— One month earlier.
“They rejected it?”
Jegal Haesol’s voice was noticeably disappointed.
I nodded calmly and then explained in detail why the Central Management Organization had turned down the request. Of course, I focused mainly on the reactions and gazes of other users, as Lee Hyo-eul had mentioned.
After I finished explaining, Jegal Haesol let out a low sigh.
“Hmm. Now that I hear it, it does make sense.”
Jegal Haesol still didn’t fully understand this world called Hall Plain. That was probably why she had thrown such a tantrum last time (though she insisted she hadn’t). Still, being a rational person, she quickly grasped the situation once I explained everything step by step.
“Phew.”
But then she lowered her eyes and sighed deeply, clearly still feeling regret.
I gazed at her quietly before speaking softly.
“Actually, it’s not entirely impossible.”
“Huh?”
Jegal Haesol’s eyes widened in surprise.
“But you said it was a no-go. Isn’t the Central Management Organization the highest union body overseeing the Northern Continent?”
“If the Central Management Organization is the top union, then the Mercenary Clan is the top clan.”
“…In terms of clan ranking?”
“That’s true, but it’s not just empty words. Anyway, as I said before, no matter how much you prove your abilities, Jegal Haesol, there will inevitably be disputes and criticism. That’s unavoidable.”
“Yeah, I guess that’s true.”
“But if you’re willing to accept all that, we can push to get you in, even if it’s a stretch. The Mercenary Clan has enough power for that.”
After saying this, I studied Jegal Haesol’s reaction carefully. I was genuinely curious about what choice she would make.
She seemed to ponder for a moment, then slowly shook her head.
“No, thank you. But there’s no need to go that far.”
“Huh?”
“What’s with the ‘huh’? I’m not trying to take advantage of anyone. Besides, I can’t risk ruining such a big event just because of me. I’d feel bad dragging the clan into criticism, too. …There are a lot of good people here, and I don’t want to make things difficult for them because of my selfishness. I’ll just give up cleanly. Hmph.”
“Hahaha. Is that so?”
Jegal Haesol spoke quickly, and I chuckled lightly. I liked that she said there were many good people. It seemed she didn’t think badly of the Mercenary Clan either.
Anyway, I had my answer. Jegal Haesol had made a rational choice. Normally, after gaining understanding, this would be where the conversation ended. But I kept silent and tapped the desk slowly. Jegal Haesol seemed to share my feelings; instead of rushing out like before, she hesitated, lingering a moment.
“You said that, but I guess you really want to go, don’t you?”
“Of course. If that’s the case, I should’ve come two years earlier.”
“…Really? You mean that much?”
“W-who’s teasing me?”
Jegal Haesol narrowed her eyes and muttered, but I just smiled warmly.
Some time passed.
“Then,” I said after a brief pause, lowering my voice, “what if there was one more way?”
“Huh? Another way? But earlier…”
“You don’t have to worry about that. If this method works, we can avoid public criticism.”
“…What?”
Jegal Haesol’s Amiga stirred gently, her expression a mix of suspicion and intrigue.
Click.
I opened the drawer and scanned the neatly arranged summoning stones inside, continuing.
“Of course, I can’t guarantee 100%, but I think this has a fairly high chance of success.”
“What? What is it? What’s the method?”
I found the summoning stone labeled Helena and slowly raised my gaze. Jegal Haesol’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. She really was an emotionally expressive person.
“But even if this method succeeds, you, Jegal Haesol, might face many restrictions on your actions. Are you okay with that?”
“Of course. As long as I can participate, I can endure anything.”
Though I spoke with a serious tone, as a final warning, Jegal Haesol accepted without hesitation. Only then did I feel somewhat certain. Perhaps she wanted the one ability point rewarded upon successful conquest.
…Good. Since I’ve decided to support her anyway.
“Then, very well.”
Without hesitation, I pressed the summoning stone.
The process of burning the Steel Mountain Range lasted a full three days.
