Memorize Chapter 233

The 13th week had been so intense that the 14th felt remarkably relaxed by comparison. This afternoon, with the final training session concluded, the academy officially declared the end of all regular coursework. The only remaining event was the graduation ceremony scheduled for tomorrow morning.

“Oppa, say ‘ahh.’”

“Ahh.”

“Is it good?”

“Yeah, it’s good.”

“Oh my! Mercenary Lord? This is a shared dining hall, you know!” 

As I swallowed the food Han-Byeol fed me, a high-pitched voice rang in my ears. Turning toward the sound, I saw Seong Yu-Bin smiling warmly.

Cough, cough. 

“Oppa, here’s some water.”

“I-I’ll drink it myself. Hand it over.”

Seong Yu-Bin burst into laughter, clearly amused by my flustered reaction. 

“Haha! Oh, come on, I’m just teasing. No need to get so worked up!”

“Haha, my apologies.”

“I said it’s a joke! But seriously, why are you two suddenly so close? You look like a couple.”

“E-Executive Seong Yu-Bin!” Han-Byeol stammered.

“No need for ‘Executive.’ Call me Unnie!” 

I glanced at Han-Byeol, pretending to avoid Seong Yu-Bin’s gaze. Her head was bowed low, following my earlier advice to avoid eye contact if she felt unsure. Thankfully, she was sticking to it.

“Tch. From your looks, I feel like I’m being treated as an intruder. Fine, I’ll make myself scarce,” Seong Yu-Bin said playfully.

“Wait, Yu-Bin-ssi, one moment,” I interjected.

“Yes?”

“Last night, I attended a northern clan meeting. I heard there are some vacant plots in Babara from the recent expedition. If it’s not too much trouble, could I get some details on those?”

Seong Yu-Bin tilted her head, then clapped her hands with a sudden “Ah!”

“Oh! Yes, I have that info. I’ll send the details through Han-Byeol. Don’t worry.”

“Thank you.”

I wanted to add, ‘Since tomorrow’s the graduation ceremony, I’m preparing in advance,’ but it felt too forward, so I held back. Seong Yu-Bin waved cheerfully, wishing us a good time, and left the dining hall. The moment she was gone, Han-Byeol, who’d been staring at the floor, lifted her head.

“Phew.”

She let out a breath, as if she’d been holding it in. Blinking and rubbing her eyes, she handed me the spoon, and I resumed eating.

After scanning the surroundings, Han-Byeol leaned in close and whispered, “Did you really need to mention the northern meeting?”

“She’s suspicious by nature. We need to give her enough context to believe us. If she sends the documents, take them without complaint.”

“Okay. I think I’ll get them today.”

“Why?”

“She just sent me a summon signal before leaving.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Her exaggerated reaction made sense now. Nodding a couple of times, I continued, “Perfect timing. I’m meeting Hangeol after this. Let’s meet at the dorm later.”

“Alright, I’ll head out first.”

“Be careful not to give them any leverage.”

“Okay.”

With a soft reply, Han-Byeol stood cautiously and left the dining hall.

Tomorrow’s going to be interesting.

Left alone, I swirled the remaining meatballs and speared one.

Since my meeting with Seo Jin-Woo and Sung Hyun-Min, Han-Byeol’s demeanor has visibly brightened. Her alignment—marked by Lethargy and Scar—suggested she’d been living in despair and pain. But now, with a glimmer of hope, she seemed to regain her vitality.

At that meeting, we’d hashed out the details. Han-Byeol’s name was added to the defection list for the graduation ceremony. My role was to act natural, ensuring the Golden Lion didn’t suspect anything. That meant pretending to be intimate with Han-Byeol and friendly with the Golden Lion and its allied clans—putting on a performance, essentially.

It felt a bit absurd, honestly. But this ridiculous charade would end today. Patting myself on the back for enduring it, I tossed the meatball into my mouth.

*

I’d planned to return to the dorm early, but my conversation with Hangeol was so enjoyable that time slipped away. His excitement about tomorrow’s graduation ceremony only heightened my own anticipation.

Entering the dorm with a light heart, I saw Han-Byeol sitting on the bed, folding my instructor uniform. Sensing my presence, she glanced up. As I approached, she shot me a subtle signal. I immediately activated my third eye and magic detection.

