Chapter 236: A Twisted Belief
Chapter 236: A Twisted Belief
Perhaps because the 13th week had been so grueling, the 14th week was incredibly leisurely. And with this afternoon's session, all regular training at the Academy was officially declared over. The only official event left was the graduation ceremony, scheduled for tomorrow morning.
“Oppa. Say ah.”
“Ah.”
“Is it good?”
“Yeah. It’s delicious.”
“Oh my! Mercenary Lord? This is a public cafeteria, you know!”
Just as I swallowed the food Hanbyul fed me, a high-pitched voice struck my ear. I turned toward the sound and saw Sung Yubin smiling with a pleased expression.
“Cough. Cough, cough.”
“Oppa, have some water.”
“I-I’ll get it. Give it here.”
Finding my flustered reaction amusing, Sung Yubin burst out laughing.
“Hoho! Goodness. I’m just kidding. You don’t have to react so strongly~.”
“Haha. My apologies.”
“I’m telling you, it was a joke. But why have you two suddenly gotten so close? It really makes you look like a couple.”
“C-Cadre Sung Yubin!”
“Hey, what’s with the formal ‘Cadre’? Just call me Unni.”
Pretending to avoid Sung Yubin’s gaze, I stole a glance at Hanbyul and saw her head bowed low. I had told her not to make eye contact if she wasn’t confident, and thankfully, she was following my instructions well.
“Tsk. Judging by your expressions, I’m being treated like a nuisance. Fine, fine. I’ll get out of your hair.”
“Ah, Yubin-ssi. Just a moment.”
“Yes?”
“I attended a gathering of the northern clan members last night. I heard that a few plots of land in Barbara have opened up because of the recent expedition. If it’s not too much trouble, could I get some information on that?”
At my words, Sung Yubin tilted her head. Then, with a look of realization, she clapped her hands together.
“Ah! Yes, of course. I’ll send the relevant documents to you through Hanbyul with all the details. Don’t you worry.”
“Thank you.”
I wanted to add, “I’m preparing in advance for the graduation ceremony tomorrow,” but I decided against it, feeling it was too forward. Soon after, Sung Yubin waved her hand with a cheerful “Enjoy your time,” and left us. The moment I confirmed she had left the cafeteria, Hanbyul, who had been staring at the floor, lifted her head.
“Phew.”
Hanbyul let out a breath as if she’d been holding it in with great difficulty, like air escaping a balloon. I took the spoon from her as she blinked and rubbed her eyes, then resumed my meal.
After a quick glance around, Hanbyul leaned in close and whispered.
“Was it really necessary to say you attended the northern gathering?”
“She’s a suspicious woman. You have to reveal multiple facts to make her believe you. If she gives you the documents, just take them without complaint.”
“Yes. I’ll probably get them today.”
“Why?”
“She sent me a summons signal just before she left.”
I couldn’t help but let out a dry laugh. I’d thought her reaction was a bit over the top, but it seemed there was a reason for it. I nodded once or twice and continued.
“Perfect timing. I’m supposed to meet Hangyul after I eat. We can just meet back at the dorm later.”
“I’ll get going first, then.”
“Alright. Be careful not to give her any reason to be suspicious.”
“Okay.”
Hanbyul replied in a quiet voice, then carefully stood up and walked out of the cafeteria.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
Left alone, I stirred the few remaining meatballs before spearing one.
After the meeting with Seo Jinwoo and Sung Hyunmin, Hanbyul’s expression had brightened noticeably. Knowing her temperament, it seemed that after living so long in despair and pain, a ray of hope had finally descended, re-energizing her.
At that meeting, we had laid out the detailed plans. Hanbyul’s name was on the list of defectors to be revealed on the day of the graduation ceremony. And I was to continue my act for the remaining days to prevent the Golden Lion from making any rash moves. I was to pretend to have slept with Hanbyul, pretend to be friendly with the Golden Lion Clan and its allied clans. It was an act.
Honestly, it felt a little ridiculous. But this absurd clown’s play would end today. Praising myself for my patience, I tossed the meatball into my mouth.
*
I had originally planned to return to the dorm a little early, but I had so much fun meeting and talking with Hangyul that time flew by. Thanks to him, my excitement for tomorrow’s graduation ceremony grew even stronger.
Entering the dorm with a light heart, I saw Hanbyul sitting on the edge of her bed, folding my instructor’s uniform. Sensing my presence, she glanced up at me. As I was about to approach, she sent me a signal with a sideways glance. I immediately activated the Third Eye and Sensing.
Two on the ceiling, diagonal placement. Two on the floor, diagonal placement. A square formation. Are they insane?
I sighed inwardly and lay down on my bed. Hanbyul, having just finished folding the uniform, handed me a thick file and spoke.
“This is what you mentioned at the cafeteria. Cadre Sung Yubin asked me to give it to you.”
“Oh, right. Tell her I said thanks.”
