Memorize Chapter 230

“Sorry, sorry! Please forgive me!”

“Saying sorry isn’t going to cut it.”

“Argh! Don’t worry! On graduation day, I’ll definitely bring him! For sure! Argh!”

“Cha Yuna, can you take responsibility for what you’re saying? Don’t you think that guy’s been acting strange lately?”

Cha Yuna, propped up on her hands and knees, her body stretched out, shook her head side to side. Her twin braids swayed with the motion. As Park Hwan-Hee, who had paused for a moment, resumed moving his hips, her screams pierced the air sharply. Barely catching her breath, Cha Yuna responded in a trembling voice, shaking back and forth.

“I-I heard him say we should go to the Mercenary Clan together.”

The man’s movements stopped briefly. He let out a hollow laugh and asked her, “And?”

“I told him to stop talking nonsense. If he keeps saying stuff like that, we’re done. Let’s never see each other again…”

“Good job. But what if he really ends up breaking up?”

Park Hwan-Hee thrust forward again. Cha Yuna let out a pleasurable moan, responding eagerly.

“Don’t worry. Hangeol will definitely follow me. He would never betray me.”

“You’re too confident. I’m not sure I can trust that, Yuna. Maybe we need to rethink our relationship too.”

“No, no! I can do it, really! Before graduation, I’ll… Ahh!”

“Ha, I wonder if Hangeol would still trust you if he saw you like this.”

Park Hwan-Hee sneered mockingly. But Cha Yuna’s reaction was different from before. The sharp glares she used to shoot at him were nowhere to be found. Now, she was nothing more than a vulgar bitch, moaning lewdly with every clash of flesh.

“No, it’s not like that. I’m doing this for Hangeol…”

“Whoa, whoa, alright. I get it. You’re doing this all for Hangeol. So just tame him obediently and bring him to me quietly. Stop dodging it. Got it?”

“Yes, yes! I understand!”

“Good. Very good.”

Park Hwan-Hee chuckled, accepting her words. But his face was filled with contempt. He seemed to revel in the catharsis of witnessing her absurd self-justification.

The two continued their intense encounter until the man’s body shuddered, and the woman went limp, bringing a temporary lull.

And then, a woman—no, a man who looked like a woman—watching the entire scene in silence, collapsed to the ground. His face was one of disbelief throughout the ordeal. As the woman’s body went limp, he too fell, his expression as if his soul had been ripped out.

His raised right arm flailed meaninglessly in the air, and his bloodless lips merely trembled.

*

I had to work hard to calm Baek Hangeol down. I used magic to soothe him, and forcibly fed him snacks with calming effects that I had brought just in case. Only then did he stop crying.

When I gently urged him to tell me what happened, his words poured out like a waterfall. It seemed he had been suffering in silence, unable to confide in anyone, as his words were close to wails.

In short, Baek Hangeol said he had been trying to win back Cha Yuna’s heart, as I had advised. But she was unyielding. He even brought up the possibility of joining the Mercenary Clan, but it didn’t work. Still, he didn’t give up and kept trying to reach her, only to end up banned from the women’s dormitory, which he vented about bitterly.

One day, while lingering outside the women’s dormitory in hopes of seeing Cha Yuna, he spotted her sneaking out alone. Afraid she’d avoid him if he approached, he quietly followed her. She headed to a secluded area, then into a thicket of trees and bushes.

At that moment, I instinctively thought of the Easter egg. I had once witnessed Park Hwan-Hee and Cha Yuna’s secret rendezvous there. As expected, Baek Hangeol cautiously entered and saw Cha Yuna with Park Hwan-Hee. And what followed… was exactly what I had suspected.

Baek Hangeol couldn’t clearly explain the process of Cha Yuna’s betrayal. His emotions overwhelmed him, and some of his words were incoherent, but I grasped the general situation. Honestly, I had sensed something like this since I saw them together before.

After spilling everything he had bottled up, Baek Hangeol looked momentarily relieved. But that lasted only briefly. He soon collapsed in front of me, tears streaming down again. The shock of witnessing his trusted girlfriend’s betrayal with his own eyes must have been immense.

“Hangeol, don’t cry. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“My noona… she’s so pitiful… sob…”

“Ha. Cha Yuna, pitiful? What’s pitiful about her?”

“She was begging Park Hwan-Hee for forgiveness even while being treated like that… I can’t believe it… She was so kind and strong… Why… Why?!”

‘Maybe this is for the best. For me and for Hangeol.’

