Barbara’s Choice
The garden, once heated by the blazing sun, began to cool as twilight descended. I glanced out the first-floor window at the garden’s view, then calmly surveyed my surroundings.
It was the day before we were to leave Monica. The clan members were scattered between the first-floor lobby and the garden, making final preparations by tuning their bodies and checking their equipment.
“Hanbyul, do you need me to explain it again?”
“No, I’m good now. I’ve got it all memorized.”
Hearing voices, I turned to see Kim Hanbyul and the old man chatting at a table in the lobby. Several heavy-looking pouches lay on the table, and the old man was carefully organizing them, his face lined with concern.
“That’s good to hear. Just remember what I told you… and use these pouches without hesitation, alright?”
“Yes, Grandpa. I’ll be careful, just like you said, so don’t worry too much. These will be really useful. Thank you.”
“Thank me? Just be careful, always. I hope to see you back safe and sound. I’ll be praying for you.”
Watching the old man hold Hanbyul’s hand, emphasizing caution, I couldn’t help but feel he was treating her like his own granddaughter.
As I watched this heartwarming scene, someone else spoke to me from the opposite side.
“Emotions are such a strange thing, aren’t they, hyung?”
It was Ahn Hyun. I turned to see the neatly arranged spear of the Qi Master, the Great Sun, and the Helmet of Valor. Ahn Hyun sat on the floor, gazing at them with a distant look. Behind him, Ahn Sol was busy with something, and I spoke softly.
“Strange, you say?”
“Yeah. Not long ago, I was itching to get back out there. We should’ve been out exploring again, but the war kept us back. I was hoping it would all kick off soon. Until yesterday, that is.”
”…”
“But now, with the gear out and the thought of actually going to war… it feels strange. I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s just… strange.”
Watching Ahn Hyun sigh deeply, I couldn’t help but smile.
His words boiled down to a matter of realization. Until now, the mercenaries had been on the sidelines of the war’s chaos. Not just us, but users from the East and South as well. But now, we were stepping into the eye of the storm. It was natural for anyone to feel fear, especially those experiencing war for the first time. These feelings would only intensify as time went on.
But there was little I could do. A bit of guidance, perhaps, but ultimately, it was something they had to overcome on their own.
“Why is my heart racing like this? Maybe I should head back to the garden to calm down.”
“That’s not a bad idea. When my thoughts get tangled, I often practice with my sword until I’m exhausted. It clears my mind.”
“Really? But practicing spear moves alone feels a bit… hyung, how about a sparring match for old times’ sake?”
Recalling our sparring sessions in Mule, Ahn Hyun looked up eagerly. I saw no harm in it and nodded.
“Sure, let’s do it. Grab your spear and meet me outside.”
“Awesome! It’s been a while since we sparred.”
Ahn Hyun beamed, picking up his spear with a confident grin.
“I’ve improved a lot, hyung. I’m not as easy to beat now. I can handle the spear with one hand.”
“Yeah, right.”
“What? You don’t believe me? I’ll show you, hyung. Just watch.”
“Let’s see it outside, not here… Hey, Ahn Hyun! Hey!”
Suddenly remembering Ahn Sol behind him, I urgently tried to stop him. But he spun the spear anyway, the black arc heading straight for Ahn Sol. Just then—
Whoosh! Clang!
“Eek!”
Thankfully, a glowing white sphere intercepted the spear just in time. It was the modified Shield of Protection Ahn Sol had been tinkering with earlier. I let out a sigh of relief.
“Whoa, Sol!”
“Uh, uh…”
Realizing what had happened, Ahn Hyun turned, mouth agape. Ahn Sol, after confirming her safety, glared at him fiercely.
“Oppa…?”
“S-sorry! It was an accident!”
“Accident? Like last time? And now again?!”
Ahn Sol, clearly holding a grudge, began to scold him like a chirping bird. Watching him sweat and apologize repeatedly, I shook my head.
‘This guy always manages to mess things up.’
