Episode 39: Make an Offer
“In this world of Hall Plain, people can be divided into two main groups: the original residents and the users who arrived through the angels. But don’t be mistaken; not all users are the same.”
“Not the same?” Hanbyeol asked, curiosity piqued.
Hyunwoo nodded. “Some users strive to return to Earth, while others have settled here, choosing to live as residents of Hall Plain. It’s like they’ve turned their backs on Earth. Though ‘turned their backs’ might sound a bit harsh. Let’s just say they’ve chosen not to return.”
He paused to swallow, as if his throat was dry, and continued speaking. I found myself increasingly eager to hear what he had to say next.
“The members of the Golden Lion Clan, like you, probably want to return to Earth. We’re actively gathering clues to make that happen. But those who have settled here are different. They wish to remain in Hall Plain forever.”
“Then why not just band together with those who want to return?” Hanbyeol suggested.
It was a logical idea, but reality is rarely so simple. Hyunwoo shook his head, a hint of regret in his eyes.
“It’s not that straightforward. Hall Plain isn’t a game; it’s a complex world with its own reality. There are many conflicting interests, and those who wish to stay here do everything they can to thwart our plans to return.”
Was he talking about the vagrants? For example, there’s a group called the Murder Brigade. It’s not officially a clan yet, but it’s a notorious gathering of users who take pleasure in killing. I remember they formed after the first alliance war, which is bound to happen soon.
Their end was quite dramatic. When the Northern Continent crossed the Iron Mountains and entered Atlanta, they made the mistake of crossing a user from the Red Fang Clan, which owned a major city. In their fury, Woo Jung-min and Sun Yoo-woon wiped them out completely.
“They won’t hesitate to kill other users to achieve their goals. While many users live quietly in Hall Plain, there are dangerous ones like them.”
A heavy silence fell over the square. Most people had assumed that all humans were allies, not potential enemies. Of course, there might be users like Park Dong-geol, who seemed indifferent, perhaps because they had already experienced killing or had done so during some rite of passage.
“Currently, they’re operating in the shadows, but their power is not to be underestimated. They’re always looking for an opportunity to strike. You asked about the true purpose of the Academy, right? Here’s our answer.”
Hyunwoo paused, locking eyes with Hanbyeol before continuing.
“New users are often targeted by these groups. They might try to recruit them or use them to satisfy their own desires. The User Academy is there to protect and educate new users, to help them resist these threats. That’s why both the angels and we recommend starting there. It’s a win-win situation for new users.”
Hyunwoo’s point was clear: mutual support. Existing users protect newcomers from danger and help them adapt to Hall Plain. In turn, these newcomers grow into valuable members of the community. As they develop, they become crucial assets to their city and continent.
Hanbyeol sat down, looking convinced. The others seemed to agree with Hyunwoo’s words as well. Everyone except me, that is. What he said was true, and I had no objections to starting at the Academy, which was my plan all along. But he hadn’t told the whole story.
If you look at why the first alliance war started, you’ll see that he left out the most important parts. It was the Golden Lion Clan that sparked the conflict, and hearing him speak like this was infuriating.
He criticized the vagrants, but they weren’t vagrants for no reason. Some were so notorious that they were wanted in every city, unwelcome wherever they went. At least in the Northern Continent, that is.
I wanted to ask him: aren’t you ultimately the same? I’m not siding with the vagrants, but the existing users are just as guilty of protecting their interests and taking what they can.
In my first experience in Hall Plain, I barely survived crossing the Iron Mountains and capturing Atlanta, only to have it snatched away by a coalition of other clans and support from other continents. (We eventually reclaimed it in the infamous Atlanta Recapture Battle, one of the most brutal fights in history.)
There’s a saying in Hall Plain: users with shared interests form clans, and clans with common enemies form alliances. Whether it’s a clan or a vagrant, they’re all the same when it comes to wielding a knife for their own needs. Hearing Hyunwoo’s polished words made my blood boil. Even if there’s no need to tell new users the harsh truth, as someone who’s experienced it firsthand, I found his words laughable.
I managed to calm myself just as Hanbyeol sat back down, seemingly convinced. Without experiencing the future of Hall Plain, Hyunwoo’s words made sense. As I turned back to the stage, Hyunwoo seemed relieved, as if he hadn’t expected such questions.
“I didn’t expect a few questions to take this long. Some of you look tired… I think it’s best to end here for today. I recommend getting a good night’s sleep. Training starts tomorrow. Please follow the guides to your accommodations.”
With that, he instructed the users around him, and as they approached us, Hyunwoo left the stage.
Just before he descended the stairs, he glanced back at the users gathered there. In that brief moment, I noticed him looking at Hanbyeol. His eyes seemed to hold a deep interest in her. When I quickly glanced at Hanbyeol, she was also exchanging glances with him. I felt a twinge of discomfort.
In larger clans, many users hope to join, but smaller clans often merge or recruit promising new users. It’s a privilege of the major city clans, making it a tricky area to navigate.
