Mercenary Finds Its Place
There were three main reasons for choosing this expedition to Magia. First, it was one of the most coveted sites among the ruins surrounding Monica. Second, it offered equipment and classes that could benefit the clan members. Lastly, it was requested by Istantel Row.
And now, this perfectly orchestrated expedition was about to bear fruit.
Jung Ha-yeon and Vivian had both expressed interest in the Order of Order. I waited a bit longer just in case, but no other clan members raised their hands. Shin Sang-yong, with his faint smile, was expected, but An Sol’s lack of interest was surprising. She had participated actively in the expedition and was capable of using the priest class, so she had potential. Yet, she just sat there with a bright, carefree smile.
I tapped the table with my index finger, then nodded slightly. Both of them lowered their hands simultaneously.
When distributing equipment, it’s best not to beat around the bush. I had no intention of doing so anyway, and the cleanest way was to be straightforward. The situation had already been announced, so I decided that directness was the best approach.
I spoke quietly.
“Vivian La Clasidus, tell me why you want the Order of Order.”
At my words, Vivian bit her lip. A knowing look passed over the faces of the clan members.
Personally, I thought the Order of Order suited Jung Ha-yeon better. She was a skilled magic user. Moreover, with the potential secret class ‘Mage of the Blue Moon’ in her future, she could become a formidable force in a few years.
I didn’t show it outwardly, but my words had implicitly supported Jung Ha-yeon.
After a brief silence, Vivian finally spoke, her lips parting slowly.
“Of course, I know the Order of Order suits Jung Ha-yeon. But I believe I can use it well too.”
“That’s something anyone could say. What I want to hear is what abilities you can demonstrate if you have it. Be more specific.”
Vivian closed her eyes. Watching her, I found the situation quite intriguing. Despite her often silly demeanor, I kept Vivian around because she could be serious when needed. She was different from the others. If I gave the order, she would carry out a massacre with a smile. That was Vivian’s true nature.
Her eyes snapped open, gleaming with determination.
“I examined the Guz Appraisal attached to the Order of Order closely yesterday. There are four options I’m interested in: 150% magic output, 100% mana recovery, no-cast ability, and the Key of Magia.”
“Setting aside the Key of Magia… are the first three options related to your chimera beasts?”
“Yes. Specifically, they’re related to the beasts I’ve contracted and enhanced. Honestly, even though I’m called the ruler of the 66-beast legion, I don’t have complete control. Without the help of magic circles, I can’t even summon the top-tier beasts, like those in the top four legions.”
“Hmm…”
I listened intently to Vivian. I expected her to change the atmosphere. Most of the clan members, including myself, were leaning towards Jung Ha-yeon. Sensing this, Vivian cleared her throat before continuing. This was the crux of her argument.
“But with the Order of Order, I can solve all these problems. With the 150% output, my summons will be stronger. Even though there’s a seven-day condition, if I can recover 100% of my mana, I can summon the entire legion. And with the no-cast ability, I can compress all spells except those independently linked to the beasts. Summoning time will be significantly reduced. And if we’re planning to rebuild the magic city, I could be quite helpful.”
“Interesting. I’d like to hear more about this legion summoning.”
“If I go into detail, it’ll take too long. But the key point is that the Order of Order can replace magic circles. For the top-tier legion, maybe one. For the lower ones, perhaps two. Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say.”
Vivian wrapped up her explanation with a more relaxed expression. I stroked my chin, feeling increasingly drawn to her argument. If she could indeed summon the legion, it would greatly aid our future plans.
“Should I fully support Jung Ha-yeon, or should I split the resources and aim for simultaneous growth with Vivian?”
It was a pleasant dilemma. But rather than getting lost in thought, it was time to hear from the other person. Only then could I make a clear decision. Just as I turned to Jung Ha-yeon, she spoke up.
“I see.”
“User Jung Ha-yeon?”
“I’ve heard Vivian’s argument. Clan Lord, I’ll give up on the Order of Order.”
”?”
Her easy surrender caught me off guard. But in that moment, I noticed her gaze briefly flicker over a blue book. Even Vivian seemed surprised, casting a puzzled look her way. Jung Ha-yeon sighed softly, then smiled brightly.
“If what she says is true, I think it’s more fitting for Vivian to have it. That’s just how I feel. It’s a bit disappointing, but I don’t want to be too greedy.”
“Really? I can really have it?”
“If Su-hyun allows it.”
“Wow!”
Vivian’s voice was filled with joy. But my eyes remained on Jung Ha-yeon. Sensing my gaze, she shook her head slightly, still smiling.
“Jung Ha-yeon! Thank you! Really, thank you!”
“Thank you? You’re…”
Jung Ha-yeon paused, then continued in a low voice.
