Choice, Barbara
The 16,000 users were divided into four units, with the division based on their ‘clans.’ This organization clearly demonstrated a consideration for the command structure. Instead of mixing everyone randomly, they grouped users who were accustomed to working together.
The unit that included the mercenaries was none other than the ‘main force’ tasked with attacking the western gate.
There were two reasons for calling the western gate unit the ‘main force.’
First, it was because Goryeo Lord, who was practically the supreme commander of this war, was part of it.
Second, the level and number of users in the western gate unit surpassed those of the other units.
The reason for distinguishing the western gate unit was simple. Lee Hyo-eul believed that if the enemy were to break through the gates and escape (assuming they had secured a warp gate to another city), they would most likely head for the western gate.
As such, the composition of the ‘main force’ was impressive enough to leave one speechless.
The total number was 4,782. Among them, notable clans and renowned users included eight clans and eleven individuals.
These were individuals who could be considered the top picks from the central, western, and eastern regions based on reputation alone, regardless of class or skill.
But that wasn’t all. Even within the Mercenary Clan, there were skilled individuals like Jeong Ha-yeon and Vivian, who weren’t widely known. This meant there were users with hidden skills or those who simply lacked fame.
I had clear goals for this war. However, I believed it would be foolish to focus solely on those goals. As long as I had the capacity, it would be wise to gather as much as possible along the way.
With that in mind, I planned to actively use my ‘third eye’ during the war. Participating in this war implied a certain level of skill, so there was less concern about nurturing them.
Time flew by.
Thanks to Lee Hyo-eul’s swift actions, the mercenaries were assigned to the western gate unit the day they arrived in Princia, but that wasn’t the end.
Dividing the forces into four was just a broad categorization. Within each unit, there were detailed formations, and the Mercenary Clan members needed to quickly adapt and integrate.
As we adjusted to the eastern region, the time to depart for Barbara was fast approaching.
A few days had passed since we arrived in Princia, and the departure date was now imminent.
Despite being busy, I found some time to visit the units divided by class. Although I had no authority over the assignments, as a clan lord, I felt I couldn’t be too indifferent to my clan members.
On the day of departure, users from each unit would march in a formation suited for a large-scale expedition, rather than gathering with their clan members. The marching formation was divided by ‘class’ roles.
Of course, it wasn’t that they couldn’t meet later. But with the war atmosphere setting in and some members scattered, it was necessary to check in on them at least once.
Currently, I was meeting with Im Han-na, an archer user. She was the only archer in the Mercenary Clan, which meant she wasn’t assigned with any other clan members.
“Isn’t it lonely being on your own?”
“It would be a lie to say it’s not. You should have recruited one more archer.”
“Well, I never had the chance. And if it weren’t for Go Yeon-joo’s introduction, we wouldn’t have met.”
“Oh, I’m just joking. I know it’s not easy. I was just whining a bit. Haha.”
When I spoke with a heavy tone, Im Han-na shook her head gently and gave a kind smile. Her playful remark made me chuckle.
“Whining? That’s not like you.”
“Why not? I’m a woman too, you know. Sometimes I want to vent and complain when things get tough.”
“Tough? Really?”
I caught onto Im Han-na’s slip and asked. She looked like she regretted her words, covering her lips with a delicate hand.
“Is there a problem?”
“Well… it’s just…”
Im Han-na hesitated to speak. She seemed reluctant to share, but given the wartime situation, even small issues could escalate, so I was determined to hear her out.
“It’s not a big deal…”
“Han-na, just tell me. What’s bothering you?”
She tried to brush it off, but I cut her off firmly. She watched me for a while, sensing my determination to hear her out, and finally began to speak.
“Well… with the deployment coming up, the archers in the unit often gather. But…”
“Yes, and?”
Im Han-na hesitated, then lowered her head, looking embarrassed. In a small voice, she continued.
“Every time we gather… I feel uncomfortable with all the attention… especially from the men… and some of them get too friendly after the meetings…”
”?”
Her disjointed words left me momentarily confused. As I tilted my head in puzzlement, her outfit caught my eye.
Im Han-na was wearing ‘Northern Winter Tights,’ which clung to her body, accentuating her curves.
The tights highlighted her voluptuous chest and firm, shapely hips. Moreover, the right sleeve was missing due to Baek Seo-yeon’s injury, leaving her fair skin exposed.
Suddenly, her words made sense. Even when the relatively slender Baek Seo-yeon wore it, it seemed tight, so it must be even more so for her.
Fortunately, the tights were black, and she wore a Yggdrasil leaf cloak over them. If the tights had been a lighter color, it might have been more revealing.
While Go Yeon-joo might have been fine with it, Im Han-na was different. She had a gentle beauty and an elegant aura, yet her body exuded a certain allure. It was an unusual combination, but I found it refreshingly attractive.
Unconsciously, I swallowed hard.
At that moment, as my gaze traveled back up her body, I met her eyes.
”…….”
I felt caught. Though momentarily flustered, I quickly calculated how to respond.
“I don’t like it.”
“Huh?”
Im Han-na, looking embarrassed, wrapped her arms around her chest. With a shy glance, she looked down, her face flushed.
“Please don’t stare like that… I don’t like it…”
“Ahem.”
I cleared my throat reflexively and turned my gaze away, speaking as if nothing had happened.
“Maybe you should get a robe to cover up.”
”…Yes.”
Her quiet response followed my suggestion.
