Chapter 423: 10. The Final Story (4/9)
Chapter 423: 10. The Final Story (4/9)
The scene on the first floor of the Mercenary House's main building was simpler than I expected. As you entered, a counter was visible straight ahead, with long hallways stretching to the left and right. In the very center was a wide, circular space with tables and a bulletin board—the multi-purpose lobby.
Usually, the lobby was quiet, since most clan members had their own private labs and quarters.
But today was different. Every clan member had gathered in one place, their faces tense. The atmosphere was utterly silent, with everyone keeping their mouths tightly shut.
I had a feeling I knew why they were like this, and a small smile touched my lips. There was only one reason: the vast array of equipment laid out before them.
“Ahem, hem.”
After I cleared my throat a couple of times, I felt countless eyes fall on me. Deciding I shouldn’t drag it out any longer, I quietly began.
“Before we officially begin the festival, we will start the equipment distribution.”
I rose from my seat and moved to the center of the lobby.
This distribution was based on the spoils from the ‘Ice Tower,’ ‘Tower of Valhalla,’ and ‘Lost Paradise.’ However, I had selected only the core items, not everything. I figured this would be just enough to liven up the mood before the festival. To be honest, it was still quite a lot.
I quickly scanned our surroundings. All sorts of equipment, each emitting a faint glow, were neatly arranged on the first-floor lobby. Although every piece already had a Goods Appraisal certificate attached, my Third Eye was far more effective.
I should probably take care of Lim Hanna first.
Deciding to start with her, I immediately picked up a cloth bundle. Reaching inside, I pulled out a jewel the size of a small fist, glowing with a deep indigo light. It was an item that would allow her to inherit the Rare Class, ‘Twilight Medium.’
When our eyes met, Lim Hanna gave an embarrassed smile. However, Vivian and Ahn Sol, sitting beside her, were already buzzing with excitement, as if they already knew she was getting it.
I held the jewel high. The distribution had begun.
“We’ll start with this… I’ve always felt this had an owner, and today I can finally give it to them. The Rare Class ‘Twilight Medium’ will be granted to User Lim Hanna.”
I declared it a ‘complete grant,’ not a ‘loan.’ As I immediately approached and offered her the jewel, Lim Hanna bowed her head and received it with both hands. Light applause followed, and she beamed.
“A Rare Class, finally. Congratulations on reaching the same level as me. Yohohoho.”
“Congratulations, unni! You finally got the Rare Class you’ve been dreaming of.”
“Wh-when did I ever say I was dreaming of it…?”
Lim Hanna shook her head, but the smile gracing her lips suggested she was quite pleased.
I wanted to let them celebrate a little longer, but I immediately turned toward the next items. The female clan members had requested that I finish the distribution as quickly as possible.
They were the ones in charge of this festival. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. The women had kept it a secret among themselves, saying they wanted to surprise us on the day of.
In any case, I had no idea what they had prepared, but it was probably best to finish this quickly as they wished.
The next targets were a robe obtained from the ‘Ice Tower’ and a bow discovered back when we were in Mule.
『Ianor la Erahel’s Lunaris Robe』
(General Description: This is the Lunaris Robe worn by Princess Erahel of the ancient Hall Plain kingdom of Ianor. The Kingdom of Ianor adopted the worship of the moon as its state religion, and it was tradition to send a member of the royal family to the temple. The Lunaris Robe was an item dedicated by the temple to Erahel, who was considered the flower of the Ianor Kingdom and was destined to become a saintess.
The surface of the robe is engraved with a protective spell in moonlight. It emits a faint glow when the moon is out.)
(Detailed Description:
1. If the wearer’s abilities have a cooldown time, it is reduced by half.
2. The robe is engraved with a protective spell. The wearer receives a complete defense judgment against Magic Power stats of 50 or lower, and a partial defense judgment against stats of 60 or lower. However, when exposed to moonlight, resistance increases by an amount equivalent to 10 Magic Power points.
3. The latent ability of the Lunaris Robe, ‘Blessings of Moonlight,’ can be used.)
『Bow of Exorcism』
(General Description: Bow of Exorcism - The First Wing. It contains the authority to shatter evil and corrupt energy.)
