1. Name: Seo Ji-hwan (6th Year)

2. Class: Normal Magician, Master

3. Nation: Barbara

4. Clan: Merchant Guild Clan (Clan Rank: A Plus)

5. True Name & Nationality: Sangdo, Republic of Korea

6. Sex: Male (42)

7. Height & Weight: 176.7cm, 87.6kg

8. Disposition: Opportunistic & Cautious

[Strength 37] [Endurance 63] [Agility 48] [Stamina 51] [Magic 77] [Luck 96]

(No remaining ability points.)

While most of it was standard, his true name, disposition, and luck stood out. Especially his disposition—I’d never seen someone with both opportunistic and cautious traits before.

Thinking back, the Koran Alliance had been rife with internal strife during the first round. Yet, Seo Ji-hwan was one of the few who stayed until the alliance’s downfall. I had thought he was just good at navigating politics, but his disposition explained a lot.

“Are you serious about this?”

“Yes. I understand the gravity of this situation. I don’t make empty promises. If dissolving the alliance can resolve this, I’ll do it and withdraw from Koran.”

“Ha… That’s unexpected. I thought the first condition with the Koran Alliance could be managed somehow.”

”…We can accept the first condition of each clan apologizing and handing over discovered relics. Apologies are a given. But the compensation is a different matter entirely.”

Apologies were indeed expected.

But those relics were originally mine, meant for my brother…

I waited, curious about what he would say next.

“The 20 million gold compensation you demand… is impossible. Well, as the head of the Merchant Guild, I could squeeze it out of the alliance and Koran, but…”

“Yes, I thought so. And?”

“But doing so would ruin the alliance. Everyone would be out on the streets. And if the alliance collapses, Koran’s economy would be in shambles. Rather than inflict such pain, it’s better to dissolve the alliance and quietly step back.”

”…Hmm.”

I pondered Seo Ji-hwan’s words. So, his true name, Sangdo, was about this.

After a moment, Seo Ji-hwan bowed deeply, his head nearly touching the floor.

“If the Mercenary Lord insists on both conditions, we’ll choose the second. But my true hope is for leniency on the first condition. The alliance has learned and reflected from this incident. If you give us one more chance, we’ll show you we’ve changed.”

“Leniency, you say. What do you have in mind?”

“I don’t expect you to reduce the compensation. But if you allow us to pay in installments, I’ll do everything in my power to make it happen.”

“Installments… Hmm.”

At 42, Seo Ji-hwan wasn’t a young man anymore, yet he was willing to give up everything and plead. He seemed responsible, and a skilled player might find him intriguing.

I made up my mind.

It was time to wrap this up.

The Koran Alliance was already in a position to start anew. Of the eight core clans—Su, Serengeti, Nambol, Artemis, Garisani, and Moss—six were either destroyed or had withdrawn. They had also agreed to accept the central management’s mediation, so giving them some breathing room wasn’t a bad idea.

And…

Since it had come to this, turning the Koran Alliance into a cooperative (or subordinate) clan could be beneficial.

So, I decided to meet their expectations.

“Very well. Dissolve the alliance for now.”

”…Yes.”

His voice was heavy, as if he had expected this outcome. I watched him close his eyes tightly, then tapped the table lightly.

“Player Seo Ji-hwan, don’t take it too hard. From my perspective, the current alliance is heading in the wrong direction. The founding intentions were good, but over time, things have stagnated.”

“I understand what you mean.”

“Good. Then dissolve the current alliance and form a new one.”

“Yes… What?!”

Seo Ji-hwan’s head shot up. I continued with a gentle smile.

“I haven’t told you to leave Koran yet.”

“You mean…!”

“Yes. If the water is stagnant and foul, you need to pour it out and refill it.”

“Pour out the water and refill it?”

Seo Ji-hwan seemed deep in thought, then suddenly slapped the floor and looked up at me with bright eyes. He seemed to have grasped my meaning: dissolve the current alliance and create a new one.

“A fresh start for the alliance would be more appealing than mere change. Wouldn’t that align better with your intentions, Player Seo Ji-hwan?”

