Chapter 339: Wrapping Up & the Outbreak
Chapter 339: Wrapping Up & the Outbreak
The fall of Halo.
Lim Hanna hadn't been lying. There were other Users who, like us, had barely escaped Halo. They said that after putting some distance between themselves and the city, they used their reconnected crystal balls to send out rescue requests.
Of course, even those who successfully escaped hadn't watched until the very end, but piecing together the rumors, it was safe to say the city had all but fallen. After all, only a few thousand Users remained in Halo until the very end.
Another rumor—that the invading army had immediately begun marching on Barbara after Halo’s fall—was still just speculation. But it was highly probable. In the first playthrough, they had swiftly advanced on Barbara after conquering all the western cities.
The situation was, once again, slowly descending into chaos.
Although the SSUN Clan had been greatly weakened after the Steel Mountains expedition, they had once been the clan that dominated the Northern Continent, second only to the Golden Lion. The fact that Halo, the city under their jurisdiction, had fallen so easily was more than enough to instill a deep sense of anxiety in ordinary Users who didn't know the full story.
I sat in my chair and gently closed my eyes.
However, regardless of what happened to the western cities or Barbara, I honestly didn't care. My current interest lay in how the future would change. While the major events were similar, the second playthrough was already showing some differences from the first.
And at the center of it all was me.
It had changed, yet it had not.
From now on, no one knew what the future held.
Saving Lee Hyoeul and rooting out the spies hidden in the Northern Continent were both major deviations from the first playthrough.
One thing was certain: I could no longer blindly trust my memories of the first playthrough 100%. Of course, the locations of ruins and talented individuals would remain the same, but even I found it difficult to predict the overall flow of events.
If that was the case, there was only one answer.
From now on, I would use my old memories merely as a reference. I had to react as flexibly as possible to unexpected situations, like the sudden attack on Mule. In other words…
I had to move more proactively.
The conclusion was power. Power was what mattered. I had no intention of sitting back and waiting. In a way, this war was an opportunity for me.
After capturing the Vagabonds as prisoners, the names of Mercenary and myself were slowly spreading. Of course, this increased the likelihood of us becoming a target, but my original goal of establishing ourselves in the open—above ground—had been achieved more brilliantly than I could have ever hoped. I had to ride this momentum and build enough power to handle whatever might come my way.
Having organized my thoughts, I finally opened my eyes and looked around the room. It was midday, and bright sunlight streamed in through the window behind me.
I rose resolutely. I strode through the sunlight filling the room and threw open the tightly shut door.
*
The next morning, I held the first meeting since our team-building event. While the current lively atmosphere was better than the previous awkwardness, we couldn't remain soaked in this mood forever. Moreover, given the current situation, we needed to get back to our duties as soon as possible.
The meeting was already well underway.
“The Istantel Low Clan sent word that they’d like to visit the clan house soon. They said they want to discuss how to handle the Vagabonds.”
“They’re visiting in person?”
“Yes.”
Jung Hayeon, who was giving the report, gave a small nod in response to my question.
“Hmm… I see. I’ll handle that myself. Are there any other reports?”
“No, that was the last one.”
“I see. Anyone else?”
“…”
No one answered. Judging by their silence, it seemed there was nothing else to discuss.
The meeting was a bit shorter than usual, but since I was the one who wanted to get back to work quickly, there was no reason to hold the clan members unnecessarily. I opened my mouth to dismiss them.
“Alright. Then let’s conclude today’s meeting here.”
Just as I said that and began to stand, I felt numerous gazes fixated on me. I glanced over and saw everyone staring at me, their faces screaming that they were dying of curiosity.
…
I knew what the clan members were curious about, what they wanted. But I couldn't reveal the details just yet; I had to be as tight-lipped as possible. That was the promise made by everyone who had participated in the Call to Arms.
Deciding this was a good opportunity to make things clear, I sat back down. I spoke in a low voice.
“I’m sure everyone here is aware of how chaotic the current situation is.”
“…”
“Like other Users, some of you are probably curious, and some are anxious about what will happen next. But unfortunately, I cannot give you any details on that matter at this time.”