(Detailed Description:
1. This bow displays overwhelming attack power against demonic energy. However, the power of exorcism is ultimately based on the user’s Magic Power stat.)
“I believe these two items also have owners.”
I held up the robe and the bow, looking between Ahn Sol and Seon Yuun. Ahn Sol beamed, as if she’d expected it, but Seon Yuun just blinked, looking quite surprised.
There were two priests in Mercenary: Ahn Sol and Shin Jaeryong. However, with its diamond-shaped cutout over the chest and high slits along the legs, the Lunaris Robe was clearly designed for a woman.
Likewise, there were two archers, but Lim Hanna already had a better bow, so she wouldn’t want the Bow of Exorcism.
At that moment, a playful thought struck me, and I calmly turned to Shin Jaeryong.
“User Shin Jaeryong. Do you have any interest in receiving the Lunaris Robe?”
Startled by being singled out, Shin Jaeryong blinked for a moment. But soon, a warm smile spread across his face, and he chuckled heartily.
“Hmm, very well. It is an item personally given by the Mercenary Lord… Shall I try it on right here?”
Now it was my turn to be flustered.
“Eh? Eehh?”
As Ahn Sol began to whine, Shin Jaeryong burst into laughter again and waved his hand.
“Hahaha! A jest, just a jest. As a priest, I should be healing my comrades’ eyes, not tormenting them. So I will gratefully accept the sentiment alone.”
“You really got me there.”
As I shook my head, the clan members erupted in boisterous laughter. The previously silent first-floor lobby was instantly filled with mirth.
Amidst the laughter, I glanced over and saw Ahn Sol fidgeting, thinking, “Is he really going to give it away?” and Seon Yuun pondering, “Is it okay for me to receive this?”
“The Lunaris Robe will be issued to User Ahn Sol. Furthermore, the Bow of Exorcism will be issued to User Seon Yuun, who showed great prowess in the Tower of Valhalla and Lost Paradise. Does anyone have any objections?”
The clan members all shook their heads. Of course, there were none. Not only was it equipment they couldn’t use themselves, but it would be a waste to let such items sit in storage.
“Yay! Yay!”
Ahn Sol scurried forward and began to tug on the Lunaris Robe with all her might, as if someone might snatch it away. I held on for a moment before letting go. She ended up tumbling onto her backside from her own momentum, but even on the floor, she giggled and hugged the robe tightly. It seemed she had wanted it that badly.
“Is it… really okay for me to receive this? The bow you gave me before is more than enough.”
Seon Yuun came forward belatedly, hesitantly scratching his head. Instead of answering, I gestured toward the applauding clan members and Ahn Sol, who was spinning around with the robe. Seon Yuun smiled sheepishly and carefully accepted the Bow of Exorcism.
After handling that, I took a moment to catch my breath. What remained were one set of equipment, one consumable item, and one other piece of gear.
In truth, this distribution was merely a way to build excitement before the festival. So, to ensure the clan members would agree with the distribution, I had chosen items that wouldn't overlap too much in terms of who could use them.
So far, it had gone well. But when I thought about the remaining items, I was genuinely worried if the clan members would accept my decisions.
『Arcus Valkyrie, Summon Set』
(General Description: This is the equipment worn by the Arcus Valkyries, the royal guards who protected the Rainbow Goddess, Flavius. The Arcus Valkyries were women who gained fame as heroes on the battlefield in life, and after death, were reborn as battle maidens at Flavius’s call.
It is normally sealed in the form of a necklace, but when the wearer releases the seal, a weapon, helmet, armor, gauntlets, and boots are summoned and automatically equipped onto the body.)
(Detailed Description (All abilities apply when the seal is released):
1. The equipment of the Arcus Valkyries is a summon set that can only be used by women, and among them, only a virgin can draw out its true power.
2. The authority of the Arcus Valkyrie, the Rainbow Aura, can be used.
3. When the seal is released, the duration is adjusted according to the wearer’s Magic Power stat. During this time, Strength, Stamina, and Durability stats increase by 1 point each, while Agility, Magic Power, and Luck stats increase by 2 points each.)