Of course, I hadn’t said this without a plan. While I was laying the groundwork for a new alliance, there was no guarantee the same issues wouldn’t arise again. And since I was giving up a significant stake in Koran, I needed to ensure the decision was beneficial.

In other words, I needed insurance. The insurance that was now smiling at me.

With that in mind, I turned to Park Hwan-hee, who was grinning, and spoke quietly.

“Shall we ease a few conditions? Maybe one or two.”

“One or two, you say…”

“First, I’ve heard that the current Su Lord is missing. In their absence, someone needs to lead this situation, right?”

“That’s only natural.”

“Then let’s do this. Apologies… It seems cumbersome for each clan to apologize individually. So, let’s have Player Park Hwan-hee, here, apologize on behalf of everyone, as the representative of the new alliance.”

”…Hwan-hee?”

Seo Ji-hwan blinked several times, looking at Park Hwan-hee with a slightly dazed expression. Not only Seo Ji-hwan, but Min Baek-hwa and Woo Seol-hee also turned to Park Hwan-hee. They seemed uneasy about him being the representative.

However, from a standpoint of legitimacy, there was no issue. The Su Clan had been the leading clan within the alliance, and with their leader Park Tae-jin missing, it wasn’t unreasonable for Park Hwan-hee, the second-in-command, to step up.

Of course, suggesting Park Hwan-hee as the representative was also a move to influence the new alliance. If Seo Ji-hwan was even slightly astute, he would have understood the implication behind my words.

This condition was purely transactional. Elect Park Hwan-hee as the alliance’s representative, and in return, I might significantly reduce the hefty compensation demanded in the second condition.

A quiet pause ensued.

After a long moment of looking at Park Hwan-hee, Seo Ji-hwan finally nodded calmly.

“Yes, yes. That’s fine. If Tae-jin isn’t here, having Hwan-hee take over isn’t a bad look… At least until Tae-jin returns, there’s no issue.”

“That’s for the alliance to handle internally.”

Seo Ji-hwan had mentioned Park Tae-jin’s situation. But I could respond smoothly because Seo Ji-hwan’s words were based on the assumption that Park Tae-jin would return.

“Good. Then for the second condition… I’m considering reducing the compensation and changing the payment method.”

Having accepted the first condition, or rather the transaction, it was time to ease the second condition. I looked at the tense faces from left to right.

“I initially intended for the entire alliance to pay the compensation, but that doesn’t seem fair. Clans that merely watched are less culpable than those that acted wrongly, right? So, unlike the apology condition, each clan will pay the compensation individually.”

“Then…”

“Yes. Since we’re on the topic, I’ll tell you now. Su will pay 3 million gold, the Merchant Guild 3 million, and Baek-hwa 4 million. How does that sound?”

”…Really?”

Seo Ji-hwan’s eyes widened in disbelief. I nodded calmly. While 10 million gold was still a significant amount, it was half of the original 20 million. It was a reasonable compromise that the alliance could manage with some effort.

“With that amount… we can pay it off in half a year, no, in four months. But really… is this true?”

“I don’t like repeating myself. Three clans, 10 million gold in total. Let’s finalize the second condition with this.”

Our clan is wealthy. I swallowed the words that rose to my throat and gestured lightly. The discussion was over, and it was time to rise.

“Thank you! Truly, thank you!”

Seo Ji-hwan sprang to his feet, his joy barely contained. Park Hwan-hee, who was already in the know, wore a smile that was hard to decipher. Meanwhile, the two remaining women, Woo Seol-hee and Min Baek-hwa, hesitantly stood up. I could guess why Woo Seol-hee was acting that way, and I met the gaze of Min Baek-hwa, who was staring at me intently.

“Baek-hwa, you must be aware of user Song Hee-sun. The reason the payment is higher than the previous two clans is precisely because of her.”

”…Yes, I thought as much. But, Mercenary Lord, there’s something I’d like to say.”

“Go ahead.”

“It might be presumptuous of me, but… you know about Hee-sun, right?”

I wondered what she was getting at. Song Hee-sun. Of course, I knew her. She was the one who, under Shin Hyuk’s orders, had the Kim Soo-jung caravan hire the mercenaries.

