Chapter 326: The Future, Twisted
Lee Hyo-eul seemed determined to get a definite answer from me, persistently urging me to join. I nodded, making my intentions clear. By now, if I hadn’t figured out the true purpose of the summons, I’d be certifying myself as a fool.
Meeting with Lee Hyo-eul today was quite productive. We didn’t lay all our cards on the table, but realizing that her thoughts aligned closely with mine was enough to make the time worthwhile. Even if things went awry, I needed someone to help steer and manage the situation, and Lee Hyo-eul seemed perfect for the role.
As I rose from my seat, Lee Hyo-eul looked up at me calmly.
“Leaving already?”
“Yeah. But before I go, you should tell me the schedule for the summons you’re organizing.”
“The date is three weeks from now. We’re in the final stages of preparation, but we need time to wrap things up. We’re still scouting for a location, but I’ll send a messenger within three days.”
“Got it. Oh, and you might need to visit our clan before the summons.”
Lee Hyo-eul tilted her head at first, then raised her eyebrows slightly.
“Why?”
“One more thing. Everyone gathering under your summons knows about you, right?”
“Of course. They’re all people who’ve worked with me, even if just a little.”
“So, they’re all trustworthy?”
At that moment, Lee Hyo-eul’s eyes deepened. Since she brought it up first, she must have understood the implication behind my words. If I was going to participate, I intended to make full use of this summons.
”…When should I visit?”
Finally, Lee Hyo-eul spoke in a heavy voice.
“Thank you for making time for me, Mercenary Lord.”
“Ah, you’re here. No need to thank me. I’m sorry for not reaching out sooner. I’ve been quite busy.”
I gestured to the sofa in my office, inviting Shin Jae-ryong to sit.
He was supposed to stay for just a day, but somehow, his visit had stretched on. I didn’t mind, though. I hadn’t said it outright, but my intentions were clear. For any user, especially those with more experience, finding a new home requires careful consideration.
Understanding Shin Jae-ryong’s position, I gave him ample time to explore the mercenary group and gather his thoughts.
Once seated, Shin Jae-ryong spoke with an almost excessive politeness.
“No, it’s fine. Given the current situation, it’s only natural you’re busy. I’m the one who should apologize for overstaying my welcome.”
“Not at all. I’ve heard a lot from the clan members about you. You’ve been helping out and giving An Sol some good advice.”
The clan members generally had a favorable opinion of Shin Jae-ryong. Many had thought well of him since he joined the rescue team, so I believed he would integrate smoothly if he decided to join.
Shin Jae-ryong gave a shy smile before looking at me seriously, ready to get to the point. To ease his burden, I decided to speak first.
“So, have you made up your mind?”
Shin Jae-ryong looked momentarily taken aback, swallowing hard. But he quickly regained his composure, suggesting he had indeed made a decision.
“When you first hinted at it, I was a bit surprised. I said I was ready to move on, but part of me was still attached to my old clan. But now, looking back, your words were exactly what I needed.”
“So, does that mean…?”
“Yes. I finally made up my mind yesterday. During my time with the mercenary clan, I realized how many good people are here, and I don’t want to miss this opportunity. If the offer still stands, I’d like to request to join. I’m not sure how much help I can be, given the caliber of people here, but I’ll do my best.”
”…”
< Player Status >
Name: Shin Jae-ryong (4th Year)
Class: Normal Priest (Expert)
Alignment: Good · Passion
[Strength 78] [Endurance 82] [Agility 74] [Stamina 90] [Magic 84] [Luck 68]
“Not helpful? That’s a joke.”
I checked his player status with my third eye, looking at Shin Jae-ryong. As a priest, his stats were impressive, especially his unusually high stamina, which promised great efficiency. His alignment was impeccable, too.
Considering the large-scale war looming ahead, recruiting a priest was like rain in a drought for the mercenaries.
I extended my hand with a broad smile.
“Don’t worry about that. Things are about to get busier, so you’ll definitely be of help.”
“That’s a relief. Having work to do is a blessing. I’ll do my utmost for the mercenaries.”
Shin Jae-ryong smiled warmly and shook my hand, a comforting warmth spreading from his grip.
Knock, knock.
Just then, as we were about to release our handshake, there was a light knock on the door. As we both turned, the door swung open, revealing a woman. It was Lee Yoo-jung.
“Brother… Oh, you’re in the middle of something. Can I come in?”
“You’ve already opened the door. Come in. What’s up?”
After signaling to Shin Jae-ryong for understanding, I nodded, and Lee Yoo-jung quickly stepped inside. She approached the desk, glanced at Shin Jae-ryong, and handed me a neatly folded document.
“Brother, this is from the Haemil Clan.”
“From the Haemil Clan?”
‘Did Lee Hyo-eul send it?’
I took the document and glanced at the cover. I paused for a moment, surprised. The sender wasn’t Lee Hyo-eul but my brother, Kim Yoo-hyun. I considered reading it right there but felt Shin Jae-ryong’s gaze on me.
“Player Shin Jae-ryong, welcome once again to the mercenaries. We look forward to your active participation.”
“Oh, thank you! I’m grateful!”
