Two years ago, during the era when the Golden Lion Clan reigned supreme over the Northern Continent, a significant event unfolded.

When it was confirmed that the Western Continent and the Vagabond Alliance were advancing, the Northern Continent was thrown into turmoil. The Western cities, which were the first to face the oncoming forces, were particularly shaken.

As a result, residents of these Western cities began to flee to other locations. In some cases, entire clans, not just individual users, relocated.

Why did this happen?

On the surface, it seemed due to the Golden Lion’s lackluster response and the Western clans’ inadequate strategies. However, the real reason lay beneath the surface. More precisely, it was the actions of the Eastern and Southern regions.

The Southeast, which had never been on good terms with the Golden Lion, seized the opportunity to extend offers disguised as help. Many Western clans, feeling uneasy, accepted these offers and chose to relocate, effectively changing their allegiances rather than merely seeking temporary refuge.

Now, two years later, a similar situation was unfolding, albeit under different circumstances. Clans from the Central, Eastern, Western, and even Southern regions began to target the Koran Union.

The clans under the Koran Union felt increasingly uneasy as the situation escalated. Other city clans didn’t miss this opportunity, discreetly extending individual or clan-level offers. Many of the Koran Union’s clans accepted these offers, and the trend was ongoing.

Eventually, a major incident occurred that sent shockwaves through the community.

“This is Koo Hyun-kyu, Lord of the Moss Clan. As of this moment, the Moss Clan is withdrawing from the Southern Free Alliance. We apologize and seek to clarify the current situation to the Mercenary Clan….”

One of the eight core clans of the Koran Union acted swiftly, declaring their inability to handle the situation and announcing their withdrawal from the alliance.

This was not just a minor clan leaving; it was a significant blow. The Moss Clan’s departure meant that all its subordinate clans, accounting for one-eighth of the Union’s strength, turned their backs on the alliance.

Koo Hyun-kyu publicly apologized and claimed they had no involvement, announcing a temporary halt to all activities. However, anyone with a bit of insight could see the truth.

Once the dust settled, it was clear that the Moss Clan would relocate or merge elsewhere, excluding the Koran Union.

The Moss Clan’s withdrawal dealt a severe blow to the already struggling Koran Union.

A week after the incident, the number of withdrawals, which had been declining, began to rise again. For users who had been hesitating under the guise of family, the Moss Clan’s declaration provided the perfect excuse.

The Koran Union was in disarray. External pressures were overwhelming, and internal strife only compounded the difficulties. It was like being slapped when you were already on the verge of tears.

“Ugh, this is killing me.”

Park Tae-jin groaned, sinking deep into his chair. He stared at the ceiling for a moment before closing his eyes. Lately, he had been plagued by headaches and fatigue, fearing he might fall ill.

As he sat there, lost in thought, he suddenly felt a soothing relief in his tense shoulders. Someone began to massage them gently. Glancing sideways, he saw a young man smiling at him. Recognizing Park Hwan-hee, Park Tae-jin chuckled.

“That feels good. Can you work on my neck a bit more?”

Without a word, Park Hwan-hee obliged, massaging his neck.

Park Tae-jin had a deep fondness for this young man. In fact, he considered him almost like a successor.

Park Hwan-hee was so polite and well-mannered that no one in the clan disliked him. He was good-looking, had impressive user stats, and was both capable and resourceful. It was no wonder he was considered the second-in-command of the clan.

Sensing Park Tae-jin’s expectations, Park Hwan-hee worked even harder. His dedication reminded Park Tae-jin of his own early days in the Hall Plain, so he always kept Park Hwan-hee close and favored him. Some clan members even joked that they might end up married.

“I do have an eye for people.”

Despite the significant number of clans and members leaving, Park Hwan-hee remained. This reassured Park Tae-jin that his judgment was sound, and he smiled quietly.

After a while, Park Hwan-hee spoke cautiously.

“You’re amazing, hyung. Smiling even in times like this….”

“Huh? Oh… Well, if I look defeated, who would trust and follow the Union? So I have to smile. Even if it’s tough, I pretend it’s not. Even if I want to cry, I pretend to laugh….”

“Easier said than done. It’s hard to actually do that.”

“True. But in my position, I have to. No matter how tough it gets, I have to find a way through and never lose hope, even in the worst conditions. That’s why they say there’s power in positivity. Remember that.”

Perhaps surprised by the unexpected words, Park Hwan-hee paused his hands. Park Tae-jin signaled him to stop and let out a long sigh.