But the air between us remained awkward and tense.
“Well, well~?”
On my way to the Goryeo Clan House, a familiar voice reached my ears.
I felt a prickling gaze on my cheek. Unable to resist, I glanced sideways to see Go Yeon-joo, eyes narrowed, following me. I quickly averted my gaze, but I couldn’t deny that our eyes had met.
“Well~ well~?”
Her voice grew more teasing.
“Something’s strange. Why was the atmosphere between you and Han-na so… heated?”
“User Go Yeon-joo.”
Her persistent, pointed remarks finally made me call her name.
In truth, it was Go Yeon-ju who saved me from the awkward situation. Just as the tension in the room was reaching its peak, she appeared out of nowhere. She informed me that Goryeo Lord had summoned me, giving me the perfect excuse to make my escape.
Of course, someone as perceptive as Go Yeon-ju wouldn’t let the situation slide without a word.
As we passed through the main building after a quick security check, I tried to steer the conversation elsewhere, speaking as casually as I could.
“I heard Goryeo Lord called for me earlier.”
“Yes, that’s right!”
“Go Yeon-ju.”
Her voice was deliberately exaggerated, almost theatrical. When I called her name again and turned to look, she was smiling as if nothing had happened.
“Anyway, do you know why I was summoned? It was so sudden, I have no idea.”
“Well… I’m not entirely sure. I heard it’s a gathering of all the commanders from the Seomun unit. It sounded like they had a request, probably related to an upcoming deployment.”
I nodded thoughtfully, pushing aside the trivial thoughts that had been swirling in my mind. The mercenary reinforcements were nearly complete, and I had recently heard that the final preparations were done. It wasn’t just nearing completion; it was finished.
With the city departure imminent, Go Yeon-ju’s words seemed plausible.
“Speaking of which, I heard there’s going to be an event related to the departure ceremony…”
“A departure ceremony?”
“Yes. Ah, we’re here. Let me get the door for you.”
Before I knew it, we had arrived at the conference room. The sign above read “Command Control Room,” but it was essentially a meeting room, save for the restricted access.
As the door opened and I stepped inside, the first thing I noticed was the presence of eight users scattered around the room. Most of them turned to look as I entered.
“Oh, you’re here! Long time no see, Mercenary Lord!”
“Hey! Kim Soo-hyun!”
Two familiar faces stood up to greet me warmly. A quick glance revealed Seo Jin-woo from the Goryeo Clan and Kim Deok-pil from the Reverse Clan waving at me.
“It’s been a while.”
Having been quite friendly with them during my time as an instructor at the User Academy, acknowledging them wasn’t awkward.
“Wow, it’s really been a while. I heard you arrived three days ago?”
“Yes.”
“Then why was it so hard to see you? You just sent a message about the deployment and that was it.”
Kim Deok-pil approached me with a cheerful expression that belied his nickname. I suddenly worried he might start grilling me about my absence.
At that moment, three of the six users who had been quietly observing stood up. Seo Jin-woo and Kim Deok-pil were familiar faces from previous encounters, but the other six were new to me, though they felt strangely familiar. They were likely the renowned users I had noted when assessing the Seomun unit’s status.
As I pondered this, two men and a woman, exuding an extraordinary presence, stepped forward. They approached Go Yeon-ju and bowed respectfully.
“It’s been a while, Shadow Queen.”
“Good to see you, User Go Yeon-ju.”
“Long time no see, Yeon-ju unnie.”
Though their greetings varied, they all carried a sense of reverence or warmth.
I watched them for a moment before activating my third eye.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
I visited my maternal grandparents for Chuseok today. It was great to see my relatives after so long. We had lots of delicious food and good conversations. Unfortunately, the ultrabook I brought to write ended up being commandeered by my younger cousins. Haha.
It looks like the expedition will finally begin in the next chapter. I was worried about fitting it into the usual four chapters, but it seems like it will work out. :)
I bet you’re all tired. Take a hot bath and enjoy a can of beer before bed!
『 Reader Comments (Episode 326) 』
yjung: Congratulations on being first. Haha. I hope you had a great Chuseok!
Chiwoo-hyun: Unfortunately, the prologue is in the next episode. Haha. (__) There are important characters to introduce first.
Hwiya: Yes, Shin Sang-yong. I’m determined to do my best this time. Please look forward to it!
Yoo-on: Beautiful face, model-like figure, tall and striking appearance! Who is this person and where do they live? I’m envious. ㅜ.ㅠ
Neungsubeodeul: The initial concept was one-third, but it’s definitely changed now. Hahaha.
『 Reader Comments (Episode 327) 』
Deshkar: Congratulations on being first. :) I’ve been curious for a while, what does “Yoshi! Grand Season!” mean?
Fabian: I think I’ve exhausted the brother complex theme enough. It’s time to let it settle. Hahaha.
Seokyangs: Thank you. I would have posted it as is, but after reading it multiple times from different angles, it felt like reading a setting book. So I decided it would be better to reveal it through future descriptions. I’ll make sure to convey it clearly in the upcoming content. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to answer. (__)
Lim Jisoo12: No, I’m a healthy man who has completed military service. Really.
Cheonnyangboeun: Congratulations on your car purchase. I’m so jealous. ㅜ.ㅠ I want to buy a car soon too, but I only have a license for show. Haha.
Thank you for always reading. I hope you enjoy the story with a relaxed mind.