Min Baek-hwa continued, “Hee-sun is currently missing. Not exactly missing, but she’s cut off contact and gone underground.”

“Yes, I’ve heard as much.”

Though I said that, I was well aware of Song Hee-sun’s whereabouts. Min Baek-hwa, not knowing the full story, must have assumed she was in hiding. Regardless, I had no intention of leaving Song Hee-sun alone, so I decided to play along.

“That’s likely. She’s probably afraid of facing punishment now that her crimes have been exposed. So, what is it you want?”

”…We’re doing our best to find her. If we do, could I ask for your leniency?”

“Well, to be honest, my feelings towards Song Hee-sun are far from forgiving. But that’s a matter for when we find her.”

“If we do find her, I’ll try to persuade her. Please remember my request today.”

I nodded slightly, indicating she could do as she pleased, and then stretched my arms wide, dismissing the conversation with a wave.

“Let’s leave it at that. You three can consider the matter settled and leave now.”

“Yes, yes. Thank you once again, Mercenary Lord! We’ll bring you good news soon.”

“I won’t go far. There’s still more to discuss.”

“Ah, understood.”

Seo Ji-hwan, looking more composed than before, offered his thanks and quickly left the room with the other two, leaving one person behind. They had tactfully made their exit.

Once the door closed, I turned my attention to the remaining woman.

Woo Seol-hee.

Unlike the others, she had been directly involved in the recent plan. Perhaps aware of her guilt, she couldn’t meet my eyes.

Watching the shadows flicker on the floor, I spoke softly.

“Artemis Lord.”

“Yes… Mercenary… Lord…”

“You know why you’re the only one left, don’t you?”

“That is…”

“No need for a long explanation. Artemis is 10 million gold coins.”

”…What?”

At the mention of 10 million gold coins, Woo Seol-hee let out a shrill cry, looking at me in disbelief.

“Th-that’s impossible! Why, why just me?”

“I don’t like repeating myself.”

“But… it’s impossible! Artemis isn’t even a top-tier clan, and even if it were, 10 million gold coins is too much!”

“Is that so? Then you can leave. You know what the consequences will be.”

At my curt response, Woo Seol-hee’s body trembled. I watched her every move with a sinking feeling. When I saw her biting her lip, she suddenly rushed towards me without warning.

“Mercenary Lord!”

The floor shook with a loud thud as she fell to her knees, clutching at my pants, her face on the verge of tears.

“Just this once! Please forgive me! I only did what Shin Hyuk told me to do! I’m a victim too!”

“Let’s not make this pathetic. Yes or no. Just give me one answer. Is that so hard?”

“Why are you doing this to me? Please, have mercy! I’ll do whatever you say! I’ll be your servant, your dog, anything! Just please!”

“Whatever I say?”

Her words were beyond desperate, almost absurd. I couldn’t help but retort. It was then that she spoke again.

“Yes! Whatever you say! I’ll do anything within my power!”

Did she sense my interest? Woo Seol-hee, who had been clinging to me like a madwoman, suddenly forced a smile. She staggered to her feet, trying to steady her breath.

“I’m more useful than you think. In many ways. I’m sure you’ll be satisfied if you use me, Mercenary Lord.”

“Use? I don’t understand what you mean.”

”…I mean.”

”…?”

Woo Seol-hee hesitated for a long time. Her throat bobbed, and her face flushed like a sunset over a river. Then, suddenly, she slowly began to lower her leather pants. Her smooth thighs and the white underwear covering her rounded hips were revealed. When her pants stopped at her calves, I was taken aback.

“Artemis Lord! What do you think you’re doing?”

With tear-filled eyes, Woo Seol-hee spoke in a trembling voice.

“I told you, I’ll do whatever you say. I’m really good. I can dance, mimic, and more…”

“Dance? Mimic? Enough, enough, enough!”

Finally understanding her meaning, I shouted in anger. I looked at Woo Seol-hee with a sense of disgust. It had been a long time since I felt this repulsed.

“Mercenary Lord.”

“Honestly. What do you think you can achieve with that body?”

Sensing my disdain, Woo Seol-hee’s eyes filled with tears of humiliation and despair. She had exposed herself, pleaded, and yet it had no effect. I shook my head, feeling a sudden, inexplicable loathing.

