(Player Status)
Name: Son Bun-Rye (Year 9)
Class: Divine Judgment Master (Rare)
Nation: Babara
Clan: Golden Lion
True Name · Nationality: The One Who Defies Heaven · Republic of Korea
Sex: Female (78)
Height · Weight: 153.2 cm · 48.7 kg
Alignment: Good · Neutral
[Strength 20(-10)] [Resistance 18(-10)] [Agility 22(-10)] [Vitality 38(-10)] [Magic 95(+4)] [Luck 72(-10)]
(Her magic circuit has suffered severe, irreparable damage. It has progressively hardened over time. Using magic in this state may cause severe side effects.)
(She is forcibly operating her magic circuit with the power to defy natural order, but due to the principle of equivalent exchange, her other stats have decreased.)
(Maintained by Defying Heaven and Regression, but the recovery is incomplete. If the magic circuit is overused beyond what these powers can sustain, the side effects that have been barely suppressed will come crashing back like a boomerang. Absolute rest is required.)
Achievements (8▼)
Unique Ability (1/1)
Defying Heaven (Rank: EX)
Special Ability (1/1)
Regression: Enhancement (Rank: B Zero)
Potential Abilities (3/3)
Grand Magic (Rank: EX)
Scythe of Judgment (Rank: A +++)
Anti-Magic Resistance (Rank: S Zero)
Stat Comparison
Kim Su-Hyeon: 542/600~
[Strength 96(+2)] [Resistance 92] [Agility 98] [Vitality 72] [Magic 96] [Luck 90(+2)]
(12 stat points remaining.)
Son Bun-Rye: 233/600~
[Strength 20(-10)] [Resistance 18(-10)] [Agility 22(-10)] [Vitality 38(-10)] [Magic 95(+4)] [Luck 72(-10)]
(No stat points remaining.)
The moment I saw the GodMother's player information, I couldn't help but be startled. Her physical condition was extremely poor. Not only was she likely suffering from stat degradation due to aging, but her magic circuit was also severely disrupted.
I don't fully understand what kind of power the rare class Divine Judgment holds. However, judging by her True Name, unique, special, and potential abilities, it seems she's forcibly operating her magic circuit with those abilities. What in the world happened to put her body in such a state?
While I was lost in thought for a moment, her figure, crossing the central hall, was gradually obscured by the closing doors. As I stared blankly at the messages floating in the air, the cheerful chatter from those around me finally reached my ears.
"Now that the GodMother has left, shouldn't we start discussing the details of the Player Academy?"
"You're right. Since we don't know when the portal will close, we need to quickly settle the specifics. Hoho."
The representatives from the non-participating clans were all wearing excited expressions. In contrast, half of the allied clan representatives had somber faces, while the other half cast resentful glances. Naturally, those looks were directed at Park Hyun-Woo and Seong Yu-Bin, who remained.
Park Hyun-Woo, with a speechless expression, lowered his head before letting out a deep sigh and taking a seat at the now-empty head of the table.
"Sigh. Very well. Following the GodMother's wishes, we will proceed with arranging the details for the Player Academy. However, before we do that, we first need to select the clans that will participate as instructors and train the new players."
The allied clans continued to wear gloomy expressions, but as Park Hyun-Woo spoke, they seemed to snap out of it. With the GodMother having firmly set the terms, they had no way out. Realizing the situation was unavoidable, they began to loosen their expressions one by one, subtly joining the discussion, perhaps hoping to secure whatever scraps remained.
The discussion about the Player Academy proceeded quite entertainingly. It was hard to believe these were the same people who, just moments ago, seemed ready to tear each other apart, as they now displayed almost perfect synergy.
"Let me reiterate, we don't have much time. As such, we need to secure participating clans as quickly as possible. Given the current situation, issuing a public notice from scratch would present many difficulties, so it might be best to limit participation to the clans present here. What are your thoughts?"
