Lately, I’ve found myself feeling a bit sorry for the fairies.
In the aftermath of the war, many fairies had been reduced to nothing more than sex slaves, caught up in the frenzy sparked by the so-called “Angel’s Tears.” For a while, they suffered terribly. But when it became clear that “Fairy Tears” had little real effect, a new craze took hold—this time for physical experiments.
I can’t say I fully understand it, but I get where it’s coming from. Fairies are undeniably beautiful and incredibly powerful. Their spirit summoning abilities, which gave us so much trouble, have always fascinated me. I agree with those who say that if we could unlock their secrets, our combat power would skyrocket.
Still, no matter how plausible the justification, if you put yourself in their shoes, the way users in the Northern Continent have been treating fairies lately crosses every line. Honestly, it’s horrifying to witness.
At least drug experiments are the lesser evil. Some of the more extreme users have gone so far as to tear fairies’ limbs apart, experiment with cross-species pregnancies, and even rip off their wings to transplant them onto others.
The experiment that shocked me the most was the wing transplantation.
I once had a deep interest in the fairy species, so I know well what wings mean to them.
To put it bluntly, a fairy’s wings are like another fairy altogether. They’re attached from birth, lifelong companions. The wings hold the fairy’s strength, knowledge—everything accumulated over their lifetime.
(By the way,) one proof of this is that the number of wings varies from fairy to fairy. Generally, the older the fairy, the more wings they have.
That’s not wrong. But think about it another way.
As proven in past battles, fairies with more wings wield far greater power…
—Excerpt from the book by Yang Gi-deok, a renowned explorer of the Northern Continent and a user of seven years: “The Second Wave of the Hole Plain: A Report on Fairy Experiments.”
In the first-floor lobby, many clan members gathered, each checking their gear. Seon Yu-woon was inspecting arrows, Won Hye-su wore a cold expression as she handed over a baby, An Hyun stood awkwardly, and Jin Soo-hyun was visibly excited, practically buzzing with anticipation.
We had received a request to find a missing caravan. The location: the riverbank where the red moon rises in the east—a region once famous for the Ivanochi Research Library, an archaeological site I had excavated.
Honestly, if someone goes missing near the Red Moon River, it’s usually best not to take the case. More often than not, you can’t even find the bodies, let alone rescue survivors. It’s likely some monster lurking in the river attacked them, and once inside its belly, there’s no way to retrieve them. Diving into the river isn’t an option either.
Still, I accepted the request because of Jin Soo-hyun. I wanted to help cool down his fiery enthusiasm for a fresh start, and more than that, I wanted to show him the difference in rank—what sets apart our past activities from those of mercenaries.
Seon Yu-woon tapped his bow and stood up. After exchanging a glance, I spoke calmly.
“The mission is important, but don’t go too deep. It could be dangerous.”
“Are you worried about the vagrants?”
“Yes. Even though it’s a small area, there have been three or four reports of their appearance…”
“Don’t worry, brother! I’ve done my share of slashing vagrants back in the day! Heh heh heh!”
Jin Soo-hyun pounded his chest and jumped in eagerly. After quickly assessing his attitude with my third eye, I smiled lightly and gave his shoulder a friendly pat.
“Still, be careful. There are only seven of us. And listen closely to the squad leader. You know what I mean, right?”
“Of course, brother. I’ve been to the military. I’m not about to disobey orders.”
It might be a sensitive topic, but Jin Soo-hyun answered confidently and cheerfully. For now, I felt I could relax.
“Alright, clan lord. Let’s move out.”
“We’ll be back!”
Seon Yu-woon announced our departure, and Jin Soo-hyun shouted back with vigor. After seeing all the clan members off at the main gate, I turned and headed to the seventh floor of the main building.
Since the User Academy ended, not much has changed.
First, Ha-yeon and An Hyun officially returned. I expected some opposition to An Hyun, but surprisingly, everyone welcomed him. He had a good reputation to begin with, and his achievements at the User Academy probably helped.
Je-gal Hae-sol and Cha Hee-young are currently on standby. The Mercenary Academy is complete, but the finer details—like instructors and necessary equipment—haven’t been finalized.
But those are just logistical issues that can be resolved quickly. It’s better to let them acclimate to the clan before sending them out. Of course, not for too long.
And then.
A few days ago, I heard some welcome news at a meeting. It was something I hadn’t considered before, and I felt a bit guilty for neglecting it. I’ve been busy lately, but as clan lord, I should have paid attention sooner. Maybe they felt a little hurt.