Two on the ceiling, diagonally placed. Two on the floor, diagonally placed. A square formation. Are these guys insane?

Sighing inwardly, I lay on the bed. Han-Byeol, having finished folding, handed me a thick stack of documents and spoke.

“This is what you mentioned in the dining hall. Executive Seong Yu-Bin asked me to pass it along.”

“Oh, thanks. Tell her I appreciate it.”

I flipped through the documents diligently. It seemed she’d misinterpreted my request (though I’d left room for that). The papers detailed properties suitable for building or buying a clan house. They were surprisingly affordable, though still pricey for a major city.

While reading, I noticed Han-Byeol had gone quiet. My third eye revealed that the crystals in the square formation weren’t just for video recording—they were for real-time audio and video transmission. Offering a silent condolence to whoever was eagerly awaiting a scandal, I slowly sat up, thinking how tiresome this was.

“This is the last day, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“It feels a bit anticlimactic to just sleep. Want to take a walk?”

“It’s late, and the ceremony’s tomorrow. Just rest.”

“Come on, let’s go. It’s nice to hang out outside sometimes.”

Han-Byeol played along seamlessly, pretending to resist as I grabbed her arm and pulled her outside. The moment the door closed, we both let out a sigh. She’d likely had the same thought as me.

“They’re still suspicious?”

“Seong Yu-Bin wants to be absolutely sure. But I think she mostly believes us.”

“What a piece of work.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing, never mind.”

I brushed off the conversation casually and started walking. Retracing the path we’d just taken, I headed out of the dorm. Since we were already out, I figured we might as well kill some time with an actual walk.

For a while, Han-Byeol and I walked in silence. Our destination was the Easter Egg, the only place in the Player Academy I felt any attachment to, despite my growing disillusionment with the academy itself.

As we pushed through the foliage and arrived at the Easter Egg, I heard Han-Byeol gasp. This was her second time here, and her reaction was as fresh as if it were her first. Without a word, we moved toward the center. I closed my eyes, breathing in the crisp air, when a soft voice came from behind.

“Oppa.”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for helping me. Really, I’m truly grateful.”

“No problem. And though it’s a day early, congrats in advance.”

“Yeah…”

I sensed her hesitating behind me, taking a few deep breaths before speaking in a blunt tone.

“It feels like you have something to say.”

“…Yeah.”

“Then say it. You might not get another chance. Just like we did in front of the cabin.”

I felt her flinch through the slight contact of our backs. I chuckled to myself.

“Can I really say it?”

“Yeah.”

“Promise you won’t get mad or think I’m weird.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Because what I want to say might not make sense to you. And even I think it’s strange.”

What could she possibly want to say to act like this? It was the last day of the academy, so I figured I’d let her speak freely. Plus, I was curious. I replied calmly, “Go ahead.”

Even with my permission, a quiet stillness settled in. But it didn’t last long.

“Do you remember our time at the Player Academy?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you think I abandoned you back then?”

“…”

“Back then, in my heart, I was waiting. For someone.”

She didn’t specify who, but I instinctively knew she meant me. Her voice began to flow like a gentle melody.

“I know I brought it on myself. But I hoped, just once, you’d notice. That you’d come find me.”

“…”

“I didn’t want special treatment. Just the same attention you gave the others. No, even just one word—‘I believe in you.’ I secretly wished you’d drag me along, even against my will. I would’ve gone, pretending I had no choice.”

“What—”

I almost snapped, What nonsense are you spouting? but stopped myself. It was over, and Han-Byeol had already admitted her embarrassment, preemptively shielding herself. With a wry smile, I asked a question out of curiosity.

“One thing I’m curious about.”

“Yeah?”

“You know Baek Hangeol, right? Why were you so harsh to him?”

“I was jealous. He was getting all the attention from you that I never got. Just like the others.”

She’s got a childish side too.

I let out a chuckle at her confession. I didn’t feel like arguing. In the past, I might’ve snapped back, but knowing the courage it took for her to say this, I just found it amusing. She was probably mortified inside.

