Chapter 330: What's That? Then I Won't Do It. |
Chapter: 330
Chapter Title: What's That? Then I Won't Do It.
Mercenary Clan's membership had already surpassed ten, yet the meeting room still felt spacious. Even the small third-floor conference room had plenty of empty seats remaining. I wondered when we'd ever need the grand fourth-floor hall.
Lost in that trivial thought for a moment, I placed the document in my hand onto the table. Instantly, I felt the eyes of the clan members seated around me turn toward me.
"Clan Lord. Is that a summons from somewhere?"
"...It's an invitation to a summoning. It covers the entirety of the Eastern and Southern regions, and this time, they've asked Mercenary Clan to attend as well."
"Oh my... So that means representative clans are participating too? You're saying Mercenary Clan is included?"
"Not included—included or not, it's an invitation."
I gave Jeong Ha-yeon only the facts as presented. Go Yeon-ju's case was unavoidable, but since the angels had asked us to keep it secret, I planned to say as little as possible.
"In the Eastern free city of Princika, at the Goryeo Clan's clan house."
"I see. Anyway, if it's encompassing the Southeast, it must be quite a large summoning... Looks like they're finally discussing a proper solution."
"Who knows. We'll find out when we get there."
Large-scale, huh. If anything, I suspect it'll be small-scale.
Though publicly announced as hosted by Goryeo Clan, in truth, Lee Hyo-eul was the organizer. I already had a rough idea of the behind-the-scenes dealings, but I couldn't reveal it yet. Talks in each city were likely concluded, and actions were already underway. In other words, a solution was already in place, and this summoning was focused squarely on the vagrants I had with me.
"Oppa. Are there any attendants allowed?"
At that moment, Lee Yu-jeong asked with sparkling eyes. Everyone seemed thrilled that Mercenary Clan had been invited.
"Yeah. There are. Well, sort of..."
I picked up the document again. The invitation specified a limit on participants, similar to the one hosted by Golden Lion Clan last time. But this time, there was a solid reason, so no one would complain.
And naturally, Mercenary Clan had approved companions. Go Yeon-ju and Baek Seo-yeon were essential for this summoning, so their attendance was a given. The issue lay in the handwritten postscript at the bottom, requesting An Sol's accompaniment. I figured Lee Hyo-eul had written it herself.
It must be related to her true name...
Recalling Lee Hyo-eul's reaction when she last saw An Sol, something nagged at me. After sorting my thoughts briefly, I turned my gaze to her, seated on the left line. An Sol was beaming innocently, as if she owned the world, without a trace of worry. That carefree expression sparked two sudden questions in my mind.
How had An Sol become a Brilliance Priest in the first round? And why hadn't she stayed in the Northern Continent, instead going to Odin?
Countless questions chained together, but I decided to stop there. It wasn't something I could resolve now, and I'd need to find breakthroughs through direct action.
*
The day of the summoning.
This was my second visit to Princika since starting the second round. Last time, it was to meet my brother; this time, to attend the summoning.
From the current perspective, the gap between the first and second rounds was like heaven and earth. Back then, I was a worthless user drifting aimlessly; now, I was a clan lord attending a gathering of the Northern Continent's leading users.
Feeling a slight awkwardness from that disparity, I headed toward Goryeo Clan's clan house.
By my memory, it was about a fifteen-minute walk from the warp gate. But it took us nearly thirty minutes. Baek Seo-yeon was so out of it she could barely walk straight, hindering our progress considerably.
We were a bit late, but we arrived at Goryeo Clan's clan house. As soon as we reached the main gate, waiting users approached politely. Their chests bore the glowing blue emblem of 高麗 (Goryeo).
"Please state your identity."
"Mercenary Clan Lord. Kim Su-hyeon."
The moment I identified myself, a glint flashed in their eyes. They scanned me and my group carefully, then bowed respectfully again.
"Thank you for responding to the summoning invitation. We'll escort you directly."
"Thank you. Are we very late?"
"Everyone has arrived, but someone just entered moments ago. Still, best to hurry. This way, please."
Amazed by the structure several times larger than Mercenary Clan's house, I tugged along An Sol, whose mouth hung open. We followed the guide through the opened main gate.
This was ostensibly wartime. Yet Princika, Monica—no, even Mercenary Clan's internal atmosphere didn't feel like war. Watching fire from across the river. That phrase fit perfectly.
The heightened clan tensions after the godmother's summoning had likely affected city-dwelling users too. Those with some war experience might differ, but I wondered how they'd react upon learning the truth about the invaded cities.
We crossed the expansive grounds and entered a large building that seemed like the main hall. No stairs; the Goryeo clan member turned right into a corridor on the first floor, leading to a door over three meters tall. Atop it, the engraved word 'Conference Room' shimmered softly.
"Hoo. Hoo."
"...I'll open the door for you."
The user seemed amused by An Sol's tense panting, suppressing a chuckle before speaking quietly. Knowing how vital external reputation was, even in small matters, I thanked the escort.
"Yes. Thank you."
"No trouble at all."
The user replied courteously, grasping the handle slowly. The door creaked open gradually, and the heavy air of the conference room enveloped me. Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside calmly.
*
Entering, a vast conference room came into view. Its structure resembled an open-air theater. Spacious enough to dwarf Mercenary Clan's fourth-floor grand hall, yet only about thirty people sat there—a sparse number.
