00602 Those who fight to the death survive, and those who run away to the death…
The atmosphere suddenly seemed to be shifting in a strange direction…
Clap, clap!
To draw everyone’s attention, I gave a couple of light claps. Instantly, all eyes turned toward me. I cleared my throat softly and spoke calmly.
“Now that I think about it… it’s been quite a while since we’ve all gathered like this.”
Most of the clan members tilted their heads in mild confusion, but a few wore knowing smiles—those who had participated in the pit assault.
Isn’t it like the theory of relativity? The unpleasant experiences they endured there must have made time feel slower for them.
…Anyway.
“Before we get into the main discussion, first…”
I paused briefly and shifted my gaze to the three sitting close together on one side: Ahn Hyun, Shin Jae-ryong, and Helena. Among them, Shin Jae-ryong was looking at me with a somewhat embarrassed expression.
“Why are you staring at me like that, User Shin Jae-ryong?”
“Uh… well, it’s nothing.”
As soon as I called him out directly, Shin Jae-ryong responded as if he’d been waiting for this moment. I had a vague idea why, but feeling a bit mischievous, I continued with a playful tone.
“Oh? ‘It’s nothing,’ you say?”
“It’s just… a welcome. I think I’ve already received that dozens of times since this morning… so getting more feels a bit embarrassing.”
“Hahaha.”
“Well, I’d rather just move on…”
Watching Shin Jae-ryong trail off while scratching his head made me smile for some reason. It seemed the cheers from the clan members when we met this morning had been a bit overwhelming for him.
Anyway, Ahn Hyun didn’t seem to have any complaints, and Helena remained indifferent as usual, so I decided to honor Shin Jae-ryong’s request.
“It feels a bit unfair to just brush it off. Anyway, all three of you truly did well.”
Honestly, I first thought of saying “You accomplished something great” or “Thank you for your hard work,” but neither seemed quite right, so I settled on something in between.
Clap, clap, clap, clap…
Light applause followed, celebrating their survival and recovery. As the clapping died down, a quiet stillness settled over the tent.
Seeing the clan members finally calm, I interlaced my fingers and prepared to get to the point.
“You’ve probably heard some of this already. According to Istantel Low Lord, the location for the fortress has been decided, and we plan to move there soon. …But before that, there’s one matter that needs to be addressed.”
“…”
“To get straight to it, the trial is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. The plaintiffs attending will be Ahn Hyun, Shin Jae-ryong, and Helena—these three.”
“Excuse me, Clan Lord. Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question.”
At that moment, just as I paused, a bright, curious voice rang out from one side. Turning toward the sound, I saw a woman sitting like a mermaid, raising her hand. It was Pyo Hyemi—or rather, Jegal Haesol in Pyo Hyemi’s form.
“What exactly happens during a trial? In this world, I mean.”
Jegal Haesol’s eyes sparkled so brightly it was almost overwhelming, like a child discovering a fascinating new toy after a long time.
Well, that made sense. Jegal Haesol had joined the Steel Mountain assault on the condition she’d stay quiet, and she’d truly kept to herself. Personally, I was quite pleased with that.
But old habits die hard.
The longer time passed, the more Jegal Haesol openly showed signs of boredom, sometimes grumbling, “AC, I shouldn’t have come along.”
Now that something interesting was happening (at least from her perspective), it was no surprise she was so intrigued. I thought I could afford to be a little lenient.
“Hmm. Are you familiar with the current situation?”
“Yes, roughly. Three of them fought hard while one ran away. So now we have to discuss the punishment for the runaway. Right?”
That was a bit of an oversimplification, but not exactly wrong.
“Exactly. The trial process itself is quite simple. It focuses on the incident that already happened, with the involved parties making decisions. Opinions are gathered, and the final authority issues the verdict. That final authority is the Supreme Commander, meaning Istantel Low Lord.”
“Uh… so the judge is that stunningly beautiful person who could make anyone jealous?”
Just as the questions kept coming, Ko Yeon-ju suddenly narrowed her eyes and stared at me.
“Stunningly beautiful person who could make anyone jealous…” Could it be that Ko Yeon-ju was jealous of Han So-young? Honestly, it wasn’t an inaccurate description.
“…Yes.”
“Then what about the prosecutor, defense attorney, witnesses, and jury?”