『Eve’s Bloodline』
(General Description: Paradise was a reclusive region, but it once enjoyed a prosperity so great it was called a paradise on earth. However, neighboring nations, envious of Paradise, mobilized the monsters of the darkness, and Paradise was invaded. The residents of Paradise resisted bravely, but they could not stop the endless flood of monsters and were ultimately destroyed.
Eve’s Bloodline is a vial containing the blood of Eve, the last survivor and queen of Paradise. As the wife of Adam, who was called a demigod, Eve’s blood holds a special power.)
(Detailed Description:
1. The effects of Eve’s Bloodline do not occur immediately; the user can trigger them when they wish.
2. The effects are divided into two ‘cases’ and one ‘option.’
3. First case. If Agility is 80 points or less and Luck is 80 points or less: each stat increases by 2 points.
4. Second case. If Agility is 90 points or less and Luck is 90 points or less: each stat increases by 1 point.
5. Final option. One of the user’s six stats is randomly selected and decreases by 2 points. The deducted points are then multiplied by 2 and returned as 4 points. The returned stat points can be freely allocated, but if the chosen stat exceeds the tens digit of the decreased stat (the ones digit is calculated as 0), no effect will be seen.)
『Bloodstained Scarf』
(General Description: This is a scarf that Adam, the king of Paradise, gifted to Queen Eve. Adam fought bravely against the encroaching army of monsters, but he could not stop the endlessly swarming horde.
When Adam finally met his end, Eve went to the king’s side and wiped away the flowing blood with the scarf. Stained with the blood of Adam, the king of Paradise and a demigod, the scarf was imbued with a special power.)
(Detailed Description:
1. When the scarf is worn, the wearer’s movement speed is significantly increased.
2. One of Adam’s authorities, ‘Assimilate,’ can be used.
3. One of Adam’s authorities, ‘Absorb,’ can be used.)
The ‘Bloodstained Scarf’ wasn’t a problem. I planned to issue it to Ko Yeonju, who wasn’t present. The effects suited her well, and everyone would agree, given her many contributions to Mercenary.
However, the ‘Arcus Valkyrie Summon Set’ was a bit more complicated. The most suitable candidate was Cha Sorim, with Lee Yoojung as the next best choice. But Lee Yoojung’s class was ‘Dawn Gladiator,’ which was based on the Rare Class ‘Catfolk Mercenary.’ In other words, she wasn't a user suited for heavy armor.
Cha Sorim is the perfect fit.
No matter how many times I thought about it, the fact that giving it to Cha Sorim was the best choice was undeniable. But just handing it over was also a problem. The equipment was almost too good. She was the newest member of Mercenary, and her only real activity had been participating in the ‘Lost Paradise’ expedition. While I acknowledged her Player Status, when considering her contributions, I felt it would be awkward to give it to her.
Perhaps because I had fallen silent, I could feel the cheerful atmosphere begin to settle again. It seemed they had noticed I was deliberating over the remaining items. I felt the need to organize my thoughts quickly.
Right. Let’s issue the Arcus Valkyrie Summon Set to Cha Sorim. And I’ll placate Lee Yoojung with Eve’s Bloodline.
Finally, I let out a short breath and calmly composed myself. It wasn’t good for a Clan Lord to show such hesitation for long. So, even if there was a chance of discord, it was better to act with conviction.
I stood before the necklace, which was emitting a soft glow. Then, I turned to the clan members and spoke quietly.
“I believe I’ve said this to you all before. We don’t explore to collect equipment; we explore to use it. Of course, I don’t believe in reckless distribution either. That’s why I manage classes strictly and why I’ve distinguished between granting and issuing equipment.”
As I lifted the necklace, I saw the clan members’ gazes follow it.
“As you’ve all seen, this necklace is an excellent piece of equipment that summons the Valkyrie set. While it has some restrictions, it allows the use of an authority and raises stats. That’s why I gave it a lot of thought… Yes. I’ll get straight to the point. I plan to issue this equipment to User Cha Sorim. Because I believe she can handle it best.”
At that moment, several clan members glanced at Lee Yoojung. Since they all knew her prickly personality, they were likely worried about what might happen.
But unexpectedly, Lee Yoojung’s expression was very calm. No, she was even nodding her head, as if she had no interest in the necklace at all.
