Reunion & Return
“We made it! We’re really in the city!”
“We’re alive! We survived! Oh, thank goodness…”
As we entered Eden, the cheers from the users were deafening. Some even collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed with tears—not of sadness, but of sheer relief and joy at having made it back alive.
What was supposed to be a three or four-day journey had stretched into three or four weeks. None of us had anticipated this, and seeing the city again after so long filled me with a mix of emotions. But there was no time for nostalgia; I had urgent matters to attend to, so I discreetly called for Go Yeonju.
“Yeonju, how did it go?”
“Huh? Oh, that?”
At first, Yeonju looked puzzled, but when I held her gaze, a knowing smile spread across her face.
“Oh, the equipment? Of course, I took good care of it.”
“I noticed some users wearing some of it on the way here.”
“Yeah, there was so much gear that even after packing it tightly, there was no room left. So, I picked out the best pieces with my keen eye, and for the rest, I suggested they wear the ones that were still usable despite some damage.”
I scanned the users celebrating with my third eye. Yeonju had a good eye for these things, but it never hurt to double-check.
After quickly verifying the equipment, I breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, there was nothing exceptionally valuable among the gear.
I pondered the promised rewards for the users. Most of the equipment was damaged, but with some repairs, it could still be useful.
‘It feels awkward to take it back now… Maybe I should just let them keep what they’re wearing?’
As I was mulling this over, Yeonju approached me cautiously.
“Suhyeon, if you’re worried about the rewards, I have an idea…”
“Oh? Please, go on.”
“Why not let them keep what they’re wearing? They’d be incredibly grateful, don’t you think?”
Her raised eyebrows suggested she was thinking along the same lines as I was.
Capturing the vagrants, especially Baek Seoyeon, was a significant event that would echo across the northern continent. As I was at the center of it, the Mercenary’s name would naturally spread. The rescued users would help spread the word, too.
In essence, Yeonju was suggesting we use the equipment as a goodwill gesture, since it wasn’t immediately needed.
Understanding the power of word-of-mouth, I nodded in agreement.
“Yes, let’s do that. And you mentioned there were some coins and jewels?”
“Yes, but not much. Less than 500 gold coins and about 20 jewels.”
“Keep the jewels, but distribute the coins. And make sure to say the right things.”
“Of course.”
Yeonju replied with a charming smile.
As she ran off to the users, I made my way to where the clan members were gathered. My real target was Shin Jaeryong, who was with them. Naturally, I checked his information once more on the way.
[Strength 78] [Endurance 82] [Agility 74] [Stamina 90] [Magic 84] [Luck 68]
‘Looks like his clan disbanded… This is decent enough.’
While not extraordinary, his stats were respectable. His disposition was particularly appealing. Given the Mercenary clan’s current lack of priests, it seemed like a good opportunity to recruit him.
“Mr. Shin Jaeryong.”
“Ah, Mercenary Lord.”
Pushing through the crowd of clan members, I called out to him. He responded with the gentle smile typical of a middle-aged man.
“You must have been through a lot recently… I’m truly grateful for your participation in the rescue.”
“Haha! No need to thank me. I was just following my beliefs. Besides, I owed a debt.”
“I see. Well, it feels a bit abrupt to part ways like this. Do you have any plans?”
“No, nothing specific.”
It seemed he hadn’t found a suitable place yet, so I decided to make my offer.
“In that case, I’d like to invite you to the Mercenary clan house. There’s something important I’d like to discuss.”
“Ah…”
Having been in Hall Plain for four years, Shin Jaeryong seemed to grasp the implication of my words. He looked momentarily stunned before replying in a slightly awkward voice.
“Ah… Yes. When would be a good time to visit?”
“Haha, no need to feel pressured. You’re welcome to stay the night if you’d like.”
I knew he needed time to think, and I wasn’t about to force him into joining. Once he calmed down, his expression relaxed.
“Suhyeon! I’m done talking.”
Just then, Yeonju’s voice called from behind. Turning around, I saw her looking confident, as if everything had gone well.
“Thank you for your hard work. How did it go?”
“They’re all very satisfied. Actually, more than satisfied. They were practically ready to bow in gratitude when I gave them the coins.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
“I’m not…”
Bowing, indeed. Considering they had lost almost everything in the attack, the rewards must have felt like a godsend.
Looking at the users, I saw them hesitating, unsure of what to do. But when Jo Seungwoo bowed deeply, I nodded in acknowledgment.
With the equipment issue resolved and Shin Jaeryong’s recruitment underway, all that remained was to return to the clan house.
But first, there was one last person I needed to speak with.
“Suhyeon.”
‘Speak of the devil.’
I turned to see my brother standing there. He approached, reaching to pat my head but instead placed his hand on my shoulder.
“So, what’s your plan now?”
“I’m heading back to the clan house. It’s been left unattended for too long.”
“Good thinking. As a clan lord, you must have a lot on your plate.”
“Uh… Yeah, I guess.”
I looked at him, surprised. I had expected him to insist on taking me to the Haemil clan house for protection, but his reaction was unexpected. I felt a strange sense of disappointment.
Whether he sensed my feelings or not, he smiled and removed his hand, looking past me as he spoke.
“I’d like to keep you by my side, but… since you’re in a similar position, I suppose there’s no choice. Please take good care of my brother.”
“Hoho. The clan lord is always a great help to us. We’ll do our best to support him, so don’t worry, Haemil Lord.”
“Haha. Haemil Lord sounds so formal. It was a pleasure meeting you. I’m sure we’ll see each other often.”
