1. Kim Soo-hyun: 540/600

(12 stat points remaining)

[Strength 94] [Endurance 92] [Agility 98] [Stamina 72] [Magic 96] [Luck 88]

2. Go Yeon-ju: 536/600

(No stat points remaining)

[Strength 89] [Endurance 90] [Agility 97] [Stamina 85] [Magic 93] [Luck 82]

Seeing Go Yeon-ju’s stats and abilities, I couldn’t help but be impressed. Her total stat points were 536 out of a possible 600, just four points shy of mine. With such capabilities, it was no wonder she could later take a spot among the <Top 10>.

Still, I was confident I could defeat her. My stats surpassed hers in every area except stamina. Moreover, considering the level and rank of my unique, special, and potential abilities, I could definitely overpower her.

So, I made up my mind right then and there. Once I finished my business in Mule, I would decide what to do with Go Yeon-ju. If I couldn’t recruit her… Her face twitched slightly as if she sensed my thoughts. I quickly composed my expression and spoke in a quiet voice.

“Shadows like beautiful women. That’s why I find you appealing.”

”…”

“So, please…”

Go Yeon-ju remained silent, her face still tense. This time, I was the one gently caressing her face. The reversal of roles brought a strange thrill that seemed to seep through my entire being.

“I hope you won’t do anything foolish.”

Someone like Go Yeon-ju would surely understand the implications of my words. After a moment, she gave a slight nod, and I finally released her from my embrace.

Her current state of mind seemed quite complicated. The usual calmness was gone, replaced by eyes filled with turmoil. Eventually, she let out a deep sigh and spoke.

“I understand what you mean. I can keep a secret.”

“Good. I like women who can keep secrets.”

Switching to a more formal tone, Go Yeon-ju gave me a wry smile.

“I was just genuinely curious. I had no intention of causing harm, so please don’t misunderstand.”

“I’d like to tell you, but circumstances are what they are.”

I wanted to add that no matter how well-intentioned, using the Lure Eyed ability was a form of mental contamination. But I decided to leave it at that for today.

At my gentle refusal, Go Yeon-ju looked disappointed but carefully rose from her seat. I gestured for her to leave, and she quietly made her way to the door.

By morning, the kids were waking up one by one, rubbing their sleepy eyes. Watching them yawn and immediately start their sensory training filled me with pride. Normally, I’d encourage such diligence, but today I planned to take them outside the city, so I called the three of them into the room.

“Why did you call us here?” Ahn Hyun mumbled, his mouth wide open, while Yoo-jung looked at him with a disgusted expression. Sol seemed embarrassed. I chuckled at Hyun’s antics and began to speak.

“It seems like you’ve all gotten the hang of magic sensing.”

The kids, unaccustomed to praise, blinked at each other in surprise. Then, with awkward expressions, they straightened their backs. The occasional coughs were amusing to watch. A smile tugged at my lips, but I managed to suppress it.

“I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked over the past week. You’ve done well.”

“Hyung, does that mean…?”

Hyun asked in an excited voice, and I nodded calmly. Today was the day we would finally leave the city.

“Yes. I think it’s time we head out. It’s about time we started moving.”

As soon as I gave my permission, a silent commotion erupted among Hyun, Sol, and Yoo-jung. The realization that they were about to take their first real step into the Hall Plain seemed to dawn on them, and their faces lit up with excitement.

“But listen carefully. Training should become a habit ingrained in you, except in unavoidable circumstances.”

I added this quickly, seeing their spirits soar, but they only nodded absentmindedly, their minds already elsewhere. I considered saying more but decided against it. I was curious to see if they could maintain this excitement after experiencing the various events outside the city.

The abandoned research lab. The ancient alchemist Vivian’s dungeon. After some consideration, I decided the dungeon would be the better choice. Both the lab and the dungeon were equally challenging, but the alchemist’s dungeon had more clues, increasing our chances of success.

To reach Vivian’s dungeon, we needed to exit through Mule’s north gate and venture deep into the Forest of Darkness. The Forest of Darkness was a vast woodland between the northern continent and the unexplored regions, and even Babara had only stabilized the early sections. Beyond the forest’s midpoint was essentially uncharted territory.

But these were not concerns for me. Having participated in expeditions to unexplored regions, I didn’t plan to hire a ranger. I decided not to form a caravan for now. More people meant dividing the rewards, which was a problem given our limited resources. I couldn’t afford to worry about other users when I was already struggling to feed and clothe the kids.

Watching Hyun and Sol hold hands and play, I pulled out a bag. It was a magic backpack with a weight-reduction spell. Permanent magic backpacks were too expensive, so I bought one with a week-long spell. After this expedition, selling some of the rewards and combining them with our current funds should ensure we wouldn’t run out of money in Mule.

“I have a gift for you, for all your hard work in training.”

At the mention of a gift, the kids’ curiosity immediately turned to the backpack. They had learned about magic backpacks at the user academy, but seeing one in person was a first. Like children eagerly awaiting Santa Claus, their eyes sparkled with anticipation. Ahn Hyun, in particular, was so eager that it made me a bit uncomfortable.

Under their silent pressure to hurry, I wiped the sweat from my brow. Reaching into the backpack, I carefully pulled out their gifts. The gifts were weapons. I had chosen and ordered them after observing the kids’ training at the user academy.

A long spear. Two daggers. A wooden staff.

“Wow.”

“Huh?”