“As I said earlier, it depends on the situation. Since everything is already settled, there’s no need for witnesses or a jury.”
“So, apart from the judge, there’s nothing else?”
“Well, if you want to be precise, those three act as plaintiffs and prosecutors, but only to express their opinions on how to handle the runaway. The defendant—the runaway—is the same. Of course, acquaintances might step in as defense attorneys, but if it were me, I probably wouldn’t.”
“Why? Why wouldn’t you defend them?”
The questions kept coming, and some clan members began showing signs of discomfort—not because they were upset, but because the constant interruptions made them wonder, “What’s with this person?”
I quietly signaled them to calm down. Ahn Hyun was listening intently, while Shin Jae-ryong and Helena seemed either already informed or indifferent.
“Hyemi, I’ll answer that.”
At that moment, a clear, pure voice responded to Jegal Haesol’s question on my behalf. I looked to see a woman radiating refined grace—Jeong Ha-yeon.
“May I? Clan Lord.”
Seeing her look to me for permission, I nodded silently. It struck me that since the last incident at the Sleeping Dragon Mountain Range, I hadn’t really talked with Jeong Ha-yeon much.
“The reason is simple. In this whole Plain, the concept of running away is considered nonsensical. It’s actually an unspoken rule that must never be broken.”
“…?”
“Let me give you an example. Suppose you, Hyemi, are appointed expedition leader, and there’s an open priest position. You have to choose between person A and person B. But person B has a history of abandoning comrades and running away during a previous expedition. Would you include person B in your team? Someone who could abandon their comrades anytime, anywhere?”
“No, of course I’d choose A… Ah?!”
“Exactly. And to add, the Northern Continent has never pardoned a runaway. Ninety-nine percent are executed. Even if not officially punished, the user is completely ostracized.”
“Ha~. Ostracized, huh? Sounds interesting, but also kind of scary.”
“It has to be. Rumors have that much power. Think about it: every event is meticulously recorded in expedition logs, and the Northern Continent’s population is at most 50,000. The number of combat users is even smaller. So, to prevent this from becoming a precedent, they direct the arrows of rumor at the runaway. …Now, can you apply what I’ve just explained to this situation?”
“Ah, yes! I completely understand now. Thank you for the thorough explanation!”
Jegal Haesol finally looked satisfied, patting her belly with a smile—like a child who just ate something delicious.
Some clan members exchanged blank looks, clearly confused despite hearing the same explanation.
With her curiosity satisfied, Jegal Haesol quieted down, and I exchanged a secret glance with Jeong Ha-yeon. She returned my smile gently, as always.
“Alright. The explanation got a bit long, so let’s wrap this up. To be brief, Istantel Low Lord has expressed the intention to hold a public trial tomorrow and said he would respect the opinions of the three of you.”
In truth, the very announcement of a public trial was practically a foregone conclusion, but Han So-young still left room for the trial to proceed—by first gathering the opinions of the three survivors.
“In other words, the decision on how to deal with the runaway will heavily reflect the views of the three who survived.”
At that moment, Helena, who had been staring blankly into space, subtly raised her hand.
“Clan Lord, is it possible to simply not attend the trial?”
Her tone suggested indifference, but there was a faint weariness beneath it. However, absence was not an option, so I shook my head immediately.
I had expected Helena to be interested, so this was a bit surprising.
“Attendance is mandatory. But if you find it difficult to express your opinion, you can choose to abstain, effectively waiving your rights at the trial.”
“Abstain… understood.”
“Good. Then, the other two?”
“I will attend. I’ll use the remaining day to organize my thoughts.”
Shifting my gaze to the two beside me, Shin Jaeryong responded immediately, his face set in a firm, unyielding expression. It was clear he had already steeled himself for this moment, likely stationed at the injured management center and having given the matter some thought.
Meanwhile, Ahn Hyun looked at me helplessly, as if the weight of a single word from him could decide a life was an awkward burden to bear.
“Though it wasn’t openly expressed, it seems the Istantel Low Road wants to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. We still have a full day left, so please take until tomorrow morning to gather your thoughts.”
In other words, this choice rested entirely on Ahn Hyun’s shoulders. I had no intention of interfering, nor could I. All I could do in this situation was quietly observe the clan members’ decisions.
“Then, let’s conclude the meeting.”