“…a skilled alchemist.”
I wondered if Jung Ha-yeon had changed her words midway. After all, she had lost her sister, Jung Ji-yeon, to Vivian. It could have been an uncomfortable relationship, yet she never showed it, maintaining a normal clan member relationship.
‘Maybe she read my intentions. So…’
Regardless of the truth, Jung Ha-yeon’s attitude was admirable and appreciated. Her recruitment from Mule had been a wise decision.
With Jung Ha-yeon’s declaration, the decision was clear. Turning my head, I saw Vivian eagerly awaiting my words, looking like an anxious puppy. I decided it was time to conclude the matter of the Order of Order.
“Then the Order of Order will be transferred to Vivian. If she fails the ownership ritual, the rights will go to Jung Ha-yeon.”
“That won’t happen, so don’t worry!”
Vivian exclaimed, her face a mix of surprise and determination.
And so, the Order of Order went to Vivian. Thanks to Jung Ha-yeon’s concession, we smoothly navigated what I thought would be the most challenging part. Solving the Order of Order was like crossing a major hurdle. The rest of the distribution process went swiftly, as most of the remaining equipment had already been narrowed down.
First, the Paradisus Plate Mail and the Legend of Hoplon were assigned to Baek Han-gyeol. Everyone agreed that his unique ability, ‘Reflection,’ was a perfect match for these armors. I asked Ahn Hyun about Paradisus just in case, but he firmly shook his head, likely preferring the Great Sun.
Of course, Baek Han-gyeol would need to increase his stats to use them effectively. There was a condition to hold off until then, but he accepted with gratitude.
Mavolo’s research records were obviously Vivian’s, and the secret class Mage of the Blue Moon naturally went to Jung Ha-yeon. She showed no regret over the Order of Order, instead hugging the blue book I handed her with satisfaction.
The rare class Dawn Gladiator and the Seombaek went to Lee Yoo-jung. The Dawn Gladiator was already intended for her, and the Seombaek, being a dagger, was her main weapon. Her expression was calm as she received the worn sword and silver dagger.
Or rather, she was trying to appear calm. Her eyes trembled, her lips moved silently, and her hands and legs shook. Having achieved the class succession she had longed for, I could guess her true feelings.
Tyrfing was a bit tricky to distribute. The blade was too long to be a dagger but too short to be a longsword. It was closer to a dagger, but that was a minor issue. The fact that it was a cursed sword made it more complicated.
Ultimately, its owner was decided. Or rather, it had been decided from the start. Once I relinquished ownership of Tyrfing, the only suitable user was Go Yeon-ju. Her chaotic nature seemed a perfect fit, so Tyrfing was given to her.
With that, the only items left were the Circlet of Purity and the Magic Elixir. No one had claimed ownership of these two. It wasn’t that they didn’t want them; it was more about the awkwardness of asking.
The Magic Elixir, in particular, was a tricky one. Clan members who had already received items felt guilty about taking more, and among those who hadn’t, only Ansol and Shin Sangyong could make use of the elixir. The problem was, neither of them was bold enough to just take it.
Ultimately, the decision fell to me. As the clan leader, it was my duty to handle this appropriately. I stared at the two items in front of me, then slowly raised my head. All eyes were on me.
“Since Jeong Hayeon will gain more magic power after awakening to a secret class… I should give it to either Ansol or Shin Sangyong. But why are they both acting like this?”
Every time Shin Sangyong seemed about to speak, he’d just shake his head and wave his hands, leaving me at a loss. Ansol was no different, avoiding my gaze since earlier. It would have been easier if they fought over it, but their insistence on deferring to each other was making things more complicated.
I let out a deep sigh and tucked the Circlet of Purity into my coat. While I had decided on the circlet, the Magic Elixir required more thought. Of course, I couldn’t delay too long. The longer I waited, the more likely it was to become a non-issue, so I planned to resolve it before the end of this session.
But since the decision was now mine, I needed some time to think.
“Alright, I’ll handle these two items as I see fit. But before that…”
I paused and looked around at the clan members. Go Yeonju, Vivian, Jeong Hayeon, and Lee Yujeong were all admiring the equipment they had received.
Watching them, I smiled softly and continued, “How about we take a break and watch the class inheritance and awakening ceremony?”
The sun was high in the sky, casting its bright rays down. Inside the Love House, it was quiet. The night flowers were all asleep, and except for one person, the tables on the first floor were empty. Business was so slow that the madam was chatting with the lone customer.
“Where is everyone else?”
“Well~. Sangyong oppa is still talking with the boss~. Anhyeon oppa went out to check on something~. The other sisters are busy admiring their new gear in their rooms.”
“I see. But what about our Sol? Aren’t you feeling left out?”
