The room was a mix of chilly air and warm sunlight when I slowly opened my eyes. After a few taps on my head to shake off the sleep, I rubbed my shoulders and sat up. Sunlight streamed through the window, and unlike before, I didn’t feel the usual heaviness in my body. Since starting my second round, my endurance and magic had increased enough to heal most wounds and fatigue on their own.
I twisted my neck, and a satisfying crack echoed in the room. The sensation of my bones adjusting sent a shiver through me, and I carefully got out of bed. It seemed I was quite tired, as Ahn Hyun was still fast asleep, oblivious to the world, and beside him, a man named Shin Sang-yong lay quietly with his eyes closed. The effects of the anesthesia Vivian had administered during her spider days should be wearing off soon. He’d likely wake up today. I counted the tasks for the day on my fingers and stretched.
The sun was already high in the sky, a perfect day for a picnic. I sensed the room next door and heard the steady breathing of four users. After gearing up and pocketing my essentials, I left the room.
The wooden stairs creaked as I descended to the inn’s quiet lobby. Not a single user was in sight. The more the Golden Lion Clan pushed their expedition into the Iron Mountains, the more deserted places like this would become. Fools. I muttered a curse under my breath and took a seat.
Go Yeon-ju was dozing off on a chair in the visible kitchen. I deliberately scraped my chair against the floor and plopped down, watching her head jerk up in surprise. For someone who had reached <Level 10>, if she didn’t wake up from that noise, she was probably pretending to sleep.
But it seemed she wasn’t, as she staggered toward me with half-open eyes. There must have been more users than usual yesterday, and it seemed to have taken a toll on her. Still, with her stamina, she shouldn’t be tired just from running an inn. I tilted my head in curiosity but decided to greet her instead.
“Good morning.”
“Yeah… good… morning.”
She stifled a yawn with a nod. Her disheveled clothes and smooth legs caught my eye, and I turned to the menu out of embarrassment. Something simple for breakfast would be best. After a quick glance, I placed my order.
“I’ll have the A course, please.”
“Yawn… Sure. It’ll take a bit to make it fresh.”
“Not sure what’s unfair about that, but leftovers from yesterday are fine.”
“Love you.”
Go Yeon-ju’s genuine relief was evident as she winked at me. I let the last comment slide.
“Sounds like you had a rough night.”
“Don’t get me started. Last night was tough, and today will be too. Users kept coming in until dawn, and there were more than a few drunk guys getting handsy. Had to kick them all out, collect for the damages… I’m exhausted. My body aches.”
She plopped down in the chair opposite me, clearly waiting for me to respond. I offered a wry smile, silently wishing the users she dealt with last night a speedy recovery. Hopefully, their lower halves still functioned.
But why sit across from me? I just wanted my breakfast. Yet she continued to vent about users being too forward, blaming her looks.
Well, maybe if you didn’t dress like that. With half her chest exposed and her skirt barely covering her thighs, who wouldn’t stare? Maybe she enjoyed the attention? Thoughts swirled in my head, but I swallowed them down. Instead, I shrugged and pulled out a cigarette.
Go Yeon-ju watched me closely, her eyes narrowing. She pouted and spoke in a dissatisfied tone.
“Wow, you really don’t want to talk to me, huh?”
“Huh? We were just talking.”
“I’m pretty perceptive, you know. You were thinking it’d be nice if I just brought the food already, right?”
“No, not at all.”
My stammering response made her smirk as she stood up with a pout. I could only offer an awkward smile, beads of sweat forming on my forehead.
“You were so cold yesterday, too. Hmph. You think I do this for just anyone?”
“I was just tired then…”
Her eyes narrowed slightly at my sheepish reply, and she snorted. With nothing else to say, I lit my cigarette.
“You’re really something. Fine, I’ll get your food.”
“It’s a misunderstanding. But please warm it up a bit.”
“Sure, make me look like I’m waiting on you.”
She muttered to herself, turning sharply on her heel. As she walked to the kitchen, I watched her retreating figure, taking a long drag from my cigarette. The fragrant smoke filled my throat.