It might sound harsh to Baek Hangeol, but this could be a good thing. Honestly, I never liked Cha Yuna. This incident could be a chance to change his heart and drive a wedge between them. Even if he joined my clan, it would be problematic if he kept relying on his girlfriend.

“Phew, Hangeol.”

I let out a big sigh and called his name. Having cried his heart out, no more tears fell from his eyes, though his sobs continued.

A silence lingered. As his sobbing gradually faded, I spoke, looking at Baek Hangeol leaning against me without a word.

“I’m sorry.”

“…Huh?”

“I shouldn’t have left you alone… I should’ve paid more attention.”

“No, it’s not that… sniff. Actually… I thought about coming to you. But you seemed so busy lately…”

‘Ugh, so awkward.’

But the person in front of me was none other than the Divine Shield. To win Baek Hangeol over, I could endure this level of awkwardness. Forcing my cringing fingers to relax, I patted his head. Baek Hangeol closed his eyes, then spoke in a slightly calmer, yet hollow voice.

“Hyung…”

“Yeah.”

“Has my noona  abandoned me…?”

“Probably, if what you saw and heard is true.”

“Then what should I do now?”

Join my clan. Of course, I wasn’t tactless enough to say that outright. I needed to phrase it carefully, as if I were looking out for him. As I pondered how to respond, I heard footsteps of several people coming up from the first floor, likely after dinner. I spoke quickly.

“I’ve told you before, you need to think and decide for yourself.”

“I can’t decide on my own right now. Can’t I at least get some advice…? I don’t know…”

Baek Hangeol must be drowning in loss after losing the person he relied on most. Gauging his mental state, I organized my thoughts and spoke slowly.

“Have you had any contact with Cha Yuna since then?”

“No. I don’t know. I can’t even remember how I got back to the dorm after that. Just crying every day…”

“I see. Then I think it’s best to end things with Cha Yuna. That’s the best option.”

“And after that?”

“That’s for you to decide. I think I’ve said all I need to about Park Hwan-Hee and Cha Yuna. Do you remember what I told you before? At the dorm and outside.”

“Yeah. That there’s nothing I can do…”

Baek Hangeol nodded slowly. Confirming his response, I gently stood up. He quickly grabbed my hand, his eyes like those of a wounded puppy, pleading for me not to go. But I softly brushed his hand off and gave him a kind smile.

“Don’t go, hyung. Please don’t leave me. Don’t abandon me.”

“I won’t abandon you.”

“Then…!”

“Hangeol, just once, think it through on your own. Is your girlfriend really doing this for you, or not? Forget all the memories you’ve had with her and judge based on reality alone.”

“…”

“I think deep down, you already know. But you don’t want to admit it. You want to avoid reality.”

Baek Hangeol flinched at my pointed words. The lively chatter of the new recruits grew closer. He must have heard it too, as he glanced at the hallway before turning back to me. I decided it was time to make my move.

“Next week, the academy training ends. Those who get offers will be taken by clans, while those who don’t will have to go out on their own.”

“Y-Yes?”

“And like I told you before, on the day you graduate, I’ll be standing in front of you. That is, if your heart hasn’t changed. But I hope to see you then, not like this, half-dead, but with all your ties sorted out and your mind made up.”

As I delivered my prepared words, I saw Baek Hangeol’s eyes waver for a moment. Smirking inwardly, I turned away. I’d left enough of an impression; now I just had to wait for him to take the bait. And then—

“Hyung, hyung! Wait a second. Please, please answer just one thing. Why are you so good to me? We’re not even that close, are we? So why…?”

He took the bait immediately. I recalled the conversation I’d had with Kim Han-Byeol before, which Baek Hangeol must have overheard from outside the door.

Because you’re a Secret Class? No, that’s not it. What did I say to Han-Byeol back then?

After scratching my head for a moment, I answered, staring aimlessly into the air.

“Well, to be honest, I’ve been through something similar. Maybe that’s why I relate to what you just told me.”

“R-Really, hyung? You too?”

“Yeah. And another reason… When I went through the rite of passage, there was someone a lot like you. They’re still with me now, but back then, I couldn’t leave them alone for a second. Anyway, seeing you reminds me of them, I guess? Haha.”

I deliberately fumbled my words, acting awkward. Perhaps finding my demeanor refreshing, a hint of life began to return to Baek Hangeol’s expression. Since I’d come this far, I decided to add one more thing.

“The new recruits are coming, so I’ll head out. Sorry I couldn’t listen more. But I understand your situation, and I hope you stay strong.”

“Hyung.”