“Gulp. Huh? Why?”
Ansol asked, sipping the drink Im Hanna had brought her.
“You didn’t get anything this time, did you?”
“Oh~. Hehe. It’s fine. I’ve received plenty before. Besides, I’m still in my first year, so I have lots of room to grow, but Sangyong oppa’s growth is almost capped. I actually hoped he would get it.”
“You’re so kind, Sol.”
“Hehe.”
Ansol beamed, showing off a white orb and a ring. Im Hanna watched her fondly, then turned her head as if sensing someone coming down the stairs. Shin Sangyong appeared, looking weary.
He staggered down the stairs, then nodded to the two women.
“Oh, hello.”
“Hello. Did you finish your talk with the Mercenary Lord?”
“Ha, haha. Just finished. Sigh…”
Shin Sangyong looked at the wooden box in his hand, sighed, and shook his head. Then he opened the box and picked up its contents. A fragrant black orb rested between his fingers.
“Wow. Congratulations.”
“Congratulations. I’m really jealous.”
Despite their congratulations, Shin Sangyong only managed a wry smile. Watching him, Ansol urged him on, tapping her feet.
“Go on, take it. Hurry.”
“Haha. Yes, I will.”
Though he said he would, Shin Sangyong’s hand didn’t move. Instead, he slowly approached the table, closing the distance step by step.
“I always thought this elixir should go to Ansol. I never expected to receive it. I had many thoughts, but I was told to follow my heart. So, I’ll follow the clan leader’s decision. Please understand, Ansol.”
“I’m really okay. You don’t have to worry about that.”
“Thank you for saying so. But, Ansol?”
Reaching the table, Shin Sangyong called out to Ansol with a gentle smile. Im Hanna watched them with interest as Ansol yawned widely, having woken up early that morning.
“Yawn. Yes?”
And in that moment, something flickered in Shin Sangyong’s eyes. He pointed toward the door.
“Uh, someone outside is calling for you, Ansol.”
“Yawn. Who?”
Ansol turned her head toward the entrance. But there was no one there.
A question mark seemed to hover over her head. Even as she yawned again, her mouth opened wide.
“Yawn. Who is it…?”
Ansol mumbled as she turned her head back. And just as she did, Shin Sangyong’s hand moved like lightning toward her still-open mouth.
“Gulp!”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Royujin.
Wow, I’m a bit surprised. I didn’t expect anyone to guess who would get the Circlet of Purity, but someone did! My respects to that person’s deduction skills. Haha. It seems many are interested in the elixir. Once the clan house is completed, we’ll be able to make it. Preparations are already done, and it won’t take long. I expect it to appear around episode 285 (give or take a couple of episodes). It won’t take as long as 10 or 20 episodes. ㅜ.ㅠ Seraph will likely appear around then too. :)
PS.
Equipment point increases happen immediately. (This is shown as a + and doesn’t affect the user’s potential.)
Elixir point increases don’t happen immediately. (They first appear as ~reserved points, and the user must manually apply them in the user info window. Remember when Kim Suhyun regretted raising his stamina by 2 points? He had 14 points initially and later raised it by 2.) :) Ansol’s potential remains untouched!
『 Reader Comments 』
Miwolya: Congrats on being first. Haha. Yes, you guessed right. Lee Yujeong will become a cute cat in the future. (?) Meow~. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ.
Hyunoh: Haha. I can’t say for sure. I plan the plot initially, but I sometimes change it if it doesn’t feel right. I always enjoy reading the Memorize literature you share!
Sakjeongyi: Correction completed. Thank you!
Dreamjang: Haha. I’m a guy, so I don’t know much about women’s baths. ( —)
Hwangdanghan Story: Ah, in that case, I recommend letting it sit for a bit and then binge-reading. It might help a little. :)
Gamjatip: Hahaha. There are already clan members who want it. As for the protagonist’s brother, I’ll let you in on a secret. He doesn’t need the Order of Justice to do well. (whisper) ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. Kim Suhyun is holding back from visiting him to avoid disrupting the future. :)
Yureined: Eh, I mentioned before that the potion pouch is communal. It’s a bit tricky to use because of the sound medicine… (It’s Suhyun’s loot.)
Rain_Maker: There’s a saying about fighting fire with fire. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. Sweating it out feels refreshing.
Hong Seungshik: It’s a bit bigger than a cat. Haha. Think of it as similar to a horse in appearance, but much smaller when it’s a baby. They hatch from eggs. :)
Approximate: No. Suhyun’s stamina was ‘permanently’ reduced. There was no - sign. He lost that much when he accepted the fire spirit.
Thank you for always reading. Your recommendations and comments are a great support.
I hope you always read with a relaxed mind.
Recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.