“We have high hopes for you. We’ll see you at the morning meetings soon. For now, let’s get you moved from temporary to permanent quarters. Lee Yoo-jung?”
“Huh? Oh, right!”
Lee Yoo-jung, having overheard our conversation, didn’t seem surprised. She must have anticipated his joining, given his extended stay.
“From today, Shin Jae-ryong is officially a member of the mercenary clan. Please help him settle in.”
“Ah, I see. Welcome aboard, sir! Looking forward to working with you!”
Lee Yoo-jung beamed and shook Shin Jae-ryong’s hand enthusiastically. She was one of the clan members who held him in high regard, her genuine welcome evident, unlike her previous attitude towards Kim Han-byeol.
‘Wasn’t he called a traitor?’
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Yes. Lee Yoo-jung, please introduce him to the clan members and show him to his quarters. You know what to do, right?”
Instead of answering, Lee Yoo-jung gave me a playful glare, her lips pouting as if to say, “I know what I’m doing.”
Watching the two leave, I picked up the document I had set aside.
After dinner with the clan members, I returned to my office. Sitting at my desk, I slowly reread the document.
At first, it seemed trivial. It was thick, so I expected something substantial, but half of it was filled with mundane pleasantries about meals and health. Just as I sighed and was about to set it aside, the real message emerged.
In essence, it was a request to temporarily accept Lee Hyo-eul as a joint member of the mercenaries.
‘Of course, Kim Yoo-hyun must see her value, so the angels haven’t objected… but that’s coming to an end.’
I recalled my conversation with Lee Hyo-eul a few days ago. It was clear how she had swayed my brother.
Knowing her identity, my brother must have agreed to her request, whether it was to repay a life-saving debt or to nurture me. And he would have done so gladly, thinking it was for my benefit.
This left me with a lot to ponder. Although only a few knew her true identity, people often misunderstood one thing.
They believed the Guardian of the Northern Continent was inherently good. Perhaps it was the word “guardian” or a debt owed, but those who knew thought of the guardian as someone who sacrifices themselves to help others.
But I don’t see it that way. Even a leader can’t escape being a pawn of the angels. The angels have a purpose, and they use the guardian to achieve it more effectively.
Even now, it’s clear to see. Why isn’t Lee Hyo-eul, the so-called guardian, rushing to save the cities under attack? Instead of offering salvation, clans from the central and western regions are steadily relocating to the east and south.
It’s just a hunch, but there’s a strong possibility that Lee Hyo-eul is behind this. As the guardian of the continent, she acts as an agent for the angels, and they are known for their relentless pursuit of their goals.
In short, Lee Hyo-eul seems to have decided that eliminating the Golden Lion and allied clans is the right move for the northern continent.
Considering all this, I’m not thrilled about Lee Hyo-eul joining as a mercenary. It’s also why I initially wanted to kill her when we first met. Although my brother’s value is currently recognized, there’s no guarantee he won’t end up like the Golden Lion in the future.
For now, I’ve set aside any thoughts of killing her. Regardless of the situation, Lee Hyo-eul’s actions align closely with my own goals. And even if she seems to have feelings for my brother, I can’t ignore the influence she’s built as a guardian by nurturing various clans, including his.
“This is really complicated.”
I sighed and tossed the records aside. It felt like one problem after another. Just when I thought I’d solved one issue, another would pop up. Whatever her reasons for wanting to join my clan, it seemed like a conversation best had in person, as my brother suggested. And before that, I should probably meet with Seraph.
I spun my chair around to look out the window. The garden was cloaked in darkness, signaling the arrival of night. Though it was a bit early, I decided to get up. I was determined to do my best with the tasks at hand.
Solving one problem only led to another. Following that logic, it was time to tackle the next issue.
During dinner, I heard that Vivian’s research was nearly complete. This meant the potion was ready, and we could proceed with the work on Baek Seoyeon. Vivian mentioned she could finish everything by dawn, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to get an early explanation and see the process for myself.
With that in mind, I left the office and headed down to the third floor. Walking through the quiet, darkened hallway, I reached the door at the end.
Even though Vivian’s workshop was tightly shut, the strong scent of herbs wafted through the air.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
I’ll be taking a break from posting updates and replies today. I have a lecture at 9 AM tomorrow, so I need to leave home by 7 AM. I plan to finish editing the e-book quickly and get some sleep. ㅜ.ㅠ
I apologize for the pacing of the story. As some of you have pointed out, I’ve been writing at a certain pace, and it’s challenging to change that immediately. I’ll do my best to improve the pacing gradually, as I’ve mentioned before.
PS. To answer a question, “Memorize” is divided into two parts. There will be a gap of about one to two years between Part 1 and Part 2, after which I’ll work towards a swift conclusion. We’re currently in Part 1, and the current chapters are in the “development” phase if you consider the structure of introduction, development, climax, and conclusion. The war between the eastern and southern clans against the western continent users and vagrants will be the climax. I’ll wrap up the Baek Seoyeon and conscription storyline as quickly as possible and move into the climax. After the war, I’ll conclude Part 1 and take a short break. Haha.
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy the story with a relaxed mind.