Kim Deokpil, the “Vagrant Slayer” of the Reverse Clan.
Seonyul, the “Tarot Card Magician” of the Tower of Magic Clan.
Na Seunghye, the “Puppeteer” of the Moonlit Night Clan.
Seong Hyunmin, the Lord of the Han Clan.
That’s the East side.
Park Hwanhee, representative of the New Koran Alliance.
Seo Jihwan, of the Merchant Guild under their banner.
That’s the South side.
So, East and South have come calling.
These aren’t just any users.
Whether it’s combat, magic, reputation, or money—each one of them is a top-tier figure in their region, the kind who’d be second to none. Heavy-hitters who could hold their own anywhere have come to see me. Of course, I have a pretty good idea why.
Restoring a city demands massive investment and an incredibly long time. It’s never a one-person job. No matter how skilled a mercenary you are, handling it alone is impossible.
In the end, city restoration requires multiple clans working together. Currently, the West and South are getting help from their subordinate clans, and the North has formed an alliance that even surpasses Koran.
And the mercenaries?
None. The situation is far from ideal, and so far, no subordinate clans have been established.
Any user with half a brain would have figured this out by now.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no way forward. In fact, this situation means opportunities are everywhere.
When a subordinate clan joins the restoration effort, they’re promised a portion of the city’s districts. From the profits generated there, they keep 70% after paying 30% in taxes. That alone is a huge gain.
I figure they’ve been waiting for us to ask for help. Especially the East, who’ve been rivals with our main clan.
But this morning, we threw a wrench in their plans. They must have been fired up hearing rumors of our progress, only to suddenly be asked to help users other than themselves. How frustrating that must have been.
Anyway, the tables have turned. The East now has only two choices: stubbornly cling to their pride and self-destruct, or swallow it and come aboard.
Judging by how quickly they showed up, you can guess which they chose.
Still.
The moment I arrived at the place where the six of them were gathered after our talk, I almost burst out laughing.
They were all sitting huddled on the floor of the castle hall, while only Ko Yeonju, who had gone ahead, sat in a chair. She crossed her legs and tapped her foot with a sultry air, looking like a teacher scolding her students. Who would have imagined these six would be treated like this?
Well, with Ko Yeonju, it’s possible. If you look at the clan rankings within the Hall Plain, the Shadow Queen’s status is near the top. She treats Park Hyunwoo and Jo Seongho like children—would she even notice users of that caliber? No wonder they’re so restless.
A moment later.
“Oh my, the clan lord is here? Please, have a seat.”
Ko Yeonju turned to me with a lazy smile and stood up.
…Wait, why are you twirling that dagger around? People are getting uneasy.
All around me, eyes silently begged for help. I sat down in the chair Ko Yeonju had vacated and slowly scanned the six.
“A bit late, aren’t we? Sorry about that. We’ve been busy cleaning up lately, and there wasn’t a proper chair, so I almost threw this one out. Please forgive me.”
“Heh heh. No, no. We came suddenly. We should be the ones apologizing for not contacting you in advance.”
They exchanged cautious glances before Seo Jihwan spoke first.
Seo Jihwan—the clan lord of the Merchant Guild, a pillar of the New Koran Alliance. He moved quickly to survive when the old Koran Alliance fell. Or rather, he was spared.
“Uh… first of all… we sincerely congratulate the mercenary lord on surviving…”
“Oh, no need for congratulations or welcomes. I’ve heard it so many times it’s starting to get old.”
Seo Jihwan carefully continued, but I shook my head immediately. I wanted to skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point.
Partly, it was a warning: don’t try to pull on my heartstrings by name-dropping acquaintances. That was more a warning to the East than the South.
Suddenly, Park Hwanhee sitting next to Seo Jihwan caught my eye. He blinked a few times at the embarrassed Seo Jihwan, then suddenly smiled brightly. Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I last saw him.