Park Hwan-hee smiled gently and spoke again.

“Still, I’m worried. Many people are staying because they believe in you. But lately, you seem exhausted, like you might collapse any moment.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t go down that easily.”

“I’m only saying this because I’m concerned. Even though we’re users, we’re still human. We can’t keep running forever. You need a break.”

“Alright, alright. Geez, you’re nagging like my wife. Haha.”

Despite the concern, Park Tae-jin felt better and laughed heartily. He stood up and stretched with all his might.

But it seemed Park Hwan-hee had more to say. He fidgeted with his hands, looking ahead. As Park Tae-jin lowered his arms with a short groan, Park Hwan-hee spoke quietly.

“Hyung, since we’re on the topic, why not take a break soon?”

“Okay, okay. If you insist, maybe you can….”

Just as he was nodding, Park Tae-jin stopped mid-sentence. Park Hwan-hee had suddenly handed him a document. Glancing over it, something caught Park Tae-jin’s eye, and he blinked in surprise.

“This is… a relic record?”

“Yes. The Mercenary Lord gave it to me.”

“What? The Mercenary Lord? You… know him?”

“He was an instructor at the User Academy. We got to know each other a bit then. We’re not that close.”

Park Hwan-hee explained with a sheepish smile. Park Tae-jin tilted his head.

“Really? Well, if he gave it to you, that’s different. It’s likely genuine. But why now?”

“He said he’s sorry.”

“Hmm?”

“He didn’t expect things to escalate like this. It seems there was some trouble between the Mercenaries and the Central Management.”

Park Tae-jin snorted. He had anticipated this outcome from the moment the Central Management got involved. Now they were apologizing after the fact. Clicking his tongue, he scrutinized the document with a dissatisfied expression.

“Anyway, it’s good. But… are you suggesting we go now?”

“Why not? We can get some fresh air outside the city and relieve stress with some swordplay.”

“Hey, how can we go now? Things are chaotic enough as it is. If we announce we’re going on an expedition, it’ll be a disaster.”

“Of course, we need a plausible excuse. One that everyone can accept.”

Park Tae-jin looked at him curiously. Glancing around, Park Hwan-hee continued calmly.

“We haven’t announced our stance yet, saying we’ll investigate the truth first.”

“That’s right.”

“This relic is conveniently on the way to the Dragon’s Sleeping Mountain Range. So we can say we’re going there to investigate, and the relic can be a lucky find.”

“Hwan-hee, even so….”

“Staying here won’t change anything. Those who want to leave will leave, and critics will keep criticizing. Instead of doing nothing, why not say we’re investigating and take a short trip? It shows action, buys time, and lifts spirits. Discovering a relic could inject new energy into the stagnant Union.”

“Hmm….”

Park Tae-jin stroked his chin slowly. Initially dismissing the idea, he found it increasingly appealing. After pondering for a while, he placed the document on the desk and nodded.

“Alright. I’ll think about it. Let’s see how things unfold. If there’s no sign of improvement, your plan might be the best option.”

Though not a definitive yes, it was as good as a tentative approval. Satisfied, Park Hwan-hee smiled slightly and nodded.

“Yes. I’ll start preparing slowly then.”

The visitation room was unnaturally cold. As soon as they were alone, Shin-hyuk’s body visibly trembled. Kim Soo-hyun’s eyes, watching him, were cold and unyielding. His dark eyes hinted at a subtle menace, and the atmosphere around them had sunk into a heavy stillness.

Shin-hyuk glanced around nervously, trying to maintain his composure as he spoke with a shaky voice. “So, what brings the great Mercenary Lord here? Are you trying to recreate the infamous Baek Seoyeon case because I won’t confess?”

His voice dripped with sarcasm, but Kim Soo-hyun merely chuckled, tapping the table lightly in response. “Why not? Baek Seoyeon held out for quite a while. I’m curious to see how long you’ll last. As a clan leader, you should manage at least a few days, don’t you think? Hahaha.”

“Who… who said I’m scared…?”

“There’s a saying, you know. ‘A guilty conscience needs no accuser.’ And with that trembling voice, you’re not very convincing.”

“Who—!”

Shin-hyuk was about to shout but stopped abruptly when Kim Soo-hyun reached into his pocket and pulled something out. A sudden wave of despair washed over him. He had feared this moment, and now it was here. But when he saw the small, blue orb Kim Soo-hyun placed on the table, he felt a strange sense of confusion. It was the Orb of Truth.

