The sky was a soft shade of red, as if the sun, feeling the change of seasons, was eager to slip away to the west. I found myself looking up, watching the clouds tinged with twilight hues drift across the sky. It was as if the faint dusk was mingling with the fiery glow of the sunset.

“Admiring the sky, are you, Mercenary Lord?”

A deep, rich voice interrupted my thoughts. I glanced sideways to see a friendly-looking man approaching with a casual gait. I quickly lowered my head and returned his smile.

His name was Lee Jonghak, a key member of the Istanel Low clan and someone I had formed a deep bond with during my first run. In many ways, he was like a mentor to me, having taught me the ability I now used so effectively—Shape Shift.

“Yes, just lost in thought for a moment.”

“Ah, I see. I hope I’m not interrupting…”

“No, not at all.”

I shook my head slowly, and Lee Jonghak chuckled awkwardly. He seemed to have something on his mind, judging by the way he was gauging my reaction.

‘Ah, he always did love his cigarettes.’

Remembering this, I pulled out two cigarettes, and his face lit up as he accepted one. We strolled down the hill, smoking in companionable silence.

“I was truly impressed by your skills this time. Honestly, I thought the rumors after the war were exaggerated, but seeing it firsthand was something else.”

“You’re too kind. I’m just grateful you think so highly of me.”

“Not at all. It was no joke. Everyone in Istanel Low was amazed, especially by that technique where you vanish and reappear elsewhere. Is that an ability?”

“If you’re referring to Shape Shift, it’s not an inherent or special ability. It’s something I developed myself.”

I nodded, and Lee Jonghak let out a loud exclamation, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. He seemed eager to learn.

Perhaps feeling a sense of urgency, he took a deep drag on his cigarette and looked at me intently. I could guess why he had come to see me.

“Mercenary Lord, there’s something I’m curious about.”

“Go ahead.”

“I won’t beat around the bush. I’m interested in the ability you mentioned, Shape Shift. I’ve been working on something similar for two years, but there’s a critical flaw I haven’t been able to overcome. I haven’t been able to make it practical. Could you help me with the part where I’m stuck?”

As expected. I recalled the first run, where Lee Jonghak had taught me Shape Shift, saving my life countless times.

Watching him swallow nervously, I smiled faintly.

“Alright.”

“Really? I mean, I was being presumptuous… What?”

“Which part are you struggling with? If I can help, I’d be happy to.”

”…Are you serious?”

I nodded, and Lee Jonghak stared at me in disbelief before his face broke into a wide grin. He looked so overjoyed he might hug me any moment. And indeed, he spread his arms wide.

“Wow! Thank you! Really…”

Just then, a voice cut through the air.

“User Lee Jonghak.”

It was a soft yet commanding female voice, impossible to ignore. Lee Jonghak froze, turning his head with a startled expression, like a frog caught by a snake.

“Clan Lord.”

He slumped his shoulders, as if lamenting the timing. I turned to see a woman with eyes like black onyx, exuding a strange, captivating aura. It was none other than Han So-young, staring icily at Lee Jonghak.

He scratched his head awkwardly and asked in a hesitant voice.

“Uh, how long have you been here?”

“Since you two started smoking.”

”…Did you hear everything?”

“What if I did?”

Her voice was calm, but that made it all the more intimidating, as if pressing down on him.

The situation resolved quickly. After a few bows, Lee Jonghak made a hasty retreat. Watching him flee, I chuckled lightly. But Han So-young continued to gaze at him with an expressionless face. She must be quite intimidating.

After a moment, Han So-young sighed and approached me, bowing her head politely.

“I’m sorry, Mercenary Lord. My clan member’s thoughtless request must have been troublesome…”

“Ah, hold on.”

I stepped closer and gently took her slender arm. The soft sensation stopped her from bowing further.

In truth, a few years from now, Lee Jonghak would overcome the flaw and develop the ability he desired. I had intended to help him a little to maintain a good relationship, but things had taken an unexpected turn.

“Many clan members are watching. There’s no need for an apology.”

”…Abilities are usually not shared, even with family or fellow clan members. Especially between you and User Lee Jonghak.”

“Then I could have politely refused. And ultimately, it was my decision to agree. There’s no need for the Istanel Low Lord to bow.”

”…Thank you for saying so. But… it hurts.”