I scanned the documents for a moment. Whether she had misinterpreted my words (though I had admittedly given her reason to), the file contained information on properties suitable for building or purchasing a clan house. Still, she seemed to have put some thought into it, as the prices were cheaper than I expected. Not that it made much of a difference; big-city prices were still big-city prices.
As I read through the file, I noticed Hanbyul had gone quiet. The crystal balls arranged in a square above and below weren’t ordinary recording crystals. The information I read identified them as communication-and-recording devices—in other words, two-way crystals that transmitted sound and movement in real time. After offering brief condolences to the voyeurs who were probably swallowing hard in anticipation of watching Hanbyul and me have sex, I slowly sat up. They were truly persistent.
“Today’s the last day.”
“It is.”
“It feels like a waste to just sleep. Want to go for a short walk?”
“Isn’t it too late? We have the graduation ceremony tomorrow. You should just get some sleep.”
“Come on, let’s go. It’s nice to play outside sometimes.”
Hanbyul played along without missing a beat. I grabbed the arm of the still-reluctant girl and practically dragged her outside. The moment the door closed, we both let out a sigh at the same time. Hanbyul must have been thinking the exact same thing I was.
“She’s still suspicious?”
“It seems Sung Yubin wants to be absolutely sure. But she mostly believes it.”
“So it was that bitch.”
“Sorry?”
“Ah. It’s nothing.”
I mumbled an excuse and started walking, retracing my steps to leave the dormitory building. Since we were out anyway, I figured we might as well kill some time and take a real walk.
For a while, Hanbyul and I walked in silence. The place I was heading to was the Easter Egg. It was the only place in the entire User Academy, which I’d grown to detest, that I felt any attachment to.
After following several paths and pushing through the undergrowth, we arrived at the Easter Egg, and I heard Hanbyul let out a gasp. This was the second time I had brought her here. It seemed to have been a while for her too, as her reaction was fresh.
We walked toward the center without a word. As always, I closed my eyes and breathed in the fresh air. A low voice flowed from behind me.
“Oppa.”
“Yeah.”
“Thank you for helping me. I’m truly, sincerely grateful.”
“You’re welcome. And even though there’s still a day left, congratulations in advance.”
“Yes…”
I could feel her fidgeting behind me. She took a deep breath or two, then spoke as if tossing the words out.
“Sounds like you have something you want to say.”
“…Yes.”
“Then say it. If not now, you might never get the chance. Just like you did in front of the cabin back then.”
I felt Hanbyul flinch as our backs brushed against each other. I chuckled to myself.
“Is it really okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Then promise you won’t get angry or think it’s weird.”
“What’s this about?”
“Because… what I want to say probably won’t make any sense from your perspective, Oppa. And even I feel like I’m being strange.”
What on earth did she want to say? In any case, it was the last day at the Academy. I figured it was best to let her say whatever she wanted. And personally, I was curious to hear what it was. I replied calmly, “Go on.”
Even after I gave my permission, a quiet silence fell. But it didn’t last long.
“Do you remember our time at the User Academy?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you think I abandoned you back then?”
“……”
“My true feelings at the time… I was waiting. For someone.”
She had kept waiting. For someone. She never said exactly who, but I instinctively knew she meant me. Then Hanbyul’s voice began to flow like a beautiful melody.
“I know. I know I brought that situation upon myself. But still, I hoped you would notice, just once. I waited for you to come find me, just once.”
“……”
“I wasn’t asking for special treatment. Just… at least the same amount of attention the others received. No—just one phrase: ‘You can trust me.’ I secretly hoped that someone would say that and drag me away even if I resisted. Then I would have pretended to give in and gone along.”
“What the…”
I was about to retort, asking what kind of nonsense she was spouting, but I shut my mouth. It was all in the past, and Hanbyul, feeling embarrassed herself, had already put up a smokescreen. I gave a bitter smile and asked a question, just in case.
“I’m curious about one thing.”
“Yes.”
“You know Baek Hangyul, right? Why were you so sharp with him?”
“Because I was envious and jealous. He was getting all the attention from you that I never received. Just like them.”
So she has a childish side too.
I burst out laughing at Hanbyul’s confession. I didn’t even feel like retorting. In the past, I would have flared up and countered every point, but thinking of the courage it must have taken for her to say this, all I could do was laugh. She was probably dying of embarrassment inside right now.
It seemed about time to head back. Based on my experience with Ko Yeonju, enough time had passed for one round of “outdoor play.” At this rate, they wouldn’t think I was some kind of premature ejaculator.
“Alright. I heard you. As promised, I won’t say anything. Anyway, I hope you can forget all those bitter memories. And starting tomorrow, you need to make a fresh start with a new mindset.”
“I’m still worried. I don’t know if I can do well.”
“It might be a little tough. But it all depends on the person. Anyway, let’s go back.”
I was about to end the talk of the past and start walking again. At that moment, I felt Hanbyul’s hand grab my arm.