At first, the plan was cautiously executed. We didn’t know what monsters might emerge from within, so we had to prepare for any situation.
But the fire strategy proved more effective than expected, and no monsters appeared.
After three days of relentless burning, I finally saw the entrance reduced to near ruins and was able to return.
Watching the plan’s smooth start, many thoughts crossed my mind.
With the fire strategy underway, the Steel Mountain Range could be considered officially under attack. The Central Management Organization was building a forward base at the entrance, while the western and northern forces remained on standby, ready for any emergencies.
The eastern force, under the command of the Goryeo Clan, had quickly completed their formation and was on the verge of deployment. That made sense, as they were rated first in combat power and needed to enter first.
Once the forward base sent word, the northern force, rated third, would relieve the eastern force and begin the march to conquer the Steel Mountain Range.
That meant the southern force didn’t have much time either.
The journey from Monica to the Steel Mountain entrance took up to three weeks at best. Considering the eastern force would halt their advance about one to two weeks after the initial assault, the southern force had to finish preparations and depart within that window.
So even after returning to Monica, there was no time to rest.
Perhaps others shared my thoughts, because the southern force immediately held a gathering. It was a summons exclusive to clans participating in the southern expedition.
Monica, a southern small city. Istantel Row Clan House.
“Before we get into the main discussion, I have a request for your understanding.”
Amid the seated crowd, a user rose from the head seat and spoke in a kindly voice.
He looked to be in his mid-forties, with a neatly groomed beard—a classic middle-aged man. He was the clan lord of the Blue Wolf, the representative clan of Khan, the southern metropolis. His name was An Hyo-seop, if I recall correctly.
“This may come as a surprise so close to the conquest, but…”
An Hyo-seop paused, scanned the room carefully, then spoke cautiously.
“The Blue Wolf Clan will be transferring command of the southern expedition to the Istantel Row Clan. Effective immediately.”
Murmurs rippled through the meeting room. It wasn’t chaos, but a subtle stir. A few clan lords nodded knowingly, as if expecting this.
I felt the same. When I heard the summons was held in Monica, not Khan, I had already suspected this.
“I apologize for the sudden announcement. But since thousands of lives are at stake, the command should be held by the clan best suited for the task.”
A solid justification.
“…And in the south, I believe no clan is better qualified than Istantel Row. Regardless, the Blue Wolf will faithfully carry out its assigned duties under their command.”
With that, An Hyo-seop bowed politely and stepped down from the head seat. Some looked puzzled, but I inwardly understood his reasoning.
In short, it was about responsibility.
Since the war two years ago, the Blue Wolf had failed to achieve significant results. Rather than pushing for success, they had focused on maintaining their position as the representative clan by playing it safe.
Given that, the Central Management Organization’s role in the Steel Mountain Range conquest was limited to providing direction. They didn’t interfere beyond that. Detailed operational authority was left to each expedition’s discretion, which is why An Hyo-seop stepped down.
If they failed, the commanding clan would bear the brunt of the blame.
The Blue Wolf likely preferred to avoid that burden and simply participate.
“I am Han So-young, lord of Istantel Row.”
Han So-young’s voice rang in my ears. Snapping out of my thoughts, I saw her now seated at the head seat.
“I understand some of you may be unsettled by this sudden change, but the decision was made long ago. Istantel Row has prepared accordingly and intends to lead you safely and rationally. So please set aside any worries about the command transfer.”
Her confidence bordered on arrogance.
But moments later, the room filled with applause from over a hundred users. Though some seemed a bit surprised, there was no major objection. After all, anyone paying attention over the past two years would naturally trust Istantel Row more than the Blue Wolf.
“Thank you. Since time is short, let’s get straight to the point. Four days ago, I received participation reports from each city and completed the initial formation.”
The Mercenary Clan had also submitted their formation report earlier. Of course, it hadn’t been announced to the clan members yet. This was a clear signal that, barring extraordinary circumstances, the lineup wouldn’t change.