“Is that… the Orb of Truth?”

“Oh, you recognize it. Of course you do. But why bring it out now?”

“Well, I like to think of myself as a gentleman. I don’t start with force. Consider this your chance.”

Kim Soo-hyun’s voice was smooth, almost soothing, but there was an undeniable sharpness beneath it. Shin-hyuk swallowed hard, his throat dry, unable to tear his eyes away from the orb.

“What do you want from me, Kim Soo-hyun?”

“What do I want? The truth. Everything you know. If you’re so confident, place your hand on it and prove it.”

“Damn it…! I know the situation! Isn’t that enough? How far are you planning to go, you heartless bastard!”

“Why so much talk? Just put your hand on it while I’m being nice. Refusing is as good as admitting your guilt.”

“Refuse…”

“Go ahead. Try it.”

Shin-hyuk stood abruptly, ready to shout, but Kim Soo-hyun cut him off, leaving him with his mouth open, words stuck in his throat. Calmly, Kim Soo-hyun took out a cigarette, lighting it with a slow, deliberate motion.

“Let me be clear. Whether you touch the orb or not, the outcome is the same. I’ve been granted authority by the central management, and once I take you in, it’s over. Honestly, I prefer if you keep denying it. Saves me the headache of questioning, conserves the orb, and there’s no method more certain than mental breakdown. And one more thing.”

Kim Soo-hyun paused, his eyes widening as he continued. “I promise you this: from the moment you refuse, you’ll never know peace until the day you die. Whatever you imagine, I’ll show you worse. You can count on it.”

Shin-hyuk’s eyes wavered visibly, his lips trembling involuntarily. The sight of Kim Soo-hyun’s slight, mocking smile sent a shiver down his spine.

He couldn’t speak. He didn’t need to. He knew Kim Soo-hyun wasn’t bluffing, and he had no choice in the matter.

This guy really wants me to refuse. No, it doesn’t matter to him. The method might differ, but the conclusion is the same.

With that realization, Shin-hyuk found himself sinking back into his seat, unable to meet Kim Soo-hyun’s cold gaze.

Silence stretched between them, but Kim Soo-hyun, seemingly impatient with the endless quiet, flicked his cigarette and spoke again.

“Talking more is a waste of time, Shin-hyuk. This is your last chance. Put your hand on the Orb of Truth in three seconds. If not, I’ll take it as a refusal and take you in. One.”

“W-wait! Kim Soo-hyun, wait! Mercenary Lord!”

“Two.”

“I’ll do it! I’ll do it! But please, just answer one thing before I do!”

Desperately pleading, Shin-hyuk placed his hand on the orb. Kim Soo-hyun paused, clearly disappointed that Shin-hyuk had chosen to comply. Seeing this, Shin-hyuk felt a cold sweat trickle down his back.

“Hmm. A request, huh? Well, they say even the dead have wishes. What do you want to know?”

“Just tell me who it was. Who recorded the meeting and tipped you off? I want to know who did it.”

“Hmm? Oh… Hmm. Well, I was asked to keep it confidential.”

“It’s all over now, so it doesn’t matter! Who was it? Park Tae-jin? Baek Dusan? Or was it Park Hwan-hee?”

Kim Soo-hyun’s expression was peculiar, a knowing smile playing on his lips as if he were debating whether to reveal the secret. But when Park Hwan-hee’s name came up, his smooth brow furrowed slightly.

“Park Hwan-hee? Who’s that… Oh, right! I met him at the User Academy. But why bring him up… Was Park Hwan-hee with the Koran Alliance? Anyway, it wasn’t him.”

Now it was Shin-hyuk’s turn to be confused. Though it was almost a mutter, Kim Soo-hyun’s tone suggested he barely remembered Park Hwan-hee. Yet Shin-hyuk had heard that Park Hwan-hee had met the Mercenary Lord not long ago.

“What do you mean? Are you saying you don’t know Park Hwan-hee?”

“No, no. I just didn’t remember for a moment. I know who he is. We met as instructor and trainee at the User Academy. Got to know him a bit then. Helped him out a bit after the war ended two years ago. We had a mutual acquaintance in my clan… But we lost touch. Didn’t know he was with the Koran Alliance. Why do you ask?”

Shin-hyuk stared blankly at Kim Soo-hyun, lost in thought. The story matched what he knew, but the part about losing contact was new to him.

‘Wait a minute. Park Hwan-hee isn’t a spy. So what on earth is going on?’

