Chapter 326: The Future, Twisted. |
Chapter: 326
Chapter Title: The Future, Twisted.
Lee Hyo-eul seemed eager for a firm confirmation, pressing me repeatedly to participate. I nodded clearly to show my intent. At this point, failing to grasp the true purpose of the summons would make me a fool.
In any case, my meeting with Lee Hyo-eul today had been quite fruitful. We hadn't fully bared our souls, but confirming that her thoughts aligned closely with mine made it time well spent. Even if things blew up, I'd need someone to help lead and manage the fallout—and she seemed perfect for the role.
As I rose from my seat, Lee Hyo-eul looked up at me calmly.
"Heading out?"
"Yeah. Before I go, tell me the schedule for the summons you're hosting."
"Three weeks from now. The preparations are nearly done, but I need time to wrap up. The location's still being scouted—I'll send a messenger within three days."
"Got it. Oh, and you. You should visit our clan before the summons."
"Why?"
"One more thing first. Everyone you're summoning knows who you are, right?"
"Of course. They've all fought alongside me, even if just a little."
"So they're all trustworthy?"
The moment I said that, her eyes deepened. Since she'd brought it up first, she surely understood the implication. I planned to make full use of this summons now that I was in.
"...When should I visit?"
Finally, she spoke in a heavy voice.
*
"Thank you for making time for me, Mercenary Lord."
"Ah, you've arrived. No need to thank me—I'm sorry for taking so long to schedule this. I've been tied up with various matters lately."
I gestured to the sofa in front of my desk as Shin Jae-ryong entered my office.
I'd originally planned for him to stay just one day, but time had slipped by like a snake over a fence. Still, I hadn't pressed him. I'd already made my intentions clear without spelling them out. Any user—especially a veteran—needed to be cautious about joining a new clan.
Understanding his mindset fully, I'd given him plenty of time to tour Mercenary Clan and sort out his thoughts.
Settling into the seat I'd offered, Shin Jae-ryong spoke with excessive politeness.
"No, it's fine. Things are hectic these days, so you're naturally busy. I'm the one who should apologize for overstaying after saying just one day. Haha."
"Nonsense. I've heard what the clan members say about you—how you've helped with various tasks and given An Sol some good advice."
The clan's view of Shin Jae-ryong was generally positive. Since some had taken a liking to him during the rescue op, he'd integrate smoothly if he joined.
Shin Jae-ryong flashed a shy smile before fixing me with a serious gaze. Time for the main topic. To ease his tension, I took the lead.
"So, have you made up your mind?"
He looked momentarily stunned, swallowing hard as his throat bobbed. But he quickly regained his composure, suggesting he'd indeed decided.
"I was surprised when you first hinted at it. I'd said I'd wrapped everything up, but Rapidside Clan members were still on my mind back then. Looking back now, though, those words were a true kindness given my situation."
"Then..."
"Yes. I finally decided yesterday. Staying here, I've seen so many good people, and I don't want to miss this chance. If your offer still stands, I'd like to humbly request to join. I may not measure up to your great clan, but I'll do my utmost to help if accepted."
"......"
⚔ STATUS ⚔
⚡ Strength: 78
💨 Agility: 74
✨ Magic Power: 84
💪 Stamina: 90
🍀 Luck: 68
🛡️ Endurance: 82
Name: Shin Jae-ryong (4th Year) Class: Normal Priest (Expert) Alignment: Good · Passion
'Not helpful? Don't make me laugh.'
I checked his user info with the Third Eye while eyeing him. As a priest with these stats, he'd be invaluable—especially with his rare high stamina for the class. His alignment was icing on the cake.
With the large-scale war looming, a priest shortage made Mercenary Clan desperate. He was like rain in a drought.
I thrust my hand forward and spoke in my friendliest tone.
"Haha, no worries there. Things will get busier, so you'll definitely help."
"That's a relief. Having work to do is a happy thing. I'll shatter my bones for Mercenary Clan from now on."
Shin Jae-ryong smiled warmly and clasped my hand. A cozy heat flowed through.
Knock knock.