Watching her, I calmly continued.
“The Dawn Gladiator is a Rare Class based on the Catfolk Mercenary. This means it requires quick situational judgment and swift movements, so I judged that the Arcus Valkyrie Summon Set, which would weigh down the body, is not a good fit. Therefore, rather than this necklace, I will grant her Eve’s Bloodline, which can raise her Agility and Luck stats.”
At that, Lee Yoojung’s gaze flickered up to meet mine. She appeared calm at a glance, but a flicker of disappointment passed through her eyes.
About three seconds passed. Lee Yoojung smacked her lips with a look of resignation. Then, with a faint smile, she quietly began to clap.
Clap, clap, clap, clap…
The clan members were quiet for a moment but soon followed her lead and applauded. As she resolutely rose to her feet and approached, I was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. I was worried she might throw a tantrum, but it seemed she had accepted it to some degree.
After handing ‘Eve’s Bloodline’ to Lee Yoojung, I moved over to Cha Sorim. She kept looking from side to side with an awkward expression, and I felt she might just stand there forever if I waited.
“User Cha Sorim. Congratulations.”
“M-Mercenary Lord. This is… too much for me.”
“But there is no other user who suits it as well as you, Cha Sorim. And it’s being issued, not granted, anyway.”
“B-but…”
Cha Sorim still hesitated. I didn’t forget to offer some motivation.
“Doesn’t that just mean you have to work that much harder? Besides, the Secret Class ‘Arcus Valkyrie’ is in the warehouse. If you continue to work hard, you may be able to obtain that as well.”
“Ah, ahh…!”
I personally placed the necklace around Cha Sorim’s neck. She brought her hands to her neck, but she was a step too late.
I then turned back to the brightly smiling clan members… No. Why were the female clan members glaring at me…? Ah, or were they not?
When I first turned, they definitely seemed to be glaring, but after I blinked, they were all smiling. In any case, the applause died down, and I tilted my head in confusion as I continued.
“The last remaining item, the Bloodstained Scarf, will be issued to User Ko Yeonju. Does anyone have any objections?”
The clan members chorused, “No.” It was a moment that showed Ko Yeonju’s influence over the others. I nodded once and decided to conclude the distribution.
“This concludes the equipment distribution. Thank you all for your hard work.”
And so, with the ‘Bloodstained Scarf’ as the final item, the distribution came to an end.
“Unni. Congratulations.”
“Congratulations, User Cha Sorim.”
Some offered congratulations, while others expressed their thanks. Thankfully, the clan members’ faces looked bright and lively. I had been a little worried, to be honest, but I felt things had gone over rather well.
I spoke once more.
“We’ve finished distributing the core equipment, but there are many more items left. As I mentioned before, the warehouse will be fully opened to all clan members from now on. If there is any equipment or class you desire, please don’t hesitate to speak up. I will review your requests as positively as possible and decide whether to grant or issue it.”
There was a lot of equipment left. From items I had previously held back to the special jewels we had just acquired, the Heart of Paradise, various accessories, the Elf Queen’s and Pegasus’s eggs, and more. They were all excellent items, but I had excluded them from this distribution because they were for special situations rather than for immediate equipping.
“Oppa. Hurry, hurry.”
“Orabeoni~.”
As I was lost in thought, I heard Lee Yoojung and Ahn Sol stomping their feet impatiently. They had asked me to finish the distribution as quickly as possible, and it seemed they were eager to show what they had prepared.
I replied that I understood and clapped my hands to draw everyone’s attention.
“Everyone, listen up. The distribution is over. You can look at your new equipment later. For now, it’s probably best we start the festival, right?”
Simultaneously, all the female clan members rose to their feet in unison, as if they had been waiting for those very words.
After staring blankly for a moment, I quietly continued.
“Then, it’s time to enjoy the festival prepared by our female clan members.”
*
Mercenary House, 1st floor. The hallway in front of the dining hall.
“Ah, I’m starving. I’m starving to death, why won’t they open the door… What on earth did they prepare…?”
“Hehe. Hyung-nim. Aren’t you excited, though?”
“Excited, my foot… Hey, Hangyul-ah. Come over here. I smell something delicious.”