“Um… Clan Lord. Did you come up with a countermeasure for this invasion during the last Call to Arms? If you could just tell us that…”
Just then, someone from the left side of the table spoke up in a cautious voice. From the sound of it, it was clearly Kim Hanbyul.
“Hmm…”
I thought for a moment before answering in a composed voice.
“We did.”
“…!”
At that moment, I felt a subtle stir ripple through the meeting room. However, wanting to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings, I immediately continued.
“Even so, there’s nothing you can do right now. Except for three things. First, wait calmly. Second, work hard to improve your skills in preparation for when things happen. And third, no matter the outcome, do not be swayed or agitated by others.”
I couldn't give them the detailed results, but I had thrown them a few keywords. They should have understood by now. Perhaps because of that, I could see a flicker of tension cross the faces of some of the quicker-witted clan members.
“For now, this is all you need to know. It’s going to happen soon anyway.”
After briefly observing the clan members’ reactions, I picked up the pile of documents in front of me and began to organize them one by one.
These were equipment request forms submitted by each clan member. A wish list, so to speak.
“I will review these records myself and let each of you know personally. You’re all dismissed. Oh. Sol, you stay. Wait for me in the office on the fourth floor.”
“Yes, sir…!”
As I gave the order to leave and instructed Ahn Sol, she replied in a voice that felt slightly energetic. I had officially appointed her as my new attendant during today’s meeting. I had told her to prepare herself mentally, and thankfully, it seemed she had steeled her resolve.
There had to be more—something even Ahn Hyun might not know…
If she had lost her memories regarding that part, there was nothing I could do, but for now, I was determined to try something.
“Soohyun. It looks like you’re going to be very busy again.”
Just as the clan members were filing out and their presence faded beyond the door, a clear voice spoke to me. She must have stayed behind.
I paused my reading and looked up to see Jung Hayeon with a gentle smile on her face. I let out a breath I had been holding and replied.
“That might be the case. I won’t be busy right away, but I might have to leave the clan house next week. I’m telling you in advance.”
“Next week… Then are you free this week, at least?”
“Well…”
I was answering without much thought.
At least?
A strange sense of unease washed over me, and I stared at Jung Hayeon with a suspicious gaze. In response, she showed a hint of disappointment.
“What is it?”
“Ah, it’s nothing. Haha.”
But then, for some reason, Jung Hayeon quickly averted her gaze and laughed softly. I noticed a faint blush blooming on her cheeks.
I tilted my head for a moment, then a sudden question popped into my mind, and I immediately spoke.
“Ah, User Jung Hayeon. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen the baby unicorn lately. Do you happen to know what it’s been up to?”
“The baby unicorn?”
Thinking back, I couldn't remember seeing the baby unicorn at the team-building event. That's why I asked.
But Jung Hayeon seemed to be in the dark as well. She wore a puzzled expression at my question and spoke in a tone that suggested she didn't know.
“Umm… Yesterday, I’m sure… Ah?”
It was then. For a moment, Jung Hayeon’s eyes widened as if they would pop out. She then turned to me sharply and spoke.
“Oh my. The team-building event.”
*
“Thank you for making the trip, Mercenary Lord.”
“Not at all. On the contrary, it is an honor to be invited, Istantel Low Clan Lord.”
I bowed my head in response to Han Soyoung’s polite greeting.
I was at the Istantel Low Clan’s clan house. Some time earlier, Mercenary had handed the Vagabonds over to them.
Under the rules of the Hall Plain, a city’s representative clan had the authority to try and deal with Vagabonds on its own. (Here, “deal with” meant either accepting the Vagabonds back as Users or executing them publicly or secretly.) However, that rule did not apply to Mercenary. We were not subordinate to any clan, and our status was that of free mercenaries.
Nevertheless, I had followed the rule for two reasons.
The first was my pure goodwill towards Han Soyoung. The second was… well, it might sound strange, but you could call it passing the buck.
“This is a matter I should have visited you for. I feel terrible for making you come here so often.”
“It’s because I wanted to. You’ll make me uncomfortable if you say that.”
