Chapter 9: The Mercenary’s Everyday Life (Part 2)
“Miracle!”
A radiant light burst forth from Ansol’s entire body. The brilliant white beams reached the ceiling, forming a glowing oval, and in its center appeared a noble woman with fluttering white wings. With her eyes serenely closed, she looked every bit the part of an angel.
“Wow…”
The room filled with light, and Cha Sorim, lying on the bed, let out a faint gasp. The ‘Miracle’ ability of the Brilliance Priest was not only effective but also visually stunning.
The angel slowly opened her eyes, gazing down at Ansol as if waiting for a wish to be spoken.
Ansol pointed to Cha Sorim and spoke up. “Angel, please heal this person’s wounds from the lich.”
The angel nodded benevolently, as if it were no trouble at all. Watching this, Ansol tilted her head in curiosity.
Just as the angel was about to extend her hand toward Cha Sorim, Ansol spoke again. “Oh! How about restoring her entire condition while you’re at it? Might as well throw in some extra service, right?”
The angel’s hand paused for a moment, and I wondered if my eyes were playing tricks on me. But then she nodded reluctantly, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. Bargaining with an angel—Ansol was something else.
But I underestimated Ansol.
“Wait a minute, Angel. We won’t see each other for a while, right? So, could you also heal Suhyun? He’s been looking so tired lately, and I feel bad for him. You’ll do it, right?”
The angel shot me a glare. Why was I getting the evil eye? I hadn’t done anything wrong.
“Ah, never mind. Others might feel left out… Just heal everyone in the Mercenary House, like you did during the war. That should be enough. Hehe.”
Ansol nodded to herself, smiling brightly.
I was impressed. “Like you did during the war,” she said. The Miracle, one of the highest-level divine spells, was being treated like a casual request. Ansol’s audacity was truly remarkable.
The angel clenched her fist, looking down at Ansol with an incredulous expression. This time, it was no illusion.
Sensing the angel’s gaze, Ansol quickly wiped the smile off her face, her shoulders drooping as she pouted.
“Just do whatever you want…”
The angel let out a deep sigh—or at least it seemed that way. She unclenched her fist and raised her hand high. Every movement was sacred, yet why did it seem like she was reluctant?
Flash!
“All health is restored!”
“All mana is restored!”
“All status ailments are cured!”
A blinding light briefly filled the room, followed by a familiar message. Energy surged through my body, dispelling the lingering discomfort from using ‘Area Declared.’
It wasn’t just me. I heard Anhyun and Yujeong exclaiming in surprise nearby. The angel had granted Ansol’s request after all.
Perhaps Ansol had a knack for negotiation. I watched the light slowly fade from everyone’s bodies.
“Is it… over?”
“Yes, it’s done. Try moving.”
Cha Sorim looked skeptical, but she cautiously moved her arm as Ansol suggested, her eyes widening in surprise.
“What, what?!”
She moved her arm several times before sitting up straight, slowly stretching her body as if to test it. The awkwardness in her movements was gone.
“Master! Are the wounds really healed?”
“Yes, they are.”
“Really? Truly?”
“I said yes.”
Finally convinced, Cha Sorim pushed away the vampire who had rushed to her side and looked at me with trembling eyes. But I shook my head and gestured toward Ansol. Cha Sorim looked at her in surprise, then got off the bed and grasped Ansol’s hands tightly.
“Are you the one called Ansol?”
“Yes~.”
Ansol beamed. I remembered hearing that she occasionally volunteered at the temple after the war. Despite her quirky nature, helping others seemed to bring her genuine joy.
“My body… feels completely healed. No, it feels even better. Thank you so much.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just glad you’re better.”
“Hohoho!”
Ansol modestly accepted the gratitude, while the vampire knelt before her, spreading his arms wide and speaking in an exaggerated tone.
“Ah, Ansol! Is that your name? Is this what a miracle is? Are you the saint of the whole plane?”
“What? No, no. I’m just an ordinary priest. Hehe.”
It was an overstatement, to say the least.
Ansol gently took the vampire’s hands, lifting him with a kind smile.
“Please, stand up. You’ll make me uncomfortable if you keep doing this.”
“But…! Still…!”
“I’m not a saint. Miracles are bridges of chance for those who strive. Today’s miracle is a reward for your efforts. Be proud of yourself.”
“S-Saint!”
‘Oh, come on.’
The two of them were putting on quite the show. The vampire was ecstatic, while Cha Sorim awkwardly forced a smile.
Unable to watch any longer, I turned away, only to see Anhyun and Yujeong clinging to each other. They looked quite cozy.
“Ugh… Is that really my sister? What happened to her?”
“Is she crazy? She’s been volunteering at the temple and now she’s delusional. Ugh, it’s creepy.”