At that moment, Park Hwanhee turned to me with a smile.
“Long time no see, hyung-nim.”
…That guy?
“Who…?”
“You’ve been busy lately, haven’t you?”
After saying that, Park Hwanhee glanced sideways. Following his gaze, I saw the surprised faces of the Eastern representatives. Only Seong Hyunmin quietly closed his eyes.
The words “Who the hell calls you hyung-nim?” rose to my throat but sank back down. So he wants to pressure the East by speaking to me so casually? Using me as a tool?
‘Well, they are from different regions, so it makes sense they’re rivals.’
In this case, it doesn’t hurt me either.
I looked at the young man still wearing a friendly smile and spoke quietly.
“Well, yeah, I’ve been pretty busy. So?”
“Come on, don’t pretend you don’t know. You need help restoring the city, right? That’s why we from the South! The New Koran Alliance have prepared something.”
Park Hwanhee emphasized “South” especially. I smiled faintly and nodded.
“Go on.”
“Alright. First, we’ve prepared eight million gold coins.”
Hmm. Eight million gold coins. Not a small amount, but still below expectations. Just one district’s share would bring in far more profit later. Offering only this is downright stingy.
But he must know that. Also, the New Koran Alliance consists of three clans, and the other two are huge merchant clans. It’s too early to judge.
“And! Our Merchant Guild and Department Store will supply materials! Unlimited supply, no less!”
As if confirming my thoughts, Seo Jihwan immediately chimed in.
Unlimited materials supply, huh? That’s more like it.
“You’re saying you’ll provide unlimited materials?”
“Yes, yes! Of course! Our Koran merchants will take full responsibility for supplying all materials needed for the city restoration!”
Seo Jihwan pounded his chest confidently. Maybe a bit over the top, but it shows how much they don’t want to miss this opportunity. He’s a very capable user. The fact that a non-combat merchant has made it this far says it all. He’s already done all the calculations in his head.
Anyway, these terms are quite good. Not just empty talk. As a merchant clan, they must have a network to easily procure materials and a decent stockpile in their warehouses. They’re willing to take on one of our current penalties—how could I refuse?
“Sounds good. I accept. Let’s discuss the details with our clan members. Ko Yeonju will guide you.”
Seo Jihwan’s eyes shot up in surprise. ‘Already?’ his expression seemed to say.
There’s no need for a long talk with the New Koran Alliance.
‘They’re good enough to become subordinate clans.’
Because, in reality, nothing much changes. After I pressured them last time to appoint Park Hwanhee as their representative, this is just the formal process of becoming a subordinate clan. Nothing more, nothing less. Park Hwanhee caught on quickly and pushed the talks forward.
He smiled once, stood lightly, and led the still-bewildered Seo Jihwan away, following Ko Yeonju.
That left just me and four others in the hall. I had deliberately ignored them while talking with the South, but now I finally turned my gaze to each of them. Their expressions were all the picture of extreme unease.
Just as the awkward silence settled, Kim Deokpil scratched his chin and glanced up.
“Um… mercenary lord, first of all, we…”
“Wait a moment.”
At that moment, Seong Hyunmin, who had been quiet until now, suddenly opened his eyes wide and spoke. Naturally, all eyes, including mine, turned to him. But he wasn’t looking at me—he was looking at the other three.
“Sorry, but I’d like the other three to step out for a moment.”
“What? What did you say?”
Kim Deokpil frowned, confused, but Seong Hyunmin didn’t waver.
“I’ll speak alone.”
“Why, why? Why all of a sudden?”
“Because I think it’s better that way.”
“Hey, Seong Hyunmin!”
“If things go south, I’m the one who agreed to take the fall! So I’ll handle the talk!”
“Hey, hey!”
Rarely raising his voice, Seong Hyunmin startled Kim Deokpil into standing up. Seonyul closed her eyes gently, and Na Seunghye looked helplessly between me and Seong Hyunmin.