"I agree. Honestly, everyone here represents a city, don't they? In terms of qualifications, I'd say we're more than adequate."
"But if only the representative clans participate, it might stir some negative talk. For instance, some players might accuse us of dividing the spoils among the major clans."
"That's something that's been said before… Ahem, never mind. Anyway, there are also prominent clans here that aren't city representatives but are just as reputable. If we include them, those minor concerns should be alleviated."
Though they were wrapping it up in lofty words, the conclusion was clear: they had no intention of including clans beyond those present. Their goal was to share the pie as little as possible. In a way, it was the height of self-justification, but it didn't feel particularly contemptible. Given the urgency of the situation, they had sufficient justification. However, even so, there was still a slight problem.
"But will the GodMother really approve of this approach?"
"…"
The cautious remark prompted an awkward silence. They seemed to realize it themselves as they spoke. Their current approach was essentially an expanded version of the same practices the Golden Lion Clan had been criticized for.
'I'll see if your words are just empty talk or if they carry genuine intent. Seeing is believing. It's hard to judge based on words alone, so I'll observe your actions.'
'You can do whatever you want this time, but remember: the most important thing is results. If nothing's changed by the time I return, as I said, we'll have to find other methods.'
The GodMother's parting words suddenly came to mind. Judging by their uneasy expressions, the other players were also recalling her words. Having boldly claimed they would do things differently, they seemed to feel a pang of guilt.
Since this matter didn't concern me, I was quietly yawning, waiting for the discussion to end. Just as I was about to lower my head, my eyes met Sung Hyun-Min's clear gaze. In that moment, I saw a glint of light flash through his eyes.
I thought it might be my imagination, but as his lips began to move, I realized it wasn't an illusion.
"Hmm. Regarding that, I'd like to say something."
"Oh, it sounds like you have a good idea. We're all ears."
With Park Hyun-Woo's permission, all eyes turned to Sung Hyun-Min. He looked at me with his usual pleasant expression. After clearing his throat a couple of times, he continued.
"I believe the GodMother understands the current situation. She knows we don't have the time to notify other clans and gather applicants. However, despite that, her parting words likely had the Mercenary Clan in mind."
Most of the people gathered here were high-ranking members of clans representing their cities—players with some clout, in other words, people with sharp minds. The mere mention of my clan's name elicited murmurs of "Ah" from various corners. One by one, they began to voice their opinions.
"But it's a newly established clan, isn't it? Oh, no offense intended. Still, a clan that's only been founded for a week joining the Player Academy feels a bit…"
"Hmm. I think it's a good idea. It could soften the impression of 'dividing the spoils,' and above all, don't they have Go Yeon-Joo, one of the Top 10? She's more than capable of serving as an instructor."
"Aha! That's true…"
"Pardon me for interrupting."
Cutting off the Su Clan member mid-sentence, I interjected into their conversation. Instantly, the gazes that had been focused on Sung Hyun-Min shifted to me. Most of their looks were tinged with inexplicable curiosity. Until now, they had been preoccupied with the urgent matter at hand, but with that resolved, their interest seemed to turn toward the Mercenary Clan.
Enduring their stares, I spoke in a calm voice.
"Clan member Go Yeon-Joo cannot participate in the Player Academy. I have a specific task for her after this summons, one that only she can handle. So, she cannot be involved in the Academy."
"Oh… I see. We got ahead of ourselves."
Despite hearing my words, Sung Hyun-Min didn't lose his smile. If anything, he responded in an even calmer tone, as if things had worked out better than expected.
"I see. Then, are there no other players among your clan members you could recommend as instructors?"
"Hmm… No, there aren't any players I can particularly recommend."
Shin Sang-Yong and Vivienne were occupied with their respective tasks involving rare classes and elixir research, and even if I sent them, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. That left Jung Ha-Yeong as the only option. However, given her strained relationship with the Golden Lion Clan, asking her to participate in the Player Academy didn't sit well with me.
