A Moment of Calm
“And so, from this moment on, I officially declare the Hamil Clan as the representative clan of Halo!”
As soon as Lee Hyo-eul finished speaking, my brother slowly rose from his seat beside me. He looked at Lee Hyo-eul standing at the podium, then calmly walked forward to join him. That was the cue for the audience to start clapping, one by one at first, until the room was filled with applause and cheers. I joined in, clapping with all my might, feeling a sense of satisfaction as I watched the podium.
Today was the day to select the representative clans to manage the western city. Although calling it a selection was a bit of a stretch, since the representative clans had already been decided days ago. This event was more of a formal announcement.
No one could dispute the legitimacy of the Hamil Clan’s claim to Halo. No other clan had achieved enough to challenge them, the Koran Union had been disqualified, and the Mercenaries had voluntarily stepped down.
In any case, it was all over now.
“Thank you.”
My brother offered a slight smile and bowed. Just a simple “thank you,” without any embellishments. It was the kind of straightforwardness that was so typical of him.
The applause continued, with Lee Hyo-eul signaling for it to stop, and gradually, the clapping subsided. Yet, the Hamil Clan members kept cheering, clearly overjoyed.
Eventually, my brother stepped down from the podium. He headed towards the Hamil Clan members… or so I thought. Wait, why is he coming towards me?
“Suhyeon!”
“Eek! What do I do? What do I do? Eek!”
My brother called my name, approaching with his arms wide open. I looked around, feeling a bit flustered, as sudden cheers erupted from somewhere.
At the same time, I felt several pairs of eyes boring into me.
Turning my head, I saw several women glaring at me—Gahee, Jinha, Hyerin, and others. Judging by their outfits, they had dressed up for the occasion, and I could guess why they were staring.
I sighed and greeted my brother.
“Congratulations, brother.”
“Thanks. Hearing you say that makes me feel a bit guilty. Originally, your clan was supposed to…”
“Again with that. I told you, we stepped down because of Magia. Besides, Hamil deserves it. So, just be happy today.”
”…Haha. Alright, alright. Thanks, really.”
He chuckled awkwardly and gave me a hug. I hoped it looked like brotherly affection as I smiled awkwardly. But why were there people holding recording crystals? Those were for recording, right?
“Alright, everyone, please settle down. Although the selection of the representative clans for Halo, Beth, and Dorothy is complete, I still have something to say.”
After a brief absence, Lee Hyo-eul returned to the podium. The cheers finally died down, and the room regained its initial solemnity. Grateful, I looked at Lee Hyo-eul, who winked at me before continuing.
“A lot has happened over the past two years. From wars to the recent Koran Union incident, which isn’t represented here today. I believe the northern continent has been through a tough time, perhaps a period of decline. Maybe it was inevitable since the failure at the Iron Mountains… But what I want to say is that now is the time.”
Now is the time. It seemed like something significant was about to be announced. The other attendees seemed to think so too, watching Lee Hyo-eul intently. His voice, amplified by magic, resonated through the room.
“There’s a term called ‘turning point.’ It signifies a moment of change. I consider today, with the appointment of the leaders of all northern cities, to be that turning point. The end of a long decline and the beginning of a revival. And when this revival reaches its peak, that’s when we should challenge the Iron Mountains again.”
A turning point.
“I’m sure those present understand what I mean.”
Lee Hyo-eul’s message was clear. He used the term “turning point” to express the intention to challenge the Iron Mountains again. In other words, he was advising us to conserve our strength for that time. I had a good idea of who he was addressing.
With that, Lee Hyo-eul concluded his speech, and the meeting was adjourned.
The attendees rose from their seats, some leaving, others staying to offer congratulations, creating a bustling atmosphere once more.
“Let’s head out.”
With the official selection over, I thought it was time to leave. But there was no response. Turning around, I saw the seats behind me were empty. I had attended with Go Yeon-ju, Nam Da-eun, and Im Han-na, but they had all vanished.
However, when I glanced to the side, I quickly spotted the three women.
“Brother, it’s been a while. Congratulations today.”
“Oh, no, it’s all thanks to you.”
“Yes, yes. How’s your brother doing?”
“As you can see. You look well too.”
“Hahaha.”
“Hahaha.”
The three of them were with the Hamil Clan members, exchanging pleasantries. Listening to their conversation, I couldn’t help but think it was a bit much. My brother seemed to think the same, looking a bit dazed. I nudged him.