I arrived at the seventh floor. I thought it was fortunate to have heard it now, so after knocking a couple of times, I carefully opened the door.
“Huh? Who… Soo-hyun?”
“Han-gyeol. Long time no see.”
Inside was Han-gyeol. He was lying back, half-leaning as if reading a book. When he saw me, his eyes widened like lanterns, and he hurriedly closed the book. What was that about? Was it some risqué novel?
“Sorry I didn’t come sooner. You must have felt neglected.”
I sat down on the empty part of the bed and spoke. Han-gyeol shook his head and hands simultaneously.
“No, no. Not at all. You went to the User Academy. It’s natural we couldn’t meet.”
“I appreciate your understanding.”
“Understanding? I should be the one apologizing. Everyone else is working hard, and I’m just here like this…”
“You’re sick. Anyone would understand. Anyway, I heard you’re almost recovered and planning to return soon.”
Han-gyeol smiled brightly and nodded. Seeing that, I smiled back. Talking with Han-gyeol always clears my mind somehow. He speaks so beautifully, and his face… no, that’s not it.
I shook my head vigorously. Then a thought struck me, and I asked right away.
“Oh, by the way, I heard Park Hwan-hee has been visiting often?”
“Huh? Oh, yes. Hwan-hee hyung has come to see me a lot.”
“Hyung, huh? So you two are on good terms again?”
“Yes. He apologized properly… Besides, it’s the Hole Plain, right? Rather than letting emotions get in the way, it’s better to get along.”
Han-gyeol smiled slyly as he said that. I smiled too, but I sensed something subtle beneath his words. “It’s better to get along,” considering Park Hwan-hee’s position and his ties to the mercenaries, was quite a loaded statement.
I stared at Han-gyeol for a moment, then felt a reassuring warmth in my chest and stood up calmly.
“Good mindset.”
“Oh, you’re leaving?”
“I’m busy. Soon, many things will change. When that time comes, I’ll need your help.”
“Huh? Oh, yes. I don’t know much, but I’ll do my best to recover quickly.”
Leaving Han-gyeol’s bright smile behind, I stepped out and slowly descended the stairs, lost in thought.
The Steel Mountain Range.
The clan members don’t know about this yet. I considered telling them at the last meeting, but for now, I’m keeping it to myself. When everything is certain, it will be more convincing and impactful to share.
Anyway, when that time comes, as I just told Han-gyeol, many things will change. And at the center of that change will be the Steel Mountain Range.
So.
It’s time to start shifting our focus. Instead of running the clan just to increase numbers, we need to concentrate on how to conquer the Steel Mountain Range as quickly as possible. That should be our priority…
Wooooooosh!
Just then, as I was about to take the next step down, a massive wave of light surged through the hallway. Magical energy was flowing in from the corridor.
Looking around quickly, I realized I was on the third floor. Then the source of this sacred yet majestic magical wave must be…
“Waaaaaah!”
Suddenly, a baby’s cry pierced the air. I instinctively turned my gaze.
The light and the crying were coming from the storage room.
One hour earlier.
Bang!
The office door swung wide open. Lee Yoo-jung poked her head through the gap and carefully scanned the room.
“Hmm. As expected, no one’s here.”
After confirming the room was empty, she strode inside and began rifling through the desk drawers.
Normally, she would never do such a thing, nor would she allow it.
But with Kim Soo-hyun’s permission, it was a different story.
Yoo-jung had been assigned to organize and inventory the storage today. What she was looking for now was the key to the storage room.
In principle, she should have submitted a formal request to authorized personnel to open the door, but all those with access were currently out. So she explained the situation to Kim Soo-hyun and came to retrieve the key herself.
“Heh. Somehow, I feel like I’m stealing something.”
Muttering to herself, Lee Yoo-jung soon picked up a triangular-shaped object. Judging by her words, “Found it,” it was probably a key.
After nodding to herself once, Yoo-jung gently closed the drawer and stood up. Just as she was about to leave—
“Huh?”
She suddenly stopped in her tracks.
Because from beneath the sofa, a pair of eyes peeked out, fixed on her. Looking down, Yoo-jung’s eyes softened with a mix of pity and delight.
The one hiding under the sofa, watching Yoo-jung, was none other than Mar, the rightful heir of the Fairy Queen.
“Mar~. Our Mar~. Were you hiding here?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I never even dreamed you’d be here. What were you doing all alone?”
“Umm…”
“Oh dear… Were you waiting for Daddy? Doesn’t Daddy play with you?”
Mar hung his head sullenly. Unable to resist the pang of sympathy, Yoo-jung quickly approached and scooped him up into her arms.
