The square was packed to the brim with people, a sea of bodies leaving no room to move. Among the crowd, the most striking sight was the members of the Istantel Low clan, standing in perfect rows and columns. At their center stood Han So-young, clad in the armor of the “Battlefield Conductor,” exuding an aura of authority.
The square buzzed with noise, a cacophony of voices that filled the air. But as soon as the sound amplification magic activated, the clamor quickly subsided.
Since the invasion by the Western Continent and the vagabonds began, the East and South had shown little interest, almost turning their backs on the conflict. However, the fact that the city’s leading clan was taking a stand was as good as an official statement.
This gathering was of unprecedented interest to the users.
“I am Han So-young, Clan Lord of Istantel Low. I will now announce Monica’s stance on the Golden Lion’s request for support.”
As she began to speak, Han So-young glanced around, and the remaining disorder in the square vanished instantly. Her command over the crowd was evident.
“I’m sure you’ve all heard about the Mercenary Lord by now.”
At that moment, I felt several eyes on me, but I focused intently on Han So-young’s words. She wasn’t finished yet.
“The Mercenary Lord handed over captured vagabonds to Istantel Low and provided crucial information about the invaders. Some of this information has been shared with you.”
Nods and quiet breaths filled the air as the “Iron-Blooded Queen” continued her announcement.
“Recently, Istantel Low participated in a meeting with the leading clans of the East and South. The conclusion was that it is premature to respond to the Golden Lion’s request for support. Therefore, to ensure safety until all preparations are complete, Monica will disconnect the warp gates to all cities expected to be invaded.”
Han So-young’s straightforward manner, devoid of embellishments, resonated with the crowd, sparking a strong reaction.
“Are you saying you’re abandoning Barbara?!” a male user shouted, his voice a mix of disbelief and anger.
“We’re not abandoning anyone. We simply need to regroup.”
“Then… how exactly…?”
“Announcements are being made simultaneously in other cities, not just Monica. After the announcements, the warp gates will remain open for ten days.”
A heavy silence fell over the crowd. Han So-young didn’t elaborate further, but the users could infer the unspoken message. “Regrouping” was a euphemism for evacuating the city, and the ten days were a grace period to make their decision.
With that, Han So-young’s official statement concluded. While there were more details to discuss, the most critical points had been addressed.
Reactions among the users varied. Some were incredulous, others sighed in relief, and a few even smirked with satisfaction. It was a predictable outcome. The East and South intended to exclude the Golden Lion and its allied clans, just as they had in the first round.
Despite the divisions among users, this move couldn’t be justified. Many would criticize it, and it was uncertain how they would resolve this in the second round.
Ultimately, it was a matter of justification, whether genuine or fabricated.
After a pause, a female user cautiously raised her hand.
“Could you clarify what you mean by ‘regrouping’?”
“There are complex internal issues within the East and South that we cannot disclose yet. We plan to resolve these while recruiting users from each city. Mid to high-level users will be conscripted, but for those in their first or second year, it may be voluntary.”
“Conscripted?”
“As users registered in the Northern Continent, you’ve enjoyed rights, and I trust you’ll shoulder the responsibilities as well.”
Han So-young’s voice remained calm, yet it carried a chilling edge.
A profound silence settled over the square.
“Of course, Istantel Low and its subordinate clans will lead the way in fulfilling these responsibilities.”
Her voice echoed across the square.
“The Mercenaries plan to participate in this war.”
I got straight to the point, and the expressions of the clan members gathered in the third-floor meeting room changed instantly.
“Are we subject to conscription too?”
“Have we received a request?”
Shin Sang-yong and Jung Ha-yeon quickly asked. I shook my head calmly and answered clearly.
“Mercenary clan members are not subject to conscription. As for requests… I expect we’ll be contacted soon.”
“And if we’re not?”
“Even if we’re not, we’ll volunteer to participate.”
The firm declaration of going to war caused some clan members to show signs of unease.
There were ways to avoid the war, like supporting city defense or staying quietly under the radar. But it seemed too valuable an opportunity to pass up.
I understood the clan members’ concerns, but I had no intention of retracting my decision.
“We can’t live doing only what we want.”
Because…
“Even as free mercenaries, we’re based in the Northern Continent. This war is crucial for the continent’s fate.”
”…”
“Moreover, the Mercenary name is already well-known, and we’re inadvertently involved in the war. If we don’t participate, it won’t reflect well on us, regardless of our future actions.”
Regardless of the process, the war would end with a victory for the Northern Continent. I had personal goals to achieve through this, and I believed the war presented a good opportunity for the Mercenaries.
In short, I wasn’t going to miss this “opportunity.”
‘Of course, I can’t take everyone.’
Some clan members weren’t skilled enough for war, and others were skeptical about participating. I planned to assign them to city defense, so it wasn’t a major concern.
“I’ll explain the details later, once we’re contacted. If not… for now, let’s focus on the task at hand. User Go Yeon-joo, Jung Ha-yeon.”
“Yes.”
They responded in unison. I addressed all the clan members.
“I’ll open the warehouse completely. Distribute the requested equipment to all clan members. If there are duplicates, coordinate among yourselves, and if that doesn’t work, let me know.”
“Understood. When will the warehouse be open…?”
“Right now.”
With a nod, Jung Ha-yeon and Go Yeon-joo stood up slowly. As the clan members followed suit, one person caught my eye. A thought crossed my mind, and I called out to them.
“User Im Han-na.”
“Yes…?”
Im Han-na, who was rising from her chair with a nervous look, turned to me with a puzzled expression.
