Following Seong Yu-Bin's lead, we passed through the main gate.
The moment we stepped inside, the Golden Lion Clan's clan house finally revealed its majestic interior. As I scanned the scenery before me, a slight pang of regret hit me. Though its future was uncertain, it felt wasteful to think that such fine facilities might one day be trampled under the feet of vagrants.
We walked at a steady pace along the smooth central path, one of several branching walkways. As we headed toward the Geumho Hall, I could observe the interior in greater detail.
The imposing main building stood prominently in the center, with a portion of the annex peeking out behind it. Beyond that, there were structures that appeared to be barracks, dormitories, and training grounds. Each facility was undeniably top-tier, equipped with the finest infrastructure.
But that was all. While the interior was dazzling enough to inspire awe, it somehow felt flat and lifeless. After observing for a while, I soon realized why. It was the loneliness stemming from the number of players.
The Golden Lion Clan currently has around 400 players. That wasn't a small number by any means. But compared to their peak, when they boasted over 1,400 members, it was a significant decline. For instance, the lavish processions of players that had once made a commotion during expedition ceremonies were nowhere to be seen.
The absence of 1,000 members created an overwhelming sense of loss. It wasn't just the lack of people—it felt like the deep pain of losing comrades was etched into the air. If even I, a newcomer to the clan house, could feel this, how much greater must the sense of loss be for the actual Golden Lion Clan members? Despite their efforts to project strength, I couldn't help but feel pity for them. I clicked my tongue inwardly and let out a quiet sigh.
"Mercenary Lord Kim Su-Hyeon. If it's not too rude, may I ask you a question?"
Seong Yu-Bin, walking closely beside me, broke the silence. When I turned to look, her face bore a cautious expression. Seeing her like that, an inexplicable thrill surged deep within me. Upon closer inspection, I identified the source of that thrill.
It was a mix of the superiority and conquest-driven instincts unique to men. In other words, Seong Yu-Bin was deliberately putting on that expression. She was a woman who knew how to manipulate a man's emotions.
Objectively, she had a pretty face. But her sharp, somewhat fiery personality (or rather, very fiery) and her overly slender frame weren't to my taste. Recalling her alignment as seen through my Third Eye, I quickly composed myself and nodded calmly.
"Yes, go ahead."
"Thank you for allowing it. I was wondering if, about six months ago, you completed the Player Academy?"
"Yes. And?"
"Haha. I remember you graduated at the top of your class. If I had known, I would've tried harder to recruit you back then. What a shame."
According to Go Yeon-Joo, a promotional notice about our clan was distributed at dawn. Or perhaps they'd known about us since investigating the incident with the Beech Tree Clan. Seong Yu-Bin's comment wasn't exactly groundbreaking information. My rejection of the Golden Lion Clan's offer back then had been something of a topic, so it wasn't surprising that a few players might remember.
One thing was clear, though: there was some kind of movement within the Golden Lion Clan. Her question made me realize that part of their focus was directed at me.
After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, the atmosphere naturally softened. Perhaps seizing the moment, Seong Yu-Bin subtly shifted the topic and brought up something unexpected.
"Haha. I read the promotional notice with great interest. You have a Secret Class, right? Congratulations. Oh, and speaking of which, the girl walking behind me is also a Year 0 player with a Secret Class. From what I know, she entered the Hall Plain around the same time as you, Mercenary Lord…"
She trailed off and glanced back. A brief silence followed. There was no response from behind. It was only a fleeting moment, but I distinctly saw Seong Yu-Bin's face twist.
Then, a quiet voice reached my ears from behind.
"…Yes. Hello…"
"Mm. It's been a while, Han-Byeol."
"…Yes."
I slowed my pace slightly and turned my head. But Kim Han-Byeol still wouldn't meet my eyes. She was staring at the ground, biting her lip.
It had been a long time since I'd heard Han-Byeol's voice. But it lacked the vitality it once had, as if she'd been through a lot of emotional turmoil. Compared to the sharp, articulate way she used to challenge me, I could hardly believe this was the same Kim Han-Byeol.
As an awkward exchange passed between us, Seong Yu-Bin quickly interjected.
"Ho, haha. Please understand. She's still a bit shy."
"Oh, it's fine."
She swiftly composed her expression and put on a coy demeanor. I smiled outwardly, playing the part of a friendly person, but inwardly, I scoffed. The subtle unease I'd felt since meeting her was now somewhat explained by the behavior Seong Yu-Bin and Kim Han-Byeol had just displayed. It would've been better if she'd blamed her state on the shock of participating in the expedition.
It seemed the Golden Lion Clan wasn't aware of the full extent of my relationship with Kim Han-Byeol. She must have kept some things hidden. If they'd known everything, they probably wouldn't have set up this situation.
During this minor incident, we finally arrived at the Geumho Hall. Atop the ivory building, a spear-shaped statue stood proudly, as if piercing the sky. Climbing the stone-carved steps and entering through the door, we were greeted by a grand hall. Across from it, a large, glossy wooden door came into view. Opening that door would likely lead us to the meeting room, our destination.