And then it happened.

Whoosh!

The shadow that had been flickering suddenly surged upward. It took on a human form, revealing itself with a languid voice.

“Wow, look at her. She’s hilarious, isn’t she? Hohoho!”

The shadow was Go Yeon-ju. She had been hiding, observing the situation, and now she revealed herself.

“Kyaa!”

Not expecting the Shadow Queen to appear, Woo Seol-hee screamed and fell back in shock. I looked at Go Yeon-ju with curiosity. I had instructed her not to reveal herself without permission, yet she had disobeyed.

“User Go Yeon-ju?”

“Soo-hyun, I’m really sorry. But just a moment.”

Go Yeon-ju turned to me with a fierce glint in her eyes. I felt uneasy. There was something in her eyes… a hint of emotion. And it felt like vengeance.

Could it be that Go Yeon-ju and Woo Seol-hee have a history?

I tilted my head, watching the scene unfold.

“Look at her. She’s a disgrace, isn’t she? Saying all sorts of things in front of someone else’s husband?”

“H-husband…? I’m sorry…! I didn’t know…”

Clearly shocked, Woo Seol-hee could barely string her words together, hiccuping intermittently. Go Yeon-ju looked down at her with a deadly smile, then crouched down, bringing her face close to Woo Seol-hee’s. I instinctively heightened my hearing.

“Do you know who I am?”

“Y-yes, the Shadow Queen… ma’am.”

Woo Seol-hee stammered out a response. Go Yeon-ju’s smile widened.

“Shadow Queen? No, no. Some people call me the Shadow Whore.”

“Eek! H-how…? But back then…!”

“I’m everywhere and nowhere. Did you really think I wouldn’t hear? Didn’t Tae-jin warn you to watch your mouth?”

“Th-that can’t be… No, that’s not what I meant…”

“Sometimes, you need to die once to learn your lesson, right?!”

“Eek!”

Go Yeon-ju’s voice rose sharply at the end, and Woo Seol-hee seemed to freeze, as if her breath had been snatched away. It was like playing a game of Red Light, Green Light, where even the slightest movement was halted. The murderous intent Go Yeon-ju exuded was that cold and fierce.

I could piece together what was happening. Woo Seol-hee must have made a slip of the tongue about Go Yeon-ju, and somehow it reached her ears.

Honestly, I couldn’t entirely blame Go Yeon-ju for her reaction. Ban Da-hee, who had said the same thing, was killed instantly. As far as I know, the only person who survived calling Go Yeon-ju the Shadow Whore was the Princess of Execution. From Woo Seol-hee’s perspective, it was just bad luck.

After a moment, Go Yeon-ju grabbed Woo Seol-hee’s chin with a delicate hand. Woo Seol-hee trembled in fear, raising her eyes. All this was fine, but she should at least pull her pants back up. Leaving them down like that was truly disgraceful.

Go Yeon-ju spoke.

“Hey, were you serious about what you said earlier? That you’ll do as I say?”

“What? Yes, yes! I really mean it!”

“Really? No changing your mind later?”

“No, I won’t! As long as it’s something I can handle…”

Even in this situation, is she worried about money? Woo Seol-hee nodded vigorously. At that, Go Yeon-ju burst into laughter and stood up calmly. She spun around, her face breaking into a smile as warm as a spring breeze, and approached me. The transformation was so sudden, it was hard to believe she was the same woman who had been exuding such a cold aura just moments ago.

“Soo-hyun~. I have a favor to ask~.”

”…You want me to hand over Woo Seol-hee, don’t you?”

Anticipating her request, I preemptively asked, and Go Yeon-ju nodded with a bright smile. I scratched my head for a moment. I already had plans for Woo Seol-hee, but Go Yeon-ju’s request changed things a bit. After all, she had been through a lot, and I wanted to respect her pride.

The decision was made in an instant, though the deliberation was brief.

“Alright. Do as you wish. But you must report back to me.”

I made sure to add that last part.

Go Yeon-ju agreed with a deep smile and began dragging Woo Seol-hee out of the room. The only awkward part was that her pants were still down as the door closed.