Right then, as we finished our handshake, a light knock sounded. We both turned as the door burst open, revealing Yi Yu-jeong.
"Oppa... Oh, you're in the middle of something. Can I come in?"
"You're already in. Come on—what's up?"
I nodded to Shin Jae-ryong for permission, and she strode in. Reaching the desk, she glanced at him before handing me a neatly folded record.
"Oppa, this. A messenger from Haemil Clan."
"Haemil Clan?"
'From Lee Hyo-eul?'
I took the record calmly and scanned the front. I froze slightly—the sender wasn't Lee Hyo-eul, but my brother, Kim Yu-hyeon. I considered reading it right there but felt Shin Jae-ryong's gaze.
"User Shin Jae-ryong, congratulations again on joining Mercenary. Looking forward to your contributions."
"Ah, yes! Thank you!"
"I'll expect great things. You'll be at the morning briefings soon enough. Anyway... you'll need to move from temp quarters to personal ones. Yi Yu-jeong?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah!"
She'd clearly overheard but didn't seem shocked—likely anticipating it from his extended stay.
"As of today, Shin Jae-ryong is a Mercenary Clan member. Handle the details for him."
"Aha, figured. Got it~. Welcome aboard, mister! Looking forward to working with you!"
Yi Yu-jeong beamed and shook his hand vigorously. She was one of the clan members fond of him. Her genuine welcome was worlds apart from how she'd treated Kim Han-byeol.
'The traitor, was it?'
"Then I'll head out."
"Yes. Yi Yu-jeong, introduce him to the clan and show him his quarters. You know the drill?"
She shot me a playful glare and pursed her lips, like a rebellious daughter saying, "I know what I'm doing."
As they left, I picked up the record again.
*
After dinner with the clan, I returned to my office. Sitting at the desk, I slowly reread the record.
At first, it was nothing much. Despite its thickness, half was pointless check-ins like "Eating well?" or "Feeling okay?" Sighing, as I moved to set it aside, the real content emerged.
Boiled down, it was this: Could we temporarily accept Lee Hyo-eul as a joint Mercenary Clan member?
'Kim Yu-hyeon must have value, since even the angels aren't objecting much... But that's ending now.'
Suddenly, my recent talk with Lee Hyo-eul replayed in my mind. No need to guess how she'd swayed my brother.
Knowing her identity, he'd likely agreed under pretexts like repaying her life-saving grace or mentoring him—for my sake, of course.
This gave me pause—great pause. Though few knew her secret, people had a misconception.
They saw the Guardian of the Northern Continent as "good." Maybe the word "guardian" or some debt, but among those in the know, she was "one who sacrifices self to help others."
I disagreed. Even as a leader, she was the angels' pawn. They propped her up to achieve their goal more easily.
Look at now: Why wasn't the guardian saving invaded cities? Far from it—central and western clans were shifting east and south.
Call it instinct, but Lee Hyo-eul was likely behind it. The "guardian" was the angels' proxy, moving solely for their aim.
In short, she judged crushing Golden Lion and allies best for the North.
Thus, her joining Mercenary didn't sit well. That's why I'd once considered killing her. Sure, my brother's value bought her time now, but no guarantee against future betrayal like Golden Lion.
For now, killing was off the table. Her actions aligned with mine, and her influence—built mentoring my brother and others—wasn't negligible. Plus, her apparent fondness for him.
'What a mess.'
I sighed and tossed the record. It felt like mountains beyond mountains. My head was cluttered; solving one issue birthed another. Whatever her intent for my clan, I'd hear details from my brother in person—as well as meet Seraph first.
I spun my chair to the window. Darkness blanketed the garden; night had fallen. Early, but I stood. I'd focus on what I could control.
One issue down, another up. Next on deck.
At dinner, I'd heard Vivian's research was nearly done—meaning potion production finished, and work on Baek Seo-yeon could begin. She'd wrap by dawn, but checking early for an explanation and look-see wasn't bad.
Resolved, I left the office and descended to the third floor. Walking the dim corridor, I reached the door at the end.
Vivian's workshop was locked tight, but a thick herbal scent pierced the air.