Old Forces (4)
Something about this didn’t feel right at all. It actually felt like Lee Jihye was reading my thoughts.
‘Does she have some sort of unique ability?’
It seemed like the only plausible explanation, but I didn’t see anything in her status window. Lee Jihye seemed like both a very valuable ally and a dangerous enemy to have at the same time.
I knew it would be advantageous to pull her over to my side, so I softened my expression as I looked at her. Lee Jihye’s reaction was immediate.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s just because I’m thankful. Honestly, I never expected to receive this much…”
“You’ve entrusted a task to me. It’s only natural that I work hard for it. I believe in your virtues, the values you possess. Stop looking at me like that!! know what’s going on in your head.”
“If you want to repay me, eat ramen with me. Otherwise, just go.”
Ah, but it was impossible for me to do so.
“I’m sorry, but still have some work to do. Don’t hesitate to come to me if you need anything, though.”
“I want nothing else. I simply want to do my job right.”
“Sure.”
“You remember what I said last time, Oppa?”
“I do.”
“Good. I think you should go now. Our dear Miss Hayan seems anxious.”
“Okay. Thanks again.”
As I opened the door, I caught sight of Jung Hayan standing by the side. Next to her were the Black Swan guides, who all seemed somewhat restless.
I knew Jung Hayan had felt anxious while waiting, but I at least had to praise her for not breaking in mid-meeting. Her self-control was noticeably higher than before.
As a reward, I stroked her head, and like a child, her expression shifted into a happy one.
“Oh, Miss Hayan.”
“Ah… Yes… Miss Jihye?”
“You’ve become even prettier. I’m glad you got back from the dungeon safely.”
“Ah, thank you…”
“Kiyoung is pretty lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend.”
“Ah… That… Thank you, Miss Jihye.”
Lee Jihye’s actions looked natural, but that didn’t stop me from feeling like something was off. It was like she was showing off her closeness with me.
Of course, this time around, I didn’t have to feel guilty.
“Why don’t you both take some time to eat? Our Guild Master wants to see you, too.”
“It’s a little bit late right now. We’ll come back another day.”
“You better keep that promise, Miss Hayan, and Oppa.”
Seeing Lee Jihye speaking so naturally to me, I once again had to admit that this woman was unusual. It was apparent that no one, even Hayan, knew how to deal with her.
“Next time, I’ll come and visit your guild. Miss Hayan should also eat with us.”
“Ah, sure…”
“Of course, it’ll be better for you to set a time, though. See you next time, Jihye.”
Expressions of jealousy were evident as I spoke, though, of course, this was to be expected. After saying goodbye to Jihye, the guides then led us out.
Seeing that the members we passed by once more greeted us again, realized just how much the Black Swans held us in high regard.
‘It feels good.’
As Lee Jihye said, I could transfer here, and no one would find it strange.
If Kim Hyunsung weren’t planning on taking the guild for his own, I would have already switched to the Swans. There was no more merit in staying with
Blue.
The sun was still in the sky when we stepped out, but it had already begun to grow dark. I could see Jung Hayan blushing as she held my hand tightly.
Lindel’s sunset was a little pretty. Perhaps she found it a little romantic,
I felt the same way. Despite her usual appearance, I strangely found Jung Hayan beautiful.
‘It’s probably because of the atmosphere.
Jung Hayan and I continued to walk, talking about various things. Suddenly…
Wow!
‘What…
Suddenly, Juliana began to ring slowly.
As I looked around in amazement, I noticed Jung Hayan staring at me quietly. She was mumbling, but she wasn’t talking to me.
Of course, I could immediately understand what Jung Hayan was doing. A fine, magical force was moving around her.
“Why is she doing that?”
There was no need to memorize a spell right in the middle of the city. I thought about whether or not I was thinking as harshly as I did back when I was cursed, but then I realized there was no need for me to think so.
It was then that a roaring sound could be heard.
Qawahang!
“Protection of the Wind!”
As Jung Hayan yelled, the shield enveloped both of us. However, the explosion shook the interior. I coughed, feeling blood bubble up from my throat.
“Shit.”
“Oppa, this way! Don’t stray away!”
In an instant, screams surrounded us. It wasn’t only us who had been affected by the explosion.
“Ahhhhhhhhh!”
“Ahhhhhh!”
“Save… help me!”
Some were caught in the explosion, but I couldn’t afford to care about them.
The urgency on Jung Hayan’s face made me realize just how dangerous the situation was. It was only natural to think so. Someone was aiming for us.
‘But why?’
The sudden bombing had taken place around Jung Hayan and me.