“Oh… You’re right. Wow. I haven’t eaten since yesterday.”
Ahn Hyun rubbed his stomach, pressed himself against the dining hall door, and started sniffing. Watching Baek Hangyul follow his lead and sniff the air, I smiled wryly.
The festival had begun after the distribution ended. No, to be precise, it was just about to begin.
Currently, the male clan members of Mercenary were waiting outside, shivering in the cold. That was because the women had asked them in one voice to wait for just a moment before entering the dining hall. They said they would be ready soon, but we had already been waiting for over twenty minutes.
Finally, unable to wait any longer, Ahn Hyun cracked his neck from side to side and spoke.
“Hyung. Should we just bust the door down? It happens all the time in movies. You shout, ‘You take ’em all down!’ and everyone rushes in…”
“…You give it a try.”
As Ahn Hyun grabbed the doorknob with a look that said he was serious, Baek Hangyul burst into peals of laughter as if he were dying. He’s too quick to laugh, that one.
Eventually, Ahn Hyun stood up with a sigh. Then, as if remembering something, he turned to me.
“Oh, right, hyung. About Yeonju-nunim. She can’t make it today, right?”
“So I heard. I got a message an hour before the distribution. She said the Academy period was extended due to internal circumstances.”
That was right. Ko Yeonju was originally scheduled to return right after her graduation ceremony, but her return had been delayed due to some unforeseen circumstances. By then, the festival preparations were almost complete, so we couldn’t cancel. In the end, she had tearfully declared her absence from the festival.
“Aha… She must be really disappointed, though. Should I bring a communication crystal? So she can at least watch the festival.”
“Right. She said she wanted to watch, so I already brought one.”
When I took the crystal ball out from my coat, Ahn Hyun chuckled and crossed his arms. Just then…
“We’re all ready! You can come in now!”
I heard Lee Yoojung’s loud shout from inside. Ahn Hyun’s face lit up, and just as he was about to open the door, the old man stepped forward and stopped him.
“I don’t know what they’ve prepared, but they must have all worked hard. So even if it doesn’t meet your expectations, how about we act pleased and happy for them?”
He had a point. Ahn Hyun nodded sheepishly and slowly opened the door. The door swung wide, revealing the scene inside the dining hall. Just inside, two women stood demurely with their hands clasped. Then, they placed their hands over their navels and bowed politely.
“Welcome. We welcome you to the Mercenary festival.”
“Hehe. Welcome.”
And at that moment, every male clan member, including myself, stopped in their tracks.
The two women were Lee Yoojung and Ahn Sol. Ahn Sol was in a maid outfit like those worn by servants, which was decent enough.
But Lee Yoojung’s outfit could only be described as daring.
“Why is everyone just standing there? Aren’t you coming in? Lalala.”
As Lee Yoojung spun around once, I heard gasps from all around. She was wearing a bunny girl outfit. The only differences were the cat ears on her head and a tail on her rear. It was also extremely revealing.
Ahn Hyun’s jaw dropped. He pointed a finger at her and asked.
“Y-you! What in the world is that outfit?”
“Hm? What’s wrong with it? Hehe. Is it a little too sexy?”
“Good grief. Look at you. More than half your chest is exposed, and fishnet stockings on your thighs? And wow, you’ve left your entire back bare.”
“Why? It’s cute. And I wanted to try it on once. Anyway, I didn’t wear it for you, so mind your own business, will you?”
“No, it is my business. How can it not be?”
“Keke. Why? Getting turned on? Meow~.”
Lee Yoojung raised her hands. With a seductive expression, she let out a cat’s cry and acted cute.
“Aargh! My eyes! My eeeeyes! Jaeryong-hyung! Sol-ah! Heal me, quick!”
Ahn Hyun immediately collapsed to the floor and started thrashing around. But no one played along. He quickly shot back up, grumbling as he turned away.
“Ah, I’m just gonna go. Seeing you suddenly made me lose my appetite. I feel sick, too.”
“That’s great. Leave. Go eat by yourself. I dare you to even step foot in this dining hall. I’ll kill you.”
From somewhere, Lee Yoojung produced Skurepf, twirling it around as she replied with a bright smile. Not actually wanting to leave, Ahn Hyun sheepishly turned back.