It was about time to head back. Based on my experience with Go Yeon-Joo, enough time had passed to pass for a single “outdoor session.” Surely no one would think I was that quick.

“Alright, I heard you. As promised, I won’t say anything. Let’s forget any lingering resentment. Tomorrow’s a fresh start.”

“I’m still worried. Can I really do this?”

“It might be tough, but it’s up to you to make it work. Let’s head back.”

Just as I was about to end the conversation and move, Han-Byeol grabbed my arm tightly.

“Oppa, there’s more.”

“You’re something else…”

“I’m sorry.”

“...?”

Her unexpected apology stopped me in my tracks. I turned slowly. There, under the soft moonlight, Han-Byeol gazed at me with a wistful expression. Her radiant lips parted slightly.

“Oppa, I was wrong.”

“Han-Byeol.”

“I was… wrong.”

“You—”

“I know how you think of me. But like you said, if I don’t say this now, I might never get the chance. I wanted to apologize for misunderstanding you back then, for all the time we were apart. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

Her voice was calm, but as she looked directly at me, tears streamed down her face, one by one. Staring at her in a daze, I instinctively reached out to wipe her tears. My hand moved to her shoulder, pulling her gently, and she fell into my arms like a magnet.

Her frail body felt almost skeletal. Pity stirred in me as I patted her back, whispering to the girl burying her face in my chest.

“It wasn’t your fault, or mine.”

“…”

“We just chose different paths back then. That’s all. I don’t think you betrayed me.”

Maybe the others saw it differently, but from where I stood now, that’s how I felt. Han-Byeol chose the Golden Lion, and I chose myself. I didn’t want to dwell on it now. If I’d been in her shoes back then, I might’ve chosen the Golden Lion too. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Thank you… and I’m sorry…”

Her voice brushed my ear faintly. Under the moonlight illuminating the Easter Egg, with the breeze rustling the grassy field, I held a quietly weeping woman as the final night deepened.

*

The last day of the Player Academy dawned. I woke early but lingered deliberately. The graduation ceremony was tedious, and arriving early would only invite hassle.

Glancing over, I saw Han-Byeol’s empty bed—she’d left early, unlike me. Recalling last night, I gathered my gear. Shedding the instructor uniform and donning my old equipment felt nostalgic.

Sensing it was about time, I headed toward the main auditorium. Along the way, I passed numerous players, spotting a few southeastern clan insignias but mostly northwestern clan members. The Golden Lion was likely up to something again.

“The world we’re about to enter, Hall Plain, is complex, dangerous, and chaotic. Countless clans are…”

As I neared the auditorium, strange sounds grew louder. Quickening my pace, I witnessed a rare sight on the stage.

“We’ve been called new players. But today, we shed that label. We’ve earned the right to exercise our individual rights in Hall Plain. In this environment, we’ve risen. We won’t abandon the suffering or turn away the weak. We’ll stand for those in need…”

The ceremony was over, but Park Hwan-Hee was giving a speech on stage. Glancing around, I saw the Golden Lion and its allied clans smirking subtly, while a few southeastern instructors looked like they’d been blindsided.

“Thus, I, representing 217 new players, declare we won’t join any clan. We’ve agreed to act independently, maintaining neutrality. Some may disapprove, but we’ll do our best to contribute to the Northern Continent’s progress. Thank you.”

Thunderous applause erupted as Park Hwan-Hee bowed and stepped down. The cheers grew louder, and a crowd of new players swarmed him, chattering excitedly.

I get it now.

Park Hwan-Hee had publicly declared independence, but it was likely a front. Internally, he’d struck a deal with another clan, as I’d heard before. The SSUN clan members congratulating him confirmed it—they were heading to the western city to establish a base.

Despite being swarmed, Park Hwan-Hee spotted someone, flashed a bright smile, and waved. Pushing through the crowd, he ran toward them, his demeanor genuinely welcoming.

Following his gaze, I saw Cha Yuna waving back, running to meet him, with Baek Hangeol walking quietly beside her.

‘I thought a lot about what you said, hyung. And I made up my mind.’

‘But leaving quietly like this feels too frustrating.’

A faint smile played on his lips. Only I knew its true meaning for now.

Watching them for a moment, I began walking toward them slowly.