I deliberately turned my body slowly. And the moment I glanced sideways, my eyes tightened just a little. It was because Jegal Haesol, who was holding my hand, had a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
But his eyes weren’t smiling. They were fixed on me with a stubborn intensity, while only the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
“Oh my. You startled me.”
“Oh? Why’s that?”
“Well, what man wouldn’t be surprised to have such a remarkable beauty hold his hand? But anyway, please let go now.”
“Hoho. How flattering. I suppose I am quite pretty. …But are you really going to reject the touch of this beauty?”
I gently twisted his wrist—not harshly—and said, “There are plenty of beauties around here anyway,” as I pulled my hand away.
Jegal Haesol calmly dropped his hand as well. A strange sense of déjà vu washed over me.
Then, gathering his hands together, Jegal Haesol spoke.
“Then I’ll ask you another question. Is there any magic in this world that can change one’s appearance?”
“There is. But it’s a very high-level magic, something you can’t learn through ordinary means.”
“Ah, I see. So, do you know that magic?”
“Heh. Well, who knows?”
With that, I didn’t hesitate and turned away. As I walked down the corridor, I felt Ansol cautiously following behind. This time, Jegal Haesol didn’t try to grab me.
I absentmindedly patted Ansol’s head as he whined, asking who that woman was and what had happened that night. I was quietly lost in thought, pondering the question Jegal Haesol had just thrown at me.
At first, it seemed like a random question, but the more I thought about it, the more I understood his intention. Jegal Haesol wouldn’t have said that without a reason. Yeah, I bet you’re tilting your head in confusion right now.
“Oppa, who is that person? Hey? Stop just patting my head and answer me.”
Ansol was still whining. I told him to stop, but he grabbed my hair tightly and shook his head back and forth. When I heard his little cries, I snapped back to reality. Come to think of it, Ansol must have seen it too.
I gently straightened Ansol’s bobbing head and whispered, “Ansol, you definitely saw that trainee just now, right?”
“Sniff. I did, that’s why I’m asking! Ouch… it hurts…”
“So, what do you think? What kind of person is that trainee?”
“Ouch… huh? You mean that older sister from before?”
Ansol immediately stopped crying and turned his head away. It wasn’t the first time he’d done this—he seemed to understand quickly.
But then I heard him say, “Hey, where did she go?” and when I looked, the corridor was empty, just as he said. Jegal Haesol was nowhere to be seen. Had he disappeared already?
We stared at the classroom door for a moment, then started walking down the corridor again.
“Hmm. I saw her earlier, but she’s a really strange older sister.”
Ansol muttered in a puzzled voice, and a question mark popped up over his head again. Thinking it was a good chance, I reached out to catch the question mark, but then thought anyone watching might think I was crazy, so I stopped.
Still, Ansol kept tilting his head.
“There’s definitely something strange about her… but…”
“…But?”
“But… ugh. I don’t know. I have this feeling in my head, but it’s weirdly hard to put into words.”
“Hmm.”
I know that feeling. It’s probably one of those emotions that’s hard to describe.
Anyway, it didn’t seem important, so I shrugged and reached out my hand. Ansol screamed, thinking I was going to hit him again, and ran off. Who does he think he’s running from? I chased after him with determination.
No, I was just about to chase him when—
“Huh?”
Suddenly startled, Ansol let out a faint cry and stopped walking. He stared blankly ahead. His gaze was fixed on the floor of the corridor.
“Oppa.”
After standing there for a while, Ansol turned around and pointed somewhere.
“This, this is it. This is the feeling.”
“…This?”
“Y-yeah. This is the feeling I had.”
“This feeling? Ah.”
At that moment, it seemed like he was trying to explain the feeling he said was hard to describe, so I immediately followed his pointing finger.
And I saw it.
At the end of the corridor, two hallways branched off to the right and left.
It was a fork in the road.
The ninth week of training ended, and the weekend arrived—a time for personal maintenance.
Once this weekend passed, the tenth week would begin, and the instructors would start full-scale promotions.
The motto of this user academy was “Solid training during training weeks, solid promotion during promotion weeks.” I was curious to see how they would allow the promotions to proceed.
