The room was silent, save for the soft clinking of cutlery as I recounted the events. I didn’t need to embellish or drag it out; just the facts, clear and concise. From the moment we entered the dungeon and found the first body, I laid it all out. Jung Ha-yeon had put down her spoon, her attention fully on me. It was impressive, really, how quickly she had gathered herself after fainting.
I told her about finding the male priest, entering the clearing, and encountering the spiders. When I mentioned the female user, her eyes lit up with recognition.
“Ji-yeon… She’s my sister.”
“I’m sorry, but…”
“No, it can’t be…”
I chose my words carefully. I told her about Ji-yeon being suspended in the air, serving as a host for the spiders’ eggs, but I left out the more horrific details. Some things are better left unsaid. After a moment’s hesitation, I continued.
“I had to kill her. It was a mercy, really. Seeing her like that… it was kinder to end it.”
A heavy silence settled between us. Ha-yeon looked at me, her face a mask of shock. I didn’t shy away from her gaze. If I hadn’t intended to recruit her, I might have spun a different tale. But honesty, or at least a version of it, was necessary.
Admitting to killing Ji-yeon served a purpose. I wanted Ha-yeon to understand that it was an unavoidable decision, that it was better than letting her sister suffer further indignities. If she thought it through, she’d see it wasn’t out of malice.
After a long pause, Ha-yeon spoke, her voice trembling.
“Was there really no hope for her?”
“Honestly… she was beyond saving. I can give you more details if you want, but I wouldn’t recommend it. She looked at me as if she wanted something, and I followed my heart. At least I can say she didn’t suffer.”
“She was always so proud, so full of herself. To be violated by those monsters… if she was pregnant… I understand.”
Her voice broke, and she began to cry. I closed my eyes, the memory of Ji-yeon’s eyes haunting me. Did she want to be saved or to be freed? Only she knew.
Ha-yeon wept, her shoulders shaking, but soon she wiped her tears and composed herself. I admired her control. Most mages were like that, able to master their emotions. She was likely seething inside, but she didn’t let it show.
“What happened to the monster? Did you kill it?”
“In a manner of speaking, yes.”
“How? Even experienced users struggled.”
“It’s complicated.”
I recounted the story, embellishing Vivian’s role. I told her how we were on the brink of annihilation, how I resisted until the end, and how Vivian regained her senses just in time to help me defeat the creature.
Ha-yeon listened intently, nodding occasionally. When I finished, she looked at me with hollow eyes. I sighed, wrapping up my tale. She seemed to have questions.
“So, the spider turned back into a human and is here at the inn?”
“Yes, she regrets her actions deeply. She was transformed by a wicked mage, her intelligence regressed. It wasn’t her true self.”
“I see. But isn’t it dangerous to keep her around?”
“She saved my life. It might sound foolish, but I trust her.”
“Ah…”
Ha-yeon’s expression was conflicted. I understood her turmoil, so I spoke gently.
“The spider saw you as intruders in her home. She was angry about her minions being killed. I understand your anger, but please don’t seek revenge on her now that she’s human again. Some of our group still harbor ill feelings, but she’s one of us now.”
“I don’t know. I want revenge, and I can’t accept what you’re saying… I need time to think.”
“That’s your choice. Once another user wakes, we’ll return your group’s equipment and belongings.”
Ha-yeon’s eyes widened, and she spoke softly.
“Thank you, but it’s fine. We failed the dungeon, and we’re lucky to be alive. According to the rules, everything inside belongs to your group. We’re just grateful to have survived.”
“Among the items is Ji-yeon’s robe. We have enough from the dungeon’s rewards.”
Her face hardened, then softened with gratitude.
“You said you’re a newcomer?”
“Yes.”
“I remember those days… It’s been a long time since I felt such kindness. Thank you. I was angry when you said you killed Ji-yeon, but you saved us. I have nothing more to say. I’m sorry.”
“Not at all. If there had been a way to save her, I would have tried. I’m glad you understand.”
“This is the Hall Plain. I won’t forget this kindness.”
Her face was bittersweet, but inside, I was pleased. She wasn’t one to make empty promises. Ha-yeon was practical. She might be grieving now, but in time, she’d see things my way and feel indebted.
I still had over 500 gold, a pouch of gems, potions, and a rare class advancement book. Giving up some items to ease her suspicions was a small price to pay.
The first step was complete. Now, it was a matter of nurturing this relationship. I encouraged her to eat again. She nodded, but her hands trembled as she picked up her spoon.
Later, the others joined us, including Vivian and Shin Sang-yong. He seemed kind-hearted, almost naive. Ha-yeon and I filled him in on our conversation, and he thanked me profusely, nearly in tears when I mentioned returning their belongings.
“Th-thank you! I won’t forget this kindness!”
When I asked about their plans, Ha-yeon shook her head. She needed time to think, and I realized I was being hasty. But she did ask if we’d stay here, suggesting she might visit again.
I handed over their group’s items. Ha-yeon caressed Ji-yeon’s robe, then turned to Vivian.
“The archer who ran first was at fault. There are many to blame. I understand your situation, but I can’t accept it. Call me selfish, but humans are like that. I want to see you without prejudice, but I can’t yet.”
