I blinked, and it felt like only a moment had passed, yet my vision was hazy. Perhaps it was the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the window that had lulled me to sleep at my desk.
I turned my head slowly, gazing out the window. The sunlight danced across the polished window frame, and beyond it lay a garden that shimmered like scattered emeralds.
As my eyes drifted to the main gate, I rested my chin on my hand, lost in thought.
“I hope the Mercenary Clan makes the most of this opportunity.”
Those were the last words Han So-young left me with before she departed. They held significant meaning for the current state of the Mercenary Clan.
Lee Hyo-eul is planning to fill the vacant spots in the top ten soon. While I don’t like the idea of forcing the situation, the intention isn’t necessarily bad.
The key point is that there’s a chance a first-year could take one of the remaining seven spots. In other words, I might be placed among the top ten.
Being in the top ten isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it could be quite beneficial. When considering future prospects, the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks.
The problem is that the one drawback could cause quite a stir.
“A protruding nail gets hammered down.”
The Mercenary Clan is already sailing smoothly. However, I feel the need to apply the brakes a bit.
Success can make you a target of envy and jealousy if it goes too far. Especially now, with the war over, interest in the Mercenary Clan is growing by the day.
If I suddenly become one of the top ten now?
The outcome is obvious. No matter what achievements I’ve made, there will be those who try to undermine me. I can guarantee it. If they want to criticize, they’ll find a way.
But before I dwell too much on the negatives, Han So-young’s words give me pause.
“Six of the seven remaining spots are already decided.”
Let’s break it down. One spot is still undecided. But there’s a possibility they want to place me in the top ten.
From this perspective, it could mean they’re willing to leave the spot open for a while.
And if my interpretation is correct…
“Are they willing to wait for me?”
Finally, my tangled thoughts began to clear. At the same time, I realized that this dilemma wasn’t mine alone.
I had been too focused on the word “decided.” Surely, Lee Hyo-eul isn’t foolish enough to rush such an important matter.
So then…
There are several ways to rise to the top ten, but they can be broadly divided into two.
One is to steadily build experience and reputation over time, earning recognition as a top ten member.
The other is to make a significant impact in a short period, leaving a strong impression on users. However, this method is rarely realized.
Between these two methods, the one I need to choose is both. I need to balance them appropriately.
And once I do, my course of action becomes clear.
With my thoughts finally in order, I reached for the communication crystal. As I channeled my magic into it, it began to emit a clear light.
A moment later.
Crackle, crackle!
A bit of static indicated the connection was established. Then, a face appeared in the crystal, one that could make anyone’s heart skip a beat.
A cold gaze met mine, momentarily taking my breath away.
“Hyung, it’s me.”
In that instant, the icy expression melted like winter meeting spring. The man who now looked at me with endless warmth was…
My brother, Kim Yuhyeon.
I spoke up immediately.
“I called because I have something to discuss.”
“Hyung, have you been well? I called because I have something to discuss.”
He feigned disappointment, then chuckled wryly.
“I need your help.”
“It’s about what we talked about last time. Do you remember?”
He nodded, understanding immediately.
“A bit.”
“It’s not that long…”
His voice was calm and persuasive.
’…’
I was momentarily speechless at how casually he suggested something so embarrassing.
He cleared his throat a couple of times, then looked at me with a sudden realization.
“Meet soon? Why?”
The thought of another meeting crossed my mind, but the mention of the User Academy changed things. It made sense, so I nodded slowly.
“Huh? What is it?”
”?”
I asked, puzzled. Could he have already found out about Nam Da-eun joining?
But his next words completely caught me off guard.
“Right. They said they’d prioritize those who suffered significant losses.”
He interlocked his fingers and rested his chin on them.
At that moment, I felt a surge of determination.
After finishing the call with my brother, I headed down to the third floor, where I found the storage room bustling with activity. The clan members were busy organizing, following the major inventory overhaul I had ordered after the recent equipment assessment. Ha-yeon was in charge of the task.
“User Jeong Ha-yeon, what should I do with this?”
“It’s a robe. Place it with the other armor, but make sure to sort it by class.”
“I’ll put it on the left display.”
“Perfect.”
Seon Yu-un turned briskly, while Woo Jeong-min was diligently carrying weapons. They seemed to be adjusting well, even though I hadn’t explicitly asked for their help.
Ha-yeon nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly called out sharply.
“Hyun-ah! What are you doing with that?”
“Huh? This? It’s a box of gold coins.”
“A box of gold coins? Why are you putting it there? I told you to place it against the front wall.”
An Hyun blinked, caught off guard, then spoke with a resigned expression.
“Ugh, this thing is really heavy… Can’t we just leave it here? There’s nothing else here anyway.”