…I suspected that the event happening this weekend was part of a new kind of promotion.
“───. ───. ───. Shock Wave, Skid. Combination.”
Suddenly, I heard a spell being chanted.
Thud!
“Ughahahahahaagh?!”
At the same time as the floor shook loudly, a scream filled with panic rolled across the room. It was a strange image, but seeing it made it somewhat understandable.
Before me, Jin Suhyun was rolling forward like a wheel, sliding along the floor.
After tumbling and rolling, Jin Suhyun finally stopped only after crashing into the wall beyond the arena.
Moments later, a voice amplified by magic echoed through the great hall.
— Istantel Row. Clan Lord Han Soyoung wins! Both of you did well!
Wooooah!
Ooooh!
Cheers and applause filled the room.
The winner, Han Soyoung, ran a hand through her hair with a blank expression, while the loser, Jin Suhyun, jumped up and shouted loudly. I couldn’t catch what she was saying, but judging by her flushed face, she was pretty frustrated about losing.
The reason they were like this was because today was the day of the instructors’ event match—a battle between instructors.
When the plan was first announced suddenly, it caused a big stir. As expected, the instructors, who had less user information, raised strong objections.
But since participation was voluntary and those who didn’t want to join didn’t have to, those complaints were quickly dismissed. I wasn’t particularly moved since I’d already heard about it from Shin Jaeryong.
In the end, the central management announced that the event matches would continue through the 14th week, and started accepting participants three days before the weekend.
I had thought about joining, but decided to skip the ninth week. I wanted to see how it would unfold first.
After the ninth week’s applications closed, today’s opening match was set between Han Soyoung and Jin Suhyun.
Honestly, I was a bit surprised Han Soyoung was participating, but I was somewhat worried because her opponent was Jin Suhyun. Jin Suhyun specialized in fighting mages, while Han Soyoung was more suited for large-scale battles rather than one-on-one duels.
My worries weren’t unfounded. As soon as the match started, Jin Suhyun pressed aggressively, and Han Soyoung barely held her ground, constantly pushed back.
But in the end, Han Soyoung won.
Jin Suhyun’s defeat came down to two things.
Han Soyoung’s experience shone through, and Jin Suhyun overestimated her early advantage. If she had calmly worn down her opponent instead of trying to finish it in one blow, she might have won. But she recklessly charged and got caught by a solid counterattack.
Watching Jin Suhyun, it was clear she had great combat ability but lacked experience.
— Instructor Jin Suhyun, you are ordered to leave for inappropriate language.
Several users rushed at Jin Suhyun, who was still shouting at the center. After pestering Han Soyoung to fight again, she was finally ordered to leave.
Eventually, Jin Suhyun threw a tantrum, saying she’d leave on her own, snorted indignantly, and stomped out. I was standing at the entrance with Anhyun, so we inevitably crossed paths. Jin Suhyun froze for a moment when she saw me.
“Hyung?!”
“Oh. Good job.”
“Thank you… no, wait. You were watching from the start?”
“Of course. I wasn’t going to miss such a good show.”
Jin Suhyun’s eyes went wide as saucers. She took a deep breath, then suddenly dashed over and grabbed me fiercely.
“Uh, what? Why are you—?”
“Hyung! It’s not what you think! I really could have won, but that woman played dirty! You saw, right? I was winning so much at first! But then…!”
“Yeah, yeah. It was close. But you have to accept the result.”
“I’m mad because I’m mad! She was so dirty, the dirtiest…!”
Jin Suhyun jabbed a finger at Han Soyoung, spitting as she ranted. Suddenly, I had the urge to snap that finger right off.
At that moment—
— Instructor Jin Suhyun, if you do not leave within 10 seconds, forced removal will be enforced.
Shin Jaeryong’s voice boomed through the great hall again. Clearly furious, Jin Suhyun was about to throw a massive tantrum but suddenly snapped her head up and shouted.
“Fine, I’ll leave! I’ll leave! Ugh! So dirty and unfair!”
I wonder who’s really dirty and unfair here.