“Oppa. There’s more.”
“You really…”
“I’m sorry.”
“……?”
Her sudden, unexpected apology made me stop in my tracks. I slowly turned around. There, in the bright moonlight, stood Hanbyul, gazing at me with a wistful expression. I watched as her radiant lips slowly parted.
“Oppa. I was wrong.”
“Hanbyul.”
“I was… wrong.”
“You…”
“I know what you think of me. But like you said, if I don’t say it now, I might never be able to again. All the time we were apart, I desperately wanted to apologize for misjudging you back then and ask for your forgiveness. Oppa. I was truly wrong. Please forgive me.”
Hanbyul’s voice was calm for the first time in a long while. But as she spoke, looking me straight in the eye, tears streamed down her face. I stared at her with a dazed expression before unconsciously reaching out and wiping her tears away. My hand, which had been caressing her face, moved to her shoulder. When I pulled her gently, Hanbyul fell into my arms as if drawn by a magnet.
In my embrace, Hanbyul’s body was slender. No, not just slender—she was rail-thin. Feeling a pang of sympathy, I patted her back for a moment and whispered to her as she quietly buried her face in my chest.
“It wasn’t my fault, and it wasn’t your fault.”
“……”
“I just think… our paths were different back then. That’s all. I don’t think you betrayed me.”
I wasn’t sure how the others saw it, but at least from my current perspective, that’s what I truly believed. Hanbyul had chosen the Golden Lion, and I had chosen myself. I didn’t want to assign any great meaning to that choice now. We simply weren’t compatible back then, so we parted ways. If I had been the Kim Hanbyul of that time, I probably would have chosen the Golden Lion too. It was nothing more, nothing less.
“Thank you… so much. And I’m sorry…”
Hanbyul’s voice brushed faintly past my ear. Under the moonlight and the wind that rustled the grassy fields of the Easter Egg, I held a woman who was silently weeping. And so, the final night deepened.
*
The last day at the User Academy dawned. I woke up early but deliberately lazed around. The graduation ceremony was bound to be incredibly boring, and going early would only lead to annoyances.
I glanced over and saw Hanbyul’s empty bed; she had left early, unlike me. I briefly recalled what happened with her last night before gathering my equipment and putting it on. Tossing aside the instructor’s uniform and wearing my own gear for the first time in a while felt strangely refreshing.
When I felt enough time had passed for things to be wrapping up, I slowly made my way toward the main auditorium. On the way, I saw a great number of Users. I spotted a few emblems from the southeastern clans, but the vast majority were from the northwestern clans. The Golden Lion must have pulled some strings again.
“...However, the world of the Hall Plain that we are about to enter is far too complex, dangerous, and chaotic. The numerous organizations, that is, the clans, are all…”
As I got closer to the auditorium, I heard a strange sound. Curious, I quickened my pace and saw a peculiar sight unfolding on the stage.
“We have been called ‘New Users.’ But as of today, we have graduated from that title. We have now obtained the status to proudly exercise our individual rights in the Hall Plain. We have risen up in the midst of this situation. To form an organization that does not abandon those who suffer, that can embrace those who are shunned for being weak. An organization that can stand on the side of the weak…”
The graduation ceremony was definitely over. But after it had ended, Park Hwanhee was on stage, giving a speech. I looked around and saw the Golden Lion Clan and its allied clans wearing subtly smiling faces, while the few southeastern instructors looked like they’d been completely blindsided.
“Therefore, the 217 of us, including myself as the representative of the new Users, will not be joining any clan. We have all agreed to act independently, maintaining a neutral stance. There may be some who look upon this unfavorably, but we will do our best to contribute to the development of the Northern Continent in our own way, so we ask for your support. Thank you.”
As the speech ended, a thunderous round of applause erupted. Park Hwanhee bowed as he walked off the stage, and the applause grew even louder. A large crowd of new Users swarmed around him, chattering excitedly.
I get the gist of it.
Park Hwanhee had clearly declared that they would move independently. But that was likely for public justification. Internally, it was obvious he had made a deal with another clan, just as I’d heard before. A quick glance at the few SSUN Clan Users walking up to congratulate him was all I needed to guess what was going on. They had decided, as a group, to go to the western city and establish a base there.
Park Hwanhee seemed busy accepting congratulations, but then he spotted someone and, with a bright smile, began to wave. He pushed through the surrounding crowd and started running toward them, his attitude one of genuine welcome and delight.
I followed his gaze and saw, as expected, Cha Yuna running toward him, waving back. And next to her, walking silently, was Baek Hangyul.
‘I thought a lot about what you said, Hyung. And I’ve made up my mind.’
‘But it’s too frustrating to just back down without saying anything.’
Looking closely at his face, I could see a faint smile playing on his lips. But as for the meaning of that smile, for now, only I would know.
After watching them for a moment, I too began to walk slowly in their direction.