I clicked my tongue, feeling a bit sorry for Woo Seol-hee’s misfortune at having crossed paths with Go Yeon-ju. I lit a cigarette and sank deep into my chair. With the negotiations with the Koran Alliance concluded, the long shadow war was finally over.

Or was it?

I exhaled a long breath of smoke, lost in thought.

Park Tae-jin, declared missing.

Song Hee-sun, believed to be in hiding.

Shin Hyuk, imprisoned.

And Woo Seol-hee, whom Go Yeon-ju promised to handle.

In truth, they were all within my grasp. The outcomes were just yet to be determined. Sooner or later, they’d all be dealt with in one way or another.

As I enjoyed this rare moment of peace, nearly finishing my cigarette, I felt a surge of magical energy from my pocket. I reached in and pulled out a hard orb—a communication crystal. Unlike typical ones, this had a dark, murky glow.

Thinking it was a timely message, I infused it with my magic without delay.

Crackle! Crackle!

The crystal lit up with a grating noise. After a moment, the static cleared, and a dark figure appeared on its surface.

It was Salmun.

(It’s me, Mercenary Lord.)

“Ah, just in time for an update.”

(What?)

“No, nothing. Just good timing. So, how did it go?”

As soon as I asked, the scene in the crystal changed. It seemed to be in a forest, with trees and grass appearing amidst the darkness. But the scenery wasn’t what mattered.

Soon, a face appeared in the crystal.

Drip, drip, drip.

Something was dripping. I examined the face closely.

The first thing I noticed was the blood, dripping steadily. The neck was cleanly severed, as if by a single stroke. As I raised my gaze, I saw a gaping mouth and then upturned eyes. It seemed he was ambushed, probably unaware of the blade that ended his life.

“Okay. That’s definitely Park Tae-jin. Good job.”

(Thank you. What should we do with the body?)

“Burn it. But why did it take so long? I thought you’d finish him in a day.”

(Don’t even ask. Park Tae-jin was a formidable opponent. His subordinates protected him fiercely. We almost lost him during the escape.)

“Ha. It’s rare to hear Salmun complain.”

(Still, we completed the mission. We tracked and eliminated everyone except for Park Hwan-hee and a few others. Oh, and we captured Song Hee-sun, right?)

“What are you getting at?”

(So, does this mean our debt is settled?)

The scene shifted again, and the dark figure asked in a subtle voice. I shrugged and chuckled.

“Nonsense. Why would I let go of useful guys like you? Anyway, enough with the jokes. Come collect your payment. I’ll make sure it’s substantial.”

(…You’re not planning to kill us after, are you?)

“I’m not that kind of bastard. I run a mercenary clan, after all. If I hire you, I pay you. Don’t worry. I’ll let Go Yeon-ju know. You can meet her at the warehouse in a week.”

(The warehouse…? Ah, the one in Koran. Understood.)

He didn’t refuse, so he must want the money. I chuckled to myself, then spoke up as a thought struck me.

“Remember, it’s in a week… Oh, and how’s Song Hee-sun?”

(Don’t worry. Our people are keeping her safe. By the way, I have something to tell you, Mercenary Lord. What do you plan to do with Song Hee-sun?)

“Why?”

(Well… as you know, Song Hee-sun was quite a famous actress. But some of our guys couldn’t resist. They’ve had their fun with her a few times.)

“Ah, I don’t care. She’s going to die anyway. Do whatever you want, but keep her alive until Go Yeon-ju arrives. There’s one more person going to the warehouse in a week.”

(That person… is it Shin Hyuk? I heard he’s in prison. Did you make some deal with the central management?)

The voice, once ominous, turned subtle again. This guy always changes his tone when he wants something or is curious. He probably doesn’t even realize it.

“We’re having quite the conversation today. Since when did Salmun take such an interest in my affairs? Your motto is ‘jobs and money,’ isn’t it?”

(…I apologize. Then, I’ll take my leave.)

Realizing his mistake, he ended the call, and the light from the crystal faded.

I toyed with the crystal for a moment before slowly tucking it back into my pocket. But I didn’t withdraw my hand immediately. Instead, I lit another cigarette.