"Hmm~ That's a bit tricky. If the Mercenary Clan could participate, we'd have something to say to the GodMother."
I didn't respond this time. From the start, I had sensed a strange intent in his tone, as if he was determined to pull me into this. Sung Hyun-Min didn't just want the Mercenary Clan's involvement—he seemed to want me, Kim Su-Hyeon, to participate. Though I didn't know what he was thinking, I decided to hear him out further. He continued in a gentle voice.
"To be honest, I'd like the Mercenary Clan Lord to personally participate in the Player Academy."
"What? Pardon?"
"Han Clan Lord, that's too much. As a newly established clan, they're already short on squad members—er, personnel. At a time when they're trying to establish themselves, how can you suggest the Clan Lord step away?"
"Exactly. Moreover, he's a Year 0 player. If it were the Shadow Queen, Go Yeon-Joo, that'd be one thing, but I've never heard of a Year 0 player taking on the Player Academy."
As soon as Sung Hyun-Min spoke, a heated uproar erupted. Even the eastern representative clans, his allies, expressed disapproval. However, he shook his head without a hint of wavering and began explaining his reasoning confidently, point by point.
"Of course, your concerns have merit. But hear me out. Regarding the personnel issue, I believe this could actually be a great opportunity for the Mercenary Clan. I understand you're busy establishing your clan, but participating in the Player Academy would give you more chances to promote your clan to new players. Investing three months could attract new players eager to join the Mercenary Clan. In fact, this could be a perfect opportunity to bolster your limited manpower."
"Hmm. Would new players really… Ahem, alright. But a Year 0 player serving as an instructor feels a bit… I'm not trying to belittle the Mercenary Clan Lord, but I'm sure everyone here feels the same. There's never been a precedent for this."
The Buknyeok Clan representative finished speaking and politely bowed to me. I responded with a faint smile, signaling it was fine—an act of image management, of course. Objectively speaking, even I had never heard or seen a Year 0 player participating in the Player Academy. From that perspective, there was no reason to feel upset.
Yet, Sung Hyun-Min's words flowed like a clear stream once again.
"We promised the GodMother we wouldn't perpetuate the old practices. I agree that instructors should generally be experienced players with sufficient tenure. But let's shift our perspective slightly. To put it differently, aren't there plenty of people here capable of fulfilling the instructor role? As far as I know, there are also instructor roles that don't require such experience."
"Even so…"
"We need to embrace change. And while the timing may differ slightly, having a Year 0 player as an instructor could be a great motivator for new players. Think about it: a Year 0 player who, in less than six months, founded a clan, excavated numerous ruins, and now stands on equal footing with veteran players. If I were a new player, hearing the Mercenary Clan Lord's story would inspire me."
Mentioning 'the same Year 0 player' began to quell the initially fierce reactions. Everyone wore thoughtful expressions, but there was a hint of acknowledgment that Sung Hyun-Min's argument had merit. He scanned the room's reactions, flashed a satisfied smile, and spoke again to tie up the loose ends.
"As you all know, despite its small size, the Mercenary Clan's potential for growth is formidable. Two secret classes and three rare classes. Their achievements in the small city of Mule, along with their emergence, have revitalized the stagnant atmosphere post-expedition. With the Shadow Queen among them, their future influence in the Northern Continent is likely to be significant. Building rapport with those present here by taking on an Academy role wouldn't be a bad move. I'm confident it would benefit not only us but also the Mercenary Clan Lord."
The atmosphere began to shift with those words. Players who had been hesitant started looking at me with subtle interest.
Outwardly, I maintained a calm expression, but inwardly, I let out a short sigh. Rather than being swayed by his well-crafted words, I thought it best to analyze the situation and make a decision.
Just as I was about to start thinking quickly, I noticed Han So-Young, who had been quietly observing from across the table, slowly parting her lips.
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