…Taking the fall, huh? So that’s what this means.
“Fine, let’s do that. I’d rather hear from one person in charge than a chaotic mess.”
I chuckled, wrapping up the situation. Watching their internal squabble might be entertaining, but I didn’t come here just to watch a fight.
Seeing no other choice, it seemed they accepted.
After a moment, Seonyul quietly rose from her seat. She gave a slight bow, then roughly grabbed Kim Deokpil, who was panting heavily, and pulled him along. Na Seunghye, still just turning her head back and forth, suddenly jumped up and followed Seonyul without hesitation.
Before long, only Seong Hyunmin and I remained in the hall.
“…”
Even though three people had left, Seong Hyunmin kept staring at the floor, his gaze vacant. The calm, wise light that used to shine in his eyes was nowhere to be seen; instead, his face was tense. A good expression, in a way.
Grace is like the ocean. Revenge, like a blade.
It’s a phrase often used by Woo Jungmin, one I also like.
Right now, I was too busy to pay much attention, but I had no intention of letting what Dongbu did to us slide. That’s why I initially sent a subtle warning. If someone like Park Hwanhee had smiled warmly and tried to smooth things over quietly, maybe I would have just let it go.
…Anyway.
Still, what on earth did Seong Hyunmin want to say that he insisted on a one-on-one meeting?
A slowly growing sense of curiosity crept over me as I pulled out a cigarette and lit it.
Some time passed.
By the time I had nearly finished the cigarette, drawing in the last few puffs,
“Then, I will explain Dongbu’s conditions.”
His voice dropped suddenly, flowing into my ear. Seong Hyunmin no longer kept his head bowed. Slowly, he lifted it and looked at me with eyes filled with a solemn determination.
I shrugged, signaling him to go ahead.
“Alright. Let’s hear it.”
“As you know from Mercenary Road, Dongbu aimed to become the leading clan, and they have made some preparations accordingly…”
“I don’t like unnecessary details.”
“We have gathered 2,500 residents. All of them have experience participating in city restoration projects, and with a single communication, they can be deployed immediately.”
I cut him off, trying to shake things up, but Seong Hyunmin’s expression didn’t change as he continued. I crossed my arms and nodded.
“Not only that, but we have also selected users with experience in modern construction. They are professionals.”
“And?”
“We can cover the wages of all Dongbu users involved in the restoration, as well as the residents.”
“And?”
“Funds have been pooled from each Dongbu clan, totaling about 60 million gold coins.”
“And?”
“It’s not much, but we will hand over all the materials we have stockpiled in advance.”
“And?”
The questions came quickly.
Seong Hyunmin bit his lower lip gently as the rapid-fire inquiries continued.
“Dongbu’s key figures will appear at official events. They will acknowledge the accusations against Mercenary and issue a formal apology. If you wish, they will personally visit each Mercenary clan member to bow their heads.”
“Hmm. And?”
“We will also prepare compensation for damages with sincerity.”
“…”
At that point, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. Given the circumstances, I expected some resistance, but this was unexpected. Even I thought it was excessive.
There was no more room to bend. Dongbu, once called one of the two strongest clans standing shoulder to shoulder with the South, had laid everything down.
I dropped the cigarette and grinned as I spoke.
“Wow. This is surprising. No, really, I’m shocked.”
“…”
“Tell me, why go this far?”
“…That is…”
At that moment,
“That is… the reason.”
For a brief instant, a flicker of conflict appeared in Seong Hyunmin’s eyes. He looked torn, as if debating whether to speak or stay silent.
But perhaps, having come this far, he decided to go through with it.
“…”
Suddenly, I saw his throat move as he swallowed nervously.
“I…”
Finally, Seong Hyunmin began to speak slowly.
“Our Dongbu…”
And then,
“…does not want to follow in the footsteps of the former Koran Alliance.”
His voice was low, as if he were forcing the words out.