“Isn’t it strange? When someone’s in real danger, you’d expect them to shout ‘help me’ or ‘save me,’ not just ‘rescue us.’”
“So, according to the Clan Lord, does that mean they might still be isolated but alive?”
“At the time, yes. That’s why two allied clans sent out rescue teams. But now, so much time has passed, and we haven’t heard a word from them.”
As I let the Sun and Moon Sword fall from the map, Go Yeonju nodded in agreement. Some of the others still looked puzzled, but a few seemed to catch on. Glancing at Ha Yeon, who was carefully reviewing the records, I continued in a low voice.
“Initially, Istantel Low advised against the expedition to the Illusion Canyon. But they went ahead, ignoring the warnings from the leading clan.”
“Did they sense something?”
“Hard to say. We’d have to go in to know for sure, but it’s likely. If we trace their steps, we might find some answers.”
“Idiots. They make the mess, and we have to clean it up. Ugh.”
Vivian grumbled, clearly annoyed at the thought of diverting time from her new research for an expedition. I wanted to tell her, “But cleaning up this mess might come with a reward. You never know, we might find a pearl in the muck.” But seeing Ha Yeon cover her mouth in disgust, I decided against it.
‘Time to discuss the team selection… Why do we only have one priest?’
I tapped the scabbard in my left hand, scanning the clan members, and clicked my tongue when I saw An Sol. We had prepared for various scenarios, but once we entered, who knew what variables might arise? Considering the field effects, An Sol was the most exposed to these uncertainties.
Deciding caution was the best approach, I announced the team lineup I had in mind.
“As I mentioned yesterday, we can’t take everyone on this expedition. Once we accept this request and leave the city, we’ll start the foundation work on the Clan House. Oh, and the construction costs will be paid later, guaranteed by Istantel Low.”
“Foundation work, you say…”
“Don’t worry. We’re keeping most of the building structure intact, and cleaning is our priority. We’ve arranged for someone to oversee it, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“I see. Looks like I’m taking on a role I never expected…”
Ha Yeon, usually sharp in her field, seemed unsure about construction. After reassuring her, I turned my attention to Vivian.
“We’ve prepared for various scenarios, but the Plateau of Delusion and the Illusion Canyon require mobility. So, we’ll exclude most of the mages, who are the majority in the Mercenary Clan. Now then… User Jeong Ha Yeon.”
“Yes, understood.”
Having discussed it beforehand, Ha Yeon nodded readily. I nodded back and called the next person to be excluded.
“Vivian La Clacidas.”
“Huh? Me too?”
“Yes. I think the unicorn horn might be a bit overwhelming this time. So, you don’t have to join the expedition. Focus on your research instead.”
“Well… I guess that’s fine, but it’s a bit much for me to handle alone.”
Of course, it would be. Ha Yeon was handling the Clan House construction, and Vivian was focused on potion research. It might be too much for each to handle alone, so we needed someone to assist them. The most suitable person for this would be…
“User Shin Sang Yong.”
“Yes, yes. Am I excluded too?”
“That’s right. But you’ll need to help with both the potion research and Jeong Ha Yeon’s tasks.”
“Oh… Okay, I understand.”
Shin Sang Yong was close to Jeong Ha Yeon and played a central role in Vivian’s research. If he were more aggressive, he might have been upset about being excluded from the expedition, but he preferred stability, so he wouldn’t complain much. After confirming his expression, I spoke with certainty.
“That’s all for the exclusions. The expedition team will consist of myself, User Go Yeonju, An Hyun, An Sol, Lee Yoo Jung, Kim Hanbyul, and Baek Hangyeol. Seven in total.”
As soon as I finished speaking, the selected members exchanged surprised glances. Except for Go Yeonju and me, the rest were key users in the Mercenary Clan. However, the Mercenary Clan wasn’t yet large or balanced enough. Considering all factors, this seemed like the right choice.
“I’ll share a few more details, and then we’ll wrap up the meeting.”
”…”
Silence. No one spoke. They all looked at me with understanding eyes. Taking a deep breath, I prepared to conclude the meeting.
“User Kim Hanbyul, Baek Hangyeol.”
“Yes.”
“Yes!”
“I’ll open the storage. Choose a gem that matches Baek Hangyeol’s wavelength. Then, start practicing together from today. And… An Hyun? After the meeting, take them to the equipment room.”
An Hyun responded, “Understood,” though he seemed a bit reluctant, perhaps regretting the loss of the gems.
“An Sol, Lee Yoo Jung. You two will handle the supplies for the expedition. I’ll give you the list.”
“Okay.”
“Got it, oppa.”
They answered readily. Lee Yoo Jung’s formal tone felt a bit odd, but on reflection, it seemed fitting.
“User Go Yeonju. Send a messenger to Istantel Low to accept the request.”
“Understood, Clan Lord.”
With Go Yeonju’s slight bow, I addressed everyone once more.
“If anyone has any other opinions, please speak up now.”
”…”
“Seems like there are none. For your information, we plan to depart in three days. Please complete your assigned tasks within two days if possible. Then…”
Pausing briefly, I let the Sun and Moon Sword fall from my hands. As the scabbard hit the floor with a thud, all eyes turned to me.
“This concludes the meeting.”
The sky was remarkably clear. Leaning against the entrance, I looked up to see a sky without a single cloud.
None of the clan members had come down yet. I took out a cigarette, thinking I might not get to smoke much during the expedition, so I might as well enjoy it now.
Just as I was about to light it, I heard footsteps descending the stairs.
“Oh.”