When I didn’t stop her, she turned back, sighing deeply as she watched me enjoy my cigarette.
“Su-hyun, do people often say you’re oblivious?”
“What?”
“When a woman says this much, shouldn’t you get the hint?”
”…Let’s start with breakfast.”
I coldly dashed her hopes, still focused on my meal. She rolled her eyes dramatically, then stomped back toward me. Prepared for anything, I watched as she reached out and plucked the cigarette from my lips.
“Hey.”
“This is a non-smoking inn, sir.”
“It wasn’t yesterday afternoon. Most users were smoking.”
She smiled sweetly, countering my argument.
“It’s non-smoking in the morning, sir.”
”…That’s harsh.”
I mumbled, and she took a drag from my cigarette, mimicking my earlier shrug. She exhaled a teasing breath in my direction before heading back to the kitchen. Watching her sway away, I pulled out another cigarette. This time, she didn’t stop me.
Bread, soup, and a meat stew—a simple A course. It was modest, but who needed a feast for breakfast? It was just right. I took a spoonful of stew, savoring the tender meat with a smile. Despite her claim of using leftovers, it was clearly freshly made.
From afar, Go Yeon-ju watched me with a sullen expression, engrossed in a record. When did she turn away? I didn’t know her well, but I knew she was straightforward with people she liked. Did that mean she liked me? The thought made me feel oddly pleased.
“Cluck, cluck…”
I heard her click her tongue while reading. It was likely a report on the Golden Lion Clan’s activities. It meant she shared my thoughts. Perhaps this could be the start of a recruitment opportunity. Sipping my soup, I was about to focus on my meal when I heard footsteps.
Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.
Someone was quietly descending the stairs. It wasn’t Ahn Hyun or Lee Yoo-jung; their steps were different. And An Sol’s steps were more cautious. These steps were uncertain yet carried a restrained elegance. It was the sound of a magician’s steps.
The tapping stopped, indicating they had reached the bottom. Without turning, I gestured for them to come over. After a moment’s hesitation, the footsteps approached my table.
Sensing someone behind me, I greeted them softly.
“You’re awake. How are you feeling?”
”…A bit weak, but I’m okay. So…”
“Yes, my companions and I found and rescued you in the dungeon.”
A clear voice reached my ears. It was the female magician we had rescued. After confirming it was Jeong Ha-yeon, I gestured to the chair in front of me. She followed my gesture, sitting down gently and bowing her head.
“First of all, thank you for saving me. I’m Ha-yeon Jung, a second-year user. My profession is a general wizard.”
Instead of small talk, she started with gratitude and quickly introduced herself with her real name and profession. It was clear she was a user who understood basic etiquette. After giving her a passing grade on first impressions, I took a moment to study her face.
She was a beauty with a kind demeanor, gazing at me with slightly dazed eyes. Honestly, even though An-sol, Yoo-jung, and Han-byeol were exceptionally pretty with their own unique charms, Ha-yeon standing before me was quite attractive in her own right.
Her short hair barely touched her shoulders, and her eyes were innocent and pure. Yet, there was an elegant grace and intellectual aura about her. She seemed like a mix of Han-byeol, An-sol, and Vivian. If she were to attend a university orientation, she’d likely be voted the most popular among seniors and peers alike.
“I’m Su-hyeon Kim, a zero-year user. My class is in the swordsman category.”
At the mention of “zero-year,” Ha-yeon’s eyes widened. But when I mentioned having companions, she nodded, waiting for me to continue.
Her demeanor was increasingly appealing, and I found myself smiling gently. I had planned to brush her off with vague answers if she was too forward, but Ha-yeon knew her place well. I spoke to her in a soft voice, including the information she was curious about.
“Our group rescued you from the dungeon yesterday, so you must have been unconscious for at least two or three days. You must be thirsty and hungry. Let’s start with a meal.”
“You’re very kind. Thank you for your hospitality. I’ll gladly accept.”
I called for Go Yeon-ju and ordered another A-course meal. Unlike before, the food arrived in less than five minutes. It looked like leftovers from yesterday, slightly cold. I chuckled softly.