Continuing on, Jin Suhyun, having just blurted out the absurd line, “Anyway, hyung! I won this match!” stomped out the door without another word.
In the brief silence that followed, Ahn Hyun, who had been quietly watching the scene unfold, clicked his tongue and turned his head.
“Wow. He’s really immature. Tsk, tsk.”
…What?
“Hyung, is that guy really Jin Suhyun? The one you’re thinking of recruiting?”
“…Yeah.”
“Oh man, hyung, I’m seriously giving you advice here—aren’t you misjudging him this time? He might have some skill, but his head’s completely empty. He’s not some kid anymore. What’s up with that?”
“……”
I couldn’t help but smirk in disbelief, locking eyes with Ahn Hyun. Who’s talking about whom here?
“Yeah. Feels like you’re describing someone you know, huh?”
“…Why are you staring at me like that? Ahem.”
Ahn Hyun cleared his throat and looked away, then started humming to himself, clearly trying to dodge the topic. Yeah, he’s got something to hide.
“Anyway, hyung, I have to say, Istanterel Low Road is amazing. Every time I see her, she doesn’t seem like she’s from this world. Look at her. Just look.”
Ahn Hyun gestured dramatically toward the center of the room. It was obvious he was trying to change the subject, but since Han Soyoung was more important to me, I gladly shifted my gaze.
Suddenly, I caught Han Soyoung snapping her head sharply to the side. Huh? Was she looking here just now? Or not?
Whatever the case.
Without paying any mind to Jin Suhyun, Han Soyoung quietly basked in the cheers of the trainees. She was truly beautiful. Every time I looked at her, she radiated a different kind of charm—it was as if she wasn’t even human.
As I quietly watched Han Soyoung, I suddenly felt a poke in my side. Glancing over, I saw Ahn Hyun grinning mischievously.
“Hyung, you’re staring like you’re trying to drill a hole through her. By the way, I heard you’re meeting Istanterel Low Road tomorrow? Lucky you.”
“Lucky? Nah. We’re just meeting to discuss some things before the promotional week starts. It’s not what you’re thinking.”
My chest tightened for a moment, but I quickly covered it up. Still, where did he hear that from?
“Aw, come on. Just admit it. You’re happy, aren’t you? Hehe.”
“Seriously, I said no. Why, are you interested too?”
Ahn Hyun immediately shook his head with a serious expression.
“Nope. I don’t like girls like that. I admit she’s attractive, but she’s not my type.”
That was unexpected. It’s fine if he doesn’t like her, but to think that way about Han Soyoung?
I wasn’t sure whether to be angry or relieved when Ahn Hyun suddenly looked toward Han Soyoung again. Without thinking, I followed his gaze and saw her turn her head sharply once more. Why does she keep doing that? It’s distracting.
Ahn Hyun continued.
“You can tell right away. Girls like that have nothing going for them besides their looks. Honestly, when it comes to relationships, expression matters, right? But a girl who’s always expressionless and guarded like a fortress? No thanks. It’s exhausting. I know from experience.”
“So your ideal type is a woman who’s expressive?”
He nodded, then suddenly made a serious face and shook his head quickly.
“Ah, no. But too much expression is overwhelming. Everything in moderation is best. Just the right amount.”
Moderation, huh.
“Hmm. I think I get it.”
Suddenly, Nam Daeun popped into my head.
More specifically, Nam Daeun during our… intimate moments.
“Ah! Yes! Suhyun-nim! Your XX is entering my XX!”
“Nam Daeun here. Please, no more of those expressions during…”
“Ahhh! No! Nooo! How am I supposed to hold back when it feels this good? So, more, more…!”
“Ah, please, stop…”
At that moment, I couldn’t help but cover my face in embarrassment. Nam Daeun in bed… yeah, just thinking about it is mortifying. Afterward, it’s almost awkward to look each other in the eye the next morning.
“Phew.”
“Sigh.”
For some reason, Ahn Hyun and I sighed in unison.
Trying to break the sudden gloomy mood, Ahn Hyun forced a cheerful tone.
“Right? Well, this is kind of a touchy subject, so let’s drop it. Everyone has their own tastes. Anyway, since we’re on the topic, I like girls who look good with ponytails. What about you, hyung? Ponytails?”