The Orb of Truth confirmed that Park Hwan-hee wasn’t a spy. And Park Hwan-hee had claimed to have met the Mercenary Lord. But now, the Mercenary Lord seemed to have forgotten about him.

A dizzying confusion swept over Shin-hyuk. He clutched his throbbing head, shaking it violently as he shouted.

“How far are you going to toy with me? Didn’t you meet Park Hwan-hee in Koran recently?”

“Huh? Toying with you? This is the truth…”

“Don’t play dumb! I know everything! In the night district, at the brothel! Didn’t you have a secret meeting with Park Hwan-hee? And…”

“Wait, wait. What nonsense is this? I haven’t met Park Hwan-hee since then. And I haven’t been to any brothel. Are you sure you’re not confusing me with someone else?”

Shin-hyuk’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Don’t lie! Wait a minute… No, that can’t be right. What… what’s going on here?”

”…I don’t get it.”

Suddenly, as if struck by a realization, Shin-hyuk stammered, then began shouting like a madman.

The noise echoed in the enclosed space, and Kim Soo-hyun frowned slightly, reaching out to remove Shin-hyuk’s hand from the orb before placing his own on it. Moments later, a bright light emanated from the Orb of Truth.

“What are you doing?!”

“Listen carefully. I haven’t met the user Park Hwan-hee in the past two years. I haven’t contacted Park Hwan-hee by any means. I haven’t been to the brothel you mentioned, nor have I met Park Hwan-hee there.”

”…What?!”

“See? This proves I’m telling the truth, doesn’t it?”

Shin-hyuk instinctively checked the orb. Seeing the light unchanged, he let out a strange groan. At the same time, a heavy blow seemed to strike his left temple. His strength drained away, and he collapsed to one side.

“Hey! Shin-hyuk? Hey!”

“Just… shut up for a moment!”

“What?”

“Please! Just for a moment! No, I mean! Please, please!”

Shin-hyuk was babbling incoherently, unsure of his own words. Yet, in a frantic rush, he reached into the round opening and snatched the crystal of truth. As he spoke nonsense, he watched the light change colors and then revert back countless times. It was genuine, not a fake.

“What is this…?”

Shin-hyuk’s face lost all color in an instant. His mind went blank. At that moment, he couldn’t think of anything.

Just one question pierced through him like a needle: How could this be happening?

Creak!

“Clan Lord, just a moment…”

It was then that he heard someone entering, followed by the sound of Kim Soo-hyun getting up and saying he’d step out for a bit, suggesting Shin-hyuk cool his head in the meantime.

But Shin-hyuk couldn’t care less about that right now. The dissonance between his two memories and the two crystals of truth was overwhelming him.

Soon, he heard the door close with a thud. Left alone, Shin-hyuk took a deep breath and exhaled forcefully. After repeating this irrational breathing over ten times, he managed to regain a tenuous grip on his sanity.

Shin-hyuk hadn’t directly witnessed the meeting between Park Hwan-hee and the Mercenary Lord. He had assumed it happened, and Park Hwan-hee had confirmed it. But now, the Mercenary Lord claimed he never met Park Hwan-hee.

Shin-hyuk clenched the crystal of truth tightly, as if to crush it, and closed his eyes, desperately trying to organize his thoughts.

Gradually, the events of that time began to replay in his mind.

’…Yes, I met him. I admit it.’

Recalling the first memory, Shin-hyuk bit his lip. At that time, Park Hwan-hee hadn’t used the crystal of truth. In other words, he had lied.

But why? Why would he lie?

Pushing aside the rising questions, Shin-hyuk struggled to remain calm and continued to recall under the assumption that Park Hwan-hee hadn’t met the Mercenary Lord. From here, the crystal of truth was used.

‘User Park Hwan-hee… spoke.’

Yes, he definitely spoke with someone. But who? There was no subject.

‘No! I didn’t reveal your plan at the brothel! Not today, not ever to the Mercenary Lord! I’m innocent!’

He hadn’t revealed Shin-hyuk’s plan. But depending on the situation, he might not have needed to. If the other party already knew Shin-hyuk’s plan, there was no need to say anything.

Moreover, since it was limited to the plan, he could have talked about something else entirely. The important thing was that it wasn’t with the Mercenary Lord, but someone else.

‘Wait a minute. If the other party knew my plan… Could it be someone from that meeting…?’

And finally.