“There’s no space there. We’re putting armor there. I’ll help you, so let’s move it together.”
“Geez, you’re so inflexible, noona.”
“Yes, I’m an inflexible woman. Did you just realize that?”
As Ha-yeon shrugged and rolled up her sleeves, An Hyun began to hum a tune.
“A warm, human woman for my brother. A flexible woman who enjoys a cup of coffee. But a mysterious woman who disappears in front of us. A woman with such a twist~.”
Ha-yeon paused, staring blankly at An Hyun.
“Heh!”
“Ha ha.”
Soft laughter erupted from various corners. It had been a while since An Hyun’s joke landed. Even Han Byul, who was quietly organizing jewels, was covering her mouth to stifle her laughter.
Ha-yeon seemed to finally grasp the situation. Clearly flustered, she shook her hand vigorously, her face turning red as she opened her mouth to speak.
“You, you! This brat… I’ve let you get away with too much…!”
“Ahem, ahem.”
At that moment, I cleared my throat lightly and stepped into the storage room, drawing several pairs of eyes toward me. Though I didn’t turn to look, I could see Ha-yeon’s shoulders tense.
And then.
“Hyun-ah, everyone’s working hard. You shouldn’t tease your sister like that. Don’t do it again, okay?”
Ha-yeon’s voice, following a brief pause, was gentle and kind. I chuckled inwardly and approached her.
“Ha-yeon, you’re working hard.”
“Oh my, the Clan Lord is here?”
Ha-yeon feigned surprise as she turned to me.
”…Yes. Was Hyun teasing you again?”
“It was just a joke. Don’t worry about it.”
“I see. But sometimes, Ha-yeon, you’re too soft. Even though you’re on duty… You could be a bit stricter.”
“Ho ho. It’s better to work happily, isn’t it?”
Numerous eyes were on us, and I sensed a hint of injustice in their gazes. I glanced at Han Byul, who was staring blankly with her mouth slightly open.
…It seemed she had been through quite a bit before I arrived.
Eventually, someone couldn’t hold back any longer, and a voice, clearly altered, echoed from a corner.
“W-What! You made us set up the equipment and even get the angles right…!”
“Still, the Clan Lord’s words should be etched deep in our hearts, down to our bones.”
But Ha-yeon was quick to cut them off, her response swift and sharp. She cast a cold glance around the room, her fist clenching tightly.
No. There’s no need to etch it into your bones.
Seeing the broad smile that spread across Ha-yeon’s face, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy.
Anyway.
I reached out and lifted the box Ahn-hyun was holding from below. It felt slightly heavy, likely because it was filled with gold coins.
After signaling Ahn-hyun to step aside, I lightly tossed the box in the direction Ha-yeon had indicated earlier.
Thud!
The box spun in the air before landing precisely in the corner.
I glanced at the clan members, who were momentarily wide-eyed, and spoke quietly.
“As soon as the warehouse is organized, we’ll begin distributing the equipment. Those who work hard will be duly rewarded. I’ll make sure Ha-yeon reports back to me on this.”
The clan members exchanged bewildered looks but soon seemed to understand. In no time, they were bustling about, busy with their tasks.
“One, two, heave-ho!”
Among them, An-sol was the most amusing. She set down the arrow she was holding and lifted a heavy piece of armor, making a show of struggling as she passed by me.
Hearing a short sigh, I leaned in to whisper to Ha-yeon.
“What’s with her?”
“A decent piece of priest equipment came up.”
”…”
“Remember the princess trapped in the ice wall last time? It’s that one.”
Ha-yeon’s clear explanation made everything click for me, and I couldn’t help but chuckle as I slowly surveyed the warehouse.
My gaze first landed on the display of rare and secret classes.
Two orbs, two books, and a single cloth bundle.
‘That bundle…’
The rare class, Twilight Priestess.
A sudden thought flashed through my mind. I quickly sought out the owner of the bundle and spotted Hannah just as she was straightening up.
“Huh?”
Her senses must be sharp, as she seemed to feel my gaze. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Hannah turned to look at me, tilting her head in curiosity.
I nodded for no particular reason and quickly averted my eyes. Then, I clapped my hands a couple of times to gather everyone’s attention.
Clap, clap.
“It looks like we’ll finish organizing the warehouse today. Now, I have an important announcement for all of you. It’s crucial, so everyone must attend the meeting tomorrow morning without exception.”
“An important announcement? Can we know what it’s about in advance…?”
“Well, I’ll explain in detail tomorrow morning…”
I paused, considering Ha-yeon’s question. But then I realized it didn’t really matter.
‘We were going to do it together anyway.’
So, after moistening my lips, I spoke quietly.
“We’ve received a cooperation request from the Haemil Clan.”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Sorry for the delay. I appreciate your understanding, dear readers. (__)