The Fall of Halo
Im Hanna wasn’t lying. There were other users who, like us, barely escaped from Halo. They managed to send out a distress signal using a reconnection crystal after getting a safe distance from the city.
Of course, those who escaped didn’t witness the fall of Halo firsthand, but the rumors were enough to conclude that it was nearly overrun. Only a few thousand users remained in Halo until the end.
Another rumor suggested that after Halo’s fall, the invaders immediately marched towards Barbara. While still unconfirmed, it seemed highly plausible. In the first cycle, they had swiftly advanced to Barbara after conquering the western cities.
The situation was gradually becoming chaotic again.
Despite its decline after the Steel Mountain expedition, the SSUN Clan was once a dominant force in the northern continent, second only to the Golden Lion. The fact that Halo, under their jurisdiction, fell so easily was more than enough to instill fear in the average user.
I closed my eyes, sitting in my chair.
But honestly, what happened to the western cities or Barbara was of little concern to me. My focus was on how the future would change. Although the main events seemed similar, the second cycle was already showing differences from the first.
And at the center of it all was me.
“Changed, unchanged.”
No one knew how the future would unfold from now on.
Saving Lee Hyo-eul and uncovering spies hidden in the northern continent were already significant deviations from the first cycle.
One thing was clear: I could no longer rely entirely on my memories from the first cycle. While the locations of ruins and talents remained the same, the overall flow was unpredictable even to me.
The solution was simple.
I needed to use my past memories as a reference and respond flexibly to unexpected situations, like the sudden attack on Mule. In other words…
“I need to act more proactively.”
The conclusion was power. Power was crucial. I had no intention of sitting idly by. This war was, in a way, an opportunity for me.
Since capturing the vagrants, the names of the Mercenary and I were spreading. While this increased the likelihood of becoming a target, the plan to establish a foothold in the sunlit world was already a resounding success. I needed to build strength to handle whatever came next.
Having organized my thoughts, I opened my eyes and looked around the room. The bright sunlight streamed through the window behind me, as it was midday.
I stood up resolutely and crossed the sunlit room to open the firmly closed door.
The next morning, I held a meeting for the first time since the unity gathering. While the lively atmosphere was preferable to the previous awkwardness, we couldn’t remain complacent. Given the current situation, it was essential to return to our original duties quickly.
The meeting was already in full swing.
“The Istantel Low Clan has expressed a desire to visit our clan house soon. They want to discuss the handling of the vagrants.”
“They’re visiting in person?”
“Yes.”
Jung Ha-yeon, who was reporting during the meeting, nodded slightly in response to my question.
“Alright. I’ll handle that. Is there anything else to report?”
“No, that’s the last of it.”
“I see. Anyone else?”
”…….”
No one responded. It seemed there was nothing more to discuss.
Though the meeting was shorter than usual, there was no reason to keep the clan members any longer when I had urged them to return to their duties. I calmly opened my mouth to conclude the meeting.
“Alright. Let’s end today’s meeting here.”
Just as I was about to stand up, I felt numerous eyes on me. Glancing around, I saw everyone looking at me with curious expressions.
’…….’
I knew what the clan members were curious about and what they wanted. But I couldn’t reveal everything yet and needed to be cautious with my words. That was the agreement among those who participated in the conscription.
Taking this opportunity to clarify, I sat back down and spoke quietly.
“Everyone here is aware of the current chaotic situation.”
”…….”
“Like other users, some of you may be curious or anxious about what will happen next. Unfortunately, I can’t provide detailed information on that matter right now.”
“Um… Clan Lord, was there any strategy discussed during the last conscription regarding this invasion? Even just that much…”
At that moment, someone spoke up cautiously from the left side of the table. Judging by the voice, it was Kim Han-byeol.
“Well…”
After a brief pause, I replied in a composed voice.
“Yes, there was.”
”……!”
A slight stir ran through the meeting room. However, to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings, I quickly continued.
“But there’s nothing you can do about it right now, except for three things: wait patiently, work hard to improve your skills in case something happens, and remain calm and not be swayed by any outcome.”