Of course, if absolutely necessary or unavoidable, changes would have to be made, but since the lineup could be adjusted freely up until departure, it wasn’t really a big mistake.
“Certainly, the composition may change at any time depending on each clan’s circumstances. However, even considering that, I expect the margin of error to be small. So, for now, I’ll give you a brief overview of the current status.”
“Khan: 12 clans participating, including Blue Wolf and Shin Haneuljigi, totaling about 1,200 members.”
“Koran: 10 clans participating, including Shin Koran Union and Jeoksim, totaling about 1,000 members.”
“Monica: 14 clans participating, including Istantel Low and Mercenary, totaling about 1,400 members. In total, 36 clans with roughly 3,600 participants are expected. Including the residents who will build the fortress and non-combat users, the expedition force will number around 4,000.”
Han So-young’s words flowed without pause.
“Ahem…!”
Then, suddenly, an uncomfortable cough came from beside me.
Glancing over, I saw a man with a slightly grim expression. Judging by his emblem, he seemed to be from a warrior clan… Could it be that he was upset because his clan’s name wasn’t mentioned?
But they held a seat in the expedition force. Surely they weren’t that foolish, I thought, and returned my attention to Han So-young.
“Now, I’ll explain the internal organization, which I’m sure you’re all curious about.”
As Han So-young finished speaking, members of the Istantel Low clan, who had been waiting around, sprang into action. Some taped large sheets of paper behind her, while others weaved through the crowd distributing records.
Looking over the notes left by Park Da-yeon, I saw three large circles drawn in a row at the center. Inside each circle were dozens of smaller circles, with clan names densely written beside them.
“As you all know, the central command structure has focused on strengthening command authority for this operation. I share that goal. Internally, I plan to divide our Southern Expedition Force into three units: vanguard, main, and rear.”
It wasn’t hard to spot the Mercenary clan’s name. According to Han So-young, they were positioned at the very front of the vanguard unit.
“The division is based on roles… But then I thought, we need proper control to ensure each unit can comprehensively fulfill its assigned duties. In other words, to respond more efficiently to unexpected situations within each unit. So, please focus here.”
She moved her hand to the rear section of the chart on the wall.
After a brief pause, Han So-young spoke calmly.
“First, the rear unit. Their role is rear security and protecting residents and non-combat users. As noted, the Shin Koran Union will oversee the rear unit.”
Next, her hand moved to the main unit—the middle circle.
“The main unit is responsible for overall security and supporting both the vanguard and rear units in combat. Our Istantel Low clan will take charge of the main unit.”
That was only natural.
Finally, her hand pointed to the vanguard.
“And the most critical unit: the vanguard. Their role is front-line security, initial combat response, and guiding the way. You could say the fate of our Southern Expedition Force rests on this unit. In my opinion, the Mercenary clan is best suited to lead it.”
“Hmm…!”
At that moment, just as Han So-young finished speaking—
“I object.”
As if waiting for the perfect moment, a man spoke sharply, rising to his feet.
The disgruntled face belonged to the warrior lord who had earlier shown signs of discomfort.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
Yesterday, I came across an interesting comment wondering if Memorize was turning into a comedy. Haha.
I’m not sure how you all feel, but lately I’ve been pushing hard to move the story forward as quickly as possible. I’m focusing only on the essential steps needed to enter the Steel Mountains, skipping everything else. (In other words, the events you’re reading now will somehow connect to the Steel Mountains arc later.) Because of this, the lighter, everyday moments that add small joys have been reduced.
That said, I’m trying to include as many humorous elements as I can.
Why? Because of the Steel Mountains. Soon—maybe in two or three chapters—the Southern Expedition Force will enter the Steel Mountains. After that, the story will be much darker, heavier, and more somber. While I trust your resilience, some content might be uncomfortable for a few readers.
Also, the Steel Mountains arc is quite long. So, consider this a bit of a breather to recharge before the intense journey ahead. Thank you for understanding. (__)