeting with Han-gyeol after dinner. Let’s meet at the dorm later.”

“Then I’ll head out first.”

“Be careful not to draw any attention.”

“Yes.”

With a quiet voice, Hanbyeol stood up carefully and left the dining hall.

“Tomorrow’s going to be interesting.”

Left alone, I poked at the few remaining meatballs on my plate.

Since the meeting with Seojin Woo and Seong Hyunmin, Hanbyeol had been noticeably more cheerful. Given her nature, it was as if a light of hope had finally reached her after living in despair and hurt for so long.

During that meeting, we laid out a detailed plan. Hanbyeol was on the list to withdraw on the day of the ceremony. Meanwhile, I was to keep up appearances with the Golden Lion and allied clans, pretending to be friendly and close with Hanbyeol. It was all an act.

Honestly, it felt a bit ridiculous. But today was the last day of this charade. Praising myself for enduring it, I popped a meatball into my mouth.

I had planned to return to the dorm early, but chatting with Han-gyeol was so enjoyable that time flew by. Thanks to him, my excitement for tomorrow’s ceremony had only grown.

Entering the dorm with a light heart, I saw Hanbyeol sitting on the bed, folding my instructor uniform. She looked up as I approached. Just as I was about to get closer, she gave me a sidelong glance, signaling something. I immediately activated my third eye and magic detection.

“Two on the ceiling, diagonal placement. Two on the floor, diagonal placement. Combined, it’s a square setup. Are they insane?”

I sighed inwardly and lay down on the bed. Hanbyeol, having finished folding the uniform, handed me a thick file.

“This is what you asked about at the dining hall. Seong Yubin wanted me to give it to you.”

“Oh, great. Thank her for me.”

I diligently examined the documents. It seemed they had interpreted my words as an interest in purchasing or building a clan house. The prices were surprisingly reasonable, though still typical of a big city.

As I read, I noticed Hanbyeol had gone quiet. The crystals placed above and below us weren’t for recording video. They were for two-way communication, transmitting sound and movement in real-time. I silently offered condolences to the voyeur eagerly anticipating a show, then slowly got up. It was all so tiresome.

“Today’s the last day.”

“It is.”

“It feels a bit sad to just go to sleep. Want to go for a walk?”

“Isn’t it too late? We have the ceremony tomorrow. You should rest.”

“Come on, let’s go. It’s nice to be outside sometimes.”

Hanbyeol played along, matching my tone effortlessly. I grabbed her arm, pretending to drag her outside. As soon as the door closed, we both let out a sigh. I was sure Hanbyeol was thinking the same thing I was.

“Still suspicious?”

“Seong Yubin seems to want to be sure. But she almost believes us.”

“She’s a piece of work.”

“Sorry?”

“Oh, nothing.”

I brushed it off and started walking. Since we were already out, I figured we might as well take a real walk.

For a while, Hanbyeol and I walked in silence. We were heading to the Easter Egg, the only place in this dreary academy that I felt any attachment to.

As we pushed through the bushes and reached the Easter Egg, Hanbyeol let out a gasp. It was her second time here, and she seemed to find it refreshing.

Without a word, we walked to the center. As always, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath of the fresh air. A soft voice reached me from behind.

“Oppa.”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for everything. Really, I mean it.”

“You’re welcome. And even though there’s still a day left, congratulations in advance.”

“Yes…”

I sensed her hesitating behind me, taking a few deep breaths before speaking in a tentative tone.

“Is there something you want to say?”

”…Yes.”

“Go ahead. You might not get another chance. Just like in front of the cabin before.”

I felt her flinch slightly against my back, and I chuckled to myself.

“Can I really say it?”

“Yeah.”

“Promise you won’t get mad or think it’s weird.”

“What is it?”

“Because what I want to say might not make any sense to you. And I know it sounds strange even to me.”

What could she possibly want to say? It was the last day at the academy, after all. I figured it was best to let her speak her mind. Plus, I was curious. I calmly replied, “Go ahead.”

Even with my permission, a quiet stillness settled over us. But it didn’t last long.

“Do you remember the time at the user academy?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you think I left you back then?”

”…”

“Inside, I was waiting. Waiting for someone.”

Waiting for someone. She didn’t specify who, but I instinctively knew she meant me. Hanbyeol’s voice flowed like a beautiful melody.

“I know. I brought that situation on myself. But I hoped you’d notice, just once. I waited for you to come, just once.”

”…”

“I didn’t want special treatment. Just the same attention the others got. Or maybe, just a word of reassurance, someone to drag me along. I would have gone, pretending to be reluctant.”

“What…?”

I was about to retort with a sarcastic comment, but I held my tongue. It was a matter long settled, and Hanbyeol seemed to have already prepared herself for the embarrassment. With a wry smile, I asked a question that had been nagging at me.

“There’s something I’ve been curious about.”

“Yes?”

“You know Baek Hangyeol, right? Why were you so sharp with him?”