“Brother, I’m leaving.”
“Huh? Oh, you’re leaving? Where to?”
“Where else? Back to the clan house. I’m busy today.”
“Really? I was hoping we could have a meal together, just the two of us, and talk about this and that.”
He couldn’t hide his disappointment, and seeing him like that made me feel a bit guilty.
It wasn’t a bad suggestion, especially on a day like today.
But I couldn’t. Just as we overheard their conversation, they were listening to ours. Seeing the women of Hamil glaring at me, I shook my head calmly.
“I’ll head out today. Besides, you should spend time with your clan members.”
“I can see them anytime. But not you.”
“Sorry, really. I’m just too busy. I’ll arrange something next time.”
“Alright, then.”
After a brief farewell, my brother trudged back towards the Hamil Clan members. Meanwhile, the three Mercenary Clan members approached me, smiling brightly. If their expressions seemed to say “Well done,” was it just my imagination?
I watched as my brother was pulled away by many hands, and only then did I let out a deep sigh.
“Huh? Suhyeon? Why the sigh? On such a good day, you’ll scare away your luck.”
“It’s just… I’m worried. Worried.”
“Worried?”
“Yes, about my brother.”
Go Yeon-ju tilted her head in curiosity, and I clicked my tongue, sharing my concerns. I couldn’t suppress the frustration in my chest, and I was genuinely worried about him.
“Why? It’s rare to find someone as perfect as your brother…”
“I know that. But even a gem has flaws. He’s completely oblivious. Too oblivious. Just look at earlier. With so many women signaling him, why come to me?”
”…Well, you’re his brother.”
“Even so. I always hope he meets a good woman. But with him being so clueless… Sigh. I wonder if he really doesn’t know or if he’s pretending not to.”
”…”
“Sometimes I even doubt if we were born from the same womb… Anyway, I’ve rambled on. Let’s go.”
I sighed heavily and headed towards the exit. But I hadn’t taken ten steps before I had to stop. There were no footsteps following me.
Turning back, I saw the three women still standing there, gazing at me with half-lidded eyes.
Why were they looking at me like that?
I tilted my head in confusion.
The next morning, I experienced a normal morning for the first time in ages.
I got out of bed, washed up, and had breakfast. Then, with a cup of tea prepared by Go Yeon-ju, I went up to the office, where Jo Seung-woo soon joined me for the morning briefing. Sipping tea in the morning sunlight streaming through the window was a delight.
Yes, it was a rare moment of leisure and happiness.
“Open the fortress! Open it! Open it!”
“Open the fortress of the sleeping dragon! Open it! Open it!”
…If only it weren’t for those voices outside the door.
Clink.
Perhaps I set the teacup down too forcefully, as Jo Seung-woo flinched while organizing documents. He glanced at the door and then smiled contentedly.
”…It seems to be Miss An Sol and Miss Yeji. Haha. Clan Lord, if you want to stop this adorable little protest, it might be time to open the vault.”
Adorable protest, he says. I stared at Jo Seung-woo, thinking his taste was quite peculiar if he found that cute.
Anyway, thinking it was nonsense, I wiggled my fingers. A new attendant, who had been standing silently, stepped forward. I pointed at the door.
“User Seon Yu-un, go give them a good smack. Make it count.”
“Yes.”
Seon Yu-un replied calmly and opened the door, stepping into the hallway.
“Hahaha, hahaha!”
Jo Seung-woo burst into laughter, thinking I was joking.
But his laughter didn’t last long.
“Waaah~.”
“Boohoo~.”
Before long, the sound of crying replaced the protest, echoing down the hallway. It seemed they had been sent away, as the cries gradually faded.
“Mission accomplished, Clan Lord.”
“Yes. It’s much quieter now. Thank you for your efforts.”
Seon Yu-un returned with a composed expression, rubbing his knuckles, and Jo Seung-woo’s laughter abruptly stopped. He blinked rapidly, clearly taken aback.
With the newfound silence, I finished the last of my tea and stretched, speaking up.
“User Jo Seung-woo, I believe I told you to handle the vault opening yourself. What exactly are you asking me to open?”
“Ah, well, it’s all because of the Red Box.”
“The Red Box?”
“Yes. It’s the reward User Heo Jun-young brought back from the Dragon’s Sleeping Mountain.”
Ah, Pandora’s Box. Could it be that it hasn’t been opened yet?
Jo Seung-woo continued, confirming my thoughts.