Han Soyoung was exuding a completely different aura today.
First, it was her clothes. She was wearing a thin, short, two-piece outfit that clung to her body. The top was very revealing, exposing not only her shoulders but also the area above her collarbone. Furthermore, with her large, voluptuous breasts, it looked as if her navel would be exposed if she leaned back even slightly. The bottom was even bolder. Needless to say, it unabashedly showed off her shapely legs, from her open thighs down to her firm skin.
Han Soyoung’s face retained its usual coolness and serenity, but perhaps because her attire emphasized her sensuality, I could glimpse a bewitching charm within her mysteriousness.
Honestly, while what she wore was her own choice, knowing Han Soyoung’s personality, I couldn't help but be a little puzzled. Not that I was complaining; it was a feast for the eyes.
As if sensing my blatant stare, Han Soyoung slowly uncrossed her legs and lightly rubbed her thighs together. From that gesture, I somehow got the feeling that she was embarrassed.
“We plan to hold a formal trial for the Vagabonds soon. I wanted to ask for your opinion on the matter, Mercenary Lord.”
“Hmm… According to the rules, didn't Istantel Low Clan already have a plan for how to proceed?”
“We do. But that is only our own decision. We absolutely need your approval in this matter, Mercenary Lord.”
“I see. In that case, may I see the plan?”
Han Soyoung immediately nodded. I had asked just in case, but true to her meticulous nature, it seemed she had prepared it in advance. I scanned the document she handed me and calmly nodded.
There were a lot of details, but to summarize, the trial would be conducted privately, not publicly. Additionally, it included a proposal to release some of the facts uncovered during the trial to the other Users.
Since there was nothing particularly bothersome, I spoke up at once.
“I also agree with conducting it privately. As for releasing information… isn’t it a bit premature to release everything?”
“Of course, we plan to exclude all important information, such as details about the spies and the guardians. But as you know, Mercenary Lord, an anxious atmosphere has been slowly building among the Users since Halo’s fall. Perhaps because of that, we’ve been flooded with inquiries demanding we release information.”
“Haha. It seems the Users’ complaints are quite loud.”
“It’s not quite at the level of complaints, but… some people are occasionally excessive. Our subordinate clans also keep sending us wary glances…”
Han Soyoung frowned slightly as if she had a headache and let out a thin sigh from between her full lips.
I felt a little sorry for leaving her with the cleanup like this, but it was a situation she had to endure since she had taken in the Vagabonds. There would certainly be benefits for her as well.
In any case, releasing basic information was no problem at all, so I readily nodded.
“I agree with releasing the basic information. I’m sure you’ll handle it well, but… I don’t think you’ll need to find out much from the trial itself.”
“Pardon? What do you mean by that…?”
Han Soyoung looked relieved for a moment, then her eyes widened as she asked for clarification. I immediately continued.
“We gathered some information beforehand during the return process. When I get back to my clan house, I’ll sort through that part and send it to you. How about you release that instead?”
“Ah… That would be great for us.”
“Come to think of it, I should have sent it sooner. My apologies.”
“Not at all. With you showing us such goodwill, Mercenary Lord, I am nothing but grateful.”
Han Soyoung gave a rare, gentle smile and bowed her head deeply once more. Her upper body naturally bent forward, and the deep, long hollow between her breasts came into view.
I calmly averted my gaze. I didn't know who had coordinated Han Soyoung’s outfit today, but I made a firm resolution to buy them a delicious meal if I ever met them.
What if she chose the outfit herself?
Just as I was having such silly thoughts and letting out a faint smile, a meltingly sweet voice reached my ears.
“Oh. Mercenary Lord, I actually have one more favor to ask.”
“A favor?”
At my question, Han Soyoung replied with a simple “Yes,” and continued.
“It’s about Baek Seoyeon.”
Baek Seoyeon… She and the other Vagabonds should be nearly useless by now.
I had planned to execute them all from the start, so I tilted my head in confusion for a moment. But since it was Han Soyoung asking, I figured it was worth hearing her out. I nodded once or twice and calmly spoke.
“Let’s hear it.”