Of course, it didn’t take long to conclude. I already knew who the perpetrator was.
‘In the city? Are you insane?’
There was only one human being in Lindel who would want to aim for my life.
Lee Seolho, that crazy old man.
‘Damn, I wasn’t expecting this…’
I never would’ve imagined that I’d experience this right in the confines of the city. It was a mistake thinking that he was simply an old man.
This kind of setup hinted at how much he lacked common brain cells.
“Are you really sane, Seolho?’
It’s not something that any guy with a normal mindset would do.
‘He wouldn’t have come in person.’
Those who were aiming for Jung Hayan and I may well be Lee Seolho’s underlings or even a Yamato guild member. The fact stood that we were being threatened.
Before I could organize my thoughts, Jung Hayan jumped forward while holding my hand tightly.
“Hayan, this way.”
“There was another person over there. I couldn’t see him clearly, but…”
Ugh…
The opponent was systematically aiming for this side. No other explosion could be heard after the first one, but I could feel magic power aiming right for us.
“Protection of the Wind!”
Jung Hayan’s magic blocked one arrow. Hayan, who had been running in a straight line, began to turn once again. She then noticed that there was a person in front, aiming right at us.
The nerves began to get to me, and I began to bite my lips.
‘Shit.
We could block long-range attacks, but we would surely reach our limit soon. No matter how fast Jung Hayan cast her spells, she wouldn’t be able to block all of them at once.
I, too, went to memorize spells, but I only knew normal protection magic – and I didn’t even know where our enemies were.
“You just have to hold on.”
“Yeah?”
“It doesn’t matter if Blue comes, or Lee Jihye. Everyone has heard the explosion, so they will surely head this way.”
“Ah! Of course, I can hold on until then.”
I don’t know if I can hold on, however…’
“Juliana!”
The sword in my arms shot out in the air. Not long after, a screaming sound could be heard.
“Ahhhhhh!”
It appeared that Juliana had pierced the archer that was aiming for us. Another wave of magic had come our way, but Jung Hayan managed to counter it with her own magic.
I could hear the sound of swords clashing, and then all was static for a moment. I didn’t know how many people Juliana was fending off, but she obviously wasn’t doing too well, either.
We don’t know how many people we had already mobilized, where the attacks were coming from, or where the people who were targeting us were located. They must be trained assassins.
And I’m the person they want to target.
‘Shit.
Bang!
“Juliana!”
Kwaduk!
I could see the sword slamming against the sphere that had been targeting me. The message was clear to me.
‘If you stop, you die.’
“These crazy guys…”
“I’ll protect you, Oppa!”
“Don’t overdo it, Hayan.”
It made no sense to lose my life or Jung Hayan to all this nonsense.
It would be better for me to protect Jung Hayan, even if I got hurt. However, at this point, I could feel my breath running out. Inwardly, I cursed my low stamina stats.
“Oppa!”
As I forced myself to keep moving, I could hear Hayan shouting. On impulse, I looked towards my side and saw a sword fast approaching me.
“Juli…”
Even before Juliana could come my way, Jung Hayan moved. Everything fell into slow motion as she pushed me out of the way.
The sword pierced through her as I fell to the ground. In this unrealisticlooking scene, I began to swear aloud.
“Damn it, damn it! Juliana, Juliana!”
“Ah… My name…”
“Juliana! Shit, Juliana!”
“Say my name, Oppa…”
“Hayan… Hayan, Hayan!”
“Just for a moment… Just like this…”
The sword had entered Jung Hayan right through her belly. However, she continued to hug me tightly, doing her best to stop the incoming attacks.
“Protect! Protect!”
Protection magic could still be triggered, but it was badly broken. In the meantime, Jung Hayan continued to recite more spells, flinching every now and then from the pain.
“Dammit… Dammit… Get away!”
“No…”
“Stop trying to protect me! Get out of the way, stupid bitch!”
“I was… hated…”
I was at a loss for what to do. Everything seemed surreal.
“Protection of the wind…”
“Fuck that protection! Get it out of the way!”
Was she really going to die?
“Turn it off right now!”
Jung Hayan was dying. I bit my lips tightly and tried to push Jung Hayan away, and yet her blood continued to drip onto my body.
“Shit! Get out of the way, you stupid bitch!”
It was then that a huge roar was heard.
Qawahhh!
Right after, I heard a familiar voice.
“This is ridiculous. There seems to be assholes in Lindel that think I’m some kind of dead-beat?”
“How dare you try to attack the Red Mercenary Queen’s Gigolo.”
The person who appeared in front of us was a woman with red hair.