Hyunwoo’s interest in Hanbyeol might stem from that. And for some reason, I had a strong feeling that Hanbyeol would accept an offer from the Golden Lion Clan.
By the time we reached the Academy’s dormitory, night had fully fallen. The accommodations were divided into groups of eight, and quick-thinking Ahn Hyun slipped into my group, allowing us to share a room.
The sleeping arrangements were basic: a mattress and two blankets. It was quite spartan, almost to the point of being shabby. Some newcomers grumbled, but the veterans settled in without complaint. The User Academy’s facilities were reminiscent of military barracks.
The training instructor had mentioned that we’d have some freedom today, with a sly smile. (I immediately asked for a cigarette, and he handed me a few without a word.) Despite the promise of free time, everyone except me fell asleep quickly, exhausted.
Ahn Hyun had nestled close to me, which was a bit uncomfortable. Watching him sleep, I noticed he was smacking his lips, as if dreaming of food. I couldn’t help but chuckle at how carefree he seemed.
The Northern Continent’s User Academy is infamous for its grueling training. The exercises are beyond imagination, and I worried about how the others would handle the 13-week program.
”…….”
I felt a heaviness in my chest, sighing deeply. Why was that? As I pondered, I realized my mind was filled with the image of Hyunwoo and Hanbyeol exchanging glances.
The more I tried to force myself to sleep, the more tangled my thoughts became. After tossing and turning for a while, I finally sat up. I slipped on one of the slippers haphazardly lying on the floor and opened the tightly shut door of my dorm room. Stepping into the dark hallway, the cold air felt refreshing against my skin. I savored the chill for a moment before fishing a cigarette out of my pocket, a small favor from the instructor.
After ensuring the coast was clear, I conjured a faint spark at my fingertip. With a soft crackle, the flame ignited the end of the cigarette before vanishing. I took a deep drag.
“Ahh…”
The men’s and women’s dorms were in separate buildings. She was surprisingly classified as a magic talent, which made sense given her high magic levels. The clan lord I previously served was from the combat division. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret.
Initially, I saw Ahn Hyun and his group merely as a means to an end. My ultimate goal hadn’t changed, but my thoughts had shifted. I acknowledged that Hanbyul was different from the usual users, but I hadn’t expected to be so affected.
Could it be that I’ve grown attached to her? Or is it something more? I shook my head at the absurdity of the thought, scattering the glowing ashes into the air.
No one knows me better than I know myself. With my dry personality, forming an attachment to someone I’d only known for a week was laughable. Then it hit me—why was I disappointed when she was classified as a magic talent?
From our first meeting and throughout the initiation, she reminded me of a woman I had once followed sincerely in my first life. Perhaps I had been seeing Han So-young in Kim Hanbyul all along. The realization filled me with a bitter sense of irony. It was ridiculous to be troubled by something so trivial.
I stubbed out the cigarette and turned back. There was much to do and even more to ponder. I had no desire to waste time on unproductive worries.
Sleep still eluded me, but I was determined to rest, even if it meant forcing myself into unconsciousness. Quietly, I opened the door and stepped back into my room.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Suhyeon is still haunted by the memory of Han So-young, which is why he reacts this way. There were many moments during the initiation when Hanbyul reminded him of her.
As promised, the User Academy arc will conclude within the next two chapters, so there will be some skipped parts.
Hello, this is Royujin.
Sunday has passed, and it’s Monday. Yes, it’s Monday. Sigh… ㅜ.ㅠ
I posted 9K words yesterday, but many said it felt short.
I know, I know. Ugh. I’m sorry.
When I first started posting, I aimed for over 8K words, excluding the prologue. But after receiving a message about a 10K maximum, I decided to aim for around 10K, so I posted 9K. It seems it wasn’t enough for some readers. ㅜ.ㅠ
I ask for your understanding and patience.
Regarding the author’s notes… Yes, I understand some might find them bothersome. But to be honest, I don’t want to stop writing them or the replies. I usually start writing the notes 20 to 30 minutes before posting.
I’m sorry for not being able to post continuously these days.
I’m sorry for the slow progression. (I’ll take it slow where needed and skip where I can.)
Some suggest I should use the time spent on notes to write more, but posting one chapter a day, I think it’s too sad not to allow myself those 20 or 30 minutes.
As I’ve mentioned before, I genuinely enjoy writing these notes. I’m curious about the comments I’ll receive, whether readers will find it fun, what might be lacking, and what questions they might have.
When I decided to re-serialize Memorize, I wanted to communicate openly with readers. That’s why I chose to write notes and replies. There’s no grand reason—it’s simply because I enjoy talking with you all.
I’ll do my best to keep the word count above 10K. So, I ask for your understanding if the notes and replies take up space. This note has become quite lengthy. If today’s note upset any readers, I sincerely apologize.
Starting from chapter 40, I’ll resume the notes and replies. I’ve read all your comments. Thank you. (I’ll include replies for chapters 38 and 39 in the note for chapter 40. I’m sorry.)