“Hey, Yujeong. She’s still my sister. Watch what you say.”
“Your sister, huh…?”
Yujeong narrowed her eyes at Anhyun, who was obliviously holding her tighter.
“Hey, Anhyun?”
“Just stay still. It’s already awkward enough.”
Yujeong’s face twisted at Anhyun’s nonchalant words. Three seconds passed.
Thud!
“You perverted jerk!”
“Ugh!”
Yujeong cursed and punched Anhyun in the stomach, then kicked him while he was down. After hissing like an angry cat, she turned to me, breathing heavily.
“You can’t let your guard down around him. Right?!”
“Who, who touched you…?”
Thud!
“Shut up! He was being a creep!”
She stomped over and clung to me, her mature scent filling my nose.
I asked, bewildered, ”…So what are you doing?”
“Purifying. I’m purifying myself from Anhyun’s filth… Don’t mind me… Oh, this feels nice…”
“Anhyun’s not a cockroach, you know.”
“No, he is, brother. Anhyun is a cockroach.”
Yujeong declared firmly. I shook my head and calmly surveyed the room.
Yujeong was sniffling, Anhyun was groaning, the vampire was still praising, and Ansol… I didn’t even want to start.
The only one who caught my eye was Cha Sorim, who had her face buried in her hands. Her face was flushed, likely from trying to adapt to Ansol and the vampire’s antics before giving up.
At some point, our eyes met.
‘Why do I feel a sense of camaraderie…?’
A familiar feeling without reason. Cha Sorim looked at me with understanding eyes.
We both sighed at the same time.
A few days had passed since Cha Sorim joined the Mercenary Clan. Now fully recovered, she requested the promised test.
Honestly, I didn’t think the test was necessary for Cha Sorim. I already knew her skills. But the other clan members, without the insight I had, needed to see for themselves. So I arranged a spot in the garden for her test.
The garden, filled with clan members, was tense and silent. At the center stood Anhyun and Cha Sorim, each holding a spear, staring each other down.
The test was a sparring match. It was a bit misleading to say Anhyun was her opponent. I had originally planned for Nam Da-eun to face her.
However, when the test was announced, Anhyun insisted on being Cha Sorim’s opponent. He had been practicing diligently and, as a fellow spearman, his competitive spirit was ignited. Unable to refuse his earnest request, I eventually agreed.
In truth, from Cha Sorim’s perspective, facing Ahn Hyun might have been more daunting. If her opponent had been Nam Da-eun, even a modest performance would have been understandable to the clan members, given Nam Da-eun’s reputation as the “Sword Queen.”
However, Ahn Hyun was a user with fewer years of experience than Cha Sorim. This meant she had the pressure of needing to win so decisively that no one could raise any complaints.
But I didn’t dwell on the “what ifs.” Although Ahn Hyun was a rare class and more skilled than others in his year, he was still just a rookie who had barely completed his first year. Beating a fully committed Cha Sorim was nearly impossible.
‘It’s about to start.’
Two minutes passed after the test began, with both of them simply staring at each other. The first thing that caught my eye was Ahn Hyun’s black spear. The tip of his spear danced lightly in the air, seeking an opening to attack while disorienting his opponent’s vision.
In contrast, Cha Sorim’s stance was incredibly relaxed. It was as if she was inviting an attack, her spear tip hanging loosely downward, leaving her front seemingly unguarded. Yet, her slightly narrowed eyes were constantly observing Ahn Hyun’s every move.
Then, Ahn Hyun’s left hand moved. While his right hand continued to sway the spear, his left hand subtly gripped the opposite end. His posture began to bend slightly, suggesting he was about to launch forward.
Just as it seemed Ahn Hyun was about to spring into action—
Whoosh!
“Gah!”
Cha Sorim swung her spear lightly. It was a meaningless swing, but Ahn Hyun was startled, bending his back dramatically.
‘Tsk.’
A foolish evasive maneuver. The sharp stance he had painstakingly maintained fell apart. The tension of facing a master had overwhelmed him.
But then, something unexpected happened.
Instead of straightening his back, Ahn Hyun leaned even further, using the momentum to propel himself forward with a fierce lunge.
The strength of a spear martial artist lies in their fluid movements. They exploit their opponent’s blind spots while eliminating their own. They can strike and evade from any awkward position.
Ahn Hyun’s strategy was precisely that. His stance had indeed faltered, but he turned it to his advantage, thinking, ‘They won’t expect an attack from this position.’
Swish!
The black spear sliced through the air, extending forward with impressive speed and precision, a testament to his diligent practice.
The distance closed rapidly, and just as Ahn Hyun’s spear was about to pierce the spot where Cha Sorim stood—
She took a step to the left.
‘It’s over.’