“Could you stay here for a moment?”
She hesitated briefly, then nodded quietly.
Once all the clan members had left the meeting room, I looked at Im Han-na, who was seated nearby, and spoke softly.
“I reviewed your equipment request. The Shining Flash, Yggdrasil’s Leaf Garb, Liza Boots, and Northern Winter Tights. Most are archer-specific, so I can lend them to you.”
“Thank you. But…”
”?”
“You said you’d speak casually when we’re alone…”
Im Han-na lowered her gaze, her cheeks turning red. As I wondered what she meant, I noticed her fidgeting with her fingers.
Seeing Im Han-na, usually so composed and graceful, in this state was refreshing. It didn’t quite suit her, yet it had an inexplicable charm.
I chuckled inwardly and obliged her request.
“Alright. As I said, there’s no issue with those… But the Twilight Priestess might be problematic.”
“Yes.”
Im Han-na replied immediately, her expression calm, as if she had anticipated this.
Then, her lips slowly parted.
As Han So-young had said, it wasn’t just Monica making an announcement. Every city in the East and South had their representative clans declare their stance simultaneously.
The Golden Lion, upon hearing the news, was incredulous.
The East and South’s announcement is incomprehensible. It’s suspicious, even.
While there have been conflicts between the regions, now is not the time to dwell on them. If the lips are lost, the teeth will feel the cold.
It’s frustrating to see people focusing on the trees and missing the forest. We need to set aside our differences and face the crisis on the northern continent together.
Despite the swift actions of the Golden Lion, the East and South remained unmoved. In the past, they would have countered every point, but now they only respond when absolutely necessary.
That doesn’t mean they were just sitting back and listening.
War is no joke. This sudden outbreak caught us unprepared, and our internal affairs are in disarray. We need time to regroup for a decisive victory.
We should learn from the cases of Beth, Dorothy, and especially Halo. It’s known that the Golden Lion made a similar proposal to SSUN back then, so it’s puzzling why they claim not to understand now.
The warp gates will close on the announced date. I have nothing more to say. I hope the users, including those of the Golden Lion and Barbara, make wise choices.
Reactions among users were mixed.
Some criticized the announcement harshly, while others astutely suggested it was a ploy to seize control of the northern continent through this war.
Conversely, many users criticized the Golden Lion and its allied clans.
They brought this upon themselves. If they needed help, they should have asked sooner. It’s ridiculous to request support now. And who was it that restricted the warp gates in the first place, only to change their tune now? Critics pointed out these inconsistencies in detail.
Of course, not everyone felt this way, but it was an open secret that most of these voices were agitators from various clans.
As days passed, the outcome began to lean decisively in one direction.
Despite the Golden Lion’s desperate and impassioned statements, the warp gates in the eastern and southern cities were nearing a state of chaos. Users who had been skeptical until Halo were now leaving Barbara in droves as the situation became urgent.
While the central region was in turmoil and the north remained silent, the East and South quietly went about their business.
The “internal affairs” mentioned in the official statement referred to rooting out spies.
This process was surprisingly discreet, but according to Go Yeon-ju, who occasionally traveled for work, it was nearing completion. They had already captured key figures and were working to dismantle the network they had built. At the same time, they were steadily recruiting users residing in the cities.
In short, the reorganization was progressing smoothly, and as preparations advanced, time seemed to fly by. The tenth day, when the warp gates would be disconnected, was fast approaching.
And then, on the ninth day after the announcement, I received shocking news. The warp gates had been severed.
Not by the East or South, but by the Golden Lion itself.
This had never happened in the first round.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Inside Ro Yujin’s Mind
(I wrote today’s chapter quickly… Will the readers praise me? Hehe. I’m sure they will.)
Ah, the above is just my inner monologue. No need to pay it any mind. Of course not. Haha.
I successfully updated at midnight today. Weekends are truly great, aren’t they? Haha.
I started playing League of Legends around July 2012 and quit this February. But by the end of August this year, I found myself playing again. OTL
Sometimes people message or comment asking for my LoL ID, but I’m not good at it. I’m in Bronze. I’ve failed my promotion matches five times and it’s been mentally exhausting. Haha. I guess I’m just not cut out for it. :)
I’ll have a smoke and then post the replies!
『 Replies (341st) 』
UsainBolt: You’re first! Somehow, I feel like you’ll be first in the 342nd replies too. :)
MoonChaser: You’ve made it to the top three. Congratulations. :)
Merliwi: What? A three-part combination?! Wow! Wow! Ahem. Lady Merliwi, how is Yurikenne doing these days?
superrobot: Please spare me. Oh, what if I turn Ro Yumi into an annoying unicorn? Then everyone would criticize Ro Yumi… Haha.
EmberMain: No, it’s South Korea, the UK, Japan, and the USA.
『 Replies (342nd) 』
yjung: Oh! It’s not UsainBolt this time! Congratulations on being first. :D
HyunOh: I had ramen today. Haha. My ramen cooking skills are the best in the world. At least in my house… Would you like to have some ramen? ☞☜
RedWasteland: How about today? How is it today? Yes? Yes? :)
OffToLove19: How do you think I feel! It was like my mind was burning white-hot. ㅜ.ㅠ
Shanice: Yes! I read it very well! I’m grinding my teeth right now. -_-+
ThousandKindness: Yes! ThousandKindness! Can I throw a tantrum for no reason again soon? ㅇㅅㅇ?
Thank you for always reading. I hope you enjoy the story with a relaxed mind.