“It was an honor to meet you too. I look forward to it.”
‘What… is this?’
Watching my brother and Jeong Hayeon exchange such warm words and shake hands left me speechless. As they finished their handshake, my brother pulled me aside.
“Suhyeon, can we talk for a moment?”
“Uh? Sure.”
He led me a short distance away, as if he had something to discuss privately.
“Organizing the rescue and returning to the city… I’ve had a lot to think about.”
“Like what?”
“That you’re an adult now.”
“Well, of course…”
“Yes, but from my perspective… it’s a bit bittersweet and amazing. It feels like just yesterday you were twirling in your middle school uniform, showing off. And now, you’ve grown so much, with people following and wanting you.”
‘Brother, that was back on Earth. This is Hall Plain.’
His words seemed out of place, but his tone was so earnest that I held back my retort and listened.
Then, his next words hit me even harder.
“Oh, by the way, that woman, Jeong Hayeon. She’s the one you saved, right?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“I talked to her a few times on the way here. She’s quite impressive. I approve of her.”
“What?”
‘Approve of what?’
I was taken aback, eyes wide, as he patted my shoulder knowingly.
“She seems like a sensible person, and more importantly, she cares deeply for you. I can’t dictate your choices, but I like her.”
”…”
“Especially the way she held her own against Lee Hyoeul. That was something. Yes, someone like her is just right.”
As I turned to look at Jeong Hayeon, I finally understood what he meant.
Jung Ha-yeon seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood, her face constantly lit up with a bright smile. Nearby, Go Yeon-ju was biting her lip, and Ahn Sol was clenching her tiny hands tightly.
”…I should get going.”
“Huh? Oh, right. But how about having lunch together…?”
“No, that’s okay.”
I cut her off decisively and sighed deeply to myself, wondering how siblings could be so oblivious.
After a brief farewell with the users who had accompanied us on the return journey, we immediately used the warp gate. As we dragged along the vagrants, the users’ eyes were fixed on us, but we focused on a swift return and managed to reach the clan house within 30 minutes.
“Ah, finally here.”
“Sniff. I missed this place so much…”
Hearing Go Yeon-ju and Ahn Sol’s voices behind me as we stood before the front gate, I turned to look at the vagrants. Since reuniting with the rescue team, they hadn’t uttered a word. But I could guess their feelings without needing to hear them.
Baek Seo-yeon, Lee Ga-in, and Lee Hae-in wore expressions as if their souls had left them, while the other four looked around the city with tense faces and unfamiliar eyes.
I watched the vagrants for a moment, then gave a slight nod and spoke.
“Begin.”
““““───. ───. ───. Paralysis.””””
The sound of the mages’ incantations filled the air. Paralysis isn’t typically a high-level spell, but its effectiveness varies greatly depending on the user’s magical abilities.
Moreover, with the vagrants’ magic circuits damaged, 70% of them were practically like ordinary people. As a result, they crumpled helplessly under the paralysis spell.
Watching as clan members began to carry them away one by one, I spoke to Go Yeon-ju, who was holding Baek Seo-yeon’s limp body.
“Go Yeon-ju. Sorry, but I need to make a quick trip to the shop. We need some restraints.”
“That’s fine. But if you mean restraints…”
“Get some good quality ones, just three sets for now. Twenty gems should cover it if it’s for shop use.”
“Got it. But it might be a bit heavy to carry alone…”
As Go Yeon-ju spoke in a languid voice, I immediately turned to Ahn Hyun.
“Ahn Hyun. Go with her.”
“Thanks, bro!”
I’m not sure what he was thankful for, but Ahn Hyun tossed the vagrant he was holding to Lee Yoo-jung with a cheer. Lee Yoo-jung grumbled as she tried to catch the thrown vagrant with her now free hands, but then hesitated. Shin Jae-ryong stepped in to help.
Go Yeon-ju shot Ahn Hyun a disapproving look for a moment, then turned away with a pout.
After watching the two disappear beyond the bustling street, I approached the clan house’s front door. I sensed two presences behind it. Since Jung Ha-yeon had contacted Baek Han-gyeol, he was probably waiting.
I slowly opened the door. The moment I stepped inside…
“Kyuu!”
Suddenly, with a familiar sound, something sharp and silver shot towards me.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hmm. I have a question for my readers. So far, the covers illustrated by Sylvester feature Seraph and Go Yeon-ju. Is there any other character you’d like to see on the cover? (It’s not set in stone yet.) If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment. I’m considering making the next cover based on the most popular suggestion. I appreciate your input. (__)
UsainBolt: Congratulations on being first. Haha. You’ve got the knack for the first comment. Please share your secret with me. One of my wishes is to be first at a midnight update. :D
Separation of Powers: Haha. I’m planning to include the Chaos Mimic. It should be quite effective during the war.
Devaran: Thank you. I’m a bit nervous about my grades, but I’ll do my best.
Kuroshion: ☆.
Kkaetdong: Corrections made. Thank you. (__)
MonguHunter: The invasion order is Western Small Town -> General City -> Barbara. We’re just before the General City strategy.
Pineiro: Yes. Even the great Mavolo was inexperienced in mind control. If Vivian could control minds, it would contradict the setting. Unless she’s a Soul Commander, that is. :)
Dahit: I’ve received part of the first proofread version. I’m considering adding a 19+ rating. Haha.
Dofikan: Yes. I’m planning to devise a method soon and implement it before the full-scale launch. :)
NicknameDuplicate: Of course. Vivian is far from kind. If you think back to her initial actions… and her disposition as well. :)
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