Butterfly Effect
“Gasp, gasp, gasp, gasp!”
A man was running for his life through the forest. He sprinted with all his might until he tripped and fell forward, tumbling several times before finally coming to a stop. The momentum he had built up was so great that it took a few rolls to halt completely.
“Ugh… mmph!”
He let out a groan of pain but quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. His face was contorted in agony, and cold sweat dripped down his brow, yet he refused to remove his trembling hand from his lips. Once the shaking subsided, he slowly lowered his hand.
“Haa…”
He took shallow breaths, wary of being overheard. He tried to stand but collapsed back down, his gaze falling to his ankle. It was swollen from the fall, but instead of the usual red or yellowish hue, it had turned a disturbing shade of blue.
“Damn bastards…”
He cursed under his breath, rummaging through his pockets while keeping a vigilant eye on his surroundings. His appearance was pitiful. He wore a thick leather armor, but it was scorched and torn in several places, looking more like a rag than protective gear. Blood seeped through the gaps, indicating severe injuries that suggested a deliberate attack rather than accidental scrapes or falls.
“Ugh… ugh…”
He poured a potion over his swollen ankle, watching as the swelling gradually subsided. He then applied it to his other wounds, saving a sip for himself. As he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and he stood up, looking more at ease despite the remaining injuries. He began to run again.
After about an hour, he reached a narrow, secluded path and abruptly stopped. He crouched low, hiding in the shadows, and peered out, fixing his gaze in one direction. His eyes glinted blue as a group of people appeared from the opposite side of the path.
He scrutinized them with a tense expression. There were six of them, and as he scanned them from head to toe, a glimmer of hope crossed his face. He quickly stood and dashed toward them.
“Wait, wait! Gasp, gasp.”
“Everyone, halt.”
“Are you members of the renowned clan, Paradise on Earth, from Mule?”
”…”
The six individuals immediately assumed a defensive stance as he approached. The leader studied him for a moment before raising a hand, seemingly deciding he posed no threat.
“Yes, we are. But you seem badly injured. Let us help you…”
“No! No need for that! We must return to the city immediately!”
“Return to the city? Why?”
“Something terrible is happening in the forest! My comrades were all taken down, and I barely escaped! We must warn the city before they track me down!”
His desperate plea made the group exchange glances. Just then, a voice among them said, “Looks like we found something,” and the man’s eyes widened. As a priest began chanting and closing the distance, fear flickered across his face. Before he could react, the priest’s staff was pointed at him.
”───. ───. ───. Cure.”
“Huh…?”
The man looked puzzled. The priest, tucking her long hair behind her ear, spoke kindly.
“We know. So don’t worry too much.”
“What…?”
“We’ve been getting strange reports of disappearances for a week now. We’re an investigation team sent by the main clan to look into the Black Forest. We didn’t expect to find a clue so soon.”
“Then…!”
“Yes. It seems you know something about the disappearances. Could you share it with us?”
The man looked as if he might burst into tears, overwhelmed by the relief of being saved. But he quickly glanced back, ready to speak.
“Alright. But first, we need to get out of here…”
Whizz! Thud!
“Ack!”
A sharp sound sliced through the air, and the priest’s forehead split open, revealing the tip of a blade. She let out a short scream and collapsed, the man instinctively catching her body.
“Heeseon!”
“Damn it, we’re under attack! Stay alert!”
“Hyung, what about that guy and Heeseon…?”
“Get the guy out of here, leave the body! Move quickly!”
Amidst the shouts, the man slumped to the ground, his legs giving way. The priest’s body fell, revealing the gaping wound at the back of her head. The sheer force of the attack was evident, far beyond what a simple thrown dagger should have caused.
As warm blood pooled on the ground, the man could feel it—dozens of presences crashing through the dense underbrush, closing in fast.
I was dragged to the warehouse, and only then did I regain my senses. My brother was there, eyes blazing as he inspected the equipment, determined to protect me at all costs.
Watching him carefully select each piece of gear, I had to work hard to explain the gloves I was wearing. The TOPG, the Orosros Long Boots, and the Glories of Heaven and Sun—I had to describe them in detail, spitting out explanations.
After some time, my brother seemed to understand my equipment. I could have stopped after explaining my high magic defense, but I couldn’t resist adding more.
He pondered for a moment before asking, “What about physical defense?” I admitted I had a Coat of Plate but found it cumbersome, which was a mistake. His hands resumed their swift movements.
If Jin-ha hadn’t brought in Victoria’s Glory midway, the warehouse’s stock of combat gear might have been wiped out. No joke.
After over two hours of back-and-forth, we finally left the warehouse.
Now, we’re back at the table. Three pieces of equipment lay gleaming beautifully. One was a luxurious earring with a pure white glow, another a soft-looking shirt emitting a gentle golden light, and the last a sleeveless cloak with a serene ocean hue.