Though I couldn’t share detailed results, I provided a few key points. By now, they should understand. I noticed a momentary tension on the faces of some quick-witted clan members.
“For now, that’s all you need to know. It seems like something will happen soon anyway.”
After observing the clan members’ reactions, I began sorting through the stack of records in front of me.
These records were equipment requests submitted by each clan member. In simple terms, they were wish lists.
“I’ll review these records personally and inform you individually. Now, everyone, please leave. Ah, Sol, stay behind and wait in the office on the fourth floor.”
“Yes…!”
With the dismissal, I gave An Sol her instructions, to which she responded with a slightly energetic tone. She had been officially appointed as a new assistant during today’s meeting. I had advised her to be mentally prepared, and it seemed she had taken it to heart.
‘There must be more to it. Something An Hyun might not know…’
If I had lost my memory regarding that part, there was nothing I could do, but for now, I intended to try something.
“Soo-hyun, it seems you’ll be quite busy from now on.”
As the clan members gradually left and the presence outside the door faded, a clear voice addressed me.
Pausing my reading, I looked up to see Jung Ha-yeon with a gentle smile. I exhaled a held breath and replied.
“Perhaps. Not immediately, but I might have to leave the clan house next week. Just letting you know in advance.”
“Next week… So, this week is still okay?”
“Well…”
I was answering absentmindedly when it struck me.
‘Still okay?’
A strange sense of incongruity hit me, and I looked at Jung Ha-yeon with suspicion. She seemed slightly disappointed.
“Why?”
“Oh, nothing. Haha.”
But then, for some reason, she quickly averted her gaze and laughed quietly. I noticed a faint blush on her cheeks.
I tilted my head in confusion, then suddenly remembered something and spoke up.
“Oh, User Jung Ha-yeon. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen the baby unicorn lately. Do you know what it’s been up to?”
“The baby unicorn?”
Thinking back, I realized I hadn’t seen the baby unicorn at the unity gathering. That’s why I asked.
However, Jung Ha-yeon seemed unsure, her expression puzzled as she replied uncertainly.
“Um… Yesterday, for sure… Ah?”
At that moment, her eyes widened in realization, and she turned to me with a start.
“Oh my. The unity gathering.”
“Thank you for making the effort to come, Mercenary Lord.”
“Not at all. It’s an honor to be invited, Istantel Low Lord.”
In response to Han So-young’s polite greeting, I bowed my head in return.
I was currently at the Istantel Low Clan House. Previously, the Mercenary had handed over the vagrants to Istantel Low.
According to the rules of the Hall Plane, the representative clan of a city has the authority to judge and deal with vagrants. (This means they can either reintegrate the vagrants as users or execute them, either publicly or secretly.) However, this rule didn’t apply to the Mercenary. We weren’t under any clan’s jurisdiction and were free mercenaries.
Despite this, I chose to follow the rule for two reasons.
The first was my genuine goodwill towards Han So-young, and the second was… it might sound odd, but it was a way to pass the responsibility.
“I should have come to see you about this matter, but I keep making you visit, and I feel sorry for that.”
“I wanted it this way. It would be uncomfortable if you insisted otherwise.”
Today, Han So-young exuded a noticeably different aura than before.
First, it was the outfit. She wore a thin, short two-piece ensemble that clung to her body, revealing her shoulders and the upper part of her collarbone. The top was particularly daring, and with her full, voluptuous chest, it seemed like a slight tilt would expose her navel. The bottom was even bolder, showcasing her toned legs and the smooth, supple skin of her thighs.
Han So-young’s face maintained its usual cool and serene demeanor, but perhaps due to her provocative attire, there was an alluring mystique about her.
Honestly, while everyone has the freedom to dress as they please, knowing Han So-young’s personality, I couldn’t help but tilt my head in slight confusion. Not that I minded the view.
Sensing my obvious gaze, Han So-young uncrossed her legs and subtly rubbed her thighs together. There was something about her actions that suggested she felt a bit embarrassed.
“We’re planning to hold a formal trial for the vagrants soon. I wanted to get the opinion of the Mercenary Lord on this matter.”
“Hmm… According to the rules, hasn’t Istantel Law already set a plan in motion?”