Han So-young blinked a few times, then lowered her gaze. Her eyes were on the arm I was holding. Realizing my mistake, I quickly let go. The alluring scent of a woman had been too close.

A brief silence followed. As I stepped back, Han So-young resumed walking. By now, most of the clan members had descended the hill.

As we walked slowly, Han So-young placed a hand on the spot I had held, gently massaging it, and spoke softly.

“Thank you. You’re very kind, Mercenary Lord.”

”…Pardon?”

Her words were sudden and unexpected. But Han So-young looked at me steadily, her eyebrows slightly raised—a habit when she was curious. I quickly composed myself.

“Thinking back… it was thanks to you that we could explore the ruins with Istanel Low. I’m very grateful for your consideration.”

“Haha. It was a necessary situation for us as well.”

Han So-young tilted her head, but my words made some sense.

A few months ago, after announcing to the clan members that we would resume exploration, I added that we would collaborate with another clan. The target was the ‘Lost Paradise,’ and our partners were Istanel Low, not Hamil.

After the meeting, I visited Istanel Low and explained the situation to Han So-young, asking for her help. If speculative articles targeted the Mercenary, we could claim Istanel Low had discovered it.

Han So-young was surprised by the news of another ruin but didn’t press for details. She readily agreed to my proposal. Most of the gains were ours, but she wasn’t one to refuse the crumbs. Especially when the crumbs were from a ruin.

The exploration of ‘Lost Paradise’ went smoothly, much like ‘Valhalla’s Tower.’ The difficulty wasn’t high, and the participants from both clans were exceptionally skilled. We quickly dealt with the monsters inside and were returning with our spoils.

Anyway.

Han So-young kept tilting her head, still puzzled despite my explanation.

“I understand, but… I can’t help but wonder if this is okay. You increased our share from 20% to 30% and even gave us a key piece of equipment.”

“When we first settled in Monica, Istanel Low provided us with a lot of support. …Is there something you’re unhappy with?”

I didn’t mean to imply she should just accept it quietly, but I asked just in case.

Han So-young shook her head gently.

“That’s not it. I’m just curious.”

She brought her clasped hands to her face and blew softly. Her breath warmed her hands, and I noticed how her ears, peeking through her hair, had turned a lovely shade of red.

Han So-young looked at me slowly.

“It’s just… the ruins, and with User Lee Jonghak earlier… I can’t quite understand. So, Mercenary Lord, you…”

“Why are you being so kind to me, to Istantel Row?”

“What…?”

I stopped in my tracks, caught off guard by Han So-young’s direct question. It was as if she had seen right through me.

Han So-young halted as well, her deep, penetrating gaze fixed on me, clearly expecting an answer. I hadn’t anticipated such a straightforward inquiry, and for a moment, I was at a loss.

The truth was simple. On a small scale, I was repaying the kindness she had shown me in the first round. On a larger scale, I hoped to strengthen our alliance for a future return to Earth. But…

‘What should I say?’

“I know the reason.”

It was then that Yeon Hye-rim smoothly interjected, breaking the silence. Both Han So-young and I turned to her, the “Princess of Execution,” who had appeared out of nowhere. She poked Han So-young’s cheek with a playful grin.

“Isn’t it because of our clan lord? The Mercenary Lord?”

“Yeon Hye-rim.”

Han So-young seemed to dismiss it as nonsense, but Yeon Hye-rim’s fingers continued their mischievous journey, tracing from her face to her waist, and then swiftly over her entire body. Her touch was as deft as one would expect from someone of her caliber.

“See? She’s got a pretty face, a great figure, and an air of elegance. Any man would want to conquer that at least once…”

“User Yeon Hye-rim! Step back right now!”

Han So-young finally shouted, her usually composed face visibly frowning.

“Oops, our clan lord is mad~.”

Realizing she had gone too far, Yeon Hye-rim quickly retreated, waving her hands in mock surrender before gracefully backing away.

‘Thank goodness.’

An unexpected rescue. As the situation diffused, I breathed a sigh of relief and discreetly gave Yeon Hye-rim a thumbs-up. She responded with a V-sign and then made a swift exit.

“Phew…”

But Han So-young wasn’t quite done. She looked up at the sky, covering her face with both hands.