Turning with the cigarette in my mouth, I saw Im Hanna looking at me with wide eyes. Feeling a bit awkward, I took the cigarette out of my mouth. She approached with a gentle smile.
“It’s okay. You can smoke.”
“Isn’t the Love House a non-smoking area?”
“Some people sneak a smoke in their rooms anyway. It’s fine.”
“Still…”
As I hesitated, Im Hanna took my hand, guiding the cigarette back to my lips. Her hand felt warm against mine.
Sss, sss.
Unable to refuse her kindness, I took a deep drag. As I exhaled with satisfaction, her gentle voice reached my ears again.
“Things seemed busy upstairs. Are you heading out of the city today?”
“Didn’t the clan members tell you?”
“We haven’t talked much lately. Everyone’s been so busy since the Mercenary Lord arrived.”
“I see… Yes, we’re planning to leave for an expedition today. It’ll take some time, given the distance. But not everyone is going, so there’s no need to worry too much.”
“Oh, come on. I said it’s fine.”
Im Hanna waved her hand with a soft laugh. I forced my gaze away from her subtly moving chest and turned to the stairs. Fortunately, clan members began appearing one by one. However, upon seeing who they were, I had to retract my relief.
The two approaching us stopped and began whispering to each other.
“Really…”
“No, no… Suhyeon wouldn’t… It must be Hanna who…”
“Maybe Suhyeon has feelings too… If they both do…”
“There’s a chance… Maybe it’s too late…”
Though they whispered, I could hear bits of their conversation. They were clearly speaking loud enough for me to hear. I exhaled sharply through my nose, and Im Hanna, flustered, waved her hands.
“Uh, sisters. It’s not like that.”
Despite her explanation, their suspicious glances didn’t waver. As their eyes turned to me, I quickly turned away, pretending to discard the cigarette outside.
I only turned back when the rest of the clan members began descending the stairs, ready for the expedition.
At the forefront of the group descending the stairs were Ahn Hyun and Baek Han-gyeol. Baek Han-gyeol was no longer wearing the academy uniform. Not that he had been given any special gear; he was clad in basic leather armor bought from a shop. However, the black gloves on one hand and the shield of Hofron he held in both hands were quite distinctive.
“Hyung, thanks a lot.”
“Don’t mention it. Heh. Just don’t lose those gloves of reduction, alright? They’re really rare. I’m only lending them to you for a while.”
“Hehe, I promise I won’t lose them. But are you sure you’re okay? I heard the spear is really heavy.”
“Huh? Oh, it’s fine. I’ve trained a lot, and I can handle it with both hands.”
Ahn Hyun, eager to show off his strength, swung the jet-black spear in the narrow stairway. A clang echoed, followed by a faint scream from behind.
A shimmering white barrier had flashed into existence. Ahn Hyun had almost hit An Sol, who was behind him, but thankfully, the modified shield of protection had sprung up just in time. An Sol, looking as if she’d aged ten years, stammered before yelling at Ahn Hyun, who quickly bowed his head in apology, eliciting a sigh from her.
“Oppa, we’re all set! Everyone’s here~.”
“Can you stick to one way of speaking?”
“Hehe, it’s hard to change all of a sudden.”
“Just make sure to differentiate between formal and informal settings. Anyway, get the clan members lined up outside. I’ll be out soon.”
“Okay! I mean, yes!”
Yoo Jung, fiddling with her aquamarine earrings, gave a sheepish smile before dashing off. Watching her for a moment, I felt a wave of nostalgia. When we first set out from the
Some would leave, and some would stay. Soon, the clan members participating in this expedition stepped out, and I turned to the four who remained inside. There stood Ha Yeon, Vivian, Shin Sang-yong, and Im Han-na, all looking at me.
“Soo-hyun, make sure you come back. Don’t worry about us.”
“Kim Soo-hyun! If you find any good materials, bring them back!”
“Leader, I’m sorry I can’t join you. I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly here.”
“Mercenary Lord, take care of yourself….”
I nodded at Shin Sang-yong’s words but paused at Im Han-na’s. Though she wasn’t officially part of our clan, her presence among them didn’t feel out of place. I tilted my head slightly, then nodded, responding in a calm voice.
“Yes, there shouldn’t be any major issues. It’ll take about three weeks, so please hold down the fort.”
Looking outside, I saw Go Yeon-joo organizing the clan members. I turned and descended the stairs.
The sky was still brilliantly clear. It felt like the perfect day for an expedition. The thought of wielding my sword again after so long filled me with a bit of excitement.
With a refreshed feeling, I walked to the front of the lined-up clan members.
“Let’s head out.”
“Hyung, which gate are we taking?”
“No need to go the long way around… let’s take the east gate.”
Beside me stood Ahn Hyun, our tank, eagerly adjusting his spear. He seemed eager to get going, so I set off toward the east gate at a brisk pace. Soon, the sound of footsteps followed behind me.
With those footsteps, we marked the beginning of our expedition to the Illusion Canyon, or as it would later be known, the
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
I have a small apology to make to my readers. As I mentioned before, I’m currently preparing for my upcoming finals. Balancing studying with writing has been challenging, and I’m struggling with a lack of time. Just today, I only managed to review what I studied yesterday without making any new progress. ㅜ.ㅠ
I’m trying to make the most of my time. I hope you can understand if I take a break from writing afterwords and replies until my exams are over. This doesn’t mean I won’t read your comments—I can check them on my phone. If there’s anything urgent, I’ll respond via comments or messages.
I ask for your kind understanding, and I’ll take my leave for today. Thank you.
I really hope these exams end soon. Sigh.