Each item bore the mark of Goose Appraisal. I sighed and looked up to see my brother’s dissatisfied face and the clan members shaking their heads.
When I stared at him, he quickly changed his expression to a clumsy smile, gesturing for me to read the descriptions. I licked my lips and activated my third eye.
Victoria’s Glory
(General Description: This is the ‘King’s Sword,’ symbolizing the ancient and powerful Victoria Kingdom. Many kingdoms have risen and fallen, but Victoria was one of the longest-lasting. Known as a warrior nation, Victoria was aggressive, and despite its decline after 200 years of conquest, it once aimed to unify the whole Plain Continent. ‘Victoria’s Glory’ is a traditional royal sword, and legend says only those with royal qualities can unlock its true power.)
(Detailed Description: 1. As a royal sword, it has a strong sense of pride. It chooses its master, revealing its true form from an earring if a worthy owner appears. (The wearer can revert it to an earring form if desired.) 2. Increases stamina by 2 points. (However, if the wearer exceeds 95 points initially, the effect does not apply.) 3. Infuses the wearer with vitality, enhancing physical activity and mana flow (not an increase in stats) and provides some resistance against curses and evil influences. 4. When revealed from its earring form, the wearer can exude charisma based on their magic ability. 5. When revealed, the sword’s latent ability ‘Sword Light’ can be used.)
Noble Mithril Shirt
Blue for the Dragon Knight’s Coat
“Whoa.”
I couldn’t help but gape as I read the description. I’d seen the Noble Mithril Shirt and the Blue Dragon Knight’s Coat in the first round, but I couldn’t recall anything about Victoria’s Glory. Confused, I looked up to see my brother grinning at me, as if to say, “What do you think? Do you like it?”
“Hyung, this is…”
“It’s fine. Take it. The sword’s got such a strong sense of pride that none of our clan members have been acknowledged by it.”
“But still… what if it doesn’t acknowledge me either?”
“Just take it. Even if you only wear it as an earring, it’ll have a decent effect. Oh, your stamina stat isn’t over 95 points, is it?”
I nodded silently. The mention of stamina made me curious about my brother’s player status. I still had the Third Eye activated, so I glanced at him.
Name: Kim Yoo-hyun (2nd Year)
Class: Secret, The Lord of the Thunder, Master
Nation: Barbara
Clan: Haemil (Clan Rank: Under Performance Evaluation)
True Name & Nationality: Master of Thunder and Lightning, Fool for His Brother · South Korea
Sex: Male (26)
Height & Weight: 180.7cm · 70.8kg
Disposition: Blood and Iron · Cool
[Strength 70] [Endurance 87] [Agility 88] [Stamina 97] [Magic 97(+2)] [Luck 94]
(Remaining Stat Points: 0)
[Strength 96(+2)] [Endurance 92] [Agility 98] [Stamina 90] [Magic 96] [Luck 90(+2)]
(Total Free Stat Points: 6)
[Strength 70] [Endurance 87] [Agility 88] [Stamina 97] [Magic 97(+2)] [Luck 94]
(Remaining Stat Points: 0)
‘What?’
The first thing that came to mind when I saw his stats was a question mark. Honestly, I was quite taken aback. While the total stat points are important, mages typically have high magic stats but lower physical stats. Judging mages by their total stat points is usually foolish.
But even so… these stats were shocking, even for a mage.
‘Is this why he’s been so unstoppable?’
I was still gaping, unable to even consider looking at his achievements or unique, special, and latent abilities, when Jin-ha noona’s gentle voice broke through.
“It’s alright, young master… Mercenary Lord. We’ve already discussed it in the warehouse. You don’t need to feel too burdened. We were planning to auction off some equipment to get elixirs anyway, and now we can retrieve them all. So, in a way, we’ve reduced our expenses.”
“Exactly. Honestly, I was a bit reluctant to part with the equipment that boosts agility and luck. It’s a relief.”
‘I wasn’t really feeling burdened… but what did she just say?’
Did she say it boosts agility and luck too? Of course, if I had Victoria’s Glory, my stamina would increase, but the surprise hadn’t worn off.
“Yeah, Soo-hyun. I’m really sorry I couldn’t do more for you.”
“No, this is more than enough.”
“Good. If you had refused this, I would’ve forced it on you. Now, why don’t you place your hand on Victoria’s Glory? I’m curious about the result.”
”…”
Suddenly, I felt a cold sweat trickle down my back. My brother smiled warmly, encouraging me not to be too disappointed if it didn’t work out. As I turned my head, I saw An-sol looking at me with sparkling eyes and two others covering their mouths, trying not to laugh. Somehow, meeting my brother seemed to have shattered the dignity I’d built as a clan lord. I sighed again.