Deciding the sparring session was off, I headed to the garden alone. I needed to check on the clan members who had finished their preparations, and Han Na, who had just received her equipment, was there too. I was curious about how well the gear fit her and her skills as an archer.
Just as I was about to step out—
“Clan Lord! There you are.”
Another voice called out, stopping me in my tracks.
‘Who now?’
Wondering why so many people were seeking me out today, I turned to see an unexpected figure.
It was Shin Sangyong.
“User Shin Sangyong? What brings you here?”
“Clan Lord, I have something important to discuss.”
His tone was unusually solemn.
“I know this is sudden, and I’m truly sorry for that.”
“Alright. What is it you need to discuss?”
“Yes. It’s late, but I’d like to join the upcoming war.”
”?”
Though I asked what was on his mind, Shin Sangyong cut straight to the point, leaving me momentarily speechless. But only for a moment. Regaining my composure, I spoke with curiosity.
“Tomorrow’s the departure. Why the sudden decision?”
“I’m really sorry. But I’ve been contemplating this since the meeting. I’ve been preparing in my own way, so it won’t affect the departure. Please allow me to join.”
His unusually firm tone made me pause and think.
‘Isn’t Shin Sangyong usually cautious? Why the sudden change…?’
Knowing his usual behavior and tendencies, my first reaction was confusion. But he wouldn’t bring this up without reason. So, I decided to hear him out before making a decision.
“User Shin Sangyong, the lineup has already been announced, and changing it a day before departure isn’t ideal. Has something changed your mind?”
“Yes. After being excluded with Lee Manseong and Han Kyul at the meeting, I’ve done a lot of thinking. Clan Lord, I believe I should be part of this war.”
“Haha. User Shin Sangyong, I think there’s a misunderstanding. The reason you were excluded was…”
“No, no. I’m not upset with you, Clan Lord. If there’s a problem, it’s with me. This decision is also for my own sake.”
Just as I thought I understood his reasoning, Shin Sangyong interrupted, waving his hands. Then, in a smooth, unhesitant manner, he continued.
“I wondered why I was excluded. I realized my actions haven’t aligned with the mercenaries. In other words, I’ve been inefficient.”
“Inefficient?”
“Yes. I suddenly thought, am I the most inefficient member of the mercenaries right now?”
“What? I don’t think so.”
“Of course, you’d say that. But I felt it. If I continue like this, I’ll end up with nothing.”
At that moment, I felt as if I’d been struck. A strange sense of déjà vu washed over me. Shin Sangyong’s words echoed what I’d once said to Ahn Hyun about Ahn Sol. Suddenly, his words began to make sense.
“When I first entered Hall Plain, and before I met you, Clan Lord, I was a useless user. I couldn’t master magic, and no one wanted an alchemist with low achievements.”
His tone was so serious that I couldn’t interrupt. All I could do was listen.
“One day, while I was living like that, a great gift came my way—a rare class. That gift held the potential to transform me from a useless person into someone valuable. I couldn’t let that opportunity slip by, so I clung to it, and the Clan Lord granted my unreasonable request. I still vividly remember the vow I made when I received that rare class: I would serve with unwavering loyalty.”
“User Shin Sang-yong, I understand what you’re saying. But please, hear me out. Technically, you’re participating in the war too, just by staying in the city to help with its defense. It’s merely a difference in roles.”
“I don’t want to avoid it so cowardly. I’ve made up my mind. I want to give myself a chance through this opportunity.”
“A chance?”
A determined glint seemed to flash in Shin Sang-yong’s eyes as he continued speaking.
“Clan Lord, I don’t want to go back to how things were. I want to be someone useful.”
“You’re already contributing plenty. And no one thinks of you as—”
“No, that’s not it. That’s not the issue.”
Shin Sang-yong’s voice was steady, but it carried a deep conviction.
“If things continue like this, I fear I’ll fall into the same old dilemma.”
”…”
“I want to be someone who is truly needed somewhere, who has a purpose. I’ve always prepared and worked hard for that. Clan Lord, if you truly care about me, please give me this one chance.”