Vivian said nothing, but at my signal, she bowed her head. With that, Ha-yeon and Sang-yong left the inn. Sang-yong lingered, wanting to ask something, but Ha-yeon’s glance kept him in check.
As they departed, Ha-yeon gave us a formal farewell. I wished her well, and she nodded in response. I hoped they’d return once they’d sorted through their emotions. The sooner, the better.
As we watched them fade into the distance, a heavy silence settled over us. It was Yu-jeong who broke it first.
“That woman is something else. If it were me, I would’ve lashed out with a dagger without a second thought.”
“Yeah, she’s impressive,” An-hyeon agreed, nodding along with Yu-jeong’s admiration. An-sol kept glancing in the direction she had gone, her eyes filled with a mix of regret and longing. I, too, looked at the inn’s door she had exited through and spoke in a calm voice.
“Indeed. It’s surprising to see someone with such deep self-control. If she survives, she might just make a name for herself.”
I meant every word. Despite losing her younger sibling, Jeong Ha-yeon had shown an almost extreme level of self-restraint. It was a stark contrast to how I had reacted when I lost my own brother. Perhaps I had just crossed paths with someone who could become one of the top ten.
“Heh. Becoming one of the top ten isn’t that easy, you know. Even for me.”
“Huh? What are you talking about, oppa?”
Realizing I was getting ahead of myself, I shook my head. The impression Jeong Ha-yeon had left on me during our conversation was profound. Ignoring Yu-jeong’s interruption, I continued in a steady tone.
“It’s nothing. Anyway, how’s everyone feeling?”
“I’m fine. I was dead tired yesterday, but today I feel okay.”
“My joints are aching all over.”
An-hyeon swung his arms around to show he was in good shape, while Yu-jeong let out a small groan. When I turned to An-sol and Vivian, they both nodded in agreement. I noticed the faint traces of tears on Vivian’s cheek and sighed softly before speaking again.
“Rest time is over. Starting today, we’ll get back to work and training. We might leave the city occasionally, but it’ll be for practice. Next time, we’ll be better prepared for our expedition.”
In the past, the group might have complained, but this time was different. Their faces were filled with determination. The recent expedition had shown them their weaknesses, and they likely had a sense of what to improve and practice.
I planned to sort through the items we acquired and buy new equipment for the team. With Vivian joining us, I also intended to have them practice their formations. But the most pressing task was to find the ruins’ research lab, much like we had discovered the ancient alchemist Vivian’s dungeon.
While the others trained, I would handle other tasks in Mule. To find our next destination, the ruins’ research lab, I needed to get moving again.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yu-jin.
Today, my novel reached number one! Haha. Thanks to the overwhelming love and interest from all of you, I’m having a wonderful day. Thank you so much for your support, recommendations, comments, and coupons. Even if it’s just for a day, I’ve had a lot to think about. The only way I can repay you is by writing even more diligently. I’ll continue to work hard. Thank you once again. (__)
And for the next chapter (Chapter 78), it will focus on regrouping. It might feel a bit slow, but I believe it’s better to describe what happens during that week rather than just saying, “A week passed.” Originally, I wanted to detail everything, but that would mean we wouldn’t reach the ruins’ research lab until after 100 chapters, so I’ve decided to speed things up a bit. The process was explained when they first entered Mule, so it shouldn’t be confusing.
Please continue to support “Memorize.”
P.S. Kim Soo-hyun is not uninterested in women. Please, readers… OTL. At this rate, there might be a scene with An-hyeon. Sob.
『 Reader Comments 』
Life of a Person: Congratulations on reclaiming the top comment spot. You’ve been holding that position since the early chapters… It’s touching to see you back on top. Keep it up. :)
Prandil: The stats for the first chapter are at the beginning of Chapter 1! I’ve placed them right at the top, so you should see them easily. Haha.
Because I’m This Kind of Man: I am a healthy male from South Korea. Please don’t… ㅜ.ㅠ
Devil’s Temple: Thank you. Lately, many have been calling Soo-hyun uninterested in women, which pains me… ㅜ.ㅠ
Falling Flower: I’m currently aiming for around 600 chapters. Of course, this might change.
Kazumi: Wow, to the point where you can’t work. I’m flattered. (__ )* Lately, if I don’t write continuously, it feels like I’ll be in trouble… If possible, I’ll try to write more today.
Silver Sunset: I also want to write a meaningful H-scene. I want to depict a scene where the female users of Hall Plain genuinely share love with the male protagonist, not as mere receptacles for his desires (though this might change if necessary).
GradeRown: I like… Ahem. I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Haha. Sisters are indeed an interesting theme. :) Users can get pregnant with each other, and users can also get pregnant with residents. Haha.
Weeping Soul: Thank you! I also enjoy reading Greek and Roman mythology and Norse mythology. So please, ten continuous chapters… (Please?)
Northwood: Oh, Northwood, who is serializing “Beautiful World”! I’m also enjoying your work. I’ll keep fighting, so you do the same!
Your recommendations and comments are the driving force behind continuous writing. (This is the truth.)
I always read all the comments repeatedly.
Please don’t feel too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in the comments.
If you have any pressing questions, feel free to send me a message, and I’ll respond!
For now, I’ll take my leave.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
Recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.