Park Tae-jin, declared missing, is dead.

Song Hee-sun, believed to be in hiding, is in a warehouse in Koran.

Shin Hyuk, currently in prison, will be dealt with soon.

And Woo Seol-hee, whom Go Yeon-ju promised to handle… well, she’ll take care of it.

I smirked and took a deep drag from my cigarette.

A thin wisp of smoke curled upward.

When Shin Hyuk first opened his eyes, he found himself in a pitch-black space where nothing was visible.

”…”

Looking around, Shin Hyuk felt bewildered. He remembered having dinner and then succumbing to an overwhelming drowsiness. At that time, he was definitely in prison. But now, everything had changed. One thing was certain: this wasn’t a prison. This place was…

“Mm?!”

In the midst of his thoughts, Shin Hyuk suddenly tensed. It was then he realized he couldn’t move freely. A gag was in his mouth, and his hands and feet were tightly bound. Only his vision was unobstructed.

In this situation, Shin Hyuk felt a sense of unease rather than fear. It was as if he had been here before, like when he brought Park Hwan-hee here not long ago…

”!”

As that thought crossed his mind, his breath caught. Instinctively, he slowly raised his gaze forward. When he craned his neck as far back as it would go, he finally saw it. A body, swaying gently in the air, moving like a pendulum.

“Mmmmmm!”

His muffled scream echoed through the dark space. Suddenly, a bright light flooded the room, revealing the face of the corpse in detail. Recognizing it, Shin Hyuk screamed even louder. Hanging from the rope was the body of Song Hee-sun.

“Mmm! Mmm! Mmmmmmm!”

“Ah, so noisy. Sis, I think he’s awake.”

A soft voice reached his ears. It was unmistakably a woman’s voice. Despite his frantic screams, Shin Hyuk found himself focusing on the sound. Soon, another woman’s voice, presumably the sister, followed.

“I know. He twitched when he woke up. So, how did you say Joo-yeon died?”

The voice was languid, yet it carried a subtle menace, like a shadow given voice. Shin Hyuk felt a chill run down his spine for no apparent reason.

But the voices continued, seemingly indifferent to his presence, as if they wanted him to hear.

“They couldn’t even find the body. I think the dogs here ate her up.”

“Really? Then we’ll do the same. Play with him a bit, then throw him to the dogs. Or let them eat him alive.”

“Yes, sister.”

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

Play with him for a while, then toss him to the dogs?

Only then did Shin-hyuk snap back to reality, jerking his head wildly. He wanted to scream, to demand who was doing this to him. He wanted to beg them to stop. But the gag in his mouth made it impossible to utter a single word.

It was then that he heard voices.

“He’s freaking out. Anyway, take care of it. I’m leaving now.”

“Yes, Yeon-joo. Take care.”

A moment later, he heard the door open. Through the gap, the night street outside briefly came into view, entering Shin-hyuk’s line of sight as he lay on the floor.

Seeing the outside world, Shin-hyuk finally realized where he had been taken.

But by the time he understood, it was far too late.

It might have been the last view he’d ever see, but the door closed with a cruel finality.

And then.

As soon as the door shut, the sound of countless beasts howling filled the air.

Growl… Grrrr…

Growl… Grrrr…

Something began to approach, slowly but surely.

Step by step.

As he sensed the presence drawing nearer, memories of what he had done in this place flooded his mind. Yes, Shin-hyuk had once captured a woman he thought was Park Hwan-hee’s informant and committed unspeakable acts. Was she the woman who worked at the counter in the brothel?

‘That woman was tough. No matter what I did, she kept her mouth shut. Still, it was an entertaining time. I was always curious about how a person would react to having sex with a dog, and I got to find out. Heh.’

What must that woman have felt back then? Was it anything like what he was feeling now?

Just as the first pangs of regret began to creep in, dark shadows fell across Shin-hyuk’s face. At the same time, an inexplicable dread seeped into his eyes.

Crunch, crunch! Slurp…

Crunch, crunch! Slurp…

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

And that’s the end of this part. Haha.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment. I have so much to say, but my mind keeps going blank. Enjoy your lunch, everyone. :)