“Yes, but that’s just our unilateral decision. We need the Mercenary Lord’s approval for this.”
“I see. Could I take a look at the plan?”
Han So-young nodded immediately. It seemed she had prepared in advance, as expected of her meticulous nature. As I skimmed through the documents she handed over, I nodded calmly.
The plan was detailed, but in summary, the trial would be conducted privately rather than publicly. Additionally, there was a suggestion to disclose some of the findings to the users.
There was nothing particularly objectionable, so I spoke up.
“I agree with conducting it privately. As for disclosing information… isn’t it a bit early to reveal everything?”
“Of course, we’ll exclude sensitive information about spies or guardians. But as you know, ever since Halo fell, there’s been a growing sense of unease among the users. We’ve been getting a flood of requests to release information.”
“Haha. It seems the users are quite vocal.”
“Not exactly complaints, but some are quite insistent. Even the subordinate clans are constantly watching us…”
Han So-young furrowed her brow slightly, as if she had a headache, and let out a thin sigh through her full lips.
I felt a bit guilty for leaving her to handle the aftermath, but it was a situation we had to accept after taking in the vagrants. There would certainly be benefits to it.
Since I had no issues with sharing basic information, I nodded readily.
“I agree with sharing the basic information. I’m sure you’ll handle it well… but I doubt there’s much to uncover from the trial.”
“Really? You mean…”
Han So-young looked relieved, then widened her eyes in surprise. I continued speaking.
“We’ve already gathered some information during the return process. I’ll summarize it and send it to you from the clan house. How about sharing that?”
“Oh… that would be great for us.”
“I should have sent it sooner. My apologies.”
“No, no. I’m just grateful for your kindness, Mercenary Lord.”
Han So-young offered a rare, gentle smile and bowed her head deeply. As she did, her upper body leaned forward, revealing the deep, hollow line between her breasts.
I calmly averted my gaze. Whoever coordinated Han So-young’s outfit today, I resolved to treat them to a nice meal.
‘What if she chose it herself?’
As I entertained such trivial thoughts and chuckled to myself, her soft, melting voice reached my ears.
“Oh, Mercenary Lord. There’s one more favor I need to ask.”
“A favor?”
At my question, Han So-young replied with a simple “Yes,” and continued.
“It’s about Baek Se-yeon.”
‘Baek Se-yeon… By now, neither she nor the vagrants are of much use.’
I had initially planned to execute them all, so I tilted my head in curiosity. But since it was Han So-young asking, I thought it was worth listening to. I nodded a couple of times and spoke calmly.
“Let’s hear it, then.”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
And so, Tuesday has passed without incident. Now it’s Wednesday. I can’t wait for the weekend. Haha. And after the weekend, it’s Chuseok! Hahaha.
Oh, and I managed to update at midnight today! I can feel my pace gradually returning. So, you all should pat my head, right? (?)
Everyone, hang in there for the weekend. :)
PS. Just in case you’re wondering, the baby unicorn is currently sulking. Why do you think that is? :D
『 Reader Comments 』
UsainBolt: Congrats on being first. You make it look easy now. :)
guzzi: Yes, yes? -_-a
Bullet: I like harems too. But I don’t like spreading myself too thin! Anyway, there will be other male harems or reverse harems for women in the future. Haha.
ChiuWooHyun: There was an author I admired when I was a reader, and they always did daily updates. I want to be like them. :)
-yS-: Haha. Not everything about Ansol has been revealed yet. The awakening will be brought forward a bit, but the full story will be left for part two.
PureBlood: ?ㅇ? !ㅇ!
HongGa55: Haha. No! I’m just grateful you always read. :D
pen36: Thank you for the kind words. I’ve rested enough, so it’s time to tighten things up again. War~. War~? War~!
DancingPuppet: I’ve increased the pace a bit today. I can’t ramp it up all at once due to my lack of study, so I’ll gradually build it up while learning more. :)
DontWantToJoin: Oh, there are ways to prevent it. You can use herbs in the whole plane or magic. :) Thank you for binge-reading!
Thank you all for reading. I hope you always read with a relaxed mind.