Having said everything he needed to, Shin Sang-yong took a deep breath and let his shoulders relax.
I found myself momentarily at a loss for words. Honestly, at first, I thought he was just seeking a way to assuage his guilt or acting out of bravado. But hearing his sincerity, I realized how much he must have agonized over this decision.
I quietly observed Shin Sang-yong. I didn’t fully understand him, but I could relate to some of his feelings. I, too, had once thought that way.
I believe Shin Sang-yong is already quite helpful as he is. There’s no need for him to push himself unnecessarily.
I pushed aside the response I had prepared deep within my mind. I was acutely aware that any words I might say could deeply wound him.
I stopped tapping my fingers on the table and extended my hand toward him, speaking calmly.
“Alright. If you’re that determined, I’ll allow you to join the war.”
“Cl-Clan Lord!”
“The departure schedule remains unchanged. Make sure you’re fully prepared by tomorrow.”
Shin Sang-yong grasped my hand, a bright smile spreading across his face.
For a brief moment, I felt a warm energy emanating from our clasped hands.
The next morning dawned bright and clear, with no trace of the previous night’s gloom. No one could predict what the day or the future would hold, but the weather seemed to bless the path ahead for the mercenaries.
Everything was ready. Now, all that remained was to head to Princica and plunge into the real battle.
Caligo Abraxas. Victoria’s Glory. Sky’s Glory. Sun’s Glory. Orosros Long Boots. Noble Mithril Shirt. Blue Dragon Knight’s Coat. Lucky Four-Leaf Clover. TOPG.
After a final equipment check, I looked up at the garden. Ten clan members stood in neat rows at the front gate, surrounded by the rest of the clan and hired hands. And a baby unicorn.
It was time to depart.
With that thought, I slowly crossed the sunlit threshold.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hmm. I’ve changed my plans a bit, but initially, I intended to reduce the clan by about a third through this war. (Not anymore, though.) Anyway, I won’t say more to avoid spoilers.
With Chuseok approaching, things are getting hectic. Tomorrow is the ancestral rite, which makes it even busier. We hold quite a few rites at home. Haha. I’ll probably be prepping bean sprouts and bellflower roots for the holiday.
I’ll try to continue the series through Chuseok. Have a wonderful Chuseok, everyone!
『 Reader Comments 』
Devaran: Congrats on being first. Haha. That was close. Please keep an eye on Shin Sang-yong.
Chiwoo Hyun: Hmm. The Pegasus egg and the Fairy Queen’s egg will appear after the war.
Rovellian: Haha. Will it really? Look forward to Shin Sang-yong’s actions in the war. :)
Myungbak’s Yangyang Union: I completely understand your feelings. But doing that might draw a lot of criticism.
Rising Phoenix: Hmm. An accident, you say? In a way, it could be seen as one. Haha.
Lua v: Ah, the reason is that it’s either unnecessary or redundant. The operation name “New World” was mentioned in the previous chapter (mentioning it again would have taken up space with redundant content), and the continuation of Ansol’s words was just Shin Sang-yong sighing, which I didn’t think needed to be depicted. (I intended to convey Shin Sang-yong’s feelings through his reactions in the meeting and the final part of today’s chapter.) I originally commented on this, but in case you missed it, I’m mentioning it again.
Idiot: Just kidding. Haha. I might slow down for parts I find necessary, but I won’t go into overly detailed descriptions.
Hyun Oh: Wow, happy birthday! Hahaha! Having a hobby in gastronomy is enviable. I enjoy it too, but I’m on a diet, so I’m holding back. ㅜ.ㅠ (By the way, your descriptive skills are still impressive.)
Wings of the Storm: Shin Sang-yong also has painful memories from the modern world. These have carried over to Hol Plain, and I plan to reveal them in this war.
City: Yes, thank you. Have a great Chuseok, City!
Thank you for always reading. I hope you enjoy the story with a relaxed mind.