“Ponytails? Like a horse’s tail?”
“Yeah. You know, girls who pull their hair back to show their forehead, wear comfortable clothes, and tie their long hair neatly. I once saw a girl studying like that in the library, and my heart just fluttered.”
“Oh.”
Normally, I would have cut off such a silly conversation quickly. But today, for some reason, Ahn Hyun’s story sounded oddly appealing. Maybe it was because I was looking at Han Soyoung.
I closed my eyes and let my imagination run wild—studying in the library with Han Soyoung. Just as Ahn Hyun described: forehead exposed, comfortable clothes, long hair tied back neatly. Thinking of her like that, I found myself nodding without realizing it.
I spoke quietly.
“That’s not bad. Actually, it might be really good. Ponytail.”
“Hehe. See? I told you we’re on the same wavelength.”
Ahn Hyun laughed lightly and nodded along with me.
After the weekend’s first day of the ninth week, the heated event match had finally ended.
“Good work, Clan Lord.”
When Han Soyoung returned to the dorm, a woman sharing the same quarters greeted her politely.
Han Soyoung nodded with her usual expressionless face and sat down quietly. She stretched while looking into the vanity mirror. Watching her, the woman approached cautiously.
“Clan Lord, congratulations on your victory in today’s event match.”
“Thanks.”
“Hehe. I watched it too—it was really close. So, how did you find that instructor, Jin Suhyun? He seemed more skilled than he looked.”
“Hm. Not really.”
“Aw, but you were a bit overwhelmed at the start, weren’t you?”
“Not a bit. I was completely overwhelmed.”
“…Excuse me?”
“That was on purpose.”
Her clipped tone and refusal to meet the woman’s eyes made the woman smile bitterly. She had no idea how to handle Han Soyoung. It was like looking at a perfectly carved block of ice.
When she was first lucky enough to be selected as a trainee, she was thrilled—sharing a room with the revered Han Soyoung was an honor. But living together, it was nerve-wracking beyond words.
“Is that so? Haha. You look tired. Would you like a drink or something?”
“No thanks. If I need anything, I’ll get it myself. Don’t worry about it.”
That was how it was.
Han Soyoung hadn’t said anything particularly harsh, but the woman found herself walking on eggshells around her. After ten weeks of this, it would be a lie to say she wasn’t stressed.
Hesitating, the woman was about to step back when—
“Wait, Somin.”
Suddenly, Han Soyoung called out her name. Somin, who had planned to step out briefly and return by nightfall, froze in surprise.
“Yes?”
Han Soyoung fiddled with her hair, looking uneasy. She brushed her bangs away from her forehead with one hand, gathered her long hair with the other, and examined herself carefully in the mirror. Then, turning cautiously toward Somin, she spoke softly.
“Does it suit me?”
“…Huh?”
An odd sound escaped Somin’s lips. She quickly covered her mouth, but Han Soyoung continued.
“Is it strange?”
“No, no, no. Not at all. It suits you. Very, very, very well.”
Though caught off guard, Somin quickly agreed. Honestly, it was more of a reflex than a carefully considered answer.
Whatever the response, Han Soyoung muttered, “That’s a relief,” and let out a long sigh.
A moment later.
“Then… could I borrow something to tie my hair with? Just for tomorrow.”
Her face had taken on a faint blush.
Somin’s mouth fell open.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
Haha. No need to worry too much. I’m just cutting a few parts that were originally planned, not anything essential or that many readers have been clamoring for. For example, this chapter skips over the fight between Jin Suhyun and Han Soyoung. Also, my pacing is pretty slow, so I’m considering adding more content per chapter. I’ll carefully balance the speed and depth as I go. (__)
Hmm, I have one question. Are there any scenes from the early part of Memorize that readers would especially like to see illustrated? More specifically, from the summoning chamber at the very beginning up until the moment they leave Muel. For example, Vivian begging Kim Soo-hyun for her life, or something along those lines.
If there’s a particular moment that stood out to you, I’d really appreciate it if you could share it in the comments. :)