I realized it immediately. Ahn Hyun had opted for a decisive strike rather than a prolonged engagement, leaving no room for a second chance.
Cha Sorim had been watching Ahn Hyun’s entire body from the start, not just his spear and upper body but his lower body as well. She must have noticed that his lower body was bracing with more force than necessary compared to his back.
Knowing an attack was coming made it easy to counter. In truth, the outcome was decided the moment Cha Sorim swung her spear.
With a single sidestep, Cha Sorim let Ahn Hyun’s spear pass by harmlessly. At the same time, she swung her own spear upward, striking Ahn Hyun’s abdomen.
Thud!
“Ugh!”
As Ahn Hyun tumbled to the ground, the match was decisively concluded. Cha Sorim had subdued Ahn Hyun with just three moves. It was a test no one could dispute.
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
As applause filled the air, Cha Sorim bowed politely, while Ahn Hyun hung his head in defeat. I joined in the applause, offering congratulations to the victor and consolation to the defeated.
Cha Sorim remained expressionless, yet she didn’t come across as arrogant.
“It was a good match.”
“Y-yes. Th-thank you.”
“Are you alright?”
“I think so. Ha, haha.”
Cha Sorim nodded once, then tucked her windblown hair behind her ear and extended a hand to the dazed Ahn Hyun.
“Ah…”
Ahn Hyun let out a faint gasp, glancing between Cha Sorim’s face and her outstretched hand before cautiously taking it.
“Then.”
“W-wait a moment!”
After helping Ahn Hyun to his feet, Cha Sorim approached me. Her eyes asked how she had done, and I responded with satisfaction.
“Congratulations on passing the test. Your clean evasion and precise movements were impressive.”
“I’m glad I met your expectations.”
“We’ll treat you as a full-fledged clan member from now on. Welcome to the Mercenary Clan once again.”
“Thank you. I’ll do my best.”
Cha Sorim lowered her gaze slightly, nodding her head. She seemed to be avoiding my eyes for some reason.
I tilted my head in curiosity, then turned my attention to Ahn Hyun, who still stood in the center, staring at his hands. Was the defeat too much for him to handle?
‘Hopefully, he’s not too discouraged.’
I watched Ahn Hyun for a while before calmly standing up.
“Let’s go. We’ll have a meal first, then proceed with the formalities of becoming a clan member.”
“Formalities?”
In response to Cha Sorim’s question, I smiled lightly and explained.
“Internally, it involves checking equipment and assigning accommodations. Externally, it includes changing your status.”
Cha Sorim nodded again, still looking at the ground.
“I don’t like this room either.”
“Eek!”
A sudden scream echoed through the third floor of the Mercenary House annex, where clan members usually stayed.
“Show me another room, Alchemist.”
“Hey! Enough is enough! How many rooms have you seen already?”
Vivian cried out in frustration. The cause of her distress was none other than the vampire, Sasha Felix.
When Kim Su-hyun registered Cha Sorim as a member of the Mercenary Clan, he also registered the vampire, who was bound to her. After completing the registration process, Kim Su-hyun gave Vivian a special task.
He asked her to show the vampire around the Mercenary House and help with accommodations, hoping they could bond over shared experiences and leave past grievances behind.
But, as expected, problems arose. The vampire, who had been enjoying the tour and meals, suddenly became picky when choosing a room.
Vivian, who had planned to quickly show the vampire around and then rush to Nam Da-eun, had to change her plans upon witnessing the vampire’s room selection process.
The vampire’s method was peculiar but straightforward. She sniffed the air and immediately judged the room.
The reasons were laughable. “It’s cold,” “It smells weird,” or “I don’t feel any soul here,” were some of her complaints.
Regardless of the reasons, Vivian was exasperated by the vampire’s decision-making based solely on scent.
“Look, just because I tortured you a bit doesn’t mean you have to be so petty. Seriously.”
Vivian glared, her fingers twitching as if ready to claw at the vampire’s face. But the vampire remained unfazed, snorting derisively and casting a disdainful glance.
“Hmph. Typical of a lowly spider. Is it so hard to show me a room?”
“Seriously, how many rooms is this now? You’re doing this on purpose to mess with me, aren’t you?”
“Mess with you? Vampires don’t lie. We might choose not to speak, but we don’t lie.”
The vampire shrugged and opened another door, sniffing the air. After a moment, she shook her head with a look of disappointment.
“This one’s no good either. Too barren.”
“Ugh. Do whatever you want. I’m done. I can’t do this anymore!”
Finally, Vivian declared her surrender.
“Hmph. I don’t know my way around.”
Ignoring her, the vampire clicked her tongue and slowly walked to another door.
“Unbelievable.”
Despite her words, Vivian’s eyes followed the vampire. As she watched, she suddenly shouted in alarm.