“Because I was envious and jealous. He was getting all the attention from you that I never did. Just like those other kids.”

‘So she has a childish side too.’

I couldn’t help but chuckle at Hanbyeol’s confession. I didn’t feel the need to respond. In the past, I might have snapped back, but thinking about the courage it must have taken for her to say this, all I could do was smile. She was probably feeling incredibly embarrassed right now.

It seemed like it was time to head back. Judging by my experience with Goyeonju, enough time had passed for a single outdoor play session. At least no one would think I was too quick.

“Alright. I’ve heard you out. As promised, I won’t say a word about this. I hope you can let go of any hard feelings and start fresh from tomorrow.”

“I’m still worried. I wonder if I can really do it.”

“It might be tough, but it’s all up to you. Anyway, let’s head back.”

Just as I was about to wrap up the conversation and start walking again, I felt Hanbyeol’s hand grab my arm.

“Oppa, there’s more.”

“You really are…”

“I’m sorry.”

”…?”

Her unexpected apology made me pause and turn around. There she was, standing under the bright moonlight, looking at me with a wistful gaze. Her lips parted gently.

“Oppa, I was wrong.”

“Hanbyeol.”

“I was… wrong.”

“You.”

“I know what you think of me. But if I don’t say this now, I might never get the chance. I misjudged you back then, and I’ve wanted to apologize and ask for your forgiveness ever since. Oppa, I’m truly sorry. Please forgive me.”

Her voice was calm, but tears were streaming down her face as she looked straight at me. I found myself reaching out to wipe them away. As my hand moved from her face to her shoulder, I gently pulled her closer, and she leaned into me like a magnet.

Hanbyeol felt so fragile in my arms. No, she was more than just fragile—she was almost emaciated. Feeling a pang of sympathy, I patted her back for a moment and whispered to her as she buried her face against me.

“It’s not your fault, or mine.”

”…”

“We just had different paths to follow back then. That’s all. I never thought of it as betrayal.”

From a child’s perspective, it might have seemed different, but from where I stand now, that’s truly how I feel. Hanbyeol chose the golden lion, and I chose myself. I don’t want to assign any more meaning to those choices now. We simply weren’t meant to be at that time. If I had been Hanbyeol back then, I might have chosen the golden lion too. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Thank you so much… and I’m sorry…”

Her voice lingered softly in my ear. Under the moonlight that illuminated the Easter egg and the gentle breeze that rustled the green fields, I held a woman quietly shedding tears, and the last night deepened.

The final day of the user academy dawned. I woke up early but deliberately took my time. The graduation ceremony was bound to be tedious, and arriving early would only mean more hassle.

As I turned my head, I noticed Hanbyeol’s empty bed. She had left early, unlike me. I briefly recalled the events of last night with her and then began to gather my gear. Shedding my instructor’s uniform and donning my equipment after so long felt strangely nostalgic.

Once I felt ready, I slowly made my way to the auditorium. On the way, I saw many users. There were a few from the Southeast, but most were from the Northwest clan. The golden lion must have stirred up something again.

“The new world we face, called Hall Plain, is incredibly complex, dangerous, and chaotic. Numerous groups, or clans, are…”

As I approached the auditorium, I heard something unusual. Curious, I quickened my pace and soon witnessed an unexpected scene on stage.

“We are called new users. But as of today, we graduate from that term. We now have the status to assert our individual rights in Hall Plain. We have risen in these circumstances. To be a group that doesn’t abandon those in pain, that embraces those deemed weak. To stand on the side of the weak…”

The graduation ceremony had indeed ended. But after it concluded, Park Hwanhee was giving a speech on stage. Looking around, the golden lion and allied clans wore subtly amused expressions, while a few Southeast instructors looked like they’d been dealt a blow.

“Therefore, the 217 of us, including myself, who represent the new users, will not join any clan. We have agreed to act independently from a neutral standpoint. Some may view this unfavorably, but we will do our best to contribute to the development of the northern continent, so please watch over us. Thank you.”

As the speech ended, thunderous applause erupted. Park Hwanhee bowed as he stepped down from the stage, and the applause grew even louder. A large group of new users began to gather around him, chattering excitedly.

‘I see what’s going on.’

Park Hwanhee had declared his intention to act independently. But that was likely just for appearances. Internally, he must have struck a deal with other clans, as I had heard before. Seeing a few SSUN clan members congratulating him gave me a good idea. They planned to establish themselves in the western city as a group.

Park Hwanhee seemed busy receiving greetings, but then he spotted someone and waved with a bright smile. He began to make his way through the crowd, genuinely welcoming and excited.

Turning to see who he was heading towards, I saw Cha Yuna waving back and running towards him, with Baek Hangyeol walking quietly beside her.

‘I thought a lot about what you said, and I was able to make up my mind.’

‘But it’s too frustrating to just step back without saying anything.’

Looking closely at his face, a faint smile played on his lips. But only I might know the true meaning behind that smile.

After watching them for a moment, I too began to walk slowly in their direction.