‘Brother! I’m not a spy for the Mercenary Clan. I’ve never received spy orders from them. I didn’t reveal the plan to the Mercenary Lord, and it was simply to fulfill a request!’

This was the most crucial part. Park Hwan-hee wasn’t a spy for the alliance. So why did he lie about meeting the Mercenary Lord?

And saying it was to fulfill a request was vague. The story didn’t connect smoothly. At the time, he thought he was talking about meeting the Mercenary Lord, but now it seemed he didn’t specify who he met or who made the request. Again, there was no subject.

“What on earth… is going on…?”

Shin-hyuk muttered in a voice that was almost a whimper. He couldn’t understand why Park Hwan-hee lied, nor who he met at that time. Or perhaps the person Park Hwan-hee met was the culprit. Or was it just a disguise?

Creak.

It was then, amidst his swirling thoughts, that he heard the door quietly open.

Shin-hyuk felt the crystal of truth he had been clutching shatter into pieces. But instinctively, he stopped thinking and focused on the door. He saw Kim Soo-hyun, who had said he’d step out for a moment, re-enter the room.

Shin-hyuk stared intently at Kim Soo-hyun.

All the answers lay with that man.

When I returned to the meeting room and sat down, Shin-hyuk’s face was a sight to behold. The bravado he initially displayed and the crazed shouting that followed were gone. He sat with his mouth shut, his eyes burning intensely as he looked at me.

I barely held back a laugh as I reached into my pocket.

Personally, I quite like users like Shin-hyuk. They think they’re smart, but they’re not. They believe they’re special, but they’re just narrow-minded users living in a world of their own making.

That makes them easy to manipulate. Throw them a few plausible clues, and they’ll interpret them as they please, concluding it’s the truth.

Anyway.

I’ve given him plenty of time to think. Of course, the time for using the crystal of truth was also running out.

Given how much he overthinks, his mind must be on the verge of madness by now. So it’s time to show him the bait that ties it all together.

“How’s your head? Cooled off a bit?”

”…Who are you?”

”…Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter if I tell you now.”

”…”

I tilted my head slightly, then opened my mouth as if I had no choice. When I pulled out a recording crystal from my pocket, Shin-hyuk’s sharp gaze fixed on it. His eyes seemed to say, “Another crystal?” I shrugged and continued nonchalantly.

“Seeing is believing, especially for someone as suspicious as you.”

I rolled the crystal into the round opening at the center of the window. Shin-hyuk received it more calmly than I expected. As he placed his hand on it, a clear light flowed, and a video began to play.

The video started with Jo Seung-woo brushing his hair to the right.

(I see. Thank you very much. And I sincerely apologize for my earlier rude behavior. I was just so angry when I first heard…)

(No, it’s fine. I understand the situation. As Su Lord mentioned earlier, the fault lies entirely with Nambeol Lord. Moreover, you’ve shown the pride and generosity of the Koran Alliance to this extent… I’m sure our Clan Lord will find it sufficient. As you said, we’ll try to minimize the damage to the alliance, excluding Nambeol.)

The video didn’t play for long. Less than a minute later, as Jo Seung-woo brushed his hair to the left, the light from the crystal faded. I observed Shin-hyuk, who was still holding the crystal.

”…”

Surprisingly, Shin-hyuk’s face showed no significant change.

His eyes were still wide open, and his lips were tightly shut.

But that didn’t last long.

Slowly, a change began to appear.

First, his eyebrows rose slightly. The confusion in his eyes deepened. His tightly closed lips began to be bitten. His hand holding the crystal trembled so much that fine cracks appeared on its surface.

Eventually, Shin-hyuk’s head, which had been staring at the crystal, slowly, very slowly, lifted, and he met my gaze.

And at that moment.

Bang!

Shin-hyuk’s fist struck the glass separating us with all his might.

Then, as he raised his head to look at the ceiling.

“Ughhhhh!”

I saw Shin-hyuk’s eyes roll back halfway.

“Hee! Hahaha! Heeheeheehahehaheeheeha!”

And he burst into laughter like a madman. Like a user who had almost lost his mind, he laughed maniacally.

After laughing like a lunatic for a while, Shin-hyuk suddenly stopped. Then, with a face twisted in rage, he screamed someone’s name.

“Park Tae-jin!”

I watched the erratic Shin-hyuk quietly.

And with a secret, satisfied smile, I thought to myself.

Perhaps the resident outside right now…

No, not a resident.

Perhaps the dragon disguised as a resident outside is laughing along with me.