“Hey, wait! That room’s occupied!”
But the vampire had already opened the door. Inside was a neatly arranged bed, white priestly robes hanging, and a charming room filled with pretty shelves and teacups.
“Sniff, sniff, sniff.”
Watching the vampire sniff the air, Vivian let out a frustrated groan.
“I told you it’s occupied!”
“Sniff, sniff, sniff…?”
“Can’t you hear me? That’s An Sol’s room!”
Irritated by being ignored, Vivian shouted, ready to kick the vampire out.
“You’re really…!”
And then, it happened.
“Ugh!”
“Eek! Eek!”
Sasha Felix suddenly retched, and Vivian jumped back in shock, cursing.
“Are you insane? What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Ugh! Ugh!”
But the vampire’s repeated dry heaving seemed genuine. Vivian, eyes wide, cautiously approached.
“Hey. Hey?”
“Ugh… Ugh…!”
“Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?”
“Gasp… gasp… Damn it! Whose room is this, anyway?”
Bang!
Vivian flinched at the sound of the door slamming shut, just as she was about to answer, “It’s Ansol’s room.”
The vampire wiped his mouth repeatedly, glaring at the room with disdain.
“Ugh! I shouldn’t have sniffed around…!”
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“The smell of saliva! The scent of a woman’s… fluids! What kind of perverted stench is this? This is the worst room I’ve ever encountered!”
The vampire, clearly agitated, spat out his words with fervor before swiftly turning and striding down the hallway.
“Saliva? Fluids?”
Vivian tilted her head in confusion, watching the vampire’s retreating figure before quickly following him.
“Where are you going now?”
“Never mind. I’ll look around on my own.”
“That’s where the owners’ rooms are!”
Perhaps wanting to get as far away from the previous room as possible, the vampire walked to the very end of the corridor and stopped in front of a door. He turned to Vivian, hand on the doorknob.
“Is there an owner here?”
“Uh, well…”
“Is there?”
“Not right now…”
“Good. Then it doesn’t matter.”
The vampire opened the door and took a deep breath before peering inside.
This room, too, showed signs of use. A thin layer of dust covered the bed, and a faded robe hung on the wall. Thick books were neatly arranged on the desk, and simple alchemical tools were scattered in one corner.
“Wait a minute!”
Vivian hesitated at the doorway, her eyes briefly softening as she looked inside.
“Sniff, sniff, sniff.”
Watching the vampire sniff the air, Vivian quickly grabbed his arm.
“Come on, let’s go. This room isn’t great either, right? I’ll show you another one on the fourth floor.”
“Hold on.”
It was then that Sasha Felix shook off Vivian’s grip and stepped inside. Vivian’s eyes widened in surprise. For the first time, the vampire ventured beyond just sniffing from the doorway.
“Hmm, hmm.”
The vampire hummed approvingly as he surveyed the room. Vivian watched quietly before speaking up.
“What do you think of this one?”
“Pathetic.”
The vampire replied immediately, causing Vivian to frown deeply.
“What did you say?”
“It’s absurd, pitiful, and pathetic. The traces of deep contemplation and struggle are etched everywhere. It’s so cluttered and stifling that it makes my chest feel tight.”
“So, you don’t like this room either?”
“But.”
The vampire paused, then turned back with a satisfied smile.
“It’s warm.”
”…What?”
“Strange, isn’t it? This room alone feels warm. Hmm. I quite like it. Vivian La Clacidas, was it? If there’s no owner, I’ll take this room. Is that alright?”
Vivian blinked at the vampire, who nodded enthusiastically.
”…Really?”
“Yes.”
“You really like this room? Why?”
“Hmm… There’s no particular reason. It’s just a feeling.”
The vampire didn’t offer a clear answer, letting silence fill the room. After a while, Sasha Felix spoke again, having thoroughly examined the room.
“They say that after a harsh winter, spring always comes.”
“What do you mean?”
Vivian asked, puzzled, and the vampire replied quietly.
“It means winter must pass for spring to arrive.”
He closed his eyes, spread his arms, and took a deep breath.
“Absurd, yet diligent… Pitiful, yet persistent… Pathetic, yet passionate… Yes. This room is like…”
The vampire paused, then continued with a gentle smile.
“Like a warm spring after a long winter.”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Haha. Sorry for the delay. I ended up writing more than expected. (__)
I read your comments from the last chapter. Just to clarify… the vampire is male, not female. (I double-checked to make sure I didn’t accidentally write him as female.) But pairing Anhyun with the vampire… Let’s be honest, that’s BL, isn’t it? -_-a If you don’t like BL, why suggest it… ㅜ.ㅠ
Oh, the side story is almost finished. We’re at chapter 9 now, right? The side story will conclude in chapter 10. :D