We walked through the light cast by the tightly embedded light stones on the walls, gradually closing the distance to the door. As it loomed larger, I spoke in a low voice.
"Are we the first clan to respond to the summons?"
"Hm? Oh, no. You're the second, actually. Another clan arrived before you."
I hadn't expected anyone to be here already, so the response caught me off guard. I tilted my head slightly, tempted to ask which clan, but we reached the door before I could voice the question.
"We'll head back to the main gate now. We need to guide the others who'll arrive soon. There are assigned seats for each clan inside, so please take your place. Thank you."
"Understood. Thank you for guiding us."
Seong Yu-Bin bowed politely at my words and personally opened the door. The large wooden door slowly creaked open, then swung wide in an instant. The meeting room revealed within was so vast it could easily fit the entire first floor of Go Yeon-Joo's Modest Lady inn and still have space to spare.
Just as I was about to step inside, I caught a complicated, almost desperate gaze directed at me. Reflexively turning toward it, I saw blue-black hair swishing as its owner turned away. She must have averted her head the moment she noticed me looking.
The group that had guided us was now fully retreating. I watched her listless steps as she walked away, then turned my attention back to the open door. But—
"Come on, don't just stand there. Let's go in."
"W-Wait a second."
Before I could take a closer look, Go Yeon-Joo pushed me inside. As we entered the meeting room, I saw two long tables stretching along either side. At the far end of one table, two players were quietly seated.
They didn't turn to look at me. I could only see their profiles, but I recognized them instantly. The moment I did, it felt like my breath had stopped.
"…"
As if sensing my presence, one of them slowly turned her head toward me. Her head moved as if in slow motion, and with each degree it turned, my breathing grew shallower, my heart pounding uncontrollably.
It was Han So-Young, the one I had longed for so desperately, the one I had wanted to see again more than anything.
*
A surge of emotion welled up in my throat, and a dizzying whirl spun through my head.
As I struggled to hold onto my fading rationality, I could feel my eyes trembling. A relentless, electrifying shiver coursed through my body. With shaking eyes, I scanned the table. Coincidentally, the seats assigned to the Mercenary Clan were directly across from Han So-Young.
That's when I felt it—a single finger prodding my back. Turning around, I saw Go Yeon-Joo's face, her expression questioning what was wrong with me. Though I tried to act nonchalant, she, being so close, seemed to have noticed my change.
My trembling lips and irregular breathing betrayed me. The more I tried to suppress it, the more my heart pounded in defiance, thumping loudly in my chest. I took unsteady steps toward the table.
Even after sitting down, I couldn't calm my current state. To an outsider, I might seem composed, but anyone with a shred of perception would immediately sense my turmoil.
Yet the more I looked at her, the worse the trembling in my chest became—beyond my control. The woman I thought I'd never see again, the one who had died so tragically, was now standing before me. Not as the figure who had screamed in her final moments, but whole and poised with an air of dignity.
Before I realized it, Han So-Young's gaze was fixed on me and Go Yeon-Joo. The moment our eyes met, it felt like my entire body was filling with ice.
Then, her lips slowly parted.
"It's been a while, Shadow Queen, Go Yeon-Joo."
Her soft voice flowed through the air, gently stirring the hall. Hearing her voice again after so long, I was once more captivated. Reflexively, I bit my tongue. It helped clear my mind, if only slightly.
"Yes, it's been a while. IstanTel Law Lord, Han So-Young."
As soon as Go Yeon-Joo spoke, a faint scoff came from the side. In that instant, a thick, murderous intent radiated from Go Yeon-Joo's eyes.
"Yeon Hye-Rim."
Han So-Young quickly turned her head, glaring at the woman seated beside her. Yeon Hye-Rim…? Oh, the Execution Princess. She's here too. At Han So-Young's sharp rebuke, Yeon Hye-Rim pursed her lips and turned her head away.
"…"
A brief silence followed, but soon Go Yeon-Joo's killing intent subsided. Only then did Han So-Young let out a small sigh before continuing in a calm voice.
"Your presence here means the Mercenary Clan was also invited. Then, the person beside you must be the Lord of the Mercenary Clan?"
"Exactly. You're well-informed."
"I saw the promotional notice today. I'd appreciate an introduction."
"No big deal. Su-Hyeon-ssi?"
I heard Go Yeon-Joo's voice but remained silent. She subtly poked my side. I took a deep breath, drawing in the surrounding air, and swallowed the saliva pooling in my mouth.
I hadn't dreamed of a grand reunion, but I certainly didn't want to meet her again like this. I tried to calm my tangled thoughts. Then, I activated my potential ability, Mind's Eye.
The chaotic storm in my heart quieted instantly. Only then could I finally look at her face directly. I also felt the gaze of the person presumed to be the Execution Princess beside her, but my attention was entirely on Han So-Young.
I recalled the first time I met her. The days we spent together flashed through my mind all at once. Savoring each memory carefully, I spoke in a clear voice. At the same time, I activated my Third Eye.
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