“Phew. Don’t get your hopes up too much.”
“I know. I was rejected too, after all. But I think you can do it, Soo-hyun. So don’t feel too pressured. Haha.”
What is he even saying? Is he telling me to feel pressured or not?
Slowly, I raised my hand and gently placed it on the earring. That’s when it happened.
Vroom!
It took less than a second. As soon as I touched the earring, it transformed into a sword, as if it had been waiting for me. On the table now lay a sleek, majestic sword, emitting a soft, white glow. When I looked up in disbelief, I saw the same astonished expressions mirrored on the faces of the others, including my brother.
“Soo-hyun! I’ll be heading to Monica soon!”
“Soo-hyun, your brother-in-law is calling you.”
“Let’s pretend we didn’t hear that.”
“Soo-hyun! Take care of yourself! Promise me! Soo-hyun!”
The more I heard my brother’s voice, the faster I walked.
After the reward issue was settled, I immediately said goodbye to my brother. He tried to keep me there, insisting I stay for dinner, but I firmly declined, using work as an excuse. It was for my own good.
I had longed to see him, and it wasn’t that I didn’t want to spend more time with him. But I feared what might happen if I stayed longer. Once I started leaning on him, I might do it again and again. I hadn’t started the second round to be protected by him again.
And so, my reunion with my brother came to an end. But there were still a couple of unresolved issues.
First, the user I saved this time was the Guardian of the Northern Continent. Second, telling my brother the truth. I had thought about these things but decided to hold off on making a decision. Lee Hyo-eul wouldn’t wake up until she recovered from the aftereffects, and I had a little information about the Guardian.
‘I saved the Guardian of the Northern Continent. And Lee Hyo-eul’s true name, An-sol’s true name. Lastly, telling my brother the truth.’
For these three things, it seemed wise to take my time and think deeply rather than make a hasty decision based on emotions. And to do that, I needed to deal with the immediate tasks first.
‘Let’s start by recruiting the old man.’
Yes. For now, it was enough to confirm that we were both alive.
The sun, which had been high in the sky for quite some time, was now slowly turning into the colors of dusk. It was time to head to the warp gate.
“Soo-hyun! Let me at least see you off! Just to the gate…!”
“I told you not to come out!”
In the end, I ran.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
《 Additional: Thank you so much to everyone who congratulated me on reaching 300 chapters! 》
Yes, the reunion with the brother part has concluded. I wanted to detail the farewell a bit more, but I thought it best to end it here. We’ll meet again often in the future. Haha. And by then, Hyo-eul will be awake. This chapter’s subtitle, “Butterfly Effect,” focuses on saving Lee Hyo-eul. Haha. I’d love to say more, but I’ll hold back for the day Hyo-eul and An-sol meet. Now, it’s time to head to Mule!
PS. I promise never to wake my brother up like that again. Honestly, he’s been out of the military for three years, but he still reacts intensely. The way he looked at me with that fierce expression right after waking up was terrifying. I’m glad I turned it off immediately. Whew.
『 Reader Comments 』
Miwolya: It’s been a while since you got first place! Congratulations. :) Haha. Itachi, huh. Now that you mention it, yes. I haven’t read it all, but I still remember the scene where he taps his brother’s forehead. ㅜ.ㅠ
mfsm: Eh. Dumplings? Give me some meat dishes! Salad! Fish too! (Whack!)
Flute: Ah, Flute. Your comment last time was hilarious. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. An-sol acting as the continent’s guardian, going “Bia~. Bia~.” Just thinking about it is too funny. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ.
Fallen Wings: I recently got a call from a Joara editor. They want the e-book manuscript. I asked them to wait a bit longer. It’s so scary. Sob. ;ㅅ;
Broken Fan: Haha. A doting father is nice too. I wonder how people would react if it were a sister instead of a brother. :)
Yurikenne: Thank you for the coupon. (__) Has that acquaintance of yours ever commented? I’m curious about their nickname. Haha. Ah. How about Kim Yoo-hyun as the top, Kim Soo-hyun as the bottom? (Just kidding. Just kidding! Sorry!)
Replion: I surrendered just by looking at his eyes. They were so cold… ㅜ.ㅠ
Void_Moon Gazer: Ho. You’re provoking me? Hahaha. The place is ready. There’s a large bathhouse in the clan house, so if we happen to meet… Whack! Whack! No, just kidding. @[email protected]
Ali: Oh, really? Where did you serve? Jinju? Sacheon? ㅋㅁㅋ
Waryong Teacher a: … Haha. Haha. Haha. I see. You’re trying to awaken that potential within me! Roar! In that case! With all my might…! Huff, huff. No, no. You all keep saying these things, so I keep… ;ㅇ;
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I hope you always read with a relaxed mind.
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