”…I’m sorry, Mercenary Lord. Why are my clan members so immature? Your Mercenary Clan members are always so composed and steady…”

‘No, we have our share of troublemakers too.’

I thought to myself, though I hadn’t brought them along.

As her sighs continued, I spoke up to offer some comfort.

“Perhaps we were being too serious. Istantel Row Lord, please don’t take it to heart.”

“No, I should. Sometimes Yeon Hye-rim goes too far. Even if she’s close to the Mercenary Lord… She never listens to me. Could you perhaps give her a stern talking-to? It’s a request.”

“Haha, well, that might be difficult. But to be fair, User Yeon Hye-rim wasn’t entirely wrong. I wasn’t offended, so please don’t be too harsh on her.”

”…Not entirely wrong?”

I nodded. After all, compliments can make even a whale dance.

Though her sighs ceased, Han So-young still had her face in her hands. Through slightly parted fingers, I could see her eyes glancing at me.

Then, in a calm voice, she asked, “So, Mercenary Lord, do you also think my figure is… impressive?”

”…Hold on.”

“Something you’d want to conquer…”

“It’s a misunderstanding. I just meant you’re beautiful as a woman.”

Han So-young let out a small laugh and dropped her hands, fanning herself with her open palms and shaking her head. I was a bit flustered, but grateful to Yeon Hye-rim for breaking the tension. It was rare to see Han So-young like this, maybe once or twice in five years.

After a moment, she regained her usual composure, though I felt a twinge of regret. It was the first time in this second round that we’d had a personal conversation, not just business.

“I should get back to my clan members. I’ve embarrassed myself enough today. Please forget about it.”

“I don’t see it as embarrassing, but alright.”

With a nod, Han So-young quickly walked ahead. I waited until she was a good distance away before slowly descending the hill.

Catching up with the clan members, I glanced to the right and saw Han So-young still fanning herself among the Istantel Row members.

It was then that a voice called out to me.

“Soo-hyun, what were you two talking about? She seemed to rush over here.”

I turned to the left, where the Mercenary Clan members were marching in two lines, and Hannah was subtly wrapping her arm around mine. Feeling the soft, gentle touch on my left arm, I quietly shook my head.

“Nothing much.”

“Really? Oh, by the way, we’re almost at the city. I’ve already contacted the clan.”

“Good job. Has Go Yeon-joo returned?”

“Yeon-joo? I haven’t heard anything… Why?”

“I’m planning a festival along with the final tally when we return. I wanted to time our return with Go Yeon-joo’s.”

“A festival… Wow, that sounds exciting.”

Watching Hannah’s smile, I spoke again.

“You should look forward to it.”

“Look forward to what?”

“You’ll be well rewarded in this tally. It’s about time you inherited a class.”

“Oh, come on. When did I ever complain? People might think I was nagging you.”

Hannah gave me a playful glare, and I cleared my throat. I wanted to remind her of the equipment request she had confidently submitted, but I held back, sensing it might upset her. Besides, she seemed in good spirits now.

As we continued walking, Hannah, who had been smiling gently, spoke in a soft voice.

“Hey, Soo-hyun… About the festival…”

“The city is in sight!”

But just then, a loud voice interrupted from the front.

I slowly lifted my head to look ahead.

In the distance, towering buildings pierced the sky, and as we walked a bit further, the city bathed in the twilight glow came into view.

We had finally returned to the city.

---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=

Thank you. Your comments give me strength. It seems many of you have experienced similar situations. ㅜ.ㅠ I’ll shake off the bad memories and get back to my usual self. :)

Q1. I’m curious about the equipment obtained from the ruins explored so far.

Sol) Key pieces of equipment will be revealed in the next chapter. :)

Q2. When will the flag retrieval happen?

Sol) It’s coming in the next chapter. The target is Nam Da-eun.

Q3. What about the “응응”?

Sol) That will appear in the chapter after next. The target is Im Han-na.

Q4. When will the side story end? And when does Part 2 start?

Sol) Just two more chapters. Then we’ll dive straight into Part 2.

Q5. Vivian.

Sol) …I’m sorry. I decided to leave her out of this side story. I don’t feel confident enough to write about that part yet. I’ll tackle it boldly one day. When that time comes, it will be serialized as a side story during Part 2. But… I’m not sure how to study for it. Should I watch some videos? -_-a