“Daddy’s really mean, isn’t he?”
Though a little hurt herself, Mar shook his head.
“No? Our Mar is really good~. Since Daddy might not come back soon, how about we go check out the storage room together?”
He shook his head.
“Huh? Don’t want to? Then you want to stay here?”
Another shake.
“Then will you come with Mommy to the storage room?”
Another shake.
Apparently dissatisfied, Mar kept shaking his head back and forth.
Yoo-jung fell silent, thinking it over. Then, as if struck by an idea, she spoke cautiously.
“…How about going with Unnie instead?”
Mar nodded eagerly!
She’d only changed one word, but that was all it took. Finally pleased, Mar nodded brightly and quickly. Yoo-jung gave a wry smile watching him.
“Really. You get spoiled if I say ‘Mommy’ even once.”
After hugging Mar again, Yoo-jung patted his back and left the office.
A little later—
“Mar, Unnie has some things to do for a bit, so you just quietly look around and play here, okay?”
“Mm-hmm.”
Once they arrived at the storage room, Yoo-jung placed Mar on a shelf and spoke. Then she immediately turned around, scanning the area as if searching for something. Though usually well-organized, the sheer volume of the fortress’s treasures made finding and cataloging items a task in itself.
But that was Yoo-jung’s concern alone.
Mar, meanwhile, was also looking around—and soon his eyes sparkled. No wonder. He’d been bored just moments ago, but now, surrounded by all these fascinating things, it was like discovering a whole new world. Compared to Kim Soo-hyun’s bleak office, this place was practically a wonderland.
Quietly observing didn’t last long.
“Ungah!”
Mar suddenly opened his mouth wide and began crawling off to one side.
Of course, Yoo-jung had no idea he was moving.
“Let’s see… The last time we brought in the crystals of light and darkness. Where are the other two crystals?”
Lost in the task of organizing the storage room, Yoo-jung was daydreaming that if this mission went well, maybe Kim Soo-hyun would even give her a kiss on the forehead.
But did Yoo-jung know?
What would happen now that Mar was here in this storage room.
That somewhere, unknown to her, the world had been turned upside down.
And that the irreversible choice Kim Soo-hyun made—once twice having the chance to eliminate Yoo Hyun-ah but choosing not to—had been undone.
She would probably never know.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
It’s chilling. Like a dagger flying straight into the keyboard. But don’t worry. Only I know what comes next—for now. The treasures of the ancient magical city of Magia. I’m Haesol Jegal. And a character who sounds important is about to appear…
Reader: Stop right there. Are you cheating?
Ro Yoo-jin: Wha—what?
Reader: You introduce Jegal Haesol and mention a queen? Do you think I’m some kind of fool?
Ro Yoo-jin: Do you have proof?
Reader: Proof? Of course. You wrote “The New Queen” in the subtitle. And now you’re bringing her in—doesn’t that make her the queen? Everyone, look! Since she was involved with Yoo Hyun-ah before, you’re replacing her with Jegal Haesol as the new sacred queen, right?
Ro Yoo-jin: You’re writing a script for the readers. (timid)
Reader: Heh heh heh heh heh.
Reader2: Yoo-jin! Give us the next chapter! Is this for real?
Reader: Don’t touch the next chapter! I’ll chop off your hands. Go get a whip.
Ro Yoo-jin: …Do you really have to go this far? Must you make me suffer like this?
Reader: Didn’t you learn that if your story gets predicted, you get punished?
Ro Yoo-jin: Fine. I’ll take two punishments over the next month if Jegal Haesol isn’t the sacred queen. If you’re scared, just keep reading.
Reader: Where do you think you’re selling drugs, you bastard?
Ro Yoo-jin: Why is the keyboard of the great Joara Noblesse reader so long? Are you nervous? (timid 2)
Reader: Nervous? Ha ha ha ha. Fine, I’ll comment on all your recommendations and every chapter for the next month. Both tied together!
A moment later—
Reader: Ready? Let’s dig in! Now starting the inspection. Ta-da-da-da-da, boom-chicka-boom-chicka, ta-ra-ra-ra.
Reader2: …Is that Mar?
Reader3: Isn’t that Jegal Haesol?
Reader: I saw it! That bastard’s cheating!
Ro Yoo-jin: (smirking) Didn’t you learn not to bet if you’re not sure? What are you waiting for, big brother? Chop off his hand!
Reader: Chop off his hand, damn it!
Reader2, 3: Yeah.
Bang!
Ro Yoo-jin: Aah!