“Hey, stop fighting on such a nice day. The door’s open, let’s just get started. I can hear your stomachs growling from here. Come on, everyone, come in.”
Finally, Ahn Sol, with a rather dignified expression, stepped between the two. Her walk still resembled a model’s, so it seemed she still hadn’t grown out of her ‘saintess’ phase.
I stepped inside. And as the full view of the dining hall came into sight, I let out a soft gasp of admiration.
The layout of the dining hall had changed. It felt like I was looking at a buffet. Tables were tastefully arranged here and there in the center of the hall, and along the outer edge near the kitchen, countless dishes and drinks were beautifully stacked.
But the most impressive sight was the female clan members themselves. Each of them was wearing an apron and preparing food.
Hearing everyone’s gasps, Lee Yoojung stepped forward with a proud smile.
“We’ve made or bought most of the food needed for the festival. We’ve sorted it by type, so you can just grab what you want, but that’s not all. See our unnis cooking over there? They’re preparing dishes, so go to the one you like and hold out your plate. You’ll get a freshly cooked meal made right on the spot. How about it?”
“Ooh… I wanted to say that… Unni, what am I supposed to do if you say it all…?”
This is amazing.
I was repeatedly impressed. Remodeling the dining hall to create such an atmosphere and preparing all the food was great, but the mention of freshly cooked meals made my heart flutter with sudden excitement. It seemed I wasn’t the only one; the other men also looked much more excited.
A moment later, Lee Yoojung and Sol picked up plates from a stack on one side. They handed them out one by one, nodding as if to tell us to go ahead.
“For your information, Sol and I aren’t confident in our cooking, so we’re in charge of serving. If you need anything, just let us know. Oh, and I’m warning you, looking is free, but the moment you touch, be prepared. Hehe.”
“Bullshit. I wouldn’t touch even if you paid me.”
Ahn Hyun grumbled with a sullen face, snatched a plate, and ran to the kitchen. Following his lead, the other male clan members also began to take plates and move.
“Ah, Oppa, you can touch me as much as you want. It’s a special service for the Clan Lord.”
“I have no need for such services.”
Lee Yoojung winked prettily and offered me a plate. I replied calmly and took it.
Just as I was about to walk toward the kitchen, I saw Woo Jungmin standing awkwardly ahead. He was holding Won Hyesoo’s hand tightly, just standing there blankly. I slowly approached and poked him in the back, and he turned around, startled.
“Ah, Clan Lord.”
“We’re not in a formal setting. You can speak comfortably.”
“R-right. Hahaha… Phew.”
“Why are you just standing there? The festival has already started.”
Woo Jungmin nodded as if he knew.
“Right. But Hyesoo seems to want to look around for a bit… so I was waiting.”
“Ah~. Ooh~.”
As if to confirm his words, Won Hyesoo gurgled. I glanced over and saw her hugging the baby unicorn tightly, looking all around. Her eyes were full of curiosity, as if she found everything incredibly fascinating.
Then it occurred to me that Won Hyesoo was pregnant. Quite some time had passed, and her belly was now visibly swollen.
Woo Jungmin spoke.
“…It’s awkward.”
“You still find this place awkward?”
“Yeah. Everything is awkward. But not in a bad way. The distribution just now, and this festival… Until a few months ago, every day was hell… It feels like happiness came too suddenly.”
“Well, you seem to be in a good mood.”
Woo Jungmin stroked Won Hyesoo’s belly a few times and chuckled softly.
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m in a good mood. It’s a happiness I haven’t felt in a long time, so it’s awkward as hell. Hehe.”
“Ooh… ooh…”
Just then, Won Hyesoo tugged on Woo Jungmin’s arm. She looked pitifully at her stomach and rubbed it, seemingly hungry now.
“Anyway, thank you. Clan Lord. You are my benefactor.”
Woo Jungmin clapped me on the shoulder once and then led Won Hyesoo off to one side.
A benefactor, huh.
Benefactor. A good word.
I watched their backs for a moment before starting to walk again. I was starting to get hungry myself.
There were many other dishes, but I planned to start with the food the female clan members were making on the spot.
So, where should I go first?