“Oh, keep those snacks. Eat them and take care of yourself. And since you missed this week’s training, make sure you attend the extra weekend sessions. Get back to being yourself. Moping here alone won’t change anything.”

Baek Hangeol didn’t respond. He seemed to want to say something, his lips moving, but no words came out. I gave him a faint smile and quickly left the room. The footsteps of the new recruits were getting closer, and I could see his eyes growing more intense. I kept reminding myself that Baek Hangeol was a guy.

As I walked down the hallway and descended the stairs, I saw the new recruits coming up. They glanced at me, but I ignored their stares and stepped outside the dorm.

I walked, and walked, and walked.

During my conversation with Baek Hangeol, an inexplicable anger had surged within me. As I pondered why, I recalled his shocked face when he asked, “Hyung, you too?”

Saying I’d had a similar experience wasn’t a lie. The reason I felt that familiarity was because I genuinely empathized with his inner turmoil. Though the circumstances were different, I too had experienced the pain of losing a woman I loved, admired, and cherished.

As I headed to the instructor’s dorm, my mind swirled with complex thoughts. Park Da-Yeon, Han So-Young. Park Da-Yeon, violated by Belphegor, ended her life while pregnant with a demon’s child. And Han So-Young…

“Damn it.”

Recalling those filthy memories filled me with emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. The simmering anger I’d felt earlier was growing fiercer, tinged with unmistakable murderous intent.

I stopped walking toward the instructor’s dorm and changed direction. The overwhelming urge to kill needed time to subside. I thought I’d suppressed it well since the Cave Of Wailing, but Baek Hangeol’s words must have touched a nerve.

‘Belphegor is dead. Belphegor is dead. Belphegor is dead.’

I repeatedly recalled the moment I killed Belphegor, trying to calm myself.

Before I knew it, the sky had darkened. I glanced around to ensure no one was nearby, then slipped into the shadows and sat cross-legged. Closing my eyes, I began to meditate slowly. I couldn’t return to the dorm radiating murderous intent.

… … … … … …

How much time had passed? When I opened my eyes, the world was fully cloaked in darkness. The surge of murderous intent had taken longer to quell than expected.

To think I came back to change things, yet I’m still haunted by past memories. I’ve got a long way to go.

A wave of helpless self-loathing washed over me for failing to control a single emotion. I gave a bitter smile, stood up, brushed off my pants, and quickly headed toward the instructor’s dorm.

This is week 13. Next week, regular training ends. And on the 100th day, the academy will be over…

The conflict between the two clans wouldn’t end this week. And planning anything for week 14 was pointless—it’d be too late, and unexpected variables would be hard to handle. That meant wrapping up most things this week.

Luckily, tomorrow was Sunday. I’d been on duty for both morning and afternoon training on Saturday, so I had no instructor duties scheduled for Sunday. Thinking of those currently on hold, I mentally reviewed my plans for tomorrow.

Lost in thought, I soon saw the main building. I quickened my pace and entered. Turning down a corridor I might never see again after parting ways—or perhaps it would be destroyed—I reached the familiar instructor’s dorm.

At least I secured Baek Hangeol. After meeting them tomorrow, all I have to do is wait. My efforts so far have paid off.

I turned the doorknob, letting out a sigh of relief. But the moment I opened the door, a scene I hadn’t anticipated greeted me, mocking my sense of relief. I froze mid-step.

*

“Oppa, are you free this weekend?”

“You’ll still come back to the dorm… right?”

Kim Han-Byeol’s words from early morning, when I was lost in thoughts about the godmother’s murder. It was the weekend, but I hadn’t expected it to mean today, and I’d brushed it off.

Inside the dorm, Kim Han-Byeol was drinking alone at the table. I could overlook the drinking, but her outfit was strikingly different from usual.

Shockingly, Kim Han-Byeol was dressed in revealing, provocative clothing that exposed far more than necessary. A strange, suggestive atmosphere lingered in the room, unthinkable for the usual Kim Han-Byeol.

Unable to step inside, I called out to her, stunned.

“Han-Byeol…?”

“Ah, oppa. You’re finally here. I’ve been waiting.”

Kim Han-Byeol replied in a slightly drunken voice. As she slowly lifted her head to look at me, I saw a faint flush on her face. She must have been drinking alone, waiting for me to return late.

She gave me a seductive smile and gestured under the table. An empty chair sat beside her, as if inviting me to sit closer.

But at that moment, a faint unease brushed through my mind. Something about her behavior felt off. Instead of stepping forward at her gesture, I instinctively activated my Third Eye and heightened my senses.