As I resumed eating, she cautiously picked up her utensils. She seemed to have stumbled a few times on her way here, likely due to hunger, but she didn’t hesitate to eat. She only looked up again after finishing a bowl of soup and a bottle of water.
“I’m sorry, but… could I ask what happened to the others?”
“Of course. I’ll tell you everything. But perhaps you should finish your meal first…”
I deliberately changed the subject. It would be easier to bluntly say, “Everyone except for the scout is dead. The archer and priest were torn to pieces. Your sister Ji-yeon became a monster’s breeding vessel and is now pregnant,” but I chose to spare her feelings. I wanted her to regain some strength before hearing the harsh truth.
Having spent two years in the Hall Plain, she likely understood my intentions. Her face turned pale, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. I calmly added, “It might be a small consolation, but not everyone perished. One person is still unconscious upstairs.”
Gaining some composure and awareness of her situation, Ha-yeon nodded and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
When I glanced over, Go Yeon-ju was watching Ha-yeon with a sympathetic expression. She shook her head when our eyes met, indicating she had been listening all along. I sighed inwardly.
For a while, the only sound between us was the clinking of utensils. Ha-yeon seemed to have lost her appetite, merely picking at her food. Seeing her head bowed, I decided it was time to speak again.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yu-jin.
Oh dear, our Su-hyeon being mistaken for impotent? Readers, that’s not the case at all. Su-hyeon is definitely not impotent. After reading yesterday’s comments, I was determined to write so many intimate scenes that you’d beg me to stop. Haha.
For those who know how Won Hye-yeon died and what happened to Ji-yeon, you know I can write intense scenes. However, I understand that explicit content should only be included if necessary for the story. I’m cautious about writing such scenes because it could lead to the work being shelved.
Rest assured, as the story progresses, I’ll make it clear that Su-hyeon is not impotent. The first target might be… hehe.
『 Reader Comments 』
Miwolya: Congratulations on being first! Happy New Year to you too! Thank you for your support, and I hope you enjoy this chapter. :)
MT Bear: Haha, I received lots of blessings. Did you receive many too?
rhkdel2: Behold! The master of the 23rd legion! How about this? Haha.
Human Life: Ah, I see. Only one comment per chapter. Haha. The contract needed to be shown to the kids. Since they’ll be acting like family, I’ll reveal necessary parts. And soon… oops. (Spoiler alert!)
C.Y.B: No!!! Not castration!!! It’s not true!!! ㅜ.ㅠ
hohokoya1: Haha, thank you for your comments. Su-hyeon is a protagonist who acts out of necessity. He strikes when needed but knows when to retreat. Please continue to support him. And here’s another chapter!
Kriasen: (Indignant) Are you saying I can’t write adult scenes? Haha! My fingers, my brain, and my heart are crying.
Weeping Soul: Thank you! I just finished reading Norse mythology. And since I updated today, maybe a Norse mythology update… ( —). Characters like Se-ryu are enviable. But if Su-hyeon did that here, he’d be targeted for assassination. ㅜ.ㅠ
Demodex: Thank you! I like writing intimate scenes. It’s not that I can’t write them; I’m just holding back for now. They’ll naturally come up as the story unfolds, so please be patient. :)
Toranoanal: I’ve been waiting for your comment. Hmm. (__ )* I was surprised when I read the 75th chapter. It felt off to me too. I wondered if I had used such expressions. Haha. Thank you for pointing out the typo. I’ll correct it after the 76th chapter. And thank you for the recommendation. (__)
The higher clauses can exist depending on the contract’s content. For example, in the contract with Vivian, clause 1 can be seen as a higher clause. Clause 1 must be executed first for clauses 2 and 3 to be renewed. Thank you for the question. I hope this answers it sufficiently. :)
I always read all the comments repeatedly. Please don’t feel too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in the reader comments. If you’re really curious, send me a message, and I’ll reply! (Please leave lots of comments! And recommendations… ☞☜)
That’s all for today.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
Pre-selections, recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.