“Honestly, wouldn’t you be curious about what’s inside? Many clan members have asked for it to be opened, but User Heo Jun-young has refused everyone.”
“Why?”
“I’m not sure either. It’s puzzling why he’s keeping it so secret… Although, since the Clan Lord recognized it as a personal achievement, there’s not much to say.”
“Hmm.”
Refusing to open it, huh. I didn’t quite understand, but knowing Heo Jun-young’s personality, I figured he must have his reasons. I nodded to show I understood.
“Alright. I’ll handle it. I’ll have a talk with Heo Jun-young.”
“I’m sorry for troubling you with this.”
Jo Seung-woo scratched his head apologetically. I shook my head to indicate it was fine and gestured for him to leave. The morning reports were all done anyway.
Once Jo Seung-woo left, it was just me and Seon Yu-un in the office.
I thought replacing the attendant was a stroke of genius. Seon Yu-un was naturally quiet and didn’t engage in unnecessary chatter, making him an ideal presence. His silent efficiency was exactly what I needed.
As I pondered these things, another achievement from the Dragon’s Sleeping Mountain came to mind. Right, there was something else besides Pandora’s Box…
A beautiful voice echoed in my mind. It was Hwa-jeong. The moment I thought of Eve’s lineage, she responded automatically.
I realized I hadn’t paid much attention to her lately due to being so busy, and I felt a pang of guilt. Hwa-jeong had been urging me to increase my strength.
Sensing my feelings, Hwa-jeong spoke in a gentle tone, unlike her usual sharpness.
‘Did you? So you’ve been waiting for me to remember on my own?’
‘Wow, Hwa-jeong. I’m really touched. You were so considerate.’
‘Huh? You wanted to try it? This feeling?’
Hwa-jeong’s words sounded somewhat wistful, and I asked curiously.
‘Even as a deity, you have things you want to do?’
‘What thing?’
I pondered for a moment before speaking.
‘So you wanted to experience being a devoted wife.’
‘And you thought of me as your husband.’
There was a brief silence between us. Hwa-jeong, who had been chatting excitedly, suddenly stopped. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I cleared my throat and scratched my cheek.
‘Uh, Hwa-jeong. So, um, thank you…’
Her response was swift.
Her tone had returned to its usual sharpness. Sensing her embarrassment, I decided to keep talking.
‘Hey, let’s just talk for a bit…’
‘Come on, don’t be like that…’
I had no choice but to close my mouth. Hwa-jeong’s intensity was overwhelming, and I feared she might explode.
Then, I noticed Seon Yu-un standing quietly beside me. He seemed to sense my gaze and opened his eyes slightly, speaking up.
“Clan Lord? Is there something you’d like to say?”
”…Ah, well. I do have a question.”
I hesitated for a moment but quickly made up my mind. I was about to ask for his opinion on women’s psychology, loosely based on the earlier situation.
’…….’
’…….’
In the end, I decided to keep my mouth shut.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
The unexpectedly long “Shadow War” arc has concluded, and we’re finally moving into a new chapter. :)
The “Shadow War” arc was something I prepared with great ambition.
The reason for this arc was a comment I received some time ago. It pointed out that “Kim Soo-hyun is a 10-year veteran user who lived in the shadows, but the story often shows him relying on the power he gained in his second life.” The comment suggested that someone with 10 years of experience in the shadows would handle situations differently, rather than using the same approach repeatedly.
I found the critique valid, so I prepared this arc to highlight Kim Soo-hyun’s meticulousness. As someone mentioned, instead of destroying the alliance with a sword, I wanted to depict a scenario where he achieves his goals without lifting a finger.
This arc, compared to the User Academy, was decent, but compared to the war, it might be considered a failure.
During the war, the death of Shin Sang-yong turned the tide, but this arc lacked such highs and lows. There were many things I wanted to include and wrap up more definitively. However, I decided to cut many parts and reveal them gradually in future developments. I thought it would be better for both me and the readers.
The atmosphere from the Dragon’s Sleeping Mountain to the Shadow War arc was quite dark, and some of you might have felt exhausted. Still, I sincerely thank everyone who supported, critiqued, and read the story. Hahaha. (__)
Moving forward, I’ll give Soo-hyun some much-needed rest. He’ll open the vaults and tie up the loose ends. The dark atmosphere will shift to something sweet and bright.
This note has gotten quite long. I’ll take my leave now. Have a peaceful night, everyone! :D