Up front in the head seat sat three. Two I recognized: Lee Hyo-eul and Goryeo Clan's diplomat Jo Seong-ho. The stern-faced one beside her was unfamiliar, but likely Goryeo's clan lord.
Scanning left and right as I walked to the center, I noted many prominent clans in attendance.
From Eastern free city Princika: Goryeo Clan. From sub-cities Eden and Dana: Moonlit Night Clan and Han Clan.
From Southern free city Khan: Blue Wolf Clan. From sub-cities Koran and Monica: Shu Clan and Istantel Law Clan.
Others like Haemil and Reverse Clan were present too, despite not being representatives. Lee Hyo-eul's influence over East and South was palpable. Without stopping, I exchanged nods with familiars like my brother and Han So-young during pauses.
Stopping at the center, Lee Hyo-eul—arms crossed—flashed a subtle smile and spoke.
"Attention, everyone. With today's star, Mercenary Clan Lord, now here, we'll commence the summoning immediately."
Her sharp voice echoed. No seat for me—just a lone chair in the center. As prearranged, I stayed composed, guiding Baek Seo-yeon to it.
Just as I was about to seat her, I paused. A document lay on the chair. Curious, I picked it up, spotting Lee Hyo-eul rising and approaching.
"It's the compiled questions. Only the Shadow Queen can ask, so this is more convenient, right?"
Her reasonable explanation earned a nod. I handed the document to Go Yeon-ju, seated Baek Seo-yeon (with some effort, as she kept slumping), and looked up to meet the barrage of intrigued gazes.
Though our standings varied slightly, I felt no intimidation. Straightening my back, I met their eyes squarely and spoke confidently.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Kim Su-hyeon, currently residing in Monica and leading the free mercenary clan, Mercenary."
A brief greeting ended with light applause. In that moment, my brother's face caught my eye.
He stared at me with profound emotion, like a parent beholding their grown child. Praying he'd stay quiet this time, I passed the baton to Lee Hyo-eul, now close beside me.
"You've all heard from me roughly, but many want to confirm with their own eyes. And indeed, many have."
Raising her tone at the end, Lee Hyo-eul grabbed my arm and continued.
"This person here shares a deep connection with me. She's Haemil Clan's lord's own sister and the benefactor who saved my life. But most importantly— you've all heard the rumors. Mercenary Clan Lord was in Mul on the day of the vagrants' first assault..."
"Regarding that, I have one question for Mercenary Clan Lord."
Someone spoke softly then. Glancing left to the Southern line, a man from Shu Clan raised his hand. As I nodded, Lee Hyo-eul stepped forward, blocking him.
"Can't you see I'm speaking?"
"S-Sorry. But it's just so curios—"
"How many times have I told you to know when to speak? Tsk. No questions now. I'll give you time later."
"Yes! Understood."
Lee Hyo-eul snorted lightly. Simultaneously, she lifted Baek Seo-yeon's disheveled hair, revealing her face to all.
"Sorry. Let me repeat. The woman seated is vagrant Baek Seo-yeon, quite infamous. I trust no one here is unaware. Mercenary Clan Lord? For those present, could you briefly explain how you captured this vagrant?"
"Yes. While returning from Mul to the city, a vagrant pursuit squad tailed us. I fought them with accompanying users, repelled them, and captured several. That's all."
I answered simply as instructed. Yet the content was far from simple; a subtle murmur rippled through the previously silent room. Considering they knew I was a Year 0 user, the reaction wasn't surprising. I tuned into the whispers.
"What? So the rumors were true? No exaggeration?"
"Unbelievable... I thought it was hype. But I met a Mul escapee recently..."
"That damned bitch. Finally caught."
"Serves her right, that filthy vagrant."
Several users expressed fury upon confirming Baek Seo-yeon. She seemed to have more grudges than even me.
About a minute later, Lee Hyo-eul raised her hand to quiet the room, released Baek Seo-yeon's hair, and spoke.
"Since many want factual confirmation, we'll proceed directly. Shadow Queen?"
"Yes. Ready."
Go Yeon-ju's crisp reply drew a wink from Lee Hyo-eul, who nodded slightly.
"Good. Then ask the questions from the document? One through four at once is fine."
"Yes. One moment."
At Lee Hyo-eul's request, Go Yeon-ju moved before Baek Seo-yeon. I stepped back to An Sol's side, her face anxious. Go Yeon-ju lifted Baek Seo-yeon's chin, surveying the room.
"Starting now."
Clutching the question sheet in her left hand, she began reading languidly.
"One. Roughly how many Western Continent users and vagrants invaded the Northern Continent?"
"Not sure exactly... But around 15,000, I believe."
A hoarse voice, devoid of any spirit, echoed. The murmurs ceased abruptly, and Go Yeon-ju continued seamlessly.
"Two. Who commands the Western Continent users overall?"
"Name's Simon. I don't know details, but he's reputed the closest to a ruler in the lawless Western Continent—a young man."
"Three. Are the vagrants invading the Northern Continent to retaliate against the vagrant extermination plan?"
"No. Revenge is part of it, but not the ultimate goal."
An unexpected answer. The calming stir grew restless again. But Baek Seo-yeon wasn't done; her pale gray eyes gleamed faintly.
"Then what is the vagrants' ultimate goal?"
"That is..."
Pausing briefly, Baek Seo-yeon concluded quietly.
"To turn the Northern Continent into the Western Continent."