With that, I announced the end of the session.
The next afternoon.
“…From this point on, the questions will be purely formal. User Lee Heewon, please answer only ‘yes’ or ‘no.’”
Han Soyoung’s voice rang out sharply, almost scolding, as nearly all the Southern Expedition users gathered. I scanned the outdoor tribunal area and fixed my eyes on the chair set in the center.
A woman sat there—the very user who had fled and was now the defendant facing punishment.
“Your clan affiliation is Jeoksim. You’ve been a user for six years. Your class is Archer. Your name is Lee Heewon. Is that correct?”
Her voice was sharp and unwavering, though without variation in pitch.
“…Yes.”
A barely audible reply.
Under a mix of glaring and curious stares, Han Soyoung pressed on.
“User Lee Heewon, you participated in the pit assault team, correct?”
“Yes.”
“And during the battle, you were assigned to track the monster that fled into the square, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct. But—”
“Quiet. After that, the team split, and you were included in the group led by User Shin Jaeryong, correct?”
“…Yes. But—”
“That group encountered the monster, and during the ensuing fight, you fled alone. Is that true?”
“W-wait! That’s—”
“User Lee Heewon, if you step outside the bounds of the answers I’ve specified one more time, I will disregard all procedures and execute summary judgment by my authority.”
“……”
“This is your last chance. Answer the previous question again.”
“…Yes.”
Han Soyoung pressed Lee Heewon relentlessly, leaving no room for evasion, until she finally admitted to fleeing.
A faint murmur rippled through the gathered users. Though it didn’t escalate into chaos, some began openly showing hostility toward Lee Heewon. A user of some renown behaving like that was clearly a disgrace in their eyes.
“Very well. That concludes the interrogation. Now then…”
At that moment—
“Ch-Chief Commander! Please wait a moment!”
A man clad entirely in red shouted loudly. It was Jeoksim Road. I’d heard he had tried hard to smooth things over, but unfortunately, Han Soyoung was no pushover.
“What is it, Jeoksim Road?”
“I request the right to speak!”
Jeoksim Road took a deep breath, seemingly trying to follow protocol, but Han Soyoung shook her head dismissively, as if the idea was laughable. She then glanced at Ahn Hyun, Shin Jaeryong, and Helena seated beside her.
“I’m going to dismiss that. We’re about to hear from these three.”
“But you could at least hear our side!”
“We’ve already heard enough. After all, isn’t this just a plea to spare User Lee Heewon’s life?”
“That’s right!”
“Yes. You asked yesterday to just let this slide quietly. But when I asked if you’d take responsibility for all the problems this precedent might cause, you gave no answer.”
“…Ugh!”
Jeoksim Road bit his lip, clearly at a loss for words.
“I don’t want to drag this out any longer. I’ll proceed as is. Then…”
“Abstain.”
As Han Soyoung turned her head, Helena raised her hand and declared her stance. Wow, that was quick.
After blinking a few times, Han Soyoung spoke again.
“User Helena, you abstain?”
“Yes. I don’t particularly care how this is handled.”
Helena nodded and yawned widely.
Lee Heewon, seated in the chair, suddenly lifted her head, a flicker of hope crossing her face. After all, she must have thought she was doomed, so she never expected an abstention.
But then—
“Then, what about the others?”
“I want punishment.”
As Han Soyoung looked toward the far right, Shin Jaeryong’s answer made Lee Heewon pale instantly.
Surprisingly resolute, Shin Jaeryong took a deep breath or two, then stared quietly at Lee Heewon before speaking.
“After all the fighting ended and during the escape, I lost a man I considered a comrade. Though we belonged to different clans.”
At that moment, a question Shin Jaeryong had asked earlier flashed through my mind.
‘When you saved me, did you see any other users?’
“I won’t say much. But putting aside personal revenge, that man’s end was truly manly—no, honorable. Because of that, I cannot be lenient toward a fugitive who stands in stark contrast. Therefore, I choose punishment. That is all.”
“Understood. Thank you for your opinion.”
Shin Jaeryong finished, and Han Soyoung accepted it without hesitation.
So, one vote for punishment, one abstention.
Now only Ahn Hyun’s opinion remained. It was clear that Lee Heewon’s fate—punishment or survival—would hinge on his decision.