“Whoa…”

Seeing the weapons laid out on the floor, Hyun, Yoo-jung, and Sol exclaimed in turn. When I gestured for them to take the weapons, they rushed forward eagerly. Although Hyun had mentioned GP before, I had advised him to save it. There was no need to waste it on unnecessary purchases.

Ahn Hyun picked up the spear and thrust it into the air a few times, a satisfied look spreading across his face. It seemed he was finally getting the hang of the stance, the spear fitting comfortably in his grip.

“Wow, this really feels good in my hands. It sticks perfectly with each thrust.”

Contrary to my initial expectations, Hyun’s spear technique was developing along a different path. I thought he would focus on slashing, but he often practiced thrusting instead. That’s why he chose a spear with a sharpened tip, like an awl.

“Your spear technique is more about thrusting than slashing. That’s why I picked a spear with a sharp point. As you can see, it’s a long spear, not meant for throwing. It’s great for maintaining distance in battle, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spacing. Defense is up to you.”

“Wow, I didn’t realize you thought about it that much, brother. You’re making me blush.”

Hyun, with a touched expression, joked around, and I quickly averted my gaze. He laughed, probably knowing he was teasing. Yujeong, who had been fiddling with her dagger, jumped into the conversation as soon as it ended.

“Hey, what about me? These daggers only have one sharp edge.”

“That’s how I ordered them. Oh, and Yujeong, yours were custom-made…”

“Really?”

Yujeong interrupted, her face lighting up at the mention of custom-made.

“Your daggers are modeled after a katana, a Japanese sword. So, they’re longer than typical daggers, about half the length of a katana.”

“Hmm, it feels a bit awkward, but I think I’ll get used to it.”

“Mercenaries often have abilities suited for chaotic battles. Try them out. Finding the right weapon is part of your training.”

“Okay. But, brother, custom-made weapons are more expensive, right?”

“Usually, yes. Why do you ask?”

When I nodded, Yujeong grinned triumphantly and turned to Hyun, spinning her dagger with a smug smile. I could guess why without asking. She then turned back to me.

“So, my gift is the most expensive, right? Come on, just admit it.”

Hyun, who had been listening quietly, looked flabbergasted. Sol sent me a look that seemed to say, “This isn’t fair,” but I was the one who felt wronged. These kids were always so childish, and I had expected this kind of scene. I looked at Yujeong with a resigned expression, but her playful wink was hard to resist.

I sighed and spoke in a low voice.

“Sorry, but the most expensive item is actually Sol’s staff, not your daggers.”

“What? Why? That wooden staff?”

Yujeong’s voice dropped, and Sol’s lips pouted at the mention of “that wooden staff.” I shrugged.

“Of course. Weapons for mages or priests are usually magical items.”

“Magic?”

Sol’s eyes widened at the mention of magic. I nodded and explained the enchantments.

“Yes, it helps calm the caster’s mind and improves mana control. It’s a basic enchantment, so don’t expect too much, but it’s better than nothing. I didn’t think you needed more mana right now. Is that okay?”

“Yes!”

Sol replied enthusiastically, clearly pleased. Watching her, I couldn’t help but smile, thinking how nice it would be to have such a sweet and adorable sister.

For a brief moment, I caught Sol casting a triumphant glance at Yujeong. When I glanced at Yujeong, her face was slightly twisted, having noticed Sol’s look.

I suddenly remembered hearing that Sol had been showing off recently. I had dismissed it, thinking Sol wouldn’t do such a thing, but now I felt I might need to reconsider.

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

• In this fifth installment, the timeline for Jin Suhyun’s appearance has been adjusted from three years later to one year later.

• Some fellow authors mentioned there are places where you can pay for cover art. If anyone knows a good site, I’d appreciate the tip.

Hello, this is Ro Yujin.

The Shadow Queen has made her appearance. As one of the top ten users in the mid-section, she’s a very powerful character. You might now have a better sense of Suhyun’s current standing.

And finally, Suhyun and the gang are venturing outside of Mule. Their first destination is the Alchemist’s Dungeon. Look forward to Suhyun’s series of spectacular successes. Let’s dive into the comments. :)

『 Comments 』

1. Saramin: You’ve finally recaptured past glory. Congrats on being first! You went all out yesterday, haha.

2. Blami: Yes, for example, to see a Seraph, you need to go through a temple. There are exceptions, but that’s the general method. Evil gods do exist. :)

3. Kagyuu: Yes, it’s a remake of something posted in March 2012.

4. Toranoanal: Romance, huh? I can relate to that sentiment. Oh, the title isn’t in capital letters but special characters. (It’s the ‘ㅍ’ character in Korean.) Even when I put them all together, they still come out a bit spaced.

5. Sealed Tolstoy: Right? A reliable brother eventually… hehe.

6. jinny1003: Correct. But they’re still green and full of potential. Haha.

7. White Timothy: Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Suhyun is, of course, a guy. Hahaha. I’m sure you know what I mean. :)

8. Lepil: Wow. Honestly, I was surprised by your comment. It closely matches the initial setup for Suhyun and Hanbyeol. You’ve made a very astute observation. Correct. How did you know? I did leave some hints about Hanbyeol and So-young overlapping, but I didn’t expect anyone to pinpoint such a complex part so accurately. :)

9. Strongest Saintess: Comment on this chapter too, please. :)

10. Lizad: Eating it now would be a disaster. Hahaha.

I always read all the comments repeatedly. Please don’t feel too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in the comments section. If you’re really curious, send me a message, and I’ll reply! (Please leave lots of comments! And recommendations… ☞☜)

That’s all for today.

I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.

Favorites, recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.