Han Soyoung turned her gaze to Ahn Hyun.
“User Ahn Hyun?”
“…Y-yes?”
Ahn Hyun answered with a trembling voice, as if resigned to the moment.
Han Soyoung said nothing, silently waiting for his decision.
But the problem was, Ahn Hyun still seemed lost. He kept glancing at me, a clear sign of his uncertainty.
I shook my head gently, refusing his unspoken plea for help. It wouldn’t be hard to guide him, but that wouldn’t help him grow. He was just beginning to mature internally—I couldn’t stand in the way of that.
After trying to meet my eyes repeatedly, Ahn Hyun finally bowed his head deeply, staring at the ground. For a long while, he just stared at the earth as if trying to bore a hole through it.
Yeah. Your personality is complicated. Very much so.
Time passed.
“…User Ahn Hyun.”
A sharp prompt urged him to decide quickly.
“I—I…”
At last, a small voice escaped Ahn Hyun’s lips. I instinctively tuned in.
“I choose punishment, but…”
“N-no, I mean… of course, punishment is necessary… but I don’t want to take her life…”
His words came in broken fragments. So, he agreed to punishment but didn’t want to see her life taken.
“Who decides the punishment? You do. So you’re saying you agree to punishment, right?”
Han Soyoung quietly asked, as if sharing my thoughts.
Then, suddenly—
“No!”
Ahn Hyun snapped his head up, staring Han Soyoung down almost fiercely, his voice louder than before.
“…I want to give her one more chance.”
He declared it—he wanted to grant one more chance.
…Is this really your choice?
The moment Ahn Hyun finished, some users nearby showed discomfort. They didn’t like his decision. Meanwhile, Lee Heewon and Jeoksim Road’s faces brightened, as if a path to survival had opened.
From the surface, it was understandable. One vote for, one against, one abstention. No clear decision could be made solely on the parties’ opinions.
But I wasn’t worried. In cases like this, an additional vote is automatically generated, and the authority naturally falls to the judge.
In other words, the final decision now rested with Han Soyoung.
“I accept your opinion.”
Han Soyoung said this after staring at Ahn Hyun for a moment, her expression unreadable as always.
Just as Ahn Hyun sighed, seeming calmer—
“However, I’m afraid my opinion differs, User Ahn Hyun.”
Her cold voice echoed through the room.
She disagreed with Ahn Hyun.
The meaning was clear: Han Soyoung wanted punishment. After all, since she had insisted on a public trial, she had essentially already made up her mind.
Murmurs began to rise.
The briefly brightened faces of Lee Heewon and Jeoksim Road darkened again, while Ahn Hyun looked stunned, staring at Han Soyoung.
“You look like you want to ask why. It’s simple. I don’t want the Southern Expedition to send the message that it’s okay to run away during battle.”
Her honesty was striking—and impossible to argue against. To refute that would mean accepting responsibility for all the problems that could arise from fleeing in the future. Even I couldn’t guarantee that.
“Therefore, my opinion is that punishment is absolutely necessary…”
The moment Han So-young finished speaking, Yeon Hye-rim suddenly sprang to her feet. The users nearby flinched and took a step back.
The news that the Execution Princess had risen…
“The punishment will be execution. That is all.”
As Han So-young’s death sentence was pronounced, a heavy thud echoed.
Something had plunged from the sky down to the ground.
Looking closer, it was clear—it was the Executioner’s Greatsword, the Execution Princess’s signature weapon. It had been a long time since anyone had seen it.
“Uh… so, you’re saying that now…?”
Yeon Hye-rim stepped forward, tilting her head from side to side as she fixed her gaze on Han So-young.
And the moment Han So-young gave a slight nod, Lee Hee-won’s face turned ghostly pale.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
Why, why, why, why…
I kept wondering why the pace shifted like this, but after checking the file size, I understood.
24K!
Mwahahaha.
…OTL. Sorry about that. I got a bit carried away trying to wrap up the pit chapter properly and ended up stuffing in all sorts of things. Well, it’s a provisional conclusion.
Hmm. But as I was writing, I suddenly got curious about your thoughts.
From the perspective of the world of ‘Whole Plain,’ what do you think?
Do you believe execution was justified to maintain the Southern Expedition’s core principles?
Or do you think it was too harsh, and Han So-young deserved at least one more chance?